Sixth  Sunday in Ordinary Time                                   February 12, 2017                                

Date	Time	Intention	Requested By	
     Monday 2/13

	7:00 AM	Oscar and Mary Alpaugh and Family	Family	
	8:00 AM	Robert Hannon	Hannon Family	
				
Tuesday 2/14	   7:00 AM	Irene Bolinsky	John J. Demkosky	
	   8:00 AM	Mary Krall	Pavlico and Gosser Family	
				
Wednesday 2/15	   7:00 AM
	Thomas Drury	Pat Drury	
	   8:00 AM	John Stack	Family	
				
 Thursday  2/16	7:00 AM	Edward Strubeck	Paul and Sheila Kern	
	8:00 AM 	Bill Littlefield	Wife, Mary Ann	
				
     Friday  2/17
	7:00 AM	Elizabeth Dructor	Leonard Kridlo	
	   8:00 AM	William Connell, III	Rich and Cathy Rusnok	
				
Saturday  2/18	4:30 PM	Joseph and Clare Weiss	Mary Ann Iskra	
				
     Sunday    2/19

  	 8:00 AM	Margaret Mary Rooney	Michael and Susan Lombardo	
	10:00 AM	Emily Loughney	Jenkins Twp. Police	
	  12:15 PM	PARISH COMMUNITY		

The Parish Community of
St. john the evangelist

Sunday Collection for the weekend of  
February 5, 2017
$    9,105.81

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

Difference:
$   -  894.19
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: Norma E. Zavada

Frances Cavanagh.

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION

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 Monday, April 3, 2017 in the Parish Center from 7:00 p.m.

SACRIFICIAL OFFERING
We live in challenging times.  To stand up for the 
teachings of Jesus in a secular world is very difficult, and perhaps even a bit intimidating.  We give thanks for all 
who faithfully support our parish.  You enable us to reach out to the many needy people of Greater Pittston Community who have had walls erected in front of them or were ostracized because of their economic status.  You are an inspiration to the entire area.

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
First Reading (Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18)
Second Reading (Corinthians 3:16-23)
 Gospel (Matthew 5:38-48)

PRAY FOR YOUR PASTORAL MINISTERS
We ask you to pray for your priests, deacons, and religious, but especially for Father Paul Mullen who suffered another stroke this past week.  Pray also for the family of Father Frank Kulik, brother of Msgr. Alexander Kulik, who died in January.  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 the very enthusiastic group of parents who are planning the upcoming FRIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHT.  It will feature a Saint Valentine’s Dance with a high energy and exciting DJ to entertain us all.  We invite all parents and grandparents to join their youngsters and our teenagers for this exciting event.

PRESIDENTS’ DAY – PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
The Parish Office will be closed Monday, February 20th in observance of Presidents’ Day. The office will reopen on Tuesday, February 21st.  In the event of an emergency, please call the Parish Office.  If no one is available, please leave a message and one of the priests will return your call as soon as possible.

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
Last week’s second collection for the care and education of all Diocesan Seminarians totaled $1,692.85. Again, 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.

OUR HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY, 2017—COMFORT FOR THE AFFLICTED.
That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees, and marginalized, may find welcome and comfort in our communities.

                         FAITH FORMATION 

NO CCD, COFFEE OR DONUT HOUR ON FEBRUARY 19th —PRESIDENTS WEEKEND. 

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

THOUGHTFUL MOMENTS
Jesus tells us to ask God for what we need.  Don’t worry about pestering God.  Think of how eager parents are to help their children—especially when their children are struggling with something.  It’s the same with God, who never tires of helping us.

FEASTS AND CELEBRATIONS
February 22nd—Chair of St. Peter:  Marking Jesus’ choice of St. Peter to head the Church, this feast marks the endurance of the Holy See through the centuries.  On this day, we thank God for his Church and pray for its holy preservation.

EASTER PAGEANT 
Pageant signup sheets will be available after all Masses  on Feb. 25th-26th and  March 4th-5th. There will also be sign up sheets in the school after CCD.   For more information call Dee Jenkins at (570) 655-3953.

SERVE WITHOUT COMPLAINT
Every job has aspects about it that are tedious, messy, and unrewarding, yet they are necessary.  However, they can be opportunities to grow in virtue: humility, patience, self-discipline, etc.  When you dread doing your work, smile and say a prayer, “and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you” (Matthew 6:4).  “The works of God are all of them good; in its own time every need is supplied”
(Sirach 39:16).

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 1,465 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.

KIDS CLOTHES CLOSET
(In memory of Allan Rose) by Mary Ann Iskra, Marilyn Krall.

CARE AND CONCERN MINISTRIES
St. Maria Goretti Parish, Joanne Shuemaker, Greek Catholic Union of the U.S.A. Lodge 17th; (In memory of Norma Zavada) by June Supey, Denise Amantea Ohl, Keith and Sandra Naylor.

GREATER PITTSTON FOOD PANTRY
John Cituk, Jr., Mark Carmon; (In memory of Stephen Loyack) by Rich and Cathy Rusnok; (In memory of Ruth Bendick) by Paul and Sheila Kern; (In memory of Eleanor Grill) by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph O’Boyle; (In memory of Allan Rose) by Anthony and Sandy Grieco. 

FREE HEALTH CLINIC
Marilyn Luke, Geri Botyrius; (In memory of Joseph McCullock) by Pat Manganiello; (In memory of Joseph Mirabelle) by Jim and Karen McKeown.

PITTSTON FOOD PANTRY VAN
John Cituk, Jr.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

ST. NICHOLAS-ST. MARY’S SCHOOL ANNUAL WINTER BAZAAR
You are cordially invited to attend the annual St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s School Winter Bazaar hosted by the Parent/Teacher Guild on Friday, February 17th.  Please join us for yummy foods, great games for children and adults, beautiful basket raffles, 50/50 raffle, a bake sale and much more.  The fun begins at the school gym at 3:00 p.m. and continues until 9:00 p.m.  We hope to see you there.  St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s School, 242 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre.  Call the school office for more details:
570-823-8089.

THANK YOU FROM THE VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT OF CLARKS SUMMIT STATE HOSPITAL
Thank you for the generous donation of Socks for the patients this Holiday. The patients in the Hospital were all given a brand new pair of socks this Christmas.  Patients really enjoyed receiving this on Christmas morning.  Thanks again for your generous donation and the kindness you have shown to the patients of Clarks Summit State Hospital this year.  A very special thank you to Robyn Gordon whose coordinating efforts helped make these donations possible.

NEED HEALTH INSURANCE
Did you miss Open Enrollment?  Are you going through a life changing event, such as loss of a job, death of a spouse, marriage, divorce or new baby?  You and your family still qualify for FREE or LOW COST health coverage.  To schedule an appointment with an Assister, Please Call: (888) 511-2227 ext. 120

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 FRIDAY, 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.

BISHOP LEADING PILGRIMATE TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL FOR OUR LADY OF FATIMA CENTENNIAL
September 18th-26th, reservations being taken now.
Bishop Joseph C. Bambera invites the faithful to join him on a special pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal in honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima’s appearance to three young shepherd children in 1917.  The pilgrimage will take place September 18th-26th and will include Masses celebrated by the Bishop and visits to many sacred and historic sites, including nearly two days in Fatima where the Marian apparitions occurred.  Space is limited so it is recommended that you call as soon as possible for reservations.  All arrangements and reservations are to be made through TRAVELWORLD.

FATHER MICHAEL FINN, PARISH OF ST. BARBARA, EXETER, IS RUNNING HIS 15TH PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL FROM
OCTOBER 16th-26th 
If you think that you might like to join us please take note that Father is having an information meeting at St. Anthony Center on the corner of Erie and Memorial Streets in Exeter on Sunday, February 12th at 2:00 p.m.  This invitation is open to all who have questions about the pilgrimage.  Come and meet some of the others who will be joining you.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
United Methodist Homes-Wesley Village Campus: Career Fair, Thursday, May 26th.  If you are an RN, LPN, CAN, PCA, Dietary Aide, or interested in Housekeeping positions, please join us at United Methodist Homes’ Career Fair.  We offer a competitive pay scale, full range of benefits, flexible scheduling options and many 2nd shift positions.  A nurse manger will be available to answer your questions and show you around the campus.  Refreshments will be server.  Thursday May 26th at Wesley Village, 209 Roberts Road, Pittston, from 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Call 570-655-2891 for more information or go to www.unitedmethodisthomes.org United Methodist Homes is an equal opportunity employer.

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.   

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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.