St. Alphonsus Church Market Street, Wheeling, WV Pastoral Staff

Transcription

1 St. Alphonsus Church 2111 Market Street, Wheeling, WV September 22, th Sunday in Ordinary Time Pastoral Staff Rev. Frank A. O Kruta (fokruta@gmail.com) Pastor Rev. Mr. George Smoulder, Permanent Deacon Joyce Fiorilli, Parish Secretary Kenny Wilson, Maintenance Sister Anna Marie Cole, CSJ, PSR Coordinator Susie Foose, President/Christian Mothers David Alfred/Caroline Lakomy, Church Organists Parish Phone: Parish Fax: Parish Address/Web: saintalphonsuswheeling@gmail.com www:stalswheeling.org MASS SCHEDULE Mon Tues Thurs Fri 7:00 AM Wed Communion Service 7:00 AM Saturday Vigil Mass 5:30 PM Sunday Masses 7:00 AM, 10:30 AM MONTHLY MASSES Mass Association (1st Friday of month) Polish Mass (3rd Sunday of month) 7:00 AM 9:00 AM SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 4:30 5:00 PM or by appointment SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Contact office 6 months before desired date. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call the office for appointment. PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 am to Noon; 1:00 to 3:00 PM Friday 9:00 am to Noon NOVENAS Miraculous Medal - Tuesday after 7:00 AM Mass Novena to St. Jude - Fridays after 7:00 AM Mass Divine Mercy Chaplet 1st Friday at 5:30 PM

2 PARISH NEWS I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. Should they cry to me in distress, I will hear them and I will be their Lord for ever. PARISH FOOD COLLECTION 18th Street Catholic Charities SCHOOL LUNCHBOX NEEDS Pudding snacks, J-ello snack packs, Peanut butter & jelly, any snack pack items, applesauce packs, juice boxes, and snack crackers. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Mon: Ezr 1:1-6; Ps 126:1b-6; Lk 8:16-18 Tue: Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20; Ps 122:1-5; Lk 8:19-21 Wed: Ezr 9:5-9; Tb:13:2, 3-4abefghn, 7-8; Lk 9:1-6 Thur: Hg 1:1-8; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Lk 9:7-9 Fri: Hg 2:1-9; Ps 43:1-4; Lk 9:18-22 Sat: Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a; Jer 31:10-12ab, 13; Lk 9:43b-45 Sun: Am 6:1a, 4-7; Ps 146:7-10; 1 Tm 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31 PRIORITIES In the first reading, the prophet Amos rages against all those whose greed is so great that they would close their eyes and hearts to the needs of the poor among them. To make a buck is one thing, Amos is saying. To make it on the backs of the helpless is quite another. In the second reading, Paul reminds us of our charge and duty to pray. He issues a call to more expansive prayer prayer that should mark the daily life of Christians. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the wholehearted effort of a crafty servant who sees downsizing heading his way. Jesus finds him a marvel and puzzles over why such cleverness is limited to the world of commerce. Jesus wonders why those who seek a position in the reign of God lack such wit and wherewithal. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Vincent de Paul (24 April September 1660) was a priest of the Catholic Church who dedicated himself to serving the poor. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and was canonized in De Paul was renowned for his compassion, humility and generosity, and is known as the "Great Apostle of Charity". St. Vincent de Paul is the patron of all works of charity. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, a charitable organization dedicated to the service of the poor, was established by French university students in 1833, led by the Blessed Frederic Ozanam. The Society is today present in 132 countries. Feast Day is Friday, September 27th. GREAT NEWS!!!!!! PARISH CRUISE 2014 We are planning a Parish Cruise to BERMUDA on Royal Caribbean s GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS June 6 to 13, 2014 We will travel by bus from Wheeling to the dock in Baltimore, Maryland and enjoy a day at sea; then THREE days in Kings, Wharf, Bermuda followed by 2 days at sea before returning to Baltimore for the ride home. Trip: includes motor coach to and from Baltimore, 7 night cruise aboard Grandeur of the Seas $25.00 on board credit per cabin $1,350 pp inside cabin (double) $1,460 pp outside cabin (double) $1,960 pp Balcony cabin (double) Deposit of $ due at booking Book through: Uniglobe Travel, Wheeling or To learn MORE about this cruise join Fr. Frank for an Information night, Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 6:00 p.m. in the Church basement. In gratitude for their gifts received from God, parishioners and visitors made this joyful return to the Lord to help continue His work at St. Alphonsus Parish: Collections $2, Candles $ Church Utilities $ Thank you for your generosity!

3 COMMUNITY EVENTS TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION When the Roman Empire turned a favorable eye toward the once-persecuted Christians, among the effects was a population explosion in the baptismal font, as Christian sympathizers stepped from the shadows. With more and more people becoming Christians, laws were passed to protect Sunday as a work-free day. Soon, it became possible to celebrate Mass later in the morning, rather than the older custom of gathering before dawn to celebrate Eucharist. Amazingly, despite the increasing numbers of Christians, there was great resistance to adding to the number of worship events; the Eucharist that began as a few friends around a table soon was transformed into a more formal event with throngs crowding a large hall. All the Christians in a city or town would gather around the bishop for the one Sunday Eucharist, and only when the crowds became unmanageable was there an impulse to divide the assembly by splitting off a new bishop and flock. Now, sixteen hundred years later, many parishes see a need to trim or combine Mass schedules. This is often seen as tough surgery. Yet our forebears in the faith would see it as a gain: a filling up of the Eucharist with a large and vigorous assembly, a fullness of ministry, an opportunity to make the Church more fully visible and stronger for service. WV AUXILIARY OF THE CONGREGATION OF ST. JOSEPH SLATES FALL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SEPTEMBER 29 The West Virginia Auxiliary to the Congregation of St. Joseph will host its annual fall meeting for members and their guests at Mount St. Joseph in Wheeling on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 2-4 p.m. A light luncheon will be served. There is no charge to attend. Entertainment for the afternoon will be provided by pianist Michael Hamilton. 'Hamilton is the current organist at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church. A former student of Anita Chops, he is a graduate of Wheeling Park High School and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano. A noted pianist, organist and lecturer, he has served as music director for numerous theatrical productions in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He was a three-time accompanist for the West Virginia All-State Choir, principal pianist with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, guest entertainer for the West Virginia Legislature and judge for the Miss West Virginia competition. He is also a charter member of the Capt. David Van-Camp Memorial Foundation. The auxiliary s mission is to benefit the needs of the sisters at Mount St. Joseph through fundraising efforts that include an annual Gala and Reverse Raffle, a festive Christmas luncheon, and its 160-plus Club, and summer cash raffle. NOVENA TO THE INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE DIOCESAN SR. HIGH YOUTH CONFERENCE Bishop Hodges Pastoral Center Huttonsville, West Virginia September 28-29, 2013 Begins at 10:00am This conference is open to all High School Students (grades 9-12). Cost is $75.00 per person (includes transportation, lodging & meals). Please RSVP by September 13th. To register, hbise@dwc.org or call , ext SERVING THE NEEDS OF GRIEVING PARENTS ON THEIR SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS WEEKEND RETREAT For the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Friday, October 4, 2013 Sunday, October 6, 2013 Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, 100 Hodges Road, Charleston, WV Call: for information and costs (800) The Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Wheeling, WV will host their second annual Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague. This powerful novena begins on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. and lasts for nine (9) consecutive Mondays concluding on November 18, Each week consists of Exposition & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, a homily given by a guest priest, music, and prayers to the Infant of Prague. The overall theme for this year is Christ, Light of the Nations. Please join us for this devotion to the Infant King, Light of the Nations. For further questions, please contact the Cathedral Parish Offices at (304) or by tgreenwood@dwc.org. This devotion is a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to Christ during this Year of Faith. Please share this invitation with family and friends! Twenty-fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time September 22, 2013 God... wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4

4 Dear Friends: FROM THE PASTOR S DESK Our first reading this week and next is taken from the book of the Prophet Amos. The readings themselves are filled with very harsh and often condemning words that are coming from a minor prophet. (I never really understood why some prophets in the Old Testament are considered minor while others are thought of as major prophets. Is it because minor prophets wrote less than the major prophets.. or is the designation due to the subject matter they covered and how important it was to Israel or is it just because they addressed minor or major issues that Jesus spoke of in the New Testament? Whatever the reason, Amos is a minor prophet in the eyes of most Scripture Scholars.) So, who is this minor prophet? Well at the very beginning of his own writings which are nine short chapters long, Amos introduces himself a shepherd from Tekoa (a small Judean town) and relates the nature of his prophet word, which he received in a vision ; focuses his prophecy concerning Israel and finally fixes it within the context of Jewish history in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam, son of Joah, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. You have to remember that the Jewish people are divided in the Northern and Southern Kingdoms at this time. Which meant two kings, two governments and essentially two different nations. Also you have to keep in mind with the book of Amos that his prophecy is only for Israel which was the northern kingdom at this time. During Amos time, under King Jeroboam, Israel, the northern kingdom was at peace and experiencing the height of its territorial expansion and national prosperity that would never again be reached. The military security and economic affluence which characterized this age were taken by many Israelites as signs of the Lord s special favor towards them that they felt they deserved because of their extravagant support of the official shrines. Into this peaceful situation steps Amos, a prophet called by God, with a lot to share but no one wants to listen to his prophetic words. Why??? Because what he has to say is not pleasant and soothing but rather harsh and very abrasive. To say that he rubs everyone the wrong way is an understatement. His style is poetic in nature and filled with references to his background as a shepherd but he is very dramatic and to the point with his overall message. He begins by denouncing and criticizing the major cities and population areas of his time and then finally focus his harshest denunciation on Israel. All is NOT well and the prosperity and peace that the people are experiencing comes with a high price. They have literally treated other peoples and nations with injustice and contempt to gain their prosperity. They have relied on their military might and power to force a peace upon the nations, regions, and peoples they have conquered. They have turned to idolatry and abandoned their God for the sake of false riches and sense of contentment. This has lead the people to an abhorrent immorality and a shallow meaningless piety. Amos states that Israel could indeed expect a day of Yahweh but instead of bring light, as they think he will, it will be a day of judgment and darkness. Amos prophesizes the overthrow of the royal sanctuary at Bethel, the fall of the current royal ruling house, and the captivity of the people. This was more then the officials could bear. The priest of Bethel finally drives Amos out of the royal sanctuary and out of the country itself. He was commanded not to prophesize any longer. Because of all of this, Amos travels to the southern kingdom of Judah. Amos is a prophet of divine judgment, and the sovereignty of Yahweh in nature and history dominates his thoughts. Yet, Amos is not an innovator. His conservative nature was in keeping with the whole prophetic tradition calling the people back to the high moral and religious demands of Yahweh s revelation. In common with other prophets Amos knew that divine punishment is never completely destructive. It is part of the hidden plan of God to bring salvation to all people. The book of Amos is typically divided in three parts by most Scripture scholars. Chapter 1 & 2 focus on oracles about the neighboring kingdoms and cities that surround Israel at this time. Chapters 3 to 6 are stinging indictments against Israel that focus on sin and injustice. Chapters 7 to 9 contain visions of Israel s coming doom. Amos is still thought of as a minor prophet for what ever reason but he is also the first in a long line of minor prophets who s words have left an indelible stamp on later generations and their views about God and man. That, I believe, is a very major accomplishment for such a minor prophet. Peace, Fr. Frank

5 Sunday, September 22 7:00 a.m. Lenora Knuth 10:30 a.m. People of the Parish Monday, September 23 7:00 a.m. Ruth Miller Tuesday, September 24 7:00 a.m. Ella Fries/Fr. Leo Morgan O.F.M. Wednesday, September 25 7:00 a.m. Communion Service Thursday, September 26 7:00 a.m. Arthur and Sally Kruger Friday, September 27 7:00 a.m. August Weithe Saturday, September 28 5:30 p.m. People of the Parish Sunday, September 29 7:00 a.m. Ellen & Margaret Rocks 10:30 a.m. June Noll Weekend Ministry Schedule (Sept 28-29) Saturday, September 28 5:30 p.m. Reader: M. Malek Eucharistic Ministers: S. Foose H. Christman Sr. J. Vidonic Server: J. Bischof Sunday, September 29 7:00 a.m. Reader: M. Bosold Eucharistic Minister: Server: C. Saad Sunday, September 29 10:30 a.m. Reader: D. Evans Eucharistic Ministers: B. Henry J. Sengewalt D. Lemery Server: K. McGonigal HOMEBOUND AND CONTINUOUS CARE Helen Bernas, Mary Bohlman, Elizabeth Bissett, Norma Campbell, Stella Czyzewski, Harold Ehni, Mark Fedorke, Selma Hughes, David Jasko, Theresa Lally, Phyllis Oberle, Mary Raske, Blanche Richard, Mary Rushkevich, Elizabeth Rycerz, Mary Stefanow, Dorothy Thalman, Betty Weckerley. If admitted into a local hospital, please notify the Parish Office at if you or a family member is hospitalized. Because of HIPPA regulations, we can not be told that you are in the hospital. Rosemarie Bursee, Eric Langen, Karleigh Ryan, Mary Schlosser, Greg Swords, Thelma Pearson, Dustin Ronevich, Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Rycerz, Debbie Respole, Harry Zelkowski Please continue to pray for our military men and women who serve us as well as their families: Lcpl. Bandon Collins USMC 1st Lt. Mel S. Falck Sgt. L. Joey Henry USMC PFC Jeremy Labuda Staff Sgt. Leonard E. Lapinsky Sr. Airmen Jordan Lucey Gunnery Sgt. Brian M. Pelsh USMC Corp. Thomas McCarthy USMC

6 ST. ALPHONSUS PARISH 2111 Market Street Wheeling, WV ATTN: FR. O KRUTA OR JOYCE FIORILLI MESSAGES: