MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEKEND St. Francis—March 15th—4:30PM: Lector—Thomas O’Reilly; Servers—Loretta Guiton; Rosary—Margaret Flaherty St. Francis—March 16th—8:00AM: Lector—Amanda Reeves; Servers—Katie and Thomas Williams; Rosary—Mary Shaughnessy St. Augustine—March 16th—10:30AM: Lector—Barbara Pichette; Servers—Katherine and Matthew Gatto; Rosary—Ann Zalepa (new volunteers are welcome & needed) If at any time you see that a volunteer is needed for any ministry, please feel free to step forward and volunteer your services.

DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Hugh Bunnell, George Moore, and Bob Meyers, who were known to many in our Parish Community. May they rest in peace. Amen. SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention.

CHURCH CLEANING St. Francis cleaner for the month of March—Kay Keenan.

St. Augustine cleaners Mar. 9 to 15—Barb & Bill Pichette; Mar. 16 to 22—Barb & Bill Pichette. Volunteers are needed to clean St. Augustine Church. If you can help, call the rectory.

PRAYER LIST Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish and Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., David Zevan, Rita Powers, Debbie Jones, Julia Zangara, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Christine Rothwell, Donald & Theresa Baum, Mary Bakay, Donnie Butler, Tommy Williams, Stephen Ambrose, Toni Colardino, Evelyn Palulis, Mary Riley, Tom Wenman, Linda Hollenback, Jennifer Lynn, Jerry Lynch, Tyler Fletcher, Anna Mae Coleman, Joshua Welch, Jean Ryan, Richard Hutchinson, Joshua Kaminski, Kathy Holt, Aleisya Abrams, Agnes Neville, Steve Hundiak, Christopher Polk, Mary K. Long, Mary Lou Fahs, Molly Penderf, Butch Rosencranz, Ruth King, George Kotch, Brooke Arnold, Peg Taylor, Hallie Brooks, Ken Roon, Rosemary Boyle, Sarah Murnigahan, Candy Coney, Walter O’Rourke, William Chaney, Mary Cadden, Frank & Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, Daniel Gavin, Sue Anderson, June Riley, John Bauer, Adam Kelly, Francis Zernone, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Doddie Mondi, Pauline VerValen, John & Alberta Zielinski, Bob Fedroff, Virginia Raftis, Fred Russell, Dorothy Catlin, Marie Donahue, Nancy, Matt & Emily, Bob Murphy, Robyn Lawson, Vicky Nelson, Marie Chillemi, Robert Peifer, Rita Flynn, Mike Rafferty, Elton Carr, Peter Purtell, Kaleena Dughi, Molly Getter, Sam Miner, Debbie Drewry, Bill Sheredy, Dewey Newhart, Bub Davis, H. T., G. D., D.K., J. K., S.C.F., Rusty Carmen, Ronalee Eckert, Chelsea Judson, Doug Wheaton, John Paul Jones, and Timothy Manning. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Books. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish and Community, Cortney Allen, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Shane Kalpokas, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Daniel Hogan, Matthew Kramer, Dustin Ryder, Ricky Trowbridge, Bobby Brostoski, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, Jason Raymond, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Reed Shave, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Lukas Crisman, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael and Sean Plitt, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Taylor Cain, and all who serve with them. May they all be protected and safe from harm and return home soon to their families and friends. Amen. Please call the rectory when the person you put on the Prayer List or Armed Forces List can be removed. If you know of anyone on the list who has passed away, please let us know so that their name can be removed from the list. OIL SPILL: Please continue to pray for a successful cleanup of the remainder of the spill.

ADORATION OF OUR LORD He dwells in our Church day and night until the end of time. O come let us adore Him, Christ our Lord. Visit our King in Eucharistic Adoration at St. Augustine’s Chapel. For a permanent hour or to substitute call Andrea Chen at 607-669-4875.

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,

(St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa.

and St. Augustine Church,

Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

P.O. Box 75 • 17 Cottage Street • Friendsville, Pa. 18818 www.ourparishcommunity.com • Phone (570) 553-2288

E-mail: sfxc@epix.net Father Casimir (Cas) Stanis, Pastor

Kenneth S. Brennan, Deacon

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”

CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Saturday - 4:30PM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions - 4:00 to 4:20PM Sunday - 8:00AM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions immediately following Mass

Sunday - 10:30AM Mass - St. Augustine Church - Confessions - immediately following Mass Or any convenient time upon request. WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our Parish collections: St. Francis (4:30PM) $ 1,260.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 722.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 1,202.61.

LIFELINES “There is an urgent need to recover a correct perspective on life as a whole. The correct perspec-tive is that of eternity, for which life at every phase is a meaningful preparation. Old age too has a proper role to play in this process of gradual maturing along the path to eternity. And this process of maturing cannot but benefit the larger society of which the elderly person is a part.” — Blessed John Paul II, Letter to the Elderly, 1999

HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND SHAKING HANDS

As the winter cold & flu season is upon us already, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. We will also have Holy Communion under one species; the Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.

