Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish Staff & Mailing AddressParish Mailing Address420 Holland Street, Shillington, PA 19607PastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365ResidentRev. Gene Ritz: 610.777.1365DeaconDeacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697Principal of La Salle AcademyMr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392Parish SecretaryBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697Parish Communications CoordinatorSarah Capato: 610.850.4978Director of Religious EducationBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697For Bulletin / Website Inquiries or AnnouncementsContact: Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMr. Tony Balistrere, Principal: 610.374.8361Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th GradeMrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697RCIA: Age 18+Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697

Scheduling Use of Parish FacilitiesFor those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Office at 610.777.1697

WorshipEucharistic AdorationFirst Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PMAltar ServersStudents from Grade 4 to Seniors in High SchoolContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Funeral ServersContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sunday’s at 10:30AM Mass, between September and May Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Lorna Pfeiffenberger at 610.777.4822LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contact: Christopher Hoster at 610.334.1188CantorsContact: Christopher Hoster at 610.334.1188Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264Youth GroupContact: Monica Hess at 484.388.9553

Outreach & Parish MinistriesCulture of LifeContact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965Bereavement MinistryContact: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431Justice in Action MinistryContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Breaking Bread Social CommitteeContact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542Prayer Shawl MinistryContact: Joan Yanuskiewicz at 610.777.4646Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & MassContact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927Food Pantry / Emergency MealsContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesContact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792Parish Nurse MinistryContact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998St. Paul Street EvangelizationContact: Gina Aldi at 484.769.5346

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Spiritual DirectionContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Faith Sharing for WomenContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Parish Prayer LineContact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965Charismatic Prayer GroupContact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215Organizations

Prime TimersContact: Nick Bentz at 610.777.8864Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Girl ScoutsContact: Britt Kobularcik at 484.256.1782 Daisy: Grade K-1, Brownies: Grade 2/3, Juniors: Grade 4/5

Cub ScoutsContact: Mitzi Ziolkowski at 610.856.0708Knights of Columbus Contact: Jim Stallone at 610.406.8543Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360Men’s Recreational Basketball ClubContact: Russ Baver at 610.507.0627CYO (Christian Youth Organization)Contact: Rock Witmer at 610.775.2176Parish GardenersContact: Chris Hofmann at 610.777.2523

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Mass Intentions for the Week MONDAY, JAN. 16 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Marion Pirozzoli TUESDAY, JAN. 17 – St. Anthony 7:00 p.m. John Stoudt WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Anthony Domin THURSDAY, JAN. 18 - Weekday 7:00 p.m. Intentions for Steven Iuliano FRIDAY, JAN. 19 – STS. Fabian & Sebastian 8:00 a.m. Juan Santiago THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY, JAN. 21 4:00 p.m. Deacon Cy Simchick SUNDAY, JAN. 22 8:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Robert L. Davis

St. John Baptist de la Salle January 15th 2016 www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com second sunday in ordinary time

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, JAN. 21 - 4:00PM Lector: Lorraine Asgari Cantor: Deb Brooks Servers: Jack, Ben & Rosie Makosch EM:C/J. Geiger, T.Cuba, T.Seidel, C/G.Legezdh, P.Goodhart, C.Brahmstadt SUNDAY, JAN. 22 - 8:30AM Lector: Amy Dodrer Cantor: Flo Shirk Servers: Lauren & Paige Hagan, Amie Wickel SUNDAY, JAN. 22 - 10:30AM Lector: Adam Krick Cantor: Sue Gallen Servers: Ben & Matt Mulholland, Luke Bennethum EM: L.Fox, V.Pinder, A/C.Turnbaugh, C/K.Worley, J.Bradley

Upcoming Events Sunday, January 15 NO Rel. Ed classes (classes resume 1/22) Monday, January 16 LSA No School (classes resume 1/17) 7:30 pm Knight of Columbus Business Mtg. Tuesday, January 17 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Group Thursday, January 19 7:30 pm Choir rehearsal

Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator, Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com.

Bulletin submissions are due Thursday, ten days prior to the Sunday of publication.

