TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk First off we would like to extend to all Fathers a “Happy Fathers Day”. May the good Lord continue to bless all our fathers and grandfathers in their vocation as husbands and fathers. Fatherhood is a life-long vocation: Once a father always a father. We pray for our fathers and ask God to continue to bless them with wisdom, love and courage as they nurture, guide, and protect their children; no matter how old their children may be! I would like to thank Fr. John Stattmiller for being here this weekend to cover the early Sunday morning masses. His generosity in coming here is a blessing for me personally. Currently I am with my family as we celebrate a couple graduations. I don’t always get the opportunity to attend these family celebrations and I appreciate the opportunity this year. In honor of Father’s Day I would like to recommend a couple of good reads that have crossed my path. A couple years ago I read a thoughtful book by the late Tim Russert. It was titled “Big Russ & Me”. It was a wonder reflection of a son on his father and his influence as he guided him to manhood. A good story and a wonderful reading venture. The second one I just finished was a reflection of a father on his son with insights into fatherhood. It was written by Ron Fournier and titled “Love That Boy”. Again the writing style and stories are engaging and insightful. Both volumes make one appreciative of fatherhood: fatherhood done well and fatherhood developing through mistakes, unrealistic expectations and a willingness to learn along the way. There are insights found in humbling mistakes and a willingness to lovingly grow. The stories are truly heartwarming and encouraging. Again, I recommend them as good for the mind and soul. On a bias note: Ron Fournier graduated from the University of Detroit, a fellow Alumni. In this week’s Gospel passage from St. Luke we read were Jesus asks two questions of his disciples about his identity. At the end of last Sunday’s Gospel passage we recall that Jesus forgave a sinful woman during a dinner at one of the Pharisees’ home. During this meal we read… “But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sin?’” The true identity of Jesus is coming into question: “Who is this?” Thus this week we pick up on these identity questions that Jesus proposes to his disciples. First Jesus asks “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Jesus is drawing from his disciples a response about popular declarations or opinions. What are the rumors? In one sense asking what others are saying is to keep the identity of Jesus at arm’s length. It is easier to repeat other opinions. There is nothing personal in doing so. There is no personal investment. It is safe. Then Jesus follows this first question with a second. “But who do you say that I am?” Now we are getting personal. It is one thing to say what others think, it is a completely different thing to say what I think and say. Now is the time for personal investment. It is Peter who answers “The Messiah of God.” This is a big deal. This is the most important statement made by Peter. This statement changes everything. Now that he says it Peter’s discipleship has taken on a different character. Now he has to act in a manner of a very different kind of disciple: a disciple of the Messiah and not one teacher among others. These words on the part of a disciple take the business of discipleship to a whole new level.
Jesus as the Messiah of God is the hope of all Israel. The Messiah of God is standing in front of him and as a disciple Peter is now part of something greater than he can imagine. He won’t always get it right, he will even fail at important times, but he will grow in this most important role as a Disciple of the Messiah. The disciples have witnessed several miracles; from the feeding of a multitude with a couple loaves and fish, the healing of many who were sick and possessed. They even witnessed a child restored to life. They were sent by Jesus on a mission to preach Good News and they were given the power to cure many of diseases. Now Peter speaks on behalf of the disciples and declares Jesus is the “Messiah of God”. Now all that they have witnessed and have done takes on deeper meaning and they are truly taking part in something greater than they could imagine. All that they have witnessed of Jesus is about to be taken to a new level. It has all been a prelude to Jesus taking his mission to its fullest manifestation. All that Jesus has done has been out of his compassionate and merciful heart: the manifestation of God’s love and faithfulness. Jesus has revealed that he is the remedy for what oppresses God’s people. He has come to restore God’s creation corrupted by sin. He is worthy of their trust. He is about to press forward and reveal the fullness of God’s plan for our salvation. The covenant love and faithfulness of God revealed in and through