Our Lady
'
s Grotto with Church in background.
Reverend Paul Pecchie, Pastor
Reverend Prakash Madanu, ALCP.
Deacon Richard Brady, Deacon Ralph Bufano
Deacon Kenneth Spaulding (Winter Months)
Retired Assisting Priests
Reverend Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski
Reverend Monsignor Richard Cahill
Reverend Kenneth Bonadies
MASS SCHEDULE
Daily Masses ...........................7:30 and 9:00 AM
Saturday Vigil ........................................ 4:30 PM
Sunday...........7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM
Music Director:
Mrs. Paulette King.........................................x 316
Sacristans:
Sr. Lucy Mbuya, CDNK.................................x 304
Sr. Castissima Masambo, CDNK ..................x 304
Directors of Religious Education:
K-8th grade: M/M Joseph & Julie Blum .........x 320
Adult: Sr. Kathleen Luger, OSC ....................x 321
Outreach Ministries:
Sr. Rosamunda Massawe, CDNK .................x 321
Ms. Claire Obordo.........................................x 302
Youth Ministry:
H.S.: M/M Joseph & Julie Blum....................x 320
Jr. High: M/M Robert & Sue Tassinari..........x 322
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 11, 2007 A.D.
1507 Trotter Road, Largo, FL 33770
Mailing Address: 2121 - 16th Ave. SW, Largo, FL 33770
Parish Office: (727) 584-2318
Fax: (727) 586-5413
Website: www.stpatrick-largo.org
Confessions are heard on Saturdays, 3:30 and
5:30 PM (also on Wednesdays before First Friday;
8:00 AM and 9:30 AM).
Baptisms are arranged at least two months in
advance by calling the parish office.
Marriages are scheduled with the priest at least six
months ahead of time.
Anointing of the Sick: If you anticipate a hospital
stay, please ask to be anointed prior to
hospitalization at one of the daily Masses. In case of
an emergency, please call at any hour. The infirm
may call the parish office to arrange for a priest to
anoint them at home.
Visits to the Homebound: Our Eucharistic
Ministers bring Holy Communion to our homebound
parishioners, usually on a weekly basis. Please call
the parish office if you are no longer able to attend
Mass.
Parish Registration is done by filling out a green
card at the main church doors or at the rectory.
S
AINT
P
ATRICK
C
ATHOLIC
C
HURCH
School Principal:
Mrs. Therese Hernandez ........................581-4865
St. Patrick School, founded in 1959, provides an
excellent academic program to grades preK-8, in a
Christ-centered environment which nurtures each
student in mind, body and soul.
Page Two - Sunday, February 11, 2007
6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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.
My Dear Friends in Christ,
This weekend is our APA (Annual Pastoral Appeal) kickoff
weekend. As I stated last week our goal for 2007 is $117,000.00. We
received a deduction of $2,000 from last year, for this we are grateful.
However, we still owe $40,000 for 2006's goal of $119,000. This will have to
come out of our operating expenses. Sad to say, if we had even 75% participation
in 2006, that $40,000 could remain here and be used for youth programs, adult
education, Bible studies, the list goes on and on what we could do to benefit the
people of St. Patrick in our spiritual growth. Remember our goal this year is to
have 100% participation and anything over the $117,000 stays here in the parish.
Many people ask why give to APA? I must remind you that 2
years ago we benefited from the diocese lending us money for
operating expenses after 2 hurricanes greatly disrupted our offertory.
Should APA not have existed, we would not benefit from that loan in
funds. Currently, the diocese is working closely with St. Vincent de
Paul Society and the city of St. Petersburg to give aid to the homeless
and provide alternatives to tent city. There are many areas which the
needs of God's people are being met and ministered to with the aid of
our diocese, both here and globally. The Annual Pastoral Appeal is
essential to keep these ministries alive. Also, I must remind you that
the Appeal aids the diocese in paying for the education of future priests
which runs the cost of $27,000 a year. So there are many important realities and projects that the APA
dollars go towards. I hope you will pray about what level you are able to share in this appeal and that
you will be as generous as possible. If you are a registered parishioner, you should have received a
letter from the Bishop and a pledge envelope; if you did not receive the pledge envelope in the mail,
there are envelopes available in the pews. God cannot be outdone in His generosity. Can we afford not
to be as generous as God?
