Announcements

ASH WEDNESDAY MASS SCHEDULE

February 22, 2012

Lent begins on February 22nd with Ash Wednesday. Masses will be at 8am, Noon and 7pm. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time                                                                                          

A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

Six Sunday in Ordinary Time -February 12, 2011
“If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

    The man with leprosy reached out to Jesus and asked to be healed.  He went to God and sought forgiveness, freedom, salvation, joy, mercy and love.  He wanted to have human relationships again.  He needed to eat a normal meal with good clean food.  He desired to shop in the market and not have stones thrown at him.  He desperately needed to worship God with family and friends at the temple.  That painful memory of abandonment that he had experienced for so long was healed along with his body.  The man then ran off telling everybody just how good it felt to be free and alive in the spirit. 

    We feel the same way when we offer up our own illness and accept this cross as a sharing in the suffering of Jesus.  The promise of eternal happiness comes from our Lord.  May God the Father of mercies fill our hearts with every blessing and healing and may we have firm hope and sincere love for him all the days of our life.

ANNUAL MINISTRY FAIR 2012

    Stewardship is a simple way to live our lives with accountability and responsibility. Through honest stewardship we share with others our faith in God as the creator and provider of everything that is good.  Catholic stewards are the caretakers of God’s gifts on earth. We express our commitment to stewardship through prayer, worship, ministry and action. 

    Next weekend: February 18-19 the Annual Ministry Fair will be held in the parish center.  This is a fantastic way to speak to ministry leaders and members about how a particular ministry benefits the parish family and how exciting and spiritually fulfilling a ministry at St. Max truly is.  I invite all of you to enjoy the displays, gather information and enjoy the fellowship and light refreshments.  May we continue to give thanks for all that God has given to us here at St. Max.  

God bless, Father Rafael

"WE ARE A STEWARDSHIP PARISH"
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN -FEBRUARY 2012

January 30, 2012

Dear Parishioners,

    As we begin our Stewardship Campaign for 2012, the priests celebrating Masses will invite you to make a prayerful, thoughtful, and planned decision about the commitment of your Time, Talent, and Treasure to St. Max.

    Without your support St. Max would not be able to function.  I pray that we as a parish family may have a successful campaign this year so that we may continue to build up the Kingdom of God and give praise and glory to His name here at St. Max.

    At the Ministry Fair, displaying all our different ministries, you will have an opportunity to select the ministry you may like to participate in.  After praying about your Treasure gift to St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish for 2012, please fill out the enclosed pledge card and bring it to church on the weekend of February 18 and 19.  After the homily, the priest will invite all to come forward and place the pledge cards in the offertory basket.

    Again, thank you for your generosity of your time, talent, and treasure.  It is extremely important that I receive a reply from you no matter how small or large your gift will be; it will assist our Finance Committee to plan for the future.

     We are privileged to have St. Maximilian Kolbe as our patron saint.  He is the heavenly advocate for families, drug addiction, journalists, prisoners, and the pro-life movement.  As your pastor, I pray daily for each of you through the intercession of St. Max.  During this year, I am especially praying for parishioners with marriages in crisis, but if there is any other specific intention you may want to share with me, I will be happy to pray for that intention. I am always available via email frpadilla@stmaxcatholic.org or by appointment.  I will be happy to hear from you.

    I am confident that you will respond with great generosity in all areas of stewardship.  Your contribution of time, talent, and treasure is what makes St. Max possible.

Sincerely yours in Christ and our heavenly Mother Mary,

Father Rafael Padilla, JCL

Pastor

The above letter was mailed to parishioners on January 30, 2012.  Pledge cards and envelopes are available at the doors.  If you would like to join our parish, please complete a registration form, this also is available at the doors

ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT FOR LENT

Presenting 3 unique series this year...

Everyone is welcome to attend one or all sessions. Books are available for purchase in the Parish Office.

The Way of the Heart

3 part series studying Henri Nouwen’s book by that title  held on Wednesdays from 8:45 to 10 am Room 105 from February 29th through March 14th

Find a spiritual path away from the busyness of life and into one centered in God.

