FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life The Community Building Tool Box

https://ctb.ku.edu www.charterforcompassion.org.

POTENTIAL START-UP

IDEAS FOR HOSPITALITY IN NEIGHBORHOODS

COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY NIGHT Many communities I have lived in participate in an annual Hospitality Night, usually in December. It is a wonderful celebration of community in the downtown area where neighbors meet. Holiday decorations and lights line the streets creating a sense of magic, while neighbors stroll with their families and pets, greeting others and meeting new friends.

Live music is in the air and throughout the streets, with costumed carolers roaming, and a special arrival of Santa and his reindeer at his “house,” with real snow trucked in from the mountains of California for the children. As their parents wait in line, the children can play in the snow before sharing their hopes and dreams with Santa. There are tree lightings, church choir bells, and sing-alongs, with trolleys up and down the coastline adding to the celebration.

Ceremonies of appreciation and gratitude for community members and volunteers for their individual contributions take center stage and are a vital aspect of this hospitable celebration. Businesses provide food and drink gratis along with significant store discounts; some even hire talented musicians who create their own ambience within the individual stores. It is an atmosphere of warmth, joy, and goodwill that affects the behavior of all participating – so much so, that I have witnessed several long-term neighbor-to-neighbor misunderstandings melt within this infectious climate of kindness and fellowship.

HOSPITALITY GIFT

BASKETS FOR NEW NEIGHBORS

While the greatest gift of all would be to cast a loving thought into the heart of a new neighbor, an additional idea is a gift basket to allow hospitality to enter with the spirit of a warm and genuine smile. A basket filled with information about the new neighborhood, along with an introduction to local restaurants, coffee shops, dry cleaners, and churches, and

together with a chamber of commerce map of the area and coupons from local businesses can all be very useful. But don't neglect the creative inclusion of favorite delectable items, flowers, or plants from those individuals delivering the basket, for these can begin a conversation and help get to know a new neighbor and family.

If children are involved, this is also a wonderful opportunity for established neighbors to bring their children for introductions, which also becomes a teaching moment for the giver and receiver of the wonders of hospitality within the neighborhood. Yet don't leave it there: A follow-up visit would show that your hospitable intentions are genuine.

SOME OTHER IDEAS

Other ideas might include:

Block parties, which could grow into

full neighborhood-wide parties

Cooking a shared meal together with

different friends, neighbors, and invited guests

A potluck meal with friends to support

a favorite local charity, shelter, or halfway house

An open house for the holidays,

serving a meal to whomever walks in the door – this was a huge success in my experience for 21 years on New Year's Day, as part of a French Toast Celebration while watching the Rose Bowl Parade.

Be creative, and explore new ways to share your hospitality and your love within your community, overcoming any latent

fears that would impede your moving forward.

SOME LESSONS FOR

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

To build a culture of hospitality within

the communities we serve, our first imperative is to address our own spiritual centeredness, and to develop a starting point of peace.

Next, we must effectively identify a

community's needs, by recognizing the new drivers of change:

consciousness-building, education, environment, socioeconomic conditions, and technology.

Then we need to unlock innovative

approaches to serve basic human needs hospitably, based upon being valued, interconnectedness, safety, staying in wonderment, and having fun along the way (don't take yourself too seriously).

While engaged in this process,

community builders should ask: “Does this innovation address a basic need in a new and creative way?” “What new expectations will be created?” “What impact will it have on the community?” “How will it influence the community's residents, visitors, and tourists?” “Will there be any ramifications from the proposed change(s)?” And “How will hospitality's qualities continue to be the motivating force for residents and visitors alike?” Finally, we must keep the

momentum going, by continuing to inspire hospitable behavior. To do so, we should:

Light each other's enthusiasm, and

ability to launch their own innovative ideas.

Create a shared platform for

innovation through collaboration – for the work is faster, more effective, and definitely more enjoyable when done together.

Empower each other as valued and trusted colleagues and innovators. We shouldn’t fear experimentation through blending ideas; our vulnerabilities can be a source of courage for change.

Disrupt routines to keep our work fresh, without interfering with incremental changes for the community: Be spontaneous!

Recognize that each participant can make an invaluable difference.

If we can apply these principles in practice, that will surely bring us closer to the hospitable community we all desire.

TO BE CONTINUED….

