Partner Parishes

BULLETIN, WEEK OF February 5, 2012

This Weekend Readings

First Reading: A certain weariness and dissatisfaction with life is voiced in today’s First Reading: our days are full of labor and suffering; our nights, without sleep. Job is well aware of the transitoriness of human life. In the context of the book as a whole, Job’s words come in an address to one of his friends who had come to comfort him after his tremendous loss and personal suffering. Job stands face to face with the inexplicableness of human suffering and loss.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise, which springs forth from the experience of the healing power of the Lord. In the face of the inexplicable, we can only turn to the Lord in trust, believing in his wisdom and his goodness.

Second Reading: The context of Paul’s words to the Corinthians today is a discussion of his apostolic ministry, and in particular, his choice not to impose support for his livelihood on the Corinthians. Paul was a tent maker who lived by the work of his own hands even as he preached the Gospel. The second part of the reading testifies to Paul’s determination to be one with all of those to whom he is sent, thus establishing a ground in which to proclaim the Gospel.

Gospel: The events of today’s Gospel take place at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He has only recently called his disciples, and today we see him welcomed into the home of Andrew and Simon. The illness of Simon’s mother-in-law provides a thematic link with today’s First Reading, as to the presence of the sick and possessed who gather at the door. The last line of today’s Gospel depicts Jesus fully engaged in this ministry.

Next Week’s Readings: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Lv. 12:1-2, 44-46; I Cor. 10-31-11:1; Mk. 1:45-45

Words from Your Pastor

2012 Parish Mission- ”Becoming an Easter Parish”…..

We are already well into the New Year and the season of Lent is approaching really fast, it is time to speak about the upcoming events for the Partner Parish. Since both Churches have celebrated their 100 Anniversaries, it is time now too look beyond the brick and mortar and beyond the accomplishments of our forefathers and renew and rejuvenate ourselves on the journey of our faith and the journeys of the two Churches. As our forefathers had to meet the demands and challenges of their time, so too must we meet the challenges of our complex world today.

As all of you know quite well, some better then others, the reality that faces today’s Church. It is quite different than that of our predecessors. In these difficult times, we the Church, must continuously renew our faith and rely on the strength that comes from it. I have committed myself as your Pastor, that after the 100 Anniversaries it will be a time of profound renewal, evangelization of our two Churches, in order that we may begin our next centennial full of vigor and renewed hope for the future.

We are plagued with many problems: aging population, loss of jobs in the area, low Mass attendance, no comprehensive programs for our youth and young adults, low participation in our faith formation, continuous problems to have enough people to fill the different ministries, lack of comprehensive evangelization process, even though, I think we studied the American Bishops pastoral entitled: “Go and make Disciples” two or three times. The lack of all of these things in the Partner Parish makes us unprepared to deal with the reality of today’s Church and the world. For all of us to continue on, you and I must undergo a process of metamorphosis, that is to say, we must renew ourselves in faith and return to the promises of our very first sacrament-BAPTISM! Without that process, we will continue on the same path as before, path that will lead us to be a parish that is outdated, outmoded, and that is not able to meet today’s needs and challenges.

The Pastoral Council, Renewal Committee and myself have chosen to address all of these issues by having the old fashion Mission that in the past were held by the missionaries during Lent. I am well aware that one mission will not be able to take care of all our problems and difficulties in the Partner Parish, but it is a step in the right direction. I have decided to have Terry Modica, an international speaker of the Good News Ministries, to come to our parish and to speak to us about what it really means to be “an Easter parish” and to rediscover the meaning and importance of our own Baptism again.

I pray, that all of you, and your family members make every effort to attend this very special event which will be held March 17-19, 2012. I direct all of you between now and March to listen to the announcements about the 2012 mission. Every week there will be more information forthcoming. If we open our hearts and minds to “Become an Easter Parish” we will become a parish well prepared to meet the challenges of today and the future. Attending this Lenten mission you will be investing in your parish!

Faith Formation News

GIRL SCOUT SPIRIT DAY

The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting for Girls will host a "Mary, Queen of the Living Rosary” Spirit Day for all Girl Scouts in grades 2-12 on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, PA. The day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and concludes with the celebration of Mass at 4:00 p.m. (fulfills the Sunday obligation). Learn about Mary and the Rosary, how to make a rosary along with other activities. An outdoor “Living Rosary” (weather permitting) will take place before Mass. Participants will work towards their Rosary Patch. Early Bird registration fee is $18 through March 2nd. Cost is $20 after March 2nd. The cost includes Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Crafts, Program & Patch. Although this is a Catholic program, non-Catholics and non-Scouts may also participate.

Registration forms are available by calling Glenda at 724-446-5197 or e-mail gsekerchak@dioceseofgreensburg.org. Registration deadline is March 16th. Registration forms are also available at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Partner Parish office.

2012 Partner Parish Lenten Mission March 17-19

In 2012 we will zero in on the spiritual development and growth of the Partner Parish. In this endeavor the Pastoral Council together with the Renewal Committee is inviting you to the Lenten mission entitled “Becoming an Easter Parish”. This Lenten mission will be specifically designed for our Partner Parish and its families. It will be held on March 17-19, 2012. I pray that every family will make an effort to attend this event at which Terry Modica of Good New ministries will speak. Terry is a renown international speaker and we are very lucky to have her speak this Lent at our Partner Parish. Every week until the mission will start, there will be special announcements and activities in preparation for 2012 Lenten mission. I ask you to watch the bulletin for further information, as well as, to get involved wholeheartedly in this event.

