april 6, 2014 –f - Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church

APRIL 6, 2014 – FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Jesus said to her, “Did I not
tell you that if you believe
you will see the glory of
God?”
~ John 11: 40
Masses for the week of April 7 – April 13, 2014
Morning Prayer in St. Joseph Chapel 8:15am, Mon to Fri.
Monday, April 7
8:35am (chapel) Maureen Rogers (Rogers Family)
Tuesday, April 8
8:35am (chapel) Paul Troiano (Brian, Susan & Maria Middleton)
Wednesday, April 9
8:35am (chapel) Elaine Gawronski (Faye Kooker)
7:30pm (church) Adi Leleca Volavola (Russell & Loretta Hay)
Thursday, April 10
8:35am (chapel) Anthony Mignogna (Debbie)
Friday, April 11
9:00am (church) Donald F. Ianuzzi (Tom & Sue Rogers)
7:30pm (church) Stations of the Cross
Saturday, April 12
5:00pm (church) Elizabeth Petritsch (Loving Family)
Sunday, April 13
8:00am (church) Laura Olejkoliski (Sally & Mike Mc Devitt)
10:30am (church) Parishioners’ Intentions
Meetings & for the week of April 6 – April 12, 2014
Sun. April 6: Knights of Columbus Breakfast, 9am-12noon
in the Parish Hall
Encounter, 7pm – Marian Room
Mon. April 7: Parish Lenten Penance Service, 6:30pm - Church
Conquest, 6:30pm – School
Knights of Columbus, 7:30pm – Marian Room
Bible Study, 7:30pm – Chapel
Adoration & Evening prayers, 7pm- Fatima House (215-795-2947)
Tues., April 8: Bible Study, 9:30am – Marian Room
Thurs., April 10: Light Weigh, 7pm – Parish Office
Knights of Columbus, 7:30pm – Marian Room
Sat. April 12: Men of Faith, 8am – Marian Room
Conquest, 9am-1pm – School
“Knight-At-The-Races” 6pm-10pm – Parish Hall
The Church Cleaning Team for the week of
April 6th is (Team #1) is: Laura Gumprecht,
Anita Colahan, Susan Middleton, Michelle
Byers.
Your parish thanks you!!
Please remember in your prayers our parishioners in the
hospital, under hospice and residential care.
Susan Ackerman, Rose Marie Alex, Lillian Appleman, Mary
Balbirer, Elizabeth Bartolillo, Stephen Blanchard, John & Loretta
Bodisch, Emmalee Bryan, Ann Burns, Carole, Anne Colyer,
Charlene Cornell, Matthew Crance, Jim Crawford, Regina Cullen,
Chrissy Davis, Bill Dayton, Larry & Joanne Diehl, Dorothy
Donahue, Terry Dunn, Lorraine Echevarria, Arlene Eichlin,
Josephine Fasano, Bernice & Charles Fees, Charles Fees, Jr.,
Kathryn Ferris, Patricia Fite, Sara Fleck, Nancy Fratrik, Mary
Gallo, Dylan Geroni, Kathy Geroni, Marie & Rosalyn Giardullo,
Anna Giebler, Jack & Peg Glancey, Judy Green, Chang Ha, Mary
Halwski, Florence Hancharik, Steve Hancharik, Joyceann Heley,
Eli Hinkie, Charles Houston, Doris Johnson, Martha Juchnowicz,
Susan Kelly, Kathleen Kershaw, Georgine Kocher, Martha Kocsis,
Jack Kocsis, Grace Korcheck, Deanna Kovner, Barbara Kuehnle,
Joseph Kurtz Jr., Ryan Leven, Kathy Donahue Lewis, Kathy
Lightkep, George & Frances Lovett, Charles McCarty, Adelaide
McElderry, Bridget Julia McHugh, Anne McNichol, Florence
Middleton, Joseph Moore, Zachary Vincent Morelli, Wanda
Muth, Frances Nowicki, Dorothy Odor, Helen Patzek-Charlton,
Ryan Phillips, Nicholas Powell, Gladys Proca, John Przyuski, Lena
Quartuccio, Mike Ramos, Rachael Rice, Gregory Rickert, Valerie
Roberts, Richard Rolle, Sandy Romaszewski, Sim Rothman,
Frederick R. Rude, Dolly Rutherford, Anita St. Laurent, Zina
Sauerwine, Jean Scattergood, Anna Scheuermann, Julian Shine,
Joe Shuman, Gail Silveira, Carolyn Stahley, Sandy Stauffer,
Shane Stroup, Michael Suder, Sean Thatcher, Baby William
Patrick Thomas, Maddie Tomaszewski, Douglas & Frank Toner,
Tamara Widmer, Baby Logan Yoder.