Reflection for the Day
It is significant that Pope Benedict wrote his first and
only encyclical so far on love. He speaks about various
types of love: love of country, love of friends, love between parents and children, love of neighbor and
love of God. Out of all the various types of love, the Pope says that one stands out: love between man
and woman, where body and soul are inseparably joined. In this union, he says, "human beings glimpse
an apparently irresistible promise of happiness." In the rest of the encyclical Pope Benedict analyzes
this love and explains how a person can sustain it. The encyclical is well worth reading.
In the encyclical, the Pope gives a winsome presentation on the meaning of love. But in the end he
admits that love is not so much a lesson to be learned as a mystery to live. He doesn't use these words,
but love rooted in trust in the Lord is not taught but caught. That was the case with how the Pope
first learned love from his parents. Joseph and Maria Ratzinger did not talk to their
children about the ins and outs of their relationship, but their children caught the meaning
of love love such as today's reading describes: like a tree planted by a stream, it quietly
grows and bears great fruit. Since this week we celebrate St. Valentine's Day, let us pray
that we may be caught up in the mystery of the Love of God so that we
may truly share that love as a Valentine to each other.
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Fr. Pecchie
JMJ
?
Parish & Evangelization - Page Three
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
First Reading -- David found Saul in a
deep sleep, but would not harm him (1
Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23).
Psalm -- The Lord is kind and merciful
(Psalm 103).
Second Reading -- We shall bear the
image of the heavenly Adam (1 Corin-
thians 15:45-49).
Gospel -- Give to everyone who asks of
you. Lend expecting nothing back
(Luke 6:27-38).
Is there someone with whom
I can offer forgiveness over retaliation,
or kindness over hostility?
Do I love unconditionally?
Readings for the Week Ahead:
February 18, 2007
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
P
ARISH
N
EWS
We are . . . Disciples in Mission
Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!
BLESSED
When we think of the word "Beatitude" we think of today's
discourse from Luke's Gospel, or the more familiar one from
Matthew (which begins "Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . ").
Actually, beatitudes occur throughout the prophets and Gospels.
Today in Jeremiah (with an echo in the psalm) we hear,
"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord." (Jeremiah 17:7)
Following his resurrection in John's Gospel, Christ proclaims,
"Blessed are those who have not seen and have
believed." (John 20:29) The evangelists placed these sayings
throughout the Gospels as short reminders about the
characteristics that one will find in a follower of Christ,
characteristics that will help spread the Good
News in this life and lead to eternal
blessings in the next. In Latin, the saints are
called the Beati, the "Blessed," for they are
the ones who lived the "blessed" life as
described by Jesus throughout the Gospels.
How blest are we, when we also strive to
make our own days a living beatitude!
MARDI GRAS!
Come celebrate Mardi Gras
with St. Patrick Parish!
Tuesday, February 20th
6 PM 9 PM in Msgr. McCall Hall
Enjoy good New Orleans food, games and
Mask making, Crowning of King and Queen
of Mardi Gras,
and learn about what we're
doing for Lent!
Tickets are on sale after all Masses
and at the Parish Office during the week.
February
11th and
18th.
Adults $5
Children
FREE
SPANISH ROSARY:
Second Wednesday of each month
St. Patrick's Hispanic community is
proud to announce that they will be
reciting the rosary in Spanish, the second
Wednesday of each month starting this
week on February 14th, 2007, at 7 PM
in the church. Pope John Paul II wrote,
"To pray the Rosary is to hand over our burdens to the
merciful heats of Christ and His Mother." We invite the
entire community to join us. If you have questions, please
contact Nina Meyers at 727-595-1395 or Liz Hogrebe at
727-595-2874.
