March 30, 2003 Vol. 31, No. 13

WHAT did I do to deserve this? When misfortunes come our way, we instinctively suspect that God is punishing us for something. In truth, we often find out we are our own worst enemies, judging ourselves more harshly than God would. Our own bad habits, our own selfishness, and our own negligence come back to haunt us.

‘What did I do to deserve this?’ is the question residents of ancient Jerusalem asked when the city fell to the Persians and those who escaped death were carried captive to Babylon. The temple was destroyed, the city lay in ruins, and the people were made slaves. How did this happen?

God’s chosen people had a lot of time to think over that question and find an answer. In captivity they came to a spiritual awakening. They realized that they and their leaders had been unfaithful to the covenant and insincere in their worship. They believed that God was punishing them. But what did God do?

In time, God spoke to Cyrus, king of Persia and commanded the ruler to free the people. They left their captivity, returned to Jerusalem, rebuilt the temple, and dedicated themselves anew to the sacred covenant.

How has God forgiven you and set you free? What did you do to show your thanks? (Written by Paul Turner @ 2002 Archdiocese of Chicago, Liturgy Training Publications; 1-800-933-1800; www.ltp.org.)

BAPTISM - Last Sunday, Jessica Marie Brooks and Daniel Joseph Brooks, were welcomed into the Catholic Christian community through the waters of Baptism.

TRAINING FOR NEW ALTAR SERVERS continues today from 12:30PM – 2:30PM in the Church and will be held on consecutive Sunday’s through April 13^th. The class is open to boys and girls - 3^rd Grade and up. Questions? Fr. Menghini or Mike Stirnaman (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS!

The final class of the High School six-week session will be held tonight in the Parish Center from 7:00PM – 8:30PM. Special thanks to our volunteer catechists – Elaine Hickey, Glenn Poirier, Mike Stirnaman, Patty Perry, Coleen Evert and Mary Nance.

Students going to the C.R.R. EASTER PARTY on Sat., April 12^th are asked to be at St. Peter’s at 12:45PM.

The CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE weekend in July has been CHANGED from July 11^th - 13^th to July 18^th - 20^th due to sell out status.

ECUMENICAL LENTEN SERVICES! Wed., April 2^nd - Youth Prayer Breakfast for students at the United Methodist Church at 7:00AM; and a Noontime Prayer Service followed by lunch at the First Presbyterian Church. This week our Pastor, Father Peter D. Menghini, will deliver the message on “Women, Behold Your Son.” Men of the parish will provide the luncheon.

FRIDAY’S DURING LENT!! Stations for Religious Education Students – 3:30PM in the Church. Students gather in the Parish Center after school for a light snack. All parishioners are welcome. Evening Mass & Stations - Mass is celebrated at 7:00PM followed by the Stations of the Cross. Reminder! The Friday’s of Lent are days of abstinence. All the faithful who have reached the age of 14 are obliged by the law of abstinence. On a day of abstinence, no meat may be eaten by anyone obliged by this law.

LIFELINE – “Our society has enough compassion, wealth, and love to care for mothers and their children, and to see the promise of potential of every life. In protecting the vulnerable and the weak, the imperfect and the unwanted, you are affirming a culture of life.” (President George W. Bush)

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

A Prayer for the Safety of Soldiers

Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy.

Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them,

they may ever praise you for your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Please prayer for all men and women serving our country in the armed forces,

especially Jared Bialas, Alicia Smithgall, Jason P. Sutton, Martin Bartlett, Brett Charsky.

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

COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE – Next Sunday, April 6^th at 3:00PM, the priests of the deanery will be at St. Peter’s for the Communal Penance Service followed by the opportunity for individual confessions. The Sacrament of Reconciliation has always been considered an excellent way to prepare spiritually for Easter.

ROAD TO RESURRECTION – On Mon., March 31^st, Fr. Al Leonard welcomes us to Holy Child Church in Mansfield at 7:00PM. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available following Mass and light refreshments will be provided. Final Road to Resurrection - Tues., April 8^th at St. Mary’s Church, Blossburg. St. Peter’s will host The Easter Feast on Tues., April 22 at 6:00PM. This concludes our deanery-wide journey through Lent into Easter. Attendance is by reservation only. Sign-up at the Road to Resurrection Masses or call the Parish Office (724-3371). Volunteers Needed to help plan and prepare this year’s Easter Feast. Please contact the Parish Office to offer your help.

OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER

R.C.I.A. – Mon., March 31, 7:00PM, St. Peter’s Parish Center.

Cemetery Committee – Wed., April 2, 7:00PM, Parish Center.

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

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

Wellsboro & Mansfield Charismatic Prayer Group – Thurs., April 3, 7:30PM, Parish Center.

Mother’s Prayer Group – Fri., April 4, 10:00AM, Parish Center. Mother’s of all ages are invited to attend the First Friday of each month for prayer, sharing and reflection. Please bring your children. Questions? Mary Grab (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

Divine Mercy Chaplet – Monthly Recitation – Sat., April 5, 9:00AM, Church. Please join us!

Daylight Savings Time Begins Next Sunday, April 6^t^h- Turn your clocks ahead one hour

Saturday night.

PASTORAL COUNCIL SELECTION! The Covenant of the Pastoral Council calls all parishioners to prayerfully consider individuals as potential council members. This weekend you have the opportunity to submit the names of registered parishioners who are 18 years or older. Two positions need to be filled. (Present council members are Jackie Werts, Rudy Radocaj, Aaron Singer, Midge Bialas, B. J. Butler, Eileen Evert, Terri Koch; and Recording Secretary, Valerie Anthony. Jackie Werts and Rudy Radocaj will finish their three year term.) Please use the form provided below, detach and drop in the collection. We appreciate your consideration and input in this process.

IS THE LORD CALLING ME? AM I LISTENING? St. Pius X Seminary Weekend of Discernment, April 4^th – April 6^th. An opportunity for young men who are 16 to 30 years old to find out if this is your vocation. You will experience seminary life and have a chance to discern if the Lord is calling you to his form of service for Him. For reservations, call the Seminary at 563-1131.

REMINDER TO CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES AND PARENTS! Permission slips for the Scranton trip on April 28^th must be returned to the Parish Office no later than Wed., April 16^th. Questions? Call Linda (Rectory: 570-724-3371) or Tammy (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

FAMILY SPIRITUALI’TEA’ – The Scranton Diocesan Commission for Women invites all families (children age 7 and up, parents and children of the First Communion and Confirmation classes, RCIA and RENEW groups) to participate in a Spirituali’tea’ to be held at St. Peter’s on Sun., April 27^th from 2:00PM to 4:30PM. The program will include prayer and readings using the pastoral message of the U.S. Catholic Bishops “Follow the Way of Love”. Light refreshments will be served. Please register by calling the Parish Office no later than April 18^th.

The SPRING CLOTHING, BOOK, AND HOUSEWARE SALE will be held Mon., April 28^th through Thurs., May 1^st at the Parish Center. Donations of clothing, books, and housewares will be accepted two days only – Sun., April 27^th and Mon., April 28^th!! Set-up on Sunday and tear down on Friday. Volunteers are needed. If you can give some time, please contact Mary Cleveland (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

Please pray for our sick and their caregivers.

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTION (March 22 & 23, 2003): Of 336 envelopes mailed, 160 families used envelopes and the following was contributed - $2,477.00 to Weekly Offering plus loose change and currency of $262.00 for a Total Weekly Offering of $2,739.00; Additional Service to Help the Poor, $82.00; Building Fund, $105.00; Adopt-A-Parish Program, $55.00.

INCREASED OFFERTORY PROGRAM -- WEEKLY OFFERING COMPARISON

2002 2003 Increase/Decrease

March 2 & 3, 2002 $3,811.00 March 1 & 2, 2003 $4,116.64 +$305.64

March 9 & 10, 2002 $3,831.00 March 8 & 9, 2003 $3,890.50 +$ 59.50

March 16 & 17, 2002 $3,051.25 March 15 & 16, 2003 $3,819.00 +$767.75

March 23 & 24, 2002 $3,613.00 March 22 & 23, 2003 $2,739.00 -$874.00