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“The Lord relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on the people.” (Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14)

IF we say something stupid or do something inappropriate in the presence of people we love, we hope they will forgive us.

When we are with those we love, we relax. We speak more easily the thoughts of our heart, and we do more readily the impulsive deeds that bring relationships to life. Sometimes we act with the spontaneity that love enjoys, but the inappropriateness that love does not tolerate. We say something insulting. We do something crude. We give in to the temptation to love someone else.

The best relationships tolerate mistakes. If someone loves us completely and wholly for who we are, that person will accept us, mistakes and all. Our misdeeds are a part of us; to love someone is to love the person that commits errors of judgment.

Moses reminds God of the covenant promised to all the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Israel. And God relents. God does not punish the people for their sin.

No matter how stupid our mistakes, God will forgive us. (Written by Paul Turner. @2003 Archdiocese of Chicago, Liturgy Training Publications; 1-800-933-1800; www.ltp.org.)

Please pray for Fr. Manarchuck as he is on retreat this week. Office Hours this week will be from 10:00AM – 3:00PM only. Daily Mass Schedules for our neighboring churches are as follows: Holy Child, Mansfield – Mon, 12:05PM; Tues. & Wed., 8:30AM; and St. Mary’s, Blossburg – Tues., Wed., & Fri., 8:00AM.

BAKE SALE TODAY! Baked goods will be offered after the Masses today to help support Gwen Zugarek’s mission trip to Uganda. Gwen will leave late this month to work for 7 months with children in the ‘Friends Orphanage/School’. Donations will be greatly appreciated and will help with Gwen’s travel expenses and will also be used to benefit the children.

VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children for Adults Program is a mandatory three-hour training session required by the Diocese of Scranton for all employees, adult volunteers (Religious Education Teachers/Aides, Youth Minister’s, etc. - age 18 and over) and anyone who works with children. Attend one of the two sessions this week - Tonight, Sun., Sept. 12^th, St. Peter’s Parish Center, from 5:30PM to 8:30PM OR Mon., Sept. 13^th, Holy Child Hall, Mansfield, from 6:30PM – 9:30PM.

CHURCH & PARISH CENTER FLOORS! Mark’s Carpet Cleaning has been contracted to clean all of the terrazzo and tile floors and shampoo carpets this week - Tues., Sept. 14^th; Wed., Sept. 15^th; and Thurs., Sept. 16th. We would appreciate as little activity in both buildings during the day as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.

LIFELINE – Researchers now know that the apparent initial “promise“ of (embryonic stem cells) was exaggerated. For example, because of their genetic instability and tendency to form potentially lethal tumors in host animals, these cells may not be ready for human clinical trials for many years, if ever. At the same time, adult stem cells and other avenues that pose no moral problem have advanced quickly toward human clinical trials to treat corneal damage, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, sickle-cell anemia, cardiac damage and many other conditions. (For details see www.stemcellresearch.org )

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

SPECIAL 2^ND COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND! Next weekend at all of the Masses there will be a second collection taken for Hurricane Charley Relief Fund of Catholic Charities, USA. This collection will be used to assist in providing the urgently needed shelter, food, water and materials needed. Please be as generous as you can.

ATTENTION PARISHIONERS OF SACRED HEART CHURCH, MORRIS! There will be a special meeting held next Sat., Sept. 18^th immediately following the 5:00PM Mass. All are urged to attend.

All families of religious education students in Pre-School through Grade 8 are asked to attend the 8:30AM Mass next Sun., Sept. 19th. Following Mass, students will be dismissed with their teachers. Parents will be asked to remain in the church for an informational session.

PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES for children of ages 3-5 are held during the 8:30AM Mass in the Parish Center.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GRADES K-8 – Classes are held Sunday’s from 9:30AM – 10:40AM in the Parish Center.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM FEES - Once again this year a fee of $15.00/student (up to $45.00/family) is requested at the time of registration. The fee is to assist with the many costs involved in maintaining a high quality Religious Education program. Please help support this vital parish ministry by placing the fee in the envelope provided in the parents folders, which will be distributed at the meeting next Sunday.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP! The Middle School Youth Group will have its first meeting of the new school year next Sun., Sept. 19^th from 6PM – 7:30PM at the Parish Center. The Youth Group is open to all 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade students. Please come and join us for pizza, fun and faith sharing. Questions? Patti Mitchell, D.R.E./Middle School Youth Minister (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (R.C.I.A.) will begin on Mon.,Sept.20supthsupatbspanbspanstyle='font-size:9.5pt'>7PM in the Parish Center. These are inquiry sessions for people interested in the Catholic faith and for adult Catholics seeking First Communion and/or Confirmation. This phase of the R.C.I.A. process does not require any commitment. Contact Wayne Singer, R.C.I.A. Team Member (Rectory: 570-724-3371) or Fr. Manarchuck.

HIGH SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (GRADES 9-12)! Letters were mailed to all parents and students last week. The Fall Semester for high school students will kick off with Matthew Kelly on Sun., September 26^th at 7:00PM in the Church. Parents are urged to attend with their student(s). We look forward to seeing you all.

Mandatory Training – VIRTUS – Sun., Sept. 12, 5:30PM – 8:30PM, St. Peter’s Parish Center; or Mon., Sept. 13, 6:30PM – 9:30PM, Holy Child Hall, Mansfield.

Eucharistic Adoration – Every Wednesday beginning at 8:00AM and concluding at 8:00PM. (The Eucharistic Chapel is located in the room off the carport entrance of the Church.)

“Oremus” (formerly Wellsboro/Mansfield Charismatic Prayer Group) – Thurs., Sept. 16, 7:30PM, Adult Education Room of the Parish Center. Please join us for prayer and praise, scripture, and intercessory prayer.

2004 DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL!

It is time for all of the parishes of the Diocese to conduct the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Contributions fund most of the ministries and services provided by the Diocese. This is not a “second collection.” Rather, it is an opportunity for each parishioner to offer serious financial support to our diocese. We ask everyone to consider making a pledge that is payable over five months.

The first request that many of us will receive will come in the mail. A letter from Bishop Martino will ask you to consider making a pledge to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Next weekend, we will be talking more about the campaign and distributing materials that will explain it in detail. Please review the information carefully.

Whether you give by mail or at Mass, give generously. There is no better time to demonstrate that we are part of that Church which reaches far beyond our parish boundaries. Your financial commitment will also help our parish meet its 2004 Diocesan Annual Appeal goal of $20,695.00.

Matthew Kelly to present,…Becoming the-Best-Version-of-Yourself

Sun., Sept. 26 from 7:00PM – 8:00PM at St. Peter’s Church. Adults and students are urged to attend. There will be a free-will offering to support the Matthew Kelly Foundation “School Project”. Baby-sitting will be provided. A book signing and light reception will follow in the Parish Center. Donations of finger foods will be appreciated! Sign-up at the Church entrances to help provide cookies, brownies, sweet breads, etc..

“Mustard Seeds – Daily Thoughts to Grow With” – “There will come a time, eventually, when you don’t know something. It’s okay. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” (Matthew Kelly – September 16^th)

The Parish of St. Peter’s/Sacred Heart wishes to welcome the following newly registered members to our faith community;

Eric & Tina Kreisler and son’s, Mitchel & Spencer; Devon & Renee Poesnecker and family – Cody & William Drabot, Carrie, Matthew & Noah; Billy & Tracey Timmons and family – Erika, Ashley & Daniel; Anthony & Ashley Magli and son, Ayden; Julian & Anja Stam and daughter’s, Kristin & Maia; and Ruthann Openowich.

Please continue to remember in your prayers all the men and women serving our country in the armed forces.

Is there someone in need of prayers or would you consider praying for others? Contact Kate Black at Rectory: 570-724-3371.

Please pray for our sick and their caregivers.

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTION (September 4 & 5, 2004): Of 318 envelopes mailed 139 families used envelopes and the following was contributed – $2,723.00 to Weekly Offering plus loose change and currency of $640.00 for a Total Weekly Offering, $3,363.00; Relief for People of Sudan, $140.00 (total transmitted to Diocese, $2,026.31); Assumption, $24.00; Religious Education, $60.00; Religious Education Fees, $105.00; Building Fund, $243.00; Adopt-A-Parish Program, $153.00; Samaritan House Memorials, $115.00; Votive Receipts, $20.00.