The Sunday Good News THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD. HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly PRAYER TO END ABORTION

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1 The Sunday Good News The Church of Saint John Bosco January 13, 2019 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly March for Life, Friday, January 18, 2019 PRAYER TO END ABORTION Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for the gift of life. Thank You for creating us to share in Your love. We come before You today to beg Your intercession on behalf of all unborn babies. Since Roe v. Wade, over 50 million babies have lost their lives through abortion, So we are asking You to please end abortion now! Let the precious blood of Your Son Jesus, shed so that we may live, wash over all abortion clinics: all abortion-minded mothers, and their unborn babies, all abortionists, their employees, all politicians who promote abortion through law and all those who would encourage a woman to abort her child. Convert their hearts, Heavenly Father! Give them the grace of loving You and loving life. Help Your people protect the lives of all unborn babies, for they are made in Your very image. We ask this in the Name of Jesus. Amen. The grace of God has appeared, saving all, and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly and devoutly in this age, and to await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people of his own, eager to do what is good. How fortunate for Titus to receive an encouraging letter from Saint Paul. As we bring the Christmas season to a close as Jesus baptism takes place, we too are encouraged to make the instruction our own. Yes, Jesus has come and still lives among us. We are challenged each day to abandon godless ways and focus on keeping our eyes on Jesus. If life was difficult for Paul s friends, how much more challenging it is for us, surrounded by the internet, porn, material and consumer attractions, drawing us in a different direction. How clear are Paul s words asking us to live temperately, when so many have nothing, to live justly, in a society which wishes to get ahead and put others down, and devoutly, when many look down on people with religious devotion, customs and traditions. Paul knew his society and we are so aware of ours. Why not take the virtues Paul recommends and meditate on one each day. May this help us to become eager to do what is good. THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD Garland Take-down... Monday, January 14, 5 PM First Penance... Tuesday, January 15, 6:30 PM SJB Hosts Salvation Army Luncheon Wednesday, January 16, 10 am to Noon March for Life, Washington, DC... January 18, 2019 Confirmation Class... Sunday, January 20, 6:00-7:30 PM Parish Finance Council...Tues., January 22, 6:30 PM, Multi-purpose Room Parish Pastoral Council Thurs., January 24, 6:30 PM, Multi-Purpose Room SJB Book Club...Sunday, January 27, 12:30 PM, Frogtowne Grille Confirmation Retreat... Saturday, February 2, 9 AM to 5 PM Grey Dog Raffle Drawing... February 3, following 11:30 AM Mass Liturgy Committee Meeting... Feb. 6, 6:30 PM, Multi-Purpose Room Bereavement Support Group Monday, February 11, 6:30 PM, M-P Room

2 PAGE 2 SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,115 families receive envelopes. 335 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of Dec. 29/30 Sunday Mass Attendance: 875 Total Sunday Offering: $7, white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of January 5/6 Sunday Mass Attendance: 966 Total Sunday Offering: $9, Faith Formation Corner We extend our continued prayers to our 2nd Level students who will receive the Sacrament of Penance for the first time on Tuesday, January 15th. We are especially thankful to our 2nd Level teachers and aides, Mrs. DeDe Maylath, Ms. Marian Pekala, Mrs. Ann Marie Zapotocky, Kayla Weidick, and Julia Ruggiero for their support and guidance in preparing our students to receive this Sacrament. Students in 3rd-7th grade will receive the sacrament of Penance during Faith Formation beginning on January 13th in preparation for Lent. Father Ric, Father Hockman, and Father Steven Brosk will hear confessions. Please practice the Form of Penance and Act of Contrition with your child at home in preparation for them to receive this sacrament. Confirmation Class will meet on January 20th from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Gym. All students must attend, and should bring Decision Point books and red folders to class. Saint projects are due at this time. Donations of scarves, hats, millers, and gloves for the Warm Wishes project should be brought to class. Please note that attendance is expected at weekly Sunday (or Saturday evening) mass, and weekly Faith Formation classes. Absences due to extenuating circumstances must be called in to the Faith Formation office. Cancellations due to weather will be reports via , Facebook, and through the Remind app. Please refer to the Parent Handbook or contact the Faith Formation office with any questions. Thank you for your generosity! SPECIAL SECOND COLLECTION Youth from our parish will participate in the Annual MARCH FOR LIFE this Friday, January 18, in Washington DC. To help defray their cost a special collection is being taken up this weekend at all Masses. Whatever you can give is deeply appreciated. Your prayers for the pro-life cause, for the safety of our youngsters on the bus trip and your financial support in the special second collection is deeply appreciated. The Sunday Good News NEW ALTAR SERVER TRAINING CLASS During January and February we will have a training sessions for new altar servers at Saint John Bosco Church. The sessions will be held on a few Saturday mornings for an hour. We are in need of boys and girls, Grade If you might be interested please contact Fr. Ric, Deacon Maurice or the Parish Office at , Ext. 3 or 4. Please leave your name, grade and contact information and we will be in touch with you regarding the sessions. We encourage our parents and grandparents to encourage your children or grandchildren to serve at the Lord's Altar. MARK YOUR CALENDARS Catholic Schools Week begins on Sunday, January come join us! HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY Laurel St., Hazleton Grades: Preschool - Grade 8 Open House and Registration Sunday, January 27, 1-3 PM HOLY REDEEMER REGISTRATION Holy Redeemer High School Grade 8 Placement/Scholarship Test Result Night and Registration Night for incoming Freshmen will be held January 23 at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. (snow date Jan. 24) Appointments for class scheduling for new students for the school year will be held on February 7, 11 and 12 from 3-6 PM. Call Holy Redeemer High School s Guidance Department at to set an appointment FIFTH ANNUAL CATHOLIC MEN S CONFERENCE BE A MAN: WHAT IS TRUTH? April 27, 2019 at Holy Redeemer High School, 159 South Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes Barre, PA Enjoy the fellowship and experience a prayerful, spirit-filled, life-changing day featuring keynote presentations by Fr. Philip G. Bochanski, the executive director of Courage International who speaks on the good news of living chaste lives, along with well-known psychologist, speaker, and EWTN TV host, Dr. Ray Guarendi. Our third speaker will be inspirational speaker, apologist, and TV host of Battle Ready, Doug Barry. Reconciliation opportunities available with many priests for confessions. The main Conference and Mass runs from 8 am to 3 pm, including Eucharistic Adoration. The Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Bambera will celebrate the closing Mass at 1:45 pm. Registration/Coffee begins at 7:00 am, Rosary at 7:30 am. Register on line at: ; call (Diocesan Pastoral Center) or mail the completed conference brochure application with your check to Attn: Men s Conference, Office for Parish Life, 330 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA Cost: $40, $30 early bird (until 4/1/19), $15 for students, Priests and Deacons free. DIOCESAN VOCATION OFFICE - CALENDAR OF YOUTH EVENTS, International Student Leadership Institute (ISLI), Camp Ladore, Waymart...February 15-17, 2019 Come and See Vocation Retreat, Villa of Our Lady Retreat House, Mount Pocono... March 8-10, 2019 Bold Choices Young Adult Retreat, St. Gabriel s Retreat House, Clarks Summit... April 12-13, 2019

3 The Sunday Good News ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25 th or 50 th wedding anniversary in 2019 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 30. The event includes a 2:30 pm mass at St. Peter s Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address, should be made through your pastor before April 2. REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD Your prayers are requested for ANN (VITO) GAVIO, a parishioner of St. John Bosco, who recently died. May she and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. SALVATION ARMY LUNCHEON Saint John Bosco will host a luncheon for the homeless and needy of the Greater Hazleton area on Wednesday, January 16, from 10-Noon. SJB Book Club will meet Sunday, January 27, 12:30 PM to discuss My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok at Frogtowne Grille in Sybertsville. Feel free to join us. CHURCH GARLAND TAKE-DOWN - January 14, 5 PM Men and Women needed! Please volunteer! GREY DOG RAFFLE $25,000 IN CASH PRIZES - MORE CHANCES TO WIN! 25 cash prizes will be awarded. Great odds! GRAND PRIZE is $10, $500 PRIZES 1 - $5,000 PRIZE 8 - $250 PRIZES 4 - $1,000 PRIZES 5 - $200 PRIZES Tickets are $ and are available before and after all Masses and in the parish office during the week. You may also call (570) , Ext. 3, to have one mailed to you. Drawing date: Sunday, February 3, 2019, after the 11:30 AM Mass. ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers this week are in memory of Frank J. Ciampi given by Family. Anyone interested in attending the Monday Night Prayer Group at St Gabriel's at 6:30 PM, meet in the upper SJB parking lot at 6:05 PM to car pool. Any questions, please call Arlene at COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS... Freeland Community Choir - January 13, 3 PM, presents encore performance of its Christmas cantata, Christmas Presence at Faith United Church of Christ, 21 Faith Drive (off Airport Beltway). Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham - Souper Bowl Sale, Saturday, January 26. Pick up orders 12 to 2 PM. 12 varieties of soup available; order by January 20. $7 a quart. Pre-order: (570) ; (570) ; (570) Marian Catholic High School - Be Cool for Our School Polar Plunge, Saturday, January 26, Mauch Chunk Lake, Jim Thorpe. Registration is $35, from 10 to 11:30 AM. Plungers hit the water at Noon. To show support and stay dry, register as a Chicken. DJ; food and beverages available for purchase. For more information, mchspolarplunge@gmail.com or call Kathy Goff, (610) Sugarloaf Valley Church Women United - Fundraiser for Valley Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, United Charities and Hazleton Salvation Army. You eat at Bonanza Restaurant, West Hazleton; we raise money for these organizations. Pick up coupons in the narthex and use them either Monday, February 11, Tuesday, February 12, or Wednesday, February 13. Thanks so much for your help. WE REMEMBER PAGE 3 Saturday, 4:00 PM January 12 Joseph S. Gans, Sr. By Mishinski Family Sunday, 7:30 AM January 13 Frank J. Ciampi By Family Sunday, 9:00 AM January 13 Evelyn Horwath By Family Sunday, 11:30 AM January 13 Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Monday, 8:00 AM January 14 Irene Cherba By Richard Nataro Tuesday, 8:00 AM January 15 Michael Sanko By Mary Mornak Family Wednesday, 8:00 AM January 16 Frank Alimecco By Bob and Dottie RItz Thursday, 8:00 AM January 17 Frank Tedesco By Christopher Hooper Thursday, 2:00 PM January 17 THE LAURELS SR. LIVING COMMUNITY Eileen Connors By: Dan and Madge Jorgensen Friday, 8:00 AM January 18 Agnes Justofin By SJB Choir Saturday, 4:00 PM January 19 Edward Yelito By Pat and Cindy Petrone Sunday, 7:30 AM January 20 Theresa Fadule By Jill Groce and Boys Sunday, 9:00 AM January 20 Richard Buczkowski By Knights of Columbus Council 8613 Sunday, 11:30 AM January 20 Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco The Tabernacle Candle burns this week in memory of FRANK J. CIAMPI given by Family.

4 PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News From the Pastor s Laptop... January 12-13, 2019 Dear Parishioners and Friends, On New Year s Eve I was driving to visit my family in Hazle Township. As I left the rectory, I noticed that someone had already discarded their Christmas tree. It surprised me because it wasn t even 2019 and the Three Kings hadn t arrived at the stable in Bethlehem yet. On my way to their home I noticed several other trees, once proudly decorating homes, simply thrown to the edge of several properties. To make matters worse, I noticed that on my Goddaughter s Facebook page that their family, who were sick and confined to their home, were using the time to take down their tree and other holiday decorations. Perhaps, those who discarded them must have had good reasons, safety (forgot to water the tree), leaving for a warmer climate, a death in the family, etc. The PASTOR S PAGE Unfortunately, for most of us, the Christmas season ended a couple of weeks ago. Decorations are packed away, some of the kids toys are already broken and perhaps we are beginning to lose a few of the calories gained. For some, Valentines are beginning to decorate our homes. For me, Heidi and I have finally opened our Christmas cards and gifts. We re into a new year; many are anxiously looking forward to the upcoming Wild-card play-off and Championship Sunday games. Perhaps others are looking forward to Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes -Benz Stadium in the City of Atlanta on Feb. 3 at 6:30 pm ET. What teams will be playing, which players will enter into the kneeling or the singing of the National Anthem, what the half-time show will be like and what foods will be on the family Super Bowl menu. Not that it means anything but I would like to again see the New England Patriots (I went to graduate school in New England) play against the New Orleans Saints (What can I say? There is the title SAINTS in their name). No, I haven t placed any bets on what teams will play or who will win and don t intend to do that. I m a very sore loser. Hopefully some are looking forward with anticipation to the Grey Dog Drawing on Feb. 3, 2019 (the odds are better than the Super Bowl) and many parents are struggling to get their children to all their soccer and basketball games. In other words, we are trying to reconstruct a daily routine. But liturgically, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which we celebrate this weekend, marks the official end of the Christmas season and the transition to Ordinary Time. Until yesterday, we celebrated an 'infant Jesus.' From today, we celebrate an 'adult Jesus' with a focus on His teaching (parables) and actions (miracles). This is why today's celebration marks the transition from the liturgical season of Christmas into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. I really find the Ordinary Time of the Church Year to be wonderful since it focuses on the core teachings of Jesus. Luke's simple account of Jesus baptism today ends with the heavenly voice introducing Jesus as You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. Recalling His coming, which we ve celebrated during the Christmas season, we re invited to welcome the Beloved One into our midst once more. As a community, we will pledge ourselves - through each Sunday celebration which follows - to listen and respond to Christ s proclamation of the Good News. Naturally, it is very true that we receive Baptism only once in our life-time, but it is never a one-time event; we have to live and keep our baptismal promises throughout our life. In other words, we are challenged to conform ourselves to Christ more and more every day. You and I who have received the grace of Baptism must strive to live up to our baptismal promises throughout our life. And this is the Good News of today. You ve probably heard people express the wish that the spirit of Christmas would last all through the year. Christians really are called to take that responsibility seriously. The meaning of Christmas is the central fact of our lives we must reflect the fact that God has come to dwell with us in Jesus Christ. It can show on our faces, in our words and in what we do. If you haven t made a New Year s resolution, here s a simple one: let all that we say and do manifest that basic truth that God is with us Emmanuel! And, Merry Christmas, one more time! God Bless You! Father Ric

