Parish Weekly Bulletin

2008-2009

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Chairperson Barry Auer 984-1041

Vice-Chairperson John Abraham 791-4527

Member-at-Large Amy Hobler 984-3087

Member-at-Large Mary Kay Lynch 731-7155

Member-at-Large Peg Halpin 631-7301

Member-at-Large Conrad Neumann 793-3165

Athletics Steve Schaefer 792-9455

Building & Finance Ray Bauman 984-4239

Education Comm. Ken Gleason 891-4280

Worship Debbie Kamp 891-4168

Development Comm. John Sichel 891-7237

Community Life Phil Hying 984-1533

Social Justice Comm. Chris Homan 745-9958

Festival Comm. Patti Lowe 793-1112

Seminary Intern Adam Puntel 686-1126

Communication & Volunteer Recruitment Comm.

Gerald Shannon 791-9313

Recording Secretary Maryanne Staubach 891-0949

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).

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

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Friday, February 6, 2009

Monday, February 2, 2009

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Friday, February 6, 2009

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Much of Jesus’ teaching took place in a synagogue and specifically in today’s reading; the synagogue at Capernaum was filled with Jewish people from Galilee. Jesus’ listeners were surprised by his knowledge and authority. He especially surprised them when he cast out an evil spirit from one of the men. The evil spirit recognized who Jesus was and called him “the Holy One of God”. The people didn’t understand this meaning. Only the evil spirit recognized Jesus. The people, however, were impressed by Jesus’ deeds and brought others to him for healing.

Reflection: It is an awesome responsibility to have authority over another person. Our very use of that authority has the potential of lifting people up or tearing them down. The words we choose, the tone of voice we use to speak to others and the actions others see us take, relate to them the authority Jesus has over us. It’s often a sobering experience to think back over the day and recall what kind of witness we’ve been for Jesus. Our hope is that we can try again tomorrow.

On Monday February 2nd the liturgy celebrates Jesus being presented in the temple by Mary and Joseph forty days after his birth. It was during this ceremony of dedication and blessing that the prophet Simeon declared that Jesus was to be “a light of revelation for all people”. Because of this reference to Jesus as “the light of the world”, the Church in the Middle Ages began to bless candles on this day and February 2nd became known as Candlemas Day.

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.

Can you believe that Lent is only weeks away? We invite you to bring to Church the palm you received last Palm Sunday (baskets will be at the main entrance of the Church). These palms will be burned and their ashes used this year on Ash Wednesday February 25^th. The cycle continues as we remember year after year the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection.

Tuesday, February 3^rd, is the feast of St. Blaise, who was a bishop in the fourth century. According to an ancient legend, he blessed a young boy who was choking on a fish bone. The youth recovered and after Bishop Blaise died, he was proclaimed patron of those suffering from diseases of the throat. We will celebrate the Blessing of Throats at the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Tuesday morning, February 3.

As a follow up to Fr. George’s State of the Parish address given at Mass the weekend of January 31/February 1- you should be receiving in the mail St. Vincent Ferrer’s Promise 2009 materials with regard to your financial commitment to the parish for this calendar year 2009. Please return your Promise 2009 pledge by February 16.

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. If you wish to donate one of the sport coats they are approximately $100 each.

The upcoming Cincinnati Catholic Men’s Conference is Saturday, March 21, 2009. We are planning to have all St. Vincent Ferrer attendees sit together; therefore, we need to know your interest by February 9. For more information, call Mark Wellinghoff at 891-3511. Conference speakers include: Curtis Martin from Fellowship of University students, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, from EWTN, Dr. Ray Guarendi from National Radio & Television and Fr. Mark Burger. Tickets are $40 and include lunch – high school/college tickets for $20.

Did you know that the Church has a few special hearing devices available for the hearing challenged to use during Mass. They are available in the sacristy before Mass.

Your prayers are requested for the soul of Mary Jane Whalen whose Mass of Christian Burial was held January 29.

God chooses ordinary people to speak his message. Try to perceive the voice of God in those around you. If you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.

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.

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, James Grever, Mary Heinlen, John Hill, Virginia Howd, Marie Kleiman, Anne Kowalski, Mary Langemeier, Mary Sue Lawrence, Ann Lytle, Mary Alice Menke, Marilyn Naehring, Maurice Niehaus, Robert O’Keefe, Earlene Retford, Grace Schwallie, Marie Sheehy, Phyllis Villari.

