THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk There is one thing that many were talking about last week and that was the funeral mass for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Many claimed that they tuned in just to catch a glimpse of the coverage out of curiosity and found themselves glued to the television for two hours. I could not tune in myself since I had a funeral in Church at the same time; however, I did find the homily for the funeral mass online and watched the video Saturday night. I agree with the overwhelming response that it was indeed very good and inspiring. In fact the homily was exceptional. If you have not heard it and have internet access, you should look it up and watch it. It is worth the time. The homily was delivered by his son who is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington. This particular event is coincidentally close to my own heart at this time. It is usually the case that when a person of such status, as in this case a Supreme Court Justice, the homily is usually more of a eulogy lauding the virtues and peppered with stories and antidotes from the life of the individual who had died. The focus of the funeral homily would tend to be about the deceased. With thousands of eyes on Washington, I was curious to see what was going to happen. In this case, since the main celebrant and homilist was his son Fr. Paul Scalia and not a Cardinal or Bishop, I sensed something different was about to happen. I had a slight inclination that things may be done correctly when the body of the Justice was brought to the Supreme Court Building where his remains were to lay in state. His son, Fr. Paul solemnly prayed the prayers of the Church at the beginning of the “visitation”. These prayers were offered in the Supreme Court Building! No speeches or comments were offered. It was solemn and devout. When I finally got to watching the video of the homily I was edified. Many wonderful expressions of the Faith were spoken with great clarity. Fr. Scalia did not canonize his father. This is always a temptation for a funeral. We often see it in obituaries that a “Celebration of _____ life will take place at…” Obviously, it would be a sign of bad manners to say anything bad about the deceased and we would never make these kinds of references. So there is nothing left but to say only good things: celebrating their life. Thus the temptation here is to canonize the deceased. This would be tantamount to say that they have earned their place in heaven. We know that we cannot earn heaven. This is the Faith versus Good Works controversy. However, I think Fr. Paul said it well and indicated the correct focus and why it is so important that we pray the funeral mass for the deceased. Fr. Scalia said… “We also know that although dad believed, he did so imperfectly, like the rest of us. He tried to love God and neighbor, but like the rest of us did so imperfectly. He was a practicing Catholic, ‘practicing’ in the sense that he hadn’t perfected it yet. Or rather, Christ was not yet perfected in him. And only those in whom Christ is brought to perfection can enter heaven.” This is the very reason why we come to pray for the deceased; we are all imperfect and need prayers. No matter how good we are, we are all imperfect and in need of prayers as we journey in the perfection of our Christian Faith. There is one particular teaching of which we rarely speak and is not fully understood by many Catholics and nonCatholics alike: Purgatory. We love God, but not perfectly.
We love our neighbor, but not perfectly. Christ reigns in our hearts, but not perfectly. We all need a ‘state’ or a condition in which we are perfected in our love for God and neighbor. We all need a situation that this imperfect world does not provide us, in which the fullness of Christ may be brought into perfection in our lives. We need Purgatory: a time of purification and perfecting. So we pray for the souls in purgatory. Thus as Fr. Scalia said… “Let us not show him a false love and allow our admiration to deprive him of our prayers.” It is a Corporal Work of Mercy to bury the dead. It is also a Spiritual Work of Mercy to pray for the dead. This is our duty as a Christian People. This is our duty out of love. I think that the people of St. Nicholas are aware that we are not to have eulogies at a funeral mass. This is not permissible and has been explicitly expressed in the Diocese of Columbus. However, at the funeral home during the wake it is more than appropriate to have a time to speak of and celebrate the life of the deceased. Stories and tributes are more than welcomed. They give joy, lift spirits, are medicinal and give hope. This is the right time for this. However, when we come to Church we have come to pray. On this point I would like to quote Fr. Scalia again since he said it so poignantly. Fr. Paul began the homily by saying, “We are gathered here because of one man, a man known personally to many of us, known only by reputation to many more; a man loved by many, scorned by others; a man known for great controversy and for great compassion.” After a pause he added, “That man of course, is Jesus of Nazareth.” This was right on the mark. When we gather for a funeral mass we gather because of Jesus Christ. Fr. Paul acknowledged that many people shared stories of all that Justice Scalia did for them, but he went on to make this most important point about the funeral mass…”But here today we reflect on what God did for Dad. How He blessed him!” Now that was beautifully said. When we come to the Celebration of the Eucharist we come to give thanks for the great gift of God: Jesus Christ. He is the one who has conquered sin and death for our salvation. He is the one who gives himself to us in Word and Sacrament for our sanctification and salvation. At a funeral mass it is particularly important for us to recall and pray the great prayer of thanksgiving for all that God in His great love and faithfulness has done for us. It is true that we celebrate a life when we come for the Rites of Christian Burial. That Life is Jesus of Nazareth. He is “the way, the truth, and the life”. He is our salvation. Again if you haven’t heard this homily you can find it on the internet. All you have to do is type in the search line: Funeral Homily for Justice Scalia. It is well worth the time. Lastly, please note the times for confessions for this week. Friday, March 4, we have First Friday Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day. There are a number of times available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the day. It would be a good and pious thing to come and spend some time in prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament and to take this opportunity to make a good confession. Please note the variety of times. Have a Blessed Lenten Week Father Ralko
FEBRUARY 28, 2016
Church Support February 21, 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
$12,240.00 $ (650.00) $(3,060.00) ($290.00) $8,240.00 $(8,200.00) $(800.00) $2,300.00 $1,540.00
Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week III of the Liturgy of the hours. YOUTH GROUP NEWS HIGH SCHOOL EVENT On Sunday, March 6th, High School students will continue working on the Walking Stations of the Cross. We will trace the path through downtown Zanesville and determine the timing of the event. PERMISSION SLIPS REQUIRED. Students should dress for the weather. NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME. Students will meet at the St. Nicholas Teen Center at 12:30 for lunch, prior to venturing into the city. For more information, please contact Patty 4535173. Permission slips can be found here: http://stnickparish.org/parishlife.html or will be available on the day of the event. 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. WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY GROUP Women’s Spirituality Group will meet Monday, February 29th at 3:30 in the parish office meeting room. Any questions, call Judi Peterson – 740-453-5288. BISHOP ROSECRANS ATHLETIC BOOSTER MULCH SALE Fliers are available in Church today for our annual sale. There are 5 varieties of mulch available at $10.00 per bag. Mulch must be paid for at time of order. Deadline for orders is April 6th. Pick up & delivery (for orders of 10 or more bags) will be Sunday, April 10th after 12:00 p.m. Pick up location is Paul’s Farm Market & Greenhouses. Contact Marvin Paul for more information at 453-4482.
