Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish Staff & Mailing AddressParish Mailing Address420 Holland Street, Shillington, PA 19607PastorRev. Richard Clement: 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: 610.777.1697

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 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Bernadette Yohn at 610.777.1697 or 610.777.6297LectorsContact: 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: Ashlee Hess at 610.944.4862

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: Elaine Strick at 484.824.1577Nursing 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 484.769.5346Divorce MinistryContact: Deb Kelly at 610.763.6528

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

OrganizationsPrime TimersContact: Nick Bentz at 610.777.8864Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Cub ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Knights of Columbus Contact: Bill Griffith at 484.797.0669Altar 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, FEB. 4 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Robert Charlanza TUESDAY, FEB. 5 – St. Agatha 7:00 p.m. Fr. Peter Keenan WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 – St. Paul Miki & Companions 8:00 a.m. Nancy Mc Devitt THURSDAY, FEB. 7 - Weekday 7:00 p.m. Edward Pryzie FRIDAY, FEB. 8 – St. Jerome Emiliani/ St. Josephine Bakhita 8:00 a.m. Minnie Koch FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY, FEB. 9 4:00 p.m. Richard Quinn-Delewski SUNDAY, FEB. 10 8:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Linda Ferraro

St. John Baptist de la Salle February 3rd 2018 www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com Fourth Sunday in ordinary time

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

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.

St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Altar Wine & Bread for the month of February: In loving memory of: “Gibby” Nore (requested by Louise Nore)

Altar Bread for the month of November: In loving memory of Joseph, Brian & Edward Bocian (requested

by Eleanore Bocian)

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, FEB. 9 - 4:00PM Lector: Tom Cuba Cantor: Bridget Glass Servers: Brindley Kobularcik, Lydia & Seth Toal EM:L.Wakefield, C.Trygar, L.Lombardo, T/S.Yoder SUNDAY, FEB. 10 - 8:30AM Lector: Chris Boland Cantor: Deb Brooks Servers: Lauren & Paige Hagan SUNDAY, FEB. 10 - 10:30AM Lector: Joe Giles Cantor: Scott Tice Servers: Faith & Brynna Bentz EM: B.Wells, T.Ritter, J.Bradley, C.Bensing, N.Bentz

ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: New schedules have either been emailed or mailed via the postal service. If you did not receive your schedule please notify the parish office, 610.777.1697 or email: st.jbdls@verizon.net

Weekly Stewardship SUNDAY 1/20- $9,428.95

Upcoming Events Sunday, Feb. 3 NO Rel. Ed classes (classes resume on Feb. 10) Monday, Feb. 4 7:30 pm K of C General Mtg. Tuesday, Feb. 5 12:00 pm Prime Timers General Mtg. 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Prayer Group Wednesday, Feb. 6 7:30 pm Faith Sharing Thursday, Feb. 7 5:30 pm Choir rehearsal

Today's Readings First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 God tells Jeremiah that he was chosen to be a prophet to the nations before he had even been born. He also promises him strength and protection, providing Jeremiah does as God asks. Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:31—13:13 Paul discusses the importance of love and claims that one who possesses any gift, but lacks love, has nothing. He explains that true love never fails, although knowledge or other talents can fail to endure in the same manner. Paul says that three things last: "faith, hope, and love, the greatest of these being love." Gospel: Luke 4:21-30 Jesus spoke in the synagogue at Nazareth, at first appealing to all who were present. But he knew that they would be expecting him to do the things he had already done in other towns. He reminded them of other prophets who had preached and gained acceptance in foreign places instead of their home towns. This angered the people, who expelled him from town.

Sanctuary Lamp for the week of 2/3-9: In loving memory of George Hlodash, Sr. (requested by Shirley & Linda Hlodash)

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Parish Happenings

PRIME TIMERS NEWS

PRIMETIMER GENERAL MEETING: Our next General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at NOON in the Fr. Lyons Room. We’ll be playing Valentine Bingo with prizes and enjoying lots of delicious Valentine goodies. Come join in the fun!! We look forward to seeing you!!

