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

Established in 1848

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.

Second Sunday in Ordinary time † January 18, 2015

Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini

MASS SCHEDULES AT AREA CHURCHES

Canton, St. Michael: 6:00 pm Sat., 9:30 am Sunday

9:00 am Th, F, in Rectory; call parish 570-673-253

Dushore, St. Basil: 4 pm Sat., 9:00 & 11:45 am Sunday

8:00 am M, F; call parish 570-928-7972.

Ralston, St. Aloysius: 8:00 am Sunday

Sayre, Epiphany: 4 pm Sat., 8:00 & 11:00 am Sunday

7:00 am & 12:10 pm M-F; call parish 570-888-9641

Troy, St. John: 11:30 am Sunday

5:30 pm Tues.

Wyalusing, St. Mary: 5 p.m. Sat; 11:00 am Sunday

Call parish 570-746-1006 for daily schedule

See Diocesan web site www.dioceseofscranton .org (Churches/Mass Times)

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,

whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6: 19-20

St. Agnes School

St. Agnes School kicks off Catholic Schools Week beginning

January 25, with the 11 am Sunday Mass, followed by a New

York Street Fair Luncheon in the school gym and then their

annual Promise Tree Auction. See the insert for details. Youth Group

The Parish Youth Group (Grades 9-12) will meet this

Sunday, Jan. 18, from 6-8 pm in St. Agnes JFK Hall.

Bring a friend, learn something, share something, get in-

volved, have a good time--all are welcome. Should any-

one have any questions, please feel free to call Brandon

at 570-637-0756. There will be no meeting next week,

CCD Every Sunday Jan. 18: No class this week

Jan. 25: Classes resume 9:15

Parish Dates To Remember

Jan. 12-21: Father Ed away; no weekday Masses Jan. 18: No CCD classes Jan. 18: 2 pm Rally for Life at Towanda Court House Jan.18: 6 pm Youth Group Jan. 22: Washington DC March for Life bus trip Jan. 24: Breakfast at Harkness’ 9:15 am* *reservations call Nancy 570-721-1062 Jan 25: CCD class 9:15 am; Youth Group 6 pm Jan 25-31: Catholic Schools Week Jan 25: after 11 am Mass for Catholic Schools Week: @ school—Street Fair lunch; Promise Tree Auction Jan. 26: 175th Anniversary Committee Meeting 5:30 pm Jan 27: 10:15 am Mass @Personal Care Home Feb 4: OPL Program here: Lenten Liturgy Preparation Grotto Hall 6:30 pm

Diocesan Annual Appeal To all who have already pledged to the Diocesan Annual

Appeal, “Thank You!” At present, 191 parish families

have pledged a little over $31.5K to the annual Appeal.

Your generosity and concern for the people and families in

need in our community and Diocese is greatly appreciated.

If you have not made a donation and would like to do so,

please contact the parish office or use one of the Diocesan

Appeal envelopes at the entrance of the church; no dona-

tion is too small or too large. —with less than $2K addi-

tional, we will reach our goal. Again, “Thank You!”

Ronald McDonald House of Danville

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Food Check-out Week

continues through February 13. Non-perishable unex-

pired food items are needed, as well as cleaning, laundry,

personal care and paper products, and some office and

home supplies; a complete list is posted on the bulletin

boards in the rear of the church, or call the parish office

for a copy. The Ronald McDonald House offers a home

away from home for families with seriously ill family

members being treated at Geisinger Hospital of Danville,

PA. Product tabs are also collected to defray costs; gift

certificates usable in Danville/Bloomsburg areas for Wal-

Mart, Staples and Kohl’s are also helpful. There will be a

collection box in the rear of the church for your donations,

until February 13, 2015.

Is 2015 an Anniversary Year for you?

If you will be celebrating 25 or 50 years of marriage in

2015, you may wish to be included in the Diocesan cele-

bration on June 7 (please note change of date); a Wed-

ding Anniversary Mass and Reception hosted by Bishop

Joseph C. Bambera in Scranton. To apply for an invitation,

contact us before March at the parish office, 570-265-2113

or stppp@epix.net.

Pro-Life: Towanda Rally for Life Jan. 18, 2015

On Sunday, January 18, Bradford County Pennsylvani-

ans for Human Life will sponsor a Rally for Life at 2 pm

in front of the Court House in Towanda; from there, we

will take a short march down Main Street to the Presbyter-

ian church for an interdenominational pro-life prayer ser-

vice. Parishioners are encouraged to show support for the

ongoing fight to protect the life of every human being. If

unable to march that day, join the group at the church on

Court Street; if unable to attend, remember to pray for the

protection of life.

