St. Paul Catholic Church and Preschool

Fourth Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 6, 2016
St. Paul Catholic Church
and Preschool
www.StPaulChurch.com
12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33618 - 813-961-3023
Happy Birthday Father
Bob Romaine
A Prayer for Priests
OurMissionStatement
"FormedbyWordandSacrament,we,thepeopleofSt.PaulCatholicChurch,area
Spirit-led,Eucharist-centered,vibrantmulticulturalChristiancommunityoffaith,
livingourloveforGodandneighborwhilegrowingtogetherasdisciplesofChrist."
Heavenly Father, please
grant to your faithful
servants, the grace and
strength to carry out
your mission for the
Church each day.
Keep our priests close to
you and continue to
inspire them to serve
others in your holy
name.
Please help to inspire
men who are called to a
priestly vocation to
answer your call and
participate in the
fullness that you have
planned for them.
Amen
Page 2
All are Welcome!
Weekend Masses
Saturday Masses
8:30am Mass
(Morning Prayer and
Benediction 8:10am)
Saturday Vigil
Mass 5:30pm
Missa em
Português: 7:30pm
Sunday Masses
7:30am, 9:00am,
10:45am, 12:30pm,
5:30pm
Misa en Español: 2:00pm
Weekday Masses
Monday to Friday
7:30am and 12:15pm
First Friday Mass 7:30pm
Saturday - 8:30am
(Morning Prayer and
Benediction 8:10am)
Reconciliation/
Confession
Saturdays 10:00am and
4:00pm or upon request
24 Hour Eucharistic
Adoration
Every Wednesday
8am to 9pm
Every Friday 8:30am
to Saturday 8:20am
Morning Prayer
Monday - Friday 7:10am
Saturday 8:10am
Anointing of the Sick
Every Second Saturday
of the Month at 8:30am
Church Office Address:
12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33618-2802
813.961.3023
Fax 813.962.8780
Office Hours: 8:00 am to
4:00 pm, M-F
www.StPaulChurch.com
Email: ParishCommunications
@StPaulChurch.com
Growing Together in Christ!
WewelcomeFr.LeninFernandez
My friends,
Please join me in welcoming Fr. Lenin Fernandez
to our parish. Fr. Lenin is a priest of the
Archdiocese of Trivandrum, India and serves as
manager of the Viswaprakash Central School and
director of the Center of Excellence (Boys and
Our Pastor, Fr. Bill Swengros
Girls Home) in Mangattukadavu. In his spare time
he serves at a local parish. In addition to his
background in education, he has a Masters degree
in Spiritual Theology. He will be staying with us for three months. Thank you
for making him feel right at home!
WearebusyacceptingFaithFormationRegistrationsfornextyear!
On another note, last week we said farewell to Donna Koppy as our Director of
Religious Education and Faith Formation and Vicki Lombardi, the Faith
Formation Administrative Assistant. We thank them both for all they did for our
parish. I have asked Lizette Espel to serve as acting director as we begin our
search to 3ill these positions. We have already accepted applications and
interviewed several promising candidates. If you are interested in applying,
please contact Lizette.
Some people have asked how these changes will affect scheduled Religious
Education retreats and programs. The answer is that everything will take place
as planned. In fact, we are busy accepting registrations for next year! Thank you
for your prayerful support!
FeelingBlessedwithourFamilyLentenMission
This past week we were blessed with an amazing Lenten Mission. Ken Yasinski
challenged the teens and adults to strive for our full potential in life - to be a
saint! At the same time, our Faith Formation team, for the 3irst time ever, offered
a wonderful three day mission for our children entitled “Blessed are the
Merciful!” May God bless all those who made our parish mission such a success!
Thankyouforyourgenerosity!
Last but not least, I hope that you are enjoying our new family room, the new
video system, the seating area in the entrance to the church, and the improved
acoustics within our sanctuary. After Easter, we will begin work on the new
choir practice room. These projects have been paid through donations, our
Annual Pastoral Appeal “overage,” and our regular offertory donations. Thank
you for your generosity! Some have asked about our former Stations of the
Cross. They have been lent to St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valrico, Florida to
adorn their new church.
As always, there is a lot going on at St. Paul! I pray you will have a wonderful
week and look forward to seeing you at the Fish Fry on Friday! And don’t forget
to “Spring Ahead” next weekend!
Growing together as disciples of Christ!
Fr. Bill Swengros
Pastor
Daylight
Savings Time
begins on
Sunday, March
13th
"Sohegotupandwentbacktohisfather.Whilehewasstillalongwayoff,hisfathercaughtsightofhim,andwas#illedwithcompassion."' Lk. 59
Parish Upcoming Events
St. Joseph's Day Mass and
Celebration Breakfast
Saturday, March 19, 2016
8:30am Mass
Page 3
St. Paul’s 50th Anniversary
Gala Celebration
All are invited!
