SAINT PETER CHURCH

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2020

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The Lord is Risen, Shout Alleluia! Dear Friends in Christ, Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week because the scripture says: "he must rise from the dead" (Jn 20:9). Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and John, the beloved disciple, saw an empty tomb and only later came to believe that Jesus has risen. If we look at what happened to the disciples of Jesus from another perspective, we will see that Easter Sunday was not necessarily and initially a happy day for them. They were devastated that the Pharisees and Scribes crucified their Lord. They lived in hiding and in fear of these enemies who were after the followers of Jesus. Now they found an empty tomb that did not initially translate to them as a sign of Resurrection. On this Easter morning at the empty tomb, the disciples were in a state of mourning and sadness. At first, Easter morning was not a happy one for the disciples until the Risen Lord appeared to them later. We do feel the same way the disciple felt. The darkness that is the devastation of coronavirus pandemic seems to snuff off the light of Easter joy. This year's Easter is different from what we are used to. Our churches are empty. We are not physically present in church singing Alleluias at Mass, rejoicing that Jesus has risen. Like the empty tomb, our empty Church does not immediately turn to a piece of joyful news. Yet we are joyful and celebrate the Risen Christ because the event of the Resurrection transcends all the dysfunction that currently marks our world and our regular church life. We have been dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic all through lent. The empty tomb tells us that Jesus has risen over death and sin. The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is a real and historical fact. His body is indeed risen and united to his soul; this is an authentic experience. But we need more than the historical truth and real knowledge; we need faith to experience the reality of the Resurrection of Jesus. I invite you to that living faith. Despite our empty Church, despite the shadow cast on our worship by coronavirus pandemic, we are above all a people of transcendence faith. Our faith bears testimony to the reality of the Resurrection, the joy of Easter. My dear friends, Jesus has risen indeed, let us rejoice and be glad in this day. This Easter Sunday is the day the Lord has made for us to testify to the world that our faith in Risen Christ is higher than the scourge of coronavirus. Let us break into joyful song and dance. Let us bear witness to risen Christ as we share His love, hope, and saving grace with all people in our lives. Let us offer to all people the good news from the empty tomb and empty Church that Jesus is indeed victorious over all the anomalies of our life as we live it presently. Let the world know that despite deaths and fear, Jesus reigns supreme. He has conquered death and sin. He will overcome the darkness of the Coronavirus pandemic. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad" (Psalm 118:1).

Happy Easter! Fr. Bernard Oniwe, O.P.

Scripture Readings Week of April 12, 2020

Sunday Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22 -23; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Jn 20:1-9 Monday Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10,11; Mt 28:8-15 Tuesday Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22; Jn 20:11-18 Wednesday Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Lk 24:13-35 Thursday Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9; Lk 24:35-48 Friday Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25- 27a; Jn 21:1-14 Saturday Act 4:13-21; Ps 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-

18, 19-21; Mk 16:9-15 Sunday Second Sunday of Easter or Sunday of

Divine Mercy Acts 2:42-47; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Pt 1:3-9; Jn 20:19-31

All Mass Intentions below will be offered during Fr. Bernard’s daily private Masses.

SAT/SUN APRIL 11 / 12 EASTER 10:30 AM For the Health & Well Being of our Parish Family & Nation (C) MON, APRIL 13 11:00 AM Jean Stivala (HC) (Bereavement) TUE, APRIL 14 11:00 AM Maurice Cusatis (HC) (CCW) WED, APRIL 15 11:00 AM Beverly Azzalina (HC) (Azzalina Family) THUR, APRIL 16 11:00 AM Leo Smith (HC) (Rider Family) FRI, APRIL 17 11:00 AM Gene Bevel (HC) (Weston Family) SAT/SUN APRIL 18 / 19 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 10:30 AM For the Health & Well Being of our Parish Family & Nation (C)

SAINT PETER CHURCH

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2020

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SUNDAY ONLINE $ 6,487 SUNDAY ENVELOPES $ 4,810 CATHOLIC RELIEF $ 476 ($568)

HOLY LAND $ 35

EASTER $ 450

YOUTH MESSAGES OF STEWARDSHIP & TALENT”

“I was picking up trash around town.” “I hugged my sister when she was sad.”

“I helped around the house.”

++++++++++++++

GROWING OUR FAITH & STRENGTHENING OUR MINISTRY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

TOTAL AMOUNT PLEDGED: $2,105,144.48

TOTAL PAID TO DATE: $ 1,689,207.54

TOTAL DUE: $ 415,936.94

THANK YOU TO OUR BULLETIN SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

WHITE FAMILY DENTAL

PEOPLE YOU KNOW PEOPLE WHO CARE 717-367-1336

Easter Sunday The angel said, “Do not be afraid.” Trust that the risen Christ empowers you to go and spread the good news. (Matthew 28: 1-10). If God may be calling you to the priesthood or consecrated life, visit our website at www.hbgdiocese.org, call Father Jonathan Sawicki at (717) 657-4804, or write: frjsawicki@hbgdiocese.org.

OUR SANCTUARY CANDLES ILLUMINATE THIS WEEK FOR:

~ HISTORIC CHURCH ~

In Celebration of Mary & Frank Smith’s

Wedding Anniversary

Given by the Smith Family

~ CHURCH ~

In Loving Memory of Mary Lou O’Neill

Given by the Telenko Family

How do I make an act of Spiritual Communion?

Like the acts of contrition, faith, hope, or love, there are traditional prayers already composed. However, sometimes we do not have the prayer memorized. In those cases, using your own words to make a profession of faith in the True Presence of Jesus Christ, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the Most Blessed Sacrament while expressing your desire in receiving Him is sufficient.

Act of Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. St. Alphonsus de Liguori

In Memoriam

~ Olga Korol ~

Parishioner &

~ Carmine Tagliere ~

Father of Maria Hayes

“Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord, and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them. May All of the

Faithful Departed, Through the Mercy of God, rest in Peace. Amen.”

PRAYER DURING A PANDEMIC

O clement, O loving, O sweet Mother Mary,

We, your children of every nation,

Turn to you in this pandemic.

Our troubles are numerous; our fears are great.

Grant that we might deposit them at your feet,

Take refuge in your Immaculate Heart,

And obtain peace, healing, rescue,

And timely help in all our needs. You are our Mother.

Pray for us to your Son. Amen.

GET YOUR HERSHEY PARK TICKETS!! Discount tickets to Hersheypark are available to the

friends and families of the parish at a significant savings. Gate admission for Regular is $74.80,

our price is $38.95 (ALL ages 3+).

Order forms and more information is on our website, www.stpeteretown.org

News/Parish Information

SAINT PETER CHURCH

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2020

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2020 Easter Flowers

From: In Loving Memory of: Mary & Cindy Barr Ed Barr, James & Mary McLaughlin, Howard & Julia the 7 Barr Brothers, Pat Flowers, & Joan Funck Doug & Kelly Batche Robert & Donna Batche, Betty & Joe McMullen, Charlie Stewart Cherie & John Belicic Dina Schoenberger, All of our Family, Gene Bevel, Bing Horvath, Bev Weiss Deborah Bimle Leo & Elizabeth Bimle Christine Cassel Jarosh & Koritkowski Families Janet Chipriano Henry Chipriano Elizabeth Council Ruth Smith, Grandmother Patricia Cowen Agnes & George Oelkers, Minnie & George Cowen, and George M. Cowen Steve & Patti Desjardins John & Ann Martin, George & Angeline Desjardins, Tom Martin, Maureen Martin Ludwig, Brian Savage, and Evan Titus Robert & Armella DeWalt Catherine DeWalt, William DeWalt, Armella Habenschus, Anthony Habenschus Dan & Mary Jo Dietrich George & Irene Savin, Arthur & Florence Dietrich Annette Eckinger Joan & Tony Carbone, Nancy Carbone, Betty & Harold Eckinger, John Eckinger Mary & Larry Fike Joseph & Mary Lenart, David Lenart, Walter & Mabel Fike Cooper & Therese Gilbreath Al & Therese Horsy, James Tell Sr, James Tell Jr, George & Anne Felex David & Karen Hickernell Clayton & Rosemary Hickernell Linda Itzoe & Family Arthur Lee & Rebecca Hershey, A. Jerome & Alice Itzoe, Maurice & Bertha Itzoe, Leonard & Mary Veronica Itzoe, Jack Itzoe, Charles & Matilda Itzoe & Shirley Kreiser Virginia Jane Kern Opa Kern, Grandpa Tofari Walter & Rosemarie Kinsey Our parents The Klinger Family Christopher Klinger , the Klinger Family, Steven White & the White Family George & Angie Kohlweiler Kohlweiler & Galippo Families Jim & Sandy Koser Our Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles, Monsignor Thomas Kujovsky Koser & Groff Families Sylvester & Jean E. Ulrich

SAINT PETER CHURCH

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2020

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I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given

me, for they are yours. John 17:9

From: In Loving Memory of: Kerry & Suzette Kreider Thomas & Georgeann Desjardins, Wallace Desjardins Randall & Paula Mancini Evelyn Rajnik, Gene Mancini Sr Anne Marie Marsh Michael Marsh, David Marsh Rosalie Miklos Alfred Miklos, Deceased Miklos & Einfalt families Stephanie Miklos Alfred Miklos Lorraine Murawski Murawski & Kluger Famliies Tom & Cathy Norcott Patrick & Ellen Norcott, John & Bridget Pike, Pat Honig, Stephen Bauer, and James Norcott Liz Pfautz Doug Pfautz, Carol Pfautz, Cornelius, Elizabeth, and Peter Dailey, Peggy Dowling, Earl & Reba Pfautz, & Michael Pfautz Carole & Earl Pickel Elizabeth McGuire, Furman McGuire, Benton Pickel, Mildred Pickel Nancy Ritz Shirley Ritz, Leo Ritz, Judith Ritz Selner & Francis Ritz Robert Shank Vivian Shank Earl & Linda Shearer Peg Shearer Rick & Patti Strausbaugh Betty Kuhn, Lavere Kuhn, Gwen Strausbaugh John Stum Peggy Stum Robert & Denise Sukenik Mr/Mrs Cavlin T. Walke, Mr/Mrs Robert E. Sukenik Philip Wise/ Sylvia Spagnolo Mom & Dad Fred Young Elizabeth Scheetz, Lewis Young & Ronald Young

From: In Honor of: Mary Barr Cindy Barr Cherie & John Belicic Fr Bernard, Parish Family , Family Members & CCW Christine Cassel All Healthcare Workers Dave & Karen Hickernell Joan Nelson Virginia Kern Grandpa Shindel & Victoria Kern Walter & Rosemarie Kinsey Our family Sandy & Jim Koser Fr. Bernard Oniwe, Fr. David Danneker, our Children & Grandchildren Randall & Paula Mancini Frank Rajnik, Sadie Mancini Rosalie Miklos My Family Stephanie Miklos Rosalie Miklos Robert Shank Karen Keener & Barbara Shank

Contributors:

Duane & Cami Baker Agnes Fetterman Roseann & Tim Foy Walter & Kelly Grudi Eva Hack Virginia Hukill John & Tracy Kirchner Howard & Gail Klinkner Tom & Anne Lavin

Mary T. Moore Vincent & Margaret Murphy Suzanne Noel & Family Minh & That Nguyen Deacon Ryan Ken & Mary Jane Schnabel Ann & Gene Thomas Philip Weinert William & Theresa Yoder