Post on 07-Aug-2021
PARISH CLERGY
Fr. Brandon Ware, Pastor Fr. Hung Joseph Nguyen, Parochial Vicar
Fr. Rob Oswald, Parochial Vicar Fr. Ronnie Manango, Parochial Vicar
Deacon Porfi Cisneros Deacon Karl Welsbacher
Deacon Tom Driscoll
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
The Parish Office is Open to serve you! Monday - Friday | 9:00am - 5:00pm
Closed everyday from 11:45 am - 1:00 pm for Lunch
WEEKEND MASSES
SUNDAY: 7:00am Spanish (via Zoom & Facebook)
& 8:30am English (via Zoom & Facebook)
10:30am English (in the School Play Yard)
12:30pm Spanish (in the School Play Yard)
6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | FEBRUARY 14TH, 2021
MARRIAGES
A six-month advance notice is required. By appointment only. Please contact the
Parish Office to begin the process. Ceremony times available on
Saturdays at 11:30am & 2:00pm
ST. ANNE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Kindergarten - 8th Grade
200 S. Pleasant Ave., Lodi, CA 95240
Principal: Mrs. Elizabeth Mar
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Rose Herold Phone: (209) 333-7580
www.stanneslodi.org/school
CONFESSIONS SCHEDULE Monday-Friday 5:00-6:00 pm
in the Church along the East Wall (Other times available by appointment.)
CHURCH OPEN FOR PRAYER
Monday—Friday from 4:00pm—6:00pm
DAILY MASSES
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am Mass
ADORATION OF THE
BLESSED SACRAMENT
Monday-Friday from 5:00pm – 6:00pm
BAPTISMS
1st , 2nd & 3rd Saturdays in Spanish. 4th Saturday in English. By appointment only.
Baptismal classes required. Please call Parish Office to register.
Or visit www.stanneslodi.org/baptism
OUR MISSION CHURCH: Mater Ecclesiae Catholic Church
26500 Sacramento Blvd., Thornton, CA | Sunday Mass: 11:00 am Bilingual
Monastery of Our Lady of La Vang - Cistercian Sisters
26952 N. Thornton Rd., Thornton, CA | Monastery: (209) 796-5009 | Fax: (209) 796-5098 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 475, Thornton, CA 95686-0475
St. Anne’s Catholic Church
215 W. Walnut St., Lodi, CA 95240 | P.O. Box 480, Lodi, CA 95241
Phone: (209) 369-1907 | Fax: (209) 369-1971
E-Mail: parishoffice@stanneslodi.org | Parish Website: www.stanneslodi.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stannesparish | Instagram: @stannesparish
Adoración y Confesión
Únete para un tiempo especial de Lunes a Viernes
Adoración de 4:00 pm a 6:00 pm
Confesiones de 5:00 pm a 6:00 pm
(Habrá un Sacerdote disponible para Confesiones.)
Adoration & Confession
Join us for some special time Monday–Friday
Adoration from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Confessions 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
(1 priest will be available for Confessions.)
9
Mass Intentions & Readings
To request a Mass Intention, please contact the Parish Office at 369-1907.