STEWARDSHIP OF OFFERING

Sunday January 25, 2009

Weekly Offertory

Sunday Collection $11,364

Other Donations $4,540

Estimated Weekly EFT donations $2,170

Sunday Collection Total $18,074

Special Collection

St. Vincent for the Poor $791

Offertory Budget

Weekly Offertory Budget Requirements $17,880

Offertory Budget Surplus this Week $194

Finance Fact: Watch for your SVF “Promise 2009” booklet in the mail. Please consider a pledge for 2009. Our Sunday Collection budget is $17,880 per week. Thank you to everyone who helped our parish meet and exceed our goal this week!

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.

~ ATTENTION ~

ALL ST. VINCENT FERRER

FALL VOLUNTEERS & CHAPERONES

must participate in a Child Protection Workshop and be Fingerprinted

Workshop & Fingerprinting Dates

New parish volunteers who will be working with children this school year, or those who have not yet had a chance to be fingerprinted or take the workshop will have the opportunity to participate in them at neighboring parishes.

WORKSHOPS:

*Immaculate Heart of Mary–388-4466

7820 Beechmont Avenue (45255)

2^nd Monday of each month @7:30PM

3^rd Wednesday of each month @ 4PM

*Call to confirm!

PERMANENT FINGERPRINTING SITES:

Archdiocese of Cincinnati - 421-3131

100 E. 8th Street (45202)

Monday through Friday -- 9:00AM - 4:00 PM

*Holy Trinity, Norwood – 366-4400

2420 Drexel Avenue (45212)

Monday through Thursday -- 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

*Need appointment or call ahead @ 366-4400

Immaculate Heart of Mary – 388-4466

7820 Beechmont Avenue (45255)

Tuesday through Thursday --9:00 – 5:00PM

St. Maximillian Kolbe – 777-4322

5720 Hamilton-Mason Road (45011)

Monday thru Friday – 9:30-11:30AM & 1:30–4:30PM

and Wednesdays – 1:30 – 7:30 PM

Additional Child Protection Orientation Workshop and Fingerprinting dates and times can be found at www.catholiccincinnati.org , the Archdiocesan website. Click on “Fingerprinting Information”, then onto “Sites” and “Calendar.”

For further information please call Marc Greenberg

in the Parish Office at 791-9030.

Confirmation Candidates & Sponsors are reminded to attend the final Spirit Night on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 7:00-9:00 PM. Please watch for an upcoming email for additional information. Families without email

As part of their preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation, Candidates will attend a retreat Friday, Feb. 20 at Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford 6-10PM. More details will follow. Please keep these young candidates in your prayers.

FIRST EUCHARIST – Eucharistic Sunday II – February 15^th at 10:30 Mass The next Eucharistic Sunday will be held Sunday, Feb. 15^th, during the 10:30 AM Mass. Children preparing for First Eucharist will celebrate the theme, “We Listen.” The Second Graders of the parish will reflect on listening to the word of God. God’s presence with us is manifested in the gift of the Scriptures, God’s own word to us. How do we as a parish listen attentively to the word of God and allow the Spirit of love to transform our hearts and our minds – our very lives?

Why try the High School Youth Group, the Jr. High Youth Group or HighSchoolers of the Well?

Because we’re better with you than without you!

Meet on Sundays from 6:45-8:30 PM in the Youth Room: (Feb. 1 cancelled!) Feb. 8,

and Feb. 22 for “Cast Your Nets” at Good Shepherd Parish from 6-9PM (including Mass).

Meet on Sundays from 6:45-8:30PM in the Youth Room: (Feb. 1 cancelled!), Feb. 15,

Monday evenings from 6:45-8:30PM in the Youth Room … that’s the when and the where and the HOW. See you on Feb. 2 and Feb. 9.

Questions? Call All Saints’ Jeff Rosfeld at 314-1147, 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.

We are in the Final Stages of Proof Reading the Family Information for Our Parish Directory.

If you have had any changes to your family status (family members, address, phone number or e-mail) it is very important to contact the Parish Office Promptly with this information.

St. Vincent Ferrer Social Justice Commission is once again sponsoring a dinner for Over-the-Rhine residents at Nash Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 1st, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Help is needed in advance to prepare casseroles, bake cakes or to make cash donations to cover expenses. Serving help is also needed for the dinner. Please contact Julie Morency, 793-3031 or Sarah Stagge at 984-4081 with questions. Donations may be directed to the Parish Office, Attention: Urban Missionaries. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

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!!

