from the pastor - St. John the Baptist Parish Family

FROM THE PASTOR
SCHEDULE
Dear Parishioners,
A woman was shopping for a new dress and found
the most stunning creation she had ever seen but it was
outrageously expensive -- $500. She knew she just had
to have it. If she didn’t snap it up it would soon be gone.
Despite the mortgage and many overdue household bills,
she bought it. That evening she modeled it for her
husband who asked “How much did it cost?” She told
him and he leaped out of his chair. “How could you?
You know that we were scrimping to pay the mortgage!”
She explained that she was tempted beyond her
ability to resist. The husband said, “When you‟re
tempted, tell the devil to get behind you.”
“I did,” she answered. “And he bent close to my ear
and said, „it looks great from the back too!‟”
In this Sunday’s gospel for the first weekend of Lent
the devil tries all his tricks to tempt Jesus in the desert.
The season of Lent provides us with a great test of our
own ability to resist temptation.
Second Sunday of Lent
5:00 p.m. – Saturday – March 19th
Reader: Bill Gianfagnia
Euch.Min.: Joan Albo, Kathy Gianfagna
Servers: Michael, Rachel, Patrick Ryan
Cantor: Lucilla Kochol
8:15 a.m. – Sunday – March 20th
Reader: Bill Casey
Euch.Min.: Frank Murphy, Bobbi Murray,
Justina Majestic
Servers: Connor McNamara, Taylor Ross,
Brent Gauntlett
Cantor: Karen Glunz
10:30 a.m. – Sunday – March 20th
Reader: Ian Hower
Euch.Min.: Albert Nastasi, Joyce Gerace,
Prudence Griffin
Servers: Megan Ryan, Madison Buckingham,
Dominic Chiplonia
Cantor: Ensemble
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Yours in Christ,
Father Dave
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MASS INTENTIONS
Monday, March 14 – 9:00 a.m.
GEORGE MEYER (American Cancer Society)
Tuesday, March 15 – 9:00 a.m.
MARIE CAMPION (Children)
Wednesday, March 16 – 9:00 a.m.
RICHARD BUEHLER (Saturday Night Choir)
Thursday, March 17 – 9:00 a.m.
GEORGE F. CONNELL (Mary Connell & Family)
Friday, March 18 – 9:00 a.m.
TIMOTHY GRICKIS (Peggy & Gene Ebling)
Saturday, March 19 – 5:00 p.m
FRANK BROZANA (Joanne & Don Doyne)
Sunday – March 20 – 8:15 a.m.
GEORGE HOLLEY (Deborah & Mark Purcell)
Sunday – March 20 – 10:30 a.m.
GLENN STUTZMAN (Brophy Nieces & Nephews)
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CANDLE INTENTIONS
BVM – IMO Carolyn & Charles Foster by Babe Murphy
St. Joseph – IMO Kathleen Murphy Loeper
by Babe Murphy
Tabernacle – For Ryan by Margaret
Sanctuary Candles
1&2.IMO Deceased Members of St. John’s
Saturday Night Choir
3. For Jocelyn by Margaret
4. For Allison by Margaret
Guardian Angel
1. For Jarret Liam by Margaret
2. For Laurel Makenna by Margaret
PRAY FOR OUR SICK / DECEASED
We remember in prayer those who are ill. We commend
to our Divine Lord all of our aged people and those
residing in nursing homes.
Sick: Margie Glunz, Edward Wychunas, John
Woznicki, Mary Ellen Viduszynski, Espen
Murphy, Greg Schoffstall, Mary Margaret
Smith, Paul Burns, Jean Smith, Matthew Mazakas,
Melody Mazakas, George Anns, Mary Alfonsi, John
Connell, Joe Christ, Otto Pfeffer, Rita Montag, Ella
Hauptly, Thomas Williams, Fred Maley, Kate Zagar.
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What hungers do you see in your community?
What food do you offer?
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This Week’s Readings
First Sunday of Lent
Reading I: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Reading II: Romans 5:12-19
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
Next Week’s Readings
Second Sunday of Lent (March 19/20)
Reading I: Genesis 12:1-4a
Reading II: 2 Timothy 18b-10
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
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WEEKLY COLLECTION
March 5/6: $5,875.00; Dues: $2,532.00
Fuel Update: $ 7,995.00
We thank our parishioners for their sacrificial giving.
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First Week of Lent
DRAMATIC STATIONS
SYMBOL: Clay
St. John's Dramatic Stations of the Cross recreates on
stage and through song, the final days of the life of Jesus
Christ.
