- - January 1, 2017 Refresh, Renew, Restore By Donna Nebistinsky AS WE BEGIN A NEW YEAR, our minds automatically turn to fresh starts. We make resolutions that when forgotten cause us to become frustrated, we try to make changes to our lifestyle that are often difficult to manage, and we tend to focus on our faults all in the name of self-improvement. But, how many of us can relate to forgetting all about those promises we made by February? I know I can! 2017 can be different. This year can be the one during which you focus instead on your spiritual life. This year can be a new start in your relationship with God; one in which you refresh, renew, and restore the personal intimacy with Him we all so desperately need. I know this is where my focus will be. (continued inside) Donna Nebistinsky is pastoral assistant at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and facilitator for our Faith Matters Evening program, which for the next 11 weeks is dedicated to the Alpha experience. See last page for more information.
MON 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Jn 1:19-28 TUE 1 Jn 2:29 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6; Jn 1:29-34 WED 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9; Jn 1:35-42 THU 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5; Jn 1:43-51 FRI 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147: 12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Mk 1:7-11 SAT 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5, 6a, 9b; Jn 2:1-11 SUN Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 NEXT WEEKEND A combined collection will provide important support to the Catholic Church in several different parts of the world: Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Please be generous! this week at StEAS MON 2 TUE 3 WED 4 THU 5 FRI 6 SAT 7 SUN 8 7:30 am 6:30 pm 9:30 am 10:00 am After Mass 5:30 pm 8:00 am 8:45-10 am 9:00-10 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 19:15 am 10:15-11:30 am 10:15-11:45 am 3:00 pm Parish & CCD Offices Closed Gospel Reflection Zumba Fitness Trail Life Knights of Columbus (rosary 6:20) Spiritual Book Club Faith Matters Morning Messiah Lifeways Mass CYO Basketball Alpha Zumba Toning Life in the Spirit (rosary 6:30) Choir Rehearsal First Friday Devotions CYO Basketball Holy Family Prayer Service COLLECTION: Aid to the Catholic Church in Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa Adult Volleyball COLLECTION: Aid to the Catholic Church in Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa Coffee & Donuts after 9 am Mass Knights of Columbus Fundraiser (Hoss s) CCD Grade 1 CCD Pre-School & K RCIA Baptisms SpiritSword CCD Grades 2-6 CCD Edge Epiphany Family Gathering Let s Play Cards! Family Open Gym Night Basketball SATURDAY DECEMBER 31 VIGIL, SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD 5:00 pm Tony Romagnoli SUNDAY JANUARY 1 SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD 7:30 am People of the Parish 9:00 am Vincent Murdocca 11:00 am 60th Wedding Anniversary of Louise and Chuck Burnheimer MONDAY JANUARY 2 MEMORIAL OF SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN, BISHOPS AND DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH No Mass TUESDAY JANUARY 3 CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY 6:45 am Morning Prayer 7:00 am Eileen Coyne WEDNESDAY JANUARY 4 MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS 8:30 am Rosary 9:00 am Gail Moritz 20th Anniversary THURSDAY JANUARY 5 MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN NEUMANN, BISHOP 6:45 am Morning Prayer 7:00 am Vincent Frank FRIDAY JANUARY 6 CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY 8:30 am Rosary 9:00 am Joseph Calvanelli SATURDAY JANUARY 7 VIGIL, THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 5:00 pm Ray Myers SUNDAY JANUARY 8 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 7:30 am People of the Parish *9:00 am Jim Spade 11:00 am Dr. Robert Lambert * Adult Choir
(continued from cover) The spiritual life is a relationship, one between God and self. And because any relationship is organic, it changes over time in ways that are both rewarding and frustrating. My own journey has seen my spiritual life change dramatically, and it continues to evolve. As a convert, I made sure that I followed all of the rules of my new faith, did all of the right things. My spiritual relationship was one built on obligation. It wasn t until about 10 years ago that I began to move toward a level of desire. And then, even more recently, I began seeking something greater, something deeper in my relationship with the Lord. I see how that relationship has very slowly developed into one of the most special pieces of who I am. But, it has not always been a positive one. There have been regular setbacks, but usually after a bit of time I have been able to overcome those, and move forward. Currently I am experiencing a very long stretch of what I refer to as meh in regard to my spiritual life. I m really stuck, not moving forward at all, and have to be on my guard not to move backward. Of course I know, and trust, that God is there. But, I have not felt the connection, not experienced the overwhelming sense of joy, have not been able to clearly discern much of anything. It has been almost a year since I felt directly responded to, felt awash in graces, felt my friend Jesus beside me and heard His voice. And, most painful of all, I have not sensed His presence in the Eucharist for months. I know it is time to once again focus on that relationship, to keep myself from becoming complacent and returning to a feeling of obligation rather than desire. So, here is my plan for continuing to make yet another fresh start in my personal relationship with God. REFRESH: Each day I try to take some time to just sit in silence, not thinking about anything in particular, without expectations on my part. Sometimes there will be little blips of thought, little messages and connections, but in the past few months most often not. God says in Jeremiah 31:25, For I will refresh the weary soul; every soul that languishes I will replenish. Think about how many times Jesus went off by himself to be alone, sending His disciples on ahead, or departing from them for a time. Jesus knew that God had promised to refresh His soul, so I m sure He will do the same for mine. RENEW: Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favorite reminders about God s promise of renewal. They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. I have hope, and know that I will once again find my way out of my extended meh and once again be able to sense God s presence more deeply. Through reading and prayer, by trying to see Christ in those around me, by looking for small reminders that God truly loves me, by simply waiting on the Lord, I am slowly renewing that bond. It has been a struggle, but I have been trying my best to make it happen. RESTORE: The book of Jeremiah is filled with God s pledges of restoration (I like reading the prophets; can you tell?). Despite the fact that His people just don t get it, God remains faithful with His plans and promises. Even though they had totally hardened their hearts, God brings them out of their suffering and restores the entire nation. I know that my relationship with Him will be restored as well. It is certainly not happening as quickly as I would like it to, but God has greater plans for us than we can ever imagine. While I continue to seek that closeness once again, I am reminded that the spiritual life is not one to be lived in isolation. It is one to be shared with and supported by community. After all, very few make it to Heaven on their own. Here at StEAS we have a wonderful support system, a beautiful family of believers who can work together to move us all to a deeper relationship with God, to a special friendship with Jesus. We have many opportunities to begin anew with the start of this year. One of these is Alpha. Alpha gives us a time to come together in fellowship, and share our doubts and questions, our hopes and fears, but also to experience the love and support that comes from living together in spiritual community. No matter where you are along your own spiritual journey, consider joining us. It will be the perfect way to refresh, renew, and restore the most important relationship we can ever have that of a personal friendship with Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing you there!
