St Brigid Parish Bulletin for Sunday November 15, 2023

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH, (St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa. St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

-mail: sfxc@epix.net Facebook: St Brigid Parish Rev. Kevin Miller, Pastor Rev. Andrew Amankwaa, Assistant Pastor Deacon Ronald D. Maida dorronto@protonmail.com Deacon Paul J. Brojack

Second

MASS SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sat. Jan. 14 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME VIRGINIA RAFTIS by Jim Raftis Sun. Jan. 15 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME PAUL BURGESS by Donald J. Griffin 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - MARGARET FLAHERTY by the Family Mon. Jan. 16 12:00NN St. Francis Church - DAVID GUITON by Kathy Gage and Family Tue. Jan. 17 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Wed. Jan. 18 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - FRANK PERLICK by Rosalynd Perlick Thur. Jan. 19 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - THADDEUS (TAD) CAPWELL by Rosalynd Perlick

Fri. Jan. 20 12:00NN St. Francis Church - WANDA PURR & DECEASED FAMILY AND FRIENDS by Joe Purr Sat. Jan. 21 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME MARY ELLEN O’REILLY GRIFFIN by Tom, Kylie and Abigail Keenan Sun. Jan. 22 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 30 DAY CAROL FREDENDALL by Ken & Barb Brennan 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - 30 DAY JIM SHELP by Bill & Barb Pichette

CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Saturday St. Francis Xavier before 4:30PM Mass 3:30 to 4:15PM

Sunday St. Francis Xavier following 8:00AM Mass 9:00 to 9:30AM

Sunday—St. Augustine—following 10:30AM Mass—11:30 to 12Noon WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Our weekly collection total was $ 3,784.12. Thank you for your generosity.

LIFELINE

“When we encounter Christ, experience his love, and deepen our relationship with him, we become more aware of our own worth and that of others. His love for each person is cause for great joy, and growing understanding of this priceless treasure motivates us to share his love with others. Our lives are often changed by the witness of others; so too, others’ lives may be changed by our witness and authentic friendship with them.”

MINISTRY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Jan. 21—4:30PM—St. Francis: Lector—Betty Ellen Hardy; Minister—Cathy O’Reilly; Server—volunteer needed; Rosary—Betty Ellen Hardy; Greeter—volunteer needed Sunday, Jan. 22 8:00AM St. Francis: Lector Alex Long; Minister Katie Volk; Servers Jacob Oleniacz & volunteers; Rosary Joyce Barnum; Greeter volunteer needed Servers volunteer needed; Rosary Ann Zalepa or volunteers; Greeter volunteer needed

DECEASED

Please pray for the deceased, especially James Nagy of Montrose, who was known to many in our Community. May he rest in peace. Amen.

