Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007

Sixth Ordinary Sunday

SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK

Sun, Feb 11^th - Sixth Ordinary Sunday

8:00 AM - Mass for Victoria Hyak

requested by Bob & Ginny Reeder

11:00 AM - Mass for Mary Garber Gemmill requested

by Paul and Kathy Vincent & Sons

6:30 PM - Evening Prayer

Mon, Feb 12^th – Weekday

8:10 AM - Morning Prayer

8:30 AM- Mass for Walter Adams requested by

Ken and Ruth Keller

Tues, Feb 13^th – Weekday

8:10 AM - Morning Prayer

8:30 AM- Mass Frank O’Dellick requested by

Mrs. Gina Eder

Wed, Feb 14th – Cyril & Methodius, bishops

4:30 PM - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

5:30 PM - Sacrament of Reconciliation

6:00 PM - Mass for People of the Parish

6:30 PM - Rosary in Chapel

Thurs, Feb 15^th - Weekday

8:30 AM - Mass for Eugene Dumm requested by

Stella Chihon & Mary Foust

Fri, Feb 16^th - Weekday

8:10 AM - Morning Prayer

8:30 AM - Mass for Julius Gervinski requested by

Dotty Ronan & Family

Sat, Feb. 17^th – Vigil – Seventh Ordinary Sunday

4:00 PM - Sacrament of Reconciliation

5:00 PM - Mass for Teresa Tudisco requested

by Bill And Marge Moschella

Sun, Feb. 18^th - Seventh Ordinary Sunday

8:00 AM - Mass for Leo Grzesinski requested by

Wife, Janice

11:00 AM - Mass for Stephen Romerowicz requested

by Ernie and Helen Tomassetti

6:30 PM - Evening Prayer

_______________________________________________

APPOINTMENTS

ACOLYTES:

Sat Feb 17- 5:00 PM- Patrick Rea, Tyler Mueller

Sun Feb 18- 8:00 AM- Jacob Healy, David Swanger

Sun Feb 18-11:00AM- Matt Begley, Alex Campbell

Lectors:

Sat Feb 17- 5:00 PM- Tim Rea, Mary Petrak

Sun Feb 18 - 8:00 AM- Cora Bacon, Fran Semelsberger

Sun Feb 18-11:00 AM- Norma Foose, Bill Foose

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:

Sat Feb 17-5:00 PM- Walt Bloom, Cecelia Bloom

Sun Feb 18- 8:00 AM- Jerry Kibler, Rita Kibler

Sun Feb 18-11:00 AM- P. Dennis, M. Dennis, D. Moyer, S. Reeves, D. Smith, J. McCloskey

MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY:

Sat Feb 17 - 5:00PM-Margaret Madden, David Langguth, Doug Oswald, Robin Oswald

Sun Feb 18- 8:00AM –Bob Neely, Shirley Neely, John Despot, Leah Leiden

Sun Feb 18- 11:00AM – Patty Swanson, Jane Wilson, Lou Ann Clark, Pam Klobuka

HOSPITAL VISITATION 2

Gym & Cafeteria rental Call Terry Miller before 9 PM

at 696-7844

BULLETIN DEADLINE Wednesday by 4:00 PM

Adult Education

Everyone is most welcome to come and join us. We are all in this together, and we always welcome new folks among us. We meet Sunday mornings at 9:15 in the cafeteria. Breakfast included.

SUNDAY EVENING VESPERS

Each Sunday night during Ordinary Time, we will gather in the day chapel at 6:30 for Evening Prayer. Everyone is welcome to join us, even if you are not familiar with this beautiful form of Liturgy. Though brief, coming together for Evening Prayer, or Vespers, is a wonderful and holy way to bring the Lord's day to a close.

Sanctuary Project Update

As we begin the artwork you have all heard so much about, we thought it would be helpful to make you aware of some of the finer aspects of the image that will become a permanent part of our home at St. John’s. As you come to better understand the theology involved and the reasons behind its different components, we hope you will come to better appreciate its meaning for our Parish. And, we hope that a better understanding will lead to and openness to what this art will ultimately have to say to you as an individual and to us as the Church. To that end, each week, we will be placing a paragraph or two in the bulletin concerning some aspect of the project. We will try to include things we feel might be new or confusing, but if we miss something that you feel is important, please let us know and we will try to include it as well. Thank you again for all of your patience while this process was unfolding. It is our hope that as we move forward, St. John, our patron, will bless our struggles, and be with us as we try to proclaim his Gospel through the hands of an artist.

