Questions for reflection on the Scriptures for the Second Sunday of Lent.
1) Questions on the Reading from the Book of Genesis: What is the situation? What promise does God make to Abram? What experience does Abram have to confirm these promises? How does this relate to the gospel story?
2) Questions on the Reading from Philippians: What contrast does St. Paul make in describing how people live? What promise does Paul make on God’s behalf? How does this passage connect with today’s gospel?
3)
Questions on the Gospel
DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY: The noon Bible Study will meet this Tuesday, 12–1 PM in the Rectory. We will base our study on the Scripture readings for next Sunday. Please bring your Bible and join us.
EVENING BIBLE STUDY: The evening Bible Study will meet this Tuesday, 7-8 PM, in the Rectory. We will study the Gospel according to John, Chapters 4-9. Please read the material ahead of time and come prepared to discuss what you have read.
TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE “RITE OF SENDING” FOR KAY BAILEY. We have a special rite after the homily, in which we bless Kay and then send her to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election. At that celebration, beginning at 2:30 this afternoon, she will approved by the Archbishop to be welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Please keep her in your prayers as she continues her journey of faith.
TODAY WE WELCOME A
STUDENT FROM SUMNER HIGH SCHOOL, who will speak to us about how we can make a difference in the lives of Sumner students.
We also welcome Maureen Nolan, Volunteer Specialist, St.
Louis Public Schools and Karen E. Hylton, Community Outreach Coordinator, also with SLPS, who can
answer your questions and sign you up to begin making a
difference at Sumner! If you are
interested in becoming a tutor, mentoring a student, becoming a hallway monitor,
or perhaps sitting down and having lunch with a promising student, please speak
with them in the back of church after Mass.
THANK YOU!! TO OUR MARDI GRAS VOLUNTEERS who braved
the cold last weekend to raise funds for the parish. They brought in
$586 in tips. We should know their commission on sales in about 6 weeks.
WIRELESS HEARING ASSIST SYSTEM: As part of improving our sound system, we are planning to install a system that will allow those who have a hard time hearing to tune directly into the sound system. The first step is to find out how many people are interested. Will you use the system when it is available? Please talk to Fr. Mark if you are interested.
LENTEN REGULATIONS:
I. FAST AND ABSTINENCE
(self-denial). To
foster the spirit of penance and of reparation for sin, to encourage
self-denial, and to guide us in the footsteps of Jesus, Church law requires the
observance of fast and abstinence (CCC, nos. 1249-1253).
1. Abstinence: All
persons who have already celebrated their 14th birthday are bound to abstain
from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.
2. Fasting: Everyone, from the celebration of their 18th
birthday to their 59th birthday, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good
Friday.
Voluntary fasting on other weekdays of Lent, especially on Wednesdays and
Fridays, is highly recommended. Fasting is generally understood to mean eating
one full meal each day. Two other partial meals, sufficient to maintain
strength, may be taken; but together they should not equal another full meal.
Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed. Other forms of
“fasting,” especially regarding alcoholic drink, needless television, video
games, Internet use and social entertainment, is of true spiritual value and is
strongly encouraged. When health or ability to work would be seriously
affected, neither the law of fasting nor the law of abstinence obliges. If in
doubt, one’s parish priest or confessor may be consulted. It is desirable that
they perform some other pious act instead.
II. PRAYER. In order to deepen one’s love for Christ, Catholics are urged to read
and pray over sacred
Scripture; to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church; to participate in devotions offered by the parish; and to pray more fervently -- individually, as families, and in common with others.
III. ALMSGIVING. The act of giving to the poor, in the most ancient tradition of the Church, is an expression of penance, a form of piety, a witness of fraternal charity and an expression of Lenten conversion. Therefore, all Catholics are urged to support generously the charitable works of the Church, including ordinary stewardship to their parish. People are also encouraged to assist the sick, the aged, the needy and the imprisoned in other ways. Fasting and abstinence together with works of charity help Catholics live in solidarity with the crucified Christ reflected in the image of our brothers and sisters who suffer.
WARD 4 MEETING THIS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, AD THE FAMILY CENTER. We are hosting this meeting. All parishioners who are residents of the 4th Ward are invited to attend.
DAILY READINGS, February 22-27:
Monday: Chair of Peter: 1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23; Matthew 16:13-19
Tuesday: Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 34; Matthew 6:7-15
Wednesday: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51; Luke 11:29-32
Thursday: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Psalm 138; Matthew 7:7-12
Friday: Ezekiel 18:21-28; Psalm 130; Matthew 5:20-26
Saturday: Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Psalm 119; Matthew 5:43-48