Join us for Breakfast after Mass in
the Parish Center and visit the St.
Joseph's Altar and Table.
Hosted by Council of Catholic Women
Stations of the Cross
Every Friday in Lent
3 pm and 7 pm
24 hour Eucharistic
Adoration every Friday.
Welcome, Bienvenidos,
Bem-vindos to St. Paul!
Dinner Dance
Saturday, April 16, 2016 in the Family Center
Immediately Following the 5:30 pm
Anniversary Mass
Enjoy Dinner and Dancing to the
Andy Stefano Orchestra
$40/person - $240/Table of Six
Tickets are on sale at the Front Office or online at
www.StPaulChurch.com and click on the link on the
home page. Checks payable to St. Paul Catholic
Church. Seating is Limited
For more information contact Nancy at 961-3023 or
jnkissane@StPaulChurch.
Knights of Columbus
Ambassadors of St. Paul
Council 11211
and
Every Friday in Lent
5-7 pm
Dine-in at the Family Center or Order to Go
Adults - $8.00 Youth - $5.00
Children 10 and under eat FREE!
SOUTHWESTAIRLINES
proudly present the
St. Paul Easter Raffle 2016
W$%$500T)*+,-V/012,)3
/%S/0425,34A$)-$%,3
F$+,7)$8,3/9T)*+,-V/012,)3
5$--:,*5*);,;
RafleticketswillbesoldafterallMasses
thisweekendMarch5th-6thandMarch12th-13th
Winnersneednotbepresenttobeeligible.
ProceedswillbeneittheSt.PaulParish.
Thankyouforyoursupport!
Page 4
St. Paul Child Enrichment Center and Baptisms
Infant Baptism
‘IbaptizeyouinthenameoftheFather,
andoftheSon,andoftheHolySpirit’
ExcellenceinCatholicpreschooleducationforover30years
March 2016 Tour Schedule
Pleasenoteyoumustcalltheofice(264-3314)to
makeanappointmentforthetourtimeanddate
that best its your schedule. Tours subject to
cancelation if no one is signed up to attend the
business day before. Thank you for your
consideration.
Thursday, March 10th at 5:00 pm
Wednesday, March 16th at 9:00 am
The application process for the 2016-2017 school
year has been going great. We have the following
spots left:
M-W-F 2's-5 spots left
T/Th 2's-6 spots left
Five Day 3's-4 spots left
VPK- 7 spots left
If you know someone who might be interested
please share the tour schedule above and have
them call us.
Formoreinformationaboutthepreschoolplease
visit our website at
www.StPaulChildEnrichment.com,
Or give us a call at 813-264-3314.
Welookforwardtohearingfromyou.
The baptism of a child is a special cause for joy and
celebration on the part of the Church, the whole
community of faith! Baptism is a birth into the
Christian community and is in every way as solemn
and important as birth itself. It is an event that
needs to be prepared for, and it can serve as a
reminder to you about your own faith and what it
means to you. If you have any questions regarding
Infant Baptism, please contact Lizette Espel at (961
-3023; [email protected])
"Sohegotupandwentbacktohisfather.Whilehewasstillalongwayoff,hisfathercaughtsightofhim,andwas#illedwithcompassion."' Lk. 59
Liturgical Corner
Pope Francis
“The Lord Jesus repeats to each one of
us His question: “Who do you say that I
am?” (Mt 16:15). It is a clear and direct
question, in face of which it is not possible to 3lee or
remain neutral, or to send the answer or delegate it to
someone else. However, there is nothing inquisitorial
in it, rather, it is full of love! — love of our only
Teacher, who today calls us to renew our faith in Him,
recognizing him as Son of God and Lord of our life. And
the 3irst called to renew his profession of faith is the
Successor of Peter, who bears in himself the
responsibility to con3irm his brothers (Cf. Lk 22:32).
Let us allow grace to mold our heart again to believe,
and to open our mouth to carry out our profession of
faith and to obtain salvation (Cf. Rm 10:10). Hence,
let us make Peter’s words our own: “You are the
Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). May our
thought and our gaze be 3ixed on Jesus Christ,
beginning and end of every action of the Church. He
is the foundation and no one can place a different
one (1 Cor 3:11). He is the “rock” on which we must
build” (Francis, Homily, 22 February 2016).
“ItisbettertosayoneOurFatherfervently
anddevoutlythanathousandwithno
devotionandfullofdistraction.
