SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, PRAY FOR US! Parish Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm
Mass Schedule
Vigil Mass
(Saturday) 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Mass
8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Weekday Mass
M,T,W,F 8:30 a.m.*
Confessions before daily
Mass; Saturday 4:15 p.m.
The Parish in the heart of the Endless Mountains Serving Bradford County since 1841
SACRAMENTS
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated Sundays after the 11:00 a.m.
Mass. First time parents are asked to attend a welcoming session prior to
baptism. Godparents are asked to present a sponsor card. Please call the
parish office as soon as possible after your child’s birth to plan his or her
baptism.
The Sacrament of Marriage—engaged couples should notify the pastor
at least six months prior to their proposed date. Couples participate in a
preparation program.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick—please call the parish of-
fice for visitation of the sick at home, in the hospital, or health care facili-
ty.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the official process used
by the Church to bring adults into the Catholic faith.
SPIRITUAL DEVOTIONS
The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed
in common before weekday Masses.
The Perpetual Novena of the Miracu-
lous Medal is prayed in common every
Monday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.
Eucharistic Adoration is held from 9:00
a.m. on the Thursday preceding First Fri-
day until 2:00 p.m. on Friday in Grotto
Hall and the church.
Sacred Heart Devotions are prayed in
common after First Friday Masses.
Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of
Mary are prayed in common after the
First Saturday Masses.
Parish Prayer Line requests
Call Annette at 570-265-9691.
Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini
*No Mass 12/26;
12/29 Thursday 8:30 am
The Nativity of the Lord † December 25, 2016
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you
who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2: 11
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
SS. Peter & Paul Parish, a community of faith called by God to deepen
our relationship with Jesus Christ, serves the Lord by sharing our time,
talent and treasure. As disciples of Christ, we are called to bring Jesus
Christ to ourselves and others: our children, the sick, the poor, the fallen
away Catholics and those who need to hear God’s message of uncondi-
tional love and forgiveness. SS. Peter & Paul Parish is a beacon of light
rooted in Jesus Christ, passed on to his successor, our Holy Father the
Pope, and is guided by our local bishop to build the Kingdom of God on
Earth. It is our mission to shine the light of Jesus Christ in our world and
to spiritually enrich the individual members of the parish as well as the
larger community through word, worship, sacrament and service.
St. Agnes School Parish Dates To Remember
Dec 25: Christmas Day Mass 10 am
(only the 10 AM Mass on Christmas Sunday)
Dec 26: No Mass; Parish office closed
Dec 29: 8:30 am Mass Thursday
Dec 31: Vigil Mass at 5:00 pm
Jan 1: Solemnity of Mary Masses at 8 & 11 am
No CCD classes
Jan.2: No Mass; parish office closed
Jan 3: RCIA 7 pm Grotto Hall
Jan. 5: 8:30 am Mass Thursday
Eucharistic Adoration begins 9 after Mass
Jan. 6: First Friday Mass 8:30 am
10:15 am Mass at Bradford County Manor
Jan. 7: First Saturday Mass 8:30 am
Jan. 8: St. Agnes PTG Breakfast postponed to Jan. 29
CCD Classes resume
Jan. 9: 175th Anniversary Committee 5 pm Grotto Hall
Saints Peter & Paul CCD Sundays 9:15-10:30 in St. Agnes School
Dec. 25—No class - Jan. 1—No Class
Upcoming Meetings in Grotto Hall
RCIA: Dec. 27 in Grotto Hall at 7 pm
Bible Study Program
Interest Sheet at the entrance to the church
At the most recent Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)
meeting, members indicated that parishioners are ask-
ing for Bible Study programs to continue while the
ARISE program is not in session. Responding to this
request, the parish is looking for three or four days/
times in which a program of this nature can be offered.
The PPC is hopeful that at least three days and times
can be established and that there would be 6-8 parish-
ioners that would be willing to facilitate these offer-
ings. Having multiple day/times would allow for in-
creased parishioner opportunity, and having facilita-
tors would make the program work efficiently. We
are looking to begin this program in January – if you
are interested please sign the Bible Study sheet at the
entrance to the church and indicate day/time and if
you would be open to facilitate a session.
The Super Raffle winners are announced as follows.
First Prize, Helen Finlan; 2nd, Ann Marie Bluhm; 3rd,
Todd & Karla Green; 4th-11th: Joyce Van Dusen,
Bruce & Rita Kennedy, Don Shaffer, Troy Guthrie
Clinic, Tonya Barnett, Joe McReer, Kim Long, Echo
Smith; 12th-21st: Henry Farley, April Whitbeck, Bob
Holcomb, Sheena Bride, Lindsay Lupher, Virginia
Bell, Brad Fassett, Kathleen Schmieg, Natasha Falsey,
Ryan & Kara Eberlin. Congratulations!
