FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk The Season of Lent is quickly passing as we begin the Fifth week of our Journey to Mt. Calvary and Easter. Hopefully you have been aware that I have been offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation at a variety of times throughout the Lenten Season. The extra times of availability were necessary since planning a penance service in all practicality is impossible. My attempt has been to schedule those times to make the sacrament accessible to as many people as possible. A good number of people have taken advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this time of Spiritual Renewal. This is an important step as we prepare for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery. Over the last few years I have been encouraging families who have a child who is making his or her First Confession to do so during the Lenten Season. If this doesn’t happen during Lent then it must be done before their First Holy Communion. The Standard Practice of going to confession is “individual confession”. I figure that we should have the children make their First Confession according to the Standard Practice. In this line of thinking I am also encouraging this practice for the fathers and mothers to prepare and determine when their child is ready for their First Confession. This is also an indicator for the parents that if their child is not ready for their First Confession then they may not be ready for their First Holy Communion. I strongly encourage parents to set the example by not only bringing their child for their First Confession but also receiving the Sacrament themselves. This was one of the difficulties with a communal “First Reconciliation” service. It has been my experience during these services that the children went to confession and everyone else sat in the pews waiting for them to go to confession and return. The family members were spectators and not participants. Over the years it seemed to me that this particular form of the Sacrament placed too much pressure on the children to be ready on this day at this time. When those in attendance with the children did not go to confession during the service it set a very bad example. It is like saying that this sacrament is really good for you but not for me. Actions spoke louder than words. This also brings to mind many years of priestly experience with these sacraments. It is something that is shared by and sits heavy upon every pastor’s heart. After First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, our children rarely are seen in Church. In fact, because they are dependent upon their parents to bring them to church they are held hostage if mom and dad are not in the basic, good habit of going to church every Sunday. We have little hope that our children will have a healthy faith life when their parents do not practice the faith. Yes I am calling out our parents who do not set a good example by bringing their children to the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist every Sunday. This is a failure of good Catholic parenting! Not only do parents fail to open their own lives to the life-transforming grace of God, they are also accountable for denying their children access to the greatest gift of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. We cannot be Catholic Christians, much less good Catholic Parents, without the Eucharist. Children will follow the example set for them by their parents, especially when it comes to the practice of the faith. Grace, especially the grace of the sacraments is essential. So I am asking the parents again to set the good example by going to confession when they bring their children for their First Confession. Also, a bit of advice is needed here; parents I ask that you help your children by re-familiarizing yourself with the Rite and learn and pray the Act of Contrition. I also ask mom and dad to bring their children to Church every Sunday, most
especially after they make their First Holy Communion. I have noted this before and I will repeat it again because it is worth repeating, every priest will tell you that the most common confession goes something like… “I haven’t killed anyone, or stolen anything or done anything really bad, so I guess I don’t have anything to confess. Etc…” Sadly this is pretty standard. In reality it is an attempt to do something good by going to confession, but it really reflects a lack of understanding about sin, the seriousness of sin and the ability to make a good examination of conscience. A serious examination of conscience takes some time in prayerful reflection. It requires an honest look into one’s heart in light of the Word of God; especially the Gospels. We must also ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds as we prepare ourselves for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We must honestly seek the help of God in this important endeavor. I remember a high school classroom conversation that was on this very topic: confession. A fellow high school student was telling the teacher, a priest, that he didn’t think that missing mass on Sunday was a sin. The priest responded, “Why do you hate God?” The flustered student protested that he didn’t hate God. Where upon the Priest answered “Well it doesn’t sound like God is very important in your life or that you don’t love God enough to make God the first priority in your life and to make the necessary sacrifice to go to worship Him on Sunday.” The priest also added, “If you have a girlfriend I’m pretty confident that you would give her more than just an hour of your time over the week.” Sometimes sin is not a matter of commission as in hating God or deliberately doing something that is blatantly evil. I doubt that any of us would ever think or say that they hate God! (Except Satan) However, an example of omission is to refrain from doing something that needs to be done. The omission is not doing the necessary things that would essentially help us grow in a faith-filled and loving relationship with God. Omission is neglect of the necessary things. It is akin to saying that I have more important things going on in my life and that God is just not that important right now. We make sacrifices for those people who are important to us. We also make sacrifices for those things that we love and are important to us (sports). Unfortunately God, and the worship of God, takes a back seat to so many other things in our life. Thus our omission has a way of turning our hearts to indifference toward God. Indifference to God is actually worse. It would be like God isn’t important enough for me to even entertain the possibility of going to Church. God never crosses my mind! This is truly a dire state. Back to the example of our high school student; I am sure that if he had a girlfriend and he omitted acts of courtesy, thoughtfulness, kindness of affection, he would not have a good and growing relationship in the near future. The relationship is as good as over. A good place for an examination of conscience can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, notably the section on the Ten Commandments. There is a chapter for each of the Ten Commandments and then some. The content of these chapters are worth the time and effort to read, pray and reflect upon. There are also places one can go on the internet to find the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as an examination of conscience. These can be found on the “United States Conference of Catholic Bishops” website: www.usccb.org/confessions. Interestingly enough there are confession and examination of conscience apps for smart phones and tablets. One of those rare positive apps that can actually be a good reason for a
APRIL 2, 2017 smart phone! With a little effort these helpful resources can be found. For the next two weeks please note the times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During Holy Week there is little available time for the sacrament other than Monday evening. So planning ahead this week there are numerous times on Monday and Tuesday evenings as well as during the day on Friday. Since Friday is First Friday, we have Eucharistic Adoration in the Church. This would be a good time to come to church, spend time in prayer and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the noted times. Then there a couple times available on Saturday before the evening mass for Palm Sunday. Don’t wait till the last minute. For the parents of our Second Graders who will be making their First Reconciliation and haven’t done so as of yet there are a couple Saturdays before May 7th for the reception of the Sacrament. All that is required is that they make their First Confession before their First Communion. Again, do not wait until the last minute. Have a Blessed Lenten Week Fr. Ralko
Church Support MARCH 26, 2017 OFFERTORY $8,103.00 Diocesan Tax ($650.00) Fenwick Subsidy ($3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy ($290.00) Available for Parish Operations $4,103.00 Parish Operating Expenses ($8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses ($800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly deficit ($2,597.00) May God bless you for supporting your parish
Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week I of the Liturgy of the hours. 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.
