April 8, 2007 Bulletin

Page Two - Sunday, April 8, 2007

EASTER SUNDAY

My Dear Friends in Christ,

Resurrexit Dixit!

The Lord is truly risen! He is risen as he foretold!

We Rejoice and are glad!

G.K. Chesterton. He wrote magnificent stories and essays, but was

also famous for his eccentricity. Chesterton wore a huge overcoat which
occasionally he used to conceal props including a long pistol. If
someone complained, "My life just doesn't seem worthwhile. I am tired
of it all. I wish I could just die," Chesterton would pull out his pistol,
point it at the man and say: "OK. Let me help you." After the person got
over the shock, he would realize, "Well, maybe I do have something to live for."

People come to church on Easter Sunday seeking something to live for. Don't worry, I am not going

to pull out a gun. Rather, I want to offer you what Peter did in his Easter sermon. We heard it this
morning in our first reading from Acts. Peter gives a summary of Jesus' teaching, his miracles, but most
importantly, his death and mysterious reappearance. Then he concludes with these words, "Everyone
who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name." (Acts 10:43)

If you want something to live for, the first step is recognizing you are

free. I am not referring to the fact we live in a free nation, but to something
more fundamental: that you can make a choice.

People at times tend to imagine that their genes or heredity predetermine

their behavior. They say: "My Irish temper got the better of me." Or, "It's
my Latin blood." Maybe, but was there not a moment when you could have
avoided saying what you said or doing what you did? It's not all your
parents' fault, or your wife's/husband's or your boss'.

Sure, you have special circumstances, but deep in your being you know you can make a choice and

that it is very basic: between good and bad, right and wrong. One of the reasons young people flocked to
the Lord of the Rings movies is because they vividly depict the battle between good and evil.

Of course, none of us makes perfect choices. For sure we often choose beautiful things love,

compassion, care but as Peter tells us, we have also chosen wrong. According to the Bible, our bad
choices have brought a terrible consequence they have put Jesus on the cross.

Nevertheless this is the astounding part he is now alive and he offers you and me forgiveness.

Without cost. Gratis. No strings attached.

An evangelical minister said that when he asks practicing Catholics how they hope to

get to heaven, only 30 percent even mention Christ. They say things like, "I try to live a
good and decent life," or "I try to be kind to everyone." Those responses contain too
much `I' and not enough `Christ'. By all means, be kind to others and try to live a decent
life, but recognize that good deeds, in themselves, cannot save you. Only Christ crucified
and risen can open heaven for you.

That's what we announce, particularly on Easter: Jesus died and he now lives. Not as

a disembodied spirit, but body and soul, humanity and divinity. And that you do have
something or rather Someone to live for. He wants you to receive him in faith and
in the sacraments.

I know this is a lot to take in at once. Do not worry if this morning you have only a

glimmer of faith. In the Catholic Church, Easter is not a single day, but a season lasting
seven weeks. Come back next Sunday. You do have something - and Someone - to live
for.

Alleluia! Alleluia! The Lord is Risen!

Fr. Pecchie

JMJ

Parish & Evangelization - Page Three

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

First Reading -- A large number of people

gathered, bringing the sick, and all were
cured (Acts 5:12-16).

Psalm -- Give thanks to the Lord for he is

good, his love is everlasting (Psalm 118).

Second Reading -- Do not be afraid. I am

the first and the last, the one who lives
(Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19).

Gospel -- The risen Christ comes to his

disciples with peace and the Spirit. The
absent Thomas doubts (John 20:19-31).

What "locked doors" of fear do I have

that may prevent Jesus from entering

to bring me comfort and His love?

Readings for the Week Ahead:

April 15, 2007

Divine Mercy Sunday

We are . . . Disciples in Mission

Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!

