St.Xavier Bulletin

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Special Announcement

Look at our NEW Web FORMAT!
Yes, you can get the bulletin emailed right to YOUR computer.

We always enjoy the bits of devotionals, praying with scripture, and humor placed in the St. Xavier Parish Bulletin. I wanted to include them, yet not within the “ANNOUNCEMENTS” that work better for the emailed version of the bulletin.
SO, I have included A REFLECTIONS section.

Check it out at:
http://ur4him.blogspot.com

Be on the lookout for more new web developments.

Friday, February 24, 2006

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 26th, 2006

Today we stand at the threshold of Lent, which begins on Wednesday of this week. For many weeks we have listened to accounts from the Gospel of Mark, stories that have focused on the healing miracles of Jesus. These stories have cultivated within us a desire to seek the Lord, even when we are steeped in sin. Today we praise God for the immeasureable gifts showered on us throught word and sacrament.
The image of the wine and wineskins in today's Gospel is a fitting one as we prepare to begin the Lenten season of repentance. When wine is poured into old wineskins, the skin cracks and burst. Today's scriptures summon us to be like new wineskins, able to receive the living word of God and be filled and nourished by the word. Let us open our hearts to the outpouring of the richness of the scriptures.

We welcome to the Christian Community, Mackenzie Joe Giebar, child of John and Pamela, also Jaylen Maurice Lee, child of Joseph and Maribel. May God's blessings be with your families.

OPERATION RICE BOWLThe season of Lent begins Wednesday and with it our annual Operation Rice Bowl Campaign. You will find materials at the church entrances on Ash Wednesday. If you have children in Religious Ed, They will be bringing them home as well. Please take time to participate with you family this year.

We extend our sympathy and prayers to the families and friends of William Day and Kate Patcheak who passed away last week. May God lovingly welcome them home to heaven.

ST. ANDREWS ANNUAL GARAGE SALE
will be March 11th from 7:30-11:30 am at the Parish Center 311 S. Buckeye, Abilene, KS.

BETHLEHEM CRAFTS will be on sale this weekend February 25/26 in the back of the church. Please stop by and buy some of these beautiful hand crafted articles.

CONFIRMATION
March 12 will be a mini-retreat in the Assembly Room (Building A) at 9:00 am, followed by the Rite of Enrollment at 11:00 Mass.

DISCIPLES IN MISSION
For teh past two weeks we have had the opportunity to sign up for the Lenten faith-sharing program. We congratulate those who have made this commitment. Today you may pick up your booklet for the group sessions and family activities in the back of the church. If you have not signed up and wish to do so it is not too late. Visit the table at the back of church after Mass or contact Jane/Joe Handlos (238-3244) as soon as possible. Those wanting in the teen groups contact Tina/Steve Barkser (762-6128). Groups have been compiled from the information you indicated. If you have signed up and have not heard about your group by Feb. 26, please contact the Handloses or the Barkers.

Bill Kurtis speaks: "What I have Learned About the Death Penalty"
Monday, Marc. 13th, 7pm (KWU-Sam's Chapel) 100 E. Claflin Ave., Salina, Kansas
Bill Kurtis is Producer of A & D's Investigative Reports & Cold Case Files and Anchor of A & E's American Justice.

Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia Diocese of Salina and the Spirituality Resource Center

SPANISH MASSES
are held at Manhattan, Seven Dolors every Sunday evening at 5:00 pm during February. There may be possible changes in March. We will keep you informed.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS TO THE SICK AND SHUT-INS
If you need a folder or booklet with the formula for Administration of Communion to the Sick by a Special Minister, please see Sr. Mary Jo.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 19th, 2006

In today's Gospel we hear the story of the four men who lowered their paralyzed friend through a hole in the roof of the house Jesus was preaching. Imagine for a moment that a hole is suddenly made in the roof of this building. Who do you know who is most in need of healing? Imagine that person being lowered down from the ceiling onto the floor here. Perhaps you are that person. As we begin this liturgy, let us remember all who are in need of the healing presence of Christ.
Today Isaiah announces that the Lord God is doing something new. Even though the people of Israel had burdened the Lord with their sins, the Lord decided to wipe out their offenses and remember their sins no more. As the Gospel story of the healing of the paralyzed man is proclaimed, let us absorb the wonder and miraculous power of the one who comes to save us.

Marriage Encounter
It's time to make your reservation for the Concordia MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Weekend. The Weekend will be held at Manna House, 323 Eas 5th St., Concordia, March 17-19, 2006. For more information call Dave & Susan Kisner, 785-628-8952. Reservations need to be in by March 3, 2006.

AUCTION MEETING
There will be an Auction Meeting on Monday, February 20th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Meeting Room.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
... is an international event that unites Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian women and men in over 170 countries in prayer. Throughout the day, from the first sunrise to the last sunset, our prayers follow the sun's path around the globe. Spoken in hundreds of languages and dialects. World Day of Prayer strives to bring "informed prayer and prayerful action" to our communities. Christian women from South Africa invite us to become better informed about their country an d its needs. Throughout the World Day of Prayer service, "Signs of the Times." they share their rich heritage of faith with us even in a time when about 600 South Africans are dying of AIDS EACH DAY. We witnessed the miracle of the fall of Apartheid. Today we pray and take action so that fewer people die from the preventable disease of HIV/AIDS. Come and join our sisters and brothers in prayer with and for South Africa on Friday March 3rd at 1:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church at 804 N. Jefferson.

