The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH, (St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa. and St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.) (St. Brigid’s Cross) P.O. Box 75 • 17 Cottage Street • Friendsville, Pa. 18818 www.ourparishcommunity.com • Phone (570) 553-2288 E-mail: [email protected]Father Casimir (Cas) Stanis, Pastor Kenneth S. Brennan, Deacon PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”
Transcript
WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE St. Francis—Jan. 26—4:30PM: Lector—Thomas O’Reilly; Servers—volunteer needed; Rosary—Mary Shaughnessy St. Francis—Jan. 27—8:00AM: Lector—John Butler; Servers—Patrick & Marty Conboy; Rosary—Mary Tims St. Augustine—Jan. 27—10:30AM: Lector—Julie Perlick; Servers—Frank & Jack Fruehan; Rosary—Ann Zalepa
DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially our Parishioner Irene Kotch. We also pray for Chuck McNeil who was known to many in our Community. May they rest in peace. Amen. SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS
A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention.
A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Sophie Glenn requested by Bill & Theresa Noldy.
CHURCH CLEANING St. Francis cleaners for the month of January—Kathy Gage.
St. Augustine cleaners Jan. 20 to 26 - volunteers needed; Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 - Anne Hawley & Sally Hawley. Volunteers are needed to clean St. Augustine Church. If you can help, call the rectory (553-2288).
PRAYER LIST
Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish and Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., David Zevan, Rita Powers, Debbie Jones, John Spila, Julia Zangara, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Christine Rothwell, Donald & Theresa Baum, Donnie Butler, Nancy Jellick, Tommy Williams, Stephen & Mary Ann Ambrose, Mary Coyle, Toni Colardino, Linda Hollenback, Mary Bakay, Mary Riley, Jennifer Lynn, Tom Wenman, Tyler Fletcher, Evelyn Palulis, Anna Mae Coleman, Jerry Lynch, Joshua Welch, Richard Hutchinson, John Carr, Roma Laboda, Jean Ryan, Joshua Kaminski, Aleisya Abrams, Chuck Sidener, Maureen Rothwell, Kathy Holt, Steve & Catherine Hundiak, Christopher Polk, Mary K. Long, Mary Lou Fahs, Butch Rosencranz, Agnes Neville, Frank Hutchinson, Ruth King, Adaline Williams, George Kotch, Dorothy Angel, Ida Ellis, Molly Penderf, Brooke Arnold, Franny Coleman, Hallie Brooks, Rosemary Boyle, Sarah Murnigahan, Robert Peifer, Evelyn Rounds, Janice Russell, Bill Wilcox, M. M., Carl Miller, Ken Teel, Gene Fox,
Walter O’Rourke, Candy Coney, Nathan Dallmann, William Chaney, Bill Cadden, Mary Anna Marbaker, Carol Jones, Mary Cadden, Sue Rathbone, Dick Layton, Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, D. K., Peg Reed, Sue Anderson, Peg Taylor, Theresa Noldy, Ken Roon, June Riley, Debbie Kurpiela, John Bauer, John Osolnick, Alice Carr, Neil Conboy, Judy, Francis Zernone, Ned Offner, and Sue Camp. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Books. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.
ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish and Community, Cortney Allen, Joe Jones, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Jeffrey Evans, Shane Kalpokas, Joshua Arey, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Daniel Hogan, Matthew Kramer, Roger Raub, Dustin Ryder, Ricky Trowbridge, Bobby Brostoski, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, Adam Nelson, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Jason Raymond, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Reed Shave, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Lukas Crisman, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael & Sean Plitt, Paul Lewandowski, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Taylor Cain, and all who serve with them. May they all be protected and safe from harm and return home soon to their families and friends. Amen. IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO CAN BE REMOVED FROM EITHER THE PRAYER LIST OR THE ARMED FORCES LIST, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECTORY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”
CONFESSION SCHEDULE
Saturday - 4:30PM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions - 4:00 to 4:20PM Sunday - 8:00AM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions before & immediately following Mass Sunday - 10:30AM Mass - St. Augustine Church - Confessions - immediately following Mass
Or any convenient time upon request. WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our Parish collections: St. Francis (4:30PM) $ 749.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 1,311.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 950.00. NOVEMBER FINANCIAL NEWS-corrected
November Income: + 20,107.73 November Expense: - 22,345.84 Balance for November: - 2,238.11
DECEMBER FINANCIAL NEWS December Income: + 40,012.21 December Expense: - 38,246.80 Balance for December : + 1,765.41
LIFELINES
Abortion not only took my baby’s life, but it almost took mine. I am thankful for the Church and Project Rachel Ministry, for teaching me to love myself, and to live for God. ~ Mother’s testimony. (If you or a loved one is hurting from an abortion, call Project Rachel Ministry toll- free at 888-456-HOPE for free, confidential counseling. See www.hopeafterabortion.org.)
HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND SHAKING HANDS As the winter cold & flu season is upon us already, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. We will also have Holy Communion under one species; the Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.
MASS SCHEDULE Sat. Jan. 19 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Sun. Jan. 20 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
GERALD MURPHY by the Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - EVELYN NIETUPSKI by the Pichette Family
Mon. Jan. 21 12:00NN St. Francis Church - ANNA MAE KEENAN by John & Mary Butler Tue. Jan. 22 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - Special Intentions of the POLLARD FAMILY by
Barb Pichette Wed. Jan. 23 8:30AM St. Francis Church - MARY BAHAN by the Estate Thur. Jan. 24 8:30AM St. Francis Church BILL PHALEN by Tom Golden Fri. Jan. 25 12:00NN St. Francis Church - GENEVIEVE GUITON by Charles & Geraldine Thurston Sat. Jan. 26 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE HARDY FAMILY by Margaret Hardy
Sun. Jan. 27 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BARBARA N. BURNS by Frank & Helen Burns
10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS
CHILI, SOUP & BREAD SALE The Altar & Rosary Society will be having a Chili, Soup & Bread Sale the weekend of January 26/27. Chili will be $ 6.00 a quart; Potato & Bacon Soup will be $ 5.00 a quart; and fresh baked bread will be $ 2.00 a loaf. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the Churches until January 21st. Call in orders can be made to Joyce Barnum (570-623-4377), or Mary Shaughnessy (607-727-4107). No orders will be taken after January 22nd. Help making the chili, soup & bread would be greatly appreciated. If you can help, please be at Neumann Hall on January 25th at 9:00AM. Soup & bread will be available for pick-up after the 4:30PM Mass at St. Francis Hall; after 8:00AM Mass at St. Francis Hall; after 10:30AM Mass at Neumann Hall.
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING The next Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:00PM in St. Brigid Rectory. All Pastoral Council Members are encouraged to attend.
PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS
Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Again this year calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2013. Each family in our Parish is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to please sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year.
SALE OF THE FORMER ST. JOSEPH CHURCH BUILDING
The former St. Joseph Church building has been sold to a private buyer for a price of $ 40,000.00, less closing costs. The Cemetery remains Parish property and will be continue to be run and maintained by the St. Joseph Cemetery Association.
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Next week’s collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) needs your help. CCHD was founded to end the cycle of poverty throughout America by funding organizations that help individuals help themselves. With a tradition of improving education, housing, and community economic development, CCHD continues to make a positive impact in communities nationwide. Defend human dignity. Take poverty off the map. Please give to the CCHD Collection.
DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS Divine Mercy Devotions are held following Sunday Masses at St. Francis & St. Augustine. You are encouraged to stay for a few minutes after Mass for this wonderful devotion.
PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need- not just parish members), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spenser (663-2212), Susie Reichlen (553-2618), or Mary Keenan (553-2431). If you have actual prayer requests, please call anyone on the list and many prayers will be offered for your particular intention.
ADORATION HOURS OPEN! GOD richly blesses you & your family when you take time out of your busy schedule for HIM. Could you spend (1) hour with ME? Please call Andrea Chen (1-607-669-4875), for available hours.
Thank you to those who have already made the commitment to “Serve One Another”.
St. Brigid Parish Appeal Goal this year is $ 23,750.00. Our Appeal donations total $ 21,452.00 to date. The balance needed to reach our goal is $ 2,298.00.
