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FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE
The Power of A Vision by Kris Vollotton
www.Jesusculture.com
CONTINUED from last week.
FEAR COUNTERACTS FAITH
People often disguise their fear as wisdom when they enter into a
supernatural mission that can only be accomplished with the help of God. Moses had this problem when he sent the twelve spies in to the Promised Land to determine where they should enter. Ten of the spies misunderstood their mission and
somehow thought they were being asked whether or not they should take the land at all.
This type of misunderstanding of the
roles people are invited to play in the mission has caused the demise of so many would-be miracles, paralyzing the church of the living God. For years, the people of God have often settled for what can be accomplished by human effort and ability, because
we have allowed the opinion of faithless people to determine what we will achieve, instead of being
faithful (faith-filled) to the vision we saw “on the mountain”. This is a perversion of the gospel of the
kingdom. We should never settle for anything less than what God told us to do.
SETTING GOALS
After the plan is established, goals
must be set. The Bible says:
I press on toward the
goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus - Philippians 3:14
Goals are simply the vision broken down into smaller pieces that are measurable in time and space. In other words, they are specified parts
of the mission that we will accomplish by a predetermined date. Many people don’t like to set goals
because they think that if they are not able to accomplish them on time, they have failed. The truth of the matter is that, “If you fail to plan you plan to fail.” Great leaders know that setting goals is what gives the
mission a sense of urgency. Urgency is a friend to managers as it sets the pace for those who are carrying out the mission. If wisdom is used in goal setting, very little management is needed to motivate the workers since urgency manages them. However, be
careful not to give your workers more to do than they have the faith to accomplish in a given time period. If it is too much, they will not even try, just like trying to catch a bus when it is already a block ahead. You probably won’t even run after it, as
there is so little possibility of you catching up to it. On the other hand, if the bus just starts to pull away
from the curb when you get there, you will probably move out of your comfort zone to try to catch it. Yet, setting goals too low will not create a
sense of urgency at all. People will not be very motivated and it will result in a lot more work for the managers.
The final stage of seeing the mission accomplished is establishing your steps. Proverbs says, “The mind of
man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (16:9). Psalms says, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He
delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the one who holds his hand” (37:23-24). Steps are your day-in, day-out walk with God: the step-by-step, moment-by-moment, hour-by-hour decisions you make
and the things you do that take up your time and use up your life. When your vision is honestly birthed by God Himself, He will be delighted to
direct your steps. The most important thing to remember about
your steps is that they should be found somewhere in your mission. Go back through your planner from the previous month and retrace your steps. Does it look like they are directly attached to your mission? If not, either redefine your mission or
redirect your steps. Remember, history is at stake.
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
WHATEVER HAPPENED to the “GESIMA” Sundays??
In the time before the Second Vatican Council, the Church year was divided much differently than it is now. It began, as it does now, with Advent.
Advent was followed by CHRISTMASTIDE, which began at Midnight on December 25th and ran until the Sunday after February 2nd. Often this was broken up into two distinct periods: Christmas, Dec. 25—January 6 and the Sundays after Epiphany, January 6—the Sunday after February 2nd.
Christmastide was followed by a period which was technically “PRE– LENT” but was more commonly referred to as the “GESIMA Sundays” from the Latin titles for each of these Sundays (Septuagesima,
Sextquagesima, Quinquagesima and Quadragesima) These names mean 70 days, 60 days 50 days and 40 days, respectively, and numbered the days until the Solemnity of the RESURRECTION (EASTER).
When Catholics saw these Sundays in the Missal, they knew that Lent was not that far away and began to prepare for it. With the loss of the “Gesimas”, it seems that Ash Wednesday simply falls on us (“What do you mean tomorrow is Ash Wednesday!”)
We need to return to a more conscious recognition of the passage of time. Easter is only 70 days away! Happy Septuagesima Sunday!
IN THE PARISH
Helpful Information
Join the Parish
Anyone wishing to register for membership in the parish is asked to fill out a registration form and drop it in the collection basket.
