SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, PRAY FOR US! Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm

Mass Schedule

Vigil Mass (Saturday) 5:00 p.m.

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

Weekday Mass M, T, F 8:30 a.m.*

Confessions before daily** Mass; Saturday 4:15 p.m. or by appointment.

The Parish in the heart of the Endless Mountains Serving Bradford County since 1841

SACRAMENTS

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated Sundays after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. First time parents are asked to attend a welcoming session prior to baptism. Godparents are asked to present a sponsor card. Please call the parish office as soon as possible after your child’s birth to plan his or her baptism.

The Sacrament of Marriage—engaged couples should notify the pastor at least six months prior to their proposed date. Couples participate in a preparation program.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick—please call the parish of-fice for visitation of the sick at home, in the hospital, or health care facili-ty.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the official process used by the Church to bring adults into the Catholic faith.

SPIRITUAL DEVOTIONS

The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed in common before weekday Masses.

The Perpetual Novena of the Miracu-lous Medal is prayed in common every Monday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration is held from 9:00 a.m. on the Thursday preceding First Fri-day until 2:00 p.m. on Friday in Grotto Hall and the church.

Sacred Heart Devotions are prayed in common after First Friday Masses.

Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are prayed in common after the First Saturday Masses.

Parish Prayer Line requests Call Annette at 570-265-9691.

Fifth Sunday of Lent † April 7, 2019

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

larger community through word, worship, sacrament and service.

Saints Peter and Paul Church 106 Third Street - Towanda, Pennsylvania 18848-1798

Phone: 570-265-2113 FAX: 570-265-2114

E-mail: stppp@epix.net Website: sspeterandpaulchurch.net

Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini

*Wednesdays of Lent 5:30 pm;

no Wed. morning Mass

**Mondays of Lent:

5:30-6:45 “The Light is On for You”

(Confessions)

“Let the one

among you

who is

without sin

be the first

to throw a

stone at her.”

John 8: 7

The monthly PTG breakfast will be held next Sunday, April 14, from 8-11 am in

Saints Peter & Paul CCD

Sundays 9:15-10:30 in St. Agnes School

Apr. 7: First Communion Parents’ Meeting

St. Agnes School

Rice Bowl - Encounter Ona

Ona always knew she wanted to be a “shining woman” in her communi-

ty—and an example to her two young daughters. She studied hard, and eventual-

ly earned her teaching degree from a university. But in Gaza, jobs are hard to

find. Even though Ona had been a good student, she could not find work as a

teacher. “The financial situation was so difficult,” Ona says. “I started to feel

hopeless.”

That’s why CRS matches workers with job opportunities. Through CRS,

Ona applied for an internship as a teacher, and was hired to teach math. Ona knew she wanted to take full ad-

vantage of the opportunity. “I took time to ask questions and learn. I tried to better myself—and to become a

better teacher.”

Through her internship, Ona gained the confidence and inspiration to branch out on

her own. She saved enough money to open a tutoring center. She now helps students

of all ages with their math skills, as well as with other subjects. After one month in

business, 41 children had visited her center.

“When people encourage you, you start to think in a more creative way,” Ona

says. As she thinks about the future, she thinks of her children. “I hope I can be an

example to my daughters. I hope that my daughters can achieve their dreams.”

During the 40 days of Lent, we will encounter the needs of the world. And don’t forget to download the CRS

Rice Bowl app!

Pentecost Sunday - June 9, 2019 - Confirmation

This year, and in the foreseeable future, The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred on Pentecost

Sunday in the local parishes within the Diocese of Scranton. This is a change from previous years. Also,

Confirmation will now be held in our parish each year, rather than once every three years—a much nicer

arrangement for students, parents, teachers, and parish. Keeping in mind the fact that Confirmation will be

held on Pentecost Sunday, it seems more reasonable to plan to begin this Pentecost/Confirmation liturgy at

10:30 am rather than our normal 11 am.

