Parish Weekly Bulletin

January 18, 2009

Communion Visits to the Homebound -Members of this ministry take Holy Communion and visit with parishioners who are unable to attend Mass.  This service is available for short and long term convalescence.  Please call the Parish Office (791-9030).

Driving Ministry– For parishioners needing transportation to weekend Mass, for health related appointments and grocery shopping.  Please call Donna Piening (791-7449) or the Parish Office (791-9030).

St. Vincent for the Poor – (791-9030)

Prayer Chain – To request prayers for a special intention call the Parish Office (791-9030).

Web site: www.svfchurch.org

Monday, January 19, 2009

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Heb 5:1-10  Mk 2:18-22

8:30 AM            Pete Adleta

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Sts. Fabian & Sabastain

Heb 6:10-20  Mk 2:23-28

8:30 AM            Bill Long

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

St. Agnes

Heb 7:1-3,15-17  Mk 3:1-6

8:30 AM            Thanks to God for all His blessings

Thursday, January 22, 2009

St. Vincent

Heb 7:25-8:6  Mk 3:7-12

8:30 AM            Communion Service

Friday, January 23, 2009

Heb 8:6-13  Mk 3:13-19

8:30 AM            Virginia Melchiorre

Saturday, January 24, 2009

St. Francis de Sales

Heb 9:2-3,11-14  Mk 3:20-21

5:00 PM            Members of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jon 3:1-5,10  1 Cor 7:29-31  Mk 1:14-20

These Scriptures proclaim:  The Ninevites

heard the preaching of Jonah and repented

of their evil ways, thus experiencing the

Lord’s compassion.  Do we repent when we

hear the preaching of Jesus?  Do we invest

our lives in the world rather than in God’s

kingdom?

9:00 AM            James Kayser

10:30 AM          Megan Piller

12:00 Noon        Ann Diebold

Monday, January 19, 2009

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass– Chapel

9:00 AM-5:00 PM           Solemn Exposition-Chapel (stop in for 15 minutes)

7:00 PM                        Communications – B

No School

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass– Chapel

1:00 PM                        Bible – Chapel

1:30 PM                        Bridge Marathon – café

3:00 PM                        Scouts – room 124

7:30 PM                        RCIA - HH

7:30 PM                        Choir - Church

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass-Church

6:30 PM                        Scouts – cafeteria

7:30 PM                        Faith Sharing – Chapel

7:30 PM                        Parish Pastoral Council – room B

Thursday, January 22, 2009  

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Communion Service-Chapel

Friday, January 23, 2009

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:00 AM-3:00 PM           Artist in Residence – HH

8:30 AM                        Mass  – Chapel

9:30 AM                        Bible Study – B

5:30 PM                        Cub Scouts - cafe

Saturday, January 24, 2009

3:30-4:30 PM                 Confessions (Fr. Kunkel) -Church

5:00 PM                        Mass – (Fr. Kunkel)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

9:00 AM                        Mass   - (Fr. Kunkel)  – Church

9:00 AM                        PREP/EC

10:30 AM                      Mass  – (Fr. Kunkel)  –Church

10:30 AM                      Bingo set up – cafeteria

11:30 AM                      School Open House

12:00 PM                      Mass – RCIA Dismissal

                                                (Fr. Guntzelman) – Church

12:30 PM                      Bingo – cafeteria

7:00 PM                        Bible Study - HH

8:00 PM                        AA

St. Vincent for the Poor Collection

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Jesus begins to call his disciples in this gospel passage.  Two of John the Baptist’s disciples were standing with him when Jesus approached them.  John pointed out to his disciples that Jesus was the Lamb of God.  The disciples may have left John to follow Jesus at first out of curiosity, but soon they knew there was something compelling about his invitation.  While they didn’t clearly understand all this meant, they allowed themselves to be led by Jesus.

