ST. LOUIS CHURCH THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME January 27, 2008 This Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday Is 8:23-9:3 2 Sm 5:1-7,10 2 Sm 6:12-15, 17-19 Ps 27:1,4, 13-14 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17 Ps 89:20-22, 25-26 Daily Mass Readings 2 Sm 7:4-17 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29 2 Sm 11:1-10, 13-17 Mal 3:1-4 Zep 2:3; 3:12-13 Ps 24:7-10 Ps 89:4-5,27-30 Ps 132:1-5,11-14 Ps 51:3-7,10-11 Ps 24:7-10 Ps 146:6-10 Heb 2:14-18 1 Cor 1:26-31 Mt 4:12-23 Mk 3:22-30 Mk 3:31-35 Mk 4:1-20 Mk 4:21-25 Mk 4:26-34 Lk 2:22-40 Mt 5:1-12 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 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. 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 Reflection Question for February 3 rd In what ways can I live the beatitudes more faithfully in my life? Mass Intentions for Week of January 27, 2008 Sunday 6:45am William O Leary 8:00am Jane Gossage 9:30am John P. Bach & Kimberly Affayroux 11:15am Ajagba family, SI & Chigozie Ajagba 12:45pm Maria Bochniewicz & Visitacion Marquez Monday 7:00am Special Intention & James Corcoran 8:30am Jessica A. McGonigal Tuesday 7:00am Reverend Benedict Adams 8:30am Virginia H. Magnolia Wednesday 7:00am James Corcoran 8:30am Jim Allen, SI Thursday 7:00am August Schulz 8:30am Harney family, SI Friday 7:00am Maurice Verleysen 8:30am Mary Frances Santo & Marcella Mascarinas, SI Saturday 8:00am Special Intention 4:00pm Josephine Aupperley & Regie Tesk, SI 5:30pm Joanne Dinovo, SI & Robert Weidfeld, Sr. In Your Prayers, Please Remember Those Who Are Sick Especially the People Listed Below We are beginning a new list for 2008. If you would like to have a name put on our sick list, please call the parish office at 410-531-6040. Kimberly Affayoux Br. Jim Horan, SJ David Pittman Bradley Benefiel Maryetta Jeske Meghanne Symon Joan Brannan Rochelle Ludicke Regie Tesk John Conrad Peter Marin Anna Tomalis Jean Crane Bob McCollum Joanne Watson Rudy D Urbano Jerry McGlothlin Douglas Williams Antionette Ducote Judy Morraye Melanie Wurtzer PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DEPARTED Our departed friends and loved ones: Sinjin Coen; Charles Sowers, father of Mary Beth O Brien and grandfather of Robbie and Kevin. CHURCH LINENS Today by Ms. Justice & on February 3 rd by Ms. Tranchitella.
Dear Parishioners, Thank you sincerely for responding in such great numbers to last week s appeal by the Maryland Catholic Conference. The 100,000 Letters for Life realized almost 3000 letters signed by our parishioners after the Masses last weekend. In addition, some parishioners took extra copies home to be signed by their spouses or by their adult children who are away at college. As always our parish responded with great interest and enthusiasm. Thank you very much for such a wonderful response. And a sincere word of thanks to Cathy and John Stefano for their leadership in organizing this effort and for hand-carrying all these letters to our representatives in Annapolis we are all most grateful to them! Another very easy way of keeping informed about legislation that affects our Catholic values and beliefs is by email. By registering with the Maryland Catholic Conference and Catholic Relief Services, you will receive timely emails and be invited to make your opinion known through a very easy process using email. A couple of clicks automatically allows you to send an already composed letter addressed to your local and/or national representatives. I use it and find it to be a very easy way of not only keeping informed about what is happening but also a very effective way of responding and making my opinion known about issues for which I feel strongly. In our day and age, when many citizens feel unable to influence their government representatives, using this email system has proven to be effective. If you are interested in participating more actively in government, I ve listed the addresses of both agencies that work so hard to make a difference: Maryland Catholic Conference: www.mdcathcon.org Select: Legislative Action Center Catholic Relief Services: http://actioncenter.crs.org It is important to know that MCC addresses only state issues; whereas the CRS network addresses only international issues. So it is important to sign up for both. All CRS Action Alerts are done in conjunction with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Thank you once again for being such a responsive community! Msgr. Luca THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what is the