The Sunday Good News PRAYERS FOR EASTER

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1 The Sunday Good News Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord The Church of Saint John Bosco April 16, 2017 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people, and testify that he is the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins though his name. PRAYERS FOR EASTER Tis the spring of souls today: Christ has burst his prison; and from three days sleep in death as a sun has risen. ~ John of Damascus The resurrection accounts of Jesus appearances, following the empty tomb scene, are familiar and the source of hope and joy. The words of Peter in the sermon from the Acts of the Apostles, brings the meaning of His resurrection to us in Jesus redeeming sacrifice earns forgiveness and new life for us today. Remember, this is the same Peter who shortly before denied knowing the Lord because of fear and intimidation. This sermon of Peter, and others he spoke, as did Paul, summon us to let Easter speak to us today. The Risen Lord offers us the gift of new life, won at Calvary, and generously given if we sincerely turn to Him. May we let the grace of this day bring the richness of God s grace to us all. 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! Let us therefore commit ourselves not to allow any obstacle to hinder the Father s merciful action, and let us ask for the gift of a great faith so that we too may become signs and instruments of mercy. (9/7/16) ~ Pope Francis Jesus, you have risen, so there is hope for me. You are no longer in the power of sin, of evil! Love has triumphed, Mercy has been victorious! God s mercy always triumphs because God s love is stronger than evil and death itself. God s love can transform our lives. God s love can do this! ~ Pope Francis THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD Spiritual Reading, The Gift of Years # Tuesday, April 18, 1 PM, Rm 3 Spiritual Reading, The Five Things Thursday, April 20, 1 PM & 6:30 PM, Rm 3 Parish Appreciation Party... Sunday, April 23, 2 PM, Valley Country Club Spring Fling Planning Meeting... Tuesday, April 25, 1:30 PM ARISE Evaluation Meeting... Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 PM, Multi-Purpose Rm Confirmation... Saturday, April 29, 11:00 AM, St. Joseph Church, Hazleton STJB Book Club, The Aviators by Winston Groom... Sun., April 30, 12:30 PM Liturgy Committee Meeting... Wed., May 3, 6:30 PM, Multi-purpose Rm First Communion... Saturday, May 6, 10:00 AM Diocesan Men s Conference... Saturday, May 6 Parish Finance Council... Tuesday, May 9, 6:00 PM Parish Pastoral Council... Thursday, May 18, 6:30-8 PM, Multi-purpose Rm Spring Fling... Saturday, May 20 Vacation Bible School... July 31 to August 4, 9AM to Noon Rise Against Hunger... Saturday, August 12, 9:30 to Noon, Gym Golf Tournament... August 19, Sugarloaf Golf Course

2 PAGE 2 SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,289 families receive envelopes 481 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of April 8/9 Total Mass Attendance: 1,365 Total Sunday Offering: $8, Thank you for your generosity! Faith Formation Corner There is no Faith Formation or CLOW this Sunday, April 16. We wish all of our students, families, and volunteers a blessed and happy Easter! Faith Formation will resume next Sunday, April 23. 8th Level students will practice for Confirmation on Sunday, April 23 during Faith Formation. Our formal group photo will also be taken during this time. Please dress as you will for Confirmation day. All students are expected to attend Faith Formation that day, as this will be our only other practice before Confirmation on April 29. Practices for First Communion will be during Faith Formation on April 23 and 30, and in the evenings on May 2 from 5:30-7:30 PM and May 4 from 5:30-7:00 PM. All students are expected to be present for all practices. Please note, the last day for Faith Formation for ALL students (this includes 2nd and 8th Level students) will be Sunday, May 7. May Crowning will take place during the 9:00 AM Mass on May 7. 