2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Who is Jesus for us? John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and from the plague of death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
It is significant that John was the son of the priest, Zachariah, who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). In Jesus, John saw the true and only sacrifice which could deliver us from the bondage of sin, death, and the powers of hell. How did John know the true identity of Jesus, as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 1:29)? The Holy Spirit revealed to John Jesus' true nature in such a way that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us freely of his Spirit that we may comprehend - with enlightened minds and eyes of faith - the great mystery and plan of God to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may joyfully seek to do your will in all things.
Have a Blessed and Joyful Week
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Who is Jesus for us? John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and from the plague of death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
It is significant that John was the son of the priest, Zachariah, who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). In Jesus, John saw the true and only sacrifice which could deliver us from the bondage of sin, death, and the powers of hell. How did John know the true identity of Jesus, as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 1:29)? The Holy Spirit revealed to John Jesus' true nature in such a way that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us freely of his Spirit that we may comprehend - with enlightened minds and eyes of faith - the great mystery and plan of God to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may joyfully seek to do your will in all things.
Have a Blessed and Joyful Week
Our Lady Of Grace Romney
W V
This week’s readings:
Ezekiel 37:12-14;
Psalm 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8;
Romans 8:8-11;
John 11: 1-45
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“One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”
(Matthew 4:4)
Are You Aware?
The Knights of Columbus are not only responsible for the Fish Fry and the Mother’s Day Breakfast, but also the Church Picnic, the church Dance, the Ping Pong Tournament and the Trivia Dinner
This months Calendar
The Knights of Columbus Council #10011 meets on the fourth Sunday after Mass
The Knights of Columbus Council #10011 meets on the fourth Sunday after Mass
Stations of the Cross and Soup and Sandwiches
There will be Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm. After the 12:00 noon Stations the Knights of Columbus will have soup and sandwiches for sale in the church hall.
The Knights of Columbus Council #10011
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Church Announcements
Sunday 11:00 am
Live Streamed on OLG FB
Trivia Night
On Saturday, April 22 at 6:00 PM the Knights of Columbus will have a “Trivia Night with Sandwiches” in Quinn Hall. An assortment of sandwiches from SUBWAY will be offered. Cookies, chips, tea and coffee are included; beer, bottled water, soda and wine will be on sale. The cost is $12 per person. Teams are limited to eight members. Checks can be made payable to K of C and given to the team captain by Easter (April 9). Names and phone numbers for teams are listed below. Charities supported by the Knights in the past include Catholic Charities, Catholic Sharing Appeal, OLOG Building Fund, Special Olympics, Shel-tered Workshop, Childrens’ Home Society, Senior Center, and Coats for Kids.
Team Captains
Anemones – (Herb Adrian – 304-822-4083)
Belladonnas - (Margaret Broderick- 304-822-3362)
Carnations- (Rick Corbett- 401-741-8473)
Foxgloves – (Ernie Faust – 304-496-8468)
Gardenias - (Phil Gallery-304-496-8002)
Kalmia - (Tom Kennedy- 703-282-4655)
Roses – (Bob Ramsay – 304-496-9362)
Rhododendrons - (Ed Rodriguez- 540-379-9234)
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Lenten Luncheon
The Romney Ministerial Association will have the Lenten luncheons again this year. Our Lady of Grace is scheduled to host the luncheon on Wednesday, March 29. The luncheons will be at the Romney First Unit-ed Methodist Church at 12:00 noon. We will need people to help with the luncheon to prepare, serve and clean up the food. If you are able to help please put your name on the sign up sheet in the vestibule, someone will contact you with further information. Please try to attend one or more of the luncheons to show Our Lady of Grace’s support for the Ministerial Association.
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Lenten Guidelines
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 22nd this year, and runs until Easter Sunday which will be April 9th. Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by everyone 18 years and older, who has not yet celebrated their 59th birthday. On a fast day, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, enough to maintain strength, may be taken, according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but consuming liquids, including milk and juices, are allowed. Abstinence is observed by everyone 14 years of age or older. On days of abstinence, no meat is allowed. Note that when health or the ability to work is affected, the law does not apply. Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays during Lent and Good Friday are days of abstinence. If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious reasons, other suitable forms of self-denial are encouraged.
