Weekly Bulletin – PDF

St. John the Baptist Church
Office: St. John’s Rectory
126 Nesbitt St., Larksville, PA 18651
Pastor: Rev. Gerald J. Gurka, M.Div.. M.Th., M.A.
Parish Helper: Msgr. Donald A. McAndrews, D. Hum.
Permanent Deacon: Deacon Frank H. Hine
Parish Mission Statement
Our faith community of St. John the Baptist, founded on the
word of God; welcomes all with charity and love….both the
strong of Spirit and those who search. As part of the Universal
Church, we acknowledge that God has uniquely blessed
everyone with abundant gifts. We celebrate the differences
that make all of us equal in the eyes of the Lord….using our
blessings to provide all who join us in Eucharist with a heartfelt sense of family and communion. For the Lord has brought
you to our door….you are a stranger here but once.
Rectory Office:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
f
May 29, 2016
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
A Prayerful Welcome to All
Worshipping With Us.
Today’s Feast asks:
How does God Bless You?
How do you bless God?
To bless is to be grateful and protect.
Thanks for being here.
570-779-9620
570-779-7652
[email protected]
www.stjohnslarksville.org
St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church
Current Office Business Hours:
No Office Hours on Mondays
Tues, Wed, Thurs, & Fri: 9:00AM-11:30AM/12:30PM-2PM
All Other Times by Appointment
~New Parishioners: WELCOME to our parish family!
Please call the rectory office at your earliest convenience.
~Established Parishioners:
Please let us know of any change of address or telephone
number so that we may keep our records current. Families
moving from the parish are asked to notify the rectory office.
Home and Hospital Visitations: Are done on a regular
basis as well as the 1st Friday of the month. If someone is
homebound or hospitalized, please call the rectory office.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturdays--3:00 to 3:45 PM
Sacrament of Baptism: Parents must be registered in the
Parish. Please call the office at least 4 months before your child
is due. Instruction is required and normally held on the 1st
Monday of each month. It is best to attend this class before the
child’s birth. Baptism is normally celebrated in our Parish at the
9 AM Mass on the 1st Sunday of the month. Exceptions are
made for unusual circumstances, with the pastor’s approval.
Sacrament of Holy Orders: Is God calling you? Please see Fr.
Jerry or Deacon Frank.
Sacrament of Marriage: Diocesan regulations require those
couples planning marriage to contact the pastor at least twelve
months prior to the desired date of the marriage and other
wedding arrangements.
R.C.I.A. (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):
For those in need of baptism or completion of sacramental
preparation. Please contact rectory.
GOSPEL GLIMPSES
May 29, 2016
Lk 9:11b-17
Leftovers
Some people were born cooks. Not only do their
pots never boil over or roasts dry out, they seem
destined to make wonderful concoctions out of whatever ingredients are at hand. Give them eggs, milk
and cheese, and suddenly there are soufflés. Those of
us blessed with such food geniuses in our lives live in
joyous expectation of holidays when tables are laden
with so many wonderful creations. We hope that
there will be ample to “go around”, and please let
there be leftovers!
In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches us that at our
Heavenly Father’s table there’s always enough to “go
around”. Faced with a hungry crowd of 5000 people,
and only five simple loaves and two fishes, Jesus created a feast. Everyone was fed, with enough left to fill
twelve baskets. From humble ingredients, Jesus
worked a miracle, stirring up his followers hearts and
souls as well as their stomachs. Today, He still promises to meet our needs in the same way. If we will
offer our small portion of fish and loaves, we will be
amazed by who can be fed, and what joy we’ll receive
being fed on His leftovers!
