We are a parish which carries the title of Our Lady of Lourdes. Lourdes is a place of pilgrimage associated with healing. It would be well for us to know that we have a significant number of parishioners who, in various ways, serve in the ministries to the sick, dying, and grieving here at our parish, all ministers of healing. Nine parishioners visit and bring communion to homebound parishioners. Nineteen lead prayer services bring communion or otherwise minister at West Acres, Braemore, Baypointe, Heights Crossing, McLean Hospital, and Emmanuel House. Five visit the Veterans Hospital monthly. Thirty parishioners knit prayer shawls for homebound parishioners, those in nursing homes and for anyone who is in need of comfort. Fifteen bake bread or pies for families that are grieving and nine serve on a Bereavement Ministry Team for the parish.

This is total of 87 parishioners who regularly dedicate time to healing ministries in many ways.

ITEMS:

n  The Brockton Women's Commission honored three of our parishioners this past Saturday for exceptional public service, community involvement and the promotion of healthy family life. They are Tara Canavan, Gery Creedon, and Carol Hancock. Congratulations!

·           The Good Samaritan Medical Center is sponsoring a Community Resource Day on this Monday, March 30 from 12:30pm -3:00pm and again 4:00pm — 7:00pm. This resource day is made available to anyone caught in financial difficulties because of our National Economic downturn. More information at 508-427-3133

·            Be sure to sign postcards that are available at the front doors of the church to help defeat the so called "Freedom of Choice Act" This act would force medical personnel to go against their consciences to perform abortion or quit their jobs.

·            Be sure to visit the Website: www.ourladyoflourdes­Brockton.com and the Brockton parish Collaborative website at www.brocktoncpc.org.previewdns.com

n   Please save this Tuesday at 7:00pm to be here in the church (early) to welcome the Catholic people of the city at our Brockton Lenten Reconciliation Service. Refreshments will follow in the hall.