Burying the Proverbial Hatchet

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

19 February  FM          R. Huber       G. Huber

DL          R. Huber       E. Rusnak           J. Greenwell      Moellers     Dice Family

20 February  V             J. Deane       R. Greenwell

24 February  PL           J. Deane       G. Huber

25 February  FM/DL    J. Chase           J. Deane

GV                               G. Huber

26 February  DL          J. Deane       G. Huber            J. Greenwell      A. Musil      J. Greenwell.

Dear Parish Leaders:  By this Tuesday, please see that the narthex and kitchen calendars are updated with the events and times of happenings through the end of March.

MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US!

Parish Life Committee calls us to Great Fast Stewardship of Time:  The Sunday Social schedule has a few “holes” that need some willing folks to fill, especially for clean-up helpers.  Please contact Virginia, Kelly, or Janet to volunteer some extra time on Sunday morning.  We are grateful to all who make our Sunday Socials a pleasant gathering experience.

A special “sale” will be held by our Book and Icon Shop next Sunday.  Pick up an icon you might want in your home, get some good Great Fast reading material, or check out Kathleen Burns’ hand-drawn porcelain keepsakes commemorating our Renovation Phases.

CHRIST IS AMONG US!          HE IS AND WILL BE!

You are welcome to be part of the Ethnic Food Making in the Hall:

Monday the 20^th – Butter Lamb making at 9 AM;

Tuesday the 21^st – Paska Bread and Butter Lamb making at 9 AM;

Friday the 24^th – Kolach making at 9:45 AM.

Consider assisting with ethnic foods as part of your Great Fast stewardship of time and talent!

Bishop’s Appeal 2012!  If you have not yet done so, kindly complete your pledge form and turn it in to Father, the parish office, or the collection basket even if you’ve already made your donation.  If you do not know at this time to what pledge you can commit, turn in the form without marking a pledge amount.  We have until the 31^st of May to meet our goal of $12,000 (= $200 per household).  Of course our most important goal is 100% participation. Please make all checks out to “Holy Angels Church.”  Use your specially marked stewardship envelope or write “Bishop’s Appeal” in the memo line of your check.  The parish will forward funds to the Bishop’s office as pledges are fulfilled.  If we reach our goal we will receive back a 30% rebate.  11 of our 60 households have already pledged – that’s 18% participation so far!

 My Church

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

12 February  DL          B. Bitsko       G. Huber            V. Bowden        Deanes       Bitskos

14 February  DL          E. Crucitt       G. Huber

16 February  DL          G. Huber      E. Rusnak

18 February  M/DL      R. Greenwell   J. Deane

GV                               G. Huber

19 February  FM          R. Huber       G. Huber

DL          R. Huber       E. Rusnak           J. Greenwell      Moellers     Dice Family.

Support Parental Notification!  Be sure to visit the special table outside the church today if you have not yet done so.  The Bishops of California support the effort to place an initiative on the November 2012 ballot that will require a doctor to notify parents 48 hours prior to an abortion being performed on their minor daughter.  It’s important to note that this may be our last opportunity because the state legislature is making it more difficult to have initiatives of this sort.  If you were not able to sign at the table, please contact E. Crucitt.

MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US!

Attention Parish Young Adults (18 to 35)!  The Holy Archangel Raphael Young Adult Group invites you to a “Fast-friendly” dinner/movie night this Friday, Febr. 17^th at 7 PM. Please bring $5 for dinner. We will be watching The Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer.  The movie gives a rare insight into the practice of Hesychasm.  This is a good preparation for the Great Fast, as we enter a time of deeper spiritual struggle through increased fasting, prayer, and silence.

Parish Life:  The Sunday Social schedule has a few “holes” that need some willing folks to fill.  We need donors of donuts or other goodies (or you can give money earmarked for this) as well as clean-up helpers.  While we love spontaneous helpers, we need someone to commit to the schedule each Sunday.  Please see Virginia or Kelly today or call Janet at 619-251-3007.  During the Great Fast, we will feature vegan options at every Social.

CHRIST IS AMONG US!          HE IS AND WILL BE!

