Parish Office (863) 453-4757 Fax (863) 453-2620 5th Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018 Parish Office Hours Monday through Friday 9 AM to 2:30 PM Pastor Fr. Nicholas McLoughlin Assisting Clergy Fr. Gerald Grogan Pastor Emeritus Fr. Leo Frechette Deacon Fred Simon Schedule of Masses Saturday Confession 3:30 PM English 6:30 PM Spanish Vigil Mass 4 PM English 7 PM Spanish Sunday 8 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Days Vigil Mass 5:30 PM 8 & 10:30 AM Daily Mass Monday-Friday 8 AM First Friday Mass and Holy Hour 8 AM Visit us on the web! www.ologap.org Fifth Sunday of Easter
Page 2 Our Lady of Grace Dear parishioners: The distinctive characteristic of Catholic Spirituality is that it is a Spirituality of the Imagination. That means that we use images as doors or windows into the mystery of Jesus teaching. This is why the Catholic Church has given us the greatest art, sculpture, stained glass and music. It has always been up to the present century the great patron of the arts. Why does Catholic Spirituality use images so much to penetrate the mysteries of Jesus teaching? Because Jesus does. You have a perfect illustration of that in today s Gospel in the parable of the Vine and Branches which Jesus uses to help us understand something of the mystery of intimacy and communion which exists between Jesus and the Christian. It is sometimes referred to as a Mystical union or a Mystical Body. Jesus uses sixty images we call them parables in all four Gospels as windows or doors into the mystery of our relationship with God, in and through Jesus. St. Paul picked up on that when he referred to the Church as The Mystical Body of Christ. You find a description in Paul s first letter to the vibrant Christian Community in Corinth when he writes: As the body is one though it has many parts, and all of the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ Now you are parts of Christ s body, and individually parts of it (1Cor 12: 12 & 27). Jesus uses the image of the Vine and the branches to illustrate the mystical union communion between him and the Christian. St. Paul sums it up this way, I live now, no longer I, but Christ lives in me. Next weekend, a number of children will receive Jesus in Communion for the first time. They will enter into this most intimate union with Jesus for the first time. We refer to this union as communion a derivative from a Latin word meaning being-one-with, in this instance, being onewith-jesus. To express the intimacy of this union, this friendship, Jesus uses the image of the vine and the branches - they are one. This begins a special friendship. Here is how John describes it: I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is about. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything the Father has told me. (John 15:15). First Communion will begin a special personal friendship with Jesus. As children begin their lives, it is important that they have good friends to accompany and support them. Jesus will be their best friend when they receive him in Holy Communion for the first time next Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. To keep that most intimate of friendships alive, parents will need to bring their children to Church every weekend to sustain this friendship with Jesus. Let us keep these children in prayer this week. Father Nick.
5th Sunday of Easter Page 3 Peffer, Orlando Nardone, Maria Guerrero, Mary Litwinski, Norma George, Fred Bruno, Loumella Faust, Paul Brazenski, Donald McCormack, Lester Reinbolt, and John Lacenski, Patricia Borst. Mrs. Lane. Bill & Mary Ann Patterson, William LaPeer. Confessions after mass. Church Service Center Collection May 5/6 The Church Service Center (CSC) assists close to 600 families every month, representing between 1,200 and 1,500 poor people in Avon Park. We ask you to bring non-perishable food to Church nest weekend to all masses for the CSC. The second collection, which we take after communion, helps those who come to the CSC with electric and water bills and with rent and mortgage payments. Thank you for your support. First Friday Mass & Exposition of Blessed Sacrament May 4th The 8 a.m. mass on Friday, May 4 th, will be followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament which will conclude with Benediction at 9 a.m. It is a prayerful way to spend time with Jesus. 8 a.m. Memorial Mass, 1 st Saturday, May 5th The 8 a.m. Mass on the First Saturday of every month is offered as a memorial mass for deceased benefactors of Our Lady of Grace Parish. They include: Sarah McDonald, Francis & Audrey Bring Box Tops for St. Catherine s School St. Catherine Catholic Grade School in Sebring, Grades PreK 6, is off to a new school flying start with 185 students enrolled, an increase of 65 students over last year. The school is collecting General Mills Box tops. It receives a dime for each one. It uses the proceeds to purchase items for the school. Bring Box Tops to Church at all masses next weekend, May 5/6 and drop them off at main entrance to the Church. Knights of Columbus Breakfast/Brunch, Sunday May 13th, 8 a.m. to 12 noon The Knights of Columbus will host its breakfast and brunch On Sunday, May 13th, 8 a.m. until 12 noon, in the Grogan Center. The cost is $7 per person; children under 12 eat free. Come & bring your friends. The K of C will also serve a complimentary breakfast/brunch to the graduates, their families and friends after the Graduation Mass.
