sign in sign up
<<
Home , Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock" Church

1118 North Grand Blvd. St Louis, MO 63106 314-533-0304 (ph) 314-533-4260 (fax) [email protected] (e-mail) www.stalphonsusrock.org (website)

Rev. Stephen Benden, C.Ss.R., Pastor Rev. Rodney Olive, C.Ss.R., Associate Pastor Mission “To Joyfully Preach, Teach, and Live the Word of God”

Theme “One Hundred Fifty Years of Standing on the Rock”

PASTORAL STAFF

Sharon Cooney-Smith, Dir. Religious Education Roberta George, Secretary Deborah Grant, Clerical Support Angela Harris, Bulletin Editor

SUPPORT STAFF

Bro. Steve Fruge, Pastoral Staff Terrance Gipson, Maintenance Terri Schneider, Dir. Hardin Food Pantry Athletic Office: 314 533-0304 Teen Ministry: 314 533-0304

MUSIC MINISTRY

8:15—Malcolm Speed 11:00—Danny duMaine

REDEMPTORISTS IN RESIDENCE

Rev. Tom Donaldson, C.Ss.R. Rev. Dave Polek, C.Ss.R. Rev. Peter Schavitz, C.Ss.R.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Call for Appointment)

SUNDAY MASSES: 10:00 a.m.

DAILY MASSES: Monday 5:30 p.m. (Tu, W. Th & F.) 11:30 a.m. Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY:

Eucharistic Adoration 5:00 p.m.—5:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS:

Exposition & Benediction: 10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m. (1st — Tuesday) followed by our Perpetual Help Novena & Mass TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 16 2020

I purchased a book recently called Do Something Beautiful Weekly for God. It is a book that has quotes in it from St. Mother Readings…

Teresa for every day of the year. In the August 9 quote, Sunday: she talks about love, peace, and anger. She reminds us Is 56:1, 6-7/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 [4] Rom 11:13-15, 29-32/Mt 15:21-28 that love and peace in our lives, and in the world, has got to far outdistance anger if the world is going to be a Monday: Ez 24:15-24/Dt 32:18-19, 20, nice place to live. However, we know that anger is very 21[cf. 18a]/Mt 19:16-22 much a part of our world, and maybe even of our lives. Tuesday: Most people are angry. This anger can be more of a passing thing, but many Ez 28:1-10/Dt 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, have much deeper anger inside that cannot be gotten rid of very easily. In 30, 35cd-36ab [39c]/Mt 19:23-30

fact, most people would say they are not angry, but I beg to differ. Whenever Wednesday: we are confronted with something that does not go our way, we can become Ez 34:1-11/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 [1] Mt 20:1-16 angry. Depending upon how much we want what we do not have, may determine the amount of anger that develops. We may have hopes and Thursday: Ez 36:23-28/Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, dreams deep within us that will never be fulfilled, and this may cause much 18-19 [Ez 36:25]/Mt 22:1-14 anger and resentment with ourselves, the world, and even God. If we have Friday: been deeply hurt with abuse, physical, emotional, sexual, or have not had our Ez 37:1-14/Ps 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 basic love needs met in life, this can cause us much pain and suffering that [1]/Mt 22:34-40

can color our mood all our lives. Saturday: Ez 43:1-7ab/Ps 85:9ab and 10, The anger can be more of a day to day thing. For instance, I have been angry 11-12, 13-14 [cf. 10b]/Mt 23:1-12 lately whenever I drive around my neighborhood. I am sick and tired of Sunday: people who drive with no regard for other drivers. Some drive through stop Is 22:19-23/Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 signs and stoplights like they own the world and care not for anyone but [8bc]/Rom 11:33-36/Mt 16:13-20 themselves. I am tired of this and want to confront a driver like that. I have to check myself constantly because I know this attitude will do nothing but escalate the situation. The other driver is angry also. It may not be AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES immediate anger, but they are angry about slow traffic, all the lights on Sunday: Grand Blvd, or the feeling they have of not being loved, but if I confront 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time them, it will not turn out well for anyone. It is at this moment that I must Wednesday: listen to the voice of St. and look to Jesus for a loving St. John Eudes, Priest response. In the long run, I cannot afford to let my core values dominate me Thursday: in a particular situation. I want to be a person of peace, and I must try to do St. Bernard, and this in every situation, even when my blood might be boiling at a particular

moment. It is through conquering these emotions each time and putting on Friday: the Lord Jesus Christ that I can rid myself of these dangerous passions. I ask St. Pius X,

God’s assistance and love in my life, but I also pray for you because I know Saturday: you have anger within you too. We all do. It may not be anger at the other The Queenship of the Blessed Mary drivers, but you are angry about something, maybe many things. If you are honest and insightful, you can begin to see this anger. Sunday: st 21 Sunday in Ordinary Time We may even have a right to be angry, but Jesus is the only one who can bring us peace. May he do that for us today.

