SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, PRAY FOR US! Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Mass Schedule Vigil Mass (Saturday) 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Weekday Mass M,T,W,F 8:30 a.m. Confessions before daily Mass; Saturday 4:15 p.m. The Parish in the heart of the Endless Mountains Serving Bradford County since 1841 SACRAMENTS The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated Sundays after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. First time parents are asked to attend a welcoming session prior to baptism. Godparents are asked to present a sponsor card. Please call the parish office as soon as possible after your child’s birth to plan his or her baptism. The Sacrament of Marriage—engaged couples should notify the pastor at least six months prior to their proposed date. Couples participate in a preparation program. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick—please call the parish of- fice for visitation of the sick at home, in the hospital, or health care facili- ty. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the official process used by the Church to bring adults into the Catholic faith. SPIRITUAL DEVOTIONS The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed in common before weekday Masses. The Perpetual Novena of the Miracu- lous Medal is prayed in common every Monday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Eucharistic Adoration is held from 9:00 a.m. on the Thursday preceding First Fri- day until 2:00 p.m. on Friday in Grotto Hall and the church. Sacred Heart Devotions are prayed in common after First Friday Masses. Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are prayed in common after the First Saturday Masses. Parish Prayer Line requests Call Annette at 570-265-9691. Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini OUR MISSION STATEMENT SS. Peter & Paul Parish, a community of faith called by God to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ, serves the Lord by sharing our time, talent and treasure. As disciples of Christ, we are called to bring Jesus Christ to ourselves and others: our children, the sick, the poor, the fallen away Catholics and those who need to hear God’s message of uncondi- tional love and forgiveness. SS. Peter & Paul Parish is a beacon of light rooted in Jesus Christ, passed on to his successor, our Holy Father the Pope, and is guided by our local bishop to build the Kingdom of God on Earth. It is our mission to shine the light of Jesus Christ in our world and to spiritually enrich the individual members of the parish as well as the larger community through word, worship, sacrament and service. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph † December 27, 2015 Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. 1 John: 3: 1
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SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, PRAY FOR US! Parish Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm
Mass Schedule
Vigil Mass
(Saturday) 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Mass
8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Weekday Mass
M,T,W,F 8:30 a.m.
Confessions before daily
Mass; Saturday 4:15 p.m.
The Parish in the heart of the Endless Mountains Serving Bradford County since 1841
SACRAMENTS
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated Sundays after the 11:00 a.m.
Mass. First time parents are asked to attend a welcoming session prior to
baptism. Godparents are asked to present a sponsor card. Please call the
parish office as soon as possible after your child’s birth to plan his or her
baptism.
The Sacrament of Marriage—engaged couples should notify the pastor
at least six months prior to their proposed date. Couples participate in a
preparation program.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick—please call the parish of-
fice for visitation of the sick at home, in the hospital, or health care facili-
ty.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the official process used
by the Church to bring adults into the Catholic faith.
SPIRITUAL DEVOTIONS
The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed
in common before weekday Masses.
The Perpetual Novena of the Miracu-
lous Medal is prayed in common every
Monday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.
Eucharistic Adoration is held from 9:00
a.m. on the Thursday preceding First Fri-
day until 2:00 p.m. on Friday in Grotto
Hall and the church.
Sacred Heart Devotions are prayed in
common after First Friday Masses.
Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of
Mary are prayed in common after the
First Saturday Masses.
Parish Prayer Line requests
Call Annette at 570-265-9691.
Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
SS. Peter & Paul Parish, a community of faith called by God to deepen
our relationship with Jesus Christ, serves the Lord by sharing our time,
talent and treasure. As disciples of Christ, we are called to bring Jesus
Christ to ourselves and others: our children, the sick, the poor, the fallen
away Catholics and those who need to hear God’s message of uncondi-
tional love and forgiveness. SS. Peter & Paul Parish is a beacon of light
rooted in Jesus Christ, passed on to his successor, our Holy Father the
Pope, and is guided by our local bishop to build the Kingdom of God on
Earth. It is our mission to shine the light of Jesus Christ in our world and
to spiritually enrich the individual members of the parish as well as the
larger community through word, worship, sacrament and service.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph † December 27, 2015
Beloved: See what love the Father
has bestowed on us
that we may be called
the children of God.
