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SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO EASTER
ASHES
Ashes will be blessed and distributed at the following Masses on Wednesday:
6:30, 8:00, 9:00 AM , 4:00 & 7:00 PM.
THE LITURGICAL SEASON OF LENT
Lent is a unique time of penance and reconciliation. It begins with the
imposition of Ashes. The Ash Wednesday celebration is one of the most popular
traditions in our liturgical year. It touches something deep within us, namely,
the recognition of our personal sinfulness.
Throughout all of Lent we are reminded to do penance. And why? Because some of
our actions are wrong. When we admit to our sinful ways we normally feel the
need for repentance. Without repentance there is no forgiveness of sin. The
world will attempt to convince us that sin does not exist. We know better!! Lent
recognizes that there is sin in the world and that we must try to overcome it.
Lent is that special season for us to turn to our loving God and seek His
forgiveness.
This is why so many people come to church on Ash Wednesday to receive the mark
of ashes. Deep down they admit to sinfulness and the need for the Lord's mercy.
Be honest with yourself. Recognize that some of the things we do are morally
wrong. Ashes we receive remind us of that. Use the Lenten Season for a healthy
reception of the Sacrament of Penance. Repent and reform!
LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fast and abstinence. All
Fridays of Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. The Church encourages
volunteer fasting on other days of Lent.
Fasting refers to only one full meal, with two small meals and no eating
otherwise during the day. Those who have reached their 18th birthday and not yet
their 59th birthday are obliged to fast. Abstinence refers to not eating meat at
all during the day. All those who have reached their 14th birthday are obliged
to abstain.
DAILY MASS
Much discussion for Lent centers about the topic of DISCIPLINE. Positive forms
of discipline should be built into all of our Lenten practices. One of the
noblest forms of spiritual discipline is attendance at Mass during Lenten
weekdays. For your convenience you will notice that from Monday through
Thursday, Masses will be scheduled at 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM & 7:00 PM. We do not
reject other spiritual disciplines but we can not suggest anything superior to
the Eucharistic Liturgy and the graces flowing from it.
IMPORTANCE OF SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
The attitude among many Catholics toward the Sacrament of Reconciliation has
changed significantly, and, to be true, not for the best for the church's
membership. Ever so many individuals today have a personal psychologist or
counselor for the purpose of maintaining focus in their topsy-turvy world. Might
we be overlooking the availability of a spiritual resource commonly known as
one's Confessor? Peace of soul is a natural by-product of a good confession. The
Sacrament of Penance restores friendship with one's Lord and Savior. If it is
inner healing that is needed, then Confession is your answer. The Sacrament of
Penance contributes to the spiritual development of the Christian life. Jesus
provided the avenue to unload guilt. More of our Catholics need to use this
instrument of grace in order to experience inner relief and consolation.
Again this Lenten season Confessions will be heard after ALL daily Masses
beginning Monday, March 10 until Wednesday of Holy Week inclusive. The journey
to Easter must include reconciliation with our Savior. The Adult Lenten Penance
Service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18 at 7:00 PM.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Each Lenten Friday at 7:00 PM parishioners are invited to walk with our
suffering Lord to Calvary. What a powerful lesson of Divine love for the
individual sinner. The 14 reflections are all scripturally based. Prayed well,
the Stations afford a moving meditation of human worth in the eyes of God.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will follow the Stations each Lenten
Friday, except the First Friday of March and Good Friday.
FASTING AND ALMS-GIVING: COINS FOR HAITI
Fasting had its practical roots among rural farming communities. When winter
storage bins ran dry before the spring crop was available, families banded
together with their neighbors, combining whatever food was left and rationing
supplies proportionately so no one would be left hungry. This is the spirit in
which we enter our Lenten Fast this year. Coins saved by our meager meals can
feed thousands of starving children in Haiti. If the whole Church practiced alms
giving with great generosity during Lent, think what a difference this could
mean for poorer nations like Haiti in the world economy today.
STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE - SOMEBODY HAS TO PAY
Somebody pays for everything. A church could not exist without the financial
investments of its members. It is the members’ money and “sweat equity” that
provide the buildings and the programs, as well as the salaries of the staff.
Somebody has to pay. That’s the bottom line.
A STEWARDSHIP “THANK YOU!”
Four parishioners responded to our appeal for help with Church cleaning! How
grateful we are for all offers of service in this large community. Please
reflect on your gifts of time, talent and treasure, and see if there may be
something the Spirit is nudging you to contribute to Holy Name. We can always
use more ushers, greeters, gift bearers, noodle makers.... All are welcome!
FESTIVAL NOODLE MAKING DATES
Volunteers in great number are needed for noodle making for the following
Wednesdays: February 20, March 12 & 26, April 9 & 23 at 8:30AM 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.
BLACK AND INDIAN MISSIONS
The Church’s National Collection for Black and Indian Missions in the United
States will be taken at all Masses next weekend. Because of the generosity of
the people of this parish and parishes around the U.S. last year, over 9 million
dollars were contributed to the Collection and 98 cents of every dollar was
distributed. The support went to some of the neediest people across the United
States; from the inner cities of the rural South and from the deserts of the
Southwest to Alaska’s cold wilderness - 134 Dioceses received assistance from
the collection. Through your gifts, you join your sacrifice to those who
sacrifice daily to lead others to Christ. You become a co-missionary for the
Church. Please be as generous as your means permit. An envelope for this
collection is available in your February packet.
40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW CHURCH
The new Holy Name Church was dedicated Feb. 25, 1968. A Parish Social is being
planned after the Saturday 5PM Mass on Feb. 23 in the Narthex. Anyone able to
donate cookies is asked to call Sr. Margie at 472-8315. Thank you.
PARISH MISSION: FR. JIM SICHKO RETURNS!
We are happy to announce that Fr. Jim Sichko, diocesan priest from Lexington, KY
and highly motivating spiritual speaker, will return to conduct our parish
mission April 20, 21 and 22, 2008. Each session is 7PM.. Fr. Sichko packed the
pews three years ago, delivering humorous yet inspiring messages each evening
that appealed to young and old alike. See you there!
ADULT CONFIRMATION
Adults not confirmed and wishing to prepare for this Sacrament in the spring:
call Sr. Margie.
ADULT BIBLE CLASSES
Sr. Margie is offering 3 classes during Lent. Thursdays: 7-8:30PM in the Church
Hall
Feb. 21: The Woman at the Well (Jn.4 ) What spiritual thirst is drawing me to
Jesus?
Feb. 28: The Man Born Blind (Jn.9 ) What kind of blindness needs healing in my
life?
March 6: The Raising of Lazarus (Jn.11) What new life is Jesus calling forth in
me?
(A Parish Family Seder Meal will be celebrated Sunday, March 9th, 5-7PM. Covered
dish.)
FIRST PENANCE
Next Sunday, February 10 at 2:30PM, 43 children of our parish will be blessed
with the grace of the Sacrament of Penance for the first time. We invite the
entire parish to join in prayer for their intentions so that the reality of
God’s abundant mercy and love might always be known and accepted by these young
Catholics for the remainder of their earthly lives. We congratulate them as they
advance one step closer to the Eucharistic table.
JR./SR. HIGH CCD NEWS – PLEASE NOTE LOCATION DATES & TIMES ON PERMISSION
FORMS
Next Saturday & Sunday, Feb 9th & 10th is a CCD Service Saturday/Sunday Weekend.
The 7th-11th grade classes will be at the following locations:
Saturday 2-9-08 - 7-2, 9-2, & 11-1 – Ms. Shoemaker’s, Mrs. Natcher’s & Bro
Joshua Finn’s – Laurel Crest Manor.
8-2, 10-1, & 10-2 – Mrs. Nagy’s, Mr. George’s & Mrs. Lucas’s classes – Rebekah
Manor
Sunday 2-10-08 - 7-1 & 9-1 Mr. Bracken & Ms. Sherry’s class - John Paul II Manor
11-2 – Mrs. McCulley’s class – Package Easter bags;
8-1 – Mrs. Barbara Mallin’s – Donuts After Mass;
Please pray for our youth as they take this time to serve our community and find
the experience rewarding.
