The Sunday Good News THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD PRAYER TO KNOW MY VOCATION

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1 The Sunday Good News Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time The Church of Saint John Bosco February 24, 2019 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly But love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful Stop judging stop condemning, forgive and you will be forgiven. PRAYER TO KNOW MY VOCATION Lord, I want to be happy in this life and spend eternity with You in the life to come. From the first moment of my existence, You knew my vocation. please help me discover Your plan for my life. Help me to know myself. Help me to overcome my fears. Help me to want what You want. Help me to trust You completely. Send Your Holy Spirit into my mind and heart so I can see the gifts You have given me and hear Your call to serve the Church. Increase my desire to bring others to You and to help them reach heaven. Mary Most Holy, Mother of God, pray for me that I can discover my vocation and have the courage to respond in faith. Amen. If we wished to choose one word to describe the ministry of Pope Francis, it would be mercy. His writings reflect this teaching of Jesus in the beatitudes. He proclaimed a holy year of mercy. He constantly is extending the compassionate hand of Jesus to the poor and marginalized. Luke s teaching asks us to consider what seems so difficult. Love enemies, give without expecting a return, be concerned for ungrateful and those so distant from the gospel. When driving and someone cuts you off, pray for him. If you are offended by someone s remark, chalk it up to a bad day and don t brood over it. Don t live the expression I don t get mad, I just get even. Spend a moment discerning who might be an enemy and seek a way to open the door to friendship, by prayer, a smile, or another sign of peace. Didn t Jesus tell us to forgive so we may be forgiven? ASH WEDNESDAY The season of Lent begins on Wednesday, March 6. Blessed ashes will be distributed during each of the four Masses: 8 AM, Noon, 5 and 7 PM. Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence. No meat is permitted and only one full meal is allowed. This day begins the discipline of Lent. A complete schedule for this holy season through Easter will be published in an upcoming bulletin. THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD SJB Book Club, The Radium Girls, Sunday, February 24, 12:30 PM, Frogtowne Grille Bereavement Support Group Monday, February 25, 6:30 PM, M-P Room Confirmation Interviews... February 26 - March 20 Families in Faith Bake Sale... March 2-3, after all Masses First Communion Retreat (students and parents) Saturday, March 9, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Spiritual Reading... Saturday, March 9, 9:15 to 11:15 AM, Room 3 RCIA Rite of Election.. March 10, 2:30 PM, St. Peter s Cathedral, Scranton Confirmation Class... Sunday, March 17, 6-7:30 PM Liturgy Committee Meeting.. Wednesday, March 20, 6:30 PM, M-P Room Living Stations of the Cross... Friday, April 12, 7 PM Music Ministry Bake Sale... April 13-14, after all Masses Knights of Columbus Polish Dinner... April 27

2 PAGE 2 SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,115 families receive envelopes. 383 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of Feb. 16/17 Sunday Mass Attendance: 972 Total Sunday Offering: $7, Faith Formation Corner We are asking any Faith Formation families who can, to participate in our annual service project bake sale! Bake with your family a favorite treat, wrap it or bag it, then tag it with a price for individual sale, and drop it off at St. John Bosco Saturday, March 2, no later than 3pm. Be sure to mark your treat if it contains peanuts and NO store bought goods!! Have your children help bake!! The baked goods will be sold following all Masses and after Faith Formation class. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time as a family all the while helping raise money for great causes! Proceeds from the bake sale will be donated to Missionary Childhood Association and Divine Providence Shelter. All 2nd Level students will participate in a day of retreat on Saturday, March 9th from 8:00-12:00. All students and at least one parent must attend. During the retreat, Father Ric will conduct the Diocesan required First Communion parent class. The next Confirmation Class will meet on Sunday, March 17th from 6:00-7:30 pm. Service hours forms are due at this time. Confirmation interviews begin this week. If your student is unsure of their interview date and time, please contact the Faith Formation office. Please keep our candidates in your prayers as they continue on their journey toward Confirmation! Thank you for your generosity! CARE AND EDUCATION OF PRIESTS SECOND COLLECTION The second collection next weekend, March 2/3, is for the Care and Education of Priests. Thank you for your generosity to this monthly diocesan collection. Sugarloaf Church Women United will celebrate World Day of Prayer 2019, "Come, All is Ready" at Providence Place, Drums on Friday, March 1st. We will join residents at 2 PM on the second floor. Come join us for this ecumenical service. We will then serve cookies and drinks to the residents afterward. SAVE THE DATE! Men s Conference: What is Truth? April 27, 2019, Holy Redeemer H.S., Wilkes-Barre Women s