The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH, (St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa. St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)
-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
(St. Brigid’s Cross)
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 13—4:30PM—St. Francis: Lector—Cott DeMaree; Ministers—Mike Griffin & Sean Kelly; Server volunteer needed; Rosary Betty Ellen Hardy
Sunday, May 14—8:00AM—St. Francis: Lector—Andy Potocek; Ministers—Chris & Katie Volk; Servers Marco, Kolbe & Tony Villanella; Rosary Bob Curley
Sunday, May 14—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector—Johanna Higgins; Ministers—Eileen McDonald & Bob Allen; Servers volunteers needed; Rosary volunteer needed
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. Kaitlyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., Ruth King, Kyle Stoddard, Sam Miner, Sophie Padula, Tom Wenman, Toni Colardino, Madigan Gow, “D”, Amanda Branning, Daniel Gavin, Tommy Williams, Kathy Holt, Linda Hollenbackv, Don Zaleski, MaryLou
Fahs, Elton Carr, Jim Raftis, Bub Davis, Tyler Fletcher, William Chaney, Joe Grindel, Chelsea
Judson, Trisha, Mary Guido, Hallie Brooks, Mark Kovach, Brooke Arnold, Robyn Lawson, Ned Offner, Margo, Butch Rosencranz, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Emily D., 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, Thomas McWilliams, Marty Mosher, Chad Grindel, Mary Ann Casterline, Janice Jacobs, Patricia Charpinsky, Diane Holleran, Cathy Ballogg, Ethel Reid, Jack Kelly, Kineer Worgen, James Dughi, Peg Broadwater, Christopher Dauber, Frances Murphy, Adrian Stephens, Mike & Marla Wilcox, Sophia ILichishin, Jay Gurn, Alice Walsh, Josh Zaleski, Caleb Scepaniak, Dana Marsh, Lori Rawlins, Mary Joan, Brendan Merritt, Mark Pasteka, Reilly, Caesar & Edith Siedlecki, Bonnie Sorensen, John, Lori Hammerly Coleman, Brendan Kelly, Angelo Scarfalloto, Emily Graves, Cathy Albert, Robert Nemcek, Wayne Hibbard, Laura Nelson, Garrett Farr, Mary Keenan, Everly Hausmann, Dr. Silversti, Gloria, R.M., George Coleman, Pat Walsh, Stephen VanWinkle, Sally Saunders, Dennis Byerly, Linda, Marie Cavalarro, Millie, Sully & Patty Cavallaro, Evelyn Ferro, Briana Grisdale, Gregory Diorio, Mike Coleman, Nicholas, Joyce Danielewicz, Alex, Mike & Pat Stelacio, Jessica Lawrence, Joseph Santora, Carol Garcia, Paige Marino, Sophie Holgash, Nellie Manarchuck, Fr. John Victoria, Monica Gibson, Diane Coffee, John Waldron, Millie Chamberlain, Bill Noldy, Jr., Tim Fruehan, Cathy Edsell, Patricia Hutchinson, Chris Mortensen, Clyde & Mary Tims, Louise Darrow, Diane, Aaron Fredendall, Louise Eastman, Kathy Du Duv, Michelle Weiss, Niki Rogers, Andy Potocek, Shirley Conboy, Joseph Olszewski, Wade Leach, Curtis Edwards, Matthew Gatto, Marge Murphy, Robert Pratt, Ellen Bieleski, Mark, Kylie Keenan, Becky Jenner, Cathy N., Sara Kelly Price, Tucker White, Liam Little, Terri Grindel, Kris Kiesly, Jerry Wells, Fred Brown, Rosa Prieto, Theo Goodrich, Genevieve Coleman, Ed Snee, Anita James, Shirley McWilliams, Mary (Jones) Edsell, Carl Whitehead, Peter Strojny, Anthony Siedlecki, Madigan, Eileen Maruschok, Shirley Rockefeller, Tony McHugh, Val Mosier, Hunter Allen Sapp, A.J. Pass, Beckett & Gavin Shy, Beth Hummel, Leonard Howell, Sue L., Bryce Histand, Ken Warner, Debbie Purtell, Jay S., George Thrasher, Jay C., Norma Volk, and Anne . Please pray for all the needs in our Parish and 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.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 7th, 2023
Behold, I am with you always, alleluia!