-----------------------
EL SANTO ROSARIO
EN ESPAÑOL:
el segundo miércoles de
cada mes
Nuestra comunidad Hispana
de San Patricio está orgullosa
de anunciar que vamos a recitar el Rosario en español el
segundo miércoles de cada mes comemzando el 14 de
febrero 2007, a las 7 de la tarde en la iglesia. El Papa Juan
Pablo II escribio, "Cuando orarmos el Rosario entregamos
nuestras cargas a los corazones misericordiosos de Cristo
y Su Madre". Invitamos a la entera comunidad a
participar. Si tiene preguntas por favor llamen a Nina
Meyers en 727-595-1395 o Liz Hogrebe en 727-595-
2874.
SPRING FLEA MARKET
It's time to clean house, lighten your load, and help
our school. The Spring Flea Market will be accepting
donations every Saturday in February from 9 AM until
12 noon at the trailer in the Church
parking lot. If you have large items re-
quiring a home pick-up, we will be
available on March 3rd and 4th. To
schedule a pick-up on those days,
please call Pam Hadden, 585-5255.
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 (CR)
(ph. 587-7961)
Every Wednesday
Adult Bible Study: The Gospel of Luke
Sr. Kathleen
9:45 AM - 11:30 AM (CR)
Wednesday, February 14th
The Great Bible Adventure
Sr. Kathleen
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (PC)
Thursday, February 15th
The Patriarchs 2: Video series, Jeff Cavins.
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 disci-
pleship. It is for those who are unbaptized
and would like to be received fully into the
Catholic Church, those who have been bap-
tized in another Christian community and seek full recep-
tion into the Catholic Church, and for those who were
baptized as Catholics but have not received the sacra-
ments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Inquiry classes are
held every Sunday morning at 10 AM in the Confer-
ence 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
Going Deeper With Your Faith
Adult Education and Faith Formation
Small Faith Sharing Group
Barb Murphy 10 AM - 11:30 AM (CR)
Friday, February 16th
Pope's Encyclical "Deus Caritas". New mem-
bers welcome! Questions? Call 585-4149.
PASTOR'S CLASS with Fr. Pecchie
7:00 PM - 9 PM (CR)
Monday, February 12th
Evangelii Nuntiandi: Evangelization in
the Modern World (Pope Paul VI, 1975).
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:
Continues weekly on Tuesdays at 7 PM
Religious Education Classes for K through 8th grade take place on Sundays from 10:30
AM until 11:45 AM. Please call the Religious Education Office if you are not registered.
L
ibrary News
: The book club has been successfully launched! Those who attended the Tea
Party on January 18th will meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 12 noon to discuss a
pre-chosen book. Men and ladies are all welcome to bring a sandwich and join us! For more in-
formation, call Florence Deaton at 595-3254 or Renee Johnson at 584-3775.
If you are registered for Confirmation, sponsor forms must be turned in to Mr. or Mrs. Blum immediately.
Please continue to work on your reflection pages.
Any student preparing for First Communion or
Confirmation must have copies of their Baptismal record turned in ASAP.
IMPORTANT! SACRAMENT PREPARATION
Dates to remember:
March 24 - Confirmation Retreat
April 21 - First Communion Retreat
April 28 - Confirmation
May 5 - First Communion
February 11, 2007: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C:
Jesus reminds us who are the blessed and warns us about who are cursed.
Pray that you may be among those who are blessed.
VOCATION VIEW:
(Luke 6:17, 20-26)
School & Youth - Page Five
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Principal:
Mrs. Therese
Hernandez
S
ENIOR
H
IGH
Y
OUTH
G
ROUP
H.S. Youth Minister: Mr. Joseph Blum, ext. 320
Jr. High Youth Ministers:
Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sue Tassinari, ext. 322
S
T
. P
ATRICK
C
ATHOLIC
S
CHOOL
C
ELEBRATING
OVER
45
YEARS
OF
E
XCELLENCE
IN
E
DUCATION
, L
EADERSHIP
& S
ERVICE
.
