FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

The Risen Lord and the Gift of Faith by Anthony Lilles

www.catholicexchange.com

To believe that the Lord is

Risen is to believe that He is present in a radical and

wonderful way. His powerful presence is accessible only by faith — this is because He has

ascended into heaven. Such is the substance of our hope.

When we cleave to Him by faith, because His presence is real and personal, He raises us

up with Him.

When Mary Magdalene calls out to the Risen Lord, He tells

her not to cling to Him because He has not yet

ascended to the Father. He sends her — the Apostle to the Apostles — to his Apostles to

announce to them the resurrection. His words reveal

that someday she will possess Him in a more marvelous way — but He must ascend from

the midst of this life first so that this new presence can be

known. She will have the fullness of faith when the Holy Spirit descends on her. By the

faith the Holy Spirit produces, Mary Magdalene will be raised

up to new life – and with that life, she will be able to cling to the One whom she loves —

and who loves her even more.

Christian faith is a not self-generated psychological

exercise. It is part of the new creation, the new humanity

which the Risen Lord has established by His victory. His Gift of the Holy Spirit produces

the faith. This is why He ascended into Heaven. The

Giver of

Life could only

descend on us if Christ ascended

to His

Father.

What a gift

faith is! Doubts and

difficulties of all kinds might

afflict the soul — but

the gift of faith is invincible.

This loving assent of the will is given if we ask for it in even in

trying circumstances. The darkest trials cannot defeat it because it communicates

something to the mind which no affliction in this world – no

height, nor depth – can shake. In fact, such trials when endured with love, and by

love, make faith stronger.

What about us, here and now? The Risen Jesus longs for us to

be where He is — and He is now ascended, and ascended

He reigns at the right hand of the Father. Now we can cling

to Him by faith.

Christian contemplation and

theology converge on the objective and personal

presence of the Risen Lord. By objective, we know He is present to us quite apart from

whether we feel or imagine Him. By personal, we know

that our faith opens up a real heart-to-heart relationship

with Him. This is not fluff — it

is the substance of our hope.

This objective and personal faith is not limited to knowing

things about the Lord; the Christian faith discloses the

mysterious depths of God so that we can really know Him and His great love. To know

these depths, to plummet them in prayer, to search

them in sacred doctrine — such things raise us up with Him so that we might dwell

where He dwells. In all this the fullness of joy is ours,

even now in a hidden way, here below the banquet has

begun in mystery, and all this

as we learn to cling to Him.

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

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.

DESSERT and STUDY

for the

EASTER SEASON

Dates: April 24, May 1, 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

Our First Annual Parish EASTER BRUNCH will be held

NEXT SUNDAY, April

28th, beginning at 9 am in Fr. Zolcinski Hall. If you have not yet purchased your ticket, they are available until Wednesday in the parish

office. Join us as we continue our celebration of the GREAT 50 DAYS of EASTER

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

EASTER isn’t JUST A DAY! EASTER is a WHOLE SEASON!!!!

CHRIST IS RISEN ! ALLELUIA!

INDEED HE IS RISEN! ALLELUIA! Best Wishes for a

Blessed Easter Season

are extended to

all parishioners and friends

of the

St. Andre Bessette Parish Community.

May the Glory of this day

fill you with NEW LIFE

and NEW HOPE

that you will be renewed

by the POWER of HIS CROSS

and RESURRECTION.

A BLESSED EASTER TO ALL.

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 Sunday, May 7th. We do not want to inadvertently miss anyone.

THE LITURGY 21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

The Pillar of Fire

What is this great paschal

candle that stands in our

midst, that during the Fifty

Days of Easter seems

always to be burning,

never to go out?

It is the pillar of fire

by which God led the

children of Israel from

slavery to freedom,

through the dust desert to

the land flowing with milk

and honey. Behind it, we

marched freed from sin

from the gloom of exile

back into our church’s house on Easter eve.

With it, we led those chosen for the

Sacraments of new life to the font of Baptism

that is both tomb and womb.

