111 First Street, Elkland, Pa 16920

God is always doing something new – he is mercy and forgiveness for those who seek him. Today’s psalm speaks of the great things that God has done. Among them is his

giving us the promise to forgive all who come before him with true contrition and who seek his mercy. Through and in Jesus we have the ability to do this, and when we do, we allow God to “re-create” in us – to do something new in us.

Monday, April 8

(9:00AM) RALPH VOLANTE by Jean Sereno Saturday, April 13

(7:00PM) BARBARA SERENO by Jean Sereno

Sunday, April 14 (11:30AM) JOHN MILLER (Birthday)

by George & Valerie Smith

(THE SANCTUARY LIGHTS AT ST. CATHERINE IS LIT IN HONOR OF ROBERT E. PLATZ (BIRTHDAY, APRIL 2) BY MR. & MRS. VICTOR GREEN.) (THE SANCTUARY LIGHT AT ST. THOMAS CHURCH IS LIT FOR ALL LIVING AND DECEASED PARISHIONERS.)

LECTOR & ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

April 13 - 14

Palm Sunday

Mark Clements 11:30AM Michael & Lena Lewis Extraordinary Minister: Barbara Gilligan

Mission Church: St. Catherine of Siena 146 Lincoln Street, Westfield, Pa 16950

Serving the Northern Catholic Communities of: Academy Corners, Cowanesque, Elkland, Harrison Valley, Knoxville, Lawrenceville, Little Marsh, Millerton,

Nelson, Osceola, Sabinsville and Westfield.

PASTOR: Rev. David Bechtel

SECRETARY: Louise J. Wheaton Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. TELEPHONE: Rectory: 814-258-5121 Rectory Fax: 814-258-5122 E-MAIL: ststhomascatherine@stny.rr.com WEEKEND MASS Schedule: Saturday: 7 p.m. at St. Catherine Sunday: 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Holy Day Masses: Saint Thomas 7:00 (Eve)

Christmas: 7:00 (Eve) 9:00AM (Day) at St. Thomas

-----------------------------------Fifth Sunday in Lent-------------------------------

5TH ANNUAL CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE The 5th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference for the Diocese of Scranton will be held on Saturday, April 27th at Holy Redeemer High School, 159 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilkes Barre, PA. A most important day for the future of our

faith, featuring keynote presentations by Fr. Philip B. Bochanski, the executive director of Courage International, who speaks on the good news of living chaste lives, along with well-known psychologist, speaker, and EWTN TV hose, Dr. Ray Guarendi. Our third speaker will be motivational speaker, apologist, and TV host of “Battle Ready,” Doug Barry. You will hear Doug explain the BATTLE READY effort to be more AWARE of, PREPARED for and ENGAGED in the battles that we all face, body, mind, and soul. Every one of us is in the thick of the spiritual battle. Many do not see it and consequently are unprepared for it. The outcome of that scenario is devastating. The primary goal of BATTLE READY is to help others know how to deal with the attacks of the world, the flesh and the devil. A must awareness for Catholic men! There will be opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as praying the Rosary. Additionally, exhibitors will be present with a full array of Catholic books and publications as well as CD‟s and ministry opportunities. Fathers, sons, grandsons, and friends are all most welcome to register for the event. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera will be the celebrant for the closing Mass. The idea for this year’s event was initiated by laymen from various parishes, with the support of their pastors, in an effort to address challenging issues facing men in today’s culture. St. Peter’s will once again provide transportation, through Benedict’s Bus Service, to the conference. Register on line at www.beamanconference.com, call 570-207-2213 (Diocesan Pastoral Center), or mail the completed application with your check to: Men’s Conference, Office of Parish Life, 330 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA 18503.

