WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE St. Francis—March 16—4:30PM: Lector—Mike Dovin; Servers—Loretta Guiton; Rosary—Betty Ellen Hardy St. Francis—March 17—8:00AM: Lector—Rosanne Williams; Servers—Thomas Williams; Rosary—Helen Burns St. Augustine—March 17—10:30AM: Lector—Judy Adams; Servers—Shelby Funk & Abigail Rebello; Rosary—Ann Zalepa 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.

CHURCH CLEANING

St. Francis cleaners for the month of March—Mary Beth Manns. St. Augustine cleaners March 10 to 16 - volunteers needed; March 17 to 23 - volunteers needed. 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, Kathy Holt, Chuck Sidener, Aleisya Abrams, 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, Walter O’Rourke, Candy Coney, William Chaney, Bill Cadden, Mary Anna Marbaker, Mary Cadden, Sue Rathbone, Dick Layton, Frank & Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, Sue Anderson, Peg Taylor, Theresa Noldy, Ken Roon, June Riley, John Bauer, John Osolnick, Judy, Francis Zernone, Ned Offner, Sue Camp, Cody Seymour, Bev Curley, Judy Castner-Bloom, Daniel Gavin, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Jim Curley, Patricia Flynn, Pauline VerValen, Joe Curley, and Adam Kelly. 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, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Jeffrey Evans, Shane Kalpokas, Joshua Arey, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Daniel Hogan, Roger Raub, Matthew Kramer, 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, 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.

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.

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) $ 1,146.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 768.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 531.00.

LIFELINES

It is this [merciful] love which must inspire humanity today, if it is to face the crisis of the meaning of life … and, especially, the duty to defend the dignity of every human person. Thus the message of divine mercy is also implicitly a message about the value of every human being. Each person is precious in God's eyes; Christ gave his life for each one. ~ Bl. Pope John Paul II, homily at canonization of St. Faustina, April 30, 2000

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. March 9 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 4TH SUNDAY IN LENT

DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE GRIFFIN FAMILY by Margaret Hardy

Sun. March 10 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT WALTER J. BALCHIKONIS by the Family

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Mon. March 11 12:00NN St. Francis Church - Anniv. BILL COLEMAN by the Family

Tue. March 12 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - (Mass & Stations of the Cross) MARY SUTTON by Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer

Wed. March 13 8:30AM St. Francis Church - JIMMY ED FLAHERTY by Tom & Margaret Flaherty Thur. March 14 8:30AM St. Francis Church - ANDREW CONDON by the Estate Fri. March 15 12:00NN St. Francis Church - (Mass & Stations of the Cross)

GENEVIEVE GUITON by Kay Keenan 6:00PM St. Augustine Church - (Stations of the Cross)

Sat. March 16 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

Sun. March 17 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT CHARLES MAUS by Bill & Mary Lou Martin

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - ANDREW GREITZ by Bud & Barbara Mahoney

5:30-7PM St. Francis Church- (The Light is on for you ~ Confessions)

HAM & CABBAGE DINNER A St. Patrick’s Day Ham & Cabbage Dinner will be held next Saturday, March 16th, from 5 to 7:30PM at Neumann Hall, Choconut. Menu: Ham & Cabbage, boiled potatoes & carrots, and applesauce. Cost for adults - $ 8.00; Children - $4.00; children under 5 - free. Monetary donations are needed to cover the cost of the ham, and may be put in the collection basket in a marked envelope. Donations of pies, cakes or other desserts are also needed.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. If we sell all of the Lottery Calendars we will realize a profit of $ 10,000.00. Calendars are $ 20.00 each and you get 275 chances to win. Prizes are $25.00; $ 50.00; $75.00 on most days and $ 500.00 on Christmas Day. Drawings run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2013. The Winning Number is the first (3) digit Pennsylvania Daily Lottery number drawn each evening. Each Parish Family is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are packages of (5) calendars & loose (single)

calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) 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. There are about 250 calendars left, with 125 left in each Church. So far only 317 returns have been made. April 1st is (3) weeks away!!! Please make your returns and help us sell all the calendars again this year!!!

