PARISH STAFF

Rev. Edward Stafford Pastor

Deacon Gerry Scopilliti Permanent Deacon

Sr. Joyce Schreiber, SND Pastoral Minister

Mrs. Margaret Haney Director of Religious Education

Mr. Bill Davies Music Minister

Mrs. Kathi Trares Parish Secretary

Mrs. Cindy Clark Business Office Manager

Mrs. Ruth Fitzgerald Ox Roast Fair Financial Secretary

Mr. Jason Garey Maintenance

LITURGY SCHEDULE

SATURDAY 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY 8:30 and 11:15 a.m. 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. (Summer)

WEEKDAY 8:00 a.m. Tues.-Thur.

HOLY DAYS & SPECIAL LITURGIES (please refer to bulletin)

RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Saturdays 4:00-4:30 p.m.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION First Friday each month

6:00-9:00 p.m.

HOLY ROSARY First Saturday each month

4:20 p.m.

Proud Home of the

Ox Roast Fair!

ST. JOSEPH PARISH 11045 St. Joseph Blvd. Mantua OH 44255

Parish Office 330-274-2253 / Fx 330-274-2254 PSR Office 330-274-2268

www.stjosephmantua.com E-Mail: parishoffice@stjosephmantua.com

Find Us On Facebook & Follow Us On Twitter > StJosephMantua

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 26, 2017

DON'T BE ANXIOUS People have, it seems, a natural penchant for misplaced emphasis on unimportant things. They can easily get caught up with what they're having for dinner or what they will wear. Often it is a tragedy that helps people to refocus on what is really important. What I shall wear is an irrelevant question when I am facing surgery or chemotherapy. What's for dinner is immaterial to those living through grief or unemployment. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us not to worry. He doesn't say, "Don't eat. Don't cook. Don't buy clothes." He says, "Don't worry." Jesus asks us not to relinquish our responsibilities but to let go of our anxiety. Anxiety betrays a lack of trust and Jesus reminds us that "Your heavenly Father knows" all that you need (Matthew 6:32). Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

PASTOR’S CORNER Fear, anxiety and worry are part of our human emotional landscape in an imperfect and troubled world. Sometimes the best antidote to anxiety and distress is to just turn the TV and all electronic devices off. God is pleased when we take time to reflect quietly upon His presence and power. We live in a temporal, material world. Human beings do not always think as God thinks. Our scripture readings for this week are full of encouragement to trust in God. Building a daily relationship with God through prayer and reflection may not result in an end to strife, suffering and difficulties. However, continuous growth in trust and faith in God is a wonderful gift by which we face all of life’s challenges more calmly. God never forsakes or forgets His beloved children. May we always be poor enough in spirit to seek and rely upon His infinite power to care for His human family.

—Fr. Ed Stafford

LITURGICAL MINISTER SCHEDULE—3/4-5:

5:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. SERVERS T. Gall A. Turpin L. Engelhart A. Sabol

LECTORS M. Clapp A. Turpin M. Fratus B. Caldwell B. Custer A. Shultz

EUCH. MIN. C. Clark L. DeLair C. Casalicchio G. Scopilliti B. Kasubick B. Colin J. Duriak L. Davis D. O’Donnell M. Feddor B. Custer R. Fitzgerald C. Sherbondy T. Gross

MASS SET-UP Staff R. Custer R. Fitzgerald CLEANERS K. Hogue, J. Kropp

STEWARDSHIP WAY OF LIFE SUNDAY COLLECTION (2/19): $4,034.50 ONLINE GIVING (2/19): $ 880.00 WEEKLY AMOUNT NEEDED: $6,125.00 OVER/UNDER: —$1,210.50 # OF ENVELOPES & ONLINE: 166 (of 485) CHILDREN’S OFFERING: $ 0

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT For many people, God and money run “neck and neck” as their first priority. Making money and spending money becomes the center of their life and they actually become a slave to money. The solution – become more generous. Giving money to Church and charity frees us from slavery to money and from making money a “god” before God.

