HOLY COMFORTER CATHOLIC CHURCH

SAINTS TO REMEMBER

FEBRUARY 15 – St. Claude la Colombiere. 16 – St. Gilbert of Sepringham 17 – Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order 18 – Blessed John of Fiesole 19 – St. Conrad of Placenza 20 – Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto 21 – St. Peter Damien 22 – Chair of St. Peter the Apostle 23 – St Polycarp

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday February 16 8:30 AM – Rosa Trinh Khoan (Thuy Vu)

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

SUNDAY (2/16) – SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 7 - 7:45 AM: Reconciliation 8:30 AM - MASS 11 AM –MASS

MONDAY (2/17) – PRESIDENT’S DAY – PARISH OFFICE CLOSED NOON – Monthly MASS for the Sick & Elderly

TUESDAY (2/18) 10 AM – NOON: Food Pantry NOON – MASS

WEDNESDAY (2/19) 10 AM – NOON: Food Pantry NOON – MASS NOON - AA Meeting 6:30 PM - Medjugorie Rosary Prayer Group 7 PM - Choir Practice

THURSDAY (2/20) 8 AM - MASS NOON - 1 PM: Soup Kitchen

FRIDAY (2/21) 8 AM –MASS 10 AM – NOON: Food Pantry NOON - AA Meeting

SATURDAY (2/22) 8 AM – MASS 3:30 - 4:30 PM - Reconciliation 5 PM – Vigil MASS 6 PM – “HAITI 2014” with Fr. Ilric from Saltadere

SUNDAY (2/23) – SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 7 - 7:45 AM: Reconciliation 8:30 AM - MASS 9:45 – 10:45 AM – Christian Formation, 1st Reconciliation, and Confirmation Classes 11 AM –MASS

Gifts For God:

Offertory 2/8 & 2/9: $6,310 Justice & Peace: $290 Outreach 2nd Collection: $1099 Haiti: $735 Respect Life: $23

FEBRUARY 16, 2014

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR _____________

PARISHIONERS: Winifred Smith, Frank Pologruto, Al Bracuti, Norman Bednarcyk, Nicholas Sisman, and Mary Ann Williams.

FRIENDS AND RELATIVES: Josephine Nampijja, Gloria Aberg, Grace Dawn Wicke, Melyssa Dove, Nicole Carpenter, Beth Mauk, Evan Dotas, Dave Halley, Cullen McQuhae, Bill & Marie Jones, Ray & Cecilia Caretti, Jessica Caretti, Christine Bentéjac, David Rumpf, Mrs. Jessica Viglietta, Pam D. Goines, Janet D. Gunther, Charlie Joseph Previtali, Nicole Shaw, Jean Clayton, Rich Hawkins, Jim Cannon, and Grace R. Salvetti.

MILITARY: Brian Fagan, Jamie Torbet, Mike Eiermann, David Alvey, Charles G. Ellison, Eric Emmott, and Matthew Mickiewicz.

NEWS FROM HAITI

Anne Knasel (STA): anne@stagebridge.net Ginny Zeller (HC): ginnyannzeller@gmail.com

www.saltadere.org

FEBRUARY 22ND/23RD

HAITI SPONSORSHIP WEEKEND

MEET FATHER ILRIC

LEARN ABOUT OUR TWIN PARISH IN SALTADERE

FATHER ILRIC WILL BE AT HOLY COMFORTER FOR ALL

THE MASSES NEXT WEEKEND (FEBRUARY 22ND/23RD)

AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE MASSES.

PLEASE JOIN US WHILE DAWN ABERG & THE HAITI

COMMITTEE HOST A RECEPTION FOR FATHER ILRIC

AFTER THE 5 PM SATURDAY MASS. THERE WILL BE

REFRESHMENTS AS FATHER ILRIC FILLS US IN ON

CURRENT EVENTS IN SALTADERE. A Q & A WILL

FOLLOW AND THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO

SPONSOR A HAITIAN CHILD.

NEWS FROM OUR TWIN PARISH: As Father Ilric visits family in New York and Boston, he plans to make up the weekend visit to Holy Comforter that he missed in November. This visit is scheduled for this weekend!!!

BI-PARISH HAITI COMMITTEE: The committee’s next meeting is March 16. We will meet at St. Thomas Aquinas at 1 PM in the community room. All are welcome. To learn about the Bi-parish committee, you can e-mail Anne Knasel or Ginny or contact us to join our email list. Also visit www.saltadere.org and see reports on past trips and current projects.

PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK'S READINGS

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 The Lord urges Moses to tell the Israelite Community to love their neighbors as themselves. They should bear no grudge or hatred against another.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Paul, once again, reminds the Corinthians that they are the temple of God, and, as such, must avoid internal disputes and wrangling. He tries to make them realize that they belong to Christ and that the Spirit of God dwells within them.

Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48 In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exhorts his followers to do an extraordinary thing — to love their enemies and to pray for their oppressors. He reminds them that there is nothing laudatory in loving those who love them for even the “pagans” do this. He urges them to “turn the other cheek” and to “walk the extra mile.”

CHARLOTTESVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

www.cvillecatholic.org

ATTENTION ALL PARENTS: CCS would like to announce a guest speaker coming to our school on FEBRUARY 21st at 6:30 pm. DR RAY GUARENDI (www.drray.com) is a child psychiatrist and renowned Catholic speaker & talk show host. This is a FREE event with babysitting available. Please email SLatCCS@gmail.com to RSVP for the event.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

FATHER LOUIS A. ROWEN COUNCIL 3670

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING: Our next monthly council meeting will be held Monday night, February 17th at Church of the Incarnation's Stone Chapel. The Rosary will be recited at 7:15 PM with the meeting starting at 7:30 PM. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

JUSTICE & PEACE

PANTRY: What would you have done during the dreadfully cold weather we had at the end of January if you had to choose between heat and food? There are people in our community who do have to make choices like this. Fortunately, there are sources of help - one of them being our food pantry. Your donations of staples, especially tuna and chunky soup help make sure that food is available year round for those in need.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF INTEREST

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED: The parish office is still in need of volunteers on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays afternoons preferably from Noon to 3 PM. Thanks much for your help!

DO YOU LIKE ARRANGING FLOWERS? We are looking to add a name or two to our Flower Ministry Team – will it be you? The flowers are waiting for you every week at the church. All we need is your expertise in turning them into beautiful arrangements!! Call the parish office for more info or to join the team.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Each February, we Americans celebrate Black History

Month. African Americans gathered in Chicago in

1915 to celebrate the 50th anniversary to the end of

slavery and to recognize their heritage and

accomplishments. This annual event evolved into

Negro History Week beginning in 1926. In 1976,

President Gerald Ford spoke in regards to this, urging

Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the

too-often neglected accomplishments of black

Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our

history." President Ford then made February the

official Black History Month.

Everyone is familiar with Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr., but who are our known Black saints?

Research indicates there are 7 Black Saints; some

familiar names include: Saint Monica, St. Benedict

the Black, St. Augustine and St. Martin de Porres. In

the 1600s, St. Martin de Porres raised $2,000.00 per

week in Lima, Peru for the sick, poor, and to start the

city’s first orphanage. Because of him, the

Dominican friars dropped the stipulation that "no

black person may receive the holy habit or take the

profession of our order."

Why should Christians celebrate Black History

Month? One must look at racial and ethnic diversity

as an expression of God’s manifold beauty. God gave

us our differences to help us appreciate His splendor

from various perspectives. The impact African

Americans have made on this country should be a

part of our collective faith. Faith that when Jesus

returns, he will look at people from every nation,

tribe, and tongue and see that God had this beautiful

plan all along.

MEDJUGORJE ROSARY PRAYER GROUP: Our Blessed Mother's message of January 25, 2014 asks us to "Put the Sacred Scripture in a visible place in your families and read it, so that the words of peace may begin to flow in your hearts." As we begin to experience the New Evangelization, make a place for Christ in your hearts. Read Scripture. Pray the Rosary. Come join us in the Chapel on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm to pray, to pray the rosary and to experience the love of Christ. For those who cannot make it, please remember to write your intentions in the book in the Vestibule. We look forward to seeing you. Any questions, please contact Barbara Cassidy on 434-202-1540.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTERS: John the Baptist tells us to reform our lives. Learn how to use the graces of your Sacrament of Marriage to renew your marriage and draw closer to God. Let the Lord strengthen, renew, and rekindle your marriage by attending an upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend on Feb. 21-23, Sep. 12-14, Nov. 14-16 in Herndon, VA; Apr. 11-13 in Fredericksburg, VA; Jun. 27-29 in Richmond, VA; Aug. 8-10 in Roanoke; or Oct 10-12 in Norfolk. Visit renewmarriage-vasouth.org or call (757) 483-3209.

UPCOMING RETREATS AT SHALOM HOUSE: - March 5 - 8: The Samaritan Woman. This is a five-day directed retreat to spend time with Jesus at the well. It is particularly suited to those in life transition, those feeling spiritually dry and those entering a new phase of spiritual growth. - March 21 - 23: Centering Prayer Retreat, Listening with the Ear of the Heart, led by Sr. Charlotte Lee, OSB. For more info, go to shalomhouseretreatcenter.com for a registration form or call 804-883-6149.

DAY OF SUPPORT: MISCARRIAGE AND EARLY INFANT LOSS: Saturday, March 15th is an opportunity for those who have suffered miscarriage or early infant loss to find comfort and support by addressing the spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of the loss. Listen to professionals address these aspects with opportunity for small group discussions. This Day of Support will meet from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Charlottesville. Lunch provided. Contact Ann Postak at childloss15@gmail.com or call 434-202-0545.

INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE: The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the domestic, anti-poverty social justice program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. CCHD is offering a local paid internship with the Office of Social Ministries to promote the important work of CCHD and to offer experience working with and on behalf of those in poverty. The internship will provide practical work in carrying out the mandate of CCHD, opportunities to develop relationships with community leaders and reflection on Catholic social teaching. The internship requires 16 hours a week and is from June to December 2014 in Roanoke, VA. Those with experience in resource writing, multimedia promotions, and an interest in Catholic social justice are encouraged to apply. Bilingual skills are preferred. Send cover letter/resume to Caroline Stanfill at: cstanfill@richmonddiocese.org. MASS IN CROZET ON SECOND SUNDAYS: Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo has authorized Father Joseph Mary to say Mass in Crozet on a once-a-month basis. Mass will be held at the Field School, 1408 Crozet Avenue, on the second Sunday of the month at 10 AM. The first Mass will be held March 9. A committee of Crozet-area Catholics has formed to support the Mass and they will host an open house at the school Sunday February 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. where the public is invited to meet Father Lukyamuzi and learn more details. If you are interested in attending, or would like to volunteer to assist the committee, please send a message to crozetmass@gmail.com so that seating can be planned for.

FROM THE PASTOR

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO IN THE CATHOLIC WORSHIP

THE CANDLES IN THE LITURGY On the night of April 19th. 2014, we shall hear the following words; “May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel

the darkness of our hearts and minds.” These words pierce the darkness as Christians gather around the lighting of

a large candle. This candle is the paschal candle, sometimes called the Easter candle or Christ candle; its name comes

from pasach, the Hebrew word for Passover. The flame of the Paschal candle symbolizes Christ as light of the world

and his presence in the midst of his people. The tall white candle in many ways signifies the Divine pillar of cloud by

day and the pillar of fire by night that lead the Israelites in their Exodus from slavery in Egypt(Ex.13:21).

Paschal candles are always inscribed with a cross, the current year, and the Greek letters alpha and omega (Rev. 1:8,

22:13) signifying that the Lord is present in His church now in the present year and forever in eternity. The paschal

candle is prominently featured in the service of the Easter Vigil at which it is first lighted and brought into the

sanctuary. According to ancient liturgical tradition, it is allowed to shine continuously throughout the Great Fifty

Days until it is finally extinguished on Ascension Day. After that, it is removed from its place next to the altar and

placed near the baptismal font. It is lighted at baptisms to remind Christians that in baptism we are crucified and

raised with Jesus (Rm. 6:3-5). The paschal candle is also lighted at Christian funerals as a reminder that those who

die in Christ are raised up with Him.

The Theological significance of this Paschal Candle is explained by Karl Rahner as a symbol of the cross of Christ. But

a new element is that the wooden cross is now a giver of light. The same fire bursts forth from it that was associated

with Jesus’ baptism. The lighted candle is a symbol of the cross of Christ, the light of the world. Rahner continues:

“The cross is also a bringer of light, and when men seek to express this mystery in explicit liturgical form, they do so

by lowering a burning candle into the baptismal font as a sign that, by the power of the cross, the water is a source

of the “lux perpetua’, the everlasting life of light. In a word the cross is both the tree of life and the light bringer and

both symbols represent Christ himself who “by his Passion sanctified the water” by giving to it the doxa (belief), the

glory which he had won upon the cross, the power of the Holy Ghost” At the opening of the Easter Vigil a "new fire"

is lit and blessed. The minister will trace the symbols on the Paschal candle [five grains of incense are inserted in the

form of a cross to represent Christ's wounds. The Greek letters alpha (above the cross) and omega (below), the

first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, indicate that Christ is the beginning and end of all, and is present in his

church now and for all eternity. The current year is also inscribed on the four sides of the cross to indicate that God

is present here and now among the congregation gathered around the candle] saying the word; "Christ, yesterday

and today, the beginning and the ending. To Christ belongs all time and all the ages; to Christ belongs glory and

dominion now and forever. Amen." TO BE CONTINUED