"B y This Sign, You W ill Conquer"
St. Patrick Catholic Youth
REGISTRATION for 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR: Registration for all grades is taking place. St. Patrick is a
fully accredited, Christ-centered environment, known for academic excellence. Come see what makes St.
Patrick so special. For info, call the school office at (727) 581- 4865.
J
UNIOR
Y
OUTH
G
ROUP
The Junior Youth Group meets on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Youth
Room. Newcomers are always welcome! If you have any questions, please call Sue &
Bob at 585-5546.
O
NE
M
IND
, O
NE
H
EART
, O
NE
S
PIRIT
Next youth events:
Feb. 10
Galactic Bowling at Seminole Lanes, 7:30 9 PM
Feb. 17
Basketball at St. Raphael's gym in St. Pete, 1 3 PM
Feb. 24
Ice skating with St. Jude's at Sun Blades, 6:30 8 PM
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
The National Junior Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for
middle level students. Chapters exist in more than 60 percent of the nation's middle level schools and since
1929, millions of students have been selected for membership. NJHS is sponsored by the National Associa-
tion of Secondary School Principals, which also sponsors the National Honor Society.
Members are selected by Faculty Council for their outstanding qualities in the areas of scholarship, character,
leadership and service. Eighth Grade returning members are: Rachael Deja, Brandi Fecso, Rebecca May,
Mary Jo Monk, Kelsey Timmons and Danielle Touchton. New members of the National
Junior Honor Society were inducted in a ceremony at St. Patrick Church on Friday, February
2, 2007. They include: Eighth Grade: Julia Murphy and Seventh Grade: Alexandra Aponte,
Kellie Cox, Kali Drury, Danielle McArn and Mark Griffin.
"National Junior Honor Society members are chosen for and then expected to continue their
exemplary contributions to the school and community," said Therese Hernandez, Principal.
This is the school's third year of participation.
ATTENTION PARENTS OF 8th GRADERS!
Do you want to more fully prepare your teen for high school peer pressure? Do
you want to set them up for healthy choices and healthy relationships? Then reg-
ister your 8
th
grader for the Annual 8
th
Grade POWER Team Retreat. The
POWER Team Peers Offer Witness to Encourage Respect is a group of teen
and adult leaders committed to a lifestyle of chastity. This weekend experience is
presented by teens for teens. The Retreat will be from March 30 April 1, 2007
at the Lakewood Retreat Center in Brooksville, FL. The registration fee for the
weekend is $75.00 / teen and the deadline for registration is Tuesday, March 20,
2007. Only 30 spots available! For more details and/or information, please
call Jacqueline Bromley at 813-631-4370, ext. 228 or e-mail
jjohnston@ccdosp.org
Page Six - Stewardship: Sharing our Gifts
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The words of the psalmist echo the theme of all of today's readings.
"Blessed are they who hope in the Lord." As good stewards, firmly grounded in
that hope, may we bear fruit in due season assisting the poor, feeding the
hungry, and consoling the sorrowful whenever we have the chance.
S
TEWARDSHIP
: T
IME
, T
ALENT
, T
REASURE
February 4, 2007
$ 14,128.00 (467 Envelopes Used)
Catholic Education Fund
$ 1,268.00
Helping Hands
$ 209.00
Children's Envelopes - $ 7.25
Good Deed Spotlight of the week:
? I helped my grandma. (Tara O'Connor)
?
Johnny Kamp?
?
Matt Ruppel
?
Abby Hendrick? ? Catie O'Connor
?
Suzie O'Connor?
Parish Ministries
?
"The Word was made flesh, and made His dwelling
among us." We are the Body of Christ.
Let us reach out in SERVICE and in LOVE.
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.
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 up to heaven for you!