Reflection:  Try to imagine the excitement these first disciples felt when they heard Jesus’ words.  There must have been something very compelling in what Jesus said and the hope he gave these men in order for them to drop everything and not only follow him, but to go to others with the exciting news.  That’s how our enthusiasm should be.  It would be good to check our own level of enthusiasm for Jesus’ call to us so that whenever others hear our words and stories about Jesus, they will immediately recognize our passion.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

On Sunday January 18^th we begin our annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  Some of the saddest chapters in the history of Christianity are the accounts of the division and fragmentation that have occurred within the Church.  All of this has been in direct contrast to Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper: “I pray Father, that they may be one, even as we are one.” (John 17:11)  We will bring our prayer for unity among all Christian denominations to God each day and I encourage you to include this intention in your own personal prayers.

SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY – January 18

Sunday, January 18^th is “Sanctity of Life Sunday”.  We ask that you remember the Lord’s little ones on this special day.  St. Vincent Ferrer has prepared a special pink envelope marked Respect Life on January 18 for your support of the ministry done at Pregnancy Center East.  All monies collected will be sent directly to Pregnancy Center East. The envelope is with your regular Sunday collection envelopes.  This Center offers women alternatives to abortion.  They offer free confidential pregnancy tests, counseling, adoption information, infant clothes and diapers – and a variety of other services.  The Center has a 24-hour help line (321-3100) and is located in the Hyde Park Medical Arts Building, Suite 11 at 2752 Erie Avenue.  Thanks for your financial and spiritual support on January 18.

SACRAMENTAL STATISTICS FOR 2008

During 2008, St. Vincent Ferrer Church had 33 baptisms, 3 weddings and 24 funerals.  I thought you might be interested in these statistics for the past year.

BAPTISMS IN LENT

The season of Lent is fast approaching.  In order to use those forty days as a time of prayer and fasting to prepare for the celebration of the Easter sacraments with our Catechumens and Candidates, we do not plan to schedule any baptisms during Lent (February 25 thru April 11) except in cases of an emergency or pastoral necessity.  We are looking forward to celebrating the living waters of baptism with the new members of our faith community throughout the Easter season.

EXTRA 2009 CHURCH CALENDARS

If you want an extra 2009 Church calendar there are some available at the Church doors or in the Ushers Room.

SPORT COATS NEEDED FOR SVF USHERS

It has been many years since we replaced the Ushers sport coats.  Fr. George has found a discounter who can provide SVF with new Ushers sport coats for approximately $2000.  If you can help us with the expense, notify Fr. George at 791-9030.

                                                -Fr. George Kunkel

WELCOME

Please welcome the following family who recently joined St. Vincent Ferrer Parish.

Chris & Katie Tranter

We trust that our parish will extend friendship and support to them.

BAPTISMS

Please welcome the newest member of our faith community: Evan Lee Drust, son of Michael & Carmen Drust who was recently baptized.  Congratulations to the proud parents.

VOCATION VIEW

We don’t always recognize the voice of God.  Spend time in silence regularly to listen to God’s voice.  God calls, keep an open ear.

(1 Samuel 3:3-10)

BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

The baptism preparation class is for parents who are having their first child baptized.  The next class will be offered on Sunday, March 8 at 1:15 p.m. in the Community Building Chapel.  You must call the parish office 791-9030 to register.

In The Hospital or Recovering at Home:

So that as a parish we can keep in our prayers those in our community who are ill, St. Vincent Ferrer Parish would like to publish the names of those parishioners and their families who are in the hospital, recovering from an illness or going through treatments.  We ask that you contact the Parish Office at 791-9030.

Glorianne Barbacane, Jim Boyatt, Gerry Brinker, Jenny Castelluccio, William Church, Robert Churchill, Ann Corder, Joe Crachiolo, Bette DiSalvo, Mark Glevicky, Gerald Grever, Mary Heinlen, John Hill, Virginia Howd, Marie Kleiman, Anne Kowalski, Mary Langemeier, Mary Sue Lawrence, Ann Lytle, Mary Alice Menke, Dick Naber, Marilyn Naehring, Maurice Niehaus, Robert O’Keefe, Earlene Retford, Grace Schwallie, George Seurkamp, Marie Sheehy, Phyllis Villari.

