Let me start by saying that I listened to my earnest appeal and increased the amount of money taken from my checking account for my regular support of the parish. I put my money where my mouth is... and my heart. There is both a follow up announcement in this week's bulletin and a flyer as well. Please take the time to read them both. If you didn't receive a letter from me, I encourage you to pick up a letter packet on the way out of church today.

On the Lenten front: the daily scripture readings this week were powerful reminders that the heart of the season goes to the need to work at reconciliation and restitution in our relationships. The best place to start is our own personal relationships but it doesn't preclude reflecting at least a bit on those relationships with other groups in our society and with other nations where things are pretty strained if not down right broken. Stubbornly refusing to work toward forgiveness and restoration of good relationships limits our ability to appreciate God's gracious forgiveness of all we have done and continue to do that strain our relationship with God.

The bottom line is that we are actually hurting ourselves more than others. Relationships are tricky and I don't mean to suggest that they are not. I just want to put the gospel imperative out there as something that we ignore at our own risk. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Let's wrestle with that this week, maybe all this Lenten season.

• Sparkling memory for your tree
  Sparkling St Bernard signature ornaments are now available after all Masses and in the Parish Center during normal business hours. Each 24K gold plated ornament comes in an attractive gift box with a brief history card. They are $17 each (including tax) and all proceeds will benefit the building fund. There are a limited number available so don't miss out on this opportunity for buy a gift for yourself or especially for anyone who received the sacrament of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation or Matrimony here at St Bernard.
• INCREASED GIVING
  Our Increased Weekly Giving Program is now underway. Please respond by using the burgundy response envelope enclosed with the letter you received from Fr. Dennis this week. The participation of ALL parishioners is essential for the success of this effort. If you increased your weekly offering but did not use the special envelope, please do so next weekend so we can acknowledge your response properly.
• DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME begins on Sunday, March 11th.
  Please remember to turn your clocks forward one hour before you go to sleep on Saturday, March 10th.
• St. Patrick's Day Celebration to benefit St. Michael's Social Ministry to the Poor will be held March 17th at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet from 2:00 pm to 12:30 am. Please call the Parish Center for tickets, 295-0387. Raffle tickets available-$5.00 each. 1st prize - 2 Round trip tickets to Ireland with accommodations.
• Winner's Choice Auto Raffle
  Remember our next $500 Early Bird drawing is scheduled for March 17th! Tickets are $20 each or $100 for a book of 6. All proceeds benefit the church building fund. For more information call 295-5235 or visit our website at www.sbcwickford.org.
• LENTEN TWILIGHT RETREAT
  A Lenten Twilight Retreat will be held on Tuesday, March 13, at St. Francis Chapel & City Ministry Center, 58 Weybosset Street, Providence. A light supper will be served beginning at 5:30 PM, followed by prayer experiences, input, quiet reflection time, sharing and a closing ritual. Presenters will be Father Charles O'Connor, OFM and Sr. Pat Otillio, RSM. Cost is $30 per person. Registration is required: Please call Dale Palka at (401)331-6510 ext.100, or e-mail her at dpalka@stfrancischapel.com.
• St. Mary Academy-Bay View will hold an open house for middle and high school students and parents on Wednesday March 14th form 6 to 8 pm. For more information contact Betty Sepe at 434-0113, ext. 150.
• Bishop Hendricken High School will hold an Open House on Sunday, March 11th from 1:30--4:00 pm. For more information call 739-3450, ext. 162.
• CALLING THE CHILDRENS CHOIR
  It is time again to begin practice for 10:30 Easter Morning Mass and 1st Communion on May 12th. If you sang with us for Christmas welcome back. If you would like to join us, welcome. Practices will begin Thursday February 1st at 4:30 in the church. Any questions please see Alison Shea.
• The St. Bernard's Bereavement Group will be holding a two part Grief Share Seminar during March for anyone dealing with a loss of a loved one. Seminars will include a brief video and open discussion. The first part on Monday, March 12th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center. The second part on Monday, March 19th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center. All are welcome. Please call Michele by February 28th to register at 295-2789 or e-mail at michelemlacroix@verizon.net.
• Msgr. Thomas V. Cassidy Memorial Scholarship
  Two $2000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible 8th grade girls entering a Catholic high school. The Scholarship is based upon scholastic merit and financial need. For an application please apply in writing to: Mrs. Joanne B. Burger, Chairperson, Msgr. Thomas Cassidy Memorial Scholarship, 3 Twins Lane, N. Providence, RI 02904..

