1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Blessings: This week’s message:
Here I Am
All of life’s problems begin with forgetfulness regarding
the dignity of the human person. Every sin has to do with
the diminishing of the God-given dignity of another person, or of our own personal dignity. In fact, sin is itself an
assault on our human dignity, as every sin degrades us or
others in some way. The Holy Scriptures teach us that
God made us in the divine image and likeness. Last week
we finished the Christmas Season which celebrates the
great mystery of God Himself becoming human. In their
own unique way every single human person is the face of
God and is worth the blood of Jesus, which was
poured out for the redemption of all.
Forgetfulness of human dignity begins with forgetfulness of God and His presence. We live in a
world which has become numb to God, unable to
hear His call. In fact, for much of the world’s
population, God seems irrelevant to daily life. But
life without God is really no life at all; it is a mere
existence, which ultimately finds little value in itself or
the life of others. But God never forgets us. In the writings of the Prophet Isaiah (49:16), God says, “See, I have
engraved you on the palms of my hands,” and surely this
refers to the nail marks in the hands of Jesus, reminding
Him for eternity that He gave His life to make us His
own. God calls to us ceaselessly, but most of the time we
do not hear because we are paying no attention to divine
things.
When God called the boy Samuel, the young prophet answered in Hebrew, “hineini,” which means, “here I am.”
Interestingly, the name Samuel is Hebrew for God has
heard. After a bit of confusion, when Samuel realized it
was God, and not Eli calling him, he said to God, “Here I
am. Speak, Lord, for your servant is hearing.” Now, Samuel (God has heard) was the one hearing God, and ready
to receive instruction from Him . In the same way God
January 18, 2015
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
has a plan for each human life He creates. We all have a
place in His divine plan, and no one is useless or worthless. The word hineini (here I am) is used only a few
times in the Old Testament (by Abraham and Moses in
addition to Samuel) always in response to God’s call. But
there is another whose consistent message is “Here I Am”
and that person is God, who not only answers when we
call, but who presents Himself to us before we even know
to ask. In fact God introduced Himself to Moses as “I
Am.”
The divine presence of God is known in Hebrew as
the shekinah. It is the shekinah which led Israel in
the desert, and which entered into the Temple when
it was built. But in the New Testament we have
something even greater: the shekinah enters humanity. John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and
dwelt within us.” Now, through baptism into Christ,
we also are the tabernacle for God, His dwelling
place, as St. Paul tells us in our second reading. Therefore we are to respect all the more our own lives and the
lives of all. In today’s reading, St. Paul specifically addresses sexual immorality, which diminishes our dignity.
But other offenses against life are too numerous to count.
On the anniversary of Roe v Wade, which legalized abortion in this country, we are reminded of the millions of
brand new human lives which have been ended by abortion. We think also of the lack of love in our world which
leads others to despair and suicide, or to the mentally and
physically handicapped, or the aged, who are looked upon
as a burden and whose lives are considered as worthless.
Physical violence, child abuse, murder, genocide, and
hatred of any kind… all of these grieve God, the source
and fountain of all life.
In every human life God cries out, “Hineini, Here I Am!”
Are we listening?
Fr. Roberts
Sacraments:
Weddings: Contact Pastor at least six months in advance.
Baptisms, Communion to the Sick, Anointing of the Sick:
Call Parish Office between 8 am and 4 pm weekdays.
Penance: Saturday, 4:30 pm to 5 pm -Other times by appointment.
Interested in reserving our parish facilities (Doyle Hall) for your
next special event? Contact Kelly Wood: 283-5508, ext 1111.
This Week at St. Joan of Arc
2015 SJOA Respect Life Ministry Rose Sale: After all
Masses January 17 and 18, members of the Respect Life
Committee will be offering red roses for a donation of $2
per rose. Monies collected will be used to benefit ministry
work in the coming year. When you bring home a rose,
you are remembering a life, unfulfilled on earth, but living in the fullness of God in heaven
Babies & Bagels/Tots & Tea will take place this Wednesday, January 21, in the lower level of the Parish Center
Offices. Stop by any time between 10 a.m. and noon.
This is a great way for parents and caregivers to get to
know one another while the little ones play. For more
information, contact Melinda Rivelli at 283-5508, ext.
1116 or [email protected].