Conference: Refresh Your Faith June 22, 2019, University of Scranton The Sunday Good News OPEN YOUR HEART AND HOME to a Catholic exchange student from Spain for the coming school year Volunteer host families (with or without children) as well as single parents are needed to provide food, a bed and a loving home for the coming school year, one or two semesters, starting in August. EMF (Educational Merit Foundation) students have medical insurance, spending money for their personal expenses and expect to share their host family s daily life including household responsibilities. They speak English, are well-screened and eager to experience life in America. Their stay here is sponsored and supervised by EMF, a nonprofit, educational exchange organization. For more information on EMF students, please call Marie-Claude Dijoud at or visit the web site at BAPTISMAL WELCOME We extend prayerful congratulations and a warm welcome to Charlotte Mae Dunnigan, daughter of Keenan T. and Jacquelyn L. (Yurchak) Dunnigan, and who will be baptized by Deacon Maurice J. Cerasaro, Jr., on Sunday, February 24. May Charlotte Mae continue to grow in age, wisdom and love before God and others. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2019 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 30. The event includes a 2:30 pm mass at St. Peter s Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address, should be made through your pastor before April 2. SPRING BAKE SALES FAMILIES IN FAITH AND OUR FAITH FORMATION WILL HOST A BAKE SALE ON THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 2-3, BEFORE AND AFTER ALL MASSES. The proceeds will be used for two charities: a portion will be given to the Missionary Childhood Association, and a portion will be given to Divine Providence Shelter. Your support of our parish children and their families in this service project is appreciated. PARISH MUSIC MINISTRY WILL SPONSOR A BAKE SALE ON PALM SUNDAY WEEKEND, APRIL BEFORE AND AFTER ALL MASSES. The proceeds will be used to purchase needed supplies, music, etc. for our parish music ministry. Your support is deeply appreciated.

3 PAGE 3 The Sunday Good News ATTENTION LOT HOLDERS CALVARY CEMETERY - DIOCESE OF SCRANTON Notice of Spring Clean up Spring clean up will take place on FRIDAY MARCH 1. Please remove any and all desired items from graves prior to March 1. Any remaining items left on graves on March1 will be removed and discarded by cemetery personnel. All questions can be directed to the Cemetery Office at (570) FIRST FRIDAY: Friday, March 1, is the First Friday of the month. Mass will be celebrated as usual at 8:00 AM. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be held following Mass for those who desire quiet time for prayer in the presence of Jesus. NEW PARISHIONERS Saint John Bosco Parish extends a warm welcome to our newest Parishioners: George B. Keifer, Kristyna M. Keifer, and Bryce M. Keifer DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ANNULMENT PROCESS? In the Diocese of Scranton, the annulment process is now more user friendly than you might expect, and there is no longer a processing fee. Please contact your pastor, Fr. Ric, at , ext. 4 or the Diocesan Tribunal Office ( ) to begin a conversation. It is possible to get clear answers to these questions and to renew your connection with the Church. POSITION AVAILABLE: SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS The Diocese of Scranton is looking for an innovative educator to transform the educational landscape for the sixteen elementary schools and four high schools in the diocesan school system. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the comprehensive job description for this position that appears on the diocesan website at The deadline for submissions is March 4. SPRING FLING Mark your Calendar! This year s Spring Fling Flea Market will be held Saturday, May 18, from 7 AM to 3 PM. The previous years co-chairs will assist anyone interested in assuming the chairperson(s) role this year. If interested in chairing or co-chairing this event, please contact the Parish Office at (570) , ext. 3. Rosary to end abortion: March 1, 2019, Pro-lifers will pray each First Friday of the month in front of new Planned Parenthood location: 101 N. Main St. WilkesBarre (across from King's College), 5 decades of the rosary at 9:00 am for an end to abortion and to close this particular Planned Parenthood location. Peaceful, prayerful witness on Planned Parenthood sidewalk. COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS... Holy Name of Jesus Parish - Roast Beef Dinner, Sunday, February 24, Noon to 4 PM, Parish Center. Includes Roast Beef with Gravy; Mashed Potatoes; Corn; Salad; Dessert and Beverage. Tickets sold at Holy Name of Jesus Parish after weekend Masses. $9/Adult; $5/Children under 12. Tickets available at door, first-come, first-served. Annunciation Parish St. Patrick s Day Celebration - March 16, 5-9 PM, The Pines Eatery, Hazleton. $25 per person. Cash Bar. Entertainment by Irish Singer, Aaron McCurdy. Tickets available at Holy Annunciation Rectory Monday-Friday. Deadline, March 8. Good Shepherd Church - Fish Dinner, Friday, March 22, 4-7 PM. Tickets $12 Adult; Children 10 and under $5. Walk-ins/Take-outs welcome until sold out. Menu: Breaded haddock, mac & cheese, stewed tomatoes, coleslaw, green beans, dessert and beverage. Knights of Columbus - Polish Dinner at