-First Sunday of Lent– February 22, 2015 ON BEING SUPERNATURALLY NORMAL By Fr. Dwight Longenecker What does the devil hate? Supernatural normalcy. When considering conflict with satan some people think it is all about crucifixes and holy water and exorcisms and putting on the spiritual armor of God and wading into battle like mortal versions of Saint Michael the Archangel. No. We best trample down the head of satan through supernatural normalcy. What do I mean by 'supernatural normalcy'? First you have to start by understanding satan and all his works. Satan has nothing original in his toolkit. He cannot create sin because sin is the absence of grace or the distortion of something good. God made everything, and everything that He made is good. Evil is therefore nothing positive in itself, but the perversion, destruction and distortion of all that is good. It follows therefore that satan loves everything that is perverted, twisted, destroyed and diseased. He cannot do anything good or create anything good. All he can do is twist or attempt to destroy that which is good. Therefore what does Satan hate? He hates all that is natural and free and good and wholesome and normal and fine and happy and whole. He hates good Catholic families. He hates ordinary Catholics who work hard, pray hard, laugh hard, and who love God, love life, love one another and live life to the fullest. This ordinary, grace-filled natural life of faith is what he hates with a passion. I call it 'supernatural normalcy' because these are the saints that fill our pews. These are the people of God. These are the ones who live out their faith the best they can in the ordinary ups and downs of life. They try hard. They make mistakes, they go to confession with open hearts. They try to love God and others. They are the blessed ones and the ones who give the blessing. They are truly the children of God. They do not seem to be extraordinary and stupendous. They do not seem to be saints even--but that is because they are humble and hidden. They naturally follow the 'Little Way' of Saint Therese. This way of 'supernatural normalcy' is the way of the Blessed Virgin. She does not jump out from the pages of the New Testament as some sort of Superwoman or Heroic Saint. That is because she is ordinary. She is 'full of grace' and therefore she seems to be totally and utterly natural and real. She is all that she was created to be and therefore she does not seem to be extraordinary. She is as natural and beautiful as a morning in May. She is as natural and virginal as a virgin forest. It therefore takes a discerning spirit and a finely tuned spiritual sense to find such souls. They are difficult to find not only because they are humble and hidden, but because they are 'normal: If you told them they were holy and that you wanted to sit at their feet they would laugh and tell you they are not holy and that you have made a mistake. They do not seem extraordinary, and yet for those who have eyes to see they are very extraordinary indeed. This is the way of 'supernatural normalcy', and if you really want to trample Satan's head-pray for the grace to be transformed in this way. © FATHER DWIGHT LONGENECKER is the parish priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Greenville, South Carolina. www.DwightLongenecker.com. 5715 108th St. SW Lakewood, WA 253-588-2141 Sunday February 22, 2015 First Sunday of Lent Mass schedule & intentions FOR YOUR OWN SPIRITUAL REFLECTION: The Gospel for next weekend Masses. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark 9:2-10 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. Church And he was transfigured before them, 8:00am Mass Church and his clothes became dazzling white, 11:00am Mass Templo such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. 12:30pm Misa (Spanish Mass) Monday, February 23 Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, No Exposition or Mass on Mondays and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, Tuesday, February 24 Church “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! 4:00pm Reconciliation Church Let us make three tents: 6:00pm Mass Mass intention-Caroline Rivera† one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Squier Hall 6:30pm Soup Supper He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; Wednesday, February 25 Templo from the cloud came a voice, 6:00pm Misa (Spanish) Special Mass intention– Martinez family “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Cedar River Abortion Clinic Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus 10am-12pm prayer vigil 40 DFL Thursday, February 26 Church alone with them. 9:00am Rosary Church As they were coming down from the mountain, 9:45am Bible Study Church he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, ex6:00pm Mass Mass intention-Gaetano Borrielo† cept when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. Friday, February 27 So they kept the matter to themselves, Church 7:30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Church questioning what rising from the dead meant. 