11th Sunday in Ordinary Time June 17, 2012 Today’s Readings: 1029 in the Gather Book Welcome to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church “We are a Sunday People.” Spirituality Faith Formation Evangelization Stewardship In the Pocono Record last Saturday, Terry Mattingly wrote an article on the distinction between freedom of religion and freedom of worship. He suggests that there is a real difference of opinion on the way in which religion should be practiced in this country. According to Mattingly’s article, there is a movement in our Country that promotes the right to the freedom of worship but is not as supportive of the right to a freedom of religion. He used an example of Hillary Clinton’s speech in a Georgetown forum that “contained repeated references to freedom of ‘worship,’ but none to freedom of ‘religion.’ She also argued that ‘people must be ... free to worship, associate, and to love in the way that they choose.’” Quoting Thomas Farr, the Director of the Berkley Center for Religion, Mattingly notes that "Powerful members of our political class are arguing, that there is no rational content of religion; that religious freedom means the right to gather in worship, but not to bring religiously informed moral judgments into political life; that religious freedom must be balanced by the right to love as one chooses, and that to make religious arguments against that purported right is unconstitutional." I know that as Americans, we don’t like anyone telling us who to vote for or what issues should be a priority, but I think these issues need our attention. Is the right to practice the freedom of religion being redefined? Can our moral beliefs be denied by a government that deems them to be insignificant? These are questions with which we need to wrestle if we are going to make an informed decision. In their statement on religious freedom: "Our First, Most Cher- ished Liberty” the Catholic Bishops of the United States outlined their concerns over threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad. In response, the bishops of the United States are calling for a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom from June 21st to July 4th. During this period we are encouraged to recite the Prayer for Religious Liberty (see left) and to become educated on these issues concerning religious liberty. As a parish, may we do what we can to protect this cherished liberty and join together in prayer to protect the practice of our faith. Father Mike Pastor’s Corner Prayer for Religious Liberty Almighty God, Father of all nations, For freedom you have set us free in Christ Jesus (Gal 5:1). We praise and bless you for the gift of religious liberty, the founda- tion of human rights, justice, and the common good. Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties; By your grace may we have the courage to defend them, for our- selves and for all those who live in this blessed land. We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness, and in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with whom you live and reign, one God, forever and ever. Amen
Transcript
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time June 17, 2012
Today’s Readings:
1029 in the Gather Book
Welcome to
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church
“We are a Sunday People.” Spirituality Faith Formation Evangelization Stewardship
In the Pocono Record last Saturday,
Terry Mattingly wrote an article on the
distinction between freedom of religion
and freedom of worship. He suggests that
there is a real difference of opinion on the
way in which religion should be practiced
in this country. According to Mattingly’s
article, there is a movement in our
Country that promotes the right to the
freedom of worship but is not as supportive of the right to a freedom of
religion. He used an example of Hillary Clinton’s speech in a Georgetown
forum that “contained repeated references to freedom of ‘worship,’ but
none to freedom of ‘religion.’ She also argued that ‘people must be ... free
to worship, associate, and to love in the way that they choose.’” Quoting
Thomas Farr, the Director of the Berkley Center for Religion, Mattingly
notes that "Powerful members of our political class are arguing, that there
is no rational content of religion; that religious freedom means the right to
gather in worship, but not to bring religiously informed moral judgments
into political life; that religious freedom must be balanced by the right to
love as one chooses, and that to make religious arguments against that
purported right is unconstitutional."
I know that as Americans, we don’t like anyone telling us who to
vote for or what issues should be a priority, but I think these issues need
our attention. Is the right to practice the freedom of religion being
redefined? Can our moral beliefs be denied by a government that deems
them to be insignificant? These are questions with which we need to
wrestle if we are going to make an informed decision.
In their statement on religious freedom: "Our First, Most Cher-
ished Liberty” the Catholic Bishops of the United States outlined their
concerns over threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad. In
response, the bishops of the United States are calling for a “Fortnight for
Freedom,” a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of
religious freedom from June 21st to July 4th. During this period we are
encouraged to recite the Prayer for Religious Liberty (see left) and to
become educated on these issues concerning religious liberty. As a
parish, may we do what we can to protect this cherished liberty and join
together in prayer to protect the practice of our faith.
Father Mike
Pastor’s Corner
Prayer for Religious Liberty
Almighty God, Father of
all nations,
For freedom you have
set us free in Christ
Jesus (Gal 5:1).
We praise and bless you for the
gift of religious liberty, the founda-
tion of human rights, justice, and
the common good.
Grant to our leaders the wisdom to
protect and promote our liberties;
By your grace may we have the
courage to defend them, for our-
selves and for all those who live in
this blessed land.
We ask this through the
intercession of Mary Immaculate,
our patroness, and in the name of
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, with
whom you live and reign, one God,
forever and ever.
Amen
O UR L ADY QUEEN OF PEACE C HURCH JUNE 17 , 2012 11 TH SUNDAY IN O RDINARY T IME
Mission Statement of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish
As the spiritual home for Catholics in the West End, we are a family of the One, Holy, Catholic,
and Apostolic Church. We are a Sunday people, remade in Baptism, nurtured by the Eucharist,
and guided by the Holy Spirit. Under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we strive to share
our time, talents, and treasures. We are formed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and proclaim the
Kingdom of God by our words and actions.
(Physical Address: 1402 Route 209 Gilbert, PA 18331)
Time, Talent and Treasure “Preach the Gospel and use words if
necessary.” St Francis
Thank you for your generous gifts.
June 10, 2012
Weekly Offertory: $12,907.00 We gratefully acknowledge
John Muir
for helping Eric Hoffman replace the
wallpaper behind the choir!
Teen Ministry Corner
F ather Sean’s Blog Hola! San Antonio es
muy bonito pero hace mucho calor! I hope I
wrote: Hello! San Antonio is very beautiful, but it
is very hot! Today, June 10, Fr. Greg along with two semi-
narians from Iowa and I went to San Antonio's Cathedral,
named San Fernando. Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller cele-
brated mass. After The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body
and Blood of Christ, we had a procession with the Bishop
carrying the Holy Eucharist around the cathedral. It was
very spiritual being with all the people shouting viva christo
rey. Last week I attended a local AA baseball game. Their
team is the San Antonio Missions. It was a fun night, alt-
hough I did not know which team was which, so I did not
cheer to often. I am beginning to like Mexican food a little
more. I usually only get chicken enchiladas if I go to a
Mexican restaurant, but on Friday I ordered Chicken Mole
Poblano because my teacher recommended it; it did not
disappoint. Although I do on occasion have a craving for
Italian food so I needed chicken parmigiana last week.
Tomorrow I start classes once again. The teachers are very
helpful and are more than willing to work with us to learn.
The priests continue to practice mass in Spanish and we
are improving. I think. I pray for all you at our daily masses,
and I continue to ask for your prayers as well.
In Christ's Peace,
Fr. Sean
Mass Intentions: Walter Machalick/Deb & Larry Decker
Walter Machalick/K of C #7141
William DeAgro/M/M William Ferro
offered by Father Sean
Upcoming Summer Events
Tuesday, July 17 ~ Light the Fire Youth Rally at University Misericordia, Dallas PA. Cost is $25.00! Music, variety of workshops, Mass with Bishop Bam-bera, food, and more….Special guest speaker is Jackie Francois, nationally known Catholic speaker and musician!! July 20-22 ~ Youth 2000 Major Event at Kellenberg Memorial HS, Uniondale NY. Cost is $100.00 (includes food, lodging, transportation) but if we get 10 people to go the cost will be $90.00 This event is held outdoors with sleeping arrangements in two gyms. YES, there ARE showers!!! It promises to be a GREAT weekend!
Saturday, August 4 ~ Pocono Catholic Youth Day
at the Villa of Our Lady, Mt. Pocono (a little closer to
which includes food and soft drinks. Buy a horse for
$10.00 win $50.00! If it comes in 1st! Horse sponsorships must
be arranged through Tom Whitehead, telephone 570-646-
8174 for information. All proceeds will be added to the par-
ish festival fundraising efforts. Tickets on sale after all the
Masses, in the Church Office and at the door.
Altar Server Day
Friday June 29, 2012 10am-3pm at
the Oblate of St. Joseph
Seminary in Pittston.