Request Prayers
Our INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY provides prayer for anyone in need throughout the parish. Contact MARY ANN MAGDA at 570-820-0525 or make your intention known on our parish website at www.standrebessettewb.com
Remember your Parish
Your parish serves you faithfully throughout your life. Please remember your parish with a memorial gift or a Bequest in your will. Make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for you.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may take place at any time, but, sadly, too many families wait until the last minute to call the priest to anoint their loved ones. If someone in your family is seriously ill, preparing for surgery, or suffering a prolonged illness, please contact the parish office to arrange a time for Fr. Ken to visit. IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY—or if Fr. Ken is unavailable to visit immediately, we will contact the first available priest to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing with your loved one.
Funeral Preparations
We collaborate with the local funeral directors in arranging the times of the funerals. Please be aware that
there is an additional fee for funerals on Saturdays imposed by most cemeteries in the area.
Baptismal Preparations
Parents of newly born infants may call the parish office to arrange a time for the Baptism of their child. Baptisms are celebrated, for the most part, on any Sunday, with the exception of the season of Lent.
Wedding Preparations
Couples contemplating Marriage are asked to contact the parish office at least one year prior to the contemplated date of marriage, before making other plans.
NIGHT AT
THE RACES
Saturday,
March 2, 2019
Doors Open
6 pm First Race
7 pm
Admission $5.00
Must be 21 to participate BYOB
Raffle Tickets and Admission Tickets
are available in the vestibule
TO buy horses, see our representatives at the Ticket table, fill out a horse form, or contact the parish office (570-823-4988).
Extra chances to win prizes!!!
Get a free admission ticket for
every 15 horses sold!
$250 cash prize will be awarded to
the person who sells the most
horses.
VISA GIFT CARD
For every five (5) horses you sell,
your name will be entered into a
drawing to win a $100 Visa Gift
Card.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Black and White Personal or Business
Ads can be placed in our Booklet for
the following donations:
$100— full page (8.5” x 11”)
$50 — half page (8.5” x 5.5”)
$25 — quarter page (4.25” x 5.5”)
$10 — one line listing
If you know someone who may wish
to place a sponsorship ad or donate
to the Night at the Races, contact the
Parish Office. Solicitation letters are
available.
Our Parish Social Justice Council will be hold their annual ASH WEDNESDAY FISH DINNER on Wednesday, March 6th (only 24
days away!) The dinner includes breaded haddock, baked potato, cole slaw or applesauce, roll and butter, beverage and dessert.
The price for this feast is $10.00.
Tickets will be on sale beginning February 16th. We suggest you get your tickets early as they are limited in number and tend to sell out quickly.
We thank FCSLA Branch 350 for making this a matching fund activity.
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thank You to all who donated so generously to the recent collection for
the Government shutdown. Luckily the shutdown ended just as the collection was being
taken up.
PALM COLLECTION We are collecting last
year’s blessed palm to provide the ashes for
Ash Wednesday. Dried palms may be deposited in the container provided in the vestibule anytime before March 3rd.
ASH WEDNESDAY is March 6th (24 days away!)
THE LITURGY
HOW to prepare for LENT by Vinita Hampton Wright
www.ignatianspirituality.com
How do you prepare for Lent? How have you prepared in the past? What are your ideas about what should happen during Lent?
We have the traditional Catholic practices of praying, fasting, and almsgiving. So, we pray more than usual, or we pray with different
emphases. We eat smaller or fewer meals or give up a favorite food or drink group. We give more of our resources or give them specifically to special works of mercy during Lent.
Prayer, fasting, and charitable giving continue to be quite good practices during Lent or at any time.
But, you might think, how do I prepare myself for this season?
What needs to happen within so that I can practice with more
integrity and intention whatever I’m doing on the outside?
There are plenty of ideas for actions and practices during Lent; coming up with ideas usually is not the problem. But we don’t want to do anything simply to be doing it, even if it’s a good thing. We don’t want to make a list of merciful works so that we can place a checkmark beside each one as we accomplish it.
It’s good to have a plan for doing. It’s also good to have a plan for being.
How do I want to be during Lent this year? More quiet and thoughtful? More open to God’s desires? Better able to sit with people who need me? More attentive to sacred readings, whether in church or in private? Do I need to be more compassionate toward
my own fears and failings? Do I need to become more courageous
about using the gifts God has given me?
In the days prior to Lent, try one or more of these suggestions.
Ask God, every day, “What does my soul need?” Just ask,
and wait quietly. Because we’re very good at fooling ourselves
about how we’re doing, it might take several days of praying this question before we’re truly open and humble enough to know the answer.