You are welcome to be part of the Ethnic Food Making in the Hall:

Tuesday the 14^th – Paska Bread Making at 10 AM.

Bishop’s Appeal 2012!  Each registered household should have received a brochure and pledge card from the Bishop.  If you did not and are currently registering or wish to participate, be sure to see Father.  Please complete your pledge form upon receipt and turn it in to Father, the parish office, or the collection basket even if you’ve already made your donation.  If you do not know at this time to what pledge you can commit, turn in the form without marking a pledge amount.  We have until the 31^st of May to meet our goal of $12,000 (= $200 per household).  Of course our most important goal is 100% participation. Please make all checks out to Holy Angels Church.  Use your specially marked stewardship envelope or write “Bishop’s Appeal” in the memo line of your check.  The parish will forward funds to the Bishop’s office as pledges are fulfilled.  If we reach our goal we will receive back a 30% rebate.  8 of our 60 households have already pledged – that’s 13%!

Below are some excerpts from recent bulletins.

Bishop Gerald’s message, dated 26 January 2012–

            Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I write to you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Catholic Church in the United States directly, and that strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith.  The federal government, which claims to be “of, by, and for the people,” has just dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of the people—the Catholic population—and to millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.

The US Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees’ health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to buy that coverage as part of their policies.

In so ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our Nation’s first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences or drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so). The Administration’s sole concession was to give our institutions one year to comply.

We cannot—we will not—comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom.  Our grandparents and parents did not come to these shores to help build American cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights. In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.

I would ask of you, therefore, two things. First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, I would also recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration’s decision.

It is time for us to stand up and be counted. We cannot remain idle and hope this will go away by itself. Please join me in prayer and taking action by writing our local representatives in the Congress.  May God bless all of our endeavors to right this wrong!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Gerald N. Dino

Bishop of the Eparchy of Phoenix

What is Stewardship?

            The word “stewardship” is the English translation of a Greek term formed from two words:  manage and house.  A steward is someone who manages someone else’s house (e.g. all the owner’s possessions).

During difficult economic times, the sacrificial stewardship of our parishioners appears quite exemplary.  Generosity with weekly tithing, our renovation campaign, the needs of the hungry, clergy medical insurance, and retired religious has shown brilliantly. Christmas collection monies this year will be used for Renovation Phase II debt reduction. Kindly use the marked envelope found in your stewardship sets or mark your check.

Stewardship in the parish first takes the form of a financial tithe, but parishioners also share of their bounty by giving of time, talent, and various treasures.  This giving is crucial for the life and health of our church.  Some people wish to donate items for use in the liturgical life of the parish.  Often these donations are made in memory of loved-ones.  Especially regarding these items donated for our church building (inside or outside), please consult Father first so that your donation may be put to fitting use, and that it be consistent with our parish vision and the spiritual mission of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Here=s a wish list of our parish at this time:

Donations for new blue sanctuary side tables, tetrapod, and lectern coverings for the church. These will be styled like our currently used gold covers.  Father has fabric swatches to be used for the covers for those who are interested:

2 for the side tables                            $1,200 each

For the tetrapod                                  $1,100

For the lectern                                                $600;

2 white (w/ gold trim) altar server sticharia                                      $600 each; and

Mindfulness of stewardship and your spiritual family after you leave this world by including your parish in your will.  We should be referenced as “Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church; San Diego, California.”  Please talk to your estate attorney.

Two Aspects of Morality

            “There are two kinds of people in this world,” C. S. Lewis is known to have said. “Those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, have it your way.’”

The second aspect of morality is what Lewis calls “the morality inside each individual.”  This relates to a clear view of our human dignity in the light of the potential given in our creation by God.  We are heirs of the kingdom of heaven and children of God.  We are servants of God brought into a life where we can become partakers of divine nature.  It can be all too easy to forget this aspect of morality that is less directly related to others.  But because it relates to how we keep the “temple” of our body in which resides the spirit of God, we might need to be reminded of the great importance of this.

Wont You Be My Neighbor?