LITURGIES FOR THE WEEK Sun. 8:30 a.m. Mass ...... Jacqueline Franks 11:15 a.m. Mass .... Lorraine Fastuca Ravino

Mon. No Liturgy

Tues. 8:00 a.m. Mass ...... Lorraine Fastuca Ravino

ASH 8:00 a.m. Mass ...... Louise Kaluba WED. 7:00 p.m. Mass ...... People of St. Joseph

Thur. 8:00 a.m. Mass ...... JoAnn Ziemiavski

Fri. 6:00-9:00 p.m. Adoration w/Stations

Sat. 4:00-4:30 p.m. Reconciliation 4:20 p.m. Rosary 5:00 p.m. Mass ...... Sam Head

Sun. 8:30 a.m. Mass ...... John & Florence Trares 11:15 a.m. Mass .... Rita Kotkowski SYMPATHY

We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Kimberly Turnbull, wife of Delbert, who recently passed away. May these families find comfort and strength as their loved one lives in the eternal presence of God in whom all find comfort and peace.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION You need more than water for a bath. Most family bathrooms contain an arsenal of soaps and emollients, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners to combat grime and honor the body. A bath without oil is still unthinkable. No wonder early Christians used lavish amounts of oil to "paint" the skin of people drawn dripping wet from the baptismal font on Easter. There were two oils used in baptism long ago. "Oil of exorcism" protected candidates from "evil spirits"; it strengthened their resolve and purified their purposes. The second oil, slathered over them after baptism's bath, "sealed" them, making them like Christ, the anointed one, the priest, the prophet, the king. Chrism has always had a powerful odor; rich resinous perfumes are stirred in before it is consecrated. As the newly baptized were embraced by new brothers and sisters in Christ, the scent permeated the hall of Eucharist, a sign of our connection to Christ and to one another.

—Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Mon: Sir 17:20-24; Ps 32:1-2,5-7; Mk 10:17-27 Tues: Sir 35:1-12; Ps 50:5-8,14,23; Mk 10:28-31 Wed: Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6ab,12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18 Thur: Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 9:22-25 Fri: Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15 Sat: Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32 To Prepare For Next Weekend’s Mass . . . Sun: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Ps 51:3-6, 12-13,17; Rom 5:12-19 [12,17-19]; Mt 4:1-11

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Visit us on the web at www.stjosephmantua.com

PRAYER INTENTIONS

Suzy Hafemeister Joe Robine Dan Nuti Diane Sanderson Sabina Delgado Irene Welling Cheryl Erickson Andy Kollarik Joan Kodash Mary Ann Feddor Dean Kohanyi Jane Raps Zoe Craig (Pinter) Dan Baumbick Kathy Morcarski Bunny Fritz Natalie Jahn Alivia Julliana Vic Santillo Chuck & Marcia Verardi Tammy Cozzone E. Louise Clark Reynaldo S. Bernardo Kathy Paroff Sharon Olszak Lily Peterson Marcia Reed Ann Salva Timothy Holka Chuck Holka Kathy Morris Sarah Tedrick Klara Rose Fitzpatrick Mary Leinen Barb Moore Kyle Painley Keith Ruffner

SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME PRAYER LINE: 440-279-1163

You are invited to begin your Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday liturgies on March 1. Masses will be at 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.

What to Give Up . . . Give up complaining . . . focus on gratitude Give up pessimism . . . become an optimist Give up harsh judgments . . . think kindly thoughts Give up worry . . . trust Divine Providence Give up discouragement . . . be full of hope Give up bitterness . . . turn to forgiveness Give up hatred . . . return good for evil Give up negativism . . . be positive Give up anger . . . be more patient Give up pettiness . . . become mature Give up gloom . . . enjoy the beauty that is all around you Give up jealousy . . . pray for trust Give up gossiping . . . control your tongue Give up sin . . . turn to virtue Give up giving up . . . hang in there!