Ask God, every day, “What about my life makes you
happy?” Yes, when God looks at your life, some parts of it—perhaps many aspects of it—bring joy to God’s heart. Think of how your children or grandchildren or other people close to you make you happy. God is in relationship with you, which means
that your sins grieve God’s heart, but also that your growth and love and freedom and kindness bring joy to God of the universe. Again, you will probably need to pray this a few times
before you are willing to consider that you give God pleasure, that you make God happy in any way. Stick with this little prayer and keep listening.
Tell God, and yourself, every day, “I want to be open to the
graces of this Lenten season.” Maybe you’re not open right now, or you’re not as open and willing as you’d like to be or think you should be. What else is new? We can always open our lives a bit more, let go of more stuff, listen better, and do more quickly and passionately what we know helps nurture God’s kingdom on earth.
This is a beginning: three short and simple prayer starters to ready
yourself for the holy season.
Lenten Schedule March 6—April 12, 2019
ASH WEDNESDAY March 6, 2019
8 am Mass with Distribution of Ashes
10 am Distribution of Ashes at WBGH
Noon Liturgy of the Word with
Distribution of Ashes
4 –6 pm Social Justice Fish Dinner
6:30 pm Mass with Distribution of Ashes
MONDAYS of LENT March 11—April 8
4-6 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation
WEDNESDAYS of LENT March 20– April 10
6 pm SOUP and STUDY
THURSDAYS of LENT March 7-April 11
NOON Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament
6 pm Vespers (Evening Prayer)
Benediction
FRIDAYS of LENT March 8 -- April 12
NOON Stations of the Cross
3 pm DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS
NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH Sunday, March 10 -- Tuesday, March 19
7 pm
March 10,
16 & 17
Vespers, Novena Prayers
and Benediction
7 pm
March
11—15,
18-19
Mass with Novena Prayers
(There will be no 8 am Morning
Mass during the Novena.
Intentions scheduled for the
morning will be transferred to
the evening Mass.)
17 February 2019
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Thursday, March 7 Thursday, April 4 Thursday, May 5 Thursday, June 6
1 pm
CATECHETICAL COUNCIL TBA
6:00 p.m.
FINANCE COUNCIL Thursday, March 21 Thursday June 20
6:00 p.m
LITURGICAL COUNCIL Thursday, March 7 Thursday, April 4 Thursday, May 2
6:00 p.m.
PARISH LIFE COUNCIL Thursday, March 28 Thursday, May 30
6:00 pm
PASTORAL COUNCIL Thursday, February 21
Thursday May 16 6:00 p.m.
SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL Thursday, March 14 Thursday, April 11 Thursday, May 9
6:00 p.m.
FAITH SHARING
DISCIPLES of the SPIRIT 10:30 am
Saturday, March 16 Saturday, May 18 Saturday, June15
ST. ANDRE FAITH SHARERS
6:00 pm Monday, March 6 Monday, May 6 Monday, June 3
COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY
2:00 pm Sunday February 17 Sunday, March 17 Sunday, May 19 Sunday, June16
For More Information, please contact Sr. Madonna at 570-823-4988.
Loaves &
Fishes
Winter Ordinary Time
Weekend of February 16-17 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Septuagesima)
4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am NO FAITH FORMATION 11:00 am Mass
Cemetery Envelope Race Admission & Raffle Tickets Horse Race Returns Fish Dinner Tickets 2 pm Companions on the Journey
Weekend of February 23-24 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sexagesima)
4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am FAITH FORMATION 11:00 am Mass
Race Admission & Raffle Tickets Horse Race Returns (LAST DAY) Fish Dinner Tickets
Monday, February 18
PRESIDENTS’ DAY No Morning Mass PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
Monday, February 25
No Morning Mass
Tuesday, February 19
8 am Morning Mass 5:30 pm Choir
Tuesday, February 26
8 am Morning Mass 5:30 pm Choir
Wednesday, February 20
8 am Morning Mass 6 pm Race Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 27
8 am Morning Mass 6 pm Catechetical Council
Thursday, February 21
8 am Mass Noon Exposition 6 pm Vespers/Pastoral Council
Thursday, February 28
8 am Mass Noon Exposition 6 pm Vespers
Friday, February 22
8 am Morning Mass
Friday, March 1
FIRST FRIDAY 8 am Morning Mass 6 pm Confessions 6:30 Sacred Heart Devotions 7:00 pm Mass
Saturday, February 23
3 pm Confessions
VIGIL: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sexigesima Sunday)
Saturday, March 2
3 pm Confessions
6 pm NIGHT AT THE RACES
VIGIL: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Quinquagesima)
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS
Development Committee 6:30 pm
Monday, March 4 Monday, April 1 Monday, May 6 Monday, June 3
Race Night Committee 6:00 pm
Wednesday, February 20
PARISH COMMITTEES
Food for February
Coffee
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
THE ANNUAL NOVENA to ST. JOSEPH will take place beginning on Sunday, March 10 and ending on the Feast of St. Joseph, Tuesday, March 19th. St. Andre Bessette was greatly devoted to St. Joseph. He used to tell pilgrims: If you want something, go to St. Joseph. Say to Him: St. Joseph, If you were in my position now, what would you do? Then pray for this on my behalf.
