St. Nicholas 140 West Brian Street Tea, SD 57064 www.stnicholastea.org PARISH OFFICE Phone: 605-498-5792 (main); 605-498-5449 Fax: 605-498-5540 Email: sharon@stnicholastea.org Office Hours: Monday-Thursday - 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Friday - 8:30 AM-3:00 PM Catholic Church Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord PARISH STAFF Pastor: Rev. Thomas Fitzpatrick Email: frfitzpatrick@stnicholastea.org Business Administrator: Susan Schaunaman Email: susan@stnicholastea.org Office Manager: Sharon Metzger Email: sharon@stnicholastea.org Director of Religious Education: Vickie Venhuizen Email: vickie@stnicholastea.org Music Ministry: Lon Semansky Email: lon.semansky@k12.sd.us Custodians: Dale & Bonnie Rippentrop Email: dbrippentrop@gmail.com WEEKEND MASSES Saturday 5:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM WEEKDAY MASSES Wednesday & Friday 8:00 AM CONFESSIONS Saturday: Noon & 4:00-4:45 PM Sunday: 8:00-8:45 AM Before weekday Mass SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Baptism - By Appointment. Call the parish office. Marriage - Arrangements must be made with the priest at least six months in advance. Just introduce yourself to Father after Mass. St. Nicholas Parish would like to extend a warm welcome to all who are visiting or are new to the area. If you are not currently registered at St. Nicholas and consider this your parish, just stop by the parish office or see Father after Mass. March 25, 2018
From your Pastor: As we enter the most sacred time of both the liturgical and calendar year, let us remember that the whole reason the Father sent us His Son was so that we could be forgiven and redeemed. Mercy and love are gifts that are offered to us by God, and it is incumbent upon us to receive them with gratitude, humility and firm purpose if we desire what He promises. Christ, the Son of God foretold through the prophets and throughout the Old Testament, became Incarnate to reconcile humanity to His Divinity. This new and eternal covenant promises to heal and gives us a way to live in the world while we anxiously await the next. Such is the Goodness and Truth of God. Even if we feel that Lent has been a bust up to this point, now is surely the time to enter into the mystery of our Redemption by spending this week in fasting, prayer and alms-giving. Go to Confession, remembering how the thief next to Jesus was received into paradise despite the late hour of his plea. The joy we are called to experience at the Resurrection of Christ celebrated next week will be the fruit of our efforts and the grace of Christ. HOLY WEEK CONFESSION TIMES: Tuesday: 6:30-8:00pm Wednesday: 7:30-7:50am 7:00-8:30pm Thursday: Following the Evening Mass of the Lord s Supper Friday: 5:45-6:30pm After the 7:00pm Passion of Our Lord Holy Saturday: 12:00pm-2:00pm Fr. Fitzpatrick Mass of the Lord s Supper, 7:30 PM The Passion of Our Lord, 7:00 PM Easter Vigil, 8:30 PM Easter Sunday Mass, 9:00 AM Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land St. Nicholas will take up the annual Good Friday collection for the Holy Land. Your support helps the church minister in parishes, provide Catholic schools and offer religious education. It also helps to preserve the sacred shrines. This collection is requested by the Holy Father. Please be generous. Operation Rice Bowl Please have your Rice Bowl contributions in by Good Friday. Thank you for your generous stewardship. Old Palms You are invited to bring your old blessed palms from last year to the church and deposit them in the basket located in the church entry. Blessed items should not be thrown away but should be disposed of properly by returning them to the earth, either by burial or burning and scattering the ashes on the ground. Lenten Regulations Fast & Abstinence Rules: ASH WEDNESDAY and GOOD FRIDAY are days of FAST and ABSTINENCE which means no meat and only one FULL meal no eating between meals. Liquids are allowed. This pertains to those from age 18 to 59. All Fridays of Lent are days of ABSTINENCE (no meat) for ages 14 onward. There is no obligation to fast the other days of Lent, but voluntary acts of penance and self-denial are recommended. Remember, the 40 days of Lent for fasting and giving up do not include Sundays which are days of rest, leisure, and joy in the Lord. The Christian faithful are to do penance through prayer, fasting, abstinence and by exercising works of piety and charity. The obligation does not apply to those whose health or ability to work would be seriously affected. People in doubt about fast or abstinence should consult their pastor. Easter Duty Obligation: Catholics are bound by the obligation of receiving Holy Communion at least once a year. This precept should be fulfilled during the Easter Season (Ash Wednesday Pentecost). Catholics are also bound to confess serious sin at least once a year, but this is not limited to the Lenten/Easter season and more frequent confession is recommended.
Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that everyone should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as another self, above all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1931. www.bit.ly/ccc1931 Palm Sunday It was during the fourth century in Jerusalem that Christians first started using palm branches in commemoration of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. Today, we continue to use palms in most churches on this Sunday, Catholic and Protestant alike. It is one of those traditions of worship that, no matter how far apart we may seem at times, we continue to share due to our common heritage. But Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday, because we hear an account of the passion of Jesus Christ during the liturgy. Most churches also share this reading in common. Many Catholic parishes use multiple lectors to proclaim the Gospel, while it is not uncommon for a similar reading or even a performance in many mainstream Protestant churches. The commonality found in the worship on this particular Sunday seems to highlight the fundamental truth in the observance: Jesus Christ died for everyone. He did not die on a cross for just Catholics, or just Orthodox, or just Protestants. Whether one acknowledges it or not, he was crucified for all those who are born of man. Today, we rejoice not just for what he has done for us but also for what he has done for all of creation. Old Palms you are invited to bring your old blessed palms from last year to church and deposit them in the basket located in the church entry. Blessed items should not be thrown away but should be disposed of properly by returning them to the earth, either by burial or burning and scattering the ashes on the ground. Parish News & Activities Coffee and Rolls Coffee and Rolls will be served TODAY, Sunday, March 25 in the parish hall following Mass. All are welcome. Thanks to all who volunteer for this ministry! Please note... The parish office will close at 3 PM on Good Friday and will be closed on Easter Monday. Reminder Please have any announcements for the weekly bulletin to the parish office by noon on Mondays. Thank you! Sioux Falls Penance Services Sunday, March 25 2:00 PM, St. Mary s & Christ the King 7:00 PM, St. Katharine Drexel & St. Lambert Monday, March 26 7:00 PM, Holy Spirit Tuesday, March 27 7:00 PM, St. Michael & St. Therese Catholic Daughter Meeting Court St. Christina #2336 will meet on Tuesday, March 27, 7:00 PM, at St. Magdalen, Lennox. TEA AREA FOOD PANTRY Open M-F, 9 AM - 3 PM, Trinity Lutheran Church, Tea. April items needed are rice, canned tomatoes, & Sunshine or HyVee gift cards in $15 or $25 increments. Items can be dropped off at the Food Pantry or at St. Nicholas. Box is located in the church entry. We encounter Jesus this week in Jerusalem, a community he knew well. We prayerfully enter our own communities, too, encountering those who are hungry and thirsty, those who need our help. How does our Lenten journey motivate us to serve those we meet in our daily lives? Visit crsricebowl.org. Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Christina #2336 will be giving away two $400 Scholarships. Applications can be picked up at the parish office or email lyndedorothy@hotmail.com with CDA Scholarship in the subject line. Applications are due by April 15, 2018. Youth Group Committee Meeting, April 5th Thursday, April 5, 7:00 PM in the church hall. All are welcome. St. Nicholas Day of Prayer, April 6th Friday, following the 8:00 AM Mass until NOON. Sign-up sheets for prayer times and intentions are located in the back of the church. Knights of Columbus Parish Breakfast St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus will serve Breakfast on Sunday, April 8 following Mass. All are welcome!