Pro-Life: Washington March for Life Jan. 22, 2015

Join us at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. The bus leaves K-Mart at 5:30

am (other pickups in Sayre, Wyalusing and Tunkhan-

nock); cost $60 (full/partial scholarships are available!).

Contact Marie Seibert 570-265-3122 ASAP if interested.

Planning Ahead

Two major events for men in the coming months and one

event for women:

Men: Cursillo March 19-22, 2015 and the

Diocesan Men’s Convocation, Sat. April 25, 2015

Women: Cursillo April 23-26, 2015

Information concerning making a Cursillo is available at

the entrance to the church and page 3 of this bulletin; more

information concerning the Men’s Convocation will appear

in future bulletins.

Other Events in the Winter/Spring 2015

Love & Respect Workshop – Marriage Enrichment

Program – working on dates

Catholicism: Fr. Robert Barron – Exploration of the

elements of our faith – working on dates

Parish Mardi Gras /Valentine’s Party – looking possibly

at Sunday, February 15, 2015

Lenten Wednesday evening liturgy followed by

soup/salad or sandwich

Dushore Dinner January 30, 2015

Friday, January 30, from 4-7 pm, St. Basil’s Hall, Dushore,

a Ham Dinner will be sponsored by Knights of Columbus

Council 12406. Adults $8, Age 6-12 $3, under 6 is free; to

benefit K of C charity activities. Take-outs available.

Liturgical Ministers Jan 24—25 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic Saturday 5 pm: Brandon Dickerson, Wendi & Gary Raupers Sunday 8 am: Barbara Grimes, Rose Powers, Sonia Huff 11 a.m.: Kathy Joyce, Charlene Garden, Mary Theresa Jurnack Lectors Saturday 5:00 pm: Sandy Kasenga Sunday 8:00 am: Chris Sullivan 11:00 am: Mike Miller Altar Servers Saturday 5:00 pm: Simon & David Smith, Dillon Gallagher Sunday 8 am: David & Marabeth Boardman, Teddy Steele 11 am: Garrett Johnson, Elizabeth Ondrey, Katherine West

Musicians Saturday 5:00 pm: Joel Christian Sunday 8:00: am: George Dzus, Marie Seibert Sunday 11:00 am: Students

Hospital & Personal Care Home: Sonia Huff Bradford County Manor: Barbara Wywiorski

Altar Care 1/24: Becky Basse, Arlene Mendler,

Bonnie Santangelo

Collection Counters Tuesday, 1/20: Team B

Mass Intentions Jan. 18 - 25 -

Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm: Our Parishioners Sunday 8:00 am: Ann Burchill (Helen Finlan) 11:00 am: Brennan and Cabucci Families (Marla Brennan) Monday through Wednesday: No Mass Thurs.: 8:30 am: For the Intentions of the former and the current students and parents of St. Agnes School School Mass for the Feast of St. Agnes

Fri. 8:30 am: Richard Pyznar (Dorothy & Paul Vizanko)

Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm: Catherine Driscoll (Robert Herda)

Sunday 8:00 am: Richard Borchardt (Seibert Family)

11:00 am: Anne J. Sullivan (John & Chris Sullivan)

Offertory January 4, 2015

Sunday Offering $ 4,432.00

Care & Education of Priests $ 468.00

Special Envelopes $ 30.00

Thank you for your generosity.

Second Collection.

This week is the insurance and tax collection for the parish.

Next week the annual Catholic Campaign for Human Devel-

opment will be taken up.

Summer Mission Experience for High School Juniors

A faith-based mission journey for students in their Junior

year of any high school is planned for July 6-18, 2015 in

northern Mississippi, and for teachers interested in being

chaperones. Applications are due before Jan. 26, 2015; a

copy is posted on the church bulletin board, or contact the

parish office or Fr. Ed for more details, 570-265-2113.

Church Contribution Records

A parish contribution record will be sent to anyone who

requests one this year for your tax records. Contact the

office by phone 570-265-2113 or email stppp@epix.net.

If you wish to make any additional contribution to

be credited to 2014, we should have it by January 12.

The best way to receive credit for your weekly

gifts is with the envelope system; contact us if you need a

set for the coming year. You may also enroll in an auto-

matic monthly deduction as a regular and uninterrupted

offering of a specific amount to the church, which is help-

ful to many busy people, especially for those who are

away for a long period as are our “snow bird” parishion-

ers. Contact the office for details.

