FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

10 Ways To Experience More of God’s Presence by Whitney Hopler

www.crosswalk.org

God has promised always to be with us, but often we’re not aware of his constant presence in our lives. It’s easy to get so caught up in dealing with the demands of daily life that we don’t notice God at all, and we wonder when

– if ever – we may experience the thrill of encountering him again. The good news is that God loves to be close to us and wants us to know him better. If you long to experience more of God’s presence, you can take steps that will lead you closer to him, inviting him to make his presence known more strongly in your life. Here’s how: 1. Choose adventure over safety.

Accept the fact that there’s nothing safe about pursuing God and decide to take whatever risks you need to take in order to experience the blessing of getting closer to God. Be willing to have God turn your life upside down, reshape your values and redirect your

energy. Rather than trying to stay inside your comfort zones, be open to saying “yes” to God whenever he calls you to follow him on adventures. Expect encounters with God that inspire awe and wonder in you. 2. Pursue revival.

The definition of revival is: “the overwhelming sense of God’s presence that falls powerfully on a Christian people who have become dead and lethargic in their spiritual lives, reviving those elements of the Christian life that God intends to be normal for his church.” You may have heard about revivals in history or on the news that

affect whole churches or entire geographic areas. Keep in mind that large-scale revivals start when individual people pursue fresh encounters with God. The signs of revival include: repenting of sin, worshiping and obeying God with joy, experiencing a new love for fellow believers that restores broken relationships, using ministry gifts both inside and outside of the church, and witnessing about God to unbelievers

who then come to faith in God themselves. 3. Instead of trying to make a tangible encounter with God happen, prepare yourself for when God decides manifest his presence to you.

The constant presence of God around you (and within you, in the form of the Holy Spirit, if you’re a believer) that you may or may not sense is his essential presence, while the tangible encounters with God that capture your attention are his manifest presence. You can’t convince God to show you his manifest presence whenever and however you’d like, no matter how hard you may try or how faithful you may be. God shows up on his terms only,

according to his own wisdom and purposes. But you can prepare yourself for encountering God’s presence in the future by making your relationship with God your top priority in life and investing it in regularly (such as through prayer, Bible reading, and service), so you’ll grow closer to God and invite him to reach out to you more. Cultivating your life for God’s presence isn’t about your own effort as much as it is about responding to God’s

initiatives of love and grace so you’ll be in the right place at the right time, and in the right soul condition, when God shows up. 4. Expect to encounter God.

Supernatural encounters with God aren’t actually rare; God manifests his presence through the Holy Spirit in tangible ways every day to various people on Earth. So expect to encounter God through his Spirit in a way that you can powerfully sense, whenever God decides that it’s the right time and place to show up in your life that way.

5. Remember, repent, and return.

Remember the passion you felt for God when you first began a relationship with him, and let that motivate you to repent of your sins afresh and return your relationship with God to first place

in your heart. 6. Draw near to God with confidence, yet never be flippant about approaching him.

Keep in mind that God invites you to come close to him and welcomes you with great love, but he is also completely holy and all-powerful, so you should always approach God with the reverence and respect that he deserves.

7. Let go of whatever is distracting you from giving God your full attention.

Remove distractions from your life so you can experience God to the fullest. Confess and repent of sin in your life regularly, since sin interferes with your ability to perceive God’s presence and grow closer to him. Turn your worries into prayers, so anxiety won’t crowd a focus on God out of your mind.

8. Open both your head and your heart to the Holy Spirit’s work.

Pursue getting to know God better through the Holy Spirit’s work in both your mind (such as guiding you when you’re studying the Bible) and in your

personal experiences (such as touching your emotions through a tangible encounter that makes you more hungry for God). 9. Test your experiences to discern whether or not they’re truly encounters with God.