Intenciones y Lecturas de la Misa Para reservar una Intención de Misa favor de
Mon 2/15 Gn 4:1-15, 25; Ps 50:1, 8, 16bc-17, 20-21; Mk 8:11-13
8:00 AM Sr. Sharon Mello SHF; Tawni Urrutia; Andi Bersi; Richard & Janice Raymond; The Rogan Family; Scott Bowers; The Souls in Purgatory
4:00 PM NO MASS
Tue 2/16 Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Ps 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9c-10; Mk 8:14-21
8:00 AM Evelyn Way; Mr. & Mrs. Leal; Fred Ibarra+; The Souls in Purgatory
4:00 PM Don & Carol Bowers & Family; Carmen Barraza; Jerre & Susan Murphy
Wed 2/17 Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6ab, 12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20 — 6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
8:00 AM Ann Ioppini; Jesus Mier Rangel+; The Souls in Purgatory
9:30 AM Living & Deceased Benefactors of St. Anne's School
12:30 PM La Familia Alvarado; Jesus Mier Rangel+
3:00 PM Liturgy of the Word
6:00 PM Special Intention / Intención Especial
Thu 2/18 Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 9:22-25
8:00 AM Carl & MaryAnn Maggio; Rafael Puebla Vega+; Ventura & Andrea Jaime+; The Souls in Purgatory
4:00 PM Dave & Ceferina Smith; Robert Blackwell; Jack Martinelli+
Fri 2/19 Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15
8:00 AM Michael McKenzie; Daughters of Isabella; The Souls in Purgatory
4:00 PM The Herrera Family; Tony & Dawn Troncale; Sam & Sandy Crisafulli; Kurt Martinelli+; Phillip Sarno+
Sat 2/20 Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32
8:00 AM NO MASS
4:00 PM The Dutra Family; Barbara Shoemake+; Conrado Mendoza+
Sun 2/21 Gn 9:8-15; Ps 25:4-9; 1 Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15
7:00 AM Jesus & Alejandra Esqueda; Jose Avila Ceja+ & Olivia Ceja Nava+
8:30 AM Happy 67th Anniversary John & Emily Vatsula; Dr. Henry Zeiter; Marge Degenstein+
10:30 AM Parishioners; Aurelio, Maria & Raul Navarro+; Lee Elwood+; Joseph "Jo" Moya+
12:30 PM Feliz Cumpleaños Eulogio Hernandez; Rafael Puebla Vega+; Job Sanchez+; Rosa Santana+; Bonifacio Ochoa+
Mater Ecclesiae Church—Thornton
11:00 AM Rogelio Rodriguez; St. Anne's Ministry Team
PARISH OFFICE HOURS & INFO.
215 W. Walnut St., Lodi, CA 95240
Office #: 209-369-1907 |Fax #: 209-369-1971
www.stanneslodi.org | www.facebook.com/stannesparish
The Parish Office is Open to serve you!
Monday-Friday—9:00am-5:00pm
Closed from 11:45am-1:00pm
REGISTRATION FOR MASSES
Registration for Masses opens on Monday’s at 1:00pm. Register Online or
by calling the Parish Office. Please cancel your reservation by Thursday
if your plans change so others may attend.
**Note: If the Parish Office is Closed on a Monday, Registrations will open on Tuesday at 1:00pm
COMMUNION IN THE PLAZA
Come & Receive our Lord in the Eucharist after our Live Streamed Masses on Sunday
For those who do not yet feel comfortable coming to Mass in person,
you can watch our 7:00 am Spanish Mass or 8:30 am English Mass
via Zoom or on our Facebook page, then come to receive communion
in the Plaza from 2:00pm-3:00pm in front of the Church.
CHURCH OPEN FOR PRAYER
MONDAY - FRIDAY from 4:00pm—6:00pm
ADORATION INSIDE THE CHURCH
MONDAY - FRIDAY from 5:00pm—6:00pm
CONFESSION SCHEDULE
There will be 1 priest available for Confession inside of the Church.
MONDAY - FRIDAY from 5:00pm-6:00pm
JOIN FLOCKNOTE
Stay connected with what’s going on in our Parish by: Visiting our mobile
friendly website at www.stanneslodi.org, Following us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/stannesparish, Follow @stannesparish on Instagram,
or join our Flocknote group and get updates by texting “stanneslodi” to 84576
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE
Our Religious Education Office can help you in person through
the Southwest window of the Parish Office building,
Or by calling the Parish Office Monday-Friday 1:00pm-5:00pm.
Religious Education Window Hours
Tuesday-Friday from 2:00pm-6:00pm | Contact by email at: aespinoza@stanneslodi.org
MATER ECCLESIAE—CHURCH & SHRINE
26500 Sacramento Blvd., Thornton, CA
Monday-Wednesday 4:00pm-6:30pm | Thursday-Friday 3:00pm-7:00pm
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursday 3:30pm-5:00pm
The Parish Office will be CLOSED
on Monday, February 15th for
the President's Day Holiday.
*Please note: We will not have our 4:00 pm Mass or Confessions on this day.
ATTENTION STUDENTS IN 8th GRADE:
The Daughters of Isabella, St. Anne’s Circle #1332, will again fund two $350.00 scholarships to St. Anne’s Parish 8th graders and St. Anne’s School (boys & girls) planning to attend St. Mary’s High School in the Fall of 2021.
