FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk Today we celebrate the National Holiday; Mother’s Day. We wish all our mothers a blessed and joyful day. Every one of us is blessed with a mother. Many of our mothers have gone before us from this life. Nevertheless, we all have a mother and we offer our prayer of thanksgiving to God for the gift of our mother. We also ask God’s continued blessings upon them, as we should do every day, yet today we honor them in a special way as we celebrate Mother’s Day. As we celebrate Mother’s Day it should be noted that we do so during the month of May, which in our Catholic Tradition to dedicate to the Blessed Mother of Jesus: Mary. The Blessed Mother is truly the model for all Christian Mothers as well as all Christian Disciples. As a model Mary presents to all the faithful the genuine response to the grace of God. The title of Blessed Mother is no mere platitude or sentimental pious devotion. The Blessed Virgin Mary places before us the seriousness of Christian discipleship. Many people seem to be put off by our devotion to the Blessed Mother. Many take issue with her title of the Immaculate Conception at the beginning of her life and her Assumption at the end of her earthly life. Nevertheless from these two teachings we have come to believe that Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin and remained sinless throughout her life. Many people scoff at such a teaching. Many would presume that such teachings unrealistically conclude that Mary enjoyed a life of privilege and ease: being the Mother of Jesus and all. However, we know the reality is quite the opposite. In a sinful world (a world that her son came to redeem and save) holiness is not welcomed. Holiness is rejected and attacked. We know this to be true; we only have to look at her son, Jesus. Jesus, the Son of God, is the one who was most holy and we tried to put him to death. It is true of Jesus as well as his mother.. Holiness will always be challenged, tested and rejected. This is not privilege in the worldly sense. Then again it is a privilege to suffer for holiness. We can only see this with the eyes of faith. When we hold up Mary for our devotion we also seek her inspiration. We turn to the Blessed Mother as a mother who is most wise. The Blessed Mother has a wisdom that finds its depths in faithful love that is challenged and trued through suffering. Motherhood is about faithful love. We are not talking about the sentimental, romantic feel-good kind of love. We are talking about love that is the act of the will. The virtue of Love is courageous: willing to sacrifice and suffer with and for the beloved. Again, we live in a sinful world and all love (most notably the virtue of love) requires a price: a sacrifice. Thus the virtue of love must be willed. Many would consider the Blessed Mother as the model for all Christian mothers as one that is intimidating and unapproachable. If she is the perfect model of Christian motherhood, how can we ever hope to approach her or even model our lives after her? We are setup for failure from the very beginning. This is always a perception of the sinner who looks at perfection or holiness in others and finds oneself wanting. It is a perception but the consideration of it is wrongly understood. The blessings of others are not an offense against the self. This would be envy at work in the mind and heart. We often forget that we need models of perfection that place before us the genuine beauty of perfection. All too often in our imperfect world we have placed before our eyes a multitude of imperfections and failures. We tend to see and amplify all the failures and imperfections in others. Failures are so commonplace that they become the norm for everyday life. In a sense, one
could become comfortable with the less than perfect. We even use it as the standard for judging ourselves as being better in comparison. In such situations we don’t find a challenge to be better individuals. We become complacent. When it comes to Motherhood or parenting in general it is always easier to point the finger at the failures or imperfections and find no inspiration to be better: much less to consider our own imperfections and failures. Placing the perfect model of Christian Motherhood, the Blessed Mother faithfully loved our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ throughout his earthly life. His joy was her joy. His sufferings were her sufferings. His agony was her agony. His glory is her glory. His mission is her mission. This is true for all Christians. This is true for all Christian mothers. This is something that mothers know deep in their hearts. Placing the Blessed Mother before is not something that should discourage us. Properly understood this is a matter of encouragement for all Christian mothers. The Saints throughout the history of the Church are presented to us as models of encouragement. We can also see the same pattern in their lives