FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

What is Eucharistic Living? by Bishop Robert C. Morlino

www.madisoncatholicherald.org

The celebration of First Communion in the

parish provides a terrific opportunity for us to reflect on the tremendous gift that is given us in the Eucharist. Who are we that we should deserve such a gift? The answer is simple, we are God’s beloved. We are those who, though we don’t deserve anything, have received the tremendous gift of God Himself really and truly present, so great is His love for us!

The real presence of Christ

For a while there has been some confusion about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and it has led to a problem that really is grave, for many Catholics don’t really believe in the real

presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist at all.

Many Catholics want to believe in this, they intend to, they’re good hearted, they even say they do, but then we watch what happens when so many come to Communion, and we realize that the belief is not really there. Sometimes it gets so bad that somebody, right before or right after they receive, will go and share some words with a friend in the front pews, when the Lord of Heaven and Earth is either still in their hand or still in their mouth. This cannot mean that they believe or understand the presence of Christ at that moment. Nobody would act in such a way if the president or the queen had come to be with them, but what about the King of Kings?

Now, except in very specific circumstances, nobody means anything bad or irreverent, and this is not meant to be a condemnation. What I am doing simply is pointing out a reality and posing

a question: if we truly believe that Jesus Christ is present, shouldn’t that affect our corresponding actions and attitudes?

Eucharistic living

This is precisely where the beautiful story of the washing of the feet comes in. It is no accident that in John’s Gospel the washing of the feet comes right in the midst of the Last Supper — when in the Gospels we have also the Institution of the Eucharist. The signs of bread and wine are what the risen Christ looks like, in the reality of the sacramental mystery of the Eucharist. But the washing of the feet is what we could call the prime example of Eucharistic behavior, of Eucharistic living.

We have the gift of celebrating the Eucharist, we have the beautiful practice of adoring the Eucharist, and then we have our daily call to Eucharistic living — to which we are all called outside of the Mass and outside of the confines of our

churches.

I propose that many people have a problem believing in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist these days, because they are not engaged in Eucharistic behavior. And, further, the world has a problem believing in the presence of Christ, on earth and in the Church, because they don’t see us — priests, bishops and religious, along with the Christian people — consistently engaging in Eucharistic behavior. That, I think, is where the problem is.

And the solution? If we could regularly live out Eucharistic behavior, our

reverence for the real presence would manifest itself. If people had reverential service as their attitude toward others, they would have far deeper reverential service as their attitude toward Christ. And if we showed that reverential service toward others as an outpouring of our reverence for Christ, the whole world could be transformed.

Washing the feet of others

Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles and then he told them to go out and wash the feet of others — especially each other’s feet. It’s very easy to see the way that priests are to live out Eucharistic behavior

by washing the feet of their Catholic community. The role of service for our priests, especially the service of the Truth, is well defined. But so too, every last disciple of Christ is called to go out and to live a life of Eucharistic behavior in precisely the same kind of service where,

in a way that is truly caring, they help one another. And this type of Christ-like service is not meant just to look good for others, nor because maybe in some instances or in some way we are getting paid or rewarded, but because we really care.

The Eucharistic behavior, the washing of

the feet, in the many forms it takes, is necessary for the proper attitude of Eucharistic reverence at Mass and at Eucharistic Adoration. And likewise, as we come more reverently before the Lord in the Eucharist, we should grow in our reverence for one another in Eucharistic living. You can’t have one without the other.

There cannot be real adoration of the Eucharistic presence, real celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice without Eucharistic behavior. And if Eucharistic behavior is lacking, that attitude of being ready to wash the feet of the other, then the faith in the real presence at Mass and at Adoration will inevitably dim, because that faith is incomplete without the Eucharistic behavior which always accompanies it.

Our responsibility to witness

Now some of you are well known for your deep faith, accompanied by Eucharistic behavior, and that is wonderful, but what we have been given as a grace, we also have to give. Faith in the real presence at Mass and in Adoration is only going to grow for people if they make the connection between that faith and the Eucharistic behavior which is called for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

The problem is not an easy problem to correct — it’s much easier to talk about. Certainly, we should talk about it, we should think about it, we should pray about it, but let’s also act. Let’s lovingly witness to the Eucharistic way of life, which alone gives final credibility to the real presence of Jesus Christ under the sign of bread and wine.

Let’s also pray for and support all of our boys and girls who are receiving Jesus Christ for the very first time at the Eucharist in these days, and let us reflect upon these mysteries and place them into action as we arrive at Corpus Christi Sunday.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. God Bless each one of you. Christ is Risen! Indeed he is Risen!

