Our Lady On The River Parish Holy Cross, Marine City; St. Catherine, Algonac; St. Mark, Harsens Island
Second Sunday of Lent         March 8, 2009
Sponsor of the Week	Colony Cut & Curl, Pearl Beach

Please pray for our sick and suffering
St. Mark: Betty Baker, Jacob Bryson, Ken Cihon, Marge Hamlin, Shirley Hollowaty, Shirley Koster, Clark Odzark, Sally O’Neil,  Sophie Palmer,  Walter Sawkin,  Bob Soulliere, Patrick Tierney, Sheila Thompson, Tena Van Loon, Mike & Sandy Weaver, JoAnn White, Paulette Wieczorek, Keith Wright
Holy Cross: Jill Block, Valerie Brettin, John Chadra III, Annette Griffith, Dave Hull, Betty Holtz, William Hubbarth, Jim Keelan, JoAnn Kramer, James KuyKendall, Ava LaVere, Ruth Ann LaParl, Donald Lipa, Joseph Lopez, Gerald Magnan, Jerry Malinowski, Ryan Markel, Jim McCalla, James McPhee, Patty McPhee, Lorraine Merglewski, Josephine Michalski, Roger Musialowski, Lisa Jones Nagy, Margery Osterland, Barbara & Tony Pizzo, Eugene Pollock, Sharon Rao, Andrew Redlawski, Lorena Sadler, Helen Schweihofer, Dee Dee Stockwell, Barbara Susan, Kris Taylor, Michael Tomlanovich, Alice Trader, Ashleigh Tranchemontagne, Kathy Vayko, Richard Wood, Dorothy Walters
St. Catherine: Jessica Achatz, Hank Babisz, Angela Bills, Beverly Carr, Dean Bryeans, Yolanda Cassanova, Fr. Gregory Deters, Darrell Doughtery, Janice Doughtery, Carol Dyde, Fr. Art Fauser, Betty Flum, Ruby Gerow, Jay Gibson, Anne Guillery, Nancy Austin Halverson, Ellen Hatcher, Maureen Ireland, Nina Johnson, Jim Knapp, Richard Koss, Nicole Lake, Joseph Lopez, Mary Lorkowski, Zitta Marconi, James Mihalich, Theresa Pawlowski, Ted Pilawski, Judy Piotrowski, Sandy Polomas, Rocko Prinzivalli, Richard Ross, Bill Sadecki, Joan Smith, Steven’s Family, John Vance, Catherine Ziegler

Mass Intentions
Monday, March 9
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Deceased Members of the Gillon Family
								 by Aikl Gillon
	9:00 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
		V Dolores (Mickey) McGlynn by Daughter & Family
		V Thelma Arlow by Gail, Jan, Evelyn & Dottie
Tuesday, March 10
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Keith Irvine by Aline & Family
		(15th Anniversary Remembrance)
		V Marc Quenneville by Brother, Richard
		(1st Anniversary Remembrance)
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 		         Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
		V Bernice Kaszubski by Marie Moceki
Wednesday, March 11
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Paul Moran by Mother
			(Birthday Remembrance)
	9:00 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Thursday, March 12
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass			         Holy Cross
		V Ernest F. Phillips by Daughter, Wilma Ruszkiewicz
			(Birthday Remembrance)
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Friday, March 13
		For the People of Our Lady on the River
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass				 St. Mark
Saturday, March 14
	4:00 p.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Mary Check by Family
	 	V Joseph Check by Family
		V Joseph Kerszykowski by Wife
			(Birthday Remembrance)
		V Ramona Barile by Moms Group
	5:30 p.m. Mass			        Holy Cross
		V John Halpin, Meta Gastineau & Aggie Horn
				by Grace Halpin & Family
		V Helen Bassett by Family
			(Birthday Remembrance)
		V Thelma Arlow by Don Horn
		V Timothy Regan by Ed & Lou Ann Uppleger & Family
		V Pamela Jones by Pat Yacques Family
			(1st Anniversary Remembrance)
Sunday, March 8
	7:30 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
		V Helen J. Goch by Steve & Esther Pentescu
	8:00 a.m. Mass	    St. Catherine
		V Victor Plummer by Gerry & Clara (Kim)
	9:30 a.m. Mass	       Holy Cross
		V Cliff & Dan Osterland by Fran Osterland & Family
		V Rosanne Lozowski-Arnold by Cullen Family
		V Helen schulz by Family
		V Raymond Jovanovich by Gary & Peggy Krueger
10:00 a.m. Mass 	    St. Catherine
		V Barbara Malik by One in the Spirit Prayer Group			V John, Clare & Linda Herman by Philip Herman
10:30 a.m. Mass	            			 St. Mark
		V Bernice Kaszubski
11:30 a.m. Mass	        		Holy Cross
		V Esther Gilbert by Lou Ann DuBuque
		V Mary Ann MacKenzie by Bill & Cindy Merrill
  7:00 p.m. Mass 	St. Catherine