MASS SCHEDULE Sat. March 8 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Sun. March 9 8:00AM St. Francis Church - FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

CARL MILLER by Frank & Helen Burns 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - Month’s Mind—JEAN REBELLO by Tim McMahon Family

Mon. March 10 12:00NN St. Francis Church - Month’s Mind—HELEN TAYLOR by Leo and Loretta Guiton and Greg and Janet Guiton

Tue. March 11 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - ANNE M. TAYLOR by Bill & Barbara Pichette Wed. March 12 8:30AM St. Francis Church - JERRY COLLINS by Rosalyn Perlick-Spencer Thur. March 13 8:30AM St. Francis Church - JIMMY ED FLAHERTY by Tom & Margaret Flaherty Fri. March 14 12:00NN St. Francis Church - (Stations of the Cross)

CATHERINE (GOLDEN) HUNDIAK by Tom Golden Sat. March 15 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

PETER & BETTY ARBOSHESKI by Gary & Helena Arbosheski Sun. March 16 8:00AM St. Francis Church - SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

GERALD MURPHY by the Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2014. Each family in our Parish is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to please sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year! Currently, with just under a month until April 1st, there are 80 calendars left at St. Augustine and 90 left at St. Francis for a total of 170 Calendars remaining unsold.

FOOD CARDS/FOOD PANTRY EASTER FOOD CARDS: We have a total of (14) families on our Food Card list. If you know of any family or individual who needs help, please call the rectory or put a note in the collection basket. If you have put someone on the list in the past and they no longer need help, please let us know. You may put your donation, (check or cash), in the collection basket in an envelope marked “attention: Kay—Food Cards” or mail it to the rectory. All donations are needed and are greatly appreciated. FOOD PANTRY: We are now preparing for Easter Baskets. Donations for hams would be appreciated and should be put in the collection marked Food Pantry. Any checks must be made payable to “The Food Pantry”. Thank you for sharing with others. May God bless you a hundredfold.

ALTAR & ROSARY NEWS MEETING: The next St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society meeting will be held THIS Wednesday, March 12th, at 6:30PM in St. Brigid Rectory. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. KNIFE RADA SALE: St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society is selling Rada knives as an on-going fund raiser. Orders can be placed with a member of the Altar & Rosary or can be placed on-line by going online to www.helpourfundraiser.com and use customer number 504671. The password is mrsa01pw. Do not use capital letters in the password.

SPECIAL THANK YOU The Family of Chip Barnum would like to thank everyone for their many acts of kindness, thoughts, prayers, and support that we received during our time of loss.

NEUMANN CENTER BOTTLE & CAN DRIVE

The CYO basketball teams are sponsoring a bottle & can drive to replace the score-board control box. Donations can be left at Neumann Hall Tuesday nights between 6 and 9PM or anytime at the Vestal Center Redemption Center, Route 26 next to the Car Wash and VanDervort’s Mini Mart. (Just mention your donations are to benefit St. Brigid Parish/CYO.) Thank you for your support.

SHEETS & BLANKETS NEEDED Old/used sheets and blankets are needed to make sleeping bags for the homeless. If you are cleaning out your closet, please consider donating them for this worthy cause. Donations can be left in the back of the Churches or dropped off at the Rectory, (if no one is there, please leave donations on the porch by the driveway). All donations are most welcome. Also needed are old, used neckties (not clip-on).

THANK YOU—CARE & EDUCATION OF PRIESTS Thank you for your generous donations to this special collection. The collection total was $ 448.65.

DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL UPDATE St. Brigid Parish Appeal goal is $ 23,750.00. We are very happy to announce that we have reached our goal. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. God Bless you one and all!

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need-not just Parishioners), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer (570-663-2212), Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618), or Mary Keenan (570-553-2431). If you have actual prayer requests, please call anyone on the list and many prayers will be offered for your particular intention.

CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Saturday - 4:30PM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions - 4:00 to 4:20PM Sunday - 8:00AM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions immediately following Mass

Sunday - 10:30AM Mass - St. Augustine Church - Confessions - immediately following Mass Or any convenient time upon request. WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our Parish collections: St. Francis (4:30PM) $ 1,260.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 722.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 1,202.61.

LIFELINES “There is an urgent need to recover a correct perspective on life as a whole. The correct perspec-tive is that of eternity, for which life at every phase is a meaningful preparation. Old age too has a proper role to play in this process of gradual maturing along the path to eternity. And this process of maturing cannot but benefit the larger society of which the elderly person is a part.” — Blessed John Paul II, Letter to the Elderly, 1999

HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND SHAKING HANDS

As the winter cold & flu season is upon us already, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. We will also have Holy Communion under one species; the Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.

MASS SCHEDULE Sat. March 8 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Sun. March 9 8:00AM St. Francis Church - FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

CARL MILLER by Frank & Helen Burns 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - Month’s Mind—JEAN REBELLO by Tim McMahon Family

Mon. March 10 12:00NN St. Francis Church - Month’s Mind—HELEN TAYLOR by Leo and Loretta Guiton and Greg and Janet Guiton

Tue. March 11 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - ANNE M. TAYLOR by Bill & Barbara Pichette Wed. March 12 8:30AM St. Francis Church - JERRY COLLINS by Rosalyn Perlick-Spencer Thur. March 13 8:30AM St. Francis Church - JIMMY ED FLAHERTY by Tom & Margaret Flaherty Fri. March 14 12:00NN St. Francis Church - (Stations of the Cross)

CATHERINE (GOLDEN) HUNDIAK by Tom Golden Sat. March 15 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

PETER & BETTY ARBOSHESKI by Gary & Helena Arbosheski Sun. March 16 8:00AM St. Francis Church - SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

GERALD MURPHY by the Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2014. Each family in our Parish is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to please sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year! Currently, with just under a month until April 1st, there are 80 calendars left at St. Augustine and 90 left at St. Francis for a total of 170 Calendars remaining unsold.