S
MALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES
:
Lenten Small Christian Communities begin the
week of February 18th. These groups will meet
once a week in parishioners' homes to reflect on
the Scripture readings proclaimed each of the
Sundays during Lent. It is a great way to spend
more time with the Lord and listen to His voice
through these readings. Sign up after Masses
TODAY, February 11th. For more information
call Sr. Kathleen at ext. 321.
Thank you for your generosity! May God bless you and your family in abundance!
Thank you to every parish family that has already made a pledge commitment to the 2007 Annual
Pastoral Appeal. If you have not yet made a gift or pledge, please prayerfully consider doing so today
during Commitment Weekend. Every gift makes a difference every single gift. If you cannot locate
the pledge card that was mailed to you there are extra pledge envelopes in the pews for your use to-
day. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. ... Our parish goal is $117,000.00!
Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast
February 4, 2007
Amount $37.00
50/50 Winner! John Trimboli Ticket # 7853967
Mass Intentions & Schedule of Events - Page Seven
Sun.
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
Mon.
5:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Tue.
8:00 AM
6:30 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
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Thu.
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Fri.
10:00 AM
7:30 PM
Sat.
9:00 AM
3:30 PM
5:30 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
02/11/07
NO COFFEE & DONUTS TODAY
RCIA Class (CR)
Religious Education for Children (School)
Parish Volunteers Luncheon (PC)
Junior High Youth Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (CR)
02/12/07
Mission of St. Patrick ESOL Class (Lib)
Junior Girl Scout Troop 849 Mtg. (REL)
Cub Scouts Pack 465 Den Mtg. (Cafe. Art,
PE, Gr1)
Contemporary Worship Band Rehearsal (CH)
Pastor's Class (CR)
02/13/07
Foundations of Prayer Mothers' Grp (CR)
Griefshare Meeting (Lib)
Bell Choir Practice (CH)
Foundations of Personal Prayer Mtg. (PC,CR)
02/14/07
Men's Bible Study (CR)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Adult Bible Study (CR)
Weight Watchers Group Mtg. (CR)
Mission of St. Patrick Tutoring (CR, Lib)
Benediction (CH)
Spanish Rosary (CH)
St. Patrick Players Meeting (CR)
02/15/07
Legion of Mary (CR)
Children's Choir Practice (OLM)
Adult Choir Practice (OLM)
Great Adventure Bible Series (CR)
02/16/07
Faith Sharing Group (CR)
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)
02/17/07
Mission of St. Patrick Tutoring (CR)
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)
Mass Intentions
The Week Ahead
Sat.
4:30 PM
Sun.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM
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
February 10, 2007
Louise Davis
February 11, 2007
St. Patrick Parishioners
Lorraine Straub (Living)
Ida Scarpa
Kimberly Leveille
February 12, 2007
Bernadette Duquay
In Thanksgiving
February 13, 2007
Rose Marie Ponzo
Theresa Mac
February 14, 2007
Maria Tuazon
Mary McMahon
February 15, 2007
Art and Trudy Wells
Ana Ehrman
February 16, 2007
Joseph Zorowski
Leo and Arlene Sinamon
February 17, 2007
Edward Bachman
Margaret Norton
Louise Davis
February 18, 2007
Maria Rey (Living)
Joseph Friederich
St. Patrick Parishioners
Marie Brehme
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, Iraq
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, especially for
the victims, living and deceased, of
the tornado in Central Florida.
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Page Eight - `Round the Diocese & Saints 'N Feasts
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
St. Cyril (827-869) and St. Methodius (815-885)
Feast Day: February 14
Born in Greece and baptized Con-
stantine and Michael, St. Cyril and St.
Methodius were brothers who went as
missionaries to the Slavic people of
ninth century Moravia. Their efforts
there left a lasting legacy in language
and liturgy. St. Cyril's first task was
to invent an alphabet (the Cyrillic
alphabet used in modern Russian)
with which to translate the New Tes-
tament, the Psalms, and the liturgical
texts into Slavic. Clearly "ahead of
their time," they also composed a Slavic liturgy and
preached in the vernacular. These acts of inculturation
were criticized by other missionaries but won them the
praise of the Pope, who named them both bishops. St.
