Saint John XXIIIParish NewsletterDear Parishioners,I am aware that many of our parish-ioners who receive this newsletter donot, for a variety of reasons, regularlyattend Mass each weekend at one ofour two parish churches. In order tofully understand what I will be sharingin this short note I suggest that, if youhave not attended Mass in one of ourparish churches since before the endof January, please consider listening tomy past Sunday messages by going tolovegrows.net and clicking on “pastmessages”?The title of this five week messageseries was “Where To?”. Using Jesus’Sermon on the Mount from St.Matthew’s Gospel, we took a look atour personal and communal spiritualjourney.On any journey, there are tools thatwe need to help make a successful ex-perience. We need a compass so thatwe know the direction we are travel-ing. We need a map so that we knowwhich is the best route. We need toknow where we are on the map orelse we will be lost. We need to knowwhere, in fact, we are going, what’sour goal, our destination. Finally, weneed to know if we have the resourcesto actually make the journey.In the spiritual journey, humility is thecompass, Jesus is the map and hiscommands are the legend on the map.Reflecting on our relationship with Je-

sus, our ability to keep his commandsand accepting God’s plan for our lifehelps to locate us on the map.Where are we going? In the fourthpart of the series, I spoke of being holyand perfect as God is holy and perfect:Jesus calls us to this way of living. Ex-pressions of love and unity are a signof the depth of our holiness and per-fection. As a parish community, weneed to find new ways to grow in loveand unity. To do this, I propose weseriously consider moving all ourefforts to one location. In otherwords, we need only one church build-ing as our place of worship.Which building? There are manydifferent issues involved in choosingone building over the other. This is,however, a decision we must make —and make soon! So, I invite all inter-ested parishioners to join me in pray-ing for the guidance of the Holy Spiritin making the decision that best fitsGod’s plan for our community.In the “Where To?” message series, Ispoke of God’s desire that we becomethe best version of ourselves. This istrue not only for individuals but alsothe community. God wants the bestfor us and that is what I seek. Will youhelp me discover God’s plan for ourparish community?Peace & BlessingsFr. John

February 28, 2017Volume 3, Issue 4

Parish Staff Rev. John A. Frink, M.Div., Pastor Mrs. Kristin Osenbach, Director of

Parish Ministries Mrs. Amy Hannis-Miskar, Principal

of St. Jerome Regional School Mrs. Donna Plasko, Administrative

Assistant Mr. Frank Pentz, Business Manager Mrs. Pattie Radocha, Bookkeeper Mrs. Lisa Frederick, Alpha

CoordinatorParish Contact InformationParish Center……………..570-225-7410Parish Fax…………………..570-668-4406Parish Ministries ………..570-225-7412St. Jerome Reg. School.570-668-2757Web Site and E-Mail Parish Website —

www.sj23tamaqua.org Pastor’s e-mail —

pastor@sj23tamaqua.org Parish e-mail —

secretary@sj23tamaqua.org Parish Ministries e-mail —adultformation@sj23tamaqua.org

Alpha email —sj23alpha@gmail.com St. Jerome Regional School —

website: www.sjrschool.com,e-mail: altssj@ptd.netProtecting God’s Children

Safe Environment Coordinator:Sister Meg Cole, SSJ, MS, LMFT610-332-0442 x19

Office of Victims Assistance:Ms. Wendy Krisak, NCC, LPCDirect Number: 1-800-791-9209

“Saint John XXIII Parish is a Catholic Community dedicated to loving God with all our minds, hearts and souls. We seek to announcethe Good News and unite the Lost, Unchurched and Church Families, as Jesus commands us as His disciples.”

News from the Parish OfficeFrom the Desk of Donna Plasko…

Church law considers every Friday throughout the year and the season of Lentas penitential days and times. The practice of penance is a part of our faith andChristian life. When we do penance, we imitate Jesus. Jesus recommended it asnecessary to His followers, and he gave them the example of His prayer andfasting.