Do You Want to Know More About the Annulment Process?: In the Diocese of Scranton, the annulment process is now more “user friendly” than you might expect, and there is no longer a processing fee. Please contact your pastor or the Diocesan Tribunal Office (570-207-2246) to begin a conversation. It is possible to get clear answers to these questions and to renew your connection with the Church.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2019 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass

on Sunday, June 30. The event includes a 2:30 PM

mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address, should be made through your pastor before April 2.

April 15th is the last day for submitting orders for the Gift Card Program. Please have your payment (check made out to St. Thomas Parish) and order form to Maureen. This would be a good time to order cards for a special Easter Bunny or get some cards for yourself. Order forms can be found in the back of both churches. If you are interested in a merchant not listed on the order form go to www.glscrip.com for a complete list of participating merchants, or call Maureen at 258-7386.

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH April 7, 2019

That’s the way it is, by: Father Bechtel

When I worked in school ministry one of the things I had to do was to talk to one of the staff. The staff person was not Catholic but was receiving communion at Mass. I had to explain to the person that the Catholic Church does not have the practice of open-

communion. In order to be eligible to receive Holy Communion, one must be Catholic. Despite my assurances that this policy has nothing to do with being judgmental or not wanting them at Mass, the person was nevertheless offended. They respected my request but felt judged. The official policy of the Church is that we do not have open-communion. This policy is a cause of pain and division not just for non-Catholics, but priests as well. There are priests who ignore the policy. Most of the priests who ignore this policy are well intentioned; they believe following the policy does more harm than good. Truth be told, I have never understood why people expect Catholics to have open-communion. The notion that Catholics do not have open-communion in my mind seems as simple as 2+2=4. It isn’t Rocket Science; this isn’t complicated. Consider: if I went to a Jewish synagogue for a service, I would not at all be surprised if I was told that I was more than welcome to worship, but I need to be mindful that as a non-Jewish person, certain things of the worship are open only to Jewish people. I would not see that as judgmental or unwelcoming at all. I would see that as obvious! As a non-Jewish person, why would I expect to be allowed to fully participate in all aspects of Jewish worship? I fully expect and understand that if I want to be able to fully participate in all aspects of Jewish worship and life, I would need to fully assent to the Jewish Faith first; I would need to become Jewish. Not being Jewish would mean that there are some aspects of Jewish life that are simply not open to me as a non-Jewish person. Simple arithmetic; do the math: 2+2=4. Simple, right? Apparently not for many! Catholics and Protestants are both Christian; we worship the same God. We have the same Lord Jesus Christ as our master, brother, friend and redeemer. We share a common Baptism; it is our Baptism that unites us. Catholics and Protestants are brothers and sisters with the same God and Father. Catholics and Protestants are united in one Faith. So what gives? What gives is this: Catholics and Protestants might be united in one Faith and share a common Baptism, but Catholics and Protestants are not perfectly united in one Faith. There is a reason there are Catholics and Protestants. The difference between Catholics and Protestants are not like the difference between Pizza Hut and Dominos, Tops and Weiss Markets, Burger King and McDonalds. The differences between the other Protestants sects might be analogous to the differences between Tops and Weiss Markets. That analogy does not hold

when talking about the differences between Catholics and Protestants. In short, the differences between Catholics and Protestants are substantive. The differences between Catholics and Protestants are not just differences of taste, personal preferences, styles or emphasis. The differences between the other Protestant sects are not as stark or substantive. The differences between the other Protestant sects may be able to be reduced to matters of taste, personal preferences, styles or emphasis. This is why Protestant sects are more likely to have the practice of open-communion. The differences are not as stark or substantial. Thus, there are little to no obstacles that would prevent them from having open communion. What is important here is that you understand that while Catholics and Protestants have a lot in common, the issues on which we are divided are substantive. The issues that divide us are not just matters of personal taste of theological emphasis. It is because of this that Catholics and Protestants do not have open communion, and because of this that certain aspects of Catholic life and worship are open only to Catholics. In order for Catholics and Protestants to share Communion, the substantive things that divide us must first be overcome. Until those differences are overcome, open-communion is impossible. I do not believe that closed communion should be an obstacle to our working together with our Protestant brothers and sisters. I also believe that while we cannot share Communion, nevertheless we can celebrate the things on which we do agree, and most especially our union of Faith in Baptism. We must also pray that real progress can be made and a perfect unity of Faith may one day be re-established in the Christian Church. While I follow Church policy on the practice of communion, it does not mean I enjoy doing so or like doing so. Following Church policy for me is a painful reminder that there is still much work to be done in the Christian Church towards the cause of complete reunion in the Faith. More to come on this topic in the future. That’s the way it is! The Reverend David W. Bechtel Pastor

