The Sunday Good News THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD AN ADVENT WREATH PRAYER. Come Jesus; come. Give power to light and to good.

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1 The Church of Saint John Bosco December 3, 2017 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly Jesus said to His disciples: Be constantly on watch, stay awake. You do not know when the appointed time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge each with his own task, and he orders the man at the gate to watch with a sharp eye. Look around you. We begin a new season of grace, the wonderful time of preparing the way of the Lord, recalling His coming in history, His abiding presence among us now, and looking to discover the way He enters our lives. This year we have four full weeks to live advent. AN ADVENT WREATH PRAYER Come Jesus; come. Give power to light and to good. Come where falsehood, ignorance of God, violence and injustice dominate. Come, Lord Jesus, give power to the good in the world and help us be bearers of your light, peacemakers, witnesses of the Truth. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen. ~ Pope Benedict XVI Like the person in Mark s gospel, the Lord has entrusted each of us with distinct, yet important tasks. My work is different from others, and if I fail to do it, it will remain undone. How am I going to begin this time of prayer? I can make a resolution not to get caught up only with the material things in our consumer oriented society. My prayer with my family, my reflection on the scriptures, will certainly point me in the right direction. As I consider what I am going to do, I want to include others, the elderly, the sick and the poor, those alone or lonely, to make their lives better. They are part of God s gift for me to take care of. May the closing words of the Bible become my mantra each day, simply repeating three words prayerfully 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! God dwells wherever there is love, shown especially by courageous and compassionate care for the weak and the poor. How much we need this! We need Christians who do not allow themselves to be overcome by weariness or discouraged by adversity, but instead are available, open and ready to serve. We need men and women of good will, who help their brothers and sisters in need, with actions and not merely words. (6/25/16, Homily) ~ Pope Francis THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD SJB Book Club Sunday, December 3, 12:30 PM, Mayme s SPRED Total Community Meeting Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 PM, Music Room Spiritual Passages + Miracles Saturday, December 9, 9:15-11:15 AM, Room 3 6th Level Class Mass... December 10, 9:00 AM Confirmation Class... Sunday, December 10, 6-7:30 PM 1st Level Class Mass... December 17, 9:00 AM Liturgy Committee... Wednesday, January 10, 6:30 PM

2 PAGE 2 SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,115 families receive envelopes. 422 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of Nov. 18/19 Total Mass Attendance: 1,046 Total Sunday Offering: $9, white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of Nov. 25/26 Total Mass Attendance: 946 Total Sunday Offering: $8, Thank you for your generosity! CARE AND EDUCATION OF PRIESTS SECOND COLLECTION The 2nd collection this weekend, December 2-3, is for the Care and Education of Priests. Thank you for your generosity to this monthly diocesan collection. Faith Formation Corner Thank you to all who participated in our Polar Express Movie Night this past Friday. We are grateful to our Families in Faith group, especially Lisa Seiwell, for coordinating the adult volunteers, movie and snacks, and to our youth volunteers who helped to make this such a fun night for our children. Please note that attendance at Sunday Mass (or Saturday Vigil) is expected by all students on a weekly basis. Our teachers are doing extraordinary work with our children; however, attendance as Mass is an important piece in connecting what is learned in class with our Catholic Faith. Confirmation Class will meet December 10 from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Gym. Our 6th Level classes will have their class Mass next Sunday, December 10 at 9:00 AM. Our 1st Level students will have their class Mass on Sunday, December 17 at 9:00. We thank our 1st and 6th Level teachers and students for their hard work and preparation. With the winter weather approaching, please remember to check our parish website, Facebook page, and for any updates and announcements. COLLECTION FOR RETIRED RELIGIOUS The 30 th appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be taken up at Masses the weekend of December The annual, parish-based collection is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) and benefits some 32,000 aging Catholic sisters, brothers and priests in religious orders. Catholic bishops of the United States initiated the collection in 1988 to help address the deficit in retirement savings among the nation s religious congregations. Proceeds are distributed to eligible congregations to help underwrite retirement and health-care