The Lenten Obligation, as determined for Catholics in the United States by our Bishops,requires that fasting be observed on Ash Wednesday, March 1, and Good Friday, April 14.The Law of Abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.

What does fasting mean? The Observance of Fasting means that those obliged maytake only one full meal on the day of fast. Two lighter meals (not equal to another full meal)may be taken to maintain strength according to one’s needs.

Who must fast? All Catholics who are between the ages of 18 and 59 must fast.The obligation ceases when one begins his/her 60th year on his/her 59th birthday.

What does abstinence mean? The Law of Abstinence forbids the eating of meat,including poultry. Voluntary abstinence refers to refraining from lawful pleasures in a spirit ofpenance.

Who must abstain? All Catholics who are 14 years and older must abstain.Can anyone be dispensed or excused from fast and/or abstinence? Individuals, for

a just cause, may be dispensed by their pastor or by a priest with the faculty to do so. In ourDiocese, all priests may dispense individuals who are committed to their pastoral care. Thosewho are ill or have a similar serious reason are excused from the Observance of Fast and Ab-stinence. Catholics are reminded that they should not lightly excuse themselves from thisobligation.

Are there other obligations which we should fulfill? Catholics are obliged to fulfillwhat has been called their “Easter Duty.” They are required to receive Holy Communion dur-ing the Easter time. In the United States, this obligation can be fulfilled from the First Sundayof Lent until Trinity Sunday. Those conscious of serious sin are reminded of the obligation toconfess their sins at least once a year during this time. Catholics also are encouraged to makeLent a time of more intense prayer and to practice almsgiving and other works of charity.

A percentage of our weekend collection will be divided equally between the RiceBowl and our local St. Vincent DePaul Society.

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MARIAN HIGH SCHOOLExceptional Opportunities for StudentsSpiritual and Academic Growth

570-467-3335- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Saint Joseph Centerfor Special Learning, Inc.Phone: 570-622-4638Fax: 570-622-3420

www.stjosephctr.com

dave frederickBuilding remodeling;

roofing; siding; windows;doors; kitchens; baths.~ Free estimates ~PA license 019700570-386-5203

Beidler Tree ServiceNew Ringgold, PA570-386-3092

Pruning ~ Topping ~ Removing65 Ft. Bucket Truck

Fully Insured ~ Free estimates

CHARLES X. BLOCK251 West Broad Street

Tamaqua 570-668-1112Menswear, tuxedo rentals, dry cleaning

Women’s purses, scarves, jewelry

Total Accessibility LLCACORN Stairlifts

Pride Mobility Scooters and AccessoriesSeat lift Chairs -Wheelchair lifts

Handicapped RampsMADE IN USA Custom Canes and Walking sticks

570-622-7785 570-490-7750108 Coal St., Port Carbon, PA 087456

SACRAMENT OFMARRIAGEArrangements should bemade with our Parish Priest1 year (and not less than 6months) prior to the wed-ding. Wedding dates can-not be secured until theengaged couple meets withthe Parish Priest. To avoidany conflict with our week-end celebrations, no wed-ding will be celebrated after12:00 p.m. on a Saturdayand no weddings arescheduled on Sundays.

ANOINTING OF THESICKIf a Parishioner is seriouslyill, please call the ParishOffice. Hospitalized Parish-ioners who are in seriouscondition should requestthe Priest assigned to thehospital to be called for ananointing (Rememberwith the new privacy laws,hospital patient informationis not given out as freely asit was previously). Parish-ioners are encouraged torequest the Sacrament ofthe Sick prior to going intothe hospital for any seriousprocedure.

