St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Staff Who among us can presume not to be a...

Our Mission Statement

We Worship ~ We Teach ~ We Care

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish

5112 Pocono Crest Rd. PO Box O Pocono Pines, PA 18350

Parish Office: (570) 646-6424 Web Page: http://www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org

Masses: Saturday Vigil ~ 4:00 p.m. Sunday ~ 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Saturday Confessions ~ 3:00 p.m.

February 28, 2016 Third Sunday in Lent

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Reverend Sean G. Carpenter ~ Pastor

Deacon Frank Gisoldi ~ [email protected]

Deacon Tom Amoroso

Mrs. Lynnette Smith

Coordinator of Religious Education/ Pastoral Associate ~ [email protected]

Marion Colvin

Office Manager ~ [email protected]

John Marcinkowski, Jr. Coordinator of Music ~ [email protected]

“I AM” Kindness and mercy are what the enslaved people of Israel needed, and they came in the form of deliverance. They came through a leader,

Moses, who was once plucked from the Nile River and was now herding his father-in-law’s sheep in the land of Goshen. The bush that burned but was not consumed shows

us that God is inexhaustible mystery. Moses’ awe and deference are mixed with a touching conversational tone as he seeks to learn God’s name. And God sweetly responds. The somewhat abstract “I AM” distinguishes the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob from the minor gods in the territory who “are not.” They are helpless, powerless, and useless. Moses is to step out into an amazing future, and God will be there with outstretched arm. Just go and see, God seems to say. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

February 28, 2016 Third Sunday in Lent

DAMAGE Hatred does more damage

to the person in whom it is stored than to the person on whom it is poured.

—Anonymous

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Staff

Who among us can presume not to be a sinner?

No one. We are all sinners.

~ Pope Francis 03/23/14

Heavenly Father, I have sinned. You know it, and I

know it. I can see very clearly that everyone else is

a sinner too. So Why do I expect so much of them

and so little of myself? Why do I make excuses for

myself and hold them to the letter of the law? Why,

finally, do I not forgive as I have been forgiven?

Perhaps if I accepted more fully your merciful

forgiveness, I could extend it more readily to

others. Yes, Father, I am a sinner, but I have been

forgiven all my sins. I have received mercy. Help

me to share that mercy with my brothers and

sisters. Amen

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Ash Wednesday is not observed by Eastern Christians, perhaps because, at least in Orthodox practice, weekdays are not proper days for the Divine Liturgy. Typically, “Great Lent” has a bit of a prelude. On “Meatfare Sunday” the faithful have their last chance to eat meat for the entire period of Great Lent. A week later, “Cheesefare Sunday” has dairy on the menu for the last time until Pascha (Easter). At twilight on Cheesefare Sunday, officially called “Sunday of Forgiveness.” the church gathers for “Forgiveness Vespers.” The faithful identify with Adam and Eve, forgiving one another in order to experience God’s forgiveness. The desire to set aside all bitterness, and to achieve harmony and reconciliation in the family and with one’s neighbors gives a remarkable energy to the transition into the days of penitence. At the end of the vespers liturgy, the décor of the church is changed to reflect the new season. How is your Lenten fast going? Imagine the Eastern tradition. No meat, no fish, no dairy, no wine or oil. Some traditions permit vegetable oil; everyone goes without olive oil. Happily, strict fasting is not permitted on the Sabbath or the Lord’s Day, so on Saturday and Sunday the fast is somewhat mitigated, and wine and oil are allowed. If the Feast of the Annunciation falls during Great Lent, then fish may be served. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.


There will not be an 8:15 Mass when a Funeral Mass is scheduled.

Saturday Confessions at 3:00 pm

Weekly Collection 02/14/16…………… $ 6,233.

Ash Wednesday………………………… $ 616.

Capital Improvement Fund……………. $ 1,472.

Thank You for Your Generosity

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY - If Pocono Mtn. Schools are cancelled, there will be no Mass; if school is delayed, Mass will be delayed.

“Jesus is with us every step of the way, giving us the grace we need. God invites us to embrace the lives we have been given, for as long as they are given. Every life is worth living.” 2015-16 Respect Life Program Flyer

www.goo.gl/sYADTw USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

First Friday Adoration will be held after the Communion Service each month.