Edward Armstrong, Jr., Fionna M.
Boyle, Christopher Brune, Casey de
Lauretis, Steehly de Lauretis, Michael
Froeder, A.J. Giovino, Amy Giovino,
Aaron Given, Bob Hankinson, Victor
Hormilla,
James
Kidd,
Stephen
Lindmeier, Jason Litschauer, Cory
Litzenberger, Dan O’Connor, Gregory Orbino, Matthew Orbino,
Jonathan Pucci, Dusty Rhodes, Craig Russell, Nicholas SpanglerLoch, Jenna Stanzione, Don Valdez, Justin Walsh.
Mass Collection
Sunday, March 30, 2014
$7,771.00
Thank you for your generosity!
Page 1 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Baptized March 23, 2014
Rita Rose Elsner
Kaylee Marie Gruver
We celebrate and welcome them with
great joy into our parish family.
APRIL 6, 2014 – FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Dear brothers and sisters,
“Lazarus has died.
And I am glad for you that I was not there,
that you may believe.”
John 11:14-15
On this fifth Sunday of Lent, we draw closer with Christ
to His death and resurrection and its effect on our own death
and resurrection. We draw closer now to the very center and
apex of God’s saving work for all humanity: the suffering, death
and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, otherwise referred to
as the paschal mystery.
The deep mystery of that saving work is represented
beforehand for our sakes today in the miraculous resuscitation
of Lazarus. Our Lord prepares us for this deep mystery of His
death and resurrection by the raising of Lazarus from the tomb
at which he has been lying dead and corrupting for four days.
There are three stories of resuscitation by Jesus of
dead people in the gospels. The first is the raising of a little girl
just moments after she died. (Mark 5:27-42) The second was
when our Lord raised the son of a widow whose body was being
taken to the grave. (Luke 7: 11-15)
The raising of Lazarus is the the third and it happens in the
tomb.
We see the progression of dying towards the tomb.
Our Lord follows us to the tomb. This is a mystery which we are
continually being drawn to every year; from our conception in
the womb to the tomb. To the tomb we must go. To the tomb
must our Lord Jesus go too.
Days before His own entry into His tomb, our Lord
prepares us as He prepared Martha, Mary and all HIs disciples
for the meaning of it all. Death only finds meaning in Him, the
Son of God. In death, our separation from God is complete.
Our disobedience of God reaches its fullest force in
death. In death, our disobedient heart runs out of power to
disobey any longer and dies too. Neither is our broken
disobedient heart able to obey too, at the point of death and
restore its own relationship with the Father. We are completely
and utterly powerless to choose to love God too and be
reconciled to Him.
It makes sense then that our Lord allows us to die still.
Without dying, our disobedience remains active and continues
to disobey Him. Our Lord allows it to run its full course before
He can transform it.
In today’s gospel, our Lord is reported by John to be
glad that Lazarus is dead. He is glad for our sakes, so that we
may not despair at the notion of death; ours and His. Today, we
understand better the meaning of His insistence to “suffer
grievously, die and on the third day, rise again.” He must just, as
we must.
In raising Lazarus from the dead, He was representing
to us on this side of the grave, what will happen on the other
side of the grave. He is assuring us with His undying love, I will
redeem you from that place of complete separation from my
Father. I will transform your dying disobedient heart into
obedient hearts. Like me, you will become obedient children of
the Father again. Like me, you will please the Father too, for all
eternity.