DRAWN INTO THE STORY

"We are witnesses!" The Scripture readings for Easter

Sunday concentrate on details reported by eyewitnesses. Listen
carefully and you will be drawn into the stories yourself. Peter
reports the good works Jesus did, his death on the cross, and
his resurrection. The passage from
John's Gospel has us running to the
empty tomb with Peter and John and
peering inside to see the cloths used to
cover Jesus' body. Psalm 118 sums up
our response: "It is wonderful in our
eyes!"

What resurrection details do we see

in our lives today? How have we died to
our old lives and been raised up again
with Jesus? Let us pay attention to the
new life around us. It is wonderful in our
eyes.

Fr. Paul Pecchie

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

(727) 584-2318 Tel.

Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

2121 - 16th Avenue SW, Largo, FL 33770

(727) 586-5413 Fax.

Our Junior Youth Group will be holding their
Bake Sale next Sunday, April 15th after the

morning Masses. Please help support
their service projects by purchasing
these goodies baked with their own
hands! Thank you for your support.

St. Patrick Church will be having a monthly
CHARISMATIC MASS. The first Mass will be on
Tuesday, April 10th at 7 PM, celebrated by Msgr.
Fregapane. A charismatic prayer group will also be
forming after Easter. For info, please phone Bobbie at
584-0503. All are welcome. Come and share the joy.

e warmly welcome ...

In the Sacraments of Initiation we are freed from the power of darkness and

joined to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. We receive the Spirit of filial adoption and are part of

the entire people of God in the celebration of the Lord's death and resurrection.

At the Easter Vigil, we were pleased to welcome into our Church family three people

who have received the three sacraments of initiation: Kyle Ahern, John Best, Selena
Rivera, and two infants who received Baptism: Sage LeBlanc and Jacob Reynolds.

We are also pleased to welcome into full communion with the Church those

candidates who received the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation: Dawn Adamo,
Jason Spence, Gabriele Hall, Nikki Supprenant and Kalyn Reynolds. Congratulations
to all of you.

May your lives be richly blessed and strengthened by the grace

of Christ. The Community of St. Patrick welcomes you and offers to
you our love and support as you continue on your journey in faith.

The solemn celebration of the FEAST of DIVINE MERCY will be held next Sunday,
Divine Mercy Sunday, April 15th, in the Church, starting at 2:30 PM. The celebration
will include the recitation of the Scriptural Rosary, Procession with the Divine Image,
Exposition, Chaplet, and Benediction. Please join our St. Patrick community in
observing our 13th annual commemoration of this Great and Merciful day of the Lord.

As Pope, John Paul the Great was responsible for reopening the cause of Divine Mercy and
named the first Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. He also canonized the first saint
of the Millennium, St. Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy, and died during the Vigil of Divine
Mercy Sunday two years ago.

All for the Greater Honor & Glory of God

Page Four - Faith Formation

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Men's Bible Study Group
Robert Smith

6:45 AM - 7:30 AM (Lib)

(ph. 587-7961)

Every Wednesday

Adult Bible Study: The Gospel of Luke
Sr. Kathleen

9:45 AM - 11:30 AM (CR)

Wednesday, April 11th

The Great Bible Adventure
Sr. Kathleen

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (CR)

Thursday, April 12th

Royal Kingdom. Jeff Cavins, video series.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

RCIA is a process in which new Catholics
embark on and join us in a continuing and
deepening conversion into faith and
discipleship. It is for those who are
unbaptized and would like to be received
fully into the Catholic Church, those who
have been baptized in another Christian community and
seek full reception into the Catholic Church, and for those
who were baptized as Catholics but have not received the
sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Inquiry
classes are held every Sunday morning at 10 AM in the
Conference Room of Msgr. McCall Hall. For info,
phone Sr. Kathleen ext. 321.

St. Patrick's Religious Education

Religious Education (K-8) Sundays, 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Small Faith Sharing Group
Barb Murphy 10 AM - 11:30 AM (CR)

Friday, April 13th

Pope's Encyclical "Deus Caritas". New mem-

bers welcome! Questions? Call 585-4149.

Mr. & Mrs.

Joseph &

Julie Blum

DRE, ext. 320

Religious

Ed.

Got Internet? Visit our St. Patrick Parish website

www.stpatrick-largo.org !

FOUNDATIONS OF PERSONAL PRAYER:

Prayer meetings continue Tuesday nights

in the Msgr. McCall Hall at 7 PM.

PLEASE NOTE: ERE classes begin again on April 15th. Please make it a priority to be in

class these last few weeks! The last day of ERE is April 29th.

t. Patrick Library Book Club News:

If you want a good "read", get "Left To Tell" from the public

library. We are reading this powerful story of a Rwandan woman whose faith and prayers saved her and

others form the genocide. Join us for lunch and chat at Noon on Thursday, April 19th. Ask René for details
at 584-3775.

Important Dates to Remember:

Confirmation Rehearsal:
Tuesday, April 24 at 7:00 PM in Church
Confirmation:
Saturday, April 28, 10:30 AM Mass

First Communion Rehearsal:
Tuesday, May 1 at 7:00 PM in Church
First Communion:
Saturday, May 5, 10:30 AM Mass

April 8, 2007 Easter Sunday Cycle C

What stones are being moved away so you can be a minister of the Gospel? Who would you in-

vite to consider being a sister, brother, priest, or deacon? Spread the good news: "Jesus is risen!"

VOCATION

VIEW:

(John 20:1-9)

Going Deeper With Your Faith

Adult Education and Faith Formation

PASTOR'S CLASS with Fr. Pecchie

7:00 PM - 9 PM (CR)

Sacramentum Caritatis resumes April 23rd.

Have a Blessed
and Happy Easter week!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL this summer
will be a QUEST FOR JESUS! It will be
held the week of June 25-29 from 9-12
daily. Please watch this space for details.

Don't forget! The First Communion Retreat is on
Saturday, April 21st from 9-12 in Msgr. McCall Hall. ALL
children and one parent must attend if you are planning on
receiving your First Communion on May 5th.

School & Youth - Page Five

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Principal:

Mrs. Therese

Hernandez

ENIOR

IGH

OUTH

ROUP

H.S. Youth Minister: Mr. Joseph Blum, ext. 320

Jr. High Youth Ministers: Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sue Tassinari, ext. 322

. P

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

CHOOL

ELEBRATING

OVER

YEARS

XCELLENCE

DUCATION

, L

EADERSHIP

& S

ERVICE

"By This Sign, You Will Conquer"

St. Patrick Catholic Youth

REGISTRATION for 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR: Registration for all grades (preK-8) is taking place. St.
Patrick is a fully accredited, Christ-centered environment, known for academic excellence. Come and see
what makes St. Patrick so special. For information, call the school office at (727) 581- 4865.

UNIOR

OUTH

ROUP

IND

, O

EART

, O

PIRIT

No youth event on Easter. Enjoy your break!

See you on April 15 at 6:30 PM

for game night and Bible Study.

CALENDAR

Thursday, April 5 - Friday, April 13

EASTER VACATION

Monday, April 16

CLASSES RESUME

HEAR YE! HEAR YE! All 5

, 6

and 7

graders!

The Junior Youth Group of St. Patrick requests your presence for a complimentary
breakfast on Sunday, May 6th, after the 9 AM Mass in the Conference Room. Your
response is requested (RSVP) by Sunday, April 29th to Sue Tassinari at 585-5546.

p.s. Please have your parents join us!

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Ms. Heather Pacana, teacher of grade 1, has been selected as the Teacher
of the Year for St. Patrick Catholic School. Ms. Pacana will be honored by the
Largo Chamber of Commerce, with other Largo area schools, at an
Outstanding Educators Luncheon on Tuesday, April 10, 2007.

Congratulations, Heather, your amazing dedication does make a difference!

Yum, Yum Yum!

St. Patrick School will be sponsoring a Bake Sale on Sunday, April 22nd, in the school cafeteria, 9 AM -
12 noon.

