St. Ephrem Catholic Church
April 7, 2019
St. Ephrem On the Road to Damascus Lenten Schedule with Rob Leonardi (Holy Week schedule on pg. 3) Diving into the Sacraments at the Service of Communion, we Lenten Reconciliation first discover the vocation of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The Sacraments of Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing Individual Confessions Only: of the Sick, and Holy Orders itself are all reliant upon the THIS TUESDAY - 7PM Sacrament of Holy Orders. Without Holy Orders, none of them can take place. “Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the AT ST. EPHREM mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be This year, there will not be a exercised in the Church until the end of time” (CCC 1536). While service and there will only be everyone who is Baptized shares in the Common Priesthood of Christ, men who are ordained in Holy Orders share in the priests available throughout Ministerial Priesthood of Christ. A common misconception is that the church to hear individual Holy Order’s includes nuns/sisters and brothers/monks, however, Confessions, starting at the Sacrament of Holy Orders pertains only to the clergy with three 7:00pm. Come prepare your degree of orders: episcopate (Bishop), presbyterate (Priest/Elder), heart for Easter and receive and diaconate (Deacon). the Sacrament of The Old Testament shows various priests: common people Reconciliation! offering sacrifices to God (Gen 4:34); King Melchizedek as a
Confessions also: 30 minutes before “priest of God Most High” (Gen 14:18); a separate group of Priestly each Mass (except Thursday) people were consecrated to act on behalf of all (Exod 29:130). (No confessions will be heard from Holy Levitical Priesthood of the Old Covenant became an established Thursday through Easter Sunday!) separate people set apart for liturgical service (Num 1:4853),
however it was powerless to bring about salvation which only Jesus’ Wednesdays: sacrifice could accomplish (CCC 1540). Christ fulfilled the Old Eucharistic Adoration Covenant Priesthood and established the Priesthood of the New following the 9:00am Mass Covenant, ordaining the Twelve Apostles at the Last Supper as His until Noon (pending funerals) priests when He commissioned them to make the Eucharistic Sacrifice (Lk 22:19). Jesus gave the Twelve authority apart from This Friday: anyone else to forgive or retain sins (Jn 20:2123) and He gave 6:00pm—Exposition & Peter the leadership of the Twelve (Mt 16:1819). Shortly after Jesus Benediction of the Blessed Ascended, we see the Apostles, led by Peter, ordaining Matthias to Sacrament fill the episcopate office left vacant by Judas (Acts 1:2026), ordain men to the diaconate (Acts 6:16), and ordain Saul/Paul and 7:00pm—Stations of the Cross Barnabas (Acts 13:3). (Continued on page 2…) Page 2, April 7, 2019N 5th Sunday of Lent The Harp of the Holy Spirit St. Ephrem Catholic Church St. Paul tells Timothy not to forget the ordination which Paul ordained Timothy (1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6) and gives various qualifications for bishops and deacons (1 Tim 3:113). We again see that Priests are appointed as a separate group of people (Ti 1:5). Bishops are ordained with the fullness of Christ’s Priesthood, thus sharing in the unbroken line of Apostolic Succession that began when Jesus ordained the Twelve. As direct successors to the Apostles, only a Bishop is the Minister of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. “Only a baptized man validly receives sacred ordination… no one claims this office for himself; he is called to it by God. Anyone who thinks he recognizes the signs of God’s call to the ordained minister must humbly submit [to the] Church…” (CCC 15771578). Holy Orders is conferred by laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration asking God to grant the graces of the Holy Spirit for ministry. Holy Chrism is then used for Bishops (upon their heads) and Priests (on the palms of their hands) signifying the permanent change in the man’s spirit. Once a man partakes in Holy Orders, he is permanently part of the order he has been ordained into, even if for some grave reason he is discharged from the function of his order. Grace of the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the recipient of Holy Orders. Bishops are strengthened and given the grace to guide, teach, and defend God’s Church. Every Bishop is given a Diocese (province) somewhere in the world to shepherd. A Priest is strengthened to stand worthy before the altar, offer spiritual gifts and sacrifices, and to renew the People of God. Deacons are strengthened and dedicated to the People of God in service to the liturgy, the Gospel, and works of charity (CCC 15851588). You might hear “Archbishop,” “Monsignor,” or “Cardinal” when talking about clergy. These are only titles and are not part of Holy Orders. An Archbishop is a Bishop of an Archdiocese (large providence). Monsignor is an honorary title given by the Pope to a priest who has distinguished himself by exceptional service to the Church. As of 2014, priests can only receive this title if they have reached the age of 65. A Cardinal, also known as a “Prince of the Church,” is a leader of the Church, essentially the Pope’s closest coworker likened to the Cabinet members of the President. Since 1059 Cardinals have been given the duty to elect the next Pope. While today all the Cardinals are Bishops, in antiquity Cardinals have been Priests, Deacons, or even men of the laity. See you on the way, God bless, Mr. Rob Leonardi Conversion Point: May God be calling me or someone I know to share in the Ministerial Priesthood?
