MISSION STATEMENT We Worship ~ We Teach ~ We Care

5112 Pocono Crest Road Mass Schedule: PO Box O Saturday 4:00 pm Pocono Pines, PA 18350 Sunday 8:00 am & 10:30 am 570-646-6424 Saturday Confessions 3:00 pm March 22, 2020 Please note: We apologize for any confusion 4th Sunday of Lent regarding some of the activities mentioned in this bulletin. They may have been suspended and or re-scheduled. Please call the office if you have any questions.

GOSPEL MEDITATION “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” Jesus wants to motivate each one of us to see the truth. After developing a relationship with Jesus, the blind man “sees” as someone very special. The Pharisees, due to the blindness caused by their ignorance, prejudice, and need for self-preservation, still remain blind. Presuppositions, prejudices, assumptions, and our needs can easily blind us to truth. We see what we want or need to see and not what is really there. In When Jesus hears that they had thrown him out, addition, our stubbornness continues to convince us he found him and said, “Do you believe in the that we are right and that our vision is perfect. Only Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, God can complete the picture. sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, Look around at our world. So much of what is “You have seen him and the one speaking with happening today is due to the reluctance of folks to you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” allow themselves to be stretched and brought to see and he worshiped him. ~John 9:35-38 what is really there. Many react to what life presents to them more with the lenses of ignorance than lenses of clarity. The Gospel carries great transformative value. With it, God corrects our vision and replaces St. Maximilian Kolbe our limited sight with the fullness of his sight. God Parish Staff opens our eyes so that we can see that it is not about preserving what we have created but of living in the Reverend Sean G. Carpenter immensity and wonder of God’s kingdom. ~ Pastor Through a simple, loving relationship with God, we can break through the tethers of prejudice, eradicate Deacon Frank Gisoldi fear, dispel the darkness of hatred and sin, discover Deacon Tom Amoroso freedom, live in peace, work for justice, be effective stewards of creation, assist the migrant and the Melissa Laverty immigrant, and safeguard our economic systems and Pastoral Associate ~ [email protected] Coordinator of Religious Education policies so that they truly serve all of God’s children. What we see is often an artificial lie. Our truth is Juli Reese much bigger than what our limited sight believes it to Office Manager ~ [email protected] be. Allow God to work in and through you. Do not be John Marcinkowski, Jr. afraid. Be open and be humble enough to know that Coordinator of Music ~ [email protected] you need help. Many human beings are living with severe cataracts that produce sight that is at best Visit us on the web @ www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org blurred. Are you one of them?

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US Wednesday, March 24th The Annunciation of the Lord The Celebration of the Solemnity March 21st through March 29th of the Annunciation of the Lord commemorates the visit of the Saturday 4:00 pm Kevin Colvin angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary by Marion Colvin to inform her that she was to be Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners the mother of our Savior. After giving her consent to God’s 10:30 am Christopher Madere word, Mary conceives Jesus in her by Marybeth and Greg Landry womb and becomes the mother of Christ by the Monday 9:15 am Bernadette Hughes power of the Holy Spirit. God becomes incarnate in by Joan Rineheimer & Frank McDevitt the womb of a woman, and “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14). Tuesday 9:15 am Ken Miller by The Family Wednesday 9:15 am Helena Leonard by Anna Butryn and Family Thursday 9:15 am Patricia E. McFadden Saturday: Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14 by Knights of Columbus #13752 Sunday: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41 Friday 9:15 am Communion Service Monday: Is 65:17-21; Jn 4:43-54 Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Jn 5:1-16 Saturday 4:00 pm Anne Marie Alcamo Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 by Nat Alcamo Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Jn 5:31-47 Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday: Ez 37:12-14; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 10:30 am William H. Binns Jr. by Bill and Eileen Binns

9:15 am mass will still be celebrated when we have a funeral mass that day.

Confessions -Saturday 3 pm

First Friday Adoration held after 9:15 am Communion Service each month.

Sunday Collection 3/08/2020………………. $ 4,202. Capital Collection…………………………... 508.

