St. Bernard of Clairvaux 95 East Corydon Street Website: www.stbernardcatholic.org On-line giving: www.osvonlinegiving/1845 St. Francis of Assisi 15 St. Francis Drive Website: www.stfrancisomph.com Our Mother of Perpetual Help (A Secondary Mission Church) Sunday, March 5, 2017 The Catholic Community of Bradford Very Rev. Raymond Gramata, V.F. Pastor Rev. Stanley Swacha, Senior Associate P.O. Box 2394 • Bradford, PA 16701-5394 Phone: (814) 362-6825 • Fax: (814) 362-1479 Email: [email protected]MASS SCHEDULE: Monday: 8 a.m. St. Bernard 9 a.m. St. Francis Tuesday: 9 a.m. St. Francis Wednesday: 8 a.m. St. Bernard 10 a.m. St. Bernard School Thursday: 8 a.m. St. Bernard 9 a.m. St. Francis Friday: 8 a.m. St. Bernard Saturday: 9 a.m. St. Francis Confessions 4:30-5:00 pm 5:15 p.m. St. Bernard Sunday: 8:00 a.m. St. Francis 10 a.m. St. Bernard 11:30 a.m. Our Mother of Perpetual Help St. Bernard of Clairvaux St. Francis of Assisi
Wednesday: 8 a.m. St. Bernard 10 a.m. St. Bernard School
Thursday: 8 a.m. St. Bernard 9 a.m. St. Francis
Friday: 8 a.m. St. Bernard
Saturday: 9 a.m. St. Francis Confessions 4:30-5:00 pm 5:15 p.m. St. Bernard
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. St. Francis 10 a.m. St. Bernard 11:30 a.m. Our Mother of Perpetual Help
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
St. Francis of Assisi
ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH BRADFORD, PA ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA
As we begin the first full week of Lent, we should ask ourselves how we are going to spend it. Will we complete what we said that we would do for Lent or will we give in? Lent is a wonderful time for checking our “spiritual batteries”. Right now many of us may be in the “spring mode” where we want to get out and clean up our houses, our yards, and detail our cars. Many of us may be looking forward to the game of golf. Whatever it is, it gives us purpose and excitement.
This period that we call Lent should do the same for us. Many of us grew up with the notion that it is a time to give up our favorites until Easter and then on Easter go back to doing what we did before. Lent is more than that - it is a time to grow closer to Jesus and to nurture that relationship with Jesus. All of us should remember Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ, where we may have been exposed for the first time to the cruelty that Jesus experienced at the hands of the Roman soldiers. That shocked many of us. We are so distanced from the event, that we have minimized the suffering that Jesus endured for our sins. Jesus was treated by the Romans as a common criminal and that was their practice. Lent is a time to reflect that our sins put Jesus on the Cross and that Jesus died for our sins along with the rest of the world to set us free from the control of Satan.
Let us look at Pontius Pilate’s famous line: “Behold the Man.” What do we see when we see Jesus standing beside Pilate? Do we see just a man beaten down or do we see Jesus, our Lord and Savior who endured not only all the beatings and humiliation before carrying His cross, but ultimately His death upon the Cross? Are the words that He said from the Cross still ringing in our ears: “Father forgive them they do not know what they are doing.” Those words continue to be said to us.
So let us not reduce Lent to a time of giving up things that have no real meaning for us, but let us use Lent as a time not only to grow in our faith, but also to live out our faith on a daily basis.
Let me take a moment to explain a few business-type items: In March, we will begin the annual CSA Appeal. Commitment Sunday is March 19th. This year Saint Bernard’s assessment is $39,441 and any amount raised above that stays in the parish of Saint Bernard. This year Saint Francis’ assessment is $27,222 and any amount raised above that stays in the parish of Saint Francis.