Contact information: Father Dave Bechtel: Rectory: 570-724-3371 Emergency: 570-329-5762 (Pager) Saint Peter's email: Stpch@ptd.net Father Bechtel: Dbechtel00@yahoo.com

-----------------------------------Fifth Sunday in Lent-------------------------------

Sunday Collection for

March 31, 2019 $ 955.00

Weekly Goal to Meet Expenses:

$ 2,212.00 Difference: - $ 1,257.00 As of July 1st, St. Thomas Parish

began a new fiscal year. Based on the budget, a weekly collection of $2,212.00 has been established.

THIS MONTHS 2nd COLLECTIONS

Care & Ed of Priests $ 291.49

Capital Campaign Fund $ 299.00

Social Justice Fund $ 235.00

Catholic Relief Services $ 108.00

This weekend the 2nd collection will be

for the….

Next weekend the 2nd collection will be for

the….

The Parish Pastoral Council of St. Thomas the Apostle would like to thank all who participated in our survey. We

will be reviewing all the data at our next meeting. Jean Sereno, Paula Howe, Mark Clements, Julie Crawford, Shirley Heitzenrater, Dave Sereno.

PRAY

For those who need

special prayers: For

those serving our

country: Lord, hold our

troops in your loving

hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless

them and their families in our time of need. We

ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saver.

Amen.

For those who need special prayers:

Bo Adams, Richard & Wanita Allen, Mike Asiello,

Isidore Bicksler, Martin Blaskowitz, Stephanie

Rose Calicchia, Carmen Blend, Payton Blend,

Don Blovhic, Bob & Daisy Casbeer, Lucas

Charles & family, Kim Cochran & family, Chet

Cornish, Joann Davis, Elizabeta Erway, Carol

Fasick, Barbara Gilligan, Kathy Gillbert, Mary

Gilmour, Josiah Goodrich, Janet Flinn, Angelina

Heck, Christian Houghtaling, Betty Howe, June

Kerrick, Linda Kitcline; Mickey Labosky, Tom

Labosky, Jr., Taylor MacKenzie, Ann Marsiglio,

John Mosley, Craig Owlett, Pat Perry, Diane

Pollock, John & Shirley Porter, Marion Potter,

Evelyn Reimann, Waverly Emma Roney, Jacob

Hunter Roney, Cindy Sereno, Pat Siciliano, Bob

& Diane Soyka, Debra Stanley, Roberta

Volante, Elbert Whalen, Esther Whalen, Robert

Whalen, Kathlyn Whitcomb.

For those in Nursing Homes: Virginia Barbano,

Renee Kennedy, Mary T. Miller, Deb Morgan,

Colleen Pell, Kitty Gaintomasi, Virgina Wynick

Please call the office to add names of those who are in need of prayer due to sudden illness, upcoming surgery, hospital stay or those who are experiencing a hardship. 814-258-5121.

All of you are welcome at Saint Peter's anytime. The Saint Peter's Mass schedule: Saturday: 5:00PM ~ Sunday: 8:30AM Holy Day: 5:00PM (Eve) 12:10 and 7:00PM (Day) If you attend Mass at Saint Peter's it is preferred that hold your Saint Thomas envelop until the next time you attend Mass at Saint Thomas. The collection counters do not always notice the Saint Thomas envelop and count it as Saint Peter's collection. We do find the error and make a check out to Saint Thomas for the amount. However, we do not want to be in a position where we might not catch he error. To be safe, it is just best to hold your envelop until the next time you are at Saint Thomas.

