FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk Memorial Day Weekend has suddenly arrived! This is one of the best weekends of the whole year. There are so many great things happening over this weekend and it is easy for us to lose our focus on Memorial Day itself. We have graduations, the diocese will celebrate the Ordination of one young man to the priesthood, summer vacation begins for many of our students and then there is Memorial Day. Most importantly this is the holiday in which we pause and remember those who have served our country through their military service. We prayerfully remember those who have served in the Military Services and have passed away. We recall our men and women who have died on the battlefields throughout the world. Their courageous sacrifice in battle can never be overshadowed and forgotten. We owe them our grateful prayers of thanksgiving and commend their souls to the eternal care of God. We are also mindful of those who have died after their service and gratefully returned home. In a special way we recall those veterans who have died this past year. These brave men and women have generously served our country upholding those principles and values that make our country great. Military service is offered for the sake of the citizens of the United States as well as for the people and those countries who have called upon our country in their need. As a country we are all too aware that the human heart desires freedom. We find oppression of peoples to be deplorable. As such we are especially sensitive to all peoples who are unjustly oppressed. We know this because we know the goodness of freedom and the God-given dignity of each person. We are also very much aware, and at times need to be reminded, that freedom implies responsibility. We may not always exercise our freedom well and may even try to avoid our personal responsibilities, but that does not negate the genuine goodness of freedom and the intrinsic human desire for freedom. This is the message that we carry to the world even in the face of our own faults and failures as individuals and as a country. Freedom is a great good. As our Judeo – Christian religious tradition tells us, freedom is rooted in God. It is a good and holy thing that enables us to grow in true goodness: the image and likeness of God. Freedom is worth the effort and sacrifice necessary to possess, share and preserve. Freedom is worth the sacrifice because it is worth living for. Many people celebrate Memorial Day with the custom of visiting cemeteries in honor of our deceased relatives and friends who have served in the military. It is a good and pious practice to visit the graves of our veterans. A prayer for the repose of their souls is always a good thing. It is good for us to pray… “Eternal Life grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.” Amen. As we pray and remember our veterans who have died we particularly pray for those who have passed away this past year. As a good practice for Memorial Day I suggest attending morning mass. Mass will be celebrated at 8:00 a. m. (St. Thomas traditionally has mass at 9:00 a.m. on holidays. Morning mass is accessible in Zanesville.) As I have noted in the past, Memorial Day mass is usually well attended. I find this encouraging and an affirmation of the piety and devotion of our parishioners who mark our National Holidays by starting their day by attending the Celebration of the Eucharist. The prayers offered for the intentions of our country are important and our parishioners prove their good citizenship by seeking God’s blessings on our country, our leaders, and the common good of her citizens and the repose of the souls of our departed veterans. Over this weekend and in the next few days many of our High School seniors have and will be graduating. We wish them
all the very best as they complete this milestone in their lives. We encourage them and wish them God’s Blessings as they continue on in either furthering their education or entering the work place. We pray for their success in life and remind them that in all they do in life they must put a priority on their Catholic Christian Faith. Our Catholic Christian Faith touches and enhances every aspect of our lives. When our Faith is placed first and above all else, everything fits into its proper perspective and place. Jesus’ own words say it all, “What profit would a man show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process?” (Matt 16:26) Stay close to God and you will not destroy yourself in the process. The school year will be coming to an end this week. Bishop Fenwick School will celebrate graduation for our eighth grade students here at St. Nicholas on Wednesday evening. We wish the very best for our graduates from Bishop Fenwick as they have completed their studies and prepared themselves for High School. Well done and good luck. Thursday morning there will be a morning mass which will be the last mass for the grade school: Mass will be at 8:10. They will not be in attendance for the morning mass on Wednesday as is their tradition. Now that the school year comes to an end all the morning masses during the week for the summer months will be at 8:00 am starting next week. It would be advisable to check the mass schedule in the bulletin just in case I decide to take a day here or there to head to Detroit to visit with my family. Also the Thursday morning mass will resume when Fr. Thomas Kamau returns from Kenya. I believe that date will be June 15th. As noted earlier in this column, the Diocese of Columbus will have one ordained to the priesthood this year. The young man is Daniel Olvera. Please offer a prayer for him as he begins his life as a Priest of our Lord Jesus Christ. Next year we are looking forward to the ordination of five young men to the priesthood. God Willing! Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend. Father Ralko
Church Support MAY 21, 2017 OFFERTORY $6,956.00 Diocesan Tax ($650.00) Fenwick Subsidy ($3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy ($290.00) Available for Parish Operations $2,956.00 Parish Operating Expenses ($8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses ($800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly deficit $3,744.00 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.
We pray for those who have died recently: Sara A. Reichart
MAY 28, 2017 THE CATHOLIC DIVORCE SURVIVAL GUIDE APOLOGY, EXPLANATION AND REBOOT The Catholic Divorce Survival Guide program was scheduled to Start April 28th. However, my mother passed away on April 21st. I initially forgot about the program, and then decided to postpone the program. I did not realize that the information continued to run in the bulletin. I apologize to anyone who attempted to attend the Catholic Divorce Survival Guide and ask forgiveness. Please do not give up on the program. It is an excellent program and it will continue. If you are interested in the program please call me, Patty, (740) 453-5173. 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]
PARISH OFFICE SUMMER HOURS The Parish Office will begin its summer hours June 2, closing at noon on Fridays. Due to our small staff and vacations, please call the office at 740-453-0597 to make sure it is open.
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.
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day. The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, May 29.
PRAYER FOR GRADUATES Heavenly Father, Surround those who are graduating with your grace. Bless them with hope so that they move into the future with eager and open hearts. Help them to put the knowledge, skills, and insights gained through their education to use for the good of all humankind. Inspire them to believe in the goodness of life even when faced with challenges and difficulties. As they commence with their lives, may they grow ever more grateful and wise. All of this we ask in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son. Amen.
Congratulations to all area graduates!
CHINESE AUCTION ITEMS It is that time of the year when the Chinese Auction for St. Nicholas Parish Festival, asks for donations and help for the booth. We have placed the tags in the back of the church on a table to help get it started this year. Please purchase your new items and return them to the parish office by July 24, 2017. Please call 740-297-0823 with questions. BISHOPS TUITION CREDIT PLAN SCRIP GIFT CARDS Your support of the Zanesville Catholic Schools is valued and appreciated. One method of support beneficial to Bishop Rosecrans High School, Bishop Fenwick School or the student of your choice is the purchase of gift cards from the Scrip Office located at Bishop Rosecrans High school. Scrip is a term meaning “substitute money” which is in the form of gift cards. The gift cards are purchased up front by our school and are sold to our families to help with tuition costs or operating expenses at our school. Our school buys these cards from Great Lakes Scrip Center at a discount and resells the cards to families for full face value. This discount is revenue used for our schools and tuition assistance for our families. Scrip is a popular fundraiser because families are not required to sell anything. Members buying the gift cards produce revenue by making regular household purchases they would make anyway. Wal-Mart (Sam’s Club), Kohl’s, Chipotle, Panera, Starbucks, Cinemark, Speedway, BP and Riesbeck’s are just a few of the participating retailers. A complete list of participating retailers and local retailers is available by contacting the Scrip Office (740 452-7504 ext. 106). A complete list of retailers is also available at (shopwithscrip.com)
FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
What’s Happening in Our Parish LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. June 4, 2017- Pentecost Sunday
MONDAY, May 29, Memorial Day 8:00 a.m., Mass: L/D members of the Harsch and Schmutz Families, Church
Saturday, June 3 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Nichole Hannahs, Nancy Susa Server: Rex Hankinson, Mason Harmon Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Mary Mirgon Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Don Susa, Dan Snider Eucharistic Minister: Ronald Davis, Pauline Davis, Charlotte Snider, Karen Robinson
TUESDAY, May 30
Sunday, June 4 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Stephanie Bridwell, Sue Hillis Server: Luke Pratt, Libby Pratt Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Marvin Paul Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Philip Kocoloski, Jim Hillis Eucharistic Minister: Nancy Thompson
THURSDAY, June 1
Sunday, June 4 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Diane Hoffer, Peggy Hill Server: Christina Rozsa, Nicholas Hoffer Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Rosalyn Headington Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Judi Peterson, Erin Roush Eucharistic Minister: Dan Sylvester, Janis Maziar, John Haswell, Linda Haswell Sunday, June 4 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Sam Palleschi, Othello Repuyan Server: Wesley Nestor, Justin Hart Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Jeff Shawger Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Dodi Sealock, Karen Hardman Eucharistic Minister: Alan Burns, Vicki Burns, Carolyn Arnold, Diana Dunn
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.
8:00 a.m., Mass: Blaine Kocoloski, Church
WEDNESDAY, May 31, The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8:00 a.m., Mass: Bill and Sally Fleer, Church 7:00 p.m., Mass: Bishop Fenwick 8th grade Graduation, Church
8:10 a.m., School Mass: C. E. Smithberger, Church
FRIDAY, June 2, SS. Marcellinus and Peter 8:00 a.m., Mass: Elizabeth M. Noll, anniversary, Church
Pentecost Sunday SATURDAY, June 3, St. Charles Lwanga and companions 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m., Mass: Francis Frank Noll, birthday, Church
SUNDAY, June 4 7:30 a.m., Mass: Genevieve Baker, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 11:30 a.m., Mass: Emily Swierz, Church
Readings for Week of May 29, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Acts 19:1-8 Acts 20:17-27 Zep 3:14-18a Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 Acts 25:13b-21 Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 Acts 2:1-11
Jn 16:29-33 Jn 17:1-11a Lk 1:39-56 Jn 17:20-26 Jn 21:15-19 Jn 21:20-25 Jn 20:19-23