Brothers and sisters, this is what we are being
prepared for this Lent: to believe in Jesus, who is the
resurrection and the life! Today, fully aware of our own prideful
and disobedient hearts, we join Martha in saying, “Yes, Lord. I
have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God,
the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11:27)
God bless you all!
Fr. Simi.
The Catholic Life Institute will once again host Susan
Brinkmann, OCSDS in a 5-week course on the four stages
of prayer based on the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila.
This is the Catholic contemplative tradition in all of its glory!
Classes will be held at: Fatima House in Bedminster
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Saturday mornings from 10-11:30am, beginning on April 12
Cost is $35 per person.
Call 215-675-4078, email Fiat723@aol.com or visit
vvww.freeandfaithful.com to register.
"THE WAY OF THE CROSS"
MONDAY
APRIL 14,
2014
8:00PM
Presented
by
I.H.C.
MYSTERY
PLAYERS
An UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE WITH
THE USE OF SPECIAL LIGHTING AND SOUND
PLEASE DON'T MISS THIS EXTRAORDINARY EVENT!
No entrance fee
(A good-will offering will be taken up)
Visit Our New Lighthouse Media Display
in the Narthex
(A Resource Partnership Program provided by Lighthouse
Media/Stewardship: A Mission of Faith)
The perfect opportunity for you to grow in faith!
Share your Catholic faith with others (books make great gifts).
All materials are free: donations are greatly appreciated and
will be used to further supplement the display.
Page 2 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
APRIL 6, 2014 – FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Gospel of John 11: 1-44
“Jesus Raises Lazarus”
Jesus loved Lazarus and his two sisters
as dear friends and he often stayed in
their home at Bethany. Then why did
Jesus delay in coming to Lazarus' side
when he knew that his friend was gravely ill? Jesus attributed
Lazarus' sickness to the glory of God. The glory which Jesus had
in mind was connected with the cross. He saw the cross as the
way to glory in the kingdom of God. For Jesus there was no
other way to glory except through the cross. Jesus knew that if
he went to help Lazarus he would expose himself to grave
danger from those in Jerusalem who were plotting his
destruction. Jesus was willing to pay the price to help his
friend. Are you ready to give help when it costs dearly?
Jesus' two day delay puzzled his disciples. But they were also
upset when Jesus did announce that he was going to Bethany,
which is very close to Jerusalem. This looked like suicide since
they knew the religious authorities were out to get rid of Jesus.
For Jesus to come to Jerusalem at Passover time was an act of
courage. The explanation which Jesus gave to his disciples was
simple and challenging at the same time. "Are there not twelve
hours in the day?" In so many words he said: "There are
enough hours in the day to do what one must do." A day can
neither be rushed nor extended. Its period is fixed. In God's
economy we each have our "day" whether it is short or long.
While time is limited, there is enough time for us to accomplish
what God intends. God gives each of us our allotted portion in
life. We can either waste it or use it for God's glory. Jesus did
not let circumstances or pressure dictate what he would do.
Nor did he permit others to dictate his actions or timetable.
Don't we often try to get God to do things in our way and on
our timetable?
The name Lazarus means "God is my help". Through Lazarus'
sickness and death, God brought glory through Jesus his only
begotten Son, who raised his friend from the dead in
anticipation of his own death and resurrection.
Our
participation in the Lord's Supper in the Eucharist already gives
us an understanding of Jesus' transfiguration of our bodies.
Psalm 27 ends with the great prayer of hope in the resurrection:
“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of
the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take
courage; yes, wait for the Lord!” Do you find joy and hope in
the resurrection of Christ?
Let us pray….
"Lord Jesus Christ, you have ransomed us with your blood and
restored us to life with the Father in heaven. May your
resurrection be our hope as we long for the day when we will
see you face to face in glory."
