SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk It has been a difficult time for the Catholic community of Zanesville over the past few weeks. We have received the news that the Dominican Fathers will be leaving St. Thomas Church. We have grieved with those who have mourned the loss of loved ones. We have mourned and prayed for the young and the old; the well-known and the less known among us. We continue to pray for the repose of the souls of our departed brothers and sisters as well for those who mourn their loss. This past week we lay to rest one of our parish Deacons: Deacon Gene Staker. Deacon Gene was a kind and thoughtful servant of the Church. Deacon Gene passed away last Saturday morning at the Morrison House Hospice. Deacon Gene fought a long and difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease. He suffered greatly as he slowly let-go of his independence and became more dependent upon others, most especially his beloved wife Mary Lou. For those who knew him well, this was monumental because Deacon Gene was a strong and independent man. As followers of Jesus Christ we suffer many crosses during our lives; Deacon Gene suffered many setbacks over the last few years as he carried his cross along his difficult journey to the Lord. Robert Eugene Staker was born on June 27, 1936 at the family farm in Duncan Falls. Gene and Mary Lou were married on July 19, 1975 and were the parents of three children: Douglas, Kama and Kerby. Gene was ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop James A. Griffin on May 28, 1983. He served here at St. Nicholas until his employment took him to Mobile, Alabama in 1984. I remember those days when he and Mary Lou sadly made the decision to move to Alabama. However, Deacon Gene was able to minister as a Deacon at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Upon his retirement he and Mary Lou returned to St. Nicholas in 1998. Deacon Gene resumed his ministry here and Mary Lou became our parish director of Faith Formation. Over the last five years, because of declining health due to Parkinson’s Deacon Gene had to reluctantly let go of many of his ministries. He remained busy as much as possible especially, along with Mary Lou, visiting shut-ins, nursing homes and the hospital. Many appreciated his kindness, patience, listening skills and wise responses. Under the cross of Parkinson’s Deacon arrived with his Savior at Mount Calvary on Saturday morning March 4, 2017 at Morison House Hospice. We now do our Christian duty by praying for the repose of his soul. We also keep Mary Lou and her family in our prayers during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen. This weekend we welcome Fr. Andy O’Reilly who will be preaching our parish mission this week. Fr. Andy will be speaking at all the masses this weekend giving an introduction to the Mission Talks. He will then be speaking on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. The topic of the Mission is “Living the Gift of God’s Mercy.” This is a topic that is close to the heart of our Holy Father Pope Francis. The talks are titled; “Accepting the Gift of God’s Mercy”, “Sharing the Gift of God’s Mercy” and “Witnessing the Gift of God’s Mercy”. I encourage everyone to come and join us for an evening of prayer and Lenten reflections on The Gift God’s Mercy. See you at the Mission. Have a Blessed Week. Father Ralko
Church Support MARCH 5, 2017 OFFERTORY $14,812.00 Diocesan Tax ($650.00) Fenwick Subsidy ($3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy ($290.00) Available for Parish Operations $10,812.00 Parish Operating Expenses ($8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses ($800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly surplus $4,112.00 May God bless you for supporting your parish
Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week II of the Liturgy of the hours.
We pray for those who have died recently: Mary Lou Roessler Deacon Robert (Gene) Staker Teresa Tracey ZANESVILLE CATHOLIC TEENS NEWS All are invited to join the students for breakfast, Sunday, March 12 in the St. Nicholas Church basement following all Masses. Students should arrive at 7:00 a.m. to help with set up. 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
BISHOP ROSECRANS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MULCH SALE The annual sale is going on now with a choice of five varieties of mulch at $5.00 per bag. Choices are: pine bark, cypress, hardwood, mini nuggets and red mulch. Forms may be picked up at Bishop Rosecrans High School or at the Knight of Columbus Hall. The last date to order is April 1. For more information contact Marvin Paul at 453-4482. Thank you for your support of the Bishop Rosecrans athletic program.
MARCH 12, 2017 SADIE CORRY PILGRIMAGE TO CAREY We will leave from the K of C in Sunrise Center, Zanesville at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3rd and return about 6:45 p.m. Cost is $25.00 and you may purchase your lunch at the cafeteria. Paid reservations are needed by Monday, April 3rd. Make checks payable to Margaret Kronenbitter, 2700 Wayne Ridge Rd., Zanesville, OH 43701. For information call Mary Murphy at 4524454 or Margaret at 453-7657.