- St. Edmund
Our Parish Family
BaptizedintotheLifeoftheRisenChrist:
Page 5
“LESSONS from THE LITTLE WHITE BOX”
“THY OWN SOUL A
SWORD SHALL PIERCE”
-Luke 11, 35
“IN THESE WORDS THERE IS NOTED FOR US THE
CLOSE ASSOCIATION OF OUR LADY WITH THE
PASSION OF CHRIST. FOUR THINGS MADE THE
PASSION MOST BITTER FOR HER:
• THEGOODNESSOFHERSON,WHODIDNOSIN.
• THECRUELTYOFTHOSEWHOCRUCIFIEDHIM,
SHOWNFOREXAMPLEINTHATASHELAY
DYING,THEYREFUSEDHIMWATER,EVENBY
HISMOTHER,WHOWOULDMOSTLOVINGLY
HAVEGIVENIT.
• THEDISGRACEOFTHEPUNISHMENT.“LETUS
CONDEMNHIMTOAMOSTSHAMEFULDEATH”.(
Wis.
11,20).
•
THECRUELTYOFTHETORMENT.“OHYETHAT
PASSBYTHEWAY,ATTENDANDSEEIFTHEREBE
ANYSORROWLIKETOMYSORROW.“(LAM.5,5
ST BASIL SAYS THAT AS OUR LADY STOOD BY THE CROSS,
STILL IN HER MIND THE TESTIMONY OF GABRIEL, HER MIND
SWAYED, A FLUCTUATION OF BEWILDERMENT, FOR SHE SAW
HIM THE VICTIM OF SUCH VILENESS AND YET KNEW HIM AS
THE AUTHOR OF SUCH WONDERS. ALTHOUGH OUR LADY
KNEW BY FAITH THAT IT WAS GOD’S WILL THAT CHRIST
SHOULD SUFFER, AND BROUGHT HER WILL IN UNITY WITH
HIS,NEVERTHELESSSADNESS FILLED HER SOUL AT THE DEATH
OFHERSON.
MEDITATIONS FOR LENT FROM ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
St. Paul Parish EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
WEDNESDAYS 8:00AM TO 9:00PM; FRIDAYS
8:30AM TO SATURDAY 8:30AM
Gia Isabella Reyes NewlyRegisteredFamilies—Welcome!
Mr. and Mrs. Mario Alarcon, Mr. and Mrs. Arnel Artus,
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Branca, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Buzeo,
Immaculee D’Haiti, Jessica Millan, Mr. and Mrs. Andy
Parchmon, Frank Prima, III, Miguel Rivera De Jesus,
Yojaira Rivero, Damian Rodriguez, Valerie Antongiorgi,
Mr. and Mrs. Jean Saldivar, Marcus Silva, Selena Skarbek,
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Tolley, Jose Abin, Bini Philip, Braulio
Alfonso, Richard Cardentey, Sindy Fernandez, Wilfredo
Castro, Patricia Rodriguez, Mr. and Mrs. Yoel Espinosa,
Mr. and Mrs. Danny Kelley, Nicole Kostelnick, Rosemary
Kruz, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Louk, Maritza Reyes, Christian
Rosales, Gabriela Gamez, Donna Wojcik.
BornintoEternalLife:
Ashley Chantelle Zimmerman, Yvonne Thomas, Marie Di
Giovanni, Joel DuBois, Hildegarda Velazquez, Donald
Wirth, John Bennis, Dawna Fioretto, Suzie” Suzanne
Ohrt , Robert "Bob" Williams , Joshua Nieves.
Saints of God
Tuesday is the feast of St. John of God (14951550). He was a soldier and a fall away
Catholic. At the age of forty, he felt that his
life had no meaning and purpose. He then
turned his life over to God. Still lost, he tried a number
of things before he 3inally listened to the voice of God.
He founded a house which cared for the needs of the
sick poor - the 3irst hospitals. After his death, the order
of the Brothers Hospitallers formed to continue his
3ine work. What does all this tell us? Only by following
the will of God will we truly experience the joy and
peace God has intended for us. Let us pray:
“SaintJohnofGod,helpustoactoutofloveassoonas
wefeelthepromptingsoftheHolySpirit.Helpuslearn
to#ightthelittlevoicesinourheadsandheartsthatgive
us all sorts of practical reasons to wait or delay in our
serviceofGod.Amen.”
Reflections on Scripture
Page 6
Duetocopyrightrestrictions,wecannotprint
the Scriptures before the re#lections of Mr.
Conroy. The Scripture for today’s liturgy can
befoundonToday’sMissal”
I. Joshua5:9a,10-12.
WhatwasLostisFound.
