hat does it mean to be "for" someone? We're So when we hear Paul claim in today's second often "for" a particular sports team (mine reading that "God is for us," we should take pause Whappens to be the St. Louis Cardinals- and recognize the power of this truth. The almighty go Redbirds!), declaring our allegiance by wearing God, Lord of all the universe, isfor us. Us sinners. Us team jerseys, sporting logo-embroidered hats, or even frail, broken humans. God wants to give selflesslyto painting our faces or bodies. We can be "for" a specific us and to unceasingly pour out love to us. God's most political candidate, displaying signs in our yard. Usually profound gift is revealed in today's Gospel through when we're "for" someone or something, we're against Jesus' transfiguration. We, like the disciples, are awed at someone or something else. A competition is occurring. Jesus' glorious nature, and we are given a glimpse of our Yet when a pregnant woman monitors everything she own transfiguration in eternal life. Our God is so "for" eats, drinks, or takes into her body because it will affect us that he has transformed our death and given us the her unborn child, isn't she "for" this baby? When an precious gift of eternal life. after-school tutor spends extra time ensuring a student With this of glory always before us, our Lenten understands his math homework, isn't he "for" this journey can be one of deep trust in God. Saint Paul said young man? There's no competition, no it best: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" liguori race to the finish. It's simply someone We truly have nothing to fear. PUBLICATIONS pouring forth and living selflesslyfor JANEL ESKER ~:uo~~~~~~~5u7~~~~~ons. someone else. sundaybulletins@/iguari.arg Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, JCD Bishop J~I~ ~ Fr. George D. Koharchik, Pastor [email protected] J S1. Cath'erine Church cell: 814423 1162 203 W Market Street MOUNT UNION, PA 17066 Marriage: Please contact Rectory at least (814) 542-4582 nine months prior to wedding ::~ Ithe;ine,:!1{comc,:~st.net website:www.scosmu.org Confession: 4:30 PM Sat; 8:30 AM Sun Baptism: By appointment

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MARCH 4, 2012 - SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mass intentions for the week March 3, 2012 - March 11, 2012

Sat Mar 3 4:30 pm Reconciliation 5:00 pm Tony Madilia By Jerry & Ann Norris

Sun Mar 4 8:30-8:50 am Reconciliation 2"d Sunday Of Lent 9:00 am Living and Deceased Members of St Catherine Parish

Mon Mar 5 1:30 pm WRC Special Intention 3:00 pm MMPC Special Intention

Tue Mar 6 8:00 am Helen Boyce By M/M William Kupchella

Wed Mar 7 6:00 pm Josephine Danish By Mary & Family

Thu Mar 8 8:00 am Mary Shucker By Mary Gaisior

Fri Mar 9 8:00 am Mary R Magliere By Carmella Lear & Family 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross

Sat Mar 10 4:30 pm Reconciliation 5:00 pm Kay Crouse By Family

Sun Mar 11 8:30-8:50 am Reconciliation 3'd Sunday Of Lent 9:00 am Living and Deceased Members of St. Catherine Parish PARISH NEWS

Nut & Poppy Seed Rolls: Order forms are available in the vestibule; the last day to order is Sunday, March 18. Rolls will be available for pick-up after the Masses on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. Return order forms via the collection basket. Cost $9.00 each.

The Website for St. Catherine Parish is now on line: www.scosmu.org. I will be posting information about the parish, pictures, previous directories, links to other sites, etc. Any suggestions or materials are welcome.

There will be Mass on Monday at Woodland at 1:30 p.m. and at Meadowview at 3:00 p.m.

Adult Education Class will meet Monday, March 5, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in The Holy Family Hall. We are studying the history of the Church; all are welcome to participate.

Stations of the Cross with Benediction are prayed on Fridays at 7:00 PM.

The next Conference is Tuesday, March 13, at 10 AM.

Congratulations to Ricky Wilson and Mark Mellott, who celebrated the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona last Sunday. Keep them in your prayers as they continue their preparation for the Easter celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.

ORGANIZATION NEWS

The Knights of Columbus will Nominate Officers for the 2012-2013 year at the March meeting. The Knights are distributing Hoss's Cash Cow Cards for March 11, 2012, as a fundraiser.

CCO/YOUTH

ceD Grades 8 & 9 continue collecting food for the Food Bank, as a community service. The theme for March is: Anything Goes.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Most Holy Trinity Church in Huntingdon has a Fish Fry on the Fridays of Lent from 4:00-6:30 PM in Trinity Hall. DIOCESAN NEWS Come join us on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, for the Bishop's Night for Vocations at Our Lady of Loretto Community Hall in Loretto. A mixer at 5:30pm will be followed by dinner at 6:30pm. Fr. Freedy, Vocation Director for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, will be the featured speaker. Tickets are $25.00 each and can be purchased by calling the Vocations Office at 814-472-5441, Thomas Wolff, Cambria County Serra Club, at 814-539-4186, or Linda Turcovski. Altoona Serra Club. at 814-943-3148.

