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

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ June 7, 2015

THE NEW COVENANT

Perhaps this year we could refer to this feast day as "The Blood and Body of Christ," since the readings we have today use the word "blood" so frequently-eight times to one use of the word "body." The New Testament authors, when referring to the sacrificial aspect of Jesus' death on the cross, never refer to him giving his body as a sacrifice for our sal-vation, but only speak of the shedding of his blood. In both Testaments, it is blood that is the primary source and sign of the covenant between God and people. In our day, while we speak quite a bit about the Mass as a sacrifice, it is a bit of an anomaly that we focus so much (almost exclusively, sometimes) on the symbol of the bread become Body rather than the wine become Blood to give the life of the New Covenant. Here, as in almost every part of life, we would benefit more from living in a "both/and" and not an "either/or" mode.

A BLOODLESS BODY? We have been given a deep and rich pair of symbols to express the fullness of Jesus' self-gift on the cross. In its celebration of the Eucharist, even when reception of Communion by all the faithful was infrequent and when the empha-sis was on looking upon (called "ocular" communion) rather than receiving the elements, the Church has always pre-served the duality of these symbols, since the sacrifice of Christ would not have been possible without both blood and body. So, too, is it for us who are sent from the eucharistic celebration. We are not merely "Christ-ed" bodies in the world; we need to be the very Blood of Christ coursing through the veins of daily life at home, in the workplace, at school-wherever the Spirit leads us and guides us. As we pray "Lord, send your Spirit on these gifts," we must also pray that the same Spirit is sent upon us through the thanksgiving of our Eucharist, so we may become Body-and Blood-for the life of the world. Copyright (c) 2005, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

June 7, 2015

The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.

— Psalm 116:13

THANKSGIVING The word “thanksgiving” most often calls to our mind the holiday in November. But as early as the middle of the second century Justin Martyr referred to the blessed bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper as “food we call ‘thanksgiving’ ” (in Greek eucharistia). The Thanks-giving we celebrate in the autumn is at times marked by a sort of proud societal self‑congratulation and the con-sumption of food until we sink into an inert stupor. The “thanksgiving” that we call our Eucharist is just the oppo-site: we are led to it by an acknowledgment of our own failings; we remember our humble place in the scheme of things by giving praise to God alone. While the food of Christ’s body and blood fills our spiritual hungers, it also creates in us a greater hunger. We are not sent to our spiritual sofas to let the Lord’s Supper settle; we are sent to be living signs of that thanksgiving for the world by looking out for the poor and powerless, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, speaking out against the self‑righteous. In short, the hun-ger created by our doing in remembrance of Christ must lead us to living in remembrance of him. 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: Patrick Williams celebrates Jun.6; Angela Dauro celebrates Jun. 10; Jamie Sauro celebrates Jun. 11; Austin Dossett, Louise Caranna & George

Szolomayer celebrates Jun. 12. May God Bless them with many more Happy Birthdays!

The second collection at all Masses this weekend is for the victims of the Nepal Earthquake. This collection will be sent to Catholic Relief Services. The second collection at all Masses next weekend is for Church Maintenance.

The Month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart! It is also an appeal for each individual to allow his/her own heart to be touched by the immense love God has for us. It is also very fitting to have an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the home. The pierced heart to Jesus is a traditional and beautiful symbol of His great love for us and is an invitation to respond.

“O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may love thee more and more.

Feast of the Sacred Heart-June 15th

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Mockler family in the loss of their mother Mary Conway Mockler. Mary is the mother of Fr. Paddy Mockler and the late Fr. Pete Mockler and the aunt of Fr. Tommy Conway.

May God reward Mary with Eternal Rest, Light and Peace and may He comfort her family in their sorrow.

Congratulations to Teal and Barbara Sal-loum on the anniversary of their wedding! Teal and Barbara celebrated their 55th anni-versary on May 15. May God bless them with many more happy years together!

RCIA: How Does One Become Catholic? There are several ways. The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide appropriate spiritual formation accord-ing to each person’s needs. The 2015-2016 Faith Journey will begin in September. Be an

evangelizer for the Lord. Now is the time to invite your non-Catholic or fallen away Catholic relatives and friends to consider joining us in St. John the Evangelist Parish.

The beautiful flowers on the altar were donated by Jeanne Bacuzzi

in loving memory of her son Paul Bacuzzi.

Tuituion Assistance 2014-2015 If you have a child attending Catholic School and will need tuition assistance for 2015-2016 School Year, please contact Fr. Uko. In order to receive tuition assistance, you must be a registered member of St. John, attend church regularly, contribute weekly for the upkeep of the church, and participate in the ministries of the parish.

