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THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF NATIVITY BVM & ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
FROM THE DEACON’S BENCH:
“I tell you, brothers and sisters,
the time is running out.” Paul
was warning those in his faith
community in Corinth that we
should live our lives as if Jesus
was coming any day now. In
fact, all three readings today
carry a warning that time is
running out. In our first reading, Jonah is given the
mission by God to tell the people of Nineveh that,
unless there is a change of heart, the city would be
destroyed in 40 days. You would think that if God
gave you a task to complete, time would be of the
essence yet it wasn't until something got fishy that
Jonah finally repents himself and goes to the city of
Nineveh. Surprise has to be the first emotion he felt
when, after only one day of preaching, the whole
city repents. Wouldn't that be great if we could say
that, instead of falling asleep, our parishioners had a
change of heart?
Paul has that same theme of the need for repenting
in all of his letters. Paul, like Jonah, had to have a
change of heart to repent of his blindness in his own
life before he could complete the work that the Lord
gave him. In the letter to the Corinthians, Paul is
telling them that the time of Jesus' return is almost
here and they need to have a complete change of
lifestyle. This must have caused quite a stir in their
community. What must they have thought? How
does one go from having a wife to acting as if they
don't, and if you’re sad enough to be crying, how
do you just stop? I'm sure that at the moment Paul
uttered these words, they were very confused.
Wouldn't we be? Paul was trying not only to have
the community repent but also to use the time
before the return of Christ to live their lives focused
on the kingdom of God and not on the world and all
its distractions.
In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims to all, “this is the time
of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.” He
calls on all of Israel to repent. I wonder what
Zebedee, the father of James and John, was
thinking when in answer to the call by Jesus to
“come follow me”, both of the brothers simply left.
Was he upset? Did he yell out in anger, “Hey!
Where are you going?”
We will never know
because Mark doesn't tell us. I would like to think
that they were men of deep faith, father and sons,
who underwent a deep spiritual conversion to follow
this man from Galilee.
Lent will be here in just a little over three weeks. It is
a time to repent, to undergo a conversion of heart,
to be willing to hear the voice that the Apostles
heard to “come follow me.” This Lent, will we?
Deacon Ray
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT:
We know how hard it is to stay ahead in these
difficult times, so you can understand the struggle for
the 33 million Americans that live in poverty. Join our
parish community in support of the Catholic
Campaign for Human Development this weekend,
Thank you.
BVM – envelope is in your packet
SML – envelope is in the pew
BIBLE STUDY: Our Sunday night Bible
Study of 1 Corinthians will continue this
Sunday evening.
If you have any
questions, please call Cindy at (570)
836-4744.
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MARY, THE
MOTHER OF GOD? If so, a new Bible study will be
starting on Wednesday February 4th at 10:00AM at
Father Nallin Hall and will run almost every
Wednesday through Lent until March 25th. The only
Wednesday that we will not meet will be Ash
Wednesday, February 18th. The book we are going
to use for this study is “Mary-Virgin, Mother, and
Queen” written by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. of EWTN
fame. If you have any question, please call Cindy
at 570 836-4744. I hope you can attend.
VALENTINE DINNER DANCE: Our annual Valentine's
Day Dinner Dance will be held
on Valentine’s Day, Saturday,
February 14th in Fr. Nallin Hall
starting at 6:00PM. Tickets are
on sale now through Ruth Nole,
at the Parish Office or at Antonio’s Restaurant in the
Weis shopping plaza.
LENTEN PIEROGI MAKING: Our next pierogi making
session will be held this Monday morning, January
26th in Father Nallin Hall & Kitchen. Thank you to the
volunteers who came out last Monday for our kickoff
session. More men and women are needed for this
important parish project. Come join us on Mondays
starting at 8:00AM (or on Tuesdays at 1:00PM for
bagging of the pierogies).
We will be selling
pierogies on Fridays during Lent (10:00AM – 5:00PM).
We will also be selling hot food on Ash Wednesday –
see subsequent bulletins for further information.
SML FIRST RECONCILIATION: We congratulate and
ask your prayers for our CCD students who will
receive their First Reconciliation (Penance) next
Saturday, January 31st at 10:00AM:
Erin VanNess
Anthony Williams
Isaiah Williams
Logan Zdaniewicz
SANCTUARY CANDLE: If you would like to
offer this candle in honor/memory of a loved
one or in thanksgiving, please contact the
Parish Office (836-3275).
