EASTER SUNDAY
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk A Happy and Blessed Easter to all! I cannot think of a more glorious day of the year then Easter Sunday. May the Blessings and Peace of our Risen Lord and Savior be with you and in your homes during this Glorious Easter Season. As we celebrate this Easter Sunday we should find ourselves growing in a greater awareness and appreciation of the faithful and love God reveals to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through His passion, death and resurrection God reveals His tremendous gift of Love and Faithfulness that is essential for our salvation. This celebration is the centerpiece of our Christian life. When Our Resurrected Lord is not at the center of our lives we are ultimately doomed to despair. Jesus Christ is so much more than a wise teacher, preacher, miracle worker or one religious figure among others; He is our Crucified and Risen Savior. By His Death and Resurrection he proves that He is who He says He is. He revealed the truth about God and humanity. Our faith is renewed in Him and we have every reason to have Jesus Christ as the center of our life. Thus we continue to learn from His life and teachings. His Resurrection gives us renewed strengthen and conviction. A sad example of despair is the person of Judas Iscariot. Judas was one of the Twelve. He had every opportunity to be close to the Lord. I am sure that there were times when the disciples were following Jesus that they had doubts, anxieties and at times they were tired and bored. Then the Gospel of John tells us that one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, was also dishonest and selfish since he was the one who held the community purse and would help himself to the disciples’ funds. He was given a chance but he selfishly failed as a disciple of Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus was not his main concern. There was someone else who was the center of his life: himself. It became all too easy for him to betray Jesus. However, once he realized the deadly consequences of his betrayal he despaired and ended his life by hanging. I have said it before and I think it bears repeating, at the core of all sin is selfishness. Anytime we do something sinful we tend not to see the possible damage it could do to all our relationships. This is particularly true when it comes to our most loving relationships. We usually give little thought to how our bad actions could have a negative impact on the lives of others. Conversely, the opposite is also true. When we lovingly put others before ourselves we are aware of others and that our actions have a positive or negative impact. When Jesus Christ is at the center of our lives, our relationships are better and positive because they are touched by the Love of God. That is what we have been celebrating this past week: the absolute, faithful love of God for all humanity. The selfless Love of God is a Life-giving Love: even for the greatest sinner. This gives us reason to act in a selfless manner toward others. This gives us reason to have hope in eternal life. In a loving relationship a personal moral/spiritual failure becomes extremely painful. The hurt and disappointment about the damage to a loving relationship is compiled when one has to look the beloved in the eye. But this is precisely the huge difference between Peter and Judas: a loving relationship with the Lord precedes and guides one’s actions or in the face of personal failure to facilitate the need for reconciliation. If a loving relationship or friendship does not exist then there is little awareness of any damage to that relationship brought about by sin or immoral behavior until some devastating event takes place and there is no turning back. The big difference between Judas and Peter; Peter developed a genuine friendship with Jesus. Eventually Peter’s relationship
with Jesus matured into the loving and faithful relationship that eventually became selfless and unconditional. We see Peter’s relationship with the Lord developing through the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Instant realization of his sin is the reason why Peter wept bitterly when he realized he denied Jesus three times. He violated their relationship. As St. John tells us when Peter denied Jesus the third time that “Jesus turned and looked at him”. It was the eye contact, the loving gaze that cut to the heart of Peter. Peter knew he violated their friendship. Peter wept over his lack of courage, loyalty and love that should have been there but he was weak. In sorrow Peter returned to the upper room with the others. There was plenty of time for him to come to grips with his betrayal. He needed the intimate circle of friends for support. It must have been a very difficult time for him. However, he stayed and was able to witness the Resurrected Lord. He was then restored and strengthened after the resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Judas on the other hand looked at what he did. He regretted it not because it violated a relationship but because he did not intend his betrayal to end in the death of Jesus. Judas did not have a deep or meaningful friendship with Jesus. He was too selfcentered for true discipleship or friendship. He hid himself from the community of followers. With no one to turn to and no place to go he ultimately despaired. The sad reality of his sin is the reality of all sin; it leads to separation, from God and others, and despair. On this Easter we celebrate the triumph of God’s Love over the power of sin and death. The Love of God, revealed in Jesus Christ, takes our sin and guilt upon himself. Jesus paid the price for sinful humanity: we are redeemed. This was necessary for our salvation. Now that sin and death are neutralized by Christ we now come to the real crux of the situation. The death and resurrection of the Lord is more than the forgiveness of our sins. There is a greater reason for rejoicing. Since sin damages and even destroys our relationship with God, the sacrifice of Jesus has now restored that relationship. Our sin that prevents us from growing closer to God is removed. Now the way is cleared for us. It is now up to us to respond to this gift of forgiveness and cooperate with the grace of God drawing us closer to Him. Again, the important point to understand and appreciate the reason for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the restoration of humanity’s relationship with God: to restore all creation as God originally intended: To make communion with God possible in this world and in the life to come. Easter is a glorious celebration. It is the triumph of Faith and Love over sin and death. It is the celebration of the essentials necessary for any life-giving and dynamic relationship: love and faithfulness. God takes the first step in His Faithful Love and reveals the power and triumph of His Love in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Love of God. Thus it is in and through Jesus Christ that we are able to come to God. We are greatly blessed. We have received a great gift that we cannot fully comprehend but can only marvel over and draw strength throughout our lives. This great gift of forgiveness and new life has to inspire us to respond with greater Faith and Love for the one who is Faithful Love. This is the great good that gives us Hope over despair. Let us be mindful of our loving relationship with God in and through Jesus Christ. It is this relationship that guides and directs our actions. It is this relationship that moves us to greater goodness. This is Easter Joy. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” Have a great Easter Season. Fr. Ralko
APRIL 16, 2017 Note well: This week I hope to go to my sister’s home for a few days. If all goes well I will be back next weekend. Fr. Thomas will have his regular morning Mass on Thursday. Other than that, morning mass is available as St. Thomas. Happy Easter.
