FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk Next weekend we will have our annual Mission Appeal Sunday. Every year, forty mission organizations, out of fivehundred who have applied to the diocese, will be speaking at Masses in the 100 parishes of the Diocese of Columbus between April and September. This is the Missionary Cooperation Plan (MCP) of the diocese. This program gives the people of the diocese the experience of cross-cultural exchange and the opportunity to financially help missionaries in their efforts to spread the Gospel. Next weekend, we will welcome Fr. Dennis Jose, OSFS representing the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The first question that most likely arises is… What is an Oblate? An Oblate is a person who is dedicated to a religious life but typically does not take full monastic vows. Nevertheless they are vowed religious who live out a particular charism while living in community. The mission of the OSFS Congregation is to grow as a religious community in loving union with God and with each other, to share their charism with the People of God, and affirm them in “living Jesus” as the needs of the Church dictate. They do this as Missionaries and as Teachers. Following the example of their founder, Father Louis Brisson, and in accordance with the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, the Oblates place themselves under the guidance of the Holy Father in the pursuit of this mission. Missionary work is an important work of the Church. However there is a decrease in the number of vocations to this missionary work of the Church. It is consistent with the decrease in vocations to the Priesthood and Vowed Religious Life. An example of this decrease can be seen in the U.S. missionary society known as the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. This society of American Missionaries was founded by the Bishops of the United States over one-hundred years ago in 1911. Today the average age of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is 74. Once a large and thriving Religious Order their present numbers are now around 150 priests and brothers. Considering a lack of zeal for missionary work one Maryknoll Missionary commented; “How is it that the most important work the Church can do, that of teaching and baptizing the nations, is now considered one ancillary work among many, one sort of ministry among others?” It appears that missionary vocations are not considered all that important with many today. It flows from a politically correct attitude (tolerance) that all religions are basically the same and that one is no better than another: as long as people are tolerant of each other’s religion and beliefs or lack thereof. Besides, in this mindset, religion is not all that important. Nevertheless we have the mandate of Jesus to his disciples at his Ascension which expresses his primary concern. “Go out and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And know that I am with you always until the end of time.” The Missionary activity of the Apostles was an outright mandate of our Blessed Lord as he was returning to the Father. This mandate continues as the primary work of the Church. The decline of missionary activity was touched upon by Pope St. John Paul II in his encyclical letter Redemptoris Missio, the “Mission of the Redeemer”. “The Church cannot elude Christ’s explicit mandate, nor deprive men and women of the ‘Good News’ about their being loved and saved by God. The proclamation of the Word of God has Christian Conversion as its aim: a complete and sincere adherence to Christ and his Gospel through faith…. Nowadays the call to conversion which missionaries address to non-Christians is put into question or passed over in silence. It is seen as an act of ‘proselytizing’; it is claimed that it is enough to help people to become more human or more faithful to their own
religion, that it is enough to build communities capable of working for justice, freedom, peace and solidarity. What is overlooked is that every person has the right to hear the ‘Good News’ of the God who reveals and gives himself in Christ.” Echoing this very point Pope Benedict suggests that “only if we are rooted profoundly in Christ and in his word are we capable of withstanding the temptation to reduce evangelization to a purely human, social project, hiding or glossing over the transcendent dimension of the salvation offered by God in Christ.” At the very heart of true missionary work is a personal conversion to Jesus Christ. With a deep faith in the Lord one is deeply moved to share that Good News with others. It is not a matter of forcing one’s faith on others i.e. proselytizing, but rather a freely sharing the faith and allowing others to freely accept it or not. It is the very point of this Sunday’s Gospel, the farmer freely spreading the seed (Word of God) and the different types of soil that receive the word. Turning the point around and on its head, could we suggest that the decrease in vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life, and in this case missionary work of the Church is a lack of faith on the part of the farmer who is sowing the “seed”, (the Gospel) and in Jesus Christ and His Church? Could it be that the “Sowers of the Seed” lack faith in the Word they are sowing? The “Sower of the Seed” could be every Christian. In a politically correct society we are witnessing “watering down” of the missionary work of the Church with merely humanistic ideals and goals taking a priority over the Good News of the Gospel. This is watering down of the Word. This suggests that the Church is merely a Social Service organization. However, the essential truth and mission of the Church is the Salvation of Souls in and through Jesus Christ. This is the Good News that is to be proclaimed to the entire world. Everything is in service to this mission of the Church: to preach, teach and baptize all the nations. In another turning of the tables, there is a subtle missionary activity taking place in “First World” countries with priests and religious coming from “Third World” countries. There is an increase in vocations in countries that one day we considered Mission Territory. Now many dioceses throughout the United States are relying on priests and religious from other countries to help throughout our country because we are experiencing a shortage of priests here. In a very real way this is a loud signal that there is a need for re-evangelization in so-called First World Christian Countries. In all honesty this is the call for a New Evangelization of which the last three Popes have addressed. There is need for renewal here at home on many levels. A serious consideration here is the question about our faith. Are we suffering from a watered down or lack of faith? Nevertheless, there are people throughout the world who are hungry and thirsty for the Word of God because it is Good News of salvation. We are all in need of a Savior and He is found in the Word of God because he is the Word made Flesh. There is a hunger for the Lord. But as we have heard in the parable of the Farmer and the seed some of those hearts are hardened, cluttered or shallow. This may be true on the surface, but I am convinced that deep down there remains a hunger and a thirst for the Lord. In spite of the kinds of soil we must trust the Word of God first and foremost and share it far and wide. God will do the rest. God will provide the growth. We only have to believe and do our part. We take a step in the right direction as we welcome Fr. Dennis next weekend. Again our prayerful attention and generosity helps is spreading the Gospel. Our assistance is a participation in the Mission of the Church and is greatly appreciated. Have a great week. Fr. Ralko
JULY 16, 2017
Church Support JULY 9, 2017 OFFERTORY $8,497.00 Diocesan Tax ($650.00) Fenwick Subsidy ($3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy ($290.00) Available for Parish Operations $4,497.00 Parish Operating Expenses ($8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses ($800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly deficit (2,203.00) 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: Fred A. Wilson
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH PARISH FESTIVAL August 2-5, 2017 CAKE STAND ATTENTION BAKERS! We are in need of cakes, cookies, pies, candies, breads & more. We will need new items every day of the festival. HUNDREDS of people will take home baked goods made by our wonderful St. Nicholas parishioners. Please drop off items in the St. Nicholas cafeteria before festival hours and at the booth anytime during the festival. If you have any questions, please call Diane Hoffer at 740-252-6800. Thanks & Happy Baking! 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.
RECENT BOOSTER MANIA WINNERS Mike Musselman, Fr. Ralko, Todd Greene, Marvin Paul, Jay Vinsel, Myron Paul, and Linda Beader SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, August 13, 2017, 11:00 a.m. Mass with Bishop Frederick Campbell at St. Thomas Aquinas for the installation of Fr. Jan Sullivan as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas and the “passing of the torch” from the Dominican friars
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults A person who is considering the possibility of becoming a Catholic, or who simply wishes to learn more about the Catholic Church, will find no better way to do this than to become a part of St. Nicholas RCIA. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process designed to form and inform inquirers who fall into three categories: 1. The unbaptized person 2. The person baptized into a faith tradition other than Catholic 3. The baptized Catholic who was neither confirmed nor reared as a Catholic At St. Nicholas, RCIA meets on Wednesday evenings beginning September 6. We will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. and end promptly at 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Office Building, 955 East Main St. (enter on the Silliman St. side). For more information call Mary Lou Staker, Director of Faith Formation at 740-453-7141. RUMMAGE SALE! St. Thomas is seeking donations! Cleaning out your basement, closets, etc.? The Beauty of the Feminine Catholic Women’s Conference will be hosting a Rummage Sale the weekend of August 6th (note the date has been moved since this was last announced). Proceeds will help pay for conference expenses including food and speakers. To make the event a success, donations of clean and sellable items is requested. This can include children’s clothes, toys, books, household items, appliances, tools, decorations, furniture, clothes etc. Donations can be made after all weekend Masses during July (i.e., the 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th) at the159 N. 5th St. Gym/Activity Center. Donations can also be made July 19 and 26 (Wednesdays) from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. For more information visit www.facebook.com/thebeautyofthefeminine FROM WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER “We should have done this a long time ago!” That’s what you’ll be saying after a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones— and focus on one another. The next weekend for central Ohio is September 15-17. For more information or to apply, contact Paul and Marilou Clouse at (614) 834-6880 or visit www.wwmecolumbus.org. Introducing the Mother Teresa Award of Charity, Compassion, and Service! To recognize those special women in our Diocese who exemplify the life of Christ and the spirit of St. Teresa, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) will host a reception for the inaugural class of award recipients on Sunday, August 27, at Immaculate Conception Parish, Columbus. For nomination, table, and ticket information, please visit columbuscatholic.org/mother-teresa-award or contact Mickey McCormick at 614-228-8601, 614-783-5555, or at
[email protected].
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. July 23, 2017- Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, July 17 8:00 a.m., Mass: for all aborted children, Church
Saturday, July 22 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Sharon Coen, Nancy Susa Server: Libby Pratt, Luke Pratt Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Charlotte Snider Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Don Susa, Dottie Durant Eucharistic Minister: Dan Snider, Sandy Black, Karen Robinson, Judi Peterson
TUESDAY, July 18, St. Camillus de Lellis 8:00 a.m., Mass: Mary Graves, Church
WEDNESDAY, July 19 8:00 a.m., Mass: Deacon Gene Staker, Church
THURSDAY, July 20, St. Apollinaris Sunday, July 23 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Stephanie Bridwell, Paul Nestor Server: David Eppley, Justin Ewart Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Sue Hillis Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Philip Kocoloski, Marvin Paul Eucharistic Minister: Jim Hillis
8:00 a.m., Mass: Souls in Purgatory, Church
FRIDAY, July 21, St. Lawrence of Brindisi 8:00 a.m., Mass: deceased members of the Tran Family, Church
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time SATURDAY, July 22, St. Mary Magdalene
Sunday, July 23 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Keena Hansel, Susan Thompson Server: Wesley Wilson, Rex Hankinson Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Michael Drake Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Cheryl Sylvester, Chris Drake Eucharistic Minister: Rosalyn Headington, Tom A. Durant, Jane Durant, Janis Maziar Sunday, July 23 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Bill Sullivan, Patti Logan Server: Charles Peterson, Scott Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Judy Hamilton Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Dodi Sealock, Paula Peterson Eucharistic Minister: Jennifer Bernett, Jim Pottmeyer, Betsy Skrobot, David Skrobot
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.
4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m., Mass: Myrna Snider, Church
SUNDAY, July 23 7:30 a.m., Mass: Jane Durant, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 11:30 a.m., Mass: Bill Sullivan, anniversary, Church
Readings for Week of July 17, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . .
Ex 1:8-14, 22 Ex 2:1-15a Ex 3:1-6, 9-12 Ex 3:13-20 Ex 11:10-12:14 Ex 12:37-42
Sun . . . . . . . .
Wis 12:13, 16-19
Mt 10:34-11:1 Mt 11:20-24 Mt 11:25-27 Mt 11:28-30 Mt 12:1-8 Jn 20:1-2, 11-18 Mt 13:24-43
