St. Anthony of Padua Bulletin
March 15, 1998

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA 233

Third Sunday of Lent

On this Third Sunday of Lent, as we continue with our parish-wide Lent-long "Mission of Reconciliation," we learn from the Word of God that the primary means to this oneness with God and others is reform or repentance after the example of the fig tree: prune it back and nourish it once again with the right fertilizer (see today's Gospel).

The reconciliation we long for is achieved when, first of all, we prune back the diseased and dead branches of our life.

This is accomplished when we, like Moses in the first reading, become increasing aware of the burning presence of the Holy in our life through worship, reverence of the sacredness in every person through respect and acceptance, and submit to that presence by conformity of will and transforming behavior.

In other words, we make a conscious, pro-active effort to search out the presence of God, and we open ourselves to that presence by removing in a steady and conscientious manner whatever it is (like a lack of liturgical participation, a prejudice against color or culture, and a know-it-all or do-it-all approach to life) that keeps us distant from God.

Unless this pruning process is nourished, the living organism will die. So, a system of support and accountability is an essential component of reform and reconciliation. How do we carry out this responsibility of maintaining and sustaining our conversion process in the Lord?

Primarily by making present today in our lives the life of Christ and by keeping in mind those tendencies and temptations which thwart our change of heart and our acceptance of the Lord Jesus(see the second reading).

In other words, we make definite choices in practicing religion to promote a God-awareness (like celebrating Mass and receiving Communion regularly, using the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently, reading Scripture habitually, praying daily, engaging in continuing education, and performing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy) and to stay away from a God-aversion (like bad habits, reoccurring vices, places or activities or companions that are an occasion of sin).

In this way reconciliation will be a real experience and not just a dream or a hope.
--Father Benet OFM
P.S. On Thursday, March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, please remember in prayer all the living and deceased Sisters of St. Joseph who served St. Anthony's so well for so long.

Offering

Envelopes $4,267.71
Loose Collection $ 282.04
Children's Envelopes $ 8.50
TOTAL: $4,558.25
Mission Mass on 3/5/98 $ 228.78
Catholic Relief Services $1,201.64
COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUDGET:

This Week Cumulative
(3/8/98): (Week #36):
$ 5,453.06 $196,319.16
$ 4,558.25 $178,794.95
$- 894.81 $-17,524.21
"Now that we have been justified by faith, we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 5:1). True joy and peace come from letting God love us in His divine way. Learning to surrender our will and to "let go" is expressed through our Lenten practice of fasting, prayer and charity.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...

about the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday
The Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday gathers the diocesan church to consecrate the oil that will be used in each parish to anoint the newly baptized, those being confirmed, and the sick and dying.
Two things seem important here. First, the Chrism Mass is the single regular moment that draws the entire diocese together around the bishop. Second, the focus of this liturgy is the blessing and consecration of these oils so that they may be used throughout the local church, and particularly the focus is the holy chrism that will be used everywhere in the Triduum that is about to begin.
In some dioceses, efforts are now made to let the Chrism Mass be the strongest possible sign of the local church, gathered around its bishop, to prepare the fragrant oil that very soon will seal the baptisms of new Christians. Gabe Huck, The Three Days.
--compiled by Brother Richard OFM

COME HOME FOR LENT!

If you are Catholic and have been married outside the Church, come get your marriage "fixed up" (validated) this Lent by calling Father Benet, the pastor, at 353-7470.
If you have grade-school children who have not been baptized or received First Communion, also contact Father Benet (353-7470).

Parish News

DAY OF RECOLLECTION, sponsored by the Franciscan Mothers Club & Auxiliary will be given by Fr. Jim Cormack CM on Tuesday, March 24, in St. Anthony Hall beginning at 9:30 and concluding with Mass in church at 2:00pm. For reservations call 752-9939 or 351-0926.

GOOD GRIEF!!! The next Good Grief Group will meet in the sacristy on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30pm. Call our social worker Kate or our parish nurse Barb (353-7470) for details.

FLEA MARKET, sponsored by the Franciscan Mothers Club & Auxiliary, will be held on Saturday, March 28, in St. Anthony Hall from 8:30am to 2:30pm. For tables call 481-7234 or 752-4793.

IMPORTANT PASTORAL ASSEMBLY: Mark your calendars to be present at the Parish Pastoral Assembly on Sunday, March 29, at 9:00am in St. Anthony Hall to confirm the candidates nominated for the Parish Pastoral Council. (Special door prizes will be awarded.)