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

IN THE PARISH

Helpful Information

Join the Parish

Anyone wishing to register for membership in the parish is asked to fill out a registration form and drop it in the collection basket.

Request Prayers

Our INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY provides prayer for anyone in need throughout the parish. Contact MARY ANN MAGDA at 570-820-0525 or make your intention known on our parish website at www.standrebessettewb.com

Remember your Parish

Your parish serves you faithfully throughout your life. Please remember your parish with a memorial gift or a Bequest in your will. Make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for you.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may take place at any time, but, sadly, too many families wait until the last minute to call the priest to anoint their loved ones. If someone in your family is seriously ill, preparing for surgery, or suffering a prolonged illness, please contact the parish office to arrange a time for Fr. Ken to visit. IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY—or if Fr. Ken is unavailable to visit immediately, we will contact the first available priest to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing with your loved one.

Funeral Preparations

We collaborate with the local funeral directors in arranging the times of the funerals. Please be aware that

there is an additional fee for funerals on Saturdays imposed by most cemeteries in the area.

Baptismal Preparations

Parents of newly born infants may call the parish office to arrange a time for the Baptism of their child. Baptisms are celebrated, for the most part, on any Sunday, with the exception of the season of Lent.

Wedding Preparations

Couples contemplating Marriage are asked to contact the parish office at least one year prior to the contemplated date of marriage, before making other plans.

Thanksgiving Day Mass will be celebrated at 9 am on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday,

November 22nd. There will be no Eucharistic Adoration or Vespers on Thanksgiving Day and the parish office will be closed on Thanksgiving in

honor of the holiday

The parish office will also be closed on Black Friday so the staff can go buy Fr. Ken and “the girls” wonderful Christmas gifts

at bargain prices!

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

PARISH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Congratulations, Anna Hudock!

Our parish Giving Tree will be arriving this week, ready to invite us to share some holiday cheer with parishioners who are

homebound or residing

in a nursing home, a child, hoping for that “special” gift—or any gift—on Christmas morning, a teenager, who, through no fault of

their own, may be spending the holidays away from home and loved ones. Every tag on the tree contains a hidden story and every gift alleviates the sadness that some people feel as the holiday season

approaches. The beauty of this tree is not in its decorations, but in its barren branches and the joy that your

generosity brings on Christmas morning.

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and

Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service. It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance that also occurs in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.

In observance of Veterans’ Day, the parish office will be closed MONDAY, November 12th. It will reopen on Tuesday, November 13th.

Anna Hudock is the chairperson of our

Parish Social Justice Council. She sings on

the choir, serves as a Lector and

Extraordinary Minister of Communion,

visits the hospitalized and the homebound,

is an active member of the parish also

serving on several committees , and she

can relate the history of anything in North

End. Is active in the FCSLA, Slovak

Heritage Society and a number of other

fraternal and social committees throughout

the Wilkes-Barre Area. And Anna still

finds time to be involved with her family,

especially her beloved nieces and nephews.

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULES are

AVAILABLE on the back tables for SERVERS,

LECTORS, EMOC, CHOIR and HOSPITALITY

MINISTERS. If you serve in any of these

ministries, please pick your schedule up

today!.

THE LITURGY

Living the Christian Life

Charity, the Eucharist, and Church Membership by Germain Grisez et al

The Way of the Lord Jesus www.twotlj.org

4. One Should Observe

Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation

While this section articulates the letter of the Church’s law regarding Sunday

observance—and no Catholic should

take that law lightly—the right spirit is especially needed in fulfilling these responsibilities. Grudging participation motivated only by a concern not to violate the law is contrary to the Eucharist’s meaning as an expression

of gratitude and love. Thus, a joyful spirit of celebration, not mere dutifulness, is no less important for Sunday observance than it is for marital intercourse. For this reason, this section must not be considered

apart from the context provided by the earlier parts of the chapter (especially A.1 and B.1).

Inaugurating the new covenant, Jesus commanded: “Do this in remembrance of me” (Lk 22.19; cf. 1 Cor 11.24–25). To fulfill their responsibility to worship according to Jesus’ command, Christians always have gathered on

Sunday, the day after the sabbath (see Acts 20.7). On that day, everyday work and business are put aside.

