St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish 5361 Dry Ridge Road Cincinnati, OH 45252 (513)385-8010 Fax (513)385-8080 www.stjohnsdr.org MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 4:30 pm Sunday 8:30 am & 11:00 am Weekday & Holyday - See Bulletin PARISH OFFICE Rev. Timothy S. Kallaher, Pastor Deacon Ken Schnur, Pastoral Associate Deacon Vincent Lutz Douglas Schmutte, Pastoral Associate for Music/Liturgy Amanda Weickert, Director of Religious Education Rod Dunlap, Director of Youth Ministry Terri Reder, Business Manager Tom Cunningham, Plant Manager/Maintenance Supervisor Michelle Zerhusen, Administrative Assistant PASTORAL COUNCIL Al Grote, Chairperson, 245-9943 Ryan Vitolo, Vice-Chairperson, 519-1518 Valerie Nimeskern, Secretary, 288-3254 David Eby, Member at Large, 385-7675 Steve Bissmeyer, Member at Large, 923-2633 Gene Culman, Member at Large, 385-6669 Shannon Meyer, Member at Large, 385-6970 John Stehlin, Member at Large,476-9665 Kevin Wood, Member at Large, 885-9860 Heather Smith, Development Commission Rep., 923-2893 Betty Dirr,, Faith Formation Comm. Rep., 385-3954 Sharon Bachman, Finance Commission Rep., 385-8267 Patti Rice, Worship Commission Rep., 385-5410 Larry Weinheimer, Communications Comm. Rep, 652-2563 RECONCILIATION: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & Seasonal Service MARRIAGE: Call the Parish Office at least 6 months prior to your wedding. BAPTISMS: Call the Parish Office ANOINTING OF THE SICK/COMMUNION: Call Parish Office WELCOME NEW MEMBERS. Please contact the Parish Office CURRENT PARISHIONERS: Moving? New email? Contact the Parish Office. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL - 513-301-6881 1 Monday, February 29 8:30 a.m. Alan Schell/Carol & Tony Schneider Tuesday, March 1 8:30 a.m. Priest s Intentions Wednesday, March 2 8:30 a.m. Florence Massa/Ann Ennis Thursday, March 3 8:30 a.m. Sue Pappin/Rita & Dave Ball Friday, March 4 PRIEST S MASS INTENTIONS 8:30 a.m. Robert Krummen/Karen & Roger Saturday, March 5 4:30 PM For the Parish Sunday, March 6 8:30 a.m. Fredrick Haffner, Jr./Bruce & Karen 11:00 a.m. Marvin Meyer/Ron & Barb Wellman We extend our sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Melvin Wohlfrom and Christy Zeiser May God give them strength during this difficult time. TABLE OF CONTENTS Bulletin Sponsors Page 14 & 15 Finance Report Page 4 FORMED Page 13 Forty Days for Life Page 11 & 12 Liturgical Ministers Page 2 Office of Christian Formation Page 6 Musician s Notes Page 5 Parish Information Page 3 Shopping Cent Page 4 St. Vincent depaul Society Page 10 This Week in Lent Page 9 Terri s Tidbits Page 4 Youth Ministry Page 7 & 8
THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH LITURGICAL MINISTERS Monday, February 29 Mass, 8:30 a.m., Chapel Adoration, 9:15 a.m., Chapel Monday Martha s Group, 9:30 a.m. Rosary, 7:00 p.m., Chapel Tuesday, March 1 Mass, 8:30 a.m., Northgate Atria Young Adult Group, 7:00 p.m., POMR #2 Wednesday, March 2 Mass, 8:30 a.m., Church Thursday, March 3 Mass, 8:30 a.m., Chapel Joseph s Group, 9:00 a.m., POMR #2 Shopping Cent, 9:00 a.m., POMR#1 Homeless Meal Prep, 3:00 p.m., Cafeteria Friday, March 4 All School Mass, 8:30 a.m., Church Fish Fry, 4:30 p.m., Cafeteria Saturday, March 5 Reconciliation, 2:30 p.m., Reconciliation Chapel Mass, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6 Mass, 8:30 a.m. Mass, 11:00 a.m. Stations of the Cross, 12:30 p.m., Chapel Parish Library Spot Hugs from Heaven Embraced by the Savior by Caron Loveless is just the second in this new series (and we do not have the first one in the library). The introduction tells us that the Hugs series is being written with one purpose in mind: to make God s love more real and refreshing to your heart and spirit than ever before. Each of the seven sections of our book contains a paraphrased scripture, an inspirational message, a poignant saying, and a fictional tale based on a particular passage of scripture. As a gifted author Caron Loveless retells the various stories from the Bible you will discover unique insights that will deepen your faith and warm your heart! CHECK IT OUT!! Saturday, March 5, 4:30 PM Mass Servers: A. Threm, L. Lewis, L. Lewis Lectors: Elaine Reardon, Mike Fritz Eucharistic Ministers: Nancy Schuster, Annette Arszman, Diane Henschen, Marcia Schmidt, Jerry Schmidt, Sue Hines Sunday, March 6, 8:30 AM Mass Servers: E. Keil, D. Wolterman, S. Keil Lectors: Betty Dirr, Bob Richter Eucharistic Ministers: Sophie Betsch, Candy Moore, Claire Sillies, Jessica Brockman, Laura Kruze, Debbie Schneider Sunday, March 6, 11:00 AM Mass Servers: B. Jung, J. Tewell, O. Tewell Lectors: Tim Lees, Nisrene Langenbrunner Eucharistic Ministers: Candisse Fejer, Matthew Fejer, Andrea Fejer, Michelle Burke, Taylor Greene, Sam Moeller, Eileen Molulon, Michael Hayes, Nancy Ziegler, Madeline Peters PREPARE TO HEAR GOD S WORD Readings for March 6, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Lent Joshua 5:9-12 After renewing their covenant with the Lord, the people set out to take possession of the promised land. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 It is God who reconciles us though the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Luke 15:1-3. 11-32 The prodigal son comes to his senses and remembers his father s love. 2
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT PARISH INFORMATION Fish Fry News Please join us on Friday, March 6 starting at 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria for our Lenten Fish Fry. Dine in, carry out, or call ahead to 923-2900. Come and enjoy LaRosa s Pizza, Fried Cod, Baked Cod, bread from NCH Bakery, Beer-battered shrimp, popcorn shrimp, cheese sticks, homemade mac and cheese, baked potatoes, green beans, desserts from the Girl Scouts and more!! New this year...fish Tacos!! Check out the full menu on our website at: www.stjohnsdr.org Thank you for your support. Book Fair 2016 SCHOOL INFORMATION Thank you so much for another successful Book Fair! With All the support of the volunteers, students, staff and families, the school library will be able to purchase an assortment of new books and much needed materials to keep it operating on such a successful level! Sue Karwisch and Jeana Weisman Senior s Meeting Wednesday, March 9 1:00-3:00 PM in the Gathering Space Guest speaker: Scott Stephens, Catholic Charities Topic: The Year of Mercy Please bring a side to share. Need a ride? Call Mary Lou at 385-6062 Attention Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors I will be doing a schedule for April-June 2016 in the next few weeks. If you have any changes or if you know of particular dates that you will be unable to minister, please let me know by March 13. Please, if you cannot serve, get a sub. If you no longer wish to be on the list or if you have special scheduling requests, please let me know. You can reach me at 741-2808 or at marciaschmidt@cinci.rr.com. When the schedules are completed they will be in the sacristy. I will send them electronically to anyone whose e-mail address I have. If you have a new e- mail address, you can send it to me and I will see that you get a schedule electronically. Please be mindful of the dress code for ministers, and remember to stay until the end of Mass and help wash dishes after Mass. If Father uses his special Chalice, please do not immerse it in water. Thank you for your dedication and service. Pregnancy Center West During Catholic Schools Week, St. John s school and its parishes collected baby items and change to benefit the Center. We received a letter of thanks from them. The Pregnancy Center West would like to thank you and all the students of St. John the Baptist School, and the parishes of St. John Neumann, Corpus Christi and St. John the Baptist who generously donated so many baby items and change in the baby bottles for our center during Catholic Schools Week. Collected 467.23! You 3 NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION Alzheimer s Association The Alzheimer s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer s. Alzheimer s Association is presenting a 4 part series entitled What Families Need to Know... When: Wednesday, April 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2016 Where: Mercy West Hospital from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. To register or for more information, please contact Elizabeth Bross at 1-800-272-3900.
STEWARDSHIP OF FINANCE TERRI S TIDBITS FEBRUARY 21, 2016 COLLECTION REPORT Adult Collection (includes Electronic Donations) Children Collection Debt Reduction Ash Wednesday St. Vincent de Paul This Year to Date Last Year to Date Comparison to Last Year Adult Envelopes Children Envelopes Electronic Donators Thank You! SHOPPING CENTS Shopping Cent turned over 20,000 in profits to our school last month. Thanks to all the supporters who support the program and made this possible! We have been told that one reason we don t have more customers is that we don t take credit cards anymore. We decided about 5 years ago to discontinue accepting credit cards due to the high fees (up to 3% of sales) from the banks and credit card companies. The fees negatively affect our profits for the school. We realize people want to use their credit cards for the convenience and to earn points but do they realize many retailers give us MORE than the 1-2% they earn. We still need one more new face to join our team. It only takes less than hour per month. We have one openings before/after 4:30 Mass on third Saturday of the month. Please call the hotline (699-6960 ext. 240) if you can help out! 11,657.60 5.85 105.00 130.00 60.00 491,106.28 484,529.27 6,577.01 234 3 56 DID YOU KNOW THAT you can call the parish office if you want your tax contribution letter? We can email it or send it by mail. Just let us know. DID YOU KNOW THAT someone has graciously donated new carpet and their time to put in carpet in the parish office and the school office? With the help of the Joseph s Group, the project is moving along. They wish to remain anonymous so help us say a prayer of thanks for this wonderful gift of time, talent and treasure. DID YOU KNOW THAT the Martha s Group need your help? They clean our church and gathering space. If you can give an hour or so on Monday mornings or Thursday afternoons, please call the parish office. Thought for today is There can be no peace without forgiveness. Choosing not to forgive someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. So whom do you need to forgive? Whom is God inviting you to forgive? Excerpt from Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly. STEWARDSHIP FOR THE WEEK He said to the gardener, For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. (Luke 13:7) Are you like the barren fig tree? How will you respond when God asks you what you have done with all the gifts He has given you? Remember, not only are we called to be generous, we are called to develop and nurture our gifts and return with increase. Moses heard God s call from a burning bush. What is your passion, your burning bush? Take time to know what God is sending you to do and be. - Exodus: 3:18, 13-15 4
S tarting this Sunday and for the next two Sundays, there will be two sets of readings depending upon the Mass you attend. At the 4:30 and 11:00 we continue to hear from Luke s gospel, but at the 8:30 we hear from John s gospel. Why two sets of readings? As you know, there are those among us who are in their final preparation to be baptized, confirmed, and eucharistized at the Easter Vigil. They are called the elect. Over these next three Sundays we celebrate special rites with them called scrutinies. You may wonder, What is a scrutiny? Well, if you take the verb form, to scrutinize, we get a pretty good sense of what these rites are meant to do. According to Webster s, when we scrutinize something, we examine or inspect it very closely and thoroughly. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), stages the following: The scrutinies, are rites for self -searching and repentance and have above all a spiritual purpose. The scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. For the scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Lent is a period, not only for the elect, but for all of us to scrutinize our lives and to examine ourselves closely and thoroughly. So, if you don t attend the 8:30 Mass, I recommend taking a bible and sometime this week read this Sunday s scrutiny THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MUSICIAN S NOTES BY DOUG SCHMUTTE 5 gospel, John 4: 5 42, which tells of an e n c o u n t e r between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at a well. I found the f o l l o w i n g reflection on the gospel passage, Jesus and the Samaritan woman meet at a well and her world changes. The same thing happens to us when Jesus meets us in the liturgy. and it pertains to all of us, not just the elect: Today s gospel presents us with the longest one-onone exchange between Jesus and another person in any of the four Gospels. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well cuts to the heart of the journey of conversion. Imagine yourself at the well. Imagine the Lord Jesus uncovering your own sinfulness. Rediscover the great gift that the Lord offers you today: a way out of sinfulness and a way into everlasting peace and goodness. Let the gospel scrutinize each one of us, so that, like the Samaritan woman, we will proclaim Jesus as Messiah to all we meet. So, as we continue on our Lenten journey, may each of us scrutinize his/her own life, and also pray for the elect as they prepare for the Easter sacraments. May Christ continue to be the living water for which we all thirst and receive each day of this Lenten season. Have a great week. Week by Week Through the Year of Mercy P ope Francis states that the sacrament of Reconciliation is a source of true interior peace, enabling people to touch the grandeur of God s mercy with their own hands (Misericordiae Vultus, 17). In Luke s Gospel, Jesus warns us against judging others. Focus instead, Jesus says, on deepening or restoring our own relationship with God, for during this Lenten springtime that Master Gardener can use even life s manure (the parable s fertilizer ) to coax fresh fruit from a tree that seems hopelessly barren us! Parishes preparing catechumens may choose John s Gospel, which likewise cautions against judging. Imagine what the Samaritan woman s lifelong neighbors thought of her multiple relationships. But by discovering Jesus, then sharing her good news and Jesus with those very neighbors, she whom they had probably judged quite sinful became instead their evangelist and missionary of mercy. Peter Scagnelli, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.
Merciful like the Father We want to live this Jubilee Year in light of the Lord s words: Merciful like the Father. The Evangelist reminds us of the teaching of Jesus who says, Be merciful just as your Father is merciful (Lk 6:36). It is a program of life as demanding as it is rich with joy and peace. Jesus s command is directed to anyone willing to listen to his voice (cf. Lk 6:27). In order to be capable of mercy, therefore, we must first of all dispose ourselves to listen to the Word of God. This means rediscovering the value of silence in order to meditate on the Word that comes to us. In this way, it will be possible to contemplate God s mercy and adopt it as our lifestyle. Excerpt from paragraph 13 of Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis Apostolic Letter in which he proclaimed the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. Vatican Translation. Emphasees my own. Office of Christian Formation Amanda Weickert aweickert@stjohnsdr.org Do you need to talk through something or have and questions about our faith? It would be my joy to meet with you! Please feel free to call or schedule an appointment any time! 6 to LOVE as GOD LOVES By Amanda Weickert One major aspect of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy is the plenary indulgence offered this year. Pope Francis writes: I wish that the Jubilee Indulgence may reach each one as a genuine experience of God s mercy, which comes to meet each person in the Face of the Father who welcomes and forgives, forgetting completely the sin committed. While one s sins are completely forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation one is still responsible for the effects of that sin. An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1471). This temporal punishment isn t vengeance or suffering imparted by God but an acknowledgment that as we sin we demonstrate and increase our unhealthy attachment to things that are not God, such as choosing our own pride rather than being companionate or allowing a desire for material comforts to make us less generous. Through an indulgence we are purified by God s grace and are called to conversion in our hearts and lives. There are several conditions which must be met in order to receive the indulgence. The indulgence itself is granted when one walks through a Holy Door of Mercy or performs a work of mercy. In addition, one must have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin, confess their sins in the sacrament of Reconciliation, receive the Holy Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. Like the sacraments, a plenary indulgence is not a vending machine of mercy - you don t check off certain boxes to pay the toll for the indulgence. The indulgence itself is a pilgrimage. Whether we travel physically to one of the Holy Doors of Mercy in Rome and the Archdiocese or perform an act of mercy within our own homes, we are journeying closer to God as we act as he acts. We acknowledge our deep need for God s grace while still accepting our responsibility to change our actions and renew our lives. God s grace cannot force us to change; we must use our free will to participate in the new life given to us through the indulgence. Patient Father, grant us the courage to ask for your mercy and the strength to accept it. Amen!
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT High School Ministry Our high school youth are continuing our new program here at St. John s. Please continue to pray for our high school youth as they journey closer to Christ and learning more about themselves. We will meet again on Sunday, March 13 at 7 pm in the Youth Ministry room. If you are in high school and interested in joining us, please contact Rod Dunlap at rdunlap@st.johnsdr.org or 614-1789. Young Adult Ministry This past Tuesday, our young adults gathered for a night of gospel reflection, awesome conversation, and great fellowship. The group meets at 7 pm every Tuesday night and they are all excited for this upcoming 2016 Year of Mercy! If you are interested in joining our Young Adult Group here at St. John s, p l e a s e c o n t a c t R o d D u n l a p a t rdunlap@stjohnsdr.org. Junior High Ministry Some of our eighth graders began taking a Theology of the Body class here at St. John s. This is an awesome journey that they are continuing in which they will learn more about who they are and what their physical bodies have to do with their faith. Please pray for them during the next 7 weeks as they continue to learn and grow! Junior High Ministry This weekend, some of our 8th graders will attend a retreat that is part of the Confirmation process. The topic of the retreat is How am I Gifted? and this is a great opportunity for our youth to spend the day reflecting on all that God has blessed them with. Please pray for them while they are on this retreat! This past Saturday, some of our Junior High Youth came out for a retreat with youth from 6 other West Side parishes. This retreat was run by NET ministries and they did an awesome job. The theme of the retreat was Strength and Beauty and our youth who attended had an excellent time and grew closer to Christ. 7