Donations of store bought or homemade goodies can be dropped off in the cafeteria that Friday

from 8 AM - 3 PM or Sunday morning starting at 9 AM. For more info call Pam Hadden, 585-5255

Thank you for supporting our school!

Page Six - Stewardship: Sharing our Gifts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

EASTER SUNDAY

In the second reading today, St. Paul reminds the Colossians that they have been

raised with Christ, exhorting them to "think about the things above rather than

things of earth." We, too, have been raised with Christ. Let us rejoice!

TEWARDSHIP

: T

IME

, T

ALENT

, T

REASURE

Parish Ministries

"
"
"
"

The Word was made flesh, and made His dwelling

among us."

among us." We are the Body of Christ.

We are the Body of Christ.

Let us reach out in SERVICE and in LOVE.

Have you lost a loved one recently?

Learn about the process we all go through when grieving the loss of a loved one.

Our GriefShare sessions will begin again on Tuesday nights at 6:30 PM in the
McCall Library beginning May 1st. If you or someone you know is having a hard
time coping with the loss of a loved one, please consider coming to our
gatherings and be with those who understand. GriefShare is a 12-week Christian
based bereavement group. As many people have found out, this road is not one
to be traveled alone. If you have any questions or need more info., please
contact Pat Condon at 585-0945 or Claire at the parish office, ext. 302.

St. Patrick Church 2nd Annual Fundraiser Cruise

7-day Southbound Glacier Bay Discovery on the Ryndam

Holland America Line

September 5, 2007 - September 9, 2007 (Land package)

September 9 , 2007 - September 16, 2007 (Cruise only)

Join Fr. Pecchie on a beautiful, scenic 7-day cruise beginning in
Anchorage, Alaska and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Cruise Glacier Bay National Park and stop in Haines, Juneau and
Ketchikan, Alaska. Create your own Alaskan experience in ports that offer a fascinat-
ing array of excursions featuring Alaskan history, wildlife and native culture. Cabin
rates - Inside $1,969.22 and Ocean View $2,229.22 - include cabin, all taxes, and
round trip air fare per person. For reservations or more info, please contact Helene
Riley at (813) 741-2193 or email Helene-TravelBeyond@tampabay.rr.com.

233 families in our parish have made a gift or pledge to the 2007 Annual
Pastoral Appeal. Our parish goal is to have 100% participation (that
would mean 1200 families making a gift or pledge). Please prayerfully
consider supporting APA with a pledge or one-time gift. Convenient ten-
month payment plans are available. The ministries, activities and
programs serve people throughout the Diocese and in our parish.

2007 APA

Assessment $ 117,247.00

- Pledged

$ 66,344.44

Balance

$ 50,902.56

The annual Wine Social and Silent Auction benefiting Catholic Charities Pregnancy

Plus Medical Center will be held this year on Friday, April 20th. Join us for a
fun and exciting evening at the Radisson Hotel, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd, Pinellas
Park, 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35. Your participation is a way to give to others an
opportunity to build a future of hope and happiness. Are you interested in a
Sponsorship package? Would you like to contribute goods or services for the
Wine Social or for the Silent Auction? Do you want to purchase tickets to the
event? Call (727) 550-4236 or (727) 463-4436 or e-mail Rose at
rpetito@ccdosp.org.

Mass Intentions & Schedule of Events - Page Seven

Sun.

7:30 PM

Mon.

5:00 PM
7:00 PM

Tue.

7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Wed.

6:45 AM
9:30 AM
9:45 AM
3:30 PM
5:00 PM
6:45 PM

Thu.

9:00 AM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM

Fri.

10:00 AM

7:30 PM

Sat.

9:00 AM
3:30 PM
4:30 PM

Parish Meeting Rooms: Art = Art Room (School Jubilee Building); Cafe =
School Cafeteria; CH = Church, CR = Conference Room in Msgr. McCall Hall;
FLD = Field; MC = Media Center; MR = Music Room (School Jubilee Build-
ing); PE-A/B = PE portables; OLM = Office of Liturgical Music; PC = Msgr.
McCall Hall; PCLib = Msgr. McCall Library; REL = Religion Room (old Span-
ish Room); RE Office = Religious Education Office in PC; YR = Youth Room

04/08/07 - HAPPY EASTER
No Coffee and Donuts
Al-Anon Meeting (CR)

04/09/07 - NO SCHOOL: EASTER BREAK
Mission of St. Patrick ESOL Class (Lib)
Cub Scout Pack 465 Den Mtg (Cafe, Art, PE,

Gr1)

04/10/07 - NO SCHOOL: EASTER BREAK
Boy Scout Troop 465 Meeting (Cafe.)
Foundations of Personal Prayer (PC,CR)
Charismatic Mass (CH)

04/11/07 - NO SCHOOL: EASTER BREAK
Men's Bible Study (CR)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Adult Bible Study (CH)
Weight Watchers Group Mtg. (CR)
Mission of St. Patrick Tutoring (CR, Lib)
Benediction (CH)

04/12/07 - NO SCHOOL: EASTER BREAK

Legion of Mary (CR)
Children's Choir Practice (OLM)
Adult Choir Practice (OLM)
Great Adventure Bible Study (CR)
Knights of Columbus Meeting (Cafe.)

04/13/07 - NO SCHOOL: EASTER BREAK

Faith Sharing (CH)
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)

04/14/07
Mission of St. Patrick Tutoring (CR)
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)

Mass Intentions

The Week Ahead

Sat.

7:30 PM

Sun.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM

Mon.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM

Tue.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM

Wed.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM

Thu.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM

Fri.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM

Sat.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
4:30 PM

Sun.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM

April 7, 2007
Agnes Booty

April 8, 2007
Jan Gradek
Regina (Jean) Hebrank
St. Patrick Parishioners

April 9, 2007
Anna Cosgrove
Rob Moore

April 10, 2007
Dorothy Susanno
Severini Mbuya

April 11, 2007
Michael Collins
Robert Coté

April 12, 2007
Frank Blondin
Ivan Painter

April 13, 2007
Rose Marie Ponzo
Jack Burk

April 14, 2007
Kenneth Fyfe
Draksler & Zorowski Families
St. Patrick Parishioners

April 15, 2007
Agnes Booty
Msgr. John M. McCall
Maria Rey (Living)
St. Patrick Youth Group

Pray for our Military

Staff Sgt. William J. Condon, US Army, New York
Lt. Comm. Shawn D. Fitzpatrick, USN, Virginia
Sgt. Jason A. George, US Army, Korea
Lance Corporal Jorge Granados, USMC, Florida
Sgt. Joshua Harmon, Kentucky
Pvt. Joshua Harrison, US Army, Louisiana
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hicks, U.S. Army, Missouri
Airman Ryan Hines, USAF
Lt. Jr. William J. Howey, III, USN, Connecticut
Sgt. Anthony Jordan, US Army Calvary, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kinkade, U.S. Army, Kentucky
Pvt. 1st Class Nick Krege, USMC, Iraq
Specialist Daniel McCarley, US Army, Florida
Airman 1st Class Kevin McCarley, USAF, Germany
Ensign Christopher McDowell, USN, Mississippi
Pvt. Chris Reed, USMC, Iraq
Major Kristin Streukens, USAF
Major Scott Trapman, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA
Major Michael Trofinoff, US Army, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Saturnino Vilano, Jr., US Army, Afghanistan
Airman Christopher E. Villano, USN, Iraq

Please pray for the members of our St.
Patrick Parish family and friends who
have died recently.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let
perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in
peace. May their souls and the souls of all the
faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in
peace.

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

SHARE-A-PRAYER: If you or someone you know
needs special prayers, phone our prayer line and let us
pray for you and your loved ones. Phone 584-6954 and
our prayer warriors will offer their prayers for you!

Page Eight - Saints 'N Feasts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Diocesan Announcements

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AND

BENEDICTION EVERY WEDNESDAY

Come, pray with me!

