bulletin 9-25-16

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

ST. NICHOLAS PARISH From the Pastor’s Desk In two weeks the 15th annual National Life Chain will take place. This prayer chain is intended to raise public awareness that abortion is still a problem in our society. There is always that hope on the part of pro-abortion advocates that the abortion issue is not mentioned in the public forum and thus falls from the consciousness of all of us. At times it seems rather unpleasant and disturbing to keep the abortion issue in the public forum because abortion is not a very pleasant topic. No one likes to bring up unpleasant issues in the civic conversation. However, unpleasant as it may be, it is still necessary to keep the light focused on this sinful practice because it continues to fester and corrode the moral fabric of our country. To paraphrase Saint (Mother) Teresa: how can we tell people to stop killing one another when we say it is legal for a mother to kill her own baby in her womb? It is madness to say this is legal. Nevertheless it is absolutely immoral. This is a great sin on the soul of our country: one major sin among many others. If there is one thing that is messy and difficult to deal with… it is sin. Sin never fights fair. It never argues in good faith. It never seeks the truth. Sin takes the truth and twists it. It takes half-truths and proclaims it as the whole truth. Sin is smarmy and makes all who try to shed the light of truth upon it look petty and ridiculous. Sin never fights fair! The whole abortion issue is messy business. The people who take up the pro-life/antiabortion banner have to be people of conviction and courage standing on the truth that finds its firm foundation in God. Jesus Christ, who is “the way, the truth and the life” must be the center of the prolife advocate’s heart. Further information for the 15th annual Life Chain can be found in the bulletin. Another matter has resurfaced as of late and I would like to leave you with a simple reminder. If you or a loved one are ever a patient at the hospital you will need to let the hospital know that you are a Catholic and would like a pastoral visit. This is especially important if you are admitted through the Emergency Department. In the Emergency Department they do not ask about your religious preference. They are understandably concerned with more urgent matters. Thus religious affiliation information does not make it to the patient’s chart if the patient is eventually transferred to one of the floors in the hospital. In any case, if you or a family member is admitted to the hospital and you desire a visit from Pastoral Care, especially from your parish priest, please have your nurse notify the Pastoral Care Department. Also you should have a family member or someone from the Pastoral Care department notify the parish office. This also brings to mind another issue. I mentioned this once before and I think it needs to be reiterated. I still get the impression that some folks have confusion about the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. They ultimately think Last Rites. Some individuals have approached me seeking a “Blessing” for themselves or a family member before surgery. On other occasions people request for the Priest to come and give a “Blessing” to a patient who happens to be in the hospital or even in the Intensive Care Unit. I usually respond with the question… “Do you/they want to be anointed?” Sometimes the response to my question is a look of panic

because the person is not dying. Or possibly they don’t know how to ask for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The Anointing of the Sick is for those who are going to have surgery, those who are sick and especially those who are nearing death. This sacrament is especially important for those individuals who find themselves faced with these most vulnerable times. This is precisely where the grace of God is most needed. A couple of things should be noted here. If someone is to have surgery, it is a good thing to receive the Anointing of the Sick. If someone has been diagnosed with a serious illness, it is a good thing to receive the Anointing of the Sick. In fact it is appropriate for an individual in the hospital especially in the Intensive Care Unit to ask to be anointed. These are reasonable requests to be anointed. Do not be afraid to ask a priest to be anointed. All priests understand the need to be anointed. For us it is a graced moment and you don’t have to wait for a serious illness, crises or until death is near. Many have made this request on Sunday after mass. Both Fr. Dreese and I have anointed many people after mass on Sunday. A simple request is all that is necessary. This is also a great opportunity to share any concerns with your parish priest. Secondly, this is a delicate matter: it is advisable to give the priest and the patient a time of privacy. It is awkward to ask family members to leave the patient’s room so that the priest can have a private conversation with the patient. Part of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the chance to go to confession. A private time is necessary for some serious reflection and a thoughtful examination of conscience. Because this is a serious and personal matter it is awkward to ask visitors to yield and allow that private time to take place. This is part of the healing and strengthening aspect of the Sacrament. There is a time for family members to be present as the priest prays over and anoints the patient. However, it is advisable and encouraged to let the priest have some private time for a conversation with the one to be anointed. It is my experience that the one that is to be anointed is thankful for this chance to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. A last note in this matter is the availability of this sacrament. As you may be very well aware, at the present time there are a limited number of priests in the Zanesville area. It is almost impossible for us to be in all places at all times. We are blessed with a number of extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion attending to the needs of many who are home-bound and in the various healthcare facilities in the area. This is greatly appreciated. I thank God that sacramental needs of many are being provided for. On my part I am thankful that I have been able to anoint most of those who have passed away. Thankfully God puts me in the right place at the right time in this matter. God provides. It is important to me, and I am sure the same for the Fathers at St. Thomas that those who are in serious situations to somehow let us know. Like the old adage, “the squeaky wheel gets the oil”, I find that my attention has been primarily directed to those with the most serious need. Just the same, if you have a sacramental need don’t wait until the last minute to let us know if at all possible. Please call the parish. I do not see a change in the shortage of priests and the staffing of parishes in the near future. In fact I foresee it becoming more difficult. We are already at the minimum point here and throughout the diocese. Many people have

SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 been helpful in so many ways, but there are certain things that only a priest can do. When there is a need for the Sacraments, it would be helpful to plan ahead when possible. We expect emergencies and I have had a few in which I had to drop everything and head out. These things happen. Nevertheless, in non-emergency situations plan ahead if you foresee a sacramental need and let us know. This too would be greatly helpful for both pastors in supplying the sacramental needs of the Catholic community in Zanesville. Have a great week. Father Ralko

Church Support SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 OFFERTORY $10,026.00 Diocesan Tax $ (650.00) Fenwick Subsidy $(3,060.00) Rosecrans subsidy $(290.00) Available for Parish Operations $6,026.00 Parish Operating Expenses $(8,200.00) Religious Education Expenses $(800.00) Other Income $2,300.00 Weekly deficit $(674.00) May God bless you for supporting your parish This week we pray Week II of the Liturgy of the hours.

ZANESVILLE CATHOLIC TEENS OUR COMMON HOME Sunday, September 25, 4:00-6:00 p.m. MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY! Grades 6-8 St. Nicholas Teen Center/ St. Nicholas Parish Office, lower level RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Classes have begun for St. Nicholas Religious Education. Last Sunday brought students, both returning and new, together with an excellent group of volunteer teachers. If you combine the positive attitudes of both and add in our new books and ideas, it made for a faith filled atmosphere “up on the hill”. We have room in all grades for more students. Stop in Sunday mornings before 9:45 a.m. to have your child registered or have any questions you have about our program answered. We have classes for preschool through 8th grade. This is a great way to fulfill the Baptism promises made for your child and help them in their faith journey. CARD PARTY The Daughters of Isabella will sponsor a Euchre Party on Thursday, Sept. 29 in the St. Nicholas Social Hall (church basement) beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a soup and sandwich dinner followed by cards. The cost for dinner, cards and door prizes is $3.00. All are welcome. PRE JORDAN St. Nicholas will hold a Pre Jordan class for all parents and godparents of infants and small children to be baptized on Tuesday, September 27 at 7 p.m. in the Parish Office Building. Please call Mary Lou Staker at 453-7141 to register.

New Liturgical Schedule If you do not receive your schedule via e mail, please pick up your copy next to the sign in sheet this weekend. RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church?  Are you a baptized Catholic who has been away from active membership in the Church and wish to return?  Are you feeling that the Lord is calling or urging you to come to him?  Were you baptized in a different denomination, but are interested in finding out what the Catholic Church teaches? Then we invite you to come and be part of our RCIA journey. The RICA process here at St. Nicholas provides a personal, gentle guided journey for those adults wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith. We are committed to helping you on your journey and look forward to speaking to you. RCIA begins on Wed. September 14 at 7 p.m. in the Parish Office Building, 955 East Main St. (enter on the Silliman St. side.) Call Mary Lou Staker at 453-7141 for more information. 

