St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish

Transcription

1 St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish 5112 Pocono Crest Rd. P.O. Box O Pocono Pines, PA Parish Office Phone: (570) Fax: (570) Web Page: Welcome To all who are tired and need rest; to all who mourn and need comfort; to all who are friendless and need friendship; to all who are discouraged and need hope; to all who are homeless and need sheltering love; to all who sin and need a Savior; and to whomsoever will, the Parish of St. Maximilian Kolbe opens wide its doors in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! November 17th, rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Our Mission Statement We of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish believe that we have been gifted with Life, Faith and Discipleship. Empowered by Jesus in Word and Sacrament, we are called to grow in wisdom, grace and fidelity to His Church by following the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD THE KINGDOM OF GOD

2 November 17th, rd Sunday in Ordinary Time NOT WATCHING FOR THE SECOND COMING As we near the end of the Church year, the scriptures become more urgent. Both the prophet Malachi and Jesus in the Gospel according to Luke offer graphic pictures of a terrible future. But we are missing the message if we use these passages to speculate about when the world will end. The troubles predicted have already occurred, and then some. In the last century alone we have seen devastation beyond anything the ancient prophets could have imagined. We weren t given these passages to strike fear in our hearts, but faith. The sun of justice will rise, Malachi assures us, for those who are faithful. And Jesus promises, By your perseverance you will secure your lives. But it is Paul who brings the message down to earth. The Thessalonians were so sure that the end of the world was upon them, some of them had stopped working! Paul states his case clearly: If anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We are not called to worry about how things will end, but to live today faithfully. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Staff Reverend John B. Boyle ~ Pastor ~ jbboyle@me.com Deacon Frank Gisoldi ~ deaconf@ptd.net Mrs. Lynnette Smith Coordinator of Religious Education/ Pastoral Associate ~ lysmith@ptd.net Marion Colvin Office Manager ~ mcol@ptd.net John Marcinkowski, Jr. Coordinator of Music ~ jjm1105@ptd.net Pastors Points To Ponder When we hear this Sunday s Gospel with its doomsday language, it is easy to consider it a prediction of the future. But in reality the events described had actually taken place shortly before Luke s Gospel was written. With the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70 it is easy to understand why Luke would put these words in the mouth of Jesus and call upon Christians (especially those who had fled subsequent persecution) to remain faithful. We may not be facing destruction from invading forces, but the call to be strong in the faith is given to us as well. Serve with Love Diocesan Annual Appeal If you were not able to make a pledge to the appeal last weekend, packets are still available in the parish office or by calling the Diocesan Development Office in Scranton at or online at Thank You to all those who did participate. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION We are faced with strong and disturbing readings today that hold a certain fascination, since they seem at first glance to be blueprints for future inevitable wars and hardship. A fundamentalist interpretation focuses on this aspect. Yet we hear them at our Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, which infuses them with hope and optimism. Rather than dreading the future, today s liturgy assures us that God is with us in all of life s inevitable trials, and that we have a role in shaping the outcome of human history. Occasionally, some Christians have attempted to decode these readings for an exact measure of the world s end, but they have thus far been disappointed. Nothing lasts forever is a lyric from a Broadway show. Stars fall from the sky, leaves wither and fall, mountains wash into the sea, human projects and governments totter and collapse with great regularity. Today s liturgy opposes this idea as incomplete, reminding us that Christ has made a permanent change in human history, and that life in him is life forever. Rather than inviting us to throw in the towel, today s liturgy strengthens us for acts of goodness and grace in our families, communities, and world. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.

3 Week of: November 16th thru Nov. 24th Saturday 4:00 pm Catherine Butwel by George & Maggie Mazeffa Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners 10:30 am Barbara Visconti by Pat & Don Ryan Monday 8:15 am Dominick F. Veneziani by Jean & Austin Grammes Tuesday 8:15 am Thomas & Virginia Gilmartin Christine Gilmartin Wed 8:15 am Communion Service Thursday 8:15 am For Gods Healing presence ~Patrick Grace by Don & Jackie Michels Friday 8:15 am Johanna & John Rowan by Pat Cranley Saturday 4:00 pm Leon Petersen by Mary Howe Sunday 8:00 am Jim Hannon by Pat Hannon 10:30 am For The Parishioners Saturday Confessions at 3:00 pm In the case of inclement weather conditions, if school is cancelled, there will be no Mass; if school is delayed, Mass will be delayed. Also, there will not be an 8:15 Mass when a Funeral Mass is scheduled. There is nothing more powerful than prayer and fasting in the battle for true justice in our country. It is the hope of the bishops that these efforts will encourage real solidarity among all people who are standing for the precious gifts of lie, marriage and religious liberty. ~Bishop Michael J. Sheridan, Bishop of Colorado Springs, The Bishop s Voice: A Battle for True Justice, The Colorado Catholic Herald, January 18,2013 Total Expenditures (for Y/E. June 30, 2012)... $440,703 Avg. weekly cost of Operation. 8,475 Collection for w.e. 11/03/ ,616 All Saints Day. 710 (Deficit) / surplus (3,149) Expansion Loan (debt).. $ 76,035. Saturday: Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9; Sunday: Malachi 3:19-20a; 2 Thess. 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19 Monday: 1 Macc. 1:10-15, 41-43,54-57,62-63; Luke 18:35-43 Tuesday: 2 Macc. 6:18-31; Luke 19:1-10 Wednesday: 2 Macc. 7:7, 20-31; Luke 19:11-28 Thursday: 1 Macc. 2:15-29; Luke 19:41-44 Friday: 1 Macc. 4:36-37, Luke 19:45-48 Saturday: 1 Macc. 6:1-13; Luke 20:27-40 Sunday: 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Col.1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43