SJB Gym, Saturday, April 27. information to follow in upcoming bulletins. More WE REMEMBER Saturday, 4:00 PM February 23 Anna and Marvin Boyle By Daughter and Family Sunday, 7:30 AM February 24 John Koskulitz By Bob and Dottie Ritz Sunday, 9:00 AM February 24 Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Sunday, 11:30 AM February 24 George Waschko By Marie and Family Monday, 8:00 AM February 25 Grant Yamulla By Mr. and Mrs. Richard Angelo Tuesday, 8:00 AM February 26 Mandy Ferry By Janyce Daniszewski Wednesday, 8:00 AM February 27 Special Intention of Dorris Molitoris (living) By Molitoris Family Thursday, 8:00 AM February 28 Nicole Facciolla By Barbara Woodring Family Friday, 8:00 AM Joseph S. Gans, Sr. By Third Base Lunch March 1 Saturday, 4:00 PM March 2 John Dalesandro By Ruth Dalesandro Sunday, 7:30 AM March 3 John Cibulash By Wife, Eleanor Sunday, 9:00 AM March 3 Lorenzo Ruggiero By Wayne and Nancy Zehner Sunday, 11:30 AM March 3 Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco The Altar Flowers this week are in memory of George Waschko given by Marie and Family. The Tabernacle Candle burns this week in memory of Florie Lesko given by Robert Lesko.

4 PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News Reflections from the Deacon s Diary LENT, A SEASON OF RENEWAL Dear Parishioners, We begin the season of Lent on Wednesday, March 6th, which is known as Ash Wednesday. Lent denotes 40 days of penance, a time of conversion and a time for deepening one s faith. This season has a twofold character: one is that we recall our baptismal commitment to live as the children of God and the second is that we make amendment for the failures to live up to that commitment through prayer and penance. Thus it is a call for us to see more clearly the gravity of sin, as an offence against God, our loving Father in Heaven. In this way, we are called to prepare ourselves better, in order to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Jesus, namely, his suffering, death, Resurrection and Ascension. and mercy through our words and deeds. According to him, the root of all sin is our thinking that one is god and there is no need of God. In the words of the Pope, The danger always remains that by a constant refusal to open the doors of their hearts to Christ, who knocks on them in the poor, the proud, rich and powerful will end up condemning themselves and plunging into the eternal abyss of solitude which is hell. The Sunday Gospel readings during Lent this year will be from the Gospel according to Luke and they should fittingly and gradually lead us for a deep personal conversion. They focus on how faith transforms our life, giving us the stories on the temptation of Christ in the desert, the Transfiguration, the barren fig tree and the story of the prodigal son and the story of the adulterous woman, who receives Moreover, the season of Lent invites us to a God s mercy and reforms her life. greater awareness of our Christian responsibility to As we begin the season of Lent, let us fix our care for the needs of others. In his message for Lent attention on the precious blood of Christ, the blood a couple of years ago, Pope Francis states that Lent is that was shed for the forgiveness of our sins and a time of conversion and a time to deepen our faith, ultimately for our salvation. Let us consider this demonstrating and sharing it through the corporal Season of Lent as an opportunity, which God has and spiritual works of mercy. The Pope insists that given to repent for our sins and return to Him. the Catholics are called to recognize the greatness of Wishing you a holy season of Lent, God s love, seen in the death and resurrection of Jesus and the obligation to communicate God s love Deacon Maurice J. Cerasaro, Jr. TRAVELING CHALICE VOCATION PROGRAM We would like to resume the "Traveling Chalice Vocation Program at St. John Bosco Parish beginning with the first weekend of Lent, March It is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to pray for vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life. It is also an opportunity to pray for all seminarians, priests (active and retired) and for those who are discerning the Lord's call and His Will for their lives. It is very simple. Each week a different person or family takes home the chalice and places it in a prominent place in their home and promises to recite a prayer for Church Vocations once a day. (Sample prayers are included) The next week you return the chalice to the sacristy and another family or individual takes it home. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the back of the church behind the last pew for your convenience, or you may call the parish office and we will sign you up for the week that you desire. If you volunteer to take the chalice, please let Father Ric, Deacon Maurice or one of the Sacristans know before Mass if you would like to be called up at the end of Mass to receive it or simply pick it up after Mass in the sacristy. The shortage of priests to staff our parishes is at a crisis situation. I believe that many are being called and that God's grace and our prayerful intercession might be a source of encouragement for them to respond, and strengthen those who have responded and are either seminarians or priests. Please prayerfully consider giving a few minutes each day for one week for this important Vocation Project at St. John Bosco Church.