PARISH STATISTICS *Weekend of March 31*

Weekend Mass Number Attending

7:00pm – 39 11:30am - 40

Total # Attending Mass – 79

Number of registered parishioners - 328

* Weekend Mass Number Attending

7:00pm - 70 11:30am - 56

Total # Attending Mass – 132

Number of registered parishioners - 328

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH April 7, 2019

Spiritual Adoption: Week 12

Our little babies are like peas in a pod...at least when it comes to their size, that is. They are now

about 3 inches long and weigh almost one ounce, which is about the size of a pea pod. Our babies are growing rapidly and are very active rolling, kicking and hiccupping, although their moms are still blissfully unaware of all this activity in their wombs. Little fingers and toes are now able to fan out and if the baby is a little girl, her tiny ovaries already contain all the eggs she will have for her lifetime....more than 2 million!! It is amazing to consider that the Creator has already provided genetic material for the next generation in this tiny unborn person! The moms are now considered to be 14 weeks along. Pray every day for both baby and mama!

"FILL YOUR

FREEZER" RAFFLE With Gift Certificates from Sylvester Meats,

Westfield, PA

(USDA Inspected)

$5.00 TICKET or 5 for $20.00

➢ Prize #1 $300.00 Gift Certificate

➢ Prize #2 $200.00 Gift Certificate

➢ Prize #3 $100.00 Gift Certificate

YOU DO NOT NEED TO USE THE CERTIFICATE ALL AT

ONCE, YOU CAN PURCHASE WHAT YOU WANT AND COME

BACK AT A LATER DATE FOR MORE!

MONEY/TICKETS AND UNSOLD TICKETS NEED TO BE

TURNED IN BEFORE FRIDAY, APRIL 12.

1560 CANS & BOTTLES

@ $ .05 EACH

$78.00 THANK YOU, JAMES & MARIE PAUTZ!

AND ALL WHO DROP OFF YOUR BOTTLES & CANS

Thanks to all our sponsors

who make our bulletin possible.

We would like to thank:

KENYON FUNERL HOME, INC.

For advertising in our bulletin.

LECTOR & ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

April 14

Palm Sunday

Mark Clements 11:30AM Michael & Lena Shirley Heitzenrater Lewis

Extraordinary Minister: Barbara Gilligan

-----------------------------------Fifth Sunday in Lent-------------------------------

Knoxville Community Center

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission - $1.00

Saturday, April 13 ~ 11 AM – 1 PM

Behind Knoxville Community Center

NEEDED

for EASTER EGG HUNT EGGS and FILLERS

for EGGS

CALLING ALL BAKERS

SPRING FLING

BAKE SALE Saturday, April 13 10 am to 2 pm

Knoxville Community Center Please drop baked goods off the day of sale at Knoxville Community Center before 9:00 am. If you need someone to take items for you, call Valerie at 814-258-5032 or the rectory 814-258-5121. Please mark price and what kind of cake, cookies, etc.

USED CANS &/OR BOTTLES Parish fundraiser to turn those water bottles or aluminum cans of soda (with a deposit on them) into cash. Please drop them off when you come to

church or bring them to the rectory/hall. They have asked us not to crush the water bottles. Thank you!

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH April 7, 2019

Chrism Mass All the faithful of the Diocese are invited to attend the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 4:00 pm. At this Mass priests from throughout the Diocese will renew their priestly

promises before the Bishop; and the oils to be used for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders will be blessed. Participation in the Chrism Mass is a beautiful way to pray for and support the priests of the Diocese. For reserved seating, please call Diane Franklin in the Office for Parish Life at 570-207-2213 ext. 1102 or email Diane-Franklin@dioceseofscranton.org.