It’s important to ask the Holy Spirit to help you evaluate personal experiences that you think may be bringing you into contact with God’s manifest presence, rather than simply assuming that a thrilling spiritual experience really originates with God – because the evil side of the spiritual realm sometimes tries to deceive believers into thinking

that God is communicating with them in ways that are dramatic but ultimately lead to confusion. To discern if a specific experience is truly from God, ask: “Does it have clear, telltale marks of being from the God whose nature the Bible reveals?”, “Is it in line with biblical principles?”, “Does it make me want more of God, or simply more of the experience?”, “Does it make me more selfless, or more selfish?” and “Am I teachable and open to correction

as I consider the meaning of this experience?” 10. Let God’s presence transform you.

Always remember that God’s presence isn’t simply for you to enjoy; it’s meant to inspire you to open yourself up in deeper ways to the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work of transforming you into the person God wants you to become.

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

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.

EASTER isn’t JUST A DAY! EASTER is a WHOLE SEASON!!!!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the

men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration

Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations.

Americans also observe Memorial Day

by visiting cemeteries

and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in

remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began

with the poem “In Flanders’ Fields” - written to commemorate the war dead from World War I. On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties

and barbecues on the holiday,

perhaps because it unofficially marks the beginning of summer. Mass for Memorial Day will be celebrated in Church at 9

am on Monday, May 27th. All parishioners are encouraged to participate in honoring the courageous men and women who died in service to our country.

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

The first Christians saw the resurrection of Jesus from the dead as the commencement of the process by which earth and heaven were being reconciled. They appreciated the risen Christ as the heavenly ruler of the nations, the one who would bring the justice of heaven to this world. And this is precisely why people like Peter, Paul, Thomas, Andrew, and John went to the ends of the earth to

proclaim just this new state of affairs: “Jesus is Lord!” What began in the Lord’s resurrection is now ready to burst forth and flood the world through the work of the disciples. Accordingly, just before ascending to heaven, Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” It is fascinating to note how the Ascension and Pentecost are linked: in the Ascension, something of earth moves into the heavenly sphere, and at Pentecost, something of heaven—the Holy Spirit—invades the earth. The two events constitute, in short, a foretaste of the great reconciliation for which the entire Jewish religion had for centuries yearned. the Ascension of Jesus has nothing to do with a literal journey into the stratosphere, for that would involve simply a transfer to another position within “the world.” The Ascension is Jesus’ journey, not to another place, but to another dimension. But this dimension to which he has gone is not alien to us. It is instead a source of inspiration, power, and direction. And this is why the angels (denizens of heaven) who appear to the disciples just after Jesus’ departure say, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” What they are hinting at, none too subtly, is this: under the influence of Jesus’ spirit, get to work! Do all that you can to foster the marriage of heaven and earth! Get on with the mission of the church!

Since the Solemnity of the Ascension binds Catholics to participate in the Holy Eucharist, The Vigil Mass will be celebrated Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm On the Feast day, Mass will be celebrated at 8 am and also at Noon.

SOCIAL JUSTICE PROJECTS FOR MAY

All donations for the Baby Bottle campaign, as well as items for the St. Joseph Baby Pantry must be in by next Sunday, June 2nd.

We thank all who have supported these worthwhile ministries throughout the month of May.

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

THE LITURGY

Incense The smell of barbeque, fresh-baked bread and evergreen arouse our noses. They also fill us with warmth and welcome. Smells enhance our worship as well. The wax of candles, the bouquet of wine and the perfume of chrism bring delight to the Catholic faithful. But our most famous smell comes from incense. It signals the solemnity of our common prayer. The occasions for incense range from the ordinary to the exalted. If we wanted, we could use incense every day of the year, but we generally reserve it for big occasions. Several parts of the Mass call for incense. When the entrance procession forms, incense may lead the way. When the presider reaches the sanctuary, he may incense the altar in reverence. In the Gospel procession, the deacon or priest may follow incense into the ambo, where he incenses the book before reading. After

