SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, PRAY FOR US! Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm

Mass Schedule

Vigil Mass (Saturday) 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Weekday Mass M, T, W, F 8:30 a.m.

Confessions before daily Mass; Saturday 4:15 p.m. or by appointment.

The Parish in the heart of the Endless Mountains Serving Bradford County since 1841

SACRAMENTS

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated Sundays after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. First time parents are asked to attend a welcoming session prior to baptism. Godparents are asked to present a sponsor card. Please call the parish office as soon as possible after your child’s birth to plan his or her baptism.

The Sacrament of Marriage—engaged couples should notify the pastor at least six months prior to their proposed date. Couples participate in a preparation program.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick—please call the parish of-fice for visitation of the sick at home, in the hospital, or health care facili-ty.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the official process used by the Church to bring adults into the Catholic faith.

SPIRITUAL DEVOTIONS

The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed in common before weekday Masses.

The Perpetual Novena of the Miracu-lous Medal is prayed in common every Monday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration is held from 9:00 a.m. on the Thursday preceding First Fri-day until 2:00 p.m. on Friday in Grotto Hall and the church.

Sacred Heart Devotions are prayed in common after First Friday Masses.

Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are prayed in common after the First Saturday Masses.

Parish Prayer Line requests Call Annette at 570-265-9691.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time † February 3, 2019

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

SS. Peter & Paul Parish, a community of faith called by God to deepen

our relationship with Jesus Christ, serves the Lord by sharing our time,

talent and treasure. As disciples of Christ, we are called to bring Jesus

Christ to ourselves and others: our children, the sick, the poor, the fallen

away Catholics and those who need to hear God’s message of uncondi-

tional love and forgiveness. SS. Peter & Paul Parish is a beacon of light

rooted in Jesus Christ, passed on to his successor, our Holy Father the

Pope, and is guided by our local bishop to build the Kingdom of God on

Earth. It is our mission to shine the light of Jesus Christ in our world and

to spiritually enrich the individual members of the parish as well as the

larger community through word, worship, sacrament and service.

Saints Peter and Paul Church 106 Third Street - Towanda, Pennsylvania 18848-1798

Phone: 570-265-2113 FAX: 570-265-2114

E-mail: stppp@epix.net Website: sspeterandpaulchurch.net

Pastor: Rev. Edward L. Michelini

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not

pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its

own interests it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over

injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with

the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all

things, endures all things.

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians: 13: 4-8

Saints Peter & Paul CCD

Sundays 9:15-10:30 in St. Agnes School Friday, Feb. 8: 6-7 pm First Reconciliation Practice Saturday, Feb. 9: 10:30 am First Reconciliation

Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner Thursday

Don’t miss the feast this Thursday, February 7,

from 4-7 pm @ JFK Hall: Meatballs, spaghetti,

salad and Italian bread, all at a cost of $8 adult; $6

seniors and children under 12; and special pricing

for families of 4 or more. Also available for take-

outs or delivery by calling 570-772-6524.

St. Agnes School PTG and the St. John

Neumann Assembly of the Knights of Columbus

are offering this feast once each month to help fund

the School and the Knights’ charities.

St. Agnes School

Girl Scout Cookies Some parishioners have been asking about Girl Scout Cookies. Fr. Ed was able to find a young parishioner who happens to be a Girl Scout and she has volunteered to be available after the 11 am Mass this Sunday. If you attend another Mass, see Fr. Ed for a listing of the cookies/prices that are available.

Cursillo News The #61 Men’s Cursillo will be held March 28-31, 2019 And the #72 Women’s Cursillo will be held Oct 3-6, 2019. Information and applications are available on the table at the entrance to the church. You can also speak with a parishioner who has previously made a Cursillo – John Demangone, Rob Grimes, Al Ondrey, Luis Vega, Bob Brenner, Gus Branish and many others,. It is a very powerful and meaningful experience.

Ultreya—February 24, 2019 The parish will hold an Ultreya here in Grotto Hall on Sunday February 24, 2019 from 2-4 pm which is open to all who are interested in learning more about the Cursillo program or making one.

