FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

Love leads to suffering, but we take the risk to love because we must by Heidi Russell

https://www.ncronline.org

"God never promised us that we would not suffer." Those words struck a painful, but truthful, chord in me when a friend uttered them as we stood talking at the wake of a 27-year-old woman, a mother of a 1-year-old and wife who died of cancer way too young.

We stood there witnessing the pain one

instinctively feels no one should ever have to endure, if our God is a loving God — if, in fact, our God is love. And yet the reality is that Christianity does not teach us that we will not suffer. The opposite is true. Love leads to suffering.

Buddhism recognizes this great truth in the teaching of the Four Noble Truths, and one is encouraged to love without attachment, without desire, without trying to hold on to what or who we love. Christianity also teaches that to love is to suffer — to suffer for and with others, exemplified in the crucified Christ who stretched out his arms and died for love. God's response to our suffering is to suffer with us on the cross and to resurrect that suffering into new life. Still, knowing all of that, I could not be anything but devastated by the untimely death of this young woman. How could I trust God in the face of such tragedy?

I had not fully realized, prior to that point, that my idea of God was a God who fixed things, who would make things turn out all right in the end. That image of God, I discovered, is the God of the privileged, the God of those who have not suffered. I find since then, when I talk to people, there is a divide in how people know God — those who have suffered great tragedy and those who have not. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, suffering is "the great iconoclast" — my idols could not hold up.

In his book The Eternal Year, theologian Karl Rahner suggests that when one experiences the absence of God, one's image of God is no longer working. The only way to rebuild trust in the face of such absence is to let go of the image and surrender to the mystery. God as love does not promise that we will not suffer. God promises us that when we do suffer, we are held in love. God does not promise to fix what is broken; God promises to be

present in the midst of the brokenness.

That source of love we call God is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, the word of love among us, and in the Holy Spirit, God as love enacted within us and among us. The only antidote to the brokenness of the world is to surrender to

love, to let that love act in us and through us, even when we know it may ultimately

lead to heartbreak.

Love and trust in a finite world are doomed to disappointment. Beyond the inevitable experience of death, our lives are also littered with broken promises, betrayals, people in their humanness letting us down time and again, or perhaps our own humanness and brokenness leading us to sabotage our relationships. We experience this human brokenness in our lovers, our families and our friends.

So the real question becomes, how is it that we continue to go on loving? Why do we continue to take the chance with our

hearts to trust again, to give someone a second chance, or to start all over again with someone new? Rahner suggests that our desire to trust another human being wholly is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. One who loves a fallible human being in some way affirms the one human person who does not disappoint, who is the perfect expression of God as Love in the world.

Scripture tells us we love because God first loves us (1 John 4:19). Humans cannot exist without love. God created us to be in relationship, to love. Psychology and neuroscience have demonstrated what mystics have taught us to perceive with the eye of the soul: that we are hardwired for love. Our brains have a whole pharmacy of neurochemicals that facilitate love, desire and attachment, and enable us to experience trust, generosity, altruism and empathy. Judith Horstman in The Scientific American Book of Love,

Sex and the Brain: The Neuroscience of How, When, Why and Who We Love,

explains how in brain imaging research, it can be seen that love "lights up" our brains.

As interesting as the parts of the brain that are active, according to Horstman, are the parts that tend to be less active: fear, grief and self-protection. So when we read in Scripture that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), there is a truth to that statement on a physical as well as spiritual level. Love indeed does drive out fear. Thus the very way our brain works helps us continue to risk love in an era of distrust. Love, a spiritual realization, manifests and becomes the antidote for distrust.

We continue to love because we must, if we are going to be human. My relationship with God is now changed, but the relationship endures. I don't expect God to "fix" things anymore. The miracle for which I now pray is not to have the outcome of the story changed, but rather how I might manifest God's love in the midst of the grief and suffering of the world. My relationship to God as Love is manifested in my ability to love others, to love my neighbor as myself. God as source and ground of our love enables us to continue taking the risk to love, even when we have been devastated by love in the past.

And so we take the risk again and again to love other human beings, despite their tendency to disappoint and to die, and to love God who has enabled us to love by first loving us.

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

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.

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

DESSERT and STUDY

for the

EASTER SEASON

Dates: May 22, 29, June 5.

Time: 6 –7:30 pm

Place: Fr. Zolcinski Hall

Please Join us on May 22nd as we share FAITH and FELLOWSHIP.

Social Justice Projects for MAY ANNUAL MOTHERS’ DAY CARNATION SALE—

May 11-12 Thank You to all who helped to support the Annual Carnation Sale BABY BOTTLE PROJECT

Throughout the month of May, baby bottles will be available to

receive your donation. Simply fill the bottle with your loose change and return it to the basket provided in the front of the church (by the pulpit0. Proceeds benefit the local chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life.

ST. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY

Donations benefit the St. Joseph Center’s Baby Pantry which provides necessary items for newborns

and infants in needy families. Items needed: Baby clothes

0-6 months; Onesies or sleepers for newborn—3 month olds; baby socks and baby booties; receiving blankets, baby afghans, New Baby Bottles and bibs,

Diapers (newborn—6) Baby wash, Baby lotion, Baby Shampoo Baby Wipes. Please support these efforts as your means permits.

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

SUMMER RAFFLE Many parishes meet their financial

goals through a summer Bazaar or

picnic. This endeavor involves

countless numbers of people and

countless hours of preparation and

in the end, you are at the mercy of

the weather.

Our parish community does not

have the manpower to carry off a

three day bazaar. We rely on our

parishioners to get behind the

summer raffle and sell tickets to

provide for the financial needs of

the parish.

Unfortunately, in the past, our

summer raffle has not been as

successful as hoped. Many

parishioners failed to make returns

on the tickets, lost the tickets, or

just didn’t bother to do anything

with them at all. This left the few

dedicated parishioners to carry the

load for everyone else and caused

us to fall far short of our financial

goals.

As a result, we have had to cut

back with this summer’s raffle. We

have printed only 7,000 tickets.

They sell for $1.00 each. Prizes

total $1000, with the top prize

being $500. WE NEED TO SELL ALL

7,000 TICKETS to meet our

financial goal.

Each parish family has been issued

ONE BOOK of 10 tickets to buy or

sell. The minimum donation asked

of each family is $10. There are

more tickets available for those of

you who can and will sell more.

Please call the parish office and we

will issue them to you. The Raffle

will be held during our Fourth of

July Parish Family Picnic.

We cannot stress strongly enough

how important it is for EVERY

PARISH FAMILY to support the

SUMMER RAFFLE.

Without your help we will not

survive as a parish.

WITH YOUR HELP, WE WILL

THRIVE.

THE LITURGY

The Anointing of the Sick

The name Jesus means “God saves.” The name emphasizes that Jesus is the one who has come to save all. Christ means “anointed.” The name shows that God the Father has

given Jesus a mission and endowed him with power to save and the power to heal. Jesus' whole life was aimed at saving people. His words and actions are the foundation of the saving grace we now received in the sacraments.

The sacrament that helps unite those who are suffering with Jesus' saving and healing power is the Anointing of the Sick. Through this sacrament people receive forgiveness for their sins and comfort in their suffering; they are restored in

spirit; and sometimes they even experience the return of physical health. Suffering is a part of life, but Jesus unites

our suffering with his passion and death so that through our suffering we can participate in his saving and healing work. The sacrament also reminds us that God wants to give comfort to the suffering and wants us to relieve suffering where we can.

In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the seriously ill, injured, or the elderly with the oil of

the sick. The oil of the sick is a special oil used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week.

In addition to anointing, the person is often offered Holy Communion. When a person is dying, the Communion is

called viaticum (on the way with you). For a dying person, the sacrament is preparation for passing over to eternal life.

Anointing sometimes occurs in a church and is given to the sick or elderly in a community setting. It often takes place in homes, nursing homes, and hospitals. For example, a person who is going to have surgery may be anointed. The

sacrament may be received more than once, such as when a sick person's condition worsens.

In the Rites of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints

the sick person on the forehead, saying, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” He also anoints the sick person on the hands, saying, “May the Lord who frees you

from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.” The “raising” refers to spiritual healing, as well as any physical healing

that may take place.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, once referred to as Extreme Unction and ministered only to those in danger

of death, is a prayer of healing and may be celebrated individually and communally.

A SACRAMENT OF HEALING The Anointing of the Sick "is not a

sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of

death from sickness or old age, the fitting time to receive this sacrament has

certainly already arrived."

- CCC, no.1514, citing SC, no.731.

When should we receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens.

(CCC,nos.1528,1529)

Who are the ministers of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

Only priests and bishops can administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, using oil blessed by the bishop, or if necessary by the

celebrating presbyter [priest or celebrant] himself.(CCC,no.1530)

What are the effects of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

The special grace of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:

-the uniting of the sick person to the passion

of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;

-[giving the sick person the strength], peace,

and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;

-[imparting] the forgiveness of sins, if the sick

person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;

-[providing for] the restoration of health, if it

is conducive to the salvation of his soul;

- [helping the sick person in] the preparation

for passing over to eternal life.

(CCC,no.1532

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Thursday, June 6

1 pm

CATECHETICAL COUNCIL TBA

6:00 p.m.

FINANCE COUNCIL Thursday June 20

6:00 pm

LITURGICAL COUNCIL Thursday, June 6

6:00 p.m.

PARISH LIFE COUNCIL Thursday, June 27

6:00 pm

PASTORAL COUNCIL Thursday May 23

6:00 p.m.

SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL

Thursday, June 13

6:00 p.m.

Development

Committee 6:30 pm

Monday, June 3

FAITH SHARING

ST. ANDRE FAITH SHARERS 6:00 pm

Monday, June 3

DISCIPLES of the SPIRIT 10:30 am

Saturday, June15

COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY

2:00 pm Sunday, June16

For More Information,

please contact Sr.

Madonna at 570-823-

4988.

SEASON of EASTER

Weekend of May 18-19 Fifth Sunday of Easter

8:00 am Mass 9:30 am FAITH FORMATION (Last gathering) 11:00 am Mass

CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS Collection

BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY PICK UP YOUR SUMMER RAFFLE TICKETS

Weekend of May 25-26 Sixth Sunday of Easter

8:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass

BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY

Monday, May 20

No Morning Mass

Monday, May 27 Memorial Day

9 am Memorial Day Mass Parish Office Closed

Tuesday, May 21

8 am Mass 5:30 pm NO Choir

Tuesday, May 28

8 am Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday, May 22

8 am Mass Wednesday, May 29

8 am NO MORNING MASS 5:30 pm Vigil Mass of the Ascension

Thursday, May 23

8 am Mass

Noon—6 pm ADORATION

6 pm VESPERS/ Pastoral Council

Thursday, May 30

8 am Mass

NOON Mass 1—6 pm ADORATION

6 pm VESPERS

Friday, May 24

8 am Morning Mass Friday, May 31

8 am Morning Mass

Saturday, May 25

No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions. BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY VIGIL SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Saturday, June 1

No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions. BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY VIGIL SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS

PARISH COMMITTEES

Loaves and Fishes Food for MAY

Sugar by the Pound

The 13th of the Month Club

Join us in honoring our Lady on the 13th of the months of May,

June, July, August, September and October as we recall her appearance at Fatima 102 years ago. Her message of Repentance,

Reparation, and Call to Holiness continues to reverberate throughout the church.

We meet at noon in the church.

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

Don’t forget to pick up your

Summer Raffle Tickets

TODAY!

FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH FAITH SHARING

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

www.vatican.va

Mary, the young woman of Nazareth

43. In the heart of the Church, Mary shines forth. She is the supreme model for a youthful Church that seeks to follow Christ with enthusiasm and docility. While still very young, she accepted the message of the angel, yet she was not afraid to ask questions (cf. Lk 1:34). With open heart and soul,

she replied, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1:38).

44. “We are always struck by the strength of the young Mary’s ‘yes’, the strength in those words, ‘be it done’, that she spoke to the angel. This was no merely passive or resigned acceptance, or a faint ‘yes’, as if to say, ‘Well, let’s give it a try and see what happens’. Mary did not know the words, ‘Let’s see what happens’. She was determined; she knew what was at stake and she said ‘yes’ without thinking twice. Hers was the ‘yes’ of someone prepared to be committed, someone willing to take a risk, ready to stake everything she had, with no more security than the certainty of knowing that she was the bearer of a promise. So I ask each one of you: do you see yourselves as the bearers of a promise? What promise is present in my heart that I can take up? Mary’s mission would undoubtedly be difficult, but the challenges that lay ahead were no reason to say ‘no’. Things would get complicated, of course, but not in the same way as happens when cowardice paralyzes us because things are not clear or sure in advance. Mary did not take out an insurance policy! She took the risk, and for this reason she is strong, she is an ‘influencer’, the ‘influencer’ of God. Her ‘yes and her desire to serve were stronger than any doubts or difficulties’”.[18]

45. Without yielding to evasions or illusions, “she accompanied the suffering of her Son; she supported him by her gaze and protected him with her heart. She shared his suffering, yet was not overwhelmed by it. She was the woman of strength who uttered her ‘yes’, who supports and accompanies, protects and embraces. She is the great guardian of hope… From her, we learn how to say ‘yes’ to the stubborn endurance and creativity of those who, undaunted, are ever ready to start over again”.[19]

46. Mary was a young woman whose heart overflowed with joy (cf. Lk 1:47), whose eyes, reflecting the light of the Holy Spirit, looked at life with faith and treasured all things in her youthful heart (cf. Lk 2:19.51). She was energetic, ready to set out immediately once she knew that her cousin needed her. She did not think about her own plans, but went “with

haste” to the hill country (Lk 1:39).

47. When her young son needed protection, Mary set out with Joseph to a distant land (cf. Mt 2:13-14). She also joined the disciples in awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:14). In her presence, a young Church was born, as the apostles went forth to give birth to a new world (cf. Acts 2:4-11).

48. Today, Mary is the Mother who watches over us, her children, on our journey through life, often weary and in need, anxious that the light of hope not fail. For that is our desire: that the light of hope never fail. Mary our Mother looks to this pilgrim people: a youthful people whom she loves, and who seek her in the silence of their hearts amid all the noise, the chatter and the distractions of the journey. Under the gaze of our Mother, there is room only for the silence of hope. Thus Mary illumines anew our youth.

Young saints

49. The heart of the Church is also full of young saints who devoted their lives to Christ, many of them even to dying a martyr’s death. They were precious reflections of the young Christ; their radiant witness encourages us and awakens us from our lethargy. The Synod pointed out that “many young saints have allowed the features of youth to shine forth in all their beauty, and in their day they have been real prophets of change. Their example shows what the young are capable of, when they open themselves up to encounter Christ”.[20]

50. “Through the holiness of the young, the Church can renew her spiritual ardor and her apostolic vigor. The balm of holiness generated by the good lives of so many young people can heal the wounds of the Church and of the world, bringing us back to that fullness of love to which we have always been called: young saints inspire us to return to our first love (cf. Rev 2:4)”.[21] Some saints never reached adulthood, yet they showed us that there is another way to spend our youth. Let us recall at least some of them who, each in his or her own way, and at different periods of history, lived lives of holiness.

51. In the third century, Saint Sebastian was a young captain of the Praetorian Guard. It is said that he spoke constantly of Christ and tried to convert his companions, to the point that he was ordered to renounce his faith. Since he refused, he was shot with arrows, yet he survived and continued to proclaim Christ fearlessly. In the end, Sebastian was flogged to death.

52. Saint Francis of Assisi, while very young and full of great dreams, heard Jesus’ call to become poor like him and to rebuild the Church by his witness. He joyfully renounced everything he had and is now the saint of universal fraternity, the brother of all. He praised the Lord for his creatures. Francis died in 1226.

53. Saint Joan of Arc was born in 1412. She was a young peasant girl who, despite her tender years, fought to defend France from invaders. Misunderstood for her demeanor, her actions and her way of living the faith, Joan was

burned at the stake.

