PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”

P.O. Box 75 • 17 Cottage Street • Friendsville, Pa. 18818

www.ourparishcommunity.com • Phone (570) 553-2288

E-mail: sfxc@epix.net

Father Casimir (Cas) Stanis, Pastor

Kenneth S. Brennan, Deacon

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,

(St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa.

St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our Parish Collections. St. Francis (4:30PM) - $ 969.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) - $ 844.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) - $ 547.00

LIFELINES

“In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, also called confession, we meet the Lord, who wants to grant forgiveness and the grace to live a renewed life in him.” —“God’s Gift of Forgiveness: A Pastoral Exhortation on the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation”, USCCB

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS

Divine Mercy Devotions are held following Sunday Masses at St. Francis & St. Augustine. You are encouraged to stay for a few minutes after Mass for this wonderful devotion.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP BULLETINS Children’s Worship Bulletin’s are available in the back of the Churches.

MASS SCHEDULE

Sat. Feb. 6 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JOSEPH & HELEN GRIFFIN by Mike & Mary Ellen Griffin

Sun. Feb. 7 8:00AM St. Francis Church - FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - (Anniv.) MARY BETH ADAMS by Joe & Judy Adams Mon. Feb. 8 12:00NN St. Francis Church - CHIP BARNUM by Leo & Loretta Guiton Tue. Feb. 9 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - JOSEPH POMPEII by Joanne Cerretani Wed. Feb. 10 7:30AM St. Augustine Church - ASH WEDNESDAY (Distribution of Ashes) 6:00PM St. Francis Church - (Mass & Distribution of Ashes)

DOUG WHEATON by Peter & Martha Strojny Thur. Feb. 11 8:30AM St. Francis Church - RITA POWERS by Theresa & Bill Noldy Fri. Feb. 12 12:00NN St. Francis Church - (Mass & Stations of the Cross)

MARY R. CADDEN by Katherine Keenan 6:00PM St. Augustine Church - (Stations of the Cross) Sat. Feb. 13 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 1 ST SUNDAY OF LENT

RALPH & MARIE GESFORD by Gary & Helena Arbosheski Sun. Feb. 14 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 1 ST SUNDAY OF LENT

RALPH WARNER by Mary Warner 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND The second collection THIS weekend will be for the Care & Education of Priests.

THANK YOU—CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Thank you for your contributions to the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)! Your generous gifts will help CCHD break the cycle of poverty in the United States through better education, improved housing, and economic development. Through CCHD and its beneficiaries, we demonstrate Catholic social teaching and carry our Jesus’ mission to “bring glad tidings to the poor … to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Lk 4:18). St. Brigid Parish collection total was $ 585.55.

WORLD DAY OF THE SICK This Thursday, February 11th is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick. Anyone wishing to receive the Sacrament of the Sick will be anointed following Masses this weekend. (If you would like to be anointed but can’t attend Mass, please call the office 570-553-2288 to arrange anointing.) Please pray for all the sick in our Parishes, Community and World.

BLESSED CANDLES

Blessed Candles are available in the back of Church. A small box is next to them for donations.

THANK YOU BRUNCH FOR VOLUNTEERS

Sunday, March 13th, we will honor volunteers in our Parish. A brunch for volunteers & their families will be held in Neumann Hall beginning at 12 Noon. If you are a member of the following: Parish Council, Finance Council, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Cantor, Choir, Officer of Altar & Rosary, Altar Server, CCD Teacher, Food Pantry Coordinator, Adoration Coordinator, Fund Raiser chairmen/committee persons, CYO Moderator, Softball Manager, RCIA leaders, Money Counters, or lawn maintenance personnel,

you are invited to attend. Call the Rectory (570-553-2288); Homan’s (570-553-2860) or email jhoman@epix.net with number attending so preparations can be made.

CANTOR

We are beginning a cantor ministry. If you are interested in leading the congregation in song, please contact Marilee Beyer (570-934-0976) for more information and train-ing.

MASS INTENTIONS AVAILABLE

Would you like to remember your loved one, relatives, or friends in a special way during the coming year??? Why not do so through a Mass said in their memory/

honor. What a beautiful way to remember their memory and an incentive to attend Mass that day. It has been several years since you have had this opportunity. Don’t let this golden opportunity pass you by without taking advantage this new year.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Again this year calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2016. Each

family in our Parish is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to please sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year!

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN

If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need), please contact Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212), Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618), or Mary Keenan (570-553-2431). If you have prayer requests, please call anyone on the list and many prayers will be offered for your particular intention.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK This free food distribution for those in need is for SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR ASH WEDNESDAY St. Francis—Feb 10—6:00PM: Lector—Thomas O’Reilly; Servers—Declan & Daegan Giannone; Rosary—Betty Ellen Hardy

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEKEND St. Francis—Feb. 13th—4:30PM: Lector—Betty Ellen Hardy; Servers—Declan & Daegan Gian-none; Rosary—Margaret Flaherty St. Francis—Feb. 14th—8:00AM: Lector—Andy Potocek; Servers—volunteer needed; Rosary—Alice Carr St. Augustine—Feb 14th—10:30AM: Lector—Barb Pichette; Servers—Emma, Hallie, Linsey & Norah Milligan; Rosary—Ann Zalepa or a volunteer If at any time you a volunteer is needed for any ministry, please feel free to step forward and offer your services.

DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Dan Middendorf, formerly of Little Meadows. We also pray for Bill Cokely who was known to many in our Community. May they rest in peace. Amen.

SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr.

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for healing for all the sick and special intentions. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Helen Taylor requested by Leo & Loretta Guiton.

CHURCH CLEANING

St. Francis cleaners for the month of February—Laura Legg. St. Augustine cleaners Feb. 7 to 13—Anne & Sally Hawley; Feb. 14 to 20—volunteers

needed.

PRAYER LIST Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish and Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., David Zevan, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Donald & Terry Baum, Mary Bakay, Donnie Butler,

Tommy Williams, Stephen Ambrose, Mary Riley, Toni Colardino, Tom Wenman, Kathy Holt, Linda Hol-lenback, T.S., Tyler Fletcher, Anna Mae Coleman, Mary Lou Fahs, Steve Hundiak, Richard Hutchinson, Mary K. Long, Joshua Kaminski, Aleisya Abrams, John Bauer, Butch Rosencranz, Ruth King, Brooke Arnold, Adam Kelly, Nancy Lynch, Hallie Brooks, June Riley, Sarah Murnigahan, William Chaney, Daniel Gavin, Sue Anderson, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Sam Miner, John & Alberta Zielinski, Virginia Raftis, Marie Donahue, Nancy, Matt & Emily, Bob Murphy, Robyn Lawson, Rita Flynn, Elton Carr, Kaleena Dughi, Molly Getter, Debbie Drewry, Bub Davis, Rusty Carmen, Ronalee Eckert, Chelsea Judson, Brenda, Walt Frystak, Amanda Branning, J.K., H.T., Andy Mooney, Dave Hibbard, Jeff Barnard, Phoebe Burrell, Ken Guiton, Mary Elizabeth Healy, George Kotch, Jr., Delmar O’Rourke, Lori & Michelle Parsons, Steve Burrell, Tammy Fleming, Barbara Borsav-age, Amy, Gregg Loboda, Mark Kovach, Jerry Conboy, Brendan Kelly, Greg Lasgowka, Shirley Bow-ser, Paul Kerber, Linda Bush, Dick Lewis, James O’Mara, Joe Redmond, Pat Donnelly, Florian Paste-ka, Matt Purtell, Grove Doty, Eleanor Hastings, Bob Keenan, Karen Purtell, Victoria Hegedty, Terry White, Richard Guido, John & Doris Daly, Victoria Grisdale, Alida Priestner, Ann Rounds, Carol Popeck, Fr. Cas, Julie McMahon, Chris Conboy, Lanny Puzo, Brittany Villanella, Clo-ver Lynn Villanella, Annette Glasgow, Marilyn Quick, and Lyle Oakes. May they re-gain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Books. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish and Community, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Shane Kalpokas, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Matthew Kramer, Dustin Ryder, Bobby Brostoski, Ricky Trowbridge, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Lukas Crisman, John Matousek, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Kevin Lewandoski, Am-berlynn Villanella, Steven Shelp, Daniel Daly, Rip VanWinkle and all who serve with them. May they all be

SCHEDULE FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations begin Friday, February 12th, following Noon Mass at St. Francis Church. Stations begin Friday, February 12th, at 6:00PM at St. Augustine Church.

Stations of the Cross will continue with the above schedule all Friday’s during Lent. There will be no Stations of the Cross on Tuesday morning at St. Augustine.

ROSARY DURING LENT

The Rosary will be held before all weekday Masses. Volunteers are encouraged to lead the Rosary. You don’t need to wait for Fr. Cas, as he may be hearing Confessions. If someone would like to lead the Rosary, please do so.

EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPES

You are reminded that Easter Flower Donation Envelopes are in your envelope boxes. There is space on the back for memorials.

LENTEN READING MATERIALS

In the back of our Churches are copies of the Lenten Edition of “The Word Among Us”, and “The Catholic Digest”. Please feel free to take a copy home with you and use them as part of your daily Lenten meditations.

COMBINED CHOIR PRACTICE FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER

The Combined Choir is practicing for Holy Week and Easter on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM in St. Francis Church. Please consider joining the choir to help make our services even more beautiful.

OPERATION RICE BOWL—HUNGERING FOR THE JOURNEY Join our Parish Community—and more than 14,000 Catholic Communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl. Rice Bowl Envelopes are in your envelope boxes and can be put in the collection at any time during Lent. The Rice Bowl Collection will be taken up on Holy Thursday. Remember, your Lenten sacrifices change lives. Lent runs from Ash Wednesday, February 10th, until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, March 24th.

