SEVENTH PASCHAL SUNDAY SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE 1ST COUNCIL OF NICEA
EPISTLE: Acts 20: 16-18a and 28-38

In those days, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus (Ef-eh-sus) so as not to lose time in Asia, for he was eager to get to Jerusalem by the feast of Pentecost if at all possible. Paul sent word from Miletus to Ephesus (Myh-lee-tus to Ef-eh-sus), summoning the presbyters (pres-bi-terz) of that church. When they came to him he delivered this address: “Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has given you to guard. Shepherd the church of God, which he has acquired at the price of his own blood. I know that when I am gone, savage wolves will come among you who will not spare the flock. From your own number, men will present themselves distorting the truth and leading astray any who follow them. Be on guard, therefore. Do not forget that for three years, night and day, I never ceased warning you individually even to the point of tears. I commend you now to the Lord, and to that gracious word of his which can enlarge you, and give you a share among all who are consecrated to him. Never did I set my heart on anyone’s silver or gold or envy the way he dressed. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have served both my needs and those of my companions. I have always pointed out to you that it is by such hard work that you must help the weak. You need to recall the words of the Lord Jesus himself, who said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than receiving.’” Read more

SIXTH PASCHAL SUNDAY SUNDAY OF THE MAN BORN BLIND
EPISTLE: Acts 16: 16-34

In those days, while Paul and Luke were on their way to the place of prayer they met a slave girl who had a clairvoyant spirit. She used to bring substantial profit to her masters by fortunetelling. The girl began to follow Paul and the rest of them shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God; they will make known to you a way of salvation.” She did this for several days until finally Paul became annoyed, turned around, and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you, come out of her!” Then and there the spirit left her. Read more

FIFTH PASCHAL SUNDAY SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
EPISTLE: Acts 11: 19-30

In those days, those in the community who had been dispersed by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch [Fin-nish-a, Sigh-prus and An-tee-ock], making the message known to none but Jews. However, some men of Cyprus and Cyrene [Sigh-ree-nih] among them who had come to Antioch began to talk even to the Greeks, announcing the good news of the Lord Jesus to them. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number of them believed and were converted to the Lord. News of this eventually reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, resulting in the sending of Barnabas to Antioch. On his arrival he rejoiced to see the evidence of God’s favor. Read more

FOURTH PASCHAL SUNDAY SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC
EPISTLE: Acts 9: 32-42

In those days, when Peter was making numerous journeys, he went—among other places—to God’s holy people living in Lydda (Lid-a). There he found a man named Aeneas (I-nee-as), a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you! Get up and make your bed.” The man got up at once. All the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon, upon seeing him, were converted to the Lord. Read more

Confessions:	Both daily and Sundays before all Liturgies
Baptisms:	By appointment. Sponsors must be practicing Catholics
Marriage:	Please contact you Pastor at least six months in advance. Attendance at Pre—Cana is required.
Religious Education:	Grades K-8 Sundays at 11:15 AM
Ministry to the Sick:	Kindly notify the rectory office about parishioners who are confined to home, hospital, or convalescent home, so that a priest might visit them.
Sunday Bulletin Deadline:	Notices should be phoned in or brought to the Parish Office no later than 12:00 noon on the Monday previous to the publication.
New Parishioners:	Welcome to St. Josaphat’s! Please stop by the Rectory to introduce yourselves and register. We look forward to meeting you.
Bequests:	In making out your will, kindly remember your church. St Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church of Rochester, NY is our legal title.

     ‘He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,’ says our Lord.

In these words Christ counsels us to follow His life and way if we desire true enlightenment and freedom from all blindness of heart. Let the life of Jesus Christ, then, be our first consideration.

The teaching of Jesus far transcends all the teachings of the Saints, and whosoever has His spirit will discover concealed in it heavenly manna. But many people, although they often hear the Gospel, feel little desire to follow it, because they lack the spirit of Christ. Whoever desires to understand and take delight in the word of Christ must strive to conform his whole life to him. Read more

PRAYER FOR THE BEGINNING OF LENT

EPISTLE: Hebrews 4:14 - 5:6

Brethren:  Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our profession of faith.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who has tempted in every way that we are, yet never sinned.  So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need.

Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.  He is able to deal patiently with erring sinners, for he himself is beset by weakness and so must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people.  One does not take this honor on his own initiative, but only when called by God as Aaron was.  Even Christ did not glorify himself with the office of high priest; he received it from the One who said to him, “You are my son; today I have begotten you”; just as he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

GOSPEL:  Mark 8:34- 9:1

At that time Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them:  “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and follow in my steps.  Whoever would preserve his life will lose it, but whoever losses his life for my sake and the gospel’s sake will preserve it.  What profit does man show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?  What can a man offer in exchange for his life?  If anyone in this faithless and corrupt age is ashamed of me and my doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes with the holy angels in his Father’s glory.”  He also said to them:  “I assure you, among those standing here there are some who will not taste death until they see the reign of God established in power.”