St. Mary’s Catholic Church
4th Sunday of Easter April 21, 2013
Dear parishioners,
The Scriptures often contain little glimpses of information that are important but seemingly insignificant.
The first reading today says that Paul and Barnabas (who have been very busy preaching) come to the synagogue on the Sabbath and take their seat. They are preaching Jesus who came to fulfill the promise of a Messiah for the Jews. They are following the new way of Jesus, but they are still faithful to their Jewish faith. They are not being showy about what they are doing. They come to the synagogue and take their seat—just like everybody else.
By the next week the folks are so excited about the teaching of Paul and Barnabas that they flock to them. The Jewish leaders are jealous and strike out against Paul and Barnabas “with violent abuse.” The Jewish leaders have lost their focus on God and have gotten completely wrapped up in their self-interests. So Paul and Barnabas give up on the Jews and turn their efforts to the gentiles. Because the Jews couldn’t open their eyes and hearts to Jesus, they lost all they had longed for.
In the gospel we hear that the sheep know their shepherd’s voice. They recognize their leader and guide. That’s important for us. We need to focus on Jesus. We need to pray so that we get to know him well and recognize his voice (his teaching and way).
Sometimes we are asked to make sacrifices. It’s important that we pray for discernment so that we can keep our focus on what is important and what is simply self-interest. We can battle for something we think we want and need—only to lose what is most important because we lose our focus. Lord, lead us in your way.
Sister Carol
Congratulations to Mike and Dawn Schulte on the baptism of their daughter Ava Grace and to Wes and Jenny Lovett on the baptism of their son Samuel Alexander.
Weekend Masses
Sat. Apr 20 4:00 p.m. Cassie Kiene
Sun Apr 21 10:00 a.m. For the parish Sat Apr 27 4:00 p.m. For the parish
Sun Apr 28 10:00 a.m. For the parish
Communion Services
Tue Apr 23 10:30 a.m. Richland
Fri Apr 26 8:00 a.m. St. Mary’s
SUNDAY COLLECTION
Adults $2,537.00 Loose $257.16
Children $ 14.51 Total $2,808.67
86 envelopes returned = 43%
Easter to date: $4,106.00
Thank You for your generosity!
Assignments for April 27 & 28, 2013
Money Counters: Tonya Meyer, Deb Buck
4:00 p.m.
Greeter: Jeanne Parinello
Cantor: Steve McCullough
Ushers: Mike & Brice Metzger
Lector: Jim Kinn
E.M.: Kathy Housh, Bob Minto, Basil Meyer
Servers: Jared & Emily Metzger
10:00 a.m.
Greeter-East door: Mel Heitmeyer
Greeter-West door: Sherry Heitmeyer
Cantor:
Ushers: Mike & Justin Maag
Lector 1: Sophia Marcum
Lector 2: Joe Herrmann
E.M.: Michael & Amy Marcum, Tricia Herrmann,
Matt Meyer, Judy Lester
Servers: Joel Siefker, Josh Garmatter, Abby Bryer
St. Mary’s has reached 138% of our goal ($8,500) for the Annual Catholic Appeal. After the parish reaches their goal they receive some of that money back. St. Mary’s will be receiving some of that money. Thanks to everyone who has been so generous to this collection.
Please remember to help with the cost of the new room dividers if you can. Envelopes are available at the end of the pews or on the shelf in the main entrance.
Farewell lunch Father Mel Verhoff, pastor of St. John Parish in Delphos, has been given a leave of absence effective immediately. The bishop has asked Father Tim Ferris to help take on the responsibilities of that parish. Father Tim will be back for First Communion and for a farewell Mass on Sunday, May 5. The Pastoral Council will host a farewell lunch after Mass on that day so that we all have an opportunity to say good-bye.
We have been put under the wing of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Findlay. Father Mike Hohenbrink is working with us to be sure that we have weekend Masses. Father Mike, Father Dave Beck, Father Tom Gorman, and Father Norbert Howe have been very generous is offering us their support and help through the end of June. We should be fine!
Counselors sought for Post-Abortion Healing Ministry The Project Rachel Team from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will host a workshop for mental health professionals and others who may refer women and men to Project Rachel, a post-abortion healing ministry. Project Rachel is operated in the Diocese of Toledo by Catholic Charities. The workshop will be Wed., May 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. at St. Wendelin’s in Fostoria. The workshop is free and is open to mental health and medical professionals, pregnancy center representatives, campus ministers, and high school guidance counselors. Attendees will learn about the nature and structure of Project Rachel and how to make referrals to the ministry. Interested counselors will also receive information about becoming a member of the Project Rachel network. For more information or to register, please contact Fonda Luersman at or 972-916-0652.
Hope & Healing for Everyone Impacted by Abortion
A Mass and prayers for healing for everyone affected by abortion will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at St. Wendelin in Fostoria followed by brief talks and prayers for healing. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available throughout the evening.
White Mass to Honor Health Care Professionals
Bishop Leonard Blair will celebrate a diocesan White Mass Sunday, April 28th, 10:00am at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral to honor those who serve in the health care profession. All health care workers are invited to attend and Bishop Blair will offer a blessing over all of the health care professionals at the Mass.
Students in grades K through 12 raised $480.17 for Rice Bowl. That is more than double what they raised last year. Good job everyone!
Our Lady of Consolation Shrine, Carey, Ohio will offer a Mass for Victims of Cancer on Friday, May 3rd at 7:00 pm. We welcome all to come and pray together. After
Mass, visitors are invited to participate in special prayers for healing.
St. Mary’s is looking for a part-time high school youth leader to work up to 10 hours per week for 10 months. If you are interested, please contact Sister Carol. A job description is available upon request.
Attention Graduating Seniors We will have a Graduation Mass in honor of all graduating seniors here at St. Mary’s on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Wear your cap and gown. Please RSVP by May 10, 2013. There will be a reception after Mass. Graduation Mass RSVP forms are in the narthex.
The Serra Club of Lima Area exists to promote and support vocations to the priesthood and religious life. On Apr. 25 Fr. Monty Hoyles, Chancellor, Diocese of Toledo, will speak on “How is Canon Law Relevant to Catholics Today”. The evening begins at 5:45 with Mass and is followed by dinner and the presentation. It is held at Lima Central Catholic High School in Lima. For more information or to make a reservation please call Florian Smith at 419-999-4694 by Apr. 22.
A limited number of seats remain for the Bluffton University Artist Series performance by the Toledo Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday (April 25) in Yoder Recital Hall. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and non-Bluffton students, and $10 for children ages 6-13. To order, go to http://tickets.bluffton.edu or visit the Sommer Center box office weekdays between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
P.R.E.P
Pre-school: Class is today, April 21st during Mass.
K – 6: Class is Wed., April 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Also, there is First Communion practice.
Jr. High & SNLY: Class is today, Sunday, April 21st, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is the last class this year.
Mark your calendars! Vacation Bible School is July 21 to July 25 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. VBS is for children 4 years old to 5th grade. The First Mennonite Church is hosting it this year.