Regarding Infirm and Home-bound Visitation:  Please remember that if a parishioner is in the hospital or confined to home because of illness or advancing age, Father very much wants to bring the confined person the Holy Mysteries on a regular basis.  It is also recommended that one receive the Anointing of the Sick before any major surgery or as needed due to serious illness.  Please do not hesitate to let Father know that a parishioner is ill or home bound and would like a visit.

Accept me Today

            “Accept me today as a partaker of your mystical supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal your mystery to your enemies, nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I profess you:

Remember me, O Lord, when you come in your kingdom.

Remember me, O Master, when you come in your kingdom.

Remember me, O Holy One, when you come in your kingdom.”

Communion with the Body and Blood of Christ increases the communicant’s union with the Lord, forgives his venial sins, and preserves him from grave sins.  Since receiving this sacrament strengthens the bonds of charity between the communicant and Christ, it also reinforces the unity of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ. (#1416)

How to Love your Parish

            Love of parish falls into the same category as love of family, love of parents, and love of children.  Many Christians fail when it comes to those responsibilities related to love of parish.  Check whether you are fulfilling what the following four items imply:

Knowledge:  You can hardly love your parish unless you know it.  Knowing your parish means being personally acquainted with your pastor and parish family.  Make it a point to speak to your priest once in a while, and not only when you are in need of his ministry.  Know the schedule of liturgical services and other events in your parish.  Read the bulletin every Sunday so that you are informed about the daily ministry of your family.

Appreciation:  Cultivate a realization of what your parish represents to you spiritually.  It is the means ordained by God for your personal contact with our Lord Jesus Christ.  All the great means of salvation prepared for you by Christ are made available to you through your parish – Holy Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Repentance, Anointing, and Marriage, as well as Christian education and formation.  Appreciation means gratitude for the access the Church gives you to all these spiritual services.  Appreciation also means that you will resent and try to prevent destructive criticism of your parish, its clergy, and its methods of serving you.  When you see faults in your priest or fellow parishioners, try to control your anger and don’t gossip about them.  Rather pray for them in true Christian charity, then speak to the person directly involved if helpful.

Participation:  Participation in the activities of your parish must go beyond attending the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.  If you love your parish you will make any sacrifice to attend the Liturgy on holydays, and lesser sacrifices to attend other liturgical services, educational programs, service days, fundraising efforts, and other events.  Attend the devotions in your parish.  Teach your children to realize that when you cannot attend, one of them should represent and pray for the family.

Support:  Every form of human love involves material things in some way.  Christians who claim love to their parish never forget that contributing to the parish is giving to God.  Such giving comes in the form of time, talent, and treasure.  The white weekly envelopes are to be used (even if monthly) to help you and the parish with cash flow.  Children also must be instructed in sacrificial giving at least from the age of reason.

(based on an instruction by the hieromonk Daniel Zelinsky)

Support Parental Notification!  Visit our special table outside the church today and next Sunday!  The Bishops of California support the effort to place an initiative on the November 2012 ballot that will require a doctor to notify parents 48 hours prior to an abortion being performed on their minor daughter.  They state:  “As Catholics, we believe and teach that we bear the image of God.  We come to life as the result of humanity’s collaboration in God’s creative work…  As citizens, we believe that government serves best when it supports families in their irreplaceable task of nurturing the next generation.”  It’s also important to note that this may be our last opportunity because the state legislature is making it more difficult to have initiatives of this sort.  Please seriously consider signing our petitions.  If you have any questions, you may speak to Elizabeth, Dawn, or Dan or go to www.caparentalrights.org.

CHRIST IS AMONG US!          HE IS AND WILL BE!

MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US!

Excerpts from Bishop Gerald’s message, dated 26 January 2012, read today in church–

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I write to you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Catholic Church in the United States directly, and that strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith.  The federal government, which claims to be “of, by, and for the people,” has just dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of the people—the Catholic population—and to millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.

The US Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees’ health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception.

In so ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution, denying to Catholics our Nation’s first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences or drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so).

We cannot—we will not—comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom.

I would ask of you, therefore, two things. First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, I would also recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration’s decision.  May God bless all of our endeavors to right this wrong!