MONDAY NIGHT LENTEN PROGRAM During Lent, Fr. Ralko is offering a program focusing on the Mass. He is 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. His presentations are easy to understand and inspiring. Father is 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. The program will be held in the Church on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. All are most welcome to join us. REDISCOVERING THE SACREDNESS OF FAMILY LIFE Interested in helping to pass on the faith to your children? Parents, grandparents, teachers -catechists this is for you! National speaker Dr. Jo Ann Paradise will present a free workshop on Rediscovering the Sacredness of Family Life on Thursday, March 10, 7:30 – 8:30 pm at St. Matthew’s Church in Gahanna. The workshop is sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Religious Education and Catechesis, with the support of Our Sunday Visitor Publishing. Admission is free. Light snacks will be provided. Registration is not necessary but encouraged. To register, please e-mail
[email protected] or call Sandy Lape, 614-221-4633, ext. 1341.
Wednesday 3/16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. BRHS New Student registration and class scheduling Tuesday 3/22 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. BRHS New Student registration and class scheduling Tuition Assistance Applications due by 3:00 p.m. Thursday 3/31 for any family requesting tuition assistance from BRHS. Freshmen & New Bishops Orientation Monday 8/22 from 10am-1pm (lunch provided)
Check the school online calendar for other important dates and deadlines www.rosecrans.cdeducation.org SADIE COREY PILGRIMAGE TO CAREY We will leave from the K of C in Sunrise Center, Zanesville at 7:55 A.M. on Wednesday, May 4th and return about 6:45 P.M. Cost is $25.00 and you may purchase your lunch at the cafeteria. Paid reservations are needed by March 30 th. Make checks payable to Margaret Kronenbitter, 2700 Wayne Ridge Rd., Zanesville, OH 43701. For information call Mary Murphy at 452-4454 or Margaret at 453-7657. CONFIRMATION MINI RETREAT St. Nicholas Confirmation candidates, parents, and sponsors will attend the second Mini Retreat on Thursday, March 3 at 6 p.m. We will start in the church basement with pizza. Candidates please bring your completed Confirmation Name Form and bring any other information that you have not turned in yet!!
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. March 5, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Lent Saturday, March 5 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Nancy Susa, Sharon Coen Server: Mason Harmon, Ronald Davis Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Dan Snider Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Pauline Davis, Charlotte Snider Eucharistic Minister: Dottie Durant, Tom Durant, Don Susa, Karen Robinson Sunday, March 6 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Stephanie Bridwell, Tom C. Pitcock Server: David Eppley Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Patrick Durant Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Carol Kohler, Vicki Burns Eucharistic Minister: Alan Burns Sunday, March 6 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Rocky Rowe, Peggy Hill Server: Will Bernath, Thomas Bernath Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Gerald Tiberio Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Cheryl Sylvester, Rosalyn Headington Eucharistic Minister: Claire Tiberio, Jeff Shawger, Erin Roush, Mary Mirgon Sunday, March 6@ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Keena Hansel, Sam Palleschi Server: Tyler Mell, Christina Rozsa Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Judy Hamilton Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Kevin McCarthy, Dodi Sealock Eucharistic Minister: Mary Lou Staker, Larry Taylor, Rose Jones, Roger Jones
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. 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____________________________
What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, February 29
8:00 a.m., Mass: Debbie Mirgon, Church 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Sign Language Class, Parish Office 7:00p.m. Lenten Program, Church
TUESDAY, March 1 8:00 a.m., Mass: Mary Kenzie, Church 6:00-7:00 p.m., Confessions, Church
WEDNESDAY, March 2 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Joanne Burson, birthday Church 7:00 p.m., R.C.I.A., Parish Office, lower level THURSDAY, March 3, St. Katherine Drexel 8:00 a.m., Mass: Blaine Kocoloski, Church
FRIDAY, March 4, St. Casmir All Day, Adoration, Church
8:00 a.m., Mass: Carl E. Sullivan, Church 9:30-10:30 a.m., Confessions, Church 12:30-1:30 p.m., Confessions, Church 3:30-4:30 p.m., Confessions, 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, March 5 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Confessions, Church
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT SATURDAY, March 5 5:15 p.m., Mass: Mrs. Jerry Sullivan, anniversary, Church SUNDAY, March 6 7:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: Berdette Peterson, anniversary, Church 9:45 a.m. Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Gregory L. Blake, Church
Readings for Week of February 29, 2016 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .
2 Kgs 5:1-15b Dn 3:25, 34-43 Dt 4:1, 5-9 Jer 7:23-28 Hos 14:2-10 Hos 6:1-6 Jos 5:9a, 10-12
Lk 4:24-30 Mt 18:21-35 Mt 5:17-19 Lk 11:14-23 Mk 12:28-34 Lk 18:9-14 Lk 15:1-3, 1132
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.
FEBRUARY 28, 2016