Altar Servers throughout the
Diocese of Scranton are invited to
join in a day of fun, activities,
prayer and learning.
There is no charge.
Please call the Church Office if you
are interested in going. We will be
taking the Church Van.
Mom and Daughter Pot Luck Supper The Altar & Rosary Society will be holding a “Pot Luck Supper” at
our next meeting on Wednesday June 20th at 6:30 PM. Please
bring one of your favorite dishes or desserts. Members mothers
and daughters are invited. If you are interested in becoming a
member of the Altar & Rosary Society, join us for a delightful
evening. Contact Arlene M. at 570-992-5022.
Suggestion Box
Please provide a list
of the scripture readings on the
bulletin as a point of reference
and further study.
Steel Creek Band
Where: Queen of
Peace Festival
When: Friday July 13
Time: 6-9pm
www.steelcreekband.us
Volunteers Needed
for our Festival. If
you can offer a few
hours or a few
days, we want you. Call the
office to volunteer!!
O UR L ADY Q UEEN OF PEACE PARISH P AGE 5
Bonus Raffle Reminder
There are only five weeks until our third
annual QOP Festival and the awarding of
this year's 11 great prizes. Remember,
only the sellers of winning YELLOW
tickets are eligible to receive the $50.00
bonus sales incentive. Please support
the success of the Festival Raffle by sell-
ing YELLOW tickets to family, friends,
neighbors and co-workers.
Be sure to submit your own ticket stubs to
be entered to win one of these prizes. We
ask you to return all green and yellow tick-
ets you do not expect to sell to the office
or to place them in the weekly collection
by Sunday, July 1st. These tickets will
then be used for public sale at area retail-
ers and at our 3-day Festival. Thank you
in advance for your wonderful sales efforts
and helpful cooperation.
Diocese of Scranton 2012 Priesthood Ordination
On Saturday, June 30, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Peter’s Ca-thedral, Scranton, Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, will ordain the following men: To the Order of the Priesthood: Rev. Mr. Alex Roche
Rev. Mr. Jeffrey D. Tudgay All of the faithful in the Diocese of Scranton are invited and en-couraged to participate in this solemn Mass. Please pray for these men as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Knights of Columbus Golf Outing
Knights of Columbus have renamed their Golf Outing
to the Father McCawley Annual Golf Outing. Satur-
day, August 4th, at Villas Crossings Golf Course.
For all golfers regardless of playing ability and is a
day of fun on the links with a Bar-b-que Dinner awards ceremony
following the shotgun four person per team scramble. Cost which
includes: greens fees, cart, dinner, and prizes remains at $75 per
person. Hole Sponsorships are available at $35 per sign. For
more information, or to make your reservations, telephone Joe
Falotico, 570-646-4656. All proceeds benefit Council Charities.
Corpus Christi Church Bazaar
Holy Redeemer Church Route 92 in Harding June 29th thru
July 1st. Friday and Saturday 5:30 to 11pm, Sunday 1-7pm
Entertainment and More!
It’s Festival Time Again! Please mark the following dates on your calendar
July 13, 14 & 15 We are celebrating with an
International Flavor. Homemade Ethnic Foods & Delicious
Desserts Games, Raffles & Entertainment for Every Age
Friday (7 pm) Night at the Races
(Inside) and Steel Creek Band (Under the Tent)
Saturday (5 pm) Under the Tent
Adam Jacob - Queen of Peace has Talent -
Riverside Band -Racecar Driver Justin
Onderko and a Hot Air Balloon Lift-off (weather permitting)
Sunday (1 pm) Bagpipes - Bucks
County Bungee Jumpers - Jolly Rhinelanders
Please come and join in the fun!
This summer, from July 10-21, a group of high school Juniors
and their chaperones will be traveling to the Archdiocese of Cas-
tries in St. Lucia, West Indies, for a Diocesan Mission trip. Megan
McDonald a parishioner from our parish will be among these high
school students touching lives in St. Lucia. Her family is covering
the cost for this mission trip but the Diocese is requesting cash
donations that will be earmarked for the mission and distributed
to the places of greatest need in the area. If you would like to
donate to this worthy cause, please place your offering in the col-
lection basket. Please mark an envelope for Megan’s Mission
Trip. Checks can be made out to “Our Lady Queen of Peace”
and the money will be forwarded to the Diocesan Missions Of-
fice. Please keep Megan in your prayers, especially during her
time in St. Lucia.
Archdiocese of Castries in St. Lucia, West Indies,
Crawford Smith, Joanne Carduck, Teresa Weinman, Eric Dunni-
gan, Trudy Griffin, Lucille Schwab, Cecilia Hanson, Daniel Tichy,
Rich Rizzo, Tom Coppinger, Kevin Patrick, Tony Harkawij, Brandy
Bergeron, Pauline Polles, Karen Wilkerson, Paula Heller, Joseph
Farrell, Robin Russell, Denise Negron, R.F. Vanderslice, Carol
Buonato, Father Jose Farias, Mary Sciandra, Michael Powers,
Victoria Guarraci, Lois Siemasko, Leigh Kane, John Onderko,
Theresa Welliver, Bill Marks, Robert Beam, William Rutsky, Jo-
seph Yarka, Thomas Rolon Jr., Denise Pepe, Marlette Palermo,
Lawrence Romani, Gerald Smith, John McAuliffe, Beverly Held,
Lorraine Lombardo, Miriam Haffner, Barry Smith, Diane Roder,
Laurie Osti, Gabriel Stier, Matthew Schuster, Kim Price, Mary Ann
Iskra, Robert Savitsky, Nancy, Timothy McManus, Mercedes Riz-
zo, Samantha Hardy, Diane Van Dyke, Les Staniesweski, Janet
and Willy Tracey, Fernanado Madiera, Jane Szymanski, Mary
Senna, Jean H. Bishop, Patrick Shevlin, Michele Reimel, Gaetana
Favilla, Patty Dredger, Diamond Bagosy, Sarah Fedorchak,
Edgar Calvache Jr., John Carbrey, Greg Gumm
FOR OUR TROOPS...
Please Pray for Members of Our Parish
Community and their loved ones who have
served, or are serving, in the Armed Forces
Andrew Larregui, Katelyn Winters, FN Erin Lenahan, Private
Brittany Joy Ruggiero, Sergeant Veronica Manento Brown, Staff
Sergeant Michael Meckes, Captain Keith Billman, Midshipman
Scott Douglas, Captain Matthew Meckes, Marine PFC Matthew
M. Tucker, Major William Kiraly USMC, Lieutenant Katrina Le-
shanski Zainey, Staff Sergeant Jesse Zainey, First Lieutenant
Lauren DeJesus, Lance Corporal Patrick Lenahan, Captain Mat-
thew DeSabio, Second Lieutenant Mike Adams, Captain Candace
Adams, Sergeant Steven Vanderbrink, Major Theodore A. Dear
Jr., Major Tanya Dear, Private Jadon Plant, Airman Ralph
Lucchese, Manley McKinley, Cadet Richard A. Forte III, Pfc Mat-
thew J. Stevens, Corporal Justin Milewski, Sergeant Phillip J.
Sever, Sergeant Joshua R. Sever, Nathan Stegehuis, George R.
Aiello, Airman Sean Paul DeAgro, Lieutenant Michael Cubbage,
Captain Ian Cubbage, Christopher Rogouski, Joel Rogouski, Spc.
Eric McCausland, David J. Mollica, Zachary Small
Third Wedding Banns Carla Lomauro
and Brian Hynes
Word for Life: It cannot be taken for grant-
ed that human life in itself is a gift. Can it really be a beautiful gift? Do we know what will befall man in the dark days ahead — or in the brighter days that could come? Can we foresee to what troubles, what terrible events he might be exposed? … It is a prob-lematic gift, if it is left to itself. Biological life is in itself a gift, but it is surrounded by a great question. It becomes a true gift only if, along with it, we are given a promise that is stronger than any evil that could threaten us, if it is immersed in a power that ensures that it is good to be human, that there will be good for this person no matter what the fu-ture brings. Thus, with birth is associated rebirth, the certitude that, truly, it is good to be alive, because the promise is stronger than evil. ~ Pope Benedict XVI, Homily, Mass on the Occasion of the Holy Father’s 85th Birthday, April 16, 2012