54. Blessed Andrew Phû Yên was a young Vietnamese man of the seventeenth century. He was a catechist and assisted the missionaries. He was imprisoned for his faith, and since he refused to renounce it, he was killed. Andrew died uttering the name of Jesus.

55. In that same century, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a young native of North America, was persecuted for her faith and, to escape, walked over three hundred kilometres in the wilderness. Kateri consecrated herself to God and died saying: “Jesus, I love you!”

56. Saint Dominic Savio offered all his sufferings to Mary. When Saint John Bosco taught him that holiness involves being constantly joyful, he opened his heart to a contagious joy. He wanted to be close to the most abandoned and infirm of his fellow young people. Dominic died in 1857 at fourteen years of age, saying: “What a wondrous thing I am experiencing!”

57. Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus was born in 1873. At fifteen years of age, having overcome many difficulties, she succeeded in entering the Carmelite convent. Thérèse lived the little way of complete trust in the Lord’s love and determined to fan with her prayers the fire of love burning in the heart of the Church.

58. Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá was a young Argentinian, the son of the chief of a remote tribe of indigenous peoples. He became a Salesian seminarian, filled with the desire to return to his tribe, bringing Jesus Christ to them. Ceferino died in 1905.

59. Blessed Isidore Bakanja was a layman from the Congo who bore witness to his faith. He was tortured at length for having proposed Christianity to other young people. Forgiving his executioner, Isidore died in 1909.

60. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died in 1925, “was a young man filled with a joy that swept everything along with it, a joy that also overcame many difficulties in his life”.[22] Pier Giorgio said that he wanted to return the love of Jesus that he received in Holy Communion by visiting and helping the poor.

61. Blessed Marcel Callo was a young French man who died in 1945. Marcel was imprisoned in a concentration camp in Austria, where he strengthened his fellow prisoners in faith amid harsh labours.

62. The young Blessed Chiara Badano, who died in 1990, “experienced how pain could be transfigured by love… The key to her peace and joy was her complete trust in the Lord and the acceptance of her illness as a mysterious expression of his will for her sake and that of others”.[23]

63. May these and so many other young people who perhaps in silence and hiddenness lived the Gospel to the full, intercede for the Church, so that she may be full of joyous, courageous and committed young people who can offer the world new testimonies of holiness.

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

IN THE DIOCESE

Notice Regarding the Sexual Abuse of A Minor It is the policy of the Diocese of Scranton to report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you are encouraged to immediately report the matter to law enforcement. If any priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton has cause or reason to suspect that a minor has been subjected to any form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, the matter will be reported to law

enforcement. In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law, reports of suspected child abuse should also be made immediately by phone to the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline (ChildLine) at 1-800-932-0313 or electronically at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis. It is also the policy of the Diocese to adhere to all civil and state regulations. To this end, the Diocese is equally committed to adhering to the norms of the Code of Canon Law and to upholding the tenets of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes supporting victims of sexual abuse in their pursuit of emotional and spiritual well-being. As such, information regarding an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor should also be reported to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Mary Beth Pacuska at 570-862-7551 or to Diocesan Officials, including the Vicar General, Msgr. Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G. at 570-207-2269.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL

SERVICES

COMPASSIONATE

COUNSELING

SERVICES

Catholic Social Services of the

Diocese of Scranton offers compassionate counseling in a safe, comfortable environment where your privacy is always

respected.

Anyone who struggles with

anxiety, grief and loss, depression, life transitions or a variety of emotional or psychological

conditions is welcome. CSS accepts Medicare and some

other insurance plans.

CALL 570-207-2283 for more information

or to make an appointment

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:

42nd Annual NPM Convention—July 16-19 in

Raleigh, NC

Resources for Selecting Liturgical Music—

Monday, September 16 at 6:00PM at St. John Neumann Parish (Holy Name site), Scranton

Creating Effective Worship Aids—Tuesday,

November 12 at 6:00PM at Holy Name of Jesus, West Hazleton

For more information about any of these events, visit ScrantonNPM.com.

