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Resources for Lent Lenten Reconciliation Service: Thu., 3-11 at 6:30 pm.  Father O'Flaherty annual memorial Mass and reception: Wed., 3-17 at 6 pm Comprehensive web resources on the feast of St. Joseph, March 19 Special Mass for fathers on St. Joseph's Day, Fri., 3-19 at 9 am. Annual Re-Commitment of ministers, feast of the Annunciation, 3-25 at 6 pm Every Friday during Lent: Stations of the Cross in church, 6 pm followed by a Soup supper, 6:30 pm in the Hall.

Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church 915 North Central Avenue Flagler Beach, Florida 32136 (Map & directions) Bulletin in PDF format Year for Priests: Prayers for Priests Pope's prayer intentions for March 2010 General:   That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest. Missionary:  That the Churches in Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice in every part of that continent. True fasting This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. (Isaiah 58:6-7) Read full chapter of Isaiah 58

Santa Maria del Mar supports Flagler County's efforts at a full count of ALL residents: Federal and state tax resource allocations for the next ten years depend on a full count.  In picture with ministers from Flagler Area Ministerial Association: Fr. Al Esposito, Jim Morelewicz, John Pires & Chau Phan

Cold-weather shelter ministry (2009-10) Married Life Ministries

Fr. Alberto Esposito, Pastor	Masses / Sacraments	Ministries	Staff / Parish Councils
Bulletin	Religious Education / Formation	Stewardship	Small Church Communities
Sacred Scriptures	Prayers / Devotions	History / Archives	The Vatican on Youtube
Christian Unity	First Friday / First Saturday devotions	LifeTeen / Youth Group	Women's Spirituality Resources
Daily Mass readings	Catholic Hymns in Videos	Inspirational Thoughts	Web Resources

"For we are so preciously loved by God that we cannot even comprehend it.  No created being can ever know how much and how sweetly and tenderly God loves them."  --Julian of Norwich (14th century, England)

As our concept of stewardship continues to evolve after twelve years of marriage, we are grateful for the people who have challenged us from the beginning to embrace fully Christ’s teachings. They weren’t always telling us the things we wanted to hear, but we feel blessed that we were able to work through the initial frustrations of committing the best portion of our time, talent, and treasure to the Church. It’s difficult to separate ourselves from the demands and possessions of the world, but there’s a tremendous amount of peace that comes from every decision we make for Christ and his will for us. We can’t overstate the powerful impact the lifestyle has had on our marriage and three children.—Tom and LaNell Lilly, Owensboro, Kentucky

Our parents are an inspiration to us as we look back on their lives of giving themselves for each other and for others. Had it not been for their lives of stewardship and giving, we would not perhaps have the faith we have today; and we want to pass that faith and love on to our children, grandchildren, and others. And then our thoughts are turned to the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made for us. He did so, not because he had to, but because of his great love for us. And to think, all he asks in return is for us to love him and others! But it would mean little to tell someone we love them if we did not try to show that love in a concrete way. —Paul and Bettie Eck, Wichita, Kansas

I have learned to share because I want to, not because I need to. There are no controls, no strings attached, and no guarantee when we give unconditionally. That doesn’t mean that in retrospect I haven’t questioned my decisions; it simply means that I’ve tried to look at it as a growth experience, always keeping in mind the life of Jesus Christ. I personally see stewardship as a nurturing process. It is, in a sense, an invitation to reassess our priorities. It is ongoing and often painful, but most of all it brings a personal sense of happiness and peace of mind as I continue my journey through life. —Jim Hogan, Green Bay, Wisconsin

The parable of the prodigal son is one of the best known of all the stories Jesus told.  The parable is about divine mercy and the desire "to return to the father."  Luke has in mind tax collectors and sinners who were "drawing near" to Jesus.  The group of Pharisees and scribes, respresented by the elder son, only complain and criticize.  According to the way they see it, they have served God and obeyed the Law.  They don't understand how sinners can also be sons and daughters of God.  For Luke, the religious leaders who keeep all the rules and think they can earn salvation by their own efforts are farther away from God than the sinners!

