Parish Weekly Bulletin

March 2, 2008

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, March 3, 2008

St. Katherine Drexel

Is 65:17-21  Jn 4:43-54

8:30 AM            Marilyn Van Epps                     

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

St. Casimir

Ez 47:1-9,12  Jn 5:1-16

8:30 AM            George W. Rees

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Is 49:8-15  Jn 5:17-30

8:30 AM            Adrian Miciano

                        Birthday & Anniversary Remembrance

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Ex 32:7-14  Jn 5:31-47

8:30 AM            Communion Service         

Friday, March 7, 2008

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity

Wis 2:1a,12-22  Jn 7:1-2,10,25-30

8:30 AM            Lauretta Campbell

Saturday, March 8, 2008

St. John of God

Jer 11:18-20  Jn 7:40-53

5:00 PM            The members of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish           

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Ez 37:12-14  Rom 8:8-11  Jn 11:1-45

These Scriptures proclaim: Jesus is our resurrection and our life.  Because he has given us of the Spirit, we are no longer dead because of sin, but alive.  In Jesus is the fullness of redemption.

9:00 AM            Gregory Brown

10:30 AM          Ruth Cleves

12:00 Noon        Bridgett Mitchell

Monday, March 3, 2008

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)

1:00 PM                        Grades 7/8 Confession – Church

2:00 PM                        Grades 5/6 Confession – Church

6:00 PM                        Voting set up – room B

7:30 PM                        GIFT - HH

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

6:00 AM                        Voting – Room B

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass – Chapel

1:00 PM                        Grade 2 Confession – Church

2:00 PM                        Grades 3/4 Confession – Church

4:30 PM                        Religion Class – Rel Ed Office

7:00 PM                        Leaven Program – HH

7:00 PM                        Athletic Commission-Cafeteria

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass – Church

3:00 PM                        K for J – Room B

3:00 PM                        Scouts – Cafeteria

6:30 PM                        Development Commission – B

6:30 PM                        SVF Mom’s Group – HH

7:00 PM                        School Commission-Lib

7:00 PM                        Evensong - Church

7:30 PM                        Faith Sharing – Chapel

Thursday, March 6, 2008  

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Communion Service - Chapel

7:00 PM                        Leaven Program – HH

7:00 PM                        Lector Committee-B

Friday, March 7, 2008

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass– Chapel

9:15 AM                        1^st Friday Coffee/Donuts - Cafeteria

9:30 AM                        Bible Study – B

5:30 PM                        Fish Fry - Cafeteria

7:00 PM                        Stations of the Cross-Church

Saturday, March 8, 2008

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

5:00 PM                        Mass (Fr. Fecko) –Church

Sunday, March 9, 2008

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

9:00 AM                        PREP

10:30 AM                      Mass (3^rd Scrutiny)  (Fr. Kunkel)  –Church

10:30 AM                      Bingo set up – cafeteria

12:00 PM                      Mass (Fr. Guntzelman)– Church

12:30 PM                      Bingo – cafeteria

1:15 PM                        Baptismal Prep - Chapel

7:30 PM                        Bible Study - HH

8:00 PM                        AA – room B

VOTE MARCH 4 IN THE OHIO PRIMARY

You are encouraged to exercise your right to vote on Tuesday.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Monday, March 17^th

In order to provide an additional opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Easter, confessions will be heard on Monday, March 17^th, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m.  There will be no confessions on Holy Saturday.

MASS OF ANOINTING

Wednesday, April 2^nd – 3:30 p.m.

This is an opportunity for those who are in need of healing in any way to receive the Sacrament of the Sick and to participate in a special Mass.  Our driving ministry will be available to assist those who would like to attend.  Please call Donna Piening (791-7449) if you need transportation or can provide transportation to the Mass.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS SHOULD ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE MASS

Those preparing our Sunday Liturgies (Priest, Sacristan’s and other liturgical ministers) have requested that you try to arrive 10 minutes before Mass begins so we can maintain a prayerful atmosphere in preparation for each Mass.

THE SCRUTINIES

The Scrutinies are an integral part of the Lenten purification period for our Elect and Candidates who will be receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.  They are celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent.  The Scrutinies are prayers of protection and healing for the Elect and Candidates.  They raise up whatever keeps us from the transforming love of God, and they also raise up those dimensions of life that welcome the loving presence of God.

We celebrate the 3rd Scrutiny Rite Sunday (March 10) at the 10:30 Mass.  Please pray for our Elect and Candidates.

