By Fr. Bernard Timothy, O.P.

The fourth Sunday of Lent is known as Laetare Sun-day. Laetare means rejoice and it derives its name from the entrance antiphon of the day: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourn-ing; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” (Isaiah 66:10-11). It is a day when we take a break from the starkness of Lent and focus on the joy that comes from the presence of Christ and his victory over sin and death.

The theme of light is predominant on this Sunday, as our second reading, the letter of St. Paul to the Ephe-sians, states: “Brothers and sisters: You were once dark-ness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.” The light, who is Christ him-self, is present in the world and he opens the minds and eyes of believers so that we would cease our “fruitless works of darkness” but instead do what is “pleasing to the Lord.”

The healing of the blind man in the Gospel is sym-bolic of what Christ does in our lives. He heals us of our blindness that is the result of original sin and enables us to see and walk in the truth of who God is and of who we are. Like the Pharisees in the Gospel today, who could not see the divine origin of the work of Jesus, we all have some kind of spiritual blindness in our lives where we are unaware of some of our sins and vices.

What are our hidden sins and vices? There is a say-ing that the spiritual life cannot be stagnate; either we are growing in our relationship with God or we are moving away from him. If we are sincere in our walk with Christ then we should gradually become more aware of our sins and vices. The Light himself will bring everything in our lives to light. Conversely, if we are unaware of our sins it is a good indication that we are probably moving away from the Light and toward the darkness.
The good news for us is that there is no darkness that cannot be overcome by the light of Christ. Even in the darkness of Good Friday, the culmination of all sin and brokenness of this world, Christ still shines as he pierced the hardness of people’s hearts such as the good thief or the centurion. No matter how dark the circum-stances of our lives are, Christ is always ready to bring light into our lives. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts...”

Monday, March 20
12:30 pm  Marian Movement of Priests

Wednesday, March 22
7:30 am  Adoration until 7 pm (except for 12 pm Mass)
7:00  pm  Young Adults Group

Thursday, March 23
6:00 pm  Grief Support Group (Redbird Ministry)
6:30 pm Youth Group

Friday, March 24
11:00 am  Stations of the Cross
5:30 pm  Confessions
6:00 pm  Stations of the Cross
6:30 pm  Simple Soup Supper

Saturday,  March 25
11:00 am  Holy Hour 

Walking With Moms and Families in Need is looking for referrals for anyone who needs our help. We can help with yard work, running errands, meal trains, moving items, fellowship, and more. If you know a parishioner who needs help, please let us know. Email stlbhelper@stlb.org for referral forms or to volunteer. Thank you for helping us to show the love of Jesus to those in need. 

Easter Flowers Deadline
If you would like your loved one’s name to be included in the Easter bulletin, please place your donation in the collection on or before March 26th, or bring to the office by March 31st.

Grief Support Group (Redbird)
Thursday, March 23; 6 pm. Parish Center
This group is for those who are grieving for children who have died. Please submit any questions at: stlb.org/red-bird-ministry. 

Youth Group
Image vs Content Series
Thursday, March 23 at 6:30 pm in O’Brien Hall
Come learn how to avoid worldliness in a world full of images.

Deacon Michael Schultz to Preach
Sunday, March 26 @ 10:30 am Mass
Coffee and Doughnuts will follow this Mass.
 
SIMPLE Soup Suppers
Fridays: March 24, 31
6:30 pm in O’Brien Hall
Please bring a simple (it’s Lent, after all!), meatless soup, salad, or bread to share.

Young Catholic Professionals
Tuesday, March 21; 7 - 9pm
O’Brien Hall
Come hear Fr. Bernard and other panelists discuss professional life as a young adult Catholic.

St. Louis Bertrand Book Club
Last Thursdays at 7 pm in the Parish Library
All are welcome to attend. The books to be discussed are: March 30: Crossing The Threshold of Hope by St. Pope John Paul II
April 27: Journal of a Soul by St. Pope John XXIII - first half of the book will be discussed.
May 25:  Journal of a Soul  - second half

“Work Out Your Salvation!”
with Fr. Wade Menezes, CPM
Monday, April 17 through Wednesday, April 19, 2023
A different topic will be presented on each evening. Fr. Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM is a member of the Fathers of Mercy. See the poster page or stlb.org/parish-mission-2023 for more information.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Bernard
September 3-12, 2023
Visit Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. Take a boat trip across the Sea of Galilee.  Mass will be celebrated daily. For more information, please contact Jason Copperwaite: jcopperwaite@yahoo.com or see https://marianusa.com/pilgrimages/pilgrimages-to-holy-land.asp

Parish Council
You can contact the Parish Council at any time by emailing: ParishCouncil@stlb.org

Weekly Parish Updates
Sign up for updates at www.stlb.org/flocknote. 

