HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly

The Sunday Good News Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe The Church of Saint John Bosco November 26, 2017

THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Pasta Dinner Evaluation Meeting ........................

.................. Tuesday, November 28, 6:30-7:30 PM

SPRED Volunteer Session ...... Tues., Nov. 28, 6:30 PM, Music Rm

SJB Book Club ............ Sunday, December 3, 12:30 PM, Mayme’s

Spiritual Passages + Miracles ....................................................

......................... Saturday, December 9, 9:15-11:15 AM, Room 3

Confirmation Class .................. Sunday, December 10, 6-7:30 PM

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord when…”

It is easy to recall this teaching, the well known corporal works of mercy. It is easy to place a name and face on friends or agencies who carry out their tremendous works of service. It is easy to offer support through donations to enable others to carry out their mission.

As we reflect upon these signs of compassion and concern, and admire the dedication of those who serve the needs of others, why not ask the question that causes people to be in such vulnerable conditions. A famous Brazilian bishop once declared, ‘When I take care of the poor, people praise me. When I ask why they are poor, I am called a communist.’ Dom Helder Camara wants us to ask the question which leads me to help alleviate the suffering of others. It may be my active involvement in direct service or maybe indirect service through legislative action, helping understand the issues involved or both.

On this great feast of Christ the King take time to answer the question posed to Jesus and myself ‘When…?’

POPE FRANCIS QUOTES TO LIVE OUT 2017 This column features quotes from the 2016 Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy to help you to grow in holiness and live out love and mercy in 2017!

“God dwells in the hearts of those who love him. God dwells wherever there is love, shown especially by courageous and compassionate care for the weak and the poor. How much we need this! We need Christians who do not allow themselves to be overcome by weariness or discouraged by adversity, but instead are available, open and ready to serve. We need men and women of good will, who help their brothers and sisters in need, with actions and not merely words. We need societies of greater justice, where each individual can lead a dignified life and, above all, be fairly remunerated for his or her work..” (6/25/16)

~ Pope Francis

CHRIST THE KING

To Jesus Christ our Sovereign King

Who is the world’s salvation, All praise and homage

Do we bring With thanks and adoration.

Your reign extend

O King benign, To every land and nation;

For in your kingdom Lord divine

Alone do we find salvation.

To you and to your Church, Great King

We pledge our heart’s oblation; Until before your throne

We sing In endless jubilation.

Christ Jesus, Victor! Christ Jesus, Ruler!

Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer!

~Msgr. Martin Hellriegal, 1941

PAGE 2 The Sunday Good News

Faith Formation Corner

There will be no Faith Formation or CLOW on Sunday, November 26. Class and CLOW will resume on Sunday, December 3. The Faith Formation program staff and volunteers hope all of our families and parishioners had a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.

Please remember to join us for our Polar Express Movie Night on Friday, December 1 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Proceeds from your $2.00 ticket donation will go to the Missionary Childhood Association. More information about the movie night and the Missionary Childhood Association is available on the Family Service Bulletin Board in the hallway outside of the Faith Formation office.

Confirmation Class will meet on December 10 from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Gym. All students must attend, and should bring Decision Point books and red folders to class. Confirmation paperwork, including Baptismal certificates and Sponsor forms, are due at this time.

The BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE will be placed near the Baptismal Pool of our Church where it will remain for the month of November. All the names from previous years and any additional names you would like to add of your deceased loved ones, will be included in the Mass intentions throughout the month.

SUNDAY STEWARDS

COLLECTION TOTALS for the weekend of November 18/19 will be published in next weekend’s bulletin. Our publisher requested an early submission due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, and this edition went to press too early to include financial information. Thank you for your understanding.

CARE AND EDUCATION OF PRIESTS SECOND COLLECTION

The 2nd collection next weekend, December 2-3, is for the Care and Education of Priests. Thank you for your generosity to this monthly diocesan collection.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMORIAL CANDLES AVAILABLE

ALTAR SANCTUARY CANDLES - 4 very large candles available. Offering $50 per candle.

CHURCH WINDOW CANDLES – 24 candles available. Offering: $20 each.

Candles may be donated IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE, FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION, or IN THANKSGIVING. It is a beautiful way to remember a loved one, living or deceased, during the holiday season. The intention and donor will be listed in the Christmas Bulletin UNLESS REQUESTED OTHERWISE.

The Sanctuary Candles will be lit at all Masses (daily, weekend, funerals, etc.) during the Christmas Season and the beginning of Ordinary Time, beginning December 24 through the day before Lent, Tuesday, February 13.

