Teaching / Interpretation
In this weekend’s Gospel reading, Jesus is trying to teach or interpret what the Prophets were taught/interpreted about their laws. 

Prophets didn’t understand God’s laws / commandments and Jesus was just fulfilling what God had tried to tell the Prophets and Scribes but didn’t quite get it right. Jesus is trying to explain to them that if you sin, admit it, own it, regret it, apologize for it. Apologize first to whom you sinned against then apologize to God for your sin. Hopefully, the person who you sinned against will forgive you; just as God will forgive you for committing that sin.
 
We all know what a sin is - anything from what we call “a little white lie, won’t hurt anyone” to committing a murder. In God’s eye the little white lie and committing murder are in the same category but which one would YOU ADMIT to committing? Would you be the person who told the little white lie; say to the person, oh, get over it. It’s no big deal. But to the person, you wronged, it was a big deal and they may never forgive you for telling that lie. Or, do you admit in court to the family and friends that you have no excuse for what happened that day. That you just lost control and you are truly sorry for what happen; that every day you will be asking them and God to forgive you and hopefully on your judgment day before God, you will be forgiven. 

We just have to keep Jesus as our conscious at all times. We have to admit to ourselves and to the ones we hurt and truly apologize to them first and ask for their forgiveness. Then on our Judgment Day, before GOD, ask him to forgive ALL our sins and hopefully God will forgive us and welcome us with open arms into heaven. 

We truly need to be kind, caring and forgiving to each other more and especially teach our children to do the same. We can all teach and learn from each other. Let’s try to be more caring, loving, forgiving to each other.

Submitted by Mary Rougeau, Blessed Sacrament Church
Mass Intentions

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

Monday, February 17 – 8:00 a.m.
Betty Galletta – Kathy Brown

Tuesday, February 18 - 8:00 a.m.
Jeanne Lamanna, Birthday - Children

Wednesday, February 19 – 8:00 a.m.
Edward Zacharek – Cecelia Guzikowski

Thursday, February 20 – 8:00 a.m. 
Millie Garofalo – Joe Napoli

Friday, February 21 – 8:00 a.m.
Nick Morina – Sheila and Bernie Corbishley, Jr.

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

For those who may have mobility difficulty or other special needs, there is up front, to the left of the church, two reserved pews. At communion time, the Eucharistic Minister will come to you and therefore, you will not need to leave the pew to approach the altar. 
This weekend we welcome Father Bill Martin of UNBOUND who is speaking in all Masses on behalf of a lay Catholic ministry that helps children and elderly in 18 developing countries. Let's listen to him and reach us to these children in need.  To learn more, call (800) or visit Unbound online at  www.unbound.org .
SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING
(click on link for more information)


Prayer for Married Couples
O God, who in creating the human race
willed that man and wife should be one,
keep, we pray, in a bond of inseparable love
those who are united in the covenant of Marriage,
so that, as you make their love fruitful,
they may become, by your grace, witnesses to charity itself.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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.
There are no Faith Formation, First Penance or Confirmation classes on February 16 and February 23 due to the winter break. Classes resume March 1st.
Join us on Sunday, March 1 st when coffee and donut hour resumes (no coffee hour on February 16 and 23).  
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. 
Ash Wednesday Masses
at Blessed Sacrament:

6:45AM
9AM (school Mass)
5:30PM


Ash Wednesday Mass
at St. Vincent dePaul:

12Noon
Principal at St Mary’s Academy Baldwinsville, NY. Seeking a passionate, dynamic, dedicated, and innovative leader who through their personal witness to the Catholic faith will continue to articulate the mission of St Mary’s Academy to students, parents, faculty, and the greater community. All resumes can be sent directly to Megan Birardi, mbirardi@syrdio.org .

Family Life/Respect Life has a temporary Administrative Assistant position available. This position is part time (up to 30 hours) and estimated to last for approximately 16 weeks. Prior office and secretarial experience is required. Candidate should have a strong commitment to the Catholic faith and strong administrative, organizational and relationship skills. Must have proficient computer skills and excellent communication skills. Interested candidates should apply directly on our website. 
For our beloved ones who have died

Especially Jeanne Griffin, Cecelia Wiszniewski, Charles Dower, Donald Broton, and Stella Giacobbe, may they be welcomed into eternal rest by our heavenly Father.

Welcome to our Faith Community

Freya Rose Heider was recently baptized and welcomed into our faith community. May she know the love and presence of our God through family and friends.

Vocations

“Let your light shine before others” - perhaps as a priest, deacon, sister or brother. Call Father Jason Hage at 315.470.1468 or write: vocations@syrdio.org .
Ash Wednesday and 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 always has more grace for us to experience - the grace of 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: by 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.

Ash Wednesday Masses: 6:45AM, 9AM (school Mass), and 5:30PM at Blessed Sacrament, and 12noon at St. Vincent’s.


You’ve got 40 Days
It’s not what you give up. It’s who you become. Lent is almost here. Who will you become at the end of 40 days?

Blessed Sacrament Church
3127 James Street, Syracuse, New York
February 16, 2020

Pastor:  Rev. Severine Yagaza
Deacons:  Michael Colabufo, Daniel Stevens
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: BlessedSacramentSyracuse.com
Diocese of Syracuse: www.syrdio.org