PALM SUNDAY
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk Today we observe Palm/Passion Sunday and the beginning of the most Solemn Week of the Church year. With great solemnity we enter into the mysteries of our salvation. With a clear focus let us begin the solemn business of Holy Week. We know and sometimes we need to be reminded, that Holy Week is the most important week of the Church Calendar. You have heard me before, and I will say it again because every Catholic needs to hear it, this is not a week for fun, games and vacations. In the Spiritual Life of the Catholic Christian this is the most intense week. This week deserves our utmost attention, devotion and prayerfulness. Many people receive time off from school and work to observe these Holy Days. Sadly many take advantage of these “free days” for anything but religious observances. In fact there are now some universities and institutions considering “business as usual” during these traditional Judeo – Christian Holy Days because they show a bias for Christians and Jews and a disregard for other religions in our country. In the long run, if we do not observe our most Holy of Days with the utmost devotion and piety we do not have anything to stand on in our defense for the time off in order to observe these holy days. The adage, if you don’t use it you will lose it, has a simple application in this matter. The scheduled events for the week are listed in this bulletin. It is very important that we take the Celebration of the Paschal Mystery seriously and observe Holy Week with special attention. Approaching this from another direction, if we do not take the Central Mystery of our faith seriously then we cannot expect anyone else to offer us the appropriate respect in these very serious matters of our faith. It has a tone of hypocrisy on our part: we say it is important but we do not observe it. It is important for every Christian, especially our Catholic Community, to take Holy Week and the observance of the Easter Triduum seriously and observe it with the piety and devotion this season deserves. Holy Thursday evening is not like any other Thursday evening. Something very important happened that evening: Jesus gave us the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood as he observed the Passover Supper, the “Last Supper” with His disciples. Then it was shortly after that Supper, in which he gave us these precious gifts that the confrontation with evil heats up. It was in the garden where he went to pray with his disciples that he was abandoned and betrayed. During this time Jesus was in intense prayer. That night as Jesus prayed we are reminded of the centerpiece at the heart of Christian life and prayer with the words of Jesus: “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” Good Friday is not like any other Friday. This is the day that Jesus willingly accepted the fullness of our sinful humanity upon himself. This is the greatest act of love and faithfulness, Jesus accepted the cruel torture and death by crucifixion for our sins. This is the day the Son of God died for us taking our guilt upon himself. It is the day when the love and faithfulness of God was brought to its fulfillment and revealed to all humanity. This is not an ordinary Friday nor should we observe it like any other Friday. This day needs to be a day of appropriate silent observance and pray. Holy Saturday night, when the Sabbath was officially over followed by the first moment of light of the new day, the women went to the tomb and found it empty. An Angel announced the Good News that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. This is no ordinary night and morning. It is the Day of the Resurrection. The history of the world has changed. The chains of sin and death have been broken. This Sunday is not like any other Sunday morning. The Day of the Resurrection is the day of our new life in Christ.
It is necessary that we take this Solemn Celebration of the Paschal Mystery seriously and observe them with the greatest of solemnity. If we neglect the solemn observance of these days the world would all too readily accommodate us and neglect them as well. I make an honest appeal to one and all to solemnly observe this week with more devotion than usual. I ask for more prayerful reflection and less business as usual. Quiet the television and all the many unnecessary distractions. Make an effort to come to Church for the services that commemorate these sacred events of our faith. This is not the time for vacations and parties. These can take place at anytime; in fact any of the other fifty-one weeks of the year would do nicely. We need to solemnly observe this week as Sacred Time. It seems rather strange that when a particular time or week is set aside for a sacred purpose that it is during this particular time that we are tempted to do anything else but observe these sacred times. It is an indication of the dark forces of sin tempting us in ways that make us turn away from the sacred and give our attention to secular things. Sadly these temptations always appeal to our weaknesses and lack of authentic priorities in our life. I can’t help but think that we are becoming more and more secular: seduced by this world. I think it is becoming more difficult for us to engage the sacred and thus the more we find ourselves becoming more secular. The drift from the practice of the faith is gradual. We become easily tempted to take the easy way of the world. The more this happens the more bothersome the call to holiness, greater faith and devotion sounds. If the call to observe Holy Week with greater devotion sounds irritating then something is seriously wrong in our life. We have drifted away from what is really important. The schedule for Holy Week services can be found in the bulletin. If you have not done so in the past I encourage you to attend the Liturgies of Holy Week. The Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated on Thursday night. At the conclusion of the Mass there will be a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, which is symbolic of the Lord going to the Garden to pray with his disciples. You are more than encouraged to come at any time in the evening to pray and spend time with our Blessed Lord. Prayerful adoration will continue in the Church until 11:00 p.m. Please know you are welcome to come to Church anytime during the evening to pray. Good Friday we will have the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion and Death at 2:00 p.m. If you are not attending I ask that you observe this time on Good Friday in quiet prayer and reflection in your homes. A good suggestion would be to read the Passion of the Lord from the Gospel of St. John. On Holy Saturday night we will begin the Solemn Easter Vigil at dark. This should happen around 9:00 p.m. Easter Sunday; the mass times are at the regular times. Again, I encourage you to attend these liturgies. If you are unable, except for Sunday, I ask that you observe these times of the liturgy in a quiet and prayerful manner mindful of what the Catholic Christian Community is observing throughout the world. Have a grace filled Holy Week. Fr. Ralko
APRIL 9, 2017
Church support will not be available this week, due to the early publishing deadline. Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week II of the Liturgy of the hours. ZANESVILLE CATHOLIC TEENS NEWS 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.