ALL Catholics are invited to a Morning Retreat on Saturday, March 10 at DiSepio Institute at St. Francis University in Loretto, 8:30 to 1:00. Bishop Mark will present on "The Church and the Common Good" followed by individual and communal prayer and discussion. An opportunity to renew your spirit while sharing with persons committed to building the kingdom in daily works of respecting life and promoting justice and charity. Those involved in any kind of respect life or justice ministry are especially urged to attend. 4 CEUS. $10 includes lunch. Pre-registration required by March 1. Send check payable to "Commission for Life & Justice" 5379 Portage Street, Lilly, PA 15938; 814-886-5551; [email protected]. Full brochure at www.ajdiocese.org (choose Diocesan Offices, Ministries, then Commission for Life & Justice).

The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Schedule is available in the vestibule or at the Rectory. Programs include Engaged Encounter Weekends, Sponsor Couple Sessions, and the Marriage Preparation Series. Contact the Rectory at least 8 months before your wedding. The schedule is also available on-line at www.ajdiocese.org

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Does your method offamily planning ... strengthen your emotional intimacy with your spouse? ... work with the gift of your fertility? ..nurture a loving relationship with God and the Church? .. .increase your self-respect and growth as a person/couple? The Billings Method ofNFP (www.boma-usa.org or www.familyplanning.net) is the result of decades of scientific research by medical researchers. NFP honors the Church's respect for the unitive and procreative purpose of married love-making. If you haven't checked out NFP, you haven't made an informed choice. Certified diocesan instructors are located throughout our diocese. Introductory presentations to groups also available. Contact our diocesan Family Life Office, 814-886-5551; [email protected]. Post-abortion healing: 814-884-8000. Confidential, compassionate. [email protected] For women, men, relatives, friends hurt by abortion. Many whose child was aborted were uninformed, coerced, pressured, even helpless. The Church wants to walk with you on a path of healing and reconciliation with God, the Church, your child, yourself. Helpful websites: noparh.org; abortionchangesyou.com; menandabortion.info; rachelsvinyard.org.

The office for Adult Enrichment and Lay Ecclesial Ministry has the following classes to offer this spring. Adult Religious Education nurtures the lifelong development of the whole person - body, mind, heart, and spirit. Classes are being offered this spring that provide the opportunity for study, exploration, reflection and spiritual development. All are welcome! Christian Prayer and Spirituality St. , Duncansville Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM, beginning March 7th St. Patrick Church, Johnstown Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM, beginning March 6th Church History Sacred Heart Formation Center, Altoona Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM, beginning April 3rd St. Parish Hall, St. Michael Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM, beginning March 13th For more information regarding registration visit www.ajdiocese.orgilay-eccIesiai-ministry Questions? Office for Lay Ecclesial Ministry (814) 361-2000 [email protected]. Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 By Maribeth Howell, OP Today's first reading, which appears again during the Easter Vigil, is not an easy one to understand. While this passage is often used to demonstrate the difficult decisions with which we are sometimes confronted, what most people conclude from the preaching is that God tested to learn whether or not Abraham truly loved God (as if God had not already known this). Implied in this understanding is that the taking of a human life, if understood to be the will of God, is perfectly legitimate. What are we to make of this text? How can we understand it? While it is impossible to give this passage the attention it deserves, it may be helpful to read the text in its entirety, verses 1-18. Take note that the only place where Abraham and converse is in verses 7-8. In verse 7, Isaac points out that they have the fire and the wood for the sacrifice, then asks his father "where is the sheep?" The response to this question appears in verse 8, a verse that Walter Brueggemann suggests be given special attention. Although Abraham's response is very brief, he tells his son that God will provide the sheep. Brueggemann emphasizes that throughout this text Abraham responds to each word that it addressed to him - from God, Isaac, God's messenger. In each instance Abraham listens and trusts. Both Jewish and Christian scholars have written volumes on this particularly difficult passage. Much of what has been written is thought provoking, if not thoroughly satisfying. It may be important that we take care not flatten this text that invites us to ponder the mysterious ways in which God's word comes to us. © 2003, OCP. All rights reserved.

Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19 By Tom Conry Psalm 116 seems to have been stitched together from a number of older songs. According to St. , verse 10 begins a new psalm. Although the NAB translation here is "I believed, even when I said 'I am greatly afflicted,'" the literal meaning is at once more eloquent and problematic: "I said amen, therefore I can speak now: 'I am greatly bowed down." The setting of the rest of the psalm seems to be a song of thanksgiving performed at the temple in Jerusalem. The singer's identification as the "son of your handmaid" recalls the story of , the paradigm of the helpless and threatened one who becomes the agent of liberation for the whole people. Meanwhile, throughout the psalm the land of death (sheol), where fear reigns and God seems to be absent, is powerfully contrasted with the land of the living, the festival assembly, the situation in which all the people are gathered in order to claim the protection of YHWH. © 2003, OCP. All rights reserved.