8:45am Mass The Gospel of the Lord Mass intention-Emilio & Ruby Cano† Church 9:30am-9:00pm Adoration Church 2:30pm & 5:00pm Stations of the Cross School Gym 5:00pm-7:00pm Fish Fry Abstinence: Saturday, February 28 2:00pm Reconciliation 5:00pm Vigil Mass Church Church Sunday, March 1 Second Sunday of Lent Church 8:00am Mass Church 11:00am Mass Templo 12:30pm Misa (Spanish Mass) Daily Mass readings available at www.usccb.org/nab/ Altar Server Training Saturday, March 7th After 5pm Mass To sign up, call Pat Gums at 588-2141 ext. 303 Stewardship of our Treasure For the weekend of Feb.7/8, 2015 including midweek mail in donations Our parishioners generously gave: $10,646.47 For the weekend of Feb. 14/15, 2015 including midweek mail in donations Our parish generously gave: $ 11, 522.99 So why aren’t you eating pepperoni pizza on Friday? You love pepperoni pizza. You eat it all the time. Suddenly, you can’t have it on Fridays?! What could possibly be going on? It must be that Catholic thing, again. Absolutely! On Fridays during Lent, we particularly remember the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. In memory of this great sacrifice, we continue the tradition of penance and sacrifice – abstaining from meat on Fridays is an outward manifestation of an interior reality: the conversion of our hearts. As Pope John Paul II has said, “In fact, the external aspects of fasting, though important, do not convey the full measure of the practice. Joined to the practice should be a sincere desire for inner purification, readiness to obey the divine will and thoughtful solidarity with our brothers and sisters, especially the very poor.” Christ himself fasted and prayed in the desert. Through fasting and praying, we unite ourselves with the sacrifice of Christ and offer him reparation for our sins and failings. It’s a little thing to give him in the face of his ultimate sacrifice, but what a grace that our God accepts and loves little gifts! Rachel’s Corner Friendly reminder to Faith Formation families: Hope and Healing After Abortion “Call me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me- Psalm 50:15 Mass attendance is required as part of First Communion & Confirmation Preparation, parents and children must attend together. Come on a Rachel’s Vineyard™ Retreat and give your troubles to Our Lord. He will restore you and you will glorify Him forever. Please remember we keep a record of your attendance Faith Formation library Open on Sunday 12pm-2pm March 6-8, 2015 Call Valerie: 1-800-822-HOPE (4673) You are loved with an everlasting Love! Project Rachel is a program of Catholic Community Services. Volunteers Needed The Catholic Detention Ministry of Pierce County Deanery seeks faith-filled Catholic women and men who are willing to devote 1 – 4 evenings per month to leading Bible Studies based on the Sunday Readings with the women and men who are incarcerated at the Pierce County Jail in Tacoma. Training and support provided. Background check required. For more information contact Deacon Jim Fish at Bellarmine Prep 253-756-3842 or [email protected]. Questions? Call Gaby or Pat 253-588-2141 Confirmation Requirement Confirmation candidates must attend the following Theology of the Body sessions at St. John Bosco Church 10508-112th St. SW Lakewood, WA 98498 Wednesday, February 25-6:30-8:30pm Wednesday, March 4 -6:30-8:30pm Wednesday, March 11-6:30-8:30pm Wednesday, March 18-6:30-8:30pm Wednesday, March 25-6:30-8:30pm CALLING ALL YOUTH!! COME JOIN US AND GROW Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) IN YOUR FAITH Next class is on Next meeting is on February 26 at 7pm in Squier Hall Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6pm For information call Pat Gums 588-2141 ext. 303 St. John Bosco RCIA: Is the path for persons (14 years or 10508 112th St SW older) unbaptized or baptized in another faith who Lakewood Washington desire to enter into the Catholic Church. 98498 Adult Sacramental Preparation: Is the path Questions? call Gaby Grossman at 588-2141 ext. 307 for baptized Catholics (18 years or older) who desire to complete their initiation with First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. MASS FOR LIFE Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 at 7:00 PM Visitation Catholic Church 3314 S 58th St Tacoma WA 98409 Please join the pro-life community of Pierce County in seeking God's blessing and guidance on our spring campaign, and on all those who work to defend the unborn. This pro-life Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Wichert as we begin our time of focused prayer, fasting and public witness. All of the faithful are invited to come to this 40 DFL Mass, and to join us in our public