1st Sunday of Lent February 18, 2018

The Catholic Community of Bradford

St. Francis of Assisi 15 St. Francis Drive

Website: www.stfrancisomph.com

Our Mother of Perpetual Help (A Secondary Mission Church)

St. Bernard of Clairvaux 95 East Corydon Street

Website: www.stbernardcatholic.org On-line giving: www.osvonlinegiving/1845

Very Rev. Raymond Gramata, V.F. Pastor

Rev. Stanley Swacha, Senior Associate

P.O. Box 2394 • Bradford, PA 16701-5394 Phone: (814) 362-6825 • Fax: (814) 362-1479

Email: sboffice@atlanticbb.net

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Francis of Assisi

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Mission Church

GUESS WHAT’S HERE!

CHICKEN &

BISCUIT

DINNER

February 24, 2018

3 3 3 3 ———— 7 PM7 PM7 PM7 PM Fr. Leo J. Gallina Social Center

$10 Adults / $5 Children under 12 Dinner includes beverage, salad & dessert

� With Real Mashed Potatoes �

TAKEOUTS AVAILABLE � � � � 50/50

Tickets available

in the Parish Office or at the door

Benefits St. Bernard Church

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH BRADFORD, PA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018

Do we really understand the words we hear the priest say during the Mass? We have heard them and

we think we may understand, but still are not sure. I will give you a few examples: Oblation means

offering; Charity means love, more so than charitable acts.

In the creed that we pray together on Sunday, we hear the word consubstantial with the Father. The

word means “of the same substance”; in another word, God. Also, we hear the phrase “and by the

Holy Spirit, was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man”. These words mean that Mary had

Jesus, in a most special way, placed in her womb by the Holy Spirit. In another words, there was no

intimate relationship, which is why we also say that Mary remained a Virgin.

The one phrase that might confuse you the most is from the Second Eucharistic Prayer: “By sending down your Spirit upon

them like the dewfall”. Dewfall refers to the manna that God gave to the Israelites to eat during the Exodus. The Israelites

called “manna” the food from heaven. Jesus said: “I am the bread of life: whoever comes to me will never hunger and

whoever believes in me will never thirst.” The Jews murmured because he said: “I am the bread that came down from

heaven.’’ (John 6:34-45)

As we find ourselves in the first full week of Lent, I’d like to share with you this thought by Neale Donald Walsch:

“Yearning for a new way will not produce it. Only ending the old way can do that.

You cannot hold onto the old, all the while declaring that you want something new.

The old will defy the new;

The old will deny the new;

The old will decry the new;

There is only one way to bring in the new. You must make room for it.”

Lent is about making room for the new. As Jesus said in today’s gospel, “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and

believe in the gospel.” Have a happy journey this Lent, as you let go and continue to discover the God who loves you.

Happy Lent!!! Fr. Ray

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

Catholic Women: March 13 @ 6:30 pm in Fr. Gallina Social Center 50+ Club: March 14 @ 11 am in Fr. Ritchie Hall RCIA: Feb 18 & Mar 4 REP 1-8: Sun @ 9 am, Feb 25 & Mass REP 9-11: Sun @ 5:45 pm, Feb 25, Mar 4 & 18 Rosary Altar: March 8 @ 6:30 pm in Fr. Ritchie Hall Prophets Class: Feb 22, Mar 1, 7, 15, 22 @ 6:30 pm in Fr. Ritchie Hall Widows Group: Tues, Feb 20 @ 1:00 pm in Fr. Gallina Social Center

Parish Office Hours:

Monday 9am - 4pm

Tuesday-Friday, 8am - 4pm

ST. BERNARD ST. BERNARD ST. BERNARD ST. BERNARD ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE

SCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOL

Mon Feb 16-19 — Presidents’ Day Weekend NO SCHOOL OR CARE

Wed, Feb 21, 10 am Mass—Grade 2 & 3

PLEASE CONSIDER PLEASE CONSIDER PLEASE CONSIDER PLEASE CONSIDER Some of our St. Bernard cleaning crews are in need of re-inforcements. Can you spare an hour or two once a month to assist in the dusting & vacuuming, etc. in God’s house?Please call the Parish office at 362-6825 to find out what teams are in need of more helping hands.

