OCTOBER 21, 2018 – TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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PARISH STAFF

Pastor: Rev. Simione Volavola, M.S.C.

Parochial Vicar: Rev. Tony Ripp, M.S.C.

Dir. of Religious Education: Donna Sciacca

Parish Secretary: Rebecca Tirpok

Finance Manager: Carolyn Marchese

PARISH SPIRITUALITY

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm

Sunday: 8:00am & 10:30am

Mon - Fri: 8:35am

Holy Days: 9:00am & 7:30pm

CONFESSION: Saturdays 4:15pm - 4:45pm or by appointment. REGISTER: Please contact the parish office to register when you move into the parish. Only registered parishioners, in good standing, can receive a Certificate of Eligibility to act as a Godparent or sponsor.

BAPTISMS: The Sacrament of Baptism is administered on the fourth Sunday of every month. Parents are encouraged

to invite family members to the 10:30 Mass as the Sacrament of Baptism takes place immediately following the Mass. Parents and Godparents must attend an enrichment class approx. 1 month prior to the Baptism. You will need to call the Parish Office to register for this class. A Godparent must

be a committed, practicing Catholic, and if from another parish, must provide a certificate of eligibility from their pastor. This certificate should be brought to the enrichment class. A Christian of other denominations may serve as a Godparent along with a practicing Catholic.

MARRIAGE: A Saturday Mass for the Sacrament of Matrimony may be celebrated no later than 1pm. Couples planning marriage are to contact the parish office & schedule a meeting with our wedding coordinator no later than 6 months in advance of the wedding. Shorter preparation

periods must be approved by our Pastor. Couples will meet several times with the Pastor throughout the preparation process. Couples are to attend a Pre-Cana program approved by our Pastor.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Please call the rectory at anytime for the Sacrament of the Sick. Also the Holy Eucharist will be brought to the sick and shut-ins upon request to the Parish Office. We celebrate a Communal Anointing of the Sick in June, near the Feast of St. John the Baptist.

For the Week of October 22 - 28, 2018

Mass Intentions Morning Prayer in St. Joseph Chapel, Mon. – Fri. at 8:15am

Mon. – Thurs. 8:35am / Friday 9:00am

Monday: Mary Dougherty (Joan Beebe)

Tuesday: Joyce Moninghoff (Klein Family)

Wednesday: Robert Hueston (Cindy Ortiz)

Thursday: James Robert Giarratana (Gina Giarratana)

Friday: Intentions of Bill & Carol Mallon (Kathy Vinceguerra)

Weekend Masses in main Church Saturday

5pm: Parishioner’s Intentions

Sunday

8:00am: Sandy DeVito (Arlene Robbin & Judy Harbeson)

10:30am: Robert Hueston (SJB Friends)

Ministry Meetings this Week

Wed. Oct. 24: Flame of Love, 8am – Church

Following Christ, 6pm – Narthex & Marian Rm

RCIA, 6:30pm – Parish Office

Conquest, 6:40pm – Parish Hall - School

Thurs. Oct. 25: RA Confirmation Class, 11am – Marian Rm

PREP Fellowship Dinner, 6:30pm – off-site

Joint Council Mtg, 7pm – Marian Room

Sat. Oct. 27: Men of Faith, 8am – Marian Room & Chapel

Sunday Mass Collection from Oct. 14th

Collection Baskets $ 6,230.00

Online Parish Giving $ 813.15

Thank you for your generosity!

This week’s Cleaning Team is # 3:

Marion Wolf, Janet Reidler, Fred Furmaniak, Joan Harrison

Your parish Thanks You!

This weekend’s Mass READINGS:

Section 1013

Visit us at: https://www.facebook.com/Ottsville

OCTOBER 21, 2018 – TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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Gospel Reflections

from our Pastor, Father Simi

Dear brothers and sisters,

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served

but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

The Cross is Christ’s destination. His mission is

to get to the Cross. What is at the Cross? Why is the Cross

so important to Christ? Why does He insist that He must

get to Jerusalem and face the chief priests, the scribes,

elders, be killed by them on the Cross and on the third day

rise again?

