All successful groups need their members to know what their organization believes, the Catholic Church is no different. Imagine your favorite sports team that didn't know their plays, a band that didn't know the words to their own music, or a theater production in which the cast didn't know their lines. Not a pretty picture. The ongoing Basic Catholicism classes which continue this week is a way for all of us to better understand our faith. This isn't done so that we can all feel intelllectually superior, but rather that we know what we believe so that we can fulfill our Christ appointed mission.
Come join us Monday or Wednesday late afternoon or evening (4:30 or 6:15.) You only have to attend one class, we offer them at different times to accomodate your schedule. We will have one final session in April. We look forward to seeing you. God Bless & take care!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
GIFT - When is the next miracle?
Would you like to witness the miracle of healing?
In our Sunday readings we find Jesus moving from area to area, being present to all, performing amazing miracles of healing. What would that have felt like to witness such marvelous deeds?
Having been on staff for over 15 years, it has been my privilege to witness some amazing moments of physical and spiritual healing. This is especially evident when our GIFT, small faith sharing communities gather.
It is healing to be able to share our concerns with others who care. It is a joy for all who pray when a prayer is answered.
On a personal note, I am reminded of an instance about 3 years ago. My 88 year old mother was rushed to the hospital in Cleveland, her situation was grave. There was just a short time to get things together before we left for Cleveland, but on my way out the door, I did contact my GIFT communities and asked for their prayers.
Once in Cleveland, the situation looked very grim for my mother. After 4 hours of surgery and as many hours of prayer, we were given the good news that she survived the surgery. One day after surgery my sister coaxed Mom into scratching an instant lottery ticket. When this happened we knew Mom would be fine. On the third day the bandage was removed from the nine inch incision. We were amazed that the wound was bearly visible,except for the staples.
We are were very grateful for all the prayers, dedication of the medical team and most of all God's gracious blessing in allowing her to be with us to this very day.
Following Jesus example of being present especially to those who are isolated or alone can produce miraculous transformations. Each of us can be that channel for God's love which can perform many mircales. This Valentine's Day give the gift of love, and witness the miracle of healing.
God Bless each of you with healing!
Romy
In our Sunday readings we find Jesus moving from area to area, being present to all, performing amazing miracles of healing. What would that have felt like to witness such marvelous deeds?
Having been on staff for over 15 years, it has been my privilege to witness some amazing moments of physical and spiritual healing. This is especially evident when our GIFT, small faith sharing communities gather.
It is healing to be able to share our concerns with others who care. It is a joy for all who pray when a prayer is answered.
On a personal note, I am reminded of an instance about 3 years ago. My 88 year old mother was rushed to the hospital in Cleveland, her situation was grave. There was just a short time to get things together before we left for Cleveland, but on my way out the door, I did contact my GIFT communities and asked for their prayers.
Once in Cleveland, the situation looked very grim for my mother. After 4 hours of surgery and as many hours of prayer, we were given the good news that she survived the surgery. One day after surgery my sister coaxed Mom into scratching an instant lottery ticket. When this happened we knew Mom would be fine. On the third day the bandage was removed from the nine inch incision. We were amazed that the wound was bearly visible,except for the staples.
We are were very grateful for all the prayers, dedication of the medical team and most of all God's gracious blessing in allowing her to be with us to this very day.
Following Jesus example of being present especially to those who are isolated or alone can produce miraculous transformations. Each of us can be that channel for God's love which can perform many mircales. This Valentine's Day give the gift of love, and witness the miracle of healing.
God Bless each of you with healing!
Romy
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
One Year Ago Today...
One year ago today I was given a key, a tour of the building, and a role as leader of the music program at St. Joan of Arc. It has been a great pleasuring serving this church and I will continue to give my best in running this wonderful program. Since arriving, I am very proud of our efforts in establishing a Children's Handbell Choir, expanding the Parish Choir, Teen Band, Cantor Program and Children's Choirs, establishing a Christian Concert Series, having a weekly page in the parish bulletin to keep folks engaged in and informed about our music program, and hopefully leading members of our music program closer to Christ and His Church. I would like to thank our Pastor, Father Raymond Larussa, for his help with our program, as well as my colleagues Paula Vasey and Val Galaktionov who are so very talented and valued here at St. Joan of Arc.
In the next several months, great musical events will happen at St. Joan of Arc.
Tom Booth (a liturgical musician and composer) will present our Parish Mission.
Pergolesi's Stabat Mater will be performed in concert on March 11th.
We will read the Book of Jonah at an organ concert on March 25th.
Holy Week, with its unique liturgies and music, will take place during the first week of April.
Are you looking to meet new friends in the parish?
Do you love music and want to share your gifts with the world?
Join us! Ring a bell, sing with a choir, raise your voice as a cantor or play an instrument!
No matter what your talent - we'll find a place for you.
God bless,
Matthew J. Meloche
In the next several months, great musical events will happen at St. Joan of Arc.
Tom Booth (a liturgical musician and composer) will present our Parish Mission.
Pergolesi's Stabat Mater will be performed in concert on March 11th.
We will read the Book of Jonah at an organ concert on March 25th.
Holy Week, with its unique liturgies and music, will take place during the first week of April.
Are you looking to meet new friends in the parish?
Do you love music and want to share your gifts with the world?
Join us! Ring a bell, sing with a choir, raise your voice as a cantor or play an instrument!
No matter what your talent - we'll find a place for you.
God bless,
Matthew J. Meloche
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Meet our RCIA Candidates
Meet our RCIA Candidates
Candidate is a term used in RCIA to refer to those individuals who were baptized in the trinitarian formula in other Christian faiths. The Catholic Church recognizes their baptism and
they then receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
(Not pictured: Nate Gold & Blake Renner)
 |
| Autumn Mess |
 |
| Robbin Spegal with sponsor Phil Northrup |
 |
| Lindsey Wolf |
RCIA has a third category which includes individuals who were baptized Catholic but not catechized in the faith. These individuals also receive the remaining saraments of initiation (Confirmation & Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.
 |
| Paudy Lopez |
 |
| The group with sponsors Please keep them in your prayers! |
Monday, February 6, 2012
Next Round of Basic Catholicism Classes Coming Soon
Our Basic Catholicism classes are off and running. The next sessions are scheduled for 2 pm and 3:45 pm Sunday February 12; 4:30 pm and 6:15 pm Monday February 13; and finally 4:30 pm and 6:15 Wednesday February 15th. Again you only have to attend one as they are all the same class just offered at different times to accomodate your schedule.
We will cover such topics as the Church in the Dark Ages, Church Art & Architecture, as well as the rise of Catholic Church institutions like Catholic hospitals and Catholic universities. In addition we will cover the Protestant Reformation as well as the influence of the American and French Revolutions. The final class in April will cover the period from 1800 to the current day.
As you can see we move at a fast pace. We had some great questions in the first session which should set a good tone for our next series of classes. We had people of all ages attend our first group and we look forward to the same for next session of classes. See you there!
We will cover such topics as the Church in the Dark Ages, Church Art & Architecture, as well as the rise of Catholic Church institutions like Catholic hospitals and Catholic universities. In addition we will cover the Protestant Reformation as well as the influence of the American and French Revolutions. The final class in April will cover the period from 1800 to the current day.
As you can see we move at a fast pace. We had some great questions in the first session which should set a good tone for our next series of classes. We had people of all ages attend our first group and we look forward to the same for next session of classes. See you there!
Friday, February 3, 2012
GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) Love & Forgiveness Beyond Description
B
This past Wednesday, our small community of nine people gathered to reflect on the upcoming Sunday readings; Matt 8:17, Job 7:1-4, 6-7, 1 Cor 9:16,22-23.
Some of the communities use the resource; Living Liturgy, which in part comments on the readings. To summarize this week's commentary; " . . .as the gospel illustrates, in times of trouble we need the personal touch and presence of another."
During our discussion one of our memebers shared a powerful story of "transformation of human hopelessness through a personal encounter with Jesus. . . As his disciples, this is our work as well."
To maintain the confidentiality of the small group sharing, I will only retell the story which was publically shared.
Our GIFT member inadvertently found herself at an Amish retreat. The presenter at the retreat shared that she had survived many trials including breast cancer, however as she stated; "nothing prepared her for what was to come."
She lives in Amish country. One day five years ago, she was informed that something unthinkable had occurred. Her son who delivered milk to a school had gone on a shooting rampage and killed 5 Amish children and then killed himself.
During this horrible time some very amazing, lifegiving things happened; the Amish community (including those whose children were murdered) came to support her and her family in their grief. They stood with her at her son's grave and offered unconditional forgiveness and love.
That story has dominated my thoughts. It reminds me of Jesus' invitation to be there for others in time of trouble. It challenges me to examine my ability to forgive. Most importantly it offers hope beyond description.
This past Wednesday, our small community of nine people gathered to reflect on the upcoming Sunday readings; Matt 8:17, Job 7:1-4, 6-7, 1 Cor 9:16,22-23.
Some of the communities use the resource; Living Liturgy, which in part comments on the readings. To summarize this week's commentary; " . . .as the gospel illustrates, in times of trouble we need the personal touch and presence of another."
During our discussion one of our memebers shared a powerful story of "transformation of human hopelessness through a personal encounter with Jesus. . . As his disciples, this is our work as well."
To maintain the confidentiality of the small group sharing, I will only retell the story which was publically shared.
Our GIFT member inadvertently found herself at an Amish retreat. The presenter at the retreat shared that she had survived many trials including breast cancer, however as she stated; "nothing prepared her for what was to come."
She lives in Amish country. One day five years ago, she was informed that something unthinkable had occurred. Her son who delivered milk to a school had gone on a shooting rampage and killed 5 Amish children and then killed himself.
During this horrible time some very amazing, lifegiving things happened; the Amish community (including those whose children were murdered) came to support her and her family in their grief. They stood with her at her son's grave and offered unconditional forgiveness and love.
That story has dominated my thoughts. It reminds me of Jesus' invitation to be there for others in time of trouble. It challenges me to examine my ability to forgive. Most importantly it offers hope beyond description.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
This Sunday at St. Joan of Arc
This Sunday at St. Joan of Arc in Powell, Ohio, we will be having a variety of musical groups leading music at our various Masses.
At the 5:00PM Vigil Mass we will debut our new Children's Handbell Team, The Ringers! The team is made up of children in grades 4 - 8 who have been working hard to learn this new skill. Formed just before Christmas, this is the first time The Ringers! will play at Holy Mass. Keep them in your prayers as they continue to develop their musical talents and seek to lead our congregation to prayer through instrumental music.
The 7:30 Mass will be lead by a cantor.
The 9:00 Mass will be our Choral Mass at which our choir will continue to introduce the congregation to the Mass in Honor of St. Benedict, which is the official Mass Ordinary of the Diocese of Columbus. See the Music Ministry News in this Sunday's bulletin for more information about this Ordinary.
The 10:45 and 12:30 Masses will be lead by cantors.
At 5:30PM we will be lead in song by Faith Song, St. Joan of Arc's high school band. This group, made up of youth in grades 8 - 12, specialize in contemporary Catholic music. They are in need of new members and typically rehearse on Tuesdays - if you're in eighth grade or high school and would like to join - come talk to the music director (or another member of Faith Song) after Holy Mass.
We hope you join us for Mass this Sunday at St. Joan of Arc Parish!
At the 5:00PM Vigil Mass we will debut our new Children's Handbell Team, The Ringers! The team is made up of children in grades 4 - 8 who have been working hard to learn this new skill. Formed just before Christmas, this is the first time The Ringers! will play at Holy Mass. Keep them in your prayers as they continue to develop their musical talents and seek to lead our congregation to prayer through instrumental music.
The 7:30 Mass will be lead by a cantor.
The 9:00 Mass will be our Choral Mass at which our choir will continue to introduce the congregation to the Mass in Honor of St. Benedict, which is the official Mass Ordinary of the Diocese of Columbus. See the Music Ministry News in this Sunday's bulletin for more information about this Ordinary.
The 10:45 and 12:30 Masses will be lead by cantors.
At 5:30PM we will be lead in song by Faith Song, St. Joan of Arc's high school band. This group, made up of youth in grades 8 - 12, specialize in contemporary Catholic music. They are in need of new members and typically rehearse on Tuesdays - if you're in eighth grade or high school and would like to join - come talk to the music director (or another member of Faith Song) after Holy Mass.
We hope you join us for Mass this Sunday at St. Joan of Arc Parish!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)