"AHA"
When the First Penance students gather just before their first confession, we review the difference between a mistake and a sin. I tell them about my cookie jar and how I love to make cookies and fill the jar with after-dinner treats. But what happens when mom specifically says, “Don’t touch the cookies before dinner” - and they sneak a cookie anyway, dropping the top of the cookie jar, shattering it to pieces. The kids know that the sin was going for a cookie - even though mom said no cookies before dinner – and the mistake was breaking the cover. It’s an instant “aha” moment.
When people have an argument about something petty or silly, and the one who started it is able to say, "I was wrong. I'm so sorry" - isn't there a feeling in the heart that is especially wonderful? When children are disobedient and finally admit it, doesn't it feel great when parents tell them that they are forgiven?
Forgiveness is the greatest gift that we can receive. Jesus came among us as a man and suffered and died for us on the cross to give us the gift of reconciliation with his Father and with others. He wants us all to have that amazing experience of being forgiven - not just for a moment but for all eternity.
The first step in being able to examine our conscience is admitting the very real pain that we feel because our actions have damaged our relationship with God. We need to begin the process of reconciliation and bring us to a place where we can experience His mercy flowing over us. As long as we fail to acknowledge our guilt, we cannot experience the joy of being forgiven and set free. We know that once we have the courage to confess our sins, our healing can begin. For some of us, it can be really difficult to get to this point. We sometimes struggle to avoid admitting the truth about ourselves. Truth, remorse, and forgiveness are the only ways to real freedom. We are all sinners, and we should rejoice as we all share in the wonders of God's overflowing mercy.
Participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a way to experience that powerful moment of forgiveness. If you are carrying a heavy burden of sin or guilt, then the joy that this sacrament gives will truly be liberating. If some time has passed since you last experienced the joy of this beautiful sacrament, resolve to do so as soon as possible.
“Aha” – Doesn't it feel wonderful to be forgiven?
Submitted by Donna Hurn, Blessed Sacrament Church
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The last of the three part series on The Mass, by Bishop Robert Barron, will be on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 pm in the chapel. All are invited to participate.
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Holy Mass attendance is not obligatory for those who are ill. Those who are ill not only can but should remain home and participate if able by watching a broadcast of the Holy Mass on TV or You Tube.
Those at Mass who are concerned they may be getting ill should refrain from extending hands and offer an alternate sign of peace: a smile, nod of head, etc.
In the next few weeks, at St. Vincent and Blessed Sacrament, we will suspend the distribution of the Precious Blood from the chalice. It is important to remember that the whole Christ is truly present (body, blood, soul, and divinity) under each of the species of bread and wine (CCC,1390).
Let’s join in solidarity and prayer for those impacted or working to treat those infected by the disease.
The Diocese urges individuals to stay informed as information becomes available by going to the center for Disease Control and Prevention at https://cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
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The second of the three part Journey of Faith Lenten Series is Sunday, March 8 at 6:30pm in the church. Karen Pullano will share her reflection on Faith and Healing. Benediction and fellowship will follow. All are invited to attend. This is a good experience for the Confirmation youth.
Karen Pullano is a Rochester native who now makes her home in Central New York, with her husband Bill, a practicing dentist at Pullano Family Dentistry.
The devout faith that Karen and Bill share has guided and sustained them as they celebrated the births of their ten children and raised their loving family. Most importantly, their foundation of faith has helped them cope with the illness and eventual death of their four year old, Mikey, in 2008, and the death of their eldest daughter, Anna, at 18 years old in a car accident in 2013.
Karen will discuss her continuing faith journey, in particular how the scripture and the Holy Spirit guide her in daily living, parenting her children and dealing with the fear and anxiety that we all face in today's world.
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Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent following the 8 a.m. Mass in the chapel and at 6 p.m. in the Church.
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Congratulations to our First Penance students as they celebrated the sacrament on Saturday, March 7. This is the first of many times receiving God's mercy and forgiveness.
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Theology on Tap is back! Young adults (20s and 30s) are invited to enhance their Lent and join us in March for our Spring Speaker Series. Each week we will explore a topic and discover "What the Church Really Teaches". March 12, 19, & 26 - 7 PM. Press Room Pub. More information: bit.ly/totsyrdio
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Where the Money Goes
Rubbish disposal - $241.00; Church envelopes - $727.00; National Grid - $5,323.00; Spectrum - $822.00; Repairs - $3,310.00; Maintenance Supplies - $5672.00.
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Mass Intentions – Church
Saturday, March 7
5:00 p.m. –
Betty DeWitt – Jim and Teresa and Family
Sunday, March 8 –Second Sunday of Lent
7:30 a.m. –
Michael Snyder – Betty and Joe Metallo
9:30 a.m. –
Joseph Fillip – Steven Kelly and Susan Hendry
*Interpreted Mass for Deaf Community
11:30 a.m. –
People of the Parish
Mass Intentions – Chapel
Monday, March 9 – 8:00 a.m.
Bradley Pringle – Joe and Linda Pizzuto
Tuesday, March 10 - 8:00 a.m.
