St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish 5112 Pocono Crest Rd. P.O. Box O Pocono Pines, PA 18350 Parish Office Phone: (570) 646-6424 Fax: (570) 646-1047 Web Page: http://www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org 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! August 18th, 2013 20th 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
August 18, 2013 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time THE COSTS OF DISCIPLESHIP Today s responsorial psalm, Psalm 40, is more familiar to us with the refrain Here am I, Lord. This Here am I is Jeremiah s great prophetic response to God s call. But today s story of Jeremiah and the refrain Lord, come to my aid! remind us that there are always two sides to following the call of God. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews knew this, too. He reminded his readers that even weighted down with burdens and sins, we can still persevere by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who himself knew the shame and pain of the cross, but saw beyond it to the joy of sitting at the right of the throne of God. Jesus himself gave the disciples a sneak preview of a baptism that would not be as wondrous as the one in the Jordan that inaugurated his ministry, but would be one of fire and anguish. Today s words from scripture may not be terribly soothing, but in their honesty and strength we can acknowledge the difficulties of daily discipleship, and take comfort in the assurance of our own salvation in Christ. 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 We are not used to hearing Jesus speak of division. So much of our religious language concerns unity and peace that the words of the Gospel this week seem to be at odds with what we understand as Christianity. But being a believer also means that we hold fast to certain tenets and profess our faith by our actions in this world. There are times that others may not like what they hear from us. It is then that the division of what is true and what is false is made evident. We cannot give up the faith for convenience. PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Wednesday - 9 am to 4 pm Thursday - 9 to Noon TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION The wonderful diversity of life and worship among Roman Catholics of East and West is an example of God writing straight with crooked lines. The steady hand of the villainous Emperor Diocletian drew a line across Europe and Africa that split the empire in two, and for the most part determined how Christians would worship two thousand years later. Italy s heel and the far northern city of Trieste fell on the Eastern side, and have had a form of Eastern liturgy ever since. Constantinople, which soon became the seat of the Roman Empire, became a base for Christianizing the East up to Russia and Poland. Poland was on the Eastern side, but a series of wars and medieval mayhem pushed the religious boundary back to the Ukraine, and Poland remains an outpost of the Latin Church to this day. An old rule of thumb declared that whatever religion was observed by the local prince, the people had to follow. This gave rise to persecution and migration as people sought toleration for their expressions of faith. In the United States, we are accustomed to peaceful collaboration among Christians of East and West, a situation that challenges churches that still feel the pinch of age-old division. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. OCCUPANCY The value of life does not depend upon the place we occupy. It depends upon how we occupy that place. St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Week of: August 17th thru August 25th Saturday 4:00 pm Mary L. Czarnecki by Richard & Joyce Mullen Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners 10:30 am Thomas Donahue & Patricia Incarrino by Terry Lockyer Monday 8:15 am Mary Lorraine Brennan Shannon by Christine Gilmartin Tuesday 8:15 am Raymond Woronowicz by Melissa Corry Wed 8:15 am Communion Service Thursday 8:15 am Virginia Foley by Kathy & Bob Storcks Friday 8:15 am Severino Pallotta by Kay Gaido & Pat Hannon Saturday 4:00 pm Keith Dischinger by Pati Cranley Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners 10:30 am Kelly Brennan by Marge & Jim Brennan Jesus is the incarnation of the Living God, the one who brings life amid so many deeds of death, amid sin, selfishness and self-absorption. Jesus accepts, loves, uplifts, encourages, forgives, restores the ability to walk, gives back life. Throughout the Gospels we see how Jesus by his words and actions brings the transforming life of God. This was the experience of the woman who anointed the feet of the Lord with ointment: she felt understood, loved, and she responded by a gesture of love: she let herself be touched by God s mercy, she obtained forgiveness and she started a new life. ~ Pope Francis, Homily, June 16, 2013 (Day celebrating The Gospel of Life) Saturday Confessions at 3:00 pm Please note: There will not be an 8:15 Mass when a Funeral Mass is scheduled. Total Expenditures (for Y/E. June 30, 2012)... $440,703 Avg. weekly cost of Operation 8,475 Collection for w.e. 08/04/13.. 6,570 (Deficit) / surplus ( 1,905) Expansion Loan (debt).. $ 101,340. Saturday: Joshua 24:14-29; Matthew 19:13-15 Sunday: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53 Monday: Judges 2:11-19; Matthew 19:16-22 Tuesday: Judges 6:11-24a; Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday: Judges 9:6-15; Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday: Judges 11:29-39a; Matthew 22:1-14 Friday: Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22; Matt. 22:34-40 Saturday: Rev. 21:9b-14; John 1:45-51 Sunday: Isaiah 66:18-21, Heb. 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION for 2013-2014 is now open. Registration forms are available from the rack outside the parish office, on the tables by the exits upstairs and online at our website. Forms and fees may be submitted to the Parish Office during regular office hours. Forms and fees may also be mailed to the office or placed in the collection basket at any weekend Mass. Questions? Please call Lynnette Smith, our Coordinator of Religious Education, during office hours at 646-6424 or email her at lysmith@ptd.net. Classes resume on September 8th. It is essential that students be enrolled in classes every year, not just the year of Sacramental reception. Per diocesan requirement there is a minimum of 2 yrs Preparation for the Sacraments. WOMEN S CORNERSTONE WEEKEND will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Pocono Pines on Friday, September 27 th through Saturday, 28 th. What is Cornerstone? Cornerstone is a 26 hour experience, which gives you an opportunity to renew your faith and deepen your life in Christian Community. What can I expect Cornerstone to be like? Cornerstone activities will begin Friday evening and end on Saturday evening with a closing mass. There will be opportunity for personal reflection, reconciliation, Eucharist and fellowship. Great meals, refreshments and snacks will be provided throughout Cornerstone. Who Comes to Cornerstone? - Those looking to take time out for them-selves and reflect. - Women seeking a fuller life in a vibrant parish community. - People who have been away from the Church for awhile and are curious about re-connecting. -Anyone looking to jump start their sense of belonging in the parish community. -Women just like you! For more info. Please contact June Schott at 646-0379 or Lynnette Smith at 839-9346. Registration forms are available throughout the church and online. Give yourself, or a woman you love, the Gift of Cornerstone! St. Maximilian COMMUNAL ANOINTING OF THE SICK 2 pm on Sunday, August 25th Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament that is received by those who are ill or suffering. By the sacred anointing and the prayer of the priest, the whole Church commends those who are sick to Christ. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit s gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage, and his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ for the building up of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], nos. 1520-23). Through the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, the Church carries out Jesus mission of compassion and healing for the sick. The one who is ill can also be a minister to others. By uniting their suffering to Christ, those who are sick can be signs of faith and witnesses of Christ s Resurrection to the entire community (Pope John Paul II, Christifideles Laici [The Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World], no. 54). The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is both a liturgical and a communal celebration. In the family home, hospital, or church, members of the Body of Christ gather for the sacramental rite led by a priest. The Penitential Rite followed by the Liturgy of the Word and sacramental anointing of the sick can inspire and comfort both those who are ill and their family and friends who are gathered (CCC, nos. 1517-18). Second Chance Book Sale August 24 th & 25 th A Book Sale to benefit our Religious Education Program will be held from 10 am 4 pm and after the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, Aug. 24th. The sale will continue on Sunday, Aug. 25 th between 9 & 10 am and from 11:30 am - 1 pm. Plan now to come to browse and to stock up on books for the winter at a minimal expense! Hard Cover Books will be sold for $2, Large Paperbacks for $1, Small Paperbacks for 50, Children s and Young Readers Books for 25. Videos and DVD s will be sold for $2. Specialty Books & New Books at discount prices. The parish will gladly accept donations of books in good condition. Clear your shelves to make room for new books. Books can be dropped off until noon on Aug. 22nd. For more info. please call 646-6424 during office hours or email lysmith@ptd.net.