ALL PARISHIONERS are encouraged to take part in
the Novena to St. Joseph. Fr. Leo McKernan will be the
guest homilist for the novena. Services will be held each evening at 7 pm,
Sunday March 10th Vespers, Novena Prayers, Benediction
Monday, March 11 to Friday March 15
Mass with Novena Prayers
Saturday March 16 Vespers, Novena Prayers, Benediction
Sunday March 17 Vespers, Novena Prayers, Benediction
Monday March 18 Mass with Novena Prayers
Tuesday March 19 Solemnity of Joseph, Husband of Mary
FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH FAITH SHARING
“The Navigator and the Four Woes” A Meditation by His Holiness,
Pope Francis in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae
6 June 2016 www.vatican.va
If the Beatitudes are “the navigator for our Christian life”, then there are also “anti-beatitudes” which surely make us go the “wrong way”. Pope Francis
warned against attachment to wealth, vanity and pride, indicating that meekness — which should not be
confused with “foolishness” — is a beatitude that we ought to reflect upon more. At the Mass he celebrated on Monday morning in the Chapel of Santa
Marta, the Pope recommended a re-reading of the Beatitudes as told by the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
“We can imagine”, Pope Francis said, the context in which Jesus delivered his sermon on the Beatitudes, as Matthew relates in his Gospel (5:1-12). Jesus, the crowds and the disciples were on
the mountain, and “Jesus began to speak and taught the new law, which
does not erase the old one, because he himself said that every last iota of the old law must be accomplished”. In fact, Jesus “perfects the old law, the door to its fullness”, and “this is the new law,
that which we call the Beatitudes”. The Pope explained that they are indeed “the Lord’s new law for us”, that the Beatitudes are, in fact, “the guide for the journey, the itinerary; they are the navigators of the Christian life: it is precisely here, on this road, according
to the indications of this navigator, that we can move forward in our Christian life”.
Within the Beatitudes, Pope Francis noted, “are so many beautiful things: we could reflect on each one of them until 10 o’clock in the morning”. However “I would like to focus on the way the evangelist Luke explains this”.
Compared to the passage from Matthew in today’s liturgy, the Pope said, in Chapter 6 of Luke’s Gospel “he says the same, but in the end he adds something that Jesus said: the four woes”. Therefore it is here that Luke
lists the “blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed are everyone”, but he then
adds “woe, woe, woe, woe”.
There are precisely “four woes”. That is to say: “Woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you that are full now, for you
shall hunger. Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you, when all men speak well of
you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets”. The Pope explained that these woes “illuminate the essence of this page, this guide for the Christian
journey”.
The first “woe” concerns the wealthy. “I
have said many times”, the Pope recalled, that “riches are good” and that “what is bad, what is wrong, is the attachment to riches, woe!”. Wealth, in fact, “is idolatry: when I am attached, then I am idolatrous”. It is certainly no
coincidence that “most idols are made of gold”. In this way there are “those
who feel happy, they are not lacking anything”, and they have “a satisfied heart, a closed heart, with no horizons: they laugh, they are satiated, and they have no appetite for anything”. Then
there are “those who like the incense: they like that everyone speaks well of them and in this way they are calm”. But “woe to you”, says the Lord: this is the anti-law, it is the wrong navigator”.
