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, MAR. 28 - Monday within the Octave of

Easter 8:00 a.m. NO MASS TODAY TUESDAY, MAR. 29 - Tuesday within the Octave of Easter 7:00 p.m. Deceased members of the O’Donnell Family WEDNESDAY, MAR. 30 - Wednesday within the Octave of Easter 8:00 a.m. Mary Stubner THURSDAY, MAR. 31 - Thursday within the Octave of

Easter 7:00 p.m. Deceased members of the Haley Family FRIDAY, APR. 1 - Friday within the Octave of

Easter – First Friday 8:00 a.m. Memorial Society Members Second Sunday of Easter SATURDAY, APR. 2 4:00 p.m. John Feeney SUNDAY, APR. 3 8:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Regina Clement

Sanctuary Candle for the week of 3/27-April 2 in loving memory of Curvin “Bud” Myers

(requested by Anna Talarico Myers)

St. John's Baptist de la Salle March 27th 2016 www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com Easter Sunday

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

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, APR. 2 - 4:00pm Lector: Amy Dodrer Cantor: TBA Servers: Catherine Maher, Sara Teson, Nancy Weinheimer EM:J/B.Peters, S/M.Dietrich, N.Bentz, J.Ambrose, P.Overley, K.Becker, ME.Symanski SUNDAY, APR. 3 - 8:30am - Revelation Ensemble Lector: Paul Berthinet Cantor: TBA Servers: Hanna Bitting, Faith & Brynna Bentz SUNDAY, APR. 3 - 10:30am - St. Cecelia Choir Lector: Mary Novak Cantor: TBA Servers: Joseph Geisen, Jake & Ben Makosch EM: N.Faust, M.DePaul, D/D.Giesen, C/L.Przydzial, A/W.Monserrate, J.Bradley

Upcoming Events SUNDAY, MARCH 27 NO Religious Ed Classes (classes resume on Apr. 3) MONDAY, MARCH 28 La Salle Academy Closed (classes resume Mar. 29) 7:30 pm K of C Business Mtg. TUESDAY, MARCH 29 1:00 pm Prime Timers Board Mtg. 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Group Mtg. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 7:00 pm Ensemble rehearsal FRIDAY, APRIL 1 8:30 am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 12:00 pm Benediction

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.

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

Weekly Stewardship Sunday 3/13 - $ 10,976.00

Todays Readings

There will be an American Sign Language interpreter at the 10:30am Mass on Easter Sunday, March 27th. Please join us!

SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, JUNE 4th 6:30PM BASEBALL GAME The Reading Fightin' Phils start the

summer off right with a baseball game, fireworks and a star wars theme night! Pull your best Star Wars costume out of the closet and come join the fun! Tickets are $9.00. Stay tuned for ticket sale

A very JOYOUS welcome to our newest members to our parish family, (our catechumens – newly baptized) Katlin Draper, Kristi and

Jason Merritt, and our (candidates) Timothy Ravel and Rock Witmer who were received into full communion with the Catholic Church at our Easter Vigil. We are truly blessed to have you as part of our family of faith, here at St. John’s.

First Friday Adoration: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on April 1, at 8:30 AM and close with Benediction at Noon. Please join us in adoring Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

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St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith Or visit our parish website to stay up to

date on all activities at www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com

Parish Happenings

Will you stand up for life? The fifth annual Berks March for Life is scheduled for Sunday, April 24 at Berks Catholic High School. This year the event will

begin with a rally 2:00 P.M. The March will begin directly following the rally at 3:00 P.M. and proceed from West Reading over the Penn Street Bridge, ending at Holy Rosary Church. Buses will be provided to transport us back to Berks Catholic. We urge you to join us as we witness in the public square to the Unalienable Right to Life of our Brothers and Sisters in the womb who have no other voices but ours to defend them. For more information, contact: Marygrace Ewart at 610.929.5260.