The answers to this question must slowly unfold

for they consist of the deepest mysteries of God’s love for

the world, a sinful world which has since the beginning

missed the mark, the “bull’s eye” target of eternal life.

In today’s scripture readings we find more

answers to the question about the absolute necessity of the

Cross. We see in today’s gospel how our Lord refers to

His whole life, especially His passion on the Cross as a

baptism. “Can you drink the cup that I drink or be

baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"

(Mark 10:38)

We then will recall the actual baptism of our Lord

at the river Jordan. It is a sacrament reserved for sinners

who repent of their futile search for eternal life in things

apart from God. We recall John the Baptist’s surprise at

Jesus’ intention to be baptized, to be immersed in the

water’s of purification along with every repentant sinner.

That sacrament of baptism was a symbol of

Christ’s actual baptism on the Cross. It is at the Cross that

He immerses Himself completely into all of humanity’s

sinfulness, into all their weaknesses, into all their guilt and

bears it all completely on His Person.

Today’s first reading from Isaiah puts it this way,

"The LORD was pleased

to crush Him in infirmity….through his suffering, my

servant shall justify many, and their guilt He shall bear.”

(Isaiah 53:10-11.)

Today’s second reading from the letter to the

Hebrews proclaims the same, “For we do not have a high

priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet

without sin. (Hebrew 4:14.)

So we can already begin to sense that God the

Father is sending His Son to the Cross because we are the

ones who are already there? For the Roman’s the cross

was an instrument of torture for anyone who attempts to

usurp them, to take away their power to govern, to control,

to lord over them.

Have we all not been guilty of usurping God’s

place and take upon ourselves His rightful authority to

govern our lives as God? Have we not been guilty of

turning every position of leadership into opportunities to

lord it over others, to use others for our own honor and

glory?

In this way, the sons of Zebedee represent all of

us. We seek eternal life in a self-seeking power that has no

regard for others well being but our own. It is an honor

that is deathly afraid of suffering, of sacrifice for others,

but is quick to sacrifice others for one’s own glory.

The Zebedee boys and along with the rest of the

indignant apostles are already at the Cross, guilty also of

trying to replace God and His mercy for all with a self-

seeking thirst for honor and glory at the expense of others.

So we see here unfolding for us the meaning of

the Cross, the infinite love of God the Father that will not

be repulsed by the enormity of His children’s guilt for

such egregious sins of pride and arrogance against Him.

In the sight of our collective guilt He is moved

even more to compassion. He does not lord it over us but

is pleased to send His Son into that world of disobedience,

chaos and pain and immerse His Son in all, to give His

life as a ransom for all.

Like James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Christ

does not withhold from us the grace to go to the Cross

also and there be loved by Him and be transformed into

His likeness, of being self-sacrificing servants of all

people.

FATIMA HOUSE RETREAT CENTER Bedminster, PA

“A Quiet Country Retreat”

Offering Day & Overnight Retreats for Individuals

and Small Groups

Our Programs Are Open to All Monday, 7pm:

Adoration & Prayers Wednesday, 9:30am: Adoration & Prayers 3rd Sunday, 12pm:

Adoration & Prayer for Vocations

1st Saturday: 10am- Rosary, Confession Mass & Lunch

For more information or directions, please call Joan Black at

215-536-3508, or visit us at fatimahousebedminster.webs.com

OCTOBER 21, 2018 – TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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TEACH the CHILDREN

THANK YOU to all our parish families who supported

our Bake Sale last weekend. To those who baked and to those who bought...THANK YOU! Your generosity will enable us to ship our minimum goal of 150 “filled shoe boxes” to third world countries where their children have little to nothing. If you wish to see the results on the faces of those who receive these shoe boxes, visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ and click on “25 years of Highlights” at the bottom of the landing page.

Like last year, our PREP students and their families will be joined by the Conquest Group as we gather in the parish center on Oct. 29th & 30th to pack and prepare the shoe boxes for shipping.

Our next challenge...to garnish enough items to FILL THE ALL SHOE BOXES. If you would like to donate an

item or two we will have boxes on either side of the doors, inside the Marian Room starting next week for you to place your donations. We are collecting items for both boys and girls, in three age groups. Ages 2-4, 5-9, and 10-15 yrs. old.

Prohibited Items include: Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

For a list of suggest items to donate, visit: www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/

Music Teacher & Choir Dir.

Position Available NOW

The Regina Academy at St. John the Baptist in

Ottsville, PA has an opportunity for a talented,

experienced, Catholic music educator and choir director

to influence the spiritual life and music appreciation of

our students, teachers and family members. Here are the

details of the position:

The candidate must be a strong practicing Catholic, who

would see this position as a calling to make a difference

in the lives of the students and all members of the school

family.

The preferred candidate should have several or more

years of experience teaching classroom instruction and

choir direction. Experience with preparation for liturgical

singing is considered vital.

The ability to teach instrumental instruction, as the music

program develops, is a benefit, but not a requirement.

Our school is looking for someone who has a vision of a

music program for a school with 115 students in Pre-K to

grade 8. Our students are calm and well-behaved. Our

average class size is 11. Our parents are appreciative and

supportive. Our faculty is collegial and positive.

The position is for two days a week, with the potential to

increase next year.

If you or someone you know is interested in this

wonderful opportunity to be a spiritual and musical

influence in our school, please send a letter of interest

and resume to John V. Mundy, Head of School at

johnvmundy@yahoo.com.

Mr. John Mundy, Headmaster 610-847-5523 / jmundy@rasjb.org

Mr. Geoff Meyer, Dir. of Institutional Advancement 610-960-7062 / gmeyer@rasjb.org

Mrs. Amy Mattle, Admissions Director: 267-424-5762

www.RASJB.org.

OCTOBER 21, 2018 – TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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Extraordinary Year of Mission begins

October 21, 2018 to October, 2019 in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Respond to Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” Evangelii Gaudium as he invites all of us to be Missionary Disciples. Archbishop Charles Chaput is hoping everyone in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be reminded of their baptismal call to be Missionary and Missionary Disciples in this special year. By this declaration, Pope Francis is asking each one of us personally to live out the call of our baptism, to know and live the faith and to witness to the Gospel in word and deed. “Every Christian is challenged here and now to be actively engaged in evangelization. Anyone who has truly experienced God’s love should proclaim that love.” Jesus Christ himself teaches us how to evangelize, how to invite people into communion with him and how to create a culture of witness: namely, through love, mercy and joy. Christ gives us direction: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . .” Mt 28:19 Each day is the perfect time to take part in this Mission of Christ. We are called to Missionary Discipleship in concrete places and relationships of our daily lives. In light of this request by the Holy Father, Archbishop Charles Chaput proclaimed an Extraordinary Year of Mission. The weekend of World Mission Sunday and the year is dedicated to Renew the faithful’s Baptismal Call to be Missionary. For this year, what does this mean? What is being asked of you for this Year?

Pray • Support • Learn more to Tell Others

Pray one Hail Mary each day for a Missionary. Save a $1 week to help the needs of a family

living in a Mission land. This is important as most families live on $2 a week.

Learn more about the Missions and the people they serve who are supported by the Societies to tell others.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday October 27th: 3pm – 6pm

Sunday, October 28th: 11:30am – 3pm Visit the Lord’s Pantry and see how your donations

are working to feed those less fortunate within the

Palisades School District.

BRING THE

CHILDREN IN FOR A

TREAT

Sponsored by the SJB WELCOME COMMITTEE

PARISH DONUT SOCIAL

Beginning on Nov. 10th, Join us on the 2nd Sunday

of each month following

after Mass for some

fellowship.

St. John the Baptist Church

American Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, Nov. 2, 2018

2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Appointments are preferred!

