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Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information Parish Staff Pastor Rev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365 Resident Rev. Gene Ritz: 610.777.1365 Deacon Deacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697 Principal of La Salle Academy Mr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392 Parish Secretary Bernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697 Parish Communications Coordinator Sarah Capato: 610.850.4978 Director of Religious Education Bernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697 For Bulletin / Website Inquiries or Announcements Contact: Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 Comprehensive Catholic Education La Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th Grade Mr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392 Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th Grade Mr. Tony Balistrere, Principal: 610.374.8361 Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th Grade Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697 RCIA: Age 18+ Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697 Scheduling Use of Parish Facilities For those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Oce at 610.777.1697 Worship Eucharistic Adoration First Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PM Altar Servers Students from Grade 4 to Seniors in High School Contact: Parish Oce at 610.777.1697 Adult Funeral Servers Contact: Parish Oce at 610.777.1697 Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sunday’s at 10:30AM Mass, between September and May Contact: Parish Oce at 610.777.1697 Eucharistic Ministers Contact: Lorna Pfeienberger at 610.777.4822 Lectors Contact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542 Ministers of Hospitality Contact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542 Liturgical Music Contemporary Ensemble - Contact: Kelly Keim at 610.780.3905 Traditional Choir - Contact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227 Cantors Contact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227 Baptismal Prep Contact: Parish Oce at 610.777.1697 Baptismal Bibs Contact: Parish Oce at 610.777.1697 Sacristans Contact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264 Outreach & Parish Ministries Culture of Life Contact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965 Bereavement Ministry Contact: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431 Justice in Action Ministry Contact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027 Breaking Bread Social Committee Contact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542 Prayer Shawl Ministry Contact: Joan Yanuskiewicz at 610.777.4646 Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & Mass Contact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927 Food Pantry / Emergency Meals Contact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947 Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities Contact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792 Parish Nurse Ministry Contact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998 Spiritual Growth RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Contact: Parish Oce at 610.777.1697 Adult Education (Seasonal) Contact: Parish Oce at 610.777.1697 Spiritual Direction Contact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027 Faith Sharing for Women Contact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027 Parish Prayer Line Contact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965 Charismatic Prayer Group Contact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215 Organizations Prime Timers Contact: Larry Shepherd at 610.777.8337 Boy Scouts Contact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387 Girl Scouts Contact: Britt Kobularcik at 484.256.1782 Daisy: Grade K-1, Brownies: Grade 2/3, Juniors: Grade 4/5 Cub Scouts Contact: Rich Kasting at 610.373.2575 Knights of Columbus Contact: Mike Hall at 804.212.7261 Altar Society Contact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360 Men’s Basketball League Contact: Russ Baver at 610.796.7723 CYO (Christian Youth Organization) Contact: Rock Witmer at 610.775.2176 Parish Gardeners Contact: Chris Hofmann at 610.777.2523

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Page 1: Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact …...3 out with him on 5th a Lenten Taize Service Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 6:00pm St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church This will be

Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish StaffPastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365ResidentRev. Gene Ritz: 610.777.1365DeaconDeacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697Principal of La Salle AcademyMr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392Parish SecretaryBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697Parish Communications CoordinatorSarah Capato: 610.850.4978Director of Religious EducationBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697For Bulletin / Website Inquiries or AnnouncementsContact: Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMr. Tony Balistrere, Principal: 610.374.8361Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th GradeMrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697RCIA: Age 18+Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697

Scheduling Use of Parish FacilitiesFor those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Office at 610.777.1697

WorshipEucharistic AdorationFirst Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PMAltar ServersStudents from Grade 4 to Seniors in High SchoolContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Funeral ServersContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sunday’s at 10:30AM Mass, between September and May Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Lorna Pfeiffenberger at 610.777.4822LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contemporary Ensemble - Contact: Kelly Keim at 610.780.3905 Traditional Choir - Contact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227CantorsContact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264

Outreach & Parish MinistriesCulture of LifeContact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965Bereavement MinistryContact: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431Justice in Action MinistryContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Breaking Bread Social CommitteeContact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542Prayer Shawl MinistryContact: Joan Yanuskiewicz at 610.777.4646Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & MassContact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927Food Pantry / Emergency MealsContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesContact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792Parish Nurse MinistryContact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Spiritual DirectionContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Faith Sharing for WomenContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Parish Prayer LineContact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965Charismatic Prayer GroupContact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215

OrganizationsPrime TimersContact: Larry Shepherd at 610.777.8337Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Girl ScoutsContact: Britt Kobularcik at 484.256.1782 Daisy: Grade K-1, Brownies: Grade 2/3, Juniors: Grade 4/5

Cub ScoutsContact: Rich Kasting at 610.373.2575 Knights of Columbus Contact: Mike Hall at 804.212.7261Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360Men’s Basketball LeagueContact: Russ Baver at 610.796.7723CYO (Christian Youth Organization)Contact: Rock Witmer at 610.775.2176Parish GardenersContact: Chris Hofmann at 610.777.2523

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Mass Intentions for the Week MONDAY, FEB. 8 - St. Jerome Emiliani & St. Josephine Bakhita 8:00 a.m. Marianne Donovan TUESDAY, FEB. 9 - Weekday 7:00 p.m. Dieudonne Derosier WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10 - ASH WEDNESDAY 8:00 a.m. 1st Lt. Frank Young, USMC 7:00 p.m. Maddalena Galantuomo THURSDAY, FEB. 11 ~ Our Lady of Lourdes 7:00 p.m. Tin Nguyen FRIDAY, FEB. 12 ~ Friday after Ash Wednesday 8:00 a.m. Nancy Royle First Sunday of Lent SATURDAY, FEB 13 4:00 p.m. Ed Gajewski SUNDAY, FEB. 14 8:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Linda Ferraro

Sanctuary Candle for the week of 2/7-13 in loving memory or Harold & Veronica Katzaman, Sr. (requested by Harold & Linda Katzaman, Jr.)

St. John's Baptist de la Salle February 7th 2016

www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Away from home? Find a Mass wherever you are at www.masstimes.org

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, FEB. 13 - 4:00pm - Revelation Ensemble Lector: Nancy Faust Cantor: ----- Servers: Nancy Weinheimer, Catherine Maher EM:B/M.Resch, K/R.Stuber, C/G.Legezdh, N.Bents, C.Trygar, L.Wakefield SUNDAY, FEB. 14 - 8:30am Lector: Lorraine Asgari Cantor: Karla Akemann Servers: Lauren & Paige Hagan, Amie Wickel SUNDAY, FEB.14 - 10:30am Lector: Craig Turnbaugh Cantor: Sara Teson Servers: Sophia Pienta, Molly Yohn, Maddie Cannon EM: C/K.Worley, L.Fox, K.Luft, A.Cannon, C.Bensing, J.Bradley, N.Faust, C.Yochimowitz

St. John's is now on Facebook!

Please "like" our page to get updates on our parish and diocese. You will also find plenty of spiritually enriching material to utilize in

your daily living. Find us at St John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Upcoming Events Sunday, Feb. 7 NO Rel. Ed classes (classes resume Feb. 14) Monday, Feb. 8 7:00 pm Parent Meeting for First Communion

La Salle Cafeteria 7:00 pm St. Cecilia Choir rehearsal Tuesday, Feb. 9 10:00 am Prime Timers Bus Trip 1:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Group Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 10 - Ash Wednesday 8:30 am Church Cleaning 12:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 pm Ensemble rehearsal Friday, Feb. 11 5:30 pm Poor Man’s Meal (La Salle Cafeteria Please use the back entrance to the

school – where the upper parking lot is)

7:00 pm Stations of the Cross with Benediction Saturday, Feb. 13 Valentine’s Dinner Dance at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator, Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or [email protected].

Bulletin submissions are due Thursday, ten days prior to the Sunday of publication.

St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Altar Wine: In loving memory of Samuel Krick, Jr. (requested by Betty Krick)

Collections for Sunday, January 24th SNOW

Todays Readings

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 God tells Jeremiah that he was chosen to be a prophet to the nations before he had even been born. He also promises him strength and protection, providing Jeremiah does as God asks. Second Reading: I Corinthians 12:31—13:13 Paul discusses the importance of love and claims that one who possesses any gift, but lacks love, has nothing. He explains that true love never fails, although knowledge or other talents can fail to endure in the same manner. Paul says that three things last: "faith, hope, and love, the greatest of these being love." Gospel: Luke 4:21-30 Jesus spoke in the synagogue at Nazareth, at first appealing to all who were present. But he knew that they would be expecting him to do the things he had already done in other towns. He reminded them of other prophets who had preached and gained acceptance in foreign places instead of their home towns. This angered the people, who expelled him from town.

