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Ash Wednesday Masses: 6:45AM, 9AM (School Mass), and 5:30PM at Blessed Sacrament, and 12PM Noon at St. Vincent's.
Ash Wednesday ushers in the season of Lent. Last year's palms become this year's ashes. Ashes stand as a common denominator for us all, symbolizing human frailty, spiritual brokenness and the need for repentance and healing.
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This week's Gospel reading discusses a very relevant topic in our society today-retaliation. Often, we feel that people who hurt us deserve to be hurt as much as they've hurt us, which is a very human feeling to have. Sometimes God presents us with these feelings to teach us how to grow. How should we learn from our experiences and from Jesus' teachings? We should learn that "getting even" doesn't benefit us or our enemies. Instead, we can show them God's love through humility and compassion. It is through God's love that we can heal even the greatest of wounds.
The quote "An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth" is the representation of today's social norms, but how can we, as God's children, help solve this issue of the need for revenge? By being a role model, the best versions of ourselves, following God, and showing others how to faithfully rely on Him, we can show God's gift to the world!
Matthew, the author of today's reading, wrote for a Jewish audience while being a Jew himself. The purpose of writing for these people was to help them accept the new Christian community. Jesus teaches in the story of "The Tradition of the Elders" (Mt. 15:1-20) that laws should be created based on what defiles a person, which is why God's Laws were created. The Pharisees were following laws that discussed how people should "...wash their hands before they eat a meal" (Mt. 15:2b), for example, which does not oppose something that could defile a person. This is a chapter focused on teaching the Law of God and the Beatitudes, and how we can be good followers of God. Jesus is our role model to be the best versions of ourselves and to treat others the way we would like to be treated. Wouldn't it be great if our enemies treated us the same in return?
A good friend of mine had some life-changing advice for me, and I'd like to share it with you. At a time when I was finding it very difficult to love, pray for and bless an enemy of mine - she told me to visualize a pink heart around them. God loves EVERYONE, even our enemies and if I can love them as much as God loves them, then I not only can be free through God's love, but I can show even my enemies God's love. The peace and contentment that comes with giving and receiving love from our enemies is God's mercy and grace at hard work.
Think about a time when you felt or acted out of hatred or revenge toward someone and how you could have chosen acts of love instead.
Pray with me: Dear God, I ask that you give me the strength and courage to set aside my anger and resentment and teach me to love as you have loved. I pray for those who have betrayed me, and I ask for your light to shine through me to heal my wounds and the wounds of my enemy. Heavenly father, I am thankful for your wisdom and I ask that you continue showing me ways that I can continue loving in the ways you have loved me. Amen.
I would like to thank my Confirmation teacher, Mr. Frappier, and my Religion teacher at Bishop Ludden, Sr. Beth Ann, for teaching me so thoroughly about this topic this past year.
Submitted by Reese Evans, Confirmation Student, Blessed Sacrament Church
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Lenten Black Booklets
The black Lenten booklets for daily six-minute meditations are available at the entrances of the church. The goal of these readings is to find six minutes of quiet time every day for the next 50 days hopefully to develop within us a deeper appreciation of Christ's journey to the Cross.
Make Lent Count
Examine your consciousness at the end of each day of Lent . . . Build awareness of the need to live simply . . . Listen attentively to a spouse, child or friend for 15 to 30 minutes . . . Reflect on the Sunday Lenten gospels . . . Walk with family or friends . . . Claim brief solitudes, moments, minutes, hours or silence . . . Participate in daily Eucharist . . . Fast between meals and restrict nibbling . . . Feast on appreciating family members . . . Fast from old hurts.
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Dear Families,
During Lent our community will participate in CRS Rice Bowl, a faith-in-action program that invites us to reflect on the challenges of global hunger-and our responsibility to respond to the needs of our global human family. We will be reminded through the Gospel story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 that if we commit to sharing what we have with those in need, trusting in God's abundance, there is more than enough to feed everyone.