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.

St. Vincent Ferrer School is proud of our Ambassadors! Yes, Our eighth graders are our official greeters, tour guides, and do other things to "sell" our school. Last Sunday many of them guided our new families around SVF during our Open House. Many life skills are strengthened and developed as they welcome visitors and show them around. If you see Andrew Buschbacher, David Schlie, Bryan Barrett, Matt Kraemer, Jenna Malkin, Caitlin Dunkley, Rose Lavelle, Kaela Shannon, or Hannah Pfaltzgraff, ask them about St. Vincent's and request a tour.

Registration for the 2009/2010 is now taking place. Please return you registration materials by February 17, 2009. Thanks!

The school junior high students are continuing their quest to reach one million pop tabs before the end of this school year. Our current hallway display of 3/4 of a million is quite impressive! Please drop you pop tab donations in the box in the church entry way or at the school office. Thank you for helping us to help Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Did you know that any purchases you make at GFS can benefit SVF? Just let them know when you check out at the register that you belong to SVF Parish and a portion of your purchases will be refunded to SVF each year in February.

Registration for 3^rdto 8^th grade Boys VOLLEYBALL is open starting today until FEB. 11^TH, for all SVF parish boys. Register online at www.svfathletics.org. Season starts around March 30^th and ends around May 16th.

Games are weekday evenings only (no weekend games) and are 1 hour long beginning at 5:30, 6:30, etc.. There are no games scheduled during

Easter break. Please Contact Tad Berger via e-mail at tberger@theminc.com or call

We are looking for coaches. Contact Tad Berger if you are interested or have questions.

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

Our February meeting will be Wednesday February 4, 2009 at 7pm in Hamilton Hall. This month we will be decorating cookies and sharing our relaxing tips. We would love for you to join us. Thanks! Any questions please contact Heather Leland dhleland@fuse.net or for calendar of meeting dates www.svfchurch.org

The Altar Society will have its next monthly meeting on Monday, February 9^th in room B. This follows the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Please come and join us. Coffee & pastry are served before the meeting.

The Lector’s new schedule for March, April & May – We are about to put together the next quarterly schedule for Lectors. Any scheduling questions or concerns should be directed to Susan Aloisio (745-9181) or smaloisio@fuse.net by Monday February 2.

The Golden Wedding Jubilee Anniversary Mass, for couples celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary, will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains. Please call the Parish Office, 791-9030 if you are celebrating your 50^th Anniversary so that your name can be given to the Archdiocese and an invitation to the Mass issued. All couples celebrating their 25^th, 50^th, 60^th, 70^th or 75^th Anniversary should also call the parish office and will be mailed a scroll. The deadline to call the parish office is March 6.

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.

Steve Ruscher, Allen Arthur, Ed Stenger, Mike Pohlman, Tom Shoop, Judy Shoop, Maryanne Staubach, Mark Strotman, Mary Strotman and Mary Ungruhn.

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.

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!

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

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) endangers women & silences the voices of everyday Americans. President Obama has promised Planned Parenthood that one of his top priorities, as President will be to sign the “Freedom of Choice Act” (FOCA) into law. FOCA would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide. Visit www.FightFOCA.com for more information and join almost 400,000 people who have signed the online Fight FOCA petition so far.

Debbie Gardner, founder of the Survive Institute, will present SURVIVE!, a self-defense workshop, on Wednesday, February 11, at 7pm in Ursuline Academy's Besl Theater. Debbie will teach participants self-control guidance

and empowerment needed for self-defense. This workshop does not focus on martial arts or demonstrate physical techniques. Debbie's approach to self-defense stresses simplicity. Using a variety of props and role-playing situations Debbie gives participants the tools they need to be courageous in the face of danger. Single tickets for the event are $8.00 in advance or $9.00 at the door. A special rate of $7.00 will be given to groups of 10 or more. Groups must register in advance in order to take advantage of the special rate. Please call

Volunteer to tutor an adult with low-level literacy skills or GED preparation needs. Or volunteer to help a Cincinnati Public School student who is reading below grade level. Please call 621-READ (7323) for information on upcoming training sessions. There are several locations and times to fit various schedules. Change a life through literacy!

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).

Mass Intentions & Readings

for the Week

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Friday, February 6, 2009

Calendar for the Week

Monday, February 2, 2009

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Friday, February 6, 2009

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Tax Letters for Donations in 2008

Because we’re better with you than without you!

PARISH LIBRARY