"Sometimes the word means more than a gift."  Sirach 18:16

PRAYER LINE PETITIONS

To have a prayer request or to join the Prayer Line, please contact Anne Brunney.  Anne's phone number can be found in the Parish Directory.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Our Parish Office hours are:  Closed Mondays; Open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  We will close from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon for lunch.

PARISH OFFICE/CHURCH ADDRESS

Our address is: 5170 Winchester Southern Road NW, Canal Winchester, OH  43110.

WEEKEND MASS TIMES

Our Mass schedule is:  Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 pm and Sunday Masses at 8:30 am, 10:15 am, and 12:00 pm.

DAILY MASS SCHEDULE

We have Mass on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and Morning Prayer and Communion on Tuesday mornings at 8:00 a.m.  Our other Masses are: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 8:00 a.m., Saturday at 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 12 Noon. PLEASE NOTE:  See Bulletin each Sunday for schedule changes.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK

It is our desire to always take care of those in our parish who are homebound or hospitalized. If you are going into the hospital and would like to receive the anointing of the sick prior to your admittance please call Monsignor to make arrangements to receive the sacrament. If you are homebound for a short or long period please also let us know so we can make arrangements for you to receive the Eucharist.

MASS TIMES WHEN TRAVELING

When traveling please remember that our Sunday obligation does not stop when we vacation. For a list of churches and Mass times in the area you will be traveling to, call 1-800-MASS-TIMES or checkout their web site at www.masstimes.org

INTERESTED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH? 

"Inquiry" gives you a chance to ask your questions and discern if God is calling you to be a Catholic will begin on Thursday, July 24. Call Midge Pry at 614-833-1817 or Deacon Roger at 614-920-1563.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULES

All Liturgical Ministers, please pick up your schedule copy on the table in the Gathering Space. It helps us save postage. Thank you.

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
Jr. High youth ministry will start for the 2008/2009 school year on October 19, 2008 at 6:00 pm.
This is open to all students in grades 6-8.  We will be holding a Wii "Rock Band" contest. Bring your friends and come compete with other youth in the parish for the title of Greatest Rock Band. We are in need of adults and high school students to assist with the Junior High program. If you would like to be a part of this please meet at the church at 4:00 pm on October 19, 2008. If you are a High School student in the Parish you will be receiving a youth ministry letter in the next couple of weeks. It will give the information on NCYC Kansas City as well as activities within the parish.  Please contact Crystal Adams if you have any questions.

OCTOBER IS ROSARY MONTH  

In Mary's honor, we will have the public recitation of the rosary each Sunday of October at 9:45 am. in church. October 12--the Luminous Mysteries; October 19--the Sorrowful Mysteries; and October 26--the Glorious Mysteries.

HOLY HOUR

We will have a Holy Hour for Life at 9:00 am on October 25, 2008.  Deacon Pry will lead us in prayer and song.  Please join us for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. All parishioners (young and old) are encouraged to participate as we reflect on the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION MEETING

On Tuesday, October 21, at 7:30 pm, we will have a meeting for all parents or expectant parents who will be preparing for the Baptism of their child.  This meeting is necessary prior to the baptism; please call Deacon Pry if you are able to attend, 614-920-1563.

Pro-Life Signature Ad - “Voice for the Voiceless”

Please show your support for life by signing the Signature Ad (Voice for the Voiceless) sponsored by Greater Columbus Right to Life.  Your name will appear in an ad in the Suburban News Papers (SNP) on January 21, 2009, along with hundreds of other central Ohio pro-lifers in a united effort to speak for the innocent unborn who cannot speak for themselves.  A modest donation is requested to help defray the cost of the ad.  Sign-up sheets will be in the gathering space each weekend in October, which is Respect Life Month.  Thank you for helping to build a Culture of Life.

