Queen of the Apostles A Catholic Community Reina de los Apostoles Comunidad Catolica de Belmont Pastoral Staff PASTOR Father Frank Cancro [email protected] Emergency #: 704-825-9907 DEACON Rev. Mr. Chip Wilson [email protected] 704-820-4162 MUSIC & LITURGY Chrissy Glisson [email protected] Office: 704-825-9600 ext. 28 PASTORAL ASSOCIATE 503 North Main Street Belmont, NC 28012 Phone: 704-825-9600 • Fax: 704-825-1413 Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30 pm-4:30 pm Website: QueenoftheApostles.org March 8, 2015 Third Sunday of Lent Jeanne LaFrancis [email protected] 704-825-9600 ext. 27 FAITH FORMATION Debbie Seeger [email protected] 704-825-9600 ext. 26 Jayme Cannon Faith Formation Assistant [email protected] Father Christopher Adult Formation [email protected] CHRISTIAN INITIATION (RCIA) Cam Tracy [email protected] 704-853-0654 HISPANIC MINISTRY COORDINATOR Padre JoséJuya [email protected] 704-860-3826 PARISH SECRETARY Mary Jo Stiles [email protected] 704-825-9600 BUSINESS MANAGER Susan Colone [email protected] 704-825-9600 ext. 25 MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR Roger Duncan [email protected] 704-825-9600 ext. 22 PASTORAL COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON Scott Phillips [email protected] 704-461-8326 Weekday Eucharist Weekend Eucharist Reconciliation: Holy Day Celebrations: Misa en Español: Monday and Wednesday: 9:00 am Tuesday and Friday: 12:15 pm Saturday: 5:00 pm, 7:00 p.m. (en Español)) Sunday: 8:00, 9:45 & 11:30 am Saturday: 4:00 pm, and by appointment 12:15pm and 7:15 pm Todos los Sabados a 7:00 PM Baptism: This important sign of initiation is celebrated in the community at any one of the weekend Masses. Parents must complete the preparation program (offered every other month). Please contact the church office at least two months prior to your anticipated date for Baptism. Marriage: This sacrament provides an opportunity for a couple to stand as a sign of God’s love in the community. To this end, a period of preparation is important and necessary. Contact the church office at least six months prior to your proposed marriage date to begin this process. Anointing of the Sick: If you are preparing for surgery or hospitalization, this sacrament can be celebrated with you on any weekend at the church. In an emergency, contact the church so we can pray with you at home or in the hospital. Mission Statement With the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first disciple of Jesus Christ, as our example and patron, the mission of Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church is to live and proclaim the Gospel entrusted to us. We strive in our rich diversity to be a community of welcome and hospitality: one with the Risen Christ, each other, and the whole Church. Through the Word of God and the life of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we are empowered to engage in a variety of ministries of service to the parish family and the communities where we live. Our Weekly Tithe: Collection 03-01-2015: $16,159.25 Thank you for your support of the parish! Last week, because of your generosity in the offertory, we were able to send a tithe of $807.00 to Family Promise. This week we will use our tithe for House of Mercy housing and caring for homeless with HIV and AIDS. Liturgical Ministers: Masses This Week Saturday, March 14, 2015—5:00pm Readers: Jim Adams, Justin Rick EMCs: Joan Lynn (SC), Loretta Bell (C), Joe Bell (C), Linda Adams, Diane Hess Ministers of Hospitality: Fred & Lynn Kimsey, Peter Liberatore Altar Servers: Nnamdi & Kasie Nwachukwu Sunday, March 15, 2015—8:00am Readers: Steve White, Ken Raymond EMCs: Blaise Aziague (SC), Steve Geiger (C), Deacon Chip Wilson Ministers of Hospitality: Alison & Mike Minnick, Kimber Walters Altar Servers: Claire Paluszak, Kindall Davis Sunday, March 15, 2015—9:45am Mass Readers: Richard Swakla, Beth Kreitzer EMCs: Jeanne LaFrancis (SC), Linda Huffsmith (C), Beth McCain (C), Joe Bruno, Stuart LaFrancis, Doug & Mary Meador Ministers of Hospitality: Clare & Dave Charzewski, Seth Kane, Mark McManus Altar Servers: Mallory Gardner, Grace Lamadrid Children’s Liturgy: Melissa Gardner 5:00pm 7:00pm Saturday, March 7, 2015 Mass Misa en Español 8:00am 9:45am 11:30am Sunday, March 8, 2015 Billie Murray + For the People Mass 9:00am Monday, March 9, 2015 Mass 12:15pm Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Communion Service Wednesday, March 11, 2015 9:00am Mass Thursday, March 12, 2015 No Services 12:15pm 1:00pm 7:15pm Friday, March 13, 2015 Mass Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross Sunday, March 15, 2015—11:30am Mass Readers: Lynda Bernard, Sue Dolphin EMCs: Bethsy SanMillan (C), Karen Riemer (C), Jan Kauer, Marta Miranda, Mike Riemer, Cristina & Juan Saiz Ministers of Hospitality: Judy Dobies, Neil & Jake Kauer, Patricia Rodriguez Altar Servers: Marissa Cannon, Dezi Kauer Children’s Liturgy: Donna Snyder THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 8 AT 9:45 & 11:30 MASSES Other Ministries: Traffic Ministry—March 15, 2015 9:45am—Walt Hinson, Charlie Boyd 11:30am—Greg Hoehne, John Fink Coffee & Donuts—March 15, 2015 8:00am—Nick Guida, Elizabeth Hinman 9:45am—Melissa Gardner 11:30am—Pressley Family, Lee Stocker, Lynda Woods Art & Environment: March 8: Kimber Walters, Clint Phillips/Jan Bodnar March 15: Nancy O’Brien/Alfreda Tanski, Don & Danuta Holler From the Pastor’s Desk... We are moving toward the mid-point of our Lenten celebration and looking down the road toward Easter. Thanks to so many who have given up time to be part of our programming this season in the parish. I hope you are finding the opportunities for reflection and prayer a blessing! As we look to Easter, there are a few hard facts we have been considering. At 9:45 AM and 11:30 AM Masses on Easter Day there were more people in the MAK Family Life Center than in the church. The church squeezes about 300 folks. There were 390 and 400 respectively in the hall at those two Masses, huddled around a small TV for such a crowd. Clearly, this is a less than optimal way to worship and we have been trying to figure out a way to accommodate 700 people at a time so we all might pray and worship together. To this end, we are looking to relocate Masses on Easter Day and reducing the number of Masses to two in a new locale. We attempted to use the new Stuart Cramer High School but that will not be possible for us. Currently, we are trying to see if we can use the auditorium at South Point High School which would allow us to accommodate just under 1,000 people at each of our services. We, of course, would decorate and prepare the environment and transport our choir and brass to this new locale. There are also infant baptisms scheduled for Easter that would be celebrated there. The high school is within the parish and not far from the church location so it seems like it might work for us logistically. If this pans out (please pray that it does) we would celebrate Mass at 9:30 AM and at 11:30 AM there on Easter Sunday. The Solemn Easter Vigil, of course, would be here in the church on Saturday evening as usual, with the Sacraments of Initiation. There would be no 8:00 AM Mass. We will keep you posted on any changes, but we wanted you to be aware of what direction we were heading in trying to create a meaningful celebration of Easter here in the parish. We believe this will be a more humane solution. If it does not work out (we should have an answer this week) we will have to look at other solutions (if you have any ideas of how to accommodate large crowds with one priest and concern for our ministries, please let me know). Christmas is our next challenge! As you may be aware, we already have to choose alternate plans to celebrate Confirmation this year because of the size of our group and have had to double the number of celebrations of First Eucharist for the same reason. This will continue to be our challenge (a good one to have) but it requires flexibility and support. I hope I can depend on you for that. Change is not something we accept easy, but in this case it is clearly a necessary one to fulfill our mission as a worshipping community here in Eastern Gaston County. I hope this Lent helps you grow deeper in an understanding of God's mercy! Be blessed this week. - Father Frank Sharing God’s Gifts: DSA 2015 We are now one month into the Diocesan Support Appeal, and as of today, 62 of our parishioners have contributed. We need each of you to help us reach our goal of $76,220.89. Ministry Moments: Ministers of Hospitality What ministry has the least number of people but is one of the most important ministries on Sunday? Our Ministers of Hospitality are the smiling faces and handshakes that greet you as you enter the church, help you find a seat, pass the baskets for the collection, guide you at communion time, and hand out the bulletins as you leave. It is so important to make both weekly and visiting members feel at home and welcome each week at Queen of the Apostles. For more information, contact Neil Kauer at 704-829-0653. This Week Sunday, March 8, 2015 Saints and Special Observances William Reeves, Jo Ann Rick, Harrell Rick Sunday: Third Sunday of Lent; First Scrutiny; Daylight Saving Time begins; Girl Scout Sunday Monday: St. Frances of Rome Friday: Abstinence Stewardship 9:30-10:45am—Faith Formation (Sacred Heart Campus) 9:45am & 11:30am Masses—KidZone (Nursery) 9:30-10:30am—Bible Study (Library) 10:00-11:00am—RCIA (Ed Building) 1:00-2:00pm—RCIC (Library) Readings for the Week 5:00-6:00pm—Teen Bible Study (Family Life Center) Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Ps 