Each man with a new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds.

– Mark Twain

What does it mean to be different? How does it feel? Is it okay to act or look or be different from everyone else at times?

Times don’t change, just people change. Many famous people have gone before us that have said the same thing and we look and say they were right. And now other times we tend to ignore those words of wisdom or even the actions of the wise. But we have seen in our news around the country how children have become victims again and we wonder why! It seems to me that there is a break-down in one of the sociological systems. I think our society does not put enough emphasis on home life any more. We have many activities that keep us busy; we have many places to go and events to take part in, but do we know the other members of our families?

I certainly am not an expert on parenting, but I am from a fair size family. I don’t think we grew up unhappy, but I don’t recall being so busythat we didn’t know each other. Lent is a time that we reflect on ourselves and see if there are any areas that we could improve upon. Not only our prayer life could use a little cleaning, but maybe our family relationships and knowledge about one another could become updated and more attentive.

I’veseen a lack of children from our parish attending Mass on Sunday, but I see them at all of the sporting events they can cram into a weekend! WHY? You tell me so I can re-adjust my thinking on a lot of important issues. I know my ideas are not new!

Fr. Ted

WEEKLY COLLECTION

Amount needed to meet Budget: $4700.00

Amount of collection (3/4/01): $3562.00

Amount still needed: -$ 1138.00

Black & Native Amer.3/4/01: .................................................................................................................. $577.00

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

Jesus “went up on the mountain to pray” and he was “changed.” Prayer has the power to change because it brings our relationships and us into the intimate presence of the Creator. This Lent set aside a few minutes each day to pray for members of your family; pray before each meal and if you are married, spend five minutes in prayer together. Prayer can change you and your family.

PARISH COUNCIL

The monthly Parish Council Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14^th, at 7:30 p.m., in the Rectory Meeting Room. All parishioners are invited to these meetings.

PLAQUES FROM STATIONS OF THE CROSS

When the church was painted, some of the paint spilled onto the plaques. We are in the process of having new ones made and others cleaned-up If your family had a plaque in memory of a loved one, please let us know the Station number or the window; otherwise, we will put them up in no particular order.

Saturday March 10:

4:00 P.M. Lorraine Kortonick (1^st Anniv.) req. by Her Family

Sunday March 11:

8:00 A.M. Benjamin Goertler req. by Bob & Carole Errera

10:30 A.M. Catharine Schoeler req. by John & Mae

Monday March 12:

7:00 P.M. Frank DiAntonio req. by Babe & Larry Bottaro

Stations of the Cross following Mass

Tuesday March 13:

9:00 A.M. All the People of the Parish

Wednesday March 14:

9:00 A.M. Souls in Purgatory req. by Helen & Ernest Butler

Thursday March 15:

*9:00 A.M. Deceased Holy Spirits Class of 1940

Friday March 16:

9:00 A.M. Charles Yankus req. by Helen Sandelier & Family

Saturday March 17:

4:00 P.M. William F. Wilson, III req. by Carl & Marie Keller

Sunday March 18:

8:00 A.M. Mary Schoeler req. by John & Mae Schoeler

10:30 A.M. Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Giorgi req. by Norma Signor

*Please note the change of Mass time on Thursday, from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Text Box: OPERATION RICE BOWL

In today’s second reading, Paul tells the Philippians, “Be imitators of me, my brothers. Take as your guide those who follow the example that we set” (Philippians 3:17). Paul cautions us not to imitate those whose actions show them to be ”enemies of the cross of Christ”; instead, he calls us to live the Christian life.

Living solidarity is fundamental to living a Christian life. Operation Rice Bowl, in which our community is participating, offers us concrete ways to live in solidarity with our neighbors and in the ways we live out our citizenship on earth in preparation for the citizenship in heaven of which Paul writes.

This week: Make a conscious effort to be an example of solidarity and reach out to a member of your community in need.

Donna Marie Aldrich, Rita Allesandrini, Liz Allen, Marge Barger, Bobby Barrett, Anna Clark, Gertrude Fischer, Jeanie Gettz, Margaret Golderer, Eva Hanrahan, Rev. Howard Heim, S.J., Al Johnson, John Kortonick, Eleanor McCord, Kathleen McDevitt, Marie Mitchell, Steve Monteleone, Margaret McMahon Phillips, Bishop Schad, Mary Skalamera, Florence Steigerwalt, Fran Tiller, Karen Viola, Howard & Ginny Ward.

