Dear Parishioners,

       This week we begin the season of Lent.  Wednesday is Ash Wednesday.  Mass will be at 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM. Ash Wednesday is a day of Fasting & Abstinence from meat.   Fasting is for those from 18-59 years of age.  We fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  Abstinence from meat is for those 14 years old and up.  We abstain on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.  We will be having Stations of the Cross each Friday after the Communion Service and at 7 PM.

     Special thanks to all who made our Mardi Gras such a success.  Michelle and Bryan Kinghorn, Nancy Core, Barb Golwitzer and many others.  We hope to report the results next week.

     Today is Valentine's Day.  It is also known as World Marriage Day.  Let us pray for all married couples.  The Church teaches that Marriage is a Sacrament.  By Christ's presence at the wedding of Cana, Jesus affirmed the goodness of marriage and proclaimed that henceforth marriage will be a sign of His presence.  In making Marriage a sacrament, Jesus gave it a new meaning, a new beauty and a new power of sanctifying.  Marriage is now not merely the lawful union of husband and wife; it is a source of holiness, a means of a closer union of each spouse with God as well as with each other.  The union of husband and wife in Marriage is a mirror or symbol of the union of Christ and His Church.  The love and faithfulness of the married couple reminds us all of God's love and faithfulness to us.

     Some of the graces received throughout the life of marriage are the following:

a) The grace of dialogue or communication, which enables spouses to better understand themselves and express their feelings to each other;

b) The grace of unity, which helps a couple solve problems which are divisive;

c) The grace of healing wounds caused by acts of selfishness, and uncharitableness by the spouses,

d) The grace of parenthood, which assists parents in raising and educating their children;

e) The grace of sanctification which assists spouses in helping each other remove all forms of evil and sin from their home and acquire virtuous habits & conduct.

      The purpose of marriage is to bring about both the enrichment and personal fulfillment of the couple and the continuation of the human race by bringing children into the world.  Thank you married couples for reminding us all of Christ's love and faithfulness to us by your love and commitment.

     Have a great week.

         Fr.Craig

Church Support

Weekly Offering Budgeted                           $10,900.00

Weekly Offering/Holy days (Feb 7)                  $11,336.50

Year To Date Budget Needs                               $339,990.00

Year to Date Collections                                  $302,917.06

Shortage                                                              ($37,072.94)

The words of the Psalmist echo the themes of all of today's readings.  "Happy are they who hope in the Lord." As good stewards, firmly grounded in that hope, may you bear fruit in due season - assisting the poor, feeding the hungry, and consoling the sorrowful whenever you have the chance.

Mass Intentions

February 15 - February 21

     Academic Excellence on a Catholic Foundation
St. Philip Neri School graduates are confident and well prepared for high school, having developed effective study skills, acquiring the foundation for an excellent academic future, and a deeper understanding of their
Catholic faith.  For more info about our School, to schedule a tour, or refer a family, contact Richard Cuva, Principal, at 455-8666 or email racuva@schools.archomaha.org
An Investment in Education pays the Best Interest--  

                                       Benjamin Franklin.
Pre-Registering for Kindergarten!   We are currently pre-registering kindergarteners for the 2010-2011 school year.  Parents: please call the school office at 455-8666.  The Kindergarten Parent Meeting will be Friday, February 19th at 11 AM in the Kindergarten room.  Reminder: Current Kindergarten students do not have school on February 19^th.

Thinking about Pre-Kindergarten for your little one for this semester or next fall?  We invite your child to experience our Pre-K in action FREE for a day.  The child must be toilet trained.  Our Pre-K hours are 8 am to 11:15 am, with 3 year olds on Tuesday & Thursday; & 4 year olds on Monday, Wednesday & Friday.   Please call 455-8666 to make arrangements or if you have questions about our excellent Pre-School program.  See and experience what St. Philip Neri Pre-K has to offer!

You have warmed hearts!  The SPN Youth Group made Valentines for the Notre Dame Sisters.  Way to go!

Movie Knight!  Saturday, February 20^th.  See the #1 animated film of the year - UP!  See this comedy adventure about a 78-year-old man who ties balloons to his house & flies away, with an 8-year-old stowaway.  Cartoons will start after 5:00 Mass with the movie starting at 6:30 PM - featuring fresh cooked "Hots & Brats", cold soda, & "The World's Best Popcorn" all for a free will donation.

The Week Ahead

Sunday, February  14  - TODAY - St. Valentine's Day

Monday, February 15

Tuesday, February 16

Wednesday, February 17 - Ash Wednesday

Thursday, February 18

Friday, February 19

Saturday, February 20         

Sunday, February 21

Thank you to Bryan and Michelle Kinghorn, Nancy Core, and everyone who organized the Mardi Gras.  It was a night of romance: flowers, candies, dining, dancing & socializing.  Also, thank you to everyone who donated to the silent auction.  The gifts were very creative & in excellent taste. Raffle winners: $500 Warner Moss, $150 Cathy Fluckey, and $100 Jim Dahlin.

Have you decided to be a Qwest Center volunteer?  Call Carl Braun at 612-0984 or 453-1270 or the Rectory at 455-1289

February  17 - Ash Wednesday - Musicians:  Terri Herman, Don Lukkason, Molly Vacha, Colin Kelly

February 20/21

Via Christe Assisted Living, 3636 California St. invites you to Celebrating Catholic Culture, February 17 at 2 PM.  Teresa Monaghan will present  How to Make a Lenten Journey without Leaving Home.  For reservations call 551-5557. There is no charge for this presentation.

2010 Annual Blessed Sacrament Parish Fish Frye Dinners on the following Friday nights: February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, & 26.  Dinner is served in the school hall from 5-8 PM & includes: lightly batter-dipped fish, macaroni & cheese, choice of baked potato or fries, coleslaw, bread & butter, coffee/tea or sweetened drink.  Make plans to enjoy the best meal in town!

St. Pius X Pasta Fridays  each Friday, Feb 19 through March 26th.  Your choice of meatless sauces over a variety of pastas with a mixed salad & garlic bread. For the kids: Mac & cheese & cheese pizza.  $7 for adults, $5 kids, & $30 for a family.  Desserts available. Try something new on the Fridays of Lent.  The food is great & freshly prepared.  

Women of Marian Retreat - Compassion for Self - A Woman's Challenge on Saturday, February 20 from 8:30 AM - 2 PM at the Servite Center of Compassion in the Servants of Mary convent. Cost is $30 per person.  For more info: Call Alumnae Office at 571-2618 ext. 153 or register online at www.marianhighschool.net/alumnae.  

Theology On Tap Lenten Series: Young adults (20's & 30's) are invited to the Greek Islands, 3821 Center St., for our Lenten series! All three events start with food orders at 6:30pm checks/cash only- if you're hungry, speaker at 7pm, and Q & A at 7:45pm. Door prizes afterward.  First one is Thursday, Feb 25 - "Praying Lent" w/ Fr. Andy Alexander.

For Sale:  2877 Vane St.  $75,000 Charming, all brick, 1½ story, mix of hardwood floors & carpet, cozy sunroom, formal dining room, finished dormer, full fenced backyard. Also... 3957 Scott St.  $79,950 All updated - kitchen, new carpet & woodwork, full fenced yard, walk to Highpoint Pool.  Call Jim Wurgler, NP Dodge 677-4355.

For Sale: 2728 N. 65^th St.  Completely remodeled, move in ready 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath, large backyard, great neighbors.  Call Bob Schmitz  cell ph# 659-3606