Thank you so much for all you do for us!

We are grateful to have had the pleasure of sharing these past weeks with Mark DeCelles, Ph.D., a seminarian preparing for priestly ministry to, for and with the People of God of the Diocese of Scranton.

Blessed Charles de Foucauld said, “As soon as I believed that there was a God, I understood that I could do nothing other than to live for him.”

The process of discernment, study and spiritual formation, responding to God’s invitation to priestly ministry, is filled with joys and challenges. Mark, in his openness to sharing his many talents as well as receiving the faith and example of the good people of Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross Parishes, has given witness to his desire to “live for God.”

We ask Almighty God to bless and to deepen that desire as Mark moves forward in prayer and preparation. We pray this prayer for vocations for Mark and all those discerning a call to priestly ministry.

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

God our Father, You made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ. We ask that You inspire young people whom you call to priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow Your will.

Send workers into Your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

A FEW WORDS FROM MARK DECELLES

It’s hard to believe that August is already upon us. A new school year is right around the corner, with new joys and new possibilities, new things to learn, people to meet, places to be.

For me, it is a bittersweet time, since August 5 marks the last day of my summer assignment here at Holy Cross and Blessed Sacrament. I am so very grateful to have had the privilege of accompanying this community during the past eight weeks, to pray with you, mourn with you, celebrate with you, learn with you. I have been edified by your faith and lifted up by your kindness and love.

What a wonderful gift, to have been able to minister to you alongside Monsignor Delaney. Many thanks to Monsignor for putting me up and putting up with me; to him and Deacon John for mentoring me and challenging me to grow in pastoral ministry; to all the parish staff for your help, support and encouragement; to the altar servers and liturgical ministers who showed me the ropes; to all those who participated in Vacation Bible School, adoration and benediction, and our adult bible study in Kelley Hall; and to all the parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross for your generosity, hospitality, kind words, and prayers.

You will always have a special place in my heart. As I return to seminary later this month, I humbly request your continued prayers for me, as I will be praying for you. God bless you all.

Mark DeCelles, a seminarian preparing for priestly ministry for the Diocese of Scranton, was kind to leave the Book of Christian Prayer (also referred to as the Liturgy of the Hours or the Breviary) in the Saint John Paul II Adoration Chapel for adorers prayerful use. Mark’s inscription: “Dear Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross Parishes, Thank you for a wonderful summer!”

“Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves more reservedly to Him.”----- St. Ignatius of Loyola Please pray for our seminarians, but more importantly, pray that more Christians, whether laypersons, seminarians, priests or religious may have the courage to abandon themselves without reserve into His hands.

We thank Mark DeCelles for his kindness and pray for him as he continues his discernment and formation. If you would like to drop a note of encouragement and support to Mark:

Mark DeCelles
St. Mary’s Seminary
5400 Roland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21210-1994

THE FEAST OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Readings:
Isaiah 49: 1-6
Acts 13: 22-26
Luke 1: 56-66,80.

This fest, a segment of Advent in the season of Ordinary Time, makes us aware of the wonderful inner relationship between the sacred mysteries; for we are still in the midst of one Church year and already a bridge is being erected to the coming year of grace.

Ordinarily the Church observes the day of a saint’s death as his feast, because that day marks his entrance into heaven. To this rule there are two notable exceptions, the birthdays of Blessed Mary and of St. John the Baptist. All other persons were stained with original sin at birth, hence, were displeasing to God. But Mary, already in the first moment of her existence, was free from original sin (for which reason even her very conception is commemorated by a special feast), and John was cleansed of original sin in the womb of his mother. This is the dogmatic justification for today’s feast. In the breviary St. Augustine explains the reason for today’s observance in the following words:

“Apart from the most holy solemnity commemorating our Savior’s birth, the Church keeps the birthday of no other person except that of John the Baptist. (The feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin had not yet been introduced.) In the case of other saints or of God’s chosen ones, the Church as you know, solemnizes the day on which they were reborn to everlasting beatitude after ending the trials of this life and gloriously triumphing over the world.

“For all these the final day of their lives, the day on which they completed their Earthly service is honored. But for John the day of his birth, the day on which he began this mortal life is likewise sacred. The reason for this is, of course, that the Lord willed to announce to men His own coming through the Baptist, lest if He appeared suddenly, they would fail to recognize Him. John represented the Old Covenant and the Law. Therefore he preceded the Redeemer, even as the Law preceded and heralded the new dispensation of grace.

