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

Established in 1848

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.

The Baptism of the Lord † January 11, 2015

Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini

MASS SCHEDULES AT AREA CHURCHES

Canton, St. Michael: 6:00 pm Sat., 9:30 am Sunday

9:00 am Th, F, in Rectory; call parish 570-673-253

Dushore, St. Basil: 4 pm Sat., 9:00 & 11:45 am Sunday

8:00 am M, F; call parish 570-928-7972.

Ralston, St. Aloysius: 8:00 am Sunday

Sayre, Epiphany: 4 pm Sat., 8:00 & 11:00 am Sunday

7:00 am & 12:10 pm M-F; call parish 570-888-9641

Troy, St. John: 11:30 am Sunday

5:30 pm Tues.

Wyalusing, St. Mary: 5 p.m. Sat; 11:00 am Sunday

Call parish 570-746-1006 for daily schedule

See Diocesan web site www.dioceseofscranton .org (Churches/Mass Times)

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens

being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens,

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1: 9-11

St. Agnes School

This Sunday, January 11, the St. Agnes PTG

is offering their monthly breakfast in the St.

Agnes gym from 8-11 am; —at a family-

friendly price for a nice hot meal among

friends.

Youth Group

The Parish Youth Group (Grades 9-12) will meet this Sun-

day, Jan. 11, from 6-8 pm in St. Agnes JFK Hall. Bring a

friend, learn something, share something, get involved,

have a good time--all are welcome. Should anyone have

any questions, please feel free to call Brandon at 570-637-

0756.

CCD Every Sunday Jan. 11: Classes resume at 9:15 am

Jan. 18: No class

Parish Dates To Remember

Jan. 11: St. Agnes PTG Breakfast 8-11 am Jan. 12-21: Father Ed away; no weekday Masses Jan. 18: No CCD classes Jan. 18: Rally for Life 2 pm Towanda Court House Jan. 22: Washington DC March for Life bus trip Jan. 24: Breakfast at Harkness’ 9:15 am* Jan. 26: 175th Anniversary Committee Meeting *reservations call Nancy 570-721-1062

Diocesan Annual Appeal To all who have already pledged to the Diocesan Annual

Appeal, “Thank You!” At present, 190 parish families

have pledged a little over $31K to the annual Appeal.

Your generosity and concern for the people and families in

need in our community and Diocese is greatly appreciated.

If you have not made a donation and would like to do so,

please contact the parish office or use one of the Diocesan

Appeal envelopes at the entrance of the church; no dona-

tion is too small or too large. —with $2K additional, we

will reach our goal. Again, “Thank You!” Cursillo 2015

Even though the dates are well in advance, please begin to

make serious reflection about making a Cursillo in the

Spring of 2015. In addition to the spiritual benefits, you

will gain new and helpful insights into living a happier and

more meaningful life.

Men: March 19-22 Women: April 23-26

Watch for additional information in the bulletin and/or see

John Demangone or Fr. Ed 570-265-2113. Fr. Ed will be

attending the Men’s Cursillo in March 2015.

Feast of

The Baptism of the Lord

“Like Jesus at his baptism,

we are also identified at our baptism

as God’s beloved child.

What does being a child of God mean to me?”

On page 143, our Sunday Missal (blue book) offers this

question for our reflection, as we consider the meaning of

this episode in our Gospel reading today (Mark 1:7-11)

and what it says to us today. Ask yourself that very ques-

tion, and then take time to listen for your response.

Ronald McDonald House of Danville

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Food Check-out Week

begins this week through February 13. Non-perishable

unexpired food items are needed, as well as cleaning,

laundry, personal care and paper products, and some of-

fice and home supplies; a complete list is posted on the

bulletin boards in the rear of the church, or call the parish

office for a copy. The Ronald McDonald House offers a

home away from home for families with seriously ill fam-

ily members being treated at Geisinger Hospital of Dan-

ville, PA. Product tabs are also collected to defray costs;

gift certificates usable in Danville/Bloomsburg areas for

Wal-Mart, Staples and Kohl’s are also helpful. There will

be a collection box in the rear of the church for your do-

nations, until February 13, 2015.

Is 2015 an Anniversary Year for you?

If you will be celebrating 25 or 50 years of marriage in

2015, you may wish to be included in the Diocesan cele-

bration on June 21: a Wedding Anniversary Mass and Re-

ception hosted by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera in Scranton.

To apply for an invitation, contact us before March at the

parish office, 570-265-2113 or stppp@epix.net.

Pro-Life: Towanda Rally for Life Jan. 18, 2015

On Sunday, January 18, Bradford County Pennsylvanians

for Human Life will sponsor a Rally for Life at 2 pm in

front of the Court House in Towanda; from there, we will

take a short march down Main Street to the Presbyterian

church for an interdenominational pro-life prayer service.

