Our Lady On The River Parish - Holy Cross, St. Catherine, and St. Mark	
February 24, 2008	Third Sunday of Lent

Sponsor of the Week	The Baxter Agency	

Fr. Matt’s Matters
Lenten Disciples With Discipline? 

	Notice how the first seven letters of disciple and discipline are the same? Not by accident! Both English  words come from the Latin words, discere (to learn) and discipulus (learner), and disciplina (instruction and knowledge). It is quite counterproductive that ‘discipline’ is so associated with punishment, and ‘disciples’ are “those people of long ago”. If you are reading this article you probably attend Sunday Mass regularly, contribute to your parish community with your time, talent and treasure and you at least care somewhat about the state and fate of ‘things Catholic’. So please take this as encouragement, something to enhance your being today’s disciple of Jesus who can have a good influence on others. It‘s not only the bishops and priests who are the public face of the church!
	Our Savior Jesus takes first place in the definition of the word disciple and discipleship in the New Oxford American Dictionary! As it says: disciple—‘a personal follower of Jesus’, and discipleship—‘the state of attempting to follow the example of Jesus’. Whoever fits this description is truly a disciple of Jesus, for even a non-religious dictionary got it right, that a disciple of today is one who is personally TRYING to journey with Jesus. ‘Trying’ involves exertion, which is discipline. There are various types and levels of exertion in attempting to be led by Jesus. But of this we can be sure: Jesus gathered followers and wanted them to stick together. That stick together group is the church. To ‘lone ranger it’ as a Christian is, I dare say, directly against the will of Jesus. As they say in the movies, ‘I’ll take my chances on my own’, well, that’s for sure! I know how tempting it can be to rather go without the sinful and messy ‘church’, but St. Augustine’s wisdom says it well: “The church is not holy because of its members, but because of its purpose”. So separating Jesus from His Body the Church, is like trying to disconnect God from His Creation. So keep the discipline to remain involved, because we need each other! The Spirit of Jesus will not lead us to abandon His Church, but to be a God driven influence for God inspired service in God’s will for what God may want to change.
       Who can compare to Jesus? He, THE Master, chose and chooses His own disciples, He’s not picked by us among a host of would be teachers. The purpose of a disciple is not to merely acquire an intellectual or moral formation, but to have real faith in His saving mission, the mission in which the disciple then shares. A disciple of Jesus is always a disciple of Jesus. Jesus remains the Master and the disciple never becomes a or the Master. Being a disciple of His is complete fulfillment in itself. We surrender ourselves to His demand wherein His disciples are totally and radically dedicated to the Kingdom of God as Jesus Himself lived it, taught it, prayed it and died for it. What a challenge! Is our discipline up to being that much of a disciple?  Such is what Lent is for.
	I’ve loved meeting so many of you. Please continue to let me know your names as I encounter you here in this beautiful area of God’s creation.              
Fr. Matt Ellis
associate@ourladyontheriver.net

Please pray for our sick and  suffering
St. Mark: Betty Baker, Margaret Brosofski, Marie Burr, Ken Cihon, Marge Hamlin, Angie Kronner, Sally O’Neil, Sophie Palmer, Bob Soulliere, Patrick Tierney, Stella Tomaszycki, JoAnn White, Paulette Wieczorek, Keith Wright
St. Catherine Church: Hank Babisz, Beverly Carr, Lillian Downhauser, Ernest Craft, Anne Guillery, Vincent John,  Barbara Malik, Jackie McIntosh, Aaron Milenbaugh, Amanda O’Regan, Bill Rumenapp, Bill Sadecki, Connie Spangler, David Somervell, the Steven’s Family, MaryAnn Townsend and Catherine Ziegler
Holy Cross: Mary M. Achatz, David Arnold, Sue Ann Balaker, David Basney, Chuck Baumgarten, Bernard Endres, Jill (Postalka) Furtaw, Patricia Furton, Carl Gilbert, Cindy Griffor, Maureen Grottke, Evelyn Gutt, Stephanie Hartney, Elizabeth Heilman, Agnes Horn, Jim Keelan, Kevin Jeff Kocher, Jim Kuykendall, Julia Lange, Robert & Helen Leibold, Lisa Lubick, Gerald Magnan, Carrie Mayo, Josephine Michalski, Ralph Nichols, Marty Osborne, Tony Pizzo, Baby-Madison Reynolds, Larry & Barb Rutkowski, Stanley Rutkowski, Lorena Sadler, Joann Shano, Barbara Shonk, Deborah Steinmetz, Alice Trader, Carol Uppleger
Names will remain on the sick list for a length of four weeks.  Please contact the office to make other arrangements.