You are welcome to be part of the Ethnic Food Making in the Hall:

Monday the 6^th – Rožky Making at 9 AM;

Tuesday the 7^th – Paska Bread and Butter Lambs Making at 9 AM;

Friday the 10^th – Kolach making at 9:45 AM.

Bishop’s Appeal 2012!  Each registered household should receive a brochure and pledge card from the Bishop by the end of this week.  If you do not receive one and are currently registering in the parish or wish to participate, be sure to see Father Robert.  Be sure to complete your pledge form upon receipt and turn it in to Father, the parish office, or the collection basket as soon as possible.  If you do not know at this time to what pledge you can commit, turn in the form without marking a pledge amount and we will keep track of whatever payments you are able to make.  We have until the 31^st of May to meet our goal of $12,000 (= $200 per household).  Of course our most important goal is 100% participation. Please do not write in the “office only” portion of the pledge form and make all checks out to Holy Angels Church.  Use your specially marked stewardship envelope or write “Bishop’s Appeal” in the memo line of your check.  The parish will forward funds to the Bishop’s office as pledges are fulfilled.  If we reach our goal we will receive back a 30% rebate.

Attention ByzanTEENs!  The national ByzanTEEN Youth Rally (for 13 to 19 year olds) is to take place at the University of San Diego, July 12-15, 2012.  The cost is $275 per person and includes programs, meals, and on-campus lodging.  Lodging on campus is required of all attendees. More information will be forthcoming via your E.C.F. class and the narthex information center.

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

22 January     DL          E. Rusnak     G. Huber            V. Bowden        P. Knutson  Kosch clan

29 January     FM          J. Chase           G. Huber

DL          J. Chase           E. Rusnak        V. Bowden        F. Scialdone   Espedals

30 January     FM          D. Laman     G. Huber

DL          G. Huber      E. Rusnak

1 February    VDL        J. Deane       G. Huber

2 February    FM          E. Rusnak     G. Huber

DL          G. Huber      E. Rusnak

4 February    DL          J. Chase           J. Deane

9^th Hr.                           J. Deane

GV                               G. Huber

5 February    DL          E. Crucitt       G. Huber            J. Greenwell      V. Bowden  Martamary.

The eternal lamp at the sanctuary is now burning for the intention of Joseph and Lillian who, on the 12^th of February, will celebrate their 57^th anniversary of marriage.

CHRIST IS AMONG US!          HE IS AND WILL BE!

Voices for Children is determined to help each and every foster care child in San Diego. Your help is crucial for meeting this goal.  Call 858-298-2235 or visit www.speakupnow.org. An information meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 28 January.

Attention ByzanTEENs!  The national ByzanTEEN Youth Rally is to take place at the University of San Diego, July 12-15, 2012.  The cost is $275 per person and includes programs, meals, and on-campus lodging.  Lodging on campus is required of all attendees. More information will be forthcoming via your E.C.F. class and the church narthex.  Fund raising opportunities are currently being discussed.  All teens in ECF should plan to attend.

The five 2012 remembrances of “All Souls” will begin on Saturday, 11 February.  First names of your deceased loved-ones printed clearly on the back of your “All Souls” envelope (see your envelope set) will be read in the petitions for the deceased of the Panachida that follows the 9 AM Divine Liturgy on each of these All Souls Saturdays.  If you have not yet done so, please submit your envelope to the collection basket or the parish office no later than Sunday, 5 February.

We are grateful to Clint for the refurbishing of our parish website.  Be sure to check it out at www.HolyAngelsSanDiego.com.  Please note the regular availability of the weekly bulletin and monthly calendar.  Also, please be sure to check out the Renovation Phase II section.  Church interior color possibilities are presented on the website and we would appreciate your feedback.  If you cannot view the color scheme on the website, please see Clint DeNure.  Thanks, Clint, for all of your hard work on this!

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!          GLORY FOREVER!

You are welcome to be part of the Ethnic Food Making in the Hall:

Monday the 23^rd – Pirohi making at 9 AM;   Friday the 27^th – Kolach making at 9:45 AM.

