+ A Spirituality for Lent +
Jesus - Companion / Shepherd
A reflection titled “Footprints” tells the story about a person walking along the beach with Jesus. Many scenes from this person’slife flashed in their mind. The person noted that sometimes there were two sets of footprints in the sand; other times, there was only one set of footprints.
This person said to Jesus, “You promised me Jesus that if I followed you, you would walk with me. But I have noticed that during the most difficult and painful moments of life, there has been only one set of footprints; but, when all was well, happy, and peaceful, there were two sets of footprints. Why, Jesus, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?” Jesus replied. “I have never left you. The times when you have seen only one set of footprints are when I carried you.”
This reflection Footprints describes one person’s experience of Jesus as Companion and Shepherd.
Lent 2012 is made special for us because it is in our Jubilee Year celebrating our 50th Anniversary as a Parish. The theme for our Jubilee Year is “Companions on the Journey.”
A statue of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has been placed in the sanctuary. The shepherd’s staff with the statue symbolizes that Jesus is our companion who walks with us along life’s way. The sheep on the shoulders symbolizes that Jesus is our shepherd who lifts us up and carries us when life has wearied, hurt, or wounded us.
This Lent we will experience Jesus as Companion and Shepherd doing what he has done in each of our previous 50 years.
As companion, Jesus walks with us along life’s way, providing for us and shepherding us into the green pastures and refreshing waters of God’s love where we are graced with forgiveness, healing, easter, and new life. As Companion, Jesus walks beside us keeping us well, peaceful, and happy.
As Shepherd, Jesus lifts us up and carries us in the difficult, challenging and overwhelming moments and in the times we have been wounded or hurt.
Lent 2012 calls us to acknowledge once again our need for Jesus to be our companion, to walk with us to support, strengthen and sustain faith, hope, and goodness in us. Lent 2012 calls us to acknowledge our need for Jesus to be our Shepherd to heal, restore, and strengthen.
Lenten Scrutiny
The season of Lent calls us as baptized Christians to scrutinize our lives. To scrutinize means to examine closely. During Lent, we closely examine our lives by asking the Holy Spirit of God:
1)to help us identify what is weak, defective, and sinful so that what is weak may be strengthened; what is
defective may be fixed; and what is sinful may be forgiven by the merciful love of God
2)to help us identify what is upright, strong, and good so that we can thank God for all the good that has
come tolife in us and ask God for the grace to keep what is good within us good.
Jesus as Companion
As you walk with Jesus as your Companion this Lent, use your Lenten scrutiny as conversation with Jesus. For example, as Jesus walks with you, Jesus speaks to you about all that is upright, strong and good in you. Jesus affirms your goodness; tells you how proud he is of you, and encourages you to remain so. You ask Jesus to provide the daily bread and grace you need.
As you walk with Jesus, Jesus says that he notices what has become weak, defective, and sinful in you. Jesus remarks that he knows you are capable of doing much better; that he has seen this virtue or that virtue much stronger in you than it is now; that you have fallen short of the higher standards by which you want to live your life. In prayer with Jesus, you humbly ask Jesus for the grace you need to improve and become a better person. Jesus, who is your companion along life’s way, says that he is happy to provide you with the grace which will enable new life to spring forth, to easter in you. #1-016
CREATE YOUR OWN LENTEN PROGRAM
Prayer + Fasting + Almsgiving (Works of Charity)
Traditionally, a good Lenten program consists of doing some form of prayer, fasting, almsgiving (work of charity) on each and everyday of Lent. Before deciding on what prayer, fasting, and almsgiving you will do, spend some quiet time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify where you need new life (Easter) to flower, spring within you this year. Take a close look at your life and ask the Holy Spirit to help you see what is weak, defective, and sinful in you. Aware of this, choose some form of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (work of charity) to do each day of Lent. Your Lenten program will be the means through which God will be at work healing, forgiving, restoring, and making right whatever has become weak, defective or sinful in you. Through your Lenten discipline of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (work of charity) God’s grace will enable new love, faith and goodness to come to life in you.
