St. Bernadette Catholic Church
1343 Wheeling Road
Lancaster, Ohio   43130
 
Tel:  740-654-1893
Fax:  740-687-5926
 

 

 

Weekly Bulletin
August 29, 2010

 


Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Prayer

Almighty God,
every good thing
comes from you.
Fill our hearts
with love for you,
increase our faith,
and by your constant care
protect the good
you have given us.
We ask this
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son,
who lives and reigns
with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

In September the Pope Asks Our Prayers

... that in less developed
parts of the world
the proclamation
of the Word of God
may renew people's hearts,
encouraging them
to work actively
toward authentic social progress.

... that by opening our hearts
to love
we may put an end
to the numerous wars and conflicts
which continue
to bloody our world.

Morning Prayer

BREMEN ST. MARY:   MONDAY - FRIDAY @ 8 AM
ST. BERNADETTE:   MONDAY @ 8:45 AM

Coming Events


  • Sunday, August 29     Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
    • 10:30 am   Mass  
    •   5:00 pm   Mass  
    •   6:15 pm   Teen Cantor practice in church


  • Monday, August 30
    •   8:15 am   Mass  
    •   6:30 pm   Ministry of Consolation meeting at Ann's house


  • Tuesday, August 31
    •   8:15 am   Mass  
    • 10:00 am   Scripture Study with Sr. Nancy (MPR)
    •   5:00 pm   "Weekly Reflections" St. Gabriel Radio 1580 am radio with Bishop Campbell


  • Wednesday, September 1
    •   8:05 am   Home & School Meeting the Mary Good Center MPR
    •   5:30 pm   Confessions
    •   6:00 pm   Mass  


  • Thursday, September 2     1st Thursday
    •   8:15 am   Mass  
    • 12:35 pm   "Catholic Insight" 1320 (WLOH) am radio with Fr. Kessler & Fr. Walter


  • Friday, September 3     1st Friday
    •   8:15 am   Mass  
    •   5:30 pm   Wedding rehearsal


  • Saturday, September 4     1st Saturday
    •   8:15 am   Mass  
    •   9:30 am - 2 pm   Cantor Meeting in church
    •   3:00 pm   Confessions
    •   4:00 pm   Vigil Mass  


  • Sunday, September 5     Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
    • 10:30 am   Mass  
    •   5:00 pm   Mass  

Please Pray for:
       
  Brian Sampson Nicole Smith  
  Carolise Schmelzer Mary Louise Snider  
  Les Schmelzer Cindy Spires  
  Patrick Schooley Jenny Sutherland  
  Bert Sells Ben Thimmes  
  Helen Sevigny Derek Upp  
  Fr. Thomas Shonebarger Bari Watkins  
  Courtney Slay Hugh Wemer  
       
       
  Call the church office at 654-1893 or email  
  saintb@stbparish.org to add the name of an  
  individual in need of prayer for healing.  
       

"Catholic Insight" (1320 WLOH AM RADIO) is on every Thursday from 12:35 to 1:00 PM

Catholic Online
Local School Websites
Part 1 of 1


St. Bernadette Elementary School:
www.stbernadetteschool.com
St. Bernadette Elementary School
1325 Wheeling Road
Lancaster, Ohio   43130
Tel: 740-654-3137
email: stbernlan@ceducation.org

William V. Fisher Catholic High School:
www.fishercatholic.org
William V. Fisher Catholic High School
1803 Granville Pike
Lancaster, Ohio   43130
Tel: 740-654-1231
email: jsilcott@cdeducation.org

St. Bernadette Parish -- Celebrating God's Gifts

When The Next Generation Leaves The Church

        Families hurt when a young member leaves the Church.   They should.   If they don't care, it is a matter of something awfully important being shrugged off.

      Sometimes it is a matter of adolescent rebellion against the ways of the previous generation.   Then it usually is not a lasting departure.   Sometimes it is the rejection of the Faith by someone who just doesn't want to go to the trouble that fidelity requires.   But for people who treasure their Catholic Faith, who went to some trouble to pass it on as their most precious heritage to the ones they love most, who know that their own people, went to a lot of trouble to keep the Faith alive, it is traumatic to see a younger generation just chuck it.