THE ONE AND ONLY LENT No matter how many Lenten seasons we’ve experienced, we can embark on this year’s journey as if it is the only Lent we will ever have. We can pray, fast, and offer sacrifices in specific, generous ways. Jesus is our model. Jesus spared nothing of himself when he went into the desert for forty days and forty nights. He didn’t bring along computer games to divert himself or a stockpile of snacks for emergencies. No, Jesus was all in. The Gospel tells us that the devil waited till after the forty days of sacrifice to ambush Jesus. Just when our Lord was at his weakest, frail with hunger, the devil came to tempt him. Relying on the Word of God, Jesus resisted all temptations. Then, and only then, did angels come to minister to Jesus. If we imitate Jesus and go all in this Lent, we can expect to suffer. We can also depend upon God to send help just exactly when we need it.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Please plan to join our parish family for Stations of the Cross Fridays of Lent at 7:00 p.m. in the church. On the first Fridays during Lent (March 3 & April 7) they will begin at 6:00 p.m. and included with our Eucharistic Adoration. Please come pray and reflect on our Lord's passion and its meaning for Catholics. All are welcome.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES Spring 2017

St. Joseph Parish, Mantua, OH The Holy Land – A Pilgrimage Through the Footsteps of Jesus This Catholic audio-video course will take you on a virtual pilgrimage to places Jesus walked giving you a vivid insight into the Gospels. The author, Fr. Donald Senior, biblical scholar, has taught and led pilgrimages to the Holy Land for over 25 years. Each session will include a 25 minute presentation by Fr. Donald followed by our own group discussion. Gospel enrichment for the Lenten season.

Laudato Si Study Group This study group will read the encyclical of Pope Francis “On Care for Our Common Home.” We are responsible for handing on to succeeding generations the beautiful gift of our planet Earth. With this letter Pope Francis joins faith and science to educate us in responding to the urgent “cry of the earth.” A repeat offering for new participants.

Stewardship of God’s Creation Bible Study Text by Stephen Binz from Threshold Bible Series. Complements and reinforces Laudato Si by elevating the biblical passages

underlying the call to stewardship of the earth, from the Book of Genesis through to the Book of Revelation. A powerful, fresh encounter with the Word of God and the gift of creation. A repeat offering for new participants.

The New Rosary Study/Prayer Group (women only) We will study the history of Catholic devotion to Mary of Nazareth using the classic papal encyclical Marialis Cultis by Pope Paul VI. We will learn and use new ways of praying the rosary in answer to the call of the encyclical to develop Marian devotions in our times.

Seasons of Hope – Bereavement Group We will resume the fourth part of our bereavement program, six weekly sessions, mid-March through early May. New registrants welcome. Prior participation not required.

Please sign-up in the Narthex or call the Parish Office 330-274-2253. Classes usually scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays – daytime and/or evening.

Bereavement has been held on Wednesday, early afternoons. Deadline to register for Spring series is March 7.

POSITION AVAILABLE Right to Life of Northeast Ohio has a position in office administration available. They are looking for someone who is committed to the pro-life cause, has good organizational skills, people skills and some office experience. The candidate should be familiar with Microsoft Office and Quick Books. For more information, contact Denise Leipold, Executive Director, at 330-762-2785. Resumes may be submitted by email to dleipold@rtlofneo.com. THE CATHOLIC EXPONENT In the first reading from Isaiah, God reminds us that “I will never forget you.” Jesus assures us in Matthew’s Gospel: “Do not worry about your life” for God will provide for your needs. These words are consoling, but in the tumult and confusion of our lives, it’s easy to forget these words. Your diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Exponent, helps you stay connected to the Word of God and the Church so you can more fully feel that consolation. The Exponent, in addition to news about the Church right here in our diocese and around the world, offers commentary, Scripture reflection, and adult faith formation – all nourishing food for your faith and life. Your support for the Exponent not only nurtures you but also your fellow Catholics who are in need of encouragement as well. Subscribe or renew your subscription today by dropping green Special Contribution Envelope from your parish packet into the collection basket (St. Joseph’s is billed for all subscriptions). Stay connected to the consolation of your faith. Read and support the Exponent. PARENTING POINTER Children whine and complain. (OK, adults do this too.) Join with your child to make a "Gratitude List." See how many things you can each think of for which you are grateful. I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU VISITED ME Do you feel called to follow Christ’s command to visit those in prison? The Office of Lay Ministry Formation of the Diocese of Youngstown is offering a course on prison ministry. It will be held during Lent on six consecutive Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m. beginning March 2 at Christ the Servant Parish in Canton. Come hear from those involved in prison ministry, state representatives about logistics of getting started, and tips and training in ministering to those in prison. The group will gather in prayer and fellowship as we learn and discern where God may be calling us to serve. This program is co-sponsored by Catholic Charities Criminal Justice and Prison Ministries. Application deadline is Monday, February 27. Brochures and registration materials, including online registration, are available at http://www.doy.org/index.php/diocesan-offices/lay-ministry. For more info., please contact Pete Schafer at 330-744-8451 ext. 289 or pschafer@youngstowndiocese.org.

