Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish Staff & Mailing AddressParish Mailing Address420 Holland Street, Shillington, PA 19607PastorRev. Richard Clement: 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: 610.777.1697

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMrs. Alice Einolf, 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 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Bernadette Yohn at 610.777.1697 or 610.777.6297LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contact: Christopher Hoster at 610.334.1188CantorsContact: Christopher Hoster at 610.334.1188Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264Youth GroupContact: Ashlee Hess at 610.944.4862

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: Elaine Strick at 484.824.1577Nursing 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 610.775.9998St. Paul Street EvangelizationContact: Gina Aldi at 484.769.5346Divorce MinistryContact: Deb Kelly at 610.763.6528

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Faith 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: Nick Bentz at 610.777.8864Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Cub ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Knights of Columbus Contact: Bill Griffith at 484.797.0669Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360Men’s Recreational Basketball ClubContact: Russ Baver at 610.507.0627CYO (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, AUG. 26 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Carl Graczyk TUESDAY, AUG. 27 – St. Monica 7:00 p.m. Barbara J. Barth WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28 – St. Augustine 8:00 a.m. Patricia Quinter 10:30 a.m. Joseph Santini - Mifflin THURSDAY, AUG. 29 – Passion of St. John the

Baptist 7:00 p.m. Pete Sebastian FRIDAY, AUG. 30 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Edmund Palka TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY, AUG. 31 4:00 p.m. Donald S. Stout SUNDAY, SEPT. 1 8:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Walter Singley

St. John Baptist de la Salle August 25TH 2019 www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com twenty-First sunday in ordinary time

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

Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator, Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com.

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

St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Altar Wine for the month of April: In loving memory of Sam Krick, Jr. (requested by

Adam, Teresa & Liliana Krick)

Altar Bread & Wine for the month of August: In celebration of Roy & Eleanor

Davis 60th Wedding Anniversary

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, AUG. 31 - 4:00PM Lector: Brian Kobularcik Cantor: Alex Krick Servers: Brigham, Baylor Kobularcik EM: M/R.Favinger, C.Boland, C.Brahmstadt, L.Katzaman, B/M.Resch SUNDAY, SEPT. 1 - 8:30AM Lector: Bernadette Yohn Cantor: Bridget Glass Servers: Lauren & Paige Hagan SUNDAY, SEPT. 1 - 10:30AM Lector: Craig Turnbaugh Cantor: Scott Tice Servers: Joseph Kowalski, Grant Kellenberger EM: C.Yochimowitz, B.Wells, C/L.Pryzdzial, A/C.Turnbaugh, A.Krick

Upcoming Events Tuesday, Aug. 27 1:00 pm Prime Timer’s Board Mtg. 7:30 pm Charismatic Prayer Group

Today's Readings First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21 Isaiah portrays a time when people from many nations will gather in Jerusalem and proclaim God's glory. God's messengers will teach many nations about God. Just as the Israelites bring offerings, these messengers will bring people from all nations to worship. Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 The Hebrews are told that God disciplines those he loves. When a parent disciplines a child, the child usually learns what is expected of him. The Hebrews are encouraged to face life's trials as a form of discipline, and attempt to learn something from them. Gospel: Luke 13:22-30 Jesus warns that the door to God's kingdom will be locked for those who ignored his wishes. Many people will come from all nations and take their place in God's kingdom. Others will not be recognized by God, and he will reject them.

Sanctuary Lamp for the week of 8/25-31: In loving memory of: John Kolson (requested by Dorothy Kolson)

Weekly Stewardship SUNDAY collection for 8/18 will be reported on 9/1

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Parish Happenings

PRIME TIMERS NEWS PRIMETIMER GENERAL MEETING: Our first GENERAL MEETING of the 2019-2020 Season will be held in the Fr. Lyons Room on Tuesday, September 3rd at NOON. Please remember to bring your $5 for Membership Dues, which are good from September 2019 through August 2020. Come join in the fun as we celebrate each other at our yearly Everybody’s Birthday Party!! We look forward to seeing you there!! For more information, please call Judy Peters at 610.775.8965 Prime Timer’s Communion Breakfast will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 10 am – 2 pm at Crowne Plaza, Wyomissing. Cost $20 per person. Money due by October 13th – please make checks payable to St. John’s Prime Timers. For payment or questions please contact Mary Stadelmeyer at 484.955.9492 PRIME TIMERS UPCOMING FALL TRIPS **ATTENTION: the 3-day trip to Steel City has been cancelled.** Nov. 7: Hollywood Casino - Cost $30 (money due 9/27/19) bus departs from St. John’s at 10:30 am with a 6 pm approximate return. Nov. 20: Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Christmas 2019. - Cost $105 (money due 10/11/19) bus will depart from St. John’s at 9 am – 11:30 am Lunch 1 pm Showtime – 6 pm approximate return. Anyone interested in more information concerning the trips or to make reservations please call Mary Stadelmeyer at 484.955.9492.

R.C.I.A. NEWS: Do you know anyone who might be interested in joining the Catholic Church? The R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the way in

which people explore the possibility of joining the Catholic Christian Community. It’s a process of informal instruction, prayer, and sharing in a community setting that leads to full membership in the Catholic Church. Who is it for? Anyone who has never been baptized, those of another faith, those who have no affiliation with any church or Catholics who have never completed full initiation (celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation, Penance and Holy Eucharist.) for more information please contact Bernadette at

Youth Choir News: Hello Everyone! We

are excited to continue the St. John’s

Youth Choir! Children from 1st grade and up are welcome to join! No previous singing experience needed! Rehearsals will take place on the Sundays listed below from 9:30 – 10:15 in the choir loft. Here is our schedule for the Fall: Rehearsals: Sept. 8 & 15,

Sing on Sept. 21 (Saturday) at the 4 pm Mass Rehearsals: Oct. 20 & 27; Nov. 3

Sing on Nov. 10 at the 10:30 Mass Rehearsals: Nov.24, Dec. 15 & 22

Sing on Dec. 24 (Tuesday, Christmas Eve) at the 4 pm Mass.

We hope to see you for the first rehearsal on Sept. 8th! Should you have any questions beforehand, please do not hesitate to contact either of us: Christopher Hoster: christopherhoster@gmail.com or Molly Ouchis: celticblueeyes12@comcast.net God bless,

Protecting God’s Children Workshop will be held here at St. John’s on Saturday, September 7, 2019 in the Fr. Lyons Room, from 9 AM – 12 Noon. This program is required for any adult (18 years or older) who plans on volunteering for: CCD, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, La Salle Academy, CYO, Boy Scouts, etc. Pre-Registration is required. Please call the Parish Office 610.777.1697 to register. The workshop begins promptly at 9 AM.

You Are Invited! Come and join a great group of dedicated parishioners who help keep our church clean. We need more women and men to help us out. Cleaning is done the second Wednesday of each month following the 8 AM daily Mass. Many helping hands make for light work! For more information please contact Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360.

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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 at 610.289.8900x42 or jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org

MATH TEACHER NEEDED Berks Catholic High School has an opening for a math teacher grades 9-12. Be part of something special! E-mail resume and clearances to aeinolf@berkscatholic.org

St. John’s Laid Back Sunday Picnic

Sunday September 15, 2019-Mohnton Playground 12-5pm MASS at NOON – FOOD SERVED PROMPTLY AT 1PM

BRING A DESSERT TO SHARE-Cut & ready to serve

FULL MEAL $10.00- PER PERSON Includes:

Half Chicken Baked Potato

Roll Apple Sauce

Beverage

SMALL MEAL $3.00- PER PERSON Includes:

Chicken fingers Hot dog

Apple Sauce Beverage

TICKET SALES WILL BE AFTER MASS ON:

8/24 & 8/25 8/31 & 9/1

CHECKS PAYABLE TO ST JOHN BAPTIST RCC

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YOUTH GROUP Our next meeting will be on September 15th from 6:15-7:45 in the LaSalle cafe.

Also on September 15th after 10:30 mass, will be having an open house for all to see what we do as a youth group! For more information and updates, visit our Twitter at StJohn_YG16.

GUIDELINES FOR THOSE WHO ARE HOSPITAL BOUND: • If you are scheduled for a hospital visit and know in advance, please see Father Rich before or after mass and he will anoint you and bless you. • When being admitted to the Reading Hospital please advise the admitting staff person you are Catholic and a member of St. John Baptist de LaSalle. Should you want Communion while you are hospitalized please tell them you want Communion either daily or weekly and your name will be added to list of the Eucharistic Ministers who serve at the hospital. If you have any questions about this procedure see Deacon Joe Lombardo.

A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR...

The St. Francis Hospice Home in Shillington, PA is in need of additional volunteers to help provide compassionate, loving care to it’s residents. Please come and shadow one of our volunteers and see if you are being called to provide this blessed ministry. No medical background is required, just a willing heart. Any amount of time can help. For more information please contact Sandy Niehenke, manager of St Francis Home, directly at 610.898.4242. Thank you and God bless you.

If you have received an adverse Prenatal Diagnosis, 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 adverse prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org or 610.289.8900 x 2280

Religious Education News: If you have a child

entering First Grade and they will not be attending a parochial

school they should be registered in a Religious Education Program. Our program serves children from First Grade – Eighth Grade. Classes are held on Sunday evenings from 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm at La Salle Academy. Classes for Levels 1-7 will begin on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 pm (with a parent meeting in the cafeteria at 7 pm) Level 8 class will begin on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 pm (classes held in the cafeteria.) Please contact Bernadette at the Parish Office 610.777.1697 to register or you may go to our website: stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com where you will find a link for the registration form. Please complete the form and return it either by email: st.jbdls@verizon.net or drop it in the collection basket and mark it Rel. Ed or via the postal service

The Annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass Celebration will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, 1825 West Turner St., Allentown, PA 18104 at 3:00 PM. We cordially invite couples celebrating 1-5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or 60 plus years of marriage to this special event. Please register online at www.allentowndiocese.org/anniversarymass or refer to the A.D. Times for a registration form or request a form by email at MFLF@allentowndiocese.org. The form must be completed and returned to the Office of Marriage & Natural Family Planning, 2121 Madison Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017. The registration deadline is September 9, 2019. Questions, call 610.289.8900 ext. 2021.

