PARISH REGISTRATIONWe welcome those who have found a spiritual home in our faith community. Parish registration is indicated by a registration (envelope) number. Registration is not to be assumed by simply attending Mass at the parish. Sacraments of Baptism and Marriage are not scheduled within six months of parish registration so evidence of practicing the Faith may be demonstrated. To register at this parish, please call the parish office.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISMThe sacrament of baptism is celebrated at any Sunday liturgy throughout the year (normally not during the season of Lent). At least one of the parents must be a registered and participating member of this parish for at least 6 months. Baptisms for non-parishioners are arranged after permission is given in writing by the proper pastor of the parents. Arrangements for a baptism can be made at any time before the birth of the child. Normally, a baptismal preparation class is required.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGEThe sacrament of marriage is arranged by meeting with the pastor. No date or other arrangements are to be made before this meeting. One of the parties must be a registered and participating member of the parish for 6 months before preparations can be made. According to diocesan policy, a date for the wedding is not to take place within 9 months of the initial contact so that all preparation and paperwork can be completed.

GODPARENTS AND SPONSORS A godparent/sponsor is to give good example of living out the Catholic faith. A godparent/sponsor is to be fully initiated in the Catholic Church, having received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. They are to, and indeed do, receive the Sacrament of Eucharist often. If there is a situation of co-habitation or marriage outside the laws of the Church, that person is ineligible to act as a godparent or sponsor. Church law states that for infant baptism, one male and one female are to be used as godparents. Sponsor certificates can only be given to those eligible and registered at this parish. Participation in the prayer life of this parish must be evident for six months before sponsor certificates are given. Less than six months will need indication from your previous parish that there was participation in the life of that parish.

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 26,

2015

SS. Cyril & Methodius

Catholic Church604 Graham AvenueWindber, PA 15963

Rev. Fr. George M. Gulash, pastorDeacon Thomas M. Papinchak

Parish Office - 814.467.7042, Email: SSCM@comcast.net

Mrs. Violet Bunk, Elementary Rel. Ed.Windber Catechetical Center - 814.467.9670

Established in 1906 for the Slovak Community.Calling all people to the Kingdom of God in 2015.

Sunday Mass Schedule: Saturday 6:00 PM (anticipated), Sunday 8:30 AM Holydays –As AnnouncedWeekdays - 8:00 AM Monday and FridayConfessions - Saturdays - 5:00 PMSeasonal Penance Services for Advent and Lent as announcedHoly Hour – 6:30 to 7:30 PM on the First Friday of each month (unless otherwise noted in the bulletin)Praying of the Rosary – 8:00 AM SundaysSSCM Office Hours — Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9:00 AM to Noon. (Deadline for bulletin announcements is Wednesday AM.) Most Tuesdays volunteer is present 9:00-3:00.

General

Instruction

Of theRoman

Liturgical Reflections…..The faithful can proclaim the sacred readings at Mass, except for the

Gospel. The person is truly suited to proclaim the reading and it’s carefully prepared. The reader’s ministry aids the faithful to conceive in their hearts the sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture. In the absence of the Deacon, the reader carries in the Book of the Gospels, slightly elevated. He or she places this book on the altar and takes his/her own place in the sanctuary. The reader proclaims Scripture from the ambo. The United States Bishops have recommended a separate reader for each reading. After the second reading, the readers return to their seats. Each faith community decides the age of the reader, the Diocese directs the reader to have received Baptism and Eucharist.The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Number 100.

Adult Envelope $ 1985.00Children Envelope $ 20.26Votive $ 16.00Miscellaneous Collections $ 511.00

Last Sunday (6/14/15) – THANK YOU!

WE REMEMBER ALL THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS: Tom Pomroy, Aggie Gumbita, Kevin Shaffer, Shirley Askey, Eric Campbell, Olga Tomchick, Pauline Yarosh, Leanne Papinchak, Lottie Smihal, Deacon Tom Papinchak, Marion Kovach, Jean Hudak, Louise Harris, Helen Cominsky, Marty Radovanic, Debra Snyder, Margaret Buben, Andrew Olenik, Sharon Wilson, Jim Gillooly Sr., Barbara Papinchak, Suzanne Simler, Barbara Zeglin, Ken Blasko, Dave Pyrich, Joan DeLusa, Jack George, Wilhelmine Baran, Pauline Kotch, Carrie Korzi, Bonnie Foster, Sonya Pekala, and all those who have no one to pray for them.