42:2, 6:00-8:00pm—HS Youth Ministry (FLC) 3; 43:3, 4; Lk 4:24-30 Monday, March 9, 2015 Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43; 6:15-7:30pm—Girl Scouts (Education Ps 25:4-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9; Building: Rooms A & C) Mt. 18:21-35 7:00-8:00pm—Cub Scouts (Education Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Building: Room D/E) Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 197:30-9:30pm—Knights of Columbus 20; Mt 5:17-19 Business Meeting (Family Life Center) Thursday: Jer 7:23-28; Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Lk 11:14-23 9:00-11:00am—MOMS (Nursery, Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Conference Room) Ps 81:6c-11ab, 14, 17; 2:00-3:30pm—Tuesday’s Word Mk 12:28-34 (Conference Room) Saturday: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 6:30-8:00pm—Financial Peace 18-21ab; Lk 18:9-14 University Preview (Conference Room) Sunday: 2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23; Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Ps 137:1-6; Eph 2:4-10; 1:30-3:00pm—Small Faith Group Jn 3:14-21 (Conference Room) Alternate readings (Year A): 5:00-8:00pm—First Eucharist 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Preparation Workshop (FLC) Ps 23:1-6; 6:00-6:30pm-Children’s Choir (Church) 6:30-7:15pm—Youth Choir (Church) Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41 7:15-8:00pm—9:45 Choir (Church) [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38] 7:30pm—12 Step Program (Ed Bldg) 8:15-9:00pm—11:45 Choir (Church) Thursday, March 12, 2015 9:30-11:00am—Weekend BackPack Ministry (Nursery) 7:00-8:30pm—Just for Ladies Small Faith Group (Conference Room) 7:00-9:00pm—Spanish Choir Practice (Church) 7:30-9:00pm—Boy Scouts (Ed Bldg) Friday, March 13, 2015 7:00-9:00pm—AA Meeting (Ed Bldg) Saturday, March 14, 2015 9:00-10:30am—Passion Play Practice (Church) 10:001m-3:00pm—Retreat Makeup Session (Conference Room) 6:00-8:00pm—Young at Hearts (FLC) If we give our time, talent and treasure according to God’s principles, God will not disappoint us. The young man, who gave his loaves and fishes to help feed the multitude, didn’t have to go without dinner. Leave a Legacy Lent is an opportunity to strengthen our devotion to God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It can also be a time to consider a planned gift that will strengthen the future of our parish. Baptismal Preparation Baptism is celebrated at weekend Masses at anytime of the year except the Lenten season. Parents wishing to present a child (under six years of age) for Baptism must complete an Evening of Preparation here in the parish. These are offered six times a year. During pregnancy or after the birth of a child are appropriate times to attend. The next scheduled Prep Session is on Tuesday, April 14 beginning at 7:00pm in the church. Please call e-Give the church office to make a Make a safe, reservation to attend this upcoming secure donation program. If Sponsors (Godparents) to QOA by going are also here in the area, we invite them to attend as well. to our website and clicking the eGive link on the home page below the Google translator tab. SSA Please pray for... Those in Nursing Homes: Patrick Bragg (Meadow Wood Nursing Center, Gastonia) Sick and Homebound: Marie Giermanski, Ducky Huffstetler, Rosann Louy, An anonymous support group for men and women dealing with addictive sexual behavior. For more information, call 704-266-0722 or visit charlottessa.org. LOST & FOUND ITEMS MAY BE FOUND IN THE BASKET IN FAMILY LIFE CENTER ENTRY. Community Happenings Rice Bowls Rice Bowls are available in the Narthex to take home and share with your family. This year, Catholic Relief Services celebrated forty years of working with the world’s poorest through a network of more than 160 Catholic agencies to end hunger. What you give up for Lent truly changes the lives of millions. March Food Collection Lenten Luncheon Series First Presbyterian Church ~ Belmont 102 South Central Avenue, Thursdays, 12:00noon ~ 1:00pm March 12: Reverend Micah Kearney Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter, Belmont Lunch includes soup, sandwich dessert and tea ~ $4 Child care is available by making a reservation at 704-825-3357 or at www.fpc-belmont.org/ll by noon each Wednesday before the luncheon. Please bring a bag lunch for each child. Our collection in March will be taken for SOCKS (Serving Our Community with Kindness in Springwood). They have requested soups, stews, hot and cold cereals, green beans, corn, tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, and pork and beans. Please bring your donations to place in the baskets on the altar the weekend of March 28-29. Young at Heart Covered Dish Supper: Saturday, March 14, following 