Maria Goretti Church Reverend Seth Wasnock, Pastor Reverend Dr. Imbrogno - Deacon 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin, PA 18702 Telephone # 570-655-8956 / Fax # 570-655-1746 email: [email protected] www.stmariagoretti-laflin.org

 WELCOME  SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM  A warm welcome is extended to all who visit our faith Baptisms are scheduled by appointment. community. We hope you have received a warm greeting Please call the Parish Office at 5706558956.  as you entered our church today for worship. Carry our ROSARY   blessings home with you and be a light to your family.  The Fatima Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet are recited PENANCE/RECONCILIATION each Friday morning after Mass (except on the First Friday  Every Saturday 3:30PM4:00PM; First Friday’s from of each month). We invite men and women to join us in  8:30AM to 9:00AM or anytime by request or appointment. these beautiful acts of charity.  Please do not hesitate to approach Father Seth at any time  concerning your desire for confession. FIRST FRIDAY  A Holy Hour with Benediction, Exposition and prayers is ST. MARIA GORETTI NOVENA held the First Friday of every month 8:00AM  9:00AM.  Every Wednesday following the 8:00AM Mass. Confessions are offered from 8:30AM TO 9:00AM OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 2:00PM May 2, 2021 M Fifth Sunday of Easter PASTORAL NOTES SCRIPTURE INSIGHTS: When he brought Saul to the Apostles, told the story of how in Damascus Saul “had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.” The phrase “spoken out boldly” uses a form of the Greek parrhesia, often translated in the New Testament as “boldness.” It combines the words for “everything” (pan) and “speaking” (rhesis). Words spoken with parrhesia say everything there is to be said. Parrhesia suggests the act of communicating ideas directly, bluntly, without elaborate logic and vague metaphorsN plain speaking.  Parrhesia suggests not so much a talent of speaking as a habit of speaking candidly, born of honesty and simplicity. The word also came to be used for the inner attitude of confidence that lay behind this practice of plain speaking. Intimate friends and family nor- mally speak with parrhesia because they can speak without shame or fear of embarrassment or recrimination.  Preaching the Gospel with parrhesia was prized in the early Church as strong evidence that the Holy Spirit had certified one’s authenticity as a . This is what Barnabas saw in Paul. It is also something Luke himself saw and admired in the apostle, as we can see in his stories of Paul’s courageous speaking in the latter half of Acts. Paul himself once described the effect of this gift of bold- ness. When he found himself poised to receive a Roman sentence of death, he wrote confidently: “with all boldness [parrhesia], now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20).  These uses of parrhesia help illumine the theme of confidence in prayer in today’s other texts. John’s letter says that Christians who act in love receive new assurance of God’s love that swallows up selfcondemnation. Freedom from selfcondemnation in turn nur- tures courageous boldnessJohn uses the parrhesiain prayer to God. This creates the confidence that we have received whatever we ask for from God. The passage from John’s account of the Gospel grounds this confident prayer in the indwelling life of Jesus (John 15:7).  LITURGY AND LIFE: Spend time in your yard or take a walk to notice the plant life emerging from the ground and budding on vines. Give thanks for the wondrous glory of God’s creation.  LIVE THE LITURGY (Inspiration for the week): Anyone familiar with gardening knows that proper and timely pruning is essential. The health of the plant depends upon it. An unpruned tree can quickly produce suckers that zap many of the essential nutrients from its body. Pruning requires patience and vision. Studies reveal that plants often respond defensively to being pruned, displaying reactions that are similar to hurt or discomfort. Pruning is not easy but necessary. A hard lesson for us to learn is that we also need to be pruned. We become far healthier when we allow God to stretch, refine, and form us into the best version of ourselves. The fruit that then comes from our vines will be more abundant, nutritious, and robust. Left to our own devices we can easily find ourselves running amuck and spiral- ing out of control. Without a proper vision and trust in the Master Pruner, we will never find the contentment we desperately desire. Nor will the work of the Gospel stand a chance of succeeding.  PENANCE/RECONCILIATION: Every Saturday 3:30PM4:00PM or anytime by request with appointment. Please do not hesitate to contact Father Seth at any time concerning your desire for confession. N.B.: Father Seth will also be hearing Confessions during the First Friday Holy Hour beginning at 8:30am and ending at 9:00am.  QUESTIONS OF THE WEEKNINVITE PARISHIONERS TO REFLECT AND RESPOND TO SCRIPTURE