Page (2) TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 16 2020

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

The term The Spiritual Life is a phrase that calls to mind our relationship with God. Most people I know are not aware that God is inviting them into a deeper and more profound sense of who He is every day. God is trying to NOTE: Names will remain listed for 2 weeks communicate with us in varying ways, but I am not sure that most people are aware of this at all and so consequently experience little or no growth in Spirit. INTENTIONS 08/04/20 Smith, Melba George, Roberta Smith, Paulette Many can rattle off statistics about countless things or about Lyons, Sharon Stewart, what this or that person said about whatever topic, but so White, Evan Strong, Betty few can talk about their faith in any depth. Weekly

INTENTIONS 08/11/20 Thompson, Mary Ann attendance at Sunday mass is about all they are willing to George, Darrion Weaver, Stephen do to enhance their spiritual life; this is unfortunate because Goss, Michael Woolfork, Vernie all of us are called to a deeper relationship with God. This Jackson, Tamica Vet, Alphonso is not going to happen on its own. Like anything else worth Voss, Greg Key, Jasmine pursuing, we have to take ownership of it. Pickett, DaShaun SICKNESS 08/11/20 Reedy, Judy Bell, Gilbert I am not sure how people are spending their days now that Reedy, Sid Collins, Tamika we are asked to stay home. Because there isn’t as much Watkins, Jackie & Family Collins, Tony activity in most of our lives, it offers us an opportunity to

SICKNESS 08/04/20 Dye, Margaret delve deeper into our relationship with the Lord. Atherton, Andrew George, Betty St. Alphonsus developed a process called Alphonsian Atherton, Vertibe Green, Alonzo Meditation, where a person sits in God’s presence. That Baby Pruitt Herbst, Damain person offers themselves over to God for a few minutes. Caprese, Brittany Jones, Greg That person then will read a story from scripture. It could Chapman, Bonnie Jones, Josephine be the daily mass readings, and meditate and ponder what Corbette, Dan Klein, Mary Luster, Juanita you have read. After a few minutes, he invites the person to Haine, William (Bill) focus on one area of their life they would like God to help Hart, Edgar Lyons, Sharon Mozee, Sylvester them make a change, being more patient, for instance. A Hood, Rosalind person is then called to offer God some petitions for Howard, Yvonne Nardoni, Bill Hutchinson, Terrence Parran, Rodrick whatever they want God to do for them. The person is then LaBerta, Steve Reedy, Christian called to make a resolution as to how they are going to Latham, Jean Simmons, Michelle better follow God in the future. Finally, they make a Moore, Brenda Stamps, Arlecia profession of faith, hope and charity to God. This whole Remsberg, Cory Sgt. Valle, Jr., Robert (Bobby) process, at least at the beginning, would take 15 minutes. Schnelle, Laverne Voss, Greg After you become accustomed to it, it might be half an Serio, Carmen Watkins, Darnell (Chef D) Whitfield, Edna (Mother) hour; this is an excellent way to make daily progress on Serio, Jessica your spiritual journey. This practice, along with the rosary, , the Divine Mercy chaplet, can make a difference in our spiritual life. SHUT-IN’s Atherton, Andrew McCoy, Carolyn Just a reminder Mass is celebrated in the church Mondays Bohannon, Ida Peters, Mae 5:30 p.m., Tuesday—Friday 11:30 a.m., and Saturdays at Brack, Dorothy Thomas, Bernice 9:30 a.m. Clay, Irving Turner, Hortense

McCoy, Bernice at 5:00 p.m. followed by Mass at 5:30 p.m. What a beautiful thing to be Prayer For Renewed Strength able to sit quietly with the Lord.

