Confirmation Registration is now closed.

In the 5 weeks since we began registration for this year’s Confirmation Programme, we have enrolled 22 young people (some enrolments remain to be ratified, pending meetings with parents). There have been two meetings for parents, with acceptance of candidates conditional on parent/s attending at least one; there have been individual meetings with parents who couldn’t attend either of the others, and more are scheduled. The Programme has been advertised every week at Mass, and at the European School, and the information has been posted here on the parish website, with constant reminders to keep an eye on the page to keep up-to-date; more than this we are not able to do!

Classes have begun, the first examining ‘What it means to be a Christian’ — essential, basic background for the rest of the Programme. We will try to ensure that candidates who missed the first session will catch up with what they have missed. Obviously the more classes candidates miss, the more their catechesis is compromised, and the more difficult it is to ensure they are properly prepared.

The closing of registration means that we are not accepting any further candidates for the Programme and for Confirmation on 31 May. This is a necessary step to ensure the stability of the Programme and the integrity of its content. If somehow you have missed the deadline, there will be opportunities to enrol in the next Programme when it is organised next year.

We are delighted that so many young people have come forward, and ask that you keep them all in your prayers over the coming months as they prepare to celebrate this important stage on their spiritual journey.

Thank you for your understanding.

Fr Ed

I have received the following request, met with and spoken to the artist herself, and am happy to recommend the project to members of our parish. Lois will be at the 11:15 Mass for the next couple of weeks, and can be contacted on 621 659 571 or by email.

Fr Ed

The People and The Church Photography Project

Hello! I am an artist in resident through the Ministry of Culture for 10 weeks in Bourglinster and I’m from Milwaukee, WI. I am very impressed by the role of the Catholic church here in Luxembourg and am doing a project about the people, the church and the community.

I am in need of volunteers of all ages. I am doing portraits and informal audio interviews of people who regularly attend church and also priests, nuns and people who work or volunteer at the Catholic church.

I hope to make at least 25 portraits during my short stay here, please help me make this happen! I would like to photograph you in a place of meaning to you (in the church or your home…) and then ask you about your experiences and the church and the community.

If you would like to participate it will take about an hour of your time and I will give you a print. The photos are for gallery/museum type shows. I will travel anywhere in Luxembourg so please pass the word along as I would like to get many different people.

I apologize I only speak English and a tiny bit of French! You can contact me if you have any questions or to schedule a time. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Lois Bielefeld         Email: loisbielefeld@gmail.com        # 621.659.571

Confession/the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in English during Lent on Saturdays from 10:00-11:00 and from 15:00-16:00. Saturday 28th February, however, the morning session is not available due to the altar servers’ meeting at the same time. Apologies for this change of plan. I will endeavour to be in the church from 10:45 until 11:15 on this day. Otherwise, Confessions are by arrangement: email or call (691 217 713).

Thanks,

Fr Ed

Last week, a homeless man froze to death close to the church in Bonnevoie — a tragedy very close, in more senses than one, to home. The young man who is usually outside St Alphonse on Sunday also sleeps there every night — asking for money, which we are not sure if we should give or not. Homelessness is a complex issue, seldom involving simply the lack of somewhere to live; it often involves addiction, financial misfortune, mental health issues, relationship difficulties and breakdown — or a mixture of these factors.

How can we respond compassionately and effectively to those around us in desperate need? Simply giving money, either individually or from parish funds, is not enough; Lent presents itself as a good opportunity to come together to discern how best to proceed. It is proposed we have an open meeting (in English) in the parish meeting room at some point in the next couple of weeks. It is also proposed that we invite someone from one or more of the Luxembourg organisations involved with homeless people, so that our discussion and planning can be better informed.

It has been suggested that someone from Stem vun der strooss or Caritas, or another organisation could be approached to speak to us. Any suggestions around this topic will be gratefully received, and a date announced for our meeting as soon as possible. Watch this space.
Thank you,
Fr Ed

Our English-speaking Catholic community is one of the most international in Luxembourg — and that is really saying something in the Grand Duchy! From this weekend, there will be a world map on the reverse of our parish noticeboard; you are invited to find your country of origin, and if it is not already marked, mark it with a coloured pin (provided). In this way we can confirm what we already know: that we are a gathered, diverse community, brought together by the Catholic faith we share and  which we celebrate in our Eucharist each week — and in our other gatherings and events.

I will publish results as we mark them!

Thank you,

Fr Ed