Relection: The context of this
reading is that the Israelites, under
the leadership of Moses' successor,
Joshua, had crossed the Jordan and
were now encamped before Jericho,
in the land promised them by YHWH.
The "reproach of Egypt" meant the
end of their wanderings in the desert
after having been led out of Egypt. It
is an ancient "transition" story,
celebrated by the central Feast of
transition, Passover.
Originally,
there were two feasts, "Unleavened
Bread" and "Passover." They were
ultimately combined into one; here
we see the old, separate tradition.
The
symbolism,
however,
is
important, for what was lost (the
Land of Israel) in patriarchal times
was now Found. The New Age had
begun, and it began with a feast of
produce of the land, and was marked
by the end of God's providing Manna.
II. 2Corinthians5:17-21
WeareCalledtobethe
“RighteousnessofGod.”
By Jack Conroy, Ph.D.
Relection:One of St. Paul's most
productive insights was that the
Church is the Body of Christ. This
means that when St. Paul writes
"Christ," we can often substitute the
word "Church." Hence, being "in
Christ" means being a vibrant part of
the Christian community. Here he
points out that by becoming part of
the Church, the Body of Christ,
people are transformed.
Value
systems are radically modi3ied;
instead of the values of power,
dominance and manipulation, the
value of Love is central. He expected
that in this social body con3licts
would
be
resolved
through
reconciliation.
And
this
reconciliation can occur because
Jesus Christ, seen as the "Suffering
Servant" who atoned for our sins,
died for us, reconciling us to God.
treated his father as if he had died,
only to squander his inheritance.
Remember the speech he had
prepared to beg for the lowest
position in the father’s estate. He
never got to gives the speech.
Instead, the father, seeing his
approach, ran towards the son,
which would be unheard of for a
father. It is a parable of God the
Father, willing always to be
reconciled with us. We should also
ask what happened to the brother
who was faithful…we don’t know.
Did he have a good argument?
III. Luke15:1-3,11-32
TheProdigalFather.
Relection:This is often called the
"Parable of the Prodigal Son," using
"Prodigal" as "Spendthrift," or
"Foolish." But a better description is
that of the "Prodigal Father," using
"Prodigal" as "One who is lavishly
abundant" with his love. The son had
Looking Ahead!
March 11th-12th - Eucharistic Congress
in Jacksonville, March 15th - Communal
Penance Service; March 17th - St
Patrick’s Day, pilgrimage to Cathedral
of St Jude; March 19th - St Joseph’s Day;
March 20th - Palm Sunday; March 21st - 6:30pm Seder
Supper; March 22nd - 11am Chrism Mass at Cathedral;
March 23rd - 7pm Via Crucis; March 24th - Holy
Thursday; March 25th - Good Friday; March 26th - Easter
Vigil; March 27th - Easter Sunday; April 3rd - Divine
Mercy Sunday; April 16th - 50th Anniversary Mass; May
15th - Pentecost and Fr Bill’s 25th Anniversary; May 21st Deacon Felipe Gonzalez’s Ordination; May 22nd- Fr
Felipe Gonzalez’s First Masses!
Please Pray for the Safety of Our Military
•
•
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Michael Dunkelberger, Master Sargent, USAF
Nicholas Ringo, III USNavy
Hans C. Arcand, 2nd LT. USAF
Christopher A. Garcia, Officer, U.S. Navy
Mathew M Colon, Sgt., US Army
Richard Majette, Captain, USM
Katrina Monti, Captain, PA US Army
Jonathan Monti, Major, PA US Army
Richard Sison Jr, 2nd Lt., USAF
Matthew Mooney, Captain, USAF
Curtis Gardner, Sergeant, USAF
Adriana Trigg, USAF
Anthony Mazzie, US Army
Luis Luccani, PO, US Navy
Austin Jacob Ferlita, Pvt2s, US Army
To add a name to the list please email Louise Romano at
( [email protected];961-3023.)
"Sohegotupandwentbacktohisfather.Whilehewasstillalongwayoff,hisfathercaughtsightofhim,andwas#illedwithcompassion."' Lk. 59
Ministries in Action!
Page 7
St. Paul Parish
Lenten Concert
Friday,March11
Learnto
Make Traditional
EasterButterLamb
If you are interested
in learning how to make the
Traditional Easter Butter
Lamb, please join us on Monday March 14th at 7 pm in
the Parish Center.
Pleasebring1lb.ofbutterinsticks(nosubstitute)
andaplate.
The Lamb is also part of the Eastern European custom of
Blessing of Baskets of Easter food which will take place
on Saturday, March 26th. The lamb signi3ies the
goodness and richness of Christ.
ALTAR SERVERS…
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday. April 9th
Retreat being
planned!!
