Faith Formation Classes - for Adults who would like to prepare for Confirmation, and for Adults who would like to learn about the Catholic Faith

A new group is being formed. Sessions will begin this Thursday, February 23rd, 6:30-8:00 pm, in the Seelos Room. There wiII be 13 sessions. Participants are asked to miss no more than 2 sessions. The group will break for Spring Break, and for Holy Week. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be ce lebrat ed with Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller on Monday, June 4th, at 7 pm. Confirmation sponsors are welcomed/encouraged to attend the sessions with the Candidate.

Mission of Love

Countless lives are touched by every contribution to the 2012 Archbishop' s Appeal. Childre n, semi nary students , the sick and the aged, the needy-they all depend on our generosity. Thank you for pledging today to help meet our parish goal of $11,657.00 and assure the continuat ion of the se pro grams and services. For morc information on the ministries funded by the appeal visit www.archsa.org/appeal.

Lenten Booklet

Lent is right around the comer. This week, the registered parishioners will receive a Lenten Booklet which lists the times for our Parish's Lenten Services, Faith Formation events, and other information. Please take the time to read the bookl et and to r espond next weekend by placing the completed response form in the collection Basket.

"The Little Black Book" The books which give a daily reflection for the 6 weeks of Lent will be available in the back of church next veekend. If possible , a donation of $1 is appreciated for each book.

"The Passion Of The Lord In The Gospel of Mark" Sr. Sara Sharkey, G.P., Wednesday, February 29,2012 Oblate School of Theology-Whitley Theological Center 9:3 0 A.M. - 3:30 P.M . Fee: $35 , includes lun ch .

Baptisms: Sunday, February 26, 10:30 am. Please call I the Parish Office for more information, 533-0161.

DANCE-Sponsored by the Bexar County Czech Heritage Society

Sunday, March 2, from 2-6 pm. Music by the Ennis Czech Boys at the Martinez Social Club, 779 1 FM 1346 at FM 1516, San Antonio. Fee: $8.

The Center for Spiritual Growth and the Contemplative Life

GERTRUDE THE GREAT: Theologian and Mystic: Gertrude's writing leads us into a relationship with God characterized by the feminine energies of love and relationship. We will explore her significance for contemporary spiritual growth and for spiritual direct ion as well as look at the spiritual exercises which she created. Open to the Public, free lecture, please rsvp . (note the change in date from that previously published. Presenter: Deborah Hanus, D.Min.

LENTEN SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS' OF LOYOLA: Follow a pattern of prayer, meditation, a other spiritual exercises using the themes of Lent. Guided by an experienced spiritual director. Join us beginning February 28 at 10 am or at 6:30 pm. $25.00 suggested donation. materials provided. Please register by email or phone

The Center is now accepting applications for the upcoming three year course in Spiritual Direction. We begin in September, 2012. Please request an information package. An open house for interested persons if offered on Monday February 20 at 6:30 pm. Please rsvp.

"COME AND SEE"

At Holy Spirit Convent, 300 Yucca St., San Antonio March 23 - 25, 2012. For women ages 18-45 who may want to learn more about Religious Life, contact Sister Gabriel Hession, S.I-LSp. at 210-533-5149 or sghession@hotmaiI.com. Registration forms available at www.sbsp.org.

Thank You from the Tony Lopez Family

Blessings to You! Last Saturday there was a fundraiser to help the daughter of parishioner, Tony Lopez. Her house had been destroyed by fire. The fundraiser was a great success. Thanks are extended to Fr. Shea for the use of the cafeteria; the Segovia Family for preparing the Bar-BQ; the Saucedo Family for their contributions of the Chicken, Rice, and Beans; to Taco Haven; Virginia's Restaurant; Absolutely Everything Catering; Elida Lara for her Coordination of the Fundraiser; and to all the family, friends, and parishioners for their help in raising $4600!

IT'S SPAGHETTI TIME!!!!