Looking for a way to serve in 2017? Engaged couples in our diocese need your help! Volunteer to serve on the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Team as a speaker and presenter. Present virtues-based topics to engaged couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. If you are currently married, and have wisdom and experience to share, you already qualify! For more information, contact Kathleen Hall at
[email protected] or 614-241-2560.
Bishop Fenwick School has openings for an Intervention Specialist and a Physical Education teacher. Please contact Principal, Kelly Sagan at
[email protected]. HOSPICE FUNDRAISER The Follies Family is a totally volunteer non-profit organization that produces an annual variety show with local talent. All proceeds go to help cover the cost of hospice care for people in financial need. The 2017 performance is titled “Follies Rock”. The show will feature rock music from the 50’s to present. The Follies Family would like to invite you to join them for a fun filled show. You can cheer on your neighbors and fellow parishioners while raising money to help people in their hour of need. Show date and times are March 18th at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available now at Secrest Auditorium or online at www.ticketleap.com. Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA The Daughters of Isabella seek to promote the welfare of the community in accordance with the teachings and rules of the Catholic Church through unity, friendship and charity. All women age 16 and up are welcome to join us. The next meeting is Tuesday, March 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Parish Office.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS #505 The K of C will hold a fish fry every Friday throughout Lent. Lager battered or baked cod with 2 sides $8.50.
Spring clean up –Mt. Olive Cemetery will begin cleaning off wintertime decorations in preparation for mowing at the end of March. Families are advised to remove any personal keepsakes they wish to retain before March 31.
Don't miss the 2017 "Bishops Ball Fundraiser" Delicious food, tasty beverages, fantastic auction items, great DJ, tons of fun... $50/person $550/corporate table This event is open to all so please share to help support Bishop Rosecrans High School! Please RSVP by March 10th by sending name and payment to Rosecrans, 1040 E Main St, Zanesville, Ohio 43701. PARISH MISSION REMINDER 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
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. March 19, 2017- Third Sunday of Lent Saturday, March 18 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Sharon Coen, Matthew Pitcock Server: Rex Hankinson, Luke Pratt Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Charlotte Snider Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Margaret Kronenbitter, Don Susa Eucharistic Minister: Dan Snider, Mary Mirgon, Karen Robinson, Judi Peterson Sunday, March 19 @ 7:30 a.m. Lector: Paul Nestor, Diane Hoffer Server: David Eppley Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Marvin Paul Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Carol Kohler, Nancy Thompson Eucharistic Minister: Patrick Durant Sunday, March 19 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Keena Hansel, Bill Sullivan Server: Thomas Bernath, Will Bernath Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Chris Drake Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Gerald Tiberio, John Haswell Eucharistic Minister: Michael Drake, Linda Haswell, Jeff Shawger, Claire Tiberio Sunday, March 19 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Patti Logan, Sam Palleschi Server: Justin Hart, Nathan Hart Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Jim McKee Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Alan Burns, Vicki Burns Eucharistic Minister: Karen Hardman, Judy Hamilton, Larry Taylor, Jim Pottmeyer
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, March 13 8:00 a.m., Mass: Mary Jo Dooley, Church 5:30 p.m., Sign Language Class, Parish Office 6:00 p.m., St. Vincent DePaul meeting, Parish Office 7:00 p.m., Parish Mission, Church
TUESDAY, March 14 8:00 a.m., Mass: Sister Mary Elizabeth Noll, anniversary, Church 7:00 p.m., Parish Mission, Church
WEDNESDAY, March 15 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Marcella “Sally” Fleer, Church 7:00 p.m., R.C. I. A., Church 7:00 p.m., Parish Mission, Church
THURSDAY, March 16 8:00 a.m., Mass: L/D members of the Mary Dozer Family, Church
FRIDAY, March 17, St. Patrick 8:00 a.m., Mass: Robert Ralko, Church 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Confessions, Church 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross, Church
3rd SUNDAY OF LENT SATURDAY, March 18, St. Cyril of Jerusalem 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Confessions, Church 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m., Mass: Carol Smith, anniversary, Church
SUNDAY, March 19 7:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: Robert Strickler, anniversary, Church 9:45 a.m., Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Mary Anshutz, Church
Readings for Week of March 13, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Dn 9;4b-10 Is 1:10, 16-20 Jer 18:18-20 Jer 17:5-10 Gn 37:3-4, 1213a, 17b-28a Mi 7:14-15, 1820 Ex 17:3-7
Lk 6:36-38 Mt 23:1-12 Mt 20:17-28 Lk 16:19-31 Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Lk 15:1-3, 1132 Jn 4:5-42
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____________________________
MARCH 12, 2017