5 KNIGHT S CORNER Knights OF columbus, Our Lady of Fatima, Council 8613 Knights of Columbus Council 8613 Our Lady of Fatima held its annual Free Throw Championship at St. John Bosco Gym recently with four entertaining Free Throw shooters. The participants competed in the Council and District Championships. They are; Benjamin Rush, 9 year old boy; DeAnna Pugh, 10 year old girl; Jimmy Cannon, 10 year old boy; and Matthew Dolan, 13 year old boy. These winners will compete in the Regional Championship which will be held on March 2nd at Our Lady of Lourdes H. S. in Coal Twp. Best of luck to all. The Council also held its annual "Keep Christ in Christmas" Poster Contest recently which was open to St. John Bosco and Good Shepherd Faith Formation students and Holy Family Academy students. First and second place winners are as follows: Grades K-2, Emma Gilbert - Holy Family; and Grace Shamany - Holy Family; Grades 3-5, Esha Stetz - Holy Family; and Keerah Stahora - Holy Family; Grades 6-8, Danny Tran - Holy Family; and Aiden Bacon - St. John Bosco. The first place posters were forwarded to our Supreme Office in New Haven for competition in the National Finals. Thanks to all the members who helped judge the posters. CLOTHING DROP-OFF SHED Saint John Bosco Church hosts a Clothing and Textile dropoff shed on our property. It is run through St. Pauly Textile, Inc. This shed has been a huge success. People from throughout our community drop off clothing, shoes, sneakers, drapes and bedding (blankets, sheets, and pillow cases) on a daily basis. These gently used clean and dry items are sent to people who can use them all over the USA and world. By collecting these items, which is part of St. John Bosco Parish SERVICE component, it helps us to keep items out of landfills. You are asked to place your items in tied or closed plastic bags. Do not leave bags outside of the shed. Receipts for those who want to use their donation for tax deduction are available at the shed. PLEASE, no rags, fabric scraps, pillows, toys or household goods. In 2018, 46,610 garments of clothing were donated at our shed alone. This is enough to clothe an estimated 5,650 people. Blessings also boomerang! In the past year we received from St. Paul Textile, Inc. $2, by hosting this shed on our property. Our parish in turn uses those proceeds to support local charities, our St Vincent depaul Society and outreach to the needy. Tell your family, relatives, friends, neighbors about this drop-off shed and encourage them to make use of it. MEMORIALS AVAILABLE The following memorials may be donated IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES, FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION OR IN THANKSGIVING FOR BLESSINGS RECEIVED. Your intention and donor would be listed in the Easter bulletin unless directed otherwise. Call the Parish office at (570) , Ext. 3, if interested. PALM TREES - Palm trees will be placed in the Sanctuary on Palm Sunday and will also be used for the Holy Thursday Eucharistic Chapel and in the Sanctuary and Church on Easter and throughout the Easter Season. Donation: $50 each. 10 needed. PEACE LILIES - Peace lilies will be placed in the Sanctuary for Easter and used throughout the Easter Season. Donation: $50 each. 6 needed. YELLOW ROSE BOUQUETS FOR HOLY THURSDAY - Two large yellow rose bouquets; donation: $75 each. They will be placed in the Sanctuary on Holy Thursday for the Mass of the Lord's Supper and then placed in the Eucharistic Chapel after Mass through Adoration. They will be used in the Sanctuary for Easter. One is still available. HOLY BREAD - Blessed and given out after the Holy Thursday Mass to all in attendance. FLORAL BOUQUET IN FRONT OF MAIN ALTAR FOR FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Purple and Pink - Laetare Sunday. Donation: $75 RED FLORAL BOUQUETS FOR PALM/PASSION SUNDAY 1 Regular bouquet at $50 is still available. ALSO AVAILABLE: RITUAL BOOK Throughout the year, Saint John Bosco parish averages about 40 Funeral Masses. At this time we are in need of a new hardcover: "ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS: RITUAL EDITION." This liturgical book will be used at all funerals. The donation is: $90. If you would like to donate it in memory of a loved one, for a special intention or for blessings received please contact the parish office at , Ext 3. The intention and donor will be placed inside the cover and will also be announced in the bulletin unless requested otherwise.