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

IN THE PARISH

Helpful Information

Join the Parish

Anyone wishing to register for membership in the parish is asked to fill out a registration form and drop it in the collection basket.

Request Prayers

Our INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY provides prayer for anyone in need throughout the parish. Contact MARY ANN MAGDA at 570-820-0525 or make your intention known on our parish website at www.standrebessettewb.com

Remember your Parish

Your parish serves you faithfully throughout your life. Please remember your parish with a memorial gift or a Bequest in your will. Make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for you.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may take place at any time, but, sadly, too many families wait until the last minute to call the priest to anoint their loved ones. If someone in your family is seriously ill, preparing for surgery, or suffering a prolonged illness, please contact the parish office to arrange a time for Fr. Ken to visit. IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY—or if Fr. Ken is unavailable to visit immediately, we will contact the first available priest to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing with your loved one.

Funeral Preparations

We collaborate with the local funeral directors in arranging the times of the funerals. Please be aware that

there is an additional fee for funerals on Saturdays imposed by most cemeteries in the area.

Baptismal Preparations

Parents of newly born infants may call the parish office to arrange a time for the Baptism of their child. Baptisms are celebrated, for the most part, on any Sunday, with the exception of the season of Lent.

Wedding Preparations

Couples contemplating Marriage are asked to contact the parish office at least one year prior to the contemplated date of marriage, before making other plans. EASTER isn’t JUST A DAY! EASTER is a WHOLE SEASON!!!!

DESSERT and STUDY for

the

EASTER SEASON

Dates: May 8, 22, 29, June 5.

Time: 6 –7:30 pm

Place: Fr. Zolcinski Hall As we celebrate the Joyful Easter Season, we

will continue our discussion on the way to holiness as laid out for us in the EASTER SCRIPTURES, Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation: “Rejoice and Be Glad” and Matthew Kelly’s Book: “THE BIGGEST LIE IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY” As we discuss these topics, we will feast on a smorgasbord of desserts each week to remind us of the sweetness of our life in Christ Jesus.

JOIN US FOR FAITH and FELLOWSHIP

HONORING OUR GRADUATES Our Parish Social Justice Council will honor our HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES at the weekend Masses June 1st and 2nd. Invitations will be mailed to the graduates. If you are a member of the parish and your son or daughter is graduating from High School this year, please contact ANNA HUDOCK at 570-822-1926 with their name and address before Tuesday, May 7th. We do not want to inadvertently miss anyone.

Spring Oldies Dinner Dance Friday, May 17th 6-10pm St. Mary's Social Hall, 522 Madison St. Wilkes Barre. music by Millennium

Responsible BYOB is ok. Must be 21 years of age and older to attend.

Tickets are $20.00 each, and are available in the Vestibule

BOUNTIFUL BASKET RAFFLE TICKETS are also available in the vestibule of the church,

Many Thanks to all who donated to make this a great success.

Upcoming Social Justice Projects for MAY ANNUAL MOTHERS’ DAY CARNATION SALE— May 11-12 Proceeds benefit Pennsylvanians for Human Life.

BABY BOTTLE PROJECT Throughout the month of May, baby bottles will be available to receive your donation. Simply fill the bottle with your loose change and return it to the church. Proceeds benefit the local chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life. ST. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY

Donations benefit the St. Joseph Center’s Baby Pantry which provides necessary items for newborns and infants in

needy families. Items needed: Baby clothes 0-6 months; Onesies or sleepers for newborn—3 month olds; baby socks and

baby booties; receiving blankets, baby afghans, New Baby Bottles and bibs, Diapers (newborn—6) Baby wash, Baby lotion, Baby Shampoo Baby Wipes.

Please support these efforts as your means permits.

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

CONGRATULATIONS to our

FIRST EUCHARIST CLASS

We extend best wishes to the following parishioners who are receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time this Sunday:

Aliyah Baez

Mason Engle Alyanna Miller

Xena Urban

Thank You to all who helped to make our First Annual Easter Brunch a success. To the chefs, the servers, those who set up the hall, those who cleaned up afterward and everyone who supported this event sponsored by our Parish Life Committee. Watch for other ministries and events from our Parish Life Committee in the coming months. They are working on forming a Bereavement Support Group, formulating plans for an old-fashioned 4th of July picnic and other events to bolster the communal life of our parish.

