Pentecost 20 may First Communion

Transcription

1 Pentecost 20 may 2018 First Communion

2 LEADERSHIP TEAMS WORSHIP DAVID HEMMLER, MARION EAGEN, NINA MAGNANI, CINDY DICK, DEBBIE COLAROSSI, RON GRAMBO, DONNA NASSER, JUDY GRAMBO, DANNY MARX, SERVICE JULIE NASTASI, CAROL STRAUCH, JOHN DEVINE, KATE SEBRING, CHRISSY JACOBY DEACON BOB, MEG & JOHN HAMBROSE, JANE FARR, JUDY BURKAVAGE, SUSAN SCANLAND. The Service Team has a complete list of service connected opportunities. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Julie Nastasi at julie.nastasi@gmail. com. COMMUNITY TRACY BANNON, SAUL & LISA RIGAU, DELIA COPPOLA, YVONNE CRONKEY, BRIDGET WALSH, BILL DURDACH, DANELLE HOGAN, MOLLY JOHNSON, PAM JONES, MARY GRIFFIN, JOE HOGAN. Parish activities and sign-up sheets may be found on the Welcome Cart. For more information, please contact Tracy Bannon at tracybannon@stjosephscenter. Org WORD RUTH FRIED, BOB BARRY, JACK RUBANO, CONNIE SHEILS, PATTI STAPLES, DAVID COPPOLA, DEACON BOB, DR. TED TOMASZEWSKI. To learn more about the Word Coordinating Team, please contact Patti Staples at thstapes@comcast.net. Pastoral Council Michele Musheno, Paul Mullisky, Theresa Robinson, Theresa Acia, Scott Pettinato, Marjorie Barlow, Jim Fleming, Joe Hogan, Bill Donovan, Jane Farr, Dan Haggerty, Donald Broderick, Ted Tomaszewski, Mary Ann Morgan, Logan Lombardo, Deacon Bob, Gemma Chuff, Matthew Walsh, Mary Chuff, Father John. Finance Council Bill Burkavage, John Devine, Paul Gerega, Deacon Bob, Yvonne Cronkey, Ken Paulino, Jim Fleming, Father John. WORSHIP Reflecting on Living the Gospel When Christians think of Pentecost, we often have the image of the disciples in the Upper Room, with the tongues of fire descending upon each before they preach to Jerusalem. But that is Luke s story in the Acts of the Apostles. In his telling of the Spirit s descent, he places the event on the feast of Pentecost, a Jewish feast celebrated fifty days after Passover. But today we have John s version of the handing on of the Spirit, which happens not on Pentecost but on Easter Sunday evening! This is the same evening on which the risen Jesus appeared to the assembled disciples without Thomas. So we get our liturgical timetable from Luke, but our theology today comes from the Gospel of John. Jesus comes to be with the disciples and give them the gift of peace, and also the gift of the Holy Spirit by breathing upon them. This earthy, rather sacramental way of gifting the disciples with the Spirit is much different than Luke would have it. For him, the Spirit is a gift of God. In John s gospel, the Spirit is a gift of the Father, but given directly by Jesus. The disciples also receive the ability to forgive sins. By his death and resurrection Jesus has conquered the cosmic power of sin, with a capital S. Now it is the disciples role, and our own, to continue this mission by forgiving individual sins, almost as a mop-up operation after the major victory has been won. The same Spirit has been given to us, and it is our mission to forgive individual sins each time someone sins against us. Forgiveness is not limited to sacramental confession. As Christians, we are to forgive. It is a hallmark of our identity, given to us by Jesus himself. Melt the frozen, warm the chill O God, who by the mystery of today s great feast sanctify your whole Church in every people and nation, pour out, we pray, the gifts of the Holy Spirit across the face of the earth and, with the divine grace that was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed, fill now once more the hearts of believers. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Veni Sancte Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit! The title of today s sequence, to be sung after the Second Reading and before the Gospel Acclamation, is an exuberant reminder of this robust and active feast we celebrate. I m sorry to say I ve rarely been in a parish that uses any of the four liturgical sequences (composed for Easter, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, and Our Lady of Sorrows the well-known Stabat Mater respectively). A fifth, the Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) was once sung at funerals, though it s now only a showpiece in concert halls. The Pentecost sequence underscores for us that the primary actor on Pentecost is not any one of the fishermen apostles, bravely preaching in the streets of Jerusalem like they were born to it. Rather, the sequence declares, it s the elusive Spirit that sheds divine light on our gloomy reality, comforting and refreshing us, healing our wounds, renewing our strength, and washing our guilt away. And that s just for starters. Add to that guidance for all our straying steps, plus 2

