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 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017

We just have completed our walk with Jesus during the season of Lent and we are now about to enter

into the wonderful Easter Event – Jesus’ Resurrection. Today we are taken to the tomb, where many of

us may struggle with the concept of its emptiness. The women who went to the tomb were planning to

finish the Jewish burial process and when they got there wondered who would role the stone back.

These women were not even aware that Pilate had Roman guards protecting the tomb. The apostles

were not expecting anything out of the ordinary. Jesus had died and along with that, all of their hopes

had also died. As we know they were behind locked doors in the Upper Room.

To their amazement, the women saw the door of the tomb rolled back and wondered what was going on. Their first reaction

was that someone had stolen the body. But an angel told them that Jesus had arisen and they were directed to go to the

disciples and let them know. They did, but the disciples had a hard time accepting this information from women. Peter and

John ran to the tomb. John arrived first and peered in; he believed. Peter came second and saw only an empty tomb. It

was not till Jesus appeared to them in the Upper Room that Peter believed. And we have the famous story of Thomas the

Apostle.

These women and the Apostles are the best witnesses for the reality of the Resurrection of Jesus, because they were not

expecting it. When this happened, a rumor was started declaring that the disciples of Jesus had stolen His body and taken

it somewhere else and saying: “He did arise as He said - in three days.” This rumor is preposterous because, first, they

would not be able to get passed the Roman guards and, second, they were behind locked doors at the time, scared for their

lives. Plus they do not fit the image of one who would steal a body.

We are privileged to see through their eyes that Jesus did rise, as He foretold, for these witnesses are credible. As we

leave the tomb today, do we see only an empty tomb or, like the women and the Apostles, do we see the reality of the

Risen Christ? Each of the four gospels confirms the reality of the Risen Jesus by the many people who witnessed the

appearance of Jesus to them. Jesus says to us as He did to Thomas: “Have you come to believe because you have seen

me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John20: 29). John ends his gospel with these words for

our consideration: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. But

these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,

and that through this belief you may have life in His name.” (John 20: 30 -31).

WITHOUT FAITH, ALL THAT WE SEE IS AN EMPTY TOMB, BUT WITH FAITH, WE SEE

THE RISEN JESUS. What a wonderful gift we are privileged to see through the eyes of the

women and the apostles who were there – the Risen Jesus. JESUS IS RISEN; INDEED

HE IS ARISEN. HAVE A BLESSED EASTER.

God Bless, Fr. Ray

Happy Easter

EASTER SUNDAYEASTER SUNDAYEASTER SUNDAYEASTER SUNDAY APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 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 April 2nd Weekly Collection…..$ 8,944

CSA Assessment….39,441 CSA to date ……..…..$19,219

St. Francis of Assisi April 2nd Weekly Collection....$ 2,488 CSA Assessment….27,222 CSA to date ……...…..$ 3,009

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

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

Catholic Women: April 30th — Rosary after all masses Widows Group: April 18th @ 12:30 pm in Chapel parking lot 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: TBA

WORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFE “The Gospel of Life is not for believers alone: it is for every-one. The issue of life and its defense and promotion is not a concern of the Christian alone. Although faith provides spe-cial light and strength, this question arises in every human conscience which seeks the truth and which cares about the future of humanity. Life certainly has a sacred and religious value, but in no way is that value a concern only of believ-ers. The value at stake is one which every human being can grasp by the light of reason; thus it necessarily concerns everyone.” -Pope John Paul II

St. Bernard Elementary/Middle School Please support St. Bernard School with your monthly envelope.

Registration for 2017/2018 School Year open

April 13-18: Spring Break—NO SCHOOL OR CARE

April 14: GOOD FRIDAY FISH DINNER at Fr. Gallina Hall

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.stbernardschool.org

Wed, April 19th, 10 am Mass — Grade 4

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

If you have your donations set up as an auto-pay through your bank, please make sure all checks are made out to St. Francis and change the mailing address for the pay-ment to PO BOX 2394, Bradford, PA 16701.

Check it out: www.osvonlinegiving/1845

ATTENTION WIDOWSATTENTION WIDOWSATTENTION WIDOWSATTENTION WIDOWS We will meet on April 18th at 12:30 pm in the Divine Mercy parking lot and then carpool to Perkins.

The following were received into our Church family at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Frank W. Arlington “Andy” Hainguyen

Please congratulate them.

Your support makes

our bulletin possible.

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.

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME

Baptism - April 8, 2017

Max Louis Comes

MARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTS The resurrection of Jesus which we celebrate on Easter was a pretty hard story for the women and apostles to believe. Today, we believe on the testimony of others and thousands of years of retelling the story. Unconditional love is so hard to believe. Believe your spouse's love anyway.

FAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFE Today’s gospel tells us that several arrived to discover the tomb in which Jesus was buried was now empty. What does an empty tomb mean for your family? Failure, loss, defeat? Or victory, life and resurrection? Scripture says that he “had to rise from the dead.” Families, too, must rise above disap-pointments and be Easter people all year long.

