|
ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL - GOAL $89,918.00
Thank you to all who have participated in the Annual Catholic Appeal. To date,
parishioners have generously donated $24,323.80, or 27%, toward our parish goal
of $89,918.00. Please prayerfully consider supporting both our Diocesan
ministries and our parish. If you do not have a pledge card, you may mail your
gift (made payable to Annual Catholic Appeal) directly to the parish office. We
wish each family to be sensitized to the fact that the diocese assessed $63.10
to each household. That accounts for Holy Name’s total assessment of $89,918.00.
Those parishioners who could donate $100.00 or more would be greatly
appreciated.. Thank you for your generous support and return your pledge card at
your earliest convenience. Extra ACA envelopes can be found in the pews of the
church.
MOTHER'S DAY
Today we salute all our mothers and the Queen of all mothers, the Blessed Virgin
Mary, Mother of God and our Mother. God did something good when he inspired man
to set aside a particular day as Mother's Day. In establishing a Mother's Day,
we second the lead of God Himself in according to the mother of a family a
position that can be taken by no one except her who is mother!!
Mother and family go together. We do not think of one without the other. Both
are so fundamental to society. To salute mother and family, to preserve their
position, and dignity, to defend their purity and honor, to safeguard their
nature, to maintain their ultimate spiritual destiny in the face of
materialistic attacks of the world, to do these things is indeed to praise God
and, with Him, all our mothers, and the Virgin Mother as our Queen.
Let mothers be what God intended them to be. Let us honor, respect, love and
obey our mothers as God intended that we should. Let us not desecrate the name
of Mother. Let us not tear down her position of dignity and honor. Let us
recognize her true love and give a true love in return.
It is Mother's Day. Let it be a day of sentiment, yes. But let it be a day of
prayer for their intentions that God will bless our mothers as only He can!!!
May Mary, the Mother of Jesus, be a close spiritual friend of all mothers!!
A Blessed and Happy Mother's Day!
HAITIAN CONCERNS
This past Tuesday evening a call came in from Brother Francklin asking for
additional funds to feed not only children but also adults who have a meager
amount of food to keep them alive. Fifty Thousand dollars ($50,000.00) has been
released in response to his urgent appeal. It is likely that within another
month additional funds will be requested. Parishioners who wish to support this
worthy cause may now share their charitable donation toward the efforts of Br.
Francklin. He heavily depends upon Kindred Journey Inc.
KINDRED JOURNEY CHARITY LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
As you all know, the recent trip planned by your Pastor to visit Haiti had to be
cancelled at the last minute due to the turmoil in that country caused by
extreme shortages of affordable food. Never have the needs in this poor country
been greater than they are today. And what fortunate timing that Kindred Journey
is now ready to launch its brand new website which can be found at
www.kindredjourney.org . The site was created by Miss Jennifer Jeffreys, a
senior marketing major at St. Francis University with the support of Ms. Kim
Tweedy from the Small Business Development Center there.
In addition to offering general background on the country of Haiti and its
people, the site provides in-depth information regarding the Kindred Journey
charity including how it works, projects it has accomplished, etc. There are
many colorful photos depicting the work being done and the people who are
benefitting from it every single day. Also, visitors to the site can elect to
donate either one-time or recurring gifts to Kindred Journey directly via the
internet. All donations are fully tax deductible.
We welcome you to take a moment to visit www.kindredjourney.org to experience
the new site and to see firsthand the wonderful things that are being done
through this organization. And please pass the word on to friends and relatives,
especially those from other parts of the country who may be interested in
extending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
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 five 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 COMMITTEE NEWS
We are well on our way to our goal and have about 50 baskets received or
pledged! THANKS to all of you wonderful, generous people! We are in need,
however, of a clean unused wheel barrel for our wheel barrel of cheer. Remember,
we will accept theme baskets, items to create a basket, or monetary donation so
the committee can make a basket. The "basket house" is the home of Herm and
Nancy Clauto at 606 W Sample St.. Baskets can be dropped of, or arrangements for
pick up can be made by calling 472-6038, or 749-7352. We would also like to
remind businesses that since your business name and logo, if received, will be
displayed this a good advertisement in addition to a donation. Anyone able to
help with working at the Festival, please call Toni Merlo 749-7352. Each time
slot requires eight people to cover all of our areas. Again THANKS EVERYONE for
all of your help.
3. FESTIVAL PRIZES AND FLEA MARKET ITEMS
We are still accepting items for the Flea Market. No stuffed animals, clothes or
straw baskets. NEW prizes also needed for the Pick-A-Prize Booth, for
men/women/boys/girls. Mark boxes and drop them off in the Church Library Room.
Thank you so much!
4. TURKEYS
Always appreciated are the donations of turkeys. Please consider the donation of
a turkey for the Festival dinner. We suggest that you bring donations to the
Church Cafeteria Mon-Fri from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
5. RAFFLE
Any senior citizen willing to sit and sell raffle chances for a few hours at the
Ebensburg malls, grocery stores, Bingo or booth at the Festival should contact
Jim Arnone at 472-9566; extra books of chances are available to any parishioner
at the rectory. Let the secretary know if you need an extra book or two. Please
return your sold books of chances to the rectory at your earliest convenience.
