SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, PRAY FOR US! Parish Office Hours Closed: Please call or email
The Parish in the heart of the Endless Mountains Serving Bradford County since 1841
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary time † June 21, 2020
Saints Peter and Paul Church 106 Third Street - Towanda, Pennsylvania 18848-1798
Phone: 570-265-2113 FAX: 570-265-2114
E-mail: [email protected] Website: sspeterandpaulchurch.net
Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini
GREEN PHASE
LIMITED RE-OPENING
OF SSPP CHURCH
“Green Phase”
See Updates on Website
sspeterandpaulchurch.net
A reminder that the Sunday
Mass obligation remains sus-
pended and that vulnerable
individuals should remain at
home for their own safety.
No Reason to Miss Mass
MASS TIMES - TV and Online
SS Peter & Paul Church Saturday Vigil is now livestreamed for viewing—youtube link is on our Web Page
Daily 8 AM, Noon, and 7 PM on EWTN television station
Sunday 8 AM and Noon on EWTN television station
Weekdays 12:10, 3:30 and 7 PM on CTW television; on website www.dioceseofscranton.org; and streaming on Diocesan Facebook, twitter, instagram, and youtube. Saturday Vigil 4 pm on CTW television and Diocesan website www.dioceseofscranton.org; and streaming on Diocesan facefook, twitter, Instagram and youtube
Sunday 10 am on CTW and Diocesan website www.dioceseofscranton.org; and streaming on Diocesan Facebook, twitter, Instagram and youtube
Weekdays 9 AM livestream at TheDivineMercy.org Facebook page
Weekdays 7 pm in Spanish livestream at LaDivinaMisericordia (Official) facebook page
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
SS. Peter & Paul Parish, a community of
faith called by God to deepen our relationship
with Jesus Christ, serves the Lord by sharing
our time, talent and treasure. As disciples of
Christ, we are called to bring Jesus Christ to
ourselves and others: our children, the sick,
the poor, the fallen away Catholics and those
who need to hear God’s message of uncondi-
tional love and forgiveness. SS. Peter & Paul
Parish is a beacon of light rooted in Jesus
Christ, passed on to his successor, our Holy
Father the Pope, and is guided by our local
bishop to build the Kingdom of God on
Earth. It is our mission to shine the light of
Jesus Christ in our world and to spiritually
enrich the individual members of the parish
as well as the larger community through
word, worship, sacrament and service.
But the gift is not like the transgression.
For if by the transgression of the one the many died,
how much more did the grace of God
and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ
overflow for the many.
Romans 5: 15
St. Agnes School
Teachers Needed: St. Agnes School has openings for
full-time Early Childhood Education and for
Elementary Education teachers, and also for a part-time
Pre-K Classroom Aide for the 2020-21 school year.
For more information, including the hours,
salary and benefits, please contact the school office at
(570) 265-6803 or email [email protected]. You may
also stop by the school office between 8 am and 2 pm
Monday-Friday. The deadline for applications is June
30, 2020. Substitute teachers are always needed and
welcome. (no teaching degree necessary; clearances
required).
CELEBRATION OF SACRAMENTS
Holy Orders
Saturday, June 27
Next Saturday, June 27, at
10:00 AM in Saint Peter’s
Cathedral in Scranton, our
Bishop Bambera will ordain
Reverend Mr. Jonathan
Kuhar, Reverend Mr. Kevin
Miller, and Reverend Mr. Shawn Simchock to
the Order of the Priesthood for service in the
Diocese of Scranton. Because of the Corona-
virus restrictions, unfortunately, attendance is
limited to invited guests only.
The Ordination Mass will be made avail-
able to all in several different ways, and the
Bishop invites everyone to participate in this
important Diocesan celebration. The Mass will
be broadcast live on CTV—Catholic Television.
It will also be livestreamed on the Diocese of
Scranton website and made available through
links on all Diocesan social media accounts,
including Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, and
Instagram.
Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass
The annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary
Mass and celebration was unable to be celebrat-
ed en masse at the Cathedral in Scranton on June
14, due to current social distancing restrictions;
however, the Bishop still celebrated the Mass
and livestreamed it, not only for the couples who
had pre-registered, but also for any couple wish-
ing to join in prayer and gratitude as well.
We congratulate our parishioners who
registered for the Diocesan 2020 event: Thomas
Finan & Rachelle Thibault-Finan (25) and Ed-
ward and Barbara Krauss (50). We congratulate
all our faithuful couples, including and John &
Mary Alice Demangone (60).
We pray that all our married couples con-
tinue to be blessed in their journey together.
Confirmation – Monday July 20, 2020
Confirmation will be held here on Monday even-ing at 6 pm on July 20. (Private Mass for Candi-date, Sponsor, Family only). Please keep these young members of our parish in your prayers.
