February 21st, 2016

705 East Brandon Boulevard | Brandon FL 33511

FEBRUARY 21ST, 2016

NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

"Joyfully and faithfully evangelizing for Christ!"

Second Sunday of Lent Pastor: Rev. John Tapp Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Msgr. James C Lara Parochial Vicars: Rev. Nelson Restrepo Rev. Victor Amorose Deacons: Rev. Dr. Mark Taylor Rev. Mr. Robert Harris Rev. Mr. Elix Castro Church Office: 813.681.4608 School: 813.689.3395 Faith Formation: 813.689.9101 Youth Ministry: 813.689.4147 Pastoral Care: 813.413.8351 Food Pantry: 813.694.0541

Scan this code with your smartphone for online giving.

MASS SCHEDULE Daily Mass Weekend Mass 7:00am (Monday through Friday) Saturday Vigil Mass 8:00AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat) 4:00PM (Interpreted for Deaf) 8:15AM (Wednesday) 4:00PM Espa単ol (Capilla) 7:00PM (Espa単ol Martes y Viernes) Sunday Masses Morning Prayer 7:00, 8:30, 10:30AM 10:30AM Family Mass (Chapel) 7:45AM (Monday through Saturday) Confession Schedule 12:30PM Espa単ol Saturday in Church: 3:00 to 4:00PM 6:00PM LifeTeen 5:00 to 5:30PM

FROM DESDE

P

THE COLLAR EL CLERIMAN

arish Mission – Our annual Lenten Mission begins this Sunday, February 21st and continues through Tuesday, February 23rd. A parish mission is an excellent way to enter more deeply into the experience of the season of Lent. The mission in English will be led by Stephen Binz. Stephen is a biblical scholar, award­winning author of over 40 books, psychotherapist, and popular speaker. He speaks throughout the US and the world offering keynotes, seminars, and workshops. He holds graduate degrees at the Gregorian University, the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, and Hebrew University in Jerusalem and has developed Bible studies in the church for three decades. The focus for our mission this year is Pope Francis’ call to celebrate a Jubilee Year of Mercy. Stephen will speak at the following times: Sunday, February 21st @ 7pm (Church)

isión Parroquial ­ Nuestra Misión anual de Cuaresma comienza este domingo, 21 de febrero, y continúa hasta el martes, 23 de febrero. Una misión parroquial es una excelente manera de entrar más profundamente en la experiencia de la temporada de Cuaresma. La misión en inglés será dirigida por Stephen Binz. Stephen es un erudito de la Biblia, un galardonado autor de más de 40 libros, psicoterapeuta y popular orador. Habla por todo los EE.UU. y el mundo, ofreciendo conferencias magistrales, seminarios y talleres. Tiene títulos de posgrado en la Universidad Gregoriana, el Instituto Pontificio Bíblico de Roma, y la Universidad Hebrea de Jerusalén y ha desarrollado estudios Bíblicos en la iglesia durante tres décadas. El enfoque de nuestra misión este año es el llamado del Papa Francisco para celebrar el Jubileo del Año de la Misericordia. Stephen hablará en los siguientes horarios:

Monday, February 22nd @ (also, Social Hall at 9am)

7pm

(Church)

Domingo, 21 de febrero, a las 7:00 pm (Iglesia)

Tuesday, February 23rd @ (also, Social Hall at 9am)

7pm

(Church)

Lunes, 22 de febrero, a las 7:00 pm (Iglesia) (y en el Salón Social a las 9:00 de la mañana)

A parish mission in Spanish will be presented by Fr. Jorge Mario Naranjo OCD. Fr. Jorge will be speaking at the following times: Tuesday, March 1st at 7 pm

Martes, 22 de febrero, a las 7:00 pm (Iglesia) (y en el Salón Social a las 9:00 de la mañana) La misión parroquial en Español será presentado por el Padre Jorge Mario Naranjo OCD. El Padre Jorge estará hablando en los siguientes horarios:

Wednesday, March 2nd at 7 pm

Martes, 1 de marzo, a 7:00 pm

Thursday, March 3rd at 7 pm

Miércoles, 2 de marzo, a las 7:00 pm

Friday, March 4th at 7 pm.

