MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEKEND St. Francis—Jan. 31st—4:30PM: Lector—Larry O’Reilly; Servers—Declan & Daegan Giannone; Rosary—Beverly or Florian Pasteka St. Francis—Feb. 1st—8:00AM: Lector—Rosanne Williams; Servers—Thomas Williams; Rosary—Martha Strojny St. Augustine—Feb. 1st—10:30AM: Lector—Johanna Higgins; Servers—Emma, Hallie & Linsey Milligan; Rosary—Ann Zalepa or a volunteer If at any time you see that a volunteer is needed for any ministry, please feel free to step forward and volunteer your services.

DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Bob Hawley, son of our Parishioner, Anne Hawley. We also pray for Martha Dewing and Eleanor Lewis who were known to many in our Parish Community. May they rest in peace. Amen.

SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention.

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for healing for all the sick. A Devotional Candle at St. Augustine burns for the return to health of all the sick in our Parish Community requested by St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society.

CHURCH CLEANING St. Francis cleaners for the month of February—Laura Legg.

St. Augustine cleaners Jan. 25 to 31—Ginny Schmidt; Feb. 1 to 7—Anne & Sally Hawley.

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, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Donald & Terry Baum, Mary Bakay, Donnie Butler, Tommy Williams, Stephen Ambrose, Mary Riley, Toni Colardino, Jennifer Lynn, Tom Wenman, Linda Hollenback, Tyler Fletcher, Joshua Welch, S.C.F., Anna Mae Coleman, Kathy Holt, Richard Hutchinson, Mary K. Long, Joshua Kaminski, B.F., Aleisya Abrams, Agnes Neville, Steve Hundiak, Mary Lou Fahs, Butch Rosencranz, Ruth King, Ken Roon, Brooke Arnold, Hallie Brooks, Sarah Murnigahan, William Chaney, Mary Cadden, Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, Daniel Gavin, Sue Anderson, June Riley, John Bauer, Adam Kelly, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, John & Alberta Zielinski, Virginia Raftis, Fred Russell, Dorothy Catlin, Marie Donahue, Nancy, Matt & Emily, Bob Murphy, Robyn Lawson, Vicky Nelson, Rita Flynn, Elton Carr, Peter Purtell, Kaleena Dughi, Molly Getter, Sam Miner, Debbie Drewry, Bill Sheredy, Bub Davis, Rusty Carmen, Ronalee Eckert, Chelsea Judson, Doug Wheaton, John Paul Jones, Valerie Newhart, Amanda Branning, Deborah Gregory, J.K., Andy Mooney, Dave Hibbard, Jeff Barnard, Mary Elizabeth Healy, T. S., Gloria Craige, Delmar O’Rourke, Walt Frystak, Lori & Michelle Parsons, Steve Burrell, Barbara Borsavage, George Kotch, Jr., Leo Guiton, Whitney Neville, Gregg Loboda, Tammy Fleming, Mark Kovach, Joe Vrabel, Jerry Conboy, Brendan Kelly, Greg Lasgowka, Shirley Bowser, Mary Louise Keenan, Tiffani Allen, Theresa Noldy, Paul Kerber, Linda Bush, Megan Priestner, and Dick Lewis. 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 & Community, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Shane Kalpokas, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Reed Shave, Matthew Kramer, Dustin Ryder, Bobby Brostoski, Ricky Trowbridge, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Lukas Crisman, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael and Sean Plitt, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Kevin Lewandoski, 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. Please call the rectory when the person you put on the Prayer List or Armed Forces List can be removed. If you know of anyone on the list who has passed away, please let us know so that their name can be removed from the list. OIL SPILL: Please continue to pray for a successful cleanup of the remainder of the spill.

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer (570-663-2212), Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618), or Mary Keenan (570-553-2431). 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.

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.”

WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our weekly Parish Collections. St. Francis (4:30PM) - $ 1,464.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) - $ 713.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) - $ 825.00.