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Adult Education
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Fr. Thomas will be officially installed as our Pastor on Thursday, March 16 at 12:00. The Mass will be at the Church of the Assumption in Keyser. Please show your support and try to attend.
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Camp Carlo
Huttonsville, West Virginia
June 25 – July 29, 2023
This camp is open to students in grades 3 through 12.
The rate is $325.00 per child with scholarships available. Early Bird Special Rate of $275 applicable through June 1, 2023. There are 5 one-week camps from which to choose. Please contact Camp Carlo Director, Deacon Raymond Godwin at rgodwin@frontiernet.net or Camp Carlo Assistant Director, Maggie Moran at mmoran@dwc.org for more information.
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Ladies’ Prayer Group meets Tuesdays at 1:00 pm
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Greeters needed and Eucharistic ministers are needed
We are looking for greeters for Sundays. If you would like to be a greeter please contact Gayle Bogard (gmbogard@gmail.com
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Romney Food Pantry
There is a basket in the vestibule for nonperishable food donations for the Romney Food Pantry.
Money in the Poor Box in February will go to the Catholic Charities Romney office. Thank you for your support!
Catholic Charities collects and distributes personal care items to the needy. They are in need of toothbrushes and deodorant. There is a box in the vestibule for donations.
LITURGICAL ANNOUNCEMENT
on Mask and Blood of our Lord
- Bishop Mark Brennan announced to the priests in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston that he is reinstating the distribution of the Sacred Cup to the faithful who wish to receive it, effective Holy Thursday, April 6 – appropriately the day, “when we recall that our Lord Jesus first gave the Church this precious gift of His Body and His Blood at the Last Supper.”
Further, effective immediately priests, deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are no longer required to wear face masks, when distributing Communion to the faithful.
In addition, the Sign of Peace will be allowed both “tactile” and “non-tactile” gestures during the sacred liturgy.
He encouraged the priests to take this time as another opportunity to catechize the faithful more fully on the liturgical meaning of the Sign of Peace.
Bishop Mark shares his announcement as a letter to the faithful. Please, read it in its entirety at “From the Desk of Bishop Mark E. Brennan on our website: https://dwc.org
In closing his letter he wrote, "in my travels throughout the state I am privileged to have good conversations with the faithful in our parishes. I know that most will rejoice that this day has finally arrived. Since March 2020, we have learned and developed many precautionary wellness habits to care for our own health and wellness, and that of our neighbors. Out of respect for our brothers and sisters in Christ, let us not diminish this mindfulness.
"Invoking the intercession of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, I ask that God continue to bless all of you, your families and parishes, and our great Mountain State."
Stations of the Cross and Soup and Sandwiches
There will be Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm. After the 12:00 noon Stations the Knights of Columbus will have soup and sandwiches available in the church hall. Donations are appreciated.
Holy Week Mass Schedule
Holy Thursday, April 6 4:00 pm
Good Friday, April 7 4:00 pm
Easter Sunday, April 9 11:00 am
Do you have a Guardian Angel?
Yes, you have a guardian angel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains: From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.202* "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life."203** Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.
Simply put, each living person has a guardian angel from the moment of their conception to the moment of their natural death. During this time, they are aided by their guardian angel. They are not just for children.Â
Your guardian angel will work to steer you free from sin, to encourage you to keep God's commandments, and to intercede on your behalf before God.Â
For many people, this seems strange. Few individuals even recognize the angels exist, or that they have a guardian angel. The source of this problem is distraction, especially with worldly matters. When we fill our hearts and minds with worldly things, we have little attention left over to discern the gentle nudging of our guardian angel. Furthermore, our guardian angel cannot make decisions for us. We retain our free will, so they cannot stop us from committing sins, nor can they protect us from evil choices made by others.Â
* Footnote 202 - Cf. Mt 18:10; Lk 16:22; Ps 34:7; 91:10-13; Job 33:23-24; Zech 1:12; Tob 12:12.