Through our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving, we can respond to the call to ensure that all our brothers and sisters are fed good, nutritious food that gives them what they need to fulfill their God-given potential. During this holy season, it is important to come together as a family and reflect on the cross of hunger and lack of proper nutrition, that so many of our brothers and sisters both near and far are forced to carry. In so doing, we pledge to stand alongside these members of our human family, supporting them as the Gospel calls us to do.
Please consider these suggestions in your family's Lenten plan:
* Use your CRS Rice Bowl and Lenten Calendar daily to guide your prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
* Read the Stories of Hope and daily reflections to inspire your Lenten journey-and guide your Lenten almsgiving.
* Prepare simple, meatless meals on the Fridays of Lent to eat in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world.
We will collect your CRS Rice Bowls at the end of Lent, so stay tuned to learn more. Thank you for participating in CRS Rice Bowl.
Through CRS Rice Bowl, we journey with members of our human family around the world, and commit our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving to deepening our faith and serving those in need.
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Lenten Regulations
Wednesday, February 26, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, and we call to your attention the Lenten Regulations for Catholics. All are encouraged to attend Mass on Ash Wednesday in order to mark the beginning of the Lenten season.
Abstinence: all Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are bound to abstain totally from meat on Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday.
Fasting: all Catholics between their 18th and 59th birthdays are also bound to observe the Laws of Fast on the following days: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal. Light sustenance may also be taken on two other occasions during the day, but not to equal a full meal.
Lent is a time to realign ourselves with our faith and most importantly with the example Jesus means for us to live.
Fast and Act for Lent
"When you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to God in secret." Matthew 6:6.
Fast: Take a break from electronic entertainment - TV, computer use, cell phone use. Pay attention to the people in front of you and the natural scenes around you instead. Try to grow comfortable with quiet and stillness.
Act: This week, refrain from using single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, silverware, bottles, etc.
Preparing for Lent
Jesus is preparing us in a special way this Lent. He is pursuing us even if we are in a difficult place in our lives or if it feels as if we can't break free of sin. He is even pursuing us if we are experiencing a time of blessing. He has more grace for us to experience - the His presence.
Let's look for Him wherever we are most comfortable: the kitchen, the workplace or even in our most favorite easy chair at any time in the day-to-day routine of our lives.
Especially during Lent, we will encounter Him during our moments of fasting and praying: reading the Scriptures, attending daily Mass, praying the rosary, or following the Stations of the Cross on Friday mornings and evenings here at Blessed Sacrament Church. He will speak personal words of forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and when we reach out to those in need.
Whatever we choose to do, be sure to have an open heart. Don't let Jesus pass us by. Don't let guilt or busyness or anxiety keep us away. Let us welcome Jesus into our hearts this season, with His forgiveness, mercy and the grace to make lasting changes in our lives.
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Lenten Fish Dinners
Have you ever attended the dinners which are held on Ash Wednesday and Fridays from 4:30-7PM at the Blessed Sacrament School cafeteria during Lent?
Join us this week as Blessed Sacrament / St. Vincent Lenten Fish Dinners begin!
This is a great fundraiser and community builder for the two parishes, and we are appealing for financial donations to offset some of the upfront ordering costs.
For example: 1 case of French fries - $25 (30 cases needed);
1 case of ketchup - $25 (20 cases needed);
3 gallons of cooking oil - $30 (18 gallons needed);
1 gallon coleslaw dressing - $14 (12 gallons needed);
1 case macaroni - $25 (25 cases needed);
1 case of take out containers - $20 (16 cases needed).
Any financial help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Please place your donation in an envelope labeled "Attention: Fish Dinners" in the church collection basket or mail to: Blessed Sacrament Church, 3127 James St., Syracuse, NY 13206.
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Tenebrae
Mark your calendars for the Tenebrae Service with our second year Confirmation students at 7PM on Friday, April 10 at Blessed Sacrament Church. Watch the bulletin in the coming weeks for more information.
Bishop Grimes Theatre presents Grease!
Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7. General admission - $12. Tickets available at the door or online at bishopgrimestheatre.ludus.com. Bishop Grimes, 6666 Kirkville Road, E. Syracuse.
