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PASTOR’S HAITI TRIP CANCELLED
NEVER in Monsignor’s more than a quarter-century traveling to Haiti has he ever
received a telephone call from Brother Francklin informing him to cancel his
plans to visit that nation. Port-au-Prince, as well as the entire nation is
currently in gridlock. Most Americans are aware of the riots throughout Haiti.
In Haiti’s shattered capital bands of looters sacked stores, warehouses, and
government offices. Gunfire is ringing out throughout the country. Hungry
Haitians stormed the presidential palace this past Tuesday to demand the
resignation of President Rene Preval over soaring food prices. Food prices,
which have risen 40 percent on average since mid 2007 have caused major unrest
among Haitian peasants. Parents lack the financial means to buy food for their
children causing starvation to be on the increase. Nowhere in the world do these
food prices pose a greater threat to democracy than in Haiti, where in even the
best of times most people struggle to get enough food.
The limited number of United Nations peacekeepers is cause for the riots to
spread with greater destruction of businesses, vehicles and buildings being set
on fire. The peacekeepers will ultimately stabilize the country but that
progress is always extremely fragile. In all truth that progress is made more
fragile at this moment because of the socio-economic environment. On the much
more positive side, we must reflect and be prayerfully grateful for the 76 lakes
constructed since Kindred Journey, our 501C3 organization, sent its first of
four bulldozers to our mission station. In the greater geographical region of
Pandiassou no longer do we find children with black hair turning reddish because
of malnutrition. Those lakes now give evidence of vegetables sprouting about,
fish being farmed, animals year-round with drinking water, etc. etc. etc.
Pray fervently for the stabilization of conditions in Haiti, the poorest of the
poor in this Western Hemisphere, and for the efforts of Brother Francklin.
ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL - GOAL $89,918.00
Next weekend will mark Commitment Sunday of the Annual Catholic Appeal. This is
our “Annual Catholic Opportunity” for building up God’s kingdom through the two
dozen ministries of our Local Church. The Goal this year has been assigned to
your parish based upon a $63.10 per household assessment. Our goal this year is
to achieve participation from every parishioner Your participation is vital to
the success of the ACA not only for these ministries, but for our own parish as
well. Please make a gift that reflects your gratitude for God’s incredible
blessings. Join me in returning your completed pledge card by placing it in next
weekend’s collection. If you are unable to make a financial gift, please return
your pledge card indicating that; we will see that you do not receive a second
request.
COMMITMENT SUNDAY IS APRIL 20, 2008
FESTIVAL NEWS
1. NEEDED: NAMES OF ALL FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS
Yes, all of us are aware that the great event for this parish, its Annual
Festival, is eight weeks away. Certainly not too early for chairpersons of the
various concessions to be finalizing their lists of workers. THESE NAMES MUST BE
SUBMITTED TO THE RECTORY OFFICE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MAY 23RD so that the
Sunday bulletin of June 1st will carry the completed committee slates of names
and hours of assignment.
2. BASKET NEWS - WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We now have 30 baskets and/or commitments for baskets for the Festival! Our goal
is 150 so we have a way to go, but we are confident we will make it with YOUR
HELP! Donations can be in the form of a completed theme basket; items to be used
to complete a basket, or a monetary donation for the committee to complete a
basket. All donations should be dropped off at the home of Herm and Nancy Clauto
at 609 E. Sample Street, Ebensburg (please call before dropping off 472-6038).
If someone needs a basket picked up, call the Clautos’ for arrangements. For
anyone donating a completed theme basket, we are asking that you make a LIST OF
ARTICLES in the basket to avoid the necessity of tearing the basket down and
redoing it a second time. HELP US REACH THE GOAL OF 150 BASKETS SO THIS CAN BE A
VERY SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL!! Thank you. The Basket Girls
3. FESTIVAL RAFFLE CHANCES - ONLY 9 WEEKS TO FESTIVAL
Festival Raffle Chances were mailed on March 31st. To a very large extent the
parish depends upon this annual raffle to produce a successful Festival. Each
family is requested to personally sell or purchase at least one book (20
chances) on attractive monetary prizes. Parishioners wishing to be responsible
for additional books of these chances may so claim them at the rectory. The
mailing will also include three raffle tickets from the Basket & Raffle
Committee. See article below for further information on Arts & Crafts Raffle
Tickets.