UPCOMING TRIPS for 2019: Mark your calendars for some fun trips planned by the Prime Timers. Our Prime Timers extend an invitation to you to join them for these wonderful, fun events! • March 20: Hollywood Casino, Cost $30.00, includes $30 slot play and $5 food voucher. Bus Departs from St. John’s parking lot at 10:30 am with a 6:30 pm approximate return. (Money due Mar. 1) • April 13: American Music Theater – Spring Doo Wop Cavalcade. Cost $117.00. Departing from the Shillington Pool Parking Lot at 10:00 am. Lunch at Good N Plenty and a 5:30 pm approximate return. (Money due by Mar. 15) • April 24: Mount Airy Casino & Resort – A Musical Tribute to Bette Midler & Barry Manilow. Cost: $73.00, also includes $25 Slot Credit & Lunch Buffet. Bus will depart from St. John’s parking lot at 10 am with a 8 pm approximate return. (Money due by Apr. 5) Anyone interested in more information concerning the trips or to make reservations please call Mary Stadelmeyer at 484.955.9492.

YOUTH GROUP - Our next meeting is this Sunday, February 3rd, from 6:15-7:45 in the LaSalle

cafe. We invite all 8th-12th graders to attend as we discuss service projects, fun trips, and fundraisers. To see more youth group updates and information, visit our Twitter at StJohn_YG16.

A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR ...

Knights of Columbus Calendar February 2019 Saturday, February 9 Knights at Mass • Rosary 3:30 PM – Mass 4:00 PM

Souper Bowl of Caring - On Sunday, February 3rd (Super Bowl Sunday) St John's will

again be participating in the "Souper Bowl of Caring"

collection. Volunteers will be holding soup pots at the exits of the church after all masses to benefit the Mifflin Community Food Ministry. This is the only monetary collection conducted for the pantry each year. Please be as generous as possible to benefit those less fortunate. For more information or for children who would like to volunteer to assist in the collection, please contact Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947. Thanks in advance for your continued support of this worthwhile cause!!

The Catholic Woman's Club of Berks County is holding its meeting on Sat. Feb. 9 at the parish center of St. Ignatius Church. The meeting begins at 1:00 with a presentation by Mrs. Sheryl Lanciano. The topic to be covered is LOVE. Any Catholic woman in Berks County is invited. Please call Bryn Weckel at 610.926.3731 for more information.

Justice in Action Ministry Brochure Are you curious about Justice in Action Ministry? Are you wondering what JAM does and why? Check out the JAM brochure located on the tables at each entrance to our church. Come to a JAM meeting and learn first hand who serves on this committee and how you could contribute to the work of social justice in our community of faith.

Justice in Action Ministry Meeting JAM will next meet on Tuesday, February 12 (snow date February 19) at 7:30 pm at the home of Sue Goodwin 16 Alpine Drive Mohnton 610.777.5827. All interested parishioners are welcome. The agenda includes plans to serve a hot breakfast to the residents of Opportunity House. We will also further discussion of the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers by previewing a documentary on the struggle of American agricultural workers. This film helps expose that dark side of the food we put on our tables.

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The Parish Nurses Ministry will be taking blood pressure screenings after all Masses, this weekend, Sept 8&9 in the Father Lyons Room.

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

Journey on a 10 Day Pilgrimage with Sacred Heart Parish to Portugal and Spain Visiting Lisbon, Santeram, Fatima, Coimbra, Porto, Braga, Pontevedra and Santiago de Compostela. Departing October 10th and returning October 19th. Price is $2,999 per person based on two people in a room. Included in the price: Roundtrip Air from Newark, Superior 3 and 4 star hotels, porterage for one suitcase, breakfast and dinner daily, Wine Tasting in Porto, tour Escort from beginning to end, Deluxe Motor Coach and Driver, Local Guides where needed. All sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary, Daily Mass, All overseas transfers airports and hotels and All Assistance at overseas airports and hotels. $50 discount if deposit received before March 15, 2019. Please contact Bonnie at the rectory for a brochure and more information.

Faith Sharing for Women Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Faith Sharing for Women will continue with shared reflection on Wednesday, February 6 at 7:30 pm in the Father Lyons Room. Following the inspiration of the spirituality of Saint Ignatius Loyola, we will explore the theme of trusting in God’s loving care for each one of us. Women from all walks in life are most welcome to join in this sacred conversation. For more information contact Arlene Seeber (484.794.8027 or arleneseeber@icloud.com).

$27,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS - On Sunday, April 28, 2019, the Polish American Board of Education of Berks County will be awarding eleven college scholarships totaling $27,000 to Berks County high school seniors of Polish-American descent. Applicants for the scholarships can obtain application forms and guidelines in the office of the guidance counselor in all Berks County high schools. They are also available in the Polish-American Cultural Center in the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading, and they can be downloaded from the PABEBC website at www.pabeberks.org. Completed application forms are due no later than Saturday, March 30, 2019, to the PABEBC Scholarship Secretary, Ronald Savitski, 159 Texter Mountain Road, Wernersville, PA 19565. Questions to 610.693.9792 or email him at rsavitski@msn.com. In conjunction with the PABEBC scholarship awards program, the Polish American Heritage Association of Berks County is awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a Berks County high school student of Polish-American descent. The guidelines for obtaining this scholarship are also available in the office of the high school guidance counselors, the Polish-American Cultural Center in the GoggleWorks or by contacting Sandy Lubas Hummel, the scholarship chair for PAHABC at sahummel@ptd.net or 610.207.7065.

