Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish StaffPastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365ResidentRev. Gene Ritz: 610.777.1365DeaconDeacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697Principle of La Salle AcademyMr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392Parish SecretaryBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697Parish Communications CoordinatorSarah Capato: 610.850.4978Director of Religious EducationBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697For Bulletin and Website Inquiries or AnnouncementsContact: Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMr. Tony Balistrere, Principal: 610.374.8361Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th GradeMrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697RCIA: Age 18+Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697

Scheduling Use of Parish FacilitiesFor those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Office at 610.777.1697

WorshipEucharistic AdorationFirst Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PMAltar ServersStudents from Grade 4 to Seniors in High SchoolContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Funeral ServersContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sunday’s at 10:30AM Mass, between September and May Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Lorna Pfeiffenberger at 610.777.4822LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contemporary Ensemble - Contact: Kelly Keim at 610.780.3905 Traditional Choir - Contact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227CantorsContact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264

Outreach & Parish MinistriesCulture of LifeContact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965Bereavement MinistryContacts: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431Justice in Action MinistryContacts: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Breaking Bread Social CommitteeContact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542Prayer Shawl MinistryContact: Joan Yanuskiewicz at 610.777.4646Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & MassContact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927Emergency MealsContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Food PantryContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesContact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792Parish Nurse MinistryContact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Spiritual DirectionContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Faith Sharing for WomenContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Parish Prayer LineContact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965Charismatic Prayer GroupContact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215Organizations

Prime TimersContact: Larry Shepherd 610.777.8337Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen 610.777.4387Girl ScoutsContact: Britt Kobularcik 484.256.1782 Daisy: Grade K-1, Brownies: Grade 2/3, Juniors: Grade 4/5

Cub ScoutsContact: Rich Kasting 610.373.2575 Knights of Columbus Contact: Mike Hall 804.212.7261Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing 610.777.9360Men’s Basketball LeagueContact: Russ Baver 610.796.7723CYO (Christian Youth Organization)Contact: Rock Witmer 610.775.2176Parish GardenersContact: Chris Hofmann 610.777.2523

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Mass Intentions for the week MONDAY, OCT. 19 - Sts. John de Brébeuf & Isaac Jogues & Companions 8:00 a.m. Louisa Loeper TUESDAY, OCT. 20 - St. Paul of the Cross 7:00 p.m. Vera Beemiller WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21- Weekday 8:00 a.m. Arlene Smith THURSDAY, OCT. 22 - St. John Paul II 7:00 p.m. Helen Heine FRIDAY, OCT. 23 - St. John of Capisrano 8:00 a.m. Jean Roland Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time SATURDAY, OCT. 24 4:00 p.m. People of the Parish SUNDAY, OCT.25 8:30 a.m. Sgt. AJ Baddick, USA 10:30 a.m. Bruce Sands

St. John's Baptist de la Salle A Catholic Family of Faith www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com October 18th 2015

Collections for Sunday October 4th $ 11,592.00

Away from home? Find a Mass wherever you are at www.masstimes.org

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, OCT. 24 - 4:00pm Lector: Mary Novak Cantor: Flo Shirk Servers: Sophia Pienta, Molly Yohn, Ally Gelvin EM: C/J.Geiger, L/D.Curran, M/R.Favinger, T.Cuba, V.Sottosanti, ME.Symanski SUNDAY, OCT. 25 - 8:30am Lector: Paul Berthinet Cantor: Karla Akemann Servers: Joseph Giesen, Brigham & Baylor Kobularcik SUNDAY, OCT. 25 - 10:30am Lector: Philomena Repoley Cantor: TBA Servers: Hanna Bitting, Faith & Brynna Bentz EM: C/L.Przydzial, R.Bodner, D.Cannon, K.Roché, B.Wells, F.Claytor, C.Boland, C.Yochimowitz

Todays Readings First Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11 Isaiah speaks of how the Servant of God will have to give his life up for the sins of other people. Because of this suffering the Servant will receive eternal life for himself and all the people whose sins are forgiven because of him. Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus is considered to be the new high priest and mediator between God and his people. Fortunately, Jesus has experienced the same temptations as other people, and so he has more tolerance of our weaknesses. Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 Two of the disciples ask Jesus that they be allowed to sit at his right and left side when he comes into his glory. Jesus explains that they should not be concerned with their position. Instead they should concern themselves with serving others just as Jesus was planning to serve many in giving his own life for their sins.

