ST. JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH MARCH 22, 2015 CHATTANOOGA

ST. JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
MARCH 22, 2015
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Mar 28-29
MASS INTENTIONS AND READINGS
Sat 3/21
8:15am
5:30pm
7:30pm
Sun 3/22
8:00am
10:30am
12:15pm
5:30pm
Mon 3/23
8:15am
Tue 3/24
8:15am
Wed 3/25
8:15am
7:00pm
Thu 3/26
8:15am
Fri 3/27
8:15am
Sat 3/28
8:15am
5:30pm
7:30pm
Sun 3/29
8:00am
10:30am
12:15pm
5:30pm
Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7; Jn 7:40-53
Sat
INT of Georgina Ann Neville – Rick & Elise Phillips
INT of Jerry & Peggy Violette – Deacon Gaspar
& Barbara DeGaetano
Special Intention – Mass in Spanish
Sun
Jer 31:31-34; Ps 51; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33
† Mary Ann Steigelman – Joe & Helen Steigelman
† Tom Eggebrecht – Marie Eggebrecht
† Bob Garrison – John & Faye Martin
INT of St. Jude Parishioners
If you are an EM and would like to receive an EMAIL schedule, please
write to [email protected].
Dn 13:1-62; Ps 23; Jn 8:1-11
INT of Raleigh & Alice Cooper – Helena Mendzef
CONTACT PARISH OFFICE REGARDING
Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102; Jn 8:21-30
INT of Mary Hopper – Rick & Elise Phillips
ADORATION -- Monday through Friday, 6am (or 9am for
Summer Schedule) to 9pm, in the Chapel. Sign up for a weekly
hour or drop in anytime.
Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Ps 40; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
INT of Deacon Gaspar & Barbara DeGaetano –
Ann Hammers
INT of Jose & Blessie DeGuzman – Rick & Elise
Phillips
ANOINTING OF THE SICK – Anyone entering the hospital or
in serious ill health may be anointed.
Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105; Jn 8:51-59
INT of Paul & Jean Trudel – Helena Mendzef
BAPTISM – Parents must attend a baptismal preparation class
before having their first child baptized.
Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18; Jn 10:31-42
CATHOLIC CONNECTION – For adult Catholics who have
been Baptized but not Confirmed, or who are Confirmed but
inactive or not fully practicing.
INT of Bob & Rosalie Kozloski – Helena Mendzef
Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31; Jn 11:45-56
† Bill Givens – Elizabeth Dahlstrom
INT of Richard Towner – Deacon Gaspar &
Barbara DeGaetano
Special Intention – Mass in Spanish
CONFIRMATION – Classes are required and begin in October.
Must be 9th grade or older.
FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED – If you would benefit from
using a hearing assistance device, please see an usher before
Mass or contact the Parish Office during the week.
Mk 11:1-10; Is 50:4-7; Ps 22; Phil 2:6-11;
Mk 14:1—15:47
† Michael Prendergast – His Wife, Children
& Grandchild
† Socrates Sabater – George & Shirley Haggard
† Ruby Pospisil – Bob & Rosalie Kozloski
INT of St. Jude Parishioners
MATRIMONY – Four-month notice required.
PARISH RELIGIOUS ED (PRE) – For 4-year-old preschoolers
through 8th graders.
RCIA/INQUIRY CLASSES – For non-Catholics who would like
to learn about the Catholic Faith.
LECTORS: Mar 28-29
Sat
Sun
5:30pm
8:00am
10:30am
12:15pm
5:30pm
ROSARY – Prayed daily in Chapel after the 8:15am Mass, after
7pm Mass for Vocations on the second Monday of each month,
and at 3pm on the first Saturday (Patriotic).
Barbara DeGaetano
Naino Leo, Jr.