Resolve to Become more familiar with your God-given
talents and more appreciative of the talents of those
around you this year by participating in a Living Your
Strengths class. Sessions will be offered on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings during the month of
February. An on-line inventory must be taken to participate. Books and registration information will be available
after Mass this weekend. Check out our website for more
details or contact Melinda Rivelli at 283-5508, ext. 1116
or [email protected]
Women of the Parish are invited to participate in another
ENDOW study Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. January
22-March 26. The focus of this study is the Papal Encyclical Humanae Vitae. This letter from Pope Paul VI lays
out the Church's teaching on artificial contraception and is
one of the most controversial of modern times. The group
will seek to understand not only the Church's teaching on
the dignity of all human life is but also why the Church
stands by that teaching, even in the face of intense criticism from many sources. This women's study also seeks
to apply this teaching to every woman's individual vocation and role in the world by thinking through how both
married and single women can live this out in everyday
life. Cost for materials is $25. Please contact Teresa
Hodgins at [email protected] or 414 405 1326 to
participate.
Weekly Prayer Petition: In remembering great leaders
like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and our ultimate leader
Jesus Christ, we too pray for the courage to do what is
right and pleasing to God.
Please Pray for: Reba Baker, Ed Pritchard, John & Mary
Welch, Pat DeVault, Jim Waldron, Don & Janet Orth,
Andrew Perkins, Nancy Orth, Leslie Burnside, Maria
Stotts, Therese Walker (sister of Monica Foye), Robert
(grandson of parishioners), Colleen Lupiezowiec (sister of
Mary Ellen Diemer), Mary Marbaugh,
Carolyn Holder (our NYO director),
Harley Janssen, Ann, (Catherine Hayes’
sister), Laura Travis, Carolyn Spaulding
(friend of Valorie SpaudingWoods),
Zachary (nephew of Jill Meunier), Gary,
(friend of Myra Stemnock), ), Bill Homrighausen (father
of Jean Zander), Tracey Bish, (friend of the Rivelli’s),
Agnes Brake, Gary Williams, Bob Sparks, Chanty Yun,
Janet New, Diana Smart (sister of John Gresehover),
Doug Smith (brother of Eric), Jeanetta Torence (sister of
Mable Brown), Betty Nolting (mother of Penny), Patty
Hughes, Christina Shedrick, Megan Furgason (daughter
of Ann), Angee Poe (friend of Margaret Graves), Owen
Griffith (son of Richard and Jamie), Diane Neyer Rose
(friend of Patty Carroll).
Weddings: Tyler Reed and Tiffany Hauri, January 31;
Andrew Costello and Rebecca Cole, February 7.
Reverse Raffle-Saturday, February 7, 6 p.m., Doyle Hall.
To reserve a spot, contact John or Beth Gresehover
at [email protected] or EA [email protected]
Only three weeks remaining to reserve a spot or a table.
SJOA Reverse Raffle committee members will be at the
break in the pews after all the Masses today. Cost per person still only $40. Tables of 8, 9 or 10 are going fast. Less
than 200 reservations remain for purchase. Consider a live
or silent auction donation or hold a basket party with your
agape group. E-mail [email protected] to volunteer; 7th and
8th-graders, help with Friday set up and get needed service hours. Lent comes early this year, use this time to
celebrate with fellow parishioners, meet new friends and
help support SJOA!
Parish Staff:
Father Guy Roberts
Molly Ellsworth
Kelly Wood
Judy Cox
Joseph Burrows
Mary Anne Schaefer
Melinda Rivelli
Joe Sheehan
Joe Feeser
Carolyn Holder
Emily Waldron
Pastor
Business Manager
Parish Financial Bookkeeper
Parish Office Administrator/Secretary
Director of Music Ministries
Pastoral Associate
Pastoral Associate
Coordinator of Parish Religious Formation
Principal, St. Joan of Arc School
Director of Neighborhood Youth Outreach
Athletic Director
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
January 10 & 11 Collection
Weekly Budgeted Contributions $
Regular Contributions
$
Direct Deposit 5/3 Bank
$
Faith Direct Deposit
$
Weekly Overage (Shortfall)
$
Yearly Overage (Shortfall)
$
19,147.57
8,668.38
0,000.00
15,034.67
4,555.48
(26,357.03)
SJOA Angel Tree Ministry would like to thank the many
volunteers who contacted caregivers, purchased gifts,
helped with sorting and packaging, and delivered gifts to
families. We are grateful for your generosity and hard work
that helped make Christmas special for over 180 children.