Liturgical Schedule
Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
EME 
Ushers  
Sacristan/Greeters
Saturday
4:00 p.m.  
St. Catherine

Bob Pontseele
Retta Kosciolek
Aaron Milenbaugh
Alan Milenbaugh
Sal Ponessa
Wanda Edie
Carol Fett
Aline Irvine
Joan Klebba
Aggie LaCombe
John McQuade
John Vance
Karl Malik
Harold Meldrum
Craig Neumann
J Vance/Sacristan
Robert Nadrowski
Rosemary Nadrowski
Jan Long
Cathy Cartwright
5:30 p.m.  
Holy Cross

Paul Denean

Kody Obrzut
Hannah Yadon
Ginny Fielhauer
D.J. Burns

Ed Terhune
Mark Markel
Harold Beck
Richard Kolcz
Jack Ameel
Bob Beauvais


Sunday
8:00 a.m.
Holy Cross

Marilynn Dunn
Veronica Hietz
Mitchell Hurttgam
Caleb Herbert
Mallory Kern

Dennis Fracassi
Art Rose
Ralph Moldenhauer
Fred Zweng
Ralph Nichols
Andy Markel 
Tom Schweihofer



9:30 a.m.  
Holy Cross
Walter Street
Owen Rogus
Jared Zichi
Benjamin Rickel
Dan Page
Outreach:
Wally Street
Maurine Springborn
Team 2

10:00 a.m.
St. Mark
 
Stephanie Spencer

Please help if needed
Bill Foster
Jim Miller

11:30 a.m.
St Catherine

Gary Kupper
Don 
     Zamborowski

Child Liturgy:
Mary Lorkowski
Jacob Nutter
Maria Winquest
Rachael Winquest
Bob Branch
Judy Antkowiak
Tony Antkowiak
Rosetta Babisz
Donna Radulski
Gene Elrod
Wally Burgess
Evert Eklund
Chuck Gerlando
Ken Morgulec
P Johnston/Sacristan
Barbara Ptasnik
Elfriede Trombley
Eric Morehead
Maxine Zamborowski

Parish Directory
www.OurLadyontheRiver.net

Fr. James Lopez, Pastor
Fr. Matt Ellis, Associate Pastor

Fr. Sig Kowalczyk, Fr. Fred Bodde, 
Fr. Leo Broderick & Msgr. George Browne, Senior Priests

***Holy Cross***
810-765-3568     FAX 810-765-2974
www.HolyCrossOnline.net
e-mail  church@holycrossonline.net
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(closed 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for lunch)
Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

***St. Catherine***
810-794-3301     FAX 810-794-1849
www.StCatherineOnline.net
e-mail  info@stcatherineonline.net
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

***St. Mark***
810-748-3828     FAX 810-748-9148
www.StMarkOnline.net
e-mail  info@stmarkonline.net
Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

***Holy Cross School***
618 S Water St.
Marine City, MI 48039  map
(810) 765-3591
e-mail  school@holycrossonline.net
Amanda Lund, principal


Bulletin Info
bulletin e-mail  bulletin@OurLadyontheRiver.net
(deadline 12 noon Monday)

Sacrament of Reconciliation  3:00 p.m.
		Holy Cross  	1st & 3rd Saturdays
		St. Catherine    	2nd & 4th Saturdays
		St. Mark		1st Fridays before Mass

Sacrament of Baptism  12:45 p.m.
		Holy Cross 	3rd Sunday 
		St. Catherine  	last Sunday 
		St. Mark 		by appointment 
membership & preparation required 
Please call your Church Office to register & verify dates.

Marriages:
Membership & six month preparation period required.

Mass Schedule

Saturday		4:00 p.m. St. Catherine 
				5:30 p.m. Holy Cross
Sunday		8:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. Holy Cross
				10:00 a.m. St. Mark 
				11:30 a.m. St. Catherine 
Monday 		9:00 a.m.	St. Catherine  

Tuesday		9:00 a.m.	St. Catherine & St. Mark

Wednesday	9:00 a.m.	Holy Cross & St. Mark

Thursday		9:00 a.m.	St. Mark
		9:00 a.m. Holy Cross OR St. Catherine February - St. Caherine

Friday		9:00 a.m.	Holy Cross & St. Mark

Holy Cross Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass, 
other liturgies as scheduled.
Tuesday rehearsal  7-8:30 pm

8 O’Clock Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 8 a.m. Mass
Rehearsal Sunday 7:45 a.m.

Saturday Choir
Leads worship at Saturday Mass 
Saturdays (except the 1st Sat): 5 p.m. 
All Generations Easter Choir
All ages welcome
ALL AGES - ALL SINGERS - FAMILIES
Will lead worship at the 12:30 p.m. Easter Mass
Rehearsal Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Parents and Grandparents—please bring your child and stay and sing with them!

Cantors
Assists with congregational song

Resurrection Choir
Leads worship at funerals  
Meets 15 Minutes before the Mass

Schola Cantorum 
Small ensemble of mixed voices
Leads worship 1st Saturday of month

Handbell Choir
Plays at Mass as scheduled 
Wednesday rehearsal 7-8:30 p.m.
Diane Bowden, Director - 810-765-4824

HOLY CROSS MUSIC MINISTRIES | Daniel J. Susan, Director | www.holycrossonline.net | music@holycrossonline.net

Died in Christ
Please remember in your prayers:

	V Angeline Kloka		
	V Irene LePoudre
	V Alex Dziedzic
	V Marvin Dietlin

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
Let the Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen. 

