WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE St. Francis—Feb. 2—4:30PM: Lector—Bette Brown; Servers—Loretta Guiton; Rosary—Cathy Adams St. Francis—Feb. 3—8:00AM: Lector—Mary Beth Manns; Servers—Curtis & Madeline Spila; Rosary—Martha Strojny St. Augustine—Feb. 3—10:30AM: Lector—Barbara Pichette; Servers—Luke Fruehan & Tyler Rebello; Rosary—Ann Zalepa

DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Matthew Porcari who was known to many in our Parish Community. May he rest in peace. Amen. SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention.

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for Lyle Oakes return to health.

CHURCH CLEANING St. Francis cleaners for the month of January—Kathy Gage.

St. Augustine cleaners Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 - Anne Hawley & Sally Hawley; Feb. 3 to 9 - Anne Hawley & Sally Hawley. Volunteers are needed to clean St. Augustine Church. If you can help, call the rectory (553-2288).

PRAYER LIST

Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish and Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., David Zevan, Rita Powers, Debbie Jones, John Spila, Julia Zangara, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Christine Rothwell, Donald & Theresa Baum, Donnie Butler, Nancy Jellick, Tommy Williams, Stephen & Mary Ann Ambrose, Mary Coyle, Toni Colardino, Linda Hollenback, Mary Bakay, Mary Riley, Jennifer Lynn, Tom Wenman, Tyler Fletcher, Evelyn Palulis, Anna Mae Coleman, Jerry Lynch, Joshua Welch, Richard Hutchinson, John Carr, Roma Laboda, Jean Ryan, Joshua Kaminski, Aleisya Abrams, Chuck Sidener, Maureen Rothwell, Kathy Holt, Steve & Catherine Hundiak, Christopher Polk, Mary K. Long, Mary Lou Fahs, Butch Rosencranz, Agnes Neville, Frank Hutchinson, Ruth King, Adaline Williams, George Kotch, Ida Ellis, Molly Penderf, Brooke Arnold, Franny Coleman, Hallie Brooks, Rosemary Boyle, Sarah Murnigahan, Robert Peifer, Evelyn Rounds, Janice Russell, Bill Wilcox, M. M., Carl Miller, Ken Teel, Gene Fox, Walter O’Rourke, Candy Coney,

Nathan Dallmann, William Chaney, Bill Cadden, Mary Anna Marbaker, Carol Jones, Mary Cadden, Sue Rathbone, Dick Layton, Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, D. K., Peg Reed, Sue Anderson, Peg Taylor, Theresa Noldy, Ken Roon, June Riley, Debbie Kurpiela, John Bauer, John Osolnick, Alice Carr, Neil Conboy, Judy, Francis Zernone, Ned Offner, Sue Camp, Cody Seymour, Bev Curley, Judy Castner-Bloom, Lyle Oakes, and Daniel Gavin. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Books. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish and Community, Cortney Allen, Joe Jones, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Jeffrey Evans, Shane Kalpokas, Joshua Arey, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Daniel Hogan, Matthew Kramer, Roger Raub, Dustin Ryder, Ricky Trowbridge, Bobby Brostoski, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, Adam Nelson, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Jason Raymond, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Reed Shave, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Lukas Crisman, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael & Sean Plitt, Paul Lewandowski, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Taylor Cain, and all who serve with them. May they all be protected and safe from harm and return home soon to their families and friends. Amen. IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO CAN BE REMOVED FROM EITHER THE PRAYER LIST OR THE ARMED FORCES LIST, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECTORY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,

(St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa.

and St. Augustine Church,

Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

P.O. Box 75 • 17 Cottage Street • Friendsville, Pa. 18818 www.ourparishcommunity.com • Phone (570) 553-2288

E-mail: sfxc@epix.net Father Casimir (Cas) Stanis, Pastor

Kenneth S. Brennan, Deacon

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”

CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Saturday - 4:30PM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions - 4:00 to 4:20PM Sunday - 8:00AM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions before & immediately following Mass Sunday - 10:30AM Mass - St. Augustine Church - Confessions - immediately following Mass

Or any convenient time upon request. WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our Parish collections: St. Francis (4:30PM) $ 704.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 749.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 801.55.