FIRST PENANCE PARENTS MEETING will be held on Monday, January 9, from 6:45-7:45 pm in the Bayley Conference Room (or on Sunday, January 15, at 10:30 am, for parents who have previously attended a parent meeting at StEAS). Attendance is mandatory at one of the meetings for parents of students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Penance in February 2017. FAITH MATTERS MORNING JOIN US! on Wednesday, January 4, at 9:30 am in the Bayley Conference Room as we begin a new program for the new year a video and discussion-based scripture study based on Dr. Scott Hahn s book, Hail, Holy Queen. In this beautiful and awe-inspiring series, we will unveil the mystery of Our Lady that is woven into the fabric of Sacred Scripture. "The Bible and the Virgin Mary" teaches Catholics how Marian doctrine and devotion are firmly rooted in Scripture and answers common objections from non-catholics. Contact: Mel Lee (melmolee@reagan.com). SENIOR LUNCHEON & MOVIE will be held Thursday, January 12, at 11 am in Menniti Hall. The movie is God s Not Dead 2. Call Colleen (766-2396) to register! MARCH FOR LIFE SOLIDARITY DAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 Can t travel to Washington for the March for Life? Join us for a prayerful time here at the parish, beginning with Mass at 9 am. The day includes a light morning snack, a faith-filled movie and light lunch, before watching the speeches from the event in Washington DC. We will spend time in Adoration and praying the rosary during the March. If you would like to attend, please contact Pete Fludovich (697-9678) so we can plan for accommodations and lunch. All are welcome. SPREAD THE WORD! The Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Competition will be held in Waldron Hall on Sunday, January 22, from 1 to 4 pm. Trophies will be awarded to the most free throws made out of 15 attempts according to age groups of boys and girls between ages 9-14. Registration at the free-throw event. Bring a friend! For details, contact Al (303-974) or Pat (766-5268). SPIRITSWORD RESUMES! Join us on Sunday, January 8, at 10:15 am in the Office Conference Room for a discussion about living one s faith while working in public schools. SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY In homes of Eastern European origin, the priest visits homes in the parish to bring the blessing of the three kings, writing with chalk on the lintel of the front door 20 C+M+B 17 (the current year and the initials for Caspar, Melchoir, and Balthazar) and praying that those who enter and leave from this home will be blessed in this New Year. A copy of the blessing of the three kings can be found at entrances to the church. Each family is invited to take one home. Read the prayer on the reverse side as you place the card above the main entrance of your home. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP PRACTICAL, INSPIRATIONAL AND ENCOURAGING. Come with your questions or come to spend some refreshing time with other caregivers, away from responsibilities. Bring a friend or family member. Monday, January 9, at 1:30 PM. Contacts: Pastoral Assistant Donna Nebistinsky (697-6929, donna@steas.net) or Facilitator Ernie Nettleton (766-8806). SPONSOR OF THE WEEK We wish to thank Preferred HealthStaff for sponsoring an ad in our weekly bulletin.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WONDERFUL CAST & MUSICIANS and the dedicated volunteers for our annual Children s Christmas Pageant! An inspiring performance for our parish community! This photo was shared on Monsignor King s Facebook page by Dorice Berry Millar. Please send your photos of parish activities to communications @steas.net so we can share them in our email newsletter and on the TV monitors in the narthex and on Seton Lane. Christmas Flowers are offered in memory and for the intentions of : Valaria Kimberly, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Boldizar, Richard J. Burgan, Sr., Richard J. Burgan, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. George Kimberly Rick and Kathy Burgan The Day & Simon Families Diana Day George & Anna Burba Frederick, Harry & Beatrice Dennison George and Ruthann Frederick Dennison and Family Russell & Anne Dupell Cheryl Simmons IN YOUR CHARITY, please pray for the repose of the souls of Gene Sawyer, brother-in-law of parishioners Danny and Rose Heikel; and parishioner Michael C. DeJoseph. 2016 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS FOR SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON PARISH If you wish to receive a statement of your 2016 parish contributions for tax purposes, please call Patty Wargo in the parish office (697-2614, pwargo@steas.net.) CATHOLIC CALENDARS FOR 2017 are still available at Connections Corner, if you didn t get one when they were distributed after Masses. The calendars are provided courtesy of the Malpezzi Funeral Home. There aren t many left; one per family, please. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 4068 is sponsoring a fundraiser at Hoss s in Mechanicsburg on Sunday, January 8. Hoss s will donate a minimum of 20% of the purchase price. IMPORTANT: Present this coupon when ordering your meal! Thank you for supporting the many good works and charities of our Knights of Columbus!
- - First session is Wednesday, January 4 @ 7 PM