Palm Sunday Bake Sale FISH Lenten Fish Dinner April 12 from 4-7pm Next weekend after all Masses
Baked Tilapia w/choice of side April 13-14 DINNERS or Vegetable Lasagna (no side) Side items: Homemade Mac & Calling all bakers and candy makers! Cheese or French Fries Chocolates, candies, and baked goods All Meals include: Homemade are needed for our Palm Sunday bake coleslaw, cornbread or roll & sale! Please sign-up on the sheets in the butter, dessert & beverage gathering space! Baked goods/candies
Price: $8.50 should be dropped off in the Gathering Mac & Cheese only: $4.00 Space after Noon next Saturday or before Masses next weekend!
Volunteers are needed for the Fish Dinner. Blessing breads and butter lambs Please sign-up in the Gathering Space today! will also be available! The Harp of the Holy Spirit St. Ephrem Catholic Church Page 3, April 7, 2019N 5th Sunday of Lent
Saintly Thoughts “Our true worth does not consist in what human beings think of us. What we really are consists in what God knows us to be.” St. John Berchmans St. John Berchmans (15991621) was born in Flanders, Belgium. As a youth and a young man, John was known as affable, kind, and endowed with an outgoing personality that endeared him to everyone. Even when abused and illtreated, St. John bore all meekly and without complaint. At a very young age he wanted to be a priest. In 1615, he entered the Jesuit college becoming a novice a year later. In the summer of 1619, Rome’s climate and heat started to affect St. John’s health and he began to progressively to get weaker and for two years, he was continually sick with a fever or dysentery. Even during this time of suffering, St. John’s reputation as a person of prayer and obedience to God’s Will did not diminish. St. John died peacefully on August 13, 1621 and numerous miracles were attributed to him at the time of his funeral. St. John Berchmans is the patron saint of altar servers and youth.
Ho ly Thursday Lector: L. Ambrosio-Ylen
Altar Server: D. Erhard, C. Folino, P. Ishioka, H. Kakoni, and M. Kurczak EMHC: D. Hill, S. Kuzdal, A. Pirela, and Need 4
Good Friday
Lector: P. Little Thursday, April 11— Altar Server: C. Janda, M. Kurczak, L. and M. Sheppard 5:00-6:30pm EMHC: V. Calderero, D. Hill, and J. Korte
Easter Vigil Many volunteers and donations Lector: R. and S. Leonardi, K. Przeklas, and S. Smith will be needed! Please sign-up in Altar Server: Durkee family and P. Ishioka the Gathering Space after Mass EMHC: D. Hill, S. Kuzdal, A. Pirela, and Need 4 this weekend! Easter Sunday schedules will be emailed and will be published in next weekend’s Harp. EMHCs are still needed! Page 4, April 7, 2019N 5th Sunday of Lent The Harp of the Holy Spirit St. Ephrem Catholic Church Marriage Coaching Help for Your Marriage
April Class Schedule: "Each crisis becomes an apprenticeship April 8VClasses Resume in growing closer together or learning a April 15VClasses meet little more about what it means to be April 22VNo classesVEaster break married. There is no need for couples to April 29VClasses ResumeVPizza Party /Early resign themselves to an inevitable downward spiral or a tolerable Bird Registraon before classes mediocrity." Pope Francis Confirmaon: Couples who are experiencing struggles and The Sacrament of Confirmaon will be challenges in their marriage can receive help celebrated on Sunday, April 28 at the through the Archdiocese of Detroitsponsored 11:00am Mass, celebrated by Bishop Fisher. Marriage Coaching Ministry. The Marriage Coaching program is a coupletocouple Confirmaon rehearsal will take place on mentoring program designed to assist couples Saturday, April 27 at 1:00pm in the Church. to live out God's plan for their marriage. Students, parents, and sponsors are required to aend the rehearsal. Trained Coaching Couples will give the support and practical tools needed to help couples to restore and realize the fullness they desire and is intended for their Catholic marriage. The Marriage Coaching program consists of seven main coaching sessions and is strictly confidential and at no cost. To learn more and get the help you need for your marriage contact: 3132374680| www.aod.org/ Vacation Bible School marriagecoaching|[email protected]. All inquiries are strictly confidential. at St. Ephrem Catholic Church Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Detroit, Office for Marriage and Family. When: June 24th to June 28th am pm Time: 10:00 to 1:00 FOOD PANTRY NEEDS th The list below reflects our current needs Grades: Pre-K (potty trained) - 6 Grade to feed the hungry. Please refrain from Cost: $10.00 per child bringing in items not on the list. (The pantry is very low on bolded items.)
th Register by May 27 , 2019 Dollar Tree Gift Cards** (to guarantee a t-shirt), LAUNDRY PODS, PORK & BEANS, otherwise by June 3rd, 2019. SPAGHETTI SAUCE, CEREAL, RICE, BEEF STEW, CHILI CANNED FRUIT, JUICE, BAR SOAP, BOXED POTATOES, SPAGHETTI, TUNA, JELLY, 5 TOILET PAPER, DISH SOAP
Salad Dressing, Spaghettios, Peanut Butter, As you prepare to graduate and Chicken, Tomato, or Vegetable Soups, Mini Toiletry Items head off to college, please contact Rob Leonardi at [email protected] or Please drop off your donations in the Fr. Milligan Activity Center lobby when open, otherwise in the box 586R264R1230 to be connected with the under the icon of St. Ephrem in the vestibule of church. Newman Center at the college you’ll be (**Gift cards are used by pantry volunteers to supplement the pantry and are not given to clients). aending. Please avoid bringing in items that are close to or past their expiration date! The Harp of the Holy Spirit St. Ephrem Catholic Church Page 5, April 7, 2019N 5th Sunday of Lent Beware of email and texting The faith community of St. Ephrem is praying for these people in special need: scams...again! If you are in need of any kind of prayer, please call the Once again, there have been reports of a office to be placed on our prayer list. Names will stay scam going around the Archdiocese where on the prayer list for three months. Please call the parishioners and staff at parishes are receiving office if the name needs to stay on longer. emails or texts from their “pastor” requesting money/gift cards or for the person to respond Randy Clarke Dawn Moss William C. Frey Cheryl DeMoss to the email/text as soon as they can. These Anna Masakowski Kay Melnick emails and texts, however, are not actually Lois Epifanio Sandy Sorentino from the pastor, rather a scammer using his Helen Lotoczky Dorothy Welch name. As a reminder, parishes/pastors will Ben Pannecouck Anna Gleason not email or text individuals asking for gift William Brennan Clarence Cherry Allen Iracri cards/money to be sent to a separate address. William Cloyd Maryann Bourgeau Bernice Rynski Some of these messages include: “I need a Paul Bourgeau Joann Brennan favor from you, email (text) me as soon as Jean Belan Sally Gray you get this message.” or a message asking for Teresa Yester Cheryl Linder Mary Sutter Deborah Baranski gift cards (i.e. Google Play, iTunes, etc.) Michael Gray being purchased. Please do not respond if you Philip Mistretta Lori Gee Sonia DeChausse receive a suspicious email or text, even if it Gerry Miranti Kathleen Wojerski looks like it’s from Father Craig. If you Mary Jane Ziskie Glenda Lavigne receive a suspicious email or text, it is Kent Culpert Nick Schwartz Melissa Kashat highly important that the emails/texts are Pete Ishioka Marcia Godawa Bill Sullivan disregarded. Please call or email the parish Dorothy Drake Ruth Sullivan office if you have any questions. Richard Jaye Michelle Trosper Elaine Jaye Arleen Mieczkowski David Rynski While we have not received notification Izabel Randazzo Philip Kwiatkowski Maya Milovanovic from any of our parishioners about Joan Bogel Antonia Lanni experiencing scam emails/texts, it is Hailey Petty Gladys Mosey important to remain vigilant. Luciana & Marisa Purtill Susan Lill Caroline Juliana McBain Phyllis Marek Madeline Hafner Krista Mertzer-Hafner Reporting sexual abuse Tina Walker-Witulski Katherine Garza Noreen Kuzner Lee Nicolasopolus Making a Report of Sexual Abuse Julie & Julian Elwart Bob Gryebet Renee Calado Rick Gryebet To inform the Archdiocese of Detroit regarding the Debbie Vido Christian Harting sexual abuse ofminors by priests, deacons and Edgar Lee Buckner Nicholas Harting other Church personnel and/or to speak to the Jacqueline Irene Robert Bryant Victim Assistance Coordinator contact: Homnstrieter Patty Lulek (866) 3438055. A caller will be requested to Tony Viviano provide his or her name and telephone number. All calls regarding complaints of sexual abuse will Our Sister Parish: be returned in a timely manner. This tollfree ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL number has been established as part of an effort 38750 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights by the Detroit archdiocese to protect children, Fr. Tony Sulkowski, Pastor young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. This line is for St. Jane Frances Regular Mass Schedule: reporting suspected sexual misconduct or child Tues: 7:00 p.m. Mass abuse within archdiocesan institutions and Wed. & Thurs.: 8:00 a.m. ministries only. Persons with such complaints are Saturday: 4:00 p.m. also encouraged to directly contact law Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. Confessions: Tuesdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm enforcement authorities. Phone: (586) 977-8080 • Website: sjfparish.org Page 6, April 7, 2019N 5th Sunday of Lent The Harp of the Holy Spirit St. Ephrem Catholic Church Mass Intentions for the Week of April 7 Liturgical Ministers Schedule for April 1314 Saturday, April 6N 5th Sunday of Lent Mass: 4:30pm 4:30pmM † Mickey Trombley by family Lector: R. Hornibrook † Elio DeCarolis by family Altar Server: C. Janda and M. Kurczak Sunday, April 7 EMHC: P. Allen, M. Cloyd, R. Kraus, K. Kuzner, 9:00amN Parishioners of St. Ephrem M.K. Reith, M.E. Sanborn, and S. Smith 11:00amN † Julia Cailotto by Joyce Korte Mass: 9:00am † Donald Oleksinski by Dennis & Annette Fink Lector: K. Przeklas † Anne Fink by Dennis & Annette Fink Altar Server: E. Holland, J. Holland, and P. Pipia † Maria D’Andrea by family EMHC: D. Christina, J. Comfort, J. Elsey, D. Hill, † Antonio Giovinazzo by wife & daughters M. Holland, D. Laws, and F. Vollmers Monday, April 8 Mass: 11:00am 9:00amN Birthday blessings for Virginia Sioma Lector: P. Little by the Przeklas family Altar Server: N. Giovannone and H. Kakoni † Manuel Vella by George & Margaret Micallef EMHC: J. Allor, P. Ishioka, B. Kowalski, S. Kuzdal, Tuesday, April 9 A. Pirela, L. Sheppard, and M. Sheppard 9:00amN Mass Counters: T & D Troszak, G & J Felczak, and J Warwinsky Wednesday, April 10 Altar Linens: M.K. Reith (Holy Week) 9:00amN † Mary Leonardi Schoenherr Towers: K. Przeklas Altar Apostolates: J. Koury, V. Cimino, C. Brownell Friday, April 12 Holy Thursday (4/18/19) 9:00amN Birthday blessings for Karalyn Houbeck † Carrie Grech by George & Margaret Micallef St. Ephrem Calendar for the Week Saturday, April 13N Palm Sunday Sunday, April 7N Office Comes to Church 4:30pmM † Irvo & Caroline Marulli by Rich & Nancy Monk Food and Fellowship after Masses in Activity Center † Pauline Dypka by daughter & granddaughters 12:30pmNBaptism PreparationNActivity Center † Jocelyn Lava by family 12:30pmNRCIAM Resource Room Sunday, April 14 Monday, April 8M 9:00amN Frank & Theresa Jones and family by Al & Joann 6:30pmNReligious education classes M Activity Center † James Burns by wife Tuesday, April 9M † Ted & Eugenia Parka by Virginia Sioma 10:00amNAlAnonNJuan Diego Room † Barbara Whitehouse by the Padalino family 7:00pmNLenten Reconciliation NightN Church † Frank Campbell and † Grace Schabath by Marion Campbell Wednesday, April 10M Eucharistic Adoration after Mass until Noon 11:00amN Parishioners of St. Ephrem 6:30pmNSpecial NeedsNActivity Center Mass Intention Policy: 6:30pmNHandbellsNChurch All Mass intentions must be made 10 days prior to 7:15pmNChoirNChurch the date you would like the intention scheduled 7:45pmNK of C General MeetingNGreat Room (pending availability). Thank you! Thursday, April 11M 10:00amNFood PantryNStorage Room 1:00pmNOANTeresa of Calcutta 5:00pmNCommunity SupperNGreat Room April 1822NParish Offices Closed Friday, April 12M 11:00amNNANActivity Center April 28N Confirmations at 11am Mass 4:00pmN Fish DinnerNGreat Room May 4/5NVBS registration after Masses (Gathering Space) 6:00pmNExposition & BenedictionNChurch May 5N1st Communions at 11am Mass 7:00pmNStations of the CrossNChurch Saturday, April 13N Parish Raffle Winners Palm Sunday Bake Sale after MassNGathering Space Draw Date: 3/27/2019 10:00amNSMILE MeetingNDouble Room Ticket # 069 8:00pmNAA & AlANONNGreat Room/Edith Stein Joshua Eccleston $100.00 Sunday, April 14N Shirley Billette $25.00 Palm Sunday Bake Sale after MassesNGathering Space Aneth Pirela $25.00 12:30pmNRCIAM Resource Room The Harp of the Holy Spirit St. Ephrem Catholic Church Page 7, April 7, 2019N 5th Sunday of Lent St. Ephrem Parish Directory
PARISH STAFF: ST. EPHREM CATHOLIC CHURCH 38900 Dodge Park Road Rev. Craig Giera, Pastor Sterling Heights, MI 48312 Email: [email protected] PARISH OFFICE: 5862641230 Fax: 5862642757 Rob Leonardi, Parish Catechetical Leader Parish Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Monday through Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.M 5:00 p.m. Sarah Hunt, Parish Secretary Thursday: 8:45 a.m.5:00 p.m. Email: [email protected] Closed daily for lunch: 1:30 p.m.N2:00 p.m. Arthur Rauh, Music Minister Fridays: 8:30 a.m. Noon Theresa Brown, Religious Education Secretary Mary Kay Reith, Special Needs Director RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE: Jim Weller, Business Manager Phone: 5862642777 Email: [email protected] Mark Sulewski, Maintenance Office Hours: Monday 8:30 5:00pm Knights of Columbus Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Msgr. John T. Gordon Council #12102 REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE Grand Knight: Mark Schneider 5863218410 or [email protected]. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 a.m. To join, visit www.kofc.orgNK of C Facebook Page:
(No Mass on Thursdays) Knights of Columbus Council #12102 Saturday: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Parish Website: www.saintephremchurch.org Facebook: St. Ephrem Catholic Church SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: St. Ephrem Bulletin Online: www.parishesonline.com 30 minutes before all Masses, Fr. Craig’s Homilies: www.frcraiggiera.libsyn.com or (no Confessions on Thursdays), search the iTunes Podcast: Fr. Craig Giera/Homilies Saturdays at 12:15 PM & by appointment Vicariate Website: www.cmvic.net
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