February 7th, 2010

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Every one of today’s readings describes a privileged experience of God. The call of Isaiah takes place within a theophany (a manifestation of God) in the Temple. In the presence of God, Isaiah immediately becomes aware that he is “a man of unclean lips.” God, however, comes not to condemn but to call. So cleansed, Isaiah is sent to speak God’s word. Paul in the second reading refers to a number of appearances by the risen Jesus to those who would become the foundation of the Church. He counts himself among this originating group. Recalling his experience of the risen Lord makes him, even in retrospect, mindful of how unfit he is to be called an apostle. Yet the grace of God has made him an effective minister of the Gospel. Finally, Simon Peter, recognizing the word of God in the work of Jesus, falls to his knees and prays, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” In answer, Jesus makes him a fisher of men. Such privileged experiences are not ours. We come to God through the word of Isaiah and the witness of Peter and Paul who hand on to us what they themselves received.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PANCAKE BREAKFAST
St. Hedwig’s Knights of Columbus Council #7244 will have their pancake breakfast on Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The breakfast will be held at Lipinski Hall on Indiana Ave. The breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, tea and more. Tickets will be available at the door. Adults $6.00 and children under 12 will be $4.00.

LENTEN HUMBLE MEAL
Begin Lent with a humble meal of soup and bread. This year our CCD students will be serving soup and bread in the Lipinski Hall on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010 from 5 to 7:00 pm. Come and join us for this simple meal. It is catered by Leonardo’s II.
Cost--A prayer for our students or any donation you may wish to give to cover the cost of the food.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
There will be a meeting for the parents of the Confirmation candidates on Tuesday, February 9, or Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 6:00 pm in the Chapel. The meeting is regarding the Confirmation retreat scheduled for February 27, 2010. Please plan to attend.

DIOCESE OF TRENTON BISHOP’S ANNIVERSARY BLESSING
Will be held in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Trenton. The Bishop’s Anniversary Blessing is an annual para-liturgical celebration to honor married couples in the diocese celebrating their 25th, 50th or over wedding anniversaries during the 2010 calendar year. Bishop Smith confers his Episcopal Blessing upon each couple and presents them with a personalized certificate to commemorate this very special occasion. Registration is through the parish. Please mark your calendars for these dates: Sunday, April 11th, 2010 for Ocean and Burlington Counties, at 3:00 pm Sunday, and on April 18th, 2010 for Mercer and Monmouth Counties at 3:00 pm. Deadline for registration is March 19th and March 26th, 2010 respectively.

DIOCESE OF TRENTON OFFICE OF FAMILY LIFE/RESPECT LIFE
God’s Plan for Joy-Filled Marriage
Attention Engaged Couples: Do you want to learn the secret to a life-long, happy marriage? You are invited to attend “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage,” a cutting-edge Pre-Cana program based on Theology of the Body, which gives couples the knowledge and skills needed to build a marriage based on deep intimacy and unconditional love. The next available program is Saturday, March 27th, at Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish in Mercerville, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The cost is $150 per couple. To register online go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/go/joyfilled.

Engaged Encounter Weekendd
Engaged Encounter is a weekend retreat experience for engaged couples to prepare for lifelong sacramental marriage, in a beautiful, ocean-front setting. Spiritual reflection and couple dialog are the main highlights of the weekend. The upcoming weekends will be held January 8-10, 2010 and February 19-21, 2010 at Stella Maris Retreat House, Elberon, NJ. The fee is $395 per couple, which includes meals and lodging. To register online, go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/go/cee.

World Marriage Day Luncheon,
The Diocesan World Marriage Day Luncheon will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2010, from 12-3 pm at the Breakers Hotel in picturesque Spring Lake, and is open to all married couples in the Diocese of Trenton. This gathering is an opportunity to share stories and enjoy a light-hearted talk by Rev. Sam Sirianni, in an elegant and romantic setting. The cost of the luncheon is $70 per couple. Please register online at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/go/wmdd  or call 609-406-7400, ext. 5592

DIOCESAN RESPECT LIFE MASS AND WITNESS
Will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank. Bishop John M. Smith will say Mass at 9:00 am, followed by a procession to Planned Parenthood in Shrewsbury to pray the rosary. A reception in the parish hall will follow where prizes will be awarded for the Respect Life Poster, Essay and Video contest. For information, call 609-406-1400 ext. 5592 or e-mail dgoodw@dioceseoftrenton.org.