St. John's is now on Facebook! Please "like" our page to get updates on our parish and diocese. You will also find plenty of spiritually enriching material to utilize in

your daily living. Find us at St John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Upcoming Events Sunday, Oct. 18 8:30 Coffee and Sweets Social after both Masses 6:30 pm Rel. Ed Classes

6:00 pm Bereavement Group mtg. Fr. Lyons Room

Monday, Oct. 19 7:00 pm Parent Meeting for Reconciliation in La

Salle’s Cafeteria 7:00 pm St. Cecilia Choir practice 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus Business Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic group Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 21 7:00 pm Ensemble practice Saturday, Oct. 24 4:00 ASL Mass 6:30 pm Parish Family Halloween Party @ La Salle

SMILE! AND SAY CHEESE! On Sunday, November 1 at 12:00 noon. I’m asking that all the ministries come to church for group photos that will appear in our Parish Directory. I promise it will not take long. Those needing to be present: Lectors, both Choirs and Cantors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ministers of Hospitality, Baptismal Prep Ministry, Food Pantry Ministry, Altar Linen Ministry, Rosary & Mass Assistant at Nursing Homes, Church Cleaners, Advocacy Ministry, Parish Gardeners and Grounds Keepers, Justice Action Ministry, Breaking Bread Social Ministry.

Thanks,

Fr. Rich

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FAMILY HALLOWEEN PARTY SATURDAY OCTOBER 24TH

LA SALLE ACADEMY 6:30PM-8:30PM

FREE TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER EACH

MASS IN THE FATHER LYONS ROOM STARTING ON OCTOBER

10TH GAMES •MUSIC•FOOD•BEST COSTUME

CONTEST FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

***PLEASE BRING 1 CAN OF FOOD PER PERSON

TO HELP SUPPORT THE FOOD PANTRY***

YOU ARE NOT ALONE If a Prenatal Diagnosis identifies a possible disability…You are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding a poor prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org or 610.289.8900 x 42

Sunday School Registrations are now being taken for the 2015-2016 Sunday School program for ages 4,5,6 year olds not yet in First grade. Our program runs from September 27 to May 2016 and will be held in the Fr. Lyons Room during the 10:30 AM Mass on Sundays. We are also in need of volunteers to help/teach. This is also a great way for students who need service hours. Please contact Tammy Steuer at 215.500.9676 or A2003mommy@aol.com to register or if you have any questions. You may also call the Parish Office to request a registration form 610.777.1697.

Having difficulties dealing with a loss? The Bereavement Ministry invites you to join them to help cope. We are a caring and sharing group here to support you through these tough times. Whether your loss is recent or not, come join us and share in faith. We meet once a week for 5 weeks, twice a year. Contact Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431

Coffee, Tea and Sweets The Breaking Bread Social Committee would like to invite all to a coffee, tea and sweets gathering after both Masses this Sunday, October 18th. Please come and spend a few

minutes chatting together while enjoying a breakfast beverage and snack.

The National 40 Days for Life Campaign and Prayer Vigil: Now until Nov. 1, 2015. Daily prayer vigil in front of Reading Planned Parenthood, 4th and Franklin Sts. Reading from 7 am – 4 pm, Mon. thru Sat. Please come out to pray and help end abortion.

CYO High School Basketball Sign-ups for grades 9-12 are now open. Basketball is open to all children in good standing within the parish for both boys and girls, grades 9-12. Registration forms can be found on the LaSalle Academy web site, lsabear.org under School Community / CYO.

Completed form and Payment of $25 needs to be submitted to the address below NO LATER THAN OCT. 31 to ensure registration: LaSalle Academy Attn: CYO Secretary / Melissa Balthaser 440 Holland St Shillington, PA 19607

Berks Catholic Ice Hockey Program offers a Learn to Skate (figure or hockey) and Learn to Play Hockey for boys and girls of all

ages. Session 1 starts October 31 from 7:30-8:30am at the Body Zone. Email Britt Kobularcik brittkobularcik@comcast.net or call 484-256-1782 for more information or to register.

