Statement for Triumph of the Cross Cathedral SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT February 16/17, 2008   In the din of constant sounds in our world, how will you listen to the Lord this Lent?   Gospel Reflection (Matthew 17:1-9): Three of Jesus’ closest friends arrive at a new understanding of him in today’s gospel. They are allowed to get a glimpse of him as he will be after his passion, death, and resurrection. Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah) of the Old Testament. He is Son of God and Messiah, in whom we experience God’s presence and in whose image we will be transfigured.    We read today’s story of the transfiguration so that we, too, might be led to a new understanding of Jesus. He is greater than we could ever have thought, and tells us, “Do not be afraid. Keep your eyes on me.” Discussion Points for Gospel: How are you like Peter in this gospel? Seeing Jesus transfigured was so wonderful, he wanted to stay there always. In New Orleans there is a happy slogan, “Let the good times roll!” We want good times to keep going, and never to end. Of course, this will not happen until we get to heaven! Here on earth, we may meet Jesus in the glory of a beautiful liturgy, or a peaceful time of prayer, or in the love of parents, friends, spouse.    But we also see him, if we have eyes to see him, as we walk down the mountain and back to everyday life. Jesus still leads us. How can you keep your eyes on Jesus in works of justice and mercy, in help for those less fortunate? Who or what can help you seek Jesus here? (--Sadlier “We Believe” www.webelieve.web.com)     MASSES FOR THE WEEK SATURDAY          5:15 pm     Andy & Edith Repar - Mary Kline SUNDAY               8:30 am     Jon Sparhawk - Pay & Gary Meyer                             10:30 am     Salvatore & Teresa Davoli - the Bray family                               6:15 pm     People of Our Parish MONDAY            12:15 pm     Beulah Udvardy TUESDAY             5:15 pm      R.E. Children & Families WEDNESDAY      12:15 pm     Tony Udvardy THURSDAY          5:15 pm      Healing & Recovery of Katy Hart FRIDAY               12:15 pm     Sick & Shut-ins of Our Parish SATURDAY          5:15 pm      Mary Simmons - the Schreck family SUNDAY               8:30 am      Kathleen Morrow - the Essmans  3rd Sunday of Lent         10:30 am      People of Our Parish                                           6:15 pm       Mary Abraham - the Abraham family         PARISH CALENDAR: February 7 - 24   SUNDAY            Second Sunday of Lent                           9:30 am     Rosary                          11:30 am    Prayers for Peace                           4:30 pm     R.E. classes                           5:15 pm     Reconciliation TUESDAY                           9:45 am     Why Catholic?                           6:30 pm     R.E. classes WEDNESDAY                            5:00 pm     Earth Justice meeting                           7:00 pm     Newman Community meeting THURSDAY                           1:00 p.m     "the Needlers" Why Catholic?                           7:15 pm     R.C.I.A. FRIDAY                               Parents' Weekend                           5:00 pm     Fish Fry                           6:00 pm     Stations of the Cross                                                & Benediction SATURDAY                         Parents' Weekend                                              Catechetical class                           4:15 pm      Reconciliation SUNDAY           Third Sunday of Lent                                              Parents' Weekend                           9:30 am     Rosary                         11:30 am     Prayers for Peace                           4:30 pm     Religious Ed classes                           4:30 pm     1st Communion parent mtg.                           5:15 pm     Reconciliation Thank you for your generous response to the collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.
Sunday Scripture Readings      Reflection on the Scriptures has become more and more a part of basic Christian spirituality. At times we would like to return to the Sunday Scriptures at home, but we do not have the missalette with us. At other times we may be interested in seeing just what came before or immediately after the reading for the day to gain more insights.      To encourage this encounter with the Scriptures, we will be including in the bulletin the scripture reading references for the current Sunday and the following Sunday. In addition, in our on-line bulletin we will have the actual links to the readings.	New American Bible Second Sunday of Lent Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 Matthew 17:1-9 Third Sunday of Lent Exodus 17:3-7 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 John 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42
QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK Second Sunday of Lent      In the Transfiguration a deeper level of life and truth breaks forth upon the stunned disciples. In a similar way we must remain open to those moments in our lives when we see more clearly the truth about ourselves and others. Adults: When did I face a truth about myself which was surprising or difficult to claim? How has that experience influenced my life? Children: How can I celebrate the fact that every talent and ability I have is a gift from God? FISH FRY    Each Friday a Fish Fry will be held at the CTK PC from 5-7. Catholic organizations from St. Paul and CTK will host the event during Lent.    The menu includes fish, a vegetable, coleslaw and a roll. The cost is $5/plate. Donations accepted. Take out available.    This Friday, February 22, the event will be sponsored by the Newman Community. Food is catered by the Red Brick Tavern courtesy Dan DeLuca.    *Last Friday, we served 110 people! Come and join us! Stations of the Cross and Benediction Fridays at 6:00 pm KIDS’ RETREAT!    