COLLECTION FOR CARE & EDUCATION OF PRIESTS Thank you to everyone for their generous donations to last weekend’s collection for the Care & Education of Priests. The collection totaled $ 354.50.

LENTEN FISH FRY ~ THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who attended or helped with the Lenten Fish Fry at Neumann Hall this past Friday. Thank you for helping make this fund raiser a success!

CONFESSIONS FOR CCD STUDENTS Confessions for CCD Students have begun. Children may make their Confession at whichever Mass they attend. Confessions at St. Francis on Saturday begin at 4:00PM. Confessions at St. Francis on Sunday begin at 7:30AM. You can also go immediately following Mass. Confessions at St. Augustine are immediately following Mass. March 9/10 —(this weekend)- Confessions for grade 7; March 16/17 - Confessions for grade 8 thru 12. Parents and CCD teachers are asked to help the children prepare for a good Confession.

ALTAR & ROSARY MEETING

The ladies of St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society will meet on Wednesday, March 13th in St. Brigid Rectory at 6:30PM. Easter Sunshine Baskets will be put together at that time. There are a total of 19 baskets, three of which will go to a diabetic household. Ladies (or any bakers) in the Parish are asked to bake their special goodies and treats for the Baskets.

DIOCESAN APPEAL UPDATE We are happy to announce that we have met our Diocesan Appeal goal of $ 23,750.00. Thank

you to everyone who made pledges and helped us to reach this goal. God Bless you one and all!

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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Happy Birthday to our Parishioner Peg Reed. Peg celebrates her birthday this weekend.

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) $ 1,146.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 768.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 531.00.

LIFELINES

It is this [merciful] love which must inspire humanity today, if it is to face the crisis of the meaning of life … and, especially, the duty to defend the dignity of every human person. Thus the message of divine mercy is also implicitly a message about the value of every human being. Each person is precious in God's eyes; Christ gave his life for each one. ~ Bl. Pope John Paul II, homily at canonization of St. Faustina, April 30, 2000

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. March 9 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 4TH SUNDAY IN LENT

DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE GRIFFIN FAMILY by Margaret Hardy

Sun. March 10 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT WALTER J. BALCHIKONIS by the Family

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Mon. March 11 12:00NN St. Francis Church - Anniv. BILL COLEMAN by the Family

Tue. March 12 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - (Mass & Stations of the Cross) MARY SUTTON by Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer

Wed. March 13 8:30AM St. Francis Church - JIMMY ED FLAHERTY by Tom & Margaret Flaherty Thur. March 14 8:30AM St. Francis Church - ANDREW CONDON by the Estate Fri. March 15 12:00NN St. Francis Church - (Mass & Stations of the Cross)

GENEVIEVE GUITON by Kay Keenan 6:00PM St. Augustine Church - (Stations of the Cross)

Sat. March 16 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

Sun. March 17 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT CHARLES MAUS by Bill & Mary Lou Martin

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - ANDREW GREITZ by Bud & Barbara Mahoney

5:30-7PM St. Francis Church- (The Light is on for you ~ Confessions)

HAM & CABBAGE DINNER A St. Patrick’s Day Ham & Cabbage Dinner will be held next Saturday, March 16th, from 5 to 7:30PM at Neumann Hall, Choconut. Menu: Ham & Cabbage, boiled potatoes & carrots, and applesauce. Cost for adults - $ 8.00; Children - $4.00; children under 5 - free. Monetary donations are needed to cover the cost of the ham, and may be put in the collection basket in a marked envelope. Donations of pies, cakes or other desserts are also needed.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. If we sell all of the Lottery Calendars we will realize a profit of $ 10,000.00. Calendars are $ 20.00 each and you get 275 chances to win. Prizes are $25.00; $ 50.00; $75.00 on most days and $ 500.00 on Christmas Day. Drawings run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2013. The Winning Number is the first (3) digit Pennsylvania Daily Lottery number drawn each evening. Each Parish Family is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are packages of (5) calendars & loose (single)

calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) 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. There are about 250 calendars left, with 125 left in each Church. So far only 317 returns have been made. April 1st is (3) weeks away!!! Please make your returns and help us sell all the calendars again this year!!!