Certain important weekday feasts are celebrated in the same way as Sunday.

a) Sunday is set aside for worship because of its Christian meaning. People of virtually every culture set aside sacred times for worship, since it is owed to God and vital to the community’s well-being. One of the

commandments of the Mosaic covenant designated the time for worship: “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work . . .. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the

seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it” (Ex 20.8–9, 11). Thus,

sabbath worship and rest honored and gave thanks to God as creator of all good things.

Jesus commands his followers to celebrate the Eucharist (see Lk 22.19–20; cf. Jn 6.53–58, 1 Cor 11.23–25). In

him, however, the fallen world becomes

a new creation; thus, the “day” of his resurrection is not just the beginning of another ordinary week but the endless age after every earthly week. So, Christians began to celebrate the Eucharist on Sunday, neither to

complete an earthly week (as the Jewish sabbath did) nor to begin a new earthly week, but to anticipate the everlasting rest of heaven, which will be the Lord’s “day” in the fullest sense, when all God’s work will be completed.

Therefore, Sunday is the original and chief Christian feast.33

b) One should participate in

Sunday and holy day Mass. Since divine law established the week as a regular cycle for work and worship, and since Christian eucharistic worship is so necessary to nurture the communion of love which is the Church, the Church

always has considered participation in Sunday liturgy to be a serious obligation for all her members (see Heb 10.25).34 On Sunday one should listen to God’s word and participate in the Eucharist, in order to commemorate Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection, and

glorification (see SC 106). At various

times and places, the obligation has been extended to include more or fewer other feast days: the holy days of obligation. The Church’s law recalls this obligation: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound

to participate in the Mass.”35

On particular occasions, the pastor of a

parish or superior of a religious house in which one is staying can dispense one from this obligation or commute it, that is, allow the substitution of some other pious work. So, someone with a reason for wishing to miss Mass, but

not a reason clearly strong enough to

excuse doing so, should request a dispensation or commutation of the obligation.37 For instance, an individual who wished to go backpacking over a

weekend might ask to be dispensed entirely or to substitute a Mass on a weekday.

To Be Continued….

33. See Thomas K. Carroll and Thomas Halton, Liturgical Practice in the Fathers (Wilmington, Del.: Michael Glazier, 1988), 17–76, for a collection

of materials bearing on the Lord’s day.

34. Note the striking text from the

Didascalia (a third-century book of Church order) quoted in PO 6, n. 31 (in Abbott, n. 82): “In your teaching tell the people to come to church and not to stay away. Tell them to come together always and not to constrict the church by staying away and so

making the body of Christ a member short.”

35. CIC, c. 1247. The holy days

which are of obligation are listed in c. 1246, §1, but §2 authorizes conferences of bishops to abolish or transfer some of them to a Sunday with the prior approval of the Holy See.

36. See CIC, c. 1248, §1. In certain Eastern rites, the Sunday obligation

may be fulfilled by participation in the divine praises (the choral office), since only one Mass is celebrated each Sunday, and not all can participate in it (see OE 15). However, for Latin rite Catholics, the Church’s law specifically

requires participation in Mass.

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

All Administrative Council Meetings begin with Vespers in Church at 6:00 pm. Meetings follow immediately in the Fr. Murgas conference room of the parish office. NOVEMBER 15th — Finance Council NOVEMBER 28th—Catechetical Council

DECEMBER 6TH —Liturgical Council DECEMBER 13TH —Social Justice

JANUARY 17, 2019 —Finance Council

Food for NOVEMBER

Sugar by the

Pound

PARISH MINISTRIES

PARISH COMMITTEES

The Development Committee

will meet on Monday, November 5th at 6:30 pm in the Lower Meeting Room of the Parish

Office.

The Bingo Committee will meet

on Wednesday, November 14th at 6:00 pm in the Fr. Murgas Conference Room

FAITH SHARING

Disciples of the Spirit of Jesus

with Sr. Madonna will meet on Saturday, November 17th at 10:30 am in the Fr. Murgas Meeting Room of the Parish office. There is still room in this group for anyone who might be interested.

Companions on the Journey

with Christ with Rosemary Shedlock will meet on Sunday, November 18th at 2:00 pm in the home of Elaine Snyder.

St. Andre’s Faith Seekers with

Jackie Barkus will meet at 6 pm on Monday, November 19th in the Fr. Murgas Meeting Room of the Parish Office.