We need men, women and children for
the cast. There are many non-speaking
parts for those who do not wish to
assume a speaking role. People are also
needed for the stage crew (props,
lighting, sound, etc.) or to help distribute the costumes,
etc.. If you are a veteran of the Dramatic Stations
Presentations, we are looking forward to your return and
we ask that you please invite someone new to join you
for this year's presentation. If you are new to the parish,
we invite you to join us. In addition, it is a great way to
meet new people. Many veterans tell us that their
participation in the Dramatic Stations is a very
meaningful and spiritual way for them to observe the
Lenten Season. It is a wonderful family activity as well.
For further information or questions, please call
Dr. Robert DeColli at 640-1910 or the Rectory
622-5470.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Tuesday & Thursdays – 7 p.m. – in church
Beginning March 15th
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A lump of clay does not shape itself. It depends
completely on the will of the artist to mold it and create
its form. As clay is kneaded, it responds and its shape is
changed. A new and different form comes into being.
The clay does not shape itself, but is always dependent
on another’s creativity.
In one sense, our lives are like clay. We mold and shape
them. We knead form into our lives. Like clay, we are
also shaped by others. Those with whom we live, work,
pray, and play knead us into new form. Our lives are
redesigned and reshaped, always being made new by our
interaction with others. As we interact with these others,
their lives also are re-formed.
During Lent the whole church is re-forming. We
reconsider our present design and recall in our minds the
vision of what we as church are meant to be. We choose
to reshape ourselves. Recognizing we cannot do this by
ourselves, we call on each other and the Holy Spirit to
help us.
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R. C. I. A.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA is for anyone who is interested in becoming
Catholic or in updating and deepening their
understanding of the Catholic Faith. Call St. John’s
Rectory to register … 622-5470. All are welcome to
attend any or all of the sessions!
R.C.I.A. Schedule
March 17th – Make-up Day if needed
March 24th at St. Patrick’s
Holy Orders and Religious Life
… Msgr. O’Connor, S. Catherine
March 31st at St. Patrick’s
Married and Dedicated Single Life… Karen Powers
April 7th – Make-up if necessary
April 14th @ St. Michael’s
Meaning of Holy Week … Fr. Adam, S. Catherine
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FAMILY MATTERS
Lenten Practices. The family that prays together …
stays together. What better time than Lent to consider a
family prayer time. Take time during this Lent to grow
closer to Jesus and to each other.
You pray for my family and I’ll pray for yours.
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BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS
….will take place next weekend, March 19 & 20,
in Longinus Hall after all Masses.
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OPERATION RICE BOWL
Journeying Through the Desert. As we enter the
desert of Lent together, Jesus shows us that to live fully
the life God has given us, we must obey His
Commandments and follow the Holy Spirit. Just as we
are called to care for the gift of our eternal life, we are
also called to care for the gift of God’s creation. Catholic
Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl supports
agriculture programs in Haiti and around the world that
teach farmers effective and ecologically sensitive
growing methods which allow them to get the most out
of their land while preserving it for future generations.
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SUNDAY
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
… sponsored by the Schuylkill Deanery Holy Name
Society during the Lenten Season at 7 p.m.,
including Benediction. Large print stations books
provided. The schedule is as follows:
March 13
@ Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Mahanoy City
March 20
@ Sts. Peter & Paul - Tamaqua
March 27
@ St. Ann’s - Frackville
April 3
@ St. Mary’s - Ringtown
April 10
@ St. Patrick’s - Pottsville
April 17
@ Most Blessed Trinity - Tremont
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LENTEN PROGRAMS AT ST. JOHN’S
ENCOUNTERING THE MERCIFUL SAVIOR
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - 5 to 7 p.m.
Confessions (in lower sacristy) 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross – 6:30 p.m.
Benediction – 6:55 p.m.
Every Wednesday in Lent beginning March 16th
GREAT ADVENTURE BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM
Every Monday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
in Longinus Hall
CHRISTIAN YOGA
Come join us as we blend physical and
spiritual health for the Lenten season.
Fine tune your body as a “Temple of
the Holy Spirit”, combining worship,
praise and intimate connection to Christ.
Tuesdays --- March 15, 22, 29, April 5
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Longinus Hall
Available for all fitness levels, bring a mat or towel,
Prudie Griffin is the instructor. Register by March 10th
by calling Susan Hahner 622-0223 or the rectory 6225470.
