Rev. Douglas Cunningham, Administrator

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

P.O. Box 711 Whitney Point, New York 13862 Parish Halls: WP(607)692-3357

M(607)849-3630 (607) 692-3911 Fax: (607) 692-7171

As announced or by appointment

Please contact the rectory to make arrangements.

Whitney Point: Monday-Thursday, 9AM-Noon

Email: ststephenstpat@syrdio.org Website: www.ccsssp.com

August 11, 2019

Today’s Gospel reading is relatively long although there is a shorter version which may be read at Mass. The short version, the beginning three sentences implore us to seek everlasting treasure, that treasure that cannot be destroyed. One might say “heavenly treasure” vs “secular treasure” and wealth. This teaching has been covered very well by our reflection writers in the past few weeks. Today, I’m thinking about “preparedness,” the second part of the reading. When I initially read the Gospel, I actually looked at the verse numbers to see if it was continuous (it is) because the beginning seemed so different from the rest. But I do think there is a connection and I think Jesus’ parable should have his listeners (and us, of course) open their eyes a little wider! Christ in His teachings, wants us to listen, to think, maybe research (today’s listeners, anyway) and then learn more! Once we have learned (ie. taken to heart,) we are to put that learning into practice. Christ knows that like His apostles, we will not learn it all at once. Growth in His love and then learning to follow His way is a life-long journey. One does not reach that final destination until one finds that eternal treasure in heaven. Christ is like the thief in the night—silent, stealthy and He can be quick. We must be ready! But our readiness, too, is a gradual process. True, we cannot know when He will call us to His Heavenly Kingdom, but are we prepared to welcome Him into our current life—to bring His kingdom to earth? Do we recognize HIM in one another? Do we celebrate the good things and are we there to support our brothers and sisters in times of sorrow or perhaps just in everyday life? Do we recognize Christ in nature—the glorious day, the fearsome storm? Do we recognize Him in our families, our friends, our faith? Christ is insidious! He can “sneak up” on us, but He is always there—we just need to recognize Him! These are the gifts we’ve been given—we KNOW about Christ. We KNOW how He wants us to live! Do we thank Him and do we use those gifts to the best of our ability? Just this past week, I heard someone on the radio say: “Wealth (and I’m speaking of more than money) is not wrong. It’s what we DO with that wealth (time and talent as well as “financial treasure”) that counts.” Years ago a friend and I were talking about heaven, sin, following God’s will and how our lives were going in “that department.” And then I said: “You know, I’m not as afraid of what I DO as I am afraid of what I DON’T do! God has given me so much!” “To whom much is given, much is expected.” None of us will ever be perfect on our journey to the Kingdom. Following Christ means only to do the best we can with all we’ve been given. Are we prepared to do that?! Linda Caminiti

CCSS-SP’s Monthly 50/50: In July

there were 30 participants and the

winner was Peggy Kemp,

winning $75.00. Congratulations!

Thank you to all who participate;

proceeds are split between winner and

our parish’s Capital Account. There are

extra 50/50 envelopes at the entrances of

our churches. Cost is $5.00 per envelope.

Is God calling you to learn more about your faith? Formation for Ministry is currently accepting applications for the 2019-2020 academic year. Courses are offered in Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton.

Information about our two year program leading to certification and commissioning by the Bishop as a lay ecclesial minister and about our adult faith formation options is available on our

website, formationforministrysyr.org. Or call 315-470-1491 for further information.

Formation for Ministry is a prerequisite for Deacon Formation.

HOPE APPEAL 2019 - Many thanks to those who have pledged to the

2019 HOPE Appeal. There are many services the diocese provides to our parishes, schools, and to all Catholics that would be difficult for even the most prosperous parishes to undertake on their own. This includes support for educating seminarians, Catholic Charities, campus ministry, parishes and schools, formational ministries, pastoral assistance, evangelization and communications. When the goal of the HOPE Appeal is achieved, we insure that these programs will receive the funding that is needed. All pledges and payments are due Nov. 30th.

