St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Francis of Assisi

Our Mother of Perpetual Help (A Secondary Mission Church) ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH AUGUSTBRADFORD, 22, 2021 PA

As we listen to Saint Paul’s letter in today’s reading, we can say that he is a product of his time and many of us would like to erase his remarks from the Bible and history. We cannot erase, we cannot change. What he has said, he has said. We are reminded that we, too, are a prod- uct of our times. So then, how do we look at it with the sensitivity of the age that we now live in? In one sense, his words have been evolving.

In hearing that “wives should be subordinate to their husbands, as to the Lord”, the word that jumps out at us the most is the word “subordinate”. It likely makes most of us shudder. At first glance it seems like a game of one upmanship, as in one person ranks higher than the other. But in truth, he is going much deeper than that. “For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church.” In those years, we have to remember that a woman had no special status in the culture. However, Christ is the model for how a husband and wife are to treat each other. Moreover, how we are all to treat one another.

If we look back to the Garden story in the Book of Genesis, from the very beginning there was equality between man and woman. “This one at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman’ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken.” (Genesis 2:23) Adam is declaring that woman (Eve) is his partner not a subordinate. Somehow, we have forgotten that.

So Paul uses human marriage in comparison to the relationship of Christ and His Church. As we have heard elsewhere in the Scriptures, we have heard it said that Christ is the groom and we are the bride. As Paul says: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” That is also the bond that we have with Jesus, we become one flesh. Just as there is in marriage a partnership; there is a partnership with us and Jesus in the Church. It is a mystery of a man loving his wife like himself and a woman respecting Christ in him, that equates to Christ’s love for the Church. As Paul concludes the passage that we COMMUNITY BLOOD BANK hear today; so, would I: “This is a great mystery, but I speak in The Blood Bank will be available reference to Christ and the church.” in the St. Bernard Gymnasium God bless, Fr. Ray Monday, August 23rd 12:00 Noon until 5:00 pm Parish Office Hours Beginning Monday, August 16th through Religious Education Third Grade Teacher Needed Friday, August 27th (2 weeks) our office Classes will begin in September and are held every other hours will be 8 - 4 on Mondays and 9:00 Sunday. This person will help to prepare children for First am to 1:00 pm Tuesday - Friday. We will Communion. Clearances will also be needed. Call the Par- return to our normal hours on Monday, August 30th. ish office if you can fill this need.

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTIONS

St. Bernard - Needed Weekly: $ 4,745 August 15 ..……. $4,949

2021 SB CSA Assessment……………$ 34,619 SB 2021 CSA Collected………$ 36,532

St. Francis of Assisi - Needed Weekly: $ 3,952 August 15 .….….$1,640 2021 SF CSA Assessment……………$ 22,249 SF 2021 CSA Collected………$19,025

OUR PARISHES THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AUGUST 22, 2021

UPCOMING MEETINGS WELCOME Catholic Women: Sunday, September 12th - see below Baptism - August 15, 2021 Rosary Altar: TBA Payton Anne Dillon K of C #403 : Tuesday, September 14 @ 7 pm - SB Office Jordon Lockwood Dillon

Bradford Catholic Community Members ~ Looking for fellowship? ~ Want to see a familiar face? Then you will want to come to WELCOME The Tri Parish Catholic Community Gathering Baptism - August 7, 2021 Once a month EVERYONE: Men, Women, and Families are invited to spend less than an hour Jolene Burger Balkovic REJOICING, REFLECTING NEW PROGAM AT ST. BERNARD CHURCH AND RECONNECTING St. Bernard parish is looking to pilot a Sunday School pro- With others from our parishes gram this fall. Kids under 5 can gather during the 10 am DATE: September 12, 2021 mass and participate in a child-friendly Bible story, crafts, TIME: After 10:00 Mass songs, and more. If you would consider using this service PLACE: Fr Leo Social Hall for your kids, or are a woman of the parish (moms, aunts, PURPOSE: Rejoice, Reflect, grandmas!) who would consider volunteering, please con- Reconnect tact Ruby Morris at 740-632-4717. We are hoping for a Come see what this gathering handful of parishioners to get started and will then schedule is all about! an informational meeting. Note: all child-safety clearances Sponsored by will be in order before this program can commence. the Catholic Women’s Club.

To St. Francis Parishioners: Beginning with your August/September envelopes, you will notice a change. In order to centralize the DIOCESAN SPECIAL COLLECTION purchase of envelopes and take advantage of a great promotion, we have contracted with Our CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA Thank you for your generous support last week Sunday Visitor to provide our offertory envelopes. for the collection for the Church in Latin America. The weekly envelope will look like this: Your contribution will be used to share the faith with our brothers and sisters in Latin America and the Caribbean, so they, in turn, can share the Good News with others. If you missed the collection, it’s not too late to give! Visit www.usccb.org/latin-america and click “How to Give.” Your gift makes a difference!