©Copyright C L Enterprises
May 29, 2016
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
5/30
5/31
6/01
6/02
6/03
6/04
6/05
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Come Worship the Lord
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
4:00 PM
7:00 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
Deceased Members of our Parish Family
Leonard Ermak
No Mass
Shirley Grantuskas
Joan Bilbow
Carl & Florence Grivner
Living & Deceased of our Parish Family
John MacKenn
Schaffer & Ulichney Families
* at St. Anthony’s Cemetery Chapel
Dolores & Fran
M/M Ed Lewko
Betty & Rich Schall
Blanche Kush
Mack, Dylan & Logan
Estate
The Perfect Dinner Party
Every magazine today touts a simple formula for throwing the perfect dinner party. All this seeming perfection inspires
some and intimidates others. The impromptu dinner party that Jesus threw for five thousand shows Jesus as the perfect host,
and the apostles as good guests who cared for others. Luke describes this miracle in Eucharistic terms, a preview of the meal
handed down to them from Jesus. Our Eucharist today is a perfect dinner party as well, where the host puts Himself out
completely, even sacrificing His Body and Blood. Even the imperfections that we guests bring to His celebration cannot obscure the perfection of the meal itself. Instead the purity of our Host calls us to examine our hearts so that we can experience this perfect dinner party more perfectly.
Today’s Readings: Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:1-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9:11b-17
Sanctuary Candle burns this week
in memory of Deceased of Skudalski Family,
offered by Frank & Pat.
Flowers on the Altar this weekend are
donated in memory of David Antall.
Memorial Day Mass: Monday, May 30th at 9AM
at St. Anthony’s Cemetery Chapel.
We salute our Veterans with a Special Blessing
at all Masses this weekend.
Holiday Office Hours
The rectory office will be closed
Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th.
American Legion Poppy Sale
We welcome the Larksville American Legion to our
church this weekend for their Poppy sale.
Show your support… buy a Poppy!
Please prayerfully consider the Ministries of Extraordinary Minister, Lector, and Altar Server. Requirements:
the Sacrament of Confirmation, prayerful discernment and
love of God and neighbor. If interested, please call the rectory and leave name and phone number. Thanks!
Have a Safe/Peaceful Holiday Weekend!
Deepest Prayerful Gratitude to each and everyone
who gave of their time, talent and faith to create another
fine Faith Formation Year!
Graduate’s Blessing at all Masses
next weekend, June 4th & 5th.
1st Friday Calls will be made as usual this week.
Litany to the Sacred Heart will be prayed after Mass
on Friday, June 3rd.
Father’s Day Mass Intention Cards & Spiritual Bouquet envelopes are available in our church vestibule and
will be prayed for on Father’s Day and designated Masses
in June. Thank you for continuing this prayerful tradition
of placing the names of our living & deceased fathers, and
those who were/are like a father to us, upon the altar.
We Prayerfully Request Drivers to please keep off
the Grass and Graveled Areas that surround our
Parking Lot. Thank You!
All of Him
Arms of Jesus lift us up when we fall
Voice of Jesus call us back when we stray
Blood of Jesus wash us
clean when we become soiled
Body of Jesus feed us when we grow hungry
Heart of Jesus help us love one another as you love us.
Thank you for silencing your cell phones & pagers and refraining from texting while in church.
May 29, 2016
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Faith Formation News
 As we close out another year of Faith Formation classes,
there are many people who deserve our thanks. All of the
teachers and aides who volunteer their time and effort to
make sure that RCIA candidates and children of our parish
family are formed in the faith; the members of the parish
staff who prepare our meeting areas, receive our mail and
direct our phone calls; and most importantly, the parents,
who make the effort to bring your children week after
week. We also thank those families who came after class
each week to help put the area back in formation for the
following week. We are especially grateful to Father Jerry,
Deacon Frank, Judi Howe and Toni Shrawder for their support, encouragement, and input.
 Registrations for next year are due by June 5th. Please return it to the rectory office or drop in the collection basket.
Registration fees for registrations returned by June 5th will
be $25 per student. After that date, the fee will be $30. Registration forms can also be filled out on our parish website,
www.stjohnslarksville.org. No payment is required until the
start of classes in the fall.
 We sadly say goodbye to a long time member of our Faith
Formation staff. Mrs. Lucy Singer will be retiring from our
program after more than 15 years of combined service to St.
Anthony’s and then St. John’s. We wish God's continued
blessings on her and her family.
 As always, we appreciate anyone who can volunteer their
time and talent to help in our program. We are currently in
need of teachers, substitute teachers, and aides. If you are
interested in more information regarding this, please feel
free to contact Mrs. Howe at 570-338-2249.