3 We believe Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and the center of our parish life and mission! the bestowal of those seven gifts we once memorized to recite to our bishops on Confirmation day long ago. What were they? Wisdom. Understanding. Knowledge. Counsel. Fortitude. Reverence. Wonder and Awe in God s presence. Cribbed from an ancient prophecy of Isaiah, this shower of gifts is available to all who acknowledge the indwelling Spirit. Do we believe this? How often do we utilize our sevenfold blessing or any single aspect of it? Like the Pentecost sequence, we often tuck away what we receive without much reflection a nice tradition, but like most legacy items, not very practical or necessary. Do we know what to do with the sequence s antique addresses, such as You, the soul s most welcome guest? What s a soul, anyway, and how do we imagine ours hosting the Holy Presence? It may even be more problematic to conceive of ourselves as the faithful, who adore and confess you. We who routinely adore celebrity, the latest fashion, the family pet how do we transfer an even more effusive and unchallenged loyalty to the unseen Divinity? We may need fresh language to describe ancient understandings, but that doesn t make the concepts themselves obsolete. In the 21 st century, we believers do need to be penetrated by the Divine. This piercing sounds like a violence, and it s intended to communicate the rending of our compact little realities, a tearing apart of business as usual. On second thought, maybe we ll reconsider the niceness of hosting the soul s most welcome guest after all! In the same way, adoration may sound archaic, but pledging allegiance to the ultimate sovereignty of God is not. Jesus has breathed his Spirit on his church. This act can change everything, and it s meant to. Alice Camille Catholic Women s Conference The 1st Annual Catholic Women s Conference University of Scranton, Byron Complex will be held June 23. Registration will take place at the Hospitality Cart after all of the masses. For more information please visit catholic-womens-conference. Corpus Christi Weekend A chance to deepen your relationship with the Eucharistic Lord with the formation community of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Opens Friday evening, June 1 at 5:00 PM and closes Sunday afternoon June 3, at 3:00 PM. The program includes conferences, reconciliation, daily Eucharist, liturgy of the hours, personal prayer, sharing with the Little Sisters, Novices and Postulants of St. Ann s Novitiate. For single Catholic women ages For more information please contact Sister Mary Richard at MONDAY Anita Mullen Dr. Frank Milani (OLS) 12:15 PM Katie Pfister TUESDAY Pfister Family William Lindsley Wife Doris (OLS) 12:10 PM Al Catracchia WEDNESDAY Sally Ware & Family Joseph Loughney The Family (OLS) 12:10 PM Robert McDonnell THURSDAYy Suzanne Spinelli Kristie McDowell D/M William Farrell (OLS) 12:10 PM Jacob Ruddy FRIDAY Catherine & Jack Nealon Barbara Walker Mary Ann McGrath (OLS) 12:10 PM Stanley & Betty Fedysky SATURDAY (CSG) 5:00 PM (CSG) Saint Gregory s WE REMEMBER AT MASS May 21-May 26 The Family John Baptista Bernadette & Rich Dougherty (OLS) Our Lady of the Snows The gifts of bread and wine are offered in memory of William Lindsley 3

4 SERVICE We recognize God s call to serve our parish family and neighbors near and far! Hands Ready To Serve Essentials Drive Our parish community will hold the Essentials Drive starting this weekend. Green bags will be distributed after all of the masses this weekend and donations will be sorted on Sunday, June 3, after the Noon Mass. Items for the drive are toiletries, (i.e., toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouth wash, dental floss) detergent, soap, paper towels, aluminum foil or any item that cannot be purchased with food stamps. Green Bag Distribution This Weekend Sub Contractors To assist the Construction Managers in developing a list of potential bidders for various sub contracts and be sure anyone from the parish is considered, we are asking for suggestions of parishioners who may be involved in the construction industry as suppliers or actual sub-contractors. We will pass this list on to the construction manager and architect and ask that if qualified, these firms will be notified and invited to submit a bid to the construction manager for consideration. Kindly furnish pertinent information, firm name, contact information, list of qualifications and projects along with any other helpful information to the Rectory and it will be shared with the building team. We thank you for your commitment to this important project for our Parish. Ministry Center Update Diocesan Building Commission meeting Representatives from the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Hemmler and Camayd and Construction Management Team joined Father John before the Diocesan Building Commission for a final review of design drawings and estimated budget. All of the information shared at this meeting will be directed to Bishop Bambera for his personal review and final approval and blessing on our project. Upon Bishop Bambera s permission, we will invite sub-contractors to submit bids for project work! Congratulations Msgr. Quinn Monsignor Quinn will be the Commencement Speaker and the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities this coming Saturday at Marywood University s 100th Anniversary Commencement. In the words of the citation, Monsignor is being honored as...a skilled community builder blessed with a quick wit and a generous spirit who, as a priest of God, is forever dedicated to truly serving people inviting all to experience and proclaim God s love, mercy and joy. Prayerful Congratulations Monsignor Quinn! Sunday Offering $12, Weekly Building Fund Payments $5, Love and generosity start here at home. We are grateful for your faithful stewardship which sustains the life of the parish, supports our outreach and ministries, as well as maintains the level of staffing needed to put our mission into action: welcoming the world with open arms, faithful hearts and hands ready to serve. Thank you for your gift of treasure and commitment to do God s work here at the Church of Saint Gregory offered on the weekend of May 5 & 6, Hands Ready To Serve Weekly Pantry Collection Items Coffee, Tea and Instant Drinks Donations this week will be offered to The Leahy Center Donations of pet food will always be welcomed. Holy Grounds At St. Joe s Café Fresh brewed coffee in St. Joe s Café every Sunday from 8:00 am to Noon and Wednesday mornings after Mass. 4

5 We cherish our relationship with Jesus and strive to make the gospel relevant to our daily lives! WORD Our Lady of the Snows The Church of Saint Gregory Vacation Bible School Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Get ready for an adventure to an uncharted island where kids are Rescued by Jesus! On the island the kids are anchored in the truth that Jesus carries them through life's storms. Join us this summer for an amazing adventure on this uncharted island! Dates July 9-13, 2018 Time 9am 12 noon Location Our Lady of Peace School Ages 4 through 11 years old Cost $35 Regular Registration (Closes June 29) $25 Early Registration before June 8th Checks made payable to: Our Lady of the Snows Parish Registration Forms are available at Hospitality Cart! VBS Crew Leaders We are currently looking for any high school or college age students to help with our Summer Bible Camp. Sign-up will take place on Wednesday, June 6 from 6:30 until 7:30 PM in the Gathering Room at Our Lady of the Snows. We are in need of at least 80 volunteers! Ask yourself Can I help make a difference in the lives of over 150 children this year? Registration forms may be found on the Hospitality Cart. Please complete and turn into the rectory at your earliest convenience. Vacation from Mass? Ordinary Time: Summer Dorothy Day said, The words Ordinary Time in our prayer books put me in a state of confusion and irritation. To me, no time is ordinary. She was right. The Ordinary in Ordinary Time refers to ordinal counted time, not to a lack of something to celebrate or vacation time from Mass. We gather every Sunday. Sunday is our original feast day. Christians have gathered every Sunday the day of Christ s This is the fabric of Christian living and therefore summer is not a time-out! resurrection, the first day of the week ever since there were Christians. What is the heart of our Sunday celebration? We do our Eucharist; that is, we do our thanksgiving. We praise and thank God for all creation; we pray for the whole world, as we remember Christ s life, death and resurrection. We share the bread and wine, the body and blood. We are sent forth to be the body and blood of Christ in our homes, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, our towns, our cities, our country, our world. What happens in our churches every Sunday is the fruit of our week. What happens as the fruit of the week past is the beginning of the week to come. Sunday is simultaneously a point of arrival and departure for Christians on their way to the fullness of the kingdom. This is not ordinary at all. This is the fabric of Christian living and therefore summer is not a time-out! Middle School Retreat All 6th, 7th & 8th Grade students from across the Diocese are cordially invited to be a part of an annual retreat on June 1-3 at Camp Orchard Hill in Dallas. Team building exercises, problem solving skills and small group processing helps students discover their strengths and inherent goodness. For information, please contact Shannon Kowalski at the Office for Parish Life,

6 COMMUNITY Early Childhood Program In Great Appreciation Today Sunday May 20 at the 10:00 AM Liturgy, our parish family will gather with the current kindergarten students to honor and give thanks for the dedicated service of Mrs. Chrissy Arcangelo and Mrs. Judy Jones as we move closer to the final class commencement on May 30, All former students, teachers and aides of the Early Childhood Center will be invited to walk with Mrs. Arcangelo and Mrs. Jones in this year s Memorial Day parade followed by a picnic. Our community stands in awe of the great work and wonderful experience St. Gregory s pre-school and kindergarten provided for 39 years. Virtus Training A Virtus training session is required for all adult employees and volunteers who have direct contact or routine interaction with children. On Tuesday, June 5, Scranton Preparatory school will take part in this vital program to help safeguard our most vulnerable and precious gifts: our children. The session will take place in the Xavier Center Dining Hall. To register, please contact Kathy Bolinski at Girls Basketball Camp The Annual Lady Crusader Girls Basketball Camp will be held July 23 through July 27, at the Holy Cross High School Gym, Holy Cross High School, Dunmore. Each camp session will be from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Instruction will include offense, defense, and individual shooting. Each day will include competitive games that will emphasize the skills taught that day. Instructors will include high school coaches and players. The camp is open to girls entering grades 4 through 9 in the next school year and the cost is $60.00 which includes all camp sessions, a commemorative t- shirt and end of camp pizza party. For more information please contact Coach Bob McCormack at or by at rmack0423@comcast.net. Breakfast Buffet The Clarks Summit Fire Company will host and All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet this Sunday, May 20, from 8:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Clarks Summit Fire Station. Adults $9.00 and Children $6.00. LSP Golf Tournament The Little Sisters of the Poor at Holy Family Residence will host their twelfth annual golf tournament on Saturday, June 9 at the Scranton Municipal Golf Course. Registration begins at 12:00 Noon with shotgun start at 1:00 PM. The format is captain and crew. Singles will be placed on a team. The cost is $ per golfer which includes green fees, cart, official tournament shirt, a gift bag, pre-tournament refreshment reception, light meal during the tournament and dinner at the clubhouse. If you are unable to participate and would like to be a hole sponsor or you are interested in playing, you may contact Jackie Galvin at , ext or scdevelopment@littlesistersofthepoor.org. Steve Angrisano An evening of music and storytelling Steve is undoubtedly one of the most effective and versatile ministry leaders in the Church today. Those who are young (and young at heart) embrace the passionate message of faith, hope and love woven throughout his music and storytelling. Always rooted in a spirit of humility and faithfulness, Steve has a keen intuition regarding the needs of any audience and engages them with his unique blend of humor, song, story and interaction. Saint Mark s Catholic Church, Thornhurst, invites you to this beautiful event to be held on Friday, June 15 at 7:00 PM. A free will offering will be taken up. For more information please call Anthony Butel at , tbutel51@gmail.com Cursillo Ultreya The Diocesan Cursillo has scheduled an Ultreya for Thursday, May 31 at St. Gabriel s Monastery from 6:30 until 8:30 PM. Ultreyas are open to all adults even if they have not made a Cursillo weekend retreat. This is a great way to learn more about the movement and meet many wonderful Cusillistas. 6