House Blessing
Anyone in the parish who would be interested
in having Fr. Ed come to their house to bless their
home is asked to contact the rectory 570-265-2113
with a January date and time that would be convenient
for Fr. Ed to visit your home.
Thank You for Providing the Parish Bulletin We are very grateful to the businesses that take an ad
in our parish bulletin, which cover the cost of our
weekly publication. Be sure to consult their ads on
the pack page; consider using their services whenever
you can; and when you see them, thank them for
their support of our parish.
Barrett Law Offices
Bowen Funeral Homes
Duval, Reuter & Pruyne
Bob Hugo
Richard M. Farley
JoAnne Kizer
Knights of Columbus
McGuire’s Septic
Ottaviani Optometry
Leslie Wizelman
Barbara Yanak
A Special Anniversary in 2017?
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bam-
bera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office
for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their
25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2017 to a diocesan
Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 11. The
event includes a 2:30 PM mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral
followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation,
with a mailing address, should be made through your
pastor before March 13.
Don’t Forget to Get Your . . .
2017 Contribution Envelopes in the back pew
2017 Calendars in the back of the church
Matt Kelly’s book RESISTING HAPPINESS also in
the back of the church
Word of Life
“I came so that they might have life
and have it more abundantly.”
~ John 10: 10
Liturgical Ministers Dec. 31 - Jan. 1 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Brandon Dickerson, Joanne & Patrick Barry Sun. 8:00 am: Sonia Huff , Hank & Louise Schelter 11:00 am: Wendi & Gary Raupers, Kathy Joyce Lectors: Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Patti Meredith Sunday 8:00 am: Theresa Sparrow 11 am: Debbie West Altar Servers: Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Max & Lara Vega Sun. 8 am: Volunteers 11 am: Katherine West Musicians Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Murray O’Donnell Sun. 8 am: George Dzus, Marie Seibert 11 am: Joe Dorsey, Cindy Williams Hospital & Personal Care Home: Sonia Huff
Altar Care 12/31/16 Jackie Johnson
Linda Kocan, Todd Kilmer
Collection Counters 12/27 Team A
Mass Intentions Dec. 24 - Jan. 1 The Nativity of the Lord
Saturday, Christmas Eve
4:00 pm: Our Parishioners
6:00 pm: Our Parishioners
10:00 pm: Intentions of the Priest
Sunday, Christmas Day
10:00 am: Our Parishioners
Monday: No Mass
Tues. 8:30 am: Martha Wassel (Daughter)
Wed. 8:30 am: Pauline M. Geiger
Thurs. 8:30 am: Gloria Mras (Jacob Hoffmann)
Fri. 8:30 am: All living & deceased members of the
Paquette, O’Steen and Bryington Families
(Tricia Bryington)
Sat. Vigil 5:00 pm: Robert Bustin (Rita & Mary Bustin)
The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Sunday 8:00 Our Parishioners
11:00 am: Intentions of Joe & Mary Dorsey
(Beverly) Offertory December 11, 2016
Sunday Offering $ 3,241.25
Retirement Fund for Religious $ 270.00
Special Envelopes $ 155.00
Thank you for your generosity!
Second Collection
The second collection this week is the Christmas Collec-
tion; next week will be for the Care & Education of
Priests.
Sanctuary Lamps burn this week for:) Anne & Bill Sullivan (Kathy & Mary Alice)
Lyle Williams (Robert & Shirley Barrett
James & Mary Bustin (Rita & Mary Bustin)
Mother Theresa of Calcutta
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak
but their echoes are truly endless."
Merry Christmas! This weekend is the last weekend of the year and the final bulletin for 2016.
Where did the time go? This weekend , however, we especially celebrate a more
important reality, the Incarnation—God making himself present to us in human
form, becoming like us in all things but sin.
As we enjoy the company of family and friends, as we give and receive pre-
sents, as we recall and share stories of people and events gone by, let us allow God
to place the story of his love for us into our hearts. Let us, in the days and years
ahead, live in imitation of Jesus and love as he loved.
Many events and activities have occurred in the life of our parish this past
year. We are extremely grateful for the blessings that God has provided our parish and for the dedication and
generosity of the parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Parish.
May we be blessed with a Happy, Holy, Healthy New Year! Fr. Ed
You Definitely need to Check This Out - Spiritual Formation Opportunities
The parish has been able to negotiate access to Spiritual Formation materials covering a broad range of
topics and for all ages.. This access is on a trial basis for the month of December; we are working to extend
this access into January.
