The Sunday Good News ANNIVERSARY YEAR PRAYER THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD

Transcription

1 The Sunday Good News The Church of Saint John Bosco December 17, 2017 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly ANNIVERSARY YEAR PRAYER Holy Spirit, at work in our lives and in the lives of our ancestors, You created the Church at Pentecost and made it a sacrament of Jesus for the world. We thank you for creating the Diocese of Scranton 150 years ago and rooting it in faith, hope and love. We marvel at the journey You have traveled with our bishops, laity, religious, priests and deacons. Continue to strengthen us as one family. Give us the clarity to focus on the things that last: Faith in You and the Gospel, Hope in the Resurrection and the Love of our God. Amen. The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and release to prisoners. To announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God. Remember when Jesus read this passage in His synagogue in Nazareth? St. Luke tells us He said Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearings. We often associate this passage at the time of ordination or confirmation. Today it is directed to me and tells me what to expect when the longed for Savior comes. He was anointed, the name Christ means the anointed one. He had a mission, He was sent. He had a message good news. He looked for the lowly, the hurting, those bound by addictions and desperation. He came to free and form missionary disciples. The mission of Jesus is our mission, the mission of the entire church. We are comfortable, but consider fellow Christians throughout the world suffering from poverty, political oppression. Consider missionaries serving the most pitiable people, like Doctors with Borders, the Catholic Near East Welfare Society Workers, Medical Mission Sisters bringing Isaiah s prompting to fulfillment. Yes, the spirit of the Lord is upon all of us as we begin week three of Advent. Jesus has gifted us with His mission. Come Lord Jesus. POPE FRANCIS QUOTES TO LIVE OUT 2017 This column features quotes from the 2016 Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy to help you to grow in holiness and live out love and mercy in 2017! Love, charity is service, helping others, serving others. (3/12/16) ~ Pope Francis HANGING OF THE GREENS: Just a reminder. The garland and lights will be hung from the beams of our church Monday, December 18, beginning at 4:30 PM. We are in need of men who are comfortable on ladders to be present and to assist with this important task this year as we prepare for the Christmas Season. We are grateful to those who have already volunteered to be present and assist with this project. THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD 1st Level Class Mass... December 17, 9:00 AM Teen Lunch Bunch... Sunday, December 17, 12:30 PM, Kitchen American Red Cross Blood Drive... Mon., December 18, 1:00-6:00 PM SPRED Total Community Meeting... Tues., Dec. 19, 6:30 PM SJB Hosts Salvation Army Luncheon... Wed., Dec. 20, 10:30 - Noon Parent Information Meeting, March for Life... January 8, 6:30 PM M-P Rm Liturgy Committee... Wednesday, January 10, 6:30 PM (snow date Jan. 17) Nativity Take-Down... Saturday, January 13, 9:00 AM Spiritual Reading, Sacred Passages/Miracles... Sat., Jan. 13, 9:15 AM Confirmation Class...Sunday, January 21, 6-7:30 PM STJB Book Club... Sunday, January 28, 12:30 PM, Mayme s Café Parish Finance Advisory Council... Tues., Jan. 30, 6:30 PM (snow date Feb. 6)

2 PAGE 2 SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,115 families receive envelopes. 366 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of Dec. 9/10 Total Mass Attendance: 1076 Total Sunday Offering: $6, Religious Retirement Fund: $1, Thank you for your generosity! Faith Formation Corner Signed progress reports are due this weekend. Please have your child turn them in to their teacher or the Faith Formation office. There will be no Faith Formation or CLOW on December 24th or 31st. Faith Formation and CLOW will resume on January 7th. We extend a Merry Christmas to all of our students, families and volunteers. With the winter weather approaching, please remember to check our parish website, Facebook page, and for any updates and announcements. The next evening Confirmation class will meet on Sunday, January 21 from 6-7:30 PM. Saint projects are due at this time, along with any paperwork that was not turned in at the December class. TEEN LUNCH BUNCH Teens in 9th Grade and up are invited to attend Teen Lunch Bunch on Sunday, December 17, at 12:30 PM in the kitchen. We will be baking cookies for this month s Salvation Army luncheon. The Sunday Good News THE STAR The Story of the First Christmas A Must See Holiday Movie for Everyone This movie has been featured on EWTN. In SONY Pictures Animation s THE STAR, a small but brave donkey, named Bo, yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become unlikely heroes in the greatest story ever told the First Christmas. One review states: The Star makes no pretense about its message. The entire movie is a biblical retelling of the events surrounding Christ s birth, albeit from the perspective of barnyard animals and with a few creative liberties (none of which would contradict Scripture). Christians looking for a solid Christmas movie will be pleased with what they find. There is also a scattering of Christian themes such as forgiving your enemies, seeking redemption, praying to God and