The Catholic Community of Bradford

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH BRADFORD, PA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017

One day a teacher asked her first graders in religion class what a saint was. One of the students raised his hand and said, “I know.” So the teacher said, “Tell me what a saint is.” The boy replied, “A saint is one who lets the light shine through.” The teacher asked the boy how he got this answer. The boy answered that while in church, he had asked his mother what the window in church was about. The mother responded that it was a saint in the window. And at that time the sun was shining through the window. The young boy was not far off from the definition of a saint - for a saint is one who lets the light of Jesus shine through their life. The question is - how do we let the light of Jesus shrine though our life?

To better grasp that is to look at the Sunday that we now celebrate - Divine Mercy Sunday. As a Catholic church, we celebrated the Year of Divine Mercy last year. All of us were reminded of the merciful and loving God that we have. Jesus told so many stories concerning the mercy of His Father. The best known one is the Parable of the Forgiving Father sometimes known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In one sense, this younger son greatly hurt the father by what he asked for and on top of that left the father. As the story progresses we see the father on a daily basis hoping and praying that his son would come back. We don’t know how long he waited, but the father never gave up hope. When he sees the son returning at last, he embraces the son and says to him: “I thought that you were dead, but you are alive and well.” The son is overwhelmed by the generosity of his father and begins to realize how much his father loves him in spite of his actions. The father represents God and the son represents us. Just as the father did for the son, our God will do the same for us. Jesus, in turn, invites each and every one of us to do the same for one another as God had done for us. True mercy is found in and flows from faith, humility, and love. When we embrace these three qualities, we begin to realize that none of us are perfect and all of us are in need of mercy. So then, let us make mercy not a one day event, but like the definition of a saint, let the light of Jesus shine through all that we do every day. Please check the bulletin out for the details of the Divine Mercy Sunday taking place in the Divine Mercy chapel from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Today is a special day for our faith community. We are privileged to have Bishop Persico at St. Bernard to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at 5 p.m. The parishes represented are: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Elizabeth, Saint Eulalia, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. You are welcome to attend. God Bless,

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 April 9th Weekly Collection…..$ 7,444 April 16th Weekly Collection....$ 6,951

CSA Assessment….39,441 CSA to date ……..…..$ 25,537

St. Francis of Assisi April 9th Weekly Collection....$ 2,614

April 16th Weekly Collection…$ 2,478

CSA Assessment….27,222 CSA to date ……...…...$ 7,796

Please do not staple or tape your envelopes closed! Thank you!

Fr. Ray

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

Catholic Women: April 30th — Rosary making after 10 am mass, Fr. Gallina Social Center Widows Group: TBA REP 1-8: Classes will resume in September REP 9 &10: Classes will resume in September ACTS Class: Thursday, April 27th @ 6:30 pm 50+ Club: Wednesday, TBA - Fr. Ritchie Hall Rosary Altar: Thursday, May 11th @ 6:30 pm - Fr. Ritchie Hall

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAYDIVINE MERCY SUNDAYDIVINE MERCY SUNDAYDIVINE MERCY SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017

MARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTS Over the years people develop little quirks and annoying habits. In healthy marriages both partners learn to overlook a lot and do little favors to accommodate the other. Jim knows I don't like him to scrunch the carpet with his feet when sitting on the couch. He obliges me by putting his feet on a piece of cardboard. It's silly, but it means a lot.

St. Bernard Elementary/Middle School

Please support St. Bernard School with your monthly envelope. Registration for 2017/2018 School Year open

April 28: NO SCHOOL OR CARE

April 30—May 6: TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

Sunday, May 7 — First Communion Mass @

1pm St. Bernard Church

Check our website, www.stbernardcatholic.org

Wed, April 26th, 10 am Mass — Grade 3

ST. FRANCIS / OMPHST. FRANCIS / OMPHST. FRANCIS / OMPHST. FRANCIS / OMPH PARISIONERSPARISIONERSPARISIONERSPARISIONERS

PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL CHECKS ARE MADE OUT TO ST. FRANCIS and change the mailing address of payments to PO BOX 2394, Bradford, PA 16701.