Weekly Stewardship 1/1 - $11,428.50

CHRISTMAS - $43,506.85

Todays Readings

Sanctuary Candle for the week of Jan. 15-21: In loving memory of Vincent Madonna & Vincent

Scilelli (requested by Rose Madonna )

Altar Wine for Month of November: In loving memory of:

Jerry Keyek (requested by

Altar Bread for month of January: In loving memory of Clutch, Bob and Steve Weik (requested by Evelyn Weik)

BAPTISMS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER: Kennedy Rose Boyer

ATTENTION PARISHIONERS: If you wish a tax statement for your contributions for 2016: Write your request on your church envelope (where your name is printed, if you put it anywhere else it may get missed!) email us st.jbdls@verizon.net or call the parish office 610.777.1697.

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE SUNDAY READINGS HIS WORD TODAY by Rev. William J. Reilly “But as I say, I did not recognize him. The one who sent me to baptize with water told me: ‘When you see the Spirit descend and rest on someone, it is he who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen for myself, and have testified, ‘This is God’s chosen One.’ A logo or trademark makes it easy to recognize a product. The sari of St. Teresa of Calcutta or the gentle smile of Pope Francis leave no doubt of whom we speak. A familiar melody or words from the scripture often bring joy to our ears. They stay with us. When the Baptist said he did not at first recognize the Christ until another sign was offered, he kept on looking. I ask myself, where can I recognize Christ today? How can I discover Him? The saint of Calcutta found Him in the poor and abandoned. The Holy Father tells us He is out on the streets, in the poor, homeless and needy. Where do I look? Many young people give of themselves as Jesuit Volunteers, builders for Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Sisters for our youth. These serve a dual role – they discover Christ and bring Him as well. It is kind of like a smile – something I give away and hold on to at the same time. May others recognize the Christ in me.

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Parish Happenings

YOU ARE NOT ALONE If a Prenatal Diagnosis identifies a possible disability…You are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding a poor prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson at 610.289.8900x42 or jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org

Our international students attending Berks Catholic High School this January 2017 need host families. A generous reimbursement is provided. Call AnB Education 267.263.2481 or email hostfamily@anbeducation.com

BERKS CATHOLIC NEWS • Open House- January 29, 2017 2-4pm: A terrific opportunity to meet faculty, administration and current students. Our clubs and activities are on display to give you a glimpse into what we are about. It’s Open House is an exciting and neat experience seeing our community together.

PRIME TIMERS NEWS Mark your calendars for some upcoming fun trips for 2017! • Casino Trip: Hollywood Casino, Wed. Feb. 22. Cost $25 with money due by Jan. 28th. Bus will depart from St. John’s at 10 AM with an approximate return at 6 PM. • Hunterdon Hill Playhouse, to see “Born Yesterday” Wed., Mar. 15. Cost $76 with money due by Feb. 28th. Cost includes served meal and dessert buffet. Bus will depart from St. John’s at 9 AM with an approximate return of 6 PM. For more information or make reservations, please contact Mary Stadelmeyer, 484.955.9492 or Larry Shepherd, 610.777.8337

Event Supporting Retired Nuns: The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Reading invite you to Bernardine Bonanza on February 18, 2017 from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm at the McGlinn Conference Center. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sr. Maria at 484.334.6815 or visit the event website, www.bernardinebonanza.org.

Shelter the Homeless Family Promise of Berks County Volunteer Orientation and Training Workshop Sunday, January 22 Come learn how you can directly help to shelter the homeless in our community at a Family Promise orientation and training workshop on Sunday, January 22 at 12:15 pm at Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd. Wyomissing. Family Promise is an Interfaith Hospitality Network of people of faith working together to provide homeless families a ‘home’, while in the program, at a different church each week. During the day Family Promise works with the families to find jobs, housing and whatever support they need to bet back on an even keel. Atonement Lutheran Church hosts Family Promise several times a year from Sunday evening through the next Sunday morning. Atonement is scheduled to open its doors as a ‘home’ for homeless families the week of February 5-12. As partners with Atonement Lutheran, Saint John parishioners have the opportunity to volunteer to fill a number of different tasks. Come to the workshop on January 22 and learn about this program and how you can become involved. For

