St. Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church Page 2 MARCH 13, 2016 Go and Sin No More Although I initially wrote this homily for high school students, I feel that there is a message here for us adults also. Father, what I did was horrible. I am so ashamed. I don t know if God will forgive me. So many times people have said this or something like this to me. In all cases, the people have not forgiven themselves; so they think that God will not forgive them. I m going to tell you two stories of high school teens who behaved terribly and who thought that they could not be forgiven. Sadly, the basic facts of each story are true. The first is about Shirley. Shirley did her best to destroy Cynthia. At their high school, homecoming court was reserved for seniors. Shirley had her eye on this from the first time she was at the homecoming game her freshman year and saw the court. More than that, she was determined to be the queen. She was pretty well convinced that she would get there. And then junior year started and Cynthia showed up, transferred in from another school. Cynthia was beautiful and smart. She was popular. The boys, the other girls, and even the teachers talked about Cynthia like she was the greatest person ever. Shirley had to find a way to eliminate Cynthia from the competition. Shirley hatched her plot. She made up stories about Cynthia. She got some of the boys to tell lies about her. She hinted to the teacher who was the class moderator that Cynthia transferred to the school to escape her reputation. She got others to bully Cynthia on the internet. It all becomes too much for Cynthia. Instead of telling her parents or anyone, she tried to hurt herself. Thank God her mother found her and called 911. Cynthia went to the hospital and then to a psychiatric facility. Soon, word got out that someone was trying to destroy her. Shirley knew that she was that someone. She didn t think it would all go that far. But it did. Now, if Cynthia never recovers or is scarred for life, it is Shirley s fault. I don t know if God will forgive me, Shirley says. He will, today s Gospel tells us. Just as He forgave the woman caught in adultery, caught doing something that would normally have led to her being stoned to death; so also God will forgive Shirley. He will tell her to get up and stop sinning like this, stop hurting people. Shirley now has to forgive herself for being so mean, cruel and sinful. The second story is about Fred. Fred was even worse than Shirley. Fred was responsible for taking a life. Here s what happened. Fred got Lois pregnant. This really wasn t a mistake. He did it to get back at her girlfriend Clare whom he had dated and who had dumped him a few months earlier. Fred told Clare that he wanted to take their relationship to the next level. You know what he wanted. Clare said, No way. When Fred kept pushing her and even started getting physical, she gave him the old heave-ho. That s when Fred decided to use Clare s best friend to get back at her. He started going with Lois, lied to her about his eternal love, and wore her down until their relationship became sinful. He wanted Lois to get pregnant because he knew she would tell Clare. Fred was pleased with himself. After that bit of perverted fun, Fred had to deal with Lois concern about the baby. No big deal, he said to her. A lot of girls have abortions. I ll take you and pay for it. And he did. Then Lois became depressed. Clare hated him more than ever. But more than all that, Fred kept thinking about the baby. What has he done? He used Lois for vengeance, had sex with her numerous times to get her pregnant, and then had the child, his child, killed. What I have done is beyond evil, Fred said. He was right. I don t know if God can forgive me. Here he was wrong. He can, and He will as long as Fred was going to radically change his life, stop using people, particularly girls, and start fighting for life. Most important, he had to get up from the mud he made and sin no more. These are two extreme cases of high school sinners who were forgiven. In both cases they might have legal ramifications, criminal charges, they would have to answer to, but they were still forgiven by the Lord. Now, I am certain that no one here has done anything that even remotely approaches these degrees of sin. But everyone here, myself included, has sinned in ways that we are ashamed. And all of us wonder with Shirley and Fred, Will God forgive me? He forgave the woman who the law said should be killed for her sin. He will forgive Shirleys and Freds if they are truly sorry and determined to change their lives. He will forgive you and me if we are willing to get up out of the mud and do our best to avoid the sins that threw us into the slime.