LIFELINES

“Adopting Andrew has made us more aware of God's power and of his love for us. We realize that he always has a perfect plan for our lives.” —“An Adoption Love Story,” 2014 Respect Life Program; USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND NO SHAKING HANDS

Because of the winter cold & flu season, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace and following Mass. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. The Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.

MASS SCHEDULE Sat. Jan. 24 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Sun. Jan. 25 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

1st Anniv. CHIP BARNUM by the Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - CANDY CONEY by Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer Mon. Jan. 26 12:00NN St. Francis Church - ANASTASIA ZANGARA by Len & Ginger Laky &

Family Tue. Jan. 27 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - DICK O’BOYLE by Mike Fagan Wed. Jan. 28 8:30AM St. Francis Church - MARION ELIZABETH KACZEWSKI by Laura &

Don Nelson Thur. Jan. 29 8:30AM St. Francis Church - HELEN TAYLOR by the Choir Fri. Jan. 30 12:00NN St. Francis Church - JOHN & DENISE DIRIG & FAMILY by Max &

Rose Raub Sat. Jan. 31 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Sun. Feb. 1 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

ROSE CONBOY by Larry & Debbie Purtell 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - JEAN K. REILLY by Tom & Mary Lynn Milligan

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. CCHD’s grants improve education, support economic development, and create affordable housing in low-income neighbor-hoods. Help us continue to defend human dignity and build communities of solidarity. Please give generously to the CCHD Collection today.

SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND The second collection next weekend is for the Care & Education of Priests.

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING The Parish Pastoral Council will meet THIS Wednesday, January 28th, at 6:30PM in the Rectory. All members are invited and encouraged to attend.

AVAILABLE IN OUR CHURCHES A limited number of books from Dynamic Catholic Publishers are available in the back of the Churches. They are: “Ordinary Lives Extraordinary Mission”, “The Joy of the Gospel”, “A Living Legacy”, “In His Spirit”, “Life’s Greatest Lesson”, and “Mission of the Family”. Please feel free to take a copy home with you.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP BULLETINS Children’s Worship Bulletin’s are available in the back of the Churches.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2015. 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!

NEW MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

New volunteers for the Ministries of Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Altar Server, and Rosary Leader are needed and welcomed. At St. Augustine we are most in need of Rosary Leaders (one person leads the Rosary almost every Sunday) and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (it would be helpful to have (3) more). At St. Francis we are in need of Lectors and Altar Serves for both Masses.

Both adults and kids who have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion can be Altar Servers. If you would like to volunteer, please speak with Fr. Cas or Deacon Ken.

SHEETS/BLANKETS/NECK TIES NEEDED

Old/used sheets & 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).

ALTAR & ROSARY KNIFE RADA SALE St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society is selling Rada knives as an on-going fund raiser. Orders can be placed with a member of the Altar & Rosary or can be placed on-line by going online to www.helpourfundraiser.com and use customer number 504671. The password is mrsa01pw. Do not use capital letters in the password.

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEKEND St. Francis—Jan. 31st—4:30PM: Lector—Larry O’Reilly; Servers—Declan & Daegan Giannone; Rosary—Beverly or Florian Pasteka St. Francis—Feb. 1st—8:00AM: Lector—Rosanne Williams; Servers—Thomas Williams; Rosary—Martha Strojny St. Augustine—Feb. 1st—10:30AM: Lector—Johanna Higgins; Servers—Emma, Hallie & Linsey Milligan; Rosary—Ann Zalepa or a volunteer If at any time you see that a volunteer is needed for any ministry, please feel free to step forward and volunteer your services.

DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Bob Hawley, son of our Parishioner, Anne Hawley. We also pray for Martha Dewing and Eleanor Lewis who were known to many in our Parish Community. May they rest in peace. Amen.

SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention.

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for healing for all the sick. A Devotional Candle at St. Augustine burns for the return to health of all the sick in our Parish Community requested by St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society.