Jueves, 3 de marzo, a las 7:00 pm

Please join us for these great mission presentations. You will not be disappointed.

A

PA / Almsgiving – One of the three hallmarks of the Lenten season is “almsgiving” or assisting the poor and needy with our treasure. A simple but profound way to participate in almsgiving is by contributing to the Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA). Your APA contribution will help our parish and those in need throughout our five county diocese.

We would like ALL families to participate in this appeal.

APA envelopes can be found on the windowsills throughout the church and can be returned to the offertory baskets at Mass. Thank you for your generosity

P

M

arish Penance Service – Our Lenten Penance Service will be celebrated on Monday, February 29th at 7 pm.

The Sacrament of Penance is an excellent way to prepare for Easter. Please mark your calendars for this special event.

Viernes, 4 de marzo, a las 7:00 pm Por favor, únase a nosotros para estas grandes presentaciones de misión. Usted no será decepcionado.

A

PA / Limosna ­ Uno de los tres sellos de la temporada de Cuaresma es "limosna" o ayudar a los pobres y necesitados con nuestro tesoro. Una forma sencilla pero profunda para participar en la limosna es mediante la contribución a la Apelación Pastoral Anual (APA). Su contribución a APA ayudará a nuestra parroquia y los necesitados a través de nuestros cinco condados diocesanos.

Nos gustaría que todas las familias participaran en esta apelación. Sobres para APA se pueden encontrar en los marcos de las ventanas en toda la Iglesia y pueden ser devueltos en los canastos de ofertorio en la Misa. Gracias por su generosidad

S

ervicio Parroquial Penitencial ­ Nuestro Servicio Penitencial parroquial se celebra el lunes, 29 de febrero, a las 7:00 pm. El Sacramento de Penitencia es una excelente manera de prepararse para la Pascua. Por favor marque su calendario para este evento especial.

Parish Lenten Missions Parish Missions ­ the word "mission" means "to be sent."

The purpose of a parish mission during Lent is to renew us so that we can be sent out into the world to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. There are missions being offered in English and Spanish. I encourage every parishioner to participate in them. A parish mission is a simple yet profound way to deepen our faith in order that we might share that faith with others.

Be sure to get in touch with Thomas Sanjurjo, bulletin@nativitycatholicchurch.org to contribute to our bulletin.

The Door of Mercy: Crossing the Threshold ­­ A Mission for the Holy Year of Mercy Stephen J. Binz—Catholic biblical scholar, popular speaker, and award­winning author—will offer our Parish Lenten Mission beginning February 21, 22, 23

Spiritual Growth Stewardship Ministries in Action Community Bulletin OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW IN FAITH P4 ­ Stewardship Bulletin Reflection, Mass Intentions, APA Thanks

1) The Divine Mercy of Our God

P5 ­ Pray for One Another, Regulations for Fasting and Abstinence, The Book of Revelation, Returning to the Faith?

Presented one night only, February 21 at 7:30 in the Church

P7­8 ­ Reflexión de las Escrituras

Three Presentations:

2) The Sacred Heart of Jesus Presented morning 9:00 am (St. Francis Room, Social Hall) and 7:00 pm Church 3) The Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy Presented morning 9:00 am (Chapel) and 7:00 pm Church Misericordia quiero y no sacrificios. Mt. 12.7 El P. Jorge Mario Naranjo, OCD ­Maestro de estudiantes en el Aspirantado de Medellín y el Filosofado en Bogotá y Superior de la Casa de Espiritualidad Monticelo­ nos va ayudar a mirando el tema que el papa nos ha regalado para este año de meditación sobre la misericordia, y a comprender el gran amor que Dios nos tiene a cada uno de sus hijos.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEWARDSHIP OF TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE P5 ­ Tithing Report, Safe Environment Training P6 ­ Kairos Prison Ministry, Volunteer Opportunity P9 ­ Reporte del Diezmo, Ministerio de Prisiones Kairos

MINISTRIES IN ACTION P6 ­ Boxtops for Education, Car for Kyle Bell, Missing Anything?, In the Spirit of the Year of Mercy P9 ­ Perdiste Algo?, Box Tops para educación, Coche para Kyle