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BAPTISMS
There will be no celebration of Baptism during Lent,
Baptisms will resume after Easter.
Lent is a preparation for the celebration of Easter. The
Lenten Liturgy disposes the faithful to celebrate the
Paschal mystery. Through reminders of their own
baptism and through penitential practices, another way
to emphasize the nature of Lent as a season of
preparation for baptism is to refrain from baptizing
infants during this time (except, of course, in the case of
an emergency). Instead, full participation in the liturgies
of Lent, provides a way for the parents and Godparents
of infants to receive appropriate formation. The infants
would then be baptized during the Easter Season.
Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the observance
of Lent is meant to bring back the fervor that should
flow continually from the grace of baptism and restore
us to baptismal innocence and reconcile us to God and
the community.
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OUTREACH MINISTRY
REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE
Call Margie Glunz 622-3067
Call us if you need us.
Volunteers are needed to prepare meals for
parishioners who are in need. Please call the
above number to volunteer.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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A MARDI GRAS THANK YOU
We had a very successful 2011 Mardi Gras celebration
with over 100 people attending. The true family spirit of
St. John’s was captured with ages of two months to over
80 years attending, all with a gracious heart of
community.
An event like this despite its intention of being only a
fun-filled evening as opposed to a fundraiser, cannot be
successful without many hands, many hours, and a
willingness to make it happen.
My sincere appreciation to my committee: Father Dave,
Sister Maryanne, Beth Thomas, Katie Blackwell,
Michelle Ambrose, Reene Reddington, Sandi Frinzi all
of whom shared their individual talents, ideas, and
energies.
The parish organizations who were asked to bring the
designated food category from their organization were
very generous and creative. To each and all of you from
the Food Committee, the Choir, Family Guild, Catholic
Women’s Union, Youth Group, Parish Council, CCD,
and the Rectory, my gratitude for your generosity of
spirit. It had to be one of the best buffets ever displayed
in Schuylkill County. No one left hungry. Some of you
even brought old family recipes that you treasured. So
did we.
At the end of these evenings, a committee is usually very
tired. This is no exception. When I requested help from
the Youth of our parish to assist us in cleaning up at the
end of the evening, they did not disappoint. Thank you
to Andy and Rachel Kubick and your eager and beautiful
youth for that help.
And to the bartenders who kept everyone happy and
satiated with their service and banter, thank you.
And to Pat Klassen who quietly and diligently provided
the mailings that were required, thank you.
Another successful and memorable event at St. John’s
goes into the history, with my thanks to you all.
Mary A. Sitcoske
Wrap-up meeting: Tuesday, March 22nd at 7 p.m.
in the Rectory Fellowship Room.
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Re-Connect with your Church
in a Meaningful Way
GENERATIONS IN FAITH TOGETHER
April 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. John’s
Spend quality time with Family and Friends
Explore your Faith in a fun and family atmosphere
 Have a good time
 Get to know other parishioners
 Build a better Sunday
 We’re working to bring the excitement back
Call NOW to register 622-5470 x 5
LENTEN DINNERS
Our Reputation is Well Known!
Full course dinners including the best home-made New
England Clam Chowder, freshly baked Haddock or
Salmon, or Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, a wonderful Salad
Bar, choice of Macaroni & Cheese, Baked or Mashed
Potatoes, choice of Vegetables, Beverages, and of
course, our Delicious Homemade Desserts…. 4 to 7 p.m.
at the Russell Building … every Friday during Lent.
Adults
Baked Haddock or Salmon
$ 12.00
1 Crab Cake
$ 12.00
2 Crab Cakes
$ 14.00
Adult Special
Crab Cake & Choice of Fish
$ 15.00
Children (under 12 only)
Baked Haddock or Salmon $ 8.00
1 Crab Cake
$ 8.00
TAKE-OUTS AVAILABLE
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HOMEMADE DESSERTS
"St. John's is famous for
their delicious homemade desserts"
St. John's Food Committee is in need of
your baking talents. Each year we could
not succeed without your delicious
desserts. If you would like to make Jello,
Pudding, Pies, Cakes, or anything you can dream up, we
will greatly appreciate it. Please make your favorite
dessert and bring it to the Russell Building on
Thursday's or Friday's during Lent.
NEEDED:
Waitresses / waiters
We need volunteers to help with the Lenten Dinners. If
you can volunteer one Friday or a couple of Fridays –
anything would be great! You can ask anyone
who has helped in the past, we always have a
great time each Friday. Perhaps you are new in
the parish and looking for a way to become
involved. We also need help clearing tables,
serving drinks, etc.