First Reading: Luke tells us how the conversion of Saul (Paul) and the acceptance by the disciples of him helped facilitate peace in the Church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. What do you think is needed to bring about peace in our Church today?

Second Reading: John teaches his community that believing in Jesus and loving one another is the heart of God’s commandment. How would you assess yourself in following this twofold command?

Gospel: Using the metaphor of a vine and branches, Jesus urges his disciples to “remain in me” in order to bear good fruit and thereby glorify God. What would be some examples of “good fruit” that you have produced? RE: PROLIFE MOTHER’S DAY CARNATION SALE (The ProLife Center in WilkesBarre will not be conducting the ProLife Carnation Sale this coming Mother's Day weekend.)  "Due to the Pandemic we have lost our major FundraisingDrive, 'The Mother's Day Carnation Sale.' Any donation to help keep the ProLife Center in WilkesBarre open would be greatly appreciated.  Thank You." Sincerely, Betty Caffrey, Director (5708261819) Pennsylvanians for Human Life, 31 Hanover Street, Wilkes Barre, Pa. 18702 May 2, 2021 M Fifth Sunday of Easter Weekend of April 2425, 2021 EXTRA COLLECTION Sacrificial Offering   $3,290.00 LAST WEEKEND  APRIL 2425 Easter 110.00 Thank you for your generous support of last week’s Diocesan Collections  Catholic Home Missions Appeal. As a parish, we  Care & Education of Priests 182.00 raised $386.00 to help strengthen the Church at home  Catholic Home Missions 314.00 and ensure that the Gospel is spread across the United States. If you missed the appeal, it’s not too late to  give! Just visit www.usccb.org/homemissions. Thank you for your continued generosity in supporting your parish. LEBANESE A LA CARTE TO GO Sunday, May 16th starting @ 11AM  Corner of Park Ave & Dana Street, WilkesBarre GRAY MERIT AWARD A la carte menu: APPLICATIONS DUE NEXT FRIDAY, MAY 14 Kibbeh Nayeh $6 Arras Kibbeh (fried) $6 Each year we offer the Monsignor Gray Merit Award Green Beans & Rice $6 to our high school seniors. Letters have been sent out Grape Leaves $5 to all our students who are seniors this year with an Hummus $4 application for this award. If you are a 12th grade stu- PREORDERS ONLY by May 8th *Bake Stand with Assorted Lebanese Desserts dent from St. Maria Goretti Parish and did not receive *Proceeds to Benefit Aid to Lebanon a letter with the application, please contact the parish Contact: Lisa 5705074193 office at 5706558956.  Cynthia 5704063661

