St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish 5112 Pocono Crest Rd. PO Box O Pocono Pines, PA 18350 Parish Office: (570) 646-6424 Web Page: http://www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org Saturday Confessions ~ 3:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil ~ 4:00 p.m. Sunday Masses ~ 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. September 7th, 2014 23rd 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.
September 7th, 2014 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time SPEAKING OUT IN LOVE In the final verses of today s Gospel reading Jesus says that when two or three are gathered in his name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). So we understand that fraternal correction is always undertaken in the presence of Jesus Christ. Likewise, encouraging the good in others is not only the right thing for us to do, it is a necessity. The LORD tells the prophet Ezekiel that if he does not speak out to dissuade a person from evil, then he too will be held responsible. We live in a do your own thing age where moral objectivity is often ignored. Clearly when the message we share with others is rooted in love, our motives cannot ever be misinterpreted. As Saint Paul writes, Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10) Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. You are always welcome at our worship services. May God bless you today and strengthen you inwardly to meet the challenges of the week ahead. St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Staff Reverend Sean G. Carpenter ~ Pastor 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 TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION We know for certain that the sacrament of penance was a fairly rare event in the life of a Christian in the early centuries, but that everyone had a duty to admit their sins and ask forgiveness before giving thanks in the Sunday Eucharist and receiving Christ s Body and Blood at the table. Everyone today is familiar with this same ancient pattern. We also know about Lent and its journey of renewal, and even those who are returning from summer vacations may speak of a fresh perspective on life and a resolve to do better. Saint Augustine spoke of a third kind of penance, beyond the turning of the catechumens to a different life, beyond the normal everyday fresh starts, to a form that is severe and serious. Certain sins broke faith with the community: the sinners were obliged to give their names to the bishop and were barred from participation in the Eucharist. Augustine mentioned sacrilege, adultery, and murder as the culprits, great wounds for the perpetrator, wounds that were serious, deadly, mortal. Penance was such a frightening prospect that many people delayed their baptism for fear that they would sin, a practice with which Augustine was well acquainted. Pastoral need would eventually call the church to reconsider its practice. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Martyr of Charity One of the few advantages that modern times has given religion is a new immediacy of the lives of the saints of our times. Through their writings, the accounts of those who knew them, and even photographs, we come to a deeper and more vivid appreciation of the greatness of their sanctity and their journey to their greatness. Such is the case with Saint Maximilian Kolbe, commemorated on August 14th, renowned for his self-sacrifice in Auschwitz. Born in 1894 in Poland, the path of his life was greatly influenced by a childhood vision of the Virgin Mary that was preceded by his mother s remonstrance for his childish behavior: Raymond, what will become of you? Retiring to the chapel in the family house, he prayed in tears for heavenly help: That night I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me, a Child of Faith. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked me if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY September 6th through September 14th Saturday 4:00 pm Martine Chalvignac by Douglas & Josephine Mackenzie Sunday 8:00 am For the Parishioners 10:30 am Elizabeth & Frank Cranley Sr. by Pati Cranley Monday 8:15 am Dennis Knecht by Mary O Donnell Tuesday 8:15 am Louis Bradley by Fran & Bill Lauff Wed 8:15 am Helen Toryak by Jean Petersen Thursday 8:15 am Debra Lacey by Peter & Gundi Veritas Friday 9:30 am Communion Service Saturday 4:00 pm Josephine Paterno by Louise & Bill Donadio Sunday 8:00 am For the Parishioners 10:30 am Bernardo DeLaro by Mary & Joe McFadden Please Note: From here forward, the Communion Service will be on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. All are invited to join us for Morning Prayer at 8 a.m. preceding the 8:15 Daily Mass. Saturday Confessions at 3:00 pm There will not be an 8:15 Mass when a Funeral Mass is scheduled. Pope Francis has observed that "religion [cannot] be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life, without influence on societal and national life." Evangelii Gaudium..., no. 183. In insisting that our liberties as Americans be respected, Pope Benedict XVI said that this work belongs to "an engaged, articulate and well-formed Catholic laity endowed with a strong critical sense vis-à-vis the dominant culture." Therefore, catechesis on religious liberty is not the work of priests alone. If religious liberty is not properly understood, all people suffer and are deprived of the essential contribution to the common good, be it in education, health care, feeding the hungry, civil rights, and social services that individuals make every day, both here at home and overseas. What do we mean by religious liberty? In Catholic teaching, the Second Vatican Council explained in Dignitatis Humanae that the foundation of the principle of religious freedom is rooted in the dignity of the human