Wedding Anniversaries

	If you would like your Wedding Anniversary published in the bulletin, please submit your Anniversary info to your parish office at least one month prior.  Anniversaries will be published the last weekend of the month.  
 
Family Name:   _______________________________

Husband: _______________ Wife: _______________

Date: ______________ Years Married: ____________


Readings for the Week of February 24, 2008

Sunday:	Ex 17:3-7/Rom 5:1-2, 5-8/Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-	15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42
Monday:	2 Kgs 5:1-15b/Lk 4:24-30
Tuesday:	Dn 3:25, 34-43/Mt 18:21-35
Wednesday:	Dt 4:1, 5-9/Mt 5:17-19
Thursday:	Jer 7:23-28/Lk 11:14-23
Friday:	Hos 14:2-10/Mk 12:28-34
Saturday:	Hos 6:1-6/Lk 18:9-14
Next Sunday:	1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a/Eph 5:8-14/Jn 	9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
©2007 Liturgical Publications Inc

A Note From The Principal

     During Lent, we make a point of giving alms, fasting, and praying.  Many people make charitable donations during the Lenten season.  I see a number of rice bowls coming down to the school office each day.  I had the opportunity to speak with one of our first graders about his rice bowl.  He was very proud that he used money from his piggy bank, which he had been saving for himself, to help others.  It is great to see true giving in action.
	I would like to thank everyone who participated in making the St. Valentine’s Day Fish Fry a success!  Thank you to the Knights and to all of our families that helped make this Lenten meal possible.
	I ask that as you pray during this Lenten season, that you keep OUR school in your prayers.  We are privileged to be able to serve such a vast parish community.  Even though the river limits us, our parish boundaries are wide.  Within those boundaries are a number of children.  This school is for those children and those of our community.  Tuition assistance forms are located in each church office, as well as the religious education office, and the school office.  If you have wondered about a Holy Cross Catholic education for your child, take a simple first step and apply for these programs.
	It is time to start thinking about preschool and kindergarten. We offer a variety of programs to meet your child’s needs.  Programs run in the morning, with extended day care in the afternoon.  We also offer a five-day, FULL day kindergarten.  Students in kindergarten also attend Mass each week with their eighth grade buddies.  I must say that the kindergartners do a great job during the Mass, and that I have seen true spiritual growth throughout their year.
	In sports action, our girls’ volleyball season has started!  On Monday we will host OLIC.  On Thursday we will be playing at St. Mary’s.  Weekday games begin at 6:30 p.m.  On Saturday, March 1st, we will be hosting Trinity Lutheran.  Saturday games begin at 10:00 a.m.   This is a great way to get out of the cold and support our girls.
	The annual Holy Cross Irish Night Auction will be on Saturday, March 8th, at the Marine City Knights of Columbus Banquet Center. Have you bought your tickets yet?  I am looking forward to a great time.  Also, coming soon is our annual Holy Cross/Cardinal Mooney open house on Sunday, March 9th from 1:00-3:00 p.m.  We are blessed to be able to offer a Catholic campus for students throughout their entire education.  I hope that you will tell those that you know to come and see what Holy Cross Catholic School and Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School can offer their children.
	Did you know that a number of families were able to pay their camp bills with their SCRIP profits?  Have you bought your SCRIP for the week?
In His Service,
Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal
principal@holycrossonline.net

Collection of Sunday, February 17, 2008
St. Mark
CSA
Target  (130 families)    	$12,300.00
Pledged (83 families)       $12,555.00                
Over Goal                             $255.00

St. Catherine Church
CSA
Target	(548 families)	$41,000.00
Pledged  (273 families)	$30,015.00
Balance Needed	$10,985.00

Holy Cross
CSA
Target	(1015 families)	$54,000.00
Pledged  (409 families)	$47,421.00
Balance Needed	  $6,579.00


St. Mark

100 Families
24 Envelopes:	      $1042.00
Loose Cash:	          $98.00
Total:		      $1015.00


Holy Cross

1015 Families
225 Envelopes	        $6632.00
Loose Cash        	       $275.00
Children           		       $9.00
Total  		    $6916.00
St. Catherine Church

226 Parish Families
210 Envelopes:	 	    $4666.50
Loose:		  	       $287.31
Children:		         $13.75
Total			    $4967.56

One In The Spirit Prayer Group 
Meets Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. 

February 26th	Stations of the Cross 11 and 12
March 4th	Stations of the Cross 13 and 14
March 11th 	No Prayer Group Meeting
March 14th	Stations of the Cross with Bill Richart
March 18 & 25	No Prayer Group Meeting
	Our meeting is held Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. in  St Catherine Chapel.  All parishioners are welcome to join us to sing praises to the Lord, listen to His Word, pray and fellowship.  Questions call Jeanne 810-765-4688 or Jill 810-794-9899.
	
	If you are in need of prayer for yourself or someone else, write your requests in the Prayer Petition Books located by each exit of St. Catherine Church, the Prayer Group prays over them weekly-year round.  To be placed on the prayer chain call Eloise at 810-794-9975.  

Monday, February 25
	9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine Church
		V Stanley Pawlowski and Peter, Margaret & Marlene Dill 
by Family
Tuesday, February 26
	9:00 a.m. The People of St. Catherine Church		
 	9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel 
Wednesday, February 27
	9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
	9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church	
		V  Helen Patrick by Children
		     (10th Anniversary Remembrance)	 
Thursday, February 28	
	9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
	9:00 a.m. The People of St. Catherine Church
Friday, February 29
	9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
	9:00 a.m. The People of Holy Cross Church
	  V All Deceased Alumni of Holy Cross School
Saturday, March 1 
4:00 p.m. at St. Catherine Church
	V George Yax by Mia & Barb Meldrum
	V John Grabowski by Sue & Bruce Abel
	5:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church	
  	V  Merle Streitz by Robert & Janice VanWormer
	    (4th Anniversary Remembrance)
	V Betty McKinney by Nancy Stockwell 
Sunday, March 2	
	8:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church   V Meta Gostineau by Bob & Mary Lou Zweng
		V Penny VanDerwop by Gerald & Marie St. James 
	9:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church
	V Gordon Westrick by Michigan Association of Realtors
		  (5th Anniversary Remembrance)	
10:00 a.m. at St. Mark Chapel
	V  Irene Werth by Richard & Rita Reckling
11:30 a.m. at St. Catherine Church
		V John Balduck by Don & Donna Goulette
		V Margaret Voss by Gary & Shirley Tuzinowski
  	V Allen Hendrick by Chuck & Amy Gerlando
	   (20th Anniversary Remembrance) 


2008 Lent & Easter Schedule



	Communal Reconciliation Service with Private Confession
  7:00 p.m.  		Thursday, March 13   		@ St. Catherine
  
	Individual Sacrament of Reconciliation
  3:00 p.m. 		Saturday, March 8			@ St. Mark 
  3:00 p.m.		1st & 3rd Saturdays   		@ Holy Cross
		2nd & 4th Saturdays  	 	@ St. Catherine
  8:15 a.m.		1st Fridays 				@ St. Mark
		(No confessions on Holy Saturday, March 22)

	Stations of the Cross – Every Friday in Lent
   		9:30 a.m.		@ St. Mark
		5:30 p.m.		@ Holy Cross
	7:00 p.m.   		@ St. Catherine
	
	Other Events During Lent
6:45 p.m.		Lenten Renewal Bible Study 	Wednesdays 	St. Catherine
(Except February 27 – join us at Holy Cross for the Ecumenical Supper & Service)
6:00 p.m. 		Soup Supper 	February 27	Holy Cross
7:00 p.m. 		Ecumenical Lenten Service	February 27	Holy Cross
6:00 p.m. 		Ecumenical Lenten Series	Wednesdays	Marine City Churches
	Please Note:  No Fish Fry at Algonac K of C
		
Holy Week (Triduum)
  7:00 p.m. 		Holy Thursday Mass (March 20)   	@ St. Catherine
          (Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from the conclusion of Mass until Midnight)
  		Good Friday Services (March 21) 	@ Holy Cross
	10:00 a.m. 	Ecumenical Cross Walk
	12:00 p.m.  Living Stations of the Cross
	  1:00 p.m.  Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion
		Holy Saturday (March 22)
12:00 p.m.	Food Basket Blessing			@ St. Mark
	Easter Egg Hunt Follows			@ St. Mark
12:30 p.m. 	Food Basket Blessing     	  		@ Holy Cross 
  1:30 p.m.  	Food Basket Blessing			@ St. Catherine
  DUSK	Easter Vigil Mass   	                      	@ St. Catherine

Easter Sunday (March 23)
  8:00 a.m. 	    @ Holy Cross		10:00 a.m.	@ St. Mark
  9:00 a.m. 	    @ St. Catherine              	11:30 a.m.	@ St. Catherine 
  9:30 a.m. 	    @ Holy Cross		12:30 p.m.	@ Holy Cross

Lenten Lunch and Learn
St. Mary Parish Nurse - Maureen Duncan, RN

Wednesday, February 27th  
Courageous Conversations-
Advance Directives/Palliative Care

Wednesday, March 12th 
The Power to End Stroke

	The class will be held @ St. Mary Community Center, 811 Orchard, St. Clair  from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. A free light lunch will be provided. and free give-a-ways. To register, call St. Mary’s parish office at 810-329-2255. Seating is limited!
St. Mary’s, St. Clair

Every Friday during Lent
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Fried or Baked Fish
French Fries, or Baked Potato, Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, Rolls & Butter
Beverage & Dessert

Adults $8.00  Seniors $7.00
Children (5-12): $6.00
carry out 810-329-4150

St. Augustine  Fish Fry

68035 Main St., Richmond,
March 7th 
4:30-7:00 p.m.
Dine In or Carry Out AYCE
	Adults $7.50   Seniors $7.00
	Carry-Outs.$7.50 6-12.$4.50
Children 5 And Under  -  Free

Also, mark your calendar for our other fish fries on March 7th and March 21st.