4 Parish Life A FAMILY LITURGY will be held at the 10:30 Mass on Sunday, November 24th, the Feast of Christ the King. The final practice for the students who wish to have special parts in the Mass will be held after the 10:30 Mass this weekend. Please note: There will be no Pre-K/K Class and no Children s Liturgy of the Word on the days we celebrate Family Liturgies. We encourage all the children to attend these special Masses. The next Family Liturgy will be at 4 P.M. on Christmas Eve. Please check the bulletin for the practice dates. AN ADVENT FAMILY FAITH & FUN NITE will be held on Wednesday, December 4th from 6-7 P.M. If your family would like to attend, please see Lynnette, or call or (lysmith@ptd.net) by December 1st. Parent Meeting #2 for First Penance will be held in the hall at 6:30 pm on Thursday, November 21st. Parent meetings are a vital part of the partnership of the parish and our families in working together to foster the religious formation, faith development and Sacramental preparation of our young people. It is essential that every family is represented at the meetings; childcare will be provided. OUR ADVENT JOURNEY ADVENT CANDLE SETS will soon be available. We encourage each household to have an Advent Wreath. A donation of $5 will cover the cost of the candles. Advent Prayer Booklets will be provided for anyone who would like to use them for their Advent Devotions. THE WORD AMONG US, Mass Edition offers the Daily Scripture Readings and reflections for each day, as well as articles to enrich your faith. If you would like us to reserve a copy each month for 2104 at a discounted group rate, ($20), please contact the parish office by November 29th. We will save a copy in the office for each person who wishes to subscribe. Fr. John B. Boyle & St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish present ~ Canadian Rockies by Train Oct. 2-10, Days ~ 13 Meals. Highlights include: British Columbia, Vancouver, VIA Rail, Jasper, Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary. Double $4,499. Single $5,199. Includes r/t air from Newark Intl., Air taxes, Fees, Surcharges & Hotel Transfers. For more info contact Fr. Boyle at or jbboyle@me.com The Prayer Garden is open. There are still a few details that need to be taken care of including some additional landscaping that probably will have to wait until spring. Actually, it will never be finished, memorial pavers can always be added to the pathway. The second section is also planned for the spring and we hope to include the Stations of the Cross in it. If you would like an engraved brick or want to sponsor the one remaining bench please pick up an order form in the Parish Office. The Dedication of the Garden is planned for the month of May. We hope you will find it a peaceful place to reflect and pray. Contact Fr. Boyle if you have any questions. Centering Prayer Meetings Mondays - 10 am Our Lady of the Lake Hall FIVE MINUTES WITH THE WORD booklets will provide reflections on the Scriptures for the Advent Season. We encourage you to take a copy to use as part of your spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christmas. REDISCOVER CATHOLICISM This week s Group Discussion for this Matthew Kelly book will be held Wednesday, November 20th at 7 pm or Thursday, November 21st at 9:30 am. If you need to purchase a copy of the book ($3) or pick up a free study guide, please see Lynnette Smith or call her in the Parish Office.

