Faith Formation Corner

Transcription

1 The Sunday Good News The Church of Saint John Bosco November 13, 2016 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly PRAYER FOR OUR VETERANS Dear Lord, Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country. We pray that you will bless them, Lord, for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country s heritage, for all of us. Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced, for the sacrifices they made for their many contributions to America s victories over tyranny and oppression. We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them, and we pray that you will watch over them with peace and happiness. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. By Joanna Fuchs You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received from anyone We wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, while we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work neither should that one eat. An overused expression these days is role model. It often is cited when someone has failed to give the right example or falls from grace. While we have countless persons who really provide setting a good example, we sometimes fail to use role model to describe them. Paul not only presented himself as a fine example, he invited others to imitate him. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Consider some of our great saints of former times. Francis, Ignatius, Teresa. Consider recently canonized saints as St. Pope John 23 rd, St. John Paul II. Consider Katherine Drexel or Teresa. Each offers some gift to imitate resulting in holiness. Pray to and for those whose causes are being promoted, like Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero. Look in a mirror to see the reflection of a saint in the making. JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY Suggestions for the Year of Mercy During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, try putting mercy into practice each week. Offer to babysit for a busy mom to go out and have a couple of hours to herself. THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD STJB Book Club... Sunday, November 13, 12:30 PM Parish Finance Council Qtly Mtg Tues., Nov. 15, 6-7 PM, Multi-purpose Rm Spiritual Reading, The Gift of Years, Part Tues., Nov. 15, 1:00 PM, Room 3 Resilient Heart... Tuesday, November 15, 6:30 PM, Room 3 Liturgy Committee Meeting. November 16, 7:00 PM, Multi-purpose Room Spiritual Reading, The Five Givens,. November 17, 1 & 6:30 PM, Room 3 Confirmation Class... Sunday, November 20, 6:00-7:30 PM Outdoor Nativity Set-up... Saturday, November 26, at 9:00 AM Documentary, Four Chambers... Wednesday, December 7, 1 & 6:30 PM

2 PAGE 2 Faith Formation Corner SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,289 families receive envelopes 461 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of November 5/6 Total Mass Attendance: 1,016 Total Sunday Offering: $8, Any 2nd Level students who have not yet turned in Information Forms or Baptismal Certificates must do so ASAP. 8th Level students must turn in Information Forms, sponsor information and eligibility cards, and Baptismal Certificates by December 4. Please contact the Faith Formation office if you need assistance obtaining your child s Baptismal Certificate. Confirmation Class will meet on November 20 from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Gym. All students are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Valley Food Pantry. The will be no Faith Formation or CLOW on Sunday, November 27. Class and CLOW will resume on Sunday, December 6. Thank you for your generosity! REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD Your prayers are requested for CATHERINE ZOUNEK, a parishioner of St. John Bosco Parish, who recently died. Please keep her and all the faithful departed in your daily prayers. May she rest in peace. AT THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PETER, SCRANTON November 20, 2016, 10:00 AM: Closing Celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy November 21, 12:10 PM: Thanksgiving Interfaith Service November 21, 7 PM: Musicians Mass The Sunday Good News MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL EARLY ENROLLMENT Early enrollment for the school year at Marian is beginning. The Shadowing Program is open for any student in public or Catholic school who is interested in seeing what the Marian family is all about. Call the Studies Office to set up a shadow date ( , ext. 2217). Early registration fee is $90 up to and including December 8, Marian Day. After that date, registration fee will be $125. HOLY REDEEMER HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT/SCHOLARSHIP TEST The Placement/Scholarship Test for interested Public and Private School 8th Graders is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, at 8:30 AM. Call the Guidance Office to register for the test at (570) KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS The Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Fatima Council 8613 Conyngham-Drums, will be selling KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS car magnets, bumper stickers and Catholic Christmas Cards after all Masses on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20. They will also be selling Statewide Chance of a Lifetime raffle tickets for 16 great prizes worth over $62,000. Tickets are $1 each or a book of eight for $6. The Knights do all the parking for the Pasta Dinner and Spring Fling Flea Market and donate unlimited ice cream sundaes for Summer Bible School. Profits will benefit local charities, the Keep Christ in Christmas program and the upkeep of the Knights Nativity Set at the monastery along Route 93. Adult Faith Development ~ Growing in Understanding and Wisdom Cultivating Inner Stillness in the Season of Advent Reflecting on Advent images of Waiting Anticipation Expectancy and viewing Four Chambers with its simple question Disillusions with so much of life as one filled with fear and unhappiness, Film Director Imanuel Goncalves goes on a journey to discover what can bring more happiness into our world. His 30-minute documentary explores four stories of living life to the fullest with compassion, courage, vision, and wonder. He invites his audience to come with me and step inside the four chambers and allow yourself to answer this simple question: What if I could leave everyone I ever met in a better place than when I found them; bring more happiness into our world? Come join us for this ADVENTure and reflection on Four Chambers on Wednesday, December 7 at 1 pm and 6:30 pm. Please call Sr ext. 5 to reserve your seat. Leave your name and choice of showing. Looking forward to seeing you there.