Please contact Kate or Steve Zagar 622-3193 or call
the Rectory 622-5470.
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50 / 50 CHANCES
Every Friday during Lent
the Catholic Women’s Union
will sell 50/50 Chances
at the Lenten Dinners.
Drawings will take place at 7 p.m. each week.
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Every good gift and every perfect gift is from the Father
…James 1:17
LONGABERGER BASKET
& POTTERY CALENDAR
SPONSORS - 2011
Abdo’s Furniture
Beehive Salon
Dr. & Mrs. Barry Boran
Daubert Family
Eastern Press
Eckley Family
Father Dave
Bill & Kathy Gianfagna
Diane Keese
Jennifer Killian
John Lieberman
Lori & Dave Miller & Family
Herm Minnig
Bobbi Murray
Nancy’s Fancy Flowers & Fruit
Pottsville Internists
Carole Quirin
Bud & Jule Quandel
Rosenberger Plumbing & Heating
St. Clair Auto Supply
St. John’s CYO
St. John’s Family Guild
Towne Drugs
Union Bank & Trust Co.
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LONGABERGER BASKET WINNERS
March 1st
- Janet Daubert
March 2nd
- Donna Skosnick
March 3rd
- Theresa Hossler
March 4th
- Bobbi Murray
March 5th
- Heidi Herring
March 6th
- Jean Golden
th
March 7
- Lynda Crighton
March 8th
- Kelly Zwiebel
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CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS
There are many dioceses right here in the United States
whose parishes struggle to keep their doors open. These
dioceses are classified as home missions and cannot
maintain pastoral programs like catechesis, youth
ministry, and seminary formation on their own. The
Catholic Home Missions Appeal supports these diocese
by funding essential ministries, including aid to
vulnerable parishes. Please be generous in this Appeal
and help strengthen the Church at home.
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… The heavens declare the glory of God … Ps. 19:1
PRO-LIFE EVENTS
th
nd
th
March 15 , 22 , 29
Rosary for Life
at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel - 8:30 p.m.
March 26th – 27th
First Sanctity of Human Life Weekend at St. John’s
For more information about these wonderful
opportunities, please contact Andrew Kubick at 6914655 or at [email protected] (webpage and
facebook page coming soon)
FORTY DAYS FOR LIFE
A new national 40 Days for Life effort will begin
starting March 9 through April 17th. In addition to 40
days of peaceful prayer and fasting for an end to
abortion, please consider volunteering to pray outside of
the Allentown Women’s Center 1409 Union
Boulevard in Allentown, or at Planned Parenthood,
4th and Franklin Streets, Reading, during the 40 days,
and spread the word to others about this important lifesaving effort. To get more information, or to volunteer to
help, or to set up a time to pray at one of the clinics
please contact: in Allentown, Theresa Shemanski 610704-6935 or go to www.40daysforlife.com/allentown;
in Reading, Kathy Kuhns 610-375-3395 or go to
[email protected]
or
go
to
www.40daysforlife.com/reading. All are welcome!
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CCD NEWS …
We now have a newly refurbished prayer room on the
second floor of the school building. This room is
available to our parish and a time can be reserved by
contacting Bob Hahner 622-0223 or 622-4448
(daytime). Also contact S. Maryanne if you have a CD
player or any religious item you would like to donate to
the room.
A special thank you to Tony Kochol for building and
donating a radiator cover for the room.
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iPHONE APP HELPS US
PREPARE FOR CONFESSION
There’s a new app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod
Touch that helps Catholics prepare for going to
confession called “Confession: A Roman Catholic
App”. And it has the Church’s okay. It is not,
though, a substitute for the Sacrament. Basically,
you use the app to get ready for the sacrament. And
you could bring your iPhone into the confessional
with you. It’s like coming prepared with notes.
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CATHOLIC WOMEN'S UNION
St. John's Catholic Women's Union was founded in 1926
and is still active and a viable organization, whose
purpose is service and friendship.
We meet every month on the third
Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Longinus Hall.
We have a short business meeting and
refreshments are served. During the year
we have interesting programs which
include a Chinese Auction, Fall Harvest Sale, Halloween
fun, Christmas Party, Pizza Sale, Pie Sale, etc. We have
a wonderful group of women of all ages and interests.
Monies raised through our various projects are given to
St. John's Church to be used wherever needed. If you
would like to join us, please complete the following
form. Please join us. All women of St. John's Parish are
welcome!