Saturday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Sunday: Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15; 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9 Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab; Lk 4:24-30 Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35 Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23 Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28-34 Saturday: Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14 Sunday: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

February 27th through March 6th

Saturday 4:00 pm James Gravatt by Lynette & Bob Kabula Sunday 8:00 am Robert Brinkerhoff by Social Concerns Committee 10:30 am For The Parishioners Monday 8:15 am Carmen Luz Lalicea by Vazquez Fmily Tuesday 8:15 am Maryl Hovick by Betty & Rich Gandy Wednesday 8:15 am Brian Donohue by Family of Pat Hannon Thursday 8:15 am Bob Cimeo by Pam Cimeo Friday 8:15 am Communion Service Saturday 4:00 pm For The Parishioners Sunday 8:00 am Ray & Nellie Paglione by Roseann & Ed Nidweski 10:30 am William M. Bedner by John & Carol Baab


Parish Life

9 AM SCRIPTURE SHARING FOR LENT We encourage you to join us in the hall on Tuesday mornings (at a new time) as we prayerfully reflect on the Scriptures for the upcoming weekend. Participating in this group is an opportunity to set aside time to draw closer to God during this Lenten Season.

ADULT ENRICHMENT LENTEN SESSIONS

All are encouraged to join us as we gather to reflect on ways to live out the faith we profess

and to bond in Christian fellowship. “The Works of Mercy”: 2 Options to Participate

Tuesdays at 10:30 am March 1, 8, 15

Wednesdays after the 7 pm Stations of the Cross March 2, 9, & 16

FREE SIMPLE SOUP SUPPLER will be served.

A PRE-JORDAN SESSION (for parents who are seeking baptism for their children) will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 29th. The Diocese of Scranton requires catechesis for parents prior to the baptism of their children; godparents are encouraged but not required to attend. If you are anticipating a baptism in the next several months, please call the Parish Office to register for this session. The next Pre-Jordan will be held in the summer.

OUR LENT AND HOLY WEEK LITURGIES ART AND ENVIRONMENT

Since Lent calls us to enter the desert of repentance, our worship space is stark and free of clutter. Plants have been removed, replaced by simple grape vine wreaths and violet fabric. The simplicity of our worship environment reminds us of the need to simplify our lives this Lenten Season, clearing out distractions or activities that may draw us away from God and replacing them with opportunities for spiritual growth, such as our Lenten Enrichment Series on the Works of Mercy, the “Doorway to Mercy” daily reflections and on-line resources such as “The Best Lent Ever” at DynamicCatholic.com or Lenten Reflections with Bishop Robert Barron at lentreflections.com. We empty ourselves in order to receive the graces He wants to bestow on us in this holy season. On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, the celebrant’s violet vestments may be replaced by rose vestments as we observe Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday. As we approach Holy Week, the liturgical colors help us to focus on the mysteries we will come to celebrate. Red draws attention to the Lord’s Passion both on Palm/Passion Sunday and on Good Friday. The white vestments worn for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday helps us to enter into the gifts of the Eucharist and the Priesthood. The splendor of white and gold and Easter flowers will accompany the celebration of the glory of the Resurrection of our Lord at the Easter Vigil and the Masses of Easter Sunday and will remain throughout the Easter Season.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: All are encouraged to pray these beautiful meditations with us on the Wednesdays of Lent. A different version of the Stations will be prayed each week. We will gather for prayer after morning Mass every Wednesday; on March 2, 9, and 16, a second opportunity to attend the Stations will be at 7 pm. (The evening sessions will be followed downstairs by a free soup supper and a video series on the Works of Mercy.)

OUR FINAL 2016 LENTEN BUFFET will be held on Friday, March 11 from 4:30-7 pm. Don’t miss this final opportunity this year to enjoy our extensive salad bar, variety of soups, sauces and pastas, fish, stuffed shells, macaroni and cheese, and home made desserts (including whole wheat and gluten free items)! Tickets are purchased at the door: Adults: $10; Seniors: $9; Children 5-12: $4; Under 5: FREE. To help increase the profits (for the work of our Social Concerns Committee & Knights), we are grateful for your donations of supplies. We also appreciate the many people who share their time & talent by preparing sauces, setting up on Friday morning and those who assist by serving, busing tables & cleaning up on Friday evening. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex if you can donate items and/or be a helper. Please bring in items by noon on Thursday.