Kathie Etherton
Brenda McConnell
Stephanie Gabor
YOUTH – Contact Alicia Bradshaw ([email protected];
870-8002) or Gracie McGuire ([email protected]; 5045864). www.stjudechattanooga.org/youthministry/index.html
ALTAR SERVERS: Mar 28-29
Sat
Sun
5:30pm V Baltz, B DeGaetano, J Grau, J & P Ingram,
J Trochelman
8:00am L & L Burke, D Gabor, M Greene,
A & G Salatka
10:30am T & M Bombassi, Z Bombassi, T Cherian,
S Joyce, E Pelton
12:15pm M Bautista, E & B McGann, D Picard,
MR Quito, Agnes Wheeler
5:30pm J Bradshaw, B & N Byrne, M Dement,
M Gaynor, B Malo
5:30pm
8:00am
10:30am
12:15pm
5:30pm
VOCATIONS CHALICE NEXT WEEKEND
Call Erin Wiles at 901-240-3844 to volunteer.
C Arnold, P Murphy, E Smith
A Rodriguez, JB Tabang
L Burns, D Mariani, M Mariani
A Mildenberger, O Mildenberger
R Wells, R Zeik
Sunday, March 29, at 12:15pm
Paul & Karen Schulz with Jackie
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FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
THIS WEEK AT ST. JUDE
SPIRITUAL LIFE
To add, remove, or restore a family member’s name,
please call the Parish Office.
A second collection for our Diocesan Seminarians will
be taken on Easter weekend, April 4-5. Please be
generous in your support for our future priests!
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK
Maria Alder, Kathryn Arnold, Ave Bareham, Shelly Benjamin,
Tom Black, Landyn Bomar, Elizabeth Booth, Fr. Joe Brando, Ben
Byrne, Tom Cain, Gertrude Camacho, Steve Campbell, Michael
Casey, William Chepul, Margaret Christnacht, Ann Marie
Cooper, Larry Copeland Jr., Bettye Cotter, Nancy Cunningham,
Lauren Dean, Edward DeVasher, Earl Diehl, Therese Dobard,
Mavis Dove, Marilyn Dyer, Regina Fountain, Joe Fox, Evelyn
Gabor, Renae Gajownik, Steve Gardner, Emily Ghasemi,
Victoria Goduco, Dennis Greenwood, Ann Hammers, Jenny
Hays, Bernadette Hemeyer, Alex Hubbard, Amy C. Jacob, John
Lanaman, Joanie Lee, Linda Lichner, Campbell Long, Trudy
Masic, Theresa McAndrews, Dale McCaa, Trinity Meade, Ed
Moore, Robert Moore, George O’Dell, Martha O’Neill (mother of
Fr. John O’Neill), Pirtle Family, Charles Plant, Joan Porterfield,
Jose Que Pua, Tina Puleo, John Purvis, Rebecca Randolph, Frank
Rogers, Miryan Rojas, Christina Salamone, Monsignor George
Schmidt, Matilda Sesko, Theresa Slaughter, Gary Spaniak, Mary
Stangarone, Bob Sullivan, Marie Tingle, Lisa & Glenda
Tomasiello, Robert Weekly, Brian White, Susan White, Carolyn
Williams, Victoria Wing, Debbie Worley, James Wright, Leanna
Young, Ellen Zahorec
EACH FRIDAY DURING LENT
5:30 pm
Mass in Church
5:30–7:00pm
K of C Fish Fry, Siener Hall
7:00 pm
Stations of the Cross, Church
Monday, March 23
3:30pm Legion of Mary (Youth)
7:00pm Knights of Columbus
Tuesday, March 24
10:00am Bridge Group
10:30am Fr. Charlie’s Lenten Bible Study
11:00am Pinochle Group
6:00pm World of Hope
7:00pm Fr. Charlie’s Lenten Bible Study
Wednesday, March 25
9:00am All Things Catholic
6:00pm VISIONS
6:30pm St. Monica Novena
6:30pm PRE
7:00pm RCIA
7:30pm 12:15 Choir Practice
Thursday, March 26
11:00am Librarians
5:00pm Line Dancing
6:00pm World of Hope
7:00pm Rosary Makers
Friday, March 27
9:00am Legion of Mary (Adults)
5:30pm Lenten Mass
5:30pm Fish Fry (until 7pm)
7:00pm Stations of the Cross
Saturday, March 28
9:00am Church Cleaners
Sunday, March 29
10:45am Children’s Liturgy
11:00am 12:15 Choir Practice
4:30pm 5:30 Choir Practice
Library
PLC
Hrwd A
Church
Dupree
Dupree
Church
Dupree
Gym
Chapel
School
PLC
Church
FOR OUR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN
Brandy Bazemore, Thomas Bazemore, Richard Bryant, John ain
III, Matthew Cain, Eric Flerchinger, Nathaniel Garza, William
Garza, Joseph Gaston, Samuel Hunter, Michael Knee, Luke
Lewis, Stephen McGrath, Thomas McGrath, Erin Cain Poe
Library
Siener
Hrwd A
Library