Any Adults who have been baptized Catholic and are seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation are asked to contact
Melinda Rivelli at [email protected] or 283-5508, ext.
1116. There will be a session on Confirmation
this Thursday, January 15, at 6 p.m. as well as a retreat
on Saturday, March 7.
We Are Seeking happily married couples to sponsor engaged couples who are preparing for marriage. Training
will be provided sometime in February or March. Please
contact Melinda Rivelli at or [email protected] or 2835508, ext. 1116 if you would be interested in helping with
this important ministry.
Catholic Lacrosse Club Saints: Registration is open
through February 15: Teams are now forming for the 2015
Spring Lacrosse Season! Boys in grades 3 through 8, and
girls in grades 5 through 8, attending a North Deanery
school or in good standing as a parishioner of a North
Deanery church are encouraged to sign up. To register,
visit http://www.catholiclax.com/. For more information
about our club, please contact Brenden Fitzgerald
at [email protected].
50/50 Club: No.696 was drawn, and they were not among
the 61 who participated. Therefore, $2,295 will roll over to
next week.
Dear SJOA Families & Friends,
We Are So Much More Than Just a
School! SJOA, a Catholic school, is a colorful collage of faith, arts, science, and technology developing the leaders of tomorrow.
You are invited to learn more about the first
Leader in Me school in Indianapolis and
what educational opportunities are available
to you and your family at our annual Open
House on Sunday, January 25. Meet with
current students, family and staff who will
take you on a guided tour of the school including our preschool programs, music and
arts hall, primary and middle school rooms.
And don’t forget to stop by the library to
learn more about our shared system with the
Indianapolis Marion County Public Library.
We are your parish school. We look forward
to meeting you and your children. Contact
the school office, for more information,
at 283-1518.
Joe
Our Parish Mission Statement:
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church is a community gathered in
Jesus Christ. We welcome all people and provide them opportunities to know God, grow in faith, and use their gifts to serve
others. Through Word, Sacrament, Prayer, and Service, we
honor our tradition as we extend our ministry to each new generation.
THIS WEEK AT SJOA
Monday, January 19
8:00 AM Daily Mass
7:00 PM Bible Study—lower level
7:00 PM School Commission
Tuesday, January 20
8:00 AM Daily Mass
6:30 PM Holy Family Ministry—Dining room
7:00 PM Choir
Wednesday, January 21
10:00 AM Babies & Bagels—lower level
5:30 PM Daily Mass
6:00 PM Sant’Egido Community—Church
7:00 PM Finance Council
8:00 PM King’s Men—Daily Mass Chapel
Thursday, January 22
8:15 AM Mass
7:00 PM Endow Study
7:00 PM RCIA
Friday, January 23
5:30 PM Daily Mass
Saturday, January 24
8:30 AM Tai Chi—Doyle Hall
5:30 PM Mass
January 25
8:30 AM Mass
9:30 AM SFF—School
10:30 AM Mass
5:30 PM Mass
Monday, January 26
8:00 AM Mass
7:00 PM Bible Study—lower level
MASS INTENTIONS
Monday, January 19
Int. Weldon family
Tuesday, January 20
Mary Lou Loughery
Wednesday, January 21
Int. Frances Moore
Thursday, January 22
Debbie Dominguez
Friday, January 23
No intention
Saturday, January 24
Elizabeth B. O’Connor
Sunday, January 25
Johanna Kane
For SJOA Parish
No intention
Readings for Next Sunday
Jon 3: 1-5, 10
1 Cor 7:29-31
Mk 1: 14-20
JANUARY 24 & 25 MINISTERS SCHEDULE
5:30 PM
8:30 AM
ALTAR SERVERS
Isabella S
Corbin W
Nelson W
Theresa S
Jonah H
Jonas H
Josiah H
Jules H
LECTORS
Mary Pat Sharpe
Barbara Welch
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST
Blood
Body
Charlie Revard
Julie Revard
Al Seidel
Molly Seidel
Carolyn Fay
Larry Grein
Loren Horan
Peter Reintges
Elizabeth Poe
Karen Blackwell Smith
USHERS
Tom & Lily Flecker
Mike Fleming
Scott Gramman
Kathy & Stephen Washburn
Linda Anderson
Greg & Libby Hahn
Mike & Vicki Koenig
Peter Reintjes
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 MINISTERS SCHEDULE
10:30 AM
ALTAR SERVERS
Sam R
Joseph R
Grace K
5:30 PM
Max M
Harry M
Rory P
Hilary P
LECTORS
Ann Bastianelli
Kevin Koenig
Kathy Caparo
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST
Blood
Body
Barb Cady
John Dorgan
David Hasty
Rita Welch
Jill Meunier
Sophia Mosley
June Neal
Desiree Randle
Ann Bastianelli
Lori Harter
Alex Sprungle
Daniel Meunier
Will Mitchell
Shawn Stuckey
USHERS
Barb Cady
Nancy Clapp
Jackie Nytes & Michael O’Brien
Amanda Helman
Brian Betz
Desiree Randle
Michael Jaimet
Steve & Mary Sommer
Gregory F. Hahn, Esq.
