Welcome to Ss. Gregory & Barnabas Parish United In Christ Pastor Rev. Robert L. Ruston Daily Mass: (See inside for locations) 8:00AM Monday 1ST SUNDAY OF LENT MISSION STATEMENT FEBRUARY 14, 2016 As Catholic Christians, we will live to serve God and each other. And do His will as one family united in Faith. We will teach, serve, and be an example to the youth of the parish that they will come to a full understanding of Christ and His plan for their lives. We will nurture the gifts and talents of all parish members and use them wisely for the glory of God. We will compassionately implement the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy for those in our Parish, Diocese and throughout the world. Through the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we affirm our Communion with Christ and each other. All are welcome. Tuesday Wednesday Friday 6:30PM Thursday Weekend Liturgy: Saturday: 4:00PM (Daisytown) 5:30PM (Bon Air) Sunday: 8:00AM (Bon Air) 11:00AM (Daisytown) 120 Boltz Street 408 Luzon Avenue Johnstown, PA 15902 Phone: 814-536-6818 E-mail: sgsb925@hotmail.com Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 2:00PM Visit us on the WEB! www.ssgregbar.org Join us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/ groups/ssgregorybarnabas/ The devil said to him, "All this will be yours, if you worship me." Jesus said to him in reply, "It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve." - Lk 4:6a, 7-8 Reconciliation: Saturday: Noon 12:30PM (Daisytown) Saturday: 3:15 3:45PM (Daisytown) & 6:30PM (Bon Air) Sacrament of Baptism: Parents are to be examples to their children by being registered, active members of the Parish. Please call the rectory office to make arrangements. Sacrament of Marriage: Couples planning to marry are to make arrangements at least nine months prior to their wedding date. Diocesan Guidelines regarding Marriage Preparation must be followed. The Catholic party/parties is/are to be registered, active members in the parish. Anointing of the Sick: Please call the church office if you have a family member or friend in the hospital who would like to receive the Sacraments. The homebound and parishioners in nursing homes should also receive the Sacrament of the Sick and Holy Communion. Parish Membership: New members are always welcome! If you are moving into, within, or out of the Parish, please call the Rectory Office and let us know. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): All who would like more information about membership in the Roman Catholic Church are invited to call the Church Office.
Welcome to SS. Gregory & Barnabas Parish February 14, 2016 WEEKLY SCHEDULE Sunday, February 14th CCD: K-11 Happy Valentine s Day Wednesday, Fr. Bob s Day Off Choir Practice BA 6:30PM Thursday, Morning Fish Fry Prep both locations Friday, FF/D & BA Next Sunday, February 21st CCD: K-11; Confessions 5th grade Confirmation Session 10-11 grades RELIGIOUS ED SCHEDULE 2/11 2nd Grade PARENT MTG R/B 7:15PM 2/14 K-11 2/21 K-11, Confessions 5th grade Confirmation Session 10-11 grades 2/28 K-11; CORRECTION: Rite of Commitment 11AM (10th graders) Includes sponsors (Rite of Sending is March 20th) CHOIR REHEARSALS Choir prac ce every Wednesday in Bon Air at 6:30PM Choir sings 1st & 3rd Sunday s in Bon Air and 2nd & 4th Sunday s in Daisytown! New Members Welcome!!! A LOOK AT WHAT S AHEAD 2/13 Sweetheart dinner cancelled 2/19 Fish Fry D/BA 2/21 BINGO/D Hall 2/22 Gertrude Hawk Candy orders due 2/26 Fish Fry D/BA 3/4 Fish Fry D/BA 3/11 Fish Fry D/BA Monday Tuesday MASS SCHEDULE (SG) 8:00AM (SB) 8:00AM Wednesday (SG) 8:00AM Thursday (SG) 6:30PM Friday (SB) 8:00AM Saturday (SG) 4:00PM (SB) 5:30PM Sunday (SB) 8:00AM (SG) 11:00AM (SG) 7:00PM Family members are asked to present Offertory Gifts at weekend masses being offered for their loved ones. Pat Hiner by Helene Schellhammer Eleanor Chromy by Matt Utnik Betty Brezensky by The Altar & Rosary Society Richard Huss Sr. by Wife, Catherine & Family Angie Sedlmyer by Bill & May Stripp Nellie Filipovich 2/18 Birthday Remembrance by Family George & Bertha Galuska Wedding Anniversary Remembrance by son, Dwayne and wife, Jackie Galuska Helen Ritter by Family For the People Stations of the Cross Liturgical Reflection Throughout the weeks of Lent in this Jubilee of Mercy, the Diocese will reflect on the Corporal Works