Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish Staff & Mailing AddressParish Mailing Address420 Holland Street, Shillington, PA 19607PastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365DeaconDeacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697Principal of La Salle AcademyMr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392Parish SecretaryBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697Parish Communications CoordinatorSarah Capato: 610.850.4978Director of Religious EducationBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMr. Tony Balistrere, Principal: 610.374.8361Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th GradeMrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697RCIA: Age 18+Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697

Scheduling Use of Parish FacilitiesFor those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Office at 610.777.1697

WorshipEucharistic AdorationFirst Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PMAltar ServersStudents from Grade 4 to Seniors in High SchoolContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Funeral ServersContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Bernadette Yohn at 610.777.1697 or 610.777.6297LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contact: Christopher Hoster at 610.334.1188CantorsContact: Christopher Hoster at 610.334.1188Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264Youth GroupContact: Ashlee Hess at 610.944.4862

Outreach & Parish MinistriesCulture of LifeContact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965Bereavement MinistryContact: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431Justice in Action MinistryContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Breaking Bread Social CommitteeContact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542Prayer Shawl MinistryContact: Elaine Strick at 484.824.1577Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & MassContact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927Food Pantry / Emergency MealsContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesContact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792Parish Nurse MinistryContact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998St. Paul Street EvangelizationContact: Gina Aldi at 484.769.5346Divorce MinistryContact: Deb Kelly at 610.763.6528

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Faith Sharing for WomenContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Parish Prayer LineContact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965Charismatic Prayer GroupContact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215

OrganizationsPrime TimersContact: Nick Bentz at 610.777.8864Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Cub ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Knights of Columbus Contact: Bill Griffith at 484.797.0669Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360Men’s Recreational Basketball ClubContact: Russ Baver at 610.507.0627CYO (Christian Youth Organization)Contact: Rock Witmer at 610.775.2176Parish GardenersContact: Chris Hofmann at 610.777.2523

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Mass Intentions for the Week MONDAY, JAN. 14 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Joseph Bradley TUESDAY, JAN. 15 - Weekday 7:00 p.m. Joseph Borelli WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Robin Battaglia THURSDAY, JAN. 17 – St. Anthony 7:00 p.m. Msgr. Joseph P. O’Donnell FRIDAY, JAN. 18 - Weekday 8:00 a.m. Jim Domin SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY, JAN. 19 4:00 p.m. John C. Hricisak SUNDAY, JAN. 20 8:30 a.m. Jeanette Rubright 10:30 a.m. People of the Parish

St. John Baptist de la Salle January 13th 2018 www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com The Baptism of the Lord

Away from home? Find a Mass wherever you are at www.masstimes.org

Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator, Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com.

Bulletin submissions are due Thursday, ten days prior to the Sunday of publication.

St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Altar Wine for the month of December: In loving memory of Richard & Cecilia Roloff

(requested by Donna Satz)

Altar Bread for the month of November: In loving memory of Joseph, Brian & Edward Bocian (requested

by Eleanore Bocian)

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, JAN. 19 - 4:00PM Lector: Sharon Brahmstadt Cantor: Scott Tice Servers: Faith & Brynna Bentz EM: C.Brahmstadt, J/B.Peters, ME.Symanski, L.Katzaman, C/G.Legezdh, B.Yohn SUNDAY, JAN. 20 - 8:30AM Lector: Paul Berthinet Cantor: Alex Krick Servers: Lauren & Paige Hagan SUNDAY, JAN. 20 - 10:30AM - ADULT CHOIR Lector: Adam Krick Cantor: Bridget Glass Servers: Grant Kellenberger, Joseph Kowalski EM: V.Pinder, K.Kellenberger, L.Kellenberger, C/L.Przydzial, J.Stephan, C.Yochimowitz, N.Bentz

ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: New schedules have either been emailed or mailed via the postal service. If you did not receive your schedule please notify the parish office, 610.777.1697 or email: st.jbdls@verizon.net

Weekly Stewardship SUNDAY 12/30- $12,155.25

Upcoming Events Sunday, Jan. 13 6:30 pm Rel. Ed classes Monday, Jan. 14 7:00 pm First Reconciliation for our Second

Grade students Tuesday, Jan. 15 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Prayer Group Thursday, Jan. 17 5:30 pm Choir rehearsal

Today's Readings First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Isaiah tells of the Lord’s Servant, who will be inconspicuous, but will not rest until justice is established. The Lord then tells his servant that he was formed to be “a light for the nations.” Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 Peter speaks to a group of pagans for the first time. He explains to them that any person who follows God’s will is acceptable to God, regardless of nationality. Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 John the Baptist had claimed one would come far more powerful than himself, one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit rather than water. When Jesus came to John and was baptized, the Spirit descended on him and a voice said, “You are my beloved Son. On you my favor rests.”