Días: Marzo 1­4 Hora: 7pm­9pm Lugar: Capilla

Other Lenten Events Friday Adoration ­ All day Stations of the Cross ­ Friday @ 6:30 pm Friday Fish Fry ­ 4:30 ­ 7:00 Lenten Missions (see above) Parish Penance Service ­ Feb 29th @ 7:00pm English Cantata ­ Feb 23rd @ 7:30 Spanish Cantata ­ Feb 27th @ 7:30

COMMUNITY BULLETIN P6 ­ Womens' Emmaus P7 ­ Week at a Glance P8 ­ Retiro Emaus

PAGE 4

NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Stewardship Bulletin Reflection Gn 15: 5­12, 17­18; Ps 27: 1, 7­9, 13­14; Phil 3: 17–4:1; Lk 9: 28B­36

W

FEBRUARY 21ST, 2016

As significant as the Transfiguration was and is, that is exactly the basic point of this Gospel and all of our readings for today: each of us is called to conversion. We, too, must reach an understanding that what we do now, what we prepare for now, and how we live now, is all a prelude to something so glorious it is beyond our ability to fully comprehend.

e are surrounded by examples of stewardship — in our own families, in our neighborhoods, in our parish families, and certainly in the world. However, some of those Mass Intentions | Feb 22nd ­ 28th examples come to us through Holy Monday, February 22 Scripture. We may have an intellectual Leonila Louwallien understanding of what Lent is all about, and we may even 7:00 am Britt Hardy appreciate what we are supposed to be doing to prepare for 8:00 am Tuesday, February 23 Easter. In today’s readings we find the examples and the 7:00 am Jared Noriega models we should be following.

8:00 am Collin Messerschmidt Valencia Medina The First Reading comes to us from the Book of Genesis. It 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 24 relates how God reminded Abram of the promises made to Dr. & Mrs. Bart Regencia him. God offers us reminders all the time of the promises He 7:00 am Birth of Baby Cardillo makes to us as well. God knows we need to be reminded. 8:15 am Thursday, February 25 Many times we have reflected how important it is to trust in Jim Lee the Lord. This reading shows how Abram still had doubts. 7:00 am Virginia Pascua We, too, may share those doubts when it comes to the Lord’s 8:00 am Friday, February 26 promises. Abram and God make a divine covenant. We have James McWilliams a divine covenant with God also. It begins with our Baptism. 7:00 am 8:00 am Al Garcia Jr. Zenovia Morales & Inez Vega Most of us know that St. Paul is an excellent example of 7:00 pm Saturday, February 27 stewardship for us. In his letter to the Philippians, from Leo Wendell which our Second Reading is drawn, Paul invites us to be 8:00 am Al Garcia Jr. imitators of him, but he also points out that there are many 4:00 pm Rosaura Castillo others to whom we can look to see how we should live: 4:00 pm Sunday, February 28 “Observe those who thus conduct themselves according to Cosi Gonzalez Belloso the model you have in us.” During this Lenten season it is a 7:00 am Mary Ann Casale good time for us to identify those around us who live lives of 8:30 am 10:30 am Betsy Huantes faith and sacrifice and love, and then to attempt to do 10:30 am Carita Mottola (Chapel) something in our lives which is similar.

12:30 am Deacon Lou & Lucy Zayas (Spanish) Pete Saya Paul points out that we are citizens of heaven. That may be a 6:00 pm difficult concept for us because that means we are not APA Update and Thanks citizens of earth, but aliens here. Nevertheless, that is exactly the case for us as Christians, especially as we prepare for Thank you to the over 600 families who Christ’s Resurrection His redemption of us. Were you aware have already made their commitment, at that Caesars, the rulers of the Roman Empire, were also home, at Mass last weekend, or online. referred to as Lords and Saviors. Paul is very careful to make We are nearly halfway to last year's it clear to us that as citizens of Heaven rather than of participation totals! With a $470,000 something like the Roman Empire, we have but one Lord goal we need everyone's support to keep and Savior, Jesus Christ. That, too, should be part of our Nativity Catholic Church and School out in front as a Diocesan leader in this reflections during Lent. worthy cause.