5 BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP SESSIONS Sharing the Journey Grief shared is grief diminished. The Bereavement Ministry of St. John Bosco Church will provide the spring bereavement support group sessions for those who have lost a loved one recently or are having difficulty in their grief. These sessions will provide insight into their grief following a death. We will be reflecting on: Understanding common grief reactions; Coping strategies; Self-care throughout the grief process and beyond; and Uniqueness of your grief experience. The overall goal of the Support Group is to help you move toward the resolution of your grief. Attending these grieving overview sessions is greatly encouraged for they not only give you some guidance now but also lay a foundation for future optional once-a-month ongoing Resilient Heart sessions. These sessions will be offered weekly for seven weeks on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room, beginning Monday, February 11, Registration is required to assure seating and materials. If you are interested, please call Marie Guza, (570) , to register. WORDS OF GRATITUDE Dear Father and Parishioners, It is with our deepest gratitude that I m sending this thank you for the parish donation to Meals on Wheels. With your kind and generous donation we will be able to help our neediest friends and community residents. God blessed us with you. Anita and Everyone at Meals on Wheels of Greater Hazleton Dear Father Ric, On behalf of the Valley Food Pantry, thank you for the gracious donation of $ Your thoughtful gift will help over sixty families in our area this holiday season. We appreciate your kind words and continued support. Sincerely, Maureen Younger and Billie Shaffer Dear Father Ric, We would like to thank you for allowing the use of the kitchen to roll meatballs for our son Alex s cancer benefit. We re grateful for your generosity and kindness. We wouldn t have been able to do them without you. Thank you!!! The Martin Family, Kim, Bob, Alex, Rob and Desire e PRE-CANA PROGRAM Engaged couples who are planning to be married at St. John Bosco Church in 2019 are reminded that in addition to their meetings with the Pastor, they are required to participate in a Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Program as well as to take the FOCCUS Marriage Readiness Instrument online. A listing of 2019 Pre Cana Reflection Days held throughout the Diocese may be found online on the Diocese of Scranton website under Parish Life Office or by calling the Diocese. Registration may be made online. Two sessions that will be held in our area are scheduled for Saturday, march 30 and Saturday, July 20 at Good Shepherd Church Hall in Drums from 8:30 am until 4 p.m. Pre-registration with the Diocese is required. This day includes snacks and a luncheon.

6 KNIGHT S CORNER MATRIMONY Knights OF columbus, Our Lady of Fatima, Council 8613 Engaged couples who are registered members of St. John Bosco Church and who are contemplating entering into the Sacrament of Matrimony in 2019 or 2020 are asked to call the Parish Office at , Ext 3 or 4, to arrange an appointment with the Pastor. Please allow at least 9 to 12 months for the completion of the necessary preparations and instructions. Do not enter into any other commitments (Reception Hall, photographer, band or DJ, etc.) before confirming a wedding date and time in the parish. In addition to your meetings with the priest, you will also be expected to participate in a Pre-Cana Conference and with the online FOCCUS instrument. Your understanding is appreciated. It will enable us to serve you properly. BASKETBALL FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP Who: Boys and girls ages 9-14; proof of age is required. Where: St. John Bosco Parish Center, Conyngham Cost: Free Registration: January 20, at 2:00 PM Competition: January 20, at 2:30 PM Snow Date: January 27, at 2:00 PM District Competition: January 20, at 3:30 PM Questions: Call Tom Pandolfi, (973) or Andy Pitonyak, (570) Tax Statement Request 2018 CONTRIBUTIONS NAME: ENVELOPE #: ADDRESS: PHONE: Clip and bring to the parish office or to stjb@ptd.net and we ll send your statement! Contributions to Saint John Bosco Church received after Monday, January 14, 2019, will be listed for the 2019 calendar year. Those received prior to this date will be included in your 2018 contribution statement. If you desire a financial statement for your 2018 Income Tax, complete the form in the bulletin, (2018 Tax Statement Request), or contact the parish office, (570) , Ext. 3. They will be sent to you by before the end January. D A I LY R E A D I N G S Sunday Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Lk 3:15-16, Monday Heb 1:1-6; Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday Heb 2:5-12; Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday Heb 2:14-18; Mk 1:29-39 Thursday Heb 3:7-14; Mk 1:40-45 Friday Heb 4:1-5, 11; Mk 2:1-12 Saturday Heb 4:12-16; Mk 2:13-17 Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell Thomas Pandolfi Sandy Honis Frank Polidora Joseph Molitoris RCIA TEAM CALENDAR Date of Session: January 13, 2019 Place & Time of Session: Office Conference Room, AM Presenter: Sandy Topic: Commandments 4 and 5 ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to DR. WILLIAM PAVLICK Bulletin Advertisers Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!