Area and Diocesan Events No Religious Ed Classes on March 28. Classes resume on April 4. St. Nicholas Annual Easter Egg Hunt! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is quickly approaching and we need your help. Volunteers are needed for the following: 1. Fill eggs on Saturday, March 31 at 3 PM. Perfect for families! 2. Candy or prizes - small individually wrapped candy or prizes that can fit inside the plastic Easter Eggs. 3. Large size Easter Eggs. All items can be left in the church entry. BRAND NEW Miya Marso March 26 - Surviving Divorce Program-Spring Session: Begins Monday, March 26 in Sioux Falls. Sessions are held on Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30 PM. Cost of $45 per person includes a Personal Survival Guide, refreshments and all materials for 6 weeks. Info/register contact Catholic Family Services, 605-988-3775 or cfs@sfcatholic.org. Scholarships are available. April 5 - Children s Grief Program: Children's grief program directed by Mary Weber begins Thursday, April 5, from 5:30-7 PM at Catholic Family Services, 523 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls. This four-week program is designed for children according to their age and specific loss. To register for this program or for more information contact Catholic Family Services 605-988-3775. April 14 - Beautifully Made - A Women s Conference: Registration is now open! Come together with other women, be inspired by renowned speakers, and discover who you are as a daughter of our Heavenly Father. Saturday, April 14th at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. For more information or to register, please visit the Beautifully Made webpage at http://www.sfcatholic.org/womensconference. April 17 - May 22, Grieving Loss from Suicide: 6 week program, 6:30 8:30 PM, Catholic Family Services, 523 N. Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls. A program for families who have lost a loved one from suicide. The suddenness of the death, the confusion and painful reactions are significant topics of the program. Directed by Dr. Marcie Moran. Non-denominational. Cost-Donation. Call 988-3775 or email cfs@sfcatholic.org with any questions or to register. June 16-17 - Grief Camp for Youth: Catholic Family Services will be offering a Grief Camp for Youth and their Families at Broom Tree Retreat Center, June 16-17. This 2 day camp will include fun activities, discussion and support. The Grief Camp is non-denominational and is offered free of charge. Call Catholic Family Services at 1-800-700-7867 or 605-988-3775 for more information. Upcoming Parish Events/Dinners March 25 - Lenten Cantata, Risen Savior, Brandon. 3 PM (Potluck to follow) and at St. Rose of Lima, Garretson, 7 PM. No charge. March 25 - St. Lambert, Sioux Falls, Turkey Dinner, serving from 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. Adults $9, Children 5-12 $6, 4 & under Free, Immediate Family $40. April 8 - St. Mary, Sioux Falls, Turkey Dinner, serving from 10:45 AM-2:15 PM. Adults $9, Children 4-11, $5. Takeouts available. The Perpetual Adoration Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament will be moving into their NEW monastery dedicated to intercessory prayer on the St. Joseph Cathedral campus this June! If you would like to meet the Adoration Sisters, pray with them and experience what life in their current monastery is like, come to the Power of Prayer. Tuesday, April 17th, 4:30 PM and May 8th, 4:30 PM. Call 988-3796 to make a reservation. Prayer requests always welcome at perpetualadorationsisters.org. BROOM TREE RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER Silent Retreat Schedule Women: May 3-6, Jun 21-24, Aug 9-12, Sept 6-9, Oct 18-21, Nov 15-18 Men: Apr 19-22, May 17-20, Sept 20-23, Oct 25-28 Day of Recollection Schedule April 17: The Heart of the Book of Romans, Directed by Fr. Andrew Dickinson Conference for Women: May 11-12. Directed by Fr. Scott Traynor. We are offering an overnight conference as a gift for all women. It s a chance to get away for a night, spend some time with the Lord, visit with friends or better yet, make new ones! Fr. Traynor will be here to offer us good counsel as to how we can best life out our common call to holiness in daily life. Includes Mass Friday evening and Saturday morning, times for confession, communal Morning Prayer and a Social on Friday night. Register/info: 263-1040, www.broom-tree.org, or broomtree@sfcatholic.org.