Biblical Walk through the Mass

5 Sessions held on Tuesdays at 1 pm, and Thursdays at 9 am  Room 107 from February 14th through March 15th. Deepen your understanding of the Mass and why the changes

Quick Journey through the Bible

8 Sessions held on Tuesdays at 9 am, and Thursdays at 1 pm  Room 107 from February 7th through March 29th.

Take a helicopter ride over salvation history and learn the bible timeline.

The Ladies Auxiliary will once again host the Lenten Fish Fry every Friday beginning February 24th until March 30th., serving from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.

COURTYARD BRICKS

If you would like to purchase a courtyard brick, please pick up an order form in the south side entrance (by the parish office) of the church. Effective March 1, courtyard brick orders will be $150. Memorial Garden Bricks are $250.00

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
The Grief Support Meetings facilitated by Ed and Ester Kaciur will start on Tuesday, February 14, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 106.  You are welcome to attend if you have experienced the loss of a loved one in the past year.  This is a seven-week series of meetings during which members of the Group help one another by sharing their common experiences and discussing the grief process.

“Conscience Protection

Bishops Vow to Fight Coercive HHS Mandate”

To learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration’s decision, visit the below website:

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/index.cfm

Winter Mass Schedule - Starting November 26, 2011

Monday – Friday  8:00am

Saturday Vigil English  3:00pm

Saturday Vigil English  4:30pm

Saturday Vigil Spanish  6:30pm            

Sunday English   7:00am

Sunday English   8:30am 

Sunday English   10:15am 

 Sunday English   12:00 Noon

Sunday English   5:00pm

Confessions on Saturday  2:00pm—2:45pm, 5:30-6:15pm and by appointment

FAMILY MASS

Come!  Come!  Come to St. Max!  On January 8, 2012, St. Maximilian Kolbe will introduce the Family Mass at the 10:15am Mass.  The Welcomer, Lectors, Hospitality, Altar Servers and Choir will involve the youth of our parish from all families here at St. Max.  The first Sunday of each month at the 10:15 am Mass will be designated the Family Mass, where children and their families will be involved in the Mass.  If your child is interested, please contact Cindy K. at 743-6877 or cindyrk@stmaxcatholic.org.

THE CHARISMATIC MASS

We hope you join us where the Holy Spirit is alive and on fire within our hearts and souls! The Charismatic Mass is celebrated the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. following Benediction. Everyone is invited to the Holy Eucharist. This Mass is in English and Spanish.

A PRAYER FOR PRIESTS SERVING IN THE DIOCESE

O Jesus, Eternal High Priest,
live in the priests serving in the Diocese of Venice,
act in them, speak in and through them.

Think your thoughts in their minds, love through their hearts.
Give them your own disposition and feelings.
Teach, lead and guide them always. Correct,
enlighten and expand their thoughts and behavior.
Possess their souls, take over their lives.
Replace them with yourself.
Incline them to constant adoration and thanksgiving; pray in and through them.
Let them live in you and keep them in this intimate union always.

O Mary, Immaculate Conception,
Mother of Jesus and Mother of priests,
pray and intercede for them.

Amen

"SERVANTS OF THE SPIRIT" PRAYER GROUP

Come and join this spirit-filled prayer meeting in English every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm in the Parish Center. The Holy Spirit is calling you to join. Call Joan and Harold Meeks at 941-743-3929 or Ana Romillo at 941-626-5046 if you have questions.

The Prayer Group in Spanish meets at the same time in Room 106 / El Grupo de Oracion en Español se reune a la misma hora en el salon 106.

ST MAX GIFT SHOP, Please visit, shop and enjoy...

Remember, the gift shop is a great way to share our stewardship of treasure, because each donation goes to the parish Catholic Faith Appeal assessment.  Stop in after Mass on the weekend or during the week through the parish office.  Beginning the weekend of  Mass cards/Mass Intentions will be available in the Gift Shop.

The gift shop is celebrating one year!  

