TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
September 5/6, 2009
 
Where in your life do you want greater openness?
 
Gospel Reflection (Mark 7:31-37): What was promised in today’s first reading we see fulfilled in this gospel story. A man who is deaf and suffers from a speech impediment is taken by his friends to see Jesus. Moved by the man’s pitiful condition, Jesus takes him aside and performs a healing ritual. He concludes by praying that the man’s senses “Be opened!” And the man begins immediately to hear and speak plainly.
   Despite Jesus’ command to keep the miracle a secret, the crowd goes wild with excitement and spreads the news throughout the region. They praise Jesus because “He has done everything well!” Jesus, however, does not want them to expect a Messiah who will bring them political power and economic riches. He was a Messiah who used God’s power only to serve others and not to avoid suffering himself.
 
Discussion Points for Gospel: How would you describe the friends of the deaf man? Why do you think Jesus took the deaf man aside? How did Jesus use his own body in the ritual of healing? Why do you think he groaned when he looked up to heaven? In what way is the man who is healed a sign of the Messiah’s presence?
   What does the example of Jesus teach us about how we are to respond to those who are hearing-impaired or otherwise physically-challenged? In what ways can we be helpful to people who have speech impediments of any kind?
(--Sadlier “We Believe” www.webelieve.web.com)
 
MASSES FOR THE WEEK

SATURDAY
          5:15 pm     Peggi Seiber - Anne & Andy Chonko
SUNDAY
               8:30 am     Father Frank Cronin - the Rogers family
                            10:30 am     Geraldine Mauser - Ed & Mary Schreck
                              6:15 pm     Jim Rodgers - the Rodgers family
MONDAY
            9:00 am     People of Our Parish
TUESDAY             5:15 pm     Tony Udvardy
WEDNESDAY
      12:15 pm     Sick & Shut-ins of Our Parish
                              2:00 pm     Mass @ Hickory Creek
THURSDAY          5:15 pm      Beulah Udvardy
FRIDAY
               12:15 pm     Joan Hermey - Wendy & Bill Serbonich
SATURDAY
         5:15 pm      Phyllis Cross - Pauline Rodgers
SUNDAY 
              8:30 am      Rich Neumann's dad - the Schreck family
 24th Sunday in                  10:30 am      James Rodgers - Pauline Rodgers
   Ordinary Time              6:15 pm      People of Our Parish


LABOR DAY -- Monday is a national holiday. Begin the day with prayer to celebrate the gift of work and the dignity of all who labor. Mass will be celebrated in the church at 9:00 a.m.
PARISH CALENDAR: September 6 - 13
Sunday                  23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
                              9:45 am     Rosary
                            11:30 am     Prayers for Peace
                            12:15 pm     Confirmation mtg. @
                                                  St. Paul's
                              5:15 pm     Reconciliation
                              6:15 pm     Mass
Monday                                  Labor Day
                              9:00 am     Mass (office closed)
Tuesday                                  Fall Qtr. begins at O.U.
Wednesday
                              2:00 pm    Mass @ Hickory Creek
                              7:15 pm     Newman Community
Thursday
                             1:00  pm     Faith Sharing Group
Saturday

                              4:15 pm     Reconciliation
Sunday                
 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
                              9:45 am     Rosary
                            11:30 am     Prayers for Peace
                              5:15 pm     Reconciliation
                              6:15 pm     Mass
                              7:30 pm     R.C.I.A. "Come & See"
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

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 35:4-7a
Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
James 2:1-5
Mark 7:31-37

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 50:5-9a
Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
James 2:14-18
Mark 8:27-35

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
   It is very interesting to note that the good news of universal Salvation is proclaimed, in effect, by a man who could not hear or speak. Through the deaf man God reveals the clear message that all people can find restoration, hope, and wholeness in Jesus.
Adults: As I listen to today’s Gospel, what thought patterns or prejudices cry out within me to be opened by the touch of Jesus?

Children: What does it mean when we say that “actions speak louder than words?”

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME AND TALENTS
   Fall is a time of change here in Athens: school begins, new parishioners (university students as well as families) are welcomed into our community, a new year of religious education begins. We change our Mass schedule to reflect the addition of students to our community. And we sign-up to participate in various ministries — the sharing of our time and talents — for the coming year.
   Next weekend, September 12/13, is our annual Sign-up Weekend. Please take some time to pray about how you want to become involved in parish life.
RCIA “Come and See” meetings
   
There are two opportunities to learn how adults are initiated in the Catholic faith - Thursday, September 10th at 7 PM at St. Paul or Sunday, September 13th at 7:30 PM at Christ the King. Please pray for those who might be considering it, share this info with them and offer to accompany them to “come and see”.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
   Classes begin Sunday, September 13, and Tuesday, September 15. To register, contact Nancy Denhart, DRE, 590-3302, 592-2711 or ndenhart@ctkathens.org
   Are you a faith-filled person who loves children? Perhaps you are being called to be a person who “echoes God’s Word” as a catechist. The Religious Education Program has openings for catechists. We meet Sundays at 12:15 or Tuesdays at 6:30 during the school year. We provide in-service and help for all in the catechetical program. Contact Nancy for more info.    Catechetical Sunday is September 20. The ministry of the word is a fundamental element of evangelization through all its stages because it involves the proclamation of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God…
   The word of God nourishes both evangelizers and those who are being evangelized so that each one may continue to grow in his or her Christian life.
(National Directory for Catechesis [NDC] [Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005], no. 17)
REMINDER: Confirmation 2010
   
