Pastor

Rev. Robert L. Ruston

 

2ND SUNDAY OF LENT

Ss. Gregory & Barnabas Parish Welcome to 

Daily Mass:

(See inside for locations)

8:00AM Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

6:30PM Thursday

Weekend Liturgy:

Saturday: 4:00PM (Daisytown)

5:30PM (Bon Air)

Sunday: 8:00AM (Bon Air) 11:00AM (Daisytown)

120 Boltz Street 408 Luzon Avenue

Johnstown, PA 15902

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 2:00PM

Visit us on the WEB! 

www.ssgregbar.org 

Join us on Facebook! 

http://www.facebook.com/groups/SSGregoryBarnabas/ 

Reconciliation: Saturday: Noon—12:30PM (Daisytown)

Saturday: 3:15—3:45PM (Daisytown) & 6:30PM (Bon Air)

Sacrament of Baptism: Parents are to be examples to their children by being registered, active members of the Parish. Please call the rectory office to make arrangements.

Sacrament of Marriage: Couples planning to marry are to make arrangements at least nine months prior to their wedding date. Diocesan Guidelines regarding Marriage Prepara-tion must be followed. The Catholic party/parties is/are to be registered, active members in the parish.

Anointing of the Sick: Please call the church office if you have a family member or friend in the hospital who would like to receive the Sacraments. The homebound and pa-rishioners in nursing homes should also receive the Sacrament of the Sick and Holy Com-munion.

Parish Membership: New members are always welcome! If you are moving into, with-in, or out of the Parish, please call the Rectory Office and let us know.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): All who would like more information about membership in the Roman Catholic Church are invited to call the Church Office.

Phone: 814-536-6818 E-mail: sgsb925@hotmail.com

United In Christ MISSION STATEMENT

As Catholic Christians, we will live to serve God and each other. And do His will as one family united in Faith. We will teach, serve, and be an example to the youth of the parish that they will come to a full understanding of Christ and His plan for their lives. We will nurture the gifts and talents of all parish members and use them wisely for the glory of God. We will compassionately implement the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy for those in our Parish, Diocese and throughout the world. Through the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we affirm our Communion with Christ and each other. All are welcome.

While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a

voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." - Lk 9:34-35

FEBRUARY 21, 2016

Welcome to SS. Gregory & Barnabas Parish

Sunday, February 21st CCD: K-11; Confessions 5th

grade Confirmation Session 10-11 grades

Monday, Gertrude Hawk Candy Orders due today!

Wednesday, Fr. Bob’s Day Off Choir Practice BA 6:30PM

Thursday & Friday, Morning Fish Fry Prep both locations

Friday, FF/D & BA

Next Sunday, February 28 K-11; Rite of Commitment

11AM (10th graders) Includes sponsors

WEEKLY SCHEDULE MASS SCHEDULE

Monday (SG) 8:00AM

Tuesday (SB) 8:00AM

Wednesday (SG) 8:00AM

Thursday (SB) 6:30PM

Friday (SB) 8:00AM

Saturday (SG) 4:00PM

(SB) 5:30PM

Sunday (SB) 8:00AM

(SG) 11:00AM

(SB) 3:00PM

Family members are asked to present Offertory Gifts at weekend masses being offered for their loved ones.

February 21, 2016

CHOIR REHEARSALS

Choir prac ce every Wednesday in Bon Air at 6:30PM 

Choir sings 1st & 3rd Sunday’s in  Bon Air and 2nd & 4th Sunday’s in 

Daisytown! 

New Members Welcome!!! 

A LOOK AT WHAT’S AHEAD

2/28 K-11; Rite of Commitment 11AM (10th graders) Includes sponsors

3/6 Family Day no classes 3/10 2nd Grade Parent Meeting

RB/7:15PM 3/13 K-11; Confessions 7th & 9th 3/20 K-11; Rite of Sending 11AM

(11th Graders) Includes Sponsor & Candidate Manda-tory Session during class.

My name is Jordan Slavick and I’m currently working toward my Girl Scout Silver Award which is the highest award in Girl Scouts. For my project, I have been mak‐ing homemade dog  treats and  cat  treats once a month  since  last October and delivering them to the Humane Society. During the month of February, I am go‐ing to be running a food drive for the Humane Society and I would greatly appre‐

ciate any dona ons of dog or cat food for this drive. I will have boxes in the back of each wor‐ship site staring on Sunday February 7th un l the last Sunday in February. 

I will also be working with the CCD classes to sell red Humane Society Hearts for $1.00 with all  the money being  raised going  to  the Humane Society.  If anyone has any ques ons about my project please feel free to contact me at 814‐266‐4409. Thanks for your  me! 

Liturgical Reflection… This second week of Lent the Local Church observes the Corporal Work of Mercy to shelter the homeless. The media bombards us with information on the flight of immi-grants seeking a homeland. The Lord would have us welcome the stranger in our midst. Catholic Relief Services aids orphans, refugees, and victims of natural disasters and wars. Do you know someone from the parish or wider community who needs some home repairs or yard work? Housing is a primary concern for many families; some of them live right around us. Catholic Charities ministers to the homeless. Being a follow-er of Christ means we may have to leave our comfort zone and become involved in the community. God’s mercy shines through our involvement. 2016 Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Liturgy Office

Carl Slavick by The La Bar Family

Frances Rykala by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Serokman

Phil Brunetto by Mary Helen Percinsky

Dennis Yewcic by John Yewcic & Family

Mary Rita Soltis–Anniversary by Son, Frank M. Soltis Jr. & Daughter

Ruth Ann Morello & Family

Robert & Eileen Skelly–Anniversary 2/19 by Family

For the People

Isabel Vogel by Stephen & Marie Jarabak

Helene Goller by The Altar & Rosary Society

Stations of the Cross

BINGO. Sunday Feb.21, 2016. 1‐4 pm doors open at noon Admission $10.00. Bingo  is being organized by 11th grade Confirma on students Megan Ponczek, Allison Toth, and Ka e Pribish  (individual  service projects) ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT CAMP Z FUND. Any help appreciated. PLEASE come join us and play the all money Bingo suppor ng CAMP Z. Food and extra games available.            Thank you Megan, Allison and Ka e 

2/19 Fish Fry D/BA 2/21 BINGO/D Hall 2/22 Gertrude Hawk Candy orders due 2/26 Fish Fry D/BA 3/4 Fish Fry D/BA 3/11 Fish Fry D/BA 

RELIGIOUS ED SCHEDULE

In your prayers please remember

BETTY JANE HEPTNER

Mother to Dr. Joyce, Mark, Roxanne, Barbara, Raymond, Betsy; and grand-

mother to several grandchildren & great Grand-children; who died recently. May

she rest in peace. May God bless and con-sole her family.

Donations of $135 was made to the Building fund

in memory of

HELENE GOLLER

By: Family & Friends 

ACA 2016 ‐ the diocese has be‐gun mailing out statements and pledge cards. Please do not fill out your pledge card un l I print ACA 2016 Giving Statement (This is separate from your 2015 state‐ment for taxes). I will have those out by next week. Thank You! 

FROM THE DESK OF FATHER BOB

2nd Sunday of Lent "Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory." Today's Gospel records the event we call the Transfiguration of the Lord. In this miraculous moment, Jesus' divine nature was revealed clearly to Peter, James and John. Often, we think only in terms of what happened to Jesus: "his face changed" and "his clothing became daz-zling white" and he began a supernatural conversation with two ancient prophets. But that was only half of the story. The other part is what happened to the men. They were able to witness this revelation of Jesus only because they were "fully awake." Had they stayed sleeping, they would have missed out. They would not have had this astonishing insight into the glory of their friend and Master. It's an obvious point but one that may need more attention than we'd care to admit. Of course we have to be "awake" in order to absorb the fullness of our faith. If we are not tuned in, not attentive, not exerting any effort, then we are certainly go-ing to miss out. But the fact is that we don't always realize we are falling asleep. Just as Peter, James, and John were "overcome" with sleep, we too can slip into this state without necessarily realizing it's happening. Spiritually speaking, we can become numb or lazy and slowly fade away from the fervor of authentic faith. This is why the church, in her wisdom, gives us the season of Lent. During these weeks, we strive to purify ourselves by attacking the sins and selfishness that make us spiritual sleepwalkers. This is the time to refocus, to clear away the cob-webs and to become "fully awake." Ultimately, we pray that these efforts will allow us to truly see "his glory" come Eastertide.

If you have a loved one admitted to the hospital or nursing home please contact the office. The hospital sometimes fails to call and notify us, then Fr. Bob does not know to visit. Thanks for your help.

Prayerful remembrance for all serving in the military:

Ryan Wood, Army; Nathan Brezovic; Fr. Frantisek Halka, Army; Major Da-vid Dietz, Army; Petty Officer Tony Pinkas, Navy; Second Infantry Brigade & Det 1, Company C, 2nd 104th.

Please contact the parish office (536-6818) if we need to add or re-move any of our military personnel from this list. Thank you.