2019 Men’s Convocation – April 27, 2019 The 2019 Diocesan Men’s Convocation “What is Truth?” has been scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre. Featured speakers will be Fr. Philip G. Bochanski, Dr. Ray Guarendi, and Doug Barry. Additional information is available at www. BeAManConference. Com; and also at the entrance to the church, on the church bulletin board. Normal Registration fee is $40, Early Bird $30 (4/1/2019), the massively parish-subsidized registration fee is only $15 (by 3/25/2019) which will include transportation. Get a Parish Registration Form at the entrance to the church and return in collection basket or give to Jerry Schram, Greg Steele, or Fr. Ed by Sunday 3/24/2019. It is well worth the time. Thank you.

The 2018 Diocesan Annual Appeal: The Journey Makes Us One - Diocese and Parish Information The Diocese has received over $3,220,706 in gifts and pledges from 16,494 donors, bringing the amount to 67% of our goal of $5 million. Our Parish has pledged $30,531 or 93 % of a $33,000 goal. We are extremely grateful to those 123 parish families who have made a pledge to this year’s annual appeal. Anyone wishing to make a commitment is encouraged to do so – every gift counts. Envelopes are at the entrance to the church. The people and the programs of the Diocese to which these funds are directed are greatly appreciative of your donation.

Diocese of Scranton Video from Bishop Bambera - on our website

Last week, the bulletin contained the January 22 letter from Bishop Joseph Bambera describing the

launch of the Independent Survivors Compensation Program. In addition, he has made a video on that topic

which is available through the diocesan website: dioceseofscranton.org. You may also view that video on our

parish website: sspeteranpaulchurch.net. The first item on our homepage is a message from the bishop, with

the video link at the bottom of that message; just click on the link to view the video.

Grotto Hall Additions and Improvements

The parish is grateful for the donation of funds to make possible a number of important new articles

for program use in Grotto Hall. First and most noticeable is the magnificent 70-inch Hi-Def television en-

throned upon its elegant new wooden console; to accompany these is a brand new DVD player. Only slightly

less noticeable are the brand new brown chairs, matching the existing ones but without the wear and tear. Still

in the works are some new rectangular tables. We hope that the parishioners will appreciate having these

great improvements to our much-used facility.

Liturgical Ministers Feb. 9-10 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Sat.Vigil 5 pm: Jackie Pyznar Sun.8 am: Bob Brenner 11 am: Kathy Joyce Lectors: Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Sandy Kasenga Sunday 8 am: Anne Leone 11 am: Deb West Altar Servers: Sat. Vigil 5 pm: Natalee & Xavier Watson Sunday 8 am: Enzo & Dante Ottaviani 11 am: Luke & Angie Tavani Hospital & Personal Care Home: LeeAnn Wolfe Bradford County Manor: Sonia Huff

Mass Intentions - Feb. 2 - 10

Sat. Vigil 5:00 pm: Our Parishioners Sun. 8:00 am: James Nalisnick (Eugene & Margaret Kardobely) 11:00 am: Michael Dunkle (James Hoffmann Family) Mon. 8:30 am: Grace Walsh (Seibert Family) Tues. 8:30 am: Philip Girio and Eva Girio Pellegrino (Art Girio) Wed. 8:30 am: Marion Saldutti (Sue Geissler) Thursday: No Mass Fri. 8:30 am: Intentions of Ed & Barbara Ulatowski (Sylvia Hilfiger) Sat. Vigil 5:00 pm: John Petro (Joan McNamara) Sun. 8:00 am: Our Parishioners 11:00 am: Audrey M. Perechinsky (husband Joseph)

Offertory January 20, 2019 Sunday Offering $ 1,095.00 Insurance & Taxes $ 290.51 Special Envelopes $ 20.00

Thank You for your Generosity

Second Collection

This week is for the Care & Education of Priests. Next week will be for Aid to Education.

A Sanctuary Lamp burns this week for:

Rosemary Wood (her children)

Altar Care February Chair: Mary Krill

Feb. 9 - Week 2: Mary Aquilio

Donna Brown, Shelli Ripic

Counters : Feb 4: Team C

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting The PPC Meeting that was scheduled for this past Monday evening has been rescheduled for Monday, February 4, 2019, weather permitting. In Grotto Hall at 6:30 pm – some food will be available at 6 pm. Previously sent agenda will be used. Thank You!

Bulletin online & Ministry Schedules online

The Parish Bulletin is available online at the Parish Website: sspeterandpaulchurch.net.

So, if you misplace your bulletin or if one is not available after Mass, you can always find it online.

We are also moving towards having all the ministry schedules posted on our website. Gradually the

parish is becoming more computer-friendly in making its schedules and programs available via the internet.

This will make it easier for you to stay informed, especially if your schedule or information happens to be-

come misplaced. It will also help us to reduce the busywork of printing, stuffing and mailing these schedules

multiple times during the year. Ever since 1841, we are gradually finding our way now in the 21st century into

the electronic age. Thank you for what you do, and for your cooperation.

Are You a Snowbird?

We know that many of our parishioners follow the birds to warmer places during the winter, while

some others may leave in the summertime for different reasons. If you plan to be away for extended seasons

or periods, you might wish to keep up with events in the parish by having the weekly bulletin emailed to you;

just let us know about your wishes at the parish office - stppp@epix.net.

The Blessing of St. Blaise - Bishop of Sebastea Armenia (modern Sivas, Turkey) - Martyred 316 AD

According to the legend, while Blaise was being taken into custody by the Romans, a distraught moth-

er, whose child was choking on a fishbone, threw herself at his feet and implored his intercession. Touched

by her grief, he offered up his prayers and the child became cured.

Consequently, Saint Blaise is invoked for protection against injuries and illnesses of the throat, and

even any other medical problems. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates his feast day, February 3, with the

Blessing of the Throat, which is given with two candles, blessed on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord

("Candlemas"), held in a crossed position by a priest over the heads of the faithful (or the people are touched

at the throat with them). At the same time the following blessing is given: "May Almighty God, at the inter-

cession of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, preserve you from infections of the throat and from all other afflic-

tions,” and the priest makes the Sign of the Cross over the faithful.

RICHARD M. FARLEY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

———————————

521 MAIN STREET 570-265-4993

TOWANDA, PA 18848 FAX: 570-265-5996

E-mail: rmfarley@epix.net

Knights of Columbus TOWANDA COUNCIL, No. 3915

7 Poplar St., Towanda PA 18848

Meetings 4th Wednesdays at 7 pm

Contact: 570-265-2113

ST. AGNES SCHOOL A Roman Catholic School of the Diocese of Scranton

Pre-K (3 & 4 Years of Age) to Grade 6 Middle States Accredited

570-265-6803

102 Third Street Towanda PA 18848

www.edline.net/pages/StAgnes

570-268-7653 570-888-2202

Please Remember in Your prayers_

Reese Aquilio; Nancy Barrett; Tori Barton; Christine Bedford; Rosie Beale; Gus Branish; David Walsh Brubaker; Ric Campbell; Chris Cole; Beth Coleman; Patricia Coleman; Monica Curtis; Margaret DeMarco; Patricia Dibble; Mary Theresa Dorsey; Rachel Dugan; Stephanie Duggan; Margaret Dunkle; George Emery; Helen Finlan; June Gormley Goodrich; Sally Groff; Linda Hilscher; Evelyn Hoff; Glenna Hoffman; Billy Hollenback; Linda Hollenback; Polly Karschner; Adam Kelly; Timothy Leo Lenox; Annette McClure; Deany McGarrigle; Mickey McGarrigle; Sharon Mahaffey; Margaret Miller; Nate Miller; Paul Moran; Ethan Neuber; Charles Palmer; Jean Perry; Kathleen Lenox Reider; Cindy Robinson; Fr. Richard Rojas; Mary Ann Schram; Eugenia Serpe; Mackenzie Kempner Taylor; Ed and Barbara Ulatowski; Maria Van Haute; Lani Wood; Bart Young, and 4 Special Intentions.

Pray for Victims of Violence and Natural Disasters.