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF NATIVITY BVM & ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
A WORD OF GRATITUDE:
I want to take this
opportunity to express my gratitude to all of our
parishioners for their characteristic generosity. Both
of our parish communities are known for the sharing
of their time, talents and treasure, not only with their
Church but with the wider community and world.
Last week we had a special Pocket Change
Collection for the Medical Mission trip that will take
place this coming week in Haiti. Dr. Andres, three
other physicians and four medical students from the
University of Scranton will be traveling there on
Sunday, January 25th, to minister to the sick, infirm
and dying who live in one of the most impoverished
areas of the world. We pray that they might have a
safe trip and that God might bless their ministry of
healing. $1,100.03 was collected ($948.00 from
Nativity BVM Church and $162.03 from St. Mary of
the Lake Church).
All of these donations will be
used to purchase medicines, medical supplies and
equipment to be used on their trip.
I am grateful to all parishioners and friends for their
generosity to our Christmas Collection this year.
Although, we did not make our goal, we are very
grateful for all your kindness in this appeal as well as
your generosity to the Adopt-A-Family Program and
St. Francis Commons (Veterans Center) at St. Mary
of the Lake Church and the Giving Tree and Holiday
Food Baskets at Nativity BVM Church.
Christmas Collection: As of January 16, 2015
This collection helps to support the programs and
activities of our parish throughout the year.
St. Mary of the Lake Church:
Christmas 2013 was $5,689.00; Christmas 2014 was
$5,177.61. Difference: $511.69 less.
Nativity BVM Church:
Christmas 2013 was
$16,161.00; Christmas
2014 was: $13,236.00.
Difference: $2,925.00 less.
2015 & 2016 MASS INTENTIONS: Mass intentions may
now be submitted for the 2015 & 2016 calendar
years, and will be booked on a first-come, first
served basis. To avoid delays, please be sure to
indicate whether each intention is for a person living
or deceased, Catholic or non-Catholic. The offering
for an announced Mass is $10.00 and the names will
be printed in the parish bulletin and announced at
the Mass.
BLESSING OF THROATS: The customary blessing of
throats in anticipation of the Feast of St. Blaise, will
take place next weekend, January 31st-February 1st
following all of the Masses in both churches. For
those who desire this sacramental, you are asked to
come forward during the closing hymn of Mass. The
priest, deacon and special ministers of Holy
Communion will be assisting with this blessing.
BLESSED CANDLES AVAILABLE: Candlemas Day is
celebrated on Monday, February 2nd. Candles will
be blessed and available in the Church sanctuary
following all Masses for the week of February 2nd-8th.
Suggested donation is $3.00 per box of two candles.
OFFERTORY PROCESSION:
In an effort to involve
more parishioners at weekend and holy day Masses
this year in both of our parishes, our parish ushers are
asked to secure two or three parishioners to carry up
the gifts at every Mass. The Wine, Water, Ciborium
and occasionally the collection basket are carried
to the altar during the Preparation of the Gifts. If no
one is listed for this ministry in the bulletin and if no
one approaches the ushers 5 minutes before Mass
begins, the ushers are asked to choose different
men, women and young people or a family to
participate as a gift bearer. A variety of people of
different ages and genders are encouraged. The
procession normally should not be performed by the
ushers themselves or the same people at every
Mass.
I encourage families to volunteer for this ministry
before Mass begins or to accept the request of the
ushers to perform this ministry at Mass when asked.
Individuals or families who offer a Mass for a loved
one are invited to participate as a gift bearer at that
Mass. However, you must contact the Parish Office
a week in advance so that your name is in the
bulletin.
The Directors of Religious Education and CCD
Teachers must also contact the parish office if the
children will be bringing the gifts at the Mass so that
their name is in the bulletin and no one else is asked.
If parishioners do not volunteer or accept the
request from the Ushers, we may need to
discontinue the offertory procession at Mass. Your
cooperation is deeply appreciated. The Liturgy is
the work of all of God's people.
SML SOCIAL JUSTICE NOTES
LOWER WYOMING COUNTY FOOD PANTRY: The lower
Wyoming County Food Pantry is in need of a few
volunteers...two and a half hours about three times
a year ....if this interests you, please give me a call!
