Second Sunday of Lent 2.27/28. 2021

How Eucharistic was handed down:

Since is so early this year, most of February is in Lent this year. So it’s easy to forget about the of the month. But they are worth reflecting on. Last Tuesday, on February 23rd, we celebrate the feast of St. the martyr. He has the distinction of being the first martyr of whom we have an accurate and attested written record of his death. He was a of St. John the , who tradition tells us lived to be a very old man, taking care of the Blessed Mary in his home at Ephesus until her Assumption into Heaven and then spending the rest of his life in prayer and contemplation. St. John was the only one of the twelve who was not martyred for his faith. There is a tradition that he was almost boiled alive in oil, but he escaped and that is the story for another day. We don’t have any record of exactly what St. John taught his disciple Polycarp, but we can be almost certain that they delved deep into the mysteries of the Holy Eucharist. After all, St. John was the beloved disciple who was so close to Our Lord that he leaned his head against his breast at the first Mass, the Last Supper when he was a very young man. (Again, tradition says he may have been just a teenager). In the decades St. John had after the Lord’s Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven, learning from the wisdom of the Mother of God herself and then remaining united with Jesus mystically in his daily celebration of the Mass, how much wisdom and insight must he have gained about the Lord’s profound love for us revealed in the ! We can almost picture the young man Polycarp sitting at the feet of his master, St. John, hearing in oral form what would become the Gospel of St. John, including many reflections on what became Chapter 6, the account of the Lord’s Discourse on the Bread of Life, in which Our Lord first revealed the mystery of the Eucharist: that those who ate and drank the Body and Blood of Christ could live forever in an eternally happy Communion with the Holy Trinity. Polycarp lived to be an old man himself, and must have internalized those lessons, because when the Roman emperor began cruelly persecuting Christians and putting them to death and making sport of it by making a public display of their execution, he was ready to give his life in a profoundly Eucharistic way, as a living sign to non-believers of the saving power and love of the Blessed Sacrament. Here’s the account of Polycarp’s martyrdom from the breviary, the Church’s daily prayer book. When the pyre was ready, Polycarp took off all his clothes and loosened his under-garment. He made an effort also to remove his shoes, though he had been unaccustomed to this, for the faithful always vied with each other in their haste to touch his body. Even before his martyrdom he had received every mark of honor in tribute to his holiness of life. There and then he was surrounded by the material for the pyre. When they tried to fasten him also with nails, he said: “Leave me as I am. The one who gives me strength to endure the fire will also give me strength to stay quite still on the pyre, even without the precaution of your nails”. So they did not fix him to the pyre with nails but only fastened him instead. Bound as he was, with hands behind his back, he stood like a mighty ram, chosen out for sacrifice from a great flock, a worthy victim made ready to be offered to God Looking up to heaven, he said: “Lord, almighty God, Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have come to the knowledge of yourself, God of angels, of powers, of all creation, of all the race of saints who live in your sight, I bless you for judging me worthy of this day, this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ, your anointed one, and so rise again to eternal life in soul and body, immortal through the power of the Holy Spirit. May I be received among the martyrs in your presence today as a rich and pleasing sacrifice. God of truth, stranger to falsehood, you have prepared this and revealed it to me and now you have fulfilled your promise. “I praise you for all things, I bless you, I glorify you through the eternal priest of heaven, Jesus Christ, your beloved Son. Through him be glory to you, together with him and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.” When he had said “Amen” and finished the prayer, the officials at the pyre lit it. But, when a great flame burst out, those of us privileged to see it witnessed a strange and wonderful thing. Indeed, we have been spared in order to tell the story to others. Like a ship’s sail swelling in the wind, the flame became as it were a dome encircling the martyr’s body. Surrounded by the fire, his body was like bread that is baked, or gold and silver white-hot in a furnace, not like flesh that has been burnt. So sweet a fragrance came to us that it was like that of burning incense or some other costly and sweet-smelling gum. Fr. Reutter

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com DEAR ST. PETER PREP PARENTS,

I hope you are helping your children prepare for Easter by praying together, honoring our traditions of fasting in some way especially on Fridays, and offering spiritual and corporal works of for those in need.

We will be saying the Stations of the Cross together during PREP in age groups. You could bring them to Stations of the Cross at St. Peter’s on Fridays at 7 PM for a family devotion. There are special prayers cards with prayers that can be said before, during, and after Mass. Recitation of the is conducted before Sunday Mass at 8:05.