8th Grade students will crown our outdoor Mary statue during Faith Formation. SECOND COLLECTION The second collection on Easter Sunday will be for new ministry initiatives. BUS TRIP, JONAH Plans have been completed for a bus trip to Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster to see the production of Jonah on Friday, August 25. The trip includes coach bus transportation, lunch on the bus, reserved seating at the show, and a delicious dinner at Miller s famous smorgasbord and bakery. You are invited to join members of our parish family and friends for a great day to socialize and have fun. Call Marie Guza at (570) for further details and reservations. Make your reservation as soon as possible - seats are filling up quickly! The Sunday Good News DIOCESE OF SCRANTON SAFE ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN APRIL DID YOU KNOW? All dioceses and eparchies have Victim Assistance Coordinators, assuring that victims of abuse will be heard. In 2016, dioceses and eparchies provided outreach and support to 250 victims/survivors and their families who came forward to report abuse. Continued support was also provided to 1,510 victims/survivors and their families who reported abuse in prior years. The Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Scranton is Mary Beth Pacuska. Contact Mrs. Pacuska at (570) if you need support. Registration Open for 2017 Summer Camp Programs at United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA s Camp Kelly (formerly Camp St. Andrew). Week-long Girls Resident, Girls Basketball, Boys Resident, and Boys Basketball camps are available as well as a Father/Son Weekend and Women s Weekend. For more information, call (570) or visit Adult Faith Development ~ A Journey of the Heart Practicing Present Moment Awareness Caring for Creation Practice via Center for Contemplation and Action We naturally move from the concrete to the universal, and so it makes sense to begin loving Earth, caring for God s creation, with what is closest to us. Becoming intimate with God s presence in one aspect of creation - be it a pet, birdsong, garden, or favorite wild space - can move us toward loving our forgotten brothers and sisters, human or otherwise, through compassionate actions. Let yourself be drawn today and in the coming week to a particular created thing. Spend time observing and coming to know it better. Then, let your embrace widen to include all it touches - water, air, minerals, plants, animals, humans, and the rest of the great chain of being. You might feel called to a specific, tangible way of loving this being and its community, perhaps through one of these practices: Grow a garden and feed it with compost. Travel Sustainably. (Walk, ride a bike, take a bus, carpool, shop locally). Learn about environmental policy and let your voice be heard. (Call or write to a representative; join a peaceful demonstration or protest.) Simplify. Through meditation find ways of living with less while appreciating the beauty and abundance of simplicity. Introduce someone else, especially a child, to your beloved creation. (Share a walk in the woods; share a picture or a story that makes this creation special; invite them to join you in a caring act.)

3 The Sunday Good News PAGE 3 A GRATEFUL WORD OF THANKS Dear Parishioners and Friends, Just a brief note to thank all of you for your 2017 Easter Greetings, thoughtful cards and delicious holiday treats on Easter. Your friendship, support, prayers and your faithful devotion to Jesus and his Church are a blessing to us all. Be assured of our special remembrance of all of you in our prayers during this holy season. God bless you and have a Happy and Holy Easter. Father Ric, Deacon Maurice and Sister Marilyn THIRD ANNUAL DIOCESAN MEN S CONFERENCE The Third Annual Diocesan Catholic Men s Conference entitled: Be A Man: Mary s Call to BATTLE is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2017, and will be held on the campus of King s College, Scandlon Physical Education Center, 149 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Experience