      Many of us have ancestors who did indeed go to a lot of trouble to keep the Faith.   If you are of Irish descent, for instance, you may have had Catholic ancestors who suffered economic persecution, often crippling their resources with confiscatory fines, for not attending the established Protestant church that was imposed from outside.   If your people are from Western Europe your ancestors may have been victims of the brutal and murderous persecution that was unleashed on many counties by the French revolution.   And these persecution have extended into our own times.   In Mexico and in Spain, within living memory people were often put to death for their adherence to the Catholic Faith.   If you come from Eastern Europe you might be aware of the persecution your family underwent from communists or Nazis.   This has been a permanently recurring aspect of the life of serious Catholics.   And it is a faith worth dying for.   This explains the hymn most of us grew up knowing
Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whenever we hear that glorious Word!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers, we will love Both friend and foe in all our strife; And preach Thee, too, as love knows how By kindly words and virtuous life. Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death.
      The claims of our Catholic Faith are true or they are not true.   The demands of the Church oblige us or they do not oblige us.   It is worth staking your life on or it is not worth staking your life on.

      I believe it is the True Faith.   I believe that the Church's demands oblige us.   I believe it is worth staking my life on.   A "Catholic Lite" which waters all that down is just not worth the bother.

      The Church is a family.   We are a community, a fellowship.   There can be, there needs to be a friendly atmosphere here.

- Father Kessler      
 

Come Let Us Adore Him

      You don't have to sign up to come and pray in the adoration room, around the clock, Sunday after evening Mass until Thursday noon.   Just ring the church doorbell.

      An hour is available on
Tuesday: 3-4 pm
Wednesday: 2-3 pm  and  7-8 pm
Thursday: 10-11 am  and  5-6 pm
      If anyone is interested or know of a friend, family member, etc. who would want to have an adoration hour, please call:

            Rita Merk (654-3255)
      or
            Marti Gundelfinger (654-2277)

A Reminder About Supporting Our Parish

      We will ask EVERY PARISHIONER HOUSEHOLD to make (or increase) a PLEDGE or commitment to contribute FOR THE COMING YEAR AT MASS ON SUNDAY the 12th.   CONTRIBUTING FINANCIALLY TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR PARISH IS A RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL PARISHINOERS.   That includes kids.   That responsibility goes along with the duty to worship the Lord at Mass every Sunday, the responsibility parents have to see to it that their children participate in the religious education each session, whether daily in the Catholic school or weekly in the Parish School of Religion.   Fulfillment of these duties not only prevents the collapse of the Faith in our own lives but in our society.   It is a source of real joy for people who participate in them with a generous spirit.

Electronic Funds Transfer

      Watch this space for information about how you can make your contribution to the parish without envelopes: EFT is a new, optional way you can make a commitment to donate a specific amount to the parish.   It costs the parish 10 cents @ gift (compared to whatever your check costs you) and it provides a way to regularize and simplify your contribution to support St Bernadette.   In September we will have A PLEDGE DRIVE, asking EVERY FAMILY in the parish TO INCREASE THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT (or TO START GIVING TO THE PARISH IN A REGULAR WAY).   That's in a few weeks.   But for now, please don't wait even another week to make a special effort to support your parish.   See "Offertory Report" above to learn the urgency of this call.

Earn Cash For Our School!

      The EARNING FOR LEARNING PROGRAM at River Valley Mall lasts from August 21 - September 30.   Shop and dine to earn points for our school.   You can turn receipts in at the new bin marked "Earning for Learning" in the school hallway, or take them to the River Valley Mall Management office.   Encourage family and friends to do their "back to school shopping" during these dates at the mall.

New Extraordinary Ministers

      Bishop Campbell has appointed the newly prepared extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.   He asks that we commission them at Mass for the coming two years of service in this ministry.   We will COMMISSION THEM at whichever Mass they attend NEXT SUNDAY (after the homily).   They will be ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC MASS beginning the following Sunday.   They are asked to begin to FOLLOW THE NEW PROCEDURES for approaching the altar beginning then.

      For the REMAINING PARISHIONERS (confirmed, married in the Church, practicing Catholics) WISHING TO PARTICIPATE in this ministry, who were unable to attend the training during the summer, we will have another one-hour training session THIS THURSDAY at 7 PM.

Parish School Of Religion

      PSR classes will begin Sunday, September 12.   The FIRST DAY OF CLASS WILL BE A KICK OFF MEETING WITH ALL PARENTS AND CHILDREN in the parish hall at 9:15.   A schedule and other school materials will be distributed at this time.   Regular classes will be held before 10:30 Mass from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM.

