FROM FATHER RICK
DEAR FRIENDS,
Father Andrew Ciferni, a
Norbertine priest from Daylesford Abbey in
Pennsylvania, is a renowned liturgist and preacher.
The following piece on fasting in light of this
Sunday’s gospel was written by him for LTP. I offer
it for our reflection during the coming week.
One
of the more positive developments of our times is
the rebirth of the tradition of spiritual direction.
Wise and holy men and women agree to become “soul
friends” to other Christians discerning God’s will
in their lives. One of the most important questions
in this spiritual walk is this: “What is the deepest
desire of your heart?” The question is not so easily
answered. What first pops to mind is invariably
found to be a secondary or tertiary desire rooted in
a deeper and more fundamental one.
The Samaritan woman at the well was having an
intense experience of spiritual direction. Jesus was
helping her to become aware of the deepest desires
of her hearts. Serial husbands were simply a symptom
of something more basic.
Fasting connected to
prayer is a traditional discipline of spiritual
direction. Willingness to reflect on my insatiable
desire for a pizza before bedtime can become a
moment of deeper revelation. Perhaps the insight
will be as seemingly embarrassing as coming to know
that food is a temporary relief from loneliness.
Living without that easy relief may help me to see
my disconnectedness from friends, family, parish and
the master who waits for me at the well.
From what does your
use of food and drink give you temporary relief?
What might you do about these deeper desires?
Copyright © 2001
Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training
Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago
IL 60622‑1101; 1‑800‑933‑1800; www.ltp.org. Text by
Andrew Ciferni,
opraem.
Art by Susie Novak. All rights reserved. Used with
permission.
CATHOLIC APPEAL
The Catholic Foundation
of the Archdiocese, which oversees the annual
Catholic Appeal, has changed the starting and ending
date of the campaign after consultations with a
number of pastors in the archdiocese. This year’s
Appeal will begin on March 1/2 and conclude in June,
rather than May to December. There will be more
information coming over the next couple of weeks.
Please begin thinking about your participation in
this important effort of our parish and the
archdiocese.
LENTEN WEEKDAY MASS
Weekday Mass is
celebrated during Lent on Monday through Friday
at 12:10 pm.
Have a great week,
If you want peace – work
for justice (Pope Paul VI),
Fr. Rick
Imagine being part of an
organization that fills your heart and your mind
with the joy of giving to others and the feeling
that comes with making a difference. Knights are
Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are
committed to making their community a better place,
while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is
more than camaraderie; it is being involved with
your community; it is supporting your local Catholic
Church, while enhancing your own faith and setting a
good faith example; it is about protecting and
enhancing your family life. You can volunteer as
much as you like or as little and on your own
schedule. For more information about the parish
council or upcoming events, contact Jim McKain at
978-475-7931 or
Jim_McKain@NLTek.com, or go online to
www.saintroberts.net/kofc.htm.
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, March 5, 7:30 pm, Driscoll Hall
Knights of Columbus Family
Breakfast
THIS Sunday, February 24
Stop by Driscoll Hall
anytime from 8:15-11:00 am to warm up and catch up
with fellow parishioners!
Money Matters
On the weekend of February 16/17
Stewardship
Reflection
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty
again.” John 4:13
Jesus reminds us that
material things, even something as basic as water,
can never satisfy us for long. When we build our
lives around material possessions we always want
more. True satisfaction only comes when we follow
Jesus.
LENTEN GOSPEL
GIVING
The traditional
foundation for Lenten practice rests on three
supports: PRAYER–FASTING–ALMSGIVING. To assist
families in the third of these supports, we again
participate in LENTEN GOSPEL GIVING. Each week all
members of the parish are asked to bring one item
with them to Mass.
THIS WEEK
February
23/24—Third Sunday of Lent
"Whoever drinks
the water I give
will never be
thirsty." (John 4)
Thirst–please
bring in a 3-pack of DRINK BOXES for Bread
and Roses.
