The Sunday Good News Second Sunday of Lent The Church of Saint John Bosco March 8, 2020

HIS WORD TODAY BY Rev. William J. Reilly

THIS WEEK & IN THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Bereavement Support Group ..........................

.... Monday, March 9, 6-8 PM, Multi–Purpose Room

Liturgy Committee Meeting ..................................................

.................. Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 PM, Multi-Purpose Room

Confirmation Class ......... Sunday, March 15, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Living Stations .................................... Friday, April 3, 7:00 PM

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting ..........................................

........................ Thursday, April 16, 6:30 PM, Multi-Purpose Room

Knights of Columbus Polish Dinner ............ Saturday, April 18

Finance Council Meeting ......................................................

......................... Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 PM, Multi-Purpose Room

First Communion ......................................... May 2, 10:00 AM

May Crowning ................................................ May 3, 9:00 AM

Confirmation Practice with Sponsors .. May 10, 1:00-3:00 PM

Confirmation ................................................. May 12, 6:30 PM

Spring Fling Flea Market .......... Saturday, May 16, 7 AM - 3 PM

“Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Jesus Christ.” The world of advertising and consumerism tells us what we need and cannot do without. How many things do I buy or work for are only for my convenience and or satisfaction. Lent is a time for our own buying spree. Salvation in Jesus Christ is something that I cannot do without. I speak of my need, our needs, today, and Jesus continues to support us. I want to make the same effort seeking His grace and the gift of salvation, as others do for some material thing. This Lent is my Lent to seek, ask and find. May this second week bring me what I need the most – His saving grace.

A PRAYER FOR LENT

O most gentle Jesus, by your precious blood, deliver us from all evils.

By your most bitter death

give us a lively faith, firm hope and perfect charity, so that with our whole hearts

we may love you with all our soul and strength.

Make us persevere

in your service, firm and steadfast in good works,

so that we may be always able to please you.

Amen.

~St. Clare of Assisi

PAGE 2 The Sunday Good News

Faith Formation Corner SUNDAY STEWARDS 1,115 families receive envelopes.

374 white offertory envelopes were used on the weekend of February 29/March 1.

Total Sunday Offering: $7,216.00

Ash Wednesday Mass Attendance: 705 Ash Wednesday Offering: $2,118.00

Thank you for your generosity!

As per the Faith Formation handbook, all students are expected to attend Stations of the Cross at least one time with their family during Lent. Stations of the Cross is held here at St. John Bosco on Fridays during Lent at 7:00 pm. Attending Stations of the Cross at any parish meets this requirement. We encourage all families to support our 8th grade and high school students by attending the presentation of Living Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 3rd at 7:00 pm.

The March Confirmation evening class will be held on Sunday, March

15th from 6:00-7:30 pm. Completed Service Hour logs are due at this time.

Thank you to all who helped us to have a prayerful and fun First

Communion Retreat on March 7th! A special thank you to DeDe Maylath, Marian Pekala, and Ann Marie Zapotocky for your time and dedication in teaching and preparing our students this year! Please keep our students and their families in your prayers as they continue to prepare to receive First Communion on Saturday, May 2nd.

ATTENTION MEN The Diocese of Scranton will be holding the 62nd Men’s Cursillo on March 26th through the 29th at St. Gabriel’s Retreat House in Clarks Summit. Any man over the age of 18 who wishes information can contact Tony Caputo at 570-504-6163 or email: mepdesigns@ comcast.net.

Be a Man Catholic Men’s Conference - 6th Annual, Diocese of Scranton - Saturday, April 25th, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Holy Redeemer High School, 159 South Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Contacts: Mike Kilmer: phone 570-746-0100, or email michaelkilmer71@gmail.com; or Office for Parish Life, 570- 207-2213; or Register Online: www.BeAManConference.com.

ATTENTION WOMEN “Refresh Your Faith” Catholic Women’s Conference, Saturday, June 20, 2020. Theme: “Full of Grace”. University of Scranton Byron Center. For more information, go to: www.cwcnepa.com or call (570) 872-8630.

CAPUCHIN SISTERS OF NAZARETH “COME AND SEE” RETREAT WEEKEND FOR YOUNG WOMEN

The Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth are having a “Come and See” retreat weekend for young women, ages 15-25. The retreat will be held at Mother of the Eucharist Convent, 6100 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, PA, from Friday, March 27, 4:00 PM, through Sunday, March 29, 11:30 AM. Reservations are required. Please call Sister Christina, (570) 745-3334. Website: www.capuchinsisters.com.

“SISTERS” BIBLE STUDY GROUP "Sisters", an ecumenical Bible Study Group, meets every Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Conyngham United Methodist Church for 6 sessions beginning March 10th. We will be viewing Andy Stanley's DVD "Breakaway", followed by discussion. We then go for lunch at a local restaurant. Do consider joining us for one or more sessions. If you have any questions, please call Arlene at 570-788-3643.

