Second Sunday of LentFebruary 25, 2018

If God is for us, who can be against us?— Romans 8:31b

THE OBEDIENCE OF ABRAHAM AND JESUSGod tested Abraham by asking not for an

ordinary sacrifice, which would have been a partial burning with the meat divided between God and the people and eaten by those who sacrificed, but for a holocaust, a total burning of the sacrificial animal. This type of sacrifice consecrated the entire offering to God alone. This is what God was asking of Abraham in offering his only son, Isaac. When Abraham demonstrated his obedience, that was enough. This story from today’s scriptures foretells the completion of the blood sacrifices of the old covenant in the new covenant: the blood of God’s own Son, offered to us on the cross and in the Eucharist. Abraham’s obedience foreshadows the obedience of Jesus to God’s promise of salvation. The obedience of Abraham is rewarded in the birth to him, through Isaac, of many nations. The obedience of Jesus is rewarded in the salvation of all people for all time.

Question of the WeekIn the Gospel, God says, “This is my

beloved Son. Listen to him” (Mark 9:7). What is Jesus saying to me? What is Jesus

asking me to do?

IMPRESSIONWhen we try to make an impression, that’s the

impression we make.

SPECIAL OBSERVANCES WEEKLY READINGS AND MASS INTENTIONS

2/24 Saturday: Readings: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8;

Mt 5:43-48Mass Intentions: 4:00pm (M) +Marilyn Waters 4:00pm (AR) +Albert Arieta 6:00pm (AC) Necesidades de la Familia Melquiadez Zamudio y Zamudio Ortiz

2/25 Sunday: Second Sunday of Lent; Penitential Rite for Candidates for Full CommunionReadings: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 116:10,

15-19; Rom 8:31b-34; Mk 9:2-10Mass Intentions: 830am (M) +Paul Raggio 830am (C) Edna Ward (BD) 10:00am (AR) +Albert Arieta 10:15am (AC) Parish

2/26 Monday: Readings: Dn 9:4b-10; Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13; Lk 6:36-38Mass Intentions 8:00am (AC) +Johannes Blankenhorn

2/27 Tues: Readings: Is 1:10, 16-20; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23;

Mt 23:1-12Mass Intentions 8:00am (AC) Colleen Franklin (SI)

2/28 Wednesday: Readings: Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6, 14-16; Mt 20:17-28Mass Intentions 8:30am (M)

3/1 Thursday: Readings: Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 16:19-31Mass Intentions 8:00am (AC) Marcia Sapienza (SI)

3/2 Friday: Abstinence; First Friday; Readings: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a; 17b-28a; Ps 105:16-21;

Mt 21:33-43, 45-46Mass Intentions: 8:00am (AC) 11:00am (AR) Our Lady of the Sierra Men’s Club

3/3 Saturday: St. Katharine Drexel; First SaturdayReadings: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-4, 9-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32Mass Intentions: 4:00pm (M) 4:00pm (AR) +Vera Klimaszewski 6:00pm (AC)

3/4 Sunday: Readings: Ex 20:1-17 [1-3, 7-8, 12-17]; Ps 19:8-11; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25 Alternate readings (Year A): Ex 17:3-7; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42]

WEEKLY SCHEDULESUNDAY9:00 – 10:15am Children’s Faith Formation, K-8, Angels Camp (Sept.-May)

MONDAY 1:00 - 3:00pm St. Patrick’s Helping Hands Distribution, Angels Camp 4:00 - 5:30pm Children’s Faith Formation, Murphys (Sept.-May) 5:00 - 6:30pm High School Confirmation, Angels Camp

TUESDAY 8:30 -12:00pm St. Patrick’s Preschool, Angels Camp (Sept.–May) 9:00 -10:00am OLS Helping Hands Distribution, AR 10:00 - 11:00am Perpetual Novena, Arnold 10:00 - 1:00pm Seniors Meeting, Angels Camp

WEDNESDAY 8:30 – 12:00pm St. Patrick’s Preschool, Angels Camp (Sept.–May) 6:00 - 8:00pm Youth Group, Angels Camp (2nd and 4th)

THURSDAY 8:30 -12:00pm St. Patrick’s Preschool, Angels Camp (Sept.–May)FRIDAY 8:30 - 4:00pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

MONTHLY PARISH ACTIVITIESANGELS ALTAR SOCIETY: 2nd Monday, 10am, Library, Angels Camp

ARNOLD WOMEN’S CLUB: 1st Friday after 11am Rosary, Arnold Hall

ARNOLD MEN’S CLUB: 4th Thursday, 7pm Arnold

BINGO: 3rd Saturday, 2pm Angels Camp Hall

FINANCE COUNCIL: 4th Friday, 5:00pm, Parish Office

FIRST SATURDAY MASS: 9am Chapel Angels Camp

ITALIAN CATHOLIC FEDERATION: 4th Sunday after 10:15am Mass Angels Camp Hall

LITURGY BOARD: 1st Monday, 6:00pm Angels Camp Classroom

MURPHYS ALTAR SOCIETY: 2nd Thursday 10am Murphys Hall

MURPHYS MEN’S CLUB: 2nd Thurs 5pm Murphys Hall PARISH COUNCIL: 2nd Monday, 6pm Angels Camp Hall