WOODCHIPS
To remind you to be faithful to your Lenten program of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, woodchips are available on the tables with the bulletins. Keep the woodchip in your pocket or someplace where you can see it everyday. On the Wednesday of Holy Week, there will be an evening prayer service during which the woodchips will be nailed to the cross.
Being made of wood, the woodchips remind us of the wooden cross of Christ. The cross was heavy and difficult for Jesus to carry but he willingly did so in order that forgiveness of sin and new life would be possible. Our Lenten program of prayer, fasting and almsgiving for forty days of Lent may be hard and difficult but believe that, in it, Jesus will be at work causing Easter and new life to happen within you.
Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation
& Our Children’s 1st Confession
On Wednesday evening (February 29th), 72 children in our school and CCD program will celebrate the Liturgy of Reconciliation as they make their first confession.
The symbol of stars will be used to help the children pray and celebrate. The children will celebrate how Jesus enables a light of love and faith to shine brightly in them. Just as clouds can prevent stars from being seen, so sin can cloud over and prevent love and goodness from being seen. The merciful love of Jesus forgives and removes the sins in our lives. To ritualize what has happened in them after meeting Jesus, the children will place a star on a banner celebrating how the merciful love of Jesus has forgiven/removed their sins enabling goodness to radiate from within them again.
All are invited to the Liturgy.
Lectors Needed
People are needed to serve as Lectors to proclaim God’s word at our weekend Masses. Please think about this for yourself or encourage someone you know to be a Lector. Training will be provided. If interested, please see or call one of the Priests or Deacons.
Paper Recycling Bin set on fire a 3rd time
On Saturday night, February 18th about 10:00 PM, the paper recycling bin was set on fire. The Fire Department responded quickly. This is the third time since August that the Paper Bin has set on fire. Whoever has done this has not been identified. If anyone knows who is responsible, please contact Father Dunleavy.
Because of the fires, the Paper Recycling Bin will be removed and not replaced.
The School is most grateful to all who recycled their paper here. Proceeds from the paper recycling, which averaged about $1,700 a year, were used by our school.
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Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
Sweeping HHS Mandate
On February 10, the Obama Administration made this rule final “without change”; delayed enforcement for a year againstreligious nonprofits that were still not exempted (our charities, hospitals, and colleges); and promised to develop moreregulations to “accommodate” them by the end of that additional year. But, as explained below, that promise“accommodation” still forces them to pay for “services” that violate their religious convictions.
The original rule that violated our religious liberty so severely has not been changed, but finalized.
After touting meaningful changes in the mandate, HHS instead finalized the original rule that was first issued in
August 2011 “without change.” So the offensive definition of “religious employer”—which excludes our
charities, hospitals, and colleges because they serve people of other faiths—is still in place, and those institutions
are still subject to the mandate.
HHS has promised some kind of “accommodation,” but only after the election.
HHS said it would take an additional year to develop more regulations to “accommodate” religiously-affiliated
charities, schools, and hospitals that still fall outside the “religious employer” exemption. The impact of these
additional rules will not be felt until after the election, the only point of public accountability for the Executive
Branch. This eliminates an important incentive for HHS to provide the best protection for religious liberty
The promised “accommodation”—even at its best—would still force our institutions to violate their beliefs.
Under the proposed “accommodation,” if an employee of these religious institutions wants coverage of
contraception or sterilization directly from the insurer, the objecting employer is still forced to pay for it as a part
of the employer’s insurance plan. Since there is no other source, the funds to pay for that coverage must come
from the premiums of the employer and fellow employees, even those who object in conscience.
There is no exemption for objecting insurers, secular employers, for-profit religious employers, or individuals.
The U.S. bishops defend religious liberty for all, and so have repeatedly identified all the stakeholders in theprocess whose religious freedom is threatened by the mandate—all employers, insurers, and individuals, not just
religious employers. Now, all insurers, including self-insurers, must provide the coverage to any employee who
wants it. In turn, all individuals who pay premiums have no escape from subsidizing that coverage. And only
employers that are both non-profit and religious may qualify for the limited “accommodation.”
We urgently need legislation to correct the mandate’s threats to religious liberty and conscience rights. The Respect forRights of Conscience Act has been introduced in Congress (H.R. 1179, S. 1467) to ensure that those who participate in themarket for health insurance “retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with theirreligious beliefs and moral convictions.”
ACTION: Contact your U.S. Representative by e-mail, phone, or FAX letter:
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or call your Members’ local offices.
Send your email to Congress at
MESSAGE: “Please co-sponsor and support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179, S. 1467). The Obamaadministration’s decision to mandate coverage of sterilization and contraceptives, including drugs that can cause anabortion, makes passage of this measure especially urgent. Please ensure that the religious liberty and conscience rightsof all participants in our nation’s health care system are respected.”
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Mass Schedule
Sunday, February 26
8:00 AMGerard P. Shotzbarger, 1st Anniversary
r/b Mike McAllister
10:00 AMGerard P. Shotzbarger, 1st Anniversary
r/b Bill Brennan
12:00 PMThe People of Saint Anselm Parish
7:00 PMThe Intentions of the Priest
Monday, February 27
6:30 AMMarge Seymour r/b John & Linda Selinsky
8:30 AMAnthony Addesso r/b Adele & Frank Nessel
Tuesday, February 28
6:30 AMRuiz Family r/b Catherine Thomas
8:30 AMAnthony Addesso
r/b Dom & Mary Bucciarelli
Wednesday, February 29
6:30 AMDavid Thomas r/b Catherine Thomas
8:30 AMAnthony Addesso r/b Beverly Geist
Thursday, March 1
6:30 AMGerald Little r/b Catherine Thomas
8:30 AMAnna “Nancy” Houston r/b Husband, Jack
Friday, March 2
6:30 AMAnthony J. Weber r/b Chrissy Weber Nagle
8:30 AMMsgr. Raymond Teller, 15th Anniversary
Saturday, March 3
8:00 AMEd Goshow r/b Beverly Geist
5:00 PMLisa Marie Bird r/b John & Diane Leonetti
Sunday, March 4
8:00 AMDeceased Members of
Saint Anselm Memorial Society
10:00 AMLisa Marie Bird r/b Sean & Barb Hines
12:00 PMThe People of Saint Anselm Parish
7:00 PMThe Intentions of the Priest
Sunday Collection –February 19, 2012
Envelopes $10,835.00
Loose $ 562.66
Grade School Students $ 63.00
High School Students $ 26.00
Total $11,486.66
Second Collection – March 4, 2012
Central & Eastern European Churches
Pray For OurDeceased…
Dan Dluge, husband of Sharon Dluge
Lucille Wexler, grandmother of Apryl Rich
Nancy Young, friend of Jim Salamon
Pray For Our Sick…
Dave Baldwin, son-in-law of Chris DeMezzo
Heidi Baranyos, friend of many
Carol Beckett, sister-in-law of Mary & John Clark
Ed Buchanan, son of Barbara & Bill Buchanan
Joe Burns, friend of Sharon Dluge
Peter Campbell, uncle of Annamarie Lombardi
Don Carignan, Boy Scout Leader
John Carr, brother of Bob Carr
Chuck Chilton, nephew of Loretta & Jack Chilton
Margaret & Mark Citrino
Baby Elyse Clements, daughter of Tom & Melissa Clements
Lisa Costello, granddaughter of Peg Cohan
Helen Cruciani, cousin of Karen Cruciani
Caroline Czepiel
Tony Decello, friend of The Gabryelski Family
Eva Dolhansky, sisterof Bill Dolhansky
Rose Fricker, wife of Matthew Fricker
Charlie Gaffney, nephew of Peg Cohan
Jim Galen, husband of Pat Galen
Carmelo Gaudite, son-in-law of Bob Carr
Susan & Sarah Gibney, friends of Sharon Cloran
Carol Grimes, mother of Melissa Baker Moore
Joe Heavey, brother of Mary & John Clark
Jamie Henson, daughter of Larry & Trish O’Brien
Catherine Hughes, friend of Theresa McKeown
Dottie Hunter, sister of Marie Tepper
Thomas Jennings, brother of Jim Jennings
Robert Kumor, husband of Theresa Kumor
Ed Lafferty, husband of Peg Lafferty
Jamie Lafferty, daughter of Marge Marcolina
Nicholas Lamina, son of Joseph & Carol Lamina
Cathy Lincul, friend of Freda Dolhansky
Tom and Brendan McCulligan
