bulletin 3-06-16

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk This Sunday we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally this Sunday was referred to as “Laetare Sunday”. The color for the liturgical vestments worn by the priest for this Sunday is Rose. This color is a sign of joy as we rejoice at the midpoint and are half-way through our preparation and anticipation of Easter. The opening antiphon for the liturgy is taken from the Prophet Isaiah chapter 66. “Rejoice Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be Joyful, all you who were in mourning;” We rejoice and are encouraged as we still have much more to do as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery. So we persevere in our Lenten observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As you may be aware we have a three year cycle of readings for our Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. This gives us a greater exposure to the Word of God. I have said it before; if we were to attend mass seven days a week for three years we would have read and prayed with over fourteenthousand verses of Sacred Scripture. We truly are a Church deeply immersed in the Bible. If you are paying closer attention, the prayers of the mass are permeated with verses from the Word of God. Concerning the Lenten Season within the three year cycle, the passages that we read from the Gospel are not randomly selected. There is a well thought out theme that is emphasized for each of the three years of the cycle. Here is the breakdown. In the first year we pay particular attention to the Gospel of St. John. There are three important passages geared to the Catechumens who are coming into the church. For the baptized we join the Catechumens in renewing our own conversion. We read the stories of the Samaritan woman whom Jesus meets at the well (John 4:5-42). This is followed on the next Sunday with the story of the man born blind (John 9:1-41). Then lastly we read the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John11:1-45). If you noticed, these reading are listed as optional readings for years 2 and 3. They are found in the Missalette as options. The stress of these three readings is about personal conversion. Like the Catechumens we are thirsting for living waters like the Samaritan Woman which can only be found in Jesus. Like the man born blind we realize that without Jesus we do not truly see. Finally is it only in Jesus do we have life for he has authority over all life: especially eternal life. This is the way of conversion. In the Second year we find that the Church has us focus on the Paschal Mystery: the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. For this focus we turn again to the Gospel of St. John. We read the account of Jesus predicting the raising up of the “temple of his body” (John 2:13-25). This is followed by a reading from the conclusion of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus: “unless you are born again” (John 3:14-21). Then on the following Sunday we read about the coming of his “hour” and his anxiety at the thought of it (John 12:20-31). This theme has us meditate on the central teaching of Christianity: the Paschal Mystery. We meditate on the seriousness of Jesus’ self-sacrifice: God’s love and faithfulness. During our present year, the third year of the cycle, we read from the Gospel of St. Luke. There is an emphasis placed on the penitential aspect of Lent with a view of sorrow for personal sin and the need for forgiveness. Last, Sunday we were made aware of Jesus’ call to conversion. We have

available to us every means to produce “good fruit”: grace. The story of the innocent victims of Herod and the falling tower of Siloam followed by the parable of the fig tree that is gardened and fertilized (Luke 13:1-9). The greatest tragedy here would be not to cooperate with the grace of God and thus not to produce “good fruit”. This week we read the memorable story about the “Prodigal Son”. With our failure of trying to do things our way, the grace of remembrance of the Father’s goodness we are called to humbly return home to the Father (Luke 151-3, 11-32). Then next Sunday we turn to the Gospel of St. John and read the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). The obvious theme for this third year is that of sorrow for sin and the need for repentance. We are to turn away from sin and return to our loving and merciful Father. The themes of the Lenten Season deal with our conversion and entrance into the Church. We are reminded that our conversion is a lifelong journey. While we are members of the Body of Christ we realize that we are not perfectly converted to the Lord… we still sin. Thus we have a need to grow in a deeper appreciation of God’s mercy as we meditate on the selfless love of Jesus Christ revealed in His passion. Such great love beckons from us a loving and faithful response. We want to respond to this love with our faithfulness, yet while we meditate on this great love we become all the more aware of our sinfulness. How could God love me a sinner? We are not worthy of such love that God has for us, yet this is precisely the point: God’s love cannot be earned no matter what we do. God’s love and mercy is always in abundance because this is God’s very nature. God wants us to know of his love and faithfulness and actively calls us back to himself. This is the point of the story of the Prodigal Son and the woman caught in adultery. God wants us to let go and leave our sins behind and open ourselves to His great Love. This is the deepest longing of the human heart. God knows this because God put this longing in our hearts. It is a longing for God and can only be fulfilled in God. Then the journey continues. This week let us consider what the Prodigal Son did the day after his return. Realizing the gracious compassion of his father what else could he do but to return to his place in the home with all its responsibilities. Now he returns with a new heart and purpose. This is what a conversion is to look like. The son now lives his life in a completely new way. He is no longer ungrateful and selfish. He no longer holds sinful ambitions in his heart. He returns to his role in the family with a new heart. This is also a lesson that his older brother, who took all the good things he had for granted and stayed with his father, will have to learn. Our Lenten Journey is a journey of ongoing conversion. As imperfect as we are, we know that we can always grow in greater holiness. We can always live with a renewed heart. This is something that is good for us and for those around us. It is always a thoughtful response to the gracious goodness and mercy of God: A grace that is to fill our lives. Have a blessed Lenten week. Father Ralko From the desk of Deacon Pete My dear fellow parishioners at St. Nicholas: At our Saturday evening liturgy last weekend I preached my last homily. Father Ralko finished it for me and at the Sign of Peace I thanked him for the kindness… I have been