Operation Rice Bowl - HUNGERING FOR THE JOURNEY - Operation Rice Bowl is the official Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services. Proceeds benefit the poor in our own diocese and throughout the developing world. You are asked to eat one sacrificial meal each week during Lent and to give the money you saved to the Rice Bowl program. Boxes can be found on the table in the back of the church.

Each Easter, the flowers in

the church during the season memorialize deceased loved ones. If you would like to

contribute to this year’s Easter flowers in memory of a loved one,

please use the envelope found in your monthly packet and place in the collection basket. A list of those we remember will be

included in the Easter Sunday bulletin.

Wednesday’s

at 6:00 p.m.

St. Thomas Church

At 6:30 PM

Adult Ed will begin in Parish

Hall

April 10: The Mystical Union

of Christ And The Church

Bishop Barron Series Word

On Fire

April 17: The Indispensable Men – Peter and

Paul and the Missionary Adventure Bishop

Barron Series Word On Fire

April 24: World Without End – The Last

Things Bishop Barron Series Word on Fire

Join us after for soup & snack.

Thursday’s

Knoxville Community Center

7:00pm

Lent Activity Choose a favorite

Lenten message

from your Bible.

Write it on a small

sheet of paper and

place it on canned

items and deposit

them in the back of both churches on

the weekends.

-----------------------------------Fifth Sunday in Lent-------------------------------

Holy Week LECTOR &

ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

Maundy Thursday 7 PM – St. Thomas

Lector: Shirley Heitzenrater Ex. Minister: David Sereno Servers: Michael & Lena Lewis

Good Friday 12 PM – St. Thomas

Lector: Jean Sereno Gail Kaschalk Ex. Minister: Michael Zinck Servers: Evan Zinck

Easter Vigil

8 PM – St. Thomas Lector: Shirley Heitzenrater Stark Squier Brian Duffy Mark Clements Ex. Minister: David Sereno Servers: Marky & Gabriel

Clements

Easter Sunday 10 AM – St. Thomas

Lector: Gail Kaschalk Ex. Minister: Barbara Gilligan Servers: Jacob & Adelaide

Schmitt

The Valley Christian Church

is showing the movie The

Pilgrim's Progress. The

movie is being shown on

Wednesday, April 10th and

Friday, April 12th at 7PM, in

the Valley Christian Church

at 146 Maple St, Westfield.

There will be free popcorn

and free drinks, and a love

offering will be taken.

NO HOLY WEEK MASSES IN WESTFIELD

Palm Sunday, April 14:

11:30 am – St. Thomas Church, Elkland

No Saturday Mass Maundy Thursday, April 18:

7:00 pm – St. Thomas Church, Elkland

Good Friday, April 19: 12:00 pm - St. Thomas Church, Elkland

Confessions after

Holy Saturday, April 20: 8:00 pm Easter Vigil - St. Thomas Church, Elkland

Easter Sunday, April 21: 10:00 am – St. Thomas Church, Elkland

St. Peter’s Church, Wellsboro • Palm Sunday: 8:30 am Mass begins in Parish Center

(5:00 pm Mass begins in Church) • Maundy Thursday: 7:00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

8:30-11:00 pm Adoration • Good Friday: 12:10 pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

1:30 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 7:00 pm Tenebrae

• Holy Saturday: 12:00 pm Blessing of Easter Baskets, 8:00 pm Vigil

• Easter Sunday, 8:00 am & 10:00 am

Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday: Happy Easter! No Mass at Saint Peter's or Saint Thomas

Holy Child Church, Mansfield

• Maundy Thursday, April 18: 7:00 pm Mass • Good Friday, April 19: 1:00 pm Service • Holy Saturday, April 20: 8:00 pm Easter Vigil

Mass • Easter Sunday, April 21: 9:30 am Mass