7 We believe that our Baptism forms us into a family joined together to love God and one another! Monday, May 21, 2018 MEMORIAL OF MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH Thank you, Mother Pope Francis recently added a memorial to celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as Mother of the Church every year on the Monday after Pentecost as a way to foster Marian piety and the maternal sense of the church. The Marian title of Mother of the Church, was given to the Blessed Mother by Blessed Pope Paul VI at the Second Vatican Council. With its addition to the General Roman Calendar, it will now be celebrated by the whole Roman Catholic Church. Ponder how your own faith has been nurtured within the church community, and take a moment to thank Mary for serving as mother of us all. TODAY'S READINGS: Gen. 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14; John 19:25-34 (572A). Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Tuesday, May 22, 2018 MEMORIAL OF RITA OF CASCIA, RELI- GIOUS Support gentle, loving relationships If you knew you would be canonized a saint and could choose your patronage now, for what cause would you cheerfully accept intercessions? Be careful in your selection: Saints become the patrons of causes they know all too well. Rita of Cascia is the patron saint of bad marriages, victims of spousal abuse, and loneliness, among other conditions she endured personally. There are still many who seek her help today. Support local programs that assist families in trouble. TODAY'S READINGS: James 4:1-10; Mark 9:30-37 (342). "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Wednesday, May 23, 2018 The Lord loves those who love wisdom At times biblical poetry sets theological distinctions aside. In some places in Hebrew scripture, for example, divine wisdom is feminine and spoken of in a way almost indistinguishable from God. While the church often uses the masculine term Father for God, that is not to say God is male but that God acts toward us as a loving father does. Scripture and tradition have other names for God as well. Of course the Supreme Being is ultimately beyond gender and all description really but human beings need human terms to express their experience of God, including that of wise woman. TODAY'S READINGS: James 4:13-17; Mark 9:38-40 (343). For whoever is not against us is for us." Thursday, May 24, 2018 Pass the salt, please What might humble table salt have to teach us about God? Surprisingly, a lot! The Catholic Encyclopedia has an entire entry devoted to salt, noting that historically it almost always has had a sacred and religious character. As a seasoning, salt gives a kick of flavor and taste to what might otherwise be a bland meal. It s also a preservative to keep food from going bad. The gospels use the symbol of salt to refer to Christ s new life within us, an ingredient that indeed transforms our whole lives. How can you add some more seasoning to God s activity in your life? TODAY'S READINGS: James 5:1-6; Mark 9:41-50 (344). Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another. Friday, May 25, 2018 FEAST OF MARY MAGDALENE DE' PAZZI, VIRGIN Suffering can be service Jacqueline de Decker had gone to India to serve the poor and wanted to join Mother Teresa's newly founded Missionaries of Charity, but a spinal injury ended her dream. Or so she thought. In 1952 Mother Teresa sent Decker a letter with a proposal: I need souls like yours to pray and suffer for the work who could do much more while on your bed of pain than I running on my feet. Decker's vocation sounds a lot like that of the 16th-century Carmelite sister Saint Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi, who withstood years of physical and spiritual suffering yet had a mystical prayer life and later even rose from her bed of pain to become a wisdom-figure in her community. Jesus calls us all to serve. Consider your strengths not your weaknesses when answering that call. TODAY'S READINGS: James 5:9-12; Mark 10:1-12 (345). Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. 7