Thank You for Your Generosity

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US Parish Life DAILY MEDITATION FOR CATHOLICS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FAITH FORMATION If you would like to receive the monthly publication UPDATES AND REMINDERS The Word Among Us, annual subscriptions are Important Reminders: available for $20 per year, beginning in Lent. The Students in grades 6-8 are encouraged Word Among Us includes daily meditations based on to bring a snack or lunch to class the Mass readings and inspirational essays and stories following the 10:30 a.m. Mass. of the saints and other heroes of faith that encourage PLEASE NOTE: THE TIME FOR you to go out and live the Word. To purchase a copy, CLASSES FOR GRADES 6, 7 AND contact Melissa in the parish office. 8 IS NOW 11:30 A.M.-12:45 P.M. Important Dates: THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU Please Note: All Faith formation classes are The light is on for you at St. Maximilian temporarily suspended. Patents of students in Kolbe Parish every Monday during Lent, programs have received emails explaining the plan after 9:15 a.m. Mass, as the church is open for the coming weeks. for individual Confessions. We invite you to A Meeting for Parents of First Communion Students experience Christ’s healing love through the will be Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the parish Sacrament of Reconciliation. hall. The First Communion Retreat will be held Saturday, JOIN US FOR OUR PARISH March 28, at 10 a.m. LENTEN ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES A Meeting for Parents of Confirmation Candidates  Every Wednesday During Lent will be Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. in the parish hall. Stations of the Cross is held each The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at Wednesday after 9:15 a.m. Mass and St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish on Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m. 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Our celebrant will be the Most  Sunday, April 5, 7:30 p.m. Reverend Joseph Bambera, Bishop of the Diocese Living Stations of the Cross of Scranton. Practice for Confirmation will be This prayerful presentation of the Stations of the Cross Thursday, April 23, at 6 p.m. will be presented by members of all ages of The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. celebrated at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish on Sunday,  The final Lenten Take Home Dinner will be May 3, 2020 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Friday, March 27, from 4-6:30 p.m. The Last Day of Faith Formation Classes is Sunday, May 3. REMAINING AREA LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES SCRIPTURE STUDY FOR COUPLES Lenten penance services continue through early April Our parish would like to begin a Scripture Study in Monroe County: group for Catholic married couples. If you would be  Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m.: Most Holy Trinity, interested in attending this study, contact Melissa in Cresco the parish office at 570-646-6424 or by email at  Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m.: Our Lady of Victory, [email protected]. If enough couples are Tannersville interested, the study will begin this spring.  Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m.: St. Luke’s, Stroudsburg LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE… meets on Tuesdays  Sunday, March 29, 4 p.m.: Our Lady Queen of at 10:15 a.m. in the parish hall. Using both videos and Peace, Brodheadsville written materials, this program is designed to help  Tuesday, March 31, 7 p.m.: St. John’s, East bring Catholics to a greater understanding of the Bible. Stroudsburg During Lent, the group is studying Life Eternal. For  Monday, April 6, 6 p.m.: St. Matthew’s, East more information, call or stop by the parish office. Stroudsburg ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US Parish Life Parish Life MEMBERS AND VISITORS There is more power in the pulpit OF ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE when there is more power in the pew. Recently, the Most Reverend Joseph Bambera (Dr. S. Kerr) issued notice regarding the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. The faithful of the Diocese of

Scranton are not obligated to attend. Our parish will celebrate mass according to our If one part suffers, schedule for those who wish to attend. every part suffers with it; The faithful are encouraged to receive the if one part in honored, Sacred Host in the hand; until further notice every part rejoices with it. Saturday Confessions will not be held unless ~1 Corinthians 12:26 requested by appointment. We will follow the Quotes from “Footprints” by Margaret Fishback Powers example of the local school district and limit all parish activities and meetings until further notice. This includes all Lenten activities and the final Take-out Dinner which was scheduled To find out more about our for March 27th. Finally, all Faith Formation Parish Community and what we offer classes will be temporarily suspended. Go to our website: Our prayers are with everyone and we look www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org. forward to resuming normal activities.