NEXT WEEK
March 1/2—Fourth
Sunday of Lent
"We must do the
deeds of him who sent me while it is day. The night
comes when no one can work.
While I am in
the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9)
Light–please
bring a package of LOW ENERGY LIGHT BULBS
(60-75 watts) for Sojourner House.
For more information
about the 2008 Lent and Easter Season at St.
Roberts, don’t forget to have a look at the
current parish newsletter, recently mailed to
parishioners and available on our website at
www.saintroberts.net under “Parish Newsletter.”
Generations of Faith
Reminder: Next
weekend we will celebrate Generations of Faith
Festival 5. The Festival topic is “The
Triduum—Three Days that are One,” preparing us for
the Event of the Sacred Triduum on March 20,
21, and 22.
If you have not already
registered and would like to join us, there is space
in the following sessions: Friday, February 29,
5:30-8:30 pm (all ages); Sunday, March 2, 12:30-3:30
pm (no adult session); Sunday, March 2, 5:00-8:00 pm
(openings in adult session only); and Monday, March
3, 5:00-8:00 pm (all ages). The evening begins with
a communal meal and the menu for this festival is
pizza, salad, rolls & hot chocolate. For more
information or to register, contact Amanda at
978-683-8922 or
amroberts@comcast.net.
Mass Schedule and
Intentions
Saturday, February
23, Vigil, 3rd Sunday of Lent
4:00 pm:
Tony DiMascio
Sunday, February 24,
3rd Sunday of Lent
9:00 am:
Patricia Grace
11:00 am:
Joanne Riddle
Monday, February 25,
Lenten Weekday Mass
12:10 pm: Eric Begg
Tuesday, February 26,
Lenten Weekday Mass
12:10 pm
Wednesday, February
27, Lenten Weekday Mass
12:10 pm
Thursday, February
28, Lenten Weekday Mass
12:10 pm
Friday, February 29,
Lenten Weekday Mass
12:10 pm: Marian Julie
Banville Koch
Saturday, March 1,
Vigil, 4th Sunday of Lent
4:00 pm: Alice & Denis
McCarthy
Sunday, March 2, 4th
Sunday of Lent
9:00 am: Bill Millerick
11:00 am: Fiore Trapane
Readings for the Week
of February 24, 2008
Sunday: Ex 17:3-7/Rom 5:1-2, 5-8/Jn
4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42
Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15b/Lk 4:24-30
Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43/Mt 18:21-35
Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9/Mt 5:17-19
Thursday: Jer 7:23-28/Lk 11:14-23
Friday: Hos 14:2-10/Mk 12:28-34
Saturday: Hos 6:1-6/Lk 18:9-14
Next
Sunday: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a/Eph 5:8-14/Jn
9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
THURSDAY, MARCH 6
2:00-8:00 PM,
DRISCOLL HALL
Please call
1-800-GIVE-LIFE
to make an
appointment.
In Service
Kevin Grace, USA, Lyle
Shackelford, Jaime Ray Seluk, USN, Pvt. Alexander
Sabu, USA, Lt. Col. Paul Severance, USAF, Gen’l. R.
Steve Whitcomb, USA, Lt. Col. Brian P. Bedell, USA,
Capt. Lauren Whitcomb, USA, Col. Patrick J. Donahue,
USA, Col. Brian P. Donahue, USA, Cpt. Michael
McGaffigan, USA, Steve Comstock, Pilot, USN, Lt.
Jesse Salisbury, USAF, Sgt. Maureen Galvin, USA,
SpOps, Lt.J.G. Kevin B. O’Brien, USN, Miko Belonia,
Maj. Tony Hoffman, USA, Maj. Ross Coffman, USA, Maj.
Garth Howe, USA, Chief Warrant Officer II Michael
Morris, USA, Captain Matthew Mancini, USA, Sgt.