CONYNGHAM ECUMENICAL LENTEN PRAYER LUNCHEON SERIES - “Nourish Your Body & Soul”

Conyngham United Methodist Church 411 Main St., Conyngham

Lunch followed by Hymn, Guest Speaker, Hymn and Blessing. Wednesdays of Lent at Noon. March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1

March 11: Rev. Dr. Phil Smith, Mt. Zion Lutheran Church March 18: Fr. Ric Polmounter,

St. John Bosco Catholic Church March 25: Rev. Earl Roberts, Lattimer UMC

April 1: Rev. Deb Hebden, St. Paul ’s UMC

SPRING FORWARD! Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8.

PAGE 3

Saturday, 4:00 PM March 7 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Gary McGuire, Jr. By Daveler Family

Sunday, 7:30 AM March 8 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Anna Watkins By Tony and Lorraine Cusatis

Sunday, 9:00 AM March 8 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Theresa Fadule By Jackie, Jeff and Alyssa Sweda

Sunday, 11:30 AM March 8 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Parish

Monday, 8:00 AM March 9 Catherine DeMarco By Pat Petchel

Tuesday, 8:00 AM March 10 Jane Cochran By Janet Naylon

Wednesday, 8:00 AM March 11 Lucille Shiner By Golab Family and Dolores Repetz

Thursday, 8:00 AM March 12 John G. Yenchick, Jr. By Kristen Calarco

Friday, 8:00 AM March 13 Christine Bobeck By Mr. and Mrs. Dennis James

Saturday, 4:00 PM March 14 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Kathleen Ganc By Eleanor Cibulash

Sunday, 7:30 AM March 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Apolonia Goralczyk By Wayne and Nancy Zehner

Sunday, 9:00 AM March 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT John Kelly By Wife, Carolyn and Family

Sunday, 11:30 AM March 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Living and Deceased Members of St. John Bosco Parish

The Sunday Good News

WE REMEMBER

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS . . .

The TABERNACLE CANDLE burns this week in memory of JOHN MOLITORIS given by Madelyn Lawson.

TRAVELING CHALICE: THE POWER OF PRAYER The host for the Traveling Chalice for the week beginning March 8 is the Vilushis Family.

SIGN UP TODAY! A NEW SIGN UP LIST through June 6 for the Traveling Chalice has been posted. You may sign up beginning this weekend. The sign up book is located inside the main doors of our Church. It is a wonderful Lenten practice as well as a terrific was to pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life. It’s simple: sign up, pick up the chalice in the sacristy after Mass, take home and place in a prominent place, say a prayer for vocations and return the chalice the following week.

Annunciation Parish - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Saturday, March 14, at the Pines Eatery & Spirits, 8 West Broad St., Hazleton, 5-9 PM, $25/person. Fabulous Irish Buffet, decadent desserts, coffee bar, cash bar. Irish music provided by Aaron McCurdy. Tickets available at Annunciation Rectory Monday through Friday. “You don’t have to be Irish to have a good time . . . Bring friends!!!

Most Precious Blood Church, Madonna del Monte Sodality - Cherry Blossom Bus Trip to Washington, DC, Saturday, March 28. Frank Bognet, Esquire, will be our tour guide. Cost $60/person. Bus leaves MPB Church, Hazleton, at 6 AM and leaves Washington at 5 PM. Contact Maureen Franzosa, (570) 401-4596, for information and reservations.

Catholic Social Services - annual “Night at the Races”, rescheduled to Sat., March 28, CSS Family Center, 106 S. Church St., Hazleton. Doors open at 6 PM; races begin at 7:15 PM. $10 Advanced Tickets; $15 at Door; includes buffet. BYOB Buy a horse for $10.00 – you may win $50! No one under 21 years of age admitted. For tickets/horse purchase please call Catholic Social Services at 570 455-1521. Catholic Social Services is a member agency of the United Way of Greater Hazleton.

Knights of Columbus - Polish Dinner, Saturday, April 18, St. John Bosco Church Gym, following 4:00 PM Mass. Adult $12/Child $6.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Friday, March 13, 8:30 AM (following daily Mass)

and 7:00 PM with Benediction. Booklets will be available. This week we will be using “Everyone’s Way of the Cross”. Please return booklets to the table at the church entrance after use. Thank you.

ST. JOHN BOSCO PRAYER CHAIN SJB Prayer Chain is in need of more people willing to pray for those who request prayer support when in need. If you would like to be included as part of the chain, please call Arlene at 570-788-3643. Thank you.