Congratulations
to Mrs. Cook, our 3rd grade
teacher. Mrs. Cook has been chosen to serve on an evaluation
committee for the Middle States Association. The MSA is
committed to excellence in all levels across the continuum of
education, whose purposes are to encourage, advance, assist
and sustain the quality and integrity of education. This is a
wonderful opportunity for Mrs. Cook. She will be able to help
the school she is evaluating, and return to our school with many
ideas for us to consider. Congratulations Mrs. Cook.
SJB Extracurricular Activities
Here is an update on some of the extracurricular activities
just completed, just starting and ongoing:
· Science Explorers continues….
· Softball HAS STARTED
· Track HAS STARTED
· The Drama Club is having auditions for the Spring Show
· Year book club continues….
TRANSFER GRANT Any public, private or charter school
student who transfers into St. John the Baptist Catholic School
is eligible to receive a SJBCS Board Transfer Grant.
Elementary students in grades 1-7, are eligible to receive up to
$1700 in grants, $1,200 in the first and $500 in the second year.
For more information please call Mr. Patterson, our principal at:
610-847-5523, or email: infosjbcs@gmail.com
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014
12:30PM – 5:30PM
in the SCHOOL HALL
Questions???? Contact Sylvia Holznagel
at 610-847-5647
CYO SPRING SPORTS REGISTRATION
TRACK & FIELD / SOFTBALL / VOLLEYBALL / BASEBALL
Contact Claire Froman for information at cmgeib@aol.com
Registration forms are available on our parish website.
St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Knowing ~ Loving ~ Serving ~ Leading
Page 3 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
APRIL 6, 2014 – FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
“CHURCH CLEANING FOR EASTER”
Update on Our Parish Mission to Haiti
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When: Wednesday, April 9 following the 8:35am
Mass (we will meet approx. 9:30am in the Narthex)
We need volunteers to clean God’s House…the more
the better!
You may consider using this event as one of your
offerings to God during this Lenten season.
Please bring a bucket & rags with you. We will have a
list of things that need to be done. You choose which
job you would like to do.
Thank you for your willing heart…thank you for
serving the house of the Lord!
If you can help, please call Joan Black 215-536-3508
“ENCOUNTER”
Calling all 20-somethings & 30-somethings to a deeper, more
meaningful encounter with Jesus Christ during this Lenten
season!
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And NOW we are inviting 9 -12 graders to join us for an
evening of worship before the Eucharist!
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Who: young adults AND teens (9 -12 grade)
When: Sunday April 6th, 2014 from 7-8pm
Where: SJB Marian Room
Why: To worship our Lord for all He has done on the cross as
we adore Him before the Eucharist!
Theme: Worship on our knees
(NOTE: We will be meeting weekly during Lent! Check the bulletin each
Sunday for the new theme)
Contact: Amanda Russell at arussell1304@gmail.com with any
questions.
SJB CARNIVAL
June 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th
Please plan on being a part of
SJB’s annual celebration!
RAFFLE TICKETS
AVAILABLE AFTER MASS
SIGN UP FOR YOUR FAVORITE BOOTH!
The Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is sponsoring a…
Chicken Barbecue & Family Barn Dance
Saturday May 3rd from 6:00 to 9:00 pm
in the Shrine’s outdoor pavilion
(or cafeteria, in case of inclement weather)
Live entertainment will be provided by
“Ruthanne and Her Fiddling Friends”
Cost is $20 for adults; $12 for kids ages 5 to 12; and free for kids
under 5; or $75 per family.
For tickets & info please call 215-345-0600 or visit the Shrine’s
Visitor Center Office or website at www.czestochowa.us.
Proceeds benefit the Shrine’s Youth Group trip to World
Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland.
Thank you to all who heard our appeal to build beds for
the children of the Cardinal Stepanic Children’s Home in
Port-au-Prince, Haiti. After the first week, we have funds
for eight of the 46 beds we are planning to build and
more than enough skilled workers who have indicated an
interest in making this mission trip.
We still need your prayers and your financial sacrifice this
Lent to meet our goal. We will purchase mattresses and
materials in Haiti (and help the local economy), and send
our volunteers to build them after Easter.