** Footnote 203 -Â 203 St. Basil, Adv. Eunomium III, I: PG 29,656B.
Sacrament of Marriage
Please contact our office at least 6 months in advance of the desired date
Sacrament of Baptism
please call the office to set up an appointment
Office Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9:00 am—3:00 pm
Please use office door
End of the Year of St. Joseph: Act of Consecration
“O great Saint Joseph, whom God has made the Head of the Holy Family, accept me, I beseech you, though utterly unworthy, to be a member of your “Holy House.” Forsake me not, but adopt me as a servant and child of the Holy Family. Watch over me at all times. Console and strengthen me, with the presence of Jesus and Mary, so that with you, I may praise and adore the Holy Trinity for all eternity. O my Spiritual Father, I hereby consecrate myself to you. In faithful imitation of Jesus and Mary, I place myself and all my concerns under your care and protection. To you, after Jesus and Mary, I consecrate my body and soul, with all their faculties, my spiritual growth, my home, and all my affairs and undertakings”. Amen.
St. Joseph, Pray for us! In the name of the Father…
Catholic Sharing Appeal
Money will be used to help pay for repaving of the parking lot. Please consider giving to this year’s Catholic sharing appeal.
Goal $9000.00 27 gifts received so far
Received so far: $6570.00 73% of our goal
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Scripture Study
Fr. Giles next scripture study will be Tuesday, at 1:00 pm in the church hall. Everyone is invit-ed to attend.
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Eucharistic Ministers
If you are, or have been, a Eucharistic minister to the sick and would like to continue to be, please let Gayle Bogard (gmbogard@gmail.com) know, or the office. We are compiling a list so that we will know who is available when a need arises. If you would like to be a Eucha-ristic minister to the sick please contact Gayle or the office and let them know you will need training. Thank you.
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Hampshire County Christmas Food Box Program
The Hampshire County Christmas Food Box Program is getting ready for their annual Christmas food give away. They are trying to reach everyone in Hampshire County who is in need of food during the holidays. Enclosed in the bulletin are applications for food. If you are in need, or know someone who is, please fol-low the directions on the application to complete the form. You are welcome to make copies and distribute applications to those you feel might benefit from them. Monetary donations are being taken at Romney Presbyterian Church to help fund the food box program.
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Directory Photos
We will begin taking photos for our new parish directory this Sun-day during coffee and donuts. We will continue taking photos on subsequent Sundays in the church hall. Please have your picture taken one of the Sundays for the directory. We would like to have everyone’s photo in the new directory. If you would like to you can submit one of your own photos to be put in the directory. You can either email it to the church (ologrwv@gmail.com), put it in an envelope with the collection, or give it to Terry.
Prayer for Priests
Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen
Saint Michael the Archangel isn't a saint, but rather he is an angel, and the leader of all angels and of the army of God. This is what the title "Archangel" means, that he is above all the others in rank. St. Michael has four main responsibilities or offices, as we know from scripture and Christian tradition.
· The first is to combat Satan.
· The second is to escort the faithful to heaven at their hour of death.
· The third is to be a champion of all Christians, and the Church itself.
· And the fourth is to call men from life on Earth to their heavenly judgment.
Very little is known about St Michael other than what we know from scriptures, and even there information is sparse.
In Daniel, St. Michael is mentioned twice. The first time as one who helped Daniel, and the second time he is mentioned with regard to the end times of the world when he will stand for the "children of thy people" (Daniel 10:13-21, 12:1).
His next mention comes in the Epistle of St. Jude, where St. Michael is said to guard the tombs
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ's last day. Specific prayers are recited, then the individual moves to the next station until all 14 are complete.
A plenary indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who devoutly make the Stations of the Cross. A plenary indulgence is a particularly powerful way to obtain remission of punishment -- on earth or in purgatory – that would have resulted from sins that were already forgiven. It covers all sins, mortal or venial, that the recipient has committed up to that time, if the person sincerely repents, detests their sins and fulfills all requirements of the indulgence.
