FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk Today is the First Sunday of Lent as well as World Marriage Day. Lent is the holy season in which we reflect upon how well we are living our lives (or not living) as followers of Jesus Christ. Penance is about the manner of living our lives in Christian Holiness. Sometimes it is advantageous to understand the path of penance in terms of its opposite. The opposite of living a penitential life is to live life in a sinful manner. The path of sin is not a penitential path. In the same manner we can say that marriage is a penitential way of life. Marriage life can come into clearer focus when we understand the opposite. It would not be helpful for married couples to live as if they were not married. In the case of Married Christians, it would be absolutely devastating for the marriage if the husband or wife (or worse if both) to live in a sinful manner. Marriage is a way of life just as penance is a way of life. To say that marriage is a penitential way of life is to say that marriage must be intentionally lived every day. For Christian Marriage, marriage must be intentionally lived in the path of holiness. This is the source of true strength and joy in marriage. I came across an article from the Catholic News Agency about the Bishop of Cordoba, Spain: Bishop Demetrio Fernández Gonzalez. The article was titled…”Is the love fading from your marriage?” I thought that the Bishop offers some good advice and I thought that I would share it with you. This comes from the Catholic News Agency and EWTN. “The love in a marriage is like ‘the wine at the wedding feast of Cana,’ the Spanish Bishop said in a recent pastoral letter, in which he encouraged spouses to turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary for help when their relationship is troubled. “The Bishop of Cordoba encouraged the faithful to pray to the Blessed Virgin so that love is never lacking in their union. ‘May the good wine of a renewed love never be lacking in each and every one of your homes.’ “And when your love is gone? It seems that everything is over and the only solution is to go your separate ways. Not so. Have recourse to Mary, who said to Jesus: ‘They have no wine’. If Jesus is present, he can make wine in any circumstances, just as he did at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. “If that first love has grown cold, it can be rekindled with a humble request to Jesus, who came to fill the human heart in every way, including the marital dimensions. “Taking up the Gospel of the wedding at Cana where Christ worked his first miracle, the bishop recalled the importance of marriage as ‘the foundation of the family according to God’s plan,’ a union between one man and one woman ‘united in the love blessed by God, generously open to life, until death do they part.’ “Jesus instituted the sacrament of marriage through which the spouses are consecrated by the Holy Spirit to give themselves completely throughout their lives to one another, in a self-giving of love, the bishop explained, and pointed out that on that journey ‘every day, true love has to be shown anew.’ “Bishop Fernandez therefore highlighted the importance of the humble petitions of the spouses so that ‘there is no lack of wine of joy in the home, the wine of love
that Jesus Christ gave to each of the spouses on their wedding day.’ “Lifelong fidelity is possible, a love that never ends is possible, happiness is possible in marriage, which God himself created and Christ has sanctified. The Bishop continued ‘you’ve got to humbly ask for it with faith every day.’ “This is the miracle that Jesus is ready to multiply in our times, so that there is no lack of the good wine renewed in each and every home.” As you recall we had this reading from the Gospel of St. John on the Second of Ordinary Time (January 17th). In John’s Gospel this is the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, the wedding at Cana in Galilee. I made the connection with Genesis and Adam and Eve. Since the original sin occurred in the context of a “marriage” it only seemed right that the restoration and renewal of creation began in the context of a marriage. It is also true that the relationship between God and his people has always been described as a marriage (covenant) relationship. In both cases; husband and wife, God and his people, the faithful relationship is one of love and life. The broken faithful (covenant) relationship is a relationship that is loveless and lifeless. The bishop from Cordoba brought in another dynamic that is particularly poignant. Yes, marriage relationships do begin with love. This is a love that seeks being exclusive and faithful. It is a relationship that desires to be life-giving: for both the couple and in children. However, a love that is not rooted in God will eventually be a love that is not fully alive. His reflection on the wedding feast at Cana is a reflection on a love that is fading. It is a love that is symbolized by the wine that is almost depleted. A love that is merely human in origin is a love that fades. His wonderful insight of taking this problem to the Blessed Virgin Mary is right on the mark. At the wedding feast at Cana Mary was aware of the depleted wine. She took this concern to Jesus with the comment “they have no wine.” Bishop Fernandez wisely instructed couples who find that the “wine” of their marital love is running out to turn to Mary. The Blessed Mother who is wise in the virtue of love receives this prayer. The Blessed Mother, as in the Gospel, will take it to her beloved Son. It is Jesus who miraculously gives the “new wine”, the choicest of wines. Jesus alone gives us access to the greatest love. However, couples must do what the Blessed Mother told the stewards…”Do whatever he tells you.” This is particularly important for marriage. The Blessed Mother and Jesus Christ must be very much a part of every Christian Marriage. We do not often hear this nor do we consider it. However, it is vital for a healthy Christian Marriage. As it is said that the marriage relationship is also a model of our covenant relationship with God, this advice for married couples is also advice given to all of us in our relationship with God. When we find that the “wine” or our faithful love for God is running out… especially during times of difficulty, doubt, suffering and so forth, we must take our need to Mary who in turn will take it to Jesus. We must also be prepared to receive her recommendation… “Do whatever he tells you”. This is a response that we cannot ignore. This is the path to holiness. We can also rightly say that this is the path of penance.
FEBRUARY 14, 2016 There is much food for thought here. Our lives can easily get mundane. In the biblical imagery our everyday lives can be expressed as common wine that will eventually run out. Eventually it will no longer satisfy. Common wine is good as far as it goes. In the story of the wedding at Cana, water is also good and necessary, and Jesus can miraculously transform the ordinary and necessary into something exceptional. There can be so much more. The “more” can only be found in Christ. Jesus alone can change the good that is “common wine” and “water” into something beyond our imagining. All we need to do is turn to Jesus through Mary and then listen to him. Jesus alone will satisfy the deepest longing of our hearts. Have a fruitful Lent. Father Ralko
Church Support February 7, 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
$13,105.00 $ (650.00) $(3,060.00) ($290.00) $9,105.00 $(8,200.00) $(800.00) $2,300.00 $ 2,405.00
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:
Debra Mirgon
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS Sunday, February 14th. Breakfast following the 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses in the St. Nicholas Church Basement. All are welcome. Teens interested in helping with the event should arrive at 7:15 a.m. DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA BAKE SALE The Daughters of Isabella will host a bake sale on Sunday, February 21 after all masses. HEARTBEATS BOTTLES FOR LIFE Thanks for participating in the Bottles for Life Campaign. It is always amazing for us to see how much is raised in bottles. Through the generous donations of our parishioners, St. Nicholas Church raised $3468.98. The money raised by Muskingum Valley churches will help fund the Zanesville center. By doing the Bottles for Life campaign, our church is sending a valuable message to families and children: you stand for the unborn that cannot speak for themselves.
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! LENTEN STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND MEAGER MEALS During the Lenten season, St. Nicholas prays the Stations of the Cross each Friday 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. TRIVIA NIGHT FEBRUARY 19TH
Event sponsored by the Bishop Fenwick PTC. To be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 275 Sunrise Center Dr. $100 per table - 8 to 10 people per table. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Trivia begins at 8:00 p.m. Prize for the winning table, 50/50 Drawing & Raffles Available Cash Bar-Appetizers provided For reservations, please contact: Megan Tipton
[email protected] or Angie Hustey
[email protected] Mercy Changes Everything! "Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven." Pope Francis FEBRUARY 20, 2016 ~ 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. OHIO EXPO CENTER ~ VOINOVICH BUILDING The day begins with Mass followed by a day of inspiration. Hear the testimony of an Atheist Convert, Jennifer Fulwiler. Enjoy the beautiful music of Sarah Kroger. Fr. Cromley will inspire us all to evangelize our great Catholic Faith and Sonja Corbitt’s vivid speaking style will encourage all of us to grow closer to Christ. Of course the day will include the powerful sacrament of Confession as well as intimate time in Adoration. Please join over 2000 women of The Columbus Catholic Diocese. You won’t regret it! http://www.columbuscatholicwomen.com/ A bus will be leaving St. Nicholas Church Parking Lot at 6:30 a.m. Call Patty (740) 453-5173 or the Parish Office to reserve your seat. The bus has been sponsored and is free. 2016 Annual Catholic Men's Conference February 27th, 2016 -8:00a.m.-2:00 p.m. Voinovich Building Ohio Expo Center 717 E. 17th Ave Columbus OH 43211. To register for the conference or for more information: http://www.plugincatholicmen.com/
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. February 21, 2016 Second Sunday of Lent Saturday, February 20 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Nancy Susa, Nichole Hannahs Server: Judi Peterson, Ted Lacy Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Don Susa Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Ronald Davis, Corinne Musselman Eucharistic Minister: Pauline Davis, Vicki Burns, Alan Burns, Mike Musselman Sunday, February 21 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Stephanie Bridwell, Tom C. Pitcock Server: David Eppley Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Sue Hillis Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Carol Kohler, Philip Kocoloski Eucharistic Minister: Jim Hillis Sunday, February 22 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Rocky Rowe, Peggy Hill Server: Gabe Skrobot, Tyler Mell Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Chris Drake Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: David Skrobot, Betsy Skrobot Eucharistic Minister: Michael Drake, Jane Durant, Tom A. Durant, Larry Taylor Sunday, February 23@ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Keena Hansel, Mary Lou Staker Server: Victoria Hall, Christina Rozsa Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Jeff Shawger Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Mary Mirgon, Carolyn Arnold Eucharistic Minister: Kevin McCarthy, Dodi Sealock, Karen Hardman, Paula Peterson
What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, February 15
8:00 a.m., Mass: Mary Nader, Church 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Sign Language Class, Parish Office 7:00p.m. Lenten Program, Church
TUESDAY, February 16 8:00 a.m., Mass: Stella Tomson, Church WEDNESDAY, February 17, The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
8:10 a.m., School Mass: Mary Gerst, Church THURSDAY, February 18 8:00 a.m., Mass: David Toole, Birthday, Church
FRIDAY, February 19, 8:00 a.m., Mass: John & Dorothy Walker, Church 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Confessions, Church 6:00 p.m., Meager Meals, Church 7:00 p.m., Stations of the Cross, Church SATURDAY, February 20 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Confessions, Church
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT SATURDAY, February 20 5:15 p.m., Mass: Edith Schramm, Church SUNDAY, February 21 7:30 a.m., Mass: Eileen Gaab, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners Church 9:45 a.m. Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Audrey J. Ralko, Church
Readings for Week of February 15, 2016 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.
RICE BOWL CONTAINERS ARE AT THE ENTRANCES TO THE CHURCH. PLEASE PICK ONE UP.
Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
Lv 19:1-2, 1118 Is 55:10-11 Jon 3:1-10 Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Ez 18:21-28 Dt. 26:16-19 Gn 15:5-12, 1718
Mt 25:31-46 Mt 6:7-15 Lk 11:29-32 Mt. 7:7-12 Mt 5:20-26 Mt 5:43-48 Lk 9:28b-36
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____________________________
