The Sunday Good News A PRAYER FOR LENT THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD

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1 Fifth Sunday of Lent The Church of Saint John Bosco April 7, 2019 HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly A PRAYER FOR LENT Lord, Holy Father, show us what kind of man it is who is hanging for our sakes on the cross, whose suffering causes the rocks themselves to crack and crumble with compassion, whose death brings the dead back to life. Let my heart crack and crumble at the sight of Him. Let my soul break apart with compassion for his suffering. Let it be shattered with grief at my sins for which He dies. And finally let it be softened with devoted love for Him. Amen. ~ St. Bonaventure I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus. We measure so many things in life under the banner of profit and loss. I look for a bargain, I go out of my way when something is on sale, even when I don t need it. How shocking it is as I read Paul, as he speaks of rubbish what many consider of great value. Paul teaches us that what really matters is knowledge of Christ Jesus, not just knowing about Him, but having a personal relationship with Him. There is nothing as important as knowing Jesus, His great love for me, and His redeeming sacrifice, as we draw closer to Holy Week. May we make an extra effort to be freed from possessions and be possessed by Him. ANNUAL PARISH LENTEN COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, PM Brief Service followed by the opportunity to participate in individual confession. Seven priests will be available as Confessors. This is a wonderful time to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Holy Week and Easter. Mark your calendar and invite your family members, relatives and friends. The following priests will be with us along with Deacon Maurice: Msgr. Arthur Kaschenbach, Fr. Ric Polmounter, Fr. Steven Brosk, Fr. Michael Piccola, Fr. Connell McHugh, Fr. Neftali Feliz Sena, and Fr. Mariusz Beczek, OSJ. STATIONS OF THE CROSS Morning Stations of the Cross: Every Friday of Lent at 8:30 AM Evening Stations of the Cross with Benediction: Fridays of Lent at 7 PM April 12 (Morning) - John Paul II s Biblical Way of the Cross April 12 (Evening) - Presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross April 19 - Good Friday - No Public Stations of the Cross THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD Confirmation Class... Sun., April 7, 4-5:30 PM Penance Service... Wednesday, April 10, 7 PM 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, 5-8 PM Men s Conference. April 27, Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre SJB Book Club... Sunday, April 28, Frogtowne Grille, 12:30 PM First Communion Practice... Tuesday, April 30, 5:30-7:30 PM... and Thursday, May 2, 5:30-7:00 PM First Communion... Saturday, May 4 May Crowning and Last Day of Faith Formation... May 5 Finance Committee Meeting... Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 PM, M-P Room Liturgy Committee Meeting... Wed., May 8, 6:30 PM, M-P Room Parish Council Meeting... Thursday, May 9, 6:30 PM, M-P Room

2 PAGE 2 SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,115 families receive envelopes. 396 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of March 30/31 Sunday Mass Attendance: 956 Total Sunday Offering: $7, Thank you for your generosity! CARE AND EDUCATION OF PRIESTS SECOND COLLECTION The second collection this weekend, April 6/7, is for the Care and Education of Priests. Thank you for your generosity to this monthly diocesan collection. SCRIPTURE CIRCLE The next Scripture Circle will meet Wednesday, April 10 at 9 AM in the All Purpose Room. We will discuss a daily reading and view Four Keys to Shalom by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. Come join us. Faith Formation Corner THANK YOU to families who participated in our recent Cook and Serve for residents at Divine Providence Shelter. Thank you, especially, to Lisa Seiwell and the Families in Faith group for coordinating donations, cooks, and servers to make the evening a success! Keep an eye on the Bulletin for upcoming family service projects! Confirmation Class will meet on Sunday, April 7th from 4:00-5:30 pm. This is a make up session for the January class which was canceled due to winter weather conditions. ALL students must attend this class. We will end class with pizza and beverages for all students. 