COLLECTION FOR CARE & EDUCATION OF PRIESTS Thank you to everyone for their generous donations to last weekend’s collection for the Care & Education of Priests. The collection totaled $ 354.50.

LENTEN FISH FRY ~ THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who attended or helped with the Lenten Fish Fry at Neumann Hall this past Friday. Thank you for helping make this fund raiser a success!

CONFESSIONS FOR CCD STUDENTS Confessions for CCD Students have begun. Children may make their Confession at whichever Mass they attend. Confessions at St. Francis on Saturday begin at 4:00PM. Confessions at St. Francis on Sunday begin at 7:30AM. You can also go immediately following Mass. Confessions at St. Augustine are immediately following Mass. March 9/10 —(this weekend)- Confessions for grade 7; March 16/17 - Confessions for grade 8 thru 12. Parents and CCD teachers are asked to help the children prepare for a good Confession.

ALTAR & ROSARY MEETING

The ladies of St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society will meet on Wednesday, March 13th in St. Brigid Rectory at 6:30PM. Easter Sunshine Baskets will be put together at that time. There are a total of 19 baskets, three of which will go to a diabetic household. Ladies (or any bakers) in the Parish are asked to bake their special goodies and treats for the Baskets.

DIOCESAN APPEAL UPDATE We are happy to announce that we have met our Diocesan Appeal goal of $ 23,750.00. Thank

you to everyone who made pledges and helped us to reach this goal. God Bless you one and all!

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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Happy Birthday to our Parishioner Peg Reed. Peg celebrates her birthday this weekend.

WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE St. Francis—March 16—4:30PM: Lector—Mike Dovin; Servers—Loretta Guiton; Rosary—Betty Ellen Hardy St. Francis—March 17—8:00AM: Lector—Rosanne Williams; Servers—Thomas Williams; Rosary—Helen Burns St. Augustine—March 17—10:30AM: Lector—Judy Adams; Servers—Shelby Funk & Abigail Rebello; Rosary—Ann Zalepa 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.

CHURCH CLEANING

St. Francis cleaners for the month of March—Mary Beth Manns. St. Augustine cleaners March 10 to 16 - volunteers needed; March 17 to 23 - volunteers needed. 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, Kathy Holt, Chuck Sidener, Aleisya Abrams, 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, Walter O’Rourke, Candy Coney, William Chaney, Bill Cadden, Mary Anna Marbaker, Mary Cadden, Sue Rathbone, Dick Layton, Frank & Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, Sue Anderson, Peg Taylor, Theresa Noldy, Ken Roon, June Riley, John Bauer, John Osolnick, Judy, Francis Zernone, Ned Offner, Sue Camp, Cody Seymour, Bev Curley, Judy Castner-Bloom, Daniel Gavin, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Jim Curley, Patricia Flynn, Pauline VerValen, Joe Curley, and Adam Kelly. 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, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Jeffrey Evans, Shane Kalpokas, Joshua Arey, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Daniel Hogan, Roger Raub, Matthew Kramer, 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, 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.

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.

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.”

2013 REGULATIONS FOR LENT All faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are reminded of Diocesan Statute No. 41, which addresses the penitential aspect of Lent: “The season of Lent is penitential in nature and during Lent penance should be not only internal and individual, but also external and social (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 5, 109). Pastors are obliged to avoid scheduling activities in the parishes which in any way could possibly detract from the external and social penance required by Lent.” During Lent the following fast and abstinence regulations are observed: Good Friday, March 29th, is a day of fast and abstinence. Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence. All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Good Friday and on all Fridays during Lent. All Catholics over 18 years of age to the beginning of their 60th year are bound to the obligation of fasting. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal and two smaller meals unless dispensed or excused.

