Father Chris has announced Holy Week Schedule, all streamed Live on Facebook and later uploaded to Youtube: You may go to archindy.org for specific guidelines or to our website section titled ARCHBISHOP THOMPSON ANNOUNCEMENTS. If you have questions, you may email MaryRose @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

                                                                         Uploaded to Youtube channel

Palm Sunday 10 AM                                              1:00 PM EST
Holy Thursday 7 PM                                           10:00 PM EST
Good Friday Services 3 PM                                  6:00 PM EST
Easter Vigil 7 PM                                                  10:00 PM EST
Easter Morning 10 AM                                          1:00 PM EST

3 April 2020

Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

            Greetings in Jesus Christ the Cornerstone!  Though it may seem as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel during this time of sheltering and social distancing to combat the coronavirus, let us not forget that every Lenten Season of penance and sacrifice gives way to the awesome joy of Easter.  Beyond the cross is the wonder of the empty tomb and encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. 

            Given the drastic shutdown of so many businesses and various places of work, many are already experiencing great economic, emotional and personal hardship.  The prospect of enduring another month or so before the economy can begin to reverse course weighs heavily on many households.  The poor and vulnerable are often most impacted by the effects of any crisis.

            For those who are blessed with economic security, if you have not already been doing so, please consider providing financial support to your parish in this critical time.  The Church stands as a beacon of hope in many communities, hope that does not so much radiate in the brick and mortar of a building as through the ministries and services provided by your parish.  Many in our communities, including fellow parishioners, are in need of various forms of medical care.  Throughout this pandemic, the archdiocese and parishes are continuing to provide service to the poor and vulnerable, especially by way of food and shelter.  This is a particularly lonely and confusing time for those who have never found themselves in a situation of needing to ask for assistance.  On behalf of all those served by your generosity, thank you. 

            Catholics are not very good at advertising our great works and successes, and rarely do these make the spotlight.  The fact remains, however, that the Catholic Church is the single most charitable institution in the United States and the world.  The Catholic Church daily provides ministries and services of outreach to thousands of individuals and families.  We do so because we are Catholic.  Anchored in Word and Sacrament, especially the Eucharist, Service is the hallmark of our baptismal call to holiness and mission in the name of Jesus Christ. 

             Underlying the incredible charitable works of the Church is the commitment of its members being good stewards and faithful disciples.  Please continue to support your parish in helping others who are less fortunate and in need.  Pope Francis often points to the Parable of the Good Samaritan (cf. Luke 10:29-37) and the Parable of the Talents (cf. Matthew 25:31-46) as the measure for loving and serving our neighbor.  Each of us makes a difference in the lives and spirits of many beyond what can be truly appreciated.

            With assurance of my prayers and blessings for everyone throughout the archdiocese, I remain

                                                                                    Sincerely yours in Christ,

                                                                                    +Charles C. Thompson

                                                                                    Archbishop of Indianapolis

 

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I’m sure you agree with me that this is a time unlike any other. A worldwide health crisis has forced us to do things—and not do things—that before now were unheard of. Just a month ago, most of us would never have imagined that no public celebrations of Mass would be allowed, that schools would be closed, or that all sports activities and entertainment programs would be canceled.

This is a Lent unlike any other in our Church’s 2,000-year history. It’s a true desert experience where prayer, fasting and the sharing of all God’s gifts take on a new, and very powerful, meaning for us all.

The worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus has reminded us that we are utterly dependent on the grace of God for everything that is important to us. It has also shown us that we truly are sisters and brothers, one family under God, who need to work together to survive—and flourish—as individuals, families, and communities.

As difficult as it is not to celebrate Mass in our churches, we all remain spiritually united. For centuries when the faithful have been unable to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist they have been encouraged to make an act of Spiritual Communion. We continue to draw strength from Word and Sacrament as a true source of grace in communion with our Lord.

Lent is a time of preparation for the joy of Easter. We don’t know how long Lent will last this year. The emergency measures imposed on us to prevent, or at least slow, the spread of this deadly virus may well extend into the Easter season. But our faith assures us that our God is with us and that once this long Lent is over, we will once again know the joy of Christ’s resurrection.