In other words, today’s feast anticipates the feast of Christmas. Taking an overall view, we keep during the course of the year only two mysteries, that of Christ’s Incarnation and that of His Redemption. The Redemption mystery is the greater of the two; the Incarnation touches the human heart more directly. To the Redemption mystery the entire Easter season is devoted, from Septuagesima until Pentecost; and likewise every Sunday of the year, because Sunday is Easter in miniature.

The Christmas season has for its object the mystery of God-become-Man, to which there is reference only now and then during the remaining part of the year, e.g., on Marian feasts, especially that of the Annunciation (March 25) and today’s feast in honor of the Baptist. In a sense, then, we are celebrating Christ’s incarnation today. The birth of Jesus is observed on December 25 at the time of the winter solstice, while the birth of His forerunner is observed six months earlier at the time of the summer solstice. Christmas is a “light” feast; the same is true today. The popular custom centering about “St. John’s Fire” stems from soundest Christian dogma and could well be given renewed attention. St. John’s Fire symbolizes Christ the Light; John was a lamp that burned and shone. We Christians are called to be the light of the world.

Excerpted from The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.

1) Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.

2) Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.

3) Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.

4) Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.

5) Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.

6) Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.

7) Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.

8) Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.

9) Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearance, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.

10)Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.

God our Father, You made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ.

We ask that You inspire young people whom you call to priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow Your will.

Send workers into Your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Deacon Edward Casey and Deacon Ryan Glenn have been ordained priests of the Diocese of Scranton by our Bishop, Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L. on Saturday, June 9.

Congratulations to Father Casey and Father Glenn. May God bless them with many happy years of service to the Church of Scranton.

Readings:

Today’s celebration of the Body and Blood of the Lord originated in the Diocese of Liege in 1246 as the feast of Corpus Christi. In the reforms of Vatican II, the feast was joined with the feast of the Precious Blood (July 1) to become the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord. Today, we celebrate the Christ’s gift of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our life together as the Church.

Today’s Gospel is Mark’s account of the Last Supper. At the Passover meal marking the First Covenant, Jesus, the Lamb of the New Covenant, institutes the New Passover of the Eucharist.

The ancients believed the source of life was contained in blood – blood, therefore, belonged to God alone (that is why even today a devout Jew will never eat any meat which is not completely drained of blood). In marking Israel’s covenant with the Lord who brought them out of slavery and into freedom, Moses splashes half of the offerings’ blood on the altar, the symbol of God, and sprinkles the other half on the people, joining the covenanted people to their God (first reading).

This understanding of the sacredness of blood is central to the theme of the letter to the Hebrews (second reading). Jesus is both priest and victim on the cross, whose own blood seals a new covenant and creates a new Israel.

Themes:

Eucharist: becoming the body of Christ.

“If you have received worthily,” St. Augustine preached, “you are what you have received.” The gift of the Eucharist comes with an important “string” is attached: it must be shared. In sharing the body of Christ, we become the body of Christ. If we partake of the one bread and cup, then we must be willing to become Eucharist for others – to make the love of Christ real for all.

Eucharist: the table of the Lord.

Christ calls us to his table, offering his peace, affirmation, support and love. We come to the Eucharist to celebrate our identity as his disciples and to seek the sustaining grace to live the hard demands of such discipleship; we come to the Eucharist seeking the peace and hope of the Risen One in the compassion and support we offer and receive from one another. At Christ’s table, we are always welcome. In celebrating the Eucharist, we make our parish family’s table the Lord’s own table, a place of reconciliation and compassion.

Every moment of prayer, especially before our Lord in the tabernacle, is a positive gain. The time we spend in having our daily audience with God is the most precious part of the whole day.

……….Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Prayer is nothing else than union with God. In this intimate union God and the soul are like two pieces of wax molded into one; they cannot anymore be separated. It is a very wonderful thing, this union of God with his insignificant creature, a happiness passing all understanding.

……..St. John Vianney

Our Lady of the Rosary

Mary, Mother of Christ, tech us to pray your rosary as it should be prayed. For these ordinary beads strung on threads hold within themselves all the mysteries of our holy faith and all the main ways of prayer. Mary, Queen of the Rosary, open to us its holy secrets. Let it be our door to the heart of your son, his Father, and the Holy Spirit. ………….Catherine Doherty

"May is a month which the piety of the faithful has long dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. This is the month during which Christians, in their churches and their homes, offer the Virgin Mother more fervent and loving acts of homage and veneration; and it is the month is which a greater abundance of God’s merciful gifts comes down to us from our Mother’s throne."

……..Pope Paul VI

A NOTE FROM BISHOP BAMBERA

Dear Monsignor Delaney,

Congratulations to you and your parishioners for surpassing your parish goal for our 2017 Diocesan Annual Appeal.