Romans 8:31 b-34 By John Paul Heil We have a sure HOPE for salvation because Christ intercedes for us with God. Since God has revealed how much he is "for us," in any situation of judgment, trial or judicial process there is simply no one who can possibly prevail "against us." Indeed, it was God who gave us his very own Son in death "for us" all. With this undeniable evidence of how much God has already done "for us" in giving us his own Son, Paul convincingly asserts the firm hope that therefore he surely will give us, together with Christ, "all things"--the totality and completion of God's future, definitive salvation. Any possible answer that could be offered to the bold question of "who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones?" Paul supersedes with the resounding protestation that "it is God who justifies." Indeed, God's "chosen ones," we Christians, have already been unequivocally "justified" by God, so that we stand clearly acquitted before any tribunal or judgment seat. And, since in the last analysis it would be the charge or condemnation of God himself that would really matter, it is all the more certain that no one can really bring a charge against us. Paul finally convinces us that there is no one who can possibly condemn us, because Christ himself, who died and was raised by God, even now sits in a privileged position at the right hand of God interceding "for us!" © 2003, OCP. All rights reserved. Mark 9:2-10 By Tom Conry The entire gospel of Mark is framed by the question at its literal center (8:27): but you, who do you say that I am? The gospel is bracketed with this problem at its beginning (1:1) by the author and at the end (15:39) by the words of the centurion in charge of the execution detail. In this episode the voice from the sky that was present first at Jesus' baptism in front of the followers of John the Baptizer is reaffirmed in front of Jesus' inner circle, Peter, James, and John. The dilemma of Jesus' status is the mighty narrative stream that runs throughout the gospel of Mark. Mark has no infancy narrative as does Mark or Matthew; neither does it have an opening poem establishing Jesus as the divine Word, as does John. As a result, in Mark, Jesus is God's own Rorschach test, moving throughout the land, his very presence demanding an answer to the question of 8:27. For those with eyes to see and ears to hear, he is the inbreaking of God into history. His standing is "son of God," an ambiguous category that meant different things in different times and places in Israel's history. In Jewish scripture, it could refer to mythical angelic beings (Gen 6:2), to Israel itself (Ex 4:22-23; 11: 1), to a king, father of a tribe, prophet or rabbi (e.g. Ps 2:2, Sam 7). It was even more common in the Greek-speaking world, in which there were any number of kings (e.g. Alexander, Augustus) and philosophical figures (e.g. Pythagoras) who were called "son of God." For others, the status of Jesus is a stumbling block. They cannot get past Jesus 'humble origins (e.g. Mk 6:3). Here Peter, James, and John are given a vision, one which doesn't seem to solve their inability to come to grips with Jesus' identity and message. It will be only after they encounter the empty tomb (as do all believers) that their faith will be demonstrated by their willingness to take up the mission of the reign of heaven. © 2003, OCP. All rights reserved.

How easy we bandy about the word "love". We love pizza, we love our city, Second Sunday we love our friends. Today's readings see love not as a momentary emotion but of Lent as a lifelong commitment. Nothing is too demanding to show one's profound dedication. The Genesis account of the sacrifice of Isaac is dramatic. God has March 4, 2012 been promising Abraham a host of descendants and possession of a great land. The promise now seems jeopardized when God asks Abraham to sacrifice We walk before the Lord Isaac. Yet Abraham will go to even this extent. Abraham's love of God means in the land of the living. letting go, even of Isaac. "If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31). To dramatize the extent of God's willingness to assist us, Paul appeals to a specific kind of love. "He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?" (Romans 8:32). Thus God and Abraham both refuse to set limits on their capacity to love. Mark's account of the Transfiguration is part of his disclosure of Jesus' messianic identity. Jesus has informed the twelve that he must suffer, die, and only then rise again (see Mark 8:31). The Lord of Easter Sunday must first be the servant of Good Friday. The same is true for all Christians. To follow Jesus, one must deny self, find self, and then lose oneself again (see Mark 8:35). Thus the Transfiguration relates both to Jesus' transfiguration and to the Christian's transformation through self- giving -- letting go. Letting go takes many forms. Life may call us to let go of a career that is damaging to self and family, of a habit that is destroying health or relationships, of purely selfish interests. These are but a few examples of that central reality in life -- that loving means letting go. -- John Craghan, Th.D., S.S.L. Copyright 1997, Liguori Publications / Liguori, MO 63057-9999

©Rellgious Graphics, Ltd. Catholic are holy people and human people who lived extraordinary lives. Each saint the Church honors responded to God's invitation to use his or her unique gifts. God calls each one of us to be a saint. Most saints and holy people have specially designated feast days, on which we remember these holy men and women in a special way.

March 4 St. Casimir (1458-1483) Casimir, born of kings and in line (third among 13 children) to be a king himself, was filled with exceptional values and learning by a great teacher, John Dlugosz. Even his critics could not say that his conscientious objection indicated .,softness. Even as a teenager, Casimir lived a highly disciplined, even severe life, sleeping on the ground, spending a great part of the night in prayer and dedicating himself to lifelong celibacy. When nobles in Hungary became ;'i~ dissatisfied with their king, they prevailed upon Casimir's father, the king of . Poland, to send his son to take over the country. Casimir obeyed his father, as many young men over the centuries have obeyed their government. The army he was supposed to lead was clearly outnumbered by the "enemy"; some of his troops were deserting because they were not paid. At the advice of his officers, Casimir decided to return home. His father was irked at the failure of his plans, and confined his 15-year-old son for three months. The lad made up his mind never again to become involved in the wars of his day, and no amount of persuasion could change his mind. He returned to prayer and study, maintaining his decision to remain celibate even under pressure to marry the emperor's daughter. He reigned briefly as king of Poland during his father's absence. He died of lung trouble at 23 while visiting Lithuania, of which he was also Grand Duke. He was buried in Vilnius, Lithuania. Comment: For many years Poland and Lithuania faded into the gray prison on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Despite repression, the Poles and Lithuanians remained firm in the faith which has become synonymous with their name. Their youthful patron reminds us: Peace is not won by war; sometimes a comfortable peace is not even won by virtue, but Christ's peace can penetrate every government repression of religion.