Loaves & Fishes

Autumn Ordinary Time

Weekend of November 10-11 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am Faith Formation 11:00 am Mass 4 pm Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Touch of Class

Weekend of November 17-18 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am Faith Formation 11:00 am Mass GIVING TREE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Collection

Monday, November 12

VETERANS DAY (observed) PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Monday, November 19

1 pm Thanksgiving Vouchers 6 pm St. Andre’s Faith Seekers 6:30 pm Development

Tuesday, November 13

8 am Morning Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Tuesday, November 20

8 am Morning Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday, November 14

8 am Morning Mass 6 pm Bingo Wrap Up Meeting

Wednesday, November 21

8 am Morning Mass

Thursday, November 15

8 am Mass 1 pm Administrative Staff Noon Exposition 6 pm Vespers 6pm Finance Council 6pm Giving Tree Project

Thursday, November 22

THANKSGIVING DAY

9 am MASS of THANKSGIVING No EUCHARISTIC ADORATION No VESPERS PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Friday, November 16

8 am Morning Mass

Friday, November 23

“BLACK FRIDAY” 8 am Morning Mass PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Saturday, November 17

No Morning Mass 10:30 am Disciples of the Spirit

3:00 pm Confessions VIGIL: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saturday, November 24

No Morning Mass

3:00 pm Confessions VIGIL: SOLEMNITY of CHRIST THE KING (34 OT)

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS

REGISTRATION for CATHOLIC

SOCIAL SERVICES HOLIDAY HELP

This year’s registration for Toys and Food for Christmas will be held at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue in Wilkes-Barre on: Mon., Nov. 19th - 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM Children up to age 10 are eligible.

Parents should bring the following:

1) Photo ID of Parent or Guardian 2) Original Birth Certificates for each child & 3) Proof of address - such as a recent utility bill. Food Distribution will take place at St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, 39 E Jackson St., WB on Monday, December 17th from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 3 PM – 7 PM. Toy Distribution will take place at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Ave, WB on Monday, December 17th from 9 AM – Noon and 3 PM – 7 PM

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

THANK YOU to Pat Baran and her team

for running an enjoyable and profitable TOY BINGO last SUNDAY. The hall was packed and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Thank you to TINA EVANS and her kitchen

crew for providing tasty vittles for the hungry gamers.

Thank you to all who worked the floor

during the Bingo, our sellers, callers, and

money people provided cheerful service for all attending.

Thank you to our generous parishioners

who donated toys, gift cards and financial

support for our Toy Bingo. Your generosity makes a successful fundraiser possible.

Thank you to all who participated in the Toy

Bingo. Congratulations to all winners and much thanks to the many “contributors”.

May you have better luck next year.

All in all, an enjoyable afternoon was had

by all!

The final Toy Bingo Committee meeting for

this year will be on Wednesday, November 14th at 6 pm in Fr. Murgas Room.

FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH

There is much confusion about the teaching on Purgatory. For many people, purgatory is a type of punishment for sin leveled against those who have passed on from this life to the next. It is just another action of a vengeful god upon sinful humanity.

In this understanding of purgatory, the onus is on God. He is the one who punishes the sinner by refusing them admittance to the glory of the saints. Where is His Mercy? Where is His Compassion? Why does he condemn the sinner instead of saving them?

Because of this misconception about purgatory and the focus placed upon God’s “Justice”, many Christians, theologians, and spiritually adept people reject the notion of Purgatory outright. For them, purgatory is a “human invention” that is used to frighten people into obedience.

But is there another way to understand the necessity of this time of purgation that one must endure before entering eternal glory? I believe there is… and it comes from nothing less than what is already the teaching of the Church on the Spiritual Life.

The first problem with purgatory is that we view it as something that occurs “after death”. The truth of the matter is that purgatory is what happens NOW, in this life. What happens after death is only a continuation of the state many souls find themselves in now. For those who enter into the spiritual life, whether intentionally—as some do by entering a contemplative order (Carmelite, Franciscan, etc.), or unintentionally –like anyone Baptized,

Purgation is the first stage one must pass through before one can enter into full spiritual union with God.

On this side of the eternal fence, those who enter into the spiritual life must learn to control their passions and inclinations so that they begin to conform to the Spirit of the Gospel. Through prayer, meditation, and hard work, the novice begins to reform their way of thinking and acting to reflect more completely the mind of God as made known through Scripture and prayer. In many cases, this can be a most difficult stage as we battle inner demons who vie for control of our psyche.