Wednesday, March 7th
Ecumenical Lunch: 12 noon to 1:30 pm
St. Bernard Church

Friday, March 9th:
Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm

Friday Abstinence: All Catholics who have reached their 14th year are bound to abstain entirely from meat on all the Fridays of Lent. This practice reminds us that we are all in this season together. It is not just about "me," it is about all who make up the people of God.

Sacramental Prep classes meet today, March 4.

First Reconciliation for Second Graders is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27.

Reconciliation Service for Third Graders preparing for First Eucharist is scheduled for Wednesday, March 28.

Attention Confirmation Candidates! Service hour forms are now available online. Check out the "Confirmation Corner" at www.sbcwickford.org. Mark your calendars- the Good Friday Hunger Walk is scheduled for Friday, April 6. This is REQUIRED for all 9th graders. More details to come.

How is your Lent going? A great way to grow in your faith this Lenten season is to attend the next Generations of Faith session. The focus is on Holy Week. The upcoming dates are:

• Session 4 - Tuesday, March 13 6:00 to 8:30
• Session 5 - Wednesday, March 14 6:00 to 8:30
• Session 1 - Sunday, March 18 12:00 to 2:30
• Session 2 - Sunday, March 18 5:00 to 7:30
• Session 3 - Tuesday, March 20 6:00 to 8:30

Interested in signing up for a session? Contact the Parish Center for available space.

For special orders call Deborah at 885-6405 or leave a message at the parish center.

Calling all the bunnies and chicks!! The Youth Ministry is hopping along, trying to get ready for SPRING!!! If you are a 6th grader or up, you can get involved. Just mark your calendar, find a ride, get your homework done, maybe even bring a friend and check us out!! If you have never try it, this is your opportunity. Come to the Planning Meeting and help to make some decisions about what the group will do next and the Easter Breakfast.

Please mark your calendars for the following events:

• 3/6 - Planning Meeting, 7-8:30 pm
• 3/30 ~ Decorating for Easter Breakfast, 5-8 pm Knights of Columbus Hall
• 3/31 - Easter Breakfast, 8:30-11 am

Please contact Dawn at 461-3048 or by email at birondawn@yahoo.com) for more information.

Is this you? Or somebody you know? For any number of reasons baptized Catholics do not always complete their initiation into the Church. This is done through the Sacrament of Confirmation and receiving Holy Communion. This is a simple process of preparation that results in the satisfaction of participating fully in the sacramental life that Christ has given us for our joy and support. For more information call Father Reardon.

Diocesan Respect Life Mass: The Respect Life Office will be sponsoring the 3rd Annual Celebration of the Annunciation of Jesus to Mary on Monday, March 26 at 7 PM. The Mass and Baby Shower will be hosted by St. Martha's Church, East Providence. Rev. Michael A. Colello, Administrative Secretary to Bishop will be the main celebrant and homilist. Guests are asked to bring a baby gift to the coffee hour & baby shower that will take place following the Mass. For more information and directions call Carol Owens at 421-7833 X 118.

Those who would like to bring the bread and wine to the altar, please call the Parish Center at 295-0387 to arrange.

Click Here for Today's Reading

For prayerful preparation during the week before Sunday Mass, please visit http://liturgy.slu.edu. Reflecting on the spirituality of the scriptures before Mass can have a great impact on hearing the Word proclaimed on Sunday.

Please submit bulletin materials directly to the Parish Office, or via e-mail to parishcenter@sbcwickford.org, attention to Jane Allen. The deadline for the submission is Tuesday by 5:00 pm. Please take into consideration the cutoff time and the space limit. Thank you.

Peter, James and John wanted to build a "booth" for Jesus and just stay on the mountain where His transfiguration took place. But the Son of God, the Chosen One, knew that He must instead keep moving toward His Crucifixion. We, too, must rise from worship and do what we can to hasten the coming of the Kingdom.

St. Bernard's now offers parishioners the opportunity to make their budget contributions by Direct Debit. Call the Parish Center, 295-0387 for further information.

February 24 / 25	Actual $5690.20	Budget
Through 01/31/07	Actual $214,244	Budget $220,471

Priests' Retirement $3,983.86
ACH $ 377.50

Matching Contributions: Many companies offer matching funds for donations to non-profit organizations. If you donate weekly to St. Bernard's your company might match it! Please take time to find out if your company has this policy.

Thank you for your continuous support and generosity.