March 5 St. John Joseph of the Cross (1654-1734) Self-denial is never an end in itself but is only a help toward greater charity-as the life of St. John Joseph shows. John Joseph was very ascetic even as a young ',' man. At 16 he joined the Franciscans in Naples; he was the first Italian to follow the' - reform movement of St. Peter Alcantara. John Joseph's reputation for holiness' prompted his superiors to put him in charge of establishing a new friary even before he was ordained. Obedience moved John Joseph to accept appointments as novice master, guardian and, finally, provincial. His years of mortification enabled him to offer these services to the friars with great charity. As guardian he was not above working in the kitchen or carrying the wood and water needed by the friars. When his term as provincial expired, John Joseph dedicated himself to hearing confessions and practicing mortification, two concerns contrary to the spirit of the dawning Age of Enlightenment. John Joseph was canonized in 1839. . Comment: John Joseph's mortification allowed him to be the kind of forgiving superior intended by St. Francis. Self-denial should lead us to charity-not to bitterness; it should help us clarify our priorities and make us more loving. John Joseph is living proof of Chesterton's observation: "It is always easy to let the age have its head; the difficult thing is to keep one's own" (G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy, page 101). Quote: "And by this I wish to know if you love the Lord God and me, his servant and yours- if you have acted in this manner: that is, there should not be any brother in the .world who has sinned, however much he may have possibly sinned, who, after he has looked into your eyes, would go away without having received your mercy, if he is looking for mercy. And if he were not to seek mercy, you should ask him if he wants mercy. And if he should sin thereafter a thousand times before your very eyes, love him more than me so that you may draw him back to the Lord. Always be merciful to [brothers] such as these" (St. Francis, Letter to a Minister).

March 7 Sts. Perpetua and Felicity (d. 2031) "When my father in his affection for me was trying to turn me from my purpose by arguments and thus weaken my faith, I said to him, 'Do you see this vessel-waterpot or whatever it may be? Can it be called by any other name than what it is?' 'No,' he replied. 'So also I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am-a Christian.''' So writes Perpetua, young, beautiful, well-educated, a noblewoman of , mother of an infant son and chronicler of the persecution of the Christians by Emperor . Despite threats of persecution and death, Perpetua, Felicity (a slave woman and expectant mother) and three companions, Revocatus, Secundulus and Saturninus, refused to renounce their Christian faith. For their unwillingness, all were sent to the public games in the amphitheater. There, Perpetua and Felicity were beheaded, and the others killed by beasts. Perpetua's mother was a Christian and her father a pagan. He continually pleaded with her to deny her faith. She refused and was imprisoned at 22. In her diary, Perpetua describes her period of captivity: "What a day of horror! Terrible heat, owing to the crowds! Rough treatment by the soldiers! To crown all, I was tormented with anxiety for my baby .... Such anxieties I suffered for many days, but I obtained leave for my baby to remain in the prison with me, and being relieved of my trouble and anxiety for him, I at once recovered my health, and my prison became a palace to me and I would rather have been there than anywhere else." Felicity gave birth to a girl a few days before the games commenced. Perpetua's record of her trial and imprisonment ends the day before the games. "Of what was done in the games themselves, let him write who will." The diary was finished by an eyewitness. Comment: Persecution for religious beliefs is not confined to Christians in ancient times. Consider Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who, with her family, was forced into hiding and later died in Bergen-Belsen, one of Hitler's death camps during World War II. Anne, like Perpetua and Felicity, endured hardship and suffering and finally death because she committed herself to God. In her diary Anne writes, "It's twice as hard for us young ones to hold our ground, and maintain our opinions, in a time when all ideals are being shattered and destroyed, when people are showing their worst side, and do not know whether to believe in truth and right and God." Quote: Perpetua, unwilling to renounce Christianity, comforted her father in his grief over her decision, "It shall happen as God shall choose, for assuredly we depend not on our own power but on the power of God. "

March 8 st. John of God (1495-1550) Having given up active Christian belief while a soldier, John was 40 before pt;~-~-''-'l the depth of his sinfulness began to dawn on him. He decided to give the rest of his I{";C'~ . ~ \ I life to God's service, and headed at once for Africa, where he hoped to free captive :0/ Christians and, possibly, be martyred. He was soon advised that his desire for I . martyrdom was not spiritually well based, and returned to Spain and the relatively: prosaic activity of a religious goods store. Yet he was still not settled. Moved initially) by a sermon of Blessed John of Avila, he one day engaged in a public beating of himself, begging mercy and wildly repenting for his past life. Committed to a mental hospital for these actions, John was visited by Blessed John, who advised him to be more actively involved in tending to the needs of others rather than in enduring personal hardships. John gained peace of heart, and shortly after left the hospital to begin work among the poor. He established a house where he wisely tended to the needs of the sick poor, at first doing his own begging. But excited by the saint's great work and inspired by his devotion, many people began to back him up with money and provisions. Among them were the archbishop and marquis of Tarifa. Behind John's outward acts of total concern and love for Christ's sick poor was a deep interior prayer life which was reflected in his spirit of humility. These qualities attracted helpers who, 20 years after John's death, formed the Brothers Hospitallers, now a worldwide religious order. John became ill after 10 years of service but tried to disguise his ill health. He began to put the hospital's administrative work into order and appointed a leader for his helpers. He died under the care of a spiritual friend and admirer, Lady Ana Ossorio. Comment: The utter humility of John of God, which led to a totally selfless dedication to others, is most impressive. Here is a man who realized his nothingness in the face of God. The Lord blessed him with the gifts of prudence, patience, courage, enthusiasm and the ability to influence and inspire others. He saw that in his early life he had turned away from the Lord, and, moved to receive his mercy, John began his new commitment to love others in openness to God's love. Quote: The archbishop called John of God to him in response to a complaint that he was keeping tramps and immoral women in his hospital. In submission John fell on his knees and said: "The Son of Man came for sinners, and we are bound to seek their conversion. I am unfaithful to my vocation because I neglect this, but I confess that I know of no bad person in my hospital except myself alone, who am indeed unworthy to eat the bread of the poor." The archbishop could only trust in John's sincerity and humility, and dismissed him with deep respect.