Parish Life

Those In Need of Prayer Kyle Brennan ~ Amy Hatlee Jack Carey ~ Claire Abbazio

Flo Butler ~ Kevin Kret Michael James ~ Gerry Boyle

Betty Lou Torpey ~ Beverly Lewis Deacon Frank - Timothy Yuskaitis

Fr. Tom McLaughlin ~ Fr. Urban Charles Knopp ~ Brodie Direnzo

Temi Miller ~ Inge Menapace Msgr. Jerry Sherba ~ Richard Snell ~ Noah Direnzo Duncan Van Dusen ~ Joe Miller ~ Antonia Lucia

Caroline Bruno ~ Haydee Melendez ~ Joe Filocco Ron Heisler- Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr.

Paul Fulton ~ Joseph McKenna ~ Bobbie Morin Bern Dukert ~ Dolores Puglia

COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND If illness or health problems prevent you from attending Mass, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are able to bring Communion to you. If this need exists, please contact Diane Lake 570-646-4594 or email her at [email protected].

Sanctuary Light Is Available for $25. for one week

Bread and Wine

For The Unborn Children

Altar Flowers No Flowers during Lent

Week of Feb. 28th - February 5th

Parish Life

Tue. 2/28- 9 am - Scripture Study 10:30 am -Adult Enrichment & Soup 6 pm - Social Concerns Meeting 7 pm - Prayer Shawl Meeting 7 pm - Women’s Cornerstone 7 pm - Liturgy Committee Wed. 3/02- 8:45 am - Stations of the Cross 7 pm - Stations of the Cross 7:30 pm - Adult Enrichment & Soup Thurs 3/03-9 am to 9 pm - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 7 pm - “The Way to God for Men” Fri. 3/04 - 5:30 pm - Joyful Noise Choir 6 pm - K of C Fish Fry Sun. 3/06 - 3:30 pm - Penance Service @ St. Max

at St. Max….

ST. MAX

PRAYER GROUP The group meets in the parish hall and shares in prayer, song, praise, a video and thanks for all the gifts that the Lord has given to us. All are welcome to join in with us at 2 pm on Saturday’s. The meeting ends prior to the 4 pm Mass. In case of inclement weather, call Diane @ 646-4707 or Peggy @ 646-1623.

THE WAY TO GOD FOR MEN

How do you hear and respond to the inner longings of the soul? This inspiring experience provides a path for nurturing faith and sustaining a truly spiritual approach to life. Men of all ages, cultures, and positions will find tremendous spiritual insight. The sessions will be held at St. Maximilian downstairs in our Parish Hall at 7 pm on Thursday: March 3, 10, 17.

12 HOURS OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION In response to the Holy Father’s request that parishes offer opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration during this Year of Mercy, our church will be open for 12 hours on Thursday, March 4th for this devotion. Someone must always be present in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament during this time period. We need individuals, groups, and families to sign up for a specific period of time between 9 am and 9 pm on March 4th. The sign up Sheet will be in the narthex.

We are counting on your participation!


Parish Life

PRAYERS FOR

MILITARY AND

GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Parish Life

Meetings are held the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month @ 7 pm

~ http://knights13752.webs.com/ ~Facebook at KnightsofColumbus Pocono Pines

or ~ Twitter@ kofc13752mail.

Major Thomas M. Smith ~ Airman Joshua Ponce Seaman Nicole Beckman ~ Cpl. John P. Bramley

Lt. Col. Christopher Yuskaitis Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr. ~ Alston Smart Jr.