The Valley Food Pantry will be distributing food to over sixty families in our area for Easter. We have been asked to collect canned carrots and canned fruit. Items can be placed in the vestibule by the coat rack. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

From the Pastor’s Laptop . . .

The PASTOR’S PAGE

At St. John Bosco Church, Confessions are heard Mondays from 6-7 PM, March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6. Confessions are also heard Saturdays from 3-3:30 PM, and any time by appointment/request. Penance Service at St. John Bosco Church is on Wednesday, March 25, at 7:00 PM.

At Holy Name of Jesus Parish (at Transfiguration Church), West Hazleton, Confessions during Lent will be on WEDNESDAY evenings from 5-6 PM.

At Holy Dormition Friary, Route 93, Sybertsville, Confessions are heard Fridays from 3-4:30 PM and 7-8 PM.

PAGE 4 The Sunday Good News

March 7-8, 2020

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I am writing this message on March 1, 2020, during the First full Week of Lent. Naturally, the main news articles are the Presidential primary elections, slump in the stock market, and the very serious Coronavirus Virus outbreak with the alarming increase in confirmed cases worldwide. Some parishioners have asked about our preparations here and any precautionary measures that we have in place. As of this date, the Diocese of Scranton has not issued Liturgical Directives regarding this respiratory illness in respect to our gathering for the Eucharist. After much thought and prayer I have decided to implement this policy effective this weekend. It will remain in effect unless a Diocesan guideline is received that is different or when this virus is contained. We want to avoid panic but at the same time we desire to be prepared with precautions in place. Most of these guidelines are common sense. These precautions are similar to those implemented during serious flu outbreaks.

1. If you are SERIOUSLY SICK with respiratory disease symptoms, due to influenza or other respiratory viruses stay at home. Symptoms can include: fever, cough or shortness of breath.

2. Practice respiratory etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, then throw it in the trash can.

3. Hand Hygiene is a basic practice. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

4. Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

Regarding the celebration of Holy Mass

1. For the time being, instead of shaking hands at the sign of peace as well as at the church doors after mass, we ask you to simply nod, bow, offer a warm smile or friendly greeting to one another as we exchange the sign of peace.

2. The offering of the Chalice with the Precious Blood is suspended for the time being. Hopefully we will be able to resume this practice by Holy Week. However, the reception of the consecrated wine is always your option even when it is offered. It is highly encouraged but not mandatory.

3. We remind all of our Special Ministers of Holy Communion to wash their hands before mass and to use the hand sanitizer that is in the pew before distributing Holy Communion.

Together let us pray that this virus may be contained and that those who have contracted it may be healed. May God bless and keep safe all of the Doctors, Nurses and caregivers who are ministering to the sick and give wisdom and knowledge to those who are doing research to find a vaccine or cure.

God Bless You, Father Ric

SPRING FLING Mark your calendar!

This year’s Spring Fling Flea Market will be held Saturday, May 16, from 7 AM to 3 PM, with “box day” on Sunday, May 17, 12:30 to 2 PM.

You may drop off your “treasures” beginning on Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 10, after the 11:30 Mass. Drop-offs can also be made Monday, May 11, through Thursday, May 14, from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Volunteers are needed, and sign-up sheets will be available before and after all Masses on the weekend of April 18-19. Please sign up if you can help at any time from May 11 through “box day”, May 17. We especially could use a number of volunteers for clean-up Sunday, May 17 at 2 PM. Clean-up takes approximately one hour if we have enough volunteers. Looking forward to seeing you at this year’s Spring Fling!

Kitchen Help needed: We are in need of a person or persons to manage or co-manage the kitchen for this year’s Spring Fling on Saturday, May 16. Anyone interested call the parish office at (570) 788-1997.

RAFFLE TICKET SPONSOR/SPONSORS NEEDED for Spring Fling Raffle. Cost is approximately $430.00 for one sponsor; the cost for two sponsors would be approximately $215 each. If interested, please call the Parish Office, (570) 788-1997, Ext. 3.

MEMORIALS AVAILABLE

The following memorials may be donated IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES, FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION OR IN THANKSGIVING FOR BLESSINGS RECEIVED.

Your intention and donor would be listed in the special Easter Bulletin, April 11-12, unless directed otherwise. Call the Parish office at (570) 788-1997, Ext. 3, if interested.

PALM TREES - Palm Trees will be placed in the Sanctuary on the weekend of Palm-Passion Sunday and will also be used for the Holy Thursday Eucharistic Chapel and in the Sanctuary and Church on Easter and throughout the Easter Season. Donation: $60 each. 8 are still available.

PEACE LILIES – Large Peace Lilies will be placed in the Sanctuary for Easter and used throughout the Easter Season. Donation: $60 each. Eight are available.

HOLY BREAD – 400 loaves blessed and given out after the Holy Thursday Mass to all in attendance. 2 donors are needed. $200 each donor.