I appreciate your commitment to helping us once again raise more than $5 million in gifts and pledges to support all of our Diocesan ministries. Thank you for “walking together in the light of Christ” to bring joy and hope to all who seek our assistance.

Kindly extend my gratitude to your parishioners for their generous spirit and faithful service to your parish and to our Diocese. When we open our hearts to extend God’s mercy and love to our sisters and brothers, we grow as disciple of Jesus Christ. May God bless you and your parishioners as you continue to share His mercy6 and love in all that you do.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Joseph C. Bambera
Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton

As always thank you for your generosity.

Msgr. Michael J. Delaney
Pastor

Join us at Kelley Hall at 12 Noon each Wednesday for a free community meal. The nutritious meal, prepared at St. Francis Kitchen, Scranton, is served cafeteria style. All are welcome.

SOCIAL CONCERNS MEETING

will be held on Thursday, September 27, 6:30 PM at Holy Cross, Kelley Hall. Once again thanks to all who have donated items in our Back-Pack collection. Your generosity is most appreciated.

The work of our linked parish ministry includes efforts to provide direct service or outreach to people in need and efforts to work for justice and peace by educating and offering programs to understand the rich social teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.

All are most welcome to join the work of our committee. This month’s meeting is held on the Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul, patron saint of social outreach and the poor. St. Vincent de Paul, pray for us. “Tender God, refuge of the poor, You filled Saint Vincent de Paul with the strength of the Apostles to work for the salvation of the poor. May we who follow the example of his life be driven by unceasing charity to continue the mission of Your Son in the world.” Amen.

BLESSED SACRAMENT/HOLY CROSS SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE AWARDED DIOCESAN APPEAL GRANT

Having received our application to the Social Justus Fund of the Diocesan Annual Appeal, our linked parish social concerns committee has been awarded a $5000.00 grant to continue the good work and ministries of our parishes. It is a wonderful affirmation of the dedication and commitment of our committee as well as the support of the members of our parishes, only made possible because of your generous contributions to the Diocesan Annual Appeal.

Catholic Social Services of The Diocese of Scranton offers compassionate counseling in a safe, comfortable environment where your privacy is always respected. Counseling is about self-discovery and can be used for personal growth or when distressing conditions exist and you need a bit of extra support… help is available. Anyone who struggles with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions or a variety of emotional or psychological conditions is welcome. For more information or to make an appointment, call 570-207-2283.

Unexpected Pregnancy

An unexpected pregnancy may cause one to panic and feel their entire world is falling apart. Pregnancy counseling is available to every pregnant woman regardless of age, race, religion, or marital status. Supportive counseling is also offered to anyone affected by the pregnancy. For assistance or more information call Catholic Social Services at 800-982-4310.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELING

Are you or someone you know struggling with problems related to Drugs or Alcohol? For over 80 years Catholic Social Services has helped individuals and families deal with substance abuse. For more information please call Catholic Social Services at 570-829-3489.

CHRISTIANS IN ACTION (Youth Group)

Our linked-parish youth group will meet on Sunday, January 15 at 5:00 PM in Kelley Hall, Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant.

Come join us as we begin a new year of activities, service projects and events. All are most welcome.

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN WOMEN

Will hold their meeting on Sunday, April 8, 2:00 PM Kelley Hall. All are welcome.

THE CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN WOMEN is seeking new members!

The Confraternity is one of our parish’s oldest and most dedicated ministries. Members of the Confraternity serve Holy Cross Parish by living out their call to holiness distinctively as women, who are the backbone of this spiritual and charitable organization, which is under the banner of our Blessed Mother. They share a social bond as well as a love of their parish, and the need to participate in helping it grow and prosper. While primarily a spiritual group, the Confraternity also helps organize and run a number of different events throughout the year. Members are also active in volunteering with other parish ministries. Meetings are held monthly. The Confraternity of Christian Women welcomes women of any age for prayer, community, spirituality, service and friendship.

Parents who are sitting in the choir loft with their children, are asked NOT to sit in the first row due to safety issues. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Know a Marriage That Needs Help?  Throw them a lifeline and tell them about Retrouvaille, an international program that helps couples who are experiencing marital difficulties. This program is for all couples, at any stage of marriage that needs help to communicate with each other in a more attentive and loving manner. The next program in the Scranton Diocese begins Feb. 26-Feb. 28, 2016, at The Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, PA. Please call 800-470-2230 for more information or to register or visit the website at www.helpourmarriage.org.