BAPTISMSCelebrated on Sundaysfollowing the 10:00 a.m.Mass. Catholic parents andgodparents should bepracticing their faith. ACertificate of Eligibility isrequired of all godparents.Parents are required toattend a pre-baptismalmeeting scheduled prior tothe baby’s birth, please callthe Parish Office

Country Tile1190 S. Center Street (Rt.309)

Tamaqua, PA 18252570-386-2500 ~ Fax: 570-386-1127

Mon-Fri: 8-5; Sat: 9-2

MEMORIAL OFFERINGSAs you prepare your last Willand Testament, please consid-er including St. John XXIII as abeneficiary. Donations to theParish Memorial Fund may begiven at any time in memoryof your deceased family mem-bers or friends.PARISH MEMBERSHIP

If you live within the ParishBoundaries, please register atthe Parish Office. New Parish-ioners are always welcomed.If you are moving out of thearea or change your addressor phone number, please noti-fy the Parish Center so we canmaintain accurate records.CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR

ADULTSAre you interested in becomingCatholic. Once you completethe Alpha Course, Fr. Frink willmeet 8 times with you in or-der to prepare you to be re-ceived into full communion inthe Catholic Church throughthe Sacraments of Initiation.Contact him for more infor-mation.

FUNERAL / BURIALSPlease check the availability ofthe Church and Priest beforefinalizing any Mass day or timewith your Funeral Director.Catholics are stronglyencouraged to be buried inCatholic Cemeteries.

CERTIFICATES OFELIGIBLITY

A Certificate will be issued onlyto those who: are registeredin the Parish and have reachedtheir 16th Birthday, receivedthe Sacraments of Baptism,Confirmation and Holy Eucha-rist and are faithfully attendingMass in our Parish Community.

CARE OF THE SICKHoly Communion is brought tothe Parish Shut-Ins two Sun-days each month, as well as,First Friday each month. Theparish priest visits the homebound four times each year.

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State Farm InsuranceProviding Insurance and Financialservices.

Marybeth Leitzel, Agent2 Dennison St.Tamaqua, PA 18252Bus: 570-668-4310

marybeth.leitzel.bu4b@statefarm.com

KOTCH NOTARY SERVICEDOROTHY T. KOTCHMICHELLE D. KRELL

Jack M KotchBruce Krell

226 South Center StreetTamaqua, PA 18252

570-668-1438

743 Catawissa Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252Phone: 570-668-3399

Closing Sept. 28 until Aprilwww.heislersdairy.com

Dr. Robert F. Marcin, O.D.Therapeutic Certified Optometrist ~ Complete Eye Care

570-668-4362Accepting Medicare and Other Insurance

125 West Broad Street, P.O. Box 24, Tamaqua, PA18252

The Dog Haus209 W. Broad St., Tamaqua

570-952-1505“No hot dog order too big”

100% Fresh BurgersChili Dogs

Fresh Cut Fries

LENT 2017 at St. John XXIII Parish...Mrs. Kristin Osenbach, Director of Parish Ministries

Don’t justgive something up

this Lent.

Do something

Prayer is simply a conversation with God. Day one, spend 1 minute in prayer Each additional day, add 30 seconds

Watch your relationship grow!

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Michael S. GreekAttorney At Law

42 East Patterson StreetLansford, PA 18232

570-645-2200

219 Claremont AvenueTamaqua, PA 18252Phone: 570-668-1889Fax: 570-668-6115

www.physical-therapy-at-st-luke’s

Services: Physical Therapy; Fitness Programs; Manual Therapy

Alpha for Young AdultsMrs. Lisa Frederick, Alpha Coordinator

We are excited to provide an opportunity for college age and young adults to engage in a conversation about life,faith and Jesus.

Starting May 2017, we will be hosting an Alpha Course for Young Adults. If you are college age or a young adult, this course is foryou. We invite you to round up your friends and spend some time in honest open dialogue, building relationships that you cantrust, while feeling listened to in a relaxed friendly environment.Nothing exists in the young adult world like Alpha. Be a part of growing lasting relationships with people your age. Details withthe exact dates and times will be advertised soon!