4. FESTIVAL NOODLE MAKING DATES
Volunteers in great number are needed for noodle making Wednesday, April 23 at
8:30 AM in the Church Hall. Early bird helpers welcome after 7:00 AM. No
experience is needed. Come for all or part of the day. Free lunch. Noodles
bagged at 8:30 AM on Fridays.
5. NOODLES FOR SALE
Noodles are available for purchase at the rectory office between 8:30AM-4:00PM,
Monday thru Friday. Cost is $3.00 per bag (1 lb bag).
6. FESTIVAL FLEA MARKET
It’s spring cleaning time! Pack up those unwanted items and donate them to the
Festival Flea Market. No stuffed animals, clothes or straw baskets. Items can be
left in the Church Library Room or Church Hall. Please mark boxes “Flea Market.”
Thanks!
7. FESTIVAL PRIZES NEEDED
Sr. Margie is asking for prizes for the PICK-A- PRIZE Booth. New items for men,
women, boys and girls of every age are needed. Large or small, we’ll make use of
them. Prizes can be dropped off in the Church Library Room. Thank you!
HAND OF HOPE
At 21 weeks of age and as-yet unborn, baby Samuel was diagnosed with spina
bifida. He underwent surgery. Incredibly, that surgery was performed while he
was inside his mother’s uterus, because if removed from the womb he would die.
During the procedure, unborn baby Samuel, still in the womb, shocked everyone by
reaching out and grasping the finger of surgeon Joseph Bruner. It is a childhood
gesture as old as humanity, and it proved to the world in an instant that an
unborn child is more than just a collection of cells, more than merely a fetus,
as some want us to believe. An unborn child is a child.
PARISH MISSION BEGINS NEXT SUNDAY
Fr. Jim Sichko returns next weekend, April 20, 21 and 22 for our 7 PM Parish
Mission. Anyone able to donate food for the socials each evening can contact Sr.
Margie (472-8315). Pastries, cheese, crackers, vegetables, fruit and any other
favorite snack is welcome. Fr. Sichko is a dynamic inspirational speaker, sure
to challenge young and old alike. Families are encourage to attend together.
PARISH MISSION SURVEY
The Parish Council recently created a brief survey to be distributed during the
upcoming Parish Mission. We ask everyone to prayerfully consider ahead of time
your personal suggestions for future planning which would help strengthen the
spiritual life and activity of our parish family. Reflect on evangelization,
outreach, liturgy, spiritual enrichment, APEX and Children’s activities, the
social life of the parish, special needs groups, reading materials and all other
aspects of community life here at Holy Name. What are we missing? What needs
improvement? We want to follow the Spirit’s lead into the future. A Prayer to
the Holy Spirit will be used each evening as part of the Mission.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, is a special celebration of World Day of Prayer for
Vocations. The world-wide Church honors all Christian vocations. We are called
by name and offered a special gift of a Christian vocation. We pray that we are
open to God’s call and ready to accept the gift. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is
with us to guide and protect us on our life journey. Please take time today to
pray for vocations for the Church and our diocese.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
O God, Father of all Mercies, Provider of a bountiful Harvest, send Your Graces
upon those
You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor; preserve and strengthen them
in their lifelong service to you.
Open the hearts of Your children that they may discern Your Holy Will;
inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves to serving others in
the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life guided by Your
Divine Word and Truth.
Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Angels, and
Saints,
humbly hear our prayers and grant Your Church’s needs, through Christ, our Lord,
Amen.
STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE - PROPORTIONATE GIVING
Proportionate giving is not a mere catch phrase for promotional purposes. This
approach says, “Give as God has prospered you.” Don’t be concerned with your
share of the budget. What really matters is God’s share of your income.
Proportionate giving is primarily a matter of the heart and not the purse. Give
your heart to Christ and let Him direct your giving.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION NEWS
The candidates and sponsors should be wrapping up their one on one meetings
sometime in April. When the meetings are over, the sponsor needs to return the
book "When a Teenage Chooses You", along with the evaluation sheet to the
rectory. Confirmation practice is April 28th at 7pm. Candidates AND sponsors
need to be present.
Confirmation is on May 4th at 2pm. Any questions, call Tom Deskevich at472-5903.
JR./SR. HIGH CCD NEWS
The Jr./Sr High CCD school year is rapidly coming to a close. Please note the
last class will be on April 27th. There will be regular class from 10:00 to
11:15AM followed by a closing CCD Mass at the 11:30 AM Mass. The youth will be
participating in this Mass and attendance is mandatory. Any questions, please
call Nancy McCulley 472-0677. Thank you!