Children’s Home of Romney
The Children’s Home in Romney is in need of baby formula. Some of their foster parents have been unable to obtain formula. They need: Similac Sensitive, Similac Advance, and Enfamil infant formula. Donations can be left in the vestibule or in the plastic container by the outside entrance door to the office.
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Prayer of the Faithful Requests
“We will be adding parishioner’s requests for prayers to our “Prayer of the Faithful” prayers at Sunday Masses. Parishioners may put prayer requests in the collection basket, or email them to the church office. The requests must relate to a parishioner (family or close friend), or a person in need in our community. The name of the parishioner submitting the prayer request must be on the request. Father Thomas will determine if a request meets the criteria for being used at Mass.” Special prayer requests can also be submitted for the prayer list in the bulletin.
Prayer to Saint Thomas the Apostle
Dear Saint Thomas,
You were once slow in believing that Christ had gloriously risen; but later, because you had seen him, you exclaimed: "My Lord and my God!"
According to an ancient story, you rendered most powerful assistance for constructing a church in a place where pagan priests opposed it.
Please bless architects, builds and carpenters that through them the Lord may be honored.
Our Lady of West Virginia
Our lady is the beauty
of the West Virginia hills.
From Spruce Knob’s lofty towering
To where Kenova spills
Out of bounds, and seeks to share
Our wealth with sister-states,
Our Lady’s smiling sunshine
Forever radiates.
The bright blue of her mantle
Is in summer skies at Cheat.
Her golden tresses ripple
In Greenbrier’s autumn wheat.
Romney’s apple-blossoms
Ear the blushing of her face
As she heard the angel whisper
“Hail, Mary, full of grace.”
Our Lady is the music
Of our lovely lakes and streams,
“The beautiful Ohio,”
And the Tygart’s dashing gleams.
Her low-voiced laughter tumbles
In Blackwater’s clear cascade,
And echoes on Kanawha:
“Behold the Lord’s Handmaid.”
Our Land is the loveliness
Of all young, growing things.
She is the rapture in our souls,
The gaiety which sings:
“Lady of West Virginia, Virgin Immaculate,
Reign over every heart and soul,
Queen of our Mountain State.
Mark Smith
Morning Prayer
Dear God,
Your mercies toward me are new each day. Thank you for keeping me safely through the night. Thank you for opening my eyes to see a new morning. The things of yesterday have gone and what lies ahead is unknown. But, Lord, today, I pray that you would grant me your peace, bold-ness, and love. Help me to walk through this day with you as my guide. Lord, help me build my day around your presence, that I might live in contin-ual connection with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Bedtime Prayer
Visit this place, O Lord, I pray,
and drive far from it the snares of the enemy; may your holy angels dwell with me and guard me in
peace,
and may your blessing be always upon me,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
What is the
The sacrifice of the Holy Mass
Perhaps the best way to describe this connection is to say that in the Mass we re-link ourselves to Calvary. In the Mass, the priest perpetuates Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, who offers it anew to the Father. St. Paul told his converts in Corinth, "Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
It is not a new sacrifice, but rather the same sacrifice that Jesus offered on the cross 2,000 years ago. The Eucharist is not a matter of "repeating" that action but of reestablishing our bond with it. The difference, however, is that Jesus no longer dies at each Mass, but is re-offered to the Father. It is a “bloody” sacrifice only in the sense that it contains the Body and Blood of Christ. But it is “unbloody” because it is offered only in a sacramental fashion under the appearances of bread and wine.
In other words, in the Mass, we re-present -- or mystically renew -- the Sacrifice of Calvary. In other words, we offer Jesus’ sacrifice to God the Father on the altar during the Eucharistic celebration for the remission of our sins, using signs and symbols. This means that, once again, we offer Christ to the Father, saying: "Father, look upon the Lamb that was slain for our sake." By the words of consecration, Christ is made present again through the “transubstantiation" of the bread and wine into Christ's Body and Blood.