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!

ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALEANNUAL RUMMAGE SALEANNUAL RUMMAGE SALEANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE

St. Francis Rosary Altar Society

Annual Rummage Sale

Saturday, April 22nd

from 9 am to 2 pm G. Carlton Ritchie Hall on St. Francis Drive

Anyone who has items to donate may drop them off at the hall on Thursday, April 20th or Friday, April 21st from Noon to 5 pm. No clothing, large TVs or exercise equipment will be accepted.

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 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 ?

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.

2017 CONFIMATION MASS2017 CONFIMATION MASS2017 CONFIMATION MASS2017 CONFIMATION MASS Bishop Lawrence T. Persico will celebrate the Confirmation Mass here at St. Bernard on Sunday, April 23rd at 5 pm in the evening. There are over 30 local confirmandi from the area churches who will receive the sacrament at this ser-vice. You are invited to come and celebrate with them!

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

EASTER SUNDAY EASTER SUNDAY EASTER SUNDAY EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017APRIL 16, 2017

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2017

Sunday: Acts 10:34a, 37-43/Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23/Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8/ Jn 20:1-9 or Mt 28:1-10 or Lk 24:13-35 Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33/Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11/ Mt 28:8-15 Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41/Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22/Jn 20:11-18 Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10/Ps 105:1-4, 6-9/Lk 24:13-35 Thursday: Acts 3:11-26/Ps 8:2ab, 5-9/Lk 24:35-48 Friday: Acts 4:1-12/Ps 118:1-2, 4, 22-27a/Jn 21:1-14 Saturday: Acts 4:13-21/Ps 118:1, 14-15ab, 16-21/ Mk 16:9-15 Next Sunday: Acts 2:42-47/Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24/ 1 Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31

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

Please Pray for the Following Priests

Sunday, Apr 16 - Rev. Edward J. Walk

Monday, Apr 17 - Rev. John B. Jacquel

Tuesday, Apr 18 - Rev. Dennis A. Martin

Wednesday, Apr 19 - Very Rev. David L. Poulson, V.F.

Thursday, Apr 20 - Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz

Friday, Apr 21 - Rev. Robert Horgas

Saturday, Apr 22 - Rev. David Carter

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

Apr 17 - 21: Team 2 D. Jadlowiec/ C. Bennett/ P. Foote/

V. Comilla/ D. & L. Williams/ K. Smeal

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK OF OF OF OF APRIL 17 APRIL 17 APRIL 17 APRIL 17 ---- 23, 201723, 201723, 201723, 2017

Monday, April 17 SB 8:00 am All Parishioners SF 9:00 am Kevin Gatesman (Mary & Tony Brzenski) Tuesday, April 18 SF 9:00 am Alphonse & Fannie Vogg (Dan & Tammy Beeman) Wednesday, April 19 SB 8:00 am Nora & John Kearns (JE & Kim O’Mara) SBS 10:00 am Taylor Davy (Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist) Thursday, April 20 SB 8:00 am Louis Pascarella (Viana & Jim Bergstrom) SF 9:00 am Rosario Fabian Family (Estate) Friday, April 21 SB 8:00 am Louis & Loretta DeSantis (a) Family) Saturday, April 22 SF 9:00am Robert & Kristin McCann (Ron & Shirley Lerch) SB 5:15 pm Flo & Jim Garrigan (Family) Sunday, April 23—DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY SF 8:00 am Zenaide “Zena” Verolini (Rosemary Remington) SB 10:00 am Gene & John Salvucci (Louise Salvucci) Adoration in Divine Mercy Chapel 12:30 pm - 3 pm

OM 11:30 am Flora White (David Vinca Family)

SB 5:00 pm CONFIRMATION MASS

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, Barbara Boser, John Bove, Mary Brzenski, Tom Burke, 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, Sandy Spehar, Lillian Stoddard, Bonnie Swackhamer, Matthew Whelan, Corrine Wilson, Richard Yovichin, Liza Zurat

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

MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES APRIL 22 APRIL 22 APRIL 22 APRIL 22 –––– 23 , 201723 , 201723 , 201723 , 2017

Saturday, April 22 SB 8:30 pm

Lector: Stephanie Frederick EM: Mary Mongillo/ Kathy & Randy Durner Servers: Cara & Laryssa Webster

Sunday, April 23 — DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY SF 8:00 am

Lector: George Macfarlane EM: Joyce Schaming Servers: Samantha Soyke

SB 10:00 am Lector: Rhett Kennedy EM: Celia Romanelli/ Doris Hungivillle/ Lynn Hogue Servers: Brent, Hugh & Rhys Kennedy

OM 11:30 am Lector: Aimee Bundy EM: Joe Ditz Servers: Kim Ditz

Hospital/Pavilion: VOLUNTEER Chapel Ridge: Kathy Bryant