the gifts come to the altar, the celebrant may incense the bread, wine, and altar itself. Then a deacon or another minister may incense the priest and the people. When this happens, we stand up and bow when the minister bows before and after the incensation. It’s a stylized way of saying hello and receiving the incense with the dignified humility of guests accepting a refill. During the Eucharistic Prayer, when the priest shows us the Lord’s Body and Blood, a minister kneeling near the altar may incense this Sacred Banquet. Other occasions invite incense too. At a funeral, we incense the remains of the faithful departed. At exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, we incense the monstrance. During solemn processions, incense takes the lead. In the Scriptures, incense symbolizes prayer. Psalm 141:2 says: “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you”. Revelation 8:3-4 says: “Another angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar; he was given a great quantity of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hands of the angel”. Incense delights the eye as well as the nose. As smoke rises mysteriously to the heavens, it bears our prayers aloft.

Copyright © 1997 Resource Publications, Inc.,

160 E Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112,

(408) 286-8505. Paul Turner, pastor of St. John Regis Parish in Kansas City, MO, holds a

doctorate in sacramental theology from

San’Anselmo University in Rome. His e-mail is

PaulTu@aol.com Art by Vicki Shuck

Wax Eastertime is the 50-day-long

season from Easter Sunday

until Pentecost. Throughout

this time the Paschal Candle

shines in the church. This

candle is an image of the

risen body of Christ. It was

kindled and consecrated with

great ceremony on Easter

Eve.

When people are Baptized

into the Church, they are

given candles lit from the

Paschal Candle. They are told

to keep their lamps burning

brightly throughout their

lives. At funerals, the Paschal

Candle shines on the dead,

like a pillar of fire to guide

them to the promised land.

A burning candle is a sign of

self-sacrifice. It consumes

itself in a blaze of glory.

Traditionally, the church’s

candles are made from

beeswax. A beehive is a

symbol of the Church where

everyone is called to work

together for the common

good.

Many households light a fine,

fat candle every mealtime,

and, indeed, every time they

gather to pray. It is a holy

habit.

When you light a candle in

prayer you might say: “Jesus

Christ is the Light of the

World—a Light no darkness

can extinguish.” Or say the

words proclaimed at the

Easter Vigil: “Light of Christ!

Thanks be to God!”

Copyright © 2001 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training

Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-1101;

1-800-933-1800. www.ltp.org. Text by Peter Mazar. All Rights

Reserved. Used with permission.

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Thursday, June 6

1 pm

CATECHETICAL COUNCIL TBA

6:00 p.m.

FINANCE COUNCIL Thursday June 20

6:00 pm

LITURGICAL COUNCIL Thursday, June 6

6:00 p.m.

PARISH LIFE COUNCIL Thursday, June 27

6:00 pm

PASTORAL COUNCIL Thursday May 23

6:00 p.m.

SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL

Thursday, June 13

6:00 p.m.

Development

Committee 6:30 pm

Monday, June 3

FAITH SHARING

ST. ANDRE FAITH SHARERS 6:00 pm

Monday, June 3

DISCIPLES of the SPIRIT 10:30 am

Saturday, June15

COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY

2:00 pm Sunday, June16

For More Information,

please contact Sr.

Madonna at 570-823-

4988.

SEASON of EASTER

Weekend of May 25-26 Sixth Sunday of Easter

8:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass

BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY

Weekend of June 1-2 Seventh Sunday of Easter

8:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass

HONORING HIGH SCHOOL GRADS Clergy Collection Dues Envelope Fathers’ Day Memorials

