St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 2414 Seventeenth Street, Gulfport, Mississippi 39501

Telephone (228) 864-2272 Fax (228) 864-2273 Email: stjohnthee@cableone.net

Staff: Rev. Joseph Uko, Pastor Deacon David Allen, Pastoral Associate Sr. Mary Kealy, PBVM, Pastoral Associate Teri Patton, Parish Secretary Masses: Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m. First Saturday Devotion: 9:00 a.m. Sunday: 8:00 & 10:30 a.m., 6:00 p.m. Daily Mass: Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. Spanish Mass: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., Vigil, 7:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. Confession: Saturday 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. and anytime on request

March 1, 2015 - Second Sunday of Lent

"THIS IS MY BELOVED SON. LISTEN TO HIM." The Transfiguration takes our breath away. It is good that we are dazzled on a yearly basis, because we need this brightness to bring us back to lives of love and purpose. We really want to put Christ first, but the harshness of daily life often pushes him to the sidelines. Today he makes his annual and very hard-to-ignore appearance arrayed in shimmering splendor. Again we hear God's voice: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him" (Mark 9:7). And like Peter, James, and John before us, we really want to listen, for we know that he is our Beloved, too.

"ALL THIS BECAUSE YOU OBEYED MY COMMAND" Though Jesus knew his trials were about to begin, that day on the mountain he recommitted himself to fulfilling his destiny. That day he experienced God's love so profoundly that he was able to become a willing sacrifice for human sin. And how deeply must God love us by allowing the Crucifixion to happen! "He . . . did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all" (Romans 8:32). In the first reading, Abraham's profound commitment to God's call caused him to put the knife to his own son's neck. God rewarded Abraham's unswerving obedience with abundant blessings and "descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and sands of the seashore . . . All this because you obeyed my command" (Genesis 22:17, 18). Today the readings invite us to taste God's deep love and to listen to God's Son. Most importantly, we are encouraged to continue God's love story, recommitting our lives to Christ. As we reflect on God's message of total obedience, let us pray for guidance to see clearly the shape of our destiny. Echoing the psalmist's words, "O Lord, I am your ser-vant" (Psalm 116:16), let us willingly accept any hardships that we encounter and any sacrifices that are necessary, knowing that along the way we will be dazzled and deeply loved. Copyright (c) 2005, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

Second Sunday of Lent March 1, 2015

If God is for us, who can be against us?

— Romans 8:31b

LISTEN AND FOLLOW “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” And listen they did. From that moment on, Peter, James, and John were ardent followers, forsaking everything to follow in their Master’s footsteps. Like the psalmist crying, “O Lord, I am your servant,” the three disciples committed themselves to lives of incredible hardship and indescrib-able joy. After that day on the mountain, they never again wavered in their chosen vocation. Though our tests may not be as severe as Abraham’s and our peak experiences not as dramatic as the Trans-figuration, we all face the daily challenges of walking “before the Lord in the land of the living.” As we follow our varied calls to love and serve, let’s be comforted by Paul’s reminder to the Romans: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Welcome to St. John the Evangelist Church! If you are new to the parish and have not yet

registered, please call 864-2272.

C.C.D. (Grades K-12) ................ Sundays, 9:00-10:15 A.M. Knights of Columbus...... 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 P.M. K C Ladies Auxiliary..................... 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 P.M. R.C.I.A. .................................................Tuesdays, 6:30 P.M. St. Vincent de Paul................... 2nd Wednesday, 9:00 A.M. Young At Heart............................... 4th Thursday, 12 Noon

Happy birthday wishes to: Bryan Ha, Doro-thy Putnam & Thuy Ha celebrate Feb. 28; Jaliyah Sumrall, Jane McDaniel & Zach Larkin celebrate Mar. 1; Don Enroth cele-brate Mar. 2; Clara Voisin & Teri Patton

celebrate Mar. 3; Kerman Ladner & Ruby Morton cele-brate Mar. 5; Charles Smith & Paul Manuel celebrate Mar. 6. May God Bless them with many more Happy Birthdays!

