The Body of Christ. Amen.
The Blood of Christ. Amen.

Under normal circumstances, you, our 1st Communion candidates would be receiving First Communion this weekend in our parishes. But - you are not a normal group of students. You are an extraordinary group of young people - hungry for the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, excited about coming to the table of the Lord for the first time, having to be a little more patient as we look forward to sharing what is sure to be a wonderful experience. In the meantime, we -- the members of Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross Parishes, our family of faith, are praying for you.

"Father, you give each one of us a special life and love in our families. It is through the experience of sharing and growing together that we deepen our experience of You. As we join with our children in this time of preparation before they celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time, we ask you to be with us in the power and gift of your Spirit. We ask You to encourage all of us to be aware of the wonder of Your gift and to deepen our union with You and with one another in and through Jesus Your son. Amen."

Blessed Sacrament

Madison Baltrusaitis
Ryan Fagan
Emma Charney
Leland James
Roman Davitt
Mason Kelly Ava Merrifield

Holy Cross

Michael Abda
Jacob Foley
Paul Alunni
Elizabeth Fortuner
Jacob Bennett
Kyrin Frushon
Jake Borusiewicz
Joshua Gaughan
Liam Brophy
Daniel Krott
Andrew Buranich
Anthony Paone
Elijah Campbell
Marteen Pisanchyn
Luke Cantafio
Clare Reckless
Adam Coviello
Nevaeh Rembish
Joseph DiChiara
Sofia Roman
Mia Fazio
Ava Takacs
Emma Finlon
Emma Thomas
Luke Fiorelli
Sophia Vitaletti
Mia Williams

DAILY/SUNDAY MASS continues to be celebrated, not publicly, for the people of Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross Parishes. While apart, we are joined in prayer for one another. Please, check in on neighbors, especially those who are living alone. For every handshake not exchanged-make a phone call? For every hug and embrace not shared, remember in prayer those most in need.

WE CONTINUE TO ACCEPT non-perishable (only) food items. They can be left on the porch of the rectory.

As of April 2020, the Churches will no longer be open for private prayer.

FUNERAL MASSES SERVICES continue to be shared with grieving families - with only immediate family members in attendance. While we understand how difficult and painful this is, it is out an abundance of caution and care for all. Additional memorial services/prayers may be scheduled at a future time.

CONFESSIONS- By appointment only. To be prayed in the body of the church abiding by social distancing requirements.

PARISH OFFICE: At this time, our parish office is closed to the public, all parish business is to be conducted by mail, phone or email.

PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS/ENVELOPES: As always, thank you for your generosity in this most challenging time. Please mail your weekly envelopes to our parish office (both Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross) to 200 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant, PA 18447. Please remember to write your encelop number on your check.

EWTN TV SCHEDULE

Masses: Sunday 8 am, 12 Noon

Monday - Saturday 8 am, 12 Noon, 7 pm Rosary: Sunday - Saturday 7:30 am

Stations of the Cross - Fridays 7 am & 4 pm Comcast - Channel 12 & Channel 1668 (HD) for EWTN and CTV

Directv - Channel 370 for EWTN - CTV not available.

Parishioners that do not have Comcast can view through websites.

Dish Network - Channel 261 for EWTN - CTV not available. Parishioners that do not have Comcast can view through websites. You can also watch live at www.ewtn.com/tv or www.dioceseofscranton.org, then click on media tab.

As baptized followers of Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, we strive to proclaim the Gospel by promoting a welcoming community; celebrating the Eucharist and living our faith with charity, peace and justice.

"On this day in particular, but also in the ordinary pastoral life of our communities, I ask the Church to continue to promote vocations. May she touch the hearts of the faithful and enable each of them to discover with gratitude God's call in their lives, to find courage to say 'yes' to God, to overcome all weariness through faith in Christ, and to make of their lives a song of praise for God, for their brothers and sisters and for the whole world. May the Virgin Mary accompany us and intercede for us."

+Pope Francis, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, 2020

We continue to receive and distribute non- perishable food items and/or gift cards to local grocery stores for families in need. Please place food items on the Rectory Porch - 200 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant.

St. Vincent de Paul said: "Go to the poor: you will find God." "We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them."

God bless you and thank you for your generosity!