PARISH CALENDAR Holy Week, March 26th - April 1st Monday, March 26, Monday of Holy Week Parish Office Closed Tuesday, March 27, Tuesday of Holy Week Catholic Daughters Mtg., 7:00 PM, Lennox Wednesday, March 28, Wednesday of Holy Week Mass, 8:00 AM No RE Classes Thursday, March 29, Holy Thursday Mass, 7:30 PM Friday, March 30, Good Friday Stations of the Cross, 6:45am Good Friday Liturgy, 7:00 PM Saturday, March 31, Holy Saturday Fill Easter Eggs, 3:00 PM Vigil Mass, 8:30 PM Sunday, April 1, Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord Mass, 9:00 AM Easter Egg Hunt, 10:00 AM LITURGICAL TEAMS - Holy Week Holy Thursday, 7:30 PM L: Kristine Shaffer; EM: Terrie Larson, Naomi McLaughlin, Anna Kinsella, Carol Pistulka; U: Jon Rand, Barry Maag, Volunteers; AS: Breslyn Rand, Aubrey Zink, Sam Werdel, Arden McGraw Good Friday, 7:00 PM L: Anna Kinsella, Kristine Shaffer, Naomi McLaughlin; EM: Cindy Holm, Britt Zink, Volunteer; U: Jon Rand, Mike Holm, Chad Zink, Volunteer; AS: Breslyn Rand, Aubrey Zink, Volunteers Holy Saturday, 8:30 PM L: Anna Kinsella; EM: Kristine Shaffer, Britt Zink, Denise Haisch; U: Chad Zink, Volunteers; AS: Aubrey Zink, Volunteers; Easter Sunday, 9:00 AM L: Marilee Rollinger; EM: Barb Harrington, Terrie Larson, Cindy Holm, Rick Klinkhammer; U: Scott Daggett, Sean Heeney, Mike Holm, Rod Urban; AS: Brooklyn & Kyla Heeney, Derek & Brandon Venhuizen Weekly Offering, March 18 Adult Envelopes: $4,530; Children: $71.10; Loose: $357.47; Capital Campaign/Debt Reduction: $1,205; CFSA 2018: $2,793; Easter Flowers: $320. Thank You! Online Giving Save paper. Save time. When you give online, your gift will be transferred conveniently and securely from your bank account or credit card directly to the church. Create your account at: https://www.myowngiving.com/default.aspx?cid=1369 or on the parish website: www.stnicholastea.org - Online Giving. ONE FAITH. ONE FAMILY. Goal: $52,000 Pledged: $28,479 Collected: $23,445; Participating: 88 of 355 families $23,521 is needed to complete our 2018 Goal. Please consider pledging if you have not already done so. Thank you! READINGS FOR HOLY WEEK Sunday: Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 14:1-15:47 Monday: Is 42:1-7; Ps 27:1-3, 13-14; Jn 12:1-11 Tuesday: Is 49:1-6; Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Wednesday: Is 50:4-9; Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Mt 26:14-25 Holy Thursday: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Ps 116:12-13, 16-18; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15 Good Friday: Is 52:13-53:12; Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25; Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9; Jn 18:1-19:42 Holy Saturday: Gen 1:1-2:2; Gen 22:1-18; Ex 14:15-15:1; Is 54:5-14; Is 55:1-11; Bar 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ez 36:16-28; Rom 6:3-11; Mk 16:1-7 Easter Sunday, April 1: Acts 10:34, 37-43; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6-8; Jn 20:1-9 Our Holy Father Pope Francis Prayer Intention for the Month of April For those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths. Wednesday, March 28 8:00 AM Pistulka Family Holy Thursday, March 29 7:00 PM Priests who have served at St. Nicholas Holy Saturday, March 31 5:00 PM St. Nicholas Parishioners Easter Sunday, April 1 9:00 AM St. Nicholas Parishioners Weekday Mass intentions are available for April and May. Suggested stipend is $10 per Mass. Call or stop by the parish office to request a Mass. Six day and six hour votive candles are available for purchase through the parish during office hours. Six day votives are $3 ea. Six hour votives are $.50 each. That is what it costs the church for the candles.