SEPTEMBER 16, 2007
SAINT WENCESLAUS CHURCH
TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Dear friends: This is my first message to you as the
“acting pastor” or “substitute pastor” or “fall
replacement”. Neither Father Peter nor I knew what
exactly the title should be. But the title is
unimportant. What is important is my pleasure to
be with the faith communities of Saint Wenceslaus
and Saint Ann so that together we might proclaim
the name of the Lord.
I come to this opportunity after 18.5 years as a
teacher in the two universities sponsored by the
province of Franciscan Friars to which Father Peter
and I belong. Those schools are the Franciscan
University of Steubenville, OH and Saint Francis
University in Loretto, PA. In addition I served in
administrative offices for our province of
Franciscans for 12 years. During that entire time I
was always serving as a weekend helper in local
parishes near to where I was living as either a
teacher or administrator. So I have been fortunate
throughout the years to have some limited parish
ministry. In November of 2006 I asked my
Franciscan superiors for permission to retire from
teaching and to make myself available for full-time
ministry as a parish priest.
It wasn’t long after that when Father Peter contacted
me about the possibility of substituting for him
during his sabbatical.
I grew up in Wilmington, DE…just up I-95 a short
distance. My parents are in heaven. I have one
sibling, a sister, Mary, who is married with two
grown sons. That is a little information about me so
that you might have a bit of a clue as to who you
will be seeing at the altar. I am delighted to say that
Father Jordan will be continuing his weekend
service to Saint Ann and Saint Wenceslaus and I am
pleased to be close by to our fellow Franciscans at
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary parish at Patterson Park.
The Lord is always inviting us to be his people, in
the same way he invited the Israelites in the Old
Testament to trust in Him and to rely on His divine
providence. At times that is something we do
readily and easily. At other times, trusting in God
becomes more risky, less certain. We ask the Lord
to give us strength for our journey. ‘Bye for now.
--Fr. Patrick Donahoe, T.O.R.
CATECHETICAL SUNDAY
Today marks the beginning of the new season of
religious education. We will offer a special
blessing for all who minister to our children and
adults. There will be an Open House for all
students and parents in the lyceum from 9:45 to
10:45 this morning. Parents are asked to register
their children for Sunday School in the back of the
church today.
WELCOME, BR. JONATHAN
Brother Jonathan McElhone, T.O.R. from the
Franciscan House of Studies in Washington will
assist the youth groups of Saint Ann and Saint
Wenceslaus this year. Brother Jonathan is a native
of Ontario, Canada who has taken his first vows as
a Franciscan this summer and now continues his
studies for the priesthood. His presence in our two
parishes continues a tradition in which Franciscan
students have been working with our young people
over the past eight years.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Our friends at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in
Ellicott City have once again brought us a collection
of school supplies which are being distributed to the
Sunday School and neighborhood outreach of both
Saint Ann and Saint Wenceslaus parishes. With
grateful hearts let us hold these donors and ll of our
benefactors in prayer.
CHURCH PHOTOGRAPHER
Fred Shoats has volunteered to serve as
photographer for our parish events. His wonderful
collection of photos from the Labor Day Picnic and
from Mother Teresa’s feast day celebration are on
display in the vestibule.
FEAST DAY – SEPTEMBER 30
Our annual celebration of Saint Wenceslaus Feast
Day will be held on Sunday, September 30. Please
remember that the Feast Day Mass at 10:30 a.m. is
the only Mass that day. Following the Mass there
will be a complimentary luncheon in the lyceum.
Please call or stop by the parish office for free
luncheon tickets. There are also additional 50/50
raffle tickets available in the office.
Additional church cleaners are needed to help clean
the church at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29
in preparation for the Feast Day.
BIBLE STUDY
Our adult Bible Study begins its new season today,
September 16, from 10:00 to 11:00 in the rectory
parlor. All are invited to come and study the
scripture readings and their application to daily life.
This can be an excellent starting place for anyone
who wishes to learn more about our faith and
consider the possibility of entering the Catholic
Church.
MASS INTENTIONS
Sun. Sept 16
8:30
Joseph T. Base
11:15
For the Parishoners
Mon. Sept. 17 8:00
Kathryn R. Goldbeck
Tues. Sept. 18
Frank & Sophie Herold
Wed. Sept. 19
Nicholas C. Goldbeck (birthday)
Thurs. Sept. 20
William & Margaret Smetana
Gift of Hope Convent
Fri. Sept. 21
Augusta & Anna Smith
Sat. Sept. 22
Joyce Troch
Sun. Sept. 23
8:30
Basil Bianconi
11:15
For the Parishoners
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
YOUTH GROUP
Our teenage Youth Group also begins a new season
of activities today. The group meets each Sunday
from 9:45 to 10:45 in the Youth Room of the
lyceum for a variety of activities, both social and
spiritual. Beginning October 14 the weekly
meetings will be held at 1:00 p.m. for the Why
Catholic? series with the youth of Saunt Ann’s
parish.
st
1 Reading
2nd Reading
Gospel
Amos 8:4-7
I Timothy 2.1-8
Luke 16.1-13
ASSISTANCE FOR FIRST-TIME
HOME BUYERS
There will be a first time home buyer’s seminar
September 18 between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the
Enoch Pratt Free Library, Highland Town. This
event is free and open to any prospective home
buyers. The Deputy Mayor, Carolyn Blakeney as
well as Councilman Jim Kraft and the City of
Baltimore Director of Housing will be speaking at
this event to encourage home ownership in the City
of Baltimore and to inform potential home buyers
about grants which can assist buyers. Interested
persons are asked to RSVP by calling 443-530-9458
or e-mail workshopregistration@fidelity home.com.
DATES TO REMEMBER
SEPTEMBER 19. Saint Wenceslaus Prayer Group
meeting. Rectory at 7:00 p.m.
September 25. Crab Cake Luncheon and Bingo.
The lyceum at 12 noon.
September 30. Saint Wenceslaus Feast Day. Mass
at 10:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon reception.
October 13. Saturday Afternoon at the Races. The
lyceum 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
November 10 (Saturday). Bull and Oyster Roast
Parkville Heritage Gardens, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.