8 Community Gatherings Our next celebration is scheduled for April 28, The theme for our Spring party is There is Magic in the Night. Please contact our office for reservations. Holy Grounds Family, friends and visitors are welcome for coffee after Mass in St. Joe s Café on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. Women s Guild Guild meetings take place the first Thursday of every month from September through May, with the exception of January. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the rectory. saintgregoryswomensguild@gmail. com Community Table A social gathering to foster fellowship, friendship and parish family for all parish adults. The community table meets at a different venue monthly. Information will be published in the Green Dialog or you may judywalsh730@gmail.com. Baptism Baptisms are normally celebrated on the Third Sunday of every month during or following the 12 noon liturgy. Baptisms may be arranged at other times when necessary. Parent and Godparent preparation occurs two Sunday evenings each month at 5:00 PM at St. Gregory and Our Lady of the Snows rectories. Please call for an appointment. Anointing of the Sick Please contact the rectory at anytime for the celebration of this sacrament. Marriage Arrangements should be made six months prior to the desired wedding date. Please contact Father Lapera. Music Ministry Rehearsals (Both) Spirit Song Ensemble and Voices of Faith Choir: Wed. 7:00 p.m. Genesis Children s Choir: Wed. 4:00 p.m. Art and Environment A team of volunteers who provide appropriate ideas and design for the decoration of our worship space. Ministers of Hospitality Ministers of Hospitality are the welcoming ambassadors of our parish family at liturgy. Please contact our office for more information. Communion Calls A team of Extraordinary Communion Ministers visit our homebound with Communion every month. For more Information please contact Deacon Robert Sheils at rsheils@epix.net. Rosary Groups Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 5:15 PM. Hospital Visitation If anyone has a family member, relative or friend in any of the area hospitals and would like them to have a visit, please call the rectory. St. Joseph s Outreach Our parish partners with St. Joseph s School in Uganda. Donations are always welcome in support of student tuition. Heavenly Paws A pet group that collects food and supplies for the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. For more information please contact Carol Hughes at carolmariehughes@gmail.com. Hands Ready To Serve Weekly donations may be left near church entrances or in the cabinet in the hallway near the restroom. See page 5 for a list of items we are collecting this week. There are also four large annual collections. Prayer Shawl Ministry The prayer shawl ministry meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM in the rectory. Angels at the Doorstep A team of volunteers who provide comfort, a meal or assistance with parishioners and neighbors suffering loss or illness of any kind. Veterans Ministry This ministry seeks to raise awareness of the growing problem of homelessness of veterans within our local community and serve residents at St. Francis Commons. For more information please bburkavage@gmail.com Refugee Family Ministry This team will encourage parish support for refugees arriving in our community from all over the world in cooperation with CSS of the Diocese of Scranton. MISSION STATEMENT: The PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. GREGORY, GUIDED BY CHRIST S GOSPEL MESSAGE OF LOVE AND NOURISHED FOR MISSION AT EUCHARIST, WELCOMES THE WORLD WITH OPEN ARMS, FAITHFUL HEARTS AND HANDS RREAY TO SERVE. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Our Religious Education program takes place every Sunday Morning at 11:05 AM at Our Lady of Peace School for grades 1-8. Kindergarten Class is held in the Early Childhood Center.. HOLY CROSS School System Our Lady of Peace School 410 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA Mrs. M. Colleen Jumper, Principal Holy Cross High School 501 E. Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA Mr. Benjamin D. Tolerico, Principal EARLY CHILDHOOD Program Our Kindergarten program is held five days a week and take place in the Early childhood Center. Please call R.C.I.A. There currently is an R.C.I.A. team ready to welcome anyone interested in becoming a Catholic or to learn more about their Catholic faith. Please Connie at rsheils@epix.net.... FAMILY FAITH FORMATION Seasonal Faith Formation opportunities for all ages are offered throughout the year.