2

FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

Trusting God in Uncertain Times by Fr. Stan Chou Ilho

www.theCatholicRegister.com

Trusting in God, as Henri Nouwen observed, is not an expression of powerlessness but rather a disposition of humility that is the beginning of spiritual life. A well-grounded Christian, Nouwen said, is deeply in love with

Jesus, ready to follow Him wherever they are guided and trusting that with Jesus will come life in abundance.

This trust is fundamental to accepting the beliefs, practices, morality, spirituality and way of life the Church proposes to us. Our faith is built on a relationship of

intimacy and ultimacy with Jesus. The Catholic faith teaches that Christians are invited to trust God as a

loving and caring Father.

The crisis of faith today is truly a crisis of trust. In turn, this crisis of trust leads to a deeper crisis of hope which limits our capacity to love others and

receive love as gift. As then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger once wrote, “to be a Christian is to be one who hopes; it is to situate oneself on the foundation of a sure hope.” However, if one can

not trust in the foundation of

hope — God — then there is no possibility of anchoring one’s future and fortune on God.

So true is the maxim: One who does not trust God is without hope and one who does not have hope does not have God.

The reverse can be equally true: One who has God, and trusts in God, has a foundation of hope.

Further, said Ratzinger: “If the fear that transcends all fears is

in the last resort fear of losing

love, then the hope which transcends all hopes is the assurance of being showered with the gift of a great love.” That is the very heart of our Catholic faith. We believe we are perfectly loved from all eternity as children of God and that God’s love is the foundation, beginning and ultimate end of our being. As a result, God has a wonderful plan for us and this plan has

been revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, in uncertain times, we should not fear the future because God’s perfect love conquers all fears (1 John 4:18).

However, the crisis of trust colors contemporary society in how we perceive reality, know and communicate the

truth, relate to each other and define our identity. This crisis ultimately affects how we live our lives.

The disconnection that can arise between ones identity as a child of God and how one lives in the real world is

often caused by losing trust in God, a trust that should lead to self-surrender, loyalty and fidelity. The crisis of trust is also affected by a failure in society to cope with the limitations of our institutions and systems, and with the imperfections of individuals and groups. We live in a

time when doubt, despair, skepticism, cynicism, fear and uncertainty about our future challenge

our faith and trust in God.

This challenge confronts not only society as a group but also individuals. The capacity to trust is built on foundations of past experiences. So tensions

can arise as we see how dreams and aspirations are being realized through the persons, groups and institutions to which we have made a commitment.

How can we trust another man or woman with life and love if

the person we have trusted for many years betrays us or leaves us for no just cause? How can we trust a financial advisor if we have been exploited? How can we trust the Church when mistakes and

failings of some officials have caused pain and brokenness? How can we trust ourselves to do right when we sometimes fail to meet our own expectations and standards?

So losing faith in God is always a possibility. For that reason, building trust in God and in our institutions demands hard work and unceasing prayers for God’s grace. This is particularly important right now for us as a Church as we pray in thanksgiving for the spiritual leadership of Pope Benedict XVI and entrust into God’s hands our transition to a new papacy.

Trusting in God demands faith in God, especially in uncertain times. And faith means abandoning our self-assurance, ambitions and projects and trusting God to provide that which conforms to His plan and purpose for us.

FAITH

Is taking

the

FIRST

STEP...

When you

DON’T SEE the

WHOLE

STAIRCASE! —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

3

FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE Continued

One of the things I often fear is the future. I worry about what might happen, what could happen, and what I will do if any of the scenarios I've imagined takes place. I play out these situations in my mind, like a disc set on repeat. I try to anticipate what will happen and plan for every possibility.

In our culture today, there is much

uncertainty about the future. Fears often trigger other emotions, including despair and anger and much of it is played out on social media. In truth, there is much to fear in our lives and in our world. The unknown future can seem dark and filled with danger. We wonder if we can handle it. We wonder how we can endure. From our children's health to paying for college; from job security to who runs the country; from prayers unanswered to relationships under strain; we worry about what could happen and what we will do when it does.

David wrote, "Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident" (Psalm 27:3). Psalm 27 is a song and a prayer of trusting God in the face of fears. We learn from this Psalm that our confidence is based on God's unending protection, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (vs. 1). True safety is found in God's presence, "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple" (vs.4).

The ultimate fulfillment of this Psalm is found in Christ, the one who conquered our worst fears at the cross. He is our light and salvation. Because of Jesus, we can come into God's presence with confidence and hope. As Paul wrote in Romans, "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (8:31-32). If God sacrificed His own Son to save us from our sins, how would he not also be with us in the fears we face today?

Dear friend, whatever you fear this day, go before the throne of grace in confidence

because Christ has made the way for you. Cry out to God, give Him your fears, worries, and cares. Ask for salvation, rescue, and deliverance. Instead of despairing over what could or might happen, run to the One who holds the world in the palm of His hand. Turn to the One who turns the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1). Rest in the One who

doesn't let a sparrow fall from the sky unless he so wills it (Matthew 10:29). Find your peace in the knowledge that He is the Alpha and Omega, the One who knows the beginning and the end. Nothing in your future will surprise your God because it is all under His sovereign rule and care. And because you are His, all things will work toward your ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

A PRAYER FOR WHEN THE FUTURE IS UNCERTAIN

Father in Heaven,

I come before you with my stomach twisted in knots. My heart is pounding, my head hurts, and I can't find any rest.

I open my computer and all I read is bad news. The discussions, debates, articles, and arguments all join together like a loud clanging that I can't escape. The future seems bleak and dark. I'm worried for

myself and my family. I fear what the future holds. I wonder what life will be like for my children and my grandchildren.

Then I think about the struggles in my particular life and I can't catch my breath. What will we do if jobs are lost? What will we do if relationships aren't restored? What about the challenges with our children? What

about the call from the doctor about the tests? What if the worst happens? What if????

I come before you as the psalmist did, weary, worn, and frightened. I come before you because you are King and you rule all things. I come before you because you are my Father, my Abba. You adopted me as

your child and have given me every privilege that comes with being a part of your family. I come before you because you are my Savior. You alone can rescue me from fear, sin, temptation, and all evil. I come before you because you are my Provider, Jehovah Jireh. You created all things and own all things. All I have comes to me from your generous hands. I come before you because you are my Redeemer. You alone can redeem and restore all that is broken in my life and in the world around me.

