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THE CHURCH’S BEST-KEPT SECRET - PART I
In 1968 when Humanae Vitae was released, there were great howls of protests from
lay and clergy alike. The notion was that the Church was "behind the times,"
"out of touch" with the needs of married couples, lacking in compassion and so
forth, because of its condemnation of the practice of birth control among
married couples. In truth, it was the secular culture that was out of touch in
its notion that the Church had to take her marching orders from the culture
instead of vice-versa. On this issue as on many others the Church has been sadly
vindicated, although many still do not recognize it.
Many were and still are wrong in their disagreements with God on contraception.
Is dissent on Humanae Vitae a disagreement with God? Yes. Jesus Christ is God,
and he instituted the Magisterium, saying, "He who hears you hears me." He gave
Peter the Keys, saying "what you loose on earth is loosed in Heaven, what you
bind on earth is bound in Heaven." This is what Catholics believe; that the
ordinary Magisterium speaks for Christ infallibly on matters of faith and
morals. A papal encyclical is an exercise of the ordinary Magisterium which is
infallible in its teaching, even though not declared solemnly.
2008 FESTIVAL SUCCESS STORY
There were early signs that the 47th Annual Festival would be a successful one.
The large number of volunteers for noodle making in February of this year
pointed to a level of enthusiasm which would be symbolic for the following three
months. Yes, the advance preparations were organized and evolved smoothly,
including the baking of a ton of turkey and the massive amount of baked goods
needed for the dinners, the outdoor refreshment stand, Theme Basket Project and
Baked Goods Room. The parish was uniquely blessed with donations of multiple
items.
The financial Gross Amount was $91,645.33. Fish and Turkey Dinners served were
817 and 1577 respectively. A final financial statement will be published after
all invoices have been paid.
Prayerful gratitude to all parishioners for their TIME, TALENT AND STEWARDSHIP.
A follow-up meeting of the Executive Committee is SCHEDULED for 7:00PM THIS
THURSDAY EVENING.
FESTIVAL WINNERS
MONEY WINNERS:
1200 - Thomas Deskevich
1000 - Jennifer O’Hara
500 - Mitzi Lewis
400 - James Yarnish
300 - Michael George
200 - David Risaliti
200 - Patricia Reed
200 - Margaret Hancherick
3G RAFFLE WINNERS:
$500 Sheetz - Betty McMahon
$500 Giant Eagle, Ebg. - Pat Ambrisco
$500 Sheetz - Rita Farabaugh
OTHER WINNERS:
Mini Dirt Bike (donated by Buynack Family) - Alexander Braniff
Basket of Cheer - Eugene Sam
Mirror - David Hoover
MESSAGE FROM THEME BASKET COMMITTEE
Each week we read in our bulletin the giving of time, talent, and treasure for
the betterment of our faith community. This past weekend, as well as over the
past several months, this Committee has seen these words translated into actions
that resulted in success for our Committee, as well as for the over all
Festival. Although it seems inadequate, a big THANK YOU to every contributor
must be said to all who assisted us with their time, talent and certainly
treasure. Special mention must be made of Mid Mandichak, Deb Scott and Joyce
Byrne who were responsible for the stunning presentation of our baskets.
Reflecting on the events, work and success of the past several months, it is
impossible not to see the hand of God as well as the work of the Holy Spirit in
the Holy Name family! Again, a BIG THANK YOU to one and all! A complete list of
Basket Donors and Winners will be printed in next weekend’s bulletin.
WHAT FATHERS ARE
There are some wonderful words in our language, words that are separably
associated; home, mother, father, family- and in our thoughts they are linked in
fondest and most meaningful remembrance.
Where the normal pattern prevails, father is more away and less closely
acquainted with the daily problems and programs in the home. But fathers are
people in whose footsteps sons are apt to follow, and with whose hearts
daughters are likely to have their way.
Fathers are people by whose name the family is known. Fathers are people whom
sons and daughters should feel free to approach with their problems.
We thank God for the fathers who are identified with the Holy Name Family. May
they always recognize the preciousness of their children. May dads be as loving
and kind to their children as the heavenly Father is to them. St. Joseph, patron
saint of fathers, pray for all fathers. Happy Father’s Day to all dads!!!
IMPORTANT OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE
It is important for Americans to know exactly where politicians, seeking a
governmental office, stand on abortion, because abortion is one of the
fundamental issues Americans should be most concerned about. Just ponder the
reality of 41 million babies legally killed since the Supreme Court decision of
Roe vs. Wade!! The United States was founded on the rights to “life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness,” and has spent the two centuries since trying to live
up to its founding principles. Society’s big battle today is over the most
important right: the right to life. Any Catholic who takes the abortion issue
seriously will not vote for abortionist candidates.
THE CHILD AS A GIFT
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that a child has a right to be
considered as a gift, not as a punishment. “A child is not something owed to
one, but is a gift.....a child may not be considered a piece of property, an
idea to which an alleged ‘right to a child’ would lead. The child possesses
genuine rights, including the right to be respected as a person from the moment
of his/her conception.”
