ST. LOUIS CHURCH THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD January 11, 2009 Daily Mass Readings This Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday Is 55:1-11 Heb 1:1-6 Heb 2:5-12 Heb 2:14-18 Heb 3:7-14 Heb 4:1-5, 11 Heb 4:12-16 1 Sm:3-10,19 Is 12: 2-6 Ps 97:1-2, 6-7, 9 Ps 8:2, 5-9 Ps 105:1-4, 6-9 Ps 95:6-11 Ps 78:3-4, 6-8 Ps 19:8-10, 15 Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10 1 John 5:1-9 1Cor 6:13-15, 17-20 Mk 1:7-11 Mk 1:14-20 Mk 1:21-28 Mk 1:29-39 Mk 1:40-45 Mk 2:1-12 Mk 2:13-17 Jn 1:35-42 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. Excerpts from SNOW FALLING ON SNOW Copyright 2001 by Robert J. Wicks Used with permission of Paulist Press www.paulistpress.com Mass Intentions for Week of January 11, 2009 Sunday 6:45am Joanne McCarthy & Martha Martin 8:00am Catherine Reese 9:30am Mark Mehalik 11:15am John Wittrock 12:45pm Maria Bochniewicz Monday 7:00am Lena & Philip Zaccagnini 8:30am Margaret Petkus Tuesday 7:00am Clara Depp 9:30am Juanita Vidi & Annette Walker Wednesday 7:00am Jivaka De Silva 8:30am Alekssandra Hoffman Thursday 7:00am Charlotte Grose Hughes 8:30am Parishioners Friday 7:00am Thomas L Dietz III 8:30am Isabelle Barkley Saturday 8:00am Parishioners 4:00pm Fanny Ambrose & Marylou Connolly 5:30pm Fr. Patrick Kemp Call to Prayer Let us take a moment in the midst of all our activity to prepare ourselves for prayer. 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. Reflection question for January 18 th 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 Spontaneous prayers or A faith-based song In the deepest recesses of my heart and being, what am I looking for? In your Prayers, please remember those who are sick especially the people listed below If you would like to have a name put on our sick list, please call the parish office at 410-531-6040. 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. Viola Bourcey Dorothy Franz Michelle Rice-Ryan Joan Brannan Sophia Glawacki Ann Richards Dolores Cashman James Grimes Tom Ryan Daniel Comeaux Charles O Donnell, Bill R. Stiles Michele Compton Carolyn O Rourke Lisa Stovall Don Conrad Tammy Randle Matthew Sussan Richard Durant Yvonne Rawleigh Betty Tso Good Friend of the DeJames Family John Williams PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DEPARTED Our departed friends and loved ones: Charlotte Williams, mother of Connie Jack & grandmother of Marisa & Erin.
Dear Parishioners: Some years ago Dr. Laurence J. Peter developed the Peter Principle. Its point was to describe people who do not know their limits. According to this principle, individuals in their work tend to rise higher then their abilities warrant. Good managers or salespersons, skilled lawyers or doctors, capable teachers or administrators are routinely promoted to higher positions of opportunity and responsibility. Unfortunately, there is a tendency in the world of work to keep promoting people even if they are not qualified for the next rung on the ladder. Simultaneously, people readily accept such promotions even if they are not prepared for the demands of the higher position. As a consequence, once productive and happy people become frustrated and ineffective in their work. John the Baptist was not a victim of the Peter Principle. He knew his limits and he worked within them. John had been tremendously successful as a preacher. Not since the great prophets of ancient Israel had someone spoken with such power and moved the multitudes to repentance. Great crowds of people followed him wherever he went and many became his disciples. These were the very people who encouraged John to assert himself more vigorously when Jesus began to preach (see John 3:22-30). John s followers urged him to redouble his efforts because everyone was flocking to Jesus. But John would not hear of it. I am not the Messiah. He must increase, while I must decrease. John knew his limits and he gracefully lived and worked within them. Monsignor Luca THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. PARISH MEETINGS THIS WEEK General/Meeting Title Meeting Start Meeting Room Start Time Women's Bible Study Tuesday, January 13, 2009 Room 305 (Music) 9:30 AM JOYS Game Nite Tuesday, January 13, 2009 Social Hall 7:00 PM First Communion Meeting Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Howard Bishop 5:00 PM First Communion Meeting Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Howard Bishop 7:00 PM Mother s Play Group Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Room 302 9:30 AM Baptism Prep Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Room 302 7:15 PM Prayer Group Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Room 306 8:00 PM Mourning Team Thursday, January 15, 2009 Room 303 10:00 AM First Communion Meeting Thursday, January 15, 2009 Howard Bishop 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday, January 15, 2009 Church 8:00 PM School Information Meeting for Prospective Parents Friday, January 16, 2009 Howard Bishop 10:00 AM CDA Board Meeting Friday, January 16, 2009 Room 304 5:30 PM Middle School Dance Saturday, January 17, 2009 Gym 7:00 PM
WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT SECOND COLLECTIONS January 17 th /18 th -Special Care for Diocesan Priests January 24 th /25 th -Building Fund STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE Have you ever wondered why Jesus, who was without sin, was baptized? The baptism of Jesus symbolized and anticipated his death. After Christ's ascension into heaven, baptism was required for all those who became Christians. St. Paul made the connection between baptism and death for Christians when he maintained that we are buried with Christ in baptism, so that we may rise with Him to a new life. In what way will we be good stewards of that new life in the coming year? 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 410-531-6040. Thanks sincerely to all who have been supportive. CHURCH LINENS Today by Ms. Tranchitella & on January 11 th by Ms. Wiedel. FLOWER MEMORIALS: In addition to placing flowers at the Altar in loving memory of someone, you may also acknowledge loved ones, anniversaries, and special occasions with flowers at the other shrines in our new church. Please call the parish office (410-531-6040) for details. All memorials will be acknowledged in the bulletin. DID YOU FORGET TO BRING YOUR CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPE 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 410-531-6040 or download a contribution form at www.stlouisparish.org/html/ econtribute.htm. Thank you! HOWARD COUNTY HOSPITAL CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN In order to better serve Catholic patients at Howard County General Hospital, the Catholic parishes in Howard County are sponsoring a priest to offer pastoral care to patients at the hospital especially in times of emergency. Father Edward Szymanski will be the first priest called in cases of emergency. In a day of more Catholics and fewer priests, Saint Louis is happy to sponsor this effort to provide priestly care for Catholic patients. ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS The flowers used to decorate our church sanctuary are available to honor a loved one who is living or deceased. The flowers may also be used as an expression of gratitude to God on special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays or other significant events. In addition to placing flowers at the Altar in loving memory of someone, you may also acknowledge loved ones, with flowers at the other shrines in our new church. 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. Arrangements may be made by calling the parish office (410-531-6040) Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm. All who are honored will be acknowledged in the bulletin. SOME OF THE GOOD DEEDS OUR CHILDREN OFFERED TO GOD THIS WEEK Glenn made his aunt & uncle happy; Tara made her cousin feel less sad; Zack said thank you; Julie was friendly; Alexandra helped walk the dog; James made sure everyone was happy at his birthday party; Donovan played with his sister; Dean helped others; Samantha vacuumed; Annie helped her sister get dressed; Natalie was a great helper; Jorge prayed the rosary.
PLANNING YOUR CHILD S BAPTISM? Here are a few things to keep in mind. Parents must participate in a Baptism Preparation Session before the Baptism date is set. The next Baptism Preparation Session will be held on Wednesday, January 14 th in Room 301 of the Pastoral Center from 7:15 to 9:15 PM. Please register for a session by calling the Parish office at 410-531-6040. One godparent must be a practicing Roman Catholic, verified by the godparent s parish. Parents must be registered parishioners of St. Louis for at least 6 months. RECENT BAPTISMS AT ST. LOUIS Sarah Michelle Quintero Daughter of Luis & Terry Pennington Quintero WINTER COFFEEHOUSE Folk, Jazz, and a little Rock and Roll Saturday, February 7 th, 7:30 PM. following the raging success of our Summer Coffeehouse More details to come. WELCOME SESSION & PARISH REGISTRATION If you are new or nearly new to the parish, please plan to join us next Sunday, January 18 th, for our New Parishioner Welcoming Program. In order to REGISTER and officially join our parish family we invite you to attend. We will meet Sunday afternoon from 12:30 1:30 PM in the Social Hall of the Pastoral Center. All family members welcome! 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. 