PRAYER LIST

Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish & Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers, especially all suffering from cancer, Lyme disease, or Covid-19. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., Ruth King, Kyle Stoddard, Sam Miner, Sophie Padula, Tom Wenman, Toni Colardino, Madigan Gow, Amanda Branning, Daniel Gavin, Tommy Williams, Kathy Holt, Linda Hollenback, MaryLou Fahs, Elton Carr, Jim Raftis, Bub Davis, Don Zaleski, Tyler Fletcher, William Chaney, Joe Grindel, Chelsea Judson, Clyde Tims, Trisha, Mary Guido, Hallie Brooks, Mark Kovach, Brooke Arnold, Robyn Lawson, Ned Offner, Margo, Butch Rosencranz, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Marie Donahue, Rusty Carmen, Adam Price, Greg Lasgowka, Terry, Ron, Cameron & Levi White, Natalie Dawn Abell, Tom Ellison, the Reed Family, Don Higgins, Barbara Mahoney, Raub Family, Todd Legg, Ryan Hayes, Sean McMahon, Delores, Thomas McWilliams, Marty Mosher, Chad Grindel, Mary Ann Casterline, Janice Jacobs, Patricia Charpinsky, Diane Holleran, Cathy Ballogg, Ethel Reid, Jack Kelly, Kineer Worgen, Peg Broadwater, Frances Murphy, Christopher Dauber, Adrian Stephens, Mike & Marla Wilcox, Sophia ILichishin, James Dughi, Alice Walsh, Josh Zaleski, Jay Gurn, Caleb Scepaniak, Dana Marsh, Lori Rawlins, Mary Joan, Brendan Merritt, Mark Pasteka, Reilly, Caesar & Edith Siedlecki, Dan Abell, Bonnie Sorensen, Lori Hammerly Coleman, Brendan Kelly, Angelo Scarfalloto, Emily Graves, Cathy Albert, John, Robert Nemcek, Emily D., Wayne Hibbard, Laura Nelson, Garrett Farr, Mary Keenan, Joe Brostoski, Everly Hausmann, Dr. Silversti, George Coleman, Stephen VanWinkle, Sally Saunders, Dennis Byerly, Hunter Allen Sapp, Marie Cavalarro, Sully & Patty Cavallaro, R.M., Evelyn Ferro, “D”, Briana Grisdale, Gregory Diorio, Gloria, Mike Coleman, Thomas Truax, Joyce Danielewicz, Alex, Mike & Pat Stelacio, Jessica Lawrence, Linda, Joseph Santora, Carol Garcia, Paige Marino, Sophie Holgash, Nellie Manarchuck, Fr. John Victoria, Monica Gibson, Millie, Diane Coffee, John Waldron, Nicholas, Millie Chamberlain, Bill Noldy, Jr., Sharon Abell, Pat Walsh, Marise & Steve Shearer, Cathy Edsell, Patricia Hutchinson, Chris Mortensen, Ruth Colwell, Mary Tims, Louise Darrow, Aaron Fredendall, Louise Eastman, Kathy Du Duv, Michelle Weiss, Shirley Conboy, Joseph Olszewski, Wade Leach, Curtis Edwards, Cindy VanWinkle, A.J. Pass, Tim Fruehan, Diane, Lyle Oakes, Matthew Gatto, Marge Murphy, Niki Rogers, Robert Pratt, Ellen Bieleski, Kylie Keenan, Andy Potocek, Becky Jenner, John Histand, Mark, Heather, Bob Pencek, Sara Kelly Price, Tucker White, Cathy N., Liam Little, Terri Grindel, Kris Kiesly, Brayden Tims, Jerry Wells, Fred Brown, Rosa Prieto, Theo Goodrich, Genevieve Coleman, Ed Snee, Anita James, Shirley McWilliams, Patsy, Mary (Jones) Edsell, Carl Whitehead, Peter Strojny, Debbie Andre, Bill Zalewski, Anthony Siedlecki, Madigan, Mark LaRue. Please pray for all the needs in our Parish & Community. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST

Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our , Ryan Gormley, Christopher Reichlen, Mike Griffith, Matthew Kramer, Ryan Neville, Shane Kalpokas, Dustin Ryder, Steven Shelp, Ricky Trowbridge, A. Jay Tewksbury, Lukas Crisman, Ryan Newberry, Mark W. Gregg, Andrew Muscarelle, Lisa Phillips, Adam Barziloski, Quinn Gurn, Marty Conboy, Wayne M. Bennett, Joseph Elliott, Bradley J. Bryant, John Baltsley, Mara Redding, Michael Redding, James Hemmerly, Amberlynn Villanella, Jacob Balchikonis, Rip VanWinkle, Jonathan Green, Cameron, Garrett Kiehle, and all who serve with them. May they be protected & safe from harm & return home safely and soon. Amen.

Please call when the person you put on this Prayer List can be removed, either because of their return to health or because they have passed away. Please also call us when those in the Armed Forces are no longer serving so their name can be removed.

Customs of Epiphanytide

According to the ancient traditions and calendar of Holy Mother Church, Epiphanytide celebrated that period of the liturgical year between Christmastide and Septuagesima or Forelent. Epiphanytide begins on 6 January, the traditional date of the Feast of the Epiphany with a vigil on the 5th, one of the three principal vigils (vigilae majores) of the entire liturgical year along with the Nativity and Pentecost. The Vigil of the Epiphany is the traditional day for priests to bless Epiphany water in an extensive and beautiful ceremonial.

The Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January concludes Christmastide and is one of the major Christian feast days in the entire Church year. It was a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States until 1885. The Epiphany simultaneously recalls the arrival of the Magi to worship the Christ Child, our Lord’s Baptism that inaugurated His public ministry, and His first public miracle in Cana. Priests may bless chalk on this day as a sacramental, intended for the blessings of homes. The head of the household may then bless the house using the blessed chalk by marking the year and the initials of the three Magi (Caspar, Melchoir and Balthasar) on the lintel of the main door in the following manner: 20 + C + M + B + 23. The initials C, M, and B also stand for Christus mansionem benedicat (May Christ bless the house).

As with many customs of our Faith, there is a tradition based on food called the Kings’ Cake, which was baked on Epiphany in honor of the Magi. A coin was put in the dough before baking, and the person who found it was the “king.” In Austria, Germany, France, England, and Canada, this cake contained a bean and a pea, making the respective finders ‘Tang’ and ‘Queen’. In France, it was customary to set aside a large piece of the cake ‘for our Lord’ and to give it to some poor person after the feast.

By the 8th century, the Latin church had developed liturgical celebrations of eight days known as octaves not only for Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas but also for the Epiphany and the feast of the dedication of a church. Octaves were classified into several types. Easter and Pentecost had “specially privileged” octaves, during which no other feast whatsoever could be celebrated. Christmas, Epiphany, and Corpus Christi had “privileged” octaves, during which certain highly ranked feasts might be celebrated. Pope Leo XIII and Pope Saint Pius X made further distinctions, classifying octaves into three primary types: privileged, common and simple octaves. The Octave of the Epiphany remained until its suppression by Pope Pius XII in 1955 but those who still observe the pre-1955 Missal will celebrate it.

The Sunday within the Octave of the Epiphany (or 12 January if the 13th falls on a Sunday) was the feast of the Holy Family up until the reforms of 1955. The following Sundays, until Septuagesima, were named as the “Sundays after Epiphany.” Before the changes in 1911, the Second Sunday of Epiphany was kept as the Feast of the Holy Name, since 2-4 January were the Octave Days of the Comites and 5 January was the Vigil of the Epiphany.

Finally, Candlemas, which we celebrate as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, formerly known as the Feast of the Purification of our Lady is another day which the modern world greatly overlooks in importance. The Feast of Candlemas, exactly 40 days after Christmas, commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s obedience to the Mosaic law by submitting herself to the Temple for ritual purification, as commanded in Leviticus. The Feast of the Presentation is called Candlemas for the traditional blessing and distribution of candles on that day. It is customary to bring candles from home to be blessed. Candles for devotional use at home should be at least 51% beeswax. There is another custom wherein the candle we received at Baptism is lit on Candlemas to remind us of the Holy Family’s obedience to the Laws of Moses and our own commitment to our baptismal promises.

May this blessed season of Epiphanytide fill our hearts with the Joy and Peace of the Holy Family throughout the new year.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam…To the Greater Glory of God Father Kevin

Deacon’s NOTES

John’s mission has reached its comple on. His func on was to point people in the direc on of Jesus, the Lamb of God. With these words John draws back the curtain and Jesus takes center stage in our human story, invi ng us to be with him.

Jesus came to take away sin, yet I some mes hang on to guilt, and won't let the past go. In the touch of his Spirit in bap sm he heals me and makes me free. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on me!

Let us enjoy our 34 weeks of Ordinary Time in the church…………….

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS FEBRUARY 5TH

Saturday, February 5th, we observe the Fatima First Saturday Devotions in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our Lord & Lady requested of Sister Lucia dos Santos, one of the three shepherd visionaries of Fatima. Please consider participating as we seek to fulfill our Savior's & Blessed Mother's request for prayer & penance in reparation to her most Sorrowful & Immaculate Heart. All are invited.

