I have this idea. It’s been percolating around my brain for about two years now. It must be good idea, because it’s a bit intimidating (“Are You sure, God?”) but it won’t go away (“Yes, I AM sure.”). So today I am going to propose it to you, dear friends, and see what happens next. 
Do you love Lent? I do, but a lot of folk don’t have all that much affection for the season. Many Catholics have come to think of it in negative terms; however, Lent is not about hair shirts, sour expressions and the like. Rather, it is a positive, strengthening, spiritual experience, and if you want to grow in your love of God and your neighbor, then Lent is for you! We need to be single-minded and “do stuff” to gain a clearer vision of the Risen Christ, come Easter. Here are some suggestions to keep you focused:
In today’s Gospel, Jesus overcomes the temptations to wealth, power and esteem. As we begin Lent, may we open our hearts to the grace of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
By purchasing Scrip Cards from SVdP you are giving alms to the poor. When you use scrip you are using “everyday” money for items like food, clothes, gas and fish for Lenten Fridays.
The next order will be placed on March 1st. This is in plenty of time to include in Easter baskets and care packages. Orders are processed the first Monday of each month with the exception of April when they will not be processed until April 12, 2010. Order forms are available here Scrip Order Form.2010
For more information on St. Anastasia’s Chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, contact Becky in the Parish Office at 248.689.8380 extension 104 or email: E-Mail.
Bi-monthly meetings are held the first & the third Wednesday of each month. Everyone is invited to attend.
We’ll be doing the update for our computer system to MS Office 7 during the 2nd week of March. We’re excited to be getting up to date with our technology. In addition, Father J.J. is reviewing a few other additions to our system. We are investigating the possibility of installing wireless in the Church and the Davidson Center. This would be an invaluable tool for the ministries based here at St. Anastasia as well as guest speakers and outside ministries that from time to time use our facility. The total cost for this will be $360 and that includes the routers, installation, and testing….we think that’s a pretty good deal. Phase two, our Technology Update Project (I love giving things names like that!), will entail completing the wiring of the Pastoral Center for internet access. The plugs for access were installed when the center was built, but they’ve never been hooked up. That and the wireless in the Church and DC will give us internet access across the entire site. The cost for activating those plugs in the Pastoral Center will be between $300 and $400. Phase three of the project will entail utilizing our current black/white, color, and color laser printers as “network printers”. Right now we have small printers in our individual offices and the cost of print cartridges and on-going maintenance/replacement of these printers is a big expense. Once the network printers are hooked up and running, we’ll retire the individual printers as they become obsolete and need repairs….most of them are 5 to 7 years old and are on their last legs. The cost for setting up the “print network” will be $300 to $400.
”Real isn’t how you are made. It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you, for a long, long time, not just to play with, but really loves you, then you become real.” (from the Velveteen Rabbit). Lent gives us a perfect time to begin to get real. Becoming real is a life long process. It means that we have attained authenticity, that our thoughts, words and actions are truly integrated. Our yes is yes and our no is no. What we confess with our mouth must be consistent with the manner in which we live our lives.
LENT AGAIN? – We all know what Lent is: a forty-day season of preparation for Easter. Lent traditionally is supposed to be days of fasting, which means days of discipline and self-restraint. The focus of Lent was always threefold: it is a time to prepare new converts for the sacraments through intensive classes and instruction; it is a time for long-standing Christians to review their lives and renew their commitment to Jesus Christ; and it is a time for backsliders to be restored to the faith. In every case, it is a time for serious, disciplined self-examination, a time spent in intensive prayer and repentance before the cross.
We received our CSA update from the Archdiocese and I want to let you know where we stand. The target amount assessed by the Archdiocese for St. Anastasia is $237,334.00 – that is the amount that we must pay. Received thus far against that goal is $221,813.86 for a balance due of $15,520.00. The total amount pledged by the community of St. Anastasia is $268,894.02 leaving a balance to reach the pledged amount of $47,080.16. The key figure is the target amount as that is what we will owe to the Archdiocese, so please be sure and get those pledges in. I do want to remind you that any amount over the $237,334.00 will be retuned 100% to St. Anastasia. Our parish family has pledged a total of $268,894.02, so if that amount is achieved, we would receive, tax free $31,560.02. We understand that some parish members due to unforeseen circumstances will not be able to meet their pledges. We sincerely thank all those that have and continue to participate in the CSA campaign.
Have you ever asked the question “What is Catholic Stewardship?”
Stewardship is not simply about making donations or taking care of the building and grounds. It is a spirituality, a way of life and it is made up of four parts:
Do You Have A Vocation? – As you can see (Yes that is me with hair. Give me a break, it was the 80’s) from this ancient vocation poster, that I once was a seminarian who had doubts and questions. What helped me clarify what the Lord was asking of me was my attending a “Discernment Weekend” at the seminary. In the coming months the seminary is hosting two Discernment Overnights (intended for 14 to 17 year old males) and one Discernment Weekend (intended for those 18 and older) for men who may be considering the priesthood. The overnights are February 26 – 27, and May 7 – 8. The weekend is March 25 – 28. These are excellent opportunities to take an honest look at the possibilities seminary life might hold for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me & Fr. Mark, or call the vocations office at (313) 237-5875.
Guest speaker Stephen Ray, popular local author and evangelist, will speak to us about the powerful gifts that await each of us in the Holy Eucharist on Thursday, February 11 @ 7pm at St Anastasia.
8:00 Benediction and Adoration of the most Blessed Sacrament and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
8:30 Hospitality in the Social Hall
Steve penned the popular book Crossing the Tiber and is well known for his Footprints of God DVDs on the Holy Land. He travels the world to spread the Gospel Message.
Sponsored by the Journey of Faith Ministry at St. Anastasia ~ Free will offerings appreciated!
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