1 John: 3: 1
CCD
No Class: Dec. 27 or Jan. 3; Classes Resume Jan. 10
From the Youth Group
Last Sunday the Youth Group celebrated the
Christmas season at our final meeting of 2015. A group
went caroling around the block touching hearts with their
beautiful voices. Everyone returned with big smiles on
their faces! The rest of the group enjoyed games, snacks
and fun times together.
Next meeting January 10th at 6 pm in St. Agnes
gym. To all: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Parish Dates To Remember
Dec 31: Vigil Mass 4:00 pm (New Year’s Eve)
Jan 1: Solemnity of Mary Mass 9:00 am
Jan 2: First Saturday Mass 8:30 am
Jan. 3: The Epiphany of the Lord; no CCD class today
Jan 4: 175th Anniversary Committee 5:30 pm Grotto Hall
Jan 6: Musicians Scheduling Meeting 7 pm Grotto Hall
Jan 8: Friday Mass @ Bradford Co. Manor 10:15 am
Jan 10: CCD Classes resume; Youth Group 6 pm
Jan.10: Un-decorate the church after 11 am Mass
Jan 11: Lenten Prep., St. Boniface, Williamsport (see article)
Jan 17: Bradford County Rally for Human Life 2 pm @
Courthouse followed by prayer service, reception @ SSPP
Jan 18: Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, office closed
Jan 18-22: no weekday Masses
Jan 22: March for Life, Washington, DC
Jan 28: ARISE Season 2 Leaders Workshop
Christmas Decorations
On Tuesday morning, parishioners, under the guid-
ance of Mary Kay Ward, descended upon the church to
decorate for Christmas. When we look around, we would
have to say that they did a terrific job. Lots of creativity
and organization were involved in this year’s decorating, to
enable the entire parish and visitors to joyfully celebrate.
We are especially thankful to the many young men
and women returning home from college who helped in the
decorating process – you made a big difference.
2016 Men’s and 2016 Women’s Spring Cursillo
Even though it is 2015, it is now time to more seri-
ously consider making a Cursillo in early 2016. The dates
for a Spring 2016 Cursillo are listed below:
Men’s Cursillo February 25-28, 2016, Joe Graf, Rector-
Women’s April 14-17, 2016, Barbara Leary, Rectora
Please speak with either John Demangone, Rob
Grimes, Barbara Krauss, Christina Fleury .
Lenten Preparation January 11, 2016
The Diocesan Office for Parish Life will hold a regional
Lenten Preparation on Monday, January 11, 2016, at
St. Boniface Parish, Williamsport, at 6:30 pm—For: any
who prepare liturgical seasons—music ministers, liturgy
committee, art/environment, or anyone wanting to deepen
appreciation of this special season. To register, call the
OPL at 570-207-2213.
Pastor’s Message
Each of us realizes that change in one form or an-
other is a part of life. Very often we know we NEED
change; yet, very often we DO NOT like or want to
change. At the gift of the Incarnation, all of creation expe-
rienced a life changing event: all humanity has not been
the same since. At some point in our lives each of us will
experience a personal, life-changing event; most of us will
or have experienced more than one.
During the past year a number of parishioners
have mentioned that our parish is changing, and not simply
in the demographics but in the communal and spiritual as-
pects. I have sensed the same thing. Somehow our parish
seems to be in the process of a life-changing experience. I
am not saying that the parish has not had life-changing
experiences in the past, nor does it mean that it will not
have in the future, but just that something positive and
wonderful is happening to the heart and soul of Saints
Peter & Paul Parish –Towanda. Without looking at causes
but looking at what is happening and encouraging it.
