February 28th, 2016

705 East Brandon Boulevard | Brandon FL 33511

FEBRUARY 28TH, 2016

NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH "Joyfully and faithfully evangelizing for Christ!"

Third Sunday of Lent

Pastor: Rev. John Tapp Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Msgr. James C Lara Parochial Vicars: Rev. Nelson Restrepo Rev. Victor Amorose Deacons: Rev. Dr. Mark Taylor Rev. Mr. Robert Harris Rev. Mr. Elix Castro Church Office: 813.681.4608 School: 813.689.3395 Faith Formation: 813.689.9101 Youth Ministry: 813.689.4147 Scan this code with your Pastoral Care: 813.413.8351 smartphone for online giving.

Food Pantry: 813.694.0541

M ASS SCHEDULE

Daily Mass 7:00am (Monday through Friday) 4:00PM (Interpreted for Deaf) 8:00AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat) 8:15AM (Wednesday) 4:00PM Espa単ol (Capilla) 7:00PM (Espa単ol Martes y Viernes) Sunday Masses Morning Prayer 7:00, 8: 30, 10:30AM 10:30AM Family Mass (Chapel) 7:45AM (Monday through Saturday) Confession Schedule 12:30PM Espa単ol Saturday in Church: 3:00 to 4:00PM 6:00PM LifeTeen 5:00 to 5:30PM Weekend Mass

Saturday Vigil Mass

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FROM THE COLLAR DESDE EL ACLERIMAN

ear of Mercy / Penance Services - As you know, Pope Francis announced a Jubilee Year of Mercy which began several weeks ago. One way to experience God’s gift of abundant mercy is through the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation). To that end, the Catholic churches in our area are celebrating communal Penance Services for the Season of Lent and this Jubilee Year of Mercy. The dates, locations, and times are listed below. Nativity Parish’s Penance Service is the first one. If you cannot attend that Penance Service, please take note of the other services and make a point of attending the service that is most convenient for you.

Monday, February 29th Nativity Parish –@ 7 pm Wed, March 2nd Mary Help of Christians, Tampa @ 7:30 pm Mon, March 7th St. Anne, Ruskin @ 7 pm – Bishop Lynch will preside Thurs, March 10th St. Francis of Assisi, Seffner @ 7 pm Fri, March 11th Our Lady of Guadalupe, Wimauma @ 7 pm Mon, March 14th Blessed Sacrament, Tampa @ 7 pm Tues, March 15th St. Stephen, Valrico @ 7 pm Wed, March 16th St. Clement, Plant City @ 7 pm Thurs, March 17th Resurrection, Valrico @ 7 pm OPE / Nativity Justice Ministry – The hallmarks of the Season of Lent are: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. The prophet Isaiah tells us what true fasting is: releasing those bound unjustly, setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke. (Isaiah 58:5-8). Nativity’s Justice Ministry, along with 20 other churches throughout Hillsborough County, work together to promote justice / systemic change in our community as the Lord and the Catholic Church require. The two issues we are working on are: Affordable Housing and Civil Citation. For more information check HOPE’s website: http://hillsboroughhope.org.

This work is another way that our Church is responding to Pope Francis’ call to be witnesses of mercy to our world. The next two HOPE gatherings are listed below. For more information, please call Bonnie Ussery at the Pastoral Care Office.

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ño de la Misericordia/ Servicios Penitencial - Como saben, el Papa Francisco anunció un Año Jubilar de la Misericordia que comenzó hace varias semanas. Una forma de experimentar el don de misericordia abundante de Dios es a través del Sacramento de la Penitencia (Reconciliación). A tal fin, las Iglesias Católicas en nuestra área están celebrando Servicios de Penitencia en común por la época de Cuaresma y este Año Jubilar de la Misericordia. Las fechas, lugares y horarios se enumeran a continuación. El Servicio Penitencial de la Parroquia de la Natividad es la primera. Si no puede asistir a ese Servicio Penitencial, por favor tome nota de los otros servicios y haga el esfuerzo de asistir al servicio que es más conveniente para usted.

