*If you know of any upcoming events you'd like to see on our website, please contact Marc & Carmelle Robichaud via email at marccarm@nb.sympatico.ca.
Scroll down to see current events and community information:
Scroll down to see current events and community information:
APRIL 27/28, 2024 WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HELP GETTING TO SUNDAY MASS IN HAMPTON – One of our parishioners that lives in the 700 block of Main Street, Hampton, is in need of a ride to and from Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus. If you are able to help, please call the office (506) 832-3327.
COOKIES FOR ROMERO HOUSE – Last Friday of this month is April 26th. Shelagh and Don. sincerely appreciate your help with their monthly “Cookies for Romero House” campaign. ALL donations gladly accepted. Contact Shelagh or Don. at (506) 943-3493.
HAMPTON FOOD BASKET’S SPRING CLOTHING DRIVE – We are looking for clean, gently used spring and summer clothing for the whole family including footwear. No winter wear please, we have limited storage space! We will also accept bedding, towels and linens that are in good shape.
Please drop off your donations at St. Alphonsus Church, 22 Church Street, Hampton (back parking lot) as follows:
Saturday, May 4th – 10:00 a.m. until noon;
Thursday, May 9th – 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; and
Saturday, May 11th – 10:00 a.m. until noon.
Thank you for your continued support. Distribution will be later in the month.
AASEA RETREATS –Silent Directed Retreats are being offered with directors from the Saint John Local AASEA at the Villa Madonna Retreat House in June. A 5–Day Silent Directed Retreat takes place from Mon., June 10 to Fri., June 14, 2024, with a registration cost of $130.00 and $570.00 due upon arrival. A 4–Day option is also available from Tue., June 11 to Fri., June 14, 2024 with a registration cost of $130.00 and $400.00 due upon arrival. Pre-retreat instalment payment may be arranged. For registration and more information, please contact Bob McDermott at mcdermot@nbnet.nb.ca. These retreats are for those seeking an atmosphere of silence. They include daily meetings with a director and daily Eucharist.
EVENING PRAYER IN CARMEL CHAPEL (103 Burpee Avenue, Saint John) - Last Wednesday of each month, January 31st until June 26th, 2024. The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. with instrumental music by a local musician. Prayer ritual begins at 6:30 pm. PARKING: Both sides of Burpee Ave. and Rocmaura lot off Park Street. Weekday contact info: (506) 634-4970.
May 29 * June 26
AUDITE SPRING RETREATS AT VILLA MADONNA: Each retreat begins with supper at 5:00 p.m. on May 27th and ends at 2:00 p.m. on the last day, either May 29th or 31st. Team of Audité and four invited Facilitators, in an atmosphere of welcoming Silence. Persons first time for this Audité retreat may request half-price registration.
4-day Retreat… Mon., May 27th to Fri., May 31st - COST: $479.00;
2-day Retreat…Mon., May 27th to Wed., May 29th - COST: $237.50.
Email: audite119@bellaliant.net
Knights of Columbus Silver Rose Pilgrimage - Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life. This year the Silver Rose will be in the Diocese of Saint John on Sunday, May 5, 2024. All are invited to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 3:00 pm for a Silver Rose prayer service as we ask the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe in promoting a culture of life.
STEUBENVILLE ATLANTIC 2024 YOUTH CONFERENCE - Youth aged 14-18 are invited to participate in this event held at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS from July 5-7. If you are between 18 and 21, you can attend as a Peer Leader. Before registering, please talk to your parish priest or RE coordinator about registration. Conference information can be found on the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth website under Steubenville Atlantic. Transportation to NS is included in the registration fee of $300.00. Pick up locations will be from Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton. For more information please contact Patricia Lee at: catechesis@dioceseofsaintjohn.org or 506-627-6465.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – Divine Mercy Catholic School seeks a Principal in Saint John, NB. If you're dedicated to nurturing students' academic and spiritual development through Catholic values and academic excellence, explore this opportunity at: https://www.divinemercycatholicschool.ca/principal-job-posting
CCCB WEBINARS FOR THE YEAR OF PRAYER – In this Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, the CCCB is offering a webinar series, “A Great Symphony of Prayer”. The webinars are based on the themes contained in the prayer booklets prepared by the Jubilee Office in Rome. Available in both official languages, each series of webinar on prayer will consist of four parts; one series will take place in the spring (already started) and the other in the fall (October 3 to 24th).