In this stage the novice must consciously guard every thought, word, and deed and purify the conscience of any worldly desires, fueling, in the meantime, a greater desire for Spiritual Union with God. The spiritual writers describe this period in terms of active purification—all the holy efforts, mortifications, labors, and sufferings of the

soul, as well as passive purification —the work of God’s grace in the soul as it dies to vice and grows in virtue.

Similarly, those who have died enter into a state of purgation so that they can strip themselves of affection to the things of this world and open themselves more fully to the things of God. In their case, however, these are passive purifications as God’s grace works to overcome the defects of the soul that were not purified in this life.

In his story “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”, Charles Dickens touches on this in the apparition of Marley’s Ghost:

Marley says to Scrooge:

“It is required of every man, that the

spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. It is doomed to wander through the world – oh, woe is me! – and witness what it cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness!” …

I cannot rest, I cannot stay, I cannot

linger anywhere. My spirit never walked beyond our counting-house – mark me! – in life my spirit never roved beyond the narrow limits of our money-changing hole; and weary journeys lie before me!” ...

“Oh! captive, bound, and double-ironed,”

cried the phantom, “not to know, that ages of incessant labour by immortal creatures, for this earth must pass into eternity before the good of which it is susceptible is all developed. Not to know that any Christian spirit working kindly in its little sphere, whatever it may be, will find its mortal life too short for its vast means of usefulness. Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunities misused! Yet such was I! Oh! such was I!”

“Mankind was my business. The common

welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”...

It held up its chain at arm’s length, as if

that were the cause of all its unavailing grief, and flung it heavily upon the ground again.

“At this time of the rolling year,” the

spectre said, “I suffer most. Why did I

walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!”

Obviously, Marley suffers in death what he did not suffer in life. This is the state of many

souls that do not take the opportunities afforded in this life to grow in their knowledge and love of God. Baptized into Christ, they are not evil enough to be cut thoroughly from God’s presence, yet they do not yet possess enough knowledge and love of God to enter into his eternal presence. They must “throw off this mortal coil” if they are to enter into the eternal bliss of the blessed. This can only be done through the state of purgation.

Thus, purgatory is not a punishment for sin, but rather a means for God’s mercy to continue to act upon the soul as it journeys toward God. St. Augustine said “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee!” The truth of purgatory is that the soul must purify itself of all earthly desires and cling only to God. It is very difficult to do in this life—only the most ardent religious are capable of achieving even the smallest progress in the spiritual way—because we are impeded by our sinfulness. What should have been a natural desire of the soul has been shrouded by sin and must be uncovered and put into use if it is to benefit us for eternity.

Those who pass through the purgative way enter into Illumination, where the understanding becomes enlightened by grace and the soul is enabled to grow more fully in

its love for God. In this world, the Illuminative way enables us to do heroic acts of charity because we begin to understand how much God really loves us. For the souls who have passed from this life, Illumination comes with the realization that their feet are set toward the heavenly Jerusalem. God beckons them toward fuller union with him.

Finally, those who have passed through the purgative and illuminative ways enter into the fullness of union with God. Many spiritual writers describe this state in terms of “divine espousal” or “mystical marriage”. The soul is fully united with God and experiences the presence of God in its fullness. Those who reach this state in this life long for death as the final barrier keeping them from their beloved. Those who reach this state on the other side enter into the blessed life of the Saints. This is only possible when the soul purges itself of all affections to the things of this life and clings to God alone.

Purgatory IS NECESSARY! The question that remains is: Are we willing to endure it now or take our chances in the life to come?

Is Purgatory Really Necessary??

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

IN THE DIOCESE

visit Do You Want to Know More About the Annulment Process?:

In the Diocese of Scranton, the annulment process is now more “user friendly” than you might expect, and there is no longer a processing fee. Please contact your pastor or the Diocesan Tribunal Office (570-207-

2246) to begin a conversation. It is possible to get clear answers to these questions and to renew your connection with the Church.

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

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

COMPASSIONATE

COUNSELING SERVICES

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton offers

compassionate counseling in a safe, comfortable environment where your privacy is always

respected.

Anyone who struggles with anxiety, grief and loss, depression,

life transitions or a variety of emotional or psychological

conditions is welcome. CSS accepts Medicare and some

other insurance plans.

CALL 570-207-2283

for more information or to make an appointment

To make a donation to this year’s

Annual Appeal

please visit

www.AnnualAppeal.org

or contact us at

570-207-2250

or send your gift to

Development Office,

Diocese of Scranton

300 Wyoming Ave.,

Scranton, PA 18503 .

Parish Goal: $ 32,000.00 Raised so far: $11,338.00

Thank you to all who have already contributed to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. If you have not yet made a donation to the appeal, you may do so by sending it to the address listed above.

Your donation helps to support many of the ministries of the Diocese, like Catholic Social Services, Parish Life and Ministry Formation, Care and Education of Clergy, Education and training of Seminarians, Catholic Media (CTV) and Catholic Schools.

Please consider a donation to the Diocese. Envelopes are available in the vestibule.

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Looking to learn more about your faith or enrich your parish ministry? Members of the Faithful across the Diocese of Scranton are invited to

consider taking a course through the UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON’S VIRTUAL LEARNING COMMUNITY FOR FAITH FORMATION — Cycle 1 (2019)

Session dates run from January 20th

through February 23rd. Registration is now open and closes January 16, 2019. Visit https://vlcff.udayton.edu/calendar for more information.

“Throughout the

course of

American History,

courageous men

and women have

taken up arms to

secure, defend and

maintain these

core principles

upon which our

Nation’s freedoms

depend.”

—George Bush

THANK YOU

for your

Service

& Sacrifice

STEWARDSHIP

Volunteerism or Stewardship? by Christopher Holwey

www.antiochian.org

I would like to offer a few words here concerning the difference between volunteerism and stewardship, and how it correctly pertains to our life in the Church. Over the years, I have seen many of us in the church struggle to get more and more people to participate and “volunteer” to do what needs to be done to keep our churches going. Whether it be helping out once a year at the annual whatever, or being a part of the weekly and monthly life in the Church, we always seem to find ourselves, sooner or later, lamenting the fact that we do not have enough people “volunteering” to do all of the tasks and fill all of the roles that need to be done and filled. Well, I propose to you that one of the difficulties that I see in all of this is our focus.

Are we really looking for “volunteers” to do a project, or are we looking for stewards to fulfill a ministry?

As each new liturgical year roles around, we find ourselves looking for parishioners to teach in our Church School, sing in our choir, serve at the altar, join the organizations, usher, chant, cook, clean, plan for the future, pay the bills, make the necessary decisions, and so on, ad infinitum. Then, we look at them all and call them such wonderfully “dedicated volunteers,” and try to be ever so careful not to put too many demands on them, or expect too much from them, because they are simply “volunteers.” Well, enough of that word and mentality! May I humbly, yet boldly, say we are NOT volunteers. We are stewards!

Some might say: “What’s the difference? What’s in a name? We’re all working for the church anyway and trying to get the job done. Who cares what you call it!” Well, my friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ, there really is a big difference, and I feel that a name can make all the difference in the world, especially when that world is dealing with, and is, God’s kingdom.

Let us, first of all, take a look at the definitions of each word and see how they present themselves. The word voluntary (as taken from the Random House Dictionary) means “done, made, brought

about, undertaken, etc., of one’s own accord or by free choice; of, pertaining to, or acting in accord with the will.” A volunteer is defined as “a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking; a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.” Honestly, I have no problem with the word itself, since as you can see, we must all come to do what needs to be done in the Church out of our own free will. Even

St. Paul says in 2 Corinthians: “Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (9:7). Furthermore, none of us, I believe, would ever expect to be paid by the church for singing in the choir or teaching Church School. But, is there not much more to our life in the Church than simply doing something freely and without pay?

Well, let’s look at stewardship. A steward is defined as “a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others; a person who has charge of the household of another, buying or obtaining food, directing the servants.” As you can see, the focus is much different. As stewards, we are not simply coming of our own free will to accomplish a task, but more importantly, we are taking care of that which has been given to us by God. This is His World, His Church, His Property, and we are His Children and Stewards who have been entrusted with the care of it all. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).

So, as the Lord Jesus Himself said to us, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions” (Luke 12:42-44). As faithful stewards of God’s holy House, we have a sacred obligation and responsibility not simply to volunteer a few extra moments, but rather to humbly and joyfully offer our time, our talents, and our resources back to God in the management and care of that which He has given to us. And this responsibility belongs to all of us, clergy and laity alike.

Yes, it is true, my friends! There is no human being alive who has not received a gift from God. We have all been blessed by God with certain gifts and talents – and opportunities to use them! – and are called upon to give back a portion of these

blessings in thanksgiving for what we have received, and for the glory of His holy Name. This is what we call Total Parish Involvement. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

So, whether we are serving at the altar, changing the candles, working on the budget, vacuuming the carpet, singing in the choir, fixing the broken door, teaching Church School, cooking in the kitchen, overseeing Youth Ministry, cutting the grass, teaching Bible Study, chanting, greeting people in the back of the church, making Holy Bread, offering a donation, putting the Festival or Bazaar together, cataloguing books for the library, counting the money, working in the office, visiting the lost sheep, staying after to lock the doors, visiting the sick and shut-ins, reading the epistle, ushering, folding the weekly bulletin, planning a special event, visiting those in prison, caring for the elderly, serving coffee hour, working in an organization, serving on the Parish Council, preaching a sermon, or being a shut-in who can’t get out of the house yet prays each day for our people and calls others on the phone once in a while to simply say hello, – and whatever else I may have forgotten – we are ALL of infinite value to our God and a vital part of the management and stewardship of His holy Church. This shows us, then, that the Church is not a charity at which we volunteer; rather, She is our Mother whom we serve.

Let us, therefore, be faithful and righteous in our stewardship. “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?" (Luke 16:10-12). Remember, in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), the Master was not upset because the third servant didn't volunteer, but rather because he didn't make good use of his talent, and did not care properly for that with which he was entrusted. Let us all go forth and be faithful to our calling, each in his or her own way, and as we heard in the Conference theme a few years ago: “See that you fulfil the ministry which you have received in the Lord” (Colossians 4:17).

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

FINANCES

INCOME

EXPENSES

November 3-4, 2018 November 1—7, 2018

PARISH COLLECTION Administration 548.31

In Church Mailed In Clergy Residence -0-

Loose 262.35 -0- Liturgy 859.27

Offering 3,666.00 141.00 Religious Education -0-

Holy Days 121.00 10.00 Social Justice -0-

Initial -0- -0- Maintenance 132.04

Dues 1,054.00 222.00 Parish Assessment -0-

Debt Reduction 30.00 -0- Insurance -0-

Holiday Flowers 55.00 5.00 Taxes 453.89

TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION

$5,188.35 $378.00 Transfer -0-

DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS Diocesan Collections 653.00

Diocesan Collection

408.00 7.00 Debt Service

(Principal + Interest) -0-

TOTAL DIOCESAN

408.00 7.00 School Subsidy -0-

OTHER INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $2,646.51

Candles 104.00

Rental of Properties

-0-

Perquisites -0- Previous Balance $806.51

Transfers -0- + Income this week +7,829.35

Holy Day 1,744.00 -Expenses this week -2,646.51

TOTAL OTHER INCOME

$1,848.00 Balance Forward $5,989.35

TOTAL INCOME $7,829.35 Your Gift to God

November 3-4, 2018

Over $100.00 2 $20 40

$100.00 2 $16-19 2

$76-99 2 $15 18

$75 0 $11-14 9

$51-74 1 $10 55

$50 4 $6-9 3

$26-49 16 $5 39

$25 15 under $5 21

$21-24 0 Total Envelopes used

229

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

Mass Attendance

November 3-4, 2018

People In-Church Collection

Average Offering

per person

4:00 p.m. 141 2,210.25 15.68

5:30 p.m. 63 758.00 12.04

8:00 a.m. 63 1,048.00 16.64

11:00a.m. 71 1,172.10 16.51

Total 338 5,188.35 15.35

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

Votive Offerings

Bread and Wine

Intention Veterans

Offered by A Parishioner

Sanctuary Candle

Intention Veterans

Offered by A Parishioner

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

Diocesan

Assessment

School

Assessment

BALANCE

Prior

Balance 0.00 93,788.02 93,788.02

Current

Assessment 71,471.00 56,659.62 128,130.62

Amount

Paid 11,000.00 731.78 11,731.78

BALANCE DUE

60,471.00 149,715.86 210,186.86

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

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

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

PARISH DEBT SERVICE

Parish Loan Amount Paid BALANCE

Due

BALANCE 412,000.00 66,820.83 345,179.17

Please Note: The Parish Debt service has been paid to

date. This Account is current.