In the Broadway musical, The Wiz, there is a song “Don’t Tell Me No Bad News”. Un-fortunately I have quite a bit of bad news in my article this weekend. I begin with the Fish Fry in Bon Air. We do not have sufficient help on Friday mornings in the preparation pro-cess. If this does not improve, this will be the last year for the dinners. Confirmation candidates are required by diocesan policy to complete a service project prior to the reception of Confirmation. We are scheduled for the conferral of the sacra-ment four days after Easter and there are individuals in the 11th grade who have not yet begun that process. Time is running out and there will be no exceptions made if this dioce-san requirement is not met prior to that date. There are a number of our young people who have volunteered their time and talent to help fund our Camp Zacchaeus and Camp Timothy account. These are summer Catholic Camps sponsored by our diocese which have received rave reviews from those who have attended these camps in the past. The cost, however, is sometimes prohibitive for families whose children would like to attend. Three of our Confirmation candidates are sponsoring a bingo next Sunday, February 21st in the church hall in Daisytown from 1-4P.M. All pro-ceeds from this event will be used to help defray the cost for families who may need some financial assistance that would enable their children to attend. I thank Katie Pribish, Me-gan Ponchek and Allison Toth for choosing this as their service project for Confirmation. Another student, Jordan Slavick, is working on her Girl Scout Silver Award which is the highest award in Girl Scouting. Her project is sponsoring a food drive for the Humane Society. Any donations of dog or cat food would be appreciated. This can be dry food or canned food for cats/dogs and bins are in the vestibule of the churches for this pur-pose. This weekend and next will be the last dates for the collection. Please help her in this worthy project and help feed our furry friends. They bring such joy to our lives and just a few cans or bags of food would mean so much until they find a loving home. Attendance at Stations of the Cross was sparse last Sunday at 2P.M. so we are going to try again this Sunday, February 21st at 7P.M. in Daisytown. In this season of Lent we need to experience the suffering and pain that Jesus endured for love of us. I cannot have Stations on Friday evenings of Lent because of the Fish Fries. We claim that times have changed, and I would definitely agree with that statement, but it has not been for the better as re-gards matters of faith and devotion. Our Church and our God come in last place in our list of priorities and only you can change that sad statistic!

Mary Sadar

Do you know someone who needs pray-ers? Please contact Debbie Washington at 536-3616 or dlwashi@hotmail.com to place a name on the parish Prayer Chain! Boxes for requests are also located in the vestibules of our worship sites.

HOSPITALIZED

James Stiffler, Sr. Tammy Goller

GERTRUDE HAWK Easter fundraiser to raise money to help pay for the kids going to Camp

Z. Orders need to be turned in by Feb. 22nd. Orders will be at the church mid March and will be placed in back of the church if you notate which church on the form. Please keep the pink portion of the order form (church gets the rest) and keep it in a safe place until the candy is delivered. Please make checks paya-ble to SS Gregory and Barnabas Parish; (Do NOT make payable to Gertrude Hawk). Please do not hesi-tate to contact Andi at 266-2806 with any questions.

Carmelite Community of the Word offers Lenten Opportunities for Enrichment Sunday Sabbath Series Sunday March 6: War Room From the award-winning creators of Fireproof and Courageous comes War Room, a compelling drama with humor and heart that explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, parenting, careers, friendships, and every other area of our lives. Pre-registration required by March 3. Each Sunday Sabbath begins at 1 p.m. and ends by 4:30 p.m. and includes film viewing, discussion and prayer. Free-will offering is suggested. Sessions will be held at Carmelite Community of the Word Incarnation Center, 394 Bem Rd., Gallitzin, PA. To register, get directions, or for more information, call 814-886-4098.

FINANCIAL NEWS Fiscal Year July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016

Offertory Totals for the week of February 14, 2016

Weekly Offertory $3,132

Misc. Income $159

Votive Candles $30

Building Fund $189

FUEL $10

Easter Flowers $122

Envelope Cost $2

Total $3,644

Weekly Needs $5000

2/14 $3,641

(Over/under) $1,356

YTD surplus/ (shortfall) ($10,374)

LAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE SIGN UP SHEETS in the vestibule or email/call the office. Ministers are expected to

take the responsibility to find a substitute if they cannot fulfill their assignment.

1/31 TV Ministry  $21 

2/10 Ash Wednesday  $347 

2/14 Black & Indian  $206 

ACA 2016: $691

Families & the Gospel February 21      Luke 9:28b‐36 Jesus “went up the mountain to pray” and he was “changed.”   Prayer has  the power  to  change us.  This  Lent  set  aside  a  few minutes  each  day  to pray  for members  of  your  family.    Pray  before each  meal  and  if  you  are  married,  spend  five minutes in prayer together. 