If you have not received an email or were unable to view the full letter from our Pastor, Fr. Sean, it can be seen on our parish website: Stmaxkolbepoconos.org (click on About, Bulletins, then March 13 2020)

Jay Crandall ~ Bill Gleason ~ Richard Snell The statement made by the Bishop Bambera, of the Kim Maria Giganti ~ Fr. Ed Kearns ~ Jennifer Royall Diocese of Scranton, can be viewed online at Deacon Frank ~ Joan Harrigan dioceseofscranton.org (information is on home page) Samson Colborn ~ Bette Jayne Kovich Jamie Nderitu ~ Maurice Berger ~ Sal Rullis Bill Goodwin ~ Msgr. Fitzpatrick JoAnn Berger ~ Ryan Miller ~ Frank Ware Cathy Valente ~ Fr. Anthony Urban ~ Jenyl Moody John Mercer ~ Joan Mercer ~ Patricia Langevin Lynn Shelley ~ Josephine Papa ~ Katherine Krais Katie Scully ~ Theresa Lockyer K of C Meetings are suspended until further notice Chrissy Johnson ~ Michael Dembinski ~ http://knights13752.webs.com/ ……..And For All Members, Family and Friends that ~Facebook: Knights of Columbus Pocono Pines are in need of Prayers, Lord Hear Our Prayer.

Hospital Visits - Due to the Health Insurance Portability Bulletin submissions can be emailed and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the parish is unaware to Marion Colvin at: [email protected] when a parishioner is in the hospital. If you or a loved one Please submit two weeks prior to publication date would like a hospital visit from Father Sean, contact the otherwise we cannot promise publication date desired. parish office to make arrangements. ~ Thank You

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US Parish Life Parish Life

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH Year of Saint Joseph This year marks the 150th On the 150th Anniversary of the Declaration Anniversary of Pope Pius IX’s of Saint Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church decree naming Saint Joseph, O Good and Holy Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and foster-father of Jesus, as the foster-father of Jesus, Patron of the Universal Church. In and patron of the Universal Church, commemoration of this anniversary we beseech you to hear our humble petitions. and recognizing the fitting time for As the guardian of Mary and Jesus the Church to invoke the who trusted in God’s plan, intercession of this guardian, His we seek your intercession Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. to protect the Church from all evils. Bambera ha s declared this year as a As a loving spouse to Mary, “Year of Saint Joseph” to be we ask you to teach us purity of heart. observed in the Diocese of Scranton from March 19, 2020 to As a nurturing foster-father to the child Jesus, March 19, 2021. Bishop Bambera states, “Just as Saint we implore you for a greater respect Joseph watched over and protected the Lord Jesus while he towards all human life. was on earth, we need Saint Joseph to watch over and And when our earthly life nears its end, provide for the Church today. His intercession on behalf of we pray, that, like you, the Universal Church is vital as the world faces so much we may have a happy death upheaval and pain, and particularly as it confronts the and welcomed by Jesus and Mary uncertainty and pain of the coronavirus epidemic.” into the eternal joy of heaven. Bishop Bambera invites all of the faithful to renew their O Saint Joseph, our guide and patron, devotion to Saint Joseph during this commemorative year, pray for us. and to seek his powerful intercession to safely guard the Church from all evils, just as he protected the Holy Family Week of March 22, 2020 from harm. Please look for future opportunities and resources to celebrate this year in your parish and on the Diocese of Scranton website: dioceseofscranton.org. and Sanctuary Light type in St. Joseph in the search box. Available on the In Honor of Fr. Edward Kearns website are many resources pertaining to the year of by Peggy Bostwick St. Joseph, including a nine-day Novena.

