SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME • FEBRUARY 14, 2021
From the Parish Office:
Lots of expenses go into running a parish. Over the next few weeks we will highlight some of these expenses for the calendar year 2020.
The total cost for snow and ice removal was $20,894.00.
We of St. Clement of Rome Parish, with the Power of the Spirit, welcome, embrace and unite all the many faces of Christ who worship with us. As a family, we deepen our faith and seek God in the community,
through prayer and good works.
Ash Wednesday
Mass Schedule
Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m.Communal Penance
Saturday, February 20 at 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m.Ashes for Ash Wednesday
Ashes will be available during the day on Ash Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thank You from MCREST
Guest
Ash Wednesday Prayer
Merciful God, look upon us as we enter these Forty Days, bearing the mark of ashes, and bless our journey through the desert of Lent. May our fasting be hunger for justice; our alms, a making of peace; our prayer, the chant of humble and grateful hearts. All that we do and pray is in the name of Jesus, for in his cross you proclaim your love and forever and ever. AmenValentines are in the Making!
Valentine cards & candy have been collected from the Religious Education students during the pastcouple weeks. Each SOS client and nursing home resident will receive a cute package to show that our parish is thinking of them. These reminders really bring joy to our seniors especially under the COVID guidelines and not being able to have their family being able to
visit. Our efforts show them that our parish family understands. Thank you to all the students who have participated. We will continue these efforts with Easter on its way!
Lectors & Communion Ministers
For more than four decades, the Church has invited the faithful to participate in the celebration of the liturgy as Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. (continued on page 2)
Religious Education Office Hours Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday - closed
The office is closed daily from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. for lunch
A Family Perspective
Family life is about decisions. The leper in
today’s gospel knew this when he said to Jesus. “If you will, you can make me clean.” Jesus knew this when he said, “I do will it.” Love is not an emotion. It
is a decision to be with and for
another person in “good times and bad,” even when we don’t feel like
it. ~ Bud Ozar
Romeo Quick Lube 586-336-4645
Knights of Columbus
Scholarships
For many years the Knights of Columbus at St. Clement have offered financial as-sistance to our parishes students attending Catholic K-12 education-al institutions and colleges. The application period is now open. All submissions are due March 31st. Applications without the essay will not be considered. Please see our website for more information or to download the application. Copies of the application are also available in the parish office. More information o n o u r w e b s i t e www.romeoknights.com or contact Joe Suminski at 586-337-5776.
Mass Schedule
Saturday Mass 5:00 p.m. Sunday Masses 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.No Weekday Masses
K of C Selling Lenten Crosses
The Knights of Columbus will be selling wooden Lenten Crosses. The Lenten Crosses are for lawn display and they are asking for a minimum donation of $25 each. The crosses are 2 foot by 4 foot and come with a purple and white sash. Orders can be placed on www.romeoknights.com.
Winter Jackets
Do you know of someone who could use a winter jacket? If so, please contact Christian Service or the parish office. We have gently used winter jackets available for all ages and all sizes.Lectors & Communion
Ministers (continued from page 1)
Tod ay the Ch urc h, and especially our parish, relies heavily on the work of lay ministers to bring forth a meaningful liturgy. As with all ministries, they begin with an invitation.
The requirements for serving as a liturgical minister is fully confirmed, at least 16 years of age, and available for training/ formation. Training will be scheduled for a day and time to accommodate those interested. We would like to invite anyone who may be interested in discerning these ministries to contact the Worship Office at (586) 752-9684.
Austin Academy
Attention all current 8th grade students & families! Austin
Catho-lic High School’s first wave of
ac-ceptance letters has gone out. However, there is still time to apply and be part of the class of 2025. Please visit our w e b s i t e t o a p p l y t o d a y ,
www.austincatholichighschool.org/ admissions. Located in Chester-field, Austin is six months into the new school year with in-person learning in a large facility for grades 9-12 and sensible COVID policies in place for health and safety. Guided by Augustinian val-ues and faith formation, we are committed to academic excellence with a 100% college acceptance rate and offer 12 varsity sports and multiple clubs. Our average class size is 18 students, where we foster strong relationships and build leaders of tomorrow.
Lenten Disciplines
of Fasting &
Abstinence
Catholics in good health ages 18 to 59 are required to fast and to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.Fasting consists of eating only one meal, with the possibility of two smaller snacks that do not add up to a single full meal.
Catholics age 14 and older are to abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent.
Jesus is the giver of life
in the midst of death
Please Pray
for the Sick
Newly Added to the Sick List
Richard GoralDennis Kida Christa Dampier
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
For Those Who
Have Died....
