|
ANOINTING OF THE CHRONICALLY ILL AND AGED- SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
The purpose of the sacrament, from its very origins as found in the Letter of
St. James, was not to be a help to those dying, but to those who were sick. It
is meant as a way of showing the sick in their sufferings that Christ is with
them, uniting their sufferings to his. The union between Christ and the members
of the church is emphasized.
We all know that there is a connection between the physical and the spiritual
aspects of the human person. To give spiritual care when one is sick touches
also their physical well-being. How difficult it is to separate the two! This
sacrament of the anointing of the sick is an expression of our faith that it is
the whole person who is loved by God and redeemed.
Who should be anointed? The rubrics are clear: those who are seriously impaired
by sickness or old age should receive this sacrament. One should not wait until
people are dying to suggest that they receive this sacrament. Nor is it
necessary to be scrupulous about who should receive it. A prudent judgement is
enough. The church does not want the sacrament to be administered to anyone who
asks for it because of a slight headache or something insignificant. The person
should be seriously sick, but not necessarily in danger of death.
The annual Anointing Service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30 during a 7:00
PM Mass. We ask all parishioners burdened with chronic illness and those 65
years and older to reserve that date for the Lord to share His special grace
with you through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It will be a most
satisfying and rewarding evening for those who will be present.
THE YEAR OF ST. PAUL
JUNE 29, 2008 - JUNE 28, 2009
Why the Year of St. Paul? Periodically, the Church sets aside an entire year to
encourage all of us to focus on some particular and important aspect of our
Faith. This year, we are given an opportunity to honor one of the great saints
and founders of the early Church - the Apostle Paul. In order to commemorate the
2000th anniversary of his birth, Christians all over the world will celebrate
“The Year of St. Paul” from June 29, 2008 to June 28, 2009.
As Pope Benedict XVI said in his announcement, this special “Pauline” year is an
invitation to join the “The Apostle of the Gentiles, who dedicated himself to
the spreading of the good news to all peoples, spent himself for the unity and
harmony of all Christians,” adding, “May he guide us and protect us in this
bimillenary celebration, helping us to advance in the humble and sincere search
for the full unity of all the members of the mystical body of Christ.”
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HUMANAE VITAE
The four prophecies of Humanae vitae of 1968 are clear, but also stubborn, views
of reality. They are unequivocally countercultural. Paul VI said that if a
society accepted contraception as a way of life (like all economically developed
societies have), then several consequences would inevitably result:
First, contraception would lead to conjugal infidelity. Not hard to see this one
right? When you separate babies from the marital act there is nothing binding
that act to, well, marriage. Fornication (pre-marital) and adultery
(extra-marital) have thus skyrocketed with the massive practice of
contraception.
Second, Pope Paul predicted that contraceptive practice would lead to a "general
lowering of morality." Hmm, let's see if this one was right: "normal" youthful
entertainments in our society today include that despicable MTV channel, hooking
up, salacious reality TV shows, heavy metal music, wicca and the New Age, drugs
and ubiquitous internet porn. Has anyone noticed a "general lowering of morality
lately?
Third, Paul VI said that contraception would lead men to cease respecting women
in their totality and would cause them to treat women as "mere instruments of
selfish enjoyment" rather than as cherished partners. Clearly, this prophecy has
been vindicated many times over by pornography alone, the most lucrative
business in the modern world. That entire industry is singularly dedicated to
the "selfish enjoyment" of men.
Finally, the Holy Father said that massive acceptance of contraception by
couples would lead to a massive imposition of contraception by unscrupulous
governments. He predicted, in other words, that contraception would pass from a
"lifestyle choice" to a weapon of mass destruction, and how dreadfully his
prophecy has been vindicated by population control and coercive sterilization
programs, fertility reduction quotas and the promotion of abortion literally
everywhere in the world.
THE CHURCH’S BEST-KEPT SECRET - PART III
Strangely, to this day, Natural Family Planning remains one of the Church’s
best-kept secrets. At the mention of it people still scoff: “Oh! The rhythm
method!” This is inexcusable ignorance in any Catholic who ostensibly cares
about the issue. NFP is most certainly not the rhythm method. One would have
thought the good news of NFP would have been shouted from the housetops by those
who found Humanae Vitae to be a “heavy burden” placed on couples by an “uncaring
Church,” but it hasn’t worked out that way, which leads one to suspect the core
of the issue is not pastoral but ideological. Attacking Church authority, it
seems, is more important to dissenters than helping the “heavily burdened.”
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Are you pregnant? Looking into adoption? Interested in becoming an adoptive or
foster parent? The Adoption and Foster Care Program of Catholic Charities, an
agency of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, can assist pregnant women with free,
compassionate, practical and life-affirming alternatives to abortion. They offer
confidential counseling, free pregnancy test kits, maternity clothing and
diapers, and other assistance. Please call Mary Little at 814-944-9388 for more
information.
