reflecting on the gospel · 2/18/2018  · gaze upon some of god’s most adorable...

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REFLECTING ON THE GOSPEL Upon making a commitment, how often do we start out with strong intentions, firm will, and fortitude? Perhaps nothing represents that more in our modern culture than a New Years resolution. We see and hear ads for gym memberships and diet plans flooding the internet and the airwaves during those first few weeks of January. So many of us are resolute in those weeks. But once a hurdle is in our path we can quickly stumble. Some- times we can make a commitment to exercise daily, and that routine is manageable for a few days, or even a few weeks. But we also face other priorities in the midst of our goal to exercise daily. Pretty soon, exercising is a long gone wish. Jesus faced something much more profound than a New Years resolution or an intention to exercise daily. Upon being baptized and starting his ministry, he was immediately faced with temptation. He was driven into the desert, a place of no consolation, no respite, and no refreshment. The experience of knowing he is Gods Son gives way to isolation and solitude in a harsh environment. As a human being, Jesus knew temptation; the gospel is clear about that. But for many Christians it can be difficult to imagine that Jesus was truly tempted, for he was also divine. And yet as he was fully human he was truly tempted. Despite these real temptations, he overcame them. Mark does not tell us much about this period, unlike Luke, for example, with the many scenes of Jesus conversing with Satan. Mark is intent to tell us in sparse text, without wasting a word, that Jesus was tempted by Satan. Jesus was fully human and experienced temptation as we do. As Jesus was tempted we too will be tempted. Perhaps even our profound experience of faith and trust in God is tested. But after this period of testing Jesus returns to Galilee, his home and proclaims the Gospel. In this he is a model for us, who will not live without temptation. We might have an experience of desolation that God is not with us in our trials. But like Jesus we can undergo this experience and emerge stronger, with the courage to proclaim the Gospel. Living Liturgy—Year B IN SYMPATHY Please remember in your prayers +Lenard (Sweed) Pavlicek and +Mary Ficek, relatives of Syl & Vince Pavleck and +Peter Wu, father of Caroline Simnitt. Remember, Lord, those who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May these, and all who sleep in Christ, find in Your presence light, happiness and peace. LENTEN REGULATIONS All Catholics 14 years and older must abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All Catholics between ages 18 and 59 are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. To fast means to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may also be taken for good health but together they should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted; however, liquids including coffee and milk and fruit juices are allowed. EVER WONDERED HOW EASTER IS DETERMINED? Every year one of the big questions in the Church calendar is: "When is Easter this year?" Unlike Christmas, Easter is considered a movable feast as its date can vary over a 5 week period of time on the calendar. The "formula" for determining the date of Easter was decreed at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and it is this, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the Spring Equinox. Because Easter itself is not a fixed date its date on the calendar effects the dates of several of the Feast Dates which follow it: Easter Monday, Pentecost, Ascension and Corpus Christi. PRESIDENT’S DAY The Parish Office is closed this Monday, February 19th for Presidents Day.

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Page 1: REFLECTING ON THE GOSPEL · 2/18/2018  · Gaze upon some of God’s most adorable creations—puppies from fellow Catholics. Meet a Portland anesthesiologist saving lives in Sierra

REFLECTING ON THE GOSPEL

Upon making a commitment, how often do we start out

with strong intentions, firm will, and fortitude? Perhaps

nothing represents that more in our modern culture than

a New Year’s resolution. We see and hear ads for gym

memberships and diet plans flooding the internet and

the airwaves during those first few weeks of January.

So many of us are resolute in those weeks. But once a

hurdle is in our path we can quickly stumble. Some-

times we can make a commitment to exercise daily, and

that routine is manageable for a few days, or even a few

weeks. But we also face other priorities in the midst of

our goal to exercise daily. Pretty soon, exercising is a

long gone wish. Jesus faced something much more

profound than a New

Year’s resolution or an

intention to exercise

daily. Upon being

baptized and starting his

ministry, he was

immediately faced with

temptation. He was

driven into the desert, a

place of no

consolation, no respite, and no refreshment. The

experience of knowing he is God’s Son gives way to

isolation and solitude in a harsh environment. As a

human being, Jesus knew temptation; the gospel is

clear about that. But for many Christians it can be

difficult to imagine that Jesus was truly tempted, for he

was also divine. And yet as he was fully human he was

truly tempted. Despite these real temptations, he

overcame them. Mark does not tell us much about this

period, unlike Luke, for example, with the many scenes

of Jesus conversing with Satan. Mark is intent to tell us

in sparse text, without wasting a word, that Jesus was

tempted by Satan. Jesus was fully human and

experienced temptation as we do. As Jesus was tempted

we too will be tempted. Perhaps even our profound

experience of faith and trust in God is tested. But after

this period of testing Jesus returns to Galilee, his home

and proclaims the Gospel. In this he is a model for us,

who will not live without temptation. We might have

an experience of desolation that God is not with us in

our trials. But like Jesus we can undergo this

experience and emerge stronger, with the courage to

proclaim the Gospel. Living Liturgy—Year B

IN SYMPATHY

Please remember in your prayers +Lenard (Sweed) Pavlicek and

+Mary Ficek, relatives of Syl & Vince Pavleck and +Peter Wu,

father of Caroline Simnitt. Remember, Lord, those who have died

and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May these,

and all who sleep in Christ, find in Your presence light, happiness

and peace.

LENTEN REGULATIONS

All Catholics 14 years and older must abstain from meat on the

Friday’s of Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All Catholics

between ages 18 and 59 are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good

Friday. To fast means to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may

also be taken for good health but together they should not equal a

full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted; however, liquids

including coffee and milk and fruit juices are allowed.

EVER WONDERED HOW EASTER IS

DETERMINED?

Every year one of the big questions in the Church calendar is:

"When is Easter this year?" Unlike Christmas, Easter is

considered a movable feast as its date can vary over a 5 week

period of time on the calendar. The "formula" for determining the

date of Easter was decreed at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and

it is this, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full

moon of the Spring Equinox. Because Easter itself is not a fixed

date its date on the calendar effects the dates of several of the

Feast Dates which follow it: Easter Monday, Pentecost, Ascension

and Corpus Christi.

PRESIDENT’S DAY

The Parish Office is closed this Monday, February 19th for

President’s Day.

Page 2: REFLECTING ON THE GOSPEL · 2/18/2018  · Gaze upon some of God’s most adorable creations—puppies from fellow Catholics. Meet a Portland anesthesiologist saving lives in Sierra

SEARCHING FOR A LENTEN ACTIVITY?

You’re invited to join the Marian Prayer Group Friday mornings at 7:00a.m.

to pray the rosary.

ANNUAL LENTEN SOUP SUPPER

AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS

The sign-up poster is now available in the

vestibule of the church for the Lenten

Soup-Supper and Stations of the Cross. The

following dates are still open for groups,

organizations, families and individuals to help

provide a simple soup supper or lead the stations

of the cross on Friday evenings throughout Lent:

February 23, March 2, 16, 23. Please sign up

on the bulletin board in the vestibule of the

church.

6:00p.m. Soup Supper

6:00p.m. Stations of the Cross [Spanish]

7:00p.m. Stations of the Cross [English]

RESOURCE INFORMATION

The committee that was just formed to assess the maintenance and upkeep

of the facilities on the church property, would like to develop a resource list

of parish members that have special skills, hobbies or professional licenses.

These resources can be available for professional advice or assistance on

parish needs. Forms are available in the vestibule of the church. For more

information, please contact Deacon Jerry Giger.