8th Level students involved in Living Stations of the Cross will go to the church for practice at 6:00. Practices for First Communion will be during Faith Formation on April 7th, 14th, 22nd and 28th, and in the evenings on April 30th from 5:30-7:30 pm and May 2nd 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 5th. May Crowning will take place by our 2nd Level students during the 9:00 am Mass on May 5th. 8th grade students will crown Mary during Faith Formation on May 5th. Confirmation students will meet on Sunday, May 19th from 4:00-6:00 pm to make their stoles and have a brief review and practice for Confirmation on June 9th. All students must attend this meeting. Our Youth Group will also host a pot luck dinner for Confirmation students during this time. THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU The Church encourages us to make confession a regular part of our spiritual life, especially during the holy season of Lent, as we reflect on our baptism and repentance. The Light Is On For You will take place again this year at Saint John Bosco Church. Fr. Ric will hear confessions every Monday in Lent through Monday of Holy Week, April 15. Confessions will be heard from 6:00 until 7:00 PM. Come and avail yourself of this incredible source of God s grace, mercy and healing. BOLD CHOICES RETREAT (FINDING YOUR PASSION AND LIVING IT FULLY) Join us for a young adult (18-35) retreat at Saint Gabriel's Retreat Center, Clarks Summit April The 24-hour retreat will include presentations and interactive sessions on prayer, making choices based in faith, finding your passion, the art of discernment, small group discussion & more. Cost is $ For more information and/or to register, visit vocations.dioceseofscranton.org or call CAPUCHIN SISTERS OF NAZARETH - AMATA DAYS VOCATION CAMP Gate of Heaven Parish, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas, PA Amata means Beloved. You are Beloved of Christ! Girls in Grades 9 through 12 are invited to attend Amata Days Vocation Camp. Young adult women are welcome as well in need of volunteers. The camp takes place June 23 to June 26. Includes activities, Mass and Adoration, outdoor fun and more. Free of charge. Registration deadline is June 16. Call Sister Margaret at (570) For more information, see April XLT Eucharistic Adoration - Speaker - Praise & Worship Music - Reconciliation - Social April 26, 6:30 PM Location TBA: Hazleton-area For more information, visit vocations.dioceseofscranton.org or call

3 REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD Your prayers are requested for ROBERT DEJOSEPH, and JOSEPH S. ZOLDI, parishioners of St. John Bosco, and for SHARON DEMKO, who recently died. May they and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS We extend our prayerful congratulations and best wishes to JOHN AND ANN MARIE LONCZYNSKI who are celebrating their 50th (Golden) Wedding Anniversary. May the Lord continue to bless your union and grant you many holy and happy years together! Saint John Bosco Parish extends a warm welcome to our newest parishioner: Melissa M. Donadi BOOK CLUB St John Bosco Book Club will read The Devil's Song by Lauren Stahl and discuss it Sunday, April 28. at 12:30 PM at Frogtowne Grille, Sybertsville. Join us. Any questions, please call Arlene at THANK YOU TO OUR SPRING FLING RAFFLE TICKET SPONSOR! Will the sponsor please call the Parish Office, (570) , Ext. 3, to review some details. SPRING FLING MARK YOUR CALENDAR! This year s Spring Fling Flea Market will be held Saturday, May 18, from 7 AM to 3 PM, with box day on Sunday, May 19, 12:30 to 2 PM. You may drop off your treasures beginning on Sunday, Mother s Day, May 12, after the 11:30 Mass. Drop-offs can also be made Monday, May 13, through Thursday, May 16, from 8 AM to 3 PM. Volunteers are needed, and SIGN-UP SHEETS WILL BE AVAILABLE BEFORE AND AFTER ALL MASSES THIS WEEKEND, APRIL 6-7. Please sign up if you can help at any time from May 13 through box day, May 19. We especially could use a number of volunteers for clean-up Sunday, May 19, at 2 PM. Clean-up takes approximately one hour if we have enough volunteers. General Chairmen: Elaine Murray, Rosie Zanolini, Carol Vilcko Flea Market Committees: Jewelry - Rose Ann Golaszewski and Bernadette Hoppy Tricky Tray - Diane Gregoire Publicity/Advertising - Eileen Correale Kitchen - Marie Guza We will accept: craft supplies, clean bedding, lamps, tools, hair dryers, pictures, toys, bikes, portable sewing machines, small appliances that work, golf and sports equipment, end tables, small furniture, books, etc. We CANNOT accept: weights, clothing. TV s, computers, printers, Christmas trees, exercise COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS... Knights of Columbus - Polish Dinner at SJB Gym, Saturday, April 27, 5-8 PM, $12 Adult; $6 child under 10. Holy Family Academy N. Laurel St., Hazleton. Cash Bingo. April 28. $10-10 games; Jackpot $500. Call (570) for more information. WE REMEMBER PAGE 3 Saturday, 4:00 PM April 6 Pavolovich/Bobeck Families By Family Sunday, 7:30 AM April 7 Michael Maylath, Sr. By