3 The Sunday Good News JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY Our Parish Family Fully Alive WE REMEMBER DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Update As of November 7, 2016 Parish Goal:...$59, Pledged to Date:...$44, Collected:... $33, Due:... $10, Needed to Reach Goal:...$14, Participants: 23.94% (315 out of 1,316) gave/pledged We are grateful to all who have already made a pledge/contribution to the Diocesan Appeal that supports many charitable, educational and outreach programs throughout the 11 counties of Northeastern PA. If every individual/family would contribute, we could easily reach our parish assigned goal. An Annual Appeal Mass of Thanksgiving will be held at St. Peter s Cathedral, Scranton, on Sunday, November 20, at 10:00 AM. The Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, followed by a reception in the Diocesan Pastoral Center. The intention you expressed on pledge envelopes during In-Pew Weekend will be remembered at this Mass. This Mass also marks the Liturgical Solemnity of Christ the King and the conclusion of the Extraordinary Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis. CHARISMATIC MASS The next Charismatic Mass and Healing Service at St. John Bosco Church is scheduled for Thursday, December 1, at 7:00 PM. Father Michael Kloton will preside and Sue Shaw will begin her music ministry at 6:45 PM. Light refreshments will follow in Room 3. Questions? Call Arlene at (570) COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS... MEN OF MARIAN TURKEY BINGO: Tues., Nov. 15, St. Joseph s Parish, Summit Hill. Doors open 5:30 PM; Early Birds at 6:45 PM; Games at 7:00 PM. $8 a ticket. GREATER HAZLETON CONCERT SERIES: The Annie Moses Band performs The Art of the Love Song. Wed., November 16, Hazleton Area High School. Call Amelia at (570) for more info. Check out DESIGNER PURSE BINGO: Benefits Hazle Twp. Youth Football League. St. John Bosco Gym, Saturday, November 19. Doors open 11:00 AM; Games begin at Noon. Tickets: Call Colleen, (570) or Marianne, (570) Pre-sale tickets $20; at Door $25. ST. PAUL UM CHURCH, Drums: Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, November 22, 4:00-7:00 PM. Take-outs and walk-ins welcome. CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, Conyngham: Drive-thru Living Nativity. Journey with us to Bethlehem (14 different scenes). Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4, 6:00-8:00 PM. DESIGNER PURSE & CASH BINGO: Benefits Stripes & Strikes Travel Softball. St. John Bosco Parish Center. Sunday, December 4. Doors open 1:00 PM; Games begin at 2:00. Tickets $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Call Mary Ann (570) or Ann (570) to reserve your spot. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BENEFIT: Chris Pavlick Sings Sinatra, Saturday, Dec. 10, 6-9 PM, the Pines Eatery & Spirits, 8 W. Broad St., Hazleton. Call (570) press 3, for reservations by Dec. 2. Full buffet; cash bar; $25 per pp. HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY TOY AND GIFT CARD BINGO: Sunday, December 11, 601 N. Laurel St., Hazleton. Doors open 12 PM; Early Birds 1 PM; Games 1:30 PM. Admission $10. Call (570) to reserve your ticket. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: St. John Bosco Parish Center, Monday, Dec. 12, 1-6 PM. Blood Donors needed. PAGE 3 Saturday, 4:00 PM November 12 Thomas Gallagher, Sr. By Pitonyak Family Sunday, 7:30 AM November 13 Living & Deceased Members Of St. John Bosco Church Sunday, 9:00 AM November 13 Mary Tarselli By Children Sunday, 11:30 AM November 13 Mercedes Henning By Marjorie Cook Monday, 8:00 AM November 14 Lucia & Nicola Lamberti By Mr. & Mrs. Lorenzo Ruggiero Monday, 2:00 PM November 14 THE LAURELS Rose Zambotti By Mr. & Mrs. James Karmonick Tuesday, 8:00 AM November 15 Raymond & Rhea Kreuzer By Mr. & Mrs. Terry Gallagher Wednesday, 8:00 AM November 16 Peter & Anna Merker By Peter & Susan Merker Thursday, 8:00 AM November 17 Special Intention By Pat & Patty Raico Friday, 8:00 AM November 18 Nancy Kotzer By Alan Papinsick & Family Saturday, 4:00 PM November 19 Lena Zanolini By Donna & Dave Monkoski Sunday, 7:30 AM November 20 Justin Crop By Elaine & Tom Zaroski Sunday, 9:00 AM November 20 Living & Deceased Members Of St. John Bosco Church Sunday, 11:30 AM November 20 Richard J. Leitner By June Leitner The Sanctuary Candle burns this week in memory of Robert Martonik by Wife, Mary Susan and Family.

4 PAGE 4 From the Pastor s Laptop... November 12-13, 2016 Dear Parishioners and Friends, This past Friday, November 11, we celebrated Veteran s Day. It was an opportunity to pause in remembrance of those who have proudly served our country in the U.S. military. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11 was chosen to annually memorialize the cessation of hostilities between the Allied powers and Germany ending World War I, which was then regarded as the war to end all wars. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first commemoration of what would become an official national holiday with the words: To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day are filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations... Individuals and groups who stand up and put their lives on the line to defend the country from very real threats to our national security, as do those in our nation s military, are true patriots. But true patriots are also those who speak out, stand up, and challenge our governmental leaders, those The PASTOR S PAGE The Sunday Good News who put their lives on the line by actively advocating for justice, freedom, and liberty through peaceful means. As we honor our military veterans, and my Father was one from the Greatest Generation, we also remember as well the diplomats and the mediators, those working in conflict resolution and civil and human rights, the activists dedicated to preventing wars and to bringing existing wars to diplomatic resolution once hostilities have begun. Looking over the history of humanity, it is apparent that tyranny, at times, could only be countered through the raising of arms. On numerous occasions, however, diplomacy has been successful, and at other times, it should have been used more extensively before rushing to war. I find it unacceptable when one s patriotism and one s love of country is called into question when one advocates for peaceful means of resolving conflict, for it is also an act of patriotism to work to keep our brave and courageous troops out of harm s way and to work to create conditions and understanding that ultimately make war less likely. As we honor our veterans, let us expand our definition of patriot and veteran while we remember and honor all those serving our country. God Bless You, Father Ric Pastor SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMORIAL CANDLES AVAILABLE ALTAR SANCTUARY CANDLES - 4 extra large Candles available. Offering: $50 each. CHURCH WINDOW CANDLES - 18 votive candles available. December 24, January 8, Offering: $20 each. They 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, December 24-25, 2016, UNLESS REQUESTED OTHERWISE. The Altar Sanctuary Candles will be lit at all 24 scheduled Christmas Season Masses celebrated between December 24, 2016, and January 9, The Church Window Candles will be lit (24 hours a day) throughout all 17 days of the Christmas Season, December 24, 2016, through January 9, Contact the Parish Office at (570) , Ext. 3, if you are interested in reserving a candle. 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. In the past a parishioner who died in the past year was extremely generous in donating many of these certificates. Our Parish St. Vincent DePaul Fund also provides these gift cards. 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 them in the collection basket in an envelope marked for the needy. Whatever you can do will be appreciated. INITIATION INTO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH The following youngsters, who were baptized in non-catholic churches, were received into the Roman Catholic Church by Father Richard J. Polmounter during the past year through the expressed desire of their parents. We are happy to welcome them to the St. John Bosco Family and our Faith Formation Program as they prepare for further initiation into the Catholic Church. CHASE BRADLEY LOWER TAYLOR JAXON HECK SABRIYA AMANI SHEIKH KIARA NICOLE NELSON BRADY MICHAEL NELSON HALEY MARIE NELSON LOGAN JOHN SLUSSER

5 8th Work of Mercy Show Mercy to Our Common Home Saint John Bosco Parish Family Fully Alive #Make Mercy Real and Volunteer to light our Church Advent Wreath Advent is a season of joyful expectation; a time of waiting and longing for the coming of our Savior. It offers us deep insight into our faith as we anticipate and prepare not only our homes, but also our hearts as we remember the coming of the Lord Jesus at Christmas and eventual return at the end of time. The fact that Advent comes at a time of year in the Northern Hemisphere when the days are at their shortest, and sometimes dark and bleak, is a fitting image for this season. Christ our Light came, comes, will come to dispel the darkness. Weekly lighting an Advent candle on a wreath of four is a wonder-filled church and home ritual of keeping God s time and joyful expectation. Please volunteer to participate in this weekly church ritual as a family, couple, or single person. Call Sr. Marilyn ext. 5 ASAP with the weekend date and Mass you will attend. There are four Mass weekends in Advent: Nov. 26/27; Dec. 3/4; Dec. 10/11; and Dec.17/18. Thank you for your attention to these details. GOD RECYCLES. The Lord God made you out of dust. (Genesis 2:7) DO YOUR PART: AIM FOR ZERO WASTE... Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Field Notes on Laudato Si - Earth Our Common Home Dear Friends, We, the Pecora s, have been recycling for the past 35 years. When we first started recycling, we had to separate our recyclables. In the past few years it has become very easy, using the single-stream recycling. You can now mix all recyclables together! All you need do is put all your recyclables in clear plastic garbage bags, cardboard boxes, or the reusable recycling bins. Butler Township Recycling Center is located at 150 W. Foothills Drive, Drums PA. Their hours are Tuesdays 4 pm to 7 pm and Saturday 8 am to noon. When you arrive all you do is drive into the building, pop open the trunk of your car, and the volunteers will take out your recyclables, close the trunk, and you drive away. It is very easy! Please give it a try; offer to take your neighbors! A WARM WELCOME St. John Bosco Parish extends a warm welcome to our new Parishioners, Scott, Charelle, Kaylee and Everly Attore. OUTDOOR NATIVITY SET-UP High School and College-age guys are need to help with our Outdoor Nativity set-up on Saturday, November 26, at 9:00 AM. Please lend a hand! 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 great opportunity. A bulletin ad is a unique and cost-effective way to reach an engaged audience who are happy to learn about and patronize your business or professional office. Space is limited, so call the Parish Office, (570) , ext. 3, TODAY! NOTICE REGARDING REPORTING THANKSGIVING DAY MASS: Please join us for our SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR Thanksgiving Day Mass on Thursday, November 24, at 9:00 It is the policy of the Diocese of Scranton to report any allegation AM. Let us thank God for all the blessings He has given to each of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement. If you are a victim of us, our families, our parish, and country. of sexual abuse committed by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton, you are ANNUAL THANKSGIVING EVE encouraged to immediately report the matter to law enforcement. If any priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or COMMUNITY PRAYER SERVICE volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton has cause or reason to Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 7:00 PM suspect that a minor has been subjected to any form of abuse, Conyngham United Methodist Church including child sexual abuse, the matter will be reported to law 411 Main Street, Conyngham enforcement. In accordance with the Commonwealth of Host Pastor: Pastor Cheryl Trent Pennsylvania s Child Protective Services Laws, reports of Preacher: Father Ric Polmounter suspected child abuse should also be made immediately by Refreshments served after the service. phone to the 24-Hour Child Abuse hotline (ChildLine) at 1-800ALL ARE WELCOME! or electronically at It is also the policy of the Diocese to adhere to all civil and state Sponsored by the Catholic and Protestant Churches regulations. To this end, the Diocese is equally committed to of Conyngham, Sugarloaf, Drums, Black Creek and Lattimer. adhering to the norms of the Code of Canon Law and to A special book with names of our beloved upholding the tenets of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of dead is located near the Baptismal Font Children and Young People, which includes supporting victims of abuse in their pursuit of emotional and spiritual wellas a prayer reminder. Please take a sexual being. As such, information regarding an allegation of sexual moment anytime during November and abuse of a minor should also be reported to the Victim Assistance write the names of departed family Coordinator, Mary Beth Pacuska at ( ) or to members and friends in our parish Book of the Dead. Diocesan officials, including the Vicar General, Monsignor Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G., at ( ).

