Church of the Good Shepherd
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Address: 867 Gray’s Woods Boulevard Port Matilda, PA 16870
Phone: Church Office: 814-238-2110 Pastor: 814-238-6114 Faith Formation Office: 814-238-0649 Fax: 814-238-3484 Email: Parish Office: [email protected] Faith Formation: [email protected] Youth Retreat Facilitator: [email protected] Bulletin: [email protected] Deacon Jack Orlandi: [email protected] Facility Manager: [email protected] Facility Rental Coordinator: [email protected] Financial Administrator: [email protected]
Website: http://goodshepherd-sc.org/ Pastor: Fr. Charlie Amershek Youth Retreat Facilitator: Elaine Scutti Deacon: Jack E. Orlandi Facility Manager: Jeff Sowash Deacon: Michael A. Ondik Facility Rental Coordinator: Jim Maund Director of Faith Formation: Amy Timan
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Vol. 33 No. 43 OCTOBER 25, 2020
Matthew 22:34-40 It is the presence of God in another that makes such a one my sister or brother. All the world is kin. We are connected. We are family — and divided only by our sin.
Question of the Week The question of the week invites the parish community to share faith by reflecting on and discussing Sunday’s Gospel throughout the week.
Adult In a practical sense, what is one thing that would change in your life if you loved your neighbor as yourself?
Child Why is it hard sometimes to love your neighbor?
From the Pastor’s Desk
“love the Lord, your God with all your heart. Soul and mind; love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: I’m available for Confessions on Saturday afternoons from 4:15-4:45 at the picnic table under the portico. That’s really a nice place to sit and contemplate. We can safe distance at the picnic table…We hope that sin will not be infectious or contagious, but that forgiveness will be! If it’s too chilly outdoors, we’ll move confessions indoors.
TO THE WIDE WAITING ARMS OF THE LORD: We extend our prayerful sympathy to Kristi Fisher on the recent death of her uncle, Gerald Jones. This is the third death in Kristi’s family since last November. As her Parish family, we pray that her faith will give her peace.
I LOVE YOU AND YOU ARE MINE: We congratulate Tim and Lauren (Fogelsanger) Cooper on the birth of their daughter, Ella Elizabeth. Ella is being baptized here this weekend. May she learn from our Parish how to love God with all her heart, and how to love her neighbor as herself.
MORE NOTES FROM FATHER GREG BOYLE’S BARKING TO THE CHOIR: “Paradise is not a place that awaits our arrival, but a present we arrive at. A place, in fact where we are already in. When we expect that moment, we grow more confident that we will be “tooken on a ride” to see it. How many chances a day are we given to recognize this…an opportunity to practice sacred presence? Smack dab, right in front of our eyes. We miss so much “now” because we are rushing to “next”.
THREE TO GET READY: Please make time to read the following Scripture Passages for next Sunday, and reflect on the questions that follow. (Reading Revelation 7:2- 4, 9-14) “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress: they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.” Of the many religious practices you perform, which ones make you feel closest the Lord Jesus? (Reading 2 1 John 3:1-3) In this time of the Pandemic, what hope does your faith in God inspire? (Reading 3 Matthew 5:1-12a) It might be a great way to internalize the Eight Beatitudes by praying them: Lord, help me to become poor in spirit, to acknowledge that I really need you. Lord, help me to sincerely mourn my failures to love you. Etc.
THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL SOULS WILL BE CELEBRATED AT A MASS HERE ON MONDAY, 2 NOVEMBER AT 7:00 P.M. Come and remember with us!
From Your Social Justice Committee
PUTTING OUR FAITH INTO ACTION
“What faith teaches about the dignity of the human person, about the sacredness of every human life, and about humanity’s strengths and weaknesses help us see more clearly the same truths that also come to us through the gift of human reason. At the center of these truths is respect for the dignity of every person. This is the core of Catholic moral and social teaching. Because we are people of both faith and reason, it is appropriate and necessary for us to bring this essential truth about human life and dignity to the public square. We are called to practice Christ’s commandment to ‘love one another.’” (Faithful Citizenship) May we pray for one another to use our faith and reason in discerning in what way our vote best supports Christ’s commandment to respect and care for each other throughout life and above all, “to love one another.” As we heard in Exodus if someone cries out, the Lord says, “I will hear him, for I am compassionate.”
QUESTIONS ABOUT VOTING? Go to https://www.pa.gov/guides/voting-and-elections
Important Dates for the November 3 General Election
October 19 at 11:59 p.m.: Was the deadline to register to vote or update voter registration for the general election..
October 27 at 5 p.m.:
Deadline sign up to vote by mail ballot (mail-in or absentee ballot). Deadline to vote early in-person.
November 3: Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last day to return your mail ballot: By mail: Your mail ballot must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day and received by your county’s election office by 5 p.m. on November 6 to be counted. In-person: You must return your mail ballot to your county’s election office or other designated location by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Parish Events
STATE COLLEGE ON-LINE MARKET will be located at Good Shepherd starting November 6th, & running through the winter months. Many of the vendors are the same as those who have been at the Farmers Market located in the Home Depot parking lot. You can view their products (such as vegetables, meat, fish, soups, organics, etc) & place an order online at statecollegemarket.com. Orders will be available for contact- free pick-up on Fridays from 11AM-1PM. Additionally, some of the vendors will be here for walk-up sales. Contact Jim Maund if you have any questions.
AT HOME WITH THE WORD 2021 – This yearly resource for Sunday readings is available for purchase once again for a discounted price. The Liturgical Year starts on the First Sunday of Advent, which falls on November 29th t this year. This small but powerful book is a convenient way to prepare for the weekly readings to enrich your experience of liturgy. At Home with the Word guides you to a deeper understanding of the Sunday Scriptures, providing the readings for this liturgical year, insights from Scripture scholars, and action steps. (Additional reflection questions and action steps for families, Christian Initiation, and adult faith-sharing groups may be downloaded from the LTP Website.) The book also includes prayers and citations for weekday readings. Our discounted price is $7 (save $2 on the regular price.) Pick up your copy in the Gathering Space or call the Parish Office to arrange purchase.
INTERFAITH HUMAN SERVICES IN NEED OF FURNITURE IHS is looking for donations to fill their nearly empty storage space. Specific current needs are beds, dressers, sofas and dining room sets. Appliances are always needed. If you have items you can donate, please contact the Parish Office at 814-238-2110 for more information. Good Shepherd is one of 27 faith communities comprising Interfaith Human Services.
We ask our Parish Community to please pray for the children and young people from Good Shepherd who are preparing for sacraments this year, especially those beginning preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion, and our 11th graders who are continuing their preparation for Confirmation.
SINCERE THANKS
Financial Stewardship for the 2-week period October 5th through October 16th, 2020. We appreciate your continued generosity during these challenging times.
Sunday Offerings $ 11,317 Holy Day $ 70 Building Fund Donations $ 2,350 Catholic Register $ 8 Autodraft/Online Donations $ 13,305 Diocesan Collections $ 75 Facility Use/Rent $ 4,093 Faith Formation Registrations $ 2,925 Fall Lottery . $ 120 Miscellaneous $ 129 Total Collections $ 34,392
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION – 30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A person’s basic worth does not come from anything less than God’s unconditional and respectful love for all of His children. We fulfill the commandment to love our neighbor when we exercise good stewardship, joyfully sharing our gifts of life, abilities, and resources to meet our neighbor’s needs. Good stewardship is an offering to God that in some small but real way mirrors Christ’s own life, and a way to return the Father’s great love.
The adage that is attributed to Saint Francis, “Preach the Gospel, and use words if necessary”, shows others that as good stewards we have taken to heart the deepest part of God’s message, to love our neighbor as our self. This week think about how your actions show others that great love. If they don’t how can you change that? (Catholic Update, Seven Secrets of Success Stewards, See stewardship as a spiritual act, St. Anthony Messenger Press, August 2002)
BEGINNER GENTLE YOGA CLASS Join us on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. in Agape’ Hall. Masks and social distancing will be required and enforced. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Office at 814-238-2110.
PRAYER CHAIN Please contact the following parishioners with any prayer intentions: Ellen Jankowski – 814-231-0213 Mary Petersen – 814-238-2209 Marge Carline – 814-238-3119
PLEASE CONSIDER HOG FATHERS FOR PICKUP DINNERS Hog fathers of State College, long-term renters of our facility, are still working and catering out of our church kitchen. They are doing PICK UP orders out of our church on THURSDAYS ONLY from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. If you would like to order some delicious Hog father’s BBQ, please call them at their store number (814-231-1227) or owner Glenn Kunig’s cell number (814-571-3393). Please be sure to call at least 2 days in advance with your order. You may visit their Facebook page for more information on the menu available.
FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING A PANDEMIC As a parish we have overcome many challenges. Together our community will rise to meet this current challenge as well. As we move through the next few weeks, you may find yourself needing additional support to navigate the uncertainty and changes you may be experiencing. Focusing on self-care and mental wellness are essential every day, but particularly during a crisis or an unexpected life change.
Here are some suggestions to improve your mental wellness:
1. Ask for support when you need it. Offer support when you can. (From a distance.) 2. Engage in activities that you enjoy such as gardening, reading, crafts, home-improvement, etc. 3. Take care of you: exercise, drink water, take medications on time, get lots of rest, organize your surroundings, use deep breathing (lots of apps available), practice mindfulness, etc. 4. Shift your thinking. The words we use matter. For example, saying “I am safe at home” instead of “I am stuck at home” changes your perspective of the situation. Create a gratitude list to remind yourself of the blessings in your life. 5. Challenge yourself to respond to the changes rather than react to them. 6. Create a daily action plan to increase your focus and sense of accomplishment. 7. Use your FAITH (suggestions ~ read the Bible, use meditation books or websites, ARISE Together in Christ, listen to the homilies on the GS website, participate in Sunday mass via Zoom, watch/ participate in a Mass on TV, have an active prayer life including praying the Rosary. If you are struggling with your mental health and need to speak with someone, many local counselors are now providing Telehealth Services. If you want to be connected to counselors in our community, please call Good Shepherd’s Parish Office at 814-238-2110, leave a brief message with only your name, phone number and that you are interested in mental health information. You do not need to provide an explanation on the voicemail. A trained mental health professional - and Parish member - will return your call ASAP. If you need immediate support call the local Centre County Crisis Line 1-800-643-5432 (provides mobile crisis intervention services if necessary). A walk-in center is available 24/7 at 210 E. College Avenue.
Other resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-274-8255, available 24/7. For hearing impaired 1-800-799-4889.
Chat online with a counselor at
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
If you are at risk of hurting yourself call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room where you will be supported and cared for by trained specialists.
Be well and may God hold each of you in the palm of His hand.
FAMILY CORNER Our congratulations to the following couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries this coming week:
Floyd & Nancy Mattie Oct 25 Michael & Mary Meier Oct 27 Matthew & Amanda Conrad Oct 26 Daniel & Terri Merdes Oct 30 Stephen & Anita Fiore Oct 27
PRAYER SHAWLS To request a Prayer Shawl or for more information, please contact Marge Bennett at 814-234-7284 or Lynne DeLuca at 814-234-4654.
PRAYERS AND SQUARES QUILT MINISTRY Do you know someone who would find comfort being wrapped in a prayer quilt? Prayers and Squares would be honored to provide you with one. Our quilts are appropriate for anyone experiencing physical, emotional, spiritual, or any other life crisis. For more information about the Prayers and Squares Ministry or to request a prayer quilt, please contact either Karen Kearney at [email protected] or 814-238- 6866 or Michelle Spiering at [email protected] or 814-235-1282.
ADDRESS OF SEMINARIAN Some parishioners have asked for Seminarian Jacob Gindhart’s new address to send a card or note of encouragement and support. Jacob agreed to share it with our parish and it is as follows:
Jacob Gindhart St. Mary’s Seminary 5400 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210
Thank you for keeping Jacob in your hearts and prayers.
Faith Formation News
Congratulations to our Oct. 24th First Communion Group:
Mila Allen Ellorie Downs
Paige Brainard Anthony Hill
Aiden O’ Brien Christina Pietracinni
ELEMENTARY FAITH FORMATION Grade 2: ZOOM session Nov. 2 at 6:30pm and Nov. 16 at 6:30pm
FIRST RECONCILIATION RETREAT FOR ALL 2ND GRADERS:
Nov. 7th 9am-11am in PARISH HALL
First Reconciliation Ceremony: Nov. 20th at 7pm
***ALL GRADES PLEASE CHECK EMAILS FOR UPCOMING ADDITIONAL ZOOM INVITES!!!
FAITH FORMATION
Our home-based program for this year is on line using Pflaum publishing’s “Gospel Weeklies”. These lessons are liturgically based and use the gospels as the foundation for each lesson. Please contact the office if you haven’t received your materials yet. Please watch your email for a Nov. ZOOM CHECK IN invite!
Faith Formation News, cont’d.
10TH AND 11TH GRADE FAITH FORMATION
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR SERVICE PROJECT SELECTION IMMEDIATELY SO WE CAN BEGIN PLANS FOR ROLLING THESE OUT!!!
10th Grade: Self-study assignment is due by Dec. 6th. Check email for a Nov. ZOOM CHECK IN INVITE!!
11th Grade: ***PLEASE NOTE: Our Virtual Confirmation Retreat has been rescheduled for Jan. 16 and Jan. 17, 2021. This is a mandatory retreat necessary for Confirmation.
October is a great month to renew your understanding of the Rosary in your household. Need a refresher? Check out: http://tinyurl.com/GSRosary
HALLOWEEN means the eve of All Saints (All Hallows’ Evening). The feast was brought to this country by the Irish immigrants in the middle of the 18th century. The Celtic New Year was November 1. Before becoming Christian, the Celts believed that on New Year’s Eve the god of the dead released the souls of those who had died during the previous year so they could return to their homes and spend one last night enjoying the company of their families. They were welcomed to the family hearth and treated to refreshments. For those wandering souls who had no family to return to, the Celts built fires at the crossroads and put out food and drink. We can see in these practices how our “trick or treating” started. The Irish Christians continued celebrating this ancient feast with warmth and hospitality in memory of their dead. And, Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, we still celebrate all the lives of people we know and love who have passed from this earth and now live with God in heaven.
Area Events
ADULT CHILDREN OF AGING PARENTS (ACAP) SYMPOSIUM – Registration is now open for the 2020 ACAP Caregiver Symposium: ‘Welcome to My World: The Challenges of Dementia Caregiving’, featuring Teepa Snow, world renowned dementia care expert. Happening online Friday, October 30th, from 1:00 to 3:45 p.m. If interested in attending, please call Good Shepherd’s Parish Office at 814-238-2110 and request an email with the registration link. You will also find information about the symposium and the registration link on the Good Shepherd Parishioners’ Facebook page.
THE HAMER COMMUNITY DISASTER FUND – Available to help those who are facing financial struggles as a result of COVID-19. Types of support will include, but are not limited to:
Rent, mortgage payments Hotel stays for emergency shelter Food Utility bills Medication costs Childcare costs
If you are an individual seeking assistance, you must call Centre Helps at (814) 237-5855 to be referred to the organization that can best help you with your specific needs. Only non-profit organizations will be able to apply for this funding on behalf of an individual.
If you are a non-profit organization inquiring on behalf of someone in need, please refer to the Hamer Fund Process Instructions that your agency received via email from Wendy Vinhage. If you do not have instructions, please contact Centre County United Way at (814) 238-8283.
https://www.ccunitedway.org/hamer-foundation-community-disaster-fund
Diocesan Events
A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE – OCTOBER 18, 2020: TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY – (MT 22:34-40) – In today’s gospel the Pharisee was talking about commandments (something we are forced to obey by external pressure) and Jesus was talking about love (an internal exhortation to give our heart, soul and mind to another). One demands allegiance, the other requires personal commitment. In our families we daily lay down our lives for each other not because we “gotta” but because love compels us. by Bud Ozar
A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE – OCTOBER 31, 2020: HALLOWEEN – It is cute when children pretend and dress in costumes but it is sad when adults hide behind false identities. In our families we don’t need to pretend because we are loved, accepted, affirmed, appreciated for whom we are, and not for whom we want to be! by Bud Ozar
FREE FOOD GIVEAWAY – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Helping Hands Committee is having a Free Food Giveaway every Saturday during October in the church parking lot. Anyone can drive thru and get a box of food that contains milk, cheese, protein, fruit, and vegetables. The farmers sell food previously destined for restaurants/schools and bulk purchasers to distributors, preventing waste. These distributors partner with USDA to package then transport to non-profits to give out. 9:00-11:00 a.m. or until supplies run out. Please spread the news so no food is wasted!
COLLEGE AND YOUNG ADULT MEN – an opportunity to discern your vocation is being made available via the convenience of Zoom. Every Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. join others in an organized discussion about different aspects of prayer and vocational discernment. We will use the book “To Save a Thousand Souls” which can be ordered for FREE by going to GoPriest.com and selecting “free resources.” If you are interested, please contact Fr. Peter Crowe at [email protected] to receive the zoom link. There is no commitment or pressure, just an opportunity to be with others, at least digitally, to gather in prayer, and have a good discussion that could be very helpful. If we don’t know about a vocation, it is not possible to properly discern it. We need good men to say yes to our Lord. Could that man be you? Come and see!
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS – Lord Jesus Christ, shepherd of souls, who called the apostles to be fishers of men, raise up new apostles in your holy Church. Teach them that to serve you is to reign: to possess you is to possess all things. Kindle in the hearts of our young people the fire of zeal for souls. Make them eager to spread your kingdom upon earth. Grant them courage to follow you, who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life; who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
ANOTHER PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS – O God, we earnestly beseech Thee to bless this diocese with many priests, brothers and sisters, who will gladly spend their entire lives to serve Thy Church and to make Thee known and loved. Bless our families. Bless our children. Choose from our homes those who are needed for Thy work. Mary, Queen of the Clergy! Pray for us. Pray for our priests and religious. Obtain for us many more.
2020 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES DRIVE Vocations The annual Catholic Ministries Drive in our diocese supports 14 ministries. One area of Church life where the CMD has a direct impact is VOCATIONS. Currently, five men are in training to become our future priests and many others to become deacons. To educate one seminarian costs $100 per day. It takes 5 to 8 years of seminary study to become a priest. Our seminarians benefit from loans and scholarships, but they also need your support. In 2019-2020, the diocese allocated $182,168 to help our seminarians with tuition, room and board, books, and health and living expenses. Ignite Your Faith and others by supporting the Catholic Ministries Drive today. Mail your gift to the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, P.O. Box 409, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648; place in your parish offertory; text: CMDAJ to: 555888; or donate online at www.dioceseaj.org/giving
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Crispolo Bloom 883-3346 [email protected] Diane Bremer 237-9439 [email protected] Marlene Gillan 880-3671 [email protected] Robert Hoffman 280-0941 [email protected] Thomas Parrish 308-8183 [email protected] Liz Reese 404-0358 [email protected] John Switalski 574-1823 [email protected] Fr. Charlie 238-6114 [email protected]
FINANCE COUNCIL
Jean Brownstead 441-7896 [email protected] Chris Capparelli 574-7367 [email protected] Krista Capparelli 574-2180 [email protected] Jim Cordell 231-0576 [email protected] Frank Gatto 571-2168 [email protected] Bob Kubat (765)586-7101 [email protected] Carmine Scutti 424-7297 [email protected] Brandon Zlupko 574-3110 [email protected] Fr. Charlie 238-6114 [email protected] Ex-Officio Member: Theresa Hawbaker 238-2110 [email protected]