MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Sunday, May 11 8:00AM St. Francis: Lector Terri LaRue; Ministers Tim LaRue & Larry Purtell; Servers Jacob & Carson Oleniacz; Rosary Debbie Purtell; Greeter volunteer Sunday, May 11—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector Cott DeMaree; Ministers Eileen
DECEASED
Please pray for the deceased, especially Carmelina Golden, sister-in-law of Norene Purtell; William Mlynarczyk, cousin of the Flaherty Family and known to many in our Community; and Assistant Chief Chip Chidester of the Harford Volunteer Fire Company, who was known to many in our Community. May they 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, . Kaitlyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Ruth King, Kyle Stoddard, Tom Wenman, Toni Colardino, Emily D., Joe Grindel, Amanda Branning, Daniel Gavin, Tommy Williams, Kathy Holt, Raub Family, Linda Hollenback, Don Zaleski, Elton Carr, Jim Raftis, Bub Davis, Tyler Fletcher, “D”, William Chaney, Chelsea Judson, Trisha, Mary Guido, Hallie Brooks, Mark Kovach, Brooke Arnold, Ethel Reid, Robyn Lawson, Rusty Carmen, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Marie Donahue, Todd Legg, Barbara Mahoney, Adam Price, Jay Gurn, Greg Lasgowka, Terry, Cameron & Levi White, Natalie Dawn Abell, Tom Ellison, the Reed Family, Don Higgins, Ryan Hayes, Chad Grindel, Thomas McWilliams, Marty Mosher, Cathy Ballogg, Mary Ann Casterline, Jay S., Jay C., Janice Jacobs, Mary Joan, Patricia Charpinsky, Diane Holleran, Kineer Worgen, James Dughi, Peg Broadwater, Adrian Stephens, Millie, John, Reilly, Sophia ILichishin, Josh Zaleski, Linda, Caleb Scepaniak, Dana Marsh, Lori Rawlins, Brendan Merritt, Mark Pasteka, Tim Fruehan, Gloria, Lori Hammerly Coleman, Pat Walsh, Brendan Kelly, R.C.M., Angelo Scarfalloto, Emily Graves, Cathy Albert, Robert Nemcek, Laura Nelson, Garrett Farr, Everly Hausmann, George Coleman, Sally Saunders, Evelyn Ferro, Marie Cavallaro, Alice, Briana Grisdale, Gregory Diorio, Diane, Mike Coleman, Nicholas, Alex, Mike & Pat Stelacio, Fr. John Victoria, Joseph Santora, Carol Garcia, Cathy Edsell, Sue L., Jessica Lawrence, Nellie Manarchuck, Monica Gibson, Carl Whitehead, Diane Coffee, Bill Noldy, Jr., Patricia Hutchinson, Mark, Chris Mortensen, Clyde & Mary Tims, Aaron Fredendall, Louise Eastman, Niki Rogers, Wade Leach, Shirley Conboy, Mike, Joseph Olszewski, Matthew Gatto, Kris Kiesly, Kylie Keenan, Sara Kelly Price, Tucker White, Terri Grindel, Jerry Wells, Fred Brown, Rosa Prieto, Ed Snee, A.J. Pass, Ken Warner, Pete Strojny, Mary (Jones) Edsell, Nancy, Eileen Maruschok, Leonard Howell, Bryce Histand, Shirley Rockefeller, Tony McHugh, Hunter Allen Sapp, Dcn. Tom Hartley, George Thrasher, Gerry, Kathy Conklin, Tom Walz, Gary Fisher, Joan Middendorf, Kevin Pierson, Megan Hale, Ben Naylor, Kathleen, Gail Lutz, Margaret Zernone, Tammy Volk Jennings, Rosemary Stewart, Joe, Bucky Russell, Carolyn Doolittle, Jane Borelli, Chuck Bullock, Tom Krupinski, Eileen Drab, Doug Packer, Ellen Bieleski, Joyce Danielewicz, Dorothy Angel, Jackie Foster, Jeff, Mary Ann Severage, Michael Stone, Grady White, John Mulrooney, Joan Golis, Margaret Connolly, Wally, Elizabeth Fancher, George Starzec, Nancy, Dustin, Marie Violini, Sam Arnold, Kelly Burridge, Caesar Siedlecki, Ty, Joe Leonard, Geri Mokris, Linda Henry, Gabi, Katie, Matt, Bill, Larry Wise, Ray Jones, Dan, George, Leah Walters, Michael Sacco, Liam & Maverick Dudock, Rudy Mattes, Linda Landis, Todd, Jane Murphy, Larry & Judy Black, Doug N., Cindy, George Szparagowski, Pamela, Robin, Tiffany, Connor James, Rev. Tom Burlington, Jim Snook, Sr., Jim Snook, Jr., Diane Linaberry, Dale, Nick, Devin, Jen Davis, Arden Tewksbury, Terry Popek, and Ruth. .
