St. Catherine of Siena 820 Hickory Street Sebring, FL 33870

Parish Office/Mailing 882 Bay St., Sebring, FL 33870 Tel: (863)385-0049 Fax: (863)385-5169 Tel: (863)385-6762 (Spanish) www.stcathe.org www.facebook/stcathe [email protected] Monday—Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

CLERGY Pastor Very Reverend José González, V.F. [email protected]

Parochial Vicar Reverend Pawel Kawalec (863)385-3993

MASS SCHEDULE Weekend Saturday: 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM (Spanish) —8:00, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM & 12:00 Noon (Spanish)

DAILY Monday—Friday 8:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM

Mass Celebrations Available in our YouTube channels

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 3:00—3:45 PM (in the Chapel)

ST CATHERINE SCHOOL Principal: Dr. Christine Higgins ST. JOSEPH [email protected] FRIDAY, MARCH 19

2835 Kenilworth Blvd. Pre-School 747 S. Franklin St. ANOINTING Sebring, FL 33870 OF THE SICK Tel: (863)385-7300 Fax: (863)385-7310 AFTER Office Hours: 8:00 AM —3:00 PM 8:00 AM MASS www.stcatheschool.org March 14, 2021 St. Catherine Parish Page 2 WHAT IS ?

A little light breaks into this Sunday

The Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 14th) is called Laetare Sunday, when the Church takes a bit of breather from Lenten practice and opens Mass with the Entrance Antiphon, “Rejoice, Jerusalem … Be joyful, all who were in mourning!” – taken from Isaiah chapter 66.

The day’s theme comes from the entrance antiphon reflecting on Isaiah 66:10-11: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast.”

Laetare is the first word — meaning “rejoice” — in the Latin text. On Laetare Sunday (as similarly with the Third Sunday of ’s Gaudete Sunday) the Church expresses hope and joy in the midst of our Lenten fasts and penances. Call it pink — or, more fittingly, rose — this change in color indicates a glimpse of the joy that awaits us at , just before we enter into the somber days of .

Laetare Sunday is the Church’s way of giving us a “shot in the arm” as we approach the darkness and horror of the days through and . It’s an opportunity to savor and keep in the back of our minds what awaits us on Easter Sunday — the reality that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and that our hearts will always be filled with joy!

Being aware of traditions and customs assists us in celebrating the beauty of our faith. As you can see, there is much associated with even a nondescript day like the Fourth Sunday of Lent — not to mention the rest of the season, or the 50 days of Easter and beyond. Take advantage of the richness of our Catholic traditions.

St. Joseph, March 19 Pray Year of Saint Joseph Joseph, we bring all the fears On the of Saint Joseph, March 19, 2020 Bishop and anxieties that weigh us down. Frank J. Dewane, in the context of the Coronavirus, conse- crated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of This pandemic has attacked God’s people, Saint Joseph, and announced a "Year of Saint Joseph". bringing much illness, sorrow and death. recently dedicated a “Year of St. Joseph” We ask you, dearest St. Joseph, to be our guide therefore, the Diocesan celebration will continue through December 8, 2021. Saint Joseph, often referred to as the along this very dark path, for you are the Protector, can be our protector during this time of the Pan- model of faith, courage and fidelity that we need so desperately. demic.

Why did the Pope declare a year of St. Joseph? May the Lord send forth the purifying fire of In making his declaration, Pope Francis noted that this the Holy Spirit, to end this outbreak of disease year marks the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclama- and renew the hearts of the faithful. tion as patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX on Guide us to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, December 8, 1870. your beloved bride, and to the Pope Francis said the coronavirus pandemic has heightened of Jesus, the hope of all humanity. his desire to reflect on St. Joseph, as so many people during O St. Joseph, pray ceaselessly for us during this the pandemic have made hidden sacrifices to protect others, time of suffering, fear and great mourning. just as St. Joseph quietly protected and cared for Mary and Jesus. May this current pain inflict upon humankind be transformed by the power of Christ’s cross “Each of us can discover in Joseph -- the man who goes un- and lead to a new springtime of noticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence -- an interces- hope and devotion. sor, a support and a guide in times of trouble,” the pope wrote. Amen. —Pedro de la Cruz He also said he wanted to highlight St. Joseph’s role as a father who served his family with charity and humility, adding, “Our world today needs fathers.”