Monday, May 27 Memorial Day

9 am Memorial Day Mass Parish Office Closed

Monday, June 3

No Morning Mass 6 pm St. Andre Faith Seekers 6:30 pm Development Committee

Tuesday, May 28

8 am Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Tuesday, June 4

8 am Mass 5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday, May 29

8 am NO MORNING MASS 5:30 pm Vigil Mass of the Ascension No Dessert and Study

Wednesday, June 5

8 am Mass 6:00 pm Dessert and Study

Thursday, May 30

8 am Mass

NOON Mass 1—6 pm ADORATION

6 pm VESPERS

Thursday, June 6

8 am Mass

NOON Mass 1 pm Administrative Staff 1—6 pm ADORATION

6 pm VESPERS/Liturgy Committee

Friday, May 31

8 am Morning Mass Friday, June 7 FIRST FRIDAY

8 am Morning Mass 6 pm Confessions 6:30 pm Sacred Heart Devotions 7:00 pm Mass

Saturday, June 1

No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions. BABY BOTTLE COLLECTION St. JOSEPH’S BABY PANTRY VIGIL SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Saturday, June 1

No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions. VIGIL: PENTECOST

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS

PARISH COMMITTEES

Loaves and Fishes Food for MAY

Sugar by the Pound

The 13th of the Month Club

Join us in honoring our Lady on the 13th of the months of May, June, July, August, September and October as we recall her appearance at Fatima 102 years ago. Her message of Repentance, Reparation, and Call to Holiness continues to reverberate throughout the church. We meet at noon in the church.

SUMMER RAFFLE

Each parish family has been issued ONE BOOK of 10 tickets to buy or sell. The minimum donation asked of each family is $10. There are more tickets available for those of you who can and will sell more. Please call the

parish office and we will issue them to you. The Raffle will be held during our Fourth of July Parish Family Picnic. We cannot stress strongly enough how important it is for EVERY PARISH FAMILY to support the SUMMER RAFFLE. Without your help we will not survive as a parish. WITH YOUR HELP, WE WILL THRIVE.

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH FAITH SHARING

Christus Vivit! Message of Our Holy Father Francis to Young People and to the World

www.vatican.va

CHAPTER THREE

You are the “now” of God

64. After this brief look at the word of God, we cannot just say that young people are the future of our world. They are its present; even now, they are

helping to enrich it. Young people are no longer children. They are at a time of life when they begin to assume a number of responsibilities, sharing

alongside adults in the growth of the family, society and the Church. Yet the times are changing, leading us to ask:

What are today’s young people really like? What is going on in their lives?

In positive terms

65. The Synod recognized that the members of the Church do not always take the approach of Jesus. Rather than listening to young people attentively, “all too often, there is a tendency to provide prepackaged answers and ready

-made solutions, without allowing their real questions to emerge and facing the

challenges they pose”.[24] Yet once the Church sets aside narrow preconceptions and listens carefully to the young, this empathy enriches her,

for “it allows young people to make their own contribution to the community, helping it to appreciate new sensitivities and to consider new questions”.[25]

66. We adults can often be tempted to list all the problems and failings of today’s young people. Perhaps some will find it praiseworthy that we seem so expert in discerning difficulties and dangers. But what would be the result

of such an attitude? Greater distance, less closeness, less mutual assistance.

67. Anyone called to be a parent, pastor or guide to young people must have the farsightedness to appreciate the little

flame that continues to burn, the fragile reed that is shaken but not broken (cf. Is 42:3). The ability to discern pathways where others only see walls, to recognize potential where others see only peril. That is how God the Father see things; he knows how to cherish

and nurture the seeds of goodness sown in the hearts of the young. Each young

person’s heart should thus be considered “holy ground”, a bearer of

seeds of divine life, before which we must “take off our shoes” in order to

draw near and enter more deeply into the Mystery.