Finally, our Gospel Reading recounts Christ’s Transfiguration. Our Catholic Catechism explains the Important note ­ if you contributed online last year and Transfiguration in this way: “Christ’s Transfiguration aims at would like to renew your commitment to this worthwhile strengthening the apostles’ faith in anticipation of His and awesome appeal visit our website for a link to use your Passion: the ascent into the mountains prepares for the ascent USER ID and PASSWORD that you used last year. When to Calvary. Christ, Head of the Church, manifests what His you're logged in, just add APA 2016 as a fund you'd like to Body contains and radiates the sacraments: ‘the hope of give to this year, and renew your commitment! glory’.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 568).

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE Christ’s divinity, His Transfiguration, is proclaimed to catechumens and baptized alike. St. Thomas Aquinas stated in his Summa Theologiae “At His transfiguration Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His beauty, to which He will shape and color those who are His. He will reform our lowness configured to the Body of His glory.”

New givers can also give online at the above weblink!

You can mail in your commitment card that you received in the mail at home.

Commitment Envelopes can still be found on the windowsills in our Church and Chapel.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

PAGE 5

www.nativitycatholicchurch.org

Pray for One Another

The Book of Revelation

Pray for the sick, suffering, and shut­ins to welcome the strength of God’s love, especially:

“Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).

Pedro Roldan Sanchez, Danny Rossi, Leo Rossiter, Virginia Ruth, Maria Saenz, Dr. Charles F. Schramm, Richard Sanderson, Lisa Ziroli Seaholm, Josie Sellers, Bill Shea, Don Shea, Mike Showalter, Jimmy Smith, Barbara Spears, Alice Sperandio, Brett Strong, Heather Sturz, William Swantek, Theresa Taffe, Suzie Taylor, Sam Troncalli, Ann Ulbricht, Christina Van Alstyne, Luis and Carmen Vargas, Rose Vier, Joan Wagner, Christie Washburn, Auburn Wells, Barbara White, Howard Wiebeld, Vincent Wildgen, Cathy Williams, Kenneth Wilson, Evelina Zambrano, Charlotte Zorn, George Wagner, Steve Alley, Bessie LoScalzo, Dr. Greenwell, Francis Davis, Anna Cifuni, Bienvenida Kjeer, Vincent Wilgen, Alex Hernandez, Stephanie Koch, Kay Walczak, Louise Rogers, Christine Alvarez, Addia Limtiaco, Alex Kepler, Norma Damico, Robert Landee, Bobby Dass, Ashlyn Conly, George Thomas, Virginia Lascera, Rosa Valentin, Richard Byerly, Natalie Lizanich, Ed Gefre, Angel Vasquez, Theresa Fraser, Joseph Ruzzi, Virginia Pascua, Richard & Betsy Mahoney, Joe LaPerna, Monserrate Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez, Jessie Perez Gonzalez, Sylvia Perez Gonzalez, Jeanne A. Woodke, Katalin Lazzara, Dr. Joseph Chiarmonte, Aida Luz Betancourt, Courtney Daniels, Leonora Maggio, Irma Barrett, Estelito Rubio, Mary Demery, Ed

The Thursday Evening Scripture Study Group will begin a 15 week study of the Book of Revelation on Thursday February 18, 2016. This study invites the modern reader to hear the call to conversion and experience God's ultimate triumph over evil. Those who remain steadfast in their faith and confidence in the risen Lord need have no fear.

This group meets Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the Adult Education Building (west side of the campus).

There is a $15.00 fee for study materials and the 20 minute video presentations.

If you have any questions please contact William at 813­752­9312 or call the Nativity Parish ­ Faith Formation Office at 813­689­9101.

Returning to the Faith?

Catholics Come Home offers you a safe, non­judgmental place to start. We will have volunteers from our parish on In your hands O Lord, we commend the souls of our recently hand to welcome you and answer your questions. departed. May their souls and the souls of the faithful Sessions are held on Thursdays, departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. at 7:30 pm in St. Francis Room Susie Taylor, Dr. Neida Ventura, Raul Ediberto Cerpa­Valdivia, (Room D) of the Social Hall.

