“What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you, so that you may share life with us.” 1 John 1:3

February 9, 2020 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

On the web at www.stjohnpa.org

ST• JOHN THE EVANGELISTROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH

OUR PASTORAL LIFE CENTER752 Big Oak RoadMorrisville, PA 19067215.295.4102Fax 215.295.3128sjeoffices@stjohnpa.org

OUR OFFICE HOURSMonday to Friday9 AM - 5 PMNo office hours on Saturday or Sunday,except by appointment

OUR P.R.E.P. OFFICE728 Big Oak Road215.295.9239prepoffice@stjohnpa.org

THE SACRAMENT OFBAPTISMPreparations for Baptism should begin beforeyour child is born. All expectant parents or parents of newborn children are asked to enroll themselves in our Parish Baptism Preparation class. Information will be shared when parents call to register for Baptism. Our small classes are held in our Pastoral Life Center. Baptisms are ordinarily celebrated on the first Sunday of each month.

RITE OF CHRISTIANINITIATION OF ADULTSThe RCIA is a process of welcoming newmembers into our Catholic faith. It also welcomes baptized Catholics who have not yet received the Sacraments of Con-fession, First Communion or Confirma-tion. Please contact Deacon Jonathan Hess at 215-295-4102 for more informa-tion or email at RCIA@stjohnpa.org

VISITING THE SICKIf a family member is sick in the hospi-tal, at home, or in a nursing home and they would like to have a short visit by a memebr of our Pastoral staff, please call the Parish Office at 215-295-4102.

OUR MASS SCHEDULESunday Vigil Mass: Saturday 4:00 PMSunday: 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AMWeekdays Monday - Saturday 8:00 AM

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSIONSaturdays: 2:45 PM - 3:45 PMTuesdays: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AMOther times by appointment

THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONYArrangements should be made with the priestat least 6 months before the wedding.Attendance at Pre-Marital Classes required.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSEDSACRAMENTTuesdays: after 8:00 AM Mass until 6:50 PM

LECTIO DIVINAWednesdays, following 8:00 AM Mass

BLUE ARMY DEVOTIONTuesdays: 7:00 PM in the Chapel

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONFridays: 3:00 PM in the Chapel

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENASaturdays, following 8:00 AM Mass

Parish Clergy

Reverend William J. Monahan,Pastorfatherwill@stjohnpa.org

Reverend Patrick Brady,Weekend Assistance

Deacon James E. HartmannDeacon Thomas CusickDeacon Jonathan HessDeacon Robert P. Gullentin (Retired)

Parish Staff

Cathleen M. LynskeyOffice Managerclynskey@stjohnpa.org, ext. 116

Matthew SmithBusiness Managerbusinessmanager@stjohnpa.orgext. 102

Barbara Ann Nuzzolo, Director,Parish Religious Education Programprepdirector@stjohnpa.org,

Maureen TraynorParish Office Supportadminasst@stjohnpa.org, ext. 111

Sonya Novak, Parish Music Ministrymusicdirector@stjohnpa.org

Maria GdovinYouth Ministry Coordinatoryouthministries@stjohnpa.org, ext. 118

Walter Burek, Parish Communica-tions and Social Mediainfo@stjohnpa.org

Sunday, February 9Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:30 AM Adam and Jean Rucci, requested by the Family9:30 AM Jim McCarthy, requested by the DiGiovanna Family11:30 AM Mary Jo Brennan, requested by Ashley and Justin Rohrig

Monday, February 10: Saint Scholastica8:00 AM Rev. Paul Locatelli, SJ, requested by Jim Higgins

Tuesday, February 11: Our Lady of Lourdes8:00 AM Warren and Kukliuski Families, requested by Marta Warren

Wednesday, February 12: Wednesday in Ordinary Time8:00 AM Julian and Regina Matusieski, requested by Karen Strzelec

Thursday, February 13: Thursday in Ordinary Time8:00 AM James M. Comfort, requested by Alice Samsel-Foley