Please consider:
• Sponsor a bed for $250 or a bunk bed for $500 with
family, friends, neighbors or your business
• Total project goal is to raise $12,000 (Estimated cost per
bed = $250)
• Make checks payable to Croatian Relief Services and
place them in the collection basket during Lent
• Cash contributions also accepted: Please place in the
collection basked in an envelope marked “Haiti” and
include your name and address
Like us on Facebook: “Sleep Tightly: Mission to Haiti,”
where you can learn more about our mission project
and see photographs of the children we are called to
help.
Additional information on Cardinal Stepanic Children’s
Home: www.croatianrelief.org
The Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center
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Theme-Basket Bingo on Sunday, April 27 at 1pm
20 Fun-filled Baskets, 50/50 Raffle, Free piece of Cake,
door prizes & lots of fun! A light lunch is available for sale.
Tickets are $20.00, limited to 75.
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Save-the-Date: Penny Party – Sunday, May 18
For more info on either event call 610-847-8178
8040 Easton Road, Ottsville, PA
New….
The Health and Wellness Ministry of SJB
Doctors, Nurses, Healthcare Professionals and
Non-Professional Lay persons are needed.
Contact: Phyllis Schmerbeck, RN - Parish Nurse SJB
610-847-5674 or via email: phyllisschmerbeck@gmail.com
Page 4 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
APRIL 6, 2014 – FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Rediscover the Love in Your Marriage!
September 22-27, 2015
in
Philadelphia
Men’s Adult Discernment Group
The Vocation Office is sponsoring a men’s discernment group,
adults college age and up. The gatherings are for men interested in
the possibility of priesthood. The group will meet every 2nd Sunday
of the month at the SS Peter & Paul Cathedral following 6:30pm
Mass, 7:30 – 9:30pm in the Neumann Room.
Upcoming dates are: April 13thth and May 11th, 2014
The Retrouvaille Marriage Program offers help for struggling
marriages. It gives you the chance to rediscover yourself and
your spouse. Tens of thousands of couples headed for divorce
have successfully saved their marriages by attending a
Retrouvaille weekend and the six post sessions that follow it.
Retrouvaille is not just a social gathering or series of seminars,
but rather a way to rediscover and rekindle the loving
relationship in your marriage.
The next program begins on the weekend of April 25-27 at the
Family Life Center in Malvern, PA.
For more information, or to register for our upcoming
weekend, visit our web site at: www.HelpOurMarriage.com or
call 1-800-470-2230. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential
Contact the Vocation Office at 610-667-5778
MINISTRY SCHEDULE for April 12 & 13, 2014: PALM SUNDAY
April 17 & 18, 2014: HOLY THURSDAY & GOOD FRIDAY
Communion Minister
Lector
Altar Server
Music
Saturday, 5:00pm
Palm Sunday
John Becker
Darlene Bittenmaster
Cathi Gelwicks
Dave Slifer
Anne Slifer
Fran Torgerson
Luke Grindrod
Gavin Reshetar
Maya Reshetar
Liz Torgerson
Fred Furmaniak
Sunday, 8am
Palm Sunday
Jim McHugh
Kevin Murphy
Joel Roney
Weez Roney
Melissa Johnson
Jeanne Keller
Emily Froman
TJ Froman
Gus Yocum
Amanda Russell
Jim Roney
Sunday, 10:30am
Palm Sunday
Joanne DaCunha
Phil Donahue
Russell Hay
Bruce Keyser
Christina Crews
Patti Keyser
Audrey Giovino
Mackenzie Kenderdine
Olivia Kenderdine
Amleto Pucci
Elaine Jocelyn
Holy Thursday,
7:30pm
April 17
Mass of the Lord’s
Supper
Jim Black
Joan Black
Nacny Kaczinski
Cathy Leidtke
John Zdanowicz
Maria Middleton
Amanda Russell
NOT FILLED
Susan Middleton
Sue Rogers
Good Friday, 3:00pm
April 18
The Passion of the
Lord
Marion Wolf
Julie Pauly
Donna Sciacca
Jack Pauly
NOT FILLED
Amanda Russell
Elaine Jocelyn
Page 5 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church