ARMED FORCES LIST
Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish & Community, Ryan Gormley, Christopher Reichlen, Mike Griffith, Steven Shelp, Matthew Kramer, Ryan Neville, Shane Kalpokas, Dustin Ryder, Ricky Trowbridge, Jay Tewksbury, Lukas Crisman, Ryan Newberry, Mark W. Gregg, Lisa Phillips, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Joseph Elliott, Wayne M. Bennett, Bradley J. Bryant, John Baltsley, Mara Redding, Michael Redding, James Hemmerly, Rip VanWinkle, Amberlynn Villanella, Jacob Balchikonis, Cameron, Jonathan Green, Garrett Kiehle, and all who serve with them.
Third Sunday of Easter
May 4th, 2025
Cry out with joy to God, all the earth!
MASS SCHEDULE
Sat. May 3 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER LIVING MEMBERS OF ST. BRIGID ALTAR & ROSARY SOCIETY by the Society
Sun. May 4 8:00AM St. Francis Church - THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS
10:30AM St. Augustine Church - MARY BETH ADAMS by the Mahoney Girls
Mon. May 5 NO MASS
Tue. May 6 12:00NN St. Francis Church - DAN DEVINE by Gary & Betty Ellen Hardy
Wed.May 7 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - FOR THE ELECTION OF A NEW POPE
Thur.May 8 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - SPECIAL INTENTIONS by Judy Adams
Fri. May 9 12:00NN St. Francis Church - GENEVIEVE COLEMAN by Loretta Guiton
Sat. May 10 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Sun. May 11 8:00AM St. Francis Church - FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - CHAD HENRY by Barb Gow & Family
CONFESSION SCHEDULE (BEFORE ALL WEEKEND MASSES)
Saturday St. Francis Xavier before 4:30PM Mass 3:30 to 4:15PM
Sunday St. Francis Xavier before 8:00AM Mass 7:30 to 7:50AM
Sunday—St. Augustine—before 10:30AM Mass—10:00 to 10:20AM
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Our Easter collection total was $ 4,073.01. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
LIFELINES
“The Lord says to us, ‘Do not fear: I am with you’ (Isaiah 41:10). He speaks these words not as one who merely observes our pain, but as one who experienced immense suffering. And the very wounds that bear witness to his suffering indicate the essence of our identity and worth: we are loved by God. Reflecting on the healed wounds of the Risen Christ, we see that even our most difficult trials can be the place where God manifests his victory. He makes all things beautiful. He makes all things new.”
Dear Friends!
The disciples, after Jesus death, were disoriented and unsure of their purpose. They experience an empty night, symbolizing their feelings of emptiness without Jesus. Jesus takes the initiative, appearing on the shore and providing for them with a miraculous catch. This act echoes Jesus' call to the disciples and foreshadows Peter's restoration. The details of the meal (fire, bread, fish) evoke a sense of intimacy and the Last Supper. Jesus' question to Peter about love ('agape') challenges Peter to recommit with a deeper understanding. Life lessons: God meets us in our discouragement: Even when we feel lost, Jesus is present and guides us. Renewal through service; Following Jesus involves using our gifts and experience to serve others.
Second chances and forgiveness: God offers us opportunities to grow and recommit, just as Jesus restored Peter. Love takes many forms; We can express love through actions and service, not just emotions (agape vs philia). Our primary call is to follow Jesus. This involves a daily decision to walk in His footsteps, despite challenges and uncertainties.
~ Father Augustine
200TH ANNIVERSARY AT ST. AUGUSTINE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
St. Augustine is the oldest church in the Diocese! We are planning a celebration at St. Augustine Church for Sunday, September 14th. The celebration will begin with Mass at 10:30AM, celebrated by Bishop Bambera, and followed by a catered buffet dinner in a large tent behind St. Augustine Church. We will begin selling tickets after Masses on Memorial Day weekend. Cost is $ 25.00 for adults; $ 15.00 children 5 to 12; children under 5 are free. There will be a cash bar (wine & beer), two bands, lots of pictures, history and memorabilia to ponder. The next meeting is May 21st, at 6:00PM at Neumann Hall.
