“What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you, so that you may share life with us.” 1 John 1:3

July 29, 2018 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

ST• JOHN THE EVANGELISTROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH

OUR PASTORAL LIFE CENTER752 Big Oak RoadMorrisville, PA 19067215.295.4102Fax 215.295.3128sjeoffices@stjohnpa.org

OUR OFFICE HOURSMonday to Friday9 AM - 5 PMNo office hours on Saturday or Sunday,except by appointment

OUR MASS SCHEDULESunday Vigil Mass: Saturday 4:00 PMSunday: 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AMWeekdays Monday - Saturday 8:00 AMASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY - A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATIONTuesday, August 14 at 5:30 PMWednesday, August 15 at 8:00 AM, 7:00 PMTHE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSIONSaturdays: 2:45 PM - 3:45 PMTuesdays following 8:00 AM Daily MassOther times by appointment

St. John the Evangelist Vacation Bible School 2018

OUR PASTORAL STAFFOur PastorReverend Timothy F. O’Sullivanthepastor@stjohnpa.org

Our Weekend AssistantReverend Patrick Brady

Our Parish DeaconsDeacon James E. HartmannDeacon Robert P. Gellentien

Our Pastoral Associate and Directorof Liturgical MinistriesSister Marganne Drago, SSJext. 116 • srmdrago@stjohnpa.org

Dear Friends,

This week I conclude the true story of the remarkable events that took place in a prison in Mississippi in the early 1940’s. If you did not have the opportunity to read my last three columns, please call the rectory and Maureen will mail you copies of them; my column this week only makes sense after reading my three previous columns.

During his two weeks reprieve, Claude generously offered his sacrifice and prayers for his fellow prisoner, James Hughes. Two weeks later, Claude was finally put to death by the electric chair on February 4, 1944. Concerning Claude’s death, Father O’Leary testified: “I’ve never seen anyone go to his death as joy-fully and happily as Claude Newman. Even the official witnesses and the newspaper reporters were amazed at Claude’s peaceful demeanor. They said they couldn’t understand how anyone could go and sit in the electric chair while at the same time be actually beaming with happiness.” Three months later, on May 19, 1944, James Hughes - the prisoner who Claude had offered his sacri-fice for - was to be executed. Father O’Leary recalled, “This man was the filthiest, most immoral person I had ever come across. His hatred for God and for everything spiritual defied description.” Hughes would not allow a priest or any clergyman in his cell. Just before his execution, the county doctor pleaded with him to at least kneel down and say the “Our Father” before the sheriff came for him. The prisoner spat in the doctor’s face. When he was strapped into the electric chair, the sheriff said to him, “If you have something to say, say it now.” The condemned man started to curse and blaspheme. All of a sudden, he stopped his horrendous outburst, and his eyes became fixed on the corner ofthe room, and his face turned to one of absolute horror. Suddenly he screamed in terror - a horrible scream that shocked everyone present. Turning to the sheriff, he then begged, “Sheriff, get me a priest!” Father O’Leary had actually been in the room because Mississippi law at that time required a clergy-man to be present at all executions. (The priest, however, had hidden himself behind some reporters because Hughes had threatened to curse God if he saw a clergyman.) Upon calling for a priest, Father O’Leary immediately went to the condemned man. The room was cleared of everyone else, and the priest heard the man’s confession. The man said he had been a Catholic but turned away from his religion when he was eighteen years old because of his immoral life. He confessed all of his sins with deep repentance and intense fervor. While everyone was returning to the room, the sheriff asked the priest, “Father, what made him change his mind?” “I don’t know” said Father O’Leary, “I didn’t ask him.” The sheriff said, “Well, I will never sleep tonight if I don’t ask him.” The Sheriff went to the condemned man and asked, “Hughes, what changed your mind about seeing a priest?” The prisoner responded, “Remember that black man Claude – the one whom I hated so much? Well he’s standing there [and he pointed], over in that corner. And behind him, with a hand on each shoulder, is the Blessed Virgin Mary. And Claude said to me, ‘I offered my death in union with Christ on the Cross for your salvation. She has obtained for you this gift of seeing your place in Hell if you do not repent.’ I had been shown my place in Hell, and that’s why I started screaming.” James Hughes was executed as scheduled, but the heavenly appearance of our Blessed Mother with Claude Newman and the subsequent vision of Hell had instantly converted his soul in the last moments of his earthly life. With the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Father O’Leary had taught Claude to unite himself with the suffering of Jesus by offering his own sufferings to Him, just as we all can do for others, and Claude’s suf-fering helped to pay the price for James Hughes remarkable last-minute conversion and repentance.

As she did during her life on earth, Mary wants nothing more than to help us draw closer to her son. With her aid, her example and her intercession, may we do all we can to be close to, and stay close to, her Son!

Through the intercession of Saint John the Evangelist, may we be living examples of the gospel that he has handed onto us! Fr. O’Sullivan DAILY MASS INTENTIONS

Daily Mass intentions for 2018 are still available for the months of October, November and December.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

7:30 AM Joan Stich, requested by the Marquis Family9:30 AM Alice Benzinsky, requested by Lisa Petrino11:30 AM The Stephen Inciardi Family, requested by John and Mary Jo Crea

Monday, July 30: Saint Peter Chrysologus8:00 AM William Rossi, requested by the Rossi and Meyer Families

Tuesday, July 31: Saint Ignatius of Loyola8:00 AM Brother Joseph A. Fee, SJ, requested by Jim and Donna Higgins

Wednesday, August 1: Saint Alphonsus Liguori8:00 AM John Platko, requested by Kathy and Tom Giordano

Thursday, August 2 Saint Eusebius of Vercelli8:00 AM Mary Gilchrist and Ed Kiernan, Jr., requested by the Kiernan Family

Friday, August 3: Friday in Ordinary Time8:00 AM Tina Fitzgerald, requested by Rosemary and Dale Goode

Saturday, August 4: Saint John Vianney8:00 AM Our Priest and all Priests, requested by the Blue Army4:00 PM John B. Amadio, requested by JoAnne and Craig Wentzel

Sunday, August 5Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:30 AM All the Members of our Parish9:30 AM Craig, Pat and David Heiser, requested by the Sargent Family11:30 AM Edward Kiernan, requested by Edwin Neuman

Sunday, July 29 No Events Scheduled

Monday, July 30 Sister Marganne’s Summer Adventure Series, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Sister Marganne’s Summer Adventure Series, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Tuesday, July 31 Confessions, immediately following 8:00 AM Mass Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 8:30 AM to 6:50 PM Summer Open Gym Night for Jr. CYO, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Benediction, 6:50 PM to 7:00 PM Blue Army Holy Hour, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Summer Open Gym Night for HS CYO, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Wednesday, August 1 Rosary at Manor Care, 6:15 PM to 6:45 PM Thursday, August 2 No Events Scheduled Friday, August 3 Divine Mercy Chaplet, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Rosary, 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Saturday, August 4 Miraculous Medal Novena, immediately following 8:00 AM Mass Confessions, 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM

Sunday, July 29Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

ST• JOHN THE EVANGELISTROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH THIS WEEK AT

REST IN PEACEIn your kindness, please pray for the happy repose of the souls of

Sarah Skarulis,mother of Catharine Skarulis Amato

and

Merriam Brelsford,mother of Paula Parker

May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

BAKERY BASKET NEXT WEEKENDThe Bakery Basket, sponsored byWomen of the Word (Thank you ladies for sponsoring!) will be held next Sunday, August 5th after the 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM Masses in the Deacon James Hartmann Meeting Room. Please stop by and enjoy food and friendship with family and friends. All are welcome!

WELCOME DEACON JONATHAN!On Saturday, June 2, 2018, Archbishop Chaput ordained sixteen men from across the Archdiocese, as Deacons for service in the Church. One of these men, Deacon Jonathan Hess, has been assigned to Saint John the Evangelist Parish for his Diaconate ministry. Deacon Jonathan presently lives in Chester County, but he and his family will be moving to Yardley in mid-July. Deacon Jonathan will begin his service amongst us sometime in mid-August soon after he and his family settle in their new home. Please welcome Deacon Jonathan and his family to our Parish when he arrives.

HOSTS FOR CELIAC DISEASEWe have special hosts available to anyone who suffers from Celiac disease. Only those who suffer from Celiac disease may use these hosts. Please see Father O’Sullivan or Father Brady before Mass.

IT'S NOT FROM THE PARISH!Please be advised that there is a nationwide scam that has af-fected several parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This particular scam is titled the “Gift Card” scam. In this scam the parishioners of a parish are the targets. An unknown person creates an e-mail address account which con-tains the pastor’s name or the name of the church. An e-mail is then sent to the parishioners requesting them to purchase a gift card and proceeded to tell the unknown person the num-bers off of the back of the cards. After the person received the numbers, they stopped sending emails. While there has been no indication that such emails have been received by our parishioners, the Archdiocese has asked that we inform our parishioners of the potential scam. If you receive any emails or solicitations that seem 'odd', please call the Parish Office to verify that it is authentic or not.