ST. VINCENT FOR THE POOR COLLECTION

Our next-door collection for our St. Vincent for the Poor Society will take place the weekend of January 24 & 25.  The baskets will be in the back of Church.  Your generosity is appreciated.

FOCAS 50 Update

 With the new year upon us and a Kroger open again in Kenwood, it is a good time to provide an update on our FOCAS 50 Kroger rewards gift card program.  First of all, MANY, MANY THANKS to all the families who continue to use their FOCAS 50 cards at Kroger.  As you know, Kroger sends us a check every four weeks equal to 4% of the money our parishioners have loaded onto their FOCAS 50 Kroger gift cards.   This money is absolutely critical to our budget and we are very grateful to those families who regularly shop at Kroger and use their FOCAS 50 card. 

This program became a parish-wide effort in July 2004, so we have now been receiving this "free money" from Kroger for 4-1/2 years.  Revenue was down a bit for the parish's latest fiscal year (ending June 30, 2008) and stayed below average through the summer and fall, likely due to the Kenwood Kroger being closed while the Kroger Fresh Fare was being built. 

Here is a recap of the program's results:

• July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005:  $31,396
• July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006:  $32,887
• July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007:  $32,267
• July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008:  $29,256
• July 1, 2008 through November 29, 2008:  $10,661

Now that the Fresh Fare is open, we are hoping to see our FOCAS 50 revenues rebound so that we can get back on track with this important fundraiser.  Do you have a FOCAS 50 card?  Are you using it every time you shop at Kroger?  If you need a card, please stop by or call the parish office.  It's so easy to use, and the results really add up if lots of people participate.  Simply put money on the gift card before the cashier starts ringing up your order.  You can use cash, check or a credit or debit card to load money onto your card.  Then use the card to pay for your groceries and/or prescriptions.  That's all there is to it -- and at the end of the month, Kroger will send SVF a check.  Several times we've earned between $2,800 and $2,900 in a month.  Let's get everyone back on board and see if we can top $3,000!!

If you'd like to help in the effort to get this program back on track in '09, we'd love to hear from you!  Contact Marc Greenberg in the parish office if you'd like to join the committee to help get SVF more FOCAS-ed on maximizing our revenue potential through this unique program. 

Tax Letters for Donations in 2008

Parishioners who want a letter from the parish stating their church donations for 2008 tax purposes must sign up in the back of church to request the letter.  The letters will not be automatically sent.  The office will mail the letter to your home, or you can pick it up in the Parish Office, but a letter will only be sent to those who request it.  This procedure will save the parish hundreds of dollars in postage.

DID YOU CONTRIBUTE A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE ANGEL TREE?  Then you’ll want to read this response written to Karen McMichael, Dir. of Faith Formation …

“Dear Karen,

I cannot begin to convey to you how deeply our families were touched by the generous array of gifts from your giving tree.  My daughters were both there when the first mother came to pick up her gifts.  She looked at them and just began to shake and sob.  We all ended up in tears.  She said her daughter had said that morning that she understood that it had been a hard year and there was no money for gifts, but that was all right because they were with her and that was the important thing.  She said she just prayed so hard that day and could not believe this was all for her family.  ~  All of the families were touched and so grateful.  ~  Thanks again, and I hope you have a wonderful New Year.

Sincerely, Ceal Bellman ~ The Caring Place

Makes you feel good, doesn’t it? ~ Thanks to each and every one of you for your generosity! 

Parent & Child FIRST EUCHARIST MEETING  ~ Parents preparing children to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist are reminded of the Parent & Child Eucharist Meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, January 26^th at 7:00 PM.  Both you and your child are expected to attend. Please bring the children to the cafeteria.  Parents will meet in Hamilton Hall. The evening will include a church tour for the children and a meeting for parents that will give details about the celebration of First Eucharist at S.V.F. and information and materials for remaining projects and activities that are part of your child’s preparation.  For more information, please refer to our recent email/mailing.

