Our Parish Staff

Pastor Rev. Stephen A. Krawontka

Deacon Carl S. Albright

Administrative Staff Jill Bailer, Marie Risboskin

Directors of Religious Education

Jennifer Pearson Ascension Parish

Danielle O’Neill St. Katharine Drexel Parish

Ascension Parish and

St. Katharine Drexel Parish

612 Hudson Street Forest City, PA 18421

Web Address: apskdp.org

Phone............................570-785-3838 Email .......................apskdp@nep.net

Parish Office Hours.................................Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Office closed 12—1 pm for lunch After hours—emergencies only: 570-785-7856

Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil Mass .............................................................................. 4:00 PM St. Joseph Sunday Masses......................................................8:00 AM St. Juliana 9:30 AM St. Joseph 11:00 AM St. James Daily Mass Monday, Wednesday, Friday................................................................. 8:30 AM St. Joseph Tuesday, Thursday.................................................................................... 9:00 AM St. James Holy Day Masses Vigil................................................................................................................. 5:30 PM St. James Holy Day.............................................................................12:00 PM & 6:00 PM St. Joseph Confessions .................................................................................... Half hour before masses

Sacramental Life

Sacrament of Baptism: Because of the importance of the celebration of the sacrament of baptism, please consider carefully the man and woman of faith you choose to inspire and educate your child in the ways of our faith for the entirety of their lives. Godparents must be practicing Catholics and submit a certificate of eligibility from their parish prior to the Baptism.

Please call the office for information regarding Sacrament of Marriage, Natural Family Planning, Anointing of the Sick, and the R.C.I.A. Program.

Mission Statement

Filled with faith, hope and charity, the faithful of Ascension and Saint Katharine Drexel parishes are united as disciples of Jesus Christ. With Christ and under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to continue to celebrate the faith and traditions of the Catholic Church. We seek to inspire others to build a closer relationship with God by reaching out in love through worship, prayer, fellowship, and sharing the Gospel.

Our core values: Celebration ~ Tradition ~ Hope ~ Charity ~ Resilience

OCTOBER 11, 2020 TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Week of October 12, 2020

Monday, October 12

8:30 AM-St. Joseph Frank Carra by Wife Dolores

Tuesday, October 13

9:00 AM-St. James Mass of Healing for John Ferrick

Wednesday, October 14

8:30 AM-St. Joseph Prayers for Alex Marques who is

serving with the US Marines at Parris

Island, NC by Russ Alvero

Thursday, October 15

9:00 AM-St. James

Friday, October 16

8:30 AM-St. Joseph Sophie Urbas by Bernice Lukus &

Family

Saturday, October 17

4:00 PM-St. Joseph Sophie Urbas by Sandy & Frank Shema

Sunday, October 18

8:00 AM-St. Juliana Diane Stiles by Pete & Denise Vauter

9:30 AM-St. Joseph Sophie Urbas by Evelyn Pantzer

11:00 AM-St. James William Fives by Van Nguyen & Family

Sanctuary Candle Week of October 11 – October 17

St. Juliana Gene & Michael Skoski by Betty Skoski

Bread & Wine

Sunday, October 18 St. Joseph 9:30 AM

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ferraro by Family

MASS BOOK – OCTOBER The Mass, Bread & Wine, and Sanctuary Candle books for the month of OCTOBER 2020 is now open. If you would like an offering please call the office or email apskdp@nep.net. Masses requested will be limited to two per family, per year.

ASCENSION & ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISHES

ONLINE GIVING! Ascension & St. Katharine Drexel Parishes now offer Online Giving, a web-based electronic contribution application. We are providing this service so that you have the option to manage your contributions online or with your offering envelopes. This service is safe and secure and it is convenient for you. Sign up for Online Giving by visiting our parish website at www.apskdp.org and selecting the Online Giving link and then selecting the appropriate parish link.

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 12th IN OBSERVANCE OF

COLUMBUS DAY.