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. 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.
The Parish Office will be closed on Good Friday, April 14 and Easter Monday, April 17. Fr. Ralko and the Parish Staff wish everyone a Blessed Easter. 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. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT Beginning April 15 the K of C will begin pickup service to provide donations to the local Habitat for Humanity Restore in Sunrise Center. If you have a donation contact Hugh Maxwell 740-452-4764. Used furniture, building supplies and other household items may be donated. CULTURE OF LIFE BABY SHOWER Msgr. Dury Council 505 is sponsoring a baby shower beginning April 1st and continuing until April 15. Any member wishing to donate baby furniture, clothes, bottles, diapers or any other baby supplies may drop them off at the hall.
Bishop Fenwick School has openings for an Intervention Specialist and a Physical Education teacher. Please contact Principal, Kelly Sagan at
[email protected]. Marriage and NFP . . . a Divine Design Married couples who use Natural Family Planning (NFP) report many benefits including: better communication between spouses, increased patience and emotional maturity, deeper understanding of each other, and growth in respect for God’s gift of fertility. Engaged and married couples are invited to learn NFP by attending an upcoming diocesan NFP Class Series. Dates and locations are online at familylife.colsdioc.org; contact the Marriage and Family Life Office at 614-241-2560 or
[email protected] for additional information. St. John Neumann’s Speaker Series Presents: An Evening with OSU Football Star Chris Spielman Please join us on Sunday, April 30 at 7pm at St. John Neumann, 9633 E. State Route 37, Sunbury, as we welcome Chris Spielman for a talk entitled “Triumph Over Tragedy”. Chris will discuss how to overcome hardships and maintain a faith-filled, positive outlook in the midst of circumstances which are beyond our control. This is a free, community event – all are welcome! Chris’ talk is aimed at all audiences – bring your family to hear his inspiring message. Visit our website for more information, www.saintjohnneumann.org
PALM SUNDAY LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. April 16, 2017- Easter Sunday Thursday, April 13 @ 7:00 p.m., Holy Thursday Lector: Keena Hansel, Sharon Coen Server: Bill Altier, Mason Harmon, David Eppley Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Molly Ritchey Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Susie Altier, Paul Ritchey Eucharistic Minister: Laurie Harmon, Vicki Burns, Alan Burns Friday, April 14 @ 2:00 p.m., Good Friday Lector: Patti Logan, Mike LaPlante Server: David Eppley, Libby Pratt, Luke Pratt Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Jane Durant Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Tom A. Durant, Margaret Kronenbitter Saturday, April 15, Nightfall, Holy Saturday Lector: Mike LaPlante, Nancy Susa, Sharon Coen Server: Judi Peterson, Bill Altier Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Don Susa Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Carolyn Arnold, Judy Hamilton Sunday, April 16 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Diane Hoffer Server: Nicholas Hoffer Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Nancy Thompson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Carol Kohler, Marvin Paul Eucharistic Minister: Patrick Durant Sunday, April 16 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Jim Gable, Rocky Rowe Server: Thomas Bernath, Will Bernath Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Judi Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Claire Tiberio, Gerald Tiberio Eucharistic Minister: Mike Musselman, Corinne Musselman, Tom A. Durant, Jane Durant Sunday, April 16@ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Wendy Hart, Othello Repuyan Server: Justin Hart, Nathan Hart Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Karen Hardman Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Jim McKee, Mary Mirgon Eucharistic Minister: Jeff Shawger, Jennifer Bernett, Margaret Kronenbitter, Janis Maziar
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 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 10 8:00 a.m., Mass: John R. Burkhart, Church 6:00 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul meeting, Church
TUESDAY, April 11 8:00 a.m., Mass: Hope E. Buchanan, Church
WEDNESDAY, April 12 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Richard S. Harsch, Church 7:00 p.m., R.C. I. A., Parish Office, lower level
THURSDAY, April 13, Holy Thursday 7:00 p.m., Mass: Selma LaAsmar birthday, Church
FRIDAY, April 14, Good Friday Parish office closed 2:00 p.m., Celebration of the lord’s Passion, Church
EASTER SUNDAY SATURDAY, April 15, Vigil of Easter Mass: Don Ryan, birthday, Mass begins at nightfall
SUNDAY, April 16, The Resurrection of the Lord 7:30 a.m., Mass: Irene Dillon, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church No classes, Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Robert & Eileen Strickler, anniversary, Reg Grear, anniversary, church
Readings for Week of April 10, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . .
Is 42:1-7 Is 49:1-6
Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . .
Is 50:4-9a Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9 Is 52:13-53:12 Gn 1:1-2:2 Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Jn 12:1-11 Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Mt 26:14-25 Lk 4:16-21 Jn 18:1-19:42 Gn 22:1-18 Mt 28:1-10
