The life of a Christian believer must be like salt and it must be like light. In ancient times salt was used as a medium of trade which then could be exchanged for other things of value.

The other image of faith for us believers is light. Light banishes the darkness and evil from our lives. Light reminds us of the sun, which is life-giving to our souls.

Today, Jesus sends us to be salt of the earth and to speak and act as bearers of light. How so? It just takes a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor of any recipe. We know that one caring, loving, and good deed can enrich the lives of a multitude of people and even raise our own spirits.

Even a small bit of light can brighten an entire room. A smile can do the same thing to someone whom we know and to a complete stranger; to shed light onto the darkness of the world. We see so much darkness in communities where there is so much violence and a lack of morals and also in the media, especially the violence on television which is unfortunately easily accepted as norm.

We can be salt to the earth and light to the world by proclaiming the Gospel message. We can show by example. We can avoid the daily corruption which is so rampant. What we do allows the light of Jesus to shine on those with whom we work and in our parish community. There are countless charitable acts which allow this light of Jesus to shine: neighbors helping neighbors, family members helping one another, volunteers answering the call to serve.

Our world is in a sad state of affairs: we are hungry; we are poor in spirit. For those whom we meet every day, may we be salt to the earth, with our commitment and dedication, preserving the world from evil and may the light of Jesus shine through us to those so desperately in need.

“Lord, help me to shine your light everywhere I go.”

Submitted by John Macko, Blessed Sacrament Church
Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the precious gift of love you have given to the world. Thank you for blessing me every day with this love and the power and strength that I get from you every single day. Without your love for me I can’t be. I can’t function. I need your love to sustain me. Please continue to let me feel your comforting love in my life. Forgive me, Lord, as some people are harder to love than others. I want to be like your Son Jesus, so please continue the work you are doing so my heart will be like yours. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 
Mass Intentions

Mass Intentions are a long standing tradition in the Catholic Church. Most intentions are offered for deceased loved ones, but other occasions are also prayed for: the living, one's health, anniversaries, special occasions. There are openings for this year, both weekdays and weekends, for you to schedule an intention. Please contact the rectory at 315.437.3394.  
Prayer Requests

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. 
Unbound Lay Ministry

Next weekend, please welcome Rev. Bill Martin who will be with us to celebrate the Masses and tell us about the work of Unbound, a lay Catholic sponsorship ministry that helps children and elderly in 18 developing countries. To learn more, call (800) or visit Unbound online at www.unbound.org.
Where the Money Goes

As we manage our bills, we continue to share ‘where the money goes’: National Grid - $5,595.00; Spectrum - $826.00; Office supplies - $660.00; Maintenance supplies - $1,294.00.  
Holy Mackerel!

Lent is approaching, and you know what that means – the Annual Holy Mackerel Lenten Fish Fry Award! The Catholic Sun and the diocese are teaming up once again to crown a parish or school as the best Lenten fish fry in the diocese. Can your favorite fry win the trophy and bragging rights? Visit thecatholicsun.com during the fish fry season in Lent to cast your vote.
Peaceful Prayer Vigil

Join the peaceful prayer vigil, 40 Days for Life from February 26 - April 5. There are 3 locations in or near our diocese: Syracuse, Ithaca, and Binghamton. For more information or to sign up go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/. Prayer changes things - be an instrument for change! 
Virtus Certification

Initial Safe Environment Training
Friday, February 14 at 2PM, Lemoyne College, Syracuse
Tuesday, March 24 at 6PM, Holy Family Church, Syracuse

Recertification Training
Tuesday, March 31 at 6PM, Holy Family Church, Syracuse
Go to the Diocese of Syracuse website for registration information.  
Got any old bags?

The recreation department of Bishop Rehabilitation Center is asking for anyone interested to please donate plastic grocery bags (all colors, sizes, holes in them) for a special resident driven community support project – crocheting travel/sleep mats to be donated to the Rescue Mission. To donate, contact Tammy Shoales at tshoales@bishopcare.com . 
Mardi Gras

Polish Dinner with live music and beads. Sunday, February 23 from Noon to 3pm. Transfiguration Church Hall, 740 Teall Ave, Syracuse. Polish Food Platter: pierogi, golabki, kielbasa, vegetable, rye bread, jelly doughnuts and refreshments. Adults: $15, Children 6-12 $6, Under 6- free


Sacred Heart Basilica would like to invite you to their 2020 Mardi Gras Dinner on Saturday, February 22 from 5-8:30pm in their Church Hall at 927 Park Ave in Syracuse. Tickets are on sale until Wednesday, February 19 and are available by calling the parish office at - 315-422-2343. See you there! 

