SAINT PETER CHURCH

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 22, 2020

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Dear Friends in Christ,

Are We Also Blind?

The entire chapter 9 of John's Gospel is devoted to the

account of Jesus' cure of the man born blind. This singular

focus of the chapter signifies the importance of the subject

addressed, Christ; the divine Light overcomes the darkness

of sin. The sacrament of baptism accurately embodies this

act. It is for this reason that "enlightenment" is another name

given to baptism in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

To see in the spiritual sense, it is Christ who will give us

Light (Eph. 5:14). We need his Light now more than ever

because we have a form of darkness that looms over our

lives, the gloom called Covid-19. A plague that has suddenly

turn our world into chaos and uncertainty. It is spreading the

darkness of fear, illness, and death that is rocking every

facet of life. We need Christ's Light. We need to be able to

see through this darkness. We need a perception, a divine

perception. Like Samuel, we tend to see with human eyes,

not with divine eyes, but "Not as man sees does God

sees" (1 Sam 16).

Like some of the Pharisees in today's Gospel, we ask Jesus,

like the man born blind, "Are we also blind?" (Jn 9:40). Yes,

we should humbly admit that we are blind, but we should

also be confident to say that we have encountered Jesus

Christ, the Light of the world. If we believe and follow Jesus

in this time of the darkness of the unknown, we will have the

Light of life.

Despite the blindness we experience now, despite the pains

and sufferings that follow, the Light of faith is a source of joy.

On this Sunday, traditionally called Laetare Sunday, we find

a reason to rejoice because Jesus the Light will cure our

blindness. Let's invite that Light in continuous prayers,

fasting, and compassion for our neighbors. And let's stay

safe by doing the right thing.

In Christ, the Light,

Fr. Bernard Oniwe, OP

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

SAT, MARCH 21 Vigil 4:00 PM Joanne Gragilla (C) (Hirkula Family) SUN, MARCH 22 4th Sunday in Lent 8:30 AM Donald Heffner Sr (C) (Diane Frye) 10:30 AM Our Parish Family MON, MARCH 23 6:00 PM Anna Williams (HC) (Rightus Family) TUE, MARCH 24 7:00 AM Arthur Tofani (HC) (CCW) WED, MARCH 25 7:00 AM Tom Whildin (HC) (Rick Abel) THUR, MARCH 26 7:00 AM Midge Rae (HC) (Azzalina Family) FRI, MARCH 27 7:00 AM Margo Armstrong-Farneth (HC) (Patricia Becker) SAT, MARCH 28 Vigil 4:00 PM Ronald Nalewak (C) (Nalewak Family) SUN, MARCH 29 5th Sunday of Lent 8:30 AM Our Parish Family 10:30 AM Bridget O’Brien (C) (Lou & Rose O'Brien)

Scripture Readings for the Week of March 22, 2020

Sunday Fourth Sunday of Lent 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41 or Jn 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

Monday Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b; Jn 4:43-54

Tuesday Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16 Wednesday Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-20, 21-22, 23; Jn 5:31-47 Friday Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and

23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Saturday Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday Fifth Sunday of Lent Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8;

Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 or Jn 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45

MASS TIME

On Saturday, April 4, the Vigil Mass will change to 5:00 p.m. with

confessions at 4:00 p.m.!!

SAINT PETER CHURCH

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 22, 2020

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MARCH 15, 2020

SUNDAY $ 9,732 YOUTH/CHILDREN $ 16

ST VINCENT DEPAUL $ 218

Second Collection: March 28/29, 2020

Catholic Relief Services

“Help Jesus in Disguise”

Funds for the Catholic Relief Services collection provide food to the hungry, support displaced refugees, and bring Christ ‘s love and mercy to all people here and abroad.

Thank you for your support.

During this time, we encourage online giving.

https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/1403. Please call the office if you need assistance setting up your account. You can also send your contributions to the Parish Office

YOUTH MESSAGES OF STEWARDSHIP & TALENT”

“I helped plant potatoes.” “I made a card for someone who helps at our house.”

“I gave up my remote for my sister.”

GROWING OUR FAITH & STRENGTHENING OUR MINISTRY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

TOTAL AMOUNT PLEDGED: $2,105,144.48

TOTAL PAID TO DATE: $ 1,674,930.15

TOTAL DUE: $ 430,214.33

OUR SANCTUARY CANDLES ILLUMINATE THIS WEEK FOR:

~ HISTORIC CHURCH ~

In Loving Memory of Sylvester Ulrich

Given by The Koser & Groff Families

~ CHURCH ~

For the Health & Well Being

of our Parish Family

Fourth Sunday of Lent The Lord looks into the heart. What does he see? We are given the gift of sight and insight. Look into the heart with love. (1 Samuel 16: 6 – 13 & John 9: 1-49). 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.

In Memoriam

~ Richard Knowlton ~

Husband of Susan, Father of Rick, Ken & Amie

“Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him O Lord, and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him. May All of the Faithful Departed, Through the Mercy of God,

rest in Peace. Amen.”

Sunday, March 22 - Sunday, March 29

ALL EVENTS CANCELED

GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERS CANCELED

A Prayer to Our Lady

In time of the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic

O Mary, Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of

salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.

At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain,

with steadfast faith. You, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the

Americas, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that,

as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this

moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love,

to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us:

He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,

through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We seek refuge under your protection,

O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test

– and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

-An adaptation of Pope Francis’ prayer.

SAINT PETER CHURCH

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 22, 2020

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THANK YOU TO OUR BULLETIN SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

MILLER FINKENBINDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY THOMAS W FORD SUPERVISOR

717-367-1543

CATHLETICS: TRAINING TO BE CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST Sunday, July 12 - Thursday July 16

Just as it takes hard work to train for the Olympics, it is also important to get the right training to live out our Catholic faith. Please join us at this year's Olympic-themed VBS as we enjoy lessons, songs, games, and crafts that teach about the Commandments, Beatitudes, and Fruits of the Spirit. Mark your calendars for this fun-filled and faith-filled event! Adult Volunteer Planning Meetings will be held (between Masses)

at 9:30am in Room 1 on these dates: 4/19/20 5/3/20 6/7/20

All are welcome!!

LENTEN PRAYER

ALMIGHTY AND EVERLASTING GOD, YOU HAVE GIVEN THE HUMAN RACE JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR AS A MODEL OF HUMILITY. HE FULFILLED YOUR WILL BY BECOMING MAN AND GIVING HIS LIFE ON THE CROSS. HELP US TO BEAR WITNESS TO YOU BY FOLLOWING HIS EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AND MAKE US WORTHY TO SHARE IN HIS RESURRECTION. WE ASK THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.

EASTER FLOWERS

If you would like to remember or honor a loved one with Easter flowers, please fill out this form and return it to the Parish Office with your donation no later than Monday, March 30. Donations help defray the cost of the flowers and donor’s names will be listed in the Easter weekend bulletin.

Please print clearly.

Name:________________________________

Donation $ ___________ Phone #:___________

email:________________________________

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In Memory Of: (DECEASED) _________________________________________

_________________________________________

__________________________________________

_________________________________________

__________________________________________

In Honor Of: (LIVING)

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

Special Intentions: ______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

Please drop in the Collection basket, at the Office or mail to the Parish Office.

❑ New Registration

❑ Change of Address

❑ Moving out of Parish

❑ Want Envelopes ❑ No Envelopes

New Parishioners: If you are new in the area of our Parish, we invite you to register as members. Please drop this information into the Offertory Basket or mail to Parish Office.

Name: ____________________________________________ Phone: ______________________

Street: _____________________________________________ Email: ______

2020 MEN’S CLUB

CALENDAR WINNER

Thomas Olkowski, Ann Shank, David Myers and Mary Barr

SAINT PETER CHURCH

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 22, 2020

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Bishop Gainer Joins Fellow Pennsylvania Bishops in

Temporarily Suspending Masses HARRISBURG, PA – Effective immediately and until further notice, Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, out of great concern for the health of the faithful and in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has temporarily suspended all daily and weekend Masses in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Additionally, Bishop Gainer has suspended all public liturgies and devotions, and has asked that all churches and chapels be closed, including all perpetual adoration chapels. Bishop Gainer made this decision after careful consideration of the recommendations from public health officials, and out of great concern for the health and well-being of the faithful, our clergy and parish staffs, given the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. “For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our life in Christ, strengthening us to remain firm in our faith as we journey through this life. Making this difficult decision to temporarily suspend Masses and close our churches was not made lightly,” said Bishop Gainer. “Rather, this decision has been made after careful discussions and considerable reflection on the advice being provided from healthcare professionals. I deeply care for all those members of my flock. As chief shepherd, it is my duty to see to their spiritual health, and now in these challenging times, also to their physical welfare. I continue to pray for all those impacted by this virus, for our medical professionals caring for the ill and for all people facing these uncertain times. I also pray for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, health of the sick.”

A listing of live broadcasting and/or recordings of Masses from parishes throughout the Diocese is available on the Health Alerts page of the Diocesan website, www.hbgdiocese.org. Daily and Sunday Masses are also available from EWTN on Comcast channel 291 in the Harrisburg area, or online at https://video.ewtn.com/daily-mass.

Additional resources for parishes and the faithful will be available, also on the Diocesan website, in the coming days. These resources will include ways the faithful can continue to keep holy the Lord’s Day. Please visit the Health Alerts page of the Diocesan website, www.hbgdiocese.org, for the most up-to-date information regarding the Diocese’s response to COVID-19, including a listing of Diocesan event cancelations and postponements, as well as additional COVID-19 prevention measures and recommendations.

Spiritual Communion Public Masses are banned, but literally thousands of Masses are celebrated each day and, in addition to watching them on television or computer screens, the faithful can receive "spiritual Communion." The idea of "spiritual Communion" — inviting Jesus into one's heart and soul when receiving the actual sacrament isn't possible — is part of Catholic tradition.

What is Spiritual Communion? For those who are unable to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion, making a conscious desire that Jesus come spiritually into your soul is called a spiritual communion. Spiritual Communion can be made through an act of faith and love throughout one’s day and it is highly commended to us by the Church. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, the faithful who “receive the Eucharist in spirit” are “those who, inflamed with a lively faith that works in charity, partake in wish and desire of the celestial Bread offered to them, receive from it, if not the entire, at least very great benefits.” (cf. Fr. John Hardon, SJ, Modern Catholic Dictionary”)

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. Saint Alphonsus de Liguori