Fisherman's Club
All are welcome to attend the Fisherman's Club, which is an initiative sponsored by the Diocese of Syracuse that aims to reach college-age and young adult men who are thinking about the priesthood. The mission of "FC" is to build fraternity among young adult Catholic men as well as provide these men with tools for mature discernment of their vocation. The meetings begin with prayer at 7pm in Panasci Chapel at Le Moyne College. After prayer, the group will move to the Drescher Room in Panasci Chapel for a time of fellowship and conversation where pizza and soft drinks will be provided. The meetings always conclude by 8:30pm. The Spring meeting dates are Mondays - Feb 24; March 23. Seminarian Meet & Greet on April 7 at 5pm.
Good Friday with Bishop Lucia
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Mass Intentions - Church
Saturday, February 22
5:00 p.m. -
Clarence Rougeau and Brenda Witz - Family, Mary Rougeau
Sunday, February 23
7:30 a.m. -
People of the Parish
9:30 a.m. -
Yolanda Pietrantoni - Family
*Interpreted Mass for Deaf Community
11:30 a.m. -
Rose Spadafora - Family
Mass Intentions - Chapel
Monday, February 24 - 8:00 a.m.
Helen Cronk - Daughters
Tuesday, February 25 - 8:00 a.m.
Bernard J. Corbishley, Sr. - Peter and Cheryl Ward
Wednesday, February 26 - ASH WEDNESDAY
6:45 a.m. - Dolores Spadafora-George & Theresa Pursiano
9:00 a.m. - Luna Anne Bitterman - Cafeteria Staff
5:30 p.m. - Ruth Anne Babikian - Family
Thursday, February 27 - 8:00 a.m.
John (Jack) Pellenz - Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mura and Family
Friday, February 28 - 8:00 a.m.
John Vita - LuAnn Sims
Mass Intentions- Church
Saturday, February 29
5:00 p.m. -
Leon S. Mazur - Family
Sunday, March 1 - First Sunday of Lent
7:30 a.m. -
Michael DeFio - Donna Hurn
9:30 a.m. -
12th Anniv. Frank Basile - Wife and Children
*Interpreted Mass for Deaf Community
11:30 a.m. -
David Hildenbrand - Frank and Lori Lazipone
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Join us for coffee and donuts when it returns after the 9:30 a.m. Mass on March 1 in the All Purpose Room.
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Know, live and share your Catholic faith. The Catholic Sun will help you dive deeper into your faith this Lent. Subscribe to The Catholic Sun today. Visit
https://thecatholicsun.com/
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If you have one hour to help to distribute communion at
Bishop Rehabilitation Center on the third Monday of the month at 10:30
a.m., your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact John Macko at the
rectory (315.437.3394) for more information. Bishop Rehab is located at 918 James Street in Syracuse.
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50/50 Raffle at St. Vincent's
Remember, for just $5.00 you could be the next winner. Thank you for your continued support. Contact Bob James at 315-471-0818 with any questions. Thanks!
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Who couldn't use a little extra cash?
Any Share the Wealth tickets bought February 1 through February 14 were entered into a separate drawing to win 1 free ticket! Winner of the free ticket is Ernie Di Stasio - CONGRATULATIONS!!!
"Share the Wealth" is a raffle for Blessed Sacrament School and Church Capital Improvement & Parish Operations. Tickets are $75 each and only 750 tickets will be sold! Tickets can be purchased online at two websites: https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.ejoinme.org/2020raffle or https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.com (select Give then STW Raffle) or calling the rectory at 315.437.3394. Tickets are also available in the pews of Blessed Sacrament Church. Top prize is $10,000. Total Payout is $20,750. 1st Prize (1) $10,000 . . . 2nd Prize (2) $2,500 . . . 3rd Prize (5) $1,000 . . . 4th Prize (10) $75 (Dinner Attendees Only). Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Parish Center. If attending the Spring Fling dinner, the ticket not only covers the dinner but will be included in a separate drawing for the 10 winners of the 4th prize at $75.00. RSVP for the dinner:
https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.ejoinme.org/2020raffle or https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.com (select Give then STW Raffle) by May 4, 2020.