APEX YOUTH GROUP NEWS
1. WHAT IS APEX? - it is the Youth Group of Holy Name Parish for students in
grades 9 thru 12.
2. WHO IS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF APEX? - any Bishop Carroll or public high school
student in grades 9 thru 12 who is a registered parishioner of Holy Name Parish.
3. COTTON CANDY BOOTH - any 8th - 12th grader interested in volunteering to work
at the Cotton Candy Booth during the Parish Festival must call Fr. Matthew at
814-381-6412 or 472-7244 ext. 103. Deadline for sign up is Friday, May 2nd.
4. 3RD ANNUAL BASKET SOCIAL - APEX is holding their 3rd Annual Basket Social
today, April 13th in the Church Hall beginning at 2:00PM. This event has
continued to grow each year and has been a very beneficial fund raiser for the
high school youth group. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
5. NEW YORK CITY TRIP - we remind those going on the trip that the bus leaves
from Holy Name parking lot at 4:00AM on Saturday, April 19. Fr. Matthew will be
offering the Saturday daily Mass at 3:30AM that morning. Anyone is welcome to
attend.
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RCIA CATHOLIC INQUIRY: WE BEGIN AGAIN
Do you know someone who is interested in becoming Catholic? Rose Battista and
Sr. Margie would be glad to answer your initial questions and explain the Rites
of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Call anytime (472-8315). Evening
information sessions will be held monthly, beginning Tues., May 20 at 7PM in the
Church Library.
FATHER AND DAUGHTER(S) DANCE
Put on your party dress! Wear your dancing shoes! All fathers and daughters are
invited for a special night of pizza, salad, soda, cookies, and dancing! A
Father and Daughter Dance will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 6 PM - 8PM in
the Holy Name Church Hall. The cost is $10 for fathers; daughters of ALL ages
are FREE. Music by the popular DJ's "Music Infinity." Photos will be available,
and chances will be sold to win fabulous gift baskets. Hosted by the Youth
Activities Committee. Contact Pam Ley for questions, 472-6753.
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RSVP by April 17 Please return this slip and money to CCD teacher, Holy Name
School Office, or mail to: Father-Daughter Dance, c/o 602 Elmwood Road,
Ebensburg, 15931. Please list all names of those attending.
Father's Name:____________________________________________________________($10
each)
Daughter's Name(s) and
Age(s):__________________________________________________________(Free)
Total $____________ Phone number to
contact:__________________________________________
* * If you are able to donate either one dozen cookies or a 2 liter of soda,
please circle the item, and bring the night of the event. Thank you.
WORLD YOUTH DAY FUND RAISER
Participants of World Youth Day will be selling hoagies and pizzas. Orders and
money are due by Monday, April 21. Make checks payable to Holy Name WYD . Forms
are available at the rectory. The Subs/Pizzas will be delivered April 24th
after 5PM or April 25th before Noon (please specify your preference on the
form.) Questions, call Diane Bopp 472-4331.
E-Z MONEY CALENDAR 19
Anyone interested in purchasing a Holy Name Calendar may do so by stopping in
the rectory, calling the school office (472-8817) or purchase from any Holy Name
student. Price is $25.00, with 365 chances to win beginning May 1, 2008!! All
monies benefit Holy Name School.
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Spring Program: Our annual Band Concert and the Eighth
Grade Spring Program are scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, at 6:30 PM in the
church hall. A dress rehearsal is scheduled at 1:00 PM in the afternoon.
Reading Competition: The 5th and 6th grade Reading Competition teams will
compete in the Elementary Reading Competition sponsored by IU08 on Thursday,
April 17, in Meyersdale. The teams are coached by Mrs. Theresa Scanlan and Mrs.
Robin McMullen. Members of the 5th Grade team are: Seth Hull, Alex Keim, Jimmy
McCulley, Kellie Springer, Donald Lauer, Jeanie McMullen, Kimberly Sheridan,
Jensen Sikora and Jessica Shaffer. The 6th Grade team members are: Alex Way,
Evan Drahnak, Lauren Buynack, Brynne Walker, Stephen Poole, Alexis Nagle, Daniel
D’Agostini, Ashley Wilt, Ashley Deskevich, Maggie Harteis and Daniel Frederick.
Spring Break: Students do not have school on Friday, April 18, due to Spring
Break.
Parish Mission: Students are encouraged to attend the Parish Mission with
their families on April 20-22.
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