If you have your donations set up as an auto-pay through your bank, make sure they have all the corrected payment information.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

McQUILKIN PLUMBING CO.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OUR RETIRED DIOCESAN PRIESTSOUR RETIRED DIOCESAN PRIESTSOUR RETIRED DIOCESAN PRIESTSOUR RETIRED DIOCESAN PRIESTS The Diocese of Erie is blessed with fifty priests who have reached retirement age. By their own choice eight priests still have a full time assignment as a pastor, chaplain, senior associate, administrator. Since their Ordination these retired and senior priests have served in a majority of the 116 par-ishes in our Diocese. The ministry and service they have given to the Church totals 3,000 years. These priests make present Christ, the Good Shepherd, not only in what they do, but in who they are. Many of them continue to give of them-selves in countless ways of service for which we are grateful.

In two weeks, on Good Shepherd Sunday, a special sec-ond collection will be taken up in our parish to assist with the needs of caring for our retired diocesan priests. There is a special need to assist them with the escalating health care costs and long-term care expenses. As more priests become eligible to retire from active ministry in the next few years, our Priest Retirement Plan must be adequately funded to cover their future needs.

Please consider a generous gift to the annual Diocesan Good Shepherd Collection on the weekend of May 6 & 7, 2017. Use the special envelope provided or any envelope and mark on it – “Good Shepherd Collection.”

2017 CONFIMATION MASS 2017 CONFIMATION MASS 2017 CONFIMATION MASS 2017 CONFIMATION MASS TODAYTODAYTODAYTODAY

Bishop Lawrence T. Persico will celebrate the Confirmation Mass at St. Bernard on Sunday, April 23rd at 5 pm. There are over

30 local confirmandi from several area churches who will receive the sacrament at this service.

You are invited to come and celebrate with them!

Child Abuse Prevention Month:Child Abuse Prevention Month:Child Abuse Prevention Month:Child Abuse Prevention Month: April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month and there is no better time than the Easter season to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God - our children! Parents, guardians and adults who care for children face constant challenges when trying to help keep them safe in today’s fast-paced world. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Chil-dren (NCMEC) offers easy-to-use safety resources to help address these challenges. Visit the NCMEC web site at www.missingkids.com and check out the helpful topics. Watch this space in the coming weeks for tips on how to create safe environments for children and youth! To see what the Diocese of Erie is doing to keep children and youth safe, check out http://www.eriercd.org/protectyouth.htm

Andrew Michael Boyd

On your ordination on April 22, 2017 as Deacon!

COMMUNITY BLOOD BANK

The Blood Bank will be available

in the St. Bernard Gymnasium

Monday, April 24th from

12:00 Noon until 5:30 pm.

FAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFE “Whose sins you forgive, are forgiven” means the Kingdom of God begins in your home where children learn the paths to peace modeled by their parents. Any grudges we carry can only make us more miserable with time.

FAMILIES ALWAYS MATTERFAMILIES ALWAYS MATTERFAMILIES ALWAYS MATTERFAMILIES ALWAYS MATTER 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!

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017

SAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATE Festival of Choirs Festival of Choirs Festival of Choirs Festival of Choirs

Sawyer Evangelical ChurchSawyer Evangelical ChurchSawyer Evangelical ChurchSawyer Evangelical Church 777 S. Kendall Avenue777 S. Kendall Avenue777 S. Kendall Avenue777 S. Kendall Avenue Saturday, May 13, 2017Saturday, May 13, 2017Saturday, May 13, 2017Saturday, May 13, 2017

9:309:309:309:30----5 ?5 ?5 ?5 ?

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 address/ phone number and Father will call to arrange future visits.