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

15 January     DL          R. Huber       E. Rusnak           J. Greenwell      Rayas          Rayas

20 January     DL          J. Chase           J. Deane

21 January     GV                               G. Huber

22 January     DL          E. Rusnak     G. Huber            V. Bowden        P. Knutson  Kosch clan.

The eternal lamp at the sanctuary is now burning for the intention of the health of Evelyn, as requested by her uncle and aunt, Joseph and Lillian.  The eternal lamp that will be burning next weekend will be for the intention of Joseph and Lillian themselves, who, in February, will celebrate their 57^th anniversary of marriage.  May God grant them many blessed years in health and happiness.

Attention Parish Leaders!  Kindly take some time before this coming Tuesday evening to update the master calendar in the narthex and, for hall events, the calendar in the kitchen with your events through the 3^rd of March.  Please be sure to include a start time for all of your events.  Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

CHRIST IS AMONG US!          HE IS AND WILL BE!

Voices for Children is determined to help each and every foster care child in San Diego. Your help is crucial for meeting this goal.  Call 858-298-2235 or visit www.speakupnow.org. An information meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 28 January from 10 to 11:30 AM at the Bonita-Sunnyside Branch Library.

Attention registered nurses and other medically knowledgeable people!  Your assistance is needed for the ByzanTEEN youth rally taking place at U.S.D. in July of 2012.  If you are willing and able to help, please contact Father Robert as soon as possible.  The help of one or two people with basic medical and first aid knowledge will also be needed.  Please call Father!  Also, the U.S.D. Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science would like to invite our registered nurses to an Open House on Tuesday, 24 January from 6 to 8 PM in the School of Nursing’s Irene Palmer Lecture Hall.  This evening will provide an opportunity to introduce nurses to the advanced degree program.  Faculty members, students, and alumni will be available to provide helpful information about the programs and school.

Regarding Infirm and Home-bound Visitation:  Please remember that if a parishioner is in the hospital or confined to home because of illness or advancing age, Father very much wants to bring the confined person the Holy Mysteries on a regular basis.  It is also recommended that one receive the Anointing of the Sick before any major surgery or as needed due to serious illness.  Please do not hesitate to let Father know that a parishioner is ill or home bound and would like a visit.

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!          GLORY FOREVER!

You are welcome to be part of the Ethnic Food Making this Week in the Hall:

Monday the 16^th – Pirohi making at 9 AM;

Saturday the 21^st – Kolbasi making at 8 AM.

*******************************************************************************************

Below are some excerpts from recent bulletins.

What is Stewardship?

            The word “stewardship” is the English translation of a Greek term formed from two words:  manage and house.  A steward is someone who manages someone else’s house (e.g. all the owner’s possessions).

During difficult economic times, the sacrificial stewardship of our parishioners appears quite exemplary.  Generosity with weekly tithing, our renovation campaign, the needs of the hungry, clergy medical insurance, and retired religious has shown brilliantly. Christmas collection monies this year will be used for Renovation Phase II debt reduction. Kindly use the marked envelope found in your stewardship sets or mark your check.

Stewardship in the parish first takes the form of a financial tithe, but parishioners also share of their bounty by giving of time, talent, and various treasures.  This giving is crucial for the life and health of our church.  Some people wish to donate items for use in the liturgical life of the parish.  Often these donations are made in memory of loved-ones.  Especially regarding these items donated for our church building (inside or outside), please consult Father first so that your donation may be put to fitting use, and that it be consistent with our parish vision and the spiritual mission of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Here=s a wish list of our parish at this time:

Donations for new blue sanctuary side tables, tetrapod, and lectern coverings for the church. These will be styled like our currently used gold covers.  Father has fabric swatches to be used for the covers for those who are interested:

2 for the side tables                            $1,200 each

For the tetrapod                                  $1,100

For the lectern                                                $600;

2 white (w/ gold trim) altar server sticharia                                      $600 each; and

Mindfulness of stewardship and your spiritual family after you leave this world by including your parish in your will.  We should be referenced as “Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church; San Diego, California.”  Please talk to your estate attorney.