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP  RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS Branching Out Isn’t Always What It’s Cracked Up to Be “That’s a really beautiful tree branch. Man, would you look at the bark on that thing? The others are real duds, but that lowhanging branch has really got it all together.” I’ve never heard anyone say this. Maybe I just need to hang out with more arborists, but I can’t recall ever hearing someone admire the particular beauty of a single branch. When someone comments on a tree, it’s usually the whole tree N perhaps a visual element of it, like the color of the leaves or its height. But people don’t usually zero in on one branch. Maybe that’s because usually, if one branch is looking a little weak, chances are every other branch is, too. The Bible tells us that when we bear fruit as good everyday stewards, it is for the Father’s glory. We are the branch on His magnificent tree. What we have is from Him, and what we do likewise points back to Him. We also tend to reflect how well the other branches around us are incorporating the nutrients coming their way. That’s all fine and good in theory. In practice, it can be an arduous exercise in humility. When I do something virtuous or charitable or kind, there is a part of me that wants to stand out for it. I think that’s true for all of us. We’ve given of ourselves in some way or overcome some human temptation to accomplish a little bit of good in this world, and even though we know God sees us, we’d really love for everyone else to see it, too. It’s a struggle, for sure. But we need to remember that our fruit belongs to the whole tree.NTracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF May 2nd, 2021 Sunday 5/2: Acts 9:2631/Ps 22:2627, 28, 30, 3132 [26a]/1 Jn 3:1824/Jn 15:18 Monday 5/3:  1 Cor 15:18/Ps 19:23, 45 [5]/Jn 14:614 Tuesday 5/4:  Acts 14:1928/Ps 145:1011, 1213ab, 21 [cf. 12]/Jn 14:2731a Wednesday 5/5: Acts 15:16/Ps 122:12, 34ab, 4cd5 [cf. 1]/Jn 15:18 Thursday 5/6: Acts 15:721/Ps 96:12a, 2b3, 10 [3]/Jn 15:911 Friday 5/7:  Acts 15:2231/Ps 57:89, 10 and 12 [10a]/Jn 15:1217 Saturday 5/8:  Acts 16:110/Ps 100:1b2, 3, 5/Jn 15:1821 May 2, 2021 M Fifth Sunday of Easter

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter to Host Lighter Side Mega Prize Bingo and More Fundraiser EPITAPH (In a Cemetery in England) Sunday, May 16 • 3 to 7pm 

Event Will Include Prizes Valued at $100 and More, Remember man, as you walk by, Basket Raffle and 50/50 Raffle to Benefit the Shelter’s Pet Medical Fund As you are now, so once was I, As I am now, so shall you be, The event, which is produced by Designer Purse Bingo Event Planners, will include 16 Remember this and follow me. games, four specials, and one door prize game with prizes valued at over $100 including  overnight stays at various destinations. There also will be a basket and gift certificate raffle, To which someone replied by writing on the tombstone: a 50/50 raffle, and food for sale.  Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at To follow you I'll not consent, www.tickettailor.com/events/lchf/409777 or at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Until I know which way you went. Rd., Clarks Summit. Good Samaritan Tickets For more information, please send a message to the “Griffin Pond Prize Bingo” Facebook The Good Samaritan tickets are tickets purchased and donated by event page or contact Jackie Galvin, development and communications director for Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, at 570-586-3700 ext. 522 or email [email protected]. Infor- women for women who want to attend the conference but budget mation also is available at www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com. concerns are preventing them from doing so. If you or someone you know would like to reserve a Samaritan ticket just contact All proceeds will benefit the shelter’s pet medical fund. All event guests must wear masks Cecilia Carr by Phone at (570)4302735 or email and adhere to social distancing guidelines. [email protected]. The Conference is fast approaching so, don’t delay! Tickets are limited and are on first come first serve Griffin Pond Animal Shelter was established as the Humane Society of Lackawanna County basis. in 1938 to provide shelter for homeless, unwanted, and abused animals. The shelter cares for more than 200 animals on a daily basis. As a non-profit organization, Griffin Pond Ani- Come and Refresh your Faith…with Merciful Love! mal Shelter does not receive any assistance from government agencies or subsidies from Cecilia Carr other institutions. The shelter operates on donations from the community. For more infor- CWC Committee Member mation about Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, please visit www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com. (570)4302735 or [email protected]