BURNING OF PALMS Burning of Palms is rescheduled for THIS Sunday, February 26, at the beginning of PSR, weather permitting. All parishioners are welcome to participate. The liturgy is in the church parking lot, right outside the portico.

WINTER GAMES This year’s Winter Games are THIS Sunday, February 26, during PSR (students should come dressed to play). For more info., contact Peg Haney @ 330-274-2268 or phaney@stjosephmantua.com.

CHANGE IN SCHEDULE PSR will be in session on Sunday, March 5

FIRST COMMUNION NEWS There will be a First Communion Parents Meeting on Sunday, March 12, at 9:50 a.m. in Hughes Hall. We will be making plans for First Communion and the Jesus Day Retreat at this time. CONFIRMATION NEWS Confirmation rehearsal will be held on Sunday, March 12, at 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Aurora. All candidates and sponsors must attend. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Sunday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Aurora. A reception will follow in the church hall.

PARENTS—We need three pictures of your candidate for the Confirmation reception: one of your child’s baptism, one of First Communion, and a current photo. Please submit these at the Parish Office as soon as possible.

MEN! TIME IS RUNNING OUT! The Fifth “Gathering of Catholic Men” Conference at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville, Ohio, on SATURDAY, MARCH 4. Conference doors open at 8:00 a.m. with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Murry at 4:00 p.m. Ticket price includes lunch. Parking is free. Make this a parish pilgrimage! Car pool or lease a bus and head to Louisville on Saturday, March 4, and make it a special day with a friend, son or grandson. Individual tickets are available at the parish office. For more information, contact your Parish Conference Coordinator or Glenn Kerr at 330-499-4030 or visit www.cmfdoy.org. K OF C FOUNDER’S NIGHT INVITATION All are invited to attend our Annual Founder’s Night celebration to be held Saturday, March 18. The ceremony will be held at the Sentinel Party Center (previously K of C Hall, 11845 St. Rt. 44, Mantua). The cost is $30 per person. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with socializing and open bar. Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony starts at 8:00 p.m. The will be honoring their Knight, Lady Knight, K of C Family, Parish Family, Youth and Blue Coat of the year. Please contact Bill Custer, Mantua Knights of Columbus Grand Knight, at 440-343-4579 by Monday, March 6, with your reservations.

PARISH DANCE Dance your way into spring with the 80’s music at our Parish Dance on Saturday, March 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Hughes Hall. Pizza will be provided—please bring a dish to pass if you are able. All are welcome. Questions? Please contact Deacon Gerry Scopilliti at 330-569-4795 or gscopilliti@yahoo.com.

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Sun. ~ 2nd Collection for Church Roof Fund ~ After Masses ............... Lector Mini-Workshops (Church) 9:40-11:00 a.m. ........... PSR Winter Games (School Bldg.) At 11:15 a.m. Mass .... CLOW (Conf. Rm.) 12:30-2:00 p.m. .......... Free Community Meal (Hall) Mon. 6:00-8:00 p.m. ............. G.S. Troop #90188 Mtg. (Rm. #3) 6:30-7:30 p.m. ............. Exercise Class (1/2 Hall) 7:00 8:00 p.m. ............. Cub Scout Den Mtgs. (Classrooms) Tues. 7:00-9:00 p.m. ............. Boy Scout Mtg. (Hall) Wed. 10:00 a.m.-Noon ......... Promise Homeschool Co-Op Set-Up (SBuild) 8:00 p.m. ...................... AA Mtg. (Hall) Thur. 6:00 p.m. ...................... Worship Committee Mtg. (PC) 6:30-7:30 p.m. ............. Exercise Class (1/2 Hall) 7:00 p.m. ...................... Music/Choir Rehearsal (Church) Fri. 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. .... Promise Homeschool Co-Op (School Bldg.) 6:00-9:00 p.m. ............. Eucharistic Adoration w/Stations (Church) Sat. 10:00 a.m. .................... CPR/AED Training (Hall) 4:00-4:30 p.m. ............. Private Reconciliation (Church) 4:20 p.m. ...................... Rosary (Church) Sun. 9:30 a.m. ...................... Appalachian Experience Mtg. (Hall) 9:40-11:00 a.m. ........... PSR Classes (School Bldg.) At 11:15 a.m. .............. CLOW (Conf. Rm.) 1:00-3:00 p.m. ............. Mantua Soccer Assoc. Sign-Ups (Pavilion)

BISHOP’S APPEAL FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIES AND CHURCH This weekend our parish is joining with parishes throughout the Diocese of Youngstown in making a commitment to the 2017 Bishop’s Appeal for Catholic Charities and Church. This year’s goal is $4 million. The Appeal is the primary funding source for Catholic Charities in our six-county diocese. There continues to be an ever-increasing number of needy persons coming to Catholic Charities for help and they depend on our support of the Bishop’s Appeal. The Bishop’s Appeal also helps to subsidize traditional Church ministries. Bishop Murry is counting on our support of the 2017 Bishop’s Appeal. It is his fervent hope that every parish will reach their goal. This weekend, we ask that you prayerfully make a gift to the Annual Appeal, using the envelope in your pew or the response card mailed to your home (no need to complete both). Thank you in advance for your reflection and generous sacrificial response to the Bishop’s Appeal. APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

On Sunday, March 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Hughes Hall, there will be an organizational meeting for anyone considering taking part in this year’s Appalachian Experience trip, June 17-24. Members of St. Joseph's in Mantua have been participating in this outreach effort since 1998. Participants volunteer for a

variety of household repairs at owner occupied homes of low-income residents of southwestern Virginia. Adults and high school teens will be participating in the Binns-Counts Community Center's Housing Repair Program in McClure, VA. A non-profit grassroots organization established in 1974, the center is committed to education, health care and decent housing for all. They are directed by a board of community people and staffed mainly by volunteers and work in partnership with college, community and church groups. Questions? Please contact Dan & Sean Fejes (330-274-2481 or sfejes24@gmail.com).

~ For the Week of Feb. 26 - Mar. 5 ~

Our entire parish is invited to participate in CRS Rice Bowl this Lent. CRS Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-inaction program. It offers daily opportunities for your family to engage in the spiritual pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. And it’s an opportunity for our parish to come together as a community and reflect on what it means to live out the Gospel call to go to the margins and encounter those most in need. During the next 40 days, we will encounter people—through their stories—from communities in India, Mexico, Ethiopia and other places around the world. We’ll be invited to eat simple meatless meals each Friday from these countries. And we’ll learn how we can put the principles of Catholic social teaching into action during Lent and beyond. Look for ways you and your family may make CRS Rice Bowls part of your Lenten journey at w w w . c r s r i c e b o w l . o r g . C o n s i d e r downloading the CRS Rice Bowl app to receive daily reflections and inspiration directly to your phone. Rice Bowls will be available in the Narthex. ENCOUNTER LENT Join our faith community—and nearly 14,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey of encounter with CRS Rice Bowl. Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl from the Narthex beginning this weekend and don’t forget to download the CRS Rice Bowl app! Look for ways you and your family may make CRS Rice Bowls part of y o u r L e n t e n j o u r n e y a t www.crsricebowl.org. May these 40 days better prepare us to encounter ourselves, our neighbors and our God. LENTEN FASTING AND ABSTINENCE Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of Fast and Abstinence - limit of one full meal and two smaller meals fo r pe rsons 18 through 59 years of age; no meat for persons 14 years of age and older. All Fridays during Lent are days of Abstinence - no meat for persons 14 years of age and older. There is no obligation to fast during the weekdays of Lent. Will you give something up or add something more?