FR.MATT’S MATTERS

	This year’s Lenten Rice Bowl donations will be used locally for our own parish St. Vincent de Paul Societies and the aid they carefully give to those in need. During March the Lenten Friday fish dinners are at St. Catherine’s Activity Center from 4:00-8:00pm. Thanks to all those taking part, the proceeds are helping our Parish and Grade School. Holy Cross Grade School and Cardinal Mooney High School Open House is this Sunday, March 8th, from 1:00-3:00pm. Our grade school could really use a boost in student enrollment, so put in a good word to others and pray for our success in this ministry. Please check the Easter Sunday (April 12th) Mass schedule and especially note there is not a 7:00pm Mass at St. Catherine’s.
SCRIPTURE/TRADITION/MAGISTERIUM
	One Lenten endeavor would be to seek improved personal understanding and articulation of our faith. I hope the following helps. Earlier this year I wrote that paradoxes are inherent to authentic Christian faith. There is much that is difficult to understand in the Bible, and we all need guidance. Memorizing whole sections of Holy Scripture is admirable, but if misinterpreted or if used to reinforce your own pre-existent beliefs, then what is so impressive? As the saying goes, ‘a little knowledge is a dangerous thing’. On the other hand, it would be refreshing to see the Bible memorized (as in everyone being more ‘Biblically literate’), as much as or more than we are literate in computers, commercials, movies, etc. One reason I say this is because some non-religious or non-spiritual people are critically demeaning of Scripture and religious faith, yet simultaneously know very little about what they criticize!
	In January I wrote that I would return to the subject of Scripture, Tradition and Teaching Authority (in Latin: Magisterium). These three form a kind of unified trinity, an essential part of the core of what the Church, from the beginning with Jesus Christ Himself, is, has and passes on to succeeding generations. An easy path to understanding this is to look to Jesus Himself. Jesus of Nazareth grew up being immersed in the Jewish Scriptures and Traditions in His time, the things essential to Jewish identity. Jewish identity was found through hearing and reading (knowing) their history by way of the holy writings and the storytelling, those things which were most important to pass on (the ‘Tradition’). And, Jesus was part of a ‘living Tradition’, defined as the past and the present co-existing in the faithful believers of their era, and moving and developing toward the future, hopefully evolving in conformity with God’s will. Since we believe Jesus to be fully a man and fully God, He was the embodiment of ‘authority’ (in His life an itinerant rabbi/teacher). He was the ultimate author/teacher with the authority to add, subtract, clarify and take to new levels the faith and practices of His people, the Chosen people of the One Living God.
	The Church, the believers born in the event we call Pentecost, is the living embodiment of Jesus Christ (though, unlike Him, we are sinners). Thus Christianity has its Tradition, Scripture and Teaching Authority founded upon Jesus Christ and His first disciples, particularly the twelve apostles.
More next time, with prayers and gratitude,
Fr. Matt Ellis, Associate Pastor.




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

7:30 Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 7:30 a.m. Mass
Rehearsal Sunday 7:15 a.m.

Schola Cantorum
Small ensemble of mixed voices

Saturday  All Generation Choir
All ages welcome
ALL AGES - ALL SINGERS - FAMILIES
Parents and Grandparents—please bring your child and stay!
Leads worship at Saturday Mass
Saturdays:  5 p.m.

Cantors
Assists with congregational song

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

Instrumentalists
Assist at Mass as scheduled

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 Thomas Pietrykowski
	V Fr. John Ward, SS

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


Readings for the week of March 8, 2009

Sunday:		Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Rom 8:31b-			34/Mk 9:2-10
Monday:		Dn 9:4b-10/Lk 6:36-38
Tuesday:	Is 1:10, 16-20/Mt 23:1-12
Wednesday:	Jer 18:18-20/Mt 20:17-28
Thursday:	Jer 17:5-10/Lk 16:19-31
Friday:		Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a/ Mt 21:33-			43, 45-46
Saturday:	Mi 7:14-15, 18-20/Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Next Sunday:	Ex 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17/1 Cor 			1:22-25/Jn 2:13-25
©Liturgical Publications Inc.