Prayer for an End to Infanticide

The U.S. Senate recently failed to pass the

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act— legislation that prohibits infanticide by

ensuring that a child born alive following an attempted abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her or his life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. Please join us in prayer for an end to

infanticide: “Jesus, Lord of Life, transform the hearts of all elected leaders to recognize that infanticide is wrong and must not be tolerated. Open hearts and minds to recognize and defend the precious gift of

every human life.”

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson

Come to the Well

Catholic Women’s

Conference

Saturday, June 22,

2019

Byron Center

University of

Scranton

Admission $40.00

Students $20.00

Religious - FREE

Register at

CWCNEPA.com

Quo Vadis Days 2019 will be held June 23-26 at Misericordia University, Dallas. This camp is for young Catholic men in High School (9-12th grade) to deepen their faith, learn more about all vocations, and better discern God’s call in their lives. The camp will feature dynamic talks, prayer, games, sports, activities, music and more. Participants will have the opportunity to meet priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Scranton. Online registration is now open at vocations.dioceseofscranton.org. For more information, call 570-207-1452.

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

STEWARDSHIP

The Stewardship of Suffering by Tyler Braun

http://manofdepravity.com

The word stewardship has been hijacked by the American church to primarily mean monetary giving, which is such a narrow view of all stewardship

truly is. As “ambassadors” we are stewards of God’s presence within our world because of God’s Spirit dwelling within us (I’m thinking of 2nd Corinthians 5:20 here). With this in

mind, we can come to see stewardship as reaching far beyond mere giving of

our money (though that is an aspect no doubt).

Consider the immense suffering Jesus endured during his Passion. The betrayal of almost all his friends. The physical beatings and lashings. A slow

fade into death through the brutality of crucifixion. The mockery of walking through the city wearing a crown of thorns.

And in the midst of all of this suffering

He was a faithful steward of it for the sake of the Father. He was able to

bring another person into the kingdom with Him. He was also faithful to His calling. The stewardship of His suffering is something that should strike us and draw us into our own suffering for the sake of being a better ambassador for Him.

So what is the point of being a steward of suffering? Isn’t suffering just something to grin and bear it until the difficulty passes? In the tension of living in suffering and hoping for better is there a purpose we can be stewards of? I appreciate Paul’s encouragement as it relates to endurance of suffering:

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in

the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue

to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers (2nd Corinthians 1:8-11).

Part of understanding the Passion is a challenge–a calling–a reminder that we are to be stewards of our

suffering. The suffering does not exist for us to dread the difficulty of life.

As a worship leader I am constantly coaching bands to build tension with small releases of the tension throughout each song. The best songs are ones that create tension and build lyrically with releases of the tension that expound on the meaning of the song. Good Friday builds the tension that releases into the Easter celebration of the resurrection.

We steward the suffering of life well by living in the tension of Christ dwelling in us and waiting for Christ to come again…the here and not yet.

Next time the offering plate passes by remember that we are not only called to be good stewards with our money, but with all parts of our lives, including our suffering.

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

FINANCES

Your Gift to God

May 11-12, 2019

Over $100.00 1 $20 45

$100.00 1 $16-19 1

$76-99 1 $15 28

$75 0 $11-14 8

$51-74 1 $10 88

$50 0 $6-9 2

$26-49 19 $5 48

$25 13 under $5 28

$21-24 0 Total Envelopes used

284

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

Mass Attendance

May 11-12, 2019

People In-Church Collection

Average Offering

per person

4:00 p.m. 138 1,782.25 12.92

5:30 p.m. 66 717.00 10.87

8:00 a.m. 68 923.00 13.58

11:00a.m. 88 952.00 10.82

Total 360 4,374.25 12.15

REMINDER: In order for our parish to remain solvent, the average weekly offering per person MUST equal or be greater than $15.00 consistently.