PROMISE 2008

Please return your Letter of Intent as soon as possible.  Fr. George Kunkel has asked all St. Vincent Ferrer parishioners to increase their Sunday Collection for 2008 by at least $100.  If you need another Letter of Intent Form call the SVF parish office at 791-9030.

ROSARY MINISTRY AT ARDEN COURTS

If you could help lead the rosary about once every six weeks on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., please call Fr. George at 791-9030.  We could use some new leaders of the rosary.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS     

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

LENTEN EVENSONGS

Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. on March 5 and March 12.

CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL

An important part of our Lenten alms-giving here in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has been our participation in the annual Archdiocesan Appeal.  Over the years, this appeal was known as the Archbishop’s Fund Drive and more recently, as the Archdiocesan Fund Drive.  This year, the appeal has a new name – Catholic Ministries Appeal.  The name change is intended to put greater emphasis on the important Archdiocesan ministries that it funds.  These include: the education of seminarians, deacons & lay pastoral ministers; Catholic Social Services; Chaplains for hospitals and prisons; College campus ministers; St. Rita School for the Deaf; and the retirement fund for diocesan priests.    Information was sent through the mail to all registered parishioners.  Please make all checks payable to “Catholic Ministries Appeal” and mail them directly to the Archdiocese using the white “CMA” envelope mailed to each household. 

As an alternative, there is a special green envelope for the Catholic Ministries Appeal dated March 2, 2008 with your Sunday collection envelopes. If you use the green envelope, make your check out to St. Vincent Ferrer and drop it in the collection basket.

Catholic Ministries Appeal to date $7200.

FIRST FRIDAY – MARCH 7  

DONUTS & COFFEE AFTER 8:30 AM MASS

Please join us in the cafeteria for a social after First Friday morning Mass.

                -Fr. George Kunkel

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT  

We have two things in common with the blind man in today’s Gospel.  First, we, too, are born without sight – spiritual sight.  But in baptism, we receive new eyes – Spiritual sight – to see the world with love.  Our spiritual sight increases as we allow God’s life to increase in us.  Second, like the man in today’s Gospel, our spiritual sight gives us the courage to witness to Jesus.  We are willing to answer boldly when asked who Jesus is and to profess with confident faith “I do believe.”

Prayer Moment:  Jesus, Lord and teacher, help me to see you more clearly and witness to you with confidence.

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 9 at

1:15 p.m. in the Community Building Chapel.  You must call the parish office 791-9030, to register.

Reminder: Baptisms will not be scheduled during Lent. 

WELCOME

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

Sarah Newman & daughter Isabella

and

Andy Ritter

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

VOCATION VIEW

The Lord looks into the heart.  What does he see?  We are given the gift of sight and insight.  Look into the heart with love. 

(1 Samuel 16:6-13 & John 9:1-49)

Please keep in your prayers all the men and women who are currently in the military serving our country.

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.

Florence Bailey, Glorianne Barbacane, Gerry Brinker, Jenny Castelluccio, Joe Crachiolo, Bob Ford, James Grever, Mary Heinlen, John Hill, Virginia Howd, Mary Langemeier, Marilyn Naehring, Richard Nurre, Earlene Retford, Phyllis Villari.

All St. Vincent Ferrer volunteers

must participate in a Child Protection Workshop and be Fingerprinted prior to volunteering

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:  Call to confirm!

Immaculate Heart of Mary–Beechmont–388-4466

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

3^rd Wednesday of each month @ 4PM

PERMANENT FINGERPRINTING SITES:

Archdiocese of Cincinnati - 421-3131

100 E. 8th Street

Mon. ~ Fri., 9:00AM - 4:00 PM

Holy Trinity, Norwood – 366-4400

Mon. ~ Thurs., 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

St. John, West Chester – 777-6433

Wed., 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Mon. & Tues., 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Sat., 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

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.

Operation Rice Bowl - This Lenten season PREP and School students join in collecting coins for Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl.  Operation Rice Bowl makes a huge difference to people all around the world, and our participation will challenge us to expand our own horizons. Together, we can effect tremendous change: 

Fourth Week of Lent – For years, people in Haiti barely supported their families through subsistence farming.  CRS has offered Haitians better seed for planting, techniques for raising livestock, ways to combat erosion, and how to generate surplus crops to take to market.  By giving through Operation Rice Bowl and purchasing Fair Trade products, you support the dignity of workers by ensuring just wages and economic self-sufficiency.

This week let us be aware of the people who live in Haiti.  

Consider taking one of our spiritually renewing companions for a leisurely break on a quiet evening or afternoon.  Stop by the ushers’ room located near the main entrance of the church to browse the wide selection of reading material in the bookcase. 