Jillian's Dinner

      Saturday, October 23, will mark THE 10th ANNUAL JILLIAN'S DINNER at St. Bernadette Parish Hall.   Jillian's Dinner raises money to assist an individual or family who have experienced a catastrophic illness, the loss of a loved one, or other major adversity.   If you would like to nominate someone who might benefit from Jillian's Dinner, contact Kathy Wagner at 687-0504 or Kathy Kehnast at 654-9696.   All nominations will remain confidential.   During the dinner a raffle will be held to generate more funds for the family.   If you have an item to donate, bring it to parish office or contact Kathy Kehnast by October 14.

Our Parish Needs Your Generous Support

      As you might have read on the back page of the bulletin a couple of weeks ago, St. Bernadette parish is in a serious FINANCIAL SLUMP.   (Parishioners who didn't see that Sunday's bulletin can contact the parish office to get a copy).   Given the decrease in income and unexpected but unavoidable cost increases, this was a tough fiscal year for our parish.   We have already begun with some austerity measures.   In September we will have A PLEDGE DRIVE, asking EVERY FAMILY in the parish TO INCREASE THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT (or TO START GIVING TO THE PARISH IN A REGULAR WAY).   We will introduce ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER and provide envelope packets to those who will use them (as every family should).   That's in a few weeks.   But for now, please don't wait even another week to make a special effort to support your parish.

How Faith Grows


      All faith comes from God, but God works through nature - especially human nature.   Our own children's faith will be developed and nurtured through their interactions with us, their siblings, friends, teachers, and faith community.   A child learns what it feels like to "fall down and go boom" and from there develops an understanding of the concept of gravity ... or finds out what Mom means by "hot, don't touch," as a prelude to grasping the laws of thermodynamics.   Likewise, the abstract concepts of faith are grounded in real-life experiences our kids either experience or don't.   NO WONDER THE CHURCH CALLS PARENTS THE FIRST TEACHERS OF THE FAITH!

      Here are life experiences on which to build theological virtues:

      TRUST:   Children need to know it's a reliable world they live in.   If they express a need, do you provide a consistent positive response?   Are adults honest with them?   Don't threaten with scary stories that aren't true (the bogeyman is going to get you!) or apply rules and rewards inconsistently.

      FORGIVENESS:   Jesus told the ironic parable about the servant whose huge debts were forgiven who then refused to forgive a lesser debt.   Once we've tasted forgiveness, do we forgive others?   Do our children know what it feels like to forgive and be forgiven?

      EMPATHY:   Children need an experience of being identified with before they can learn to identify with others.   When a child complains, don't say, "You have nothing to cry about."   Seek to understand.   Then it will be easier to invite that child to understand a sibling, the kid down the block, or even you when you're having a bad day.

      JOY:   Have your kids seen delight in your eyes when you encounter them?   Do you make time to do fun things together?   Do you celebrate with games and music?   Joy is a sign of the presence of God - share it!

      HOPE:   Those who are hopeful know that no matter how crazy the externals are, underneath it all life makes sense.   Do you convey that even in the darkest hour a light shines through?

      OPENNESS TO THE WORD OF GOD:   Have you exposed your children to ritual and prayer?

      CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE WITH.   If it's your hope that your children will grow in faith, examine what you are teaching by your actions and reactions.


Tending The Seeds Of Faith

      The Catholic Bishops encourage you to help the Church by speaking to other families about how you are trying to follow the way of love.   Tell them how you work to stay married, how your family has overcome obstacles, how you have made time for each other.   Share with them how you have come to understand your vocation as a spouse or parent.   Give witness to your belief in God's mercy as you move toward reconciliation.   Let them glimpse how you are trying to live a simpler lifestyle, serve the needy, and build justice and peace in your community.   Your words and deeds will lend strength to others.

Adapted from Follow the Way of Love/A Pastoral Message to Families,
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Praying Together

      The LITTLE FLOCK CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP welcomes you any Wednesday at 7:30 PM in the Bremen St. Mary parish hall.

RCIA

      If we, as a parish community, are to receive new members into our midst, we need to make them feel welcome and to help them to experience what Christianity means.

      September 12 will be our STARTING DATE FOR THE RCIA.   Now is the time to invite any friend, neighbor, family member who might have an interest in the Catholic Faith.   Sr. Nancy would be happy to meet with anyone to answer any questions.   Call Sister at (740) 654-1893.

Expecting A Baby?

      If you are expecting or have recently given birth to a new baby, it is time to begin raising your child in the Faith.   Jesus said "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them."   It is great to have family and loved ones in attendance, but even more important is getting on with it.   BAPTISM CLASSES have been scheduled FOR BOTH PARISHES for Wednesday evenings at the beginning of each season, at 7 PM.   The first class will be held September 22, in the Mary Good Center behind the church at St. Bernadette (subsequent classes will be December 2, March 16, June 15).   It is required that you participate in one of these classes AS A COUPLE (unless attendance is impossible, in which case, some discussion with Sister Nancy will be necessary).   It is strongly recommended that the classes be taken BEFORE THE CHILD IS BORN.   If you are pregnant or planning to become parents, call Sr. Nancy at (740) 654-1893 to register.

Serra Club

      Serra is an international group of laypersons named for the Spanish Franciscan Friar who was an early missionary to California.   Serrans SUPPORT AND PRAY FOR VOCATIONS to the priesthood and religious life.   The Lancaster area Serra Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at St. Mary in Lancaster at 7 PM.

The Catholic Faith on 1320 WLOH


      Tune in to CATHOLIC INSIGHTS, the weekly Catholic radio evangelization program on 1320 am or 104.5 fm WLOH in Lancaster, every Thursday at 12:30 PM.   The hosts are Father Kessler and Father Walter.   The program spreads the Catholic message about Jesus and his Church to the people of our community.   Listen to the program anytime at www.wloh.net.

Weekly Reflections From The Chair

      Bishop Campbell is on ST. GABRIEL CATHOLIC RADIO 1580 am for weekly reflections from 5 to 5:15 PM on Tuesdays.   Streaming audio is available at www.stgabrielradio.com.

Attend Mass Wherever You Go

      Times and locations of Masses in Catholic Churches in the United States may be obtained from www.masstimes.org or CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE.   With a bit of planning YOU CAN fulfill your Sunday obligation when you are on the road.

Put Christ At The Center Of Your Marriage

      Open your hearts to the special grace of matrimony by attending a WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER weekend!   The next Marriage Encounter weekends in central Ohio, are September 24-26 and November 5-7.   For information or to register, contact Paul & Marilou Clouse at (740) 746-9003 or visit www.wwmecolumbus.org.

Wheels In The Woods

      WHEELS IN THE WOODS car show will be held on Sunday, September 12, from 1-5 PM, at Sts. Peter and Paul Retreat Center in Newark.   Entry fee is $8 with registration until 3 PM that day.   Come join the fun: 50/50 raffle, door prizes, food, and a special appearance by the Crewzers (Columbus Crew cheerleaders).   Call Jim Matheny at 740-334-1823 to register or for information.   Proceeds will benefit the retreat center.

Silent Weekend Retreat For Men

      Father Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S, will be the retreat director and the theme will be: WE ARE REDEEMED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.   For information contact Tim Kennedy at 614-855-2105 or Charles Kielkopf at 614-268-0175.

Breakfast With The Bishop

      The Catholic Social Services annual BREAKFAST WITH THE BISHOP will be held on Friday, September 17 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus.   Breakfast begins at 7:30 AM.   Speakers for the event are Bishop Frederick Campbell and Fr. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA.   All proceeds from the breakfast will support the vital programs and services of Catholic Social Services.   Individual tickets are available for $40.   To inquire about purchasing tickets or event sponsorship, contact Merry Ralston at 614-857-1254 or mralston@colscss.org.

Friends Of The Poor Walk

      THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL will hold their annual Friends of the Poor Walk on Saturday, September 25, at Whitehall Community Park on Hamilton Road in Whitehall.   The walk begins at 9:30 AM.   Registration starts at 8:45 AM.   Walk or sponsor a walker to raise money for those who need it.   To register, visit www.svdpusa.org and click on Friends of the Poor Walk or contact Dennis Hanzel at 614-475-6674.

Prayer When You Are Out Of Work

      A RETREAT FOR THOSE WHO ARE RECENTLY UNEMPLOYED will be held at St. Therese's Retreat Center in Columbus, Thursday, September 30, from 10 AM to 5 PM.   In these difficult economic times, many individuals and families are struggling to deal with layoffs and unemployment.   This retreat is intended to provide a space for people who have recently lost their jobs or suffer from the current economic crisis.   The retreat offers an opportunity for people to come together and feel God's loving presence and hear about practical strategies for new employment and linkages that can be of assistance to them.   There is no cost for the retreat and simple lunch that will be served.   To register, contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or email socmailbox@colsdioc.org.

Visiting The Sick And HomeBound

      If you - or someone you know - would like to receive Holy Communion, but cannot attend Mass because of hospitalization or being homebound, notify the St. Mary (740-569-7929) or St. Bernadette (740-654-1893) parish office.

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen
And Listen So Kids Will Talk

      It's a popular program offering communication skills for parents.   The sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, and November 4, 11, from 7 to 9 PM, at Immaculate Conception in Columbus.   Advance registration is required.   Fee is $30/couple or $25/individual; financial assistance is available.   For information and to register, call the Marriage and Family Life Office at 614-241-2560 or e-mail flomailbox@colsdioc.org.

Authority Of The Sacred Scriptures

      The Coming Home Network will host their 8th annual conference called HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION – AUTHORITY OF THE SACRED SCRIPTURES, in Columbus on October 22 to 24.   This is an event not to be missed, bringing together nine of our nation's leading Catholic speakers: Msgr. Frank Lane, Dr. Scott & Kimberly Hahn, Dr. Kenneth Howell, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Fr. Ray Ryland, Richard Lane, Bruce Sullivan, Patrick Madrid, Dr. Paul Thigpen, and Marcus Grodi.   For information contact THE COMING HOME NETWORK at (800) 664-5110 or (740) 450-1175 or at www.chnetwork.org or www.hfaf2010.com.

Fund Catholic Tuition Assistance

      The third annual CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOL VIRTUES will be Tuesday, November 9.   Funds raised from this evening will directly benefit Catholic school tuition assistance.   Plan now to support this vital effort to make Catholic education a reality for all Catholic families who seek it.   Call (614) 221-5829 for details or email gala@cdeducation.   Spread the word; save the date.

Visit Our Lady Of Consolation

      There will be a SADIE CORRY PILGRIMAGE to the Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio on Wednesday, October 6.   We will meet at St. Bernadette parking lot at 7 AM.   Cost is $25 (lunch can be purchased at the cafeteria).   Paid reservations must be received by September 8.   Make check payable to and send reservation to
Margaret Kronebitter
2700, Wayne Ridge Rd.,
Zanesville, Ohio 43701-9240.
      Questioners should contact Rita Merk at 654-3255.

Where Should You Send A Bulletin Notice?

      BULLETIN NOTICES should be sent to the appropriate office by 9 AM on Friday one week prior to publication.       MASS ANNOUNCEMENTS (when these are really necessary) must be given to the parish office by 9 AM on Friday.

Blood is a symbol of life.


In the New Covenant life is expressed in the Blood of Christ.
When we drink from the cup, we associate ourselves with Christ
in offering our life blood that others might find life in Christ.
Every time, then, that we participate in the Eucharist,
we renew our missionary commitment.
We can never rest until all of humanity finds life in Christ.
"Out of gratitude we share our income for the works of God."

Women's Breakfast

      The Columbus Catholic Women's Conference and the St. Andrew's Women's Club is holding its first Columbus Catholic Women's Breakfast, September 25 at St. Andrew Church in Upper Arlington.   Mass begins at 9AM and a catered breakfast will follow in Nugent Hall.   Rachel Muha will share her story of forgiveness and her work with inner city children at the Run the Race Center.   Cost is $10.   For information and to register online, visit www.columbuscatholicwomen.com.

We Welcome New Members:   For Parish Registration, please fill a Form for Registration/Information Changes, available in the lobbies of the Church and School and return it in the mail to our Church Office or place in the collection basket on the weekend.   Also available we have a list of our Parish Ministries.   Please take one.

Parishioner:   If you have any changes (members, address, phone no., etc.), please fill out a Form for Registration/Information Changes and place it in the collection basket on the weekend.   Please notify us if you are moving away.

Parish Hall & Mary Good Center Multi-Purpose Room Reservations:   Please contact Darlene for the Parish Hall and Irene for the Mary Good Center MPR.   We need the exact times the facilities will be used including set-up, tear down, and clean-up time (not just the time the event is scheduled to occur).   We have policies and paperwork that need to be completed.   The Diocese of Columbus is no longer providing insurance for certain events.   If you use the facilities without permission, you will be responsible for any insurance problems that arise.

FLOWER CHART:   Please sign up to sponsor flowers for the altar.   There are plenty of spaces left on the two sign up sheets in the school hallway.   More than 1 person can sign up per week.   Make our altar beautiful each Sunday.   The cost is $30.

RELIGIOUS BOOKS that are for sale in the book rack in the back of the Church, please put money in an envelope and drop it in the offertory basket on the weekend.   Thank You.

 

 

 
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