PANCAKE PANCAKE PANCAKE PANCAKE BREAKFASTBREAKFASTBREAKFASTBREAKFAST

SUNDAY, February 18, 2018 ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH CENTER

Division St. Mt. Jewett, PA 9AM to 1 PM

Adults $6.00 Children 12 and under $3.00

THANK YOU TO

BRADFORD MANOR

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

Visit the Diocese of Erie Family website at:

http://www.eriercd.org/fam.htm and discover why families always matter!

www.osvonlinegiving/1845

OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

St. Bernard - Needed Weekly: $9,129 Feb 4th Collection…..$ 6,171

Communications Collection…$ 1,147 Jan On-Line Donations….…..$ 1,895

SB 2018 CSA Assessment….$ 37,338

St. Francis of Assisi - Needed Weekly: $6,250 Feb 4th Collection…...$1,980

Communications Collection....$ 532

SF 2018 CSA Assessment ……..$ 28,275

1. Please write separate checks for weekly and other collections. 2. Make sure your checks are made out to your home parish and signed.

3. Please do NOT staple or tape your envelope closed.

Thank you!

1ST SUNDAY OF LENT1ST SUNDAY OF LENT1ST SUNDAY OF LENT1ST SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018

STATIONS OF THE CROSSSTATIONS OF THE CROSSSTATIONS OF THE CROSSSTATIONS OF THE CROSS Wednesdays at St. Francis of Assisi

Church at 5:30 pm

Thursdays at St. Bernard Church at 7 pm with confessions following.

600 Pennsylvania Ave. West Warren, PA 16365

A message of HOPE that will change your life forever. Be encouraged & inspired.

LENTEN RESOURCES LENTEN RESOURCES LENTEN RESOURCES LENTEN RESOURCES

The Office of Parish Social Ministry and Respect Life is offering resources for individuals and families for the Lenten season. These resources include weekly Scripture for reflection, service project suggestions and additional resources for assisting families in preparing for Easter. This is a great opportunity for families to find ways to devote time to scripture and service together.

Access these resources at http://www.eriercd.org/justice.htm.

OPERATION RICE BOWLOPERATION RICE BOWLOPERATION RICE BOWLOPERATION RICE BOWL Rice Bowl envelopes are in the envelope packets for your convenience or you can

mark “Rice Bowl Donation” and church name on a plain en-velope any time during Lent. Your Operation Rice Bowl con-tributions help support Catholic Relief Services, which fights poverty and hunger in the US and 10 countries.

FAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFE Jesus went into the desert to put his life in perspective. This lent, take a fresh look at a difficult relationship in your life. Concentrate on the positive things that person does, not just the negatives. Try to understand why their behaviors ‘bug’ you. Can you honestly share your feelings with them without attacking them? Make Lent a time to MEND and FORGIVE!

ST. ELIZABETH, ST. ELIZABETH, ST. ELIZABETH, ST. ELIZABETH, SmethportSmethportSmethportSmethport Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday,

February 25 @ 11 amFebruary 25 @ 11 amFebruary 25 @ 11 amFebruary 25 @ 11 am

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018

MARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTS Ways to Turn Your Beloved Off #10 - Let your body lan-guage show disdain or contempt. Rolling your eyes, a scowl, ignoring a request by walking away can speak louder than a yell. Check out any belittling mannerisms you may have that hurt your spouse.

2232 Mens Conference March 3, 2018, 9 am

2401 W 38th St, Erie, PA Contact: 814-455-7364

For more information or to register online vis-it: www.2232men.com

University of Pittsburgh at University of Pittsburgh at University of Pittsburgh at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Bradford Bradford Bradford

Empty Bowls & Empty Bowls & Empty Bowls & Empty Bowls & Baskets DinnerBaskets DinnerBaskets DinnerBaskets Dinner

Thursday, March 15, 2018 Mukaiyama University Room

5:00 – 7:00 PM Admission to the event is $10.00.

