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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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.

Mass Intentions for the Week MONDAY, JAN. 18 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Communion Service TUESDAY, JAN. 19 - Weekday 7:00 p.m. Communion Service WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 - Sts. Fabian/Sebastian 8:00 a.m. Communion Service THURSDAY, JAN. 21 - St. Agnes 7:00 p.m. Communion Service FRIDAY, JAN. 22 - Day of Prayer for the Legal

Protection of Unborn Children 8:00 a.m. Communion service Third Sunday in Ordinary Time SATURDAY, JAN 23 4:00 p.m. People of the Parish SUNDAY, JAN 24 8:30 a.m. John Maskulak 10:30 a.m. Anthony Sebio

Sanctuary Candle for week of 1/10-16: In loving memory of Jerry Keyek (requested by

Bernadine Keyek)

St. John's Baptist de la Salle January 17th 2016

www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Please make note: NO Masses this week! There will be Communion Services only

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

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, JAN 23 - 4:0pm - Revelation Ensemble Lector: Al Candelaria Cantor: Sue Gallen Servers: Sophia Pienta, Mary & Brianna DePaul EM: S/T.Yoder, L.Asgari, C.Trygar, P.Overley, C.Boland, T.Seidel, L.Wakefield, M.Melniczek SUNDAY, JAN 24 - 8:30am Lector: Brian Kobularcik Cantor: Sara Teson Servers: Kayla Davis, John & Emily Rouleau SUNDAY, JAN 24 - 10:30am Lector: Tom Cuba Cantor: Lauren Hagan Servers: Joseph, Grant Kellenberger, Ben Mulholland EM: D/D.Giesen, J.Stephan, C.Bensing, J.Buckley, L.Fox, A.Krick, M.DePaul, F.Claytor

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, Jan. 17 NO Rel. Ed Classes (classes resume Jan. 24) Monday, Jan. 18 La Salle Academy Closed (classes resume Jan. 19) 7:30 pm St. Cecilia Choir practice 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus Business Mtg. Tuesday, Jan. 19 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Group Mtg. Wednesday, Jan. 20 7:00 pm Ensemble practice

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 3rd $ 11,936.90

Todays Readings SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5 Isaiah prophesizes that Jerusalem will again be held in high esteem by God. He states that all nations will witness its glory. He compares a groom's joy toward his bride to the joy that God will feel toward Jerusalem. Second Reading: I Corinthians 12:4-11 Paul discusses the different gifts and talents bestowed upon different individuals. He explains that each individual receives various talents so that everyone can contribute something to society. Gospel: John 2:1-11 Jesus and Mary attended a wedding where Mary informed Jesus that there was no more wine. At first he said it did not concern him, but then he turned several jugs of water into wine. His disciples were also present, and believed in him more strongly after they witnessed the first sign of glory he revealed to them.

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Please help support the La Salle CYO by joining us for a spaghetti dinner at Victor Emmanuel’s (311 Hazel Street, Reading) on the evening of Wednesday, January 27 from 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM Tickets are $10 and include salad, spaghetti and meatballs, bread and butter. Beverages and pizza will be available for an additional charge. Tickets are available to be pre-purchased through January 19 (please contact Lauren Holloway, Lholloway9510@yahoo.com), or can be purchased at the door.

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, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org 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

This Sunday is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. We are distributing baby bottles for life after Mass this weekend. We ask each family to take a bottle and fill it with change or even better with the kind that doesn’t jingle and bring them back the weekend of

January 30-31. All proceeds will be taken to Lifeline of Berks County where they will provide services to women in need who have chosen life for their babies. Contact Bob Peters 610-775-8965 for more information.

The Knights of Columbus will be holding their Super Bowl sandwich sale the weekends of Jan. 23/24, and Jan. 30/31. Please stop

by after Mass in the Fr. Lyons room. Cost of sandwiches (Ham, Turkey, Italian) is $5.00 each, payable when you pick up your sandwiches on Feb. 7 between 11 am & 1 pm.

Sunday Afternoon at the Movies

“The Good Lie” January 31 - 1:00 pm

Come Gain an Insight into the

Struggle of Refugees JAM will host an afternoon at the movies on Sunday, January 31 beginning at 1:00pm in the Father Lyons Room. We will view “The Good Lie”. Released on October 3, 2014 this film is based on the true story of Sudanese refugees. After their village is destroyed and their parents killed by Northern militia, Sudanese orphans Theo, his siblings and other survivors make a difficult journey to a refugee camp in Kenya. Thirteen years later, the group gets the chance to settle in the United States. When they arrive in Kansas they are met by Carrie Davis (Reese Witherspoon), who has been charged with finding them jobs. However, seeing how adrift they are in 20th-century America, Carrie endeavors to help them in rebuilding their shattered lives. This film runs for 1.51 hour and is rated PG13. This film is not geared to young children. Discussion will follow. Popcorn and soft drinks will be served.

Prime Timers News: Mark your calendar for some fun trips planned by our fun-loving, ever-active group: March 17 – Hunterdon Hills Playhouse to see “Spreading It Around” cost: $73. Bus will depart from St. John’s at 9 AM with a sit-down Meal, plus unlimited Dessert Buffet. Show begins at 1:15 PM. Approximate return home 6 PM. April 6 – Tuscany Resorts & Harrah’s Casino: Tour of Winery & Italian Family Style Meal, Harrah’s Casino (package to be announced). Cost $59. Bus will depart from St. John’s at 8:30 AM with an approximate return of 8 PM. For reservations or questions, please contact Philomena Repoley 610.777.5063 or Larry Shepherd 610.777.8337.

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.

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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.

Imagine Life... Sanctity of Life

Imagine a sleeping baby dreaming peacefully. Now, imagine the life that they could lead if given the opportunity. Choosing life is scary for many women because bringing a new life into this world will definitely change theirs. With your help, we can show them the limitless adventures that their life can possess and the sweet dreams their baby will one day follow. Help them imagine what the life inside them can do. Because when you choose life, the possibilities are endless!

We provide the following FREE confidential services: • Pregnancy tests with Ultrasound Confirmation • Options Counseling • Abstinence Education Programs • Post Abortion Counseling • Earn While You Learn Parenting Classes

Will you join us in showing moms the adventures of Life God has for them? Ways you can help: • Volunteer • Become a financial partner • Donate Services • Be a church liaison 612 Reading Avenue West Reading, Pa 19611 610.374.8545

www.lifelineofberks.org

Lord, protect all babies, the unborn and the born. Protect them at every stage of development, from conception to infancy. You have said, dear Lord, that even if a woman forgets the infant of her womb, "I will never forget you. Upon the palms of my hands I have written your name." Christ warned, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones," whose "angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father", adding, "It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost." Keep them, O Lord, "as the apple of your eye; hide them in the shadow of your wings." We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

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Works of Mercy in Action Misericordiae Vultus -The Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of

Mercy

“Mercy is the force that reawakens us to new life and instills in us the courage to look to the future with hope.” #10

“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.” #25

Our Response When we put a little of our time and some of our skills and wisdom at the service of others we reap big rewards and renewed purpose in life. Consider acting on the following works of mercy for this Jubilee Year.

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, January 23 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at St. Mary’s Church, Kutztown To register call: 610-683-7443 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

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La Salle Academy wishes to thank the following 2015 Corporate Walk-a-thon Sponsors for their generous support: Gold Sponsors Andrea Ache-Witmer, DMD, LLC Michael B. Balthaser, DMD—Dental Arts of Wyomissing Edwards Business Systems Essig Plumbing & Heating

Misco Products Corporation Premier Foot & Ankle Assoc. Blue Sponsors Burkey Group Inc. Dunkin Donuts ProStat, Inc. Red Head Barber Girl

White Sponsors

Barsky-Fleming Marketing/BFM Seating Beneficial Society Victor Emmanuel II

Berks Oral Surgery—Dental Implant Center Bondability

Cirba & Kirwan Deluxe Restaurant

DiPasquale Family & Best Tech Solutions Dolce de Zabala

Dr. Charles Frisina Dr. Robert Tomsho –Lehigh Valley Health Network

Giles & Yeckley Funeral Home Green Hills Chiropractic – Dr. Tony G. Bellini

Ilapak, Inc.

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.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Isaiah 62.1-5; 1 Corinthians 12.4-11; John 2.1-11

For Adults - Life Question: Life Question: What weddings hold special meaning for you?

Gospel Question: How is a Christian community like a wedding celebration party– supplied

abundantly with the wine of Jesus’ Spirit?

Older Teens - Life Question What is love to you?

Gospel Question: In what sense is Jesus the life of the party?

Young Teens - Life Question: Think about your own sacramental journey. What sacraments are you

preparing for or hope to receive?

Gospel Question How does Jesus gather with his followers and celebrate today?

Grades 4-6 - Life Question: What signs of God do you see around you?

Gospel Question: How does Jesus gather with his followers and celebrate today?

Grades 2-3 - Life Question When do you celebrate in your family?

Gospel Question: How is Jesus with us at Mass?

Grades K-1 - Life Question: How do you bring joy to others?

Gospel Question : How does Jesus show his love at the wedding feast?

Preschool - Life Question: How do you help others?

Gospel Question How does Jesus help others?

Install America Integrity Services & Solutions

Kevin A. Moore, Esq. & Leisawitz Heller Kinamrok Inc.

Keystone Maintenance Services McGinn School Apparel Inc. Mid Atlantic Fire & Air Corp.

Precision Machine Tool Solutions Reading Fightin Phils

Spring Ridge Family Eyecare Trade Masters Inc.

VA Productions, Inc. World Electronics