Page 4 Our Lady of Grace Our Lady of Grace Ladies Guild Check Presentations From left, pictured with Father Nick McLoughlin, Pastor, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church are: Andrea Fennell, Client Advocate, Peace River Domestic Violence Center; Rhonda Beckman, CEO, Ridge Area Arc; Debbie Augusta, President, Our Lady of Grace Women s Guild; and Priscilla Preece, Executive Director, Samaritan s Touch Care Center. Debbie Augusta, President of OLG Women s Guild, presented checks of $1,000 each to Peace River Domestic Violence Center, Ridge Area Arc, and Samaritan s Touch Care Center on April 23, 2018. She presented a check for $10,000 to OLG Parish for new rug in the Church. The Mission of OLG Women's Guild is to serve the needs of the parish family by supporting the work of its many ministries and to serve the surrounding community while enhancing spiritual growth and fellowship among its members. In addition to its service to the parish, the Guild strives to reach out to women and children in need through specific programs and projects in conjunction with parish ministries and other worthy activities not served by those ministries. The Mission of the Peace River Center is to reduce the incidence of sexual violence and domestic/family violence, as well as promote safety and a higher quality of life through shelter services, supportive programming, counseling, advocacy, education and outreach to Polk, Hardee and Highlands s counties. The Mission of Ridge Area Arc is to serve and advocate for individuals with developmental and other disabilities, so they may have the opportunity to choose and realize their goals. Arc s vision is to be the best consumer-focused provider of services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Highlands and the surrounding counties. Samaritan s Touch Care Center is a faith-based charitable healthcare center in Highlands County offering free primary and specialized medical, dental and vision care to uninsured financially struggling families who have no medical insurance of any kind and whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Since opening in May 2007, Samaritan s Touch Care Center (STCC) has grown to offer a broad scope of medical services, among them: primary care visits and treatments; lab work and imaging diagnostics; prescription medications advanced care in certain specialties; comprehensive cancer care; vision care; dental care; health education; mental health counseling; and emotional and spiritual support. Thank you, OLG Women s Guild.
5th Sunday of Easter Page 5 St. Catherine Catholic Grade School, Sebring Grades PreK 7 St. Catherine Catholic Grade School, grades PreK 6 will add an additional grade this year grade 7. The enrollment this past year, its first year in the New School, increased from 120 to 190, an increase of 70 students. The School expects to see a noticeable increase in enrollment for the forthcoming year, with the addition of an additional grade, grade 7. Students play in St. Catherine Grade School 120 of the 190 students have received all or partial Tax Free Vouchers. A student, whose family makes less than $46,000 is eligible to receive a $6,000 tax free voucher, which pays for most of their tuition. It is important to register as soon as possible because the tax vouchers go to whoever applies first. There is a sliding scale for a partial tax voucher for parents who make in excess of $46,000 per year. For additional information contact the school office. The school is accepting registration for enrollment for the fall classes. To register, call (863)385-7300. Mr. Jorge Rivera is the school principal. PreK 3 & PreK 4 use the slide for exercise For the most recent updates please monitor the following services: St. Catherine Catholic School s Flocknote Page www.flocknote.com St. Catherine Catholic School Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ St.CatheSchool/ St. Catherine Catholic School Website www.stcatheschool.org