Two Aspects of Morality

            “There are two kinds of people in this world,” C. S. Lewis is known to have said. “Those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, have it your way.’”

The second aspect of morality is what Lewis calls “the morality inside each individual.”  This relates to a clear view of our human dignity in the light of the potential given in our creation by God.  We are heirs of the kingdom of heaven and children of God.  We are servants of God brought into a life where we can become partakers of divine nature.  It can be all too easy to forget this aspect of morality that is less directly related to others.  But because it relates to how we keep the “temple” of our body in which resides the spirit of God, we might need to be reminded of the great importance of this.

Accept me Today

            “Accept me today as a partaker of your mystical supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal your mystery to your enemies, nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I profess you:

Remember me, O Lord, when you come in your kingdom.

Remember me, O Master, when you come in your kingdom.

Remember me, O Holy One, when you come in your kingdom.”

Communion with the Body and Blood of Christ increases the communicant’s union with the Lord, forgives his venial sins, and preserves him from grave sins.  Since receiving this sacrament strengthens the bonds of charity between the communicant and Christ, it also reinforces the unity of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ. (#1416)

How to Love your Parish

            Love of parish falls into the same category as love of family, love of parents, and love of children.  Many Christians fail when it comes to those responsibilities related to love of parish.  Check whether you are fulfilling what the following four items imply:

Knowledge:  You can hardly love your parish unless you know it.  Knowing your parish means being personally acquainted with your pastor and parish family.  Make it a point to speak to your priest once in a while, and not only when you are in need of his ministry.  Know the schedule of liturgical services and other events in your parish.  Read the bulletin every Sunday so that you are informed about the daily ministry of your family.

Appreciation:  Cultivate a realization of what your parish represents to you spiritually.  It is the means ordained by God for your personal contact with our Lord Jesus Christ.  All the great means of salvation prepared for you by Christ are made available to you through your parish – Holy Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Repentance, Anointing, and Marriage, as well as Christian education and formation.  Appreciation means gratitude for the access the Church gives you to all these spiritual services.  Appreciation also means that you will resent and try to prevent destructive criticism of your parish, its clergy, and its methods of serving you.  When you see faults in your priest or fellow parishioners, try to control your anger and don’t gossip about them.  Rather pray for them in true Christian charity, then speak to the person directly involved if helpful.

Participation:  Participation in the activities of your parish must go beyond attending the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.  If you love your parish you will make any sacrifice to attend the Liturgy on holydays, and lesser sacrifices to attend other liturgical services, educational programs, service days, fundraising efforts, and other events.  Attend the devotions in your parish.  Teach your children to realize that when you cannot attend, one of them should represent and pray for the family.

Support:  Every form of human love involves material things in some way.  Christians who claim love to their parish never forget that contributing to the parish is giving to God.  Such giving comes in the form of time, talent, and treasure.  The white weekly envelopes are to be used (even if monthly) to help you and the parish with cash flow.  Children also must be instructed in sacrificial giving at least from the age of reason.

(based on an instruction by the hieromonk Daniel Zelinsky)

]]> http://www.holyangelssandiego.com/2012/01/15/wont-you-be-my-neighbor/feed/ 0 http://www.holyangelssandiego.com/2012/01/08/hello-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hello-world http://www.holyangelssandiego.com/2012/01/08/hello-world/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:54:03 +0000 Fr. Robert M. Pipta http://www.holyangelssandiego.com/wp/?p=1 “Accept me today as a partaker of your mystical supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal your mystery to your enemies, nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I profess you:

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

8 January                     DL A. Bitsko G. Huber            J. Greenwell      DeNures     Moellers

14 January     M/DL      J. Chase           J. Deane

GV                               G. Huber

15 January     DL          R. Huber       E. Rusnak           J. Greenwell      Rayas          Rayas.

Today we begin our Pilgrim Vocation Icon Program.  This program is beginning in every Byzantine Catholic Parish in the United States.  Everyone in the parish is invited to pray for and encourage others within the Church that they might respond generously to God’s call in their lives.  We need generous women and men to serve among us as monastics and clergy.  We need people like you to pray for and encourage them.  Every household of the parish is invited to have the icon in the home for a week of special prayer.  Please sign up on the sheet that is posted in the narthex if you have not yet done so.