Thomas Battani Clara DePyper
Life has changed, not ended... Myrna Battani Florence Bauer Gary Bianchi Jane Briggs Bunting Richard Buria Camille Camron Adam Cole Christa Dampier Connie Davis Elizabeth Decker Nancy Degnan Clara DePyper Lisa Elliot Christine Gamrat Thomas Gamrat David Gonczar Jacob Gordon Richard Goral Peter Grygorcewicz Martha Gutowski Henry Hainer Amelia Hale Donna John Ethan Kammer Denise Kappa Jennifer Parker Kelts John F. Kern Dennis Kida Glen Knoblock Tom Krafft Richard LaBaere Sharon Lark Jim Libs Juliana Lord Nancy Lukowski Domenico Maletti Sara Maletti Bob McFall Bob Mickelson Ashleigh Motoligin Ellen Myers Cody Nichols Rocky O’Berry Theresa O’Connor Muriel Paquette Paul Paquette Judy Polakowski Jim Raska Richard Redd David Reed Ed Risch Glenda Roberts Karen Rothenhauser Patricia Stacer Laura Staller Robert Szuba Terri Turner Dana Winn Bubba Dan Wirick Michaela Wolford Christine Yonkas Aldona Zynda
And those who care for them...
Please Pray for the
Members Serving
Our Country
Cpt. Nicole Adenomas MSG Omar Ambriz CTM2 Jonathan Behm Spc. William Boeve Pvt. Dakota Burdo Capt. John L. Fellows Sr./AMN Michael P. FellowsA1C Andrew Fons Pfc. Brian Gaines SSGT Adam S. Girardot
Sgt. James Griffie Spec. Mark A. Lipinski SSGT Ian McLaughlin
SSG. Brian Niebel Maj. Catherine Peuterbaugh
Spc. Zacari Pytleski MC1 Jeff Richardson 2nd Lt. Stephen Rutherford
Chief Jacob Shey E5 Rebecca Sovereign
Spc. Michael Stobak Maj. David Stys Pfc. Bill Thompson Pfc. Evan Vanouver
Sgt. Bradley Wing L/Cpl. Robert Wing
Lord, hold our troops in Your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen
Support the IHM Sisters
Raffle
Order an IHM Sisters Raffle ticket today. Cash prizes ranging from $50 to $250. Monthly draw-ings now through June 2021. All proceeds support the IHM Retire-ment Fund. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from your favor-ite IHM Sister by contacting Sister Val (810)656-3282 or parish office.
Agape Fundraising
Opportunities
As a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organ-ization, the Agape Center relies on donations to keep afloat. We would like to make you aware of two methods of donation that are now available. The first is our partnership with PayPal. You can locate our PayPal donate button
on the “Give” link on our website,
www.agapenorthmacomb.org. Secondly, the Agape Center is now an Amazon Smile charity. You can go directly to https:// smile.amazon.com/ch/46-0854463 to designate Agape Center as your charity of choice. .5% of all eligible Amazon purchases will be donated to the Agape Center. Thanks so much for your continued support of the Agape Center! The Agape Center organization is an equal opportunity provider.
Save the Date:
Royal Blue Classic
The Royal Blue Classic to raise money for the IHM Sisters will be held on Mon-day, June 21 at Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center in Plymouth. For more information call 734-240-9860 or develop@ihmsisters.orgAre you a snow bird?
Are you moving?
Please let the parish office know if you are moving, changing addresses or will not be at your current address for 3 weeks or more. St. Clement sends out mailings/envelopes multiple times a year. Making these changes will save money on return postage. Your help with this is greatly appreciated.
Forgotten Harvest
The Forgotten Harvest pop-up
pantry will be in our parish’s
park-ing lot! Volunteers from Forgotten Harvest will be distributing food on
Mondays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in vol-u n t e e r i n g p l e a s e g o t o www.forgottenharvest.org to sign up.
PB&J Ministry
Donations
Needed
The PB&J Ministry is in need of donations of smooth peanut butter. Jars can be placed on the carts at the entrance of church. Thank you for your generosity. The Church, as a voice of the Gospel, proclaims the sacredness of all human life. Everyone createdby God is fashioned in God’s image and has Divine
DNA at the center of their soul. God never leaves what God creates but always remains intimately bound to what he has given form. Everyone has a place and because they have received the gift of Divine Blessing, nobody deserves to feel inferior, unworthy, unwanted, unclean or marginalized. Even the most broken of souls has a place. We, the Body of Christ, have the privilege and responsibility to give voice to the voiceless. The cries of the
little one in his or her mother’s womb are just as sacred as the cries of one
who is homeless and hungry. The migrant deserves our attention as much as the forgotten elderly and even the prisoner, with a heart hardened by anger and resentment, deserves respect and dignity.
The Gospel of Life is often hard to swallow, and we would rather keep those we consider unclean, different or unfixable in a place by themselves. It is hard to see them with us, but they deserve to be. There is far too much violence in this world and the result of that violence is the assault on hu-man life. Many are forced to leave the place they call home in search of saf-er ground, finding few if any along the way who will help them. How diffsaf-er-
differ-ent today’s Gospel story would be if Jesus gave in to what was politically
correct at that time. The leper would have been turned away and a soul, already beaten down by disease and fear, would have experienced an even
deeper wound. Jesus wouldn’t have captured much attention from anyone, nor would he have mirrored the Father’s compassion and love.
Where do we stand with all of this? Do we at least understand that God’s
vision is often in conflict with the vision put forth in our world and even the one we advance ourselves? There is no doubt that it is incredibly challeng-ing to find a place for everyone at the table. This challenge is compounded when the systems of operation and structure that are so ingrained in us affirm power and privilege rather than inclusivity and justice. Everything really goes askew when the powerful begin to control who is entitled to wholeness and inclusion, and greed becomes a driving force. Prejudice and entitlement raise their ugly heads and we find ourselves with quite a mess.
It’s time to admit that things have been a mess for a very long time. The
mess needs to be healed, not by erasing it but by allowing God to touch it and make it whole. We need to bring God back to the center of life where
God belongs. There are no easy solutions to the world’s dilemmas. But,
knowing that wholeness, healing, and dignity are worthy pursuits, we can
more confidently labor to achieve God’s vision.
Pope Francis’ Words
Do you want to fast this Lent?
Fast from hurting words andsay kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and trust in God.
Fast from complaints and con-template simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.WEEKLY EVENTS FOR
February 15-21
Monday, February 15 Parish Office OpenTuesday, February 16 Parish Office Open
7:00 p.m. - Ash Wednesday Vigil MASS - (Spanish) - Int. St. Clement Parishioners
Wednesday, February 17 Ash Wednesday
Parish Office Open
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Ashes available 6:30 p.m. - MASS - Int. St. Clement Parishioners Thursday, February 18 Parish Office Open
Friday, February 19 Parish Office Open
Saturday, February 20 5:00 p.m. - MASS - Int. Deda Gojcaj req by family
Int. Mario & Maria Fabiilli req by family
Sunday, February 21 First Sunday of Lent
7:00 a.m. - MASS - Int. Eugene Makuch req by Ted & Dianne Zamojski
Int. Norbert Rhein req by family 10:30 a.m. - MASS - Sp. Int. Tom & Arlene req by Amanda & Eric 11:30 a.m. - Baptisms
St. Clement of Rome
343 S. Main Street Romeo, Michigan 48065 Phone: 586-752-9611 Fax 586-752-1601 Website: www.stclementromeo.org PASTORRev. Stephen C. Reckker Weekend Assistant Fr. Jim Andres, OFM CAP
Fr. Jerry Slowinski Fr. Art Baranowski Fr. Biju Parakkalayil
Fr. Binoy Augustine Deacon Rev. Mr. Kurt J. Godfryd
Mass in Spanish Fr. Binoy Augustine
Vicariate Hispanic Pastoral Minister (North Macomb Vicariate) Sr. Valerie Knoche, I.H.M. 810-656-3282 Adult Education Coordinator
Mr. Russ Morgan 752-6984 Building Manager
Mr. Peter Bernadich 752-9611 Minister of Music
Mr. Bert Lord 752-9611 Religious Education Director Mrs. Debbie Knoblock 752-6591 Middle School Youth Group 752-9611 Agape Center 336-6842
Pregnancy, Counseling and Adoption Catholic Family Services 416-2300 Knights of Columbus
Mark DiPaola 586-292-5284 Email: GK7018@mikofc.org
Weekend Masses Saturday - 5:00 p.m. Sunday - 7:00 & 10:30 a.m. Spanish - 7:00 p.m.
Holyday and Weekday Masses As announced
Reconciliation (Confession) By appointment
Baptism: Prior arrangements must be made. Call the parish office.
Marriage: Arrangements must be made at least six months in advance of the marriage date.
Care of the Sick: Call the parish office at any time to make arrangements for Anointing, Communion calls or Visitations. Funeral Luncheon Ministry: Please call the parish office.
Registrations: New parishioners should register at the parish office. Those moving should notify the parish office.
Parish Council
Administration Commission
Charles Anglewicz... . . ...752-9435 Christian Service Commission
Denise Kehren. . . . .. . . 752-9611 Social Commission
Dorothy Kida ……….752-9611
Rev. 11-12-20
The following child was recently baptized:
Kendall Renee Lane, daughter of Wendell and Sara (Russell) Lane
St. Clement Parish extends congratulations and welcomes her into our community.
A father said to his d a u g h t e r “You have g r a d u a t e d with honors, here is a car I bought many years ago. It is pretty old now. But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them I want to sell it and see how
much they offer you for it.”
The daughter went to the used car lot, returned to her father and
said, “They offered me $1,000
because they said it looks pretty
worn out.”
The father said, now “Take it to the pawn shop.” The daughter
went to the pawn shop, returned to
her father and said, “The pawn
shop offered only $100 because it is
an old car.”
The father asked his daughter to go to a car club now and show them the car. The daughter then took the car to the club, returned
and told her father, “Some people
in the club offered $100,000 for it
because it’s a Nissan Skyline R34, it’s an iconic car and sought by many collectors.”
Now the father said this to his
daughter, “The right place values you the right way,” if you are not
valued, do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those
who appreciate you….never stay in
a place where no one sees your value.
Mass Intentions
If you would like to have a Mass said in honor or memory of someone you can request at the parish office, 752-9611. Mass intention cards can also be picked up from the parish office. Names will be printed in the bulletin the Sunday prior to the Mass.Walking In The Gym…
The gym is available for walkers Mon. through Fri. from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
Please remember to wear your gym shoes.
Don’t Forget to Recycle
…your newspapers, mail, catalogs & magazines while helping the environment. Proceeds go to the parish youth.
Readings for the
Week of
February 15, 2021
Monday: Gn 4:1-15, 25/Ps 50:1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21 [14a]/Mk 8:11-13 Tuesday: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10/Ps 29:1a and 2, 3ac-4, 3b and 9c-10 [11b]/Mk 8:14-21Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17 [cf. 3a]/2 Cor 5:20—6:2/ Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: Dt 30:15-20/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 [Ps 40:5a]/Lk 9:22-25 Friday: Is 58:1-9a/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 [19b]/Mt 9:14-15 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14/Ps 86:1-2, 3 -4, 5-6 [11ab]/Lk 5:27-32 Sunday, February 21: Gn 9:8-15/ Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 10]/1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15
Face-To-Face Confession
Question: In today’s digital world, do we really need to be face-to
-face with a priest to confess our sins? Would Facetime or Zoom ever be allowed?
Answer: The question of whether or not Catholics can celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation virtually (via social media, by phone, or in some other way) is a question that has actually been around for several years. The recent COVID-19 pandemic brought the question back in a new
way, especially as many parishes were forced to introduce a sort of “social distanced” confession, with the sacrament being celebrated outdoors.
In reflecting on this question, however, there are a couple points that we want to keep in mind. First, as the Code of Canon Law observes in different places, the faithful have a right to the sacraments of the Church
and the Church’s ministers have a responsibility to make them accessible.
At the same time, however, we always have to be sure that we respect the nature of the sacraments themselves.
Although modern forms of technology and communication can help us in our work of evangelization catechesis, the Pontifical Council for Social
Communication has reminded us that, “Virtual reality is no substitute for
the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the sacramental reality of the other sacraments, and shared worship in a flesh and blood human
community. There are no sacraments on the internet” (The Church and
the Internet, no. 9).
Although our encounters with others on the internet and via social
media can be considered “real” in one sense, in the sacraments we
encoun-ter Christ in a personal and ecclesial way. It is never just a private experi-ence but is always grounded in the life of the Church and this means that it must truly be personal, including the contact between the confessor and the penitent. While the convenience or ease of online celebrations might be appealing for many reasons, at heart, we always want to keep in mind
the fullness of the Church’s tradition and the meaning of the sacraments.
The Unfailing Goodness of God
I have always wondered why Jesus told the cleansed leper not to
publicize how he had been healed by the Son of God. It’s not that I can’t
understand why Jesus would want to keep the matter quiet — after all, he knew that as soon as people heard, he would be mobbed with requests for healings, and his movements restricted.
What gets me is the fact that Jesus simply must have realized the leper would not listen to him. Why give someone a command you know they will
ignore? It’s a complicated question, and when I reflect on it, I can’t help but
connect it to another equally complicated question: why does God, all-good and all-knowing, allow bad things to happen?
Yes, God is all-good and all-knowing. So when He gives us free will, He knows what we will do with it. However, He is also all-powerful. He can and will bring good from any situation, any tragedy, or even any instance where someone ignores Him.
Was it a sin for this leper to do other than what Jesus had said? That’s a heavy question for a Sunday morning! But it’s plain to see that, even though this man ignored Jesus’ command, God still used his actions. How
many were brought to Christ because of the news spread by this leper! As someone trying to live out a stewardship way of life, what is God requesting of you right now? — Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