Many ways of being young

68. We might attempt to draw a picture of young people today, but first I would echo the Synod Fathers, who noted that “the makeup of the Synod brought out the presence and contribution of many different regions of the world, and

highlighted the beauty of our being a universal Church. In a context of growing globalization, the Synod Fathers wanted the many differences of contexts and cultures, even within

individual countries, to be duly emphasized. The worlds of today’s

‘youth’ are so many that in some countries one tends to speak of ‘young people’ in the plural. The age group considered by the Synod (16-29 years) does not represent a homogeneous category, but is composed of distinct

groups, each with its own life experience”.[26]

69. From a demographic standpoint too, some countries have many young people, whereas others have a very low

birth rate. “A further differentiating

factor is historical: there are countries and continents of ancient Christian

tradition, whose culture is indelibly marked by a memory that cannot be

lightly dismissed, while other countries and continents are characterized by other religious traditions, where Christianity is a minority presence – and at times a recent one. In other places still, Christian communities, and young people who belong to them, experience

persecution”.[27] There is also a need to distinguish young people “with access to the growing opportunities offered by globalization from those who live on the fringes of society or in rural areas, and find themselves excluded or discarded”.[28]

70. There are many more differences,

which it would be difficult to examine here. In any event, I see no need for a detailed analysis of today’s young

people, their lives and their experiences. At the same time, since I do not want to neglect that reality, I will briefly summarize some contributions received before the Synod and others that I heard in the course of our meetings.

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

IN THE DIOCESE

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

Scranton NPM 2019 Events

Mark your 2019 calendars now and plan on attending the upcoming spiritual and informative events of the Scranton Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Here is a listing of what’s in store:

42nd Annual NPM Convention—July 16-19 in

Raleigh, NC

Resources for Selecting Liturgical Music—

Monday, September 16 at 6:00PM at St. John Neumann Parish (Holy Name site), Scranton

Creating Effective Worship Aids—Tuesday,

November 12 at 6:00PM at Holy Name of Jesus, West Hazleton

For more information about any of these events, visit ScrantonNPM.com.

Prayer for an End to Infanticide

The U.S. Senate recently failed to pass the

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act— legislation that prohibits infanticide by

ensuring that a child born alive following an attempted abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her or his life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. Please join us in prayer for an end to

infanticide: “Jesus, Lord of Life, transform the hearts of all elected leaders to recognize that infanticide is wrong and must not be tolerated. Open hearts and minds to recognize and defend the precious gift of

every human life.”

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson

Come to the Well

Catholic Women’s

Conference

Saturday, June 22,

2019

Byron Center

University of

Scranton

Admission $40.00

Students $20.00

Religious - FREE

Register at

CWCNEPA.com

Quo Vadis Days 2019 will be held June 23-26 at Misericordia University, Dallas. This camp is for young Catholic men in High School (9-12th grade) to deepen their faith, learn more about all vocations, and better discern God’s call in their lives. The camp will feature dynamic talks, prayer, games, sports, activities, music and more. Participants will have the opportunity to meet priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Scranton. Online registration is now open at vocations.dioceseofscranton.org. For more information, call 570-207-1452.

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

STEWARDSHIP

Steward the Gifts God Has Assigned You by Jon Bloom

www.desiringgod.com

Each of us has received grace-gifts from God. And “as each has received a gift,” we are to “use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). We are given these gifts for the “progress and joy” of one another’s faith (Philippians 1:25).

Pride-Infected Gift Stewards

But we are all by sin nature selfaholics, born with an addiction to the intoxication of thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Romans 12:3) and others thinking more highly of us than they ought to think.

And because remaining sin still dwells in us born-again saints, we find this old addictive pride still infects our view of ourselves and others when it comes to the grace-gifts we receive from God. Rather than seeing our gifts as things we don’t at all deserve and seeing others’ gifts as merciful means of grace to us, we frequently battle sinful discontentment. We often feel that we are not as gifted as we would like to be, or that our gifts don’t receive enough recognition, or that we would prefer another set of gifts altogether, impressive gifts like So-and-So has.