MASS / SERVICE SCHEDULE
Sat. May 6 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Sun. May 7 8:00AM St. Francis Church - FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
JUDY HOMAN by Kay Keenan 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - ALOYSIUS SPANG by Ralph Walz
Mon. May 8 12:00NN St. Francis Church - LEONA (PICHURA) TOMANCIK by John & Mary Butler
Tue. May 9 8:30AM St. Augustine Church -
Wed.May 10 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - AKUA YEKOAA by Bob & Maureen Allen
6:00PM St. Francis Church -CONFIRMATION MASS
Thur.May 11 8:30AM St. Augustine Church -
Fri. May 12 11:45AM St. Francis Church -SPECIAL INTENTIONS by Charlotte Kiehle
Sat. May 13 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE KAMINSKI
FAMILY by Dan, Liz & Kyle Kaminski
Sun. May 14 8:00AM St. Francis Church - SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
7th Anniv. NANCY LYNCH by the Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - JIMMY SHELP by Mike & Karen Barie
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 $ 3,484.00. Thank you all for your generosity.
LIFELINE
“Without a foundational, practical formation, it is difficult for our consciences to guide us well in concrete situations. As Catholics, we have the immense gift of the teaching authority of the Catholic Church and can turn to it for help forming our consciences. For example, learning about Christian moral principles, reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or researching what the Church says about a challenging teaching will help us grow in knowledge of the truth.”
~ USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “Understanding Conscience”
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13
As pastor I have the distinct privilege to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation this year this Wednesday evening at Saint Brigid Parish and on Trinity Sunday, the patronal feast day of Most Holy Trinity Parish. Eleven young people from Saint Brigid and fifteen young people from Most Holy Trinity will receive this last of the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation). Baptism bestows on us new life, Holy Eucharist nourishes that life, and Confirmation strengthens that life by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is all about “confirming”, that is strengthening what God has given in Baptism, and what He continues to give through Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation to His beloved sons and daughters who authentically try to live the Christian life (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 1302-03).
Confirmation is not a “coming of age” celebration or graduation from formal religious education. We never outgrow a need for a deeper knowledge and appreciation of our faith. Nor is it a ratification of a personal faith choice. As with all seven sacraments, it’s all about what God is doing for his beloved daughters and sons strengthening His Divine Life dwelling within us, strengthening it so we can better witness to the Faith through the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, strengthening us by making us willing to witness courageously and boldly to the truths of the Faith, and, if necessary, to suffer and die for them.
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Holy Spirit strengthens and affirms the gifts received first at Baptism, the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear/ awe of the Lord. Those confirmed are “more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed” (CCC 1285). The Sacrament of Confirmation helps us remain true to our baptismal promises to witness to Christ and to serve others.
Please pray for those preparing to receive this powerful sacrament that they may receive it with courage and commitment to live more fully the Christian life. May the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit reign in your homes and hearts, now and always and forever.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam…To the Greater Glory of God
Father Kevin
COLLECTION FOR THE CARE & EDUCATION OF PRIESTS
CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL—THANK YOU
Thank you for your generous support of last week’s Catholic Home Missions Appeal. We raised $ 608.00 to strengthen the Church at home and spread the Gospel across the United States. If you missed the appeal, it’s not too late to give! Visit www.usccb.org/home-missions .
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation will be held THIS Wednesday at 6:00PM at St. Francis Church. Our Confirmandi: Jonathan Curley, Robert Curley, Melina Daly, Jenna Dudock, Allison Long, Miranda Long, Carson Oleniacz, Briella Rebello, Ava Rebello, Rosie Villanella, and Marco Villanella. Please keep them in your prayers. All Parishioners are invited to attend and show their support for the kids.
PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS
Drawings have started for the Lottery Calendars. There are still about 30 returns to be made. Please get yours in as soon as possible.
MEMORIAL DAY MASS
Mass will be held on Monday, May 29th, Memorial Day, at 11:00AM in St. John’s Cemetery. On this day we remember those who proudly served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, as well as all our deceased loved ones. Please bring your own lawn chairs to the cemetery. If the weather is inclement, Mass will be held in St. Francis Church at 11:00AM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
MOTHER’S DAY MASS NOVENA ENVELOPES
Mother’s Day Mass Novena Envelopes are available in the back of our Churches. There are envelopes for Mother’s living and deceased. If you would like to honor your Mother in this way, please take an envelope and return it in the collection basket as soon as possible.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
A beautiful First Holy Communion Mass and May Crowning were held last Sunday at St. Augustine. The students who received the Sacrament this year were: Everly Balchikonis, D.J. Blow, Evelyn DeBaise, Ava Miller, and Kaitlin Reeves. Please keep them in your prayers.
STEUBENVILLE YOUTH CONFERENCE
St. Brigid Parish has reserved spots for this years youth conference on the campus of Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio. This year’s conference is July 14-16. Any youth in grades 7-12 are encouraged to attend this great opportunity! Please contact Amanda Reeves (607-727-9438) for more information. More information can be found at www.steubenvilleconferences.com>youth.
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
Pastoral Council will meet on Wednesday, May 17th at 5:00PM in the Rectory. All members are encouraged to attend.
FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING
The Finance Council will meet on Wednesday, May 17th at 6:30PM in the Rectory.
CHURCH SOFTBALL PUT IN SCHEDULE
The Church Softball season begins this weekend. All games are at 6:30PM. May 6 our team has a “bye”; May 13 we play North Rome Wesleyan at the Lawton Field; May 20 we play Braintrim Baptist at the Lawton Field; May 27 Memorial Day weekend no games will be played; June 3 we play Dille Parish at the LeRaysville Field; June 10 we play Owego Nazarene at the Lawton Field; June 17 we play Braintrim Baptist at the Laceyville Field; June 24 we play Dille Parish at the Lawton Field; July 1 we play Owego Nazarene at the Lawton Field; July 8 we have a “bye”; July 15 we play North Rome Wesleyan at the Rome Field. The League Picnic / One Pitch Tournament is at Hope Baptist Church on July 22nd. Tournament Weekend is July 28 & 29. If you would like to play or for more information, please call Sean Kelly (570-396-4027).
2023 WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS– REGISTRATION DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY, MAY 7TH
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, 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 2023 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 4th. The event includes a 2:30PM Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral followed by a reception. The registration deadline for this event is May 7th, 2023. To register, please go to https:// www.dioceseofscranton.org/wedding-anniversary-2023-registration-form/ or contact Bridget Guarnieri (570-207-2213 x 1133 or familylife@dioceseofscranton.org). Those celebrating couples who speak Spanish may contact Jose Flores (570-207-2213 x 1130 or jflores@dioceseofscranton.org).
NAZARETH GROUP
Young women grades 9-12 are invited to the next meeting of the NAZARETH GROUP with the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth, on Saturday, May 13th, from 11AM to 5PM. The meeting will be held at Mother of God Convent, 215 Wellwood Drive, Tunkhannock, Pa. 18657. Nazareth Group is a discernment group for young women interested in leaning about the faith and how to discern whether God is calling them to marriage or religious life. The meeting includes activities, prayer time in the Chapel, talks to learn more about the faith with a different topic each time, and fun! Reservations are required. Please call ASAP to make sure the is room for you. Contact Sr. Angela at 570-836-2737 or visit www.capuchinsisters.com.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2023 REFRESH YOUR FAITH
On Saturday, June 10th at Marywood University, the Catholic Women’s Conference will explore the mystery and the gift of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives and how, if we listen, we will hear and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be transformed into who He meant us to be. Each of the featured speakers at this year’s conference have experienced tragedy in their lives that might lead others to abandon God but, for each of these women, the opposite is true.