a prayerful, spirit-filled, lifechanging day featuring keynote presentations by Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR, of the Franciscan friars of the Renewal Steven Ray, a Catholic speaker, film producer and pilgrimage leader Matt Fradd, Catholic apologist and author Eucharistic Adoration, 6:00 AM; Registration/Continental Breakfast, 7:00 AM. Main Conference and Mass from 8:00 AM to 2:45 PM. For more information and registration, call the Diocesan Pastoral Center at (570) , or register online at COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS... Greater Hazleton Concert Series, Inc. - Concert, Artrageous, an interactive art and music experience, April 19, Hazleton Area High School, 7:30 PM. For information, call Amelia (570) or go to Annunciation Parish - Spring Flea Market, Church Hall, 122 S. Wyoming St., Hazleton. Friday, April 21, 4-9 PM; Saturday, April 22, 9 AM - 3 PM. Catholic Social Services - Annual Theme Basket Auction, Sunday April 23. Doors open 10 AM, drawing at 2 PM. Winners do not need to be present to win. Food and other items available. Proceeds benefit CSS programs in Hazleton. MMI Preparatory School, Freeland - Annual Spring Bingo sponsored by MMI Parents Association, April 23, 1-4 PM, MMI Gymnasium. Doors open at 12 PM. Admission $5. Holy Family Academy - Night at the Races, April 29; Eagle Cards available, $10 each. For information on all events, call (570) PSU Master Gardeners Spring into Gardening - April 29 from 8:30 AM to 3 PM at the Conference Center at LCCC, 1333 South Prospect St., Nanticoke. Cost is $39; includes morning refreshments, lunch, and educational material. Last day to register is April 21. Spring Into Gardening to register or call Remembering Ryanne Cara Foundation - a new playground at Whispering Willows Park in Conyngham will be built through the funds raised through this foundation. We call these dates to your attention and seek your volunteer assistance. May 11 - new playground equipment is delivered; May 12 - ground prep at the park; May 13 - building beginning at 9 AM (all will be completed in ONE DAY); May 14 - Mother s Day, Dedication Ceremony at 1:00 PM; June 14 Ryanne s Ride & Festival at LaRock Grove, 10 AM till Fireworks. Pregnancy Resource Center - Golf Tournament, Saturday, May 13, Sugarloaf Golf Club. 1:00 PM. For sponsorship information, registering a team, donating prizes or tricky trays, please pick up a registration envelope in back of the church. For more information, contact Valerie White, (570) Open since August 2015, the Pregnancy Resource Center, a Care Net affiliate, is dedicated to helping those facing unplanned pregnancies. The center in West Hazleton offers educational programs, free pregnancy testing, peer counseling, caring support and necessary items such as diapers, baby clothing and more. WE REMEMBER Saturday, 8:00 PM April 15 SOLEMN VIGIL OF EASTER Betty O Donnell by Helen McHugh Curry Family by Family Mary Ellen Maduro by Father Ric Sunday, 7:30 AM April 16 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Church Sunday, 9:00 AM April 16 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD Barbara Jones By Father Ric Sunday, 11:30 AM April 16 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD Louis Mattioli, Sr. By Marge Mattioli Family Monday, 8:00 AM April 17 Eileen Washko By Elaine & Tom Zarosky Tuesday, 8:00 AM April 18 Mary Woods By Jim & Mary Mellon Wednesday, 8:00 AM April 19 Louis Mattioli, Jr. By Marie & Hugh Colihan Thursday, 8:00 AM April 20 Joseph J. Bayzick, Sr. By Nancy Kowalski Thursday, 10:00 AM April 20 FRITZINGERTOWN HOME Louise Palermo By Jesse & Tracy Friday, 8:00 AM April 21 Mary A. Ganc By Family Saturday, 4:00 PM April 22 James Stagg By Beverly & Earl Schell Sunday, 7:30 AM April 23 Living & Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Church Sunday, 9:00 AM April 23 John Horwath By Marianne Horwath Sunday, 11:30 AM April 23 Anna Bella & John Serviss By Jeri Monteserrato The Tabernacle Candle burns this week in memory of Louis & Rose Matuella by Bob and Dorothy Peak.

4 PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News The PASTOR S PAGE From the Pastor s Laptop... Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! April 15-16, 2017 Dear Parishioners and Friends, This past week, I was in a reflective mood. Naturally, I was focused on the spiritual realities of Holy Week. However, I also began to wonder where the time has gone. It is my 38th Easter as a Priest and my 2nd Easter in the Conyngham-Sugarloaf Valley. My reflection made me more grateful for God s gift of allowing me to share in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ and being surrounded by faith-filled and supportive parishioners. I offer my prayerful best wishes to you as we gather as a Catholic Community to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus life and teachings continue to speak to every generation, and we believe the miracle of His Resurrection provides hope for the future and offers us the promise of eternal life. Through His ministry and sacrifice, Jesus demonstrated God s unconditional love for us. He taught us the importance of helping others and loving our neighbors. His selfless devotion in embracing the cross and His compassion and mercy provide a remarkable example for all of us to be servant leaders. As we gather to enjoy this Easter Season, we celebrate God s gift of freedom and His love that conquers death. Our faith brings confidence that good will always overcome evil and that joy is everlasting. Today, we give thanks for God s many blessings and pray for His peace in our world today, especially in Syria and those areas where there is turmoil, war and violence. Father Richard Hockman, Father Steven Brosk, Deacon Maurice, Sister Marilyn and the Parish Staff join with me in offering our best wishes and prayers to you and your family for a happy and joyous Easter. Happy Easter, Father Ric Pastor EARTH DAY 2017 Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves... We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it. Laudato Si, #139 Celebrate Earth Day April 22 + Reuse + Recycle + Restore + Replenish + Reduce Once we start to think about the kind of world we are leaving to future generations, we look at things differently; we realize that the world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others. Since the world has been given to us, we can no longer view reality in a purely utilitarian way, in which efficiency and productivity are entirely geared to our individual benefit. Intergenerational solidarity is not optional, but rather a basic question of justice, since the worl d belongs to those who will follow us. ~ Laudato Si, #159 Rally for the Planet and March for Science Saturday, April 22 at 1:00 PM, Luzerne County Courthouse, Wilkes-Barre Special Guest Speakers include: Eddie Day Pashinski, PA State Representative, Julie McMonagle, Wilkes-University Dept. of Environmental Science Come and stand up for the EPA, and join the fight to protect our air and water!

5 WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY BLESSED PALMS? Whatever you do, don t throw them away! After leaving church Palm Sunday, you may have come home with several long palm branches from the celebration of Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. You may be asking yourself, Well, what should I do with these? Whatever you do, don t throw them away! According to the Code of Canon Law, blessed items are not to be discarded in a trash can, but treated with respect (cf. #1171). At Mass these palm branches were set apart by a blessing from the priest and made into a sacramental, an object that is meant to draw us closer to the celebration of the seven sacraments. Throwing them in the trash ignores their sacred purpose and treats them like any other object we no longer need. The obvious question then becomes, So if I can t throw them away, what am I to do with all these branches? Decorate: Over the years many people have used palm branches to decorate their homes. It could be as simple as tucking them behind a religious painting or crucifix, or as complex as making them into a palm rose. Lacy at CatholicIcing.com has some excellent ideas on what you can do with your old palm branches, and she provides step-by-step instructions anyone can follow. The benefit of using them as decorative pieces in your home is that the palm branches will be a constant reminder of Palm Sunday and bring to mind the Passion narrative that was read at Mass. This is a perfect way to stay connected to Holy Week throughout the year and honor Christ as the Messiah who came to save us from sin and death. Burn or bury: Most sacramentals, like palm branches for example, can be burned or buried in order to properly dispose of them. This type of disposal honors their sacred purpose and returns them to the earth in a dignified way. Anyone can do this but if you don t have the ability to burn or buy them, simply drop off your palm branches at the parish office. Often priests will encourage the faithful to return palm branches to the church so that he can burn the branches and make ashes for Ash Wednesday. This way the liturgical year remains connected and nothing goes to waste. SPRING FLING FLEA MARKET Mark