ST. PATRICK’S ANGELS CAMP/MURPHYS HELPING HANDS: 1st Monday 11:00am Helping Hands Bldg. Angels Camp

ST. PATRICK’S PRESCHOOL PARENTS ADVISORY MEETING: 2nd Tuesday 6pm- Confirmation Room, Angels Camp ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY – 3rd Monday 6pm Classroom, Angels Camp

Omedro Nunez, Margarita Medrano, Patricia Howard, Kimberly Jones, Karalee Canham, Diane Sullivan, Victor and Bernice Jeworski, Denni Oravec, Ray Auger, Suzanne Lee, Darren Schuler, Joshua Lordan, Lori Oneto Detrick, Jose Garcia, Andrew Villa, Scott Kelly, Carol Carbajal, Ramon Gordils, Cedilia Gordils, Joel Rivera, Jeannette Bennett, Carol Otis, Pete Rodriguez, Diane Sullivan, Anthony Baptista-Alcaide, Helen Ayupan, Giovanie Baptista-Alcaide, Chuck Walker, Sylvia Cass, Debbie Raffetto, Johnny Johnson, Michael Davis, Nancy Davis, Amelia Vlaovich, Danica Woodbury, Kimberly Jones, Jeffery Harwell, Robin Hilmanofski, Carol Klocke, Aiden Hunt, Kim Jones, Randy Johnson, Steve Thompson, Janis Fraizer, Millie Navarro, Mary Vera, Joanne Weatherman, Jack & Lola Holton, Larry Allen, Shawn Serra, Julie Smith, Patty Grant, Chase Kelly, Nancy Peterson, Kraig Clifton, Jacob Silva, Michelle Tsutsui, Joshua Hegal, Ann Perez, Donelia Dooley, Julie Diedrick, Jim Ramsayer, Joe Symkowick, Michelle & Dave Elam, Cecilia Hegel, Amelia Orlonzit, Trevor Stotka, Sondra Clifford, Timothy Dahl, Anne Adams Helms, Lisa Lee, Sandra Juarez, Pat Stuth, Baby Alli Ybarra, Ellen Wiederlight, Cheyenne Jones, Theone Innes, Karan Newman, Joel Rivera, Taylor Lowell, Tim Murray, Stephanie Dunn, Randy McNurlin, Aurelia Meier, Amanda Soukup, Michelle Baker, Dave Finn, Karin Evans, Theresa Cummins, Peggy Rourke-Nichols, Siri Porovich, Leann Murray, Patty Chesnut, Norman Boydston, Ben Quick, John Wade, Clell & Mary Grimes, Louise Larro, Mike Larro, Michael Abeyta, Robbie Petterson, Eric Parker, Misha Larro, Kristine Camozzi, Peter Bailey, Karl Christensen, Mary Frances Kelly, Jack Setzer, Velma Laver, David Wells, Justin Bates, Sonny Abalos, Flo Vlnaty, Josh Kavanagh, Troy Williams, Aleida Robinson, Roman Maldonado, Jean Marie Peters, Grover M. Inks, Bradley J. Howard, Kelly Bloom, Nolan Hicks, Joshua and Colin Muilenburg and individuals on 12-step programs.

(Notify the Parish Office of any Prayer Listchanges – deaths, return to good health)

Attention All MinistriesPlease come in to the parish office and book your dates for your events and

meetings for 2018. Thank you!

Pastor’s Note2nd Sunday in Lent

February 25, 2018 Yr. B

The Transfiguration of our Lord

We are in the heart of Mark’s Gospel, dropped in story that comes on the heels of Jesus telling His disciples He will suffer and die and rise from the dead. The long shadow of the cross falls on every syllable as our Lord tells His friends that suffering and death will be his lot. Now, six days later, He invites Peter James and John to ascend a mountain where in their presence He transfigured in radiant light, white as snow. Apearing with Him are Moses the lawgiver, and Elijah the great prophet of Israel. Let us fix our eyes on our Lord in that moment and see a glimpse of His risen glory yet to come. Peter overwhelmed by his emotion said, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter thought that that moment is just overwhelming, it’s like the ancient Disneyworld and they assume to be the caretakers. Here the voice from heaven is heard, “This is my belovced Son, listen to Him.” The message from this vision is that: God’s glory is a gift not a possession. This temptation to posses glory can tempt us to live “in” wonder rather than “from” wonder. When we live “in” wonder, we attempt the impossible, believing we can capture the moment savoring it forever. We can become intoxicated by what

happened “back then” we miss all glory of what is going on right now. Parents meet this in every changing moment in their childrens’ lives. Infants become toddlers, become pre-schoolers, become students, graduates and become adults and on life runs before us. This Lenten journey continues. As we follow our Lord from Galilee, witness His healing and teaching ministry, see Him transfigured on this mountain and walk with Him to Jerusalem. A cross and an empty tomb, we do so believing we live from one moment of glory to the next. Such is the journey we take, the faith we believe and the invitation offered us by a Savior who goes before us. I pray that God through the Holy Spirit

will guide us on our precious Lenten journey. And may God Bless you.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITIONThe second Sunday of Lent every year recalls the

Transfiguration of the Lord. Since the fourth century, Mount Tabor has been the focus of devotion to this event. As mountains go, it is not particularly lofty, rising about fifteen hundred feet, within view of the Sea of Galilee and very close to Nazareth. Scripture doesn’t identify the mountain, but in the year 348 Saint Cyril of Jerusalem said he preferred Mount Tabor to Mount Hermon as the site of the Transfiguration, and his opinion won. It has long been a strategic military site, and ancient fortresses are visible on the heights. Over the centuries, churches and fortified monasteries rose on the mountaintop, only to be destroyed by various invaders. Six hundred years ago, local Christians started to decorate the ruins with flags and banners on the Feast of the Transfiguration. In 1631, the Sultan granted permission to the Franciscans to live on Mount Tabor, and they have been there ever since, discovering the ruins of an old Crusader church and constructing the present church on the site in 1924.

The top of the mountain is divided into Greek Orthodox and Latin (that’s us) zones. At one time, tourists arrived on the summit by bus, but this is no longer permitted. Some ride bicycles up a challenging and winding path, while others take the four thousand three hundred steps constructed for Christian pilgrims in the fourth century. It’s hard to imagine the fishermen following Jesus up this craggy mountain without complaint. Visitors will sympathize with Peter’s plan

to construct booths and stay put with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah for a while, enjoying the view, and planning the trip back down.

MemorareRemember, O Most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your

intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you. O Virgin of virgins, my

Mother; to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.

Amen

(If 20 people commit to saying the Memorare for a year asking our

Lady’s intercession against abortion at the end of the year over 70,000

prayers asking for the end of abortion through our Lady.)

Our Lady of the Sierra Arnold and St. Patrick’s Murphys Saturday Masses

are at 4pm through March 2018

STATIONS OF THE CROSS in Angels Camp will begin at 5:30pm each Friday of Lent; they will be bilingual and followed by the Lenten meals.

Week 2 - February 23 - Youth Group

Week 3 - March 2 – ICF- Bean Soup

Week 4 - March 9 – Tony Ruff Family - Fish Tacos

Week 5 - March 16 - Spanish Community

Week 6 - March 23 - Spanish Community

HELPING HANDS Angels Camp

Thank you very much for your generosity! We are no longer accepting clothing or shoes at this time. We are accepting towels, blankets and toiletries!!! You can bring donations to Helping Hands on Mondays between 11 am - 3 pm. We are always looking for volunteers! If you are interested helping, please call Helping Hands at 736-9978 and leave a message. Thanks!!!

Adoration of the Blessed SacramentEvery Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm

Evening Prayer/Benediction 4:00 p.m. "Our communal worship at Mass must go together

with our personal worship of Jesus in Eucharistic adoration in order that our love may be complete."

St. John Paul II

WEEKLY OFFERING2/18/18 Last Sunday’s Collections

Sundays Collection $ 4794Black & Indian $ 1352Ash Wednesday $ 1459M & R $ 20Online $ 105Total Collections $ 7730

Thank you for your generosity !!

Arnold Helping HandsWe want to thank many parishioners who generously contribute their time, talent and treasure to Our Lady of the Sierra Helping Hands program. We are open every Tuesday (weather permitting) 9:30am to 10:00am. We serve several homeless individuals, many families, and seniors from our food pantry. We also have a closet with clothes for infants, children of all sizes and adults (men and women) of all sizes. We gratefully accept donations of non-perishable

foods (especially cereal and peanut butter), personal items, and cleaning products.

Please welcome and pray for our candidates and catechumen in the RCIA program: From left to right:Rudy Mercado, Marney Mercado, Ryan Mercado, Hayden Jeanor, Shayna Zabiegevski, and Ricardo Calixtro. The two ladies are catechumen (to be baptized), the four gentlemen are candidates (seeking confirmation). If you know anybody who may want to join our RCIA program have them call the parish.

Parish Pastoral Council ElectionsWe will be conducting elections to our Parish Pastoral Council on Palm Sunday March 25th. We have vacancies for Arnold, Copperopolis and Murphys churches and each church can seat up to 3 representatives for a total of 12 for the Parish. Please contact your council representative for information. Nominees may be submitted until March 4th and will be posted in the bulletin on March 11th

St. Patrick’s Angels Camp - Dewayne BrownSt. Patrick’s Murphys - John HicksOur Lady of the Sierra - Mary FinleySt. Ignatius - Chris Anisko