Live Auctions

Silent Auctions

$5 to-go

boxes

To Benefit

Bradford Salvation Army’s 10th Annual

Elegance in Chocolate Elegance in Chocolate Elegance in Chocolate Elegance in Chocolate Extravaganza Monday, May 22, 2017

6pm-8pm, Tickets: $10 at the door

Come enjoy, All you can eat!

The Masonic Temple, 625 South Avenue

Call 368-7012 for more information

CEMETERY CEMETERY CEMETERY CEMETERY ADORNMENTSADORNMENTSADORNMENTSADORNMENTS

It’s Spring ! Time to clean up the Cemetery!It’s Spring ! Time to clean up the Cemetery!It’s Spring ! Time to clean up the Cemetery!It’s Spring ! Time to clean up the Cemetery! Please spruce up around your grave sites, pick up any de-bris and prepare for Memorial Day.

ACTS BIBLE STUDY RESUMESACTS BIBLE STUDY RESUMESACTS BIBLE STUDY RESUMESACTS BIBLE STUDY RESUMES The Acts Bible Study which meets on Thursday evenings @ 6:30 at Fr. Ritchie Hall will resume on Thursday, April 27, 2017.

Shopping for a gift or outfit for Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation?

McCarthy’s Emporium 124 North Union Street

Olean, New York 1-716-373-7047

They have a large variety of gift items for all the sacraments, as well as Baptismal outfits and First Commun-

ion dresses & veils, and cards for clergy ordinations and anniversaries, etc.

Mention your parish at the time of your purchase and they will donate

5% of your sacrament purchase to our church.

WORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFE

“I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself. And if we ac-cept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? … By abortion, the mother does not learn to love, but kills even her own child to solve her problems. And, by abortion, that father is told that he does not have to take any responsibility at all for the child he has brought into the world. The father is likely to put other women into the same trouble. So abortion just leads to more abortion. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.” -Mother Teresa

“My, daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My Mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy.”

(Diary of St. Faustina Kowalksa, #699)

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY ———— April 23, 2017April 23, 2017April 23, 2017April 23, 2017

CELEBRATING DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Thus, to fittingly observe the Feast of Mercy, we should:

1. Celebrate the Feast on the Sunday after Easter;

2. Sincerely repent of all our sins;

3. Place our complete trust in Jesus;

4. Go to Confession, preferably before that Sunday;

5. Receive Holy Communion on the day of the Feast;

6. Venerate the Image of The Divine Mercy;

7. Be merciful to others, through our actions, words, and

prayers on their behalf.

The Divine Mercy Chapel will be open from 12:30 - 3:00 pm on Sunday April 23rd

with services as follows:

12:30 - 3 PM — Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

1:30 - 2:30 pm — Confessions

2:00 - 3:00 pm — Holy Hour with Divine Mercy Chaplet, Communion Service

concluding with Benediction

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: 4:30 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

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017APRIL 23, 2017

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 23, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 23, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 23, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 23, 2017

Sunday: Acts 2:42-47/Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24/1 Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31 Monday: Acts 4:23-31/Ps 2:1-9/Jn 3:1-8 Tuesday: 1 Pt 5:5b-14/Ps 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17/ Mk 16:15-20 Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26/Ps 34:2-9/Jn 3:16-21 Thursday: Acts 5:27-33/Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20/Jn 3:31-36 Friday: Acts 5:34-42/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14/Jn 6:1-15 Saturday: Acts 6:1-7/Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19/Jn 6:16-21 Next Sunday: Acts 2:14, 22-33/Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-11/1 Pt 1:17-21/Lk 24:13-35

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTS

Please Pray for the Following Priests

Sunday, Apr 23 - Rev. Eric Vogt, OSB Monday, Apr 24 - Rev. Christopher J. Singer Tuesday, Apr 25 - Rev. Walter E. Packard Wednesday, Apr 26 - Rev. Msgr. Robert M. Malene, E.V. Thursday, Apr 27 - Rev. Robert P. Susa Friday, Apr 28 - Rev. Msgr. Daniel K. Arnold Saturday, Apr 29 - Rev. James T. O’Hara