The conference features Mass with the Bishop Bambera, the music of Maria Salamida, and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The day will come to a conclusion with a Eucharistic Healing Service, led by Kathleen McCarthy where women will experience tremendous healing from the awesome touch of the Heavenly Father. You will also enjoy a continental breakfast, seated buffet lunch and shopping in the Catholic vendor marketplace. Cost is $55.00. Student tickets are $20.00, and women religious are welcome free of charge. For more information and to register, www.cwcnepa.com.
Good Samaritan Tickets are available in limited quantities. If you or someone you know would like to attend but can’t afford the price of the ticket, call (570-430-2735). The Conference is approaching fast so don’t delay! Tickets are limited and are first come first serve.
Deacon’s NOTE
Everything that Jesus did was through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is astounding that the Father gives us this same Holy Spirit so that we can do the works that Jesus did. As Saint Paul said, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Jesus is the first born of the new crea+on - the Holy Spirit inspired community. In our lives through surrendering to the gi- of his Spirit we are called to become his body and are des+ned to do great things.
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Thanks. Deacon Ron
FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS JUNE 3
Saturday, June 3rd, we observe the Fatima First Saturday Devotions in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our Lord and 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 and penance in reparation to her most Sorrowful & Immaculate Heart. All are invited. Devotions are 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
EASTER ZOOM BIBLE STUDY
The Zoom Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew continues at 6:30PM every Tuesday until May 23rd.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6868982075 Meeting ID: 686 898 2075 One tap mobile
+13052241968,,6868982075# US
+13092053325,,6868982075# US
Please join us with your Holy Bible as we enter more deeply into this powerful gospel.
ADORATION
Please consider spending an hour with Our Lord. New volunteers (fill-ins & permanent) are needed. Many hours are available. 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 & DEVOTIONAL CANDLES
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention offered by Joe Purr.
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for peace in Ukraine.
CHURCH CLEANING
St. Augustine: May 8 to 14 Mary Homan; May 15 to 21 Mary Homan; May 22 to 28 Kristen Olson; May 29 to June
4 Tanya Dearborn & Paulette Guyette
St. Francis: May Matt Oleniacz & Family
CARD SHOWER
Genevieve Coleman will be celebrating her 100th birthday THIS Tuesday, May 9th. If anyone would like to send her a card to help her celebrate, her address is: 2990 SR 858, Lawton, Pa. 18828.
CARD SHOWER FOR CLYDE TIMS
We are having a card shower for Clyde Tims. He will be 90 on May 28th. His address is 2516 Bowbridge Road, Little Meadows Pa. 18830. Let’s help him celebrate with cards and well wishes!
HOLY TRINITY COOK BOOK
Most Holy Trinity Parish, (St. Lawrence, St. Martin’s, and St. John’s), are planning and organizing a cook book which will be sold as a fund raiser. They make great gifts - with a potholder and wooden spoon, or ingredients for teachers, secret Santa, gift swaps, and housewarmings. They are also great for finding awesome new potluck or entertaining ideas for parties. The goal is to collect recipes from all three churches of Most Holy Trinity Parish as well as St. Brigid Parish, St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches. Isn’t it a great way to promote friendship and fellowship with yummy tried and true recipes.
Baskets are available in the back of each church with blank recipe collection sheets. Simply take one or as many as you would like, fill them out and return to the basket. Please make sure your name and the church site is on the recipe card so it can be printed in the book. Recipes need to be back before June 1st. The finished Cookbooks should be available by September/October. The estimated price is $10.00 each. Please contact, Kathy Brown 607-237-2147 kathymaebrown@yahoo.com ; Judi Salinkas 607-768-299 salinkas@nep.net with any questions.