Applications will be sent upon request and will include the return date and further instructions. Please contact Megan Holguin at 209-327-4554 or meganholguin1011@gmail.com for application.
All judging will be done anonymously by the committee members.
Substitute Teacher for St. Anne's School
St. Anne's Catholic School is in search of dynamic substitute
teachers for grades K-8.
Candidate must be able to: -Follow daily lesson plans and deliver curriculum while addressing the needs of all learners.
-Maintain a classroom environment conducive for learning.
-Communicate effectively with students, parents, & colleagues.
-Work independently and interdependently prioritize and problem solve as needed.
Requirements / Qualifications Hold a BA/BS Pass a DOJ and FBI fingerprint clearance Complete Safe Environment requirements prior to working with children.
2020 Contribution Report
As you begin to gather the information for your taxes, don't forget to request your Contribution Report for your financial support to our Parish Community for the 2020 year.
Contact the Parish Office at 369-1907 or email
bharo@stanneslodi.org
St. Anne’s School
Catholic Fellowship
Parish Information
I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble,
and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
Stay connected with
what’s going on in our Parish by:
Visiting our mobile friendly website at
www.stanneslodi.org
Following us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/stannesparish
Follow @stannesparish on Instagram
Or join our Flocknote group and get
updates by texting “stanneslodi” to
84576
PICK OF THE WEEK
FEBRUARY 14, 2021
SIGN UP FOR FREE AT STANNESLODI.FORMED.ORG
BELOVED-SESSION 1: DOES MARRIAGE MATTER?
Happy Feast of St . Valentine! This Valentine's Day, remind yourself of the beauty of the
Sacrament of Marriage with the Beloved series, presented by the Augustine Institute.
Me dirijo a ti, Señor, en tiempos de angustia,
y me llenas de el gozo de la salvación.
La Oficina Parroquial estará
CERRADA el Lunes 15 de Febrero
para el Dia de los Presidentes.
*Favor De Notar: No tendremos nuestra Misa de 4:00 pm o Confesiones en este día.
Escuela Santa Ana
Maestra suplente para Santa Ana
La escuela católica de Santa Ana está en busca de maestros
suplentes dinámicos para los grados K-8.
El candidato debe poder: -Seguir planes de lecciones diarias y entregue el plan de estudios y las necesidades de todos los alumnos.
-Mantener un ambiente de clase para el aprendizaje. -Comunicarse de manera efectiva con estudiantes, padres y colegas. -Trabajar de forma independiente e interdependiente priorizar y resolver problemas según sea necesario.
Requisitos / Cualificaciones Tener un BA / BS Ser Aprobado por el DOJ y FBI con huellas Complete los requisitos de Seguro antes de trabajar con niños.
Informe de Contribución 2020
Al empezar a reunir la información de sus impuestos, no se le olvide pedir su informe de contribución por su apoyo financiero a nuestra comunidad parroquial para el año 2020.
Contacte la Oficina Parroquial al 369-1907 o por email al
bharo@stanneslodi.org
ATENCIÓN ESTUDIANTES DEL 8O GRADO:
Las Hijas de Isabela, Círculo # 1332 de Santa Ana, ofrecen financiar dos becas de $350.00 a feligreses del 8º grado y/o a estudiantes de la Escuela de Santa Ana (niños y niñas) que planean asistir a la Escuela Secundaria Santa María en el otoño de 2021.
Las aplicaciones serán enviadas a petición e incluirán la fecha de devolución y otras instrucciones. Póngase en contacto con Megan Holguin al 327-4554 o en meganholguin1011@gmail.com.
Todas las decisiones se harán anónimamente por los miembros del Comité.
Compañerismo Católico
Información Parroquial
Quédese conectado a lo que
esta pasando en nuestra parroquia:
Visitando nuestro sitio web en www.stanneslodi.org
Siguiéndonos en Facebook: www.facebook.com/stannesparish
Sigue a @stannesparish en Instagram O únase a nuestro grupo de Flocknote
y reciba mensajes de texto a su teléfono enviando “stanneslodi” al
SELECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA
14 DE FEBRERO, 2021
DISFRUTENLO GRATIS EN STANNESLODI.FORMED.ORG
AMADO-SESION 1: ¿IMPORTA EL MATRIMONIO?