Ascension Parish Collection Report September 26 & 27, 2020

Weekly Envelopes $3161.00

Other Parish Envelopes $170.00

Loose $49.00

Total Parish Collection $3380.00

Second Collection $15.00

Diocese Envelopes $54.00

Prior Year Parish Total – Sept 28 & 29, 2019

$3759.00

Saint Katharine Drexel Parish Collection Report September 26 & 27, 2020

Weekly Envelopes $707.00

Other Parish Envelopes $38.00

Loose $23.50

Total Parish Collection $768.50

Second Collection $52.00

Diocese Envelopes $38.00

Prior Year Parish Total – Sept 28 & 29, 2019 $1595.00

Second Collection This Weekend: Deficit Reduction

Next Weekend: World Mission Sunday

MASS INTENTIONS & MEMORIALS PARISH FINANCES

OCTOBER 11, 2020 TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14 GOSPEL REFLECTION BY DCN. CARL ALBRIGHT Invitations can be risky. When we send them out, we don’t know who is going to reply. We take a chance, write them and send them, and then we prepare, hoping that somebody will arrive. So it seems to be with God. The Good Lord invites, but does not force. Jesus shepherds, but does not corral. Psalm 23, which begins, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want,” is one of the most recognizable psalms. If someone mentions that they have a favorite psalm, it’s often this one. God’s loving care is shown to be like the care of a shepherd for the flock, like the generosity of a host toward a guest. These images are ancient, yet we still relate to them. I sometimes think this psalm has a perfect mix of triumph over enemies and restful tranquility. The words of Jesus, today, though, offer even more than triumph and tranquility. They offer challenge. Like last week’s Gospel, Jesus again speaks to the leaders of the day. This parable, again, is more than just a happily-ever-after story. We see that some persons actually turn away from the banquet of the psalm. Some are too busy with the pursuits of life; others are too plain mean. However, there is also the addition of the unwelcome guest. In refusing to put on a wedding garment, the unwelcome guest has refused to repent, to change his heart and mind. The conversion required for entrance into the kingdom must be lived out. It must be loved out, sincerely. In the parable’s tragic wailing and grinding of teeth, we see that a Christian who lacks the wedding garment suffers the same stark fate as someone who has rejected the love of Jesus. Many are invited, but few are chosen. In our lives, we can ask, in what ways is the Holy Spirit actively inviting us to the banquet—to the wedding feast of the Son of God? Are we responding as someone who has been chosen? Our world today can be accurately described as tumultuous. Into this environment, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has just given us an encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship.” In the week ahead, consider opening your heart to read this teaching. Then, perhaps reflect on how we as individual Catholics, as a parish, and as Church—as the eternal bride of Christ—might respond in the light of the Gospel, for the

good of our neighbors, for our salvation, and for the glory of God. AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. WORLD MISSION SUNDAY Next weekend we will celebrate World Mission Sunday. Pope Francis invites the entire Church to support mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe, where priests, religious and lay leaders serve the world’s most vulnerable communities. Please keep the Pope’s missions in your prayers and be generous in next week’s collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

CCD NEWS

Ascension Parish CCD is for students in grades 1-8. Classes will continue through May 2021. This year

we will be implementing a new and engaging curriculum in an on-line format with the possibility of returning to in-person instruction at a future date. It will be in a Family Catechesis format where students will be responsible for completing all work and assessments online.

If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Pearson at apfcreledu@gmail.com or 570-960-1824.

We are on Facebook! Please like and follow us at facebook.com/ascensionparishfcpa

St. Katharine Drexel Parish CCD classes for grades 1-8 Classes will be live virtual classes on Sundays from

9:30 - 10:15. If you have any questions, please contact Danielle

O’Neill at 570-642-1190.

OCTOBER 11, 2020 TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

CEMETERY GUIDELINES Some points to consider: artificial flowers, wreaths and similar decorations are not permitted from April 1st to November 1st; walking and exercising of pets is not permitted; and no ATV’s, golf carts, motorbikes, skateboards, or bikes are allowed in the cemetery. A complete list of guidelines are in the churches, or contact the Parish Office. SUPPORTING OUR PARISHES We wish to sincerely thank all our parishioners that have made a sacrifice and are giving what they can to our parishes. Even though our Masses have resumed it is with a limited number of parishioners, our expenses continue, and we still need your help. We know this pandemic has affected our families in many ways, and we appreciate that you include our churches in your budget. It truly reflects how faith-filled and considerate you are. Envelopes can be mailed to the office or dropped through the mail slot of the office door at 612 Hudson Street, Forest City, PA 18421. You can now also give online at apskdp.org and select Online Giving. Thank you for your unceasing goodness and generosity throughout the year. PARISH OFFICE The Parish Office is now open to the public. If you need to conduct business, please ring the doorbell to enter. Masks must be worn at all times while in the office. The office hours are Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The office is closed from Noon to 1 PM. We encourage parishioners to continue to put items you are dropping off through the mail slot at 612 Hudson Street, Forest City, PA 18421. Thank you for your cooperation.

