August 17, 2014 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36608 Email: Church@CorpusChristiParish.com! Website: www.corpuschristiparish.com TELEPHONE NUMBERS Parish Office: 342-1852 Fax 342-6313 School Office: 342-5474, ext. 1 Fax 380-0325 Rel. Ed. Office: 342-5474, ext. 7 Fax 380-0325 Full-Day Care: 342-2424 Fax 343-3119 Youth Ministry: 342-1852 Fax 342-6313 PASTORAL STAFF Very Rev. James F. Zoghby, V.F., Pastor Rev. John S. Boudreaux, Associate Pastor Deacon Arthur W. Robbins, Deacon Sr. Donna Cooper, R.S.M., Visitation Chaplain Mrs. Linda M. Hawkins, Pastoral Assistant Mrs. Joan T. McMullen, School Principal Mrs. Kathleen Q. Jester, Parish Catechetical Leader Mrs. Judi B. Ankiewicz, R.C.I.A. Coordinator Mrs. Colleen DeVoe, Youth Ministry Co-Director Mrs. Brenda Martens, Youth Ministry Co-Director Mr. Matthew F. Purvis, Music Director Mr. C. Russell Kirkpatrick, Gym Manager TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER OF THE PARISH Please fill out a Census Form. Census Forms are available in the church vestibule and parish office. COMMUNITY CENTER RENTALS & SERVICES For rental information and kitchen services, please call the parish office at 342-1852 or 342-1420. SUNDAY MASSES Vigil: 5:30 p.m. Saturday Morning: 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. WEEKDAY MASSES 6:30 a.m.: Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m.: Monday through Saturday SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday: 5:00 p.m. and by request, particularly after the 6:30 & 8:15 a.m. weekday Masses. BAPTISM, MARRIAGE, ANOINTING OF SICK Please call the parish office (342-1852) or information and scheduling baptism, marriage, anointing of sick. ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (R.C.I.A.) Please see published schedule for specific dates and times, or call the parish office (342-1852). SUNDAY SCHOOL (C.C.D.) Grades K 12, Sundays during school year, 10:05-10:55 a.m. in school bldgs. SCHOOL, SACS-accredited for Grades 3K through 8. For info & registration, please call the school office. CHILD CARE CENTER, for 6-week to 2-yr. olds. For info & registration, please call 342-2424.
TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Confirmation Schedules For students to be confirmed in their Junior year in High School Confirmation has been set for this school year s 11 th Graders, who are the senior class of 2016. Senior Class of 2016 Sept. 14, 2014: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.., Spirit Day with sponsor. Sept. 28, 2014: 4-6 p.m. Confirmation interviews. Oct. 18, 2014: 10-11 a.m. Confirmation practice Oct. 21, 2014: 6 p.m. Confirmation Mass and reception. Today, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Adult Ed. Room Sunday School Registration & Parent Meeting (located on the 1 st Floor in the Community Center) Important Note: 2 nd Graders and 9 th Graders will need to bring a copy of their baptismal certificate. This will be a brief informational meeting, after which all will go to the classrooms to meet the teachers. Student Registration Forms and Volunteer Forms are also available online at www.corpuschristiparish.com/church: Click the Sunday School (CCD) tab in the left column on the church homepage. First day of classes: Next Sunday, Aug. 27. For more info please contact the parish office, 342-1852. Children s Liturgy of the Word Looking for volunteers for who will teach for one month, August to May. Sign-up sheet is in the vestibule. CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Help Wanted: Corpus Christi School needs people who enjoy working with K3 through 8th Grade students in our After-School Care Program. Duties include helping students with homework, supervising on the playground, and assisting with Arts/Crafts activities. The hours are 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. If you are interested, please call the school office at 342-5474 or email the principal at jmcmullen@corpuschristiparish.com. Thank you. Mass of the Holy Spirit: On Tuesday, Aug. 19, we will celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit asking God s blessing and inspiration at the start of our new school year. Parents, family members, friends and