LENTEN REMINDERS Lent is a time for sacrifice and for spiritual renewal as we reflect upon our baptism and the call given to each of us to walk as disciples of the Lord. We are provided with three personal challenges asso-ciated with our individual observance of Lent: Almsgiving – generously giving to those in need Fasting – practicing self-discipline and self-denial Prayer – reading, hearing and reflecting on the Word of God Lent is also a penitential season. It is a time to seek forgiveness, to look inward, and to admit our shortcomings and failures. It is a time to regroup and to prepare. How can you spend your time during Lent? By “giving up” things you hunger after, such as sweets or alcohol; or activities you desire, such as vacations, concerts or movies. By “doing” things to help others, such as offering an extra donation to the poor or helping those in need by providing food or clothing. By “adding” to our normal routine, such as going to daily Mass, praying the Stations of the Cross and going to confession.

NEWS FROM THE SCRANTON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN The Scranton Diocesan Council of Catholic Women would like to remind the faithful that during the month of March our journey through the Lenten Season continues. Take time to stop and reflect. Have you attended Stations of the Cross, have you taken advantage of the Monday evening confession schedule, have you offered additional almsgiving, prayer time and charity work? Sacrifices such as fasting amplify the power of prayer. Lent is a period which calls us as believers to an internal reflection of faith and a conversion to live our lives with the presence of God. As we continue our journey small offerings everyday will make Holy Week and the Easter Season more meaningful.

SCHEDULE FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS Tuesday, March 12th—following 8:30AM Mass at St. Augustine Church

Friday, March 15th—following 12:00NN Mass at St. Francis Church Friday, March 15th—6:00PM at St. Augustine Church

Stations at St. Augustine continue on Tuesdays following the 8:30AM Mass; Fridays at St. Francis following 12 Noon Mass; and Friday evenings at 6:00PM at St. Augustine Church.

ROSARY DURING LENT

The Rosary will be held before all weekday Masses. Volunteers are encouraged to lead the Rosary. You don’t need to wait for Fr. Cas, as he may be hearing Confessions. If someone would like to lead the Rosary, please do so.

EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPES

You are reminded that Easter Flower Donation Envelopes are in your envelope boxes. There is space on the back for memorials. To date Flower donations total: $ 769.00.

LENTEN READING MATERIALS

In the back of our Churches are copies of the Lenten Edition of “The Word Among Us”, and “The Catholic Digest” as well as the “Little Black Books” for Lent. Please feel free to take a copy home with you and use them as part of your daily Lenten meditations.

COMBINED CHOIR PRACTICE FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER

The Combined Choir is practicing for Holy Week and Easter on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM in St. Francis Church. Please consider joining the choir to help make our services even more beautiful.

CHRISM MASS All the faithful of the Diocese are invited to attend the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, on Tuesday, March 26th, at 4:00PM. At this Mass priests from throughout the Diocese will renew their priestly promises before the Bishop, and the oils to be used for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders will be blessed. Participation in the Chrism Mass is a beautiful way to pray for and support the priests of the Diocese.

OPERATION RICE BOWL—Fostering Community Banking in the Dominican Republic CRS Rice Bowl invites us to learn about the Dominican Republic this week, where CRS helps women form savings and lending communities that help them save money and access small loans for new businesses. Pray for these women who have the courage to start their own businesses, and make a contribution to your Rice Bowl to support people working to provide a better livelihood for their families. Rice Bowl Envelopes can be put in the collection at any time during Lent, however, the Rice Bowl Collection will be taken up on Holy Thursday. Collection total to date is: $ 476.00.

Lent runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.

ADORATION HOURS OPEN AT ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH! 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. Each time you approach the Blessed Sacrament remember that Jesus has been waiting for you for twenty centuries for this personal visit from you. (St. Josemaria Escriva) 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 or call Andrea Chen (1-607-669-4875).

