MARGARET OF SCOTLAND AND SCHOOL

MARCH 10, 2019 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

RECOGNIZING GOOD PARISH FISCAL SERVICE St. Margaret parishioners Tom Kempker and Prudence Kramer (at center) have each served many years on our Finance Committee. They are pictured here at their final meeting with the committee chair, Patty Hendrickson, and Fr. O'Toole, after a recognition of their service.

CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST Saturday 4:30 p.m. & Sunday 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Monday thru Friday at 6:30 a.m. and Fridays at 8:00 a.m. on school days

Holy Days and holidays as published in Sunday Bulletin

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. PǑǢǙǣǘ MǙǣǣǙǟǞ SǤǑǤǕǝǕǞǤ SǓǘǟǟǜ MǙǣǣǙǟǞ SǤǑǤǕǝǕǞǤ

 Saint Margaret of Scotland Church  St. Margaret of Scotland Parish School is a diverse, urban, Catholic parish. is a diverse, urban, vibrant, and Inspired by the Holy Spirit and the inclusive Catholic community. We example of our patroness, we are promise a challenging learning called to be a vibrant voice and beacon environment for children, pre- of the Catholic faith in our kindergarten through eighth grade, in which they neighborhoods. realize their academic potential and giftedness in body, mind and spirit. Our students embody the We proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and example of our patron saint as responsible leaders action by: and caretakers of our community through works of Praying and celebrating as a Eucharistic service and social justice. community, Educating children and adults to live a full Christian life in today’s world,  Serving others with unconditional generosity, and Living just lives and working for a more just society.

CǟǞǤǑǓǤ IǞǖǟǢǝǑǤǙǟǞ   PASTOR: Rev. Matthew L. O’Toole [email protected] TǟǗǕǤǘǕǢ ǙǞ BǑǠǤǙǣǝ RECTORY: 3854 Flad Avenue,   Saint Louis, MO 63110 We welcome to the church the Office: 314-776-0363 newly baptized Wendell STAFF DIRECTORY AVAILABLE AT: Harrison Mooney son www.stmargaretstl.org/Staff and Cathleen Mooney and Vincent Robert Sheehan son of SCHOOL: 3964 Castleman Avenue and Maggie Sheehan. Please join us in Saint Louis, MO 63110 congratulating these parents upon the baptism of Office: 314-776-7837 their children. We pledge them our continued, ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY : prayerful support throughout the journey of For emergency assistance call: 314-772-2219 Christian parenting. PARISH WEBSITE: www.stmargaretstl.org PARISH EMAIL: [email protected] SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.smos-school.org FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/SMOSstl BULLETIN ARTICLE DEADLINE: Monday, 2:00 p.m. E-mail submissions to: [email protected]                

 O FǕǜǙǨ CǥǜǠǑ  

For those of us living in a consumer environment, in which the emphasis is on acquisition rather than giving things up, Lent seems strangely counter-cultural. Yet there has always been those, who in the midst of plenty, chose a simpler lifestyle. It is a voluntary choice, the path of virtue. During an economic downturn, we may be obliged to reduce our consumption. In these times, downsizing one’s ǒǩ FǢ. MǑǤǤ O’TǟǟǜǕ carbon footprint, for instance, may be done not for love of the planet or all things green, but out of necessity. Still, does that invalidate the spiritual meaning of sacrifice in such situations? Is it possible to see necessity as still the mother of virtue?  The fact that Lent comes in early spring may help provide an answer. In the pre-modern era, in the northern hemisphere at least, the season arrived at a time when the stock of food stored for winter began to run low, with springtime replenishment still some way off. So in mainly rural economies, Lenten fasting had a certain economic and agricultural logic to it: necessity mothered virtue.

It was also a reminder of our state of ecological dependence – on the seasons, on farm workers – which today’s urban living has almost completely lost. Tomatoes from Mexico, strawberries from California, lamb from New Zealand, are shipped to keep the supermarket shelves stocked regardless that the calendar reads winter. One form of Lenten observance would be to refuse to eat anything that had travelled more than 50 miles to reach the dinner table. That at least would reacquaint the menu with the seasons.

Lent is not mere misery for the sake of it, but a time of preparation. The spiritual exercises associated with it Doing Lent are focused on the events in Jesus’ earthly ministry as it drew to a close, heading to a culmination in Holy Week and then Easter morning. The physical deprivations of iinn a Lent, mild though many of us make them, nevertheless represent also a physical preparation: the soul has its sins to lose, the body its fat – all of this making straight Marketplace the way of the Lord. If it is a time to repent and visit the confessional, it’s also a time to repair our bodies and make for the gym. The idea of sin as dross to be burnt Culture away by penance is not unlike a good physical work- out, burning off the calories.

Lent was also a time for almsgiving, and the modern equivalent is to do something for those less fortunate than oneself. The government may lower its investment in public works or reduce support for assistance programs. There are those for whom loss of employment or the inability to advance in their field has had a catastrophic impact, reducing their total income to a small fraction of what it was. To tell them fiscal austerity is good for them would be to add insult to injury. They do not just need philanthropy. They need an economic recovery and greater opportunity. One of the faults to be confessed this year must surely be the way the few – and indeed the not-so-few – are having to suffer for the sins of the many. There is penance to be done for that, too.