Votive Offerings

Bread and Wine

Intention Rev John Piontek

Offered by Niece

Sanctuary Candle

Intention Rev John Piontek

Offered by Niece

INCOME

EXPENSES

May 11-12, 2019 May 9—15,2019

PARISH COLLECTION Administration 2,984.79

In Church Mailed In Clergy Residence 6.86

Loose 224.00 Liturgy 1,097.75

Offering 3,724.25 654.00 Religious Education -0-

Holy Days 55.00 40.00 Social Justice -0-

Initial Maintenance 2,367.91

Dues 365.00 150.00 Parish Assessment -0-

Debt Reduction 6.00 5.00 Insurance -0-

Holiday Flowers Taxes -0-

TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION

$4,374.25 $849.00 Transfer -0-

DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS Diocesan Collections -0-

Diocesan Collections

30.00 117.00 Debt Service

(Principal + Interest) 2,818.39

TOTAL DIOCESAN

$30.00 $117.00 School Subsidy 181.61

OTHER INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $9,457.31

Candles 69.25

Rental of Properties

333.33

Perquisites 700.00 Previous Balance $7,963.92

Miscellaneous 832.24 + Income this week +7,400.07

Transfers 95.00 -Expenses this week -9,457.31

TOTAL OTHER INCOME

$2,029.82 Balance Forward $5,906.68

TOTAL INCOME $7,400.07

DIOCESAN ASSESSMENTS (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019)

Diocesan

Assessment

School

Assessment

BALANCE

Prior

Balance 0.00 93,788.02 93,788.02

Current

Assessment 71,471.00 56,659.62 128,130.62

Amount

Paid 37,605.00 1,099.95 38,704.95

BALANCE DUE

33,866.00 149,347.69 183,213.69

The Monthly Assessment Installment for the Diocese is $5,956.00. (that is a little over 1 Weekend’s collection per month)

The Monthly School Assessment Installment is $4,724.40 (another weekend’s collection per month)

To pay off the total current and past Schools Assessment, the monthly installment would be $12,537.30 (3 weekend collections per month.)

PARISH DEBT SERVICE

Parish Loan Amount Paid BALANCE

Due

BALANCE 412,000.00 83,726.22 328,273.78

Please Note: The Parish Debt service has been paid to

date. This Account is current.

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

LOCAL EVENTS

American Cancer Society’s

ROAD TO RECOVERY PROGRAM

For those who cannot drive themselves, or have no other means of getting to cancer-related medical appointments,

volunteers donate their time to give patients a much needed ride.

If you would like to volunteer, you need a good driving record, a current driver’s license, Proof of adequate auto

insurance, a safe and reliable vehicle, schedule availability, and regular laptop/tablet/computer access.

To ensure quality drivers, the American Cancer Society screens every volunteer. Volunteers must also complete

online training courses to prepare them for their new role.

For more information,

please call

1-800-227-2345

or visit www.cancer.org/driver.

CHOMAN’S MOBILE CARE

Cemetery Care His services include steam cleaning of

headstone, manicuring the lawn around the

stone, mulching, flowering and more! He

offers one time, seasonal and monthly

packages. He also offers military and veteran

discounts.

Automobile Detailing We love our cars and rely heavily on them. But

giving them the care they deserve is no easy

task! Even dropping it at the detailing shop can be an obstacle. That’s why we bring the

detailing shop to you! We supply the water,

power, tools and come right to your home or

office! We’ll have your vehicle looking like new

with no worry or hassle to you!.

Power Washing Buildings lose their pristine look due to dirt,

grime and motor exhaust. These can build up

and severely damage your property and

destroy its value. We’ll restore your

investment and help prevent the mess for

coming back as well as increase the curb value

of your property overnight. We build our

service based on your desire and your budget.

We remove mold, graffiti, tar, gum, oil and more. We clean buildings, houses, sidewalks,

balconies, porches, rain gutters, decks and

patios, windows, parking lots, garages and

much more. Commercial and Residential

services available.

You can contact Chris at

(570) 262-3109,

or Book your appointment

by e-mail at

ChomanCares@gmail.com.

ECO-FRIENDLY CARE FOR

YOU

AND YOUR INVESTMENTS

Join Us for Eucharistic Adoration

every Thursday from Noon to 6 pm.

The Day concludes with

Vespers and Benediction at 6 pm.