AND FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF
Anthony DeMatteo
Library
Church
Siener
Church
Prayer Requests entered into the book in the chapel are prayed for each
weekday by the Rosary Group. For Emergency Requests Only, call
Prayer Help Line volunteers Vicki Baltz (842-6094), Sharon Moss
(875-2230), or Theresa Slaughter (842-7890).
Church
RCIA INQUIRY CLASS SCHEDULE
Library
Library
Church
For those interested in learning more about the Church:
Time
7:30 to 8:30pm
Place
St. Jude Parish Life Center Library
Dates
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, April 7,
May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4
Facilitator
Paul Trudel: 843-1611
Coordinator Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano: 596-9669
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY WITH FR. CHARLIE
You are invited to Fr. Charlie’s Lenten Bible Study on the
Sunday Readings held in the church at 10:30am and
repeated at 7pm each Tuesday through March 24
MONTHLY VOCATIONS MASS
Fr. Charlie will celebrate a Mass for Vocations on
Monday, April 13, at 7pm in the Church. Everyone is
invited to attend and pray for vocations to the priesthood
and religious life. Stay after Mass to pray the rosary in the
Chapel for vocations.
DAILY MASS DURING LENT
8:15am Monday through Saturday;
7pm Wednesday; 5:30pm Friday
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ST. JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
MARCH 22, 2015
SPIRITUAL LIFE
PARISH LIFE
Palm Sunday, March 29
HAITI MINISTRY SEA CONTAINER SUNDAY
April 19, 7am to 6pm
Saturday Masses at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm (Spanish)
Sunday Masses at 8:00 am, 10:15 am, 12:30 pm & 5:30 pm
(Note time changes for second and third Masses)
REQUESTED ITEMS
General
6 cases of 8 ½ x 11 copy paper, 2 cases of 8 ½ x 14 copy
paper, Backpacks (no wheels), Toothpaste, Toothbrushes,
Soap, Twin sheets
School
Spiral or composition notebooks, Pencils, Crayons, Manila
folders (12 x 14)
Hospital
Blood pressure cuffs, Pens (black), Bandages & band aids
(any kind)
Agriculture
Small garden tools (hand tools), Seeds: beets and broccoli
(hybrid ok), No GMO seeds: cabbage, carrots (orange),
leeks, onions, Roma tomatoes, hot peppers, sweet peppers,
eggplant, lettuce
Playground & Sports Items
Monetary donations toward rubber mulch and ground
cover for playground, Balls and sport items: large balls
such as soccer balls and kick balls must be deflated to ship,
Air pumps, Tennis balls, Tennis shoes, Shin guards,
Jerseys, Athletic socks, Soccer cleats, Whistles, Sports
bottles, Jump ropes, Frisbees (no baseball or football items)
“Jesus in Jerusalem”
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Continuous Adoration: 7:00 pm Palm Sunday, March 29,
through Holy Thursday, April 2, at 12 noon
Regular schedule resumes April 7
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Holy Week Schedule
Confessions will be heard as usual on Wednesday, April 1,
6:00-6:45 pm; Confessions WILL NOT be heard
on Holy Saturday, April 4
Holy Thursday, April 2
No morning Mass
7:00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper in English
8:30 pm in Spanish
Good Friday, April 3
No morning Mass; 2:00 pm Stations of the Cross
7:00 pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in English only
Holy Saturday, April 4
No morning Mass; 10:00 am Parish-wide church cleaning;
1:00 pm Practice for Easter Vigil; No Confessions;
8:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass in English, 11:30 pm in Spanish
BOX TOPS & LABELS FOR EDUCATION
PROGRAMS AT ST. JUDE SCHOOL
Please place your Box Tops and Labels for Education items
in the Campbell Soup logo bin or Box Top labeled
container in the church vestibule. Thank you so very much
for your continued support for these programs!