Forgive me for turning my gaze from you and looking at the frightening things happening around me. Forgive me for forgetting that you are with me. Forgive me for not trusting. Forgive me for not crying out to you sooner but trying to conquer my fears in my own strength. Forgive me for not living in complete dependence upon you.

Father, hear the deepest cries of my heart. Rule and reign over your Kingdom, turn the hearts of kings, and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Raise up godly leaders, teachers, pastors, and people who love you and your Word. Use your people to spread your gospel across the earth. May we be the salt and light you instructed us to be.

In my life Lord, give me a peace that passes all understanding. Though I don't know what will happen with all that troubles me this day, help me to trust you. Help me to remember that you are not surprised. Help me to remember that nothing will happen today that takes you off guard. You are not asleep or too busy but are actively involved in all the cares of my life. Help me to wait and watch for your glory. Help me to obey and do the right thing in the moment, knowing you are there in all the moments to come.

Most of all, help me to remember Jesus, the One who cried out in the garden on the night he was betrayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 13:46). I thank you that "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). Even now, he

A Prayer for When the Future is Uncertain by Christina Fox

www.ChristinaFox.com

25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

4

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.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Have you lost a loved one?

Do you feel alone in your grief?

Consider joining our Parish’s Bereavement Support Group.

This group is limited to 10 members and will meet for 6 weeks.

The first session will begin on Wednesday, September 11th at 6 pm and continue until October 16th.

Sessions are limited to 10 participants

and will last approximately 90 minutes.

To sign up, please contact the parish office at 570-823-4988. Deadline for Registration is August 28th.

Are You Having Trouble

Finding a Ride to Church? Our Parish Social Justice Council has teamed up with LCTA to provide Bus Transportation to the 4 pm Vigil Mass each Saturday for our Parishioners.

All you have to do is 1. Contact Anna Hudock (570-822-

1926) and let her know you are interested. She will instruct you to

2. Call LCTA and enroll in the Shared Ride Program.

3. Our Parish Social Justice Council will pay for the tickets monthly.

This service is provided through the generosity of our parishioners in the quarterly Social Justice Collection.

TIME does not Heal Grief,

Only Grieving Heals Grief.

But we cannot do it alone.

It must be Witnessed

and Held Jointly,

In the Heart and Soul

of another,

Just like LOVE.

Jody Day

PIEROGI Making Class

Our Parish is offering an opportunity to make

pierogies for the sake of making pierogies.

There’s no sale. No making millions of pierogies to

freeze. Just an opportunity to get together and

make pierogies and take home what you make.

This is a perfect opportunity for the novice who

has never pinched a pierogi in their life to learn as

well as an opportunity for the seasoned

professional to share their expertise and

knowledge. It’s also a great opportunity to get

kids involved in the process of preparing food!

We will be gathering on Sunday, September 15th

beginning at 1 pm.

We will focus on the basics of pierogi making:

DOUGH, FILLING, PINCHING and BOILING!

The session will last until 4 pm—or whenever the

pierogies are boiled and cooled.

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY to learn a new

skill and have some fun doing it!

REGISTER, by calling the parish office at 570-823

-4988 before September 8th so we can make

sure we have enough supplies!.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THEN!!

REGISTRATION for ELEMENTARY FAITH FORMATION

Sunday, September 15 Parent and Student meeting at 9:30 am

Classes begin Sunday, September 22

Faith Formation Classes are offered for students in grades K-8 who do not attend a Catholic School. Parents and Grandparents are encourage to enroll their

children in our parish program.

25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

5

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Thursday, September 12

1 pm

CATECHETICAL COUNCIL Sunday, October 6

NOON

FINANCE COUNCIL Thursday September 19

6:00 pm

LITURGICAL COUNCIL Thursday, August 29

6:00 p.m.

PARISH LIFE COUNCIL Thursday, October 17

6:00 pm

PASTORAL COUNCIL Thursday September 5

6:00 p.m.

SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL

Thursday, October 10

6:00 p.m.

TOY BINGO Committee Wednesday, August 21

10 am

Development

Committee Monday, September 16

6:30 pm

FAITH SHARING

ST. ANDRE FAITH SHARERS Monday, September 16

6:00 pm

DISCIPLES of the SPIRIT Saturday, September 21

10:30 am

COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY

Sunday, September 22 2:00 pm

For More Information, please contact Sr. Madonna at 570-823-4988.

Summer Ordinary Time

Weekend of August 24-25 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

8:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass

Weekend of August 31-September 1 22ndSunday in Ordinary Time

8:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass Clergy Collection Dues Envelope FALL Dance/Raffle Tickets

Monday, August 26

No Morning Mass 6 pm PC Agenda Meeting

Monday, September 2

LABOR DAY 9 am Mass Parish Office Closed

Tuesday, August 27

8 am Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Tuesday, September 3

8 am Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday August 28

8 am Mass

Wednesday September 4

8 am Mass

Thursday, August 29

8 am Mass

Noon—Adoration begins

6 pm Vespers/Benediction Liturgical Council

Thursday, September 5

8 am Mass

Noon—Adoration begins

6 pm Vespers/Benediction Pastoral Council

Friday, August 30

8 am Mass

Friday, September 6

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

Saturday, August 31

No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions. VIGIL 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saturday, September 7

No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions. VIGIL 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS

PARISH COMMITTEES

Loaves and

Fishes Food for August

KETCHUP

Check Out Our Website:

www.standrebessettewb.com

LABOR DAY MASS Monday, September 2, 2019 9:00 am

Fall Dance Mark September 27th on your calendar! That is the date of our next Dance featuring

Millennium. Tickets go on sale

beginning August 31st! We will also have our Fabulous Basket

Raffle! All items for baskets must be in by August 25th! We

are in need of GIFT CARDS from area Restaurants and stores. These can be dropped in the Collection Basket or at the parish

office. TOY BINGO , Sunday November 3, 2019 Doors open at Noon. First

Game 1:30 pm Next Bingo Committee Meeting—Wednesday, August 21st at 10 am.