Make a leap of faith and come to our retreat on March 1 from 9:30 - 11:30 at the CTK Parish Center. Children 3 and older are welcome to join us for a time of fun and learning. Registration forms available in the back of church. Contact Nancy Sand 592-3410 or nsand@ctkathens.org if you have questions. EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS    Please send or bring your memorial to the office no later than March 17 for inclusion in the Easter bulletin. LENT: THE SYMBOLS    Colors: Violet is the usual color for Lent, symbolizing repentance. Red on Good Friday relates to Jesus' sacrifice, while white is the color for Easter.    Ashes placed on the forehead hint at an ancient ritual-covering oneself with ashes in penitence. Receiving the cross-shaped "smudge" reminds us that we are dust and is a public statement of repentance. Usually the ashes are from the previous year's Palm Sunday branches, illustrating the circle of the Church Year.    Forty Days of Lent parallel the 40 days which Jesus spent in fasting and prayer in the wilderness.    Palm branches in ancient times signified victory and were used in triumphal processions by Romans and Jews.    Paschal or Easter Candle is a large, decorated and dates candle, lit each year at the Easter Vigil bonfire and then carried into the darkened church. Standing for the risen Savior who is the light of the world, it is then displayed prominently at services and baptisms during the year. LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES • Daily Mass: the Eucharist is the foundation of our spiritual life. Can you find time to share in the Eucharist one time during the week? Daily Mass is held in the Chapel in the PC Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12:15; Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:15. • Habitat for Humanity Project: this is our parish almsgiving effort. It is such a worthwhile project--helping people live in decent housing. Have you taken home one of the Lenten folders for this project? Surely a $20 offering is something within the means of nearly every household in the parish. And as we contribute our money, we also have the opportunity to not only pray for the poor but to commit ourselves to working toward a more just and equitable society. • Stations of the Cross: 6:00 pm on Fridays. It is surely an experience that would benefit families. Think about coming at least once for the Stations which are followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Come early and share the fish fry supper (5:00 to 7:00) in the Parish Center. • Parish Communal Penance Service: Reconciliation is at the heart of Lenten Renewal. Please mark your calendars now to attend the Penance Service on Palm Sunday, March 16, at 3:00 pm at CTK. • Make plans to attend the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday all are part of one grand celebration of the Paschal Mysteries. Please plan to attend all of them. • Pray for our RCIA candidates and catechumens. As they approach their final preparations encourage these men and women who are inspirations for us not only by prayer but by our acts of welcome and kindness.	“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES February 18 - 24 Birthdays: Steve Abfall, Marty Bayha, Shelby Carlson, Chris Demel, Michael DiBenedetto, Ted Gilfert, Daniel Gulino, Frank Jeffers, Anita Kochis, Donna Kroner, Katie Kuhlman, Jason Love, Roger Menchofer, Jeff Redefer, Mitchell Rider, Becky Rondy, Brian Shapiro, Jonnalyn Shimko, Alissa Sindelar, Mary Jo Starkey, Kurt Strickmaker, Owen Strickmaker, Joanna Tindongan, Lee Walker, Carol Wasko, John Yanity, Peter Zeisler and David Zimmerman.   Students: Molly Linkenhoker, Ashley Coll and Alex Wilson. Anniversaries: Brenda & Rodney King (28th) and Pat & Joe Davidson (34th). Prayers for the Sick    Let's be one in hope and prayerful presence to all on our prayer list and continue to pray for Katy Hart and Bill Rader. (Remembered in the petitions) REST IN PEACE    We offer our sympathy and prayers to Nancy Beebe, Nancy Bain and their families. Nancy Beebe’s uncle Bernard Strayer and Nancy Bain’s mother Audrey Remus both passed away this past Wednesday. May they and all who have died, rest in the peace of our Lord. SACRED HEART RETREAT HOUSE NEWS    Don’t forget the Valentine’s dinner at the SHRH tonight at 7:00. Call first, 667-0100, to reserve a chicken dinner! CHILDREN’S EASTER CHOIR    Practice is 3:45-4:25 pm on Sundays, March 2, 9, 16. (If needed, March 22, at 10:00.) We will be singing for the 10:30 Mass on Easter. Questions, contact Nancy Sand, 592-3410. NEWMAN COMMUNITY      The focus for our meeting last week was Discernment. This week is a service meeting. Newman meets every Wednesday at 7:00 pm -- join us! Global Warming Café at CTK Saturday, March 1st 2:00 – 4:00 pm From Conversation to Action    Reflect on and discuss with your neighbors: what global warming means to us, individually and as a community. Learn about the Low Carbon Diet program for lowering our carbon footprint. Activities for school-age children & child care provided. To register contact: Muriel Grim, 696-1249. Co-Sponsored by Athens Interfaith Earth Justice Network, CTK and St.Paul’ s Peace&Justice Committee, & the Southeast Ohio Chapter of the Sierra Club VOCATIONS POSTER CONTEST    The Serra Club of Steubenville, a group whose purpose is to promote and encourage religious vocations, is sponsoring a religious vocations poster contest. All grade and high school students of our parish are welcome to participate. For grades K-6, the theme is “Pray for Religious Vocations.” For grades 7-12, the theme is “Becoming Fishers of Men.”    The poster can be drawn by hand with a pencil, pen, markers, colored pencils and/or paint. No collage materials, glitter or computer art is permitted. The poster size is 8-1/2” X 11” on unlined white paper. One entry per person. A short phrase about religious vocations may be included in the artwork. Student’s name, grade, school and parish should be printed on the back of the artwork. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places based on grades.    Judging will be done by members of the Serra Club of Steubenville. Deadline is for submittal to parish office is Sunday, March 2. Athens High School Wrestling won 1st place in the S.E.O.A.L. League at Gallipolis on Saturday. Three of the teens from Christ the King wrestle on the team: Reed Anderson, Stephen Rodriguez and Jon Keener. Coach Keiser was named the S.E.O.A.L. Coach of the Year.