February 10, 2008

First Sunday of Lent

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we are summoned by the Holy Spirit into the desert of Lenten repentance. Like our Lord, we will be tempted along the way. As this Mass begins, let us ask God to strengthen us to resist the devil’s temptations. Let us draw strength from the promises we made in baptism and put our hope and trust in God alone.

MASS SCHEDULE

Feb. 09 4:30PM Michael Marshall…………….Aunt Gloria

Feb. 10 10:00AM Lou Welcome Sr. ………….Celeste Rossetti

Feb. 14 12:15PM Novena to the Miraculous Medal

Feb. 16 4:30PM Amadeo Volpe…………….By Family

Feb. 17 10:00AM People of St. John’s Parish

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

02/09: B. Cummings, C. Kiszkiel & E. Feuerstein 02/10:  M. Perrella, M. King & M. Sieder

02/16: C. Glover, C. Glover & C. Kiszkiel 02/17:  C. Rogowicz, C. Rogowicz & S. Hedman

COMMENTATOR & LECTOR

02/09:   B. Nicolella & M. Burger 02/10:   J. Scheib & YOUTH

02/16:   L. Lucas & M. Burger 02/17:   T. Burke & C. Hajjar

ACOLYTES

02/10: Justin & Carli Aragosa 02/17: Rachel, Christine & Michael Natalie

COUNTERS

02/10: B & M Maddelone 02/17: Bellinger & Lucas

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS –We are now accepting memorial donations for the Palm Sunday/Holy Week/Easter Season. Envelopes are located in the front entrance of the church. If you would like to make a contribution in memory of a loved one, please print this information clearly on the envelope. Completed envelopes may be placed in the offertory baskets or mailed to the rectory. Please submit all envelopes by March 16th for inclusion in our Easter Memorial. All donations will be used for altar decorations for the Lenten/Easter Season.

ACOLYTES – We need acolytes to serve for the following: Holy Thursday (March 20^th) @ 7PM, Good Friday (March 21^st) @ 7PM and Easter Vigil (March 22) @ 7:30PM. If you are available for any of these services, please contact Mark DiCerbo or Mark Perrella as soon as possible.

PARISH OFFICE – I will be out of the office Feb. 4th through Feb. 12^th. Eileen Mazur

OPERATION RICE BOWL – This weekend begins operation Rice Bowl. Rice Bowls can be found at both entrances of the church. As we begin our Operation Rice Bowl journey let us remember in prayer that all humanity has been made in the image of God. Through our actions we must express that each person is precious and that the lives and welfare of all people are priorities. May our fasting keep us mindful of the hunger of the people of the world. May our almsgiving assist Catholic Relief Services as we learn about microfinance projects in Kenya.

SCHOOL OF RELIGION –Classes are scheduled for February 10^th. NO CLASSES February 17^th & 24^th (Winter Recess). Class resumes March 2^nd. In case of inclement weather and the possibility of cancellation exists, please tune in to your local radio/TV station. We are listed as St. John the Baptist, Schenectady.

SALVATION ARMY SOUP KITCHEN – On January 18^th we served 130 meals! Our next date to serve is February 22^nd.

The Women’ Commission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany will be sponsoring their 6^th Annual Prayer Service “Women Saying Yes to God” on Sat. April 12^th from 2-4PM at St. Stanislaus Church, Amsterdam. This service will acknowledge the women who have served their community as they have been called and been able. If you would like to have a woman from St. John’s acknowledged, please indicate this on the form located in the front entrance of the church. Please nominate before March 4^th.

THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF MARTYRS – has posted two upcoming events. Sat. Feb 16^th from 10AM – 2:30PM a Mini-Retreat “Make Your Own Kind of Music: Renewal of the Spirit through Poetry and Music.” Sat. March 1^st from 6:30-9PM “An Evening of Praise & Worship.” For more information on either of these events call 853-3033 ext. 233.

ELLIS HOSPITAL – is in need of volunteers to support their “Heart Pillow Program.” These pillows help post surgical patients by supporting the surgical site and reduce pain. All supplies to make the pillows are provided by Ellis Hospital. For more information contact

Chris at 243-4009.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES – is in need of used cars for their “Wheels for Work Program.” The donated cars must be less than 11 years old, have less than 150,000 miles and be able to pass NYS inspection (for less than $1,000.00 of repairs). Contact the Wheels for Work office at 346-3861 for more information.

MEETING DATES

MONDAY February 11th Parish Council 6:45PM in the Parish Center

THURSDAY February 14th Bible Study 11:00 AM in the Parish Center

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: The offertory collection for the weekend of 02/03/08 will be in next week’s bulletin. “The Sacrificial giver will face the decision to place others first”.

MEDITATION:  FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT:

O God of earth and altar,
Bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die;
The walls of gold entomb us,
The swords of scorn divide us,
Take not thy thunder from us,
But take away our pride.
from A Hymn, by G.K. Chesterton

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Schenectady’s Historic Church

Over 175 Years of Worship and Service

Rev. Michael T. Schmitt – Sacramental Minister

Administrative Assistant –Eileen Mazur

Parish Office Hours 8:30AM-2:30PM Monday through Thursday 374-9148 Closed Friday

Parish Center Email: sjb@albany.net Web Site: www.albany.net/~sjb/

Saturday Mass taped for Channel 16 – Shown: Sunday 2 PM & Monday 2 PM

St. John the Baptist Mission Statement

Dedicated to Celebrating Christ’s Love in

Worship, Works of Charity and Fellowship