SANCTUARY CANDLES

The sanctuary candle burns continuously before the Blessed sacrament in the tabernacle. It accompanies the Blessed

Sacrament, even when there is nobody else there, as a flickering reminder of the Real Presence of Christ. We offer the opportunity for people to remember their loved ones by contributing on a weekly basis. Any donation will be accepted.

This week’s intention is in memory of Marie Jones.

PRAYER HOUR

If you have time, please join us on Monday evening at 5:45 PM, in the church for the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Litany to the Sacred Heart and Blessed Mother and prayer petitions. Everyone is welcome to participate.

Come out and support our bingo:

Every Sunday - 6:45 P.M. Every Monday - 7 P.M.

FAMILY BIBLES AVAILABLE

We have beautiful Family Bibles for a donation of $30.00. They are available in the sacristy.

LETTERS OF DONATION

If you want a letter with the amount you donated in the year 2000, just call the rectory and leave your name. You can pick it up or we will mail it to you.

Change in donation report this year: The House of Charity donation is included in the total.

TAPE OR CD FOR SALE

St. Catherine’s is selling, on tape or CD, Russ Puglia’s “Love Songs”.

They are only $10.00 each and have many of the old favorites, such as: My Funny Valentine, It Had To Be You, Softly, Unforgettable and many more.

Many of you know Russ from Puglia’s Market, here in town.

Stop by Puglia’s or the rectory to get your tape or CD.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

First Reading: Genesis 15, 5-12. 17-18

God told Abram that he would give him the land of Egypt and his descendants would become a great people. Abram then made sacrifices to God, cutting them in half. A torch passed between the pieces, as a visible sign to Abram of God's promise.

Second Reading: Philippians 3, 17--4, 1

Paul urges the Philippians to avoid becoming too interested in material possessions. He reminds them that their most important wealth is their faith in Jesus, which will lead them to eternal life.

Gospel: Luke 9, 28b-36

Jesus took Peter, John and James to a mountain to pray. When his clothes grew incredibly white, Moses and Elijah appeared. They spoke of the scripture he was to fulfill. Then a cloud came down and a voice said, "This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him." The disciples who had seen Jesus' glory did not disclose this experience to anyone until much later.

WEEKLY READINGS

Monday

Dn 9, 4b-10; Lk 6, 36-38

Tuesday

Is 1, 10-20; Mt 23, 1-12

Wednesday

Jer 18, 18-20; Mt 20, 17-28

Thursday

Jer 17, 5-10; Lk 16,19-31

Friday

Gn 37, 3-28; Mt 21, 33-46

Saturday

Mt 7, 14-20; Lk 15, 1-32

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE H. OF C. APPEAL

We are asking for help from a few people to help us with this year’s House of Charity/Bishop’s Annual Appeal. It isn’t a door to door campaign but there is a lot of paper work, lists to be checked, and a meeting or two. If you can help, please call the rectory.

PRO-LIFE CORNER

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. Some have convinced themselves that abortion is a woman’s ‘right’. That is the ultimate self-deceit. A nation that kills its unborn children cannot teach its citizens to love one another.

DUBLIN’S TRADITIONAL IRISH CABARET

Presented by Broadway Theatre in Pitman - Thursday, March 15^th, 2001. Step Dancin’ - Comedy - Singin’. You’ll hear the bagpipes - “Tis the luck of the Irish! Showtime 8 PM. Cost - $25.00

Tickets available at the Rectory. A portion of the price will benefit the church if we sell more than 50 tickets.

MEMORIAL TREE OF LIFE

The tree is located in the Social Hall. Leaves may be purchased for a donation made to the school in memory of a loved one or in appreciation for prayers answered, etc. Leaves of varied colors are available as follows:

Bronze - $50., Silver - $75., Gold - $100 or more.

If interested, please send donations with leaf inscription information to the school office.

SHOP WITH SECURITY

Wouldn’t you feel safer shopping with certificates in your pocket or pocketbook, instead of cash?

