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E-Newsletter for
March 8, 2026
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Message from From Your Pastor
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The context and setting We hear from John's Gospel 4:5-42 this Weekend by Jacob's well in Sychar, Samaria presents Jesus tired from travel, sits at the well while His disciples buy food. A Samaritan woman comes to draw water. This scene crosses cultural boundaries: Jews and Samaritans usually avoided close contact, and men did not typically speak publicly with an unrelated woman. Jesus asks the woman for water, surprising her because Jews normally did not ask Samaritans for help. He offers her "living water", promising satisfaction beyond ordinary well water. The conversation moves from everyday needs (physical thirst) to spiritual truth (true worship and the Messiah). The woman recognizes Jesus as the Prophet and then as the Messiah; she tells others in town. Many Samaritans come to hear Jesus and believe, and many declare faith because of the woman's testimony and Jesus's words. Jesus initiates the encounter with a direct, need -based request that opens deeper dialogue. The dialogue shows progressive revelation; the woman understands more as the conversation continues from water- Prophet-Messiah. The use of everyday imagery (a well water, drawing) grounds deep theological claims in ordinary life. The townspeople's response highlights that personal testimony combined with Jesus's teaching can lead to community belief. Think about barriers you see between people (groups who don't talk or share). Jesus' example shows it's important to listen, show respect, and share good news across those barriers. Living water reminds us that some needs (acceptance, purpose) aren't fully met by things like Phones, sports or friends alone; As Christians we believe Jesus offers us deeper lasting fulfillment.
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News & Events
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Please watch here for news and events, and join our events for good Catholic community!
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Confessions
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Saturdays from 3:30-4p.m. (except on Holy Saturday); on Holy Saturday (April 4th) they will be from 11a.m.-12noon only. Saturday (March 7) for the First Saturday of the month at 9:30a.m., and also by appointment.
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Stations of the Cross
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Fridays at 6:00p.m. in English and 7:00p.m. in Spanish.
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Penance Service
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Monday, March 23 at 7:00p.m. Priests will hear confessions in English and Spanish.
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Holy Thursday
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8:15a.m. Prayer; Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00p.m. (Bi-lingual)
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Good Friday
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8:15a.m. Prayer; Stations of the Cross (Bilingual) at 3p.m.; and a Passion Service (Bilingual) at 7:00p.m.
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Holy Saturday
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8:15a.m. Prayer; Vigil Mass at 7:30p.m. (There will be no Mass today at 4:30p.m.)
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DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD 2026 LENTEN REGULATIONS
- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat as well as days of fast, when only one full meal is allowed. On days of fast two other meatless meals may be taken according to one’s needs, but together
they should not equal another full meal.
- The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.
- The obligation to abstain from meat begins at age fourteen (14) and does not cease.
- The obligation to fast begins at age eighteen (18) and ends at age fifty-nine (59).
Please note: Although the faithful may excuse themselves from fast and abstinence, for a just cause, there is an obligation to substitute another penance in its place. No Catholic should lightly excuse him/herself from these Lenten
obligations.
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Lenten Bible Study - Live Your Best Life:
The Cardinal Virtues
Led by Fr. Yerick Mendez.
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All sessions are 1 hour long and will be fully bilingual (English/Spanish). Come and Join us.
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Where: Bishop Marshal Center at Saint Michaels Cathedral in Springfield
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When: Monday evenings at 6:30pm.
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Dates & Topics: Feb. 23—Prudence; March 2—Justice; March 9—Fortitude (Courage); March 16—Temperance.
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“A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself.” (CCC 1803) “Four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called "cardinal"; all the others are grouped around them. They are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. "If anyone loves righteousness, [Wisdom's] labors are virtues; for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice, and courage."(Wis. 8:7) These virtues are praised under other names in many passages of Scripture.”(CCC 1805)
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This Lent, our Bible Study we will take a deeper look at what the Bible teaches about the Cardinal Virtues and how to best live them on a daily basis. Lent is the perfect time to return to the school of virtue and renew our commitment to become the people God wants us to be.
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St. Patrick Day Celebration
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Enjoy Irish music by the Irish Express band, Irish dancing by Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance, 50/50 raffle, and a delicious Irish meal by Hamel’s Catering, consisting of a corned beef sandwich (and a variety of other sandwiches will also be available), potato salad, cole slaw, chips, pickle, dessert and beverages. All this is offered for a “Good Will Offering”.
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Please sign up BY MARCH 8th so we know how many to plan for. There is a sign-up sheet at the parking lot entrance and also at the Dickinson Street entrance. Thank you!
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Volunteers will be needed for set up and clean up. Also, for creative folks to make, buy and do decorating. Email or call Sr. Leila at 733-5823, Ext. 123, to offer your help.
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Come join us and spread the word how welcoming our parish is!
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Holy Name Passion Play
CALLING ON ALL CHILDREN, TEENS!!!!
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Rehearsals For
Holy Name’s Passion Play (Bilingual)
will be every Monday, 5:00-6:30 PM In the church starting on February 23rd
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If you are interested, we need:
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Actors, narrators, musicians, videographers, singers, and adult volunteers!!!
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Junior Legion of Mary
The Junior Legion of Mary is coming to Holy Name in October! The only requirements are being under 18 and wanting to grow with God.
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Eucharistic Adoration
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The Chaplet is prayed at 3p.m., the Rosary is prayed at 3:30 p.m. followed by Benediction.
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Religious Education Updates
There will be a MANDATORY WORKSHOP on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Social Center starting at 10:00a.m. for All Confirmation teens, preteens, and teens….OLDER student(s) making their first Reconciliation and First Communion. This is required to complete your older child’s formation towards their Sacrament(s).
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Circle of Grace is a mandatory Catholic safe-environment curriculum (K-12) designed to teach children that they are created by God and live within a "Circle of Grace" that holds their body, mind, heart, and soul. It empowers children to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries. This
program will be introduced by Sister Melinda A. Pellerin, ssj: March 8th, March 21st, and a makeup date in April.
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Special Note: For possible religious education class cancellations this winter due to snowy weather, please tune into WWLP Channel 22. We will post cancellations there if we have cancelled, and it must say Holy Name to be our cancellation. If another church is cancelling, it doesn’t mean we are.
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40 Days for Life
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The Spring 40 Days for Life in our Diocese begins Ash Wednesday, February 18 - March 29, 2026.
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Food Pantry Collection
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We are once again requesting food items for the OPEN PANTRY. As always, we appreciate your giving spirit. The items hoped for are: Canned meats and canned vegetables, oatmeal or hot cereal, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese and spaghetti sauce. Please, no perishables!! Thank you very much!
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Blue Army
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On the first Saturday of every month, the Blue Army group follows the 8:15a.m. Mass with a rosary, meditation on the mysteries and confession until approximately 10:00a.m. Everyone is invited to stay after Mass to take part.
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