Congratulations Eagle Scouts We would like to take the time to offer congratulations to the following Boy Scouts of Troop #237 who have recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout: Philip Premici, Justin Siberski, and Matthew Van Etten.

Cursillo News Congratulations goes out to Cheryl Colella-Gerke, Sue Goodwin and Maryanne Welch for their completing a Cursillo weekend. If you have experienced a Cursillo weekend, please let Deacon Joe know either by phone at 610-777-2542 or by email at fjlo55@hotmail.com as we want to start growing the group here at St. John's. Thank you!

Friendly Visitors Needed JAM sponsors a volunteer visitors program at Mifflin Court Senior Living Community (450 Philadelphia Avenue, Shillington). Often residents do not receive frequent visits from family or friends. An informal, friendly visit from someone who cares could make their day. Volunteers may visit as their own

schedule allows. The only requirement is the willingness to listen and make conversation with a person who may be lonely. If you would like to get involved call Cheryl Colella-Gehrke (717-327-8973) or Carol Bensing at (610.777.9360) for more details.

Basket Raffle -Tricky Tray Nov 7 and Nov 8 - Father Lyons Room Create your own basket to donate for the raffle Any theme; Any size; No limits to your creativity! Contact- Cheryl Colella- Gehrke 717.327.8973 or cherylcolella@yahoo.com

Christmas Bazaar hosted by Bernadine Franciscan Sisters Saturday, October 31st from 10:00am - 3:00 pm McGlinn Conference & Spirituality Center 460 St. Bernadine Street, Reading Pa 19607 Hot soups and mild chili from 11:30am-1:30pm Handcrafted Items and Chinese Auction Raffle

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The Annual Rosary Procession through downtown Reading will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Those wanting to participate are to meet at St. Peter’s Church at 322 S. 5th St., Reading at 10 am. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the Chapel so that those who are unable to process may pray the Rosary there. After the procession everyone will gather in the Chapel for Benediction. This event is organized by the Legion of Mary, bilingual. All are welcome.

Save the Date! Family Halloween Party Saturday October 24TH6:30 - 8:30 pm La Salle Academy Games, music, food & a best costume contest Fun for the whole family!

St. Catharine of Siena Church is holding its annual Christmas Boutique Craft Show on Saturday, November 21 from 9 am – 4 pm. There are spaces available for individuals who sell their own hand-made crafts. (No buy sell items or direct sales vendors are permitted.) For more information, or for an application, please contact David at 610.376.0755 or 484.332.8695

Sacred Heart Villa is looking for Volunteers for activities. They are needed any time Monday through Sunday. Please contact Marlene Maguire 610.929.5751, ext. 237 for more information.

Our Lady's Missionaries of the Eucharist Invite You To: "A Time Apart - To Grow in Your Spiritual Life": November 6-8, 2015, Friday evening - Sunday noon. A Time Apart with Jesus Retreat is presented by Sister Joan Noreen, Co-Founder of Our Lady’s Missionaries of the Eucharist and EWTN Host of “Eucharistic Journey”. This retreat includes Daily Eucharist, Eucharistic Adoration, Conferences on Catholic Spirituality, Prayer with Sacred Scripture, Liturgy of the Hours, and much more. The retreat is held at Ave Maria Retreat House located on the beautiful grounds of the Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine, located in Doylestown, PA. To register contact: Our Lady’s Missionaries of the Eucharist, 640 E. Main St., Birdsboro, PA 19508 olme@olme.org - 610.582.3333 - www.OLME.org