All of us, to some degree or other, have negative images of ourselves. We don t like ourselves. We don t understand how someone else can love us. We have heard parents, teachers, youth ministers, priests and others tell us, rightly so, that we have to fight against the negative feelings we have about ourselves if we are ever going to be sane, mature people. This is all true. Still, we are not Mr. or Mrs. Perfect and never will be. There is a hint of truth in the negativity we see. But God loves you and me for whom we are, with our blemishes. And He demands that we love ourselves, not with the love of conceit, I am so wonderful, but with the love that says, I am who God created me to be, with tremendous talents in some areas and less talent in other areas. When we realize that we have behaved in a sinful way, it is normal for the negative view of ourselves to start dominating our thoughts. We become so overwhelmed by this view, that we give up on ourselves. We do all sorts of horrible things because we figure, I am not good, so why try? Let s take another look at that woman at Jesus feet. She was sinful. She should have been killed for her sins, at least according to the law of her time. That probably wasn t the first time she committed adultery. It was most likely just the first time she was caught. She also probably said, I am not good, so why try to be good? Why try, sinful lady? Try because Jesus sees good in you. He loves you and is picking you up and telling you that He will not hold your sins against you. Now, go change your life and stop sinning like that. Why try, Shirley and Fred? Try because Jesus sees good in you and loves you. Throw yourselves at His feet. Go to confession. Then know that Jesus forgives you and will not hold your horrible sins against you. Now get up and stop sinning like that. Why try to be good, teens, young people, older people, and even aging priests? Try because Jesus sees good in us. We need to see the good that is in ourselves. Try because Jesus forgives us. We throw ourselves at His feet. We go to confession. And He forgives us. Now, we need to forgive ourselves. Try because Jesus lifts us out of the mud and tells us that we need to and can change our lives. We can avoid these horrible sins. There is no limit to the Lord s love for us. Nor is there a limit to His desire to forgive us. The only limits there are to love and forgiveness in our lives are the limits we put on ourselves. If we can only realize how much we are loved, and how much we are forgiven, we will be determined, like that lady in the Gospel, to stay united to the source of that love and forgiveness, to stay united to our Compassionate Merciful Savior. Perhaps none of these thoughts have ever occurred to you. Thank God. Perhaps you have never done anything that you felt could not be forgiven. Again, thank God. But there are people out there and perhaps there are people in here who avoid confession because they cannot bear looking into themselves. We pray today that these people and all people who have a deep need for forgiveness, may come before the Lord and allow Him to pick them up and say to them, Neither do I accuse you, now go and sin no more. Yours in Christ, FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Msgr. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Pastor 715 E Orange Street Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 Mass Schedule: Saturday.4:00 and 6:30 p.m. (Fulfills Sunday Obligation) Sunday...7:30, 9:00, 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Weekdays...6:45 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Saturday.9:00 a.m. Schedule of Confessions: Saturday.3:00 3:45 p.m. and after the 6:30 p.m. Mass PARISH OFFICE 937-4050 Main Office ext. 201 Msgr. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Pastor ext. 209 Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, Parochial Vicar ext.207 Rev. Kevin Molloy, in Residence ext. 208 Deacon Samuel Moschetto ext. 210 Deacon John Edgerton ext. 222 Dan Angel, Seminarian ext. 242 Ron Appel, Parish Manager ext. 215 Katherine Creamer, Office Manager ext. 201 Lorna Moffitt, Parish Mgr. Assistant ext. 203 Eldean Jenkins, Facilities Manager ext. 201 Anne Harman, Music Director ext. 206 FAITH FORMATION Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, - Director ext. 207 Fran Morin, Pre-K 8th Grade ext. 220 Katie Napolitano ext. 224 Evangelization and Spirituality Laura Margarella, Caritas ext. 221 YOUTH MINISTRY Bart Kovacic, Life Teen ext. 246 High School Ministry Jen McIlveen, Edge ext. 210 Middle School Ministry EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Sharon Stokely, Director ext. 225 GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL Mrs. Cindy Malinski, Principal 799-6724 UPPER PINELLAS PREGNANCY CENTER Mary Caesar 937-4304 PARISH OFFICE FAX 727-943-0676 OFFICE EMAIL kcreamer@ignatius.net PARISH WEBSITE www.st.ignatius.net Miraculous Medal Devotion: Before 9 a.m. Mass each Wednesday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays after 9 a.m. Mass until 10:15 a.m. First Friday of the Month 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Baptism: Please call the Parish Office Marriage: Please call the Parish Office at least 6 months in advance. Holy Orders: Please call Rev. Carl Melchior at 345-3338