Parishioners are encouraged to show support for the ongo-

ing fight to protect the life of every human being. If una-

ble to march that day, join the group at the church on

Court Street; if unable to attend, remember to pray for the

protection of life.

Pro-Life: Washington March for Life Jan. 22, 2015

Join us at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. The bus leaves K-Mart at 5:30

am (other pickups in Sayre, Wyalusing and Tunkhan-

nock); cost $60 (full/partial scholarships are available!).

Contact Marie Seibert 570-265-3122 ASAP if interested.

Bulletin Advertisers

The parish would like to thank

McGuire Septic Service

for their continued support to our parish through their ad in

the Parish Bulletin. The parish appreciates their ad and we

ask our parishioners, if you need their services, to contact

them; tell them that you found their number in their ad on

the back page of the SS Peter & Paul Bulletin.

Liturgical Ministers Jan 11—18 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic Saturday 5 pm: Bob & Jackie Pyznar, Sharon Kaminsky Sunday 8 am: Greg Steele, Hank & Louise Schelter 11 a.m.: Barb & Ed Krauss, Laurie Stroud Lectors Saturday 5:00 pm: Abby Zampogna Sunday 8:00 am: Carol Brubaker 11:00 am: Bob Gisler Altar Servers Saturday 5:00 pm: Ali & Gary Raupers, Connor Hart Sunday 8 am: Dominic & Luke Tavani, Max Vega 11 am: Hannah & Sam Tavani, Mason Hartmann

Musicians Saturday 5:00 pm: Joel Christian Sunday 8:00: am: George Dzus, Theresa Sparrow Sunday 11:00 am: Cindy Williams

Hospital & Personal Care Home: Mary Alice Demangone Bradford County Manor: Mary Pfeffer

Altar Care 1/17: Kathy Becker, Helen Santiago,

Mary Theresa Jurnack

Collection Counters 1/12: Team A

Mass Intentions Jan. 11 - 18 -

Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm: Robert & Rita Fairchild (P.J. & Sarah Fairchild) Sunday 8:00 am: Our Parishioners 11:00 am: Howard Ace (Jim Lenox) No Weekday Masses this week Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm: Our Parishioners Sunday 8:00 am: Ann Burchill (Helen Finlan) 11:00 am: Brennan and Cabucci Families (Marla Brennan)

Offertory December 28, 2014

Christmas $ 14,314.25

Sunday Offering $ 3,863.55

Special Envelopes $ 75.00

Thank you for your generosity.

Second Collection.

This week is the monthly parish Aid to Education collection;

next week is the annual insurance and tax collection for the

parish.

Summer Mission Experience for High School Juniors

A faith-based mission journey for students in their Junior

year of any high school is planned for July 6-18, 2015 in

northern Mississippi, and for teachers interested in being

chaperones. Applications are due before Jan. 26, 2015; a

copy is posted on the church bulletin board, or contact the

parish office or Fr. Ed for more details, 570-265-2113.

Church Contribution Records

A parish contribution record will be sent to anyone who

requests one this year for your tax records. Contact the

office by phone 570-265-2113 or email stppp@epix.net.

If you wish to make any additional contribution to

be credited to 2014, we should have it by January 12.

The best way to receive credit for your weekly

gifts is with the envelope system; contact us if you need a

set for the coming year. You may also enroll in an auto-

matic monthly deduction as a regular and uninterrupted

offering of a specific amount to the church, which is help-

ful to many busy people, especially for those who are

away for a long period as are our “snow bird” parishion-

ers. Contact the office for details.

Word of Life

“Are we moved by the suffering of those without shelter?

Do we seek to alleviate the fear, confusion and panic that

women facing unexpected pregnancies may be experienc-

ing? Do our hearts ache for elderly patients in nursing

homes who feel abandoned and unwanted, having no one

to visit them?

Our mission is to show each person the love of

Christ. As uniquely created individuals, we each have

unique gifts which we are called to use to share Christ’s

love.”

~Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Chairman,

USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, 2014 Respect

Life Month Statement.

Help for Hurting Marriages

If you are considering separation or divorce, if there is

little meaningful communication, then the Retrouvaille

program can help. This program helps couples rediscover

a more loving relationship and helps put the pieces back

together. The next local program will be Feb. 27-Mar. 1,

2015 in Clarks Summit. Registration is necessary but all

calls are confidential; cost is by donation. Call 1-800-470

-2230 or visit http://www.retrouvaille.org/ for more infor-

mation.

Welcome Fr. Langan

Fr. Ed will be away Monday, January 12, through

Wednesday, January 21, 2015. We welcome Fr. Langan

and appreciate his presence in helping our parish by cele-

brating the liturgies next weekend, January 17-18, 2015.