March 9 St. Dominic Savio (1842-1857) So many holy persons seem to die young. Among them was Dominic Savio, the patron of choirboys. Born into a peasant family at Riva, Italy, young Dominic joined St. John Bosco as a student at the Oratory in Turin at the age of 12. He' impressed John with his desire to be a priest and to help him in his work with neglected boys. A peacemaker and an organizer, young Dominic founded a group he called the Company of the which, besides being devotional, aided John Bosco with the boys and with manual work. All the members save one, Dominic, would in 1859 join John in the beginnings of his Salesian congregation. By that time, Dominic had been called home to heaven. As a youth, Dominic spent hours rapt in prayer. His raptures he called "my distractions." Even in play, he said that at times "It seems heaven is opening just above me. I am afraid I may say or do something that will make the other boys laugh." Dominic would say, "I can't do big things. But I want all I do, even the smallest thing, to be for the greater glory of God." Dominic'S health, always frail, led to lung problems and he was sent home to recuperate. As was the custom of the day, he was bled in the thought that this would help, but it only worsened his condition. He died on March 9, 1857, after receiving the Last Sacraments. St. John Bosco himself wrote the account of his life. Some thought that Dominic was too young to be considered a saint. St. Pius X declared that just the opposite was true, and went ahead with his cause. Dominic was canonized in 1954. Comment: Like many a youngster, Dominic was painfully aware that he was different from his peers. He tried to keep his piety from his friends lest he have to endure their laughter. Even after his death, his youth marked him as a misfit among the saints and some argued that he was too young to be canonized. Pius X wisely disagreed. For no one is too young-or too old or too anything else-to achieve the holiness to which we are all called.

March 10 St. John Ogilvie (c. 1579-1615) John Ogilvie's noble Scottish family was partly Catholic and partly Presbyterian. His father raised him as a Calvinist, sending him to the continent to be educated. There John became interested in the popular debates going on between Catholic and Calvinist scholars. Confused by the arguments of Catholic scholars whom he sought out, he turned to Scripture. Two texts particularly struck him: "God wills all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth," and "Come to me all you who are weary and find". life burdensome, and I will refresh you." Slowly, John came to see that the " could embrace all kinds of people. Among these, he noted, were many . He decided to become Catholic and was received into the Church at Louvain, Belgium, in 1596 at the age of 17. John continued his studies, first with the Benedictines, then as a student at the Jesuit College at Olmutz. He joined the Jesuits and for the next 10 years underwent their rigorous intellectual and spiritual training. Ordained a priest in France in 1610, he met two Jesuits who had just returned from Scotland after suffering arrest and imprisonment. They saw little hope for any successful work there in view of the tightening of the penal laws. But a fire had been lit within John. For the next two and a half years he pleaded to be missioned there. Sent by his superiors, he secretly entered Scotland posing as a horse trader or a soldier returning from the wars in Europe. Unable to do significant work among the relatively few Catholics in Scotland, John made his way back to Paris to consult his superiors. Rebuked for having left his assignment in Scotland, he was sent back. He warmed to the task before him and had some success in making converts and in secretly serving Scottish Catholics. But he was soon betrayed, arrested and brought before the court. His trial dragged on until he had been without food for 26 hours. He was imprisoned and deprived of sleep. For eight days and nights he was dragged around, prodded with sharp sticks, his hair pulled out. Still, he refused to reveal the names of Catholics or to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the king in spiritual affairs. He underwent a second and third trial but held firm. At his final trial, he assured his judges: "In all that concerns the king, I will be slavishly obedient; if any attack his temporal power, I will shed my last drop of blood for him. But in the things of spiritual jurisdiction which a king unjustly seizes I cannot and must not obey." Condemned to death as a traitor, he was faithful to the end, even when on the scaffold he was offered his freedom and a fine living if he would deny his faith. His courage in prison and in his martyrdom was reported throughout Scotland. John Ogilvie was canonized in 1976, becoming the first Scottish saint since 1250. Comment: John came of age when neither Catholics nor Protestants were willing to tolerate one another. Turning to Scripture, he found words that enlarged his vision. Although he became a Catholic and died for his faith, he understood the meaning of "small-c catholic," the wide range of believers who embrace Christianity. Even now he undoubtedly rejoices in the ecumenical spirit fostered by the Second Vatican Council and joins us in our prayer for unity with all believers. March 4 Mk 9: 2-10 The apostles thought they knew Jesus, but when he changed in front of them at the Transfiguration, they were "afraid." In families we cannot freeze relationships because change and growth are inevitable. Children grow up, parents grow old and spouses change. Transfigurations are all around us and within us. Relationships can only grow when we embrace the new and let go of the old. eReligloUsG1lIphlcs.Ltd.

What does it mean to "rise from the dead?" If you have experienced a significant loss in your life - the death of a dear friend or member of your family, this promise may seem to be for them ... and it is. However, grieving the loss of a friend, or mourning the break-up of a relationship is about dying and rising. Hopes dashed, dreams unfulfilled, an emptiness deep inside ... not filled, not taken away by God, but left there as a reminder that in time becomes a tranquil joy for the love shared, the good times celebrated and the life given in and through that particular relationship. Imagine the horrified look on Abraham's face in putting his son on the altar. Imagine the frightened look on the disciples' faces. Yet, "the truth is out there," only in dying to self, in making the ultimate sacrifice, shall we know the life that comes from God. By Dale J. Sieverding © 2003, OCP. All rights reserved.

In the Desert with Him If we're honest, many of us approach Lent with dread. A season of sacrifice sounds so harsh, so sterile. And forty days, no less! We look ahead with trepidation. What could be good about such a long, dark period? Stop and look again. Yes, Lent brings a bit of the wilderness into our Christian year. It asks us to stand away from the comforts of life in the city. Lent calls us into the desert with Jesus. From the silent sands He beckons us to join Him in His trials, reminding us that He has walked the burning path first. And it is His blessed companionship that makes it worth the price. Come, child, be alone with me and we will find a road through the desert together. This article originally appeared in The Editor's Assistant, a publication of C L Enterprises. Copyright © 2011 by C L Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Transfiguration in children If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world. ,. :;Fi::\\,'~" '~~.'\"

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Liturgical Reflection ... We begin Mass and end Mass with the sign of the cross. These forty M days of Lent have us focus on the cross of Jesus Christ which is our sign of A salvation. Signing with the cross was a gesture practiced by Christians as R RDMAN early as the second century. By the late fourth century this action was C incorporated at many points within the celebration of the sacraments. And H MISSAL yet the signing at the beginning of Mass appeared in the Roman Liturgy only 4 with the medieval introduction of prayers at the foot of the altar. As we begin prayer at Mass we trace the cross of Christ invoking the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 2012, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Liturgy Office, 925 S. Logan Blvd., Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania 16648 TEST "Test; test; this is a test." The Lord tries us out, even tantalizes us, before choosing to work with us. God did this with Abraham, with Peter, James and John, even with Jesus! But Jesus, God's own Son, "stands and pleads for us now" that we not be "led into temptation or put to the test beyond our means .... God is on our side and who now can be against us?" With the Trinity's prompting and our willing obedience during this Lent, we can come closer to salvation. Text, Philip J. Sandstrom, STO © 1997, OCP. All rights reserved.

Second Sunday of Lent, cycle B Well begun is half done. By now, on this Second Sunday of Lent, we have a pretty good idea of how our Lent will be. Is this a good Lent for us? ~Y- While we can set impossible goals for ourselves, this Sunday asks 11ii1iii1111 LiFE whether we have set our sights too low. Now is the time to adjust our \tlReliglousGraphlcs, ltd. thinking, and to do that, the Second Sunday of Lent presents us with some of the most challenging images and words in all of Scripture. Joined with the prayers of this day, Christians will hopefully leave the liturgy thinking that they can indeed do all things well. The celebration presents us with the image of Abraham, willing to offer his total future in the life of his son, combined with the huge Pauline challenge to have confidence that God is with us. These are further combined with the transfiguration of Christ and the psalmist's promise to be faithful to God and fulfill all our vows. All of this shows us that we can do it all, we can succeed in coming closer to God, and we can be transfigured! We need to be open this challenge. The reason for us to embrace the almost impossible has nothing to do with buying our way into heaven. Rather, it is a means for us to become acquainted with the life of the divine, that exuberant, holy, awesome, graced existence that is the goal of this life and the reward of heaven. We need to be found worthy of the gift that is our salvation which Christ has purchased in the paschal mystery, and this Sunday of Lent offers us a chance to embrace a larger portion of the light of Christ. Faith tells us that as big as we dare is the measure of grace this season can bring. By Glenn CJ Byer, MA SLD © 2003, OCP. All rights reserved.

This day we see a continuation of the understanding that all our penitence comes from God. However, we also see a focus from the Gospel of the day, the transfiguration. For the entrance antiphon we choose between a passage that focuses on our begging God for mercy and a passage affirming that our desire for God is a gift from God. The preface for the second Sunday also revisits the image of Christ on the mountain, using it as the icon of Christ summarizing the law and the prophets and giving strength to the apostles who were soon to undergo a great trial. The prayer over the offerings reminds us that we become like catechumens during Lent. We ask God to forgive our sins as preparation to celebrate the resurrection, just as baptism allows the catechumens to participate in the resurrection. The image of Christ transfigured, and being surrounded by the images of the past (Moses and ) and the future (the apostles) shows Christ as Lord of all history. The prayer after Communion once again turns our eyes to the reason for all that we do - life on earth is a rehearsal, a preparation for the life of heaven. Our penance, a gift from God, allows us to prepare for the life of heaven, which is also a gift from God. Please pray for all who are sick, recovering, or homebound: Fred McClain; Fred Renninger; Kristen Huntsman; Leonard Slates; Phyllis Neary; Helen Jenkins; Eva Roddy; Paul Yakymac; Grant Stiffler; Ashleigh Hicks; Valentine Johnson; Kylie Hammon, Lisa McDermott; Andy Kurey; Connie Flaherty, niece of Joan Wenzel; Barb McMath; Darlene McMath; Jennifer Rosenberry Jenkins; Cathy Wilson; Fred Renninger; Arthur Smith, Eric Giacobello; Carmella Ciccaglione; Mae Galla; Brian Baker, son-in-law of Ed McGarvey; James D. Abrashoff, nephew of Julia Madden; John Austin; Dakota Hammon; George Bodnar; Lenny Leonard; John Dell, son-in-law of Jerry & Ann Norris; Marie Christine Giacobello Shiffler; Denny Hanes, brother of Nancy Kumpf; Rose Rocammo;; Valerie Thomas; Larry Puchalla; Emily Kerstetter, niece of Mary Secrest; Joanie Jenkins, granddaughter of Mary Leonard; Howard Fleck, father-in-law of Patty Fleck; Marie Sgro, relative of Dorothy Dell; Shawna Todaro; Jerry Brown, father of Dan Brown; Stanley Holesa; John Sweatlock, brother of Maggie Szczerba; Vicki Sample; Brian Doyle; Robert Sossong, nephew of Kenneth Sossong; Bucky Moore; Linda Wagner; Pierre Brenneman; Richard Buffone; Helen Giacobello; Dave Knox, father of Cinda Imperioli; Jorden Dimoff; Cory Dixon; Alivia Thomas Hanes; Adele Whitaker; Diana Rutherford; Barb Rourke; Maxine Barrett; Doug & Katy Widenor; Russ Matthews, son of Mae Galla; Carolyn Ann McMath Harbaugh, niece of Martha Cullen; Jim Myers; Ann Salamon; Sally Ann Cunningham; Adeline Cialone; Harry Cholewinski; Erma Ticconi; Joan Renninger; Betty Renninger; John Benson; John Remek in VA Home; Charles Peck; Matilda Piskura, Joseph Seback, Thomas Koharchik, family of Fr. George; Tom Isenberg; and all the homebound of the parish, particularly those at Westminster Woods: Mary Fink; at Woodland Retirement Center: Paul McGarvey, Dean Valimont, Kathryn Wilson; and those at Meadowview Nursing Home: Gladys Thomas, Stella Los, Joan Wenzel, Mary Bender, Clara Kaniecky, Jack Ratchford. Ann Homolash is at Hearthside, 450 Waupelani Dr, State College, PA 16801. If you know anyone who would like to have a visit, or Communion, please let me know; also, let us know if there are any additions or deletions to the list. Also pray for all those called up to military service, as well as the victims of natural disasters throughout the world.

PRAYER CHAIN: If you have someone for whom you would like to request prayer, please get in touch with Connie Singer, 542-8222; Liz Stasenko, 542-4987, or Carmela Ciccaglione, 542-4281; they will contact the people on their list. If you want the person's name to remain anonymous, just ask for a special intention, etc. The Lists include: CONNIE SINGER: Suzanne Boyer, Betty Renninger, Maria Danish, Nancy States, Mercy Miller; LIZ STASENKO: Bonnie Melnyk, Aric & Tara Miller, Maggie Stiffler, Jeannette Bumbaugh, Ann Cutshall, Cathy Wilson; CARMELA CICCAGLIONE: Ann Gilliland, Mary Gaisior, Carmen Rivera, Valerie Thomas, Melissa Fleming. Those on the list will be called when a request is received, but the prayer chain will not be held up if the contact person is unable to reach you. If anyone else would like to be added to the Prayer Chain, please call the Rectory or one of the contact persons.

ANNIVERSARY NEWS

St Catherine of Siena Parish will begin the Anniversary year with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Bartchak on Sunday, April 29, 2012, (the Feast of st. Catherine), at 3:00 PM. We hope to have a number of priests and deacons from the Diocese present as well. Bishop Mark will also dedicate the wheelchair lift and porch addition at that time. Following the Anniversary Mass, there will be a banquet at New Life Fellowship on Croghan Pike, beginning at about 5:00 PM. It will be catered by Tops. The price will be $10 for adults, and $5for kids 10 and under. Reservations need to be made by April 1, 2012. Reservation Forms are available in the Vestibule, at the Rectory, and on the parish website. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Li. SANCTUARY CANDLE n Poor Souls March 18, 2012 6:30 p.m. Regular Council School Hall