FOOD CARDS/FOOD PANTRY EASTER FOOD CARDS: We have a total of (12) families on our Food Card list. If you know of any family or individual who needs help, please call the rectory or put a note in the collection basket. If you have put someone on the list in the past and they no longer need help, please let us know. You may put your donation, (check or cash), in the collection basket in an envelope marked “attention: Kay—Food Cards” or mail it to the rectory. All donations are needed and are greatly appreciated. To date donations total $ 315.00. (That is $ 26.25 per family.)

FOOD PANTRY: We are now preparing for Easter Baskets. Donations for hams would be appreciated & should be put in the collection marked Food Pantry. Any checks must be made payable to “The Food Pantry”. Thank you for sharing with others. May God bless you a hundredfold.

SHEETS & BLANKETS NEEDED

If you are cleaning out your closet, please consider donating old/used sheets, blankets and “tie” neckties to make sleeping bags for the homeless. Donations can be left in the back of the Churches or dropped off at the Rectory, (leave donations on the porch by the driveway). All donations are most welcome. Thank you to everyone who has made donations!

MOM’S HOUSE ROCKER-THON

Mom’s House, 770 Harry L. Drive, Johnson City, NY announces their 2013 Rocker-Thon which will be held on Saturday, March 16th, from 11AM to 3PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 731 Hooper Road, Endwell, NY (next to Highland Park). Mom’s House is a non-profit organization that provides free childcare to low-income single parents while they attend school full-time. A Rocker-thon is a fun-filled day in which registrants raise money for Mom’s House by obtaining sponsors and then rocking.

The event includes free food and drink all day, entertainment, trivia contests, and prizes. Register as a group or individual. People of all ages are welcome to participate. Brochures and registration forms are available in the back of the Churches. For more information visit: www.momshouseny.org ; call Diane at (607) 644-9972 or email momshouseny1@verizon.net .

WILDLIFE RESCUE & ADOPT AN ANGEL COMPANION ANIMAL RESCUE BENEFIT Wildlife Rescue & Adopt an Angel Companion Animal Rescue will hold a Benefit at St. Francis Hall, Friendsville on Sunday, April 14th, from 2 to 5PM. Menu is Chicken Parmesan, Vegetarian Baked Ziti, Meatballs, Roast Potatoes, Gourmet Vegetable Medley, Salad, Rolls and Dessert ~ All you can eat! Take outs will be available. Cost is $ 10.00 for adults; $ 5.00 for children 10 and under. (Soda, beer, coffee, tea, are extra.) Host DJ will be Kurt Motsko. There will be raffles, 50/50, giveaways and great auction items throughout dinner. For more information or to donate auction items, please call 570-553-2499. All proceeds will support our continuing work to help all animals in need.

One of the most important Sacraments in our lives as Christians is found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To make it as easy as possible for every Catholic to experience the grace of this sacrament, Bishop Bambera has arranged an initiative to be embraced by every parish of the Diocese of Scranton during the season of Lent. Entitled The Light is on for You, this initiative, will provide the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in all parishes of the Diocese of Scranton at the same time

during the weeks of Lent. Continuing through Monday of Holy Week, confessions will be heard on each Monday from 5:30PM. to 7:00PM in St. Francis Church. So far there has been a minimal number of people in attendance. At this point no penance services are being planned for St. Brigid Parish or Holy Name of Mary Parish, Montrose. With The Light is on for You services, as well as confessions before/after Weekday/Weekend Masses, there has been ample time for people to make it to Confession if that is their intention. If you wish to go to Confession and haven’t done so already, please come to St. Francis Church Monday evenings, or St. Francis or St. Augustine Churches before or after Weekday or Weekend Masses.

PASSION PLAY AT NEUMANN HALL

The children of our religious education program (CCD) will present a Passion Play on March 24th (Palm Sunday). This will take place at Neumann Hall after 10:30 Mass. We will also have a light lunch, so families are asked to bring snacks or drinks to share. There will be no class at the regular time on this day, however, there will be practice for those students who can attend. Ideally, students should attend an earlier Mass, so they can be at the Hall for last minute preparations. All members of the parish are invited to attend and enjoy the play!

