Question of the Week. News from Father Todd. Drum Roll Please

Transcription

1 Sunday, August 30, 2015

2 Dear friends, I have been mulling over Joshua beautiful words from last week s first reading: As for me and my household we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15). Joshua had just challenged the Children of Israel to make a choice between the gods of the peoples they had encountered in the Promised Land and there were many, or to choose to serve the God who had brought them out of their slavery in Egypt. Joshua s inspiring words make his choice clear. That reading is a reminder that we, too, are called to make a choice. We are disciples not by accident or by birth, but by a conscious decision. There are strong and powerful voices in the world of politics, the world of popular culture and the world of media that would call us to serve other gods or perhaps, increasingly today, no god at all. This past April 27 th Hillary Clinton gave the keynote address at the 6 th Annual Women in the World Summit. Speaking in support of what she called a woman s right to abortion, she said: Deep seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed. This is but one contemporary voice calling us to serve other gods. Popular culture as defined by television and the movies almost exclusively ignores the existence of God or affirms his existence only as the fodder for comedy. And so Joshua s words are as important for us today as they were for the people of his day. We, too, must decide whom we will serve. And the choice we make must be more than simple lip service. Our choice must define the decisions we make as to how we will live our lives. I would hope that that choice would be reflected in the importance we give to Sunday Mass. I think we underestimate the power of the witness that a crowded parking lot and a packed church give to the world around us. Pious Jews place the mezuzah outside the doors of their homes touching it upon entering and leaving the house. The mezuzah contains the words of Deuteronomy 6:9: Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One. Perhaps we as Christians would be wise to do something similar placing a plaque at the doors of our homes using the words of Joshua from last Sunday s reading: As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. We would be wise to remember those words as enter and leave our homes lest we forget. See you at Mass! News from Father Todd Drum Roll Please For those who missed the announcement at last Sunday s Parish Picnic, this year s Funfest earned $46, for the parish! Ann Berkemeier presented the check at the conclusion of the picnic Mass. Thank you to Ann and to all who worked so hard to make this year s Funfest a great success! Question of the Week Q. Most of my friends are Protestant Christians. I try not to get into arguments with them, but sometimes they say things that I don t think are true but I m not sure how to answer. Recently they brought up mortal and venial sins and said that it is an example of a Catholic man-made tradition and not from the Bible. Are they right? A. You are right to try not to get into arguments with your friends. But at the same time we remember the words of St. Peter who tells us, Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks for the reason for the hope that is within you (1 Peter 3:15). That s why it is important to study our faith so that, in love, we can give that reason. The Biblical basis for our Catholic understanding of mortal and venial sin is found in 1 John 5:17 which tells us, All wrongdoing is sin, but not all sin is deadly. In speaking of the distinction between mortal and venial sin we sometimes hear the objection that Catholics believe that some sin is OK. That certainly is not the case. All sin is bad as it demonstrates a lack of love toward God, neighbor or self. Saint John makes the distinction between sin that is deadly and sin that is not. The Latin word for deadly is mortal. Based on this passage of scripture we recognize that some sins are mortal or deadly in that they cut us off from the life of grace that God freely bestowed upon us at baptism. Does all sin do this? Saint John would tell us no. There are sins that are, of course, bad but do not separate us from God s life in us. Scripture makes this distinction not the Catholic Church. An example would be a lie. All lying is bad. But there is a difference between a man telling his wife that her new hair color is attractive even though streaks of purple and orange do little to enhance her natural beauty and a man lying about a suspect in a police line-up to save a friend from a murder conviction. Saint John would tell us that there is a difference between the two. The Church gives the name venial to some sins, not in the sense that they are fine and dandy and have the Church s blessing, but in the sense that while they are wrong they do not remove us from the life of grace. Other sins, however, do rise to that level and they are given the name mortal. The next time the discussion turns to mortal and venial sin, remember 1 John 5:17. Continue to avoid arguments, but always be ready to speak the truth in love.

3 Readings for 8/30 ~ 9/06/2015 Sunday: Dt 4:1-2, 6-8; Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, Monday: 1 Thes 4:13-18; Lk 4:16-30 Tuesday: 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4:31-37 Wednesday: Col 1:1-8; Lk 4:38-44 Thursday: Col 1:9-14; Lk 5:1-11 Friday: Col 1:15-20; Lk 5:33-39 Saturday: Col 1:21-23; Lk 6:1-5 Sunday: Is 35:4-7a; Jas 2:1-5; Mk 7:31-37 Please pray for Eleanor Sowder, Lorraine Braasch, Samantha Hampton and Baby, Chris Gough, Mark Smith, John Perkins, Linda Lilly, Elaine Alexander, Don Bowling, Ron Shockey, Noah Duffer, Sue Marshall, Charles & Mildred Ragon, Barbara Beaton, Betty Newman, Sarah Clements, Jim Reed, Betty Mouser, Elizabeth Wilhite, Steve Chaplin, Lisa Engelking, Joan Matthews, Molly Brown, Mike Hendrickson, Carolyn Walters, Margaret Strack, Kim Huffman, Melanie Brady, Penny Bowling, Lucy Hopkins, Brenda Wheeler, Tanja Wozniewski, Nicole Richards, Judy Weaver, Alex Stavrou, Vince Huber, Cyril DesJean, Bill Rowley, Bernard & Elizabeth Price, Nick Kreuzman, Michelle Oberting, Jane Rosebrock, Don Pearson, Pat Courteau, John Conover, Jean Nightingale, Katie Nightingale, Alicia Keaton, Joanne Scifres, Dick Schott, Molly Russell, Margaret Payne, Pat Ward, Hazel Risch, Marybeth Greulich, Mont Jolley and Terri Rottler-Means. MILITARY: Please pray for our women and men in the Armed Forces and their families. Mass Intentions Sunday, August 30-Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time 7:30 a.m. Parishioners of Saint Mark 9:30 a.m. Peter Win 11:45 p.m. John Dillane Monday, August 31 - Weekday 9:00 a.m. Communion Service Tuesday, September 1 Weekday 9:00 a.m. Victoriana Brias Wednesday, September 2 - Weekday 9:00 a.m. Betty Pogue Thursday, September 3 - Saint Gregory the Great 9:00 a.m. John Nicholson Friday, September 4 - Weekday 8:15 a.m. Ella Tanner Saturday, September 5 - Weekday; Blessed Teresa of Calcutta 5:30 p.m. Mike Horty Sunday, September 6-Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time 7:30 a.m. Parishioners of Saint Mark 9:30 a.m. Patricia DesJean 11:45 p.m. Molli Cassetty Vocations Matthew Perronie Home Parish: Saint Malachy Brownsburg, IN Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary Sr. Susan Marie Pleiss, OSF Temporary Professed Sisters of Saint Francis, Oldenburg, IN Prayer for Vocations Most generous Father, thank you for calling men and women into Your service especially those You are calling to serve as priests or religious. I pray especially for them during times of doubt and fear. May they be open to Your protection and love and trust in Your plan. Amen.

4 Reporting Allegations of Abuse The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is committed to ensuring the safety of all children in its care and enforcing its policies and practices regarding the safety of children. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the Archdiocese, please contact local law enforcement authorities or the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at and the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, 1400 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN You do not have to give your name. Mrs. Hill can also be reached at or , ext or by at chill@archindy.org. The Archdiocese also maintains a misconduct reporting system that is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week through Ethicspoint, and reports can be made at Parish Life NOCTURNAL ADORATION is the first Friday of each month in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Our next Adoration is Friday, September 4th. New adorers are always welcome to join in prayer for an hour. The first hour of Adoration is at 7:00 PM with rotating hours on the hour, through the night. Come let us adore Him. If you would like to know more about Nocturnal Adoration or if you would like to be included in our monthly reminder mailing list, please call the parish office. INCLUSION MINISTRY: People with disabilities treasure their independence: don t worry so much about helping. HOPE AND HEALING SUPPORT GROUP: Our ongoing support group is for those who have attempted suicide and their loved ones, for those whose loved one has died and for those trying to prevent suicide. The next meeting is scheduled on Thursday, September 10th. If you have questions please contact Judy Proctor, or, K OF C BREAKFAST The Knights of Columbus, Council 3660 located at Thompson and US 31 will have breakfast on Sunday, September 13. SECOND SATURDAY sewing and quilting in the Cenacle on Sat. Sept. 12 from 10:00am 4:00pm. If you have questions please contact Chris Hurley or Chris Merkel. School MAGAZINE SALE The St. Mark Catholic School Magazine Sale is underway! If you want to purchase or renew magazines (paper or digital, sports tumblers or discount cards, you can order from a SMCS student or go to htt:// and our school code: and order online. This is our only major fundraiser and 40% of all sales goes directly to St. Mark! DINE OUT AT CITY BBQ! Our first Dine Out Event of the school year will be Thursday, September 10th at City BBQ (US 31 South) all day! Take the flyer and 25% of your total bill will come back to St. Mark! So take your family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors to City BBQ on Thursday, September 10th for our Dine Out Event! ST. MARK HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW Mark your calendar for the St. Mark Holiday Craft Show on Saturday, November 7th from 9:00am until 3:00pm. If you are interested in a booth to sell your crafts, contact Mr. Albertson at: ralbertson@stmarkindy.org Booth space is limited so act quickly! FREE MONEY St. Mark School collects Labels for Education & Box Tops! Labels for Ed. are found on the bottoms of products and must include the UPC code to be valid. Go to the website for a complete list. Box Tops are on the tops or sides of products. Donation boxes are on the shelves of the Information Centers in the Narthex and at the entrance of school. My Coke Rewards no longer has a school coordinator. We ask you to establish your won Coke Rewards account and can then be donated to St. Mark Catholic School. Visit, MyCokeRewards.com or call the school for more information. St. Vincent de Paul YOUR HELP IS NEEDED: St. Mark parishioners are asked to recycle your plastic grocery bags to our friends of SVdP. Many clients walk to the food pantry and this is one way that we can save the organization money to spend on food for the pantry. Your clean plastic bags can be placed in the wooden octagon container located on the south end of the Narthex.

5 Faith Formation Golf Outing RCIA If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, classes for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are forming now and will begin meeting 7:00pm to 8:30pm on September 16th, 2015 in the school Media Center. Please contact Deacon Tom for additional information. ALTAR SERVERS Boys and Girls in grades 5-8 who are not currently enrolled in St. Mark School and are not currently serving but would like to assist Father Todd as an altar server at Mass are asked to contact Deacon Tom. CONFIRMATION Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for high school students in grades will begin Sunday, September 20th at 7 p.m. in the church. Watch the bulletin for more information to come. Questions? Julie Albertson at jalbertson@stmarkindy.org or call the parish office. CYO St. Mark CYO Registration - All Parish youth are welcome to compete in CYO sports. St. Mark registration and CYO physical exam forms are available in the church narthex, parish office, school office, and the school and parish web sites. You must register for each sport using a St. Mark registration form PLUS complete a CYO registration. CYO registrations for these sports are performed online at Follow the Register Child link and complete the information requested. Please contact Athletic Director Bob Jones at or bobjennyjones@yahoo.com for more information. Community School s in Session with Marian s Adult Programs! Fall is back to school time! With Marian s Adult Programs, you can earn your degree even as a busy adult. Our 5 and 8 week long courses are offered year round and are available online, in the classroom, and in a hybrid format. If you re ready to take the next step, we re here to help. Call or visit us online at Saint Mark Men s Club is sponsoring the annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 At Valle Vista 755 E. Main St., Greenwood Beginning at 1pm Music Ministry FALL CHOIR SEASON BEGINS!!! The following is information about just a few of our St. Mark choirs and music ministry opportunities. All rehearsals are in the Church. For more information about all of our choirs, including the funeral choir and men s choir, please contact Andrew Eagan at aeagan@stmarkindy.org. St. Mark Children s Choir: All St. Mark children grades 5 th through 8 th are invited to sing in our Children s Choir. This is for kids both from our St. Mark School and all area schools. We would love to see this choir continue to grow in numbers. The Children s Choir sings everything from Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria to more contemporary songs like God of Wonders. Rehearsals this fall are Wednesdays from 4:00 to 4:45pm; first rehearsal is Wednesday, September 2 nd. St. Mark Youth Choir: This choir is for all high school age kids and musicians. The youth are encouraged to suggest the music, and the high school musicians have an opportunity to share their talent. There will be no regular evening rehearsals; we will rehearse 45 minutes prior to Mass. Please contact Julie Albertson, jalbertson@stmarkindy.org for more information. St. Mark Adult Choir: This choir is the one of the largest adult choirs in the city of Indianapolis. All adults are invited to join this group in song and prayer; we would love to see more young adults. If you always wondered about singing in the choir, come give us a try. You will have the opportunity to sing awesome music and to be part of a group of wonderful friends. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:30pm. Please come Thursday, September 3 rd. All are Welcome!

6 Youth Ministry The next NCYC meeting will be September 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Schafer Hall basement. We will be creating more of our items to trade during this year's NCYC conference November Over 1000 volunteers are needed for NCYC. Would you like to take part in this amazing event which welcomes more than 20,000 high school youth from across the country? Visit and click the volunteer for NCYC button. All volunteers will need to have completed Safe and Sacred, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis safe environment training. Young Adults The Young Adult Ministry meets in the Cenacle every Monday evening. If you are between the ages of 21 and 35 and would like to share your Catholic Faith with others your age, this is a great opportunity. Every Monday night begins with dinner at 6:30 p.m. then we study the bible or reflect on the readings for the next Sunday or work on a particular study that was chosen. If you would like more information contact Julie Albertson at jalbertson@stmarkindy.org or Matt Sierp at mattsierp82@gmail.com. NEXT MEETING: Mon Aug 6:30pm in the Cenacle Sister Circle St. Mark Sister Circle Riding for SVDP Food Pantry Make the Hope Ride in Hope, IN your last blast of Summer! St. Mark Sister Circle is once again forming a team of cyclist to ride in the annual Hope Ride to raise money for the SVDP Food Pantry. The ride will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 beginning at Hauser High School. This is a recreational ride for all ages and abilities with distances from miles. For more information and to register, go to the Hope Ride website: To join the Sister Circle team, select our team name on the registration form: St Mark Sister Circle - SVDP. If you want to support this effort but can t ride that day you can register as a supporter and join our team. The more team members we have the more funds we can provide to SVDP! If you have any questions, please contact Mary Masengale at Hope to see you there! Safe and Sacred-All Parish Volunteers ALL PARISH VOLUNTEERS As a community of faith, we are committed to safeguard our children and youth, the most important gifts God has entrusted to us. The following rules and regulations reflect that commitment and apply to clergy, employees, and volunteers. All volunteers, CYO coaches, CYO concession workers, school volunteers, Men s Club volunteers, Choir members Committee members and Eucharistic Ministers to mention only a few of our volunteers. In short, all who volunteer at St. Mark should participate in the Safe and Sacred program. This program is designed to broaden the focus of the training to increase awareness of all forms of child abuse. Not matter what your area of the parish volunteerism is, please sign up for the Safe and Sacred program. Safe and Sacred is an online line program designed to provide easier access to child protection training for clergy, employees and all volunteers. There is 24/7 access on line with paper copies upon request. The program takes just 45 minutes to complete and covers all forms of abuse (sexual, emotion and physical) and neglect. Each volunteer will receive a certificate upon completion. All volunteers the link to the Safe and Sacred Program, This link is posted on the Archdiocesan website, under Child Safety and Misconduct Reporting. Thank you for all you do for the St. Mark Community! For more information please sweeneyk@stmarkindy.org.

7 Calendar Of Events Sunday, August 30, 2015 MASS - Church 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM CRHP W19 - Media Center School (4:00 PM) CRHP M19 - Cenacle (6:00 PM) Monday, August 31, 2015 Communion Service - Church (9:00 AM) Quilters - Parish Center Upstairs (10:00 AM) ELS-program - CR 1, CR3, CR 4 (5:30 PM) YOUNG ADULT - Cenacle (6:30 PM) Men's Club - SH Gym (7:00 PM) Tuesday, September 01, 2015 MASS - Church (9:00 AM) Liturgy Committee - Parish BR (7:00 PM) Wednesday, September 02, 2015 MASS - Church (9:00 AM) ELS-program - CR 1, CR3, CR 4 (5:30 PM) Volleyball - Schafer Hall/Gym (6:00 PM) Classroom 8 (6:30 PM) Quilters-Parish Center Upstairs - (7:00 PM) Clow - Parish BR (7:00 PM) Thursday, September 03, 2015 MASS - Church (9:00 AM) Brownies/Cadets - Art Room (5:00 PM) Volleyball - Schafer Hall/Gym (6:00 PM) Friday, September 04, 2015 MASS - Church (8:15 AM) O.A. - Parish BR (12:00 PM) Wedding/Rehearsal - Church (5:00 PM) Nocturnal Adoration - Chapel (7:00 PM - 6:00 AM) Saturday, September 05, 2015 Reconciliation - Courtesy rm (9:00 AM) Wedding - Church (11:00 AM) Location Reconciliation - Courtesy rm (4:00 PM) MASS - Church (5:30 PM) Sunday, September 06, 2015 MASS - Church 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM CRHP M19 - Cenacle (6:00 PM) Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00AM - 6:00PM Parish Center Phone: Pastor Ext. 106 Administrative Assistant Ext. 100 Dir. Of Youth Ministry Ext. 101 Business Manager Ext. 102 Music Director Ext. 105 Pastoral Associate Ext. 103 Coordinator of Rel. Ed Ext. 104 School Principal Ext. 201 Fr. Todd Riebe ft@stmarkindy.org Chris Guedel cdguedel@stmarkindy.org Julie Albertson jalbertson@stmarkindy.org Kevin Sweeney sweeneyk@stmarkindy.org Andy Eagan aeagan@stmarkindy.org Deacon Tom Horn deacontom@stmarkindy.org Angi Swiezy aswiezy@stmarkindy.org St. Mark Catholic School 541 E Edgewood. Av Indianapolis, IN School Admin. Assistant Ext. 200 CONTACTS Rusty Albertson ralbertson@stmarkindy.org Beth Leszcynski bleszcynski@stmarkindy.org