CONFESSION SCHEDULE
Saturday - 4:30PM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions - 4:00 to 4:20PM Sunday - 8:00AM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions before & immediately following Mass Sunday - 10:30AM Mass - St. Augustine Church - Confessions - immediately following Mass
Or any convenient time upon request. WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our Parish collections: St. Francis (4:30PM) $ 749.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 1,311.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 950.00. NOVEMBER FINANCIAL NEWS-corrected
November Income: + 20,107.73 November Expense: - 22,345.84 Balance for November: - 2,238.11
DECEMBER FINANCIAL NEWS December Income: + 40,012.21 December Expense: - 38,246.80 Balance for December : + 1,765.41
LIFELINES
Abortion not only took my baby’s life, but it almost took mine. I am thankful for the Church and Project Rachel Ministry, for teaching me to love myself, and to live for God. ~ Mother’s testimony. (If you or a loved one is hurting from an abortion, call Project Rachel Ministry toll- free at 888-456-HOPE for free, confidential counseling. See www.hopeafterabortion.org.)
HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND SHAKING HANDS As the winter cold & flu season is upon us already, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. We will also have Holy Communion under one species; the Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.
MASS SCHEDULE Sat. Jan. 19 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Sun. Jan. 20 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
GERALD MURPHY by the Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - EVELYN NIETUPSKI by the Pichette Family
Mon. Jan. 21 12:00NN St. Francis Church - ANNA MAE KEENAN by John & Mary Butler Tue. Jan. 22 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - Special Intentions of the POLLARD FAMILY by
Barb Pichette Wed. Jan. 23 8:30AM St. Francis Church - MARY BAHAN by the Estate Thur. Jan. 24 8:30AM St. Francis Church BILL PHALEN by Tom Golden Fri. Jan. 25 12:00NN St. Francis Church - GENEVIEVE GUITON by Charles & Geraldine Thurston Sat. Jan. 26 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE HARDY FAMILY by Margaret Hardy
Sun. Jan. 27 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BARBARA N. BURNS by Frank & Helen Burns
10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS
CHILI, SOUP & BREAD SALE The Altar & Rosary Society will be having a Chili, Soup & Bread Sale the weekend of January 26/27. Chili will be $ 6.00 a quart; Potato & Bacon Soup will be $ 5.00 a quart; and fresh baked bread will be $ 2.00 a loaf. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the Churches until January 21st. Call in orders can be made to Joyce Barnum (570-623-4377), or Mary Shaughnessy (607-727-4107). No orders will be taken after January 22nd. Help making the chili, soup & bread would be greatly appreciated. If you can help, please be at Neumann Hall on January 25th at 9:00AM. Soup & bread will be available for pick-up after the 4:30PM Mass at St. Francis Hall; after 8:00AM Mass at St. Francis Hall; after 10:30AM Mass at Neumann Hall.
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING The next Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:00PM in St. Brigid Rectory. All Pastoral Council Members are encouraged to attend.
PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS
Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Again this year calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2013. Each family in our Parish is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to please sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year.
SALE OF THE FORMER ST. JOSEPH CHURCH BUILDING
The former St. Joseph Church building has been sold to a private buyer for a price of $ 40,000.00, less closing costs. The Cemetery remains Parish property and will be continue to be run and maintained by the St. Joseph Cemetery Association.
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Next week’s collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) needs your help. CCHD was founded to end the cycle of poverty throughout America by funding organizations that help individuals help themselves. With a tradition of improving education, housing, and community economic development, CCHD continues to make a positive impact in communities nationwide. Defend human dignity. Take poverty off the map. Please give to the CCHD Collection.
DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS Divine Mercy Devotions are held following Sunday Masses at St. Francis & St. Augustine. You are encouraged to stay for a few minutes after Mass for this wonderful devotion.
PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need- not just parish members), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spenser (663-2212), Susie Reichlen (553-2618), or Mary Keenan (553-2431). If you have actual prayer requests, please call anyone on the list and many prayers will be offered for your particular intention.
ADORATION HOURS OPEN! GOD richly blesses you & your family when you take time out of your busy schedule for HIM. Could you spend (1) hour with ME? Please call Andrea Chen (1-607-669-4875), for available hours.
Thank you to those who have already made the commitment to “Serve One Another”.
St. Brigid Parish Appeal Goal this year is $ 23,750.00. Our Appeal donations total $ 21,452.00 to date. The balance needed to reach our goal is $ 2,298.00.
WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE St. Francis—Jan. 26—4:30PM: Lector—Thomas O’Reilly; Servers—volunteer needed; Rosary—Mary Shaughnessy St. Francis—Jan. 27—8:00AM: Lector—John Butler; Servers—Patrick & Marty Conboy; Rosary—Mary Tims St. Augustine—Jan. 27—10:30AM: Lector—Julie Perlick; Servers—Frank & Jack Fruehan; Rosary—Ann Zalepa
DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially our Parishioner Irene Kotch. We also pray for Chuck McNeil who was known to many in our Community. May they rest in peace. Amen. SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS
A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention.
A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Sophie Glenn requested by Bill & Theresa Noldy.
CHURCH CLEANING St. Francis cleaners for the month of January—Kathy Gage.
St. Augustine cleaners Jan. 20 to 26 - volunteers needed; Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 - Anne Hawley & Sally Hawley. Volunteers are needed to clean St. Augustine Church. If you can help, call the rectory (553-2288).
PRAYER LIST
Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish and Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., David Zevan, Rita Powers, Debbie Jones, John Spila, Julia Zangara, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Christine Rothwell, Donald & Theresa Baum, Donnie Butler, Nancy Jellick, Tommy Williams, Stephen & Mary Ann Ambrose, Mary Coyle, Toni Colardino, Linda Hollenback, Mary Bakay, Mary Riley, Jennifer Lynn, Tom Wenman, Tyler Fletcher, Evelyn Palulis, Anna Mae Coleman, Jerry Lynch, Joshua Welch, Richard Hutchinson, John Carr, Roma Laboda, Jean Ryan, Joshua Kaminski, Aleisya Abrams, Chuck Sidener, Maureen Rothwell, Kathy Holt, Steve & Catherine Hundiak, Christopher Polk, Mary K. Long, Mary Lou Fahs, Butch Rosencranz, Agnes Neville, Frank Hutchinson, Ruth King, Adaline Williams, George Kotch, Dorothy Angel, Ida Ellis, Molly Penderf, Brooke Arnold, Franny Coleman, Hallie Brooks, Rosemary Boyle, Sarah Murnigahan, Robert Peifer, Evelyn Rounds, Janice Russell, Bill Wilcox, M. M., Carl Miller, Ken Teel, Gene Fox,
Walter O’Rourke, Candy Coney, Nathan Dallmann, William Chaney, Bill Cadden, Mary Anna Marbaker, Carol Jones, Mary Cadden, Sue Rathbone, Dick Layton, Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, D. K., Peg Reed, Sue Anderson, Peg Taylor, Theresa Noldy, Ken Roon, June Riley, Debbie Kurpiela, John Bauer, John Osolnick, Alice Carr, Neil Conboy, Judy, Francis Zernone, Ned Offner, and Sue Camp. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Books. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.
ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish and Community, Cortney Allen, Joe Jones, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Jeffrey Evans, Shane Kalpokas, Joshua Arey, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Daniel Hogan, Matthew Kramer, Roger Raub, Dustin Ryder, Ricky Trowbridge, Bobby Brostoski, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, Adam Nelson, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Jason Raymond, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Reed Shave, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Lukas Crisman, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael & Sean Plitt, Paul Lewandowski, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Taylor Cain, and all who serve with them. May they all be protected and safe from harm and return home soon to their families and friends. Amen. IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO CAN BE REMOVED FROM EITHER THE PRAYER LIST OR THE ARMED FORCES LIST, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECTORY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”
ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST The Little Meadows Fire Company will hold an all you can eat breakfast at White Tails bar in Little Meadows THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 20th, from 7AM to 11AM. Price is $8.00 adult $4.00 children. Benefits the Little Meadows Fire Company. All are welcome to attend and enjoy a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage gravy with biscuits, pancakes, hash browns and baked goods.
SHEETS & BLANKETS NEEDED Old/used sheets and blankets are needed to make sleeping bags for the homeless. If you are cleaning out your closet, please consider donating them for this worthy cause. Donations can be left in the back of the Churches or dropped off at the Rectory, (if no one is there, please leave donations on the porch by the driveway). All donations are most welcome.
ANTIQUES AND OTHER TREASURES SALE An ANTIQUES AND OTHER TREASURES SALE will be held on Saturday, January 26th, from 9AM to 2PM at the United Methodist Church, Little Meadows. All are invited & welcome to attend.