St. Mark

160 Families
  37 Envelopes:	      $1,27.00
Loose Cash:	          $46.00
Total:		    $1,073.00


Holy Cross

1024 Families
230 Envelopes	    $9,204.00
Loose Cash        	       $461.51
Children           		     $10.75
Total  		    $9,676.26
St. Catherine Church

564 Families
252 Envelopes:	 	    $6,483.00
Loose:		  	       $312.64
Children:		         $7.60
Total			    $6,803.24
Collection of Sunday, March 1, 2009

Online calendars are on the parish and location websites.

Parish Directory
www.OurLadyontheRiver.net
parish@ourladyontheriver.net

Fr. James Lopez, Pastor
Fr. Matt Ellis, Associate Pastor
Sr. Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
Pastoral Associate

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

Gary Krueger, Bob McCleod, Deacons


***Holy Cross***
810-765-3568     FAX 810-765-2974
www.HolyCrossOnline.net
e-mail  church@holycrossonline.net
Office Hours:
Monday & Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 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 8:30a.m.-1:00p.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
Catholic School***
(810) 765-3591 FAX:  (810) 765-9074
www.HolyCrossOnline.net
e-mail  school@holycrossonline.net
Amanda Lund, Principal

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

Marriages:
Membership & six month preparation
period required.

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

Mass Schedule

	St. Mark Chapel
	Sunday: 	   10:30	a.m.
   Tuesday - Friday:	9:00	a.m.
(mass schedule continued)
	St. Catherine
	Saturday: 	4:00	p.m.
	Sunday: 	8:00 	a.m.
		10:00 	a.m.
		7:00 	p.m.
	Monday – Friday 	7:30 	a.m.

	Holy Cross
	Saturday: 	5:30 	p.m.
	Sunday: 	7:30 	a.m.
		9:30 	a.m.
		11:30 	a.m.
	Monday – Friday 	9:00 	a.m.

Liturgical Schedule
Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
Saturday
4:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Diana Dill
Skye Jarskey
Sal Ponessa
5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Melanie Hietz
Maggie Bachler
Owen Rogus
Hannah Yadon
Sunday
7:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Wynne Achatz
Emily Bryer
Brad Butros
Robert Goldenbogen
8:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Gary Kupper
Danielle Banky
Jacob Nutter
Abagail Nutter
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Walter Street
Julia Blicharz
Joshua Zichi
Jason Zichi
10:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Don Zambobowski
Maria Winquest
Rachelle Winquest
10:30 a.m.
St. Mark

Pat Travis

11:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Fred & Mary Ann
Osterbeck
CJ Jagielo
Rachelle LaFontaine
Stone Moody
7:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Celebrant
Celebrant

		Get a way for seven relaxing days at this wonderful cottage located on Lake Huron between Port Austin and Caseville.  Amenities include front deck with full view of Lake Huron, deck on Lake Huron with sandy beach area and NO ROCKS!  Sleeps 8:  Queen bed, full bed, twin bunk beds, aero bed, full kitchen and bath.  Linens and BBQ grill available for use.  Beach chairs & toys available. 
	If this auction item interests you, our Holy Cross Catholic School 20th Annual Irish-Night dinner auction is arriving quickly on March 14th, 5:30 p.m. at the Marine City Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall.  There will be several raffles-50/50, Dessert raffle, bead raffle (that gives you to win numerous gift certificates including an overnight stay), Irish Eyes raffle (which you buy tickets for the chance to win sports tickets,  including other wonderful items), Money Train raffle which is a train filled with many instant lottery tickets and last but not least we are raffling off a tree filled with over $300 worth of scrip (numerous gift certificates from a variety of businesses). 
	Please enjoy us for a wonderful night supporting  the children of our parish with good food, friends and lots of laughs.  Tickets are available for $35 which includes dinner, open bar, live & silent auction and numerous raffles.  If you are interested in tickets please contact Jennifer Laster 810-765-3510, Gretchen Rogus 810-329-9649 or the school office at 810-765-3591.


Parish Lenten Prayer For Vocations

“Every one of us is called by the Lord;
The important thing is to know how
To answer His call.”
Blessed John XXIII

	A few years ago, during a special Vocations Awareness Week, our parish had a practice of having a family or individual take home a ‘vocations chalice’ each week to focus on prayer for church vocations.
	This Lenten season, the Parish Council encouraged a similar practice.  So, the Worship Commission is inviting families and/or individuals to volunteer to take home a parish crucifix to use during the week for a specific time of prayer for vocations.  The invitation is open to all people of the parish.  The crucifix will be accompanied by a journal with special prayers on vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, married life and generous single life.
	A request is made that time be given for this prayer before the crucifix each week, and a follow-up comment or reflection be written in the journal of the experience to be passed on the next week’s recipient, which can later be shared with the whole parish.
	If you are interested in taking part in this Lenten endeavor, please call the parish office to reserve one of the six weeks of Lent and let us know which Mass you will be attending.