Lenten Meals
Third Sunday of Lent
February 24, 2008

Our Lady on the River Parish

Words to Live By

	True reconciliation between divided and hostile men is possible only when they allow themselves to be reconciled also with God. Authentic brotherly love is founded on love for God, who is the common Father of all.
-Pope John Paul II

	Lent is the season that runs from Ash Wednesday until the start of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstinence and all Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
	The law of fasting binds people between 18 and 60 years of age and allows only one full meal a day but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and  evening, drinking ordinary liquids does not break the fast.
	The law of abstinence binds people 14 years and older and forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk or condiments made of animal fat.  Permissible are soups flavored with meat, meat gravy and sauces.

Lenten Observances
2008 Marine City Ministerial Association 
Lenten Series
 *Life or Death?*

Each Wednesday of Lent 
6:00 p.m. Soup & Bread Supper 
7:00 p.m. Lenten Series Service 
** 
*February 27 * Holy Cross Catholic Church*
*          "Choosing Bold over Mild."*
** 
*March 5 * St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran*
*          "Choosing Frontier over Fortress."*
** 
*March 12 * St. Mark's Episcopal*
*          "Choosing Now rather than Later."*
** 
*Good Friday Cross Walk * 10:00 a.m.*
*          Starts at Holy Cross & ends at St. John's

Sharing the Gospel

	Jews didn't usually like the people from Samaria, let alone visit one of their towns or talk to any of them. Men didn't usually talk to women back then, either. When Jesus talked to the woman at the well, Jesus broke those silly rules. Jesus saw into the woman's heart and knew that she needed God in her life. Jesus came to rescue her from her sin. She was so happy that she invited everyone in her town to meet Jesus, too.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for caring about me, no matter where I live, and no matter what I have done wrong.

Mission for the Week
Ask God to open your heart so that you will be friends with other kids, no matter what 
they look like.
©2007 - PO Box 510817, New Berlin, WI 53151-0817
1-800-950-9952 x2469 LPiResourceCenter.com

Irish Tea Benefit
People’s Clinic For Better Health
Mercy Hospital, Baggett Street Café,
2601 Electric, Port Huron
Wednesday, March 5th 
2:30p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

		Sponsored by the Daughters of Isabella, Emmett and Marine circles. Tickets will be available at Mercy Hospital Gift Shop, Irish Rose Store on Huron Avenue and Members of the Daughters of Isabella. It will feature genuine Irish Tea, scones, and a huge selection of cookies and pastries. The Irish Tea and Door Prize, a day of shopping in Birmingham with Tea at the Townsend Hotel donated by the Irish Rose Shop. 
$10.00 Donation

K of C News
Algonac Council 7227

Euchre Club
	The next meeting of the Euchre Club will be March 3rd. Information will be posted in upcoming bulletins.
Book Sale
	The next book sale will be Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, March 18th, 19th & 20th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Thanks for your support.
Ladies Auxiliary News
   The next meeting will be Thursday, March 20th at 1:00 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus Hall.  New members are always welcome.

Knights of Columbus 
 Membership Drive

	The Algonac Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Service Fraternal Organization of Men. We are inviting men ages 18 and over to join this organization. We service our church, community, youth, family and those in need. We are a non-profit organization. All money goes to charity. Representatives will be at all the entrances of the church the weekend of March 1st and 2nd to answer any questions. Please consider joining this family oriented organization. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 8:00pm at the Algonac Knights of Columbus Hall located at 1905 Mill Street. Please feel free to contact Jim Alexie at 586-725-4432 or Dennis Short at 810-794-3697.
Jim Alexie, PFN
Dennis Short, Membership Director

Immaculate Conception, 
Ira Twp

Every Friday during Lent
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cod, French Fries or Baked Potato, Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, Rolls & Butter Beverage & Dessert

Carry out 810-329-4150
$8.50 Adults - $7.50 Seniors  $5.50 Kids 5-11 

 AYCE $1 additional

Drive-Thru $9.00  
2 liter pop $2, 
1 lb. Mac & Cheese $5
Holy Family, Memphis 

February 29 & March 14
$8.00 adult, $5.00 child
Fish or shrimp
French Fries, or Baked Potato, Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, Rolls & Butter

“Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.  Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.  I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.
T-Sgt Robert Mitchell	USAF Reserve
Jason Rumenapp	US Army
Spc. William Goldenbogen  	US Army Reserve
Please let us know of any updates to this list
Thrift Sale Drop Offs

1st & Last Thursdays
7:30 -10:00 a.m. 
Playground door of Holy Cross School Fine Arts Building

Thoughts From Your Pastoral Associate
“God is Our Strength, Our Rock, the
Fountain of Eternal Life, Come, Let Us Praise Him!”