THE LITURGY

Human Reason and Logic are wonderful gifts from God. Without them, we wouldn’t survive. And like all the other gifts he has given, God wants to see us develop these as well. He loves watching us apply clear thinking to all aspects of our lives: our families, our work, even our faith. He wants us to learn how to “reason in faith” by taking the truths he has revealed to us and applying them to our own philosophy of life and to the decisions we face every day.

Yet even as God wants us to use our reasoning skills, he also knows that logic alone can be quite limiting. He knows that it defies human logic to believe that simple bread and wine can be transformed into the body and blood of Christ. He knows that it is illogical to hold that the consecrated host remains forever transformed into Christ, even if it is sitting unattended in a tabernacle or is placed in a monstrance for adoration.

It is in situations like these that God asks us to submit our logic, as good as it is, to the revealed truths of faith. So we want to ask the Holy Spirit to help us believe more strongly in Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament. We want to ask him to fill us with the blessings, the joy, and the grace that are waiting for us as we spend time with Jesus in Eucharistic adoration.

Miracles Can Help.

Around the year 700, there was a priest in Lanciano, Italy, who was struggling with his faith in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. One morning, while celebrating Mass, he was astonished to see the host change into real flesh and the wine into real blood. His initial shock gave way to joy as he proclaimed to those near him: “Behold the flesh and the blood of our most beloved Christ!”

After repeated and thorough investigations, scientists have concluded that the flesh and blood actually do belong to the human species. More specifically, the flesh consists of myocardial tissue (the muscular tissue of the heart wall), and the blood contains just the right proteins in the same proportions as normal human blood. Even though this miracle occurred thirteen centuries ago, both the flesh and blood remain intact and are on display in the Church of St. Francis in Lanciano.

More than five hundred years later, in 1263, a German priest, Peter of Prague, decided to take a pilgrimage to Rome—again, to ask

God to deepen his faith. On the way, he stopped in the town of Boslena, Italy, where he celebrated Mass. What began as a normal liturgy, however, took a miraculous turn when Fr. Peter raised the host he had just consecrated. Real blood began to

trickle from the host, over his hands, and onto the altar cloth.

After nearly a year of investigation and authentication, the miracle was confirmed, and the bloodstained corporal was brought to the church at Orvieto, where Pope Urban IV was living at the time. The corporal is still on display there and attracts thousands

of worshippers each year. It has been said that this miracle is what prompted Urban to institute the feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus, or Corpus Christi, a year after the miracle occurred.

Sometimes God gives us miracles like these to help strengthen our faith in his promises. When he walked among us, Jesus said that he would give us his flesh to eat and his blood to drink. What’s more, he promised that those who ate his flesh and drank his blood would have eternal life. So these miracles, and others like them, exist to spur us on and to help convince us that the Eucharist really is Jesus feeding us and helping us to live holy and pleasing lives. It really is Jesus strengthening us and renewing us in his love, his joy, and his peace. It really is Jesus empowering us to bear fruit for him.

Why Eucharistic Adoration?

The basilica at Orvieto and the church in Lanciano are popular places of pilgrimage. At both spots, the miraculous elements are on display, and believers come from all over the world to pray before them. They come because they want to be close to Jesus and taste his unconditional love. They want to be reminded of what he did for us on the cross. They want to be healed and to have their prayers answered. They want to hear what the Holy Spirit might have to say to them.

But we don’t have to go to Italy or other places where similar miracles have occurred—at least not if we just want to be in Jesus’ presence. He is present in our own churches. And what’s even better, he who is present wants to make himself known to us!

These miracles—and the devotions that have sprung up around them—show us that we don’t have to limit ourselves to the Mass if we want to experience Jesus in this most intimate way. Pope John Paul II urged that the “worship given to the Trinity . . . must fill our churches outside of the timetable of Masses.” He went on to say that “adoration of Christ in this sacrament of love must find

expression in the various forms of Eucharistic devotion. . . . Let us be generous with our time in going to meet him in adoration and in contemplation that is full of faith” (Dominicae Cenae, 3).

Likewise, St. Alphonsus Liguori conveyed his own experience of eucharistic adoration when he wrote: “It is sweet to everyone to be in the company of a dear friend. Shall we not find it sweet, in this valley of tears, to remain in the company of the best friend we have, who can do us every kind of good, who loves us with the most tender affection and therefore dwells always with us? Behold, in the Blessed Sacrament we can converse at pleasure with Jesus, we can open our hearts to him, we can lay our wants before him, and we can ask him for his graces. In a word, in this sacrament we can treat with the king of heaven, in all confidence and without restraint” (Visits to the Blessed Sacrament, 19).