You may have noticed that I now have the title of “Very Reverend” before my name and a “V.F.” after it. Bishop Persico has appointed me Dean of the Parishes in the Bradford Deanery (McKean & Potter Counties). My duties are not only to represent the Bishop, but also to be of assistance to the priests and their parishioners in the area.
On Mondays you will notice that the Mass at 8 a.m. will be said for the parishioners. This Mass is for all of the parishioners living and deceased and their families of the three parishes, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint Francis of Assisi and Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Bishop Persico has suggested that merged and partnered parish have only one Mass for the parishioners and not three separate ones.
Looking for resources for your family? Visit the Diocese of Erie Family website at:
http://www.eriercd.org/fam.htm and discover why families always matter!
St. Bernard Elementary/Middle School
Please support St. Bernard School with your monthly envelope.
Check our website, www.stbernardcatholic.org
Wed, March 8th, 10 am Mass —Grade 3
1111STSTSTST SUNDAY OF LENTSUNDAY OF LENTSUNDAY OF LENTSUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017
OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
St. Bernard February 26th Weekly Collection…....$ 6,064 Avg Wkly Operating Exp ……..……..$10,272 THIS WEEK’S DEFICIT……………..$ 4,208
St. Bernard School February………...$ 547 On-Line February Total……..………..$ 1,510
St. Francis of Assisi February 26th Total Collection….....$ 1,210
Our Mother of Perpetual Help February 26th Total Collection….....$ 979
Please do not staple or tape your envelopes closed! Thank you!
MARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTS "Do not worry about your life." (Mt 6:26) Worries come natu-rally into most couple's lives. It may seem unrealistic not to worry. Try watching some birds today. It's winter, but some-how they are surviving. Do they look sad? Learn from the birds.
Catholic Women: March 14th @ 6:30 pm in Fr. Gallina Hall Widows Group: TBA RCIA: Sundays @ 1pm, March 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th REP 1-8: Sundays @ 9am, March 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th (Mass) REP 9 &10: Sundays @ 5:45 March 5th, 19th & 26th
Confirmation: Retreat March 6th - Fr. Ritchie Hall ACTS Class: Thursdays @ 6:30 - Fr. Ritchie Hall 50+ Club: Wednesday, March 8th - Fr. Ritchie Hall Rosary Altar: Thursday, March 9th @ 2 pm - Fr. Ritchie Hall
WORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFE “Unfortunately, what is thrown away is not only food and dis-pensable objects, but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as ‘unnecessary.’ For example, it is frightful even to think there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day; children being used as soldiers, abused and killed in armed conflicts; and children being bought and sold in that terrible form of modern slavery which is human trafficking, which is a crime against humanity.” Pope Francis– Speech to diplomats Jan. 13, 2014
SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
DENNIS FAUCHER, DDS
Ilia Delio, OSF to speak at VMESCIlia Delio, OSF to speak at VMESCIlia Delio, OSF to speak at VMESCIlia Delio, OSF to speak at VMESC Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center will host a spe-cial presentation with Sister Ilia Delio, OSF, noted author and lecturer, entitled “Seeking Wholeness: Catholicity, Cosmology and Consciousness” on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The presentation is open to the public and cost is $55, which includes lunch and re-freshments. Pre-Registration is requested. For more in-formation or to register call 724-964-8886 or go to www.vmesc.org.
LENTEN RESOURCES LENTEN RESOURCES LENTEN RESOURCES LENTEN RESOURCES The Office of Parish Social Ministry and Respect Life is offering resources for individuals and families for the Lenten season. These resources include weekly Scripture for reflection, service project suggestions and additional resources for assisting families in preparing for Easter. This is a great opportunity for families to find ways to devote time to scripture and service together.
Access these resources at http://www.eriercd.org/justice.htm.
HOME VISITSHOME VISITSHOME VISITSHOME VISITS
We are compiling a list of those who received home visits/Communion from J.E. O’Mara.
Also, if you are physically unable to attend mass and want weekly Communion, please contact the parish office at 362-6825 with your name/ address/ phone number and Father will call to arrange future visits.