Easter Sunday, April 5
Masses at 8:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:15 pm,
and 5:30 pm, all in English
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2015:
FISHING WITH OUR FATHER
MARCH MADNESS FOR HAITI
During the month of March, our Haiti Mission team is
accepting donations of sporting goods for the children of
our sister parish in Haiti. Requested are: Balls and sport
items: large balls such as soccer balls and kick balls must
be deflated to ship, Air pumps, Tennis balls, Tennis shoes,
Shin guards, Jerseys, Athletic socks, Soccer cleats,
Whistles, Sports bottles, Jump ropes, Frisbees (no baseball
or football items). Please place your donations in the box
designated in the church vestibule. Thank you!
Mark your calendars now for St. Jude’s
Vacation Bible School 2015: “Fishing with
Our Father.” Our traditional VBS program is back, under
the direction of parishioner Sandy Pricer and will be
held June 22-26, 9am to 12:30pm, for PreK4 through 5th
Grade. Look for more details and registration forms in late
March. To volunteer, call Sandy at 619-1163 or Kyra Ross
in the parish office.
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FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR LOCC
PARISH LIFE
Save the date for the LOCC’s First Annual
Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 6! You
are invited to Brainerd Golf Course for a fun
day of golf that will benefit the Ladies of Charity of
Chattanooga’s charitable mission. There will be plenty of
opportunities to support this event, whether you’re a
golfer or not. More information will be available soon. In
the meantime, get your name on the list of those who want
to volunteer, sponsor, or donate by calling or texting
planning committee member Ann May at 413-3150 or
contacting her via email at [email protected].
CHILI & DESSERT COOK-OFF
The Knights of Columbus invite you to their March social
meeting, which will be a chili and dessert cook-off. The
original idea was for the men to cook the chili and the
wives the desserts, but you do it however works best for
you! Meet at the St. Jude Parish Life Center at 6:30pm on
March 23 with your chili and/or dessert and see who
walks away with bragging rights. Can't do chili? Then
bring something else to share. For more information,
contact Paul Huinker at 486-8150.
SUGAR & SPICE BRUNCH
AT OLPH
COMMUNITY
A “Sugar and Spice Brunch” will take
place on Saturday, April 25, 10am to
12:30pm, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in
Chattanooga. Ladies of all ages are invited to gather and
share food, faith, and fun while building virtue in our
community! This event allows the Family Honor Program
to be available each year in the Chattanooga Deanery. In
addition a portion of the proceeds supports the Ladies of
Charity of Chattanooga and the recently reopened
Catholic Charities Pregnancy Center. The day includes
lovely decorated tables with a served brunch, speaker,
door prizes, and more! In the spirit of Pope Francis
declaring 2015 “The Year of Consecrated Life,” Sr. Mary
Dominic, O.P., Professor of Theology and English at
Aquinas College, will present on the theme: “Having
Courage in the New Millennium!” Tickets are $20. To
decorate a table, order tickets, or sponsor a table of 8:
contact Mary Pat Haywood (706-459-6391,
[email protected]) or Cathy Oliver (706-264-6966,
[email protected]).
