The Nativity Book Club will meet Monday, April 29 at 7pm in the Parish Library to discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah.

“Women can be heroes, too.”

When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these unexpected words, it is a revelation. Raised on idyllic Coronado Island and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing, being a good girl. But in 1965 the world is changing, and she suddenly imagines a different choice for her life. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war, as well as the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed and politically divided America.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on the story of all women who put themselves in harm’s way to help others. Women whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has all too often been forgotten. A novel of searing insight and lyric beauty, The Women is a profoundly emotional, richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose extraordinary idealism and courage under fire define a generation.

Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is a very old devotion in our Church that highlights the fundamental mystery of the Holy Eucharist – that our Lord is truly present, body and blood, soul and divinity in the Blessed Sacrament.

Exposition begins as the priest places the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance on the altar for adoration. At this time, a hymn of praise (such as O Salutaris Hostia) is sung as the priest incenses the Blessed Sacrament. During the period of adoration, the faithful may pray in quiet and foster a deeper spiritual communion with the Lord. The adoration period may also include prayers, such as a novena or Liturgy of the Hours, and Scripture readings accompanied by a homily to increase the understanding of the Eucharistic mystery.  At the end of the adoration, the priest again incenses the Blessed Sacrament as a hymn of praise (such as Tantum Ergo) is sung, and then blesses the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament, making the sign of the cross.  After the blessing, the priest reposes the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.

If you are interested in participating in this time-honored ritual, please join us in the church on Friday, May 3. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins at 8:30am and the Benediction & Reposition is 10:00am-10:15am.

Join the Knights of Columbus (Council 3187) for the Blessed Michael J. McGivney Grant Fundraiser on Saturday, May 4 from 5:30pm-8pm in the Parish Hall. 

Admission is free. post time is 6:20pm. Lite fare and refreshments will be served. Families welcome – games and prizes.

Sponsorships Available
Win Sponsor – $500
Place Sponsor – $250
Show Sponsor – $100

If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact Mike Losch at mlosch@signumbio.com or at 732-320-5192.

Our next Blood Drive will take place on Tuesday, May 7 from 12:30pm-6:30pm in the Parish Hall.

To sign up please go to: tinyurl.com/ChurchoftheNativity1.

Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome if drive capacity permits.

Thank you for your continued generosity!

Do you play Mahjong? Would you like to learn?

We will be hosting Mahjong games in the Parish Hall on Wednesdays from 1pm-3pm starting May 8 and ending June 12. All levels of play. If you are new to the game, Mary Tokanos will provide lessons.

Come as your schedule allows – you do not have to come all 6 weeks. Kindly RSVP to Mary Ann O’Neil at (941) 587-8244 or maryannsrq@gmail.com.