of Mercy. These are seven ways to do almsgiving the forty days of Lent. This first week the works to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty are highlighted. We share our own resources with others. Have you ever made lunch or dinner for the family - or picked dinner up for someone at the drive-through? Ever made a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich for a younger sister or brother? Ever poured a glass of milk or water for someone? Is there a place in your community that collects food for the hungry? Maybe a monetary donation can be given to aid the starving and thirsty beyond our borders. To do this we may have to go without something we like to have, but don t actually need. God s mercy shines through our acts. 2016 Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Liturgy Office My name is Jordan Slavick and I m currently working toward my Girl Scout Silver Award which is the highest award in Girl Scouts. For my project, I have been making homemade dog treats and cat treats once a month since last October and delivering them to the Humane Society. During the month of February, I am going to be running a food drive for the Humane Society and I would greatly appreciate any dona ons of dog or cat food for this drive. I will have boxes in the back of each worship site staring on Sunday February 7 th un l the last Sunday in February. I will also be working with the CCD classes to sell red Humane Society Hearts for $1.00 with all the money being raised going to the Humane Society. If anyone has any ques ons about my project please feel free to contact me at 814 266 4409. Thanks for your me! Sweetheart Dinner Unfortunately, due to low numbers we are having to cancel the dinner. Easter Flower Offering Please return those envelopes by March 13th to be included in the memorial lis ngs in the Easter bulle n. Again, we remind you to PRINT legibly so that your memorials may be published. Do the Very Best I do the very best I know how the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so un l the end. I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have. Abraham Lincoln Reprinted with permission from: Apple Seeds Fr. Brian Cavanaugh T.O.R.
FROM THE DESK OF FATHER BOB As we enter into another Lenten season we are called to a spiritual rebirth of sorts through the disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving so as to become more aware of the needs of those on the margins of our society and not simply because we need to lose a few pounds by abstaining from candy and pastries. There are many persons in this world who manage to survive on less than the equivalent of $2.00 a day and, in many cases, it is not because they are shiftless or lazy. They may simply not have been blessed with the opportunities to make a better life for themselves and their families. It is easy to pass judgment without knowing all the facts and so we can free ourselves from any guilt or responsibility for their state in life. I cannot fix all of the problems of this earth and its people but I am able to confess that I have more than I need. Perhaps that is where my Lenten sacrificial giving needs to begin. Rather than purchasing another collectible figurine, maybe that money could be used more wisely in supporting the local food pantry or a charitable organization. The crux of the matter is that I am responsible before God in how well I use my resources that could eliminate or ease the sufferings of another, and that makes me uncomfortable. Perhaps that is what the season of Lent is supposed to do in our hearts and I would be the first to admit that I don t like that feeling. Maybe after all these years I have finally discovered the meaning of this season. The question is will I be able to act on it and still be filled with Easter joy? Carmelite Community of the Word offers Lenten Opportuni es for Enrichment Sunday Sabbath Series Sunday March 6: War Room From the award winning creators of Fireproof and Courageous comes War Room, a compelling drama with humor and heart that explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, paren ng, careers, friendships, and every other area of our lives. Pre registra on required by March 3. Each Sunday Sabbath begins at 1 p.m. and ends by 4:30 p.m. and includes film viewing, discussion and prayer. Free will offering is suggested. Overnight Retreat on Friday March 18 7:00 PM Saturday March 19 3 PM Lazarus Awakening The story of Lazarus reveals the scandalous availability of God s love if we will only reach out and accept it. This retreat offers par cipants to experience a divine shi in how we view our rela onship with God. The idea that Jesus loves us apart from what we do is o en unthinkable for some. Jesus loves me is not just a phrase to recite but a truth that can infuse every moment of our days. Suggested Dona on: $40 includes all materials, accommoda ons and meals. The book Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver will be available for op onal purchase at a cost of $10. Joanna Weaver is the Best Selling Author of the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Pre registra on is required with a nonrefundable deposit of $20 by March 16. Sessions will be held at Carmelite Community of the Word Incarna on Center, 394 Bem Rd., Gallitzin, PA. To register, get direc ons, or for more informa on, call 814 886 4098. 1st Sunday of Lent "The devil said to him... 'All this will be yours, if you worship me.'" Jesus faced temptation, like we all do. His forty-day fast in the desert wasn't full of supernatural consolation and delight. He was subject to "every temptation" and when the forty days were over, "he was hungry." In other words, he was human. Jesus' divine nature didn't cancel out his human nature. He faced struggles just like we do--both physical and spiritual--in his body and his soul. As we see in today's Gospel, the strategy Jesus used to fight these physical and spiritual battles was to immerse himself in God's word. To silence the devil during this fast, Jesus quoted Scripture. He rooted himself in these eternal truths, relying upon them in his moments of trial. And these sacred words had a dramatic effect. Every time Satan tried to seduce him with a new promise, Jesus responded with a Bible verse. And each time, Satan was silenced and had to try a new angle. Finally, when all the devilish angles had been tried, "the devil departed from him for a time." Jesus won the victory using the weapon of God's word. As we enter into the season of Lent, we can be armed in the same way. We now embark upon a battle against our own pride, sloth, and greed as we commit to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Ultimately, we are working to put God first, instead of bowing down to our selfishness and our desire for comfort. The devil would like nothing more than to see us "worship" him in these ways. But, instead, let's be equipped to proclaim--and to live--the words Jesus himself used: "You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve." James Stiffler, Sr. Tammy Goller HOSPITALIZED Betty Jane Heptner Do you know someone who needs prayers? Please contact Debbie Washington at 536-3616 or dlwashi@hotmail.com to place a name on the parish Prayer Chain! Boxes for requests are also located in the vestibules of our worship sites. If you have a loved one admitted to the hospital or nursing home please contact the office. The hospital sometimes fails to call and notify us, then Fr. Bob does not know to visit. Thanks for your help. Prayerful remembrance for all serving in the military: Ryan Wood, Army; Nathan Brezovic; Fr. Frantisek Halka, Army; Major David Dietz, Army; Petty Officer Tony Pinkas, Navy; Second Infantry Brigade & Det 1, Company C, 2nd 104th. Please contact the parish office (536-6818) if we need to add or remove any of our military personnel from this list. Thank you. GERTRUDE HAWK Easter fundraiser to raise money to help pay for the kids going to Camp Z. Parents of Camp Z kids are asked to please help us in sending your child to Camp Z. Feel free to ask your neighbors, family members and coworkers. Orders need to be turned in by Feb. 22nd. Orders will be at the church the week of TBD and placed in back of the church if you notate which church on the form. Please keep the pink portion of the order form (church gets the rest) and keep it in a safe place until the candy is delivered. Please make checks payable to SS Gregory and Barnabas Parish; (Do NOT make payable to Gertrude Hawk). You can pay now or when the candy order comes in. Please support this fundraiser; we make 50% of the profit! Please do not hesitate to contact Andi at 266-2806 with any questions.