FOOD CARDS/FOOD PANTRY EASTER FOOD CARDS: We have a total of (14) families on our Food Card list. If you know of any family or individual who needs help, please call the rectory or put a note in the collection basket. If you have put someone on the list in the past and they no longer need help, please let us know. You may put your donation, (check or cash), in the collection basket in an envelope marked “attention: Kay—Food Cards” or mail it to the rectory. All donations are needed and are greatly appreciated.

FOOD PANTRY: We are now preparing for Easter Baskets. Donations for hams would be appreciat-ed and should be put in the collection marked Food Pantry. Any checks must be made payable to “The Food Pantry”. Thank you for sharing with others. May God bless you a hundredfold.

SHEETS/BLANKETS/NECK TIES NEEDED

Old/used sheets & blankets are needed to make sleeping bags for the homeless. If you are cleaning out your closet, please consider donating them for this worthy cause. Donations can be left in the back of the Churches or dropped off at the Rectory, (if no one is there, please leave donations on the porch by the driveway). All donations are most welcome. Also needed are old, used neckties (not clip-on).

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waiting for your children. www.broomecatholicschools.org

ADORATION HOURS OPEN Have you been wanting an hour of adoration alone with our Lord? The following hours are open: Wednesday—5-6PM; Thursday—10-11AM; Thursday—6-7PM. We do close when the weather is bad, so don’t let that keep you from trying an hour. “The best time you spend on earth is time spent with Jesus.” Call or

email Andrea Chen if you would like an hour. ( cathmomofsix@gmail.com or 607-669-4875 )

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS

Divine Mercy Devotions are held fol- lowing Sunday Masses at St. Francis & St. Augustine. You are encour- aged to stay for a few minutes after Mass for this wonderful devotion.

“THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU” In this Year of Faith, the Church invites us to renew our faith and rekindle our relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. One of the greatest ways to accept this invitation is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, given to us by Jesus to receive His healing love. The Church encourages us to make confession a regular part of our spiritual life, especially during the holy season of Lent, as we reflect on our baptism and repentance. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera is helping to make this experience possible by arranging for a Lenten initiative called “The Light Is On For You”.

IN ST. BRIGID PARISH, because in past years no one has attended “The Light Is On For You”, in the first weeks of Lent, Fr. Cas will not be hearing Confessions until the later weeks of Lent. The schedule for “The Light Is On For You”, Confessions in St. Brigid Parish is as follows: March 7th, 14th, and 21st from 6:00 to 7:00PM at St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville. The website, www.dioceseofscranton.org/light has materials to assist you in preparing to make a good confession, prayers you may find helpful, and answers to frequently asked questions.

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ASH WEDNESDAY—FEBRUARY 10TH

The schedule for Mass and distribution of Ashes is as follows: 7:30AM—St. Augustine Church—Deacon Ken Brennan will distribute Ashes

6:00PM—St. Francis Xavier Church—Fr. Cas will say Mass and distribute Ashes

Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church. On this day, ashes are blessed and imposed after the homily. These ashes are of branches of the olive tree, or, according to custom, of the palm tree or other trees, which have been blessed the previous year. Apart from Mass, a liturgy of the Word precedes the rite of blessing, concluding with general intercessions, the Lord’s Prayer, and a hymn. The ordinary minister of the blessing of ashes is a priest or deacon. Others (e.g., special ministers of communion) may assist with the imposition of ashes where there is a genuine need, especially for the sick and shut-ins. One of the following formulas is used: Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. Or Remember, you are dust and unto dust you shall return.

2016 REGULATIONS FOR LENT All faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are reminded of Diocesan Statute No. 41, which addresses the penitential aspect of Lent: “The season of Lent is penitential in nature and during Lent penance should be not only internal and individual, but also external and social (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 5, 109). Pastors are obliged to avoid scheduling activities in the parishes which in any way could possibly detract from the external and social penance required by Lent.” During Lent the following fast and abstinence regulations are observed: · Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, March 25th, are days of fast and abstinence. · Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence. · All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and on all Fridays during Lent. · All Catholics over 18 years of age to the beginning of their 60th year are bound to the obligation of fasting. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal and two smaller meals unless dispensed or excused.

LENTEN REMINDERS Lent is a time for sacrifice and for spiritual renewal as we reflect upon our baptism and the call given to each of us to walk as disciples of the Lord. We are provided with three personal challenges associated with our individual observance of Lent: · Almsgiving – generously giving to those in need · Fasting – practicing self-discipline and self-denial · Prayer – reading, hearing and reflecting on the Word of God Lent is also a penitential season. It is a time to seek forgiveness, to look inward, and to admit our shortcomings and failures. It is a time to regroup and to prepare. How can you spend your time during Lent? · By “giving up” things you hunger after, such as sweets or alcohol; or activities you desire, such as vacations, concerts or movies. · By “doing” things to help others, such as offering an extra donation to the poor or helping those in need by providing food or clothing. · By “adding” to our normal routine, such as going to daily Mass, praying the Stations of the Cross and going to confession.