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY Please contact Kate Kalevich to get signed up –

kate.wentworth@gmail.com or 267-885-3060

or visit: redcrossblood.org sponsor code: st john the baptist

ST. JOHN’S

OCTOBER 21, 2018 – TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Page 5 | 232 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Please remember in your prayers our parishioners, who are sick, homebound, in the hospital, under hospice or residential care. Susan Ackerman, Lillian Appleman, Patricia Baker, Nancy Beans, Loretta Bodisch, Patti Bucci, Anne Colyer, Charlene Cornell, Matthew Crance, Jim

Crawford, Chrissy Davis, Joy Davis, MaryJane Deutsch, Larry & Joanne Diehl, Terry Dunn, Arlene Eichlin, Marvin Eichlin, Charles Fees, Jr., John Finn, Patricia Fite, Crystal Fleck, Sarah Fleck, Thomas Fleck, Herman Fleck, Paulette Frankenfield, Claire Fratrik, Janet Galen, Kathi Gallegher, Kathleen Gaughan, Dylan Geroni, Kathy Geroni, Marie & Rosalyn Giardullo, Anna Giebler, Mary Halwski, Florence Hancharik, Bill Hejnor, Joyceann Heley, Michael Heuston, Sharon Horvath, Charles Houston, Martha Juchnowicz, Valerie Korbar, Aleena Lang, Ryan Leven, Kathy Lightkep, Marie Louzon, Charles Lutcavage, Loretta Malloy, Jill Martindell, Adelaide McElderry, Bridget McHugh, Anne McNichol, Harvey Mueller, Charlie Murphy, Emma Michael, Joseph Moore, Nancy Moreno, Lorraine Mosolgo, James O’Hanlon, Gabrialle Otero, Gary Palmer, Helen Pepkowski, Victoria Pepkowski, Nicholas Powell, Don Raman, Mike Ramos, Rachael Rice, Gregory Rickert, Joy & Teddy Rodman, Sandy Romaszewski, Sam Rothman, Frederick R. Rude,

Dolly Rutherford, Zina Sauerwine, Lana Schell, Ronald Schultz, Sr., Frank & Joyce, Mary Jane Shuman, Baby Ella Stack, Jenna Stanzio, Shane Stroup, Sean Thatcher, Baby William Patrick Thomas, Cynthia Tocci, Maddie Tomaszewski, Douglas Toner, Betty Ventresca, Helen Wall, Diane Wesoski, Maryjane Whealton, Tamara Widmer, Edward Wismer, Baby Logan Yoder, Liem Zbyszinski

Jamie Steven Ayuso, Fionna M. Boyle, Derek Brosius,

Christopher Brune, Kyle Crossland, Casey de Lauretis,

Steehly de Lauretis, Michael Froeder, A.J. Giovino, Aaron Given,

Matthew Gumprecht, Bob Hankinson, Victor Hormilla, Stephen Lindmeier,

Jason Litschauer, Cory Litzenberger, Dan O’Connor, Jonathan Pucci,

Dusty Rhodes, Craig Russell, Don Valdez.

THANK YOU FOR SERVING &

PROTECTING OUR FREEDOMS.

Ministry Schedule

October 27 & 28, 2018 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Extraordinary

Minister

Lector

Altar Server

Music

SATURDAY

5PM

Peg Glancey Cathy Leidtke Leona Russell

Need Volunteer

Jane Ferry

Brigid Froman Danny Froman

Emily Saab

Liz Torgerson

Fred Furmaniak

SUNDAY

8AM

Nancy Kaczinski Kevin Murphy

Donna Nice Bea Romaszewski

Helene Bell

Tommy Loughran Natalie Nice

Violet Williams

Susan Middleton Choir

Sue Rogers

SUNDAY 10:30AM

Gerri Belsito Joan Black Jim Black

Wendy DeGroot

Laura Fleck

Joseph Gonzales-Fleck Brickston Vinal

Emily Vinal

? Karen Parash

Thursday, Nov. 1st All Saint’s Day

9am

Jackie Litzenberger Ron Watson

Need Volunteer

Ward VanHaute

Audrey VanHaute Caius VanHaute Need Volunteer

Liz Torgerson Fred Furmaniak

Thursday, Nov. 1st All Saint’s Day

7:30pm

Frank Balbirer Cathy Leidtke Leona Russell

Sean Lynch

Brigid Froman Danny Froman

Joseph Gonzales-Fleck

Laura Fleck Karen Parash