CHURCH CLEANING St. Francis cleaners for the month of February—Laura Legg.

St. Augustine cleaners Jan. 25 to 31—Ginny Schmidt; Feb. 1 to 7—Anne & Sally Hawley.

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, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Donald & Terry Baum, Mary Bakay, Donnie Butler, Tommy Williams, Stephen Ambrose, Mary Riley, Toni Colardino, Jennifer Lynn, Tom Wenman, Linda Hollenback, Tyler Fletcher, Joshua Welch, S.C.F., Anna Mae Coleman, Kathy Holt, Richard Hutchinson, Mary K. Long, Joshua Kaminski, B.F., Aleisya Abrams, Agnes Neville, Steve Hundiak, Mary Lou Fahs, Butch Rosencranz, Ruth King, Ken Roon, Brooke Arnold, Hallie Brooks, Sarah Murnigahan, William Chaney, Mary Cadden, Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, Daniel Gavin, Sue Anderson, June Riley, John Bauer, Adam Kelly, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, John & Alberta Zielinski, Virginia Raftis, Fred Russell, Dorothy Catlin, Marie Donahue, Nancy, Matt & Emily, Bob Murphy, Robyn Lawson, Vicky Nelson, Rita Flynn, Elton Carr, Peter Purtell, Kaleena Dughi, Molly Getter, Sam Miner, Debbie Drewry, Bill Sheredy, Bub Davis, Rusty Carmen, Ronalee Eckert, Chelsea Judson, Doug Wheaton, John Paul Jones, Valerie Newhart, Amanda Branning, Deborah Gregory, J.K., Andy Mooney, Dave Hibbard, Jeff Barnard, Mary Elizabeth Healy, T. S., Gloria Craige, Delmar O’Rourke, Walt Frystak, Lori & Michelle Parsons, Steve Burrell, Barbara Borsavage, George Kotch, Jr., Leo Guiton, Whitney Neville, Gregg Loboda, Tammy Fleming, Mark Kovach, Joe Vrabel, Jerry Conboy, Brendan Kelly, Greg Lasgowka, Shirley Bowser, Mary Louise Keenan, Tiffani Allen, Theresa Noldy, Paul Kerber, Linda Bush, Megan Priestner, and Dick Lewis. 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 & Community, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Shane Kalpokas, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Reed Shave, Matthew Kramer, Dustin Ryder, Bobby Brostoski, Ricky Trowbridge, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Lukas Crisman, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael and Sean Plitt, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Kevin Lewandoski, 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. Please call the rectory when the person you put on the Prayer List or Armed Forces List can be removed. If you know of anyone on the list who has passed away, please let us know so that their name can be removed from the list. OIL SPILL: Please continue to pray for a successful cleanup of the remainder of the spill.

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer (570-663-2212), Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618), or Mary Keenan (570-553-2431). 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.

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.”

WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our weekly Parish Collections. St. Francis (4:30PM) - $ 1,464.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) - $ 713.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) - $ 825.00.

LIFELINES

“Adopting Andrew has made us more aware of God's power and of his love for us. We realize that he always has a perfect plan for our lives.” —“An Adoption Love Story,” 2014 Respect Life Program; USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND NO SHAKING HANDS

Because of the winter cold & flu season, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace and following Mass. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. The Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.

MASS SCHEDULE Sat. Jan. 24 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Sun. Jan. 25 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

1st Anniv. CHIP BARNUM by the Family 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - CANDY CONEY by Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer Mon. Jan. 26 12:00NN St. Francis Church - ANASTASIA ZANGARA by Len & Ginger Laky &

Family Tue. Jan. 27 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - DICK O’BOYLE by Mike Fagan Wed. Jan. 28 8:30AM St. Francis Church - MARION ELIZABETH KACZEWSKI by Laura &

Don Nelson Thur. Jan. 29 8:30AM St. Francis Church - HELEN TAYLOR by the Choir Fri. Jan. 30 12:00NN St. Francis Church - JOHN & DENISE DIRIG & FAMILY by Max &

Rose Raub Sat. Jan. 31 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Sun. Feb. 1 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

ROSE CONBOY by Larry & Debbie Purtell 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - JEAN K. REILLY by Tom & Mary Lynn Milligan

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. CCHD’s grants improve education, support economic development, and create affordable housing in low-income neighbor-hoods. Help us continue to defend human dignity and build communities of solidarity. Please give generously to the CCHD Collection today.

SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND The second collection next weekend is for the Care & Education of Priests.

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING The Parish Pastoral Council will meet THIS Wednesday, January 28th, at 6:30PM in the Rectory. All members are invited and encouraged to attend.

AVAILABLE IN OUR CHURCHES A limited number of books from Dynamic Catholic Publishers are available in the back of the Churches. They are: “Ordinary Lives Extraordinary Mission”, “The Joy of the Gospel”, “A Living Legacy”, “In His Spirit”, “Life’s Greatest Lesson”, and “Mission of the Family”. Please feel free to take a copy home with you.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP BULLETINS Children’s Worship Bulletin’s are available in the back of the Churches.

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2015. 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!

NEW MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

New volunteers for the Ministries of Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Altar Server, and Rosary Leader are needed and welcomed. At St. Augustine we are most in need of Rosary Leaders (one person leads the Rosary almost every Sunday) and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (it would be helpful to have (3) more). At St. Francis we are in need of Lectors and Altar Serves for both Masses.

Both adults and kids who have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion can be Altar Servers. If you would like to volunteer, please speak with Fr. Cas or Deacon Ken.

SHEETS/BLANKETS/NECK TIES NEEDED

Old/used sheets & 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).

ALTAR & ROSARY KNIFE RADA SALE St. Brigid Altar & Rosary Society is selling Rada knives as an on-going fund raiser. Orders can be placed with a member of the Altar & Rosary or can be placed on-line by going online to www.helpourfundraiser.com and use customer number 504671. The password is mrsa01pw. Do not use capital letters in the password.

FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM When an older relative or friend becomes ill, and you want to take care of them at home for as long as possible—the Family Caregiver Support Program may be able to help. Based on your situation, we may be able to help with: Reimbursement for a variety of care giving expenses; home modifications such as installing ramps, walk-in showers, and widening doorways; caregiver support groups; assistance in completing applications for benefits and insurance forms; training in care giving skills; connections to other services and resources to help you. For more information, please call B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc., 1-800-982-4346 or visit www.bsstaaa.org .

2015 SUMMER MISSION EXPERIENCE FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS This year’s Summer Mission trip will be to Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Walls, Mississippi, a Catholic Ministry in Northern Mississippi, Diocese of Jackson. The date will be July 6-18. This is a faith basked mission journey. The cost is approximately $ 1200.00 which includes airfare, ground transportation and other living expenses. If you are selected for this mission experience, there are ways to raise the money. If you are a student in your JUNIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL—from Catholic schools, public high schools, or home schools, you are eligible to apply. Also, teachers or mission moderators interested in being a chaperone should apply. Applications are in the back of the Churches. Deadline to have applicant letters in the Pontifical Mission Societies Office is January 26th, 2015. If no forms are available and you would like one, please contact the Rectory at 570-553-2288.

LENTEN PREPARATION SESSION The Office for Parish Life will be holding a regional Lenten Preparation Session on Wednesday, February 4th at 6:30PM at Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, 106 Third St. Towanda for all those involved with the preparation of liturgical seasons, especially music ministers, liturgy committees, art and environment committees, or anyone wanting to deepen his or her appreciation of the Lenten season and the Paschal Triduum. In an effort to help these liturgical leaders network with neighboring parishes, the Lenten Preparation Sessions will include faith sharing on the scripture readings for the season, a brief overview of some of the traditional practices of Lent, a discussion of different themes and music selections that parishes are using, and sharing ideas for the liturgical environment. For more information or to register for this session, please contact the Office for Parish Life at 570-207-2213.