CELEBRATING THE LITURGY

The primary gathering of the Church – the Christian Community – the Body of Christ – is the celebration of the Sunday Liturgy.  This celebration involves the entire community in ministry.  Everyone from the Presider to the gathered assembly participate in this ministry.  There are many individual gifts present in the worshiping community and many different roles in which these gifts are exercised.   Individuals who assume particular roles during the liturgy are not just providing a function (someone has to hold the cup so people can receive the precious blood, so I guess I'll volunteer to do it) they are assuming an identity as a particular kind of minister in the assembly (I am a lector, I am a music minister, etc.) On Sat October 11, 2008 at 10:00 am, we are offering an opportunity for our entire parish to gather to reflect on the spirituality of various ministries that are exercised during the liturgy.  Msgr. Frecker will give a theological presentation concerning how all the various ministers that exercise the various roles (Sacristans, Greeters and Ushers, Alter Servers, Presider, Deacon, Music Ministers, Lectors, Gift Bears, Eucharistic Ministers, as well as the Entire Assembly Itself) contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ.  Followed this presentation, there will be time for the various ministries to meet in their separate groups for a practicum to train new ministers and refresh the memory of those already in the ministry.   If you wish to become involved in any of the particular liturgical ministries, please sing up on the blue forms in the gathering space.  The October 11^th meeting is for all liturgical ministers and any other member of the parish who wishes to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Mass.

PLATINUM CLUB OUTINGS

OGLEBAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

There are several places still available for the Platinum Club’s bus trip to Wheeling, West Virginia for the Oglebay Festival of Lights on Sunday, December 7, 2008. The cost is $35 per person.  Please send your check, payable to Pope John XXIII Parish, c/o The Platinum Club, 5170 Winchester Southern Rd., Canal Winchester, OH  43110. If you have any questions, call Ernie or Marcie Winnestaffer.

PLATINUM CLUB MEETING

The next meeting of the Platinum Club will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 6:30 pm.  This will be a dessert potluck with games and conversation following.  The Platinum Club is open to all individuals 55 years old and above.

MARRIAGE RETREAT 2009

Baby Shower for our “Spiritually Adopted” babies                                   

In October we will conclude our Spiritual Adoption of the Unborn program.  We are planning a "baby shower" for our local crisis pregnancy centers, (Pregnancy Decision Health Centers and Birthright).  We will be collecting disposable diapers, wipes, layette items, and new or gently used baby clothes (up to 12 months size) and maternity items for mothers who cannot afford these items.  Monetary donations are welcome as well.  Please bring your gift to church any weekend in October and place it in the crib we will have in the Gathering Space, and then join us on Sunday, October 19, 2008 for cake, coffee & punch to celebrate the birth of these unknown babies who our prayers have helped bring to life.

ELIZABETH MINISTRIES

Pope John XXIII Parish is pleased to introduce a new ministry to the parish:  Elizabeth Ministries.

The main areas of focus for Elizabeth Ministry include:  pregnancy, birth, fertility and infertility, adoption and blended families, infant and child crisis or special needs, miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth and infant or child death. Each of these areas is developed so that women can minister with one another in a personal and caring manner. Elizabeth Ministers are not counselors, or experts. They are women who are willing to share their presence, stories, and experiences, in the hope that these will support, encourage, console, and at times, bring healing. They offer the greatest gift they possess, namely, themselves. Elizabeth Ministry offers

support not only to mothers, but to fathers, siblings and grandparents. There are a variety of prayer and family support activities along with extensive resources.  Please stay tuned to future bulletins for further information on meetings and activities. 

CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME

Pope John XXIII will offer a six-week series entitled “Catholics Returning Home” beginning Thursday October 7, 2008.  These sessions are for non-practicing Catholics who are seeking answers to questions about returning to the Church.  If you know someone who has left the Church, please invite them to join us.  You can pick up an invitation/schedule in the gathering space.  For more information please call Monsignor Frecker at 614-920-1563.  