Support from your family alone can generate cash flow for us every time you grocery shop, go to the drug store, or put gas in your car. You personally benefit from this program. Every time you make a purchase from Scrip, you will receive 50% of the profit, in a voucher form that can be applied to your tuition payment, or that of someone you know. Your participation in this program does not cost you anything. If, for example, you buy $100 worth of J.C. Penny gift certificates, you still have your full $100 in scrip to spend at J.C. Penny on whatever you want, just like cash. Since we purchased the gift certificate for $95.00, J.C. Penny has, in essence, donated $5.00 to our school.

Just drop a check in the collection basket for the amount of the scrip you want, add the list of the scrip stores and the amount for each, and enclose in an envelope with your name and phone number.

You may pick up the certificates the following Friday, at the school between 8 AM and 2 PM. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school and ask for Kathy or Marie.

PRO-LIFE MASS

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio will celebrate Most Holy Sacrificeof the Mass on the feast of the Annunciation, Sunday, March 25, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 642 Market St., Camden at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow Mass. For more information, please call the Pro-Life Office at 856-756-7900, ext. 6292 or 6298.

KATE’S PLACE

Bring your preschool child (ages 2½ to 5 years and potty trained) in to see our facility. You must register ahead of time with the preschool director, Mrs. Lynne Holscher. Mrs. Holscher has a BA in Elementary Education.

Kate’s Place is a licensed facility. Enroll now! Registration is $35.00. To register your child please call 881-8707 or E-mail katesplace@jersey.net.

YANKEE CANDLE SALE

Kate’s place is having a Yankee Candle sale from Feb. 26^th - March 12^th.

Enjoy the fragrance of Honeysuckle, Honeydew Melon, Tangerine, Irish Cream, Warm Apple Crisp or Gingerbread.

Treat yourself to the therapeutic qualities of the Aroma Formula blends: Lavender & Herb, Lemongrass & Orange, Sage & Citrus.

There are also tealights, votives, candle holders, Flower Bulbs, Stationery, Brown & Haley Chocolates, Growing Minds With Music, The Science Series CD’s, Tape & Book Sets.

Booklets are available at the church exits and Kate’s Place.

MONTE CARLO NIGHT

The Ways & Means Committee is planning a Monte Carlo Night for Saturday, March 24^th, 2001 from 7:30 - 11:30 P.M. Blackjack, Roulette and Craps tables will highlight the evening. Horse Races and the Big 6 Wheel will also be available. Cost is $20.00 for this Beef & Beer, with $500. Play money. Anyone who would like to help, especially anyone with Casino experience, is asked to call Lisa at 307-9642 or Debbie at 256-1366.

ST. CATHERINE’S ANNUAL LAS VEGAS TRIP

Dates: 11/27/01 to 12/1/01

Price: $468.00 per person/dbl. Occupancy

Your package includes: Roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia via Continental Airlines, four nights at the Flamingo Hilton, Roundtrip airport transfers, Room tax and baggage handling.

For reservations and information call Marge Landis (856)881-9142 or Pam Draper (856)881-4368.

A $100.00 per person deposit is required to guarantee your seats. Reservation forms available at the rectory.

SAINT MARIA GORETTI REUNION

Class of 1965 - April 1, 2001 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Penns Landing Caterers located in the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall, 1301 South Columbus Blvd., Phila., Pa.

Please call Mrs. Peggy Ragno for further info at 215-465-8437, ext. 249.

DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Are you celebrating your 25^th, 50^th Anniversary, or even longer? Join Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio for a special Anniversary Mass celebration on Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 3 p.m., at St. Agnes, Blackwood.

Forms are available at the church - just fill it out and have Fr. Ted sign it. They must be returned by April 6th.

FAMILY SPIRITUALITY - NOW MORE THAN EVER

St. Pius X Retreat House, 1840 Peter Cheeseman Road, Blackwood, will hold a “Family Spirituality - Now More Than Ever” theme on Thursday, March 22, 2001.

Presentations will be given by various family members concerning the importance of giving together as a family unit. We will explore the call for each family to be a “domestic church”.

This evening will be sure to assist your family to grow in prayer, unity and peace. Director will be Rev. Cadmus Mazzarella. Cost $10.00.

To register, please call 856-227-1436 by March 15, 2001.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND

Looking for a way to get even closer?...experience a Marriage Encounter Weekend - April 20-22 in Avalon.