URGENT NEED FOR PAPER BAGS

We have a continuing need for grocery paper bags in order to support the bread running ministry for the inner city. Please drop them off at my house, 7541 Hosbrook Rd. or call me at 891.8287 if you have questions. Thank you for your help.  Barbara Pflum.

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 9th, 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.

FOOD FOR THE POOR BARRELS 

Thank you, thank you generous food donors for your donations of food for the poor these many years.  This food helps to reduce the suffering of families, many with hungry children.  Much of the food donated by St. Vincent Ferrer parish continues to be received by the West End Emergency Center, led by Sr. Judy, SND for many years.  It is distributed by the Center to needy families located in the Over the Rhine area.  Additionally, a Food Pantry has been maintained at SVF for years, which is also supplied by your donations.  It may surprise you, but people in our own area may also have needs.  Our Parish staff occasionally receives requests for food needed by both parishioners and non-parishioners.  The staff, with knowledge of the Pantry inventory, can provide some necessary food to these individuals and families.

GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you donors for your faithful contribution to the food barrels at Church.  Please make sure your donations have a current expiration date.

    -St. Vincent for the Poor Society

APPALACHIAN MISSION TRIP                   Dates have now been set for a mission trip to Auxier, Kentucky through Hand in Hand Ministries.  The trip is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7-Saturday, May 10.  For more information about joining a group of SVF parishioners on this outreach, call Connie Dunn at 791-7506.

PAPER RECYCLING

We wish to thank all of the SVF parishioners, staff, faculty and students who support the recycling program throughout the year by collecting their paper trash and taking it to the recycling bin.  Bring your paper trash to the green and yellow recycling bin on the SVF parking lot near the community building.  This has been a terrific way to save trees while earning money for SVF!  Remember, only paper, magazines, and newspapers are accepted.  NO PLASTIC BAGS, CARDBOARD or PHONE BOOKS.  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. 

All persons over 55 are welcome to join us.  

Wednesday, March 12^th 10:15 a.m.

There are 6 openings for a trip to the Taft Museum.  Contact Dr. Kuehnle @ 791-0070

For more information & reservations.

Wednesday, April 16^th 9:30 am - 7:00 pm

“KEENELAND – A Day at the Races”

Depart - 9:30 am St. Vincent Ferrer parking lot

Arrive -11:30 am Kilbern’s-included lunch buffet

12:30 pm depart for Keeneland

1:00 pm arrival at Keeneland

1:15 pm First race begins - each person will receive a grandstand seat & racing program voucher

5:00 pm depart for home

7:00 pm arrive back at St. Vincent Parking lot

Cost: $54 per person (non refundable) – drivers tip included – If you are unable to attend, you are responsible for your replacement.

Make checks payable to: St. Vincent Ferrer  7754 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236

Mark envelope: H.W. Keeneland trip

Reservation close on March17, or before (first come basis)

Call: Leonard Kuehnle @ 791-0070 for more information. See flyer in the back of Church - Make reservations now not to be left out!

                DID YOU KNOW??      

  Our students collected $1,500 for the American Heart Association. This was part of their Jump Rope and Hops for Hearts program. Our students in Grade 4 collected the most money and will have a chance to throw a pie at

Mr. Z (he prefers cocoanut cream) later in the school year. We're proud of our SVF kids for raising this money for such a worthy cause!

    REMINDER-Kindergarten Registration is taking place now for all of our parishioners. Likewise, all parishioners are welcome to enroll their children in our parish school if they currently attend another school. Interested parishioners may call Mr. Z. at 791-6320 to discuss our faith-filled, educational program.

DONATE YOUR OLD GLASSES!

Old glasses cluttering up your drawers?  Donate them to the Give the Gift of Sight Foundation by putting them in the Give the Gift of Sight box in the back of church.  The foundation takes gently used prescription or nonprescription glasses and sunglasses and gives them to individuals with poor vision in North America and developing countries.  We will be collecting until Friday, March 14.  Please donate and change someone’s life!  Any questions?  Contact Ellie Diemer Grade 8 at SVF school 791-6320.

SAVE YOUR POP TABS   

Thanks to all who have been collecting Pop-Tabs for us. Our 6th Graders continue their drive to collect One Million Tabs. Please continue sending your tabs to Mrs. Frost and our Sixth Grade Class.  Our current count is 430,000.

Magazine Drive

If you find you have a need for magazine subscriptions later in the year, go online to www.qsp.com to place your order using Account #:  425005521.  This will help save you money and continue to support our school.