St. Mother Teresa of Kalkata
People are often unreasonable and self-
centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse
you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and iIt may never be
enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them.
A Prayer for Christian Fathers
Heavenly Father, you entrusted your Son Jesus,
the child of Mary, to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.
Bless all fathers as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience;
support them in the work they have to do, protecting those who look to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation, through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.
Amen.
Mass Intentions June 20 - 28 *Weekend Masses only by Reservation
No reservation is needed for a weekday.
Saturday Vigil 5 pm: Joseph Lenox (the Ritsko Fami-ly) Sunday 8:00 am: Father’s Day Intentions 11:00 am: Our Parishioners Mon., 8:30 am: Rita Bustin (Hoffmann Family) Tues. 5:00 pm: Rocco & Marion Saldutti (Sue Geissler) Wed. 5:00 pm: Dorothy & Joseph LeStrange (Robert & Eileen Hugo) Thursday: No Mass Fri. 12:10 pm: Robert Doepker (Marilyn Doepker) Saturday Vigil 5 pm: Father’s Day Intention Sunday 8:00 am: Our Parishioners 11:00 am: William Lee Sullivan (Pat McCracken,
Offertory June 7, 2020 Sunday Offering $ 7,485.00 Care & Education of Priests $ 357.00 Special Envelopes $ 682.00
Thank you for your generosity.
Mailed- Delivered-Automatic Donations Appreciated
No second collection will be taken up this weekend or next weekend.
PARISH BULLETIN ADVERTISERS We thank those businesses and individuals who have placed an ad in our parish bulletin. We ask parishioners to thank these individuals and to use these companies. This week we especially acknowledge:
McGuire’s Septic Service Towanda
Anyone wishing to advertise in the Parish Bulletin should contact the parish office 570-265-2113 or speak to Father Ed for more information—the pricing is very reasonable.
A Sanctuary Lamp burns this week for:
This Sunday, enjoy a hot breakfast in JFK
Hall—Fabulous Food for family-friendly
prices! This St. Agnes PTG fundraiser for
the school takes place on the second Sunday
of each month during the school year 8-11
am.
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Sanctuary Lamps burn this week for:
Bill Sullivan (Family) Intentions of Father Ed Michelini
St. John the Baptist is the Lord’s immediate
precursor, or forerunner, sent to prepare his way.
“Prophet of the Most High,” John surpasses all the
prophets, of whom he is the last. He inaugurates
the Gospel, already from his mother’s womb
welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in
being “the friend of the bridegroom,” whom he
points out as “the Lamb of God, who takes away
the sin of the world.” Going before Jesus “in the
spirit and power of Elijah,” John bears witness to
Christ in his preaching, by his Baptism of conver-
sion, and through his martyrdom.” ~ Catechism of the Catholic Church. 524
Ministers June 27-28
Lectors: Bob Pyznar, Matt Tavani, Karen Stroud
All ministers other than lectors should watch for future announcements, or contact your group coordinator with any concerns or questions on your schedule.
Word of Life
“When battered by life’s storms, or immersed in a dense
fog of suffering and uncertainty, we may feel alone and
unequipped to handle the circumstances. Yet with
words that echo through thousands of years into the cor-
ners of our hearts, the Lord says to us, ‘Do not fear: I
am with you’ (Isaiah 41:10).” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
1017-18 Respect Life Reflection
*RESERVATION FOR WEEKEND MASS
https://tableagent.com/scranton/sts-peter-and-paul/
Or call Kathleen 570-364-5996
ONLY between 12-3 PM; ONLY Thursday / Saturday
Be Aware - The Church needs to be Sanitized Before / After @ Mass
The church needs to be sanitized every time we celebrate Mass or someone uses the church. If you would like to assist for a brief time after Mass please volunteer to do so – you can contact Kathie DeWan in person or 570-265- 3231 to express your interest or intentions. Thank You Very Much!
June 24: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Celebrating Saints This Week
Monday, June 22: St. Paulinus of Nola, Bishop; Saints John Fisher, Bishop and Thomas More, Martys.