Special collection envelopes will be in different col- ors to help differentiate them from St. Bernard’s. If STANLEY E. PECORA, JR. & you have any questions or need to change any ERICA L. MILLS, ATTORNEYS AT LAW mailing information please call the parish office. PLEASE GIVE THEM YOUR SUPPORT! AUGUST 22, 2021 OBLIGATION TO ATTEND MASS ON FAMILY LIFE SUNDAYS AND HOLY DAYS Even though many found the teachings of Jesus “difficult”, He did not back down. In our families, it is important to say REINSTATED BEGINNING AUG. 15 what is difficult to hear, to speak the truth with kindness, to Although parishioners have been enjoying the opportunity to correct with love and guide with understanding. return to Mass in increasing numbers since pandemic re- strictions have eased, the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania Parenting Pointers — including Bishop Lawrence Persico — are making it offi- If your kids are of school age, it will soon be time to return. cial. As of Aug. 15, 2021, the Solemnity of 21st Sunday In Most schools will be different post pandemic – even if it Ordinary Time, the dispensation from the obligation to at- means going back to almost normal. Of course you’ll talk tend Mass on Sundays and holy days will be lifted. As al- about this, but also listen – to what they’ve learned during ways, the obligation does not apply to those with serious 2020-21 and what they fear. illness or health risks, as well as their caregivers. MARRIAGE MOMENTS Whether or not you’ve been able to take a vacation this past summer, you can still dream. If money were not an issue and you had the time, where would each of you love to go? You don’t have to agree right now. This is just fanta- sy time.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES REP classes will begin September 19, 2021 for grades 1 - 7 and meet at the Father Leo J. Gallina Social Hall on Sunday mornings from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm.

REP classes for grades 8 - 11 will begin September 26, 2021 and also meet at Father Leo J. Gallina Social Hall Sunday evenings from 5:45 pm - 7:15 pm will begin Sep- tember 26, 2021.

Registration packets are available in the parish office and the back of the churches. Please be sure to take the appro- priate grade packet. They are labeled for grades 1 - 7 or 8 - 11. Grades 1-7 need only one packet per family. Grades 8 - 11 you will need one packet for each student.

REP Coordinator Kim VanHorn will be in the parish office on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm dur- ing the month of September to answer questions and hand out forms. AUGUST 22, 2021 AUGUST 22, 2021

BULLETIN INFORMATION MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING BY NOON ON FRIDAY 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BULLETIN DATE.

Bright Alternatives walk for Life will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Hamlin Lake MEMBERSHIP: All Baptized Catholics should be registered, practicing and supporting members of a in Smethport. More information will be future Parish. Only properly registered members appear bulletins later. To make a pledge or to walk for on our parish list and are eligible to receive the this very worthy cause, call Joyce Geis at benefits of parish membership for sacraments. Each (814)362-6117. There are also informational parishioner is called upon to practice good fliers in the churches. The Walk For Life is stewardship of time, talent and treasure. If you are one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and not currently receiving envelopes, you may not be registered. Call the Parish Office - we would love to one we always look forward to. This is a family meet you! event; everyone is invited to participate even if they cannot do the physical walk. The day MARRIAGE: Couples need to contact a priest at least six months before their wedding. Registered includes activities, prizes, and food! Fun for all and active participation needs to be considered ages. More information can be found at before marriage. https://brightalternatives.org/walk/ We welcome all inquiries about the Catholic faith. This RCIA process begins in the fall of the year. Please call the Parish Office for further information.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Please call PASTORAL STAFF: the Parish Office to request the Sacrament of the Rev. Raymond C. Gramata, Pastor Sick for family members who are seriously ill. Rev. James Gutting, Senior Associate Communion for the sick is taken to the hospital, OFFICE HOURS: nursing homes, and the home-bound on a regular Monday thru Friday: 8 am to 4 pm basis.

(Now OPEN through lunch hour) BAPTISM: Both parents must attend the Pre- Wendy Thomson, Office Manager Baptism Preparation Program. Please call the St. Lisa Kuret, Administrative Assistant Bernard Parish Office for dates and times of MASS SCHEDULE: Please consult bulletin upcoming class. Baptisms are scheduled after

CONFESSIONS: completing the program. Call the Parish Office to St. Bernard — Saturdays from 4:30 to 5 pm before schedule the class and baptism. Godparents must be 5:15 mass, Thursday before First Friday at least 16, confirmed and active, registered from 4:30 to 5 pm. members of their parish. St. Francis — After 9 am mass on Saturdays.

