st. ephrem catholic church
TRANSCRIPT
On the Road to Damascus
With Rob Leonardi
! October is upon us! We all know what that means: cooler weather, colorful trees, pumpkin-spice flavored everything, and most importantly the Rosary! October is the month the Church dedicates to the Rosary as we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7th. However, if most people are like me, I did not know about the Rosary or had even prayed through it until I was in my mid 20’s.
Most people may be surprised to learn that the Rosary has roots in pre-Christianity (as well as early Christianity), as evidenced by the historic findings of prayer beads that were used to count repeated recitation of prayers to aid in meditation. In the Middle ages, strings of prayer beads were known as “Paternosters”. Paternoster is Latin for Our Father. The beads on the Paternosters
were used to pray repeated Our Father and Hail Mary prayers.
The Paternosters evolved into the Angelic Psalter, which included praying 150 Hail Marys connecting to the 150 Chapters of the Book of Psalms. Further evolution continued, creating the Rosarium (Rose Garden) which included a recitation of 50 Hail Marys that were prayed along with psalms and verses used to meditate on the life of Jesus and Mary. The Rosary that we recite today uses the 50 Hail Marys in accordance with 4 different sets of mysteries of Jesus’ life. Each set of mysteries have their own day on which it is to be prayed.
Tradition holds that the initial development of the Rosary as we know today started when St. Dominic received the Holy Rosary by the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1214 to help convert people who had denied Christ. When Mary gave St. Dominic the Rosary, she told him that it was a “weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world.” The Rosary has been used to win lives over to Christ ever since.
The meditation of the Rosary started out using the 150 Hail Marys from the Angelic Psalter and dividing them into three mysteries, 50 Hail Marys each. These mysteries included the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, and the Glorious Mysteries. We call them mysteries because we know that the events that take place within the life of Jesus have deeper meanings that are a mystery to us, but while meditating upon them we may be open to understanding part of what God wants us to know.
The Joyful Mysteries focus on the early life of Jesus, starting with His conception and ending with the finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. The Sorrowful Mysteries focus of the Passion and Death of Jesus, starting with the Agony in the Garden and ending with the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus. The Glorious Mysteries focus on the Glorified Jesus, starting with His Resurrection and ending with God crowning Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. (Continued on Page 2…) !
St. Ephrem Catholic Church
October 1, 2017
The Harp of the Holy Spirit ! St. Ephrem Catholic Church�Page 2, October 1, 2017�
The parish office will be closed on
Friday, October 6.
MERCY IN
ACTION
SERVICE DAY SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 14,
2017
SPOTLIGHT:
SCHOENHERR TOWERS FALL SOCIAL
St. Ephrem will be sponsoring a fall social for the
residents of Schoenherr Towers which will
include a light lunch and bingo. There are
opportunities to donate, bake, or volunteer.
Donations and Home Baked Desserts will be
accepted on Friday, October 13th in the Fr.
Milligan Activity Center from 9am-4pm.
WE NEED: lunch items, bingo prizes, and
home baked desserts!
Volunteers will prepare foods at the Fr. Milligan
Activity Center on Saturday, October 14th from
10-11:00 am or help at the social from 11:30 am-
1 pm at Schoenherr Towers.
WE NEED: Volunteers to prepare lunch and
to help at the social!
Sign-up will begin the weekend of September
30th in the Gathering Space in Church.
SPOTLIGHT:
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
CLOTHING DRIVE
The St. Ephrem St. Vincent de Paul Society will
be sponsoring a clothing drive the weekend of
October 14th and 15th.
WE NEED: Gently USED, CLEAN clothes!
Donations will be accepted in the parking lot on
Saturday, October 14th from 9am-6pm and
Sunday, October 15th from 8:30 am-12:30 pm.
Donation bags will be available in the
Gathering Space of church for your donations!
More opportunities to serve will be
spotlighted in next week’s Harp!