3rd Class Petty Officer DC3 Jeffrey Royall Cpl. Nhelmar DePerro ~ Spec 4 Amber Keppol

Pvt. Matthew Ponce ~ Alston Smart Jr. Jake Yuskaitis ~ Staff Sgt. William D. Olsen MK1 Katie Stodnick ~ Eugene Maslar, Jr. 2nd Lt. Mark Gaido ~ Ensign Michael Huf

HA Valerie Novak Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. ~AMEN

2016 Area Lenten

Penance Services

Sunday, March 6th at 3 pm

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish

Pocono Pines

Tuesday, March 8th at 7 pm

Our Lady of Victory

Tannersville


Most Holy Trinity Parish

Cresco

Penance Service in

Monsignor McHugh Auditorium


Our Lady Queen of Peace

Brodheadsville

The Light Is On For You Mondays of Lent

7 - 8 pm. at St. Max Our Parish, and all the parishes in the Diocese of Scranton, will be open for individual confessions on Monday evenings during Lent. In this Year of Mercy, we encourage all Catholics to experience Christ’s healing love through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

ENGLISH FISH AND CHIPS DINNER (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE)

6 pm on Friday, March 4 ~ Advanced Tickets Only

Adults Only All Tickets $15

MENU Appetizers: Shrimp/Salmon/

Cucumber Bites, Biscuits Soup ~ Potato/Leek

House Salad Main Course: Fried Fish & Chips, Cole Slaw

Bread & Butter Dessert ~ Pudding Beverages: Tea, Coffee, Iced Tea, Lemonade

For tickets, please contact: Rich or Melanie @ 570-972-8990/972-3186

David @570-460-8794; Jay @570-236-0130 FEATURING SONGS FROM

THE BRITISH INVASION GROUPS

St. Max Prayer Shawl

meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at

7 pm in Our Lady of the Lake Hall. If you knit or

crochet or would like to learn, please join us.

The next meeting is March 1st.

Ecumenical / Interfaith


FOOD PANTRY NEWS Location: Five Loaf House: 133 Firehouse Road

Telephone: 570-646-7456 DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE:

Monday, March 14th & Tuesday, March 15th

If there is any question as to whether the pantry is open during inclement weather, please call 570-646-7456. The safety of our volunteers as well as our clients is our top priority ! Food & clothing donations are accepted Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9 am to 11 am. Clothing /Household goods will be given away on Thursday of distribution week form 8 am to 11 am. If weather is bad and the schools are delayed or closed then we will not have a clothing/household distribution day that month. Winter clothing only will be accepted for February. Spring clothing will be accepted in March. If you have questions - call the pantry. As of January 27th there was still no state budget.

Thank You to the Community! For making it possible to keep our doors open and the needy

on Top of the Mountain fed!

Parish Life

Celebrating a 25th or 50th Anniversary? 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 2016 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 5th. The event includes a 2:30 pm mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address, should be made through your parish office before March 7th.

NEED A MARRIAGE ANNULMENT?

As of December 8th, the first day of the Year of Mercy, Catholics seeking marriage annulments will no longer pay a fee to cover the administrative costs

of annulment cases. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the parish office at

570-646-6424 and speak with Fr. Sean.

MEN’S MALVERN RETREAT May 13-14-15 Any part or all of this weekend.

Who has time to pray? The frantic pace of life leaves us little time to deal with the things of real value in our lives. Is it time for your spiritual transformation? We all need to grow our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This weekend retreat can be your time and place to learn to pray at a deeper level. All men and boys are invited. For details call Bill Vockroth at 570-842-4963 or email [email protected]

“THEOLOGY ON TAP” at the Tannersville Inn An invitation to Young Adults in their 20s and 30s, married, single, or single again, with or without children. Gather with area Catholics for these Lenten Sunday evenings (3/6, and 3/13), beginning at 6:30 and finishing at 8:30. There will be a social hour, followed by a reflection on a section of the catechism and a discussion period. What can I expect to happen at Theology on Tap? You can expect a warm and friendly greeting from a team of young adults. You can expect to meet a few people whose beliefs and values are similar to your own. You can expect a powerful speaker ready to challenge you and make you think about topics of faith and daily life. You can expect meaningful discussion and a chance to share your thoughts and experiences.

SEND ST. MAX YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS We are compiling email addresses so we can keep

in touch about events, cancellations and other important parish information. Please send your

current Email address to: [email protected]

Around the Diocese

Bless me Father, for I have sinned.

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