4th Sunday - May 12, 2019
THIS WEEK’S REFLECTION
Good Shepherd Sunday
“A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away…” John 10:11-12
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Jesus offers a clear contrast among shepherds. This would apply to priests, parents and all of us in our own unique way. The contrast He offers is between the ones who care deeply for those entrusted to their care, and those who are just going through the motions and are more motivated by selfishness than sacrificial love.
Jesus perfectly manifested sacrificial love as the Divine Shepherd. He was willing to go all the way for us, His sheep. He was willing to sacrifice everything. He did not let suffering, persecution, rejection and the like deter Him from His responsibility of caring for us in a total and complete way. It should inspire us, console us and encourage us to know how deep His love for us really is.
This love is seen, also, in the unwavering love of a parent, sibling, or dear friend. When the love one offers us is unwavering, especially in difficult times, this is a great support. And love offered to another like this forges a deep spiritual bond that is stronger than any hardship we may face. No matter what “wolf” comes our way, we must know of the unwavering support of the Divine Shepherd. And when we can see that love made manifest in the unwavering support of others, we are doubly blessed.
But the contrast should not be ignored either. Jesus gives the example of “a hired man who is not a shepherd” who sees the wolf coming and runs. It’s important to point out how damaging this man is to the people of God. When he runs from his responsibility and gives into selfish motivation, he leaves the flock untended and vulnerable to attack.
We should see in this hired man the temptation we all inevitably face in life. It’s hard to stick with it through the hard times. It’s hard to be there for those who need us when they need us. It’s hard to be faithful in all things and to never shy away in the face of the temptation of fear.
Jesus offers His unwavering love and support to us as our Shepherd, but He also wants us to return this gift to Him by offering this same unwavering commitment to one another.
Reflect, today, how well you imitate the Good Shepherd. Where you are lacking, let Him shepherd you so that you may shepherd others. Run to the Good Shepherd and trust in His perfect love for you.
MyCathloicLife.com
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
A special Mother’s Day Blessing to all of our Mothers near and far. Thanks for all of your special joys big and small that you graciously devote with the tenderness only a mother could give. May the Risen Lord and his Blessed Mother smile on you today and grant all you heart’s desires.
MASS COUNT SUNDAY
Today we are taking a count of the number of people attending Mass to send to the Archdiocese where attendance is tracked from year to year. It is important that this count be accurate so we encourage everyone to provide all the information requested on the form. Please leave your completed form with the ushers following Mass.
ROSARY DURING MAY
During the month of May we will pray the rosary 15 minutes before Mass each Sunday. We invite you to come early and join in prayer for the many needs of our church and our world.
SISTA CIRCLE
The Sista Circle meets this Tuesday, May 14, 6 pm in the Anchorage. All members are encouraged to attend.
ST. ANN'S HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR
Our Annual St. Ann’s Community Health and Wellness Fair for our church family and our neighbors from the surrounding area is this Saturday, May 18 12 noon – 3 pm. There will be free health information and screenings, along with snacks and entertainment for children. Help with setup and clean- up is always appreciated.
ST. ANN’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
We are gearing up for our St. Ann’s Annual Fundraising Event Friday, May 31. We will celebrate with a Shrimp and Bull Roast which features an all you can eat menu. Tickets are currently available at $60 per person. Payment plans may also be established for the purchase of your ticket. Please see Bobby Jackson and our ticket captains for tickets and information. Tickets may also be purchased in church office.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Columbus Gardens
4301 Klosterman Ave.
Baltimore, MD. 21236
8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Raffle drawings
-1st Prize-40” Flat Screen HDTV
-2nd Prize-Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
-3rd Prize-$50 Gift Card
OUTREACH
Members of our Outreach Committee will conduct our monthly Food Pantry next Tuesday, May 21, to help assist those in the neighborhood who are in most need just in time for Memorial Day.
FR. JOE MUTH CELEBRATES 45 YEARS IN MINISTRY
Our dear friend and former pastor, Fr. Joe Muth, celebrates 45 Years in the Priesthood! A Mass to honor Fr. Joe’s Anniversary will be held at St. Matthew’s Church, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd. 21239 next Sunday, May 19th at 10 am. A Reception and Fellowship will follow in St. Matthew’s Church Hall.
THANK YOU
The families of Ulda Bassole, Kevin Crum, Jr. & Rogelio D’Almeida III wish to thank members of St. Ann’s Church near and far for all of their prayers, kind words and well wishes as Ulda received her baptism and all three received their First Holy Communion last week. You all helped to make the occasion special. Peace and Blessings to you all.
-The Bassole, Crum & D’Almeida Families
Happenings In the Pastorate: Save These Dates
· 2019 Pastorate Oriole Game – Saturday, July 20th at 7:05 pm against the Boston Red Sox.
· Senior Luncheon – Saturday, June 15th SFX Church Hall.
· The Annual Lucielle Fitzgerald Outreach Center Crab Feast to benefit St. Wenceslaus’ Food Pantry – Saturday, August 10th, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Tickets $60. Rosedale Gardens, 8037 Philadelphia Rd.
· St. Francis Xavier Church –
Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary Annual Fashion Show, Sunday May 19th, from 3 – 6 pm, tickets are $15.00.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please also continue to pray for all of our sick and homebound, especially Msgr. Lloyd Aiken (Sacred Heart Glyndon), Cornelia Bailey, Florence Barber, James Butts, Elaine Cousin, Elaine Edmonds, Gregory Epps, John Frederick, Pat Haley, Rita Hardy, Tom Lutz, Nelson Outlaw, Penny Palmer, Bernadette, Wallace, Sharon Johnson-Stewart Wallace, Rita Watkins and ask that God grant them strength, comfort and healing.
MAY 2019
Sun., May 12 4th Sunday of Easter
11 am Mass, St. Ann
1st Holy Communion
No Sunday School
No Adult Bible Study after Mass,
Tues., May 14 Monthly Food Pantry
Anchorage, 10 am – 12 pm
Thurs., May 16 Evening Mass, 7pm
Bible Study after Mass, Anchorage Chapel
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
1st Reading Acts 14:21-27
2nd Reading Revelation 21:1-5
Gospel John 13:31-33a, 34-35