Sunday,  March 19, Fourth Sunday of Lent
4:15 pm   People of St. Louis Bertrand Parish
7:00 am   Jed & Kristine Kenney Family
9:00 am   Rosary Altar Society & Knights of Columbus
10:30 am   Snyder Family †
12:00 noon   Frances Lebre Decker
5:15 pm   Sally Sturgeon

Monday,  March 20 (Solemnity of St. Joseph)
7:00 am  William R. Benoit Family
12:00 noon  Paul & Christine Koprucki

Tuesday,  March 21
7:00 am   John Popovich
12:00 noon  Maia Agnes Kenney

Wednesday,  March 22
7:00 am  Salvatore Rizzo †
12:00 noon Agnes Cullen †

Thursday,  March 23
7:00 am   Phyllis Beierle †
12:00 noon Noe, Yolanda, & Fernando Anaya †

Friday,  March 24
7:00 am   William O'Connor †
12:00 noon Eleanor Lee Ennis †

Saturday,  March 25
7:00 am   Terry Pousardien †
12:00 noon Thomas L. Weathers †

Sunday,  March 26, Fifth Sunday of Lent
4:15 pm   Dr. John E. Johnson †
7:00 am   Ted Gage
9:00 am   Fr. Francis Ralph, O.P. †
10:30 am   Dominican Laity STLB Chapter
12:00 noon  People of St. Louis Bertrand Parish
5:15 pm   Breeden & Lefebvre Family

The sanctuary lamp burning in front of the Tabernacle this week is for Debbie Wibbels.
The sanctuary lamp burning in the Priory Chapel this week is for Patrick Woods.

Please pray for the following members and friends of the parish who need healing: Joseph Besendorf, Beth Biegert, Christina Borders, Buddy & Joan Bouchard, Linda Breeden, Eliza Brian, Gladys Brown, Vernon David, Nancy Deane, Mary Sue Draus, Brooke Egan, Judy Evans, Frances Flaherty, Len Frederick, Dee Giftus, Justin Goldner, Pam Govier, Denis Greenwell, Jackie Gregory, Spencer Hardin,  Anna Heitfeld, Jadyn Hemmer, Joyce Hill, Sarah Hughes, Chris Hutchinson, Jesse Hyde, Ruby Hyde, Gill Judd, Dcn. Henry Allen Koellner, Cathleen Koprucki, James Koprucki, Cayson Laha, Ron & Bonnie Lane, Richard Martinez, Sharon Meador, Frances Melton, Haley Millet, Margie Montgomery, Marianna Morales, Jean Neef, Rita Nickle, Joann Otlewski, Mark Otlewski, Percival Pajel, Mary Anne Pajel-Sio, Maryann Payne, Harvey Plaschke, B.J. Potter, Barbara Rice, Alli Rodenhauser, Gary Sperl, Gene Thompson, Nick Tse, Bettye Vaught, Joyce A. Warner, Chris Westerfeld, Debbie Wibbels, Patrick Woods, Carol Worth, Matthew Wright, Gilbert & Nancy Zinner, Steve Zocklein.
Please pray for our men and women serving in the armed forces:
Army: Daniel K. Bourke, Matthew Cannon, Jake Frankrone, James McWhorter, Kevin Meany, Michael Mullaney, Alex Newsom, Juan “Johnny” Quiroz, Adam Renn, Gregory M. Smith, Dan Tabacchi, Joseph Larry Thomas, Jim Wolkensperg
Marine Corps: Matthew Bersot, Casey Carraro, Frank Kyle Christian, Aaron M. Grieshop, Chris Kenney, Wesley Peralta, Joseph Recktenwald, Elijah Rock, James Roszyk, Grant Schirmer, Stephen Wolf, Cody Wright
Navy: John Chapman, Mitchell M. Givens, Fr. Ed Gorman, OP, Michael Karas
Air Force: Jeff Dillman, David Douglas, Joshua Ford, Nicholas Hughes, Craig McGreal, Eric May, T.J. May, Kristie Miller, Michael Richards
Air National Guard: Vincenzo LaFronza, Robert Paul Yaden
Army National Guard: Vincent Olson, John Rock
 
Please call the office at 583-4448 or email Christina at: cgraney@stlb.org. to add or remove folks from the list.
 