Private appointments may be made by calling the Liturgical Parish Office (362-6825). Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors

Organist St. Bernard Rita Bennardi REP Coordinator: Kim VanHorn Organist St. Francis Michael Hicks Students not attending Catholic school should be Resurrection Choir Joan Raabe enrolled in REP programs. The Bradford Catholic God’s Housekeepers Parish Office Community Religious Education program meets at Liturgy Fr. Raymond C. Gramata

follows: Parish Community Grades 1-7, 11:00 am every other Sunday morning Parish Council Fr. Raymond Gramata at St. Bernard in Fr. Leo Gallina Social Center Catholic Women’s Club Teri Everett Grades 8, 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation), 5:45 pm Rosary Altar Society every other Sunday evening Telephone Prayer Chain Natalie Marasco (598-5565) at Fr. Leo Gallina Social Center For more info call the parish office 362-6825 Cover photos of churches by LongArt Photography MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES AUGUST 28 - 29

Saturday: SB 5:15 pm Lector: Peggy Johnson EM: Dick Williams

Monday, Aug 23 Servers: Cooper & Peyton Haight/Bella Davidson SB 8:00 am The Fenstemaker Family (Joan Mansour) Sunday: SF 8:00 am SF 9:00 am George Schaming (Joyce Schaming) Lector: Joyce Schaming Tuesday, Aug 24 EM: Deb Woodley SF 9:00 am Nick Schiappa (Family) Servers: Samantha Soyke Wednesday, Aug 25 SB 10:00 am SB 8:00 am Elvira Pascarella (Mariann Pascarella) Lector: Patricia Demjan Thursday, Aug 26 EM: Volunteer SB 8:00 am Betty Sullivan (Fr. Steve, Diane & Mike Servers: Ward Kennedy/Volunteer Schreiber) OM 11:30 am SF 9:00 am Frank & Antoinette Camas DeAmbrose (Family) Lector: Mike Kozminski Aug 27 EM: Dawn Kozminski SB 8:00 am Parishioners Servers: Jacob Hannah Saturday, Aug 28 SF 9:00 am Anna Mae Place (John & Debbie Place)

SB 5:15 pm Mary Cuthbertson (Ron & Julie Johnson) PRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTS Sunday, Aug 29 Please Pray for the Following Priests SF 8:00 am Dominic Cavallero (Richard & Ann Cavallero) Sun, Aug 22 - Rev. John J. Detisch SB 10:00 am Florence & Frank Stavish (Fran Nickel) Mon, Aug 23 - Rev. Philip M. Oriole OM 11:30 am Angelina & Sylvio Vecellio (Nellie Vecellio) Tues, Aug 24 - Rev. Marc J. Solomon

(Weekly confessions: Saturdays after 9 am St. Francis Mass Wed, Aug 25 - Rev. Robert A. Manning and at 4:30 pm before 5:15 pm St. Bernard Mass) Thurs, Aug 26 - Rev. Thomas E. Brown Fri, Aug 27 - Rev. Joseph C. Gregorek Sat, Aug 28 - Rev. William J. O’Brien GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERS Our beloved housekeepers have been retired! We have enlisted volunteers from Futures, Inc. to take over the cleaning of St. Bernard Church. Please thank these volunteers, when you see them for their years of service! Thomas Ackley, Virgil Anderson, Mary Beth Behan, Paisley Behan, Barb Bernheisel, Theresa Bond, Barbara Boser, READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 29, 2021 Bonnie Buccolini, Gigi Carroll, Dominic “Frank” Cavallero, Annie Champagne, Gerry Cierpilowski, Dick Clark, Melissa Sunday: Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b/Ps 34:2-3, 16-17,18-19, Cox, Billie Cummins, Paul & Marianne Curcio, Charlotte 20-21, 22-23 [9a]/Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32/ Cuthbertson, Denise Douthit, Richard Douthit, Alliyson Jn 6:60-69 Feldman, Stepheny Franco, Pat Geary, Chip Giordano, Pat Monday: 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10/Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and Girard, Rick Grandinetti, Paul Hamer, Jill Henry, Craig 9b [cf. 4a]/Mt 23:13-22 Johnson, Lilly Keesler, Judy Keenan, Mary Keesler, James Tuesday: Rv 21:9b-14/Ps 145:10-11, Kibby, Bill Kline, Craig Kloss, Mason LaBrozzi, Shirley 12-13, 17-18 [12]/Jn 1:45-51 Lerch, Elizabeth Lindemuth, Don Long, Paula Louk, Jude Wednesday: 1 Thes 2:9-13/Ps 139:7-8, Luke, Anita Magnetti, Barbara Matto, Chester Meyer, 9-10, 11-12ab [1]/Mt 23:27-32 Mariana Militelo, Joe Monago, Lou Monti, Christy Moyer, Fran Nickel, Mary O’Connell, Pete Palumbo, Dom Piganelli, Thursday: 1 Thes 3:7-13/Ps 90:3-5a, 12-13, 14 and John Pockey, Dan Popiel, Courtney Prentiss, Mary Rea, 17 [14]/Mt 24:42-51 Angela Rimer, Steve Schmidt, Judy Signor, Steve Skaggs, Friday: 1 Thes 4:1-8/Ps 97:1 and 2b, 5-6, 10, 11-12 Hailey Smith, Alex Tingley, David Tominez, Matthew [12a]/Mt 25:1-13 Whelan, Beckett Whitney, Corrine Wilson, Donna Whitford, Saturday: 1 Thes 4:9-11/Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9 [9]/Mt 25:14-30 Christine Yeager, Ron Yeager, Lisa Zurat & those affected Next Sunday: Dt 4:1-2, 6-8/Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5 [1a]/ by Covid-19.

Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27/Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 May they be strengthened by the healing presence of God’s Spirit.