FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk This Wednesday is “Ash Wednesday”. Yes Lent is early this year and now it is the time for us to do the spiritual exercises of this Holy Season. Considering the two penitential seasons of the Church; Advent (which seems just like yesterday) and Lent, it is interesting to recall the differences between the two. It is usually agreed that Lent carries a more serious posture over Advent. During the Season of Advent we live in joyful expectation. We come to the realization that we are in need of a Savior. Our penitential practices reflect an attitude of preparation for this long awaited Savior who is our Messiah: Our Lord Jesus Christ. We acknowledge and confess our sinfulness so that our hearts will be open and prepared to welcome our Savior. On the other hand, during the Season of Lent our penitential posture is different. As we look to the Paschal Mystery; the Passion and Death of Jesus, we look at our contribution to His suffering and death. We consider what our sinfulness has brought to the crucifixion. Our Savior suffered and died for OUR SINS. This is very personal as well as communal. We have played a role in the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. After all he suffered and died for all humanity and that includes all of us. Our examination of conscience directly deals with our sinfulness, and how our Lord and Savior suffered and died for “me”. The tone is different. There is a somber posture that we try to maintain during this holy season. There are a number of practices that we engage during this holy season. These practices can be called the penitential disciplines of Lent. It is often the practice for a Catholic to “give something up for Lent.” It could be something to which we find that we are overly attached and is not essential in itself. Some abstain from alcohol, tobacco, television, candy, snacking between meals, etc. It does not seem to be a big deal, and no one is going to be condemned if they fail at this exercise. However these tell us a great deal about ourselves. We may take many things for granted or we may lack self-discipline in these matters. When we add a spiritual element to the mix it may very well tell us about our spiritual self-discipline. Do we suffer from “spiritual sloth”? In this case this leads to spiritual indifference and faithlessness. With the right focus and attitude, Lent can be a great opportunity to rekindle the flame of faith in our lives. Another consideration about giving something up for Lent could be that we need to give up a sinful habit. It is good to focus on a bad habit or something that tempts us on a daily basis. We should consider things like quickness to anger, a short prejudicial fuse, or swearing and cursing, laziness, lack of thoughtfulness, stinginess with our time around the home or among friends. We all have bad habits that we would like to change. Working on just one with the Grace of God would be a step in the right direction. If you have a hard time discovering a bad habit just ask someone like your spouse, brother or sister or a friend! A great encouragement, for those who are able, try attending daily mass. This is a good positive activity to do throughout the Lenten season. Attending daily mass is a great source of grace during this holy season. Growing in a greater love for the celebration of the Eucharist and the graces to be gained by sharing in the Eucharist is the best way to grow spiritually. Please make an effort to join us if you are able. Even if it is only once a week, this is always a very good thing
and reflects a sincere desire to grow in holiness. Note well the weekly mass schedule. Speaking of the Mass, I plan on having a Lenten program focusing on the Mass. A couple of years ago we did a program on Fr. Robert Baron’s (Now Bishop Robert Baron) “Catholicism” which was well received. This year I plan on using Dr. Edward Sri’s video presentation on “The Mass”. Dr. Edward Sri is a nationally-known Catholic speaker and the author of several books. He is a professor of Sacred Theology and Scripture. I have watched his presentations and find them easy to understand and inspiring. I am confident that many will find them helpful in understanding the mass better with the hopeful outcome of greater participation in this great prayer of the Church. We will have this program in the Church on Monday evenings. We will start at 7:00 pm. You are most welcome to join us. Also keep in mind that we will also pray the “Stations of the Cross” on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm. Again, you are encouraged and most welcome to join us. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered more often throughout the Lenten Season. Times will vary to accommodate the parish. I will offer times on some mornings, afternoons and evenings. Please check the bulletin for details. Also for those families who have a student who will be making their First Holy Communion, please note these times to bring your student and yourself as well for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is intended for the parents to set a good example for their child about the importance of making a good confession by bringing them to the sacrament and receiving the sacrament themselves. It should also be noted the Church’s regulations concerning Fast and Abstinence during the Lenten season. Abstinence from meat (red meat and fowl) is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen (14) years and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. This obligation prohibits the eating of meat. Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal on a given fast day. Catholics who are eighteen (18) years of age but not yet fifty-nine (59) are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On fast days, two additional smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. However, the two smaller meals together may not equal one full meal. Moreover, eating solid foods between meals on fast days is not permitted. No snacking! It almost seems silly to have to explain fasting and abstinence, but there will always be someone who would like to know what exactly they need or ought to do. An individual can get legal about this particular discipline. It usually is an indication that one doesn’t want to fast and abstain: trying to find a loophole or an excuse to get out of it. However, if it is a sacrifice, done out of love for God and a sign that one is sorry for personal sinfulness and spiritual sloth, then no explanation is necessary. It is what it is: a pious, devout and personal expression of sorrow for our sins (penance) and our desire to love God all the more. Self-denial is a sacrifice we are willing to make as a sign of our love. Lastly, mass times for Ash Wednesday will be at 8:10 am with the students from both Bishop Rosecrans and Bishop Fenwick. The evening mass will be at 7:00 pm. This is a great way to start the Lenten Season. Have a great week. Father Ralko
FEBRUARY 7, 2016
Church Support January 31, 2016 OFFERTORY Diocesan Tax Fenwick Subsidy Rosecrans subsidy Available for Parish Operations Parish Operating Expenses Religious Education Expenses Other Income Weekly deficit May God bless you for supporting your parish
$8,038.00 $ (650.00) $(3,060.00) ($290.00) $4,038.00 $(8,200.00) $(800.00) $2,300.00 $ (2,662.00)
Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week I of the Liturgy of the hours. We pray for the following who have died recently:
Jeanette “Jane” Durant, Stella Tomson & Joseph LaFatch We welcome into the Church this weekend through Baptism: Whillow Grace Matz YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS There will be a High School Youth Ministry meeting on Sunday, February 7th, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Teen Center. High School Students are invited to join us as we begin our work on the Walking Stations of the Cross to be held in Zanesville on Good Friday. PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! BISHOP FENWICK SCHOOL Welcome Wednesdays Dates: February 10th, March 16th & April 13th K-8 Admissions Open House – Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Come experience us in action! ~Tour the School ~Interact with students ~Receive Enrollment information Please RSVP 740-454-9731 or
[email protected]
Recent Booster Mania winners: John Gilchrist, Ron Koverman, Joan Weidig, Keenan Meyer, Dave Pfeifer, Billie Rapol & Annette. Tickets are still available for purchase. Contact Marvin Paul 453-4482 for information. The Daughters of Isabella seek to promote the welfare of the community in accordance with the teachings and rules of the Catholic Church through unity, friendship and charity. All women age 16 and up are welcome to join us. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 9th at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Parish Office.
FAMILY INFORMATION NIGHT The Catholic Schools of Zanesville is hosting a Family Information Night on February 17th from 5:30pm-7:30pm at all three campuses. Families will be able to tour the buildings, meet teachers and students, get registration information, find out about tuition assistance and speak with our administration. For more information you can call Bishop Rosecrans High School at (740) 452-7504 or Bishop Fenwick School at (740) 454-9731....We hope to see you there! The winner of the first $500 cash prize from our Red & Black Sweepstakes is Russell Glaub Jr. Congratulations! Stay tuned for next months’ drawings and don't forget to buy your tickets if you haven't done so already. Tickets can be purchased at the schools or downloaded fromhttp://www.rosecrans.cdeducation.org/ne…/fundraisingevents/ LENTEN STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND MEAGER MEALS During the Lenten season, St. Nicholas prays the Stations of the Cross each Friday beginning February 12- March 18 at 7 p.m. This is preceded by Meager Meals at 6 p.m. Meager Meals consists of meatless soup, bread and cheese. Join us in the church basement at 6 p.m. for dinner and then to the church for prayer. If you would like to volunteer