July 20, 2003 Vol. 31, No. 29

July 20, 2003 Vol. 31, No. 29

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

Monday, July 21.....12:10PM.....Dean & Elizabeth English.....Req’d by Family

Tuesday, July 22.....12:10PM.....Elizabeth Tarszowicz.....Don & Kay Hayden

Wednesday, July 23 ---- NO MASS SCHEDULED ----

Thursday, July 24.....12:10PM.....Agnes Haffer.....The Walsh Family

Friday, July 25.....7:00AM.....Fr. Paul Mullen – Birthday Blessings.....Lance & Marty

6:00PM.....In Thanksgiving for our Children.....Vacation Bible School 2003

Saturday, July 26.....5:00PM.....Linda Lutomski.....Arlene & Florian Mitchell

7:00PM.....Henry Sulewski.....Daughter & Family

Sunday, July 27.....8:30AM.....MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. PETER/SACRED HEART

17^TH Sunday in Ordinary Time.....11:00AM.....Sandra Hubba.....Req’d by Family

Readings: 2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18; Esphisians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Uniting the Flock

“Woe to the shepherds who scatter the flock.” (Jeremiah 23:1-6)

WHEN parents hand children over to other caretakers for the day, they rightly expect that those in authority will dutifully watch the kids. When religious and civil leaders accepted responsibility for the people of Israel, God rightly expected that they would watch the people with care.

It didn’t happen. They failed, Through Jeremiah, God told the leaders of Israel that they were like hired shepherds who scattered the sheep and drove them away.

Several consequences resulted. God punished the irresponsible leaders, gathered the remnant of the chosen people back together, and appointed new leaders who would do the job right. God also promised something more. God promised to raise up a righteous shoot to David, a king who would govern wisely and do what is just. We Christians believe that that prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, who rules as a righteous king and a good shepherd.

God is no happier with bad leadership than parents are when caretakers mistreat their children.

Whom has God placed in your care? If God were to assess your leadership, how would you score? If God could use you to united rather than scatter, what actions would you take? (Written by Paul Turner @ 2002 Archdiocese of Chicago, Liturgy Training Publications; 1-800-933-1800; www.ltp.org.

Please remember in your prayers the High School students and their chaperones who are returning from the STEUBENVILLE EAST YOUTH CONFERENCE IN ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS this weekend. They are – Elizabeth Gombosi, Renee Bialas, Mike Stirnaman, Gwen Zugarek, Meghan Henneman, Emily Cerrone, Rachel Nance, David Sweeney and his guest, Doug Sweeney, Laura Reindl, John Paul Nance; and chaperones, Mary Nance; Dio and Marilyn deGuzman.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL THIS WEEK! “The Parables of Jesus”

Mon., July 21^st – Fri., July 25^th, 6PM – 8PM, Parish Center.

Last Minute Registrations for Students entering Grades 1-6 - Mon., July 21^st at 5:45PM in the Church.

PLEASE NOTE – CLOSING MASS & PICNIC SUPPER! All VBS participants and their families are invited to join us for the celebration of Mass on Friday, July 25^th at 6:00PM. A picnic supper will follow in the Parish Center. Each family is asked to bring a dish-to-share. Hotdogs and beverages will be provided. Please let us know if you plan to attend by Wed., July 23^rd. Questions? Linda (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

ST. PETER’S COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT – RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE!

Tues., July 29^th from 12:00 (Noon) to 6:00PM at St. Peter’s Parish Center.

Volunteers are needed to work 2 hour shifts that day! If you can help, please contact Ginny Reindl (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

Donors are needed badly. The blood bank is exceptionally low. Please consider giving the ‘gift of life’ and donating blood on Tues., July 29^th.

LIFELINE – Every life is of incomparable value and each person is charged with safeguarding human dignity. (Dr. John Haas, National Catholic Bioethics)

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

Please continue to remember in your prayers all the men and women serving our country in the armed forces, especially Jared Bialas, Alicia Smithgall, Jason P. Sutton, Martin Bartlett, Brett Charsky, John Michael Miller,

Matthew Koch, Jo L. Miller, Ed Otto, Tim Strykowski, Christopher & Tamara Williammee, Mike Worden,

David Alexander, Gwen Fultz, John Kirby, Jr., Nathan Foust, SSGT, Lewis Zuchowski, Dan McCoy, Burt Perry, Paul Housel.

(Names of family, friends and relatives can be added by contacting the Parish Office.)