193 St.John the Evangelist

Page 3 ~ July 29, 2018

Next Sunday’s Readings – August 5, 2018Prepare for Sunday Mass by reading, reflecting and praying the readings with family and friends.Reading 1Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15Responsorial PsalmPsalms 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54Reading 2Ephesians 4:17, 20-24AlleluiaMatthew 4:4BGospelJohn 6:24-35

ADMINISTRATION

PARISH ORGANIZATIONSAdoration Society: Maria DiDonato, Cynthia Mariotti Adult Faith Formation: Sister Marganne Drago, 215.295.4102Aid for Friends: Mary Africa, 215.428.9581Altar Servers: Father Timothy O’Sullivan, 215.295.4102Community Food Dr.: Cathy & Joe McLean, 267.833.3177Blessed Counters: Father Timothy O’Sullivan, 215.295.4102CYO Athletic Directors: Mike & Mary McGill, 215.337.8282Disability Advocate: Kathy Ross, 215.736.8017Extraordinary Ministers Holy Communion: Sister Marganne Drago, 215.295.4102Faith in Action/Staying Put in Bucks County: Susan Cridge, 215.295.5726 Funeral Liturgy Assistance: Rosemary Goode, 215.493.7424Hospitality/Bakery Basket: Ann Damron, 215.736.3527Knights of Columbus #7515: Grand Knight, Joseph Retallick, 267.997.1087 Lectors: Sister Marganne Drago, 215.295.4102Men’s Faith Share: Vince Bodnar, 215.321.5155Pastoral Council: Magda Manetas, 215.295.2512Prayer Network: Lisa Petrino, 215.295.6468Seton Society: Tom Brunner, 215.734.3031Social Concerns Committee: Diane Coyle, 215.493.8472Ushers/Greeters: Father Timothy O’Sullivan, 215.295.4102Women of the Word Prayer Group: Connie Drummond, 215.493.5857

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICKRobert Amadio, Helen Bahmiller (mother of Lynn Alexander),

Nancy Baradziej, Michael Barkovich (son of Michael and Diana Barkovich), Tom Biester, John Camerlengo,

(brother of Carmine Camerlengo), Kathy Camerlengo (niece of Carmine Camerlengo), Claudia (5 yrs. old - grand-daughter of Karen and William DiBraccio), Noreen Conlin

(mother of Frank Traynor), Louis D., Edward, Dennis Flynn (daughter-in-law’s father of Chris and Diane Ledes), Patricia

Funk, Mark Gellentien (son of Robert and Jeanne Gellentien), Margaret Gillespie (mother of Terry Gillespie), Gail I. (friend

of Mary DiTanna), Joseph Jaconski (brother of Mary DiTanna), Ann M., Sean Marriott (6 yrs old - requested by the Knights of Columbus), Bernard Matulis, Gregory O’Brien (brother of Diane Ledes), Angela Planche (friend of Elisa Costas), Helen

Sargent (wife of Raymond Sargent), Milt and Bettyanne Simonds (mother and father of Elizabeth Simonds),Patti Stracci (friend of Kevin and Rosemary Hayes),

Derrick and Marty Warren, and all residents of Manor Care and Arden Court.

Come, Let Us Worship The Lord!On the Weekend of July 14/July 15, 2018259 people joined us at our 4:00 PM Mass;182 people joined us at our 7:30 AM Mass;205 people joined us at our 9:30 AM Mass;

and 203 people joined us at our 11:30 AM Mass.

Thank You For Making The Lord A Priority In Your Life!

God Bless Our Service MembersPlease keep in your thoughts and

prayers all service men and women, along with their family members, when

so many are far from home throughout the world.

We are forever grateful for all the sacrifices that they and their

families have made.

Lt. Timothy Abbracciamento (son of John and Ana Abbracciamento)

Lt. Commander Matthew Piasecki

(nephew of Alan and Linda Marquis)

Majors David and Ann Driscoll(grandchildren of Joseph and Mary Loncosky)

Chief Petty Officer Jim Buckley, USN(cousin of Linda Russell)

Second Lt. Daniel P. Cummings(son of John and Christina Cummings

Ensign Stephanie G. Radzinski, USN(daughter of Rick and Maria Radzinski)

Third Sunday in July 2018 Regular Sunday Collection $ 11,970Number of Envelopes 345Third Sunday in July 2017Regular Sunday Collection $ 13,508Number of Envelopes 365YTD Collection (July 1, 2018 – July 15, 2018) $ 35,590 Average Number of Envelopes 335

Thank you for your continued generosity!