MARCH 6, 2016 praying for some time to make this decision. My ministry to the home-bound, nursing homes and hospital will continue. It is a privilege to represent you to our brothers and sisters who can no longer join us at the liturgy. Judi and I thank you for your prayers and support through the years and appreciate your presence in our lives. God Bless You. Deacon Pete

Church Support February 28, 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

$6,595.00 $ (650.00) $(3,060.00) ($290.00) $2,595.00 $(8,200.00) $(800.00) $2,300.00 $ (4,105.00)

Thank you and God Bless. This week we pray Week IV of the Liturgy of the hours. YOUTH GROUP NEWS HIGH SCHOOL EVENT The Walking Stations of the Cross will be Sunday, March 6th at 12:30. 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. BISHOP ROSECRANS ATHLETIC BOOSTER MULCH SALE- CORRECTION! The mulch is $5.00 per bag and not $10.00 as published in last week’s bulletin. RECENT BOOSTER WINNERS Scott Dowell, Sue Durant, Jenna Maxwell, Joyce Middaugh, Paul Ritchey

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FOOD DRIVE The Knights of Columbus Council 505 is conducting a canned food drive to benefit Eastside Community Ministry. Food may be dropped off at the K of C, 275 Sunrise Center, weekdays 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or evenings (Wed.-Sat.) 5:00-9:00 p.m. 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. GREETING CARD PROJECTS The Lenten Greeting Card Project has grown into a year round project! Cards are sent approximately five times a year to homebound and Nursing Home/ Assisted Living parishioners. Birthday cards are sent to every registered parishioner over 65. The recipients tell us that the "Your Friends in Christ at St Nicholas Church" gives them a feeling of connection to the Church. Your help is needed with card donations for Birthdays, Easter and Christmas with a spiritual message, general greeting cards, and Valentines and St Patrick's Day cards for 2017. Help is also needed with postage. A basket will be in the vestibule until after Easter for card donations. Please put cash and stamp donations in an envelope labeled "Greeting Card Project" and place in the collection basket. Remember to notify the parish office when a love one becomes homebound or enters a Nursing Home so they will receive Communion visits and be added to card list.

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. The next meeting is Tuesday, March 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Parish Office. All women age 16 and up are welcome to join us. Hospice Fund Raiser The Follies Family is a totally volunteer non-profit organization that produces an annual variety show with local talent. All proceeds go to help cover the cost of hospice care for people in financial need. The 2016 performance is titled “At the Movies”. The show will feature movie music from the 1930’s to present. The Follies Family would like to invite you to join them for a fun filled show. You can cheer on your neighbors and fellow parishioners while raising money to help people in their hour of need. Show date and times are March 19th at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are available now at Secrest Auditorium or on line at www.ticketleap.com. Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. March 12, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Lent Saturday, March 12 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Nicole Hannahs, Tom J. Pitcock Server: Judi Peterson Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Dan Snider Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Janis Maziar, Tom Durant Eucharistic Minister: Dottie Durant, Charlotte Snider, Margaret Kronenbitter, Mary Mirgon Sunday, March 13 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Stephanie Bridwell, Sue Hillis Server: Mason Harmon, Rex Hankinson Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Nancy Thompson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Paul Ritchey, Judy Hamilton Eucharistic Minister: Molly Ritchey Sunday, March 13 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Diane Hoffer, Patty Barnes Server: Nicholas Hoffer, Gabe Skrobot Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Tom A. Durant Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Jane Durant, Dan Sylvester Eucharistic Minister: Linda Haswell, John Haswell, Betsy Skrobot, David Skrobot Sunday, March 13@ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Bill Sullivan, Wendy Hart Server: Nathan Hart, Justin Hart Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Jim Pottmeyer Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Karen Hardman, Carolyn Arnold Eucharistic Minister: Sandy Black, Scott Peterson, Paula Peterson, Marianne Hall

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 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.

Spring Clean up – Beginning March 13, Mt. Calvary and Mt. Olive Cemeteries will begin cleaning off wintertime decorations in preparation for mowing. Families are advised to remove any personal keepsakes they wish to retain before March 13th.

Daylight savings time begins next Sunday. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.

What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, March 7

8:00 a.m., Mass: Clarence Hupp, birthday, Church 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Sign Language Class, Parish Office 7:00p.m. Lenten Program, Church

TUESDAY, March 8 8:00 a.m., Mass: Jane Durant, Church WEDNESDAY, March 9 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Laura Hemmer Church 7:00 p.m., R.C.I.A., Parish Office, lower level THURSDAY, March 10, St. Katherine Drexel 8:00 a.m., Mass: Robert Fargus, Church

FRIDAY, March 11, St. Casmir 8:00 a.m., Mass: Paul Bryson, anniversary Church 11:00 a.m.-12:00p.m. and 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 12 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Confessions, Church

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT SATURDAY, March 12 5:15 p.m., Mass: Dan Kline, Church SUNDAY, March 13 7:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: Mary Hoffer, Church 9:45 a.m. Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Don Freiermuth, birthday Church

Readings for Week of March 7, 2016 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . .

Is 65:17-21 Ez 47:1-9,12 Is 49:8-15 Ex 32:7-14 Wis 2:1a, 12-22

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

Jer 11:18-20 Is 43:16-21

Jn 4:43-54 Jn 5:1-16 Jn 5:17-30 Jn 5:31-47 Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Jn 7:40-53 Jn 8:1-11

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____________________________