OFFICIAL PILGRIMAGE SITE
St. Augustine Church is an official pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Scranton for the Jubilee Year 2025!!!
To obtain a plenary indulgence you must visit one of the 8 designated pilgrimage sites in our Diocese, make a sacramental confession within 20 days before or after seeking the indulgence (which includes the intention of sincere detachment from all sin), receive Holy Communion during full, conscious, active participation at Mass, and pray for the intentions of the Pope (this is satisfied by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary, but you have the option of reciting any other prayer according to individual piety and devotion, if recited for his intention.)
We are asked to make preparations to ensure our church is ready to receive visitors throughout the year. Below are a few key things to consider.
Extended Hours: If needed, it is recommended that the hours our church is open to the faithful be extended to allow more people the opportunity to visit and participate in a pilgrimage.
Prayer Card Availability: The Diocesan Office for Parish Life is printing prayer cards that will be available for pilgrims to pick up during their visits. We will also be provided a retractable banner for the inside of the church to denote the building as a pilgrimage destination.
Consider Additional Prayer Opportunities As Appropriate: At the pastor’s discretion, additional opportunities for prayer throughout the year can be added to our schedule. These will be publicized widely across the Diocese in The Catholic Light and social media. These can include Eucharistic Adoration, recitation of the Rosary, or special Masses.
Welcoming Pilgrims: Please warmly welcome visitors throughout the Jubilee Year, guiding them as they seek to obtain the plenary indulgence and deepen their spiritual journey.
CARE & EDUCATION OF PRIESTS
The collection for the Care & Education of Priests will be our second collection today.
CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL
Thank you for your generous support for last week’s Catholic Home Missions Appeal. St. Brigid Parish raised $ 790.00 to strengthen the Church at home and spread the Gospel across the United States.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Congratulations for our students who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion last Sunday at St. Augustine. Students are: Clara Balchikonis, Jayden Brown, Dominick Rebello, Luke Vaughan, and Callum Wise. Please keep them in your prayers.
“SPRING” BANQUET
The Banquet will be held Wednesday, May 14th at 5:30PM at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant in Apalachin. Meal choices are Marinated Chicken with Rice; Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti; Meatloaf; Virginia Baked Ham; Roast Turkey with Dressing and Fried or Broiled Haddock. Cost is $ 25.00 per person which includes your meal, non-alcoholic drinks, tax & tip. Sign up sheets are in the back of the Churches. Please sign up by Sunday, May 11th. Anyone in the Parish, men, women, or friends are welcome to attend. Please join us for a great meal and night out with friends. Deacon Paul will be our guest speaker. Please place your payment in the collection basket or return to an Altar & Rosary Officer Sr. Bette Brown, Kay Keenan, Dawn Davis, or Helena Arbosheski.
MOTHER’S DAY MASS NOVENA ENVELOPES
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11th. Mother’s Day Mass Novena Envelopes are available in the back of our Churches. Envelopes are available 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.
BLESSING OF HOMES
It is traditional to bless homes during the Easter Season. If you would like your home blessed, please call the Parish office (570-553-2288) or Father Augustine (570-909-7819) and schedule a day and time for Father to bless your home.
FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING
The Finance Council will meet on Tuesday, May 13th at 6:00PM in the Rectory.
PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS
There are still Lottery Calendars are available in the back of Church. They are $ 20.00 each and run thru December 31st. There less than 100 calendars left a couple of packages of (5) calendars and many single calendars. The numbers are definitely going down! If every family would take one or two more calendars they would be gone this weekend! To date 791 Calendars have been returned. If a calendar wins now and is sold later, the purchaser will still get the money! Please get your calendars sold and returns in ASAP! Please help make this important fund raiser a sell out again this year!
MAILING ADDRESS FOR GAIL LUTZ
If anyone would like to send Gail a cheerful card, her address is: Rochester Center, 525 Beahan Road, Gail Lutz, Room 201, Rochester NY 14624.