Mrs. Jeanne Hunt, one of the most dynamic speakers we have in our archdiocese, will be offering to PREP parents, especially of 2nd graders, a talk about the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Mary’s on February 28th, from 11:45 – 12:45.

Together we can build up the Body of Christ, Deacon Ron Stang, DRE 513-309-5340 [email protected]

Almighty Father, You have created us for some definite purpose. Grant us the grace to know the path You have planned for us in this life and to respond with a generous “Yes”. Make our archdiocese, parishes, homes and hearts fruitful ground for Your gift of vocations. May our young people respond to Your call with courage and zeal. Stir among our men a desire and the strength to be good and holy priest, Bless us with consecrated religious and those called to a chaste single life, permanent deacons, and faithful husbands and wives, who are a sign of Christ’s love for His Church. We commend our prayer for vocations to You, Father, through the intercession of Mary our Mother, in the Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord. Amen. - Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com

PREP & YM Theology of the Body in Grade 5/6 PREP Class ATTENTION PARENTS... Schedule On February 21, 2021, Mrs. Sara Blake presented two Time for PREP & stories, “The Nine Muses” and “Orpheus” from D’Aulaires’ Youth Ministry Book of Greek Myths, featuring the TOB theme of “Virtues”. Welcome, Mrs. Jeanne Hunt will be 9:00 am at The four Cardinal Virtues of prudence, fortitude, St. Mary’s and temperance and justice were defined and compared to the Coffee Talk end in time for characters’ actions in the myths. How did Orpheus The Gift of the Sacrament of 10:30 am Mass. demonstrate these virtues in the story? How can we practice Reconciliation these virtues and grow stronger in our faith and closer to PREP (St. Peter’s) Jesus? The students listened to a part of Antonio Vivaldi’s Sunday, February 28 will begin after “The Four Seasons” to better understand Orpheus’ gift of the 8:30 am Mass In Parish Center music and the beauty of creation through the seasons. Bible (around 9:30 am) 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. verses were discussed and classical art of Sandro Botticelli and goes until Especially for all PREP par- 11:00 am. and featured paintings of all four Cardinal Virtues. Thank you, Mrs. Blake, for bringing literature, music and art We do our best to ents and grandparents to PREP to enhance our students’ religious education! keep everyone Refreshments safe! According to the Teacher’s Companion, Greek Myths have You’ll be happy you came! • We take importance. “Myths help us to understand analogies that temperatures. reveal truths about human nature. They were written to try • We social to explain why we are here, why the world is the way it is, A Prayer Table at Home distance. and can help us enter more deeply into Christian literature.

• We sanitize. The Greek myths highlight man’s search for God, which can • We wear only be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Additionally, many Christian masks. symbols have their roots in Greek mythology; therefore, we understand Christian history and symbolism more deeply • Parents, when we study the Greek myths.” please keep sick children Nancy Shula, DRE 513.734.4041 ext. * home. [email protected]

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for Lent: That each of us may experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.

St. Paul says that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We know that there are all kinds of people who are against our Roman Catholic faith and some against us as individuals. It has been that way from the beginning of times. Human nature often puts one group against another group. But what St. Paul is referring to does not present itself in the cultural motif of our lives. Rather St. Paul is referring to the path which leads us to eternal life. God always assists us on that path. He never leaves us alone in that journey. All we have to do is ask him for help and he responds. Of course, the closer we are to Him, his Son, and the Holy Spirit, the more sure we are of receiving the help we need. During this time of Lent, let us always ask the Lord for help in becoming more like his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. During the next few weeks, let us daily examine our lives and see how we can become more like Christ in thought, words, and deeds.

Deacon Jerry Etienne—513-734-4041 x 2 or [email protected]

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com ST. PETER CHURCH ST. MARY CHURCH Sat. 5:00pm Luke Hall—Virginia & Ray Hall Sat. 4:00pm Intentions of the Parish Region 2/27 2/27 Sun. 10:30am Fred Spiller—The Family Sun. 8:30am Mike Ryan—Ohio River Artisans 2/28 2/28 Tues. 8:30am Jeanne Engelman—Bereavement Mon. 8:30am Joan Reutter—Mr. & Mrs. Jim Grome 3/1 3/2 Thurs. 8:30am Fri. 3/5 Kathy Canter—MaryJo Pierce 8:30am Joe Mariselina—Joe DaGiau 3/4 Sat. 5:00pm Intentions of the Presider Sat. 4:00pm Ralph Roeper Jr.—Mom & Dad 3/6 3/6 Sun. 8:30am Intentions of the Parish Region Sun. 10:30am Ray Jeffers—The Family 3/7 3/7

Parish Council Nominations Needed At St. Mary’s: As we move into the New Year and pray that this pandemic will soon be over, we look forward to the future. With this in mind, we would like members of our parish to consider running for Parish Council. The election will be held in April. If you are interested in submitting your name as a candidate to serve on parish council, please either submit your name to Debbie, our parish secretary Parish Council at 513.734.4041 or contact Lois Dennis at 513.277.9005, Pam Sandker: [email protected] or Frank Jacquez: [email protected]. As regional planning changes will soon be occurring for the parishes within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, we encourage those that have the desire to run for parish council to do so. This is a very important time, as we face a shortage of priests to serve our area. We need dedicated, faithful servants of our parish to lead us through these times. Yours in Christ, The Election Committee of St. Mary’s Parish

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LENT - The 2021 edition is a free, beautiful, helpful and easy-to-access resource provided by The Catholic Telegraph to help you enter into the season of Lent in a whole new way. The guide will meet you wherever you are in your faith journey, with articles ranging from meat free recipes to how to embrace the power of silence in your prayer life. Visit thecatholictelegraph.com/lent- guide to get your free copy.

St. Martin Deanery Century Farm Award: Once again, the Catholic Rural Life Conference of St. Martin Deanery would like to honor Catholic families who have farmed and nurtured the same land for 100 years or more. Presentation of the awards will be made at the Fall Farm Mass. To qualify, the owner must be a practicing Catholic, the farm must be located in St. Martin Deanery and a copy of the original deed needs to be attached to the application form and submitted by May 28, 2021. Applications can be obtained at www.catholiccincinnati.org/social action. Questions may be referred to Marilyn Fryer at 937-378-4583.

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com 2nd SUNDAY OF LENT – “He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all will give us everything else along with him.” responded in faith to God’s command to slaughter his son . Why? Abraham knew that everything, even life itself, belonged wholly to the wise and loving God who had called him, and who could even raise the dead. In the Transfiguration God revealed to Peter, James and John the glory that is given to us when we give everything to God. “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful,” because then the Lord raises us to a new ad everlasting life with him. (February Magnificat) STATIONS OF THE CROSS will be conducted every Friday of Lent at 7 PM (March 19th at 6:30). NEW RICHMOND FOOD PANTRY –Thank you to those who are dropping off groceries and school supplies in the front entrance boxes. Through the help of generous donors in the community, NRAM has been distributing food on Wednesdays at the NR Nazarene Church from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, 200 Hamilton St. We will be adding additional morning hours soon. NRAM is having an Easter Food Box give-away on March 27th by registration. If you would like to help box the food Friday, March 26th, call Dea- con Ron. LUNCH BOX PROGRAM – the closing of schools has kept many of our school children from eating a breakfast and lunch. They are in more need than ever to receive nutritious food. Please drop off lunch-type food in the box provided in the front entrance. Thank you to those who have dropped off food or who have made monetary donations.

Deacon Ron Stang 309-5340, sccr.deaconron@outlook .com

WOMEN OF ST. MARY AND 2021 CMA Catholic Ministries Appeal “The Light shines in ST. PETER : You are invited the darkness.” Have you made your donation yet? It is not to join others for a 10 week too late!! Not sure you want to give to this appeal? The small group “retreat” that CMA supports six local ministries: 7% New Evangelization; delves into the simplicity 6% St. Rita School for the Deaf; 21% Catholic Charities & and splendor of the book, Catholic Social Services; 19% Retired Priest & Senior Clergy; “Consoling The Heart of 20% Campus, Hospital & Prison ministries; 27% Seminary & Jesus”. Gain insights to how Vocations. Find more information on what the CMA is and you can console Jesus; learn the many ministries it helps by going to: the keys to the sanctity of www.aocstewardship.org. Please be as generous as you Saints like Theresa of can. Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska and as you “MISSION POSSIBLE! - April 5-10!” The Mission Office of the strive to become a saint Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s first ever online auction. The Mission yourself. Meetings will be Office helps over 1000 mission dioceses all over the world by about 90 minutes and will supporting schools, orphanages, hospitals, training Catechists and be held on Wednesdays at building seminaries and . We are in desperate need to 7:00pm in the Fr. Lewis Center beginning February 24th. meet greater expenses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. We are (Conference calling available.) For more information, con- incredibly grateful for any donations (gift cards, art, new items, tact Jamie Jeffers at 513-767-8327 or [email protected] bottles of alcohol, etc.) that you or your group can offer and/or your bidding participation in our new, fun virtual auction event. A collection box is in St. Mary’s gathering space that Karin Mendoza Needless to say, it is another will bring to downtown office. Please submit donations by next trying start to the new Year. Sunday, March 7 OR drop off at Mission Office (100 E. 8th Getting the collection boxes St.,45202). Questions? Contact: Dr. Mike Gable, Director 263- to our parishioners is a 6680; [email protected] or to Sr. Eileen Connelly, OSU, 263-6682; [email protected] concern. Seeing how many box sets are left is a sure sign of how many folks are not back in church yet. But, like last year, you can continue to drop off your envelopes or mail them in. If you live next to someone in the parish and can ask them if (St. Mary’s) Send your prayer requests to: Kathy Gloeckner 513-734-4306 or you could bring their box to them, that would be a big help. If [email protected] OR to... Linda Faulhaber you want to pick up your collection box from the parish office, 513-407-2603 [email protected] please call Debbie to work out when you can pick them up or if (St. Peter’s) Dcn Ron Stang at: she can leave them in the black mail box at the office door at [email protected]. Telephone Line Only: Mary St. Mary’s or outside the door at St. Peter’s or with Stan Kinnard at 513-553-4959. Those requesting communion for Kinnard. Thank you and God bless you for your continued the sick, a hospital or home visits, please call your parish support to your parish. office: St. Mary’s at 734-4041 St. Peter’s 553-3267.

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com COLLECTION CORNER FOR ST. PETER PARISH COLLECTION CORNER FOR ST. MARY PARISH Church Fiscal Year: July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 Church Fiscal Year: July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 Collection Weekend of: 2.20/21.2021 $ 1,605 Thank You! Collection Weekend of 2.20/21.2021: $ 3,315 Thank you! Budget: $3,158.00 weekly Budget: $3,561.00 weekly SVdP: $ 20 SVdP: $ 180 Bldg & Grounds: $ 60 Music: $ 10 Actual Income since 7.1.20 $ 108,615.85 Actual Income since 7.1.20: $ 134,814.95 Budgeted Income: $ 115,872 Over/(Under) Budget: ($ 7,256.15) Budgeted Income: $ 121,074.00 Over/(Under) Budget: $ 13,740.95 Thank You for remembering your parish needs during this time of Corona Virus crisis! We truly appreciate you thinking of your Thank You for remembering your parish needs during this time parish needs. There is a mail slot in the of Corona Virus crisis! We truly appreciate you thinking of your parish needs. There is a mail slot in the door to the undercroft that you can use to door to the parish office that you can use to place your collection donation. May God place your collection donation. May God Bless and Keep ALL our parishioners safe Bless and Keep ALL our parishioners safe and and healthy. THANK YOU. healthy. THANK YOU.

Last Sunday we held the Rite of Election for our two catechumens here at St. Peter’s. Due to the Covid pandemic, it was held locally instead of at the Cathedral with the Archbishop. We welcome Christy Buskirk (godparent Buskirk) and Steve Mikles (godparent Debbie Mikles) as members of the elect. After this Lent period of final preparation, they will be fully initiated in the at the Easter Vigil. Let us pray for their continued formation.

7pm St. Mass & Men’s Dinner to follow @ SPNR

Music Ministry—Gary [email protected] Tues. & Thurs. 9-4 Ext * Bookkeeper—Jerry C. [email protected] Tues. Morning ext. 6

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com View Our Parish Supporters at www.DiscoverMass.com GRIFFIN SPORTS EQUIPMENT Andrew Griffin [email protected] 513-349-3359 218 Front St., New Richmond

In Loving Memory... John Bauer David Charles Hughes Barbara Cronin Clara Iding Alvin Enzweiler Cornelius Moermond Pat Etienne Tom & Donny Schwab William “Bill” Greenwood Katie Ann Stang Donnie Hathorn Mark Joseph Stang David Hauke Robert “Bob” Taggart

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