expenses. Roughly 94 percent of donations aid elderly religious. Most senior religious worked for little to no pay, leaving their religious communities with inadequate retirement savings. At the same time, religious communities are challenged by the rising cost of care. Last year, the average annual cost of care for senior religious was $42,000 per person, while skilled care averaged more than $63,000, according to NRRO data. In 2016, the total cost of care for women and men religious past age 70 exceeded $1.2 billion. Proceeds from the collection support the retirement needs of these women and men who spent their lives in church ministries such as education, health care and social services. In 2016, the collection raised more than $30 million nationwide. The collection for the Religious Retirement Fund is distinct and separate from the monthly collection taken in parishes for the Care and Education of Priests of the Diocese of Scranton. THE ENVELOPE FOR THIS SECOND COLLECTION IS INCLUDED IN YOUR MONTHLY SET. YOUR GENEROSITY IS APPRECIATED. 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. BAPTISMAL WELCOME We extend our prayerful congratulations to MIRA GRACE McGOWAN, daughter of Matthew Joseph & Megan Marie Notaro McGowan, who was baptized at Saint John Bosco Parish on Sunday, November 19, by Deacon Maurice J. Cerasaro, Jr. We also extend our prayerful congratulations to BRIELLE ELISE LaBUZ, daughter of Eugene Joseph and Marissa Miller LaBuz who will be baptized at Saint John Bosco Parish on Sunday, December 3, by Father Ric Polmounter. They are members of St. Veronica Parish in Howell, N.J. Brielle is the granddaughter of James and Carmella LaBuz of St. John Bosco Church. (Permission granted by Fr. Vincent Euk). May Mira Grace and Brielle Elise continue to grow in age, wisdom and love before God and His holy people. The hosts for the TRAVELING CHALICE from December 3 through December 10 are Mark and Christine Dugan.

3 A GRATEFUL WORD OF THANKS The Farewell Reception for Sister Marilyn Karas, R.S.M. was held Monday, November 20. It was a beautiful celebration to thank her for her faithful service to Saint John Bosco Parish Family for the past 5 ½ years. Sister Marilyn, as Pastoral Associate, guided the five seasons of the ARISE TOGETHER IN CHRIST program as well as working with the Liturgy Committee, Bereavement Ministry, Dementia Support Outreach and Adult Faith Formation. She also was involved with the training of Lectors and working with the major liturgical seasons of the church year. Sister Marilyn now lives in Dallas, PA. She will continue her work with the Adult Faith Formation Program on the second Saturday of the month from 9:15-11:15 AM as scheduled in the bulletin during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Those who were unable to be present but would like to thank Sister may write her at: Sr. Marilyn Karas, RSM, The Pines at Mercy Center, 34 McAuley Drive, Dallas, PA We also appreciate all who organized the Reception, especially Jo Robbins and Andrea Fendrick who co-chaired the celebration along with their committee and Arise and Parish volunteers. We are grateful to all who set up and decorated the gym, those who prepared food, all who gave offerings to defray the cost of supplies and a special word of thanks to all who shared their musical talents to make the evening so beautiful. Our thanks to Neil Forte, III, and Jennifer Gerhard on Jazz, and the Hand Bell Choir under the direction of Tina Lizbinski. We are also grateful to Mary Jo Cross, Melanie Pensock and Tina Lizbinski who also volunteered to play Strings during the dinner, and to our St. John Bosco Choir and musicians under the direction of Denise Gogola. If anyone took pictures at the event, please forward them to Jo Robbins at ualjo1@yahoo.com. We would like to prepare a book of photographs for Sister Marilyn. SCRIPTURE CIRCLE On every 2 nd Wednesday of each month beginning in March, an ARISE group will continue to meet to discuss the daily readings and to watch a minute DVD followed by additional discussion. We invite anyone interested to join whether you were in an ARISE group or not. The Scripture Circle will meet in Room 3 at 9:00 AM. If you have any questions, contact: Sandie Honis, (570) , or Arlene Stagg, (570) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOLY DAYS We are still in need of Ministers of Communion, Lectors, and Servers for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Thursday and Friday, December 7-8. Also, volunteers are needed for Christmas and New Year s Masses. Sign up lists are in the sacristy. COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS... Christ Lutheran Church Drive-Thru Nativity, 467 Main Street, Conyngham - December 2-3, 6-8 PM. 14 live scenes; free of charge. Hazleton Philharmonic Sounds of the Season - Christmas Concert, Friday, December 8, 7 PM, Wiltsie Center, Hazleton. Call (570) for tickets. Holy Rosary Parish Free Community Luncheon - December 9, 11 AM to Noon, Parish Hall, 240 S. Poplar St. All are welcome. MPB Community Players - Advent/Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 9, 7 PM, St. John Bosco Church. Free admission. Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) - Saturday, December 9, 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM, St. Joseph Church, 526 North St., Jim Thorpe. For more information, call (570) th 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 2 Mary Meluskey By Family Sunday, 7:30 AM December 3 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Church Sunday, 9:00 AM December 3 William M. Grencavich, III By Lombardi Family Sunday, 11:30 AM December 3 Matthew Olenick By Chip & Sandy Brestowski Monday, 8:00 AM December 4 Ann Sardo By Mr. & Mrs. Ron Sardo Tuesday, 8:00 AM December 5 John Rock By Bob, Janet, Matthew & Lindsay Tucker Wednesday, 8:00 AM December 6 Pearl M. Sipple By Fr. Ric Polmounter Thursday, 8:00 AM December 7 Honey Carlyon By Charles & Wendy Vogt Thursday, 5:00 PM December 7 Vigil - The Immaculate Conception Joseph & Barbara Rebarchak By Peggy & Family Friday, 8:00 AM December 8 The Immaculate Conception Anna & Robert McKenna By Mr. & Mrs. Terry Gallagher Friday, 7:00 PM December 8 The Immaculate Conception Earl Jensen By Molitoris Family Saturday, 4:00 PM December 9 Wilbur Shuman By Shirley Shuman Sunday, 7:30 AM December 10 Joseph B. Ganc By Parents Sunday, 9:00 AM December 10 Antoni Jozef Gorlczyk By Family Sunday, 11:30 AM December 10 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Parish

4 PAGE 4 VATICAN CITY (CNS) Mass is the highest form of prayer and not an appropriate moment for small talk, Pope Francis said. At church, Catholics should spend their time in silence before Mass, preparing to meet with Jesus instead of engaging in chitchat, the Pope said November 15 during his weekly general audience. Silence is so important, he said. Remember what I told you last time: we are not going to a show. Silence prepares us and accompanies us. The Pope continued his new series of audience talks on the Mass, reflecting on the Eucharist as a form of prayer that is the highest, the most sublime and, at the same time, the most concrete way of encountering God s love. This is the greatest grace: to experience that the Eucharist is the privileged moment to be with Jesus and, through him, with God and with our brothers and sisters, the Pope said. THE POPE SPEAKS In the Gospels, he continued, Jesus teaches his disciples that the first thing needed to pray is to know how to say father and to trust in God with the humility of a child. Christians also must allow themselves to be repeatedly surprised by the living encounter with the Lord, he said, and not simply talk to God like a parrot, repeating the words of prayers without thinking. The encounter with God is a living encounter, the Pope said departing from his prepared remarks. It is not an encounter of a museum, it is a living encounter. And we go to Mass, not a museum! We go to a living encounter with the Lord. Pope Francis said the Mass is also a gift and a consolation where Christians discover that God s greatest surprise is that He loves us even in our weakness. The Lord encounters our frailty, the Pope said. This is the environment of the Eucharist. This is prayer. 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 CATHOLIC ART CALENDAR The parish calendars are available in the Church vestibule following all Masses. It contains our Contact information, Mass and Confession Schedule and web-page address. It also includes the Saints and Holy Days. We are extremely grateful to MAYLATH HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC., Sybertsville for donating the calendars to our parish family again this year. They provide Home Health, Hospice, Outpatient Therapy and AED, CPR and First Aid. GIVING TREE If you have purchased a gift for our annual Giving Tree project for Catholic Social Services, we would appreciate if you would bring your UNWRAPPED present with the tag securely attached to the church vestibule as soon as possible. All presents need to be returned by December 10. Your present is combined with others to make sure that each child from a sponsored family receives a clothing item and a toy. Thank you for your continued generous support of this Christmas project. CHRISTMAS GIFT SPECIAL Looking for a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer? Order a signed copy of Love, Laughter and Living Saints by Father Charles J. Cummings, former Pastor of Saint John Bosco Church from ; includes nine bonus stories. Send $10 (free shipping) to P. O. Box 3271, Williamsport, PA Kindle and Nook e-book, $4.99. Two ALTAR CANDLES burn this week in memory of JAMES STAUDENMEIER given by Elaine & Tom Zarosky. The TABERNACLE CANDLE burns this week in memory of ROBERT WALLACE given by Mary Nora Wallace. REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD We extend our prayers and sympathy to the families of JOHN DALESANDRO and EDWARD F. GENETTI, parishioners of St. John Bosco Church, who recently died. May they and all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

5 ADVENT EVENING OF REFLECTION All are welcome to an evening of prayerful reflection and music to help us prepare for the Advent Season on Monday evening, December 4, at 6:30 PM in Transfiguration Church in West Hazleton. Advent, A Time for us to Prepare for the Celebration of the Nativity of our Lord. GIFT CARDS NEEDED Often throughout the year, due to our location on a main highway, we receive requests from needy parishioners, travelers and others from the area for assistance. Our outreach is normally limited to food assistance. We usually give $25 GIFT CARDS to Gould s Supermarket, WalMart or occasionally a gas station. If you would like to donate a gift card that can be given to a needy person or family when there is a real need, simply purchase them and drop them off at the parish office or place in the collection basket in an envelope marked for the needy. Whatever you can do will be appreciated. HIGH SCHOOL & YOUNG ADULT BUS TRIP Have you attended the Annual March for Life in Washington DC? If you joined us last year or would like to attend this year, now is your chance to sign-up! The 45th Annual March for Life is Friday, January 19th, The March for Life is the largest pro-life rally in the world, and has taken place each year in Washington, DC since the legalization of abortion in 1973 with Roe v. Wade. Hundreds of thousands of young people from around the nation will attend this year s March with the prayer that we will one day soon see the dignity of life be upheld, and abortion to be realized for the tragedy it is for child, mother, father, and all of society. Attending the March is quite a life-changing experience and a pilgrimage! The trip will also include Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine in DC. Students grades 8-12 will receive an excused absence from school. Seats are limited and are filling up quickly! Call Dr. Rachel Leskosky at or dr.rachel.leskosky@gmail.com for more information. Students may reserve their spot for the trip with a non-refundable $10 deposit at the Faith Formation Office. Checks may be made out to St. John Bosco. The deposit will go towards the student cost of the trip. The cost of the trip is about $60 but each student will only be required to pay $25. FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE JANUARY 5. The Parish will pay the balance. This cost includes transportation, and at least 2 meals (light breakfast on the bus and a full sit down meal on the return trip home). A mandatory parent information meeting will be held Monday January 8 at 6:30pm in the All Purpose Room. More information will follow. 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. WIGILIA - Polish Christmas Eve Celebration: Sunday, Dec. 17, 1 PM, Capriotti s, McAdoo. 13 course meatless meal. Reservations: Call Olga Morgan, (570) or Tom K., (570) $25 per person (deadline 12/11/17). 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 4, 11, and 18-6 PM to 7 PM SATURDAYS OF ADVENT: December 2, 9, and 16-3 PM to 3:45 PM ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICES Wednesday, December 13, 7 PM to 8 PM, ST. JOHN BOSCO CHURCH (7 priests available) Thursday, December 14, 7 PM, GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH (several priests available) 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. A SPECIAL THANK YOU We offer heartfelt thanks to Fr. Ric for the support and encouragement he provided throughout the five seasons of ARISE. We also thank all those who served as Group Leaders: Andrea Fendrick, Sandie Honis, Linda Kostic, Peggy McAndrew, Brenda Pecora, Melanie Pensock, Andrew and Sandy Pitonyak, Jo Robbins, Stephen Seach, Ed Slusarczyk, Arlene Stagg, and Cindy Waschko. ARISE would not have been possible without their careful preparation and faithful leadership and guidance. Sr. Marilyn and Mary Ann Miller GREY DOG TICKETS ON SALE NOW! The Grand Prize is: 2018 FULLY LOADED SUBARU OUTBACK three-year lease or 15,000 miles per year; or 2018 CHEVY CRUZE 4-Door Sedan LS; or $20,000 Cash. There are 19 additional Cash Drawings of various amounts worth a total of $5,000. 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. ADULT FUNERAL SERVERS NEEDED We are in need of a few adult men and women to occasionally serve Funeral Masses at St. John Bosco Church. If you are retired or available sometimes in the morning and would like to serve at the Altar, it would be deeply appreciated. Training would be provided and you would be assigned with one of our current adult servers. Please seriously consider giving an hour or so once or twice a month to this important liturgical ministry. For information please contact Dorothy Staudenmeier or Father Ric. THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Thanksgiving Food Drive. The Valley Food Pantry will now distribute 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. Thank you for your anticipated generosity. DA I L Y REA DI N GS Sunday Is 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37 Monday Is 2:1-5; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, Friday Gn 3:9-15, 20; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Saturday Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 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 DR. WILLIAM PAVLICK, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Bulletin Advertiser Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!