Devotions will be held at Saint Augustine Church with the following schedule: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by confessions: 8:30am-9:15am Recitation of Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: 9:20am-9:45am Adoration and Meditation on Mysteries of the Rosary: 9:45am-10:00am Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament: 10:00am-10:10am Holy Mass (Novus Ordo in Latin; guidebooks provided): 10:15am-11:00am

END OF YEAR CONTRIBUTIONS

Final contributions for 2022 should be made by THIS Tuesday, January 17th. Place them in the collection or mail them to the rectory, clearly marked as “2022” contributions.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES

Our boxed sets of Offertory Envelopes are in the back of the Churches, hopefully placed in the Church that you frequent the most. If you don’t see them, they may be in the other Church. Please call the Office (570-553-2288) and they will be brought to the other church for you.

COMPLIMENTARY PARISH CALENDARS

Complimentary Parish Calendars are in the back of the Church. Please take one home.

APPRECIATION GIFTS

Appreciation gifts (pens) are in the back the Churches. Please take some home with you.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of our Churches. They are $ 20.00 each and run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2023. Each family is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars. Please do not break up the packages. Please sign the calendars out on the sheet provided.

ADORATION

Adoration hours open: Tuesday 2-3PM. On alternating Wednesdays, we need someone or a couple of people for the hours 4:30-6PM and the next week 5 to 6PM. If we had (3) volunteers, we could split the 4:30 to 6PM time up. Please consider spending an hour with Our Lord. New volunteers both fill-ins & permanent, are needed. Call Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212) to volunteer.

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN

If you would like to respond to prayer requests, or if you have a prayer request, please contact Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212) or Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618). Many prayers will be offered for your intentions. Please call when the person you put on this Prayer List can be removed, either because of their return to health or because they have passed away.

SANCTUARY CANDLE & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS

FLOWER DONATION

The flowers on the Altar at St. Francis are in Memory of Patrick J. Daly given by Bill & Dawn Zalewski

CHURCH CLEANING

St. Augustine: January 16 to 22 Rosalynd & Veronica Perlick; January 23 to 29 Kay Caspersen; January 30 to February 5 Anne & Sally Hawley; February 6 to 12 Anne & Sally Hawley; February 13 to 19 Sr. Bette Brown St. Francis: Kathy Gage

God Bless, Deacon Ron

COLLECTION FOR THE CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA

Next week we will take up the Collection for the Church in Latin America. For many in Latin America and the Caribbean, a rising secular culture, difficult rural terrain, and a shortage of ministers all present obstacles to practicing the faith. Your support for the collection provides lay leadership training, catechesis, priestly and religious formation, and other programs to share our Catholic faith with those who long to hear the Good News of Christ. To learn more about how your gifts make a difference, visit www.usccb.org/latin-america.

ST. BRIGID NOVENA / FEAST DAY

St. Brigid Novena will conclude this year on Sunday, January 29th. Both Sunday Masses that weekend will be Feast Day Masses. We are celebrating the Feast Day early so that we can be together to celebrate on the weekend.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! FOR THE ST. BRIGID FEAST DAY / VALENTINES DAY DANCE

A father-daughter/mother-son dance will be held on Saturday, February 11th, from 6-9PM at Neumann Hall. This Dance will combine the St. Brigid Feast Day Dance and Valentine’s Day. Refreshments will be available. All are welcome to attend and please invite friends from outside the parish as well. We honor and join our beloved patroness St. Brigid in her love of building faith and fellowship as she did with her fellow nuns. Please call (570) 553-2288 or email sfxc@epix.net by February 6th with the number attending.

RECTORY, SET, COOK! 2023 HAS BEGUN

It is our sincere hope that this virtual celebration of table will remind all of us who have enough to eat that so many others in our world and in our local communities are hungry. As we thank God for our own blessings – of food, family, faith and friends - we can all work toward a world in which everyone will have three square meals and at least three friends with whom to share them.

Your voting dollars will directly support Catholic Social Services’ food kitchens, food pantries and other anti-hunger efforts AS WELL AS THE PASTOR CHEF’S PARISH. All sponsorship dollars will stay with Catholic Social Services, while Catholic Social Services AND the participating parish will share voting dollars.