Please pick up your 2015 box of envelopes from the

back pew of the church; call the office if you need one.

Welcome and Thanks to Father Langan

Fr. Ed is away through Wednesday, January 21, 2015.

We welcome Fr. Langan and appreciate his presence in

helping our parish by celebrating the liturgies this week-

end, January 17-18, 2015. Weekday Masses will resume

Thursday morning, January 22 at 8:30 am.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)

funds programs in communities across the United States.

By giving a hand up, rather than a handout, CCHD helps

people living in poverty join together to identify problems,

make decisions, and find ways to improve their lives and

neighborhoods. Your support helps to end poverty

through building solidarity in our communities. Working

together, we can reach out to our brothers and sisters liv-

ing on the periphery of society. Please visit

www.povertyusa.org to read more details about CCHD’s

efforts to spread Christ’s love by helping to break the cy-

cle of poverty in your community and across the country.

Envelopes for CCHD collection are in the back of the

church this week; add your name or envelope number in

order to credit it your contribution to your record.

Baby Bottle Campaign

Next weekend, empty baby bottles will be distributed after

the Masses for you to take home and fill. The annual Ba-

by Bottle Campaign collects your pocket change (and any

other currency/check donations) for the Endless Moun-

tains Pregnancy Care Centers located in Towanda and

Canton, and their new “First Look” ultrasound clinic; the

EMPCC assists women with problematic pregnancies, to

support the health and well-being of baby and mother.

Cursillo 2015

Even though the dates are well in advance, please begin to

make serious reflection about making a Cursillo in the

Spring of 2015. In addition to the spiritual benefits, you

will gain new and helpful insights into living a happier and

more meaningful life.

Men: March 19-22 Women: April 23-26

Watch for additional information in the bulletin and/or see

John Demangon, Barb Krauss, or Fr. Ed 570-265-2113.

Fr. Ed will be attending the Men’s Cursillo in March 2015.

Parish Office is closed Monday, January 19, 2015.

RICHARD M. FARLEY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

———————————

521 MAIN STREET 570-265-4993

TOWANDA, PA 18848 FAX: 570-265-5996

e-mail: rmfarley@epix.net

Knights of Columbus TOWANDA COUNCIL, No. 3915

7 Poplar St., Towanda PA 18848

Meetings 2nd/4th Wednesdays at 7 pm

Contact: 570-265-2113

If you would like to join our parish, contact: SS. Peter & Paul Church—106 Third St.—Towanda PA 18848

Call 570-265-2113 or email stppp@epix.net

REQUEST FOR PARISH REGISTRATION FORM

Name ____________________________Date__________

Address_________________________________________

City,Zip _________________________Phone __________

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570-268-7653 570-888-2202

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PLEASE THANK

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Parish bulletin

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS_

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Otto Brown; David Brubaker; Jack Carman; Robert Coles; Joan Cowles; Sue Daly; John Thomas

Demangone; Ann Dennis; Jan Durkin; Richard J. Finnegan; Eugene Gisler; Sally Groff; Ann

Thompson Haglich; Billy Hollenback; Linda Hollenback; Betty Johnson; Howard Kerr; Barbara

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sis; Steven (Nate) Miller; Mary Lou Muchichko; Jim Nalisnick; Gloria Nilsson; Mary Paquette; Joe Perechinskey;

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2016 - Parish 175th Anniversary

A 175th Anniversary Advisory/Planning Committee has formed and has held two exploratory meetings. The

suggested 175th Anniversary theme is: “Heritage, History: Handing on what has been Given to Us,” with a

timeframe from Pentecost 2016 through Pentecost 2017. A variety of possible activities and events, mementoes, etc. are

listed below and were presented to the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) at their January meeting.

1. Opening Celebration / Concert – Pentecost 2016

2. Mass/ Dinner with Bishop

3. Feast of the Assumption / 100th Anniversary of Parish Grotto / Ice Cream Social

4. Retreat for Adults / Retreat for Children / “Arise” Spiritual Renewal program

5. Campaign to involve the entire Catholic community in the celebration.

6. Campaign to do something for and with the greater Towanda community

7. Guided Tour of the Church / Parish History Fair

8. Publications: Dinner program + Historical Booklet + New Parish Directory

9. Fund Drive

10. Mementoes: Papal blessing + Government Citations + Holy Card + DVD + Glass, pen, mug, plate, etc.

11. 175th Anniversary Logo

12. Time Capsule: for 2041 (200th anniversary), 2091 (250th ) and 2141 (300th )

13. Increased involvement of the parish in the parish

14. Guest speaker for various events

15. Closing Celebration / Concert – Pentecost 2017

16. Other activities and parish events

This is a work in progress and in need of many hands, both big and small, to assist – parishioners, as a parish,

will need to come together in order to pull any or all of these events off. When we consider that 175 years of Catholics

have founded and sustained a Catholic presence in Towanda, it is really something special to celebrate and for the parish

to be proud of.