In 2002, St. Pope John Paul II added an additional set of Mysteries to be prayed during the Rosary, the Luminous Mysteries. These Mysteries of Light focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, starting with Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan and ending with the Institution of the Holy Eucharist. It is noteworthy that the Hail Mary prayer is not only pieced together directly from the Bible, but every Mystery within each set of mysteries is directly related to a Bible passage. Most importantly we all need to remember that Mary leads to Jesus. She does not equal or take the place of Christ. The Rosary is a prayer surrounding the entire life of Jesus, using Mary to magnify the Lord. It is not used in any way to worship Mary. Unfortunately, many people mistake the Catholic devotion to Mary as worshipping her. However, as Catholics we know that to worship anyone but God is a mortal sin. Throughout all time and space, God chose Mary to be the Immaculate Conception, making her completely free from all sin, even Original Sin, which is unlike anyone that had ever or will ever exist, other than Jesus Christ. Because of this, we know Mary is the most unique and important Saint that everyone should venerate above all other Saints. It was through Mary that Jesus was born; her openness to God’s Will allowed her to say “yes” to bear the Son of God within her. No other person could ever be that blessed, and that is why Mary says in beginning of Luke, “all generations will call me blessed.”
See you on the way! God bless,
Mr. Rob Leonardi
The Harp of the Holy Spirit ! St. Ephrem Catholic Church� Page 3, October 1, 2017!
Virginia Warwinsky Ronald Albers Randy Clarke William C. Frey Anna Masakowski
Lois Epifanio
Jocelyn Lava
Helen Lotoczky
Ben Pannecouck
William Brennan William Cloyd
Maryann Bourgeau Jean Belan Teresa Yester Tom Taylor Caroline Otto
Steven Mosakowski
Mary Sutter Marcia Godawa Bill Sullivan Kent Culpert
Mary Kullmann Daniel Fouchey Joan Jusko
Jimmy Mackris
Parishioner’s names are placed on the above list for 4 weeks. Please call the parish office if you or a loved one needs to be placed on the long!term sick list. Names on
the long!term sick list will remain active for 3 months.�
Praying for the Sick…..
The faith community of St. Ephrem is
praying for these people in special need:
St. Ephrem!
SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM!Wednesdays at 6:30 PM!
Beginning this Wednesday, !
October 4th!!
Our Special Needs Religious
Education Class is beginning.!! If
you would like information, please call Mary Kay
Reith (on Monday or Tuesday) at 586!264!2777, or
come on Wednesday, October 4 at 6:30p.m. in the
Activity Center.!!We welcome students from 6 years of
age to adulthood.!! This program is for children or
adults who cannot benefit from a regular program
because of special learning needs.!! We receive
students from other parishes as well!! !
The faith community of St. Ephrem extends a warm
welcome to the following new parishioners who
registered during the month of September:
Ms. Rita Colich
Ms. Nikita Pathak
Ms. Melissa Schaffer & Emberly
Mr. and Mrs. Cary Cubba
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Otto and family
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Havern and family
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Loria and family
Mr. Robert Zielinski
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kopp and family
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Feindel
Mr. and Mrs. Alex S. Moratalla and family
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mieczkowski
Our choir is in
desperate need of
women to enhance the choir with their feminine
voices! See Arthur..... SOON!!!
Help!!
Sunday, October 8 at 1pm in the church parking lot
All are invited to bring their pets, young and old, small or large, for our annual pet blessing! For the
protection of everyone in attendance, please be sure your pets are leashed or caged, whichever is
more appropriate for your pets.
Cub Scout Popcorn Sale
This weekend after all
Masses! Members from Cub Scout Pack 144 will be selling
popcorn after all Masses this weekend. Your
purchase helps support The Boys Scouts of America
and Pack 144. Your donation directly helps to create
lifelong memories! Through adventures such as
camping, hiking, and fishing, the boys learn to be
self-reliant and resourceful leaders while building
character and courage. Thank you for your support!
The Harp of the Holy Spirit ! St. Ephrem Catholic Church�Page 4, October 1, 2017�
The Archdiocese of Detroit presents…!!
A PREGNANCY AND
INFANT LOSS MASS!
Sunday, October 8,!11:00am!!
Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament!9844 Woodward Ave.!Detroit, MI 48402!
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month!Come join us in prayer to support those desiring a baby and remembering those who have been lost.!!!
At the service:!� a blessing will be given to married couples who desire a baby!� a prayer will be offered for families who have lost a pregnancy, infant, baby or child.!!
Please contact us:!� if you would like a blessing for desiring a pregnancy!� the name of the baby, infant or child who died.!!
RSVP to [email protected] !or (313)237�4679 !
JOIN US as professional orchestral
musicians from across Michigan donate
their talents to perform a moving
symphonic work in response to the recent
Hurricanes.
