3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Jesus and his Disciples How about a real “fish story” from today’s Sunday Scriptures? A fish story is usually an outlandish, exaggerated tale. Our first reading fits the bill—part of the story of Jonah. Besides featuring a pretty big fish, it tells a rather fantastic account of the instantaneous conversion of the ancient pagan city of Nineveh!

Scripture scholars see the story as a kind of folk tale—short on history but long on spiritual truth: God calls each of us—even if we’re reluctant prophets, like Jonah. He resisted God’s invitation to preach to the Ninevites, and wasn’t all that happy with the outcome. Perhaps he would have enjoyed a dose of fire and brimstone rather than the mercy God shows the repentant Ninevites.

The story of Jesus calling the fishermen in today’s Gospel is no tall tale. Unlike Jonah, Simon and Andrew, James and John respond instantly and willingly leave all to follow Jesus.

These readings make me think of my own “vocation story.” How did God call me? How have I responded? I know I haven’t always been immediate, willing, or whole-hearted in my response. Luckily, God seems to keep on calling, continuing to invite me to my own personal conversion. God always offers me yet another opportunity for a change of heart. And that’s no fish story!
- by Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M, courtesy of FranciscanMedia.org, Copyright © 1996-2010

RESPECT LIFE

Today modern medicine is remarkably effective in minimizing pain; there is little to the contention that people need die agonizing deaths, and nothing to claim that it is more “dignified” to take one’s life. In truth, it is the rising cost of medical care—-not compassion for the dying—- that is driving the promotion of assisted suicide and euthanasia. It is a sad commentary that, in a society as advanced as ours, financial concerns should trump the intrinsic value of a human life.
- Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S.C.C.B., © 2011

Prayer Service at the Cathedral

Today, Sunday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m., at the Cathedral, Bishop Mark will lead a prayer service on the anniversary of the supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade. There will be a blessing for the pilgrims attending the March For Life in Washington, DC. All are welcome to participate in this prayer service.

Citizens Concerned for Human Life

This weekend, Citizens Concerned for Human Life will be requesting donations to support the March for Life. They will be offering pro-life buttons, roses for life stickers and precious feet in exchange for any donation. Thank you.

Ecumenical Service

Next Sunday, January 29, Bishop Gregory Pile of the Lutheran tradition will host an ecumenical service at Zion Lutheran Church, Allegheny and Union Streets, Hollidaysburg. The service begins at 3:00 p.m. Bishop Mark Bartchak will be in attendance. All are invited to participate in this prayer.

End of Year Statements

If you have not received a copy of your 2011 donation statement and would like one, please call the rectory office at 943-8553. The parish cannot track cash contributions that are not in an envelope with your name. If you do not presently receive envel

CONFIRMATION RETREAT

This year’s retreat for our candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation was Saturday, January 21, from noon until 6:30 p.m. in the church and in the formation center. Teenage candidates from home school, Catholic school, and the public school, attended the retreat in preparation for the reception of Confirmation on Easter Wednesday, April 11, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

TRAINING SESSION FOR LIVING THE EUCHARIST SMALL GROUP LEADERS

Our parish will provide opportunities for parishioners to participate in small groups for discussion and prayer based upon the Lenten spiritual renewal program Living the Eucharist. Parishioners who would like to be trained as leaders are asked to attend one of the training sessions that will be held on Monday, January 30, at 8:30 a.m. and repeated at 7:00 p.m. Please call the office at 943-8553 if you plan to attend a meeting. You may also attend a session to simply learn more about being a group leader, perhaps for the future.

FIRST RECONCILIATION MEETING

There will be a meeting for our 2nd grade children and their parents this Thursday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m. in our church. The session is part of their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the first Saturday of Lent, February 25th.

Angel Fund

A donation has been made to the Angel Fund in memory of Peg Caracciolo from Mary Ann and Ron Dietrick.

Liturgical Reflection…..

A star shines brightly and the wise men find their way to the newborn king. Jesus Christ is the Savior of all peoples. No single nation alone lays claim to this Messiah; Christ is Lord of all. The Glory to God in the third edition of the Roman Missal expresses the centrality of Jesus Christ in salvation history. “Glory to God in the highest...Lord Jesus Christ, you take away the sins of the world...For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High…” On Epiphany we sing praise to the Messiah of the world, to the Savior that we “bless...adore...glorify...and give thanks.” Tomorrow, Monday, January 9, is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This feast concludes the Christmas Season.
- 2012 Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Liturgy Office, Copyright © 1996-2010

In Your Prayers

Please remember in your prayers the health intention of Barb, Arlene Balestino, Jim Balestino, Alisa Battisti, Nathan Battisti, Richard Beere, Becky Bettwy, Robert Bollinger, Brian, Emma Helen Brolley, Diane Brown, Carol, Kierra Chirdon, John Clouser, Denise Conrad, Paul Conrad, Susie Dalansky, Dr. Ron Dietrick, Phyllis DiTosti, Thomas Dobson, Marian Dodson, Joan Donnelly, Debra Dorazio, May Duey, Jacob Eshlenan, Don Ezelle, Gianna Feather, John Frank, Bob Frederick, Rita Gensamer, Cindy Gibbons, Derry Gilbert, Lucas Gonzalez, Anna Marie Gority, Rosella Greiner, Helen Gummo, Patty Halterman, Tim Hileman, Janet Hilton, Wendy Himes, Genevieve Hornung, Diana Horton, James Horton, Jr., Ruth Irvin, Nancy James, Diane Kane, Ken Keagy, Larry Knott, Sr., Russell Krenn, Clara Lindsay, Max Manney, Meadow Layne Frank, Mary Ann McDermott, Brigid McManaman, Sue McMullen, Stephanie Miller, Debbie Murtagh, Dottie Musser, John Nale, Pat, Angel Page, Josephine Page, Melody Paul, Joe Peroni, Conrad Powell, Rene Reynolds, Barbara Rickard, Richard Rickard, Joan Robison, Elia Rocci, Jason Shoeman, Richard Slates, Jacqueline Smith, Amber Stephens, Robert Straw, Sr., Peggy Trexler, Kathy Wagner, Rhonda Weyandt, Angie Yingling, Jen O’Neill Yohn and the personal intentions of Angeline and the Davies family.

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.

Sacred Heart Church