Liturgy Feb 20/21 Feb 27/28 March 5/6 March 12/13

4:00 PM Lector: S. Hall A. Hiner

D EM: B S. Hall

(B:Bread) C J. Pribish

(C: Cup) C D. Stroz A. Hiner R. Clark

Servers: J. Slavick

5:30 PM Lector: S. Rozum S. Rozum Confirmation

BA EM: B J. Pribish Moot

C S. Rozum P. Ledwich S. Rozum Moot

C J. Calka Moot

Servers: Rozums Rozums Confirmation

8:00 AM Lector: MB Rykala Moot

BA EM: B Moot Moot

C Moot Moot

C MB Rykala D. Slavick

Servers: Rykala

11:00 AM Lector: J. Kopco J. Allison

D EM: B B. Sweeney J. Sandoval

C B. LaBar L. Sida

C M. Krawczyk

Servers: Wysocki Sidas

FISH FRY PREP for both loca ons:   

In Daisytown:  Feb 19th‐March 25th 

Thursday, fish is cut and packed. This pro‐cess takes approximately two hours begin‐ning at 8:00AM. 

Thursday, is  me to clean and bu erfly the shrimp.  This process can also be done in 2 hours if we have enough help. 

Thursday Evening 6PM A&R Society Baking ‐ help appreciated! 

Friday morning is when we bread the fish and shrimp, cut cabbage and prepare the cole slaw.  

Friday a ernoon we begin cooking at 3PM and serving at 4PM.  We also need extra help a er the dinner is completed to pack and store the le overs, etc. 6:30PM 

In Bon Air: Feb 19th‐March 18th 

Thursday morning Halushki  and  cole  slaw prep 

Friday morning fish is cut and breaded. 

Friday a ernoon we begin serving at 4PM.  We also need extra help a er the dinner is completed to pack and store the le overs, etc. 6:30PM. 

Jr./Sr. high students are asked to fulfill their ser‐vice requirement by assis ng at either hall.  Make this a part of your Lenten discipline and discover 

that it can also be an enjoyable experience. 

Easter Flower Offering 

Please  return  those  envelopes  by March  13th  to  be  included  in  the 

memorial lis ngs in the Easter bulle n. Again, we remind you to “PRINT” legibly so that your memo‐rials may be published. 

In the Community: ALL YOU CAN EAT DEL GROSSO SPAGHETTI DINNER: hosted by Cover Hill Fire Company (985 Remington Dr., Johnstown) on Sundays, Feb. 21st & Mar. 20th 11:30AM-2:30PM Cost is $7. Children 12 and under $4. Take-out available. THE ST. ANDREW CHURCH ANNUAL NOVENA to the Infant of Prague will begin on Sun., Feb. 28 at 7:00PM through Mon. Mar. 7th at 7:00PM. We will have additional Priests to hear Confessions after Mass every night. NIGHT AT THE RACES: at Cover Hill Volunteer Fire Dept. on Sat. March 5th. Doors open 5:30, 1st race starts 6:30PM. Purchase Horse or jockey for $15, includes admission for 1, food & beverages. $25 payout if your horse/jockey wins. To purchase call 243-2987. 14TH ANNUAL BASKET PARTY: hosted by St. Andrew School on Sun., April 3rd. Doors open at Noon; drawings begin at 2:00pm. Admission is $10.00-includes lunch, dessert, beverage, and 25 chances. All tickets are sold in advance and now available at the school office (Mon-Fri, 288-2811). You MUST have a ticket to attend – no tickets sold at the door. Only 400 seats available so purchase yours today! Invite friends and family for an afternoon of fun! COMMUNITY BLOOD SCREENING at St. Clement Church Sat, Feb. 27th from 7:00 AM-9:00 AM for $30 No doctor order needed! 12-14 hour fast rec-ommended Call: 467-3961 to schedule an appt. THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS, BLAIR COUNTY DIVISION, will celebrate their annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 12th. This year's speaker will be Father Carl Spishak. Social begins at 5:00pm followed by dinner at 6:00pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. The event will be held at the Bavarian Hall in Altoona. For tickets, please call Tim Hallinan at 814-944-6143 or Bernie Joyce at 814-944-0689. No tickets will be sold at the door.

SS Gregory & Barnabas Parishioners: Please Turn all applications into the parish office along with $50 de-posit. We need to know the children we will be sending to camp in order to pay the remaining balance.

 

INFORMATION FROM THE DIOCESE www.dioceseaj.org

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Does your method of family planning…strengthen your emotional intimacy with your spouse?...work with (not against) the gift of your fertility?...nurture a loving relationship with God and the Church?...increase your self-respect and growth as a person/couple? The Billings Method of NFP (www.boma-usa.org or www.familyplanning.net) is the result of decades of scientific re-search by medical researchers. NFP honors the Church’s respect for the unitive and procreative purpose of married love-making. If you haven’t checked out NFP, you haven’t made an informed choice. Certified diocesan instructors are located throughout our diocese. Intro-ductory presentations to groups also available. Contact our diocesan Family Life Office, 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org

FAITH & LIGHT – Sharing Faith & Friendship with Intellectual Disabled Persons A faith sharing group which also includes family members, caregivers, friends. Meets monthly, Sundays, 1:00-4:00 pm at a handicap accessible location. Call Gaye (814) 472-7317 or Family Life Office (814) 886-5551. www.faithandlight.org; www.faithandlightusaeast.org

IS YOUR MARRIAGE TEARING YOU APART? There is hope through Retrouvaille, a Christian peer ministry. Retrouvaille (French for “rediscovery”) is Catholic, but open to all couples. See www.retrouvaille.org; for brochure or to talk to couples in our diocese who have used Retrouvaille contact diocesan Family Life Office (814) 886-5551 or familylife@dioceseaj.org Your marriage is meant to be a Sacra-ment—a source of life and energy. You owe it to yourself to heal.

KNOW SOMEONE MARRIED 5 OR 10 YEARS? A son or daughter, sibling, niece or nephew, or you yourselves...Bishop Mark has a mes-sage for you! To receive this letter, send the couple’s name, mailing address, email and whether married 5 or 10 years to the Family Life Office, 5379 Portage St., Lilly, PA 15938; 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org. Be sure to indicate it is for the anniversary letter from Bishop Mark.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION SERIES – 2016

Pre-registration required. Early registration advised−some series fill up months in advance. • Cancellation due to weather: For classes in all locations, call the Family Life Office. A taped message will list cancellations. If you can’t attend due to driving conditions, call the Family Life Office (814) 886-5551 during office hours (M-F 8:30-4:00) for make-up instruc-tions. • COST: $65 per couple (includes all sessions in a series) Register by e-mail Fee payable at the first session (cash or check payable to “Family Life Office”) Please come 15 minutes early to the first session for registration purposes.

Advance reservations required by e-mail—familylife@dioceseaj.org

For dates please use the website to choose a session date: http://www.dioceseaj.org/family-life

Type “Marr Prep” in subject line.

Include: Parish and town where series is held, names, phone, e-mail addresses, Catholic or interfaith marriage, and wedding date. For questions call Family Life Office 814-886-5551 (Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:00). Information also online at www.dioceseaj.org. (Diocesan Offices, Family Life)

 

Carmelite Community of the Word offers Lenten Opportuni es for Enrichment   Overnight Retreat   Friday March 18 ‐ 7:00 PM ‐ Saturday March 19 ‐ 3 PM Lazarus Awakening  The story of Lazarus reveals the scandal‐ous availability of God’s love if we will only reach out and accept it.  This retreat offers par cipants to experience a divine shi  in how we view our rela onship with God.  The idea that Jesus loves us apart from what we do is o en unthinkable for some.  Jesus loves me is not just a phrase to recite but a truth that can infuse every moment of our days. Suggested Dona on:  $40 includes all materials, ac‐commoda ons and meals.   The book  Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver will be available for op onal purchase at a cost of $10.  Joanna Weaver is the Best‐Selling Author of the book  Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.  Pre‐registra on is required with a non‐refundable deposit of $20 by March 16.   Sunday Sabbath Series  Sunday April 3:  Ocean of Mercy: Three Lives ‐ One Vision ‐ No Limit  At the dawn of the 20th century, three voices rose up from Poland to proclaim an urgent message, a message powerful enough to alter the course of an age plunging into spir‐itual darkness.   This true story examines and chronicles the phenomenal lives and spiritual legacy of Saint Faus na Kowalksa, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and Blessed John Paul II, modern day "Apostles of Mercy".  Pre‐registra on required by March 31.  Each Sunday Sab‐bath begins at 1 p.m. and ends by 4:30 p.m. and includes film viewing, discussion and prayer. Free‐will offering is suggested.  Sessions will be held at Carmelite Community of the Word Incarna on Center, 394 Bem Rd., Gallitzin, PA.   To register, get direc ons, or for more informa on, call 814‐886‐4098.