OTTAVIANI OPTOMETRY

1932 GOLDEN MILE RD 55 MAIN ST

P.O. BOX 599 P.O. BOX 505

WYSOX PA 18854 WYALUSING PA 18853

PHONE: 570-265-6816 PHONE: 570-746-1610

SS. PETER & PAUL CEMETERY JAMES STREET - N. TOWANDA

2 AND 4 Grave Lots Available

Business Office: 106 Third St., Towanda PA 18848 570-265-2113

BARRETT LAW OFFICES Patrick J. Barrett, III

Attorney and Counselor at Law

507 West Pine Street 21 Troy St. - PO Box 157 Athens, PA 18810 Canton, PA 17724 570-888-0297 570-673-5180 Fax: 570-888-4142 or 570-364-5799 patrick@barrettlawofficepa.com Fax: 570-673-5780 patbar.law@frontiernet.net

A Community Funeral, Cremation, and Memorial Resource Service Owned & Operated by the Bowen Family

Providing Professional Services that Respond to Personal Needs

Complete Pre-Arranged Funeral Planning — Burial And Cremation Services.

Out-Of-Town Receiving and Transfer Service, Monument Service

www.bowenfuneralhomes.com

Bowen-Farr Funeral Home

570-258-3456

6 Gordon Farr St.—Ulster, Pa. 18850

Brandon B. Allis

Funeral Director—Supervisor

Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home Inc.

570-265-2272

217 York Ave., Towanda PA 18848

James A. Bowen

Funeral Director, Owner / Supervisor

1841– 2016

SS Peter

and Paul

Church

Bob Hugo 570-265-6615

106 River St., Towanda, PA

Auto * Home * Life * Fin. Services

bob.hugo.bt7s@statefarm.com

~~Green’s Auto Mart, Inc.~~ Quality Used Cars at a Fair Price

1503 Golden Mile Rd. Towanda PA

Greensautomart.com

570-265-AUTO(2886)

FAX 570-265-8149

Before You Pay ~ See Rick or Ray

865 Golden Mile Towanda Pa 18848

570-265-4479

EVERY MONDAY

Large Cheese Pizza

9.99

XXXXXXXXXX5

376 Leisure Drive

Towanda, PA

Phone 570-265-7302

Fax 570-265-5065

If you would like to join our parish, contact: SS. Peter & Paul Church—106 Third St.—Towanda PA 18848

Call 570-265-2113 or email stppp@epix.net

REQUEST FOR PARISH REGISTRATION FORM

Name ____________________________Date__________

Address____________________________________________

City,Zip _________________________Phone _____________

So faith, hope, love

remain, these three;

but the greatest of these is love.

1 Cor: 13:13

FEBRUARY CALENDAR Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, Feb. 3: Social Activities Planning Meeting after 11 am Mass

Monday, Feb. 4: PPC meeting rescheduled 6:30 pm in Grotto Hall; food at 6 pm

Thursday, Feb. 7: Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner in JFK Hall

Friday, Feb. 9: First Reconciliation Practice 6 pm—7 pm

Saturday, Feb. 9: First Reconciliation 10:30 am.

Wednesday, Feb. 13: Noon-3 Widows’ Support Group in Grotto Hall

Monday, Feb. 18: Deadline to sign up for Mardi Gras dinner (sheets in rear of church)

Sunday, Feb. 24: Cursillo Ultreya 2-4 pm; time for prayer, also Cursillo information available

Sunday, Feb. 24-Mar 2: Small Groups begin this week for six-week Lent/Spring session

Mardi Gras 2019 – March 3, 2019

The parish will host a Mardi Gras Party on Sunday, March 3, 2019, in St. Agnes School - JFK Hall

after the 11 am Mass, about 12:15 pm. The parish will provide the food and entertainment/

games – parishioners can bring desserts if they wish. Sign-up sheets are available at the en-

trance to the church.

Please sign-up prior to Monday, February 18, 2019 so that we are able to have a good

estimate of the number of adults and children for food.

As in past years, you are invited to wear a costume or mask; it might earn you a prize, or

at least, more fun in a traditional spirit of Mardi Gras. The name of the celebration translates

to “Fat Tuesday,” which is a time of feasting immediately prior to the season of fasting during

Lent, which will begin on Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday - Fast and Abstinence

Just a reminder that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the only days of the year on which Catholics

must BOTH fast (only one full meal) and abstain from meat. More details for Lent in future bulletins.

Lenten Wednesday Evening Mass

As in past years, the parish offers the opportunity to attend an evening Mass on Wednesdays during

Lent, at 5:30 pm. (There will be no morning Mass on Wednesdays). A light supper will be provided after

each Mass. Parishioners volunteer to bring soup, salad, or sandwiches for each week.. There will be a sign-up

sheet a week or two prior to Ash Wednesday, and the subsequent weeks.