There will not be a weekday morning Mass from Monday,

January 12 until Thursday morning, January 22.

Help Remove Decorations This Sunday

Volunteers are needed to help take down/put away the

Christmas decorations in the church after the 11 am Mass

this Sunday, January 11, 2015.

Planning Ahead

Two events for men in the coming months and one event

for women:

Men: Cursillo March 19-22, 2015 and

Diocesan Men’s Convocation, Sat. April 25, 2015

Women: Cursillo April 23-26, 2015

Information concerning making a Cursillo is available at

the entrance to the church and page 2 of this bulletin; more

information concerning the Men’s Convocation will be in

future bulletins.

RICHARD M. FARLEY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

———————————

521 MAIN STREET 570-265-4993

TOWANDA, PA 18848 FAX: 570-265-5996

e-mail: rmfarley@epix.net

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 stppp@epix.net

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

Dandy Mini Mart

A dandy place to run for those extras!

Over 72 locations to serve you!

PLEASE THANK

these SPONSORS

Of our

Parish bulletin

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS_

George Allen; Mary Allen; Anonymous Request; Christine Bedford; Edith Brennan; Julia Brown;

Otto Brown; David Brubaker; Jack Carman; Robert Coles; Joan Cowles; Sue Daly; John Thomas

Demangone; Ann Dennis; Richard J. Finnegan; Eugene Gisler; Sally Groff; Ann Thompson

Haglich; Billy Hollenback; Linda Hollenback; Betty Johnson; Howard Kerr; Barbara Korb; Joyce

Kuykendal; Connie Leone; Frank Lindsey; Sharon Mahaffey; Mary Ellen Marshall; Joe Miksis; Mary Miksis; Steven

(Nate) Miller; Mary Lou Muchichko; Jim Nalisnick; Gloria Nilsson; Mary Paquette; Joe Perechinskey; Diane Place;

Bev Place; Matt Pritchard; Alex Rabago; Delia Rabago; Rita Sasso; Richard Schmieg; Ed Slocum, Jr.; Jerry Smith;

Joanne Smith; Marie Smith; Robert Spaulding; Paula Stover; Ed & Barbara Ulatowski; C. Michael Vaughn; Elsie

Zurn; also Felis, Grace, Venus, Zaida, Edna, Rita & Tita.

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

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 & Counselor at Law

21 Troy St. PO Box 157 96 Hayden St. Canton PA 17724 Sayre PA 18840 570-673-5180 570-888-0297 or 570-364-5799 Fax: 570-888-4142 Fax: 570-673-5780 barrettathens@cqservices.com. patbar.law@frontiernet.net

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Residential - Commercial

Oil Field

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Weekends by Appointment

Pumping - Tank Installation

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Repairs - Chemicals

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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

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6 Gordon Farr St.—Ulster, Pa. 18850

Melvin A. Lovell

Funeral Director—Supervisor

Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home Inc.

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James A. Bowen

Funeral Director, Owner / Supervisor

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Prayer to End Abortion

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,

and for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.

I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,

yet I rejoice that you have conquered death

by the Resurrection of Your Son.

I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.

Today I commit myself

Never to be silent,

Never to be passive,

Never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,

and never to stop defending life

until all my brothers and sisters are protected,

and our nation once again becomes

a nation with liberty and justice,

not just for some, but for all,

through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Invitation to Novena for Life January 14-22, 2015

You are invited to pray beginning January 14 through 22, 2015, a Novena in Reparation for Roe vs. Wade. The January

22, 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court Decision which permitted abortion throughout pregnancy has resulted in devas-

tating numbers of babies having been killed every year since then, and the slaughter continues. Priests for Life invite

you to join in their prayer to end abortion, which is printed below, and is also posted at PrayerCampaign.org.

You are also invited to pray during (even better, to attend) the Towanda Rally for Life, January 18, 2015 and the Wash-

ington, DC, March for Life, January 22, 2015. See details on page 2 of the bulletin this week.

Endless Mountains Pregnancy Care Center

“Thank you so much for your generous donations

to the Pregnancy Center. Our moms and their families will

greatly appreciate it.” ~In Christ’s love, the Endless Mts.

Pregnancy Center. Dec. 26, 2014.

Free and confidential counseling and help is of-

fered to pregnant women here at 13 State Street, Towanda,

and in Canton; they also can provide a “First Look” ultra-

sound.

Baby Bottle Campaign

Coming to our parish soon: the annual Baby Bottle Cam-

paign which will benefit the Endless Mountains Pregnancy

Care Center.