Now Collecting Gift Cards, Big Ticket

Items, or Electronics. Please drop off at

Parish Office. Mass of Remembrance of those who died in the last year and all the Faithful Departed will be held on Wednesday, November 6th at 6

pm. A social will follow in Fr. Zolcinski Hall. This is an annual event sponsored by our Parish Social Justice Council.

25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

6

FAITH SHARING

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS

The word “liturgy” derives from the Greek word leitourgos, “a man who performs a public duty,” “a public servant,” or simply “work.” In Catholic usage, liturgy refers to an array of communal religious practices and rituals, above all the Mass. Perhaps

“work of God” is an apt definition. But “liturgy,” in a broad sense, seems to be among the natural human inclinations. In practice, liturgical actions are often simply taken for granted and are even “invisible” because the focus is on the purpose of liturgy, not its details.

For example, August is the first month of the “sports year.” The pre-season games anticipate the celebration of the regular season, which begins in September. The rituals are

familiar. People gather in stadiums, sing the National Anthem, and enter into the drama of the game. The high feast days are the playoffs, culminating in the Solemnity of the Super Bowl. But we don’t think of the NFL season and rituals (e.g., kissing the Lombardi trophy) as liturgy. We’re just looking to be entertained.

Or take the military’s liturgical practices: from marching bands to the changing of the guard, with uniforms and magnificent displays of hardware and

firepower. Again, we don’t think these as “liturgy.” But we do experience feelings of patriotism or nationalism, admiring the discipline and courage of our soldiers, and the might of military hardware. “Thank you for your service” has become a common military liturgical greeting in our day.

Secular liturgies have much in common with religious liturgies. Even the “incense” of pyrotechnic effects at rock

concerts are “liturgical.” Like churches, stadiums and concert halls provide useful venues for crowd control, a context for the “rituals,” and their orderly performance.

Secular liturgy, like religious liturgy, is tempered by faithfulness to the given forms. But even these forms need benign direction. Without religious sensibilities, our innate liturgical inclinations quickly become self-serious, disproportionate,

even destructive. The importance of an overarching cultural framework of faith and religious liturgical practices should not be underestimated.

Soccer riots in South America,

drunken victory celebrations, and rock concert debauchery reveal the consequences of liturgy severed from religion. Even military rituals devoid of religion easily go bad (Sieg Heil!). When faith and religious liturgies are rejected,

the liturgical void is filled with extreme and dangerous “liturgical” forms.

The purpose of most (otherwise benign) secular liturgies is to provide a common experience of entertainment or to exalt the power and the glory of a nation’s military might. Secular liturgies are not explicitly in the service of God; they are in the service of man.

By contrast, the purpose of the sacred liturgy is

worship – and the means of entering into union with the living God. The ritual and symbolic appurtenances (like sacred music) are expected to be pleasing, but pleasing because God is glorified by

beauty and our obedience to His will. As

we are immersed into the liturgy, we become less aware of the liturgical practices per se. Just as football fans are unaware of the secular liturgy, it is possible for a devout Catholics (e.g., saints like Padre Pio and Pope John Paul II) to “lose themselves” at Mass in true prayer and devotion in union with Christ and His Mystical Body.

There are dangers when liturgy becomes familiar. Familiarity rooted in

sloth can bring boredom and with boredom a demand for “vibrant” liturgies – i.e., excitement and entertainment. Such selfish expectations reveal a breakdown in understanding of the true purpose of Divine worship, a purpose that “renders unto God that which is God’s.” (Mk 12:17)

The sacred liturgy does not compete with the entertainment dimension of secular liturgies. It is practically impossible for the sacred

liturgy to top the excitement of a professional football game, or a rock concert, or a military parade – or even the temple prostitution of ancient Greece. (Nothing is really new under the

sun.)

The ritual of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is instructive because it honors soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in battle: “Greater love than this no man

hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn. 15:13) As secular liturgies go, it comes closest to true Catholic liturgy. There are few demands for it to include more “vibrant” ritual practices such as inserting popular tunes into the solemn act.

It should be obvious, therefore, that we shouldn’t ask pastors (or that pastors shouldn’t ask their people) to “jazz up” the Mass – the re-presentation of the Cross and Resurrection – with all

those ill-advised and tiresome post-Conciliar tunes, pseudo-religious and secular. Even “conservative” Catholics need to be on guard lest “fine music” of whatever style at Mass has the corrosive effect of becoming high-class entertainment rather than facilitating prayer.

A Mass should be “vibrant” only to the extent its reverence in celebration moves our souls to enter into an intimate union with Christ and His Mystical Body.

Sacred liturgy and ritual are both instructive and transformative. While it is profitable to consider the Mass from an academic stance, it is more profitable to enter into the Mass with a living faith, attentive to and engaged in the words and action. Our transformation in Christ through the liturgy is not magical; it is gradual and mystical, touching our minds, hearts, and emotions.

This is why the Third

Commandment, Keep Holy the Sabbath, is so important. Our weekly Mass attendance is not only necessary under the pain of mortal sin (absent valid excusing circumstances), it is also necessary for us to continue our ever so gradual transformation in Christ.

The liturgy can have visible, sanctifying effects on the faithful. Ask any priest who has visited an apparently unconscious parishioner who attempts the Sign of the Cross during prayers, with parched lips

that tremble with the recitation of the Our Father. Like the sacred liturgy properly celebrated, it is beautiful – and transforming – to behold.

Liturgy and Life by Jerry Pokorsky

www.theCatholicThing.com

OUR LITURGICAL LIFE 25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

7

STEWARDSHIP

Mass Attendance

August 17-18, 2019

# of People

In Pew Collection

4:00 p.m. 120 1,676.00

5:30 p.m. 68 909.70

8:00 a.m. 54 802.00

11:00a.m. 73 1,319.50

Total 315 4,707.20

Votive Offerings

Bread and Wine

Intention AJ Kondracki

Offered by Bernie & Anna

Sanctuary Candle

Intention John V and Anna B Hudock

Offered by Daughter Anna

Your Gift to God

August 17-18, 2019

Over $100.00 1 $20 39

$100.00 2 $16-19 2

$76-99 2 $15 26

$75 0 $11-14 8

$51-74 2 $10 66

$50 8 $6-9 3

$26-49 20 $5 32

$25 12 under $5 18

$21-24 1

Total Envelopes used

242

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

The unpredictable economic climate has created budgeting challenges for many organizations. Church financial management is important to maintain fiscal viability.

