February 20-21, Dr. Phillips Blvd. Orlando, FL phone fax

Transcription

1 St. Jude Maronite Catholic Church Fr. Bassam M. Saade, D.Min., Pastor Deacon Jack Manhire, Ph.D. Fr. Bassam Mass Times Saturday Vigil - 5 p.m. Sunday: & 11 a.m. Monday - Wednesday Thursday - Communion Service Friday - 5 p.m. Novenas Following Weekday Masses St. Joseph - Tues. Miraculous Medal - Wed. St. Jude - Thurs. Sacred Heart & St. Jude - Fri. Every 3 rd Friday - Divine Mercy Novena Holy Days of Obligation 6 p.m. Vigil (unless otherwise noted) Adoration First Fridays - After 5 p.m. Liturgy until 9 p.m. Parish Office Hours Monday-Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday - Closed Parish Council President - Amine Harb Women s League President - Paula Harb Music Director & Organist - Gary Prettyman & Sharon Luhrs Office Manager/Secretary - Barbara Fidler Parish Council & Finance Committee Members Dr. Abdo Asmar Gail Bell Myrla Cromer Dr. Danny Daccache Telma Domingues Bill Hinshaw Diane Homsi Sheila Love Imad Nasnas John Shaheen Leo Shalhoub HEALING OF THE HEMORRHAGING WOMAN Baptism Call the Parish Office for information. MaTRIMONY Arrangements with Fr. Bassam must be made at least six months in advance. One of the parties must be registered in the Parish & attending mass for at least 3 months. Maronite Christian Formation (Religious Education) Communion - Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. Confirmation - Call the Parish Office. RCIA Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m. Communion for the Sick Please call the Parish Office. Reconciliation Saturdays before the 5 p.m. mass or by appointment. February 20-21, Dr. Phillips Blvd. Orlando, FL phone fax stjudemaronitecatholicchurch@gmail.com

2 From the Deacon s Desk Q. What are miracles? A. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines a miracle as a sign or wonder such as a healing or the control of nature, which can only be attributed to divine power. The miracles of Jesus were messianic signs of the presence of God s kingdom. Our modern society often denies that miracles exist. The modern sceptic typically assumes that everything we experience can be explained by the sciences without any supernatural agency, any God, any miracles. We often hear that the belief in miracles contradicts the laws of science, which tell us that things like virgin births simply do not happen. Science does not tell us what always happens. It certainly does not tell us what can or cannot happen. Science s laws are only generalizations from our observations of how nature usually works. They do not forbid exceptions. Miracles do not contradict the laws of science any more than a gift of extra money contradicts a bank balance. It is an addition, not a subtraction. Dropping food into a goldfish bowl does not contradict the ecology of the fishbowl. A presidential pardon does not contradict the usual laws of the courts. Supernatural events do not contradict natural events. Science tells us what agencies operate in nature, not what agencies, if any, operate outside it. According to Catholic doctrine, a miracle is a sign of God s grace, manifested as a sudden event that defies rational or scientific explanation. Miracles are no sideshow in Christianity: after all, the entire faith is grounded on Christ s resurrection, and the Bible abounds with accounts of miracles, from the parting of the Red Sea to the feeding of the five thousand. A miracle, therefore, must be either preternatural or supernatural. A miracle of grace, such as a sudden conversion of a notoriously evil man, would be a supernatural miracle because, even though the act of conversion is invisible, it manifested by visible acts. All other miracles are divine interferences with the physical laws of nature. They are preternatural, which means beyond nature, and visible. Matters of Faith, such as Our Lord s presence in the Blessed Sacrament, is a mystery, not a miracle, because the Reality is not visible to the human eye. The Maronite Lenten Sunday Cycle consists of various miracles performed by Jesus. Miracle healing was not unique to Jesus; others brought healing to the sick as well. The difference in the Gospel accounts between the miracles of Jesus and the healing of others was the important dimension of faith that Jesus demanded of those healed. We see in the healings presented to us during our Lenten Cycle the evolving sense of transformation in the Gospel stories of Christ s curing of both physical and spiritual diseases (especially sin). Also important in the Lenten cycle is the overcoming of the alienation from the community to the community that the diseases effect: as those in the Gospel are cured, they are reconciled to the community and consolation of the others. Jesus healing affected not only the body but also the spirit. People healed only of physical ailments would get sick again, perhaps with even less trust in a gracious God. People healed in spirit knew that even when the end came, there was a Father waiting to receive them. What an even cont d on p.4 Sat. 2/20 5 p.m. Sun 2/21 Sun 2/21 11 a.m. Mon. 2/22 Tues. 2/23 Wed. 2/24 Thurs. 2/25 Fri.2/26 5 pm. Sat. 2/27 5 p.m. Sun 2/28 Sun 2/28 11 a.m. Mass Intentions + Elma Paulzaler SI by Maria Egerton + Ruben Bartolome SI by Mercy Estiva + Kathleen Regan & family SI by Maria Egerton + Edward DeNeve RIP by Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Anepete + Renewal of Faith in the Year of Mercy by Fr. Bassam + Hilda Saade & Living & Deceased members of the Saade Family by Fr. Bassam + Bernard Lang RIP by Sr. Rose Hoeffner + Angelina Pacheco-Welsh RIP by Barbara Fidler + Thomas Schuettler RIP by Jim & Monica Schuettler + Deacon Jack s Special Intentions + Mary Cebulski SI by Peggy Rychuralski + Richard Bergeron SI by John & Mary Lauzon + Mary Rossi Scott RIP by Larry & Deb Mancuso + Dolores Gustilo Ybionas RIP Christina Lodesma + Dennis L. Kemp RIP by Donna + Souls in Purgatory by Fr. Bassam + George Awad - 40 day Mass RIP by the Awad Family RIP - Rest in Peace SI - Special Intention Weekly Collection for the weekend of February Sunday Collection/Donations $2,011. 2nd collection - Religious Ed 695. Donations 830. Candles/Gifts 278. Coffee 29. Fish Fry 250. St. Maron & weekday collections 1,830. Total Collections/Donations $5,923. # of envelopes used: 81 # of attendees: 380 Thank you for your generosity and support! our second collection This week: Easter Flowers Next Week: Support of our Choir

3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS at-a-glance 1 st Friday of each month Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6-9 p.m. 1 st Tuesday of each month Parish Council Mtg 7 p.m. 2 nd & 4 th Sunday of each month Portuguese Mass 6 p.m. Every Saturday First Communion Classes 3:30 p.m. 2 nd & 4 th Tuesday of each month RCIA 7 p.m. Lector-Usher Schedule - February 3rd Week of Lent Healing of the Hemorrhaging Woman 2/ Cor 7:4-11 & Lk 8: p.m. Lector: Laura Tellado (E) Ushers: Myrna Calderon & Donna Harrison Lector: Maria Clark (E&S) Ushers: Larry & Deborah Mancuso 11 a.m. Lectors: Ann Geagea (E) & Nader Zikra (A) Ushers: Amine Harb & Tony Rouhana 4th Week of Lent Parable of the Prodigal Son 2/ Cor 13:5-13 & Lk 15: p.m. Lector: Michael McGarvey (E) Ushers: Kathy Morrell & John Shaheen Lectors: Leo Black (E) & Maria Escalante Ushers: Ted Khoury & Pat Nichols 11 a.m. Lectors: Mike Mangan (E) & Eleanor Nader (A) Ushers: Amine Harb & Tony Rouhana Don t forget to set your clocks forward at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 13. MEMORIALS If you would like to sponsor one of the religious gifts in memory of your loved ones or for a special intention, please call the parish office at Altar Candles, Sanctuary Lamp, Altar Bread & Wine, or Charcoal & Incense ($50 each/month) & Altar Flowers ($100/wk) CURRENT DONORS Altar Candles Sponsors ++ February - Jim Bell Sr. by Gail Bell & Family ++ March - available Sanctuary Lamp Sponsors ++ February - SI & RIP for family by Deacon Jack & Diane ++ March - Baby Robert Downey 5th Anniversary RIP by grandparents Robert & Theresa Downey Altar Bread & Wine Sponsors + + February - Living & deceased members of the Torten family by Barbara Torten ++ March - Special Intentions for the Rojas Family by the Rojas family Charcoal & Incense Sponsors ++ February - Jim Bell Sr. by Gail Bell & Family ++ March- Living & Deceased members of Ade & Machar families by Ray & Georgette Machar Special Intention ++ February - Tom & Christine Machar by Ray & Georgette Machar Our St. Jude 2016 Bishop s Appeal Assessment is $9,000. So far, we have $1,961. toward our goal with a remaining balance of $7,039. Thank you for your generous support to help us reach our goal. Lenten Parish Mission Rediscover Jesus! March 7-10, :30 p.m. Ramsho (Evening Prayer) 7:00-8:15 p.m. Mission Presentation 8:15-9:30 p.m. Discussion & Social 10:00-11:15 a.m. For those who cannot attend the evening session, this will be a repeat of the evening session.

4 HEALING OF THE HEMORRHAGING WOMAN 2 Corinthians 7:4-11 Call to Holiness/Paul s Joy in Macedonia - Brothers and Sisters: I often boast about you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with consolation; I am overjoyed in all our affliction. For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted in every way - disputes without and fears within, But Bod, who consoles the downcast, consoled us by the arrival of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was consoled about you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it (though I did regret it, for I see that I grieved you with that letter, though only briefly). Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief, so that you were not harmed in any way by us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves guiltless in the matter. Praise be to God always! Luke 8:40-56 Jairus Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage - The Evangelist writes: When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, Who touched me? When all denied it, Peter said, Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you. But Jesus said, Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me. When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace. While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader s house to say, Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer. When Jesus heard this, he replied, Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved. When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child s father and mother. They were all weeping and waiting for her; but he said, Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping. And they laughed at him, knowing she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, Child, get up! Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded, but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. This is the truth. Peace be with you! Next Week s Readings: 2 Corinthians 13:5-13 & Luke 15:11-32 So, if we re going to fast from anything this Lent, Pope Francis suggests that even more than candy or alcohol, we fast from indifference towards others. ST. MARON LUNCHEON A very special thank you to Chairperson Paula Harb, her committee, all the workers and donations to the luncheon. It was a great success and the profit to the parish was $2263. Save the Date! St. Jude Annual Golf Outing Saturday, May 14, 2016 If you would like to help, speak to a member of our Parish Council or call the Parish Office. DAILY READINGS Monday 2-22: 1 Tim 4:9-16 & Jn 8:21-27 Tuesday 2-23: 2 Cor 8:1-9 & Mt. 23: 1-12 Wednesday 2-24: Gal 2:107 & Mt. 17:10-13 Thursday 2-25: Gal 1:1-10 & Lk 17:20-37 Friday 2-26: 2 Cor 4:11-18 & Lk 6:20-23 Saturday 2-27: 2 Tim 3:1-9 & Mt. 12:1-14 cont d from p.5 greater gift than mere healing of the body! This was the work of the Kingdom. Through these miracle stories of Jesus, we approach the supreme reconciliation brought about through the Pascal Mystery of Easter Sunday. Saint Augustine taught something to the effect that many spectacular ordinary events would be deemed miracles if they occurred but rarely in history. I think he gave the example of a sunrise. In saying this, he was attempting to lift the minds of his flock to contemplate the wisdom and power of the Creator, who does unfathomably great things continuously in the order of nature, but especially in the order of grace. The conversion of one sinner, the holy doctor said, is a greater act of omnipotence than the creation of the universe. God Bless You, Deacon Jack Miracles Happen!

5 We were honored to have St. Sharbel s relics at our Church from February 10 through February 13. Hundreds of people attended our parish during masses, rosaries, and visitation. Many were blessed with St. Sharbel s oils and many went home with souvenirs, which included candles, rosaries, medals, holy pictures & incense - income totalling $4,260. All who visited left the church touched by the Grace of God & an uplifting feeling of His mercy & love for His people. Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy December 8, November 20, 2016 St. Jude Parish is designated a Holy Door parish. Those who make a pilgrimage to St. Jude and go through the Holy Door, attend mass, go to confession, receive communion & pray for our Holy Father s intention will receive a special indulgence. The Holy Door is decorated in yellow and is to the left as you enter the church. Lenten Fish Bake Every Friday during Lent 5:30 p.m. in the Social Hall $8 per person Come enjoy a fish dinner with all the fixins! LENTEN SERVICE During Lent on Fridays after the 5 p.m. Mass, Lenten Service of the Holy Cross and the Stations of the Cross will be celebrated and continued every Friday during Lent.