Nagel

Antonio Ojeda, Barbara Brelsford, Robert DeLeon Regulations on Fasting and Abstinence

The dual disciplines of fasting and abstinence have a long history in the Catholic Church. Going back to the early Church, the purpose behind the custom of self denial is not punishment; it is to simplify our lifestyles so that we create a certain emptiness. In this way, freed from all distractions, we are able to hear and respond to God’s continued call to conversion and holiness.

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages of 18 to 59 years (inclusive). On days of fasting, one full meal is allowed.

Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.

Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age and older. Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday are days of abstinence.

Note: If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self denial that are suitable to their condition.

Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.

Call the Faith Formation Office for details, or just come by the meeting; drop­ins are welcome.

Parishioners' Tithing Report February 13th & 14th # of Envelopes 1,146

Mass Total $34,695.47 Online Offertory 181 $14,618.00 Vigil Lights $400.90 Ash Wednesday Total 410 $10,620.83 Total offertory to operating budget = $60,335.20 Total Collected thru 2/7 = $1,599,521.67 Represents 59.51% of the $2,688,000 operating budget revenues needed for 2015­16

Safe Environment Training Tuesday, March 1st, at 6:30 p.m. in the Social Hall St. Francis Room. Anyone interested in volunteering for ministries out of the Pastoral Care Office is invited to attend. Please call the Pastoral care Office at 413­8351 for more information and to RSVP for this training.

PAGE 6

FEBRUARY 21ST, 2016

NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Kairos Prison Ministry The meetings for retreat #41 @ Polk County will start Monday Feb. 22 to prepare for this dynamic ministry.

If you want to experience the Holy Spirit at work and see first hand "true conversion of heart" AND know that you contributed to that effort, then come to see that prison ministry ISN'T...what you think it is.

Call or text Richard Spinelli @ 813­495­6446 for details.

Volunteer Opportunity Partners With La Victoria, Inc., is in need of an accountant.

The volunteer position does not require regular attendance at board meetings. This position requires strong professional skills, and the ability to work independently with motivation.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from an accredited university, and five years of accounting supervisory experience is required. Written and oral communication skills must be at a professional level, since it will be necessary to communicate with and present reports to management at the highest levels. It requires the use of computer technologies such as MS Word, Excel, and Power Point, and a high level of knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for Not For Profit organizations.

Having passed the CPA Exam is highly desirable, but not required.

Missing Anything?

Umbrellas – glasses – jewelry ­ toys Lost items collected during Mass are taken to the library – west corner of the Narthex. We will hold these in our Lost and Found for approximately three months and those items unclaimed will be donated to St. Vincent DePaul. End of February will be our next donation so check us out for your missing treasures.

In the Spirit of the Year of Mercy Over the next 5 Sundays Representatives from the Ministries of the Nativity Pastoral Care Office Will be in the Social Hall to answer your questions, share with you what you can do to be a part of these ministries, and how they can be of help to you or members of your family. Please stop by to learn more about these important ministries of mercy.

Please contact Lori Fitzpatrick at 654­5348 or lafing4life@gmail.com to discuss the position.

Boxtops for Education

Ever wonder what to do with the Box Tops for education coupons you see on every day grocery products you use?

Clip and Donate them to Nativity Catholic School!

This week, join us to learn about our Telephone reassurance ministry and our Eucharistic Ministers. Find out how you can be a part of the work of Christ.

This is an easy way to earn cash for our parish School and all you need to do is clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of participating products and turn them in to the offertory in an Womens' Emmaus Retreat envelope. Each Box Top is worth $ .10 cents to our school. Registration for the next Womens' Emmaus retreat will begin In the fall semester our school earned $975.20! this weekend, February 20in the Social Hall after all Masses Drop the coupons at the School or Church Office during the and will continue every weekend, through the weekend of March 13, or until the retreat is full, whichever comes first. week, or in the offertory basket in an envelope.

Thank you for your time and stewardship for our parish school!

Car for Kyle Bell Thank You – I am grateful to the family who donated their used car to our seminarian, Kyle Bell. Kyle’s car died several weeks ago. This gift will allow him to continue with his assigned duties – visits to the hospital, the homebound, and attending various meetings in the area. This kind gesture is an example of what makes Nativity Parish so great!

