ST. LOUIS CHURCH BAPTISM OF THE LORD January 9, 2011

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1 ST. LOUIS CHURCH BAPTISM OF THE LORD January 9, 2011 Daily Mass Readings Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Hebrews 1:1-6 Hebrews 2:5-12 Hebrews 2:14-18 Hebrews 3:7-14 Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Hebrews 4:12-16 Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10 Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9 Psalm 8:2, 5-9 Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9 Psalm 95:6-11 Psalm 78:3-4, 6-8 Psalm 19:8-10, 15 Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10 Acts 10: Corinthians 1: 1-3 Matthew 3:13-17 Mark 1:14-20 Mark 1:21-28 Mark 1:29-39 Mark 1:40-45 Mark 2:1-12 Mark 2:13-17 John 1:29-34 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 16, 2011 Just before today s Gospel, priests from the temple asked John whether he was the Messiah they were waiting for or not. The Baptist replied that there was One coming who is mightier than he. The people of Israel were longing for the Messiah and asking likely suspects if they were he. Now, the next day, John sees Jesus and declares THIS IS THE ONE! Have you ever asked God for something special and had a hard time recognizing when he answered your prayers? MEETINGS THIS WEEK Following Christ Monday, January 10, 2011 Social Hall 7:30 PM ACTS Men's Small Group Monday, January 10, 2011 Room 304 7:00 PM Miraculous Medal Novena Monday, January 10, 2011 Chapel 7:30 PM Women's Bible Study Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Room 302 9:30 AM Divine Mercy Group Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Church 1:30 PM Catechism Study Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Room 301 7:00 PM Playgroup Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Room 301 9:30 AM Mourning Core Team Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Room :00 AM CDA Board Meeting Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Room 304 5:00 PM ACTS Women's Retreat Team Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Social Hall 7:00 PM Baptism Preparation Class Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Room 301 7:00 PM RCIA Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Room 305 7:00 PM Charismatic Prayer Group Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Room 306 8:00 PM Garden Club Thursday, January 13, 2011 Social Hall 9:00 AM Great Adventure Scripture Study Thursday, January 13, 2011 Social Hall 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday, January 13, 2011 Room 305 8:00 PM KofC Charity Bingo Friday, January 14, 2011 Social Hall 6:00 PM Young Adult Holy Hour Friday, January 14, 2011 Chapel 7:00 PM

2 Dear Parishioners: January 22 nd marks the anniversary of the tragic Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, which in effect, legalized abortion in every U.S. state, at any and all stages of pregnancy. On Monday January 24, we invite and strongly encourage you to join St. Louis Parish and our Respect Life Committee as we pray and participate in the Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., in observance of this Day of Penance. We will gather with hundreds of thousands of our fellow Americans in our Nation s Capitol for this simple, yet compelling witness to the sanctity of all human life. Many parishes and churches send multiple busloads of people, young and old, who travel hundreds and even thousands of miles across the country to participate in this peaceful and prayerful civil rights march. Our voices are needed. If we are silent, who will speak for those unable to speak for themselves? St. Louis will provide buses for those who wish to attend. We will begin our day with prayer at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel, followed by coffee and doughnuts in the Social Hall. We will depart the Church parking lot for the March and return by 5:30 p.m., for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. Come to the ministry table in the narthex on the weekends of January 8-9 or 15-16, or call the Parish Office at to reserve a seat, or for other information. Msgr. Luca THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Making a living is not the same thing as making a life. PARISH PILGRIMAGE MAY 16-26, 2011: Monsignor Luca will lead this year s parish pilgrimage to Eastern Europe (Poland and Czech Republic). This fascinating pilgrimage includes visits to Warsaw, Old Town, the Shrine of the Black Madonna, Krakow, the Wawel Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Wadowice: the birthplace and home of Pope John Paul II, the Divine Mercy Shrine where Saint Faustina lived and died, the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, the medieval city of Brno, and many sites in Prague including the famous statue of the Infant of Prague. Mass will be celebrated in some of the most important shrines of this region with Antonella as our hostess. Cost ($ per person) includes airfare (including taxes & fees), first class hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, ground transportation and all entrance fees. Brochures with the daily itinerary are available at the Information Table in the narthex. To register for the pilgrimage or for further information contact George s International Tours at daily from 9am to 5pm (West Coast time). PARISH OFFICE HOURS: For your convenience the Parish Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9am-8:00pm, 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. CHURCH LINENS: Altar linens are to be picked up this week by Ms. Ballard and next week by Ms. Blanchard. PLEASE COME HOME! AN INVITATION... Ever wonder why church is so full at Christmas? Besides visiting family and children home from college, we are blessed each year with folks wanting to reconnect, if only for a little while. People yearning for a relationship with the Church that somehow has gotten broken over the years. But the longing is there: they find their way home at Christmas. If this sounds like someone you know, please tell them we love them, we miss them, we want to welcome them home. We would love an opportunity to mend what s been keeping them away. Questions? Contact Msgr. Luca, Father Greg, or Marianne Faulstich, Pastoral Associate, in the parish office at GOOD DEEDS OF THE CHILDREN: Timmy helped others and shared; Andres was very good; Jake was extra sweet to his Mom when she was sick; Gillian helped her Mom clean the bathroom; Tori helped Mom make pigs in a blanket for Christmas Eve dinner; Willie gave a lot of presents to his parents; Ava made many presents for her family and grandparents; Josef opened the door for his Mom; Donovan got his sister a cookie from his friend s birthday party; James helped his parents clean up the house for the Christmas party; Glenn helped his Dad prepare for Christmas; Tara put others first when she was with her friends; Katie helped clean the house; Nikolas loves the Lord, God, and Jesus; Christopher was nice to his brother; Becca listened to Mommy & Maddy; Josef helped his brother; Cianna and Eliot gave glory to God on New Year s Day; Aidan said Please and Thank You ; Davie helped his Grandma and Grandpa; Becca was good to her Mommy; Tori helped her little brother Jeffrey get dressed; Matthew waited patiently to do his Religious Ed work; Michael tried on clothes to see if they fit.

3 MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK OF JANUARY 9, 2011 Sunday 6:45am Robert Adams and Nicandro C. Chavoso CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERINGS: The following offerings were made after the publication of the Christmas Flower Memorial Booklet: Donor: Mr. & Mrs. Tim Davis Ms. June Marshall In Honor/Memory of: Robert Kelley Charles L. Boarman, Sr. Dick Baker 8:00am Robert and Laura Gillett (SI) 9:30am Annette Zellars (SI) and Florence Crowley 11:15am Mae Worley and Jim Slocum 12:45pm Maria Bochniewicz and Daisy Barrell Lumley Monday 7:00 am Buddy Lynagh and Rosalie F. Olerchik Tuesday 7:00am August Postorino Arthur Long, Jr. 9:30am Joseph Prevosto and Jeanette Brett Cathy Miller Robert Miller Marion Olson Wednesday 7:00am Jean L. Donnelly and Lorn Hinish Thursday 7:00am Clara Depp and Diana Helfrich Friday 7:00am Jivaka DeSilva and Loretta Real Saturday 8:00am Elizabeth Kurek 4:00pm 5:30pm Nicola Riccio and Daniel Mowry Louise Francis Koontz and Diana Helfrich SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Next Saturday, January 15th, by Monsignor Luca and Father Greg Rapisarda. PLANNING YOUR CHILD S BAPTISM? The next Baptism Preparation Session will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 in Room 301 of the Pastoral Center from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Please call the Parish Office at to register. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE DEARLY DEPARTED: Carole Ewachiw, mother of Neil Ewachiw, mother-in-law of Mary Ewachiw, and grandmother of Gabriel. Frank Lepore, husband of Mary Lepore. Francis Maloney, cousin of Kay Bair. Emanuel Picek, father of Debbie Mangus and grandfather of Stephanie and Mark. The DIVINE MERCY PRAYER GROUP, a group of individuals who personally pray for your special intentions, will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in the church. Upon completing the recitation of the rosary and the chaplet, we will adjourn to Room 301. The theme for January is Mercy and we will discuss the four special aspects of mercy as recorded in the Diary of St. Faustina. We will conclude with the readings for the day from the diary: #285 and #391. Consider becoming an Intercessory Prayer Minister this year. (SI) denotes a Special Intention for a living person or persons. 