The St. Paul Farm Worker Ministry News
Our ministry connues to deliver food to the Farm
Workers of Plant City/Dover unl April.
This season the workers have had li!le work because of
the 50” of rain earlier in the season which affected the
growth of the strawberries.
We meet at St. Paul’s north parking lot at 9 am and
return at approximately 2:30 pm. If you are interested in
helping out please contact Maria McCourt at
[email protected] Thank you.
Immediately following
the 7 pm Stations of the
Cross
8
St. Paul Faith Formation
We are rooted in Faith and growing in grace
Register for Faith Formation
Open registration for the 2016/2017 Faith Formation year is
April 2 & 3 after all Masses in Family Center Section II.
The tuition for Faith Formation has stayed the same.
There is an "early bird" discount of $10 off of tuition if you register by
May 15th!
We welcome volunteer catechists or assistants in the classroom! (tuition
fee is waived for your child)
Would you like to share ideas or help
with organization? Contact Lizette Espel 961
-3023 or [email protected]
*Rain
Rain Date April 2nd
"Sohegotupandwentbacktohisfather.Whilehewasstillalongwayoff,hisfathercaughtsightofhim,andwas#illedwithcompassion."' Lk. 59
You are invited!
Page 9
ATTENTION
ALL MARRIED COUPLES
AOne-DayMarriageEnrichmentProgram
Saturday,April2,2016
10a.m.to4:30pm
FamilyCenter
Sponsored the Worldwide Marriage Encounter
CALLINGALLMARRIEDCOUPLES… Would you like to hear about talking in the Safe
Zone, confronting so everyone wins, couple prayer? Then you will want to attend the oneday marriage enrichment program at St. Pauls on April 2nd from 10 am to 4:30 pm. This
program is designed for couples of all ages and focuses on the strengths of your marriage
and was to make your relationship shine. Completetheregistrationformbelowandreturn
ittotheParishoficetotheattentionofNancyalongwithyour$40registrationfee.
Complimentarychildcareisprovidedandthefeeforallmaterialsand
mealsis$40.00.
RegisterbyTHURSDAY,MARCH31stATTHEPARISHOFFICE
For more information contact Nancy at 961-3023 or [email protected]
---------------------------------
Names ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone ______________________ Email ______________________________________________________
Street Address _____________________________________________City & Zip _________________________
Wedding Date ________________________We need child care for the day: Yes ______ No ______
Children’s names and ages: ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________(Must RSVP for child care)
REGISTRATION FEE _____ CASH _____CHECK # _______
Make Checks payable to St. Paul Catholic Church
50th Anniversary Pilgrimage!
Our parish is offering a special
pilgrimage to Italy in honor of our
50th
anniversary
and
the
Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy
this October 22-31. We will be
visiting Rome, Assisi, Monoppello,
Lanciano, Cascia, and San Giovanni Rotondo!
Highlights include an audience with the Holy Father,
visits to the tombs of Padre Pio, St. Rita, St Francis,
and St. Clare, and seeing the face of Jesus in the veil
of Manoppello and the Eucharistic Miracle in
Lanciano! There are only a handful of seats left so
register now by calling 352-564-2463.
Page 10
Adult Faith Formation
Deo Gratias
Each week almost 800 children and teens come
to learn more about our faith. Thankfully we
are blest with a small army of phenomenal catechists and
aides who work with our children, teens, and adults in
our faith formation programs. They are simply amazing.
Please join me in thanking them for all they do! On
another note, this week we received bulletins from
parishes in Florida. Thank you so much for sharing
bulletins from your travels with us!
YEAR OF MERCY IDEA: Cook & deliver a meal to
someone who is sick or home bound.
St.Paul50thAnniversaryVestments
Didyouknow…
that the chasuble is the vestment
that is put on over all the others
during liturgical services. The
chasuble symbolizes the virtue of
charity, and the yoke of unsel3ish
service for the Lord, which the
priest assumes at ordination.
Would you like to make a donation
for new vestments for our St. Paul
50th Anniversary? If so, please
contact Nancy at 961-3023 or e-mail
[email protected] .
.
Support our Lighthouse kiosk!
Bible Study in Español
Ask It Basket
“Last weekend you spoke of the 5 P's and I am
tryingtorememberallofthembutIammissing
a few. Could you please tell them to me again?”
Certainly! The 3irst P is Presence. Sit a safe,
comfortable place at a time which is convenient for
you. Begin by closing your eyes, taking slow, deep
breaths, and becoming attentive to the Presence of
God. The prayer is “Hear I am, O Lord.” The second P
is Praise ... the perfect prayer. I praise God for all He
is and all He has done for me. In giving praise I count
all of my blessings and realize that all is grace. The
third P is Pardon. Having become aware of the
Presence of God and giving Him Praise, it becomes
very clear that I need to ask for Pardon or forgiveness
for my many faults and failings. I then offer my
fourth P - Petition. I offer a prayer of Petition for you,
our Church, my family and friends, for myself, for our
country, for the world ... The 3inal P is Promise.