5:00 pm Mass. All parishioners over 50 are invited to attend. It is held in the MAK Family Life Center. Call Charlie or Cathy Boyd at 704-825-4669 for additional information. Community Breakfast: Saturday, March 21, MAK Family Life Center, 8:00-11:00am The leprechauns are trying to get into the kitchen for the March 21 Breakfast. If they do, we will have green pancakes and green coffee! Be at the MAK Family Life Center and be sure to wear some green or the leprechauns might pinch you! Breakfast is free to all so invite your friends! Rosary Makers Free rosaries are available in the narthex. Need a rosary repaired? Simply put your broken rosary parts in an envelope with your name and phone number and drop at the church office. We also teach how to make twine rosaries for the Catholic missions Make FPU a part of your Lenten jour- around the world. We meet from 10:30am-12:30pm on the same ney! FPU is a 9-week video curriculum taught by financial expert Dave Saturdays as our community Ramsey, that incorporates smallbreakfasts. The next meeting is group discussions to encourage accountability and discipleship. This course will March 21. Please join us. provide you and your family the tools necessary to win with money. This is Questions? Contact Marilyn NOT a get rich quick scheme. It is a step by step, biblically based guide on Warmington at 704-827-0823. how to get out, and stay out, of debt and take control of your financial life. This not for profit course has a small fee ($93) to cover the cost of course materials. However, Queen of Apostles will be providing scholarships to 8 committed families free of charge, please see Father Frank for details. It also includes a lifetime membership so you and your family can attend the many classes offered year round in the area. Coordinator Mike Warstler is a Belmont Abbey graduate and the current Controller of the Belmont Abbey Monastery. With 20+ years in banking, financial and consulting industries, along with personal experience with Financial Peace principles, he is excited to share his experiences and assist you in the commitment and journey of attaining Financial Peace. To learn more or to register online, go to http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/org/37394/ class/275435 or to learn more about the class in person, a free preview session will be offered at Queen of the Apostles on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 PM in the Conference Room. Weekly classes will begin on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30pm and run through May 12. Bingo & Movie Night: Saturday, March 21 from 6:30-10:00Ppm in the MAK Family Life Center The Parish Life Commission is sponsoring Bingo with prizes as well as cash awards. Food, drinks and snacks will be available. Child care will be available for children up to 4 years old. We have movies for the over-four crowd. Please bring your entire family and all your friends for a fun evening of BINGO! Faith Formation High School Youth Ministry On Sunday, March 8, the HSYM will gather from 6:00-8:00pm in the MAK Family Life Center with a guest speaker on Social Justice. It should be an interesting and informative time. On Sunday, March 15 we invite the MSYM to join us for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Wear green and invite someone new to join you! Teen Bible Study High School Youth please join us for Teen Bible Study on Sundays from 5:00-6:00pm before High School Youth gatherings. This study follows the High School Youth meeting schedule. On March 8 we will be continuing the Lenten Mercy video study. Middle School Youth Ministry MSYM will be meeting with the HSYM on March 15 in the MAK Family Life Center to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Fun activities are planned. Come join us! Friends are always welcome. faithformation Registration forms will soon be available for Summer Faith Formation 2015 and Faith Formation 2015-2016. This year, we will be having pre-registration. Please be sure to return all forms by the indicated deadline. Summer Faith Formation is available to all and a great way to keep on schedule for the sacrament preparation programs. Two consecutive years of religious education or attending Catholic school is required to be participating in the sacrament programs. Attending Summer Faith Formation fulfills one year requirement. For more information on these programs, please contact Debbie at 704-825-9600 ext. 26 or email [email protected]. KIDZONE Our KIDZONE MINISTRY is a faith based ministry offered for the youngest members of our church ages 6 months –3 years of age during the 9:45am and 11:30am masses each Sunday. It is a time for young children to grow in their faith and relationship with God. KIDZONE is located in the nursery in the MAK Family Life Center. Just look for the KIDZONE check-in station in the MAK Family Life Center to participate. KIDZONE is being supervised by Angela Shirley. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please call Debbie at 704-825-9600 or email [email protected]. ALL QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES’ MASSES ARE LIVE! Go to http://ustre.am/17WGN or use the QR code provided for smart phone users. First Eucharist Preparation Session Wednesday, March 11 From 5:00-8:00pm In the MAK Family Life Center The first meeting for parents and children in the sacrament preparation program for First Eucharist is scheduled from 5:00 -8:00pm on Wednesday, March 11 in the MAK Family Life Center. Pizza will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. adultfaithformation Small Faith Groups Our Lenten DVD based Small Group Study titled Mercy continues! There are still some spaces available and time to sign up. Plan to join members of all the groups for a Wine and Cheese Social on Sunday, March 29 in the MAK It Isn’t Too Late! Family Life Center from 7:00-8:30pm. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 704-825-9600. You can also email Debbie at [email protected] Smart phone users link to our Adult Faith Formation web site here. Adult Faith Formation Web Site Please be sure to check out our Adult Faith Formation web site. It’s a great source to find available programs here at the parish and resources that encourage and promote ongoing faith formation. We’ve changed the web site address to make it easier to access; it’s now www.qofaadultformation.com. Just for Men Men of the parish age 45 and older are invited to reflect on God’s Word, pray and spend time together. We meet for an hour on the first Monday of each month in the Conference Room. During Lent we will meet three additional Mondays to complete the Mercy Lenten Group Study. We will also meet on March 16, 23 and 30. For more information, call Roger Duncan at 412289-9147 or Deacon Chip at 704-488-5822 [email protected]. Tuesday’s Word This adult Bible Study will continue on Tuesday, March 10, 17 and 24 from 2:00-3:30pm in the Conference Room. For these sessions we will be doing the Mercy Lenten DVD series. Refreshments will be served. Sunday Morning Bible Study with Sister Mary Hugh: Please join us as we study the Gospel of John. All are welcome to join in this class! It runs from 9:30-10:25 in Mercedes Hall, room 108 (the place where we hold our Faith Formation Classes). This study operates on the Faith Formation schedule. Please bring your bibles and join us! Coffee and refreshments are served! MOMS Group The next meeting for our Ministry of Mothers Sharing will be Tuesday morning, March 10 from 9:00am-11:00am. Meetings will take place twice a month. The meeting is for Moms with children of all ages. For the next four gatherings we will focus on the Mercy Lenten program. It will be a time for fellowship and study for spiritual growth. If you have an interest in attending, please email Marianne at [email protected]. Nursery is provided for this meeting time. Spiritual Direction forms provided on the shelf beneath the board—no personal Are you trying to discern what God notices or résumés. Please copy is doing in your life, what he is the information from the board if calling you to be, where he is you are making use of it and leave leading you? Or perhaps you simply the posted slips so that others may want to be more aware of God’s also take advantage of the presence in your life and deepen opportunities. your relationship with him. Spiritual direction is the thing for you. Spiritual direction is not counseling. Adorers are Needed It is listening to another, making at Belmont Abbey College space to observe and hear the Holy Adoration Chapel in front of the Spirit. For more information call Blessed Sacrament. Coordinators Bethsy San-Millan at will arrange an hour that is 704-914-5668. convenient for you. Please call Margaret at 704-827-8921. us long for a more conscious experience of God’s presence and love.” To learn more about Spiritual Direction and/or obtain services, please contact Rose Castillo at 704-718-2876 or [email protected] Queen of the Apostles Online Prayer Ministry Coordinator Doris Spivey accepts prayer requests Monday through Friday each week from 9:00am5:00pm. Emergency requests are accepted anytime and on weekends. Please e-mail Doris at [email protected]. If you Friends Helping Friends would like to join the prayer Registered parishioners are invited Spiritual Direction ministry and do not have access to “Spiritual direction encourages the a computer but have VOICE MAIL, to post requests for services needed or services they are able to exploration of a closer relationship please contact the church office. provide on the bulletin board in the with God. In the