40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN 

From September 24-November 2, our parish along with other parishes in the Diocese of Columbus will be uniting with more than 80 cities for the largest pro-life mobilization in history. This is an ecumenical effort to pray and fast for an end to abortion in America.  Protestant and Catholic churches in the area will stand for life through a 40-day peaceful public witness outside a local abortion facility at 5888 Cleveland Avenue.  Please join members of  Pope John XXIII Respect Life Committee in a prayer vigil on Monday, October 13, 2008 at this facility.  Sign up sheets and more information are on the table in the Gathering Space.  We invite everyone to pray and fast for an end to abortion during these 40 days. 

CARING STITCHES

Caring Stitches volunteers meet on the third Tuesday each month from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Social Hall.  Anyone with skills pertaining to sewing, knitting, or crocheting are welcome as well as anyone who is interested in learning about these skills.  Our projects include items for the homeless, Children’s Hospital, and other charitable organizations.  Also any donations of yarns, material, batting, or fiberfill are more than appreciated.  If you have any questions please contact Maribeth Zappia.

BEREAVEMENT HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

Our parish is dedicated to serving God in all ways. Our Bereavement Hospitality Committee is one way of serving our parish family in their time of sorrow. If you are interested in being part of this ministry please stop in or call Regina in the parish office to let us know. Areas that we always need help with, are set up & clean up, serving the food at the luncheon, preparing coffee and tea as well as offering to donate baked goods for the luncheon.

BUILDING REPAIR

You may remember that in May of 2006 we did some mold remediation in the mechanical rooms adjacent to the Social Hall.  Originally it was thought that the problem was due to condensation, but latter we discovered that rain water was penetrating the building under certain weather situations.  Over the last year, the Diocesan Superintendent of Buildings and various contractors have been trying to determine the exact cause of, and the best solution to, the situation.  The planning stage is now complete, and as you can see the repair work has begun.  This problem has been determined to have existed since the original construction, thus the cost of the repair will be covered by the Insurance Co. No funds donated by parishioners of Pope John XXIII will be used in this project.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Would you like to meet new people and renew old acquaintances? What better way than to volunteer to help serve donuts, coffee, tea, and juice as well as help set up or clean up for Hospitality/Name Tag Sunday on the third Sunday of each month.  We need your help. Many hands make light work and when we volunteer to help a couple of times a year the commitment really isn’t too great for those of us with limited time to give. Please call Regina in the parish office and let us know that you can help.

PASTORAL COUNCIL NEWS

The members of the Pastoral Council are interested in your comments about our parish. Please feel free to share your thought with them personally. Pastoral Council meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday each month and the minutes are available on the credenza in the office if you would like a copy. The members are:  President, Michele Michaels, Crystal Adams, Scott Ankrom, Wendy Babcock, Joe Detwiler, Cindy Kolecki , and Bob Zeman.

MILITARY UPDATE
We have added two more servicemen to our list for receiving care packages from our parish. SrA Thomas Olejniczak, cousin of parishioner Bob Zeman, recently returned from Iraq and is stationed in Utah. Shortly he will be again deployed and this time to Jordan. LCPL Keith Breeckner, son of parishioners Traci and Don Breeckner, was deployed to Iraq this August. Also, PFC John Groom is in California presently but will be deployed to Iraq again in December. Please keep all these servicemen and their families in your daily prayers. We thank them for their courage, service and dedication and for the sacrifices of their loved ones. If any other parishioners have family members in the military and would like us to send them care packages please submit their names and addresses to Maribeth Zappia .  The Christian Services and Social Concerns Commission would like to thank you for you prayers and participation.

PRAYER FOR OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Lord, hold our service men and women in your loving hands. Protect them, especially those who are in harms way. Bless them and their families for these selfless acts they perform for our Country in our time of need. Be with all people who suffer from the ravages of war. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savoir. Amen. Our parish family has many family members serving in the Armed Forces as well as others supporting our troops around the world, please keep them all in our prayers.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Pope John XXIII Parish has been selected to receive the LifeCare Alliance’s prestigious volunteer award, the Community Service Award for the group’s longstanding voluntary service. This annual award was presented at the agency’s annual volunteer recognition event on Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The Appreciation Reception took place at the Meadow Park Church of God, 2425 Bethel Road. Thank you to all of our volunteers who service the community by delivering Meals on Wheels. God Bless All of You.