DONUTS AFTER MASS
Next Sunday, February 10th, Mrs. Barbara Mallin’s 8 th grade CCD students will
be serving donuts after the 8 a.m. Mass in the Narthex. Please come and meet
some of the 8th grade youth of our parish and enjoy some fresh donuts, coffee &
fellowship.
HOLY NAME PARISH “FAMILY NIGHT” AT ST. FRANCIS MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME HAS
BEEN CANCELLED
Due to the Mass and Parish Social for February 23rd to honor the 40TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW CHURCH the Youth Activities Committee is canceling the
plans to attend the game at St. Francis. We encourage families to share in this
anniversary Mass with our parish family and look forward to seeing you there!
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. MOVIE NIGHT will be Sunday, Feb. 10 from 6:30-9:00PM beginning in the APEX
Room.
4. ARMCHAIR HORSE RACNG - will be Saturday, February 16 at 7:00 PM in the Church
Hall (see article below).
5. SERVICE HOURS - High school students interested in obtaining service hours
may call Nancy McCulley at 472-0677.
6. 3RD ANNUAL BASKET SOCIAL - APEX is holding their 3rd Annual Basket Social on
Sunday, April 13th in the Church Hall. This event has continued to grow each
year and has been a very beneficial fund raiser for the high school youth group.
Anyone who would like to donate a basket for this fund raiser may contact Diane
Bopp 472-4331 or Nancy McCulley 241-7809.
7. ADULT TASK FORCE will meet Tuesday, Feb. 5th at 7:00PM in the Rectory
Conference Room.
ARMCHAIR HORSE RACING FUND RAISER
Holy Name Church’s APEX Youth Group is sponsoring a fund raiser called “Armchair
Horse Racing.” It will be held in the church hall on Saturday, February 16 with
registration beginning at 7:00PM. This event is for adults only. The cost will
be $15 for a ticket holder plus one guest or $10 for a non-ticket holder.
Tickets will be sold after all Masses on the weekends of January 19/20 and
January 26/27. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Mike
Olsavsky at 472-8121.
FEBRUARY - CATHOLIC PRESS MONTH - $10.00 CONTRIBUTION
A catholic newspaper can be the most effective form of diocesan-wide
evangelization available. There we expect to find comments on Scripture,
articles by bishops giving the official teaching of the Church, stories of papal
trips bringing attention to social justice issues throughout the world, etc.,
etc., etc. Holy Name parishioners are requested to read the Catholic Register
and prayerfully find articles there which expose them to clear, concise
application of Christ's teaching and which might also dispel some of the
confusion among Catholics rather than sustain it. Please use the envelope found
in the February packet to make your $10.00 contribution in support of publishing
Catholic teachings and news for this area of the church.
BISHOP CARROLL BINGO
Bishop Carroll Bingo will resume on Sunday, February 10th in the high school
cafetorium. Starting time is 2:30PM. This will be a non-smoking bingo with an
intermission for outdoor smoking. Patrons must be at least 12 years of age.
Mid’s Valentine candies will be given for door and raffle prizes.
S.M.I.L.E. PROGRAM AT SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY
S.M.I.L.E. is an acronym for Saturday Morning is for Laughs and Exercise, a
program headed by the student-volunteers of Saint Francis University. In the
S.M.I.L.E. Program, children are engaged in various forms of exercises, physical
games, and sporting events to foster socialization skills and to build mental
and physical agility. The student-volunteers make it a point to teach the
children how to play games, sports and activities in good spirits and with
sportsmanship. This program is FREE to everyone, and will be held on the
following Saturdays in the Stokes Auxiliary Gym from 10AM-Noon: February 16,
March 8, April 5, 12, & 19. Questions? Please contact Ellen at 472-3338, Mike at
472-3969 or Jessie at 472-3461.