You are cordially invited to help us cele-brate Seder Supper on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m. in Presentation Hall. Every year we tell the story of our faith which cul-minated in the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, and we explain Biblical

truths about Jesus, and what happened on the last day of his life. All that is required to attend is a covered dish to help us complete the meal. Please RSVP to 864-2272 to Teri and let us know how many will be attending. There is a sign up sheet on the center table.

The second collection at all Masses next weekend is for Church Maintenance.

The Catholic Sharing Appeal is the once a year program to help raise funds to support the ministries of our Church. Your pledge to the Catholic Sharing Appeal is an act of stewardship, sharing what God has given you. His work is accomplished through us, His Stewards. The more we give back to Him, the more we are blessed. Help us meet our goal of $30,465, this year. Brochures are mailed to all parishioners by the Diocese. Attached to the brochure, is a pledge card along with an envelope to mail your pledge directly to the Diocesan CSA office. If you did not receive your envelopes, you will find some on the back tables.

First Friday Adoration, March 6- Adoration, 8:00am until 5:00pm, ending with Benediction. The sign up sheet is on the center table. We would like to see at least 2 peo-ple for each hour. Please sign up to spend an hour with Jesus. First Saturday Devotion, March 7- The schedule is 8:30am Confession; 9:00am Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Meditation and Benediction.

Eucharistic Minister , Lector and Altar Server sched-ules for March are on the back table.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick! On Tuesday, March 10 at 12 Noon our church family will celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick within Mass. Please invite and encourage those you know who need this Sacrament to join us in this celebration.

GOD’S WORD TODAY Today we listen to two stories that take place on moun-taintops. In the first we hear the story of how Abraham was put to the test. He is referred to as “our father in faith” precisely because he was willing to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, because the Lord God had commanded it. When Abraham stands ready kill Isaac, the Lord God intervenes, prevents the sacrifice, and blesses Abraham in abundance. In the second story, the only Son of God is transfigured on a mountaintop before the eyes of Peter, James, and John. As the sacred word is proclaimed, let us ask God to strengthen our own faith and lead us one day to share in the transfigured glory of Christ. From Saint Margaret Sunday Missal, copyright © J. S. Paluch Company

Abstinence: Abstinence from eating meat is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and all Fri-days during Lent by those 14 years and older.

Fasting: There are two days of fasting, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The obligation begins the day after one’s 18th birthday until the day of one’s 59th birthday. Fasting means that one full meatless meal per day may be eaten. Two other meatless meals may be taken sufficient to maintain strength, but together they should no equal a full meal. Liquids, including milk and fruit juice may be taken between meals. If health or ability to work are affected, fasting does not obligate. Private, self imposed observance of fasting during Lent is strongly recommended. Parents are to see that children are not bound by Church laws are educated in an authen-tic sense of penance, conversion and reconciliation. Lenten Schedule Daily Mass: 7:00am, 12:00noon Stations of the Cross: Fridays of Lent, 6:00pm

The Stations of the Cross will be prayed on the Fri-days of Lent at 6:00pm in the church. Everyone is encouraged to come join in prayer with our Parish Family. The following Parish Ministry Groups will lead us in praying The Stations of the Cross. Mar 6…Sr. Mary Mar. 13....CCD and Prayer Group Mar. 20…Fr. Uko Mar. 27…Live Way of the Cross by the Youth of the Parish at 3:00pm-Presentation Hall

Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Com-munion will be held Monday, March 2 and March 9 at 6pm in the Church. Training for Lectors is scheduled on Tuesday evenings: March 3 and March 10 at 6pm in the Church. If you have signed up to serve in one of these ministries, please attend the training sessions. Commissioning of our new ministers will take place following the successful completion of these sessions.