your calendar! The annual Spring Fling will be held May 20 from 7 AM to 3 PM, and May 21 from 12:30 PM to 2 PM in the Parish Center. Items being accepted include glassware, new or used household items in working condition, collectibles, jewelry, etc. NO RECYCLABLE ITEMS such as TV s, computers, printers, copy machines, humidifiers, etc. NO clothing, shoes, encyclopedias, Christmas trees or broken items. Clothing may be bagged and placed in the shed located in the back of the parking lot. Donations will be accepted from May 14 beginning at 1 PM through May 19 at Noon. Tricky trays will be featured and donations are appreciated. Those interested may create any type of theme basket. There will be plenty of homemade food available on May 20, including spaetzle-type haluski. Take-outs will be available; pre-order haluski by calling Marie at (570) Monetary donations to cover the cost of kitchen expenses are appreciated. Everyone is invited! BISHOP LEADING PILGRIMAGE TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL FOR OUR LADY OF FATIMA CENTENNIAL September 18-26, 2017 Bishop Joseph C. Bambera invites the faithful to join him on a special pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal in honor of the 100 th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima s appearance to three young shepherd children in The pilgrimage will take place September 18-26, 2017, and will include Masses celebrated by the Bishop and visits to many sacred and historic sites, including nearly two days in Fatima where the Marian apparitions occurred. Space is limited. It is recommended that you call as soon as possible for reservations. All arrangements and reservations are to be made through TRAVELWORLD. For information, call TRAVELWORLD at (800) or visit ATTENTION ALTAR SERVERS Altar Servers, please pick up your Easter gift from the Parish in the sacristy after Mass if you haven t already done so. Names are on each one. DATES TO REMEMBER DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: Novena of Divine Mercy, Good Friday, April 14 through the, April 23. WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS: The weekend of May 6-7, Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday. OUR LADY OF FATIMA: May 13, 100th Anniversary of the apparitions of Mary to the three shepherd children. Your Prayers are Requested for NANCY PALFEY who recently died. Nancy is the daughter of Apolonia Palfey and the sister of Barbara Palfey and Jeffrey Palfey and his wife, Lisa. Please keep her and all the faithful departed in your daily prayer remembrance. May she rest in peace.

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, May 9 Tuesday, June 13 What Recovery Will and Will Not Mean Holding onto Hope Understanding the Four Tasks of Grief Looking at Guilt and Closure 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. WELCOME TO OUR PARISH We extend a warm welcome to FATHER JOHN P. FISCHER of Cross Catholic Outreach. He will be visiting our parish on the weekend of April and offer the homily at all Masses. He will remain from Monday through Friday, April 24-28, and will celebrate daily Mass, be available for confession, anointing of the sick and any funerals that occur. Fr. Ric will be on the annual mandatory Diocesan Clergy Convocation with Bishop Bambera and all the active priests of the Diocese at that time. If you are in need of a priest, please contact the parish office and your call will be returned. Father John P. Fischer, ordained as a member of the Comboni Missionaries on July 17, 1976, has worked in Comboni and Diocesan Missions in Kenya, East Africa. As a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Fr. Fischer has served as Hospital Chaplain, Mission Director, Tribunal Judge and Pastor between 1989 and In a wider ministry he has served as president of the U.S. Catholic Mission Association and on the National and International Catholic Committee of Scouting. Inspired by St. Daniel Comboni, First Bishop of Central Africa whose fundamental mission was to the poorest of the poor, we are honored to have Fr. Fischer as one of our Outreach Priests. NOVENA OF DIVINE MERCY The Novena of Divine Mercy begins Good Friday, April 14, through Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23. Booklets will be available in the vestibule. We encourage you to pray the Novena at home during the Easter Octave. DA I L Y REA DI N GS Sunday Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Jn 20:1-9 or Mt 28:1-10 or, at an afternoon or evening Mass, Lk 24:13-35 Monday Acts 2:14, 22-33; Mt 28:8-15 Tuesday Acts 2:36-41; Jn 20:11-18 Wednesday Acts 3:1-10; Lk 24:13-35 Thursday Acts 3:11-26; Lk 24:35-48 Friday Acts 4:1-12; Jn 21:1-14 Saturday Acts 4:13-21; Mk 16:9-15 Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell Thomas Pandolfi Sandy Honis Frank Polidora Scott Green RCIA CALENDAR Easter Vigil, April 15, 8:00 PM Initiation Sacraments No session Easter Sunday, April 16 May 21, Mystagogia Session June 4, Pentecost - Final Session ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to MAYLATH VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEMS INC. Bulletin Advertiser Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!