Let’s make this Lenten penance productive. Let’s use this time to grow in prayer—especially for all victims of the coronavirus and their caregivers, for all who are out of work because of travel restrictions and business closings, and for all those who are “at-risk” and are experiencing deep-seated fear and anxiety.

Let’s practice self-denial in a spirit of Christian charity as we give up our normal routines and accept temporary shortages of food and supplies. And let’s share generously with others from the store of spiritual and material gifts we have received from our good and gracious God.

Finally, let’s turn to our Blessed Mother Mary, who intercedes for us, her children, and who never fails to provide comfort and assistance when we are in trouble. In the words of Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in his prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe:

Pray for us, loving Mother
And gain for our nation and world,
And for all our families and loved ones,
The protection of your holy angels,
That we may be spared the worst of the illness.

May God bless you and keep you safe during this challenging time. May Christ be with us now as we place all our trust in Him.  Thank you.

Dear Friends,

Beginning this Sunday, March 22^nd at 10:00 am, and until we can return to Church, I will be celebrating Mass each Sunday live via Prince of Peace Catholic Church Facebook page. You need only to click on the Facebook page or go to the parish website to join us Sunday at 10:00 am.  At that time, we will pray especially for those who have died from the Coronavirus, those presently suffering from Coronavirus, and a quick end to its spread.

         I have another great concern regarding our parish and school finances. The Archdiocese and I firmly agree, has asked us to continue to pay all our employees even if they are not presently able to work whether they are full time or part-time, salary or hourly.  The problem is that we pay those employees and our subsidy to the schools through our Sunday Mass collections.  On average we collect $12,200.00 a weekend.  Last weekend, with many people staying away from Mass for fear of the virus, we collected only $6,500.00.   This weekend, and for the unforeseeable future, we will collect nothing!  We do receive online collection every week of about $1,200.00 but that still leaves us $11,000 in the hole each week we are not at Mass.  Our savings are only enough to meet the next payroll and if we do not take in more financial stewardship, we will have to borrow money.  I hate borrowing money when I do not know how we will be able to pay it back in the future.

         If you would please continue your Sunday financial stewardship, I would be eternally grateful!  You may mail it to the parish office, or the easiest way is to donate on-line through the parish website at popeace.org.  If you need assistance you may call the parish office at 812-265-4166.  I am also available personally on my cell phone at 812-801-5779 for any concern or need you have.   

         In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus heals a man born blind. Jesus' disciples ask him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  Jesus responds, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.” Through our response to this crisis by supporting, praying and working with one another God can also be made visible through us!!!

 

Peace, Safety, and Blessings,

                                               Father Chris

************************************************************************************

March 29 Mass: click here

March 22 Mass:

CLICK HERE Choose Video on the left side of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church page (remember our page has the Holy Spirit picture as the profile picture ) and then click the video you want to watch. If you want to watch a LIVE video, be on the page a few minutes before the scheduled mass and wait. You may have to refresh the page however you should be able to watch it. 

CLICK HERE  Masses that have occurred will be uploaded. 

CLICK HERE

Note from MaryRose: Due to recent events in regard to the Coronavirus, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has canceled all masses and parish events. The parish office is closed. If you need to drop off your parish donations, you may do so during our working hours, Mondays 8-3 pm. If you are in need of assistance, please contact us by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling and leaving a message, 812-265-4166.  We are doing our best to keep you up to date and informed but please remember this is a fluid situation. Below you will find "Weblinks". This will take you to different web pages for masses and resources. God Blessings. 

 

Want a link to Spiritual Communion? Click Here to listen to Donna Cori Gibson sing the Spiritual Communion.

 

Weblinks:  links to important information concerning bulletins and online masses

Parish Contributions: You may mail your envelopes to 305  West State St, Madison, IN 47250. You can give online by Clicking HERE. You can make a one time gift or you can set reoccurring giving. Please consider this.