“Come and See.”

When Philip invited Nathanael to come meet Jesus with him, he told his friend: “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” When Nathanael scoffed and asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied simply, “Come and see.” Nathanael did just that, and within the first few moments of

his conversation with Jesus, he declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:45-46,49).

Brothers and sisters, what happened to Nathanael can happen to us. When we “come and see” Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, he will convince us that he is the Son of God, that he is our Savior, and that he is our Lord. The same Jesus who changed Nathanael can change our lives as we spend time in his presence.

But it won’t happen as if by magic. Of course, God will bless us if we just show up and sit passively before him, but there is so much more available to us than a general

blessing from God. As we said at the beginning of this article, God loves it when we use our intellect and logic. He loves it even more when we use our intellect in prayer, holding fast to the truths of Christ’s presence and telling ourselves to expect Jesus to touch us and teach us. Jesus promised that “all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life” (John 6:40, emphasis ours). That active belief is what will bring us into contact with Jesus. It will open the floodgates of his blessing and his love for us. So when you go to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, ask him to raise up your human logic and fill it with the logic of divine love. Ask him to reveal himself to you and listen for his still, small voice in your heart. After all, prayer is conversation with God—conversation with a God who loves to talk with us and to embrace us with his love.

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

The “Divine Logic” behind Eucharistic Adoration https://wau.org

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Thursday, May 9 Thursday, June 6

1 pm

CATECHETICAL COUNCIL TBA

6:00 p.m.

FINANCE COUNCIL Thursday June 20

6:00 pm

LITURGICAL COUNCIL Thursday, June 6

6:00 p.m.

PARISH LIFE COUNCIL Thursday, May 16

6:00 pm

PASTORAL COUNCIL Thursday May 23

6:00 p.m.

SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL Thursday, May 9

6:00 p.m.

Development

Committee 6:30 pm

Monday, May 6 Monday, June 3

FAITH SHARING

DISCIPLES of the SPIRIT 10:30 am

Saturday, May 18 Saturday, June15

ST. ANDRE FAITH SHARERS

6:00 pm Monday, May 6 Monday, June 3

COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY

2:00 pm Sunday, May 19 Sunday, June16

For More Information,

please contact Sr.

Madonna at 570-823-

4988.

SEASON of EASTER

Weekend of May 4- 5 Third Sunday of Easter

8:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass/ FIRST EUCHARIST CLERGY COLLECTION Tickets for Dance and Raffle BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY

Weekend of May 11-12 Fourth Sunday of Easter “Mothers’ Day”

8:00 am Mass 9:30 am FAITH FORMATION 11:00 am Mass Tickets for Dance and Raffle CARNATION SALE BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY

Monday, May 6

No Morning Mass 6:00 pm St. Andre Faith Sharers 6:30 pm Development Committee

Monday, May 13

No Morning Mass 12:00 Noon Rosary Devotions in honor of our Lady of Fatima.

Tuesday, May 7

8 am Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Tuesday, May 14

8 am Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday, May 8

8 am Mass 6 pm DESSERT and STUDY

Wednesday, May 15

8 am Mass 9:30 am Bus Leaves for Lancaster from Harvest Buffet 10:00 pm Bus returns from Lancaster at Harvest Buffet

Thursday, May 9

8 am Mass

Noon—6 pm ADORATION 1 pm Administrative Staff

6 pm VESPERS/ Social Justice Council

Thursday, May 16

8 am Mass

Noon—6 pm ADORATION

6 pm VESPERS/ Pastoral Council

Friday, May 10

8 am Morning Mass

Friday, May 17

8 am Morning Mass 6 pm SPRING DANCE

Saturday, May 11

No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions. CARNATION SALE to benefit PA for HUMAN LIFE BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY VIGIL FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Saturday, May 18

No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions. BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY VIGIL FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS

PARISH COMMITTEES

Loaves and Fishes

Food for MAY

Pounded Sugar

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

The 13th of the Month Club

Join us on Monday, May 13th as we honor our Lady of Fatima with the prayer of the Rosary and other devotions beginning at noon. This devotion will be a monthly offering at noon on the 13th of the month from May to October as we seek to honor and listen to the words of our Lady at Fatima.

Remember your mother this

Mothers’ Day with an inclusion in

the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Envelopes for this purpose are

available in your May packet.

“Men must offend God no more, for He is already greatly offended.”

FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH FAITH SHARING

Christus Vivit! Message of Our Holy Father Francis

to Young People and to the World www.vatican.va

27. From what the Gospel tells us, we can say that Jesus, in the years of his youth, was “training”, being prepared to carry out the Father’s plan. His adolescence and his youth set him on the path to that sublime mission.

28. In his adolescence and youth, Jesus’ relationship with the Father was that of the beloved Son. Drawn to the Father, he grew up concerned for his affairs: “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Lk 2:49). Still, it must not be thought that Jesus was a withdrawn adolescent or a self-absorbed youth. His relationships were those of a young person who shared fully in the life of his family and his people. He learned his father’s trade and then replaced him as a carpenter. At one point in the Gospel he is called “the carpenter’s son” (Mt 13:55) and another time simply “the carpenter” (Mk 6:3). This detail shows that he was just another young person of his town, who related normally to others. No one regarded him as unusual or set apart from others. For this very reason, once Jesus began to preach, people could not imagine where he got this wisdom: “Is this not Joseph’s son?” (Lk 4:22).

29. In fact, “Jesus did not grow up in a narrow and stifling relationship with Mary and Joseph, but readily interacted with the wider family, the relatives of his parents and their friends”.[8] Hence we can understand why, when he returned from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem, his parents readily thought that, as a twelve-year-old boy (cf. Lk 2:42), he was wandering freely among the crowd, even though they did not see him for an entire day: “supposing him to be in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey” (Lk 2:44). Surely, they assumed, Jesus was there, mingling with the others, joking with other young people, listening to the adults tell stories and sharing the joys and sorrows of the group. Indeed, the Greek word that Luke uses to describe the group – synodía – clearly evokes a larger “community on a journey” of which the Holy Family is a part. Thanks to the trust of his parents, Jesus can move freely

and learn to journey with others.

His youth teaches us

30. These aspects of Jesus’ life can prove inspiring for all those young people who are developing and preparing to take up their mission in life. This involves growing in a relationship with the Father, in awareness of being part of a family and a people, and in openness to being filled with the Holy Spirit and led to carry out the mission God gives them, their personal vocation. None of this should be overlooked in pastoral work with young people, lest we create projects that isolate young people from their family and the larger community, or turn them into a select few, protected from all contamination. Rather, we need projects that can strengthen them, accompany them and impel them to encounter others, to engage in generous service, in mission.

31. Jesus does not teach you, young people, from afar or from without, but from within your very youth, a youth he shares with you. It is very important for you to contemplate the young Jesus as presented in the Gospels, for he was truly one of you, and shares many of the features of your young hearts. We see this for example in the following: “Jesus had unconditional trust in the Father; he maintained friendship with his disciples, and even in moments of crisis he remained faithful to them. He showed profound compassion for the weakest, especially the poor, the sick, sinners and the excluded. He had the courage to confront the religious and political authorities of his time; he knew what it was to feel misunderstood and rejected; he experienced the fear of suffering and he knew the frailty of the Passion. He turned his gaze to the future, entrusting himself into the Father’s safe hands in the strength of the Spirit. In Jesus, all the young can see themselves”.[9]

32. On the other hand, Jesus is risen, and he wants to make us sharers in the new life of the resurrection. He is the true youthfulness of a world grown old, the youthfulness of a

universe waiting “in travail” (Rom 8:22) to be clothed with his light and to live his life. With him at our side, we can drink from the true wellspring that keeps alive all our dreams, our projects, our great ideals, while impelling us to proclaim what makes life truly worthwhile. Two curious details in the Gospel of Mark show how those risen with Christ are called to authentic youth. In the Lord’s passion we see a young man who wanted to follow Jesus, but in fear ran away naked (cf. 14:51-52); he lacked the strength to stake everything on following the Lord. Yet at the empty tomb, we see another young person, “dressed in a white tunic” (16:5), who tells the women not to be afraid and proclaims the joy of the resurrection (cf. 16:6-7).

33. The Lord is calling us to enkindle stars in the night of other young people. He asks you to look to the true stars, all those varied signs he gives us to guide our way, and to imitate the farmer who watches the stars before going out to plough his field. God lights up stars to help us keep walking: “The stars shine in their watches, and are glad; he calls them and they say: ‘Here we are!’” (Bar 3:34-35). Christ himself is our great light of hope and our guide in the night, for he is the “bright morning star” (Rev 22:16).

