The Sunday Good News. For the Safety of Soldiers THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD

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1 The Church of Saint John Bosco November 12, 2017 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly Go instead to the merchants and buy some oil for yourselves. While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the doors were locked. Afterwards the others came and said, Lord, Lord, open the door for us. But he said in reply, Amen, I say to you, I do not know you. Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. For the Safety of Soldiers How often we hear the expression this is a wakeup call. It might call us to study harder, begin a healthier life style, or even to express gratitude for escaping an accident or tragedy. Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in You will be glad and forever will shout for joy. The parable of Jesus, who many have read this year, is directed to me today. How ready and prepared am I to accompany the Lord, who is walking with me today. The lamp oil is God s grace. Is it burning in me, at this moment? If the battery is low, where can I have it recharged? God s grace we find in the sacraments. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of Your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of Your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise You for Your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. How often we have been offered the example of a door, as opening the door of our hearts to the Lord, or He Himself knocking at the door wanting to enter. He is the gatekeeper. A door allows entrance to another place. Don t put off applying the parallel to your own spiritual life. It is my wakeup call. 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! Love is not a word, it is a deed, a service; humble service, hidden and silent, like Jesus said himself: do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Mt 6:30). It entails putting at others disposal the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us, so that the community might thrive (cf. 1 Cor.12:4-11). Furthermore, it is expressed in the sharing of material goods, so that no one be left in need. This sharing with and dedication to those in need is the lifestyle that God suggests, even to non-christians, as the authentic path of humanity. (3/12/16) ~ Pope Francis THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD Teen Lunch Bunch...Sun., Nov. 12, 11:30 AM, Kitchen Confirmation Class... Sunday, November 12, 6-7:30 PM Bereavement Support Group.. Tues., Nov. 14, 6:30 PM, M-P Room SPRED Total Community Meeting Tues., Nov. 14, 6:30 PM, Music Rm Charismatic Mass... Thursday, November 16, 7 PM Parish Pot Luck... Monday, November 20, 6:00-9:00 PM SJB Book Club... Sunday, December 3, 12:30 PM, Mayme s

2 PAGE 2 SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,115 families receive envelopes. 464 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of Nov. 4/5 Total Mass Attendance: 1,221 Total Sunday Offering: $9, Thank you for your generosity! Holy Redeemer High School Placement/Scholarship Test For interested Public and Private School 8th Graders Saturday, December 9, 8:30 AM Call Guidance Office to register for the test, (570) The TEEN LUNCH BUNCH will meet today, Sunday, November 12, at 11:30 AM in the kitchen. All students in 9th Grade and up are invited to attend! Faith Formation Corner Please join us for a Polar Express Movie Night on Friday, December 1 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the SJB Gym. A $2 ticket donation includes the movie, popcorn, and a drink. Goodies will also be available for sale from Adrienne and Nora s Sweet Shoppe during the movie. Proceeds will go to the Missionary Childhood Association. Please stop in the Faith Formation office to purchase tickets. Remember to bring a blanket and pillow, and wear your pajamas! Thank you to our Families in Faith group for organizing this event. 