ADORATION HELP IS ALWAYS NEEDED
Substituting even once would help. Jesus is always happy to visit with you. Can you help out once a month? Can you help every once in a while? Please let Rosalynd Perlick know—(570-663-2212). This way you aren’t scheduled every week—you are only scheduled when you are available.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS
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 2025 to a Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 1st. The day includes a 2:30PM mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter followed by a light reception. The registration deadline is May 11th. To register, please contact Bridget Guarnieri (570-207-2213 x 1133) or familylife@dioceseofscranton.org
ST. BRIGID PARISH CAPITAL RENOVATION FUND
There are many areas of our churches, rectory and hall that need renovations and repairs. In order to fund these repairs we have established a Capital Renovation Fund. This fund will be used for needed repairs and renovations and also be available for emergency repairs. It is our intention to maintain a fund balance of $ 50,000.00 funded initially by this parish appeal. Once that goal is reached we hope to maintain a baseline $ 50,000.00 with ongoing collections under the title of Capital Renovation Fund Collection. Thank you for your help making this Fund a reality and your continued help to keep it funded.
A big thank you everyone who has donated! We now have $ 53,525.00 collected! Every donation, no matter the size is a big help.
ST. JOHN’S CEMETERY NEWS
If you own plots in St. John Cemetery or know anyone who does, send your name, address & phone number to Diane Mooney, 26 Jackson St., Montrose, Pa. 18801.
ST. PATRICK’S CEMETERY CLEAN–UP TIME
With spring upon us and the grass beginning to grow, you are asked to please help get the cemetery cleaned up by removing old flower pots and decorations from your family graves. When you clean up, please take your debris with you. Do not throw it along the perimeter of the grounds for someone else to attend to.
HELPFUL FOR ALL CEMETERIES
Now is a good time for anyone who puts flower pots or decorations on any family graves in any cemetery to help do their part by cleaning up and removing all old flower pots and decorations from your family graves. When you clean up, please take your debris with you. Do not throw it along the perimeter of the cemetery for someone else to attend to. Cleaning up is very helpful to those who mow the cemeteries (their job is, after all, only to mow and weed eat) and your efforts help keep things looking nice for all visitors to enjoy.
MEMORIAL DAY MASS
Mass will be held on Monday, May 26th, 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 11:15AM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS—SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH
Saturday, June 7th, we observe Fatima First Saturday Devotions in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our Lord and Lady asked of Sister Lucia, shepherd visionary of Fatima.
Please consider participating as we seek to fulfill our Savior's and Blessed Mother's request for prayer and penance in reparation to her most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. All are welcome. The schedule for these Devotions at Saint Augustine Church is:
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by confessions: 8:30AM-9:00AM
Recitation of Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: 9:00AM-9:30AM
Adoration and Meditation on Mysteries of the Rosary: 9:30AM-9:45AM
Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament: 9:45AM-9:55AM
Mass: 10:00AM-10:45AM
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 in Thanksgiving for prayers answered for Cameron White offered by Grandma & Grandpa Noldy.
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for the return to health of all the sick in our Parish & Community offered by St. Brigid Altar and Rosary Society.
SPECIAL PRAYERS
Please continue to pray for vocations to the Priesthood in our Diocese.
PARISH PRAYER CHAIN
If you have a prayer request, please call Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212), Maureen Allen (570-663-2256) or the Rectory (570-553-2288) sfxc@epix.net. 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.
CHURCH CLEANING
St. Augustine: May 5 to 11 Helen Gardella; May 12 to 18 Mary Homan; May 19 to 25—Mary Homan; May 26 to June 1—Kristen Olsen; June 2 to 8—Tanya Dearborn & Paulette Guyette; June 9 to 15 Tanya Dearborn & Paulette Guyette; June 16 to 22 Cathy O’Reilly; June 23 to 29 Kim Fruehan; June 30 to July 6 Kim Fruehan; July 7 to 13 Johanna Higgins; July 14 to 20 Johanna Higgins; July 21 to 27 need volunteer; July 28 to August 3 need volunteer; August 4 to 10 need volunteer; August 11 to 17 need volunteer; August 18 to 24 need volunteer; August 25 to 31 need volunteer
St. Francis cleaner for May Matt Oleniacz & Family
NEW VOLUNTEERS are welcome & needed to help clean our Churches. There are many openings at St. Augustine. To volunteer, call or email Kay (570)553-2288 or sfxc@epix.net
FLOWERS FOR THE ALTARS
To provide flowers for St. Francis Church, call the Rectory (570-553-2288); for St. Augustine Church, please sign up on the calendar in the back of the Church or call Heidi Jaeger (570-663-2459). For both Churches, please call or email (sfxc@epix.net) the Rectory with the “Intention” so it can be put in the bulletin. Dates are open at both Churches thru November.
~ St. Francis Flowers are in Memory of Bernard Joseph and Victoria Zalewski given by Bill and Dawn Zalewski.