Contributions for the week of March 12, 2023
Collections & Online Giving $21,763.04
Renovation & Maintenance $6,254.33
Poor Box $1,574.00
If you would like to Donate Online, go to: https://stlb.org/ and click on “Donate.”

Kroger Community Rewards
If you shop at Kroger, please support St. Louis Bertrand! https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.

Emergency Aid Center
Please put jars of jelly in the bin at the back of church for the needy of our community. Thanks!

Please remember St. Louis Bertrand Church in your will.

Prayer & Devotion

Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction
Wednesdays 12:30pm - 7 pm
Saturdays 11 am
Confessions are heard on Wednesdays from 6-7 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am - 12 pm.

Family Holy Hour
Last Thursday of the Month at 6pm
More information about this Holy Hour and the Holy Family Institute can be found on the parish website under Parish Life/Ministries and Organizations. Any questions can be sent to HFIstlb@Gmail.com.

First Friday Devotion
following 12 pm Mass
Prayers will be offered to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Marian Movement of Priests
Mondays after noon Mass in church
The Marian Movement is a worldwide group that prays for and with priests. Fellowship follows the prayer every second Monday of the month in O’Brien Hall.  Please bring your own lunch.

Traveling Madonna
Families host the statue and pray for vocations to priesthood, diaconate, and the consecrated life from our parish. Go to www.stlb.org/traveling-madonna or call Christina to sign up. 

Veneration of the Relic of St. Bernadette
following 12 pm Mass on Saturdays.

Faith Formation

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Ages 0--9
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd provides religious education for young children in the Montessori tradition.  For more information, contact Leslie Genuis: lesliem0101@gmail.com.

Parish Library
Sundays 10am - 12 pm
The library contains books and videos for adults and children, and more. Browse online at  https://www.stlb.org/library, and come visit!

Adults Preparing to Join the Catholic Church
For information, please contact Katie: kreed@stlb.org

Groups

Belles & Beaus (St. Louis Bertrand Seniors)
Last Tuesdays, after Noon Mass; O'Brien Hall
The Belles & Beaus meet for noon Mass, then lunch. Please make your reservation before 3pm on the Friday before. For more information, contact Deacon Bill Klump at 634-5559.

Bible Study
Tuesday Evenings 7 - 8:30 pm beginning Aug. 30 or Thursday Mornings 10 am - 12 pm beginning Sept. 1
Matthew: The King and His Kingdom by Jeff Cavins.

Book Club
Last Thursdays, at 7 pm; Parish Library
The Book Club discusses books that support growth of the life in Christ.  See announcements for the next book.

Dominican Laity, Queen of Peace Chapter
First Sundays, 11:30 am; Heritage Room 
The Dominican Laity, Queen of Peace Chapter is a group of professed ladies and gentlemen who are called to prayer, study, community, and apostolate as children of St. Dominic.

Dominican Laity, St. Louis Bertrand Chapter
Fourth Sundays, 11:30 am; Heritage Room
The Dominican Laity, St. Louis Bertrand Chapter is a group of professed ladies who are called to prayer, study, community, and apostolate as daughters of St. Dominic.

Knights of Columbus
Third Sundays, 10 am; O’Brien Hall
Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's organization, dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.  For more information, contact Mike Sliter at 744-2187.

Rosary Altar Society
Third Sundays, 10 am; Heritage Room
The Rosary Altar Society invites ladies to join to help us improve the parish through various service projects.  For more information, contact Barbara Klump at 634-5559.

St. Louis Bertrand Men’s Group
4th Saturdays, 7:30 - 9 am; Heritage Room
Come say morning prayers and discuss the Summa Theologica with other men. For more information email Fr. Bernard: btimothy@stlb.org.
 
Young Adults
Wednesdays, 7pm; Frassati Room
Young Adults are men and women aged 18-39  who meet for fun, prayer, and education.  For more information contact Katie Reed: kreed@stlb.org.