Justice in Action Ministry Comfort the Afflicted - Justice in Action Ministry offers help to parishioners in need of occasional assistance with light household chores, shopping, or transportation

to doctor appointments. If you or someone you know could take advantage of this ministry, you may contact JAM by calling Arlene Seeber

Spiritual Training: Prayer, Fasting & Almsgiving – The Diocesan Commission for Men is offering a men’s Lenten morning of reflection on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown. Refreshments will be offered beginning at 8:30 AM in the Parish Activity Center. Presentations by the Most Reverend Alfred A Schlert and Rev. Bernard Ezaki will begin in the Cathedral at 9:15 AM, ending by 11:30 AM. The Sacrament of Confession will be offered as well. To register for this free offering visit www.allentowndiocese.org/cfm-spirituality

Ladies Tea Due to the bad weather prediction, the Ladies Tea originally scheduled for January 21 was postponed.

The Ladies Tea will be held on Sunday February 24 at 2 PM in the Father Lyons room. We are hoping the weather will cooperate with us that day.

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Dear Family of Faith, Over the past few years, our parish embarked on Small Faith Sharing Groups. 230 people got together on a weekly basis to discuss Matthew Kelly’s book: Rediscover Catholicism. A year later, we read Allen Hunt’s book: Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody. For all those who took part in this, it was a very rewarding experience. The New York Times Bestselling author Matthew Kelly has again written another book – well worth reading and discussing. It’s called The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity – How modern culture is robbing billions of people of happiness. As I have in the past, my reason for doing this is two fold 1) to build up our Family of Faith, so that whenever we gather, be it liturgical or otherwise, we are not gathering as strangers but as family members. So, I’m asking (pleading) that when we form these discussion groups, please DO NOT form groups with people you already know or feel comfortable with. Step out of your comfort zone and make new friends in the name of Jesus, so that we can continue to build the Body of Christ here at St. Johns. And 2) God knows, we all need to grow in faith! Chris Davidson, critiqued Kelly’s book and said: “The future of Christianity depends on these bold ideas. If we want our country to remain the land of the free and the home of the brave, we simply cannot afford to ignore the words and ideas between the covers of this book!” Please God, he is but one of a multitude who agrees! The small groups will meet for five weekly sessions beginning the week of March 10. At the end of those sessions, there will be a prayer service with all the groups and a social on Sunday, April 10 at 7:00p.m. I’m happy and grateful to say that Tim & Sue Yoder have graciously agreed to pay for your books. Please keep them in your prayers. The deadline to respond is February 10. Please fill out the tear-off at the bottom, place it in an envelope marked “Faith Sharing,” and drop it in any of the Sunday’s collections before or on February 10. You will be called or e-mailed by your host, with the directions to their home. For those who are willing to host small groups in their home, there will be a training session on Sunday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fr. Lyon’s Room. I promise, it will not be time consuming. With prayerful wishes to all, and the hope to see you joined in a group,

Fr. Rich ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name______________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________________ Email ________________________________________________ Preferred Day of the Week _________________________ Preferred time of day to meet ______________________ Are you willing to host a group in your home? ___________________

A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR...

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kids corner

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 WORD FROM OUR PARISH NURSES MINISTRY...

February is Heart Month TAVR, or a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, is a procedure that is used to replace an aortic valve that is narrowed, limiting blood flow to the rest of the body. The procedure involves replacing the valve via a catheter threaded through a blood vessel as opposed to open heart surgery. Although a TAVR procedure is not without risk, it is an option for persons who are either too sick or considered high risk for open heart surgery, and provides faster recovery time and generally a shorter hospital stay (average 3-5 days). TAVR can be an effective option to

improve quality of life in persons who may otherwise have limited choices for repair of their aortic valve. Through a small incision in either the groin, chest, or neck, the health care provider inserts a thin flexible catheter, with the heart valve, into the artery and threads the replacement valve inside the diseased aortic valve. The new valve will then expand and take over the job of regulating blood flow, while the old valve helps to hold the new valve in place. The catheter is then removed and the incision is closed.