Church of Saint Philip Neri Pennsburg, PA March 15, 2015

Transcription

1 Church of Saint Philip Neri Pennsburg, PA March 15, 2015 Rev. Robert A. Roncase, Pastor Rev. Raymond W. Smart, retired; resident Deacon Michael J. Franks Deacon Mark J. Meinzer, Business Manager Rev. Edmond J. Speitel, Pastor Emeritus Rev. John J. Scarcia, Retired Pastor Shirley Misiak, Office Manager Catherine E. Faust, Director of Music Wendy Benner, Coordinator of PREP/Religious ED Tom Dewees, Director Catholic Family Life Center Diane Cunningham, Adm. Assistant CFLC Anita Fuhs, Youth Minister Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T., Parish Outreach Parish Phone Numbers: Rectory Youth Ministry Religious Education/PREP Catholic Family Life Center Parish Hall Parish Outreach Neri Center Fax Numbers: Rectory Religious Education/PREP Catholic Family Life Center Church & Rectory Address: 1325 Klinerd Rd; Pennsburg Hours: 9:00 AM 4:00 PM Address: Website Address: Religious Education Office address & hours: 26 E. Sixth Street, East Greenville, PA Monday & Friday: Offices are closed Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 am 4:00 pm Wednesday: 12:00 pm 8:00 pm address: Neri Center Address 575 Main Street, East Greenville, PA Catholic Family Life Center Address 26 E. Sixth Street, East Greenville, PA address: Website Address: Youth Ministry Office hours: (East Greenville) Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Wednesday: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm address: spnym@comcast.net ROSARY: Prayed in the Chapel Saturday after the 9:00 AM Mass Monday at 1:00 PM EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 1 st Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Chapel, followed by Benediction. FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS For a floral arrangement to be placed at the altar, please call the rectory. SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil Mass 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30, 9:30, 11:00 AM Holy Day Masses as announced WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE - St. Anne Chapel The Chapel is open Monday thru Saturday until 7:00 PM for your visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Daily Mass is celebrated in the Chapel attached to the rectory: Monday - 5:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 8:00 AM Saturday - 9:00 AM CONFESSIONS Saturdays: 4:00 4:45 PM or: at the Rectory BY APPOINTMENT anytime. BAPTISMS: Please call the Rectory to schedule 2 nd Sunday Baptisms are held at the 11 AM Mass 3 rd Sunday Baptisms are held at 12:30 PM SPONSORS: Sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation need to be at least 16 years of age, to be confirmed, attend Mass weekly, and if married, be in a valid marriage. PRE-JORDAN CLASSES 1 st Monday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Rectory meeting room. MARRIAGES Arrangements should be made at least SIX MONTHS before the date of the wedding. NEW PARISHIONERS Welcome to your new home! Please stop by or call the rectory between 9:00 am - 4:00 pm to fill out a registration card. SHUT-INS Please call the Parish Outreach Office. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call the Rectory. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 1