The Gulf Coast Chapter of Magnificat will host a break-fast at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on June 20, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. The guest speaker will be Betty Jean Hughes, a native Biloxian and Fatima parishioner. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m. For reservations call NLT June 15. Yvette Livaccari 392-0697 or Mary Lee Terry 875-4369.

GOD’S WORD TODAY Today’s Gospel tells the story of the preparation of the place where Jesus and his disciples were to eat the Last Supper. During that meal, the new covenant in Christ’s blood was established as an everlasting covenant that we celebrate to this day. Today is a good day to ask our-selves just how intentional we are when preparing to celebrate the Mass. All too often, our coming to this place becomes routine and the Mass seems to pass us by. What an opportunity we miss when this happens! When we celebrate the Eucharist, we are joined to Christ, pro-claiming and participating in his death and sharing in the promise of his new life. The gift of today’s solemnity gives us the chance to re-examine our own preparedness for Mass. As today’s Gospel is proclaimed, let us remem-ber that it is at the table of the Eucharist that we can truly find transformation. Here at this table we taste newness of life. From Saint Margaret Sunday Missal, copyright © J. S. Paluch Company

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION It has been said that the Church breathes with two lungs, East and West. Some of our family treasures are in the East, and it is interesting to consider how liturgical families developed around differing customs. Centuries before Christ, after the young girl was given to her hus-band by her father, the spouses were crowned. Christians retained that custom, keeping the wedding in the home, and sometimes inviting a visiting priest or bishop to put the crowns on their heads. By the fourth century, the crowns were seen not as royal crowns, but as the crowns of victory worn by martyrs. The crowns have nothing to do with being “king and queen for a day,” but rather speak of the sacrifice of love poured out fully. There are no vows exchanged at all, but the crowning is followed by a joyful dance by the priest and couple around the Gospel book. Unlike Roman law, which saw the wedding rites as optional, Eastern practice did not recognize a marriage that had not been blessed. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Altar Serving Training!! Training classes for new Altar Servers will begin soon. The requirements to join the classes are: • Must be a member of the parish • Must attend Mass weekly • Must be Third grade or higher and have made First

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 after applications are received.

Congratulations!!! S.J. Marengo won the $1,000 raffle at the International Mass. Congratulations SJ from all of us. We appreciate everyone for buying or selling the raf-fle tickets.

A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Mary Tunia will be celebrated in St. John’s Church on Saturday, June 20, at 10:30am. Mary grew up in Gulfport and was a member of St. John some years ago. She passed away recently. Mary’s sister, Andrea and other relatives and friends will gather for the Mass.

The pope’s intentions for June GENERAL Immigrants and refugees That immigrants and refugees may find welcome and respect in the countries to which they come. MISSION Vocations That the personal encounter with Jesus may arouse in many young people the desire to offer their own lives in priesthood or consecrated life.

Hurricane Prayer O Heavenly Father, all the elements of nature obey your command. Calm the storms that threaten us and turn our fear into praise of your goodness. Protect us from hurri-canes and disasters of nature. We pray through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Saturday: +Debbie & Joey Haydel; +Paul Bacuzzi & Ted Pollman Sunday: 8:00am– +Vincent & Helen Dauro; +Matthew & Thelma Serpa; Thanksgiving for Petition Answered 10:30am– +Anthony Davis; 6:00pm– People of the Parish Monday: +Allan Cecil Tuesday: +Jenny Lizana Wednesday: +Mackie Fayard Thursday: +Maria Tran Thi Hue Friday: +Joseph Le Van Oanh

Collections: May 30-31 Identifiable: $2084 Unidentifiable: $851 ACH: $200 St. Vincent De Paul Society: $563

Thank you for your generosity!

William Allen Theresa Barlow David Bell Mary Anne Bishop Irene Bosarge Harriett Bowles Pablo Cabasa Carol Campbell Danny Carlisle Gayle Clark Buddy Cospelich Rhonda Cospelich Socorro Crabbe Kevin Crane Gerald Cuevas Jennifer Davis Juanita Davis Linda Eschler Deanne Fasold Lynn Foster Nicole Gilbert Lorraine Goad Betty Godo Tom Goode Anna Grice

Jessi Hebert Mary Hickman Mary Kealy Kemberly Lacap Gary Lacy Cliff Ladner Churck Lepowsky Joann Liner Carol Loften Walter Lolley S. J. Marengo Betty McGuire Mike Mensi Bea Miller Dot Miller Rhonda Mires Luz Monzon Karen Nelson Angel Nichols Kent Olsen Trey Patterson Masella Phillips Mike Price Taylor Rayburn Gary Reeves

Chris Richards Glenda Rockwell Sharon Rogers Barbara Salloum Ken Saxon Joseph Schultz Don Seymour Gary Seymour Emerson Stringer Herman Strock Kenny Taylor Tracy Taylor Lisa Thompson Marvin Thompson Bennye Turner Becky Truxillo Felecia Vann Ronald Wade Kathleen Walker Lee Wetzel Winkey Williams 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

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.

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you (Exodus 24:3-8). Psalm — I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord (Psalm 116). Second Reading — Christ is the mediator of a new cove-nant (Hebrews 9:11-15). Gospel — This is my body. This is my blood (Mark 14:12-16, 22-26). 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: 2 Cor 1:1-7; Ps 34:2-9; Mt 5:1-12 Tuesday: 2 Cor 1:18-22; Ps 119:129-133, 135; Mt 5:13-16 Wednesday: 2 Cor 3:4-11; Ps 99:5-9; Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 85:9ab, 10-14; Mt 5:20-26 Friday: Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9; Is 12:2-6; Eph 3:8-12, 14-19; Jn 19:31-37 Saturday: 2 Cor 5:14-21; Ps 103:1-4, 9-12; Mt 5:33-37 or, for the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart, Is 61:9-11; 1 Sam 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 2:41-51 Sunday: Ez 17:22-24; Ps 92:2-3, 13-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Monday: Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Tuesday: St. Ephrem Thursday: St. Barnabas Friday: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Saturday: Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary; St. Anthony of Padua; Blessed Virgin Mary

2016 European Shrines Tour with Father Joseph Uko Come join our group for a once in a lifetime pilgrimage experience in some of Europe’s awe inspiring Shrines and Cathedrals. Dates: April 25-May 7, 2016 Places and Shrines to see: Lisbon, Alcobaca, Fatima, Braga (Portugal), Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, San Ignacio de Loyola, Barcelona (Spain), Lourdes, Carcas-sonne (France) Cost: $2,999.00 per person Includes:1.Daily breakfast, 6 dinners, lunch on your own) 2. Round trip airfare from Gulfport 3. Cost of land tour 4. Airport transfer to hotel in Lisbon and hotel to airport in Barcelona. How to Book: Call Rose Morrissey at 866-842-4835 (except July 23-August 9, 2015). Book by September 15, 2015 with a $25o non-refundable deposit and receive a $100 early booking discount. Trip Insurance: Available for $209.00 per person For More Information, please contact: Cynthia Dominguez at 228 896-4905 or email Cyn-thia.d1973@yahoo.com

Calendar of Events Jun 21 Father’s Day Jul 21 Anointing of the Sick at 11:15 Aug 15 Solemnity of the Assumption, Mass 9am Sept 20 Parish Picnic 22 Anointing of the Sick, 11:15 Oct 4 Mary’s Day Celebration, 10:30am Mass 14 Ministry Appreciation Dinner, 6pm

We really appreciate those who donate toward the flowers for our church. Sometimes dona-tions are made in honor of an event (anniversary, birthday, etc.) or in memory of a

loved one. If you would like to have flowers placed in church, please contact the parish office at 228 864-2272.

Choir practice is every Friday at 6:00pm in the Church. New voices are always welcome to help elevate our praises to God. Please consider being a part of this very important and beautiful ministry.

CAMP STANISLAUS NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS! Camp Stanislaus, an overnight and day camp for boys and girls ages eight through fifteen, is currently taking appli-cations for campers for the 2015 camp session. Camp Stanislaus will run from June 14 through July 11. Camp-ers can sign up for one, two, three, or four week sessions. Also for the first time we will offer a father and son camp from July 17-19. The philosophy of camp is to provide campers with a noncompetitive environment to grow and enjoy their camp experiences. The main focus of Camp Stanislaus is the total development of the camper. Given the many years of operation, many fathers continue to send their sons to enjoy the wonderful camp experience that they had as a young boy at Camp Stanislaus. At Camp Stanislaus, campers will enjoy sailing, water skiing, archery, swimming, field sports, crafts, hobbies, day trips, and much more. Application forms and more information, can be downloaded from www.campstanislaus.com or more in-formation about Camp Stanislaus please contact the direc-tor, Sam Doescher, at camp@ststan.com or (228) 467-9057 ext. 277.