Before I close my prayer, I make a Promise to God to
try my best to love and serve Him and to share that
love with others. Remember, that throughout this
prayer, I remain attentive to my breathing. On the
inhale, listen to the Holy Spirit. As I exhale, I offer to
God my prayer. It becomes a dialogue - a feather on
the breath of God. Lastly, remember that it is quality
not quantity. Ten minutes prayed with devotion is
better than hours on your knees prayed halfheartedly. I hope this helps! (If you have a question,
please email [email protected].)
TeEsperamostodoslosJuevesa
las7pm!
[email protected]
Join us for Catholic Life© Bible Study
Wed. morning 9 to 11 or
Thurs. Evening 7:15 to 9 p.m
What practical actions did Joseph take in temptations
that we should imitate from Genesis 39?
Christ Heal Us!!
On the second Saturday of every month during
the 8:30 morning Mass, we will offer the
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. This
beautiful Sacrament is for all those who are advanced in
age as well as those who suffer from a serious (grave)
illness. It is recommended for all those who are
scheduled to be admitted to a hospital for surgery later
this month to be anointed. This Sacrament can be
received as often as needed. Come and experience the
healing touch of the Divine Physician!
Living Faith
Today, Jesus shares with us the parable
of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15). On the way
home, share what touches you most about this story?
Which character can you best relate to: the father, the
younger son, or the older son? Why?
"Sohegotupandwentbacktohisfather.Whilehewasstillalongwayoff,hisfathercaughtsightofhim,andwas#illedwithcompassion."' Lk. 59
Stewardship a Way of Life
Lesson of the Homeless
Recently I was invited to a meeting at an organization helping
the homeless in downtown Tampa. As I parked my car, in what
some might consider a “less than ideal” part of downtown, I was
approached by a homeless man, in a wheelchair. He had noticed
the St. Paul magnet on the trunk of my car, and being Catholic
came over to introduce himself. I learned that he had been
baptized at Sacred Heart, and had his First Holy Communion
and Confirmation at Nativity parish. He lost his leg while
serving in the Armed Forces in Iraq, and like many other vets,
was without a regular place to call home.
He did not ask for money, but rather inquired as to whether I had
a spare rosary. In the homeless shelter a few days before, his
rosary and shoes had been
stolen. I was humbled by the
faith of this man, who had so
little, and the importance he
placed on this simple worship
aid.
He had never been to St. Paul’s
and we spoke of the many
aspects of our parish. He said
he’d like to visit St. Paul’s but it
would have to wait a while.
Although people living on the
street receive various types of assistance from churches and
local social service agencies, he had no transportation available.
He’d had a bus pass the previous week that he kept for getting to
the VA hospital, but had given it to another homeless vet, who
needed to get to a doctor.
How insulated we can be from the realities of segments of our
own community, that we often don’t see those that live on the
edge of existence, who depend upon their faith and the charity of
others in order to survive? I was humbled hearing how this
gentleman gave what little he had to help a fellow comrade in
need.
Do we give to charitable causes like APA out of our surplus?
Does our APA gift cause us a tiny bit of discomfort, or is it just
another bill we’re used to paying, knowing that we’ll still have
enough at the end of the month?
Page 11
Today our parish is taking up The
Catholic Relief Services Collection.
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of these least brothers of mine,
you did for me”. (Mt 25:40)
Today, we are reminded that Jesus
identified himself with our poorest
brothers and sisters. The Catholic Relief
Services Collection ser ves J esus in the victims of human
trafficking, those who suffer from unjust laws, and those who
need pastoral care and humanitarian assistance across the
globe.
Through supporting today’s collection, you help Jesus in
disguise. Please be generous. Envelopes ar e in the Nar thex.
Coffee & Donuts
Your Hosts Today … 3-6-16
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick
Are you interested in taking the Eucharist to the
homebound and nursing home?
Contact Bev Walter at 931-5532 or
[email protected]
and
Cursillo en español
Want to grow in faith and in spirituality, have a deeper
understanding of the teachings of Jesus,
and how you can serve Him ?
Contact Nilda Vega at 646-338-8515 or
[email protected]
Join us every Sunday in the Family Center after the
7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 10:45 am Masses
The Annual Pastoral Appeal supports Pinellas Hope by
providing housing and meals to the homeless as well as
centralized services such as laundry, computers, telephones,
GED classes, medical check ups and caseworkers who guide
residents through the ropes.