The retreat will take place the weekend of March 18­20, 2016 at the Franciscan Center in Tampa.

The cost is $195.00 and includes transportation and all meals.

This is a retreat where women are ministered to by other women and it is based on the Gospel of Luke 24:13­35. Take this opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus in a relaxed environment and free from the distractions of your daily routine while building friendships with other women in the parish.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

www.nativitycatholicchurch.org

Week at a Glance Monday ­ 2/22/2016 Parish Mission Parish Mission 9:00AM ­ 10:00AM Quilters 9:00AM ­ 12:00PM SVDP Meeting 10:30AM ­ 2:00PM CRSP grupo 3 hombres 6:15PM ­ 9:30PM Parish Mission 7:00PM ­ 8:00PM Legion de Maria Hispana 7:30PM ­ 9:00PM Parish Mission Reception 8:00PM ­ 9:00PM Tuesday ­ 2/23/2016 Parish Mission Diocesan Development 9:00AM ­ 1:30PM Parish Mission 9:00AM ­ 10:30AM Diocesan FF Leaders 9:00AM ­ 3:00PM Girl Talk 5:00PM ­ 6:00PM Life Force 6:00PM ­ 8:00PM CRSP Mujeres grupo 3 6:15PM ­ 9:00PM KofC Assembly 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Parish Mission 7:00PM ­ 8:00PM CRSP CDC meeting 7:45PM ­ 9:30PM Parish Mission Reception 8:00PM ­ 9:00PM Wednesday ­ 2/24/2016 Parish Mission Parish Mission 9:00AM ­ 10:30AM Meals on Wheels 10:30AM ­ 11:30AM Fitness Ministry Zumba 10:30AM ­ 11:30AM St Jude Prayer 5:00PM ­ 7:00PM Wed Faith Formation 6:30PM ­ 7:45PM Conocer La Biblia 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Grupo De Oracion 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM RCIA/RiCA 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Life Teen 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Chorale Rehearsal 7:30PM ­ 9:30PM Thursday ­ 2/25/2016 Come Clean Church 7:00AM ­ 9:30AM Come Clean Chapel 8:45AM ­ 10:30AM Adult Bible Study 9:30AM ­ 11:00AM Senior Fitness Class 10:30AM ­ 12:00PM Food Pantry 1:30PM ­ 5:00PM Sacrament Prep 6:30PM ­ 7:30PM Womens Emmaus Prep 6:45PM ­ 8:00PM Hispanic Leaders 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Evening Scripture Study 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Young Adults 7:00PM ­ 10:00PM Charismatic Prayer 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Estudio Biblico 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Catholics Come Home 7:30PM ­ 8:30PM Coro Hispano 7:30PM ­ 9:00PM Friday ­ 2/26/2016 NO SCHOOL Adoration 8:45AM ­ 6:45PM AD of Indianapolis 11:00AM ­ 12:00PM Winter Gathering 12:00PM ­ 1:00PM Fish Fry 4:30PM ­ 7:00PM Stations of the Cross 6:30PM ­ 7:30PM Vida Joven 6:30PM ­ 9:30PM Lenten Seminars 7:00PM ­ 8:30PM

SH(C&D) PC (Back) PC (Mid) PC (Back) Church OR SH (A&B) SH (C) Chapel SH (D) LL YOUTH PC AE Church SH (C1) SH (A&B) SH (D) SH (C) MPR PC (Back) School AE Chapel SH YOUTH Church Church Chapel AE MPR SH SH PC (Back) CONF AE (B) LL Chapel AE (A) SH (D) Church Chapel Church SH SH (A&B) Church YOUTH SH (D)

PAGE 7

Saturday ­ 2/27/2016 Lent Migrant Ministry 8:30AM ­ 10:00AM PC(Front) FBJ Meeting 6:30PM ­ 9:30PM AE CRSP 9:00PM ­ 10:00PM Chapel Sunday ­ 2/28/2016 Pastoral Care Spotlight 7:45AM ­ 7:30PM SH (B) Sunday Faith Formation 8:30AM ­ 12:30PM School Confirmation Classes 10:30AM ­ 12:00PM School RCIA 1st Scrutiny 10:30AM ­ 11:00AM Church RICA 1st Scrutiny 12:30PM ­ 12:45PM Church CRSP 2:00PM ­ 3:00PM Chapel Ultreya 2:30PM ­ 4:30PM SH (D) Life Teen Prayer team 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM Chapel Life Teen 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM YOUTH For all events and updates, please check the website calendar.

