Parish Weekly Bulletin

February 8, 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, February 9, 2009

Gn 1:1-19  Mk 6:53-56

8:30 AM            Altar Society

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

St. Scholastica

Gn 1:20-2:4a  Mk 7:1-13

8:30 AM            Chalmer Rockenfield

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Our Lady of Lourdes

Gn 2:4b-9,15-17  Mk 7:14-23

8:30 AM            Bob Auer

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Gn 2:18-25  Mk 7:24-30

8:30 AM            Communion Service

Friday, February 13, 2009

Gn 3:1-8  Mk 7:31-37

8:30 AM            Rita Chapman

Saturday, February 14, 2009

St. Cyril & St. Methodius

Gn 3:9-24  Mk 8:1-10

5:00 PM            Sara Paterson

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lv 13:1-2,44-46  1 Cor 10:31-11:1  Mk 1:40-45

These Scriptures proclaim:  Jesus manifests

the powerful, healing love of God by curing

the leper who was forced to live under severe

restrictions by Jewish legislation.  He turned

to Jesus in his need and was filled with joy. 

We are called to imitate the healing and

compassionate Jesus.

9:00 AM            Chalmer Rockenfield

10:30 AM          Greg Jaspers

12:00 Noon        Members of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish

Monday, February 9, 2009

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass– Chapel

9:00 AM                        Altar Society-room B

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

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass– Chapel

1:00 PM                        Bible – Chapel

3:00 PM                        Scouts – cafeteria

7:00 PM                        PTO - Library

7:30 PM                        RCIA - HH

7:30 PM                        Choir - Church

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass-Church

3:00 PM                        Dance Team – cafeteria

6:30 PM                        Building & Finance - B

7:00 PM                        Confirmation Spirit Night – cafeteria/gym

Thursday, February 12, 2009  

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Communion Service-Chapel

2:00 PM                        PTO Survey – cafeteria

5:00 PM                        School Conferences

Friday, February 13, 2009

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass  – Chapel

9:30 AM                        Bible Study – B

Saturday, February 14, 2009

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

5:00 PM                        Mass – (Fr. Davis)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

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

9:00 AM                        PREP/EC

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

10:30 AM                      Bingo set up – cafeteria

12:00 PM                      Mass – (Dominican Priest) – Church

12:30 PM                      Bingo – cafeteria

7:00 PM                        Bible Study - HH

8:00 PM                        AA

    FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

We learn several important pieces of information from this gospel passage.  First, Simon Peter had a mother-in-law.  When we read previously that he left his fishing boat to follow Jesus, we can safely assume that he left much more than that.  He had a family at home and we hear in this gospel of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law.  Also, this gospel helps us recognize the need Jesus had to be away from the crowds and confusion to take time to pray and become revitalized and strengthened for his ministry.

Reflection: This gospel is especially helpful.  Many (maybe most) nights we fall into bed exhausted from a day of responsibilities.  Perhaps it was our intention throughout the day to find time to pray, but sometimes we just don’t get to it.  At the end of the day, we resolve to talk with God, but wake in the morning to find out we fell asleep before we finished the prayer.  Jesus gives us the example that we must take the time away from the busyness and demands of our lives to be fortified and strengthened to meet the most important responsibilities we have and that is our spiritual formation.

LENTEN & EASTER REFLECTION BOOKLETS FOR 2009

St. Vincent Ferrer is providing each family in our parish a booklet for reflection during Lent and the Easter Season.  The booklet will be available at Sunday Masses the weekend of February 21 & 22.   Begin each day with these short reflections…  allow time for the words to sink in for the message to unfold.  This is the Journey of Lent and Easter.

ASH WEDNESDAY

February 25 Masses will be at 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Ashes will be distributed at all three Masses.  The schoolchildren will be in attendance at the 8:30 a.m. Mass.  The door collection that day will be for our support of the rebuilding of the Catholic Church in Eastern Europe.  There is a special envelope provided with your collection envelopes.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

This year during Lent Stations of the Cross will be on Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m. beginning on Friday, February 27.

LENTEN EVENSONGS

Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. on March 4, March 11 and March 18 in the Community Building Chapel.

PARISH LENTEN RECONCILIATION SERVICE

The Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.  Mark your calendar!