Youth Groups

Sodality of the Most Holy Rosary
Third Sunday after the 9am Mass
This sodality for girls aged  7 - 18 years who have received First Holy Communion, prepares participants to be enrolled in the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. This group promotes devotion to Our Lady and social activities for girls. For more information please contact Katie at kreed@stlb.org.
 
7th & 8th Grade and High School Youth Groups
Second and Fourth Thursdays, 6:30 - 8 pm
Parish Center
For more information please contact kreed@stlb.org, or 583-4448 x244.

Charity

St. Martin de Porres Emergency Aid Center
Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; 1-2 pm
Charitable assistance is provided to parishioners and members of the local community.

Walking with Moms and Families in Need
This charitable group provides social, emotional, spiritual, and material help to families in need. Please email Barbara at stlbhelpers@stlb.org for more information. 

Respect Life Update: Please pray for an end to all abortion, forever!
See Walking with Moms and Families in Need and 40 Days for Life to participate in our parish efforts.

St. Serra Club of Louisville
Monday, March 20; 11:30 am
Golden Corral (4032 Taylorsville Rd)
$12 for members and $15 for others
Serran Ken Peet will speak on what he learned from January’s national Serra Rally in Texas. For more information, call Chuck Lynch at (502) 442-9302. The Serra Club promotes religious  vocations.

Queen’s Daughters Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon
Wednesday, March 22; 11 am - 2 pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel (830 Phillips Ln)
View fashions presented by Dillard’s, enjoy lunch and buy a chance to win raffle prizes.  Queen’s Daughters is a ministry of Catholic women supporting programs for mothers and infants, the poor, and Catholic education. For information or tickets: queensdaughtersinc.com.

20th annual Senior Citizens Prom
Saturday, March 25, 2023; 2 - 4 pm
Assumption High School Cafeteria (2170 Tyler Ln)
The theme is Run for the Roses, with refreshments, and music by The Prime Time Band. There is no cost, but a reservation is required.  Please call 502-271-2531 to register. This event is hosted by the Junior Class Beta Club. 

Catholic Family Retreat
Saturday, April 1; 8 am - 1 pm
Holy Angels Academy (12201 Old Henry Rd)
Come prepare for Holy Week. The cost is $25 per family, including childcare and light morning and afternoon refreshments. Details and registration: holyangelslouisville.com/family-conference.

Maranatha One Day Retreat for Those Living with Chronic Illness & Their Caregivers
Saturday, May 13, 2023; 9 am - 6 pm
Flaget Retreat Center (1935 Lewiston Dr)
This retreat is free of charge, but registration is required to Denise Puckett: 502-636-0296 or dpuckett@archlou.org
 

LENTEN OBSERVANCES
Stations of the Cross: Fridays (except Good Friday) @ 11 am & 6 pm
Sacrament of Reconciliation (additional time): Fridays (except Good Friday); 5:30 - 6 pm

SIMPLE Soup Suppers: Fridays: March 24, 31 @ 6:30 pm in O’Brien Hall
Please bring a simple, meatless soup, salad or bread to share.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. The norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
April 2: Palm Sunday Masses:
4:15 pm Vigil, 7 am, 9 am,10:30 am, 12 pm, 5:15 pm

April 3: Monday of Holy Week:
7 am Mass
11 am Confessions
12 pm Mass

April 4: Tuesday of Holy Week:
7 am Mass
11 am Confessions
12 pm Mass

April 5: Wednesday of Holy Week:
7 am Mass
11 am Confessions 
12 pm Mass
12:30 pm – 6:30pm Exposition & Simple Reposition
6 pm Confessions
7 pm Tenebrae

April 6: Holy Thursday:
8 am Office of Reading, Morning Prayer
11 am – 12 pm Confessions
6 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
7:30 pm - 9 pm Exposition
9 pm Night Prayer

April 7: Good Friday:
8 am Office of Reading, Morning Prayer
11 am Stations of the Cross
11 am – 2:45 pm Confessions & Rosary
3 pm Service of the Passion of the Lord

April 8: Holy Saturday:
8 am Office of Reading, Morning Prayer
8:30 am - 9:30 am Decorating Church
11 am - 12 pm Confessions & Rosary
8:30 pm Easter Vigil Mass

April 9: Easter Sunday Masses:
7 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm (No 5:15 pm Mass)