It is important to note, the Pope said, that “these are the three steps that lead to perdition, whereas the beatitudes are the steps that bring you forward in life”.
The first of the “three steps that lead to perdition” is, in fact, “attachment to riches”, feeling that there is “nothing that you need”. The second is “vanity”, desiring “that everyone says nice things about me, that everyone speaks well: I feel important, too much incense”, and
in the end “I believe that I am right, unlike others”, said Pope Francis. He suggested that we think about “the parable of the pharisee and the publican: ‘I thank you that I am not like that’”. When we are consumed by
vanity we even end up saying — and this happens every day — “thank you,
Lord, because I am such a good Catholic, unlike my neighbour, that
neighbour”.
The third woe is “the pride that is satiety”, which is “laughter that closes the heart”. “These three steps lead us to perdition”, the Pope explained, because “they are the anti-beatitudes:
attachment to riches, vanity and pride”.
“The Beatitudes, on the contrary, are
the guide for the journey that leads us to the kingdom of God”, said the Pope. Among all of them, however, “there is one that, though I would not say it is the key, it does make us think a lot: “Blessed are the meek’”; precisely “meekness”. Jesus “speaks of himself,
saying: Learn from me for I am meek of heart, I am humble and meek of heart”. Therefore “meekness is a way of being that brings us very close to Jesus”;
whereas “the opposite attitude always procures enmity, war and many horrible things”. Pope Francis also warned
against confusing “meekness of heart” with “foolishness. No, it is another thing; meekness is depth in understanding the greatness of God, and adoration”.
Before concluding his homily, the Pope invited the faithful to think about the “Beatitudes, which are the ticket, the guide sheet for our life, so as to avoid
getting lost and losing ourselves”. He said that “it will be good for us to read
them today: there are not many, it takes five minutes, Chapter 5 of Matthew”. Yes, he said, “read them a bit, at home, for five minutes, it will be
good for us”, because the Beatitudes are “the way, the guide”. He said we should also think about the “four anti-beatitudes” as told by the Evangelist Luke, those four woes “that make me take a wrong turn and end up badly”.
(by L'Osservatore Romano, Weekly ed. in English, n. 24, 17 June 2016)
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
IN THE DIOCESE
Notice Regarding the Sexual Abuse of A Minor It is the policy of the Diocese of Scranton to report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you are encouraged to immediately report the matter to law enforcement. If any priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton has cause or reason to suspect that a minor has been subjected to any form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, the matter will be reported to law enforcement. In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law, reports of suspected child abuse should also be made immediately by phone to the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline (ChildLine) at 1-800-932-0313 or electronically at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis. It is also the policy of the Diocese to adhere to all civil and state regulations. To this end, the Diocese is equally committed to adhering to the norms of the Code of Canon Law and to upholding the tenets of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes supporting victims of sexual abuse in their pursuit of emotional and spiritual well-being. As such, information regarding an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor should also be reported to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Mary Beth Pacuska at 570-862-7551 or to Diocesan Officials, including the Vicar General, Msgr.
Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G. at 570-207-2269.
Wedding Anniversary
Celebration
The Office of Parish Life, along with Bishop Bambera, invites couples celebrating their silver (25th) or Golden (50th) Wedding anniversaries in 2019 to a special Liturgy in the Cathedral on June 30, 2019. The Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 2:30 pm in the Cathedral
followed by a reception in the Pastoral
Center. Requests for an invitation, with mailing address, should be made through the parish office no later than April 2, 2019
Scranton NPM 2019 Events Mark your 2019 calendars now and plan on attending the upcoming spiritual and informative events of the Scranton Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Here is a listing of what’s in store: Evening of Reflection on Lent —Tuesday, March 12 at 6:00PM at St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton, Swoyersville
Cathedral Art, Music & Architecture Tour — Monday, May 13 at 6:00PM at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Scranton
42nd Annual NPM Convention—July 16-19 in Raleigh, NC
Resources for Selecting Liturgical Music—Monday, September 16 at 6:00PM at St. John Neumann Parish (Holy Name site), Scranton
Creating Effective Worship Aids—Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00PM at Holy Name of Jesus, West Hazleton
For more information about any of these events, visit ScrantonNPM.com.
ANNUAL APPEAL
Parish Goal: $32,000.00
Pledges/Gifts: $19,563.00
Still Needed: $12,437.00
145 Donors out of 532 parishioner
contributed to the Appeal this year
(28% of the parish).