There is still time for anyone interested in preparation for Confirmation. Contact Kate Kahler (592-2711) or kkahler@ctkathens.org for information.
CATHOLIC LADIES OF COLUMBIA
   The next meeting of the CLC is Monday, September 14, at 6:30 PM in the CTK Parish Center. Contact Adeline Gura, 59306983, or Marguerite Kostival, 698-2200, with regrets only.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
    God, the author of love, calls us to love one another with wholeness, respect, and dignity. Come see how you can honor your beloved through NFP. The next Natural Family Planning series begins Sept. 20 at Sacred Heart Retreat House in Torch. For information about the class series contact Bob and Sharon Colvin (740) 593-5713 or colvin.sl@gmail.com
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
   Make this year’s Sweetest Day one your spouse will long treasure. Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter and discover the skills you need to make everyday a ‘sweetest day.’ Make your plans now to attend the October 16-18 weekend at the Best Western Hotel in Austintown, Ohio. Reservations are limited. For information or to register, call 330-305-9963 or email worldwideME@sbcglobal.net OR go to our website www.wwme.org
PROGRAMS AT PAUL VI PASTORAL CENTER
   “Not on Stone” -- a weekend retreat based on the Ten Commandments -- September 18-20.
   “A Future Full of Hope” is a retreat for married couples with Father Scott Seethaler, O.F.M. Cap. The retreat is offered Friday through Sunday, October 2-4.
   “The War in Iraq/the War in Afghanistan” -- a day of prayer and support --
   "The War in Iraq/the War in Afghanistan” -- a day of prayer and support -- October 14, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM., 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
   Contact info@paulvi.org or go to their website: www.paulvi.org to see all their programs offered. Brochures are available at the parish office reception desk.
LITURGY BITS AND BYTES
 
Labor Day
   Labor Day is usually a reminder to us all that it’s time to buckle down again and get to work. Summer is at an end and the school year begins once more. The holiday is a reminder to us that there is dignity in the work we do. There are a number of church teachings that speak of the worth of labor and laborers. Sometimes we lose sight of the value of work because we don’t take the time to step back and refuel our tired spirits. That is the purpose of “Sabbath rest.” One of the commandments is “Keep holy the Sabbath” A good question to reflect on: “What do I do to re-create my spirit?” and “How do I keep Sunday the Lord’s Day?”
Copyright © 2009 Resource Publications, San Jose, CA
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
September 7 - 13
Birthdays:
Kathy Baca, Beth Brown, Marissa Coschigano, Mary Helen Graham, Joyce Hamby, Roberta Henderson, Father Marty, Warren Jeffers, Brad King, Kristin Krzic, Brandon Lent, Anne Lombard, April Louthain, Joe Mulligan, Flo Oellerich, Brian Quinn, CheChe Santoni, Matthew Sheehan, Amy Simpson, and Sophie Truszka.
 
Anniversaries: The following couples are celebrating their anniversary this week: Judy & Harry Houska (44th), Roberta & Sherman Henderson (31st), Cathy & Carl Bruggeman (26th), Danne & Cory Corrigan (10th), Peggy & John Scott (31st), Mary Lou & John Lavelle (57th!) and Melanie & John Glassmire (23rd). Congratulations!

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK - Please pray for Parker Moden, Kathi Hahn, Mary Ann Gorman and Bill Rader. (Remembered in the petitions)
REST IN PEACE
   We offer our sympathy and prayers to Doug and Connie Woodruff and to Carole and Joe Schloss. Doug’s aunt, Joan McDowell, passed away this past weekend; Carole’s mom, Helen Rose Sturm, died a few weeks ago. May they and all who have died, rest in the peace of our Lord.
OUR GARDENS -- BLESSED ABUNDANCE
Don’t forget: we’re still having our veggie exchange in the Gathering Space in church at the Sunday masses. So bring in your extra veggies and maybe take home some different ones! Any left overs are distributed to the needy.

FAMILY DAY
   Our Lady of Consolation Shrine in Carey, Ohio will be hosting a Family Day on Sunday, September 13th. We welcome families to come and pray together. Mass will be celebrated at noon with a luncheon and games for the family to follow. The day concludes with Devotions at 2:30 PM; there will be an opportunity for individual family blessings. For more information, go to the website: www.olcshrine.com or call 419-396-7107.
What will your RESPONSE be?
   Would you like to make a difference in your community, the country or the world? Do you want to serve those in need and work for social justice? RESPONSE 2010 is the most comprehensive free guide of faith-based service opportunities available. Volunteers serve full-time for periods of one week to one year or more across the United States and in more than 100 countries worldwide. Summer and school break opportunities are also available. Our volunteers are from all walks of life -- from high school to senior citizens and every stage in between. Positions are available for both single and married volunteers, including those with children.
   Contact Catholic Network of Volunteer Service (CNVS) for more information: 800-543-5046; cnvsinfo@cnvs.org or www.cnvs.org