Church Support APRIL 2, 2017 OFFERTORY $12,497.00 Diocesan Tax ($650.00) Fenwick Subsidy ($3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy ($290.00) Available for Parish Operations $8,497.00 Parish Operating Expenses ($8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses ($800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly surplus $1,797.00 May God bless you for supporting your parish
Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week III of the Liturgy of the hours. ZANESVILLE CATHOLIC TEENS NEWS 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.
SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH 4:00-6:00 p.m. JOINT MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL EVENT
Join us as we bid farewell to Senior Leaders Matthew Mulholland and Jonathan Black.
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.
Fr. Ralko and the parish staff wish everyone a very blessed Easter. The parish office will be closed Monday, April 17. God has a plan for your marriage! Natural Family Planning (NFP) can help you and your spouse live God’s plan for love and new life. Consider learning NFP – attend a diocesan NFP Class Series at a location near you. Register 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 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. You can save your marriage! Has your marriage become unloving or uncaring? Has your relationship grown cold, distant? Thinking about a separation or divorce? Already separated or divorced but you wish to try again? The Retrouvaille program may help you. Retrouvaille of Columbus will be sponsoring its next program April 28th30th, 2017, at the St. Therese Retreat Center in Columbus. The program consists of a weekend experience and follow-up sessions. All inquiries are confidential. For more details or to register go to HelpOurMarriage.com or call 800-470-2230. RECENT BOOSTER MANIA WINNERS Fr. Ralko, Jeff Shawger, Fran & Ron Koverman, Kelsey Meyer, Ed Middaugh, Mike Butcher, Ronald Paul, Bruce Kolopajlo, Stephanie Bridwell, Aaron Monroe and Charlie White
Bishop Fenwick School has openings for an Intervention Specialist and a Physical Education teacher. Please contact Principal, Kelly Sagan at
[email protected].
EASTER SUNDAY LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. April 23, 2017- Divine Mercy Sunday Saturday, April 22 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Adelaide Pitcock, Matthew Pitcock Server: Luke Pratt, Libby Pratt Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Dottie Durant Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Ronald Davis, Pauline Davis Eucharistic Minister: Karen Robinson, Charlotte Snider, Dan Snider, Mary Mirgon Sunday, April 23 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Stephanie Bridwell Server: David Eppley, Wesley Wilson Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Sandy Black Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Patrick Durant, Nancy Thompson Eucharistic Minister: Marvin Paul Sunday, April 23 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Paul Nestor, Rocky Rowe Server: Christina Rozsa, Wesley Nestor Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Tom A. Durant Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Jane Durant, John Haswell Eucharistic Minister: Dan Sylvester, Cheryl Sylvester, Linda Haswell, Erin Roush Sunday, April 23@ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Patti Logan, Keena Hansel Server: Thomas Bernath, Will Bernath Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Jeff Shawger Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Kevin McCarthy, Alan Burns Eucharistic Minister: Vicki Burns, Carolyn Arnold, Jennifer Bernett, Dodi Sealock
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 17 Parish office closed NO MASS
TUESDAY, April 18 NO MASS
WEDNESDAY, April 19 NO MASS 7:00 p.m., R.C. I. A., Parish Office, lower level
THURSDAY, April 20 8:00 a.m., Mass: Richard Baum, birthday, Church
FRIDAY, April 21 NO MASS
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY SATURDAY, April 22 5:15 p.m., Mass: Mr. & Mrs. Fred Sullivan, Church
SUNDAY, April 23 7:30 a.m., Mass: John R. Burkhart, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:45 a.m., Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Susan Miller
Readings for Week of April 17, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Acts 2:14, 2223 Acts 2:36-41 Acts 3:1-10 Acts 3:11-26 Acts 4:1-12 Acts 4:13-21 Acts 2:42-47
Mt 28:8-15 Jn 20:11-18 Lk 24:13-35 Lk 24:35-48 Jn 21:1-14 Mk 16:9-15 Jn 20:19-31