Guests are served a simple meal of soup, bread, beverage and dessert and are invited to keep a ceramic bowl, basket or set of napkins as a re-minder of the ongoing fight against hunger.

If you are interested in donating a crockpot of soup or a batch of cookies, please contact

Carma Horner at 362-7609 or email clh71@pitt.edu.

4th Annual

Women’s Conference

Saturday, April 21 8 AM - 3 PM

Our Lady Of Peace Church 2401 W 38 St, Erie, Pennsylvania 16510

There is a bus leaving from St. Bernard for this event. Res-ervations for the bus have been extended to Monday, March 13, 2018. There is limited space and parishioners will be given first choice. The bus will leave from St. Francis parking lot at on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 6:30 am and return at about 5:00 pm. Cost is $64 which includes bus, conference and meals and there are “scholarships” available. We want every woman of the parish who wants to have the opportunity to experience this conference. Please contact Teri Everett (412-400-0544), Kim Graham (814-598-4570) or April Lang (814-558-8861) to make reservations and for more information.

2018 EASTER FLOWER 2018 EASTER FLOWER 2018 EASTER FLOWER 2018 EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPESENVELOPESENVELOPESENVELOPES

There is a special envelope in your monthly envelope packet for Easter

Remembrances. Please enclose your donation and clearly print the names of the Living or Deceased people you want remembered on the lines provided on one side of the enve-lope. If you do not receive envelopes, you can use a small plain one. Please put your envelopes in the offertory or drop them off to the parish office by Friday, March 21st.

YOUR 2018 CSA HELPS SUPPORTYOUR 2018 CSA HELPS SUPPORTYOUR 2018 CSA HELPS SUPPORTYOUR 2018 CSA HELPS SUPPORT • Parish projects

• Catholic Charities' nine affiliate agencies and multiple

programs: More than 57,000 men, women and children

of all faiths received services last year.

• Support and advice for administrators and teachers of

the 38 Catholic schools

• Scholarships for Catholic school students – CSA provided

more than $500,000 in scholarships for needy students

• Continuing education opportunities for catechists

• Youth rallies

• Bishop’s breakfast program for the homeless Rural

ministries

C r a f t

S h o w

St. Joseph’s Rosary Society invites you to

Come Join Us...

Saturday, March 3, 2018

9 am to 3 pm

ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH CENTER

Division St., Mt. Jewett, PA

1ST SUNDAY OF LENT1ST SUNDAY OF LENT1ST SUNDAY OF LENT1ST SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018

First Week of Lent — 2018

BULLETIN INFORMATION MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING BY NOON ON FRIDAY

2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BULLETIN DATE.

PASTORAL STAFF: Very Rev. Raymond C. Gramata, Pastor Rev. Stanley Swacha, Senior Associate

Mrs. Linda Cecchetti, Principal SBS

OFFICE HOURS: Monday: 9 am to 4 pm

Tuesday - Friday: 8 am to 4 pm Ms. Wendy Thomson, Financial Manager

Ms. Kathy Bryant, Secretary

MASS SCHEDULE: Please consult bulletin

CONFESSIONS: St. Bernard — Saturdays from 4:30 to 5 pm before 5:15 mass, Thursday before First Friday from 4:30 to 5 pm. St. Francis — After 9 am mass on Saturdays. Private appointments may be made by calling the Parish Office (362-6825).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (REP) Students not attending Catholic school should be enrolled in REP programs. St. Bernard, St. Francis and OMPH Religious Education programs are combined. Grades 1 through 8 meet on Sunday mornings at 9 am at St. Bernard in Fr. Gallina Social Center and grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation) meet at St. Francis in G. Carlton Ritchie Hall at 5:15 pm on Sunday. Both programs begin in September.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): We welcome all inquiries about the Catholic faith. This process begins in the fall of the year. Please call the Parish Office for further information.