2 OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT WE ARE THE CATHOLIC PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. PHILIP NERI, ANSWERING CHRIST S CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP THROUGH WORD, SACRAMENT AND SERVICE. WE PROCLAIM GOD S HOPE AND LOVE TO ALL. LENTEN COMMUNION SERVICE Beginning Monday, February 23, 2015, every morning during Lent, there will be a brief Communion Service in St. Anne Chapel at 6:30 am. The Chapel is our daily Mass Chapel attached to the rectory. The service will take place Monday thru Friday at 6:30 am and will take approximately fifteen (15) minutes. It will afford everyone who needs to be at work early the opportunity to receive communion. The Service will be conducted by one of our Deacons. It consists of the Opening Prayer, Scripture Reading from the daily Mass, a brief Homily (two minutes), the Our Father, Communion, the concluding Prayer and Blessing. Depending on scheduling once each week, the 6:30 am Communion Service will be replaced by a 6:30 am Mass. Mass will last approximately twenty (20) minutes. Those attending will be on their way to work before 7:00 am. God Bless you on your Lenten Spiritual Journey. PARISH LENTEN CONFESSIONS: Sunday: March 1, 2015: 10:30 am - 10:55 am in Church Sunday: March 8, 2015: 10:30 am - 10:55 am in Church Sunday: March 15, 2015: 10:30 am - 10:55 am in Church Monday: March 16, :00 pm - in the Chapel STATIONS OF THE CROSS Wednesday: February 25 7:00 pm in Church Wednesday: March 4 7:00 pm in Church Wednesday: March 11 7:00 pm in Church Wednesday: March 18 7:00 pm in Church Wednesday: March 25 7:00 pm in Church Serving at Mass March 22 Extraordinary Ministers Lectors 5:00 pm - Linda Franks C. Highleyman John Burke Shaun Snyder Priest Deacon Linda Benko Marci Jaman 7:30 am - Trish Dornisch Beverly Bowser Mike Duka C. Bowser Priest Deacon Paul Moser Maureen Moser 9:30 am - Mary Weber D. McCausland Mike Dougherty Mary C. Weber Priest Deacon Jenny M. Josko Marlene Leidy 11:00 am - Tony Shellaway Sue DiMarco Priest M. Gehringer Deacon Sandy Shellaway Amanda Charlton Kevin Charlton Maryanne Charlton Mike Edleman Lisa Edleman Cecilia Kirkwood Sunday: March 22, 2015: 10:30 am - 10:55 am in Church Monday: March 23, :00 pm in the Chapel Monday: March 30, :00 pm in the Chapel Tuesday: March 31, :00 pm - 8:30 pm in Church; NO Service 059-St. Philip Neri, page 2 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT March 15, 2015 Monday, March 16 6:30 am - Lenten Communion Service in Chapel 5:00 pm - Tom Virus, (wife Judi, daughters & grandchildren) Tuesday, March 17, St. Patrick 6:30 am - Lenten Communion Service in Chapel 8:00 am - Mallon & Bauer families, (Tony Bauer)

3 Wednesday, March 18, St. Cyril of Jerusalem 6:30 am - Lenten Communion Service in Chapel 8:00 am - Beverly Latshaw, (Tom Latshaw & daughters) 7:00 pm - Stations of the Cross in Church Thursday, March 19, St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 6:30 am - Lenten Communion Service in Chapel 8:00 am - Edward Pownall, (Barbara & Tyler Jarusewski) Friday, March 20 6:30 am - Intentions of the Members of The Martin Foundation 8:00 am - For all those enrolled in the Memorial Society. Saturday, March 21 9:00 am Margaret Schneider, (Adam Dickmann) 5:00 pm - For all living and deceased Parishioners. MARCH 2015: THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE Sunday, March 15 Children's Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 am Mass Little Church 9:30 am Parish Hall Men's Basketball 8:00 pm Parish Hall Monday March 16 Holy Rosary Hour 1:00 pm Chapel Lenten Confessions 6:00 pm Chapel SPNCFLC Meeting 7:00 pm Board Room Tuesday March 17 Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Parish Hall Historical Committee Mtg. 7:00 pm SPNCFLC RCIA 7:00 pm Chapel SPN Craft Guild 1:00 pm Parish Hall FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT March 22, :30 am - Nickolas Caputo, (Wife & children) 9:30 am - Stephanie E. Yanchus, (Jenny M. Josko) 11:00 am - Josef Kramer, (Adam Dickmann) FLOWER ARRANGEMENT The red roses place at the Blessed Mother Altar are in memory of Mildred Moyer; requested by Gail & Donald Fillman. WE INVITE YOUR PRAYERS For the sick, those in hospitals, nursing homes, and also for their caregivers. Please pray in particular for: Reverend John J. Scarcia, Florence Anders, Terry Aston, Charlotte Azarovich, Frances Cannon, Dottie Cappelli, Sue Ann Creamer, Helen Crouthamel, Jennifer Diascro, Lois Diephaus, Amy DiGirolamo, Ron & Joanne DiGirolamo, Sondra Dykie, Charles Eberle, Karen Freed, Steven Gebhardt, Stephanie Gebhardt, Fran Jacobs, Bob Kanya, Mara Maginnis, Dottie Mccaa, John McArdle, Annie Moran, Rosalie Nelson, Bernard Nichols, Tom Paul, Virginia Piechocki, Helen Pownall, Anthony Sammartino, Mary Schmidt, Alexis Semler, Beverly Slifer, Sean Stefanowicz, Evelyn Steffenino, Anna Tedesco, Bill Tersine, Kathleen Tew, Susan Tew, Margaret Tocci, Christine Troll, Ralph UpDegrove, Martin Waldenberger, Ian Walker, Sarah Werkley, & Larry Wood. For those who have died, grant them eternal rest and peace. Due to the circumstances in the Middle East, we will pray for all the Military, but their names will not be published. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 3 Wednesday March 18 H.O.P.E. Meeting 1:30 pm Rectory PREP/Religious Education: 6:30 pm SPNCFLC Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm Church Thursday, March 19 Bible Study 7:00 pm Neri Center Men's Basketball 8:00 pm Parish Hall Friday March 20 Bible Study 9:00 am Neri Center Frontier Girls 6:30 pm Parish Hall Parish Lenten Fish Fry Luncheon: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Parish Hall Parish Lenten Fish Fry Dinner: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Parish Hall Saturday March 21 Breakfast setup 7:00 am Parish Hall Charismatic Prayer Group 10:00 am Chapel Sunday March 22 Parish Breakfast 7:00 am - 12:30 pm Parish Hall Children's Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 am Mass Little Church 9:30 am Parish Hall Men's Basketball 8:00 pm Parish Hall Youth Ministry 5:30 pm Parish Hall UPCOMING MEETINGS Holy Rosary Hour - Monday, March 23 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel Lenten Confessions in Chapel - Monday, March 23 at 6pm Boy Scouts - Tuesday, March 24-7:00 pm - Parish Hall RCIA - Tuesday, March 24-7:00 pm - Chapel PREP/Religious Education - Wednesday, March 25-6:30 pm at SPNCFLC Bible Study - Thursday, March 26-7:00 pm in the Neri Center Men's Basketball - Thursday, March 26-8:00 pm in Parish Hall