We are ready to begin!

As I mentioned last week, we had a meeting with our artist and craftsmen, and they are ready to begin the sanctuary project. It will take, if all goes well, 3 weeks to complete. This week, the walls are being prepared, the next week, if all goes well, you will see the gold leaf on the wall, and the week after that a finished project.

Now, it’s possible that things won’t go as smoothly as we hope, but that’s the plan for now. So, again, let’s all pray for those who are working on the project. Let’s pray with St. John that God will indeed bless our project.

Soup!!! It’s time for St. John’s Annual Soup Sale! Homemade, of course! And only $6.00 per quart!!! We will be selling Italian Wedding Soup this weekend, February 10/11, after all Masses. The proceeds will be used to offset the cost of the Parish Picnic.

Social Committee  Our next meeting will be Tuesday, February 20^th, at 7:00 pm in the Pre-K room.  Everyone is welcome to join us.

Do you put loose cash anonymously in the collection basket? If so, you’re about to lose the deduction. Starting this year, cash contributions to churches and other charities must be substantiated, no matter how small. You need a canceled check, bank record or a receipt with the organization’s name and the donation amount. A log isn’t enough.

UP COMING PARISH EVENTS

Feb 21, 2007 – Ash Wednesday Soup Supper

March 11, 2007 – Junior Confirmation Class Luncheon with sponsors

April 1, 2007 – Easter Egg Hunt after 11:00am Mass

April 15, 2007- Sophomore Confirmation Class Luncheon with parents

April 27, 2007 - Basket Bingo

April 28,2007 – First Holy Communion

May 6, 2007- New Parishioner Luncheon

July 13, 2007 – Altoona Curve

July 29, 2007 - Parish Picnic

Aug 5-9, 2007 Parish Retreat

November 2007 - Bus trip to Christmas Show in Lancaster

January 4, 2008 - Appreciation Dinner 6:00 pm

Spiritual Book Club, We will meet Thursday, February 22^nd at 6:30 in the rectory.  Our book is Balancing Heaven and Earth by Robert A. Johnson.  We will discuss Chapters 13,14,15.  All are welcome to join us at any time.

Scrip News

We have Scrip wallets available for $1.00.

You can finally consolidate all your Scrip!

Check them out at the Scrip table.

If there are any discrepancies in your order please call Cora Bacon at 695-7489.

For your convenience,

Scrip is available in the church from 12-1:30

on Thursdays.

Our New Forum - Our parish forum address is www.stjohnsforum.org. Directions: To post a comment, you must register an account. Simply click on “Register”, to the left and fill out the form. It’s easy, free, and goes nowhere else but here! Once registered, you can post your own comments by selecting a topic of discussion and click on a particular thread. To comment, simple choose ” Reply” or “New Topic”.

Please Help - In an ongoing effort to help the Snyder family, we are looking for volunteers who would be willing to cook and deliver a meal to the family. If you can help with this project, please call Pam Hazenstab at 943-5575.

The St. John’s Cancer Support Group will meet February 27^th at 6:30 in the Pre-K room in the church basement. Anyone feeling that a religion based support group will help you cope with a serious illness is more than welcome to join us. Spouses and caregivers are also welcome. For more information, call Donna at 942-8689.

RELIGIOUS ED NEWS

Sunday Preschool - scheduled for Feb 25. This is open for children between the ages of 3-5.The sessions meet from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. Place : Pre-School Room. If interested, please call Mrs. Stachmus 942-7683.

Feb 11^th – Grades 6 thru 9 – 9:00 to 10:50AM

Feb 18^th – K thru 5 – 9:00 to 10:50AM

Feb 18^th - Grades 9, 10, 11 – 5:00 to 8:00PM in school cafeteria

Feb 24^th Sat. – First Eucharist Retreat for Second graders & parents 9:00 to 11:00AM

Next Mandatory Youth Ministry meeting is from 5:00 to 7:30 pm Sunday, February 18^th. We will begin our meeting in the Church.

Silent Prayer

We will meet in the church at 6:00 pm on the following Mondays: 

February 12 – prayer (possible discussion of Chapters 2 and 3 for those who missed last week)

February 19 – prayer

February 26 – prayer

March 5 – prayer and discussion of the Epilogue and Chapter 4 of Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird

A Special Thanks

Perhaps you sent a card or note to cheer me on the way…

Perhaps you played a basketball game to help smooth the way….