SANCTUARY ALTAR CANDLES – 17” candles that will match the “Apostles” Easter Candle and lit in the Church Sanctuary on Easter, Easter Season and through Pentecost Sunday as well as for Ascension Thursday, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. 4 are available, $75 each.

FLORAL BOUQUETS FOR LAETARE SUNDAY: Pink and Purple Floral Bouquets that will be placed in the Church Sanctuary for “Rejoice Weekend.” Large: $75 for in front of Main Altar; Medium: $50 placed in front of the Ambo/Pulpit.

PALM FRONDS: 36 PALM BRANCHES that can be carried by the children in procession on Palm Sunday. They can be reused every year. Donation: $10 each.

ASSORTED EASTER FLOWERS FOR CHURCH AND SANCTUARY: 75 large live potted plants. Lilies, Tulips, Mums, Hydrangea, Hyacinth and Azalea. Use the envelope in your packet. Suggested Offering: $25

LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE RELIGIOUS GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL? Visit the Gift Shop at the Holy Dormition Byzantine Franciscan Friary. Upcoming dates when the gift shop is open are: Saturday, March 14, April 4, May 9 and June 13. 10 am until 3 pm.

LOOKING FOR SOME EXTRA CASH? Calvary cemetery is looking for part time summer help to help with

cemetery maintenance, cutting grass and weed wacking. The perfect job for anyone who wants to get outside

and make some extra money. The position available pays $8.00 per hour.

The work is 29 hours per week and no weekends. The position starts around April 13th and ends toward the end of September.

All interested applicants should stop in the cemetery office between 8:30 am and 12 Noon and 1pm and 4 pm Monday-Friday

or on Saturday between 8am and Noon for an application.

Knights OF cOLUMBus

Our Lady of Fatima, Council 8613

KNIGHTS CORNER

Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Fatima Council 8613 Conyngham - Drums will be selling Chance of a Lifetime raffle tickets after all Masses at Saint John Bosco Church on Saturday March 14th and Sunday March 15th

This is statewide raffle for sixteen prizes including a car and ten vacations with a total value of over $65,000.00. The cost is a dollar a ticket and a book of eight is six dollars. We had one winner last year from SJB and he won a trip to Scandinavia.

Also we will be selling tickets for our Polish Dinner on Saturday April 18th. The cost of a ticket is $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children. Limited amount of tickets will be sold at the door.

The profits from both fundraisers benefit state and local charities such as Hazleton Catholic Social Services, Valley Food Pantry, the council's winter coat project, Summer Bible Camp Ice Cream Social, Easter Coloring contest, Christmas Poster Contest, Special Olympics and other charities and church projects.

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT Thank you to HARMAN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. Bulletin Advertiser

Please support all our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here!

Sunday Gn 12:1-4a; 2 Tm 1:8b-10; Mt 17:1-9

Monday Dn 9:4b-10; Lk 6:36-38

Tuesday Is 1:10, 16-20; Mt 23:1-12

Wednesday Jer 18:18-20; Mt 20:17-28

Thursday Jer 17:5-10; Lk 16:19-31

Friday Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46

Saturday Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

DA I LY R EA D IN G S

Members of the RCIA Team: Fr. Ric Polmounter

Deacon Maurice Cerasaro Jason Seiwell

Thomas Pandolfi Frank Polidora

Joseph Molitoris Amy Triano

RCIA TEAM CALENDAR

Date of Session: March 15 Place & Time of Session: Office Conference Room, 10-11 AM Presenter: Jason Seiwell Topic: End of Age

DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Update as of February 26, 2020

Goal .................................................................... $59,000.00 Pledges/Contributions to date ................ $59,220.00 Participants: 26.2% (291 individuals/families out of 1,109) Over goal ................................................................. $220.00

75% of funds received over our goal will be returned to our parish and used to defray the new church roof that will be installed this summer. Please prayerfully consider what you can give this year. Any amount, given with a cheerful spirit, will be gratefully received. The appeal supports very valuable outreach programs throughout the 11 counties our diocese. In addition, St. John Bosco Parish has received a grant every year for social justice outreach programs that totaled over $23,000 in the last five years. Blessings always boomerang!

FR. CONNELL A. McHUGH: Over the past few weeks many parishioners have been concerned about Fr. Connell and his health. After brief stays at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown and Saint Luke's Pavillion in Hazleton, he is now at home healing. He is grateful to all of you for your prayers. Although he has many weeks ahead of him to recovery, he hopes to be back after Easter and if possible offer the Adult Bible Study on the Parables. Your continued prayers are requested. If you would like to send him a Get Well Card or note please send them to:

Rev. Connell A. McHugh 553 Putnam Street

West Hazleton, PA 18202