Widows’ Support Group Meeting

Widows will meet this Thursday, April 10, at 1:00 in Grotto Hall. Duane Campbell, a gardening

columnist, will be the guest speaker. All widows are welcome to attend. For more info, call 570-265-2625.

Housekeeping There is another need for a person to do housekeeping one day each week. If you are or know of a reliable person who is available to do this type of work, please contact or have them contact the parish office 570-265-2113. Thank You!

2019 Campaign Care 2020

2019 Campaign Care 2020 is now underway, to enable the parish projects that are being undertaken:

repairs to the outside and inside of the church; a new directional sound system, microphones, and multimedia

system; the choir loft railings and repairs; finalize renovations in Grotto Hall; and to tar and reseal the parish,

school and cemetery parking lots. This work needs to be done, and now seems to be a good time to address all

these issues. Please consider these needs, and pledge what you feel you can and pray that all goes well.

Thanks to so many who have already made a pledge.

Work on the sound system will begin on Monday April 22, 2019. Repair work on the inside and the

outside of the church may begin this week, continuing on after Easter; and the recoating will take place in the

summer.

10 pointers for Family Prayer for Your Marriage

A flyer is available at the entrance to the church concerning this topic. It might be better described as

“10 Pointers for Prayer for Anyone With a Busy Life.”

Liturgical Ministers Apr 13-14 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Sat.Vigil 5 pm: Patrick Barry Sun.8 am: Bob Brenner 11 am: Barbara Krauss Lectors: Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Rob Grimes, Sandy Kasenga Sunday 8 am: Matt Tavani, Chris Sullivan 11 am: Al & Teresa Ondrey Altar Servers: Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Natalee & Xavier Watson Sunday 8 am: Stan Vatnitsky, Marley & Sidney Bride, Emma Morgan, Kate & Sara Burrowes 11 am: Dominic Tavani, Shane Maghamez Hospital & Personal Care Home: Lee Ann Wolfe Bradford County Manor: Mary Pfeffer

Mass Intentions - April 6 - 14

Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Alice M. & John F. Grenell (Joan Grenell) Sun. 8:00 am: Our Parishioners 11:00 am: Jack Cardene (Jackie & Garret Johnson) Mon. 8:30 am: Patty Haverly ((mother, Ruby Boyanowski) Tues.8:30 am: John Petro Wed. 5:30 pm: Jim Fleury (Christina Fleury) Thursday: No Mass Fri. 8:30 am: Robert G. Fleury (Christina Fleury) Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Edward Kukaites (Family) Sun. 8:00 am: Our Parishioners 11:00 am: Audrey Perechinsky (husband, Joseph)

Offertory March 24, 2019 Sunday Offering $ 4,177.00 Easter Flowers $ 1,303.00 Special Envelopes $ 180.00

Thank You for your Generosity

Second Collection

This week is for the Care & Education of Priests. Next week will be for Aid to Education.

A Sanctuary Lamp burns this week for:

The Intentions of Mary Ann Schram (Sylvia)

Altar Care April Chair: Eileen Hugo

April 13 - Week 2: Mary Aquilio

Chris Bedford, Coleen Sullivan

Counters Apr 8: Team C

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

The Light is On for You!

This week, the Monday evening program

of Reconciliation “The Light is On for

You” will be from 5:30 and 6:45 pm here

in the church.

Altar Servers and Ushers for Holy Week Liturgies

In planning ahead, there is a need for Altar Servers and

ushers during Holy Week. A sign-up sheet is at the en-

trance to the church; we ask all altar servers and ushers

to indicate their availability for the various liturgical ser-

vices during Holy Week. Thank You! Fr. Ed is trying

to get a head start on planning for: Palm Sunday Mass-

es, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and

Easter Sunday.

Deanery Penance Services - This Sunday

Sunday April 7, 2019 2 pm Canton 4 pm Towanda

Sunday April 14, 2019 3 pm Sayre

Penance

Chrism Mass – April 16, 2019 If you are interested in attending the Diocese of Scranton Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at 4 pm— and interested in reserved seating, please contact either Kathy Joyce, Marie Seibert or Fr. Ed ASAP so that we can make these arrangements

Living Stations - This Week

This coming Friday, April 12, 2019, the students from St. Agnes will pray

The Living Stations of the Cross in SSPP Church at 1:30 pm and at 7:00 pm.

Please come and pray with them, as our Lenten journey together continues.

Blessing of Easter Baskets

Many ethnic groups celebrate Easter by having an Easter basket that reflects various aspects of the

Paschal Mystery by the particular items that are placed in the basket. A handout is available at the entrance to

the church with an image of the traditional Easter basket and a listing of the items and the significance of each

item. A website is at the bottom of the page for more details.

Blessing of the Baskets will take place here at SSPP parish on Holy Saturday April 20, 2019 at 9am in

Grotto Hall. Consider making an initial start of this practice with your family by discussing and including

some of the items

RICHARD M. FARLEY

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

———————————

521 MAIN STREET 570-265-4993

TOWANDA, PA 18848 FAX: 570-265-5996

E-mail: rmfarley@epix.net

Knights of Columbus TOWANDA COUNCIL, No. 3915

7 Poplar St., Towanda PA 18848

Meetings 4th Wednesdays at 7 pm

Contact: 570-265-2113

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

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

570-265-6803

102 Third Street Towanda PA 18848

www.edline.net/pages/StAgnes

570-268-7653 570-888-2202

Please Remember in Your prayers_

Reese Aquilio; Nancy Barrett; Tori Barton; Christine Bedford; Rosie Beale; Gus Branish; Carol Brubaker; David Walsh Brubaker; Ric Campbell; Chris Cole; Beth Coleman; Patricia Coleman; Monica Curtis; Margaret DeMarco; Patricia Dibble; Mary Theresa Dorsey; Rachel Dugan; Stephanie Duggan; Margaret Dunkle; George Emery; Helen Finlan; June Gormley Goodrich; Sally Groff; Linda Hilscher; Evelyn Hoff; Glenna Hoffman; Billy Hollenback; Linda Hollenback; Mary Ann Jorgenson; Polly Karschner; Timothy Leo Lenox; Annette McClure; Deany McGarrigle; Mickey McGarrigle; Sharon Mahaffey; Nate Miller; Paul Moran; Ethan Neuber; Charles Palmer; Jean Perry; Kathleen Lenox Reider; Cindy Robinson; Fr. Richard Rojas; Mary Ann Schram; Eugenia Serpe; Mackenzie Kempner Taylor; Ed and Barbara Ulatowski; Reed & Rozz VanDerlyke; Maria Van Haute; Lani Wood; Bart Young, and Special Intentions.

OTTAVIANI OPTOMETRY 1932 GOLDEN MILE RD 55 MAIN ST P.O. BOX 599 P.O. BOX 505 WYSOX PA 18854 WYALUSING PA 18853 PHONE: 570-265-6816 PHONE: 570-746-1610

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

2 AND 4 Grave Lots Available

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

BARRETT LAW OFFICES Patrick J. Barrett, III

Attorney and Counselor at Law

507 West Pine Street 21 Troy St. - PO Box 157 Athens, PA 18810 Canton, PA 17724 570-888-0297 570-673-5180 Fax: 570-888-4142 or 570-364-5799 patrick@barrettlawofficepa.com Fax: 570-673-5780 patbar.law@frontiernet.net

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

Providing Professional Services that Respond to Personal Needs

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

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

www.bowenfuneralhomes.com

Bowen-Farr Funeral Home

570-258-3456

6 Gordon Farr St.—Ulster, Pa. 18850

Brandon B. Allis

Funeral Director—Supervisor

Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home Inc.

