Remembering. Worship. Worship. We believe Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and the center of our parish life and mission!

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2 Remembering Worship MONDAY Kristie McDowell Kennard Scott The Wallen Family Joan Ardizoni Peter Sensi Special Intention The Family Kathy Olick TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Catherine & Joseph Dominakus The Family Rillstone Family Peter & Denise Piepoli Judge Carlon M. O Malley Mollie Gordon Friend The Goldate Family A. J. Rinaldi, Jr. Donald Kalie The Family The Family Albert & Peg Walker M/M Lawrence Liptock FRIDAY SATURDAY (CSG) 5:00 PM Worship We believe Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and the center of our parish life and mission! Living Liturgy For Reflection: How does faith become elitist? The gifts of bread and wine are donated this week in memory of Thomas FitzPatrick 2 In grade school most of us learned about tattletales, those fellow gradeschoolers who were so eager to impress the teacher or another adult that they tattled on their fellow students. Joey didn t do what you asked him to do! Mirta called me a name! Jorge is eating the cookies! But too often the tattletales did not receive the response they expected. Often it was, Nobody likes a tattletale. Today the disciples, in their continuing streak of misunderstanding, come to Jesus with some news. It s as though they are tattling, We saw someone doing something in your name, but he s not in our group so we stopped him. Jesus responds with the equivalent of, No one likes a tattletale. He then makes a claim that can be described as big tent Christianity, in saying that whoever is not against us is for us. The double negative not against is significant, and seems to be a rather low bar. If simply not being against is the equivalent of being for there seems to be hope! Yet, this rather low-bar admonition is followed immediately by a stern and disturbing warning: Causing a little one to sin is worthy of death. What then follows is a series of prophetic hyperbole intended to make the point that the kingdom of God is worth any price. Lopping off a body part that causes one to sin is better than losing eternal life. The early church recognized these commands concerning self-maiming as hyperbole and did not take them literally. These are warnings to sever any relationship that causes sin. The kingdom of God is the ultimate prize worth any price.

3 Mrs. Bridget Kosierowski leads the celebration of God s Word with the youngest members of our faith community during the 10:00 AM Mass on Sunday. Celebrating the Liturgy of the Word in this way is an empowering experience, giving our children a foundation for understanding and appreciating Scripture. Over several years, the children not only become comfortable with hearing and discussing God s Word but also gain an appreciation for their liturgical heritage as Catholics. THE PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. GREGORY, GUIDED BY CHRIST S GOSPEL MESSAGE OF LOVE AND NOURISHED FOR MISSION AT EUCHARIST WELCOMES THE WORLD WITH OPEN ARMS, FAITHFUL HEARTS AND HANDS READY TO SERVE. Please do not park in the main driveway along the side of the Church. We have three parking lots available for your convenience. Please use the main church parking lot or the OLP parking lots ( front/rear) to insure everyone s safety and a reasonable traffic flow on and off our campus during construction. Your kind cooperation is deeply appreciated. We recognize God s call to serve our parish family and neighbors near and far! WE RE GLAD YOU RE HERE! The Church of St. Gregory is a diverse and vibrant community of faith that offers many opportunities to enrich your spiritual life, serve those in need, educate your family, and most importantly, to belong. Service More children are lost to cancer every year in the United States than any other disease. Worldwide, every TWO minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer! Every day in the U.S., a full busload of children is diagnosed with cancer. Yet only FOUR percent of U.S. federal funding is solely dedicated to childhood cancer research. The average age of childhood cancer diagnosis is six. Without a cure to childhood cancers, each child will lose an average of 71 productive years of life!! That is enormous. That is 71 years when a child could grow up, get married, have kids, create something the world has never seen before, or even discover cures for cancer. Even more, 2/3rds of childhood cancer patients will have long-lasting chronic conditions from treatment. Whoever you are, no matter where you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome and wanted here. Take time to discover for yourself an authentic and welcoming community that you can call home. Here are some ways to get started: You may fill out an online registration form at CHURCHOF- STGREG@GMAIL.COM or download form and return to our office at your convenience. 3