Page 4 Weekday Mass Times: 6:45 a.m., 7:30 a.m., & 9:00 a.m. Stations of the Cross: Every Friday - 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. All adults, ages 18 to 59 must fast on Good Friday, that is, eat only one full meal and not between meals. All those who are 14 and over must abstain, that is, not eat meat on all Fridays of Lent. Please note: Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Mass Time Changes : Our earliest Mass will be moved to 7:00 a.m. UPCOMING EVENTS EASTER DECORATIONS You are invited to share in the enhancing of our Church at Easter time as well as a memorial for your loved ones -both living and deceasedby donating towards the purchase of our Decorations. If you would like to help decorate our Church, you may do so by an offering of $5 or more in memory of a loved one. Flower envelopes are included in your envelope packets and extra envelopes can be found on the courtesy desk in the Church. HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE Confession Periods Holy Monday March 21st: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Penance Service Holy Tuesday March 22nd: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Holy Wednesday March 23rd: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Palm Sunday Masses March 19th: 4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. March 20th: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass EASTER TRIDUUM LITURGIES Holy Thursday March 24th 7:00 p.m. SOLEMN MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER 9:00-11:00 p.m. Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament (Fr. John LaTondress Chapel) Good Friday March 25th 3:00 p.m. Veneration of the Cross 7:00 p.m. Journey to the Cross (presented by St. Ignatius Life Teen) Holy Saturday March 26th 10:00 a.m. Blessing of Easter Food (please note that Mass is not permitted at 4:00 and 6:30) 8:00 p.m. SOLEMN EASTER VIGIL (fulfills Easter obligation) Easter Sunday March 31st Masses 7:00 a.m. Church 9:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Church and Fr. John LaTondress Chapel (There is no Life Teen Mass on Easter Sunday)
UPCOMING EVENTS Page 5 The Chrism Mass Tuesday, March 22nd at 11:30 a.m. Bishop Robert N. Lynch will preside at the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude. During this Mass the priests of the diocese along with Bishop Lynch will renew their commitment to priestly service. This is also the Mass where the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens are blessed and the Sacred Chrism is consecrated. These oils are used throughout the year in our parish when our community celebrates the sacraments. By virtue of your baptism you share in the priesthood of Christ. This Mass is an opportunity for you to experience a renewal and recommitment to God and the Church. Please join us. Easter Egg Hunt The 8 th grade students of Faith Formation are sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26th at 9:00 a.m. All children of the parish, eight years old and younger are invited to participate in the hunt. Meet in the parking lot by Parish Life Center at 9:00 a.m. to set up for the different age groups. The hunt begins at 9:15 a.m. SHARP. Please Bring Your Easter Basket! CONGRATULATIONS REVEREND MONSIGNOR! We will host a Reception in the Hall honoring Our Holy Father, Pope Francis appointment of our Pastor, Fr. Joseph Pellegrino, as A Chaplain To His Holiness with the title of Reverend Monsignor. Everyone is invited to join us on April 24th from 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. Light Refreshments will be served. No RSVP needed. Women s St. Patrick s Party The Women s Council will hold a St. Patrick s Day luncheon on Thursday, March 17th at 11:30 a.m. in the hall. Lunch will be catered by Angel Cakes. Cost is $13 for members - $16 for non members. Please call Barb for reservations at 727-771-7711. Knights Fish Fry Our Knights of Columbus will be hosting this season s last Lenten Fish Fry, Friday, March 18th from 4 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Serving fish, fries, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, hush puppies, dessert & beverage. $8 adults & $6 children 12 and under. Take Out Orders Available! Save the Dates Tuesday Evenings, April 5th - May 31st. We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God's ways of handling money. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed-out by life? Mary has promised to help you! 33 Days to Morning Glory Marian Consecration Reloaded Coming April 12 th