Sanctuary Lamp for the week of 1/13-19: In loving memory of George Hlodash, Sr. (requested by Shirley & Linda Hlodash)

TAX STATEMENT TIME: For those requesting a statement of contributions for tax purposes please inform us via, phone, email (st.jbdls@verizon.net) or put a request on your church envelope (please put the request by your name). Thank you for your

cooperation in this matter.

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Parish Happenings

PRIME TIMERS NEWS

YOUTH GROUP - All 8th-12th graders are encouraged to attend our next meeting on January 20th

from 6:15-7:45 in the LaSalle cafe. We will discuss service projects, fun trips, and fundraisers. We will also be playing fun games and look forward to a good time! To see more youth group updates, visit our Twitter at StJohn_YG16.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE If a Prenatal Diagnosis identifies a possible disability…You are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding a poor prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson at 610.289.8900x42 or jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org

A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR ...

Mary’s Shelter is looking for volunteers for sorting donations. The shelter collects donations daily and is set up for sorting in the gym, anytime Monday through Friday, 9:AM to 3:PM. If you are interested in helping to sort, please email Sue Schulz (sue@marysshelter.org.)

Berks Catholic High School Upcoming Events • 1/24/19- Step Up Day - 8th graders spend the day at Berks Catholic and get a real feel of what it’s like to Be A Saint, please contact Mrs. Smith for more information. 610.374.8361 ext.244 • 1/27/19- Open House-1-3PM Come see our new John R. Post Learning Center which features a new STEM Lab, expanded, cafeteria, new classrooms, college and career counseling suite and collegiate style learning commons. Come experience the energy of our community. For more information please contact Nicky Smith at 610.374.8361 ext. 244 or nsmith@berkscatholic.org

Knights of Columbus Calendar February 2019 Saturday, February 9 – Knights at Mass • Rosary 3:30 PM – Mass 4:00 PM

________________________________________________ Ladies Tea

Come in from the cold, relax and enjoy friendly conversation and beautiful violin selections. Tea sandwiches, sweets and a wonderful

array of flavored teas will be tastefully served. Sunday January 20th at 2:00 PM in the Father Lyons Room.

Snow date will be 2/24 at 2:00PM $5.00 Donation requested.

Please complete the form below and put it in the collection basket by January 13th . Please make checks payable to St John Baptist R.C.C.

NAME_______________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER ___________________________________________________________

Journey on a 10 Day Pilgrimage with Sacred Heart Parish to Portugal and Spain Visiting Lisbon, Santeram, Fatima, Coimbra, Porto, Braga, Pontevedra and Santiago de Compostela. Departing October 10th and returning October 19th. Price is $2,999 per person based on two people in a room. Included in the price: Roundtrip Air from Newark, Superior 3 and 4 star hotels, porterage for one suitcase, breakfast and dinner daily, Wine Tasting in Porto, tour Escort from beginning to end, Deluxe Motor Coach and Driver, Local Guides where needed. All sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary, Daily Mass, All overseas transfers airports and hotels and All Assistance at overseas airports and hotels. $50 discount if deposit received before March 15, 2019. Please contact Bonnie at the rectory for a brochure and more information.

THANK YOU so very much for your continued support of LifeLine through the Advent Giving Tree! Because of your generosity, we now have many items that our moms and babies need to get through these cold winter months and beyond. When a woman chooses Life for her baby, it is important to support her until she is able to create her own support system, and with your help, we can continue to do that for so many families this year. THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR LIFELINE!!

The Knights of Columbus will be holding their Super Bowl sandwich sale sign up on Jan.