serving someone greater than yourself. I encourage you to take your children and grandchildren to see this absolutely delightful movie. It s also appropriate for all adults and the child inside of them. It s animated and a joy to watch. BOLD CHOICES RETREAT (Finding Your Passion and Living it Fully) Join us for a young adult (18-35) retreat at Saint Gabriel s Retreat Center, Clarks Summit, January 5-6. The 24-hour retreat will include presentations and interactive sessions on prayer, making choices based in faith, finding your passion, the art of discernment, small group discussion and more. Cost is $65. For more information and/or to register, visit vocations.dioceseofscranton.org or call (570) AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE St. John Bosco Church, Monday, December 18, 1 6 PM. NATIVITY TAKE-DOWN Saturday, January 13 at 9:00 AM. The SJB Book Club has selected Dan England and the Noonday Devil by Myles Connolly. We will meet Sunday, January 28, 2018, at 12:30 PM at Mayme s Cafe. You are welcome to join us. PARISH CHRISTMAS GIFT On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day each family will receive a free copy of Matthew Kelly s newly revised book, Perfectly Yourself. This spiritual and inspirational book is well written and offers a compelling hope -filled solution to life s big questions, Who am I? and Why am I here? In the book, Matthew Kelly offers nine practical lessons to help you discover God s dream for your life. I believe you will find in the pages of this book inspiration to take the next step forward toward personal transformation and to live more fully the life that God has created for you. You may read and reflect on this book during the Christmas Season or in the month between Christmas Season and Ash Wednesday. REMEMBER TO PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY! Enjoy and Merry Christmas! 2018 BREAKING BREAD MISSALETTES/HYMNALS: Everyone is asked not to remove the new hymn books from the church. We only order enough for the pews due to their expensive cost. They need to be available for all Masses through November Thank you for your cooperation.

3 The Sunday Good News Thank You! DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Update as of December 11 DAA 2017 Goal... $59, Total Raised... $64, Over... $5, Participants to date: 394 out of 1,137 (34.65%) GAUDETE SUNDAY The is called Gaudete Sunday, the day when we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath (hence the pink candle Sunday). Rose vestments are worn to emphasize our joy that Christmas is near. Gaudete means rejoice. This day reminds us of the joy that is to come, and serves, amid this season of penance, as a kind of break when we recall the hope we have because of the coming of Our Lord Jesus. NEW EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION INSTALLATION - 3rd Weekend of Advent December 16-17, 2017 We are grateful to the following who have volunteered to participate as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at St. John Bosco Parish. May this ministry of service draw them closer to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Our new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are: Edward Slusarczyk Alec Marcalus Thomas Pandolfi Dan Synoski Thomas Myers Diane Kroszkewicz-Klouser Dolores Monica Babula Monica C. Astorino Christine Dugan Christopher Blazic BLESSED CHRISTMAS WAFERS A Christmas Eve Tradition Oplatki (6 colored wafers/pack). $3/pack or 2 for $5. Available in the vestibule and Parish Office while supplies last. The ALTAR FLOWERS for this weekend, December 16-17, Gaudete Sunday, are for the Special Intention of the Steve Jordan Family. The TABERNACLE CANDLE burns this week in memory of GEORGE A. and HELEN C. KATTNER given by June Leitner. An ALTAR CANDLE burns this week in memory of ROBERT MARTONIK given by Mary Susan Martonick. OPERATION RED KETTLE Major Doris of the Hazleton Salvation Army announced the new project Operation Red Kettle. This allows for on-line donations to the Hazleton Salvation Army s Red Kettle. To donate: Text-to-Give ORKhazleton to 71777, SAHazleton@yahoo.com. COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS... 45th Annual March for Life - January 19. Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception prior to the March which begins at the Washington Monument, then Constitution Avenue to the Capitol. WE REMEMBER PAGE 3 Saturday, 4:00 PM December 16 Ray Kowalski By Family Sunday, 7:30 AM December 17 Martha & Andrew Kanyock By Jane Sunday, 9:00 AM December 17 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Church Sunday, 11:30 AM December 17 Louis Mattioli, Jr. By Rocco & Dolores Lettiere Monday, 8:00 AM December 18 Mary Dembitz By Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sandova Tuesday, 8:00 AM December 19 Vera & Joseph Gallagher By Mr. & Mrs. Terry Gallagher Wednesday, 8:00 AM December 20 Nicholas & Catherine Raico By Pat & Patty Raico Thursday, 8:00 AM December 21 Joseph & Anna Hanna By Cecilia, James & Joann Zielinski Friday, 8:00 AM December 22 Margaret McCallus By Joe McCallus Saturday, 4:00 PM December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent George A. & Helen C. Kattner By June Leitner Sunday, 7:30 AM December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent Joseph & Marguerite Bayzick By Don & Linda Bayzick Sunday, 9:00 AM December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent Joseph Brosk By Paul Fisher Family Sunday, 4:00 PM December 24 Christmas Eve Kevin VanBlargan By Family Sunday, 6:00 PM December 24 Christmas Eve Lena Zanolini By Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Malloy Sunday, 10:00 PM December 24 Christmas Eve (concelebrated) Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Church; and Special Intention for Health & Blessings for Pat Raico, Ron Shenyo and Rich Yesilonis By Knights of Columbus Council 8613 Monday, 9:00 AM December 25 Christmas Day Dorothy Lagana By Marie Benton

