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! November 10th, 2013 32nd 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
November 10th, 2013 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD In the Apostles Creed we proclaim that we believe in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Today s readings invite us to explore these beliefs. The passage from Second Maccabees makes it clear that belief in the resurrection of the dead was not born in Christianity, but in a time preceding Jesus coming. The martyred brothers proclaim their conviction that God will raise them to new life. No threat of death can bring them to break one of their religious laws. Death of their bodies is no death at all, compared to the spiritual death that would result from transgressing the law. The silly riddle about marriage put to Jesus in the Gospel gives him an opportunity to speak of the coming age, when no one will be given in marriage, and no one will be liable to death. Jesus too stresses how ancient is this teaching, attributing this belief to Moses, who knew that God is the God of the living. 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 One of our core beliefs as a Christian community is in the resurrection of the dead. Each time we profess our faith (whether it is the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, or our baptismal promises), we announce that we believe in the Resurrection Christ s on the third day, and our own at the end of time. The month of November is a time when we particularly recall those who have gone before us with the sign of faith (Eucharistic Prayer 1). We honor the myriad of unnamed saints who already share in the blessedness of the heavenly kingdom. And we pray for the many who have died, that they too may enjoy eternal light, happiness, and peace. Our belief in the Resurrection unites us in a communion of faith that is beyond the grave. And we pray that we may all come to the everlasting dwelling place in heaven. Serve with Love Thank you to those who have already made the commitment to Serve with Love. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera extends his sincere gratitude to everyone who has already made a pledge to the 2013 Diocesan Annual Appeal. Each gift truly maters. If you have not yet made your gift, and need a pledge envelope, envelopes will be distributed at Masses today. Packets are also available to calling the Diocesan Development Office at 570-207-2250, or on-line at www.dioceseofscranton.org. "We are Catholics. We are Americans. We are proud to be both, grateful for the gift of faith which is ours as Christian disciples, and grateful for the gift of liberty which is ours as American citizens. To be Catholic and American should mean not having to choose one over the other. Our allegiances are distinct, but they need not be contradictory, and should instead be complementary. That is the teaching of our Catholic faith, which obliges us to work together with fellow citizens for the common good of all who live in this land. That is the vision of our founding and our Constitution, which guarantees citizens of all religious faiths the right to contribute to our common life together. " Our First, Most Cherished Liberty: A Statement on Religious Liberty, USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, April 12, 2012
Week of: November 9th thru Nov. 17th Saturday 4:00 pm For The Parishioners Sunday 8:00 am All Souls Intentions 10:30 am All Souls Intentions Monday 8:15 am Communion Service *Ed Baker by Pat Baker Tuesday 8:15 am Communion Service * Joseph Litwienski by Joanne Feenick Wed 8:15 am Communion Service Thursday 8:15 am Communion Service *John & Christina McKenna by Mary Howe Friday 8:15 am Communion Service *Timothy Grzywacz by Richard & Joyce Mullin Saturday 4:00 pm Catherine Butwel by George & Maggie Mazeffa Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners 10:30 am Barbara Visconti by Pat & Don Ryan *Mass intentions will be celebrated by Fr. Boyle while he is away. Saturday Confessions at 3:00 pm In the case of inclement weather conditions, if school is cancelled, there will be no Mass; if school is delayed, Mass will be delayed. Also, there will not be an 8:15 Mass when a Funeral Mass is scheduled. I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion..the wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong, but do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. ~Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) no. 99, March 25, 1995 Total Expenditures (for Y/E. June 30, 2012)... $440,703 Avg. weekly cost of Operation. 8,475 Collection for w.e. 10/27/13... 4,109 (Deficit) / surplus (4,366) Expansion Loan (debt).. $ 76,035. Saturday: Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12; 1 Corin. 3:9c-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22 Sunday: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; 2 Thess. 2:16-3:5; Luke 20:27-38 Monday: Wisdom 1:1-7; Luke 17:1-6 Tuesday: Wisdom 2:23-3:9; Luke 17:7-10 Wednesday: Wisdom 6:1-11; Luke 17:11-19 Thursday: Wisdom 7:22b-8:1; Luke 17:20-25 Friday: Wisdom 13:1-9; Luke 17:26-37 Saturday: Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9; Sunday: Malachi 3:19-20a; 2 Thess. 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS It is very important that students attend all scheduled classes as well as weekend Mass (even on weekends when no classes are scheduled) unless a serious reason prevents them from doing so. During the 10:30 Mass there is an opportunity for children from Pre-K through Grade 6 to participate in the Children s Liturgy of the Word. Let us continue to make welcome our young families and to support them with our prayers and encouragement as parents and grandparents seek to nurture the faith of these children. First Penance Retreat will be held from 9 am to noon on Saturday, November 16th. It is important that all children preparing to celebrate First Reconciliation on December 7th be present for this session. Religious Education Cancellation Procedures In the case of inclement weather, please listen to radio stations Magic 93 FM or KRZ, 98.5 or watch Channel 13 on Blue Ridge Cable. The cancellation announcement will also be placed on the Parish Voice Mail. A NOTE TO ALL: If the road conditions in general are safe, but they are dangerous in the area in which you live, please exercise your own discretion in keeping your child home. Please send a note explaining the situation, and your child s absence will be excused. Parent Meeting #2 for First Penance will be held in the hall at 6:30 pm on Thursday, November 21st. Parent meetings are a vital part of the partnership of the parish and our families in working together to foster the religious formation, faith development and Sacramental preparation of our young people. It is essential that every family is represented at the meetings; childcare will be provided. Fr. John B. Boyle & St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish present ~ Canadian Rockies by Train Oct. 2-10, 2014 9 Days ~ 13 Meals. Highlights include: British Columbia, Vancouver, VIA Rail, Jasper, Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary. Double $4,499. Single $5,199. Includes r/t air from Newark Intl., Air taxes, Fees, Surcharges & Hotel Transfers. For more info contact Fr. Boyle at 570-646-6424 or boyle@me.com The Prayer Garden is open. There are still a few details that need to be taken care of including some additional landscaping that probably will have to wait until spring. Actually, it will never be finished, memorial pavers can always be added to the pathway. The second section is also planned for the spring and we hope to include the Stations of the Cross in it. If you would like an engraved brick or want to sponsor the one remaining bench please pick up an order form in the Parish Office. The Dedication of the Garden is planned for the month of May. We hope you will find it a peaceful place to reflect and pray. Contact Fr. Boyle if you have any questions. BLOOD DRIVE will be held downstairs in Our Lady of the Lake Hall on Thursday, November 14th, from 1 to 6 pm We need you to help to save lives and to make our goal. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to register; walk ins are welcome! REDISCOVER CATHOLICISM This week s Group Discussion for this Matthew Kelly book will be held Wednesday, November 13th at 7 pm or Thursday, November 14th at 9:30 am. If you need to purchase a copy of the book ($3) or pick up a free study guide, please see Lynnette Smith or call her in the Parish Office.
OUR SCRIPTURE SHARING GROUP gathers at 9:30 on Tuesday mornings to prayerfully reflect on the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday. Using commentaries and discussion questions to guide us, participants share their insights and questions, explore how God is speaking to them through His Word, and seek to discern how God is calling each of them to respond in their daily lives to the Word. Remember in Prayer The Sick and The Homebound Phoebe Bramley ~ Charles Oddy Kevin Kret ~ Fr. Urban Theresa Marcinkowski ~ Kathleen McDonnell Vincent Rinaldi ~ George Mazeffa Arthur Bramley ~ Lillian Cortese ~ Ron Heisler Joseph McKenna ~ George Ondrajka Msgr. Jerry Sherba ~John Scanlon Doris Pappas ~ Theresa Akus ~ Joe Miller Danielle Sergi ~ Richard Snell ~ Dorothy Sergie Elana Knitel ~ Jay Livziey ~ Thomas Kobrtwitz Scott H. ~ Barbara Sciandra ~ Jack McKenna Riley Direnzo ~ Terry Quinn ~ Ann Valentina Karen Connell Olsher ~ Alexander John Snyder Maria Mercedes ~ Louis Larsen Jr.~ Antonia Lucia Joan Rafferty ~ Charlie Ondrajka~ Joshua Kovitch Terrence Sumrall ~ Chase Robert 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 the office (570-646-6424) and let Father or the office staff know who is in the hospital and which hospital they are in. IMMIGRATION: THE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA Sat., Nov. 23rd ~ 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Eastern Monroe Public Library 1002 North 9th St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360 Prominent speakers will engage in a topic at the forefront of our country s issues. For information contact: Bernard Hobson @ 610-871-0443 or bhobson@ptd.net Next meeting in November is Monday the 18th, at 7 pm in Our Lady of the Lake Hall. Please call G.K. Steve Glinane at 977-4617 or check the website online @ www.kofc13752.org. 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 $76,035. 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. ~ $20,000 to enable the parish to hook up to AQUA WATER and sewer lines. If needed, more suggestions can be made! Parish Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday 9 am to 4 pm Thursday 9 am to Noon Friday - CLOSED Week of November 10th The Eucharistic Sanctuary Light Available for 2 weeks for $20. The Bread and Wine Available for $25 for one week Altar Flowers Available for $75. for one week Tabernacle Flowers Available for $50. for one week
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 Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr. - Teaneck, NJ 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 PFC Amber Keppol - Fort Leonard Wood, MO DEPLOYED CIVILIAN PERSONNEL Eugene Maslar, Jr.-Bagram, Afghanistan Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. ~AMEN Around the Diocese THE MARCH FOR LIFE Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Wyoming Valley Chapter has arranged bust transportation, from our area, to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The March will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2014. To reserve your seat, please mail payment to PHL, 31 Hanover St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Include a phone number. The cost, including dinner, is $25. for students and $50. for adults. You re Invited to Notre Dame Elementary's Art Auction Redecorating? Need artwork? NDES presents an Art Auction on Friday, Nov. 15th at the school, located at 60 Spangenberg Ave in East Stroudsburg. Reception & Preview begin at 7 pm & the Auction starts at 8 pm. Admission is $10/pp & includes a wine, cheese & sweet treats buffet. This is an adults-only event (21+). For more information about the Auction, call the school at 570-421-3651. Ecumenical / Interfaith Ecumenical Bereavement Support Group St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Pocono Pines hosts a Bereavement Support group at 9:30 am on the second Wednesday of each month. It is not necessary to be a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in order to attend this ecumenical group. The format is open and ongoing (not limited to a fixed number of sessions) and the content of the meeting is selected to address the needs of those present. Anyone who has experienced a loss due to death, divorce, or separation is encouraged to attend. Through the use of audio, visual, and printed materials the group offers information about the stages of grief and the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual effects that may be experienced by those who are grieving. A lending library contains materials that are helpful for children, adolescents, and adults. The compassionate presence of people who have journeyed through the bereavement process offer support for the newly bereaved and for those who may have delayed the process or who still need assistance. For directions or more info. please call Lynnette at 646-6424 during Parish Office Hours or at 839-9346 in the evening. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AT FIVE LOAF HOUSE is still in need of skilled (especially plumbers and electricians at this time) and non-skilled laborers on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. 2 p.m. If you are able to help, just drop in during those times. If you would like to organize a group to help, please contact Monroe Habitat for Humanity s Affiliate Coordinator Kelly Kemmerer at kellykemmerer@habitatmc.org or call 570-476-9846. If you would like to help when St. Max is preparing lunch for workers, please call 570-997-0207. Five Loaf House is located at 133 Firehouse Rd. in Pocono Pines. ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY Next preparation day is Monday, November 18th, for distribution on Tuesday, November 19th. St. Maximilian Kolbe has been asked to supply the Peanut Butter & Jelly for the pantry. Other items needed for November are: cranberry sauce, stuffing, turkey gravy, cake mix, canned yams and other vegetables. Thank You for your generosity.