Feliz fiesta de San Valentin! Este día de San Valentín, recuérdese la belleza del
Sacramento del Matrimonio, presentado por el Augustine Institute.
Santana’sTREE TRIMMING
FREE ESTIMATESLicensed& Insured
cell: 209.747.0657209.333.1603
Get this weekly bulletin delivered by email - for FREE!Sign up here:www.jspaluch.com/subscribeCourtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.
The Most CompleteOnline National
Directory ofCatholic ParishesCheck It Out Today!
“The Quick & Easy Way To Get The Cash You Need From The Credit Union You Trust”209-948-6024 • www.fccuburt.org
18 S. CENTER ST., STOCKTON • 435 W. BENJAMIN HOLT DR., STOCKTON • 4603 N. PERSHING AVE., STOCKTON
• 206 E. YOSEMITE AVE., MANTECA • 200 S. SCHOOL ST., LODI • 2405 S. AIRPORT WAY, STOCKTON Federally insured by NCUA
Grow Your Business, Advertise Here.Support Your Church & Bulletin.
Free professional ad design & my help!email: kwiatkowskim@jspaluch.com
Call Marcy Kwiatkowski925.239.1401
www.jspaluch.com
523248 St Anne Church
Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and
connect with yourCatholic Community
with OneParish!
Download Our Free App or Visit
www.MY.ONEPARISH.com
www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-675-5051
SSuurrvviivviinnggDIVORCE
HOPE AND HEALING FORTHE CATHOLIC FAMILY
For information call:Joe Kaehler at 209-371-7686
cowfeeder@icloud.com
If You Live Alone You Need MDMedAlert!24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY!
FREE ShippingFREE ActivationNO Long Term Contracts
Solutions as Low as
$19.95a month
✔Ambulance✔Police ✔Fire✔Friends/Family
CALL NOW! 800.809.3352 GPS Tracking w/Fall DetectionNationwide, No Land Line Needed
EASY Set-up, NO Contract24/7 365 Monitoring in the USA
MDMedAlertSafe-Guarding America’s Seniors Nationwide!
This Button SAVES Lives!As Shown GPS, Lowest Price Guaranteed!
LODI FUNERAL HOME“Thoughtful Service Within The Means Of All” FD627725 S. FAIRMONT AVENUE 209-369-3564
THE SAMUEL D. SALAS FAMILY SINCE 1932
Catholic Cruises and Toursand The Apostleship of the Seaof the United States of AmericaCatholic Cruises/Tours to Worldwide Destinations
Call us today at 860-399-1785 or emaileileen@CatholicCruisesandTours.com
www.CatholicCruisesandTours.com
Take yourFAITHON A
JOURNEY.(CST 2117990-70)
GGIIUUFFFFRRAA’’SS PPAARRTTYY RREENNTTAALLSSEverything for your kitchen
Charles and Chris110011 HHaannsseenn DDrr..,, LLooddii,, CCAA
PPhh:: 333333--22332222 oorr 336699--55999977www.gprevents.com
Please Pray For:
Anne Abruzzini, Julio Aguirre, The Gary Allegre Family, Tammy Allert, Carlos Almanza, Jaime Amann,
Eliane & Jeff Atad, Tasha Awbrey, Sera Baysinger, Jessi Blighton, Rachel Bosche, Carol Bowen, Lynette Brehm, John Brignoli, John Brodie,
Celia Brophy, Teresa Calderon, Irene Cano, John Caudill Jr., Juan Manuel Contreras, Justin Dawe, Arlene Deal, Ralph DeMott, Lola Diaz,
Jacobo Diaz, Linda Dixon, Tim Dohner, Crispin Domingo, Charlotte Dore, Claire Dore, Michael Effner, Gayelene Entzi, Refugio Escalante,
Gloria Escalante, Donnie Fielmen, Anthony Filipas, Andrea Fleming, Frank Flores, Dorothy Floyd, Jason Floyd, Karen Franke, Ramon Fuentes,
Jose Fuentes, Josie Garcia, Leobardo Garcia Jr., Luis Garza, Desidoro Gauna & Family, Imelda Gaytan, Antonia Gaytan, Marina Gaytan,
Sandy Gilweit, Amy Goff, Sorrel Gonzalez, Bianca Ha, Julie Hanks, Gloria Hayes, Valerie Hendrick, Rocio Hernandez, Jose Antonio Herrera Diaz,
Jim Hickcox, Ervin "Floyd" Hicks, Bill Hollander, Michael Huerta, Daniel Husebye, David Hutchings, Denice James, Marcie Jimenez,
Donna Johnston, Lucy Kapic, Mariam Knox, John R. Leonardo, Maria Lupian, Mary Marquez, Jeannette Martin, James E. McGaha, Mike Mckenzie,
