ST.

COLUMBA CATHOLIC CHURCH

March 2, 2014 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

SAN DIEGO

Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 5th, ashes will be distributed at the 7:00 am, 8:15 am, and 6:00 pm Masses. It is a day of Fast & Abstinence. As a reminder 1) Fasting is for those 18-59 years, allows only one full meal during the day, allows taking some food in the morning and evening to maintain strength, but prohibits eating solid foods between meals. 2) Abstinence is for those 14 years + and forbids the eating of meat. Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and every Friday during Lent. During Lent, all Masses are celebrated in the main Church. Stations of the Cross every Friday at 7:00 pm.

Stewardship Spotlight
SERVANTS AND STEWARDS OF GOD

The words servant and steward in the modern day parlance have unappealing meaning. They are both unattractive and low-paying positions that many people would not be proud of. But St. Paul sees these tasks in a different way. In the second reading today, he writes the Corinthians about these sacred tasks which in themselves are reason for rejoicing. When these tasks are connected with God, they spell high regard and blessings. In the gospel today, while Jesus leaves the choice to each one of us whom we want to serve, He reveals the untiring providence of God the Father to those who love and serve Him. But God demands undivided loyalty. To serve God and to be His faithful steward is the greatest way to spend our lifetime. To be Christs servant and Gods steward is to open oneself to the amazing reality of Gods infinite goodness. Centuries of Christianity have seen countless men and women who were willing to relinquish worldly fame and glory for the sake of serving God and His people. These men and women understood that the passing splendor of this world with all its empty promises are nothing compared to the eternal joy with God in heaven. If Gods faithfulness always sustains the needs of His children in this imperfect world, how much more will He find glory in sharing His endless blessings to those who are worthy to enter His kingdom? This is also our calling, to serve God on earth so as to be rewarded with eternal life in heaven.

Youth Group Bake Sale

Sunday, March 9th, 8:00-Noon

Soup and Scripture

Mark your calendar for our annual Lenten Soup and Scripture series, which will begin on Wednesday, March 12th, at 6:00 p.m. in the parish hall.

Mass Intentions for the Week

MONDAY, MARCH 3 7:00 amME Gia Allemand TUESDAY, MARCH 4 7:00 amME Gaye Harkay WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5Ash Wednesday 7:00 amEC Kirk DeGuzman 8:15 amME Henry & Sokie Vasquez 6:00 pmME Priests Intention THURSDAY, MARCH 6 7:00 amME Donors Intentions FRIDAY, MARCH 7 7:00 amME Nora Kearney 8:15 amME Priests intention SATURDAY, MARCH 8 8:00 amME Joe Whelan 5:30 pmME People of the Parish SUNDAY, MARCH 9 7:30 amME Grace & Nerlita Barrera 9:30 amME Flo Kloberdanz 5:30 pmEC Jaime Cordon
EC=Fr. Edward Corcoran, ME=Fr. Mario Elias

Annual Catholic Appeal Called to Serve

Thank you to those who have already turned in their pledge card! Our parish assessment this year is $27,000. Please make your contribution payable to the Diocese of San Diego. You can also make your contribution online at www.diocese-sdiego.org.

Saving Energy
St Columba Parish is conserving energy. Through an SDG&E program, all the parish buildings have had the light fixtures replaced with more energy-efficient ballasts and light bulbs. A total of 1,064 fluorescent light bulbs and 318 ballasts were installed. Total cost to the parish: zero! This will reduce our energy bills for both the church and school.

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

MARCH 2, 2014

Introducing...
PASTORAL COUNCIL Fr. Mario Elias, Deacon Bill Vasquez, Robin Keator, Kathi Lohry, Geri Nau, Ed Ancmon, Terry Foster, Gary Keller, Lavinia Reyes, Karina Tijerina FINANCE COUNCIL Fr. Mario Elias, Karl Becker, Don Eklund, Bob Horn, Pete Reinagel STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Kathy Baker, Vince & Susan Castiglione, Terry Foster, Bob & Sharon Horn, Gary & Peggy Keller, Mike & Jane Pisor, Pete & Nona Reinagel

Monthly Schedule
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: 2nd Saturday of month, Daily Chapel, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Holy Hour for Life with chaplet of Divine Mercy, 2:30-3:30 pm. ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS: Every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room. BIBLE SHARING: Mondays, 8:00-9:30 am in the Ministry Center. BINGO: Every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. Babysitting is available. CHILDCARE: Every Sunday during the 9:30 am Mass in the Preschool; for infants and children up to four years of age. For more information, call (858) 279-0161. CULTURE OF LIFE MINISTRY: For information, call Louise Holland at 619-316-7498. DIVINE MERCY DEVOTION: Mondays and Fridays at 3:00 p.m. in the Daily Chapel (chaplet, rosary and a reading from the diary of St. Faustina.) GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: The 1st Monday of each month, 7:00-8:00 pm in the Ministry Center. Call Robin at (858) 277-3861 for more information. GREETERS/USHERS: Terry Foster at 858-427-7178. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Council #1349. Round Table, Richard Portugal. For information call (858) 279-8731. LAY APOSTLES for JESUS CHRIST RETURNING KING: 2nd Tuesday of every month in the Music Room, 6:30-8 p.m. Contact Peggy Keller at (858) 569-5996. MENS CLUB: The 1st Tuesday each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Music Room. All men of the parish are welcome and encouraged to join. Contact Ed Ancmon at 858-356-8111. MENS FAITH GROUP: First Saturday of the month in the Ministry Center, 8:45 am-10:00 am. All men are invited to this informal spiritual gathering to share prayer, discussion and donuts. PRAYER MEETING: Join us in praise, songs, scripture readings, teachings and worship every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Ministry Center. R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): For adults seeking Baptism or for baptized adults seeking full membership in the Catholic Church by preparing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. For information, call Mike Conroy, (858) 278-1507. ROSARY MAKERS: First Thursday of every month, at 2:00 p.m. in the Ministry Center. Call Teresa Kleinpeter for more info at 858-277-6240. SENIORS CLUB: 2nd/4th Thursdays of the month, 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Open to seniors over 50 in our parish. Watch bulletin for upcoming events. YOUTH GROUP: Sundays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Ministry Center for both Junior and Senior High. For more information call (858) 277-3861.

PLEASE PRAY for the following who are ill, their families and those who care for them:
Nancy Bernabe, Jim Bowerman, Jan Chandler, Jacqueline Cortez, Donna Brozovic DeLaTorre, Debra Drake, Thomas Dunne, Nancy Dye, Bruce Elizondo, Gigi Esguerra, Donna Fink, Lee Howard, Karen Hughes, Cheryl Hunter, Claudia Jarrell, Arlene Nave, Doris Oliver, Feliciana Rebujio, Steve Romero, Julie Turek

School News
SPRINGEST 2014! - April 5th 10:00am-7:00 pm $1,000 Opportunity Drawing Games Booths & Inflatables Food & Entertainment Purchase tickets in school office. Opportunity Draw only $10/chance. Advertise your business on a booth for as little as $25. More info at (858) 279-1882. VONS shoppers: Thank you for supporting St. Columba School by shopping at Vons. As a reminder, in order for St. Columba to receive credit for your VONS shopping, you cannot use a credit card to pay for our groceries. Box Tops for Education: Please continue to send in your Box Tops found on various products. This is a year -round fundraiser for St. Columba School. Thank you to the many parishioners who support this program! Tuition Assistance Fund: Year-round fundraiser. There are yellow envelopes in your monthly envelope set as well as in the pews. Thank you for your on-going generosity. Make payable to St. Columba School. SCRIP Program (Gift Cards): Year-round fundraiser. Go to: shopwithscrip and follow the steps to sign up. Enter enrollment code: 5B7465D45922. Cards are available for pick in the school office. BINGO: St. Columba Schools largest fundraiser. Every Friday, 6:30-10:00 pm. Doors open at 4:00 pm. Snack bar available. Thanks for supporting our school!