First Sunday of Lent                                                          March 5, 2017                                

Date	Time	Intention	Requested By	
     Monday 3/06

	7:00 AM	Ann Marie Clarke	Family	
	8:00 AM	John “Scottie” Johnson	Parish Community	
				
Tuesday 3/07	   7:00 AM	Martin Melvin	Parish Community	
	   8:00 AM	Ann Terrana	Parish Community	
				
Wednesday 3/08	   7:00 AM
	Special Intention	George and Rose Marie Andrush	
	   8:00 AM	John Lynn	James McGarry and Family	
				
 Thursday 3/09	7:00 AM	Mae McHugh	Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Musto	
	8:00 AM 	Vincent Zerblas	Hadley Family	
				
     Friday 3/10
	7:00 AM	Mary Burke	Family	
	   8:00 AM	Orlando Bruno	Anthracite Mass Group	
				
Saturday 3/11	4:30 PM	PARISH COMMUNITY		
				
     Sunday    3/12

  	 8:00 AM	Patrick Cawley	Paul and Sheila Kern	
	10:00 AM	Edward Ward	Family	
	  12:15 PM	Francis Loftus	Children	

The Parish Community of
St. john the evangelist

Sunday Collection for the weekend of  
February 26, 2017
$    9, 158.99

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

Difference:
$   -  841.01
Many thanks for your continued support and
generosity as we strive to meet our parish expenses!

Memorial Honor Candles

MONTH OF MARCH       
Main Altar- In memory Jule Bradigan,
                         by Anna Labashosky. 
                         
Chapel –In memory of Thomas Richards,
                 By Family

                              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: Patricia Tischler, Dolores Marriggi

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.

JUST A REMINDER--SPRING FORWARD-NEXT WEEKEND
Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour Sunday Morning, March 12th.

SORROWS OF MARY AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Will be conducted in St. John the Evangelist Church on Fridays of Lent beginning on March 3rd.   Sorrows of Mary at 5:45 p.m., followed by Stations of the Cross at 6:00 p.m.

WHY DO  CATHOLICS DO STATIONS OF THE CROSS?
The Stations of the Cross is a devotional practice that traces the steps of Jesus along the road to Calvary.  This Lenten devotion is prayed weekly in preparation for Good Friday.  It allows us to put ourselves in the scene.  From the condemnation of death to the crucifixion, we “see” the price Jesus paid for us and are moved to repentance for sin.  Finally, the Stations can be a reminder to unite our sufferings to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. 

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.

NO FLOWERS AROUND THE ALTAR
No flowers through April 16th.  No flowers will be placed on the altar during Lent.

SACRIFICIAL OFFERING
The season of Lent is a time of great blessing.  We are given the opportunity to consider how we can deepen our relationship with God.  We can abstain from making judgements about others and look first into our own hearts rather than those of others.  We can fast from wasting precious time and spending time in quiet prayer.  If we choose to do so, it will truly be a season of great grace for each one of us.  May God bless us all. 

 

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 12, 2017
First Reading (Genesis 12:1-4a)
Second Reading (2 Timothy 1:8b-10)
Gospel (Matthew 17A:1-9)

PRAY FOR YOUR PASTORAL MINISTERS
We as you to pray for your priests, deacons, and religious, but especially for Father Andrew Strish who celebrates his 78th birthday on March 9th in heaven.  May he be enjoying his eternal reward for his life of loving service here on earth. 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. 

THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU
On Monday, March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and April 3rd.
from 6:00-7:00 p.m., 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.  

FAITHFUL STEWARDS
We give thanks to Jane and David Serafin and their aides who lovingly prepared our children to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on this coming Saturday.  Our little ones were instructed with great devotion as they were prepared to make their first confession.  May the Lord bless their parents for being models of faith for them.

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

THOUGHTFUL MOMENTS
St. Casimir of Poland, born a prince of Poland, St. Casimir was endowed with a strong conscience by a great teacher, John Dlugosz.  He was recognized for his holiness, virtue, and kindness.  When his father sent him to take over Hungary, Prince Casimir, seeing he was outnumbered, turned back out of concern for his troops.  He resolved never to go to war again, and devoted his life to prayer and study.  He died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-three.

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. 

TAIZE’ PRAYER DURING PARISH RETREAT
Taize’ Prayer will be celebrated Tuesday, April 4th at 7:00 p.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church as part of our annual parish retreat experience.  This form of prayer is a meditative style of communal prayer.  Sung repetitive refrains create a gentle rhythm.  The beauty of your voices united in song becomes a doorway to reflection and meditation.  Rob Yenkowski, the music director at King’s College and The Cantores Christi Regis Choir will be our ministers of music for this prayer.  A free will offering will be taken up at the end of the service to show our appreciation for their time and ministry to our parish.  This prayer will surely enhance your Lenten journey to Easter. 

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). 

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. 

FAST FROM-FEAST ON
The Feast of the great celebration of Easter when all is made new is the comfort that allows us strength during the great 40 day Fast:  Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.  Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.  Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light.  Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.  
Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify. 
Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.

SCHEDULING MASS INTENTIONS 
Mass intentions are currently being accepted for April, May and June, 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.

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.

BENEFIT FOR KIDS CLOTHES CLOSET
BALLYHOO ICE CREAM PARLOR at 128 Luzerne Avenue in West Pittston is sponsoring a benefit for our Kids Clothes Closet.  An eighteen pound, three foot tall, chocolate Easter Bunny will be raffled off on Thursday, April 13th.  Only $1.00 per entry and you can enter as many times as you like.

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

EASTER PAGEANT 
Pageant signup sheets will be available after all Masses  on 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.

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. 

VIRTUS TRAINING
Cathy Bolinski will be here Thursday, March 30th for six volunteers who have never taken the Virtus Training.  The training will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center.

BEQUEST FROM ESTATE OF EVELYN PRICE
Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Evelyn Price who loved the Parish Community of Saint John the Evangelist so much that she put us in her will.  This is the first bequest we have received in years.  May she now be enjoying the embrace of the Lord as we benefit from her generosity by furthering our mission of proclaiming and living the Gospel of our Lord.  Please consider placing our parish in your will.

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

FRIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHTS--2017
March 24th-Carnival
April 21st-Picnic in the Pastoral Center
Movie and Popcorn

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.

              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 12,892 visits 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.  Distribution of food is by appointment only.  

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.

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
(In memory of Catherine and Sandy Gubbiotti),  
by R. Scaramozza and Marianne McGowan, Scott and Marian McGowan; (In memory of Martin X. Melvin Jr.) by Jean Marie Murphy, Rosaria Aita and Angela Aita, Mike and Ann Hopkins; (In memory of Norma Zavada) by Thomas and Joyce Langan; (In memory of Raymond Darbenzio) by Helenanne M. Bendik.

GREATER PITTSTON FOOD PANTRY
New Vision Telecom Pioneers; (In memory of Allan Rose) by Mr. and Mrs. John Stout; (In memory of Hrobak Family) by Ann Hrobak.

FREE HEALTH CLINIC
Mark Carmon; (In memory of Josephine Mirabelle) by Gary and Peggy White; (In memory of Rufus Williams) by Mark and Margy Nobile and Family

KIDS CLOTHES CLOSET
(In memory of Allan Rose) by Friends.

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. 

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.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. at Genetti’s and dinner to follow at 6:00 p.m.  Details to follow.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY MASS
All are invited on Friday, March 17th, to the 12:00 Mass on the Feast of Saint Patrick. Msgr. John J. Bendik will preside at the Mass and remember all deceased members of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.

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.

CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE 
The organizing committee for the Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference is planning the 3rd annual conference to be held on Saturday, May 6th, at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre.  The theme is “Be a Man:  Mary’s call to Battle, “inspired by this year’s centenary celebration of Our Blessed Mother’s appearances at Fatima.  A trio of outstanding speakers had been booked: Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR., Steve Ray and Matt Fradd.  Registration is available via the conference website:
www.BeAManconference.com.  For more information or to volunteer, please call or email Michael Kilmer at 570-746-0100 or mkilmer@thekilmergroup.com 

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). 

SPECIAL NOTE TO PARISH
The Board of Directors and Staff of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce recently sent us a donation to support our Care and Concern Ministries.  They wrote: “Pope Francis said: To change the world, we must be good to those who cannot repay us.”  Even before Pope Francis, Greater Pittston had the Saint John the Evangelist Parish Community and the Care and Concern Ministries.  Please accept this donation as a small contribution toward the important work you and your volunteers perform throughout the year”.  How humbled and honored we are along with all the churches, organizations and individuals who join in this ministry.

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. 

ALTAR AND ROSARY SOCIETY MEETING
The next meeting for The Altar and Rosary Society will be on Monday, March 6th at 12:30 p.m. The rosary will be recited followed by the business meeting.  Refreshments will be provided.  New members are most welcome.

AROUND THE AREA

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR UNC’S CAMP KELLY (FORMERLY CAMP ST. ANDREW) 
Registration is now open for 2017 summer camp programs at United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA’s Camp Kelly (formerly Camp St. Andrew). Week-long Girls Resident, Girls Basketball, Boys Resident, and Boys Basketball camps are all available, as well as a Father/Son Weekend and Women’s Weekend. For more information, or to register online, visit www.uncnepa.org/campkelly or call 570-346-0759.

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.

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 March, 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.

CHURCH OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL
Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 13 Hudson Road, Plains, will hold their annual Lenten Buffet on Friday, March 10th in Bernardine Hall.  The dinner will include baked fish, pierogi, haluski, potato pancake and homemade pizza, French fries, cole slaw, dessert and beverage.  Dinner and takeout will begin at 4:00 p.m. and run until 7:00 p.m.  Cost is $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 12 and under.  Children 3 and under free.  Ample free parking is available.  All are welcome.

HOMEMADE PASTA AND SAUSAGE DINNER
St. Maria Goretti Banquet Center, Laflin Road, Laflin, Pa.
Sunday, March 12th.  Noon to 5:00 p.m.  Take outs: Noon to 4:00 p.m. (containers will be provided). Tickets available at the door: $10.00.  Children 5 years old and younger are Free.

ST. MICHAEL’S BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 205 N. MAIN ST. PITTSTON, PA.
Will have a Pizza and Soup Sale, Friday’s during Lent.  We will offer Baked or Unbaked Pizza and a Soup of the week.  Tray of unbaked pizza $10.00, baked pizza $12.00 and add $1.00 for onions.  ½ trays are available for baked $7.00/unbaked $6.00/.50 for onions.  Soup will be $8.00 a quart and $4.00 a pint.  Call 570-905-7387 with your order.  Pick-up orders on Friday’s from 4:30 p.m until 7:00 p.m. at the rear door of the Church.  Homemade pirohi will also be available for $8:00 a dozen.  All proceeds to St. Michael’s.

SCRANTON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
The Scranton Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will conduct a Lenten Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Diocese of Scranton Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA. The retreat will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will end with mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral at 12:10 p.m. The speaker will be Megan Murphy (www.meganmurphyministries.com). Megan is a dynamic woman of faith who will talk about the inestimable value of confession, prayer, suffering, and sacrifice – some of the greatest gifts Christ has given us, which we often undervalue, avoid and even reject. All Catholic women are invited to attend. A full breakfast will be served. The cost is $20. Please send your reservation with payment to: Helen Oravec, 814 Theresa Street, Peckville, PA 18452. The reservation deadline is Friday - March 24th.  Contact Judith Poltanis at 570-470-1536, Mary Lloyd at 570-578-6720 or Nancy Addley at 570-536-4466 if additional information is required. 

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.