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, April 11th at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Parish Office.
ZANESVILLE CATHOLIC TEENS NEWS SUNDAY APRIL 2ND 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. WALK WITH CHRIST Students are invited to join us as we continue with our preparation for the Walking Stations of the Cross. A JOINT HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENT ST. Nicholas Teen Center All are invited to join the students for breakfast, Sunday, April 9 in the St. Nicholas Church basement following all Masses. Students should arrive at 7:00 a.m. to help with set up. GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 14TH 9:00 a.m. WALKING STATIONS OF THE CROSS All are invited to join Zanesville Catholic Teens as we walk through downtown Zanesville remembering Christ’s journey to the Cross as we pray for the needs of our community. Meet in the Church SATURDAY-SUNDAY APRIL 22ND -23RD 1:00 p.m. “STRONG”A GUY’S RETREAT Keynote Speaker: Dave Eppley Young men ages 13-18 are invited to participate in an all male retreat. Students will enjoy overnight tent camping, cooking over an open fire, participate in a service project and more. Preregistration required. $15.00 per person, scholarships available. Contact Patty (740) 453-5173 or contact the parish office for registration materials. 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]. 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.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. April 9, 2017- Palm Sunday Saturday, April 8 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Tom J. Pitcock, Adelaide Pitcock Server: Charles Peterson, Scott Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Paula Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Margaret Kronenbitter, Judi Peterson Eucharistic Minister: Jennifer Bernett, Laurie Harmon, Pauline Davis, Ronald Davis Sunday, April 9 @ 7:30 a.m. Lector: Diane Hoffer, Rocky Rowe Server: David Eppley, Wesley Wilson Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Carol Kohler Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Marvin Paul, Nancy Thompson Eucharistic Minister: Patrick Durant Sunday, April 9 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Peggy Hill, Keena Hansel Server: Christina Rozsa, Rex Hankinson Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Janis Maziar Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: John Haswell, Jeff Shawger Eucharistic Minister: Tom A. Durant, Jane Durant, Jim Pottmeyer, Linda Haswell Sunday, April 9 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Patti Logan, Stephanie Bridwell Server: Justin Hart, Nathan Hart Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Carolyn Arnold Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Judy Hamilton, Jim McKee Eucharistic Minister: Alan Burns, Vicki Burns, Dodi Sealock, Larry Taylor
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, April 3 8:00 a.m., Mass: Mary Lou Staker, Church 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Confessions, Church
TUESDAY, April 4, St. Isidore of Seville 8:00 a.m., Mass: Mary Jo Dooley, birthday, Church 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Confessions, Church
WEDNESDAY, April 5, St. Vincent Ferrer 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Susan Miller, Church 7:00 p.m., R.C. I. A., Parish Office, lower level
THURSDAY, April 6 8:00 a.m., Mass: Irene Dillon, anniversary, Church
FRIDAY, April 7, St. John Baptist de la Salle Adoration until 4:00 p.m., Church 8:00 a.m., Mass: Marjorie Ferriot, Church 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m., 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m. and 5:30-6:45 p.m. before stations, Confessions, Church 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross, Church
PALM SUNDAY SATURDAY, April 8 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: Myrna Snider, Church
SUNDAY, April 9 7:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: Ashley Hoffman, Church 9:45 a.m., Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Shawn Lawson, Church
Readings for Week of April 3, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Dn 13:1-9 Nm 21:4-9 Dn 3:14-20, 9192, 95 Gn 17:3-9 Jer 20:10-13 Ez 37:21-28 Is 50:4-7
Jn 8:1-11 Jn 8:21-30 Jn 8:31-42 Jn 8:51-59 Jn 10:31-42 Jn 11:45-56 Phil 2:6-11