19th and 20th and Jan. 26th and 27th. Please stop by after mass in the

Father Lyon’s room to sin up for sandwiches. Cost of the sandwiches (Ham, Turkey, Italian) is $5.00 each, payable when you pick up your sandwiches on Feb. 3rd between 10:30 and 12:00.

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The Parish Nurses Ministry will be taking blood pressure screenings after all Masses, this weekend, Sept 8&9 in the Father Lyons Room.

Lifeline of Berks County is in need of Similac Advance formula and wipes. We would greatly appreciate any formula or wipes that you are able to donate to us for our clients. Thank you in advance.

GUIDELINES FOR THOSE WHO ARE HOSPITAL BOUND: • If you are scheduled for a hospital visit and know in advance, please see Father Rich before or after mass and he will anoint you and bless you. • When being admitted to the Reading Hospital please advise the admitting staff person you are Catholic and a member of St. John Baptist de

The Canticle – Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Gift Shop provides inspiring and religious gifts for all occasions. Franciscan items – many direct from Assisi, also from places of their ministry: Brazil. Dominican Republic, specialty cards, and a variety of discounted items. Hours: M,T.Thur. 12:30 – 3:30 pm. Wed. 10 am – 1 pm. Sat. 11 am – 2 pm. For directions visit the website: www.bfranciscan.org. Located in the Motherhouse at the McGlinn Conference & Spirituality Center – adjacent to Alvernia University. (Use the entrance with the St. Francis on the outside of the wall.)

The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters are looking for volunteers to help at the Motherhouse Information Desk for a few hours a week, answering the phone and doorbell during the day. For more information, contact Sister Joanne Mary at 610.780.4820.

There are no physical tickets, check in with PTO in the lobby of Victor Emmanuel’s.

Please join La Salle Academy PTO at Victor Emmanuel’s for

Why Cook Wednesday!

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

$10 meal ticket includes:

Salad

Spaghetti

2 meatballs

Bread & butter

Beverages & desserts available

Pizza slices available for $1.25/slice

*DINE IN OR TAKE OUT*

Please return order form and checks made payable to La Salle PTO before January 23.

Limited tickets available at the door for $12.00

Family Name:

# tickets: Amount Enclosed:

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How to Know if You're Hearing God's Voice God will send you signs. By Lesli White

We all want to hear God’s voice but the truth is, it isn’t always easy. There are times when we will carefully seek God, but in return only sense His silence. When God seems silent, it can be frustrating, disheartening and agonizing. There are times when we will seek God for answers, cry out for His help and relief and still hear nothing. Hearing God is essential to building an intimate relationship with Him and learning to clearly distinguish God’s voice is vital. Frankly, as easy as it is for us to speak to Him, most Christians have a hard time listening to God and hearing His voice. This is not the way God intended it to be. The truth is if we don’t hear His voice, we will get totally lost and be more vulnerable to devil’s schemes. We can also learn a few practical lessons in the silence. Here are seven ways to know if you’re hearing God’s voice.

God’s Voice is Crystal Clear Most of us hope that God will send us a sign when he’s trying to communicate with us. It’s hard to know when God is truly speaking to us. We may not know what His voice sounds like or if He’s truly speaking to us. There are times though when God’s voice is crystal clear. We can hear God’s voice in ways we’ve never been able to before. The key to this is learning how to listen to God. Truly listening to God is an art that requires training and discipline. It’s very difficult to hear God’s voice when we are listening to every other voice besides His. The writer of Hebrews tells us that we can train our ears to recognize the voice of God above all the noise. “But solid food belongs to those who are full of age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). When we practice, by reason of use, we are able to discern whether what we hear is of God, our flesh, or the Enemy. It’s important that we hear the Holy Spirit and recognize the ways He is speaking and working through us. Jesus said, “He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing” (Matthew 13:9). Pray that God will give you a hearing heart to listen and to obey.

You’ve Let Go of Whatever is Blocking You Sometimes, the clutter of life and our own lack of focus blocks us from being able to hear God’s voice. When you let go of the chatter in your head, you have an even greater ability to hear God clearly. It’s time to examine your life. Ask yourself what might I have going on in my daily life that’s keeping me separated from God. Is there any unconfessed sin in your life that may be blocking you from hearing God’s voice? The Bible tells us, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). Doing this requires us to look deep into our own hearts and lives. Begin by asking yourself: Do I have bad motives? Is there anything or anyone that I love more than God? As these things come to light and you become more aware of what’s separating you from God, ask Him for His forgiveness. The act of repentance pleases God and restores our fellowship with Him.