It is the holy sign of Christ our Light.

(Thanks be to God!) On it, we traced the sign

of Christ yesterday and today, the beginning

and the ending, the Alpha and Omega. Into it,

we pressed five jewels that are the wounds of

divine hands and feet and side. For it, we sang

our song of consecration and praise: “Accept,

O God, this Easter Candle. Let it shine with

the lights of heaven and bravely burn

forever!” From it, we take our own light, a

flame divided but undimmed. All who are

Baptized walk in its glow.

For fifty days it shines gloriously in the

Assembly of the Church. Then, held in a place

of honor near the font, it is brought out and lit

for every evening sacrifice of praise, for every

Baptism and every funeral, every birth and

every birth unto eternal life. And as the days

and seasons turn, slowly this pillar of finest

wax and strongest wick is consumed, burned

down, eaten up by fire, sacrificed — like Christ

himself — and never truly extinguished. And

so it measures our days and seasons until it is

Easter again, until once more we sing in the

light of a new Paschal Candle: “May the

Morning Star which never sets find this flame

still burning: Christ the Morning Star, who

came back from the dead and shed his

peaceful light on all people.” Thanks be to

God!

Holy Water Holy Water will be flowing freely from every font after the Easter Vigil this year. Most churches keep holy water on hand either in the Baptistry or in a separate covered font so the faithful have ready access to it. A priest or deacon may pray the church’s

water blessing at any time of the year, but the blessing of all blessings happens at the Easter Vigil.

Baptism is the Sacrament which opens the door to the others and incorporates us into the Body of Christ. So solemn is this

rite, so rich its meaning, that we first bless its water. We pray that the Holy Spirit will give life to the water, making it fit for its holy purpose.

Holy water, quite simply, is left over Baptismal water. We set it by the doors of the church and bring it to our homes because it

will remind us of our Baptism.

The water we bless at Easter usually doesn’t last the whole year. In the old days, we used to have a second water blessing on Pentecost to boost the supply. Now there are several occasions

when we bless water. For example, a water blessing and sprinkling can replace the penitential rite on any Sunday. On those days when the priest walks around sprinkling you with water at the beginning of Mass, he’s not just playing games. He’s

making the connection between that Sunday and Easter, days of Baptism, faith, and new life.

Other occasions for blessing water

include the rite of infant Baptism or a prayer service just to bless water as found in the Book of Blessings. The blessing should be a public event, not a private prayer in the sacristy. That way we can all join in the prayer and the renewal of our Baptism.

Ideally, the water we bless on Easter Day will at least last during the Easter Season. During the Easter Season we have alternate prayers for the sprinkling which replace Sunday’s

penitential rite, and for the blessing of

water at infant Baptism. The prayers assume that we’re using water which was already blessed at the Vigil.

However you use holy water, whether when walking into church, sprinkling your home, or to bury the dead, it will always remind us of what happens this Easter throughout the church, the Baptism which makes us members of the household of God.

Copyright © 1997 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800. Text by David Philipart

Copyright © 1997 Resource Publications, Inc., 160 E Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 286-8505. Paul Turner, pastor of St. John Regis Parish in Kansas City, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from San’Anselmo University in Rome. His e-mail is PaulTu@aol.com

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Thursday, May 5 Thursday, June 6

1 pm

CATECHETICAL COUNCIL TBA

6:00 p.m.

FINANCE COUNCIL Thursday June 20

6:00 pm

LITURGICAL COUNCIL Thursday, May 2

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

Sunday, April 21 Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord

8:00 am Easter Mass 11:00 am Easter Mass 6:30 Divine Mercy Novena 7:00 pm Paschal Vespers The Great 50 days of Easter Begin!

