The CDA Meatless Lenten Meal for April 4; from 5:00 to 7pm. Father Bernard is having Stations of the Cross (English) at 6pm and (Spanish) at 7:30pm. Father Bernard is encouraging our Parishioners to participate in the Stations of the Cross and support the Catholic Daughters, The meal will consist of: Pasta Alfredo, Baked Ziti, Meatless Lasagna, Mushroom Lasagna, a Salad Bar, a Baked Potato Bar, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Garlic Bread, Lemonade, Sweet Tea, and Coffee we will also be selling raffle tickets for our CDA Easter Basket(s): 1. Boys, 1. Girls, 1. Family Also, selling "He is Risen Magnets".

St. Philip the Apostle Women’s Retreat “Come and See” This is an invitation to all Catholic Women age high school and older. We begin with Mass at 9:00 with breakfast to follow. Featured speakers are our Pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Father Bernard Oleru, M.S.P., and introducing Jean Whelan, Facilitator of Women of Joy Prayer & Scripture Study at St. Mark Catholic Church, Huntersville, NC and our own Spiritual Director, Marie Gomez. Breakfast and Lunch is included. This retreat is inspired by our Pastor and coordinated by the Women of the St. Philip the Apostle Parish Council. “Come and See”

As we enter the holy season of Lent, the Knights of Columbus stand united in reflection, prayer, and service, embracing the call to deepen our faith and grow closer to God. Lent is a time for personal renewal, and the Knights are committed to living out the values of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. During this period, we engage in acts of service and prayer, supporting their communities and families while focusing on the sacrifices that help strengthen their spiritual lives. It is a time to take up new practices of devotion, including fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, to align our hearts with the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. Throughout Lent, the Knights of Columbus also provide opportunities for fellowship and support, whether through parish events, retreats, or service projects. By living out their faith in action, they encourage all members to reflect on the significance of the Lenten journey. As a brotherhood, they walk together in solidarity, helping one another grow in holiness while reaching out to those in need. The Knights invite everyone to join in their mission of charity, prayer, and service, using the Lenten season to renew their commitment to Christ and to the core principles that guide their order. Paul Lyon Grand Knight 540-273-1805

Dear Friends in Christ, This coming week at our Church Father Bernard is hosting a Regional Gathering of Nigerian Priests from his order- Missionaries of St. Paul. There will be 10-12 total in attendance. Father Bernard will be hosting as many as he can at the rectory however, they can’t all stay there. I am making reservations for them each to stay 2 nights at the Hilton Garden Inn just a few blocks from St. Philips. We are also arranging for meals (Nigerian food). My request is any amount of monetary donation to help with the food and lodging would be appreciated. Father does not want the Church to pay for this however if you could write a check to St. Philip the Apostle it will go toward your contributions – just earmarked for this special occasion. Please put in the ‘memo’ – MSP Regional Gathering either online or basket. I can make sure cash is also credited to your contribution numbers. If you have Hilton Honors points to contribute – I’m working with the Hilton to arrange that too! Please let me know if you can help – Thank you!! Dawn McGinn Parish Council Chairperson (President)

St. Philip the Apostle Spanish Food Sell on Sunday 16th of March after all Masses. The Spanish Food sell donations will be used towards replacing the Parish Hymn Books

Our Vision for the Charity Golf Tournament The Knights of Columbus Council 7152 of Statesville will be holding a Charity golf tournament on Monday, September 15, 2025, at River Oaks golf club in Statesville. The Knights of Columbus is a national Charitable 501c-3 (tax deductible) Organization that has been dedicated for decades to helping a whole variety of charitable works. Our Statesville Council, residing at St. Philip the Apostle, has donated over 2,637 hours in 2024 for various charitable works, we want to do more in 2025!

4 Catholic Daughters, Mary Zemaitis, Laurie Latragna, Beverly Mencsik, and Anne Lyon were able to make a trip to St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Mars Hill NC to tour the Hurricane relief distribution center still operating 5 days a week to assist residents in the area recover from the devastating destruction of Hurricane Helene. Kelly and Mary greeted us with a very warm welcome and explained what they are currently doing to assist those in need. All items in stock have been donated and they have not had to purchase anything thus far. The church has a wish list on Amazon and generous donations have been made. Someone even donated a storage shed now set up in the parking lot to hold excess water etc. We brought lunch for the 5 volunteers and will be sending a check of $300.00 which will be very welcomed. Sitting down and sharing a meal gave everyone an opportunity to share what we as Catholic Daughters do to help others and they in turn shared stories of the area and the continued need for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

St. Philip the Apostle is on a journey know, love, and serve Christ in our parish community. Together we must embrace Christ’s vision for missionary discipleship so our parish can thrive and be a place for others to grow together in faith. The very first step in this process involves assessing our greatest strengths and opportunities, and that is where the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) comes in! The DMI is an important survey tool that invites you to reflect on your discipleship journey here at St. Philip the Apostle. The Disciple Maker Index is designed to:  .  • Invite parishioners to reflect on their journey of discipleship. • Enable parish leadership to make data-driven decisions.  • Help parishioners grow in their faith.   The 10–15-minute survey can be accessed through an online link from March 5th through April 8th and will ask you to reflect on your own spiritual growth and enable you to provide your perspective on our parish’s efforts to help you grow in relationship with Christ. All responses will be confidential, and the parish will only receive information about the community as a whole. We will share the link with you a bit closer to the launch of the survey. Paper surveys will also be available for those who do not have the ability to complete the survey online. Together we must embrace Christ’s vision for missionary discipleship so our parish can thrive and be a place for others to grow together in faith. Thank you for helping with this important project and please continue to pray for this intention and for the growth and protection of our parish.  Bishop Martin

Our Lenten Penance Service is Monday March 10th at 7pm. We will have a special line for the disable and elderly parishioners. We will have 16 priests on hand to hear confession. PREPARE FOR THIS HOLY SEASON.