23 MARCH 2014 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Transcription

1 ADMINISTRATION CENTER 1125 Romine Avenue McKeesport, Pennsylvania Telephone: MARK (6275) Fax: Father Rowan Hall: Parish Nurse: x102 Religious Education & Youth Ministry: x105 Mon Yough Catholic School: Victim Assistance Hotline: MARCH 2014 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT PASTOR Reverend Daniel T. Straughn, S.T.L. Accept God s LOVE, and LIVE! Share God s LOVE, and THRIVE! LIBERTY SITE (LB) 3210 Liberty Way McKeesport, PA MASS SCHEDULE Mon., Wed. & Fri.... 8:30am Sat. Vigil... 6:00pm PORT VUE SITE (PV) 1125 Romine Avenue McKeesport, PA MASS SCHEDULE Tues., Thurs. & Sat.... 8:30am Sunday... 8:00am Sunday... 11:00am SAINT MARK PARISH MISSION STATEMENT (Promulgated January 2014 by the People of Saint Mark Parish) We are Saint Mark Parish, a family of brothers and sisters alive in Christ. Protected by Saint Mark the Evangelist, we continue to thrive with Strength, Vibrancy, Humility and Sacrifice. The Grace of the Holy Spirit guides us; the Eucharist nurtures us; and we embrace our mission to spread the Gospel message to all. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION 5:15pm Saturdays at our Liberty site and anytime upon request. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM Classes are held at our Port Vue site for Grades K-8 on Sundays from 9:30am 10:45am, September thru May. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Engaged couples are to participate in a Marriage Preparation Class. Please contact our Administration Center six months prior to the anticipated wedding date. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Baptisms are the 1 st Sunday and 3 rd Sunday of the month after the 11:00am Mass. Pre-Baptism Class is required. Please contact our Administration Center three months prior to the anticipated birth. OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 12:30pm 1:00pm to 4:00pm BULLETIN DEADLINE: Friday 12:00 Noon

2 SAINT MARK PARISH Rosary prior to daily morning Mass MONDAY, 24 March 2014 COMMUNION SERVICE (Intention Fulfilled Privately) 8:30am Johanna Pranaitis... LB (Judy Ganchuk) TUESDAY, 25 March :30am Ada Consiglio...PV (Mr. and Mrs. Carmen Marchetti) WEDNESDAY, 26 March :30am Louis Piotrowski... LB (Dresser family) THURSDAY, 27 March 2014 COMMUNION SERVICE (Intention Fulfilled Privately) 8:30am Private Intention......PV FRIDAY, 28 March :30am Barbara Palestra... LB (Robert and Mari Ann Palestra) SATURDAY, 29 March :30am Ada Consiglio... PV (Fannie Commo and Sandra Tyler) 6:00pm Paul Beisler... LB (Paul and Maria Beisler) SUNDAY, 30 March :00am Laura and Michael Tutko...PV (Len and Doris Lynch) 11:00am THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT 23 MARCH 2014 People of Saint Mark Parish...PV Baptism Instruction Class The next Baptism class for parents: Monday, 5 May at Saint Robert Bellarmine Monday 7 July at Saint Patrick Parish What is most important to you? Really, what is most important? Is it getting your way? Is it living so not to experience hurt or failure? Is it pleasure? Is it wealth? Is it prestige? Is it control or power over others or situations? Is it God? Is it love? Is it eternal life? Whatever it is, you have to decide. Deepen your relationship with Christ by reading the Scriptures. Readings for the Week of 23 March 2014 Sunday: Ex 17:3-7/Rom 5:1-2, 5-8/Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab/Lk 4:24-30 Tuesday: Is 7:10-14; 8:10/Heb 10:4-10/Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9/Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Jer 7:23-28/Lk 11:14-23 Friday: Hos 14:2-10/Mk 12:28-34 Saturday: Hos 6:1-6/Lk 18:9-14 Next Sunday: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a/Eph 5:8-14/Jn 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, MCKEESPORT, PA Repent and believe in the Gospel. Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return. Stations of the Cross Friday, 28 March, 7:00pm Port Vue site Welcome to Join our Parish We welcome all visitors and those who have not yet registered as members of our Saint Mark Parish family. As a Catholic faith family, we encourage all participants at our Sunday Masses to officially join us as registered members. All are welcome! Please call our office to register. Thank you! Sanctuary Lamp/Altar Bread & Wine This week the Sanctuary Lamp at our Liberty site burns for Brett Bittner. This week the Sanctuary Lamp at our Port Vue site burns for Virginia Pecora from Caroline Skrtic. This week the Altar Bread and Wine is offered for all who are oppressed or tormented by evil, may they be delivered and protected in the Most Holy Name of JESUS. Activity Schedule Monday, 24 March :30-7:30pm, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, LB 6:30pm, Pastoral Council meeting, PV Tuesday, 25 March pm, First Reconciliation, PV Wednesday, 26 March am, Miraculous Medal Novena, LB 6:30pm-9pm, Youth Group meeting, PV 7pm-9pm, Choir practice, PV Thursday, 27 March pm, Bible Study, PV Friday, 28 March pm-7pm, Fish Fry, LB 7pm, Stations of the Cross, PV God Loves you. Yes, you. Saint Mark Common Grounds The Coffee House at the Port Vue site is open following the 8:00am Mass. Join us for coffee and fellowship!

3 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT 23 MARCH 2014 REVIEW OF LIFE Do I love God above all else? Do I put anything ahead of Him? Blamed Him when I was dissatisfied? Do I pray daily? Have I sworn falsely? Used profanity? Have I attended Mass on Sunday? Prayed often? Do I respect my parents and all authority? Have I injured or endangered anyone by anger, drunkenness, or carelessness? Used drugs or alcohol to excess? Have I been pure of thought, word and deed? Have I stolen? Damaged property? Given to the Church? Supported my parish? Have I lied about or damaged anyone s reputation? Have I been jealous or envious? Mean or petty to those who have more than I? Gossiped? Have I respected the marriage bonds of others, even in my thoughts? Ask for forgiveness and experience God s loving healing and strength in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. ACT of CONTRITION O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because of Thy just punishment, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who are allgood and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. AMEN. Saint Mark Parish 50/50 In your offertory packet, there is a tan colored envelope marked 50/50 Drawing--Donation $5.00. At the end of each month, all envelopes are placed in a drum and one lucky winner is drawn to win half of the take. SPRING FOR THE SPECIALTY BASKETS The calendar says Spring is here. Please consider springing for a contribution or two for the Festival Specialty Baskets. Thank you to those who have already been shopping and leaving your contributions in the baskets at the entrances to both worship sites. We are in need of new unused items to fill the many baskets at our Festival. If you are wondering what to buy, here are a few suggestions. See a more detailed list on our website: Wrap it Up!: Gift wrapping paper, bags, tissue paper, ribbon, bows, tape, etc. Baby Basket Boy and Baby Basket Girl: Appropriate items for newborn to two years old. Toddler Toys: Especially things for 2-4 year olds. Lego Basket: Any kits or accessories for building and enjoying Legos. Go Green: Anything that is made to help a clean, recycled environment. Spring Gardening: Gloves, bucket,sprinkling can, small gardening tools, seeds, pots and soil, etc. More suggestions to come in the near future. Thank you for your help! Saint Mark Parish 5 for 5 Tickets! Saint Mark Parish "5 for 5" tickets replaced the $1, Monthly Tickets. There are 5 chances to win $500.00; the ticket plays on the 7pm first number drawn PA Daily Number on May 6, 13, 20, 26 and 27, Please support this important fundraiser by buying and/or selling these tickets. Thank you! Saint Mark Parish FESTIVAL 31 July, 1 & 2 August 2014 Please mark your calendars now! We Need Your Help! If interested in volunteering, please call Cathy Esack: or Thank you!! Benefits our entire parish family! Pilgrimage to Rome (Limited to 20 people) Departure: 6 October 2014 Return: 14 October 2014 Cost: 3,189 per person double occupancy Down payment-$ due 31 March Saint Mark Parish is hosting a Pilgrimage to Rome. Join us as we visit the Basilica s of Saint Mary Major, Arch basilica of Saint John Lateran and Saint Paul s Outside the Wall. Share an audience with the Pope, visit the Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel. Travel to the town of Assisi, home of Saint Francis. Walk the narrow streets of the village and see the church of Santa Chaiara. See the Town Hall Square with the People s Palace and the Roman Temple dedicated to Minerva. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Tour the beautiful sites of Rome and walk to the Vatican Mass Day. Breakfast included daily. Enjoy leisure time to shop or take an authentic Italian cooking class. Daily Mass is offered. For information call Cheryl Hopkins: Fish Fry VOLUNTEERS needed! Please consider sacrificing a Friday to help in this year's activity. We need help in the kitchen, both afternoon prep and during the event, greeters and cashiers, servers, dish washers and clean-up (clear and reset tables) during event, evening cleanup, and bakers and attendants for the dessert table. Please complete the volunteer form and drop it in the offertory or at the office. saintmarkfishfry2014@gmail.com, or call Adam Carlson at or Your help is needed and appreciated! Baked Good Donations for our Fish Fry Donations needed!! Please drop off your baked goods in Father Rowan Hall before 3pm each Friday during Lent. Your help and generosity are most appreciated.

4 THIRD SUNDAY OF JUNE LENT 2, MARCH 2014 Supporting Parish Life Lenten Presentations by our Parishioners At each of our Masses during the Season of Lent, a member of our Saint Mark Parish will reflect on the importance of Supporting Parish Life. 22/23 March: A Journey Toward Faith Given by Zac Allan. 29/30 March: Live as Children of the Light Given by Adam Carlson. Please open your minds and hearts to prayerfully listen and receive the message being offered to you. Crown of Thorns During our holy season of Lent, there is a Crown of Thorns on display at both worship sites. The Thorns are labeled with the names and addresses of our homebound parishioners. You are kindly asked to take a Thorn or two, and mail an Easter card to any of them. We wish our homebound family members a Blessed Lenten journey and a Happy Easter. Lenten Nullity Presentations The Diocese of Pittsburgh Marriage Tribunal Office is offering brief (45 mins.) presentations on the annulment process for those seeking information and initial paperwork. If interested in attending, contact the Tribunal Office: tribunal@diopitt.org or call Admission is free. Presentations begin at 7:00pm: 25 March, Ascension, Ingram 31 March, Saint Fidelis, Meridian 2 April, Saint Thomas More, Bethel Park 3 April, Saint Athanasius, West View 8 April, North American Martyrs, Monroeville 10 April, Ave Maria, Bentleyville Gorkie Zale (Lamentations) 30 March, Queen of the Rosary Parish, Glassport, 3pm When we work together, giving of ourselves for the sake of others, it makes it easier and better for everyone. And we all benefit! Saint Mark Parish Festival Flea Market We are in need of gently used, but loved items that you may be discarding in your Spring cleaning for our parish festival flea market. All donated items must be in WORKING CONDITION. The following items will not be accepted: clothing, draperies, tires, computers or broken electronics or dirty/unclean items. Donation drop off in July; dates to be announced. Thank you for your generosity! Lenten Penance Services 3 April 2014, 4:00 PM Saint Mary Byzantine 8 April 2014, 6:30 PM Saint Michael Parish 10 April 2014, 4:00 PM Saint Patrick Parish 14 April 2014, 6:30 PM Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish (Serra Catholic High School TBA) Sacrament of Reconciliation Confessions offered each Saturday at 5:15 pm at our Liberty site and anytime upon request. God loves you experience His love through the forgiveness of sin. Accept the freedom offered to you through His healing love and rejoice! Mirror Image Would that I might be a mirror for my God. Be still my soul - silent and reflective. You have no need to speak or feel or see. Your only good is but to BE that HE WHO IS might see within your mortal frame the pure and radiant image of the Godhead. CS Lenten Books Little Black Lenten books are available at the doors of each worship site. They are free for anyone to take. Pasta Dinner: Benefits Brett Bittner & Family Sunday, 23 March 2014 from 12pm 7pm at the Liberty Borough Fire hall. Adults: $8.00, children under 12 $5.00. All proceeds will help the Bittner family with mounting medical bills and expenses. For more information contact: Missy Morgan, or Danielle Teti: SAINT MARK PARISH LENTEN FAITH FORMATION SERIES Prayer and Prophets Come and participate in a unique and different Catholic Prayer Experience each week, followed by a Bible Study on that Sunday s Readings. Meetings are every Thursday beginning 13 March - 10 April at our Port Vue site. Sessions begin at 7pm and end at approximately 8:30pm. Prayer experiences include the following: Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours Taize service. Lectio Divino (meditation on a passage from scripture) Learn to widen and deepen your Prayer Life! In the Bible Study portion, we review that Sunday s readings and dig deeper in the various levels of meaning in each passage. To register for this series, please call Tom Ponchak: or tompanchak@yahoo.com or Cheryl Hopkins: or hopscheryl@gmail.com.

5 SAINT MARK PARISH To live our Faith, we need to know our Faith! MCKEESPORT, PA " They called the Church together and reported what GOD had done with them and how He had opened the door of faith..." (Acts of the Apostles 14:27) My Soul Thirsts For You, O God Thirst is such a strong drive within us. We know how important it is for our bodies to be hydrated, to drink water. Yet, there is a deeper thirst in all of us. Indeed, we are created this way, to thirst for God. Is THAT thirst a strong drive within you? After Jesus journey into the desert and the temptations on the First Sunday of Lent and his trek up a mountain for the transfiguration on the Second Sunday of Lent, here, on the Third Sunday, we find him at a very ordinary public place, a well. John tells us that he is tired from his journey. (John 4: 6) The disciples rush off to the town for provisions. Then a woman comes carrying a bucket. Jesus makes a simple request, Give me a drink. We know that, tired as he was, Jesus thirst was not for well water, it was for HER, because she is lost and lonely. She represents all those who thirst but do not know for what it is they thirst. 1 Like hers, our thirst is not for what. It is for WHOM, Christ, the Living Water, who alone can quench human thirst. Are you thirsting for God, the living God (Psalm 42:2)? Are we, at Saint Mark Parish, thirsting for God? If we are, then nothing but the Living Water of Christ can quench our thirst. As we look with hope to the Living Waters of Easter and our future, let our Lenten fast be refreshed by Saint Paul s words in the Second Reading: our hope (in Christ) does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5: 5) (Maureen Crossen, Ph.D.) 1 Jesus question is an affront to the Samaritan woman, because Samaritans and Jews do NOT speak to each other, AND a man should NOT address a woman in a public place, such were the social rules of the time. But this woman is nobody s fool, her retort: You re a Jew, and you ask ME for a drink. To enjoy this passage in its fullest, note how the woman s reference to Jesus deepens. First he is a Jew, then Sir, next, a prophet. Then she wonders if he is the Christ. Finally, her townspeople call him Savior of the world. Such deepening of faith in him, no?