Sunday, April 28 Second Sunday of Easter

8:00 am Easter Mass 9 am—1 pm Easter Brunch 11:00 am Easter Mass CATHOLIC HOME MISSION COLLECTION Tickets for Dance and Raffle

Monday, April 22 Monday of the Octave of Easter

No Morning Mass 8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena

Monday, April 29

No Morning Mass

Tuesday, April 23 Tuesday of the Octave of Easter

8 am Mass 8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena 5:30 pm Choir Dinner

Tuesday, April 30

8 am Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday, April 24 Wednesday of the Octave of Easter

8 am Mass 8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena 6 pm DESSERT and STUDY

Wednesday, May 1

8 am Mass 6 pm DESSERT and STUDY

Thursday, April 25 Thursday of the Octave of Easter

8 am Mass 8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena Noon—6 pm ADORATION 6 Pm VESPERS

Thursday, May 2

8 am Mass

Noon—6 pm ADORATION

1 pm Administrative Staff

6 Pm VESPERS

Friday, April 26 Friday of the Octave of Easter

8 am Morning Mass 8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena

Friday, May 3 FIRST FRIDAY

8 am Morning Mass 6 pm Confessions 6:30 pm Sacred Heart Devotions 7:00 pm Mass

Saturday, April 27 Saturday of the Octave of Easter

No Morning Mass 1:30 pm Set up for Breakfast 3pm Divine Mercy Novena 3:00 pm Confessions.

Saturday, May 4

No Morning Mass 10:00 am First Eucharist Prep 3:00 pm Confessions. VIGIL THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS

PARISH COMMITTEES

Spring Oldies Dinner Dance Friday, May 17th

6-10pm

St. Mary's Social Hall,

522 Madison St. Wilkes Barre.

music by Millennium

Homemade dinner and desserts will be

offered, as well as water/soda/

coffee. Responsible BYOB is ok. Must

be 21 years of age and older to attend.

Tickets are $20.00 each, and will be

available in the Vestibule beginning next

weekend.

BOUNTIFUL BASKET RAFFLE

TICKETS will also be available in the

vestibule of the church, beginning next

weekend.

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Loaves and Fishes

Food for April

Non-Dairy Creamer

FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH FAITH SHARING

Christus Vivit! Message of Our Holy Father Francis

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

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

1. Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!

2. He is in you, he is with you and he never

abandons you. However far you may wander, he is always there, the Risen One. He calls you and he waits for you to return to him and start over again. When you feel you are growing old out of sorrow, resentment or fear, doubt or failure, he will always be there to restore your strength and your hope.

3. With great affection, I address this Apostolic Exhortation to all Christian young people.It is meant to remind you of certain convictions born of our faith, and at the same time to encourage you to grow in holiness and in commitment to your personal vocation. But since it is also part of a synodal process, I am also addressing this message to the entire People of God, pastors and faithful alike, since all of us are challenged and urged to reflect both on the young and for the young. Consequently, I will speak to young people directly in some places, while in others I will propose some more general considerations for the Church’s discernment.

4. I have let myself be inspired by the wealth of reflections and conversations that emerged from last year’s Synod. I cannot include all those contributions here, but you can read them in the Final Document. In writing this letter, though, I have attempted to summarize those proposals I considered most significant. In this way, my words will echo the myriad voices of believers the world over who made their opinions known to the Synod. Those young people who are not believers, yet wished to share their thoughts, also raised issues that led me to ask new questions.

CHAPTER ONE

What does the word of God have to say about young people?

5. Let us draw upon some of the richness of the sacred Scriptures, since they often speak of young people and of how the Lord draws near to encounter them.

In the Old Testament

6. In an age when young people were not highly regarded, some texts show that God sees them differently. Joseph, for example, was one of the youngest of his family (cf. Gen 37:2-3), yet God showed him great things in dreams and when about twenty years old he outshone all his brothers in

important affairs (cf. Gen 37-47).

7. In Gideon, we see the frankness of young people, who are not used to sugar-coating reality. When told that the Lord was with him,

he responded: “But if the Lord is with us, why then have all these things happened to us?” (Jg 6:13). God was not offended by that reproach, but went on to order him: “Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel!” (Jg 6:14).