Voices for Children is determined to help each and every foster care child in San Diego. Your help is crucial for meeting this goal.  Call 858-298-2235 or visit www.speakupnow.org.

CHRIST IS AMONG US!          HE IS AND WILL BE!

Attention registered nurses!  Your assistance is needed for the ByzanTEEN youth rally taking place at U.S.D. in July of 2012.  If you are willing and able to help, please contact Father Robert as soon as possible.  Also, the U.S.D. Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science would like to invite our registered nurses to an Open House on Tuesday, 24 January from 6 to 8 PM in the School of Nursing’s Irene Palmer Lecture Hall.  This evening will provide an opportunity to introduce nurses to the advanced degree program.  Faculty members, students, and alumni will be available to provide helpful information about the programs and school.

Regarding Infirm and Home-bound Visitation:  Please remember that if a parishioner is in the hospital or confined to home because of illness or advancing age, Father very much wants to bring the confined person the Holy Mysteries on a regular basis.  It is also recommended that one receive the Anointing of the Sick before any major surgery or as needed due to serious illness.  Please do not hesitate to let Father know that a parishioner is ill or home bound and would like a visit.

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!          GLORY FOREVER!

You are welcome to be part of the Ethnic Food Making this Week in the Hall:

Monday the 9^th – Pirohi making at 9 AM;

Friday the 13^th – Kolach making at 9:45 AM.

We are so grateful for what these ethnic food efforts have meant for our Renovation Phase II funding!

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Below are some excerpts from recent bulletins.

The Holy and Righteous Joseph the Betrothed

            Saint Joseph was practical and compassionate.  He had to be heartbroken by the news of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy.  His decision for a quiet divorce was intended to protect Mary.  But God had other plans and sent an angel at night with God’s will.

Among his many ministries today, Saint Joseph is protector of the Church, of families and home life, of workers, hope of the sick, and patron of the dying.  He has only one formal commemoration in the Byzantine tradition, and that is on the Sunday after the Nativity.  As the Nativity falls on a Sunday this year, the Sunday after the Nativity is the 1^st of January, the Feast of the Circumcision.  Therefore, the commemoration of the Holy and Righteous Joseph is transferred to the 26^th of December.

What is Stewardship?

            The word “stewardship” is the English translation of a Greek term formed from two words:  manage and house.  A steward is someone who manages someone else’s house (e.g. all the owner’s possessions).

During difficult economic times, the sacrificial stewardship of our parishioners appears quite exemplary.  Generosity with weekly tithing, our renovation campaign, the needs of the hungry, clergy medical insurance, and retired religious has shown brilliantly. Christmas collection monies this year will be used for Renovation Phase II debt reduction. Kindly use the marked envelope found in your stewardship sets or mark your check.

Stewardship in the parish first takes the form of a financial tithe, but parishioners also share of their bounty by giving of time, talent, and various treasures.  This giving is crucial for the life and health of our church.  Some people wish to donate items for use in the liturgical life of the parish.  Often these donations are made in memory of loved-ones.  Especially regarding these items donated for our church building (inside or outside), please consult Father first so that your donation may be put to fitting use, and that it be consistent with our parish vision and the spiritual mission of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Here=s a wish list of our parish at this time:

Donations for new blue sanctuary side tables, tetrapod, and lectern coverings for the church. These will be styled like our currently used gold covers.  Father has fabric swatches to be used for the covers for those who are interested:         2 for the side tables                            $1,200 each

For the tetrapod                                              $1,100

For the lectern                                                $600;

2 white (w/ gold trim) altar server sticharia                                      $600 each; and

Mindfulness of stewardship and your spiritual family after you leave this world by including your parish in your will.  We should be referenced as “Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church; San Diego, California.”  Please talk to your estate attorney.

Two Aspects of Morality

            “There are two kinds of people in this world,” C. S. Lewis is known to have said. “Those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, have it your way.’”

