Fifth  Sunday in Ordinary Time                                   February 5, 2017                                

Date	Time	Intention	Requested By	
     Monday 2/6

	7:00 AM	Marguerite Dull	Parish Community	
	8:00 AM	Joseph Dileo	Mr. and Mrs. Donald Waxmonsky	
				
Tuesday 2/7	   7:00 AM	Noreen Jackson	Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Curry	
	   8:00 AM	Edward Dickson, Sr. and Edward Dickson, Jr. MIA	Family	
				
Wednesday 2/8	   7:00 AM
	Charles Karpavich	Wife Helen	
	   8:00 AM	Suzanne Jenkins Pusateri	Joseph and Ellie McNamara	
				
 Thursday  2/9	7:00 AM	Marc Minichello	7:00 A.M. Mass Group	
	8:00 AM 	Mary E. Rabel	Terrana Family	
				
     Friday  2/10
	7:00 AM	Thelma Gaugham	Leo and LuAnn Sperrazza	
	   8:00 AM	Lawrence and Helen Liskosky	Joan Ciavarelli	
				
Saturday  2/11	4:30 PM	Michael Fedor	Family	
				
     Sunday    2/12

  	 8:00 AM	Anne Gerosky	Family	
	10:00 AM	Mary R. Tighe	Catherine C. Tighe	
	  12:15 PM	Mary Cosgrove	Domenica Musto	

The Parish Community of
St. john the evangelist

Sunday Collection for the weekend of  
January 29, 2017
$    9,611.06

Weekly amount needed to 
meet operational expenses:
$  10,000.00

Difference:
$   -  388.94
Many thanks for your continued support and
generosity as we strive to meet our parish expenses!

Memorial Honor Candles

MONTH OF FEBRUARY       
Main Altar- In memory Joseph Dileo; 
                         by Wife Mary Jo and Family. 
                         
Chapel –In memory of Francis Bradigan, Sr. and
                 Charles Labashosky, by Theresa Labashosky.

                              Voveris, by Family

Chapel –            In Memory of William Burns, 
                            by Wife, Eileen

                         

                      

                             

                             

                                                   

                                                                                                                            

                                                                 

                                                                   

Stewardship
Your Gift of 
Time, Talent & Treasure  

 

                   Eternal Rest Grant
                   Unto Them, O Lord

Please remember in your prayers our parishioners and friends of the parish who have recently died: Sister Helen Ann Seguljic, IHM., Stephen Loyack.

Frances Cavanagh.

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION

TIME CHANGE-BAPTISMAL INSTRUCTION
All parents anticipating the Baptism of their first child are required to attend baptismal instruction before scheduling the baptism of their child.  The next session will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2017 in the Parish Center from 6:00 till 7:00 p.m.

SACRIFICIAL OFFERING
Word is out among the priests of the diocese that Msgr. Bendik will be retiring in June.  One of the areas that potential pastors of a parish scrutinize is how supportive its parishioners are of it ministries.  You have been very faithful in helping us be faithful to our mission as we endeavor to proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus’ love in all that you do.  We thank all who generously give of their time, talent and treasure.  You are a blessing to all.  

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 12, 2017
First Reading (Sirach 15:15-20)
Second Reading (Corinthians 2:6-10)
 Gospel (Matthew 5:17-37)

PRAY FOR YOUR PASTORAL MINISTERS
We ask you to pray for your priests, deacons, and religious, but especially for our summer seminarian, Kevin Miller, who celebrates his 52nd birthday this Monday.  Kevin is doing very well in his studies for the priesthood and is a leader among the seminarians at Pope St. John the 23rd Seminary in Massachusetts.  We pray also for our Seminarians, William Asinari, William Beechko, II, Robert Dogal, Ryan Glenn, Nick Jennings, Jonathan Kuhar, Andrew McCarroll, Kevin Miller, David Sebolka, Shawn Simchock, Mark Watrucki. May the Spirit continue to guide them to the Priesthood. 

FAITHFUL STEWARDS
We give thanks for our Confirmation students and their families as they prepare to receive this Sacrament on April 18th.  We commend their dedicated teachers and all who support them on this life-long journey of faith.  It is a new beginning for them as they are further empowered by the Holy Spirit to faithfully witness to their peers at school and to our parish community.  We are very proud of them and for the service projects they are doing for the parish and our community.  We delight in their commitment to continue to grow in the knowledge of what it means to be a Catholic Christian in this very secular world that is so much in need of their youthful enthusiasm.

DONATION OF BREAD & WINE 
From the very beginning of the Church, it was customary for the faithful to donate the bread and wine used at the celebration of Mass.  If you would like to participate in this ancient tradition, you can make a donation of $50 to purchase the bread and wine used at the weekend and weekday Masses.
The bread and wine this week has been donated in memory of Tommy Noone, by Wife Ann and Family.

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Thank you for your generous support last week to the collection for Catholic Campaign for Human Development. As a parish we raised $ 1,609.74 to support those on the margins living in poverty. 

SCHEDULING MASS INTENTIONS 
Mass intentions are currently being accepted for March, April and May, 2017. Mass intentions are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.  In order to ensure that Masses are available to all parishioners, a Mass intention for a particular person/family can only be scheduled twice per year.  Also, Mass intentions may be changed based on the availability of a priest or if there are any unforeseen changes in the daily Mass schedule. 

CARE AND EDUCATION OF DIOCESAN SEMINARIANS AND PRIESTS
A second collection will be taken up this weekend February 4th and 5th for the care and education of all Diocesan Seminarians and Priests.   Envelopes for this collection were included in your packet of envelopes.  Thank you for your prayerful support and generosity.

OFFERTORY DONATIONS AND TAX LETTER
A letter was sent out this past week listing your donations to the parish.  If you did not receive it and need it for tax preparation, please call the parish office at 570-654-0053.  It does not include donations for which you have already received notice of your donations to such items as the bazaar, Fr. McGroarty Community Room, LED lights, etc.

GOAL REACHED FOR DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL
Congratulations.  The Bishop’s Office informed us that we exceeded our $60,000 goal by $3,615.00.  We thank you for your generosity.  As you know, most of our parish ministries got their start with “seed money” from the Appeal.  We are grateful for the leadership Kathy and Joe Mihok provided as our liaisons with the Appeal offices and parishes in our region.  It helps us to realize how we are part of the Body of Christ, the Church, as we enable our Diocese to further its mission to share the good news of Jesus’ love for us. 

                         FAITH FORMATION 

COFFEE AND DONUT HOUR 
Coffee and Donut Hour today.

CONFIRMATION DATE
Confirmation with Bishop Dougherty at St. John the Evangelist will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Just a reminder that a Children’s Liturgy is offered every Sunday at the 10:00 a.m. Mass.  The children’s liturgy is for those children in 1st grade and younger.  It is an opportunity for them to listen to the Word of God in age-appropriate language and to spend time reflecting in a special way on the message of the Scripture readings.  

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
God our Father, you made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ.  We ask that you inspire young people whom you call to priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow your will.  Send workers into your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and your people are strengthened by the sacraments.
Through Christ our Lord.  Amen

YOUNG ADULTS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The Youth Ministry Groups of St. John the Evangelist, Saint Maria Goretti, and Our Lady of the Eucharist invite all young adults and high school students to join them for the following activities:  Valentine Dance/DJ Christian Reese. Friday, February 17th, 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Pastoral Center.  Please invite your families and friends to come.  Hope to see you there. Ministry Night. Sunday, March 26th, 6:00 p.m. at St. Maria Goretti Hall.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
The next ISLI Retreat will be held at Camp Ladore, in Waymart from February 24th-26th, 2017.  I.S.L.I. (International Student Leadership Institute) is open to all high school students who wish to learn about leadership and improve their already existing decision-making and problem-solving skills through the teachings of the Catholic faith.   Online registration is now open.  There are a limited number of space available, so don’t delay.  Contact:  www.diocesofscranton.org to register.
  
FRIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHTS--2017:
February 17th -Valentine’s Dance
March 24th-Carnival
April 21st-Picnic in the Pastoral Center
Movie and Popcorn

              OUTREACH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
FREE HEALTH CLINIC Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in the St. John the Evangelist Pastoral Center and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. We have had 12,895 visits by 3,898 patients to date. The clinic will be opened on the First Three Wednesdays of Each Month. They will be closed on the fourth and in some cases the fifth Wednesdays. 

PEDIATRIC HEALTH CLINIC SCHEDULE 
Patients for The Pediatric Health Clinic are now being seen on the First Wednesday and Third Wednesday of the month at the Care and Concern Clinic facility at 37 William Street in Pittston and opens at 4:30 p.m.   Please bring your child’s immunization records with you when you register.   Parents or guardians must be present to have their child examined.  All services are free and confidential. We have had 300 children from 195 families make 1,457 visits to the clinic.

GREATER PITTSTON KIDS CLOTHES CLOSET- HOURS
The Kids Clothes Closet provides clothing to children in need from newborn to size 14/16. Donations of new or gently used clothing are accepted.  Due to the increase of the number of families visiting the closet, an increase in donations is greatly needed. Thank you for your generosity.  The closet is located in St. John the Evangelist Pastoral Center, William Street, Pittston. Any questions please call 570-654-0053. We have served over 2,664 children from 1,159 families.  Total number of visits 6,386.  The Kids Clothes Closet will be closed on the first Wednesday of the Month Morning Session Only, also The Kids Clothes Closet will be closed on the last Wednesday of the month evening only.

LOAVES AND FISHES
Please support our Greater Pittston Food Pantry. Please remember the needy when you are shopping for your own family by buying a few extra items for the pantry.  We are always in need of the following items:  cereal, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, soups, vegetables, canned hams and other non-perishable items.   The Greater Pittston Food Pantry is located at 37 William Street, Pittston and is a program of the Care and Concern Ministry of St. John the Evangelist Parish. Call 570-654-9923 for more information. 

TOY & BOOK CORNER
The Toy & Book Corner is in need of the following--Books (all ages), Art Supplies, Board Games (all ages); If you are interested in assisting please reach out to Katie at katiecallahan03@gmail.com.  Thank you so very much for all your support of our mission.  The Toy and Book Corner will be open the Second Wednesday of Every Month, 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. 

GREATER PITTSTON FOOD PANTRY
If you or someone you know is in need of food, please call the Greater Pittston Food Pantry at 570-654-9923.  Distribution of food is by appointment only.  

DONATIONS RECEIVED
We are most grateful for the following donations made to the many ministries of the Church and deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness.

PEDIATRIC HEALTH CLINIC
Mark Carmon; (In memory of 1st Lt. Jeff DePrimo) by Mother, Helen Ann.

CARE AND CONCERN MINISTRIES
Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce; (In memory of Patrick Cawley) by Barbara and Ben Ambrose.

GREATER PITTSTON FOOD PANTRY
(In memory of Leo McGarry) by Theresa Hannon; (In honor of Jean Conlon) by Theresa Hannon; (In memory of Allan Rose) by Jean Goham; (In memory of Eleanor Grill) by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph O’Boyle; (In memory of Stephen Loyack) by Denise and Tom Allardyce.

FREE HEALTH CLINIC
(In memory of Jack Ryan) by Jean Goham; (In memory of Anthony Rostock) by Kathleen and Eugene Pisano, Paul and Rosemary Menichelli; (In memory of Shirley Connors) by Rita and Art Humble, Rich and Cathy Rusnok.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK
If a family member or friend has been hospitalized (especially if they were admitted through the Emergency Room or if they were admitted to one of the hospitals in Scranton) or placed in a long-term facility, please contact St. John the Evangelist at (570-654-0053) so that Msgr. Bendik and Father Leo may visit them.  The privacy laws make it difficult for the priests to know if a parishioner has been admitted to one of the local hospitals.

PARISH NEWS                   

SAVE THE DATE: MAY 28, 2017
Come Celebrate Msgr. Bendik’s Fiftieth Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.  Mass at 3:00 p.m.  Dinner to follow at Genetti’s at 6:00 p.m.  Details to follow.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING CHANGE IN THE ALTAR AND ROSARY SOCIETY MEETING
The next meeting for The Altar and Rosary Society will be on Monday, February 6th.   The business meeting will start at 12:30 p.m. and the Rosary will follow the meeting. Refreshments will be provided. New Members are most welcome.   

HOLY NAME SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications for the Holy Name Scholarship for 2017-2018 are now available at the Parish Center.  This scholarship is open to all parish members pursuing a post-secondary education.  Applications can be submitted to the Parish Office, care of the Holy Name Society.  All applications must be received by April 3rd.

KNIGHTS OF LITHUANIA COUNCIL
February 16th, Lithuanian Independence Day Flag Raising at Pittston City Hall at 11:00 a.m., lunch at 12:00 p.m. Pittston Lithuanian Club.

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE PLEDGED: 
With grateful hearts, we thank the families from our parish who have already made a gift or pledge to the Father Hugh H. McGroarty Community/ Archival Room:
A Thankful Giver: Mary Ruane. 

LED LIGHTS IN THE CHURCH
We are embarking on a project to change all the lights in our church to LED bulbs.  They are brighter, last many years longer and are energy efficient.  To replace all the lights will cost about $250.00 per chandelier and overhead archway.  If you are willing to “sponsor” a chandelier, please place your offering in an envelope payable to St. John the Evangelist.  Write “LED LIGHTS DONATION” on the envelope.   Thank You Gene and Margaret Healey.

MONTHLY HOME VISITATIONS
Monsignor Bendik and Father Leo, along with a number of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, visit with the homebound and bring Communion during the first week of the month.  If you or a loved one are unable to attend Mass and would like to receive Communion at home, please contact the Parish Office at 570-654-0053 to be placed on our Monthly Visitation List.  

AROUND THE AREA
MARRIAGE HELP
If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, then the  Retrouvaille  Program can help you,  Retrouvaille is helping couples put the pieces back together and to rediscover a more loving relationship.  The next local program will be February. 24t and 26, 2017at The Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, Pa.  Registration Required.  All calls confidential. For more information or to register call 1-800-470-2230 or visit www.helpourmarriage.org.  

TWENTY-FIFTH WORLD DAY OF THE SICK 2017
On Saturday, February 11, 2017, Bishop Joseph Bambera will celebrate the 12:10 p.m. Mass in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, during which he will administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS
His Excellency The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera will celebrate the wedding Anniversary Mass on June 11, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, for couples celebrating their 25th and 50th year of marriage in 2017. This is an occasion to recognize the role married couples play in the Church’s mission to bring God’s faithful love into the world.  Couples will have the opportunity to renew their marriage vows.  A reception will follow in the Diocesan Pastoral Center, where anniversary couples will be able to have their picture taken with Bishop Bambera. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address that will be accurate, should be made through our office (St. John the Evangelist) at 654-0053 before March 13th.

WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
On Saturday, February 11, 2017, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Church is celebrating the World Day of the Sick. In observance of this yearly feast, the parishes of Pittston will hold a Mass, with the celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, N Main Street,  Pittston. Both the Church and parish hall are handicapped accessible. A simple reception will follow the Mass. All are invited to receive the life giving blessings of this Sacrament and to share in community with parish priests, family and fellow parishioners.

SEAN RICHARDS-FOOD DRIVE 
A member of our Parish and family Choir, is a proud Cub Scout with Pack 375 in Duryea.  He is working on receiving his “Bear Level Emblem” his last step of his Duty to God Badge. Sean will be having a food drive for Pittston Meals on Wheels.  On February 4th and 5th collection baskets will be at the Main Entrance of the Church at all Masses. Please help support Sean, the Cub Scouts and our Community by bringing in non-perishable items to all next week’s Masses.  Thank You. Sean Richards.

VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE
Saturday, February 11th at the Pittston Knights of Columbus, 55 South Main St.  $20.00 per person includes cocktail hour 6:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. buffet dinner at 7:00 p.m.8:30 p.m. dancing and music provided by Optimum Entertainment.  This is a non-smoking event, semi-formal attaire suggested.  For more information contact Carmen DeBella at 570-840-7987 or csdebella@comcast.net for tickets.

OVERVIEW ON CPR/AED  
The Parish University of Our Lady of the Eucharist will be hosting an overview on CPR/AED. Date: Wednesday, February 8th at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.   The presenters will demonstrate responses and proper uses, including, describe how high-quality CPR improves survival, explain the concepts of the Chain of Survival, recognize when someone needs CPR, perform high quality CPR for an adult, describe how to perform CPR with help from others, give effective breaths using mouth-to-mouth or a mask for all age groups, demonstrate how to use an AED on an adult.  Please note, this is not a CPR Certification class, but rather an important overview.  The following presenters:  Kathy Ercolani, Nurse Practitioner Urgent Care, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center; Jack Lasky, Paramedic, EMS Coordination Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. 

PREPARING THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM
Saturday, February 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.at Divine Mercy Parish, Scranton.  This workshop, let by Fr. Jack Lambert, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Plains, is designed for all liturgy committees, pastoral musicians, ministers of liturgical environment, priests and deacons and anyone else involved with preparing the celebration of the Paschal Triduum.  There is no fee but a free will offering will be taken, and lunch will be provided.  To register, please contact David Baloga, NPM Program Director, at 570-207-02213 or register on line at 
www.scrantonpm.com

PARISH OF ST. BARBARA
LENTEN FUND RAISER
The Holy Name Society of St. Barbara Parish, Exeter, will be selling Lenten food on Ash Wednesday, March 1st and every Friday in Lent.  This is strictly a take-out event with pick-up from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The food that is available includes: Potato Pancakes-1/2 dozen (7)- $5.00, 1 dozen (13)- $10.00; Clam chowder (red)-quart: $8.00; Halushki- quart: $5.00.  You may call the Parish Office, (570) 654-2103, during office hours to place your order or order at the door.

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD PARISH-LENTEN FOOD SALES
There will be NO SALE ON ASH WEDNESDAY 
They are moving the sale to the following FR|IDAY, MARCH 3RD from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (or until sold out) they will feature delicious potato pancakes, famous homemade red clam chowder and seafood bisque along with homemade haluski and frozen pierogi, pizza and a bake sale all available for your eating pleasure.  For more information call Helen at 570-457-3502.

THOUGHTFUL MOMENTS:
J-O-Y: True and lasting joy comes when we love Jesus, take care of others as he asked, and give ourselves totally to him.  Help children find lasting Joy-J-Jesus, O-Others, Y-Yourself.  “The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it; and thirdly, to do it because it is his will.”  Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE PLEDGED: 
With grateful hearts, we thank the families from our parish who have already made a gift or pledge to the Father Hugh H. McGroarty Community/ Archival Room: 

CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Thank you for putting your parish high up on your Christmas gift giving list.  We are well aware of how difficult it is to make ends meet because of limited funds.  However, whatever you give to your parish enables us to be faithful to our Mission “to proclaim the message of the Gospel in our lives by our commitment to faithfully love and serve the Lord and one another”.  Our goal for this year is $51,000. Total amount received as of Sunday, was $42,639.00.