TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 12/13, 2009   What does it mean to think as God does?   Gospel Reflection (Mark 8:27-35): In this reading, Jesus teaches his disciples what they have gradually come to discover: He is indeed the Messiah. But he is a Messiah who must suffer and die.    Peter found this hard to accept. For Peter, the Messiah would not, could not, suffer. Judging by human standards, not God’s, Peter failed to accept God’s will for the Messiah. Jesus assured all his disciples that they, too, must suffer: deny themselves, take up the cross, and follow him.   Discussion Points for Gospel: Why do people reject other people? Have you ever been rejected for doing what was right or for “not going along with the crowd”? (Remember: God created each of us as unique persons. The person who rejects knowing you is the real loser! He or she is missing a unique creation of God!)    What “crosses” do you have to “take up” in your life right now? Will you ask Jesus to help you? (--Sadlier “We Believe” www.webelieve.web.com)   MASSES FOR THE WEEK SATURDAY          5:15 pm     Phyllis Cross - Pauline Rodgers SUNDAY               8:30 am     Rich Neumann's dad - the Schreck family                             10:30 am     James Rodgers - Pauline Rodgers                               6:15 pm     People of Our Parish MONDAY            12:15 pm     Special Intention - Yolanda Moncayo TUESDAY             5:15 pm     Tony Udvardy WEDNESDAY      12:15 pm     Jim Rodgers - Wendy & Bill Serbonich THURSDAY          5:15 pm      Cliff Wasko - Carol, Greg, & Jeff Wasko                                                  & Cindy, Jeff, Myleigh, Bria & Ethan Smell FRIDAY               12:15 pm     Beulah Udvardy SATURDAY          5:15 pm      Peggi Seiber - the Strekal family/Fr. Don Horak SUNDAY               8:30 am      Salvatore & Teresa Davoli - the Bray family  25th Sunday in                  10:30 am      Katie Hart - Rosemary Mayronne    Ordinary Time              6:15 pm      People of Our Parish PARISH CALENDAR: September 13 - 20 Sunday                  24th Sunday in Ordinary Time                               9:45 am     Rosary                             11:30 am     Prayers for Peace                             12:15 pm     Religious Ed classes                               5:15 pm     Reconciliation                               6:15 pm     Mass                               7:30 pm     RCIA "Come & See" Monday                               6:00 pm     RE Board meeting                               6:30 pm     Catholic Ladies of Columbia Tuesday                               6:30 pm     Religious Ed classes Wednesday                               7:15 pm     Newman Community Thursday                              1:00  pm     Faith Sharing Group Saturday                               9:00 pm     RE Decree training                               4:15 pm     Reconciliation                               5:15 pm     Baptisms Sunday                 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time                                                Catechetical Sunday                               9:45 am     Rosary                             11:30 am     Prayers for Peace                             12:15 pm     Religious Ed classes                               5:15 pm     Reconciliation                               6:15 pm     Mass
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 24th 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 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 Psalm 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8 James 3:16-4:3 Mark 9:30-37
QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time      Jesus asks each of his disciples the same question: “But who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29) Take time this week to explore your heart and to come up with your own personal response to Jesus. Adults: How are my expectations of Jesus based upon my need to be served or on my willingness to serve others? Children: What might I need to give up so that I can follow Jesus more closely? STEWARDSHIP OF TIME AND TALENTS    Fall is a time of change and new beginnings 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’ve changed our Mass schedule to reflect the addition of students to our community. And now we will sign-up to participate in various ministries — the sharing of our time and talents — for the coming year.    This 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”    There is an information meeting about RCIA this 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”. 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, 593-6983, or Marguerite Kostival, 698-2200, with regrets only. CATECHETICAL SUNDAY -- September 20    This year’s theme is “Catechesis and the Proclamation of the Word.” Those who have been designated by the community to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS    Classes begin today -- 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. 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. NEWMAN COMMUNITY    The first meeting of the new school year took place this past Wednesday. New people were welcomed and goals were discussed. Newman meets Wednesday evenings at 7:15 at the CTK Parish Center; everyone is welcome! LITURGY BITS AND BYTES  Children at Liturgy    The Catholic Church welcomes children at liturgy. Everyone has a right to come to Mass and that includes children. Many parishes provide a children’s “Liturgy of the Word” which uses a children’s lectionary and explains and applies the readings in language on their level. Children cannot be expected to have the same attention span as adults. It’s fine to bring something to keep them occupied, like a children’s Bible storybook or a coloring book.    How does a parent decide when it’s time to take a baby out of church? There is a simple guideline: If you were at the dining room table you would know the difference between normal behavior for a child and acting up. It’s up to the parent to decide what’s inappropriate. Sometimes just walking out in the lobby is enough to calm things down. We need to be very patient with parents who bring their children to Mass. We should be more upset if they didn’t come. It is never easy to worship and to discipline at the same time.    On our part, a compliment to a well behaved child goes much further than a “dirty look” or a “nasty remark.” If you are seated near the family you might ask the parent if you can help. Instead of seeing children as a distraction, let them become the focus of your prayer. Copyright © 2009 Resource Publications, San Jose, CA	“But who do you say that I am?” BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES September 14 - 20 Birthdays: George Bain, Kwaku Boakye-Yiadom, Michael Boakye-Yiadom, Ralph Boll, Joanne Bray, Susan Brooks, Stacey Commerford, Cory Corrigan, Raymond Frost, Jim Fuller, Greg Grimm, Caroline Herd, Kelly King, Emma Kraus, Kirk Legar, Jennifer Perry, Joe Ruman, Teresa Schleter, Doug Schreck, Tom Stork, Abagael Webb and Ellen Whaley.   Anniversaries: The following couples are celebrating their anniversary this week: Patty & Richard Manzey (41st), Sallie & Kent Sauber (14th), Lisa & Danny Radford (14th), Angel & Steve Mack (20th), and Mary Ann Skerl-Smathers & Jeff Smathers (7th). Congratulations! PRAYERS FOR THE SICK - Please pray for Parker Moden, Kathi Hahn, Mary Ann Gorman and Bill Rader. (Remembered in the petitions) Religious Ed Teachers/Aides Needed for Pre-K and Kindergarten @ 10:30 Mass    If the desire of your heart is to teach young children about God’s love for them and to help develop their God-given talents and gifts, we need you. The lessons are age-appropriate and easy to use. Children are dismissed from Mass at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Word and are escorted to their classrooms. Parents pick up their children from the classroom at the end of Mass. Teachers can work on a four-week rotation or full-time. Please see Suzanne Vazzano after Mass today for more information about the program. NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING    Natural Family Planning can be helpful for couples of marginal fertility who hope to achieve pregnancy, and can also be used by women with irregular cycles. Next class series to begin at September 20 at Sacred Heart Retreat House in Torch. For more info or to register contact: Bob and Sharon Colvin (740) 593-5713 or colvin.sl@gmail.com SISTERS ON THE RIVER 2 RETREAT    This year’s Retreat for Christian women begins Friday evening, October 2, and continues through Sunday morning October 4. This year’s theme is “Women in the Bible.” Mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend. Brochures are available at the bulletin boards in church. Grab one and check out the info! 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 -- October 14, 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.