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

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1 The Sunday Good News The Church of Saint John Bosco December 10, 2017 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly The Lord does not delay in keeping His promises, though some consider it delay. Rather He shows you generous patience since He wants no one to perish but all to come to repentance I send my messenger before you to prepare your way, a herald voice in the desert crying, Make ready the way of the Lord clear him a straight path. PRAYER THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Holy light on earth s horizon, Star of hope to those who fall, Light amid a world of shadows, Dawn of God s design for all. Chosen from eternal ages, You alone of all our race, By your Son s atoning merits Were conceived in perfect grace. Mother of the world s Redeemer, Promised from the dawn of time: How could one so highly favored Share the guilt of Adam s crime? Sun and moon and stars adorn you, Sinless Eve, triumphant sign; You it is who crushed the serpent, Mary, pledge of life divine. Earth below and highest heaven, Praise the splendor of your state, You who now are crowned in glory Were conceived immaculate. Hail, beloved of the Father, Mother of his only Son, Mystic bride of Love eternal, Hail, O fair and spotless one! The letter of Peter and Isaiah s message in the gospel of Mark, provide a wonderful opportunity to begin this second week of advent. Somehow it is easy, or convenient, to forget or presume why Jesus came two thousand years ago. A lost people needed a savior, to bring them back to union with their creator. He came, revealed the Father s love for us and still invites us to respond to that love. Do I see my need today, and the needs of my family and our world? Let s face it, our messed up world needs a savior, not a political leader or powerful military strength, but someone to free us from sin and all that divides us, the barriers which keep us from growing in holiness, in grace, or love of God and neighbor. Advent invites us to focus on our need from the Lord today. Advent, the great time of hope and expectation calls us to make ready, the way of the Lord, to have Him into our hearts and the hearts of others. 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! To be merciful like God our Father demands constant sensitivity to the needs, material and spiritual, of those around us. Jesus himself tells us in no uncertain terms that we will be judged by the mercy we show to the poor: those who hunger and thirst, the naked, the stranger, the sick and those in prison (cf. Mt 25:3536). (6/30/16) ~ Pope Francis HANGING OF THE GREENS: Just a reminder. The garland and lights will be hung from the beams of our church Monday, December 18, beginning at 4:30 PM. We are in need of men who are comfortable on ladders to be present and to assist with this important task this year as we prepare for the Christmas Season. We are grateful to those who have already volunteered to be present and assist with this project. THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD 6th Level Class Mass... December 10, 9:00 AM Confirmation Class...Sunday, December 10, 6-7:30 PM SPRED Volunteer Prep Session... Tuesday, December 12, 6:30 PM 1st Level Class Mass... December 17, 9:00 AM Teen Lunch Bunch... Sunday, December 17, 12:30 PM, Kitchen SJB Hosts Salvation Army Luncheon... Wed., Dec. 20, 10:30 - Noon Parent Information Meeting, March for Life. January 8, 6:30 PM M-P Rm Liturgy Committee... Wednesday, January 10, 6:30 PM Spiritual Reading, Sacred Passages/Miracles... Sat., Jan. 13, 9:15 AM

2 PAGE 2 SUNDAY STEWARDS Faith Formation Corner 1,115 families receive envelopes. 436 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of Dec. 2/3 Total Mass Attendance: 916 Total Sunday Offering: $8, Progress reports will be sent home with all students this Sunday, December 10. Parents/guardians are asked to please sign and return progress reports to the Faith Formation office by December 17. Our Level 6 students will participate in their class Mass this Sunday, December 10 at 9:00 AM. We thank Ms. Cynthia Currier, Mrs. Pam Synoski, and Mr. Matthew DeAngelo for preparing our students to share in this celebration of the Eucharist with our parish during this Advent season. Our Level 1 students, under the direction of Mrs. Christine Ashton and Mrs. Maureen Younger, will have their class Mass next Sunday, December 17 at 9:00 AM. Confirmation Class will meet this Sunday, December 10 from 6-7:30 PM in the Gym. All students must attend, and should bring Decision Point books and red folders to class. Please note that paperwork is due at this time, including the Confirmation Agreement form, student and sponsor form, sponsor eligibility card (if sponsor is not a parishioner at St. John Bosco), and Baptismal Certificate. Please contact the Faith Formation office with any questions. With the winter weather approaching, please remember to check our parish website, Facebook page, and for any updates and announcements. Thank you again to all who helped to make our Polar Express Movie Night a success. Between ticket donations and candy sales from Adrienne and Nora s Sweet Tooth Stand, $174 was raised for the Missionary Childhood Association. We extend a special Congratulations to our Golden Ticket Winner, Adrienne Culp! Her winning ticket earned her a Regal Cinema Gift Card. Please watch the bulletin for upcoming activities organized by our Families in Faith group. Thank you for your generosity! TEEN LUNCH BUNCH Teens in 9th Grade and up are invited to attend Teen Lunch Bunch on Sunday, December 17, at 12:30 PM in the kitchen. We will be baking cookies for this month s Salvation Army luncheon. COLLECTION FOR RETIRED RELIGIOUS The 30th appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be taken up at Masses this weekend, December 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. The Sunday Good News "Many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change. We lack