March 14, 2021 St. Catherine Parish Page 3

ST. CATHERINE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Dear St. Catherine Families and Friends,

School News On March 10th, Bishop Dewane announced the partnership between the Diocese of Venice and F.I.R.S.T. Robotics! The Bishop has provided the resources for all schools in the Diocese to begin incorporating STREAM and robotics at every grade level, from Pre-Kindergarten thru 8th grade. Thank you, Bishop Dewane! St. Catherine teachers will be participating in professional development on March 12th and 15th to begin exploring the STREAM and robotics curriculum.

Quarter 3 ends on March 11th! Report cards will go home with students on March 17th. Parent -Teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, March 18th.

If you know of any child entering Kindergarten, we are having a “Kindergarten Round Up” on March 16th. Parents and children can come to our Kindergarten classroom, meet our Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Mo- ye, hear about our curriculum, and tour the Pre-School Building. We will also have Financial Aid and Schol- arship information available. We are offering parents two opportunities on March 16th, 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., to learn more about our Kindergarten program!

Enrollment is now open to ALL families. Please contact Mrs. Mendez at [email protected] or call (863) 385-7300 for information.

Our Car Raffle tickets are available at the Parish Office or call Claudia Spradlin at (863)385-0049, (863)991-3271 or (419)236-7924

Your support will help us:

• Purchase new desks for our 1st grade classroom • Purchase new tables for our middle-school science classroom for STREAM projects • Upgrade our classrooms with new whiteboards

On behalf of our children, teachers, and myself – Thank you! Blessings, Dr. Higgins Principal ST. CATHERINE SCHOOL AUCTION FEBRUARY 26 THROUGH MARCH 26

We love our school so show your support by bidding on great items during the On line St. Catherine Catholic School Auction. Over 70 great gifts and certificates will be offered including bike, quilts, dinner certificates, artwork and much more. All proceeds will go to St. Catherine’s Catholic School. Bidding rules, descriptions of the gifts and more details are posted on the Facebook Auction site. Scroll through the items listed and put your bid in a comment under the item you want. Bid high, bid often, and get some great deals. If you are on Facebook, just search for St. Catherine Catholic School Auction or put the following link into our browser: https://www.facebook.com/St-Catherine-Catholic-School-Auction-100673125346752. For question or more information please contact Linda Sherman (317)582-1190.

"(Lent) is a period of spiritual 'combat' which we must experience alongside Jesus, not with pride and presumption, but using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the word of God and penance. In this way we will be able to celebrate Easter in truth, ready to renew the promises of our Baptism. —Pope Benedict XVI

March 14, 2021 St. Catherine Parish Page 4

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education Classes Wednesday from 6:00 —7:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00—11:45 AM in the Parish Hall. For more information please call Rebecca Lazo. (863)991-3346 or [email protected].

YOUTH GROUP

Meetings will be on Wednesdays at 806 Hickory St. from 6:30—8:00 PM. For questions or more information please contact Doroteo Rodríguez at (305)726-1089 or [email protected].

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

These classes will be on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall and will continue every Thursday at same time until Easter. For questions or more information please call Juana Nava at (863)385-0049.

SAFE HAVEN SUNDAY

THANK YOU! Our Safe Haven Sunday was a big success! The Diocesis of Venice ex- tends a tremendous “Thank You!” to all who made Safe Haven Sunday possible and to all parishioners for their support of the education and awareness on the issues of por- nography at our Sunday celebration. Again, thanks to our parish community for your openness to the topics of internet safety and the dignity of the human person in light of the pornographic culture. Just because Safe Haven Sunday is over for this year, it doesn’t mean our efforts to make our homes safe havens is over.

Stay informed. For more information please call Carrie Harkey, Diocesan Coordinator of Family Life at [email protected] and learn more about how to protect and guide your family and friends.

LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE

Our Lenten Penitential Service at St. Catherine will be Thursday, March 25th at 6:00 PM. To maintain social distance, we will be in the Church and the classrooms in the Parish Hall. Several priests will be making themselves available for the individual celebration of this sacrament.

This Lent the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at the same time at ALL PARISHES within the Diocese of Venice to allow the faithful ample opportunity to receive God's Mercy. The Sacrament of Confes- sion will be available from 4:00 — 8:00 PM, Friday, March 26, and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, Saturday, March 27.

Easter Triduum Retreat and Monthly Days of Prayer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center (Venice, FL)

The retreat center of our diocese continues to offer single days of prayer and overnight retreats in a safe, tranquil setting along the Myakka River. A Monthly Day of Prayer is offered on both the second Sunday and the second Wednesday of each month.

Our Easter Triduum retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday (April 1) and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday (April 4). The liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, , and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. Confessions are available all day.