Margaret McLean, Julia McLoughlin, James Miller, Joanne Miller, Lori Mock, Mike Moore, Lucy Moreno, Dante Moreno, Ted Moreno, Jerre Murphy,
Rosario Navarro, Rita Neudeck, Jennifer Nguyen, Amy Ornelas, Ma. del Rosario Ortega, Ermelinda Ortega, Yolanda Pantoja, Laura Pereira,
Anita Perez, Carlotta Perez, James Petzold, Linda Quenzel, Jodi Raper, Rex Reynolds, Jamie Rhoades Feri, Chris Rivera, Louise Rivera,
Pam Rodriguez, Eva Rodriguez, Eugene Rossi, Marisol Ruiz, Carlos Ruiz, Gloria Saldana, Job Sanchez, Rosa Luz Sanchez, Marge Sandeen,
Jose Santana, Guadalupe Santana, Annie Marie Santos, Tim Schoch, Sam Singer, Bonnie Skogstad, David Smith, Ceferina Smith, Savanna Spruell,
Jim Sturman, Agnes Sutphin, Shawn Tallerico, Michael & Sandra Tansley, Beverly Templeton, Francisco Tovar Jr., Jose Armando Valdez, Hannah Walker, Marlys & Don Weiland, Thelma Welsbacher,
Perry Westbrook, Velma White Bear, Maxine Wudel, Renee, John, Verania & Marquez Byrd, Tiffany & Stephen, Johnson Family
and all sick members of St. Anne’s Church.
We depend on & are grateful for your sacrificial offering.
Next Week’s Second Collection
Bishop’s Ministry Appeal (BMA) These funds will go towards fulfilling our Parish Goal for the 2019 Appeal which helps to support
the programs and ministries that serve the educational, physical and spiritual needs of the people of the Diocese of Stockton.
JESUS’ WAY Today’s readings present a contrast between “Jesus’ way” and the “old way.” An example of the old way is the law given to Moses and Aaron about leprosy: the leper was unclean and cast out of the community. Jesus’ way is the opposite: the leper is reached out to, touched, and finally cured. Nor ought we think of the “old way” as restricted to the days of Moses and Aaron, or even to the “old” testament. The difference between the old way and Jesus’ way arises in own lives. We still choose, every day, to live in our old way or in Jesus’ way. Jesus dared to touch a leper, disregarding the old way. The leper then was changed forever. He felt a calling. He couldn’t keep himself from proclaiming that he had been touched by Jesus (even though Jesus told him not to!). Once Jesus touches us, we are called to proclaim his way. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
EL CAMINO DE JESÚS
Las lecturas de hoy presentan un contraste entre el “camino de Jesús” y el “camino viejo”. Un ejemplo del camino viejo es la ley que recibieron Moisés y Aarón acerca de la lepra: el leproso era impuro y se echaba fuera de la comunidad. El camino de Jesús es lo contrario: el leproso se acerca, es tocado y finalmente curado. Tampoco debemos pensar en el “camino viejo” como algo restringido a los días de Moisés y Aarón o incluso al “antiguo” testamento. La diferencia entre el camino antiguo y el camino de Jesús surge en nuestra propia vida. Todavía elegimos, todos los días, a vivir siguiendo el camino viejo o el camino de Jesús. Jesús se atrevió a tocar a un leproso, sin tener en cuenta el camino viejo. Así el leproso fue cambiado para siempre. Se sintió llamado. No podía dejar de proclamar que había sido tocado por Jesús (¡a pesar de que Jesús le dijo que no lo hiciera!). Una vez que Jesús nos toca, estamos llamados a proclamar su “camino”. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
February 6 & 7, 2021
First Collection: St. Anne's: $ 20,812.54 Mater Ecclesiae: $ 542.00 Building & Maintenance: St. Anne's: $ 6,135.00 Mater Ecclesiae: $ 42.00
Would you like to use your credit or debit card to support the Parish financially? You can through online giving! Just visit our website at www.stanneslodi.org and click on the Online Giving icon!
Ashes will be distributed at all Masses & Liturgies listed.
Visit our website: www.stanneslodi.org/ash2021
St. Anne’s Schedule 8:00 am Bilingual Mass (Inside Church & Online)
12:30 pm Bilingual Mass (Inside Church & Online)
3:00 pm Bilingual Liturgy of the Word (Plaza)
6:00 pm Bilingual Mass (Inside Church & Online)
7:00 pm Ash Distribution (Plaza) -For those unable to attend earlier celebration.
Mater Ecclesiae Schedule 5:30 pm Bilingual Mass (Inside Church)
Cenizas serán distribuidas en todas las Misas y Liturgias.
Visita nuestro sito web: www.stanneslodi.org/ash2021
Horario de Santa Ana 8:00 am Misa Bilingüe (Dentro la Iglesia y En Línea)
12:30 pm Misa Bilingüe (Dentro la Iglesia y En Línea)
3:00 pm Liturgia de la Palabra Bilingüe (Plaza)
6:00 pm Misa Bilingüe (Dentro la Iglesia y En Línea)
7:00 pm Distribución de Cenizas (Plaza) -Para los que no pueden asistir mas temprano.
Horario de Mater Ecclesiae 5:30 pm Misa Bilingüe (Dentro la Iglesia y En Línea)
LIMITED SPACE Register By:
Tuesday, Feb 16 to ensure your spot.
Few walk-ins allowed. Register Online or Call
209-369-1907
ESPACIO LIMITADO Registrarse antes del: Martes 16 de Febrero
para asegurar su lugar. Se permiten pocas personas sin cita.
Regístrese en línea o llame al
209-369-1907
February 2021 Reflection
February 3, 2021
My Dear People of God, The month of February holds a special place in the hearts of many with the annual celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. Everywhere we look, with the help of the advertising world, we see the ever-popular symbol of St. Valentine’s Day - the heart. Universally, the heart is recognized as a common symbol for love; not just romantic love, but more profoundly, it can also serve as a symbol of God’s love for us and our love for him. God, who is Love, has created us in his image to love, know and serve him. His unconditional love has a tendency to change, to transform hearts. In Holy Scripture, we see God’s willingness to initiate this change of heart as in the Book of Ezekiel: “I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts”(Ez. 36:25-26). When this conversion of heart occurs, our worldview is transformed. The Holy Spirit awakens within us a sensitivity to sin. The Spirit initiates a movement away from self and directs one’s attention, and concern, toward the other. The result: a profound movement of the heart, and with it, a desire to serve. To serve, to care for the other, while turning away from sin, brings to mind another special day in the month of February - the 17th - Ash Wednesday. It is a day that offers the opportunity for us to examine our hearts and consciences. During the 40 days of Lent, our attention will be drawn to the three pillars of spiritual discipline: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The third pillar, almsgiving - can be summed up as the selfless act of giving and offering service to the other. Through the penitential act of almsgiving, we are challenged to empty ourselves by giving of our time, talent and treasure. We, as the faith community, must be concerned about the common good - looking out for the well-being of the other. This concern for the common good moves us out of a mode of maintenance to that of mission! We need to arrive at a better understanding of the purpose of the Church. We must never forget that the Church of Christ exists for the sole purpose of missio - mission. But what is the mission? It is evangelization! Lent is a time to humble ourselves by turning away from sin and accepting the Gospel of Jesus. By accepting and living the Gospel, in our everyday lives, we become evangelized by the good news of his passion, death and resurrection. This good news has the capacity to transform our lives. It will empower us to combat the evils of our day and age as we fulfill our call as missionary disciples. This Lent, let us not be selfish, nor fearful, to give of our time, talent and treasure for the sake of our brothers and sisters in need. For if we truly profess Jesus as Lord of our lives, this must include every aspect of our lives, even our time, our talent and that of our treasure. As today’s evangelizers, young and old, let us do our part to address and transform society through the power of good. May our hearts be moved to participate in the mission of Jesus: to serve as he served. May the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus grant our hearts the courage and desire to serve our brothers and sisters during the Lenten season. Let us never forget - this movement of the heart will only happen if we allow God’s grace and mercy to flow from his heart to ours!