CONCERN FOR PASTORS
If marriage between two individuals of the same sex is confirmed as a
constitutional right, then how long will pastors be able to confront this
deviation with immunity? Not long! Pastors are bound to speak the truth by the
Spirit of Truth. Pastors must obey God rather than men. The future of truth in
this nation rests with spiritual leaders and committed followers of Jesus
Christ. No nation can survive which turns from the truth. Pray for the defeat of
all legislation in whatever State that gives homosexuality and other deviate
sexual behaviors dominance over the Constitutional rights of Americans. Pray
also for the protection of our religious liberties.
HOLY NAME SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
With the closing of St. Mary’s School in Nanty Glo (with only 37 students
enrolled for the Fall Term), Holy Name School personnel met with the parents of
these students this past Thursday evening. Shared with these parents at a
meeting in Nanty Glo were the positive scholastic attractions and benefits
available to them if they should decide to enroll their children at Holy Name.
Initial response was most encouraging to our presenters. This Tuesday, June
10th, interested parents with their children will tour Holy Name’s facilities.
We ask all parishioners to offer genuine hospitality to our neighbors from Nanty
Glo who wish to identify with our most successful Catholic educational
apostolate here in Ebensburg. Pray that the transition of the students from
Nanty Glo to be enrolled at Holy Name will be a smooth and enriching experience
for these young men and women.
HOLY NAME PARISH ON THE WEB
Site Statistics show that more and more parishioners are looking to our Parish
website for general information, photos of recent events, etc. Currently, the
site features photos of all 2008 Holy Name School graduation ceremonies
(preschool, Kindergarten, and 8th grade) as well as our latest Confirmation and
First Communion Masses. Festival photos will be posted soon. If you haven’t done
so, please take a moment to check out the site at www.holynameebg.org and add us
to your list of favorites. While on the web, hop on over to
www.kindredjourney.org to enjoy photos and information on our twin parish in
Haiti - you can even donate to Kindred Journey directly through the site. And,
for teens and parents, don’t forget about www.holynameapex.com your one-stop
site for news and information on current and planned APEX activities. While the
basic message of the church has remained constant for over 2000 years, as a
parish we will continuously strive to utilize the latest technologies to “spread
the word”.
CCD CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Special thanks to Michelle Kokus for stewardship of time and talent in helping
to form a CCD Children’s Choir. The children led the music for the closing CCD
Mass as well as a Saturday Vigil Mass in May. Both liturgies were well done and
we look forward to the children’s music ministry in the future. This is one more
area which was frequently requested on parish surveys. Together, we are moving
forward as a stronger faith community.
PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN (VIRTUS) TRAINING
A Protecting God’s Children training session will be offered on Tuesday, June
17, 2008, at 9:00 AM in the Church Hall. Anyone who works with or chaperones the
youth of our parish, in any capacity, is required to take this training. It is
only necessary to take this training once. . You may register prior to the
session on line at www.virtus.org, for questions call Kathy Oravec 472-5139 or
Sarah Zearing 472-5631.
STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE - EVERYTHING WE HAVE COMES FROM GOD
Stewardship, the correct handling of God’s gifts, is the why of giving. As God
has prospered you, and He certainly has - just take a closer look and you will
discover that God has been most generous to you - so you should return to Him a
fair, reasonable portion of those gifts.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
The monthly class on St. Paul’s letters is Thursday, June 26, 7PM in the hall: I
Corinthians.
RCIA CATHOLIC INQUIRY
Tues.,June 17, 7PM in the church Library. Open to anyone interested in becoming
Catholic.
OUTREACH/VISITATION COMMITTEE
The Outreach Committee will meet Monday, June 23, 7PM in the Church Library.
CARE-GIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, June 30, 7PM in the Church Library. Anyone in the stressful position of
being care-giver is welcome to attend this 1-hour prayer-support group session.
(Call Sr. Margie: 472-8315)
FIRST COMMUNION PICTURES AND DVDS
Holy Name First Holy Communion pictures and DVD/VHS tapes may be picked up at
the rectory Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-Noon or 12:30-4:00PM.
SUMMER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - JULY 14 - 18, 2008
Registration: All students must be pre-registered by JUNE 15. The program is
open to all children, preschool (must be age 3 as of September 30, 2007) through
completed grade 5. Registration forms were sent home from Holy Name School and
CCD. Registration forms are also available in the book racks in all church
entrances, at the rectory, or call Mary Harvey at 472-8139. Forms may be placed
in the Sunday collection baskets. VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED!!! Directors and
team members, adults and students (completed grade 6 and older) for: Crafts,
Skits, Decorating, and Music. To Volunteer or for more information, please call
Mary Harvey at 472-8139 no later than June 9th.
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. CEDAR POINT AMUSEMENT PARK - TODAY is the last day to sign-up and turn in the
final payment for a trip to Cedar Point on Thursday, June 26. Please see the
website for sign-up forms and more info (www.holynameapex.com). Sign-up forms
are also located at all church entrances.
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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