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 410-531-3813. This is a wonderful way in which a family can work together preparing a wholesome meal for some of God s special people. PARISH OFFICE HOURS For your convenience the Parish Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9 AM 8:30 PM, Saturday from 9 AM-6 PM and Sunday 9 AM 3 PM. The office is closed weekdays from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM for lunch. The entrance to the Parish Office is located along the right side of the front entrance to the church. MARCH FOR LIFE 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 ages 12 25 in attendance... cold hands and feet while listening to the speakers and waiting for the masses of people to move onto the street to begin the March (but part of a pilgrimage experience)... assistance, if needed, by the many Knights of Columbus Marshals caring for us... minor, if any, counter demonstrations (I saw 6 women three years ago with pro-choice signs)... pride in our church and government leaders for speaking out for the unborn! Details: We ride the bus from St. Louis to the Stadium/ Armory and transfer to the subway to the Mall in DC. There is a stage set up for the speakers and singers and we gather near to see the hour long program. The slow walk is about ¾ of a mile past the Supreme Court to the Legislative offices and then one block more to the subway to make the return trip home. We end our pilgrimage at the St. Louis Chapel for benediction. Please join us on Jan 22, 2009. There will be an opportunity to sign up for the Bus to the March for Life on January 22 nd after all Masses this weekend, Jan 10/11. Space is limited! A member of the Respect Life Committee will be at a narthex table with information and sign up sheets. Families are most welcome RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE MEETING for this month on Tuesday, Jan 20 th, will begin at 7 PM (note time change) in room 304 with a brief meeting and then we will join the open meeting of the Knights of Columbus (see bulletin notice). THE ST. LOUIS RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE S ELIZABETH MINISTRY provides prayers & meals to families with newborns and newly adopted children, welcoming the child into their families and the St. Louis parish community. If you are interested in cooking a meal for a St. Louis parish family that has recently welcomed a new child into its family, please contact Teresa Colella, Elizabeth Ministry Volunteer Coordinator teresa@drake-family.com Are you expecting a child? If your family would like to receive meals from parish families, please contact Brian Drake, Elizabeth Ministry Family Coordinator brian@drake-family.com.
J.O.Y.S. MINISTRY The mission of the J.O.Y.S. ministry of St. Louis parish is to nurture a community of widowed, divorced, annulled, and never married Catholic women and men forty years and older, to promote their spiritual and emotional health, provide a venue for service and a comfortable forum for social interaction. J.O.Y.S. Game Night, Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 7 PM Come out, welcome the New Year, and socialize while learning new board games. This is a recurring, second Tuesday of the month event which takes place in the St. Louis Pastoral Center. Contact Frances at frances_7@verizon.net for more information. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS Please continue to remember the following soldiers in your prayers: Cpl. Dan Haack, Cpt. Joseph McDonald, Spc. Curtis Campbell, Cpt. Brendan Gallagher, 1 st Lt. Matthew Middleton, PFC Joseph Henry, Lt. John Ryan, Capt. Steven Cooper, Capt. Amy Cooper, Lt. Denise Reccardi, Cpt. Brian Geary PARISH LEADERSHIP CONVOCATION JANUARY 18 th A convocation of all parish and school leaders is scheduled for Sunday, January 18 from 4 to 6 PM in the Pastoral Center. All members of the Pastoral Council, School Board, Pastoral Staff and chairs of all organizations and committees are invited to share in this important time of consultation regarding the topic of Evangelization. Mark your calendar and make an effort to participate in this discussion. Thank you! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, OPEN MEETING January 20 th, 7:30 PM A PEOPLE OF LIFE video presentation which examines all of the threats to human life and dignity in the modern age: abortion, embryonic stem cell research and euthanasia is being presented by the Knights of Columbus for all parishioners. This video is also a call to every faithful Catholic to embrace and advance the cause of life. The presentation will be in the Social Hall of the Pastoral Center on Tuesday, January 20 th at 7:30 PM. No registration is required. For more information contact Leo Mortimer at 410-730-4844. FROM THE MUSIC MINISTRY Do you like to sing? We are now searching for a few additional willing and able singers to cantor at Mass especially Saturday evening at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Please contact Paul Carroll at pcarroll@stlouisparish.org or the Parish Office for more information. YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY St. Louis Young Adult Ministry (SLYA) welcomes Catholic young adults (single, married, married with children) ages 18-35, and connects them through a balance of social, service and spiritual events. SLYA is a member of the Howard County Regional Young Adult Ministry. If you would like more information, please contact Kristen Daub (kdaub@stlouisparish.org) or Lora Atkinson(seekingtruth03@yahoo.com.) RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PARENT/CHILD 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/Child meetings for those children who wish to prepare to receive First Holy Communion in May will begin in January. Families of eligible second grade students enrolled in St. Louis School, Religious Education, Trinity School or Woodmont Academy should have received a letter in the mail inviting them to attend any one of the meetings listed below. If you feel you should have received a letter in the mail and did not, or if you have any questions, please contact Vickie Yozwiak at (410) 531-6688. All preparation meetings will be held in the Howard Bishop meeting rooms. Wednesday, January 14 th : 5 to 6:15 PM OR 7 to 8:15 PM Thursday, January 15 th : 7 to 8:15 PM YOUTH DIRECTOR S COMMENTS {Here is a pretty incredible prayer from St. Teresa of Avila that has a lot to do with the new year!} May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us. Amen. I LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU! MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY: Jan. 22: HS CYM and March for Life Contact Pat for registration Jan. 24: St. Paul the Movie at Snowden Theatre Call Pat Jan. 25: 9:30 AM Youth Mass Feb. 1: Lunches to the Homeless Feb. 4: HS CYM 5 week speaker series Spring Training begins 7:30-9 PM Feb. 6: HS CYM Open Gym 7-10 PM Feb.13: MS CYM Monthly Dance 7-10 PM. Tickets on sale starting 2/2
STUDY THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Thursday evenings from 7 9 PM in the St. Louis Pastoral Center Format will include small group discussions with a follow up video lecture. The program is through Catholic Scripture Study International. Written by Dr. Scott Hahn & Mark Shea Video lecture by Fr. Patrick Winslow Part 1 - January 22 nd to May 14 th, 2009 Part 2 - September 10 th to December 17 th, 2009 Cost is $30 (Covers all materials for both sessions) Registration forms are available in the Narthex of the Church (return form & fee to the parish office). Come learn and share more about our faith. No experience necessary THANK YOU Thank you for your generous food donations last weekend. We distributed bags of food to the Franciscan Center, FISH, My Brothers Keeper and Up County Family Center. Thank you for sharing your hope and goodness with those in need. HAITI SNIPPETS Bob, Larry & Dick all made it home safe and sound just in time for Christmas. During Larry s final week in Haiti his daughter Christi and her friend Cameren from college joined him. Christi and Cameren were able to take a Christmas dinner to the Sisters. The Sisters were so excited to receive the dinner and special treats collected for them by Marie Lindung & Cele Daub! We have just received some other very exciting news from Mother Jane Scaria in France. Mother Jane wrote to Mrs. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the French President s wife, asking for help in Gonaives. In response to Mother Jane, Ms. Bruni-Sarkozy has committed to providing funding to help rebuild the wall surrounding the school, funding for school supplies/furniture repairs, and funding for a whole year of school lunches! Additional news: CRS has started to rebuild the wall. Also thanks to Gift of Water each classroom has a source of clean water. With all the donations and support, our prayers for St. John s School and the children are being answered from all directions! WORLD MARRIAGE MASS WITH ARCHBISHOP O BRIEN All married couples are invited to a special Mass and reception at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, Sunday, February 8th at 3 PM. Couples wishing to receive special recognition from the Archdiocese for 25 or more years of marriage should contact wmdjubilee@gmail.com or call 410-987-8407 or 410-987-4210 by February 1 st. 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, 7:30pm Third Sunday Healing Mass, 3:00pm Confession, Wednesday, 4:00pm-5:00pm and Friday, 7:00-8:00pm (except for First Friday of each month) Daily Evening Prayer, Monday thru Friday, 5pm Unless otherwise noted, all above events are held at the Shrine of St. Anthony at 12290 Folly Quarter Rd in Ellicott City. For more info call 410-531-2800 or visit www.companionsofstanthony.org. DE COLORES! The next Baltimore Cursillo Men's Retreat Weekend is scheduled for Feb 5-8; the Women's Weekend is Feb 19-22. This is your opportunity to grow in faith and spirituality through Christian community. The next Ultreya (large group) is January 30 at Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville. A St. Louis Cursillo small group meets Sunday afternoons at Mad City Coffee House on Cedar Lane near Hickory Ridge Road. For more information about Cursillo, contact Vicki at 410-978-9797. LITTLE SISTERS NEED VOLUNTEERS The Little Sisters of the Poor in Catonsville are in need of adult and youth volunteers for various tasks including but not limited to outside work, kitchen help, minor carpentry project, sewing, occasional bus driver (no special class needed), visiting residents, etc. Please contact Susan Z. Smith 410-744-9367 x124 or email volbaltimore@littlesistersofthepoor.org. 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 410-276-7600. 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 your understanding and cooperation.