ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC CHURCH Spring Hill Drive Spring Hill Florida ~ Telephone: (352) Fax: (352)

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1 March 4, 2018 w this bulletin on-line at Page 1 ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC CHURCH Spring Hill Drive Spring Hill Florida ~ Telephone: (352) Fax: (352) March 11, th Sunday of Lent God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17 Eucharistic Liturgies Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and Spanish Mass: 1:00 p.m. Daily Mass: 9:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday Please call the Parish Office at (352) for information regarding any of the following: Baptism for Children: Parent preparation. Matrimony: If you are contemplating marriage at St. Joan of Arc Church, please be mindful that there is a six month prior notice request required. RCIA/RCIC: Rite of Initiation into the Catholic faith. Ministers of the Eucharist: Please notify the Parish Office if you, or someone you know is sick, in the hospital, homebound or shut-in. In His Footsteps Soup & Sandwich Lunch: Served on the second Thursday of each month from Noon - 2:00 p.m. in our Parish Hall and on the fourth Thursday of each month for the homebound only. Parishioners in need of assistance: St. Vincent de Paul Society (352) Mary & Martha s Gift Shop: Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Saturday: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Closed during all Masses Emergencies Only: (352) :31 Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. & by appointment Pastoral Team Rev. Patrick Rebel, Pastor Rev. Jerry Murphy, Assisting Rev. Edward Reiter, Assisting Rev. Michael Kouts, Assisting Rev. Paul Coughlin, Assisting Deacon Lee Hinderscheid Deacon Fred LaPiana Deacon José Cruz Anne Cofone, Business Manager/Secretary Mary Jo Waggoner, Director of Faith Formation Joyce Thorpe, Director of Music Nancy Lovelock, Youth Minister Parish Office Hours Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m. - Noon (Closed daily 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.) Phone: (352) jchrchca@tampabay.rr.com Website: Religious Education/Faith Formation For information on all programs of: Rel. Ed. & Youth Ministry: (352) Rel. Ed. StJoanRelEd@gmail.com Youth Group: SJOA-Youth@TampaBay.rr.com Notre Dame Catholic School Phone: (352) Website:

2 Page 2 (View this bulletin on-line at Notes from the Pastor Keep it Simple The best way to celebrate Lent is to pray and ask God to help us make the best effort we can in preparing for this season. People will either take on too much or not put enough effort into Lent. The solution to this dilemma is to focus on our intention. At the same time we can concentrate more clearly on our spiritual goals. The Big Three: We aren t only spiritual beings. We are also physical beings. This is why the soul is through the body. This is why Lenten discipline has historically centered on the Big Three. The Big Three include Fasting, Almsgiving and Prayer: Fasting is not a physical diet. Fasting is more than a spiritual diet. By denying our bodies, our physical hunger reminds us of the hunger of our souls for God. This is our longing for a deeper relationship with Our Lord. Almsgiving teaches us to separate ourselves from personal material wealth and possessions. When we give of our money and possessions, we learn to fully trust in Our Lord. We then depend more on Our Lord for our daily needs. Finally, when we re Praying to God we come closer to Him. We deepen our conversation with Our Lord. At the same time the light of God love shines more brightly, especially when we recognize our sins and limitations. Adapted from Our Sunday Visitor by Fr. James Shafer VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Are you an experienced cook? Would you like to volunteer by helping our St. Joan of Arc Knights of Columbus as a Sous Chef/Assistant Chef for fundraising events at our church? This would include menu and meal prep in our Parish Social Hall kitchen. One of the perks of this volunteer work is that it's not an "everyday" task, it's just when our Knights of Columbus have fundraising events. If you think this is something you would like, please call our Office at Thank you! ******************************************* The Knights of Columbus will hold their annual Auction on Saturday, April 7th. A catered meal will be served. Please save the date and join us. March 4, 2018 Notitas del Diácono La salvación es un don, que Dios nos ha dado gratuitamente. No podemos conseguir la salvación por nosotros mismos, no importa lo bueno que seamos. Es más, es precisamente por ser pecadores, que se nos ha dado el don de la redención. Después de todo, Jesús murió por nosotros pecadores. Desde la gente de Judá, que multiplicaron sus infidelidades (2 Crónicas 36:14) y los del tiempo de Pablo, muertos por nuestros pecados (Efesios 2:5), hasta nosotros hoy, es imposible estar más allá del alcance del amor infinito de Dios y de su poder salvador. Cuando este Evangelio se leyó hace tres años, el 15 de marzo de 2015, el Papa Francisco dijo que éste era el resumen de todo el Evangelio: que el amor de Dios por nosotros no tiene límites. Después de todo, hemos sido creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios. Dios repetidamente ha rescatado a la humanidad de las consecuencias del pecado y del mal. Por medio del Hijo de Dios se nos ha concedido gratuitamente el don definitivo de la salvación. Podemos ser personas con esperanza, pues en todo el curso de la historia de la humanidad el amor infinito de Dios nos ha salvado. Nicodemo había oído acerca de los milagros que Jesús había hecho y tenía curiosidad. Pero aún no era creyente; algo que se nos indica por el hecho de que fue a encontrarse con Jesús durante la noche y en privado. Jesús entabla conversación con Nicodemo y dialogan acerca de la fe y de nacer de nuevo. Significativamente, este pasaje termina con una lección acerca de vivir en la luz. Al venir hasta Jesús, que es la luz del mundo (Juan 8:12), Nicodemo se acerca a la luz (Juan 3:21) y no sólo recibe la luz, sino que también es conducido suavemente a la fe verdadera. Pregunta de la Semana Qué hago en la oscuridad que necesito traer a la luz? Se trata de algo que puede recibir un resplandor de la verdad, o es algo que debo dejar de hacer?

3 March 4, 2018 w this bulletin on-line at Page 3 T M S. J A P J,,,. COMMUNAL RESPONSIBILITY The people of God forgot the covenant and flouted God s laws. They did not listen to the prophets among them, who spoke for God in warning them. Prophets are sent from God to remind us why we are here, but they are often, even in our own time, mocked, disregarded, and mistreated rather than thanked and listened to. The book of Chronicles tells the results of these sins: the destruction of the temple and all of Jerusalem, murder, mayhem, and finally exile to a foreign land. Why are these stories in the Bible? Just to inform us of what happened to our ancient forebears? What good would that be unless there were a message and a warning for us as well? Are we people who follow the teachings of God, who obey the words of Christ in the second covenant in his blood? Or do we continue to wreak works of darkness and violence? We are reminded by these readings that we will be judged as a people, not just as individuals. TODAY S READINGS First Reading The wrath and the mercy of the L are revealed in the exile and liberation of the Chosen People (2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23) or 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a. Psalm Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever for get you! (Psalm 137) or Psalm 23. Second Reading God, who is rich in mercy, brought us to life with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-10) or Ephesians 5:8-14. Gospel The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life (John 3:14-21) or 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; J n 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; Saturday: Jn 7:1-2, 10, Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-12; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday: Jer 31:31-34; Ps 51:3-4, 12-15; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33 SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Lent; Second Scrutiny; Daylight Saving Time begins; Girl Scouting Sunday Friday: Abstinence Saturday: Saint Patrick TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Year B of the Lectionary has the Letter to the Ephesians today. Ephesus, today in Turkey, was in the first century a great Greek city, the center for the worship of Diana, the goddess of the hunt. It was a vast city even by modern standards, having nearly half a million people in the time of Paul. Yet that was a time of economic recession and moral decay. No wonder Saint Paul stayed here the longest. It gave him an enormous and religiously curious audience. His preaching stirred up the artisans who depended on the pilgrims who came to honor (and buy mementos of) seventeen gods and goddesses enshrined in the city s temples. You can still see the open-air theater where Paul s homily triggered a riot. Paul did have success here, and many conversions among Jews and Gentiles. They seem to have struggled with hope, perhaps because of their suffering from economic woes and isolation. Some old traditions say that the Apostle John lived out his days here, and that the Blessed Mother was cared for by him. There s no biblical basis for this, but it is certain that a small house just outside the city has been treasured by Christians and Muslims for centuries as the last dwelling of Mary. Long ago, the harbor silted up and the city was nearly abandoned, becoming a small village. As is so often the case, that accident of history preserved the ancient city, so that archeologists have been very successful in revealing ancient Christian sites. One such site is the Church of Mary, probably the first church to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and the site of the Council of Ephesus in 431. Today, a visit to Ephesus is one of the most rewarding journeys for any pilgrim. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. NOT ENOUGH It is not enough for me to love God, if my neighbor does not love God. St. Vincent de Paul

4 Page 4 (View this bulletin on-line at March 4, 2018 Notes from Deacon Lee SATURDAY Mar 10 9:00 a.m. Victims of Human Trafficking 4:00 p.m. Russell Martocci (D) req by Wife SUNDAY Mar 11 7:30 a.m. Sharon Howes D) req by Husband Alan 9:00 a.m. Charles F. Wolf, Jr. (D) req by Bob and Maria Wolf 11:00 a.m. Leonard Griebel (D) req by Loving Wife 1:00 p.m. For our Parish Community MONDAY Mar 12 9:00 a.m. Thomas Scarantino (D) req by Loving Sister Mary Rose TUESDAY Mar 13 9:00 a.m. Helene Silver (D) req by George and Nanette Bartichek WEDNESDAY Mar 14 9:00 a.m. Fr. Pat Rebel (L) req by Barbara Brush THURSDAY Mar 15 9:00 a.m. Harry Hunt, Jr. (D) req by Prayer Share FRIDAY Mar 16 9:00 a.m. Normand R. Jambard (D) req by Mario and Yanick Tryfonos SATURDAY Mar 17 9:00 a.m. Ed Hurley (D) req by Loving Wife 4:00 p.m. Sadi Caravella (D) req by Marie and Charles Incarnato SUNDAY Mar 18 7:30 a.m. Philip McGovern (L) req by Wife Ane 9:00 a.m. Geraldine Conner (D) req by Mary Conlon & Colette DeStefano 11:00 a.m. Miguel Bogalhas (D) req by Family 1:00 p.m. For our Parish Community Stewardship Report for Feb 11, 2018 Attendance: 1082 Envelopes Used: 292 Envelopes : $ Offertory Cash $ Second Collection: $ Total: $ STEWARDSHIP In our second reading today from St. Paul s letter to the Ephesians, we are told that We were once in darkness but now we are the light of the Lord. He writes, Awake O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light. Can anything in our lives be greater than the light of salvation? What a gift!! In thanksgiving for the gift of salvation, we are called to prayer during which time we may not only thank God for all of His gifts to us, but also discern how we can show our appreciation by passing on God s great gift of love to others. This is especially true during the holy season of Lent. In today s gospel, St. John speaks of Jesus being the light of the world. We are encouraged live the truth in the light so that our works may clearly be seen as done in God. Imagine, knowing that the good works we do for others, whether they be for the church or other charities, are clearly seen as works done in God s name. Let us raise the bar of service to others to a level higher than it has been. It is so easy to get used to the status quo when it comes to reaching out to others. When it comes to raising the bar of service to others, some of us don t have the time or the health to reach out. Let us then seriously consider raising the bar of our contributions to St. Joan of Arc. Two needs will be met: 1.) We will be giving back to God a share of His gifts to us; and 2.) We will be helping our parish family. It is in giving that we receive. St. Francis. Please pray for Deacon Lee in his illness. A BEQUEST IS A GIFT LEFT IN A WILL. When you leave a bequest to your church, you give a gift that lasts longer than your lifetime, a gift that will always be remembered. Please remember your church in your will.

5 March 4, 2018 w this bulletin on-line at Page 5 To make our church more beautiful for the celebration of Easter, we are accepting EASTER FLOWER MEMORIAL DONATIONS Easter Flowers in the Sanctuary are a beautiful way to remember your loved one. Memorials will be published in our April 1, Easter Sunday bulletin. Envelopes are at the Welcome Desk. THE SUGGESTED DONATION FOR EACH MEMORIAL IS $10. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY, we want to get every name published correctly. Please return Memorial Envelopes by March 13th. ETHNIC FESTIVAL - October 18th through the 21st Mark your calendar for these fun dates: The Festival is on October 18th and going through the 21st. Do you want to get involved in our parish? The Ethnic Festival is in need of volunteers to serve as Food Booth Captains. You are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday, March 6th at 7 p.m. in the hall. If you have any questions, please call Paul D'Aquisto at or Frank Mezzacapo at All are encouraged to attend this planning meeting. The Knights of Columbus Scholarship applications are available at the parish office for parishioners entering into college fall of All scholarships must be returned by May 15th at the parish office. Stations of the Cross will be celebrated every Friday during Lent at 7:00 pm. Catholic Relief Services Next week, our second collection will be for the Catholic Relief Services providing humanitarian aid, resettling displaced individuals and families, and advocating on behalf of victims. Please visit to learn how you are making a difference. Envelopes are available at the Welcome Desk. Did you know we have ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING, in addition to paper? Please bring your cans to the garage shed (to the right of the garage building). All the proceeds go to our 100% VOLUNTEER GROUNDS CREW for their grounds upkeep needs. Thank you! Columbie es Auxiliary now have applica ons available in the office for the Mildred Anne Baylis Scholarship open to all students in their Senior year a ending an accredited College or University in the Fall, and have a family member who is currently a registered parishioner of St. Joan of Arc. Come to the office for your applica on! The St Joan of Arc Knights of Columbus Council cordially invite you to our annual auction. SATURDAY, APRIL 7 TH 2018 Doors open at 5 PM See more in next weeks bulletin. St. Joan of Arc Columbiettes Auxiliary #11317 will be having a Craft and Vendor Fair March 10th, 9:00AM We are seeking crafters and vendors. Cost for an 8 foot table, which we provide, is $20. For an application or further information please contact Ellen Jimenez at or ellenbjimenez@gmail.com. Healing the Wounds of Abortion Rachel s Vineyard Weekend Retreat April 6-8, 2018 There is help and healing. Project Vineyard Weekend Retreat allows you to move toward reconciliation with yourself, your unborn child, your family, your Church, and your God. For details or to register for the retreat Project Rachel at projectrachel@ccdosp.org or call Visit Rachel s Vineyard website for more info:

6 Page 6 (View this bulletin on-line at March 4, 2018 Save the Date Walk For Life 2018 on the Bay Ben T. Davis Beach 7740 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway Saturday - April 14, 2018 Registration: 8-9 am Walk/Run Begins: 9 am 1 mile 2 miles 5K Benefitting Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center: Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco & Pinellas Knights Women s Center, Tampa Register Today Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center 6515 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL Phone: foundationsoflife@ccdosp.org Register Online at: SAVE THE DATE!! THURSDAY APRIL 19 TH. 11:00AM COME JOIN THE CCW FOR A FUN DAY OF LUNCH AND GAMES PRIZES, SHARE THE WEALTH, AND $25 RAFFLE PRIZE. PIZZA, SALAD AND BROWNIES AND ICE CREAM FOR DESSERT. DONATION $15 PER PERSON, TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE IN MARCH. St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Joan of Arc Do we know what God wants us to do to help the poor? When you donate to our St. Vincent de Paul Society, you are helping the poor. You can also remember the poor in your prayers. Many that we visit are trying very hard to find a job or a higher paying job. They realize when we go over their income and expenses, they do not have enough income to stay ahead. We will suggest ways to reduce their bills in the hope they can one day be solvent. For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.. James 2:26 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY! The Diocese of St. Petersburg and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) are looking for Catholics with leadership abilities, community service experience, social media skills, and effective writing/communication skills. The Internship combines practical work in carrying out the mandate of CCHD at the local level. Duties include youth and young adult outreach, parish education, and community economic outreach. Commitment is hours/week with compensation of $12/hr. Contact Sabrina Schultz at sab@dosp.org (727) *5325. Deadline is March 20 th. Diocese of St. Petersburg Will Be Consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Sunday May 6, 2018 In an effort to lead all people closer to the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that he will consecrate the parishes, schools, charities, ministries and all people who live in the five counties of the Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To consecrate means to dedicate or set aside for a sacred purpose. Mary s life was set aside for the sole purpose of serving Jesus. By following her example, Catholics, too, can completely give themselves to Christ in a powerful way and give their lives to Him in service and love. An act of consecration to Mary is essentially an act of consecration to Jesus through Mary. As Saint John Paul II explained, Consecrating ourselves to Mary means accepting her help to offer ourselves and the whole of mankind to him who is holy, infinitely holy; it means accepting her help by having recourse to her motherly heart, said Bishop Parkes, recalling the words of the former pope who had a great influence on his own vocation to priesthood. The consecration will take place in the month of May because our culture celebrates the gift of mothers during May and Catholics also thank God for the gift of the Blessed Mother. The Catholic Church dedicates May to Mary in honor of her role as the mother of Jesus and of those in Heaven and on Earth. She mothers everyone like a true mother, and she is the model for those who want to be faithful followers of Christ. All are invited to the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg on May 6, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. for a Holy Hour led by Bishop Parkes to take part in this special celebration that takes place during the 50 th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. A website has been developed to provide resources for parishes, schools, families, small groups and individuals who would like to prepare for the consecration through study and reflection. Visit