AT THE KIOSK—See the new arrivals for Lent

Catholic Faith Materials - On the Kiosk in the back of the church

CDs – Several new titles covering Divine Mercy devotion

Books – Several new titles to strengthen your faith

Booklets – New titles including Stations of the Cros

(see the signs for the suggested donation amount - Thank You)

DONNA CORI GIBSON CONCERT APRIL 8, 2018

The Knights of Columbus are proud to sponsor her concert on April 8th,

here in the church at St. Patrick’s. Donna will sing two songs at each of

the masses on Saturday and Sunday and then put on a great concert on

Sunday afternoon, starting at 3:30 pm. The concert will be free, but we

will be asking for a free will offering to help offset some of the costs to fly

her in from St. Louis. In addition, the Knights will be putting on a fabulous

Spaghetti Dinner after the concert. Dinner tickets must be purchased in

advance and will be sold after the masses (costing $10 for adults and $5

for children) or by contacting Duane Kloser at 503-913-2895 or Paul

Crawford at 503-680-8924.

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

Sunday, February 18, 2018 9:45a.m. Sunday Religious Education 9:45a.m. Adult Education class 11:00p.m. Choir practice [Spanish] 11:00a.m. Dismissal 12:00p.m. Sacramental Prep 3:00p.m. Spanish Marriage Encounter Monday, February 19, 2018 9:15a.m. Bible Study 2:00p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry mtg 6:00p.m. Choir practice 7:00p.m. Bible Study 7:00p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group Tuesday, February 20, 2018 6:30p.m. Spanish RCIA Gr. 7:00p.m. Mass 7:00p.m. Bible Study [Spanish] 7:00p.m. Knights of Columbus 7:45p.m. Spanish Bible Study Wednesday, February 21, 2018 5:00p.m Choir practice 7:00p.m. Junior High, Youth Group, Confirmation prep, RCIA Thursday, February 22, 2018 8:00a.m. Daily Mass 12:00p.m. Eucharistic Adoration 6:30p.m. Spanish Religious Education 7:00p.m. Bible Study 7:00p.m. Finance Council meeting (new date) 8:15p.m. Rosary [Spanish] 9:00p.m. Benediction Friday, February 23, 2018 7:00a.m. Marian Prayer Group 8:00a.m. Daily Mass 6:00p.m. Soup Supper 6:00p.m. Stations in Spanish 7:00p.m. Stations in English 7:00p.m. Spanish Prayer Group

Page 3: REFLECTING ON THE GOSPEL · 2/18/2018  · Gaze upon some of God’s most adorable creations—puppies from fellow Catholics. Meet a Portland anesthesiologist saving lives in Sierra

YOUR SUNDAY CONTRIBUTIONS

LOST AND FOUND

We still have a lot of items that have been left behind after the Masses. There is a

nice collection of eye glasses, rosaries, clothing items, books, jewelry just to name a

few. If you are missing an item, please see the basket located in the book shelf in

the vestibule of the church or contact Debbie in the Parish Office. She would be

happy to look for your lost item.

THIS WEEK IN THE CATHOLIC SENTINEL

Gaze upon some of God’s most adorable creations—puppies from fellow Catholics.

Meet a Portland anesthesiologist saving lives in Sierra Leone. Ponder whether

chocolate is a worthy Lenten sacrifice. Connect with two high school bands who are

joining forces for a performance at the “happiest place on earth.” Pick up a copy of

the Catholic Sentinel available in the

vestibule.

MASS INTENTIONS OF THE WEEK

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

+Russell Schoen by family

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

+Peter Wu

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Intentions for the Parishioners

Friday, February 23, 2018

Intentions for the Parishioners

Saturday, February 24, 2018

5:30p.m. +Marie Edwards by Kathy Usher

Sunday, February 25, 2018

8:30a.m +Martin Garza by Del & Rosa Hemphill

11:00a.m. Intention for the Parishioners

1:30p.m. Intention for the Parishioners

PASTORAL STAFF

Pastor Fr. Arturo Romero

Email: [email protected]

503-263-1285

Deacon Rev. Mr. Jerry Giger

Email: [email protected]

Pastoral Associate Sara Creel

[email protected]

503-263-1290

Hispanic Ministry Heriberto Aguilar

Email: [email protected]

503-263-1292

Religious Education

Jody Patershall

Email: [email protected]

503-263-1287

Junior High/Senior High

Coordinator Frances Parker

Email: [email protected]

503-263-1288

Bookkeeper

Sherry Heidt Gamble

[email protected]

503-263-1289

Administrative Assistant

Debbie Newbury

[email protected]

503-263-1286

ST. PATRICK KNIGHTS

OF COLUMBUS—Council 3484

Monthly meetings held first

& third Tuesdays of the

month in the Multipurpose

Room of the Parish Center

at 7:00pm.

