MARCH 24, 2019 – THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Page 1 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

PARISH STAFF

Pastor: Rev. Simione R. Volavola, M.S.C.

Parochial Vicar: Rev. Tony Ripp, M.S.C.

Dir. of Religious Education: Donna Sciacca

Parish Secretary: Rebecca Tirpok

Finance Manager: Carolyn Marchese

PARISH SPIRITUALITY

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm

Sunday: 8:00am & 10:30am

Mon - Fri: 8:35am

Holy Days: 9:00am & 7:30pm

CONFESSION: Saturdays 4:15pm - 4:45pm or by appointment. REGISTER: Please contact the parish office to register when you move into the parish. Only registered parishioners, in good standing, can receive a Certificate of Eligibility to act as a Godparent or sponsor.

BAPTISMS: The Sacrament of Baptism is administered on the fourth Sunday of every month. Parents are encouraged

to invite family members to the 10:30 Mass as the Sacrament of Baptism takes place immediately following the Mass. Parents and Godparents must attend an enrichment class approx. 1 month prior to the Baptism. You will need to call the Parish Office to register for this class. A Godparent must

be a committed, practicing Catholic, and if from another parish, must provide a certificate of eligibility from their pastor. This certificate should be brought to the enrichment class. A Christian of other denominations may serve as a Godparent along with a practicing Catholic.

MARRIAGE: A Saturday Mass for the Sacrament of Matrimony may be celebrated no later than 1pm. Couples planning marriage are to contact the parish office & schedule a meeting with our wedding coordinator no later than 6 months in advance of the wedding. Shorter preparation

periods must be approved by our Pastor. Couples will meet several times with the Pastor throughout the preparation process. Couples are to attend a Pre-Cana program approved by our Pastor.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Please call the rectory at anytime for the Sacrament of the Sick. Also the Holy Eucharist will be brought to the sick and shut-ins upon request to the Parish Office. We celebrate a Communal Anointing of the Sick in June, near the Feast of St. John the Baptist.

For the Week of March 25 - 31, 2019 Mass Intentions

Morning Prayer in St. Joseph Chapel, Mon. – Fri. at 8:15am

Mon. – Thurs. 8:35am / Friday 9:00am

Monday: Harry Reckner (Tom Fink)

Tuesday: Florence J. Mainart (Jerry & Jackie Tumolo)

Wednesday: Richard High (Harold Rick)

7pm - Confessions

7:30pm: Parishioners’ Intentions

Thursday: Mary Rogers (Jackie Litzenberger)

Friday: Mary Rogers (Gammello Family)

7:30pm - Stations of the Cross

Weekend Masses Saturday

5pm: Elizabeth Petritsch

Sunday

8am: Parishioners’ Intentions

10:30am: SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Intentions of our CONFIRMANDI

Ministry Meetings this Week

Mon. March 25: Walking with Purpose, 7pm – SJB Mtg. Rm.

Christ Life Prayer Gr., 7:30pm - Chapel

Tues. March 26: Choir Practice, 7pm - Church

Wed. March 27: Flame of Love Rosary, 8am – Church

Divine Mercy Chaplet, 3pm – Chapel

RCIA, 3:30PM – Parish Office

Fri. March 29: Meatless Potluck Dinner, 6pm – Parish Hall

Sat. March 30: Men of Faith, 8am – Marian Room

Confirmation Rehearsal, 10am – Gym / Church

Sun. March 31: SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION No Meetings in church

Weekly Mass Collection

Envelopes / Parish Giving

March 17th: $ 5,851.00 / $ 646.00

Thank you for your generosity!

FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON PARISH

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.stjohnsottsville.org

AND DON’T FORGET TO “LIKE”

our Parish Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/ottsville

MARCH 24, 2019 – THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

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Fruits of the Fig

Scott Hahn Reflects on the Third Sunday of Lent Readings:

Exodus 3:1–8, 13–15

Psalm 103:1–4, 6–8, 11

1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 10–12

Luke 13:1–9

In the Church, we are made children of the

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God

who makes known His name and His ways

to Moses in today’s First Reading.