The second aspect of morality is what Lewis calls “the morality inside each individual.”  This relates to a clear view of our human dignity in the light of the potential given in our creation by God.  We are heirs of the kingdom of heaven and children of God.  We are servants of God brought into a life where we can become partakers of divine nature.  It can be all too easy to forget this aspect of morality that is less directly related to others.  But because it relates to how we keep the “temple” of our body in which resides the spirit of God, we might need to be reminded of the great importance of this.

On Regular Communion

            Christian community in the Church is both expressed and built up by sharing in Holy Communion at the Eucharist.  Occasional voices ask whether the now normal Catholic practice of regular communion reception is all gain.  It is true that it is consistent with early Christian practice.  But it is also true that the Church is not in the same situation as early Christians – there is a greater diversity in degrees of commitment now than then.

Even among Anglicans, Archbishop Michael Ramsey, writing some years ago in the context of a Church of England where the Parish Communion was rapidly becoming the typical Sunday service, drew attention to the risk of people receiving Holy Communion too lightly.  Serious preparation for Communion has largely disappeared, together with fasting for any appreciable time before receiving.  The rest of the service itself is generally held to be sufficient preparation for its climax, and there remain those who are habitually late and missing the very important parts of this preparation such as the hearing of the readings.

It cannot be necessarily helpful either to the Church as a whole or to its individual members that so little should be required in preparation for Communion.  For participation in the Eucharist is not only the sacrament of Christians’ fellowship with one another in the Body of Christ, but also and above all the sacrament of Christians’ communion with the holy God.  The care with which discerning partakers receive the holy mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood should at least raise a question for habitual communicants about a general Communion which may have become too easy.

(Based on the Epilogue of Hugh Wybrew’s The Orthodox Liturgy)

How to Love your Parish

            Love of parish falls into the same category as love of family, love of parents, and love of children.  Many Christians fail when it comes to those responsibilities related to love of parish.  Check whether you are fulfilling what the following four items imply:

Knowledge:  You can hardly love your parish unless you know it.  Knowing your parish means being personally acquainted with your pastor and parish family.  Make it a point to speak to your priest once in a while, and not only when you are in need of his ministry.  Know the schedule of liturgical services and other events in your parish.  Read the bulletin every Sunday so that you are informed about the daily ministry of your family.

Appreciation:  Cultivate a realization of what your parish represents to you spiritually.  It is the means ordained by God for your personal contact with our Lord Jesus Christ.  All the great means of salvation prepared for you by Christ are made available to you through your parish – Holy Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Repentance, Anointing, and Marriage, as well as Christian education and formation.  Appreciation means gratitude for the access the Church gives you to all these spiritual services.  Appreciation also means that you will resent and try to prevent destructive criticism of your parish, its clergy, and its methods of serving you.  When you see faults in your priest or fellow parishioners, try to control your anger and don’t gossip about them.  Rather pray for them in true Christian charity, then speak to the person directly involved if helpful.

Participation:  Participation in the activities of your parish must go beyond attending the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.  If you love your parish you will make any sacrifice to attend the Liturgy on holydays, and lesser sacrifices to attend other liturgical services, educational programs, service days, fundraising efforts, and other events.  Attend the devotions in your parish.  Teach your children to realize that when you cannot attend, one of them should represent and pray for the family.

Support:  Every form of human love involves material things in some way.  Christians who claim love to their parish never forget that contributing to the parish is giving to God.  Such giving comes in the form of time, talent, and treasure.  The white weekly envelopes are to be used (even if monthly) to help you and the parish with cash flow.  Children also must be instructed in sacrificial giving at least from the age of reason.

(based on an instruction by the hieromonk Daniel Zelinsky)

Regarding Infirm and Home-bound Visitation:  Please remember that if a parishioner is in the hospital or confined to home because of illness or advancing age, Father very much wants to bring the confined person the Holy Mysteries on a regular basis.  It is also recommended that one receive the Anointing of the Sick before any major surgery or as needed due to serious illness.  Please do not hesitate to let Father know that a parishioner is ill or home bound and would like a visit.