MASS INTENTIONSFor the week of July 27 thru August 2

Monday, July 27 8:00 AM (SSCM) — Barbara Horvath req. by Mary M. Shoakey

Tuesday, July 28 8:00 AM (SEAS) — Mary Yonish (anniv.) req. by daughters Shirley, Joanne, & Carol Wednesday, July 29 (Memorial of St. Martha) 8:00 AM (SEAS) — John & Susan Pekala req. by daughter Christine Kruza Thursday, July 30 8:00 AM (SEAS) — George Stapinsky (anniv.) req. by Pauline Patsy & family Friday, July 31 (Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest) 8:00 AM (SSCM) — Health & well-being of Anthony Yarosh req. by parents

18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Saturday, August 1 4:00 PM (SEAS) — Joseph Chontas (anniv/birth) req. by M/M Ronald Kermin 6:00 PM (SSCM )— Patricia Koposko (anniv.) req. by Teresa & Jason Lonesky

Sunday, August 2 8:30 AM (SSCM) — Anna Pipon req. by Janet & Lou Delgross 11:00 AM (SEAS) — Paul Zborovancik req. by nieces Val & Jean

Adult Envelope $ 1,792.00Children Envelope $ 30.75Votive $ 42.00Miscellaneous Collections $ 1,926.00

LITURGICAL MINISTERS for August 1 & 2

6:00 PM 8:30 AMReaders Harold Kolonich, O/T Marion Zurenda, O/T

Joe Felix, N/T Barb Gulick, N/T

Servers Mariah Andrews Keith CharneyLogan Constantino Kobe Charney

EOMOHC Dot Charney Will WagnerRich Opett Joan Gavalchik

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY will meet on Monday, June 15th at 10:00 AM and Monday, June 29th at 6:00 PM. The ministers gather in the former convent dining room. Everyone is welcome to come and share their talents so others may feel the warmth of our prayers. You may enter through the door off the parking lot and go through the school building to the former convent. Thank you!

WE REMEMBER ALL THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS: Tom Pomroy, Aggie Gumbita, Kevin Shaffer, Shirley Askey, Eric Campbell, Olga Tomchick, Pauline Yarosh, Leanne Papinchak, Deacon Tom Papinchak, Marion Kovach, Jean Hudak, Louise Harris, Helen Cominsky, Marty Radovanic, Debra Snyder, Margaret Buben, Andrew Olenik, Sharon Wilson, Jim Gillooly Sr., Barbara Papinchak, Suzanne Simler, Barbara Zeglin, Ken Blasko, Dave Pyrich, Joan DeLusa, Jack George, Wilhelmine Baran, Pauline Kotch, Carrie Korzi, Bonnie Foster, Sonya Pekala, Barbara Grabe, CL Turner and all those who have no one to pray for them.

Last Sunday (7/19/15) – THANK YOU!

Adult EnvelopeChildren’s EnvelopeVotive CandlesMiscellaneous

ISSUED USEDAdult Envelopes 251 138Children’s Envelopes 30 19

$1,990.00 $ 19.50$ 42.00 $ 260.05

Anyone wishing to schedule a Mass please contact the Parish Office. If you want a particular date, please check to see when that date falls, so you can contact the correct parish office to schedule. For Masses that fall on Monday, Friday, Saturday 6pm, or Sunday 8am, contact SSCM at 467-7042. For Masses that the date falls on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 4 pm or Sunday 11am contact SEAS at 467-9071.

There will NOT be a Knights of Columbus meeting in August.  Our next meeting will be September 10th and continue every month from there on the 2nd Thursday of every month.  Meeting times are 7:00 pm, Officers meet briefly before meeting at 6:45.

Knights of Columbus will be going to the Altoona Curve game on Sunday, August 2.  We will meet and carpool from St. Anthony's Parking lot at 4:45 - game begins at 6:00.  Cost is $10/ticket.  All are welcome to attend!  Please contact Brett Yonish at 244-0524 by Wednesday July 22 if interested.

Stewardship Reflections……The account of the loaves and fishes is an awesome example of Christian stewardship. We have the ability to re-create this miracle in our everyday lives—if we just share a portion of our time, talents, and possessions with others.

ST. ANDREW FESTIVAL August 8 & 9.  Delicious food, Bingo, homemade gobs, basket raffle, used book sale and games.  Wine tasting by B&L Wine Cellars.  Sat:  Jerry Intihar from 5-9PM, Johnstown Classic Clown 5-7PM; Sunday:  Ckn BBQ Dinner 11:30-1:30, Car Cruise 12-6, Rosie & The Jammers 11:30-2:30, Krazy Kat Daddies 3-6PM.  Basket Raffle begins Sunday at 5PM and Cash & Gas Drawing at 6PM.  Fun for the whole family – come join us!

DIOCESAN GOAL: $18,265.00 TOTAL AMOUNT PLEDGED: $35,097.59

TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED FAMILIES: 291 TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING FAMILIES: 93

WAY TO GO!!!! We made our Diocesan goal!! Thank you to all who have participated in the Annual Catholic Appeal. Please join them in supporting our Parish with a donation to ACA. If you do not have a pledge card, you may send your gift directly to the parish office using the form below. Thank you for your generosity. Remember, now that our goal for the diocese is met, all monies donated to the Annual Catholic Appeal will come back to our parish. Let us work towards raising the money needed to paint and repair the inside of the church. Again, Great job!!

