RECTORY OFFICE HOURS: Temporarily closed You may contact us During the Coronavirus Pandemic Monday to Friday FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. via phone number: 718-647-2632 Ext. 0 Fax # 718-647-1321 or via email: Email: stfortunatachurch@gmail.com SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM/ MARRIAGE At this time due to the spread of the Coronavirus the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony will be sched-uled privately with limited participation with a maxi-mum of ten people. SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (Confessions) Please call to schedule an appointment RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CCD) Coming Soon Online classes.

HORARIO DE LA OFICINA:Cerrada Temporalmente Usted puede contactarnos POR TELEFONO Durante la Pandemia de Coronavirus de Lunes a Viernes DE 9:00 A.M. A 5:00 P.M. Tel. # 718. 647-2632 Ext. 0 Fax # 718-647-1321 O por correo electrónico: Correo Electrónico: stfortunatachurch@gmail.com SACRAMENTO DEL BAUTISMO/ MATRIMONIO En estos momentos debido al contagio del Virus Corona los Sacramentos de Bautismo y Matrimonio se harán en privado con una participación de un máximo de 10 Per-sonas SACRAMENTO DE PENITENCIA (Confesiones) Por favor llamen para una cita EDUCACION RELIGIOSA (CCD) Muy pronto clases por Internet

PARISH STAFF/PERSONAL DE LA PARROQUIA Pastor/Párroco: Rev. Jose F. Herrera D.R.E.: Sr. Norieta Tusi, C.S. JB. Pastoral Associate: Sr. Loretta Florio, C.S. JB. Youth Minister: Deacon Rafael Cabrera

The Sunday Mass and daily Mass will be transmit-ted from St. Fortunata via Facebook and

youtube.com. The church is closed until further no-tice.

2609 Linden Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11208. Tel. 718-647-2632 Fax. 718-647-1321

Retired Deacons: Mr. Osborne Miranda & Dr. Okafor Uzoigwe Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Maria Jorge Bookkeeper: Ms. Phyllis Keenan Maintenance: Mr. Carlos Gonzalez Music Director: Mr. Edward McKenna

La Misa dominical y un mensaje diario de parte de nuestro Pastor será transmitida desde Santa

Fortunata en nuestra página de Facebook y Youtube.com. La Iglesia estará cerrada hasta nuevo aviso.

TODAY’S READINGS AND REFLECTION First Reading — As the prophet Samuel anointed David with oil, the spirit of the L rushed upon David (1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a). Psalm — The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Psalm 23). Second Reading — You who were once darkness are now light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-14). Gospel — The man who had been blind from birth proclaimed: The one called Jesus made clay with his saliva, anointed my eyes with it, and told me to wash (John 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38]). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

LIGHT “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Ephesians 5:14). We are at the midpoint of our Lenten journey of conversion. As always, God never gives up on us, especially those who have “fallen asleep” along the road to conversion. The most powerful stories of conversion are proclaimed during these final weeks of Lent. They have the power to shake us out of our sleep. Today’s Gospel story of the healing of the man born blind exposes the real blindness in the time of Christ—the blindness of the self-righteous religious leaders. In a few weeks, at the Easter Vigil, the Church will proclaim “Christ our Light” as the paschal candle is carried into darkened churches throughout the world. May the darkness of sin that still pervades our lives, communities, and world, be dispelled by the Christ who comes to bring sight to the blind and light to the world.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

REFLEXION Y LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — Samuel ungió a David para ser rey (1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a). Salmo — El Señor es mi pastor; nada me falta (Salmo 23 [22]). Segunda lectura — Levántense de entre los muertos, hijos de la luz (Efesios 5:8-14). Evangelio — De esto estoy seguro: Yo era ciego pero ahora puedo ver (Juan 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34- 38]). Salmo responsorial: Leccionario Hispanoamericano Dominical © 1970, Comisión Episcopal Española. Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados.