FOOD CARDS/FOOD PANTRY EASTER FOOD CARDS: We have a total of (14) families on our Food Card list. If you know of any family or individual who needs help, please call the rectory or put a note in the collection basket. If you have put someone on the list in the past and they no longer need help, please let us know. You may put your donation, (check or cash), in the collection basket in an envelope marked “attention: Kay—Food Cards” or mail it to the rectory. All donations are needed and are greatly appreciated. FOOD PANTRY: We are now preparing for Easter Baskets. Donations for hams would be appreciated and should be put in the collection marked Food Pantry. Any checks must be made payable to “The Food Pantry”. Thank you for sharing with others. May God bless you a hundredfold.

ALTAR & ROSARY NEWS MEETING: The next St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society meeting will be held THIS Wednesday, March 12th, at 6:30PM in St. Brigid Rectory. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. KNIFE RADA SALE: St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society is selling Rada knives as an on-going fund raiser. Orders can be placed with a member of the Altar & Rosary or can be placed on-line by going online to www.helpourfundraiser.com and use customer number 504671. The password is mrsa01pw. Do not use capital letters in the password.

SPECIAL THANK YOU The Family of Chip Barnum would like to thank everyone for their many acts of kindness, thoughts, prayers, and support that we received during our time of loss.

NEUMANN CENTER BOTTLE & CAN DRIVE

The CYO basketball teams are sponsoring a bottle & can drive to replace the score-board control box. Donations can be left at Neumann Hall Tuesday nights between 6 and 9PM or anytime at the Vestal Center Redemption Center, Route 26 next to the Car Wash and VanDervort’s Mini Mart. (Just mention your donations are to benefit St. Brigid Parish/CYO.) Thank you for your support.

SHEETS & BLANKETS NEEDED Old/used sheets and blankets are needed to make sleeping bags for the homeless. If you are cleaning out your closet, please consider donating them for this worthy cause. Donations can be left in the back of the Churches or dropped off at the Rectory, (if no one is there, please leave donations on the porch by the driveway). All donations are most welcome. Also needed are old, used neckties (not clip-on).

THANK YOU—CARE & EDUCATION OF PRIESTS Thank you for your generous donations to this special collection. The collection total was $ 448.65.

DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL UPDATE St. Brigid Parish Appeal goal is $ 23,750.00. We are very happy to announce that we have reached our goal. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. God Bless you one and all!

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need-not just Parishioners), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer (570-663-2212), Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618), or Mary Keenan (570-553-2431). If you have actual prayer requests, please call anyone on the list and many prayers will be offered for your particular intention.

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEKEND St. Francis—March 15th—4:30PM: Lector—Thomas O’Reilly; Servers—Loretta Guiton; Rosary—Margaret Flaherty St. Francis—March 16th—8:00AM: Lector—Amanda Reeves; Servers—Katie and Thomas Williams; Rosary—Mary Shaughnessy St. Augustine—March 16th—10:30AM: Lector—Barbara Pichette; Servers—Katherine and Matthew Gatto; Rosary—Ann Zalepa (new volunteers are welcome & needed) If at any time you see that a volunteer is needed for any ministry, please feel free to step forward and volunteer your services.

DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Hugh Bunnell, George Moore, and Bob Meyers, who were known to many in our Parish Community. May they rest in peace. Amen. SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention.

CHURCH CLEANING St. Francis cleaner for the month of March—Kay Keenan.

St. Augustine cleaners Mar. 9 to 15—Barb & Bill Pichette; Mar. 16 to 22—Barb & Bill Pichette. Volunteers are needed to clean St. Augustine Church. If you can help, call the rectory.

PRAYER LIST Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish and Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., David Zevan, Rita Powers, Debbie Jones, Julia Zangara, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Christine Rothwell, Donald & Theresa Baum, Mary Bakay, Donnie Butler, Tommy Williams, Stephen Ambrose, Toni Colardino, Evelyn Palulis, Mary Riley, Tom Wenman, Linda Hollenback, Jennifer Lynn, Jerry Lynch, Tyler Fletcher, Anna Mae Coleman, Joshua Welch, Jean Ryan, Richard Hutchinson, Joshua Kaminski, Kathy Holt, Aleisya Abrams, Agnes Neville, Steve Hundiak, Christopher Polk, Mary K. Long, Mary Lou Fahs, Molly Penderf, Butch Rosencranz, Ruth King, George Kotch, Brooke Arnold, Peg Taylor, Hallie Brooks, Ken Roon, Rosemary Boyle, Sarah Murnigahan, Candy Coney, Walter O’Rourke, William Chaney, Mary Cadden, Frank & Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, Daniel Gavin, Sue Anderson, June Riley, John Bauer, Adam Kelly, Francis Zernone, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Doddie Mondi, Pauline VerValen, John & Alberta Zielinski, Bob Fedroff, Virginia Raftis, Fred Russell, Dorothy Catlin, Marie Donahue, Nancy, Matt & Emily, Bob Murphy, Robyn Lawson, Vicky Nelson, Marie Chillemi, Robert Peifer, Rita Flynn, Mike Rafferty, Elton Carr, Peter Purtell, Kaleena Dughi, Molly Getter, Sam Miner, Debbie Drewry, Bill Sheredy, Dewey Newhart, Bub Davis, H. T., G. D., D.K., J. K., S.C.F., Rusty Carmen, Ronalee Eckert, Chelsea Judson, Doug Wheaton, John Paul Jones, and Timothy Manning. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Books. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish and Community, Cortney Allen, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Shane Kalpokas, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Daniel Hogan, Matthew Kramer, Dustin Ryder, Ricky Trowbridge, Bobby Brostoski, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, Jason Raymond, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Reed Shave, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Lukas Crisman, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael and Sean Plitt, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Taylor Cain, and all who serve with them. May they all be protected and safe from harm and return home soon to their families and friends. Amen. Please call the rectory when the person you put on the Prayer List or Armed Forces List can be removed. If you know of anyone on the list who has passed away, please let us know so that their name can be removed from the list. OIL SPILL: Please continue to pray for a successful cleanup of the remainder of the spill.