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 10. Please contact the Faith Formation office if you need assistance obtaining your child s Baptismal certificate. Confirmation Class will meet November 12, 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. There will be no Faith Formation or CLOW on Sunday, November 26. Class and CLOW will resume on Sunday, December 6. VOCATIONS Priesthood Religious Life Married Life Single Life How do you know what Vocation is for you? How does God call us for our Vocation? If I feel a calling what should I do? Teenagers and Young Adults, are you interested in getting answers to these questions? Join us and our guest panel in each of the vocations listed above for a Vocation Awareness Event Sunday, November 19, 2:00 PM in the church basement of Annunciation Parish. Guest Panel discussion from 2-3:15 PM; Questions answered from 3:15-5 PM; Celebration of Mass from 5:30-6:30 PM; Dinner and informal discussions from 6:30-8 PM. Sponsored by Faith in Action Youth Ministry at Annunciation Parish. Questions, Information, Reservations: Carol at faithinactionyouthministry@gmail.com. THE TRAVELING CHALICE VOCATION PROGRAM We are in need of 50 families to be part of this Vocation Awareness Program in our Parish. It is very simple. You call the Parish office at (570) , Ext. 3, to schedule a week when you would like to host the TRAVELING CHALICE in your home. On the weekend you receive the Chalice and take it home with you, you display it in a prominent place in your home and once each day you gather as part of your daily prayer to offer a prayer for Church Vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate or Religious Life. Prayers are included with the chalice. The purpose of this program is to raise awareness of the need for Church vocations and to pray for those men and women discerning a Call, those currently in the Seminary or Formation as well as to pray for all priests and religious, living or deceased, who have touched your life. Naturally, you may recite other prayers such as the Rosary, and you may invite family and neighbors to join you. However, that is NOT required. With close to 1,400 families I am sure that there are at least 50 families who could be part of this simple program of prayer. Please call to reserve your week as we began the program last weekend, November 4-5, 2017, in observance of National Vocation Awareness Week. The host for the TRAVELING CHALICE from November 12 through November 26 is the Alday Family. The BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE will be placed near the Baptismal Pool of our Church where it will remain for the month of November. All the names from previous years and any additional names you would like to add of your deceased loved ones, will be included in the Mass intentions throughout the month.

3 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Update as of Monday, November 6 Assigned Parish Goal $59, Pledges/Donations to Date $49, Under Goal $ 9, Participants 303 out of 1,137 (26.65%) Thanks to your generosity, we have reached almost 84% of our goal. Any gifts made to the Appeal in excess of our Parish Goal are returned to the Parish at the rate of 75% reimbursement. We are grateful for your prayerful support of the 2017 Diocesan Annual Appeal. The TABERNACLE CANDLE burns this week in memory of GEORGE A. and HELEN C. KATTNER, SR., given by June Leitner. REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD We extend our prayers and sympathy to the families of JEAN A. KUKLA, who died October 27; FAITH A. CHIPELESKI, who died October 29, and BARBARA REESE, a charter member of St. John Bosco Parish who was nearly 100 years old and who died November 1. Your prayers are also requested for DR. JAMES STAUDENMEIER, a faithful parishioner of Saint John Bosco Parish who died on Monday. The Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, November 11, Veteran s Day. May they and all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Greater Hazleton Concert Series, Inc. - Shades of Buble, Hazleton Area High School, November 13, 7:30 PM, For info: or Amelia, (570) St. Columba Parish WINTERFEST rd & Iron Sts., Bloomsburg. Craft and Food Festival, Saturday, November 18, 9 AM - 2 PM. Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service - Wednesday, November 22, 7 PM, Christ Lutheran Church, Main St., Conyngham. Holy Redeemer High School - presents The Sound of Music, Friday and Saturday, December 1st and 2nd, 7 PM. Reserved seating; Call (570) for tickets. Adults $10; Seniors $9; Students $8. Christmas in Conyngham - Saturday, December 2. Parade and Tree Lighting. Christ Lutheran Church Drive-Thru Nativity - December 2-3, 6-8 PM Hazleton Philharmonic Sounds of the Season - Christmas Concert, Friday, December 8, 7 PM, Wiltsie Center, Hazleton. Call (570) for tickets. MPB Community Players - Advent/Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 9, 7 PM, St. John Bosco Church. Free admission. WE REMEMBER PAGE 3 Saturday, 4:00 PM November 11 James Stagg By Pat & Chad Ferrari Sunday, 7:30 AM November 12 William Burger By Matt & Betsy Bayzick Sunday, 9:00 AM November 12 Antoni Jozef