CCW CONVENTION IN APRIL
All women of the parish are invited to attend the 26th
Annual Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
Convention to be held April 23-25 in Knoxville. The
weekend will include Mass with Bishop Stika, inspiring
speakers, silent auction, delicious food, entertainment, and
fellowship. Early bird registration ends April 1; save
money by registering early. For registration form, go to
www.kdccw.org/convention2015regist.pdf.
NEW PARISHIONER / CHANGES
JERUSALEM AT THE IMAX
_____ New parishioner _____Moving out of parish
Join St. Jude Youth and Families at the IMAX on
Sunday, May 29, at 7pm for a 3D spectacular cinematic
journey to Jerusalem, a country sacred to half the people
on earth. It’s been fought over more than any other place
in history, conquered and destroyed, rebuilt and
reinvented repeatedly over 5,000 years. Enjoy a
captivating film that tells the stories of Jewish, Christian,
and Muslim teens who call Jerusalem home. Contact
Alicia if you want to be part of the group rate on May 29,
or plan to attend on your own one of the screenings
scheduled at 2pm and 7pm, March 27– April 10. Cost per
person is $10.
_____ Information has changed
Name
____________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________
City, Zip ___________________________________________
Phone ____________________________________________
Detach and place in collection basket.
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ST. JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
MARCH 22, 2015
COMMUNITY
NEWS FROM CATHOLIC CHARITIES
On Thursday, March 26, Catholic Charities will host its
33rd Annual Dinner, "Commitment to Caring," at the
Chattanoogan Hotel. Honorees for this year’s event are
Sophia Bridger, Jill Dearing, Sharon Hogan, Betty Jolly,
Father Jim Vick, and Verna Watson. All proceeds support
Chattanooga-area services and programs of Catholic
Charities. For more information or to reserve tickets, call
267-1207 or email [email protected].
Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Center is looking for
compassionate relationship builders to facilitate the Earn
While You Learn program. Responsibilities will be to
assess client needs, help create personal lesson plans, and
ensure the client’s success by reviewing lessons and doing
follow-up. This volunteer position is done in two-hour
time blocks, and training is provided. If you are interested
in helping people change their lives, contact Sheri Fava at
443-6596 or [email protected] for more information.
IN SUPPORT OF MARRIAGE
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is for couples who
desire a richer, fuller marriage. A very special couple
weekend experience of caring, renewal, affirmation,
enlightenment, emotion, fun, and much more.
Dates: April 17-19
Place: Atlanta Marriott Hotel in Norcross, Georgia
Time: Begins at 8pm on Friday and concludes on Sunday
about 4pm.
Registration: www.gatn-wwme.org or 404-372-6637
Contact: Bill & Carol Louree at [email protected] or 770974-8183
CHATTANOOGA AREA
LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES
7:00pm
6:30pm
ROUECHÉ CHORALE HOLY WEEK PROGRAM
The Roueché Chorale & Orchestra, an interdenominational Christian choral group based in
Chattanooga, will present “Colors of Grace,” a moving,
Scripture-based program with chorus, orchestra, cast,
and narrator, on Tuesday, March 31, at 7pm at Brainerd
United Methodist Church, 4315 Brainerd Road,
Chattanooga, TN, 37411. Parking is available and this
program is free and open to the public. Call 855-2981, 6290333, or go to www.therouechechorale.org or Facebook.
NOTRE DAME SUMMER CAMPS
Register now! This year NDHS features
more full-day camps. Sports, fine arts,
and academic enrichment programs are
available for rising K-12. Register online
or download a brochure at www.myndhs.com. Brochures
are also available at your parish. If you would like to have
a brochure mailed to your home, please call 624-4618.
5
Mar 24
Mar 25
St. Augustine
St. Bridget, Dayton
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT
MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY FUND
Fiscal Year: July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015
Total Budget: $2,861,000
Week 37
Weekly Needs (based on budget)
Weekly Income (03-16-15)
$
$
Year to Date Needs
Year to Date Income
The Maintenance and Emergency Fund is an
outgrowth of the Journey Together Capital Campaign
that ended in December 2013. All monies given to the
fund are placed in reserve in a designated account
for maintenance concerns (the second goal of the
Journey Together campaign).
57,000.00
51,132.62
-5,867.38
Maintenance and Emergency
Fund Donations (03-16-15)
M & E Expenditures
Current Total in Reserve
$2,109,000.00
2,009,313.35
$ -99,686.65
The gift you have received, give as a gift.
Matthew 10:8
$
1,482.50
2,828.06
$337,234.09
Wherever your treasure lies, there your
heart will be. Luke 12:34
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PARROQUIA SAN JUDAS EN CHATTANOOGA
930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415
Números de Teléfono y contactos
Oficina: (423) 870-2386 (de 9:00AM a 4:00PM)
Fax: (423) 876-8960
Email: [email protected]
Web:www.stjudechattanooga.org
3/21/15
Ministerio Hispano
Padre Moisés (423) 870-2386
Horario Misa
Sábados 5:30pm (ingles)
Sábado 7.30pm (español)
Domingo 8.00am, 10:30am, 12:15pm, 5:30pm (ingles)
Diaria 8:15am (Lunes a Sábado)(ingles)
Miércoles 7:00pm y Viernes 5:30pm (ingles)
Confesiones Miércoles 6:00pm
Requisitos para Sacramentos:
Bautizos:
Tomar las pláticas pre-bautismales para padres
(registrados en la iglesia de San Judas) y padrinos
(que los Padrinos sean Católicos y estén casados
por la iglesia) y separar la fecha del bautismo con
un mínimo de 3 meses de anticipación.
* Pláticas Pre-bautismales para padres y padrinos:
Son a cargo de Alberto Rios por favor llamen a 423355-0495
Matrimonios:
Traer las partidas de bautismo y confirmación recientes
(mínimo 6 meses) de cada uno de los contrayentes,
tomar las platicas pre-matrimoniales con Carlos (12
clases), fijar las fecha de la boda con un mínimo de 5
meses de anticipación
Confesiones: Todos los miércoles a las 6pm o
Sábados a las 4pm, o por cita previa. Por favor noten que
no todos sábados o miércoles hay confesiones en
español. Hablen con las oficinas o con el Padre antes
para asegurar que padre estará confesando si necesita
que sea en español.
Primera Comunión: La primera comunión se
hace en el segundo grado y requiere dos
años se preparación. Por favor apunten a sus
hijos para las clases en el primer grado.
Clases son todos los miércoles entre
septiembre y marzo a las 6.30pm
Catecismo: Se reunen todos los miercoles en a las
6:30pm. Para mas informacion contacten a Irene al
(423)596-0053
ORACIONES
Si usted tiene una necesidad de oración
pueden escribirla en el libro de la capilla y
diariamente se ofrecen rosarios para esas
intenciones
Hermanos en Cristo
Alberto Rios (423)355-0495
Unase a el grupo de estudio de biblia.
Se reúnen los: Domingos a las 7:00pm
dirigido por Alberto Rios y el Padre
Moises en la capilla de la iglesia . Hay
Adoracion al Santismio además de
meditaciones no pierdan esto
oportunidad de acercase más a nuestro
Señor
Para registrar para los eventos contacte a
nuestra Ministra Juvenil Alicia Bradshaw
en [email protected] o 870-8002.
Vea la página web del Ministerio Juvenil
en san Judas en
http://www.stjudechattanooga.org/youth
ministry/index.html
Confirmaciones:
Asistir a las clases, junto con los padres o padrinos,
asistir a los retiros preparatorios, haber recibido los
sacramentos del bautismo y la primera comunión.
Estar dispuesto a hacer servicio a la comunidad.
Atender a misa todos los sábados o domingos.
Familia debe estar registrada en la iglesia de San
Judas. Vean a Alicia Bradshaw para más
información, formas de registro y horarios de clases
e Schedule.
Encargada del boletin Nelly Nunez
Para intenciones llamen a (423)544-9175
Información Monetaria
“Porque donde esta vuestro tesoro, allí estará
también vuestro corazón”
Lucas 12: 34
Colecta del día Domingo Marzo 15
Dinero suelto
$640.29
Sobres
(8)
$152.00
Cheques.
(2)
$25.00
“De gracia recibisteis, dad de gracia.”
Mateo 10:8
Refleccion Sobre La Palabra Del Señor
“Oh Dios crea en mí un corazón puro,
renuévame por dentro con espíritu firme”.
Termina la Cueresma y nos disponemos a
participar en el gran misterio Pascual: el paso
de la muerte a la vida de Jesucristo, el
primogénito de sus hermanos los creyentes,
con la petición de que el Señor nos conceda un
corazón entregado a la causa del Evangelio.
Pero todos sabemos que arrojar en el surco del
amor a Dios y a los demás el grano de trigo
que somos cada uno cuesta. Y cuesta más a
medida que transcurren los años y decae el
vigor propio de la juventud, al que se unen,
además, tantas decepciones que cosechamos
en esa labor. Un pesado cansancio se embosca
tras estas experiencias. Nadie está vacunado
contra estas o parecidas falsificaciones que
hacen costoso ese cambio del corazón que la
Iglesia ha ido proponiéndonos a lo largo de
estos 40 días.
Sin embargo, hay que decidirse a
sobreponerse a esa comodidad que se instala
en nosotros y que, como el grano de trigo que
quedaría sólo si se entierra, nos distancia
dolorosamente de Dios y de los demás
haciendo infecunda nuestra vida. Hay dos
pequeños sacrificios -entre tantos- que tienen
su importancia en el trato con los demás y en
quienes debemos ver la imagen de Dios:
escuchar con interés a quienes nos dirigen la
palabra, y sujetar la lengua cuando se
produzcan esas discrepancias propias de toda
convivencia.
Escuchar no es lo mismo que oír. Al cabo del
día se oyen muchas cosas pero se escucha
poco. Hay personas que, tienen tal
incontinencia verbal o que se quieren imponer
tanto a los demás, que no escuchan; sólo
hablan. Y cuando parecen escuchar, solamente
se está tomando un respiro para intervenir de
nuevo. Contestan a lo que el otro les dice
continuando con su conversación anterior. Al
conducirse así dan muestras de que el otro no
cuenta. Si hay una manera de aislarse de
quienes nos rodean es realmente ésta. Tal vez
una de las razones por las que la gente se
siente sola estribe en este defecto.
Sujetar la lengua y no almacenar agravios y
desaires. “Lejos de nuestra conducta, por
tanto, el recuerdo de las ofensas que nos
hayan hecho, de las humillaciones que
hayamos padecido -por injustas, inciviles y
toscas que hayan sido-, porque es impropio de
un hijo de Dios tener preparado un registro,
para presentar una lista de agravios” (S.
Josemaría Escrivá).
Cuando la comodidad diga: ¡bah! Cuando
estemos hechos un hervidero de odio y el
Diablo aproveche para sugerirnos que somos
esclavos de unos principios morales
trasnochados, embridemos ese animal
enfurecido en que nos convertimos a veces y
recordemos esta advertencia que el Señor nos
hace hoy: “El que se ama a sí mismo se
pierde”.
El segundo Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial en
español se realizará el 6 y 7 de junio de 2015 en
el Glenstone Lodge en Gatlinburg, TN. El costo
es de $ 250.00 por pareja e incluye alojamiento,
alimentación, y materiales de trabajo para el
encuentro. Más información con el Padre
Andres Cano en la parroquia Santa Cruz - Holy
Cross Catholic Church en Pigeon Forge, TN
Telf: 865-429-5587.
Aviso a la comunidad
el consulado Mexicano estará en
Chattanooga, Tennessee del 24 al
27 de Marzo en el centro hispano
de la Basílica de San Pedro y San
Pablo