4 Bible Study - Friday, March 27-9:00 am - Neri Center Frontier Girls - Friday, March 27-6:30 pm in Parish Hall Parish Lenten Fish Fry (Lunch) - Friday, March 27-11:00 am - 2:00 pm in Parish Hall Parish Lenten Fish Fry (Dinner) - Friday, March 27-4:30 pm - 6:30 pm in Parish Hall Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 28-10:00 am -12:00 pm on Church grounds (sponsored by KOC) Palm Sunday Masses: 7:30 am; 9:30 am & 11:30 am in Church Children's Liturgy of the Word - Sunday, March 29 at the 9:30 am Mass Little Church - Sunday, March 29-9:30 am - Parish Hall Men's Basketball - Sunday, March 29-8:00 pm - Parish Hall PARISH NEWS Saint Philip Neri Parish Council Members-at- Large welcome any questions or comments you may have. Names/ addresses: Tony Bauer: ajbauer337@gmail.com Ed Felix: ef4405@desales.edu Matthew Fuhs: matthew.fuhs@comcast.net Dave Klauder: stickman@enter.net Theresa Walker: cheg1978@comcast.net PARISH BREAKFAST Our next parish Breakfast is Sunday, March 22nd from 7:00 am - 12:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Save the date! Any parishioner willing to help out with the breakfast for just a few hours, call Rita at CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS Any parishioner requesting a copy of their contribution statement for 2014, is asked to call the rectory office between 10am-4:30 pm or to spnofc@comcast.net. SUNDAY COLLECTIONS March 9, 2014 March 8, 2015 Envelopes: $ 6, $ 6, Online: 1, , Loose: Children's: Total $ 8, $ 8, CHURCH IN AFRICA There will be a second collection next weekend for the Church in Africa. This assists in the Pastoral needs of these Churches. The collection will be taken immediately after the first collection. Special Second Collections: March 2015 For those who do not receive Sunday collection envelopes or if you are an On-Line giver, the following second collections are: Church in Africa; Latin America; Easter Flowers; Palm Sunday; Rice Bowl Offering & Sharing Our Blessings 100th Anniversary. ONLINE GIVING Go green with St. Philip Neri Church by signing up for Online Giving. You have the option to keep receiving your regular offering envelope packets if you wish. ( PARISH OUTREACH H.O.P.E. There will be a H.O.P.E. Meeting on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:30 pm in the Rectory Meeting Room. Please call: only if you are NOT coming. SPN SENIOR CLUB Attention Seniors age 60 and over...march 25, 2015 is the first meeting of the SPN Senior Club. Mark the date! We will meet from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in the Parish Hall. There will be lunch and an activity. We will ask for a $2.00 donation for lunch. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 4