Gorlczyk By Family Sunday, 11:30 AM November 12 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Church Monday, 8:00 AM November 13 Dorothy Tomcho By Babula Family Tuesday, 8:00 AM November 14 Raymond & Rhea Kruzer By Mr. & Mrs. Terry Gallagher Tuesday, 2:00 PM November 14 THE LAURELS Frances Potkey By Mr. & Mrs. David Knorr Wednesday, 8:00 AM November 15 Louis Mattioli By Bob & Dottie Ritz Thursday, 8:00 AM November 16 Thomas Pensock By Don & Milissa Kotzer Thursday, 7:00 PM November 16 Charismatic Mass James Stagg By Parents, Bob & Arlene Friday, 8:00 AM November 17 Perillo & Lamberti Families By Mr. & Mrs. Lorenzo Ruggiero Saturday, 4:00 PM November 18 Pasquale Ferrari By Wife, Carol Sunday, 7:30 AM November 19 William G. Wanco By Clifford Wise Sunday, 9:00 AM November 19 Anna Mecca Mercuri Gallo By Fr. Ric Polmounter Sunday, 11:30 AM November 19 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Church

4 PAGE 4 DIOCESE OF SCRANTON Dear Members of the Faithful of the Church of Scranton, Nearly eight years ago now, on the day that I was installed as the tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton, I described the occasion in this way: This day is about Jesus and the legacy that he left to the world following his death and resurrection. It is about his pledge to give life, meaning and purpose to his followers through faith in his word and in the sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist. This day is about Jesus challenge to his Church, his people, to proclaim his Gospel boldly in word and deed. This celebration reminds us of who we are as Church and of what we are called to do and to be. In many ways, as we embark on this commemoration of the 150 th Anniversary of the Founding of the Diocese of Scranton, these same words could apply to the whole year: This year is about Jesus... the legacy of his life, death and resurrection. The pledge we claim in Jesus who gives life, meaning and purpose has been borne out in the real-life events, the struggles and the festivities, the history of his followers here in the eleven counties of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania. The challenge, the mission entrusted by Jesus to his Church to proclaim the Gospel boldly in word and deed has been met in generation after generation of those disciples who have journeyed in time before us and from whom we have inherited both the gift of faith and the responsibility to persist in the mission. We embrace together soon a new liturgical year a graced Anniversary Year marked by stories of historical import, actions which restore us and re-commit us to the founding vision of the reign of God, and gatherings which celebrate and remind us again of who we are as Church and what we are called to do and to be for our time and well into the future. The commemoration of this Sesquicentennial this 150 th Anniversary Year is framed in the theme The Journey Makes Us One. This unity as the pilgrim people of God refers to our one-ness across all the decades of our history, as well as to our one-ness even now as a richly diverse family of God united in heart and purpose. The theme also acknowledges that the journey is not complete that the human family, yes even all of creation, is still broken and yearning for the fullness of that unity which God intends and desires. The planning for this 150 th Anniversary of the Diocese of Scranton has been underway for nearly a year already. Now is the time for all of you to be invited into the many facets of your participation, and to add at the local parish level the features of the commemoration which are particular to your faith community. The design for the year has sought to keep these elements in mind: a) emphasizing gratitude to God in looking back; b) balancing between centralized and regional celebrations; c) highlighting lay founders and pioneers alongside clergy leaders; and d) underscoring the joy and hope in looking forward. A great deal of additional information will be provided in The Catholic Light, on the Diocesan website, and in the parish participation kit mailed to each of our 120 parishes. Be assured of my deep gratitude to God and to each one of you for the blessings which we will have the pleasure to recount and to celebrate in this 150 th Anniversary Year. It is my fervent prayer that we will continue to grow in grace and wisdom as we journey together in the footsteps of Jesus. Faithfully yours in Christ, Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Scranton ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD COLLECTION SJB is asked to donate instant potatoes, canned fruit and flour to the Valley Food Pantry for Thanksgiving food boxes for those in need. Coffee and tea bags are also welcome. Please place your items in the large baskets in the vestibule and hallway by November 12. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. CHARISMATIC MASS The next Charismatic Mass and Healing Service at St. John Bosco Church will be Thursday, November 16 at 7 PM. Father Michael Kloton will preside and Sue Shaw will begin her music ministry at 6:45 PM. Light refreshments will be available afterward in Room 3. Come and see. EAGLE SCOUT RECOGNITION We extend our prayerful congratulations and best wishes to RYAN HUNTER STEINER, a member of Boy Scout Troop 207, on achieving the highest award in BSA, EAGLE SCOUT. His Eagle Scout Leadership Project was to organize and build three cat trees for the Hazleton Animal Shelter. An Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held on Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 PM at the scouts regular meeting hall at Christ UCC, 460 Main St., Conyngham. PARISH POT LUCK celebrating the dedicated service of Sister Marilyn Karas, RSM, to St. John Bosco Parish, and the completion of our parish ARISE program, Monday: November 20, 6-9 PM, St. John Bosco Hall. For more information, contact Andrea at (570) or Jo at (570)

5 THE KNIGHTS CORNER 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 before and after all Masses on Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19. 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 $6 for a book of 8. The profits benefit local charities, the Knights Keep Christ in Christmas program and the upkeep of the Knights Nativity set at the Monastery along Route 93. BULLETIN ADVERTISEMENTS We are in the process of securing ads for our updated new bulletin cover that begins on January 6-7, The support of the advertisements defrays the cost of printing 500 multi-page bulletins each week. If you or your business would be able to take an ad for either 6 months or for the full year, it would be deeply appreciated. We are extremely grateful to those who are able to renew their ad as well as to those who begin a new ad. The cost remains the same: Full year: $300; Half Year: $175. For further information simply contact our Bulletin Volunteers: Diane Klouser ( ) and Melanie Pensock ( ) or leave a message at the Parish Office ( , ext. 3). Diane and Melanie volunteer countless hours to seek ads and to prepare the listing for the printer and we deeply appreciate their ministry to our parish. We also encourage our parishioners to patronize these businesses listed in our parish bulletin and to tell the advertisers that you saw their ad in our bulletin and to thank them for their generous support. YOUTH RETREATS Mark Your Calendar! I.S.L.I. A leadership retreat for high school students in Grades A peer-led experience that focuses on enhancing or uncovering existing leadership potential. The goal of I.S.L.I. is to empower students to be leaders in their schools, communities and especially their parishes: February 16-18, 2018, Camp Ladore, Waymart, PA; July 9-12, 2018, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. Up & Over - A weekend retreat for 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade students. Team-building exercises, problem solving skills, and small group processing helps students discover their strengths and inherent goodness. The skills learned during this retreat will help students get up & over their challenges. June 1-3 and September 28-30, Camp Orchard Hill, Dallas, PA. MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION We are in need of 16 additional Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to sign up to minister at Masses on the weekend of November 25-26, the Solemnity of Christ the King. On that weekend, which concludes the Liturgical Year, we would like to offer Holy Communion under both species, the consecrated bread and wine. We need four extra ministers at each of our weekend Masses. If you are available, and not already scheduled for that weekend, please sign up in the sacristy. ALTAR SERVER ALBS ORDERED We are in need of four new altar server robes. These albs have been ordered and should be here before Thanksgiving. If you would like to donate one (or more) in memory of a loved one, for a special intention or in thanksgiving for blessings received, please contact the parish office at (570) , ext. 3, this week. Donation: $50 each. The intention and donor for each will be listed in the bulletin unless otherwise requested. ALTAR SERVER ALBS In preparation for the holidays, the 20 altar server robes have been laundered. We ask our altar servers to hang them up neatly on the assigned hanger for the proper size in the altar server closet. Button the one snap so they don t fall to the floor. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated. We encourage our parents to remind their son/ daughter of proper handling of these liturgical garments. ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED for December 7 and 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. Three altar servers needed Thursday, December 7, 5:00 PM (must be here by 4:45 PM) and three altar servers needed Friday, December 8, 7:00 PM (must be here by 6:45 PM). A sign-up list will be in the sacristy. 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. No Confessions will be heard on Christmas Eve, December 24. The Advent Confession Schedule will be listed in the bulletin next weekend, November NEW YEARS - HOLY DAY OBLIGATION: New Year s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 4 PM New Year s Day: Monday, January 1, 7:30 and 9 AM ONLY

6 WEDDING BELLS ECUMENICAL COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE Wednesday, November 22, 7:00 PM Christ Lutheran Church Main Street, Conyngham Speaker: Rev. Cheryl Trent, Pastor Conyngham United Methodist Church We extend our prayerful congratulations and best wishes to CHRISTOPHER J. DELUCCA AND DENA M. ULSHAFER who were united in the Sacrament of Matrimony on Friday, November 10, 2017, and KRISTOPHER D. BRUGGER and JENNIFER M. SAMPSON who were united in the Sacrament of Matrimony on Saturday, November 11, Fr. Ric Polmounter witnessed their exchange of wedding vows and rings. May they continue to grow in their love for God and in their commitment to one another. PRE-CANA PROGRAM Engaged couples who are planning to be married at St. John Bosco Church in 2018 or 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. The next scheduled Pre-Cana program in our area will take place on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Queen of Heaven Parish (Our Lady of Grace Church), 750 North Vine Street, Hazleton. Pre-registration is required. Forms are available in our parish office or by calling Deacon Bob Roman at (570) The program begins at 10:15 AM and includes: Continental Breakfast, Mass, Marriage Discussion on Family of Origin, Finances, Early Adjustment, Communications, Spirituality and Sacramentality, Sexuality within Marriage, Lunch and a Certificate of Attendance. Cost: $75 per couple. Registration is due no later than March 23, Checks payable to Queen of Heaven Parish. CHRISTMAS SHOW 3 TICKETS AVAILABLE Friday, November 17. Bus leaves at 11:45 AM to Lancaster from St. John Bosco lot. ONLY $92 and includes lunch on bus, coach transportation, show and dinner at Shady Maple and tip. If you are interested in one or more of these tickets, contact Marie Guza at (570) First come first served. PRO-LIFE BABY SHOWER BLESSING The Pro-Life Baby Shower sponsored by St. John Bosco Parish during the month of October (Respect Life Month) was a huge success. We are grateful to those who coordinated this event to support the sacredness of all life. A special word of thanks to Dr. Rachel Leskosky (representing our parish) and Mr. Lew Grant (representing the parish Knights of Columbus). The gifts of infant clothing (new and gently used) and baby supplies and a check for $1, received in the Baby Bottles will be taken to the Pregnancy Resource Center in West Hazleton. The articles that were donated will be blessed during the 9 AM Mass this Sunday, November 12. A special word of gratitude to all parishioners and friends who donated these items or contributed to this project. SJB BOOK CLUB has selected Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. We will meet Sunday, December 3 at 12:30 PM at Mayme s. You are welcome to join us! DA I L Y REA DI N GS Sunday Wis 6:12-16; 1 Thes 4:13-18 or 4:13-14; Mt 25:1-13 Monday Wis 1:1-7; Lk 17:1-6 Tuesday Wis 2:23-3:9; Lk 17:7-10 Wednesday Wis 6:1-11; Lk 17:11-19 Thursday Wis 7:22b-8:1; Lk 17:20-25 Friday Wis 13:1-9; Lk 17:26-37 Saturday Wis 18:14-16, 19:6-9; Lk 18:1-8 or, for the Memorial of the Dedication, Acts 28:11-16, 30-31; Mt 14:22-33 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: November 19 Place & Time of Session: Office Conference Room, AM Topic: Eschatology with focus on the four final things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to THOMAS P. KISLAN, O.D. Bulletin Advertiser Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!