St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 2414 Seventeenth Street, Gulfport, Mississippi 39501 Telephone (228) 864-2272 Fax (228) 864-2273 Email: [email protected]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 Ascension of the Lord May 17, 2015 GRANDMOTHER'S DECK OF CARDS My grandmother had a deep and lasting impact on the lives of her grandchildren. She was our first close relative to die. I will never forget her wake when, in a kind of procession, each of her adult grandchildren walked up to her casket and slipped a small symbol beneath the folds of the lining of the coffin. For me, it was a playing card from the deck she always used to create a kind of magical fan, formed by bending the deck of cards back and forth. Each time I perform this same "trick" to the delight of my own nieces and nephews, the presence of my grandmother is unmistakable. CHRIST'S ENDURING PRESENCE FOR ALL TIMES I have always imagined that the Lord's followers were very deflated, to the point of depression, when he ascended into the heavens before their eyes. This was the man who had completely changed their lives. This was the man whom they had abandoned, yet who brought them the Easter peace of reconciliation and forgiveness. It could have all ended in that place where Jesus ascended. We all know it did not. The Lord Jesus left his followers gifts that would always and forever make his presence known to them. And these gifts are at our disposal to this day. Every time we gather to cele- brate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we know the presence of the Lord. Symbols, like my grandmother's one playing card, have tremendous power to evoke presence. Christ's presence inspires us to take his final words to his fol- lowers very seriously. It is in Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit that we continue to make the gospel mes- sage known to those we meet. Today is not a day to celebrate the departure of Christ from this world. It is a day to cele- brate the enduring presence of the Lord. Copyright (c) 2005, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.
Transcript
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 2414 Seventeenth Street, Gulfport, Mississippi 39501
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 Ascension of the Lord May 17, 2015
GRANDMOTHER'S DECK OF CARDS
My grandmother had a deep and lasting impact on the lives of her grandchildren. She was our first close relative to die. I will never forget her wake when, in a kind of procession, each of her adult grandchildren walked up to her casket and slipped a small symbol beneath the folds of the lining of the coffin. For me, it was a playing card from the deck she always used to create a kind of magical fan, formed by bending the deck of cards back and forth. Each time I perform this same "trick" to the delight of my own nieces and nephews, the presence of my grandmother is unmistakable.
CHRIST'S ENDURING PRESENCE FOR ALL TIMES I have always imagined that the Lord's followers were very deflated, to the point of depression, when he ascended into the heavens before their eyes. This was the man who had completely changed their lives. This was the man whom they had abandoned, yet who brought them the Easter peace of reconciliation and forgiveness. It could have all ended in that place where Jesus ascended. We all know it did not. The Lord Jesus left his followers gifts that would always and forever make his presence known to them. And these gifts are at our disposal to this day. Every time we gather to cele-brate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we know the presence of the Lord. Symbols, like my grandmother's one playing card, have tremendous power to evoke presence. Christ's presence inspires us to take his final words to his fol-lowers very seriously. It is in Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit that we continue to make the gospel mes-sage known to those we meet. Today is not a day to celebrate the departure of Christ from this world. It is a day to cele-brate the enduring presence of the Lord. Copyright (c) 2005, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.
The Ascension of the Lord May 17, 2015
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.
— Mark 16:16
PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL Today we celebrate one of the tenets of our creed: that the Lord ascended into heaven. From Mark’s Gospel we hear the final words
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: Wanda Lizana & Heather Phillips celebrate May 16; Doris Shea celebrates May 17; Deborah Norton & Dakota Love celebrates May 18; Richard McDaniel, Len Papania & Gus Alfonso cele-
brates May 20; Tyler Johnson celebrates May 22 May God Bless them with many more Happy Birthdays!
The second collection this weekend is for Catholic Communications The second collection next weekend is for Catholic School Support.
Congratulations to Mike & Dean Craft and to Robert & Lorena Williams on the anniver-sary of their weddings! Robert & Lorena cele-brated their 4th anniversary on May 14. Mike and Dean celebrated their 44th anniversary on
May 15. May God bless them with many more happy years together!
We extend our deepest sympathy to Carl Lizana and his family in the death of Jenny Lizana. May God reward Jenny with Eternal Rest, Light and Peace and may He comfort her family in their sorrow.
Our church family will celebrate Mass honoring the life of Father Gerard Cleary this Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Father Cleary was a very faithful and devoted priest who
served our diocese for over 50 years. St. John was his last assignment which he served us for six years. Father Cleary will always be in our hearts and minds. We pray that the Good Lord may grant comfort to his family and eternal life to his dedicated priest. Amen. We congratulate our graduates at this Mass. These are our children who through perseverance and hard work have made these significant achievements. High School Graduates: Brianna Adams, Garrett Comstock, Preston Dedeaux, Dominic DeNicola, Kaleb Fredericks, Najla Lombard, Emily Malley, Drew Myer, Katepwe Ndalama, Callie Sauro. College Graduates: Hayley Vierling gradu-ating from Springhill College and Jada Vierling will graduate in July with a Doctorate degree. We love them and are very proud of them. We wish them success in their future endeavors. Please, keep our graduates in your prayers. Next Sunday, we will celebrate our International Fes-tival. I am encouraging everyone to participate in this colorful and spirit-filled celebration. Come dressed in the attire representing your country of origin and heritage. Remember to turn in your raffle tickets this week as the winner will be drawn next Sunday after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Thank you so very much for supporting your par-ish. May the risen Lord bless you for all you do for your parish. Please feel free to let us know what we can do to make our parish more vibrant, a worshipping community of love, joy and peace. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us in all we think, say and do. Amen. Father Uko
The beautiful flowers on the altar were donated in loving memory
of Leta Fayard Thank you!