ST. FRANCIS COMMONS: The veterans of St. Francis
Commons have a request...if you are tired of
some of your DVDs, they would certainly enjoy
you passing them on ...they have a DVD player
but nothing to watch! There is a box for these in
the hospitality entrance at St. Mary of the Lake or
you can contact Mary Lou. Thank you!
FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: LIHEAP applications for
fuel assistance are now being accepted...if you or
someone you know can use help with your fuel bill
this winter, now is the time to apply. Applications
can be obtained through the Wyoming County
Assistance office, downloaded online, or you can
apply online. There is an income guideline. If you
need help with an application, please call and we
can assist you. It is very important not to wait on this
as funding is limited. Please remember to get your
LIHEAP applications in...checks are going out!
Love, Mary Lou Franko
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF NATIVITY BVM & ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT – A GREAT BIG THANK YOU:
Thank you one and all who turned out for our first
Family Movie Night. Oh, what a “perfect” night!
Our movie “The Perfect Game’ (true story) was a big
hit along with our popcorn machine. It was apoppin’ all night…thank you Ruth Nole and
Hadassah Schork. The best part was seeing all our
many children gathered together on their blankets,
sleeping bags and pillows and our adults gathered
around in their comfortable camp chairs. It was a
good old-fashioned kick-off-your-shoes-and-relax
night.
Everyone had fun (don’t tell, but I think our group of
volunteers might have had even more fun).
Everyone agreed that we want more of the same.
The plan is to have another Family Movie Night, a
Family Game Night, and perhaps a “Family Feud”
Game Night. So do stay tuned for more to come.
A great Big Thank You to Lynne Binner, Paul Binner,
Judy Boyanowski, Steve Boyanowski, Cindy Brown,
Ruth Nole, Kelly Romano and Harry Schork, who
spearheaded this event. A special thanks to all our
young volunteers: Alex Keiser, Dominick Filer, Dylan
Mislevy, Hadassah Schork, Kayla Binner, Lydia
Schork, Marcus Binner, Max Romano, Michael
Bardzell, Olivia Carichner and Paul Binner, Jr. You
are the best!
An even bigger and very special Thank You to
Father Ric who encouraged us along the way with
his many suggestions and ideas.
Without his
support, this event would not have happened. God
bless us one and all.
With grateful appreciation,
Gloria Pasternak
POSSIBLE PARISH TRIP - OCTOBER
2015: Tentative plans are being
made to sponsor a Parish Bus trip
during the early part of October
2015 (probably the second week 6 nights, seven days). We hope to
take a bus trip to points South. Possible stops may
include: Savannah, Georgia, (the oldest City in the
United States), Nashville or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee,
Fort Sumter, Charleston, South Carolina, the Biltmore
Estate, Asheville, North Carolina, etc. We hope to
include some interesting dinners, perhaps a
riverboat dinner cruise, live theatre/show, city tours,
visit to a plantation, a few historical sites of the Civil
War, country music, etc. This is a very tentative
itinerary and will be changed or adjusted to fit our
schedule, etc.
If you might be interested, please call the Parish
Office at 570-836-3275 and give your name and
phone number. No commitment is necessary at this
time, just a possible interest. So far, 60 people have
expressed interest in this trip. When an itinerary is
developed and a price is given, then we will send it
to you first.
Our last parish Trip – held in 2013 to Branson, Missouri
– was sold out. Don't be disappointed. Give your
name now.
WINTER FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: LIHEAP (The
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
helps low income families pay their heating bills.
Those who apply and are accepted receive a cash
grant that is sent directly to their fuel provider/utility
company. This program is now open through April
3rd for the winter heating season. You can apply
online, in person or in writing. For an application or
to receive further information, please contact the
LIHEAP HOTLINE at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through
Friday, during business hours.
For Home-Heating Crisis situations and emergencies,
you may contact the Wyoming County Office of the
COMMISSION ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY at 570836-4090 24 hours a day.
BVM EASTER CANDLE MEMORIAL: The Easter candle
at Nativity BVM Church is available for
memorialization. Anyone who would like to donate
it in thanksgiving, in memory or for a special intention
is asked to call the Parish Office (570-836-3275).
A WELCOMING COMMUNITY: You enter
this church … not as stranger, but as a
guest of God. He is your heavenly Father.
Come, then, with joy in your heart and thanks on
your lips into His presence, offering Him your love
and service. Be grateful to the strong and loyal ones
who, in the name of Jesus Christ, built this place of
worship, and to all who have beautified it and
hallowed it with their prayers and praise.