Perhaps you added to a hoagie sale, bake sale or a cooked meal to go…

No matter what the thought or deed you did, your prayer’s found their way.

One hears so much negativity that you wonder if there’s any good…

But my family & I know that at St. John’s LOVE makes it ”The Parish That Could!”

Prayers and Love,

Cherrie Snyder & Family

MISSISSIPPI TRIP AND COMMITTEE MEETING

The next trip to Mississippi has been set for June 13 through June 21. There will be space for 18 volunteers on a first come, first served basis. Currently, there are 9 spaces still available. Please continue to watch the bulletin for updates and meetings. If you are planning to go, please try to attend as many of the Trip Planning meetings as possible.  The next one is scheduled for February 19 (7-8 pm Fundraising; 8-9 pm Trip Planning). For more information please call Ann Mingyar at 946-5383.

Bake Sale… My name is Danielle Nazaruk and I’m an 8^th grade student at St. Johns. I was chosen to be a Student Ambassador in the People to People program this summer and will be traveling to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. I will be having a Bake Sale for help on the funding for the tuition required to go on the trip. The Bake Sale is on the weekend of February 17^th and 18^th in the GYM after all Masses.

Stewardship at St. John’s

Weekly Reflection - May we carry out our unique role in God’s divine plan by answering Jesus’ reassuring call of “Do not be afraid” with “Here I am, send me!”

OFFERTORY for Feb. 4^th

Amount in Adult Envelopes #257 of 701 $8,884

Amount in Children's Envelopes #16 of 283 $10

Loose Offertory $ 640

Total Regular Offertory $9,534

Parish Debt $35

Black and Indian Missions $220

EXPENSES for week of Feb. 4^th

School Subsidy $5038, Payroll $3748, Tax $287

Thank you for sharing with your Parish

a portion of what God has given you !

The Haiti Committee invites you to the annual Ash Wednesday Soup Supper following the 6:00 Mass on Wednesday, February 21^st. As we enjoy a simple meal of homemade soup and bread, we will remember the members of our twin parish in Haiti, for whom such a meal would be a feast. Free-will donations will be accepted.

Basket Bingo April 27

Purchase your tickets before March 1^st and

receive 3 extra tickets. Contact Gerlinde

Mattern at 943-1126.

Family Life Committee – The next meeting is on Thursday, February 15^th at 6:00PM in the school cafeteria. All are welcome and bring your ideas too!

Have you considered volunteering your time to help others? Your friendliness and smile will reap joy and love in a resident's heart and also in your heart. Please consider giving even 2 hours a month to make a difference in someone's life. Volunteers receive complementary lunch and snack breaks and a take home salad if wanted. Call Garvey Manor & Our Lady of the Alleghenies at 695-5571 and ask for Debbie Dorazio at ext. 4009. You might assist staff in the Café, the Beauty Shop, the activity department or as a visitor to a resident.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society will sponsor a Longaberger Basket Bingo Monday, March 5, 2007 at St. Therese's Fr. Kelley Hall (5th St. & 25th Ave.). Tickets are $20 and include admittance, 15 games, food and refreshments. To reserve a ticket, or for more information please call 942-5732.

Last weekend, the 7^th and 8^th graders hosted a Super Bowl bake sale. It was a great success! We would like to say THANK YOU, to all who purchased things and made donations!

Registration for St. John’s School

Parents can register their children any time. Registration for students outside the parish will be held Monday, February 26,2007.

Items needed: Original birth certificate, immunization records, social security number, baptismal certificate, $50 registration fee

ATTENTION ALL PARISHIONERS - We are starting to compile a list of all of our parishioners' email addresses. When we have everyone's email address, it will cut down on the cost of our mailings to each individual home, we could send your bulletin to your email address and send reminders of parish events. In order to insure that we get your correct address, we are asking you to send us an email from your address. We will save it to our church directory file for future reference. Please know that we will keep your email address confidential, and please keep us updated when you have changes in your email address. Send it to: stjohnsecretary@atlanticbb.net Thanks

I Learned Everything I Needed To Learn From Noah’s Ark!

1. Don’t miss the boat. 2. Remember that we are all in the same boat. 3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark. 4. Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. 5. Don’t listen to critics: just get on with the job that needs to be done. 6. Build your future on high ground. 7. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs. 8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. 9. When you’re stressed, float a while. 10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. 11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting!

Monday Night Workout…

Now that football season is over, perhaps you want to work yourself into better shape, have some fun, and knock down a shot or two from 3-point range. Men aged 18 or over are welcome to play basketball in our gym on Monday nights from 7:00 – 8:30. It only costs a couple dollars, and gets you out of the house in the winter. Call Steve Wilson @ 944-8680, or just show up with your basketball shoes.

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Weekday Readings

Mon. Feb 12: Gn 4:1-15, 25, Mk 8;11-13

Tues Feb 13: Gn 6: 5-8; 7:1-5, 10, Mk 8:14-21

Wed. Feb 14: Gn 8: 6-13,20-22, Mk 8: 22-26

Thurs Feb15: Gn 9:1-13, Mk 8: 27-33

Fri. Feb 16: Gn 11:1-9, Mk 8: 34-9:1

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Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 18^th, 2007

Psalm: Sunday 7

Reading 1 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
In those days, Saul went down to the desert of Ziph with three thousand picked men of Israel, to search for David in the desert of Ziph. So David and Abishai went among Saul’s soldiers by night and found Saul lying asleep within the barricade, with his spear thrust into the ground at his head and Abner and his men sleeping around him. Abishai whispered to David: “God has delivered your enemy into your grasp this day. Let me nail him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I will not need a second thrust!” But David said to Abishai, “Do not harm him, for who can lay hands on the LORD’s anointed and remain unpunished?” So David took the spear and the water jug from their place at Saul’s head, and they got away without anyone’s seeing or knowing or awakening. All remained asleep, because the LORD had put them into a deep slumber. Going across to an opposite slope, David stood on a remote hilltop at a great distance from Abner, son of Ner, and the troops. He said: “Here is the king’s spear. Let an attendant come over to get it. The LORD will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness. Today, though the LORD delivered you into my grasp, I would not harm the LORD’S anointed.”

1. How do you feel about defending yourself, and about dishing out justice to those who abuse you?

2. What beliefs mitigated David’s actions?

Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-1
R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

Reading II1 Cor 15:45-49

Brothers and sisters: It is written, The first man, Adam, became a living being, the last Adam a life-giving spirit.
But the spiritual was not first; rather the natural and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man, from heaven. As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.

3. What are significant ways that we can “bear the image of the man of heaven”?

Gospel Lk 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

4. Which of these admonitions do you find the easiest to do? Which is the hardest to do?

5. How would you define the mercy of the Father?

6. What influence should a desire for reward (verses 35 and 38) play in our being merciful?

7. Is Jesus speaking of ruling righteously and with discernment when necessary, or of being judgmental? Explain the difference.

The First Presbyterian Church in Hollidaysburg (corner of Penn and Walnut Street) will host a spaghetti dinner from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 18^th. Cost is $5 for Adults and $3 for children under 12. Take-out and eat in meals are available. All proceeds benefit (HMC) The Himalayan Medical Center Project that was started by a former Hollidaysburg resident. Tickets are available at their church office or by calling Melanie Lee at 944-6589. Students requiring service hours are invited to help out and can call Melanie to make arrangements. MANY THANKS!!!

The Student Council of Bishop Guilfoyle High School will be sponsoring a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, February 18^th from 11am to 3pm. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any BGHS student or at the door the day of the event. The dinner will be held in the school cafeteria and tickets cost $5.00 per person. Take-outs are available. For more information, call the school office at 944-4014.

Lenten Fish Buffet: Ash Wednesday and every Friday in Lent (except Good Friday) St. Mary’s in Altoona will be having a fish dinner buffet in the Memorial Hall cafeteria. The price of the buffet is $10 for adults and $5 for children (4-12) and will be served from 4:30PM to 7PM. Proceeds to go to the elevator fund. (Take-outs are available $7.00).

Cathedral Parish Altoona Ash Wednesday Fish Dinner, February21, from 4PM to 7PM. Menu: Baked or Fried Fish, French Fries or Macaroni & Cheese, Salad Bar, Stewed Tomatoes, Fruit and Beverage. Cost: Adults $7.00, Children $5.00. Take-outs available. All proceeds benefit the poor.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church will be serving a Fish Dinner- Baked or Fried on Ash Wednesday – February 21, 2007 from 4pm – 7pm. Tickets $6.00 – Take-outs available. Tickets may be purchased at the Parish Office, 806 11^th Street, Altoona, from 9am – 4pm.

Parish Life Committees – Ideas and Resource Night – For new and established committees. Come learn and share. Held on Tuesday, Feb. 6^th from 7:00 to 8:30pm at Sacred Heart Formation Center, at 2009 6^th Ave, Altoona. Pre-registration required by Feb 5^th. Call 886-5551

Tour of Northern Italy & Rome: A tour is planned for May 15-24, 2007 to visit Venice, Florence, Assisi and Rome & Vatican City. Departure will be from the Pittsburgh International Airport. Participants will visit the famous water city of Venice, the ancient forts of Verona, the great museums of Florence, and the magnificent Basilicas of Rome and other cities of Italy. Attend a Papal Audience, pray at the tomb of Pope John Paul II, explore the catacombs, Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel. A packet of detailed information is available be calling 800-242-0728, or fax 724-543-2938. Write to: St Mary Church, 101 West High St., Kittanning PA 16201 or email your address to: padre16201@yahoo.com. Seating is very limited.

Directed Prayer Retreat for Women: Finding Life’s Balance

February 23-24, 2007 at Incarnation Center, 394 Bem Road, Gallitzin PA. An overnight retreat in guided prayer and reflection. Each retreatant will have opportunity to meet with a Spiritual Director, to have private and communal prayer opportunities. Examine the wonder of God’s loving presence in all aspects of life. Directors: Srs. Jane & Marilyn. Begins at 7PM Friday and ends at 3PM on Sat. Private rooms and meals are included. Donation: $55.00.

Liturgical Reflection…

Christ’s, saving work is celebrated in sacred memory by the Church on fixed days throughout the year. Sunday is ranked as the first holy day of all. At every Sunday Mass the Faithful recall the death of the Lord on the cross, his glorious resurrection, and his coming again in glory. In word and sacrament, we meet our God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The baptized gather on the Lord’s Day and love to commemorate the gift of our salvation. The sacrifice of the Mass celebrates the great mystery of faith to proclaim and live the good news.

Morning Eucharistic Adoration

Beginning on Ash Wednesday we will be having Eucharistic Adoration each morning before Mass from 6:00AM to 8:00AM. Our morning adoration will be in the chapel. So, stop by on your way to work, even if for only 5 minutes. It will be quiet and warm. It can work wonders for you. We will still have Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays from 4:30 until 6:00 – the beginning of Mass. I hope to continue to have morning adoration all year long. What a wonderful way to start our day!!

Reflections on Lent

Believe it or not, Lent is only 10 days away. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of this holy season of Lent, is February 21^st. Lent is our parish retreat that prepares us for the Triduum, the Holy Three Days. So, we all need to ask ourselves: what sacrifices do I need to make this year to prepare me to celebrate the Triduum, the Paschal Mystery, the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. (They are all the same thing.) To answer that all-important question let’s first look at what we mean by “sacrifice.” For our purposes here, we do not mean something we like and enjoy that we should give up because we like and enjoy it. Such a sacrifice has absolutely nothing to do with lent or the spiritual life. For us, to sacrifice means examine those things that take us away from God and to stop doing it; or, the discover those things that bring us closer to God and to start doing them. Maybe the words of Pope John Paul will help us see the idea. In his apostolic letter for the Year of the Eucharist “Stay With Us Lord” he invites us, not necessarily to do more, but to deepen what we might already be doing.

So, in this reflection on the Lenten Season allow me to propose a few ideas and/or practices that might help you in your Lenten observance. If our faith becomes just some “churchy” thing we do, it will never become a part of our lives. Like Jesus, this profound mystery of faith is to become flesh in our lives too.

So, allow me to ask you the question again: what are you sacrificing for lent? Maybe you could ask Jesus what you should be doing this year. Keep it simple. But remember, all relationships require time, commitment and energy. Our relationship with Christ is no different. Besides, it’s worth the effort!! So, here are a few suggestions:

1. Come to Sunday Mass committed to an experience of the Christ in our midst.

Our primary reason for coming to Mass is to experience Christ through his Church. Imagine, at the Mass the risen Jesus becomes as present to you as he was to the early disciples after he rose from the dead. One way we can do this is by having a greater attention to what we do at Mass. We can participate at Mass more sincerely from our hearts. We can listen more closely to the readings during the Liturgy of the Word. We can allow the Liturgy of the Eucharist to prepare us for a meeting with Christ at Holy Communion. We can strive to receive the Eucharist with a deeper reverence. In this way, we will be following Pope John Paul’s advise of not doing more, but deepening what we are already doing.

2. Beginning on Ash Wednesday we will be having Eucharistic Adoration each morning before Mass from 6:00AM to 8:00AM. Our morning adoration will be in the chapel. Stop on your way to work, even if for only 5 minutes. It will be quiet and warm. It can work wonders for you. We will still have Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays from 4:30 until 6:00 – the beginning of Mass. I hope to continue to have morning adoration all year long. What a wonderful way to start our day!!

3. Come to one daily Mass each week. Remember, we have an evening Mass at 6:00 each Wednesday for those who can’t come in the morning. Of course, you are welcome to come every day.

4. Or, for those who cannot come to daily Mass, we will print the scripture texts for daily Mass in the bulletin. You could simply use your Bible to look up the readings for each Mass and reflect on them. The daily reading can be found online at usccb.org. On the top of the page there is a link entitled “reading.” You will find the daily reading there. Could I suggest spending 10 minutes each day with the readings, I’d recommend praying in the morning before work, or in the evening before you retire. (By the way, you are welcome to spend more, or less, than 10 minutes – it’s just a suggestion. Just be faithful to whatever you decide.)

5. Or, you could use those 10 minutes each day reading the Sunday readings in the bulletin for each Sunday Mass, and reflecting on the questions. A possible schedule could be, Monday and Tuesday for the 1^st reading, Wednesday and Thursday for the 2^nd reading, and the remainder of the week for the Gospel.

6. Or, you could come to Eucharistic Adoration each Wednesday from 4:30 until 6:00, when we have Mass. The Church will be warm and quiet. You can stop for a little time before you go home from work.

7. Or, you could stop at Church on your way to work. The Church is open at around 6:00am.

8. Or, you could come to the Stations of the Cross that are scheduled each Friday afternoon (children) or Friday evening.

9. Allow me to suggest the Rosary as a possible way to enter into Lent. I think we need to “loosen up” and pray the rosary in a much freer way. You could pray the rosary for just 10 minutes each day, not being worrying about finishing the rosary, or even the decade. Just pick a mystery of the rosary, and with Mary, gaze upon the mystery being prayed. Let her make known to you how her Son is revealed in the mystery. And, take your time too, what’s the hurry? For 10 minutes promise yourself that you aren’t going anywhere, but you’re going to rest and pray.

10. You could join us for Morning Prayer from The Liturgy of the Hours at 8:10, or just use a book (they are in the gathering space for your use while in church) and again, take 10 minutes and pray it quietly yourself. I would be happy to teach you if you would like to pray this treasure of the Church. This prayer is truly at the heart of the life of the Church.

11. We will be celebrating Evening Prayer with Eucharistic Adoration from the Liturgy of the Hours each Sunday Evening at 6:30. Given the solemnity of this liturgy it will take us about 30 minutes to pray the Liturgy. It’s a great way to bring each Sunday of Lent to a close. Again, this is the prayer of the Church, and we pray with Christ our head to the Father through the psalms.

12. I would also like to mention Sunday evening’s Lectionary group that studies the reading for next Sunday’s Mass, Monday evening’s Silent/Centering Prayer group, and the Spiritual Book Club which meets two Thursdays a month.

As you can see, each of these practices is a meditation on the “face of Christ” and is meant to engage us through the Scriptures and the Liturgy. Even the Rosary and the Stations are a profoundly Biblical prayer. None are meant to tax your schedule too much, nor are they very exotic or out of the ordinary. They are meant to integrate the Scriptures, the Liturgy and Your Life into one harmonious whole!! So, please, please pick one – or two!!! Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, tell everyone at home you want just 10 minutes, let the answering machine get the phone, turn off the computer, TV and the radio, light a candle, find your favorite picture of Jesus or Mary, and pray -- gaze into the face of Christ. Finally, be faithful to it. Together as the Body of Christ at St. John’s let’s get serious, let’s prepare, and let’s sacrifice whatever is necessary for a true celebration of the Holy Three Days!!