The Oblates of St. Joseph will celebrate the Feast Day of their founder, St. Joseph Marello, with a Triduum, three days of prayers, at the Oblates of St. Joseph Chapel, 1880 Route 315, Laflin (Pittston). The triduum devotion will begin on Sunday, May 26th and

will continue through Tuesday, May 28th with a Holy Mass celebrated at 7:00 p.m. in the seminary chapel, followed by devotional prayers to St. Joseph Marello and individual blessing with a first-class relic of the Saint. Confessions will be heard before the Mass and the Holy Rosary will be recited. The Feast of St. Joseph Marello will be solemnly celebrated on Wednesday, May 29th with the Holy Masses at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the seminary chapel. Serving as principal celebrant and homilist will be the Very Reverend Matthew Spencer, O.S.J. the new American Provincial.

St. Joseph Marello (1844-1895) was a priest of the Diocese of Asti in the Piedmont region of Italy and founded the Oblates of St. Joseph Congregation in 1878. He served as bishop in the nearby diocese of Acqui from 1889 until his death on May 30, 1895. Pope St. John Paul II beatified Joseph Marello in 1993 in the saint’s native city of Asti and then canonized him in 2001 at St. Peter’ Basilica, Vatican City. The Oblates of St. Joseph have been serving the Diocese of Scranton since 1929 and also they minister in 15 countries around the world. Everyone is invited to attend the Triduum and the Feast Day Celebration.

EXALTATION HOLY CROSS YOUTH GROUP

GIFT CARD BINGO

Sunday May 19, 2019

Doors open at Noon Bingo starts at 1 pm

Door Prizes 50-50 Raffle Lunch menu Bake Sale

$5 Admission

includes 15 regular game and one door prize ticket

5 special games are $1 each

Many top prizes to area

restaurants and businesses will be awarded.

For more information, call

570-328-4004

Wyoming Valley Barbershop Harmony Chorus

HARMONY ROAD TRIP

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Wyoming Seminary

Kirby Center

for the Creative Arts

295 N. Sprague Ave.

Kingston, PA

$15.00 General Admission

$10—10 or more group tickets

Doors open 6:45 pm

Show starts 7:30 pm

To order tickets or for more information, please contact

570-285-4810 or visit www.singwb.com

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter

WEEKLY CALENDAR

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE MONDAY, MAY 27

Memorial Day May 25-26, 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

Servers Manuel Baez Brian

Flannery John Benz

Patrice

Rembish Jackie Barkus

Lectors Ann Bergold Diane

Gregor

Andy

Katsock Jackie Barkus David Alusick

EMOC John Bergold Brian

Flannery John Benz

Robert

Dunsmuir Sr. Jackie Barkus

Cantors Carol

Zukowski Matt Kurtz Brian Clarke Sr. Madonna Brian Clarke

Hospitality Mary Ann

Amesbury

Jean Koval

Pat Baran

Marge Dreier

Dolores

Yesuvida

Patrice

Rembish

David Alusick

David Alusick

Mimi Tosh

Fifth Week of Easter May 20-26, 2019

Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events

Monday, May 20 St. Bernardine of Siena No Morning Mass Scheduled

Tuesday, May 21 St. Christopher Magallanes 8 am

For wisdom, health & security for the Church,

Family and Friends A Friend

Pennsylvania Primary Election Day

No Choir today

Wednesday, May 22 St. Rita of Cascia 8 am Mrs. Alice L. Spencer Family

Thursday, May 23 Easter Weekday

8 am Eric Joseph Yakabovicz Grandfather, Joseph

Yakiabovicz

Noon: Exposition 6 pm Vespers/ Parish Pastoral Council

Friday, May 24 Easter Weekday

8 am Phyllis Broskoske Family 8 am Mass

Saturday, May 25 St. Bede the Venerable

Pope St. Gregory Vii

St. Magdalena de Pazzi

No Morning Mass Scheduled

3:00 pm Confessions

Sixth Sunday of Easter

VIGIL 4 pm Theresa Chabala Pat & Carl Walkowiak Baby Bottle Collection St. Joseph’s Baby Pantry Collection.

VIGIL 5:30 pm Margaret Furner Theresa Partika

SUNDAY 8 am Parishioners Pastor

SUNDAY 11 am George Fristic The O’Boyle Family

19 May 2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter