The Sunday Good News Third Sunday of Advent The Church of Saint John Bosco December 15, 2019

HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly

THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Confirmation Class .... Sun., Dec. 15, 6:00-7:30 PM, Gym

Red Cross Bloodmobile ..... Mon., Dec. 16, Noon to 5 PM

Hanging of the Greens ..................... Monday, December 16, 4:30 PM

Advent Penance Service ...................... Tuesday, December 17, 7 PM

SJB Hosts Salvation Army Luncheon ........ Wednesday, December 18

Youth Group ......................... Saturday, December 21, 5:00-7:00, Gym

SJB Book Club ............. Sunday, January 5, 12:30 PM, Frogtowne Grille

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting ..... January 23, 6:30 PM, M-P Room

March for Life ....................................................... Friday, January 24

Finance Council Meeting ..................... Tuesday, January 28, 6:30 PM

Liturgy Committee Meeting ... Wed., January 29, 6:30 PM, M-P Room

“Be patient my brothers until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer awaits the precious yield of the soil. He looks forward to it patiently while the soil receives the

winter and spring rains. You too must be patient. Ready your hearts because the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

We have met the prophet Isaiah, listened to the announcement of John the Baptist and joined with Mary as the third figure of advent. All have reminded us to prepare, ready our hearts, and reflect on what the coming of the Savior means for us today.

A restless world pays little attention to the need for and presence of a Savior. Many good people pay only lip service to the Bethlehem birth as a fond memory. Hurting people are looking for the presence and mercy of Jesus, which we are able to bring, but somehow, we forget our role.

We do not seek a blown reed, someone luxuriously dressed, but a prophet calling us to make the Lord’s presence known and felt.

Let’s use the example given to us by James. The stores and florists are filled with poinsettias, bright reds, whites and some hybrids. The farmer must prune, water, and then cover them for specific hours to have them bloom at the proper moment. When you see a plant, remember the patient care of the farmer preparing, and then prepare yourself.

ADVENT WREATH

PRAYERS

Almighty and loving God, your son has taught us

the way to live as your children. We were blessed in our baptisms

with special gifts and graces, and still there are times

when we find it hard to be all that we should be.

We ask for an increased awareness

of the needs of others and for the courage to stand up for those who cannot stand up

for themselves. Please, God, help us to so live

in your grace that all who know us

will know you and your love.

Amen.

Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers, Revised Edition

ST. JOHN BOSCO’S ANNUAL PARISH PENANCE SERVICE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 7 PM

Please mark your family calendar and plan to attend the brief Penance Service and participate in Confession before Christmas. Eight priests will be available to hear confessions. They are:

Fr. Steven Brosk Fr. Brian J.W. Clarke Msgr. Arthur Kaschenbach Fr. Michael J. Kloton Fr. Arun Lakra Fr. Connell McHugh Fr. Neftali Feliz-Sena Fr. Ric Polmounter

PAGE 2 The Sunday Good News

Faith Formation Corner

HANGING OF THE GREENS - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! In preparation for Christmas we will be hanging the greens from our Church ceiling on MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, from 4:30 -7:30 PM. We are in need of men who are capable of helping us. Some will be needed to climb ladders. Please contact the Parish Office at 570-788-1997 Ext. 3 or 4 and leave your name and contact information. Please volunteer a few hours for this parish tradition. We can't do it without you!

SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,115 families receive envelopes.

363 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of December 7/8.

Sunday Mass Attendance: 865 Total Sunday Offering: $7,667.00

Thank you for your generosity!

PARISH MEMBERSHIP New members are always welcome to join our parish. Call the Church Office at 570-788-1997, Ext. 3 or 4 to schedule an appointment with the Pastor. Active membership (registered, weekly Mass participation at Mass and Sacraments and participation in the life of our church) is necessary for anyone interested in our Religious Education and Sacramental Programs and for anyone wishing to be a sponsor for Baptism and Confirmation. Anyone who has graduated High School and working full time or anyone who graduated College is expected to register formally on their own even if they were listed under their parents.