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday.

Masses in observance will be held on

Wednesday at 8 am and 7 pm and a Service at

12pm.

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Lenten Taize Service Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 6:00pm St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church This will be a night of prayer and meditation through music, scripture, and silence. During the time of Lent we must think about God’s biggest sacrifice; giving up His only Son’s life so that we may live. This will be a night to truly meditate upon this unbelievable gift from God. You will be able to place all your worries, burdens, and problems upon the holy cross as you truly place yourself in the presence of Jesus Christ. Any questions place contact Andrew Angstadt at 610.856.1006 or [email protected]

Matthew 9:37 - Then He said to His disciples," The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Come and work for Christ by handing out Rosaries and pamphlets on the Catholic Church to the people of Reading! Our next date is February 27th, (weather permitting) 12- 2 PM at 5th and Penn Street. Contact Gina Aldi at 484.769.5346 for questions.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE If a Prenatal Diagnosis identifies a possible disability…You are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding a poor prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson, [email protected] or 610.289.8900 x 42

Bringing the Gospel to the Streets! There's a new kid in town here at St. John's and his name is St. Paul Street Evangelization. SPSE for short. He would really like to meet some new friends who are passionate about Christ to hang out with him on 5th and Penn St. once a month. He enjoys sharing his Catholic faith and spreading the Good News by: -Handing out Rosaries to others -Praying with them -Sharing his testimony To meet SPSE, please call Gina Aldi at 484.769.5346 | www.streetevangelization.com

BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN: Please return your “filled” baby bottles by January 30/31. Large Baby Bags with a sign attached are located in each

Church Entryway. If you didn’t get a plastic Baby Bottle, we welcome any donation you care to make for this Campaign. Just put your donation in an envelope and mark it “Baby Bottles for Life” and put it in one of the Baby Bags or the Sunday offering. Any checks should be made out to Lifeline of Berks County. All proceeds will be taken to Lifeline of Berks County and will be used to provide services to women in need who have chosen life for their babies. Thank you for your generosity. Any questions, please call Bob Peters at 610.775.8965.

Dear Family of Faith, It’s hard to believe, but… the season of Lent is upon us. It starts this Wednesday. I believe these 40 days of Lent, are one of the best things we do as a Church - it’s an opportunity for each of us individually and collectively as a Family of Faith, to start over. What a phenomenal blessing from God that is! A grace to know that what was, is over, forgiven and forgotten! Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, we too, can rise anew. These days are designated as time for “intentionally” taking steps toward greater spiritual discipline, spiritual simplicity, spiritual renewal and spiritual growth. It is my prayer, for all of us, that these 40 simple acts/prayers – one for each day of Lent, will bring us to an Easter joy, that has no end!

Fr. Rich

OUR LENTEN OBLIGATIONS

• Who must fast? All Catholics who are between the ages of 18 and 59. The obligation ceases when one begins his/her 60th year on his/her 59th birthday. The fasting is to be observed on Ash

Wednesday and Good Friday. • What does fasting mean? You may take only one full meal on the day of fast. Two lighter meals (not equal to another full meal) may be taken to maintain strength according to one’s needs. No snacking between meals. • Who must abstain? All Catholics who are 14 years and older. • What does abstinence mean? The law of abstinence forbids the eating of meat, including poultry on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent. • Can anyone be dispensed or excused from fast and/or abstinence? Individuals for a just cause may be dispensed by their pastor or by a priest with the faculty to do so. In our Diocese all priests may dispense individuals who are committed to their personal care. Those who are ill or have a similar serious reason are excused from the observance of fast and abstinence. Catholics are reminded that they should not lightly excuse themselves from this obligation. • Are there other obligations which we should fulfill? Catholics are obliged to fulfill what has been called their “Easter Duty.” They are required to receive Holy Communion during the Easter time. In the United States this obligation can be fulfilled from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (Feb. 22 until May 31, 2015). Those conscious of serious sin are reminded of the obligation to confess their sins at least once a year during this time. Catholics also are encouraged to make Lent a time of more intense prayer and to practice almsgiving and other works of charity. Parishes are encouraged to continue participation in Operation Rice Bowl.