ADORATION OF OUR LORD He dwells in our Church day and night until the end of time. O come let us adore Him, Christ our Lord. Visit our King in Eucharistic Adoration at St. Augustine’s Chapel. For a permanent hour or to substitute call Andrea Chen at 607-669-4875.

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,

(St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa.

and St. Augustine Church,

Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

P.O. Box 75 • 17 Cottage Street • Friendsville, Pa. 18818 www.ourparishcommunity.com • Phone (570) 553-2288

E-mail: sfxc@epix.net Father Casimir (Cas) Stanis, Pastor

Kenneth S. Brennan, Deacon

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”

2014 REGULATIONS FOR LENT All faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are reminded of Diocesan Statute No. 41, which addresses the penitential aspect of Lent: “The season of Lent is penitential in nature and during Lent penance should be not only internal and individual, but also external and social (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 5, 109). Pastors are obliged to avoid scheduling activities in the parishes which in any way could possibly detract from the external and social penance required by Lent.” During Lent the following fast and abstinence regulations are observed: · Good Friday, April 18th, is a day of fast and abstinence. · Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence. · All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Good Friday and on all Fridays during Lent. · All Catholics over 18 years of age to the beginning of their 60th year are bound to the obligation of fasting. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal and two smaller meals unless dispensed or excused.

LENTEN REMINDERS Lent is a time for sacrifice and for spiritual renewal as we reflect upon our baptism and the call given to each of us to walk as disciples of the Lord. We are provided with three personal challenges associated with our individual observance of Lent: · Almsgiving – generously giving to those in need · Fasting – practicing self-discipline and self-denial · Prayer – reading, hearing and reflecting on the Word of God Lent is also a penitential season. It is a time to seek forgiveness, to look inward, and to admit our shortcomings and failures. It is a time to regroup and to prepare. How can you spend your time during Lent? · By “giving up” things you hunger after, such as sweets or alcohol; or activities you desire, such as vacations, concerts or movies. · By “doing” things to help others, such as offering an extra donation to the poor or helping those in need by providing food or clothing. · By “adding” to our normal routine, such as going to daily Mass, praying the Stations of the Cross and going to confession.

HOW TO MAKE A GOOD CONFESSION Preparation: Before going to confession, take some time to examine your conscience. This might be done by reviewing your life in comparison to the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the example of Christ’s life. Pray to God for forgiveness. Going to Confession: 1. The priest will welcome you, and you both make the sign of the cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 2. You continue with these traditional words: Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been (how long) since my last confession. You might also add any other background that will allow the priest to be most helpful to you in the circumstances of your everyday life. 3. The priest will encourage you to have trust in God, and invite you to confess your sins. Speak freely and honestly – nothing you say in confession will ever be repeated by the priest. The priest may talk with you about how to make up for the sins you confess. He will then assign an act of penance corresponding to the nature of the sins – this may take the form of prayer, self-denial, and especially service to one’s neighbor. 4. Act of Contrition – you offer a prayer expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving not to sin again. You may say this in your own words, or use this traditional prayer: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. 5. Following this prayer, the priest extends his hands over your head and says the words of absolution: God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. As the priest concludes this prayer, he will make the sign of the cross over your head – you bless yourself and respond, Amen. 6. The priest will invite you to go in peace. After Confession: When you leave the confession room, take a few minutes of private prayer and thanksgiving. Plan how you will complete the assigned act of penance. Make a firm resolve to continue your conversion by a life renewed according to the Gospel and the love of God.

SCHEDULE FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS Stations at St. Augustine will be Tuesdays following the 8:30AM Mass, beginning THIS Tuesday. Stations continue on Fridays following 12 Noon Mass at St. Francis, beginning THIS Friday. Stations will also be held at St. Augustine on Friday evenings at 6:00PM.

ROSARY DURING LENT The Rosary will be held before weekday Masses. Volunteers are asked to lead the Rosary. Please don’t wait for Fr. Cas, as he may be hearing Confessions.

AUTHENTIC REPLICA OF THE SHROUD OF TURN St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of Scranton will be hosting an authentic replica of the Shroud of Turin from Sunday, March 30th to Friday, April 11th. All are warmly invited to visit and view the Shroud and learn of its history and authenticity. Visitation hours are: Weekdays—10AM to 1PM and 4PM to 7PM; Saturday—11AM to 2PM and 5PM to 7PM; and Sunday—2PM to 6PM. Special prayer services will be conducted Monday mornings at 9AM and Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6PM. For more information visit www.parishesonline.com and type in St Vladimir Church Scranton in search box.

EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPES You are reminded that Easter Flower Donation Envelopes are in your envelope boxes. There is space on the back for memorials.

