Thanks to the generosity of other donors and the time-consuming, hard work of parishioner Michael Johns, five beautiful bells were installed in our tower in time for the commencement of last week's Mission. The bells were cast by Petit and Fritsen, the Royal Dutch Bell Foundry, Aarle-Rixtel, The Netherlands. The bells are swinging bells which can be operated by rope or electronically. For now, our bells are programmed to ring the daily Angelus at noon, and, on weekends, just prior to the four Masses. Following that is inscribed the Jubilee Year 2000, the name and place of the parish and pastor.
Debt relief is hunger relief.
Countries strained by heavy, unpayable debts will not be able to meet the basic needs of their people. Unwieldy debt payments contribute to the cycle of dependency on foreign agencies instead of building a country's foundation for greater self-sufficiency. Wealthy creditor nations can and should do more for countries facing this burden. Religious Education classes and Children's Catechumenate classes resume this week. March will be a pretty full month, so please check the calendars that will be coming home this week.