PRAYER FOR EMPLOYMENT

God, our Father, I turn to you seeking your divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment. I need your wisdom to guide my footsteps along the right path, and to lead me to find the proper things to say and do in this quest. I wish to use the gifts and talents you have given me, but I need the opportunity to do so with gainful employment. Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this search, but rather grant me this favor I seek so that I may return to you with praise and thanksgiving for your gracious assistance.  Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen

BEREAVEMENT(Grief Support)

This ministry provides support to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Volunteers are needed to assist the coordinators with the planned grief sessions for seven weeks twice a year. For more information or to apply, call the parish office (743-6877).

MASS INTENTION

If you would like to reserve a Mass Intention, you may do so in the gift shop on weekends and in the parish office during office hours; $15 for Mass Cards.

SANCTUARY CANDLE

If you would like to reserve one of the two Sanctuary Candles in memory of someone, please come to the parish office or you may do so in the gift shop on weekends.

Parishioners consider volunteering

How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? Psalm 116

The parish is blessed to have many volunteers supporting its many ministries and/or organizations with their time, talent, and treasure. We encourage our parishioners to consider volunteering with the parish because there is always a need for more assistance. However, in order to become a volunteer with the parish, there are diocesan requirements that must be fulfilled. All volunteers must complete required paperwork, attend one Safe Environment workshop and receive proper training. Volunteers applying for a position with children and vulnerable adults such as Faith Formation, Homebound Eucharistic Minister, and Children's Choir, etc. must be fingerprinted.

If you feel that the Lord is calling you to a particular ministry, please call Paulina or Maria at the parish office (743-6877) for additional information.

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
What can help you have peace of mind in your senior years? Ensuring that you have health care surrogacy, a living will, durable power of attorney and a will or trust will give you that needed peace of mind. We would be pleased to help you. All of our services are free and without obligation. For more information call Joseph Citro, Executive Director, Catholic Community Foundation, at 941-441-1124.

RAFFLE -Monthly Cash Prize of $500

Proceeds to benefit the CFA/St. Max Parish

Drawings on the following dates after 5:00 pm Mass:

     Feb. 19, 2012

     Mar. 18, 2012

     Apr. 15, 2012

     May 20, 2012

One winner drawn each month on dates listed from all ticket entries. Do not need to be present to win. $ 5.00 per ticket, 6 for $ 25.00. Tickets can be purchased in the parish office and in the gift shop.

REMEMBER ST. MAX IN YOUR WILL -Have you thought about leaving a gift for the Church in your will? Your gift by way of bequest ensures that our Church will continue Christ’s saving work in the world.

A DAY OF RENEWAL

You are invited to A Day of Renewal sponsored by the Diocese of Venice, Catholic Charismatic Renewal Commission on February 25, 2012 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at St Charles Borromeo Parish Hall 215 Augusta Avenue, Port Charlotte, FL. Vibrant praise and worship music plus excellent teaching by Chuck and Peggy Hornsby on the theme: “THE FULL ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.”  Chuck and Peggy have served as leaders in the Alleluia Community, a covenant community in Augusta, GA.  Chuck has presented at many conferences and has directed retreats with Peggy. Currently, Chuck is a member of the National Service Committee for Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the U.S. and has written numerous articles on various spiritual topics.    For information call Lois or Gerry Mader at 239-267-2684 To register, a $15 check made payable to “DVCCC” must be received by February 18 at the following address: Stephanie Oefinger, 716 Taplow Road, Venice, FL 34293.

THE RESPECT LIFE CORNER

Life, particularly human life, is the possession of God alone: therefore, one who attacks human life, in some way lifts his hand against God Himself.
The Gospel of Life, 9

No human being can own another, not even one’s own child. God entrusts us to the care of one another, but He alone remains the owner of human life. That’s why we cannot throw a life away, no matter how small, frail, or inconvenient it may sometimes be.

Lord, may all people acknowledge You as the only master of human life. May those who defend life understand that they are not only defending their brothers and sisters, but are also defending You!

Pro-life Reflections for Every Day

2012 LEAVEN CONFERENCE
Leaven Conference - will be held March 24 at San Pedro Parish in North Port. The theme of the 2012 Leaven Conference is: "Care for God's Creation-A Principle of Catholic Social Teaching." Daniel Misleh, Executive Director of the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, will explain how environmental justice has become an important part of the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic bishops. For more information contact the Diocesan Peace and Justice Office peace&justice@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543.