The challenge of our Lenten Journey has been to discover new, meaningful and creative ways to be Church -- in many ways, with God's grace, we've done well. The challenge to celebrate Easter is before us -- to be the Resurrection community we're called to be. We hear the Gospel account of the Lord's Resurrection and experience new life in the initiation of people coming to Join us as Roman Catholic Christians (be patient, Wendy, the time will come!) With our faith growing deeper, we're invited to renew our baptismal promises. I invite you to consider them, reflect upon them, pray with them as individuals and as families, so as we enter into the Easter season connected to one another and committed to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Review your baptismal promises. Answer "I do" to each of these six questions. Respond to God's love with your total love. Make this act of faith and see the changes that have happened and are happening in our lives. We have been given new eyes to see more clearly what and who matters most. Be aware and conscious of the grace of this moment. Don't miss it. Be open. Be receptive to Resurrection life. Be renewed. And so I ask you:

• Do you renounce sin so as to live in the freedom of the children of God? I do. "Lord, all I want is to live in the freedom you offer me. I want to reJect the unloving choices I have made, and the sinful failures to love anywhere in my life. I reJect all inJustice, all violence, all that disrespects the dignity of all human life".

• Do you reJect the lure of evil so that sin may have no mastery over you? I do. "Lord, I renew my commitment this day to turn away from all that is far from your love. I commit myself to greater courage in acting Justly and refusing to let my selfishness to numb my conscience or dull my heart".

• Do you reJect Satan, the author and prince of sin? I do. "Lord, as I renew these baptismal promises, I know that an enemy tries to tempt me to sin and to many dark patterns, I now promise to you and to my family and community who depend on my faithfulness, to reJect that enemy and all his ways of subverting Your reign and the coming of Your kingdom".

• Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth? I do. "Lord, you made me and give me life every day. I believe in you, I turn to you, and I place my life, and the graces I need each day, in your loving hands."

• Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, Our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father? I do. "Jesus my Lord and Savior, my life is in your hands. I believe in you, I commit myself to growing closer to you, placing myself with you, in love, compassionate, self-sacrificing love, for others."

• Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting? I do. "Holy Spirit of Jesus, I want to contribute to the unity that you desire for us. I promise to be merciful for I have known your mercy. I pledge to live my life each day full of faith in the resurrection Jesus gained for me."

May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed on us forgiveness of our sins, keep us by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord, for eternal life.

Amen.

As you are aware, we do not, at the moment have information about how and when we will be able to celebrate these very special Sacraments with our children. We are continually talking about various possibilities when the time comes to gather together again, and will continue to explore these as we move forward. For now, know that we pray for our children who have prepared for so long and are anticipating the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation. You are remembered daily in prayer.

All public masses and CCD classes are suspended until further notice. there will be masses streamed on CTV and the Diocese website and social media pages. Please read the Bishop's letter below.

March 12, 2020

Bishop Bambera's Letter to the Faithful regarding Suspension of all Public Masses March 16, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Effective immediately, and until further notice, I have suspended the celebration of Masses open to the public and all public gatherings in all diocesan parishes, worship sites, college campuses, chapels and health care facilities in the eleven counties of the Diocese of Scranton.

Churches of the Diocese will remain open daily for individual private prayer. The timeframe for each parish is to be determined by its pastor or parish life coordinator. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during this time remains in effect.

Scheduled sacramental celebrations such as weddings, baptisms or funerals will be permitted, but attendance will be limited to immediate family members and follow any guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation will be available, when requested individually, by the faithful in cases of serious need.

It deeply saddens me to take this temporary action, knowing the depth of your faith and your desire to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on a regular basis. In light of continued concerns surrounding COVID-19, and upon the advice of medical experts, it is clear that we, as a faith community, must do our part in order to help slow the spread of this virus.

The number of faithful souls who filled our churches this past weekend, even with the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass, was deeply consoling to me. As you always have, so many of you are turning to your faith as the surest place where we will find God’s peace, consolation and hope.

Unfortunately, the presence of such great numbers of worshippers in our churches is not serving our efforts to help mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. In an effort to prevent overwhelming our hospitals and health care facilities, national, state and local leaders have urged people to avoid large gatherings of people and keep appropriate social distancing from one another.

As your bishop, in addition to the care of souls, the safety and health of all of our faithful parishioners, friends and those we welcome through our outreach and service, is of utmost importance to me. As such, the decision that I have announced, while difficult, is the best way for us to work together to serve the common good of all, both in our parishes and in our communities.