Ellen Barnes O’Connor, USA, Pvt. Adam James Mazza,
USA, Pvt. Joseph D. Gagnon, USM, Cpt. Eric Eckberg,
USA, SFC John B. Nicholas, USA, LTCD Chris Stopyra,
USN
Question of the
Week–Third Sunday of Lent
Question for Adults:
When you are tempted to try to satisfy your
"thirst for meaning" through some other means, what
keeps you coming back to the living water of
intimacy with Christ? Through what means do you
experience Christ’s power in your life: sacraments?
scripture? prayer? others?
Question for Youth:
Jesus revealed himself to an outcast of society. How
can you be "living water" to the outcasts of your
school? Society? The world?
Question for Children:
How do you experience Jesus helping and
loving you?
For whom we pray…
Brenda McConnell shares
the following update on the recovery of her mother
in law, Gladys McConnell: “Gladys is home now and
doing well. The prayers from the St. Roberts
community have meant so much to us. It’s amazing
what God can get us through when we ask for His
help. Gladys said to me today that she is so
grateful to have had the prayers because knowing St.
Roberts was praying for her helped especially when
she felt she didn’t have the strength to pray
herself! We are so grateful for your prayers and
support.”
This Week in Our
Parish
Sunday, February 24
8:15-11:00 Family
Breakfast, Driscoll Hall
12:30 PM Baptism
Preparation, Seton Room
Monday, February 25
12:10 PM Lenten Weekday
Mass, Church
7:00-8:30 PM GOF
Activity Leader Meeting, Driscoll Hall
Tuesday, February 26
12:10 PM Lenten Weekday
Mass, Church
7:00-8:30 PM
Confirmation Prep, Driscoll Hall
Wednesday, February
27
12:10 PM Lenten Weekday
Mass, Church
Thursday, February 28
12:10 PM Lenten Weekday
Mass, Church
5:00 PM Youth Cantor
Practice, Church
5:30 PM Youth Choir
Practice, Church
6:30 PM Scouts,
Driscoll Hall
7:30 PM Adult Choir
Practice, Church
Friday, February 29
10:45 AM Adult
Enrichment, Bellarmine Room
12:10 PM Lenten Weekday
Mass, Church
5:30-8:30 PM
Generations of Faith Festival, Driscoll Hall
Saturday, March 1
Fair Trade Coffee
Available for Purchase in the Gathering Space after
the 4:00 PM Mass
Sunday, March 2
Fair Trade Coffee
Available for Purchase in the Gathering Space after
both Masses
12:30-3:30 PM
Generations of Faith Festival, Driscoll Hall
5:00-8:00 PM
Generations of Faith Festival, Driscoll Hall
Operation Rice Bowl
Reflection
Third Sunday of
Lent—Option for the Poor
Jesus guides the
Samarian woman to a greater appreciation of the
Truth—Himself. At Mass today, the homilist gave you
greater insight into Scripture’s message. Education
is key to our lives, regardless of our age. Pailash,
a young Indian boy stricken with polio, didn’t have
access to education. He survived by selling
newspapers and slept in fear of being robbed.
Finally he found safety and opportunity in a Kolkata
school for orphans supported by Catholic Relief
Services. Today, he eats regular meals, enjoys
studying math, and is preparing to learn a useful
trade. A fundamental option for the poor is a
central tenet of the Church’s teachings and mission.
CRS helps to expand educational opportunities
worldwide, giving new hope to the poor. Your
participation in Operation Rice Bowl will make the
dreams of young people like Pailash achievable.
The Knights of
Columbus St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance is coming up
soon!
Saturday, March 8
Driscoll Hall
6:30 pm
cocktails—7:30 pm dinner
$15 per person
Don’t miss out!
Contact the Parish Office
at 978-683-8922 or
ibonner@comcast.net to reserve your table!
Presented by our
parish council of the Knights of Columbus
Fair trade coffee and
cocoa will be available for purchase
in the Gathering Space
after all Masses next weekend, March 1 and 2.
Save the date for
our 2nd Lenten Fish Bake!