O Lord, my God,

Please give those listed above the grace to Mother Of Perpetual Help Devotion and Mass maintain their hope in You each Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Through all of life’s changes and to taste and see Your goodness. Amen

Page (3) TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 16 2020

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION... LITURGY NOTES...

BAPTISM GUIDELINES: The Sign of the Cross permeates a Catholic’s prayer life, from the public prayer of the Mass to Newborn – 6 years old. A parent or legal guardian private prayer around the dining room table. The and godparent(s) must attend a preparation priest opens Mass by leading the congregation in class, instruction materials are provided. the Sign of the Cross. At the end of the Mass, he blesses the people “in the name of the Father, and of the Ages 7 – 10: The child must attend special Baptism Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and they cross themselves as he preparation classes and the parent(s) or legal guardian blesses them. At home, when Catholics pray before meals, and godparent(s) must attend a Baptism preparation they usually open and close the prayer by making the sign of session to the ceremony. the cross. In Catholic schools, the prayers the school prays in common usually begin and end with the sign of the cross. Ages 11 – 17: The young person must enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) The sign of the cross often introduces and closes other program. prayers, but it is a prayer in itself and can also be prayed on its own. Sometimes Catholics make the sign of the cross, Age 18 and Older: The Candidate must enroll in the with or without words, at other times as well. Many Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Catholics will cross themselves when they pass by a program. or chapel where the Eucharist is present. Some may make the sign as they drive past a cemetery as a MATRIMONY – Engaged couples, seeking to be quick prayer for the dead who are buried there. Sometimes married at the Rock Church, must meet with the Catholics may make a quick Sign of the Cross when Pastor before setting a date. receiving bad news, or when sirens pass, as a way of praying for those involved. RCIA/RCIC – ARE YOU SOMEONE OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO… Praying the sign of the cross is so common that we often rush through it without thinking much about it. But the sign of the cross is an ancient tradition with deep theological •Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic? meaning.

•Has a child over the age of seven who has not been The first “sign of the cross” that early Christians made was baptized? tracing a small cross on their foreheads. Around the year 200, , an early Christian theologian, wrote about Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not this sign: “In all our travels and movements, in all our •celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and coming in and going out, in putting on our shoes, at the bath, Eucharist? at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our We offer an opportunity to come together in a group forehead with the sign of the cross.” By the fifth century, to learn more about the Catholic Faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of the Church other Christian writers reveal that the sign of the cross was and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments also being made on the lips and on the chest. Over time, of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. There are Christians began making large crosses over their bodies as separate sessions for children and youth. You are Catholics do today. It is unknown exactly when and how welcome to participate in the process with your that developed, but the sign of the cross as we know it today questions, insights and your faith story in a warm is probably about 1000 years old. accepting setting. The sign of the cross, in words and in action, reminds us of For information on requesting any of the above Sacraments the two central realities of our faith: who God is (the ) and/or to register for classes, please contact the Director of and what God has done for us (the Cross). These are the core Religious Education, Sharon Cooney-Smith at 314-533-0304 ext. 1001, or via e-mail @ [email protected]. of why Catholics do the sign of the cross.

(Source:www.aboutcatholics.com)

Page (4) TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 16 2020

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS

Great NOVENA PRAYER TO OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP

Rock Church ACA Progress Report th ADAPTED TO BE PRAYED IN as of August 7 RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 Then Jesus said to her in reply, 2020 Published Goal (revised) $12,000 SITUATION Total to Date $12,736 “O woman, great is your faith! Returned to Date 76 Let it be done for you # New Donors 24 as you wish.” Pledges Percent 8%

Matthew 15:28 Prior Year Pledges Percent 12% Matching Gift Cards 1 Matching Gift Total $720