LENTEN READING MATERIALS In the back of our Churches are copies of the Lenten Edition of “The Word Among Us”, and “The Catholic Digest” as well as the “Little Black Books” for Lent. Please feel free to take a copy home with you and use them as part of your daily Lenten meditations.

COMBINED CHOIR PRACTICE FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER The Combined Choir is practicing for Holy Week and Easter on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM in St. Francis Church. Please consider joining the choir to help make our services even more beautiful.

OPERATION RICE BOWL—You’re invited to participate in CRS Rice Bowl! Our Parish will be participating in CRS Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program, as a way to encounter Jesus through others, especially through the most vulnerable in our world. Rice Bowl Envelopes are in your envelope boxes and can be put in the collection at any time during Lent. The Rice Bowl Collection will be taken up on Holy Thursday. Your prayers, fasting and almsgiving this Lenten season will help Catholic Relief Services continue to provide life-saving assistance in nearly 100 countries. CRS works on our behalf to care for the poorest in our world and to end global poverty.

Lent runs from until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 17th.

CCD NEWS First Penance: Congratulations to Emma Aton, Dominick Curley, Zackery Funk, Daegan Giannone, Gracie Gregory, and Mary Pichette who received the Sacrament of First Penance this Saturday. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for First Holy Communion on May 4th. First Communion Retreat: The First Communion Retreat will be held Tuesday, March 18th at St. Gabriel’s Retreat Center in Dalton, Pa. Arrival time is scheduled for 9AM. The Retreat will be over about 1:30PM. Lunch and a snack will be provided. Parents may attend with their children if they would like. Confessions: Confessions for CCD Students begin this weekend with Confessions for grades 3 & 4. Confessions continue as follows: March 16th—grade 5; March 23—grade 6; March 30—grade 7; and April 6th—grades 8 thru 12. Confessions for students will be held at the regularly scheduled Confessions times in each Church; Saturday at St. Francis—4:00 to 4:30PM; Sunday at St. Francis—following 8:00AM Mass; and Sunday at St. Augustine—following 10:30AM Mass.

FUEL SPILL UPDATE The total amount spent so far on our fuel spill cleanup is $ 74,210.16. These expenses are being paid out of St. Brigid Parish savings account held for us by the Diocese of Scranton. (These expenses are in no way reflected in the Monthly Financial News printed in the Bulletin.) Three collection/monitoring wells have been installed between the Church and the Hall. All the water collected from these wells has tested clean. While this is good news, it does not mean that we are “out of the woods” yet. Please continue to pray for a successful end result of this cleanup.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK This free food distribution for those in need is for RESIDENTS OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNT ONLY. Distribution will be held NEXT Tuesday, MARCH 18TH, from 12Noon to 2:00PM, at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church, 843 Penn. Ave. (Route 858), Little Meadows, Pa. Any resident of Susquehanna County who needs food is welcome. Please note the new distribution hours.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS Registration: for 2014-2015 school year is now open for Catholic Schools of Broome County; St. John's School (Pre K - 6) Binghamton, St. James School (Pre K - 6) Johnson City, All Saints School (Pre K - 6) Endicott & Seton Catholic Central (7-12) Binghamton. Tuition assistance is available. For application information or to schedule a tour contact admissions at 607-748-7423. We welcome students of all backgrounds and faiths to experience the comprehensive education that takes place in our schools. For more information go to www.broomecatholicschools.org . Mary Laura Donovan Marron Scholarship: Applications are available through the Catholic Schools of Broome County, 70 Seminary Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13905; by calling 607-723-1547; or at www.broomecatholicschools.org . This scholarship was established in 1987 in memory of Mary Laura, in order to further her beliefs in Catholic Education. Any student who attends a Northern Pennsylvania Parish and is enrolled in the Catholic Schools of Broome County may apply. Deadline is April 1st.

CAPUCHIN SISTERS OF NAZARETH ~ COME AND SEE IF GOD MAY BE CALLING YOU The Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth will host a Religious Life Discernment Retreat for young women ages 16 to 30. The Retreat will be held Friday, March 28th beginning at 4:00PM and continuing thru Sunday, March 30th at 11:30AM. Reservations are required. Please contact Sr. Christina at 570-745-3334 or www.cnsisters.com . The Retreat will be held at Mother of the Eucharist Convent, 6100 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, Pa. Brochures are available in the back of the Churches with more information.

LENTEN RETREAT—A CALL TO CONVERSION AND HEALING Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday—March 24, 25, 26

7:00M at Holy Name of Mary Church, Montrose Most Rev. John H. Richard, S.S.J., Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and resident of St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, DC where he is serving as rector of his former religious community, the St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart (S.S.J.), will celebrate a Lenten Retreat at Holy Name of Mary Church, Montrose. This retreat is a (3) evening experience of the Eucharist during the Holy Season of Lent in an effort to walk more closely with Christ as He leads us to the Father. During Lent, we engage more fully in prayer, fasting and works of charity and mercy. These have been the (3) important elements of Lent and the Christian life, and practicing them enables us to experience the healing and wholeness which God freely gives to us if we are open to receiving them. During the (3) evenings of prayer and reflection, we will focus on forgiveness, reconciliation and healing, seeking to find ways to help us to be open to receive them. All are welcome to attend. For more information see the flier in the back of the Church or call Holy Name of Mary, at 570-278-1504.

The Light Is On For You–all Mondays of Lent from 5:30-7:00pm, at St. Brigid Parish, St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, and all the Parishes in the Diocese of Scranton will be open for individual Confessions, beginning THIS Monday, March 10th, 2014. You are welcome to come to St. Francis Xavier Church or to go to any other Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Scranton. “The Light Is On For You” and is an effort on the part of the Diocese to highlight the importance of the sacrament of

Reconciliation in the life of Catholics and to make it as easy as possible for every Catholic to come or to return to this great source of God’s mercy and healing love. In keeping withthe spirit of Bishop Bambera’s Pastoral Letter, Wounded and Loved, Regathering the Scattered, inviting Catholics to experience Christ’s healing love through the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important dimension of the Lenten journey. Please make plans to come yourself, and please invite others to take advantage of this great opportunity to be reconciled and to renew your journey of faith this Lent. The season of Lent is a special time of grace, inviting and enabling all of us to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to embrace a life of meaning and purpose. Please also reach out to the Catholics you know who have been away from the regular practice of the faith and invite them to participate in this chance to begin again. The website, www.dioceseofscranton.org/light has materials to assist you in preparing to make a good confession, prayers you may find helpful, and answers to frequently asked questions. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Many people have questions about the Sacrament of Penance. You may have questions that are not addressed adequately here or at all. Please do not hesitate to bring those questions to Fr. Cas or to contact the Diocesan Office for Parish Life for additional resources (570) 207-2213. We will run a few questions in the bulletin beginning this week and continuing throughout Lent. What do I need to do to make a good confession? The sacrament consists of three actions on the part of the penitent: contrition, which is sorrow for one’s sins; confession, that is examining one’s conscience and telling one’s sins to the priest; and penance, namely a desire to make up for one’s sins and amend one’s life. Together the three are called the “acts of the penitent.” How do I examine my conscience well? One does so by asking for God’s help and prayerfully examining one’s actions in the light of Christ’s teaching and example. Some review their behavior by the Ten Commandments, others by Christ’s command to love God and love others, others by their correspondence to the beatitudes, others by comparing their behavior to the most important Christian virtues, and others by the seven “capital” sins (pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, lust and gluttony). It is not enough merely to focus on how one’s broken God’s “rules,” but rather how one has damaged his relationship with God and others and hurt himself interiorly. It is also important to examine for sins of omission. How do I grow in contrition? There are two types of contrition: sorrow over hurting one we love (called perfect contrition) and sorrow over getting caught or over the punishment that comes because of sin (imperfect contrition). We should ask God to help us achieve that perfect contrition in which we are sorry for having wounded the God who loves us and whom we should love in return. Meditation on the consequence of ours sins — Christ’s brutal death on the Cross — often helps us to grow toward perfect contrition. Diocese of Scranton – The Light Is On For You – www.dioceseofscranton.org - 3 How does our sorrow translate into penance? When we are truly sorry for our sins, we regret having ever done them. That leads naturally to our trying to remedy the damage caused by sin and to having a firm purpose of amendment to avoid that and other types of sins in the future. The priest normally assigns us a penance (for example, prayer, fasting or other types of self-denial, sacrifices, almsgiving, spiritual or corporal works of mercy, or service of neighbor) as medicine to begin to repair the damage caused by sin, but this penance is light in comparison to the infinite harm our sins have done in bringing about Christ’s death. So we should voluntarily do penance to seek, with God’s help, to expiate our sins and repair that damage (CCC 1460)

2014 REGULATIONS FOR LENT All faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are reminded of Diocesan Statute No. 41, which addresses the penitential aspect of Lent: “The season of Lent is penitential in nature and during Lent penance should be not only internal and individual, but also external and social (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 5, 109). Pastors are obliged to avoid scheduling activities in the parishes which in any way could possibly detract from the external and social penance required by Lent.” During Lent the following fast and abstinence regulations are observed: · Good Friday, April 18th, is a day of fast and abstinence. · Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence. · All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Good Friday and on all Fridays during Lent. · All Catholics over 18 years of age to the beginning of their 60th year are bound to the obligation of fasting. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal and two smaller meals unless dispensed or excused.

LENTEN REMINDERS Lent is a time for sacrifice and for spiritual renewal as we reflect upon our baptism and the call given to each of us to walk as disciples of the Lord. We are provided with three personal challenges associated with our individual observance of Lent: · Almsgiving – generously giving to those in need · Fasting – practicing self-discipline and self-denial · Prayer – reading, hearing and reflecting on the Word of God Lent is also a penitential season. It is a time to seek forgiveness, to look inward, and to admit our shortcomings and failures. It is a time to regroup and to prepare. How can you spend your time during Lent? · By “giving up” things you hunger after, such as sweets or alcohol; or activities you desire, such as vacations, concerts or movies. · By “doing” things to help others, such as offering an extra donation to the poor or helping those in need by providing food or clothing. · By “adding” to our normal routine, such as going to daily Mass, praying the Stations of the Cross and going to confession.