Thoughts inspired by The Tablet editorial, 25 February 2012.      

Today’s First Reading, from Deuteronomy (26 : 4-10) describes a simple, yet powerfully stirring, religious ritual. The Israelite is instructed to present a basket full of the first fruits of the harvest, and to recite a summary of the works of the Lord God. He has created the earth, has chosen and blessed a people to himself, has rescued them from slavery, given them a homeland, and built them as a nation. ǒǩ PǕǤǕǢ FǙǣǘǕǢ HǕǣǕǔ

How eloquent, how astonishing, that God should give life and sustenance, freedom, family, home, security and a path to holy living, and the human should give a basket with some barley, a few green onions and a handful of figs. But this is like the covenant it commemorates. Each party holds up a side of the agreement. It is for God to create, to redeem, to sanctify, to forgive. It is for us to remember and give thanks.

 In Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God, the Covenants between heaven and earth are embodied and perfected. Jesus’ 40 days in the desert are a parallel to the 40 years spent in the desert by the Israelites. But Jesus gets it right. In his full embrace of the human experience, Jesus knew the temptations that drive us so often astray: to be guided by our physical hungers more than by the wisdom of God’s word; to seek power and self-aggrandizement; to dazzle the world with our exceptionalism.

Our act of worship is the celebration of the Eucharist. We listen to the Word of God, present ourselves symbolically in an offering - “fruit of the earth and work of human hands” – and we give thanks, joining the Son of God’s act of worship, commemorating the new and eternal covenant.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

The Preserving Our Future campaign is well underway, and the generosity of our St. Margaret of Scotland community is evident! To date, our campaign has raised over $748,550 toward our goals: air conditioning for our school and necessary renovations for our church.

Our volunteers have already begun reaching out individually to members of our parish and school. Thank you for being receptive to their call! It’s an exciting time for our parish, and your cooperation, your consideration and your support of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church is much appreciated!



    

Senior Living The is on the brink of a longevity life cycle. By 2030, the number of people age 65 and over is projected to be about 71.5 million, of which nearly 10 million will be 85 or older. As a result, more seniors are making decisions regarding Senior Living Options. ǒǩ MǑǢǩ BǕǤǘ 

CǥǢǢǑǞPǕǤǕǢǣ To age in place or to move? Research by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has found that upward of 90 percent of seniors want to age in place, that is, stay in their own homes as they get older.

Senior Housing Options What’s the difference between a retirement community and a long-term care facility?

Retirement communities are meant primarily for healthy and active adults, but some are also designed for people with less independence. The latter are called continuing care retirement communities.

Senior apartment are the most popular type of senior-specific housing. Their common benefits are dining halls, social calendars and transporta- tion. Some properties have additional shared amenities such as courtyards, swimming pools and optional housekeeping services.

Long-term care Facilities are for people who need daily living assistance and/or skilled medical care. The main types of long-term care facilities are assisted living centers and nursing homes. Long-term sen- ior care is also integrated with residency in select retirement communities.

Assisted living centers are also called personal care homes. Traditionally for people who don’t need skilled nurses, but do need help with personal care tasks. Memory care (specialized caregiving for de- mentia patients) is available in some personal care homes. Some of these facilities are combined with nursing homes to provide what’s called “a continuum of care.” Nursing homes add skilled medical care.

Additional information and ways to start a Senior Living discussion with aging loved ones: senior living.com or mylifesite.net

 SǤǕǧǑǢǔǣǘǙǠ RǕǖǜǕǓǤǙǟǞ “I have now brought you the first fruits of the products of the soil which you, O Lord, have given to me.” (Deuteronomy 26:10) Parish Forum following 10 am Mass - Sunday, March 17 This line from the Old Testament offers two challenges. First, do you give to God from your Confirmation Mass - Thursday, April 4 “first fruits”, the best that you have to offer, or do Masterworks Chorale Celtic Music Concert - you give from what is leftover? Second, do you Friday, May 3 recognize that everything you have has been given to you by God? Ask God for a grateful and School Auction “Kentucky Derby”- Saturday, generous heart, every day, in all circumstances. May 4

 MǑǣǣ IǞǤǕǞǤǙǟǞǣ FǟǢ TǘǙǣ WǕǕǛ TǘǙǣ WǕǕǛ IǞ OǥǢ PǑǢǙǣǘ

Monday, March 11 Monday, March 11 Cub & Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Church Hall 6:30 a.m. The Casey Family + Tuesday, March 12 Tuesday, March 12 6:30 a.m. Raymond Austermann Jr. + PTA Board Mtg., 7:00 p.m. - School Cafeteria

Wednesday, March 13 Wednesday, March 13 6:30 a.m. Stephanie Naker School Mass, 8:00 a.m. - Church 8:00 a.m. Eva McNamee + Centering Prayer, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Canmore Room Thursday, March 14 Webelos, 5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. - Church Hall 6:30 a.m. Patty Duffy + Choir Rehearsal, 7:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Church