ECUMENICAL PALM SUNDAY SERVICE: The Christian Churches of South St. Louis are together sponsoring a special Palm Sunday Service and Procession on Sunday, April 5, beginning at 9:15am at the Salvation Army (Arsenal and California) and moving toward the various churches. Come be part of this special celebration; call Fr. Benet or Br. Loyola for details.

NEW A.A. MEETING: Every Monday at 11:00am in the West Meeting Room there will be an newcomers' open information meeting for Alcoholics Anonymous. Anyone is welcome to come and ask questions.

SEARS SITE ACTION

Nearly 200 people attended the Feb. 21st meeting at Resurrection to discuss the lack of development of at the old Sears site at Grand and Winnebago.
Members of C-4 ("Churches Committed to Community Concerns"), Dutchtown South Community Corp., other neighborhood groups, civic officials, business persons, and interested citizens voted on what they would like to see at this site.
What can YOU do NOW? Call the Mayor's office at 622-3201 and ask him to take immediate action. Sign the Sears-site petition that will be circulating soon.

MISSION OF RECONCILIATION

Lent

SPECIAL MISSION ON "THE WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" with Bishop Sheridan celebrating Eucharist and preaching on "The Holy Spirit and Prayer," on Thursday, March 19, at 7:00pm.

LENTEN HOME MASSES on Tuesday, March 17, at 7:00pm. Hosts are The Ray Meurer Family (4308 So. Compton, 351-1790) and the Bill Kamper Family (4430 Louisiana, 481-2770). Please come, but call before coming.

LENTEN HOLY HOUR: At the Friday Holy Hour of Adoration at 3:00 pm on March 20 we will focus on the Holy Spirit's gift of Fortitude, and we will pray for a deeper Personal Integrity. Come pray with us!

LENTEN FISH FRY: St. Anthony's sponsors a Fish Fry on every Friday of Lent from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. Each one is hosted by a parish organization. The host group and the responsible person for Friday, March 20, are THE MEN'S CLUB (Don Sieve, 464-7245).
(Anyone who wants to bake a cake for one of the fish fries is to bring it to the Meramec Cafeteria any time after 1:00pm.)

LENTEN FOOD PANTRY GIFT: Each week of Lent you are asked to bring a particular food item for the Food Pantry as a lenten sacrifice. Place it on the steps of the St. Joseph Shrine on the east side of the church. For the Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 22) the food item will be:
soups -- canned or dry

canned fruits

LENTEN DEVOTIONS: Our Parish's "Mission of Reconciliation" includes:
Sundays, 6:00pm, Evening Prayer, in the Friars' Choir
Mondays, 6:00pm, Evening Prayer, in the Friars' Choir
Tuesdays, 7:00pm, Mass in Parishioners' Homes Wednesdays, 2:15pm, Stations of the Cross with school children in church
Fridays, 7:00pm, Stations of the Cross and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in church
Saturdays, 5:30pm, "Soup 'n' Scripture" (studying and reflecting on the Bible), sacristy
(We ask each parishioner to choose at least ONE of these activities every week besides the Mission Mass on Thursdays.

NEWS ABOUT PARISHIONERS
SANCTUARY LAMP: This week one of the sanctuary lamps is lit for the health of Bernard Plasmeier & Virginia Killoren at the request of the Steger family, and the other as a prayerful remembrance of the Gyaky, Zarka, Wambach, Horvath, and Seper Families (MMG).
QUILT WINNER FOR MARCH 5: Jeaneine Davis of 18 Buckley Meadows Lane.

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE

SPRING FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS, sponsored by the Pro-Life Committee of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, St. Charles, Saturday, March 14, 9:00am to 3:00pm; call 946-6164 for information.
ST. PAT'S HOMECOMING CELEBRATION at St. Pius V Church, Saturday, March 14, with corned beef and ham dinners available from noon to 7:00pm.
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER, sponsored by Alexian Brothers Hospital Auxiliary, Saturday, March 21, 3:00-6:30pm in the Peterson Auditorium.
ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR, sponsored by the Spirit of St. Francis Drill Team, Saturday, March 21, 9:00am to 3:30pm, at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Center.
THE ANDERSONVILLE TRIAL, a stage play produced by St. Mary's High School, will run March 25-28; call 481-8400 for tickets and information.

Holy Week

Mark your calendars now for the special liturgical services of Holy Week:

CONFESSIONS: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (April 6, 7, & 8) after the 8:00am Mass, Tuesday evening (April 7) at 6:00pm, Wednesday afternoon (April 8) at 3:00pm.