PAPER RECYCLING

Please bring your newspapers, magazine, catalogs, office and school papers to the new yellow and green Abitibi Paper Retriever bin  located next to our trash dumpster. Isn’t the color of this bin perfect for our church?  Not only is this a wonderful Environmental stewardship program, we also earn money for the paper that is collected, and the more recyclable paper donated by our community the more funds we can raise. These funds will be used to offset the funds needed for various projects in our parish. Please put all shredded paper in a plastic bag so we don’t have all of it flying around.

DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR PAPERS FOR THE RECYCLING BIN!

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION OF THE UNBORN

 A commitment to pray daily for Life. With assaults on human life increasing at an alarming rate, the Respect Life Committee is asking you today to make a personal commitment to pray daily for one unborn child who is in danger of being aborted. Unfortunately, since the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, the number of abortions has increased to 1.4 million annually. Each of us is being asked to "spiritually adopt" one unknown baby for the next nine months. We will pray daily for this child that he or she will be carried to term and experience the fullness of life, as God intended. For just a moment, picture a young woman who just this week discovered that she is seven weeks pregnant. What she may not know is that her baby's heart has been beating for four weeks, it can flex its fingers and toes, suck on his or her thumb and is totally dependent on her. She may not know where to turn. She is considering aborting this baby. She may be under pressure from others and think there is no other option. But many people, like us, do care enough to help her and her baby. All our prayers can make a difference between whether this baby will be born - or aborted. Our prayers can also be a form of spiritual support for both of the baby's parents. Please take a prayer card from the table in the gathering space and pray the ten-second prayer daily for your "adopted child".  You are also encouraged to name your baby and give him or her an identity. At the end of the nine-month period we will celebrate the "birth" of our spiritually adopted babies with a baby shower. In this way we can also help, in a very tangible way, the mother as she brings to term a beautiful gift of life. All gifts collected at the shower will be given to Pregnancy Decision Health Centers and Birthright to help mothers in need. May God bless you and your loved ones.

SANDWICH SATURDAY

Sandwich Saturday is on the fourth Saturday of each month.  Last month our volunteers made and delivered 1,340 sandwiches to St. Lawrence Haven to benefit the homeless and hungry. Please see the display in the Gathering Space for a form with the specific donation listed on it in order to help with this endeavor. You may bring the items anytime during the week and we will keep them refrigerated to use for the sandwiches. Thank you to everyone for their help. God has blessed us with a generous parish family.

GOD BLESS YOU, DANIEL

Dear Parish,

I have been serving my country for 4 and half years in the United States Navy and I am currently on deployment to go toward  the Gulf, serving on the USS Germantown as a Engineman third class and I have only been back   2 times to visit the church. Though even with the little visits I have had, you have all been nice enough to take me into your arms and your heart and your lives.  I have never been so touched in my whole life.  When I am gone from home and I know so many people care for me and my fellow comrades in serving our country it brings a tear of joy in my eyes.  When I saw all that the parish sent me I was shocked. I thought maybe a candy bar or two but instead almost enough to live on for a couple of months, and because of all of you and God in my heart, I have never been more honored to serve my country and represent my church and most of all my family which is probably sitting there now to my Dad, Donald Safreed, to my mom Jean Safreed, and to my sister in heaven in God’s arms Rachel Safreed. To wrap this up I just want everyone in the parish to know that I thank you so much for the stuff you sent to me but most of all not forgetting me in a time that I need God in my life the most and you have shown me that God works his magical way through us all, thank you again for your time.