The Altar and Holy Name Society is sponsoring their annual Spaghetti Dinner. Be sure to save the date: Sunday, February 26th Serving begins at 11:am until sold out. Cone join us for a delicious spaghetti dinner with salad, garlic toast and coffee or tea. Plates are $6.00 each. Desserts will also be available. All proceeds from the dinner will be given back to the parish for the Capital Campaign/Building Fund. Enjoy an afternoon of fellowship with parishioners and friends. Presale tickets will be available after all the masses. Don't forget to stay and play BINGO! Our Knights of Columbus Council 10270 will be sponsoring the BINGO beginning at 2:00 pm.

Welcome Back to Natalie and Isaac Zamora

Last year the Zamora family sponsored a fundraiser to help Natalie receive a new lung. After 8 long months in North Carolina. Natalie and Isaac have returned. Natalie is with a new lung and is getting stronger by the day. The family is grateful for everyone's prayers and expressions of support.

Oblate School of Theology is offering 3 Adult Faith Formation studies :

(l) Rev. Ron Rolheiser, OMI Lecture Series: Christ and Other Religions How Might A Christian View the Great Religions of the World? Feb. 6, 13 & 20 20 12; 7-9 PM. Fee: $30 (2) Sr. Sarah Sharkey, OP Study Day: The Passion of the Lord in the Gospel of Mark Feb . 29, 20 12; 9:30 AM-3:30 PM. Fee : S35/in cludes lunch (3) Tepeyac Westside Our Lady ofGuadalupe Parish Hall 1321 El Paso St. San Antonio, TX and St. Patrick s Church 1114 Willow St. San Antonio, TX 78208 2 locations; same dates 6:30-9:00 PM Feb. 2, 9,16, &23, 20 12 Eucharistic Spirituality: Living the Rhythms of the Mass. Fee: $5/se ssion To Register : Mario, 341- 1366x226 or visit: www.ost.edu

St Matthew' s Church is hosting Jeff Cavins

Have you ever had questions about the "End Times"? Have you been warned about "The Rapture" or been told that the "Second Coming" of Christ is near? Then you won't want to miss your chance to hear renowned Catholic Bible teacher JeffCavins...
"Unpack the Mysteries of Revelation" Saturday, February 25, 2012 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Cost: Mail in your name, address & phone # and payment by January 24, 2012 to: Office for Evangelization 2718 West Woodlawn Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78228
You'll also have an opportunity to attend a FREE talk on Friday. February 24, 2012 as Jeff Cavins presents " I'm Not Being Fed: Discovering the Food that Satisfies the Soul" - on the all-important topic of Jesus Christ's Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist (7:00-9:00 pm.). For Info: 734-1668

Pilgrimage to ltaly - Following in the Footsteps of St. Alphonsus

May 7-17, 2012. Sponsored by The Redemptorists of the Denver Province. More info. to come.

Catholic Women's Luncheon

Sharon Lee Giganti who was a former New Age instructor and is now a committed Catholic will be in San Antonio on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 37 NE Loop 410, from 11:30am-l :30pm. She will be speaking about The Lies we Buy (Exposing Spiritual Dangers). Cost $35 which includes a 3 course meal. For more information go to www.pilgrimcenterofhope.org

Have Some Paper that Can Be Recycled?

The Parish receives money for its recycled paper. The dumpster is located at the corner of Iowa and Gevers. Help the environment and help the parish.

Facebook

If you’re on Facebook, we invite you to become a fan of the St. Gerard Church Centennial Celebration group and St. Gerard Centennial Celebration Photos page. From the group site, you can learn more about upcoming centennial events – and share memories with fellow group members. The Photos page contains photo albums from the various Centennial events so far. Locate our pages by typing keyword: St. Gerard. Look for the centennial logo in the search results.

Christian Prayers for Healing

Mr. Domingo Setien leads prayers for healing each Tuesday at 7 pm in Church.Regarding the Centennial Celebration of our Mexican Heritage & Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe