March 18, 2007

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Brothers and sisters, God gathers us together on this sacred day to taste and see the Lord’s goodness as revealed in word and sacrament. Too often we become lost in the world of sin, but God always calls us back into a life of fidelity. During this holy season of Lent we marvel at the generosity of our God. We begin this Mass conscious of God’s mercy and compassion.

MASS SCHEDULE

Mar.    17       4:30PM      Lewis MacNeil…………..By Wife Susan

Mar.    18     10:00AM     Silvio Tremante…….……..Joseph & Vivian Zingoni

Mar.    22     12:15PM      Novena to the Miraculous Medal

Mar.    24       4:30PM      People of St. John the Baptist Parish

Mar.    25     10:00AM     Silvio Tremante (months mind)….……..Rick & Gert Johnson

                                             

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS                                           

03/17:   E. Feuerstein & C. Kiskiel                 03/18:   L. Zautner, C. Greene & D. Lessard

03/24:   A. Lotano & T. Lotano                        03/25:   C. Mastan, D. Duggan & L. Lucas

                                                                               

COMMENTATOR & LECTOR

03/17:   C. Kiskiel                                                              03/18:   M. Perrella & C. Hajjar

03/24:   B. Nicolella                                                            03/25:   J. Scheib & C. Greene

               

ACOLYTES

03/18:  Emi Carosella & Catherine Hadcock                    03/25:  Justin and Carli Aragosa

 

TOWN MEETING – Our next town meeting will be held in the church, on Sunday March 25th following the 10:00 AM mass.  Topics of discussion will include; Called to be Church (Pastoral Planning), changes in our Religious Ed program and Stewardship.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

Communal Penance Service:  The word "penance" really means "turning around."  Please gather with your Parish on Tuesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. to celebrate the conversion process you have embraced during this Lent.  We will pray together and listen together for God's Word of reconciliation and healing of all the brokenness in our lives and celebrate God's infinite Mercy and Compassion.  Private confession will be available for all who wish it.

 

PRAYER & WORSHIP - Triduum Music; We have been informed that the Folk Group Music Ministry, unfortunately, has too few members available to provide music for the Easter Vigil.  We will miss their gifted ministry for this greatest of Feasts, but will appreciate their gifts at the other Triduum services.

 

EASTER MEMORIALS –All donations will be used for altar adornments during the Palm Sunday/Holy Week/Easter season.  Envelopes are located in the front entrance of the church

 

LENTEN FOOD DRIVE–we are collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry at Sacred Heart/St. Columba.  Baskets are located near the baptismal font for your donations.  Your generosity is appreciated.

 

HOLY THURSDAY--AT LEAST 12 HELPERS NEEDED – FROM AMONG EVERY MINISTRY (PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS, LECTORS, ACOLYTES, MUSICIANS ETC) for Holy Thursday to have their feet washed during the Liturgy.  We also need PARISHIONERS WILLING to remain for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church after mass.  PLEASE sign up  for  ONE OR BOTH  ON THE SHEETS PROVIDED AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE church. 

 

PALM BRAIDING – We will be offering Palm Braiding on Palm Sunday April 1, following the 10 AM liturgy from 11 AM-12 PM in the Parish Center.

 

EASTER EGG HUNT – we will have our traditional Easter Egg hunt after the 10AM Liturgy on Easter Sunday.  Donations of wrapped candy would be appreciated.  Baskets are located in the front entrance of the church.

 

LENTEN SERIES “LAND AND WORD” –will be presented following the 10AM mass in the Parish Center, this Sunday, March 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.  Presented by our own Catherine Greene.

 

POT LUCK & PRAYERS - A LENTEN OPPORTUNITY!   WHEN:  March 21 & maybe 3/28 6:00PM to 7:30PM in the Parish Center.  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 –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.

DRIP .  . DRIP .. .DRIP:  Our "RAISE THE ROOF" collections have slowed to slightly less than a trickle.  This is not a whine, not a complaint, not a scolding.  We have all done too well in our efforts for that.  BUT we haven't yet reached our $20k goal.  We currently have $17,064.!  Your Parish Council is hoping for a GUSH to the GOAL!   Thanks, walt chura, s.f.o.

 

SCHOOL OF RELIGION –Classes are scheduled for March 18th, 25th & April 1st.  NO CLASSES April 8th & 15th - Easter/Spring Recess.  

 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS, THROUGH MARY’S EYES – This beautiful and moving Stations of the Cross will be held on Fri. March 23rd at 7PM in St. Josephs Church, 1st Street, Scotia.

MEETING DATES

MONDAY April 9th  Parish Council 6:45PM in the Parish Center

 

OFFERTORY COLLECTION:  The offertory collection for the weekend of 3/11/07 was $1,743.00.    Needed to meet weekly expenses is $2,000.00. “The sacrificial giver will take the risks but reap the greatest benefits.”

 

 

 

 

                           

 

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

                        March 18, 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
 
 

 

 

 

 

 


4th Sunday of Lent

SEDER MEAL

 

The Passover Seder Meal and the Christian Eucharist are both memorial celebrations.  At the Passover meal, Jewish families tell the story of being freed from bondage, and liberated from Egypt.  As Christians we remember that it was at a Passover meal that Jesus gave us the Eucharist and spoke the words, “Do this in memory of me.”  In both rituals Eucharist and Passover – we “remember” and experience God’s ongoing love.  I hope you will join us on Sunday April 1st at 4:00PM at the Ancient Order of Hibernians for this memorial celebration meal.

 

A meal will be provided with a choice of Roast Lamb, Turkey Breast or a vegetarian dish. Please sign up as soon as possible.  Thank you for your favorable response thus far.

Volunteers are needed to bake desserts.  If you wish to bake, please indicate this on the sign up sheet.

 

 

PALM SUNDAY/HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Friday March 30th 7:00 PM

PALM SUNDAY         10:00AM  Mass will be preceded by Blessing of        the Palms

COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE Tuesday April 3rd 7:00 PM

HOLY THURSDAY    7:00 PM

GOOD FRIDAY                   7:00 PM

EASTER VIGIL           8:00 PM

 

 

LENTEN MEDITATION:  WEEK 4

"An ELDER [IN THE MOASTIC COMMUNITY] said:  Do not judge a fornicator if you are chaste, for if you
do, you too are violating the law as much as he is.  For He who said thou shalt not fornicate also said thou shalt not judge."
(Thomas Merton, THE WISDOM OF THE DESERT, page 41)