This is a great resource for kids and adults in the parish. Anyone in the parish can access this infor-
mation by going to the website; www.formed.org and entering at the Login use the following:
Email; demo @ formed.org with Password: Immaculate (case sensitive)
Fr. Ed is very interested in hearing what you think about these materials – one way or the other.
RICHARD M. FARLEY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
———————————
521 MAIN STREET 570-265-4993
TOWANDA, PA 18848 FAX: 570-265-5996
e-mail: [email protected]
Knights of Columbus TOWANDA COUNCIL, No. 3915
7 Poplar St., Towanda PA 18848
Meetings 2nd/4th Wednesdays at 7 pm
Contact: 570-265-2113
If you would like to join our parish, contact: SS. Peter & Paul Church—106 Third St.—Towanda PA 18848
Call 570-265-2113 or email [email protected]
REQUEST FOR PARISH REGISTRATION FORM
Name ____________________________Date__________
Address____________________________________________
City,Zip _________________________Phone _____________
ST. AGNES SCHOOL A Roman Catholic School of the Diocese of Scranton
Pre-K (3 & 4 Years of Age) to Grade 6 Middle States Accredited (570) 265-6803 102 Third Street
Towanda PA 18848
www.edline.net/pages/StAgnes
570-268-7653 570-888-2202
PLEASE THANK
these SPONSORS
Of our
Parish bulletin
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS_
Rosie Beale; David Walsh Brubaker; Kathy Campbell; Patricia Coleman;
David Conklin; Margaret DeMarco; Patricia Dibble; Joe Dorsey; Stephanie
Duggan; Margaret Dunkle; Mike Dunkle; Helen Finlan; Richard J. Finnegan;
June Goodrich; Jim Grimes; Sally Groff; Ann Thompson Haglich; Linda
Hilscher; Evelyn Hoff; Glenna Hoffman; Adam Kelly; Timothy Leo Lenox;
Connie Leone; Annette McClure; Deany McGarrigle; Mickey McGarrigle;
Debra McGovern; Sharon Mahaffey; Margaret Miller; Nate Miller; Charles
Palmer; Kathleen Lenox Reider; Eugenia Serpe; Craig Sullivan; Mackenzie
Kempner Taylor; Dennis Trask; Lani Wood.
To add a name to this published Prayer List, call the office at 265-2113 or email your request to [email protected].
OTTAVIANI OPTOMETRY
1932 GOLDEN MILE RD 55 MAIN ST P.O. BOX 599 P.O. BOX 505 WYSOX PA 18854 WYALUSING PA 18853
PHONE: 570-265-6816 PHONE: 570-746-1610
Your Ad fits HERE
Call 570-265-2113
SS. PETER & PAUL CEMETERY JAMES STREET - N. TOWANDA
2 AND 4 Grave Lots Available
Business Office: 106 Third St., Towanda PA 18848 570-265-2113
BARRETT LAW OFFICES Patrick J. Barrett, III
Attorney and Counselor at Law
507 West Pine Street 21 Troy St. - PO Box 157 Athens, PA 18810 Canton, PA 17724 570-888-0297 570-673-5180 Fax: 570-888-4142 or 570-364-5799 [email protected] Fax: 570-673-5780 [email protected]
#1 in the #2 Business
Residential - Commercial
Oil Field
Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm
Weekends by Appointment
Pumping - Tank Installation
Tank Location - Broken Pipes
Repairs - Chemicals
Pump Repairs - Tank Replacement
A Community Funeral, Cremation, and Memorial Resource Service Owned & Operated by the Bowen Family
Providing Professional Services that Respond to Personal Needs
Complete Pre-Arranged Funeral Planning — Burial And Cremation Services.
Out-Of-Town Receiving and Transfer Service, Monument Service
www.bowenfuneralhomes.com
Bowen-Farr Funeral Home
570-258-3456
6 Gordon Farr St.—Ulster, Pa. 18850
Brandon B. Allis
Funeral Director—Supervisor
sor
Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home Inc.
570-265-2272
217 York Ave., Towanda PA 18848
James A. Bowen
Funeral Director, Owner / Supervisor
ADVERTISE HERE
Call 570-265-2113
“In the Footsteps of Christ” Season 4 Lent 2017
Please visit us at: www.ARISETowanda.weebly.com Like us on FaceBook at: www.facebook.arise.towanda.pa
FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS
DUVALL, REUTER & PRUYNE 14 Park St. Towanda PA 18848 570-265-2115 www.pruynelaw.com
Quality Legal Services Since 1969
James A. Pruyne, Esq. Christopher S. Bradley, Esq.
1841– 2016
SS Peter
and Paul
Church