an awareness of our common origin, of our mutual belonging, and of a future to be shared with everyone. This basic awareness would enable the development of new convictions, attitudes and forms of life. A great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal." Laudato Si', (On Care for Our Common Home), #202 Dear Parish Family, As many of you are aware through the Parish Bulletin s pot luck invitation, SJB had an evening celebration this past November 20. All were invited as the parish recognized the completion of the successful ARISE faith sharing program of the past two years and my transitioning back to the Dallas area and ministry. The party was lovely and memorable. As with all programs and celebrations many persons are needed to make it happen. I want to acknowledge as special gift to ARISE, my co-chair Mary Ann Miller; also party planner co-chairs Jo Robbins and Andrea Fendrick. While feasting on the culinary talents of those who provided our meal, we were serenaded by the talents of the Parish Choir, Bell Choir, String Trio and Cellar Dwellarzz Jazz Band. Thank you also to all those who attended the party and gifted me with presence and presents. Special thanks to Fr. Ric who enlarged the original party plans to include the whole parish. Most of all thank you to all who participated as parish in the many spiritual and liturgical enrichment programs in the five and one-half years of my ministry among you. A flow of giving and receiving is needed to form a strong committed community. The Sisters of Mercy have had a strong presence in the 54 year old history of St. John Bosco parish community. I consider myself fortunate to be among those who served together with you in this community building endeavor. I look forward to facilitating some spring/summer/fall 2018 adult faith development workshops. Receiving/giving Christ s mercy, Sr. Marilyn Karas, RSM

3 The Sunday Good News Thank You! DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Update as of December 4 DAA 2017 Goal... $59, Total Raised... $61, Over... $2, Participants to date: 387 out of 1,136 (34%) BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY NEWS We have had a tremendous response to the Care Notes that are provided for your use. They are found on the Care Notes pamphlet stands near the main entrance of the church. They have been very helpful to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Please take the time to check out all the new ones that have arrived for the Holidays: Cherishing Your Memories of a Loved One ; Giving Your Worries to God ; Dealing with the Anger that Comes with Grief ; Healing Your Body, Mind and Spirit Together ; Finding the Healing Strength to Forgive ; Giving New Life to your Christmas Celebration ; Christmas A Time to Remember Those We ve Loved and Lost ; Getting Through the Holidays When You ve Lost a Loved One ; Grieving at Christmas A Family Guide ; Rediscovering the Many Gifts of Christmas ; Praying Your Way to Christmas and Beyond ; Celebrating the Christmas Season with Faith & Hope. We are grateful to those who have made donations to our Parish Bereavement Ministry that made these Care Notes available. NEW MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION Ten new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have been trained (or are awaiting training) and will be formally installed during a Mass on the Third Weekend of Advent, December A Practicum was presented by Fr. Ric to the candidates for this liturgical ministry on Saturday, December 9, and another will be presented Sunday, December 10 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. The Commissioning Ceremony will be held at the Mass that the candidate attends on the (Gaudete Sunday). The new ministers will be assigned to serve at weekend Masses when the new schedule is prepared but may begin assisting on Holy Days of Obligation (sign-up list in sacristy) and may also fill in for those who need a substitute. We are grateful to the following who have volunteered to participate in this liturgical ministry at St. John Bosco Parish. May this ministry of service draw them closer to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Our new Special Ministers of Holy Communion are: Edward Slusarczyk, Alec Marcalus, Thomas Pandolfi, Dan Synoski, Dolores Babula, Diane Klouser, and Monica Astorino. Those who are to be trained by the Diocese are Thomas Myers and Christine Dugan. REMEMBER HIS WILL IN YOURS You can express your commitment to our Church by making a bequest to Saint John Bosco Church. Simply have the following statement included in your will: I leave to Saint John Bosco Church, P. O. Box 919, Conyngham, Pennsylvania , the sum of $ (or percent of the residue of my estate) for its religious, educational and charitable works or words to that effect. COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS... MPB Community Players - Advent/Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 9, 7 PM, St. John Bosco Church. Free admission. 45th Annual March for Life - January 19. Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception prior to the March which begins at the Washington Monument, then Constitution Avenue to the Capitol. WE REMEMBER PAGE 3 Saturday, 4:00 PM December 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 Church Monday, 8:00 AM December 11 Margaret Dobbs By Phyllis Liotta Tuesday, 8:00 AM December 12 Joseph Fetchen, IV By Parents Wednesday, 8:00 AM December 13 Pasqualina & Lucia Lamberti By Mr. & Mrs. Lorenzo Ruggiero Thursday, 8:00 AM December 14 Frank & Rose Klatch By Mr. & Mrs. Ronald R. Shenyo Friday, 8:00 AM December 15 Theresa & Anthony Caccese By Phil & Marie Guza Saturday, 4:00 PM December 16 Ray Kowalski By Family Sunday, 7:30 AM December 17 Martha Kanyock By Jane & Andrew Sunday, 9:00 AM December 17 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Parish Sunday, 11:30 AM December 17 Louis Mattioli, Jr. By Rocco & Dolores Lettiere The TABERNACLE CANDLE burns this week in memory of ROBERT WALLACE given by Mary Nora Wallace.

4 PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News From the Pastor s Laptop... December 9-10, 2017 Dear Parishioners and Friends, Although we are only celebrating the Second Sunday of Advent, many parishioners, who are making plans for the holidays, have already asked me about the Mass obligation for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Dec ) and the Christmas Mass obligation ((Dec ). In a relatively rare situation, which last occurred in 2006, Christmas Day this year falls on a Monday. In other words, can the Sunday Obligation and the Holy Day Obligation be fulfilled with a two for one Mass attendance this year. The simple answer is NO. The PASTOR S PAGE In a newsletter issued by the U.S. Bishops on December 1 st regarding this unique situation of whether Catholics are obliged to participate at Mass twice, once for the Sunday Obligation and once for the Holy Day of Obligation. Some have asked whether a Sunday evening Mass on Christmas Eve would fulfill both the obligation for a Sunday Mass and the obligation for a Christmas Day Mass. God Bless You, The U.S. Bishop s Committee on Divine Worship Father Ric has said the faithful are required to participate at two Masses to fulfill their Sunday and Christmas Mass obligations. This means that the Sunday Mass obligation for December 24 can be fulfilled on Sunday, or any time after 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, and the Christmas Mass obligation can be fulfilled on Sunday, December 24, any time after 4 p.m. or on Monday, December 25 th. In the case of two consecutive days of obligation, as at Christmas this year, the prevailing view of many canon lawyers is that each obligation must be fulfilled with a separate Mass. The bishops emphasized that they hoped that Catholics foster a love for the Sacred Liturgy and hold a desire to celebrate the holy days as fully as is reasonably possible. Simply put. You must participate at Mass twice. Once on December 23 at 4 PM or December 24 at 7:30 or 9 am AND AGAIN on December 24 at 4, 6 or 10 pm or on December 25 at 9 am. I hope these statements by the Bishops of our Country clarify our Mass obligations and assist you in planning your family celebration of the upcoming holidays. 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. ADVENT WREATH We would like to thank the following families for volunteering to light the first candle of the Advent Wreath last weekend, December 2-3: 4:00 PM Mass John & Joanne Sanko 7:30 AM Mass Adam & Pam Kelchner and children, Alex and Brynn 9:00 AM Mass Norbert & Judy Kotzer 11:30 AM Mass David & Mary Ann Kline YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING: Let the theme of this Christmas be giving and receiving. Receiving first, the amazing grace of God in the gift of Jesus Christ. Then to give. A gift for someone in need. A thank you offering of your treasure for the work of the Lord at our parish. What do we have that we did not first receive? As you make your Christmas list and check it twice, please consider what your gift to St. John Bosco might be this year. Pray in heartfelt gratitude for all that God has given to us.