Called & GiftedMrs. Lisa Frederick

We just completed the first step in the Called & Gift-ed Discernment Process. The Called & Gifted Work-shop was held the first weekend in February in Ss. Pe-ter and Paul Church Hall. There were 65 participantsthat attended with several individuals traveling a dis-tance to attend from other parishes. Now the Dis-cernment begins!Did you know that you are being called forth? Therole that we play is that, we are to participate in God’swork. The purpose of the workshop was to enablemany Catholics to discover the Charisms (a favor orgratuitous gift given to us by the Holy Spirit at Bap-tism and strengthened in Confirmation) they havebeen given in order to experience the joy of findingand filling their unique place in the mission of Christ’sbody, the Church.The next step in discerning the charisms is to have aCalled & Gifted Personal Interview. The interviewersare trained by the Catherine of Siena Institute to helpone recognize patterns in their life that may indicatethe presence of a Charism. This will allow one to ex-plore their past experiences through rememberingstories that might prove valuable in discerning a gift.The third and final step is to begin “experimenting”with the gifts.

Continued on page 6

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Liturgical Schedule

Sunday

8:00 AM—Mass at SS. Peter & Paul

10:00 AM—Mass at St. John XXIII

4:00— 4:45 PM—Confessions at SS.

Peter & Paul

5:00 PM—Mass at SS. Peter & Paul

Monday

7:00 PM—Mass at St. John XXIII

Tuesday

8:00 AM—Mass at SS. Peter & Paul

Wednesday

8:00 AM—Mass at SS. Peter & Paul,

followed by Eucharistic Adoration

7:00 PM— Parish Holy Hour with

Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy

followed by Benediction

Thursday

8:00 AM—Mass at SS. Peter & Paul

Friday

5:00 PM—Mass at SS. Peter & Paul

Saturday

3:00— 3:45 PM—Confession at St.

John XXIII

4:00 PM—Mass at St. John XXIII

Please consult the weekly

announcement sheet for changes in

the Liturgical Schedule. The Liturgical

Schedule is kept up to date on the

Parish website:

www.sj23tamaqua.org

Anyone wishing to receive the Sacra-

ment of Reconciliation (Confession)

may approach Father at any time.Many thanks toAll our SponsorsWho’s generosityHelp to defray

The CostOf our

Parish Newsletter

PIERACINI’S Mkt.Dine in ~ Takeout ~ Catering

Soups; Hoagies; Pizza.Hot and Cold Trays.

107 Hunter St., TamaquaPhone: 570-668-5247Fax: 570-668-6845

Specializing in estate planning, retirementplanning, and insurance.*

“As an Independent Financial Advisor, I work exclusively formy clients, and not the insurance companies.”

Victor J. GogalIndependent Financial Advisor

44 years of experience working for you.38 Rymin Road, Tamaqua 570-668-5502 or 570-449-3619 *medical and life

The Power of Music as a Means of WorshipMr. Josh Moore, Music Ministry

For years, one of my biggest desires has been to make music. Whether it be rocking out in thekitchen doing the dishes or performing with some of my friends in high school, music and per-forming has always had a special place in my heart. It wasn’t until college though, that mydesire to make music would become a means of worship, a sort of prayer, that not only could Idive head first into, but all those listening to the music, singing along, praying along, could alsoenjoy.My freshman year of college, I was asked along with two others, to do a youth event known asXLT, or exalt. XLT is a great night of adoration, speaking, and of course, powerful music. Whenthe three of us music lovers were asked, we were all fired up with the spirit to aid people inworship and then we started practicing. We spent hours learning music, singing, playing thepiano, the guitar, and at first, it wasn’t working. Something was just off. We knew this whenthe man running the XLT came to listen to us play. His response was “Wow. You guysare….good”. We were worried that he regretted asking us to play. “Maybe we aren’t doingthis right?” we asked ourselves.So, we prayed together as a band. We prayed that the music that we were making would nolonger be a means of “performing” but a means of glorifying the Lord. We prayed that wewould be His instruments in bringing others to Him. This prayer was one that we found our-selves saying every time we rehearsed. Then, as if overnight, God had answered our prayers.We found ourselves making music all over the northeast, with hundreds, upon hundreds, ofvoices singing along with us. It was within those moments that God would speak the loudestto me and all those singing to Him.Music for me has now dramatically shifted into the means of entering a powerful moment ofprayer with God. In my studies, I read a document known as Sing to the Lord, which is thechurches description of the music at Mass. In it, the necessity of music and singing is de-scribed as the “Sacramental presence of God”. So, when a bunch of voices lift to God in song,His presence is made known. We can feel this when we sing, His spirit rushes in and aroundus.With this Parish, it is my desire for everyone in the pews to experience this moment of prayer.To feel the presence of God, as they lift their voices, as they enter a deep moment of prayer.To reach this point is not an easy one but it is incredibly worth it. You’d be shocked at whatGod can do to you when you make the decision to draw close to Him. So, the next time youare in Church, instead of listening to the music or being frustrated at the choice of song, learnthe music, take out the hymnal and join the other voices in song. You will be surprised at thelevel of prayer you will enter.

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TAMAQUA AUTO PARTS, INC.NAPA Auto & Truck Parts

Serving the Community Since 19751101 East Broad Street

Tamaqua, 18252 ~ 570-668-1790

Hometown Village Pharmacy220 Claremont Ave., Suite 2

Tamaqua, PA 18252“Let our Pharmacy familybe your family Pharmacy”

E. FRANKLIN GRIFFITHSFuneral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.

Telephone: 570-668-2550www.griffithsfuneralhomes.comOnsite—secure crematory

Grande Pizza1209 Rt. 209

Tamaqua PlazaTamaqua, 18252

570-668-1115Sun & Mon—closed

Tue to Sat-11:00AM to 9:00PMPizza; salads; beveragesHot and cold sandwiches

Tom’s Auto-body & MarineS. Greenwood St. & Mtn. Ave.Tamaqua, PA 570-668-5066

Since 1964Expert Auto-body repair,

Rhino Lining truck bed coating,Propane, and Fishing Store.tomsautobodyrepair.com

Larry McCullion & SonElectrical Construction Services, LLC

PA #128450Office: (570) 645-5293 Cell: (570) 657-0217Fax: (570) 645-5035 E-mail: mccs@ptd.net

672 White Bear DriveSummit Hill, PA 18250

Lawrence M. McCullion, Owner

May God Be With YouThroughout this Week

Compliments ofShafer’s Pharmacy

WALTERS MONUMENT CO.

Cemetery MemorialsCraig Walters – owner

570-645-3415 ~ Fax: 570-645-2158waltersmonument.com

Knights of ColumbusCouncil 2711 meetsevery 2nd and 4thThursday at 200 EastMiner St., Coaldale.

We serve savory noontimedinners every 3rd Sunday.

570-645-3896

Edwards Flowers501 West Broad StreetTamaqua, PA 18252

570-668-0480

St. John XXIIIParish Website:

www.sj23tamaqua.org

Hope’s Collision & Towing1500 W. Broad St

Tamaqua, PA570-668-4113

Called & GiftedContinued from page 4

Actual hands-on “trying it out” seems to work best, especially supplemented by prayer, reading and talkingabout the experiences with others. Throughout this Lenten season, the participants will be getting togetherin small groups to learn more about discerning the right gift that fits them perfectly. It is said that whensomeone is living in their gift, it becomes so natural and simple to do that time flies. The person loves doingand serving without any hassle or discomfort. God has sent every gift we need to evangelize, heal and trans-form our communities; therefore, the charisms we each have become a clue to the mission and needs of ourcommunity.Let's simplify this idea of what and how these charisms fit into our lives. I would like to reference this withtraining a puppy and the gift of unconditional love. I believe God created dogs for a purpose. There is an un-conditional love that comes along with their desire to please their owners. When they do something wrong,we discipline, they are sad for a short while but then they seem to always get over it quickly. Dogs want toplease without conditions. They wait patiently right by their owners’ side for the next opportunity to uncon-ditionally love again.Let’s now contrast unconditional love with gift giving. Think about it: Have you ever given a gift and moni-tored what happened to the gift? Did someone ever give you a gift and monitored where the gift wound up?Did they later become upset with you because it was not used in the way they intended? All this leads togrief, because we attach ourselves and put a condition on that gift. The initial intention of sharing the giftand giving it out of love for the good of the other should be the ultimate purpose. Right?God’s intentional gifts or Charisms are given for us to share and not hold onto. We cannot earn them andGod will not take them back. There are no strings attached. They are given to us by God freely and uncondi-tionally to use for God’s glory and not our own.God gives us His grace to use our gifts or Charisms to do His will in our community and throughout theWorld. We are called to come together and share our gifts with love, without condition. So, the question tobe answered is, what are we going to do about it? If you are interested in learning more about your uniqueset of gifts and Charisms, contact the Parish Office.