EASTER BASKET BLESSING & EGG HUNT

The Easter Basket Blessing & Easter Egg Hunt will be held in St. Francis Xavier Church on HOLY SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH AT 1:00PM. All the children of our Parishes are welcome to bring their Basket to be blessed and then participate in the Egg Hunt. There will be plenty of “Easter Eggs” for all who attend!

LITTLE MEADOWS FIRE CO. EASTER EGG HUNG The Little Meadows Fire Co. will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 24th at the School House in Little Meadows starting at 1:00PM. Refreshments and prizes for the most eggs collected. All children are welcome to attend.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK This free food distribution for those in need is for RESIDENTS OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY ONLY. Distribution will be held Tuesday, March 19th, from 11AM to 1PM and 5PM to 7PM, at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church, 843 Penn. Ave. (Route 858), Little Meadows, Pa. Any resident of Susquehanna County who needs food is welcome.

RUMMAGE & BAKE SALE A Rummage & Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, March 23rd from 9AM to 2PM at the United Methodist Church, in Little Meadows. Lunch will be available. Bag sale begins at 1PM.

SPRING BASEBALL CAMP Holy Cross High School, Dunmore, Pa. will hold their 6th Annual Spring Baseball Camp for grades 3-8 on Sunday, March 17th from 1 to 3PM and Sunday, March 24th from 1 to 3PM. Cost is $ 50.00. Please make checks payable to Holy Cross High School. Mail Applications to Holy Cross High School, Baseball Office, 501 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, Pa. 18512. For information contact Coach Menichetti (570-346-7541).

2013 REGULATIONS FOR LENT All faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are reminded of Diocesan Statute No. 41, which addresses the penitential aspect of Lent: “The season of Lent is penitential in nature and during Lent penance should be not only internal and individual, but also external and social (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 5, 109). Pastors are obliged to avoid scheduling activities in the parishes which in any way could possibly detract from the external and social penance required by Lent.” During Lent the following fast and abstinence regulations are observed: Good Friday, March 29th, is a day of fast and abstinence. Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence. All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Good Friday and on all Fridays during Lent. All Catholics over 18 years of age to the beginning of their 60th year are bound to the obligation of fasting. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal and two smaller meals unless dispensed or excused.

LENTEN REMINDERS Lent is a time for sacrifice and for spiritual renewal as we reflect upon our baptism and the call given to each of us to walk as disciples of the Lord. We are provided with three personal challenges asso-ciated with our individual observance of Lent: Almsgiving – generously giving to those in need Fasting – practicing self-discipline and self-denial Prayer – reading, hearing and reflecting on the Word of God Lent is also a penitential season. It is a time to seek forgiveness, to look inward, and to admit our shortcomings and failures. It is a time to regroup and to prepare. How can you spend your time during Lent? By “giving up” things you hunger after, such as sweets or alcohol; or activities you desire, such as vacations, concerts or movies. By “doing” things to help others, such as offering an extra donation to the poor or helping those in need by providing food or clothing. By “adding” to our normal routine, such as going to daily Mass, praying the Stations of the Cross and going to confession.

NEWS FROM THE SCRANTON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN The Scranton Diocesan Council of Catholic Women would like to remind the faithful that during the month of March our journey through the Lenten Season continues. Take time to stop and reflect. Have you attended Stations of the Cross, have you taken advantage of the Monday evening confession schedule, have you offered additional almsgiving, prayer time and charity work? Sacrifices such as fasting amplify the power of prayer. Lent is a period which calls us as believers to an internal reflection of faith and a conversion to live our lives with the presence of God. As we continue our journey small offerings everyday will make Holy Week and the Easter Season more meaningful.

SCHEDULE FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS Tuesday, March 12th—following 8:30AM Mass at St. Augustine Church

Friday, March 15th—following 12:00NN Mass at St. Francis Church Friday, March 15th—6:00PM at St. Augustine Church

Stations at St. Augustine continue on Tuesdays following the 8:30AM Mass; Fridays at St. Francis following 12 Noon Mass; and Friday evenings at 6:00PM at St. Augustine Church.