LUZ “Despierta, tú que duermes; levántate de entre los muertos y Cristo será tu luz” (Efesios 5:14). Estamos a medio camino en la jornada de Cuaresma para la conversión. Como siempre, Dios no se da por vencido con nosotros, especialmente con aquellos que “duermen” en el camino a la conversión. Los más grandes relatos de conversión se proclaman en estas semanas finales de la Cuaresma. Estos tienen el poder de sacudirnos de nuestro sueño. El relato del Evangelio de hoy sobre la curación del ciego de nacimiento expone la verdadera ceguera en tiempos de Cristo –la ceguera de los líderes religiosos que se creían muy buenos y justos. Dentro de pocas semanas, en la Vigilia Pascual, la Iglesia proclamará a “Cristo nuestra Luz” cuando el Cirio Pascual es llevado dentro de las iglesias oscuras de todo el mundo. Que la oscuridad del pecado que impregna nuestra vida, comunidades y nuestro mundo sea disipada por Cristo quien viene trayendo vista al ciego y luz al mundo.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Father Jose is celebrating private Masses; the following intentions are being remembered / El Padre Jose está

celebrando Misas en privado en la cual además de orar por todos nosotros va a pedir por las siguientes intenciones.

Mass Intention / Intenciones de Misa

Saturday, March 21st / Sábado, 21 de Marzo Purgatorial Society Por La Salud de Todos Los Miembros y el Exito

de los Cursillistas de Santa Fortunata Sunday, March 22nd —IV Sunday of Lent Domingo 22 de Marzo —IV Domingo de Cuaresma English Mass Intention: 1) In Thanksgiving for Fanny Obi’s Birthday,

Winnie Obi & Family 2) Muriel Charles (Birthday Blessings), Sr. Amelia Spanish Mass Intention/ Intenciones para la Misa en Español: 1) Carlos Valentin (7 Meses de Fallecido), Su Madre Georgina Gaston 2) Juan De Dios De Jesus (D), Georgina De Jesus Monday, March 23rd / Lunes, 23 de Marzo Sr. Eileen Clarke (Birthday Blessings), Sr. Loretta Tuesday, March 24th / Martes, 24 de Marzo For the Health, God’s Blessings and Protection

For All Our Parishioners and Families Wednesday, March 25th / 25 Miércoles, de Marzo En Acción de Gracias a Jesus Sacramentado Georgina de Jesús Thursday, March 26th /Jueves, 26 de Marzo 1) Juan Cruz (D), Su Madre Juana Cruz 2) Sophie Leggett (13 Years Remembrance), Her

Daughter Nellie Johnson Friday, March 27th / Viernes 27 de Marzo Special Intention of the Mark Family Saturday, March 28th / Sábado, 28 de Marzo Purgatorial Society En Acción de Gracias por los 90 Años de Maria

Espinal Sunday, March 29th —V Sunday of Lent Domingo 29 de Marzo —V Domingo de Cuaresma English Mass Intention: 1) Special Intention for the African Community

of St. Fortunata 2) Msgr. Patrick Usenbor (D), The Adun Okundaye Family Spanish Mass Intention/ Intenciones para la Misa en Español

1) Gumercinda Vargas (D), Angela Tavarez

IV SUNDAY OF LENT/ IV DOMINGO DE CUARESMA

Prayer to End Coronavirus Pandemic (Pope Francis)

O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.

You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee,

we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love,

to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus,

who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross,

to the joy of the resurrection. Amen. Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the

entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

SOCIETIES / GROUPS / MINISTRY CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE/ REUNIONES DE GRUPOS CANCELADAS HASTA NUEVO AVISO

Oración del Papa Ante el Coronavirus (Papa Francisco)

“Oh María, tú resplandeces siempre en nuestro camino como signo de salvación y de esperanza.

Nosotros nos confiamos a ti, Salud de los enfermos, que bajo la cruz estuviste asociada al dolor de Jesús,

manteniendo firme tu fe. Tú, Salvación de todos los pueblos, sabes de qué tenemos necesidad y

estamos seguros que proveerás, para que, como en Caná de Galilea, pueda volver la alegría y la fiesta después de este momento de prueba.

Ayúdanos, Madre del Divino Amor, a conformarnos a la voluntad del Padre y a hacer lo que nos dirá Jesús, quien ha tomado sobre sí nuestros sufrimientos y

ha cargado nuestros dolores para conducirnos, a través de la cruz, a la alegría de la resurrección.

Bajo tu protección buscamos refugio, Santa Madre de Dios. No desprecies nuestras súplicas que estamos en la prueba

y libéranos de todo pecado, o Virgen gloriosa y bendita”.

Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo: “Alégrate Jerusalén, y que

se reúnan cuantos la aman. Compartan su alegría los que estaban tristes, vengan a saciarse con su felicidad.” Así cantaremos cuando logremos superar y erradicar este virus que amenaza a nuestros continentes, para ello necesitamos hacer sacrificios y esfuerzos. Para mi persona se me hace duro no poder celebrar misa diaria con el grupo de feligreses habituales, y más duro no poder congregarnos los domingos para celebrar nuestra Eucaristía, centro de nuestra fe. Necesitamos pedirle al Señor paciencia y disponibilidad para seguir al pie de la letra las indicaciones de la Diócesis y del Gobierno. Al menos nuestra iglesia no se abrirá para quienes deseen venir a orar; de hacerlo así el mal no se va a erradicar. No es prudente abrirla para que la gente venga a rezar. Este más bien será un tiempo de fumigar, limpiar, desinfectar toda la iglesia y tenerla preparada para cuando nos toque regresar –a su tiempo- a seguir celebrando la vida en comunidad, en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, mientras tanto oremos individualmente en nuestros hogares; vienen tiempos más difíciles, tengamos ánimo y esperanza.

En lo posible no se exponga a conglomerados

humanos, evite los trenes, los buses, mejor no salga si no hay necesidad de hacerlo, eso ayudará a no expandir este mal que insospechadamente se está infiltrando en nuestras personas y causando daños letales.

Al Señor nos acogemos. Para la misa dominical

procuraremos ser parte de opciones para que oigan o vean la misa desde Santa Fortunata por Facebook o Youtube.com nos toca hacerlo, por ahora no hay otra forma.

Estemos atentos a las noticias lo más importante,

cuidar nuestra vida, confiar en Dios y orar para que todo se vaya recuperando y aprendiendo de esta realidad saquemos lecciones que nos ayuden a ser mejores creyentes y ciudadanos del mundo. Recuerden que somos Parroquia de Santa Fortunata, no extraviemos el deseo de mantenernos unidos, fortalezcamos el sentido de pertenencia y no se olviden que Dios nos ama, en los resúmenes de la vida reconocemos su presencia. Les amamos.

Abundantes bendiciones para todos, José Francisco Herrera, Su servidor

From the Desk of the Pastor... Del Escritorio Del Párroco... Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Rejoice Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” This is what we will proclaim when we manage to overcome and eradicate this virus that threatens our world. This will come about through our sacrifices and efforts. Personally it is so difficult for me not to be able to celebrate daily mass with the group of our regular parishioners, and even more difficult for me is not to be able to gather on Sundays to celebrate the Eucharist, the center of our faith. We need to ask the Lord to grant us patience and a spirit of cooperation to follow the directives of the Diocesan and civil authorities to the letter. It is not wise for our church to be open for people to come to pray since it may delay the eradication of this virus. We will use the time to fumigate, clean and disinfect the entire church to have it ready in due time when we can return to continue celebrating life in community, god willing. Meanwhile let us continue to pray individually at home. More difficult times are yet to come; let's have courage and hope.

If possible, do not expose yourself to crowds, avoid

trains, buses and do not go out if there is no need to do so; that will help to contain this deadly virus that is unexpectedly infiltrating our people and causing lethal damage.

We are in God’s hands. For Sunday Mass you will

have the option to participate in the Mass on television. Besides the Net TV you will be able to see the Mass from St. Fortunata on our Facebook (St. Fortunata Church Brooklyn) or on Youtube.com. This is what we need to do since there is no other option.