Families & the Gospel February 14 Luke 4:1 13 The devil tempted Jesus to ignore his Father and to rely on his own abili es (possessions, fame and power). We face the same tempta ons if we think we earned our blessings. Jesus teaches us to recognize God s protec on and love as the source of our blessings and warns not to put the Lord, your God, to the test. FISH FRY PREP for both loca ons: In Daisytown: Feb 12th March 25th Thursday, fish is cut and packed. This process takes approximately two hours beginning at 8:00AM. Thursday, is me to clean and bu erfly the shrimp. This process can also be done in 2 hours if we have enough help. Thursday Evening 6PM A&R Society Baking help appreciated! Friday morning is when we bread the fish and shrimp, cut cabbage and prepare the cole slaw. Friday a ernoon we begin cooking at 3PM and serving at 4PM. We also need extra help a er the dinner is completed to pack and store the le overs, etc. 6:30PM In Bon Air: Feb 12 March 18th Thursday morning Halushki and cole slaw prep Friday morning fish is cut and breaded. Friday a ernoon we begin serving at 4PM. We also need extra help a er the dinner is completed to pack and store the le overs, etc. 6:30PM. Jr./Sr. high students are asked to fulfill their service requirement by assis ng at either hall. Make this a part of your Lenten discipline and discover that it can also be an enjoyable experience. In the Community: COMMUNITY LAB BLOOD SCREENING Saturday, Feb. 20th from 7 am 9 am in the School Hall, 2310 Bedford Street, Johnstown, PA. Please call Windber Medical Center to register at 467-3961 to FINANCIAL NEWS Fiscal Year July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Offertory Totals for the week of February 7, 2016 Weekly Offertory $3,756 Misc. Income $263 Votive Candles $49 Building Fund $353 FUEL $115 Easter Flowers $100 Envelope Cost $8 Total $4,644 LAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE Weekly Needs $5000 2/7 $4,644 (Over/under) $356 YTD surplus/ (shortfall) ($9,018) 1/31 TV Ministry $23 2/10 Ash Wednesday $65 2/14 Black & Indian $ Catholic Relief Storm Relief $30 ACA 2016: $282 SIGN UP SHEETS in the vestibule or email/call the office. Ministers are expected to take the responsibility to find a substitute if they cannot fulfill their assignment. Liturgy Feb 13/14 Feb 20/21 Feb 27/28 March 5/6 4:00 PM Lector: C. Kessler A. Hiner D EM: B P. Harteis (B:Bread) C D. Stroz (C: Cup) C A. Hiner Servers: 5:30 PM Lector: Sorchilla S. Rozum BA EM: B J. Kopco J. Pribish Servers: C Sorchilla S. Rozum P. Ledwich C P. Ledwich J. Calka R. Clark Ponczek/ Sorchilla Rozums 8:00 AM Lector: Moot MB Rykala Moot BA EM: B Moot Moot Moot C Moot Moot Moot C B. McPherson MB Rykala D. Slavick Servers: Rykala 11:00 AM Lector: MH Percinsky J. Kopco J. Allison D EM: B J. Sandoval B. Sweeney J. Sandoval C B. Sweeney B. LaBar L. Sida C S. Sandoval M. Krawczyk Servers: J., J., H. Stiffler Wysocki Sidas schedule an appointment. A12-14 hour fast is recommended and suggested to wear clothing that is access to arm. You do not have to be a patient of Windber Physician to participate. Patients of any physician are welcome! NO DOCTOR OR- DER IS NEEDED and Walk Ins are Welcome!! Cost is $30. Additional Tests Offered: PSA $20, Hemoglobin A1C $20, Vitamin D Level $35. ALL YOU CAN EAT DEL GROSSO SPAGHETTI DINNER: hosted by Cover Hill Fire Company (985 Remington Dr., Johnstown) on Sundays, Feb. 21st & Mar. 20th 11:30AM-2:30PM Cost is $7. Children 12 and under $4. Take-out available. THE ST. ANDREW CHURCH ANNUAL NOVENA to the Infant of Prague will begin on Sun., Feb. 28 at 7:00PM through Mon. Mar. 7th at 7:00PM. We will have additional Priests to hear Confessions after Mass every night. NIGHT AT THE RACES: at Cover Hill Volunteer Fire Dept. on Sat. March 5th. Doors open 5:30, 1st race starts 6:30PM. Purchase Horse or jockey for $15, includes admission for 1, food & beverages. $25 payout if your horse/jockey wins. To purchase call 243-2987. 14TH ANNUAL BASKET PARTY: hosted by St. Andrew School on Sun., April 3rd. Doors open at Noon; drawings begin at 2:00pm. Admission is $10.00-includes lunch, dessert, beverage, and 25 chances. All tickets are sold in advance and now available at the school office (Mon-Fri, 288-2811). You MUST have a ticket to attend no tickets sold at the door. Only 400 seats available so purchase yours today! Invite friends and family for an afternoon of fun! This weekend s temps: TOO
SS Gregory & Branabas Parishioners: Please Turn all applications into the parish office along with $50 deposit. We need to know the children we will be sending to camp in order to pay the remaining balance.