M/M Herb Wehner

2015 ACA (Annual Catholic Appeal) Contribution Form

Name___________________________________________

Street___________________________________________

City, State, Zip____________________________________

Parish: #132 Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church

Use this form as often as you like without making a pledge. Our parish will be credited with all payments dated on or before December 31, 2015. Please make checks payable to “Annual Catholic Appeal” and place in the offertory basket or drop it off at the Parish Office. If you wish to mail it, there are Annual Catholic Appeal Envelopes in the vestibule. Thank You!

Today’s Gift $_______________ Please record this gift as anonymous.

WHO IS MY FATHERChallenging Our Images of God

DESTINED FOR GREATNESS….For centuries, theologian have puzzled and debated the topic of predestination. How do you combine the belief that God is in control of this world with our understanding of human free will? We may never be able to answer this question—at least, not until Jesus comes back! Yet in his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells us that “before the foundation of the world,” God “destined us” to become his adopted sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:4,5).

Paul wasn’t trying to solve the question of predestination here. He was merely expressing the incredible truth that God created us to love him and to be with him forever. He was showing that God is not stingy with his blessings. In fact, the opposite is closer to the truth: if we show God the smallest bit of love, he will lavish his blessings on us!

If you think about it, Paul’s words here boggle the mind. God’s goal for all of us is “adoption to himself through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5). This goes far beyond spiritual blessings. God wants nothing less than to make us all members of one large family. And he wants to do this by filling us with his own divine life!

A SPIRIT OF REVELATION….Describing this grand intention of God, Paul made it clear that each of us is God’s great treasure. He loves us all equally. What’s more, we don’t have to wait until Jesus comes again to see God’s intention fulfilled in our lives. Every day we can experience his love and live in the dignity, freedom, and security that comes from being his children.

According to St. Paul, all these blessings have the power to make us holy and blameless, even though we are weak (Ephesians 1:4). The have given us the dignity of being his sons and daughters, even though we sometimes act like children of the flesh (1:5). They have marked us with the seal of the Holy Spirit and with the promise of eternal life, even though we are sinners who sometimes feel very much bound to this sinful world (1:13-14).

God wants all of us to know about these blessings that he has poured out. And that’s why he wants to give us a “spirit of wisdom and revelation.” It’s why he wants us to know “the hope” to which he has called us. “the riches of glory in his inheritance,” and “the surpassing greatness of his power” at work in us (Ephesians 1:17, 18, 19). In short, God wants us to have an experience of him and his grace so that we will know for certain that we belong to him. Understanding these truths is one thing; having God reveal them to our hearts is something even better.

OPEN MY EYES LORD…...So how can we get a better glimpse of this revelation? How can we experience God in a way that convinces us of his blessings? One very good approach is to take on the disposition of a child. Children tend to accept everything that their parents offer them. They’re very good at being generous receivers. So be open and expectant, just like a child.

Practically, this means focusing your mind on your Father’s boundless love. In prayer, take one or more of the blessings listed in the first chapter of Ephesians, and imagine them being fulfilled in your life. Experiment with this a bit, and see what God does in your heart as you dwell on his blessings.

Perhaps you can picture yourself standing before God you Father. Like all fathers, he loves you and sees the good in you. Try to see yourself as he sees you—holy and blameless. Imagine what it’s like to know that your every sin has been wiped away, and your heart has been made clean. Imagine the dignity, self-worth, and freedom you can have as the truth of your redemption penetrates your heart. Think about the peace that you can mark your friendship because your conscience has been relieved of guilt. Try to sense God’s presence in you as you dwell on these thoughts. What is your Father saying to you? How is he looking at you right now?

Or maybe you can ponder Paul’s statement that God has destined us to receive a great inheritance (Ephesians 1:14). Imagine yourself as the son or daughter of a very wealthy man. As his heir, you are promised to inherit vast amounts of wealth. Even now, as a child living in your father’s house, you are enjoying all the benefits of his endless resources. You know that it’s but a small taste of all that is awaiting you, and you are amazed.

(cont. on the next page) The Word Among Us August 2015

St. Ignatius of LoyolaSt. Ignatius was the founder and the First Father General of the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits, and author of the Spiritual Exercises. Born in the Basque region of Spain, he joined the army and was severely wounded in battle. While recovering, he read about the life of Christ and the lives of the saints, and decided to emulate them. He laid his military equipment before a statue of Mary at the Benedictine abbey of Montserrat, and spent several months in a cave near Manresa. After making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he enrolled at the University of Paris, and he gathered six companions who would become the first Jesuits.