For more info or to register, call Denise Riley at (941) 486-0233, ext. 3004, or visit our website (www.olph-retreat.org) and click on “Schedule of Events.”

March 14, 2021 St. Catherine Parish Page 5

SACRAMENTS MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK RECONCILIATION SATURDAY March 13th This sacrament is available in the chapel, every 9:00 AM PATRICIA GRACZYK † B. Walters Saturday from 3:00—3:45 PM, or by appoint- ment with a priest. 4:00 PM THOMAS HERALD † Mary Lou Herald

DOMINIC MULATTIERI † Mary Ann McDermott & Anointing of the sick Ted Devine Baptism JACK N. WILLIAMS † Madonna Williams Marriage SUNDAY March 14th

For questions or more information (863)385-0049 8:00 AM HYACINTH ATTAMAH † Gloria Onyishi or e-mail at [email protected] MARIA IRLANDA PARRA † Ivette Leon McKenzie SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK JOSE & JOSEFINA ROMEA † Dr. & Mrs. Luis Peña 10:00 AM For all living and deceased Parishioners — Fr. José Monday: Is 65:17-21, Ps 30:2 and 4, Jn 4:43-54 4:00 PM MARIA IRLANDA PARRA † Ivette Leon McKenzie Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12, M, Ps 46:2-3, Jn 5:1-16 MONDAY March 15th Wednesday: Is 49:8-15, Ps 145:8-9, Jn 5:17-30 Thursday: Ex 32:7-14, Ps 106:19-20, Jn 5:31-47 8:00 AM CHUCK MAY † Robert Babik Friday: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16, Ps 89:2-3, Rom Dan McKay Special Intention — Linda Benhardt 4:13, 16-18, 22, Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Special Intention — Carmen M. Miranda Saturday: Jer 11:18-20, Ps 7:2-3, Jn 7:40-53 TUESDAY March 16th Sunday: Jer 31:31-34, Ps 51:3-4, Heb 5:7-9, 8:00 AM BILL BIANCHI † Jerome & Jean Lesniak Jn 12:20-33 DAISY HALLAM † Dave Walks LINDA & HER SON DAVID JR. WALKS † Dave Walks WELCOME TO ST. CATHERINE PARISH EVARISTO MIRANDA † Carmen M. Miranda WEDNESDAY March 17th We invite you to register with us or if you have changed any of your contact information, please 8:00 AM SELENIA DIAZ † Jose & Zoraida Rodriguez fill out this form. CHUCK MAY † Robert Babik

• Visit the Parish Office during open hours. JAZMIN SANTIAGO † Rosa Santiago • Mail the Parish Registration or Update Form THURSDAY March 18th 8:00 AM CHUCK MAY † Robert Babik to the Parish Office. JAZMIN SANTIAGO † Rosa Santiago • Drop the Parish Registration or Update Form FRIDAY March 19th into the weekend collection basket. 8:00 AM LOUIS BABIK † Robert Babik • Register online at www.stcathe.org Mary & Alan Powell — Mary Powell JAZMIN SANTIAGO † Rosa Santiago SATURDAY March 20th Name:______9:00 AM CLARA RODGERS † Granddaughter Address:______JAZMIN SANTIAGO † Rosa Santiago City and Zip Code:______4:00 PM CHARLES & CATHARINE RITCHEY † Madonna Williams Telephone:______EDWARD KENNEDY † Gertrude Kennedy E-mail:______WILLIAM TUOHY † Dianne Tuohy PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY SUNDAY March 21st (____) New Registration 8:00 AM For all living and deceased Parishioners — Fr. José (____) Moving out of the Parish 10:00 AM HYACINTH ATTAMAH † Gloria Onyishi PAUL MICHAEL LABOZZETTA † Marge Rafferty (___) Up-date information JAZMIN SANTIAGO † Rosa Santiago (____) Need contribution envelopes 4:00 PM PETER POWELL † Pacita Powell

March 14, 2021 St. Catherine Parish Page 6

STIMULUS FUNDS

Dear Parishioner,

"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

The Parishioners of St. Catherine Catholic Church along with the rest of the world have been through an incredibly trying year, and it is not starting out any easier. Yet, with faith and hope in the Lord, we can continue with that deep conviction that God’s plan for us is the best. Challenging, yes! Rewarding, double yes!