Betterly Family Sunday, 9:00 AM April 7 Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Sunday, 11:30 AM April 7 George J. Kattner By June Leitner Monday, 8:00 AM April 8 Pat Angelo By Mr. and Mrs. Richard Angelo Tuesday, 8:00 AM April 9 Maryanne Greech By Janice Kelly Wednesday, 8:00 AM April 10 Marilyn and Javier Ramirez By Molitoris Family Thursday, 8:00 AM April 11 Mary Jarick By Jody and Bill Flood Thursday, 10:15 AM April 11 FRITZINGERTOWN SR. LIVING COMMUNITY John Duffy, Jr. By Martin and Margaret Birosak Friday, 8:00 AM April 12 Daniel Steber By Mike and DeDe Maylath Saturday, 4:00 PM April 13 Mass of Thanksgiving-50th Anniversary Ann Marie and John Lonczynski Sunday, 7:30 AM April 14 Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Sunday, 9:00 AM April 14 Camille Zions By Bob and Dottie Ritz Sunday, 11:30 AM April 14 Evelyn Walsh By Jody and Bill Flood TABERNACLE CANDLE The Tabernacle Candle burns this week in memory of RAY KOWALSKI and JOHN and CHRIS SMULLIGAN given by Family.

4 PAGE 4 Dear Parishioners, We are blessed with students in our program who possess tremendous gifts, skills, and talents. Many of our students are involved in sports and other extracurricular activities that are team based. I recently came across an article that was written to an audience of athletes; however I found many parallels within the article that could easily apply to our Formation of our Catholic faith. The article seems to have been written at the start of the season, and describes the season as being filled with big plays, good memories, traveling to new places and winning championships ( The author also promises that the season will be exhausting. Couldn t the same be said for the formation of our faith? Each year of our program brings our students new moments and memories, a journey to new places through our study of scripture and a celebration when reaching a goal, whether the reception of a sacrament, the success of a service project or a good confession. It s a lot of work! The article goes on to invite the athlete to remind yourself why you play ( Again, couldn t the same be said for our faith? Being Catholic isn t easy. It s hard work. It can be exhausting. It can be difficult to understand. So why do we play? As parents, why do we push our kids and bring them back week after week? We do it because we love Christ and we know that Christ loves us. We want our children to experience and know that love. We don t bring our kids so that they can memorize chapters in a Faith Formation textbook or so that they can be perfect Christians. We bring them because we love Christ and want them to love Christ too. We CHOOSE Christ when we fill out that registration form and we CHOOSE Christ when we bring our kids to class From Faith Formation... week after week; even when it s hard, even when it s inconvenient, even when we are tired and would rather go out for pancakes or sleep in on a Sunday. Discomfort is where progress happens ( theodysseyonline.com/). We all encounter those who will say oh that Catholic Church; it s tough, it s messy, it s scandalous. Yet I like to believe that we love our God and our faith so much that we push through that discomfort anyway because we want so badly for our kids to grow up knowing that there is a God who loves them so much that he gave us HIS child to die for us. When our children are young is the time. This is THEIR season. If we don t plant those seeds now, how can they bloom? If we, their parents, teachers, coaches, don t lead them through our example and love of our faith, how will they know how to play? If they skip the practices because maybe there s something better going on at that time, how will they know how to play when the big game comes around? Christ left us his church, and we have the power to come in, give it our all, and leave things even better than we found them. With practice, dedication and sweat we can grow; as an individual and as a team. If we don t show up, though, it s hard to play our best and be the best we can be. To our parents and kids in our program, thank you for showing up. Keep showing up. Keep playing and keep praying. We are blessed to be on this team together! May God Bless You and Your Families, Carla Bednar, Director, Youth Faith Formation NOTICE REGARDING REPORTING SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR It is the policy of the Diocese of Scranton to report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement. If you are a victim of sexual abuse committed by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton, you are encouraged to immediately report the matter to law enforcement. If any priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton has cause or reason to suspect that a minor has been