PRIME TIMERS NEWS • GENERAL MEETING We hope to see you at our Primetimer General Meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 1:00 p.m. in the Fr. Lyons Room

where you will be entertained by Matthew Dodd’s stories and songs of the American Revolution. An enjoyable afternoon with a beautifully laid out table of homemade desserts will be had by all! • Prime Timers Casino Trip: To Hollywood Casino, April 27, 2016. Cost $27.00, with a slot return of $30.00 and $5.00 for food. Bus will leave St. John’s at 10:30 am with an approximate return of 6:00 pm. Please call Philomena Repoley at 610.777.5063 for reservations or questions.

ST. FRANCIS HOME for the terminally ill is under construction. This home is being built in the Shillington area, and will serve those in Berks County in the very near future. Please consider attending their Spring Fundraiser at the Crown Plaza on Thursday April 14, starting at 5:30 PM. For more information or reservations please call Nancy Schwartz at 610-670-1050. All proceeds will benefit St. Francis Home.

Faith Sharing for Women Faith Sharing for Women will initiate a new format and subject matter beginning Wednesday, April 6 at 7:30 pm in the Father Lyons Room. Women in the parish from all walks of life are most welcome to join in the exploration of The Cup of Our Life, A Guide to Spiritual Growth by the popular spiritual writer Joyce Rupp O.S.M. Suggestion: bring a Catholic bible, a journal or paper, and pen. Also, thoughtfully decide on a cup of your own choosing to use in reflection exercises. Come join in this new journey for growth in our faith. For more information get in touch with Arlene Seeber (arleneseeber@icloud.com or 484.794.8027.)

Gethsemane Cemetery’s Annual Memorial Day Mass will be held on Monday, May 30th, 2016 at 10:00AM. Everyone is welcome and Mass will be held rain or shine.

The Parish Nurses will be doing their blood pressure screening after all Masses on April 2nd and 3rd in the Father Lyons Room.

Join us for a fun night of bingo, raffles, great food and friends! St. Catharine’s is hosting its first annual Purse Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, April 9. Designer hand bag prizes from Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors & more. The event will take place at the Parish Social Hall, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading. Presale tickets are available for $25 per person by emailing Marisa Gilbert, marisa.gilbert@yahoo.com ($30 after April 1st) Doors open at 5:30 pm. This is an adult only BYOB event. We hope to see you there!

Calling all adults willing to make a difference in our youth!

St. John's is in the beginning stages of starting a youth group within our parish and we need you! By the Works of Mercy, we are called to Counsel the Doubtful and Instruct the Ignorant, and what better way to put those practices to work than to benefit our very own youth! We are asking anyone 18+ who may be interested in volunteering their time or resources to attend a meeting on April 3rd in the Parish Office at 6pm. If you can not attend but are still interested in participating contact Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com

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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

LOOKING FOR ANY ADULTS, 21 years of age or older, male or female, former Scouts, former Den/Cub Masters, retired persons or any interested adult, who would be interested in helping Cub Pack 237 by taking a leadership role as Cub Master. Interested parties should contact Retiring Cub Master Rich Kasting at 610.373.2575.

Mariawald (Mary of the Woods) Renewal Center in Shillington, Pa. is a ministry of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood. It is designed as a place for retreat and renewal. Facilities are available for private and group retreats. For private use the daily rate is $20, which includes lunch or $15 without meals. Overnight accommodations are available. The center is set in a beautiful rural area of Berks County. For more information, contact mariawaldcenter@gmail.com or 610.777.0135. Address is 1094 Welsh Road, Reading P.19607

Polka Spring Fling with the Boys from Baltimore: Sunday, April 17 at St. Mary’s Church in Hamburg. Music from 1-5 PM. Doors and kitchen open at 12 PM. Tickets $25, includes hot buffet. Cash bar available. Contact St. Mary’s Parish Office 610.562.7657

Works of Mercy Admonish sinners

“For as you judge, so will you be judged. (Mat. 7:2)

Christ is our model for admonishing sinners. Throughout the Gospels he reminds people how to follow the path of righteousness and “go and sin no more.” At the same time, Jesus warns religious leaders about putting heavy burdens on others while not lifting a finger to help. So when we think about admonishing sinners, we need to keep in mind the way Jesus confronted sin and dealt with sinners – frequently employing parables and questions to engage people, with gentleness and conviction rather than finger wagging, with great credibility, and from the authenticity of an integrated life. • Who helps you to spot the plank in your own eye? • How does your life call others to the way of Christ?

SPORTS & SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOP All CYO coaches, personnel and clergy are invited and encouraged to attend the workshop, Growing in Grace: The Integration of Sports & Spirituality, on Saturday, April 9, 2016 starting at 10 AM. This workshop features national, regional, and local speakers, including Mike Patin, Jim Rogers, Bill Hess, and Fr. Gene Ritz. This unique workshop will offer CYO personnel insight and practical ways on how to integrate sports/coaching and faith. There is no cost associated with this workshop, but all coaches and personnel must register at www.allentowndiocese.org/spirituality no later than April 1. Any questions, please contact OYYAM at 610.289.8900, ext. 23.

“Mary, Mother of Mercy- Gathering the Embers, Rekindling the Flame of the New Evangelization” workshop day hosted by the Allentown Diocese Charismatic Renewal Committee, will be held at St. Elizabeth’s of Hungary in Whitehall on Saturday April 2nd, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Keynote speaker: Father Ed Essig, a day of celebration and contemporary worship, Adoration, Praise and Worship Band. Donation: Adult $20.00 Student: $10.00, includes lunch. Registration at the door. Info: song4thejourney@gmail.com

PARISH ADVOCATE CONFERENCE 2016 “ ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH MINISTRY”

How persons with disabilities inspire us, each other, and those touched by their spirituality. The 2016 Ministry with Persons with Disabilities Conference for all Parish Advocates will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at St. Mary Parish Religious Education building, Kutztown. Registration and light refreshments begin at 8:30am and the Welcome and Opening Prayer will be at 9:00. The morning will conclude around noon. All advocates are strongly urged to attend. (If they are unable to do so a representative should be sent in their place). This is often the only time during the year we are able to meet with advocates in person to provide direction and catch up with the latest news and developments. Our evaluations last year suggested that people in ministry in the church want to share how their ministry with persons with disabilities (PWD) has enriched their lives. For that reason the emphasis this year is on “Enriching Lives Through Ministry” There will be three speakers sharing how the lives of persons with disabilities have been enriched through their participation in ministries in their church. Also, how the lives of those who advocate for PWD have been enriched by helping them participate and how the parish community is enriched by experiencing the involvement of PWD in ministry. For more info contact Sr. Janice Marie Johnson at 610.289.8900 ext.42 or jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org

Serving Lunch to the Homeless

Volunteers and Donations Needed

Justice in Action Ministry (JAM) has organized a home cooked lasagna luncheon to

serve the 75 residents of Opportunity House, the shelter for the homeless on N. Second Street in Reading on Sunday, April 3 at noon. You can participate by helping to serve at Opportunity House or by donating any of the following additions: Bottled Water, Iced Tea, Italian Bread, Salad Greens, Italian Dressing, or a Dessert of your choice. Please let JAM know that you would like to help serve the lunch or what you plan to donate by signing the sheet at the church entrance or by getting in touch with Sonia Hyneman (smhyneman@gmail.com) or Cheryl Colella-Gehrke (cherylcolella@yahoo.com or 717.327.8973). Donations can be dropped off at the Father Lyons Room before or after the 4:00 Mass on Saturday, April 2. JAM and Opportunity House thank you for your generosity.

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Three Reasons Why You Need Jesus by Tricia Goyer - www.triciagoyer.com

You can sing Jesus Loves Me, but it’s more than a song. You wonder if life can be different. You wonder if it’s just enough to respect who Jesus was. Do you really need Him? Yes, and here are three reasons why: 1. Because the Nothing Takes the Emptiness Away You may have been an unplanned pregnancy. (I was.) You may have grown up with feelings that you aren’t enough. (I did.) Maybe you’ve tried to find happiness from people or things. (Done that, too, and failed.) Maybe you question if striving for happiness will ever bring it into your life. (It won’t.) Inside there is a void. There’s an empty feeling that tells you things aren’t OK, even if you have a smile plastered to your face. In your mind there is a clanging—like a hammer against a bell. Ringing out the regrets. You’ve done things you hope no one, no one, will find out. Jesus already knows. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He’s seen it ALL, and He still loves you—more than you can ever know. 2. Because You Can’t Do Life Alone You weren’t made to take a solo journey. You weren’t made to have to try to figure it out all by yourself. Jesus not only wants to be there to give you strength, help, hope, love. He wants to give you Himself. He wants to be your best friend. He believes in you. He believes in the best in you. He doesn’t see you as you are, but who you will be when He gets His hands on you. 3. Because You Long for a Happily-Ever-After Even though fairytales are things of books, you want to have something to look forward to. You want a love that will last. You want a future you can eagerly anticipate. You want to have someone you can trust forever. You want joy in a world of sadness, and peace in a world of restlessness. The best part of Jesus being there yesterday, today, and for all eternity is that He’s had time to think of you and plan an amazing life—and eternity—for you. Psalm 40:5 says, “O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.” Psalm 33:1 says, “But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” If you’re ready to 1) allow Jesus into that emptiness, 2) turn over your life into His hands, and 3) place hope in the plans He has for your life and your eternity, then here’s a simple prayer. Dear Jesus, I know that You created me with a need that only You—as my Lord—can fill. I place my life in your hands. I believe you lived on earth, died for me, and that your death paid for my sins. I trust that from this moment Your shed blood covers over all I’ve done and gives me a clean slate. By faith I accept what you’ve done as a free gift—a gift I’ll never have to work for or try to make up. From this moment I turn in my dreams for yours, and I accept your gift of eternity. I confess you are Lord of my life. Amen.

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PARISH FEAST DAY

Saturday, April 9th 5:00 - 9:00pm

La Salle Academy Cafeteria Join your Family of Faith for a night of fun to celebrate our

namesake St. John Baptist! There will be a potluck dinner of cold buffet/picnic type foods (you may drop off any refrigerated foods at the school cafeteria after 3pm, before

the 4pm Mass on Saturday).

Our celebration will also include music and line dancing. Yes line dancing!! Our very own Charlie & Jackie Jines will be teaching us how to move those two left feet!

So bring the whole family, and enjoy the special

day! Contact Lois Lombardo at610.777.2542 with any questions.

April 16, 2016 St. Joseph the Worker

Orefield, PA 9am - 1:30pm

What's the most important word in a marriage? What is really going on in your wife's head? What do you wish your husband knew about you? Discover key ingredients to a healthy and happy marriage at the Passion & Purpose for Marriage event. Take your relationship to a whole new level!

ABOUT PASSION & PURPOSE: MARRIAGE Passion & Purpose for Marriage is not what you are expecting! First of all, don't worry, you will not have to share your feelings with a group. Come and enjoy acoustical music by George Lower and soak up what Dr. Allen Hunt has in store. Allen talks about the Five Love Languages, along with a variety of other topics and research bits, he combines everything into three very faith centered, compelling sections; The Five Things Women Need to Know about Men, The Five Things Men Need to Know about Women, and finally the Most Important Word in a Marriage...ant it's not Love. Allen's speaking style is bound to capture your attention; his humor will have you laughing, and all along the way learning more about every relationship in your life. Because we all want a happy life.

Tickets are just $25 each.

Includes complimentary resources to help you fill your marriage with passion and purpose.

To purchase tickets, visit dynamiccatholic.com or call 859.980.7900.