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

IN THE DIOCESE

Notice Regarding the 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, 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 Law, reports of suspected child abuse should also be made immediately by phone to the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline (ChildLine) at 1-800-932-0313 or electronically at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis. 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 570-862-7551 or to Diocesan Officials, including the Vicar General, Msgr. Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G. at 570-207-2269.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

COMPASSIONATE

COUNSELING SERVICES

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton offers compassionate

counseling in a safe, comfortable environment where your privacy is

always respected.

Anyone who struggles with anxiety, grief and loss, depression, life

transitions or a variety of emotional or

psychological conditions is welcome. CSS accepts Medicare and some other

insurance plans.

CALL 570-207-2283 for more information

or to make an appointment

Scranton NPM 2019 Events

Mark your 2019 calendars now and plan on attending the upcoming spiritual and informative events of the Scranton Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Here is a listing of what’s in store:

Cathedral Art, Music &

Architecture Tour — Monday, May 13 at 6:00PM at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Scranton

42nd Annual NPM

Convention—July 16-19 in Raleigh, NC

Resources for Selecting

Liturgical Music—Monday, September 16 at 6:00PM at St. John Neumann Parish (Holy Name site), Scranton

Creating Effective Worship

Aids—Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00PM at Holy Name of Jesus, West Hazleton

For more information about any of these events, visit ScrantonNPM.com.

ANNUAL APPEAL

Parish Goal: $32,000.00 Pledges/Gifts: $20,563.00 Still Needed: $11,437.00 If you have not yet made your pledge you may do so by contacting the Development Office at 570-207-2250 or sending your pledge directly to

Diocesan Annual Appeal Development Office Diocese of Scranton 300 Wyoming Ave. Scranton, PA 18503

Prayer for an End to Infanticide

The U.S. Senate recently failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act— legislation that prohibits infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an attempted abortion would receive the same degree

of care to preserve her or his life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. Please join us in prayer for an end to infanticide:

“Jesus, Lord of Life, transform the hearts of all elected leaders to recognize that infanticide is wrong and must not be tolerated. Open

hearts and minds to recognize and defend the precious gift of every human life.”

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson

Come to the Well

Catholic Women’s

Conference

Saturday, June 22,

2019

Byron Center

University of

Scranton

Admission $40.00

Students $20.00

Religious - FREE

Register at CWCNEPA.com

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

STEWARDSHIP

Resurrection Generosity by Jim Dunn

www.wesleyan.org

The Easter story is a story marked by extravagant

generosity. Even the events that led up to resurrection

day are filled with evidence of others giving with no

strings attached. For some, the Easter season is a time

of mourning. For others, the message of Easter gets

lost in colored eggs and chocolate candy. Many do not

have a clue what meaning the resurrection of Jesus

Christ has for the death of death and their possibility

of eternal life. For those who

have placed their faith in Jesus,

Easter is the most generous

day of the year. You could

probably say that Christmas is

the day of giving. Yet, consider

the selfless benevolence

surrounding the message of

Easter.

Yes, God gave a magnificent

gift through the incarnation of

himself when he sent Jesus as

a baby to this earth at

Christmas. What a precious

present. The ultimate

expression of this gift is the

fact that Jesus was sent to

earth to die in order that our

sins would be forgiven. So, the great gift of Easter is

that Jesus came out of the tomb. He is alive! He took

care of our worst problem—death itself—on

Resurrection Day. Because Jesus lives, you and I have

hope that we can live forever with him in heaven.

Easter is also a story of generosity through the

ministry of the women who went to the tomb to

properly prepare Jesus’ body for burial. I doubt their

schedules were free of the clutter of daily

responsibilities. There is no mention that they had an

early church expense account for the oils, perfumes,

and spices they had prepared to anoint Jesus’ body.

They gave of their time and resources. Easter is a time

to give to others. It is a

great time to prepare

something someone

else needs. Look at the

scene of the tomb. The

gravesite was donated. The spices were

donated. Time was

donated. Many were

committed to living a

generous life around

the first Easter weekend.

Be generous with your

witness for Christ this

Easter. Peter and John

ran to the empty tomb

and saw with their own

eyes that the body of

Jesus was gone. Jesus

met others along the

way to Emmaus. When

they returned to

Jerusalem to tell

everyone possible what happened on their trip, Jesus

appeared to the group of disciples gathered there and

actually ate with them while teaching about what had

happened to him that weekend. Having experienced all

of this first-hand, the disciples could have kept the

miracle of the resurrection to themselves. Instead,

they proclaimed the message of new life through Jesus

Christ that would be spread to the corners of the earth

to this day.

The season of Lent is often known as forty days of self

-denial. Let’s mark the Easter Season with acts of

generosity. Be generous with the commitment of your

family to your church. Your church could use some

extra volunteers for its various ministries. Do

something nice for someone in Jesus’ name who needs

a basic need met during the season of Easter. Share

your personal faith in Jesus with at least one person

in a simple, yet tangible way. In other words, use

words. Be generous with

your praise and worship

during the Easter Season.

Is resurrection generosity

expensive? You better

believe it is. It cost Jesus

everything to make it

happen. In grateful

response to his love for

you, give extravagantly to

the One who gave his all

for you so that another

pilgrim on this earth can experience the eternal

reward on Resurrection

morning.

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

FINANCES

Your Gift to God

April 27-28, 2019

Over $100.00 4 $20 50

$100.00 1 $16-19 2

$76-99 2 $15 22

$75 0 $11-14 11

$51-74 3 $10 72

$50 6 $6-9 2

$26-49 21 $5 28

$25 9 under $5 20

$21-24 0 Total Envelopes used

253

Is your gift to the parish each week an honest reflection of God’s goodness to you?

Mass Attendance

April 27-28, 2019

People In-Church Collection

Average Offering

per person

4:00 p.m. 140 2,810.26 20.08

5:30 p.m. 59 863.00 14.63

8:00 a.m. 75 905.00 12.07

11:00a.m. 73 1,025.00 14.05

Total 347 5,603.26 16.15

REMINDER: In order for our parish to remain solvent, the average weekly offering per person MUST equal or be greater than $15.00 consistently.

Votive Offerings

Bread and Wine

Intention

Living & Deceased

Members of the Dudasko

Family

Offered by Family

Sanctuary Candle

Intention Edward Snyder

Offered by Wife & Family

INCOME

EXPENSES

April 27-28 2019 April 25-May 1,2019

PARISH COLLECTION Administration 4,692.65

In Church Mailed In Clergy Residence -0-

Loose 337.26 -0- Liturgy 1,773.05

Offering 3,833.00 1,165.00 Religious Education 600.00

Holy Days 1,355.00 380.00 Social Justice 600.00

Initial -0- -0- Maintenance 3,190.29

Dues 53.00 89.00 Parish Assessment -0-

Debt Reduction 25.00 10.00 Insurance -0-

Holiday Flowers -0- -0 Taxes 705.69

TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION

$5,603.26 $1,644.00 Transfer -0-

DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS Diocesan Collections 3,296.33

Diocesan Collections

566.12 182.00 Debt Service

(Principal + Interest) -0-

TOTAL DIOCESAN

566.12 182.00 School Subsidy -0-

OTHER INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $14,858.01

Candles 91.00

Rental of Properties

Perquisites Previous Balance $13,123.06

Miscellaneous 600.00 + Income this week +8,686.38

Transfers -Expenses this week -14,858.01

TOTAL OTHER INCOME

691.00 Balance Forward $6,951.43

TOTAL INCOME $8,686.38

DIOCESAN ASSESSMENTS (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019)

Diocesan

Assessment

School

Assessment

BALANCE

Prior

Balance 0.00 93,788.02 93,788.02

Current

Assessment 71,471.00 56,659.62 128,130.62

Amount

Paid 37,605.00 1,099.95 38,704.95

BALANCE DUE

33,866.00 149,347.69 183,213.69

The Monthly Assessment Installment for the Diocese is $5,956.00. (that is a little over 1 Weekend’s collection per month)

The Monthly School Assessment Installment is $4,724.40 (another weekend’s collection per month)

To pay off the total current and past Schools Assessment, the monthly installment would be $12,537.30 (3 weekend collections per month.)

PARISH DEBT SERVICE

Parish Loan Amount Paid BALANCE

Due

BALANCE 412,000.00 83,726.22 328,273.78

Please Note: The Parish Debt service has been paid to

date. This Account is current.

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

LOCAL EVENTS

American Cancer Society’s

ROAD TO RECOVERY

PROGRAM

For those who cannot drive themselves,

or have no other means of getting to cancer-related medical appointments, volunteers donate their time to give

patients a much needed ride.

If you would like to volunteer, you need a good driving record, a current driver’s

license, Proof of adequate auto insurance, a safe and reliable vehicle,

schedule availability, and regular laptop/tablet/computer access.

To ensure quality drivers, the American Cancer Society screens every volunteer. Volunteers must also complete online training courses to prepare them for

their new role.

For more information,

please call

1-800-227-2345

or visit

www.cancer.org/driver.

