Readings: Matthew 28: 16-20

Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40

Romans 8: 14-17

As Ordinary Time resumes, two “solemnities of the Lord” are celebrated on the next two Sundays. Today’s celebration of the Trinity originated in France in the eighth century and was adopted by the universal Church in 1334. The solemnity focuses on the essence of our faith: the revelation of God as Creator, the climax of his creation in Jesus the Redeemer, the fullness of the love of God poured out on us in the Sustainer Spirit.

Before returning to God, the Risen Jesus commissions his fledgling Church to teach and baptize in the name of the Holy one who reveals himself as Father, Son and Spirit (Gospel). In the Trinity we find our identity as the people of God.

Israel encountered God, first, in God’s act of creation, and then in his redemption of the Israelites and his raising up of the nation of Israel. Moses exhorts the Israelites to remain faithful to the commandments of this great God they have encountered (first reading). The Spirit is that unique love that exists between God the Father and Son. Christ invites us to embrace that same Spirit, which enables us to cry out to God as “Father” and to one another as brothers and sisters, children of the same God (second reading).

Themes:

Trinity: the love of God revealed.

Many metaphors have been used to explain and depict the Trinity. St. John of Damascus, the great Eastern theologian of the eighth century, suggested that we think “of the Father as a root, of the Son as a branch, and of the Spirit as a fruit, for the substance of these three is one.” Today we celebrate the essence of our faith manifested in our lives: the loving providence of the Creator who continually invites us back to him; the selfless servanthood of the Redeemer who “emptied” himself to become like us in order that we might become like him; the joyful love of the Spirit that is the unique unity of the Father and Son.

The commission to ‘teach’ others about God.

Christ has revealed to us the depth of the Creator’s love and has called us to share with one another the unique Spirit of love that unites Father and Son. As disciples of the Risen Christ, we have been called now, in our time and place, to teach what we have seen and heard, to pass on to others “everything I have commanded you” through our imitation of the Teacher’s compassion, forgiveness and servanthood.

Called to be ‘children of God.’

The core of all of Jesus’ teaching is the revelation of God as Father to humanity. God calls us, not as the all-powerful Creator demanding homage from the lowly slaves he created, but as a loving parent welcoming one’s own children. God invites us to a relationship with him not based on fear and judgement but centered in love, mercy and trust. Today’s celebration of the Trinity confronts us with our response to God’s invitation and our worthiness to be called God’s “children.”

PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 28-MEMORIAL DAY.

We are honored to remember the many brave men and women who have given their lives throughout the history of our nation – those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us from harm. We salute all those now serving and we raise this prayer for their safety and blessing.

A MEMORIAL DAY PRAYER

Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember those in the military who have given their lives for freedoms we enjoy, we pray you would have us all look to you for strength, comfort and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed Forces. Bless them and their families. Grant your loving protection. Let peace prevail among all the nations, O God. Especially let your mercy rest upon our land, even as we acknowledge with thanksgiving your past goodness on this country. Preserve the lives of the men and women in uniform as they defend our citizenry. We pray that you would turn the hearts of all – military and civilian – to your holy Word where we find the true peace for our souls that surpasses all understanding. Move us to know, take hold and treasure your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Your beloved Son, who alone gives this peace and hope for eternity, we pray.

Amen.

The Spirit: the powerful and enabling love of God. Today we celebrate the Spirit – the great love that binds the Father to the Son and now binds us to God and to one another. It is a love that transcends words but embraces the heart and soul of each one of us; it gives voice to the things we believe but are too afraid to speak; it gives us courage and grace to work for the dreams we are sometimes too cynical or fearful to hope for. The Spirit of God enables us to re-create our world in the love of the God who loved us enough to become one of us, to die for us and to rise for us. The theologian and scientist Teilhard de Chardin noted that “love is the only force that can make things one without destroying them…Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”

The Spirit: the ‘birth’ of the Church.

Pentecost is a moment of profound realization and transformation for the community of disciples. The faith they had received, the wonders they had witnessed and the Word they had heard came together in a new understanding, clarity, unity and courage to begin the work Jesus had entrusted to them. In Jesus’ “breathing” upon them the new life of the Spirit, the community of the Resurrection – the Church – takes flight. That same Spirit continues to “blow” through today’s Church to give life and direction to our mission and ministry to preach the Gospel to every nation, to proclaim the forgiveness and reconciliation in God’s name, to baptize all humanity into the life of Jesus’ Resurrection.

On behalf of Monsignor Delaney and the entire parish staff, best wishes for a blessed and enjoyable Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers.

Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your church. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers, grandmothers and godmothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

We are most grateful to Bishop Bambera for assigning Mark DeCelles, seminarian in preparation for priestly ministry for our diocese, to serve in our parishes from May 29 to August 5. We look forward to getting to know Mark and in Mark getting to know us!

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

Christian hope is not some kind of wishful thinking, far from it! Saint Peter said, “By his great mercy we have been born anew to living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3).

We celebrate new life in Christ this Easter – in the newly initiated; in the hearts of those who have done the blessed work of Lent and come to Easter renewed; and in the lives of all those seeking a deeper relationship with and in the Risen Christ as that is experienced in community and family living.

Pope Francis reminds us: “This virtue of Hope…is hard to live. It is the smallest but strongest of the virtues. And our hope has a face: the face of the Risen Lord…The triumph of Jesus at the end of time will be the triumph of the Cross, the demonstration that the sacrifice of oneself for love of neighbor, in initiation of Christ, is the only victorious power, the only stable point in the midst of the upheavals and tragedies of the word.”

This Easter Season we celebrate the hope which is ours in the Risen Christ. We pray that we will persevere, especially in the daily difficulties we experience.

Renewing our Baptismal promises we respond resoundingly “I Do” to questions asked: Do you Reject Darkness, Sin, Satan “I Do”, Do you Believe in Father, Son and Holy Spirit “I Do”.

May, we pray O Gracious God, our Easter response echo in living Easter hope each and every day. Alleluia!

Blessed, Happy Easter to one and all.

Monsignor Delaney

EASTER SUNDAY, LIVING IN THE SCHOOL OF HOPE

“I plead with you – never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be Not Afraid”. ……… St. John Paul II

CATHOLIC PRAYER AT EASTER

“THE GREAT GIFT OF EASTER IS HOPECHRISTIAN HOPE WHICH MAKES US HAVE THE CONFIDENCE IN GOD, IN HIS ULTIMATE TRIUMPH, AND IN HIS GOODNESS AND LOVE, WHICH NOTHING CAN SHAKE.” ……….Cardinal Basil Home

Saint Paul reminds us: “That at the Name of Jesus, every knee should bend in the heavens and on the earth; and every tongue proclaim, to the glory of God the Father that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.”

After living a life proclaiming that “Jesus Christ is Lord”, Mary Ann was called home to God’s love on April 3rd, on the Octave of Easter. Mary Ann worked tirelessly and spent her life selflessly for our parishes for twenty years.

Born in Jessup, Mary Ann Bisignani was the daughter of the late Helen Jakunski and Geremia (Frank) Galli. Mary Ann loved serving the Gospel as a member of our parish staff and shared her faith and creativity on many committees as well as carrying the Lord to God’s people as an extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Her talents were shared participating in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Scranton. She believed deeply in the love God has for us and in the power of prayer, always remembering the needs of those around her.

We ask the kindness of your prayers for Mary Ann’s family and those who love her, especially her husband Richard (married 59 years) and children: Kathryn Tomsofsky and husband Paul; Richard (Ricky); Maria Harrell and Ron, and Dr. Lynn Mailloux and Brian as well as her treasured grandchildren: Christian, Morgan, Nicole, MaCayla, Parker and Sean; and her sisters Gerri Dunda and Nancy Casama and brother frank Galli, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Eternal rest grant unto Mary Ann Bisignani, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION will take place Saturday, May 5th at 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Parish and on Sunday, May 6th at 9:30 AM at Blessed Sacrament Parish. Parents and/or guardians are asked to please make sure your children attend all practices. Please contact John Musyt or Rosemarie Liesiefsky if you have any questions about the dates or times of practices:

Sunday, April 29th – during class (both churches)

Tuesday, May 1—6 to 8 PM. Both churches

Thursday, May 3 – 6 to 8 PM Both churches

All parishioners are reminded of their obligation to fulfill their “Easter Duty.” A person’s Easter duty consists of receiving Holy Communion at least once between Ash Wednesday and Pentecost Sunday as well as celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This year Pentecost Sunday is May 20.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 6:30 PM Holy Hour/Adoration/Benediction

Join us as we lift up in prayer our faith in the holiness of all life, the dignity of each woman person created in the image and likeness of God. January 22nd marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States. We earnestly pray for the safty of all unjborn children, for all expectant Moms and their families, and that the love of God will touch and transform human hearts to be dedicated to care for, treasur and cherish every man, woman and child from conception until natural death.

On Monday, January 9th, our Merciful Father called his devoted daughter, our sister and friend, Therese Peko, home to eternal life.

Therese began her service to the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in 1948, 70 years ago, continuing to share her gentle spirit and gifts with the people of our community after the consolidation of parishes until very recently.

Therese was born in Throop, daughter of the late Stephen and Tessi Lewandowski Peko, she was a graduate of Throop High School and attended classes at Marywood College. She served our parish with exemplary commitment and devotion as parish secretary, organist, companion and dear friend. She leaves us with an extraordinary model of faith and service for us to follow.

As we mourn her passing, we pray for her sister Estelle Hanis and her brother Henry Peko and for her many nieces and nephews. Therese was preceded in death by four sisters and four brothers: Ceil Borden, Ann Rudzinski, Stepheny McCurl, Martha Mallas, Stanley, Stephen, Chester and Gene Peko. After sharing 70 years of love and service to our parish, we pray…..Eternal rest grant unto Therese Peko, O Lord.

“They whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are.” ………St. John Chrysostom

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Maura C. Burns, a University of Scranton pre-dental student and co-founder of Ready, Set, Brush is working with our Social Concerns Committee collecting new toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, etc. during the month of February. Items collected will be distributed to local charities such as the Children’s Advocacy Center and United Neighborhood Center. Collection boxes will be placed in the vestibules of both parishes.

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.

The Christmas shopping season will officially be underway this Friday! When purchasing items from Amazon.com, please consider logging into your account via the Amazon Smile Program. A portion of your sale will be donated to our home at no additional cost to you!

To help, log in to your account at smile.amazon.com/ch/24-0832764.

Our parish family welcomes all who joined us for the celebration of the Eucharist this weekend. If you are not a registered member of the parish and would like to join the parish, please contact the parish office or see Monsignor Delaney for more information.

SOCIAL CONCERNS MEETING

Mark your calendar. The next Social Concerns Committee meeting will be May 21 at 6:30 PM in Kelley Hall at Holy Cross Parish. We will be hosting a guest speaker, Cassie Rose Kobeski, M.F.A. Cassie is the Compassionate Care Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. She will be giving a presentation on the role of a Hospice volunteer and why volunteers are in such need. If you are a kind, patient and caring individual and want to make a difference in the lives of others, please consider attending this meeting to learn more about this program and how you might be able to assist others.

Our Catholic life begins and ends in the Parish because a Parish is the gathering of God’s faithful people. Today, more than ever, we must connect with our fellow parishioners, reinforcing our faith and keeping it vital for the next generation of Catholics. It is crucial that we foster a rich parish life, where families and friends come together in the spirit of Catholic fellowship. The Office for Parish Life assists in all aspects of Liturgy and Worship, Service & Social Concerns, Community and Family Development. Your gifts fund such programs as networking and training for Youth .Ministry Leaders, Directors of Religious Education, Music and Liturgical Ministry, Bereavement Support, Social Concerns and Parish Councils.

Care & Education to Priests:

“Answering God’s call to a life of service to His People” Our priests and deacons unconditionally answer the call to serve God’s people meeting increasing needs throughout our Diocese. Contributions to the Annual Appeal fund ongoing formation of our priests, permanent deacons, seminarians and deacon candidates. These funds also help us to care for and support our 96 retired or ill priests, many of whom continue to generously assist with the celebration of Masses, the visitation of the sick and by offering spiritual guidance to all in need. Appeal gifts also assist the Vocation Office, which has been blessed with encouraging growth, in guiding those who are considering priesthood through a comprehensive discernment process. We are grateful to currently have 11 seminarians pursuing the priesthood in the Diocese of Scranton. Your gift to the Annual Appeal directly supports the celebration of the Eucharist, men in clergy formation, proclamation of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments within our parish communities.

Educating the future generations of the faithful

Shaping the next generation of the faithful through a Catholic education in our schools and parishes is an essential mission of the Diocese of Scranton. Last year, more than 5,100 elementary, middle and high school students benefitted from the academic programs and spiritual guidance offered by our Catholic Schools. More than 15,000 children received religious education in parish based-programs, instilling in them an intimate knowledge of the faith and the love of God and fostering a desire to serve one another.

If you didn’t bring your phone to Mass today, it’s not too late to make a gift or pledge using your cell phone. Gifts are appreciated in any amount and are fully tax-deductible. Will you help by sharing your gifts?

To text a gift using your cell phone to support the ministries and services supported by the Diocesan Appeal, just…Text the word “Appeal” to number 91999, and follow the prompts. We appreciate your generosity. May God bless you.

Living Faith, Serving with Mercy “The great gift of mercy lies at the heart of all that we do as a church, and it also lies at the heart of the support we receive from the Diocesan Annual Appeal.”

Where we stand:

Holy Cross Parish: HOLY CROSS:We are at 99.66% of our $50,000 goal; $49,830.00 ($170.00)

Blessed Sacrament: Congratulations!! We are at 107% of our $17,000 goal;$18,515.00, $1,515.00 over. Remember that 75% of collected appeal donations above goal will be returned our parishes.

As Augustine is remembered as saying “He who sings prays twice” Come join our parish choirs and help lead our parishes in prayers.

Choirs began meeting on Wednesday, September 7th at 6:30 pm. In both Holy Cross and Blessed Sacrament Parishes. Holy Cross is under the direction of Mary Therese McKane, Blessed Sacrament.

Too Busy to Pray?

If we are too busy to pray, maybe we are just too busy. In today's world many people are busy doing good and necessary things. Accomplishing primary tasks instead of dwelling on secondary ones is a matter of setting our priorities aright. Jesus set the example as he withdrew from the crowds to pray and commune with his heavenly Father. "But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray (Luke 5:15-16 NASB). Surely, preaching and healing the sick were good and necessary pursuits; but despite the clamor of the crowds, Jesus often forsook them for a higher priority, prayer.

Provident God, You bless us with the gift of Jesus Who cares for us as a good shepherd. By our Baptism we are anointed and sent to continue the mission of Jesus. Guide Your people to prayerfully choose a way of life that best serves you with their gifts. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live dedicated lives as married and single people, as deacons, priests, and religious. United with Jesus, our shepherd, we are one with You, now and forever. Amen.

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.