Seventh Sunday of Easter

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Vine and the Branches In today’s Gospel, Jesus prays at the Last Supper for his disciples: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me.” In Chapter 8 of John’s Gospel, Jesus referred to himself with the divine name, I AM, the name revealed to Moses at the burning bush. In appropriating this name to himself, Jesus is claiming divinity.

In the context of the rest of John’s Gospel, and especially today’s Last Supper discourse, this claim defines the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. What he shares with the Father, Jesus in turn now shares with his disciples. Entrusted with his word, guarded by his name, they will witness to his truth.

How casually do we name ourselves as Christian? Do we realize the implications of bearing the name of Christ in our world today? Do we believe in the power we were given at Baptism, when we were named and signed with the cross of Christ? His name brings us the consecration, protection, responsibility, and even joy promised by Jesus in today’s Last Supper prayer.
- An AmericanCatholic.org Site from the Franciscans and Franciscan Media Copyright © 1996 - 2012

RESPECT LIFE

Prayer for Our Nation

God our Father in Heaven, you chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, you overshadowed Mary at the Annunciation; God the Son, you became incarnate in the womb of Mary, your Mother. In union with Mary, we adore you, the Most Holy Trinity and acknowledge that you, Father, Son and Holy spirit, hold eternal dominion and authority over all nations. Most Holy Trinity, we place the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present our country to you. Through her we wish to praise and thank you for the great resources of our land and for the freedom, which has been our heritage. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in the United states. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our president and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice and charity. Raise up and protect all of our families. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the tempted, sinners-on all who are in need. Above all, we ask Mary to intercede on our behalf that you would protect our conscience rights and religious freedom, upon which our country was founded.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Our Mother, Patroness of our land, we honor you and give ourselves to you. Wrap your mantel of protection around each of us and all our fellow citizens. Protect us from all evil and harm. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the Will of your divine son, we may live and die pleasing to God.
- U.S.C.C.B. Based on a Marian consecration by Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle, Archbishop of Washington, prayed in parishes throughout the United States in November of 1959.

RECTORY OFFICE

The rectory business office will be closed on Thursday, May 24

EUCHARISTIC DAY OF PRAYER

This month’s Eucharistic Day of Prayer will be Sunday, May 27, the Feast of Pentecost. We will have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from after the noon Mass until Benediction at 4:45 p.m. The Holy Spirit who sanctifies and transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ also transforms us into His Body, the Church.

GRADUATIONS

This year, Msgr. Carson plans to attend ACCS’s graduation on Wednesday, May 30, and Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School's graduation on Thursday, May 31. Regretfully, he cannot attend St. Rose of Lima School's graduation since it is also scheduled for the 30th.

Altar Servers Needed

We are in need of Altar Servers for the Noon Mass. We will be losing several to graduation. We encourage anyone in the 4th grade and older, especially adults, to consider this important ministry. Please call the rectory with your name and phone number. A training session will be held this month.

Food Pantry In Need Of Bags

Our Food Pantry is in need of plastic grocery bags. There is a container in the vestibule of the church. Thank you.

CHANCES FOR CHARITY

The board of directors of Catholic Charities is again sponsoring Chances for Charity. It is a diocesan-wide project to provide support for the works of charity done every day by Catholic Charities. Chances are sold at a cost of $50 each. Only 1,000 chances will be sold. Participants will have a 1 in 20 chance of winning cash or prizes. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to serving individuals and families who are needy and live within our diocese. Please contact Paulette at our parish office (943-8553) to purchase chances. We have five tickets left to sell. Top prize is $5,000, two $1,000 prizes, six $500 prizes and more than forty other prizes valued at $50 or higher. Winners will be chosen at the Annual Catholic Charities Recognition Dinner on June 7, 2012. Winners need not be present to win.

“Marriage Building Initiative”

God’s love for us was made flesh in his son, Jesus. Children, an essential part of marriage, are the visible expression, in flesh, of a couple’s love. The Church refers to children as “the supreme gift of marriage.” At the birth or adoption of their child (ren) , what couple hasn’t experienced the overpowering closeness of God, who is blessing their love?

Liturgical Reflection…

Today the Easter alleluias are sung throughout the world. Throughout the forty days of Lent, the Church refrained from this joyous acclamation. The paschal mystery of the Lord’s crucifixion and death has lead to the glorious resurrection, Death has no more power over those who believe. We boldly and joyfully sing the acclamation of the early Christians, ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! We reaffirm our faith in Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord of all. Easter joy envelops the globe and the earth is full of praise.
- 2012, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Liturgy Office

In Your Prayers

Please remember in your prayers the health intention of Arlene Balestino, Jim Balestino, Alisa Battisti, Nathan Battisti, Becky Bettwy, Robert Bollinger, Emma Helen Brolley, Diane Brown, Kierra Chirdon, John Clouser, Denise Conrad, Nicole Constant and baby Wyatt, Susie Dalansky, Evan Decker, Dr. Ron Dietrick, Thomas Dobson, Marian Dodson, Debra Dorazio, May Duey, Jacob Eshlenan, John “O.J.” Farabaugh, Gianna Feather, John Frank, Bob Frederick, Lucas Gonzalez, Anna Marie Gority, Rosella Greiner, Helen Gummo, Tim Hileman, Janet Hilton, Wendy Himes, Genevieve Hornung, Nancy James, Ken Keagy, Larry Knott, Sr., Russell Krenn, Clara Lindsay, Larry Lytle, Max Manney, Mary Ann McDermott, Brigid McManaman, Sue McMullen, Abigail Miller, Debbie Murtagh, John Nale, Joe Peroni, Conrad Powell, Rene Reynolds, Richard Rickard, Joan Robison, Elia Rocci, Bill Stauffer, Jacqueline Smith, Robert Straw, Sr., Pete Szebin, Peggy Trexler, Kathy Wagner, Rhonda Weyandt, Angie Yingling and the safety of Stephanie Barry .

In the event our prayers have helped, you are asked to call the rectory to have your name removed from the list. You can always have it put back on if need be. Thank you.

To have a name added to the prayer list, please call the rectory office before noon on Monday to have the name placed in that weekend’s bulletin. You must have the person’s permission to print their name.