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson

Bus Trip to

PINES DINNER THEATER

Allentown Pa

Thursday, June 27, 2019 “ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK”

St. Ignatius Parish Mary Ministry Cost: $85. Checks payable to St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Memo: PINES. Contact: Elaine Whipple 570-288-3564 for menu, details and to reserve your seat. Seats will be assigned as payments are received.

CHOMAN’S MOBILE CARE

Cemetery Care His services include steam cleaning of headstone,

manicuring the lawn around the stone, mulching, flowering

and more! He offers one time, seasonal and monthly

packages. He also offers military and veteran discounts.

Automobile Detailing We love our cars and rely heavily on them. But giving them

the care they deserve is no easy task! Even dropping it at

the detailing shop can be an obstacle. That’s why we bring

the detailing shop to you! We supply the water, power, tools

and come right to your home or office! We’ll have your vehicle looking like new with no worry or hassle to you!.

Power Washing Buildings lose their pristine look due to dirt, grime and

motor exhaust. These can build up and severely damage

your property and destroy its value. We’ll restore your investment and help prevent the mess for coming back as

well as increase the curb value of your property overnight.

We build our service based on your desire and your budget.

We remove mold, graffiti, tar, gum, oil and more. We clean

buildings, houses, sidewalks, balconies, porches, rain

gutters, decks and patios, windows, parking lots, garages

and much more. Commercial and Residential services

available.

You can contact Chris at

(570) 262-3109,

or Book your appointment

by e-mail at

ChomanCares@gmail.com.

ECO-FRIENDLY CARE FOR YOU

AND YOUR INVESTMENTS

Join Us for Eucharistic

Adoration

every Thursday from Noon to 6 pm.

The Day concludes

with Vespers and Benediction

at 6 pm.

APRIL is CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

“Protecting Children is Everyone’s Job.”

Date: Wednesday May 15, 2019

Payment should already have been made in advance.

DEPARTURE Times and Places:

Moosic’s Birney Plaza—9 am

Pittston Township— 9:15 am

Harvest Buffet, Wilkes Barre — 9:30 am

LUNCH will be at Kitchen Kettle Village and will be on your own.

3:00 pm Showtime

6:00 pm — Dinner Good and Plenty Restaurant (Included in price of ticket)

RETURN Estimated Time of Arrival:

Harvest Buffet, Wilkes-Barre —10:00 pm

Pittston Township — 10:15 pm

Moosic’s Birney Plaza — 10:30 pm

For more information contact JUST GREAT TOURS at 570-829-5756 or 1-800-847-4384.

JESUS at SIGHT and SOUND BUS TRIP INFORMATION

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter

WEEKLY CALENDAR

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE

May 11-12, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Easter

4:00 pm 5:30 pm 8:00 am 11:00 am

Ted Harowicz Manuel Baez Ann Bozinski Ann Bozinski Servers

Ann Bergold Pat Baran Anna Hudock Jackie Barkus Lectors

John Bergold Mimi Tosh Ann Bozinski Robert

Dunsmuir Sr. EMOC

Carol Zukowski Joan

Cavanaugh Brian Clarke Sr. Madonna Cantors

Mary Ann Amesbury Jean Koval

Mark & Theresa Choman

Dolores Yesuvida

David Alusick Dennis Bozinski Hospitality

Third Week of Easter May 6—12, 2019

Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events

Monday, May 6 St. Dominic Savio

No Morning Mass Scheduled

Tuesday, May 7 Easter Weekday

8 am Nicholas J Gushka Tony Mulvey 5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday, May 8 Easter Weekday

8 am Frank & Ceil Niznik Son, Michael 6 pm Dessert & Study

Thursday, May 9 Easter Weekday

8 am John Bukosky Polish Language Class Noon: Exposition 6 pm Vespers/ Social Justice Council

Friday, May 10 St. Damien of Molokai

8 am Rosemary Niznik Marie Niznik 8 am Mass

Saturday, May 11 Easter Weekday

No Morning Mass Scheduled 3:00 pm Confessions

Fourth Sunday of Easter

VIGIL 4 pm Mother’s Day Intentions Parish MOTHERS’ DAY CARNATION SALE Cemetery Envelope Dance/Raffle Tickets Available Baby Bottle Collection St. Joseph’s Baby Pantry Collection.

VIGIL 5:30 pm Mother’s Day Intentions Parish

SUNDAY 8 am Mother’s Day Intentions Parish

SUNDAY 11 am Mother’s Day Intentions Parish

5 May 2019 Third Sunday of Easter