A Note From The Principal

   As we enter the month of March, we continue on our Lenten journeys. As Catholics, we are all heading along the same Lenten journey; however, we each take a different path, and make our own stops along the way. In this week’s readings in The Little Black Book for Lent, the story of Jonah is discussed. The author suggests that we can learn a lot from the ‘sign of Jonah.’ He suggests that the thoughts we have about making changes in our lives could be subtle hints from God. I believe that God is always speaking to us; we just have to decide to listen.
   If one of the thoughts that have been in your mind and heart has been an interest in learning more about the educational opportunities available for your children or grandchildren, we are happy to help you this weekend.  Today (Sunday) we will be holding our annual Open House. The faculty and I invite you to come and visit our school between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to learn more about the various programs offered here at Holy Cross.  Financial aid information will also be available. If you are considering a change in your child’s life, I encourage you to stop in and learn more about becoming an educational partner with Holy Cross!
   I am always glad when people call and ask questions, because for every question that one person has the courage to ask, there are three or four more people out there who have not taken the opportunity to ask that same question. One question that I receive quite often is “Can my child ride the bus to Holy Cross?” For the most part, the answer is YES! If you reside anywhere within the East China School District, you may take a bus to Holy Cross. Each morning busses from Marine City and St. Clair drop off students at our front door. These busses pick them up again in the afternoon. It is a system that works quite well! If you are not in the East China School District, you may be able to ride the Cardinal Mooney bus to Holy Cross. There is a fee attached to the CMC bus service, and you must be able to meet at one of their bus stops. An even easier system waits for those who are willing to work together. That is the famous carpool! I encourage our families from Algonac to work together to provide transportation to Holy Cross. This is a great way to get to know people and to work toward the common goal of providing a quality Catholic education for your children.
   A misconception I’d like to correct is in regards to tuition. Some people have told me they cannot send their children to Holy Cross because they cannot afford to pay their tuition all at once. Tuition is not expected all at once here at Holy Cross. We offer numerous payment options! We also offer a variety of ways to help you reduce your tuition obligation. One way is by taking advantage of the various financial aid programs offered by the diocese and parish. Another every day option (which also helps with budgeting, and puts your money to good use for you) is the SCRIP program. I hope you’ll visit us today to learn more about the opportunities waiting for you at Holy Cross Catholic School!

In His Service,
Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal

Holy Cross Cemetery Notice

	Spring is coming even though it may not feel like it, which means it’s time to remove all winter decorations.  The decorations must be removed from graves by Wednesday, April 1st.  Lot holders should remove any items they wish to retain prior to this date.  Cemetery personnel will discard all remaining decorations.
	Thank you for your cooperation

The Holy Cross Cemetery Board

Sharing the Gospel

	Start with a pile of blocks. Add your imagination and you can build a castle or a city. You can change that pile of blocks to look completely different and wonderful. In today's Gospel, Jesus was completely changed. He started out looking like an ordinary man. Then, right in front of Peter, James and John, something happened. Jesus glowed brightly like the sun. Even his clothes became bright white. Talk about changing into something different and wonderful! God let Peter, James and John see Jesus as he looks now
in heaven.

Prayer
God, I can hardly wait to see Jesus glowing in heaven.

Mission for the Week
Make some lemonade with your family. Then add food coloring to completely change  the way it looks. As you mix the ingredients together, talk about how Jesus was completely changed.
- LPiResourceCenter.com

Archdiocese Tuition Assistance
	As a result of the Stewards for Tomorrow Campaign and the establishment of an Archdiocesan Endowment, the Archdiocese of Detroit extends tuition assistance grants to Catholic families with children in grades 1-12 attending Catholic Schools.
	A Student Aid Form, must be completed by each family applying, and mailed directly to Private School Aid Service (PSAS) in Lakewood, Ohio. Awards are based solely on financial need. Receiving an award in previous years does not guarantee award for the current year.
Forms are available at your Catholic school or in the Parish Office at Holy Cross.
	In addition to the Archdiocese Assistance, you may apply for assistance from Our Lady on the River Parish for Cardinal Mooney High School students, if you are an active member of the parish.  Contact the office for more information.
As in keeping with the school and parish we will be collecting “Rice Bowl” change during the season of lent and the money will be given to our local St. Vincent de Paul Society who do so much to help the families stay warm and eat during this cold LONG winter.
First Communion and Confirmation will take place next month. First Communion at Holy Cross will be on April 25th at 11:00 a.m. and at St. Catherine at 4:00 p.m. Confirmation will be on April 28th (Tuesday) at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Cross.
Have a wonderful week,
Mrs. Margie Smith, DRE

Rice Bowl Collection For Lent

     This year our Lenten Rice Bowl Collection will benefit our local St. Vincent de Paul Agencies.  Please use the Rice Bowls which are located at the exits for your Lenten sacrifice.  Take comfort in knowing that your sacrifice will help out families within our communities that are suffering and living without.

Our Lady On The River Parish
Healing Mass
One in The Spirit Prayer Group

Thursday, March 26th
St. Catherine Church
Praise & Worship @ 6:30 p.m.
Mass with Fr. Art Cooney @ 7:00 p.m.

	Additional information about the Mass intentions:
How can a Healing Mass Help You?

A Healing Mass lets you focus your prayers to lift up our burdens and heal our wounds. Healing might occur just by sharing, now you know you are no longer alone. Others are praying with you. It might feel like an encouraging word whispered in the air during a quiet time that gives you the strength to go on when you feel you can do no more. If nothing else, you will feel the calm and peace that will envelope you as you pray. Days or weeks later, your own thoughts might crystallize into a fruitful solution.
Stations of the Cross

Every Friday During Lent
	St. Mark 		9:30 a.m.
	Holy Cross	1:30 p.m.
	St. Catherine	7:00 p.m.

Living Stations Good Friday
	St. Catherine	12:00 p.m.

Lenten Children’s Liturgy of the Word

	The Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be offered each of the six Sundays of Lent for children, ages 4 through 11.
	This is a good opportunity for helping the children towards fuller participation the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. They are welcomed at the beginning of the Liturgy to come forward and proceed to a separate area to hear and share the scripture readings suitable to their age and ability, and return to the assembly at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

K of C News
Algonac Council 7227

Corporate Communion
	The Knights will be celebrating Corporate Communion on March 8th at the 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine. All Brother Knights and their families are invited to attend.

Membership Drive
	The Knights will be conducting a Membership Drive during the weekend of March 8th and 9th after all the Masses.

Annual Fundraiser
	The annual fundraiser drive for the Mentally Impaired will be held during the weekend beginning Friday, April 4th and continuing through Sunday, April 5th. All Brother Knights are asked to participate in this event and all people are encouraged to be kindly generous.

Book Sale
	The book sale for the month of March will be the 17th-19th from 12:00—6:00 p.m.

Noted Accomplishments

	The Order joins with the newly-formed National Organization for Marriage (NOM) in order to “protect marriage and the faith communities that sustain it.” The President of NOM calls the Knights “the foot soldiers for the Bishops and the Faith” in the battle to preserve the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
	The Knights’ 126th Supreme Convention is held in Quebec City under the theme “Building a Civilization of Love through Charity, Unity and Fraternity.” Supreme Knight Anderson strongly reaffirms the Order’s commitment to the defense of human life and the institution of marriage.

Thoughts from your Pastoral Associate
“Let us seek in faith
the glory of the risen Christ!”

	What did the Transfiguration mean for the three disciples who were present?  What does it mean for us? The story of the Transfiguration is about you and me as much as it is about Peter, James, John and Jesus. One of God’s great gifts – for anyone who’ll take it – is a chance to see the familiar in a new light, to hear with new ears, to have a new outlook.
	There is a promise before us that a vision of the world and everyone and everything in it suffused with divine light is possible for everyone. And that vision, that “enlightening” – once you see it – will change everything about your life.  We are reminded by this scripture that we are being changed, and sometimes, in the most ordinary, everyday situations, we see and experience the most extraordinary changes in those around us. During this Lenten time, we have the chance to have the courage to be our true selves, to slowly, gradually, strive to be the people we believe God desires us to be.
	Peter, James and John discover Jesus in a new light and also discover more about themselves. This mountain-top experience was a brief moment in their faith journey. They are encouraged to listen. When they descend, they are challenged to practice faithful discipleship. For us to be true, authentic, constant, convinced people of faith, we need to LISTEN. We need to see Jesus with eyes of faith.  The Lord is among us and lives with and in His Church. Jesus is risen and is alive in our midst, not simply as an abstraction, but truly as one whom we come to know and love, one whom we spend time with, one whom we meet in His “love” letters of the Gospel wherein He reveals Himself. It is there that we meet Jesus who draws us to Himself in love in the Holy Eucharist.
	Often times, in our lives, clouds dim our focus. Yet, inevitably, out of those clouds, if we are attentive, we are reminded by the voice in today’s Gospel, v. 7: “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” In our fast, multi-tasking days, we find ourselves going through life too busy. We look, but don’t see; we hear, but don’t listen, missing sacred moments of allowing Jesus to come toward us and within us in intimacy so that we might live our faith. God’s advice is to LISTEN. Listen to life, listen for the sacred, listen to Jesus, and rejoice in the company of the transfigured Lord.
RCIA SCRUTINIES
	On the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent. Our parish RCIA elect and candidates will be present at the 10:00 a.m. Mass for the celebration of the scrutinies. The basic structure for the scrutinies is the same for all three.  The scripture readings (from Cycle A), are powerful. The elect, candidates, and sponsors are called forward after the homily so that all gathered can pray for them in the areas of strength and weakness in relationship to life with God. We all pray to trust the mystery of the presence of Jesus in all areas of our lives.
Blessings and supportive love,
Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
pastoralassociate@ourladyontheriver.net

League of Catholic Women

	The League of Catholic Women will hold a noon luncheon meeting Wednesday, March 11th at the Angry Bull Steakhouse, 5078 Lapeer Rd., Kimball Twp. John Heidtke, counselor, will be the speaker. Meal choices are shaved prime rib, or chicken salad wrap. Cost is $13.50. Please send your reservation checks to Katie Ricketts, 906 Hollis St., Port Huron 48060.
Note: Women of the Parish are invited to join the League of Catholic Women. One of our purposes is to support Catholic Education. Call Mary Kay Odgers, president, @ 810-385-1459 for more information.
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.

	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.

Lenten Observances
2009 Lenten & Easter Schedule

	Communal Reconciliation Service with Private Confession
  1:00 p.m.  		Saturday, March 21   		@ Holy Cross
  1:00 p.m.  		Saturday, March 28   		@ St. Catherine

	Individual Sacrament of Reconciliation
  3:00 p.m.		1st & 3rd Saturdays   		@ Holy Cross
		2nd & 4th Saturdays  	 	@ St. Catherine
  8:15 a.m.		1st Fridays 				@ St. Mark
  3:00 p.m. 		Saturday, April 11			@ St. Mark

	Stations of the Cross – Every Friday in Lent
   		9:30 a.m.		@ St. Mark
		1:30 p.m.		@ Holy Cross
	7:00 p.m.   		@ St. Catherine

	Other Events During Lent
  6:00 p.m. 		Soup Supper 	March 11		Holy Cross
  7:00 p.m. 		Ecumenical Lenten Service	March 11		Holy Cross
  6:00 p.m. 		Ecumenical Lenten Series	Wednesdays		Marine City Churches
  4 - 8 p.m.		Lenten Fish Fry	Fridays in March		St. Catherine
  4 - 8 p.m.		Lenten Fish Fry	Feb 27 & April 10		Marine City K of C

Holy Week (Triduum)
	Holy Thursday - April 9
  5:30 p.m. 		Pot Luck Supper				@ Holy Cross
  7:00 p.m. 		Mass of the Lord’s Supper   		@ Holy Cross
          (Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from the conclusion of Mass until Midnight)
  	Good Friday - April 10
	10:00 a.m. 	Ecumenical Cross Walk		@ Holy Cross
	12:00 p.m.  Living Stations of the Cross	@ St. Catherine
	  1:00 p.m.  Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion	@ St. Catherine
	Holy Saturday - April 11
		Food Basket Blessings
12:00 p.m.	@ St. Mark  	(Easter Egg Hunt Follows)
12:30 p.m. 	@ Holy Cross 		1:30 p.m.  	@ St. Catherine

  7:30 p.m.	Easter Vigil Mass   	                     	@ Holy Cross

Easter Sunday - April 12
  7:30 a.m. 	    @ Holy Cross		 10:00 a.m.	@ St. Catherine
  8:00 a.m. 	    @ St. Catherine               10:30 a.m.	@ St. Mark
  9:30 a.m. 	    @ Holy Cross		 11:30 p.m.	@ Holy Cross
Abstinence is to be observed on all Fridays in Lent.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the only days of
both fast and abstinence.

Fellowship Luncheon
St. Mark Activity Center
March 15, after Mass
Hamburger Stew
Salad, Biscuits
Cake, Coffee, Tea
$7.00
Reservations Required
No later than March 8th by 6:00 p.m.
Hope you can join us!