that follow the pattern of the Blessed Mother. Mary was one who was united in mind and heart with her son Jesus throughout his life. This was true during Jesus’ earthly life; it is also true from her place in heaven where she enjoys that perfect union with her Son. This is the call of all Christians to be of one in mind and heart with Jesus Christ. The Blessed Mother models this for us and she also encourages and assists us through her intercession. Like her Blessed Son, Mary desires our salvation in and through her Son. She is the Help of Christians. We prayerfully ask Mary to pray for us. This is what encourages us. On this Mother’s Day we again ask God to bless all our Mothers. May they be inspired and encouraged in greater faithful love for God, their children and their families. For this we are thankful and encouraged as faithful followers of her son, Jesus Christ. This past week I received a letter from Genesis Hospice Care. They are seeking people who may be interested in the possibility of becoming a hospice volunteer. They have numerous possibilities that are “hands on” as well as some work “behind the scene” where help is needed and appreciated. If there are individuals who may be interested you may contact Genesis Hospice Care at 740-454-5365. Lastly, as you know we are at the beginning stages of this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The envelopes are at the ends of the pews for your contribution/pledge. If you have given in the past please do so again this year. If you have not contributed to the Appeal last year, please consider an offering this year. As I have indicated in the past, we have a responsibility to provide for the financial needs of our parish. We also have a responsibility in supporting the work of our diocese as well. We are beneficiaries from the work of the diocese. We also need to share in that same work for the benefit of those in need throughout the diocese. Thank you for your support. Have a great week. Father Ralko
MAY 14, 2017
Church Support MAY 7, 2017 OFFERTORY $10,764.00 Diocesan Tax ($650.00) Fenwick Subsidy ($3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy ($290.00) Available for Parish Operations $6,764.00 Parish Operating Expenses ($8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses ($800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly surplus $64.00 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.
We pray for those who have died recently: John Pagath
Congratulations to those who made their First Holy Communion on Sunday May 7 at 11:30 Mass. May Jesus stay close to your hearts as you receive Him each weekend at Mass!!! Cameron Scott Crane Addy Mae Durant Preston James Farrell Griffin Williams Flowers Adam Norbert Hustey Lyla Rose Johnson Katelyn Rose Kosco Ryan Scott Lamonica Dawson Joseph Larson Owen Christopher McNeil
Aiden Michael Metz Mallory MacKenzie Moody Shane Lee O’Brian Melanie Grace Oseguera Kaid Russell Ritchey Sophia Marie Scott Camille Rose Susil Lane Michael Wahl Elijah Michel Woytko
The Sacrament of Confirmation The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administrated by Bishop Fredrick Campbell upon St. Nicholas and St. Thomas eighth graders on Saturday, May 20 at 11 am Mass at St. Nicholas Church. Please pray for them to be open to the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. PRAY THE ROSARY IN MAY Before each Mass during the month of May, St. Nicholas will pray the rosary together. Come 20 minutes before Mass time and join other parishioners. If you would like to volunteer to lead the Rosary, please call Mary Lou Staker at 740-453-7141.
Pre Jordan Class St. Nicholas will hold a Pre Jordan Class for parents and godparents of infants and small children who are to be baptized on Tuesday, May 30 at 7 p.m. in the Parish Office Building. Please call Mary Lou Staker 740-4537141 to register. Bishop Rosecrans High School is seeking host families for exchange students for the 2017-2018 school year. The host family is expected to provide a safe home environment, breakfast and dinner. Tuition and other expenses are paid by the student. Young, old, single or married may apply. A monthly stipend is provided. Contact Mark Dosch at 740-452-4762 or
[email protected] or Helen Brooks at 740-704-8681 or