Cyril was sickly and died before he could be ordained a
bishop, but St. Methodius became the papal legate to the
Slavic nations. In the last years of his life, he translated
the whole Bible and other texts into the Slavic language.
These steward saints used their intellectual and linguistic
gifts to help spread the Good News throughout Eastern
Europe and, in doing so, left an indelible mark on the cul-
ture of that region. Great things happen when we use our
gifts for the Lord!
Seven Founders of the Order of Servites (1245-1310)
Feast Day: February 17
In 1240, in Florence, seven young men from prominent
families decided to leave their businesses and families
behind to lead a common life of penance and prayer, call-
ing themselves the "Servants of Mary." "They belonged
to the merchant class and engaged in buying and selling
the goods of this world," says one account. "But once
they found the pearl of great price... they not only gave all
they had to the poor but cheerfully offered themselves to
God and our Lady in true and loyal service." At first,
they sought solitude and prayer. But visitors flocked to
them, and eventually, with the urging of the bishop, they
began to receive others into their community and engage
in the more active ministries of
preaching and teaching as well. The
middle of the thirteenth century was
a time of restlessness and change in
the Church, and the religious orders
that arose at this time Franciscans,
Dominicans, Carmelites, Augustin-
ians, and the Servites whose foun-
ders we celebrate today helped
bring about many necessary reforms.
Paradoxically, their willingness to
become poor for the sake of the Gos-
pel enriched the whole Church.
The Roman Martyrology com-
memorates two martyrs named Valen-
tine (or Valentinus) on February 14
which seems to indicate that both were
beheaded on the Flaminian Way, one at
Rome the other at Terni which is some
60 miles from Rome. Valentine of
Rome was a priest who is said to have
died about 269 during the persecution of Claudius the
Goth (or Claudius II Gothicus). The other Valentine was
allegedly Bishop of Terni, and his death is attested to in
the Martyrology of St Jerome. Whether there were actu-
ally one or two Valentines is disputed. One possibility is
that these two devotions one based in Rome, the other in
Terni may have sprung up to the same martyr but that in
the midst of time his true identity became confused.
In ancient Rome, February 14
th
was a holiday to hon-
our Juno - the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses.
The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and
marriage. The following day, February 15
th
, began the
Feast of Lupercalia. At the time, the lives of young boys
and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the cus-
toms of the young people was name drawing. On the eve
of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls
were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each
young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and
they would then be partners for the duration of the festi-
val. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire
year, and often, they would fall in love and would later
marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was
involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns.
Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting sol-
diers to join his military leagues. He believed that the
reason was that roman men did not want to leave their
loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all mar-
riages and engagements in Rome. Claudius had also or-
dered all Romans to worship the state religion's idols, and
he had made it a crime punishable by death to associate
with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the ide-
als of Christ, and not even the threat of death could keep
him from practicing his beliefs. Valentine and Saint
Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married
couples, and for this kind deed Valentine was appre-
hended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who con-
demned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have
his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14
th
day
of February, in either 269 or 270. This is one legend sur-
rounding Valentine's martyrdom.
In 496 Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as Saint
Valentine's Day. On each Valentine's Day, messages of
affection, love and devotion are still exchanged around
the world. This could be because of Valentine's work in
marrying couples against the law, or because of other
miracles attributed to him.
For more information, see the Carmelite webpage in Dublin
where St. Valentine's relics are said to be found,
http://
www.carmelites.ie/Ireland/Whitefriar%20St/valentine.htm.
St. Valentine
Former Feast Day: February 14
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE
Daily Mass::
Monday through Saturday, 7:30 AM & 9:00 AM
Saturday Vigil Mass::
4:30 PM
Sunday Masses::
7:30 AM, 9 AM (Children's Choir), 11 AM (Adult/Bell Choirs)
and 5:30 PM (Contemporary Band)
We, the community of
St. Patrick Church
would like to invite you
to worship God with us
in the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass!