2000 O’Block Road, Pittsburgh, Pa 15239 (Holiday Park - Plum Borough) April 12, 2015 Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) Parish Office: ................................... 412-795-3388 Website: ............................................ www.ourladyofjoy.org Email Address: ................................. [email protected] Religious Education Office: ............ 412-795-4389 Father Albert L. Zapf, Pastor Mr. Gregory Callaghan, Pastoral Associate Father Ladis J. Cizik, In Residence St. Vincent Benedictine Monks, Sunday Assistance SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Evening: ........................................... 6:00 p.m. Sunday: ........... 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 Noon DAILY MASS SCHEDULE Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: ........ 8:30 a.m. Thursday: ...................................................... 12:00 Noon PARISH RECTORY OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (CONFESSIONS) Saturday: 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, MATRIMONY OR ANOINTING OF THE SICK …… Call Parish Office for appointment. New parishioners are asked to register by calling the parish office. Parish Mission Statement Our Lady of Joy Parish is a Catholic community of faith dedicated to Mary, the cause of our joy. We are centered in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Eucharist. We are a welcoming family, striving to see Christ in all and responding to the needs of the members of our parish and community. Called to act in faith, hope and love we seek to become a visible presence of Christ in the world. Reflecting on God’s Word Can one “fathom” a mystery? “Fathom” derives from an Old English word meaning “outstretched arms;” eventually it referred to the length from fingertip to fingertip of arms opened wide. As a verb, it means to probe or penetrate in order to understand. Granting the impossibility of ever coming to fathom the Resurrection fully, I like the image of trying to reach out and put my arms around this great mystery—or, better yet, to have the risen Christ put his outstretched arms around me, drawing me into it more fully. Which brings us to Thomas. He is the original person who tried to fathom the risen Christ, insisting that if his friends in the upper room wanted him to believe what he could only think of as nonsense, he needed to touch the wounds of the risen Lord. Jesus didn’t seem to have much of a problem letting him. We never learn whether Thomas did touch Jesus or not, but every second Sunday of Easter we are told this story about Thomas and the risen Lord. It encourages us to fathom the mystery that is our faith, to learn to penetrate it by confessing Jesus as Lord and God, then allow this belief to flow out into our daily activities, reaching out to embrace others. Don’t you think when Thomas left the upper room that day he knew that the Resurrection was not something to keep to himself? That his whole being was filled with the warmth and light absorbed from being in the presence of the risen Lord? Is it possible that this can happen to us? - James A. Wallace, C.Ss. R. THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH April 13 - April 19, 2015 MONDAY • Weekday Mass - 8:30am • Chorale - 7pm ◄ TUESDAY • Weekday Mass - 8:30am • Prayer Shawl - 9am • Bible Discussion - 9:20am • Lectio Divina - 6:45pm ◄ WEDNESDAY • Weekday Mass - 8:30am • Revelations Study - 7pm • Bereavement - 7pm • Hearts Afire - 7pm • Separated & Divorced - 7pm ◄ THURSDAY ◄ • Weekday Mass - 12 Noon • Adoration & Divine Mercy - 3pm • Knights of Columbus - 7pm • Christian Ladies of Joy - 7pm FRIDAY • Weekday Mass - 8:30am • Lectio Divina - 9:15am ◄ SATURDAY ◄ • First Communion Retreat 9:30am • Sacrament of Penance - 5pm 5:30pm • Vigil Mass - 6pm • Holy Name Bingo - 7:15pm Continued on Page Three PAGE TWO From the Pastor Today we continue to celebrate the Easter Season, which will last for 50 days until Pentecost. I want to give a big Thanks to the Deacon for his help throughout Holy Week, as well as to all the servers, ushers, ministers, decorators, and music ministry, MC’s, and STAFF. On this second Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. It is really a great day of remembering once again how wonderfully generous our God is by granting us his mercy and love. On Our Lord's Divine Mercy Sunday we realize that God extends forgiveness to all sins, and He offers mercy for even the most hardened sinners! St. Pope John Paul II also made it clear that the Image of The Divine Mercy which St. Faustina saw is to be venerated on Divine Mercy Sunday. It represents the Risen Christ bringing mercy to the world. St. Pope John Paul II said: "Jesus shows His hands and His side [to the Apostles]. He points, to the wounds of the Passion, especially the wound in His Heart, the source from which flows the great wave of mercy poured out on humanity.” Saint Faustina Kowalska, said we will see two rays of light shining from that Heart and illuminating the world: ‘The two rays,' Jesus Himself explained to her one day, ‘represent blood and water' (Diary, 299). We immediately think of the testimony given by the Evangelist John, who, when a soldier on Calvary pierced Christ's side with his spear, sees blood and water flowing from it (see Jn 19:34). Moreover, if the blood recalls the sacrifice of the cross and the gift of the Eucharist, the water, represents not only Baptism but also the gift of the Holy Spirit" Divine Mercy Sunday then points us to the merciful love of God that lies behind the whole Paschal Mystery — the whole mystery of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ — made present for us in the Eucharist. In this way, it also sums up the whole Easter Octave. A Plenary Indulgence is obtained by observing the usual dispositions that are in place for the granting of this grace through the Intercession of the Catholic Church, that is: Sacramental Confession (the confession may take place some days before), Holy Eucharistic Communion, to pray for the intentions of the pope (an Our Father and Hail Mary is minimum requirement), when the faithful detached from any sin, even venial, either: ----- In any church or chapel take part in the prayers and devotions in honor of the Divine Mercy. ----- In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, say an Our Father and Creed. So, in Honor the Lord’s DIVINE MERCY, today, Sunday, we will have a holy hour beginning at 2:30pm and lasting until around 3:30pm, with the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayed at 3pm, ending with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord. We invite all who are present to come to the hall for refreshments immediately following. God bless each of you with continued good weather and good health this spring. Fr. Al Z+ OUR LADY OF JOY PARISH, HOLIDAY PARK, PA APRIL 12, 2015 PARISH NEWS ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ First Communion Mass There will be First Communion at the 12 Noon Mass on April 19. As a community we need to pray for them and congratulate them on this special sacrament. Next weekend, April 19 the following will receive their First Communion. Daniel Alvarez, Gianna Babilon, Mary Bricker, Madison D’Antonio, Maria DeMartino, Kayla Diss, Saleena Hickey, Braden Kane, Cassandra Lake, Dylan Matenkosky, Braden Mathews, Brady McLaughlin, Luke Mink, Jack Muldowney, Marco Pietropaolo, Quet Pilston, Giuliana Ricciuti, Sophie Robledo, Grace Roedersheimer, Kaylee Sweeney, Samuel Szarmach, Ava Wilson, Dakota Wilson Pre-Baptism Class A class is required for any new parent(s) wishing to have their baby baptized at Our Lady of Joy Parish. The class will be offered at 7:00pm in the Father Marchukonis Hall on May 6, 2015. Call the Parish Office at 412-795-3388 to register for the class. Bible Study on the Book of Revelation We will continue our study of the Book of Revelation after Easter on Wednesday evenings for six weeks. The study will start on Wednesday, April 15 and will continue each Wednesday (except Wednesday April 29) until Wednesday, May 27. The series is a DVD series taught by Jeff Cavins, a Scripture scholar, and proves to be very entertaining and exciting as we travel together through this much misinterpreted book of the Bible. Come and join us but first remember to call to make reservations as seating is limited to only 100 seats and it is first come-first serve. You may call Greg Callaghan at the rectory to make reservations (412) 7953388. May Crowning The month of May is traditionally known as the month of Our Lady. To honor the Blessed Virgin parishes often process and crown an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary with flowers. May Crowning at Our Lady of Joy will be on Sunday, May 3 at the 12 Noon Mass. The crown of flowers represents our prayers. This often is referred to as “May Crowning.” This rite offers the Church a chance to reflect on Mary’s important role in the history of salvation and to learn reverence for our Blessed Mother. Festival Meeting We will be holding the 2015 Parish Festival Kick-Off meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 7pm in the church hall. Anyone interested in becoming more involved in this year's festival is encouraged to attend. We are looking for someone new to chair the Food Tent and Children’s Games this year. Other commitments have left us vacancies in both of these positions. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would still like to get more involved, please contact Steve Mahr at 412-496-2559, or email him at [email protected]. SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH (Continued From Page Two) SUNDAY ◄ Third Sunday of Easter • Sunday Masses - 8:30am, 10am and 12 Noon • Children’s Liturgy of the Word 10am • First Communion - 12 Noon Sanctuary & Altar Candles The Sanctuary Candle burns in honor of the Blessed Sacrament and In Loving Memory of Florence Besselman. An Altar Candle burns for the Special Intention of Gene. Today’s Readings First Reading — With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (Acts 4:32-35). Psalm — Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting (Psalm 118). Second Reading — The victory that conquers the world is our faith (1 John 5:1-6). Gospel — Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed (John 20:19-31). Readings for the Week Monday: Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-3, 4-9; Jn 3:1-8 Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Jn 3:7b-15 Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; Jn 3:16-21 Thursday: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20; Jn 3:31-36 Friday: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1, 4, 1314; Jn 6:1-15 Saturday: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; Jn 6:16-21 Sunday: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Ps 4:2, 4, 7-9; 1 Jn 2:1-5a; Lk 24:35-48 PAGE THREE This Week’s Priest’s Private Mass Intentions PARISH NEWS ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ The Christmas and Easter Story Monday - April 13 8:30 am Nanette Palmer (Betty Walls) Tuesday - April 14 8:30 am William Mahan (Emmy Lou & Frank Caylor) Wednesday - April 15 8:30 am Elizabeth Cotter (Laylock & Siatkosky Families) Thursday - April 16 12 Noon Sal DiChiera (Adrienne & Ray Duke) Friday - April 17 8:30 am Joan Brown (Adam, Bill, Cory & Shelly) Saturday - April 18 6:00 pm For all the People of the Parish Sunday - April 19 8:30 am Robert Schonbachler (The Kisaks) 10:00 am Special Intention for the 50th Wedding Anniversary Of Betty & Stan Anderson 12 Noon Sena Petrina (Joanne & William Mahan) In Memoriam In your charity please pray for the repose of the soul of Mark Flynn, son of Jean Flynn. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace. Amen. 2015 Parish Share Total $68,950.00 PAGE FOUR Truth and Life Audio New Testament Experience these beautiful excerpts from the Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible New Testament. Endorsed with an Imprimatur and voiced by internationallyrenowned actors, this dramatized audio content is enhanced with sound effects and music that make the Christmas and Easter narratives come alive. Separated and Divorced Ministry The Separated and Divorced Ministry meets every Wednesday at 7pm in Room 1 in the Father Marchukonis Hall. All persons going through separation or divorce are welcome to attend. It is not necessary to attend all sessions as they are independent topics each week. If you are interested please call Greg Callaghan at the rectory (412) 795-3388 or email Karen Dolan at [email protected]. “April 15, Session 8 - “Kidcare” Bereavement Ministry Our bereavement ministry will have a seven-week grief support series beginning Wednesday, April 8 from 7-8:30pm. We will meet in classroom 2 downstairs in the Father Marchukonis Hall. Our support group is for those who have lost a loved one and are seeking the company of others in their time of need. We will meet every Wednesday through May 20. All are welcome. If you or someone you know might be interested please call Liz Bachtel at 724 337 0049 or the religious education office at 412 795 4389 for more information or to register. Serving Our Seniors Our Lady of Joy’s Social Services Area is inviting you to a “Getting to Know You” luncheon at King’s Family Restaurant in Holiday Park on April 22 at 12:30pm. Social Services is one of several Serving Our Seniors Ministries offered at Our Lady of Joy. King’s management is offering a 15% discount, and the use of their private room. If you can join us for food and fellowship, please RSVP by April 19 to [email protected] or phone 724-327-1178 (Beth) or 724-327-7377 (Jane). Divine Mercy/The Second Greatest Story Ever Told As a follow up to celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday why not claim your free copy of Fr. Michael Gailey’s newest book! (Just pay the shipping & handling) Go to http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/. Then hit Store and search For The Second Greatest Story Ever Told. From the author of the bestselling book 33 Days to Morning Glory comes a gripping account of the prophetic witness of St. John Paul II, and the profound connection between Marian Consecration and Divine Mercy. The Second Greatest Story Ever Told is more than a historical re-telling of the Great Mercy Pope. This book serves as an inspiration for all who desire to bear witness to the mercy of God, focused on Christ and formed by Mary. It calls us to respond to the urgent need for mercy in our time of unprecedented evil. Now is the time of mercy. Now is the time to make St. John Paul II's story your own. Also, check out the Divine Mercy kiosk and the Lighthouse kiosk in the back of the church. You can also sign up for CD of the month. OUR LADY OF JOY PARISH, HOLIDAY PARK, PA APRIL 12, 2015 Who: Anyone in the church, regardless of age, can particiPARISH NEWS ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ pate in this faith filled activity. We encourage the children (with their parents), teens, adults, and the elderly (your speBingo cial talents/gifts might be very helpful to someone else). Saturday, April 18, from 7:15 We highly encourage families to participate in this bonding 10pm in the Father experience. Marchukonis Hall. Ticket price $20.00 and one non-perishable Why: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but food item for the Plum Food to serve…” ~ Matthew 20:28 “Whatever you do, work heartPantry. ily, as for the Lord and not for men.” ~ Colossians 3:23. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, Price includes 6 cards, 15 and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” ~ $25.00 games, 1-jackpot game. 3 – specials and neighbor Galatians 6:10 bingo. Tickets on sale at the door. Sponsored by Our Lady How: Contact Mike at [email protected] for more of Joy Holy Name Society proceeds support Holy Name information or to sign up or/your family up. When you designated charities. RSVP by April 10th, you will be guaranteed a Service Charge T-Shirt for the event. Christmas Shoebox Once again it is time to start our monthly collections for the Christmas Shoebox Program. Each month we will be suggesting specific items to be donated, leading up to the annual WRAP PARTY in November. These items will be collected to fill shoeboxes to be sent all over the world for unfortunate children. The suggested items for April are TOOTHBRUSHES AND TOOTHPASTE. Please deposit your donations in the Christmas Shoebox COLLECTION BOX in the back of Church. Christian Ladies of Joy The monthly meeting of the Christian Ladies of Joy will be held in the Father Marchukonis Hall on April 16, at 7:00pm. All members are asked to attend this meeting. Help Needed! • • • Do you have a special talent/trade that you wouldn’t mind sharing with someone else? Can you provide four hours of your time to make a difference? Are you feeling called to lend a hand to your fellow community members? If you answered yes to any one of these questions, please consider joining Our Lady of Joy Youth Ministry in a parish/ community wide Service Charge. The 1st Annual Service Charge is scheduled for April 25 from 11am to 3pm. What is it?: The OLOJ Service Charge is set up to help those in our local community who are in need of help. Generally, these service sites are the homes of the elderly in our parish who are unable to complete certain projects on their own. . RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / CCD ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ Appeal for Catechists/Aides/Fall 2015 It is not too soon to consider volunteering for the Fall of 2015 to help as a CCD aide or catechist. Do you have a want/knack to work with children? Are you kind and compassionate? Consider calling the Religious Education Office at 412-795-4389 to become a part of this educational ministry. The teaching material is already mapped out for you with lesson plans, activities and crafts. We pray you consider helping out with this special ministry. First Communion Class Retreat (Note Time Change) Saturday, April 18 at 9:00am until 12:30pm all Second Grade students will meet in the Church. Parents/or Guardians are to attend with their child. Instructions will be given for reception of First Communion. Religious articles will be blessed. A snack will be provided. The First Communion Masses There will be two First Communion Masses which will take place on Sunday, April 19 (Monday class) and Sunday, April 26 (Tuesday class) at 12:00 noon. Also, pictures will be taken in room 1 of the Father Marchukonis Hall. Please pray for all the students as you reflect on your own First Communion with gratitude. CCD Students: Registration 2015-16 If your child is new to the CCD program you may register by stopping in the Religious Education Office to fill out forms. All new registrations need to be registered members of the parish, will need a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate, will need to complete the form choosing your What will I do?: As a participant in the Service Charge, you will be provided with lunch and a mini lesson on minis- child’s class time and day, fill out an emergency contact form and new registration form. If your child is returning tering to those in need. From there, volunteers will be assigned groups, a service location, and head off to their ser- next year please turn in your updated Registration papers which were handed out at CCD. These papers are revice site. Service includes (but not limited to): light house cleaning/yard work, painting, assisting in the nursing home, quired so your child has a space in the CCD program. If you have any questions please call the Religious Educaetc. tion Office at 412-795-4389. SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER PAGE FIVE
© Copyright 2024