February 17, 2008

Second Sunday of Lent

Brothers and sisters, wrapped in the merciful love of God, we have been summoned by the Holy Spirit to this sacred place. During this holy season God wants us to turn away from sin and be faithful followers of the gospel. As this Mass begins, let us pray that we will share in the brightness of God’s glory throughout our days.

MASS SCHEDULE

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

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

Feb.    21      12:15PM        Novena to the Miraculous Medal

Feb.    23       4:30PM         Sonny Tremante (1st Anniv.)..By Wife Barbara, Patsy & Patty

Feb.    24     10:00AM        People of St. John’s Parish

 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS                                  

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

02/23: S. Abeel, B. Abeel & M. Burger                    02/24:  L. Lucas, D. Duggan & L. Zautner

           

COMMENTATOR & LECTOR

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

02/23:   M. Burger & B. Nicolella                 02/24:   D. Holodak & G. Holodak

 

ACOLYTES

02/17:  Rachel, Christine & Michael Natalie            02/24:  Mattias & Vitas Carosella

 

COUNTERS

02/17:  Bellinger & Lucas                              02/24:  Formichelli & Adams            

 

 

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. 

 

SCHEDULES FOR COMMENTATORS, LECTORS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS - is being finalized for the months of April, May and June.  IF THERE ARE ANY DATES DURING THIS PERIOD WHEN YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE SCHEDULED, NOTIFY MAUREEN BURGER ASAP.  ABSOLUTE DEADLINE FOR NOTIFYING MAUREEN IS FEBRUARY 28.  IF YOU DO NOT NOTIFY MAUREEN BY THEN AND ARE SCHEDULED, YOU MUST GET YOUR OWN SUBSTITUTE.

 

HOLY WEEK MINISTERS NEEDED:
1) People willing to have their feet washed AT HOLY THURSDAY LITURGY.  Sign up in back of Church.  Young adults welcome.
2) Passion Readers for Palm Sunday weekend, Sat. and Sun.  See Walt Chura or e-mail waltchura_sfo@yahoo.com.
3) People (preferable two at a time) willing to keep Vigil for 30 min. to 1 hour before the Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday night between the end of the liturgy and 10:p.m.  Young adults, with parental consent and an accompanying mature adult, is especially welcome.   Sign up in back of Church.

 

ACOLYTES – We need acolytes to serve for the following: Holy Thursday (March 20th) @ 7PM, Good Friday (March 21st) @ 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.

 

OPERATION RICE BOWL –Rice Bowls can be found at both entrances of the church. Operation Rice Bowl is the official Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, and calls Catholics in the United States to reach out in solidarity with the poor around the world through the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, learning, and giving. By participating in these four activities, we come to understand our call to be a part of one global community.

                                      

SCHOOL OF RELIGION – NO CLASSES February 17th & 24th (Winter Recess).  Class resumes March 2nd.   

 

THE PARISH OFFICE – will be closed on Monday February 18th in observance of Presidents Day.

 

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

 

The Women’s Commission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany will be sponsoring their 6th Annual Prayer Service “Women Saying Yes to God” on Sat. April 12th 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 4th.

 

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA AND PRO-LIFE ROSARY - on Monday February 18th at 7:30PM at St. John the Evangelist Church.  Please call Patty Gutch (372-3381 ext 113) for information.

 

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

THURSDAY February 21st Bible Study 11:00 AM in the Parish Center

MONDAY March 10th Parish Council 6:45PM in the Parish Center

 

OFFERTORY COLLECTION:  The offertory collection for the weekend of 02/03/08 was $2,064.00.  The offertory collection for the weekend of 02/10/08 was $1,950.00 Needed to meet weekly expenses is $2,000.00. “The sacrificial giver will receive the Word in difficult times.”   

                          MEDITATION:  SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT:
                                            TRANSFIGURATION
"The saint is one who is in contact with God in every possible way, in every possible direction . . . united to God by the depths of his/ [her] own being. [The saint] sees and touches God in everything and everyone . . . Everywhere [the saint] goes, the world rings and resounds (though silently) with the deep harmonies of God's glory."
Thomas Merton. Seasons of Celebration. (New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1950): 137

 

 

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