WEEKLY NOTES

Saint Olaf Council of Catholic Women

Shall Support, Empower, And Educate Women in

Spirituality, Leadership, And Service.
https://www.stolafccw.org/home

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Hello Ladies

Today's Gospel reading is from John 4, the story of the woman at the well.

Jesus meets up with a Samaritan woman at a well. Two unusual things automatically pop into mind here. First, the woman was a Samaritan. A good Jew would NEVER have dealings with a Samaritan. Second, the woman was a woman. Striking up a conversation with a strange woman was way outside of protocol. Once again, Jesus is breaking down barriers. He reveals to the woman who he really is, the Messiah. She is convinced and begins to spread the word about him. And the scripture tells us that many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him.

Are we willing to break down barriers? Or are we stuck in our own little ruts, only dealing with the people with whom we are familiar and around whom we are comfortable. Jesus was comfortable around everyone. Do you know why? Because He loved everyone. He had nothing to be afraid of. His comfort zones were everywhere. The Bible tells us that perfect love casts out all fear. Can we be more like Jesus, able to break down barriers with love?

Father, forgive us for those times when we put up barriers because of our own fears. Give us the kind of love that breaks down barriers. Amen.

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POPE LEO

Today marks #WomensDay. Let us renew our commitment to recognize the equal dignity of man and woman. Unfortunately, many women, from childhood onward, are still discriminated against and suffer various forms of violence. My solidarity and prayer go to them in a special way.

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Reports from #Iran and across the entire #MiddleEast continue to cause deep dismay and raise the fear that the conflict will expand, and that other countries in the region, including dear Lebanon, may once again sink into instability. Let us #PrayTogether for the roar of bombs to cease, weapons to fall silent, and space to open for dialogue, in which people's voices may be heard.

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Coffee & Donuts

The St Olaf Council of Catholic Women hosts coffee & donuts in the Father McNamara Center after the 9:00 and 11:30 Masses. The success of this fun community event is due to great volunteers. We also now offer Hot Tea, Cocoa, and Apple Cider. 

Please consider scheduling to serve at either Mass.

The St Olaf Council of Catholic Women needs volunteers to set up tables Saturday night or Sunday morning and put away tables Sunday afternoon. This takes two people about 15-20 minutes to set up/take down six tables with chairs. Please call or text Michelle Hale at 385-260-8907 to volunteer. 

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Weekly Bulletin: https://stolafut.org/bulletins

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Upcoming Events

March 14th – Salt Lake Deanery Spring Luncheon @ St. Vincent’s

March 21st – Interfaith Turtle Project Event @ Saint Olaf’s

April 18-29th – DCCW Convention