TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
August 22/23, 2009
 
Which of Jesus’sayings do you find hard?
 
Gospel Reflection (John 6:60-69): What a sad day it would be if some of our friends suddenly turned against us because of our religious beliefs. Today’s gospel story relates how many of Jesus’ disciples left him. They could not accept his teaching that he himself was the Bread of Life. They could not believe that his Body and Blood were the source of eternal life. So they turned their backs on him and returned to their old way of life.
   However, when Jesus asked the Twelve if they too would abandon him, Peter replied, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” We too at times may find some of Jesus’ teachings difficult. When that happens, we speak to him honestly in prayer and seek his help.
Discussion Points for Gospel: What disagreements, if any, about religious beliefs, have you ever had with your friends? Why is it sometimes difficult to practice our religious beliefs when others do not share them? How would you describe the way Jesus responds to the disciples who turn away from him? How does he show how important his teaching on the Eucharist is?
   What teachings of Jesus have you had difficulties with at times? Who or what helped you to work out those difficulties? How would you describe Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question about leaving him? Name one way people your age can show the kind of faith in Jesus expressed by Peter.
(--Sadlier “We Believe” www.webelieve.web.com)
 
MASSES FOR THE WEEK

SATURDAY
          5:15 pm     Salvatore & Teresa Davoli - the Bray Family
SUNDAY
               8:30 am     People of Our Parish
                            10:30 am     James Rodgers - Pauline Rodgers
MONDAY
           12:15 pm     Joe Kiener - Wendy & Bill Serbonich
TUESDAY             5:15 pm      Anne Peyakov - Mary Kline
WEDNESDAY
      12:15 pm     Jim Rodgers - Wendy & Bill Serbonich
THURSDAY          5:15 pm      Tony Udvardy
FRIDAY
               12:15 pm     Jim Rodgers - Karen & Rich Vedder
SATURDAY
         5:15 pm     
William F. Headapohl - Tony & Connie DeBerardinas
SUNDAY 
              8:30 am      Chris Schreck - the Schreck Family
 22nd Sunday in                 10:30 am      Mary O'Malley - Joe & Gay Miazga
   Ordinary Time

PARISH CALENDAR: August 23-30
Sunday                  21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
                              9:45 am     Rosary
                            11:30 am     Prayers for Peace
Thursday
                             1:00  pm     Faith Sharing Group
Saturday                                 
end OU 2nd summer session
                              4:15 pm     Reconciliation
Sunday                
 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
                              9:45 am     Rosary
                            11:30 am     Prayers for Peace
Sunday Scripture Readings
     Reflection on the Scriptures has become more and more a part of basic Christian spirituality. At times we would like to return to the Sunday Scriptures at home, but we do not have the missalette with us. At other times we may be interested in seeing just what came before or immediately after the reading for the day to gain more insights.
     To encourage this encounter with the Scriptures, we will be including in the bulletin the scripture reading references for the current Sunday and the following Sunday. In addition, in our on-line bulletin we will have the actual links to the readings.

New American Bible

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21
Ephesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32
John 6:60-69

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5
James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
   It is part of the human condition to avoid that which we do not understand. When we hear opinions that shake our beliefs, we usually criticize the person who proposed them. Jesus did that with is words on the Bread of Life.
Adults: What part of Jesus’ message do I find hard to live?

Children: How do I feel when a classmate doesn’t understand my religion?

QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
   In 1954 Pius XII instituted this memorial “so that all may clearly recognize and more zealously venerate the kind and maternal rule of the Mother of God” (Ad Caeli Reginam). It is celebrated on the octave of the Assumption. May we always love, serve, and honor Mary, and look to her who, “as Queen, evidences the conquering power of a serving love and of purity intact”
(St. Teresa Benedicta/Edith Stein). --Living with Christ, 08-09
SPECIAL MASS FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS
   To bless and recognize the ministry of health care providers (professional, personal and volunteer), Bishop R. Daniel Conlon will celebrate a White Mass symbolic of the white coat/uniform on Tuesday, September 1, at 7:00 PM at CTK. Light refreshment will follow and all are welcome.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
   Classes begin Sunday, September 13, and Tuesday, September 15. If you haven’t registered, please do so soon. For more info, contact Nancy Denhart, Director of Religious Education, 590-3302 or 592-2711 or ndenhart@ctkathens.org
   Are you a faith-filled person who loves children? Perhaps you are being called to be a person who “echoes God’s Word” as a catechist. The Religious Education Program has openings for catechists. We meet Sundays at 12:15 or Tuesdays at 6:30 during the school year. We provide in-service and help for all in the catechetical program. Contact Nancy for more info.
CONFIRMATION PARENT MEETINGS
   A friendly reminder to all parents of Confirmation candidates of the required information meeting in September. You only need to attend either Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 PM at CTK Parish Center OR Sunday, September 6, at 12:15 PM at St. Paul Parish Hall.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
   Our September meeting is Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 PM in the CTK Parish Center’s conference room.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
   Make this year’s Sweetest Day one your spouse will long treasure. Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter and discover the skills you need to make everyday a ‘sweetest day.’ Make your plans now to attend the October 16-18 weekend at the Best Western Hotel in Austintown, Ohio. Reservations are limited. For information or to register, call 330-305-9963 or email worldwideME@sbcglobal.net OR go to our website www.wwme.org
PROGRAMS AT PAUL VI PASTORAL CENTER
   “Caring for Caregivers” will be offered on September 14. It is a day of refreshment and recollection for family caregivers.
   “Not on Stone” -- a weekend retreat based on the Ten Commandments -- September 18-20.
   “A Future Full of Hope” is a retreat for married couples with Father Scott Seethaler, O.F.M. Cap. The retreat is offered Friday through Sunday, October 2-4.
   Contact info@paulvi.org or go to their website: www.paulvi.org to see all their programs offered. Brochures are available at the parish office reception desk.
LITURGY BITS AND BYTES
 
Altar and Ambo
   Everyone knows that the altar, which symbolizes the Body of Christ, is an important liturgical symbol. In most church buildings, it is the central focus. Vatican II reminds us of the equal importance of the ambo and the altar, as the Table of the Word, and the Table of the Eucharist. Both Word and Eucharist are seen as manifestations of the real presence of Christ. The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist has always been primary in Catholic thought. Now we are reminded to recognize the real presence of Christ in the word which he speaks to us in the reading of the Scriptures. The new General Instruction of the Roman Missal (P 29) specifically states that Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel. Altar and ambo are interconnected as places from which God nourishes us, by word and by meal. Our celebration at the table of the Eucharist is a response of thanksgiving to the word of God which we have heard.
Copyright © 2009 Resource Publications, San Jose, CA
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
August 24 - 30
Birthdays:
Francie Astrom, Roseann Boll, Natalia Cueto, Dale Dalrymple, Amanda Denhart, Beth Graham, Shaun Hecker, Jennifer Hosek, Eric Masson, Barb Moran, Carmen Sabraw, Julieta Snediker, and Cassie Waller.
 
Anniversaries: Congratulations to the following couples who are celebrating their anniversary this week: Cheryl & Mike Kraus (18th), Daisy & Tom Franz (29th), Beth & Brad Graham (31st), Linda & Brian Shapiro (27th), Marcia & Denny Dalen (46th), and Tricia & Chris Smith (17th).

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK - Please pray for Kathi Hahn, Mary Ann Gorman and Bill Rader. (Remembered in the petitions)
OUR GARDENS -- BLESSED ABUNDANCE
   
Please continue to share your surplus veggies with the congregation in our veggie exchange. Just bring them to the Gathering Space in church at the Sunday masses. You are also invited to take home with you any of the vegetables that have been brought to share. Nothing goes to waste! Whatever remains is distributed to the needy of our area on Monday. Many thanks to all those who have shared their abundant produce!!!

DOG SWIM TO BENEFIT THE ATHENS COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY -- SPLASH INTO THE END OF SUMMER!
   Poolside with sun and dogs… could it get any better? The Athens City Arts, Parks & Recreation has teamed up with the Athens County Humane Society (ACHS) to announce the first annual Dog Swim, an event allowing residents to bring their dogs to the pool to swim at the end of the pool season.
The dog swim is slated for 10 AM - 2 PM Saturday, August 29, at the Athens City Pool located on East State Street. Cost is $5 per dog and their human companions are free of charge. Rain or Shine (cancelled in the event of lightening).
   Bring proof (copies of vet records) of current rabies, bordetella & distemper vaccinations to enter the pool. Any dog showing aggression or a female in season will not be allowed at the event. Humans are prohibited from entering the pool water. Owners are asked to ensure their dog is on a leash when not in the water.
   Adoptable dogs will be available from local rescues. Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) will also be on site with information about disaster preparedness for your pets.
   Bring your dog’s favorite fetch and water toys and get ready for some fun!    For more info: www.athenshumane.petfinder.com, or Email info@athenshumane.org or call 592.6047 (voicemail only).
SISTERS ON THE RIVER 2 RETREAT
   This year’s Retreat for Christian women begins Friday evening, October 2, and continues through Sunday morning October 4. This year’s theme is “Women in the Bible.” Mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend. Brochures are available at the bulletin boards in church. Grab one and check out the info!