SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, PRAY FOR US! Parish Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm

Mass Schedule

Vigil Mass

(Saturday) 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass

8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Weekday Mass

M,T,W,F 8:30 a.m.

Confessions before daily

Mass; Saturday 4:15 p.m.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

SS. Peter & Paul Parish, a community of faith called by God to deepen

our relationship with Jesus Christ, serves the Lord by sharing our time,

talent and treasure. As disciples of Christ, we are called to bring Jesus

Christ to ourselves and others: our children, the sick, the poor, the fallen

away Catholics and those who need to hear God’s message of uncondi-

tional love and forgiveness. SS. Peter & Paul Parish is a beacon of light

rooted in Jesus Christ, passed on to his successor, our Holy Father the

Pope, and is guided by our local bishop to build the Kingdom of God on

Earth. It is our mission to shine the light of Jesus Christ in our world and

to spiritually enrich the individual members of the parish as well as the

larger community through word, worship, sacrament and service.

The Parish in the heart of the Endless Mountains

Established in 1841

SACRAMENTS

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated Sundays after the 11:00 a.m.

Mass. First time parents are asked to attend a welcoming session prior to

baptism. Godparents are asked to present a sponsor card. Please call the

parish office as soon as possible after your child’s birth to plan his or her

baptism.

The Sacrament of Marriage—engaged couples should notify the pastor

at least six months prior to their proposed date. Couples participate in a

preparation program.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick—please call the parish of-

fice for visitation of the sick at home, in the hospital, or health care facili-

ty.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the official process used

by the Church to bring adults into the Catholic faith.

SPIRITUAL DEVOTIONS

The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed

in common before weekday Masses.

The Perpetual Novena of the Miracu-

lous Medal is prayed in common every

Monday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration is held from 9:00

a.m. on the Thursday preceding First Fri-

day until 2:00 p.m. on Friday in Grotto

Hall and the church.

Sacred Heart Devotions are prayed in

common after First Friday Masses.

Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of

Mary are prayed in common after the

First Saturday Masses.

Parish Prayer Line requests

Call Annette at 570-265-9691.

Fifth Sunday of Easter † May 3, 2015

Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. . . .I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him

will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.”

John 15: 1,5

CCD Every Sunday

Classes 9:15 in St. Agnes School

May 8: First Communion Retreat Day

May 15: First Communion Practice 6 pm

May 16: 10 am First Communion Mass

Parish Dates To Remember

May 5: Diocesan Regional Pastoral Leadership Meeting 6:30 pm Grotto Hall, food at 5:30 pm May 10: Mother’s Day May 11: ARISE Together in Christ meeting in Grotto Hall 6:00-8:30 pm (food@5:00) May 13: 7:00 pm Vigil Mass for the Ascension May 14: Ascension Thursday Masses 8:30 am, 12:10 pm May 15: First Communion Practice 6 pm May 16: First Communion 10 am Mass June 14: Sonestown Hotel Dinner, War Museum, and Red Barn Antiques* Jun 27: Parish Feast Day Picnic @ Mt. Pisgah Aug 8-9: tentative 2-day National Shrine and Smithsonian Trip to Washington DC* *reservations call Nancy 570-721-1062

Parish Bulletin Advertisers

We thank those businesses and individuals who have

placed an ad in our parish bulletin. We ask parishioners to

thank these individuals and to use their companies. This

week, we especially acknowledge

Matt Tavani

Gannon Associates Insurance

Anyone wishing to advertise in the parish Bulletin should

contact the parish office 570-265-2113 for more infor-

mation; the pricing is very reasonable.

Papal Visit Bus Trip in September 27, 2015

A bus has been arranged from Towanda to the Papal Mass

in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 27, 2015 during the

visit of the Holy Father for the World Meeting of Fami-

lies. There is a sign-up sheet in the back of the church;

$40 includes a seat on the bus and a Pilgrimage Package

from the Diocese; meals are on your own. Make checks

out to SS Peter & Paul Church. The deadline for this pay-

ment is Memorial Day, May 25, 2015. After that date, any

available seats will be $50 each. For more information,

call the office 570-265-2113 or Wendi Raupers 607-427-

4916.

Diocesan Men’s Convocation

The Men’s Convocation, “Be A Man,” was a great suc-

cess. Over 600 men of the Diocese gathered at King’s

College to hear some challenging speakers, meet other

Men in the Diocese, celebrate Mass with Bishop Bam-

bera, and strengthen their faith. Thanks to the men of our

parish, Matt Tavani and Greg Steele, who organized our

parish participation and to those who attended from Saints

Peter & Paul. Plans are being made for next year’s Men’s

Diocesan Convocation—when we get a date, we will pass

it along..

Nepal Earthquake Relief

Collection this Weekend

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, ex-

pressed his prayers and solidarity with

the people of Nepal, and he offered

encouragement to the civil authorities

and emergency personnel as they con-

tinue their rescue efforts and assis-

tance. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

has asked us to respond through a second collection for

funds that will be used to support the efforts of Catholic

Relief Services as they address the immediate emergency

needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter and med-

ical care as well as the long-term needs to rebuild the

communities in the regions hit with widespread destruc-

tion. A CRS team is already on the ground in Kathmandu,

the capital city and one of the most affected areas, and its

local partner Caritas Nepal has started distributing food

and shelter.

I am authorizing a special collection to be taken

up at all Masses of obligation in parishes of the Diocese of

Scranton this weekend, May 2-3, 2015.

I also ask everyone to pray for the victims of this

humanitarian crisis, and for the ethnic Nepalese refugees

who have settled in our community with the help of Cath-

olic Social Services – many of whom have family mem-

bers still living in Nepal.

In solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need,

we can provide prayerful and tangible assistance as they

begin the long and difficult road to recovery.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.

First Communion—May 16, 2015

First Communion this year will be held on Saturday, May

16, 2015 at 10 am with a practice on the Friday evening

prior at 6 pm. We ask that parishioners keep these children

and their parents in your prayers that they may fully appre-

ciate the gift of the Eucharist and their relationship to God

through Christ, even more as they receive their First Holy

Communion. The First Communion Retreat Day is this

Friday, May 8, 2015. Parents should make arrangements

for their children to attend this retreat.

National Shrine Trip Planning - August 8-9

An overnight trip to the National Shrine in Washington,

DC, and also to the Smithsonian, has been proposed to the

parish Social Activities Committee, which is now planning

on the dates of August 8-9, 2015. Transportation cost will

depend on how many people will be going. Please call

Nancy Barrett 570-268-0180 for information and with your

interest in going, before May 23.

Liturgical Ministers May 9 - 10 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Marilyn Miller, Joanne & Patrick Barry Sunday 8 am: Sonia Huff, Hank & Louise Schelter 11 am: Barbara & Ed Krauss, Charlene Garden Lectors Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Abby Zampogna Easter Sunday 8 am: Simon Smith 11 am: Bob Gisler Altar Servers Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Aaron Barry, David Smith Sunday 8:00 am: Teddy Steele, Enzo & Dante Ottaviani 11 am: Elizabeth Ondrey, Mason Hartmann, Warner Dorman Musicians Sat. Vigil 5 pm: George Dzus, Jim Hoffmann Sunday 8:00: am: Gloria Nilsson, Theresa Sparrow 11:00 am: Joe Dorsey, Cindy Williams Hospital & Personal Care Home: Sonia Huff Bradford County Manor: Mary Pfeffer

Altar Care 5/9: Carol Madill,

Kate Anderson, Wendi Raupers

Collection Counters May 4: Team B

Sanctuary Lamps burn this week for:

1. Anne Sullivan (Shirley & Robert Barrett)

2. Anne Sullivan (Kathy & Mary Alice)

Mass Intentions May 3 - 10 -

Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm: Fred Gerrity (the Family))

Sunday 8 am: James Walsh (the Family)

11 am: Mary Homan

(Francis and Lucille Watkins)

Mon. 8:30 am: Our Parishioners

Tuesday 8:30 am: Vivian Sullivan White

(Pat McCracken & Sharon Miller)

Wed. 5:30 pm: Judy Hoffmann

(Jim & Rosemary Hoffmann)

Thurs. 8:30 am: Rocco & Marion Saldutti

(Sue Geissler)

Friday; No Mass

Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm: For the Intentions of Mary

Paquette on her Birthday (Tricia Bryington)

Sunday 8 am: Frederick Robert Gerrity

(Carol & Dave Brubaker)

11 am: Anna & Sylvio Landry (parents)

(M/M Richard Landry)

Offertory April 19, 2015

Sunday Offering $ 4,597.86

CRS Rice Bowl $ 1,l55.47

Mother’s Day $ 953.10

Special Envelopes $ 55.00

Second Collection This week is the monthly Diocesan Collection for the

Care & Education of Priests; next week, the monthly par-

ish collection for Aid to Education..

Fr. Barron’s “Catholicism” Program

Fr. Barron’s program continues this Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Each Episode can be viewed individually; this is

not a cumulative program—all are welcome!

Mass is held at 5:30 pm instead of 8:30 am, followed by a light dinner, then the “Catholicism” program is from

6:45-8 pm. The following Wednesdays will be used:

May 6. 2015 The Fire of His Love: Prayer and the Life of the Spirit

May 20, 2015 World Without End: The Last Things

Catholic Home Missions Collection

Thank you for your generous support of last

week’s Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Your contribu-

tions will help strengthen the Church at home and will

help ensure that the Gospel is spread across the United

States. To learn more about home missions funding and

who the appeal helps, please visit www.usccb.org and

search “Catholic Home Missions.”

Rice Bowl

Our Community changed lives this past Lent, and

Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl wants to say,

THANK YOU !

Church Spring Cleaning—May 20, 2015

In addition to our regular scheduled weekly cleaning, the

church needs some additional TLC—just like our family

homes, our church home could use a “Spring Cleaning.”

Mary Kay Ward has volunteered to organize the

work bee and will need at least 10 volunteers. If you

would like to help but can't stand or use the vacuum, many

items (i.e. candlesticks) need polishing and can be done

sitting down. The spring cleaning will take place on

Wednesday, May 20, starting at 8:30 AM. With enough

volunteers, the cleaning should take no longer than three

hours. Call Mary Kay if you can give a few hours of your

time. Lunch will be provided afterwards in the Grotto Hall.

Call Mary Kay (telephone 570-265-5299).

Campaign Care

Last year the parish was faced with the daunting

task of repairing the various Parish, School and Cemetery

parking facilities and roadways. The cost was over $100K

and Campaign Care 2014-2015 was/is a two year program

to meet those expenses. Through your generous gifts ~

$62K was raised with ~$42K outstanding. If you would

like to make an initial donation or a 2015 donation, please

place your gift in an envelope marked Campaign Care

2015 and place it in the collection basket or mail to the

parish office – checks should be marked SSPP 2015 Cam-

paign Care.

RICHARD M. FARLEY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

———————————

521 MAIN STREET 570-265-4993

TOWANDA, PA 18848 FAX: 570-265-5996

e-mail: rmfarley@epix.net

Knights of Columbus TOWANDA COUNCIL, No. 3915

7 Poplar St., Towanda PA 18848

Meetings 2nd/4th Wednesdays at 7 pm

Contact: 570-265-2113

If you would like to join our parish, contact: SS. Peter & Paul Church—106 Third St.—Towanda PA 18848

Call 570-265-2113 or email stppp@epix.net

REQUEST FOR PARISH REGISTRATION FORM

Name ____________________________Date__________

Address_________________________________________

City,Zip _________________________Phone __________

ST. AGNES SCHOOL A Roman Catholic School of the Diocese of Scranton

Pre-K (3 & 4 Years of Age) to Grade 6 Middle States Accredited

(570) 265-6803 102 Third Street

Towanda PA 18848

www.edline.net/pages/StAgnes

570-268-7653 570-888-2202

Dandy Mini Mart

A dandy place to run for those extras!

Over 72 locations to serve you!

PLEASE THANK

these SPONSORS

Of our

Parish bulletin

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS_

George Allen; Mary Allen; Anonymous Request; Anonymous Special Intention; Christine

Bedford; Edith Brennan; Julia Brown; Otto Brown; David Brubaker; Robert Coles; Joan Cowles;

Sue Daly; John Thomas Demangone; Richard J. Finnegan; Mike Gambal; Eugene Gisler; Sally

Groff; Ann Thompson Haglich; Billy Hollenback; Linda Hollenback; Betty Johnson; Barbara

Korb; Joyce Kuykendal; Connie Leone; Frank Lindsey; Sharon Mahaffey; Mary Ellen Marshall; Joe Miksis; Mary

Miksis; Steven (Nate) Miller; Mary Lou Muchichko; Jim Nalisnick; Gloria Nilsson; Mary Paquette; Joe

Perechinskey; Bev Place; Matt Pritchard; Alex Rabago; Delia Rabago; Yolanda Rossi; Rita Sasso; Richard Schmieg;

Ed Slocum, Jr.; Jerry Smith; Joanne Smith; Marie Smith; Robert Spaulding; Paula Stover; Ed & Barbara Ulatowski;

C. Michael Vaughn; Kathleen Woods; Ruth Young; Elsie Zurn; also Felis, Grace, Venus, Zaida, Edna, Rita & Tita.

To add a name to this published Prayer List, call the office at 265-2113 or email your request to stppp@epix.net.

OTTAVIANI OPTOMETRY

1932 GOLDEN MILE RD 55 MAIN ST P.O. BOX 599 P.O. BOX 505 WYSOX PA 18854 WYALUSING PA 18853

PHONE: 570-265-6816 PHONE: 570-746-1610

SS. PETER & PAUL CEMETERY JAMES STREET - N. TOWANDA

2 AND 4 Grave Lots Available

Business Office: 106 Third St., Towanda PA 18848 570-265-2113

Barrett Law Offices Patrick J. Barrett, III

Attorney & Counselor at Law

21 Troy St. PO Box 157 96 Hayden St. Canton PA 17724 Sayre PA 18840 570-673-5180 570-888-0297 or 570-364-5799 Fax: 570-888-4142 Fax: 570-673-5780 barrettathens@cqservices.com. patbar.law@frontiernet.net

#1 in the #2 Business

Residential - Commercial

Oil Field

Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm

Weekends by Appointment

Pumping - Tank Installation

Tank Location - Broken Pipes

Repairs - Chemicals

Pump Repairs - Tank Replacement

A Community Funeral, Cremation, and Memorial Resource Service Owned & Operated by the Bowen Family

Providing Professional Services that Respond to Personal Needs

Complete Pre-Arranged Funeral Planning — Burial And Cremation Services.

Out-Of-Town Receiving and Transfer Service, Monument Service

www.bowenfuneralhomes.com

Bowen-Farr Funeral Home

570-258-3456

6 Gordon Farr St.—Ulster, Pa. 18850

Melvin A. Lovell

Funeral Director—Supervisor

Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home Inc.

570-265-2272

217 York Ave., Towanda PA 18848

James A. Bowen

Funeral Director, Owner / Supervisor

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

for Visiting Work Crews W/D, all utilities, central location:

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stppp@epix.net

175th Parish Anniversary: History, Heritage and Handing on what God has Given to Us

Planning for the 175th Anniversary of the parish is moving forward—more specific information will

follow in the bulletin and in the mail. Please review some of the activities below and plan to help and/or

attend. Keep your eyes and ears open and celebrate our History and Heritage as a Catholic Community here

in Towanda, and consider how we are canned to Hand this on—these are our Three H’s.

The timeframe for the celebration will be from Pentecost 2016 through Pentecost 2017. Listed below

are the various events that are being planned:

1. May 15, 2016 Concert Pentecost Sunday Opening Celebration

2. May 30, 2016 Memorial Day Mass at James Street Cemetery

3. June 26, 2016 11 am Sunday Liturgy & Dinner Bishop Bambera main Celebrant

4. June 29, 2016 Feast of Saints Peter & Paul

5. August 15, 2016 100th Anniversary of the Parish Grotto & Ice Cream Social

6. September, 2016 Mass at State Road Cemetery

7. October & November, 2016 Thanksgiving/Harvest Dinner & ARISE Spiritual Renewal Program

8. February & March 2017 Mardi Gras Party & ARISE Spiritual Renewal Program

11. May, 2017 Tour of the Church / History Fair

12. May, 2017 Mass at James Street Cemetery – Recognition / Historical Grave / Marker

13. June 4, 2017 Concert Pentecost Sunday Closing Celebration

* Dinner program * Historical Booklet * New Parish Directory * Time Capsule(s) *

Parish Questionnaires: Yellow and White

Thanks to those who have returned the parish (yellow and white) questionnaires. If you have not done

so already, please complete yours and hand it in via the collection basket, mail, or drop off in the parish office.

Your input is vital and valuable in the parish’s planning and understanding.

Regional Meeting with Bishop Bambera - May 5, 2015

Bishop Bambera will be here at SS Peter & Paul Parish this Tuesday, May 5, for a regional meeting in Grotto

Hall with parish representatives to discuss and reflect upon various methods to meet the ministry needs of par-

ishes in the years ahead. In his pastoral letter and in discussions over the past several years, we are asked to

consider in what ways can I serve the Church, local and universal. Tuesday’s meeting will be from 6:30-8:30

p.m.; food will be available at 5:30 p.m.

Are You good at Cutting Grass?

Plenty of people like to cut grass, especially in the countryside – you’re focused,

you cycle through things on your mind, you feel great after doing the job and many other

personal reasons. The parish is in need of 12 people (six pairs of people) to cut the grass at

the parish’s Mercur Hill (The Ireland) Cemetery about seven miles east of Towanda. This

can be broken down into two people each month – May through October. This will proba-

bly mean cutting— weather permitting—- twice a month.

The reason for the need is that the cost of maintaining the cemetery, grass cutting

and tree removal, is exceeding the interest/dividend income to maintain the grass cutting of the cemetery. The

cemetery is one acre and the stones seem to be positioned so as to make cutting the grass a non-complex pro-

cess. Contact Fr. Ed (570-265-2113) or Bill Farley to volunteer or for more information – the parish will sup-

ply the equipment when needed.

Nominations for Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)

The current Parish Pastoral Council is seeking nominations to fill three Council positions. Membership

on the Council is for a three-year term. Please prayerfully consider members of the parish who you feel will

help the parish move forward in growth and holiness. Nominations forms were given out last weekend with

pertinent information about the Council and its current members; if you need a form, more are available in the

back of the church this week. Please read the information on the form and submit your nomination(s) by

next Sunday, May 10, 2015.

ARISE Together in Christ – May 11, 2015

The parish under the guidance of RENEW International and encouraged by the PPC is undertaking a

program to strengthen the faith of parishioners of all ages – participants not only learn about the faith, but also

deepen their relationship with Christ and give witness to Christ in their lives with confidence. The program is

also focused to lead to a fuller and more active participation in the Liturgy. An informational meeting with

Anne Scanlan, ARISE representative, will be held Monday evening May 11, 2015 in Grotto Hall from 6-8:30

pm. Light refreshments will be served prior to the meeting. Everyone in the parish is welcome to attend.

Parish Picnic – Saturday June 27, 2015

This year we are planning to celebrate our parish feast day (Feast of Saints Peter & Paul) on Saturday,

June 27, 2015 at Mt. Pisgah State Park – Pool Pavilion. Same place as last year! Mt. Pisgah offers plenty of

activities as well as the ones the parish has planned. We have the pavilion from 8am to 8pm, so plan accord-

ingly. Activities will be in the morning and early afternoon with food designed around the area of noontime

A list of planned activities and park activities will be published in the bulletin later – Mark the date now for the

celebration of two great Saints and a great parish!

Vacation Bible School (VBS) – Camp Discovery

A summer Ecumenical Vacation Bible School will again be held at St. Agnes School, in JFK Hall, dur-

ing the week of July 12-16, 2015 Sunday evening thru Thursday evening from 6-8 pm. This year’s theme is

“Camp Discovery.”

Children grades Pre-school through 7th can come to enjoy Bible stories, crafts, songs, food, activities

and friendship while discovering how to serve God and others. Mark your calendars and save the date – Have

Fun and Discover!

Program organizers have been working to crate an enjoyable program and are looking for adults and

teenagers to assist during part or for the entire program week – Small Group leaders, Small group assistants,

1 Activity person. Please see Fr. Ed, Marie Seibert, or Kathy DeWan for more details. Next Meeting 5-12-15.

Sixth Annual Diocesan Vocations Golf Classic

Interested in golfing? Interested in helping some young men study for the priesthood? How about

combining the two and forming a foursome to play in the Diocesan Vocations Golf Classic! This year’s tour-

nament will be held at Blue Ridge Trail Gold Club on Monday July 13, 2015 – Captain & Crew. Registration

is at 10am/ Shotgun Start at 12 noon. See Fr. Ed for a brochure. If you are not interested in playing, but would

like to help the program, make a check out to Diocese of Scranton “Vocations Endowment.”

Diocesan Annual Appeal

Thank you for your generosity to the 2014 Diocesan Annual Appeal! For at least three years running

Saints Peter & Paul – Towanda has exceeded our goal for the Annual Appeal, and our parish percentage of do-

nors is one of the highest in the Diocese. Thank you for your concern for those in need not only in our local

community, but throughout the Diocese.

If anyone would who has not made a donation and would like to do so there are 2014 Diocesan Appeal

envelopes at the entrance to the Church – no gift is too small nor too large. Donors receive bi-weekly copies

of the Catholic Light, the Diocesan newspaper.

Thank you for your interest and support.