Lunes 29 de febrero Parroquia de la Natividad - @ 7:00 pm Miércoles, 2 de marzo Mary Help of Christians, Tampa, @ 7:30 pm Lunes, 7 de marzo St. Anne, Ruskin @ 7:00 - el Obispo Lynch presidirá Jueves, 10 de marzo St. Francis of Assisi, Seffner, @ 7:00 pm Vienes, 11 de marzo Our Lady of Guadalupe, Wimauma,@ 7:00 pm Lunes, 14 de marzo Blessed Sacrament, Tampa, @ 7:00 pm Martes, 15 de marzo St. Stephen, Valrico , @ 7:00 pm Miércoles, 16 de marzo St. Clement, Plant City, @ 7:00 pm Jueves, 17 de marzo Resurrection, Riverview, @ 7:00 pm OPE / Ministerio de Justicia de la Natividad - Las características de la temporada de Cuaresma son: oración, el ayuno y la limosna. El Profeta Isaías nos dice lo que es el verdadero ayuno: “romper las cadenas injustas, desatar las amarras del yugo, dejar libres a los oprimidos y romper toda clase de yugos.” (Isaías 58: 5-8). El Ministerio de Justicia de la Natividad, junto con otras 20 Iglesias en todo el Condado de Hillsborough, trabajaran juntos para promover la justicia / cambio sistémico en nuestra comunidad como el Señor y la Iglesia Católica requieren.

Los dos temas que estamos trabajando son: Vivienda Asequible y Citación Civil. Para más información consulte la página web de la HOPE: http://hillsboroughhope.org.

Esta labor es otra manera de que nuestra Iglesia está respondiendo al llamado del Papa Francisco para ser testigos de la misericordia a nuestro mundo. Las próximas dos reuniones de HOPE se enumeran a continuación. Para obtener más información, por favor llame a Bonnie Ussery en la Oficina de Pastoral.

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Spiritual Growth Stewardship

Lenten Events Friday Adoration - All day Stations of the Cross - Friday @ 6:30 pm Friday Fish Fry - 4:30 - 7:00 Parish Penance Service - Feb 29th @ 7:00pm English Cantata - Mar 23rd @ 7:30 Spanish Cantata - Mar 27th @ 7:30

Ministries in Action Community Bulletin

Be sure to get in touch with Thomas Sanjurjo, bulletin@nativitycatholicchurch.org to contribute to our bulletin.

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NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Stewardship Bulletin Reflection

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Ex 3: 1-8A, 13-15; Ps 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11; 1 Cor 10: 1-6, 10-12; Lk 13: 1-9

ou might say that God is trying to get our attention, making an effort to get us to listen to Him and to listen carefully.

That is certainly what should be happening during Lent. Today’s readings seem to highlight how God tries to reach us, but, of course, the key is that we have to be both prepared to hear the Word and to respond to it.

We have often said that God calls us. In our readings today He calls us to conversion and to repentance, both important aspects of our Lenten journeys. Imagine the lengths to which God goes to get Moses’ attention in the First Reading. The Lord knows there is no point in speaking to Moses until He has Moses’ full attention and concentration. He presents to Moses a burning bush; however, it is not a common fire; as the reading says, “As he (Moses) looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed.”

That captured Moses attention, and he moved in for a closer look. That is when God spoke to Moses, when He knew He had his full attention. Because of that Moses clearly heard the message and responded. God may not be presenting us with a burning bush, but He is presenting us with a Lenten journey. It is time for us to focus on the Lord’s call to us, to give it our full awareness and consideration.

In a similar fashion St. Paul is trying to get the attention of the Corinthians in our Second Reading. Paul is concerned about the people of Corinth, and, certainly, as is always the case, Paul is concerned about us as well. Speaking of the consequences of not understanding what happens if we stray from the Lord, if we do not make every effort to hear and to know and to act on what God is telling us, Paul paints a dreary picture for the Corinthians.