Won’t you support those in need through an APA gift?
Envelopes are in the Narthex.
Weekly Offertory
Wednesday, February 28, 2016
SignupforOnlinegiving!It’ssimpleandconvenient.
Goto:
StPaulChurch.com
for more info on how to sign up.
Offertory:
Online Giving:
Attendance:
Envelopes:
$ 26, 684
$ 14,565
3,739
913
Thank you for your Generosity!
Page 12
Mass Intentions
Mass Intentions for the Week of March 6
ADULT
CONTINUING
EDUCATION
An introductory session
facilitated by Fr. Bob
Romaine was offered
on different topics to
be studied, discussed
and reflected. The
members present at the
session selected from
the list provided for
discussion "The
extraordinary Jubilee
Year of Mercy.
It was decided that
there will be two
sessions a month on
two
Tuesdays beginning
sharply at 7 pm and
concluding at 8 pm.
Please take advantage
of theses sessions to
deepen the knowledge
of our Faith.
The two sessions in
March will be as
follows:
March 8, 2016 @ 7 pm
History&Origin of a
Jubilee year
March 29, 2016 @ 7
pm
Extraordinary Jubilee
Year of Mercy by Pope
Francis
For more info, call the
Parish Office at
813-961-3023.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
5:30 pm St. Paul Parishioners (int.)
7;30 pm Joan Russell t
Sunday, March 6, 2016– Fourth Sunday of Lent
7:30 am Phylis Marion t
9:00 am Jaroslaw Paul Miernik t
10:45 am Fred Layo t
12:30 pm John Griggs t
2:00 pm Carlina Velasquez t
5:30 pm Gen La Rowe t
Monday, March 7, 2016 - St. Perpetua and Felicity
7:30 am Mary Shepardson t
12:15 pm Van Maillet t
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - St. John of God
7:30 am John Novak t
12:15 pm Wesley Andrew Owen t
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 - St. Frances of Rome
7:30 am Lady H. and Oscar Zuluaga t
12:15 pm Consecrated Life and Priestly Vocations
Thursday, March 10, 2016
7:30 am Tomasa Mendoza t
12:15 pm Alipol Navarro t
Friday, March 11, 2016
7:30 am Edward des Vignes t
12:15 pm Fr. Joy Colina (int.)
Saturday, March 12, 2016
8:30 am Jim Trower t
5:30 pm Joel DuBois t
7;30 pm St. Paul Parishioners (int.)
Sunday, March 13, 2016– Fifth Sunday of Lent
7:30 am Fathers Gorambo, Raphael, Peter,and Bakoma t
9:00 am Tom and Holly Malouf (int.)
10:45 am Jeanneen Disgdierett t
12:30 pm Mike and Michael Hingson t
2:00 pm Jorge and Argelis Gorday t
5:30 pm MotherTeresa of Mary Immaculate t
Readings for the Week of February 28
Sunday:Jos5:9a,10-12/2Cor5,17-21/Lk15:1-3,11-32
Monday:
Is65:17-21/Jn4:43-54 Tuesday:
Ez47:1-9,12/Jn5:1-16
Wednesday: Is49:8-15/Jn5:17-30
Thursday:
Ex32:7-14/Jn5:31-47
Friday:
Wis2:1a,12:22/Jn7:1-2,10,25-20
Saturday: Jer11:18-30/Jn7:40-53
Sunday:
Is43:16-21/Phil3:8-14/Jn8:1-11
Clergy and Parish Staff
We are here to serve you!
813-961-3023
Fax: 813-962-8780
Rev. Bill Swengros
Pastor
Rev. Bob Romaine
Parochial Vicar
Rev. Francisco
Hernandez
Priest in Residence
Rev. Lenin Fernandez
Priest in Residence
Deacon Carlos Celaya
Deacon Ray Dever
Dcn. Greg Kovalesky
Deacons
Lizette Espel
Faith Formation Assistant, Infant Baptism
Coordinator
Theresa Adams
Faith Formation Assistant
Stephanie Murphy
Youth Ministry Director
Sr. Theresa Betz
Adult Faith Formation
Martha Aguiar
Child Enrichment Center Director,
Pre-School Program
Mindy Geer
Child Enrichment Center
Maria Costa
Wedding Preparation
Louise Romano
Liturgist, Funeral Arrangements
Mary Gant
Music Director
Russell Gant
Choir Director
Michael Maloney
Parish Manager
Barbara Gray
Pastoral Administrative
Gaby Fotopoulos
Parish Communications, IT
Pat Berne
Counseling Service
Nancy Kissane
Ministry and Stewardship Director
Faith in Action “No longer was there manna for
the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land
of Canaan” (Joshua 5:12). Over the forty years that the
Israelites journeyed through the desert, God provided
them with manna to eat. As soon as they were able to
enjoy the fruits of the Promised Land the manna
ceased. Likewise, God’s blessings to us may change
over the years but it is important to trust that God will
always provide us with all that we need.