8. Samuel was still a young boy, yet the Lord spoke to him. Thanks to the advice of an adult, he opened his heart to hear God’s call: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:9-10). As a result, he became a great prophet who intervened at critical moments in the history of his country. King Saul was also young when the Lord called him to undertake his mission (cf. 1 Sam 9:2).

9. King David was chosen while still a boy. When the prophet Samuel was seeking the future king of Israel, a man offered as candidates his sons who were older and more experienced. Yet the prophet said that the chosen one was the young David, who was out tending the flock (cf. 1 Sam 16:6-13), for “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (v. 7). The glory of youth is in the heart, more than in physical strength or the impression given to others.

10. Solomon, when he had to succeed his father, felt lost and told God: “I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act” (1 Kg 3:7). Yet the audacity of youth moved him to ask God for wisdom and he devoted himself to his mission. Something similar happened to the prophet Jeremiah, called despite his youth to rouse his people. In his fear, he said: “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth” (Jer 1:6). But the Lord told him not to say that (cf. Jer 1:7), and added: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you” (Jer 1:8).

The devotion of the prophet Jeremiah to his mission shows what can happen when the brashness of youth is joined to the power of God.

11. A Jewish servant girl of the foreign commander Naaman intervened with faith and helped him to be cured of his illness (cf.

2 Kg 5:2-6). The young Ruth was a model of generosity in remaining beside her mother-in-law who had fallen on hard times (cf. Ru 1:1-18), yet she also showed boldness in getting ahead in life (cf. Ru 4:1-17).

In the New Testament

12. One of Jesus’ parables (cf. Lk 15:11-32) relates that a “younger” son wanted to leave his father’s home for a distant land (cf. vv. 12-13). Yet his thoughts of

independence turned into dissolution and excess (cf. v. 13), and he came to experience the bitterness of loneliness and poverty (cf. vv. 14-16). Nonetheless, he found the strength to make a new start (cf. vv. 17-19) and determined to get up and return home (cf. v. 20). Young hearts are naturally ready to change, to turn back, get up and learn from life. How could anyone fail to support that son in this new resolution? Yet his older brother already had a heart grown old; he let himself be possessed by greed, selfishness and envy (Lk 15:28-30). Jesus praises the young sinner who returned to the right path over the brother who considered himself faithful, yet lacked the spirit of love and mercy.

13. Jesus, himself eternally young, wants to give us hearts that are ever young. God’s word asks us to “cast out the old leaven that you may be fresh dough” (1 Cor 5:7). Saint Paul invites us to strip ourselves of the “old self” and to put on a “young” self (Col 3:9-10).[1] In explaining what it means to put on that youthfulness “which is being renewed” (v. 10), he mentions “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other if anyone has a complaint against another” (Col 3:12-13). In a word, true youth means having a heart capable of loving, whereas everything that separates us from others makes the soul grow old. And so he concludes: “above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col 3:14).

14. Let us also keep in mind that Jesus had no use for adults who looked down on the young or lorded it over them. On the contrary, he insisted that “the greatest among you must become like the youngest” (Lk 22:26). For him age did not establish privileges, and being young did not imply lesser worth or dignity.

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.

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

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

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

BE A MAN Fifth Annual Catholic Men’s Conference

Saturday April 27th 8 am—3 pm

Holy Redeemer High School 159 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Guest Speakers: Fr. Philip G. Bochanski

Dr. Ray Guarendi Doug Barry.

Fee: $40.00 regular $15.00 Students

Clergy and Religious are free.

Register online at: www.beamanconference.com

or mail the completed conference brochure application with your check to

OFFICE FOR PARSH LIFE 300 Wyoming Ave. Scranton PA 18503

For more information contact Chris at

570-824-5621.

STEWARDSHIP

Resurrection Generosity by David Waganer

www.voicesonstewardship.com

As believers, everything we have comes from the Lord.

As believers, we are expected to be good stewards of what the Lord has given to us.