Baptismal Instruction
The next class will be held on Monday, June 6th at 7PM in the
church hall. If you are expecting or recently had a baby, please
call the rectory office to register for this class.
Ministry Schedules for June/July
are available in the Sacristy.
Prayer Shawl Meeting and Work Session
will be held on Wednesday, June 8th at 6PM in
the church hall. All are invited and welcome to
join our ministry. If someone you know, needs a
prayer shawl please contact the rectory. If you aren’t able to
attend a meeting, but want to donate a lap robe, shawl or afghan, please contact the rectory office. If any afghans have been
made for the bazaar, we can store them for you. Please contact
the rectory office. Thanks! Deepest Prayerful Gratitude
and Appreciation for recent monetary donations to this
ministry.
If you aren’t able to make an afghan, monetary donations are
most welcome and appreciated. They can be made via collection basket (place in an envelope marked “Yarn/Afghans”) or
sent to the rectory office. Thank You for helping us to help others.
Pierogies
Pierogie making takes a holiday this week and will resume
next Monday, June 6th thru July 25th (except July 4th).
Please mark your calendars and plan to join the fun of our
Pierogie Pinching Parties from 8AM onward. No experience necessary! Pierogie Prep starts at 7:30AM each Sunday before a Pierogie Monday. Volunteers for Sunday &
Monday are most welcome & appreciated!
 Volunteers Needed on Mondays from 4PM to 6PM
to help transfer pierogies from Church Hall to Freezer
in Picnic Grounds. If able, please call the rectory and
leave name and phone #. Thanks!
Wonderful Things are Happening - Please check out
our Proposed Prayer Garden Designs on Display in
our Church Vestibule! Your prayerful/financial help & sacrifice make needed renovations possible and are prayerfully appreciated! If you would like to donate a paver to the
prayer garden, please call office for details.
Capital Campaign Payments are due. Please place payment in an envelope marked “Capital Campaign” and drop
in the collection basket or send to the rectory. Thank you!
ARC-PA Collection
Deepest Prayerful Gratitude to all who donated $390.26
to our second collection last weekend. It is greatly appreciated!
Memorial Day Prayer
O Father of all, on this Memorial Day
we pray for those who
courageously laid down their
lives for the cause of freedom.
Grant them peace and let
perpetual light shine upon them.
May the example of their
sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of your Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grant that through His passion,
death and resurrection they may
share in the joy
of your Heavenly Kingdom.
Bless the families of our fallen troops,
and fill their homes and their
lives with your strength and peace.
We pray through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Commitment of Treasure
May 22, 2016
Adult Envelopes Issued 790 Adult Envelopes Used 291
Budget
Collection
Weekly
$5,650
$4,872.90
Fiscal Year-to-Date
$265,550
$243,307.82
Diocesan and Community News
In Memory of Allan Makowski: LUNGevity Foundation’s Breathe Deep NEPA 5K Walk/Fun Run: Saturday, June
4th at Kirby Park, Kingston. Registration at 9AM, Program at 10AM and Walk/Fun Run at 10:30AM.
Triduum and Feast of Saint Joseph Marello: The Triduum (three days of prayers) will be held May 27th to 29th at the
Oblates of St. Joseph Chapel, Rte. 315, with a Holy Mass at 11AM and 7PM. Novena prayers and blessing with the St. Joseph
Marello Relic will conclude each Mass. The Feast will be celebrated on Monday, Memorial Day, May 30th with a Solemn Mass
at 7PM. Serving as celebrant and homilist will be Bishop James Timlin, D.D., retired Bishop of Scranton. Concelebrants will be
the local Oblate Fathers. The music will be provided by the Knights of Columbus Choir under the direction of David Tighe.
Following the Holy Mass, an outdoor reception will be held for everyone on the Seminary grounds hosted by the members of
the Josephite-Marellian Lay Association of Pennsylvania. All are invited. Offer your personal petitions to St. Joseph Marello on
his feast day.