In the Peace of Christ, Bishop Myron J. Cotta
Office of Bishop Myron J. Cotta D.D.
Reflexión de Febrero 2021
3 de Febrero, 2021
Querido pueblo de Dios, El mes de Febrero ocupa un lugar especial en los corazones de muchos con la celebración anual del día de San Valentín. Con la ayuda del mundo de la publicidad, dondequiera que volteemos, vemos el símbolo popular de San Valentín: el corazón. Universalmente, el Corazón es reconocido como un símbolo común del amor; no solo el amor romántico, sino más profundamente, también es símbolo del amor de Dios que tiene por nosotros y de nuestro amor por él. Dios, que es Amor, nos ha creado a su imagen para amarlo, conocerlo y servirlo. Su amor incondicional tiene tendencia a cambiar, y a transformar los corazones. En la Sagrada Escritura, vemos la voluntad de Dios para iniciar este cambio de Corazón como dice el Libro de Ezequiel: “Les daré un Corazón Nuevo y pondré un espíritu Nuevo dentro de ustedes, quitando de sus cuerpos sus corazones de piedra y dándoles corazones naturales.” (Ezequiel 36: 25-26). Cuando ocurre esta conversión de corazón, nuestra cosmovisión se transforma. El Espíritu Santo despierta en nosotros la sensibilidad al pecado. El Espíritu inicia un movimiento y dirige nuestra atención y preocupación de uno hacia al otro. El resultado es: un profundo movimiento del Corazón y, con él, el deseo de servir. El servir, cuidar al otro, mientras se aleja del pecado, nos recuerda de otro día especial en el mes de febrero, el 17, miércoles de ceniza. Este es un día que nos brinda la oportunidad de examinar nuestro corazón y nuestra conciencia. Durante los 40 días de Cuaresma, nuestra atención recaerá sobre los tres pilares de la disciplina espiritual: oración, ayuno, y limosna. El tercer pilar, la limosna, se puede resumir como el acto desinteresado de dar y ofrecer servicio al otro. A través del acto penitencial de la limosna, somos desafiados a vaciarnos dando de nuestro tiempo, talento y tesoro. Nosotros, como comunidad de fe, debemos preocuparnos por el bien común, velando por el bienestar del otro. ¡Esta preocupación por el bien común nos traslada fuera del modo de conservación al de misión! Necesitamos llegar a una mejor comprensión del propósito de la Iglesia. Nunca debemos olvidar que la Iglesia de Cristo existe con el único propósito de la missio - misión. ¿Pero cuál es la misión? ¡Es la evangelización! La Cuaresma es un tiempo para ser humildes apartándonos del pecado y aceptando el Evangelio de Jesús. Al aceptar y vivir el Evangelio, en nuestra vida cotidiana, nos evangeliza la buena noticia de su pasión, muerte y resurrección. Esta buena noticia tiene la capacidad de transformar nuestras vidas. Nos capacitara para combatir los males de nuestra época al cumplir con nuestro llamado como discípulos misioneros. En esta Cuaresma, no seamos egoístas, ni temerosos, para compartir de nuestro tiempo, talento y tesoro por el bien de nuestros hermanos y hermanas necesitados. Porque si realmente profesamos a Jesús como el Señor de nuestras vidas, esto debe incluir todos los aspectos de nuestras vidas, incluso nuestro tiempo, nuestro talento y el de nuestro tesoro. Como evangelizadores de hoy, jóvenes y ancianos, hagamos nuestra parte para abordar y transformar la sociedad a través del poder del bien. Que nuestros corazones se muevan a participar en la misión de Jesús: servir como él sirvió. Que el amor del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús otorgue a nuestros corazones el valor y el deseo de servir a nuestros hermanos y hermanas durante el tiempo de Cuaresma. No olvidemos nunca: ¡este movimiento del corazón solo sucederá si permitimos que la gracia y la misericordia de Dios fluyan de su corazón al nuestro! En la Paz de Cristo, Obispo Myron J. Cotta
Oficina del Obispo Myron J. Cotta D.D.