July 29, 2001 Vol. 29, No. 30

July 29, 2001 Vol. 29, No. 30

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

Monday, July 30.....12:10PM.....Vandy Grabowski.....George Patt & Family

Tuesday, July 31.....7:00AM.....Susan Dropkin.....Morning Crew at McDonalds

Wednesday, August 1.....12:10PM.....Clayton & Phyllis Ives.....Thomas Mosso & Family

Thursday, August 2.....12:10PM......Leslie Haines.....Wayne, Sue & Nate

Friday, August 3.....7:00AM.....Rhea Grace Sherman......Grandchildren

Saturday, August 4.....5:00PM.....Jack Bonhage.....Mary & Joe

7:00PM.....Robert McKissick, Sr.....Judy Feil

Sunday, August 5.....8:30AM.....MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. PETER’S/SACRED HEART

18th Sunday In Ordinary Time.....11:00AM.....Margaret May.....Req’d by Family

Readings – Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23; Psalm 90:3-4,5-6,12-13,14,17; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

From the Pastor: Can we change God’s mind?

An interesting question with no easy answer. Throughout the episode in the first reading Abraham bargains with God, who seems to respond positively to Abraham’s negotiations. Jesus tells the parable of the friend needing late-night supplies in such a way that perseverance yields results. The Lord goes on to encourage us to persistence in prayer, as if such persistence will work in our favor. Maybe we can persuade God to see things our way, or maybe constant prayer convinces us that God’s way is the best. Who is really persuading whom? What do you think?

YOU ARE ALL INVITED to join our Lectors today after the 8:30AM Mass on the Rectory lawn (weather permitting) for light refreshments and fellowship. Come enjoy this opportunity to greet visitors and friends. Next week’s hosts will be members of our Pastoral Council.

PICNIC IN MORRIS - TODAY! Please join us today at 1:30PM on the Church Grounds in Morris for our summer picnic and appreciation day. Please bring a dish-to-pass and your own table service. All are welcome!

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU,…

to Fred Metarko, Joe Freed, John Saylor, Rudy Radocaj, Tom Gamble, Juliann Gombosi, and students; Jake Luer, Christopher Mosher, Elizabeth, Emily and Marissa Gombosi for the time they all gave this past week to help beautify our grounds by pulling weeds, trimming, and laying bark mulch. The gift of your time and hard work is greatly appreciated.

Your response throughout the month of July to the LOCAL FOOD PANTRY has been great! The special container will remain at the main church entrance for those who wish to continue to make donations and we will continue to collect cash register receipts from the Bilo! Food Pantry Days of Distribution are the 2^nd Monday and 4^th Tuesday of each month from 10:00AM - 1:00PM in the basement of the United Methodist Church on the corner of Main and Queen Streets. Anyone wishing to get involved is asked to contact Chuck and Dorothy Hudson (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

Once again, an overwhelming response by our community and the people of St. Peter’s for the COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE last Tuesday. Upwards of 100 people registered with a total of 87 productive units collected. Thank you to those who donated the ‘gift of life’, and to all parishioners for their participation and support. Special thanks to Nancy Bickham and Ann Serva for coordinating this year’s community service project.

ATTENTION ALL MINISTERS OF THE ALTAR! The schedule has been prepared and is available this weekend in the sacristy. Please be sure to pick yours up today. Please also take special note of the "Night of Reflection" announced on the other side of this bulletin. The evening is open to all parishioners, but especially meant as an opportunity of renewal for all Ministers of the Altar.

CHILD CARE is provided every Sunday during the 8:30AM Mass in the Adult Education Room of the Parish Center. We are in the process of preparing the Fall schedule. If anyone wishes to help provide this ministry, even just one Sunday a month, please contact Michelle Ingerick (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

PREGNANCY HOTLINE – 1-800-848-LOVE (5683).
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH!

CELEBRATE YOUTH 2001! Fifteen students have registered to attend the Youth Rally in Scranton this Tues., July 31^st. Please be at the Church parking lot by 7:00AM. (Eat a good breakfast -- lunch & dinner will be provided.) The Rally will finish at 8:30PM, and we will return to Wellsboro approximately 11:30PM. Questions? Mary Nance (Rectory: 570-724-3371).

GIFTS (Growing in Faith Through Service) – A week long service immersion retreat to be held at Fatima Center on August 12^th through the 16^th. If there is a high school age student with a mission or service-oriented personality, then this is the retreat for them. Cost: $185.00 (half of cost to be paid by the Parish). Transportation will be provided! Registration Deadline: Wed., August 1, 2001. Interested students must contact the Parish Office before Wednesday.

DIOCESAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL - 19^th Annual Conference at the University of Scranton next weekend, August 3^rd – August 5^th. Theme: "COME TO ME ALL YOU WHO LABOR AND ARE BURDENED AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST." For information, please call 344-2214.

PULPIT EXCHANGE! Next weekend, August 4^th & 5^th, Fr. Sullivan will exchange pulpit’s with Fr. Julian Cassar, Assistant Pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Pleasant Valley, New York (Parish of Fr. Mike’s brother, Kevin and his family). A native of Malta, Fr. Cassar seeks to experience the Church in different areas of the United States and is looking forward to his visit to Wellsboro and North Central Pennsylvania next weekend.

CONGRATULATIONS! Ferd & Betty Catellier, long-time parishioners who re-located to Virginia some years ago, will be visiting their old Parish of St. Peter’s next weekend. In celebration of their 51^st Wedding Anniversary, they will attend the 11:00AM Mass next Sunday to receive an anniversary blessing.

EVENTS TO REMEMBER THIS WEEK!

Adult Faith Sharing – Final Session - Mon., July 30, 7:30PM – 9:00PM, Parish Center.

Pastoral Council – Wed., August 1, 7:00PM, Rectory.

Wellsboro & Mansfield Charismatic Prayer Group – Thurs., August 2, 7:30PM, Parish Center.

Divine Mercy Chaplet – Monthly Recitation – Sat., August 4, 9:00AM, Church. Please join us!

OTHER REMINDERS! Holy Hour is observed weekday’s at 7:30AM in the Church. Join us then or make a daily hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament at some other time. Eucharistic Adoration - Every Friday beginning at 8:00AM, concluding with Benediction at 8:00PM. All are welcome! St. Peter’s Closet has a variety of religious articles available and is open following the weekend Masses for your convenience. St. Peter’s Video and Audio Library is located in the Parish Office. Video’s and cassettes can be signed out and returned throughout the week during regular office hours. Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00AM - 12:00 (Noon); 1:00PM - 3:00PM. Bulletin Deadline - Articles and meeting notices are requested in writing no later than Wednesday of each week by 3:00PM.

Free ministry to traveling Catholics. For nationwide Mass times and locations: Call 1-800-627-7846 or visit the internet site at www.Masstimes.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO TRAVEL TO ST. ANTHONY’S SOUP KITCHEN! On the second Friday of each month, volunteers from our parish travel to St. Anthony’s Center in Williamsport to prepare and serve meals to poor and homeless persons there. Consider committing to just one trip. Interested individuals are asked to call Joanne Dinnison (Rectory: 570-724-3371) or the Rectory (724-3371) during regular business hours.

ATTENTION MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH!

Middle School students interested in going to the Fatima Shrine and Niagra Falls on Tuesday, August 14^th must contact Mary Nance (662-2561) by Tuesday, August 7^th.

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION! Wed., August 15^th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. The Mass schedule is as follows: Tues., August 14^th, 7:00PM at Sacred Heart in Morris; Wed., August 15^th, 12:10PM and 7:00PM at St. Peter’s in Wellsboro.

NIGHT OF REFLECTION – FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2001

All parishioners are invited to join us for an evening of renewal through prayer, information, and sharing. Guest Facilitator: Lynn Busch, O.C.V., Coordinator of the Pastoral Formation Institute in Dalton, PA. We will gather at 6:30PM in the Parish Center for fellowship and close the evening with the celebration of Mass at 8:30PM. All Ministers of the Altar – Lectors, Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and members of the Music Ministry are urged to make a special effort to attend. Questions? Marty Kubas (Rectory: 570-724-3371)

ST. PETER’S CONFIRMATION RETREAT - SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2001

All confirmation candidates are expected to attend this day of prayerful activities in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Spring of 2002. Brian Williams, a noted Diocesan Youth Minister will facilitate the day…so come with a WILLING SPIRIT AND A PRAYERFUL HEART. Retreat – 8:45AM – 12:00 (Noon); Lunch – 12:00 (Noon) – 12:45PM; Mass – 1:00PM – 2:00PM. Parents are encouraged to join us for the celebration of the Mass.

Please pray for our sick.

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTION: Of 341 envelopes mailed, 172 families used envelopes and the following was contributed - $3,275.00 to Weekly Offering plus loose change and currency of $724.50 for a Total Weekly Offering, $3,999.50; Adopt-A-Parish Program, $60.00; Building Fund, $121.00; Samaritan House Memorials, $420.00; Votive Candle Receipts, $33.00. REMINDER to all parishioners to utilize the envelope system provided by the parish so a statement can be prepared for you at the end of the year. If you have questions or wish to request envelopes, please contact the Parish Office during regular business hours.