subjected to any form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, the matter will be reported to law enforcement. In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania s Child Protective Services Laws, reports of suspected child abuse should also be made immediately by phone to the 24-Hour Child Abuse hotline (ChildLine) at or electronically at It is also the policy of the Diocese to adhere to all civil and state regulations. To this end, the Diocese is equally committed to adhering to the norms of the Code of Canon Law and to upholding the tenets of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes supporting victims of sexual abuse in their pursuit of emotional and spiritual well-being. As such, information regarding an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor should also be reported to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Mary Beth Pacuska at ( ) or to Diocesan officials, including the Vicar General, Monsignor Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G., at ( ).

5 SPRING BAKE SALE PARISH MUSIC MINISTRY WILL SPONSOR A BAKE SALE ON PALM SUNDAY WEEKEND, APRIL BEFORE AND AFTER ALL MASSES. Baked goods from parishioners who desire to bake for the sale would be appreciated. HOMEMADE cake, cookies, pies, bread, candy, brownies, squares, etc., may be dropped off Saturday afternoon in the hallway outside the church. PROCEEDS BENEFIT OUR PARISH MUSIC MINISTRY. Your support is deeply appreciated! CHRISM MASS All of the faithful of the Diocese are invited to attend the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, on TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019, at 4 PM. At this Mass priests from throughout the Diocese will renew their priestly promises before the Bishop, and the oils to be used for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick and Holy orders will be blessed. Participation in the Chrism Mass is a beautiful way to pray for and support the priests of our Diocese. VALLEY FOOD PANTRY The Valley Food Pantry distributes boxes of food to dozens of needy families in our community. Our church has been asked to donate cake mix and frosting for Easter. Coffee and tea bags are also welcomed. Please place items in the rear of the church by the coat rack. Thank you for your continued support! 10th ANNUAL VOCATIONS GOLF CLASSIC SAVE THE DATE: MONDAY, JULY 8, BLUE RIDGE TRAIL GOLF CLUB, MOUNTAINTOP, PA BENEFIT FOR THE EDUCATION/FORMATION OF SEMINARIANS/FUTURE PRIESTS, DIOCESE OF SCRANTON TO REGISTER: Call Online: DioceseofScranton.org Click Giving. Scroll to Vocations Golf Classic. Development@DioceseofScranton.org SOMETHING NEW FALL BUS TRIP & DINNER SHOW Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, NJ Wednesday, September 18, 2019 Neil Simon's Romantic Comedy Masterpiece "Barefoot in the Park" Bus transportation, Matinee Show, dinner, gratuities and taxes all included. Only $87 pp. Great gift for an upcoming birthday, wedding anniversary, etc. Choice of a large variety of Entrees (Beef, Shrimp, Cod, Chicken, Turkey, Eggplant and a Gluten Free entree.) All entrees include fresh homemade breads, mixed garden salad with house dressing, their famous unlimited amazing Dessert Buffet, coffee and tea. For information/reservations contact: Marie Guza at Payment-in-full due with reservation. First come - First served. Checks payable to: Saint John Bosco Church. A waiting list will be taken in case of cancellations. Bus leaves at 9 AM sharp from SJB parking lot. Luncheon at 11:30 am, Show at 1:30 pm, depart 4 PM Return to SJB approximately 6 PM. THOUGHT FOR REFLECTION Whoever marries the spirit of this age soon dies a widower. William Ralph Inge A LENTEN CHALLENGE: MEAL PACKAGING EVENT For the last three years our parish has been participating in RISE AGAINST HUNGER. Each year, between 10,000 and 12,000 meals have been packaged in our gym and sent to those who are malnourished or hungry, both in the United States and in foreign and third world countries. Again this year in August we would like to sponsor this event. In the past we have had many volunteers of all ages. It is a fun as well as a learning experience since we work together and learn about World Hunger. Feeding the needy is a Corporal Work of Mercy. During Lent we ask you to place a container on your family table and place any excess change or bills that can then be donated to this project during Holy Week. Our goal is to collect at least $3,000. This would be a wonderful Lenten Challenge. You can also give something up for Lent and the money saved from snacks, soda, cigarettes, alcohol, entertainment, etc. can be given to this project. Place donations in a plain envelope marked MEAL PACKAGING EVENT. Checks should be written out to: St. John Bosco Church.