6. CALLING COMMITTEE
Each year parishioners receive a call asking for the consideration of an item
needed for the serving of 3000 dinners or the outside food concession stands.
Please be cooperative and supportive.
7. HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
Any high school student who would like to obtain service hours by working at the
Festival Dinners is asked to call Karen Hurtack (472-6218) or Mary Lynn Stephens
(472-7054).
CATHOLIC UPDATE: MARY OF HISTORY
What do we really know about Mary, Mother of God? What does history tell us
about this woman, full of grace and favor? Most likely she was born of peasant
class in the tiny village of Nazareth, spoke Aramaic, and was betrothed as a
young girl to Joseph, a “just man” who was a carpenter and stone cutter. Their
life was grinding. Like most women, she spent 10 hours a day carrying water,
gathering firewood, cooking meals, washing clothes and caring for her son,
Jesus. Her home was probably one or two rooms added on to other domestic
dwellings where extended family and relatives shared a common oven, cistern and
grinding mill. The few animals they had were kept indoors in the cold season to
add heat in the home. It is doubtful she knew how to read or write; she learned
the Scriptures from public reading in the synagogue and from Joseph in the home.
She probably kept a kosher kitchen and had a mezuzah mounted on the entrance
doorway which she reverently touched every time she entered. And there is more -
but for that, you must read this Catholic Update for yourself. Holy Mary, Mother
of God, pray for us!
OUR LADY'S MONTH
The month of May has always and ever awakened in the hearts of Catholic women
and men something beautiful and sublime. Even nature bursts forth in bloom
having relaxed its cold grasp upon the forces within its bosom to give new life
and beauty to the world about us.
There seems to be a rejuvenation or spirit with us and as though we were little
children again, in our spiritual lives, we turn to our Mother. We pray fervently
that this blessed month will lift our hearts and thoughts to her who is our
great Mediatrix before the throne of God.
Catholics give Mary a place as God himself has given to her beyond and above all
created individuals because she was chosen by God to be without sin. She was the
instrument by which Christ became human.
That is why we honor our Blessed Lady! This is why we are so devotionally proud
of her! She was one of us and in her we are all exalted and lifted up because
she who was of the human family was without sin. So then we ask you to join with
us in the glorious Marian hymns during the month of May, filling our souls with
love for her who is "our fallen nature's solitary boast." In honoring her we
come closer to Jesus, Her Divine Son, our God and Risen Savior. May Crowning
will be held Friday, May 16th at 2:00PM with Holy Name School students.
CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN
How did you hear the Good News today? Next week’s collection supports
the Bishops’ Catholic Communications Campaign (CCC). For more than 25 years, the
CCC has been spreading the Gospel message locally and nationally on radio,
television, in print, and on the Internet. It is only through donations from
Catholic parishioners that the work of the CCC is possible. Please contribute
generously to the Campaign in the upcoming parish collection (an envelope for
this collection can be found in your May packet). Half of the collection will
remain in our diocese to fund local Catholic communication efforts. Visit
www.CatholicCommunicationCampaign.org for national program information. The
Catholic Communication Campaign - it’s how the Good News gets around.
CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE - “ANSWER THE CALL” 2008
The 12th Catholic Men's Conference will be held on Saturday, June 7th at Saint
Francis University. Speakers include Alex Jones, Peter Herbeck, and Father
Timothy Harris. Confessions at Noon, preceded with a Penance Service from Father
David Peles. Lunch at Tovarian Hall is included. Mass at 4:00 PM, Father Anthony
Legarsky, celebrant. For more information go to our website www.thecallpa.org or
call Tom Deskevich at 472-5903.
ELEMENTARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CCD) NEWS
1. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CCD) CLOSING MASS - The closing Mass and last class for
Religious Education grades 1 through 6 will be on Tuesday, May 13 at 3:40PM.
Students will receive Religious Education Report Cards on this day. Parents and
parishioners are invited to attend. NOTE: Dismissal for grade 6 will be after
Mass at approximately 4:30PM from church..
2. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - July 14 - 18. Volunteers both adult and student
(grade 6 and older) needed Student registration forms will be sent home in May.
Questions? Call Mary Harvey at 472-8139.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Holy Name VBS will be held Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 18 from 9:00-11:45AM.
LOOKING FOR A CRAFT DIRECTOR: If you are interested in planning, organizing and
teaching crafts for different grade levels, and working with craft volunteers,
please call Mary Harvey at 472-8139. VBS teachers and other adult volunteers
still needed. YOUTH VOLUNTEERS: All youth (grade 6 and older) volunteer forms
are due by May 16. If you are interested in helping but are not sure you will be
available for VBS week, volunteer now anyway. If you do not have a form or need
more information please call Mary Harvey at 472-8139.
FR. SICHKO: GRATITUDE - A MARK OF EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
First and foremost, leaders in the home must have an inner anchor to stay
positioned and steady in a constantly changing world. Jesus’ anchor was his
heavenly Father. Secondly, leaders must show gratitude. Like Jesus, we need an
attitude of gratitude. Everything is grace. Everything is a gift from our
heavenly Father. Notice that the Eucharistic Prayers of the Mass are prayers of
gratitude: “Lift up your hearts.... Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” “It
is right to give him thanks and praise” “Father, it is our duty and our
salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks through your beloved Son,
Jesus Christ.” Let’s lead our families in gratitude!
STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE - SOLUTIONS
Stewardship solved the problems of the early Church and it can solve ours. Holy
Scripture makes it clear that God gives back to us what we give to Him. God is
not a taker in any area; He is a giver in all areas. Jesus said: “Give and it
shall be given to you. For with the same measure you measure, it shall be
measured to you.” (Lk 6:38)
RCIA CATHOLIC INQUIRY
Do you know someone interested in becoming Catholic? Information sessions
monthly, starting Tues, May 20, 7PM in the Church Library. Call Sr. Margie,
472-8315.
MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: THE LETTERS OF ST. PAUL
Pope Benedict has announced a Year of St. Paul. Sr. Margie will teach monthly
classes, 7PM:
May 20 - I and II Thessalonians
Sept.16 - Ephesians
Timothy TBA
June 26 - I Corrinthians
Oct. 21 - Philippians
Titus TBA
July 29 - II Corrinthians
Nov. 18 - Colossians
Romans TBA
Aug.19 - Galatians
Dec. 11 - Philemon
PEACE AND JUSTICE COURSE (Diocesan Certification)
Sr. Margie at Holy Name; June18/19, 8:30-2:30PM. Third date TBA. Catholic School
Teachers and Catechists must register through Diocesan Education Office,
695-5579.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
All parish members are invited to enjoy an evening at Cresson Lake Playhouse
watching the popular show Disney’s High School Musical. We have reserved 45
tickets for Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 8:00PM. Prices are $16 for adults and $7
for children (10 and under). We are receiving a group rate for this show.
Reservation slips are located at the entrances of the church. Forms/money due by
May 26, 2008 and may be returned to Holy Name School, CCD teacher or via the
collection basket. Sponsored by the Youth Activities Committee.
BIRTHRIGHT - CARNATION DAYS
Friends of Birthright will be accepting donations in exchange for carnations
before and after all Masses this weekend. Birthright is an interdenominational
pregnancy support service that empowers women who are facing an unintended
pregnancy to decide to carry their babies to term. Birthright helps women in
these situations find medical care, clothing, food, even housing. For thousands
of women, Birthright is hope. Hope that they, and their unborn children are not
alone. Since 1980, over 5,000 babies have been born in our area under the
auspices of Birthright. Your support helps Birthright sustain the gift of life.
Thank you.
CEMETERY: SPRING CLEANING
We ask a dose of patience from families who have buried a loved one in Holy Name
Cemetery since last Fall. The Cemetery Association assumes the responsibility of
proper backfill to all recent burial plots with topsoil and grass seed as part
of proper care to it’s beautiful cemetery, God’s Sacred Acre.
MAUSOLEUM NEWS
Mausoleum vases are available for purchase at the rectory for the price of
$150.00 per unit. This price includes one solid brass vase, with removable
insert, the removal of crypt face for drilling, permanent mounting of the vase
and the replacement of crypt face.
When leaving the Mausoleum Chapel, please remember to TURN OUT THE LIGHTS.
FATIMA DEVOTIONS
The Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. from Loretto invite you to participate with them
in celebrating the Fatima Devotions on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00PM. The devotions
will be held at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Loretto. The
singing will be led by the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and
the sermon will be delivered by Fr. Jack McDowell, O.F.M. A cordial welcome to
all.
APEX THANK YOU
We would like to thank everyone who helped make the Fourth Annual Basket Social
a success. Whether you made a cash donation, donated a basket, sold tickets or
helped with the preparation, spread the word about the event or came to the Tea,
it would not have been successful without all of you!
SUPPORT WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 AUSTRALIA - CURRENT FUND RAISERS
1. PLANT SALE - DRAHNAK’S GREENHOUSE - now available through the growing
season! Vouchers are $13.00, redeemable at Drahnak’s Greenhouse, 393 Plank Rd,
Ebg. The voucher is good for one flat of vegetables or annual flowers (can be
mixed or matched) or a hanging basket. Use the vouchers for Father’s Day,
Birthdays, Memorial Day graveside plantings, spruce up your porch with hanging
baskets or planting your Spring garden!
2. SUBWAY COUPONS - Coupons are $5.00 each and contain 2 offers: 1) one 6
inch sub, chips (or cookie) and a 21 oz. drink 2) the other half of the coupon
is good for $1.00 off a regular foot-long sub. What a great way to feed the
family on the run to baseball/softball practice/games, sporting events, music
lessons, dance class or just for lunch or supper!
PLANT VOUCHERS AND SUBWAY COUPONS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING ONE OF THE
FOLLOWING: Diane or Matt Bopp at 472-4331, Brett Donoughe at 472-4267, Ricky
Drahnak at 471-3996 or Luke Caroff at 472-4939.
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 - all 8th thru 12th graders are invited to the APEX room for
Movie Night on Sun. May 18 from 6:30-9:00PM.
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.
|
Menu