Pre-concert Presentation with Music
Historian, Dr. Eldonna L. May (2:30 p.m.)
The Harp of the Holy Spirit ! St. Ephrem Catholic Church� Page 5, October 1, 2017!
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS!!!
The list below reflects our current need to feed the hungry. !
!At this time, the Food Pantry is in need of the following and very low
on bolded items.!!
!
TOLIET PAPER ! RICE! ! SPAGHETTI!LAUNDRY PODS! JELLY ! BEEF STEW BOXED POTATOES !JUICE! ! CEREAL!PEANUT BUTTER !CHILI! ! BAR SOAP! CANNED FRUIT ! !Tuna ! ! ! ! Syrup! ! Spaghettio’s !Salad Dressing! ! Dish Soap ! !Pancake Mix ! ! Tomato Soup! ! !Chicken Soup ! ! Vegetable Soup!!
!NOTE: Please drop off your donations in
the Fr. Milligan Activity Center lobby when open, otherwise in the Church Vestibule.!
!!
PLEASE avoid bringing items that !are past their expiration date. !
Thank you!! !
Our Sister Parish:
ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL 38750 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights
!
St. Jane Frances Regular Mass Schedule:
Tues: 7:00 p.m. Mass Wed. & Thurs.: 8:00 a.m.
Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
Confessions: Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 (or by appt)
Phone: (586) 977-8080
Website: sjfparish.org
Youth Ministry
Grades 9 through 12
Sunday evenings at
St. Jane Frances de Chantal
St. Ephrem youth are encouraged to join us!
Contact Ben Klassen, Youth Ministry Coordinator at (586) 977-8080 x108 or
Saturday, October 7, 2017! ! 9�11 AM!
!
Dementia Basics and Building a Dementia Care Team: !!
1)! Do you know the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?!2)! Are you caring for someone with dementia?!3)! Do you worry that you have dementia?!!
This session will give participants a basic understanding of what dementia is as well as looking at some common characteristics of aging that are not dementia related. We will look more closely at the most common forms of dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s Disease, and the characteristics of each. Bring your questions and get some answers!!
The Harp of the Holy Spirit ! St. Ephrem Catholic Church�Page 6, October 1, 2017�
Saturday/Sunday, September 30 - October 1 Saturday 4:30 p.m. - † Arthur Szulczewski by Carolyn Gatza † Sharon Loughead by parish
† Lisa Casanova by Victor & Marguerite Mondine
† Mario Cercone by Betty & Willard Thomas
† Stefania Bandur by the Gill Family!
Sunday 9:00 a.m. - † Giuseppe Picaro by the Renshaws † Joseph Mannino by the Padalino Family For the intentions of Patricia Lebron &
Joseph R Pulis by Ron & Maria Kraus!
11:00 a.m - Parishioner of St. Ephrem
Monday, October 2 9:00 a.m. - † Ludovit Kosnac For the health of Linda Austin
Tuesday, October 3 9:00 a.m. - Mass
Wednesday, October 4 9:00 a.m. - Mass
Friday, October 6
9:00 a.m. - † For the Holy Souls in Purgatory by Karen Zawadzki
Saturday/Sunday, October 7 - October 8 Saturday 4:30 p.m. - † Raymond Olson by family † Nick Chiappetta by family † Fernandino Fajardo by the Kraus Family
For the intentions of Isaac Joseph Kraus by Ron and Maria Kraus
Cholangio Carcinoma group by Jocelyn Lava!
Sunday 9:00 a.m. - † Mickey Trombley by family Parishioners of St. Ephrem
11:00 a.m - † Nancy Zientak by Dennis & Annette Fink
† Jackie Backes by Dennis & Annette Fink
† Cailotto family by Joyce Korte!
St. Ephrem Calendar !for the Week!
Mass: 4:30 p.m.!Lector: Kevin Francis!Altar Servers: Marie Kurczak and Mark Steinberger!EMHC: Deacon Ed, Vangie Calderero, Mary Cloyd, Debbie Hill, Kathy Kuzner, Arlene Lickey, Connie Parys!!
Mass: 9:00 a.m. !Lector: Kathy Przeklas !Altar Servers: Carlos Folino and Carol Janda!EMHC: Deacon Ed, Marj Bryen, Dennis Christina, Judy Comfort, David Laws, Gary Steffes, Michelle Trosper!!