Mindful of His covenant with Abraham

(see Exodus 2:24), God came down to

rescue His people from the slave drivers of

Egypt. Faithful to that same covenant

(see Luke 1:54–55, 72–73), He sent

Jesus to redeem all lives from destruction,

as today’s Psalm tells us.

Paul says in today’s Epistle that God’s

saving deeds in the Exodus were written

down for the Church, intended as a prelude

and foreshadowing of our own Baptism by

water, our liberation from sin, our feeding

with spiritual food and drink.

Yet the events of the Exodus were also

given as a “warning”—that being children of

Abraham is no guarantee that we will reach

the promised land of our salvation.

At any moment, Jesus warns in today’s

Gospel, we could perish—not as God’s

punishment for being “greater sinners”—but

because, like the Israelites in the

wilderness, we stumble into evil desires, fall

into grumbling, forget all His benefits.

Jesus calls us today to “repentance”—not a

one-time change of heart, but an ongoing,

daily transformation of our lives.

We’re called to live the life we sing about in

today’s Psalm—blessing His holy name,

giving thanks for His kindness and mercy.

The fig tree in His parable is a familiar Old

Testament symbol for Israel (see Jeremiah

8:3; 24:1–10). As the fig tree is given one

last season to produce fruit before it is cut

down, so too Jesus is giving Israel one final

opportunity to bear good fruits as evidence

of its repentance (see Luke 3:8).

Lent should be for us like the season of

reprieve given to the fig tree, a grace period

in which we let “the gardener,” Christ,

cultivate our hearts, uprooting what chokes

the divine life in us, strengthening us to

bear fruits that will last into eternity.

FATIMA HOUSE RETREAT CENTER

Bedminster, PA “A Quiet Country Retreat Center”

Offering Day & Overnight Retreats for Individuals & Small

Groups

Monday, 7pm: Adoration & Prayers

Wednesday, 9:30am: Adoration & Prayers

3rd Sunday, 12pm: Adoration & Prayer for Vocations

1st Saturday 10am- Rosary, Confession,

Mass, & Lunch

For more information or directions, please call Joan

Black at 215-536-3508, or visit us at

fatimahousebedminster.webs.com

MARCH 24, 2019 – THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Page 3 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

TEACH the CHILDREN

Confirmation Rehearsal Saturday, March 30th at 10am

For Candidates & Sponsors

The RITE of the

SACRAMENT of

CONFIRMATION within the Mass

Sunday, March 31, 2019

10:30AM Mass Celebrant Bishop Joseph F. Martino

Candidates & Sponsors - 9:30am to the school

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Why the SCRUTINY READINGS for the Elect? The three passages from John’s Gospel listed in RCIA 146,

included in the readings for Lent are, “The Woman from

Samaria,” “The Man Born Blind,” and “The Rising of

Lazarus.” Over the years these readings have been associated

with the preparation of the elect. When the three scrutiny

readings are examined in this way, we begin to understand what

the RCIA means when it says that Lent “is intended as well to

enlighten the minds and hearts of the elect with a deeper

knowledge of Christ the Savior” (139). The Gospels assigned to

the scrutinies are there to ask the elect: Could he possibly be

the Messiah? Do you believe in the Son of Man? Do you

believe this? The things that keep the elect from saying “yes!”

are the things that must be scrutinized and exorcized, for in just

one month, they must respond “yes, I believe” as they stand at

the edge of death at the font. The place where the elect learn to

answer “yes!” is in the parish community. The assignment and

order of the scrutiny Gospels from John reflect the community’s

progressive and communal catechesis for the elect in order that

they may hear and believe (Samaritan Woman), see and believe

(man born Blind), and finally believe without proof (Martha and

Lazarus).

eproesens Jesus, the light of the world. Jesus said,

Shadow Day - Tuesday, March 26th

Is your child's school a good fit? Are you concerned about

social pressures, the common core curriculum or lack of

spiritual guidance? If so, you have options and we can

help! Your child is invited to spend the day with us at Our

Academy and will experience a loving & peaceful

environment and thrive in an atmosphere of spiritual

growth.