CELEBRATE YOUR 25TH OR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WITH BISHOP BAMBERA AT ST. PETER’S CATHEDRAL In Loving Memory On June 6th, at 2”30PM, Bishop Bambera will celebrate Mass with all who are celebrating their Silver or Golden wedding anni- John Baran versary during the year 2021. If your special anniversary is hap- Regina Baran pening this year, you are invited to attend. Attendance is limited Eileen Hoban Clancy due to the safety protocols for coronavirus. Reservations are re- quired. Contact Anthony N. Colonna https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/parishlife/community/marriage/ Elizabeth Colonna enrichment/wedding:anniversary massjune62021. James L. Conlon, Jr. James A. Dougherty William J. Emmel The Sunday Mass Robert Faber Mary & Martin Gallagher Family James J. Giamas Walter & Celestine Gottlieb Stanley Harenza Thomas L. Mahle Weekly Sunday Mass video available each weekend on Cheta & Mario Malvizzi our website at www.stmariagorettilaflin.org, our Fa- cebook page and YouTube channel. Feel free to con- Helen Marykwas tact the office with questions. Leonard & Gen McHale  Chester & Mary Pietras Giuseppe Rinaldis ST. MARIA GORETTI Mr. & Mrs. William Shea & Michael P. Yazurlo ST. MARK  PRAY FOR US! Monday, May 3, 2021  Philip and James, Apostles Michael S. Imbrogno, M.D., F.A.A.P. 8:00am William & Veronica Leo by Family Phone: 570-822-7070 Fax: 570-822-9468  FREE DELIVERY 3 Oak Center • P.O. Box 1736 Tuesday, May 4, 2021  Joe Albert • 570-299-5150 www.albertspharmacy.com Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-1736 NO MASS  Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Arcaro & Genell 8:00am Fred Stegmuller by Frank & Joan Magdalinski Restaurant & Catering  - Parish Center Caterer - Thursday, May 6, 2021 www.arcaroandgenell.com NO MASS Call Lisa Sutter at  Friday, May 7, 2021 570-457-5555 8:00am Charles & Helen Cavelle &   Pauline & Ray Verdine by Marian Verdine “We’ll  Always Be Saturday, May 8, 2021 Here To 4:30pm The People of the Parish Serve You”  825-3435 Sunday, May 9, 2021 1-800-GIANT12 9:30am Mother’s Day Novena Mass 1345 Highway 315, Wilkes Barre 

SANCTUARY CANDLES  FOR THE WEEK OF  MAY 2, 2021 IN LOVING MEMORY OF  † Albert Nardone by Henry & Lorraine Rodeghiero

Welcome to our newest parishioners Andrew & Elyse Holter and their daughter, Avery

MOTHER’S DAY 

INTENTIONS This month will honor mothers we are still blessed to have; and prayerfully remember those who have gone on before us. Envelopes presented with these intentions will be placed in our memorial pillar located adjacent to the altar of reposi- tion (next to tabernacle), where they will remain for the month of May. A novena of ‘intentioned masses’ will be celebrated during the month with them being remembered.

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PARTY TENTS • TABLES • CHAIRS • DANCE FLOORS ST. MARIA GORETTI J. PACIOTTI BANQUET CENTER Wedding Receptions • Bridal & Baby Showers Certified Public Accountant Family Reunions & Anniversaries Business Meetings & Corporate Events Plaza 315, 1094 Route 315 Sports & Club Banquets Wilkes-Barre, PA Seating For 25 to 250 Guests DRY CLEANING Great Rates & Plenty of Parking 823-8855 11 N. River St., Plains, PA Al Forlenza • 383 N. Main St., Pittston www.stmariagoretti-laflin.org www.agtentrental.com 570-655-8956 • Laflin Rd., Laflin, PA Fax: 823-9521 570-822-1180 A&G Tent Rentals / Dente’s Tent & Rentals

It’s time to get ready for Spring! TRIPLE R GARDENING MAINTENANCE 225 Spring Street, Wilkes-Barre Lawncare, Trees, Bushes, (570) 824-9177 Toll Free: (800)366-0843 Asphalt Repairs & Much More. Senior Citzen & Veteran Discounts! Paper • Chemicals • Glassware 1-408-690-6831 China • Smallwares

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