HOW TO MAKE A GOOD CONFESSION Preparation: Before going to confession, take some time to examine your conscience. This might be done by reviewing your life in comparison to the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the example of Christ’s life. Pray to God for forgiveness. Going to Confession: 1. The priest will welcome you, and you both make the sign of the cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 2. You continue with these traditional words: Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been (how long) since my last confession. You might also add any other background that will allow the priest to be most helpful to you in the circumstances of your everyday life. 3. The priest will encourage you to have trust in God, and invite you to confess your sins. Speak freely and honestly – nothing you say in confession will ever be repeated by the priest. The priest may talk with you about how to make up for the sins you confess. He will then assign an act of penance corresponding to the nature of the sins – this may take the form of prayer, self-denial, and especially service to one’s neighbor. 4. Act of Contrition – you offer a prayer expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving not to sin again. You may say this in your own words, or use this traditional prayer: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. 5. Following this prayer, the priest extends his hands over your head and says the words of absolution: God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. As the priest concludes this prayer, he will make the sign of the cross over your head – you bless yourself and respond, Amen. 6. The priest will invite you to go in peace. After Confession: When you leave the confession room, take a few minutes of private prayer and thanksgiving. Plan how you will complete the assigned act of penance. Make a firm resolve to continue your conversion by a life renewed according to the Gospel and the love of God.

SCHEDULE FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS Stations at St. Augustine will be Tuesdays following the 8:30AM Mass, beginning THIS Tuesday. Stations continue on Fridays following 12 Noon Mass at St. Francis, beginning THIS Friday. Stations will also be held at St. Augustine on Friday evenings at 6:00PM.

ROSARY DURING LENT The Rosary will be held before weekday Masses. Volunteers are asked to lead the Rosary. Please don’t wait for Fr. Cas, as he may be hearing Confessions.

AUTHENTIC REPLICA OF THE SHROUD OF TURN St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of Scranton will be hosting an authentic replica of the Shroud of Turin from Sunday, March 30th to Friday, April 11th. All are warmly invited to visit and view the Shroud and learn of its history and authenticity. Visitation hours are: Weekdays—10AM to 1PM and 4PM to 7PM; Saturday—11AM to 2PM and 5PM to 7PM; and Sunday—2PM to 6PM. Special prayer services will be conducted Monday mornings at 9AM and Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6PM. For more information visit www.parishesonline.com and type in St Vladimir Church Scranton in search box.

EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPES You are reminded that Easter Flower Donation Envelopes are in your envelope boxes. There is space on the back for memorials.

LENTEN READING MATERIALS In the back of our Churches are copies of the Lenten Edition of “The Word Among Us”, and “The Catholic Digest” as well as the “Little Black Books” for Lent. Please feel free to take a copy home with you and use them as part of your daily Lenten meditations.

COMBINED CHOIR PRACTICE FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER The Combined Choir is practicing for Holy Week and Easter on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM in St. Francis Church. Please consider joining the choir to help make our services even more beautiful.

OPERATION RICE BOWL—You’re invited to participate in CRS Rice Bowl! Our Parish will be participating in CRS Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program, as a way to encounter Jesus through others, especially through the most vulnerable in our world. Rice Bowl Envelopes are in your envelope boxes and can be put in the collection at any time during Lent. The Rice Bowl Collection will be taken up on Holy Thursday. Your prayers, fasting and almsgiving this Lenten season will help Catholic Relief Services continue to provide life-saving assistance in nearly 100 countries. CRS works on our behalf to care for the poorest in our world and to end global poverty.

Lent runs from until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 17th.

CCD NEWS First Penance: Congratulations to Emma Aton, Dominick Curley, Zackery Funk, Daegan Giannone, Gracie Gregory, and Mary Pichette who received the Sacrament of First Penance this Saturday. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for First Holy Communion on May 4th. First Communion Retreat: The First Communion Retreat will be held Tuesday, March 18th at St. Gabriel’s Retreat Center in Dalton, Pa. Arrival time is scheduled for 9AM. The Retreat will be over about 1:30PM. Lunch and a snack will be provided. Parents may attend with their children if they would like. Confessions: Confessions for CCD Students begin this weekend with Confessions for grades 3 & 4. Confessions continue as follows: March 16th—grade 5; March 23—grade 6; March 30—grade 7; and April 6th—grades 8 thru 12. Confessions for students will be held at the regularly scheduled Confessions times in each Church; Saturday at St. Francis—4:00 to 4:30PM; Sunday at St. Francis—following 8:00AM Mass; and Sunday at St. Augustine—following 10:30AM Mass.

FUEL SPILL UPDATE The total amount spent so far on our fuel spill cleanup is $ 74,210.16. These expenses are being paid out of St. Brigid Parish savings account held for us by the Diocese of Scranton. (These expenses are in no way reflected in the Monthly Financial News printed in the Bulletin.) Three collection/monitoring wells have been installed between the Church and the Hall. All the water collected from these wells has tested clean. While this is good news, it does not mean that we are “out of the woods” yet. Please continue to pray for a successful end result of this cleanup.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK This free food distribution for those in need is for RESIDENTS OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNT ONLY. Distribution will be held NEXT Tuesday, MARCH 18TH, from 12Noon to 2:00PM, at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church, 843 Penn. Ave. (Route 858), Little Meadows, Pa. Any resident of Susquehanna County who needs food is welcome. Please note the new distribution hours.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS Registration: for 2014-2015 school year is now open for Catholic Schools of Broome County; St. John's School (Pre K - 6) Binghamton, St. James School (Pre K - 6) Johnson City, All Saints School (Pre K - 6) Endicott & Seton Catholic Central (7-12) Binghamton. Tuition assistance is available. For application information or to schedule a tour contact admissions at 607-748-7423. We welcome students of all backgrounds and faiths to experience the comprehensive education that takes place in our schools. For more information go to www.broomecatholicschools.org . Mary Laura Donovan Marron Scholarship: Applications are available through the Catholic Schools of Broome County, 70 Seminary Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13905; by calling 607-723-1547; or at www.broomecatholicschools.org . This scholarship was established in 1987 in memory of Mary Laura, in order to further her beliefs in Catholic Education. Any student who attends a Northern Pennsylvania Parish and is enrolled in the Catholic Schools of Broome County may apply. Deadline is April 1st.