ROOM KEY YC ­ Youth Center | SH(ABC&D) ­ Social Hall | PC ­ Pastoral Care | AE ­ Adult Education Building | LL ­ Life Lounge | OR ­ Oakwood Room | CONV ­ Convent | MP ­ MultiPurpose Room

Reflexión de las Escrituras Gn 15: 5­12, 17­18; Salmo 27: 1, 7­9, 13­14; Flp 3: 17­4: 1; Lc 9: 28B­36

E

stamos rodeados de ejemplos de mayordomía ­ en nuestras familias, en nuestros vecindarios, en nuestras familias parroquiales, y desde luego en el mundo. Sin embargo, algunos de esos ejemplos vienen a nosotros a través de la Sagrada Escritura.

Podemos tener una comprensión intelectual de lo que tiene que ver con la Cuaresma, y podemos incluso apreciar lo que se supone que debemos estar haciendo para prepararnos para la Pascua. En las lecturas de hoy nos encontramos con los ejemplos y los modelos que deberíamos seguir.

La Primera Lectura nos llega del Libro de Génesis. Se relata cómo Dios le recordó a Abram de las promesas hechas a él. Dios nos ofrece recordatorios todo el tiempo de las promesas que Él nos ha hecho a nosotros también. Dios sabe que necesitamos ser recordados. Se ha reflejado a menudo lo importante que es confiar en el Señor. Esta lectura muestra cómo Abram todavía tenía dudas.

Nosotros, también, podríamos compartir esas dudas cuando se trata de las promesas del Señor. Abram y Dios hicieron un pacto divino.

Tenemos una alianza divina con Dios también. Comienza con nuestro bautismo.

La mayoría de nosotros sabemos que San Pablo es un excelente ejemplo de mayordomía para nosotros. En su Carta a los Filipenses, de la cual se extrae la Segunda Lectura, San Pablo nos invita a ser imitadores de él, pero también señala que hay muchos otros a los que podemos mirar para ver cómo debemos vivir: "Observar los que por lo tanto se comporten de acuerdo al modelo que tenéis en nosotros. " Durante este tiempo de Cuaresma es un buen momento para identificar los que nos rodean que viven una vida de fe y sacrificio y amor, y luego tratar de hacer algo similar en nuestras vidas.

Pablo señala que somos ciudadanos del cielo. Eso puede ser un concepto difícil para nosotros porque eso significa que no somos ciudadanos de la tierra, sino extranjeros aquí. Sin embargo, eso es exactamente el caso para nosotros como Cristianos, especialmente a medida que nos preparamos para la Resurrección de Cristo, Su

PAGE 8

NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

redención de nosotros. ¿Estaba usted consciente de que a los Césares, los gobernantes del Imperio Romano, también se les refería como Señores y Salvadores? Pablo es muy cuidadoso de que quede claro para nosotros que como ciudadanos del cielo, más que algo como el Imperio Romano, tenemos un solo Señor y Salvador, Jesucristo. Eso, también, debe ser parte de nuestras reflexiones durante la Cuaresma.

Por último, nuestro Evangelio relata la transfiguración de Cristo.

Nuestro Catecismo Católico explica la Transfiguración de esta manera: "Transfiguración de Cristo tiene por objeto fortalecer la fe de los apóstoles en anticipación de Su pasión: el ascenso a las montañas prepara el ascenso al Calvario. Cristo, Cabeza de la Iglesia, manifiesta lo que Su Cuerpo contiene e irradia los sacramentos: 'la esperanza de gloria." (Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, 568).