ROSARY DURING LENT

The Rosary will be held before all weekday Masses. Volunteers are encouraged to lead the Rosary. You don’t need to wait for Fr. Cas, as he may be hearing Confessions. If someone would like to lead the Rosary, please do so.

EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPES

You are reminded that Easter Flower Donation Envelopes are in your envelope boxes. There is space on the back for memorials. To date Flower donations total: $ 769.00.

LENTEN READING MATERIALS

In the back of our Churches are copies of the Lenten Edition of “The Word Among Us”, and “The Catholic Digest” as well as the “Little Black Books” for Lent. Please feel free to take a copy home with you and use them as part of your daily Lenten meditations.

COMBINED CHOIR PRACTICE FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER

The Combined Choir is practicing for Holy Week and Easter on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM in St. Francis Church. Please consider joining the choir to help make our services even more beautiful.

CHRISM MASS All the faithful of the Diocese are invited to attend the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, on Tuesday, March 26th, at 4:00PM. At this Mass priests from throughout the Diocese will renew their priestly promises before the Bishop, and the oils to be used for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders will be blessed. Participation in the Chrism Mass is a beautiful way to pray for and support the priests of the Diocese.

OPERATION RICE BOWL—Fostering Community Banking in the Dominican Republic CRS Rice Bowl invites us to learn about the Dominican Republic this week, where CRS helps women form savings and lending communities that help them save money and access small loans for new businesses. Pray for these women who have the courage to start their own businesses, and make a contribution to your Rice Bowl to support people working to provide a better livelihood for their families. Rice Bowl Envelopes can be put in the collection at any time during Lent, however, the Rice Bowl Collection will be taken up on Holy Thursday. Collection total to date is: $ 476.00.

Lent runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.

ADORATION HOURS OPEN AT ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH! 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. Each time you approach the Blessed Sacrament remember that Jesus has been waiting for you for twenty centuries for this personal visit from you. (St. Josemaria Escriva) 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 or call Andrea Chen (1-607-669-4875).

FOOD CARDS/FOOD PANTRY EASTER FOOD CARDS: We have a total of (12) families on our Food Card list. If you know of any family or individual who needs help, please call the rectory or put a note in the collection basket. If you have put someone on the list in the past and they no longer need help, please let us know. You may put your donation, (check or cash), in the collection basket in an envelope marked “attention: Kay—Food Cards” or mail it to the rectory. All donations are needed and are greatly appreciated. To date donations total $ 315.00. (That is $ 26.25 per family.)

FOOD PANTRY: We are now preparing for Easter Baskets. Donations for hams would be appreciated & should be put in the collection marked Food Pantry. Any checks must be made payable to “The Food Pantry”. Thank you for sharing with others. May God bless you a hundredfold.

SHEETS & BLANKETS NEEDED

If you are cleaning out your closet, please consider donating old/used sheets, blankets and “tie” neckties to make sleeping bags for the homeless. Donations can be left in the back of the Churches or dropped off at the Rectory, (leave donations on the porch by the driveway). All donations are most welcome. Thank you to everyone who has made donations!

MOM’S HOUSE ROCKER-THON

Mom’s House, 770 Harry L. Drive, Johnson City, NY announces their 2013 Rocker-Thon which will be held on Saturday, March 16th, from 11AM to 3PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 731 Hooper Road, Endwell, NY (next to Highland Park). Mom’s House is a non-profit organization that provides free childcare to low-income single parents while they attend school full-time. A Rocker-thon is a fun-filled day in which registrants raise money for Mom’s House by obtaining sponsors and then rocking.

The event includes free food and drink all day, entertainment, trivia contests, and prizes. Register as a group or individual. People of all ages are welcome to participate. Brochures and registration forms are available in the back of the Churches. For more information visit: www.momshouseny.org ; call Diane at (607) 644-9972 or email momshouseny1@verizon.net .