Friday, March 15 Thursday, March 14 6:30 a.m. Monica Jeffries + Eucharistic Adoration, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Chapel 8:00 a.m. Curran-Stirnemann Family Tiger Scouts, 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Church Hall

Saturday, March 16 4:30 p.m. Kathleen O’Toole + Friday, March 15 Sunday, March 17 School Mass, 8:00 a.m. - Church Lenten Meal Feastie Boys Fish Fry, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - School Cafeteria 8:00 a.m. Cindy Eskeles + 10:00 a.m. People of the Parish Saturday, March 16 Youth Group Mass, 4:30 p.m. - Church To mark a special occasion or to remember a beloved Youth Group Social, 5:30 p.m. - Church Hall

family member or friend, living or deceased, with a Sunday, March 17 Mass intention please call the Parish Office at Rosary, 7:30 a.m. - Church 314-776-0363. Respect Life, 9:00 a.m. - Church Hall

Parish Forum following 10 am Mass - Church Hall MǙǞǙǣǤǢǩ SǓǘǕǔǥǜǕ WǕǕǛǕǞǔ ǟǖ MǑǢǓǘ 16 / 17 Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. ALTAR SERVERS Bobby Olson William Lederle Owen Callon Katie Olson Ellie Deiters Rosie Clyne Lauren Olson Simon Edgell Madelyn Henry

EUCHARISTIC Don Burrus Thomas Kempker Chris Bahr MINISTERS Elaine Burrus Bob Malon Suzanne Bruce MaryJo Thornburgh Scott Wilson Patty Hendrickson Linda Holdinghaus Mary Jo Liberstein Mary McDevitt John Merideth Mary Lisa Penilla Kim Westerman

LECTORS Special Assignment Steven Callen Tom Sweeney Special Assignment Alice Benga Marilyn Sweeney GREETERS Lucille Shirley Mary Brake Katherine Hesed Elaine Burrus Kathy Petersen Ted Petersen

COFFEE AND Pick-Up Clean-Up Coffee DONUTS Beth DeBoo Lori Greiner Mary Brake

DRIVERS Marco Kramer  Joe Hagen CǘǢǙǣǤǙǑǞ CǜǑǣǣǙǓǣ BǟǟǛ Cǜǥǒ PTA NEWS

On Monday, March 25 at 7:00 PM join us at F ISH FRY RESERVATIONS ARE NOW LIVE VIA Carpenter Branch Library to discuss The Scarlet WESHARE!

Letter: A Romance, the 1850 novel by Nathaniel Join us Friday, March 15 from 5:00-8:00pm for Hawthorne. The author was friends with President City Wide-battered cod, crispy chips, slaw, and Franklin Pierce, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman dessert. Adult plates for $10 and kids plates Melville and father of Mother Mary Alphonsa, (smaller portions recommended for 10 and under) foundress of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. for $7. Beer will be available for a suggested $3 An American classic, if you read it in high school, donation. encounter it as a grown up!! We have a limited number of plates Tuesday, April 23 will bring us to Rerum available per time slot (to try to Novarum, the landmark encyclical of Leo ensure manageable lines and top- XIII from 1891. quality food), so please make sure Tuesday, May 28 takes us to J. R. R. Tolkien & his to put the total number of plates short story “Leaf by Niggle”. Put these items on you are purchasing in your preferred time slot your reading list, the above dates on your calendar when you sign up through WeShare. and we look forward to seeing you. Dragon’s Blend coffee is in stock! Show your school spirit  LǙǦǙǞǗ JǥǣǤǙǓǕ NǕǧǣ and support the PTA’s new Teachers Grant fund with your Advocacy Corner purchase of freshly roasted cof- Today, Sunday, March10 the Advocacy Corner fee. Available in your choice of Team will have supplies for you to contact elected Whole Bean or Ground at $10 per bag. Keurig officials about important topics. Also, Pope lovers will love our reusable mesh K-cup filters! Francis’ new book “Migrants and Refuges: Witness Purchase here via WeShare https:// to Hope” will be available for purchase. It’s a stmargaretstl.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/ great resource for Lent. Stop by the Church Hall PTACoffee, or for cash/checks contact Julie Mudd after 8 and 10 am Masses for these two items. at 314-960-1864 or [email protected] International Institute Volunteer Opportunity Parishioners are invited to help serve at the community lunch at the International Institute on Living Lives for Others: Catholic Social Teaching Thursday, March 21. For more information please and the Call to Holiness - Sunday, March 10, from contact Pat Dougherty 314-504-3669 or Astrid 1-3pm in Church Hall. Homan 636-467-8036. Part of our year-long dive  Catholic Relief Services Operation Ricebowl into the Call to Holiness, Did you pick up your Ricebowl for Lent? Did you and particularly our call know there are resources on both the website to live "just lives and work crisebowl.org and app (CRS Rice Bowl) for your for a more just society," Lenten Journey? Continue to share the journey especially during this time  with those around the world! of Lent, this talk by Callon poses an engaging, relevant, challenging an- swer to our question, "How do we lead our families on a path of justice and holiness?" Refreshments provided.