Please email our Admissions Director, Amy Mattle, at

amattle@rasjb.org to register.

Join us for the 4th Annual KLS Breakfast, and

Change the World, One Miracle at a Time!

May 16th, 2019 4th Annual KLS Fundraising Breakfast

(Knowing, Loving, Serving, Leading)

Registration: 8:15 - 8:45 AM

Breakfast: 8:45 - 9:45 AM

Location: The Academy Gym

Your Participation will shape hundreds of children's lives

who will then go on to shape their communities and the

world... All Beginning With Their Catholic Classical

Education. Mr. John Mundy, Headmaster

610-847-5523 / jmundy@rasjb.org

Mrs. Amy Mattle, Admissions Director: 267-424-5762

www.rasjb.org

MARCH 24, 2019 – THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Page 4 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

All PREP STUDENTS IN GRADES 2–7 ARE OBLIGATED TO ATTEND IN PLACE OF PREP CLASSES THIS WEEK. PLEASE ARRIVE BY 6:15PM, ENTER THE MAIN CHURCH & SIT WITH YOUR CLASS. ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN AT THE START OF THE PEANCE SERVICE.

There’s an old saying that goes,

“Once a Catholic,

always a Catholic.”

Do you know someone who has been away

from the church for a while? During this Lenten season, a time of forgiveness

and renewal - Invite them back! Let them know

they are missed and always welcome. If they

say No, that’s okay. There are many reasons that a person might give for

why they left the Church. Whatever the reasons, the

Church is deeply concerned with opening the doors

of communication with baptized Catholics who no

longer practice their faith. Gently encourage them to visit:

www.catholicscomehome.or

315 S. Warren Avenue

Malvern, PA 19355 610.644.0400

HOLY WEEK QUIET RETREAT

Women & Men Welcome April 15 - Easter Sunday

“Divine Transformation, Becoming The Person

You Really Want To Be”

RETREAT DIRECTOR: Rev. James T. McGuinn

Limited Enrollment – 25 To Register: contact Joanne Bouvier via email at jbouvier@malvernretreat.com or call 484-321-2534

Christ Life Prayer Meeting

Mon. March 25th, 7:30PM in the Chapel.

Open to All.

This prayer meeting includes LECTIO

DIVINA…In Christianity, Lectio Divina is a

traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural

reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote

communion with God and to increase the

knowledge of God's word. It does not treat scripture

as texts to be studied, but as the living word. The

practice of contemplative reading allows you to slow

down and engage deeply and intuitively with a given

passage, letting meaning dawn through

contemplation and present-moment awareness.

MISSIONARIES of the

SACRED HEART VILLA SPRING RAFFLE Help support our local MSC. Donation $5.00 per ticket. Each ticket gets you closer to winning a cash prize every day in April! $50.00 each weekday, $100.00 each Sunday Easter Sunday Drawing $500.00 Tickets available in the Parish Office.

Come spend some time with JESUS before

THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. LOOKING FOR MONTHLY ADORERS!

Short & Long term commitments available.

Sat.: 12am –1am, Need 1Adorer

Sat.: 1am – 2am, Need 1 Adorer

Sat.: 2am – 3am, Need 2 Adorers

Sat.: 3am – 4am, Need 1 Adorer Contact the parish office if you can fill a time slot.

Lenten Parish Penance Service

Tuesday, April 9th at 6:30pm

MARCH 24, 2019 – THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Page 5 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Please remember in your prayers our parishioners, who are sick, homebound, in the hospital, under hospice or residential care.