During these challenging times, it is also crucial that we not forget who we are as Christians. May we continue to offer, in whatever way we can, care and concern for those who are most vulnerable, including the poor, our senior citizens and those who are ill. I also urge those who can do so to maintain support for your parishes during these difficult days in order to sustain the ministries and outreach services for parishioners and those most in need.

Despite the suspension of public Masses, a private Mass will be celebrated daily in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton, and made available on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. On weekdays, the Mass will be broadcast at 12:10 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. On weekends, the Saturday Vigil Mass will be broadcast at 4:00 p.m. and rebroadcast on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. The Masses will also be streamed on the Diocese of Scranton’s website (www.dioceseofscranton.org), made available on the Diocese of Scranton’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and will be accessible on the Diocese of Scranton’s YouTube channel.

Additional resources for individual parishioners to deepen their faith during Lent are also available on the Diocese of Scranton’s website.

During this sacred season of Lent, we are being asked to sacrifice more than ever before – particularly with the loss of cherished religious practices, most especially the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. May we do so mindful of the selfless sacrifice of Jesus and for the sake of our brothers and sisters who are most vulnerable and in need of our help.

The Diocese of Scranton continues to monitor the rapidly evolving health situation regarding the coronavirus. We are constantly monitoring directives from national, state and local officials. This policy will be reassessed on a regular basis, in addition to the plans for Holy Week and Easter.

God bless you and keep each of you in His care. Let us continue to pray for one another.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
†Joseph C. Bambera
Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton

Masses: Sunday 8 am, 12 Noon

Monday - Saturday 8 am, 12 Noon, 7 pm Rosary: Sunday - Saturday 7:30 am/P>

Stations of the Cross - Fridays 7 am & 4 pm Comcast - Channel 12 & Channel 1668 (HD) for EWTN and CTV/P>

Directv - Channel 370 for EWTN - CTV not available./P>

Parishioners that do not have Comcast can view through websites./P>

Dish Network - Channel 261 for EWTN - CTV not available. Parishioners that do not have Comcast can view through websites./P>

You can also watch live at www.ewtn.com/tv or www.DioceseaOfScranton.org, then click on media tab.

The coronavirus outbreak is stirring up anxiety, confusion and major inconveniences. It is a situation in which we can easily overreact or underreact. How can our faith tradition guide and comfort us through this troubling time?

ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE- Of course, we see these same dynamics play out in Scripture, where fear leads to hoarding. The most famous story is when the Israelites are in the desert without food (Exodus 16). God rains down manna from heaven but also cautions them to take only what they need for now. They disobey but find that the food they attempt to store away goes bad immediately. The consistent message we hear in the Bible is that we need to trust in God, who will provide enough for everyone. The problems come when people begin to take more than they need.

Fear of the coronavirus has cause some to stockpile and hoard unreasonable amounts of hand sanitizer, face masks and other supplies against the recommendations of leaders. The problem is that this wipes out supplies for those who truly need them the most-health care workers and those most vulnerable to the disease- without really making the buyers safer.

PROTECT THE VULNERABLE- Scripture and the social teachings of the church remind us again and again that we-as individuals and a society-must protect and give priority to those who are most vulnerable and at risk. We see this from the laws in the Old Testament that looked out for the poor and the widows, to Jesus' embrace of people on the margins of society, to the early church's adamant support of those who had less. The Bible urges us to put those who are most at risk first.

In the midst of the coronavirus, the vulnerable take many forms. Most obvious are those who are elderly or have other health conditions that make them most susceptible to illness. Those who are younger may not be concerned about our own health risks, but if we help pass on the virus, it can be a life-or-death situation for others.

Others are financially vulnerable and do not have the flexibility to take sick leave that many of us take for granted. That puts them in a difficult situation when they become ill and may have to choose between putting their job at risk and staying home to protect others. Likewise, many parents do not have the flexibility to stay home when school is canceled for their children.

The situation is impacting many others, such as small business owners who may already be on shaky financial ground.

A SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE- This health crisis is challenging many of us to make sacrifices in our lives. Some are huge, such as those made by exhausted health care workers around the world, desperately trying to keep patients alive (while avoiding the illness themselves.)

Other sacrifices fall more in the category of inconveniences. It is inconvenient when events are canceled, schools close, and travel is limited. It is inconvenient to wash our hands intentionally and regularly.