193 St.John the Evangelist

Summer Open Gym NightsEvery Tuesday night, JR CYO (6th, 7th & 8th grade) will meet from 6 to 8 PM, while the HS group will meet from 8 to 10 PM.

Save the Date!Youth Ministry is hosting a “Family Fun Fest” on Saturday, Sep-tember 15th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There will be a bounce house and games for the kids, food and fellowship! BYOB event!New this year - Family Fun Fest will be ending with a Family Movie Night! Once the sun goes down, a movie will be projected outside!

Jr. CYO Retreat TeamIf you are entering high school this coming Fall, and would like to be on the Jr. CYO Retreat Team, please email Meghan! Duties will include meetings twice a month, as well as attendance on the full retreat day in November.

Youth Ministered MassesStarting on September 30th, every last Sunday of the month at the 11:30 AM Mass, will be a “Youth Ministered Mass.” The youth of the parish will participate in assisting with the collections, the gifts, lectoring, singing, etc. If your son/daughter would like to partici-pate in one of these Masses, please email Meghan! A sign up will be sent out shortly via Flocknotes!

AbbeyfestAbbeyfest: Faith, Music and Family, will be held this year on Sep-tember 22nd in Paoli. If you would like to attend, tickets are avail-able at http://www.theabbeyfest.com.

Page 4 ~ July 29, 2018

Youth Ministry AnnouncementsYouth Minister: Meghan Horn

http://www.stjohpa.org/youth-ministry or 215-295-4102

PREP HAPPENINGSBarbara Ann Nuzzolo, Director of Religious Education

SEE MORE ABOUT PREP ON THE WEBSITE: http://www.stjohnpa.org/PREP or call 215-295-9239

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK

CYO Soccer and Cross Country Registrations are OPEN

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS

Our Upcoming Second CollectionIn your generosity, please remember:

August 18-19, 2018Catholic University of America

CYO NEWSThe Archdiocese of Philadelphia Region 19 CYO is in need of two volunteers for the Soccer and the Basketball Program. Each Sport Commissioner shall coordinate the scheduling of that CYO spe-cific sport athletic activities and shall represent Region 19 CYO at all Diocesan and Region sport specific athletic meetings. If you need any additional information please contact either:Joe Ryan at jrstrider8@aol.com; or Doug Bartlett at trinitytrack@comcast.net

PREP registrations were distributed to each student in the classroom in April. Reminders were sent by HONEY-WELL and emails. Anyone who is currently enrolled in the PREP program is asked to return the completed registration form that was given out in class. The deadline for the family discount was May 1, 2018. The PREP office will reopen August 22, 2018. At this time with the deadline so far off, I cannot guarantee that the session you desire will be able to be given. Catechists, staff and supplies were ordered the last week of June. The memo in the bulletin gave June 10, 2018 as the last possible date for the paperwork to be completed to reserve the session (Sunday or Monday) that best fits into your personal schedule. Some class numbers have reached the maximum and you will be assigned to a given session when the paperwork is pro-cessed in August. Students will not automatically be registered. Be-cause of the cost of books and the need to approach dedicated Catechists for teaching next year, I ask PREP registration be a top priority. We can only provide the best PREP program be-cause of the huge amount of cooperation that I always receive. Each family will receive a bill for tuition during July 2018. Thanks to all of you!

Soccer is for any St. John the Evangelist Parishioners from Pre-K through

8th Grade and High School Girls.Cross Country is for any St. John the Evangelist Parishioners,

3rd - 8th Grades.

Both Soccer and Cross Country seasons start August 1st.

Please log onto www.wagdogs.com to register.

If you have any questions regarding St. John’s CYO program,

STUFF THE BUS CAMPAIGNPlease join Catholic Social Services of Bucks County as we as-sist our neighbors in getting ready for Back to School! We are proud to partner with other Bucks County agencies in seeing that EVERY child has the opportunity to start the school year right with needed supplies! YOU can ensure that every child receives a backpack of the supplies that schools require by donating new school supplies to the STUFF THE BUS campaign. Suggested items: pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, crayons, backpacks, art supplies.STUFF THE BUS donations will be accepted at our Levittown location, on the grounds of St. Michael the Archangel parish, 100 Levittown Pkwy, starting Monday, July 30th through Mon-day, August 13, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please call 215-945-2550. Thank you for helping our Bucks County kids!