SERVER SCHEDULE CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS Weekend of Mar. 10 & Mar. 11 Meeting March 14, 2012 Sat. 5:00 p.m. Katie Christoff 7:00 p.m. Marie Daschbach Sun. 9:00 a.m. Kaitlin Todaro BIRTHDAYS Lauren Todaro Mar. 4 - Mar. 10,2012 Bryan Wenzel Devin Crouse (Mar 1), Carmela Ciccaglione, Connie Singer, Marcia Slates, READERS Tammy Smith, Maggie Szczerba, Weekend of Mar. 10 & Mar. 11 Cooper, Ciara Cullen, Kevin Feagley Sat. 5 :00 p.m. Dayton Shugarts Sun. 9:00 a.m. Cathy Wilson FINANCIAL REPORT Suzanne Brown Balance Feb. 25, 2012 $173,565.44 Weekly 1,126.00 EXTRAORDINARY Youth 24.00 Loose 171. 00 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Monthly 105.00 Weekend of Mar. 10 & Mar. 11 Mandeville 585.00 Sat. 5:00 p.m. Melissa Fleming Black & Indian 127.00 Kathy Lantz Prayer Breakfast 99.00 Andrea Christoff Resale 10.00 Sun 9:00 a.m. Gerard Lyons Interest 9.35 Elaine Booher Income for Week $2,256.35 Bonnie Melnyk Expenses $47,647.57 GIFT BEARERS Weekend of Mar. 10 & Mar. 11 (St. Vincent DePaul Society $294.00; Bulletin Covers Sat. 5:00 p.m. Crouse Family $58.37; Books Adult ed. $69.97; Intuit $23.99; Men's Sun. 9:00 a.m. Gerard Lyons Family Prayer Breakfast $117.13; Rectory Expense $84.96; Missalettes $91.00; priest's salary $1,815.35; building project $45,062.80; error $30.00) GREETERS Weekend of Mar. 10 & Mar. 11 Balance Mar. 3, 2012 $128,174.22 Sat. 5:00 p.m. Annette Brodbeck Sun. 9:00 a.m. Kurt Roddy Loose collection 1st Sunday of month: 8t. Catherine's Cemetery 3rd Sunday of month: 8t. Vincent de Paul Society 4th Sunday of month: Charity Ma.rch 4. 2012 What arethe guideLines for producing a passion pLay?

I asked my pastor if we could have a passion play r-,-' this year, and he said there are special guidelines to l: .~ follow. What are they? Gail DearGail, The "Criteria for the Evaluation of Dramatizations of the Passion" was is- sued in 1988 by the Bishops' Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of what was then called the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Toread this document, go to usccb.org.) Passion plays should emphasize the saving action of Christ's death and resurrection without becoming stumbling blocks in the understanding of the role of the Jewish people in the history of salvation. The document warns that '''stock ideas: unfortunately, can become vividly alive in passiondrama- tizations. It is all too easy...to resort to artificial oppositions ...to heighten interest or provide sharp contrasts between the characters." We must avoid portraying the Jewish tradition as "a religion of only justice, fear, and legal- ismwith no appeal to the love of God and neighbor." It's simplistic and incorrect to blame Christ's death on certain historical groups and neglect the complexities of the Gospel portrait and of Christ's life. Christ freely undertook his passion and death because of the sins of al/, so that all might attain salvation. This isthe truth that passion plays should strive to communicate most clearly. BYRON MILLER, CSsR I sundaybulletins@/iguari.arg

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March• 5 March• 6 March• 7 March• 8 March• q March• 10 .".March• 11 Lenten Lenten Lenten Lenten Lenten Lenten Third Sunday Weekday Weekday Weekday Weekday Weekday Weekday of Lent Dn 9:4b-10 Is1:10, 16-20 Jer 18:18-20 Jer 17:5-10 Gn 37:3-4, Mi 7:14-15, Ex 20:1-17 or Lk6:36-38 Mt 23:1-12 Mt 20:17-28 Lk16:19-31 12-13a, 18-20 20:1-3, 7-8, 17b-28a Lk 15:1-3,11-32 12-17 0 2012 liguori Publications, liguori. MO 63057-9999. Printed in U.S.A. Imprimatur: Nln accordance with Co 827, permission to publish has been qramed on October 10, 2011, by the Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, Auxiliary Mt 21:33-43, 1 Cor 1:22-25 Bishop, Archdiocese of St.louis. Permission to publish is an indication that nothing contrary to Church teaching is 45-46 In 2:13-25 ~ contained in this work. It does not imply any endorsement of the opinions expressed in the publication; nor is any liability assumed by this permission." Design by Pam Hummelsheim. To order liguori Sunday Bulletins, call 800- 325-9521. 2012 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL DIOCESE OF ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWN

Christian Stewards of the Catholic Tradition are called to receive God's gifts gratefully,cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly with others and return them in abundance to the Lord. We live out this calling when we give of our time, abilities and finances as generously as our circumstances allow Participating in your parish offertory and the Annual Catholic Appeal are two opportunities to express your gratefulness for blessings received.

The Annual Catholic Appeal is an occasion to join 90,000 fellow Catholics throughout our Diocesan Church to support many more people than you'll ever know - within and beyond your parish's outreach.

Remember, your giftto the Annual Catholic Appeal is credited toward your parish's goal before it is entrusted to our Diocesan ministries. Please make your gift on Cornmitment Sunday to help your parish meet its goal during Lent. Lastyear,sixty-four parishes received refunds totaling $540,000for their own ministries and initiatives.

Be sure to complete and return the prayer intention form in the brochure you will receive with Bishop Mark's letter around March 7.

Please visit us online at wwwdioceseaj.org where you can learn more about diocesan ministries, sign up for our free monthly newsletter and make your gift online. Or visit us with your smart phone!

Thank you for choosing to serve the Lord through your generosity!

Announcement Sunday March 4 Commitment Sunday March 11