5 Give a St. Philip Neri Memorial Gift! For a donation of $35 or more, there is a beautiful Folder recording the gift and donor to be presented to the family. A Mass is offered each month. In memory of John Dzurenda; requested by Connie Marks. In memory of Stella Swierzewski; requested by: Louise & Richard Fronheiser; Rachel & Matthew Swierzewski; and Michael & Susan O'Brien. In memory of Samuel Morgan Jr.; requested by James & Nancy Ritter; Charles & Mary Ann Walter and family. In memory of Joe Cassarella; requested by: Carol Bradley, Stella Roney, Anna Hoffman, Norman & Joan Schuhwerk; James & Amy Dykie; Nancy Gabala; Steven & Pamela Harlacker; John & Christine Leonard; Dolores Cassarella & Kimberly Petruso. In memory of Sophia Nunan; requested by: Mark Nunan & Deborah Nunan. In memory of Georg Bischof; requested by: Mark Nunan. We also have "Living Memorials" for those special occasions in life. HISTORICAL COMMITTEE MEETING There will be a Historical Committee Meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at the Catholic Family Life Center, East Greenville. Newcomers are welcome! Call Eileen: or Doris: if you are interested. RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY There is a Respect Life Ministry Meeting on Monday, March 23 at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall Meeting Rooms. (note new date & location of this meeting). If you would like to be part of this Ministry, call Mark Nunan at: LENTEN FISH FRY EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT (parish hall) LUNCH EVERY FRIDAY DURING LENT February 18 - April 3-11:00 AM 2:00 PM Orders taken during Fry Hours: DINNERS: March 20 & 27-4:30pm 6:30pm EASTER EGG HUNT Ages 1 to 11 years at: St. Philip Neri Parish Church grounds Saturday March 28 10:00 AM SHARP! RAIN or SHINE! sponsored by: Knights of Columbus A reminder to all parents: You are responsible to bring and pick up your children. ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH HOAGIE SALE CHEESE, HAM, ITALIAN or TURKEY TUESDAY April 7 12:00 PM 6:00 PM COST: $5.00 Place orders no later than: Wednesday, April 1 Call Rita: or Pat: DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY April 12, 2015 at 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Sunday is the First Sunday after Easter and people all over the world will celebrate this Feast of Mercy. It is a day chosen by Christ as a Day of Extraordinary Graces, a complete outpouring of His mercy upon all who approach Him with great trust and faith. It is a time where we will come to appreciate the immense gift which God offers us on The Feast of Mercy and through the devotion to His Divine Mercy. Any questions, please contact Dawn Ellis at St. Philip Neri, page 5

6 SPN CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE CENTER Seminary Tour: Seminarian John Hutta will lead St. Philip Neri parishioners on a tour of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on Sunday, April 19. We will leave from the Catholic Family Life Center at 12:30 pm for a two hour tour of the Seminary; Vespers and Benediction with the Priests and Seminarians followed by dinner. The costs are as follows: Adults: $15.00 Students: $10.00 For registration information: contact Tom Dewees at **************************************************** New Evangelization: On Monday, April 27th, beginning at 7:00 pm, the SPNCFLC will sponsor a Presentation on the topic of "Door to Door Evangelization" by Mr. Don Taggart - a member of the Legion of Mary. This talk is open to everyone in the parish. Call Tom Dewees at if you are interested in attending or have any further questions. CURSILLO WEEKEND Are you being cold to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ? Everyone wants to grow closer to our Lord, but we all live busy lives. We need to be honest with ourselves.... "Yes, my life is very busy, but do I make time for what I want to do and for what I believe is important?" Consider taking some time away from your hectic life to attend Spring Cursillo. Men from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have an opportunity to be a part of a life changing experience. Cursillo Weekend consists of daily Mass; Adoration; a series to talks given by Clergy and lay people; and time to just be silent. Our Men's weekend is April 9th thru April 12. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Locke Highleyman at: SPN SENIORS Recently, a letter was sent out to all parishioners age 60 and over announcing a new Senior Club in our parish. The first gathering will be Wednesday, March 25th, in our parish hall from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. It has come to our attention that not all 'senior' parishioners received this letter. If you did NOT receive this letter, call Sr. Patricia Kelly at: as soon as possible. We hope to see you at our very first gathering. ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS Office of the Archbishop Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa was founded on the basic principles of Saint John Paul II's call to action in Ecclesia in Africa and the adoption of the statement. A Call to Solidarity with Africa from the Bishops of the United States. Africa faces the economic and social hurdles of enormous debt, epidemics, severe poverty, and political unrest. In spite of these challenges, Catholicism is flourishing amid these harsh circumstances. Your support of the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa assists in the delivery of basic pastoral care which includes religious education, seminary formation and youth ministry. It also supports important projects such as pastoral care for the sick. The collection for the Church in Africa will be conducted on the weekend of March 21/22. On behalf of our brothers and sisters in Africa, I am grateful for your continued generosity. Gratefully and with best wishes in Jesus Christ, Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 6

