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Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am & 10:30 am
Saturday Confessions 3:00 pm
5112 Pocono Crest Road
PO Box O
Pocono Pines, PA 18350
570-646-6424
MISSION STATEMENT
We Worship ~ We Teach ~ We Care
ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US
February 23rd, 2020 7th Sunday
in Ordinary Time
Reverend Sean G. Carpenter ~ Pastor
Deacon Frank Gisoldi
Deacon Tom Amoroso
Melissa Laverty Pastoral Associate ~ [email protected]
Coordinator of Religious Education
Juli Reese Office Manager ~ [email protected]
John Marcinkowski, Jr.
Coordinator of Music ~ [email protected]
Visit us on the web @ www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org
St. Maximilian Kolbe/c
Parish Staff
GOSPEL MEDITATION
The Gospels continue to challenge us to the core. This is especially true in the way our social relationships have developed. Feeling safe and secure in the world are not things that come easily these days. Actually, we may find ourselves feeling more reservation, caution, reluctance, and fear than ever before. In a moment’s notice, life can drastically change. When someone has been intentionally and violently hurt, especially someone we love, we can all too easily find ourselves very attracted to the Old Testament philosophy of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Intellectually, we know this is not what Jesus wants us to do. But on some level it just seems to make practical or even political sense. After all, why should we allow someone to get away with a heinously violent act? Yet, Jesus cannot be any clearer than he is with this! Offer no resistance to one who is evil. Turn the other cheek as well. When pressed into service, go two miles. Do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. Love your enemies. Now, take a moment to reflect on all of this. Consider a horrible act of violence committed against someone you love. Listen. Think. Be honest. Can you do as Jesus directs? We want to be holy. But we are more comfortable with a definition of holiness that can keep us saying our prayers and on our knees in church. We are not comfortable with a definition of holiness that has something to say about to how we react to and negotiate life. We like to keep a sharp and strong line between the secular and the sacred. In fact, we would prefer that the doors between them be kept closed. God wants us to be holy as He is holy. If God sees this one way and we see it another, then where does this leave us on our journey to God? Our minds like the practical, worldly, and secular answers to things. They are more black and white and at first glance appear to make more sense. Holiness wells up from our souls and is beyond reason. It cannot be explained. It is something we just simply know comes as a result of deep prayer. The truly contemplative eye knows inwardly that what Jesus asks is true and then willingly does it. It may not be easy.
“You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.”
~Mt 5:43-45a
LENT BEGINS Ash Wednesday ~ February 26th
Masses will be held at 9:15 a.m. and 7 p.m.
There will also be a prayer service at 12:15 p.m.
Ashes will be distributed both at
the masses and the prayer service.
Saturday 4:00 pm
Jim Hannigan
by The Bannigan Family
Sunday 8:00 am Eric Esten
by Margaret McDonald
10:30 am For The Parishioners
Monday 9:15 am Terrence Howe
by Pat Baker & Judy Grace
Tuesday 9:15 am Rose Sopan
by Gail and Al Huff
Ash Wednesday
9:15 am Sandy Alfonso
by Carol and Joe Litwienski
Thursday 9:15 am Robert Salter
by Fr. Sean Carpenter
Friday 9:15 am Communion Service
Saturday 4:00 pm Bob Ruezinsky
by Elizabeth Iversen
Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners
10:30 am Christopher Madere
by Marybeth and Greg Landry
7:00 pm Patrick C. Byrne
by Lillian and John Bellis
February 22nd through March 1st
Sunday Collection 2/09/2020………………. $ 4,253.
Thank You for Your Generosity
Confessions -Saturday 3 pm
First Friday Adoration
held after 9:15 am Communion
Service each month.
9:15 am mass will still be celebrated when we have a funeral mass that day.
ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US
Saturday: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Mt 16:13-19 Sunday: Lv 19:1-2, 17-18; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48 Monday: Jas 3:13-18; Mk 9:14-29 Tuesday: Jas 4:1-10; Mk 9:30-37 Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20—6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: Dt 30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25 Friday: Is 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14; Lk 5:27-32 Sunday: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Rom 5:12-19; Mt 4:1-11
Lent will be this wonderful season of grace for us if we give ourselves to it. And, we will give ourselves to it to the degree we really want it badly. So, as we prepare in these days before Lent, we need
to prepare our hearts. We need to prepare by realizing how much we want to grow in freedom, how much we need to lighten our spirits and experience some real joy, and how much some parts of our lives really need changing.
May our Lord bless us all on this journey ahead.
ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US
Parish Life
FAITH FORMATION
UPDATES AND REMINDERS
Important Reminders: Students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to bring a snack or lunch to class following the 10:30 a.m. Mass. PLEASE NOTE: THE TIME FOR CLASSES FOR
GRADES 6, 7 AND 8 IS NOW 11:30 A.M.-12:45 P.M.
Important Dates: The First Communion Retreat will be held Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Our celebrant will be the Most Reverend Joseph Bambera, Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton. Practice for Confirmation will be
Thursday, April 23, at 6 p.m. The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
FAITH FORMATION
CANCELLATION PROCEDURES
Parents, in the event of inclement weather, you will receive an email from Melissa, Coordinator of Religious Education, if classes are cancelled. If you do not receive regular emails from the parish, kindly contact the parish office to
ensure we have your most recent email address. You may also call the parish office on Sunday morning to check if classes are cancelled for the day.
SCRIPTURE STUDY FOR COUPLES
Our parish would like to begin a Scripture Study group for Catholic married couples. If you would be interested in attending this study, contact Melissa in the parish office at 570-646-6424 or by email at [email protected]. If enough couples are interested, the study will begin this spring.
LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE… begins Tuesday, March 3, at 10:15 a.m. in the parish hall. Using both videos and written materials, this program is designed to help bring Catholics to a greater understanding of the Bible. During Lent, the group will study Life Eternal. For more information, call or stop by the parish office.
DAILY MEDITATION FOR CATHOLICS
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
If you would like to receive the monthly publication The Word Among Us, annual subscriptions are available for $20 per year, beginning in Lent. The Word Among Us includes daily meditations based on the Mass readings and inspirational essays and stories of the saints and other heroes of faith that encourage you to go out and live the Word. To purchase a copy, contact Melissa in the parish office.
THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU The light is on for you at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish every Monday during Lent, after 9:15 a.m. Mass, as the church is open for individual Confessions. We invite you to experience Christ’s healing love through the
Sacrament of Reconciliation.
JOIN US FOR OUR PARISH LENTEN ACTIVITIES
FOR ALL AGES • Every Wednesday During Lent:
Stations of the Cross is held each Wednesday after 9:15 a.m. Mass and at 7 p.m. • Friday, March 6 and March 20, 6 p.m.:
Family Stations of the Cross with the Knights of Columbus followed by a soup and bread dinner. • Wednesday, March 4, 6 p.m.: Lenten Penance
Service at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish • Sunday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.
Living Stations of the Cross This prayerful presentation of the Stations of The Cross will be presented by members of all ages of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. • Lenten Reflection at the Home of Deacon Frank and Antoinette Gisoldi… details are coming soon. • Lenten Take Home Dinners will be Friday, February 28, March 13 and March 27, from 4-6:30 p.m.
HAVE THE BEST LENT EVER Best Lent Ever is a free email program that can help to guide you on an incredible 40-day journey to become the best version of yourself. Sign up online for free at BestLentEver.com/ParishSignUp to receive daily emails with short, inspirational videos; practical tips to incorporate into your everyday life; and encouraging stories from Matthew Kelly and the team from Dynamic Catholic.
ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US
Parish Life Parish Life
Sanctuary Light
For Children of Abortion Bread and Wine
For Victims of Abortion Altar Flowers
Available for $100 for one week
K of C Meetings are the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month @ 7 pm in the parish hall.
~ http://knights13752.webs.com/ ~Facebook: Knights of Columbus Pocono Pines
Week of February 23rd, 2020
Jay Crandall ~ Bill Gleason ~ Richard Snell Kim Maria Giganti ~ Fr. Ed Kearns ~ Jennifer Royall
Deacon Frank ~ Joan Harrigan Eileen O’Neill ~ Samson Colborn
Jamie Nderitu ~ Maurice Berger ~ Sal Rullis Bill Goodwin ~ Msgr. Fitzpatrick
JoAnn Berger ~ Ryan Miller ~ Frank Ware Cathy Valente ~ Fr. Anthony Urban ~ Jenyl Moody
John Mercer ~ Bette Jayne Kovich Lynn Shelley ~ Josephine Papa ~ Katherine Krais
Katie Scully ~ Theresa Lockyer Chrissy Johnson ~ Michael Dembinski
……..And For All Members, Family and Friends that are in need of Prayers, Lord Hear Our Prayer.
Hospital Visits -
Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the parish is unaware when a parishioner is in the hospital. If you or a loved one would like a hospital visit from Father Sean, contact the parish
office to make arrangements.