Dr. Josephine Lombardi (St. Augustine’s Seminary) will present the spring series titled “A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life.” The first and second webinars have already taken place. However, the third and fourth webinars in the series take place on Tuesday, April 23 (Daily Bread and the Gift of Forgiveness) and Tuesday, April 30 (Managing Trials and Resisting Evil Fall Series on Prayer). Visit https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/a-great-symphony-of-prayer-the-our-father-as-a-programme-of-life for more information and to register.
SONGS OF SANCTUARY – Saturday, April 27th, 7:00 p.m. at Stella Maris Church (201 Bayside Drive, Saint John), the Cantores Celestes Maritimes and the Saint John Men’s Chorus, directed by Kelly Galbraith, will be performing. Featuring Song of the Universal, Freedom Trilogy and works by Bruckner, Faure, Vaughan Williams plus beloved songs of friendship and support. General Admission: $25.00. For more information, see the poster on the bulletin board at St. Alphonsus.
TRINITY CHURCH’S CHIMING & TIMING CAMPAIGN - On Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m., recitalist MICHAEL MOLLOY will perform a ROYAL CONCERT of ORGAN MUSIC. To celebrate the anniversary of King Charles’ coronation, this recital features regal music for kings and queens from coronations, jubilees, weddings and funerals, all performed on Trinity’s 280 voice organ.
This is a fund-raiser for Trinity Church (115 Charlotte Street, Saint John) to get the TOWER BELLS pealing, once again, over the city. For advance ticket sales call the Church Office (506) 693-8558. COST: $30.00, with a tax receipt of $10.00.
Thank you for considering supporting “Saint John's Church of the Loyalists”. See poster on bulletin board.
VILLA MADONNA RETREAT HOUSE MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH – Sunday, May 12th from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at the Retreat House, 115 Villa Madonna Road, Rothesay. What a wonderful way to honour our mothers and other women in our life. Take the time to relax and enjoy the warmth and comfort of the house.
Caterered by Childs Catering the menu is: Buttermilk Pancakes with fresh Blueberry sauce, Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce on an English Muffin, Sausages, Baked Ham, Assorted Croissantwiches, Curry Squash and Tomato Basil Soup, Assorted Sweets, Coffee, Tea, Juice
COST: Adults $25.00; Children 5 – 12 $12.00; Children 4 and under Free
Payment can be taken at the door or etransfer to: villa.admin@nb.aibn.com
MASS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER – Beginning this May, the Mass for Those Living with Cancer will now be celebrated on the third (3rd) Tuesday of the month. The next monthly Mass for Those Living with Cancer, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 21st at 7:00 pm. Anointing of the Sick will be offered.
IN CONCERT WITH DEANTHA EDMUNDS – With the Saint John String Quartet at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on the Common, Rothesay, Sunday, April 28th at 3:00 p.m. Admission: free will offering.
Deantha is Canada’s first Inuk professional classical singer and an award winning performer. She looks forward to sharing some of the sacred classical music in Inuktitut from Nunatsiavut. Our Lieutenant Governor has expressed interest in this concert and may attend. Please consider attending and bring a friend.
KNOWLEDGE CAFE – Hampton Resource Centre (Fridays at 11:00 a.m. - noon):
Everyone is welcome. Refreshments are provided. If schools are cancelled due to the weather, the Knowledge Café is also cancelled.
PRO-LIFE CRASH COURSE! In Canada, about 300 innocent children are aborted every single day. Do you want to learn how to defend pre-born children, and have fruitful conversations about abortion? Join for training and hands-on experience doing pro-life outreach in Saint John NB from May 3-4. You will learn pro-life strategy and apologetics that will equip you to reach our culture to change minds and save lives. Application deadline is April 24. For more information or to apply visit endthekilling.ca/nb.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) SAINT JOHN OFFICE – Message from Dawn O'Dell, Community Program Coordinator:
“MAKING WELLNESS A PRIORITY” – The Canadian Mental Health Association is presenting a monthly series that addresses the 8-dimensions of wellness and helps individuals in achieving whole-person wellness. Starting Tuesday, May 7 @ 2:30 p.m. – Intellectual Wellness with Daniela Fernandez, Director of Community Engagement 211 NB.
Daniela will present an overview of the 211 NB service, how it can help people connect to the full range of social, community and government programs and how it can support service providers in their frontline and community work.
The Making Wellness A Priority sessions are held at the Kennebecasis Public Library. To pre-register call 506-652-1447. See poster on bulletin board at St. Alphonsus.
WEE ONES BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN – Some of you might remember last year’s campaign, between St. Anthony’s and St. Alphonsus, together, we raised $2,351.41. According to the Sussex Pregnancy Care Centre, we were the highest contributing church group in last year’s campaign. The “Wee Ones Campaign” will return, this year. Your simple act of generosity can make a lasting impact in the lives of young mothers, fathers and babies by giving them an opportunity to choose life, learn and grow. It may seem like a small contribution, to you, but the impact is HUGE!