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: Melanie Ciesluk S. A. McClain Kathryn Rosewag Kim Cook Pat McGlothlin Carmen Russo Natalie DiGennaro Margaret Miller Lori Ryan Giovanni Flores George Ogle Evelyn Schroder Anne Groff Barbara O Leary Steve Scott Anna Haspert B. Pegg Brian Showalter JoAnne Joyce H. Pegg Mary Stallings Jack Kaulfuss L. Pegg Jaxon Taylor Dominic Koerber Georgiana Podniesinski Kelly Wagner Julianna Kopec Rana Lilyann Rejaie Martha Wiedel Michael Krukones John Rettaliata

4 PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES: PFC Patrick Bacon Cpt. Derrick Breville Cpt. Steven Cooper LT Mallary Forrestel Cpt. Brian Green PFC Joseph Henry LCpl Dane Joyce SN Mark E. Mangus, Jr. CH (Captain) Arek Ochalek E4 Bryan Patrick Reier Lt. John Ryan LCP Daniel Smith PSC Edward W. Surrette Sgt. Christen Beniak 1st LT Chris Cartier LCP Larry Draughn Cpt. Brendan Gallagher Sgt. Dan Haack 2nd LT Gina Horn T Sgt. Christopher Lozzi Ensign Kelly McLin Lt. Denise Reccardi 1st LT Vincent Paul Rubbo Lt. James Six PFC Patrick Steckman CH (Major) Tyson Wood Our students and teachers are back in the swing of things and are resolved to make 2011 a fantastic year. Our Drama Club will begin rehearsals for their spring production and the Puppet Theater group is working diligently on finishing their puppets and sets. The basketball program is in full gear with our teams playing schools all over the county, showcasing our talents and just having fun. Lots on tap for the year, so stay tuned! It s Registration time! As you reflect on last year, are you thinking about your child s future? If you are considering a Catholic education for your child, or would just like to explore your options, we would love for you to come by and take a look at all that we have to offer your family. Our next Open House will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2011, at which time we will welcome prospective families after the 9:30 Mass, to meet with our teachers, administrators and students. Please mark your calendars we would love to show you around! Any questions, please contact Vic Pellechia, our Director of Admissions, at vpellechia@stlouisparish.org or (410) CHARITY BINGO: The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a Longaberger Basket Bingo to support their Ghana Education Project and other charities on Friday, January 14th, at 7:00 PM in the Pastoral Center Social Hall. Tickets are $18, $20 at the door, and may be purchased in the narthex after weekend Masses or by calling Mike Leumas at or Nick Tranchitella at Please join us for a great time and a good cause! ST. LOUIS GARDEN CLUB will meet on Thursday, January 13, 2010, at 9:00 am, in the St. Louis Pastoral Center. Homewood Gardens will address what is "cutting edge" in today's gardening. Their topic will be "Amazing New Garden Products that Really Work". New members are most welcome. For further information, please call Kay Bair, RIGHT TO LIFE PRESENTATION: The St. Louis Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a Right to Life presentation to be given by Dr. John Bruchalski, OB/GYN in the St Louis Pastoral Center Social Hall, on Tuesday, January 18th, at 7:30pm. Dr. Bruchalski will discuss how universal health care will affect abortions and other related topics on abortion. Everyone is invited. Light refreshments will be served. For more information call Leo Mortimer at MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Chicken Marsala!!! Pasta!!! Italian Salad!!! Live Band!!! Door Prizes!!! Fun!!! The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a That's Amore dinner dance on February 19th in the Social Hall. Please, plan to join us for a fun evening. More information coming soon. Now that your Christmas shopping is over, we wanted to remind you of an opportunity to save some money. Through the deregulation of electrical power, several companies are now able to offer lower rates to customers than that which is currently being offered by BGE. We have partnered with North American Power and have our own website where you can find out more information and signup to lower your rate. There are no contracts to sign, you will keep the same service and billing through BGE, and North American Power will donate $10 to St. Louis for every new customer. Not only that, but they will also donate to us monthly based on the bills generated by our customers! Go to to find out more! RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IMPORTANT DATES January 12: First Eucharist mtg. for parents only 7:00pm January 16: Religion classes 9:00am/Family Life 5 th grade January 15: Coffee & Conversation with Fr. Greg, 9:00am January 19: First Eucharist mtg. for parents only, 7:00pm January 22: Religion classes 9:00am/Family Life 5 th grade January 29: Religion classes 9:00am/Family Life all grades February 5: Religion classes 9:00am/Family Life all grades February 12: Religion classes 9:00am/Family Life all grades February 12: Coffee & Conversation with Fr. Greg 9:00am FIRST EUCHARIST PREPARATION MEETINGS: Our parish rejoices each year as we welcome our children into more active involvement in our community through the Sacrament of Eucharist. Regular reception of Holy Communion fosters a relationship with Jesus that is central to a child s religious development. Parent meetings for those children who wish to prepare to receive First Holy Communion in May will be held this week and next. Families of second grade students enrolled in St. Louis School, Religious Education classes, Trinity School or Woodmont Academy should

5 have received a letter in the mail inviting the parents only to attend one of the meetings listed above. If you feel you should have received a letter and did not, or if you have any questions, please contact Vickie Yozwiak at (410) All meetings will be held in the Howard Bishop meeting rooms. COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH FR. GREG: Mark your calendars now to share Saturday Morning Coffee and Conversation with Fr. Greg and fellow St. Louis parishioners on Saturday, January 15 th and also on Saturday, February 12 th. All parents, grandparents, Godparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and parishioners are welcome to gather in the Howard Bishop Meeting Rooms at 9:00am for this informal opportunity to socialize and join in the conversations concerning our faith. SECOND COLLECTIONS January 15/16 Special Care for Diocesan Priests January 22/23 Building Fund January 29/30 Catholic Schools Week/St. Louis School YOUTH MINISTRY The following is part of an essay from Madison Briel, an 8 th grader at Lime Kiln Middle School: Being Catholic is an extraordinary experience. Every day, you get to connect with the Lord no matter where you are in the world I am Catholic because I believe in God and I believe that Jesus Christ suffered and died for us to have the gift of eternal life. I am Catholic because it gives me a chance to be part of something much bigger than myself. It allows me to worship the Lord and to speak to Him myself. It makes me feel that I am special and that He loves me. Being Catholic helps us all come together as one and worship the Lord in church, which is a very special thing If I were in a foreign land where the people had never heard of Catholics, I would introduce it by using symbols such as the crucifix and the Church. I would probably tell a few stories to them like Adam and Eve or the story of when Jesus was born or how Jesus was nailed to the cross to save us and give us eternal life Being Catholic makes you a part of something extraordinary where you get to talk and pray and thank God everyday of your life as He guides you along the right path of life to Heaven. I LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU & YOUR FAM- ILY! MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY: January 9: Deeper Waters, 7pm January 14: MS Dance, 7-10pm. $5 Tickets on sale starting January 3. January 23: Youth Mass, 9:30am Deeper Waters, 7pm January 24: March for Life ADULT ENRICHMENT WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY: Starting January 11, 2011, the Women s Bible Study will begin a study of the letter of Paul to Timothy and Peter s letter. No knowledge of the Bible is necessary. All women are invited, especially young mothers as we have a wonderful woman providing child care. We meet every Tuesday, in the Pastoral Center, from 9:30 until 11:30 am. For more information call Pat Finnegan at or Lee Kopera at STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE Our Baptism, like the Lord s, is a consecration to service. The bishops pastoral on stewardship reminds us that "... there is a fundamental obligation arising from the sacrament of baptism that people place their gifts, their resources their selves at God s service in and through the Church TAX STATEMENTS: If you would like a statement of your contributions for 2010 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. Preserving our Treasured Legacy Campaign: 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.