WEST HARRISON COUNTY ULTREYA March 16 @ 7:00 pm St. Joseph Parish Hall, 12290 Depew Rd. Gulfport Lay Speaker: Karen Henderson, St. Joseph, Gulfport Spiritual Speaker: Fr. Jacob Matthew Smith, St. John, Gulfport (et.al.) If you would like to bring drinks or food to share feel free to do so, but it is not necessary. Just come and fellowship with other Cursillistas.

Financial Report July 1, 2014-December 31, 2014

Revenue Offertory $142,575.09 Catholic Sharing Appeal Rebate 4,976.00 School Support 1,599.53 Church Hospitality 3,019.73 Maintenance 7,173.75 Hispanic Ministry 4,345.20 Diocesan 2nd Collections 4,936.40 Other 242.50 $168,868.20 Expenses Salaries $53,241.62 Salary-Relief Priest 3,250.00 Emp. Taxes & Insurance 12,061.03 Retirement 998.71 Liturgy 3760.60 Household 1,397.00 Utilities 20,336.31 Repairs/Maintenance/Remodeling 2,877.54 Office Supplies/Postage 1,240.30 Parish Programs 11,494.99 School Subsidy/Tuition Assistance 47,988.40 Diocesan Tax 17,400.59 Diocesan 2nd Collections 4,936.40 $180,983.49

Altar Server Training Training Classes for new Altar Servers will begin soon. The Requirements to join classes are: -Must be a member of the parish -Must attend Mass weekly -Must be in at least-Third Grade and have made First Holy Communion -Must attend all classes Adults are also welcome. Applications are on the tables in the back of the church. Please complete and return to the parish office. Dates of classes will be announced soon.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Saturday: +Ben North Sunday: 8:00am–+Kevin Papania 10:30am–+Robbie Seymour +Harold Shotwell 6:00pm– People of the Parish Monday: +Dr. Edmund Crane Tuesday: +Matthew & Thelma Serpa Wednesday: +Mackie Fayard Thursday: +Kathleen O’Neill Friday: Special Int. of Barbara Salloum

Collections Feb. 18-Churches in Europe & Africa: $1308 Feb. 21-22 Identifiable: $2419 Unidentifiable: $827 ACH: $200 Black & Indian Missions: $568

Thank you for your generosity!

Theresa Barlow Lisa Bass Mary Anne Bishop Ruby Bouchard Harriett Bowles Pablo Cabasa Carol Campbell Danny Carlisle Buddy Cospelich Rhonda Cospelich Kevin Crane Gerald Cuevas Linda Eschler Deanne Fasold Lynn Foster Felecia Galle Nicole Gilbert Jal Giuffria Peter Giuffria Betty Godo Tom Goode Anna Grice Jessi Hebert Hazel Herrington

Klaus Jeschke Mary Kealy Kemberly Lacap Gary Lacy Elton Ladner Diane Lefkowitz Herman Lefkowitz Joann Liner Patty Loftin Walter Lolley Celeste McInnis S. J. Marengo Dot Miller Rhonda Mires Luz Monzon Karen Nelson Tillie Nettles Melvin Olive Kent Olsen Trey Patterson Jane Pendergrass Gary Reeves Chris Richards Randy Richardson

Lexi Roberson Glenda Rockwell Sharon Rogers Ken Saxon Joseph Schultz Don Seymour Gary Seymour Marie Stanbro Norman Stanbro Wanda Stephens Emerson Stringer Tracy Taylor Lisa Thompson Bennye Turner Becky Truxillo Felecia Vann Kathleen Walker Jim Wetzel, III Rosemary White Addie Wittmann Ginger Worth

Please Remember in Your Prayers

Prayer is the door through which all God’s Graces comes to us -St. Theresa of Avila