LIFELINES

No one should ignore or underestimate the decisive role of the family, which is the basic cell of society from the demographic, ethical, pedagogical, economic and political standpoints. The family has a natural vocation to promote life: it accompanies individuals as they mature and it encourages mutual growth and enrichment through caring and sharing. The Christian family in particular serves as a seedbed for personal maturation according to the standards of divine love. The family is one of the indispensable social subjects for the achievement of a culture of peace. The rights of parents and their primary role in the education of their children in the area of morality and religion must be safeguarded. It is in the family that peacemakers, tomorrow’s promoters of a culture of life and love, are born and nurtured. ~Pope Benedict XVI, “Message for the World Day of Peace,” January 1, 2013

HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND SHAKING HANDS As the winter cold & flu season is in full swing, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. We will also have Holy Communion under one species; the Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.

MASS SCHEDULE Sat. Jan. 26 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE HARDY FAMILY by Margaret Hardy

Sun. Jan. 27 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BARBARA N. BURNS by Frank & Helen Burns

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Mon. Jan. 28 12:00NN St. Francis Church - DONALD PURTELL by Kay Perkins Tue. Jan. 29 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - SANDY CHESNA by Fred & Bette Brown Wed. Jan. 30 8:30AM St. Francis Church - MARY BAHAN by the Estate Thur. Jan. 31 8:30AM St. Francis Church EUGENE LUCAS by Peter & Martha Strojny Fri. Feb. 1 12:00NN St. Francis Church - JIM KEENAN by Mary Ann Saranchuk & Louise Smith Sat. Feb. 2 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

RALPH WARNER by Gail Lutz & Family Sun. Feb. 3 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - Anniv. MARY BETH ADAMS by Mom & Dad

CHILI, SOUP & BREAD Your PRE-ORDERED Soup, Chili & bread will be available for pick-up after the 4:30PM Mass at St. Francis Hall; after 8:00AM Mass at St. Francis Hall; and after 10:30AM Mass at Neumann Hall.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Again this year calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2013. Each family in our Parish is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to please sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year.

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) provides funding for groups that make lasting change and uplift the poor in the United States. In the last five years, over 36% of CCHD’s grants have gone to improving housing in low-income neighborhoods. Help us continue to defend human dignity and take poverty off the map. Give generously to the second collection today for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

CCD NEWS For the past 5 years, Diocese of Scranton has mandated that one class during the religious education year be conducted to teach children how to stay safe from abuse. Lesson plans with age-appropriate information have been provided by the Diocese and the classes for all students are to be scheduled on a specific date. This year's theme is "Respect and Boundaries" and the class will be conducted during the regular class time on Sunday, February 3rd. This will be in compliance with the VIRTUS program (Protecting God's Children). Parental release forms will be needed for each student. Forms will be available this Sunday at Neumann Hall.

SALE OF THE FORMER ST. JOSEPH CHURCH BUILDING The former St. Joseph Church building has been sold to a private buyer for a price of $ 40,000.00, less closing costs. The Cemetery remains Parish property and will be continue to be run and maintained by the St. Joseph Cemetery Association.

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS

Divine Mercy Devotions are held following Sunday Masses at St. Francis & St. Augustine. You are encouraged to stay for a few minutes after Mass for this wonderful devotion.

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN

If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need- not just parish members), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spenser (663-2212), Susie Reichlen (553-2618), or Mary Keenan (553-2431). If you have actual prayer requests, please call anyone on the list and many prayers will be offered for your particular intention.

Thank you to those who have already made the commitment to “Serve One Another”.

St. Brigid Parish Appeal Goal this year is $ 23,750.00. Our Appeal donations total $ 21,452.00 to date. The balance needed to reach our goal is $ 2,298.00.

CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Saturday - 4:30PM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions - 4:00 to 4:20PM Sunday - 8:00AM Mass - St. Francis Church - Confessions before & immediately following Mass Sunday - 10:30AM Mass - St. Augustine Church - Confessions - immediately following Mass

Or any convenient time upon request. WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our Parish collections: St. Francis (4:30PM) $ 704.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 749.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 801.55.

LIFELINES

No one should ignore or underestimate the decisive role of the family, which is the basic cell of society from the demographic, ethical, pedagogical, economic and political standpoints. The family has a natural vocation to promote life: it accompanies individuals as they mature and it encourages mutual growth and enrichment through caring and sharing. The Christian family in particular serves as a seedbed for personal maturation according to the standards of divine love. The family is one of the indispensable social subjects for the achievement of a culture of peace. The rights of parents and their primary role in the education of their children in the area of morality and religion must be safeguarded. It is in the family that peacemakers, tomorrow’s promoters of a culture of life and love, are born and nurtured. ~Pope Benedict XVI, “Message for the World Day of Peace,” January 1, 2013

HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND SHAKING HANDS As the winter cold & flu season is in full swing, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. We will also have Holy Communion under one species; the Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.