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Actual to Date Budget to Date Budget for Year

REGULAR INCOMESunday Collections 254,796.00 285,833.31 490,000.00Other Collections 0.00 0.00 0.00Christmas Collection 18,247.26 25,000.00 25,000.00Other Income 55,179.15 30,666.69 53,000.00Total Collections & GeneralIncome 328,222.41 341,500.00 585,000.00Total Religious Education 5,403.12 10,791.69 18,500.00Total Picnic & Other Social (1,299.54) 0.00 0.00Total Investment Income 27,275.08 27,708.31 47,500.00

ASSESSMENT & SUBSIDY OBLIGATIONSDiocesan Assessment (50,995.00) (51,006.69) (87,440.00)Subsidy - Parish to SJRS (91,695.91) (87,500.00) (150,000.00)Assessment Obligations (142,690.91) (138,506.69) (237,440.00)TOTAL NET INCOME 216,910.16 241,493.31 413,560.00

SALARIES, BENEFITS & PAYROLL TAXESTotal Clergy (45,274.70) (46,605.13) (77,948.00)Total Administration (36,736.96) (39,932.62) (68,456.00)Total Religious Education (52,468.52) (50,451.87) (86,489.00)Total Church (47,400.38) (42,166.18) (72,285.00)Total Rectory (579.35) (1,017.94) (1,745.00)Total Personnel Costs (182,459.91) (180,173.74) (306,923.00)

PROGRAM EXPENSESTotal Parish Administration (24,322.66) (20,408.24) (34,450.00)Total Religious Education (19,559.58) (12,550.07) (21,300.00)Total Program Expenses (43,882.24) (32,958.31) (55,750.00)

BUILDING OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE & INSURANCETotal Church (40,766.14) (38,791.62) (66,500.00)Total Rectory (20,997.10) (18,841.62) (32,300.00)Total Social Hall 0.00 (700.00) (1,200.00)Total Insurance & Misc. (21,000.00) (18,666.69) (32,000.00)Total Building Operations (82,763.24) (76,999.93) (132,000.00)Total Capital Improvements (5,143.71) (5,833.31) (10,000.00)TOTAL OPERATIONALEXPENSES (314,249.10) (295,965.29) (504,673.00)

EXCESS (DEFICIT) (97,338.94) (54,471.98) (91,113.00)

St. John XXIII ParishFinancial Report

July 1, 2016—January 31, 2017With Budget

Almighty and Everlasting God,

You have given the human race

Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility.

He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man

And giving His life on the Cross.

Help us to bear witness to You

By following His example of suffering

And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Amen.

Lenten Prayer...The Parish of Saint John XXIII266 West Broad StreetTamaqua, PennsylvaniaThe Parish of Saint John XXIII wasestablished by the decree of theMost Reverend John O. Barres, DD,Bishop of Allentown as a merger ofSt. Jerome Parish and SS. Peter &Paul Parish on July 1, 2014.

The Church of St. John XXIII(formerly St. Jerome Church) is themother church of the parish andlocation for the Sacraments ofInitiation. SS. Peter & Paul Churchwill be retained for Sacred Worshipincluding weddings and funerals.

TheParishofSaintJohnXXIII

266WestBroadStreet Tamaqua,Pennsylvania,18252 AddressCorrectionServiceRequestedU.S.POSTAGEPAID

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

LEHIGHTON,PA18235PERMITNO.312