WILDLIFE RESCUE & ADOPT AN ANGEL COMPANION ANIMAL RESCUE BENEFIT Wildlife Rescue & Adopt an Angel Companion Animal Rescue will hold a Benefit at St. Francis Hall, Friendsville on Sunday, April 14th, from 2 to 5PM. Menu is Chicken Parmesan, Vegetarian Baked Ziti, Meatballs, Roast Potatoes, Gourmet Vegetable Medley, Salad, Rolls and Dessert ~ All you can eat! Take outs will be available. Cost is $ 10.00 for adults; $ 5.00 for children 10 and under. (Soda, beer, coffee, tea, are extra.) Host DJ will be Kurt Motsko. There will be raffles, 50/50, giveaways and great auction items throughout dinner. For more information or to donate auction items, please call 570-553-2499. All proceeds will support our continuing work to help all animals in need.

One of the most important Sacraments in our lives as Christians is found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To make it as easy as possible for every Catholic to experience the grace of this sacrament, Bishop Bambera has arranged an initiative to be embraced by every parish of the Diocese of Scranton during the season of Lent. Entitled The Light is on for You, this initiative, will provide the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in all parishes of the Diocese of Scranton at the same time

during the weeks of Lent. Continuing through Monday of Holy Week, confessions will be heard on each Monday from 5:30PM. to 7:00PM in St. Francis Church. So far there has been a minimal number of people in attendance. At this point no penance services are being planned for St. Brigid Parish or Holy Name of Mary Parish, Montrose. With The Light is on for You services, as well as confessions before/after Weekday/Weekend Masses, there has been ample time for people to make it to Confession if that is their intention. If you wish to go to Confession and haven’t done so already, please come to St. Francis Church Monday evenings, or St. Francis or St. Augustine Churches before or after Weekday or Weekend Masses.

PASSION PLAY AT NEUMANN HALL

The children of our religious education program (CCD) will present a Passion Play on March 24th (Palm Sunday). This will take place at Neumann Hall after 10:30 Mass. We will also have a light lunch, so families are asked to bring snacks or drinks to share. There will be no class at the regular time on this day, however, there will be practice for those students who can attend. Ideally, students should attend an earlier Mass, so they can be at the Hall for last minute preparations. All members of the parish are invited to attend and enjoy the play!

EASTER BASKET BLESSING & EGG HUNT

The Easter Basket Blessing & Easter Egg Hunt will be held in St. Francis Xavier Church on HOLY SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH AT 1:00PM. All the children of our Parishes are welcome to bring their Basket to be blessed and then participate in the Egg Hunt. There will be plenty of “Easter Eggs” for all who attend!

LITTLE MEADOWS FIRE CO. EASTER EGG HUNG The Little Meadows Fire Co. will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 24th at the School House in Little Meadows starting at 1:00PM. Refreshments and prizes for the most eggs collected. All children are welcome to attend.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION VIA THE WEINBERG FOOD BANK This free food distribution for those in need is for RESIDENTS OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY ONLY. Distribution will be held Tuesday, March 19th, from 11AM to 1PM and 5PM to 7PM, at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church, 843 Penn. Ave. (Route 858), Little Meadows, Pa. Any resident of Susquehanna County who needs food is welcome.

RUMMAGE & BAKE SALE A Rummage & Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, March 23rd from 9AM to 2PM at the United Methodist Church, in Little Meadows. Lunch will be available. Bag sale begins at 1PM.

SPRING BASEBALL CAMP Holy Cross High School, Dunmore, Pa. will hold their 6th Annual Spring Baseball Camp for grades 3-8 on Sunday, March 17th from 1 to 3PM and Sunday, March 24th from 1 to 3PM. Cost is $ 50.00. Please make checks payable to Holy Cross High School. Mail Applications to Holy Cross High School, Baseball Office, 501 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, Pa. 18512. For information contact Coach Menichetti (570-346-7541).