5 Parish Life OUR SCRIPTURE SHARING GROUP gathers at 9:30 on Tuesday mornings to prayerfully reflect on the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday. Using commentaries and discussion questions to guide us, participants share their insights and questions, explore how God is speaking to them through His Word, and seek to discern how God is calling each of them to respond in their daily lives to the Word. Remember in Prayer The Sick and The Homebound Phoebe Bramley ~ Charles Oddy Kevin Kret ~ Fr. Urban Theresa Marcinkowski ~ Kathleen McDonnell Vincent Rinaldi ~ George Mazeffa Arthur Bramley ~ Lillian Cortese ~ Ron Heisler Joseph McKenna ~ George Ondrajka Msgr. Jerry Sherba ~John Scanlon Doris Pappas ~ Theresa Akus ~ Joe Miller Danielle Sergi ~ Richard Snell ~ Dorothy Sergie Elana Knitel ~ Jay Livziey ~ Thomas Kobrtwitz Scott H. ~ Barbara Sciandra ~ Jack McKenna Riley Direnzo ~ Terry Quinn ~ Ann Valentina Karen Connell Olsher ~ Alexander John Snyder Maria Mercedes ~ Louis Larsen Jr.~ Antonia Lucia Joan Rafferty ~ Charlie Ondrajka~ Joshua Kovitch Terrence Sumrall ~ Chase Robert If you, or someone you know would like to be included on the prayer list or in our prayer network, please call the office. Hospital Visits - Fr. Boyle is more than willing to visit those who are hospitalized. Please call the office ( ) and let Father or the office staff know who is in the hospital and which hospital they are in. IMMIGRATION: THE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA Sat., Nov. 23rd ~ 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Eastern Monroe Public Library 1002 North 9th St., Stroudsburg, PA Prominent speakers will engage in a topic at the forefront of our country s issues. For information contact: Bernard or bhobson@ptd.net Parish Life Next meeting in November is Monday the 18th, at 7 pm in Our Lady of the Lake Hall. Please call G.K. Steve Glinane at or check the website The Pastor s Wish List. Frequently individuals or families inquire about contributing a substantial sum of money to be used in memory of a loved one or one s family. The Pastor s Wish List has been created to give an idea of the needs of the Parish and how a family or loved one can be remembered in a very special manner. If anyone desires to discuss any item on the list below, please contact Fr. Boyle for more information. This list is not in any particular order or preference. An estimated cost for each item is just that ~ an estimate. ~ For someone to write a check in the amount of $76,035. to pay-off our Parish Debt. ~A contract with a Web Site Company that will produce, edit and enhance our Parish Web site on a regular basis. ~$3,000. ~Additional security cameras for monitoring the exterior of the church and rectory. ~$10,000. ~ $20,000 to enable the parish to hook up to AQUA WATER and sewer lines. If needed, more suggestions can be made! Parish Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday 9 am to 4 pm Thursday 9 am to Noon Friday - CLOSED Week of November 17th The Eucharistic Sanctuary Light Available for 2 weeks for $20. The Bread and Wine In Memory of Pat Cuccolo by His Wife & Children Altar Flowers Available for $75. for one week Tabernacle Flowers Available for $50. for one week

6 Parish Life PRAYERS FOR MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT SERVICE Cpt. Thomas M. Smith - Hanscom AFB, MA Airman Joshua Ponce - Kenya James Murtha, USN - VA Sgt. Richard J. Fissler Jr. - Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA Lt. Col. Christopher Yuskaitis - Italy Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr. - Teaneck, NJ Cpl. John P. Bramley - Camp Pendleton, CA Airman Basic Minnette Fruauff - San Antonio, TX Marc Barney, USN - Mediterranean Sea Sgt. Nicholas Bogert - Afghanistan Airman Linda DeMuro - Afghanistan Staff Sgt. William D. Olsen - Nellis AFB, NV 3rd Class Petty Officer DC3 Jeffrey Royall - USCG -VA Pvt. Nhelmar DePerro - Camp Le Jeune, NC Pvt. Dylan Yost, USMC - Afghanistan PFC Amber Keppol - Fort Leonard Wood, MO DEPLOYED CIVILIAN PERSONNEL Eugene Maslar, Jr.-Bagram, Afghanistan Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. ~AMEN Around the Diocese THE MARCH FOR LIFE Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Wyoming Valley Chapter has arranged bust transportation, from our area, to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The March will take place on Wednesday, January 22, To reserve your seat, please mail payment to PHL, 31 Hanover St., Wilkes-Barre, PA Include a phone number. The cost, including dinner, is $25. for students and $50. for adults. Quarterly Essentials Drive - Family Promise St. Maximilian Parish has helped support families in need through collections. Thanks to St. Max parishioners and the efforts of Sue Snell and Mary Miraglia, much needed baby items have been donated and given to families sheltered by family Promise. The majority of the families who received support are now receiving aftercare to help maintain their self-sufficiency. Ecumenical / Interfaith AN INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE will be held at 6 P.M. on Sunday, November 24th at the Pocono Lake United Methodist Church; several area clergy members will participate. As we gather to give thanks in prayer and song for the blessings in our lives, we also come to share those blessings with our neighbors in need. During the service, offerings of non-perishable food, paper products, soap, detergent, etc. will be received for distribution at the Ecumenical Food Pantry. Here will also be an opportunity to contribute to the free will offering to support the work of the Top O the Mountain Ecumenical Council, which helps to address other needs of families living in the immediate area. For directions to PLUMC, or more information about the Thanksgiving Service, please call HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AT FIVE LOAF HOUSE is still in need of skilled (especially plumbers and electricians at this time) and nonskilled laborers on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. 2 p.m. If you are able to help, just drop in during those times. If you would like to organize a group to help, contact Monroe Habitat for Humanity s Affiliate Coordinator Kelly Kemmerer at kellykemmerer@habitatmc.org or call St. Max is also helping provide lunches for the workers once or twice a month. If you can bake a dessert, provide fruit, or a side dish, we can use your help. Please call Sally at Five Loaf House is located at 133 Firehouse Rd. in Pocono Pines. ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY Next preparation day is Monday, November 18th, for distribution on Tuesday, November 19th. St. Maximilian Kolbe has been asked to supply the Peanut Butter & Jelly for the pantry. Other items needed for November are: cranberry sauce, stuffing, turkey gravy, cake mix, canned yams and other vegetables. Thank You for your generosity.