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

LOCAL EVENTS

CHOMAN’S MOBILE CARE

Cemetery Care

Automobile Detailing

Power Washing

You can contact Chris at

(570) 262-3109,

or Book your appointment online

at ChomanCares.com

or by e-mail at

ChomanCares@gmail.com.

ECO-FRIENDLY CARE FOR YOU

AND YOUR INVESTMENTS

Cal

vin

and

Hob

bes

b

y B

ill W

ater

son

Hymn Sing

Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish

535 N. Main St.

Pittston (Junction)

Sunday, November 18

1:30 pm

Members of all area parish choirs, those who love to sing but are not part of a choir, and those who want to come and listen are most welcome. We hope you will make plans to join us as we look ahead to the Thanksgiving holiday and the feast day of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music.

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Wyoming Valley Barbershop Harmony Chorus,

now including female

members, will be presenting

"Love at Christmas"

Sunday, December 9 at Sts. Peter & Paul

Church,

13 Hudson Road,

Plains, PA.

The program will begin at 2:00 p.m. and include

secular and religious favorites

of the season.

Featured guests will be the "Nomadic Chromatics",

an acapella group from Marywood University, and SANTA CLAUS!

Tickets are $5.00 each

and will be sold "at the door"

or in advance by calling 570.285.4810.

ST. LEO’S/HOLY ROSARY HOLY NAME SOCIETY TURKEY BINGO: Is Sun., Nov. 18 in the Church Hall, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley. Win 1 of 15 turkeys. Doors open at Noon, games start at 1:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00. The kitchen will be open.

182 Butler Street, Wilkes Barre.

FREE KNEE PAIN

WORKSHOP SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17th

NOON

Chronic Knee pain can keep you on the sidelines of life. We know you’d

rather be out walking with your friends and family, gardening, or simply getting on the floor to play

with your grandchildren, but when you try, you pay the price of increased

knee pain and stiffness.

Here’s is what you will learn:

-The number one biggest mistake you’re making that keeps you from

getting better

-The reason why the hip and ankle on

your problem side could be the main cause of your knee pain

-The type of natural therapy has been proven to reduce knee pain and get

people moving again without

medication or surgery

The workshop is FREE, but seating is limited

to the first 35 people who sign up.

Reserve your seat now (once the workshop is filled, we will start a waiting list).

Call us at 570-970-0402 to register

WEEKLY CALENDAR

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE

November 17-18, 2018 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time

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

Servers Rosemary Shedlock Manuel Baez A J Kondracki Aiden Burridge

Kayla Gianelli

Lector Ann Bergold Diane Gregor Mary Ann Slavinski Sr. Tina Hanrahan

EMOC John Bergold William Klukoske AJ Kondracki Robert Dunsmuir Sr.

Hospitality Ann & Dennis

Bozinski Mimi Tosh

Marge Dreier —

Patrice Rembish Joe Stone

Cantor Carol Zukowski Geri Ulichney Brian Clarke Sr. Madonna

Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time November 12-18, 2018

Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events

Monday, 12 St. Josaphat

NO Morning Mass Scheduled VETERANS DAY (Observed) PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, November 13 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

St. Stanislaus Kostka

8 am All Souls Parish 5:30 pm CHOIR

Wednesday, November 14 Weekday

8 am Thomas Tomczyk

6:00 pm Bingo Family

Thursday, November 15 St. Albert the Great

8 am Edward Zukowski Anna Hudock

10 am Administrative Staff Noon Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 6 pm Vespers 6 pm Finance Council 6 pm Giving Tree Project

Friday, November 16 St. Margaret of Scotland

St. Gertrude

8 am All Souls Parish

Saturday, November 17 St. Elizabeth of Hungary NO Morning Mass Scheduled

3 pm Confessions

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

VIGIL 4 pm Frank Walkowiak

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas

Banesky

9:30 am RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Giving Tree Human Development Collection Debt Reduction Envelopes

VIGIL 5:30 pm All Souls Parish

SUNDAY 8 am

Living & deceased Members of the

Sophie & Andrew Chupka Family

Mary & Theresa Chupka

SUNDAY 11 am Parishioners Pastor

November 11, 2018 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time