Just as God with Moses, once St. Paul has their attention, he delivers the message he really wishes to get across — that is, beware of being too confident. Lent is a time for us to evaluate our faith and where we are. Each of us should be striving for holiness, for a greater sense of how to serve God and one another through love and stewardship. None of us can fully achieve the yearning to be free from sin. The best way to resist temptation is to acknowledge it and seek God’s help in overcoming it.

During Lent we are all called to repent and to change. Jesus makes that call to repentance quite clear in our Gospel Reading from Luke, which includes the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Scholars maintain that God is the owner of the fig tree, and He looks to each of us to bear fruit, to do good and righteous works. Are we? Do we? That, too, is so important to us during this Lenten period. God is very patient with us but even His patience has a limit. God grants us this time in His mercy to indeed repent and to change our behaviors.

Is that what we are really trying to do? The point of all these readings is that judgment is always near; it is always imminent. We are called to conversion today and now. This

FEBRUARY 28TH, 2016

is what our Lenten journey is all about. We are called, but we must listen to hear and heed that call. We are called to repentance and change. Now is the time.

Mass Intentions | Feb 29th - March 6th Monday, February 29 7:00 am Jim Lee 8:00 am Robert Snyder Tuesday, March 1 7:00 am Donald O'Brien 8:00 am Flora DeLeon 7:00 pm Maria Valcourt Wednesday, March 2 7:00 am Mel Campasano 8:15 am Fernando Rodriguez Thursday, March 3 7:00 am James McWilliams 8:00 am Judge & Mrs. Ramon Cimafranca & Family Friday, March 4 7:00 am Jaime Luis Caballero 8:00 am Britt Hardy 7:00 pm Ramon Antonio Diaz Saturday, March 5 8:00 am Doroteo Penaranda 4:00 pm Dora Zeno 4:00 pm Lolita Armijos Sunday, March 6 7:00 am Beth & Alvin Hecker 8:30 am Cosi Belloso 10:30 am Farris Thomas IV 10:30 am Concordia Cureg (Chapel) 12:30 am Rosa Quezada (Spanish) 6:00 pm Jay Massolio

Sacrament Preparation

In preparation for their First Reconciliation, our Nativity Sacrament Preparation children prepared posters depicting Conflict, Resolution and Forgiveness. The posters are very well done! We invite you to stop by the Social Hall after Mass, and take a look at these beautiful posters.

During this Lenten Season and especially in the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis reminds us that “God is always waiting for us, he always understands us; he always forgives us.” When we return to the Lord, Pope Francis says, God’s “attitude is that of the ‘elderly father’ who ‘saw his son coming, returning from afar’ and immediately went to meet him and ‘embrace him’. God too, ‘awaits us: always, with the door open’. Because his heart ‘isn’t closed: it’s always open’. And ‘when we arrive like the son, he embraces us, kisses us: a God who celebrates’” (Homily 10/20/15).

Please pray for our children and families in the Sacrament Preparation process as they continue their preparation to come to the Table of Lord for the first time in Holy Communion in the weeks to come.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Pray for One Another

Pray for the sick, suffering, and shut-ins to welcome the strength of God’s love, especially: Dr. Charles F. Schramm, Richard Sanderson, Lisa Ziroli Seaholm, Josie Sellers, Bill Shea, Don Shea, Mike Showalter, Jimmy Smith, Barbara Spears, Alice Sperandio, Brett Strong, Heather Sturz, William Swantek, Theresa Taffe, Suzie Taylor, Sam Troncalli, Ann Ulbricht, Christina Van Alstyne, Luis and Carmen Vargas, Rose Vier, Joan Wagner, Christie Washburn, Auburn Wells, Barbara White, Howard Wiebeld, Vincent Wildgen, Cathy Williams, Kenneth Wilson, Evelina Zambrano, Charlotte Zorn, George Wagner, Steve Alley, Bessie LoScalzo, Dr. Greenwell, Francis Davis, Anna Cifuni, Bienvenida Kjeer, Vincent Wilgen, Alex Hernandez, Stephanie Koch, Kay Walczak, Louise Rogers, Christine Alvarez, Addia Limtiaco, Alex Kepler, Norma Damico, Robert Landee, Bobby Dass, Ashlyn Conly, George Thomas, Virginia Lascera, Rosa Valentin, Richard Byerly, Natalie Lizanich, Ed Gefre, Angel Vasquez, Theresa Fraser, Joseph Ruzzi, Virginia Pascua, Richard & Betsy Mahoney, Joe LaPerna, Monserrate Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez, Jessie Perez Gonzalez, Sylvia Perez Gonzalez, Jeanne A. Woodke, Katalin Lazzara, Dr. Joseph Chiarmonte, Aida Luz Betancourt, Courtney Daniels, Leonora Maggio, Irma Barrett, Estelito Rubio, Mary Demery, Ed Nagel, Michael Fultz In your hands O Lord, we commend the souls of our recently departed. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Raul Ediberto Cerpa-Valdivia, Antonio Ojeda, Barbara Brelsford, Casildo DeLeon, William David Martin, Miguel Angel Romero, Catherine Olsen

The Spirit of the Year of Mercy

Deacon Mark Taylor presents: How to deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father -Friday, March 4th - “Receive the Father’s Blessings, Mercy” Sharing our blessing with others -Friday, March 11th – “Mercy for All Our Brothers and Sisters” Each session starts at 7:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m.

In Social Hall D/ St. Francis Room w/ refreshments

Safe Environment Training

Tuesday, March 1st, at 6:30 p.m. in the Social Hall St. Francis Room. Anyone interested in volunteering for ministries out of the Pastoral Care Office is invited to attend. Please call the Pastoral care Office at 413-8351 for more information and to RSVP for this training.

Fresh Produce Donation

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Nativity Food Pantry will be accepting donations of fresh fruits and vegetables to put in the weekly food bags for those in need. Please drop off items on Thursdays at 8:30 to 9:00 AM in the Social Hall.

For more information please contact Sue Hrabusa at 813-681-4204 or Virginia Baum at 813-654-2773.

Communications Volunteer

for Partners with La Victoria needed Partners with La Victoria is looking for a volunteer to work closely with the board of directors to develop and deliver communications for our non-profit organization.

Responsibilities include developing an annual communications plan, leading the generation of content for the newsletter, email blasts, website, brochure, facebook page, etc., coordinating webpage maintenance (ensuring that new and consistent information - article links, stories, and events - is posted regularly), and managing contacts.

Please contact Miguel Suarez at 503-6575 for more information.

We're Looking for Greeters

Nativity Parish is known for its warm hospitality.

In order to further build up the spirit of hospitality in our church, we are looking for folks just like you to participate in our Greeter Ministry. Greeters arrive a few minutes early to church. They welcome all who come here to worship. They also help orient those who might be new to our parish community.

This is an easy, and powerful ministry.

It is perfect for families to do together. Yet, it is also something that individuals can do as well. We will be signing up new greeters after the Masses this weekend. If you would like more information about serving in this ministry, please contact Tim Bergevin (813-748-4146) or Cindy Ehringer (813-681-4608) our parish volunteer coordinator.

Parishioners' Tithing Report February 20th & 21 st # of Envelopes 1,302

Mass Total $38,511.64 Online Offertory 181 $10,323.20 Vigil Lights $327.46 Total offertory to operating budget = $49,162.30

Total Collected thru 2/21 = $1,648,683.97 Represents 61.33% of the $2,688,000 operating budget revenues needed for 2015-16

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NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Announcing Nativity Life Ministry

“The right to life is the first among human rights.”

-Pope Francis “Respect Life” is now…

NATIVITY LIFE MINISTRY “In defense of life…from birth to natural death” Join us Monday, March 7th in St. Francis Room of the Social Hall 6:30 p.m. Social Time 7:00 p.m. Meeting As we plan for upcoming events and share information with you about the work of defending life.

Come and help us get ready for the Spiritual Adoption table on March 13th in the Social Hall.

Womens' Emmaus Retreat

What is so great about making a retreat?

On a retreat you’ll be free from the distraction of your daily routine.

With your whole self being relaxed, you will be able to open your heart and listen to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. That is the deep satisfaction, inner peace and joy you will find.

Take time out to make an Emmaus retreat. If you haven’t registered yet, you still have time.

Registrations for the Emmaus Women’s Retreat continue this weekend.

This retreat is based on the Scripture found in the Gospel of Luke 24:13-35.

The main theme of the retreat is to discover or rediscover Jesus in our lives, and the importance of women ministering to women.

The retreat will take place the weekend of March 18-20, 2016 at the Franciscan Center in Tampa.

The cost is $195.00 and includes transportation and all meals.

Enrolling New Families Now

for the 2016 - 17 School Year.

If your family, or a family you know, wants to be part of a vibrant community of faith filled, excited, and savvy learners, this is your chance!

Nativity Catholic School is now accepting enrollments for new families for the 2016 17 school year and is looking for you to join.

For a tour of the campus, to find out more about our integrated technology program, or to hear about our passionate staff, call Therese Alonso 813.689.3395

FEBRUARY 28TH, 2016

In the Spirit of the Year of Mercy

Over these Lenten Sundays Representatives from the Ministries of the Nativity Pastoral Care Office Will be in the Social Hall to answer your questions, share with you what you can do to be a part of these ministries, and how they can be of help to you or members of your family. Please stop by to learn more about these important ministries of mercy.

This week, join us to learn about our Counseling, Group Bereavement Sessions, Respite Care, and Faith Community Nursing.

Boxtops for Education

Ever wonder what to do with the Box Tops for education coupons you see on every day grocery products you use?

Clip and Donate them to Nativity Catholic School!

This is an easy way to earn cash for our parish School and all you need to do is clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of participating products and turn them in to the offertory in an envelope. Each Box Top is worth $ .10 cents to our school.

In the fall semester our school earned $975.20!

Drop the coupons at the School or Church Office during the week, or in the offertory basket in an envelope.

Thank you for your time and stewardship for our parish school!

HOPE Events

To be involved in our HOPE Justice Network Ministry, contact the Pastoral Care Office and put these events on your calendar.

Monday, March 14th @ 6:30 pm – Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Temple Terrace – for Justice Ministry TEAM members and NETWORK members HOPE Nehemiah Action Assembly – Monday, April 4th @ 6:30 pm – St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Tampa – for anyone interested in participating in our parish justice ministry

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

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Sunday - 3/6/2016 Pastoral Care Spotlight 7:45AM - 7:30PM SH Room B Monday - 2/29/2016 2nd Scrutiny | RCIA 8:30AM - 8:45AM Church Quilters 9:00AM - 12:00PM PC(Back) Faith Formation 8:30AM - 12:30PM School SVDP Meeting 10:30AM - 2:00PM PC(Mid) 2nd Scrutiny | RICA 12:30PM - 12:45PM Church DC Meeting 6:00PM - 8:00PM SH(C) Life Teen Mass 6:00PM - 7:00PM Church Mens Emmaus 6:45PM - 8:45PM AE Bereavement Support 7:00PM - 8:30PM PC Divine Mercy Study 7:00PM - 8:30PM SH(D) Life Teen Prayer team 7:00PM - 9:00PM Chapel Parish Reconciliation 7:00PM - 9:00PM Church & Chapel Life Teen 7:00PM - 9:00PM YOUTH Respect life meeting 7:00PM - 9:00PM OR For all events and updates, please check the website calendar.

Tuesday - 3/1/2016 ROOM KEY Spanish Parish Mission YC Youth Center | SH(ABC&D) - Social Hall | PC - Pastoral St. Francis Circle 9:00AM - 2:00PM AE Care | AE Adult Education Building | LL - Life Lounge | OR Girl Talk 5:00PM - 6:00PM LL Oakwood Room | CONV - Convent | MP - MultiPurpose Room Life Force 6:00PM - 8:00PM YOUTH St. Joseph Altar Planning 6:30PM - 9:00PM PC SET | Vulnerable Adults 6:30PM - 8:30PM SH(D) Youth & Young Adults DCCW 7:00PM - 9:00PM CONV Life Teen Band 7:00PM - 9:00PM Church Spanish Parish Mission 7:30PM - 9:30PM Chapel Wednesday - 3/2/2016 Spanish Parish Mission Finance Council 7:00AM - 8:30AM CONF Meals on Wheels 10:30AM - 11:30AM SH(C) Fitness Ministry Zumba 10:30AM - 11:30AM MPR St Jude Prayer Meeting 5:00PM - 7:00PM PC(Back) Faith Formation 6:30PM - 7:45PM School Spanish Parish Mission 7:00PM - 9:00PM Chapel Life Teen 7:00PM - 9:00PM YOUTH RCIA/RiCA 7:00PM - 9:00PM SH(C&D) Stewardship Council 7:00PM - 9:00PM CONF Chorale Rehearsal 7:30PM - 9:30PM Church Thursday - 3/3/2016 Spanish Parish Mission Come Clean Church 7:00AM - 9:30AM Church Come Clean Chapel 8:45AM - 10:30AM Chapel ECHO Mentorship 9:00AM - 12:00PM LL Adult Bible Study 9:30AM - 11:00AM AE Senior Fitness Class 10:30AM - 12:00PM MPR Food Pantry 1:30PM - 5:00PM SH Womens Emmaus Prep 6:45PM - 8:30PM SH(C2) Spanish Parish Mission 7:00PM - 9:00PM Chapel Evening Scripture Study 7:00PM - 9:00PM AE(B) Young Adults 7:00PM - 10:00PM LL Catholics Come Home 7:30PM - 8:30PM SH(D) Friday - 3/4/2016 Spanish Parish Mission Mid Year Used Uniform Sale PB&J ministry 8:30AM - 10:30AM SH(B) Adoration 8:45AM - 6:45PM Chapel Drop off your donations and Quilters 10:00AM - 12:00PM PC(Back) consignments, bring in your child’s used Al-Anon Family Group 10:30AM - 11:30AM OR uniforms now.

Fish Fry 4:30PM - 7:00PM SH(A&B) Save The Date Stations of the Cross 6:30PM - 7:30PM Church Vida Joven 6:30PM - 9:30PM YOUTH Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Lenten Seminars 7:00PM - 8:30PM SH(D) Purchase replacements for torn, worn or Spanish Parish Mission 8:00PM - 9:00PM Chapel outgrown uniforms.

Saturday - 3/5/2016 Rosary Makers 8:30AM - 10:30AM OR Be the first to purchase uniforms for the next school year Emmaus Migrant Ministry8:30AM - 10:00AM PC For more information call: Willie @ 813.850.3073 or Respect life - Inventory 11:00AM - 7:00PM OR Fran 813.205.3882

Week at a Glance

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NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Misión Parroquial

El P. Jorge Mario Naranjo Mejía, sacerdote religioso de la Orden de Carmelitas Descalzos, Provincia de Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús, nació en Medellín el 26 de septiembre de 1967. Cursó sus estudios de Filosofía y Teología en la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Bogotá. Hizo su Profesión Religiosa el 12 de diciembre de 1999. Fue ordenado Sacerdote el 11 de noviembre de 2000.

Dentro de la Orden de Carmelitas Descalzos se ha desempeñado como superior en las comunidades de Bogotá, Cúcuta y Monticelo en Medellín. Ha sido Maestro de estudiantes en el Aspirantado de Medellín y el Filosofado en Bogotá. Fue Consejero Provincial de la comunidad durante el trienio 2007 – 2010, llegando así a ocupar el cargo de Superior Provincial durante el período 2011 – 2014. En la actualidad se desempeña como Superior de la Casa de Espiritualidad Monticelo.

El ministerio del padre Jorge Mario se destaca por su dedicación a la pastoral familiar con un amplio trabajo en jóvenes y parejas en conflicto.

Únete a nosotros Martes, 3/1 despues de la misa @ 7:30pm Miercoles, 3/2 @ 7:00pm Jueves, 3/3 @ 7:00pm Viernes, 3/4 despues de la misa @ 8:00pm

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Reflexión de las Escrituras

Ex 3: 1-8a, 13-15; Salmo 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11; 1 Cor 10: 1-6, 10-12; Lc 13: 1-9

FEBRUARY 28TH, 2016

Él nos llama a la conversión y el arrepentimiento, ambos aspectos importantes de nuestra jornada de Cuaresma. Imagine los extremos a los que Dios llega para conseguir la atención de Moisés en la Primera Lectura. El Señor sabe que no tiene sentido hablarle a Moisés hasta que tenga la atención y la concentración total de Moisés. Se presenta a Moisés una zarza ardiente; sin embargo, no es un fuego común; como dice la lectura: "como él (Moisés) miraba, se sorprendió al ver que la zarza, ardiendo en el fuego, no se consumía."

Esto capto la atención de Moisés, y se acercó. Es entonces cuando Dios le habló a Moisés, cuando Él sabía que tenía toda su atención.

Debido a esto Moisés escucho con claridad el mensaje y respondido. Dios no nos esta presentando una zarza ardiendo, pero Él nos presenta la jornada de Cuaresma. Es hora de que nos enfoquemos en el llamado del Señor para nosotros, para darle nuestro pleno conocimiento y consideración.

De una forma similar San Pablo está tratando de llamar la atención de los Corintios en la Segunda Lectura. Pablo está preocupado por el pueblo de Corinto, y, sin duda, como siempre es el caso, Pablo está preocupado por nosotros también. Hablando de las consecuencias de no entender lo que sucede si nos alejamos del Señor, si no hacemos un esfurezo para escuchar y conocer y actuar sobre lo que Dios nos está diciendo, Pablo pinta un panorama sombrío para los Corintios.

Así como Dios con Moisés, una vez que San Pablo tiene su atención, el entrega el mensaje que realmente desea comunicarles es decir, tengan cuidado de ser demasiado confiados. La Cuaresma es un tiempo para que nosotros evaluamos nuestra fe y donde estamos. Cada uno de nosotros debe esforzarse por la santidad, para una mayor sensación de cómo servir a Dios y unos a otros a través del amor y la mayordomía. Ninguno de nosotros puede alcanzar plenamente el anhelo de ser libres del pecado. La mejor manera de resistir la tentación es reconocerla y pedir la ayuda de Dios para su superación.

Durante la Cuaresma, todos estamos llamados al arrepentimiento y cambio. Jesús define el llamado al arrepentimiento bastante claro en nuestro Evangelio de Lucas, que incluye la Parábola de la Higuera Estéril. Los eruditos sostienen que Dios es el dueño de la higuera, y mira hacia cada uno de nosotros para dar fruto, para hacer obras buenas y justas. ¿Lo estamos haciendo? ¿En verdad?

Esto, también, es tan importante para nosotros durante este período de Cuaresma. Dios es muy paciente con nosotros, pero aun Su paciencia tiene un límite. Dios nos concede este tiempo en su misericordia para arrepentirnos y cambiar nuestros comportamientos. ¿Es esto lo que realmente estamos tratando de hacer? El punto de todas estas lecturas es que el juicio está siempre cerca; siempre es inminente. Estamos llamados a la conversión hoy y ahora. De esto es lo que nuestra jornada de Cuaresma se trata. Estamos llamados, pero hay que escuchar y prestarle atención a ese llamado. Se nos llama al arrepentimiento y el cambio. Ahora es el momento.

e podría decir que Dios está tratando de llamar nuestra atención, haciendo un esfuerzo para conseguir que nosotros lo escuchemos cuidadosamente.

Esto es ciertamente lo que debería ocurrir durante la Grupo de Oración Cuaresma. Las lecturas de hoy parecen poner de relieve cómo Dios trata de llegar a nosotros, El Grupo de oración te invita ha Alaba A Tu Señor y recibir pero, por supuesto, la clave es que tenemos que estar preparados Oración todos los Miercoles a las 7:00 en la Capilla. Te tanto para escuchar la Palabra y para responder a ella.

Esperamos. :) A menudo hemos dicho que Dios nos llama. En las lecturas de hoy

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

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Solicitamos su ayuda

Solicitamos voluntarios para preparar sándwiches de mantequilla de maní con mermelada el viernes 20 de febrero, a las 9:00 AM en el Salón Social B, los cuales serán distribuidos a los pobres que viven en la calle.

Puede comunicarse con Luann Leahy al (813) 659-0181, si tiene alguna pregunta.

Buscando Saludadores

La Parroquia de Nativity es conocida por su calurosa hospitalidad.

Para continuar aumentando nuestro espíritu de hospitalidad en nuestra Iglesia, estamos solicitando personas como usted para participar en nuestro Ministerio de Bienvenida.

Estas personas llegan unos minutos antes de la Misa y le dan la bienvenida a los que llegan. También orientan a aquellas personas que llegan por primera vez a nuestra comunidad parroquial. Este es un ministerio fácil y poderoso, pero es algo que individuos pueden hacer muy bien. Estaremos tomando firmas este fin de semana después de las Misas.

Si desea más información, puede comunicarse con Cindy Ehringer, coordinadora de voluntarios, en la oficina parroquial al 813 681-4608 o con Tim Bergevin al 813 748-4146.

Donación de Productos Frescos

Despensa de Alimentos de Nativity estará aceptando donaciones de frutas y verduras frescas para poner en las bolsas semanales de alimentos para los necesitados. Por favor dejar donaciones los jueves a las 8:30am a 9:00am el Salón Social.

Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con Sue Hrabusa al 813.681.4204 o Virginia Baum al 813.654.2773.

Reporte del Diezmo FEBRERO 20 y 21

# de Sobres Misa Total 1,302 $38,511.64 Ofertorio realizado Online 181 $10,323.20 Total recolectado hasta 2/21 = $49,162.30 Representa el 61.33% de los $2,688,000.00 ingresos necesarios para el presupuesto operativo 2015-16.

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Eventos de HOPE

Para participar en nuestro Ministerio de Justicia HOPE, ponte en contacto con la Oficina de Cuidado Pastoral y poner estos eventos en su calendario.

HOPE Rally - Lunes, 14 de marzo, a las 6:30 pm - Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Temple Terrace - los miembros del equipo del Ministerio de Justicia y de los miembros de la red HOPE Asamblea Acción Nehemías – Lunes, 4 de abril, a las 6:30 pm – St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Tampa, para cualquier persona interesada en participar en nuestro Ministerio Parroquial de Justicia

Box Tops para educación

Alguna vez se preguntó qué hacer con los cupones de 'Box Tops for Education' que se ve en todos los productos comestibles que utilizas?

Clip y donarlos a la escuela católica Nativity!

Esta es una manera fácil de ganar dinero para nuestra escuela parroquial y todo lo que hay que hacer es clip los cupones de cienes de productos participantes y los convierten en el ofertorio en un sobre. Cada Box Top se vale $ .10 centavos para nuestra escuela. En el semestre de otoño nuestra escuela obtuvo $ 975.20!

Caída de los cupones en la escuela o la oficina de la iglesia durante la semana, o en la canasta del ofertorio en un sobre.

Gracias por su tiempo y cuidado para nuestra escuela parroquial!

Retiro Emaús Mujeres

¿Qué es tan grande de hacer un retiro?

En un retiro se le libre de la distracción de su rutina diaria.

Con todo su ser relajado, usted será capaz de abrir su corazón y escuchar a Jesús y el Espíritu Santo. Esa es la satisfacción profunda, la paz interior y la alegría que se encuentra.

Tómese su tiempo para hacer un retiro de Emaús. Si no se ha registrado aún, todavía tiene tiempo.

Las inscripciones para el retiro de la Mujer Emaús continúan este fin de semana.

Este retiro se basa en la escritura que se encuentra en el Evangelio de Lucas 24: 13-35.

El tema principal de la retirada es descubrir o volver a descubrir a Jesús en nuestras vidas, y la importancia de las mujeres atendiendo a las mujeres.

El retiro se llevará a cabo el fin de semana del 18 al 20 marzo, 2016 en el Centro Franciscano en Tampa.

El costo es de $ 195.00 e incluye el transporte y todas las comidas.