Forty Days of Prayer for Lent

Feb. 10 - Day 1 - Ash Wednesday. For self-improvement. The German Theologian Albrecht Ritschl wrote, “If I long to improve my brother, the first step toward doing so is to improve myself.” Prayer: Dear God, help me to focus and fix my flaws rather than judging others. Scripture: Lk 6:42. Feb. 11 - Day 2 – To carry my cross. When people consulted with Thomas a Kempis about their troubles, he advised, “Carry the cross patiently and with perfect submission, and in the end it shall carry you.” Prayer: Dear God, I do not pray for deliverance from burdens, but for the strength and patience to bear them. Scripture: Mt 16:24. Feb. 12 - Day 3 – To help carry another person’s cross. This prayer was frequently uttered by Charles Wesley: “Help us to help each other, Lord, each other’s cross to bear.” Prayer: Dear God, let me be like Simon who helped Jesus carry his cross. When I see someone struggle with a burden, may I be the one who helps lift it. Scripture: Mk 15:21. Feb. 13 - Day 4 – To cultivate silence. “God is the friend of silence,” said Mother Teresa. Prayer: Dear God, let me discipline myself to make time for silent meditation. Help me to be still and thereby come to know deeper thoughts. Scripture: 1Kg 19:12.

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Mark your calendars! St. John's Girl Scout Troop 1157 will be selling cookies in the Father Lyons Room after all Masses the weekend of February 13/14. Stop by and pick up some treats for your special valentine!

Pariah nurses will be taking blood pressures after all Masses the weekend of Feb. 6th and 7th.

Save the Date St John's FEAST Day

Saturday April 9th Plan to join your Family of Faith to celebrate our

namesake, St. John with a potluck dinner.

St. John's will once again be participating in the "Souper Bowl of Caring" on Sunday February 7th. Volunteers will be holding soup pots at each of the doors after ALL Masses. The Souper Bowl benefits the Mifflin Community Food Ministry and is the only monetary collection conducted for the pantry each year. Please be as generous as possible to benefit those less fortunate. Children who would like to volunteer and hold soup pots may contact Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947. Thank you in advance for your continued support of this very worthwhile event!

On April 10, 2016, the Polish American Board of Education of Berks County will be awarding nine college scholarships totaling $18,000 to Berks County high school seniors of Polish American descent. Applicants for the scholarships can obtain application forms and guidelines in the office of the guidance counselor in all Berks County high schools, in the Polish American Cultural Center in the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and they can be downloaded from the PABEBC website at www.pabeberks.org. Completed application forms are due no later than Saturday, March 5, 2016, to the PABEBC Scholarship Secretary, Ronald Savitski, 159 Texter Mountain Road, Wernersville, PA 19565 Tel. 610.693.9792. In order to promote Polish culture and pride, the Polish American Heritage Association of Berks County will award a $1,000 scholarship to a child or grandchild of a current member of the organization. To obtain more information and the criteria required to apply for this scholarship, contact Sandy Lubas Hummel at

EVENT SUPPORTING RETIRED SISTERS The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Reading invite you to Bernardine Bonanza, a festive Mardi Gras evening on February 20, 2016 from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm at the McGlinn Conference Center. $95 per person & registration is required. For more information contact Sr. Maria at 484.334.6814 or purchase tickets online at www.bfranciscan.org.

John Paul II Center for Special Learning Seeking a caring, dedicated and motivated teacher to work as a team member to educate students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a supportive and rewarding environment. Special Education certification required. Send your resume to [email protected]

Save the Date Parish Retreat

Saturday February 27th Father Lyons room 8-11:30am

The Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) invite you to begin your Lenten Journey with us by attending our LENTEN AGAPE on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 6 PM at Sacred Heart Villa (51 Seminary Ave., Reading, 19605). Come share this simple, prayerful meal among MSC Sisters and friends. All are welcome. Contact [email protected] with questions or to register.

Prime Timers News: More exciting upcoming trips for the Prime Timers: • May 5 - Penn’s Peak to see “Branson Fever” cost $70 includes Family Style Sit down Meal, show. Bus will depart from St. John’s at 9 AM with a 6 PM approximate return. • July 6 – Fulton Theatre to see “Footloose”. Sit down Family style meal at the Steamboat Inn. Cost $88. Bus will depart from St. John’s at 11 AM with a 6 PM approximate return. For reservations or questions, please contact Philomena Repoley 610.777.5063 or Larry Shepherd 610.777.8337.

