MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEKEND—(PALM SUNDAY) St. Francis—March 19th—4:30PM: Lector—Betty Ellen Hardy & Thomas O’Reilly; Servers—

Declan & Daegan Giannone; Rosary—Betty Ellen Hardy; Cantor—Marilee Beyer St. Francis—March 20th—8:00AM: Lector—Rosanne Williams & VOLUNTEER NEEDED; Servers—Thomas Williams; Rosary—Martha Strojny; Cantor—Patti Dudock

St. Augustine—March 20th—10:30AM: Lector—Bob Allen & Johanna Higgins; Servers—Shelby Funk & Christopher Higgins; Rosary—Ann Zalepa or a volunteer; Cantor—Gianna Chen

If at any time you a volunteer is needed for any ministry, please feel free to step forward and offer your services.

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.

.

CHURCH CLEANING

St. Francis cleaners for the month of March—Eileen & Alexis Drab.

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.

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 Hollenback, T.S., Tyler Fletcher, Anna Mae Coleman, Mary Lou Fahs, Steve Hundiak, Richard Hutchinson, Mary K. Long, John Bauer, Joshua Kaminski, Aleisya Abrams, 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, 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, Amy, Ken Guiton, Mary Elizabeth Healy, George Kotch, Jr., Delmar O’Rourke, Lori & Michelle Parsons, Steve Burrell, Tammy Fleming, Barbara Borsavage, Gregg Loboda, Mark Kovach, Jerry Conboy, Brendan Kelly, Greg Lasgowka, Shirley Bowser, Paul Kerber, Linda Bush, Dick Lewis, James O’Mara, Joe Redmond, Pat Donnelly, Florian Pasteka, 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, Brittany Villanella, Clover Lynn Villanella, Annette Glasgow, Marilyn Quick, Amanda Imsenik, Marcus Chubbuck, Lanny & Patsy Puzo, and Lillian Degnan. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Book. 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, Amberlynn Villanella, Steven Shelp, Daniel Daly, Rip VanWinkle and all who serve with them. May they all be protected & safe from harm & return home soon to their families and friends. Amen.

Please call the rectory when the person you put on the Prayer List or Armed Forces List can be removed. If you know of anyone on the list who has passed away, please let us know so that their name can be removed from the list.

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

-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)- $ 1,073.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) - $ 902.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) - $ 804.00.

LIFELINES

“What if our capacity to conceive and bring forth new life from our marriages isn’t some kind of cosmic liability, but a very real participation in the creative work of God himself? “Love, Sex, and Sterilization,” Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP BULLETINS .

MASS SCHEDULE

Sat. Mar. 12 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 5 TH SUNDAY OF LENT

JIM SHAUGHNESSY by the Family Sun. Mar. 13 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 5 TH SUNDAY OF LENT

GERALD MURPHY by the Family

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Mon. Mar. 14 12:00NN St. Francis Church - Anniv. BILL COLEMAN by the Family Tue. Mar. 15 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - JAMES GOW by Barb Gow & Family Wed. Mar. 16 8:30AM St. Francis Church - WANDA PURR & DECEASED FAMILY &

FRIENDS by Joe Purr Thur. Mar. 17 8:30AM St. Francis Church - M/M JAMES A. KEENAN by Kay Keenan

Fri. Mar. 18 12:00NN St. Francis Church - (Mass & Stations of the Cross) ELDON BABCOCK by Mary Babcock

6:00PM St. Augustine Church - (Stations of the Cross) Sat. Mar. 19 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: PALM SUNDAY

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

Sun. Mar. 20 8:00AM St. Francis Church - PALM SUNDAY

LEO CURLEY by the Long Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - Special Intentions of BARBARA BORSAVAGE by

Bill & Barb Pichette

THANK YOU—CARE & EDUCATION OF PRIESTS

Thank you to everyone who donated so generously to last weekends second collection for the Care and Education of Priests. Our collection total was $ 500.00

THANK YOU BRUNCH FOR VOLUNTEERS

For those who are planning to attend the Volunteer Brunch—please remember it is this Sunday at 12Noon at Neumann Hall.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Calendars are $ 20.00 each and 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. With less than a month until April 1st, there are approximately 100 calendars left at each of our Churches, for a total of 200 Calendars remaining unsold. To date only 365 calendar returns have been made. Please remember—it is never too early to make your returns with stubs included! Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year!

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. So far we have a total of $ 700.00 donated to the Food Cards. This is approximately $ 50.00 per family.