Jim Kissane
Special Projects Coordinator
Tina Bubb
Finance Office
Judy Flaherty
Finance Assistant
Sam Mathai
Maintenance Manager
Jose Rodriguez
Maintenance Assistant
"Sohegotupandwentbacktohisfather.Whilehewasstillalongwayoff,hisfathercaughtsightofhim,andwas#illedwithcompassion."' Lk. 59
Outreach Ministries and Community Events
Page 13
St. Vincent De Paul
Pantry Hours Monday & Thursday 9 am -12 pm
Assistance Line: 813-264-3325
Special thanks to the good people of St. Paul
who donated to our Lenten Food Drive these past two
weekends. Thank you profusely for such generous and
wonderful results. May God Bless you!
Dialogo Matrimonial MDS en Español
Lesinvitaasuproximoretirodeindesemanaen
Abril8,9y10.Paramas
informacionyregistracionpor
[email protected]
aAngieOlarteal813-391-5819.
Counseling Services provided by Dr. Pat Berne at
the Parish Office. Please call 813-961-3023
to make an appointment.
Legal Consultation
Services Referral service
on Mondays by
appointment. Please
call 264-3307.
DivorcedandSeparatedSupport
Group-We care about you and
what you are going through. We
meet every Friday at 7:30pm.
Call
DonHemkeformoreinformation
at813-205-1735
St. Paul Parish Bereavement Ministry
Join us in our upcoming sessions:
Anxiety and Fear—March 8th
Meeting in Room H from 7:30 pm to 9 pm
For more information contact Diana McKinney at (813)
748-2874; [email protected]
Stephen Ministry
If you’re interested in learning more and possibly
becoming involved in the Stephen Ministry,
pleas e
con tact
D eacon
Ray
Dev er
at
[email protected], or leave a message at
[email protected] or the parish office
The S.O.S. Human Traficking Ministry
wants to take this opportunity to thank especially the
Women's Club and all those who contributed to our Bake
sale and those who generously gave donations on our
special Awareness week-end. A large portion of the
monies that we collected will be used for a Christian
Healing Program called "Shattered and Restored" for
victims of human traf3icking.
Your support is
appreciated. You are invited to our upcoming Meeting
Thursday, March 10th at 7 pm in the Parish Center
RoomC.For more information please contact us at
[email protected]
Help Jesus in Disguise The Catholic Relief Services
Collection supports Catholic Church organizations that
carry out international relief and solidarity efforts.
Programs include relief and resettlement for victims of
persecution, war, and natural disasters. Due to their lack
of immigration status, unaccompanied alien children are
usually held in federal custody until they can be
processed and released to family members or other legal
custodians. Since 1994,
USCCB's Department of
Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) has managed a
post-release service program for these children which
ensures that they receive counseling, academic support,
and medical attention. In keeping with the theme "Help
Jesus in Disguise," the funds collected through the CRS
Collection support vital Catholic programs that share in
the Catholic mission of promoting the sacredness of
human life and the dignity of the human person. In a
statement dated September 10, 2013, the U.S. bishops
stated their full support of CRS: "The U.S. Catholic bishops
stand #irmly behind CRS in its commitment to promote
and defend human dignity and the sacredness of every
human life from the moment of conception until natural
death,andatevery momentinbetween."Learnmoreat
www.usccb.org
SOCCER FOR YOUNG ADULTS -- high school graduates
through age 20! If you enjoy soccer and fall into this
category, Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O' Lakes just
created a new division for this age group! They need 24
players to make it work, so contact Patrick Poland
([email protected]) if you are interested!
GuidingStarTampa
invitesyoutotheir
annualfundraising
event.
Join us on Thursday, April
7th at 6 pm at the Bethany Center.
Guiding Star looking for volunteers for our child-watch program on Massage,
Mommy support, and breastfeeding class days. Classes are held on the 3irst
and third Thursdays of every month. Contact Brenda Pereira at 948-7734
AbortionAftercare-HealingforWomenandMen
By the Easter mystery, Jesus promises us resurrection
and a life of love with Him. Experience His love and
mercy on a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat™. Next retreat
dates: English - February 26-28 and April 15-17 call
813-924-4173, Spanish - August1921 call 813-500-9785
or email
[email protected] - Visit
ourwebsiterachelsvineyard.org