Susan Ackerman, Lillian Appleman, Patricia Baker, Nancy Beans, John Becker, Loretta Bodisch, Dominic Chiarello, Anne Colyer,

Charlene Cornell, Matthew Crance, Jim Crawford, Chrissy Davis, Joy Davis, MaryJane Deutsch, Larry & Joanne Diehl, Terry Dunn, Arlene Eichlin, Marvin Eichlin, George Farrelly, Charles Fees, Jr., John Finn, Patricia Fite, Crystal Fleck, Sarah Fleck, Thomas Fleck, Herman Fleck, Claire Fratrik, Janet Galen, Kathi Gallegher, Kathleen Gaughan, Dylan Geroni, Kathy Geroni, Marie & Rosalyn Giardullo, Anna Giebler, Mary Halwski, Maryann Hauber, Bill Hejnor, Joyceann Heley, Michael Heuston, Sharon Horvath, Charles Houston, Leo Inglin, Martha Juchnowicz, Carol Knight, Valerie Korbar, Aleena Lang, Nate Leidtke, Ryan Leven, Kathy Lightkep, Marie Louzon, Charles Lutcavage, Loretta Malloy, Jill Martindell, Adelaide McElderry, Carol McGlinchey, Bridget McHugh, Anne McLaughlin, Anne McNichol, Emma Michael, Maria Middleton, Nancy Moreno, Lorraine Mosolgo, Harvey Mueller, James O’Hanlon, Gabrialle Otero, Gary Palmer, Helen Pepkowski,

Victoria Pepkowski, Nicholas Powell, Don Raman, Mike Ramos, Rachael Rice, Gregory Rickert, Joy & Teddy Rodman, Sandy Romaszewski, Sam Rothman, Frederick R. Rude, Dolly Rutherford, Zina Sauerwine, Bob Sheetz, Lana Schell, Ronald Schultz, Sr., Frank & Joyce, Mary Jane Shuman, Baby Ella Stack, Jenna Stanzio, Shane Stroup, Sean Thatcher, Baby William Patrick Thomas, Cynthia Tocci, Maddie Tomaszewski, Douglas Toner, Betty Ventresca, Helen Wall, Diane Wesoski, Maryjane Whealton, Tamara Widmer, Edward Wismer, Baby Logan Yoder, Liem Zbyszinski

THANK YOU FOR SERVING & PROTECTING

OUR FREEDOMS. Jamie Steven Ayuso, Fionna M. Boyle, Derek Brosius, Christopher Brune, Kyle Crossland, Casey de Lauretis, Michael Froeder, A.J. Giovino, Aaron Given, Matthew Gumprecht, Bob Hankinson, Victor Hormilla, Stephen Lindmeier, Jason Litschauer, Cory Litzenberger, Dan O’Connor, Jonathan Pucci,

Dusty Rhodes, Craig Russell, Don Valdez.

March 30th & 31st: 4th Sunday of Lent

April 5th: Stations of the Cross

Extraordinary

Minister

Lector

Altar Server

Music

Saturday

5 PM

Jim Black

Peg Glancey

Joel Roney

Dave Slifer

Anne Slifer

NEED

VOLUNTEERS

Katie Minster Karen Parash

Sunday

8 AM

Renee Moyer

Kevin Murphy

John Zdanowicz

Mead Grindrod

Natalie Nice

Liz Torgerson

Fred Furmaniak

Sunday

10:30 AM

N/A

N/A

Gabe Fetter – Lead AS Grace Altier

Samantha Froman Brigid Froman

James Gammello Brickston Vinal

Emily Vinal

Choir

Susan Middleton Nio Logaivau Sue Rogers

April 5

Stations of the Cross

7:30 PM

N/A

N/A

Need

Volunteers

Lia Logaivau

Nio Logaivau

ALL BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED by 12:00 pm on the Monday preceding the intended

bulletin publication date. Email submissions to prep@stjohnsottsville.org