And as believers, we need to express

the power of Christ’s resurrection through our giving, both during Easter and throughout the year. That’s what I call “resurrection generosity.”

What does such generosity look like?

Resurrection generosity comes

from the heart instead of merely the pocketbook. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul says of the Macedonians that even “in the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich

generosity.” They begged for the opportunity to give, showing their understanding of resurrection generosity.

The greatest problem in churches

today is heart failure, not head failure. Far too many believers allow their emotional commitment to the Lord to

grow cold and thus lose their devotion to the things of Christ. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all guard your heart.” Resurrection generosity will be the result of a heart that’s freshly focused on the Lord. It won’t come from the mind, but out of the life that’s been

changed from the inside out by the Lord.

Similarly, resurrection generosity needs to be motivated by revelation instead of reason. If

giving is based on reason, you’ll only contribute what you think you can afford. Many individuals are content

with that path, letting others foot the bill rather than investing in the Lord’s work themselves. Instead, if your giving is based on revelation and the resurrection of Christ, you’ll seek to respond to them by asking the Lord, “What do you want me to give?”

You might ask, how can we be such givers amid uncertain times? As Christians, we need to focus on the power of Christ’s resurrection instead

of those uncertainties. 2 Chronicles

16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord

search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” One of the ways we show that commitment is

through our generosity. In turn, we can lean on God to provide us strength to help us through difficult circumstances.

Finally, resurrection generosity

necessitates that believers be accountable to each other, as well as to God. Later in 2 Corinthians 8,

Paul says, “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”

Paul desired sound financial practice from the Corinthian believers. How does that accountability play out today? First, we need a commitment to a proven method of giving, both via

the collection plate and, in this day, electronic. Second, our church

budgets, revenues and spending need to be transparent — reported and discussed regularly and publicly. And third, we need to show our members the results of their giving through real-

life stories, pictures and videos from and about those who benefit from it.

Are you a resurrection giver, or are you ready to become one? Here are some questions to ponder about generosity and giving that can help you decide:

1. Are you giving because of reason

or revelation?

2. As the Lord evaluates your giving

practices, is it evident to Him that

you know the power of His resurrection?

3. As others observe your giving

practices, is it evident to them that you have experienced the power of His resurrection

What adjustments do you need to

make to be a person who exhibits

resurrection generosity?

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

RENEWAL of

BAPTISMAL

PROMISES

Do you reaffirm your

renunciation of evil and

renew your Commitment

to Jesus Christ?

Will you continue in the

Apostles’ teAching And

fellowship in the

breaking of the bread

and the prayers?

Will you persevere in

resisting evil, and ,

whenever you fall into

sin, repent and return to

the Lord?

Will you proclaim by

word and example the

Good News of God in

Christ Jesus?

Will you seek and serve

Christ in all persons,

loving your neighbor as

yourself?

Will you strive for

justice and peace among

all people and respect

the dignity of every

human person?

