Seventh  Sunday in Ordinary Time                               February 19, 2017                                

Date	Time	Intention	Requested By	
     Monday 2/20

	7:00 AM	Dolores Morio	Family	
	8:00 AM	Harriet Renfer	Nadine, Matt and Family	
				
Tuesday 2/21	   7:00 AM	Norma Zavada	Parish Community	
	   8:00 AM	Patrick Drury	Pat Drury	
				
Wednesday 2/22	   7:00 AM
	Marc Minichello	Bob and Mary Terese Russin	
	   8:00 AM	Mary Rose Panuski	Veronica Azarowicz	
				
 Thursday 2/23	7:00 AM	Ann Doyle	Jo Anne	
	8:00 AM 	Leo Ryan	Tom and Theresa Lokuta	
				
     Friday 2/24
	7:00 AM	Angeline Kruchinsky	Brother, Len	
	   8:00 AM	Neil Bellanca	Susan Bulzoni and Paul Kochanski	
				
Saturday 2/25	4:30 PM	Cassidy Thomas	Grandma, Carole	
				
     Sunday    2/26

  	 8:00 AM	PARISH COMMUNITY		
	10:00 AM	Doreen Pollick	Tom and Maureen Murphy	
	  12:15 PM	Victor Zane, Jr.	Mother	

The Parish Community of
St. john the evangelist

Sunday Collection for the weekend of  
February 12, 2017
$    7,839.52

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

Difference:
$   -  2, 160.48
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: Tommy Biglin, Father Gavin Barnes, OSB, Joseph Harenza, Noah Jacob Yanchulis.

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.

NEWLY BAPTIZED
The Parish Community of St. John the Evangelist welcomes Luna Belle Kobeski, daughter of Thomas and Jennifer Leary Kobeski, and Dylan Gerard Johnson, son of David and Amy Ramus Johnson who were baptized this weekend. May you stay close to Jesus throughout your lives.  

SACRIFICIAL OFFERING
Lately we have had a number of diocesan officials and leaders from other parishes stop in for a visit.  They are interested in what we are doing and how we are doing it.  It is very humbling that we have some very positive notoriety in the community and beyond.  This would not happen without the commitment you make to live out our mission to “love and serve the Lord and one another”.  You support us with your time, talent and treasure, and because of your generosity, we can be faithful to the Gospel.  To hear our Confirmation students put this reality in words, is truly an inspiration.

FIFTY-SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY
Sunday, February 19th marks the 57th anniversary of the fire that wreaked havoc on our school.  Many of you can remember being led from your classrooms – and how your studies continued despite this devastating loss.  Gratefully, no lives were lost.  We continue to have that same faith and resilience as we build and plan for the future.  We are grateful to all who continue to support Catholic education.  

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
First Reading (Isaiah 49:14-15)
Second Reading (Corinthians 4:1-5)
Gospel (Matthew 6:24-34)

PRAY FOR YOUR PASTORAL MINISTERS
We ask you to pray for your priests, deacons, and religious, but especially for Bishop Joseph Bambera who celebrates his seventh anniversary of being appointed as our Bishop on February 23rd and for Sister Kieran who celebrates her birthday on Sunday, February 26th.  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. 

NO FLOWERS AROUND THE ALTAR
Starting March 1st through April 16th no flowers will be placed on the altar during Lent.

“OUR TOWN PITTSTON” ON WVIA ON FEBRUARY 23RD
Please tune in to watch the WVIA production of “OUR TOWN PITTSTON” at 7:00 P.M.  It will feature a marvelous panorama of all we have been and are as Renaissance City.  Our Care and Concern Ministries will also be featured.

FAITHFUL STEWARDS
We give thanks for all the members of our Altar and Rosary and Holy Name who are planning an outstanding “NIGHT AT THE RACES” this Saturday.  It is not too late to get your horses or sponsor a race.  All adults are welcomed to attend on the Feb. 25th for a small admission price of $10.00 if you not purchased a horse. It is one of the most exciting and “friend raising” events we sponsor each year.

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.