May 1st is the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker Bread and Wine For Victims of Abortion

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK Seeing is much more than just a function of our eyes. We can look at something with clear vision but not really Altar Flowers see it. Often what we think we see is colored by our No Flowers during Lent presuppositions, prejudices, assumptions, and needs. We judge things by appearance, but God looks into the heart. God’s sight has a much wider range and far greater depth. Receiving things or people just based on appearance can lead us to erroneous and hurtful judgments. We think we are “THY WILL BE DONE.” seeing clearly, but we are not. Allowing God to restore our Matthew 6: 9-13 sight so that we can truly see is a worthy goal for our Lenten If said sincerely to God daily, choice by choice, journey. Look within and look without. What do you see? Allow God to complete the picture for you. Ask Him to give this can change our life! What could be safer than you the insight to look into someone’s heart. Don’t draw to be in the will of God? What could be more hasty conclusions or presume you know the truth. Be open fulfilling than to be exactly in the center of His and humble enough so that you can receive the sight that will? only God can give. “Not my will, but Thine, be done.”

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US Parish Life

Prayers for Military We welcome new parishioners. and Government Service If you would like to join St. Maximilian, registration forms may be found in our HA Valerie Novak ~ Sr. Airman Charlie Maldanado church narthex and in the parish office or Alston Smart, Jr.~ Eugene Maslar, Jr if you prefer, you can register online at Sgt. Matthew Price ~ 1st Lt. Mark Gaido www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org. Airman Patrick Alminde ~ TECH Sgt. William D. Olsen You may also call the parish office Seaman Nicole Beckman ~ Cpl. John P. Bramley (570-646-6424) and we would be happy to send you a Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr. ~ PFC Joshua Bruner registration form. Major Thomas M. Smith ~ S Sgt. Amber Keppol 2nd Class Petty Officer DC2, Jeffrey Royall Sgt. Andrew Malave ~ Sgt. Matthew Ponce PARISH OFFICE HOURS: SPC E-4 Lars Hicks ~ Lance Corporal Kevin Horoszewski Sunday: 9 am to 10:15 am ITSN Grace Fruauff Monday thru Wednesday: 9 am to 2 pm Lord, hold our troops in you loving hands. Thursday: 9 to Noon Friday: Closed

Around the Diocese “MEN, SAVE THE DATE! The 6th annual Diocese Refresh Your Faith of Scranton Men’s Conference will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Holy Redeemer High Catholic Women’s Conference School in Wilkes-Barre”. June 20, 2020 VILLA OF OUR LADY RETREAT HOUSE University of Scranton, Byron Center is in need of volunteers to help in the dining room and www.cwcnepa.com 570-872-8630 kitchen during weekend retreats. Please call Sister Sponsored by the Diocese of Scranton Josandra for more information at (570) 839-7217. 2020 Catholic Charismatic Conference Ecumenical Bereavement Support Group Fri, Sat., Sun., July 31, Aug 1st & 2nd Meets Monthly at St. Max at the University of Scranton (suspended until further notice) Go to scrantonccrconference37.homestead.com It is not necessary to be a member of St. Maximilian or call 570-344-2214 for more information. Kolbe Parish in order to attend. The format is open After April 1st registration forms will be available at the and ongoing and the content of the meeting is selected Bulletin Board of the www.CCRSSCRANTON.ORG to address the needs of those present. Anyone who has Meals on Wheels Volunteer Drivers Needed experienced a loss due to death, divorce, or separation Can you spare 2-3 hours once a month to deliver meals is encouraged to attend. Through the use of audio, to the homebound in the Tobyhanna/Tunkhannock visual, and printed materials the group offers Twshp. areas? information about the stages of grief and the If interested, call Sue Snell @ 570-646-7163 or Linda emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual effects that at the Meals on Wheels office @ 570-424-8794. may be experienced by those who are grieving. For directions or more information, please call FOOD PANTRY NEWS : Five Loaf House Lynnette at 839-9346 or 570-242-6165, or email her at 133 Fire House Rd., Pocono Pines [email protected]. Distributions are to qualified persons & families only on the 2nd Monday of the month and the Tuesday following that New Monday Hours: ~8:00 am to 11:00 am; Monsignor McHugh School is having an ~12:00 pm to 2:00 pm; ~2 pm to 4 pm. by appt. Open Enrollment for PreK-8th grade. & Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Call today for a tour and see what GREAT things we Food Donations are accepted on Mon/Tues only, are doing. 570-595-7463 from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. or call 570-646-7456.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US