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This Week in Lent St. John the Baptist Church Sunday, February 28 Third Sunday in Lent After 8:30 a.m. Mass Threshold Bible [Bride s Room] (SJB) 12:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross [Daily Chapel] (SJB) 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross (CC) Monday, February 29 9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Eucharistic Exposition (SJB) 7:00 p.m. Rosary [Daily Chapel] (SJB) Tuesday, March 1 6:00 p.m. Soup Supper (CC) 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer (CC) Wednesday, March 2 9:30 a.m. Coffee, Conversation, & Threshold Bible (SJB) Friday, March 4 (A day of abstinence) 6:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross (SJN) Sunday, March 6 Fourth Sunday in Lent After 8:30 a.m. Mass Threshold Bible [Bride s Room] (SJB) 12:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross [Daily Chapel] (SJB) 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross (CC) KEY CC = Corpus Christi SJN = St. John Neumann SJB = St. John the Baptist 9
Our Pastoral Area Lenten Almsgiving Project St. Vincent de Paul Society...we foster hope by providing spiritual, emotional and material assistance... T o serve the poor in our parishes areas, we have two St. Vincent de Paul Societies. St. John the Baptist has one and Corpus Christ and St. John Neumann share the other one. The work of the society is expressed in their mission statement: Answering Christ s call, we foster hope by providing spiritual, emotional and material assistance on a person-to-person basis to the poor, lonely, and forgotten in our community. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is an international organized which was founded by Frederic Ozanam in 1833 in Paris, France. It is dedicated to the spiritual growth of its members and the physical and spiritual growth of those they serve. The Society provides emergency assistance to those who live in our parish boundaries. The various forms of emergency assistance that are provided can include: Food Clothing vouchers Utility and rent assistance Furniture vouchers Support services for employment and housing Pharmacy Thanks to your generous support, this past year our St Vincent de Paul Societies helped: SJB: 160 Families CC/SJN: 160 Families What can I do to foster the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society? 1. Prayer: pray for the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society; pray for the people they help. 2. Fasting: eat a simpler meal once a week this Lent and save the money for almsgiving. 3. Almsgiving: contribute money from your fasting, from an odd-job, or from your allowance to the St. Vincent de Paul Society through our Almsgiving Envelope (or any envelope so marked). 4. Pray and consider becoming a part of your St. Vincent de Paul Society (SJB: call 301-6881; CC/SJN: 402-2868). 10
February 10 March 20 www.40daysforlife.com/cincinnati This Lent, from February 10th to March 20th, our community is uniting with 273 communities across 23 countries for the latest 40 Days for Life campaign. Recognizing that with God all things are possible, people of faith are praying that this effort will help bring an end to abortion. 40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign that has already mobilized over 675,000 people worldwide, saved 11,165 lives from abortion (that we know about), led to the conversion of 127 abortion workers, and has seen 64 abortion facilities close! The campaign has occurred in 607 cities and 32 nations. 40 Days for Life is made up of three components: Prayer and Fasting: believers throughout our city are invited to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer and fasting for an end to abortion Peaceful Vigil: stand for life during a 40-day peaceful public witness outside the Planned Parenthood abortion facility at 2314 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45219. Community Outreach: help take a positive, upbeat pro-life message to every corner of our city through media efforts, advocacy, and public visibility STAND AND PRAY FOR LIFE WITH ST. JOHN S Our call to the St. John's faithful is to cover 24 hours (or more) over the 40 days. We are seeking volunteers to cover hours over a handful of days throughout the campaign to reach a total of 24 hours. DATES REMAINING: Sunday, February 28 1PM 7PM Wednesday, March 16 7AM and 6PM Please consider getting your ministry to commit one of their meeting times during the 40 days to meet down at Planned Parenthood and pray. Please email or call Nellie Jung with questions or to sign up for a time at 513-368- 5160 or nelliejung@yahoo.com. 11
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT 40 DAYS FOR LIFE 12
F RMED Did you miss the sign-ups after Mass this weekend? No worries...here s how easy it is to get FORMED: Go to www.formed.org/register. Scroll down to the middle of the page. You will see Does your parish already have Formed? Type in the parish code: ZCME4D. Now set up a username and a password. You are all set to use all the great programs on FORMED.org anytime by simply logging in. FORMED.org/register Enter Parish Code: ZCME4D FORMED.org is a FREE gift to our parish! Every parishioner can have 24/7 access to the best Catholic content on any device, including your computer, smartphone and tablet with internet access. With FORMED you ll find video programs that explain the Catholic faith, explore the deepest meaning of marriage, receive Bible studies on a variety of topics and includes inspiring audio talks. And you ll find presenters like Dr. Tim Gray, Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Mary Healey, Chris Stefanick, Dr. Scott Hahn, Bishop Robert Barron and a lot more. They re all part of our parish subscription. It truly is the Catholic faith - on demand. 13