Call Bob and Michelle Dooley 800-688-9963 or Dan and Carolyn Curran at 856-874-0335.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Paul VI High School proudly presents The Sound of Music on March 7, 8, 9, and 10^th at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Tickets are $6.00 and can be purchased at the door.

FREE TO ALL GLOUCESTER COUNTY RESIDENTS

Workshops on various subjects (Check monthly flyers for specific topics) Call 856-256-2100

- Use of Internet Computers

- Application appointments for TANF redeterminations, Food Stamps, & Medicaid - call 856-582-9200

- Child support - Call 856-256-2122

Light refreshments will be served. Child care and transportation assistance to be provided by the ARC Gloucester as needed. Let us know when scheduling appointment. The Arc Gloucester “Saturday Child Care Program” for children up to 6 years old - from 9:00 am - 12:00 p.m. Contact Cathy 856-589-3090. Funded through a grant from the United Way of Gloucester County.

For more information, call 856-756-7900, ext. 6301.

HEALING MINISTRIES

Starting Anew - St. Agnes, Blackwood, Church Meeting Room, Tuesday, 7:30-9:00 p.m. March 20 - May 22, 2001. The courses are normally for a 10-week period. Call 856-782-1678.

Understanding Grief - St. Mary, Williamstown, St. Joseph’s Room, 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday/Thursday of the month, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Call 856-629-0248

VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ is seeking persons interested in giving of their time to assist in several Waiting Rooms at the hospital. The primary responsibility would be the presence to family members while they await outcome of surgeries and/or procedures.

Hours? Any day Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM, 3 PM to 7 PM, or periods within those hours.

If interested, please contact Sr. Vicki Masterpaul, at 856-580-6334 between 9 AM and 3 PM.

PASSOVER SEDER

The Catholic-Jewish Institute for Understanding - Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 5:30 P.M. - A fully catered Kosher Jewish Passover Seder for Christians and Jews.

Learn, participate in and enjoy the important elements of the Passover Seder and its centrality in Jewish life, history and culture. At the Katz Jewish Community Center, Springdale and Kresson Roads, Cherry Hill, NJ. Led by Rabbi Lewis Eron and Cantor Marlena Taenzer.

$38 per person - advanced registration required. Please send registration checks to: “JCRC” - 1301 Springdale Road, Suite 200, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.

For questions, call the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey) at 751-9500, ext. 203.

SYMPOSIA FOR JEWS AND CHRISTIANS

Messiah & Messianism is Judaism & Christianity:

Messianic & Apocalyptic Movements Then: Jesus and Other Jewish Messiahs: Jewish Messianism and the Birth of Christianity - Rabbi Deborah Cohen and Fr. Robert J. Gregorio, S.T.D.

Wednesday, March 14, 7:30 P.M.

What the Messiah Means to Me Today: Messianism & Contemporary Apocalyptic Thought: A Panel Discussion

Sr. Peggy Devlin, O.P., Fr. James Dabrowski,

Rabbi Joshua Narrowe and Rabbi Morris Dembowitz

Wednesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m.

Katz Jewish Community Center, 1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ

Cost: $15 for the first three sessions, Call 751-9500, ext. 203.

http://www.ccli.org/

SECOND ANNUAL POLISH PILGRIMAGE

You are most cordially invited to join us for the Second Annual Polish Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint John Neumann on Saturday, March 17.

Confessions will be heard in Polish starting 9:30 a.m.

Father Joseph F. Zingaro, Pastor of Saint John Cantius in Philadelphia will celebrate Mass in Polish at 10:00 a.m.

After Mass all are welcome to visit the Museum, the Upper Church of Saint Peter the Apostle where Saint John Neumann himself celebrated Mass, and our lovely Gift Shop. The Shrine is located at Fifth Street and Girard Avenue. Shrine parking is accessible from Fifth Street in lots on either side of Fifth Street less than one half block walking distance before you reach the Shrine.

Groups arriving in buses are requested to notify Brigitte Day, Shrine Coordinator, at 215-627-3080, extension 131.

FASHION SHOW

St. Margaret’s Fashion Show is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3, 2001, at Auletto’s Caterers, 1849 Cooper St., Almonesson, NJ - 6:00 Cocktails, 7:00 Dinner. Fashion Show by Barbara O’Connor. Raffle, tromboli and door prizes.

Tickets are on sale now - $30.00 per person. Call Fran at 845-6277.