VOTERS SHOULD HAVE THE SUPREME COURT IN THEIR SIGHTS
In the watershed case of District of Columbia v. Heller, the U.S. Supreme today
ruled 5-4 in favor of individual rights by overturning D.C.'s restrictive gun
laws. This is not just a victory for gun rights activists but should also serve
as a reminder for voters of just how important the elections are this Fall. The
next President is likely to name 2-3 Supreme Court justices, who will be
examining the constitutionality of a variety of laws for the next few decades.
Life, marriage, and religious freedom are all issues that are likely to land in
front of the Supreme Court. The two leading candidates for the presidency have
very different views on what qualities to look for in a Supreme Court nominee,
but neither have talked enough about it on the campaign trail.
WORLD YOUTH DAY
Holy Name’s group of six left for Sydney, Australia this past Friday. Pray daily
for their safety in travels and for their profound spiritual enrichment so that,
as a result of this most unique Catholic experience, their hearts will always
remain Christlike.
STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE - ON THE LOVE OF MONEY
“There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into
the world and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and
clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall
into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that
plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all
evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith
and pierced their hearts with many pangs.” - Timothy 6:6-10
OFFICIAL SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Please cut this form and return to Rectory or Collection Basket.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - -
NAME ______________________________________________
Check the convenient time if willing to commit weekly to one hour or one half
hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament every Thursday evening:
__ 6:00–6:30PM ___ 6:30-7:00PM
__ 7:00-7:30PM
__ 7:30-8:00PM ___ 8:00-8:30PM
__ 8:30-9:00PM
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - -
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR STRONGER FAMILY LIFE IN AMERICA
Same-sex marriage is fast becoming a key election issue for the November
election now that the 9th Federal Court of Appeals in California has imposed it
in that State. New York State decided to recognize other state’s same-sex
“marriages.” Evidence shows that traditional families are best for children.
Secularism, led by the ACLU, is the imposing noise which is bringing about the
non-existence of biblical moral standards. It would be a benefit to the Catholic
Church membership if voters, would have a clear understanding of the two
parties’ platforms on this issue. Marriage, embraced as a Sacrament, does not
need to be redefined. Catholics need to stand united with Jesus Christ, who
instituted this sacred union as between one man and one woman. Don’t be naive as
to believe that what has occurred in California could not happen in
Pennsylvania.
ROADTROTTERS NEWS
Several trips are in the works. Several details are still not settled, but the
plans are as follows:
• Saturday, AUGUST 23,Sight and Sound for In The Beginning; be there as the
Garden of Eden appears before you. Experience God's pleasure at his most awesome
creation, Adam and Eve. An experience beyond your imagination! Admission to the
show and dinner at Hershey Farms included. Cost: $126.00, $101.00 teen, $80.00
child 3 to 12.
• Monday, SEPTEMBER 22, Wheeling, West Virginia Casino. Cost $46.00 with more
information regarding rebates at a later date.
• Last week of March or first week of April 2009. Trip to Holocaust Museum,
Washington D.C., and guided tour throughout Cherry Blossom areas. Cost of $69.00
for weekday, and $74.00 for week end. This trip MUST be scheduled soon, so if
you have an interest in going , PLEASE call soon.
For sign up for any of these trips, please call Toni Merlo, 749-7352.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Holy Name’s one week Bible School program begins on Monday, July 14 through
Friday, July 18. On Monday, July 14, ALL pre-registered students are to report
to the Church Hall by 8:45AM for classroom assignments. Every morning ALL grades
will gather in the church hall. Morning Prayer Assembly at 9:00AM; parents are
invited to attend. DISMISSAL for all grades is at 11:45AM from the classrooms.
Parents and guests are invited to the Closing Program on July 18 from
12:00-12:30PM. More detailed information will be sent home in memos during the
week. Questions? Call Mary Harvey, 472-8139 or Sarah Zearing, 472-5631. ALL
STUDENTS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED TO ATTEND. If you have registered and your child
will not be attending, please call Mary Harvey.
ELEMENTARY CCD TEACHERS: THE PARISH NEEDS YOU
More volunteers are needed in a variety of services for the Fall Religious
Education program. Besides the traditional role of catechist, we are looking for
teaching-teams, classroom aides (ideal for newly confirmed seniors or volunteer
moms/dads), CCD assistants to give one-on-one attention to students as needed,
professional teachers willing to mentor new teacher-volunteers at their
convenience, even hall monitors to assist with snacks or an occasional sick
student or to make phone calls, etc. Those willing to be a substitute CCD
teacher periodically are always welcome and much appreciated! If you see
yourself being able to contribute to the Fall program in any of these creative
ways, please contact Mary Harvey (Elementary Program) by calling the rectory
office at 472-7244. The parish needs you!
JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
We hope all are having an enjoyable and restful Summer! This upcoming school
year at least five (5) Jr./Sr. High School CCD teachers will be needed for
Sunday morning 10:00-11:15AM. If you enjoy working with the youth, please
consider teaching and passing on your faith - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING
ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH! We are here to help you! We also have numerous
resources to provide you with the information you will need to teach. Please
consider sharing your time and talent with the youth of our parish. If you have
any questions, please call Kerry & Nancy McCulley at 472-0677.
SPIRITUAL WEEKEND RETREAT FOR WOMEN
A Spiritual Weekend Retreat for women will be held at Mount Saint Ann, Ebensburg
August 8 - 10. Director: Rev. Nathan Malavolti, T.O.R., Loretto. For
registration, call the Sisters of Saint Ann at 472-9354.
SISTERS OF SAINT ANN NOVENA
The Sisters of Saint Ann announce their annual Novena in honor of Saint Ann on
Friday, July 18th to July 26th, Feast Day, at Mount Saint Ann, 1120 N. Center
St. Ebensburg. Eucharistic celebration at 7:00 PM in the outside shrine (weather
permitting). The closing of the Novena will be officiated by the Most Rev.
Joseph V. Adamec.
DOROTHY DAY TAG SALE
The Dorothy Day Center is an outreach program that helps famlies in the
community with food, clothing, furniture, and when needed, financial help. They
will be having a Tag Sale on July 26 from 8AM-4PM at the Dorothy Day Center,
located at the entrance of Saint Francis University.
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. UPCOMING EVENTS - for a look at upcoming events, check out our website at
www.holynameapex.com.
CALLED TO THE PRIESTHOOD? COME AND SEE! DISCERNMENT RETREAT
July 23-25, 2008 at St. John the Baptist Retreat Center, New Baltimore, PA. Open
to single men, age 15-50 interested in serving Jesus Christ and His People, the
Church. The retreat will include: spiritual conferences with Fr. Brian Saylor
and Fr. Alan Thomas; Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours with diocesan
seminarians; Sacrament of Reconciliation; time for personal prayer; picnic and
free time at Shawnee Lake; Vocation Mass, and conversation and lunch with Bishop
Joseph Adamec. Sponsored by the Vocation Office of the Diocese of
Altoona-Johnstown. For reservations, contact Fr. Brian Saylor, Director of
Vocations, Prince Gallitzin Chapel House, PO Box 99, Loretto, PA 15940,
814-472-5441 or email bsaylor@dioceseaj.org.
ANTI-DRUG FAIR
Sponsored by Judge Gerard Long & County Courts will be held Wednesday, July 16
at Memorial Field in Ebensburg from 11AM-1PM. Free games, refreshments, and
prizes will be awarded. For youth ages 5 to 15. Everyone welcome.
BOYS BASKETBALL CLINIC
The Bishop Carroll boys basketball coaching staff will be holding a basketball
clinic on Saturday July 26th for boys in Grades 4 through 8 from 8AM until noon.
Cost of the clinic is $20. For more information please contact Coach Cosie
Aliquo at (814)471-6889.
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.
|
NEIGHBORING PARISH FESTIVALS:
1. First Annual NCCS Community Sale will be held on Sat. July 12 from
9AM-3PM at St. Nicholas Church Hall. Food, drinks, baked goods.
2. Queen of Peace Parish, Patton July 11, 12 & 13. Fish Fry Friday from
4-7PM and Roast Beef Dinner on Sun. From 11AM-3PM. Adults $8, children 6-12
$4.50, under 6 free. At the Parish Grove there will be games, refreshments,
bingo, bake sale, basket auction, ethnic foods, entertainment & fireworks on
Sat. at 10PM (rain date Sun. 10PM).
3. St. Mary’s Church, Nanty Glo Annual Summer Festival Sat July 12 4-9PM
& Sun July 13 11:30AM-9PM. Chicken BBQ Sat. 4PM and music by “Atomic Blonde”
5-9PM. Roast Beef Dinner Sun. 11:30AM-2:00PM, adults $8, children under 12 $4.
Take outs available. “Rosie & the Jammers” 1-4PM Sun. & “All Star Entertainment”
5-9PM Sun. Games, baked goods, outside food booth, ice cream, refreshment tent,
basket booth, bingo, 50/50, flea market and more!
4. St. Benedict Parish, Geistown 75th Annual Parish Reunion will be held
July 18 & 19 5-10PM and July 20 11AM-9PM. Chicken & Waffle Dinner Fri. 5-7PM and
Sun. 11AM-3PM. Live music, crafts, bingo, indoor flea market, miniature golf,
pastries, children’s world, food.
5. St. Joan of Arc Church, Frugality will hold their annual Festival Sun.
July 20 11AM-6PM. Turkey & noodle dinner served family style 11AM-3PM, adults
$8, children 5-12 $4, under 5 free. Entertainment, games, bingo, bake sale,
silent auction, refreshments & more! |