RETROUVAILLE IS YOUR MARRIAGE IN TROUBLE? Are you considering divorce? Retrouvaille is a program designed to provide help and support to married couples who are undergoing difficulties in their relationship. It is also for couples who are separated or divorced and want to try again. If you are experiencing loneliness, hurt and brokenness in your relationship, let Retrouvaille help you. The next program in the Scranton Diocese begins February 15-17, 2013 at Fatima Renewal Center in Dalton. Please call 1-800-470-2230 for more information or to register. Visit our web site at www.retrouvaille.org .
THOUGHTS FROM THE SCRANTON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN As we begin the New Year, to turn with devotion to Mary, model of the church and to recognize the special role of Mary in the mystery of salvation. This month let us invoke Mary, the Mother of the Holy Family. The Blessed Mother has taught us that the family is the cradle of faith and prayer where we first learn to love and that family life can be enriched by living up to the teachings of Christ and His Church. Please take time to teach your children how to pray the rosary and to pray it as a family daily as a gift to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
ST. THOMAS MORE SOCIETY The Saint Thomas More Society of the Legal Profession is sponsoring an End of Life Issues Presentation by Father Tad Pacholczyk of the National Catholic Bioethics Center at Saint Maria Goretti Church Hall, 43 Redwood Drive, Laflin, PA at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2013. This meeting is open to the general public as well as the members of the Saint Thomas More Society. Father Tad Pacholczyk is a renowned authority on timely life issues. From stem Cell research to organ donation, abortion to euthanasia, he offers a clear and compelling analysis of modern bioethical questions. He has given presentations and participated in roundtables on contemporary bioethics throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Father Pacholczyk also writes a monthly column which is carried in The Catholic Light. Please RSVP your attendance as soon as possible to [email protected] .
CAPUCHIN SISTERS OF NAZARETH The Capuchin Sisters are sponsoring a Young Women’s Discernment Retreat for age 16 to 30 beginning Friday, February 1st at 4:00PM and continuing thru Sunday, February 3rd at 11:30AM. This weekend will be held at Mother of the Eucharist Convent, 6100 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, Pa. It will be an opportunity to discern your Vocation—what Jesus wants you to do with your life. Come and experience Religious Life in Community. Reservations are re-quired. Please call Sr. Christina (570-745-3334).
PENNSYLVANIAN’S FOR HUMAN LIFE RESPECT LIFE PRAYER BREAKFAST The truth of the abortion industry revealed! Plan to attend the Respect Life Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, February 9th, at 9:00AM, at St. Mary’s Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton. The featured speaker will be Carol Everett, former owner/operator of (4) abortion clinics, whose conversion led her to become a Pro-Life Activist and a witness to the truth that God does forgive any and all sin. For information and to register, contact Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Scranton Chapter, at 570-343-5099. Early registration is suggested. A capacity crowd is expected for this extraordinary event.
Letter from the office of Theresa Osborne, Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese of Scranton
Dear Father, As you may be aware, the Pennsylvania Department of Health currently considers influenza activity in the Commonwealth to be “widespread” whereby there has been an increase in flu activity in all regions of the state, particularly within areas of the Diocese of Scranton. In order to assist you in promoting healthy worship environments during the flu season, on behalf of the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, the following information is being shared with you as suggested precautions. Since conditions vary from one locale to another, you are encouraged to assess the conditions of your particular parish community and use your best discretion and pastoral judgment in consideration of implementing the following suggested precautions: The faithful should be encouraged to share the Sign of Peace in a meaningful way without the traditional handshake. The distribution of the Precious Blood of Christ can be discontinued for the time being, particularly at Masses of
obligation. Priests, Deacons, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Hospitality Ministers (greeters and ushers)
should be especially reminded of the need to practice good hygiene, by carefully washing their hands before and after Mass to minimize the spread of flu germs to themselves and others.
If possible, provide hand sanitizer at the doors of churches; and clean and sanitize common areas (e.g., holy water fonts, pews, door knobs, restrooms, etc.) frequently.
Recognizing that you will exercise every caution and prudence in consideration of the recent increase of flu-related illnesses in some areas of our diocese, please also encourage parishioners who have the flu to remain at home and return to church when they are well. Likewise, please be certain to take care of your own health needs if you are sick or have the flu. Below is information from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to help the faithful be aware of the steps they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of this disease: Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs 1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. 2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. 4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. 5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. 6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