The Annual Catholic Appeal is the WINNER’S CIRCLE CLUB opportunity for Catholic St. Louisans to share their treasures and help fund numerous vital ministries throughout the Archdiocese Winner’s Circle of St. Louis. Club We strongly encourage all Rock Church Mother of Perpetual Help, with parishioners to participate in the ACA by the greatest confidence we come making a pledge/donation that works for before your holy picture to your financial situation. beseech your intercession. We acknowledge that we are one Body in Thank you for your participation! Christ, that we make sacrifices for others, We think of you, Mother, at the It is time to sign up for or renew not because they are Catholic, but because your membership. foot of the Cross. Your heart We Are Catholic. must have bled to see your Son Club Rules: You can donate by completing the pledge in agony. But your joy was great  Annual entrance donation is form you received from the Archdiocese and returning it in the envelope. when He rose from the dead, $100 per person/married couple You can contribute online at victorious over the powers of  Non-parishioners, family, and evil. friends may join www.archstl.org/annual-catholic-appeal- office or on the parish website at  Your membership enters you www.stalphonsusrock.org Mother of Sorrows, pray for us

into a monthly raffle through Information on the services provided and the in this time of trial. Help us not August 2021 organizations supported by your donation is to lose heart. Intercede for your  There is no limit to the available on the Archdiocese website. people who are afflicted with number of times a person can Coronavirus. win.

The first drawing for the new year Comfort your people who are will be on September 13th vulnerable and anxious. Protect healthcare workers who put their and each second Sunday of the month thru August, 2021 Click the link(s) below to donate: lives at risk. Inspire our leaders to make good decisions. Change General Offertory Mail your donation to the parish our hearts so that we may act office: General Offertory is used for the day-to-day responsibly. operation of the parish. You may set up a one-time or recurring donation to our parish. ATTN: Roberta George Teach us to trust in God’s love Hardin Food Pantry and mercy and to share with you St. Alphonsus Rock Church

1118 N. Grand Blvd the joy of having courageously Thank you for your generosity with assisting faced up to all the challenges of St. Louis, MO 63106 the poor. We are grateful for your willing- ness to share your gifts. Life. Amen.

Page (5) TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 16 2020

Congratulations! Financial Corner... Our AUGUST 2020 Winner is General Fund Actual Contributions Received Sylvester & Karen Mozee

nd nd AUGUST 2 9 Jean Anthony Monica Huddleston Elizabeth Boykin Pat Jackson Envelopes $ 6,637.00 $10,384.00 Ruby Brown Donald and Joyce Jones Loose Donations $ 849.00 $ 811.00 Virginia Brown Mark & Linda Kamp Richard Buckley Yetta Kilgore Total Contributions $ 7,486.00 $11,195.00 Susan Buford Helene Laberta James Butler C.C. Lee Weekly Target Amount $12,000.00 $12,000.00 Cheryl Carr Pamela Leong Under/Over Weekly Target $(4,514.00) $( 805.00) Anne Marie Clarke Sharon Lyons Damon Clay Brenda Mahr Mike & Cherina Coffman Laurel Martin Stewardship Prayer… Anne Conte Charles Martin

That we may show our gratitude for God's great gifts through our Willie & Bessie Cunningham Brenda McDonnell active participation in the ministry of God's Church. Esther Darris Deborah Miller Jackie Day Sylvester & Karen Mozee “For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” Janice Englander Ernest Nashville Romans 11:29 Kurt Englander Jean Nashville Maudelle Fite Leo & Linda Peoples God has a special mission in mind for each of us. He has given us Paul & Shirley Foster Ben & Denise Phillips the gifts we need to accomplish that mission. We are called to be Wanda Garner Linda Brown Reed good stewards by using those gifts to do the work that He has Gregory Glore Betty Sullivan planned for each of us. If we deny our gifts or fail to use them as Alonzo Green God calls us to use them, then some part of His work will be left Adlean Thomas undone. Angela Harris Kim Thomas Carl Harris Monica Tyler Dynamic Catholic, Alive! – Perseverance in Prayer Kalyn Harris Eugene Wallace Sharon Hawthorne Janis Weaver McSpadden I have always found this passage in Scripture challenging LaMarr Huddleston Jocelyn Woodson-Reed because Jesus does not seem just or kind to this woman who has such great faith in His power as God. However, I think that His purpose in acting and speaking the way He did was to show the woman how necessary it is to remain persistent and dedicated in prayer. He shows us the truth that our prayers often seem ignored or neglected. The truth is that God rewards us when we continue to ask for what we need in prayer. When we most want to give up on prayer and neglect our spiritual life, we must find the energy and strength to Faith is not remain steadfast in it. archstl.org/dynamic measured, Dynamic Catholic started with a dream: to it is lived help ordinary people discover the genius of Catholicism.

This is an organization where you can go to find many resources for free.