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Initial Certification Training
Completion of the initial 2.5 hours Safe Environment training session is required within 60 days of assumption of duties, employment, or volunteering per diocesan policy. Although not required, 16 and 17 year old employees and volunteers may attend training with parental permission. Late arrivals may not stay for the training. It is also required to remain to stay for the entirety of the training to receive credit for attendance. *Individuals may not use the initial training session to satisfy the recertification training requirement. The recertification training schedule and registration is located on the diocesan website. Please contact the Safe Environment office if you have already attended an initial Safe Environment training in a
different diocese.
Tuesday, March 24 - 6:00 PM - Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Drive, Syracuse, NY
Monday, April 20 - 6:00 PM - Blessed Sacrament School, 3129 James Street, Syracuse, NY
Recertification Training
Recertification in the Diocese of Syracuse Safe Environment Program is required every five years for all clergy, all religious, all diocesan employees and all volunteers who have regular contact with children in diocesan programs. A training session is 1 ½ hours in length. If you are uncertain about your recertification date, please contact your Site Coordinator at your parish, school, or agency. ***To register for this training, individuals MUST have completed the 2.5 hour initial Safe Environment training, "Protecting God's Children". Individuals are not permitted to attend this training in place of the initial Safe Environment training.
Tuesday, March 31 -
6:00 PM -
Holy Family Church,
127 Chapel Drive,
Syracuse
Tuesday, April 21 - 6:00 PM -
Blessed Sacrament School,
3129 James Street, Syracuse, NY
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How to Be a Church of Open Doors
Each of us can make our parish a more welcoming place to newcomers, persons with disabilities, and persons with special needs. Here are a few ideas: If you see a parent struggling with a child's behavior, offer a friendly smile, a sympathetic nod, or a helping hand. . . . If you see a person physically struggling to get in, hold open a door, scoot down in the pew, or offer to carry something. . . . A warm smile, a nod, or a small kindness can make all the difference. "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
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If you know of anyone who is sick and homebound and who would like to receive the Eucharist, please contact the rectory at 315.437.3394. Arrangements can be made for a visit. Also, if there is someone who would like to receive a copy of the weekly bulletin, please call the rectory. One will be mailed out.
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The Holy Mackerel returns Feb. 26! The Catholic Sun and
the Diocese of Syracuse are teaming up once again to
crown a parish or school as the best Lenten fish fry in the
diocese. Divine Mercy Parish in Central Square took the
trophy and bragging rights last year - can your favorite fry
unseat them? Visit thecatholicsun.com beginning Feb. 26
to cast your vote. Voting will end April 10.
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A generous thank you from Fr. Bill Martin and the Unbound team. He is most grateful for letting him come to the Church and especially grateful for the 11 pledges received!
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He waits for you. He thirsts for you. He yearns for you. Will you answer His call? Engage in a deeper conversation with Christ this Lent by adding deeply inspiring books to your Lenten devotions. Visit The Catholic Shop or check online at
https://buyagreatgift.com/
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We pray for Andrew Gilbert, Elizabeth Walrath, Jean Suits, Patrick Brewer, Yang Juan, Perri Close, Jill Danial, Janet Barry, Mary Griffin, Cole Malone, Elizabeth Gilbert, John Laura, Susan Moro Campbell, Missy DiPaulo Angotti, George Taddeo, Carolyn Armstrong, Mary Linehan, Mary Extale, Mary Gersbacher, Mary Ingalls, Rita Bross, Marlene Brush, Roslyn Antonacci, Harold Thompson, John Gersbacher, and Grace McNamara.
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Please try to patronize the businesses that advertise on the back of the parish bulletin each week. Many of them are Blessed Sacrament parishioners and their generosity and support help us to provide our bulletin to you at no cost to us (tell them you saw their ad in the bulletin). Here is a list with links (if available):
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Blessed Sacrament Church | 3127 James Street, Syracuse, New York 13206 | 315.437.3394 | email: bsc3127james@gmail.com |
BlessedSacramentSyracuse.com
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