Spring 2009 Mom 2 Mom Sale
Saturday, March 21st
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Table Rental Agreements in school office or contact
Susan Tomlanovich @ 810-765-3616

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
In Honor of Doug Bassil and
The late Earl Lines

Saturday, March 14th
Algonac Knights of Columbus Hall
(corner of Marsh and Mill Roads)
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Dinner served at 5:30 p.m.

Corned Beef, Cabbage, Carrots, Potatoes, Bread
Dessert, Refreshments, D.J. Irish Music
50/50 and more
$12  	age 12 and older
$5	children under 12

150 Tickets are available before 3/9/09 and limited!
Contact: Ann @ 810-794-9876, Don @ 810-794-4320
or Bill @ 810-794-7489.

Volunteers Needed

	Our Lady on the River Parish and the American Red Cross, are looking to form teams of volunteers to work our blood drives. The goal is to provide blood drives every three months on a regular basis (rotating the site between Holy Cross and St. Catherine). The teams will consist of 10 volunteers working three hour shifts. We need volunteers for registration, packs, and canteen (refreshments). Everyone is welcomed. If you are interested, please call Linda Neumann at 810-794-4605. Our next blood drive is scheduled for June 28th at Holy Cross.

Free Caregiver’s Series
Cherry Beach Senior Center

Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.
March 19th—April 23rd
	Six week series covering topics to help anyone in a care giving situation to find the resources they may need. The topics consist of Alzheimer’s/Dementia resources, Nutrition, Legal Issue, Medical Issues, Equipment and Prescription assistance, and Care for the Caregiver. Contact Cherry Beach Senior Center @ 810-765-3523 for more information.

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

...is looking for new school board members. Interested parties can summit their application to:

	Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School
	Attn: Sister Karen
	660 S. Water St.
	Marine City,  MI  48039

12 Hour Scrapbook Crop!

Cardinal Mooney Mom’s Club invites you to join us…
Saturday, April 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
$35 per person includes: Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Beverages & Snacks

St. Catherine Activity Center
1103 Washington St., Algonac
For more information call Annette @ 586-206-2657
or Kathy Hickey @ 586-703-7049

Wedding Anniversary
March, 2009

Dennis & Veronica Gerow	March 4th	37 years
Joe & Beth Briesmeister	March 30th	19 years

May God keep you and continue to
Bless you for many years to come.
RCIA

The introductions continue as Jim Tesch and Jamie Kaminski share some of their thoughts today.

	I am a veterinarian for over 38 years, and live in Algonac with my wife, Eileen. We were married at Holy Cross in August, 2007. I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was very active in my church.  However, when I was divorced in 1999, I kind of fell away. I moved to Algonac alone, and never found a church that I could call home.
	I decided to join the RCIA because I believe that faith is a very important part of our married life. I want to learn about the Catholic Church and all of its teachings. My wife is so passionate about her faith. As I sit next to her in church, she is so intimately involved. It is exciting to go to Mass with her! I want to have that kind of relationship with the Lord. Passionate. Intimate. Exciting. I believe that God has had His Hand in this journey to help me become the man He intended me to be.
Jim Tesch


	My name is Jamie Kaminski. I’m a married mother of three kids. I’ve been working with Dialysis patients for the last ten years. The reason why I came to RCIA is to explore my personal relationship with the Lord. The turning point in my faith journey was witnessing my kids go through formation and receive the sacraments.
	What brings me hope, joy, and peace is seeing my family happy, and growing in my relationship with the Lord. God is talking to me in and through the Holy Spirit to guide me in the direction my life should be taking. My good friend, Amy Fiorino has spoken to me about the faith in the Lord. She has helped me out a lot with all my questions. I really appreciate what she has given me. My desire to be in good relation with God has deepened, and I’m very thankful for that.

	Both Jim and Jamie will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter vigil through a profession of faith, confirmation, and the reception of Holy Eucharist.
	Please pray for them as they continue their journey in faith among us
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
SC 3:00p Reconciliation
Sunday Masses
HC 7:30 a; 9:30a;
11:30 a
StC 8:00 a; 10:00 a;
7:00 p
StM 10:30 a
StC 8:15a St. Vincent de Paul
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 7:45a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
StC 4:00p Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 5:30p Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
Marysville 10a Bingo
KC MC 7p Bingo
StM 9:00a Mass
StM 8:15a Reconciliation
MC KC 5:30p Holy Cross School Dinner and Auction
StC 10:00a RCIA
StC 10:00a MOMs
HC 5:30 Religious Education
6:00p Marine City Ecumenical Lenten Programs—Holy Cross
HC Fine Arts Bldg 6:30p Lenten Bible study
StM 9:30a  Stations of the Cross

StM 11:45a Fellowship Luncheon
HC 11:00a Funeral for Thelma Arlow
StC 6:45p One in the Spirit Prayer Group
StC 7p Ensemble Practice

HC 1:30p Stations of the Cross

StC 6 p Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
HC 5:30 Religious Education
HC 7p Choir Rehearsal
HC 7:00p Handbell Choir Rehearsal
HC 7p Mass
StC 4p Fish Fry Benefit


HC 6:30p -7:30p Parish Council


StC 7:30p -9:00p Adult Choir Practice
StC 7p Stations of the Cross


MK 9:7-8

Irish Tea Benefit
People’s Clinic For Better Health

Mercy Hospital, Baggett Street Café,
2601 Electric, Port Huron
 Wednesday, March 11th
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, and Members of the Daughters of Isabella. It will feature genuine Irish Tea, scones, and a huge selection of cookies and pastries. $10.00 Donation

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 take part in this story of love are invited to contact Mrs. Kirsten Lents 810-794-0487 or Mrs. Catherine Nutter 810-794-9493.

Thank you

	The families of Rosanne Lozowski-Arnold and Norma Arnold would like to thank the Holy Cross Funeral Committee for all their help with the luncheons on January 28th and February 21st. We very much appreciate their kindness.

Holy Cross Ushers Meeting

Sunday, March 8th
10:45 a.m.
Activity Center
	All Holy Cross Ushers are urged to attend this meeting.

2009 Marine City Ministerial Association
Wednesday Lenten Series
  * Themes From Gethsemane *

Each Wednesday of Lent
6:00 p.m. Soup & Bread Supper
7:00 p.m. Lenten Series Service
 
*March 11 * Holy Cross Catholic Church*
S. Water Street
**
*March 18 * Marine City United Methodist*
Main Street
**
*March 25 * St. Mark's Episcopal*
N. William Street
**
*April 1 * St. John's United Church of Christ*
West Blvd.
**
*Good Friday Cross Walk * 10:00 a.m.*
*          Starts at Holy Cross & ends at St. John's*
**

	A Holy Thursday Pilgrimage will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2009 to East side churches.  It will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Mass at St. Hyacinth's Church and a polish dinner will follow a the school hall.  After dinner the pilgrimage continues to St. Albertus, Sweetest Heart of Mary, St. Florian, Queen of Apostles and Holy Cross P.N.C.C.  The cost of the dinner and transportation is $35.00 .  If there is an interest and we get 40 people to commit, we can have a bus come to Marine City for pick up rather than Eastpointe.  For reservations, please call Loretta at 810-765-5013.  This event fills up quickly.
Holy Thursday Pilgrimage

Parish Council

	The Parish Council will meet, Monday, March 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at Holy Cross Rectory.  All council members are urged to attend.

Day of Reflection for Women
 “Fresh Bread”
 
Saturday, March 14
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 St. Mary’s Community Center
811 Orchard Street, St Clair
 
	Are you hungry for God?  Do you long for connection with other soul seekers?  Do you enjoy warm homemade bread?  Come and nourish your body, mind and spirit with Jesus, the Bread of Life.  Rose Crowley will lead our reflection.  Mass will immediately follow at 4:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $15.00.  Call 810-329-2255 to register.

 Paul in Chains
 Friday, March 13th
7:00 p.m. St. Mary’s Church, St. Clair
  
	Enjoy Fr. Richard Cassidy’s reenactment of key moments in the life of St. Paul.  Fr. Cassidy is a professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Seminary.  He is the author of seven books on Scripture.  One of his most recent works is Paul in Chains.  You will have the opportunity to purchase this book and have it autographed.
	Come, enjoy, learn and be entertained.  There is no charge for the evening.  Refreshments and book signing will follow in the church basement.

In Loving Memory of

	In memory of Mary Ann MacKenzie to the Holy Cross Activity Center debt from Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Peruski
	In memory of Mary Ann MacKenzie to Holy Cross Church from Thomas & Barbara MacKenzie, Jesse & Carol Seczawa
	In memory of Michael Gillman to the Holy Cross Preserving Our Landmark of Faith Capital Campaign from Mr. & Mrs. Leon VanTroostenberghe & Jessica, Mr. & Mrs. James Rourke, Mr. Melvin Sharrow, Mr. & Mrs. Seven VanDyke.
	In memory of Ottilie Zimmerman to the Holy Cross Flower Fund from Jenny Street and Bernadette Pieczynski
	May God bless each & everyone one of you for your generosity and compassionate caring.