Our Parish Staff

Pastor Rev. Stephen A. Krawontka

Deacon Carl S. Albright

Administrative Staff Jill Bailer, Marie Risboskin

Directors of Religious Education

Jennifer Pearson Ascension Parish

Danielle O’Neill St. Katharine Drexel Parish

Ascension Parish and

St. Katharine Drexel Parish

612 Hudson Street Forest City, PA 18421

Web Address: apskdp.org

Phone............................570-785-3838 Email .......................apskdp@nep.net

Parish Office Hours.................................Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Office closed 12—1 pm for lunch After hours—emergencies only: 570-785-7856

Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil Mass .............................................................................. 4:00 PM St. Joseph Sunday Masses......................................................8:00 AM St. Juliana 9:30 AM St. Joseph 11:00 AM St. James Daily Mass Monday, Wednesday, Friday................................................................. 8:30 AM St. Joseph Tuesday, Thursday.................................................................................... 9:00 AM St. James Holy Day Masses Vigil................................................................................................................. 5:30 PM St. James Holy Day.............................................................................12:00 PM & 6:00 PM St. Joseph Confessions .................................................................................... Half hour before masses

Sacramental Life

Sacrament of Baptism: Because of the importance of the celebration of the sacrament of baptism, please consider carefully the man and woman of faith you choose to inspire and educate your child in the ways of our faith for the entirety of their lives. Godparents must be practicing Catholics and submit a certificate of eligibility from their parish prior to the Baptism.

Please call the office for information regarding Sacrament of Marriage, Natural Family Planning, Anointing of the Sick, and the R.C.I.A. Program.

Mission Statement

Filled with faith, hope and charity, the faithful of Ascension and Saint Katharine Drexel parishes are united as disciples of Jesus Christ. With Christ and under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to continue to celebrate the faith and traditions of the Catholic Church. We seek to inspire others to build a closer relationship with God by reaching out in love through worship, prayer, fellowship, and sharing the Gospel.

Our core values: Celebration ~ Tradition ~ Hope ~ Charity ~ Resilience

JULY 19, 2020 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Week of July 20th

Monday, July 20

8:30 AM-St. Joseph Joseph & Blanche Musho by Daughter

Mary Ann

Tuesday, July 21

9:00 AM-St. James Special Intention by Sue & Stan

Glinkowski

Wednesday, July 22

8:30 AM-St. Joseph Fanny Litz by Lisa Litz & Family

Thursday, July 23

9:00 AM-St. James Mary & Henry Nebzydoski, Sr. by Mike

& Peg Nebzydoski

Friday, July 24

8:30 AM-St. Joseph Special Intention by Bernice &

Jennifer

Saturday, July 25

4:00 PM-St. Joseph Marion & Walter Seber by Annette

& Marty

Sunday, July 26

8:00 AM-St. Juliana Raymond Vaughn by Wife

9:30 AM-St. Joseph Dorothy Phillips by Pete & Denise

Vauter

11:00 AM-St. James Mike Lamarra by the McDevitt Family

Sanctuary Candle

Week of July 19 – July 25 St. Joseph

Irene Baranowski by Husband Smokey

MASS BOOK –AUGUST The Mass, Bread & Wine, and Sanctuary Candle books for the month of AUGUST 2020 WILL OPEN ON MONDAY, JULY 20TH. If you would like an offering please call the office or email apskdp@nep.net. Masses requested will be limited to two per family, per year.

SUPPORT OUR PARISHES We wish to sincerely thank all our parishioners that have made a sacrifice and are giving what they can to our parishes. Even though our Masses have resumed it is with a limited number of parishioners, our expenses continue, and we still need your help. We know this pandemic has affected our families in many ways, and we appreciate that you include our churches in your budget. It truly reflects how faith-filled and considerate you are. Envelopes can be mailed to the office or dropped through the mail slot of the office door at 612 Hudson Street, Forest City, PA 18421. You can now also give online at apskdp.org and select Online Giving. Thank you for your unceasing goodness and generosity throughout the year.

ASCENSION & ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISHES ONLINE GIVING!

Ascension & St. Katharine Drexel Parishes now offer Online Giving, a web-based electronic contribution application. We are providing this service so that you have the option to manage your contributions online or with your offering envelopes. This service is safe and secure and it is convenient for you. Sign up for Online Giving by visiting our parish website at www.apskdp.org and selecting the Online Giving link and then selecting the appropriate parish link.

Ascension Parish Collection Report July 2 – July 8, 2020

Weekly Envelopes $3,212.00

Other Parish Envelopes $1,268.00

Diocesan Envelopes $130.00

Total $4,610.00

Saint Katharine Drexel Parish Collection Report July 2 – July 8, 2020

Weekly Envelopes $2,217.00

Other Parish Envelopes $243.00

Diocesan Envelopes $203.00

Total $2,663.00

PARISH FINANCES

MASS INTENTIONS & MEMORIALS

JULY 19, 2020 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 This passage from the Book of Wisdom addresses itself to God, giving praise and thanksgiving for his mercy. Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27 Paul indicates that since people are, in general, unaccustomed to the manner of praying, of speaking directly to God, the Holy Spirit will intercede for them. Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43 According to Matthew, Jesus speaks of the “reign of God” in three parables: the man who soweth good seed, the mustard seed, and the yeast. In each parable, Jesus demonstrates that once the “reign of God” had been established, it grew and spread. HIS WORD TODAY by Rev. William J. Reilly “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groaning... But though you are master of might you judge with clemency and with much lenience you govern us... and you taught your people by these deeds that those who are just must be kind.” When we pause to pray, we are responding to the Spirit at work in us. Our bottom line should be to ask for the Spirit in our lives. How do I know that the Spirit resides in me? St. Paul tells us to look for the fruits of the Spirit. Clemency or mercy is the instrument that the Lord uses as He judges us. How fortunate we are that this is His tool. On our part, we manifest the presence of the Spirit, by kindness. No one is incapable of being unkind. It is a fruit by which to live and a gift we can always give. Consider one person to whom you can show kindness today. Then the word that is sown is at work in you. AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

CCD UPDATES FOR ASC & SKD PARISHES First Communion Classes/Confirmation Class: We are happy to announce the dates for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

First Penance & First Holy Communion St. Katharine Drexel Parish at St. James Church August 1, 2020 @ 12:30 PM: First Penance with First Holy Communion Mass to follow Ascension Parish at St. Joseph Church August 8, 2020 @ 12:00 PM First Penance with First Holy Communion Mass to follow

Confirmation Ascension & St. Katharine Drexel Parishes at St. Joseph Church August 15, 2020 at 1:00 PM Unfortunately, all celebrations are not open to the public. Social distancing protocol must be adhered to including 6-foot distancing and wearing of masks. Detailed information to the families will follow. PARISH OFFICE The Parish Office will remain staffed but will be closed to the public. If you need to conduct business, please call the office at 570-785-3838, Monday - Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Please put items you are dropping off through the mail slot at 612 Hudson Street, Forest City, PA 18421. Thank you for your cooperation. ROCK LAKE PICNIC CANCELED It is with great sadness that we have decided to cancel the Rock Lake Picnic this year. In light of the current COVID-19 Pandemic, the St. Katharine Drexel Parish Finance Council and the Picnic Committee have made this difficult decision. We do not feel we could maintain the safety guidelines required to hold the picnic and keep our workers, parishioners, family, and friends safe. Thank you for your support in the past. We look forward to seeing everyone next year.

JULY 19, 2020 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

DIOCESE OF SCRANTON CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY FUND One thousand donors! We’re so grateful to all who have contributed to the Diocese of Scranton Coronavirus Emergency Fund, whether through the Diocesan website or recent #NEPAGives event. By donor choice, more than $53,000 of the $205,000 total raised will directly benefit our parishes. As we continue to plan for a safe return to parish life, please join us in support of one of our 118 Diocesan parishes, our 19 Catholic Schools or our Catholic Social Services kitchens, food pantries, or shelters. You may make a donation online or by mail by going to https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/emergency-fund.

CEMETERY GUIDELINES As warmer months approach, we remind you of the guidelines for our cemeteries. Some points to consider: artificial flowers, wreaths and similar decorations are not permitted from April 1st to November 1st; walking and exercising of pets is not permitted; and no ATV’s, golf carts, motorbikes, skateboards, or bikes are allowed in the cemetery. A complete list of guidelines are in the churches, or contact the Parish Office. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHURCH DOORS WILL BE LOCKED AT THE START OF MASS TO ENSURE WE DO NOT HAVE MORE THAN 25% OCCUPANCY IN THE CHURCH.

Prayers for the Sick: Brother Valerian Vaverchak, James McCusker, Vickie Ravnikar, Maury Urmanec, Phyllis Flynn, Caitlyn Vauter, Susan Carpenter, Mary Connors, Joseph Paul Ignatovich, William Manko, Jr., Ann Marie Medved, Amelia Giorgano, Ella Pearson, Marian Rushen, Erin Andersen, Lydia Jones, Joelle Zukosky, Kerry Henderson, Carol Bishop, Jamie Frey, Judith Lapenta, Geri Duplatre, Bud Peter, Diane Kimberley, Michael Murnin, Tom Fitzpatrick, Brian Rock, Joe Sprovkin, Carl Poterjoy, Walter Welicka, Gerrit Vanderwell, Patricia Simpson, Ruth ”Rudy” Peterka, Barbara Scott, Mary Lynott, Kathleen Connor, Patricia Connor Mader, Joyce Skinner, Darlene Hamlyn, and Cheryl Williams. To submit a name, call 785-3838. Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them, O Lord: David C. Franceski, Frank Carra. To submit a name, call 785-3838.

JULY 19, 2020 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY

GUIDELINES FOR MASS ATTENDANCE IN THE GREEN PHASE OF OPENING **The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still suspended at this time.**

Maximum attendance is up to 25% of church capacity, as space allows, maintaining proper

social distancing at all times. Each individual must have a reservation to enter the church and attend Mass. Everyone must provide their own mask and wear it at all times. Please stay home if you are sick. If you seem ill or have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be

allowed to enter for Mass. Everyone is required to keep social-distance spacing while moving or while seated. Entrance will be through one door. For entrance, please keep social-distance spacing when

outside. After you enter you must sanitize your hands. Sign of peace and the collection process are omitted. A receptacle for the offertory/envelopes

will be placed in a stationary location. Communion will be at the end of mass. Social-distance spacing should be maintained while

walking to the Priest/Deacon or Eucharistic minister. When it is your turn to receive Communion, take the host, lift your mask, and place it in your mouth. It is highly recommended to receive communion on the hand for the safety of yourself and the Priest/Deacon or Eucharistic minister distributing communion. You will not be able to return to your pew. You must depart the Church after receiving the Holy Sacrament.

Exit will be through one door. You may not socialize or gather after mass in the church or in the parking lot.

Bulletins are not permitted in the church during this time. The Mass intentions for the week will be posted in the church. Our bulletin can be found on our website: www.apskdp.org.

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Home Credit Cards Heating Sales and Accepted Oil Service

570-785-5885

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John P. Brennan, Supervisor570-785-3500

430 Main Street • Forest City

Richard R. KresockInsurance Agency

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414 Main Street

The Red School HouseServing Steaks, Seafood & Pizza

570-448-2130Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch & Dinner

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(570) 785-9500518 Main Street

Forest City, PA 18421

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America

United Together In The Fight Against Bullying ... Don’t Just Teach Kindness ... BE KINDNESS!

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