to make soup or bring bread and cheese for one evening, call Mary Lou Staker at 740 453 7141. Bishops Tuition Credit Plan-SCRIP GIFT CARDS Dear Parishioners, Your support of the Zanesville Catholic Schools is valued and appreciated. Another method of support beneficial to you and 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”. Because the scrip is purchased with cash up front by our organization, participating retailers offer a substantial discount. Our organization buys the scrip from Great Lakes Scrip Center at a discount, and re-sells the certificates to families for full face value. The discount is our organizations revenue. Scrip is a popular fundraiser because families don’t have to sell anything. Members buying the gift cards produce revenue by making regular household purchases they would make anyway. A list of participating retailer and many local retailers is available by contacting the Scrip Office (740 452-7504 ext. 106). UNTIL DEATH DO US PART Your marriage will be more ready for the long haul after taking a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend! The next two weekends are February 19-21 and April 22-24, both in central Ohio. For more information or to register, contact Paul & Marilou Clouse at 614-834-6880 or visit our website at www.wwmecolumbus.org
FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. February 14, 2016 First Sunday of Lent
What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, February 8, St. Jerome & St. Josephine
8:00 a.m., Mass: Richard Baum, Church 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Sign Language Class, Parish Office
Ash Wednesday, February 10 @ 7:00 p.m. Lector: Patty Barnes, Diane Hoffer Server: Nicholas Hoffer, Victoria Hall Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Marianne Hall Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Vicki Burns, Alan Burns Eucharistic Minister: Chris Drake, Michael Drake, Jane Durant, Tom A. Durant
TUESDAY, February 9, 8:00 a.m., Mass: Virginia Moyer, Church
Saturday, February 13 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Sharon Coen, Tom J. Pitcock Server: Mason Harmon, Ted Lacy Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Mike Musselman Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Judi Peterson, Corinne Musselman Eucharistic Minister: Janis Maziar, Dan Snider, Charlotte Snider, Margaret Kronenbitter
8:00 a.m., Mass: Elaine Joseph, Church
Sunday, February 14 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Diane Hoffer, Sue Hillis Server: Nicholas Hoffer, Rex Hankinson Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Carolyn Arnold Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Nancy Thompson, Marvin Paul Eucharistic Minister: Patrick Durant Sunday, February 14 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Jim Gable, Keena Hansel Server: Will Bernath, Thomas Bernath Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Sandy Black Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Scott Peterson, Paula Peterson Eucharistic Minister: Gerald Tiberio, Claire Tiberio, Cheryl Sylvester, Dan Sylvester Sunday, February 14@ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Wendy Hart, Patty Logan Server: Nathan Hart, Justin Hart Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Karen Hardman Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Roger Jones, Rose Jones Eucharistic Minister: Jim Pottmeyer, Jim McKee, Larry Taylor, Judy Hamilton
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.
WEDNESDAY, February 10, Ash Wednesday 8:10 a.m., School Mass: William F. Noll, birthday Church 7:00 p.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church THURSDAY, February 11, Our Lady of Lourdes FRIDAY, February 12, 8:00 a.m., Mass: Mark LaAsmar, Church 6:00 p.m., Meager Meals, Church 7:00 p.m., Stations of the Cross, Church SATURDAY, February 13 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Confessions, Church
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT SATURDAY, February 13, 5:15 p.m., Mass: Robert Fargus, Anniversary, Church
SUNDAY, February 14 Parish Breakfast after all Masses 7:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: Fern Cherrington, Anniversary Church 9:45 a.m. Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: George Rundag, Anniversary, Church
Readings for Week of February 8, 2016 Mon. . . . . . . .
Wed . . . . . . . .
1 Kgs 8:1-7, 913 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30 Jl 2:12-18
Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Dt 30:15-20 Is 58:1-9a Is 58:9b-14 Dt 26:4-10
Tues. . . . . . . .
Mk 6:53-56 Mk 7:1-13 Mt 6:1-6, 1618 Lk 9:22-25 Mt 9:14-15 Lk 5:27-32 Lk 4:1-13
INCOME TAX If you would like to have a record of your donations to the Church for tax purposes, please fill in your envelope number, name and address or email and place it in the collection basket. A statement will be sent to you.
Envelope No._____________________________ Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________or Email address____________________________
FEBRUARY 7, 2016