6 MARCH FOR LIFE 2011: Mark your calendars we will make our pro-life presence known to the lawmakers in Washington, DC, to the citizens of the United States, and to people around the world, on Monday, January 24. Buses will be provided (the bus is free with a small fee for the Metro). Space is limited and reservations are needed. For more information, contact Sue Arlinghaus at or farlinghaus@yahoo.com or call the parish office. A bus sign-up will take place after every Mass on January 8/9 and January 15/16 in the Narthex. Let your voice be heard and counted among the throngs of people attending the march. What will I experience at the March for Life in Washington, D.C? Joy in being part of a very large group of people who are standing up for their belief in the sanctity of life... amazement at the number of young people and families in attendance... cold hands and feet while listening to speakers and waiting for the masses of people to move onto the street to begin the March... few, if any, counter demonstrations...pride in our church and government leaders for speaking out for the unborn! United in Prayer: If you can t attend the March for Life in Washington on January 24, but want to be part of this mission, join us in prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. Beginning at 9:00 AM, and at the top of each hour following, we will pray the Rosary followed by silent prayer and meditation on liferelated issues. Benediction will end the day at approximately 5:15 PM when those attending the March for Life return and join us. Please stop by the Ministry Table in the Narthex Jan 8-9 and Jan if you can commit to a specific hour to pray for life before the True Presence of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist. Your prayers are POWERFUL! THE POOR NEED YOUR HELP: Looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of poor people? Among the many ministries here at Saint Louis there is one that is looking for additional helpers. Once a month Saint Louis parishioners feed 700 people at Our Daily Bread a wonderful place in Baltimore city where poor and homeless people literally sit down for a served meal. No questions are asked about their status. They are simply treated with dignity and respect in an environment of Christian love and compassion. You can help by preparing chicken pieces according to a simple recipe. Members of our parish prepare the meal in their homes as they would prepare chicken for their family and then drop them off at the home of Mary Agnes Lewis (6005 Ten Oaks Road across from our parish cemetery) on the 2 nd Monday of each month, (January 10, 2011). Available volunteers then take the food to the facility located on Falls Way Road and serve the meal on the 2 nd Tuesday of each month. For additional information about how you can help, call Mary Agnes Lewis at This is a wonderful way in which a family can work together in preparing a wholesome meal for some of God s special people. Thank you for your generous food donations last weekend. We distributed bags of food to the Franciscan Center, FISH, and My Brothers Keeper. Thank you for sharing your hope and goodness with those in need. WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP SEW BAPTISMAL BIBS? St. Louis has a team of wonderful volunteers who share their time and talent sewing Baptismal Bibs for the babies and children who are baptized. The bibs represent the white garment put on when they become a new creation in Christ. It is an outward sign of our Christian dignity. If you would like to help sew bibs call Julie Farmer at or farmertakesawife@aol.com. Directions and materials are provided. ST VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY: If you have a clothing donation, you may drop your items into the blue St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Bin located in the rear of the parking lot by the Maintenance Barn. If you need to obtain a receipt for your clothing donations, you need to call St. Vincent de Paul directly at Clothing items should be placed in sturdy plastic bags and tied securely and then placed in the bin, making sure that the bags are pushed up and over the inside ledge. 15 gallon trash bags fit well in the clothing bin drop slot. This is a wonderful opportunity for used clothing in good condition to be distributed to the poor. It would be regrettable should there be the need to remove the bin from the St. Louis Campus. Thank you for you understanding and cooperation. 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 Have ever wanted to learn how to paint an Icon? The Friars of the Shrine of St. Anthony are announcing a wonderful new opportunity at the Shrine. Local artist Britta Prinzivalli will be teaching Icon Painting workshops at the Shrine starting February 7 th and running every Monday until April 4 th. This class is open to everyone with varying degrees of artistic background from none to advanced. By the end of the class each member will have painted their own Icon and delved into the ancient spirituality of Iconography. There will be a $220 fee for the class which covers all the materials and costs. To sign up for the class or for more questions please call or jwhite@shrineofstanthony.org. TRAVELERS LOOKING FOR MASS TIMES: To find church locations and Mass schedules nationwide, call or go to