MASS SCHEDULE Sat. Jan. 26 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE HARDY FAMILY by Margaret Hardy

Sun. Jan. 27 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BARBARA N. BURNS by Frank & Helen Burns

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Mon. Jan. 28 12:00NN St. Francis Church - DONALD PURTELL by Kay Perkins Tue. Jan. 29 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - SANDY CHESNA by Fred & Bette Brown Wed. Jan. 30 8:30AM St. Francis Church - MARY BAHAN by the Estate Thur. Jan. 31 8:30AM St. Francis Church EUGENE LUCAS by Peter & Martha Strojny Fri. Feb. 1 12:00NN St. Francis Church - JIM KEENAN by Mary Ann Saranchuk & Louise Smith Sat. Feb. 2 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

RALPH WARNER by Gail Lutz & Family Sun. Feb. 3 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - Anniv. MARY BETH ADAMS by Mom & Dad

CHILI, SOUP & BREAD Your PRE-ORDERED Soup, Chili & bread will be available for pick-up after the 4:30PM Mass at St. Francis Hall; after 8:00AM Mass at St. Francis Hall; and after 10:30AM Mass at Neumann Hall.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Again this year calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2013. Each family in our Parish is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to please sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year.

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) provides funding for groups that make lasting change and uplift the poor in the United States. In the last five years, over 36% of CCHD’s grants have gone to improving housing in low-income neighborhoods. Help us continue to defend human dignity and take poverty off the map. Give generously to the second collection today for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

CCD NEWS For the past 5 years, Diocese of Scranton has mandated that one class during the religious education year be conducted to teach children how to stay safe from abuse. Lesson plans with age-appropriate information have been provided by the Diocese and the classes for all students are to be scheduled on a specific date. This year's theme is "Respect and Boundaries" and the class will be conducted during the regular class time on Sunday, February 3rd. This will be in compliance with the VIRTUS program (Protecting God's Children). Parental release forms will be needed for each student. Forms will be available this Sunday at Neumann Hall.

SALE OF THE FORMER ST. JOSEPH CHURCH BUILDING The former St. Joseph Church building has been sold to a private buyer for a price of $ 40,000.00, less closing costs. The Cemetery remains Parish property and will be continue to be run and maintained by the St. Joseph Cemetery Association.

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS

Divine Mercy Devotions are held following Sunday Masses at St. Francis & St. Augustine. You are encouraged to stay for a few minutes after Mass for this wonderful devotion.

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN

If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need- not just parish members), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spenser (663-2212), Susie Reichlen (553-2618), or Mary Keenan (553-2431). If you have actual prayer requests, please call anyone on the list and many prayers will be offered for your particular intention.

Thank you to those who have already made the commitment to “Serve One Another”.

St. Brigid Parish Appeal Goal this year is $ 23,750.00. Our Appeal donations total $ 21,452.00 to date. The balance needed to reach our goal is $ 2,298.00.

WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE St. Francis—Feb. 2—4:30PM: Lector—Bette Brown; Servers—Loretta Guiton; Rosary—Cathy Adams St. Francis—Feb. 3—8:00AM: Lector—Mary Beth Manns; Servers—Curtis & Madeline Spila; Rosary—Martha Strojny St. Augustine—Feb. 3—10:30AM: Lector—Barbara Pichette; Servers—Luke Fruehan & Tyler Rebello; Rosary—Ann Zalepa

DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Matthew Porcari who was known to many in our Parish Community. May he rest in peace. Amen. SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention.

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for Lyle Oakes return to health.

CHURCH CLEANING St. Francis cleaners for the month of January—Kathy Gage.

St. Augustine cleaners Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 - Anne Hawley & Sally Hawley; Feb. 3 to 9 - Anne Hawley & Sally Hawley. Volunteers are needed to clean St. Augustine Church. If you can help, call the rectory (553-2288).