Wednesday Lenten Luncheons

The Towanda Area Clergy Association (TACA) will again offer a Lenten Luncheon and Message, each

Wednesday of Lent, beginning March 13, 2019, at the Methodist Church. Our parish will sponsor one of the

weeks; the date will be announced later for volunteers for food and serving.

Sweet Sounds Café - Feb. 17, 2019 The Towanda Area Clergy Association is sponsoring "Sweet Sounds Café," a benefit for Grace Con-nection, on Sunday, February 17, 2-4 pm. at the Wysox Presbyterian Church. The event will feature local tal-ent, along with a wide array of sweet and savory snacks. What a great way to spend a winter Sunday after-noon and also benefit Grace Connection! Our parish has been asked to donate snacks like cheese and crackers, veggies or fruit, or small meat or savory snacks. Please place them on a tray in individual bite size pieces. Trays can be dropped off at Wysox Presbyterian Church social hall starting at 9am on Sunday, February 17. Weather cancellation notice would be on Facebook, Wiggle radio, and to pastors prior to Sunday services.

Small GroupMeetings (Post-ARISE)

Our Small Groups will resume meeting during the last week of February, and continue for six weeks in

their customary time and place. Anyone wishing to join a group this season, please contact the parish office

570-265-2113 for more information.

FORMED

Our parish has a subscription for you to “FORMED” which provides great resources for understanding

and passing-on our Catholic faith. They are constantly adding new materials – see materials on their home

page. To access and register free of charge to you:

Login to: www.formed.org

1. Click on (bottom right on Screen): then Register (sign up using Parish code below)

2. Enter Parish Code RZ8ZR8 (case sensitive) and your e-mail address

Complete your record for our parish.

Check it out – good stuff for all ages! Study, watch, listen to, or read about: the Faith, the Saints, Bible Study,

the Sacraments, Devotionals, Movies, Documentaries, Talks, Books; for adults or children; English or Español.

Lectio Divina: The 4 Steps of Lectio Divina or Prayerful Reading

Fr. Ed has been recommending this form of personal prayer at various times over the past several years.

It is worth the effort, and most find that it changes our lives.

1. Lectio: Read a Scripture passage aloud slowly. Notice what phrase captures your attention and

be attentive to its meaning. Silent pause.

2. Meditatio: Read the passage aloud slowly again, reflecting on the passage, allowing God to speak

to you through it. Silent pause.

3. Oratio: Read it aloud slowly a third time, allowing it to be your prayer or response to God’s gift

of insight to you. Silent pause.

4. Contemplatio: Read it aloud slowly a fourth time, now resting in God’s word

Memorial Gifts

The Parish is grateful for recent memorial donations in memory of: Alex Rabago by Alan & Vielka

Park; Olga P. Mehalchick by Albert & Janice Vanderpool; and Rita Bustin by Mary Bustin.

Diocesan Thanks

This week we received a letter of thanks for the donation o the Vianney Endowment, for which the par-

ish had received a memorial for Franklin Bitting.

PARISH BULLETIN ADVERTISERS

We thank those businesses and individuals who have placed an ad in our parish bulletin. We ask parishioners

to thank these individuals and to use these companies. This week we especially acknowledge:

Patrick J. Barrett, III,

Barrett Law Offices, Athens and Canton

Anyone wishing to advertise in the Parish Bulletin should contact the parish office 570-265-2113 or speak to

Father Ed for more information—the pricing is very reasonable.

Congratulations and Thanks

First, a word of Thanks to Dan Barrett for his many years of service as the Bradford County District

Attorney; he has decided not to run for re-election this year.

Second, a word of Congratulations to our parishioner, Albert Ondrey, who has announced his candidacy

for the County District Attorney position in election year 2019. Al is currently the First Assistant District

Attorney, having served in that position for over 18 years.

Both men are to be commended for their willingness to participate in the political process in order to serve.

St. Mother Teresa of Kalkata

In the silence of the heart God speaks. If you face God in prayer and

silence, God will speak to you. Then you will know that you are nothing.

It is only when you realize your nothingness, your emptiness, that

God can fill you with Himself. Souls of prayer are souls of great silence.