Could you not watch one hour with me?

Please consider spending even one
hour each Wednesday to be with Our
Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, beginning

after the last morning Mass and concluding with
Benediction at 6:45 PM. Please sign up at the
Church entrance. Wednesdays in our Diocese is
our designated day to pray for holy vocations to
the priesthood and religious life.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Council
# 4892 meets on the second
Thursday of the month at 8 PM in the
Cafeteria. Call Bob Lamelle at 584-
1234. Hope to see you there!

Summer Adventure Opportunities at GOOD COUNSE-
SEL CAMP, Floral City, FL which is owned and oper-
ated by the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg. This is
a co-ed residential camp for ages 7 -15 offering 1 and
2 week sessions. Camp brochures are available in the
parish office or can be requested by contacting the
camp at 550 US Hwy 41S, Inverness, FL 34450 or
(352) 726-1910 or GoodCounselCamp@aol.com.

Clearwater Central Catholic High School Classes of
1967, 1977, 1987, 1997 will hold their reunion July 27-
28 at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Alumni inter-
ested in assisting with reunion planning should contact
Alumni Director, Richard Falls, at (727)530-5652 or
email RFalls@cchs.org.

REUNIONS

St. Michael Commercial High School (Jerome St.,
Brooklyn, New York) Class of 1957 is planning a 50-
year Reunion in October. For information, contact
Joyce (Imperato) Monteleone at (516) 546-6965 or Pat
(Smilh) Voelker at (609) 660-9741.

St. Martin was the last pope to be

venerated as a martyr, and his story
begins like many of the martyrs before
him. By adhering to the faith as he
understood it and by condemning the
theological position of the Patriarch of
Constantinople, St. Martin angered the
emperor, who had him imprisoned,
tortured, and condemned to death. At
the last minute, his execution was stayed and his life was
spared. But the hardship and cruel treatment he had en-
dured cost him his health, and he died soon after. It may be,
however, that we can more readily identify with this sort of
martyrdom since, as one commentator puts it, "The real
significance of the word martyr comes not from the dying
but from the witnessing ... People who are willing to give up
everything, their most precious possessions, their very lives,
put a supreme value on the cause or belief for which they
sacrifice."

The real gift of St. Martin was not his life, but

his refusal to compromise and his patient endurance of the
sufferings which that refusal cost him. Could an outside
observer tell, from the sacrifices I am willing to make,
what is most important in my life?

St. Martin I (Died 655)

Feast Day: April 13

St. Stanislaus (1030-1079)

Patron Saint of Poland

Feast Day: April 11

Like St. John the Baptist, St.

Stanislaus dared to stand up to the
king and denounce his wickedness.
And like St. John the Baptist, St.
Stanislaus was put to death for doing
so. The patron saint of Poland, St.
Stanislaus was born near Krakow

and educated in Paris. Returning to his homeland, he
gained a reputation as a preacher and was in great demand
as a spiritual director. In 1072, he became the Bishop of
Krakow. King Boleslaus II of Poland was a powerful man
who had won a great victory over the Russians, but was
morally corrupt. St. Stanislaus publicly rebuked the king's
immoral behavior and, when he refused to change, eventu-
ally excommunicated him. The king then ordered the assas-
sination of the bishop, but because his soldiers failed to
carry out his order, he killed him himself while the saint
was saying Mass. Moral courage and an uncompromising
devotion to the truth brought martyrdom to St. Stanislaus, as
they did to St. John the Baptist and later to St. Thomas
Becket and St. Thomas More. St. Stanislaus, pray that we,
too, may be courageous stewards of the gift of faith.

Martha Mary Guild

LUNCHEON AND SPRING FASHION SHOW

Fashions by Inspirational Elegance

Wednesday, April 18

Belleair Country Club

Luncheon at 12 noon

Cocktails at 11:30 AM

Fish or Chicken

$23 per person

For reservations, contact Pat Siglain, 596-8244

or Annie Skeldon, 593-0793.