Over the past several years parishioners have par-
ticipated in various programs of change that the parish has
offered: Spiritual Study programs, Parish picnics, the
ARISE program, social activities, our developing Youth
Group, charitable activities, participating in the Parish Pas-
toral Council, Cursillo, Parish Outreach to those in the
hospital, nursing homes, and those confined to their
(notably CCD), and outside the parish and a host of other
activities to assist the Diocese and Parish in serve to oth-
ers. Our financial support to the parish, to the monthly
collection for the Education and Support of priests, to the
Diocesan Annual Appeal, to other programs of local and
national need is to be compliment. All of these activities
may have been held in the past, but somehow a renewed
spirit is present in that we are inviting others to participate,
and those others are opening themselves to explore the
opportunity. On this Feast of the Holy Family– we are
becoming a stronger family. People are risking and finding
out that the grass “life” is greener on the other side – that
participating is worth the effort. It takes courage to ask
others, it takes courage to respond, but it seems that it pays
dividends to all. Let us continue being involved.
The year 2016 offers us a magnificent, continued
opportunity for growth through change. Pope Francis has
promulgated a Jubilee Year of Mercy; we as a parish are
celebrating our 175th Anniversary, and we continue to
strengthen our faith through the ARISE and Cursillo pro-
grams. How will I open myself to be a part of this spiritual
growth process? How will these activities change me? Let
us pray that the parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Par-
ish continue to open themselves and our families to the
Holy Spirit and to fully embrace these invitations of God’s
grace. May we also have the courage to invite others to
participate.
We ask God to continue to bless us.
Liturgical Ministers Dec. 31—Jan. 3 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic Solemnity Vigil 4:00 pm:Charlene Garden, Jackie & Bob Pyznar Solemnity of Mary: 9:00 am: Kathy Joyce Sat.Vigil 5 pm:Brandon Dickerson, Marilyn Miller,Jackie Pyznar Sun. 8 am: LeeAnn Wolfe, Hank & Louise Schelter 11 am: Kathy Joyce, Barbara & Ed Krauss Lectors: Solemnity Vigil 4:00 pm: Mary Alice Demangone Solemnity of Mary 9:00 am: Bob Gisler Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Sandy Kasenga Sunday 8 am: Barbara Wywiorski 11 am: Teresa Ondrey Altar Servers Solemnity Vigil 4:00 pm: Emma Morgan, Max & Lara Vega Solemnity of Mary 9:00 am: volunteers needed Sat. Vigil: David Smith, Dillon Gallagher Sun. 8 am: David & Marabeth Boardman,Sidney Bride 11 am: Elizabeth Ondrey, Whitney Madill Musicians Solemnity Vigil 4:00 pm: Solemnity of Mary 9:00 am: Joel & Sue Christian Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Joel Christian Sunday 8:00: am: George Dzus, Marie Seibert 11:00 am: Carol Madill, Choir Ushers Solemnity Vigil 4:00 pm: John Demangone, Solemnity of Mary 9:00 am: Hospital & Personal Care Home: LeeAnn Wolfe Bradford County Manor: Donna Brown
Altar Care 1/2/16 Sharon Kaminsky
Pat Bergmaier, Sandy Kasenga
Collection Counters 12/28 Team C
Mass Intentions Dec. 27 - Jan. 3 Sat. Vigil 5:00 pm: Jake DeWan (Lucille Christini)
Sunday 8:00 am: Living and Deceased members of the
Paquette and Bryington Families (Tricia Bryington)
11:00 am: Eileen Marie Brubaker Cunningham
(Mother and Dad)
Mon. 8:30 am: Rinaldo DePaola (Bob & Ann Murphy)
Tues 8:30 am: John Wiegand (Sally Wiegand))
Wed 8:30 am: Fred Gerrity (Jim Lenox)
Thurs. 8:30 am: Rev. Albert G. Brogus
Holy Day Vigil 4:00 pm: John & Evelyn Mahoney (Bob Herda)
Friday Solemnity of Mary
9:00 am: Our Parishioners
First Saturday: 8:30 am: Dan Bryington (Tricia Bryington)
Sat. Vigil 5:00 pm: Our Parishioners
Sunday 8:00 am: Patrick Dempsey Flynn (LeeAnn Wolfe)
11:00 am: Rose Lenox (Frank & Anne Madden)
Offertory December 13, 2015
Sunday Offering $ 3,698.00
Retirement for Religious $ 310.06
Special envelopes $ 324.00
Thank you for your generosity!