Charged with The Spirit - Oct. 5, 2013 Diocesan Congress - Diocese of Scranton The Special Congress features include concert performances and dynamic presenters with over 40+ practice workshops to choose from on all aspects of parish life. Beginning on Friday evening at 7:30 pm, Age to Age: Generations of Faith Concert will be held at the Cathedral of St. Peter in downtown Scranton. On Saturday at the University of Scranton beginning at 9 am, a Welcome, Gathering Experience and Opening Prayer will be held. Workshop Sessions will be held throughout the day from 10:30 am to 3:45 pm. Celebration of Eucharist with His Excellency Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Scranton will be at 4:00 pm. A Registration form for the Congress is posted on the Diocesan website: www.dioceseofscranton.org Information about the various workshops can be found on the bulletin board downstairs outside of the office area. Among the attributes of God, although they are all equal, mercy shines with even more brilliance than justice. ~ Miguel de Cervantes Remember in Prayer The Sick and The Homebound Phoebe Bramley ~ Charles Oddy Kevin Kret ~ Fr. Urban ~ Eileen Blieka Charlie Ondrajka ~ Kathleen McDonnell ~ Vincent Rinaldi Arthur Bramley ~Thomas Houston ~ Lillian Cortese Joseph McKenna ~ Ron Heisler ~ Msgr. Jerry Sherba John Scanlon ~ Theresa Akus ~ Danielle Sergi Dorothy Sergie ~ Elana Knitel ~ Terese Brenneman Thomas Kobrtwitz ~ Scott H. ~ Barbara Sciandra Jack McKenna ~ Riley Direnzo ~ Richard Snell Mary Mayberry ~ Alexander John Snyder Maria Mercedes ~ Louis Larsen Jr. - Antonia Lucia Joan Rafferty ~ Theresa Marcinkowski Terry Quinn ~ Ann Valentina ~ Terrence Sumrall Joshua Kovitch ~ Joe Miller ~ Chase Robert George Ondrajka ~ Mary O Donnell 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 646-6424 and let Father, or the office staff know who is in the hospital and which hospital. The next meetings is Monday, Aug. 19th in Our Lady of the Lake Hall. Please call G.K. Steve Glinane at 977-4617 or check the new website www.kofc13752.org. Growth and change are always the result of conflict, of clashing visions that force adaptation. This is not to say that God writes tragedies and suffering into the script, but only that God used all the unfolding twists and turns of the plot to bring the story to a divine conclusion. Week of August 18th The Eucharistic Sanctuary Light In Memory of Joseph Dicks by The Gilmartin Family The Bread and Wine Is available for $25. for one week Altar Flowers Available for $75. for one week Tabernacle Flowers Available for $50. for one week 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 $102,919 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. ~Creation of a Prayer/Meditation Garden on the Parish Property. $10,000. If needed, more suggestions can be made!
CRAFT FAIR NEWS..Participants of this year s Fair will meet again on September 3rd @ 6 pm in Our Lady of the Lake Hall. If you would like to sell items at a table, or be a helper at the event, please call Ellen at 646-9715 or Alice at 646-7923 or attend the next meeting on Sept. 3rd. Your donations of new or slightly used items for the White Elephant Sale may be brought to the Parish AFTER SEPT. 29th. (unfortunately, we do not have room for storage). PRAYERS FOR MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT SERVICE Cpt. Thomas M. Smith - Hanscom AFB, MA Airman Joshua Ponce - Tyler, TX James Murtha, USN - VA Sgt. Richard J. Fissler Jr. - Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA Lt. Col. Christopher Yuskaitis - Italy 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 DEPLOYED CIVILIAN PERSONNEL Eugene Maslar, Jr.-Bagram, Afghanistan Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. ~AMEN All Are Welcome Contemplative Prayer - Mondays 9:30 am Scripture Sharing - Tuesdays 9:30 am Prayer Shawl- Next meeting is Sept 3rd @7 pm (Aug. 20th meeting cancelled) Women s Cornerstone - Aug. 26th@ 7 pm Social Concerns - 1st Tues. of the month - 9 am Bereavement Support - 2nd Wed. of the month- 9:30 am Craft Fair Meeting - Sept. 3rd @ 6 pm Around the Diocese Catch the Notre Dame Spirit! *Notre Dame Elementary School & Monsignor McHugh School have Pre-K beginning at age 3, Full Day Kindergarten, as well affordable afterschool care programs. *Notre Dame High School has a 100% graduation rate, with 100% of the 2013 graduates attending college this fall. *Weekly art, physical education, and music classes, as well as athletic teams, drama and art clubs, computer and foreign language classes. *Tuition payments can be made monthly; financial assistance is available. Call today to arrange a tour & register your student! Notre Dame Elementary School (Pre-K Grade 6), East Stroudsburg 570-421-3651 Monsignor McHugh School (Pre-K Grade 8), Cresco 570-595-7463 Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School (Grade 7 12), East Stroudsburg 570-421-0466 Supporting The Mission of the Five Loaf House If you would like to help our Social Concerns Committee provide lunch for Habitat workers on Aug. 24th; Sept. 7th & 21; & Oct. 5th and 26th, please call Sally @ 977-0207, Mary @ 646-3177 or Sue @ 646-7163. HELP NEEDED: Grandparents in Arrowhead are raising several grandchildren, including a six week old boy and 4 girls ages 4,5,6 & 7. Struggling financially and finding the cost of formula beyond their budget, they would be greatly helped by donations of Enfamil milk-based formula and diapers. Items can be brought to St. Max and will be transported to the family. Thank you for sharing the love of Jesus by reaching out to our neighbors in their time of need. Please keep them in your prayers. Ecumenical / Interfaith ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY In addition to Peanut Butter & Jelly, the Pantry is also in need of canned vegetables (corn, peas, carrots), canned or instant potatoes, cereal and rice. Next preparation day is Monday, September 9th, for distribution on Tuesday, September 10th.