4 Stewardship Love and generosity start here at home. We are grateful for your faithful stewardship which sustains the life of the parish, supports our outreach and ministries, as well as maintains the level of staffing needed to put our mission into action: welcoming the world with open arms, faithful hearts and hands ready to serve. Thank you for your gift of treasure and commitment to do God s work here at the Church of Saint Gregory offered on the weekend of September 15 & 16, Sunday Offering $11, Building Fund Payments $ 6, Cancer Collection $ 2, John Paul II $ Dear Friend(s): Anger is a normal response to the most recent news regarding the Grand Jury Report in Pa. It is reasonable for many to be horrified, angry, disappointed and upset. I am learning that talking to each other helps and avoiding what we feel does not. I encourage you to have open and honest discussions with others and encourage others whenever possible to contact me for support. This is a time to remember the gospel message is simple. It is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Savior, and our relationship with him individually and together. Only from this foundation can we move forward as Living Stones of faith. While in many ways I personally feel powerless to do anything, I will continue to strive to serve this parish with integrity putting all of you first. We must remember the victims. We must pray unceasingly for their healing and engage them with support whenever possible. I can assure you that child safety is our priority and we will work even harder to ensure that everyone is protected. I will continue to spread the good news of the gospel with regard to the fullness of the Catholic faith. Never more is the clear proclamation of truth needed. I will encourage stories of good works. Amidst the stories of sin and evil, we need to tell the stories of God and grace, and there are many stories to tell. Finally I need you to help me build trust. The only way to do that is over time and through right relationships. Please encourage family members and friends who now feel estrangement to stay close to us. God will work through you and me in the daily interactions of their life. Our parish community remains a valuable part of everyone s call to follow Jesus even in the midst of doubt and sadness. As I feel overwhelmed at times by this torrent of pain you are feeling, I will not neglect the One who can calm the storm, the One whose News we are called to proclaim. Grief, healing and renewal are the very gifts of Church. The reality we have is Christ living in each of us calling us to redemption. Peace, Father John Hurricane Florence On the weekend of October 6-7, there will be an emergency second collection. These funds will be used to support the efforts of Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA as they reach out to provide humanitarian, long-term recovery, and Church needs arising from these storms. Weekly Pantry Collection Pancake Mix Syrup 4 Donations this week will be offered to Catholic Social Services. Donations of pet food will always be received. God calls us to glorify Him even through our suffering. Through Eucharist, Anointing with Holy Oils, inspirational, contemporary music and praising God, let healing begin! A Celebration of Healing will take place on Sunday, October 28 at 3:00 PM in Saint Gregory s Church. A musical prelude will begin at 2:30 PM. Father Sibliano will be celebrant and music will be provided by Jennifer Michel.

5 Dear Fr. John, Once again, thank you very much for allowing Clare to do her project after the masses this past weekend. As you know, Pediatric Cancer Research is near to our hearts. It was an astounding showing of Generosity by our St. Greg s community. A whopping $2, was collected!! We are so very thankful to all who stopped to support the cause and to share their stories with Clare. Teaching our children to give back and be a part of something bigger than themselves is so vital to creating caring people Thank you for helping us to do that. Liz and Sean Devine We cherish our relationship with Jesus and strive to make the gospel relevant to our daily lives! Word 5

6 Leadership Teams Dear Friends, Michele Musheno, Theresa Robinson, Scott Pettinato, Marjorie Barlow, Joe Hogan, Donald Broderick, Ted Tomaszewski, Mary Ann Morgan, Logan Lombardo, Deacon Bob, Gemma Chuff, Mary Chuff, Matthew Walsh, Theresa Acla, John Zaums, Marian Farrell, Barbara Bratz, Chris After much thought and prayerful reflection and in consideration of the gravity of the findings of the Grand Jury report and the impact it is having on victims, their families and all members of the faithful, I have decided to make some changes to this year s Annual Appeal. During the course of the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak with pastors and hear from parishioners who have shared with me the pain and hurt that everyone is feeling. This is an extremely difficult time for all of us and we must be steadfast in our resolve to support one another and care for those among us who are suffering the most-victims of sexual abuse and their families. Behan, Perry Rose, Fr. John While we initially planned to move forward with the Diocesan Annual Appeal as we have done in past years, it has become clear to me that we must engage your support in a much different way this year. Bill Burkavage, John Devine, Paul With this in mind, some components of the Appeal will be suspended this year-the showing of the Appeal video in the parishes and our In-Pew Commitment Weekend. Gerega, Deacon Bob, Yvonne Cronkey, Ken Paulino, Jim Fleming, Father John. We will be requesting support through an Appeal letter to be sent to past Appeal donors in September. There will also be pledge envelopes in the back of your Church for anyone wishing to make a gift to the Annual Appeal. The Appeal video is available on our website: and I encourage you to view the video which shares stories about some of the wonderful ministries that rely on your gifts each year. I am sincerely grateful to you for your understanding and prayers and for your continued interest in supporting the Diocese. There has never been a more important time in the history of our Diocese for us to come together as one to meet the needs of our Diocese and the people we serve. With your support, we will restore trust, care for all who seek our assistance and once again bring hope to our people. Faithfully yours in Christ, Bishop Bambera On Sunday, October 7 at 6:00 PM there will be a family liturgy for all Confirmation candidates, parents, brothers and sisters and sponsors followed by a pizza party hosted by our Community Team. Our ninth grade confirmation candidates will be supporting all the liturgy ministries within Mass with their participation. We look forward to a great worship experience that is engaging and prayerful Mass with Candidates Fresh brewed coffee in St. Joe s Café every Sunday from 8:00 am to Noon and mornings after Mass. 6 Party