6 TRAVELING CHALICE VOCATION PROGRAM DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL We have resumed the "Traveling Chalice Vocation Program at St. John Bosco Parish. It is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to pray for vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life. It is also an Update as of April 1 opportunity to pray for all seminarians, priests (active and retired) and for those who are discerning the Lord's call. Each week a different person or GOAL:... $59, family takes home the chalice and places it in a prominent place in their RECEIVED TO DATE:... $45, home and promises to recite a prayer for Church Vocations once a day. NEEDED TO REACH PARISH GOAL: $13, PARTICIPANTS: 236 out of 1126 gave/pledged (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 or 20.9% of parishioners 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. Please let Father Ric, Deacon Maurice or one of the Sacristans know before Mass if you would like to be called up at the DIOCESAN end of Mass to receive it or simply pick it up after Mass in the SPECIAL COLLECTION sacristy. Please prayerfully consider giving a few minutes each day for one NEXT WEEKEND week for this important Vocation Project at St. John Bosco Church. MORE DATES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE SIGN-UP BOOK. Your help is needed. Join us with a gift to the The hosts for the Traveling Chalice for the week of April 7-13 Diocesan Annual Appeal so that our Diocesan are Deb and Sam Lesante. ministries may continue to fully serve all those who come to us in need. All donations to the Diocesan Annual Appeal are used solely to support the following ministries: Catholic Social Services, Catholic education, Clergy care and support; parish life programs, The Catholic Light, and Catholic TV. Gifts to the Appeal will not be used to defray legal fees or to fund the Survivors Compensation Program. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING A GIFT TO THIS YEAR S ANNUAL APPEAL. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Bishop Bambera has announced that this year the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, throughout the Diocese of Scranton in all parishes, will occur in a unified manner on the Solemnity of Pentecost, June 9th. The primary purpose for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation on this Solemnity is to strengthen the Confirmation formation and engage more of the families and parishioners in the process. The Bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation. This year, Bishop Bambera has extended the faculty of administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to Catholics (adults and students who are Baptized Catholics) to the Pastors, Administrators and Sacramental Ministers. Our Eighth Grade Students will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, June 9th at our regular parish 11 o clock Mass. (Summer Schedule) Father Ric will be administering the Sacrament. Please keep our candidates in your daily prayers as they near the conclusion of their Confirmation Formation and prepare to be fully initiated into the Church as Adult Catholics. D A I LY R E A D I N G Sunday Is 43:16-21; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11 Monday Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, or 13:41c-62; Jn 8:12-20 Tuesday Nm 21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday Gn 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59 Friday Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday Ez 37:21-28; Jn 11:45-56 RCIA Candidate Jared O Donnell Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell Thomas Pandolfi Sandy Honis Frank Polidora Joseph Molitoris RCIA TEAM CALENDAR April Holy Week and Easter (Palm/Passion Sunday, Chrism Mass, Spy Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday Vigil, Easter, Octave of Easter) April 20 - Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, 8 PM (Initiation Sacraments) ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to LIFE EXPRESSION WELLNESS CENTER Bulletin Advertiser Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!