5 KNIGHT S CORNER KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS POSTER CONTEST Knights of Columbus Council 8613 is inviting all boys and girls from ages 5 through 14 to participate in our organization s international Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest. By engaging the creativity and the imaginations of our young people, we hope they will come to a deeper understanding of the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas, said Council Grand Knight Andy Pitonyak. Contest dates are from Dec All entries are due by Dec. 18. Registration forms and judging rules will be available at the Faith Formation office, or call Chairman Tom Pandolfi at (973) 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. PARISH BUS TRIP Plans have been completed for another Parish bus trip scheduled for Friday, April 20, 2018, at Sight and Sound in Lancaster to see Jesus. Sight and Sound theaters bring the Bible to life and goes far beyond the stage. Jesus is the brand new production for the 2018 season. It is a timeless story of relentless love. From the streets of Jerusalem to the raging Sea of Galilee, Jesus befriends outcasts and heals the hurting. He challenges social norms and confronts hypocrisy. He sets sail with fishermen and reasons with religious scholars, and the lives he touches will never be the same. Jesus is the action-packed musical stage adventure that takes one on a miraculous journey alongside the most famous person ever to walk the earth and the everyday people whose lives He changed forever. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift for that special someone on your Christmas list. Don t wait and be disappointed. Bus will fill up quickly. Cost is $123 per person which covers the cost of the bus, lunch on the bus, the show, dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, tip and gratuities. If interested, call for reservations now. Call Marie Guza, (570) Payment reserves your seat. SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMORIAL CANDLES AVAILABLE CHURCH WINDOW CANDLES 24 candles available. Offering: $20 each, and will be lit 24/7 for 16 days/nights. Candles may be donated IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE, FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION, or IN THANKSGIVING. It is a beautiful way to remember a loved one, living or deceased, during the holiday season. The intention and donor will be listed in the Christmas Bulletin unless requested otherwise. Reserve your candle by calling the Parish Office, (570) , ext. 3. MINISTERS OF COMMUNION, LECTORS, AND ALTAR SERVERS Volunteers are needed to serve at Christmas and New Year s Eve/Day Masses. Please sign up in the sacristy this weekend. MASS SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS The following is the Christmas Mass schedule so that you may plan accordingly. 4 TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Vigil Mass: Saturday, December 23, 4 PM Sunday Masses: December 24, 7:30 AM and 9 AM ONLY. NO 11:30 AM Mass CHRISTMAS Sunday, Christmas Eve, December 24: 4 PM, 6PM and 10 PM Monday, Christmas Day, December 25: 9 AM ONLY. Catholics are required to attend once for the Sunday obligation and once for the Christmas Obligation. NEW YEARS : New Year s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 4 PM New Year s Day: Monday, January 1, 9 AM ONLY CONFESSION SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS The following is the Christmas Confession schedule so that you may plan accordingly. MONDAYS OF ADVENT: December 11 and 18-6 PM to 7 PM SATURDAYS OF ADVENT: December 16-3 PM to 3:45 PM ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICES Wednesday, December 13, 7 PM to 8 PM, ST. JOHN BOSCO CHURCH (Fr. Steven Brosk, Fr. Dick Hockman, Fr. Ric Polmounter, Fr. Connell McHugh, Fr. J. W. Brian Clarke, Msgr. Arthur Kaschenbach) 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. PASTA & MEATBALL DINNER REPORT We recently had our evaluation meeting for our 2017 Election Day Pasta & Meatball Dinner. Remote plans for our next dinner, scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, 2018, have been made. Below is a brief financial report. Although this year s dinner was a little less successful than 2016, it was probably due to the weather (light snow) and the fact that it wasn t a Presidential Election. We are grateful to all who planned this dinner and raffle, those who set up, prepared the food, served and cleaned up. In the near future a group will reorganize the kitchen closet and drawers. We also appreciate all who gave donations of gifts for the Tricky Trays and the wheelbarrow of Cheer, those who chaired these events and all who patronized our raffles. INCOME...$9, (Dinner tickets, Pocket Change Collection, Donations, Tricky Trays and Wheelbarrow of Cheer) EXPENSES...$2, (Food, Paper Products and Supplies, etc.) PROFIT... $6, ($1,240 from Tricky Trays; $711 from Cheer ) The hosts for the TRAVELING CHALICE from December 10 through December 17 are Richard and Ann Tihansky. GREY DOG TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets are $100 and are available before and after all Masses and in the parish office during the week. You may also call (570) , Ext. 3, to order one and it will be mailed to you. Drawing date: Sunday, February 4, 2018, after the 11:30 Mass. VALLEY FOOD PANTRY The Valley Food Pantry will now be distributing Christmas boxes to those in need. We have been asked to collect the following: cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing and sugar. Coffee and teabags are always welcomed. Items can be placed in the rear of the church by the coat rack. Your generosity is greatly appreciated during this special time of need. Thank you! The SJB Salvation Army Committee will be collecting men s and women s gloves, hats, and scarves for the clients of the Salvation Army for Christmas. There will be a basket in the narthex for your donations. Donations need to be made before December 20. Thank you for your anticipated generosity. DA I L Y REA DI N GS Sunday Is 40:1-5, 9-11; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8 Monday Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 Wednesday Is 40:25-31; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday Is 41:13-20; Mt 11:11-15 Friday Is 48:17-19; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Mt 17:9a, 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 MAYLATH VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. Bulletin Advertiser Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!