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith (Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18). Psalm — I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living (Psalm 116). Second Reading — If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31b-34). Gospel — Jesus was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white (Mark 9:2-10). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, Inter-national Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Dn 9:4b-10; Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13; Lk 6:36-38 Tuesday: Is 1:10, 16-20; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 23:1-12 Wednesday: Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6, 14-16; Mt 20:17-28 Thursday: Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 16:19-31 Friday: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Ps 105:16-21; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Saturday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-4, 9-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Sunday: Ex 20:1-17 [1-3, 7-8, 12-17]; Ps 19:8-11; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25 Alternate readings (Year A): Ex 17:3-7; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42] SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Second Sunday of Lent; Penitential Rite for Candidates for Full Communion Tuesday: St. Katharine Drexel Wednesday: St. Casimir; Purim (Jewish observance) begins at sunset Friday: First Friday; World Day of Prayer; Abstinence Saturday: Ss. Perpetua and Felicity; First Saturday

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Within the tradition of the Christian church, there are differing ways of observing a Lenten fast. For Eastern Catholics and Orthodox, the discipline is close to our understanding of “abstinence.” Certain foods are elimi-nated from the diet entirely. The rules are basically mo-nastic rules, and the customs of a monastery table are embraced in the home. This year, “Meatfare Sunday” is February 26, and it is the last time that meat is admitted to the diet until Easter. The following Sunday, known as “Cheesefare Sunday,” takes cheese and all dairy products from the table. It is also known as “forgiveness Sunday” because a true fast is about crowning life with love, hold-ing back harsh words, and cutting off anger. The Eastern churches fast even from celebrating the Eucharist from Monday through Friday. We don’t count Sundays as fast days, but Eastern Christians fast through the weekends. People are expected to come as close to the ideal as possible, and the Lenten services keep re-minding them not to take pride in their fasting, since the devil himself never eats! What’s left on the menu? Grains, vegetables, eggs (maybe), and fish. Imagine the joys of the Easter table after such a fast! —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Please support our Bulletin Advertisers! Take a bulletin home with you and look at all our advertisers. We appreci-ate their generosity and support of our parish. When you patronize them, thank them for their support of our parish.

Reminder, if you or anyone in your family is ill at home or in the hospital and would like us to visit you-please call the parish office at 864-2272.

Calendar of Events Feb 26 Young at Heart, Presentation Hall-after noon Mass (about 12:30) Mar 10 Anointing of the Sick, Noon Mar 17 Seder Meal, Presentation Hall, 6pm Mar 23 Lenten Penance Service, 6pm Mar 26 Young at Heart, Presentation Hall-Noon Mar 29 Palm Sunday - Apr 2 Holy Thursday-Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7pm Apr 3 Good Friday - Live Stations of the Cross at 3pm Good Friday Services at 7pm Apr 4 Easter Vigil at 7pm May 3 First Holy Communion, 10:30 Mass May 9 Confirmation at 5:00pm Mass May 10 Mothers Day May 17 Recognition of Seniors at 10:30 Mass May 24 International Festival & Raffle, After 10:30 Mass

HOPE AND PERSEVERANCE A COMPANIONSHIP RETREAT FOR

SINGLES AND COUPLES Saturday March 7th from 8:00-11:00AM. At ST. MICHAEL. Call 228-435-5578 to sign up As Soon As Possible. We need to order supplies.

Annual Lenten Friday Fish Plate Fund Raiser St. Therese Catholic Church Hall, Dine in or take out

Every Friday during Lent beginning February 20th,,11:00am-1:00pm

Includes Fried Catfish, potato salad, peas, bread, cake $9.00 per plate; $1.00extra sides (drinks not included)

Delivery on orders of 10 or more; delivery starts at 10am To place orders call 228 863-7719

Thank you for your support!

Arts Under the Dome-First United Methodist Church 15th St., Downtown Gulfport

Gulfport concert series Arts Under The Dome will bring to the stage Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo on Fri-day, March 6 at 7:00pm. He is heralded as one of the most talented guitar players today. His music is fusion jazz, classical, bossa nova, and other Brazilian music styles. Tickets are $15 adult and $10 students, available at the door.