4 PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News The PASTOR S PAGE The intercessions are then said. The leader says: Let us ask God to send his blessing upon us and upon this sign of our faith in the Lord. R/. Lord, give light to our hearts. From the Pastor s Laptop... December 16-17, 2017 That this tree of lights may remind us of the tree of glory on Have your Christmas tree all set up? Take some time as Family which Christ accomplished our salvation, let us pray to the to ask for God s blessing over it! Lord. R/. The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins That the joy of Christmas may always be in our homes, let us are found in the medieval mystery plays that depicted the tree pray to the Lord. R/. of paradise and the Christmas light or candle that symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the That the peace of Christ may dwell in our hearts and in the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain world, let us pray to the Lord. R/. in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany. The lights of the tree All present say the Lord s Prayer. are illuminated after the prayer of blessing. The leader says the prayer with hands joined: In the home the Christmas tree may be blessed by a parent or Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: the sun, another family member, in connection with the evening meal the moon, and the stars of the night. We praise you for the light on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time on of Israel: the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Christmas Day. Scriptures. We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: He is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace, who fills us with Blessing of a Christmas Tree the wonder of your love. The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply Amen. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this The leader may greet those present in the following words: tree. May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and peace fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the into our midst, now and forever. knowledge and joy of salvation. We ask this through Christ our R/. Amen. Lord. R/. Amen. The leader prepares those present for the blessing: The lights of the tree are then illuminated. My brothers and sisters, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus The leader concludes... was born in Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our May the God of glory fill our hearts with peace and joy, hearts and enlightenment to our minds. With this tree, now and forever. R/. Amen. decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers may its lights guide us to the perfect light. MASS SCHEDULING POLICY With the increased size of our parish, the number of funerals occurring each year as well as the desire to have Masses celebrated for the repose of the soul of recently deceased loved ones, we are limiting the number of Mass intentions to two per year for the foreseeable future. Please respect this policy so that others may have an opportunity for Masses to be celebrated for their loved ones. It is unfair for some to take more than this number while others cannot schedule a Mass. We also have many Masses that were given at the time of funerals that have not been offered. We ask you to use these Masses in reserve first. If this policy is not followed we may have to discontinue receiving Mass intentions until those on reserve are celebrated. During the past year we have sent out hundreds of Masses to retired and religious priests who have no Mass intentions in order to be satisfied. If you would like us to do so with Mass intentions that were given at the time of the funeral of a loved one simply contact the parish office. You may offer an Altar Candle (Offering: $10 per week, lit at all masses), Tabernacle Candle (Offering: $20 - lit for 2 weeks) or Floral Bouquet in memory of a loved one (Offering: $50 or you may order your own) and we will include the intention and donor in the bulletin on the week desired. YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING: Let the theme of this Christmas be giving and receiving. Receiving first, the amazing grace of God in the gift of Jesus Christ. Then to give. A gift for someone in need. A thank you offering of your treasure for the work of the Lord at our parish. What do we have that we did not first receive? As you make your Christmas list and check it twice, please consider what your gift to St. John Bosco might be this year. Pray in heartfelt gratitude for all that God has given to us. CHRISTMAS GIFTS OF STOCK With the stock market reaching record highs this year, you may want to consider a year-end gift of stock. Donations to St. John Bosco Church of stock or mutual fund transfers may provide you with an income tax deduction, as well as a way to avoid paying capital gains tax on the shares increased value. As always, check with your tax consultant for details.