You Are Patient Listening to God requires

You Can Feel the Love of God God wants to lead you to all the good things He has in store for you. When you’re having trouble hearing God, it’s vital to remember that He loves you and wants to be involved in even the smallest details of your life. John 3:16 is an incredible reminder of God’s love for us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” No matter how silent He seems, His love is incredible and it never ends, even when we can’t discern His voice. God’s Word tells us to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6). When we acknowledge God, we acknowledge that we care what He is thinking. When we trust God, we accept His love and influence in our very lives. If you can feel the presence of God and His love, His voice will become even clearer.

Your life can be radically transformed when you better listen to God. Even when we can’t hear His voice, God is constantly speaking to us and giving us direction. It’s never God who is not speaking, but it’s us who may simply have trouble hearing Him. When we believe that God is already speaking to us, it becomes even easier to hear Him.

Difficulties Married Couples Face On their wedding day, the bride and groom promise to be faithful to each other “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” Sooner or later, all couples face the “worse” or “poorer” or “sickness” in their marriage. At these times of difficulty, married couples benefit tremendously from the support of their Church family, friends, and relatives. Below are common difficulties faced by married couples, listed alphabetically, with links to pages on the For Your Marriage website or other USCCB resources.

Addictions If you or your spouse in the past month has taken a drink first thing in the morning to help you recover from a hangover you may be dealing with an addiction problem. … In addition to the person with the addiction, there is often a spouse who suffers from co-dependency. Read more. @ Also see: Drug Use Can Ruin a Marriage

Career and Employment Issues

At first it probably sounds simple. Get a job to pay the bills so we can live happily ever after. But jobs take a lot of

time and sometimes that time is stolen from the time that the marriage relationship needs. Read more.

Also see: When Unemployment Hits Home: Seven Ways to Help Your Marriage

USCCB Resources:

! Webpage about labor and employment ! Prayer for Work

Conflict

Conflict is normal in marriage. However, when conflicts escalate to contempt and disrespect, or when they seem

unsolvable and are causing grief for one or both spouses, there is no shame in reaching out for help. For Your

Marriage maintains a list of organizations dedicated to helping couples deal with conflict and work toward a

healthier, happier marriage.

See also: Conflict Resolution Skills

Death of a Loved One Losing a child, family member, or friend can be a heavy weight for a marriage to bear. Losing a spouse is a devastating blow. Grieving spouses and parents need support, love, and time to heal.

See also: A Lesson in Love from Our Dying Son and It Is Well: Life in the Storm USCCB Resources: ! Prayer at the Death of a Baptized Child ! Prayer for Mourners

Disillusionment The most common disillusionment often is phrased as “I just don’t know if I love him (her) anymore.” It’s usually accompanied by a general feeling of loss of excitement and passion for your spouse. You wonder, "Is this all that marriage is supposed to be?" Read more. See also: When Rain Drenches a Marriage - http://www.foryourmarriage.org/when-rain-drenches-a-marriage

Domestic Violence

Conflict is part of every intimate relationship–that’s why conflict resolution skills are important. Domestic violence,

however, has no place in a healthy relationship, whether the couple is dating, engaged, married or cohabiting. Read

more.

USCCB Resources:

! Webpage on domestic violence, including the pastoral statement “When I Call for Help” ! Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse

Discernment: Making Inspired Choices by Joe Paprocki, D.Min.

“Just do it.”

Sounds easy, right? On the one hand, there's something to be said for spontaneity. On the other hand, some of our choices in life require deep thought, prayer, and consideration, lest we find ourselves facing the consequences of a poor decision. That's where the art of discernment comes in. Discernment is a time-honored practice in the Christian tradition. In essence, discernment is a decision-making process that honors the place of God's will in our lives. It is an interior search that seeks to align our own will with the will of God in order to learn what God is calling us to. Every choice we make, no matter how small, is an opportunity to align ourselves with God's will. Here are some tried-and-true pointers that can help you discern God's will.

Talk to Someone You Respect. God often speaks to us through the wisdom of others. Seek out the wisdom of at least one and perhaps several people who you feel have the gift of wisdom and ask for their advice.