Visit archstl.org/dynamic to view all the resources available to you!

Page (6) TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 16 2020

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PRAYER MEMORIALS

Tillie Mae Alexander, Larry Ambus, Hortense Anderson, Elizabeth Henckler Aton, Anita Louise Banks Lillian Barnes, Herron Beckley, Mother Dorothy Granberry Bennett, Morris E. Bohannon Willie Steve Bowens, Dorothy Brady, Theodore Branch, Jr., Irma King Brown, James Buford, Kenita Bush Anna Chopin, Betty Jean Colbert, Charmaine Davenport, Walterene Dougherty, Roger Downs, Sr. Sr. Antona Ebo, FSM, Fields, Ossie R. Foster, Queen E. Dunlap Fowler, Craig Franklin, Willie Goss, Ann Marie Hatchett, Cherry Ophelia Jackson, Mark Jones, Nadine Jones, Mother Ruth Jones Rosemary Lee, Eldwyn Lewis, Anice Mahone, Barbara McCalebb, Leon Zack McClendon, Marshall Mosley Anne Ortwerth, Lucille Palmer, Kathy Lin Cheers Parran, Alton Pritchard, Drenea Sanders, Eugene Sanders Christine Slaughter, Irma Steen, Susan Colbert Threats, Ralph Tyler, Robert Valle Juanita West, Marlene Williams, Richard Williams, Clarence Zacher

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Sharon Cooney-Smith, DRE Kurt Englander Angela Thames Linda Kamp 314-533-0304 ext. 1001 President Vice President Secretary

RCIA/RCIC Linda Brown Reed Ben Phillips Children’s Liturgy of the Word Wanda Caldwell Travis Threats Baptism Joy Camp Eric Thurman First Reconciliation Mike Coffman Kevin Triggs First Communion Rhonda Graham Confirmation Matrimony

ATTENTION COMMISSIONS & CHAIRS If your telephone number, home address or email address has Christian Formation Jean Anthony changed, please contact the office at 533-0304 or email Christian Service TBD [email protected]. You may also put your updated in- Finance & Adm. Monica Huddleston formation in the locked multipurpose box located on the Liturgy Richard Buckley north-side entrance ushers’ table. Social Life Rose Graham Youth & Young Adults TBD Bulletin announcements must be in the office by 12 noon Tuesdays. Please fax items to 314 533-4260 or e-mail to COMMUNITY HELP [email protected]

Wilhelmina Hardin Food Pantry Terri Schneider, Dir. of Wilhelmina Hardin Food Pantry (Emergency Aid) (314) 531-1040 ANOINTING OF THE SICK & VISITS St. Charles Lwanga Center (314) 367-7929

Community Health In Partnership Services (C.H.I.P.S.) "Is anyone sick among you? Call in the priests of the church (314) 652-9231 and they will pray for the sick person and anoint them with oil." (James) This is the sacrament of the sick. ARE YOU Community Women Against Hardship (CWAH) SERIOUSLY SICK, GOING TO THE HOSPITAL OR HAVING (314) 289-7523 AN OPERATION? Call and leave your hospital information at HIV/AIDS: 314 531-0304 Ext. 1502 the office.

Page (7) Contact Richard Brogna to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6602

Specialized Services in: • Registrations • Post Award • 8(a) • Certifications • GSA Schedules and Lambert STL M/D/WBE • HUBZone • MO M/WBE • Proposal Preparations

Carolyn Jones – President/CEO Office:(314) 354-8303 | Mobile: (314) 753-4620 [email protected] | www.eagleglobalent.com 6439 Plymouth Ave., Suite W127 • St. Louis, MO 63133

2405 Marcus Avenue St. Louis, MO 63113 Phone: (314) 533-3400 “Caring Beyond A Lifetime”

RELIGIOUS GIFTS & DECOR | SCHOOL UNIFORMS BOOKS & BIBLES | STATUARY | NATIVITIES CHURCH SUPPLIES | CANDLES SEASONAL & SACRAMENTAL GIFTS

ST. LOUIS HILLS (314) 644-0643 MANCHESTER (636) 220-8319 | O’FALLON (636) 379-3705 SHOP ONLINE! catholicsupply.com

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St Alphonsus Liguori, St Louis, MO A 4C 01-1425