Let us keep abreast of all relevant news and

information. Take care of yourselves, trust in God and pray that all will return to normalcy. At the same time let this reality be a lesson for us to be better believers and citizens of our world. Remember that, as the Parish of Saint Fortunata, we desire to stay together, to strengthen our sense of belonging and that God loves us. In the journey of life we recognize his presence. We love you.

Abundant blessings to all,

Fr. Jose Francisco Herrera, Your servant

The Masses can be seen in NET TV or St. Fortunata Mass via Youtube.com or Facebook. The Televised celebrations of the Mass are scheduled as follows: Saturday at 6 pm: Vigil (English) in NET-TV Sunday at 11 am: (English) in NET-TV Sunday at 1:30 pm: (Spanish) in NET-TV NET-TV can be seen on: Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30) and FIOS (Channel 48) Online at: www.netny.tv

Puede ver la Misa de los domingos por televisión en el canal NET TV y la Misa de Santa Fortunata por Internet a través de youtube.com or Facebook. Sábado a las 6 pm: (En Inglés) en NET-TV Domingo a la 11 am: (En Inglés) en NET-TV Domingo a la 1:30 pm: (Español) en NET-TV El canal NET-TV se ve en: Spectrum (Canal 97), Optimum (Canal 30) y FIOS (Canal 48) en el Internet: www.netny.tv

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK OF SOUL, BODY OR SPIRIT

For All the Sick in our

Parish, our community, our country and around the

world, May God grant us healing and strength. Amen

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Lent Monday: St. Turibius of Mogrovejo Tuesday: World Day for Truth Concerning Human Rights Violations Wednesday: The Annunciation of the Lord Friday: Abstinence SAINT TURIBIUS OF MOGROVEJO (1538-1606) March 23 In times of crisis, God always surprises the Church with unlikely saints, through whom Christ’s light radiates beyond their local

communities to illumine the universal Church. Charles Borromeo was such a saint: appointed Archbish-op of Milan at twenty-one by his papal uncle, epitomizing the corruption that the reformers condemned,

Charles instead inspired a revival that reinvigorated a Church devastated by the Reformation. His less well-known contemporary, Turibius of Mongrovejo, was God’s “saintly surprise” in the New World.

Spanish-born lawyer, professor, head of the feared Inquisition, Turibius was still a layman when a grate-ful king appointed him Archbishop of far-off Lima. Once in Peru, however, Turibius was appalled at the

abuse of indigenous peoples by the occupying conquistadores—his fellow countrymen—and by the complicity of the clergy. He became the natives’ devoted advocate, building churches, schools, hospitals, and the first seminary in the Americas, publishing cate-chisms and prayer books in the native languages he painstakingly mastered. Four hundred years later, whenever Pope Benedict wel-

comed Latin American bishops to Rome, he always invoked “the shining example of San Toribio.” —Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13b; Jn 4:43-54 Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:31-47 Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-12; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday: Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45]

Sacrament of Reconciliation/ Confessions reconcile ourselves with God and our neighbor by receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation. Please call to schedule an appointment.

Sacramento de la Reconciliación/Confesiones Esto es una oportunidad de ponerse en paz con Dios, su prójimo y usted mismo (a). Por favor llame para hacer una cita.

POR FAVOR ORE POR LOS ENFERMOS

Oremos por nuestros enfermos, de nuestra Parroquia, de nuestra

comunidad, de nuestro país y de todo el mundo para que el Señor les dé la Salud de

cuerpo, alma y espíritu. Amén

Weekly Offering Report for the Week We are a Tithing Community following God’s Plan for Giving. The key to understanding how God wants us to give to the Church is found in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “On the first day of the week each of you should set aside whatever you can afford,” In re-

turn for the Lord’s generosity. In the last week our people returned to his Church the Following:

Weekly Offering Report for March 15th, 2020 First Collection: $1,971.–, Children: $57.-, Second Collection: $894.–

“Our weekly offering is one way of saying: we belong to the Lord… and one another. What Does YOUR weekly offering Say? Pray for His guidance THEN renew your commitment to Tithing”.

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