Are you in Jr. High or High School?  Are you wondering what you can do on Sunday evenings that is fun, safe, Catholic, inexpensive, & close-by?  Here’s an idea … stop by the Catholic Youth Group at All Saints.

Junior High Catholic Youth Group

Mark your calendars …  We’ll gather on January 18, February 1 (Super Bowl Sunday), February 15, and March 1, from 6:45 – 8:30PM.  We warmly welcome all All Saints, Saint Vincent Ferrer and St. Saviour parishioners in the 7^th or 8^th grades from all schools.

HOW Highschoolers of the Well

Monday evenings from 6:45PM – 8:30PM, in the Youth Room … that’s the when and the where and the HOW.  We will also meet on Thursday (time will be determined) January 22 for our Pro Life effort.  Please try to clear as much of that day as possible (after school & early evening) for our “Right to Life” efforts … details to follow!  That’s the date of the March for Life in Washington remembering the Roe v Wade decision. You don’t need to be in DC to have your voice heard and your actions seen. 

High School Catholics from several schools meet to share, learn, discuss, eat, pontificate, joke, pray, support, laugh, sympathize and empathize, complain and sustain, and enjoy a safe, neat group of peers.  You are welcome to join us … that’s how HOW kids are!

Questions?  Call All Saints at 791-6351,

or SVF’s Kara Feltrup at 891-5597.

ATTENTION! - The Parish Library is now located in the Office of Faith Formation, on the 2^nd floor of the Parish Center.  Hours are 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Mondays through Thursdays.  Stop by to peruse our wide selection.  Book returns can be made at that time, or placed in the blue bin in the main hall.

SOCIAL JUSTICE & OUTREACH COMMISSION MEETING – Wed, Jan 28

The next SVF Social Justice and Outreach Commission meeting will be held on January 28 at 7:00 p.m. in Room B of the SVF Community Building (old Music Room at end of the hall).  All are invited to attend.  During the meetings we discuss and select Social Justice and Outreach activities to sponsor/promote. Meeting time is also spent planning events that will raise awareness of social action concerns supported by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Catholic Relief Services.  If you have any questions about the SJO Commission or upcoming meeting, please call Chris Homan at 607-5996.

Paper Recycling

Bringing your paper trash to the green and yellow bin next to the school, you are supporting SJ&O activities as well as helping the environment.  We receive about $100 from Abitibi each month that we then use to sponsor mission work and to help support SVF projects. Thank you!!  

ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish recycles empty aluminum beverage cans.  The can recycling container is located next to the paper-recycling bin. We only accept beverage cans (soda, beer, juice) - no soup cans, sauce cans or other types of cans please.  Please make sure your cans are rinsed and completely empty before putting them in our container. 

DID YOU KNOW?

St. Vincent Ferrer School hosted Mr. Jim Bisenius for a special "Bully-Proofing Your School" program this past Tuesday evening. A large group of our students and staff enjoyed dinner together and then a very informative meeting. Mr. Bisenius is a nationally known bully expert who helps our students and staff learn strategies to help them be more successful in dealing with other human beings. This tied in well with our school goal of helping all children be more like Christ in all of their daily actions.

OPEN HOUSE & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRAITON

   Our School Open House that begins our celebration of "Catholic Schools Week" will be on Sunday, January 25, from 11:30a.m.until 12:30 p.m. following our 10:30a.m. Mass.

    We look forward to this event that enables more people to see how the SVF Parish Community has blessed our children with our staff and facilities!