Page 6 Sunday Donuts in the Hall The Scouts will be offering Donuts and Coffee after the Masses THIS Sunday in the hall. Classes this Week This Sunday, March 13th 10:00 a.m. Faith Formation Classes in classrooms 2:00 p.m. Journey to the Cross Rehearsal 4:30 p.m. Confirmation Sessions in hall & rooms 6:00 p.m. Life Night in the hall This Wednesday, March 16th 6:30 p.m. Edge Classes in classrooms and hall. Welcome Inactive Catholics In declaring this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said: Jesus of Nazareth reveals the mercy of God by His words, actions and person. It is absolutely essential for the Church and for the credibility of her message that she herself live and testify to mercy. In that spirit, we welcome any Catholics who have been inactive in the practice of their Faith, for any reason, to open-end meetings on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in classroom 6. Plenty of opportunities for questions and sharings. If you know someone you think might be interested in coming, just invite them. No obligation to join or inquire. Credo - I Believe! Join in our discussions as we explore THE CREED: THE FAITH PROFESSED as in the US Catholic Catechism. We will meet March 16th & 30th from 6:45 to 8 p.m. in classroom 7. Catechisms available. Contribution requested. For more information email Christine at StIgCatechism@gmail.com or call 519-3360. MINISTRY EVENTS Thank You THANK YOU for your generosity to the Catholic Relief Services Collection. The funds from this Collection provide food to the hungry, support to displaced refugees, and show Christ s love and respect to all people. Thank you for helping Jesus in Disguise! Edge Middle School Youth Ministry meets This Friday at 7 p.m. in the Youth House. Brothers in Christ We meet every Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. All men welcome! Coffee & doughnuts. For more information contact: Jim Edmiston: 727-642-9555 or Geoff Kirby: 813-728-2082 Join our Crafters & Rosary Makers on Monday mornings from 9:30 a.m. 12 noon in the hall. St. Ignatius will send you a donation statement for your contributions for the year 2015 to the Church if requested. Please fill out this form & place in the collection basket, drop off at the Parish Office or email your request to kcreamer@ignatius.net. Thank You. Name: Address: City: Zip Envelope #
MINISTRY NEWS Page 7 The Elijah Cup Prayer works! Prayers are being heard! Join us in our Prayer Program for Vocations. At a Mass of their choosing, participants receive a Mass Chalice in their home for a week to pray for vocations. For more details and information contact Deacon John at jedgerton@ignatius.net. or sign the Elijah Cup Book in the Church. Wednesday Rosary As we face many challenges in our country, we know, as Catholics, that so many problems are solved through the intercession of Mary, particularly through the Rosary. As a parish, we ask all to pray a Rosary every Wednesday for the Protection of our Nation and a Resurgence of Faith in God. Annual Pastoral Appeal Thank you to all who have responded to the 2016 Annual Pastoral Appeal. Your generosity is gratefully accepted and respectfully used. If you have not yet made a gift or pledge, please prayerfully consider the blessing you have received and the prayers that have been answered in your time of need. Please make a gift from your heart, knowing it may be your friend or neighbor in need and by participating in the APA you will have helped them. Hospital Flowers Flowers distributed this week at Florida Hospital North Pinellas by Caritas Volunteers were donated by Jean Boehne in memory of her beloved husband, Raymond A. Boehne. Commemorate a special occasion or a loved one by donating flowers distributed at Florida Hospital North. Call the Caritas Office for more information. Tuesday Morning Care Mass Do you have a family member or neighbor who is homebound and cannot attend weekend Mass? Our volunteers will bring them Tuesday mornings to the Chapel for Mass and fellowship. Please call the Caritas Office for more information. Lord, grant eternal rest to the souls of our dearly departed, especially for VIOLA HITER, KATHY DOEHNER, CAROL FRIEDHABER & DAN BERARD and for all for those we hold in our hearts who have died, may they rest in the arms of God. Sunday Altar Flowers You are invited to make a gift towards our Sunday Altar Flowers in memory of, in thanksgiving for, in celebration of or in honor of a person or event. The donation is $50 for the weekend floral arrangements. This dedication will be printed in the bulletin for the requested week. Christmas and Easter envelopes will still be available in your envelope packets. Please note there will be no Altar Flowers during Advent or Lent. If interested, please come by the Parish Office between 9-4 on the weekdays.
Page 8 Guardian Angels School Applications for the 2016-2017 school year are now available in the Parish Office or at the school. Check out our website at www.gacsfl.com Call for a tour at 799-6724. We would love to show you what your parish school has to offer. We accept Step Up for Students Scholarships. SCHOOL NEWS GACS Story Time Fridays from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Come and join us for stories, crafts and playground fun!!!! Snack included. Open to all children ages 2 years and older (younger siblings welcome). This event is free and open to all. For more information contact Jane at jgrantham@gacsfl.com Wienhusen Catholic School Scholarships Wienhusen Scholarships apply to children who attend Catholic Grade School or High School. These scholarships are up to $3,000. Please note, if your family received a Wienhusen Scholarship last year, you still need to apply for the 2016-2017 school year. To qualify, you must be a registered active member of St. Ignatius for over a year, you must have proof of weekly attendance and show a financial need as assessed by the Private Aid Schools Services. PSAS forms are available in the parish office. All forms must arrive at Private Aid Schools Services & Parish Office no later than March 31st. St. Ignatius Early Childhood Center Ages 2-5 & Free VPK Call 937-5427 to schedule a tour. Open Registration for the 2016-2017 school year has begun. Interested parents may pick up applications in the parish office or visit our center. Stop by the school and see what makes our early childhood center outstanding! Our Early Childhood Center provides a mother s morning out on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. in classroom 8 of the Life Center. $10 per visit or 6 for $50 for ages 1 and walking to age 36 months. Questions? Contact the Early Childhood Center at 937-5427
DATE MASS INTENTIONS EVENTS Saturday, March 12 Sunday, March 13 Fifth Sunday of Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11 Monday, March 14 Daniel 13:1-62 John 8:12-20 Tuesday, March 15 Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30 Wednesday, March 16 Daniel 3:14-95 John 8:31-42 Thursday, March 17 St. Patrick Genesis 17:3-9 John 8:51-59 Friday, March 18 St. Cyril Jerimiah 20:10-13 John 10:31-42 4:00 p.m. + Henry Pellegrino 6:30 p.m. + Evan McIntyre 7:30 a.m. + Peter McMahon & Brian Tait 9:00 a.m.. People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. + Judy Zukoski 6:00 p.m. For An End to Abortions 6:45 a.m. + Ageed Michal & Rafic Issak 7:30 a.m. Special Intentions of Claire Edmiston 9:00 a.m. Special Intentions of Carlos Navarro 6:45 a.m. + Deceased Members of the Capanna & Slater Families 7:30 a.m. + Albert Zielinski 9:00 a.m. + Martin Lodovico 10:30 a.m. + John & Verna Yankouskas 6:45 a.m. Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 7:30 a.m. + David Lahoud 9:00 a.m. + Carole Focke 6:45 a.m. Special Intentions of the O Neill Family 7:30 a.m. + Andrew Flanagan 9:00 a.m. + Michelle Romano 6:45 a.m. Special Intentions of Andras Bajkor 7:30 a.m. Special Intentions of Emily Edmiston 9:00 a.m. + Lucille Pallotta Food Pantry Drive this Weekend 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Donuts in the hall 10:00 a.m. Pre K, K 1, 2, 3,4, 5th Gr. Classes 2:00 p.m. Journey to the Cross in Church 4:30 p.m. Confirmation Sessions -h, all rooms 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Night in the hall 9:30 a.m. Rosary Makers & Crafts in the hall 6:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1233 c12 7:00 p.m. Divorce Group c2-4 7:00 p.m. RCIA in hall & Chapel PARISH MISSION 10:30 at a.m. 9 a.m. Consoling Mass Heart & of at Jesus 7 p.m. c2-4 7:00 p.m. Consoling Heart of Jesus c2-4 7:00 p.m. Little Rock c6 PARISH MISSION 6:00 a.m. at 9 Brothers a.m. Mass in Christ & in at the 7 hall p.m. 9:30 a.m. Mothers Morning Out c8 10:00 a.m. Little Rock c6 10:00 a.m. Women of Grace c4 5:15 p.m. Children s Choir in the Church 6:30 p.m. 6-8th Gr Classes in Life Center 6:45 p.m. Adult Catechism c7 7:00 p.m. Inactive Catholic Meeting c6 9:30 a.m. Mothers Morning Out c8 10:20 a.m. Word in Action c2,3 11:00 a.m. Women s Council s St. Patrick Luncheon in the hall 6:00 p.m. Polish School in c7-12 7:00 p.m. Church History in America in c2&3 7:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus in the hall 7:00 p.m. Word in Action c6 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir in the Church 9:30 a.m. Stations of the Cross - Church 4:00 p.m. Lenten Fish Fry in the hall 6:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross - Church 6:30 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1142 c7 7:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1124 c6 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts in rooms c2,3,4 7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts in rooms c8-12 7:00 p.m. Edge in the Youth House Saturday, March 19 St. Joseph 2 Samuel 7:4-16 Roman 4:13-22 Matthew 1:16-24 9:00 a.m. + Domenico Mastrandea & Michael Crocitto Saturday, March 19 4:00 p.m. + Deceased Members of Morris & Hunter Families 6:30 p.m. + Patricia Gibbons Sunday, March 20 Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22: 14-56 7:00 a.m. + Theodore Wienke 9:00 a.m.. People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. + Arthur Ramsdell 6:00 p.m. + Anthony Roman 9:30 a.m. Consoling the Heart of Jesus Celebration c2,3,4, 10:00 a.m. Polish School c7-12 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 2:00 p.m. Journey to the Cross in Church 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Night in the hall