From the Diocesan HR Department

Job Opening, Human Development Director: St. Margaret’s Church, Mattydale has an opening for a Human Development Director. This part time position (18 hours a week) entails directing the Human Development Program at St. Margaret's Church in cooperation with the Food Pantry coordinator. Duties include planning and implementing new programs, writing grants, fundraising, recruiting and training volunteers, and working one on one with clients in need of assistance and referrals to other agencies. Please contact St. Margaret's Church at 315-455-5534 to apply.   
It’s almost Fish Fry time!

Blessed Sacrament and St. Vincent DePaul will be joining forces once again to raise funds for both churches with the Fish Fry Dinners. There are many different ways to help, not all require attendance at the actual dinner. If you are interested in helping out, please call the rectory at 315.437.3394 to give your name and phone number and we will get back to you to see how you would like to help.  
We are Called

Join our faith community—and more than 14,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl. Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl on February 22 and 23. During the 40 days of Lent, we will reflect on the challenge of global hunger and how it affects our human family.  
From Christ the King Retreat House

Start your Lent off with a day of reflection at Christ the King Retreat House. Sr. Donald Corcoran will give us tips on how to make the most of our Lent with a day of prayer and reflection on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 10AM- 3PM.  
Mass Intentions – Church

Saturday, February 8
5:00 p.m. – Mary Dunham – The Engelbrecht Family

Sunday, February 9
7:30 a.m. – Janice Brooks Veno – Donna Hurn and Family
9:30 a.m. – Jack Chase - Family
* Interpreted Mass for Deaf Community
11:30 a.m. – People of the Parish

Mass Intentions – Chapel

Monday, February 10 – 8:00 a.m.
Annette Cordileone - Michael Cretaro

Tuesday, February 11 - 8:00 a.m.
Raymond Groton - Kit & Bruce McDaniels

Wednesday, February 12 – 8:00 a.m.
Charles Dower - Roswitha and Bob Leonardo

Thursday, February 13 – 8:00 a.m. 
Vincent Kukys - Peg and Bill Gutowski

Friday, February 14 – 8:00 a.m.
Michael DeFio - Donna Hurn

Mass Intentions – Church

Saturday, February 15
5:00 p.m. – Bernard Sims - Children

Sunday, February 16
7:30 a.m. – Paula DeStefano - Husband
9:30 a.m. – People of the Parish
*Interpreted Mass for Deaf Community
11:30 a.m. – Jeanne Lamanna - Children
Raffle!

“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. 
We are Family

Our diocesan family includes 230,000 members across seven counties and 5,500 square miles. The Catholic Sun is the only media dedicated to telling our family's stories. Get to know your 229,999 brothers and sisters — subscribe to the Catholic Sun today!  
Spotlight

This free showing of the Academy Award winning film "Spotlight" is at the Hamilton Movie Theater on Tuesday, February 11 at 6pm and is open to the public. Our goal is to spark a community-wide conversation about how we might best respond to the crisis of sexual assault and abuse in the church and the world.  
Online Giving

Are you trying to cut down on the paper you use? You can give greener by using our Online Giving Program. Set up the amount that you would like to give on a schedule that meets your needs and you never have to worry about writing another check, forgetting your envelope, or having cash in your wallet. Our parish greatly appreciates all those who choose to give in this manner as it helps us maintain a consistent cash flow and pay all of our bills in a timely manner. You may not see these fellow parishioners place an envelope in the basket every week, but their consistent giving does not go unnoticed. To learn more about this easy, safe, and secure way of giving, please contact the Rectory Office at 315.437.3394. 
Stewardship

We are grateful for your offertory of $9,174.00; Parish Improvement - $1,302.00; Fuel and Snow - $1,053.00.  
What is a Catechist

Agreeing to teach kids about the faith is a daunting prospect. We all are called to continue to grow in our own faith, and the best way to learn is to teach. Here are just a few reasons why we are grateful for our catechists:
Catechists tell the truth. - Catechists speak the truth about God, faith and morals. The world needs the message of the Gospel and they offer a hungry world that sustenance.

Sharing the faith is an honor. - If you are a catechist, you are doing something special for God, for the Church and for your fellow Catholics.

Your own faith will come alive. - By acting on what you believe, you become a participant in building up God's kingdom. After all, Jesus told us not to put our light under a bushel basket, and that means not hiding it behind a missalette either. As a catechist, you will discover that prayer, liturgy and your own relationship with God will become more vibrant and meaningful.

Become an active part of your parish. - When you become a catechist in your parish, you enter into a community that will support you on your faith journey, pray for and with you, and encourage you in your Catholic way of life.

A catechist is a role model. - Ask young people who their role models or heroes are, and you'll get a litany of movie and sports stars. While looking good and being athletic are fine qualities, young people also need examples of ordinary people who do the right thing just because it is the right thing. As a catechist, you get to model behaviors young people might not learn anywhere else.

You will be practicing stewardship. - In these difficult economic times, families are struggling with rising prices and shrinking incomes. Being a catechist is a way of being a good steward by giving a bit of your most precious resource -- your time. You might not be able to donate as much money as you would like, but we all have time and talent to share.

Show your own family that you value religious education. - Taking time out of your life to teach the faith shows your own children, grandchildren, siblings and family members that you put a high priority on religious education. You may find you are teaching them as much by your example as you are your students by your lesson plan.

Teaching is fun. - Spending time with energetic, enthusiastic young people gives you renewed energy and vitality. Kids remind adults to live and laugh in the moment and get enthused about things like holy days and stories of saints. Not to mention there's nothing like it when a kid "gets" one of the tenets of the faith, like the Real Presence.

It's what we are called to do. - At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus said: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:19-20). By teaching the next generation about the Good News, you are fulfilling your part of the Great Commandment. It may be the most important thing you will ever do.

Thank you to our catechists who give so freely of their time to share the faith with the many students who have regularly attended, and participated in, Mass and class. We are proud of your dedication to the Faith Formation programs! Together with families, faith formation programs join in the task of molding young disciples in the faith. It assists in nourishing the lives of families, students and catechists by building a strong moral and spiritual foundation, increases the knowledge of our religious fundamentals, and inspires the growth of sacramental awareness. 
From CANA

Come join us for a Catholic Family Retreat vacation at the scenic Watson Homestead in Painted Post, NY. A Catholic Family Retreat is a time to gather as a family with other Catholic families to rest, recreate, and share our common Catholic experience. It is held in a somewhat rustic setting with plenty of time for family activities. Our retreat will run from July 26 – August 1. For more information, call Deacon Ed Blaine at 607-372-1730 or email eblaine@syrdio.org.
Influenza Guidelines

The church’s liturgical response to influenza.

What measures should be taken in Roman Catholic liturgies in the United States of America during flu season?
Priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should be especially reminded of the need to practice good hygiene. Ministers of Holy Communion should always wash their hands before Mass begins; a further precaution suggests using an alcohol-based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion. The faithful should be instructed not to receive from the chalice if they feel ill.

What about further adaptations or the restriction of options at Mass?
The Diocesan Bishop should always be consulted regarding any changes or restriction of options in the celebration of Roman Catholic Liturgy. However, the need for the introduction of widespread liturgical adaptations for the prevention of the transmission of influenza in the dioceses of the United States of America is not evident at this time.
What does ‘Salt of the Earth’ mean?

Being described by someone as ‘the salt of the earth’ is quite a compliment. It means that you are a person of great worth and reliability. The expression is believed that the use of ‘salt’ in the expression is a reference to the value of salt, which was quite a valued commodity. 

Let’s start with the purpose of salt. It’s an amazing seasoning that adds flavor to food. Salt by itself is not that tasty. But when added to a variety of foods, it enters in and adds much. It has the power to make bland food tasty and to preserve food that would otherwise spoil. Salt was so valuable that it was often used to pay soldiers their wages. The Latin term for salt is actually the origin of our English word “salary.” Hence the expression “he’s worth his salt.”

In our discipleship, God has placed great faith in us. It is our mission to look for ways to improve the world around us — each and every day. In today’s Gospel, Jesus refers to us as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” These are tremendous compliments and should be received as such. With these words Jesus has empowered us to realize just how influential each one of us can be. It doesn’t take very much salt to bring flavor to a bland meal. It doesn’t take much light to brighten a dark space. 

It is our duty to enter into our world and add to it, helping to transform it into a world of grace and mercy, full of the “flavor” of God’s Kingdom. This is done by the building up of relationships and striving to touch one person at a time so as to enhance their lives and help them to be closer to Christ. The love of God that we bring into our world, and into the lives of those whom we encounter, can be seen analogously as salt entering into food and enhancing it. We have a duty to enhance the goodness and faith of those whom we encounter on a regular basis. If we fail to make a difference in the lives of others, we are missing the point and we are failing to be the salt of the Earth.

As you go about this week, spreading the kingdom of God, remember the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you to opportunities to share God’s love. Reflect upon this duty that you have been given by Christ. Reflect upon the calling you have been charged with to make a difference in the lives of others. Commit yourself to be the salt of the Earth so that this world of ours will be a better place, filled with the flavor of the Kingdom of God.