OPERATION HELPING HANDS
IPPC (Inter-Parish Pastoral Council) members from the parishes of Abilene, Chapman, Junction City, and Solomon expressed an interest in volunteer opportunities in the Dioceses of New Orleans or Biloxi affected by Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Chairperson, Craig Altenhofen contacted Catholic Charities and received information on OPERATION HELPING HANDS, a volunteer program of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New Orleans which assists the community in reoccupying their homes.
Time is of the essence! Spring break, March 20-24, are the dates we are looking at. Volunteer groups range from 10-15 people. A "showing of hands" of anyone interested (must be 18 years or older) in participating is needed ASAP to gauge the level of interest. Anyone interested please e-mail Craig Altenhofen at alten@nqks.com or Marita Campbell at smichael-chapman@bcglobal.net or phone Marita at 785-922-6509. More detailed information with commonly asked questions is available at each parish office.

THE YOUNG ADULT BEGINNING EXPERIENCE
Do you know a young adult, 14 years of age or older, who is experiencing feelings of loss from parental death, divorce, or separation? The Young Adult Beginning Experience (YABE) is a peer ministry retreat where they will be in a safe environment to walk through the grief process and discover that they are not alone. The next YABE weekend will be March 17-19 at the Spiritual Life Center. You may call Marnie at 316-729-4437 to register or for questions.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. You can help meet that need by donating blood at the March Red Cross Community Blood Drive. Dates are March 14, 11:30 am-6:00 pm at the Municipal BDLD, and March 15 8:00am-1:00 pm. Everyone who donates will receive a FREE coupon for a pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream. A PINT FOR A PINT! Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.

We welcome to the Christian Community Rebecca Noelie Peterson, daughter of Scott and Elizabeth and Christian Michael Waters, son of Richard and Betty. May God blessings be with the families.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 12th, 2006

The Holy Spirit draws us together today to be fed at the tables of the word and Eucharist. Picking up themes begun in last week's Gospel, we are focused today on the healing power of God. We come with our joys and sorrows, our health and sickness, asking God to be present in times of gladness as well as plain. We acknowledge the abiding presence of Christ in this holy place and raise a song of gladness and thanksgiving.

This is one of those Sundays when we should stand back and marvel at the works the Lord Jesus performed. In curing the leper, Jesus broke down barriers that had existed for centuries, preventing peace and the healing of nations. As we listen to the remarkable story of the curing of the leper, let us pray that ever greater healing will occur within our lives and in our weary world.

We welcome to the Christian Community, Mary Margaret Glasgow, daughter of James and Shelly. May God Bless all of you.

Meetings This Week

Feb. 15, 2006 - - Finance Coucil Meeting - - 5:00 pm

Feb. 15, 2006 - - School Council Meeting - - 7:00 pm

Feb. 16, 2006 - - Parish Council Meeting - - 7:00 pm

Please pick up materials in Sacristy to prepare for meetings.

SUMMER MISSION

The youth in our parish have the opportunity to participate in a summer mission during which they can help people in the community and also grow spiritually themselves. High school students are eligible to help here in Junction City or in Goodland during the following dates:

July 9 - July 14 Junction City
July 16 - July 21 Junction City
July 23 -July 28 Goodland
July 30 - August 4 Goodland

If interested, see the flyers at all entrances of the church. To sign up, contact Sister Barbara Ellen - (785)827-8746,
barbcsj@salinadiocese.org

A Rainbow of Caring

Through the TOOLS & BLANKETS Program, congregations and groups around the country reach out in compassion to people in need in more than 80 countries. Simply said, the right tool at the right time can make a world of differance in the lives of a family or a community. You can be a part of that rainbow of caring. Please use the envelopes available in the church Vestibule.

Disciples In Mission

Today we invite you to sign up to participate in one of the Disciples In Mission's weekly Lenten activities: small faith-sharing groups, teen groups, and at home family activities.

Fll out a registration form found at the end of each pew. Put the completed form in the collection basket, the box at the table at the back of the church, or drop off at the rectory. Next week, Feb. 18-19, will be our second sign-up opportunity.

Prayerfully consider participating in this journey of faith. We ask God's blessings on this endeavor.

For further information you may contact the following:
Jeff Keating at 238-7117 or
Richardo /Mary Ann Vieyra at 238-3286.

The paper copy of the bulletin always has some interesting devotionals, humor, or quotes. Since, I do not want to include all of them within the emailed version of the bulletin, I will include them on this special page;
http://jcshops.com/news/?page_id=30 . Also a "REFLECTIONS" link on the bulletin page could be found to get to that page.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Fifth Sunday
in Ordinary Time
February 5th, 2006

The Holy Spirit summons each of us to be formed as a people who seek God's comfort and grace. In this holy place we are given the strength to live a faithful life, even in the midst of difficulties and disappointments. For this great gift we offer God thanks and praise.
When we hear the word of Job, we can be pulled down into his despair. It is important to remember that, even in the enormously difficult times that characterized his life, he still found a way to praise and thank God. As the word is proclaimed today, let us be inspired by Job's faithfulness and ask that God heal us and change us.

DISCIPLES IN MISSION

     With Lent beginning March 3rd, we would like to remind you of our parish's third and final year participation in the Disciples in Mission program. This renewal experience will include small faith-sharing groups, teen groups and family at home activities. The groups meet weekly for the six weeks of Lent.

     Next weekend, February 11-12th, will be our first sign-up opportunity. The second sign-up weekend will be February 18-19th. We invite each of you to join one of the groups as a way of growing in faith and holiness during the Lenten season. For those who are new in the parish we welcome you to participate in this program.

     More information will be available each week as we prepare for this part of our faith journey. Pray that God will inspire many of us to take advantages of these opportunites.

     For further information you may contact the following: Jeff Keating at 238-7117 or Richardo/ Mary Ann Vieyra at 238-3286. Or check out the Disciples in Mission web site at http://www.disciplesinmission.org/
or Our Web Links about OUR CURRENT DISCIPLES IN MISSION information