bulletin 09-03-2017

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME From the Pastor’s Desk Labor Day is already upon us. As we celebrate Labor Day we acknowledge the importance of work in our lives. It is obvious that as Catholic Christians we see labor in a different light. We see our work as a participation in the ongoing creative activity of God in the world. Work is an invitation to share in God’s creative goodness. To be fully human we need to do some kind of work. It is planted in our very being. When we read the story of creation we hear the words that man and woman are created in the Image and Likeness of God. We do not hear these words in reference to the other creatures. We believe that God is the creator of all things. Since the human being alone is created in His image and likeness we have the creativity of God planted in our make-up. Unlike the animals we want to be creative like our heavenly Father: we necessarily want to work. It is in and through our work that we express our place in creation: children of God and stewards of our Father’s creation. There are certain characteristics of that we find in the beginning of the book of Genesis that are revelatory of God’s desire. These are particular insights that we have when we ponder creation before the Original Sin. The story is simple, almost too simple for some people to take seriously; however, this is a Divinely Inspired story of creation that deserves our reflection. Before the Original Sin there was an invitation offered to the man and woman to share in and to care for God’s creation. “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” Before the Original Sin this was the simple invitation to share in God’s creative activity and protective care over the earth and all that lives upon it. This was not intended to be a burden upon the man and the woman. However, sin has changed all that. Because of Original Sin the human heart was tainted and the invitation to share in God’s creative work and stewardship became a burden. God said to Adam… “cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth to you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” That which was an invitation to share in the creative work of God before Original Sin has now become a burden. The human mind and heart are now tainted by sin, work and the very thought of work is perceived negatively. Sin has distorted our understanding and motivation for work. Because of our separation from God due to sin we do not view and understand work in the manner that God would have us view and understand work: a sharing in His divine activity in creation. Ironically, because of sin in our lives we see work as something to be avoided just as sin would have us avoid all that is good and holy. No wonder we are tempted to see work in a negative light. Work is no longer seen as a participation in the ongoing creative work of God: a good and holy thing. With a breach in the relationship with God there is also a distortion in the relationship human beings have with the created world. There is a loss of harmony and mutual cooperation. When we are in “conflict” with God we are also in a “conflict” with what belongs to Him: His creation. With this distortion we have slowly evolved into viewing our work as oriented toward something other than a participation in God’s activity. It takes on a different focus. It easily evolves into a means to a lesser goal: material things especially wealth. When work is seen as primarily a means to wealth, wealth eventually eclipses our desire for God. We tend to work to make money, which is a good thing because money is a tool that we use

to trade in this world. It is an easy transition to make money, wealth, the primary goal and not a means to a greater good. When wealth becomes the primary goal we find ourselves making many sacrifices for this worldly possession. When money becomes the sole motive our labor becomes less fulfilling. Thus the means and the goal become less fulfilling because the things of this world will never satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart. In fact we see our work as burdensome, a necessary evil that must be endured. We even begin to hate it. Because of our fallen state, we do not see work as we should: a sharing in the divine activity of God in the world. Granted, we have to live in this world and money is a necessary part of living in this world. Our understanding of money and possessions must have a Christian perspective. Money and possessions can never be the greatest goal of our lives: they must be understood as a means or a tool, to be used for a greater or an ultimate good, improving the lives of others and our own. In a manner of speaking it is a means for us to do our part in building up the Kingdom of God. This is also known as being good stewards of this world that belongs to God. We must recall the words of Jesus…”you cannot serve both God and mammon.” We will end up loving one and despising the other. Again, in this we see another great irony. Many people will choose worldly possessions and then “use” God as a means to get wealth. “God has blessed me with wealth because I am a good person.” In this manner people will eventually despise God if they do not get their wealth. It is amazing how many people turn away from God because they do not get what they want! God is replaced by wealth. As a people of faith we need to look at our work in a different light. We will not have this different view of our work unless we are in union with God and see things as God would have us see them. Our work is a participation in the creative activity of God. It matters little what kind of work we do in this life, we should always see it as an invitation to share in God’s creative and life-giving activity. We must see in our work a means of sharing in and revealing the goodness of God in the world. The “burden” of work can be transformed into a means of revealing God’s goodness. This transformation happens when we seek the grace of God. The Grace of God can transform our work. We can understand this when we see the opposite. When an individual approaches work in a negative way they tend to be less effective in their work. In fact their presence tends to be a negative influence in the workplace. They bring a negative and draining presence to their work and upon those with whom they must work. This is not life-giving. It is life draining. They do not approach work with the graciousness that comes from God. Work is written into our very fiber. We are created in the image and likeness of God. There is something of God within every one of us. We have a dignity that is rooted in God. As we recall the story of creation we see that God works. As God works so must those who are created in his image and likeness: His children as it were. To work is to reflect something of God in our lives. When we work in union with God we affirm and grow in the likeness of God. How do we cultivate this understanding of work? We get a hint at this when we read in the book of Genesis that God looked upon all that he created and said it was very good. Then on the seventh day, God rested from all of the work he had done. As we share in the work of God we must also share in God’s rest. It is in resting with God that we open our minds and hearts to union with God. In staying in union with God we view and understand our world and work as God would want. We are able to maintain our understanding of work as a participation in God’s

SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 creative activity. To rest with the Lord on the seventh day is very important for us. It is necessary for us to remain and grow in a deeper relationship with the Lord so that we can maintain our perspective on our life and work. The greater the relationship we have with God the better our understanding and the purpose of our life and work. If on the other hand our relationship with God deteriorates, our vision and understanding of our life and work deteriorates and loses its perspective and purpose. In fact it becomes very easy to evolve into an attitude that uses God as a means to gain our true desire: wealth. The grace of God transforms all things. Grace builds on nature. Grace can transform our work and truly makes it a means to glorify God, bring goodness into the lives of others and truly transform the world we live in. Our prayers are for God’s blessings upon us and our work. It is an honor and a privilege to share in God’s creative activity in the world. Thy Kingdom Come! Mass for Labor Day, Monday, will be at 8:00a.m. You are most welcome to join us for the celebration of the Eucharist as we observe our National Holiday. This week we will be starting our RCIA classes for those interested in joining the Church. These classes may also be a great opportunity for those who are Catholic and desire to renew and deepen their knowledge and faith. You are welcome to join us as well. Classes will begin Wednesday Evening September 6 th in the lower level of the parish office building at 7:00 p.m. Have a great Holiday weekend and week. Fr. Ralko Hurricane Harvey: I have not heard from the Diocese about this matter, but I am sure that we will be taking up a Special Collection for Catholic Social Services in the near future. The devastation is beyond our ability to fully grasp. The need will be long term. Many across the country have already responded. This is great. However, the long-term nature of the need will afford us some time to prepare for a Special Collection in the near future. Stay tuned for this announcement. Please continue to pray for all those who have been devastated by this crisis.

Church Support AUGUST 27, 2017 OFFERTORY $8,910.00 Diocesan Tax $(770.00) Fenwick Subsidy $(2,635.00) Rosecrans subsidy $(485.00) Available for Parish Operations $5,021.00 Parish Operating Expenses $(7,825.00) Religious Education Expenses $(890.00) Other Income $1,855.00 Weekly deficit $(1,839.00) May God bless you for supporting your parish

Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week II of the Liturgy of the hours.

All are invited to join the students for breakfast, Sunday, September 10 in the St. Nicholas Church basement following all Masses. Students should arrive at 7:00 a.m. to help with set up.

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, September 4th for the Labor Day Holiday. PLEASE CALL THIS WEEK! All families will be photographed for our directory Sept. 11-15 and 25-29 right here at the St. Nicholas Parish Office building. Appointment times are 1:00 p.m.-7:40 p.m. Please help us meet our goal of 250 families. Our directory won’t be complete without you. The online scheduler is ready for you to choose your appointment time at https://booknowlifetouch.appointment-plus.com/y3x6hqnc/ or call the parish office at 453-0597. We will be glad to schedule your appointment for you. A huge THANK YOU goes to the Daughters of Isabella for the cleanup of the courtyard at the Parish Office. It looks beautiful and your work is very much appreciated! SAINT NICHOLAS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Registration for 2017-2018 Religious Education Classes will be Sunday, Sept. 10 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Bishop Fenwick School,1030 E. Main St. Classes start on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 9:45 a.m. Call 740-868-7146 for more details or if you have questions. RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA is a process by which adults become Catholic. Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church? Are you unbaptized but recognize a need for spirituality in your life/ Are you a baptized Catholic or baptized into another religion but never received any formal religious education? Are you married to a Catholic and attend Mass but just don’t know what the next step is to become one of the Catholic faithful? Were you baptized as a Catholic but not raised in the faith? RCIA is the place for you! RCIA begins on Wed. September 6 at 7 p.m. in the Parish Office Building, 955 East Main St. (enter on the Silliman St. side.) Call Mary Lou Staker at 740- 453-7141 for more information. WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY We will resume our gatherings on Monday, September 25 at 3:30 p.m. in the parish office in the lower level for our September meeting only. Please use the Silliman Street entrance. We will meet on the last Monday of the month until spring. This year we will use Heaven Starts Now Becoming a Saint Day by Day. Fee for the book is $10.00. If you plan to join us, please phone Judi Peterson at 740-453-5288. SADIE CORRY PILGRIMAGE TO CAREY, OHIO Wednesday, October 4, 2016. Cost is $25.00. You may purchase your lunch at the cafeteria. Paid reservations needed by Wednesday, September 6th. Bus departure from K of C, Zanesville Sunrise Center, 7:55 a.m. and return about 6:45 p.m. For information call Mary Murphy at 452-4454 or Margaret Kronenbitter at 453-7657. Make checks payable and send to Margaret Kronenbitter, 2700 Wayne Ridge Rd., Zanesville, OH. 43701.

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. September 10, 2017- Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, September 4, Labor Day 8:00 a.m., Mass: L/D members of the Nader Family, Church

Saturday, September 9 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Nancy Susa, Sharon Coen Server: Mason Harmon, Charles Peterson Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Dottie Durant Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Don Susa, Janis Maziar Eucharistic Minister: Laurie Harmon, Charlotte Snider, Dan Snider, Paula Peterson

TUESDAY, September 5 8:00 a.m., Mass: Blaine Kocoloski, birthday, Church

WEDNESDAY, September 6 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Joan Shaffer, Church 7:00 p.m., RCIA, Parish Office lower level

Sunday, September 10 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Stephanie Bridwell, Susan Thompson Server: David Eppley, Wesley Wilson Eucharistic Minister- Coord: to be determined Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Jeff Shawger, Margaret Kronenbitter Eucharistic Minister: Philip Kocoloski

THURSDAY, September 7

Sunday, September 10 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Keena Hansel, Rocky Rowe Server: Bill Altier, Christina Rozsa Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Judi Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Susie Altier, Gerald Tiberio Eucharistic Minister: Dan Sylvester, Erin Roush, Rosalyn Headington, Claire Tiberio

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, September 10 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Othello Repuyan, Bill Sullivan Server: Nicholas Hoffer, Rex Hankinson Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Judy Hamilton Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Alan Burns, Vicki Burns Eucharistic Minister: Karen Hardman, Jim McKee, Diana Dunn, Mary Mirgon

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.

8:00 a.m., Mass: Thomas Morosco, Church

FRIDAY, September 8, The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8:00 a.m., Mass: Ashley Hoffman, birthday, Church

SATURDAY, September 9, St. Peter Claver 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m., Mass: Clarence & Mary Hupp, Church

SUNDAY, September 10 7:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:00-12:00 p.m., Religious Education Class registration, Bishop Fenwick School 9:30 a.m., Mass: RHS Class of 1969, Church 11:30 a.m., Mass: Anna Mary Glaub, birthday, Church

Readings for Week of September 4, 2017 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . .

1 Thes 4:13-18 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11 Col 1:1-8 Col 1:9-14 Mi 5:1-4a

Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .

Col 1:21-23 Ez 33:7-9

Lk 4:16-30 Lk 4:31-37 Lk 4:38-44 Lk 5:1-11 Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 Lk 6:1-5 Mt 18:15-20

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.

IMAGINE: A Clean Community: Join us for an evening with David Sheff, award winning journalist and author on Wednesday, September 13th at the Secrest Auditorium, 334 Shinnick Street, Zanesville. Doors open at 5p.m. Exhibitors and FREE refreshments in basement. Keynote speaker from 6p.m. - 8p.m. Followed by panel presentation. David Sheff is the author of A Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction and Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending American’s Greatest Tragedy.