Jeanne McDonough, aunt of Ann Grippo
Francis McFadden, brother of John McFadden
John McFadden, brother-in-law of Patricia McGuire
McFadden Relatives & Friends
Ann Miller, daughter of Priscilla Kaercher
Marie Morris, sister of Regina Kronbar
David O’Brien, brother of Debbie, Jimmy & Shawn O’Brien
Bonnie Oldham, sister of Mary Ellen Lowery
Relatives of The Tarquin Pirolli Family
Rita Pirolli, friend of Debbie Doebley
Betty Polisi, friend of Marlene McDermott
Walter Ralston, friend of Carol Kliniewski
Terri Colello Reyna, sister of Donna Mayle
Joan Sample, mother of Craig Sample
Karena Selinsky, granddaughter of John Selinsky
John Siemietkowski, brother of Theresa Kumor
Elizabeth Smith, sister of Bob Smith
Jim Stone, brother of Joe Stone
Jane Tarde, mother of Matthew Tarde
Betty Beck Tirney, sister of Rita Vaxner
Tina Wardell, friend of Angelo & Barbara Grippo
Christina Yozallinas, sister-in-law of Barbara McClain
Joseph Zwicharowski, husband of Tish Zwicharowski
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Weekly Schedule
Sunday, February 26
9:00 AMSCRIP Sales – Room B
10:00 AMRCIA Rite of Sending for Election
10:00 AMLiturgy of the Word for Children (K-4)
12:00 PMLiturgy of the Word for Children (K-4)
1:00 PMPre Jordan – SpiritualityCenter
5:00 PMAA Meeting – Room B
Monday, February 27
9:00 AMExposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament
12:45 PMRehearsal for First Penance, Gr. 2 & CCD
3:00 PMDivine Mercy Chaplet
6:30 PMRosary & Benediction – Chapel
6:30 PMAA Meeting – Room B
7:00 PMCub Scouts Mtg. – Parish Hall
7:00 PMLegion of Mary Mtg. – Spirituality Ctr.
Tuesday, February 28
9:15 AMSCRIP Sales – Room B
6:45 PMCCD Classes
7:00 PMAA Meeting – Room B
Wednesday, February 29
6:00 PMAA Meeting – Room B
7:00 PMFirst Penance
7:15 PMAA Meeting – Room B
Thursday, March 1
8:30 AMMass w/school children – Grads 5-8
12:00 PMSenior Citizens General Mtg. – OLV
1:00 PMStations of the Cross – Grades 3 & 4
6:30 PMSCRIP Sales – Room B
7:00 PMPastoral Council Meeting
…SpiritualityCenter
7:30 PMChoir Practice – Music Room
Friday, March 2
12:45 PMPractice for Candidacy
1:00 PMPenance Party – Parish Hall
6:30 PMMovie Night – SpiritualityCenter
6:30 PMAA Meeting – Room B
7:00 PMStations of the Cross – Church
Saturday, March 3
8:30 AMBreaking Open the Word – Spirituality Ctr.
12:00 PMAA Meeting – Room B
4:30 PMSCRIP Sales – Room B
7:00 PMMother/Daughter Social – Parish Hall
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
March 16-19, 2012
Call 1-800-456-8330
First Friday Movie Night
March 2nd, 6:30 PM
IHMSpiritualityCenter
For our March film, we will enjoy the epic fantasy adventure, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Based on the allegorical book by famed author C.S. Lewis, this film is as much for adults as it is for children – a true family film. The movie will be shown on our big screen in the SpiritualityCenter. Bring your family and a snack!
He’s back! Mark your calendar…
Father Chylinski in Concert
joined by
Father Friel & Friends
Saturday, March 31st – 7:30 PM
Saint Anselm Church
The concert will incorporate sacred and secular, Irish and Lenten music. A free-will offering will be collected during intermission. All proceeds will go toward our summer youth conference in Steubenville, Ohio. If you would like to contribute, but cannot attend the concern, please send a check to the attention of Father Friel at the ParishCenter.