4th Sunday of Lent
When Jesus approached the blind man (John 9:1-41) he first awakened hope in him - the hope which
God offers those who seek his help. Jesus then did something quite remarkable for the blind man,
both to identify with this man's misery and to draw expectant faith in him as well. Jesus touched the
man's eyes with his own spittle mixed with dirt and bid him to wash in the Pool of Siloam which was
close to the Temple. This pool of fresh flowing water was one of the landmarks of the city of Jerusalem
and was likely used as a ceremonial bath of purification for people who were going up to the Temple
to worship.
What is the significance of the healing of the blind man at the Pool of Siloam? It is certainly more than
just a miraculous event. It is a "sign" that points to the source of the miraculous life-giving water which
Jesus offers through the gift and work of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38). The Lord Jesus is ever ready to
heal us and to free us from the darkness of sin and deception. There is no sickness, whether physical,
mental, emotional, or spiritual that the Lord Jesus does not understand. The Lord offers us freedom
from spiritual blindness due to sin and he restores us to wholeness of body, mind, soul, and heart. Let
us pray: Jesus, in your name, the blind see, the lame walk, and the dead are raised to life. Come into
our lives and heal the wounds of our broken hearts. Give us eyes of faith to see your power and
majesty, and hearts of courage to bring you glory in all we say and do.
A Message from
Fr. Thomas Anatharackal CST
Our Lady of Grace
Administrator
Have a Blessed and Joyful Week
1st Sunday of LentLent is the annual preparation for Easter observance
– calling us to reform our lives and to open our hearts to the blessings God has promised to bestow on us. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday evening when the Triduum begins. According to the Church’s Cannon Law, all healthy Catholics from age 18 to 59 are required to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and to abstain from meat on all other Fridays of Lent. Fasting is a bodily way to re-mind ourselves that we need God above all things. Fasting is also a sacrifice, a gift back to God of our heart’s intent to depend more completely on God.The three main Lenten disciplines urged are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We are invited during Lent to practice these disciplines often. These Lenten basic practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are rooted in Jesus’s original guidance about how to be his disciples which we find in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1966-1972) also reminds us that this is where Jesus outlines for us the new law which, if we embrace and implement it, will lead us more surely to the interior renewal and growth in holiness and perfection that Jesus expects of us as his disciples. Today, let us reflect prayerfully about our Lenten resolutions before making them. Then make ourselves a list, but be modest. We may be setting ourselves up for disappointment if we set un-realistic goals. And doing a little with love and devotion is spiritually more beneficial than trying to do much but doing it halfheartedly. I wish you all a grace filled and blessed Lenten season.
Please Pray For
Kevin Adrian, Mike Adrian, Barb Aiello, Teresa Chist Angell, John Bennett, Carolyn Batton, Paul Biser, Dana Branson, Elizabeth Braun, Gerald Brill, Bowley Family, Christine & Dan Brown, Betty Chevery, Harrison Codo, Donna Davis, Connie Davis, Cef Delgado, Milagros Detres, Junior Detres, Londa Dod-son, Rick Dodson, Joseph Doherty, Beth Grayson, Steve & Judy Hajash, Gene Hale, Betty Hartman, Grace Jackson, Nora Kessel, Chuck Kesner, Sharon Kuykendall, Pam Kizer, Erino & Marianna Leone, Fr. Giles LeVasseur, Lance LeVasseur, John Lien, Andy Mason, Tyler Milbourne, MRGII, Nancy Neale, Missy Nixon, Eileen Passauer, Bob Pliska, Oeigh Polanco, Richard Ramsay III, Danny Reddick, Gary Reddick, Meaghan Reddick, Teresa Reddick, Julie Robert, Dale Rogers, Dick Shanholtzer, Laura Shoe-maker, Barbara Stamberg, Linda Staub, Kathy Steiner, Lori & Mike Stickley, Dominick Tarinelli, Trudy Trenton, America Valentin, Benny Young, Dennis Young
(To add or remove a name, contact the office or put a note in the collection basket.)