Friday, February 14: Saints Cyril and Methodius 8:00 AM Samuel Anoia, requested by Ann Anoia

Saturday, February 15: Saturday in Ordinary Time8:00 AM Peter Della Vecchia, requested by Stefanie Meyrick4:00 PM Hank Grezlak, requested by Carol Lynn Grezlak

Sunday, February 16Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:30 AM Charles Radich, requested by Carl and Vicki9:30 AM David Loughlin, requested by John and Patricia Schweizer11:30 AM Florence, John and Jack Oberc, requested by the Bittner Family

Adoration Society: Maria DiDonato, Cynthia Mariotti Adult Faith Formation: Deacon Jonathan Hess, 215.295.4102Aid for Friends: Mary Africa, 215.428.9581Altar Servers: Fr. William Monahan and Parish Deacons, 215.295.4102Community Food Dr.: Cathy & Joe McLean, 267.833.3177Blessed Counters: Fr. William Monahan, 215.295.4102CYO Athletic Directors: Mike & Mary McGill, 215.337.8282Disability Advocate: Kathy Ross, 215.736.8017Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Cathleen Lynskey, 215.295.4102Funeral Liturgy Assistance: Rosemary Goode, 215.493.7424Hospitality/Bakery Basket: Ann Damron, 215.736.3527Knights of Columbus #7515: Grand Knight, John Perdoch, 215.510.6714 Lectors: Cathleen Lynskey, 215.295.4102Men’s Faith Share: Vince Bodnar, 215.321.5155Music Ministry: Sonya Novak, 215-295-4102Prayer Network: Lisa Petrino, 267.994.4513Seton Society: Tom Brunner, 215.734.3031Social Concerns Committee: Diane Coyle, 215.493.8472Sunday Mass Greeters: Dennis Michaels, 215.869.1982Ushers: Richard Ogitis 215.295.7278Women of the Word Prayer Group: Connie Drummond, 215.493.5857

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS

Third Sunday in 2020Regular Sunday Collection $ 9,605

2,055Total $ 11,660Third Sunday in 2019Regular Sunday Collection $ 12,459YTD Sunday Collection (July 1, 2019 – January 19, 2020) $ 363,968

Thank you for your continued generosity!

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Saint John the Evangelist Weekly Collection

Your 2019 Saint John the Evangelist Tax Contribution State-ment will be available upon request beginning February 1st. Please call the Parish Office or email Maureen at adminasst@stjohnpa.org. Thank you!

Helen and Karl BahmillerNancy BaradziejMichael BarkovichMichael Barkovich, Jr.Charlotte CamerlengoMonsignor CiereszkoVicky CohenRaul CostasClaudia DiBraccioChristopher DixonDennis FlynnThe Hess FamilyRobert LawtonJack and Helene McCullough

Cassidy McVanRyan McVanJim MusumeciTrevor MutoloJoan PachutaAngela PlancheThomas RossiPaul Schnepp, IIChristina SmithPatti StracciKelly TaylorLee ThomasMary Ann TigarAmanda VillarealMarta Warren

and all the residents of Manor Care and Arden Court

Provides parishioners an easy, secure way to make contribu-tions on-line even when you are not able to be present.• Convenient and easy• Choice of credit card or bank transfer• Ability to choose date and frequency of contribution• Ability to make one-time donations/paymentsPlease visit our website, stjohnpa.org and click on the link for more information and to sign up.