Wednesday, June 24: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Saturday, June 27: Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Looking ahead to June 29: Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, and patron saints of our parish
RICHARD M. FARLEY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
———————————
521 MAIN STREET 570-265-4993
TOWANDA, PA 18848 FAX: 570-265-5996
E-mail: [email protected]
Knights of Columbus TOWANDA COUNCIL, No. 3915
7 Poplar St., Towanda PA 18848
Meetings 2nd Wednesdays at 7 pm
Contact: 570-265-2113
ST. AGNES SCHOOL A Roman Catholic School of the Diocese of Scranton
Pre-K (3 & 4 Years of Age) to Grade 6 Middle States Accredited
570-265-6803
102 Third Street Towanda PA 18848
www.edline.net/pages/StAgnes
570-268-7653 570-888-2202
Please Remember in Your prayers_
Art Badger; Nancy Barrett; Josie Beale; Gus Branish; Donna Brown; Carol Brubaker; Tom Burger; Angela Burke; Rosie Burlington; Chris Cole; Beth Coleman; Patricia Coleman; Jon Curtis; Monica Curtis; Margaret DeMarco; Patricia Dibble; Mary Theresa Dorsey; Rachel Dugan; Stephanie Duggan; George Emery; Helen Finlan; Christina Fleury; Sally Groff; Linda Hilscher; Eric Hodgdon; Evelyn Hoff; John Hoffman, Sr.; Billy Hollenback; Polly Karschner; Annette McClure; Deany McGarrigle; Mickey McGarrigle; Sharon Mahaffey; Nate Miller; Paul Moran; Ethan Neuber; Irma O’Keeefe; Jean Perry; Cindy Robinson; Mary Ann Schram; Eugenia Serpe; Pastor Rachel Stahle; Charmaine Stempel; Mackenzie Kempner Taylor; Ed and Barbara Ulatowski; Prairie Rose Upton; Barbara Westfall; Sharon Wilson; Joe Zak; and 5 Special Intentions.
OTTAVIANI OPTOMETRY
1932 GOLDEN MILE RD 55
MAIN ST
P.O. BOX 599 P.O.
BOX 505
WYSOX PA 18854 WY-
SS. PETER & PAUL CEMETERY JAMES STREET - N. TOWANDA
2 AND 4 Grave Lots Available
Business Office: 106 Third St., Towanda PA 18848 570-265-2113
BARRETT LAW OFFICES Patrick J. Barrett, III
Attorney and Counselor at Law
507 West Pine Street 21 Troy St. - PO Box 157 Athens, PA 18810 Canton, PA 17724 570-888-0297 570-673-5180 Fax: 570-888-4142 or 570-364-5799 [email protected] Fax: 570-673-5780 [email protected]
A Community Funeral, Cremation, and Memorial Resource Service Owned & Operated by the Bowen Family
Providing Professional Services that Respond to Personal Needs
Complete Pre-Arranged Funeral Planning — Burial And Cremation Services.
Out-Of-Town Receiving and Transfer Service, Monument Service
www.bowenfuneralhomes.com
Bowen-Farr Funeral Home
570-258-3456
6 Gordon Farr St.—Ulster, Pa. 18850
Brandon B. Allis
Funeral Director—Supervisor
Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home Inc.
570-265-2272
217 York Ave., Towanda PA 18848
James A. Bowen
Funeral Director, Owner / Supervisor
1841– 2016
SS Peter
and Paul
Church
Bob Hugo 570-265-6615 106 River St., Towanda, PA
Auto * Home * Life * Fin. Services
~~Green’s Auto Mart, Inc.~~ Quality Used Cars at a Fair Price
1503 Golden Mile Rd. Towanda PA
Greensautomart.com 570-265-AUTO(2886)
FAX 570-265-8149
Before You Pay ~ See Rick or Ray
XXXXXXXXXX5
376 Leisure Drive
Towanda, PA
Phone 570-265-7302
Fax 570-265-5065
If you would like to join our parish, contact: SS. Peter & Paul Church—106 Third St.—Towanda PA 18848
Call 570-265-2113 or email [email protected]
REQUEST FOR PARISH REGISTRATION FORM
Name ____________________________Date__________
Address____________________________________________
City,Zip _________________________Phone _____________
CHRISTINA FLEURY
Attorney Elder Law & More
517 Main St. ~ Towanda
570.265.6000
www.ChristinaFleury.com
Happy Father’s Day
To all the dads, we wish you a Happy Father’s Day and a wonderful and
blessed year ahead. It is not easy being dads and moms in today’s society. The
parish offers you our prayers to the Holy Spirit for the dedication, fortitude and
patience you need to be the support and inspiration to your children. May God
continue to bless you each and every day.
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The Sacraments:
At this time anyone interested in going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation can call Fr. Ed at the parish office 570-265-2113 and make arrangements.
At present we need to figure out a way of maintaining “Social Distancing” and sanitizing if we return to the normal Reconciliation procedure.
Looking Ahead
As a parish, I think we have done a great job in dealing with all the complications caused by the COVID-19 virus. Thank You for your patience, prayers and cooperation. Thanks to all who have gone out of their way in making things happen, especially: Kathy DeWan, Kathleen Woods, and Alex Piechocki.