parishioners are welcome to join us for at this Mass. Partners in Education Corpus Christi Partners in Education, made up of businesses and individuals, contribute to the recognition of our Teachers, staff members and students during the school year. For our students, it s an opportunity to receive recognition for their outstanding performance in the classroom. This is a monthly recognition program that is administered by our principal, Mrs. McMullen. If you or your business would like to become part of this program, contact Mrs. McMullen (342-5474, ext. 1) or Richard March (401-0466). Our Church Bulletins are Online. Please note the instructive insert pages in our Sunday bulletins. More than 3 years worth of previous bulletins are available for viewing and/or printing at www.corpuschristiparish.com: (click the "Sunday Bulletin" tab on the left side of the Church home page. Senior Class of 2017 Aug. 25, 2014: Turn in a copy of your baptismal certificate. Oct. 26, 2014: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Spirit day. Lesson 6. Nov. 2, 2014: Turn in Confirmation name. Jan. 10, 2015: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visitation Mon. retreat. Lessons 2,3,4. May 18, 2015: Turn in Sponsors name. Aug. 9, 2015: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Spirit day. Lesson 8 Senior Cass of 2018 Aug. 26, 2014: 6:30 p.m. Parent meeting Oct. 12, 2014: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Welcome Mass, Lesson 1. Feb. 8, 2015: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Spirit Day. Lessons 5 & 7 Thanks to Jay Henley, Volunteer Gym Manager With much gratitude we express our thanks to Jay Henley for his generous and excellent service as our volunteer Gym Manager for the past four years. And we welcome and thank Russ Kirkpatrick for agreeing to continue this service as volunteer Gym Manager. Society of St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box, Food, Clothing donations put in the designated places in the vestibule are distributed by our St. Vincent de Paul Society. In-Need Drop Box next to the food pantry box in the vestibule. Fill out a card, and deposit it in the locked drop box. Your info will be held in strict confidence and a member of our society will contact you. Join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul by attending a meeting. Meetings: 1 st & 3 rd Wed., 6:30 p.m., Com. Ctr. Conf. Rm. (2 nd Flr.) To obtain assistance, call 432-5173 and leave name & phone no. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Meeting: 2 nd Tues., Sept.. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Parish House. Contact: Grand Knight, Cosmo Comiskey, 508-0547. Men of St. Joseph Tuesdays, 7 to 8 a.m. in the Family Room Also Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. in the Parish House All men are welcome to meet for prayer, reading the Gospel, and discussion. Info: Damian Bell, 639-2522 or 367-4486 or Damian@rockbwm.com. Wed Evening Info: Walter Bracewell, 599-1650 or walter.bracewell@yahoo.com Women of Mary Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Room 3 (2 nd Floor of the Community Center) All women are welcome to meet for prayer, reading the Gospel, and discussion. Info: Sr. Deborah Kennedy, R.S.M., 753-4872. Widowed Persons Support Group For information call parishioner Glen Porter at 666-8977.
CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH, MOBILE, ALABAMA AUGUST 17, 2014 Guide Book & Directory Advertising Opportunity We are in the process of updating Corpus Christi s annual Guide Book & Directory which will be mailed to all parishioners. The book and the mailing is provided at no cost to the parish. It is subsidized by local businesses that advertise in it. If you would like to find out about advertising in this book, please contact the parish office. Updating the Parish Roster Deadline: Wednesday, Aug. 20 If you have not received an email or letter, and want to be included as a registered member of Corpus Christi Parish, please contact the parish office at 342-1852 or at Church@CorpusChristiParish.com. Wednesday Night Dinner 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Banquet Hall $9.00 for Adults! $4.00 for Children (Age 12 & under) Aug. 20 ~ Stuffed Chicken, Blackened Fish, Orzo Pasta, Cajun corn Maque Choux, Sauteed Squash Medley, Oreo Delight. Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee. Kids: On request, Chicken Tenders & Fries. Must RSVP no later than TUESDAY EVENING Return an RSVP Card, or call 342-1852 or email WedNightDinner@CorpusChristiParish.com Used Textbook Drive Help the Tues. Night Bible Study Group raise funds for a new TV for the Parish House by selling current used textbooks online. Place used, current textbooks (Grade School through College, etc.) in the designated box in the vestibule. Info: Mary Ann Payne, 554-4211. PATRIARCHAL VISIT All are welcome to come to St. Elias Catholic Maronite Church, 836 8 th St. South in Birmingham for the visit of the Maronite Patriarch Bechara Peter Rai Sat.,, Sept. 13, for the Safro (Morning Prayer) at 9 a.m., followed by a free brunch in St. Elias Parish Hall. On the prior evening, Friday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m., the Patriarch will celebrate the Divine Liturgy (The Mass in the Maronite Rite), and those who wish may purchase tickets ($100/person) to attend a banquet after the Mass. For info and the ticket reservation form, call our chancery office at 434-1586 or email Chancery@MobileArchdiocese.org. Items Needed for Refugees The Refugee Resettlement Program of Catholic Social Services is in need of items for refugee families in transition to Mobile. If you can donate any of the items listed below, pick-ups can be arranged by contacting Erin Dunn (coordinator for pick-ups) at 251-432-2727 or at ErinOverSeas@gmail.com, or you can arrange a time to drop off items at 400 Government St.; 36602. Small Items Needed: Can openers, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, small/large waste baskets, trash bags, gallon-size ziplock bags, spray cleaner, brooms/dustpans, alarm clocks, light bulbs, shower curtains (and rings), twin & full-sized sheet sets, laundry detergent, pots & pans (like new), lamps with end table, kitchen utensils, mixing/serving bowls, baking dishes (in good condition). Large Items Needed: Coffee tables, love seats, desks, dressers (with mirrors if possible), microwave ovens, kitchen tables/chairs, couches, sofa chairs. Special Note: The CSS Refugee Program does NOT need and cannot take sleeper sofas, bunk beds, entertainment centers, mattresses, refrigerators, picture frames.) Breakfast Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. In the Banquet Hall Welcome, New Parishioners Alicia Carrubba BAPTIZED IN CHRIST Allie Grace Burkett & Sadie Ann Burkett (twin daughters of Daniel Josh Burkett & Jacqueline Ann Birchfield Burkett) Aubrey Alyse Franklin (daughter of Kenya Kwame Franklin & Amy Lynn Britton) Valentine Grace Thomas (daughter of Stephen Luke Thomas & Sutirat Nok Kanokangkoon Thomas) REST IN PEACE Gregory Allen Daoust Cecilia Street Flowers The flowers before the altar this weekend are placed in memory of Bill Nicholas on the 1 st anniversary of his death. Given by his family. Flowers The flowers before the altar last weekend were placed in memory of Robert Gillis on the 85 th anniversary of his birth. Given by Bill & Stephanie Gillis and family. Flowers The flowers before the pulpit last weekend were placed in memory of Jane Mahoney on the 1 st anniversary of her death. Given with love from all of her family. Thanks from the Little Sisters of the Poor: With gratitude, the Little Sisters of the Poor report the total amount given to them by Corpus Christi parishioners in our July 26-27 second collection: $6,177.95. FIRST COLLECTION TODAY for tithing offerings. SECOND COLLECTION TODAY for Home Missions. THE CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA COLLECTION FINAL: $2,132.90 AUGUST 10 TH BUILDING FUND DONATIONS & ONLINE: $1,057.40 AUGUST 10 TH TITHING COLLECTION & ONLINE: $21,995.82 Thank You and God Bless You God bless all who tithe and contribute to support God's work here at Corpus Christi, and those who make a special bequest in their will for Corpus Christi Church. For info, or to transfer shares of stock to Corpus Christi Church, contact your stockbroker, or call Steve Setterstrom at Citigroup Global Mkts. at 470-1060.
CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH, MOBILE, ALABAMA AUGUST 17, 2014 Offering Envelopes If you wish to use Offering Envelopes, just notify the parish office (342-1852). An initial set will be sent to you right away, and then, every two months, you will receive a two-month s supply of envelopes. Online Giving With Online Giving make a one-time contribution or set up a recurring automatic withdrawal from a checking or saving or credit card account: Use a computer, tablet or smartphone to go to www.corpuschristiparish.com; click Church ; then click the green Online Giving icon on the side left of the church s homepage. Follow the instructions to contribute to the tithing or building fund or special collections. For assistance, call 1-800-348-2886, ext 4, or the parish office, 342-1852. Starting Wednesday, Sept. 10 ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (R.C.I.A.) Continuing education for Catholic and other adults who would like to learn more about and/or join the Catholic Church. Meetings are in the Adult Ed. Room in the Community Center, Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wed., Sept. 18 Introductory Class: Everything you want to know about the Catholic Church but haven t been able to ask. Bring your questions! Ask, or drop them in our Question Box. This Mass, in one of our Eastern Rites, will fulfill your Sunday obligation. Catholic Maronite Rite Mass Sunday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m., here at Corpus Christi Church, celebrated by Chorbishop Richard D. Saad, pastor of St. Elias Catholic Maronite Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Register by Thursday, September 4! Called to Love Catholic Women s Conference Corpus Christi Church and Community Center Saturday, October 4, 2014 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 8:15 a.m. Mass with Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi $35 Registration Fee Register by September 4 Light Breakfast & Lunch Provided. For more information go to www.calledtolovemobile.com Since the Eucharist is the very heart of Sunday, it is clear why, from the earliest centuries, the Pastors of the Church have not ceased to remind the faithful of the need to take part in the liturgical assembly. A 3 rd century text known as the Didascalia urges: Leave everything on the Lord s Day and run diligently to your assembly, because it is your praise of God. Otherwise, what excuse will they make to God, those who do not come together on the Lord s Day to hear the word of life and feed on the nourishment which lasts forever? We should never forget the genuine heroism of priests and faithful who have fulfilled this obligation even when faced with danger and the denial of religious freedom, as can be documented from the first centuries of Christianity up to our own time. St. Justin (100-165) proudly described the Christian practice of Sunday assembly when, during the persecution of Diocletian, their assemblies were banned with greatest severity but many were courageous enough to defy the imperial decree and accepted death rather than miss the Sunday Eucharist. This was the case of martyrs in Abitina, Africa who told their accusers: Without fear of any kind, we have celebrated the Lord s Supper, because it cannot be missed; that is our law. One of the martyrs said: Yes, I went to the assembly, and I celebrated the Lord s Supper with my brothers and sisters, because I am a Christian. Even if in the earliest times it was not judged necessary to legislate the Sunday obligation, the Church since then has not ceased to confirm this obligation, which rises from the inner need felt so strongly by the Christians of the first centuries. The present Code of Canon Law says that on Sunday and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to attend Mass. This legislation has normally been understood as entailing a grave obligation: this is the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and it is easy to understand why if we keep in mind how vital Sunday is for the Christian life. St. John Paul II
Day of Prayer for Christians in Iraq and for all who are suffering from persecution and injustice in the Middle East Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi has forwarded a request from His Eminence Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, for a Day of Prayer especially remembering those in the Middle East who are suffering because of their faith. Bishop Richard Pates, Chair of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, has requested the parishes of our country to observe a Day of Prayer on Sunday, August 17. All parishes are urged to join in this Day of Prayer. The prayer, contained in Bishop Pates letter, is a prayer of those who are being persecuted in Iraq: Lord, The plight of our country is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening. Therefore, we ask you, Lord, to spare our lives, and to grant us patience and courage to continue our witness of Christian values with trust and hope. Lord, peace is the foundation of life. Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy. Glory be to you forever. Statement of the Director of the Press Office on behalf of the Holy Father (7 August 2014): The Holy Father is following with deep concern the dramatic news reports coming from northern Iraq, which involve defenseless populations. Christian communities are particularly affected; a people fleeing from their villages because of the violence that rages in these days, wreaking havoc on the entire region. At the Angeles prayer on July 20 th, Pope Francis cried with pain: Our brothers and sisters are persecuted, they are pushed out, forced to leave their homes without the opportunity to take anything with them. To these families and to these people I would like to express my closeness and my steadfast prayer. Dearest brothers and sisters so persecuted, I know how much you suffer, I know that you are deprived of everything. I am with you in your faith in Him who conquered evil! In light of these terrible developments, the Holy Father renews his spiritual closeness to all those who are suffering through this painful trial, and makes the impassioned appeals of the local bishops his own, asking together with them in behalf of their sorely tried communities, that the whole Church and all the faithful raise up with one voice a ceaseless prayer, imploring the Holy Spirit to send the gift of peace. His Holiness urgently calls on the international community to protect all those affected or threatened by violence, and to guarantee all necessary assistance especially the most urgently needed aid to the great multitude of people who have been driven from their homes whose fate depends entirely on the solidarity of others. The Pope also appeals to the conscience of all people, and to each and every believer he repeats: May the God of peace create in all an authentic desire for dialogue and reconciliation. Violence is not conquered with violence. Violence is conquered with peace! Let us pray in silence, asking for peace; everyone, in silence... Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us! (Angelus, July 20, 2014)
Pontifical Council speaks out against terror in the name of religion The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has issued a statement deploring the upsurge in violence in Iraq, calling on religious leaders, those involved in interfaith dialogue and on all men and women of good will, to unequivocally condemn terror in the name of religion. The Council also calls on religious leaders to exercise their influence with the authorities to end these crimes, to punish those who commit them and to reestablish the rule of law throughout the land, ensuring the return home of those who have been displaced. The whole world has witnessed with incredulity what is now called the Restoration of the Caliphate, which had been abolished on October 29, 1923 by Kamal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey. Opposition to this restoration by the majority of religious institutions and Muslim politicians has not prevented the Islamic State jihadists from committing and continue to commit unspeakable criminal acts. This Pontifical Council, together with all those engaged in interreligious dialogue, followers of all religions, and all men and women of good will, can only unambiguously denounce and condemn these practices which bring shame on humanity: - the massacre of people on the sole basis of their religious affiliation. - the despicable practice of beheading, crucifying and hanging bodies in public places. - the choice imposed on Christians and Yezidis between conversion to Islam, payment of a tax or forced exile. - the forced expulsion of tens of thousands of people, including children, elderly, pregnant women and the sick. - the abduction of girls and women belonging to the Yezidi and Christian communities as spoils of war. - the imposition of the barbaric practice of infibulation (extreme female genital mutilation). - the destruction of places of worship and Christian and Muslim burial places. - the forced occupation or desecration of churches and monasteries. - the removal of crucifixes and other Christian religious symbols as well as those of other religious communities. - the destruction of a priceless Christian religious and cultural heritage. - indiscriminate violence aimed at terrorizing people to force them to surrender or flee. No cause, and certainly no religion, can justify such barbarity. This constitutes an extremely serious offense to humanity and to God who is the Creator, as Pope Francis has often reminded. We cannot forget, however, that Christians and Muslims have lived together - it is true with ups and downs - over the centuries, building a culture of peaceful coexistence and civilization of which they are proud. Moreover, it is on this basis that, in recent years, dialogue between Christians and Muslims has continued and intensified. The dramatic plight of Christians, Yezidis and other religious communities and ethnic minorities in Iraq requires a clear and courageous stance on the part of religious leaders, especially Muslims, as well as those engaged in interreligious dialogue and all people of good will. All must be unanimous in condemning unequivocally these crimes and in denouncing the use of religion to justify them. If not, what credibility will religions, their followers and their leaders have? What credibility can the interreligious dialogue that we have patiently pursued over recent years have? Religious leaders are also called to exercise their influence with the authorities to end these crimes, to punish those who commit them and to reestablish the rule of law throughout the land, ensuring the return home of those who have been displaced. While recalling the need for an ethical management of human societies, these same religious leaders must not fail to stress that the support, funding and arming of terrorism is morally reprehensible. That said, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue is grateful to all those who have already raised their voices to denounce terrorism, especially that which uses religion to justify it. Let us therefore unite our voices with that of Pope Francis: May the God of peace stir up in each one of us a genuine desire for dialogue and reconciliation. Violence is never defeated by violence. Violence is defeated by peace.