FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

FEBRUARY 1, 2009

FOCUS: All of us are called to serve the Lord and to serve one another.

Not all people are called to be a Moses or a Paul, but each of us can speak out against the injustices in our society. We can live the teachings of Jesus in our families and in the workplace. We can be the messenger of God’s love and forgiveness to someone whom no one else can reach. Such service can bring us great joy.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

Moses reassures the people that God will one day raise up a prophet like him among them. Paul teaches that some people are called to devote their lives to service to the Lord. In the Gospel, Mark tells us that Jesus taught in the synagogue and expelled unclean spirits. The people were astonished and amazed by the authority of his words.

MASS SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY 7th & 8th

MASS CELEBRANT LECTOR ALTAR SERVERS

5:30 PM Father Bonner Patricia Wilson Andrew Dehel, Patricia Kerwick

6:30 AM Father Buckley Dale Tan No Servers

8:00 AM Father Buckley Joe Tucker Emily McCloskey, Patrick McCloskey

9:30 AM Father Bonner Joe Redmond Sarah Bolden, Nicholas Capriotti

11:00 AM Father Bonner John Carr Mark Strecker, Alexander Angelone

12:30 PM Father Cox Andrew Crane Brianna Geissler, Salvatore Pinero

5:30 PM Father Cox Sharon Cumba Kelly Mancini, Julia Blackmon

STEWARDSHIP IS A WAY OF LIFE

TITHING INFORMATION - Sunday Collection

The last weekend in January showed an increase of $1256.00 in our collections over the last weekend in 2008.

We certainly appreciate that you are continuing to try to meet your commitments to tithing.

Thank you for all you do for your Parish.

“Real Joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile.”

WE HOPE THAT YOU ARE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING GIVING OF YOUR TIME AND TALENTS TO HELP ST. CECILIA PARISH BY PARTICIPATING IN ONE OF OUR VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS OR MINISTRIES. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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February 1, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During the public ministry of Jesus, much of His time was spent reaching out to those in need of His healing love and compassion. In the gospel of Mark next Sunday, Jesus cures Simon’s mother-in-law who lay sick with a fever and after sunset, “He cured many who were sick with various diseases…” They needed His help. Jesus did for them what they could not do for themselves. As a result, the next day His disciples told Him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

Much of the priestly ministry is devoted to continuing this healing love and compassion of Jesus to the sick and those in need. Priests administer the sacraments to the homebound and those in hospitals and nursing homes. They bring hope and comfort to all who are looking for and in need of Jesus.

Many of these priests who have faithfully ministered to God’s people throughout their lives are now in need of care themselves. The Church of Philadelphia provides homes for these faithful ministers at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby; Regina Coeli, Warminster; and Saint Francis Country House, Darby where their physical, emotional and spiritual needs are provided for on a daily basis. They are now ministered to with the same love and compassion of Christ they brought to so many others over the years.

This continuing care of our priests is aided by our ANNUAL COLLECTION FOR THE CARE OF AGING AND INFIRM PRIESTS of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia which will be taken in all parishes next weekend February 7-8, 2009. You can show your love and support for our retired and infirm priests by your prayerful and generous financial support of this important collection. May God bless you for your generous response to this annual appeal.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND

Our second collection next weekend will be for the faithful priests who now need our help. Financial support means a lot. Whatever you can afford is greatly appreciated. Please remember these servants in your daily prayers.

ATTENTION

FOR CANCELLATION OF PARISH AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, PLEASE CHECK

OUR WEBSITE

www.stceciliafc.org

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred in our Church on Saturday, February 28, 2009, by Bishop McFadden.

WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE

Since 1997 the universal Church celebrated World Day for Consecrated Life close to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2. Next Sunday we will observe this day with a special emphasis on the call to consecrated life in today’s world.

PRE-JORDAN CLASS

The next class will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd in Church. First time parents must attend. Godparents are always welcome. Pre-registration is not required.

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2008

A record of your parish contributions for 2008 is now available. You may request your statement by calling the Rectory so that it will be available for pick up, or you may fill out the form below and return it to the rectory office or place it in the offertory basket at Mass. Please include a # 10 self addressed stamped envelope if you can.

I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A STATEMENT OF MY CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2008 MAILED.

NAME______

ENVELOPE#______

PHONE#______

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UTILITY COSTS FOR DECEMBER

The amounts below reflect the total monthly bills for utilities for all parish facilities:

PECO $ 4,788.00

PGW 15,436.00

Water Revenue 2539.00

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

There will be a meeting of the Parish Council on Monday, February 9th at 7 PM in the lower level of the Addition.

Mass Book for 2009

For those who picked a memorial mass for the Lenten Season at 7:00 PM, please be advised that the Mass will be held on the same day but at 5:30 PM. If you have any questions, you are asked to call the Rectory.

CYO FASHION SHOW

Mark your calendars! The CYO Fashion Show will be held Sunday, March 22, 2009. Tickets will be available in March. In the meantime, we are collecting items for the Tombola Prizes. If you have items you would like to donate for the baskets (new or unused only), please contact Judi at 215-725-2201 or deliver them to the CYO or Tuition Offices. Thank you for your support.