PRAYER LIST

Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish and Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., David Zevan, Rita Powers, Debbie Jones, John Spila, Julia Zangara, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Christine Rothwell, Donald & Theresa Baum, Donnie Butler, Nancy Jellick, Tommy Williams, Stephen & Mary Ann Ambrose, Mary Coyle, Toni Colardino, Linda Hollenback, Mary Bakay, Mary Riley, Jennifer Lynn, Tom Wenman, Tyler Fletcher, Evelyn Palulis, Anna Mae Coleman, Jerry Lynch, Joshua Welch, Richard Hutchinson, John Carr, Roma Laboda, Jean Ryan, Joshua Kaminski, Aleisya Abrams, Chuck Sidener, Maureen Rothwell, Kathy Holt, Steve & Catherine Hundiak, Christopher Polk, Mary K. Long, Mary Lou Fahs, Butch Rosencranz, Agnes Neville, Frank Hutchinson, Ruth King, Adaline Williams, George Kotch, Ida Ellis, Molly Penderf, Brooke Arnold, Franny Coleman, Hallie Brooks, Rosemary Boyle, Sarah Murnigahan, Robert Peifer, Evelyn Rounds, Janice Russell, Bill Wilcox, M. M., Carl Miller, Ken Teel, Gene Fox, Walter O’Rourke, Candy Coney,

Nathan Dallmann, William Chaney, Bill Cadden, Mary Anna Marbaker, Carol Jones, Mary Cadden, Sue Rathbone, Dick Layton, Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, D. K., Peg Reed, Sue Anderson, Peg Taylor, Theresa Noldy, Ken Roon, June Riley, Debbie Kurpiela, John Bauer, John Osolnick, Alice Carr, Neil Conboy, Judy, Francis Zernone, Ned Offner, Sue Camp, Cody Seymour, Bev Curley, Judy Castner-Bloom, Lyle Oakes, and Daniel Gavin. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Books. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish and Community, Cortney Allen, Joe Jones, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Jeffrey Evans, Shane Kalpokas, Joshua Arey, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Daniel Hogan, Matthew Kramer, Roger Raub, Dustin Ryder, Ricky Trowbridge, Bobby Brostoski, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, Adam Nelson, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Jason Raymond, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Reed Shave, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Lukas Crisman, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael & Sean Plitt, Paul Lewandowski, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Taylor Cain, and all who serve with them. May they all be protected and safe from harm and return home soon to their families and friends. Amen. IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO CAN BE REMOVED FROM EITHER THE PRAYER LIST OR THE ARMED FORCES LIST, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECTORY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,

(St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa.

and St. Augustine Church,

Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

P.O. Box 75 • 17 Cottage Street • Friendsville, Pa. 18818 www.ourparishcommunity.com • Phone (570) 553-2288

E-mail: sfxc@epix.net Father Casimir (Cas) Stanis, Pastor

Kenneth S. Brennan, Deacon

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”

ADORATION AT ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH Our Parish Adoration program began 18 years ago this Lent. During the summer of 1994 the missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament, who keep statistics on all chapels, told us that we were the smallest (based on number of families in the parish) perpetual adoration chapel in the world. Our adoration runs from 5:00AM to Midnight, Monday through Friday. The chapel is closed during inclement weather. If the adorer is sick, going away on a trip or otherwise unable to keep their hour, a substitute will be available to keep it for them. God will bless you, your family and the world a thousand times as much for this sacrifice of making a holy hour because God cannot be outdone in generosity.

ADORATION HOURS OPEN!

“Every Holy Hour we make so pleases the Heart of Jesus that it is recorded in Heaven and retold for all eternity!” (Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta) Available hours are: Monday—1-2PM; 2-3PM; 11PM-Midnight; Tuesday—11AM-Noon; Noon-1PM; 1-2PM; 2-3PM; 3-4PM; 4-5PM; Wednesday—2-3PM; Thursday—5-6AM; 3-4PM; Friday—11AM-Noon; Noon-1PM; 1-2PM; 7-8PM. Please call Andrea Chen (1-607-669-4875) if you can fill one of these hours. Sign up sheets are in the pews in both St. Augustine and St. Francis Churches. If you desire to sign up for an hour of Adoration, please place your completed sheet in the collection basket next weekend.

SHEETS & BLANKETS NEEDED Old/used sheets and blankets are needed to make sleeping bags for the homeless. If you are cleaning out your closet, please consider donating them for this worthy cause. Donations can be left in the back of the Churches or dropped off at the Rectory, (if no one is there, please leave donations on the porch by the driveway). All donations are most welcome. Also needed are old, used neckties (not clip-on).

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE The Binghamton St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee invites all Catholic Parishes to march in the Parade at 1:30PM on Saturday, March 2nd. The Parade immediately follows the 11:30AM Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Court Street, Binghamton. Let us stand up and be counted as part of the Catholic Community. The theme of this year’s parade is: GROWING UP IRISH. Groups of the parish community can march as a church or as an organization from within. Floats are also encouraged. If you don’t parade, please join us at Mass and at the parade and hear the bagpipers at Seton High School’s warm auditorium after the parade. Contact Tom Kelly (607-775-3415) to reserve a parade position. Copies of the Parade rules and regulations as well as the entry form information is available in the back of our Churches. Deadline to enter is February 10th.

CAPUCHIN SISTERS OF NAZARETH The Capuchin Sisters are sponsoring a Young Women’s Discernment Retreat for age 16 to 30 beginning Friday, February 1st at 4:00PM and continuing thru Sunday, February 3rd at 11:30AM. This weekend will be held at Mother of the Eucharist Convent, 6100 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, Pa. It will be an opportunity to discern your Vocation—what Jesus wants you to do with your life. Come and experience Religious Life in Community. Reservations are required. Please call Sr. Christina (570-745-3334).

RETROUVAILLE ARE YOU HURTING IN YOUR MARRIAGE? Has your marriage become troubled or stressed? Unloving or uncaring? If your relationship has grown cold and distant, if you are thinking of separation or divorce, or if you are already separated or divorced, but you want to try again—then the Retrouvaille program can help you. The next program in the Scranton Diocese begins February 15-17, 2013 at Fatima Renewal Center in Dalton. Please call 1-800-470-2230 for more information or to register. Visit our web site at www.retrouvaille.org .

PENNSYLVANIAN’S FOR HUMAN LIFE RESPECT LIFE PRAYER BREAKFAST The truth of the abortion industry revealed! Plan to attend the Respect Life Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, February 9th, at 9:00AM, at St. Mary’s Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton. The featured speaker will be Carol Everett, former owner/operator of (4) abortion clinics, whose conversion led her to become a Pro-Life Activist and a witness to the truth that God does forgive any and all sin. For information and to register, contact Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Scranton Chapter, at 570-343-5099. Early registration is suggested. A capacity crowd is expected for this extraordinary event.

SUMMER MISSION EXPERIENCE High School students currently in their Junior year, and interested in an opportunity to grow in their faith and learn what it means to be missionary in today’s world, are invited by the Pontifical Mission Societies, Diocese of Scranton Office Parish Life, to apply for the 2013 U.S. Summer Mission Experience. Criteria for applicants and “How to Apply” instructions are included in the flyer announcement which must be read and understood by the applicant and his or her parents. Parental permission is necessary to apply. Complete copies of the announcement are in the back of our Churches. You may also obtain a coy by logging onto the Mission Societies link at: www.dioceseofscranton.org Please send a letter of interest and a request to interview to miriam-heverline@dioceseofscranton.org by February 15th.

Letter from the office of Theresa Osborne, Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese of Scranton

Dear Father, As you may be aware, the Pennsylvania Department of Health currently considers influenza activity in the Commonwealth to be “widespread” whereby there has been an increase in flu activity in all regions of the state, particularly within areas of the Diocese of Scranton. In order to assist you in promoting healthy worship environments during the flu season, on behalf of the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, the following information is being shared with you as suggested precautions. Since conditions vary from one locale to another, you are encouraged to assess the conditions of your particular parish community and use your best discretion and pastoral judgment in consideration of implementing the following suggested precautions: The faithful should be encouraged to share the Sign of Peace in a meaningful way without the traditional handshake. The distribution of the Precious Blood of Christ can be discontinued for the time being, particularly at Masses of

obligation. Priests, Deacons, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Hospitality Ministers (greeters and ushers)

should be especially reminded of the need to practice good hygiene, by carefully washing their hands before and after Mass to minimize the spread of flu germs to themselves and others.

If possible, provide hand sanitizer at the doors of churches; and clean and sanitize common areas (e.g., holy water fonts, pews, door knobs, restrooms, etc.) frequently.

Recognizing that you will exercise every caution and prudence in consideration of the recent increase of flu-related illnesses in some areas of our diocese, please also encourage parishioners who have the flu to remain at home and return to church when they are well. Likewise, please be certain to take care of your own health needs if you are sick or have the flu. Below is information from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to help the faithful be aware of the steps they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of this disease: Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs 1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. 2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. 4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. 5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. 6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

THOUGHTS FROM THE SCRANTON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN As we begin the New Year, to turn with devotion to Mary, model of the church and to recognize the special role of Mary in the mystery of salvation. This month let us invoke Mary, the Mother of the Holy Family. The Blessed Mother has taught us that the family is the cradle of faith and prayer where we first learn to love and that family life can be enriched by living up to the teachings of Christ and His Church. Please take time to teach your children how to pray the rosary and to pray it as a family daily as a gift to the Blessed Virgin Mary.