CYO Spring Sign-ups are now open. Any parents interested in coaching either Baseball or Track should contact our Athletic Director, Rock Witmer by email at rasawitmer@gmail.com. Spring sports are open to all children in good standing within the parish. Baseball - Boys grades 6-8 Track – Boys and girls grades 6-8 Registration forms can be found on the LaSalle Academy website http://lsabear.org under School Community/CYO/ Diocese of Allentown CYO Permission. Completed form and a check for $25 made payable to LaSalle CYO needs to be submitted to the address below NO LATER THAN Jan. 27th to ensure registration: LaSalle Academy Attn: CYO Secretary / Tony Cannon 440 Holland St. Shillington, PA 19607

ST. JOHNS YOUTH GROUP St. John's youth group welcomes all 8th-12th graders to our next meeting! It will be in the LaSalle cafe on January 22nd from 6:15 to 7:45. We always encourage new members and are excited for the fun night!

The Knights of Columbus will be

holding their Super Bowl sandwich sale the weekends

of Jan. 21 and 22, and Jan. 28 and 29. Please stop by after Mass in the Fr. Lyons room. Cost of the sandwiches (Ham, Turkey, or Italian) is $5.00 each, payable when you pick up your sandwiches on Feb. 5th between 10:30 AM and 12 Noon.

FALL 2017 CRUISE – A nine- night New England and Canada cruise is planned for September 28-October 7, 2017 to support the building of St Francis Home for the terminally ill. This home is being built in Shillington. Fr Philip Rodgers is on the board of Directors, and would like to invite you to join him on this fund-raising cruise. We will be sailing on Anthem of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean ship. The cruise will depart from Bayonne NJ and make stops at New England and Canadian ports. What a spectacular way to see the Fall foliage. An INFORMATION NIGHT is planned for Tuesday January 31 at St Ignatius School, conference room A&B. Please come on Tuesday and learn more about this very popular cruise. For more information please call Nancy Schwartz at 610-670-1050.

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Away from home? Find a Mass wherever you are at www.masstimes.org

GUIDELINES FOR THOSE WHO ARE HOSPITAL BOUND: • If you are scheduled for a hospital visit and know in advance, please see Father Rich before or after mass and he will anoint you and bless you. • When being admitted to the Reading Hospital please advise the admitting staff person you are Catholic and a member of St. John Baptist de LaSalle. Should you want Communion while you are hospitalized please tell them you want Communion either daily or weekly and your name will be added to list of the Eucharistic Ministers who serve at the hospital. If you have any questions about this procedure see Deacon Joe Lombardo.

A Ladies Tea is scheduled for Sunday, January 22nd at 2pm, weather permitting, in the Father Lyons room. If you gals are bored while the men are watching football come join us for an afternoon tea social. Reservations are needed and there is no cost involved. Please just complete the form below and drop it in the collection basket by Sunday, January 15th

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'll be there for Tea! Name___________________________ Phone ___________________________

MARCH FOR LIFE BUS - JANUARY 27 St Benedict Church, 2020 Chestnut Hill Rd., Mohnton (Plowville) is sponsoring a bus to the March for Life, January 27th. We will board the bus at St. Benedict’s at 8:30 am. The bus will drop us off as close to The Mall as possible at approximately 11:00 am. and picked up at Union Station at 4:30 pm. arriving at St. Benedict’s at approximately 7:30 pm. There is no charge for the bus. It is available to anyone in Berks County on a 1st come basis. For more information or to register please call the parish office 610.856.1006.

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER Please join LaSalle Academy

CYO at Victor Emmanuel’s Wednesday, January 25, 2017

4:30pm-7:00pm - $10 donation includes salad, spaghetti & two meatballs, bread & butter Beverages and desserts available and pizza available for $1.25 a slice *DINE IN OR TAKE OUT* Tickets are available for purchase at the door the evening of the fundraiser. Thanks and hope to see you there!

Knights of Columbus News Holy Name Council 7179 from St. John’s Parish hosted a First Degree Exemplification on Monday, January 2nd and welcomed 3 new Brother Knights – 2 from St. Francis Desales Parish and 1 from St. Ignatius Parish. You may be interested to know there are 4 Degrees found within the Knights of Columbus. The First Degree instills and fosters the principle of CHARITY. Remember we are always seeking the fellowship of men and their families. Please see a Knight for more information on our charitable and social works.

