THE PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. AMBROSE CHURCH

Transcription

1 THE PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. AMBROSE CHURCH PARISH STAFF Rev. Dr. Anthony M. Barratt, Pastor Helmut Neurohr, Permanent Deacon Ann McCauley, Business Manager Erin Muir, P.A. for Liturgy & Pastoral Life Tom Acemoglu, P.A. for Evangelization & Catechesis Debbie McKown, Faith Formation Administrative Secretary Mark Trudeau, Life Teen for High School and Jr. High Joan Welch, Parish Secretary Thomas Green, Parish Music Director Nancy Acemoglu, RN, Parish Nurse David Dobkowski, PhD-Counselor, Jim LaBombard, Athletic Director PARISH TRUSTEES Catherine Halayko / Joseph Sinisgalli ST. AMBROSE SCHOOL Website: ambrose_347@outlook.com Terri McGraw, Principal Lori McCoy, Secretary MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 4:30pm Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30am & 5:30pm-Life Teen Daily: Wednesday & Friday 6:30am Tuesday & Thursday 9:00am Communion Service: Monday 6:30am Holydays and Holidays subject to change (see bulletin) CHURCH OF ST. AMBROSE 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY WEBSITE: parishsecretary@stambroselatham.com NEW OFFICE HOURS Monday Thursday 9:00am 6:00pm Friday 9:00am 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday CLOSED

2 ST. AMBROSE CHURCH, LATHAM, NEW YORK Pastor s Page REFLECTION: LENT SUNDAY TWO THE TRANSFIGURATION Many artists have tried to illustrate the drama and the wonder of the Gospel we hear proclaimed at Mass today: the transfiguration of Jesus before his disciples Peter, James and John on Mount Tabor. Jesus is transfigured or transformed in front of his closest disciples: His inner beauty and awesome power as Son of God and Son of Man shines out. The disciples are both afraid and awe-struck at the sight. And yet, just a short time after this they see Jesus transformed again, this time in his suffering as He carries His cross and is crucified, before they then see the risen Lord transformed again in His glorified body at Easter. There is so much to think about as we are given this Gospel to help us in our journey through Lent to Easter. Perhaps the most famous example of an artist s attempt to represent our Gospel of the Transfiguration is that of the painting by Raphael. The painting (his last, perhaps) was completed around 1520 and is now housed at the Vatican Museums in Rome (with a splendid mosaic copy of it in St. Peter s Basilica). Like all skilled artists, Raphael wants us to enter into a deeper understanding of the Gospel event that he so beautifully paints. So, how does he do this? The painting is in two parts, both taken from chapter 9 of St. Mark s Gospel (part of which we hear in our readings today). The top part shows Jesus transfigured. Notice the light, pastel colours and the sense of harmony in the painting (the figures, for example, seem to form a circle: the symbol of perfection and harmony). Those soft, yet bright colours radiate a sense of peace and joy: there is nothing harsh or strident to be found. The disciples are bathed in this light and so share in what it brings. The artist wants us to realize that if we allow Jesus into our lives, He will transfigure us and that we will share in this beauty, peace and harmony. The bottom half of the picture is a deliberate and strong contrast. Raphael uses another Gospel story (that follows immediately after Jesus and the disciples come down from the mountain in St. Mark s Gospel); this time a person who is possessed by an evil spirit and who is brought before Jesus to be cured. Instead of light and soft colours, the colours here are harsh and dark. There is no light at the center of the picture radiating out: only darkness. There is no grace or harmony either, only confusion and dissonance. Notice, for example, how all the figures twist and turn and point in different directions. It even looks as though the foot of the figure on the bottom left of the picture (probably St. Matthew) is sticking out towards us as we look on! Again, Raphael wishes to teach us. By contrast to the presence of Jesus where all is transfigured into harmony, grace and light; without Him there is darkness, harshness and a lack of harmony and peace. We and life in general become chaotic and empty. All this is cleverly symbolized in the person who is possessed and in the frenzied crowd. Finally, perhaps Raphael also wants to remind us that we have a choice, illustrated by the two halves of his picture: a choice that we are thinking about in particular in this season of Lent. We can either choose our Lord and be transfigured or we can refuse him and so be disfigured. The words used to place the ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday said as much: we are invited to turn away from sin and instead be faithful to the Gospel: that is, to be transfigured as human beings rather than disfigured. Lent is indeed a time when we can review our choices in life: let us always choose well Fr. Anthony 2