Friday, March 14
Serving continuously
from 5:30-7:00 PM, Driscoll Hall
$10 Adults; $5
Children 12 and under; $30 Family Cap
Chowder–Baked White
Fish–Green Vegetable–Potato–Cole Slaw–Bread–Cheese
Pizza for the Kids
Contact the Parish
Office at 978-683-8922 or
ibonner@comcast.net to reserve your place!
Presented by our
parish council of the Knights of Columbus
SCRIPTURE READINGS
FOR NEXT WEEK–FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
A reading from the
first Book of Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
The LORD said to Samuel:
“Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am
sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen
my king from among his sons.” As Jesse and his sons
came to the sacrifice, Samuel looked at Eliab and
thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is here before
him.” But the LORD said to Samuel: “Do not judge
from his appearance or from his lofty stature,
because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does
God see, because man sees the appearance but the
LORD looks into the heart.” In the same way Jesse
presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said
to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any one of
these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the
sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the
youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to
Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the
sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.” Jesse
sent and had the young man brought to them. He was
ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a
splendid appearance. The LORD said, “There—anoint
him, for this is the one!” Then Samuel, with the
horn of oil in hand, anointed David in the presence
of his brothers; and from that day on, the spirit of
the LORD rushed upon David.
A reading from the
Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians 5:8-14
Brothers and sisters:
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the
Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces
every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.
Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no
part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather
expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the
things done by them in secret; but everything
exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything
that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says:
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and
Christ will give you light.”
+ A reading from the
holy Gospel according to John 9:1-41
As Jesus passed by he
saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him,
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he
was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his
parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might
be made visible through him. We have to do the works
of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is
coming when no one can work. While I am in the
world, I am the light of the world.” When he had
said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with
the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and
said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam”—which
means Sent. So he went and washed, and came back
able to see.
His neighbors and those
who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t
this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said,
“It is,” but others said, “No, he just looks like
him.” He said, “I am.” So they said to him, “How
were your eyes opened?” He replied, “The man called
Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me,
‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went there and washed
and was able to see.” And they said to him, “Where
is he?” He said, “I don’t know.”
They brought the one who
was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made
clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath. So then the
Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He
said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed,
and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said,
“This man is not from God, because he does not keep
the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man
do such signs?” And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again, “What do you
have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?”
He said, “He is a prophet.”
Now the Jews did not
believe that he had been blind and gained his sight
until they summoned the parents of the one who had
gained his sight. They asked them, “Is this your
son, who you say was born blind? How does he now
see?” His parents answered and said, “We know that
this is our son and that he was born blind. We do
not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened
his eyes. Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for
himself.” His parents said this because they were
afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed
that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ, he
would be expelled from the synagogue. For this
reason his parents said, “He is of age; question
him.”
So a second time they
called the man who had been blind and said to him,
“Give God the praise! We know that this man is a
sinner.” He replied, “If he is a sinner, I do not
know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and
now I see.” So they said to him, “What did he do to
you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them,
“I told you already and you did not listen. Why do
you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his
disciples, too?” They ridiculed him and said, “You
are that man’s disciple; we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know
where this one is from.” The man answered and said
to them, “This is what is so amazing, that you do
not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We
know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one
is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It
is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a
person born blind. If this man were not from God, he
would not be able to do anything.” They answered and
said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are
you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.
When Jesus heard that
they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do
you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and
said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, the one
speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe,
Lord, ” and he worshiped him. Then Jesus said, “I
came into this world for judgment, so that those who
do not see might see, and those who do see might
become blind.”
Some of the Pharisees
who were with him heard this and said to him,
“Surely we are not also blind, are we?” Jesus said
to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin;
but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin
remains.”
Copyright 1970, 1986,
1992, 1998, 2001 Confraternity of Christian
Doctrine, Inc. Washington D.C. All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or
by an information storage and retrieval system,
without permission in writing from the copyright
owner.