570-265-2272

217 York Ave., Towanda PA 18848

James A. Bowen

Funeral Director, Owner / Supervisor

1841– 2016

SS Peter

and Paul

Church

Bob Hugo 570-265-6615 106 River St., Towanda, PA

Auto * Home * Life * Fin. Services

bob.hugo.bt7s@statefarm.com

~~Green’s Auto Mart, Inc.~~ Quality Used Cars at a Fair Price

1503 Golden Mile Rd. Towanda PA

Greensautomart.com 570-265-AUTO(2886)

FAX 570-265-8149

Before You Pay ~ See Rick or Ray

865 Golden Mile Towanda Pa 18848

570-265-4479

EVERY MONDAY

Large Cheese Pizza

9.99

XXXXXXXXXX5

376 Leisure Drive

Towanda, PA

Phone 570-265-7302

Fax 570-265-5065

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

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

REQUEST FOR PARISH REGISTRATION FORM

Name ____________________________Date__________

Address____________________________________________

City,Zip _________________________Phone _____________

Remember not the events

of the past, the things

of long ago consider not;

see, I am doing

something new! Isaiah 43: 18-19

CALENDAR Mark Your Calendar at Home

Small Groups will continue to meet during Lent

LENT - Check our Website for 2019 Lenten Programs and Details

Sunday, Apr. 7: Deanery Penance Services - 2 pm Canton; and 4 pm Towanda Monday, Apr. 8: 5:30-6:45 pm The Light is on for You (Confessions) Wednesday, 4/10: 11:45 am Lenten Ecumenical Luncheon @ Methodist Church; Fr. Ed Michelini Hosted by SSPP Parishioners 1-3 pm: Widows’ Support Group in Grotto Hall 5:30 pm Mass; light supper afterward (no morning Mass) Friday, Apr. 12: 1:30 pm Living Stations of the Cross by St. Agnes Students 7:00 pm Living Stations of the Cross Saturday, Apr. 13 8:30 am Women’s One-day Retreat, Wyalusing 6:00 pm The Pilgrim’s Progress @ Ulster UMC (see p. 6) Palm Sunday, 4/14: 3:00 pm Deanery Penance Service in Sayre, Epiphany Church Monday, Apr. 15: 5:30-6:45The Light is on for You 5:30-6:45 pm (Confessions) Tuesday, Apr. 16: 4:00 pm Chrism Mass 4 pm St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton (see p.6) Wednesday, Apr. 17: 5:30 Mass; light supper afterward (no morning Mass) The Triduum Holy Thursday 4/18: 7:00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Friday, 4/19: 3:00 pm Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord Easter Vigil Sat.,4/20: 9:00 am Blessing of Baskets in Grotto Hall 8:30 pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday, 4/21: 8:00 and 11:00 am Masses

Lenten Wednesday Evening Mass As in past years, the parish offers the opportunity to attend an evening Mass on Wednesdays during Lent, at 5:30 pm. (There will be no morning Mass on Wednesdays). A light supper will be provided after each Mass. Parishioners volunteer to bring soup, salad, or sandwiches for each week; please sign up the prior week for the following Wednesday on the volunteer sheet or call Nancy 570-721-1062.

Lenten Regulations Abstinence from meat: Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent, all Catholics who have

reached their 14th birthday are obliged to abstain from eating meat. Fast: All Catholics over 18 years of age to the beginning of their 60th year are obliged to fast, which means to take only one full meal and two smaller meals, unless dispensed or excused.

Fasting - Praying - Almsgiving

About being a Godparent

FAQ – On Godparents and Confirmation Sponsors

Can you tell me more about Godparents?

Sure, being a Godparent is more than an honorary title. When someone agrees to be a Godparent, it means that

they are pledging to always play a significant and positive role in that child’s life and spiritual life. The

Church stipulates that a Godparent must be a practicing Catholic, over 16 years of age, who has received the

Sacrament of Confirmation, and if married, married by a Catholic priest. If you have two Godparents, Church

law asks that one be a man and the other be a woman.

But my best friend is not Catholic and I really wanted him/her to be my child’s Godparent. What can I do?