I encourage all parishioners when reviewing the outline and schedule of events, as published in this bulletin on

page 6 (back of this page), to look for or discover an area that interests you, and to offer your services to help—you can

contact the parish office 570-265-2113, or Bill Farley, bfarley1953@gmail.com or Fr. Ed, michelini26@yahoo.com.

If you would like to be part of the Advisory/Planning Committee, please come to the next meeting or contact

one of the above. The next 175th Advisory / Planning Committee meeting will be held on Monday January 26, 2016 at

5:30 pm in Grotto Hall. Thank You!

5

Invitation to Novena for Life

January 14-22, 2015

You are invited to pray beginning January

14 through 22, 2015, a Novena in Reparation for

Roe vs. Wade. The January 22, 1973 Roe vs.

Wade Supreme Court Decision, which permitted

abortion throughout pregnancy, has resulted in

devastating numbers of babies having been killed

every year since then, and the slaughter continues.

Priests for Life invite you to join in their prayer to

end abortion, which is printed to the right, and is

also posted at PrayerCampaign.org.

You are also invited to pray during (even

better, to attend) the Towanda Rally for Life, Jan-

uary 18, 2015 and the Washington, DC, March

for Life, January 22, 2015. See details on page 2

of the bulletin this week.

Prayer to End Abortion

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,

and for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.

I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,

yet I rejoice that you have conquered death

by the Resurrection of Your Son.

I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.

Today I commit myself

Never to be silent,

Never to be passive,

Never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,

and never to stop defending life

until all my brothers and sisters are protected,

and our nation once again becomes

a nation with liberty and justice,

not just for some, but for all,

through Christ our Lord. Amen!

6

175th Anniversary Theme Title: Heritage and History: Handing on what has been Given to Us

May 2016

May 15, 2016 Pentecost Sunday Opening Celebration Adult Concert

May 30, 2016 Memorial Day Mass at James Street Cemetery

June 2016

June 26, 2016 11 am Sunday Liturgy Bishop Bambera main Celebrant / Dinner

June 29, 2016 Feast of Saints Peter & Paul

July 2016

August 2016

August 15, 2016 100th Anniversary of the Parish Grotto Ice Cream Social

September 2016

? Opening of School

Mass at State Road Cemetery

October 2016

? ARISE Spiritual Renewal Program

November 2016 ? Confirmation

December 2017

January 2017

February 2017

March 2017

? ARISE Spiritual Renewal Program

April 2017

May 2017

Tour of the Church / History Fair

Memorial Day Mass at James Street Cemetery

– Recognition of Mass Grave / Marker

June 2017

June 4, 2017 Pentecost Sunday Closing Celebration Youth Concert

James Street Cemetery - Closing Winter Access

This past summer the roadway in the cemetery was graded and paved; however, winter weather, especially

snow, creates a safety and financial problem in allowing access to the gravesites. With this in mind, it is asked that

when there is snow on the ground do not drive any form of vehicle in the cemetery. If you wish to access gravesites ei-

ther walk or wait until the snow is gone from the cemetery. There is a safety issue in sliding and damaging headstones,

car or person, and there is a financial issue in the fact that he cemetery budget will not be able to sustain plowing costs.

Thank you for your cooperation and I think you understand the situation we have in the cemetery.

Fr. Ed & The Cemetery Committee

Lenten Preparation Session

The Diocesan Office for Parish Life will be holding a regional Lenten Preparation Session on Wednesday, Feb-

ruary 4th at 6:30 PM at SS Peter & Paul Parish, for all those involved with the preparation of liturgical seasons, especial-

ly music ministers, liturgy committees, art and environment committees, or anyone wanting to deepen his or her appreci-

ation of the Lenten Season and the Paschal Triduum.

The Session will include faith sharing on the scriptures for the season, a brief overview of traditional practices of

Lent, discussion of various themes and music being used, and sharing ideas for the liturgical environment. For more

information or to register for this session, please contact the Office for Parish Life at 570-207-2213.