5 KNIGHT S CORNER KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS POSTER CONTEST Knights of Columbus Council 8613 is inviting all boys and girls from ages 5 through 14 to participate in our organization s international Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest. By engaging the creativity and the imaginations of our young people, we hope they will come to a deeper understanding of the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas, said Council Grand Knight Andy Pitonyak. Contest dates are from Dec All entries are due by December 18. Registration forms and judging rules will be available at the Faith Formation office, or call Chairman Tom Pandolfi at (973) CHANCE OF A LIFETIME RAFFLE WINNERS: The list of winners for the Knights of Columbus 2017 Chance of a Lifetime (COAL) statewide raffle is posted on the bulletin board by the coat rack. Thank you for your support. PARISH BUS TRIP Plans have been completed for another Parish bus trip scheduled for Friday, April 20, 2018, at Sight and Sound in Lancaster to see Jesus. Sight and Sound theaters bring the Bible to life and goes far beyond the stage. Jesus is the brand new production for the 2018 season. It is a timeless story of relentless love. From the streets of Jerusalem to the raging Sea of Galilee, Jesus befriends outcasts and heals the hurting. He challenges social norms and confronts hypocrisy. He sets sail with fishermen and reasons with religious scholars, and the lives he touches will never be the same. Jesus is the action-packed musical stage adventure that takes one on a miraculous journey alongside the most famous person ever to walk the earth and the everyday people whose lives He changed forever. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift for that special someone on your Christmas list. Don t wait and be disappointed. Bus will fill up quickly. Cost is $123 per person which covers the cost of the bus, lunch on the bus, the show, dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, tip and gratuities. If interested, call for reservations now. Call Marie Guza, (570) Payment reserves your seat. MEMORIAL AVAILABLE: BOOK OF THE CHAIR This Liturgical Book is used at all Weekend and Holy Day Masses in the parish for the Collect (Opening Prayer) and the Closing Prayer of Mass. It is held by the Altar Server in front of the priest celebrant. If you are interested in donating this to St. John Bosco Parish, please contact the Parish Office at (570) , Ext. 3. We will list the intention and donor inside the front cover of this hardcover Liturgical Book and also place an acknowledgment in the Parish bulletin unless directed otherwise. Donation: $100. It will be available in March SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMORIAL CANDLES AVAILABLE CHURCH WINDOW CANDLES 24 candles available. Offering: $20 each, and will be lit 24/7 for 16 days/nights. Candles may be donated IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE, FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION, or IN THANKSGIVING. It is a beautiful way to remember a loved one, living or deceased, during the holiday season. The intention and donor will be listed in the Christmas Bulletin unless requested otherwise. Reserve your candle by calling the Parish Office, (570) , ext. 3. MINISTERS OF COMMUNION, LECTORS, AND ALTAR SERVERS Volunteers are needed to serve at Christmas and New Year s Eve/Day Masses. Please sign up in the sacristy this weekend. MASS SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS The following is the Christmas Mass schedule so that you may plan accordingly. 4 TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Vigil Mass: Saturday, December 23, 4 PM Sunday Masses: December 24, 7:30 AM and 9 AM ONLY. NO 11:30 AM Mass CHRISTMAS Sunday, Christmas Eve, December 24: 4 PM, 6PM and 10 PM Monday, Christmas Day, December 25: 9 AM ONLY. Catholics are required to attend once for the Sunday obligation and once for the Christmas Obligation. NEW YEARS : New Year s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 4 PM New Year s Day: Monday, January 1, 9 AM ONLY CONFESSION SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS The following is the Christmas Confession schedule so that you may plan accordingly. MONDAYS OF ADVENT: December 18-6 PM to 7 PM ADDITIONAL CONFESSION OPPORTUNITIES December 20 (Wednesday) - Noon to 1 PM December 20 (Wednesday) - 6 PM to 7 PM December 22 (Friday) - Noon to 1 PM December 