An invitation from St. Benedict’s Prime Timers to join them on April 27-30, 2017 for a trip to the Azalea Festival in Virginia. Trip includes, Lodging, Transportation, 3 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners including the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise, Naval Base, MacArthur Memorial, Chrysler Museum, NATO Festival and reserved seats for the 64th Parade of Nations. Taxes and Gratuities included. Cost is $529.00 per person ($719.00 singles.) Call Marie Blimline for more information 484.332.3241.

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The Healthy Family 2017 New for 2017 we will begin a series of articles, at least once monthly, to encourage healthy marriages and family life. Too often couples and/or families fall into a rut within daily living and aren’t sure where to turn for advice. The Catholic Church celebrates the sanctity of life, marriage and families and there is a plethora of knowledge to be had, right at our fingertips. We will feature different material from many sources; some weeks peaking your interest greatly and others you may not feel pertain to you now, but could in the future. The series will also be kept on our parish website (stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com), for reference, along with many more articles too long for the bulletin. We hope this series will find you rejuvenated in your personal life and struggles, with your faith right beside to assist. Happy 2017 to "The Healthy Family"!

Shelter the Homeless Family Promise of Berks County Volunteer Orientation and Training Workshop Sunday, January 22 Come learn how you can directly help to shelter the homeless in our community at a Family Promise orientation and training workshop on Sunday, January 22 at 12:15 pm to 2:00 pm at Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd. Wyomissing. Family Promise is an Interfaith Hospitality Network of people of faith working together to

provide homeless families a ‘home’, while in the program, at a different church each week. During the day Family Promise works with the families to find jobs, housing and whatever support they need to get back on an even keel. Atonement Lutheran Church hosts Family Promise several times a year from Sunday evening through the next Sunday morning. Atonement is scheduled to open its doors as a ‘home’ for homeless families the week of February 5-12. As partners with Atonement Lutheran, Saint John parishioners have the opportunity to volunteer to fill a number of different tasks. Come to the workshop on January 22 and learn about this program and how you can become involved. A light lunch will be served. For more information contact Arlene Seeber 484.794.8027 or arleneseeber@icloud.com.

Random Acts of Kindness to practice for the New Year. • Donate toiletries and clothes to a shelter for domestic violence victims. Victims of domestic violence often escape with only the clothes on their backs, and not much else. Check with a domestic violence shelter to see what sizes of women's, kids and teen clothes they need. You can also contribute toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products. • Babysit a single parent’s kid so he or she can get some free time. Single parents don't often get a lot of time to themselves, especially if they don't have close family in the area. If you have a friend who's single, invite their kid to spend the day with you and your family, so their mom or dad can get some "me time" without worrying about their child's safety. • Say something nice to a stranger. A lot of times, random compliments and kind words go a long way. This doesn't need to be creepy - it can be something as simple as "Hey, I love your hat!" or "Those boots are awesome!" • Leave treats for people who work in your community, like the mailman, your librarian, and teachers at your child’s school. Sometimes we take people for granted because we don't see much of them, but they're still working hard to make our communities thrive. Leave treat bags or baked goods for someone to let them know they're appreciated. • Send a thank you card to someone in customer service who has helped you out. We've all had horrible customer service experiences, but have you had an exceptionally good one? Make sure you thank the person who went above and beyond. Keep in mind that during the holidays, customer service folks are even more stressed out than usual, so a kind word goes a long way. • Donate books to a nearby children’s hospital. Illness doesn't take a break during the holidays, and there are sick kids in the hospital all year long. Donate new or gently used children's books as reading material. Better yet, partner with your local bookstore or school and organize a book drive. • Drop off a dinner for the firefighters and EMTs at your local fire station. While you're celebrating Yule with your family and friends, medics and firefighters are still on shift in case they're needed. Get a group of friends together, put together a dinner, and drop it off for the folks who work 24/7 to keep us safe. • Do something to help a homeless person. When someone asks you for spare change, chances are good that they really do need help. If you're not comfortable giving them cash - and many people aren't, which is okay - consider some other option. Pick up an extra cup of hot coffee, or a burger and some fries, or even make a blessings bag to help out the needy on a chilly winter day. Want to make an even bigger difference? Volunteer for an afternoon at a shelter or soup kitchen. • Help a total stranger take their groceries to the car at the store. There are few things as frustrating as trying to navigate a loaded grocery cart to your car through several inches of snow. If you see someone having a hard time, take an extra moment out of your day to lend a hand. Give yourself bonus kindness points if it's a senior citizen or a parent of small children. • Buy coffee for people whose jobs force them to be outside in the cold. If you're lucky enough to work inside during the winter, count your blessings. Not everyone gets to do it. Cops, road workers, and utility crews are often working outdoors no matter what the temperature is. Go to your favorite coffee shop, get some coffee (along with the additional cream and sugar packets) and drop it off for a road crew.