Please Pray
for the Sick listed
Mass Intentions
Offer a Mass for your loved ones, living or deceased. We will try to schedule the Mass on your requested date (birthday, wedding anniversary, death anniversary, special event etc.) or as close to it as possible. Please send requests at least three weeks ahead of the date you would like. The amount set by the diocese for Mass intentions is $10 for weekday and $20 for weekend Masses, but any amount, more or less, will be accepted. Mass Intention envelopes are in the vestibule.
Due to having fewer Masses, it is more difficult to schedule Mass intentions on a requested date. If you would like a Mass said on a particular date, please send the request in at least 4 months before that date. Mass intention envelopes are on the table in the vestibule. Contact the office with any questions.
Did You Know?
If you make a donation to the church in memory of a loved one it is exempt from the 9% assessed by the Diocese on regular donations.
New Requests
Pray for our homebound parishioners and our falling away Brothers and Sisters
What are the Gospels?
The term gospel comes from a translation of the Greek noun
euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) – meaning “good tidings” or “good news”. This means that when people are speaking of the four gospels in the bible, they are talking about the four recounts of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Written by evangelists between 70 and 100 AD, the four gospels contain almost everything we know today about Jesus, his life, his teachings, and his sacrifice.
The gospels are in fact, a set of specific historical text, that convey a deeper, more profound understanding of Jesus, who he is, his acts, and his teachings, from four different perspectives.
Why are There Four Gospels? Each of the gospels contain information that is either absent from or contradictive to the three other gospels. Each of the gospels were written to convey the message of the lord with different demographics, cultures, and educations in mind. The way an impoverished person living on the streets, would speak and think was different to those of an upper class from the same time period, which also meant that they would see and understanding things differently from one another. This made it rather difficult trying to get the people to connect with the same message, as their view of things was heavily influenced by their own means, needs and comforts.
As time is not kind to human memory, there is no way for us to know exactly what was said and done, word for word, and we must instead rely on the word of witnesses recounting what they saw and heard long after the event. Personal bias could also effect how these witnesses perceived the events, and as Jesus most likely spoke Aramaic there are bound to be a few mistranslated words or phrases here and there. As Catholics we believe that the Gospels are the divinely inspired word of God.
Please note the new email address for
Our Lady of Grace - ologrwv@gmail.com.
Do not use the old email address and delete any messages you receive from it. Please send an email to the new address so that Terry has your email address for her contacts.
What is Mass
Our Lady Of Grace Mission Statement
If you don't see the information you are looking for, always check the Church Bulletin click here
Deacon Larry has offered to take communion to anyone who is still unable to attend Mass. If you know someone who doesn’t get emails please contact them and ask if they would like Deacon Larry to bring communion to them. You, or they, can contact the office (304) 822-5561 or call Deacon Larry 703-421-5815.
Church Announcements
Liturgical Ministers
March 5
Lector: Victoria Carr
EMHC: Herb Adrian
Greeters: C. Bogard
D. Bowley
March 12
Lector: Andrea Kerns
EMHC: Deacon Larry
Greeters: M. & D. Rogers
March 19
Lector: Phil Gallery
EMHC: Shari Gallery
Greeters: J. & S. Childress
Weekly Offering
February 19, 2023
General: $ 1093.00
Poor Box: $ 156.00 ($541.00)
Attendance: 73
Catholic Charities collects and distributes personal care items to the needy.
This month they need toilet paper, paper towels, and shaving cream.
Money in the Poor Box in November will go to the Romney Children’s Home for Christmas. Thank you for your support!
Our goal for the Catholic Sharing Appeal this year is $9000. All money we receive over $4500 will come back to our parish. It will be used to help pay for repaving of the parking lot. Please consider giving to this year’s Catholic sharing appeal.
Goal $9000.00 27 gifts received so far
Received so far: $6525.00 73% of our goal
Catholic Charities collects and distributes personal care items to the needy. This month they need disposable razors, ladies deodorant, q-tips, and toothpaste.
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Dear fellow parishioner,
For better or worse, you will find either a physical or scanned copy of “Thoughts and Reflections”
included in the weekly bulletin. Since I have not been able to contribute to the common liturgical or
ministerial good during this plague, I asked Fr. Thomas if I could perhaps contribute such weekly
offerings instead.
These reflections were written in an ad hoc basis during my years of active ministry in these Potomac Highlands. They were, for the most part, cobbled together on those Saturdays when I had the
weekend homily in hand by the time I left for the 5:00 P.M. Mass at Epiphany. They have been
excavated from my physical files (I suspect that there are many more if I opened one of the many thumb-drives I’ve ignored since I retired.) They are passed on to you in their original state with all the errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and typos, of that which is written in haste. Such is the
laziness of this retiree.
These have no pretense of being anything more than what they are - a backward glance upon the scatterings of grace which a generous God has strewn upon the surface of my daily life. If you find any merit in them; if you find them helpful in recognizing the touch of grace in the simplicity of your own lives, them I am pleased and grateful.
Contact the office... Tuesday or Wednesday
- 304-822-5561
If you would like to register as a parishioner.
If your address, phone number or email address has changed.
If you or a family member is hospitalized so that Fr. Thomas can visit.
If you become homebound so that a Eucharistic Minister can visit and bring you Holy Communion.
Baby bottles are available in the foyer to collect your loose change between now and Christmas. The money will support the Knights of Columbus Pro-life ministry. Please take a bottle home, and when filled, place it in the basket at Our Lady’s feet in the sanctuary.
Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for the new flag for our flagpole. The other one was worn and tattered. Thank you also to Dan & Bob for all the work they do around the church and grounds. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
A book of Illumination of Conscience by parishioner Tom Eades
Phil Gallery’s newest book is
“Saint Francis and the Animals.”
Books will be available for sale for $18.00.
Mass schedule for Our Lady of Grace
Sunday 11:00 am
Tuesday 12:00 noon
Special Occassions
Holy Days of obligations
times are coming
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Weekday Mass's
Half Hour
before and after
1/2 hour before Saturday or Sunday Mass
or by appointment
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DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC OR LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH?
Registration forms for classes are in the church vestibule. Sessions begin at the end of September. If anyone has any questions, please call or e-mail me. I am glad to meet with you beforehand. We want to provide classes for the following:
1. Unbaptized adults who are considering to join the Catholic Church
2. Baptized non-Catholic adults who want to join the Catholic Church
3. Baptized Catholic adults who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation
4. Catholics and non-Catholics alike who want to know more about the Catholic Faith
Do you know of anyone who wants to find out more about the Catholic Faith? Please invite them to these sessions.
Daily Readings written http://usccb.org/bible/readings
Daily Readings audio http://usccb.org/bible/readings-audio.cfm
Video Reflection http://usccb.org/bible/reflections/index.cfm
The usccb.org site will also give you tutorials on how to pray the Rosary, the Divine Chaplet, and other prayers and devotions.
Daily Reflection from The Word Among Us can be accessed at https://wau.org/meditations/
EWTN Catholic Radio
Daily
Schedule https://www.ewtn.com/radio/schedule
Access The Magnificat free online at https://www.osvnews.com
Liturgical Press is providing free access to a digital file for Give Us This Day, which includes the daily Mass texts: https://giveusthisday.org/Digital
National Catholic
Register has Catholic news, stories, blogs, etc. at ncregister.com
Discover a saint special to you at Catholic News Service’s Patron Saints page: https://www.catholicnews.com/patron-saints.cfm
Catholic enrichment site for hildren: Catholicsprouts.com
For teens and twenty-somethings: lifeteen.com
For Catholic headline news: catholicnewsagency.com
Daily Living with Fr. Chapin: mydailyliving.com
Our Lady Of Grace
Mission Statement
We the members of Our Lady of Grace Parish are a Catholic Christian, ecumenical community under the auspices of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.
We are dedicated to providing an environment for ourselves and for others in which we can grow in a spirit of thanksgiving , worship, and love. We wish to deepen our individual and collective faith in God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in the Sacraments of the Church, Particularly the Eucharist, and in Mary, Mother of Grace.
W e gather together as a community of Faith, based on love, acceptance, interdependence, compassion, and service.
Our purpose as a parish family is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by word and example. We use our God-given talents to bring ourselves and others close to God. We accept our Baptismal call to make the faith of the Church known to all people by taking our personal part in evangelization.
The Knights of Columbus Council #10011 meets on the third Sunday of every month at 12:00 pm in Quinn Hall
Check out FaithInWV.org
The of Wheeling-Charleston has rolled out #FaithInWV, and it is all presented online through a new website - FaithInWV.org. It is an online pathway to stories, photos, and videos of how our people in West Virginia are following Christ by actions and choices.
#FaithInWV is giving hope, rising above the odds, being a blessing, and leading by example. It is choosing to find the good in others, and letting others see Christ in you. Ultimately it is having faith in God the Father above all.
Learn how our brothers and sisters in Christ are doing His work. Let’s imitate their love, joy, strength, and resilience through the website.
Do you know an exceptional Catholic in West Virginia, someone or a group who is a shining example of #FaithInWV? Email Bibey your feature idea to jbibey@dwc.org.
What is the
Sacrifice of the Holy Mass
Perhaps the best way to describe this connection is to say that in the Mass we re-link ourselves to Calvary. In the Mass, Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary is perpetuated by the priest, who offers it anew to the Father. St. Paul told his converts in Corinth, "Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
It is not a new sacrifice, but rather the same sacrifice that Jesus offered on the cross 2,000 years ago. The Eucharist is not a matter of "repeating" that action but of reestablishing our bond with it. The difference, however, is that Jesus no longer dies at each Mass, but is simply re-offered to the Father. It is a “bloody” sacrifice only in the sense that it contains the Body and Blood of Christ. But it is “unbloody” in the sense that it is offered only in a sacramental fashion under the appearances of bread and wine.
In other words, in the Mass, we re-present -- or mystically renew -- the Sacrifice of Calvary. In other words, we offer Jesus’ sacrifice to God the Father on the altar during Eucharistic celebration for the remission of our sins, using signs and symbols. This means that, once again, we offer Christ to the Father, saying: "Father, look upon the Lamb that was slain for our sake." By the words of consecration, Christ is made present again through the “transubstantiation" of the bread and wine into Christ's Body and Blood.
One of the CD’s available on the display in the vestibule:
Sister Bethany Madonna, vocations’ director for the Sisters of Life, shares how God not only wants us to know Him, but also to give us the desires of our heart and gifts that bring purpose, meaning, and hope. She makes it clear that “receiving is the gift that we give” to the Lord and that He wants to be invited into every aspect of our lives. Speaking from her own life experience, Sister Bethany shows the importance of asking in order to receive all the Lord has in mind for us.
Parishioner Comments
I was really impacted by how accessible the Lord makes Himself to us, if only we will ask. Tim - Fort Meade, MD
We need to hear more like this: ‘God is our Father in a way that none of our fathers can be.’ He said, ‘I will not leave you orphans.’ Donna - College Station, TX
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is committed to the protection of its children and young people. The Diocese complies with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by maintaining an Office of Safe Environment. To report an incidence of suspected child sexual abuse, please contact your local law enforcement agency, or you may confidentially contact the West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families/Child Protective Services by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 800.352.6513. To report suspected cases of sexual abuse by personnel of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to the Diocese, please contact one of the Bishop’s designees at 888.434.6237 (toll free) or 304.233.0880: Sister Ellen Dunn, ext. 264; Mr. Bryan Minor, ext. 263; Msgr. Frederick Annie, ext. 267, or Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, 270. For more information on the Diocese’s Office of Safe Environment, please go to www.dwc.org, then click the “Diocese” tab, then click “Office of Safe Environment” under the “Offices” menu. To learn more about the Catholic Church’s efforts in preventing sexual abuse of children in the United States, please visit http://www.usccb.org. Under “Issues and Action,” click “Child and Youth Protection” from the drop down menu.
Trafficking is not just an issue that happens to people in other countries. The United States is a source and transit country and is also considered on of the top destination points for victims of child trafficking and exploitation. Are you aware of any trafficked children in your area and services available for them? U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (sistersagainsttrafficking.org)