EN3 Daniel Safreed

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY 2009

The Faith Formation Commission is planning a World Marriage Day Retreat/Dinner & Dance for Saturday February 14, 2009, and we need your help. We have six sub-committees- Retreat/Mass, PR, Decorations, Food, Prizes/Photos, and Entertainment. We need volunteers to help plan and execute to help make this the best event ever. What is required is to attend a 30-45 minute meeting once a month and in return you will get a great sense of fulfillment knowing you did something wonderful for your Parish. Please call Traci Breeckner for more details and to sign up to volunteer.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS NEEDED  

We are in need of Liturgical Ministers for all of the Masses but particularly the 5:00 pm and 12 Noon Masses. High School students who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation are encouraged to volunteer as a Lector or Eucharistic Minister; of course there is a need as well for Altar Servers and Greeter/Ushers. Any student who is in the fourth grade and above is encouraged to become an Altar Server. Adults are encouraged to volunteer for any of the liturgical ministries. Please consider offering your time to serve God and our parish. There are signup sheets on the table in the Gathering Space for each Mass time.

BOOK OF NAMES

We invite you to write the first name only of someone(s) for whom you would like our parish community to pray. The book will be placed on the table in the Gathering Space. This will not take the place of our parish prayer chain, but will give us another opportunity to hold each other in prayer. These persons will be included in the General Intercessions.

CANAL WINCHESTER FOOD PANTRY IN GREAT NEED

The shelves are almost empty and requests for food are continual. A list of needed items is on the table in the gathering space.  Your help is desperately needed; the pantry will also accept monetary donations to help the less fortunate purchase needed dairy and other perishable foods. 

ARE YOU CATHOLIC?

Are you sitting in a pew, on Sunday, with a spouse or a friend, but you are not Catholic? Would you like to know more about the Catholic Church and Church teachings? Is there someone you know who wants to become Catholic?  How does one decide if he or she wants to become Catholic? Adults become Catholic through the RCIA program or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The first step in RCIA is called Inquiry. Inquiry sessions are designed to answer questions regarding the Catholic Faith.  These meetings provide the fundamentals of what Catholics believe and the traditions of the church.  Inquiry is not a commitment to become Catholic rather it is a time for participants to determine if the Catholic religion is where God is calling them. On Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. we had our first Inquiry meeting for this year. Please join us; if you were unable to attend this first session but want to know more please contact Deacon Roger Pry or Mrs. Mary Pry to make special arrangements.  Deacon Pry can be reached at the parish office 614-920-1563 or Deacon and Mrs. Pry can be contacted at their home, 614-833-1817. 

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are in great need of volunteers in our Nursery particularly for the 8:30 am and Noon Masses. There is a sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space or you may call Jennifer Koehler, our Nursery Coordinator.  Jennifer's home phone number can be found in the Parish Directory.  Remember you do not need to have children that use the Nursery, all adults young and old can volunteer. One way to keep us “young” is to be around our little ones. If you do use the Nursery please consider volunteering.

CHILDCARE NEEDED FOR COMMISSION’S MEETINGS

We are in need of several volunteers to help on the second Wednesday of each month with childcare during the Commission meetings. We only need 1 volunteer for each month. If we can have several volunteers then the commitment would only be 3 or 4 times a year. Thank you for your consideration. If you are available for this ministry please call Regina in the parish office, 614-920-1563 or email her at ppopejoh@insight.rr.com.

RENEW

The crisp, clear days of autumn signal many beginnings: school, football season, and an end in sight for TV reruns and dubiously “real” reality shows.  For our parish community, autumn beckons us to Season V of RENEW, and with it the opportunity to focus more intently on living our Baptismal call to share the Good News, to build a better world, to make the Kingdom of God real for ourselves, our children, our neighbors and co-workers.  Consider deepening your faith through the shared experience of a Small Christian community.  Small Christian communities will meet weekly from October 5 through November 9, 2008. Sign-up begins next weekend September 13/14 for new and returning members.  