	The scripture readings for this Third Sunday in Lent call us to realize that we are all one in God, that our lives are intrinsically interconnected, enabling us to work hand in hand in building up the Kingdom of God. God is close to us, and we are invited this week to walk each day with Him and with one another, extending God’s blessings through our presence. We pray that God help us to make a home within for Him, and to receive into that home our family, and the neighbors, friends and even strangers we meet this week.
Lenten Renewal Opportunity
	This Wednesday, February 27th, all are invited to a simple “soup supper” at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Activity Center, followed by an Ecumenical Lenten Prayer Service in Church at 7:00 p.m. This evening takes the place of our regularly scheduled Adult Lenten Scripture Session at St. Catherine. Our next gathering for Scripture will be next Wednesday, March 5th; 6:45 p.m. at St. Catherine Activity Center.
	This Wednesday, folks from the neighboring churches in Marine City join with us. The Prayer Service will include meditative music by Daniel Susan and choir. The reflection on the scripture will be based on the theme of “Choosing Bold Over Mild”, from Paul Nixon’s Book entitled “I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church.” Please come, pray with us this Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross.
Scrutinies
	On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, our parish RCIA candidates and catechumens will be present at each parish site for the celebration of the scrutinizes. The experience of the scrutinizes is usually a very powerful one. The best preparation for this is to help those in RCIA through prayer and witness in the areas of strength and weakness in relationship to life with God. The candidates with their sponsors are called forward so we can pray for them as the presider prays the prayer of exorcism, the prayer of God’s presence.  The first scrutiny will take place at St. Mark’s. The second next week at St. Catherine’s and the third at Holy Cross.
World Marriage Day Celebration
	Even in the midst of precarious weather last Sunday, a nice group of married couples gathered for Mass and a simple reception and blessing at Holy Cross Church. Many thanks to Ruth, Dan, and Marie Lizee for their cheerful service and good experience they provided for all guests. Thanks also to Judy and Mary for added assistance. God bless all.
Trivia Time
	Kudos to Patricia Johnston, Mary Minnich, John and Joannne Vance for finding Peter as the apostle most frequently mentioned in the Gospels. New Question: What are the members of the religious congregation founded in 1859 by St. John Bosco called?
	May this week be filled with many blessings for you and your family.
With supportive love and prayer,
Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
pastoralminister@ourladyontheriver.net


Operation Rice Bowl 2008

	During Lent many Catholics are thinking about ways to fast, what meals to cook on Lent Fridays, and how to spend the season in solidarity with people living in poverty. To find a comprehensive Lenten experience, they are turning to Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services 33-year-old Lenten program that supports hunger projects throughout the world. 
	There are CRS food security projects in more than 40 countries, including the United States. Catholic Relief Services raises $8 million through Operation Rice Bowl every year. Seventy-five percent of the money is used to fund food security projects overseas, the other 25 percent stay in local dioceses.
	Rice Bowls are available at the church exits, for your Lenten Almsgiving.  Please take one home today and help those living in poverty.

Our Prayers Are With You

	Please help us hold up our courageous men and women of the Armed Forces with prayer and recognition for the acts of protection they wholeheartedly and selflessly continue to grace us with in our country. If you have family or close ones you would like to add to our prayer chain, please call any office of Our Lady on the River or email us at bulletin@OurLadyontheRiver.net.

Social Justice Committee 
Announcements
     A Season for Nonviolence, January 30—April 4, 2008, is a national 64-day educational, media, and grassroots campaign, inspired by the memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A Season honors their vision for a nonviolent world that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
	Please go to this link, www.unitybluewater.com/snv, for a listing of area activities for 2008 (as of January 28th, 2008), including the Blue Water Pax Christi/Season for Nonviolence Film Series. At the Newman Center - Downtown Port Huron. Come explore the roots of War, and the hopes of Peacemaking, in our society.
	Friday, February, 29th, THE REFUSAL, a story of Franz Jagerstatter, and Austrian farmer, devout Catholic, loving husband, and father of four, who was executed for refusing to fight in Hitler's unjust wars.
	World Day of Prayer March 7, 2008 http://www.wdpusa.org/. World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year. Throughout the entire day, we collectively pray all over the world, beginning with the first sunrise and ending at the last sunset. Our prayers follow the sun's path around the globe. WDP's motto is "Informed prayer leads to prayerful action." Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world. 

Harbor Health Corner
When it is More Than Just A Sore Throat

	Sore throats are common this time of year, especially among children.  However strep throat is being seen by doctors in this area.  A germ called streptococcus causes the throat to feel sore.  This is one of the first symptoms a child may report.  Other symptoms may include a fever, headache, upset stomach, runny nose, earache and cough.  An antibiotic medicine is needed if strep throat is detected.  It is also important to take all of the antibiotic medication that is prescribed.  Also get a new toothbrush since the germs that caused the infection may be living on the old one.
Harbor Health Services   810-765-7144 

For Widowed Men & Women
Palm Sunday Mass Lunch & Options

	Widowed men and women are invited to meet with Widowed Friends, a “peer” group in the Archdiocese of Detroit, to celebrate Mass on Sunday, March 9th, @12:00 p.m. at Old St. Mary’s Church in Greektown, followed by lunch at 1:30 p.m. at Pegasus Restaurant. Afterward enjoy the River walk at the Rencen, ride the people mover or go to Greektown Casino from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
$20.00 holds your reservation for lunch and must be paid by March 9th. RSVP 586-247-2619

Catholic Relief Services Collection

	The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports Catholic Church organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts. Programs include relief and resettlement for victims of persecution, war, and natural disasters; development projects to improve living conditions for the poor; legal and support services for poor immigrants; peace and reconciliation work for people suffering from violence; and advocacy on behalf of the powerless. Over half of the world’s people live on less than $2.00 a day. Please be generous in your donation to this collection on March 2nd. 

Holy Cross Easter Choir

	The extra Easter Day Mass at Holy Cross at 12:30 p.m. needs a choir. We will form one modeled on the successful CHRISTMAS CHOIR. We will rehearsal on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., except Holy Saturday until Easter, March 23rd. 
	 This choir is especially planned for children and families. All generations are welcome and encouraged to sing! I guess we could say that this is the ALL GENERATIONS EASTER CHOIR!. Don't' send your child, BRING your child! 
	Come and share the mission and joy of Christian song! Music is evangelism and the Church has always valued its role in teaching and outreach. It's not decoration, but it IS preaching!
~Daniel Susan, Director of Music Ministries
 Holy Cross Church 

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

	The Children’s Liturgy program will be offered the duration of Lent. We hope to make this experience enlightening and encouraging to all of our children to grow closer to God. The masses to participate in for children’s liturgy are:	Holy Cross -         9:30 a.m.
	St. Catherine’s - 11:30 a.m.
AYCE Breakfast
Marine City K of C 

 6385 King Road

*** TODAY *** Sunday, February 24th
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon 
Pancakes/sausage/eggs/potatoes/
juice/coffee/milk.
Adults $5.00
Kids ages 6 - 10 $3.00; Preschoolers free 

Our Lady on the River Calendar of Events

Monday, February 25
9:00 a.m.   Mass at St. Catherine
9:30 a.m. 	St. Catherine St Vincent dePaul
	MOMS Group at St Catherine
5:30 p.m.	Religious Education at Holy Cross
7:00 p.m.	Altar Society Meeting at Holy Cross
Tuesday, February 26
9:00 a.m. 	Mass at St. Catherine
	Mass at St. Mark
10:00 a.m.	Bingo Holy Cross Marysville K of C
5:30 p.m.	Religious Education at Holy Cross
6:45 p.m.	Prayer Group at St Catherine
7:00 p.m.	Choir Practice at Holy Cross
	RCIA at Holy Cross
Wednesday, February 27
9:00 a.m. 	Mass at Holy Cross
	Mass at St. Mark 
6:00 p.m.	Soup Supper at Holy Cross
7:00 p.m.	Ecumenical Lenten Service at Holy Cross
	Handbell Practice at Holy Cross
	Bingo at Marine City K of C
Thursday, February 28
9:00 a.m.	Mass at St. Mark
	Mass at St Catherine
7:30 p.m.	Ensemble Practice at St Catherine
Friday, February 29
9:00 a.m.	Mass at Holy Cross
	Mass at St. Mark
9:30 a.m.	Stations of the Cross at St Mark
5:30 p.m.	Stations of the Cross at Holy Cross
7:00 p.m.	Stations of the Cross at St Catherine
Saturday, March 1
3:00 p.m.	Confessions at HC
4:00 p.m. 	Mass at St Catherine
	K of C Recruiting Drive at St C
5:30 p.m.	Mass at Holy Cross
Sunday, March 2
8:00 a.m. 	Mass at Holy Cross
9:30 a.m.	Mass at Holy Cross, Children Liturgy
	Religious Education Pre-K at Holy Cross
10:00 a.m.	Mass at St Mark
	Adult Choir Practice at St Catherine
11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine, Children Liturgy
	K of C Recruiting Drive at St C

Adult Scripture Sharing

	The 3rd week of our parish Adult Scripture on February 27th will take place at the Holy Cross Activity Center beginning with a simple soup meal at 6:00 p.m. followed by prayer, song, and scripture reflection in Church at 7:00 p.m.  Please join us if you can.
	This is an Ecumenical Lenten Service and we welcome folks from neighboring churches in the area

Admit one
Auction Alert ! ! !

	Did you ever want to play "hooky" and spend the day fishing? Well—here's your chance! Enjoy a full day of muskie or salmon charter for up to five people with captain Tom Loy of Bigfish Charter Services. You and your gang will enjoy muskie fishing on Lake St. Clair; or maybe you will close to go for the spring salmon on Lake Huron near Port Sanilac. Charter includes all equipment on board a very clean, well equipped and comfortable 31' Tiara with twin engines and modern navigational equipment. Food, refreshments and personal items not included. Dates available between May and October 31, 2008. No refunds or credits given.
	If you are interested, join us for the Holy Cross School 19th annual Dinner/Auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on March 8th. For more information or to request tickets, please contact  Gretchen Rogus at 810-329-9649 or Jennifer Laster at 810-765-3510. Tickets are $35 each and include dinner and open bar.
And the Winners Are…

	The winners in this month’s Holy Cross Calendar Raffle are:

Mary Lou Peruski of East China
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Teipel of Algonac
Ed Klieman of St. Clair

Thursday Mass in March 

	Fr. Matt Ellis will celebrate Mass each Thursday at 9:00 a.m.  The location will rotate monthly between Holy Cross and St. Catherine.  Thursday Mass will be at Holy Cross in the month of March.