The Christian disciple is a steward who is prayerful, persistent, patient, and strives to joyfully and generously live out the personal vocation to which God calls him or her. These characteristics are most valuable in our own prodigal stories. At times we may stumble and wander away from God. When we do, we find hope in today’s Gospel. Through our patience, perseverance, and above all prayer, we can return to the Father, trusting in His forgiveness.

1. 1. Which of these two sons is more like you?  Reflect on an experience from your life that would show this.
2. 2. Was there a time when you were away from God?  How did you find your way back?  What brought you back?  How did you feel?
3. 3. How do you handle resentment in your own life experience?  What words of advice to deal with resentment could you offer to the elder brother?
4. 4. The father shows loving patience.  Speak of an experience from your life when you had to wait patiently.  How did that  make you feel?
5. 5. Describe a situation in your life when you found it difficult to ask for forgiveness?
6. 6. Who would you have a difficult time letting back into the Church or your family?  Why?

This past Sunday we heard of the gardener who lovingly cared for an unproductive fig tree.
Take some time this week to lift the spirits of the people in your life.  Praise the qualities of their personality.  Affirm their talents and gifts.  Strive to bring a smile to their face.  When we affirm others from our heart, we help to nurture the garden of our brother or sister in Christ.  The more concrete your affirmations are, the better.  For example, "your cooking ability was so clear to me when I tasted the delicious apple pie you baked last night."  Or, "you have a real gift for listening to other people.  When you were listening to your friend on the phone earlier today, I was impressed by your patience and caring attitude."

Hello, my name is Jeannie Johnson and  I am here tonight to share with you my passion for the fourth pillar, service.  I believe in service.  I believe that service is love in action.  I believe that service is a small way I can give thanks to God.  I believe in the Saint Francis Prayer, "it is in giving that we receive,” and what you believe in, my friends, happens.
   Just from the trials and errors in my life, I can see that when I put aside my selfish wants, needs, desires, and my way of doing things I open the door for God. When I put myself at the top of the list, I only succeed at making myself miserable.
   As Jesus said: “ If you want to find your life you have to lose it."

•  When I volunteer at the Cold Weather Homeless Shelter in Bunnell, I lose myself.
• When I work in harmony in the kitchen of the Homeless Shelter with other church members, providing and preparing meals, I lose myself.
• When I sit and eat with the homeless and forget my petty problems and listen to their struggles of how they have to hide to find a place to sleep because the police are cracking down, I lose myself.
• When I volunteer at the Gift Shop and find just the right St. Christopher medal for a parish member's son that is serving in Iraq, I lose myself.
• When I take my aunt grocery shopping and pray the rosary with my friend's mom who is bed-bound, I lose myself.

The Yogi Berra Corner "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore."

 

New CHURCH EVENT & HALL EVENT  planning forms to be submitted (in PDF format) Click here to download PDF Reader

Daily Masses in the vicinity (click on church name for map) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 4600 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast & St. Stephen's, SR 100, Bunnell. Click here for Mass schedule St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery, 141 Carmelite Drive (off US 1 ? S. Old Dixie Highway), Bunnell, FL. Outdoor Stations of the Cross, and Rosary Garden (20 Mysteries). Sunday, 5:00 PM; Mon.-Fri.: 7:30 ? 9:00 AM (Polish on Thu.); Sat.: 9:00 AM (Latin). St. Mary's Catholic Church (Korona; served by the Carmelites Fathers), 89 St. Mary's Place, Bunnell, FL.  Click here for Mass schedule St. Anastasia Catholic Church, Anastasia, FL. North of Flagler Beach on A1A on  the left.

 

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Mail addressed to parish personnel must carry full actual names and whether you are from SMDM, and if not,how did you find this web site. Thank you.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
E-mail Chau T. Phan, web minister
About Chau T. Phan