“Come and see,” “come and be,” “experience community” has been the refrain each RENEW season.  It  has taken many forms:  more active participation in the weekly liturgy, use of the meditation booklet or RENEW prayer, reading and follow up activities suggested by the bulletin inserts, and Small Christian Community membership.  Small Christian Communities meet weekly for about 90 minutes for the six weeks between October 5 and November 9.  Sign up today for the group that fits your schedule. 

We have been called, we have been chosen

SMALL CHRISTIAN GROUPS

Small Christian Communities are the hope of the Church. . . (Pope Paul VI)

v  Opening and closing prayer

v  Reading and reflection on Scripture

v  Reading and reflection on selections in the Renew booklet for the week’s theme

v  Reflection on and discussion of questions which relate to what was read

v  Individual reflection about how we can take what we have heard and live it out in our daily lives

v  Refreshments and fellowship

Small Christian Communities provide comfortable and safe environments to talk freely about one’s relationship with God and to learn more about the Catholic faith because confidentiality is always of the highest value.  Getting to know others within the parish increases our sense of connectedness and enriches our sense of community when we worship together as a parish family. “There are two ways of spreading light: To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton

“There is nothing like a fire in the heart to melt the lead in your feet.” - Anonymous

*PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE RENEW PAGE ON THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SUNDAY MORNING NURSERY

All children ages six months to four years are invited to join us in the nursery for entertainment during the 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and

12:00 noon Masses. Our Nursery Director Jennifer Koehler and all primary volunteers have attended the Protecting God’s Children Seminar and have undergone background checks. The parish staff has made every effort to ensure your child’s well being, so please join in the fun! You may contact Jennifer Koehler at home.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

On the first Tuesday of every other month we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick during the 7:00 pm Tuesday Mass.  The Sacrament of Anointing Masses began in July.

MUSICIANS WELCOME!

If you play drums, guitar, percussion, brass, woodwinds, or sing, you are needed in your parish’s music ministry.  The commitment can be on a weekly basis, or just for Christmas, Easter or other special Parish Celebrations.  Contact Wanda Schwallie at 614-833-9209

SICK AND SHUT-INS

It is our desire to visit and take Holy Communion to the sick and shut-ins of our parish on a regular basis. If you know of anyone in your family or neighborhood who could benefit from this ministry, please contact Deacon Pry at the parish office 614-920-1563 or his home 614-833-1817 and give us their names.

Funeral Choir

We have formed a Funeral Choir here at Pope John XXIII. If you are interested in this

ministry, call Wanda Schwallie at home or the parish office 614-920-1564, or see Wanda between Masses. Sign-up sheets are available in the Gathering Space.

BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE

Our goal as a parish family is to assist the families in their time of sorrow. Some of the ways we can help are to provide transportation, child care, a meal after the funeral, watching the home while the family is at the funeral home, etc. We are looking for volunteers to help in these areas. If you can help with transportation to and from the funeral home, airport, etc., watch the home, prepare food, set-up, serve, and clean up after the funeral meal, there are sign-up sheets in the parish office, or you may call Regina Hrytzik at 614-920-1563 or Anne Brunney at home for more information.

 HOUSE BLESSING

We have been receiving some requests from parishioners to have their homes blessed.  Monsignor Frecker and Deacon Pry are willing to come to your home for such a blessing.  Please feel free to call them for an appointment, 614-920-1563.

OUTREACH TO INACTIVE CATHOLICS

Most of us have members of our family, friends, neighbors, or fellow workers who were once Catholic, but are no longer active in the practice of their faith.  Our parish community wants to reach out to our inactive Catholic brothers and sisters.  Available at our office are postcards that we ask you to use for this purpose.  The postcard carries the address for the website www.OnceCatholic.org.  A link to this website may also be found on our "Links" page.   This is an interactive website designed for inactive Catholics who may be seeking a deeper connection to their faith.  The postcard also carries the return address for Pope John XXIII Catholic Community as well as our phone number and website address.  Please pickup as many postcards as you need, and address them to inactive friends, relatives, etc. whom you know.  There is also a place for a personal message on the postcard if you wish.

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Last modified: 09/26/08