6 Resilient Heart ~ Spiritual & Emotional Self-help and Support in Coping with: Mid-life/Long-life Transitions, Loss, and Grief In the midst of winter I finally learned that within me was an invincible summer. Join us in SJB s Multi-purpose Room from 6:30 to 8:00 PM to explore the topics: Tuesday, November 15 Handling Holidays and Anniversaries Beloved Witnesses ~ Communion of Saints Tuesday, December 6 Making Christmas Your Saving Feast Trust and Lean on God Tuesday, January 10 SNOW DATE: 1/17 Resilience: Trusting your ability to bounce back Taking the Time you Need to Grieve These themes offer a larger meaning to our often unspoken life questions. Why is this happening to me? Why now? Please reserve your space by calling Sister Marilyn at (570) ext. 5. BELL CHOIR: If interested in the Bell Choir, please call the Parish Office at , ext. 3. No experience needed! BUS TRIP to American Music Theatre on Friday, 2017 PRE-CANA PROGRAM OFFERED November 18, Bus leaves from St. John Bosco A marriage preparation program will be held at Queen of Heaven Parish Church upper parking lot at 11:45 AM. on Saturday, April 22, Registration at 10:15 AM. The day includes a continental breakfast, Mass, marriage discussion on Family of Origin, CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY 2016 Sunday, December 4, 2016, 1:00-4:00 PM. Six Finances, Early Adjustment, Communication, Spirituality and homes, decorated inside for Christmas, will be Sacramentality, Sexuality with Marriage, Lunch and Certificate of featured. Refreshments at the Conyngham Borough Attendance. Donation: $75 per couple. Inquiries should be addressed to: Building during the tour from 1:00-5:00 PM. Deacon Bob Roman at (570) A registration form is also Donation: $10 per ticket. Sponsored by the available by contacting Father Ric at (570) , ext. 4. Conyngham Valley Historical Society. Tickets and a ALL ENGAGED COUPLES MUST PARTICIPATE IN A PRE-CANA program listing and describing each home to be CONFERENCE and FOCCUS prior to their wedding. visited in our area (along with a map) are available at the Parish Office. We will also have them available on one weekend before and after all Masses, November The Parish Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to Noon and from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. We encourage you to get into the Christmas Spirit by visiting these local homes, decorated for this holy season, while supporting the work of the Conyngham Historical Society. MUSICIANS MASS On Monday, November 21, 7:00 PM, Bishop Bambera will recognize the music ministers of the Diocese for the ministry which they embrace at the Memorial of St. Cecilia Musicians Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton. Bishop Bambera will recognize all musicians present through a special ceremony and blessing. A light reception will follow in the Diocesan Pastoral Center. All cantors, choir members, instrumentalists and anyone who enjoys singing at Mass is encouraged to attend. RCIA CALENDAR D A I L Y R EA D I N G S Sunday Mal 3:19-20a; 2 Thes 3:7-12; Lk 21:5-19 Monday Rv 1:1-4, 2:1-5; Lk 18:35-43 Tuesday Rv 3:1-6, 14-22; Lk 19:1-10 Wednesday Rv 4:1-11; Lk 19:11-28 Thursday Rv 5:1-10; Lk 19:41-44 Friday Rv 10:8-11; Lk 19:45-48 or, for the Memorial of the Dedication, Acts 28:11-16, 30-31; Mt 14:22-33 Saturday Rv 11:4-12; Lk 20:27-40 Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell Thomas Pandolfi Sandy Honis Frank Polidora Scott Green Date of Session: Sunday, November 13 Place & Time of Session: Office Conference Room, AM Presenter: Father Ric Topic: Sacrament of Reconciliation Date: Sunday, November 20 Place & Time: Office Conference Room, 10:00 AM RCIA TEAM MEETING ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to Bulletin Advertiser HARMAN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY INC. Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!