Page 6 MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY APRIL 28 4:00 pm + Denise McKeon by Diann Voelker. + Sister Joanne Monticello by Mary Powell. 7:00 pm + Roberto & Juan Marin by Marin Family. SUNDAY APRIL 29 8:00 am + Pauline Cooper by Betty Schwind. 10:30 am + Jennifer McDonald by Family. MONDAY APRIL 30 8:00 am + Special Intention for Pat Martin by Bob & Joan Mack. TUESDAY MAY 1 8:00 am + Fr. John Mulranen by Mary Powell. WEDNESDAY MAY 2 8:00 am + Nancy Brihn by Ralph & Judy Todino. THURSDAY MAY 3 8:00 am Spec. Intention for Mary & Alan Powell FRIDAY MAY 4 8:00 am + Joan Roche by Neal Roche. + Mary, Thomas & John Casey by Maureen Castine. SATURDAY MAY 5 8:00 am Benefactors of the Parish, Sarah McDonald, Francis & Audrey Peffer, Orlando Nardone, Maria Guerrero, Mary Litwinski, Norma George, Fred Bruno, Loumella Faust, Paul Brazenski, Donald McCormack, Lester Reinbolt, and John Lacenski, Patricia Borst. Mrs. Lane. Bill & Mary Ann Patterson, William LaPeer. 4:00 pm + Theresa Gies by Daughter 7:00 pm + Efrain Cardona by Rosa Diaz SUNDAY MAY 6 8:00 am + Ardell Klosterman by Doran & Mary Nell Batterton. 10:30 am + The Fecik Family by a friend. + Betty Harvey by Paul & Justine Devlin. Our Lady of Grace FOR THE SICK OF THE PARISH Claudette Laverriere Jade Jackson Ray Stebbins Glenna Thompson Patricia Martin Lise Sevigny Gregory Syfert Andres Clavijo J.R. Lejeune Patty Meegan Gerald Martin Gerald Ott And for those who care for the sick, for the deceased member s and benefactors of the parish, and for our loved ones. MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Husbands & Wives: Time Together!! A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a private weekend full of fresh love, rebirth, romance, passion and new beginnings. All married couples deserve a richer, fuller life together. The next weekend is at OLPH retreat center in Venice, FL, May 4-6 th. Space is limited, so apply early! For more information about taking a private time away, check out flwc-wwme.org or call 813-270-7832. SPANISH PRAYER MEETING The Adult Spanish Prayer meeting is held in the Youth Center on Friday at 7:00 pm. ENGLISH CLASSES English classes for Spanish speaking people are offered free of charge on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday beginning at 6:00 pm. Come to the Religious Education Building and you can register on Monday or Tuesday evening with the instructor. PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA & LOURDES A pilgrimage is scheduled for 10 days, October 14-23, 2018. Trip arranged by Collette Travel. Bus Transportation included to and from Avon Park to Orlando. Time is running out to reserve a space on this trip. For More Information call Bob or Joan Mack at 863-453-2638
Staff & Ministries Administrative Assistant Betty Heiring betty.heiring@ologap.org Religious Education Judy Nugent Angie Heiring angie.heiring@ologap.org (863) 453-7537 Music Gene Ryan music@olog.us Associate Youth Director Angie Heiring (863) 453-7537 Prayer Group Kevin Murphy Women s Guild Debbie Augusta - President (863) 385-8872 Respect Life Dick & Marie Carlson (863) 471-2134 Parish Council President Judy Pounds Vice President Piedad Sarmiento- Noriega Secretary Judy Nugent Members Debbie Augusta Maureen Cool Darlyne Devany John Paul Heston Jim McGann Karen Hecker Tina Starling Teresa Torres John Wolbert The word Eucharist comes from a Greek word which means to give thanks. We thank the parents of our first communicants for bringing them to Sunday school over the past two years to help them to come to know Jesus better and to enter into an intimate friendship with him in Holy Communion. The Eucharist an intimate personal relationship with Jesus is food for the journey of life. We thank our students for persevering in their personal preparation for this very special relationship and friendship with Jesus. We thank their teachers who give of their time to help the children to come to know who Jesus is and to enter into a special friendship with Jesus in Holy Communion. Especially, we thank Jackie Jackson and her aides, Jade Jackson and Diana Torres. May God bless and reward all of you.