Thank You to all who have donated.
If you have not yet made your
pledge you may do so by contacting
the Development Office at 570-
207-2250 or sending your pledge
directly to
Diocesan Annual Appeal
Development Office
Diocese of Scranton
300 Wyoming Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
ASH WEDNESDAY RETREAT
with Fr. Joe Sica Wednesday, March 6th
9:30am—2:30 pm Diocesan Pastoral Life Center
330 Wyoming Ave.
Scranton PA
UNHAPPY WITH LIFE?
CHANGE IT!
Fr. Sica will lead the retreat in 3 parts with time for reflection and personal prayer. The day will
include the 12:30 pm Mass at the Cathedral with
the imposition of Ashes. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available prior to Mass and lunch will be served after Mass. The fee is $30.00 which includes Lunch. To register, contact Mary Ann Malone at the Office for Parish Life (570-207-2213) or e mail:
The SECRET
of CHANGE
is to
FOCUS all
YOUR ENERGY,
NOT on
FIGHTING
the OLD
but on
BUILDING
the NEW.
Socrates
Evening Recollection
for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 St. Leo Parish
Ashley beginning at 6 pm
The Body of Christ: Our Identity and Purpose
Presenter: David Baloga Director for Worship
To Register, contact St. Leo’s Parish at 570-825-6669.
STEWARDSHIP
FINANCIAL CONTENTMENT and ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE by Ron Blue
www.focusonthefamily.com
The starting point for financial contentment is simply living within one's income. How we handle what God has given us will indicate whether we have financial contentment or not. As I've spoken in various venues I've met many
families who are content to live in modest houses, drive older cars, and enjoy entertainment at home. Perhaps the breadwinner is a teacher, a church staff member, or in the early stages of a career. Many times they've chosen a simple lifestyle to stay within their means.
I remember one family who told me they'd chosen to give up some of the materialistic items they could have enjoyed. Why would they give that up
when the wife had a master of business administration degree? She desired to be at home with their young children rather than traveling at her former job and working 50 hours a week. The husband desired to work—and worked hard—but his occupation didn't pay as much as others. They could have followed the American Dream—and charged everything. But they chose to live within their means to reduce their stress.
On the other extreme, I remember
returning from a trip where I met a man who earned in excess of $600,000 a year. Instead of being content and at peace, he was miserable. He had financial pressures because he was spending $100,000 more each year than he was making. The key to contentment in one's finances is not the amount one makes, but rather a willingness to live within that amount.
Recently when I spoke to a group of
men, I asked them how many of them were making twice what they were making 10 years ago. Every hand in the audience went up. I then asked them another question. If 10 years before they had been asked, "Would you be content if you were making twice what you're making now?" would they have answered yes? Here again they all answered positively.
But when I asked them if they were in fact content now, they said no. Thepoint
is, their income had doubled, but they had not learned to live within that income. Therefore, they were not content. I have found in my counseling that living within one's income is an indicator of contentment. Some people look for a great financial secret—the
magic pill, the black box, the cure-all financial step. If you've bought this book, you're looking for some helpful financial information. You might think, Enough of this touchy-feely contentment stuff. Give me the solution to why there's more
month than money or why my increased wealth doesn't satisfy. Be patient. We'll have plenty of detailed information in the remainder of the book.
Financial contentment has less to do with money and more to do with our attitudes, belief systems, and decisions. Financial contentment brings peace of mind. Despite the claims in commercials for financial service companies, financial security is not the same as financial peace of mind. Both may help you move
further along toward financial contentment. But it's possible to have financial security without financial peace of mind. Peace of mind comes from having:
Eternal perspective
Faith-based decisions
Biblically wise counsel
Financially wise counsel
Eternal Perspective
Having an eternal perspective helps us deal with the earthly ups and downs,
stock market highs and lows, and acquiring and losing of stuff. As author Beth Moore says, “All that will matter in eternity is the glory that came to God as a result of my life. I will be most blessed when God is most glorified.” If I’m concerned about God being glorified, then I’m less concerned about hoarding, giving my kids the best stuff, being comfortable, seeking a life of leisure, or keeping up with my neighbor.