Find Some Solitude. It's good to talk to other people when making important decisions, but at some point, it is crucial to make some time to be alone with your thoughts and with God. Invite God into your decision-making process.

Start with What You Know. Lay out all of the facts in front of yourself so that you can deal with the known before you delve into the unknown!

Tell God What It Is That You Desire and What You Fear. Be honest and tell God what your deepest desires and fears are in this situation is. Before you can say the words, “thy will be done,” be sure you are truly in touch with your own will; otherwise it will come back to bite you anyway!

Let God Speak to You. Most of us don't actually hear a voice when God speaks to us. However, pay attention closely to the ways that God is speaking to you. What kinds of thoughts, feelings (especially love, joy, and peace, or a lack thereof), and memories might God be stirring within you to help you make your decision? What Scripture story or saint's life comes to mind that might enlighten your decision? Find the passage or story and prayerfully read it.

Know That God Has a Plan for You. Remind yourself that you are not on your own and that you don't have to yell and scream to get God's attention to help you in this matter. On the contrary, remind yourself that God has a plan for you and that his plan is driven purely by love.

Pray to Do God's Will. As difficult as it may be, pray the words, “thy will be done,” asking God to give you the strength you need to continue to discern his will and to follow it.

Wait. If circumstances allow, wait before making your decision. Continue to pay attention to your feelings to see which direction you are being drawn to.

Prayerfully Commit. At some point, you need to act. Knowing that you have sought God's will, set forth to do the loving thing.

Check Out the Fruits. Discernment is ongoing. After you make a decision, prayerfully evaluate it. If the fruits (outcomes) of your decision—your words, actions, and behaviors—are good, then it is a good indication that the decision you made is good. If the fruits are “rotten,” then that is a good indication that you may need to alter your course. True discernment results in good fruit (even if it's something we wouldn't normally pick out for ourselves).

Discernment can help you when you face decisions. Even though making good decisions can be difficult at times, trust that the Holy Spirit is with you to guide you and help you choose what is good and true.

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kids corner

Finances Financial counselors often point to finances as the most common cause of divorce. That’s only partially true.Financial problems are as much a result of how we think about money as how we spend it. Read more. See also: Living Simply: A Lasting and Fulfilling Way of Life

Household Duties

In studies that measure marital satisfaction, the topic of sharing household duties is one of the primary sources of

dissatisfaction for couples, especially in the early years of marriage and when both spouses work outside the

home. Read more.

See also: Whose Job Is It?

Infertility When a couple is unable to have children, it causes great pain emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. The feelings of emptiness and loss can be overwhelming. Read more. See also: The Blessing of “Unanswered Prayers”: An Adoption Story USCCB Resource: Webpage on infertility, with Catholic teaching and resources for couples

Infidelity Healing a marriage when there has been infidelity takes teamwork. Both spouses must commit to getting the marriage back, or possibly getting to where it never was. This calls for courage. Read more. See also: Getting Past the Affair

In-laws

n-laws can be a blessing to a couple, but can also bring tension to a marriage. Boundaries and clear paths of

communication are key. Read more.

See also: The Sandwich Generation

Miscarriage

15% of all recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. Couples often bear this grief in silence and confusion. Read

more.

See also: Loving Parents After Miscarriage

Personality Differences

Identifying similarities and differences in their personalities helps couples understand the dynamics of their

relationship more clearly, but generosity towards each another is still the key to personality compatibility. Read

more.

See also: If Opposites Attract, How Can We Get Along?

Pornography

Pornography damages the trust and intimacy within the husband-wife relationship and can even lead to the end of

the marriage itself. It draws focus away from one’s family life and relationship with God and sets a destructive

example for one’s children. In 2015, the bishops published a formal statement on this subject, called "Create in

Me a Clean Heart: A Pastora l Response to Pornography." Read or order the statement here, in English and

Spanish.

See also: How to Strengthen Your Marriage After Porn Addiction

USCCB Resources:

! Help for men and women struggling with pornography use and addiction: a list of support groups, books, videos, and more

! Faith and Safety: a website with advice for parents on how to protect the home from Internet pornography and other digital dangers

! Church teaching on pornography plus three talks on the subject