PRAY THE ROSARY AFTER MASSPRAY THE ROSARY AFTER MASSPRAY THE ROSARY AFTER MASSPRAY THE ROSARY AFTER MASS We will be praying the Rosary after the 8 am
mass on Sunday mornings at St. Francis Church. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO COME
PRAY WITH US
Thank you for your enthusiastic support of the parish Chicken & Biscuit Dinner. We thank all of the volunteers,
parishioners and members of the community for their help and support. We are pleased to announce a profit
of about $1,437. Mike McAndrew won the 50/50.
ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX----ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017
FAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFE In today’s gospel Jesus cautions, it is not enough to provide food for our children; “one does not live on bread alone.” Let Lent 2017 be a time when you are “led by the Spirit” to ex-plore new ways to be a moral guide to your children.
We are now scheduling 2017 St. Bernard, St. Francis and OMPH masses and social hall activities for the rest of the year. Please
contact the partnered parish office at 362-6825, across from St. Bernard Church, to see if your preferred dates are available.
MINISTERS NEEDED for ALL the area masses. We are in need of people to serve as Lectors, Eu-
charistic Ministers, and Altar Servers at St. Francis, St. Bernard and Our Mother at the new mass times. If you have a can serve, please call 362-6825 to let us know your mass preferences.
STATIONS OF THE CROSSSTATIONS OF THE CROSSSTATIONS OF THE CROSSSTATIONS OF THE CROSS Wednesdays starting March 8, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 5:15 pm
There will be soup and sandwich fellowship after Stations in Ritchie Hall.
Thursdays starting March 9th at St. Bernard Church at
7 pm with confessions following.
Pondering what the Church Fathers Pondering what the Church Fathers Pondering what the Church Fathers Pondering what the Church Fathers Teach us on Fasting Teach us on Fasting Teach us on Fasting Teach us on Fasting
St. Basil the Great: There is both a physical and a spiritual fast. In the physical fast the body abstains from food and drink. In the spiritual fast, the faster abstains from evil in-tentions, words and deeds. One who truly fasts abstains from anger, rage, malice, and vengeance. One who truly fasts abstains from idle and foul talk, empty rhetoric, slander, condemnation, flattery, lying and all man-ner of spiteful talk. In a word, a real faster is one who with-draws from all evil. As much as you subtract from the body, so much will you add to the strength of the soul. By fasting it is possible both to be delivered from future evils and to en-joy the good things to come. We fell into disease through sin; let us receive healing through repentance, which is not fruitful without fasting. True fasting lies is rejecting evil, hold-ing one's tongue, suppressing one's hatred, and banishing one's lust, evil words, lying, and betrayal of vows… Do not show forth a useless fast: for fasting alone does not ascend to heaven.
St. John Chrysostom – Nothing makes us so like God as our readiness to forgive the wicked and wrongdoer.… Christ is seeking in every way possible to hinder our conflicts with one another. For since love is the root of all that is good, by removing from all quarters whatever mars it He brings us together and cements us to one another. For there is not one, not a single one, whether father or mother or friend, who loves us as much as the God who created us. (Commentary on Matthew). Fasting is wonderful, because it tramples our sins like a dirty weed, while it cultivates and raises truth like a flower.
2017 CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL2017 CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL2017 CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL2017 CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL The theme we selected for this year’s Catholic Services Appeal, With Open Hearts, was chosen because we are in a moment of significant transition. Change means challenges — it tests our generos-ity and our readiness to adjust. But the heart pictured on our cover reminds us
that at the center of our lives as Catholics is love. The Catholic Services Appeal gives us a concrete way to live out our faith and to express our love for those in need. Please consider making a sacrificial gift to the Catholic Services Appeal this year. Through your ongoing gen-erosity, the services we offer together, as a diocese, will not only strengthen our parishes, but also help more people experience God’s abundant love for them, al-ways offered in the name of his Son. “
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Lawrence T Persico Bishop of Erie
1111STSTSTST SUNDAY OF LENTSUNDAY OF LENTSUNDAY OF LENTSUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017MARCH 5, 2017
ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX/ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX/ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX/ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX/ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATION
IN WRITING BY NOON ON FRIDAY
2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BULLETIN DATE.
PASTORAL STAFF: Very Rev. Raymond C. Gramata, Pastor Rev. Stanley Swacha, Senior Associate
Mrs. Kimberly A. Mooney, Principal SBS
OFFICE HOURS: Monday: 9 am to 4 pm
Tuesday - Friday: 8 am to 4 pm Ms. Wendy Thomson, Financial Manager
Ms. Kathy Bryant, Secretary
MASS SCHEDULE: Please consult bulletin
RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 4:30 to 5 pm, Thursday before First Friday: 4:00 to 5 pm at St. Bernard. Private appointments may be made by calling Parish Office. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (REP) Students not attending Catholic school should be enrolled in REP programs. St. Bernard, St. Francis and OMPH Religious Education programs are combined. Grades 1 through 8 meet on Sunday mornings at 9
am at St. Bernard in Fr. Gallina Social Center and grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation) meet at St. Francis in G. Carlton Ritchie Hall at 5:15 pm on Sunday. Both programs begin in September. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): We welcome all inquiries about the Catholic faith. This process begins in the fall of the year. Please call the Parish Office for further information. ST. BERNARD ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE SCHOOL: 450 West Washington Street: serving students, preschool through eighth grade. Open to parishioners, Catholics from other parishes and those of other faiths. Offering Extended Care before, during, and after school. For complete information, please call 368-5302.
MEMBERSHIP: All Baptized Catholics should be registered, practicing and supporting members of a Parish. Only properly registered members appear on our parish list and are eligible to receive the benefits of parish membership for sacraments, and educational opportunities (including tuition assistance) at our Catholic School. Each parishioner is called upon to practice good stewardship of time, talent and treasure. If you are not currently receiving envelopes, you may not be registered. Call the Parish Office - we would love to meet you! MARRIAGE: Couples need to contact a priest at least six months before their wedding. Registered and active participation needs to be considered before marriage. PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Please call the Parish Office to request the Sacrament of the Sick for family members who are seriously ill. Communion for the sick is taken to the hospital, nursing homes, and the home-bound on a regular basis. BAPTISM: Both parents must attend the Pre-Baptism Preparation Program. Please call the St. Bernard Parish Office for dates and times of upcoming class. Baptisms are scheduled after completing the program. Call the Parish Office to schedule the class and baptism. Godparents must be at least 16, confirmed and active, registered members of their parish.
STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Religious Education:
Grades 1-8, 9 am Sunday mornings at St. Bernard Grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation), 5:45 pm Sunday
evenings at St. Francis
Liturgical Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors Music Director Kathy O’Mara Organist St. Francis Michael Hicks Resurrection Choir Mariann Pascarella God’s Housekeepers Parish Office Liturgy Fr. Raymond C. Gramata
Parish Community St. Bernard School Kim Mooney, Principal Parish Council Fr. Raymond Gramata Catholic Women’s Club Joan Yohe Rosary Altar Society Joan Hoffman Telephone Prayer Chain Natalie Marasco
Cover photos by LongArt Photography
MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES MARCH 11 MARCH 11 MARCH 11 MARCH 11 –––– 12, 201712, 201712, 201712, 2017