World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia, PA
September 22-25, 2015
Confirmed Papal Visit – September 26-28, 2015
Theological-Pastoral Congress – Six Keynote
addresses and multiple smaller workshop sessions, all
related to the theme: Love is Our Mission; The Family
Fully Alive.
If you may be interested in attending the
Theological-Pastoral Congress or the papal visit, you
are asked to complete the simple survey on the
Office for Parish Life site of the Diocesan webpage
(click on the icon for the World Meeting of Families
to access the questionnaire).
Many people are eager to learn about the Diocese
of Scranton Pilgrimage for the Papal Visit to U.S. in
September, 2015. We are preparing the details for
round trip bus and participation in the Papal Mass in
Philadelphia on Sunday, September 27th. There will
be multiple departure sites around the Diocese.
Details soon!
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY: St. Mary of the Lake will no
longer be participating in Adopt-a-Highway after
over 20 years in the program. We are dropping out
due to a lack of volunteers. If you know of anyone
who would like to take over our section of Route 307
at the lake, please contact the local PennDot
office.
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF NATIVITY BVM & ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
SACRIFICIAL OFFERING: January 17-18, 2015
Nativity BVM Church:
Weekly Collection Goal* ............................. $ 4,800.00
Actual Offertory** ......................................... $ 4,018.00
Difference: ...................................................... $( 782.00)
St. Mary of the Lake Church:
Weekly Collection Goal* ............................. $ 2,000.00
Actual Offertory** ......................................... $ 1,839.00
Difference: ...................................................... $( 161.00)
Weekly Collection Goal represents the amount
needed weekly if we are going to make our 20142015 Parish Collections goal (envelopes and loose).
It does NOT include Fundraising, Religious Education
Income or any other income.
**Actual Offertory represents the total amount
received in the weekly collection (not including
special collections).
It does not include Easter
envelopes.
The generosity of our people is truly appreciated.
We may not always reach our budgeted goals, but
we are grateful to those who make a sacrifice on a
weekly basis to sustain our parish ministries.
SML CCD FUNDRAISER: A word
of Thanks! Our Krispy Kreme
Doughnut Fundraiser was a
success! I would like to thank
everyone who bought, sold or donated to our
fundraiser, which raised approximately $360.00. We
still have some certificates that have not been
picked up. You can see me or, if you are here on
Saturday, please see Summer Pieretti. Thanks again
from the bottom of my heart for all you do to help
make our CCD program a success!
Jennie Sinker
RETROUVAILLE: Know a Marriage That Needs Help?
If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if
there is little or no meaningful communication, if you
are considering separation or divorce, then the
Retrouvaille program can help.
Retrouvaille is
helping couples put the pieces back together and
to rediscover a more loving relationship.
The next local program will be February 27th - March
1st, 2015 at the Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, PA.
Registration required. All calls confidential. Cost is
by donation. Please call 1-800-470-2230 or visit
http://www.retrouvaille.org for more information or
to register.
REGISTERED?
Are you a registered member of
Nativity BVM Parish or St. Mary of the Lake Parish?
We have many people attending our weekend
Masses who do not appear on our roster of
parishioners. If you would like to register as a
member, please contact the parish office (570-8363275) to set up an appointment with Fr. Ric.
Young parishioners age 18 and older should register
themselves as well. Please call and make an
appointment.
PARISH HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM
All High School parishioners, Grades 9-12, of both of
our churches are expected to participate. You are
invited to bring your friends to the meetings /
gatherings / activities.
ISLI will be February 20th-22nd at Camp Ladore in
Waymart. Several youth group members have gone
in the past and it has proven to be a special event
for them. There is also a week-long ISLI in June of
2015.
If anyone has any ideas for service projects, let us
know and we will present the ideas to the group at
our meeting.
David Ide ([email protected])
Mark Stamer ([email protected])
CALLING OUR JUNIORS IN HIGH SCHOOL: A flyer
announcing the 2015 Summer Mission Experience for
high school Juniors coordinated by the Pontifical
Mission Society of the Diocese of Scranton is now
available for any 11th grade parochial, public,
private or home-schooled student of St. Mary's or
Nativity Parishes.
Contact Fr. Ric, Mr. Ide or Mr.