Please enjoy as many visits and videos as you wish! Our site will be live for the next six weeks, with voting open until noon on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21, and winners announced by 5 p.m. that same day.

Fr. Kevin’s video for St. Brigid Parish will be available later next week on the Diocesan website.

ANNUAL CHILI COOK OFF

The Annual Chili Cook Off will be held Friday, January 27th, from 6 to 7:30PM at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church, Little Meadows. Bring your favorite Red, White, Hot, Mild, Meat, Chicken, Venison, Veggie whatever is your best and be judged by the rest. Winner will be awarded the coveted “Chili Boss”. If you don’t want to make a chili just come be a judge all are welcome, it’s sure to be a fun time. If you have any questions, call (570) 623-2746.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK LITTLE MEADOWS

The Little Meadows Mobil Food Pantry is held at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church from 12Noon to 2:00PM and 5-6PM on the third Tuesday of the month. The next date is THIS TUESDAY, JANUARY 17TH. This is for low income Susquehanna County residents only.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK LAWTON

The Lawton Mobile Pantry distributes food to residents of Susquehanna County on the first & third Thursday of each month from 1-3pm at the Lawton Ladies Auxiliary Hall and is sponsored by L&R Community Group. The next date is THIS THURSDAY, JANUARY 19TH.

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ZOOM SCRIPTURE SERIES BOOK OF REVELATION

Our Zoom seminars on the Book of Revelation continue Friday evening, January 20th 6:30PM.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6868982075

Meeting ID: 686 898 2075

One tap mobile +13017158592,,6868982075# US

Join us as we deepen our love of the Lord & His Living Word through our study of this most mysterious book of the Bible.

“USED” CHRISTMAS CARDS WANTED

If any Parishioners still have Christmas Cards they received, please consider donating them to the Altar & Rosary. They make baskets out of these cards. Please black out any writing you don’t want seen so that the ladies can cut the cards to size. If the back is cut off of them, many are to small to use.

THANK YOU

Words cannot express how thankful we are to have a church family as genuine as ours. You all came together when we needed it the most. Thank you to Mary Shaughnessy for leading the prayer at the viewing. She did a wonderful job. Thank you to Father Kevin for a heartfelt funeral Mass. Carol was deep in her faith and this Mass helped our family heal with the reminder that we will see her again in heaven. Thank you to so many that took part in the planning, singing, and preparation for the Mass and meal. The lunch was a perfect way for us to celebrate the life of our Carol. Whether you cooked the food, served, or cleaned up after, we thank you with all our hearts. May the good Lord bless each and everyone of you. We could not have gotten through this without your prayers, kindness, and support.

~ From our hearts to yours, God Bless from the Fredendall, Hegedus, Glowa and Volk families.

DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL 2022

St. Brigid Parish 2022 Diocesan Annual Appeal goal is $ 22,000.00. We have a total of $ 33,590.00 pledged (153% of our goal). We are over our goal by $ 11,590.00! Thank you to everyone for your generous donations!!

ALL YOU CAN EAT

BREAKFAST

An all you can eat breakfast will be held THIS Sunday, January 15th from 7 to 11:00AM at the Little Meadows Fire Station. Menu: scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, sausage gravy with biscuits, home fries, beverages and baked goods. Cost: adults $12.00 and children $6.00. Benefits the Little Meadows Fire Company.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2023 - January 29th - February 4th. Learn more about the Catholic Schools of Broome County. For a full list of events go to csbcsaints.org/ csw .Contact the Office of Admissions at 607-231-4149 for more information or to schedule a tour for any of our schools. Inquire Now. You Belong Here. csbcsaints.org

YOUTH GROUP MEETING

The Youth Group meeting is Monday, February 13th at 6:00PM at Neumann Hall. Youth grades 6 thru 12 are invited and welcome to attend. Parents are invited to attend as well. Call or text Renee Coy (570-396-6797) with any questions.