IT’S COOKIE TIME AGAIN

The Girl Scout Troops of St. Cecilia will be selling cookies after all the Masses this weekend and next weekend. Cookies are $3.50 per box. It is also possible to buy a box to send to our troops.

SENIORS! WE ARE GOING TO WILDWOOD

Tired of the winter? Think Labor Day - Sun, Sea and Sand. Our Senior Citizens Group is planning a Wildwood Trip in September. September 7th (Labor Day) until September 11th. That is 5 nights and 4 days at the Surf Song Resort in Wildwood Crest. These are condo units, on the Beach and Boardwalk. Double occupancy is $465.00 per person. A single is $580.00. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 will hold your reservation. For more information on this Fun in the Sun trip, call Myrtle Gilpin at 215-725-9434.

Mary’s “yes changed the world. Make a difference, say “yes” to Jesus. Consider the priesthood.

www.HeedTheCall.org

Career Opportunity

Due to the tremendous growth of the Knights of Columbus insurance programs, a unique opportunity for a motivated, energetic and career minded Catholic gentleman is available in the Greater Philadelphia area. Potential for a professional income and a benefits package that includes medical, dental, pension and a 401 K plan. Interviews are not being conducted for a full time agent. To see if you qualify for this career and for more information please contact James Tejado, General Agent at 215-244-4448.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Men’s Spirituality Conference

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RACHEL’S VINEYARD MINISTRIES

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Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are for anyone hurting from the spiritual and emotional pain of an abortion. The weekend will help you experience the compassion of God, grieve your loss, and forgive yourself and others. The Retreat will be held at the Spirituality Center in Frazer, PA on March 13, 14, 15, 2009. Call 215-906-6337 or 610-399-0890. All contacts are confidential. National website: www.rachelsvineyard.org. The Retreat is sponsored by Rachel’s Vineyard of Greater Philadelphia.

Cardinal Rigali invites the men of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to deepen their commitment to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church at the Men’s Spirituality Conference, Let us Strengthen One Another, to be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Cardinal O’Hara High School. The Cost is $25.00 per person. Keynote speakers:

Rich Gannon – Former NFL MVP, Alumnus of St. Joseph’s Prep, St. Cecilia Parish

Marcus Grodi – Host of EWTN’s Journey Home

Program

Registration Deadline is 2/20/09. Call 215-587-5639 or e-mail .

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SCHOOL REGISTRATION

FOR PARISH MEMBERS ONLY

FOR THE 2009 – 2010 SCHOOL YEAR

Registration for Kindergarten Students will take place in the School Auditorium as follows:

·  Monday, March 9th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM – for those parents enrolling their children in Full Day Kindergarten classes.

PLEASE NOTE: For the 2009-2010 school year, we will be offering full-day Kindergarten classes only. There will be 2 classrooms. Registration will be on a first come basis. Numbers will be handed out according to your arrival.

·  Wednesday, March 11th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM – for First to Eighth Grade.

(This is for students “New” to Saint Cecilia, not those presently enrolled.)

PLEASE NOTE THE AGES FOR ACCEPTANCE:

Kindergarten students must be FIVE years of age by SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 and students entering Grade 1 must be SIX years of age by SEPTEMBER 1, 2009.

PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOU:

1.  State Birth Certificate (Not the hospital certificate.)

2.  Baptismal Certificate (If your child was baptized at St. Cecilia Church, please bring your original certificate.)

3.  Immunization Records.

4.  Child’s Social Security Number.

5.  For students transferring from another school, you will need the Standardized Test results and/or report cards from present school, if available.

6.  $200.00 NON-REFUNDABLE FEE ($100.00 for tuition for school year 2009/2010 and $100.00 registration fee.)

**Please bring Report Card or Progress Report for Kindergarten Registration.

MASSES FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1st

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SUNDAY, February 1st

5:30 – John & Rose Sheehan

MONDAY, February 2nd

6:30 – James & Victoria O’Donnell

8:30 – Members of Ormsby Family

TUESDAY, February 3rd

6:30 – Ethel Scharf

8:30 – Harry J. Fitzgibbon

WEDNESDAY, February 4th

6:30 – Esther & Joseph Brady

8:30 – Norma Jean Eisennagel

THURSDAY, February 5th

6:30 – Thomas Briggman

8:30 – Eddie Lichtenhahn

FRIDAY, February 6th

6:30 – Nancy Colavechio

8:30 – Jan Smalarz

SATURDAY, February 7th

8:30 – Lee Orlando

5:30 – Alberta Ashenbrenner

SUNDAY, February 8th

5:30 – Wolbert Family

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THE SICK OF THE PARISH IN YOUR PRAYERS, ESPECIALLY: Kathryn Forsythe, Tori Jones, Nolan Forst, Baby Rayna Kamon, John Gallagher, Sr. Marita O’Connor, IHM, Jean Ferry, Susan O’Donnell, Lisa Pessilio, Edward Dwyer, Linda Richardson, Jerry Bilbee, Sr., and Helen Brennan.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.

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