Through it all, St. Catherine Church and School continues to be a spiritual, educational, and chari- table lifeline for many. From celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconcilia- tion, Marriage... to comforting the sick and dying along with their loved ones... to helping our children in our Catholic School and Religious Ed., our Parish remains a beacon of hope during a time when many feel hopeless.

The needs of God’s people are many, while our resources are limited. As many continue to struggle with finances due to job and other personal losses, it is my hope that those who are in a fortunate position will consider sharing their Stimulus Funds, provided by the Government, with St. Catherine Church and School.

Thank you for your consideration to help St. Catherine Catholic Church or St. Catherine Catholic School and the people we serve.

May God continue to bless you and your family. Sincerely, Rev. José González, Pastor

BOOKKEEPER’S CORNER Parishioners who wish to receive a statement OFFERINGS of financial contributions to St. Catherine in

2020 for tax purposes are asked to fill in the Second Collections This Week: Catholic Relief Services information below and deposit it with the Next Week: School Support weekend collection or return it to the Parish

Office. Those of you that contributed to the March 7th Catholic Faith Appeal will receive their state- Regular Collection: $8,461.50 ment of contributions directly from the Dio- Second Collection: School Support: $1,499.00 cese.

Online Giving: $1,446.00 Name: ______

Telephone: ______For Online Giving instructions visit https://www.osvhub.com/stcathe/funds Envelope #: ______

Address: ______CATHOLIC FAITH APPEAL 2021

Our assessment for 2021 is $110.000.00. We have re- ______ceived pledges of $22,960.00. We are at 20.87% of our goal! Please make checks payable to CFA and in the RED CANDLES are in Memo write “St. Catherine”. the back of the church adjacent to the Thank you for your generous support to St. Catherine’s Chapel. A Memorial Candle is lit and re- and the CFA. mains lighted at all times for one year in memory of a person who has passed Florida Catholic away. You may commemorate a loved one Florida Catholic has suspended print production. However, by lighting a candle for one year with a donation of their ministry will continue as they are offering an e-edition $150. free of charge. Visit the link below each Friday to view a Please come to the Parish Office to make arrange- new, free e-edition of the Florida Catholic. ments for a Memorial Candle which will be accom- https://venice.thefloridacatholic.org/ panied by a small plaque with the name of the person.

March 14, 2021 St. Catherine Parish Page 7 ORGANIZATION DIRECTORY

Pastor: Very Reverend José González, V.F ………………………………………………….385-0049 Liturgical Ministries: Diane Sochacki………….835-2523 Parochial Vicar: Reverend Paul Kawalec ……………………………………………………….385-3993 Ministry to the Sick: Bob & Carol Ushka……...385-8301

Arts and Environment: Gloria Fontanes……...385-0049 RCIA: Juana Nava………………………………...385-0049 Altar Servers: Bekki Rose…….……...…….…...414-1523 [email protected] Confirmation: Rebecca Lazo…………………….991-3346 Religious Education K-5: Rebecca Lazo………...991-3346 [email protected]. [email protected]. LifeTeen:……………………………………………385-0049 Respect Life: Marge Rafferty……………………..214-3312 Edge:………………………………………………...385-0049 [email protected] Eucharistic Ministry: Janet Patterson….(260)452-6012 SVDP: Licet Collado...... (786)326-9768 Lector Ministry…..……..Linda Sherman (317)582-1190 Ushers: Mike Flood……………………….………..471-6381

MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS For more information please contact our Grand Knight, Mr. Louis Hughes at (863)273-4442

PRAYER CHAIN For questions or more information please call Claudia Spradlin at (863)991-3271.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL The heart of the Vincentian Ministry is the visitation of the poor in their homes…whether an ordinary dwell- ing place, a hospital, a nursing home, a prison or even the street. Home Visits has been emphasized as the primary method of our works of charity since our Society was founded in 1833. St. Catherine’s SVdP Minis- tries’ include: Home Visitations, a Prison Ministry for Women, Friendship and Hospitality, Fund Raising and Membership, and Prayer and Spirituality. For more information please call at (863)835-0571 and leave a message or e-mail [email protected]. One of our volunteers will call back.

Safe Environment Training

As part of the Safe Environment Program, the Diocese of Venice requires all employees and volunteers who work with children and/or vulnerable adults be fingerprinted and trained in Safe Environment. For more information, visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/safeenvironment.

Report any abuse against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at (800)962-2873. To report abuse by Diocesan personnel or volunteers also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at (941)416-6114.

Visit our YouTube channels for the Masses

English: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1fpujFBktT54tD9izamblg Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCedY-_ApTbYDwTq6ieIcXJQ