The 2015 Women’s Overnight of Prayer will once again be held at Antiochian Village near Ligonier. The focus for the retreat will be “Lead Me Lord.” It will begin on Friday, October 9, with registration between 5 – 6 p.m. and will conclude on Saturday, October 10, at approximately 5 p.m. Triple room occupancy (each person has their own bed) & meals is $85. Single ($125) Double ($95) rooms are also available. DAYTRIPPERS are also welcome at $20 for Friday and $25 for Saturday--this includes meals. If you have any questions or would like a registration form, please call Barb Gulick at 467-8576 or Stephanie Mihalic at 467-8189. Please join us for a weekend of prayer, reflection and sung praise. You will grow spiritually and share faith and friendship. Hope to see you there

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Does your method of family planning…strengthen your emotional intimacy with your spouse?... work with (not against) the gift of your fertility?...nurture a loving relationship with God and the Church?...increase your self-respect and growth as a person/couple? The Billings Method of NFP (www.boma-usa.org or www.familyplanning.net) is the result of decades of scientific research by medical researchers. NFP honors the Church’s respect for the unitive and procreative purpose of married love-making. If you haven’t checked out NFP, you haven’t made an informed choice. Certified diocesan instructors are located throughout our diocese. Introductory presentations to groups also available. Contact our diocesan Family Life Office, 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org

Memorial of St. MarthaMartha was the sister of Lazarus and Mary, friends of Jesus. She appears to have been a practical-minded woman, for she seems to have organized the dinner in Luke 10:38-42, and she protests when Jesus commands that the stone be rolled from the entrance to her brother’s tomb after he’d been dead for three days. At the same time, however, she is one of the few in the Gospel to profess her faith in Jesus as the Messiah: “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the son of God, the one who is coming into the world” (John 11:27). The Golden Legend records the tradition that Martha, with her sister, Mary, and brother Lazarus, fled Judea after the death of Jesus and landed at Marseilles. Martha is supposed to have traveled to Avignon where she converted many to Christianity. St. Martha is shown in art bearing the tools of a housekeeper—keys or a broom—and is the patron saint of domestic servants, homemakers, cooks, and single lay women.

WHO IS MY FATHER Continued….

OPEN MY EYES LORD cont… Now, dwelling on this image, think about the real inheritance God has promised you. Think about all the blessings listed in Ephesians, and know that they are yours. Imagine how much your Father must love you—so much so that he would gladly give you everything you would ever need!

Or you may want to meditate on the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom Paul calls the “first installment of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13). As a first installment, the Spirit is a kind of down payment that God uses to seal our inheritance. He represents God’s promise—his guarantee—to give us our complete inheritance at the appropriate time. He is a foretaste, or sampling, of what life will be like in the presence of our Heavenly Father. That means that the Spirit’s work in sanctifying us on earth is a taste of the perfect holiness that will be ours in heaven. It means that his power to enlighten our hearts and minds here is but a glimmer of the full light we will see in heaven. It means that his comforts in this life are just a hint of the complete and uninterrupted joy we will know when we see Jesus face-to-face.

As you experiment with this kind of prayer, don’t be discouraged if you feel that nothing is happening. Give it time, and God will answer you. Trust that he won’t give you a snake if you ask for a fish (Luke 11:11). Just persist in telling him that you want to receive everything he has for you. Remember too that while you do have to do some work to pray in this way, it’s equally important—if not more important—to let God do his part. Come to him open and thirsty, ready to embrace everything he wants to give you.

Pope Francis has declared that a Year of Consecrated Life will be celebrated from Advent 2014 to the World Day of Consecrated Life, Feb. 2, 2016. As part of this celebration, the Carmelite Community of the Word Sisters are offering a “Day of Discernment” Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the CCW Incarnation Center, 394 Bem Road, Gallitzin, PA. The Carmelite Community of the Word is an Institute of Diocesan Rite, primarily women of prayer, rooted in the tradition of Carmelite Spirituality, who actively engage in ministerial labors in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. The day will include communal prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, time for personal discernment and an opportunity to meet members of the Carmelite Community of the Word and explore our ministries.

For more information about this event, to discuss your faith journey, or to register for this event, please contact:

Vocation Director: Sr. Margie McGuire – 814-472-9457 or Vocation Co-Director: Sr. Linda LaMagna – 814-942-5747 Email:margiemc12@gmail.com Visit our website at www.ccwsisters.org or visit us on Facebook

Carmelite Community of the Word Day of Discernment

St. Francis of Assisi Church will sponsor a Gob Sale on Wednesday, July 29 from 3:00PM – 6:00PM in the Activity Center, corner of D Street and Barron Avenue.

Get your gobs for those summer picnics!