Holy Name Roman Catholic Church

Bulletin
March 9, 2008
Fifth Sunday of Lent

Adelaide Flanagan/Estate
Helen Luther/Estate
Betty Switzler/Estate
Forgotten Souls in Purgatory
Joseph & Anna Conigy/Zeno Buffoni Fam.
Zeno & Catherine Buffoni/Family
Liv. & Dec’d Chaplains & Mems. CD of A Ct. 680
Help of Souls in Purgatory/Daniel Monahan II
Frank Funyak/Larry Funyak
Steve Pagano Sr./MM Leo Lockard
Don Bard/Janice Goebert
Joseph, Grace & Pasquale Licastro/Licastro Fam.
Special Intentions/Judy Monahan
Anthony Polchito/MM Robert Gibson & Fam.
 

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REDISCOVER CONFESSION
Our Holy Father has stated: “The sacrament of Reconciliation underlies the reality of sin as well as the even greater reality of God’s love and mercy. Experiencing the Lord’s tenderness and forgiveness, the penitent is more easily urged to recognize the seriousness of sin and more decisive in avoiding it in order to remain and grow in his newfound friendship with Christ Jesus. How many penitents find the peace and joy in confession that they have been pursuing for a long time? How can we not acknowledge that in our time, marked by so many religious and social challenges, this sacrament must be rediscovered and proposed again?
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.
The sacrament of Penance is a gift, not a burden!! Put Satan on the run!! And pray for those Catholics who have lost a consciousness of sin.
Confessions will be heard after ALL daily Masses beginning Monday, March 10 until Wednesday of Holy Week inclusive. Confessions for CCD students in grades 3 thru 8 will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at 3:00 PM and for Holy Name School students on Wednesday, March 12 at 10:30AM. 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.

MASS ATTENDANCE
Mass attendance for Catholics on Sundays and holy days has always been a moral obligation and will remain so. Attending Mass every Sunday and on holy days is a non-negotiable part of Catholic life. From the earliest days of the Church, Catholics were setting aside the first day of the week to reconnect with God and rest. The entire experience of worshiping and resting is what is meant by keeping the Sabbath holy.
In the busyness of our modern day scheduling, Mass attendance needs to be placed on our written “to-do list” for each weekend. The point of this church precept is to make our relationship with God a priority. The Sabbath is a gift. And it takes effort and planning to experience the richness it offers.

"I DIED WHEN MY BABIES DIED. I WANT TO BE WITH MY BABIES"
Talented English artist Emma Beck left these tragic words as the explanation for her death by suicide just a few weeks ago. She aborted her twins in September 2006 because the father "did not want the twins." Her last words should haunt every abortionist: "Living is hell for me. I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum. I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies - they need me, no one else does." One wonders if the abortionist and hospital might make a small contribution from the blood money to help with funeral expenses. Probably not. Let us be clear, no Christian should support by vote or voice, any public policy or politician that promotes and permits the murdering of innocent human life. The right to life is the first and foremost human right and is a gift from God. Do we really believe God is blind to the shedding of innocent blood?

YOUTH AND SEXUAL ABSTINENCE
Teens live in a world where sex is promoted on television, in movies and in music. It makes no sense to tell teens to remember to use a condom. Teens are rarely responsible enough to keep their rooms in order on a daily basis. Why do we expect that, in the heat of passion, after giving them tacit approval to premarital sex, that they will use a condom? Parents should employ a more effective method by telling their children that sex isn’t healthy - physically, morally, or emotionally - outside of marriage. Save sex for marriage, where it belongs. It is folly to expect to have sex safely any other way in this day and age. Catholic parents should not be afraid to insist that abstinence is the right answer to avoid pregnancy prior to marriage.

EASTER GENEROSITY
Parishioners are asked to prayerfully consider their Easter Stewardship of Treasure to Holy Name amounting to $40.00. Gratitude is expressed for all past generous sharing of Treasure with this parish family.

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.

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 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.

FESTIVAL NOODLE MAKING DATES
Volunteers in great number are needed for noodle making this Wednesday, March 12 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. Additional noodle making dates: March 26, April 9 & 23. Cost for a 1 lb. bag of noodles, wide or thin, will be $3.00.

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE - IN APPRECIATION OF HIS GIFTS
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was killed during the Nazi persecution in the 1940's, wrote a book called, “The Cost of Discipleship.” He told his readers to appreciate God’s gifts. He said the Lord himself is the only one who keeps full account of our return to Him for all He gives to us. He looks at our hearts and judges our love for Him and we know He loves a cheerful giver.