6 ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED We are in need of altar servers to sign up for Stations of the Cross and Benediction on the Fridays of Lent. It is expected that each altar server sign up for one Friday. A list is in the sacristy. The Stations of the Cross will be celebrated on the following Fridays of Lent: March 8, 15, 22 & 29 and April 5. The Stations are at 7 PM and are usually concluded by 7:30 PM. You are asked to come 15 minutes early for a brief instruction. This is a wonderful sacrifice to make during the Lenten Season. ASH WEDNESDAY - LITURGICAL MINISTER SIGN UP On March 6, we begin the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. We are in need of Lectors, Special Ministers of Holy Communion, Altar Servers and Ushers for each of the four Masses. If you know what Mass you will be attending and would be able to serve in one of these ministries on that day please take a few moments this weekend or next weekend to sign up in the sacristy. Your assistance and cooperation is deeply appreciated. Our Masses will be celebrated at 8 AM, Noon, 5 PM and 7 PM. ALTAR SERVER TRAINING SESSION TO BEGIN Any young person, Grade 2 through Grade 11 who desires to become an altar server at St. John Bosco parish is asked to contact either Fr. Ric, Deacon Maurice or the parish Office. A training session will be held in March. It is a wonderful opportunity to give praise and glory to God serving at the Altar while assisting your priest, deacon and lay ministers in celebrating the Mass. A few of our high school servers will be graduating and we need others to take their places. PARTICIPATE IN A SMALL FAITH SHARING GROUP. Although Seasons of Arise Together in Christ have concluded, some of our groups are continuing to meet. Other parishioners are welcome to join them. Choose to do something positive for the upcoming Lenten Season. One Small Voice meets on Wednesdays at 1 pm during Lent (beginning March 13) to read and discuss the book: Gospel of Luke. Contact Brenda Pecora to join the group: or pecoraclan@yahoo.com. Cost of book is only $5. Registration due by February 18. The Scripture Circle meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 9 am to reflect on Scripture and view a brief video, followed by discussion and faith sharing. The first session is Wednesday, March 13. Contact Arlene Stagg at to join the group. All are welcome. Sisters an ecumenical woman s group meets on Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26 and April 2 & 9 at 10 am at Conyngham United Methodist Church. It includes: Prayer, Gospel reading and viewing and discussing an episode of the DVD series: Irresistible. Registrations contact Arlene Stagg at Living Waters meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at St. John Bosco, Classroom # 4. All are welcome. Topic: Environmental Concerns in response to Pope Francis Encyclical on the Environment: Laudato Si. For information and/or registration contact: Jo Robbins at or Andrea Fendrick at D A I LY R E A D I N G S Sunday 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38 Monday Sir 1:1-10; Mk 9:14-29 Tuesday Sir 2:1-11; Mk 9:30-37 Wednesday Sir 4:11-19; Mk 9:38-40 Thursday Sir 5:1-8; Mk 9:41-50 First Friday Sir 6:5-17; Mk 10:1-12 First Saturday Sir 17:1-15; Mk 10:13-16 RCIA TEAM CALENDAR Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell Thomas Pandolfi Sandy Honis Frank Polidora Joseph Molitoris Date of Session: February 24, 2019 Place & Time of Session: Office Conference Room, AM Presenter: Joseph Topic: Overview of Church History Celebration of the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 2:30 PM, Saint Peter's Cathedral, Scranton. All Team Members, our RCIA Candidate and Sponsor are expected to be present. Team and Candidate are invited to ask family or close friends to join them. Details on the time of arrival will be given to everyone. ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to FRITZINGERTOWN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY Bulletin Advertisers Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!