7 Our teachers were ready to go on Sunday as students in our Faith Formation program returned for the start of a new Fall semester. We currently have 18 teachers and aides working in our program. Thanks for being there! We believe that our Baptism forms us into a family joined together to love God and one another! Community Get Involved In observance of the feast of Saint Francis, we will have our annual Pet Blessing on Sunday, October 7 at 1:30 PM in the church parking lot. All pets and their people will be welcome to attend. We will also collect pet food to be distributed to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. Whether you re interested in serving, connecting with others, worshipping, giving, or growing spiritually, we offer many opportunities for adults of all ages and youth to choose from. This bulletin along with our website is the best source of information for those wanting to engage. 7

8 Baptisms are normally celebrated on the Third Sunday of every month during or following the 12 noon liturgy. Baptisms may be arranged at other times when necessary. Parent and Godparent preparation may be scheduled by calling the rectory for an appointment. The prayer shawl ministry meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM in the rectory. A team of volunteers who provide comfort, a meal or assis- tance with parishioners and neighbors suffering loss or illness of any kind. Please contact the rectory at anytime for the celebration of this sacrament. Arrangements should be made six months prior to the desired wedding date. Please contact Father Lapera. David Hemmler, Marion Eagen, Nina Magnani, Cindy Dick, Debbie Colarossi, Ron Grambo, Donna Nasser, Judy Grambo, Danny Marx. Julie Nastasi, Carol Strauch, John Devine, Kate Sebring, Chrissy Jacoby Deacon Bob, Meg & John Hambrose, Jane Farr, Judy Burkavage, Susan Scanland. The Service Team has a complete list of service connected opportunities. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Julie Nastasi at julie.nastasi@gmail. com. Tracy Bannon, Saul & Lisa Rigau, Yvonne Cronkey, Bridget Walsh, Bill Durdach, Danelle Hogan, Molly Johnson, Pam Jones, Mary Griffin, Joe Hogan Nina Magnani. Parish activities and sign-up sheets may be found on the Welcome Cart. For more information, please contact Tracy Bannon at tracybannon@stjosephscenter. Org Ruth Fried, Bob Barry, Jack Rubano, Connie Sheils, Patti Staples, Fred Mercandante, Deacon Bob, Dr. Ted Tomaszewski. To learn more about the Word Coordinating Team, please contact Patti Staples at thstapes@comcast.net. (Both) Spirit Song Ensemble and Voices of Faith Choir: Wed. 7:00 p.m. Genesis Children s Choir: Wed. 4:00 p.m. A team of volunteers who provide appropriate ideas and design for the decoration of our worship space. Ministers of Hospitality are the welcoming ambassadors of our parish family at liturgy. Please contact our office for more information. A team of Extraordinary Communion Ministers visit our homebound with Communion every month. For more Information please contact Deacon Robert Sheils at rsheils1@comcast.net Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM and every Tuesday afternoon at 5:15 PM. If anyone has a family member, relative or friend in any of the area hospitals and would like them to have a visit, please call the rectory. Our parish partners with St. Joseph s School in Uganda. Donations are always welcome in support of student tuition. A pet group that collects food and supplies for the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. For more information please contact Lisa Thomas at lmt01@comcast.net Weekly donations may be left in the closet to your left as you come in the new entrance on the OLP side. There is a wagon inside the door for all donations. See page 4 for a list of items we are collecting each week. There are also four large annual collections. This ministry seeks to raise awareness of the growing problem of homelessness of veterans within our local community and serve residents at St. Francis Commons. For more information please bburkavage@gmail.com This team will encourage parish support for refugees arriving in our community from all over the world in cooperation with CSS of the Diocese of Scranton. Family, friends and visitors are welcome for coffee after Mass in St. Joe s Café on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. Guild meetings take place the first Thursday of every month from September through May, with the exception of January. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the rectory. saintgregoryswomensguild@gmail. com A social gathering to foster fellowship, friendship and parish family for all parish adults. The community table meets at a different venue monthly. Information will be published in the Green Dialog or you may judywalsh730@gmail.com. Our Religious Education program takes place every Sunday Morning at 11:05 AM at Our Lady of Peace School for grades 1-8. Kindergarten Class is held at Our Lady of Peace School. Our Lady of Peace School 410 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA Mrs. M. Colleen Jumper, Principal - Holy Cross High School 501 E. Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA Mr. Benjamin D. Tolerico, Principal - There currently is an R.C.I.A. team ready to welcome anyone interested in becoming a Catholic or to learn more about their Catholic faith. Please Connie at rsheils@epix.net. Seasonal Faith Formation opportunities for all ages are offered throughout the year.