This creates the need for churches to find help figuring out the best way to manage their sometimes limited resources.

Church leaders are often challenged with

ensuring there is continued funding to support current programs and fixed operational costs.

This can be difficult because the financial needs of a church can be significant, and juggling limited resources can be stressful.

1. Strategic Planning

Developing a strategic plan is one of the first steps to strong financial management.

Taking the time to set a course of action, and develop church goals and a plan, is the key to getting there.

The beauty of developing a strategy and plan, is that it takes every area of church operations into consideration, and allows for designating resources toward those critical areas that will sustain and grow the ministry.

A well thought out plan also takes into considers those financial policy and reporting measures that are necessary for responsible financial management.

2. Realistic Revenue Projections

Many churches are trying to operate with uncertain revenues and should be making realistic projections of donations.

One way to address this is to consider bi-annual or quarterly review of projections to ensure accurate financial targets for the year.

3. Budgeting

Budgeting is critical for successful financial management and church budgets are tools that help leaders achieve objectives and helps to control un-budgeted spending.

Investing the time, and committing the resources, to creating a budget can have a

significant impact on the financial health of the church and can provide the necessary finances to support church strategy and goals.

4. Oversight and Accountability

Once a budget is set, oversight and

accountability for adhering to the budget is important because it keeps the organization from spending resources that are not allocated.

Department managers are responsible for variances and adherence to the budget. The Church Finance Committee, coupled with a strong performance management process, is a great way to ensure accountability for budget oversight and spending.

5. Communication

Commit to financial transparency and solicit feedback from church members on cost saving ideas, strategies for raising funds and make them aware of any financial challenges.

For example, if an unexpected major facility repair has occurred, let the church know about the unexpected cost.

As difficult as it is to present the cold hard facts, a church community loves to rally around a cause to help resolve problems. Create a

consistent communication process, share budget information and provide avenues to answer any financial questions that members may have.

6. Be Prepared for a Financial Emergency

Make sure you church has a plan in place in the event of a financial emergency and use positive profit margins to fund an emergency account.

When you budget for an emergency you

create a financial buffer that buys you the time needed to make adjustments and spending changes in the event of a true financial emergency.

For example, if you live in the northeast, you are painfully aware of the weather conditions that can impact church attendance and giving. Make sure you have a financial plan in place to offset those uncontrollable donation variances.

Many church financial problems can be avoided by good planning,

consistent budgeting and accountability for spending.

Church leaders should embrace structured processes to ensure the resources are available to keep the organization in the black and moving forward, regardless of the economic climate.

25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

8

FINANCES

Weekly Income August 17-18, 2019

Funds from these collections go directly into the Parish Operating Account They are used to pay the utilities, the staff salaries, and provide for the day to day running of the parish.

PARISH COLLECTION

In Church Mailed

Loose 223.20 -0-

Sunday Envelopes

3,747.00 447.00

TOTAL WEEKLY COLLECTION

$4,417.20

HOLY DAYS

Assumption 225.00 77.00

All Saints -0- -0-

Immaculate Conception

-0- -0-

Christmas -0- -0-

Mary, Mother of God

-0- -0-

Easter -0- -0-

Assumption

TOTAL HOLY DAYS

$302.00

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Initial -0- -0-

Dues 161.00 114.00

Debt Reduction

351.00 -0-

Holiday Flowers

-0- -0-

TOTAL SPECIALS

$626.00

TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION

$5,345.20

These funds augment the

weekend offering, go

into the Parish

operating fund and

contribute to the running

of the parish.

OTHER INCOME

Candles 177.36

Rental of Properties

-0-

Perquisites 200.00

Bequests -0-

Miscellaneous 1,146.50

TOTAL OTHER

$1,523.86

Diocesan Collections August 17-18 2019

These Collections pass through the Parish General Account but do not contribute to the running of the parish. They are sent directly to the Diocese for Distribution

In Church Mailed

Monthly Collection for the Care & Education of the Clergy

7.00 50.00

Mission Sunday (3rd weekend of October)

Mission Co-Operative (Funds Specific Mission)

Human Development (Weekend before Thanksgiving)

Religious Retirement (Second Weekend of December)

Church in Eastern Europe (Weekend before Lent)

Catholic Relief Services (4th Weekend of Lent)

Operation Rice Bowl (Holy Thursday)

Holy Land Collection (Good Friday)

Catholic Home Missions (Last weekend of April)

Catholic Communications (Third weekend of May)

Peter’s Pence Collection (Weekend closest to June 29th)

Miscellaneous Diocesan Collection (Whenever a need arises)

TOTAL DIOCESAN COLLECTION

$57.00

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM??

Transfer of Funds into the General Account From time to time it becomes necessary to withdraw funds from other parish accounts to augment the weekly offering, to fund a ministry, or to pay the assessments or unforeseen expenses.

From Fund Raising

Dance/Raffle -0-

Toy Bingo -0-

Night at the Races -0-

Summer Raffle -0-

Other Parish Fundraising Activities

-0-

FROM Social Justice Acct. -0-

FROM Memorial Acct/ -0-

FROM Stipend Acct. -0-

FROM Savings Acct. -0-

TOTAL TRANSFERS -0-

Collection + Holy Day + Special + Other Income + Diocesan + Transfers = TOTAL INCOME

4,417.20 +302.00 +626.00 +1,523.86 +57.00 +-0- $6,926.06=

25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

9

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?? Week of August 15-21, 2019

FINANCES

RUNNING the PARISH

ADMINISTRATIVE 2,964.11

A Portion of the Parish Income goes to

fund the Ministries of the

Parish, Pay the Staff, Maintain

the properties, and provide for those in need.