Sunday, Feb. 23: Pre-Jordan Session – 12 pm Tues., Feb. 25: Women’s Cornerstone - 6:30 pm Wed. Feb. 26: Ash Wednesday Services ~ see page 1 for schedule of services Thurs., Feb. 26: Knights of Columbus - 7 pm Friday, Feb. 28: Lenten Buffet Take Out ~ From 4 pm to 6:30 pm
Future Take Outs - March 13th & 27th
RETIREMENT! NOW WHAT?
The next session will be held on March 12th.
from 7 pm to 8:30 pm Don’t miss this important series of discussions that
highlight topics of interest for retirees and those contemplating retirement. Everyone is warmly
invited to attend. To sign up, contact Bob at [email protected] or contact the parish office.
Going the Extra Mile
So often in life, people are concerned about the minimum requirements. What is the minimum I must do to get a certain grade? What is the minimum I need to do to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation? What exactly do I have to do to make my boss happy? This concern does not stop with everyday life but continues into our relationship with God. What exactly is required of me for salvation? How much time, talent, and treasure are enough? Jesus does not call us to this way of life, but instead to a life of unbounding generosity and surrender. Jesus said, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” The minimum requirement is one mile; however, we are not to be disciples of minimum requirements and checking off boxes. We are to go the extra mile because that is how we bear witness to the transforming power of Jesus Christ. That is how we change lives and share the grace and love we have received in abundance. Nothing ever changes by doing the minimum. There is no real glory given to God by responding to His call with the minimum. Imagine a world where all of us good stewards give without ceasing and go far beyond the minimum requirements. Our world would be a very different place. So, what is stopping us?
3 LENTEN TAKE
OUT DINNERS On 3 Friday Nights in Lent
February 28th, March 13th & 27th Snow date is Friday, April 3rd
4-6:30 pm Featuring
A variety of Meatless Entrées, including Whole Wheat & Gluten Free
Fish ≈ Stuffed Shells ≈ Mac & Cheese ≈ Baked Ziti ≈ Halushki
Weekly Specials ≈ Soup ≈ Tossed Salad ≈ Bread ≈ Dessert
$10 includes a portion each of salad, soup, bread, and dessert,
as well as a take out container filled from the entrée table.
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish 5112 Pocono Crest Road, Pocono Pines 570-646-6424
www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org Hall is handicap accessible.
ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US
Parish Life Parish Life
We welcome new parishioners. If you would like to join our parish, registration forms may be found in our church narthex and in the parish office or if you prefer, you can register online at www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org.
You may also call the parish office (570-646-6424) and we would be happy to send you a registration form. Why is it so important to register in a parish? Registration is the official way we join a parish community. Many people think because they attend a particular parish that they automatically belong. Registration shows you belong. It is also necessary for certain benefits, like scheduling sacraments, obtaining sponsor certificates, and getting donation statements for taxes. Most importantly, it lets the parish count on you and to call on you to assist in its mission. Registering in the parish is a statement of faith and confidence in the life and work of the parish.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Sunday: 9 am to 10:15 am
Monday thru Wednesday: 9 am to 2 pm
Thursday: 9 to Noon Friday: Closed
Bulletin submissions can be emailed to Marion Colvin at: [email protected]
Please submit two weeks prior to publication date otherwise we cannot promise publication date desired.
~ Thank You
Quotes from “Footprints” by Margaret Fishback Powers
Defeat may serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ. ~1 Corin. 15:57
Attn: Weis Markets Shoppers If you shop at Weis Markets, please save your receipts for us. Our Parish participates in a program where we receive a rebate on your purchases. A few times
during the year, these receipts are assembled, tallied up and sent to Weis. A check will later be received which helps St. Max pay its expenses. Please bring your receipts into the office or drop them into the
collection basket. ~Thank You
Immaculata Prayer Group - Winter Schedule 2nd Sat. of the Month at 2:30 p.m. (time change)
Next Meeting - March 14th Everyone is invited to attend for
Prayer and Praise.
The St. Max Prayer Shawl Group is meeting on the third Tuesday of the Month at 6:30 pm during the winter months. The next meeting
is March 16th -All are welcome
WHY DO WE DO THAT?
- CATHOLIC LIFE EXPLAINED
Question:
In Sunday school, the students are studying the Ten Commandments. I know that kids are important in the eyes of God, so I’m just wondering why there isn’t a commandment about honoring children. Answer:
Commandments provide EOO-Equal Opportunity for Observance! They are meant for everyone, children as well as adults. There are several assumptions that would make such a commandment a bit redundant. One, children are entrusted to the care of their parents. So, respect, love, and care — as well as teaching them — are assumed to be part of the responsibility of parents. They are the first teachers in the ways of faith and, as such, participate in God’s work of loving and creating. The child has the obligation and responsibility towards their parents. Only when they are adults will they make decisions on their own. In Biblical times, and in many societies today, children are responsible for caring for elderly parents, providing for their needs. In our culture today, too often kids have more rights than responsibilities, and oftentimes long before they are able to handle them. If we follow the Commandment of Jesus to love others and treat them as we would want to be treated, everyone is included, children too.
ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US
Parish Life
FOOD PANTRY NEWS : Five Loaf House
133 Fire House Rd., Pocono Pines Distributions are to qualified persons & families only on the
2nd Monday of the month and the Tuesday following that Monday. Monday Hours 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. by appointment after these hours & Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Food Donations are accepted on Mon/Tues
only, from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. or call 570-646-7456.
HA Valerie Novak ~ Sr. Airman Charlie Maldanado Alston Smart, Jr.~ Eugene Maslar, Jr
Sgt. Matthew Price ~ 1st Lt. Mark Gaido Airman Patrick Alminde ~ TECH Sgt. William D. Olsen
Seaman Nicole Beckman ~ Cpl. John P. Bramley Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr.
Major Thomas M. Smith ~ S Sgt. Amber Keppol 2nd Class Petty Officer DC2, Jeffrey Royall Sgt. Andrew Malave ~ Sgt. Matthew Ponce
PFC Lars Hicks ~ Lance Corporal Kevin Horoszewski Lord, hold our troops in you loving hands.
Meals on Wheels Volunteer Drivers Needed
Can you spare 2-3 hours once a month to deliver meals to the homebound in the Tobyhanna/Tunkhannock Twshp. areas? If interested, call Sue Snell @ 570-646-7163 or Linda at the Meals on Wheels office @ 570-424-8794.
Would you like more information about St. Maximilian?
Go to our website: www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org.
Around the Diocese
“MEN, SAVE THE DATE! The 6th annual Diocese of Scranton Men’s Conference will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre”.
Parishioners Celebrating
25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2020
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C. L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2020 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 14. The event includes a 2:20 pm mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation from the diocese should be made through the parish office before March 16, 2020. Couples who missed their special year may also be included in 2020. Members of St. Max may call the office to register or for additional information. Deadline March 16th
Around the Diocese
Do You Want to Know More
About the Annulment Process?:
In the Diocese of Scranton, the annulment process is now more “user friendly” than you might expect, and there is no longer a processing fee. Please contact your pastor or the Diocesan Tribunal Office (570-207-2246) to begin a conversation. It is possible to get clear answers to these questions and to renew your connection with the Church.
Stress in your marriage? Do you feel alone? Are you bored, disillusioned, frustrated or angry in your relationship? Do you experience coldness or conflict in your relationship? Retrouvaille is a program that helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. This program has helped thousands of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriages. If you are thinking about, or already are, separated or divorced, there could still be hope for you. For confidential information about, or to register for the program on May 29 – 31, please call 631-338-5413 or 570-207-2213, or visit the website at www.HelpOurMarriage.org.
Prayers for Military
and Government Service
LIVE THE LITURGY
What does it mean to be holy? God has definite ideas about the answer. Not bearing hatred for your brother or sister, not seeking revenge or holding grudges, loving your neighbor as yourself, treating human beings as the temples of God they are, offering no resistance to someone who wants to hurt you, turning the other cheek, not turning your back on someone, loving your enemies, praying for those who persecute you, and striving for perfection are some of the ways holiness can be pursued. Holiness, understood through God’s eyes, is attainable by all of us. It comes from making the right Gospel-centered choices and not falling victim to lesser temptations, reactions, and desires. Knowing what holiness actually involves, is it something you really want?
The Office for Parish Life will be organizing buses to the PA March for Life In Harrisburg on Monday, May 18, 2020. The rally takes place at 11 am at the State Capital, with the March for Life taking place at 12 noon. If you are interested in attending please contact Katy Windels at [email protected] by Feb. 28th
A Lenten Afternoon Reflection for Women:
“The Woman at the Well” Sponsored by St. Max Women’s Cornerstone
Sunday, March 15th ~ 2-4 pm
in Our Lady of the Lake Hall
We invite you to take some time away from your weekly routine to explore your story as we reflect on her story. As we consider the encounter between the Samaritan Woman and Jesus, we each have an opportunity to contemplate our own encounters with Him. When we listen to the questions she has for Jesus, what questions might form in our hearts? As we ponder how Jesus gradually reveals Himself to this woman, what might He wish to reveal to you on your Lenten Journey this year?
ALL ARE WELCOME!