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St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

The Empty Nest By Judy Clark, a licensed professional counselor who is Co-Director of Family & Adult Ministry at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Plano "Sometimes a marriage has been too child-centered to the detriment of the couple relationship." THE SITUATION Tom and Maribeth are college sweethearts married 29 years. They feel they have a stable marriage that has involved raising four children. It has been a wild ride of parenthood with a few hair-raising experiences. Still, they both agree that all four have been successfully launched into adulthood. And now that their youngest has recently married, they are truly an “empty nest” marriage, not just the “shifting nest” of college years and a few years beyond. The couple has been very involved parents from the moment their first child was born after two years of marriage. Life with four children was busy and parenting was often emotionally draining and exhausting. Many days they found themselves waving goodbye to each other as they split up to take the children to their separate events and activities. They seemed to never have enough time for each other and would talk yearningly about how things would be when the kids were grown and they were simply a couple again. Now that time has come. To their surprise Tom and Maribeth aren’t sure just how to begin living it. They have devoted so much of themselves to raising a family, and much of their communication has been directed to that end. They find themselves experiencing a strange emptiness in their daily lives and even feel uncomfortable in their conversations together. They both are deeply committed to each other but aren’t sure just what the “good life” of being a twosome again will be for them. A RESPONSE No wonder Tom and Maribeth are feeling unsettled and out of balance. They are transitioning from one life cycle stage of their marriage to another major stage that involves new challenges as well as new adventure. This isn’t the first life cycle change they have experienced in their marriage. They have journeyed together through the newly married stage, first child stage, elementary school and adolescent stages, and the launching stage of beginning to see their children as adults. Each stage involves developmental, emotional, and spiritual tasks that take gradual readjustments. Indeed, the couple has already renegotiated several new marriage relationships through these various life cycle changes. Each time, they have adjusted their roles and learned new skills as they moved into the unknown future of the next stage. Since they are facing change, they will feel unsteady and possibly tend to resist it, even if unconsciously. The more they understand how to navigate the predictable changes of this next stage, the easier it will be for them to make a smooth transition together. RECONNECTING In the best of situations, it is a challenge for married couples to stay in tune with each other in the midst of parenting tasks and responsibilities. Their communication style can suffer as they concentrate on daily busyness and fail to connect on a level of intimate friendship. Taking time daily to talk about each person’s ups and downs of the day is a good beginning. Some couples develop a habit of a daily walk together. Others sit on the patio after work. When partners communicate on a vulnerable level, sharing their important thoughts and feelings regularly, they reconnect and bonding occurs. REDIFINING THE RELATIONSHIP Sometimes a marriage has been too child-centered to the detriment of the couple relationship. It is important for couples entering any stage of marriage to commit to keeping the relationship “partner-centered.” In a “we-centered” marriage, the couple’s love relationship is central in their daily lives. This allows their love to flow outwards to their children and others. The Church makes it clear that couples are called to love one another in an extraordinary fashion. A good way to begin redefining the marriage is to reread your wedding vows to one another. REINVESTING IN NEW GROWTH Allowing oneself to grieve the loss of particular roles enjoyed during parenting years is a healthy start to new growth. Discussing openly the strengths and limitations of the relationship and setting new goals together is also helpful. Letting go of old hurts and resentments is a necessary step towards growing healthier and holier in the marriage. Sometimes professional help may be needed. Empty Nest couples, like Tom and Maribeth, are called to new choices, more freedoms, and new ways of loving each other in this grace filled stage of marriage. An excellent book for empty nesters is The Second Half of Marriage by David and Claudia Arp.