If your friend is a baptized Christian, he may stand next to the Godparent s a Christian Witness. There must

always be at least one Godparent who is a practicing Catholic. A person who was baptized Catholic but in an

irregular marriage or who is not longer practicing their faith cannot be a Christian Witness.

St. Mother Teresa of Kalkata:

“I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus; I must feed him.

This is sick Jesus; this one has leprosy or gangrene; I must wash him and tend to him.

I serve because I love Jesus.”

2019 Catholic Women’s Conference - June 22

As many of you are aware, the 1st Catholic Women’s Conference was launched in connection with the

Diocesan Anniversary year in 2018. Continuing this year, with the overall theme of “Refresh Your Faith,” the

committee is pleased to announce this year’s 2nd Annual Catholic Women’s Conference on Saturday, June 22,

2019. With a focus on “Come to the Well,” this year’s conference will be hosted at the University of Scran-

ton. The day will be filled with faith, hope and joy for Catholic women of all ages.

The program includes: speaker, Teresa Tomeo, syndicated Catholic talk show host; Jill Metz, artist

and personal faith witness; and Sr. Mercy Marie, Sister of Life. The Nashville music group, “His Own,” will

again provide music ministry.

Ladies, mark your calendar, and watch for more information in future bulletins.

Matt Kelly - June 28-29, 2019 Are you thriving or just surviving? Do you want more energy? A deeper sense of purpose? Join us

for Living Every Day with Passion & Purpose, presented by internationally acclaimed speaker Matthew Kelly, in the Philadelphia area (Blue Bell and Bensalem) on June 28 & 29, 2019 from 7-10 pm.

Anyone interested in making an overnight trip for his program and also sightsee in Philadelphia, please

contact Kathleen Woods 570-364—5996. There is a $39 cost for the event and it would involve staying over-

night. You can also check the website DynamicCatholic.com/BlueBell.

Matt Kelly has authored many of the books that the parish has provided to you for free in recent years.

If you liked his books, you might want to make this journey to see and hear him in person this June.

Endless Mountains Pregnancy Care Center (EMPCC)

Some Parishioners have inquired about the “Baby Bottle” annual campaign which benefits the Endless

Mountains Pregnancy Care Center. Our parish will be holding this campaign here in the parish between

Mothers Day and Fathers Day this year.

In addition to that upcoming campaign, the parish last Fall had applied for, and received, a Social Jus-

tice Grant from Diocesan Annual Appeal funds for $2K for the EMPCC. More recently, we committed to

sponsor for a year, the new EMPCC Online “Earn While You Learn” Program for parenting skills.

Mark your calendars to save your loose change (bills, too) for the upcoming Baby Bottle Campaign;

and remember—they can always use diapers, anytime!

The Pilgrim’s Progress - April 13

You ae invited to a FREE advanced showing of The Pilgrim’s Progress on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at

6 pm at the Ulster Methodist Church on Second Street in Ulster. For more information, call Pastor Kitty, 570-

404-1251. Movie preview is available at www.pilgrims.movie.

2019 Catholic Men’s Conference: “What is Truth?” - April 27, 2019

The 2019 Diocesan Men’s Conference, “What is Truth?” has been scheduled for Saturday, April 27,

2019, at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre. Featured speakers will be Fr. Philip G. Bochanski,

Dr. Ray Guarendi, and Doug Barry. Additional information is on the church bulletin board; application blanks

are on the table at the entrance of the church; and at www.BeAManConference.com. Register now at the Dio-

cese of Scranton Office for Parish Life 570-207-2213; mail application with $40 fee to 330 Wyoming Ave.,

Scranton PA 18503.

Word of Life

“When battered by life's storms, or immersed in a dense fog of suffering and uncertainty, we may feel

alone and unequipped to handle the circumstances. Yet with words that echo through thousands of years into

the corners of our hearts, the Lord says to us, ‘Do not fear: I am with you’ (Isaiah 41:10).” ~ USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities 2017-18 Respect Life Reflection