CLERGY RESIDENCE

39.97

LITURGY 855.19

RELIGIOUS FORMATION

-0-

SOCIAL JUSTICE -0-

MAINTENANCE 4,121.28

TAXES -0-

TOTAL PARISH EXPENSES

$7,980.55

SUPPORTING the Diocese

A Portion of the Parish Income goes to fund the Ministries and Services of the Diocese, Provide Insurance for parish Properties, provide care of the clergy and their retirement, and fund Catholic Schools in the Diocese

Assessment Annual Fee Prior

Balance Payments

Made

Balance due by

June 30, 2020

SCH0OL ASSESSMENT (14.5 % of Income)

62,196.00 148,331.34 3,443.61 207,083.73

CATHEDRATICUM (9.5% of Income)

40,008.00 0.00 5,471.21 34,536.79

CLERGY BLUE CROSS

16,727.00 0.00 0.00 16,727.00

INSURANCE 16,148.00 0.00 0.00 16,148.00

CLERGY CARE AND WELLNESS (Not the monthly collection)

9,562.00 0.00 0.00 9,562.00

CLERGY PENSION 7,440.00 0.00 0.00 7,440.00

POST RETIREMENT FUND

5,200.00 0.00 0.00 5,200.00

EMPLOYER 403 (b) 1,393.92 0.00 0.00 1,393.92

PAYROLL PROCESSING FEE

780.00 0.00 0.00 780.00

TOTAL ASSESSMENTS

159,454.92 148,331.34 8,914.82 298,871.44

A Loan was taken from the Diocese to consolidate Inherited debt that occurred when the Parishes

were consolidated to form St. Andre Bessette Parish.

Parish Loan Amount Paid BALANCE

Due

BALANCE 412,000.00 89,363.00 322,637.00

PAYING TOWARD the PARISH DEBT

Calculating Payment of Cathedraticum and School Assessments

Weekend of Envelope Loose Holy Days Special

Collections

TAXABLE

INCOME

Diocesan

x.095

Schools

x.145

24% of

Total Income

Other

Income

August 3-4 4,465.75 202.00 28.00 1267.75 8,207.87 779.68 1,190.03 1,969.89 2244.37

August 10-11 4,047.00 236.50 63.00 339.00 5,351.50 508.40 775.97 1,284.37 666.00

August 17-18 4,194.00 400.56 1,447.50 626.00 6,868.06 722.96 995.87 1,718.83 200.00

August 24-25

TOTAL 12,706.75 839.06 1,538.50 2,232.75 3,110.37 20,427.43 2,011.01 2,961.87 4,973.09

The Monthly expected payment for the Cathedraticum is 3,343.00 The Monthly expected payment for the Schools Assessment is 5,183.00 These are only 2 of the line items expected to be paid by the parish to the diocese. There are 7 other items that are not accounted for in this tally.

Monies must be held in Operating Account until Payment of the Monthly Assessments on the 25th of the month. This limits our ability to pay other bills in a timely fashion.

25 August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

10

FINANCES

PARISH ACCOUNTS

General Operating Account This is the daily operating account of the Parish. The Sunday Collection and Other Income are deposited into this account. All Expenses are paid from this account.

Prior Balance

August 14, 2019 4,863.47

Deposits

(Sunday Collection) +6,926.06

Other Deposits +

Transfers from

Parish Accounts +

Transfers from

Diocesan Accounts +

Working Balance $11,789.53

Withdrawals -7,980.55

Service Charges -

Balance Forward $3,808.98

Parish Social Justice Fund Monies for this account are accrued through the quarterly collection, Donations specifically earmarked for the Parish Social Justice Fund and grant monies donated to the fund. This fund is used to provide for those in need and to fund programs and ministries of outreach, compassion and mercy in the parish and beyond.

Prior Balance

August 14, 2019 10,567.94

Deposits +0

Withdrawals -147.98

Transfer to Parish

General Account -0-

Service Charges -0-

Balance Forward 10,419.96

Parish Memorial Account Monies for this account are accumulated from Donations to the parish given in memory of parishioners and bequests. Funds from this account are regularly transferred into the General Operating account to augment the regular income of the parish

Prior Balance

August 14, 2019 1,874.16

Deposits +

Withdrawals -44.29

Transfer to Parish

General Account -0

Service Charges -0-

Balance Forward 1,829.87

Parish Fund Raising Account

This account is used to gather income from all parish fund raising activities and to pay expenses for those activities. When an activity is complete, the proceeds are then transferred into the General Operating Account to augment the regular income of the parish.

Prior Balance

August 14, 2019 1,558.56

Deposits +

Withdrawals -0-

Transfer to Parish

General Account -0-

Service Charges -0-

Balance Forward 1,558.56

Parish Stipend Account

Funds in this account come from donations offered for Masses to be said. Funds are dispersed directly from this account to the Celebrant who offers the Mass once it is said.

Prior Balance

August 14, 2019 6, 397.86

Deposits +

Withdrawals -460.00

Service Charges -0-

Balance Forward

Sacred Heart Cemetery Acct Funds in this account are accrued from the sale of graves or through the monthly collection. Funds are dispersed for burials and maintenance of the cemetery.

Prior Balance

August 14, 2019 32,857.30

Deposits +

Withdrawals -0-

Service Charges -0-

Balance Forward

St. Stanislaus Cemetery Acct.

Funds in this account are accrued from the sale of graves or through the monthly collection. Funds are dispersed for burials and maintenance of the cemetery.

Prior Balance

August 14, 2019 15,597.83

Deposits +

Withdrawals -0-

Service Charges -0-

Balance Forward 15,597.83

Parish Saving Account

Funds placed in the Diocesan Bank.

Prior Balance

August 14, 2019 58,133.59

Deposits +

Interest +

Withdrawals -0-

Service Charges -0-

Balance Forward 58,133.59

25 August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

11

FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH

Christus Vivit! Message of Our Holy Father Francis to Young People and to the World

www.vatican.va

Paths of fraternity

163. Your spiritual growth is expressed above

all by your growth in fraternal, generous and

merciful love. Saint Paul prayed: “May the Lord

make you increase and abound in love for one

another and for all” (1 Thes 3:12). How

wonderful it would be to experience this

“ecstasy” of coming out of ourselves and

seeking the good of others, even to the sacrifice

of our lives.