HOLY THURSDAY, April 9: Morning Prayer at 8:00am, Mass of the Lord's Supper at 6:00pm, Community Potluck Dinner at 7:00pm, Adoration until midnight

GOOD FRIDAY, April 10: Morning Prayer at 8:00am, Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at 3:00pm, Stations of the Cross at 7:00pm

HOLY SATURDAY, April 11: Morning Prayer at 8:00am followed by breakfast with the friars Blessing of Food at 9:00am, Easter Vigil at 9:00pm with informal reception for the newly received following

EASTER SUNDAY, April 12: Solemn Festive Ecumenical Evening Prayer at 6:00pm

Mass Intentions for the Week

Monday, March 16, Lenten Weekday
6:30 Dorothy & Mathilda Swehla
8:00 Pauline Rothweiler
Tuesday, March 17, Lenten Weekday (Patrick)
6:30 Leo F. Schwald
8:00 Helen & Herman Hartlieb
Wednesday, March 18, Lenten Weekday
6:30 Gansmann Family
8:00 John Boncek
Thursday, March 19, ST. JOSEPH
6:30 Patricia Palermo
8:00 Helen & Herman Hartlieb
Friday, March 20, Lenten Weekday
6:30 For Vocations
8:00 Helen & Herman Hartlieb
Saturday, March 21, Lenten Weekday
6:30 Dorothy Paulis
8:00 Helen & Herman Hartlieb
Sunday, March 22, 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT
4:30 (Saturday) Walter Rowbottom
6:00 Parishioners
8:00 Henri Bouchard
10:30 Helen & Herman Hartlieb

Liturgical Assistants

Week of March 16-22

LECTORS:
Weekdays, March 16-21:
6:30 Georgia Berry
8:00 Joe Sestric
Mission Mass, March 19:
7:00 Alured McNulty
Sunday, March 21-22:
4:30 Steve Markley, Philipa Krueger
6:00 Ken Dames
8:00 Bob & Karen Morgan
10:30 George & Mary Ann Schmidt
Weekdays, March 23-28:
6:30 Alberta Stackle
8:00 Georgia Berry
Mission Mass, March 26:
7:00 George Schmidt

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
Mission Mass, March 19:
7:00 Hosts: Brother Richard Cups: Pat Nieters, Linda Kohne, Sr. Virginia, Betty Marton, Theresa Mayer, Jackie Schmittgens
Sunday, March 21-22:
4:30 Hosts: Arch Rutherfurd, Alured McNulty
Cups: Wanda & Ed Meyer, Valerie & Sue* Geldmacher
6:00 Rich Steger
8:00 Hosts: Betty Marton, Gene Rombach
Cups: Janice Leicht, Rosemary
Beheiter, Jackie & Mark Kappler
10:30 SFO Mass
Hosts: Betty Krull SFO, Phyllis
Morrison SFO
Cups: Anne Weiss SFO, Marie Serafin SFO, Dorothy Schaefer, Ruth Brown, Tony Dresner SFO, Jay Doolittle SFO*
Mission Mass, March 26:
7:00 Hosts: Brother Richard
Cups: Jay Doolittle, Marie Mergel, Arch Rutherfurd, Alberta Stackle, Mary Ann Schmidt, Janice Leicht

This Coming Week

SUNDAY, MARCH 29
9:00 a.m. - ALL-PARISH ASSEMBLY: PPC CONFIRMATION
9:00 a.m. - R.C.I.A. (S)
6:00 p.m. - Lenten Evening Prayer
MONDAY, MARCH 30
11:00 a.m. - A.A. Information Meeting (W)
6:00 p.m. - Lenten Evening Prayer
7:30 p.m. - Prayer Group (E)
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
6:30 p.m. - Bingo (L)
7:00 p.m. - Lenten Home Masses
7:30 p.m. - Al-Anon Meeting (F)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
11:00 a.m. - A.A. Meeting (W)
2:15 p.m. - Stations of the Cross
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
7:00 p.m. - PARISH MISSION
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
3:00 p.m. - Holy Hour (Ch)
3:30-6:30p - Fish Fry (M)
7:00 p.m. - Stations of the Cross & Benediction
7:00 p.m. - Ladies' Sodality Meeting (M)
8:00 p.m. - A.A. Meeting (F)
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
5:30 p.m. - Soup 'n' Scripture
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
8:00 a.m. - Ladies' Sodality Mass
9:00 a.m. - Ladies' Sodality Communion Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - R.C.I.A. (S)
9:15 a.m. - Ecumenical Palm Sunday Service
10:30 a.m. - Scout Mass
6:00 p.m. - Lenten Evening Prayer

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St. Anthony of Padua Bulletin March 15, 1998