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

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.

CANTOR

A few more Cantors are still needed. If you are interested in leading the congregation in song, please contact Marilee Beyer (570-934-0976) for more information and training.

BIBLE STUDY Bible Study is held Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:00AM at Neumann Hall. New members are welcome.

CHICKEN BARBECUE THIS SUNDAY

The Rush Volunteer Fire Department is having a Chicken Barbecue this Sunday, March 13th, at the Rush Social Hall, Lawton. Serving begins at approximately 10:00AM. Cost for a dinner is $10.00; half chicken is $ 7.00.

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEKEND—(PALM SUNDAY) St. Francis—March 19th—4:30PM: Lector—Betty Ellen Hardy & Thomas O’Reilly; Servers—

Declan & Daegan Giannone; Rosary—Betty Ellen Hardy; Cantor—Marilee Beyer St. Francis—March 20th—8:00AM: Lector—Rosanne Williams & VOLUNTEER NEEDED; Servers—Thomas Williams; Rosary—Martha Strojny; Cantor—Patti Dudock

St. Augustine—March 20th—10:30AM: Lector—Bob Allen & Johanna Higgins; Servers—Shelby Funk & Christopher Higgins; Rosary—Ann Zalepa or a volunteer; Cantor—Gianna Chen

If at any time you a volunteer is needed for any ministry, please feel free to step forward and offer your services.

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.

.

CHURCH CLEANING

St. Francis cleaners for the month of March—Eileen & Alexis Drab.

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.

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 Hollenback, T.S., Tyler Fletcher, Anna Mae Coleman, Mary Lou Fahs, Steve Hundiak, Richard Hutchinson, Mary K. Long, John Bauer, Joshua Kaminski, Aleisya Abrams, 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, 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, Amy, Ken Guiton, Mary Elizabeth Healy, George Kotch, Jr., Delmar O’Rourke, Lori & Michelle Parsons, Steve Burrell, Tammy Fleming, Barbara Borsavage, Gregg Loboda, Mark Kovach, Jerry Conboy, Brendan Kelly, Greg Lasgowka, Shirley Bowser, Paul Kerber, Linda Bush, Dick Lewis, James O’Mara, Joe Redmond, Pat Donnelly, Florian Pasteka, 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, Brittany Villanella, Clover Lynn Villanella, Annette Glasgow, Marilyn Quick, Amanda Imsenik, Marcus Chubbuck, Lanny & Patsy Puzo, and Lillian Degnan. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Book. 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, Amberlynn Villanella, Steven Shelp, Daniel Daly, Rip VanWinkle and all who serve with them. May they all be protected & safe from harm & return home soon to their families and friends. Amen.

Please call the rectory when the person you put on the Prayer List or Armed Forces List can be removed. If you know of anyone on the list who has passed away, please let us know so that their name can be removed from the list.

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

-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)- $ 1,073.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) - $ 902.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) - $ 804.00.

LIFELINES

“What if our capacity to conceive and bring forth new life from our marriages isn’t some kind of cosmic liability, but a very real participation in the creative work of God himself? “Love, Sex, and Sterilization,” Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP BULLETINS .

MASS SCHEDULE

Sat. Mar. 12 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 5 TH SUNDAY OF LENT

JIM SHAUGHNESSY by the Family Sun. Mar. 13 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 5 TH SUNDAY OF LENT

GERALD MURPHY by the Family

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Mon. Mar. 14 12:00NN St. Francis Church - Anniv. BILL COLEMAN by the Family Tue. Mar. 15 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - JAMES GOW by Barb Gow & Family Wed. Mar. 16 8:30AM St. Francis Church - WANDA PURR & DECEASED FAMILY &

FRIENDS by Joe Purr Thur. Mar. 17 8:30AM St. Francis Church - M/M JAMES A. KEENAN by Kay Keenan

Fri. Mar. 18 12:00NN St. Francis Church - (Mass & Stations of the Cross) ELDON BABCOCK by Mary Babcock

6:00PM St. Augustine Church - (Stations of the Cross) Sat. Mar. 19 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: PALM SUNDAY

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

Sun. Mar. 20 8:00AM St. Francis Church - PALM SUNDAY

LEO CURLEY by the Long Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - Special Intentions of BARBARA BORSAVAGE by

Bill & Barb Pichette

THANK YOU—CARE & EDUCATION OF PRIESTS

Thank you to everyone who donated so generously to last weekends second collection for the Care and Education of Priests. Our collection total was $ 500.00

THANK YOU BRUNCH FOR VOLUNTEERS

For those who are planning to attend the Volunteer Brunch—please remember it is this Sunday at 12Noon at Neumann Hall.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Calendars are $ 20.00 each and 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. With less than a month until April 1st, there are approximately 100 calendars left at each of our Churches, for a total of 200 Calendars remaining unsold. To date only 365 calendar returns have been made. Please remember—it is never too early to make your returns with stubs included! Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year!

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. So far we have a total of $ 700.00 donated to the Food Cards. This is approximately $ 50.00 per family.

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

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.

CANTOR

A few more Cantors are still needed. If you are interested in leading the congregation in song, please contact Marilee Beyer (570-934-0976) for more information and training.

BIBLE STUDY Bible Study is held Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:00AM at Neumann Hall. New members are welcome.

CHICKEN BARBECUE THIS SUNDAY

The Rush Volunteer Fire Department is having a Chicken Barbecue this Sunday, March 13th, at the Rush Social Hall, Lawton. Serving begins at approximately 10:00AM. Cost for a dinner is $10.00; half chicken is $ 7.00.

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:

• Good Friday, March 25th, is a day 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.

“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, “The Light Is On For You”, Confessions begin THIS MONDAY, MARCH 14TH, and next Monday, March 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SCHEDULE FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations will be held Friday, March 18th, following Noon Mass at St. Francis Church. Stations will be held Friday, March 18th, at 6:00PM at St. Augustine Church.

Stations of the Cross will continue with the above schedule all Friday’s during Lent.

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.

COMBINED CHOIR PRACTICE FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER

Combined Choir practice for Holy Week & Easter is Tuesday evening, 6:00PM in St. Francis Church. Please consider joining the choir to help make our services even more beautiful.

OPERATION RICE BOWL—HUNGERING TO GROW A NEW TOMORROW

This week’s CRS Rice Bowl country is the island of Madagascar, where we’re reminded of the important role farmers play in caring for God’s creation. As we prepare our meals throughout the week, let us reflect on where our food comes from—and what role we can play in caring for our environment. Visit crsricebowl.org for more information.

GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION FOR THE HOLY LAND

PASTORAL ACTIVITIES

The Franciscans provide pastoral care in 29 parishes in the Holy Land which encompasses Israel, Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt and Rhodes, Parishes offer worship, Christian formation, youth and family programs. New parish centers in Jericho and Cana have been completed.

Lent runs continues until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, March 24th.

2016 CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE

The 2016 Second Annual Catholic Men’s Conference, “Be A Man: Jesus Christ, The Face of True Manhood”, will be held Saturday, April 23, at King’s College, Scandlon Physical Education Center, 149 North Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA. The day begins with Eucharistic Adoration & Rosary at 6:00AM. Registration & Continental Breakfast is at 7:00AM; Conference is from 8:00AM to 3:00PM. Register online at: www.BeAManConference.com or mail completed conference brochure application with your check to Attn: Men’s Conference, Office for Parish Life, 330 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA 18503. (Mark “Men’s Conference” on the memo line of your check.) Fliers with registration sheet are available in the back of our Churches.

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

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).

MOM’S HOUSE FLOWER SALE

Order forms are available in the back of the Churches for the Mom’s House Flower Sale. You can order your flowers in time for Mother’s Day! The order deadline is April 22nd. Flowers must be picked up at Mom’s House, 770 Harry L. Drive, Johnson City, on Wednesday, May 4th from Noon to 6:00PM or Thursday, May 5th from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Order forms are also available at Mom’s House or online at momshouseny.org . If you have questions, please call 607-644-9972.

LITTLE MEADOWS FIRE COMPANY—BREAKFAST

The Little Meadows Fire Company is having a breakfast on Saturday, March 19th, from 9AM to 1PM, at the Community Bible Church Hall in Little Meadows. This is in conjunction with the Dewing Maple Festival. The menu is: bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy with biscuits, french toast, home fries, beverages, and baked goods. Benefits the Little Meadows Fire Company.

EASTER EGG HUNT

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 20th, starting at 1:00PM at the School House in Little Meadows. The hunt is sponsored b the Little Meadows Methodist Church and the Little Meadows Fire Company.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK

This free food distribution for those in need is for SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY. Any resident of Susquehanna County who needs food is welcome. Distribution will be held TUESDAY, March 15th, 12Noon to 2:00PM & 5-6PM at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church. Please note that the evening times have changed. For Susquehanna County residents, with need only, please.

ANNUAL SAMARITAN HOUSE SPRING SALE

The Annual Samaritan House Spring Sale will be held on Saturday, April 2nd, from 9AM to 4PM and Sunday, April 3rd, from 9AM to 2PM, at St. Thomas Aquinas School Gym, Highland Avenue, Binghamton. A variety of antiques, jewelry, dishes, glassware, furniture, collectibles, books, paintings and housewares will be fore sale. All proceeds benefit Samaritan House of Binghamton.

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:

• Good Friday, March 25th, is a day 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.

“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, “The Light Is On For You”, Confessions begin THIS MONDAY, MARCH 14TH, and next Monday, March 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SCHEDULE FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations will be held Friday, March 18th, following Noon Mass at St. Francis Church. Stations will be held Friday, March 18th, at 6:00PM at St. Augustine Church.

Stations of the Cross will continue with the above schedule all Friday’s during Lent.

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.

COMBINED CHOIR PRACTICE FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER

Combined Choir practice for Holy Week & Easter is Tuesday evening, 6:00PM in St. Francis Church. Please consider joining the choir to help make our services even more beautiful.

OPERATION RICE BOWL—HUNGERING TO GROW A NEW TOMORROW

This week’s CRS Rice Bowl country is the island of Madagascar, where we’re reminded of the important role farmers play in caring for God’s creation. As we prepare our meals throughout the week, let us reflect on where our food comes from—and what role we can play in caring for our environment. Visit crsricebowl.org for more information.

GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION FOR THE HOLY LAND

PASTORAL ACTIVITIES

The Franciscans provide pastoral care in 29 parishes in the Holy Land which encompasses Israel, Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt and Rhodes, Parishes offer worship, Christian formation, youth and family programs. New parish centers in Jericho and Cana have been completed.

Lent runs continues until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, March 24th.

2016 CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE

The 2016 Second Annual Catholic Men’s Conference, “Be A Man: Jesus Christ, The Face of True Manhood”, will be held Saturday, April 23, at King’s College, Scandlon Physical Education Center, 149 North Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA. The day begins with Eucharistic Adoration & Rosary at 6:00AM. Registration & Continental Breakfast is at 7:00AM; Conference is from 8:00AM to 3:00PM. Register online at: www.BeAManConference.com or mail completed conference brochure application with your check to Attn: Men’s Conference, Office for Parish Life, 330 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA 18503. (Mark “Men’s Conference” on the memo line of your check.) Fliers with registration sheet are available in the back of our Churches.

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

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).

MOM’S HOUSE FLOWER SALE

Order forms are available in the back of the Churches for the Mom’s House Flower Sale. You can order your flowers in time for Mother’s Day! The order deadline is April 22nd. Flowers must be picked up at Mom’s House, 770 Harry L. Drive, Johnson City, on Wednesday, May 4th from Noon to 6:00PM or Thursday, May 5th from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Order forms are also available at Mom’s House or online at momshouseny.org . If you have questions, please call 607-644-9972.

LITTLE MEADOWS FIRE COMPANY—BREAKFAST

The Little Meadows Fire Company is having a breakfast on Saturday, March 19th, from 9AM to 1PM, at the Community Bible Church Hall in Little Meadows. This is in conjunction with the Dewing Maple Festival. The menu is: bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy with biscuits, french toast, home fries, beverages, and baked goods. Benefits the Little Meadows Fire Company.

EASTER EGG HUNT

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 20th, starting at 1:00PM at the School House in Little Meadows. The hunt is sponsored b the Little Meadows Methodist Church and the Little Meadows Fire Company.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK

This free food distribution for those in need is for SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY. Any resident of Susquehanna County who needs food is welcome. Distribution will be held TUESDAY, March 15th, 12Noon to 2:00PM & 5-6PM at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church. Please note that the evening times have changed. For Susquehanna County residents, with need only, please.

ANNUAL SAMARITAN HOUSE SPRING SALE

The Annual Samaritan House Spring Sale will be held on Saturday, April 2nd, from 9AM to 4PM and Sunday, April 3rd, from 9AM to 2PM, at St. Thomas Aquinas School Gym, Highland Avenue, Binghamton. A variety of antiques, jewelry, dishes, glassware, furniture, collectibles, books, paintings and housewares will be fore sale. All proceeds benefit Samaritan House of Binghamton.