FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Traditionally this is referred to as “Laetare” Sunday which is translated from the Latin as “Rejoice” Sunday. This sets the tone of joyful anticipation of the Easter mystery. For the liturgy the priest wears the Rose colored vestment to signify this joyful anticipation. Lent is more than half way through and we take a joyful break as we renew our efforts in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We should also prepare ourselves to hear the call for deeper conversion over the next couple weeks. The Gospel reading for this weekend comes from St. John chapter 9. It is the miracle story about a man who was blind from birth receives his sight. The story is symbolically deep and rich in so many ways. This is typical with St. John’s Gospel. There is much in the story for all of us. To state the utterly obvious, the blind man is not even capable of natural vision. This is an opportunity for us to think the many ways that we are incapable of seeing. If we are incapable of seeing natural things we may be very well incapable of seeing deeper realities: intellectual, moral and spiritual. More to the point, considering the conversion and Baptismal theme of Lent, with the grace of God, reborn in Baptism, we become able to see with the eyes of faith. The one who brings a resolution to this blindness is Jesus Christ. There are a number of ways to reflect on this passage with good and devout thoughts. This is good food for prayerful reflection; also known as meditation. What I find interesting for thought is that the man was born blind. In this case the giving of sight is truly an act of creation. Jesus “creates the eyes” for sight. If that is a starting point, maybe we can look at creation. One theme that comes from the story of creation has to do with sight. We not only need eyes to see but we need light. Curiously light is the first order of creation. “God said, ‘Let there be light.’” This is particularly important for us to note since that we cannot see anything unless there is light and something to see and someone to do the seeing. God provides the necessary light for us to “see” His creation. God creates it all. We can also play on the word light in reference to illumination. With the light created by God our minds can be illuminated to receive, know and understand the truth of creation as it was originally intended to be by the Creator. Just the same, there are times that we do not see because we close our eyes or there are obstacles that prevent our seeing and understanding. There are also false lights in our world that prevent us from seeing God’s creation as God would have us see, know and understand His creation. Continuing this consideration we can look at the beginning of St. John’s Gospel. There we hear words that recall Genesis however there is a direct reference to Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, who was present with God from the very beginning. He is the Word through whom all was created. “In the beginning was the Word…” The passage continues…”in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Taking a shortcut here, all creation came into being through the Second Person of the Holy Trinity: God speaks creation into being. This is true of all of creation, especially light and life. It is in and through this Second Person of the Holy Trinity that all was created; even the eyes of the human being thus even giving them the ability to see. Thus we are able to see and understand all things in and through the one through whom all creation comes into being, Jesus Christ: the Word Incarnate, the Word who incarnates all creation.
Later in John’s Gospel, in chapter 8 we read that Jesus was teaching and said…”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Tying it all together we have Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, who is the light as well as the Lord of Creation. God’s creation is illuminated and is understandable in and through Jesus Christ. With this “Light of the World” we see the truth of creation: as creation is to be seen and understood. To see create on in any other way is to view and understand creation in a limited, distorted and incomplete way. As a people of faith we, because of Jesus Christ, are able to see with the “eyes of faith”. We do not see and understand creation correctly without Jesus Christ. The miracle happens in steps. The first thing that Jesus does is to make mud from his spittle to anoint the man’s eyes. Then he tells the man to go wash in the waters of Siloam. The theme here is Baptism. Baptism is the sacrament of new life, or to say it in another way, it is a New Creation. The New Creation theme is here. From the mouth of God comes forth the word. Through this word comes all creation. The spittle comes forth from the mouth of the Son of God. The mud echoes the clay of the earth from which God forms the first man. Jesus then tells the man to go and wash. In the creation story God breathes into the clay the breath of life, or we can say the Word of God enters the man. Then in the waters we see an image of the Baptismal waters: his new ability to see is given as a gracious gift from Jesus. The result is that the man born blind has the gift of sight that is newly created for him from the One through whom all is created. The One who creates is also the One who gives the gift of a new creation. (Baptism) For those who seek to enter the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation this is a powerful Gospel lesson. In a manner of speaking they are the ones who are born blind. We could say there is a natural blindness to God’s creation: before baptism. Those seeking baptism may see the world, but only from a limited, human or worldly manner. They are in need of Jesus the “Light of the World”. It is in and through Jesus that one receives new life, becoming a new creation in baptism, seeing with eyes given by Jesus. The eyes that are “created” are the “eyes of faith.” This can only be done by the Lord of Creation: Jesus Christ. The Sacrament of Confirmation provides further “Illumination”. In this Sacrament the newly baptized and those seeking entrance into the Church from another Christian denomination, will receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. They will receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts given by the Holy Spirit are intended to open the eyes of faith so that those who receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit may see in a new light. The gifts of Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord are intended to help them to live their Catholic Christian Faith in a deeper and more mature manner. The gifts are intended to “Illuminate” the mind of the Christian to see, understand and act in a profoundly Christian manner and not in a worldly way. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are intended to assist the Christian to see and understand God’s creation as God intended. The Christian is now able to be truly devout and pious in a genuine praise and worship of God. We are to worship God in “Spirit and Truth” as we heard in last Sunday’s Gospel. The Holy Spirit will truly guide the Christian in a right relationship with God and with others. All of us have come into the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. These sacraments are the channels of grace that allow us to see,
MARCH 26, 2017 know, understand and live our Catholic Christian Faith in the world. It is in these sacraments that our eyes, blind from birth, are opened and we begin to truly see. We firmly believe that we cannot see correctly without Jesus. As we read in John’s Gospel this Sunday Jesus tells us that “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” It is only with Jesus, who is the Light of the World, do we see the world as it truly is. It is only with Jesus, who is the Light of the World, do we truly see ourselves as we truly are. It is only with Jesus, who is the Light of the World, do we really see the truth of our relationship with God and are open to his merciful love in Jesus. The Church is the Body of Christ in the world: the Light of the World. This is why converts desire to enter the Catholic Church, the Body of Christ and to share his light in the world. As we trust the grace of the Sacraments as gifts given to us by Jesus for our salvation, we open ourselves to these encounters with Christ. We open ourselves to his light and humbly allow his grace to transform our lives. Lent is our time of conversion and renewal in faith. We cannot experience this conversion and renewal without Jesus and the Sacraments he has given to us through his Church. Have a blessed Lenten week. Fr. Ralko
Church Support
Thank you to all who participated in the Parish Mission. Thank you to Fr. Ralko for inviting me to preach the mission and for his gracious hospitality while I was with you. I certainly appreciate your generous support of my ministry. I pray that you will continue to have a grace filled Lent and will have a joyful Easter. Fr. Andy O’Reilly, C.PP.S.
WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY GROUP REMINDER: Women’s Spirituality Group will meet this Monday at 3:30 p.m. in the parish office. 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. 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.
MARCH 19, 2017 OFFERTORY $12,089.00 Diocesan Tax ($650.00) Fenwick Subsidy ($3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy ($290.00) Available for Parish Operations $8,089.00 Parish Operating Expenses ($8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses ($800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly surplus $1,389.00 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 those who have died recently: Eva Gurnicke ZANESVILLE CATHOLIC TEENS NEWS ZANESVILLE CATHOLIC TEENS A HIGH SCHOOL EVENT Sunday, March 26TH 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Join us as we prepare for the Walking Stations of the Cross ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WELCOME! St. Nicholas Teen Center Parish Office, Lower Level Enter on Silliman Street Side
EASTER FLOWERS Due to publishing deadlines we need to have donations for Easter flowers to the parish office by Monday, April 3. Thank you.
Bishop Fenwick School has openings for an Intervention Specialist and a Physical Education teacher. Please contact Principal, Kelly Sagan at
[email protected]. Love to Sing? Want to help our Parish Family? Why not join the Resurrection Choir? The Resurrection Choir sings for funerals at St. Nicholas, St. Ann and St. Mary churches. This ministry helps bring comfort to our parish family in their time of grief. There are no practices. There is no long term commitment; you attend the funerals that fit into your schedule. If you'd like to raise a joyful voice to the Lord and join the Resurrection Choir please call Debbie Lovensheimer at 740-828-2594. 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.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. April 2, 2017- Fifth Sunday of Lent Saturday, April 1 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Tom J. Pitcock, Adelaide Pitcock Server: Rex Hankinson, Mason Harmon Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Judi Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Ronald Davis, Pauline Davis Eucharistic Minister: Margaret Kronenbitter, Charlotte Snider, Dan Snider, Karen Robinson Sunday, April 2 @ 7:30 a.m. Lector: Diane Hoffer, Paul Nestor Server: Nicholas Hoffer, Luke Pratt Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Carol Kohler Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Patrick Durant, Mary Mirgon Eucharistic Minister: Philip Kocoloski Sunday, April 2 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Peggy Hill, Susan Thompson Server: Scott Peterson, Tyler Mell Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Erin Roush Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Paula Peterson, Jeff Shawger Eucharistic Minister: John Haswell, Linda Haswell, Dan Sylvester, Cheryl Sylvester Sunday, April 2 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Sam Palleschi, Othello Repuyan Server: Wesley Nestor, Will Conroy Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Carolyn Arnold Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Jim McKee, Karen Hardman Eucharistic Minister: Paul Ritchey, Molly Ritchey, Corinne Musselman, Mike Musselman
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 27 8:00 a.m., Mass: Linda Lasure Smith, Church 5:30 p.m., Sign Language Class, Parish Office
TUESDAY, March 28 8:00 a.m., Mass: Helen Mercer Palmer Osborne, Church 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Confessions, Church
WEDNESDAY, March 29 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Thomas Trott, Church 7:00 p.m., R.C. I. A., Parish Office, lower level
THURSDAY, March 30 8:00 a.m., Mass: Robert Ralko, Church
FRIDAY, March 31 8:00 a.m., Mass: Blaine Kocoloski, Church 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross, Church
5th SUNDAY OF LENT SATURDAY, April 1 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m., 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m. and 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m., Mass: Bill & Sally Fleer, Church
SUNDAY, March 2 7:30 a.m., Mass: A. J. Nader, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:45 a.m., Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Eula Lawson, Church
Readings for Week of March 27, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . .
Is 65:17-21 Ez 47:1-9, 12 Is 49:8-15 Ex 32:7-14 Wis 2:1a, 12-22
Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Jer 11:18-20 Ez 37:12-14
Jn 4:43-54 Jn 5:1-16 Jn 5:17-30 Jn 5:31-47 Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Jn 7:40-53 Jn 11:1-45
Laetare Sunday The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday, from the first words of the Introit at Mass, “Laetare Jerusalem” (‘Rejoice, O Jerusalem’) Like Gaudete Sunday midway through Advent, Laetare reminds us of the event we look forward to at the end of the penitential season and the joy in anticipation of the Resurrection. The vestments for this day will be rose, as they are on Gaudete Sunday in Advent.