How Our Gifts Bless Others and Sanctify Us

Now, this exposure of pride in us is actually part of God’s design in the distribution of gifts among his children. As God

doles out these unearned gifts among us in unequal measures, it has the gracious effect of drawing pride out into the light from the murky darkness of our deceptive hearts. Every time we compare ourselves to others and either exult in feeling superior or resent in feeling inferior to them, God is inviting us to glorify him by repenting of our pride and humbling ourselves under his mighty, wise hand and trusting him to exalt us in the time and way it seems best to him (1 Peter 5:6).

That makes this a glorious design! It is sheer genius. It is a two-way channel of blessing if we will embrace it. God gifts all of us in such a way that our gifts channel blessings to others by meeting various needs, and they channel the blessing of humility to us by exposing our pride and pushing us to receive God’s grace to live by God-pleasing faith (Hebrews 11:6). When this happens it produces gratitude in everyone. It’s perfect! Our gifts work to bless others and sanctify us. It’s exactly what recovering selfaholics need.

Our Gifts Are for Others’ Benefit

Back to Peter’s words: “each has received a gift” (1 Peter 4:10). This needs to land on us with appropriate weight. God wants us to know that our gifts are not an accident of genetics and experience. He knew what he was doing when he made each of us and he has intentionally given us the gifts we have in the measure we have them.

Therefore, we are stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us. And he has entrusted them to us primarily for the benefit of others (1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:4–6). Our gifts are not intended to be platforms where we try to gain our sense of significance from the esteem of men. Our real significance comes from God choosing us in Christ, gifting us, and deploying us in his kingdom for his purposes. There is more significance there than we can fully comprehend and

appreciate. The praise of men is usually vicarious fluff.

Live Your Assignment

You are on assignment from God. This is why Paul says, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him” (1 Corinthians 7:17). “You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). You are “a bondservant of Christ” (1 Corinthians 7:22) and a steward of the gifts you have received. Others need your gifts. That’s why you have them.

Our lives are not about pursuing our dreams. Many of our dreams are self-exalting pride fantasies and gratuitously selfish when we really examine them. And the truth is, we rarely know what’s best for us and what will really make us happy. But our Designer knows. He knows exactly what we’re made for and how we can live the life we’ve been given to the fullest and most fruitful. If we follow him by faith, he will lead us in the most ultimately fulfilling paths — even when those paths lead through suffering and death.

So, live your assignment. Steward your gifts to the utmost for the sake of others. Aspire to be the very best and most fruitful you that you can be for God’s glory. Don’t dishonor God by devaluing the gifts he’s given you. Don’t waste valuable time grumbling about gifts you don’t have or

resenting others for the gifts they do have, or even for the sinful pride they might exhibit. They’re stumbling, recovering selfaholics just like you and God knows how to graciously oppose them (1 Peter 5:5). Pray for them.

“So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God” (1 Corinthians 7:24). There is no higher calling for you than to be you, and God will reward you beyond your wildest dreams if you faithfully steward your gifts for others.

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

FINANCES

Your Gift to God

May 18-19, 2019

Over $100.00 3 $20 43

$100.00 2 $16-19 0

$76-99 1 $15 29

$75 0 $11-14 4

$51-74 2 $10 59

$50 11 $6-9 9

$26-49 23 $5 27

$25 9 under $5 21

$21-24 0 Total Envelopes used

243

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

Mass Attendance

May 18-19, 2019

People In-Church Collection

Average Offering

per person

4:00 p.m. 123 1,954.00 15.89

5:30 p.m. 68 1, 038.00 15.27

8:00 a.m. 86 1,043.20 12.13

11:00a.m. 72 894.00 12.42

Total 349 4,929.20 14.13

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 In Gratitude and

Thanksgiving

Offered by Parishioner

Sanctuary Candle

Intention For Veterans

Offered by Parishioner

INCOME

EXPENSES

May 18-19, 2019 May 16—22,2019

PARISH COLLECTION Administration 1,037.00

In Church Mailed In Clergy Residence

Loose 312.20 -0- Liturgy

Offering 4,101.00 466.00 Religious Education

Holy Days 11.00 16.00 Social Justice

Initial -0- -0- Maintenance 2,734.85

Dues 107.00 64.00 Parish Assessment

Debt Reduction 398.00 7.00 Insurance

Holiday Flowers -0- -0- Taxes

TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION

4,929.20 553.00 Transfer

DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS Diocesan Collections

Diocesan Collections

527.50 107.00 Debt Service

(Principal + Interest)

TOTAL DIOCESAN

527.50 107.00 School Subsidy

OTHER INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES 3,771.85

Candles -0-

Rental of Properties

-0-

Perquisites -0- Previous Balance $ 5,906.68

Miscellaneous -0- + Income this week 6116.70

Transfers -0- -Expenses this week -3771.85

TOTAL OTHER INCOME

-0- Balance Forward $ 8,251.53

TOTAL INCOME 6,116.70

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 37,605.00 1,099.95 38,704.95

BALANCE DUE

33,866.00 149,347.69 183,213.69

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

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

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

PARISH DEBT SERVICE

Parish Loan Amount Paid BALANCE

Due

BALANCE 412,000.00 83,726.22 328,273.78

Please Note: The Parish Debt service has been paid to

date. This Account is current.

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

LOCAL EVENTS

American Cancer Society’s

ROAD TO RECOVERY PROGRAM

For those who cannot drive themselves, or have no other means of getting to cancer-related medical appointments,

volunteers donate their time to give patients a much needed ride.

If you would like to volunteer, you need a good driving record, a current driver’s license, Proof of adequate auto

insurance, a safe and reliable vehicle, schedule availability, and regular laptop/tablet/computer access.

To ensure quality drivers, the American Cancer Society screens every volunteer. Volunteers must also complete

online training courses to prepare them for their new role.

For more information,

please call

1-800-227-2345

or visit www.cancer.org/driver.

CHOMAN’S MOBILE CARE

Cemetery Care His services include steam cleaning of

headstone, manicuring the lawn around the

stone, mulching, flowering and more! He

offers one time, seasonal and monthly

packages. He also offers military and veteran

discounts.

Automobile Detailing We love our cars and rely heavily on them. But

giving them the care they deserve is no easy

task! Even dropping it at the detailing shop can be an obstacle. That’s why we bring the

detailing shop to you! We supply the water,

power, tools and come right to your home or

office! We’ll have your vehicle looking like new

with no worry or hassle to you!.

Power Washing Buildings lose their pristine look due to dirt,

grime and motor exhaust. These can build up

and severely damage your property and

destroy its value. We’ll restore your

investment and help prevent the mess for

coming back as well as increase the curb value

of your property overnight. We build our

service based on your desire and your budget.

We remove mold, graffiti, tar, gum, oil and more. We clean buildings, houses, sidewalks,

balconies, porches, rain gutters, decks and

patios, windows, parking lots, garages and

much more. Commercial and Residential

services available.

You can contact Chris at

(570) 262-3109,

or Book your appointment

by e-mail at

ChomanCares@gmail.com.

ECO-FRIENDLY CARE FOR

YOU

AND YOUR INVESTMENTS

Join Us for Eucharistic

Adoration

every Thursday from Noon to 6 pm.

The Day concludes

with Vespers and Benediction

at 6 pm.

The Oblates of St. Joseph will celebrate the Feast Day of their founder, St. Joseph Marello, with a Triduum, three days of prayers, at the Oblates of St. Joseph Chapel, 1880 Route 315, Laflin (Pittston). The triduum devotion will begin on Sunday, May 26th and

will continue through Tuesday, May 28th with a Holy Mass celebrated at 7:00 p.m. in the seminary chapel, followed by devotional prayers to St. Joseph Marello and individual blessing with a first-class relic of the Saint. Confessions will be heard before the Mass and the Holy Rosary will be recited. The Feast of St. Joseph Marello will be solemnly celebrated on Wednesday, May 29th with the Holy Masses at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the seminary chapel. Serving as principal celebrant and homilist will be the Very Reverend Matthew Spencer, O.S.J. the new American Provincial.

St. Joseph Marello (1844-1895) was a priest of the Diocese of Asti in the Piedmont region of Italy and founded the Oblates of St. Joseph Congregation in 1878. He served as bishop in the nearby diocese of Acqui from 1889 until his death on May 30, 1895. Pope St. John Paul II beatified Joseph Marello in 1993 in the saint’s native city of Asti and then canonized him in 2001 at St. Peter’ Basilica, Vatican City. The Oblates of St. Joseph have been serving the Diocese of Scranton since 1929 and also they minister in 15 countries around the world. Everyone is invited to attend the Triduum and the Feast Day Celebration.

New York Bus Trip Saturday, June 15 $61.00 per person

Bus leaves Sam’s Club at

7:30 am be there by 7:15 am

(Park nearer the road than

the building)

Information about Plays, Musicals, etc will be provided

on the bus.

Dinner will be at 5 pm

in Little Italy (choice of 5 dinners including

Salad, dessert and coffee or soft drink (cocktails on your own)

All gratuities, fees, taxes, tolls, dinner and tips are

included in the fee.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact

Mary Ann Rubin

at 570-298-2616.

Wyoming Valley Barbershop Harmony Chorus

HARMONY ROAD TRIP

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Wyoming Seminary

Kirby Center

for the Creative Arts

295 N. Sprague Ave.

Kingston, PA

$15.00 General Admission

$10—10 or more group tickets

Doors open 6:45 pm

Show starts 7:30 pm

To order tickets or for more information, please contact

570-285-4810 or visit www.singwb.com

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter

WEEKLY CALENDAR

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE MONDAY, MAY 27

Memorial Day June 1-2, 2019 Seventh Sunday of Easter

9:00 am 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 8:00 am 11:00 am

Servers Jackie Barkus Rosemary Shedlock Sr. Tina Hanrahan Jackie Barkus Aiden Burridge Kayla Gianelli

Lectors David Alusick John Bednarz Pat Baran Mary Ann Slavinski David Alusick

EMOC Jackie Barkus Diane Gregor Elaine Klukoske Jackie Barkus Jim Zoccola

Cantors Brian Clarke Carol Zukowski Geri Ulichney Brian Clarke Matt Kurtz

Hospitality David Alusick

Mimi Tosh Ann & Dennis Bozinski

Dolores Dlugosh Roxanne Degnan

Joe Stone

Sr. Madonna

Sixth Week of Easter May 27-June 2, 2019

Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events

Monday, May 27 St. Augustine of Canterbury 9 am

For those who died in service to our country

Parish MEMORIAL DAY PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, May 28 Easter Weekday 8 am Delores Walkowiak Francis Mamola

5:30 pm Choir

Wednesday, May 29 Easter Weekday

8 am No Morning Mass Scheduled

Solemnity of the Ascension

VIGIL 5:30 pm Wed.

Joseph Kozelsky Parents and Family THURSDAY PARISH OFFICE CLOSED 1 pm Exposition/Adoration 6 pm Vespers

FEAST 8 am Charles Perry Bernadine Baluta

FEAST Noon Parishioners Pastor

Friday, May 31 Visitation of the BVM

8 am Rosemary Cronauer Romanelli Family

Saturday, June 1 St. Justin Martyr

No Morning Mass Scheduled 3:00 pm Confessions

Seventh Sunday of Easter

VIGIL 4 pm Cpt. Bernard Zajkowski Family Honoring Our High School Graduate Clergy Collection Dues Envelope Fathers’ Day memorials

VIGIL 5:30 pm Leo Magri Parish

SUNDAY 8 am Josephine Melman Frank & Camille

Glazenski

SUNDAY 11 am Parishionsers Pastor

26 May 2019 Sixth Sunday of Easter