INTER-PARISH LENTEN MISSION

Plan to make the Parish Mission part of your Lenten Journey.  The Mission, sponsored by

St. Vincent Ferrer and All Saints Churches will be presented on March 30 & 31 and April 1 & 2.  Save the dates!

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.

PALMS & ASHES

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.

PROMISE 2009

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 have received 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.

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

CALLING ALL MEN

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.

SPECIAL THANKS TO QUOI AU & PAT CONNOR FOR SNOW REMOVAL

We need to applaud our maintenance department at St. Vincent Ferrer for all their extra effort to remove snow and ice from the parking lot and sidewalks.

                                                -Fr. George Kunkel

IN MEMORIAM

Your prayers are requested for the soul of Thomas Wilson whose Mass of Christian Burial was held February 6.

VOCATION VIEW

Proclaiming the gospel is our Christian mission.  Jesus proclaimed the Good News and healed because he was rooted in prayer.  Take Jesus’ lead – pray!

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, Robert Churchill, Joe Crachiolo, Bette DiSalvo, Mark Glevicky, James Grever, Mary Heinlen, John Hill, Virginia Howd, Marie Kleiman, Anne Kowalski, Mary Langemeier, Ann Lytle, Mary Alice Menke, Marilyn Naehring, Maurice Niehaus, Robert O’Keefe, Earlene Retford, Grace Schwallie, Phyllis Villari.

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.

CONFIRMATION

     SPIRIT NIGHT II - Feb. 11

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

will receive information via regular mail.

     RETREAT - Feb. 20

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  Eucharistic Sunday II 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! And so are you!  It’s safe, fun, Catholic, convenient, free, better than couching, your friends are there (if not, bring ‘em), and the kids are terrific. Any school … All Saints, St. Vincent, St. Savior parishes … 7^th & 8^th grade for Junior High, 9^th – 12^th for High School and HOW. 

We are always looking for parishioners who would like to minister with their time and /or their talent to the young folks. Please contact Jeff Rosfeld ( 314-1147 or jrosfeld@gmail.com) if you have some interest. 

High School Catholic Youth Group

Our next gathering is on Sunday, February 8 from 6:45PM – 8:30PM in the Youth Room.

We’ll also gather on Sunday Feb 22 for “Cast Your Nets” at Good Shepherd Parish from 5:30PM – 9:00PM (Archdiocese release form is REQUIRED and will be available at the Feb. 8 Youth Group, HOW or on line).  This is a regional event for Catholic teens … and will include Mass, great music by the Lee Roessler Band, a talk or two, and plenty of social time with snacks. We’ll meet at Good Shepherd … drop off at 5:15 PM and pick up at 9:00PM is at Good Shepherd.

Junior High Catholic Youth Group

We’ll gather on February 15, and March 1 from 6:45 – 8:30PM. We’ll devote some time on the 15^th to planning our actions for Feb – May … try to make it so that we learn your ideas.

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’ll discuss scripture most weeks … usually the reading from the preceding or following Sunday liturgy. 

We’re on for 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.

The Sunday Evening Bible Study that meets in Hamilton Hall from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. will be using Fr. Ronald Wintherup's Book... Saint Paul..Called to Conversion (a retreat with Saint Paul) during the Six Sundays of Lent. Fr. George Kunkel will be joining/guiding the group on the Evening Sundays of Lent (March 8, 22 and April 1).  If you would like to be part of the Bible Study Meetings during the Sundays of Lent; we need your Reservation by Friday, February 13 to have the Retreat Book in time for the First Sunday of Lent (March 1st). If you wish to participate, call Sally Godschalk at

742-7590 or email her at jgodschalk@yahoo.com by February 13.

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.

GREATER CINCINNATI SOCIAL ACTION COLLABORATIVE CONGRESS MEETING

Wednesday, February 11

Members from our parish are invited to participate in the 4^th annual “Greater Cincinnati Social Action Collaborative Congress” on Feb. 11, 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church (745 Ezzard Charles).  The purpose of this Congress is to select one or two issues that our parishes will work on together for 2009.  Last year, parishioners from over 30 parishes joined together to vote on which respect life and social justice issues we would all work on in common.  The larger our contingent the more clout we have at the Feb 11 meeting!  Do you have an issue you wish to support with our vote?  To join our delegation, or for more information, please contact Christ Homan at 607-5996.

