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Mar
7 , 2010 Exodus 3: 1-8,13-15
When God called Moses from the burning bush, he launched him
on one of the longest, most significant journeys in history-and began by telling
him: "Remove the sandals from your feet" (Exodus 3:5). Why would God say that?
The second half of the verse offers a reason: "The place where you stand is
holy ground." Imagine how fast Moses obeyed! In Egypt, where he grew up, people
were required to go barefoot before Pharaoh or any other superior. It was both
an expression of respect and an admission of a lower-status position. Standing
before the greatest Lord of all, whose glory shimmered out like an invisible force
field, Moses must have felt awed and humble indeed.
What does this tell us
about our approach to prayer? Without any burning bushes to jolt us, it's easy
to relate to God casually, even as if it's something of a chore. The image of
Moses removing his sandals reminds us that our loving Father is an awesome God
whose holiness we cannot even begin to comprehend. It tells us to approach him
with reverence, humility, and an awareness of our sin and frailty. But the scene
speaks to us in other ways as well.
Shoes and sandals get dirty, and still
today in many cultures and homes, people take them off before entering the house.
In a way, that's what we're called do when we come before God. Grimy footwear
can also symbolize the distractions that pop up when we pray. If this happens,
we can follow the advice of St. Alphonsus Liguori and try our best to leave all
extraneous thoughts at the door of our prayer time. We can also say, along with
St. Bernard: "O my thoughts, wait here. After prayer we shall speak about other
matters."
So as you go to pray today, take off your sandals! The One who called
Moses is calling you! "Father, who am I that you should
love me so much-enough to give up your only Son for my sake? Help me to set aside
everything that separates me from you and to return your love as fully as I can.
" Psalm 103:1-4,6-8,11;
1 Corinthians 10: 1-6,10-12;
Luke 13:1-9
Religious Education has established
shopping sites at The Printery House and The Catholic Company. Shoppers using
these links to make their purchases will help raise funds to support the Religious
Ed projects.
Parish
Improvement Suggestions If
you have an idea that can help the Parish to grow or that could fill a need or
correct a problem, please type a short entry here and send it forward to me. All
entries will be held in the strictest confidence and will be forwarded to Father
Al for his consideration. Remember, this is our Parish, and whatever we can do
to make it better is a benefit for all! Thanks!
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Parish
Calendar As an addition to the webpage, we will
link to a monthly Parish Calendar. Check it out here to see what meetings and
happenings are scheduled for this month. The current calendar
is Mar 2010.
March
For Life 2010 The most recent March For Life drew
the largest crowd yet! Not only did the march draw national attention, but our
own Parish got special attention in an article and video done by Daniel Malloy,
Post-Gazette Washington Bureau. See the article and video at: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10023/1030501-84.stm
Patzun
Mission GroupPatzun Mission Group of Holy Sepulcher
meets on the 3rd Sunday at 7pm in the Conference Room and updates the website
by the 20th of each month. New members are always welcome, both those who want
to visit Patzun and those willing to lead fundraising and awareness efforts on
a year-round basis. Check out this link for pictures, mission history, fundraising
activities and Meeting Minutes. See the website at: www.patzunmission.wordpress.com
LIFE
TEEN News LIFE TEEN news is
contained in the newsletter prepared by Jenifer. Youth Minister,
Jenifer Schellhaas,
724-586-6147, or jkingym@zoominternet.net
or Join our Facebook group: "Holy Sep Life Teen"
Computer
Classes
We will be continuing our class on the Internet and E-Mail this week. If you
are just interested in learning how to use your computer better, come on out and
join in our classes. The fee for the class is, as it has always been, a donation
to the New Church Building Fund. So, come on out and join us! This class is designed
for the beginner, but "power-users" are welcome and almost always pick
up a couple of secrets even they didn't know. So, if you're at all interested,
come on out at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the school to check us out!
I have
had several folks talk about a potential Web Page Development class. If you are
interested in this, especially for a group, please give me a call at 724-898-7207
to let me know, or send the form below. I am looking at putting together some
other new computer classes as the demand grows. These could include: web page
development, or whatever else interests a reasonable number of people. Below is
a form to specify your interests and to let me know if there are enough students
to warrant putting a new course together. Please send me your interests, and if
I have 5 or 6 students, I will develop a new course and respond to your e-mail
address. Watch this space for updates and coming attractions! Thanks.
Knights'
News As a reminder
for our members, our next meeting will be February 17. We need to discuss the
Fish Dinners, so please plan to attend. I'd like to thank our new Insurance Agent,
Brother Ken Scott, for joining us last meeting. It was also nice to see the District
Deputy, Mike Conroy, at the meeting. Thanks, Mike!
As always, the Knights
are looking for a few good men! If you are interested in finding out more about
the Knights of Columbus, who we are and what we do, please call Regis McAfee,
724-898-7207.
Bazaar
DonorsThis
year there was a tremendous response to our request for help and support for our
Parish Bazaar! Please thank these folks by supporting their businesses as they
supported our bazaar. The current list of donors is here,
along with web links where available. Visit their sites, support their business,
and thank them for their untiring support!
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