3 MARCH 1, 2015 MISSION STATEMENT We, the members of St. Ambrose Parish, Latham, New York believe that, through our faith and baptism, we have been called to give witness to the values of Jesus as expressed in the gospel and teachings of our Church. As individuals and as a Parish Family we strive to: Develop our spiritual life Spread the Gospel message Respect the human dignity and rights of all persons Support family life: the role of married couples, singles, youth and children Share our time, energy, talent and resources Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to make choices and decisions that will reflect and give evidence of what we say we believe and value as a Catholic Christian Faith Community. Sacraments RECONCILIATION Saturday 3:00 PM or any time by appointment. MARRIAGE Congratulations! So that proper preparation may be made, please make an appointment with Fr. Anthony at least six months before the desired date. Either the bride or groom should be a registered parishioner of St. Ambrose parish. BAPTISM Congratulations! If you wish to arrange preparation for baptism, please call the Parish Office. Parents should be registered members of St. Ambrose parish. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) For those inquiring into the Catholic Faith. Welcome! Please contact the Parish Office for program details. VOCATION If you are considering a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life, please contact Fr. Anthony. PARISHES OF OUR LOCAL CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES COLONIE St. Clare s Sat: 4:00pm/Sun: 8:30 / 10:30am LATHAM Our Lady of the Sat: 4:30pm Assumption Sun: 7:30, 9:00 & 11am LOUDONVILLE Christ Our Light Sat: 4:00pm/Sun: 9:00 / 11:15am St. Pius X Sat: 5pm/Sun: 8, 10 & 12 noon Please join us for the Stations of the Cross each Friday at 7 pm in the Church. This week the stations will be led by Life Teen Catechists. BISHOP S APPEAL UPDATE I would like to offer a personal thanks to so many kind parishioners who have been so generous with the 2014 Bishop s Appeal. This is especially true given the still rather fragile economic situation and all the extra demands on parishioners with projects such as the ongoing parking lot appeal. I must confess that the Bishop s Appeal is always a very anxious time for me (and for many priests and parish leaders) as we try our best to get towards our target (and the target always seems so big: $171,000 to be precise). As you may know, if we do not reach the target through donations, then we have to make up the difference from our regular parish funds and offertory. The Appeal closes in just a few weeks time and, to date, we have raised an amazing $150,000 in donations and pledges. This is truly excellent, but it also means that we are still about $21,000 short of the target. So, and my apologies for asking, if you can help just a bit more with an extra one off gift, that would be wonderful and a relief too! Once again, many thanks for your generosity and continued support, not just financially, but in so many other ways. I hope and pray that the ongoing season of Lent will be a great time for you and your family of spiritual growth and renewal. Fr. Anthony SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Sunday, M arch 8, :30 pm All are w elcom e to com e in for a Tour of our terrific school Enrolling students Pre K3 through Gr 8 3

4 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT FAITH FORMATION NEWS Lent is here! Our Church is now in a special time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving while we prepare to remember Jesus suffering, death, and Resurrection. As a parish, we have a lot of great opportunities for you! Thursday, March 5th Men s Dinner/Retreat (6-8:45pm, Sisters of St Joseph at Carondelet in Latham, $10) Please call the faith formation office at or faithformationsecretary@stambroselatham.com to register today! We will also be hosting a special session of enrichment and prayer called Lent with the Mystics. It ll include short presentations on some of our Church s greatest mystics and a special time of prayer where we seek to draw closer to God in the same way that the mystics did. It will be something really special! Wednesday, March 11th Lent with the Mystics (St. Teresa of Avila, led by Beth Lynch) Wednesday, March 18th Lent with the Mystics (St. Francis De Salles, led by Fr. Barratt) Wednesday, March 25th Lent with the Mystics (St. Therese of Lisieux, led by Bob Martino) Baptism of the Lord Our next large group meeting date for Confirmation is this Thursday, March 5th, 7pm in the Parish Center! Lent and Life A video series to help you make the most out of your Lent! The series is live now and you can find it on our website, on Facebook, and on YouTube! Please share! Please check out January 11th 2015 Please contact Tom or Mark if there are any problems. We re here to help! 4

5 MARCH 1,

6 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT PARISH NURSE NANCY ACEMOGLU, RN LENT AND BEING THANKFUL Some people give up things like chocolate and wine, others may choose to practice kindness. It really is a matter of deep commitment to what one feels works for them, to create space for peace and contemplation. Making a list of things to be grateful can be easy, and a sure sense of inner awareness. Our meeting on February 12th was terrific; our speaker, Father Anthony, did a fabulous job of describing the procedure of becoming an American Citizen. There are many steps to this and I for one had no idea, it was very interesting. Next month our meeting will be on March 12, and the speaker will be The Eddy Health Alert to let us know what new technology they have. It looks to be an informative meeting. I like a great quote from the late Helen Keller. So much has been given, I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied. THE THANKFUL LIST A premature baby growing, and exercising his lungs. Don t forget we are looking for new members, so bring a friend to see what we are all about. Refreshments too. Thank you, President Carolyn Chabot The deep love of family. The love in ones eyes who can not speak. The puffy clouds. The unconditional love of friends. The chirps of baby birds. The loving hug of a Grandfather. The snow sparkling on the pine trees. The depth of understanding of 2 people from different countries in prayer. The honesty of workmen. The love of grand girls to the moon and back. The deep ripples of the Lake. The integrity of those making life changing decisions. The supportive ear. The vision of understanding in forgiveness. The skill of Physicians, repairing a broken heart. The appreciation of the simplicity of life. The acts of kindness without a purpose. The love of God. UPCOMING FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION Prayer Group Meeting All welcome to attend! Don t forget! Next Saturday is the first Saturday of the month. Join us as we participate in the First Saturdays Devotion 10 AM in the Chapel. On the first Saturdays of the month, the Faithful are asked to Go to Confession, Receive Communion, Pray the Rosary, and Meditate for 15 minutes all with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. For more information Lenora at lemaykids@gmail.com A MARRIED COUPLE S LENTEN REFLECTION: Fast from self-concern and feast on spousal love MARCH 21-22ND Call or 6

7 MARCH 1, 2015 Give the Gift of Catholic Education Tuition Credit Raffle Win $5000 Tuition Credit for School Year 2 nd Prize - New IPad 3 rd Prize - $200 Don t miss this great opportunity! Ticket price $50. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, current, new and prospective families are welcome. Give the gift of Catholic Education! Winners will be announced at a special drawing on Friday, March 13 th after morning prayer at 8:15am. All are welcome to attend; need not be present to win. Please return to school by Monday, March 9 th. Paper tickets will be issued. Name: Phone Number: Student Name/Grade: Number of Tickets: Amount Enclosed: 7

8 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Around the Parish GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR EASTER FOOD BAGS The St. Ambrose Food Pantry Volunteers will again offer Easter dinner supplies for families in need. Market Bags will be available starting weekending March 1st. In addition to the food list attached to the Easter bags, gift certificates from Hannaford or Price Chopper in $5, $10 or $15 amounts would be most appreciated. These will be distributed according to family size for purchase of a meat choice. Please DO NOT PLACE GIFT CERTIFICATES IN THE BAGS. Please place in an envelope or drop off no later than March 22nd at the office or in offertory collection marked St. Ambrose Food Pantry or Easter Dinner. The number of families requesting assistance have increased a great deal; together we can help these families experience a most BLESSED EASTER. BRINGING LENT TO LIFE an evening of inspiration and music at the Carondelet Hospitality Center, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham on Friday, March 20 from 4:45 (simple meal at CHC rsvp to Erica.kirkland@rcda.org or ) or join us at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Joseph s Provincial House for prayer and music by ValLimar Jansen and Ken Canedo and speaker, Thomas Awiapo, CRS recipient and staff person, who lives in Ghana with his family. We will learn of our part in ameliorating hunger both locally and globally. A free will offering will be taken up for local Catholic Charities hunger efforts. The program is sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph Justice Committee, Catholic Relief Service, Oregon Catholic Press and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. Name: Address: City: Zip: Phone No: Please check: THE EVANGELIST UPDATE State: Continue my subscription to the Evangelist, here is my $18.00/yr. Add my name to the subscription list, here is my $18.00/yr. Please cut out, make check payable to St. Ambrose Church, drop it in the Collection Box or mail to the Parish Office. 8 Name: Street: City: Zip: We Are A Tithing Parish Following God s Plan for Giving February 22, 2015 $14, February 23, 2014 $15, Thank you for being so generous! Thank you to all who are responding so generously to our financial need. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Also, thank you to those who signed-up for electronic withdrawal. If you decide to sign-up for this option in the future, forms are available at the entrances to the church, or just call the Parish Office. Many Thanks. Are you struggling with your emotions, a loss, an addiction, a relationship or family issues? COUNSELING is available in the evenings at St. Ambrose. A $25 donation is appreciated. Contact Dave Dobkowski, Ph.D. at to make an appointment. P A RISHIONER R EGISTRATION/UPDATE R EQUEST Phone No: Please Check New Registration Change of Address Moving out of Parish Want Envelopes Name Change (Please contact Parish Secretary) Please cut out and drop it in the Collection Basket or mail to the Parish Office.

9 MARCH 1, 2015 Sunday March Noon LIFE TEEN BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER in the Parish Ctr 10:15-11:45AM Faith Formation / (Open House 5th & 6th Grade) After 5:30PM Mass Life Teen-Parish Ctr Monday March 2 7:00PM Core-Chapel Tuesday March 3 6:00PM First Reconciliation-Church/Parish Ctr 6:45PM The Edge-Meeting Rms 7:00PM Magdalena Ministry-Lounge Wednesday March 4 Thursday March 5 6:30-8:30PM 7:00PM Friday March 6 7AM-Midnight 7:00PM Saturday March 7 CALENDARS & SCHEDULES AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN-Mtg Rms Prayer Group-Chapel Eucharistic Adoration-Chapel STATIONS OF THE CROSS in the Church lead by Life Teen Catechists Sunday March 8 10:15-11:45AM Faith Formation / 1st Communion Parent Meeting After 5:30PM Mass Life Teen-Parish Ctr Monday March 2 Lenten Weekday 6:30 AM Communion Service 9:00 AM Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Tuesday March 3 St. Katharine Drexel 6:30 AM Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption 9:00 AM For The Intention of Jean Mooney by Her Friends Kenneth Harrington by St. Ambrose Staff Wednesday March 4 St. Casimir 6:30 AM Louise Scerbo by Clara Aliberti 9:00 AM Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Thursday March 5 Lenten Weekday 6:30 AM Communion Svc at Our Lady of the Assumption 9:00 AM Donald Kilgallon by Jennings Family For The Intention of Patricia Comiskey by Mary Ellen & Bill Sage Friday March 6 Lenten Weekday 6:30 AM Anthony F. Borowicz by Ted & Lesia Pettigrass 9:00 AM Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Saturday March 7 Saints Perpetua & Felicity 4:30 PM For The Intention of George Spenard s 70th Birthday by Family Elvira Gradoni by Jeanette Crola & Family Edward Lupian by Larry & Lori Ryan Geraldine Lemire by Madelyn Lemire Sunday March 8 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT 7:30 AM Sam Aliberti by the Children 9:00 AM Gertrude & Edward Bak by Nolles Family 11:30 AM Caterina Renda by Francesco Renda & Family 5:30 PM Parish Intention LITURGICAL ROLES FOR WEEK ENDING MARCH 8 MONEY COUNTERS, SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2015 TEAM #6 STEVE GREEN, RICHARD OSTIGUY, TOM DAME 4:30PM 7:30AM 9:00AM 11:30AM 5:30PM SACTRISTAN: Bill Murray SACTRISTAN: Bob Lamiano SACTRISTAN: Renee Hallock SACTRISTAN: Pat Rayball SACTRISTAN: Mark Trudeau LECTORS: #1-Cecilia Pracher #2-Dee Ellinger LECTORS: #1-Rich Zmijewski #2-Ben Nadeau LECTORS: #1-Mary Kay Frederick #2-Cathy DuBois LECTORS: #1-Dorothea Carr #2-Theresa Potter LECTORS: Volunteers ALTAR SERVERS: J. O Brien, D. Cushing, L. Francesconi ALTAR SERVERS: Volunteer, Mr. V. Cook, Mr. L. Carter, ALTAR SERVERS: T. Kent, E. Turcotte, J. Frank ALTAR SERVERS: K. Egan, A. Kurian, M. Quiachon ALTAR SERVERS: Volunteers EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: S. Burgess, J. Conroy, D. Ellinger, J. Hogan, N. Hooks, G. & D. Spenard EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: J. Bodnar, C. Chabot, C. Pracher, P. Szwedo, P. Lincoln, E. Mahoney, J. Rys EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: S. Laverne, J. Conlen, S. Earl, R. & P. Ostiguy, M. Girard, R. Hallock EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: J. Cyriac, N. Fisk, M. King, R. Lapierre, D. Piusienski, J. Tengler, P. Rayball EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: E. Bullis, M. Searles, D. & MA Frament, S. Kolcow, R. LeClair, B. Masterson USHERS: G. Spenard, J. Minnick, J. VanWie, E. Potyrala USHERS: J. Bodnar, R. Haggerty, C. Cameron, Volunteer USHERS: T. Maleski, J. Grady, F. Fraser, Volunteer USHERS: R. Mullen, J. Martin, S. DeSess, D. Fuda USHERS: Volunteers MEDIA MINISTRY: Gary L. MEDIA MINISTRY: Kathy G. MEDIA MINISTRY: Lynn W. MEDIA MINISTRY: Ed C. MEDIA MINISTRY: Jill F. 9

10 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Parish Ministries & Contacts ADULT MISSION... Mike Blair ALTAR ROSARY SOCIETY... Cathy Boudreau ALTAR SERVERS (Scheduling)... Walter Ewing (Training)... Lynn Wozniak ATHLETIC PROGRAM... Jim LaBombard BAPTISMAL PREPARATION... Helmut & Vicky Neurohr BISHOP'S APPEAL (DDP)... Renee Hallock BUILDING AND GROUNDS... Rich Zmijewski CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP... Mary Beth Pallack CHURCH OFFICE ASSISTANCE... Parish Office CONFIRMATION... Tom Acemoglu x307 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION... Nancy Hooley EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS (Training)... Helmut Neurohr (Scheduling)... Sue Laverne FAITH, HOPE AND SHARE... Nancy Acemoglu x304 FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION... Lenora LeMay FOOD PANTRY... Pauline Kubizne Patricia Pyndus GRIEF LOSS GROUP... Nancy Acemoglu x304 LECTORS... Joe Leombruno LIFE TEEN & JR. HIGH LIFE... Mark Trudeau x309 MAGDALENA MINISTRY... Paula Borkowski MARTHA MINISTRY... Donna Sabatino Frances Fiegler Rose Anne Szwedo MARY S CIRCLE OF LOVE MINISTRY... Mary Kay Frederick MEDIA MINISTRY... Mary Alice Hunt MUSIC GROUPS... Thomas Green x306 P. A. EVANGELIZATION & CATECHESIS... Tom Acemoglu x307 PASTORAL CARE... Ruth Lapierre PRAYER & WORSHIP... Richard Ostiguy RESPECT LIFE... Erin Muir x302 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)... Tom Acemoglu x307 SACRISTANS... Pat Rayball ST. AMBROSE SCHOOL... PRINCIPAL... Terri McGraw SECRETARY... Lori McCoy x320 HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION... Cary Lombardo SCHOOL BOARD... William Miller x320 ST. VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY... Paul Wilkes TRUSTEES... Catherine Halayko / Joseph Sinisgalli USHERS... John Estep VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL... Suzi Trzcinski YOUNG AT HEART... Carolyn Chabot Protecting & enhancing your legacy FREE ESTIMATES FULLY INSURED COMPETITIVE RATES 24 Hour Emergency Service (emergency) We appreciate our advertisers who make this bulletin possible for our parish. READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 1, 2015 Sunday: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Rom 8:31b-34/ Mk 9:2-10 Monday: Dn 9:4b-10/Lk 6:36-38 Tuesday: Is 1:10, 16-20/Mt 23:1-12 Wednesday: Jer 18:18-20/Mt 20:17-28 Thursday: Jer 17:5-10/Lk 16:19-31 Friday: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a/Mt 21:33-43, Saturday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20/Lk 15:1-3, Next Sunday: Ex 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17/ 1 Cor 1:22-25/Jn 2:13-25 Liturgical Publications Inc 10