But this kind of sacrifice is at the very center of our faith. Every time we gather around the Lord's Table, we celebrate the powerful way Christ showed us how to love others. He sacrificed everything in self-giving love for us. Truly loving others will always cost us something.

Actions that may not entirely make sense to us can have huge effects. Scientists point to the 1918 flu when St. Louis proactively and aggressively closed its schools to prevent infections. Death rates in the city were about one third those in Pittsburg, which was much slower to close its schools. Thousands of lives were saved.

We may grumble about or resist changing our habits, especially if it's unclear what's in it for us. But we need to remember that many of these actions are more about protecting others. Perhaps the invitation amidst this crisis is to embrace the inconveniences fully, and then move beyond them to seek out the best ways to serve those who are most in need.

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR- Community is essential to us as Christians, We are the Body of Christ, and we know that when two or more gather in Jesus' name, he is present with us. So it may be a bit harder for us to handle the "social distancing" happening in many communities.

Our call to community is not only in the context of our church but also in our neighborhood community. How do we literally love our neighbor? How can we be witnesses on our streets?

One way is to regularly check in on your neighbors who may be vulnerable and isolated. Offer to deliver groceries or other items for them or to run other errands so they won't have to risk infection by leaving their home.

Be a positive, calming influence in any online neighborhood communities. Don't spread rumors or hysteria, but find ways to support each other through the crisis.

LIVING THE VIRTUES- Ultimately, as with life in general, we are called to live out the four cardinal virtues:

• Prudence-Carefully discern the best course of action not just for ourselves, but for the good of all. Ask: What action does God want me to take?

• Justice- Seek fairness for everyone, especially those who need it most. Ask" Who is not getting the help that they need?

• Temperance-Fina a healthy balance between self care and care for others. Ask: Do I err toward selfishness or an unhealthy co- dependence?

• Fortitude- Persevere in times of trial and difficulty. Ask: Do I have the courage to do the right thing even when the going gets tough?

The Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to continuing Conversion of Candidates who are Preparing for Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church is celebrated each year on the First Sunday of Lent. We pray for those entering into Lent, as they have made their intention known to join us at the table of the Lord, as we, baptized members of the Roman Catholic Church, reflect upon our initiation and prepare to be renewed in our Baptism at Easter.

Is your marriage going down the right road…or is it a little off track? Are you already separated? Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship. Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication. Couples of al faiths as well as non-religious couples are welcome. For more information contact 717-356-2185 or visit the website at www.HelpOurMarriage.org.

Financial Statements for the 2019 calendar year will be mailed in late January 2019, upon request only. Donations for tax purposes for 2019 should have already been made. If you would like a tax statement please call the parish office.

(1) THE ANNULMENT PROCESS

If you are or know someone looking for information how to proceed and move forward after a divorce, please call the Rectory (570-489-0752).

(2) “HOW DO I GET MY MARRIAGE BLESSED IN THE CHURCH?”

If you’ve been married civilly (judge, mayor, justice of the peace, etc.) and are looking to have your marriage convalidated (blessed in the Church, celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony), and need information or have questions, please call the Rectory and ask for Monsignor Delaney.

Cancelled until further notice.

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.

In order to hear the voice of God, one has to have silence in one’s soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence, but an interior silence, that is to say, recollection in God. One can speak a great deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary, one can speak little and be constantly breaking silence.

……..St. Faustina Kowalska

Meditation is the mother of the love of God, and contemplation is the daughter of the love of God. Contemplation is nothing other than taking delight in the goodness of him whom we have learned to know in meditation, and whom we have learned to love by means of this knowledge.

………..St. Francis De Sales

Let us put our hope in Jesus, the name of salvation given to men and women of every language and race. Confessing his name, let us walk trustfully toward the future, certain that we will not be disappointed if we trust in the most holy name of Jesus. - St. John Paul II

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

Meditation is the mother of the love of God, and contemplation is the daughter of the love of God. Contemplation is nothing other than taking delight in the goodness of him whom we have learned to know in meditation, and whom we have learned to love by means of this knowledge. ……..St. Francis De Sales

The More you pray, the more you want to pray. It’s like a fish that starts by swimming near the surface of the water then plunges and goes on swimming deeper and deeper. The soul plunges, is swallowed up, loses itself in the delights of conversation with God. ….St John Vianney

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.