This year, the campaign will run from May 12th (Mother’s Day) to June 16th (Father’s Day). I’ll remind you as Mother’s Day approaches. One parishioner has already made their donation! Now that’s enthusiasm. The Sussex Pregnancy Care Centre is a registered charity and can issue a receipt for income tax purposes.
INCOME TAX CLINIC – There are only two more Tuesday morning tax clinics - April 23rd and 30th. This clinic is held at the Hampton Resource Centre (31 Demille Court) from 9:00 a.m. until noon. No appointment necessary; first come, first served. This clinic is for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. For more information, speak with Wendy in the parish office.
HAMPTON SENIORS RESOURCE CENTER – WELLNESS PROGRAMS: Something new this year. Indoor winter walking started Tuesday, Jan. 15th at noon. See poster on bulletin board for more information.
Information regarding a new initiative designed to help area seniors age well at home – “Nursing Home without Walls”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*DIAL-A-RIDE, FUNDY REGION - The purpose of this program is to help residents with barriers to transportation get to their needed services, such as medical appointments and food banks or grocery shopping. Since the program is volunteer-driven they rely on volunteers to make this possible. Currently, they have a number of clients who need help with affordable transportation in the KV - Hampton areas. This seems to be one of the hardest areas to find volunteers. COVID protocols (masks) are enforced for both the client and driver – no exceptions.
Clients that use this service pay a minimal fee ($0.41/km) and drivers are reimbursed for their km's at $0.45/km. For shorter distances, a flat fee of $5.00, one way or $10.00 round trip, may be charged. This is a relatively new service. They are finding it difficult to recruit suitable volunteers and are often not able to fulfill all of their ride requests. This past month alone, over 100 ride requests were denied due to no volunteer being available. If you can volunteer to be a driver, contact Annie Dunn, Regional Transportation Director, Fundy Region Community Network Inc. at (506) 609-7433. Additional information about this group can be found on their website: www.nbcommunitytransit.com. If you know of someone who may need to use this service, call Charlotte (dispatch) at (506) 349-8551 to book a ride.
HELP GETTING TO SUNDAY MASS IN HAMPTON – One of our parishioners that lives in the 700 block of Main Street, Hampton, is in need of a ride to and from Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus. If you are able to help, please call the office (506) 832-3327.
COOKIES FOR ROMERO HOUSE – Last Friday of this month is April 26th. Shelagh and Don. sincerely appreciate your help with their monthly “Cookies for Romero House” campaign. ALL donations gladly accepted. Contact Shelagh or Don. at (506) 943-3493.
HAMPTON FOOD BASKET’S SPRING CLOTHING DRIVE – We are looking for clean, gently used spring and summer clothing for the whole family including footwear. No winter wear please, we have limited storage space! We will also accept bedding, towels and linens that are in good shape.
Please drop off your donations at St. Alphonsus Church, 22 Church Street, Hampton (back parking lot) as follows:
Saturday, May 4th – 10:00 a.m. until noon;
Thursday, May 9th – 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; and
Saturday, May 11th – 10:00 a.m. until noon.
Thank you for your continued support. Distribution will be later in the month.
AASEA RETREATS –Silent Directed Retreats are being offered with directors from the Saint John Local AASEA at the Villa Madonna Retreat House in June. A 5–Day Silent Directed Retreat takes place from Mon., June 10 to Fri., June 14, 2024, with a registration cost of $130.00 and $570.00 due upon arrival. A 4–Day option is also available from Tue., June 11 to Fri., June 14, 2024 with a registration cost of $130.00 and $400.00 due upon arrival. Pre-retreat instalment payment may be arranged. For registration and more information, please contact Bob McDermott at mcdermot@nbnet.nb.ca. These retreats are for those seeking an atmosphere of silence. They include daily meetings with a director and daily Eucharist.
EVENING PRAYER IN CARMEL CHAPEL (103 Burpee Avenue, Saint John) - Last Wednesday of each month, January 31st until June 26th, 2024. The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. with instrumental music by a local musician. Prayer ritual begins at 6:30 pm. PARKING: Both sides of Burpee Ave. and Rocmaura lot off Park Street. Weekday contact info: (506) 634-4970.
May 29 * June 26
AUDITE SPRING RETREATS AT VILLA MADONNA: Each retreat begins with supper at 5:00 p.m. on May 27th and ends at 2:00 p.m. on the last day, either May 29th or 31st. Team of Audité and four invited Facilitators, in an atmosphere of welcoming Silence. Persons first time for this Audité retreat may request half-price registration.
4-day Retreat… Mon., May 27th to Fri., May 31st - COST: $479.00;
2-day Retreat…Mon., May 27th to Wed., May 29th - COST: $237.50.
Email: audite119@bellaliant.net
Knights of Columbus Silver Rose Pilgrimage - Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life. This year the Silver Rose will be in the Diocese of Saint John on Sunday, May 5, 2024. All are invited to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 3:00 pm for a Silver Rose prayer service as we ask the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe in promoting a culture of life.
STEUBENVILLE ATLANTIC 2024 YOUTH CONFERENCE - Youth aged 14-18 are invited to participate in this event held at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS from July 5-7. If you are between 18 and 21, you can attend as a Peer Leader. Before registering, please talk to your parish priest or RE coordinator about registration. Conference information can be found on the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth website under Steubenville Atlantic. Transportation to NS is included in the registration fee of $300.00. Pick up locations will be from Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton. For more information please contact Patricia Lee at: catechesis@dioceseofsaintjohn.org or 506-627-6465.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – Divine Mercy Catholic School seeks a Principal in Saint John, NB. If you're dedicated to nurturing students' academic and spiritual development through Catholic values and academic excellence, explore this opportunity at: https://www.divinemercycatholicschool.ca/principal-job-posting
CCCB WEBINARS FOR THE YEAR OF PRAYER – In this Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, the CCCB is offering a webinar series, “A Great Symphony of Prayer”. The webinars are based on the themes contained in the prayer booklets prepared by the Jubilee Office in Rome. Available in both official languages, each series of webinar on prayer will consist of four parts; one series will take place in the spring (already started) and the other in the fall (October 3 to 24th).
Dr. Josephine Lombardi (St. Augustine’s Seminary) will present the spring series titled “A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life.” The first and second webinars have already taken place. However, the third and fourth webinars in the series take place on Tuesday, April 23 (Daily Bread and the Gift of Forgiveness) and Tuesday, April 30 (Managing Trials and Resisting Evil Fall Series on Prayer). Visit https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/a-great-symphony-of-prayer-the-our-father-as-a-programme-of-life for more information and to register.
SONGS OF SANCTUARY – Saturday, April 27th, 7:00 p.m. at Stella Maris Church (201 Bayside Drive, Saint John), the Cantores Celestes Maritimes and the Saint John Men’s Chorus, directed by Kelly Galbraith, will be performing. Featuring Song of the Universal, Freedom Trilogy and works by Bruckner, Faure, Vaughan Williams plus beloved songs of friendship and support. General Admission: $25.00. For more information, see the poster on the bulletin board at St. Alphonsus.
TRINITY CHURCH’S CHIMING & TIMING CAMPAIGN - On Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m., recitalist MICHAEL MOLLOY will perform a ROYAL CONCERT of ORGAN MUSIC. To celebrate the anniversary of King Charles’ coronation, this recital features regal music for kings and queens from coronations, jubilees, weddings and funerals, all performed on Trinity’s 280 voice organ.
This is a fund-raiser for Trinity Church (115 Charlotte Street, Saint John) to get the TOWER BELLS pealing, once again, over the city. For advance ticket sales call the Church Office (506) 693-8558. COST: $30.00, with a tax receipt of $10.00.
Thank you for considering supporting “Saint John's Church of the Loyalists”. See poster on bulletin board.
VILLA MADONNA RETREAT HOUSE MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH – Sunday, May 12th from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at the Retreat House, 115 Villa Madonna Road, Rothesay. What a wonderful way to honour our mothers and other women in our life. Take the time to relax and enjoy the warmth and comfort of the house.
Caterered by Childs Catering the menu is: Buttermilk Pancakes with fresh Blueberry sauce, Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce on an English Muffin, Sausages, Baked Ham, Assorted Croissantwiches, Curry Squash and Tomato Basil Soup, Assorted Sweets, Coffee, Tea, Juice
COST: Adults $25.00; Children 5 – 12 $12.00; Children 4 and under Free
Payment can be taken at the door or etransfer to: villa.admin@nb.aibn.com
MASS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER – Beginning this May, the Mass for Those Living with Cancer will now be celebrated on the third (3rd) Tuesday of the month. The next monthly Mass for Those Living with Cancer, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 21st at 7:00 pm. Anointing of the Sick will be offered.
IN CONCERT WITH DEANTHA EDMUNDS – With the Saint John String Quartet at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on the Common, Rothesay, Sunday, April 28th at 3:00 p.m. Admission: free will offering.
Deantha is Canada’s first Inuk professional classical singer and an award winning performer. She looks forward to sharing some of the sacred classical music in Inuktitut from Nunatsiavut. Our Lieutenant Governor has expressed interest in this concert and may attend. Please consider attending and bring a friend.
KNOWLEDGE CAFE – Hampton Resource Centre (Fridays at 11:00 a.m. - noon):
Everyone is welcome. Refreshments are provided. If schools are cancelled due to the weather, the Knowledge Café is also cancelled.
- April 26th – Parkland is a trusted provider of senior accommodations, services and care in Atlantic Canada. Join Lifestyle Consultants from Parkland in the Valley and Saint John to learn about lifestyle options and how you can live your Best Life at Parkland. Guest speakers: Christine McGee and Sydney Peacock.
- May 3rd – Trauma Program provides resources on injury prevention and how to stay safe. Guest speaker: Dr. Richard Louis, MD, Injury prevention specialist.
PRO-LIFE CRASH COURSE! In Canada, about 300 innocent children are aborted every single day. Do you want to learn how to defend pre-born children, and have fruitful conversations about abortion? Join for training and hands-on experience doing pro-life outreach in Saint John NB from May 3-4. You will learn pro-life strategy and apologetics that will equip you to reach our culture to change minds and save lives. Application deadline is April 24. For more information or to apply visit endthekilling.ca/nb.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) SAINT JOHN OFFICE – Message from Dawn O'Dell, Community Program Coordinator:
“MAKING WELLNESS A PRIORITY” – The Canadian Mental Health Association is presenting a monthly series that addresses the 8-dimensions of wellness and helps individuals in achieving whole-person wellness. Starting Tuesday, May 7 @ 2:30 p.m. – Intellectual Wellness with Daniela Fernandez, Director of Community Engagement 211 NB.
Daniela will present an overview of the 211 NB service, how it can help people connect to the full range of social, community and government programs and how it can support service providers in their frontline and community work.
The Making Wellness A Priority sessions are held at the Kennebecasis Public Library. To pre-register call 506-652-1447. See poster on bulletin board at St. Alphonsus.
WEE ONES BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN – Some of you might remember last year’s campaign, between St. Anthony’s and St. Alphonsus, together, we raised $2,351.41. According to the Sussex Pregnancy Care Centre, we were the highest contributing church group in last year’s campaign. The “Wee Ones Campaign” will return, this year. Your simple act of generosity can make a lasting impact in the lives of young mothers, fathers and babies by giving them an opportunity to choose life, learn and grow. It may seem like a small contribution, to you, but the impact is HUGE!
This year, the campaign will run from May 12th (Mother’s Day) to June 16th (Father’s Day). I’ll remind you as Mother’s Day approaches. One parishioner has already made their donation! Now that’s enthusiasm. The Sussex Pregnancy Care Centre is a registered charity and can issue a receipt for income tax purposes.
INCOME TAX CLINIC – There are only two more Tuesday morning tax clinics - April 23rd and 30th. This clinic is held at the Hampton Resource Centre (31 Demille Court) from 9:00 a.m. until noon. No appointment necessary; first come, first served. This clinic is for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. For more information, speak with Wendy in the parish office.
HAMPTON SENIORS RESOURCE CENTER – WELLNESS PROGRAMS: Something new this year. Indoor winter walking started Tuesday, Jan. 15th at noon. See poster on bulletin board for more information.
Information regarding a new initiative designed to help area seniors age well at home – “Nursing Home without Walls”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*DIAL-A-RIDE, FUNDY REGION - The purpose of this program is to help residents with barriers to transportation get to their needed services, such as medical appointments and food banks or grocery shopping. Since the program is volunteer-driven they rely on volunteers to make this possible. Currently, they have a number of clients who need help with affordable transportation in the KV - Hampton areas. This seems to be one of the hardest areas to find volunteers. COVID protocols (masks) are enforced for both the client and driver – no exceptions.
Clients that use this service pay a minimal fee ($0.41/km) and drivers are reimbursed for their km's at $0.45/km. For shorter distances, a flat fee of $5.00, one way or $10.00 round trip, may be charged. This is a relatively new service. They are finding it difficult to recruit suitable volunteers and are often not able to fulfill all of their ride requests. This past month alone, over 100 ride requests were denied due to no volunteer being available. If you can volunteer to be a driver, contact Annie Dunn, Regional Transportation Director, Fundy Region Community Network Inc. at (506) 609-7433. Additional information about this group can be found on their website: www.nbcommunitytransit.com. If you know of someone who may need to use this service, call Charlotte (dispatch) at (506) 349-8551 to book a ride.