Stamer if you are interested in applying for it. In the
past we have had numerous young parishioners
who have participated in this faith-based lifechanging experience. It is not a vacation. The flyer
contains the criteria for all applicants, how to apply,
etc. Applications must be received at the Diocese
by or before January 26, 2015.
The basic information for the 2015 Summer Mission
Experience is summarized below:
Dates: July 6-18, 2015
Place: Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Walls,
Mississippi, a Catholic Ministry in Northern Mississippi,
Diocese of Jackson.
Our parish will assist any young parishioner who is
accepted to participate in this program.
SML CANDY SALE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: It is time to
start preparing for our candy sale and we are in
desperate need of volunteers. If we do not get
more volunteers this year, we will not be able to
continue the sale. Even if you can only help for an
hour, it is still appreciated and needed. If you are
willing to donate your time, you can text or email
Summer Pieretti and she will put you on her
volunteer notification list which will send you a
message to let you know the candy making
schedule. Text her at 570-241-2462 or email her at
[email protected] with your information.
SML MEMORIALS AVAILABLE: The following statues at
St. Mary of the Lake Church will be painted and
refinished in the near future: St. Ann, Sacred Heart,
St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother. Anyone who
would like to donate the refurbishing of one of the
statues in memory of a loved one is asked to call the
Parish Office (570-836-3275).
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF NATIVITY BVM & ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
C.I.A. (Junior High) Parish Youth Group
Our Youth Group is open to ALL parishioners entering
Grades 5-8 of Nativity BVM & SML.
If your child is a 5th-8th grader at Nativity or SML, then
check us out. No need to sign up. Just show up.
Events always posted in the bulletin.
Living Stations Meeting
We will have a brief meeting this Sunday, January
25th at 6:30PM at Father Nallin Hall (upstairs). This is
for anyone interested in participating in our Living
Stations parish presentation. We have a need for
narrators, actors, musicians and assistance with the
show. If you cannot make the meeting but would
like to be a part of Living Stations, please contact us
this week.
Participation counts toward SERVICE HOURS.
Parents/Students: Please email us to be put on our
email notification list. This is important as we update
about functions often through email. Also, check
the church bulletin weekly for updates and
important announcements.
Angie Burke: 570-885-7552
Greta Kovalchick: 570-479-7165
[email protected]
[email protected]
HOSPITAL VISITS: Parishioners of Nativity & St. Mary
Parishes who are admitted as patients in our local
hospitals are visited regularly. However, while some
local hospitals and health care institutions still use
church codes to let us know who may be in the
hospital, others such as Tyler Memorial Hospital do
not. This reality makes it very difficult to know who
may be in the hospital at any given time. It is
extremely important for family members or
parishioners to always notify the parish office when
someone is admitted to a hospital or other health
care institution.
NEW SML ALTAR SERVER: We welcome our newest
altar server at St. Mary of the Lake Church: James
Mikus. We thank James for electing to serve at the
altar of the Lord. James will be installed in this
ministry at the 9:00AM Mass next Sunday, February
1st.
If any child in Grade 2 or higher would like to
become an altar server, please speak to Fr. Ric or
Deacon Ray.
CATHOLIC TOURS 2015:
12-Day Italy Tour & Mediterranean Cruise
June 25th THRU July 7th, 2015
Tour Leader: Msgr. David Tressler, Superintendent of
Schools and Weekend Associate at Nativity BVM
and St. Mary of the Lake Parishes.
Visit: Rome, Cannes, Naples, Barcelona, Palma,
DeMallorca.
7 night cruise on the MSC DIVINA & 4 nights in Italy.
From $3,595.00 per person/double occupancy.
Information/reservations call: TravelWorld. 570-3425790 or 570-288-9311
2014 DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL
PASTOR’S MESSAGE
Thanks to your generosity, I am pleased to report the
following status of our campaign as of January 12th:
NATIVITY BVM CHURCH:
GOAL: ............................................................... $34,000.00
PLEDGED: ......................................................... $31,629.00
UNDER GOAL: ................................................. $ 2,371.00
PARTICIPATION:
22.58% (219 FAMILIES OUT OF 970)
ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CHURCH:
GOAL: ............................................................... $13,000.00
PLEDGED: ......................................................... $13,085.00
OVER GOAL: .................................................... $
85.00
PARTICIPATION:
17.18% (83 FAMILIES OUT OF 483)
Your gifts to this Appeal are sincerely appreciated.
The Diocesan Annual Appeal is nearing its
conclusion. Pledges are still coming in for the next
month. Payments will be made throughout the
spring.
This Appeal supports many Diocesan
Programs which support ministries for all of our 121
parishes.
As shown above based on the last report, St. Mary of
the Lake Church made goal this year in pledges.
Nativity BVM Church is coming close in pledges.
With a little effort we can meet this goal before the
Appeal concludes and do our part to support the
ministries of the Diocese of Scranton.
Donations may be sent to the Diocese or to our
parish office. Please list your name, address and
Parish.
Fr. Ric
ZUMBA & YOGAFIT: Zumba classes are held on
Wednesdays in St. Mary’s Parish Hall starting at
6:00PM with a Yogafit class to follow at 7:00PM. The
cost for each is only $5.00 per session. We hope to
see you all there!!!
SML MEMORIALS AVAILABLE: A new chalice and
paten are available for memorialization at St. Mary
of the Lake Church. The memorial will be engraved.
Anyone who would like to donate one or both in
memory of a loved one is asked to call Fr. Ric or the
Parish Office (570-836-3275).
2014 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS:
Contribution
statements for the 2014 calendar year will be
available in January. To request a statement of your
contributions for 2014, please complete the form
below and drop it in the collection basket or mail it
to the Parish Office.
Name ____________________________________________
Address __________________________________________
___________________________________________
Phone Number ___________________________________
Envelope Number: __________
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF NATIVITY BVM & ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
Your prayers are
requested for Robert (Bob) Johnson, a parishioner of
St. Mary of the Lake Church, who was recently
admitted to the hospital in Florida. Please keep him,
his wife, Dottie, their family and his Medical Staff in
your prayers.
Also, please pray for Pastor Mike Baumgardner of
the Lake Winola United Methodist Church. He
recently fell on the ice and has been hospitalized.
Please pray for him, his wife Crystal, his family and
church family that he might have a complete and
swift recovery.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:
Dear Priests, Youth Ministers, DRE’s and Adult
Volunteer’s,
It’s that time again! Registration is now open for the
International Student Leadership Institute, taking
place February 20-22, 2015 at Camp Ladore in
Waymart. ISLI is our diocesan leadership experience
for high school students.
It is a peer lead and
facilitated retreat that focuses on five leadership
pillars of support, awareness, self-confidence,
positive thinking and values.
This program is
absolutely essential for forming leadership qualities in
the young people of your parish. We currently have
75 spots available and they are going fast. Don’t let
your students miss out on this incredible experience
that will not only transform their life, but also the life
of your parish community. If you have any questions
please don’t hesitate to call! Thank you for all that
you do and all that you are.
In Christ,
Tommy McGrady
Coordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Diocese of Scranton
Phone: (570) 207-2213 ex 1106
Fax: (570) 207-2204
Dear Teenagers of SML,
I would like you to please consider going to ISLI in
February (from the 20th to the 22nd). Applications
fill fast.
For more information, please keep
reading the bulletin or contact me, Julia Franko,
at [email protected] or Mr. Stamer at
[email protected].
HOLY REDEEMER HIGH SCHOOL
Holy Redeemer High School Grade 8 Placement/
Scholarship Test Result Night and Registration Night
for incoming Freshmen will be held January 28th at
7:00PM in the Auditorium. Appointments for class
scheduling for new students for the 2015-2016 school
year will be held on February 5th, 9th, 10th & 11th from
3:00 to 6:00PM. Call Holy Redeemer High School’s
Guidance Department at 570-829-2424 to set an
appointment.
AED IS LOCATED IN NATIVITY BVM CHURCH
& ALSO IN FR. NALLIN HALL
DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS:
His
Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera,
D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for
Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25th
or 50th wedding anniversary in 2015 to a diocesan
Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 7 th. (NB:
This is a change from the original date of June 21st.)
The event includes a 2:30PM Mass at St. Peter's
Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an
invitation, with a mailing address, should be made
through your pastor before March 16th.
Call the Parish Office (570-836-3275) and give both
names, mailing address, phone number, parish, and
the wedding anniversary you are celebrating in
2015.
INTERFAITH FRIENDS
SOUP'ER SATURDAY
Saturday, January 31st
11:00AM – 2:00PM
Tunkhannock Area Middle School Cafeteria
All proceeds go the
Interfaith fuel assistance program
Tickets: $10.00
includes soups, breads, beverage, and door prizes
Tickets now available at Interfaith Friends
57 East Tioga Street
or at the door on the day of the event
Enjoy a sampling of delicious soups and signature
breads from our area's finest restaurants. You warm
up with soup and we help keep families warm by
assisting with fuel costs.
BOY SCOUT NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Court of Honor
Monday, March 16th at 6:30PM in Fr. Nallin Hall
Next Committee Meeting:
Monday, February 9th
6:30 Upstairs Classroom @ Father Nallin Hall Please
join us at the Committee Meeting if you are
interested.
Open Committee Position: TRAINING COORDINATOR
The committee needs to fill this position; please
contact me with any interest.
Andrea Hebda
Committee Chairperson 2014/2015
570-406-5227
LOWER WYOMING COUNTY FOOD PANTRY:
The
donations in the blue box outside of our hall really
do make a big difference on the food shelves! God
Bless you!
Mary Lou Franko
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF NATIVITY BVM & ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
SCOUT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8th, 11:00AM Mass
105th Birthday of Boy Scouts of America
All Boy & Cub Scouts and their Scoutmasters should
gather at 10:45AM in Fr. Nallin Hall for procession to
the Church. Scouts will participate as Lectors, Gift
Bearers, Ushers and Altar Servers.
Cake and refreshments in Fr. Nallin Hall after Mass for
all Parishioners, Scouts and their families. All are
welcome!
2015 RCIA SCHEDULE
THROUGH APRIL 19TH
January 18 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Anointing of the Sick
January 25 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Penance
February 1 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Ten Commandments
February 8 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Holy Orders
February 15 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Ash Wednesday, Lent, Holy Week
February 22 (Sunday)
9:00AM
Church
Rite of Dismissal
February 22 (Sunday)
3:00PM
St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton
Rite of the Elect
March 1 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Eucharist
March 8 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Marriage
March 15 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Beatitudes
March 22 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Open Session
March 28 (Saturday)
9:00AM-1:00PM Rectory
RCIA Retreat
April 4 (Saturday)
8:00PM
Church
Easter Vigil
April 12 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Ministries
April 19 (Sunday)
10:00AM
Rectory
Topic: Pentecost
LENTEN PREPARATION: The Office for Parish Life will
be holding regional Lenten Preparation Meetings for
all those involved with the preparation of liturgical
seasons,
especially
Music
Ministers,
Liturgy
Committees, Art and Environment Committees or
anyone wanting to deepen his or her appreciation
of the Lenten season. This meeting will be held on
Tuesday, February 10th at Gate of Heaven, Dallas at
6:30PM.
ST. FRANCIS KITCHEN: St. Francis Kitchen is in need of
Coffee and Non-dairy Coffee Creamer. If you are
able to donate either of these items, you may drop
them off at St. Francis Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave.,
Scranton any day from 8:30AM to 1:00PM. Thank
you for your support!
Catch Our Spirit…
Celebrate Catholic Schools Week
January 25-31, 2015
Celebrate Catholic Schools Week by attending one
of our Catholic School Open Houses! You are invited
to come experience our communities of faith and
academic excellence. From Pre-Kindergarten
through 12th grade, our students live their faith,
challenge their minds, serve their communities, and
build lifelong friendships.
For specifics about the
Open Houses or for more information about our
Diocesan Catholic Schools, including tuition
assistance
opportunities,
please
visit
www.DioceseofScranton.org/CatholicSchools.
Catch Our Spirit…
Celebrate Our Catholic Schools
As families register their students for the upcoming
school year, consider becoming an Academic
Angel!
Your contribution is an investment in a child’s
future…the outcomes speak for themselves. Our
schools offer an instructional environment that
challenges
the
mind,
while
inspiring
and
strengthening the spirit. Please consider supporting
our students for the 2015-16 school year; you can
designate the gift as a memorial or honor of
someone special, select a particular school to
receive it, or let us put it to where it is needed the
most. Contributions can be sent to the Diocese of
Scranton Scholarship Foundation, 300 Wyoming
Avenue, Scranton PA 18503.
VOCATION RETREAT
Designed to help men ages 18-35
understand God’s call to Diocesan Priesthood
How are you being called to serve?
February 20-21, 2015 - Overnight Retreat
St. Gabriel’s Retreat Center
631 Griffin Pond Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Registration Deadline: February 13th
Cost: no charge
To Register: Contact Father Don Williams at the
Diocesan Vocation Office. Call: (570) 207-1452 or
email: [email protected]
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF NATIVITY BVM & ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
Calling All Catholic Men
You are invited to a Special Mass and Parish
Captain Orientation for First Annual Catholic Men’s
Conference for the Diocese of Scranton on Thursday
January 29th at 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual
Help Parish, Wyalusing. Mass will start at 7:00PM;
Meeting and light refreshment 7:30-8:30PM.
We will be praying for the Success of the Catholic
Men’s Conference, to be held on April 25th at King’s
College in Wilkes Barre. All Catholic Men, Parish
Captains, Priests and Deacons are invited. You
don’t have to be involved in the Conference to
come and pray with us.
We expect to hold other regional Masses and
Orientation Meetings in the Poconos, Scranton,
Wilkes Barre and Williamsport. For more information
contact Michael Kilmer at 570-746-0100 (office) or
[email protected].
Men, I am aware that we could be fighting the
weather and some distances are involved as our
Western Deanery goes from Susquehanna and
Jackson to Canton, Troy and Sayre! All I can ask is
to do your best. The Church is: St. Mary of the
Assumption, 245 State St. Wyalusing, PA 18853.
God Love You, Mike
MONTHLY HOME VISITATIONS: On or near the First
Friday of every month (weather permitting), Fr. Ric,
Deacon Ray and Marge Cook visit the homebound
and bring them Holy Communion. If you or a loved
one is unable to attend Mass due to advanced age,
sickness or disability/handicap, and desire to receive
communion at home, please contact Mary Lou at
the Parish Office (570-836-3275) with your name,
phone number and address and you will be placed
on our monthly visitation list.
REGISTERED?
Are you a registered member of
Nativity BVM Parish or St. Mary of the Lake Parish?
We have many people attending our weekend
Masses who do not appear on our roster of
parishioners. If you would like to register as a
member, please contact the parish office (570-8363275) to set up an appointment with Fr. Ric.
Young parishioners age 18 and older should register
themselves as well. Please call and make an
appointment.
HOSPICE OF THE SACRED HEART: Hospice of the
Sacred Heart hopes no patient dies alone.
Therefore, Hospice of the Sacred Heart needs
“Guardian Angels” volunteers to provide a caring
presence by sitting quietly at the bedside. This
volunteer opportunity provides patients and their
families with additional support.
For more
information,
call
Ann
Seechock,
Volunteer
Coordinator, at 800-657-6405.
BVM CONFIRMATION 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 – 5:00PM
Bishop Bambera, Celebrant
A Prayer for Families
All-Loving God, we thank you for all your good gifts,
especially the gift of family.
For parents and grandparents who nurture our faith
and lift us up in difficult times,
we thank you God.
For brothers and sisters who laugh and listen and
celebrate with us in joyful times,
we thank you God.
For holidays and holy days when we join together
around the table and remember the bond that
unites us,
we thank you, God.
For all those who love and care for us and welcome
us home again and again,
we thank you, God.
For the gift of eternal life and the promise that we
will one day join all of the beloved who have gone
before us,
we thank you, God.
With the guidance of the Holy Family, may we
remain a strong and vibrant family of faith, now and
forever.
Amen.
By: Heidi Busse
DIOCESAN CALENDAR
Theological Foundations Courses
For persons seeking to complete the six basic
courses for Catholic School Teachers and for
Catechist Formation, these are available in two
formats shown below. Please know that anyone
may take these courses for your own adult faith
development.
1) The University of Dayton online courses through
the Virtual Learning Community of Faith
Formation, OR
2) Echoes of Faith - video based learning units
Contact either the Office for Parish Life (570-2072213) or the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office (570207-2251) for more information about these courses.
FOLLOW THE DIOCESE ON FACEBOOK: Following the
Diocese on Facebook is as easy at 1, 2, 3.
● Go to: www.facebook.com/DioceseOfScranton
● Go to the adjacent message bar and from the
drop down menu, choose 'Add to interest list." You
will automatically get Facebook updates from the
Diocese through your News Feed.
CUB SCOUT NEWS
PIZZA SALE
Our Cub Scout Pack 518 is sponsoring a
"Little Caesar" Pizza Sale on Friday,
February 13th.
Orders are due by
Monday, February 2nd.
Contact any
scout or parent to place an order.