2000 O Block Road, Pittsburgh, Pa (Holiday Park - Plum Borough)

Transcription

1 2000 O Block Road, Pittsburgh, Pa (Holiday Park - Plum Borough) March 26, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Lent Parish Office: Website: Address:... church@ourladyofjoy.org Religious Education Office: Father Albert L. Zapf, Pastor Mr. Gregory Callaghan, Pastoral Associate St. Vincent Benedictine Monks, Sunday Assistance SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Evening:... 6:00 p.m. Sunday:... 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 Noon DAILY MASS SCHEDULE Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday:... 8:30 a.m. Thursday:... 12:00 Noon PARISH RECTORY OFFICE HOURS Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Parish Office is closed on Tuesdays SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (CONFESSIONS) Saturday: 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, MATRIMONY OR ANOINTING OF THE SICK Call Parish Office for appointment. New parishioners are asked to register by calling the parish office. Parish Mission Statement Our Lady of Joy Parish is a Catholic community of faith dedicated to Mary, the cause of our joy. We are centered in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Eucharist. We are a welcoming family, striving to see Christ in all and responding to the needs of the members of our parish and community. Called to act in faith, hope and love we seek to become a visible presence of Christ in the world.

2 Reflecting on God s Word Most of us can recognize times when we are in the dark and occasions when we carry darkness in our hearts, just as there are moments when we feel enlightened and find that our vision is clear. It is quite another thing to become identified with darkness or with light. The first words of today s reading from the Letter to the Ephesians stand out for their boldness: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8). We get a glimpse of what it means to be light in the Lord both from Samuel, who finally sees as God sees, and in the courageous behavior of the man born blind after Jesus has healed him. Samuel anoints Israel s greatest king, David, and the man born blind comes to faith in Jesus as Lord. The man born blind is one of those strong figures found in John s Gospel. Like the woman at the well, we never learn his name but we come to know his heart. His speech is straightforward, whether speaking to his neighbors, the Pharisees, or Jesus. You can hear the gradual dawning of faith as he responds to those around him, from the simple He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see to He is a prophet, to his answer to Jesus question about having faith in the Son of man standing before him, I do believe, Lord (John 9:15, 17, 38). THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH March 27 - April 2, 2017 MONDAY CCD - 4:30pm CCD - 6:30pm Rosary for Life - 7pm TUESDAY Prayer Shawl - 9am CCD - 4:30pm CCD - 6:30pm 4:12 Ministry- Happiness - 6:30pm Lectio Divina - 7pm WEDNESDAY 33 Days to Merciful Love - 9:30am Youthful Spirit - 6pm Chorale - 7pm Pivotal Players - 7pm THURSDAY Weekday Mass - 12 Noon Holy Hour - 12:30pm Adoration & Divine Mercy - 3pm Icon Painting Class - 7pm Contemporary Music Ensemble - 7pm FRIDAY Fish Fry & Bake - 4pm Stations of the Cross Continued on Page Three From the Pastor On this 4 th Sunday of Lent we hear the story of the Man Born Blind. Jesus put clay mixed with saliva on the blind man s eyes, and he told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, and when he did he came forth able to see. Once he was healed the Pharisees began to investigate how this could happen, questioning him about Jesus. The man born blind defended Jesus saying that if Jesus were not from God he would not be able to do anything. He found Jesus and he came to believe in Jesus as the SON OF MAN, the Lord. Today, on this 4 th Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the 2 nd Scrutiny for those in the RCIA Process. The scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good.to give them strength in Christ and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all. (RCIA #141) We are only weeks away from celebrating Palm Sunday, then Holy Week and Easter. May we each hold on to our Lenten practices and rejoice in the Lord s great gifts of the Resurrection and the Life. Hopefully we will have a wonderful warm spring. God bless. Fr. Al Z+ Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross will be at 7pm on the following Fridays of Lent: March 31, at 7pm. And on April 14 at 6:30pm Living Stations of the Cross Please join the youth of our parish as they present Jesus Passion on Friday, April 7 at 7:30pm. Lenten Penance Service on Tuesday, April 4 at 7pm. Pre-Baptism & Pre-Marriage Class A class is required for any new parent(s) wishing to have their baby baptized at Our Lady of Joy Parish. The class will be offered at 7:00pm in the Father Marchukonis Hall on May 3, Pre-Marriage Class The next weekend for our Marriage Preparation Program will be May 5 & 6, Couples must attend both the Friday evening session 7:00pm - 10:15pm and the Saturday morning session 9:00am-1:00pm to complete the diocesan requirements for marriage instruction. Call to register. PAGE TWO OUR LADY OF JOY PARISH, HOLIDAY PARK, PA MARCH 26, 2017

3 What is R.C.I.A. As Catholics we all remember those special occasions that we celebrate in the church with our families. Our families get together for the baptism of our child/children, and after the baptism we all gather together to celebrate the child having been baptized. We celebrate the reception of 1 st Holy Communion and Confirmation and we may even remember our own celebration of these sacraments. These times are truly blessed and are indeed important events to celebrate in our lives. This is the process in which we become full participants in the Catholic faith, we become fully initiated. Some Catholics have a different experience of being initiated into the Catholic faith, it is called R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults). This is a discernment process in which non Catholic adults, who wish to become Catholic, fully enter into the faith. They receive the sacraments of initiation as we did, but they receive them all at once at the Easter Vigil each year. We, as a faith community, celebrate their coming to faith and welcome them into the Catholic Church. Just as we celebrated our Baptism, 1 st Communion, and Confirmation, we celebrate with these individuals as they go through the process of becoming fully initiated Catholics. Our parish community participates in the R.C.I.A. process with these new members; we pray with them, we learn with them, we journey with them, and we welcome them with our hospitality and generosity. We can become more familiar with who they are as we see them each week at church. As a parish, we need to introduce ourselves and get to know who they are. We welcome any adult who may be interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith. This does not mean that you necessarily have to become Catholic, but you are interested in knowing more about the Catholic Religion. Those adults who are: un-baptized baptized in another religion baptized Catholic, but have not received any other sacraments (1 st Communion, Confirmation) are welcome to enter into the initiation process. May God continue to bless our parish community as we promote the Kingdom of Heaven. What is Eucharistic Adoration? It has been the consistent belief of the Catholic Church from the very beginning that the bread and wine consecrated at Mass truly become the Body and Blood of Christ; and that, furthermore, as the Catholic Catechism states, this Eucharistic presence of Christ [which] begins at the moment of the consecration...endures as long as the Eucharistic species subsist. (CC #1377). In other words, the Eucharistic Christ then continues to be present in our midst beyond the Eucharistic liturgy when the consecrated host is either reposed in a tabernacle or exposed on the altar. Come spend some time on Thursdays Eucharist Adoration if possible after the 12:00 Noon Mass. Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Come join the Parish family to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, the eighth day within the Octave of Easter on April 23. The celebration will begin with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and include the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The closing will be around 3:30pm. A reception in the Father Marchukonis Hall will follow the prayers. We will also show a movie, The Face of Mercy. Join us as we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday declared by St. John Paul. THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH (Continued From Page Two) SATURDAY Sacrament of Penance - 5pm - 5:30pm Vigil Mass - 6pm FIRE Night - 6pm SUNDAY Fifth Sunday of Lent Sunday Masses - 8:30am, 10am and 12 Noon Spanish Mass & Reception Today s Readings First Reading As the prophet Samuel anointed David with oil, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David and remained with him from that day forward (1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a). Psalm The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Psalm 23). Second Reading You who were once darkness are now light in the Lord. Live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-14). Gospel The man who was blind from birth proclaimed: The one called Jesus made clay with his saliva, anointed my eyes with it, and told me to wash. When I washed, I was able to see! (John 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38]) Readings for the Week Monday: Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13b; Jn 4:43-54 Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16 Wednesday: Is 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18; Jn 5:17-30 Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:31-47 Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-12; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday: Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45] FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT PAGE THREE

4 This Week s Priest s Private Mass Intentions Monday - March 27 8:30 am Mario Palladino (Judy Vincent) Tuesday - March 28 8:30 am Dan Higgins Sr. (Dick Pucak) Wednesday - March 29 8:30 am Lynn Celia (Mary Ellen & Pete Ramage) Thursday - March Noon Tom Emge (Charlotte & Frank Augustynowicz) Friday - March 31 8:30 am Margaret Katch (Jane & Frank & Valerie Laylock) Saturday - April 1 6:00 pm Nicholas Kardos (Mary & Joe Czemerda) Sunday - April 2 8:30 am Mario Palladino (Liz & Howie) 10:00 am Deceased of the Wildow Family (Donna & Bob Wildow) 12 Noon For all the People of the Parish Sanctuary Candle Our Sanctuary Candle burns in Honor of the Blessed Sacrament and In Loving Memory of Norma Zapf, requested by Lotus & Joshua Liu Parish Share Total $47, Spanish Mass Our next Spanish Mass will be at 6pm on Sunday, April 2. All are welcome to celebrate this beautiful mass and enjoy fellowship in the hall afterwards. Mass with Prayers & Blessings for Healing Mark your calendar! Father William Kiel will be celebrating a Mass with Prayers and Blessings for Healing at Our Lady of Joy Parish on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:30pm. Rosary for Life & Future Seminarians The Our Lady of Joy Holy Name Society will be conducting a Rosary for Life & Future Seminarians Series during the Lenten season. The Sorrowful Mysteries decades will be recited on Mondays at 7pm each week during Lent. The agenda will begin with a time of reflection and prayer followed by the entire Sorrowful Mysteries Decades. Join the Holy Name Society and fellow supporters in the Rosary for Life & Future Seminarians. All are welcome to attend. Final FIRE Night 'Where sin has abounded there grace has abounded all the more" Romans 5:20 ALL PARISHIONERS are invited to attend the final FIRE Night for the catechetical year on Saturday, April 1. Mass featuring contemporary music will begin at 6pm followed by dinner, fellowship, and a group session focused on Sin and the Catholic Social Teaching of Stewardship of Creation. Our project this evening will include t-shirts featuring the new Our Lady of Joy logo. Please RSVP to Religious Education Office at or education@ourladyofjoy.org with how many will be attending as well as t-shirt sizes needed. Bereavement Ministry Our bereavement ministry will have a seven-week grief support series beginning Wednesday, April 19 from 7-8:30pm. We will meet in classroom 2 downstairs. Our support group is for those who have lost a loved one and are seeking the company of others in their time of need. We will meet every Wednesday through May 31. All are welcome. If you or someone you know might be interested please call Liz Bachtel at or the religious education office at for more information or to register. Serving Our Seniors - Wills and Estate Planning Wednesday, April 19 at 1pm Estate Planning: It s not just having a will or trust prepared. Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney and Advanced Directives for health care should all be considered in creating your estate plan. Join Attorney and parishioner John C. Fullen, Esq. for this informative discussion. All classes are free and will be held at Our Lady of Joy Parish, 2000 O Block Rd, Plum Borough in the Father Marchukonis Hall. Light refreshments will be served. Although not necessary to RSVP it does help with planning. Call Kathy at Or kakb5101@gmail.com Appalachia Ministry The Appalachia Ministry will be selling biscotti and pizzelles after each mass on April 1 & 2. The profits of this sale help to pay for a storage unit, and fuel for the truck s round trip from Kentucky. Your continued support for these sales is greatly appreciated. PAGE FOUR OUR LADY OF JOY PARISH, HOLIDAY PARK, PA MARCH 26, 2017

5 St. Paul s Retreat Center Strengthen your connection with your God at St. Paul s Retreat Center April 21-23! In addition to the $215 Gift certificate, there is scholarship funding available, just ask. The signup sheet is posted on the OLOJ bulletin board, or call Sisters of Saint Elizabeth Convent Diocese of Minsk, Belarus The Sisters of Saint Elizabeth Convent are coming to our parish on Friday, March 31. They will offer souvenirs and church supplies made in their Convent. All proceeds will go to support facilities for children and adults with special needs as well as a rehabilitation center for drugs and alcohol addicts run by St. Elizabeth Convent. Please stop by their table after the 8:30am Mass and at the Fish Fry & Bake from 4-7pm. Our Lady of Joy Fish Fry & Bake Fridays during Lent including Good Friday 4pm - 7pm Menu Fried Cod & Baked Cod Sandwiches $7 Fried Cod & Baked Cod Ala Carte $7 Haluski $3 Grilled Cheese $3 Mac & Cheese $1 Cole Slaw $1 French Fries $1 Christmas Shoebox Now that Spring has sprung, it is time to start the monthly collections for the Christmas Shoebox Program. Each month we will suggest items to be donated until the annual WRAP PARTY in November. These items are collected to fill shoeboxes that are sent to unfortunate children worldwide. The suggested items for APRIL are BARS OF SOAP and WASH CLOTHS. NO LIQUIDS. Please deposit your donations in the Christmas Shoebox COLLECTION BOX in the back of Church. NOTE: Due to new custom regulations, we cannot collect TOOTH PASTE nor CANDY this year. Thanks so much and may GOD bless you. Easter Bunny Lunch Easter is on it's way so it will soon be time to hippity hoppity down the Bunny trail for the Annual Easter Bunny Lunch. The Lunch will be held on Saturday, April 8 from 2pm to 4pm in the Church Hall. $4.00 each will be on sale in the back of the Church on the weekends of March 25/26 and April 1/2. Food, Fun, Gifts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / CCD First Communion Class Retreat Saturday, April 22 begins at 9am until 12 Noon. All Second grade students will meet in the Church. A parent or grandparent must attend with their child. Instructions will be given for reception of First Communion. Religious articles will be blessed. A snack will be provided, OTHER NEWS WWII & Korean War Veterans There is a free bus trip planned for Pittsburgh area WWII and Korean War veterans to Washington, DC to see their national memorials on Thursday, May 18. There are several departure locations, including Miracle Mile parking lot in Monroeville at 6:30am. The bus will return between 8:30-9 pm. Boxed lunches, dinners and drinks are provided. Wheelchairs will be available if requested. Seating is reserved for WWII and Korean War veterans; we regret that we can't accommodate family or friends. A registered nurse will be on each bus. Call Lydian to register. There is a flyer in the back of church. Saint Vincent Alumni Council to Host Father Gilbert J. Burke Easter Ball Father Gilbert was known as the public face of Saint Vincent to the local community and beyond. Over the years, he touched the lives of thousands of people. Join the Saint Vincent Alumni Council on Saturday, May 6, 2017 to honor Father Gilbert and learn more about his extraordinary works at the Father Gilbert J. Burke Easter Ball - held at the Rogers Center on campus. For more info, call the Alumni Office at All proceeds benefit the Father Gilbert J. Burke Alumni Scholarship Fund. Retrouvaille In 1 Corinthians 13:13 Jesus tells us the greatest of these is Love. Living in a marriage that is missing love can be difficult. If you have given up hope that your marriage can and will get better, ask your spouse to consider attending a Retrouvaille program. Retrouvaille is an international Christian-based ministry that offers a three-stage program to help couples improve their marriages. First, a weekend program is attended, followed by post-weekend meetings. Finally, an on-going monthly small group of couples gather for support and growth. If improving your marriage is important to you, reach out today. The next Weekend begins March 31, Contact Retrouvaille at FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT PAGE FIVE