ASH WEDNESDAY-MARCH 1, 2017
Although Ash Wednesday is Not a Holy Day of Obligation, it’s a wonderful way for us to demonstrate our need for God’s Grace during the Season of Lent by attending Mass and receiving Blessed Ashes. 

ASH WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE
MARCH 1, 2017
7:00 AM	Upper Church – Mass & Distribution 
of Ashes.  

12:15 PM	Upper Church – Mass & Distribution 
of Ashes

4:00 PM	Upper Church – Mass & Distribution 
of Ashes 

7:00 PM	Upper Church –Mass & Distribution
                           Of Ashes.  

DAYS OF FAST AND ABSTINENCE
Just a reminder that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence.  All Catholics 18 years of age and over are bound by Church law to fast; only one large meal and two smaller meals.  At the age of 60 (or if one is sick), a person is no longer required to fast. All Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence where all Catholics 14 years of age and older are required to abstain from meat.

HONORING SAINT CASIMIR
The members of the Knights of Lithuania, Council 143, will honor their patron saint and one of our parish patron saints, St. Casimir, Sunday, March 5th at the 10:00 a.m. Mass. 
 
PITTSTON CITY ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
Mass will be celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church on March 4th at 9:00 a.m.

LENT BEGINS 
The season of Lent begins March 1st.  The Lenten season has a double character, namely to prepare both catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens, both with the Rite of Election and Scrutinies, and by catechesis, are prepared for the celebration of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation); the faithful, ever more attentive to the word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises. 

THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU
On Monday, March 6th, March 13th, March 20th, 
March 27th and April 3rd, from 6:00-7:00 p.m., and on all Mondays in Lent, we will be offering confessions here at St. John the Evangelist Church, together with all the Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Scranton. This outreach is called “The Light Is On For You” and is an effort on the part of the Diocese to highlight the importance of the sacrament of Reconciliation in the life of Catholics and make it as easy as possible for every Catholic to come or to return to this great source of God’s mercy and healing love.  

ROAD TO RESURRECTION
In keeping with a long standing tradition for the Catholic parishes the Road to Resurrection will once again be held on Wednesdays of Lent. The annual Lenten journey will begin at St. Maria Goretti, Laflin, on Wednesday, March 8th with Mass at 7:00 p.m. and Rev. Walter Jenkins, C.S.C. as guest homilist. On Wednesday, March 15th,  Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Eucharist, Pittston. The guest homilist will be Rev. Walter Jenkins, C.S.C. The third step on the Lenten journey will be hosted by Sacred Heart of Jesus, Dupont, on Wednesday March 22nd with Rev. Thomas Petro. On Wednesday, March 29th Mass will be held at St. Monica’s Parish, West Wyoming,  guest homilist will be Rev. Chase Pepper, C.S.C. The last step on the Road to Resurrection will be hosted by St. John the Evangelist Parish on Wednesday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Joseph Mosley as guest homilist. All are welcome and encouraged to make this journey of faith and prayer. 

NO ENTRANCE HYMN DURING LENT
As a way of marking Lent as a special time of prayer and penance, there will be no entrance procession or gathering hymn throughout the season of Lent.  Instead, the presider will take his place at the presidential chair a few minutes before Mass begins.  When it is time to begin Mass, the presider will stand and invite the congregation to stand and begin the liturgy.  Mass will begin with the normal greeting (“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit). 

CROSS OF INTENTIONS
Once again, a special cross will be placed in the cross-aisle of the church.  This Lenten season, you are invited to take a small paper cross and write your special intention on it and place the paper cross on the Lenten Cross of Intentions.  Throughout Lent we pray in a special way for the intentions placed on our Cross of Intentions.

COLLECTION OF PALM
As we approach the season of Lent, you are invited to bring to church the palm that you received last year and place it in the baskets near the main doors.  The palm will be burned and used for ashes on Ash Wednesday.

EASTER GIVING TREE
The Christmas Giving Tree was a tremendous success thanks to the generosity of our parishioners.  The response was overwhelming and the Kids Clothes Closet was supplied with many beautiful outfits for needy children.  An Easter Giving Tree will now be put up at the back of the church to help the many children in need in our area get ready for the warm weather.  Help fill the closet with spring/summer clothes by taking an Easter ornament and give an Easter gift of clothes!  The unwrapped gifts may be placed under the Easter tree or brought to the parish office by Friday, April 7th.  Thank You

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.

OFFERTORY DONATIONS AND TAX LETTER
A letter was sent 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 
 COFFEE HOUR RETURNS FEBRUARY, 26th 

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.  

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.

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:  Ministry Night. Sunday, March 26th, 6:00 p.m. at St. Maria Goretti Hall.

WHY DO CATHOLICS GENUFLECT BEFORE ENTERING A PEW?
In medieval Europe, one showed respect for a king or noble by going down on one knee.  Today, we genuflect to show respect and reverence for Jesus, our Lord and King, truly present in the Eucharist.  In most Catholic churches, there is a tabernacle in the sanctuary, which contains consecrated hosts from previous Masses.  Whenever we cross in front of the tabernacle or enter a pew, we honor Christ by genuflecting on the right knee or making a deep bow.

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

KNOW HIM, LOVE HIM, AND SERVE HIM TO BE HAPPY FOREVER
The Baltimore Catechism taught us that God made us to “know him, to love him, and to serve him in this world, and to be happy with him forever in the next” in truth, God loves us and wants us to love him back.  Knowing Him:  Each of us was created with a place in our hearts just for God.  Until we discover it, we may try to fill it with earthly things but nothing else fits.  Remove the clutter, turn to God and the reward is peace.  Loving Him: Jesus asked us to love God with all our hearts because surrendering to God is the best way to experience Hisinfinite love.  Show your love by praying daily, seeking Communion with Him often, and thanking Him for his goodness.  Serving Him: When we make sure others have enough to eat, warm clothes to wear, and a place to stay, Jesus takes it personally.  It’s what He asked us to do.  

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:
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 12,8920visits by 3,906 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.

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. 

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.

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.

CARE AND CONCERN MINISTRIES
Ronald and Linda Hyzenski; (In memory of Norma Zavada) by Adelle Zavada, Nick Alapack and Family, Marion Pellegrini, Northeast Physical Therapy PC.

GREATER PITTSTON FOOD PANTRY
(In memory of Allan Rose) by Mary Jane Tomasetti; (In memory of Stephen Loyack) by Joyce and Jackie Pavlick.

FREE HEALTH CLINIC
Pittston Area Honor Society; (In memory of Charles E. Parente) by Mary Jane Tomasetti.

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.

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: (Slovak League of America-Branch 474) 

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.

ATTENTION CHOIR AND CANTOR MEMBERS
Choir practice will be moved to Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. starting February 28th and will remain so until further notice.  Cantor practice will be weekly on Tuesdays as well starting at 7:45 pm.

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.  

KEEP A QUIET TIME
Set aside 30 minutes every day to spend with God in prayer, Bible study, and meditation. If you really love someone or a game you want to spend some time with them. Just so, if you truly love God you want to spend some time alone with Him. (Psalms 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1). 

SOME REMINDERS OF CHURCH ETIQUETTE
As we enter into God’s House, our speech and tone should be somewhat softer and respectful of other individual’s praying.  As we enter into the vestibule of the church, we should make sure our cell phones and/or pagers are either turned off or set to vibrate only (the same thing for messages).  Any texting or instant messaging (IM) should be done outside of church.  All other electronic devices should be turned off (video games, game boys, etc.) 
There should be no gum chewing in Church at any time.  Please dispose of properly before entering the Church. 

AROUND THE AREA
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

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.

PARISH OF ST. BARBARA 
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, Clam chowder (red).  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.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF GREATER PITTSTON 
Meals on Wheels of Greater Pittston provides a hot meal and light supper for the area’s elderly and physically handicapped.  They prepare and deliver over 30,00 meals annually.  Local groups hold “canned goods” drives but perishable items still need to be purchased.  Meals on Wheels receives no federal or state funding.  They depend on the generosity of the community.  During the month of February, they are asking you to open your hearts and make a monetary donation to “Greater Pittston Meals on Wheels”, 59 South Main Street, Pittston, Pa. 18640.

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 served.  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.