February 25, 2007

First Sunday of Lent

Sisters and brothers, what marvels the Lord works for us in this holy place. Lent gives us the opportunity to recall everything that God has accomplished for us. We walk with the Lord Jesus through the desert of temptation, praying that the Holy Spirit will strengthen us during this Lenten journey of repentance. Emboldened by God’s living word, we sing the praise of the One who called us out of darkness into wonderful light.

MASS SCHEDULE

Feb.     24       4:30PM     Chris Nicholas……………………Friend

Feb.     25     10:00AM    Living & Deceased Members of the Nocturnal Adoration Society

Mar.    01      12:15PM    Novena to the Miraculous Medal

Mar.    03       4:30PM     Amadeo Volpe……………………By Wife

Mar.    04     10:00AM    People of St. John’s

                             

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS                                           

02/24:   S. Abeel & R. Abeel                             02/25:   L. Zautner, D. Alvarado & M. Perrella

03/03:   A. Lotano & T. Lotano                         03/04:   M. Sieder, C. Mastan & D. Alvarado

                                                                                                                               

COMMENTATOR & LECTOR

02/24:   C. Kiskiel                                                              02/25:   J. Carosella & W. Chura

03/03:   L. Lucas & C. Kiskiel                                         03/04:   C. Greene & D. Holodak

               

ACOLYTES

02/25:  Rachel and Michael Natalie                                   03/04:  Brittany Mazur and Mikayla Thomas

 

LENT

COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE (with private confession for those who wish) will be held on TUESDAY APRIL 3RD AT 7:00PM        

 

LENTEN SERIES “LAND AND WORD” –will be presented following the 10AM mass in the Parish Center, on three Sundays in March (4th, 11th, &18th).  We will reflect deeply on the meaning of the term, “to follow Jesus, “Son of Man,” who lived and died as a human being.  His ministry was first of all to the Jews.  Walk with us through the Holy Land, listen to stories of God’s interaction with his people and see Jesus in a new way.  Our first week will cover “Ancient Paths.”   Presented by our own Catherine Greene.

 

POT LUCK & PRAYERS - A LENTEN OPPORTUNITY!   WHEN: Starting Wed. 2/28 at 6:00PM to 7:30PM in the Parish Center.  Continuing 3/7, 14/21 & maybe 3/28.  WHAT:  A pot luck supper followed by a short Lenten prayer and meditation and/or sharing.  HOW TO PARTICIPATE:  Bring something to share, homemade, purchased at a deli or grocery. NO DESSERTS PLEASE.  Table settings and beverages will be provided.  Questions?  Call Lynn Lucas @ 372-7798.

 

SEDER MEAL - Save the date!  We invite all of you to join us to celebrate our traditional family Seder.  It will be on Palm Sunday April 1st, at 4:00PM at the Ancient Order of Hibernians, State St., Schdy.  A meal will  be provided with a choice of Roast Lamb, Turkey Breast or a Vegetarian dish.  Cost of the meal will be $8.00 per person.   Sign up sheets are near the front entrance of the church.    Volunteers are needed to bake desserts, please indicate that on the sheet when you sign up for your meal. 

 

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.

 

ROOF SLIDE -   Contributions toward our debt repayment to the Diocese have fallen off!.  But we still owe the Diocese almost $4,000.  You have generously brought us four-fifths (4/5) that is 80% of the way!  Please be as generous as you can so our parish can slide out from under that last 1/5 of our debt.  Walt chura, s.f.o.

 

 

FOLK GROUP – The practice schedule for the month of March is as follows:  March 4, 11 & 18th. – Regular practice at 9:15AM in the church.  Please note that practices will begin promptly at 9:15AM.  Sign up sheets for Palm Sunday/Holy Week/Easter will be posted this Sunday.  Please be sure to indicate on the sheets whether or not you will be in attendance on the given dates.  Thank you.

 

RE-KEYING OF RECTORY AND CHURCH – Due to security concerns, both buildings will be re-keyed in the next 2 to 3 weeks.  The date of the re-keying will be announced well in advance and new keys will be distributed.  We need to know who needs keys for which buildings and for what ministries.  If you feel you need a key to access a building, please contact the parish office (374-9148). 

 

Spring/Summer Clothing Sale, Saturday, April 28th 9-2. - For this sale we will collect Spring and Summer clothing only. Please do not send in your fall/winter clothing at this time. We will begin collecting in April for two weeks only.  

 

Rummage Sale (BBQ and Bake Sale) Saturday, June 16th – start bringing in your rummage now.  Please remember to sort your items whenever possible.  Remember electronic items need to be in working order. We will not be accepting clothing for this sale.  If you have large items that need to be picked up, please call the church office at 374-9148.  We will need at least 30 volunteers for the day of the sale – please mark your calendars and HELP OUT AT THIS GREAT COMMUNITY EVENT!                           

 

SCHOOL OF RELIGION – No Classes Feb. 25th (Winter Recess).  Classes resume March 4th.   In case of inclement weather, please tune in to your local radio or TV station to see if class has been cancelled.  We are listed as “St. John the Baptist, Schdy.”

 

HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE – Sunday March 4th from 3-4PM with Fr. John Medwid at St. Anthony’s Church.  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, pro-life scriptural meditation, Holy Rosary and Benediction.  Sponsored by the Ava Maria Pro-Life Network.  All are welcome.  Call Carol 346-6721.

 

ST. CLARE’S HOSPITAL – is hosting a blood drive on Tues. March 13th from 8AM- 1PM.  Appointments scheduled every 15 minutes.  Please contact the Volunteer Office to schedule your appointment or Kleonard@stclares.org.

 

MEETING DATES

MONDAY March 12th  Parish Council 6:45PM in the Parish Center

 

OFFERTORY COLLECTION:  The offertory collection for the weekend of 2/18/07 was $1,288.00.    Needed to meet weekly expenses is $2,000.00.

 

                           

 

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

                         February 25, 2007

St. John the Baptist Mission Statement

Dedicated to Celebrating Christ’s Love in

Worship, Works of Charity and Fellowship

Masses: Saturday 4:30 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM   Thursday 12:15 PM Novena to the Miraculous Medal

Sacrament of Reconciliation: by Appointment

Sacrament of Anointing: by Appointment