The Bible reminds us of the brevity of our lives: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the
Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)
Faith-based decisions
I’ve been reminded in my recent daily devotionals of how faith is so vital to our relationship with God. If I’m exhibiting
faith, then I’m pleasing God. If I’m pleasing my God, then it’s easier to be content with my physical and financial position. As the Bible reminds us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). It takes faith to give a substantial amount to your church or a ministry. Faith is involved in launching a new career or business. It
takes faith to give up immediate gratification now and invest for later.
Biblically wise and financially
wise counsel
If you rely on movies, advertising, fashion trends, Hollywood celebrities, or the gang at work for your guidance and
counsel, then you’ll not be content. You’ll be anxious and feeling as if you don’t have what it takes to be successful. But seek first God’s Kingdom and His counsel. The Bible compares the result of earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom:
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom
that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:16-17) All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
FINANCES
INCOME
EXPENSES
February 9-10, 2019 February 7-13, 2019
PARISH COLLECTION Administration 1,704.71
In Church Mailed In Clergy Residence -0-
Loose 208.00 -0- Liturgy 442.50
Offering 3,702.00 1,069.00 Religious Education 13.70
Holy Days -0- -0- Social Justice -0-
Initial 10.00 60.00 Maintenance 401.07
Dues 376.00 193.00 Parish Assessment -0-
Debt Reduction 2.00 37.00 Insurance -0-
Holiday Flowers -0- -0- Taxes -0-
TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION
$4,298.00 $1,359.00 Transfer -0-
DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS Diocesan Collections -0-
Diocesan Collection
57.00 143.00 Debt Service
(Principal + Interest) -0-
TOTAL DIOCESAN
57.00 143.00 School Subsidy -0-
OTHER INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $2,561.98
Candles 64.00
Rental of Properties
-0-
Perquisites -0- Previous Balance $2,417.41
Miscellaneous -0- + Income this week +5,921.00
Transfers -0- -Expenses this week -2,561.98
TOTAL OTHER INCOME
64.00 Balance Forward $5,776.43
TOTAL INCOME $5,921.00 Your Gift to God
February 9-10, 2019
Over $100.00 2 $20 39
$100.00 3 $16-19 0
$76-99 1 $15 22
$75 0 $11-14 10
$51-74 3 $10 98
$50 6 $6-9 2
$26-49 22 $5 43
$25 11 under $5 19
$21-24 1 Total Envelopes used
282
Is your gift to the parish each week an honest reflection of God’s goodness to you?
Mass Attendance
February 9-10, 2019
People In-Church Collection
Average Offering
per person
4:00 p.m. 125 1,751.25 14.01
5:30 p.m. 50 681.75 13.64
8:00 a.m. 60 716.00 11.94
11:00a.m. 90 1,149.00 12.77
Total 325 4,298.00 13.24
REMINDER: In order for our parish to remain solvent, the average weekly offering per person MUST equal or be greater than $15.00 consistently.
Votive Offerings
Bread and Wine
Intention Eva Kopko
Offered by Carol & John Sitar
Sanctuary Candle
Intention Joseph Buczynski
Offered by Wife & Family
DIOCESAN ASSESSMENTS (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019)
Diocesan
Assessment
School
Assessment
BALANCE
Prior
Balance 0.00 93,788.02 93,788.02
Current
Assessment 71,471.00 56,659.62 128,130.62
Amount
Paid 37,605.00 1,099.95 38,704.95
BALANCE DUE
33,866.00 149,347.69 183,213.69
The Monthly Assessment Installment for the Diocese is $5,956.00. (that is a little over 1 Weekend’s collection per month)
The Monthly School Assessment Installment is $4,724.40 (another weekend’s collection per month)
To pay off the total current and past Schools Assessment, the monthly installment would be $12,537.30 (3 weekend collections per month.)
PARISH DEBT SERVICE
Parish Loan Amount Paid BALANCE
Due
BALANCE 412,000.00 75,271.05 336,728.95
Please Note: The Parish Debt service has been paid to
date. This Account is current.
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
LOCAL EVENTS
CHOMAN’S MOBILE CARE
Cemetery Care His services include steam cleaning of headstone, manicuring the lawn around the stone, mulching, flowering and more! He offers one time, seasonal and monthly packages. He also offers military and veteran discounts.