La Salle Happenings It's Walk-A-Thon time! Our Walk-A-Thon will be here on Friday, October 30th before you know it. Our theme is "Together in Faith and Love." La Salle Academy is asking everyone in our community to help support our goal to collect $60,000 for iPad carts for both the Lower and Middle Schools within the Academy as well as other Technology Curriculum Enhancements. If we reach our goal, the Faculty and Staff will host a La Salle Celebrity Lip Sync Competition where students and families can enjoy a night of great music and vote for their favorite Super Teacher or School Staffer. In addition, the class that generates the highest amount in donations gets to pick the songs that contestants will sing from a list of contemporary and classic song selections. Packets were sent home at school but we are asking everyone to get involved, as they are able. Every donation helps and we encourage folks who may not have been part of this school support effort before, to contact the school at 610.777.7392, for more information if you have the interest. Additionally, we always welcome new corporate sponsorship and would love to add your company's logo to our appreciation board featured on our school's web-site, www.lsabear.org, the Walk-a-Thon T-Shirt, as well as at all of our major events throughout the year. If you like what you have been hearing about your school lately, help support us just a little in this effort. If you love what you are hearing and seeing, help us a lot so we can continue to do even bigger and better things. In everything, we thank you for being in this, with us, together. Go La Salle!!! -Mr. Stephen W. Mickulik, M.Ed. - Principal

A Brief Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching CST is central to our faith and is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human life and dignity. We invite you to read, to ponder and to respond Theme: Life and Dignity of the Human Person The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war.

Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. (“Catholic Teaching and Principles”, USCCB) Scripture: My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fails, be considerate with him, revile him not in the fullness of your strength. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten. (Sirach 3: 122-14a) Tradition: Human persons are willed by God; they are imprinted with God’s image. Their dignity does not come from the work they do, but from the persons they are. (On the Hundredth Year # 11, Pope St. John II, 1991) Pope Francis: “In a frail human being, each one of us is invited to recognize the face of the Lord, who in his human flesh experienced the indifference and solitude to which we so often condemn the poorest of the poor, whether in developing countries or in wealthy societies. Every child who, rather than being born, is condemned unjustly to being aborted, bears the face of Jesus Christ, bears the face of the Lord, who even before he was born, and then just after birth, experienced the world's rejection. And every elderly person – I spoke of children: let us move to the elderly, another point! And every elderly person, even if he is ill or at the end of his days, bears the face of Christ. They cannot be discarded, as the “culture of waste” suggests! They cannot be thrown away!” (Address to Meeting of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations 9/20/13) Statistical Data: For most nations, regardless of their geographic location or developmental stage, the 80 or over age group is growing faster than any younger segment of the older population. (Population Division, DESA, United Nations) More than 900,000 people nationwide live in assisted living settings. (National Center for Assisted Living 2008). In the U.S physician assisted death (PAD) has been legalized in Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont. PAD has been approved but not yet implemented in California.

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World Meeting of Families Catechesis Series

The Celibate Life: An Encounter with Beauty Madeline Watkins - Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth

The beauty of a life of chastity is the answer to a culture that has normalized “hooking up,” sex before marriage and cohabitation. Young adults have been inundated with the message that chastity and celibacy are outdated, unattainable, and even abnormal or unhealthy, but this is simply not true. I want to focus on one of Pope Francis’s favorite words – “encounter” – as the remedy to this cultural problem. When we encounter authentic beauty, it strikes a chord deep within us, or as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said, it “wounds” us (check out Benedict XVI’s 2009 Meeting with Artists for more about that). The world is in need of an encounter with Christ, the truly Beautiful One, who “fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear” (Gaudium et Spes, no. 22). The world needs Christians to show the joy and beauty of the Gospel, the true freedom found in following Christ and His teachings. This is the way to reach young people who accept the cultural norms without reflection—showing them concretely what the alternative is, and that it is better. As the WMOF catechesis says, celibacy includes “not only priests and vowed religious, but all those who are chaste outside of marriage….” (no. 99). I had a profound encounter with people living this way through the Catholic student center on my college campus. The fruit of the love and life of the priests, sisters and lay students I met there was unmistakably good. Their joy was palpable, attractive and infectious. As the WMOF catechesis states, “the possibilities for life which young people find imaginable depend on the examples they see and the stories they hear” (no. 108). I am grateful to God for placing these witnesses in my life in my college years, for my encounter with them opened my eyes to the incredible vision of the human person that the Church gives us and invites us to live. I think also of my life the past few years as a 20-something and the friendships I have been blessed to have, and I recognize with great gratitude how fruitful they have been through His grace. To have a group of friends who are intentionally trying to live virtuous lives as they discern their vocations, and who support one another through prayer and fellowship, is an incredible gift. Single young adults need this type of healthy community, “an alternative space” (no. 101). Weary of what the impoverished culture has offered us, my friends and I desire more in and from life: more depth, authentic beauty, love, joy and freedom, and this is what we have each found in Christ. Encouraging one another in our relationships with Christ helps us to walk with the Lord toward whatever vocations we may be called to down the road. The experience of encounter is necessary for understanding something different from what we know. My encounters with those who are celibate in the family of God, be they religious or lay faithful, have encouraged me in my own journey to follow Christ more fully, and to pray for the grace to be a faithful witness to Christ and his Church through virtuous living. Celibacy is truly a beautiful way of life that demonstrates that the richness and depth of a life lived with Christ is what we all desire and are made for.

Saint Paul of the Cross Feast day October 20 Paul Francis Danei was born in Italy in 1694, the second of 16 children. Because of his father’s financial difficulties, Paul had to leave school to help support his family. At age 15, he began to realize how much Jesus suffered for him. In response, he prayed and did difficult things such as sleeping on the floor and not eating foods he liked. He wanted to follow Christ more closely and share in his passion and death. At age 20, Paul joined the Venetian army that was defending the faith. After a year, he went back to a life of prayer and penance. Then God called him to form a group of men dedicated to preaching parish missions. These men, called Passionists, would preach the mystery of Christ crucified—the mystery of the Father’s love—in hopes that Christians would turn from their sins and rededicate their lives to Christ. Paul developed a method for giving parish mission talks that involved laypeople. Paul received gifts of prophecy and healing from the Holy Spirit. He was so powerful when he preached and so gentle in confession that he brought many sinners back to the Lord. Paul once said, “England is always before my eyes, and if ever again it becomes Catholic, the benefit to the Church will be immeasurable.” Within 65 years, a Passionist named Dominic Barberi went to England to help reconcile John Henry Newman and others to the Catholic Church, aiding the revival of Catholicism there. Paul of the Cross died in 1775.

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Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator,

Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com. Bulletin submissions are due Thursday, ten days prior to the Sunday of publication.

The Gospel for All Ages A compilation of questions by age group, in line with the readings and Gospel for the week, to help you ponder

the Message and live it in your daily life. 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Readings: Isaiah 53.10-11; Hebrews 4.14-16; Mark 10.35-45 For Adults - Life Question: To what have you said a brash “yes” and then only later discovered that it demanded more than you anticipated? Gospel Question: To what do you commit at Mass when you drink the cup? Older Teens - Life Question: How do you define greatness? Gospel Question: How does Jesus define greatness? Gospel Question: How does Jesus define greatness? Young Teens - Life Question: In what ways do you serve others? Gospel Question: What must James and John do to drink the cup Jesus drinks? Grades 4-6 - Life Question: How can kids help others? Gospel Question: How does Jesus want his followers to become great? Grades 2-3 - Life Question: Who is important to you? Gospel Question: Why are people who serve most important to Jesus? Grades K-1 - Life Question: Gospel Question: Why are people who serve most important to Jesus? Preschool - Life Question: Name some times when you have been a good helper Gospel Question: What does Jesus tell us about helping others?

SMALL GROUP BOOK SHARING THE 21 UNDENIABLE SECRETS OF MARRIAGE

By ALLEN HUNT Growing and building a great marriage does not happen by accident. Taking your relationship to the next level requires attention and effort. Even people in great marriages face challenges and encounter difficulties. What tools can you place in your hands to build the marriage you desire? In The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage, best-selling author and communicator, Dr. Allen Hunt, shares the life-giving principles that are necessary for success in your relationship. Utilizing his decades of experience with couples, Dr. Hunt shares real-life wisdom and help that will equip you and your marriage to begin moving toward all that God hopes and desires for your relationship. This book is geared for married couples, but those who are divorced or widowed are welcomed to join as well, no doubt, you have much to contribute to the dialogue. The dead line for signing up for small groups is November 1. The meetings will start the week of November 8 and follow through for 5 weeks. Please tear off the bottom and return in the collection basket or to the Parish Office before Nov. 1 Name:_________________________________________________ Phone Number:__________________________________________ Email Address:_________________________________________ Best Day of Week to Meet_________________________________ Moring _________ Afternoon _________ Evening ____________ Are you willing to host a small group in your home? _________________