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The Sunday Good News Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time The Church of Saint John Bosco February 8, 2015
HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly
First Reading: Job 7:1-4, 6-7
In this passage, Job laments the drudgery and pain all people sometimes
experience in life. He talks of troubled days and restless nights. But he does
mention that the days move along swiftly, which can remind us that our
time here on earth is quite limited and should be well spent.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Paul explains to the Corinthians that he has no choice, but must preach the
gospel. He tells of making himself all things to all people, in order to save
some of them. He reminds them that he does this willingly, in the hope of
sharing in the blessings of the gospel.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
Jesus cured Simon and Andrew’s mother of a fever, then others with
illnesses or demons came to see him. He cured those who were ill, and cast
out the demons of the others. Then he went off and prayed alone until his
followers sought him out. Jesus and his disciples then moved on to other
villages to proclaim the good news.
“Rising very early before dawn he left and went off to a deserted place,
where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and
on finding him said, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’ He told them, ‘Let us go
to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I
come…” “If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an
obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it.”
We join Jesus in Capernaum and Paul with the Corinthians and discover the
importance of the oral teaching, preaching the word of God. We are
accustomed to read, whether the sacred scriptures or inspirational books,
but we are provided with the spoken word in Sunday homilies, television
teaching and radio lectures. All are meant to inform, form and transform
us.
Unfortunately, we can fall into the trap of not listening with attention. We
might find it hard to overcome an accent, or distracted by those around us.
A simple lesson can help us.
Like the young Samuel ask the Lord to speak because I am trying to listen.
Surely there is one word, one phrase or sentence which can provide a great
treasure for meditation, rather than turn the dial to off, or the remote to
mute.
Simon said ‘everyone is looking for you’ and we are among those who
need to find, listen and reflect upon the gift the Lord offers us through His
many instruments. I provide what every preacher needs: a good listener.
THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD…
STJB Youth Ministry “PTS” ..….. Monday, February 2, 7:00—8:00 PM
“Walking in Hope as Dementia Caregivers …………………………………………….. Wednesday, February 11, 7:00 PM
Diocesan Lenten Preparation Session for Liturgical Ministers ………………………………………………... Thursday, February 12, 6:30 PM
Ladies’ Valentine Luncheon ………..……. Friday, February 13, at Noon
Booklet Distribution: “Living Lent with Passion” ………………………………………….….. after all Masses, February 14 & 15
Thursdays in Lent with Fr. Jack: “Praying With the Lenten Scriptures” ………………………………………………………………. Thursday, February 19, 6:30—8:00 PM
A Stewardship Prayer
Christ Jesus, where should I begin to unclutter my life?
I have yielded to temptation and filled my days with
more commitments than I can comfortably manage. Help me to make myself
a little less busy. Free my time.
I have crowded my space with too much baggage:
with gadgets, conveniences, and possessions. Help me to let go of whatever I cling to.
Free my hands.
I have filled my head with trivial distractions: news and weather,
gossip and prejudices. Help me to focus on more important concerns.
Free my mind.
Jesus, my life is cluttered with more idols
than I realized. I have given them a reverence they do not deserve.
Teach me to renounce their claim on me, and end my divided allegiance.
Guide me to a simpler life and more generous service. Amen
~ Bishop Kenneth E. Untener (1937 - 2004)
PAGE 2 The Sunday Good News
SUNDAY STEWARDS
1288 families receive envelopes
January 31st
430 people attended the 4:00 PM Liturgy:
153 families used their envelopes and offered $2,939.00
February 1st
186 people attended the 7:30 AM Liturgy:
123 families used their envelopes and offered $2,694.00
286 people attended the 9:00 AM Liturgy:
113 families used their envelopes and offered $2,041.00
301 people attended the 11:30 AM Liturgy:
90 families used their envelopes and offered $1,772.00
2014 Tax Statement Request
NAME: ___________________________________
ENVELOPE #: ___________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________
EMAIL: ___________________________________
Clip and bring to the parish office or email to
[email protected] and we’ll send your statement!
D A ILY R E AD I NG S
Sunday Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39
Monday Gn 1:1-19; Mk 6:53-56
Tuesday Gn 1:20—2:4a; Mk 7:1-13
Wednesday Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17; Mk 7:14-23
Thursday Gn 2:18-25; Mk 7:24-30
Friday Gn 3:1-8; Mk 7:31-37
Saturday Gn 3:9-24; Mk 8:1-10
January 31st/February 1st’s Tithe from
479 families was $9,446.00
Our loose offering was $628.10
Weekly Operating Budget $12,019.08
This weekend’s Second Collection is for
The Care and Education of Priests
Thank you for your kindness.
DIOCESAN LENTEN PREPARATION SESSION
The Church of St. John Bosco is pleased to host a Regional Lenten Preparation Session, sponsored by the Diocesan Office for Parish Life, on Thursday,
February 12th at 6:30 PM. This is a unique opportunity for parish leaders who are involved with the preparation of liturgical seasons, especially music ministers, lectors, liturgy committees, art and environment committees and all other interested persons, to deepen their appreciation of the Lenten season and the Paschal Triduum. To register for an evening of faith-sharing, discussion and networking, please call David Baloga, Director for Worship, 570-207-2213.
Here’s the 411 in Faith Formation
this Week!
Families in Faith will meet this Sunday, February 8th, from 10:00—11:00 AM in the kitchen. Newcomers always welcome!
“THANK YOU” to all of the adults and high school volunteers and families who shared their time and talent with our Confirmation students at the retreat last Saturday, January 31st. Your guidance, support, and example serve as reminders to our candidates of the importance of continuing to be the light and to share our gifts with others.
There will be no Faith Formation or C.L.O.W. on February 15th.
The First Communion retreat will be held on March 7th from 8:30—11:30 AM. All 2nd Level students and parents must attend. Additional information will be sent home with students over the next few weeks.
Check out our website (stjohnboscochurch.org), Facebook and Twitter (@stjohnbosco1963) for up-to-the-minute news!
LADIES’ LUNCHEON
Join us on Friday, February 13th at 12 Noon in the STJB Parish Center for a yummy Valentine Luncheon. See new and old friends, wear something red, and get ready for an afternoon of fun! Tickets, available after weekend Masses, are only $8.00.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
To George Zietz, Grand Prize Winner of our annual Grey Dog Raffle. Thanks to all for making this, our most important fund-raiser, such a great success! For a complete list of winners, please visit www.stjohnboscochurch.org
PRAYING WITH the LENTEN SCRIPTURES
Be sure to join us on Thursdays in Lent from 6:30 to 8:00 PM for Praying With the Lenten Scriptures, a six-week series of evenings with Father Jack. Each session will prepare us for the upcoming Sunday’s readings, with reflections in light of Bishop Bambera’s pastoral letter, “Wounded and Loved, Regathering the Scattered.” Dates and themes follow:
February 19 - Jesus in the Desert: Mark 1:12-15 February 26 - He Was Transformed Before Them: Mark 9:2-10 March 5 - Out of the Temple: John 2:13-25 March 12 - The Name of the Son: John 3:14-21 March 19 - A New Covenant of the Heart: Jeremiah 31:31-34 March 26 - Preparing for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: Philippians 2:6 - 11
PAGE 3 The Sunday Good News
Our dearly departed
Parishioners and Friends ….
Ralph Bernotas
Alice Davidick
John D. “Jack” McCarthy
Michael Moskovich
Rosemarie Walters
Saturday, 4:00 PM February 7 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Bruce Dobash By Jocelyn Pesansky
Sunday, 7:30 AM February 8 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Priest’s Intention
Sunday, 9:00 AM February 8 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Grant Younger By Janet Naylon
Sunday, 11:30 AM February 8 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Living & Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Parish
Monday, 8:00 AM February 9 Bryan Hoppy & Robert DeMatt By The Hoppy Family
Tuesday, 8:00 AM February 10 Clair Lapitakis By Marlene Riley & Bob Swank
Wednesday, 8:00 AM February 11 William Grant By Bob & Kathy Saccone
Thursday, 8:00 AM February 12 Anthony Monte By Lisa & Fred Pleban
Friday, 8:00 AM February 13 Mildred Brandmier By Rosalie & Marie Luchi
Saturday, 4:00 PM February 14 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cindi Pecora By The Luchi Family
Sunday, 7:30 AM February 15 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Margaret McCallus By Joe McCallus
Sunday, 9:00 AM February 15 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Priest’s Intention
Sunday, 11:30 AM February 15 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Living & Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Parish
TABERNACLE CANDLE
The Tabernacle Candle burns this week in memory of Carl & Frances Leypoldt by their daughter, Margaret Fetchen.
WE REMEMBER
LOVE IS OUR MISSION . . . the Family Fully Alive
ORDINARY THINGS and EXTRAORDINARY GIFTS
At last Saturday’s Confirmation Retreat, our students were given a collection of yummy treats and familiar objects (listed below,) each representing one of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, to help them learn
and remember them. Why not share this fun learning technique with your family?
1. Smartees Candies - KNOWLEDGE is the gift that helps us to know ourselves, the world around us, and where our faith is leading us and that makes us smart about ourselves. 2. Pretzels - UNDERSTANDING is the gift that helps us to untie the knots, to deal with our
problems and to let the Word of God have room in our lives. 3. A Tealight - WISDOM is the gift that helps us to see and understand
God’s plan in our lives and in the world. It helps us to “see the light” and to say “I finally understand!”
4. Chewing Gum - COURAGE is the gift that helps us walk out into the world and feel prepared. It gives us the “stick-to-it-iveness” to stand up for what we believe.
5. A Flower - REVERENCE is the gift that helps us to see God in everything around us. It teaches us to treat our fragile world gently.
6. Starburst Candies - WONDER and AWE are the gifts that keep us awestruck by the power and beauty of God. They explode like a “starburst” when we let the Holy Spirit into our lives.
7. Dum Dum Pops - RIGHT JUDGMENT is the gift that encourages us to talk things over so that we make good choices. Right Judgment keeps us from feeling like “suckers!”
LIVING LENT with PASSION Next weekend, February 14th and 15th, our Valentine gift to you will be a booklet of daily, six-minute “sacred reading” reflections and prayers by Pope Francis entitled, Living Lent with Passion. Be sure to pick one up after Mass when your friendly Hospitality Minister offers it to you!
The Faith Community of the Church of St. John Bosco is proud to
welcome Mr. Doug Piazza into full communion with the Catholic Church. Doug was received into the Church through the celebration of the Rite of Reception during the 11:30 AM Mass on Sunday, February 1st. Welcome, Doug !
COMING SOON:
L E N T Ash Wednesday ~ February 18th
Mass and Distribution of Ashes 8:00 AM
Service for Distribution of Ashes 4:30 PM
Mass and Distribution of Ashes 7:00 PM
The Light is On for You
Reconciliation Opportunities
Mondays in Lent ~ 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Stations of the Cross
Fridays in Lent ~ 7:00 PM
PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News
Preparing for Lent 2015 ~ Learning to Let Go Be Renewed, Restored, Rejuvenated, Reborn!
From the Beginning
Lent has been a part of the Church year from the earliest
days. At the Council of Nicea in 325, the bishops were
already talking about the “40 days of Lent.” By the end of
the fourth century, St. Cyril of Jerusalem was presenting pre-
baptismal instructions called Catechetical Lectures, and Pope
St. Leo was teaching that the faithful must “fulfill with their
fasts the apostolic institution of the 40 days.”
Forty days was chosen as the time of preparation because it
was symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness
before embarking on his public ministry: “Then Jesus was
led up by the Spirit into the
wilderness to be tempted by the
devil. He fasted forty days and for-
ty nights, and afterward he was
famished” (Matthew 4:1 - 2). Forty
days also recalls the 40 years that
the Israelites wandered in the desert
before entering the Promised Land.
The Big Three ~ Matthew 6:3-4, 6, 17-18
We aren’t just spiritual beings. We are also physical entities,
and the way to the soul is through the body. That’s why Lenten
discipline has historically centered on the “Big Three” of
Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer.
FASTING is not just a spir itual diet. By denying our
bodies, our physical hunger reminds us of the hunger of our
souls for God, our longing for a deeper relationship with Our
Lord.
ALMSGIVING teaches us to separate ourselves from
material possessions. By freely giving of our money and
possessions, we learn to trust the Lord
more deeply for our own daily needs.
Finally, an emphasis on PRAYER
during Lent is a way to stir up our
love and ardor by having a
deepening conversation with the
Almighty. Remember that the light of
God’s love shines more brightly in the
darkness of the recognition of our
own sinfulness.
Time of Joy
Lent is a time of sacrifice and
discipline, but it should not be a
time of sadness. Instead it should
be a season of great joy. The first
Preface for the Mass in Lent clearly
reminds us of this:
As Christians we are stirring up our
faith and love for God and each
other so that, on Easter, we are
ready to meet the risen Lord
refreshed and restored.
Our Lenten Retreat
Lent lies at the very heart of our
Catholic faith. Each year, on Ash
Wednesday, we begin our Lenten
retreat. We are blessed with ashes,
reminding us that we are dust, and
to dust we will return. For the next
40 days we are led into the desert of
our own hearts to look within, face
our sins, and ask for God’s mercy.
While Lent was originally intended as a time of preparation
for those being baptized at Easter, it gradually became a time
when all of us get ready to renew our own baptismal
promises. It is the season in which we prepare both
individually and as a Church for the Second Coming of our
Lord and Savior. It is the season when we reflect on the
dying and rising of Christ that has made our salvation
possible. Even more than that, it is the season when we
enter into Christ’s dying and rising as we seek to purify,
cleanse, and nourish our bodies, minds, and souls.
For by your gracious gift each year
your faithful await the sacred paschal feasts
with the joy of minds made pure.