Endless Mountains & Wyoming Valley Retreat Leagues Annual Men’s Retreat: June 3rd to 5th at St. Gabriel’s Retreat Center, 631 Griffin Pond Rd., Clarks Summit. Directed by Fr. Pio Mandato, FMHJ & Sister Theresa May of the Capuchin
Sisters of Nazareth. Begins with dinner at 6PM on Friday and departure after Noon meal on Sunday. For reservations or more
information, please contact Chris Ciprich at 570-290-4464 or [email protected].
Trunk Sale: Saturday, June 4th at St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church Parking Lot, 205 N. Main St., Pittston. Clear your
garage and sell your stuff without strangers at your house. Pack up your “junk” and throw it in the trunk and make dollars!
Open from 8AM to 3PM. Pre-paid spots are only $10 each. Limited space available. 1st Come - 1st Served. No Refunds. Call
570-905-7387 or e-mail [email protected] to reserve your spot! Rain Date is June 11th. Food will be available.
“Eastern European Cuisine”: sponsored by the International Dinner Club of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 320
Mifflin Ave., Scranton on Thursday, June 9th. The menu will start with Fresh Cabbage Soup with the Entrée of Chicken Paprikash over Kluski Noodles with a side dish of Zucchini served with cream Smetana Sauce. The dessert will be Cheese filled
Crepes topped with assorted berries. Coffee, tea, water and soda are included with the meal and a cash bar is available. Cost:
$20 per person and reservations can be made by calling 570-343-5151 by June 6th.
Little Sisters of the Poor Golf Tournament: Saturday, June 11th at the Scranton Municipal Golf Course, Lake Ariel. Registration begins at Noon with a shotgun start at 1PM. Format is captain and crew. Singles will be placed on a team. Cost: $100
per golfer which includes green fees, use of a cart, and official tournament shirt, a gift bag, a pre-tournament refreshment reception, a light meal during the tournament and a post-tournament dinner at the course clubhouse. Golfers will also have a
chance to win prizes based on their performance in the tournament including a new car courtesy of Matt Burne Honda, Scranton. Several types of golf and sponsorship packages, which are great advertising vehicles, are also available including hole signs
for $100 and sponsorships of $250, $500, $750 and $1,000. There will also be a grand raffle of the Sister’s famous gift baskets
as well as prizes valued at over $100. For more information, please contact Mrs. Jackie Galvin, M.S at 570-343-4065 ext. 3144
or [email protected]. Golf registration is also available at www.littlesistersofthepoorscranton.org. All proceeds
will be used to purchase a new bus for the residents of Holy Family Residence.
Plymouth Knights of Columbus Council 984 is holding its 4th Annual Ron Melovitz Golf Tournament on Saturday,
June 18th at Sand Springs Golf Course in Drums, PA. Format is Captain & Crew with a 8AM start. Check-in begins at 7AM.
Cost: $80 per golfer and includes driving range, green fees, cart, skins, hot dogs, and beverages at the turn and dinner and prizes at the end. Reservations needed by June 10th. Call Mike Yavorchak at 570-696-0920 or George Grantuskas at 570-2886984.
Boy Scout Ad Altare Dei Religious Award: Classes for the Ad Altare Dei Religious Awards will begin on Wednesday,
June 22nd at 7PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 410 S. River St., W-B. Roman Catholic Boy Scouts enrolled in grades 7 - 9
(Fall 2016) are eligible for the Ad Altare Dei Award. For more information, please call Mr. Ky Lazzari at 570-825-2648. If no
answer, please leave a message, or call Mary Anne Malone at 570-207-2213. Classes for Pope Pius XII Religious Awards
will begin on Wednesday, June 22nd at 7:45PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 410 S. River St., W-B. Roman Catholic or Byzantine Catholic Boy Scouts enrolled in grades 9 - 12 are eligible for the Pope Pius XII Award. Also eligible are Eagle Scouts who
will be 18 years old after they receive their Award and Venture and Varsity Scouts who will be 21 years old after they receive
their awards.
LifeLine — “In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace
that he lavished upon us.”
~ Ephesians 1:7-8 (NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission.)
Let us Pray …For members of the Church:
may the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist strengthen us in protecting his gift of life...