Mass: 11:00 a.m. !Lector: Laurie Webber!Altar Servers: Lexie Sheppard and Mary Sheppard!EMHC: Deacon Ed, Pete Ishioka, Ken Lomasney, Sue Lomasney, Aneth Pirela, Lucy Talbot, Megan Talbot!!Counters: T & D Troszak, G & J Felczak, & J & V Warwinsky!
Altar Linens: Ruth Ann Swantek !Schoenherr Towers: Kathy Przeklas!Altar Apostolates: Rose Cubba, Carol Brownell, and ! ! ! ! ! Carol Ann Cuncich!! !
Liturgical Ministers Schedule for October 7 - October 8
Liturgy Schedule for This Week
Sunday, October 1!
Fellowship after Masses in the Father Milligan Activity Center!Cub Scouts Selling Popcorn after all Masses!12:15 p.m. � Baptism Preparation � Juan Diego Room!
12:30 p.m � RCIA � Resource Room!
!
Monday, October 2!
6:30 p.m. � Religious Education Classes!!
Tuesday, October 3 !
10:00 a.m. � Al�Anon � Resource Room!
7:00 p.m. � St. Vincent de Paul meeting � Resource Room!
!
Wednesday, October 4!
11:00 a.m. � Food Pantry Delivery !6:30 p.m. � Special Needs!6:30 p.m. � Handbells � Church!7:15 p.m. � Choir � Church!7:45 p.m. � K of C Officer Meeting � Resource Room!
!
Thursday, October 5!
10:00 a.m. � Food Pantry!1:00 p.m. � OA � Teresa of Calcutta Room!
!
Friday, October 6 � Office Closed!
11:00 a.m. � NA � Great Room!
!
Saturday, October 7!
10:00 a.m. � Rosary Making Group � Great Room!
8:00 p.m. � AA & Al�Anon � Great Room!
!
Sunday, October 8!
Fellowship after Masses in the Father Milligan Activity Center!12:30 p.m � RCIA � Resource Room!
1:00 p.m. � Pet Blessing � Parking Lot!
Parish Raffle Winners !9 � 20� 17!
Winning number 193!!
David Czerniakowski! ! $100.00!Grace & Ron! ! ! ! $25.00!Patrick Harrington! ! ! $25.00!
Please remember to turn off cell phones and all electronic devices when coming into church. !
Thank you!!
The Harp of the Holy Spirit ! St. Ephrem Catholic Church� Page 7, October 1, 2017!
St. Ephrem Parish Directory!PARISH STAFF:
!
Rev. Craig Giera, Pastor!Email: [email protected]!
!
Ed McLeod, Deacon !Email: [email protected]!
!
Rob Leonardi, Parish Catechetical Leader!Email: [email protected]!
!
Sarah Hunt, Parish SecretaryEmail: [email protected] !Arthur Rauh, Music Minister!
Theresa Brown, Religious Education Secretary!Mary Kay Reith, Special Needs Director!
Jim Weller, Business Manager!Mark Sulewski, Maintenance!
!
Knights of Columbus !Msgr. John T. Gordon Council #12102 !
Grand Knight: Mickey Jones � 586�939�8865 [email protected] !
!!!
BULLETIN DEADLINE: FRIDAYS AT 4 PM.!!
Parish Website: www.saintephremchurch.org!Facebook: search St. Ephrem Church!
St. Ephrem Bulletin Online: www.seekandfind.com !Vicariate Website: www.cmvic.net!
!
!!
ST. EPHREM PARISH!
38900 Dodge Park Road!Sterling Heights, MI 48312 !
!
PARISH OFFICE: 586�264�1230!Fax: 586�264�2757!
Parish E�mail: [email protected]!Office Hours: !
Monday through Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.� 5:00 p.m.!Thursday: 8:45 a.m.�5:00 p.m. !
Closed daily for lunch: 1:30 p.m.�2:00 p.m.!Fridays: 8:30 a.m. � Noon!
!
RELIGIOUS FORMATION OFFICE: !Phone: 586�264�2777 !
Email: [email protected]!Office Hours: Monday 11:00 a.m. � 8:00 p.m.!
Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. � 12:30 p.m.!!
REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE!!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 a.m.!Saturday: 4:30 p.m.!
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.!!
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:!Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday at !
8:30 � 9:00 AM!
Saturdays at 12:15 PM & by appointment !
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