EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk Next Wednesday is “Ash Wednesday”. Yes Lent is here and the time for us to do the spiritual exercises of Lent are now upon us. As I have stated once before it is good for us to recall the differences between the two penitential seasons of the Church; Advent and Lent. It is usually agreed that Lent seems to carry a more serious posture and urgency over the penitential posture of Advent. Our spiritual posture during the Season of Advent is one of joyful expectation. We are longing for the coming of the promised Savior. Our penitential practices reflect an attitude of preparation for this long awaited Savior who is our Messiah: Our Lord Jesus Christ. We acknowledge and confess our sinfulness so that our hearts will be open and prepared to welcome our Savior. Turning our minds to the Season of Lent we have a different penitential posture. Once the Savior is in our midst something starts to develop in our hearts. As we listen to the teachings of Jesus things start to get personal. The words of Jesus settle deep within our mind and heart and we begin to experience a sort of discomfort because of our sinfulness. As the season continues we turn our focus to the Paschal Mystery: the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. We start to see how our sinfulness has contributed to His suffering and death. We consider that our sinfulness has been brought to the cross of Christ. Our Savior suffered and died for OUR SINS. If we are open to it, this season becomes very personal. Our Advent waiting for the coming of a Savior is filled with the element of joyful welcoming. However once our Savior is in our midst something very different begins to happen in our lives. It is similar to parents awaiting their firstborn child. Once the child is born the real responsibility of parenting begins. As the Christian community we are called to be attentive to this Lenten Season. We must prepare ourselves to engage in the penitential practices of Lent. We have all played a role in the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Our examination of conscience, in light of the teachings of Jesus, directly deals with our personal and communal sinfulness. Now we have to deal with how our Lord and Savior suffered and died for all of us. The tone is different. There is something very sober about this Lenten Season. We need to make a serious effort to keep and maintain a somber posture during this holy season. There are a number of proposed practices that we engage during this holy season. These practices can be called the penitential disciplines of Lent. It is often the practice for a Catholic to do something or to “give something up for Lent.” In the practice of self-denial we should turn our attention toward something of which we are overly attached and is not essential in itself. Some people abstain from alcohol, tobacco, television, candy, snacking between meals, etc. It does not seem to be a big deal, and no one is going to be condemned if they fail at this exercise. However these tell us a great deal about ourselves. If we were to try something simple like giving up snacking between meals and then fail in this endeavor, I would say that this is good since it points to something about ourselves. It is in the failure of simple things that tend to be the most revelatory about ourselves. It is good to know our weaknesses. It is also important to know that it is in our failures we can find the redeeming grace of God. In our practices of self-denial we can also discover that over a period of time we have taken many things for granted. We may also find that we have become lazy about self-discipline in certain matters. When we add a spiritual element to the mix it may very well tell us a great deal about our spiritual selfdiscipline. Do we suffer from “spiritual sloth”? Laziness in our
spiritual life, the infrequency of prayer and the practice of the faith leads to the gradual decline into spiritual indifference and faithlessness. With the right focus and attitude, Lent can be a great opportunity to rekindle the flame of faith in our lives. Looking at something that one could do, especially for those who are able, would be to make an effort to attend daily mass. This is a good positive activity to do throughout the Lenten season. Attending daily mass is a great source of grace during this holy season. Please make an effort to join us if you are able. Even if it is only one extra day during the week, this is a good thing and reflects a desire to grow in holiness. Note well the weekly mass schedule. You can also check the weekday mass schedule at St. Thomas. I believe they also have a noon mass during the week. With this in mind, please pick up a copy of the “Word Among Us”. Copies are available at the doors of the Church. The readings for mass, weekday and Sundays, are in this little book. If one cannot get to mass at least one can read the readings for the day. The readings for mass are all oriented to the penitential season leading us to the celebration of Easter. Having a copy of the “Word Among Us” at home can also be a means for making extra time for prayer. If you are looking for something to help you with your private prayer you can always read the readings that are set for daily mass. At least you are reading with the Catholic Church by participating in readings of day: a great way to be in communion with the Church. Again, no one will be condemned if they don’t make an effort to spend more time in prayer. We do not want to argue the point at that level: we do not want to be minimalist in these matters. Either we are serious about our spiritual life or we are not. In reality we should be asking what more can we do. As a parish community we have another opportunity to spend some added time in prayer. We will pray the “Stations of the Cross” on Friday evenings. This is a simple thing that is not impossible to do. We can do this. Again, you are encouraged and most welcome to join us. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered more often throughout the Lenten Season. Times will vary to accommodate the needs of the parish. I will offer a variety of times on some mornings, afternoons and evenings. Please check the bulletin for details. This is also a good time for those families who will have a child preparing for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Those children making their First Reconciliation are encouraged to come during the Lenten Season. It is encouraged that the family come to the Sacrament together. This is another Lenten practice that is not impossible. This is a good practice that sets a good example for the children. It reinforces the importance of the Sacraments of the Church in our lives as well as being important for the Catholic Family. Children will follow their parents when it comes to the practice of the faith as well as things that are important in their lives. It should also be noted the Church’s regulations concerning Fasting and Abstinence during the Lenten season. Abstinence from meat (red meat and fowl) is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen (14) years and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. This obligation prohibits the eating of meat. Fasting means: limiting oneself to one full meal on a given fast day. Catholics who are eighteen (18) years of age but not yet fifty-nine (59) are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On fast days, two additional smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. However, the two smaller meals together may not equal one full meal. Moreover, eating solid foods between meals on fast days is not permitted. No snacking!