CAPUCHIN SISTERS OF NAZARETH ~ COME AND SEE IF GOD MAY BE CALLING YOU The Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth will host a Religious Life Discernment Retreat for young women ages 16 to 30. The Retreat will be held Friday, March 28th beginning at 4:00PM and continuing thru Sunday, March 30th at 11:30AM. Reservations are required. Please contact Sr. Christina at 570-745-3334 or www.cnsisters.com . The Retreat will be held at Mother of the Eucharist Convent, 6100 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, Pa. Brochures are available in the back of the Churches with more information.

LENTEN RETREAT—A CALL TO CONVERSION AND HEALING Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday—March 24, 25, 26

7:00M at Holy Name of Mary Church, Montrose Most Rev. John H. Richard, S.S.J., Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and resident of St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, DC where he is serving as rector of his former religious community, the St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart (S.S.J.), will celebrate a Lenten Retreat at Holy Name of Mary Church, Montrose. This retreat is a (3) evening experience of the Eucharist during the Holy Season of Lent in an effort to walk more closely with Christ as He leads us to the Father. During Lent, we engage more fully in prayer, fasting and works of charity and mercy. These have been the (3) important elements of Lent and the Christian life, and practicing them enables us to experience the healing and wholeness which God freely gives to us if we are open to receiving them. During the (3) evenings of prayer and reflection, we will focus on forgiveness, reconciliation and healing, seeking to find ways to help us to be open to receive them. All are welcome to attend. For more information see the flier in the back of the Church or call Holy Name of Mary, at 570-278-1504.

The Light Is On For You–all Mondays of Lent from 5:30-7:00pm, at St. Brigid Parish, St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, and all the Parishes in the Diocese of Scranton will be open for individual Confessions, beginning THIS Monday, March 10th, 2014. You are welcome to come to St. Francis Xavier Church or to go to any other Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Scranton. “The Light Is On For You” and is an effort on the part of the Diocese to highlight the importance of the sacrament of

Reconciliation in the life of Catholics and to make it as easy as possible for every Catholic to come or to return to this great source of God’s mercy and healing love. In keeping withthe spirit of Bishop Bambera’s Pastoral Letter, Wounded and Loved, Regathering the Scattered, inviting Catholics to experience Christ’s healing love through the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important dimension of the Lenten journey. Please make plans to come yourself, and please invite others to take advantage of this great opportunity to be reconciled and to renew your journey of faith this Lent. The season of Lent is a special time of grace, inviting and enabling all of us to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to embrace a life of meaning and purpose. Please also reach out to the Catholics you know who have been away from the regular practice of the faith and invite them to participate in this chance to begin again. The website, www.dioceseofscranton.org/light has materials to assist you in preparing to make a good confession, prayers you may find helpful, and answers to frequently asked questions. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Many people have questions about the Sacrament of Penance. You may have questions that are not addressed adequately here or at all. Please do not hesitate to bring those questions to Fr. Cas or to contact the Diocesan Office for Parish Life for additional resources (570) 207-2213. We will run a few questions in the bulletin beginning this week and continuing throughout Lent. What do I need to do to make a good confession? The sacrament consists of three actions on the part of the penitent: contrition, which is sorrow for one’s sins; confession, that is examining one’s conscience and telling one’s sins to the priest; and penance, namely a desire to make up for one’s sins and amend one’s life. Together the three are called the “acts of the penitent.” How do I examine my conscience well? One does so by asking for God’s help and prayerfully examining one’s actions in the light of Christ’s teaching and example. Some review their behavior by the Ten Commandments, others by Christ’s command to love God and love others, others by their correspondence to the beatitudes, others by comparing their behavior to the most important Christian virtues, and others by the seven “capital” sins (pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, lust and gluttony). It is not enough merely to focus on how one’s broken God’s “rules,” but rather how one has damaged his relationship with God and others and hurt himself interiorly. It is also important to examine for sins of omission. How do I grow in contrition? There are two types of contrition: sorrow over hurting one we love (called perfect contrition) and sorrow over getting caught or over the punishment that comes because of sin (imperfect contrition). We should ask God to help us achieve that perfect contrition in which we are sorry for having wounded the God who loves us and whom we should love in return. Meditation on the consequence of ours sins — Christ’s brutal death on the Cross — often helps us to grow toward perfect contrition. Diocese of Scranton – The Light Is On For You – www.dioceseofscranton.org - 3 How does our sorrow translate into penance? When we are truly sorry for our sins, we regret having ever done them. That leads naturally to our trying to remedy the damage caused by sin and to having a firm purpose of amendment to avoid that and other types of sins in the future. The priest normally assigns us a penance (for example, prayer, fasting or other types of self-denial, sacrifices, almsgiving, spiritual or corporal works of mercy, or service of neighbor) as medicine to begin to repair the damage caused by sin, but this penance is light in comparison to the infinite harm our sins have done in bringing about Christ’s death. So we should voluntarily do penance to seek, with God’s help, to expiate our sins and repair that damage (CCC 1460)