INFORMATION FROM THE DIOCESE www.dioceseaj.org NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Does your method of family planning strengthen your emotional intimacy with your spouse?...work with (not against) the gift of your fertility?...nurture a loving relationship with God and the Church?...increase your self-respect and growth as a person/couple? The Billings Method of NFP (www.boma-usa.org or www.familyplanning.net) is the result of decades of scientific research by medical researchers. NFP honors the Church s respect for the unitive and procreative purpose of married love-making. If you haven t checked out NFP, you haven t made an informed choice. Certified diocesan instructors are located throughout our diocese. Introductory presentations to groups also available. Contact our diocesan Family Life Office, 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org FAITH & LIGHT Sharing Faith & Friendship with Intellectual Disabled Persons A faith sharing group which also includes family members, caregivers, friends. Meets monthly, Sundays, 1:00-4:00 pm at a handicap accessible location. Call Gaye (814) 472-7317 or Family Life Office (814) 886-5551. www.faithandlight.org; www.faithandlightusaeast.org IS YOUR MARRIAGE TEARING YOU APART? There is hope through Retrouvaille, a Christian peer ministry. Retrouvaille (French for rediscovery ) is Catholic, but open to all couples. See www.retrouvaille.org; for brochure or to talk to couples in our diocese who have used Retrouvaille contact diocesan Family Life Office (814) 886-5551 or familylife@dioceseaj.org Your marriage is meant to be a Sacrament a source of life and energy. You owe it to yourself to heal. KNOW SOMEONE MARRIED 5 OR 10 YEARS? A son or daughter, sibling, niece or nephew, or you yourselves...bishop Mark has a message for you! To receive this letter, send the couple s name, mailing address, email and whether married 5 or 10 years to the Family Life Office, 5379 Portage St., Lilly, PA 15938; 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org. Be sure to indicate it is for the anniversary letter from Bishop Mark. MARRIAGE PREPARATION SERIES 2016 Pre-registration required. Early registration advised some series fill up months in advance. Cancellation due to weather: For classes in all locations, call the Family Life Office. A taped message will list cancellations. If you can t attend due to driving conditions, call the Family Life Office (814) 886-5551 during office hours (M-F 8:30-4:00) for make-up instructions. COST: $65 per couple (includes all sessions in a series) Register by e-mail Fee payable at the first session (cash or check payable to Family Life Office ) Please come 15 minutes early to the first session for registration purposes. Advance reservations required by e-mail familylife@dioceseaj.org For dates please use the website to choose a session date: http://www.dioceseaj.org/family-life Type Marr Prep in subject line. Include: Parish and town where series is held, names, phone, e-mail addresses, Catholic or interfaith marriage, and wedding date. For questions call Family Life Office 814-886-5551 (Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:00). Information also online at www.dioceseaj.org. (Diocesan Offices, Family Life) Carmelite Community of the Word offers Lenten Opportuni es for Enrichment Overnight Retreat Friday March 18 7:00 PM Saturday March 19 3 PM Lazarus Awakening The story of Lazarus reveals the scandalous availability of God s love if we will only reach out and accept it. This retreat offers par cipants to experience a divine shi in how we view our rela onship with God. The idea that Jesus loves us apart from what we do is o en unthinkable for some. Jesus loves me is not just a phrase to recite but a truth that can infuse every moment of our days. Suggested Dona on: $40 includes all materials, accommoda ons and meals. The book Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver will be available for op onal purchase at a cost of $10. Joanna Weaver is the Best Selling Author of the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Pre registra on is required with a non refundable deposit of $20 by March 16. Sunday Sabbath Series Sunday April 3: Ocean of Mercy: Three Lives One Vision No Limit At the dawn of the 20th century, three voices rose up from Poland to proclaim an urgent message, a message powerful enough to alter the course of an age plunging into spiritual darkness. This true story examines and chronicles the phenomenal lives and spiritual legacy of Saint Faus na Kowalksa, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and Blessed John Paul II, modern day "Apostles of Mercy". Pre registra on required by March 31. Each Sunday Sabbath begins at 1 p.m. and ends by 4:30 p.m. and includes film viewing, discussion and prayer. Free will offering is suggested. Sessions will be held at Carmelite Community of the Word Incarna on Center, 394 Bem Rd., Gallitzin, PA. To register, get direc ons, or for more informa on, call 814 886 4098.