Let us journey together to “become an Easter Parish!” A pre-mission experience is part of this event. It will be held on Sunday, February 19th, from 3:00-6:00 PM. Click here for a registration form.

Liturgical Considerations - From the Bench

Usually, the readings read at Mass offer us at least some amount of hope and peace. There often is a message of forgiveness or sympathy in even the deepest depths of despair. Not so in today’s first reading from Job. The reading starts with Job questioning life itself, calling it drudgery. Even in the final words, Job says, “I shall not see happiness again.” What can we learn from this reading, knowing that we are all at least promised happiness in heaven once this life is over? This reading, as well as most of the book of Job, helps us to understand the grieving process as well as helping us to realize that sometimes life presents challenges that can be hard to overcome. It may not always seem that life is fair, but we must remain faithful that God loves us and will always be there for us, no matter what life throws at us.

Yours in Ministry, Tom Rishel

Please Note: No Choir Rehearsal February 6 or 13.

Announcements and Reminders

SsC&M Finance Council: Tuesday, February 7th, at 7:00 PM in St. Helen Hall.

Sacramental Prep: Tuesday, February 7th, from 6:00-7:30 PM in the church.

StH Christian Mothers/Altar Rosary Society: Tuesday, February 7th, at 7:00 PM in the StH Rectory.

Mark Your Calendars…. Partner Parish Lenten Mission, March 17-19, 2012. An event and opportunity you shouldn’t miss! Don’t forget to register for the Pre Mission Experience. Click here for a registration form..

Other Upcoming Activities (they’ll be here before we know it!).

SsC&M Lenten Fish Dinners: Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent. Come and help us this year!
SsC&M Spaghetti Dinner: Sunday, April 29, 2012.

SsC&M Sanctuary Lamp & Altar Candles burns in memory of the Deceased Balok-Vrancken Families by Marlene & Marvin Miller.

Welcome: SsC&M parish welcomes our area Boy Scouts who are joining us this weekend at the 9:00 AM Mass in honor of Boy Scout Sunday.

StH Christian Mothers/Altar-Rosary: Will meet on Tuesday, February 7th, in the StH Rectory.

SsC&M Lenten Fish Fry Volunteers: We will have a brief meeting on Friday, February 10th, at 12:00 noon, for anyone wishing to help with our upcoming Lenten Fish dinners. Light refreshments will be provided. More volunteers needed and welcome - please join us for the good of our parish!If you are willing to help but cannot attend the meeting, please call Karen Inks at the parish office, Monday—Wednesday, between 9:00 AM—Noon, and 1:00-3:00 PM; or you may leave a message at her home number: 724-564-5856. Help is needed Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent. Volunteers do not need to work a full day—working either the morning or afternoon is greatly appreciated. We’ll take all the help we can get. Dinners are served between 11:00 AM—6:00 PM. We could use a few good men to help fry fish.

Gift Cards You Don’t Need? The help pay winter bills (especially heating and snow removal), St. Hubert Finance Council will be sponsoring a gift card ticket fundraiser. Since so many businesses have cut back on donating for fundraisers we are asking our parishioners to consider “re-gifting” gift cards or to donate a purchased gift card. If you can help, gift cards may be placed in the collection basket or given to any member of Finance Council: Craig Neighbors, Scott Neighbors, Rosemary Costa, or Kendra Stoen. Gift cards will be accepted through February 12.

Longaberger Basket Raffle: St. Mary (Nativity) Church is sponsoring a Longaberger Basket Raffle Ticket. Each day in March, one lucky person will be the winner of a beautiful basket filled with a small gift. The cost of the ticket is $10.00. Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket should call Diane Cavinee at 724-438-5392 or Laura Buckel at 724-246-1474.

Point Marion Civic Art Project: The public is invited to meet the artist who will create Point Marion’s first civic art project. Deborah Palmer will be introduced to the community at a reception on Wednesday, February 8th, at 7:00 PM at Riverside Diner. She will give a short presentation and then answer questions about the mosaic which will be installed on the side of the Sadler Building next to the Centra Bank parking lot. For more information, contact art committee members Katie Wyda at 724-725-5554 or Beth Reseter at 304-379-2569.

Bereavement Support Group: St. Therese Bereavement Support Group is sponsoring a ten session bereavement group for the newly bereaved. It will meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM beginning March 6th, at the Parish Center, 124 Morgantown Street in Uniontown. Each session will be a combination of presentations and opportunities for discussion and sharing. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one through death and wish to attend, call Program Coordinator, Lydia Gentile (724-438-9373) who will facilitate the group. This program is open to anyone who can benefit from these discussions.

Priest Prayer Service: Greensburg DCCW invites all for men, women and children as the local body of Christ to pray at our Priest Prayer Service scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th at Immaculate Conception Parish in Irwin beginning at 5:45 PM with the Blessed Sacrament already exposed in Adoration. Adoration concludes at 6:00 PM followed by the Prayer Service for Priests.

Continuing Lecture Series on Aging & Spirituality: Hosted by St. Vincent College on Wednesday, February 15th, at 3:00 PM in the Fred M. Rogers Center. The speaker is Jason King, Ph.D. , Chairperson, Theology Department, St. Vincent College. Topic: “Intimacy and Aging”. All are welcome to attend this FREE program. Reservations are not required, but appreciated. Call 724-805-2522.

Don’t forget to register for our Pre-Mission Experience, “Life in the Holy Trinity”

Sunday, February 19th from 3:00-6:00 PM in St. Helen Hall

All parishioners from the partner parish should attend.

Register by February 12th!