significant of a clean desk? PARISH MEETINGS THIS WEEK School Open House Sunday, January 27 School 2:00 PM Children's Liturgy Rehearsal for Lectors Monday, January 28 Church 4:30 PM Novena Monday, January 28 Chapel 7:30 PM Women's Bible Study Tuesday, January 29 Room 305 9:30 AM Catechism Study Tuesday, January 29 Social Hall 7:00 PM Mothers' Playgroup Wednesday, January 30 Nursery 10:30 AM Life in the Spirit Wednesday, January 30 Room 301, 302 7:00 PM Knights of Columbus Wednesday, January 30 Social Hall 7:30 PM Prayer Group Wednesday, January 30 Room 305 8:00 PM Catholic Scripture Study Thursday, January 31 Social Hall 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday, January 31 Room 305, Church 8:00 PM Faith in the Family Ceramics Night Friday, February 1 Howard Bishop A, B, C 7:00 PM CYM Open Gym Friday, February 1 Gym 7:00 PM
WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT SECOND COLLECTIONS January 26 th /27 th -Building Fund February 5 th /6 th -Eastern Europe STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE The watchword today is "immediately." Peter and Andrew, James and John all responded immediately to the call of Christ. As good stewards, we need to be open to God's call and as ready to use our talents in His service as those first disciples were. Do I develop my talents to the fullest to benefit Saint Louis and my community? SOME OF THE GOOD DEEDS OUR CHILDREN OFFERED TO GOD THIS WEEK Gave $5.00 to the poor; Helping my siblings; Not fighting with my brother when he bugs me; Helped my sister make my dad s gift; Helping my brother; Helped clean the house for visitors; Helping mom set the table; Listening to my parents; Going to sleep when I was told to; I cleaned my room; Prayed for my grandmother who is really sick; I cleaned the basement on my own; Raking with dad; Went to Family night with Monsignor and the seminarians; I did what my brother wanted to do; Sweep the ashes off the furnace for dad; Getting a burp cloth for my brother; Being honest; Helping dad pick-up the basement; Shoveled snow; Brightened the day of a sad friend; Sing with the Girl Scouts at an Assisted Living Home; Helping clean the house. OUR CHILDREN S CHAPEL IS NOW OPEN! Liturgy will be televised in this chapel during the 4pm Mass on Saturday and the 9:30 and 11:15 Masses on Sunday. This chapel is provided for parents of toddlers to teach their little ones to pray and participate in our celebration of Eucharist. Because our children s chapel is a sacred space, not a cry room, nursery or playroom, please refrain from bringing any food, snacks, toys or crayons into the chapel and remember to turn off cell phones. It is our responsibility to help our children understand why Mass is different and why we behave differently there than we do in secular situations. Distractions are left behind this is our special time to be with God. 2007 TAX STATEMENTS If you would like a statement of your contributions for 2007 to St. Louis Church, please call the parish office. If you contribute to the Preserve Our Treasured Legacy campaign you will automatically receive a statement for contributions to the campaign as well as all other contributions. All other statements will be mailed by request and should be ready shortly. Thank you! THE ST. LOUIS PASTORAL COUNCIL NEEDS YOU! The parish will hold its annual Pastoral Council elections the weekend of March 29-30 to fill several positions. The Council serves as an advisory committee to our pastor and meets monthly with him to discuss parish activities, issues and concerns. We are looking for registered parishioners, 18 years of age or older, who are interested in serving their fellow parishioners for a three-year term. Responsibilities include: attendance and participation at monthly meetings, participation in after-mass greetings and new parishioner welcoming sessions several time a year, and attendance at the annual Pastoral Council Retreat. Whether you are new to the parish or are one of our long-term parishioners, the St. Louis community could benefit from your knowledge, experience and unique outlook on life. Nomination forms can be obtained from the Information Table in the narthex or at Parish Office. Please return all nomination forms to the Parish Office or place in the collection basket by Sunday, February 3rd. Please do not hesitate to call one of the current Council members, listed on the inside cover of the bulletin, for more information on this challenging opportunity to serve your parish. May the Holy Spirit guide you in your decision regarding this important ministry.
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, February 13th in Room 301 of the Pastoral Center from 7:15pm to 9:15pm. 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 BAPISMS AT ST. LOUIS Luis Antonio Wardcantori, child of Francisco and Nadia Ward PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS Please continue to remember the following soldiers in your prayers: Cpt. Gregory Steenberge, Cpt. Edward Beatty, Cpt. Joshua Pike, Cpl. Dan Haack, LTC John Spain, Lt. Joseph McDonald, Spc. Curtis Campbell, Cpt. Brendan Gallagher, Lt. j.g. Clifton E. Jackson, Father Tyson Wood, 1 st Lt. Matthew Middleton, PFC Catherine Sanagursky, PFC Joseph Henry, Lt. John Ryan, Lt. Steven Cooper, 1 st Lt. Robert Charles, Cpl. Allen Scott P., Capt. Kristy Steenberge and Mr. Kenneth Abel. Their pictures and mailing addresses are on the board in the Narthex so you can put a name with a face in your prayers. Please do bring any pictures and addresses of your family members in the military to the parish office for inclusion in the bulletin and on the prayer board. SIGN-INTERPRETED MASS SCHEDULE The 5:30pm Mass on Saturday will be sign-interpreted on the following dates: February 2, 16; March 8; April 5, 19; May 3, 10; June 7. Easter Sunday Mass will be sign-interpreted at 8am. For a list of other interpreted Masses within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, please check this page of the archdiocesan website: www.archbalt.org/evangelization-catechesis/deaf-ministry/ interpreted-mass.cfm FOOD DRIVE NEXT WEEKEND Next week is our monthly food drive. Please help us help the hungry by bringing a St. Louis Bag of Food to church next weekend. This is what is in our bags: 1 box cereal, 1 box powdered milk, 1 box spaghetti, 1 jar spaghetti sauce, 1 jar peanut butter, 1 can green vegetable, 1 can fruit, 2 boxes of macaroni and cheese, 2 cans of tuna fish, 2 cans soup, 2 cans baked beans. Bring a bag or part of a bag. It all helps and goes the next day to the poor. SCHOOL DONUT SALE Please plan to stop by after mass on February 3 rd for a tasty treat and visit with fellow parishioners for donuts and coffee. Proceeds benefit St. Louis School. PRESENTATION ON CATHOLICS IN IRAQ AND FRANCISCAN FOREIGN MINISTRIES Everyone is invited to the Knights of Columbus' Open Meeting to listen to LTC John Spain, a Saint Louis parishioner home on leave from Iraq, describe how he and his fellow soldiers are working to help rebuild the Catholic Church in Baghdad. Through his activities in the Knights of Columbus, he has worked on a number of initiatives to support the local Catholic Chaldean community in Iraq, which is under great stress and persecution. Included in these efforts is an outreach to parishes back home for support. Also on the program will be a presentation by Father Noel Danielewicz, OFM Conv., entitled "Franciscans: Moving from Mission to Presence," which will discuss the Franciscans' approach to missionary work. The meeting will be held in the Saint Louis Pastoral Center at 7:30pm on January 30 th. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Leo Mortimer at 410-730-4844. RESPECT LIFE We give thanks to God for the woman whose choice is life for her unborn child. We pray on the first Saturday of each month (February 2) for mothers and their babies, from 9am to 11am, near the Hillcrest Abortion Clinic located on Rte 40 west and Johnnycake Rd. next to Shirley's Dinner (the old IHOP). Join us then for 20-30 minutes or more, and be a peaceful, prayerful witness to the sanctity of life. Bring a friend! For more information call Grace Kissane at 410-730-0201. ST. LOUIS PARISH MINISTRY FAIR Please save the dates of February 2 nd -3 rd for the Parish Ministry Fair. The Fair will be a great opportunity to showcase the good works of the over 50 ministries at Saint Louis Parish and allow you to learn more about how you can participate and volunteer. The Ministry Fair will take place Saturday after the 4pm Mass and Sunday after 8am, 9:30am and 11:15am Mass. VALENTINE S DAY DINNER DANCE The St. Louis Knights of Columbus cordially invite you to a Valentine's Day Dinner Dance on February 16 th in the Pastoral Center. The meal will start at 7pm and dancing will go on until midnight! Tickets are $30 per person and include a buffet dinner, snacks, beer, wine, soda, and music by "Phat City of Baltimore". The buffet menu includes: roast beef, turkey, potatoes, salad, bread and butter, fruit, and desserts. Dress is casual. To reserve your tickets, contact Ronald Fiskum at (410) 531-5124 or e-mail rfiskum@verizon.net. We hope to see you there! LOBBY DAY IN ANNAPOLIS-FEBRUARY 18, 2008 Again this year, St. Louis parishioners will board buses and head to Annapolis to meet with legislators and talk about key issues before the General Assembly. Please join us on Monday, February 18 th at 2pm in the parking lot at church. Buses will leave Annapolis at 8:30pm for the return trip to St. Louis. This is a chance to have our voices heard in Annapolis and to let our law-makers know we are paying attention. For more information or to register and reserve a seat on the bus, contact John or Cathy Stefano at 410 730-2613 or jcstefano@comcast.net.
BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT: SOMETHING NEW FOR LENT Let Lent 2008 be a time of reflection and change for your Body, Mind, and Spirit. Are you ready to improve your health, hear and listen to what God has to say and have fun doing it. Adults of all ages can take advantage of this 5-week session and grow in the area of discipline, nutrition, and fitness. Classes will take place in rooms 301and 302 of the Pastoral Center with both morning and evening classes to fit your schedule, either 9:30am or 6:30pm, and run for one hour. The 5-week session will take place on February 13 th, 18 th, 25 th, March 3 rd,10 th. Class instructors will be Kathy Grad AFPA, Personal Trainer, Billy Blanks Certified Tae Bo Instructor and Natural Nutritional Advisor and Diane Iannarino Natural Nutritional Advisor. Dress for moderate exercise. This is a free event...can you find a better deal? WEEKEND RETREAT FOR MEN Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile" (Mark 6:31). Jesus understood his disciples need to spend quiet time with Him away from the crowds. Don t we need such time as much as they did? Come spend February 29 th -March 2 nd with the Men's Retreat Group at Loyola Retreat House, on the banks of the Potomac in Faulkner, MD. A retreat is a wonderful way to grow closer to the Lord, to refresh yourself in body and spirit, to regain perspective on what's important in your life. The cost is $208, which includes two nights stay and six meals. Call Mike Leumas at 410-290-8290 for more information or to sign up. Info can also be found on Loyola s website at www.loyolaretreat.org. Please join us! WEEKEND RETREAT FOR WOMEN OF THE PARISH The St. Louis CDA is sponsoring a three day retreat from March 7 th -March 9 th. The retreat is being held in Emmitsburg at the St. Elizabeth Seton Retreat House and is open to all women of the parish. Space is limited. Leading the retreat will be Fr. Bart Karwacki from the Franciscan Friary. The cost of the Retreat is $160 and includes all meals and lodging. All reservations must be accompanied by a $60 non-refundable deposit. If you feel called to join us for this spiritual experience, please contact Harriett Teixeira at 301-924-2649. YOUTH DIRECTOR S COMMENTS Okay, I do have to comment on something that has really bothered me recently I may even make some enemies with this one Have you ever gotten one of those emails that says you have to pass it along to 10 people or something good (bad) will happen? Hmmmm I just received one that claimed bad luck because a picture of Jesus and Mary was not forwarded to 15 friends. In fact, two witnesses wrote about their experiences (lost son 2 days after getting email had a car wreck) Hmmmmm Is this really going to happen? Bad or good luck simply because we read an email? Better yet, is this really what we believe? What about God s love and compassion? The God I know has nothing to do with luck or fate. In fact, the God I know is all about giving mercy and unconditional love and care, which has nothing to do with this superstitious stuff in emails. There is a difference, too, between faith and superstition. Faith is the belief that, although we don t always have control over the things that happen to us, we can know that God will always stand by us, helping us through. Superstition is the feeling that doing a certain action or saying a certain word will bring about luck or will change our situation. Although our actions and choices are important (the choice to delete is a decision I am making more and more), the choice to rely on God, even when things are out of control, is something that we forget when we get caught up in these chance emails. So, do me a favor Hit the Delete button when you are sent these emails or when you are confronted with any superstition. I LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU. MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY: January 28: Survival Skills for Parents! in the Religious Ed Loft from 7-8:15pm February 1: HS CYM Open Gym from 7-10pm February 2-3: Parish Ministry Fair after all masses. Call Pat to help! ADULT CONFIRMATION The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Church, through which the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence, they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No.1285). If you are a baptized Catholic adult, but for one reason or another, have never received this Sacrament, and would now like to be Confirmed, St. Louis is happy to offer you the opportunity to do so. Please contact Lyle Weiss, Pastoral Associate, at the Parish Office for more information. YOUTH CONFIRMATION 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 Christine Loppatto (ctlrainbow@yahoo.com) or Pat Sprankle (psprankle@stlouisparish.org). UPCOMING EVENTS February 15 th Monthly Dinner. We will go to Stations of the Cross at 7pm in the Chapel and then go out to eat afterwards. February 22 nd Holy Hour in the Chapel at 7:30pm (after Stations of the Cross). Dinner and fellowship afterwards. Confirmation Information Meetings are being held on Tuesday, February 12 th or Tuesday, February 26 th from 7-8:30pm in the Howard Bishop Rooms. For more information please contact Kristen Daub at Kdaub@stlouisparish.org or 410-531-6668.