Automobile Detailing We love our cars and rely heavily on them. But giving them the care they deserve is no easy task! Even dropping it at the detailing shop can be an obstacle. That’s why we bring the detailing shop to you! We supply the water, power, tools and come right to your home or office! We’ll have your vehicle
looking like new with no worry or hassle to you!.
Power Washing Buildings lose their pristine look due to dirt, grime and motor exhaust. These can build up and severely damage your property and destroy its value. We’ll restore your investment and help prevent the mess for coming back as well as increase the curb value of your property overnight. We build our service based on your desire and your budget. We remove mold, graffiti, tar, gum, oil and more. We clean buildings, houses, sidewalks, balconies, porches, rain gutters, decks and patios, windows, parking lots, garages and much more. Commercial and Residential services available.
You can contact Chris at
(570) 262-3109,
or Book your appointment online at
ChomanCares.com
or by e-mail at [email protected].
ECO-FRIENDLY CARE FOR YOU
AND YOUR INVESTMENTS
Cal
vin
and
Hob
bes
b
y B
ill W
ater
son
UPCOMING EVENTS AT
ST. MARIA GORETTI PARISH
42 Redwood Drive
Laflin, PA 570-655-8956
PASTA and SAUSAGE DINNER Sunday, March 10
Eat in—NOON—5 pm Take out—NOON—4 pm
$12.00 per person
Children under 12 eat free (Eat in only)
DESIGNER PURSE BINGO Saturday, April 6
Doors open at 11:00 am Bingo from 1—4 pm
$20 prepaid; $25 at the door
Includes 20 games of Bingo Food and Beverages will be available for purchase
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
THE GREAT POTATO PANCAKE SALE
at St. LEO’s
The Holy Name Society of St. Leo’s/Holy Rosary Church, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley, will again offer great food at its Lenten food project. Potato pancake batter will be available at $6 per container on Ash
Wednesday, March 6. Place orders at (570) 825-6669 or with Holy Name members. The full menu will be available on the Fridays of Lent beginning March 8. Kitchen opens at noon offering clam chowder, cream of mushroom soup, haluski, potato pirohy, tuna hoagies, a weekly special, soda, water and coffee. NEW
THIS YEAR! Potato pancakes hot off the grill starting Wed., March 15! (Batter also will be available; please pre-order). Marina K. Kachinko St. Leo's/Holy Rosary Church Phone: (570) 825-6669 Fax: (570) 825-3055
WEEKLY CALENDAR
LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE
February 23-24, 2019 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
4:00 pm 5:30 pm 8:00 am 11:00 am
Servers Rosemary
Shedlock Sr. Tina Harahan AJ Kondracki
Jackie Barkus
Hailey Stephens
Lector Ann Bergold Sr. Kate Morris Mary Ann
Slavinski Sandy Snyder
EMOC John Bergold William Klukoske AJ Kondracki Elaine Snyder
Cantor Brian Clarke Carol Zukoski Geri Ulichney Matt Kurtz
Hospitality Ann & Dennis
Bozinski Lori & John Morris
Families of our
Faith Formation
Program
Fifth Week in Ordinary Time February 18-24, 2019
Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events
Monday, February 18 Weekday
NO Morning Mass Scheduled
PRESIDENTS DAY Office Closed
Tuesday, February 19 Weekday
8 am Edward Alusick Friends 5:30 pm Choir
Wednesday, February 20 Weekday 8 am Eva Kopko John & Carol Sitar
6 pm Catechetical Council
Thursday, February 21 St. Peter Damian 8 am Jacki Baetz The Robbins Family
Noon: Exposition 6 pm Vespers
Friday, February 22 The Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle
8 am Special Intention Geisinger Co-Workers
Saturday, February 23 St. Polycarp
3:00 pm Confessions
NO Morning Mass Scheduled
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
VIGIL 4 pm Frank Balucha Mr. & Mrs. Carl Check 9:30 am Faith Formation RACE NIGHT Admission and Raffle tickets for sale LAST DAY FOR HORSE RETURNS ASH WEDNESDAY Fish Dinner Tickets for sale
VIGIL 5:30 pm Joseph Buczynski Geraldine Tarantini
SUNDAY 8 am Theresa Olshemski Rita Kelly
SUNDAY 11 am Parishioners Pastor
Join Us for Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday from Noon to 6 pm.
The Day concludes with
Vespers and Benediction at 6 pm.
17 February 2019 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