Marriage Encounter

Near Johnstown, PA, Worldwide Marriage Encounter is

offering a two-day enrichment January 24-25 at the Sacred

Heart Retreat Center. Married couples arrive early Satur-

day for the entire day, then go home (or to a hotel, if they

choose) and return Sunday morning through the afternoon.

For more information, go to YourMarriageIsWorthIt.org

or call 814-823-4600 or 412-635-7775. WWME-Western

PA Find us on Facebook!

Prayer Line

Parishioners ae invited to join the prayer line.

We are a group that offers prayers for the requested inten-

tions of others. There are two ways to join. On the tele-

phone Prayer Line, prayer requests are communicated one

member to another by phone. On the e-mail Prayer Line,

one e-mail message is sent to all members for each prayer

request, so it is not necessary to contact another member

to pass it on.

You need not leave home to participate in this

Prayer Ministry. If you would like to become a member

of either of these Prayer Lines, or if you have an intention

you would like us to pray for, please call Annette Beau-

mont at 570-265-9691.

Outreach to the Homebound

Our parish has a Parish Outreach Ministry which brings

Holy Communion and/or simply a visit to the homebound

members of our parish.

*We cannot perform this ministry for you if we

are not notified that you need it. Please call or have a

family member call the parish office 570-265-2113.

*We cannot reach out to our homebound if we do

not have volunteers; if you would like to share a little of

your time in this service, call the office 570-265-2113.

2016 - Parish 175th Anniversary

A 175th Anniversary Advisory/Planning Committee has formed and has held two exploratory meetings. The

suggested 175th Anniversary theme is: “Heritage, History: Handing on what has been Given to Us,” with a

timeframe from Pentecost 2016 thru Pentecost 2017. A variety of possible activities and events, mementoes, etc. are

listed below and were presented to the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) at the Tuesday PPC meeting.

Opening Celebration / Concert – Pentecost 2016

Mass/ Dinner with Bishop

Feast of the Assumption / 100th Anniversary of Parish Grotto / Ice Cream Social

Retreat for Adults / Retreat for Children / “Arise” Spiritual Renewal program

Campaign to involve the entire Catholic community in the celebration.

Campaign to do something for and with the greater Towanda community

Guided Tour of the Church / Parish History Fair

Publications: Dinner program + Historical Booklet + New Parish Directory

Fund Drive

Mementoes: Papal blessing + Government Citations + Holy Card + DVD + Glass, pen, mug, plate, etc.

175th Anniversary Logo

Time Capsule: for 2041 (200th anniversary), 2091 (250th ) and 2141 (300th )

Increased involvement of the parish in the parish

Guest speaker for various events

Closing Celebration / Concert – Pentecost 2017

Other activities and parish events

Obviously, this is a work in progress and in need of many hands, big and small, to assist – as parishioners / par-

ish will need to come together in order to pull any or all of these events off. When we consider that 175 years of Catho-

lics have founded and sustained a Catholic presence in Towanda, it is really something special for the parish to be proud

of and to celebrate.

The next 175th Advisory / Planning Committee meeting will be held on Monday January 26, 2016 at 5:30 pm in

Grotto Hall. Thank You!

I would encourage that when the outline is published in the bulletin and you see an area of interest, that in an

area of interest every parishioners offer your services to help by contacting the parish office 570-265-2113 or Bill Farley

bfarley1953 @ gmail.com or Fr. Ed michelini26 @ yahoo.com. If you would like to be part of the Advisory/Planning

Committee, please contact with the above.

One Minute Meditation

Remember . . . Jesus gave us a great gift when he created the Sacrament of Confession (John 20:23). He knew we

would want to hear the words of absolution to know he forgives us. Remember that no matter what happens, you are

just one confession away from coming home.

Growing Strong Through Spiritual Training

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession) is a place where we can speak directly to God and get his

invaluable help for renewing our lives. To truly benefit from this connection, it’s best to approach this Sacrament with

sincerity, openness to change, and to welcome the inevitable trials that help us resist temptation.

Sincerity is the key. Holiness, like healthiness, is an ongoing process. It starts with a sincere desire to live the

way God wants, not the way society suggests. Progress toward holiness means avoiding sin, but also living with virtue.

Keep moving forward. Although we may want to be healed, if we continue to damage our souls by not avoid-

ing temptation, we won’t progress. We must change. Fortunately, we can seek forgiveness in Confession and start

fresh.

Seek the priest’s advice. After all, it is Jesus speaking through him. This is our special time with the Lord

who wants to help us overcome our weaknesses.

View trials as training. Jesus wants us to use confession to learn to overcome all that separates us from him.

When we fail to resist temptation, we can thank God for the trial and start again. Jesus wants so much to help us to

grow closer to him. He created this Sacrament as a way for him to lead and guide us. “Growing in Faith” July 2014, Copyright 2014 Success Publishing & Media, LLC