midst of our busy You will be called with the daily lives and at the deepest level, all of prayer requests. breezeway. Please use only the Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson: Scott Phillips [email protected] 704-461-8326 Vice Chairperson: Matt Gibbons [email protected] Secretary: Michelle Curnow [email protected] 704-829-5090 Pastor: Fr. Frank Cancro [email protected] Clare Charzewski [email protected] 704-824-7198 Mark Ebreo [email protected] 704-395-0250 John Fout [email protected] 704-516-5575 Jerry Gardner [email protected] 704-864-2508 Debra Pavicic [email protected] 980-522-4072 Scott Spanbauer [email protected] 704-394-3951 Bill Starr [email protected] 704-691-1734 Ellen Wentz [email protected] 704-491-9528 Finance Council Chairperson: Charlie Boyd [email protected] 704-825-4669 Welcome Stewardship Chairperson: Colleen Sutton [email protected] 704-820-9484 Commissions Buildings and Facilities: Marilyn Whitney [email protected] Jan Kauer 704-830-4484 704-281-8010 Evangelization & Communications: Mark Colone [email protected] Nasser Miranda [email protected] 704-469-2989 [email protected] 704-825-1966 Education & Formation: Parish Life: Clare Charzewski [email protected] 704-824-7198 Kathy Lindgren [email protected] 973-214-5306 Community Ministries: Tricia Vasil [email protected] 704-648-7878 Liturgy and Worship: Steve White [email protected] 704-824-5761 Organizations Art & Environment: Jan Kauer [email protected] 704-281-8010 Young at Heart: Cathy Boyd [email protected] 704-825-4669 Youth Ministry: Debbie Seeger [email protected] 704-825-9600 ext. 26 Knights of Columbus: Grand Knight: Justin Rick [email protected] 704-488-5540 Traffic Ministry: Walt Hinson [email protected] (704) 904-0743 Noticias de Nuestra Comunidad Hispana Compartiendo los Regalos de Dios: DSA 2015 La campaña de la Campaña Diocesana de Apoyo ya lleva un mes. Necesitamos la ayuda de todos para poder llegar a nuestra meta de Reflexión $76,220.89. La Taza de Arroz Las tazas de arroz estarán disponibles en el lobby de la iglesia para que las lleve a casa y la comparta con su familia. Este año, Catholic Relief Services celebro 40 años trabajando con los pobres alrededor del mundo en más de 160 agencias católicas para acabar con el hambre. Que dará usted durante la Cuaresma para cambiar la vida de millones? Sesión de Preparación para La Primera Comunión El miércoles 11 de marzo de 5:00-8:00 en el MAK Familia Center será la primera reunión para padres y niños que se encuentren en el programa de preparación para el Sacramento de La Primera Comunión. Habrá pizza para todos. Por favor traiga un plato de comida o un postre para compartir. Retiro de Familia Marzo 13 y 14 será el Retiro de Familia, con el Padre Llamas, en St. Michael, viernes de 6pm a 10pm, sábado de 8am a 4pm con una Hora Santa en la noche del sábado; es necesario hacerse inscribir con Alba Sepúlveda, los cupos son restringidos, ya que es para toda la Vicaría de Gastonia. Valor $10 dólares por persona, es para todos, de 14 años en adelante. Charla para matrimonio Las parejas interesadas en tomar el Sacramento del Matrimonio, la próxima charla será en abril 18/2015, es necesario anotarse con Alba Sepúlveda. El celo de tu casa me devora. Jesús por primera vez llama Padre a Dios, arde de celo al ver que la casa de Dios ha sido convertida en mercado. No se puede honrar a Dios con ofrendas de animales o de dinero. Dios ser adorado en espíritu y verdad. Sólo el intenso amor hacia su Padre lo autoriza a cumplir una acción fuerte e inaudita. Dios no acepta la lógica del comercio, tampoco agradece las genuflexiones de quienes pisotean a los pobres. Más bien acepta al peregrino que va a encontrarlo para tomar conciencia de las propias responsabilidades espirituales y sociales. Es necesario librarse de la idea de creer poder arreglar las propias infidelidades pagando al Señor con monedas constantes y sonantes, obteniendo a cambio un certificado de buena conciencia. Lo que nos pide el Señor es la transparencia de nuestra vida y recordar que nosotros somos templos vivos del Espíritu Santo. La pregunta sería: Cómo está ese templo? Está lleno del amor de Dios o al contrario está lleno de muchas cosas, como un mercado...Esa debe ser nuestra reflexión. Si nuestra vida está llena del amor de Dios, pues los efectos son muy bellos, llenos de amor, caridad, misericordia, nada que esconder, pero estar llenos de muchas cosas es decir como un mercado, pues seguramente los efectos son de orgullo, envidia, donde no hay paz y amor. En este tiempo de Cuaresma, les invito a reflexionar y hacer un cambio de vida y de conversión. Que María Santísima nos ayude a caminar con Jesús y hacer de nuestras vidas, verdaderos templos de Dios. Con cariño: P. José Antonio Juya V.
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