-------------------------------------
St. John's Catholic Women's Union Membership
Name ___________________________________
Address _________________________________
_________________________________________
Phone _________________________
Drop in the collection basket or mail to: Sue Jochems,
2200 Mahantongo St., Pottsville 17901 (Dues are $5.00
per year, make check payable to St. John's CWU)
If you have any additional questions, please contact the
Catholic Women's Union President,Carole Quirin at
429-0789.
Our Next Meeting
Wednesday, March 16th
7:30 p.m. (time change) – Longinus Hall
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FRESH is a film that celebrates the
farmers, thinkers and business people
across America who are re-investing
our food system. Forging healthier,
sustainable alternatives, they offer a
practical vision of our food and our
planet’s future.
Total running time: 72 minutes
When: March 19, doors open at 6 for potluck dinner,
film begins at 7 p.m., panel discussion following
Where: St. John’s Longinus Hall
Cost: $3.00 per person or $5.00 per family
Why: Because what we eat matters!
RSVP to: Michael Scheidel by phone (570) 739-1808
or e-mail [email protected]
Join us for the potluck (bring a dish) or just for the film.
Young children will be entertained by St. John’s Youth
Group. Any money above the cost of the film will be
donated to St. John’s Youth Group.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March
14
15
15
16
16
17
18
21
22
22
22
23
24
25
28
29
29
30
31
Bible Study – 630 to 8:30 pm – L.H.
Christian Yoga – 5:30 to 6:30 pm – L.H.
Dramatic Stations practice – 7 pm – Church
Exposition & Stations, 5-7 pm - Chapel
Catholic Women’s Union – 7:30 pm – L.H.
Dramatic Stations practice – 7 pm – Church
Lenten Dinner – 4 to 7 pm – Russell Bldg.
Bible Study – 6:30 to 8:30 pm – L.H.
Christian Yoga – 5:30 to 6:30 pm – L.H.
Dramatic Stations practice – 7 pm – Church
Mardi Gras Wrap-up Mtg. 7 pm Fellowship Rm
Exposition & Stations 5-7 pm – Chapel
Dramatic Stations practice – 7 pm – Church
Lenten Dinner – 4 to 7 pm – Russell Bldg.
Bible Study – 6:30 to 8:30 pm – L.H.
Christian Yoga – 5:30 to 6:30 pm – L.H.
Dramatic Stations practice – 7 pm – Church
Exposition & Stations 5-7 pm – Chapel
Dramatic Stations practice – 7 pm – Church
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SAVE THE DATE !!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - 2011
Sunday,June 26 –
Thursday,June 30
Adult leaders are needed !!
Please call the rectory 622-5470 x 5 if
interested in helping with this year’s
Vacation Bible School.
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CYO BASKETBALL
YOUTH GROUP NEWS ….
Franciscan University High School Conference
Date: June 17 to 19
Where: Steubenville, Ohio
Cost: $225.00 per person
($170 Conference charge; $55 Transportation)
Includes all activities during the conference, coach bus
transportation, 6 meals, dorm stay for 2 nights.
Seats are filling --- so register ASAP
(… must be entering 9th to 12th grade by 2011 to attend)
For more information, please contact Rachael
Kubick 581-6109 or [email protected]
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NATIVITY ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Application forms, for incoming freshman only, are now
available at Nativity BVM High School. Students must
have a parent who is a graduate of Nativity BVM High
School. For more information, please call 544-2550.
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ST. BERNARD’S BENEFICIAL SOCIETY
The St Bernard's Beneficial Society is accepting
applications for new member’s ages 17-42 years of age.
We meet the third Thursday of every month for about
one hour to discuss society business and have some
fellowship time. Anyone who is interested, please feel
free to contact one of the following members:
Bob Burns 570-385-1667
AJ Hanzok 570-622-6627
Joe Hohman 570-366-2764
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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
Basketball FUNdamentals for St. John the Baptist
Church girls currently in grades 1 through 5 … Join the
fun, learn the game, and improve your skills. This
program is offered as a recreational/learning opportunity
and will run on the following dates at the All Saints
Gymnasium … 9 to 10:30 a.m.
March 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Interested in participating contact David Zerbe 628-9603
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PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS AROUND THE WORLD
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect
them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for
the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I
ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior."
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We appreciate advertisers who support St. John’s by
advertising in our bulletin. Please patronize their
business and let them know you saw their ad in our
bulletin.
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