Millie Garofalo – Dick and Linda Rogers
Wednesday, March 11 – 8:00 a.m.
John Vita – Laura and Arthur Bongiovanni
Thursday, March 12 – 8:00 a.m.
Ed Leet – Jack and Eileen Amodio
Friday, March 13 – 8:00 a.m.
Nicholas Morina – Mary Morina and Family
Mass Intentions
– Church
Saturday, March 14
5:00 p.m. –
Vincent Kukys – Mary Klee & Patti Fitzgibbons
Sunday, March 15 –Third Sunday of Lent
7:30 a.m. –
People of the Parish
9:30 a.m. –
Bernie and Anne Carr – John Carr
*Interpreted Mass for Deaf Community
11:30 a.m. –
Charlie Dower – The Decker Family
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Please join us for coffee and conversation following the 9:30 Mass. Special welcome to visitors!
We no longer charge a set price for items. We ask that you give a donation of your choice. We hope to see you there!
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Do you know how to make Palm Crosses?
We will be looking for families who know how to make palm crosses. Palm Sunday is April 5
th
, and we invite students, families, and parishioners to join us for coffee and donuts after the 9:30 a.m. Mass in the APRm of the school to share palms.
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Prayer Requests
We pray for 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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If you have one hour to help to distribute communion at Bishop Rehabilitation Center on the third Monday of the month at 10:30a.m., your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Additional volunteers are needed for other events and days. Please contact John Macko at the rectory (315.437.3394) for more information. Bishop Rehab is located at 918 James Street in Syracuse and was formerly known as James Square.
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If you wish to make a donation for Easter Flowers in memory of a loved one, please fill out the form below. Donation is $10 (or whatever you would like to donate) due March 29. Checks payable to Blessed Sacrament Rosary and Altar Society. I / We wish to make a donation toward Easter Flowers:
In memory of __________________________________
Remembered by: _______________________________
Amount enclosed: __________________________
Please put this form in an envelope marked Easter Flowers with your donation and drop in the collection basket at church or rectory, or email the rectory at
bsc3127james@gmail.com (Subject Line: EASTER FLOWERS) to coordinate a flower order and payment (provide a name and contact phone number).
Money raised from the Christmas and Easter Flowers will be used to purchase new Altar Cloths for the Chapel and Church for the five different seasons (Easter – White; Ordinary Time – Green; Pentecost and Confirmation – Red; Advent (Christmas) – Purple; Lent – different shade of purple.
Thank you!
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Fish Fry Voting
The Catholic Sun and the Diocese are teaming up to crown a parish or school as the best Lenten fish fry in the diocese. Visit thecatholicsun.com during the fish fry season in Lent to cast your vote.
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!
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 through March 23. Seminarian Meet & Greet on April 7 at 5pm.
Winter Family Fun Day
Get out of the cold and make a splash with perfect 84° weather year-round at Cascades Indoor Waterpark! Join us at Greek Peak's Indoor Waterpark for an afternoon of fun for the whole family! 12-4 pm on Saturday, March 21. The ticket price is an amazing deal at $20 per person! It includes an entire day of access to the waterpark AND lunch! Children under 2 years old are FREE! Pre-registration: https://nfpwinterfun2020.eventbrite.com. Call Morgan Durfee, 315.472.6754, ext. 2 or email
nfp@syrdio.org
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Tickets
“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. 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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Reduce Food Waste
A suggestion to consider toward caring for the Earth: reduce food waste. As we fast and abstain from meat, we can also consider reducing our food waste by shopping only for what we need, eating leftovers, composting scraps for example by transporting scraps to a County compost site, and/or donating excess non-perishable foods to food pantries. We waste large quantities of food. Let us reflect on how we can reduce our wasting of food and consider how we can start to do so. By reducing food waste over time, less food needs to be produced and transported which would be a beneficial effect on our Earth.
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Virtus Training
Initial Certification Training - Completion of the initial 2.5 hours Safe Environment training session is required. 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. 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 in the Diocese of Syracuse Safe Environment Program is required every five years. A training session is 1½ 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".
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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Pastor:
Rev. Severine Yagaza
Deacons:
Daniel Stevens
Michael Colabufo
School Principal:
Lisa Coppola
Faith Formation Director:
Donna Hurn
Parish Outreach Coordinator:
Janice Corcoran
Minister to Sick, Elderly & Homebound:
John Macko
Music Director:
Mary Lynn Giacobbe
Secretary:
Mary Rougeau,
Jack-Lynn Corcoran
Bookkeeper:
Marie Tassone
Bulletin / eBulletin Editor:
Donna Hurn
Mass Schedule:
Saturday: 5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.
Daily Mass (Chapel):
Monday to Friday at 8AM
Telephones:
Rectory: 315.437.3394
School: 315.463.1261
Convent: 315.437.4623
Outreach: 315.437.4462
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
4:00 to 4:45 p.m. Saturdays
Baptism:
Parents must attend baptismal class. Please call the Rectory for an appointment.
Marriage:
Arrangements should be made at least six months in advance.
Website Address:
Please excuse all errors and omissions, slight mistakes and oversights.
March 8, 2020
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