Praying for a new home?
Kevin M. Quinn, Esq.
Call Sussan O’Brien for answers to
your Real Estate Needs!
Joel T. Nagel, Esq.
Bose McKinney & Evans, LLP
111 Monument Circle #2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.boselaw.com
Scheetz
FEENEY-HORNAK
Keystone Mortuary
Sussan O’Brien
Realtor/SJA Parishioner
(317) 705-2592 Office
(317) 514-9169 Cell
[email protected]
71st at Keystone
257-4271
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
SERVICE & REPLACEMENT
John & Kara Traub, Owners
317-684-5000
28 Years of Catholic Education
Parishioners of St. Joan of Arc
639-1111
Please pray for an increase
in vocations to the
priesthood and religious life.
John Gresehover, LUTCF
Senior Marketing Representative
Also pray for continued
support for those ministers
already chosen by God,
that they may be found
faithful in fulfilling
their ministry.
Life • Disability
SJOA Parishioner
Group Health • Business Insurance
Cell 317-586-1430
[email protected]
Montgomery Tax & Accounting
Small Business & Individuals
Chris Montgomery, CPA, MBA
SJA Parishioner
317 374-7928
338 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 110C
[email protected]
PROTECTING SENIORS NATIONWIDE
PUSH
Elder & Special Needs Care
Homemaker • Companion
Personal Care Services
Kathy & Terry Huser
255-5700 or 332-8261
www.huserhomecare.com
SULLIVAN HARDWARE
DO IT CENTER
Cicero
6955 N. Keystone
4838 N. Penn
Bob & Pat Sullivan
984-4652
255-9230
924-5040
Jay Snyder
...........
Come Sail Away on a 7-night Catholic Exotic Cruise
starting as low as $1045 per couple. Daily Mass and
Rosary offered. Deposit of only $100 per person
will reserve your cabin.
Space is limited. Thanks and God Bless,
Brian or Sally, coordinators 860.399.1785
an Official
Travel Agency
of AOS-USA
...........
$19.95*/Mo. + 1 FREE MONTH
➢ No Long-Term Contracts
➢ Price Guarantee
➢ American Made
TOLL FREE: 1-877-801-8608
Consider
Remembering
Your Parish in
Your Will.
Questions about the
Affordable Care Act? I can help! • Business & Individual Income Tax Preparation & Planning
Jack Werner • Accounting Services & Temporary Controller Services
• Quickbooks Assistance
JCW Financial
www.collierandcolliercpa.com
Services
P:
317.925.6995 F: 317.947.0747
317.253.5312
Member of SJOA
24/7 HELP
*First Three Months
INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
SENIOR INSURANCE
SOLUTIONS SINCE 1979
[email protected]
TALK
For further information,
please call the Parish Office.
Jeff & Andrea Collier
St. Joan of Arc Parishioners
TYLER’S TREE SERVICE
Expert, Local Tree Service
includes Emergency tree
services, pruning, stump
removal, dead tree removal
Free Estimates • Angie’s List
www.treeserviceindy.com 317.441.9156
Theresa’s Drapery Designs
Residential & Commercial
Custom Window Treatment, Pillows, Bedding, Cushions & Roman Shades
Professionalism and Impeccable Workmanship!
317-910-8855
Please visit us on Facebook
Over 20 Years in Business
Call....
376400 St Joan of Arc Church
926-HEAT
Locally Owned and In Your
5240 Winthrop Avenue
Neighborhood for 11 Years
www.jspaluch.com
For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-945-6629