FEBRUARY 26, 2017 Again, Fasting and Abstinence are not impossible things to do. We can do this. It almost seems silly to have to explain fasting and abstinence, but there will always be someone who would like to know what exactly is expected: again the minimalist argument. An individual can get legal about this particular discipline. It usually is an indication that one doesn’t want to fast and abstain: trying to find a loophole or an excuse to get out of it. However, if it is a sacrifice, done out of love for God and a sign that one is sorry for personal sinfulness and spiritual sloth, then no explanation is necessary. It is what it is: a pious, devout and personal expression of sorrow for our sins (penance), our desire to grow in our love of God and a desire to change our lives. Selfdenial is a sacrifice we are willing to make as a sign of our desire for greater conversion. If someone wants to argue about these things then the point is lost. I know that many are looking for something to do during the Lenten Season. The above mentioned items are good suggestions. They may not seem like much. They are not burdensome. But they are effective. In the larger scope of things we know that we cannot make great sacrifices in life if we are not able to observe the smaller practices. Lastly, we will have a Lenten Parish Mission starting the weekend of March 11-12 through Wednesday March 15. Plan ahead. More on this in the weeks ahead. Have a great week. Father Ralko Note well: the Mass schedule for Ash Wednesday. Masses here are at 8:10 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Church Support FEBRUARY 19, 2017 OFFERTORY Diocesan Tax Fenwick Subsidy Rosecrans subsidy Available for Parish Operations Parish Operating Expenses Religious Education Expenses Other Income Weekly surplus
$11,204.00 ($650.00) ($3,060.00) ($290.00) $7,204.00 ($8,200.00) ($800.00) $2,300.00 $504.00
May God bless you for supporting your parish
Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week IV of the Liturgy of the hours.
We pray for the following who have died recently: Daniel L. Bennett Myrna Snider Confirmation Mini Retreats For Confirmation Candidates, Parents, and Sponsors Ministry and Mission-Tuesday, March 7, 2017 6:00– 8:00 p.m. St. Nicholas Church Social Hall (Basement) Pizza will be served
ZANESVILLE CATHOLIC TEENS NEWS BEAUTIFUL (AND BRAVE) Sunday, February 26TH 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Girls ages 13 to 18 are invited to an ALL GIRL RETREAT Guest Speakers Stephanie Bridwell and Anna Purkey Lunch is provided St. Nicholas Teen Center. The event is free; however students are encouraged to RSVP. Please call (740) 683-6450 to reserve your seat! 2017 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) November 16-19 in Indianapolis "Called: Llamados" The three-day event has been described by youth, priests, and other adults as faith-filled, action-packed, and fun! During the conference the participants experience some of the most amazing liturgies and prayer experiences, clean entertainment and great speakers, such as Steve Angrisano from the 2016 Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference, Paul J. Kim from the 2017 Bosco Bash, and Chris Stefanick from the Reboot! LIVE! Registration must be made by March 13, 2017 contact Patty for more information (740) 453-5173. Check out the promotional video at NCYC 2017 - Bishop Caggiano
WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY GROUP REMINDER: Women’s Spirituality Group will meet this Monday at 3:30 p.m. in the parish office. CATHOLIC MEN’S LUNCHEON CLUB MARCH 3 – The next Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club will feature James Foley, President of Columbus Cristo Rey High School. Please join us on Friday, March 3 at St. Patrick Church in downtown Columbus. Holy Mass begins at 11:45 a.m. followed by lunch and Jim’s presentation about Cristo Rey until about 1:00 p.m. No reservations are necessary and $10.00 covers the lunch and meeting. Bring a friend! For information on Catholic Men’s Luncheons, visit CatholicMensMinistry.com or contact Tim Merkle, CMLC President at
[email protected]. All parishioners are invited to join in the Pastoral Care Lenten Greeting Card Project again this year. Valentine Day cards were mailed to the parish homebound and to all Catholics living at a nursing home or an assisted living residence. Other mailings will occur during Lent, Easter, summer, autumn, and Christmas. Birthday cards are sent to all senior parishioners. Card donations are needed for all of these mailings. Cards with spiritual messages are used for Easter and Christmas. Volunteers can add appropriate messages to blank greeting cards. A basket has been placed in the church vestibule for your card donations. Other ways to participate include monetary donations for postage stamps or cards. Money gifts maybe placed in an envelope identified for Lenten Greeting Card Project and then added to the collection basket. Thank you for your caring actions. Just like Jesus shared his Father’s love for people by healing the sick, you are sharing God’s love with those who cannot join us at Sunday Mass. If a member of your family is homebound and you have not notified the parish office, please do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the project please call Cathleen Dew at 740-452-2947 or Rosalyn Headington at 740-454-0274.
EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Parish Mission LIVING THE GIFT OF GOD’S MERCY
March 13 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Accepting the Gift of God’s Mercy
God’s personal love for each person Removing the Barriers to accepting God’s love The never ending forgiveness of God The all inclusive mercy of God
March 14 7:00- 8:00 p.m. Sharing the Gift of God’s Mercy
The freeing power of forgiveness Letting go of life’s hurts The Challenge of reconciliation Empowered to forgive by God’s grace
March 15 7:00- 8:00 p.m. Witnessing to the Gift of God’s Mercy
Being living signs of God’s Mercy Being the compassionate Body of Christ Compassion as gratitude for God’s mercy Our Mission to make the Kingdom of God come alive
Fr. Andy O’Reilly, C.PP.S.
M.Div. from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Studied at Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California. Popular preacher with experience as seminary formation director and nearly 25 years as pastor of parishes throughout the country.
FEBRUARY 26, 2017 LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. March 1, 2017- Ash Wednesday Wednesday, March 1 @ 7:00 p.m. Lector: Janis Maziar, Diane Hoffer Server: Nicholas Hoffer, Christina Rozsa Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Alan Burns Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Vicki Burns, Betsy Skrobot Eucharistic Minister: David Skrobot, Gerald Tiberio, Claire Tiberio, Margaret Kronenbitter March 5, 2017- First Sunday of Lent Saturday, March 4 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Paul Nestor, Nancy Susa Server: Wesley Nestor, Ronald Davis Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Don Susa Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Molly Ritchey, Paul Ritchey Eucharistic Minister: Larry Taylor, Pauline Davis, Charlotte Snider, Dan Snider Sunday, March 5 @ 7:30 a.m. Lector: Stephanie Bridwell, Rocky Rowe Server: David Eppley Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Patrick Durant Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Philip Kocoloski, Carolyn Arnold Eucharistic Minister: Sandy Black Sunday, March 5 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Jim Gable, Wendy Hart Server: Justin Hart, Nathan Hart Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Michael Drake Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Janis Maziar, Chris Drake Eucharistic Minister: Rosalyn Headington, John Haswell, Linda Haswell, Jeff Shawger Sunday, March 5 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Keena Hansel, Patti Logan Server: Christina Rozsa, Justin Ewart Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Karen Hardman Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Judy Hamilton, Jim McKee Eucharistic Minister: Mary Mirgon, Dodi Sealock, Jim Pottmeyer, Kevin McCarthy
Our thoughts and prayers remain with those serving our country at this time and with their loved ones at home. We pray for a safe homecoming and that the world may one day be at peace. PLEASE REMEMBER ST. NICHOLAS PARISH IN YOUR WILL. CALL THE PARISH OFFICE AT 453-0597 FOR MORE DETAILS. Please join us each Monday at St. Nicholas Church at 2:00 P.M. as we gather to pray the Rosary asking Our Lady’s Intercession for the many needs of our nation, community, and parish.
What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, February 27 8:00 a.m., Mass: Linda Lasure Smith, Church 5:30 p.m., Sign Language Class, Parish Office
TUESDAY, February 28 8:00 a.m., Mass: Irene Dillon, Church
WEDNESDAY, March 1, Ash Wednesday 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Marcella “Sally” Fleer, Church 7:00 p.m., Mass: Mary Jo Dooley, Church R.C. I. A. after Mass, Parish Office, lower level
THURSDAY, March 2 8:00 a.m., Mass: Joanne Burson, birthday, Church
FRIDAY, March 3, World Day of Prayer Adoration until 4:00 p.m., Church 8:00 a.m., Mass: Henry Sulens, Church 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross, Church
1st SUNDAY OF LENT SATURDAY, March 4, St. Casmir 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m., Mass: Linda Lasure Smith, Church
SUNDAY, March 5 7:30 a.m., Mass: Mary Jo Dooley, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:45 a.m., Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Clarence Hupp, birthday, Church
Readings for Week of February 27, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . .
Sir 35:1-12 Sir 35:1-12 Jl 2:12-18
Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Dt 30: 15-20 Is 58: 1-9a Is 58: 9b-14 Gn 2:7-9, 3:1-7
Mk 10:17-27 Mk 10:28-31 Mt 6:1-6, 1618 Lk 9:22-25 Mt 9: 14-15 Lk 5:27-32 Mt 4:1-11
INCOME TAX If you would like to have a record of your donations to the Church for tax purposes, please fill in your envelope number, name and address or email and place it in the collection basket. A statement will be sent to you. Envelope No._____________________________ Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________or Email address____________________________