Needed for Weekly Budget Goal $ 8,719.81

Offertory-February 10/11, 2018 $ 9,028.75

Over/(Under) $ 308.94

Building Fund Collection $44.00 Unemployment $39.00 Cemetery $

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL NEWS

Our Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council and

Maintenance Committee are beginning to

collaborate for the benefit of St. Patrick Church's

future needs and goals. We will strive to listen

with an open mind and heart and pray for

guidance to best serve our parish

community. We encourage all parishioners to do

their part and continue to volunteer in the many

ministries here at St. Patrick.

Page 4: REFLECTING ON THE GOSPEL · 2/18/2018  · Gaze upon some of God’s most adorable creations—puppies from fellow Catholics. Meet a Portland anesthesiologist saving lives in Sierra

SACRAMENTAL

PREPARATION

There will be a meeting for all students

who are preparing for First Eucharist

this year on March 5th at 7:00 p.m. in

Room 7/8 of the Parish Center. All

children are asked to attend with at

least one parent/guardian. An

additional meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 7th for

all students and parents who are unable to attend the class on

March 5th. If you have a conflict with both of these dates,

please contact Jody Patershall.

Students are asked to bring their books completed through

Session 2.

LENTEN COLLECTION

The Elementary Religious Education Program will be

reaching out to others in need this Lenten Season by

collecting money for Cross Catholic Outreach. This

organization provides food and medicine to the poor

throughout the world. It also helps support orphanages,

schools, clinics, job-training centers and building projects.

Children are encouraged to bring coins or dollars into the

classroom each Sunday beginning February 18th. The final

day for donations will be Sunday, March 18th. We will place

a thermometer in the R.E. hallway to let everyone know how

much money we have collected. Our goal is to raise $500.00.

This money would help to provide safe drinking water to a

whole village! There are 78 children in our program. If

everyone participates, we can reach this goal!

If you are not in our religious education program, but would

like to help us reach our goal, please contact Jody Patershall

at: [email protected].

CONFIRMATION DAY

RETREAT MARCH 3RD

The final day retreat for our

confirmation youth will be

Saturday, March 3rd. Permission forms

are available during Wednesday evening

religious education or by contacting

Frances Parker at [email protected]

or 503-263-1288. We will spend the day in Mt. Angel

visiting St. Mary’s, Missionaries of the Holy Spirit,

Carmelite House, Queen of Angels Monastery, and the

seminary.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MARDI GRAS FUN!

We had 23 middle school youth attend our Mardi Gras

celebration on Friday, February 9th at Wilsonville Lanes. The

kids had fun bowling, playing video games and participating

in Karaoke singing. We would like to thank our adult

chaperones that helped with this event: Karen Hunt, Jessica

Parrack, and Heidi Williams.

LIVING THE PASCHAL MYSTERY

Our lives are filled with many competing priorities. Some-

times we call these “distractions” or temptations. But it is

important for us to wisely discern between distractions/

temptations and merely competing priorities. Family

responsibilities, for example, are hardly temptations, but they

can sometimes pull us in directions we do not enjoy or that

are not always life-giving. Perhaps this is why they are called

“responsibilities.” Life-giving activities are from the Spirit of

God. Pursuits that pull us away from who we are called to be

are better called “temptations.” This is where the example of

Jesus can be so powerful.

Jesus was, and was called to be, the Son of God. Mark tells

us about this experience at Jesus’ baptism. Yet immediately

after his baptism, Jesus was in the desert for forty days, being

tempted, only to return to his home, true to his mission, to

preach the Gospel.

Often we know who we are called to be. Even in the midst

of temptation, or desolation, we know who we are and what

we ought to do. Following Christ does not mean a life on

easy street without trials or perils. Quiet the opposite.

St. Patrick Religious Education Programs