The Church Window Candles will be lit “24/7” for 16 days/nights.

To reserve your candle, contact the Parish Office, (570) 788-1997, ext. 3.

THE TRAVELING CHALICE VOCATION PROGRAM Be a part of Vocation Awareness Program in our Parish. It is very simple. You call the Parish office at (570) 788-1997, Ext. 3, to schedule a week when you would like to host the “TRAVELING CHALICE” in your home. On the weekend you receive the Chalice and take it home with you, you display it in a prominent place in your home and once each day you gather as part of your daily prayer to offer a prayer for Church Vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate or Religious Life. Prayers are included with the chalice. The purpose of this

program is to raise awareness of the need for Church vocations and to pray for those men and women discerning a Call, those currently in the Seminary or Formation as well as to pray for all priests and religious, living or deceased, who have touched your life. Naturally, you may recite other prayers such as the Rosary, and you may invite family and neighbors to join you. However, that is NOT required. Please call to reserve your week .

The hosts for the TRAVELING CHALICE from November 26 through December 3 are Lee and Jo Robbins.

Holy Redeemer High School Placement/Scholarship Test

For interested Public and Private School 8th Graders

Saturday, December 9, 8:30 AM Call Guidance Office to register for the

test, (570) 829-2424

SUPPORT OUR DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS #GivingTuesday is a movement which celebrates and supports giving back to charities and non-profits. November 28 is the official #GivingTuesday. Kindly consider donating to one of our schools with an end of the year gift. At each one of our 20 schools, there is a gift opportunity for a unique project the school would like to have funded. For more information, or to make a gift to a specific school, visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/DOSCatholicSchoolsGIvingTuesday 2017.

PAGE 3

Saturday, 4:00 PM November 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Joseph Ganc By Neighbors, Chip & Sandy

Sunday, 7:30 AM November 26 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Irma Goodyear By Pat Petchel

Sunday, 9:00 AM November 26 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Church

Sunday, 11:30 AM November 26 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Richard J. Leitner By June Leitner

Monday, 8:00 AM November 27 Luigi & Erminia Lamberti By Mr. & Mrs. Lorenzo Ruggiero

Tuesday, 8:00 AM November 28 George, Mary & Warren Shenyo By Mr. & Mrs. Ronald R. Shenyo

Wednesday, 8:00 AM November 29 Anthony Fornataro By Jody & Bill Flood

Thursday, 8:00 AM November 30 Carl Leypoldt By Margaret Fetchen

Friday, 8:00 AM December 1 Special Intention By John & Jeanette Donahue

Saturday, 4:00 PM December 2 First Sunday of Advent Mary Meluskey By Family

Sunday, 7:30 AM December 3 First Sunday of Advent Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. John Bosco Church

Sunday, 9:00 AM December 3 First Sunday of Advent William M. Grencavich, III By Lombardi Family

Sunday, 11:30 AM December 3 First Sunday of Advent Matthew Olenick By Chip & Sandy Brestowski

The Sunday Good News

WE REMEMBER

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS . . .

FIRST FRIDAY Friday, December 1, is the First Friday of the month. Mass will be celebrated as usual at 8:00 AM. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be held following Mass for those who desire quiet time for prayer and contemplation.

Holy Redeemer High School - presents The Sound of Music, Friday and Saturday, December 1st and 2nd, 7 PM. Reserved seating; Call (570) 829-2424 for tickets. Adults $10; Seniors $9; Students $8.

Christmas in Conyngham - Saturday, December 2. Parade and Tree Lighting.

Christ Lutheran Church Drive-Thru Nativity - December 2-3, 6-8 PM

Hazleton Philharmonic “Sounds of the Season” - Christmas Concert, Friday, December 8, 7 PM, Wiltsie Center, Hazleton. Call (570) 455-2188 for tickets.

MPB Community Players - Advent/Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 9, 7 PM, St. John Bosco Church. Free admission.

Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) - Saturday, December 9, 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM, St. Joseph Church, 526 North St., Jim Thorpe. Live Nativity at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Concert at 2:00 PM in church by organist Michael Seroka and St. Joseph Choir. Tour of Church’s artwork and architecture. Vigil Mass at 4:00 PM. For more information, call (570) 325-3731.

45th Annual March for Life - January 19. Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception prior to the March which begins at the Washington Monument, then Constitution Avenue to the Capitol.

This Weekend is The Annual Appeal Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Peter’s Cathedral

You are invited to attend an “Annual Appeal Mass of Thanksgiving” to be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, on Sunday, November 26, at 10:00 a.m. The Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera and followed by a reception in the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton. Your intention as you expressed on pledge envelopes during In-Pew Weekend will be remembered at this Mass. This Mass also marks the Liturgical Solemnity of Christ the King.

The TABERNACLE CANDLE burns this week in memory of PASQUALE FERRARI given by wife, Carol.

VOLUNTEER TO LIGHT OUR CHURCH ADVENT WREATH

The Advent wreath is a sign of the joyful anticipation of the coming of Christ our Light. Families, couples, or single persons are invited to participate in the ritual lighting of a candle on the First Sunday of Advent, the weekend of December 2-3. Please call Mary Ann Miller (570-788-3264) to volunteer at one of the four Masses.

Two Altar Candles burn this week in memory of the Flood and Reynolds Families.

GIFT TO THE COMMUNITY Once again, Christ Lutheran Church, 467 Main St., Conyngham, will present their annual Drive-Thru Living Nativity on the weekend of December 2-3 on their church grounds. The Nativity will be from 6-8 PM each evening. In 14 live scenes they will present the Christmas Story for our reflection as we all journey to the Crib in Bethlehem. It is a wonderful way to prepare ourselves for this Holy Season and the anniversary of Christ’s birth. Bring the whole family. There is no charge.

PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News

Reflections from the Deacon’s Diary

GIVING TREE It is time to start preparation for our annual Giving Tree project for Catholic Social Services. The tags will be available beginning the weekend before Thanksgiving, November 18 and 19. We would appreciate if you would bring your UNWRAPPED present with the tag securely attached to the church vestibule as soon as possible. All presents need to be returned by December 10. Your present is combined with other presents to make sure that each child from a sponsored family receives a clothing item and a toy. Thank you for your continued generous support of this Christmas project.

Sincerely, Donna Pesansky and Jocelyn Buffone

PERMANENT DEACON ORDINATION Bishop Bambera will ordain 11 men to the Order of Deacon on Saturday, November 25 at 10 AM at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton. These men have completed a five-year formation program. CTV will broadcast the Ordination Mass. Among those to be ordained is JAMES M. REBARCHICK of Holy Rosary Church in Hazleton. A special Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Church, 240 S. Poplar Street, Hazleton, on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Sunday, November 26, at 1:30 PM to mark the Ordination of Deacon Rebarchick. Light refreshments will be served in the auditorium afterward.

Dear Parishioners,

The permanent diaconate is open to both single and married men. If a married man is thinking about the permanent diaconate it is essential that he discerns this vocation with his wife, so that it is a decision made within the unity of one’s marriage. For the married man ordination to the diaconate is meant to grow out of and complement his marriage.

Below are just some of the signs which could show that God might be calling you to the permanent diaconate. The paragraphs about marriage obviously apply only to those who are married. If you are interested in finding out more about the permanent diaconate then talk firstly to Fr. Ric or myself and then get in touch with your diocesan Director for Permanent Deacons.

A stable and supportive marriage – No marriage is perfect, but you and your wife must have a solid and supportive relationship. There are no major issues in your marriage that make it hard for you to communicate with each other or live your Catholic life with integrity. You are able to make this decision about ordination together in a mature way. You both believe that the commitment to the diaconate, in the time of formation and in the ministry itself, will not be an unnecessary burden for your marriage and family, but rather enrichment.

A commitment to family and work – You love and care for your wife and family, despite the inevitable struggles. You are faithful to your responsibilities at work and you are able to give generously of your time and yourself whenever there is need.

A commitment to your Catholic faith and to your prayer life – You love your faith and it has been an important part of your life for a long time. You treasure it for yourself, you have made time to grow in your understanding of the faith, and you long to share it with others. You try to pray within the circumstances of your working life. You value prayer and have a love of the Scriptures. You appreciate in a personal way the importance of the sacraments, especially of the Mass.

A desire to serve – You have already shown a commitment to serve others in different ways, in the parish or in other voluntary situations. You have the time and energy and proven

capacity to work for others and to work willingly. You have a desire to serve others more wholeheartedly, as a vocation. You are drawn especially to the service you see in the lives of deacons: assisting at the altar in the sacramental celebrations, preaching and teaching God’s Word, leading people in prayer, and serving others in the ministry of charity. This will extend especially to the poor and the marginalized; and one of your particular responsibilities as a deacon will be to bring their needs to the notice of your parish and the wider church.

Human qualities – You have all the human qualities that will allow you to be a worthy minister in God’s Church. You have the emotional and psychological maturity to take on a new and demanding role. You are able to take the lead, and you have experience in different leadership roles. You can work well with others and win their respect.

The encouragement of others – Other people in the parish encourage you to think about the diaconate, or support you when you discuss the idea. They can see you in this ministry: they can imagine that you would do it well and that you would find happiness in it.

The encouragement of your parish priest – A key person in your discernment and in supporting you will be your parish priest. If he believes that you are being called to the permanent diaconate, and if he supports you in your application, then this is a very positive sign.

The place of celibacy – A single man commits himself to lifelong celibacy from the moment of his ordination as a permanent deacon. A married man does not – he continues to live the fullness of his marriage, but he makes a promise that if his wife dies before him he will remain celibate and will not remarry. This is a very serious commitment, especially if there are young children in the family and there is an anxiety about how they might be brought up or cared for should their mother die.

Again, if you feel that you are being called to the vocation of the permanent diaconate I suggest you pray, discern and then inquire to see if God is calling you to this ministry.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Deacon Maurice J. Cerasaro, Jr.

What are the signs that God might be calling you to the Permanent Diaconate?

CONFESSION SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS The following is the Christmas Confession schedule so that you may plan accordingly.

MONDAYS OF ADVENT: December 4, 11, and 18 - 6 PM to 7 PM SATURDAYS OF ADVENT: December 2, 9, and 16 - 3 PM to 3:45 PM

ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE Wednesday, December 13, 7 PM to 8 PM (7 priests available)

ADDITIONAL CONFESSION OPPORTUNITIES December 20 (Wednesday) - Noon to 1 PM December 20 (Wednesday) - 6 PM to 7 PM

December 22 (Friday) - Noon to 1 PM December 22 (Friday) - 6 PM to 7 PM

NO CONFESSIONS WILL BE HEARD ON CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24. Please plan in advance.

PASTA DINNER – EVALUATION MEETING We will have the wrap up meeting for our recently held Italian Dinner on Tuesday, November 28, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room. A financial report will be given at that time. All who have bills should submit their receipts to the parish office by Tuesday, November 21. Plans for our next Annual Pasta Dinner scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, 2018, will be discussed. All committee members, those involved with any aspect of the dinner, the tricky trays, and wheelbarrow of cheer, are asked to be present and give their support.

FREELAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH COMMUNITY ADVENT/CHRISTMAS CAROL SONGFEST Sunday, December 3 - 2:30 PM Free Will Offering - Refreshments to follow service

The SJB Bell Choir and the SJB Strings have been invited to take part in this community ecumenical service at the Freeland Presbyterian Church, 625 Front Street, Freeland, on Sunday, December 3, at 2:30 PM. It will feature school, community and church groups sharing their musical talents to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season. If you love to sing Carols, please come out and support this joint effort to ring in the Advent/Christmas Season with joy.

MASS SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS The following is the Christmas Mass schedule so that you may plan accordingly.

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Vigil Mass: Saturday, December 23, 4 PM

Sunday Masses: December 24, 7:30 AM and 9 AM ONLY. NO 11:30 AM Mass

CHRISTMAS Sunday, Christmas Eve, December 24: 4 PM, 6PM and 10 PM

Monday, Christmas Day, December 25: 9 AM ONLY.

Catholics are required to attend once for the Sunday obligation and once for the Christmas Obligation.

NEW YEARS - HOLY DAY OBLIGATION: New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 4 PM New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1, 7:30 and 9 AM ONLY

TRICKY TRAY WINNERS Congratulations to the following winners of the “Tricky Tray” theme basket raffle held in conjunction with our annual Election Day Pasta Dinner. Thank you so much for both your donations and participation in the Tricky Tray program. Our church community is awesome! ~Mary Dutzer, Tricky Tray Chairperson

1. Coffee Mugs with $100 - Liz Bacon 12. Tea Towel & Candle Basket - Debbie Minzola 2. Pasta Basket and $20 Gift Card - Renee Srinivasan 13. $25 Panera Bread Card - Janet Gallagher 3. American Girl Lego Set - Irene Carina 14. Spark Dental Basket - Gary Casale 4. Radon Monitor - Joe Gallagher 15. Lottery Tickets - Anna Marie Ganc 5. Picnic/Wine Cooler Set - Melissa Bonham 16. Bowl Arena Gift Cards - Laurencita Warkolla 6. $25 Applebee’s Card - Donna Ehlers 17. Lottery/Blanket Basket - Monica Weidick 7. 4 Bottles of Wine with Carrier - Janet Gallagher 18. Christmas Horse Centerpiece - Bob Ritz 8. $25 Applebee’s Card - Marie Guza 19. Wine & Pie-O-Near Card - Marie Waschko 9. Crock Pot - Miriam Dagostin 20. Christmas Basket - Barbara Payne 10. $25 Regal Card - Mary Walters 21. Wine & Chocolate Basket - Kupsko 11. Storage Container Basket - Kim Mercer 22. Lottery Tickets/Panera Bread Card - Nancy Kowalski

ADVERTISE in the BULLETIN

It’s good for you, good for potential clients, and good for our parish! We are currently soliciting ads so don’t miss this opportunity. A bulletin ad is a unique and cost-effective way to reach an engaged audience, one that is happy to learn about and patronize your professional office or business. Space is limited, so call Diane, (570) 788-6131 or Melanie, (570) 788-1842, for more information.

WHEELBARROW OF CHEER WINNER: Aaron Lagana Thank you to Kevin Yurkanin, Wheelbarrow of Cheer Chairperson, those who donated “cheer”, those who purchased tickets, and all who helped in any way!

Sunday Ez 34:11-12, 15-17; 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46

Monday Dn 1:1-6, 8-20; Lk 21:1-4

Tuesday Dn 2:31-45; Lk 21:5-11

Wednesday Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Lk 21:12-19

Thursday Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22

First Friday Dn 7:2-14; Lk 21:29-33

First Saturday Dn 7:15-27; Lk 21:34-36

DA I L Y REA DI N GS

NEW PARISHIONER Saint John Bosco Parish extends a warm welcome to our

newest Parishioner: Donna Hinkle

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to

STEPHEN M. WOLK, M.D., F.A.C.C. Bulletin Advertiser

Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!

Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter

Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell

Thomas Pandolfi Sandy Honis

Frank Polidora Scott Green

RCIA TEAM CALENDAR Date of Session: December 17, 2017 Place & Time of Session: Office Conference Room, 10-11 AM Topic: The Liturgical Year with emphasis on Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost

SJB BOOK CLUB has selected Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. We will meet Sunday, December 3 at 12:30 PM at Mayme’s. You are welcome to join us!

A SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS As we begin our sales of the 2018 GREY DOG RAFFLE we want to thank CASEY A. GILLESPIE, Esquire, for sponsoring our tickets and to FAIRWAY MOTORS, INC., for working along with us on the vehicles for our GRAND PRIZE. The cars are located in front of our Church for your viewing.

The Grand Prize is: 2018 FULLY LOADED SUBARU OUTBACK – three-year lease or 15,000 miles per year; or 2018 CHEVY CRUZE – 4-Door Sedan LS; or $20,000 Cash. There are 19 additional Cash Drawings of various amounts worth a total of $5,000.

Tickets are $100 and are available before and after all Masses and in the parish office during the week. You may also call (570) 788-1997, Ext. 3, to order one and it will be mailed to you.

ADULT FUNERAL SERVERS NEEDED We are in need of a few adult men and women to occasionally serve Funeral Masses at St. John Bosco Church. If you are retired or available sometimes in the morning and would like to serve at the Altar, it would be deeply appreciated. Training would be provided and you would be assigned with one of our current adult servers. Please seriously consider giving an hour or so once or twice a month to this important liturgical ministry. For information please contact Dorothy Staudenmeier or Father Ric.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS

An envelope is in your set to help defray the cost of flowers and decorations for our sanctuary for the Christmas Season, December 24 through January 8. It is a beautiful way to remember a loved one, living or deceased, for the holidays. Clearly print the name of the person(s) that you desire to have remembered on the envelope and return it to the parish office by

Sunday, December 17, so the intention may be printed in the Christmas bulletin. The typical donation is $25 but any offering is gratefully accepted.

FLOWER BOUQUETS DURING ADVENT Usually during the Advent Season no flowers are used in our sanctuary. However, on the third Sunday of Advent, December 16-17, Gaudete or “Rejoice” Sunday, flowers are permitted. The bouquet would be a mixture of pink and purple. If you are interested in donating a bouquet in memory of a loved one, for a special intention or in thanksgiving, please call the parish office. Donation: $50. The intention and donor will be printed in the December 16-17 bulletin unless requested otherwise.