USHERS, LECTORS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, GIFT BEARERS, GREETERS
New schedules are in the Narthex for all Ushers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Gift Bearers and Greeters. Envelopes are alphabetical. Please take your copy today.

LOST AND FOUND BOX
Items not claimed this week in the “Lost and Found” box in the Narthex will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul. Please check for your personal belongings.

CONFIRMATION NEWS - PRACTICE DATE AND TIME
Confirmation practice will be held on Monday, April 28th at 7:00PM. The candidates should meet in the church hall and the sponsors should meet in the Narthex.CCD CHOIR
Now forming, a CCD CHOIR for students in grades 4 through 8. Practice for grades 4-6 will be from 4:30-5:30 PM every other Tuesday beginning March 11. Practices for grades 7 and 8 will be from 3:15-4:15PM every other Tuesday beginning March 18. The Director is Michelle Kokus. For more information or to register call Mary Harvey at Holy Name School, 472-8817 or at home 472-8139.

JR./SR. HIGH CCD NEWS
There are no Jr/Sr High CCD classes the weekends of March 16th & March 23rd. Palm Sunday & Easter Sunday. These are scheduled weekends off. Classes resume March 30th. We pray everyone has a Blessed & Joyous Easter Season!!

DON’T MISS IT! JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH DAY
Junior High Youth Day for youth in grades 6 through 8 is Sunday, April 6, 2008 from 11:30AM-6:00PM at Bishop Carroll High School, Ebensburg. Theme: “Journey With Jesus,” cost of $15 includes lunch, t-shirt and entertainment by APEX Ministries, a nationally known comedy duo, juggling, humor, skits, storytelling and more. Must pre-register and pre-pay by March 11. For more information, call Mary Harvey at 472-8139.

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. 20 HOUR LENTEN FAMINE will begin Saturday, March 15 at 7:00PM in Holy Name School gym and conclude on Sunday, March 16 at 3:00PM. Permission forms can be found on the website: www.holynameapex.com. Keep your eyes open for more details in upcoming weeks!

4. NEW YORK CITY TRIP - all participants must have final payment turned into the rectory by Sunday, March 16th.

5. 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.

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HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
The Central Cambria Music Department is in need of Ebensburg area families to serve as host families to high school music students attending the 2008 PMEA Regional Chorus Festival to be held at Central Cambria High School March 26th-29th. The 180 students involved will be traveling to Ebensburg from across the state and your help is needed to house these talented students. Being a host family involves providing: sleeping/showering accommodations (3 nights), transportation to and from Central Cambria High School in the mornings and late evening and breakfast (3 mornings -all other meals are provided at the school). Your help in this act of community stewardship is greatly appreciated and needed! For more information, please contact Michelle Kokus at 471-6569.

BLOOD DRIVE
The American Red Cross will sponsor a Blood Drive at the Department of Environmental Protection, 286 Industrial Park Rd., Ebensburg on Monday, March 17th from 9:00AM-2:30PM.
 

School News

Walk Together in Faith

Confessions: Students will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday, March 12.

Stations: Students will attend Stations of the Cross on Thursday, March 13, at 2:00 PM.

Mass: Please join faculty and students for the 9:00 AM Mass on Friday, March 14.

Spelling Bee: The Holy Name spelling bee to determine our representative for the Diocesan Spelling Bee will be held on Monday, March 10, at 12:45 PM in the church hall. Any student in Grades 4-5-6 may enter the bee.

Multi-media Competition: As a result of their first place win in the Diocesan Multi-media Competition in November, Hannah Bennett, Kenny Dressler and Dani Link will now represent Holy Name School at the Regional PA Middle School Computer Fair sponsored by the Appalachia IU8 on March 10 at Penn State Altoona. Mrs. Rose Bassaro is working with our team. Winners at the regional competition will advance to the state competition in April.

Meeting: The Home School Executive Board meeting is Tuesday, March 11, at 6:30 PM in the rectory conference room.

Forensics: Fifteen students from Grades 6-7-8 will compete in the Mainline Forensic Meet at Bishop Carroll on Wednesday, March 12. They are: are: 6th graders – Savannah Ates, Lauren Buynack, Maggie Lykens, Alexis Nagle, Brynne Walker, Ashley Wilt; 7th graders - Sarah Hansen, Catherine Hull, Corel Lee, Veronica Poole, Madison Wolfe; and 8th graders- Hannah Bennett, Rachel Gatto, Danielle Link, Easlyn Serenko. The students are coached by Mrs. Cathy Lykens. Students who place at this competition will advance to the Diocesan Competition on March 14.

Scrip: Scrip will continue to be sold in the Narthex on Sundays. 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.
 

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