ANNUAL CHICKEN BBQ The Browndale Fire Company will conduct its annual Fall Chicken BBQ on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at the Browndale Fire Station located on Route 247, 620 Marion Street, Browndale. The "drive through only" hours for serving are from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Tickets are $10.00 and are available from any member or at Red Cross Pharmacy, 420 Main St., Forest City (570-785-5400); NAPA Auto Parts, 429 Main St., Forest City (570-785-9000) or by calling the fire station at 570-785-5300 and leave a message, visit our web site at www.43fire.com or our Facebook page. Tickets are advance sales only. Proceeds from the BBQ to benefit the all volunteer Browndale Fire Company. Thank you for your support!

Prayers for the Sick: John Ferrick, Mark Polednak, Charlie Matthews, Vickie Ravnikar, Maury Urmanec, Phyllis Flynn, Caitlyn Vauter, Susan Carpenter, Mary Connors, William Manko, Jr., Amelia Giorgano, Ella Pearson, Marian Rushen, Erin Andersen, Lydia Jones, Joelle Zukosky, Kerry Henderson, Carol Bishop, Judith Lapenta, Geri Duplatre, Bud Peter, Diane Kimberley, Michael Murnin, Tom Fitzpatrick, Brian Rock, Joe Sprovkin, Carl Poterjoy, Walter Welicka, Gerrit Vanderwell, Patricia Simpson, Ruth ”Rudy” Peterka, Barbara Scott, Mary Lynott, Kathleen Connor, Patricia Connor Mader, Joyce Skinner, Darlene Hamlyn, and Cheryl Williams. To submit a name, call 785-3838. Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them, O Lord: James McCusker, Donald Slish. To submit a name, call 785-3838.

OCTOBER 11, 2020 TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHURCH DOORS WILL BE LOCKED AT THE START OF MASS TO ENSURE WE DO NOT HAVE MORE THAN 25% OCCUPANCY IN THE CHURCH.

GUIDELINES FOR MASS ATTENDANCE IN THE GREEN PHASE OF OPENING **The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still suspended at this time.**

Maximum attendance is up to 25% of church capacity, as space allows, maintaining proper

social distancing at all times. Each individual must have a reservation to enter the church and attend Mass. Everyone must provide their own mask and wear it at all times. Please stay home if you are sick. If you seem ill or have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be

allowed to enter for Mass. Everyone is required to keep social-distance spacing while moving or while seated. Entrance will be through one door. For entrance, please keep social-distance spacing when

outside. After you enter you must sanitize your hands. Sign of peace and the collection process are omitted. A receptacle for the offertory/envelopes

will be placed in a stationary location. Communion will be at the end of mass. Social-distance spacing should be maintained while

walking to the Priest/Deacon or Eucharistic minister. When it is your turn to receive Communion, take the host, lift your mask, and place it in your mouth. It is highly recommended to receive communion on the hand for the safety of yourself and the Priest/Deacon or Eucharistic minister distributing communion. You will not be able to return to your pew. You must depart the Church after receiving the Holy Sacrament.

Exit will be through one door. You may not socialize or gather after mass in the church or in the parking lot.

The Mass intentions for the week will be posted in the church. Our bulletin can be found on our website: www.apskdp.org.

249 Sunrise AvenueHonesdale, PA

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MACHEK FUEL

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Home Credit Cards Heating Sales and Accepted Oil Service

570-785-5885

Jones & BrennanFuneral Home

John P. Brennan, Supervisor570-785-3500

430 Main Street • Forest City

Richard R. KresockInsurance Agency

Auto • Home • Life • Business570-785-5454

414 Main Street

The Red School HouseServing Steaks, Seafood & Pizza

570-448-2130Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch & Dinner

www.TheRedSchoolHouse.com

ALLAN A HORNBECK CHEVROLET INC. • 570-785-3144 400-402 MAIN STREET • FOREST CITY, PA 18421

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(570) 785-9500518 Main Street

Forest City, PA 18421

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