—Book of Common Prayer

FINANCES

Your Gift to God

April 13-14, 2019

Over $100.00 2 $20 44

$100.00 2 $16-19 3

$76-99 1 $15 29

$75 0 $11-14 9

$51-74 2 $10 59

$50 9 $6-9 5

$26-49 16 $5 43

$25 8 under $5 18

$21-24 0 Total Envelopes used

250

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

Mass Attendance

April 13—14, 2019

People In-Church Collection

Average Offering

per person

4:00 p.m. 173 2,383.00 13.78

5:30 p.m. -0- -0- -0-

8:00 a.m. 102 2,242.00 21.98

11:00a.m. 100 1,014.00 10.14

Total 375 5,639.00 15.04

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 Frank & Ceil Niznik

Offered by Son, Michael

Sanctuary Candle

Intention Frank & Ceil Niznik

Offered by Son, Michael

INCOME

EXPENSES

April 13-14, 2019 April 10-17,2019

PARISH COLLECTION Administration 3,195.54

In Church Mailed In Clergy Residence -0-

Loose 298.00 -0- Liturgy 629.76

Offering 3,876.00 345.00 Religious Education -0-

Holy Days 1,086.00 25.00 Social Justice -0-

Initial -0- -0- Maintenance 4,763.51

Dues 234.00 12.00 Parish Assessment -0-

Debt Reduction 32.00 -0- Insurance -0-

Holiday Flowers 113.00 45.00 Taxes 288.82

TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION

$5,639.00 $427.00 Transfer -0-

DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS Diocesan Collections -0-

Diocesan Collections

331.10 102.00 Debt Service

(Principal + Interest) -0-

TOTAL DIOCESAN

331.00 102.00 School Subsidy -0-

OTHER INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $8,877.63

Candles 44.00

Rental of Properties

-0-

Perquisites 350.00 Previous Balance $5,161.51

Miscellaneous -0- + Income this week +6,893.10

Transfers -0- -Expenses this week -8,877.63

TOTAL OTHER INCOME

$394.00 Balance Forward $3,176.98

TOTAL INCOME $6,893.10

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 80,907.83 331,092.17

Please Note: The Parish Debt service has been paid to

date. This Account is current.

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

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.

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.”

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

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

PA Northeast Chapter

Guild of Organists

VESPERS, DINNER

and LECTURE

Friday, April 26, 2019

6 pm

at

St. Peter’s Cathedral

315 Wyoming Ave.

Scranton, PA

Internationally acclaimed concert organist Peggy Haas Howell

RSVP dean@agopane.org or

570-301-9253

Friends of the Osterhout Free Library

NORTH BRANCH 28 Oliver St.

Wilkes-Barre, PA

BOOKS, BASKETS & BAKE SALE Saturday, April 27

Noon—4 pm

Purchase new and used books, Basket Raffle 50/50 drawing Bake Sale & Refreshments

Free to Public FCSLA Senior Branch 038 Matching Fund Project

WEEKLY CALENDAR

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE

April 27-28, 2019

Second Sunday of Easter

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

Manuel Baez Brian Flannery John Benz Patrice Rembish Servers

Ann Bergold Diane Gregor Andy Katsock Jackie Barkus Lectors

John Bergold Brian Flannery John Benz Robert

Dunsmuir Sr. EMOC

Matt Kurtz Carol

Zukowski Brian Clarke Sr. Madonna Cantors

Mary Ann Amesbury Jean Koval

Pat Baran Marge Dreier

Dolores Yesuvida

Patrice Rembish David Alusick Hospitality

OCTAVE OF EASTER April 22-28, 2019

Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events

Monday, April 22 Easter Octave

No Morning Mass Scheduled 8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena

Tuesday, April 23 Easter Octave 8 am Frank Balucha

Mr. & Mrs.

Robert Stavish Sr.

8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena 5:30 pm Choir Dinner

Wednesday, April 24 Easter Octave

8 am Laurie Merritt Mrs. Jean Koval and

Family

8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena 6 pm Dessert & Study

Thursday, April 25 Easter Octave 8 am Thomas G Iskra Mr. & Mrs. Al Kondrcki

8:30 am Divine Mercy Novena Noon: Exposition 6 pm Vespers

Friday, April 26 Easter Octave

8 am All Souls who died a

violent death Family

8 am Mass 8: 30 am Divine Mercy Novena

Saturday, April 27 Easter Octave

No Morning Mass Scheduled 3:00 pm Confessions 3:30 pm Divine Mercy Novena

Second Sunday of Easter (Feast of Divine Mercy)

VIGIL 4 pm Fr. James Burdess Mrs. Irene Seegar 9—11 EASTER BRUNCH Fr. Zolcinski Hall

VIGIL 5:30 pm Angela Katsock Family

SUNDAY 8 am Parishioners Pastor

SUNDAY 11 am Edward Snyder Wife & Family

21 April 2019 SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

The Novena to

Divine Mercy will

be prayed Easter

Evening at 6:30,

Each morning at

8:30 am and on

Saturday (4/26)

at 3:30 pm.