person, who is endowed with reason and free will, and therefore able to take responsibility of his or her actions. Religious liberty is protected in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and in federal and state laws. Religious liberty includes more than our ability to go to Mass on Sundays or pray the Rosary at home; it also encompasses our ability to contribute freely to the common good of all Americans. Total Expenditures for y/e 06/30/13. $378,000. Avg. weekly cost of Operation $ 7,269. Collection for w.e. 08/24/14 $ 6,846. (Deficit) / surplus. $ 423. Thank You for Your Generosity. Saturday: 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Lk 6:1-5 Sunday: Ez 33:7-9; Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20 Monday: Mi 5:1-4a Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 Tuesday: 1 Cor 6:1-11; Lk 6:12-19 Wednesday: 1 Cor 7:25-31; Lk 6:20-26 Thursday: 1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13; Lk 6:27-38 Friday: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-27; Lk 6:39-42 Saturday: 1 Cor 10:14-22; Lk 6:43-49 Sunday: Nm 21:4b-9; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES BEGIN on Sunday, September 14th. In order for the parish to maintain accurate records of student information, it is necessary to re-register each year. Parents are urged to pick up a form in the narthex or in the hall by the parish offices and to return the completed form immediately. THE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP The next meeting will be downstairs in Our Lady of the Lake Hall at 9:30 A.M. on Sept. 10th at 9:30 am. Through the use of printed and audio visual resources, this ecumenical group provides information about the grieving process. The compassionate presence of those who have journeyed through the bereavement process offers support and encouragement to those who are just beginning that journey. CCD Parent Meeting Sunday, September 7th at 9:30. A.M. All parents of CCD students from Pre-k through Grade 8/ Confirmation are asked to make every effort to attend an important parent meeting in the hall the first Sunday of September. At this meeting we will discuss any changes in procedure and programs. There will also be an opportunity for parents to offer insights and suggestions and to ask questions about our religious formation program. Please call (570-646-6424) or email (lysmith@ptd.net) Lynnette if you are unable to attend this meeting. OUR SCRIPTURE SHARING GROUP meets downstairs in the hall on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 A.M. All are welcome to join us as we prepare for the upcoming weekend celebration of the Eucharist. The group process includes time to quietly reflect on each reading, to gain insights from several Scripture commentaries, and an option to share personal insights about how the Word of God is speaking to us personally in the context of our daily lives. NOTICE: EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TRAINING Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 1402 Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, PA 18322 Please call 610-681-6137 if you plan to attend. A three part series will be held on Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm on September 9th, 16th and 23rd. These sessions are for anyone who would like to become an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Fr. Sean would also like to encourage anyone who is currently serving in this ministry to attend these sessions for spiritual enrichment and as a refresher. All are welcome! FRIDAY COMMUNION SERVICES: There will no longer be a daily Mass on Fridays. Each Friday there will be a Communion Service at 9:30 a.m. (Morning Prayer will begin at 9:15 on Fridays.) On the First Friday of each Month, the Communion Service will be followed Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 10:30. Lord, may the hearts of all who seek you find the assurance to live as you would have us live. WE WELCOME THE CHILDREN AT MASS! As Jesus urged us to do, we want to make every effort to let the little ones draw close to Him. Now that the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle in the body of the church, we are able to use the chapel area as a space where children can gather with their families to they continue to learn how to participate in the Mass. Please note: The children are always most welcome to be with us in the body of the church! This special space has been made available for times when the parents may feel it would be helpful to be in a place where they may feel more comfortable while helping the little ones to settle themselves or to explain to them what is happening during the Mass. Parents may choose to remain in this space for the entire liturgy or they can move to this space if the need arises. The area is not sound proof, but it does offer a more secluded spot for families; there is a speaker that will allow people to hear what is taking place in the body of the church.
Columbus Weekend - October 11th & 12th St. Maximilian Kolbe Craft Fair Fundraiser A meeting will be held Tuesday, September 2nd, at 12 noon in the parish hall. If you are interested in participating please call Ellen @ 570-646- 9715. If you knit, crochet, do other crafts, woodworking, glass, painting, etc. or if you would like to volunteer in some other way - then we need you. Last years fair included hand-made items, paintings, a white elephant table and baked goods. At this time, we are asking both individuals and local business owners if they are able to contribute by means of gift certificate, monetary donation or merchandise that can be used for a raffle. All donations will be greatly appreciated and we can also provide a statement of donation which can be used for tax purposes. Thank You Those In Need of Prayer Kevin Kret ~ Betty Lou Torpey ~ Ron Heisler Kathleen McDonnell ~Vincent Rinaldi ~ Elana Knitel Raymond Mullin ~ Fr. Tom McLaughlin Scott H. ~ Joseph McKenna ~ George Ondrajka Fr. Urban ~ Msgr. Jerry Sherba ~ John Scanlon Duncan Van Dusen ~ Richard Snell ~ Jay Livziey Thomas Kobrtwitz ~ Fay Feldman ~ Millie Bishop Barbara Sciandra ~ Jack McKenna ~ Gerry Boyle Riley Direnzo ~ Ann Valentina ~ Jim McLaine Alexander John Snyder ~ Antonia Lucia ~ Joe Miller Maria Mercedes ~ Louis Larsen Jr. ~ Joan Rafferty Charlie Ondrajka ~ Terrence Sumrall ~ Temi Miller Chase Robert ~ Michael James ~ Robert Angelle Joseph Burinsky ~ Doris Pappas ~ Vicki Knight For a Priest who is ill ~ Theresa Osborne ~ David Fr. Henry~ Brody Direnzo ~ Theresa Akus ~ Bob Walsh Darren Flomberg - Haydee Melendez ~ Joan Mercer Betsy O Donnell Hospital Visits - Our Pastor is more than willing to visit those who are hospitalized and homebound. Please call the office at (570-646-6424) and let us know who is in the hospital and which hospital they are in. Names submitted for this listing of Those In Need of Prayer will be refreshed at the end of 30 days. You may have names placed back on the list by calling the office. ~Thank You. There will be a Prayer service for World Peace at 7:00 PM Thursday 9/11/2014. All are invited. The next meeting is in September. For more information call G.K. Steve Glinane at 977-4617 for information or http://knights13752.webs.com/ or facebook at KnightsofColumbus Pocono Pines or Twitter@ kofc13752mail. The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 8th. OUR ROSARY MAKERS would like to extend an invitation to anyone willing to help provide rosaries to various groups. In the past, rosaries have been distributed within the parish, throughout the country, and around the world. We now have only five people that are able to make rosaries. You can help by providing funds to purchase materials and to ship the rosaries, and/or by actually making the rosaries. The work can be done at home at your convenience. If you can share your time, talent, and treasure to help foster this Marian devotion, please call Diane (570-646-4707) or Pat (643-7073). SEPTEMBER 20TH MEETING FOR ALL LECTORS & EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST! Fr. Sean has requested that everyone currently serving in these liturgical ministries and anyone interested in serving in the near future attend this very important meeting on Saturday, September 20th at 2 P.M. During this meeting we will review current procedures and address any necessary changes. It will also provide an opportunity to prayerfully reflect on the call to serve the Lord and our Parish Family at the celebration of the Eucharist. THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRTY THE GROUP MEETS THE FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH IN THE PARISH HALL. Call Fran at 570-646-2007 or Carolyn at 570-722-9571 for more information.
Week of September 7th Tabernacle Light In Memory of Leon Petersen by the Grandchildren The Bread and Wine In Memory of Stanley Trembinski By Maryann Trembinski Altar Flowers Available for $75. for one week Tabernacle Flowers Available for $50. for one week If two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. ~Matthew 18:19 PRAYERS FOR MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT SERVICE Cpt. Thomas M. Smith - Hanscom AFB, MA Airman Joshua Ponce - Caldwell AFB, Texas Seaman Nicole Beckman, San Diego, CA James Murtha, USN - VA Sgt. Richard J. Fissler Jr. - Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA Lt. Col. Christopher Yuskaitis - Italy Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr. - Fort Lee, VA Cpl. John P. Bramley - Camp Pendleton, CA 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 PFC Amber Keppol - Camp Zamo, Japan Pvt. Matthew Ponce - Fort Bragg, NC Alston Smart Jr., USN, Middle East Jake Yuskaitis - USMC -Parris Island, SC DEPLOYED CIVILIAN PERSONNEL Eugene Maslar, Jr.-Bagram, Afghanistan Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. ~AMEN Names submitted for listing on Prayers for Military and Government Service will be refreshed at the end of 30 days. You may have names placed back on the list by calling the office. ~Thank You. THE PRAYER GARDEN Order forms for pavers in the garden are available in the parish office. Future expansion of the garden will include Stations of the Cross. If you have questions regarding the Stations of the Cross, please call Mike Kummer at 516-633-5523. Women s Cornerstone Meeting Tuesday, September 9th at 6 p.m. Around The Diocese Most Holy Trinity BINGO held every Thursday night. It is held at Msgr. McHugh Elementary, 212 Rt. 390, Cresco, PA. Doors and kitchen open at 5:30; Early bird 6:15 and regular BINGO at 6:30. Door Prizes, Jackpots and Progressive Pots weekly. Air Conditioning. Formation for Servant Leadership: Growing in Faith Together The Diocese of Scranton, through the Office for Parish Life, will be offering these new lay ministry formation opportunities beginning in the Fall of 2014: Parish-Based Adult Faith Formation Diocesan Certificate in Lay Ministry Academic Degree and/or National Certificate Parish Mission: The Joy of the Gospel To learn more about any of these opportunities, contact the Diocesan Office for at 570-207-2213; plfgeneral@dioceseofscranton.org. or www.dioceseofscranton.org Ecumenical / Interfaith FIVE LOAF HOUSE THE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY, now located at Five Loaf House on 133 Firehouse Road in Pocono Pines, continues to count on our support to supply non-perishable food to local families in need. Our parish has been asked to supply peanut butter & jelly each month. Next distribution will be Monday, September 8th and Tuesday, September 9th. Improvements at the Pantry continue on Wed. & Sat. from 9 am - 2 pm. If you can help provide lunch for the workers, call Sally @ 570-977-0207.