7 Office of the Archbishop March 15, 2015 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Like many modern families throughout the world, families in Latin America where Christian values remain important face numerous challenges as they strive to live and share their faith. For example, in Cuba, migration and economic pressures are only a few of the many internal and external circumstances that pose threats to Catholic families as they strive to practice and share their faith. A grant requested by the Archdiocese of Havana is addressing these challenges by forming family pastoral ministers who are helping nourish a domestic church among families so they can live an authentic, integrated experience of faith at home and in the wider community. In Nicaragua, families face many challenges as they strive to live and share their faith. Through a grant from the collection for the Latin America, the Diocese of Juigalpa was able to build its capacity for sharing the faith by forming family evangelization teams in all of its twenty-two parishes. Thanks to the training they received, participants are now able to accompany married couples and those preparing for marriage. This collection is an opportunity to share your faith with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean. The collection for the Church in Latin America, through projects like these family and marriage programs, as well as catechesis programs, empowers the faithful of Latin America to deepen their faith and share it with each other and the world. In 2015, we will be especially supporting projects aimed at strengthening families, including supporting attendance at the World Meeting of Families and Consecrated Life. Our Archdiocese will take up this collection the weekend of March 21/22. Please be generous in this collection and this opportunity to share your faith with the families of Latin America and the Caribbean. Your support will truly make a difference. Thank you and God Bless you. Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Vocation Office for Diocesan Priesthood Make a difference. Consider the priesthood. Office for Persons with Disabilites and The Deaf Apostolate The Annual Archdiocesan Mass honoring the gifts of Persons with Disabilities, the Deaf Community, Family, Friends and Caregivers is Saturday, March 21st - 10:30 am at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap will be the principal celebrant and homilist. We encourage parish participation, individuals and parish groups to attend and/or volunteer in assisting with aspects of the Mass and reception. There will be a light reception immediately following the Mass. All are welcome. To RSVP go to sr.kschipani@archphila.org or call the office at: Mothers of Children with Disabilities Retreat: Monday, May 4 at Malvern Retreat House. Bishop Timothy Senior will direct a retreat for mothers who are raising children with disabilities and also those who have adult children with disabilities. There will be time to pray, reflect, and chat with other mothers. To register or for more information, contact the Malvern Retreat House at: ; malvernrtreat.com, Sr. Kathleen Schipani at or sr.kschipani@archphila.org. Deaf Apostolate Spring Events: On Friday evening, April 17th, the Deaf Apostolate will host an ASL Interpreters workshop on interpreting the Eucharistic Prayer. This workshop is for experienced Interpreters. On Saturday, April 18th, there will be a Retreat for Deaf Adults and Teens at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Both the workshop and retreat will be directed by Father Mike Depcik, OSFS, a deaf priest serving in the diocese of Detroit. Parents of deaf children who are deaf can also register for the summer or fall religious education program by contacting Sr. Schipani. sr.kschipani@archphila.org or for registration information. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 7

8 Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow a day at a time. SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2015 TODAY S READINGS: Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54 (244). A royal official went to [Jesus] and asked him to come down and heal his son. FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT; SECOND SCRUTINY OF THE ELECT Fall on your knees Gesture and posture are as much a part of ritual as words. We bow our heads before receiving Communion as a show of reverence and humility. We genuflect or kneel to acknowledge the greatness of God and our great need. Full prostration, as priests perform at their ordinations or on Good Friday, is an act of total homage and self-abnegation. When the Elect are invited to kneel to receive the community s prayers for them today, it s not to embarrass them publicly. Gestures of humility remind us all who we are, and who God is. TODAY S READINGS: Year A: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 (31). One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see. MONDAY, MARCH 16 LENTEN WEEKDAY TUESDAY, MARCH 17 FEAST OF PATRICK, BISHOP, MISSIONARY Christ be with you The very mention of Saint Patrick stirs enthusiasm and probably more celebration than the saint himself would endorse. Beyond the parades and green beer is a prayer attributed to him. It has many versions, but all focus upon the love and protection of the Trinity. Here are a few lines to pray today: I arise today through God s strength to pilot me, God s might to uphold me, God s wisdom to guide me... Christ with me, Christ before me, / Christ behind me, Christ within me, / Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, / Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, / Christ in every eye that sees me, / Christ in every ear that hears me. TODAY S READINGS: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; John 5:1-16 (245). Rise, take up your mat, and walk. A thoroughly modern savior Worldwide empires, a vast network of WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 international trade, high taxation, an underpaid FEAST OF CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF working class, ethnic diversity, minorities on THE CHURCH; LENTEN WEEKDAY the margins sound like a description of your The network of love world? It is also the world Jesus lived and Saint Cyril of Jerusalem developed a series of preached in. Everything Jesus said and did is lectures as part of the initiation process for set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire new Christians. His colorful language surely and the vast political and social currents of the captured the imagination of his listeners: You ancient world. We can take comfort from the have been caught in the nets of the church, he fact that despite the differences in time and told the catechumen. Be taken alive; do not technology, Jesus age was as complicated as escape for it is Jesus who is fishing for you! A our own. He spoke with a clarity that cut great lesson to ponder as we move through through the complexity. Listen well! Lent: It is Jesus who has sought us out, not the 059-St. Philip Neri, page 8

9 other way around. Don t struggle. Simply accept his embrace. TODAY S READINGS: Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30 (246). For he who pities them leads them and guides them beside springs of water. THURSDAY, MARCH 19 FEAST OF JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY Fatherly advice Joseph seems to easily slip into the background of our Christian story (if not literally into the earth when people bury his image to sell their homes). Yet his place in the life of Jesus can t be exaggerated. As children, many of us were cautioned to add foster to Joseph s title as Jesus father, but Jesus knew him as papa, as dad. Luke clearly calls Joseph and Mary Jesus parents. When Jesus consciousness awakened him to God as his father, where else would he find what it means to be God s son except by what it meant to be the son of Joseph, the father who loved him and taught him to so love the world? TODAY S READINGS: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a (543). When Joseph awoke, he... took his wife into his home. FRIDAY, MARCH 20 LENTEN WEEKDAY; DAY OF ABSTINENCE or went for a run. Instead of buying something extra at the store, you saved the money. Giving things up can be hard, yet it opens a space in our life for new directions and spiritual rejuvenation. How might abstinence open you to renewal today? TODAY S READINGS: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; John 7:1-2, 10, (248). Let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. SATURDAY, MARCH 21 LENTEN WEEKDAY Contradiction of terms Prejudice is a common human shortcoming. Nearly everyone has been both victim and perpetrator of it. Many of Jesus contemporaries were prejudiced against him simply because he was Galilean, regarded as unsophisticated by the cosmopolitan Judeans. Prejudice is an opinion not based on reason, facts, or experience and it severely limits the fullness of everyone touched by it. The word catholic means universal. That which is universal exists and is true at all times and in all places; it is experienced by and available to everyone. Prejudice has no place in a universal church. TODAY S READINGS: Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:40-53 (249). Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing? Make your heart grow fonder Think of something you worked hard to prepare for a final exam at school, a 5K race, a better financial future. Maybe you did things like reading and self-quizzes, training on a regular basis, and setting up a savings account. Those activities probably required other choices too. Instead of watching hockey on TV, you studied 059-St. Philip Neri, page 9

10 SPRING CLEANUP ON CHURCH GROUNDS Saturday, April 11 Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Coffee & donuts will be provided Once again we are getting ready to clean up the Church grounds around the Church to make them beautiful! In order for this to happen, we need your help for just a few hours. Questions...call Lee Johnson at: regarding the cleanup; what we do or how you can be of help. If you enjoy the outdoors and like to garden, please join our group as we are looking for new members. The club works on the grounds on Wednesday's (April - October) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm weather pending. If you cannot make it on Wednesday's, feel free to come on another day. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 1