him. After Peter’s declaration Jesus reveals this divine plan. “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priest, and the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” This is serious business. These events are on the horizon. The full meaning of these events is too much for them to understand at this time; nevertheless they need to be prepared beforehand to be open to the meaning of Jesus’ words and mission. Jesus gives them a key to open their minds and hearts to these words and future events. The key is in the practice of discipleship. Jesus gives the guidance. “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loosed his life for my sake will save it.” This is the key of discipleship that forms the disciple’s life. It is the practice of selflessly following Jesus. It is a practice that forms the disciples’ hearts and minds. It is in following this directive that the disciple will be able to begin to be open to understanding the passion, death and resurrection of the Messiah. Discipleship is not only imitating their master Jesus Christ it is also the way of gaining deeper insight into the love and faithfulness of God. This is personal. It flows from the declaration you are the “Messiah of God.” This personal training; taking up one’s cross daily, is the practice that forms the heart and directs the will. It forms the mind and heart, is opens them to the deeper meaning of the words and mission of the Messiah of God. This in turn does two additional things. It continually reconfigures the disciple’s life to Jesus Christ. Secondly, it continues to reveal through the disciples the life and mission of Jesus Christ to the world today. We can quote what others say about Jesus and keep him in our mind and at a distance. There is nothing personal here. We can gain the knowledge of others and make it our knowledge. But to be a follower of Jesus is a matter of not only the mind, but of the heart and will. It is something
JUNE 19, 2016 deeply personal. It shapes and directs our lives personally. Knowing Jesus is a matter of the mind. This is one thing. To accept who Jesus is in our hearts is another. It is in our hearts, focusing on the one we love and reflecting on that relationship, we gain insight and wisdom. We receive and trust our beloved’s advice as we “Take up our cross and follow him every day.” In so doing we will grow in greater love and understanding. We grow in greater wisdom and courage to follow him and make him and his kingdom present in our world. Have a great week. Father Ralko Note Well: There will not be a morning mass Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I believe that St. Thomas is back to their regular weekday mass schedule, 8:00 a.m. and noon.
Church Support
Bishop Fenwick School is Seeking an Intervention Specialist for the 2016 – 2017 School Year Bishop Fenwick School is currently accepting applications for the following teaching position: An Intervention Specialist Requirements: Hold an appropriate Ohio teaching license or be eligible to obtain one by August 2016 Current BCI&I and FBI background checks Attend a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Safe Environment seminar If you are qualified and interested in one of these positions, please send your resume to Kelly Sagan via email to
[email protected] or mail/bring your resume to the school office. You must also complete the application found on the Diocese of Columbus, Office of Catholic Schools website. http://dfe.cdeducation.org/app/teach.html
JUNE 12, 2016 OFFERTORY $7,159.00 Diocesan Tax $ (650.00) Fenwick Subsidy $(3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy $ (290.00) Available for Parish Operations $3,159.00 Parish Operating Expenses $(8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses $(800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly deficit $(3,541.00) May God bless you for supporting your parish This week we pray Week IV of the Liturgy of the hours. BIRTHDAY CARD SHOWER Deacon Gene Staker’s 80th birthday is on June 27th. If you would like to wish him a happy birthday, please send greetings and well wishes to Mr. Gene Staker, 2850 Wayne Ridge Road, Zanesville, OH 43701. BISHOP ROSECRANS GIRLS SOCCER NEWS On June 20, the girls’ soccer team will hold a fundraiser at BW3’s with a percentage of the evenings’ proceeds going to the team. Summer Fun Trail Run 5K, Thursday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. Preregistration is $25.00 (includes a race t-shirt) and is open until June 23. Race day registration is $25.00 but does not include a shirt. The race will be held at Rucker Endurance Park, 4695 Rucker Rd., Mt. Perry, OH. Register online at www.ruckerendurancepark.com. On August 16, a percentage of Chipotle’s proceeds will benefit the girls’ soccer team. For additional details on any of these events visit the Bishop Rosecrans Girls Soccer Facebook page or email Coach Tom Hutcheson at
[email protected].
Bishop Rosecrans High School is seeking teachers for the 2016-2017 school year for the following positions: Chemistry teacher: This position is part-time, but there is a potential to be full-time if the teacher can also teach Physics. Requirements: Hold an appropriate Ohio teaching license (7-12 Physical Sciences/Chemistry; professional, provisional, permanent, or Resident Educators) or be eligible to obtain one by August 1, 2016. Current BCI&I and FBI background checks Attend a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Safe Environment seminar Complete the online teaching application for the Diocese of Columbus Physics teacher: This position is part-time, but there is a potential to be full-time if the teacher can also teach Chemistry. Requirements: Hold an appropriate Ohio teaching license (7-12 Physical Sciences/Physics; professional, provisional, permanent, or Resident Educators) or be eligible to obtain one by August 1, 2016. Current BCI&I and FBI background checks Attend a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Safe Environment seminar Complete the online teaching application for the Diocese of Columbus Please contact Ms. Jennifer Mallett, Principal by e-mailing resume and letter of interest to
[email protected].
CHINESE AUCTION ITEMS It is that time of the year when the Chinese Auction for St. Nicholas Parish Festival, asks for donations and help for the booth. We have placed the tags in the back of the church on a table to help get it started this year. Please purchase your new items and return them to the parish office by July 25, 2016. Contact Jennifer Baker at 740-607-0618 with questions.
TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. June 26, 2016- Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Saturday, June 25 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Tom J. Pitcock, Keena Hansel Server: Rex Hankinson, Luke Pratt Eucharistic Minister – Coord: Margaret Kronenbitter Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Janis Maziar, Jim McKee Eucharistic Minister: Karen Robinson, Judy Hamilton, Dottie Durant, Tom Durant
What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, June 20 NO MASS 7:00 p.m., Catholic Divorce Survival Guide, Parish Office
TUESDAY, June 21, St. Aloysius NO MASS
WEDNESDAY, June 22, St. Paulinus of Nola NO MASS
Sunday, June 26@7:30 a.m. Lector: Tom C. Pitcock, Susan Thompson Server: Mason Harmon, David Eppley Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Sue Hillis Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Paul Ritchey, Jim Hillis Eucharistic Minister: Molly Ritchey Sunday, June 26 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: George Kopf, Rocky Rowe Server: Bill Altier, Thomas Bernath Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Robert LaPrad Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Carolyn Arnold, John Haswell Eucharistic Minister: Michael Drake, Chris Drake, Susie Altier, Rosalyn Headington Sunday, June 26@ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Sam Palleschi, Othello Repuyan Server: Christina Rozsa, Victoria Hall Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Paula Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Scott Peterson, Mike Musselman Eucharistic Minister: Larry Taylor, Corinne Musselman, Marianne Hall, Mary Lou Staker
THURSDAY, June 23 8:00 a.m., Mass: Elizabeth M. Noll, birthday Church
FRIDAY, June 24, The Nativity of St. John the Baptist 8:00 a.m., Mass: Margaret Ann Nash, birthday, Church
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time SATURDAY, June 25 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m. Mass: L/D Members of the Charles & Gertrude Zwick family, Church SUNDAY, June 26 7:30 a.m., Mass: Knight of Columbus #505 Members & families, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: Robert Strickler, Church 11:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church
Readings for Week of June 20, 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.
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PLEASE REMEMBER ST. NICHOLAS PARISH IN YOUR WILL. CALL THE PARISH OFFICE AT 453-0597 FOR MORE DETAILS.
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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.
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2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 2 Kgs 22:8-13, 23:1-3 2 Kgs 24:8-17 Is 49:1-6 Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21
Mt 7:1-5 Mt 7:6, 12-14
Mt 7:15-20 Mt 7:21-29 Lk 1:57-66, 80 Mt 8:5-17 Lk 9:51-62