GODS HOUSEKEEPERS GODS HOUSEKEEPERS GODS HOUSEKEEPERS GODS HOUSEKEEPERS ---- SBSBSBSB

Apr 24 - 228: Team 3 M. & P. Curcio/ A. Campogiani/ T. Orris/ P. Curcio/ J. Keenan

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK OF OF OF OF APRIL 24 APRIL 24 APRIL 24 APRIL 24 ---- 30, 201730, 201730, 201730, 2017

Monday, April 24

SB 8:00 am All Parishioners

SF 9:00 am Kevin Gatesman (Angie & Lou Monti)

Tuesday, April 25

SF 9:00 am Mary Rusnak (Marie Rusnak)

Wednesday, April 26

SB 8:00 am Dennis James Colman (Regina Colman)

SBS 10:00 am Aurelia “Lola” Burkhart (Kathy & Randy Durner) Thursday, April 27

SB 8:00 am Margaret Fennell Williams (Norma Alviti)

SF 9:00 am Joyce Burgess (Family)

Friday, April 28

SB 8:00 am Mary & Mario Pais (Family)

Saturday, April 29

SF 9:00 am Clement Piscitelli (Rita Verolini)

SB 5:15 pm Brother James Gulnac (Roseanne Strotman & Chris Pehonsky) Sunday, April 30

SF 8:00 am J.E. O’Mara (Kim Durrance)

SB 10:00 am Joseph Cavallaro (Family)

OM 11:30 am Eugene Vinca (David Vinca)

St. Francis Sanctuary light sponsored this week for the Brzenski Family

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, Barbara Boser, John Bove, Mary Brzenski,

Tom Burke, Donna Carll, Annie Champlain, Dick Clark, Betsy Costello, Billie Cummins, Charlotte Cuthbertson, Helen DeFrank, Paul Eakin, Michael Eaton, Helen Ewell, Rose Feldhaus Family, Ysbella Feldman, Pat Geary, Pat Girard, Pearl Harris, Brandon M. Henry, Jill Henry, Michael Hicks, Sandy Holsinger, James Kibby, Bill Kline, Lori Kozlowski, Kimber Lance, George MacFarlane, Sr., Kaylee Marsfelder, Colleen McNamara, Shannon McNamara, Mariana Militelo, Anne Miller, Joe Monago, Lou Monti, Frank Organski, Cheri O’Mara, Courtney Prentiss, Lori Rigowski, James Romanelli, Tim Romanelli, Cindy Sayers, Nancy Shaw, Judith Shick, Caro Simonds, Steve Skaggs, Dan Songer, Lillian Stoddard, Bonnie Swackhamer, Matthew Whelan, Corrine Wilson, Richard Yovichin, Liza Zurat

May they be strengthened by the healing presence of God’s Spirit.

Check it out: www.osvonlinegiving/1845

MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES APRIL 22 APRIL 22 APRIL 22 APRIL 22 –––– 30 , 201730 , 201730 , 201730 , 2017

Saturday, April 29 SB 8:30 pm

Lector: Peggy Johnson EM: Cliff Ackley/VOLUNTEERS Servers: Aliya & Emma Webster

Sunday, April 30 SF 8:00 am

Lector: Rita Verolini EM: Deb Woodley Servers: Samantha Soyke

SB 10:00 am Lector: Mike Kozminski EM: Paul Curcio/ Kathy Howe/ Kim Lance Servers: Christian Peterson/ Tim & Clare Mulcahy

OM 11:30 am Lector: Linda Cox EM: Carol Vinca Servers: Jacob Hannahs

Hospital/Pavilion: VOLULNTEER Chapel Ridge: Deb Woodley