Catch Our Spirit…Celebrate Our Catholic Schools

As families register their students for the upcoming school year, consider becoming an Academic Angel! Your contribution is an investment in a child’s future…the outcomes speak for themselves. Our schools offer an instruc-tional environment that challenges the mind, while inspiring and strengthening the spirit. Please consider supporting our students for the 2015-16 school year; you can designate the gift as a memorial or honor of someone special, select a particular school to receive it, or let us put it to where it is needed the most. Contributions can be sent to the Diocese of Scranton Scholarship Foundation, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton PA 18503.

Catch Our Spirit…Celebrate Catholic Schools Week—January 25-31, 2015 Celebrate Catholic Schools Week by attending one of our Catholic School Open Houses! You are invited to come experi-ence our communities of faith and academic excellence. From Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, our students live their faith, challenge their minds, serve their communities, and build lifelong friendships. For specifics about the Open Houses or for more information about our Diocesan Catholic Schools, including tuition assistance opportunities, please visit www.DioceseofScranton.org/CatholicSchools.

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DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL UPDATE Thank you to those who have made the commitment to join in “Transforming Lives Together.” If you did not already make a pledge, envelopes are available in the back of the Churches for your pledge. Each gift truly matters. Packets are also available by calling the Diocesan Development Office at 570-207-2250, or on-line at www.DioceseofScranton.org. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. Completed pledges may be placed in the collection basket or mailed to the Rectory. St. Brigid Parish goal is $ 24,000.00. Currently we have (122) pledges for a total of $ 19,824.00. We are only under our goal by $ 4,176.00. Please help us to reach our goal.

RETROUVAILLE—KNOW A MARRIAGE THAT NEEDS HELP?

If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, then the Retrouvaille program can help. Retrouvaille is helping couples put the pieces back together and to rediscover a more loving relationship. The next local program will be February 27th to March 1st, 2015 at the Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, PA. Registration is required. All calls are confidential. Cost is by donation. Please call 1-800-470-2230 or visit http://www.retrouvaille.org/ for more information or to register.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS AND CELEBRATION His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding

anniversary in 2015 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 7. (Please note: This is a change from the original date of June 21.) The event includes a 2:30PM Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address, should be made through your pastor before March 16th. Please call the Parish Office if you would like to attend this very special Mass.

FIRST ANNUAL CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE The First Annual Catholic Men’s Conference for the Diocese of Scranton will be held on Saturday, April 25th, at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA. In recent years, many dioceses throughout the country have begun to sponsor such conferences to address the unique and often challenging issues facing men in our culture and in our world. The event will feature two nationally known speakers: Father Larry Richards, author of Be A Man and Damon Owens of the Theology of the Body Institute. There will be opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as devotional prayers. Additionally, exhibitors will be present with a full array of Catholic books and publications as well as CDs and ministry opportunities. (Further information regarding specific details of the event available as the date approaches.)

CALLING ALL CATHOLIC MEN You are invited to a Special Mass and Parish Captain Orientation for the First Annual Catholic Men’s Conference for the Diocese of Scranton, on Thursday January 29th at 7:00PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 245 State St., Wyalusing, PA. The meeting will follow the 7:00PM Mass. There will be light refreshments. We will be praying for the success of the Catholic Men’s Conference, to be held on April 25th, at King’s College in Wilkes Barre, PA. For more information contact Michael Kilmer michaelkilmer71@gmail.com 570-746-0100 (office). All Catholic Men, Parish Captains, Priests and Deacons are invited to attend. You don’t have to be involved in the Conference to come and pray with us. Feel free to let your friends know about this. Men, I am aware that we could be fighting the weather and some distances are involved as our Western Deanery goes from Susquehanna and Jackson to Canton, Troy and Sayre! All I can ask is to do you best.