La Salle Academy is looking for vendors for its upcoming SPRING FEST. It will be held on Palm Sunday weekend,

March 19 and 20 from 11-4 both days. Please email [email protected] for a registration form. Deadline is February 29. More info will be forthcoming regarding the event and food pre-orders.

If you are a Catholic man, 18 years or older and you want to become closer to your family, strengthen your faith, support your parish and give back to your community, there is a place for

you in the Knights of Columbus. For more information speak to any Knight or contact Jim Stallone at 610.406.8543.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?? AND CHEERLEADING??? BERKS CATHOLIC YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING will be holding registrations for the upcoming 2016 fall season on Thursday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 6-8PM in the main lobby of Berks Catholic HS. For more information, go to our website- www.leaguelineup.com/bcyfac or call Danielle Fowler 610-374-1695. You can also get to our website by going to the high school website at www. berkscatholic.org Athletics—BC Youth Football and Cheerleading.

Save the Date March 7th

Family Roller Skating Night.

Last chance to take part in a special evening for Valentines Day. On February 13th at 4pm Mass, Father Rich will be officiating a renewal of

vows, followed by a Valentine's dinner/dance at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel's Presidential Ballroom. Tickets can be purchased for $45 a person. Contact Tom and Kathe Roche @ 610.777.4792 or Deacon Joe and Lois Lombardo @ 610.777.2542.

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Thinking of doing something special for Valentine's Day? Consider spending a wonderful evening with your friends from St. John's. Father Rich will be officiating a renewal of marriage vows at the 4 PM mass on Saturday February 13th in Church followed by a Valentine's dinner/dance at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel's Presidential Ballroom. There will be a choice of New York strip steak or Salmon with champagne sauce with the ambiance of dinner music and dancing for $45.00 per person. A cash bar will be available. Music to be provided by DJ Victor Merinsky. Tickets can be purchased after any mass during January in the Father Lyons room or by contacting Tom or Kathe Roche at 610.777.4792 or Deacon Joe or Lois Lombardo @ 610.777.2542. Hope you can join in on this evening to celebrate your sacrament of marriage.

John Baptist de la Salle was born at Rheims, France on April 30th. He was the eldest of ten children in a noble family. He studied in Paris and was ordained in 1678. He was known for his work with the poor. He died at St. Yon, Rouen, on April 7th. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1900. John was very involved in education. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (approved in 1725) and established teacher colleges (Rheims in 1687, Paris in 1699, and Saint-Denis in 1709). He was one of the first to emphasize classroom teaching over individual instruction. He also began teaching in the vernacular instead of in Latin. His schools were formed all over Italy. In 1705, he established a reform school for boys at Dijon. John was named patron of teachers by Pope Pius XII in 1950. His feast day is April 7th.

International Day of Awareness to End Human Trafficking February 8 has been designated as a day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration. February 8 also marks the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and taken to Italy. Once she demanded her freedom she entered the religious life with the Canossian sisters and dedicated her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and

comforting the poor and suffering. The day is intended to raise awareness and to encourage reflection on the violence and injustice that affect numerous victims of trafficking.

Prayer for Trafficked Victims (As shared by the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, N.J.)

God of freedom, beauty and truth, we believe that your deepest desire, you most powerful energy, is that creation might know abundant life. We raise our voices in anguished prayer for our sisters and brothers, women and girls, men and boys, who are modern day slaves; they are your beloved daughters and sons, exploited sexually or forced to work because of human violence and greed. Fill us with your holy anger and your sacred passion that those who are trafficked might know healing and justice; that traffickers will come to repentance and conversion; that all of us might live in such a way that others are not made to pay the price for our comfort and convenience. Hasten the day when all people and our precious Earth itself will be treated, not as a commodity, but as radiant images of your freedom, beauty and truth. Amen. May it be so.

The Gospel for All Ages A compilation of questions by age group, in line with the readings and Gospel for the week, to help you

ponder the Message and live it in your daily life.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Isaiah 6.1-8; 1 Corinthians 15.1-11; Luke 5.1-11

For Adults - Life Question: What teacher in your life – partner, friend, colleague, formal educator – has

invited you to take bait that has transformed your purpose in life?

Gospel Question: In what deep waters have you yet to fish for meaning and purpose in your life?

Older Teens - Life Question When have you experienced privilege you didn’t earn? Gospel Question: What do the deep waters symbolize? The large catch of fish?

Young Teens - Life Question: Who calls you to develop and use your gifts or talents to make a difference? Gospel Question How does Jesus call you in your life as a student?

Grades 4-6 - Life Question: How is the Church the People of God? Gospel Question: How is Jesus calling you? Grades 2-3 - Life Question What are some ways you follow others?

Gospel Question: Who listens to Jesus?

Grades K-1 - Life Question: Who are your friends? Gospel Question : Who does Jesus call to be friends? Preschool - Life Question: Tell about a saint you know

Gospel Question How does Jesus want us to follow

him?

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Thomas Aquinas came from a wealthy Italian ruling family in the 13th century. At age five, he was sent to a Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino in hopes that someday he would be abbot. But King Frederick III sent his troops to occupy the monastery as a fortress. Thomas then transferred to the University of Naples, where he came into contact with the Dominicans. Their life of prayer and study fascinated him, and he was determined to join them. His family was shocked that Thomas would join a group of poor friars. His mother sent his brothers after him. They kidnapped and imprisoned him for more than a year at a family castle. Nothing would shake his resolution to enter the Dominicans. Finally, Thomas’s family gave up on discouraging him from becoming a priest, and in 1244, he joined the order. Thomas studied under Albert the Great. In class, his silence during discussions and his large size earned him the nickname “the dumb ox.” Thomas became well known for his writings in philosophy and theology. His most famous work, the Summa Theologiae, contains five volumes of thought on all the Christian mysteries. It is said that no one has equaled the depth of understanding and clear reasoning that Thomas showed. His love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament led him to write prayers and hymns that are still used to honor the Eucharist. But this brilliant man was very humble. He knew that all his gifts came from God. While celebrating Mass on December 6, 1273, he received a revelation from God. After that, he stopped writing. He said that all he had written was so much straw after what he had seen in the revelation. Thomas died at age 49 on his way to the Council of Lyons, France. Pope Gregory X had asked him to come. Saint Thomas Aquinas is a Doctor of the Church and patron of Catholic schools.

Works of Mercy in Action

“In this Jubilee Year, may the Church echo the word of God that resounds

strong and clear as a message and a sign of pardon, strength, aid, and love. May she never tire of extending mercy, and be ever patient in

offering compassion and comfort.” (Misericordiae Vultus – The Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy #25)

Visit the Imprisoned Send a note of encouragement to someone who is incarcerated. Parishioner Debbie Bitting has a brother who is serving a 20- month sentence for drug use.

DENNIS J. ALENOVITZ ID# MH4973 SCI GRATERFORD PO BOX 244 GRATERFORD, PA 19426 When writing your letter please take note of the following: • Use your complete name and return address in the upper left hand corner. No labels with return address may be used • Inmates can receive greeting cards, but they may not contain electronics or be multi - layered. Never embellish your letter or envelope in any way. This means

you may NOT use stickers, glitter, or glue in or on correspondence. • For more information or to answer questions call Debbie 484- 650-8765. Educate the Ignorant St. Peter School in Reading needs tutors to work one on one with children during school hours. If you are available during the day, you can become a VIP of support in a child’s life by simply reviewing math facts or reading one-on-one with a student. No special training is required. Only one hour per week is requested. Transportation to St. Peter School can be provided. Background checks, finger printing, and completion of “Protecting God's Children” (PGC) are required. If you are interested or have any questions call Jan Jackson at 484-269-7656. Protecting God’s Children Workshops (PCG) will be offered Saturday, February 27 from 9:00 am to noon at Holy Guardian Angels To register call: 610-929—1416

Comfort the Afflicted When members of our family of faith are in need of assistance with ordinary household chores, JAM will organize volunteers to help out. If you or anyone you know needs help with household tasks let JAM know. Call Arlene Seeber at 484-794-8027 Clothe the Naked Opportunity House needs volunteers to sort and organize various donated items in their offsite warehouse located in the American Polarizers, Inc. building at the corner of Chestnut and Lemon Streets, (140 Lemon Street), Reading. A small parking lot is immediately adjacent to the warehouse on the Chestnut Street side. The warehouse is available for volunteers on weekdays (M-F only) from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Questions: Please contact John Moult, Volunteer Coordinator at 610-374-4696 x-239 or [email protected].