LENTEN FISH FRIES
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, NEW GERMANY will hold fish fries every
Friday during Lent at the Grove Hall in New Germany. Dinners are served from 4
to 7 PM and are $9.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. The buffet menu
includes baked or fried fish, french fries, baked potatoes, haluski, macaroni &
cheese, coleslaw, green beans, rolls, drinks and cake. Take-outs are available
until 6:00PM.
QUEEN OF PEACE PARISH CENTER, PATTON upper level will hold Lenten Fish
Dinners every Friday during Lent (including Good Friday) starting February 8th.
For your convenience, please park in the Parish Center lot. Menu includes choice
of baked or fried fish or salmon cake; choice of baked potato or french fries,
coleslaw, stewed tomatoes, mac & cheese, haluski, buns, desserts, coffee, tea ,
punch. Pierogies ala carte. Time 4-7PM. Adults $8, children 4-12 $4, under 5
free. Take outs available.
ST. JOSEPH PARISH, PORTAGE will hold Fish Dinners on Fridays beginning
February 8 and lasting until March 14. Dinners served 4-6PM in the church hall.
Menu includes baked or fried fish, french fries or haluski, coleslaw, vege,
roll, coffee/punch and dessert. Orders for takeout will be taken starting at 1PM
and ready for pickup 4PM or later. Call 736-3146 to place orders. Adults $8,
children under 12 $4.
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Meeting: The Athletic Association meeting is scheduled
for Tuesday, February 5, at 7:00 pm in Room 701. Parents of our student athletes
are encouraged to attend.
Mass/Stations: Throughout the Lenten season, faculty and students will
attend Mass and Stations of the Cross weekly. Mass is scheduled for each Friday
and Stations of the Cross will begin on Tuesday, February 12. Please join us for
the 9:00 am Mass on Ash Wednesday as we begin our Lenten journey.
Competitions: On Saturday, Alex Way and Carly Surkovich represented Holy
Name School at the Squibb’s Spelling Bee held at Saint Francis University. Miss
Susie McCombie is their coach. This coming Saturday, February 9, our Mathcounts
Team consisting of Jack Lykens, Catherine Hull, Matthew Deskevich and Madison
Wolfe, will compete at UPJ. The team is coached by Mrs. Shirley Beldin.
Safety Program: Beginning Monday, February 4, nursing students from Saint
Francis University will present the Conemaugh Think First Program, a 6-week
injury prevention program designed for students in Grades 1-2-3.
Commercial: Have you seen Holy Name School on TV? Check out the
Altoona/Johnstown Diocese commercial for Catholic Schools aired frequently on
WJAC and WTAJ. Several fifth grade students are shown in our science lab and a
group of our first graders are shown in a Reading circle with their teacher,
Mrs. Robin McMullen. Also as you approach Ebensburg from the west and are
nearing the Subway on Rt.22 you will see a billboard advertising Holy Name and
Bishop Carroll. Second grader, Charlotte Ley, and fourth grader, Jeremy
Eckenrode, are shown in the picture along with two students from BC.
Thank You: We had a fantastic Catholic Schools Week. Thank you to
everyone who helped with our special events and to everyone who came to
celebrate with us. Please pray for our Catholic schools that they may continue
to offer excellent academics imparted in the context of Catholic teaching and
practice.
Scrip: Scrip will continue to be sold in the Narthex on Sundays. Scrip
program now includes Walmart cards. Scrip cards may also be purchased in the
school office during school hours. Anyone may purchase Scrip cards. If you know
a family in Holy Name School and would like them to be credited with your order,
have the family’s name written on your order form.
Varsity Basketball:. Sun. 2-3 3:00 PM (Girls) HN vs. St. Mike’s; 4:00 PM
(Boys) HN7 vs. St. Benedict’s; 6:00 PM (Boys) HN8 vs. St. Mike’s. Sat. 2/9 10:00
AM (Boys) HN7 vs. HN8; 11:00 AM (Girls) HN vs. St. Benedict’s 8. Sun. 2/11 2:00
PM (Boys) HN8 vs. NCC; 4:00 PM (Boys) HN7 vs. St. Benedict’s.
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