vigil at the Cedar River abortion clinic. Our ongoing commitment to prayer is advancing a culture of life Adoration ~ 4-6:45 PM Rosary ~ 6:20 PM Benediction ~ 6:45 PM Mass ~ 7:00PM There will be a brief reception afterward in the basement of the parish hall. It is potluck, so please bring an appetizer or dessert and drop it off before Mass. For more information contact Anne at 253-298-1120 or [email protected] Please join Fr. Peter and parishioners from St. John Bosco & St. Frances Cabrini For a prayer vigil on Wednesdays during Lent 10am to 12pm at Cedar River Abortion Clinic-(1401-A Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma) Altar Server Saturday 5:00 PM Feb. 28 Sunday 8:00 AM Mar. 1 Sunday 11:00 AM Mar. 1 Eucharistic Minister Lector Enricque Montalvo Anthony Montalvo Bev Krashin LEAD Joan Hunn Porfiria Marana Theresa Brown Angie Roarty Lucia Mandapat Ruth Hoss Shirley Poff Michael Gums Josephine Kaiser Katie Kaiser Judy Swortz LEAD Lucy Gallagher Joy Molleston Starlene Enfield AJ McGranaghan John Kaiser Polly Downer Wayne Downer Andie Gernon John Piacitelli Alfonso Carreño Alfonso Carreño Jr. Jimeria Carreno Linda Robydek LEAD Diana Sullivan Dorothy Zarelli Graciela Meza Muriel O’Brien Nora Salcedo Arianna Njonge Mike Isenberg Join our parish community—and more than 13,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl. Pick up your family’s rice bowl from church vestibule and don’t forget to download the CRS Rice Bowl app! Remember, your Lenten sacrifices change lives. Please pray for the comfort and healing of: Paz Abdon, Ruby Abrigo, Liliana Contino Alfaro, Kayle Almanza, Gloria Almoguera, Carmen Antonio, Curtis and Sophia Barquet, Enn R. & Jaime Barretto, Zach Bibeau, Timea Bozic, Terry Brown, Theresa Byers, Tony Cables, Lois Carter, Cesar Coronado, Cindi Cornwell, Elaine and Michelle Crouse, Sabel Cruz, Catherine Davis. Chris Davis, Normita Davis, Jose Del Rosario, Daniel Delaney,Marilyn De los Santos, Ofelia DeLuna, Joseph Dinglasan, Marlin R. and Jonathan Dipipi, Evelyn Disbrow, Liliana Dzolic, Jandi Dunlap, Janet Engelheart, Anso Farkas, Brett and Cindy Ferrar, David Fruge, Florence Gallo, Fortunato Gappi, Henry Gariando, Andrea Garcia, Makenna Garett, Allison Le Hahn, Borgny Haroldson, Veronica Harzter, Larry Helm, Micaela Henriquez, Hannelore Hogan, Helga Winter Hunn, Doug Jensen, Robert Johnson, Bill and Sarah Jones, Mike Kapala, Sherroll Kelso, Ralph & Lesley Klein, Helen Kronaizi, Cesaria Lejia, Brunilda LLeras Marcia Loaiza, Lauretta Lucien, Laura Madrigal, Karen Martin, Mary Martin, Camerino Martinez, Gen Mason, Kennedy, Jennifer & Brennan McGranaghan, Mary Ann Merrill, Marcella Merrill, Julie Metzger, Sister Carol Ann McMullen, Susan A. Musa, Mel Nelson, Terry Newman and family, Patrick Neidorf, Priscilla Quinata, Ed Paez, Luis Pedraza, Edna Perry, Debbie Pesicka, Sonia Picardal, Kathy Pitts, Teresa Posada, Corazon Reguindin, June C. Reyes, Isaac Rincon, Jesse and Sandy Rivera, Jesse Rivera Sr., John Rose, Terry Roy, Sheila Running Hawk, Katie Rutter, Brenda Ryan, Hepuleta Sabang, Marianne Sass, Julie Schmidt, Jim Snellar, Margaret Sousek, Jim Spencer, Marline Spieth, Terri Spracklin, Frank Stiles, Jean Marie Talvo, Myrna Tabios, Jade Thompson, Ricardo Torralba, Kaile Valeros, Astarid Velazco, Jorge Villagomez, Ethan Vlad, Calvin Wadeking, Matthew Warren, Dee Watson, Julie Watson, Elda White, Margaret Wingerter, Roger & Irene Young, Paul Zehnder. PARISH GUIDELINES: Please call the Parish Office: 253-588-2141 to offer a name for prayer. See Lenten Calendar insert for information on: Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, Soup Suppers, etc. News for our Parishioners about your school… We are 2 weeks away from our Auction Gala! Don’t forget to buy your Raffle tickets which are available after all the weekend Masses in the Church vestibule. And it’s not too late to buy your tickets, as well, for the Auction itself. Our Annual Auction Event is on March 7th from 5:30pm at the McGavick Student & Conference Center, in Lakewood. We would love to have you join us. Please call the school as soon as possible at 253-584-5748 to make your reservation. Or stop by to pick up an invitation to this fun, festive annual Event! Do you know of anyone looking for a Catholic school for the next school year? Please know that the most effective marketing tool we have is word-of-mouth from those of you who know about your parish school. Please spread the word and invite friends and neighbors to visit us in person or visit us on the web: www.cabrinischool.org or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/StFrancesCabriniSchool As always, thank you for your continued support of your parish school! ad 3 x 3 freeDoM various sizes-28_bc-32.qxd 11/14/2012 12:15 PM Page 1 Please suppor t these adver tisers who make this bulletin possible SS Kathleen A. 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