100th BIRTHDAY Tuesday, October 11 marks the 100th birthday of Sr. Mary Zigo. Sr. Mary is a former resident of the St. Nicholas Convent and also taught at St. Nicholas School. She now resides at Holy Family Convent, 2409 S. Alverno Rd., Manitowac, WI 54220. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

Join us for a Marriage Encounter Weekend and learn ways to use your marriage’s ups and downs to deepen your love for each other and for God. Why not try a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend? The next weekend in central Ohio is November 11 – 13. For information or to register, contact Paul or Marilou Clouse at (614) 834-6880 or visit the website www.wwmecolumbus.org. RETROUVAILLE If your marriage is troubled and stressed, unloving or uncaring; if you have grown cold and distant; if you are separated, or are thinking about it, don’t give up. Retrouvaille (a French word that means “rediscovery”) is a program to help heal and support married couples experiencing difficulties, loneliness or pain. It is also for separated or divorced couples wanting to try again. For information call (614) 296-9704 or visit www.retrouvaille.org for more information. The next weekend in Columbus is October 28. LIFE CHAIN October 2nd is Life Chain Sunday. We will line the streets of Maple Avenue to pray for an end to abortion. This will be our 15th Annual Life Chain. We will meet, park and pick up our signs at Dr. Colopy’s office parking lot (across from Taco Bell) at 2:15 and begin the chain of prayer at 2:30 until 3:30. If unable to stand for that length of time, please bring a chair. This Life Chain is National and is sponsored by Muskingum Valley Right to Life. Any questions, please call Helen at 454-7529 or Bernie at 454-1882. Please join us for an hour of prayer. Thank You!

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE It is your responsibility to find a substitute if needed. October 2, 2016- Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Saturday, October 1 @ 5:15 p.m. Lector: Sharon Coen, Nancy Susa Server: Bill Altier, Wesley Nestor Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Charlotte Snider Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Susie Altier, Dan Snider Eucharistic Minister: Dottie Durant, Margaret Kronenbitter, Don Susa, Karen Robinson Sunday, October 2 @7:30 a.m. Lector: Susan Thompson, Stephanie Bridwell Server: David Eppley Eucharistic Minister- Coord: Patrick Durant Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Carol Kohler, Sue Hillis Eucharistic Minister: Jim Hillis Sunday, October 2 @ 9:30 a.m. Lector: Wendy Hart, Diane Hoffer Server: Justin Hart, Nathan Hart Eucharistic Minister - Coord: John Haswell Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Michael Drake, Chris Drake Eucharistic Minister: Linda Haswell, Jane Durant, Tom A. Durant, Jim Pottmeyer Sunday, October 2 @ 11:30 a.m. Lector: Sam Palleschi, Rocky Rowe Server: Christina Rozsa, Mason Harmon Eucharistic Minister - Coord: Paula Peterson Eucharistic Minister - Wash Vessel: Diana Dunn, Dodi Sealock Eucharistic Minister: Scott Peterson, Roger Jones, Rose Jones, 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 REMEMBER ST. NICHOLAS PARISH IN YOUR WILL. CALL THE PARISH OFFICE AT 453-0597 FOR MORE DETAILS.

What’s Happening in Our Parish MONDAY, September 26, SS. Cosmas and Damian 8:00 a.m., Mass: William F. Noll, Church 5:30 p.m., Sign Language Class, Parish Office

TUESDAY, September 27, St. Vincent de Paul 8:00 a.m., Mass: Selma LaAsmar, anniversary, Church

WEDNESDAY, September 28, St. Wenceslaus 8:10 a.m., School Mass: Thomas Morosco, Church 7:00 p.m., R.C. I. A., Parish Office, lower level

THURSDAY, September 29, SS. Michael, Gabriel, & Raphaell 8:00 a.m., Mass: Stella Tomson, Church

FRIDAY, September 30, St. Jerome 8:00 a.m., Mass: Robert Ralko, Church

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time SATURDAY, October 1 1:30 p.m. wedding, Megan Kimball and Jacob Soldat, Church 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Confessions, Church 5:15 p.m., Mass: Irene Dillon, Church

SUNDAY, October 2 7:30 a.m., Mass: St. Nicholas Parishioners, Church 9:30 a.m., Mass: Emily “Millie” Swierz, Church 9:45 a.m., Religious Education, School 11:30 a.m., Mass: Michael E. Nestor, Church

Readings for Week of September 26, 2016 Mon. . . . . . . . Tues. . . . . . . . Wed . . . . . . . . Thurs. . . . . . . . Fri. . . . . . . . . . Sat. . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . .

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.

Jb 1:6-22 Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 Jb 9:1-12 Dn 7:9-10, 1314 Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 Hb 1:2-3; 2:2-4

Lk 9:46-50 Lk 9:51-56 Lk 9:57-62 Jn 1:47-51 Lk 10:13-16 Lk 10:17-24 Lk 17:5-10