164. When an encounter with God is called an

“ecstasy”, it is because it takes us out of

ourselves, lifts us up and overwhelms us with

God’s love and beauty. Yet we can also

experience ecstasy when we recognize in others

their hidden beauty, their dignity and their

grandeur as images of God and children of the

Father. The Holy Spirit wants to make us come out of ourselves, to embrace others with love

and to seek their good. That is why it is always

better to live the faith together and to show our

love by living in community and sharing with

other young people our affection, our time, our

faith and our troubles. The Church offers many

different possibilities for living our faith in

community, for everything is easier when we do

it together.

165. Hurts you have experienced might tempt

you to withdraw from others, to turn in on

yourself and to nurse feelings of anger, but

never stop listening to God’s call to forgiveness.

The Bishops of Rwanda put it well: “In order to

reconcile with another person, you must first of

all be able to see the goodness in that person,

the goodness God created him with... This

requires great effort to distinguish the offence

from the offender; it means you hate the

offence the person has committed, but you love

the person despite his weakness, because in

him you see the image of God”.[89]

166. There are times when all our youthful

energy, dreams and enthusiasm can flag

because we are tempted to dwell on ourselves

and our problems, our hurt feelings and our

grievances. Don’t let this happen to you! You

will grow old before your time. Each age has its

beauty, and the years of our youth need to be

marked by shared ideals, hopes and dreams,

great horizons that we can contemplate

together.

167. God loves the joy of young people. He

wants them especially to share in the joy of

fraternal communion, the sublime joy felt by those who share with others, for “it is more

blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7).

Fraternal love multiplies our ability to

experience joy, since it makes us rejoice in the

good of others: “Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15). May

your youthful spontaneity increasingly find

expression in fraternal love and a constant

readiness to forgive, to be generous, and to

build community. As an African proverb says:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to

go far, go together”. Let us not allow ourselves

to be robbed of fraternity.

Young and committed

168. At times, seeing a world so full of violence

and selfishness, young people can be tempted

to withdraw into small groups, shunning the

challenges and issues posed by life in society

and in the larger world. They may feel that they

are experiencing fraternity and love, but their

small group may in fact become nothing other

than an extension of their own ego. This is even

more serious if they think of the lay vocation

simply as a form of service inside the Church:

serving as lectors, acolytes, catechists, and so

forth. They forget that the lay vocation is

directed above all to charity within the family

and to social and political charity. It is a concrete and faith-based commitment to the

building of a new society. It involves living in

the midst of society and the world in order to

bring the Gospel everywhere, to work for the

growth of peace, harmony, justice, human

rights and mercy, and thus for the extension of

God’s kingdom in this world.

169. I ask young people to go beyond their

small groups and to build “social friendship,

where everyone works for the common good.

Social enmity, on the other hand, is destructive.

Families are destroyed by enmity. Countries are

destroyed by enmity. The world is destroyed by

enmity. And the greatest enmity of all is war.

Today we see that the world is destroying itself

by war… So find ways of building social

friendship”.[90] It is not easy, it always means

having to give something up and to negotiate,

but if we do it for the sake of helping others, we

can have the magnificent experience of setting

our differences aside and working together for

something greater. If, as a result of our own

simple and at times costly efforts, we can find

points of agreement amid conflict, build bridges

and make peace for the benefit of all, then we

will experience the miracle of the culture of

encounter. This is something which young

people can dare to pursue with passion.

170. The Synod recognized that “albeit in a

different way from earlier generations, social

commitment is a specific feature of today’s

young people. Alongside some who are

indifferent, there are many others who are

ready to commit themselves to initiatives of

volunteer work, active citizenship and social solidarity. They need to be accompanied and

encouraged to use their talents and skills

creatively, and to be encouraged to take up

their responsibilities. Social engagement and

direct contact with the poor remain

fundamental ways of finding or deepening one’s

faith and the discernment of one’s vocation… It

was also noted that the young are prepared to

enter political life so as to build the common

good”.[91]

171. Today, thank God, many young people in

parishes, schools, movements and university

groups often go out to spend time with the

elderly and the infirm, or to visit poor

neighbourhoods, or to meet people’s needs

through “nights of charity”. Very often, they

come to realize that there they receive much

more than what they give. We grow in wisdom

and maturity when we take the time to touch

the suffering of others. The poor have a hidden

wisdom and, with a few simple words, they can

help us discover unexpected values.

172. Other young people take part in social

programmes that build houses for the

homeless, or reclaim contaminated areas or

offer various kinds of assistance to the needy.

It would be helpful if this shared energy could

be channelled and organized in a more stable

way and with clear goals, so as to be even more effective. University students can apply

their knowledge in an interdisciplinary way,

together with young people of other churches

or religions, in order to propose solutions to

social problems.

173. As in the miracle of Jesus, the bread and

the fish provided by young people can multiply

(cf. Jn 6:4-13). As in the parable, the small

seeds sown by young people can yield a rich

harvest (cf. Mt 13:23.31-32). All of this has its

living source in the Eucharist, in which our

bread and our wine are transformed to grant us

eternal life. Young people face immense and

difficult challenges. With faith in the risen Lord,

they can confront them with creativity and

hope, ever ready to be of service, like the

servants at the wedding feast, who

unknowingly cooperated in Jesus’ first miracle.

They did nothing more than follow the order of

his Mother: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).

Mercy, creativity and hope make life grow.

174. I want to encourage all of you in this

effort, because I know that “your young hearts

want to build a better world. I have been

following news reports of the many young

people throughout the world who have taken to

the streets to express the desire for a more just

and fraternal society. Young people taking to

the streets! The young want to be protagonists

of change. Please, do not leave it to others to

be protagonists of change. You are the ones

who hold the future! Through you, the future

enters into the world. I ask you also to be

protagonists of this transformation. You are the

ones who hold the key to the future! Continue to fight apathy and to offer a Christian response

to the social and political troubles emerging in

different parts of the world. I ask you to build

the future, to work for a better world. Dear

young people, please, do not be bystanders in

life. Get involved! Jesus was not a bystander.

He got involved. Don’t stand aloof, but immerse

yourselves in the reality of life, as Jesus did”.

[92] Above all, in one way or another, fight for

the common good, serve the poor, be

protagonists of the revolution of charity and

service, capable of resisting the pathologies of

consumerism and superficial individualism.

25 August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

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IN THE DIOCESE

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:

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.

Notice Regarding Reporting

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 committed by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton, 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. It is also the policy of the Diocese to adhere to all civil and state regulations. In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Laws, reports of suspected child abuse should also be made immediately by phone to the 24-HourChild Abuse hotline (ChildLine) at 1-800-932-0313 or electronically at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis 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). Aviso al Respecto de Reportar el Abuso Sexual de Un Menor de Edad Es la norma de la Diócesis de Scranton reportar cualquier alegación de abuso sexual de un menor de edad a las autoridades. Si usted es una víctima de abuso sexual cometido por un sacerdote, diácono, religioso o empleado laico, o voluntario de la Diócesis de Scranton, usted está obligado a reportar el asunto inmediatamente a las autoridades de la ley. Si algún sacerdote, diácono, religioso, empleado laico o voluntario de la Diócesis de Scranton tiene sospecha de que un menor de edad ha sido sujeto a cualquier forma de abuso, incluyendo abuso sexual de menor de edad, el asunto será reportado a las autoridades de la ley. Es la norma de la Diócesis defender todas las regulaciones civiles y del estado. De conformidad con la Comunidad de los Servicios de Protección Infantil de Pennsylvania Leyes, informes de sospecha de abuso de niños también debe hacerse inmediatamente por teléfono las 24 horas maltrato infantil hotline (ChildLine) al 1-800-932-0313 o electrónicamente en www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis Al fi n de que la Diócesis esté comprometida igualmente a defender las normas del Código de Derecho Canónico y defender los principios de la Carta Para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes (Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos), lo cual incluye apoyar a las víctimas de abuso sexual en pos del bienestar emocional y espiritual. Por eso, información respecto a una alegación del asunto sexual de un menor de edad, debe ser reportada a la Coordinadora Diocesana de Asistencia para Las Víctimas, Mary Beth Pacuska, a (570-862-7551).

Certificate In Ministry Studies

The Office for Parish Life is partnering with Center for MinistryDevelopment to provide specialized tracks in ministry formation. The Certificate in Ministry Studies® is a ministry education program for adults in ministry with youth, families and adults, in both parish and school settings. The program includes four online courses and eight in-person courses. These in-person courses are offered in our Diocese over a two year period, at minimal cost to the participants because of funds provided through the Diocesan Annual Appeal.

The Certificate program leads to a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies OR Certificate in Lifelong Faith Formation. Parishes benefit especially by enrolling coordinators of both ministry areas in the program together.

The Program Schedule for 2019-2020 is as follows:

September 4, 2019–Online Orientation Meeting with all applicants (offered in the afternoon and evening)

September 28, 2019 –In-person course #1 - Diocesan Pastoral Center Principles of Youth Ministry OR Principles and Vision for Lifelong Catechesis

October 13- November 9, 2019 -- First online course: Visioning for Catholic Youth Ministry/Catholic Faith Formation

February 2020 ---- Second online course: Leading Ministry

March 14, 2020 –In-person course #2—Practice of Ministry (location TBD by participants)

June 24 & 25, 2020 --- In-person courses #3 Foundations for Ministry Leadership and #4 Skills for Christian Leadership

Persons interested in more information and/or to enroll in the Certificate in Ministry Studies should contact Kitty Scanlan at 570-207-2213 or at kitty- scanlan@dioceseofscranton.org

Meet Jacki Douglas The Office for Parish Life is pleased to welcome Jacki Douglas as the new Director of Word and Lifelong Faith Formation. Jacki cordially invites all the Directors of Reli- gious Education and Youth Ministers to come to a “meet and greet” on

the dates below (these are the same meeting dates and times to which Kathy Bolinski has already invited safe environment

coordinators). At these meetings, Jacki will go over some practical ways to make your ministry a little easier and more enjoyable for you, your catechists, and your youth. We want to hear what we can do to help your ministry.

Tuesday, August 27—1:30PM –2:30PM at St. Maria Goretti Parish, Laflin

To register, please contact Jacki Douglas at jdoug las@dioceseofscranton.org or 570-207-2213,

Word Convocation—Save the Date The Office for Parish Life

invites DREs, catechists, RCIA teams, youth ministers, Catholic school teachers, those on parish WORD Commissions and anyone engaged in minis try of the Word to plan on attending the WORD Convocation/Convocation for Catechists on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9:00AM to 3:00PM at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Scranton. The keynote speaker is Sr. Janet Schaeffler, OP.

25 August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

13

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

LOCAL EVENTS

Ca

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Women's Retreat Weekend, September 6-8, 2019

“Finding the Gift of God's Mercy in our Everyday

Lives” Directed by Rev. Richard Nalepa, CP

of St. Paul of the Cross Monastery, Pittsburgh.

Fall Preached Retreat $140 per person – Deposit is required.

Registration is 7:00 pm Friday Evening.

Begins at 7:30 pm Friday and Departure is after the Noon meal on Sunday. (No meals are served Friday evening.)

**********************************************************

“Praying the Passion” - A weekend retreat which will offer a more silent experience

for both men and women

-October 18-20, 2019

-directed by Rev. Curtis Kiddy, CP.

Fall Preached Retreat

$140 per person – Deposit is required.

Comfortable Silence during retreat.

Begins on Friday evening at 7:30 pm (registration 7pm)

and ends after the noon meal on Sunday.

(No meals are served Friday evening.)

**********************************************************

Preached retreats consist of conferences on the spiritual life,

time for personal reflection, prayer, opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Liturgy.

To Register or for more information;

Call: Retreat Office: 570 586-4957

Saint Gabriel’s Retreat Center 631 Griffin Pond Road Clarks Summit, PA 18411-8899 (570) 586-4957 FAX: (570) 587-3314

OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH

1880 Highway 315,

Pittston, PA 18640

Phone (570) 654-7542

The Oblate of St. Joseph Fathers will hold the

annual Triduum and Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

The Triduum (three days of prayers) will be held

on August 30- 31 and September 1st at the Oblates of St. Joseph Chapel, Route 315, Laflin,(Pittston) with a Mass at 7:00PM, followed by special prayers to St. Joseph. Confessions and the Holy Rosary will precede the Mass.

The Feast will be celebrated on Labor Day,

Monday, September 2nd with a Solemn Mass at 11:00AM. Serving as celebrant and homilist will be Bishop John M. Dougherty, D.D. auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Scranton.

The special intentions for the triduum celebration

include: for all employed and unemployed, for students, teachers, administrators, and staff, for peace and prosperity in our families, for peace in

the World and for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life to serve Jesus’ Church. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, contact the OSJ seminary office at (570-654-7542)

25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

14

We need to think about the renewal of parish of life.

Since the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on the laity’s call to holiness was paired with the renewal of virtue ethics in moral theology, everyone seems to

recognize not only the importance of community for forming people in the Christian life but also the necessity of this formation for addressing the problems we face in our age. In After Virtue, Alasdair MacIntyre believed we needed communities to address

the incoherence of modern moral discourse. Stanley Hauerwas claimed it is needed to respond to the

challenges raised by the Enlightenment and liberal democracy. Jean Porter held that communities are necessary to understand the good and natural law, Richard Gaillardetz to stave off the dehumanizing effects of modern technology, Paul Waddell to preserve friendships and foster justice, Miroslov

Volf to foster forgiveness and reconciliation, and Lisa Cahillto help marriages survive.

Along with this awareness of the importance of the community, which for Catholics is typically the parish, is the claim by theologians that this formation and support is not happening. Since the early seventies, Catholics seems to have not been

formed or been formed poorly in the faith.

This assumption seems to be born out in recent statistics:

The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace. One-fifth of the U.S. public – and a

third of adults under 30 – are religiously unaffiliated today, the highest percentages ever in Pew Research Center polling.

This comes in the wake of an earlier report that

indicates that that 10% of the US population is

former Catholics.

For me, the worry is not the numbers per se but the implication that fewer people are being formed by the Church’s message of love of God and neighbor. We are being formed by other “communities”. Robert

Putnam reads the loss of religious affiliation as a sign that political views dominate our understanding of society and the world. Politics seem to drive our religious affiliations more than the other way around. This is not too surprising as Putnam has long noted that many of the communities

that shaped and formed us are disappearing leaving few other formative communities around.

Perhaps the only framework to rival the political one is

the consumer one. Vincent Miller makes this claim in his Consuming Religion. In this book, Miller details how our consumer culture seems to transform everything, including religion, into commodities, and, as a result, it provides the framework through which people understand the world and their actions within it. Perhaps his most striking example of consumerism

coopting faith is how Pope John Paul II’s 1987 visit to

the United States was surrounded by the production and purchasing of Popeners, Pope on a rope, Styrofoam pope hats, and John Paul II t-shirts.

I think this is why we need to think about the renewal of the parish. We live in a society where our politics and economics are becoming the ultimate framework

for understanding ourselves and our actions.

How can parishes become the formative communities that they need to be in these circumstances?

How can the faith the parish is suppose to mediate help us to direct our politics and economics toward what is good, true, real, and beautiful?

I hope over the next few weeks to explore

1) the challenges facing parishes in becoming formative communities,

2) 2) what can be done to renew parish life, and

3) 3) the implications of this renewal for our self and our society, a kind of social soteriology.

I am hoping that this might be a discussion of how we

too might give birth to God in our own lives and communities.

Renewing The Parish: Why it is Needed by Jason King

www.catholicmoraltheology.com

FINAL THOUGHTS 25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

15

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Twenty-first Week of Ordinary Time August 26-September 1, 2019

Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events

Monday, August 26 Our Lady of Czestochowa

8 am No Morning Mass Scheduled 6:00 PC Agenda Meeting

Tuesday, August 27 St. Monica

8 am Dolores Gupko Paul Menedez & Family 5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday, August 28 St. Augustine

8 am Joseph Walkowiak Mr. & Mrs. Ted

Harowicz

Thursday, August 29 Beheading of St John the Baptist 8 am Delores Walkowiak John Hemenatz

Noon—Adoration Begins 6 pm Vespers/ Benediction Liturgical Council

Friday, August 30 Weekday

8 am Eleanor Goch Mary & Theresa

Chupka

Saturday, August 31 Weekday

No Morning Mass Scheduled 3:00 pm Confessions

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

VIGIL 4 pm Tom Martin Family Clergy Collection Dues Envelope Fall Dance/Raffle Tickets on Sale Only 11 more weeks until the end of the Liturgical Year and the beginning of Advent!

VIGIL 5:30 pm Joseph Buczynski Mr. & Mrs. Carl Check

SUNDAY 8 am Catherine Pergino Cathy Jackson

SUNDAY 11 am Parishioners Pastor

13th of the Month Club

Once more, we are reminded of Devotions which take place in our parish on the 13th of the Month from May to October honoring the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima in 1917. Her message of Repentance, Reparation and the Call to Holiness continues to reverberate throughout the church. Join us in fulfilling our Lady’s request of praying the Rosary on the 13th of the month at noon.

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE September 2, 2019 Labor Day

August 31-September 1, 2019 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

4:00 pm 5:30 pm 8:00 am 11:00 am 9:00 am

Server Ted Harowicz Manuel Baez Anna Bozinski Patrice Rembish Brian Flannery

Lector Ann Bergold Pat Baran Anna Hudock Jackie Barkus Anna Hudock

EMOC John Bergold Mimi Tosh Anna Bozinski Robert Dunsmuir Sr. Brian Flannery

Cantor Brian Clarke Matt Kurtz Geri Ulichney Carol Zukowski Joan Cavanaugh

Hospitality Mary Ann Amesbury

Jean Koval Mark & Theresa

Choman Dolores Yesuvida

David Alusick Dennis Bozinski

Dolores Yesuvida

David Alusick

Join Us for Eucharistic Adoration

every Thursday from Noon to 6 pm.

The Day concludes with Vespers and Benediction

at 6 pm.

25August 2019 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time