Our parish goal this year is $18,984.05 Pledges to date:$11,560.00

Balance remaining: $ 7,424.05

If you would like to send a card or

note to Alice Sliter her address now is: 18 Gallowah Road

Warwick, NY 10990

Thrive - Music, Inspiration & Fellowship

Worship is for everyone who longs for God –

seekers and believers.

Are you searching for something?

Do you feel like you’re just going through the motions?

Is life wearing you down? Don’t just survive - thrive!

Join us for Thrive, a night of powerful worship, prayer,

Scripture, and inspiration on Friday, September 13th at 7:00pm

at our Whitney Point Church with Jeremy Bobak.

And of course, there’s great food afterward.

Plan to come and bring a friend, ALL are welcome! Plan to come and bring a friend, ALL are welcome! Plan to come and bring a friend, ALL are welcome! Plan to come and bring a friend, ALL are welcome!

Are you new to the Parish? Welcome to our church. We are glad you are here!!! Feel free to ask questions, introduce yourself, pick up a Welcome Bag at the church entrance and read through our

Volunteer Ministry Booklet. We have a lot going on for different age

groups. We are looking forward to getting to know you better and have you participate in

worship and events.

Eucharist: The Source and Summit Why does the Church call the Eucharist the “source and summit of the Christian life?"

Dr. Brant Pitre introduces us to the Sacrament of the Eucharist and explores its various names—and how those names give insight

into its meaning. One viewer wrote: “This video is life changing in that it completely changed my experience of the whole Mass.”

Listen on Formed.org Parish Code: CFMRYY

The Sanctuary Candle Burning for the month of AugustAugustAugustAugust in our Whitney Point Church is In Memory Of:

Sam Suma Sam Suma Sam Suma Sam Suma by Rita Suma

in our Marathon Church: MMMMarie Rossarie Rossarie Rossarie Ross by Garret & Joyce Van De Weert

Sanctuary Candles - If you’d like to have the sanctuary candle lit in memory of a loved one, at our Whitney Point or Marathon Church, please call our parish office. Donation is $20.00 for that month, if available, and memorial name(s) will be printed in bulletin.

Please Pray For Our Following Friends and Family in the Military: PVT2 Averi Hull, Major Corrine Miller, Sgt Megan Ballard, Joshua Lilley, PV2 James McGill, LCpl John Larkin,Jr., USMC, Sgt Heather Fox, Captain Caleb Miller, A2C Derek Lescord, A1C Brendan Schneider, Daniel Morehouse USMC, Devon McGill, SSG Steven Gross, USMC SSgt Dan Votra, Sgt Nicholas Stone, Lt Paul McDonald, Major John Thomas, Major Joy Thomas, LCDR Marvin Joel Scott III, 2ndLt. Emily Steele USAF, Sgt Jacob Rau, OS3 Jonathan Schneider, Brett Hayes, Sgt Zachary Reardon USMC, SSgt Justin Blaisdell, SSgt Michael Hetzler, LCDR Maria Lescord, and our pastor, LtCol Douglas Cunningham.

If you have a friend or family member serving our country and would like their name mentioned weekly in our bulletin, to be kept in our

prayers, please contact our parish office.

Weekly Stewardship Report: Last Sunday, August 4, 2019

Regular Collection: Envs: $2,842. Loose: $681. Electronic: $690. …........Total Regular Collection: $4,213. Other Income: Hospitality-$5. Because of your contributions, we were able to pay the following bills this week: ChMaint: $217. DioMoAssess: $1,478. Phone: $79. Salaries: $1,400. …………………….……… ..…Total Bills Paid This Week: $3,174. Your continued generosity is so greatly appreciated! Bills To Be Pd Next Week: $2,452.

Please sign up today for our Parish Picnic next Sunday, August 18th.

Whitney Point Marathon Greeters: Anne Ballard, Ingrid Jordak Colleen Brown, Kristin Kashuba Next Sunday: Peggy Kemp , Cathy Cummings Lector: Gene Jordan Next Sunday: Sue McDonald Lector: Mike Thayne Altar Servers: Noah Somers, Hannah Somers Seamus Nolan, Volunteer Next Sunday: Matthew Jordan, Isaac Jordan

Eucharistic Ministers: Roger & Ann Calice, Emily Jordan Karen Barry, Shelley Warnow, Chris Brandstadt Next Sunday: Ingrid Wennerod, Cecelia Carstens, Margaret Fabrocino August Ushers: Wayne Niggli, Mike Thayne

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MINISTRY TO OUR PARISH!

If you know someone that is ill, facing surgery, or some other kind of difficulty, and needs our prayers, please call Dottie Angel at 656-9230 or Pat Canfield at 849-6978. They will lead the Prayer Chain we have at The CC of St. Stephen-St. Patrick Church. Supporting each other with the Power of Prayer is the best medicine.

If you are not on our Prayer Chain and would like to be, please call our Parish Office, 692-3911.

Our bulletin & OLPH’s can be viewed online at www.ccsssp.com Our face book page: www.facebook.com/ccsssp

If you know of parishioners that have not been able to come to Mass because they are ill, hospitalized or homebound, please let the Parish Office know so our Hospitality Groups can provide contact with them through visits and cards, or any spiritual needs such as communion, and perhaps they would like to receive a copy of our bulletin.

WP Ecumenical Food Pantry: M-Th & Sat, 10am-Noon & Thurs Eve, 6-8pm. Closed Fridays, Holidays, & when school is closed for inclement weather. Food Pantry Chairperson: Roger Calice Clothing Bank: M,Tu & Sat, 10am-Noon. Mobile Food Pantry: 1st Friday of Month at WP Church parking lot. Truck arrives around 10:00am (unless holiday)

Daily Mass Schedule & Intentions

Sunday Aug. 11 8:30 AM Whitney Point…for Jim Mihalko…by Roger & Ann Calice

for Rebecca Mihalko…by Roger & Ann Calice

10:30 AM Marathon…for Joanne Cunningham…by Ralph & Pat Canfield & Family

12:00 PM OLPH…for Lucille Livermore & Clara Morey…by Robert & Joanne Livermore

for Nora & Theodore Hain…by Jean & Katrina Drury

Thursday Aug. 15 8:30 AM Marathon…for Peg Feheley…by Paul O’Donnell

Sunday Aug. 18 10:30 AM Whitney Point…for Bernadette Spratt Buttigieg…by Josephine Kellogg

This is the only Mass today.

Readings for the Week of August 11 through 18, 2019:

Today: Wis 18:6-9; Heb 11:1-2,8-19; Lk 12:32-48 Thursday: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a,10ab; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56

Monday: Dt 10:12-22; Mt 17:22-27 Friday: Jos 24:1-13; Mt 19:3-12

Tuesday: Dt 31:1-8; Mt 18:1-5,10,12-14 Saturday: Jos 24:14-29; Mt 19:13-15:

Wednesday: Dt 34:1-12; Mt 18:15-20 Next Sunday: Jer 38:4-6,8-10; Heb 12:1-4; Lk 12:49-53

The readings for today, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, begin with #1004, in our Journeysongs Hymnals. The readings for The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, begin with #1060.

Mission Statement for The Catholic Community of St. Stephen - St. Patrick We are a Roman Catholic Community of faith, welcoming the strength found in diversity. We are committed to using our time, talent, and treasure in proclaiming the Kingdom of God through prayer, fellowship, and service.

We experience our unity at the Eucharistic Table of the Lord, and our direction from the Word of God.

Parish Council Parish Council Parish Council Parish Council PARISH STAFFPARISH STAFFPARISH STAFFPARISH STAFF

Chairperson - John Mihalko Director of Faith Formation - Cecelia Carstens, 323-5114

Vice-Chairperson - Don Barry Ministry Coordinator-Peg Orzel, porzel10@yahoo.com

Secretary - Brittney Penrose Church Organist/Music Director - Jennifer Cafferty

Maintenance - (Please call parish office w/maintenance concerns)

Parish Business/Office Manager-Mary Wied Bulletin Deadline: Tuesday, Noon - Phone, Mail or Email, ststephenstpat@syrdio.org

ATTENTION: This week, Monday, August 12th, through

Friday, August 16th, our Whitney Point Church parking lot is going to

be paved. We need to stay off the lot so please take note that Thursday’s

8:30am Mass and Adoration will be at Marathon.

The Food Pantry and Clothing Bank will be closed all week.

Vocation View: God’s timing is

not always our timing. The readings

today speak of his return at an unexpected

time, and the reward waiting for those who

are found waiting. Maybe the call to

religious life is coming to you later than you

expected. Do not be afraid to consider that

possibility. Seek the advice of a religious

sister, brother, or priest.

Visit www.vocations-syracuse.org.

SHARE AT THE PICNIC - We would like to

include some local talent at our parish picnic

this year. If you (or a group) would be willing to

share a song, play an instrument, read a poem, tell a joke or story or

any other talent please email (porzel10@yahoo.com) or call

Peg (372-7036). After we eat, we will gather for entertainment.

We encourage both children and adult to participate.

The Whitney Point

Ecumenical Food Pantry

is in need of 2 volunteers

for 4th Monday of every

month at Food Pantry. If you are

interested please call our parish

office, 692-3911. Thank you.

Home Visitors/Eucharistic Ministers and those who might be interested: You are invited to a retreat day, Tuesday, September 17th,

at Holy Family Church in Endwell. Individuals from throughout the area will gather for prayer, conversation and lunch.

The theme will be “Pastoral Care: The Cup of Compassion” and the day will be led by Sr. Alma Jones, CSJ. Please contact Mary at the office

if you are interested in attending. Perhaps we can carpool.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Thursday, August 15th.

We will celebrate Mass that day at 8:30am, at our at our at our at our Marathon Church. Church. Church. Church.

This is a Holy Day of Obligation. No Mass on Tuesday, August 13th

OUR ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC is NEXT SUNDAY! There will be one Mass that day at 10:30am at our

Whitney Point Church, outdoors, weather permitting,

followed by the picnic on the church grounds.

Please see sign up sheets at the entrances of our

churches. If you want to help but are unavailable that weekend, contact

Brittney Penrose at rosecenara@gmail.com to find something to do to help.

TRUST IN GOD

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Come and Visit with Jesus Did you know that every Thursday

evening for one hour, you can come and spend some time

with Jesus? Eucharistic Adoration is just that; a chance to be within His presence and talk to him one on one.

Come for a short amount of time or stay for all of it. This Thursday, August 15th,

Adoration is at 7pm in our Marathon Church

A Family Perspective In today’s gospel a servant

WAITED for the master to return. Waiting is a normal part of family life.

We wait for a child’s birth, then for small legs to catch up. Later we wait for

teenagers to come home safely. Finally we wait alone anticipating a call

or visit from an adult child. Waiting is sacred time, for even in the

waiting we are connected.

Whitney Pt Ecumenical Food Pantry During the month August we are collecting spaghetti sauce for the Whitney Point Ecumenical Food Pantry.

We are in need of any food donations. There are marked baskets at the entrances of our churches. Thank you for all your food &

monetary donations.

Please notice additional

announcements on our

church bulletin boards.

Whole Community Catechesis

Readings and Questions for Discussion

Reading 1 - Wisdom 18:6-9

The Hebrew people awaited

the salvation of the just.

Reading 2 - Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19

We will look for the city

designed and built by God.

Gospel - Luke 12:32-48

You also must be prepared,

for at an hour you do not expect,

the Son of Man will come.

Adults: Other than Jesus, which of the

ancestors of Christian faith has served as

the greatest example to you? Why?

Children: Which person of the Bible has

been a good example to you of how to live?

This Week In Our Parish

Tuesday, Aug. 13th 7:00pm - Parish Council Meeting - Whitney Point Parish House

Thursday, Aug. 15th 8:30am - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass - Marathon Church

7:00pm - Adoration - Marathon Church

Sunday, Aug. 18th 10:30am Mass at Whitney Point followed by the Parish Picnic

THIS IS THE ONLY MASS TODAY