22 (Friday) - 6 PM to 7 PM NO CONFESSIONS WILL BE HEARD SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, OR ON CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24. THE LAST OPPORTUNITY FOR CONFESSION BEFORE CHRISTMAS IS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, FROM NOON UNTIL 1 PM AND ALSO FROM 6-7 PM. ADVERTISE in the BULLETIN It s good for you, good for potential clients, and good for our parish! We are currently soliciting ads so don t miss this opportunity. A bulletin ad is a unique and costeffective way to reach an engaged audience, one that is happy to learn about and patronize your professional office or business. Space is limited, so call Diane, (570) or Melanie, (570) , for more information.

6 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS An envelope is in your set to help defray the cost of flowers and decorations for our sanctuary for the Christmas Season, December 24 through January 8. It is a beautiful way to remember a loved one, living or deceased, for the holidays. Clearly print the name of the person(s) that you desire to have remembered on the envelope and return it to the parish office by Sunday, December 17, so the intention may be printed in the Christmas bulletin. The typical donation is $25 but any offering is gratefully accepted. MUSICIANS & SOLOISTS FOR WEDDINGS An updated listing of all musicians and soloists who are approved and available for weddings at Saint John Bosco Parish in 2018 has been prepared and is available to all engaged couples. Contact Fr. Ric at (570) , Ext. 4, and a copy will be sent to you. You are expected to contact the musician(s) and soloist that you desire and to confirm it with them. You are asked to meet with them to plan the music and make any financial arrangements directly with them. Anyone that is not on the list needs prior approval from the Pastor. A listing of appropriate wedding music for a Nuptial Mass or Wedding Ceremony is also available. The musicians for the wedding are then expected to send a copy of the selections to the Pastor at least one month prior to the rehearsal and before any worship programs are printed. ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECEIVED Saint John Bosco Parish recently received a Thank You from Valerie White, Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center of Greater Hazleton, located at 131 Warren St., West Hazleton, for a donation of $1, toward their ministry supporting the precious gift of Human Life. This represents the money that was received in the Baby Bottles that were part of our October Baby Shower sponsored by our Parish Pro-Life Committee and our Knights of Columbus. In addition, many baby items and new and gently used baby clothing were also donated. The hosts for the TRAVELING CHALICE from December 17 through December 24 are Norbert and Judy Kotzer. GREY DOG TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets are $100 and are available before and after all Masses and in the parish office during the week. You may also call (570) , Ext. 3, to order one and it will be mailed to you. Drawing date: Sunday, February 4, 2018, after the 11:30 Mass. VALLEY FOOD PANTRY The Valley Food Pantry will now be distributing Christmas boxes to those in need. We have been asked to collect the following: cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing and sugar. Coffee and teabags are always welcomed. Items can be placed in the rear of the church by the coat rack. Your generosity is greatly appreciated during this special time of need. Thank you! The SJB Salvation Army Committee will be collecting men s and women s gloves, hats, and scarves for the clients of the Salvation Army for Christmas. There will be a basket in the narthex for your donations. Donations need to be made before December 20. Thank you for your anticipated generosity. DA I L Y REA DI N GS Sunday Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, Monday Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45 Friday 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66 Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell Thomas Pandolfi Sandy Honis Frank Polidora Scott Green RCIA TEAM CALENDAR Date of Session: December 17, 2017 Place & Time of Session: Office Conference Room, AM Topic: The Liturgical Year with emphasis on Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to GOULDS SUPERMARKET Bulletin Advertiser Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!