Second Collection.
No second collection will be taken up this week; next
week will be for the Care & Education of Priests.
Sanctuary Lamps burn this week for:
Tom Cowling (Ann Cowling)
Tom Cowling (Kathy & Mary Alice)
Jack Charnitski (Marilyn Miller)
Christmas Angel Tree
Many thanks are offered to all who participated in the
Christmas Angel Tree this year. The many families who
received and benefitted from your kindness are apprecia-
tive and thankful for the Christmas gifts. Your food and
household supplies which you have provided for families
whose children are being treated at Geisinger Hospital in
Danville are most grateful, as they find hospitality and
respite at the Ronald McDonald House there.
Christmas 2015 !
The Christmas Liturgies were certainly a wonderful cele-
bration and expression of faith. A magnificent “Thank
You” is sent to all who contributed and assisted in making
for a joyful and meaningful prayer experience. The parish
is greatly appreciative of your efforts: the ushers, altar
servers, lectors, the extraordinary Ministers of Holy Com-
munion, the greeters, the music ministry – the choirs
(wonderful job), Joe Dorsey, Cindy Williams, Joel & Sue
Christian, and Carol Madill, those that cleaned and deco-
rated the church, the sacristans, and all the parishioners
and family members that praised God for His presence in
their lives and our parish. We also thank the musicians and
cantors of our Music Ministry Program: Teresa Ondrey,
Theresa Sparrow, Jim Hoffman, Marie Siebert, Gloria
Nilsson, and all the other ministers/servers for their service
to us each and every weekend of the year.
Next Year’s Parish Envelopes
Our 2016 parish envelopes are available in alphabetical
order in the last pew of the church. Thank you for taking
them home this weekend. If you cannot locate your box,
please contact the parish office 570-265-2113 from 9 am
– 3 pm Monday through Thursday (except office closed
ST. AGNES SCHOOL A Roman Catholic School of the Diocese of Scranton
Pre-K (3 & 4 Years of Age) to Grade 6 Middle States Accredited
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Towanda PA 18848
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570-268-7653 570-888-2202
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PLEASE THANK
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Of our
Parish bulletin
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS_
Mary Allen; Anonymous Request; Anonymous Special Intention; Christine Bedford; Gus
Branish; Edith Brennan; Julia Brown; David Brubaker; Patricia Coleman; Robert Coles; Joan
Cowles; David Conklin; Sue Daly; John Thomas Demangone; Patricia Dibble; Mike Dunkle;
Richard J. Finnegan; Mike Gambal; Jim Grimes; Sally Groff; Ann Thompson Haglich; Evelyn
Hoff; Glenna Hoffman; Billy Hollenback; Linda Hollenback; Betty Johnson; Adam Kelly; Joyce Kuykendal; Timothy
Leo Lenox; Connie Leone; Frank Lindsey; Sharon Mahaffey; Mary Ellen Marshall; Marie McCauley; Deany Mc-
Garrigle; Debra McGovern; Joe Miksis; Mary Miksis; Steven (Nate) Miller; Mary Lou Muchichko; Jim Nalisnick;
Charles Palmer; Mary Paquette; Joe Perechinsky; Bev Place; Matt Pritchard; Alex Rabago; Delia Rabago; Kathleen
Lenox Reider; Yolanda Rossi; Rita Sasso; Richard Schmieg; Mary Scioscia; Ed Slocum, Jr.; Jerry Smith; Joanne
Smith; Marie Smith; Robert Spaulding; Paula Stover; Mackenzie Kempner Taylor: Ed & Barbara Ulatowski; C.
Michael Vaughn; Kathleen Woods; Ruth Young; Elsie Zurn; also Grace, Venus, Zaida, Edna, & Rita.
To add a name to this published Prayer List, call the office at 265-2113 or email your request to [email protected].
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