WIN $10,000 CASH!! The Berks Catholic High School Extravaganza Cash Raffle tickets are now available. The drawing will be held on Friday, October 4th during the Extravaganza 2019 event. Donation $100. To buy raffle tickets, please send your check with return address and phone number to: Berks Catholic Extravaganza, 955 E.Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. If you would like to receive an invitation to attend Extravaganza, please call the Extravaganza Office at 610.374.1695 or e-mail at Extravaganza@BerksCatholic.org

Finding God in All Things...

Lost Luggage

by Vinita Hampton Wright

To begin with, I over-packed. I expected to get all sorts of extra projects done in the “spare time” that would magically materialize during the trip. Also, I couldn’t figure out which clothes to take—why is it so hard to come up with the perfect outfit?

Then one of my bags was lost in transit, and I couldn’t wait for it so continued the trip without it. I had to buy shampoo and some socks. Other than that, I didn’t miss the bag. By the time I headed home, the bag was back in my possession. I set it down in the hallway at home and didn’t open it for a week because I couldn’t remember what was in it. And if I couldn’t remember, then could anything in that bag be so important?

This makes me wonder how much energy I use up, day in and day out, hauling stuff around that isn’t even important. What burdens have I taken upon myself that just take up space and make me tired and anxious?

I don’t think we were meant to live this way—too many bags, and too much weight. I think God wants us to travel light and to enjoy the trip a lot more.

The Legion of Mary and Fr. Guency: Catholic Faith Discussion Group will be held on September 10, 2019 from 7-9 PM at St. Ignatius School meeting rooms A, B or C. The topic: Am I My Brother’s Keeper? The purpose of the Discussions – to make us more knowledgeable, more articulate and to encourage and promote evangelization. All are welcome!

Faith Sharing for Women On Wednesday, September 4 from 7:30 to 9:00 pm a group of women in our family of faith will gather in the

Father Lyons Room for a prayerful discussion of how we can become more aware of the “shoulds” we experience in our life and to recognize the source of these inner dictates. By examining our feelings about each of these dictates we can clarify how we need to respond without “shoulding” all over ourselves. Women from all walks of life are most welcome to come ponder with others through reflection on relevant scripture passages, quiet prayer, and sacred conversation how God uses our inner voice to guide our decisions. Participation in previous sessions is not required. Simply bring your bible, a journal, and a willingness to listen and share with others. For more information contact Arlene Seeber by phone at 484.794.8027 or email at arleneseeber@icloud.com.

The Polish American Heritage Assoc. is running a bus trip to the Polish American Cultural Museum, the Kosciuszko House, etc. in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 28. Will leave Reading at 9:30AM; leave Philly at 6PM. Members: $35. Non-members: $45. Bus seating based on receipt of reservation. Deadline: Friday, Sept. 20. For more information contact Marilyn Wlazewski at 610.779.5523.

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The Season of Creation

The Season of Creation is an annual observance of prayer and action to protect creation that is celebrated annually by tens of thousands of Christians around the world. The Season of Creation began in 1989 by Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I for the Orthodox and was embraced by the other major Christian European churches in 2001 and by Pope Francis for the Roman Catholic Church in 2015. On six continents, local community

volunteers organize events ranging from prayer services to litter clean-ups, to advocacy actions. The season begins on September 1, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and runs through October 4, The feast of St. Francis, who is the patron saint of ecology in many traditions. The theme for 2019 is ‘The Web of Life: Biodiversity as God’s Blessing ”.

Season of Creation 2019 Prayer Creator of Life, The earth is full of Your creatures, and by your wisdom you made them all. By your word the Earth brought forth plants yielding seeds of every kind and trees of every kind bearing fruit, the waters teemed with swarms of creatures of every kind, and the world was filled with every kind of winged bird, walking animal, and creatures that creep upon the ground. Mountains, plains, rocks and rivers shelter diverse communities, and through the changing seasons Your Spirit renews cycles of life. During this Season of Creation, open our eyes to see the precious diversity that is all around us. Enlighten our minds to appreciate the delicate balance maintained by each creature. Inspire us to preserve the precious habitats that nurture this web of life. In the Name of the One who came to proclaim the good news to all creation, Jesus Christ. Amen. Further Reflection on the Season of Creation Genesis 1: 24-31 – Humanity is called to reflect the image of God through leadership within the community of fellow creatures Genesis 9: 8-17 - God’s Covenant not only with humanity but with the earth and all its creatures Colossians 1: 15-20 - All things were created by and for Christ Pope Francis: It is not enough, however, to think of different species merely as potential “resources” to be exploited, while overlooking the fact that they have value in themselves. Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species, which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost for ever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right. (Laudato Si’ #33) (www.seasonofcreation.org and Care for Our Common Home, Laudato Si’)

kids corner