La divinidad de Cristo, Su Transfiguración, se anuncia a los catecúmenos y bautizados por igual. Santo Tomás de Aquino afirma en su Summa Theologiae que "en Su Transfiguración Cristo mostró a sus discípulos el esplendor de Su belleza, a lo que Él dará forma y color a los que son suyos. El reformará nuestra bajeza configurada al Cuerpo de Su gloria."

Tan significativa como la Transfiguración fue y es, eso es exactamente el punto básico de este Evangelio y todas nuestras lecturas para hoy: cada uno de nosotros está llamado a la conversión. Nosotros, también, debemos llegar a un entendimiento de que lo que hacemos ahora, lo que preparamos por ahora, y como vivimos ahora, es todo un preludio de algo tan glorioso que está más allá de nuestra capacidad de comprender plenamente.

Reporte del Diezmo FEBRERO 13 y 14 # de Sobres Misa Total 1,146 $34,695.47 Ofertorio realizado Online 181 $14,618.00 Miércoles de ceniza 410 $10,620.83 Total recolectado hasta 2/14 = $1,599,521.67 Representa el 59.51% de los $2,688,000.00 ingresos necesarios para el presupuesto operativo 2015­16.

FEBRUARY 21ST, 2016

Retiro Emaús Mujeres La inscripción para proximo retiro de Emaús para Mujeres comenzará el fin de semana del 20­21 de febrero de, 2016 en el Salón Social después de todas las misas y continuará cada fin de semana, el fin de semana del 12­13 de marzo de, el año 2016 o hasta que el retiro es completo, lo que ocurra primero.

El retiro se llevará a cabo el fin de semana del 18 al 20 marzo, 2016 en el Centro Franciscano en Tampa.

El costo es de $ 195.00 e incluye transporte y todas las comidas.

Este es un refugio donde las mujeres son ministrados por otras mujeres y que se basa en el Evangelio de Lucas 24: 13­ 35. Aprovechar esta oportunidad para profundizar su relación con Jesús en un ambiente de tranquilidad y libre de las distracciones de su rutina diaria, mientras se construye amistades con otras mujeres de la parroquia.

Perdiste Algo?

Paraguas ­ copas ­ joyas ­ juguetes Los artículos perdidos recogidos durante la misa se toman a la biblioteca ­ esquina oeste del nártex. Vamos a tener estos en nuestra perdidos y encontrados durante aproximadamente tres meses, y esos artículos no reclamados serán donados a San Vicente de Paul. Finales de febrero será la próxima donación de modo que nos visita para sus tesoros perdidos.

Box Tops para educación

Alguna vez se preguntó qué hacer con los cupones de 'Box Tops for Education' que se ve en todos los productos comestibles que utilizas?

Clip y donarlos a la escuela católica Nativity!

Esta es una manera fácil de ganar dinero para nuestra escuela parroquial y todo lo que hay que hacer es clip los cupones de cienes de productos participantes y los convierten en el ofertorio en un sobre. Cada Box Top se vale $ .10 centavos Ministerio de Prisiones Kairos para nuestra escuela. En el semestre de otoño nuestra escuela Las reuniones de retiro # 41 @ condado de Polk empezarán obtuvo $ 975.20! lunes 22 de febrero para prepararse para este ministerio Caída de los cupones en la escuela o la oficina de la iglesia dinámico. durante la semana, o en la canasta del ofertorio en un sobre.

Si quieres tener la experiencia del Espíritu Santo trabajando Gracias por su tiempo y cuidado para nuestra escuela y conocer de primera mano "verdadera conversión del parroquial! corazón" y saber que usted contribuyó a ese esfuerzo, a continuación, llegar a ver que el ministerio prisión no es ... lo Coche para Kyle que usted piensa que es.

Gracias – Un profundo agradecimiento a la familia que donó Llame o texto Richard Spinelli @ 813­495­6446 para su coche usado a nuestro seminarista, Kyle Bell. El coche de Kyle se murió hace varias semanas. Este regalo le permitirá más detalles. continuar con sus tareas asignadas ­ visitas al hospital, a los que se encuentran en sus casas, y para asistir a varias reuniones en el área. ¡Este tipo de gestos es un ejemplo de lo que hace tan maravillosa la Parroquia Natividad!