ST. BERNARD ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE SCHOOL: 450 West Washington Street: serving students, preschool through eighth grade. Open to parishioners, Catholics from other parishes and those of other faiths. Offering Extended Care before, during, and after school. For complete information, please call 368-5302.

MEMBERSHIP: All Baptized Catholics should be registered, practicing and supporting members of a Parish. Only properly registered members appear on our parish list and are eligible to receive the benefits of parish membership for sacraments, and educational opportunities (including tuition assistance) at our Catholic School. Each parishioner is called upon to practice good stewardship of time, talent and treasure. If you are not currently receiving envelopes, you may not be registered. Call the Parish Office - we would love to meet you!

MARRIAGE: Couples need to contact a priest at least six months before their wedding. Registered and active participation needs to be considered before marriage.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Please call the Parish Office to request the Sacrament of the Sick for family members who are seriously ill. Communion for the sick is taken to the hospital, nursing homes, and the home-bound on a regular basis.

BAPTISM: Both parents must attend the Pre-Baptism Preparation Program. Please call the St. Bernard Parish Office for dates and times of upcoming class. Baptisms are scheduled after completing the program. Call the Parish Office to schedule the class and baptism. Godparents must be at least 16, confirmed and active, registered members of their parish.

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Religious Education:

Grades 1-8, 9 am Sunday mornings at St. Bernard Grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation), 5:45 pm Sunday

evenings at St. Francis

Liturgical Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors

Music Director Kathy O’Mara Organist St. Francis Michael Hicks Resurrection Choir Tubby Colella God’s Housekeepers Parish Office Liturgy Fr. Raymond C. Gramata

Parish Community St. Bernard School Linda Cecchetti, Principal Parish Council Fr. Raymond Gramata Catholic Women’s Club Teri Everett Rosary Altar Society Joan Hoffman Telephone Prayer Chain - Natalie Marasco (363-9110)

Cover photos by LongArt Photography

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORDCATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORDCATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORDCATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018FEBRUARY 18, 2018

WORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFE

"A Nation That Kills Its Own Children Is A Nation Without Hope." ~ Pope John Paul II ~

LENTEN PRAYER LENTEN PRAYER LENTEN PRAYER LENTEN PRAYER O God, send me Your Spirit that I might go through this day with grace and joy, recognizing that Your myste-rious touch in all my words and ac-

tions—even the painful ones. Holy Spirit, thank you for all Your gifts and graces, and I now come to You with my own prayers. (Spend ten minutes sitting quietly with God.)

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTS

Please Pray for the Following Priests

Sun, Feb 18 - Rev. Paul S. Siebert Mon, Feb 19 - The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico Tues, Feb 20 - Rev. Joseph V. Wardanski Wed, Feb 21 - Rev. Msgr. Gerald T. Ritchie Thurs, Feb 22 - Rev. Rocco A. Tito Fri, Feb 23 - Rev. Thomas J. Whiteman Sat, Feb 24 - Rev. Marc A. Stockton

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK OF OF OF OF FEB 19 FEB 19 FEB 19 FEB 19 ---- 25 , 201825 , 201825 , 201825 , 2018

Weekday masses are held in the Divine Mercy Chapel

Monday, February 19 SB 8:00 am All Parishioners SF 9:00 am Humbert Piscitelli (Louise Stoltz) Tuesday, February 20 SF 9:00 am Zenaide Verolini (Rita Verolini) Wednesday, February 21 SB 8:00 am Robert Evan, Sr. (Ron & Kathy Symington) SBS 10:00 am Nick & Minnie Camas (Family)

SF 5:30 pm — Stations of the Cross Thursday, February 22 SB 8:00 am Raphael Carvelli (Kathy & Ron Symington) SF 9:00 am All Souls in Purgatory

SB 7:00 pm — Stations of the Cross Friday, February 23 SB 8:00 am Wilhelm Potkovick (Family) Saturday, February 24 SF 9:00 am Rick Wareham (Family) SB 5:15 pm Robert Cuthbertson (Zippo/Case HR) Sunday, February 25

SF 8:00 am Cynthia Whyte (Chris Pehonsky & Rosanne Strotman) SB 10:00 am Richard L. Brown (Resurrection Choir) OM 11:30 am John McGrail (John & Debbie Place)

(Weekly confessions Saturdays after 9 am mass at St. Francis and before 5:15 mass at St. Bernard)

St. Francis Sanctuary Light this week In Prayer for Anne Miller

*******************

Note to the parishioners of Saint Francis:Note to the parishioners of Saint Francis:Note to the parishioners of Saint Francis:Note to the parishioners of Saint Francis:

I wanted to make you aware that there are many St. Fran-cis/OMPH masses throughout 2018 open for intentions. If there are any open dates and no intention is assigned, I will assign the intention for the Souls in Purgatory.

Fr. Ray Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering:

Thomas Ackley, Virgil Anderson, Michelle Allen, Betty Baliski, Bill Baynes, Barb Bernheisel & Foster Family, Shirley Black, Barbara Boser, John Bove,

Mary Brzenski, Tom Burke, Annie Champagne, Dick Clark, Billie Cummins, Bob Curcio, Paul Curcio, Charlotte Cuthbertson, Helen DeFrank, Paul Eakin, Michael Eaton, Helen Ewell, Rose Feldhaus Family, Alliyson Feldman, Ysbella Feldman, Pat Geary, Pat Girard, Ken Hall, Pearl Harris, Susan Hamric, Brandon M. Henry, Jill Henry, Sandy Holsinger, Kathy Howe, James Kibby, Bill Kline, Rita Leone, George MacFarlane, Sr., Kaylee Marsfelder, Colleen McNamara, Shannon McNamara, Mariana Militelo, Anne Miller, Joe Monago, Lou Monti, Frank Organski, Cheri O’Mara, Courtney Prentiss, Lori Rigowski, James Romanelli, Tim Romanelli, Cindy Sayers, Caro Simonds, Steve Skaggs, Dan Songer, Hailey Smith, Lillian Stoddard, Bonnie Swackhamer, Matthew Whelan, Corrine Wilson, Richard Yovichin, Liza Zurat

May they be strengthened by the healing presence of God’s Spirit.

MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES FEB 24 FEB 24 FEB 24 FEB 24 ---- 25, 201825, 201825, 201825, 2018

Saturday, February 24 SB 5:15 pm Lector: Paul Curcio EM: Kathy & Randy Durner/ Cliff Ackley Servers: Cara & Laryssa Webster

Sunday, February 25 SF 8:00 am Lector: Rita Verolini EM: April & Chuck Lang/ Deb Woodley Servers: Samantha Soyke/ Noah Meyer

SB 10:00 am Lector: REP Student EM: Doris Hungiville/ Lynn Hogue/ Volunteer Servers: Tim & Clare Mulcahy/ Christian Peterson

OM 11:30 am Lector: Mke Kozminski EM: Dawn Kozminski Servers: Jacob Hannahs

Hospital/Pavilion: VOLUNTEER Chapel Ridge: Chuck Lang

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF FEB 18, 2018READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF FEB 18, 2018READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF FEB 18, 2018READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF FEB 18, 2018

Sunday: Gn 9:8-15/Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 10]/ 1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15 Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 [Jn 6:63b]/Mt 25:31-46 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11/Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 [18b]/Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10/Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 [19b]/ Lk 11:29-32 Thursday: 1 Pt 5:1-4/Ps 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6 [1]/Mt 16:13-19 Friday: Ez 18:21-28/Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 [3]/ Mt 5:20-26 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 [1b]/Mt 5:43-48 Next Sunday: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Ps 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19 [9]/Rom 8:31b-34/Mk 9:2-10

GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERS GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERS GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERS GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERS FEB 19 - 23: TEAM 2: D. Jadlowiec/ P. Foote/ V. Comilla/ D. & L. Williams/ K. Smeal/ D. Housler