HIGH SCHOOL AND YOUNG ADULT BUS TRIP – MARCH FOR LIFE The 47th Annual March for Life is Friday, January 24, 2020, in Washington, DC. This year’s theme is "Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman”. More information will follow regarding transportation and agenda which will also include Mass in DC. Students grades 8-12 will receive an excused absence from school. Please sign up today with a $10 deposit to reserve your seat! The sign-up sheet will be located in the Church’s main office. You may text/call Dr. Rachel Leskosky at 484-553-3258 or email dr.rachel.leskosky@gmail.com for more information.

Sponsor our Young People: If you would like to attend the March for Life in January 2020 but because of age, disability, work, family obligations or other commitments and are unable to participate, I would encourage you to sponsor one of our young teenage parishioners who will attend. Any donation amount is acceptable to defray the cost of the bus, supplies and meal. Simply place your offering in an envelope. Mark it: March for Life sponsor and deposit it in the weekend collection basket, or take or mail it to the parish office. Checks should be written out to: St. John Bosco Church. In the memo write: March for life. Thank you.

Signed progress reports are due this weekend. Please have your child turn them in to their teacher or the Faith Formation office.

There will be no Faith Formation or CLOW on December 22nd or 29th.

Faith Formation and CLOW will resume on January 5th. With the winter weather approaching, please remember to check our

Faith Formation Facebook page (@sjbfaithformation), Instagram (@stjbyouthministry), or Remind App for any updates and announcements. You can also call the Faith Formation Office for any updates or information at (570) 788-1997 ext. 6.

Confirmation Class will meet this Sunday, December 15th from

6:00-7:30 pm in the Gym. All students must attend and should bring Decision Point books and red folders to class. All Confirmation homework is due at this time.

Youth Group will meet Saturday, December 21st from 5-7 in the Gym.

Students in grades 8-12th are welcome to attend.

YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING Let the theme of this Christmas be giving and receiving. Receiving first, the amazing grace of God in the gift of Jesus Christ. Then to give. A gift for someone in need. A thank you offering of your treasure for the work of the Lord at our parish. What do we have that we did not first receive? As you make your Christmas list and check it twice, please consider what your gift to St. John Bosco might be this year. Pray in heartfelt gratitude for all that God has given to us.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED If you would like to volunteer to help decorate the altar for Christmas on Sunday, December 22, after the 11:30 a.m. Mass, please contact Mary Nora Wallace at (570) 956-9796. Your help is greatly appreciated!

PAGE 3

Saturday, 4:00 PM December 14 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Raymond Kowalski By Family

Sunday, 7:30 AM December 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Martha and Andrew Kanyock By Jane Kanyock

Sunday, 9:00 AM December 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Joseph Zoldi By Frances and John Flood

Sunday, 11:30 AM December 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Parish

Monday, 8:00 AM December 16 Raymond Kowalski By Nancy and Family

Tuesday, 8:00 AM December 17 Robert DeJoseph By Jim and Carmen Radtke

Wednesday, 8:00 AM December 18 Faith Chipeleski By Mr. and Mrs. Michael Christina

Thursday, 8:00 AM December 19 Dr. James Staudenmeier By Bill and Pat Horan

Thursday December 19 Fritzingertown Sr. Living Community Confessions, 9:30 AM Mass, 10:15 AM Frances Potkey By Sipple and Yamulla Families

Friday, 8:00 AM December 20 Lorraine Radice By Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Rossi

Saturday, 4:00 PM December 21 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Rosemary Marone Veglia By Fr. Ric

Sunday, 7:30 AM December 22 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Margaret McCallus By Family

Sunday, 9:00 AM December 22 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Parish

Sunday, 11:30 AM December 22 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Vera and Joseph Gallagher By Mr. and Mrs. Terry Gallagher

The Sunday Good News

WE REMEMBER

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS . . .

WELCOME Saint John Bosco Parish extends a warm welcome to our newest Parishioner:

Judy Hynes

Holy Redeemer High School, McCarthy Auditorium - “Sounds of the Season” Choral Concert featuring The Royal Singers, Handbell Choir, Soloists and Instrumentalists. Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 PM. Tickets $3/Adult; $2/Student and Senior Citizens. Ticket purchase at the door. ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

The TABERNACLE CANDLE burns this week in memory of GEORGE A., HELEN C., and GEORGE J. KATTNER given by June Leitner.

TRAVELING CHALICE: THE POWER OF PRAYER

The host of the Traveling Chalice for the week beginning December 8 was the Ciavarella Family.

You are invited and encouraged to sign up for our Parish "TRAVELING CHALICE." A sign up book is located inside the main entrance of our Church. Dates are now available through February 29, 2020. Please consider taking the Chalice home with you for one week, place it in an appropriate location and recite a prayer once a day for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life. Pray for those young people discerning if God is calling them to a Church Vocation. Also pray for those seminarians and candidates who are in formation, those who serve or have served our parish and diocese, those who have died and certainly those priests, deacons and religious who have been part of your life. The traveling case contains a brief summary of how to participate and several prayers that you may use.

REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD Your prayers are requested for MARIE SAKSE, a faithful parishioner, who

recently died and who was buried from St. John Bosco Parish. Your prayers

are also requested for EILEEN GOOD who recently died and was buried from St.

John Bosco Parish. May they and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of

God, rest in peace.

HAT, GLOVE AND SCARF COLLECTION The Salvation Army Committee is collecting gloves, scarves, and hats to be given out on our day of service on Wednesday, December 18th. There are more men than women in need. Thank you for all you can do.

BOOK CLUB The next selection of SJB Book Club is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. We will meet January 5, 2020, at 12:30 PM at Frogtowne Grille, Sybertsville. You are welcome to join us. Any questions, please call Arlene at 570-788-3643.

The Valley Food Pantry will be distributing food boxes for Christmas to over 60 families in our area. We have been asked to collect canned gravy and baking supplies (cookie mix, sugar and flour). Coffee is always welcomed. Items can

be placed in the donation box located in the vestibule. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Dear Parishioners,

It is hard to believe that it is the third week of Advent already. This week, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. Literally translated from Latin, the word “Gaudete” means “rejoice.” This mid-Advent celebration offers us a short timeout to stop, catch our breath and refocus on the joy and purpose of the season. The rose-colored candle and vestments we see for this week only during Advent certainly provide a subtle stop or at least a sign to slow down and be present and enjoy the traditions that this season brings.

As a Church family, we have many traditions. We began this Advent season with the lighting of the Advent Wreath by parish families. Last weekend, many joined together with Families in Faith to help make Christmas cards for their annual card drive for area nursing homes. This weekend we will place ornaments created by our Faith Formation students and their families on a small tree near the entrance to the church. Over the years, we have been blessed to have so many participate in this project who create ornaments that truly capture the gifts and essence of our students and families. From glittery snowflakes and whimsical characters to rustic nativity depictions and simple beautiful construction paper balls, our Faith Formation tree will represent our community coming together as a church family, rich in tradition. What a beautiful gift our Faith Formation family is, and what a beautiful way to show how we are all connected. Please be sure to check out the tree next weekend and throughout the Christmas season. On behalf of our catechists, adult and youth volunteers, and myself, we wish you, our parish family, a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

May God Bless You and Your Families,

Maureen Ciavarella Director, Youth Faith Formation

ADDRESS/CONTACT CHANGES Has your mailing address changed or will it be changing in the very near future? If so, please take a moment to complete the form below and return it to the Church in the weekend collection basket, or mail or take it to the Parish office. Thank you for helping us keep our membership list of over 1,400 families updated.

Name: Old Address: New Address: Current Phone Number(s): Current Email Address:

From Faith Formation . . .

PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News

VOLUNTEER CHRISTMAS GIFT A small gift is available for all of the volunteers of Saint John Bosco Church. It is a small book entitled: "Rediscover the Saints." It was written by the popular spiritual author MATTHEW KELLY. In gratitude to your faithful service to our parish and the work of Christ, we invite you to take one home with you to read and reflect upon during the New Year. It is an unusual approach to the Saints and poses 25 Questions that will change your life. The books may be found in the main vestibule of our Church.

Some of our volunteers include . . . Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Musicians/Instrumentalists, Choir Members, Cantors, Hand Bell Choir, Parish Staff, Faith Formation and CLOW Catechists and Aides, Vacation Bible School Volunteers, Sacristans, Collection Counters, members of Faith-Sharing Groups, those who decorate the inside and outside of the Church for holidays, Knights of Columbus, Book Club members, Parish Clergy, Office helpers, Social Outreach Volunteers, Ushers, Ministers of Hospitality, Bereavement Support Ministry Coordinators, Members of the Parish Liturgy Committee, Parish Pastoral Council members and Finance Council, Grey Dog Committee, Pasta Dinner Coordinators and Volunteers, Spring Fling Committee and volunteers, Golf Classic Committee members, Adult Youth Ministry Volunteers, RCIA Team, and any others that I may have missed. Thank you for your dedicated service to our parish community. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas Season!

2019 Tax Statement Request

NAME:

ENVELOPE #:

EMAIL:

PHONE:

If you desire your church contribution statement for 2019, please complete the form above and take or mail it to the Parish Office, or drop it in the weekend collection basket. All statements are emailed unless you desire to pick it up at the office.

Knights OF cOLUMBus

Our Lady of Fatima, Council 8613

KNIGHTS CORNER

BLOODMOBILE - Our Council will be hosting a Red Cross Bloodmobile on December 16th at SJB Gym from 12 Noon until 5:00 PM. Please plan on donating blood at this time.

GREY DOG RAFFLE . . . Drawing on February 2 . . . Tickets on sale after all Masses . . . Great “stocking stuffer”!

MINISTERS OF COMMUNION, LECTORS, AND ALTAR SERVERS: Volunteers are needed to serve at Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day Masses. Please sign up in the sacristy as soon as possible.

ADVENT PENANCE OPPORTUNITIES Saturdays of Advent:

December 21- 3-3:45 PM Mondays of Advent: December 16 and 23 - 6-7 PM

PARISH PENANCE SERVICE: Tuesday, December 17 - 7 PM

AFTERNOON CONFESSION OPPORTUNITY: Thursday, December 19 - Noon until 1 PM

No Confessions will be heard on Christmas Eve, December 24. Please plan accordingly.

PARISH HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS The Parish Office, usually open Monday through Friday, 8:30-Noon and 1-3:30 PM, will be closed on the following days. Please arrange your schedule accordingly.

Tuesday & Wednesday, December 24-25

Tuesday & Wednesday, December 31-January 1

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

The gift tags for Catholic Social Services “Giving Tree” are in the vestibule. Please bring in your unwrapped gift with the gift tag securely attached by December 15 for distribution. The date has been extended due to inclement weather. Thank you for your continued support of the needy children in the Greater Hazleton

area. Donna Pesansky and her daughter Jocelyn (Pesansky) Buffone are coordinating this Christmas Service Project.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMORIAL CANDLES AVAILABLE

CHURCH WINDOW CANDLES – 24 candles. Offering: $20 each. Several are still available.

Candles may be donated IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE, FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION, or IN THANKSGIVING. It is a beautiful way to remember a loved one, living or deceased, during the holiday season. The intention and donor will be listed in the Christmas Bulletin UNLESS REQUESTED OTHERWISE. The Church Window Candles will be lit “24/7” for 15 days/nights. To reserve your candle, contact the Parish Office, (570) 788-1997, ext. 3.

RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND FOR MARRIED COUPLES

Is your marriage going down the right road, or is it a little off track? Does the distance between you seem wide? Are you already separated? Looking for a better what? Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship.

Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication, build intimacy and heal, just as they have done in their own marriages. Retrouvaille is Christian-based, and Catholic in origin, but welcomes couples of all faiths as well as non-religious couples.

Retrouvaille can help get your relationship back on track. An upcoming Retrouvaille Weekend for Couples will take place on January 17-19, 2020 at the Holiday Inn Express, Harrisburg East. For more information, please contact the registration team at 717-356-2185 or visit helpourmarriage.org.

SPECIAL MASS TIMES ANNOUNCED

In planning your family calendar for the holidays you may find the upcoming mass schedule helpful.

CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24, 4, 6 & 10 PM

CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25, 9 AM

NEW YEAR'S EVE, December 31, 4 PM

NEW YEAR'S DAY, January 1, 9 AM

Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve Day are Holy Days of Obligation. Participation at Mass is required of all Catholics.

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to GOULD’S SUPERMARKET Bulletin Advertiser

Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!

Sunday Is 35:1-6a, 10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11

Monday Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a, Mt 21:23-27

Tuesday Gn 49:2, 8-10; Mt 1:1-17

Wednesday Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-25

Thursday Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25

Friday Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38

Saturday Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45

DA I LY R EA D IN G S

Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter

Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell

Thomas Pandolfi Frank Polidora

Joseph Molitoris Amy Triano

RCIA TEAM CALENDAR

Date of Session: December 15 Place & Time of Session: Office Conference Room, 10-11 AM Presenter: Joseph Molitoris Topic: “Rubrics at Mass: Why we do what we do.”

MEMORIAL AVAILABLE The newly revised translation of "An Order of Baptism of Children" was recently approved by the United States Conference of Bishops and confirmed by Rome for use in Dioceses of the United States of America beginning on Sunday, February 2, 2020, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord with mandatory use on April 12, 2020, Easter Sunday. If you would like to donate a New Rite of Baptism for use at all Baptisms at St. John Bosco Church, please contact the Parish Office at 570-788-1997, Ext 3. The book may be offered in Memory of a Loved One, For Blessings Received or For a Special Intention. A label will be placed in the book with the Intention and Donor. Donation: $50. Two ritual books are needed; one is still available.

MASS ADVISORY POLICY

With the prospect of snow and ice during the next few months, you are reminded of the policy regarding the Saint John Bosco Mass Schedule.

1. DAILY, WEEKEND AND HOLY DAY MASS is NEVER canceled. I can get to the Church, Heidi needs the walk, and it is simply too difficult to try to reschedule Mass Intentions.

2. You are expected to use "common sense" when planning to participate at Mass when we are experiencing very difficult weather conditions. If the weather is nasty with snow, ice or extreme cold temperatures please do not put yourself, your family or others at risk. Stay home and take time to read the Scripture passages assigned for that day, if possible view one of the televised Mass and take extra time for personal prayer, meditation and scripture reading. Although this does not fulfill the Sunday Obligation, it does fulfill "the spirit of that obligation." Naturally, it would be expected that you remain home throughout that day.

3. If you are unable to attend Mass due to a very serious sickness, flu, treacherous weather conditions, care of a sick child or elderly person or lack of transportation, the Obligation to attend Mass does not apply and therefore, there is no need to confess it.

Naturally, cancellation or postponement of Faith Formation and RCIA Classes, parish meetings, music and choir rehearsals, Knights of Columbus and other scheduled activities will be announced by the person in charge of those activities.

RAISE THE ROOF CAMPAIGN Update as of December 9, 2019

GOAL ......................................................................... $100,000.00 PLEDGED/CONTRIBUTED ................................. $78,060.00 NEEDED TO REACH GOAL.................................. $21,940.00

PARTICIPANTS: 347 FAMILIES/INDIVIDUALS OUT OF 1400