SCHOOL NEWS ST. LOUIS SCHOOL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2008 January 27 th February 1 st Catholic Schools Light the Way The 2008 theme is Catholic Schools Light the Way. The theme focuses on the leadership that Catholic Schools provide to our nation, producing graduates who light the way to a brighter future for all humankind. The theme also highlights the spiritual foundation of Catholic schools, for we are on The Way, a biblical term used to describe those who follow Jesus as disciples. The slogan, Catholic Schools Light the Way, reminds us that we are called to light the way to the kingdom for others even as we walk the way of discipleship and grow in faith ourselves. We have invited St. Louis graduates to speak at all of the masses the weekend of the 26 th and 27 th to share how their education at St. Louis School has helped them to light the way for others. Sunday, January 27 -Graduates will speak at all weekend masses -Open House for families of prospective students 2-4 pm Monday, January 28 -Catholic Schools Week liturgy at 8:30am in the church -Ice cream treats for all students, faculty, and staff in the afternoon Tuesday, January 29 -Parent Appreciation Day -Open House and pizza lunch for parents of currently enrolled students 9:15am 2:30pm Wednesday, January 30 -Student Appreciation Day -Out of Uniform Day -Talent Show 1:00-2:30pm in the gym Thursday, January 31 -Afternoon activities for students including the Catholic Schools Week Classic basketball games for grades 7 and 8 (boys play from 12:30 1:30pm and girls play from 1:30 2:30pm) students in grades K-6 will enjoy activities prepared by their teachers Friday, February 1 -Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day -8 th grade students teach the 1 st period classes for grades K-5 -Noon dismissal -Faculty and Staff luncheon provided by the Home-School Association Baking Committee Registration St. Louis School is currently accepting applications for the 2008/2009 school year for grades Pre-K to 8. If you are interested in applying for admission please call the school office 410-531-6664 or email stlouisschool@stlouisparish.org and we will be happy to send you an application. SHRINE OF ST. ANTHONY Recurring Events: Daily Mass, Monday thru Friday, 12 noon (Tuesday Mass includes the Novena to St. Anthony) Daily Evening Prayer, Monday thru Friday, 5pm 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) Upcoming Events: February 8, Re-enactment of the Way of the Cross, 7:30pm March 13, Seder Meal, 6pm Join us for our Annual Seder Meal adapted for Christians. It was during the Passover Meal that Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist. A lamb dinner will be served. Limit: 70-participants. Registration required and cost is $40. 11 th ANNUAL REMARRIED COUPLES WEEKEND How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to your Mate Join Fr. John Koziol, O.F.M. Conv., and the Re-Married Ministry of the Archdiocese of Baltimore for a weekend of spiritual reflection and renewal on February 15-17. Spend time together as well as enjoy the company of other remarried couples. The retreat will be held at Holy Trinity Spiritual Center, 8400 Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore and includes 2 nights lodging and all meals. Cost is $306 with a deposit of $50 and balance due February 1. Grants available. For information and registration call Kay LaHatte at 410-335-2897. TRAVELERS LOOKING FOR MASS TIMES To find church locations and Mass schedules while traveling or on vacation in the U.S.A., call 1-410-676-6000, or go to www.masstimes.org. 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.