[email protected] DIVORCED? Is anyone in YOUR family DIVORCED? The Catholic’s DIVORCE SURVIVAL Guide 12-week program features 30-minute DVD shows each week that cover topics of shock, denial, anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness, money, the courts, the kids, the ex-spouse, annulment, dating, sexuality, spirituality, remarriage or staying single, and much more. Whether you got divorced ten days ago or ten years ago, the program offers valuable insight for everyone. The DVD series includes Catholic men and women who share their gut-wrenching but inspiring stories of divorce and recovery. You’ll cry, laugh and be encouraged. PLEASE JOIN US. The group began Friday, April 28, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Nicholas Parish Office upstairs meeting room (955 East Main Street). The program is free and includes a “Personal Survival Guide”. Find comfort and counsel consistent with Catholic teachings. Sorry, no child care available. Call the St. Nicholas Parish Office to register. - For more information about The Catholic’s DIVORCE SURVIVAL Guide go to http://www.catholicsdivorce.com/ Living the Gospel in Faith, Hope, and Charity We would like to thank all the parishioners who have already pledged their gift to the 2017 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Pledge envelopes are available in the pews. Every gift is important and no gift is too small. Thank you for your generosity. ROSECRANS BISHOPS BASKETBALL CAMP Todd Rock will lead the 25th Annual Rosecrans Bishops Basketball Camp for grades K-12 June 12-15 at the high school. Camp times are: Grades K-4 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Grades 5-8 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. High School 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Girls are welcome to attend the K-4 and 5-8 camps. Cost is $50 for each camp and if junior high boys want to attend both junior high and high school camps, the cost is $85. Applications are available at Bishop Rosecrans and Bishop Fenwick. For more information call Coach Rock at 408-1475 or 453-8332. JUBILEE OF ANNIVERSARIES 2017 will take place Sunday, June 25 at St. Matthew Parish in Gahanna. Bishop Campbell will celebrate Mass at 2:30 p.m., and an informal reception will follow. Please notify and encourage your parishioners who are celebrating significant wedding anniversaries (25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th, and every year thereafter) to attend. More information, including parish bulletin announcements and a flyer, will be mailed to your parish shortly. If you have any questions about this celebration, please call the Marriage & Family Life Office at 614-241-2560.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. May 21, 2017- Sixth Sunday of Easter
What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, May 15, St. Isidore the Farmer 8:00 a.m., Mass: Mary Jo Dooley, Church
Saturday, May 20 @ 11:00 a.m. Confirmation Mass Lector: Paul Nestor, Wendy Hart Server: Nathan Hart, David Eppley, Libby Pratt, Luke Pratt, Charles Peterson, Scott Peterson Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Paula Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Dan Snider, Charlotte Snider Eucharistic Minister: Margaret Kronenbitter, Chris Drake, Michael Drake
TUESDAY, May 16 8:00 a.m., Mass: Leona Hohman, Church
WEDNESDAY, May 17, St. Damien de Veuster 8:10 a.m., Mass: Madison Paul, Church
THURSDAY, May 18, St. John I NO MASS
Saturday, May 20 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Sharon Coen, Nancy Susa Server: Mason Harmon, Justin Ewart Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Jim McKee Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Janis Maziar, Dodi Sealock Eucharistic Minister: Larry Taylor, Ronald Davis, Pauline Davis, Don Susa Sunday, May 21 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Diane Hoffer, Sue Hillis Server: Nicholas Hoffer, Wesley Wilson Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Alan Burns Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Vicki Burns, Jim Hillis Eucharistic Minister: Philip Kocoloski Sunday, May 21 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Peggy Hill, Robert LaPrad Server: Christina Rozsa, Rex Hankinson Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Betsy Skrobot Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: David Skrobot, Tom A. Durant Eucharistic Minister: Jane Durant, Dan Sylvester, John Haswell, Linda Haswell Sunday, May 21 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Patti Logan, Sam Palleschi Server: Wesley Nestor, Tyler Mell Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Molly Ritchey Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Karen Hardman, Dottie Durant Eucharistic Minister: Paul Ritchey, Diana Dunn, Jeff Shawger, Carolyn Arnold
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.
FRIDAY, May 19, SS Nereus and Achilleus 8:00 a.m., Mass: Barbara Miller, Church
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER SATURDAY, May 20, St. Bernardine of Siena 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m., Mass: L/D members of the Wayne Dozer family, Church
SUNDAY, May 21 7:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: Bill & Sally Fleer, Church 9:45 a.m., Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Reg Grear, birthday, Church
Readings for Week of May 15, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Acts 14:5-18 Acts 14:19-28 Acts 15:1-6 Acts 15:7-21 Acts 15:22-31 Acts 16:1-10 Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Jn 14:21-26 Jn 14:27-31a Jn 15:1-8 Jn 15:9-11 Jn 15:12-17 Jn 15:18-21 Jn 14:15-21
