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Fifth Sunday of Lent March 26, 2023 |
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From the Pastor |
2023 Annual Catholic Appeal
The 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal supports the mission of Saint Augustine—Saint Francis Xavier and the daily work of the Church in Brooklyn & Queens in ways no one parish, or two together, can accomplish alone by supporting the following ministries: Catholic Youth Ministry Initiative, Catholic Charities; Hospital, College and Prison Chaplains; Diocesan Vocations Office; Catholic Migration Services; Office of Faith Formation; Bishop Mugavero Residence for infirmed clergy; and the Futures in Education Scholarship Foundation. All donations made to the ACA above our parish goal are returned directly back to our parish for operations and many needed improvements. For more complete information on the Annual Catholic Appeal and who it assists and serves, please see: https://catholicfoundationbq.org/annual-catholic-appeal/. Please prayerfully consider helping us meet the goal requested of Saint Augustine~Saint Francis Xavier of $69,821, by making a pledge today.
FORMED As you enter Church today, please note the advertising materials for FORMED which is a service providing the very best Catholic content from more than 60 organizations to help parishes, families and individuals explore our faith anywhere. Saint Augustine~Saint Francis Xavier has arranged to provide a free subscription to help our parishioners watch, learn and share. Your free subscription is just waiting to assist you in deepening our faith by pulling together the best in Catholic movies, children’s programming, audio dramas and books. FORMED provides Bible studies, sacramental prep materials, documentaries, books and audio talks from leading Catholic experts and will help us grow in understanding our faith. Please see the related instructions on the last page of the bulletin and sign in to begin using this valuable resource!
Catholic Relief Services Collection Through the generosity of those participating in the second collection last weekend, $1,472. was collected to support the various charities supported through the US Bishops’ Catholic Relief Services Collection. Through your sacrifice, funds from this collection support the work of Catholic organizations that aid victims of war and natural disaster, provide pastoral care to migrant workers, and help welcome refugees fleeing violence and persecution. Thank you for your generous response.
Parish Financial Reports While we await the consolidation of the two parish communities that make up Saint Augustine—Saint Francis Xavier the separate reports provided demonstrate the concerning financial challenges facing us. While many parishioners of this great parish are more than generous, funds are tight. Aside from the great responsibility of addressing the deferred maintenance present in all the buildings which serve us, we must also consider how to best avoid duplicating services that are already offered to those in need through various agencies of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Please join me in prayer & action, as we consider the various changes that are needed as we move forward in faith.
Fr. Frank C. Tumino Pastor
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Sunday’s Readings |
First Reading – The prophet Ezekiel is given a vision of a valley filled with dry bones, which represent the people of Israel who are dead in their exile. The Lord promises to put his spirit within them and restore them to life, bringing them back to their own land. Ezekiel 37:12-14
Responsorial Psalm – This is a psalm of supplication and trust in the Lord’s mercy and redemption. The psalmist cries out to the Lord from the depths and acknowledges that with the Lord there is forgiveness and plenteous redemption, and encourages Israel to wait for the Lord and trust in his word. Psalm 130
Second Reading – Paul teaches that those who live according to the flesh cannot please God, but those who live according to the Spirit have the Spirit of Christ within them and will have life. He declares that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within believers and gives life to their mortal bodies. Romans 8:8-11
Gospel – Jesus receives news that his friend Lazarus is seriously ill, but waits to visit him until after he has died. When Jesus arrives, he raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating his power over death and prompting many to believe in him. John 11:1-45
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Scripture Readings for the Week |
March 27 - April 2
Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Jn 8:1-11 Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Mt 21:1-11 (37); Is 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54 Daily readings and reflections can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
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Lent 2023 |
Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, and there are many resources available to enrich your experience this year. Here are a few: Sign up for daily email reflections in the Best Lent Ever series available for free at dynamiccatholic.com. Creighton University's Online Ministries website offers daily prayers, Lenten audio retreats, various reflections and essays, and archival messages from Pope Francis. Go to onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/ Living Lent Daily is an email series of reflections based on Bible verses from Loyola Press's 3-Minute Retreats. Sign up at loyolapress.com under "Lent." The Sisters of St. Joseph website provides daily reflections. Go to brentwoodcsj.org and go to Ministry Areas>Spirituality to find them. And be sure and check out their Spirit Alive Institute, an ongoing webinar symposium series to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Vatican Council, available on Zoom. The next webinar is "Being the Church in the World: Joys and Griefs, Then and Now," on Feb 15. To register for $10, go to brentwoodcsj.org/spirit-alive-institute/ Fearless: A 7-Week Lenten Video Series is available for free beginning on Feb. 22nd when you sign up as a parishioner at formed.org |
Second Collections for March |
| Easter GiftEaster is the greatest celebration in the Catholic church as we commemorate Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday), and is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year. This collection is an extra holiday offering which our parish depends upon to cover our expenses over the year. |
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| Easter Mass RemembranceIf you would like to remember a loved on during Easter Mass Remembrance week, please submit the names and donations no later than Friday, March 31, 2023.