Fr. Ed will visit his brother and family the week of June 29-July 3, 2020 – there will not be a weekday Mass that week.
Beginning the first full week of July (July 6, 2020) we will return to our usual weekday Mass schedule of M,T,W and F at 8:30 am. We will temporarily add an evening Mass on Tuesday at 5 pm to allow those who work or who are nervous about attending a more crowded liturgy. — We will see how it goes, especially with sanitizing the church after the Masses.
Thankful for our kindness! During these pandemic months, parishioners in the parish have come forward to help others in the community to get through some difficult Pandemic times. The parish has given away, collectively, a substan-tial amount of money to businesses, organizations, and individuals. We are printing some of the responses that we have received. Thank you for your concern and generosity now and over the past years.
In a card: I’m so grateful. “Thank you so much for thinking of me and my staff. It was very helpful.
I can’t express how humbled I was to receive your generous offering. I was so overcome with so many emotions upon opening. God has been so good to our family and this will help to pay our bills. Learning to trust in God to help us all through is definitely a test of our faith. I have been volunteering at the pop up pantries which has been a very rewarding experience, calling folks on the phone, helping to get groceries for folks. Just feeling as though I am doing what God would want me to do with the gift of not working at my job. May God continue to bless your church and our community.
Let me first start off saying how grateful I am to you and your parishioners. I have no words to express my gratitude for your kind words and the gift you have sent. During these hard times, the best qualities of mankind comes out and you and your church have shown just what that means. I am humbled by the generosity of all those that attend Saint Peter and Paul. I promise to use these funds in the benefit of those that work for me and help make our establishment what it is. My prayers are with all of you at this time also, so that we may in this time of need find our way thru this crisis and rise up and be stronger community together. Thank you again and God Bless all of you.
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Weekday and Sunday Mass Returns
1. Mass Schedule: We need to Maintain Social Distancing & Wear a Mask Monday 8:30 am Tuesday & Wednesday 5 pm Friday 12:10 pm Saturday 5 pm Sunday 8 am Sunday 11 am
The Saturday 5pm Mass will be taped and you can view this liturgy on Sunday at any time.. You are able to view this Mass from the parish website – https://sspeterandpaulchurch.net
The top priority is personal and community health and safety. If you are sick, “Stay Home, Get medical
advice and Get better.” If you are in a high risk category, or have underlying health issues, take extra
precautions in interacting with others – in general stay home away from those who may be sick.
Bishop Bambera has indicated that the obligation to attend a weekend Mass has been suspended until further notice. You may consider attending a weekday Mass which are less crowded.
We are restricted to social distancing and 25% of occupancy so we need to make reservations for each
weekend Mass - not the weekday Masses. To make reservations go to
http://tableagent.com/scranton/sts-peter-and-paul/ and follow the directions by selecting a date and time, etc.to make the reservation. Or, if you are not computer savvy you can use a phone: CALL Kathleen 570-364-5996 ONLY on Thursday or Satur-day between 12-3 pm and provide her with the date and number of people
Arrival: The church will be open about 30 minutes prior to Mass. You need to wear a mask and to social
distance at least six feet –use a wipe or hand sanitizer as appropriate. The floor is marked with a
green strip and a bow with flower at the pews designated for people to use. If you would like to
light a candle please do so before Mass and please continue to social distance. Try to use the bathroom
only in an emergency.
Communion: Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass and you can immediately leave the
Church. Please come forward using the side aisles to receive Holy Communion. Preferably receive
Holy Communion by hand to avoid complications with possible contamination of the priest and others.
Example: Receive communion in the hand, (leave your hand flat so the priest can easily place it in
your hand) DO NOT GRAB at he host, stand in place and move the mask, and place the Host in your
mouth before social distancing down the aisle – there will be plenty of time for you to do this.
Departure: Before departing, leave the kneelers down and the pink paper on the pew indicating that
the pew was used. Please use the door or doors on your side of the church in existing. Those on the
Baptismal side should use the doors in the center or Baptismal side; those on the tabernacle side should
use the ramp door. If you are not able to manage stairs, please sit on the tabernacle side of the church.
We are asked to maintain social distancing (six foot separation) inside and outside the church.
Trash baskets are at the entrance doors of the church for anything you would like to discard.
Donations: The collection will NOT be done in the normal manner, but donations can be made by
placing your envelope(s) in the marked long palm branch boxes located by the inner entrance/exit
doors to the church. There will be one box on each side as you exit/enter the church. Thank You!
When you arrive at church everyone is required to wear a mask (unless a medical issue excludes one
from wearing a mask), maintain social distancing, cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve,
DO NOT use your hands, if you need to sneeze or cough. Wash your hands often with soap and hot
water for at least 20 seconds. The church needs to be sanitized before and after each Mass.