St. Bernard of Clairvaux St. Francis of Assisi Our Mother of Perpetual Help (A Secondary Mission Church) ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH BRADFORD,AUGUST 8, 2021 PA To get discouraged or down in the dumps is normal, none of us can escape the possibility of feeling that way. In the first reading, that is what Elijah, the prophet, is experiencing. He pictures himself as a failure because the people are ignoring the words that God has given him to say. Basically, he is tired of fighting with them and making no progress. But as the reading continues, God does not give up on Elijah. He sends an angel and provides him with food for the journey to the mountain of God. There, Elijah is rejuvenated by God and goes back to the people to continue the work of God. In the gospel, like Elijah, Jesus is meeting with more and more opposition to His message. The people had a hard time ac- cepting Jesus for who He was. For the most part they only saw Him as the son of Joseph and Mary. They saw Him as One who could feed them on a regular basis, as evidenced by the multiplication of loaves and fishes twice. He too got discouraged at times, that is why He went up to the mountain to pray for solace and comfort from His Father. The He would come down and continue the work. Like Elijah and Jesus, we too become discouraged and down in the dumps, it is part of being human. We like to have things run smoothly in our life. Yes, at times it does seem dark with no way out. It is at that time we have to stop and regroup. We are not lost; we are not abandoned. God is there with us in our darkness. It is a time to remember the “Footprints in the Sand” poem by Margaret Fishback Powers: In a dream sequence, the author saw himself walking along the beach with Jesus. Later, when he looked back, he noticed two sets of footprints, then one set, then two sets, then one set, and so on. He asked the Lord why He would leave him during his most trying times. But the Lord responded: “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. Never, ever during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” So, when things seem depressing and hopeless, remember that that is when Jesus has you on His shoulders. On another note…. I’d like to call your attention to the new railings in front of St. Bernard Church made possible by your generous giving. St. Francis also has had some roof repairs done to stop the nuisance leak. Your contributions to CSA and to the regular weekly collections have made these repairs possible. As you can see, we have already met our CSA assessment for St. Bernard and are less that $5,000 from meeting it at St. Francis. Remember, that any overage stays with the parishes and helps us to pay for special projects like the above mentioned. Thank you all so very much! God bless, Fr. Ray LAST WEEK’S COLLECTIONS DIOCESAN SPECIAL COLLECTION St. Bernard - Needed Weekly: $ 4,745 CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA August 1 ..……. $ 6,411 The Office of Diocesan and International Missions reminds 2021 SB CSA Assessment……………$ 34,619 everyone to contribute to the Aug. 14-15 Collection for the SB 2021 CSA Collected………$ 36,102 Church in Latin America. For many in Latin America and the Caribbean, a rising secular culture, difficult rural terrain and St. Francis of Assisi - Needed Weekly: $ 3,952 a shortage of ministers all present obstacles to practicing August 1 .….….$ 3,296 2021 SF CSA Assessment……………$ 22,249 the faith. Your support for the collection provides lay leader- SF 2021 CSA Collected………$18,610 ship training, catechesis, priestly and religious formation, and other programs. Please be generous to this special col- OUR PARISHES THANK YOU lection. FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AUGUST 8, 2021 UPCOMING MEETINGS Catholic Women: TBA Rosary Altar: TBA K of C #403 : Tuesday, August 10th @ 7 pm - SB Office "Jesus Christ Superstar" presented by the Olean Commu- Bradford Catholic Community Members nity Theatre and the Cattaraugus County Living Arts Asso- ciation at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater, Salamanca, NY. ~ Looking for fellowship? Tickets $15 at the door or online at www.showclix.com ~ Want to see a familiar face? Showtimes: Then you will want to come to Friday, August 13th The Tri Parish Catholic Community Gathering and Once a month EVERYONE: Men, Women, and Families Saturday, August 14th, 7:30 p.m. are invited to spend less than an hour Sunday, August 15th, 2:00 p.m. REJOICING, REFLECTING AND RECONNECTING With others from our parishes DATE: September 12, 2021 TIME: After 10:00 Mass PLACE: Fr Leo Social Hall PURPOSE: Rejoice, Reflect, Reconnect Come see what this gathering is all about! Sponsored by the Catholic Women’s Club. NEW PROGAM AT ST. BERNARD CHURCH St. Bernard parish is looking to pilot a Sunday School pro- To St. Francis Parishioners: gram this fall. Kids under 5 can gather during the 10 am Beginning with your August/September envelopes, mass and participate in a child-friendly Bible story, crafts, you will notice a change. In order to centralize the songs, and more. If you would consider using this service purchase of envelopes and take advantage of a for your kids, or are a woman of the parish (moms, aunts, great promotion, we have contracted with Our grandmas!) who would consider volunteering, please con- Sunday Visitor to provide our offertory envelopes. tact Ruby Morris at 740-632-4717. We are hoping for a handful of parishioners to get started and will then schedule The weekly envelope will look like this: an informational meeting. Note: all child-safety clearances will be in order before this program can commence. Parenting Pointers When Jesus talked about being “the bread of life” the Jews didn’t under- stand what he meant and complained. Jesus responded, “Stop murmur- ing among yourselves.” (John 6: 43). Sometimes we complain about food too. What’s each family member’s favorite food? Can you treat each member to their favorite food sometime this week? Special collection envelopes will be in different col- ors to help differentiate them from St. Bernard’s. If you have any questions or need to change any OTT& MCHENRY PHARMACY mailing information please call the parish office. PLEASE GIVE THEM YOUR SUPPORT! AUGUST 8, 2021 OBLIGATION TO ATTEND MASS ON FAMILY LIFE SUNDAYS AND HOLY DAYS “Stop murmuring” Jesus told the disciples in today’s gospel. REINSTATED BEGINNING AUG. 15 Complaining is a dead-end; constant complaining is nag- ging. We might feel better but others feel bitter. Silence or Although parishioners have been enjoying the opportunity to grumbling will not resolve the problem. Address differences return to Mass in increasing numbers since pandemic re- honestly and respectfully. Don’t make them personal at- strictions have eased, the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania tacks. — including Bishop Lawrence Persico — are making it offi- cial. As of Aug. 15, 2021, the Solemnity of the Assumption BACA Teachers Wanted of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the dispensation from the obliga- If you are called to serve as a teacher who is passionate about guiding young people through their academic and spiritual journey tion to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days will be lifted. the Bradford Area Christian Academy is looking for you! Please As always, the obligation does not apply to those with seri- apply online at: www.bacaacademy.com/openpositions ous illness or health risks, as well as their caregivers. MARRIAGE MOMENTS It’s summer. It’s hot in the northern hemisphere. How do you and your beloved keep cool? If you’re lucky enough to have air-conditioning. Be thankful and help someone who doesn’t. If you live in the southern hemisphere – just wait. AUGUST 8, 2021 AUGUST 8, 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.