“Lent is a privileged time of interior pilgrimage towards Him who is the fount of mercy.” – Pope Benedict XIV
Sunday readings for March 8, 2026- Third Sunday of Lent
First Reading: Exodus 17:3-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
Gospel: John 4:5-42
Announcements
Special Collection for Sisters from Bangladesh
Because of my connections with Capuchins from across the world, I came to know of Franciscan Sisters in Bangladesh who are in need of a new room. The Sisters are very poor and the cost of the repairs is $12,000. I promised to take up a second collection at Saint John’s and Holy Redeemer and I am astonished at the response!
Saint John second collection $1,1989
Holy Redeemer second collection 4,591
Saint John’s parishioner donation 12,000
Saint John’s parishioner donation 6,000
TOTAL $23,780
I will send $18,000 to the Sisters, more than they need. With permission of the $12,000 donor, I will send $5,780 to the Diocese of Marthandam in South India, a Diocese I personally know well, for the building of a new classroom in a poor village.
I am blessed to know the Capuchin Order and the Catholic Church across the earth, and I can attest that the Church does many good things. I am 100% confident that the donations we collected will have a big impact on the lives of needy people in Bangladesh and India.
Lenten Bible Study
Lent begins on February 18th. We will have bible study to deepen our faith during this time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We will meet on the following Saturdays during Lent- March 14, 21, and 28. We will be discussing the Sunday’s gospel readings with Brother Luke. Bible study will begin at 5pm in the Angelus house and a potluck dinner will follow. All are welcome to join.
Second Collection for the Catholic Church in Latin America
Next Sunday, March 15, we will have the annual collection for the Catholic Church in Latin America. Please be generous
Cultural Heritage Mass
All are welcome to attend the Cultural Heritage Mass on Saturday March 21st at 2pm at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul. This Mass is a celebration of global solidarity with representations of many cultures. Please represent our Holy Redeemer community with your attendance. The main celebrant will be Bishop Esmilla.
Holy Redeemer School Spotlight
March Field Trips & Special Events
We will also host an all-school assembly performance of Bears Tonight! presented by the Walnut Street Theatre on Monday, 3/10at 1 pm. This is sure to be a fun and engaging experience for all of our students!
Chinese New Year Performance Practice & Performance
Our students have been working very hard preparing for the Chinese New Year performances!
Please note the following schedule for participating students:
- Friday, March 6 – 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM
- Monday, March 9 – 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Families and friends are warmly invited to join us for these special performances, with exciting raffles to follow! Come see your child shine as we celebrate culture, tradition, and community through music and dance!
7th Grade – Catholic High School Day (Thursday, March 26)
We encourage all 7th grade families to schedule a shadow day for Catholic High School Day on Thursday, March 26 at one of the Archdiocesan high schools.
If your child attends a shadow day at an Archdiocesan high school on this date, it will be considered an excused absence. Students must submit the note provided by the high school after their visit to receive credit.
TerraNova Exams: Wednesday, March 18 – Wednesday, March 25
As we approach TerraNova testing week, we ask families to help students prepare in healthy and supportive ways:
Get a Good Night’s Sleep – Students should come to school well-rested and relaxed.
Eat a Nutritious Breakfast – Avoid high-sugar foods and choose protein-rich options to help with focus.
Keep a Positive Attitude – Encourage your child and avoid putting pressure on them, as this can cause unnecessary nerves.
You can also remind your child to:
- Read Carefully – Read all instructions twice.
- Skip and Return – Come back to difficult questions.
- Use Elimination – Cross out incorrect answers.
- Manage Time – Use all available time wisely.
- Stay Calm – Take deep breaths if feeling overwhelmed.
From the Nurse’s Office
We are still accepting forms for the UPenn Dental Program for student dental check-ups. If you are interested, please click on this link ——-> Penn Smiles Consent or respond to this email directly to request a form.
Open House Reminder
Our next Open House will be in April. Please feel free to refer friends and family who may be interested in joining our school community. If a referred family applies and enrolls, you will receive a $200 referral credit toward tuition .
Future Open House Dates
Thursday, April 9th – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 11th – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM