ST. LOUIS CHURCH THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME January 24, 2010

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1 ST. LOUIS CHURCH THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME January 24, 2010 Daily Mass Readings Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10 Acts 22: Timothy 1:1-8 2 Samuel 7: Samuel 7:18-19, Samuel 11:1-10, Samuel 12:1-7, Jeremiah 1:4-5, Psalm 19:8-10, 15 Psalm 117:1-2 Psalm 96:1-3, 7-8, 10 Psalm 89:4-5, Psalm 132:1-5, Psalm 51:3-7, Psalm 51:12-17 Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17 1 Corinthians 12: Corinthians 12:31-13:3 Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Mark 16:15-18 Mark 3:31-35 Mark 4:1-20 Mark 4:21-25 Mark 4:26-34 Mark 4:35-41 Luke 4:21-30 What is Lectio Divina? While reading sacred scripture, read the words with a love and sense of discovery until something seems to strike home. Sit with the passage as one would with a good friend- not just thinking or analyzing, but instead remaining in a quiet, listening spirit, so the word can nurture and challenge you. Call to Prayer Let us take a moment in the midst of all our activity to prepare ourselves for prayer. Excerpts from SNOW FALLING ON SNOW Copyright 2001 by Robert J. Wicks Used with permission of Paulist Press The Word of God Choose one of next Sunday s readings. One person reads the scripture aloud as others are attentive to a word, phrase, or theme that is meaningful to them. Allow for a minute of silent reflection. Have another person read the same scripture a second time. Faith Sharing Begin with an open ended question such as What strikes you from this reading? and/or you can use the Reflection Question found on our website or bulletin. Allow time for reflection & sharing. Closing Prayer At the end of the faith sharing, invite participants to pray aloud for any particular petitions or praises they may have. Feel free to close with: The Lord s Prayer or Spontaneous prayers or a faith-based song. Reflection Question for Next Sunday, January 31, 2010 How quickly the crowd turns on Jesus! They are amazed at his gracious words announcing that he is the fulfillment of God s promise through the ages. Amazed until they realize that they cannot expect preferential treatment just because he grew up in their midst. Then they want to throw him off a cliff. Has anything ever happened to you to challenge your idea of God? MEETINGS THIS WEEK EMHC Orientation Monday, January 25, 2010 Church 7:00 PM ACTS Men's Small Group Monday, January 25, 2010 Room 305 7:00 PM Novena Monday, January 25, 2010 Chapel 7:30 PM Women's Bible Study Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Room 301 9:30 AM ACTS Men's Retreat Team Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Howard Bishop Rooms 6:30 PM Catechism Study Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Room 302 7:00 PM Playgroup Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Room 301 9:30 AM Women in the Bible Alive Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Social Hall 7:00 PM RCIA Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Room 301 7:00 PM Young Adult Bible Study Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Room 303 7:30 PM Charismatic Prayer Group Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Room 306 8:00 PM ACTS Women's Retreat Registration Thursday, January 28, 2010 Social Hall 5:00 PM Haiti Committee Thursday, January 28, 2010 Room 303 8:00 PM Discovering Christ Training Saturday, January 30, 2010 Social Hall 9:00 AM Lector Training Saturday, January 30, 2010 Church 10:00 AM

2 Dear Parishioners: Thank you sincerely for your exceptionally generous response to last week s Poor Box appeal to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. As always the people of this parish responded in a most generous way for which I am deeply grateful to you. Given the extraordinary needs of people in Haiti, this week s Poor Box collection will also be used to assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti. This week I am speaking at all the Masses and inviting you to consider participating in a marvelous opportunity called Discovering Christ a series that fits perfectly into our approaching Lenten season. If you ve ever wondered about questions like: What is the meaning of life? Why Does Jesus Matter? Why do I need a Savior? This is for you! Consider Discovering Christ! Msgr. Luca THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone. Harriet Beecher Stowe ( ) Writer GOOD DEEDS OF THE CHILDREN: Jack helped bring the groceries inside; Alexandra prayed for the people in Haiti; Samantha helped her sister; Tori helped water the crabs; Becca gave extra money to the people of Haiti; Tristen helped his mom pack up the baby books; Nathan gave money to earthquake victims in Haiti; James tried to help Elli and Paul get along better. SNOWMAN SCRATCH-OFF FUNDRAISING RAFFLE in support of ACTS Retreats: After all masses through the end of January, raffle tickets will be on sale in the Narthex for a 30 inch lighted snowman covered in $100 worth of Lotto scratch-off tickets nestled in a festive wreath for your door. Tickets are 2 for $5.00 or 5 for $ The drawing will be held Sunday January 31 st at the reception for the women s retreat. You do not need to be present to win. CHURCH LINENS: Altar linens are to be picked up this week by Ms. Coffey and next week by Ms. Fleshman. PARISH OFFICE HOURS For your convenience the Parish Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9am-8:30pm, Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday 9am-3pm. The office is closed weekdays from 12:30pm-1:30pm for lunch. The entrance to the Parish Office is located along the right side of the front entrance to the new church. VISIT THE PARISH INFORMATION TABLE IN THE NARTHEX AFTER MASS: Parishioners and visitors are able to ask questions about our parish ministries, receive information about parish events, make address and name changes and sign up for alerts at the Parish Information Table, located in the narthex. The table is staffed by parish volunteers. ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS: The flowers used to decorate our church altar, shrines, and chapel altar are available to honor a loved one who is living or deceased, as an expression of gratitude to God on special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays or other significant events. Flowers for the Shrine of St. Louis, Shrine of St. Joseph or the Blessed Mother are $50 each; Pieta is $75; Altar flowers are $75; and Chapel Altar are $75. Arrangements may be made by calling the parish office ( ) Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm. All who are honored will be acknowledged in the bulletin. ARE YOU A SNOW BIRD? Help us update our files and ensure that you get your mail when you are away. If you are away from your primary address for an extended annual time frame please call the Parish Office at We will be happy to update your file and ensure your St. Louis mail gets forwarded to you.

3 SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Next Saturday, January 30th by Father Peridans. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES: Please continue to remember the following service members in your prayers: Cpl. Dan Haack, Cpt. Joseph McDonald, Cpt. Brendan Gallagher, PFC Joseph Henry, Lt. John Ryan, Lt. Denise Reccardi, USNR, Major Chaplain Father Tyson Wood, Cpt. Brian Green, PFC Patrick Bacon, LCP Daniel Smith, LCP Larry Draughn, Ensign Kelly McLin, CH (Captain) Arek Ochalek, CPL James Parquette, Cpt. Steven Cooper, LCpl Dane Joyce, LC Christopher Holly, Major Will Fenwick; Cmdr. J. Patrick Madden, PFC Patrick Steckman, 1st LT Vincent Paul Rubbo, SR Mark Mangus, Jr. PLANNING YOUR CHILD S BAPTISM? The next Baptism Preparation Session will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in Room 301 of the Pastoral Center from 7:15 PM to 9:00 PM. Please call the Parish Office at to register. WELCOME THE NEWLY BAPTISED: Tyler Adam Sayani Son of Adam and Kirsten (Armbruster) Sayani PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DEPARTED: Mary G. Shipe, mother of Lucy Schmidt and grandmother of Francis, Amelia, and Louis. MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK OF JANUARY 24, 2010 Sunday 6:45am John Thomas and Catherine Thomas 8:00am 9:30am 11:15am 12:45pm Jane Gossage and Mr. & Mrs. Peter Carlin (SI) William Thurau and Kelli Penn Charles Boustany, Sr. and William C. Walker Maria Bochniewicz and Jane Lasinskas Monday 7:00am Anthony Fleece and Antoinette Medash Tuesday 7:00am George King and John Foley 9:30am Wednesday 7:00am Rudolph Silvers and Maria Machado Katherine Alter and Special Intention Thursday 7:00am Steve Sweeney (SI) and Harry Petit Friday 7:00am Fr. Benedict Adams and Lawrence Frederick Saturday 8:00am Donald Colella and Edward Podowski 4:00pm Jose N. Borromeo, Jr. and George E. King Doris Nicholson, mother of Susan Coursey. 5:30pm Paul R. Payne and John Brohl LECTORS! Please watch your for an upcoming Ministry Enrichment Program. Here s the plan: We will offer you 1 more session to attend (January 30 at 10 am). Fr Dominique will kick it off with a brief inspiration on the theology and ministry of being called to be a Proclaimer of the Word. Then, we will ask you to just do it and proclaim one of three brief readings that will be used in upcoming liturgies. We will record you, give you the CD to watch in the privacy of your rec room or kitchen. Before you leave we will provide you with a note of feedback to keep in mind when you watch yourself in action. We do a wonderful job for Jesus each week, and this is a chance to experience your proclamation as others hear and see you. It s the best way to boost confidence (Hey! That s better than I thought!) and eliminate little quirks ( It sounds like I can t wait for this to be over and get back to the pew. I do need to slow down!) Questions? Please contact Mike Leumas or Marianne Faulstich. TIME FOR A QUIET HEART-TO-HEART WITH THE LORD? Join us next Wednesday, February 3 rd in the church for Taize Adoration. Feel free to come and go between 7:30 and 9:00 pm. Experience the Prince of Peace: chant from the Taize monastery and scriptural meditations and silence.. SICK LIST: If you would like to have a name put on our Sick List, please call the parish office at Names on the Sick List will be included for three months. If you would like your name to be listed after the three month period, please call the Parish Office at that time. Thank you. PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK, ESPECIALLY: Josephine Adamsky Leo Mortimer Teagan Price Elliana Marie Barber Nancy Mortimer Nelson Rinehart Joan Brannan Peggie Murray Lori Ryan Drena Cunningham Mona Musgrave Mary Frances Schuyler Mitchell Cupps Matthew Norwicz Stephan Schecter Pat Dunlap Stephanie Norwicz Steve Scott Jim Haig Lori Olivi JoAnne Simmons Sue Hall Leah Pegg Claudia Smallwood Shirley Ingraham Kelli Penn Beth Tylicki Wilson John

4 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPCOMING ACTS RETREATS: Do you find church boring? Do you feel somewhat disconnected? Are you looking to energize your spiritual life? Do you want a more personal encounter with Jesus? Join us for a dynamic ACTS retreat! It is led by a team of fellow parishioners, with the help of our clergy. Ladies, do not miss this opportunity: Thursday, January 28 th Sunday, January 31st. For more information, contact: Patricia Dutko at or actspd@gmail.com ; Stephanie Nucci at or smnucci@comcast.net; or Fr. Dominique at or dperidans@stlouisparish.org. Men, we haven t forgotten about you. A men s retreat will be held Thursday, February 18 th through Sunday, February 21st. For more information, contact: Padraic Walsh at or padraicwalsh@verizon.net; Wayne Strupp at or wayne.strupp@ngc.com; or Fr. Dominique at or dperidans@stlouisparish.org. THE CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS AND FAITH IN THE FAMILY are sponsoring a special presentation. Several Women of the Bible will visit us - for example Hannah and Abigail from the Old Testament and Mary Magdalene and Lydia from the New Testament. You are invited to hear their stories, and perhaps a few others, on Wednesday January 27, 2010 in the Social Hall at 7:00 p.m. Please plan on attending. Light refreshments will be provided. Important Dates: Saturday, January 30: Saturday, January 30: Religion classes 9:00am 5 th grade Soup Kitchen Vacation Bible School: Kick-off meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 27 at 7pm. If you are interested in helping with VBS as a volunteer.group leader, art, snacks, crafts, music, Bible story, games..behind the scenes or during the actual VBS adventure week, please attend this meeting. This is the time we ll think through last year, and start planning for this year. Save the date! JULY is VBS week! If you have any questions, please call or Linda Jennings at , ldjennings6@verizon.net or Tina Held at , hpymum@yahoo.com. YOUTH MINISTRY A few winters ago, I was hiking in the snow at Patapsco Park (McKeldin Ellicott City), trugging along, weighted down less by the snow than by some trials I was experiencing in my life. Suddenly, I slipped and found myself on one knee, a reminder, I think, to stop complaining and start praying! Recently, I was once again hiking in the snow, this time with a friend and noticed that the friend had not once slipped but was very sure-footed. Picturing myself the avid and expert hiker, I wondered aloud why he was not sliding at all. He replied, Pat, you just have to know where to place your feet! Hmmmmm Know when to kneel and where to place your feet. This seems like a recipe for a disciple of Jesus, doesn t it? Although it is the ideal that we pray before we take a fall, it is also important to remember to pray at all times, whether we are frustrated or upset or happy. And, knowing where to place feet and what obstacles to stay away from, is important as well. Just a few thoughts I LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU!!! Next Sunday, January 31 st, we kick-off Catholic Schools Week with an Open House for prospective families from 10:30 a.m. through 2 p.m. We are currently accepting applications for incoming students for the school year and encourage you to come by to see how our 86 year tradition of Catholic education and faith formation can benefit your family. Our teachers, administrators and students will be available to answer your questions and will be happy to show you around! We hope you will join us! Thank you for contributing to the second collection this weekend which benefits Catholic education at our own parish. It is through your generosity that we are able to continue our ministry of faith formation and academic excellence and we are very grateful for your kind support. MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY: Jan. 24: 9:30am Youth Mass ALSO: BRUNCH Outreach at Grassroots Shelter Feb. 1: Italian Dinner Worker Signup Begins Feb. 3: HS CYM 5 Week Speaker Series Decisions, Decisions, Decisions with Marc Parisi 7:30-9pm Feb. 5: HS CYM Open Gym 7-10pm Feb. 8: Parent Speaker Patrick A Brady on Spiritually Surviving the Economy. 7:15-8:30pm School Loft Feb. 10: 5 Week Speaker Series Washing Feet with Jeff Abel 7:30-9pm Feb. 12: MS CYM Dance 7-10pm Tickets on sale starting 2/1 Feb. 14: BRUNCH at Grassroots Homeless Shelter Feb. 16: 6-7pm MS CYM Youth Council (Youth Room) Feb. 17: 5 Week Speaker Series Personal Training for Lent with Lauren Arroyo 7:30-9pm ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE INCLUDED!

5 ADULT ENRICHMENT You are invited to Discovering Christ! This seven-week experience begins Monday evening February 15 and runs weekly till March 29 with a life-changing day retreat on Saturday, March 20. Discovering Christ is a seven-week series exploring the meaning of life and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Each session begins with a delicious dinner at 6:45pm in the Parish Social Hall, followed by a video-based teaching, and small group discussion. The sessions end at 9:15pm. This series is a wonderful opportunity to reach out and invite others in or out of the Church to discover Christ in a lifechanging way. We only have room for 240 participants, so please register early! Registration is available in the narthex or online at stlouisparish.org/discover. There is no cost to participate in this program. The program is only for participants 11 th grade or older. January 17, Envelopes: $21, Loose: 5, Total Collection: $26, This year s Christmas collection amounted to $154, Our sincere thanks to all who gave so generously. Electronic Funds Transfer Recap for January gifts totaling $ 27, SECOND COLLECTIONS January 30/31 Building Fund February 16/17 Eastern Europe February 27/28 Building Fund STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE Because it's individual members make up the Body of Christ, that body's health and well-being are the responsibility of the members - the personal responsibity of each one of us. We are all stewards of the Church. PLANNED GIVING As parishioners of Saint Louis Church, old or new, we are all beneficiaries of more than 150 years of service and parishioner generosity. A planned gift to Saint Louis Church, will sustain this good work for generations to come. For more information on making a planned gift to Saint Louis Church, contact Mary Helfrich, Parish Development Director at or MHelfrich@stlouisparish.org. Preserving our Treasured Legacy Campaign: Parish Mortgage: As of April 1, $ 3 million As of April 1, $ 1,478,322 As of October 1, $ 791,735 Balance of Ten Oaks Property.$ 452,708 New mortgage. $ 1,244,443 As of January 1, $ 1,174,169 (Our monthly mortgage payment will be $27,342 for 47 months) Please consider making a sacrificial pledge to this campaign that will enable us to bring down the mortgage of our new Church and Pastoral Center. 1. If you gave to the Heritage of Hope Campaign, which ended in 2001, consider making a pledge to the Legacy Campaign. Or 2. If you are nearing the end of your payment to the Legacy Campaign, consider extended your pledge for another year or two. Or 3. If you are new to the parish or were unable to make a pledge in the past, consider doing your part now by making a pledge now. Everyone is invited and encouraged to support and participate in this important time in the life of our parish. For additional information contact the parish office at Thanks sincerely to all who have been supportive TAX STATEMENTS: If you would like a statement of your contributions for 2009 to St. Louis Church, please call the Parish Office. If you contribute to the Preserving Our Treasured Legacy campaign you will automatically receive a statement for contributions to the campaign as well as other contributions. All other statements will be mailed by request. Thank you. DID YOU FORGET TO BRING YOUR CONTRIBUTION ENVE- LOPE THIS WEEK? Well now there is an easy remedy...electronic Contributions. St. Louis now has a program which enables your contributions to be deducted once or twice a month. Contributions to the parish will be automatically deducted from your Savings or Checking account (whichever you prefer). For more information please call the parish office at or download a contribution form at Thank you! HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF REMEMBERING ST. LOUIS IN YOUR WILL? A bequest in your will, no matter what the amount, will help the church continue to care for and service God s people. Please consider remembering St. Louis.

6 CATHOLIC ADVOCACY LOBBY NIGHT: Please consider making a commitment to join other Catholics from all over Maryland on President s Day February 15 to offer a Testimony of Charity at the 26 th Annual Catholic Lobby Night in Annapolis. Lobby Night is an advocacy event that gives Catholic voters the opportunity to speak with their State elected officials about Social Justice issues, like support for women in challenging pregnancies, tax help for nonpublic schools, clarifying what marriage means. Full range of topic will be available as time draws nearer. DO NOT BE AFRAID! Your presence alone is invaluable: you can just BE THERE while someone else does the talking! Lobby Night lasts from 3pm to 8pm; we provide buses from St Louis. WATCH this space for information on registering we need to know how many buses we need and the Maryland Catholic Conference needs to know who is coming so they schedule appointments with the legislators. HEALTH CARE REFORM ALERT: As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic Bishops continue to make the moral case that genuine health care reform must protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Health care reform should not advance a pro-abortion agenda in our country. On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform that reaffirms the essential, longstanding and widely supported policy against using federal funds for elective abortions and includes positive measures on affordability and immigrants. On December 24, the U.S. Senate rejected this policy and passed health care reform that requires federal funds to help subsidize and promote health plans that cover elective abortions. All purchasers of such plans will be required to pay for other people s abortions through a separate payment solely to pay for abortion. Outside the abortion context, neither bill has adequate conscience protection for health care providers, plans or employers. These two bills must now be combined into one bill that both the House and Senate will vote on in final form. Provisions against abortion funding and in favor of conscience protection, affordability, and immigrants access to health care must be part of a fair and just health care reform bill, or the final bill must be opposed. ACTION: Contact your Representative and Senators today by e- mail, phone or FAX. To send a pre-written, instant to Congress go to Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: , or call your Members local offices. Contact info can be found on Members web sites at & SHRINE OF ST. ANTHONY RECURRING EVENTS: Daily Mass, Monday thru Friday, 12 noon ( Tuesday Mass includes the Novena to St. Anthony) First Friday Healing Mass, 7:30 PM Third Sunday & Last Sunday Healing Mass, 3 PM Confession, Wednesday, 4 PM-5 PM Historical Tours of the Manor House and Shrine: January 31, 2010, 1:30 pm. - 2:30 pm. Join us on the last Sunday of the month for a walking tour of the Manor House and the Shrine of St. Anthony. The tour will last approximately 1 hour. All are welcome. Please meet at the Manor House. There is no charge for this event. Prayer Shawl Ministry: February 9, 2010, 12:45 pm. - 2:30 pm. In the spirit of St. Clare of Assisi, we invite you to join us in our Clare Prayer Shawl Ministry. A prayer shawl embraces and comforts the wearer with the love and prayers of the maker and the faith community. Recipients of the shawls may be people who are undergoing medical procedures, who are grieving, or who need to feel the love and support of the community during a difficult time in their life. The Prayer Shawl Ministry also makes shawls for family members of Fallen Soldiers. Meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Members meet at the noon Mass. After Mass, members eat lunch (bring your own,) and knit or crochet until 2:30 pm. All are welcome. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE THEOLOGY OF THE BODY: with Christopher West, this Wednesday, January 27 th from 7 to 9pm at St. Peter s Church, 2900 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD With profound insight and humor, Christopher West begins to address the deepest yearnings of the human heart. It is for anyone searching for their ultimate purpose in life, as it breaks open the most basic truths and questions of human existence. For more information or to register contact Anne Marie Prangley at Anne- Marie.Prangley@stpetersolney.org. CENSUS JOBS AVAILABLE NOW! Start the New Year Right! Apply now and you could be working by early spring! The 2010 Census Operation is actively recruiting field staff NOW, to fill many positions in Howard County. Jobs offer flexible hours, a good wage, and an opportunity to work near your home. Full-time and part-time positions will start during the late winter and early spring time periods. All jobs are temporary. Call now to start the application process and schedule a time to take a basic skills test! Testing will occur at various local locations including libraries, fire stations and job centers. Call for more information. OR EVEN EASIER! Just go to the Maryland Catholic Conference Website and click on Action Alert and sign up for alerts for both national and State issues. That way you can contact all your elected officials with just a click of your mouse! TRAVELERS LOOKING FOR MASS TIMES: To find church locations and Mass schedules nationwide, call or go to