January 12, 2003 Vol. 31, No. 2

January 12, 2003 Vol. 31, No. 2

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

Monday, Jan. 13.....12:10PM.....Parents of the Collins Children.....The Dennehy Family

Tuesday, Jan. 14.....12:10PM.....Jacqueline O. Gitchell.....Steve & Nancy Saunders

Wednesday, Jan. 15.....12:10PM.....John Miller, Jr......Glenn, Maureen & Family

Thursday, Jan. 16 ----- NO MASS SCHEDULED -----

Friday, Jan. 17 ----- NO MASS SCHEDULED -----

Saturday, Jan. 18.....5:00PM.....Joseph Tarszowicz.....Don & Kay

7:00PM.....Frank G. Cuda.....Roena Wilcox

Sunday, Jan. 19.....8:30AM.....MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. PETER/SACRED HEART

2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 11:00AM.....Chester Stager.....Tom & Veronica Stager & Family

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10; 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20; John 1:35-42

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Simple Gifts

“Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk!” (Isaiah 55:1-11)

THE best things in life are free. The sun, the rain, the wind and the ground on which we tread are given to us without measure.

We buy products that we think will bring pleasure. Often they do, but sometimes they don’t. Sometimes we squander our money and time on what we think will bring us relief. But it only causes us remorse. Perhaps the product is not as good as we thought. Perhaps we were being selfish. Perhaps we denied other people an opportunity for enjoyment by taking some for ourselves.

We forget about the simple pleasures of life: breathing deeply, being with a friend, or humming a tune.

Through the prophet Isaiah, God invited thirsty Israel to come to the water. Why spend money on what fails to satisfy? Come to the water of God’s wisdom, mercy and goodness. Drink from God’s water source and slake your thirst.

Today we remember how Jesus went to the waters of the Jordan, how he heeded God’s voice and took delight in God’s favor. He invites us to do the same: Throughout this new year of grace, drink deeply from God’s wisdom in prayer and sacred conversation. It’s one of the best things in life. And it’s free. (Written by Paul Turner. Copyright 2002, Archdiocese of Chicago, Liturgy Training Publications; 1-800-933-1800; www.ltp.org.)

BAPTIZED IN THE SPIRIT! This is it! On this feast of the Baptism of the Lord we begin National Vocation Awareness Week. Renew your baptismal commitment as you consider your call to serve God in your particular vocation. Hopefully some of you will hear a call to priesthood or religious life and will be open to that possibility. For more information, contact Rev. Jeffrey Walsh, Diocesan Vocation Director (563-8504). Pictures of all seminarians in the Diocese of Scranton can be found on the parish bulletin board. Please remember them in your prayers this week, especially our own Scott Nowak and Jamie King.

Prayer for Vocations

Loving God, You have called us through our baptism in the Spirit to continue the mission of your beloved Son, Jesus. Open us to listen attentively for your invitation. Empower us to respond to your call.

Inspire women and men to follow the path of service.

Together may we build up the Church as a living and vibrant sign of your presence in our world.

We offer this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION CLASS – Confirmation candidates will meet tonight from 7:00PM – 8:15PM. Students are asked to gather in the Church no later than 6:50PM so that class may begin promptly at 7:00PM.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH PLANNING MEETING – It’s that time again! We’ll be getting together Saturday night, Jan. 18^th after Mass (approximately 8:00PM) to figure out what we want to do for the Spring & Summer. Come join in the idea tossing.

“THE GIFT OF THE EUCHARIST” – This new family program will be explained at a meeting next Sun., Jan. 19^th immediately following the 8:30AM Mass. All parents of students preparing for First Holy Communion are expected to attend this informational session. This program replaces the “Table of the Lord”, formerly used at St. Peter’s.

LIFELINE – Neither human life nor the human person can ever be treated as an object to be manipulated or as a disposable commodity; rather each human being—at every stage of existence, from conception to natural death—is endowed by the creator with a sublime dignity that demands the greatest respect and vigilance on the part of individuals, communities, nations, and international bodies. (Pope John Paul II)

PREGNANCY HOTLINE – 1-800-848-LOVE (5683)

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH ICE SKATING TRIP!

We’re heading to the Corning Ice Rink next Sun., Jan. 19^th. Depart approximately 12:15PM from the Church parking lot. Students are asked to bring $1.50 to skate, plus $1.00 to rent skates. Adult chaperones and drivers are needed. (Adults: $3.00) Parents, please consider helping this time. Contact Mary Nance (Rectory: 570-724-3371) this week. After skating, we’ll stop for pizza and return approximately 6:00PM.

DATES TO REMEMBER THIS WEEK

R.C.I.A. – Mon., Jan. 13, 7:00PM, Parish Center at St. Peter’s.

Women’s Bible Study – Tues., Jan. 14, 9:30AM – 11:00AM, Parish Center. All are welcome.

Monthly Nursing Home Masses – Tues., Jan. 14, 10:30AM, Broad Acres. Please join us.

Worship Committee – Tues., Jan. 14, 7:00PM, Parish Center.

Social Concerns Committee – Wed., Jan. 15, 4:00PM, Parish Center. Please note change in time.

Eucharistic Adoration – Every Wednesday beginning at 8:00AM and concluding at 8:00PM.

Wellsboro & Mansfield Charismatic Prayer Group – Thurs., Jan 16, 7:30PM, Parish Center.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Sat., Jan. 18^th) – There will be no confessions heard Sat., Jan. 18^th at 3:00PM. The Sacrament will be available that evening immediately following the 7:00PM Mass.

2003 ANNUAL WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY (Jan. 18-Jan. 25) – The annual Service of Prayer in Celebration of Christian Unity is sponsored by our local Ministerium and will be held at St. Peter’s next Sun., Jan. 19^th at 7:00PM. Guest speaker will be Dr. Robert Greer of the First Presbyterian Church. A light reception will follow the service in the Parish Center. Make plans now to join your Christian sisters and brothers in worship – let’s fill the Church next Sunday evening.

JANUARY 22, 2003 – A DAY OF PENANCE AND PRAYER

ON THE OCCASION OF THE 30^TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE VS. WADE

On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court issued its Roe v. Wade decision, which effectively legalized abortion throughout pregnancy for virtually any reason, or none at all. Since that time, over 40 million children have been denied the most basic right of all: the right to life. Countless women have been lured to abortion by the promise of freedom and have instead been imprisoned by profound and inescapable remorse. Beginning January 22, 2003, the dioceses of the United States will annually observe the anniversary as a particular day of penance and prayer. Watch next week’s bulletin for ways you can take part in this special observance.