Good Help Needed

		Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School is searching for good, qualified people interested in becoming members of the School Advisory Board. Education, Finance, Development, Building & Grounds, and Alumni are the areas where experience, interest are needed. 
	The term served would be for three years beginning the month of August 2008. Interested parties should send a letter of interest that includes a brief resume and/or area of expertise to:

 Cardinal Mooney Catholic, ATTN: Sister Karen
 660 South Water Street, Marine City, MI 48039
DEADLINE: April 1st.
Stations of the Cross 

Every Friday During Lent
	St. Mark 		9:30 a.m. 
	Holy Cross	5:30 p.m. 
	St. Catherine	7:00 p.m. 

Living Stations Good Friday
	Holy Cross	12:00 p.m.
Living Stations of the Cross

	Jesus showed His love for us by dying on the Cross for us.  Now the young adults of our parish can share Jesus’ tribulations with their parish family by participating in this year’s presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. 
	Parishioners 13 years of age and older who would like to take part in this story of love are invited to contact Mrs. Kirsten Lents 810-794-0487 or Mrs. Catherine Nutter 810-794-9493.

Marine City Maritime Days Meeting
	The new established date for the Maritime Days meeting is February 28th, at 6:30 p.m. in the  Holy Cross Rectory Conference Room. Please call 810-765-3568 for further information.

A Case for Smiles
ConKerr Cancer
	The members of Christian Service of Our Lady on the River Parish and the Ladies Auxiliary are making pillowcases for children with cancer or life changing illnesses at pediatric hospitals. We are looking for people to help us sew pillowcases or donate the supplies.
	Needed supplies: 100% cotton material—bright colors, thread and quart size bags.  Money donations would be greatly appreciated also.  If you would like to help us sew pillowcases or would like to donate supplies or money.  Please call Linda Neumann at 810-794-4605 or Rose Rzeppa at 810-794-3187.
Thank You

	Linda and I would like to thank the Knights of Columbus for letting us use the hall.  We would also like to thank everyone who donated money or material.  A great big thank you to everyone who gave of their time and talent to help make the pillowcase.  We donated 111 pillowcases to ConKerr Cancer.  May God Bless you all.
Linda Neumann and Rose Rzeppa

Holy Cross 19th annual
Irish Night Dinner Auction

Saturday, March 8, 2008
5:30 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.

K of C Banquet Center
6385 King Rd., Marine City

	For tickets and information, please contact Gretchen Rogus @ 810-329-9649 or Jennifer Laster @ 810-765-3510 or contact Our Lady on the River.
$35.00 includes dinner & open bar

You Are Invited !

	All Catholic men are invited to participate in the Sixth Annual Conference for Men.  The location of the conference is at U of D Mercy, Calihan Hall, in Detroit.  
	I have been appointed coordinator for the Church of St. Catherine and will have tickets available after Weekend Masses or you may call me to make arrangements. Car pooling will be available as well as bus transportation. The conference date is Saturday, April 12th and will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude with Mass at 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. 
	I have attended the past two conferences and was not only impressed by the number of men attending, but what a blessing from God as well.  You are welcomed to bring your young adult sons with you as well. I look forward to a good turnout from our Parish and hope you can join us
Bob Pontseele
810-794-1195

	A Lenten Choir Fest, featuring area church choirs will take place on Sunday, March 16th at St Catherine Church in Algonac at 3:00 p.m.
	Participating choirs will be First Evangelical Lutheran, Trinity Methodist, Church of Christ, Algonac Baptist, Holy Cross, Cardinal Mooney High School and St Catherine.
	Handel’s Chorus “And the Glory of the Lord” will be featured, combining all choirs to close the program.
	Refreshment and fellowship will follow the program. 

Wedding Anniversaries
 March 2008

Daniel & Barbara Susan	February 4 	12 years
Pat & Pam LaBelle	February 17	12 years
Craig & Mary Ann May	February 18	13 years
John & Sandra Yandora 	March 2 	40 years

May God’s grace sustain you in joyful love 
and devotion to Him and to each other.

FLOWER
 Families Live Out the Word in Everyday Routines

	“We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.”
	Isn’t that true, even today–experience becomes the best teacher. Parents can certainly attest to the time they spend teaching and guiding their children, but the “light bulb” really goes on in the experience. Toddlers only understand the meaning of “hot” when they burn their fingers touching the toaster after we’ve warned them not to; children begin to understand “walk, don’t run” when they trip and scrape their knees or bump their heads; teenagers learn importance of following traffic rules when they get their first ticket; we understand the ‘hurts’ of poor relationships when our trust is betrayed. As parents, grandparents and adult mentors, we walk with our children and youth to help guide them to reflect on their experience so they can determine their beliefs. 
A Family Perspective
by Bud Ozar

	We share our faith with our children so that one day they will say, “We no longer believe because of your word; we have heard for ourselves and worship what we understand.” But first, children must hear “your word.” 
	In today’s Gospel, Jesus says: “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work.”

	This month, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to assist many families, providing them with food and assistance for utility and rent bills, etc. Thank You!