Ministry Trip to Appalachia
The Social Justice and Outreach Commission is looking for individuals who would be interested in participating in the 4-day Outreach event this Spring in which we will refurbish homes in Appalachia. We are looking at four possible 4-day blocks for the trip and want to assess the availability and level of interest for each.  The potential dates include: April 13-16 or April 15-18 (both are within the week following Easter), May 6-9 (the week before Mother’s Day): or May 11-14 (the week after Mother’s Day).  If you are interested in participating in this ministry please contact Chris Homan by email (jhoman1@cinci.rr.com) or phone (607-5996) with your first and second choice, and which if any, for which you would not be available at all.  We will make the final decision during the next Social Justice and Outreach Commission Meeting on Tuesday, February 24.

Social Justice and Outreach Commission Meeting - Tuesday, February 24
The next SVF Social Justice and Outreach Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 pm in Room B of the Administration Building (Music Room). The focus of this month’s meeting will be to discuss the Spring Appalachian Trip and the results of the Social Action Collaborative Congress.  All are invited to attend, particularly those interested in participating in the Appalachian ministry.  If you have any questions about the SJO Commission or upcoming meeting, please call Chris Homan at 607-5996

URBAN MISSIONARIES

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.

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. 

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

DID YOU KNOW?

 Connie Naber was named as a "Distinguished Graduate" of St. Vincent Ferrer School for Catholic Schools Week! The Mass that was originally scheduled for Friday, January 30 was cancelled due to inclement weather. Connie spoke to the students and staff after Mass this past Wednesday, February 4. Mrs. Naber talked about her days at SVF, service and the importance of a Catholic education! St. Vincent Ferrer is proud of Connie and all of our wonderful grads!

HIGH SCHOOL SECOND QUARTER

HONOR ROLL

The following students have earned honors for the second quarter: Mt. Notre Dame High School – First Honors: Ellen Diemer, Jennifer Vonderbrink – Second Honors: Melissa Eckes, Delaney Halpin, Martha Reckers, Caitlyn Schlie, Heather Wujek. Congratulations on a job well done!  Any High School parishioner who made the honor roll needs to have their school provide us a list so your name can be included in the bulletin.

We're still collecting and counting pop tabs!

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 your 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.

Do you buy at Gordon Food Services (GFS)?

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.  

BOYS CYO VOLLEYBALL * Reminder Registration closes after FEB 11^th  

Registration for 3^rd to 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

891-8035 (home) or 226-6611 (cell) for answers to your questions.

COACHES                   

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

Why should your son play CYO boys volleyball?

• New sport, new enthusiasm, many players have limited experience. In other words, no experience is necessary but a willingness to learn is!
• Local high schools have great volleyball traditions. (Moeller, St. X and Elder have won the State Tourney 8 of the past 11 years)
• Little time commitment relative to other spring sports (1 hour per match is typical, 6 week season)
• No rained out games or practices
• YOUR SON WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME!

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

SPECIAL HEARING DEVICES FOR CHURCH

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

SVF ALTAR SOCIETY

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.

GOLDEN WEDDING JUBILEE   

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.

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 February 15

Randall Witte, Joe Borer, Barb Frooks, Beth Scholl, Walt Zajo.

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.

FIGHT FOCA

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.

LET THE SON SHINE IN!

The fifth amazing Eucharistic event in the Cincinnati tri-state area will occur on Friday, February 13, from 7:30-9:30 pm at Saint Gertrude Parish in Madeira.  The Tri-State Eucharistic Festivals of Praise are for people of ALL ages with the purpose of drawing Catholics into a deeper personal relationship with our Eucharistic Lord, deepening their desire to receive Him frequently in Holy Communion at Mass, and setting people's hearts on fire for God and His Church so as to better be His hands and feet in this world.  There will be opportunities for confession, and fellowship will follow.  Our Lord is not far away, but among us truly present in the Eucharist and wants to spend time with us and wants us to know His love.  Let us rejoice!  Please visit our website at www.EucharisticFOP.org for more information!