LENTEN FISH FRIES      

It will be EASY to remember when the Fish Fry events will be held at SVF this year.  Due to increasing requests and great response from the parish, the Athletic Commission will be hosting Fish Fries March 7 & 14.  Please spread the word.  Plan to include your family and friends so we can make this a successful endeavor! If you know someone who works in the area, please tell them it's a great place to stop on the way home.  

Time:    5:30 - 8:00 PM in the cafeteria

Menu:

·         Fish Dinners and Sandwiches –

       Featuring Icelandic Cod

·         Green Beans, Cole Slaw

·         Hush Puppies and French Fries

·         Mac & Cheese

·         Kids Chicken Tenders & Pizza available                 Dine In or Carryout

The Boy scouts at SVF will also be helping the Athletic Commission to host the Fish Fry events on March 7.  We will have a Spirit Night on March 7. This will be an evening of celebration of all of our athletes who have participated on any of our St. Vincent Ferrer sports teams.  Bring the entire family - grandparents and relatives are welcome!

ST. VINCENT MOM PROM

Boys: Do you dream about taking your mom somewhere special?  How about taking her to the St. Vincent Mom Prom?  Dust off her dancing shoes and take her for an unforgettable evening!  The dance will be held on Friday, April 4th from 7- 9:30 pm in the cafeteria. The cost is $20 a couple.  There will be music, snacks and lots of your fun!!  Please RSVP by email to smolinaro6@yahoo.com

See you on the dance floor!!!!

SVF MOMS GROUP

ARTS, CRAFTS, JEWELRY MAKING!!! Come make a bracelet at the next SVF MOMS GROUP meeting Wednesday March 5, 2008 from 7-9pm in Hamilton Hall. We will be enjoying light snacks, desserts, and drinks and socializing with many SVF parish moms. It is a great time to get to know other moms in the parish and have fun at the same time. We will be playing a name game and winning prizes. Please RSVP to dhleland@fuse.net if you are interested in making a bracelet. Our calendar for the year will be available with lots of dates for future child outings, future meetings and book/movie club dates. Bring a friend or invite another mom you know who could use a night out and join us March 5th for SVF MOMS GROUP. See you there!

ANNUAL FATHER-SON COMMUNION BREAKFAST

Immediately following the 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday, March 9th, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blue Ash at the I-71 / Pfeiffer Road Exit.  A full service breakfast buffet will be provided.  This uplifting event is open to every male member of the parish, and extended family and guests are invited to attend.    Call John Mock for more information 504-6972.

BINGO AT ST. VINCENT FERRER

Doors open at 11:30 p.m.; 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.

BINGO VOLUNTEER WORKERS

Bingo workers for March 9: Amy Hobler, Lynette Bush, Brenda Sanz, Jeff Johnson, Chris Jenkins, Karen Brown, Dick Naber, Marilyn Naber, Dawn Werling

You are responsible for finding your own substitute if you are unable to work on your assigned date.  There will be a list in the parish office in the Bingo mailbox listing names & numbers. 

BULLETIN DEADLINES

We need to receive all articles in writing by Monday at 3:00 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.

COLLEGE AGE MEN AND OLDER

You have a first-rate opportunity to see if the priesthood is for you.  If you have ever thought about being a priest, if you desire to be a force for the Lord as a priest, to spend your life for the salvation of souls, you are invited to an informative Welcome Weekend at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.  The weekend will give you an excellent sampling of what it would be like for you to be in training for the priesthood.  The date is Friday, March 28 & Saturday, March 29.  To get more information and to make your reservation, please call the Vocation Office at 421-3131 or register online at http://www.cincinnativocations.org/frm03282008.php by March 16.

WOMAN’S OPPORTUNITY GRANTS

The Kenwood Woman’s Club has two $1000 Woman’s Opportunity Grants available for women living in the Kenwood –Madeira area.  They must produce proof of need and a grade transcript if in school.  Contact Rita Remmell at 793-8430 for an application.  Applications have to be received by March 29.

PUBLIC LECTURE

At 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, Sr. Tobin Lardie HM will speak on the topic "The Catholic Church and Immigration" in the Bartlett Pastoral Center at The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary's Seminary, 6616 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati. This lecture will examine various social, moral and legal aspects of today’s complex immigration issue in light of the teaching of the Catholic Church.  It will explore some of the challenges & implications facing the nation today & highlight suggestions from Catholic Bishops for immigration reform & policies that reflect Catholic values & traditions.
Sr. Lardie has long been associated with the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in San Antonio, Texas.