HELP SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY THIS MONTH! Please use the special container provided at the main entrance of the church for your donations of paper goods (i.e., toilet paper, paper towels, kleenex), cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, jellies and peanut butter. Monetary donations can also be made by placing your gift in an envelope marked “Food Pantry” and dropping in the collection.

REMINDER TO ALL CONFIRMATION STUDENTS! The mandatory Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for Sat., August 9^th from 9:00AM – 2:00PM at the Parish Center. Students who cannot attend will be required to participate in an alternative experience. Watch upcoming bulletins for details. Questions? Linda (Rectory: 570-724-3371)

CHANGE IN DATE - Confirmation Team Meeting has been rescheduled for Sun., Aug. 3^rd at 7:00PM in the Parish Center. All teams members AND youth volunteers are asked to attend this final planning meeting.

IS THERE A YOUNG PERSON LOOKING FOR SERVICE HOURS THAT HAS COMPUTER EXPERIENCE willing to take over the responsibility of preparing the weekly bulletin for our website and sending it via e-mail? Our webmaster, Jake Luer, would be available to spend time with anyone interested in this service to the Parish to guide them through the steps. Those interested must have a computer and some knowledge of computer technology. Please contact the Parish Office (724-3371).

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

The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary - Thursday evening’s at 7:00PM in the Church.

Wellsboro/Mansfield Charismatic Prayer Group – Thurs., July 24, 7:30PM, Parish Center.

PARISH REGISTRATION! St. Peter/Sacred Heart welcomes all newcomers to our church. We invite you to register for parish membership by contacting Father Manarchuck or the Parish Office (724-3371). Registered Members are asked to contact the Parish Office with changes in address and phone number so census files can be kept current.

MARRIAGE & BAPTISM! If you are planning marriage or the baptism of a child in the future, please contact Father Manarchuck for information about sacramental preparation. Adults seeking baptism, confirmation or church membership are also asked to contact Father.

The millions of couples who use NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING praise it, and know that it is good for their marriages and for their life of faith. Classes are available in our area by contacting parishioners, Bruce & Mary Nance at Rectory: 570-724-3371.

CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC CONFERENCE – August 1^st thru August 3^rd, University of Scranton. This year’s theme “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled”. For those who are interested in deepening the spiritual renewal of the Church. Speakers are Johnnette Benkovic, Bill Wegner, Fr. John Hampsch, Fr. Ian Taylor, Fr. Richard Loch and Bob Valiante. Included this year is the Youth Tract and a Children’s Tract. For registration and information call the C.C.R. Office (344-2214).

FAITHFUL FRIENDS TOUR with Tony Melendez and Steve Angrisano – Thurs., August 7^th, 7:30PM, Church of the Annunciation in Williamsport. Doors open at 6:30PM - Limited Seating - Free Will Offering. Our parish has 20 seats available. First-come first-serve! Contact the parish office (724-3371) to reserve your seat. See poster at the main entrance of the church.

DEANERY-WIDE MANDATORY TRAINING

The VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children for Adults Program is a mandatory three-hour training session for all employees, volunteers and ministers of the altar who work with children throughout the Diocese of Scranton. This training session will focus on ways to make and maintain a safe environment for all children. All those attending the training will learn to recognize the warning signs of child sexual abuse and how to respond appropriately. Three (3) VIRTUS training sessions are scheduled for the Tioga County Deanery:

Tues., August 19^th from 6:30PM – 9:30PM at St. Mary’s Hall in Blossburg.

Wed., August 20^th from 1:30PM to 4:30PM at St. Mary’s in Blossburg.

Thurs., August 21^st from 6:30PM – 9:30PM at St. Peter’s Parish Center in Wellsboro.

All employees, volunteers and ministers of the altar working with children are required to attend ONE of these training sessions. Please call 638-3241 if attending Blossburg or 724-3371 if attending Wellsboro by Friday, August 15^th to register.

Please pray for our sick and their caregivers.

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTION (July 12 & 13, 2003): Of 317 envelopes mailed, 158 families used envelopes and the following was contributed - $3,850.00 to Weekly Offering plus loose change and currency of $498.50 for a Total Weekly Offering of $4,348.50; Add’l Holy Father/Peter’s Pence, $5.00; Add’l Ascension of the Lord, $5.00; Building Fund, $247.00; Adopt-A-Parish Program, $195.00; Samaritan House Memorial, $50.00; Votive Receipts, $30.00.