ST• JOHN THE EVANGELISTROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH THIS WEEK AT

Sunday, February 9 PREP, 9:45 AM to 11:00 AM Welcoming the Stranger, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Monday, February 10 PREP, 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM Pre-Jordan Catechesis, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Scripture Study, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PMTuesday, February 11 Confessions, 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 8:30 AM to 6:50 PM Little Flowers Girls Club Meeting, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM Benediction, 6:50 PM to 7:00 PM Blue Army Holy Hour, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Adult Faith Formation, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM HS Youth Group, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wednesday, February 12 Lectio Divina, immediately following 8:00 AM Mass Rosary at Manor Care, 6:15 PM to 6:45 PM Seton Society Meeting, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Thursday, February 13 CRS in Action (ESL Class), 10:00 AM to Noon Adult Faith Formation, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Confirmation Practice, 3:45 PM to 6:30 PM Friday, February 14 Rosary, 7:00 PM to 7:30 PMSaturday, February 15 Miraculous Medal Novena, immediately following 8:00 AM Mass WOW Meeting, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Confessions, 2:45 PM to 3:00 PM

Are you a woman who enjoys a lively discussion about our Catholic faith? Are you interested in establishing prayer-mate companions? If you do, then Women of the Word welcomes YOU! We are a group of parishioners and friends who usually meet on the third Saturday of each month, beginning at 9:30 AM. Our time together consists of prayer as well as listening to guest speakers via the internet or discuss-ing a religious topic or book. Refreshments are served. For more infor-mation, please contact Connie Drummond at 215-493-5857. Next Meeting: Saturday, February 15, 2020, in the Pastoral Life Center

SETON SOCIETYA grief support group for everyone

Grief, no matter where it comes from, can only be resolved by connecting to other people. - Thomas Horn

Next Meeting will be on Wednesday,February 12, 2020

at 7 :00 PMin the Pastoral Life Center

For more information for individual or group support, please call Tom Brunner, 215-734-3031. (All discussions are confidential.)

St. John the Evangelist Parish Mission

with Father Keith ChylinskiSunday, March 29, 2020Monday, March 30 2020Tuesday, March 31, 2020

beginning at 7:00 PMMore information to follow!

On behalf of the Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist, we welcome Archbishop Nelson J. Perez to the Arch-diocese of Philadelphia and offer him our joyful and prayerful support as he begins his pastoral responsibilities of shepherding the Catholic faithful within the Archdiocese. As a priest of our Archdiocese, his familiarity with the region and our people is a blessing for us all. Ad multos annos! (To Many Years!) Fr. Will

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Next Sunday’s Readings – February 16, 2020 Prepare for Sunday Mass by reading, reflecting and praying

the readings with family and friends.Reading 1Sirach 15:15-20Responsorial PsalmPsalms 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34Reading 21 Corinthians 2:6-10AlleluiaMatthew 11:25GospelMatthew 5:17-37

Major Joseph Alexander

First Lt. Daniel P. Cummings, USA

Majors David and Ann Driscoll

Sgt. John A. Kozlowski, II

Lt. JG Stephanie G. Radzinski, USN

A will can be a final expression of one’s love and concern for family, friends and the Parish community. Please remember Saint John the Evangelist in your estate.

If you have a family member serving in the Armed Forces and would like them to be remembered in our Parish Prayers, please call the Parish Office and leave their names, rank and branch of service.

The monthly food collection for Mary’s Cupboard will be on Feb. 15th and 16th. Last year the parishioners of St. John’s donated about 4,200 lbs of food to those in need in Lower Bucks County. Thank you!

St. John the Evangelist Parish

Join us this week as we continue on our voyage to Christ our King!Jesus Revealed; Session 8: Son of God

Tuesday, February 11, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM(in the Saint Gianna Room in Church)

andThursday, February 13, 2020 - 1:00 to 3:00 PM

(in the Pastoral Life Center - St. John Vianney Room) If you are unable to attend all of the sessions - NO WORRIES - attend as often as you can!

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PREP HAPPENINGSBarbara Ann Nuzzolo, Director of Religious Education

SEE MORE ABOUT PREP ON THE WEBSITE: http://www.stjohnpa.org/PREP or call 215-295-9239

193 St.John the Evangelist

Track Registration is now OPEN!Track is open to all St. John’s Parishioners from Grades 1 thru 8.

Log onto www.wagdogs.com to register. Season starts in March.If you have any questions regarding St. John’s CYO pro-

gram please contact: Mary and Mike McGill at cyodirector@stjohnpa.org

It is time for you to meet yet another one of our teachers, Mrs. Leea Whittle who is the sixth grade teacher and this is her sixth year as a PREP teacher here at St. John the Evangelist. Her husband Paul and her four children, Max, Avery, Cole and Ren support this endeavor. Mrs. Whittle brings to the class her high energy and her creative ability. Her goal is to have the children enjoy learning and seeing all the gifts God has given to each of them. She wants all students to appreciate the small and big wonders in all the gifts of everyday life. To be good toward others and themselves is a goal that is ever present. The experiences she would like the children to experience also includes their feeling the presence of Je-sus as they live out their lives as children and disciples of Jesus. We welcome Mrs. Whittle to a team of dedicated and knowledgeable catechists and for her first try in Grade 6, I am honored that she said YES to a grade level change this year.This year, the catechists in sixth grade are incorporating the As-cension Press video series: CHOSEN into the existing curriculum. Since Confirmation was moved into the seventh grade curriculum this year, Mrs. Whittle has time to delve into the reasons that there is the sacrament of Confirmation and that the requirements are the tools that are needed for the students to commit to being a Catholic witness of their faith.The Grade 6 curriculum continues to prepare the students for the re-ception of the Sacrament of Confirmation that will take place when they are 7th graders. The Grade 6 curriculum focuses on the study of the tenets of faith that are found in the Old Testament as it ties into Confirmation. The catechists strengthen the basic facts of Con-firmation and teach that this sacrament is rooted in the Bible. These “roots” help the students focus on their daily life mission of being a witness of their faith.Mrs. Whittle wants them to put into practice their faith. It is her dedication and ability to communicate her love for her Catholic faith that encourages the students to view Confirmation as an “adult” step in their journey of faith.With assistance from her co-teacher, Mrs. Julie McGoldrick, the stu-dents are taught the basic knowledge of their faith and the graces that the Sacrament of Confirmation brings into their lives. I did something right when I asked Mrs. Leea Whittle to be the sixth grade catechist and I am so proud of her preparation of the lessons, her dedication to the PREP program and most especially, her gentle and caring nature.

The History of Mardi GrasLaissez Les Bons Temps

or Let the Good Times Roll! Epiphany, celebrated in European countries, marks the coming of the wise men that brought gifts to the Christ child. Epiphany is also called “Little Christmas” on the twelfth night. Maridi Gras celebration begins on or after Epipha-ny (12th night) and culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday. The first recorded Mardi Gras was March 3, 1699 in Louisiana. The revelers were French Catholic sailors, lead by Jean-Baptiste le Moyne de Bienville. Throughout the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, Mardi Gras waxed and waned as city and Catholic Church lead-ers repeatedly banned, or tried to ban, its celebration and in response, New Orleansians celebrated anyway! The 1920’s saw the birth of Mardi Gras beads when the Rex (the reigning king) started to throw inexpensive glass necklaces into the crowds along the parade route. The three-pedal form, fleur d’lys, was a symbol of the Christian Trinity when it first emerged in France, about 1600 with King Henry, then to Britain for the Prince of Wales.

SYMBOLISM OF COLORSThe green beads are symbolic of faith,

The gold beads represent powerThe purple beads represent justice.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE KING CAKE The traditional King Cake is oblong or oval shaped, with frosting and colored, of course, with purple, green and gold sprinkles. But unlike ordinary cakes, hidden on the underside of each King Cake is a small plastic figurine in the shape of a baby. Why is there a baby inside? There are two theories. Some believe that the plastic baby is symbolic of Baby Jesus because of the religious connection to King’s Day. Others, however, believe the popular New Orleans lore, which suggests that an elaborate cake was served with a bean or ring placed inside during the commemoration of the king’s ball in colonial Louisiana. Whoever found the bean or trinket in his or her slice of cake would be crowned the king or queen of the balls leading up to the lavish finale on Mardi Gras. Rather than a bean or expensive ring, the plastic effigy is mostly used today as an emblem of good luck. Though as history would have it, the lucky individual who scores the piece of King Cake with the baby inside is said to gain favor, and they’re also tasked with hosting duties and bringing their own King Cake for next year’s revelry.

See today’s bulletin insert with information on our Mardi

Gras Chili Cook-Off!

Feed My Flock: February 16, 2020, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Pastoral Life CenterSocial Concerns Meeting: February 19, 2020, 7:00 PMSt. John’s Loving Hands Meeting: February 23, 2020, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PMShared Meal: February 28, 2020, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE(socialconcerns@stjohnpa.org)

DONATIONS: (Please leave in the St. Gianna room) Trenton Soup Kitchen - reading glasses IFA Backpack Center - cleaning products; diapers in large sizes Homeless/Those in Need - personal care products primarily shaving cream, razors, deodarant) Soldiers’Ministry - used cell phones or chargers St. John’s Loving Hands - New skeins of Caron Soft Yarn to make hats for cancer patients.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Catholic Social Services, Bucks County is appealing for your help in providing assistance to those in need at Christmas time and throughout the year. We invite you to participate in our Community Christmas Program.

Perhaps your family or team at work can come togeth-er and help make the season a little brighter for a local Bucks County family! Please call 215-945-2550 and ask for the Community Christmas/Adopt a Family Pro-gram.

You can also help by making a cash or gift card dona-tion. These donations can be sent to 100 Levittown Parkway, Levittown, PA 19054. Gift cards from lo-cal grocery stores like Giant, Shoprite, Wal-Mart, Target and Toys R Us allow us to assist families at Christmas and throughout the year. For those who prefer to shop, items such as diapers, wipes, infant blankets and cloth-ing and baby toileties are always in need.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity as we work together to help our neighbors in need!

FUTURE EVENTS: All events will be held in the Religious Education Center unless otherwise noted.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our warment welcome to all who are visiting Saint John the Evangelist Parish for today’s liturgy. If you are not officially registered in the Parish and would like to become a parishioner, please fill out this form and place it in the collection basket. You will be contacted. Parishioners may also use this form to note any address/phone/email changes.

New Parishioner Address Change

FAMILY NAME:

ADDRESS:

PHONE: EMAIL:

The men of our parish are invited to join Catholic Men from throughout the Archdiocese for the 12th Annual Man Up Philly Men’s Conference on March 7th at Neumann Universi-ty. Speakers include Immaculee Ilibagiza, acclaimed speaker and author of Left to Tell surviving the Rwandan genocide, Brent Celek, former Eagles star tight end and Superbowl LII Champion, Steve Bollman, Catholic speaker and founder of This Man is You, and back by popular demand, Mark For-rest, internationally recognized Irish tenor, who will lead our Eucharistic Adoration. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available, and the Conference will conclude with Mass cel-ebrated by the Most Reverend Archbishop Charles Chaput.

For more information and to register go to the website: www.manupphilly.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 07, 2020NEUMANN UNIVERSITY * MIRENDA CENTER

ASTON, PA

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

Catholic Charities Appeal Night with the Philadephia 76ers!

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets Thursday, February 20th – 8:00 pm. Plan a night out with family and friends and head down to the Wells Fargo Center for CCA Night with the Sixers! Enjoy a great night while benefiting the Catholic Charities Appeal, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's largest annual fundraising initiative.

If we reach our goal of 150 tickets sold, Jim Amato, Secre-tary for Catholic Social Services, will be honored on court before the start of the game. A portion of all tickets sold will directly go to the CCA! Visit CatholicCharitiesAppeal.org to order your tickets.

Congratulations to the following parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Parish who received Honors for the first semester of the 2019/2020 school year at Villa Joseph Marie High School:

Krista GalassoShea Riley