READINGS FOR THE WEEK READINGS FOR THE WEEK READINGS FOR THE WEEK READINGS FOR THE WEEK
OF MAR 5, 2017OF MAR 5, 2017OF MAR 5, 2017OF MAR 5, 2017
Sunday: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7/Ps 51:3-6, 12-13, 17/ Rom 5:12-19 or 5:12, 17-19/Mt 4:1-11 Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/Ps 19:8-10, 15/Mt 25:31-46 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11/Ps 34:4-7, 16-19/Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10/Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19/Lk 11:29-32 Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25/Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8/ Mt 7:7-12 Friday: Ez 18:21-28/Ps 130:1-8/Mt 5:20-26 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8/Mt 5:43-48 Next Sunday: Gn 12:1-4a/Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22/2 Tm 1:8b-10/Mt 17:1-9
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTS
Please Pray for the Following Priests
Sunday, Mar 5 - Rev. D.G. (Skip) Davis Monday, Mar 6 - Rev. Dennis J. Veltri Tuesday, Mar 7 - Rev. Gerald Wright, O.M.V. Wednesday, Mar 8 - Rev. John G. Barwin Thursday, Mar 9 - Rev. John P. Malthaner, V.F. Friday, Mar 10 - Rev. Justin P. Pino Saturday, Mar 11 - Rev. Marc J. Solomon
Mar 6 - Mar 10: Team 4 M. Block/ B. Spadafore/ A. Frombach/
G. Ulyan/ G. Santora/ P. Fisher
MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK OF OF OF OF MAR 6 MAR 6 MAR 6 MAR 6 ---- MAR 12, 2017MAR 12, 2017MAR 12, 2017MAR 12, 2017
Monday, March 6 SB 8:00 am All Parishioners SF 9:00 am J.E. O’Mara (Margaret Ann Bentley Frasier) Tuesday, March 7 SF 9:00 am Alphonse Vogg (Family) Wednesday, March 8 SB 8:00 am Connie Cavallaro (Family) SBS 10:00 am Taylor Davy (Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist) SF 5:15 pm Stations of the Cross Thursday, March 9 SB 8:00 am Carmen & Elvira Pascarella (Family) SF 9:00 am Eleanor Maze (Liz Lindemuth & Helen Ewell) SB 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross Friday, March 10 SB 8:00 am James Hannon (Harijane Hannon Moore) Saturday, March 11 SF 9:00 am Joyce Burgess (Familly) SB 5:15 pm James Weaver (Marie Weaver & Family) (confessions 4:30 – 5:00 pm) Sunday, March 12 SF 8:00 am Lena Cary (Nellie Vecellio) SB 10:00 am Pauline, LeRoy & Connie Dunson (Family)
OM 11:30 am Chohrach, Hamer & Manning Families (Dorothy Chohrach)
St. Francis Sanctuary light sponsored this week by the parishioners of St. Francis
Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering:
Thomas Ackley, Virgil Anderson, Betty Baliski, Bill Baynes, Barb Bernheisel & Foster Family, Shirley Black, John Bove, Tom Burke, Annie Champlain, Dick Clark, Betsy Costello, Ann Cummiskey,
Helen DeFrank, Michael Eaton, Helen Ewell, Rose Feldhaus Family, Ysbella Feldman, Pat Girard, Pearl Harris, Brandon M. Henry, Jill Henry, Sandy Holsinger, Sam Johnson, Jr., James Kibby, Bill Kline, Lori Kozlowski, Kaylee Marsfelder, Colleen McNamara, Shannon McNamara, Mariana Militelo, Anne Miller, Joe Monago, Shirley Mongillo, Lou Monti, Cheri O’Mara, Courtney Prentiss, James Romanelli, Tim Romanelli, Cindy Sayers, Nancy Shaw, Judith Shick, Caro Simonds, Steve Skaggs, Sandy Spehar, Lillian Stoddard, Bonnie Swackhamer, Matthew Whelan, Richard Yovichin
May they be strengthened by the healing presence of God’s Spirit.
![UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA LIBRARIES Reading Pictures...Henry Charles Lea Memorial Library. 1508 . Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090 or 91-1153 . Mellifui deuotiq[ue] doctoris sancti](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/61022ebebdbf633c62268d9a/university-of-pennsylvania-libraries-reading-henry-charles-lea-memorial-library.jpg)