To remember our loved ones at Easter, envelopes are available for the Masses celebrated each day in the First Week of Easter. The names of your loved ones will be placed at the Altar of Saint Joseph in Both Saint Augustine and Saint Francis Xavier where we can remember our family living and experiencing Easter Joy in Heaven! Envelopes can be found as you enter church or donations can be made online. |
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Easter Flowers 3/26
Donations made for Easter Flowers will help decorate the Churches of Saint Augustine—Saint Francis Xavier with beautiful flowers and plants for Easter. |
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When paying online for a mass remembrance, please add the name of the deceased in the Name box that you would like to have the mass remembrance for. Those need of donation envelopes please call or email the parish office @ 718.638.1880.
Donations can also be made online by going to sasfx.org/giving or clicking on the links below. Thank you so much for your generous donations! |
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Mass Intentions |
Week of 3/25/2023 through 3/30/2023
Saturday, March 25, 2023 5pm The People of Saint Augustine—Saint Francis Xavier Parish
Sunday, March 26, 2023 9:30am Alvin P. Leonard, Matthew G. Leonard 12pm Diego Gerrish, Lourdes Guzman, Angela Reed, The people of Haiti and for St. Andre Parish Dufort, Haiti
Monday, March 27, 2023 9am Deacon Jack Franca
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 9am Mary Kazmierczuk (Living)
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 9am Michael D. Lembo
Thursday, March 30, 2023 9am Jacqueline McDonald
2023 Mass Intentions are Available The 2023 Mass Book is open to schedule daily Mass Intentions. The offering for a Mass intention at Saint Augustine and/or Saint Francis Xavier is $15. Call the parish office to schedule mass intentions for your loved ones or for a special intention. |
In Our Prayers |
May God strengthen and give peace to all of our sick parishioners, relatives and friends, especially for: Josephine Oliga, Doris Anzil, Dorothy Kelly, Suzanne Ramdial, Peter Sun Woo, Silbert Hinds, Raymond Bouchard, Trinidad Siara, Christine Grochocki Myrin, Flavia Langan, John Garone, Kenneth Leger, Edward McCrory, Robert Schlegel, Daniel Joseph, Matt Speicher, David Harrison, Maritza Arroyo, Aida Cuin, Kris Suares, Dasan Broadnax, Anne M. Thompson, Andrew Quinn, Angel Rosa, Luna Victoria Pena, John Hurtado, Jose Pagan, Estella Chan, Ann Gucwa, Joe Guzman, Sylva Svajian-Yahiayan, Samuel Wiener, Dominick Votto, Sylvia Garland, Conor Skelding, Olga Matinsen, Helen McCann & those in Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation facilities.
And for all those who have entered eternal rest. |
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Weekly Memorials |
| The Bread and Wine
Saint Augustine - Francis Xavier Church are offered
In Memory of Carmine and Carmela Taranto
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| The Altar Candles
Saint Augustine - Francis Xavier Church are offered
By Parish Benefactors
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| The Sanctuary Lamp
Saint Augustine - Francis Xavier Church
Memorial Available Please contact the Parish Office
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Parishioners may request these memorials at either Saint Augustine or Saint Francis Xavier, for one week, in memory or in honor of a loved one. Intentions will be published in the weekly bulletin and on the email blast. Please contact the parish office to schedule. 718/638-1880 or email info@sasfx.org. Checks can be mailed to our parish office 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Bread and Wine Offering $25 – Loved ones can be remembered weekly with the bread and wine consecrated at Mass. Altar Candles $20 – The Altar Candles also serve as a reminder of Christ our light and of our call to pray to God without ceasing. Sanctuary Lamp Offering $20 – The Candle above the Tabernacle reminds us of Jesus’ constant presence in the Eucharist. Daily Mass - The offering for Mass intentions at Saint Augustine and/or Saint Francis Xavier is $15.
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PARISH INFORMATION |
Candidates for Full Reception this Easter |
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Please keep those who will complete their Christian Initiation at Easter in your daily prayers. Alexander Azcuy, Eric Kim, and John Watson have dedicated the last 15 months to praying with us at Mass and learning about the Catholic Faith in formal instruction. We are grateful to the parish's faithful members who have witnessed God's love for them, as well as their catechists and sponsors. May God's Holy Spirit continue to illuminate their hearts and minds. |
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SAVE THE DATE FOR CLEAN UP DAY |
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WE NEED YOUR HELP on Saturday! Come and help us clean up the church and get it ready for Easter! Please call the office or email us to let us know that you will be helping. 718.638.1880 info@sasfx.org You can also just show up if you are free! We would love your help.
Thank you in advance for your help!
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Parishioners from Saint Augustine - Saint Francis Xavier and St. Charles Borromeo come together via Zoom to pray several times a week.
We gather on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5PM for the Rosary, and on Fridays at 5PM for Vespers.
No materials are needed, as the prayers are all shared on screen.
Feel free to join us when you can.
The Zoom credentials for all of these prayer gatherings are as follows:
· To join by phone, dial (301) 715-8592 and, when prompted, enter the meeting ID 849 0802 1688 followed by #. You will not need a password.
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LIBRARY BOOK GIVE AWAY |
Free Religious books are in the Vestibule of Saint Francis Xavier! Feel free to take the books that are in the bin that says “Free Books”. Thank you to all who have donated books in the past. Reminder: Please sign out all books that you borrow from the Library and return them in a timely manner. |
Reflection Garden - Saint Francis Xavier |
We want to welcome you to our "Reflection Garden" between Saint Francis Xavier Church and the parish office. Please keep in mind that for your child's safety, you must accompany them at all times. The garden is not a playground and is meant for praying.
While we are in the midst of construction our staff is still working diligently to achieve our weekly goals. The main goal for this garden is quiet reflection.
Please keep this in mind when you visit. As our office window is right next to the garden, please keep in mind that your cell phone conversations are not private. We apologize but will have to ask that cell phone use be prohibited in this space.
Please limit bringing classes to this garden. You must contact the parish office if you are planning on visiting the garden with your students so we can set up a time that is appropriate. We ask that you walk through in a very quiet manner as there are others praying in the Reflection Garden.
Please for the safety of the children, do not let them climb the trees or walk in the flower beds. |
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Construction at the Church Parish Office |
3-24-2023
Slow and steady wins the race! Floors are being pulled up and damage is being repaired. As you can see the staff no longer has access to the front door. Please call the office if you need something or if you have questions.
If you are having items delivered to the office we cannot guarantee that it will arrive safely as we cannot receive anything from the front door. Please make other arrangements.
Please pray for continued patience and success of this particular mission. We want to welcome you all back to a safe space where we could all gather and continue the mission of this parish.
We can’t wait to have our very first event here when it is all said and done!
Thank you to our wonderful staff and parishioners for trusting us during this project. Thank you to Fr. Frank Tumino for putting so much effort into creating a space for future generations. We have no doubt that it will be beautiful and very functional. May God be our guide and may He grant us all the patience needed during this progress.
***Please note: Due to the nature of the ongoing construction, we cannot allow parishioners inside of the Parish Office at this time. The front entrance area is inaccessible. If you have any needs or questions please call the office. |
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Stations of the Cross |
Join us For Stations of the Cross during Lent. We pray with “The Way of the Cross” by St. Alphonsus Liguori Stations of the Cross Each Saturday after 5:00pm Mass at Saint Francis Xavier 225 6th Avenue - Brooklyn, NY |
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SASFX Book Club |
Please join us on Sunday, March 26th at 10:45 am (right after the 9:30 Mass) to talk about our next selection, Lent in Plain Sight: A Devotion Through Ten Objects, by Jill Duffield. We will meet in the Faith Formation office (enter the St. Francis garden by the gate and take the path to the first door on the left, then ring the bell). You can also join us via Google Meet--that link will be sent out a couple of days before our meeting. You do not need a gmail account to participate.
You can also join us via Zoom if you can't come in person. The link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84684626163?pwd=U1ZZdUF3bzMrVmNXTy9QK1Nld2EvUT09
Looking forward to seeing you!
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BROOKLYN BROWNSTONE & BEYOND BOOK CLUB |
The Brooklyn Brownstone and Beyond Book Group meets on Thursday evenings from 7-8PM via Zoom. Our current selection is The Case for God, by Karen Armstrong. The link to join in the discussion is: stcharlesbklyn.org/zoom (The meeting ID is: 849 0802 1688 and the password is: 1584). Please feel free to join us! |
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BROOKLYN BROWNSTONE & BEYOND BIBLE STUDY |
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The Psalms We are currently working on the Psalms using Psalms I—Study Set by Little Rock Scripture Study. The course will focus on hymns, psalms of trust, and wisdom psalms. We have two meetings remaining in this series – February 26 and March 5. Please feel free to join us! We meet on Sundays at 5 PM on Zoom. The book can be purchased here. The link to join is: stcharlesbklyn.org/zoom (The meeting ID is: 849 0802 1688 and the password is: 1584). |
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Diocese of Brooklyn |
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Join us for the 2023 Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage February 22 to April 9 The pilgrimage will visit 42 churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens for a celebration of the gift of the Holy Eucharist. Every day (excluding Sundays) a different parish will host Eucharistic Adoration for all the faithful of our diocese. Journey with hundreds of Catholics and experience the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. For complete details an a list of participating churches, visit by clicking the link below. |
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Save The Date |
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Faith & the City |
The Rev and the Rabbi Live at the Sheen Center: Conversations About Faith & the City and Faith & Celebrity. Fri. Feb 24 11 am. Mayor Eric Adams talks about his faith journey. Free. For info call 212-219-3132 Taking a Chance on God film screening. Mon Feb 27 at 7 pm at Fordham University Lincoln Center. Documentary about pioneer priest John McNeil and his work with LGBT Catholic group Dignity, his ministry during the AIDS crisis, and friendship with peace activist Dan Berrigan. Followed by discussion with filmmaker Brendan Fay. Free. Hearts Aflame: Lectio Divina (reading sacred scripture) for young adults ages 18-35. Beginning Feb 6, Tuesdays 8-8:30, recurring. To join, text 860-368-0826. Sponsored by Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Midday Retreat With the Mystics: the Hesychasts. Conference talk on the Hesychasts contemplative movement followed by guided meditations. Sat Feb 18 12-3 pm. Series about mystics takes place 3rd Saturday of the month. No RSVP required. St. Catherine of Siena church, 411 E. 68th St., NYC. 212-988-8300 |
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St. Francis of Assisi adult education courses: Catholicism 101. Weds Feb 8-Apr 12 (no class Feb 22 or Apr 5) 12:30-1:30 or 6:30-7:30 in person or by Zoom. $80 A Deeper Look at Catherine of Siena: Her Dialogue, Prayers, Spirituality, and Life. Sat. Mar 11 9 am-12 pm on Zoom. $30 Elizabeth of the Trinity: Her Life, Letters, and Spirituality. Sat. Mar 11 1-4 pm on Zoom. $30 Franciscan Short Stories, a 5-week series on the life and times of St. Francis Assisi. Sundays Feb 26-Apr 2 (no class Mar 5) 4-4:45 pm. Free Great Music Inspired by the Old Testament. Tuesdays Feb 28-Apr 4 12-1:30 pm. $60 "I Shall Pour Out Water Upon the Parched Land": Second Isaiah as Story and Promise. Tuesdays Feb 28-Mar 28 12-1 pm on Zoom. $50 To register, go to https://stfrancisnyc.org/courses/ |
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Catholic Pilgrimage to Fatima/Lourdes/ Santiago de Compostela and Barcelona March 13 - 25, 2023 $4,299 per person and includes airfare, all sightseeing, daily Mass with breakfast and dinner daily. For a flyer or more detailed information please call Mike Milano at 1-800-773-2660. |
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Members of the St. Augustine - St. Francis Xavier Prayer Shawl Ministry knit/crochet/quilt shawls, lap blankets, and baptismal shawls while praying for the person who will be the recipient. Prayer shawls can be given for all occasions: birthdays, holidays, as a comfort after a loss, in times of stress, or while undergoing medical treatment. Currently we work at home, but we can offer an occasional Zoom or in person meeting. The Ministry can provide knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn, and patterns to anyone who would like to participate. For more information – or should you, or someone you know, be in need of one of our items - you can email Marge Danser at: prayershawls@sasfx.org |
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Donations to feed the hungry |
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The work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is the Gospel message in action: I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was a stranger, I was naked, I was sick - and you cared. Our St Vincent de Paul ministry here at Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier has been ongoing at Saint Francis Xavier since 1892. Over those many years, parishioners have responded to the needs of the poor in our community through two World Wars, the Spanish Flu epidemic, and the Great Depression. We have helped people with issues such as paying rent, finding an apartment, dealing with legal matters, completing applications for assistance, assisting with funeral costs, and assisting with holiday gifts through the annual Christmas Giving Tree. The distribution of food to those who need it is probably the most visible function to parishioners, as they generously provide donations for the pantry. The people who come to us know that their needs and requests will be kept confidential. Please contact us if you need help or have questions. svdp@sasfx.org To make a donation please follow the click the link below to donate. |
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The Helping Hands Food Pantry Volunteers Needed! |
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What is Eucharistic Adoration? |
| Holy HourWhen Catholics say they are “going to Adoration,” they are typically referring to Eucharistic Adoration. Which, in the most basic terms, is the worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass. The Eucharistic Host is displayed in a monstrance on the altar so that all can see and pray in the presence of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that, “Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the “King of Glory,” respectful silence in the presence of the “ever greater” God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.” (CCC 2628) We can show our adoration to God in many ways, but in Eucharistic Adoration, we spend time adoring the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. |
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How do I Go To Confession? |
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Mailing Address |
Although the consolidation to one Parish is still not complete —it is critical to continue the mission of these historic Catholic Parishes in Park Slope. Parish Office Address The Parish Office for Saint Augustine~Saint Francis Xavier is located at 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. Since there are no longer two staffed offices, please do not leave envelopes, offerings or donations of any kind at Saint Augustine Rectory. Weekly Offering While we rely on the generous weekly sacrifice of those who call Saint Augustine~Saint Francis Xavier their spiritual home, please remember that until the consolidation into one parish is complete, donations in check form, as well as online, need to be made to either Saint Augustine or Saint Francis Xavier Church. Diocesan Collections In order to facilitate the transfer of funds collected in the 2nd collection for various collections of the U.S. Bishops or the Diocese of Brooklyn—those using checks are reminded to make the check payable to Saint Augustine OR Saint Francis NOT the collection taken (as in The Bishop’s Overseas Aid Appeal). Thank you for your patience while we work out all of the details of building maintenance and repairing damage to our buildings.
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