Page 5 ~ July 29, 2018 Knightly NewsSOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE(socialconcerns@stjohnpa.org)

What can our faith community do to minister to those with mental illness and their fami-lies?“Spirituality is a universal truth and an individual journey. When we begin an inward jour-ney of self-discovery, we find that we are led back into the community and caring for others.During bleak times, fertile ground may be found. When a person begins to live in, embrace, or befriend it, God’s presence is often revealed.When persons with mental illness are able to use their faith and spirituality as a source of healing and support, they discover a renewed sense of vision, hoped possibilities for the future.” Rev. Schroeder“Bear on another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

FUTURE EVENTS:Christmas Bazaar Meeting: August 8, 2018, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, in the Parish ReligiousEducation CenterFeed My Flock: August 19, 2018, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, in the Pastoral Life CenterSocial Concerns Meeting: August 22, 2018 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM,, in the Parish Religious Education CenterShared Meal: August 24, 2018, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, in the Parish Religious Education CenterBlessings in a Backpack Collection: August 25 - August 26, 2018 (This is a collection of backpacks and school supplies for needy children - more info to follow!)Sewing/Knitting/Crocheting/Craft Meeting: August 27, 2018, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, in the Parish Religious Education Center

DONATIONS: (Please leave in the St. Gianna room )Backpack Center – ketchup, mustard, or mayoHomeless/Those in Need- personal care products (shampoo, soaps, shaving cream, razors, deodarant, etc.)Soldiers’ Ministry - used cell phones or chargers***Christmas Bazaar and Lunch with Santa - December 1st*** MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

PASTORAL CARE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Knights of Columbus Council 7515 are conducting their Annual Memorial Brick Campaign. Order forms for memorial bricks are at the Knights table in the vestibule of the church. Memorial Bricks ordered by the end of July will be installed and dedicated in the fall.

ANNUAL MEMORIALBRICK CAMPAIGN

USED TOY COLLECTIONWe are collecting slightly used puzzles, toys, games and dolls for the underprivileged children at Christmas. Donations may be placed in the Saint Gianna Room. For large items, please call Gini Campbell at 215-369-3527. WE KINDLY REQUEST NO BRO-KEN TOYS OR STUFFED ANIMALS.

2018 MARRIAGE PREPARATION BROCHURESFOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

If you are engaged and wish to get married in the Catholic Church we have brochures in the Parish Office with dates for

upcoming Marriage Preparation classes and the steps you need to take or you may visit

PhillyCatholicMarriagePrep.com. for more information.

Come to Saint John’s for our next Summer Spiritual Adventure!

On Monday, July 30th, our Spiritual Adventure will explore the life and challenges of Servant of God Lucia Santos (one of the three Fatima children) and Venerable Fulton J. Sheen (well known Catholic radio and television “star”).

Whether we know a lot or hardly anything about these saint-ly people, why not come and discover how trials, challenges, joys, and the hand of God can continue to impact our per-sonal life?

The presentations are offered by Sister Marganne twice on Mondays - at 1:00 PM and repeated again at 7:00 PM in our air-conditioned Pastoral Life Center.

WHAT IS F.O.C.U.S.?Dan Robinson is a F.O.C.U.S.(Fellowship of Catholic Uni-versity Students) missionary serving at Montclair State University in New Jersey, but currently lives in Yardley and graduated from the University of Maryland. F.O.C.U.S. is a Catho-lic collegiate outreach whose mission is to share the hope and joy of the gospel with college students. As a missionary, Dan will encounter students in friendship no matter the standing of their faith, invite them into a personal relationship with Je-sus Christ and accompany them as they pursue lives of virtue and excellence. Through Bible studies, outreach events, mission trips and one-on-one discipleship, mis-sionaries inspire and build up students in the faith, send-ing them out to spread the good news. Dan will be speaking the weekend of August 4th and 5th after all of our Masses to share a little bit more of this mission and his personal story of how F.O.C.U.S. has made a difference in his life of faith, because he needs our help. In order for him to be able to function on campus he needs ‘Mission Partners’ to support him both prayerfully and financially. These are people who are willing to donate a set amount each month allowing him to live near campus. His ‘Mission Partners’ are ex-tremely important to him and very much needed. If this is something that you feel called to do, he will be in the back of the Church after Mass next weekend, after his presentation, to collect your contact information. (Dan also attends daily Mass in our Chapel each morning if it is more convenient for you to speak to him during the week.)