The next Men's Cursillo #256 is scheduled at Dedeaux on May 21- 24, 2015. For any parishioners who are inter-ested in attending, please contact the parish office at 228-864-2272 or Doug LeMere, Cursillo Team member at 228-861-4262. The next Women’s Cursillo #257 is scheduled for June 25-28. There are applications on the back table.
May is the Month of Mary! We should make a special effort this month to reflect on Mary’s special relationship with God and her role in the Church. Her life should serve as an example to all of us.
Please remember to pray the rosary. HOLIEST FLOWER Mary is the lily in God’s garden. —St. Bridget of Sweden
Our International Mass and Celebration to be held next Sunday, May 24, beginning with music by St. John Hispanic Choir, St. John Mass choir and music and dance by children from the Vietnamese Martyrs Church, Biloxi, St. Thomas Liturgical Dance Group, Long Beach, and the Filipino, Fatima Choir, Biloxi. Music and entertainment beginning at 10:00 a.m., Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by a covered dish lunch, $1,000.00 raffle drawing, dancing and entertainment in Presentation Hall. This special celebration honors all nationalities of church families and friends who live here on the Coast and are from around the world. All that is required is for you to bring a covered dish repre-senting your ethnic heritage. Also, Fr. Uko asks for you to dress in the costume of your heritage. There is a sign up sheet on the center table in the back of church.
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.
Ultreya Announcement: The West Harrison County Ultreya will be held at St. James Church in Gulfport on Monday, May 18 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Any Cursillistas and any-one wanting to learn more about Cursillo are welcome to attend! St James Ultreya point of contact is Holly Ford, 228-424-6535.
Congratulations! Sonia Agular, Enrique Aguillon-Salazar, Graciela Aguillon-Salazar, Aaron Bui, Kevin Bui, Jose Damaso, Lupita Hernandez and Margaret Tiner received The Sacrament of First Holy Communion May 3. We thank their parents for working closely with their children in preparation for this Sacrament. We also thank their teacher, Mrs. Nga Steinbrecher for preparing and guiding our children. Please keep these young people of our parish in your prayers. Congratulations to Jaqueline Calles, Rodney Myles Ford, Quinn Frommeyer and Bridget Hurdle who were confirmed here at St. John by Bishop Morin at the 5pm Mass May 9. Thank you to Mike Craft, Linda Hebert and to Sr. Mary for working to prepare them for this Sacrament. We wish Jaqueline, Myles, Quinn and Bridget blessings, and pray that the Holy Spirit may en-able you to live your ordinary Christian life in an extraor-dinary way.
The St. Clare Seafood Festival is next weekend, May 22-May 24. They are selling Pre-Sale "Pay One Price" Ride Tickets for the Fair. Tickets will be turned in at the ticket booth for an armband. Pre-Sale tickets are available until May 21st only. $15.00 each for one session; you may purchase one ses-sion or all three! Sessions: Friday,May 22- 6pm-10pm; Saturday May 23-11am-4pm; Sunday May 24- noon-5pm Tickets may be purchased through Beth Gruzinskas 228-216-5737 or Liz Renz 228-596-1783. Email:Beth--bethgruz@gmail; [email protected] Food, Rides, Headliner Entertainment daily! Car Show Saturday and Fireworks Sunday night.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Saturday: +Mary & Ludovic Lee Sunday: 8:00am– People of the Parish 10:30am– +Anthony Davis +Edna & Marion Garrett; +For the Holy Souls 6:00pm– +Gloria White Monday: +Matthew & Thelma Serpa Tuesday: Intention of Donor Wednesday: +Mackie Fayard Thursday: Intention of Donor Friday: Intention of Donor
Collections: May 9-10 Identifiable: $4904 Unidentifiable: $522 ACH: $200 Church Hospitality $464
Thank you for your generosity!
William Allen Theresa Barlow David Bell Mary Anne Bishop Irene Bosarge Harriett Bowles Pablo Cabasa Carol Campbell Danny Carlisle Alan Cecil Gayle Clark Buddy Cospelich Rhonda Cospelich Socorro Crabbe Kevin Crane Gerald Cuevas Jennifer Davi Linda Eschler Deanne Fasold Lynn Foster Nicole Gilbert Betty Godo Tom Goode
Anna Grice Jessi Hebert Mary Hickman Klaus Jeschke Mary Kealy Kemberly Lacap Gary Lacy Churck Lepowsky Joann Liner Carol Loften Walter Lolley S. J. Marengo Betty McGuire Dot Miller Rhonda Mires Luz Monzon Karen Nelson Angel Nichols Kent Olsen Trey Patterson 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 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.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; Jn 16:29-33 Tuesday: Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68:10-11, 20-21; Jn 17:1-11a Wednesday: Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68:29-30, 33-36ab; Jn 17:11b-19 Thursday: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11; Jn 17:20-26 Friday: Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; Jn 21:15-19 Saturday: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Ps 11:4, 5, 7; Jn 21:20-25 Sunday: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104:1-2, 24, 35, 27-30; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39 Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Gal 5:16-25; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: The Ascension of the Lord; Monday: St. John I Wednesday: St. Bernardine of Siena Thursday: St. Christopher Magellanes and Companions; Julian Calendar Ascension Friday: St. Rita of Cascia Saturday: Vigil of Pentecost; Shavuot (Jewish observance) begins at sundown
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 (Porugal), 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 [email protected]
Calendar of Events May 24 International Festival & Raffle, After 10:30 Mass May 25 Memorial Day- Jun 21 Father’s Day 23 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 [email protected] or (228) 467-9057 ext. 277.