    Kindergarten Registration and Orientation for the 2009/2010 school year will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 7:00p.m. in our school library.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK-2009

We will celebrate Catholic Schools Week beginning Sunday, January 25, 2009. Our celebration will continue all week thru Friday, January 30. This year we would like to honor a "Distinguished Alumni" from St. Vincent Ferrer School. If you would like to nominate someone for this honor, please send your nomination to Mrs. Suzanne Bryce, PTO Chairperson, at bryce5svf@hotmail.com or Mr.Z., Stephen Zinser, Principal, at zinser_s@svf-school.org. Please include a short description of why this person should be honored. All nominations should be sent by Sunday, January 18, 2009. We look forward to a wonderful celebration. Our thanks to the St. Vincent Ferrer Faith Community for their continued support and prayers for our school!

You are Invited to the LaRosa's Spaghetti Dinner …sponsored by the 

SVF PTO!  - Jan 30  4:30-8:00 p.m.                   

Suffering from the post Christmas blues? Mark your calendar now to get out of the house and join your friends at the Annual SVF Spaghetti Dinner! The dinner will be held in the SVF Community Center and Cafeteria on Friday, January 30. For our early birds, dinner service begins at 4:30.   The event ends at 8:00 p.m. and carryout is also available.  The menu will include a LaRosa's spaghetti dinner and salad, fresh bread from Ferrari's restaurant in Madeira and soft drinks. All for the low, low price of $6 per person or $24 for your entire family!  Again this year, wine and beer will be available by the glass for $2 or 3 tickets for $5. Tickets available at the door to win fun and valuable raffle prizes. Split the Pot will also be offered!

Please bring a small (nut free) dessert to share and join us for an evening of good food, games in the gym for kids of all ages and a great time with your friends.  Contact event chair, Millie Vatter milvatter@hotmail.com with any questions or to volunteer at the event. Thanks for your support of this important SVF PTO fundraiser!

Our name has been changed to The Roamin’ Catholics. 

Friday, January 30 at 9:00 a.m.

Monthly meeting – coffee/donuts in the cafeteria.

2009 Track Team Registration

St. Vincent participates with All Saints parish for track.  Signups for 2009 track teams (K-8) will take place on Sunday Jan 18 and Sunday Jan 25 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Jubilee Room of the All Saints Parish Center.  Any athlete who is in K -8^th grades for the 2008-2009 school year is eligible to participate.  If you have any questions, please send an email to mmcmasters@cinci.rr.com.

Hello everyone and welcome to 2009....The weather is still very cold and will get colder I am sure, but it is time to THINK FESTIVAL 2009. We have our music in place thanks to Colleen Heidel, and the big name for Friday is THE GRISWOLDS, and the other names will follow. We need a bit of surprise. I am asking that all Booth Captains please contact me as soon as possible if you are still taking on your booth for this year. My address is

pdlflorida@hotmail.com. I am also asking for someone to become my co-chair this year. This job should only be in the hands of one person for three years.  I will be chair for the festival until 2010...then someone will have to step up. Working together with a person for 1 year will make the transition easy.  Festival is June 26,27,28.  –Patti Lowe

Bid and Buy Booth Gift Gathering Fundraiser with The Pampered Chef

Support SVF’s Festival Bid and Buy booth with The Pampered Chef fundraiser.  All host benefits and consultant commission will be used to purchase products for this booth.  You can view the catalog and place orders online at www.pamperedchef.biz/aliceskitchen using St. Vincent Ferrer as the host or call Alice Schneider at 272-6107 to have a catalog mailed directly to you.  Catalogs are also available in the parish and school offices.  Orders will be accepted until January 31^st. You can also contribute by collecting orders from family, friends, co-workers or donating a particular item or making a cash donation.  Thank you for your support!

Eleven SVF Cub Scouts to Receive Award at Cathedral this Sunday

This weekend, eleven young men from St. Vincent Ferrer will be recognized during a special ceremony at St. Peter in Chains for having earned the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) religious emblem for Roman Catholic Cub Scouts.  Participating in the Sunday afternoon awards presentation at the Cathedral will be: Ian Bryce, Richie Crandell, Mark Eifert, Grant Homan, Kyle Kimbrough, Ben Kowalski, Joey Luby, Liam McGrath, Augie Painter, David Schneider, and Adam Sichel.  Congratulations to these fourth and fifth graders and their parents for this outstanding achievement! 

BIBLE STUDY

Come and join us for a bible study by St. Paul. Our groups will be doing a 7-week study on the book of Hebrews, beginning the 3rd week in January. This is the year of St. Paul, so we are going to do 2 studies by St. Paul this winter and spring. The first study is by Ignatius Press on the Book of Hebrews. The books were ordered from the Catholic Shop, in Madeira. The times and contact information, if you are interested is as follows: Fridays, 9:30-11am, Room B, contact Kathy Sweeney at 891-6352 or Sundays, 7-8:45 pm, Hamilton Hall, contact Sally Godschalk 984-0174

SVF MEMORIAL BRICKS

Remember your loved one (living or deceased) with a Memorial Brick in the SVF Memorial Garden. It is located on the Montgomery Road side of our campus.  The gardens have been a spot of beauty cared for by members of our Adopt a Plot ministry.  Each brick costs $50 to have engraved with three lines of up to 14 characters (including spaces) per line.  Stop in at the Parish Office to order or call Bob or Donna Piening with questions, 791-7449.

BINGO AT ST. VINCENT FERRER

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday; concession provided; instants are sold at 1:00 p.m.; first Bingo game begins at 1:30 p.m.; Bingo will end by 5:00 p.m.  Bingo questions call 324-3788 or Brenda Hauser, 984-8446.

Bingo workers for January 25

Jackie Brown, Mark Mitchell, Terry Brown, Tom, Vangeloff, Mary Vangeloff, Ted Schneider, Mary Schneider, Chris Homan, Frank Kanyuck, John Ellerhorst and Julie Ellerhorst

BULLETIN DEADLINES

We need to receive all articles in writing by Monday at 2:00 p.m. You should indicate the dates you would like your bulletin article to appear.  Unless otherwise indicated, all articles will run for 2 weeks. 

BULLETIN INSERTS

Please call the parish office to get your bulletin insert on the calendar.  All inserts must be put on the insert calendar as soon as possible. (The number of inserts are limited to 2 per week) and the copies need to be in the Parish office by Wednesday morning.  This will allow the bulletin stuffers ample time to adjust their calendar for volunteer time.  A special thanks to our volunteer bulletin stuffers, we appreciate your help!

MOVING?

Don’t forget to notify the parish office of your new address and phone number when moving.

CATHOLIC MINISTRY TO THE BEREAVED

In collaboration with The Community of the Good Shepherd presents Kathleen Cassini & Ken Czillinger – “A Time To Care For Me” a spiritual retreat for persons grieving a loss through death.  Saturday, February 21 at Good Shepherd.  To register or questions: Gerry 677-8026 or Dee 575-2402.

FRIENDS OF JESUS is a group for adults with developmental disabilities (18 years of age or older).  This group’s focus is primarily for support, prayer and socializing. Join us for our January Gathering on Saturday, January 24^th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at All Saints Parish Center, 8939 Montgomery Road.  At this gathering our theme will be “Dance for the Lord” and we will enjoy three talented dancers.   We come together in prayer, have entertainment, do some craft-making and enjoy refreshments.  New members are always welcome but need to register first with Jane Callan prior to attending.  Also, please RSVP to Jane Callan at 793-3546.

VALENTINE WEEKEND can be a special time this year—one you and your spouse won't forget.  Join us for a “Weekend of Romance & Renewal”.  You owe it to each other. You will be amazed at how much closer you will become as you learn the secrets of a successful marriage.  The special times of quiet and reflection will enable you to find a new peace in your marriage.  Learn how much Our Lord wants to be a part of your marriage, and plan your goals for the future.  Your intimate dinner for two will be one to remember and treasure.   Cost is only $59. per couple.  This weekend could change your lives for the better.  For more information call Nick & Linda McCarroll at 513/724-0889, or Rich & Shirley Reder at 513/541-2610.