Meatfare Sunday

February 7, 2010

“The Lord is coming and who will not fear Him?  Who will be able to appear before His face?  O my soul, prepare for this encounter.”  (Ode 3 of the Canon in the Matins of the Sunday of Meatfare)

The Sunday of Meatfare
“The week following the Sunday of the Prodigal Son is called Meatfare week and it terminated on the Sunday called Meatfare Sunday.  Meatfare Sunday is the last day on which it was still permissible to eat meat before the Great Fast.  Meatfare means “farewell to meat.”  Hence, the name “meatfare” Sunday.  Of course, we are speaking here of the time when the Great Fast was observed in all strictness.
The Sunday of Meatfare is also called the Sunday of the terrible judgement.  In this day’s Gospel Christ speaks of the terrible Judgement, of the reward of the righteous, and the eternal punishment of the wicked.  The entire service of this day is devoted to the Last Judgement.  By recalling the manner in which the Terrible Judgement will be carried out, this service is designed to fill us with salutary fear, sorrow for our sins and to stress the importance of good works, especially works of mercy.”  Julian J. Katrij, OSBM, A Byzantine Rite Liturgical Year

DIVINE LITURGY / SERVICES SCHEDULE
Sat. Feb. 6 – 4:00 p.m. †Basil Ratkoff – Helen Ratkoff
Sun. Feb. 7 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
Mon. Feb. 8 – NO SERVICES
Tues. Feb. 9 – NO SERVICES
Wed. Feb. 10 – NO SERVICES
Thurs. Feb. 11 – 9:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy – No Intention Offered
Fri. Feb. 12 – 9:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy – No Intention Offered
CHEESEFARE SUNDAY – FORGIVENESS SUNDAY
Sat. Feb. 13 – 4:00 p.m. †Helen Elko – Jake Elko and Family
Sun. Feb. 14 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
Sun. Feb. 14 – 4:00 p.m. Forgiveness Vespers – Saints Peter & Paul (Plymouth)
Divine Liturgies for St. Vladimir (Edwardsville)
Saturday 6:00 p.m. English – Sunday 10:30 a.m. Slavonic

LENTEN SERVICES – The following Services will be offered in our Church during the Great Fast. Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty Services – Wednesdays 6:30 PM, Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts – Fridays 9:15 AM. Lent begins Monday, February 15, 2010
In Gethsemane, Jesus begged His disciples to “watch one hour” with Him.
Another Lent begins a little over a week from now.
Before it ends, will you finally manage to watch one hour with Jesus,
and in that hour, to grow closer to Him in prayer…as He yearns for you to do?

WELCOME – To all who are tired and need rest;  to all who mourn and need comfort;  to all who are friendless and need friendship;  to all who are discouraged and need hope;  to all who are hopeless and need sheltered love;  to all who sin and need a Savior;  and to whomsoever will, this Church opens wide its doors in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  To all who are worshipping with us today – WELCOME!
LITURGY REQUESTS – We ask that if you have dates on which you would like a liturgy offered that you make those requests as early as possible.  Request for liturgy dates will be assigned in the order in which they are received.  Contact the rectory office to make your requests.
STAYING IN TOUCH – If there is anyone who is regularly unable to attend liturgy but would like to keep in touch with what’s going on in the parish, please contact the rectory office about receiving a copy of the bulletin through the mail.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS – Birthday Greetings to Maria Feszchak (2/7) and Jacci Demko (2/10).  May God grant them long life, good health and happiness.  MNOHAYA BLAHAYA LITA!
BLESSING OF HOMES – Please call Rev. Kunderevych at the rectory to make arrangements to have your home blessed.
CANDLES – Candles, blessed on the Feast of the Encounter of Our Lord in the Temple, are available for sale for $3.00 each.  Please see Michael Demko.
COLLECTION FOR CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE – Over he next few weeks our diocese will hold the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.  This collection supports essential pastoral work as well as scholarships for Catholic students, innovative Catholic communications, and Catholic social and humanitarian programs.  The Church of this region remains in great need, and your assistance will give faith to the future.  Envelopes for this collection were included the bulletin last week, additional envelopes are available in the vestibule.  Please make your returns over the next few weeks to aid this worthy cause.
SOROKOUSTY MEMORIAL SERVICES – As we near the completion of our preparation for Lent we should also consider a remembrance for our beloved deceased.  To have those persons remembered at Lenten Services this year, please fill out and submit the appropriate envelope provided in your envelope box and deposit it with the collection.  Please make sure to print your names clearly.
RUMMAGE SALE – Our Annual Rummage Sale will be held March 5-7, 2010.  Items are now being accepted.  Please bring your sellable items to the school hall before or after liturgies.
RUMMAGE WORK SESSION – There will be a work session on Saturday morning, February 13, 2010 to make food for our upcoming Rummage Sale.  Please consider coming out to help with work for this important fund raising event. Food will also be prepared at this session of our parish’s contribution to the Deanery Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR RUMMAGE SALE KITCHEN – Your generous donations of the following items for the Rummage Sale Kitchen are greatly appreciated;   Canned Soda, Onions, Coffee (reg. & decaf.), Margarine, Cabbage,
Tomato Sauce, Salt / Pepper, Wide Egg Noodles, Ground Beef, Ketchup/Mustard.  DONATIONS MAY BE DROPPED OFF BEFORE OR AFTER LITURGIES
ANNUAL VOTIVE CANDLES – Donations are still being accepted for Annual Votive Candles.  If you wish to donate to defray the cost for a votive candle for 2010 please contact the rectory.
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION – Your record of individual giving for 2009 is available.  If you would like a letter listing your giving for 2009, Please contact the Parish Office.  The Parish Financial Report will be available in March.
PARISH SIGN DONATIONS – Plans are being finalized for our new parish sign.  The sign will be roughly 2 feet by 5 feet, double sided and installed in front of the church.  Renderings of the sign are posted on the bulletin board in the back of the church.  If you’d like to make a donation to help defray the cost, please place your donation with the collection using a Supplemental Envelope from the back of the Church and label it “Parish Sign”.
RENOVATION FUND – Should you wish to make a contribution to this fund please use the “Special Collection for Renovations to the Church Complex” envelopes that are available in the back of the church.
BEQUESTS TO YOUR PARISH – Please remember SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church with memorial gifts and in your will.
CEMETERY RULES & REGULATIONS – Out of respect for all parish families and their deceased members, these rules and regulations were designed for the uniform appearance, ease of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness of our cemetery. Please give your full co-operation.  All decorations, including unplanted and artificial flowers, must be removed before March 31 or be subject to removal.  Christmas decorations must be removed by January 31.  All stone, metal, and other borders around monuments or memorials are prohibited.  Only low borders, one inch above ground level, are permitted in front of hillside graves in order to prevent erosion.  No shrub or tree planting is allowed.  Loose stone and / or gravel are prohibited on any grave plot.  Persons causing any damage to cemetery property will be liable.  No dumping on the cemetery grounds or beyond the perimeter.  No walking pets through the cemetery.  No trespassing on cemetery property after hours.  Cemetery hours are 7:00 AM to sundown.  These Rules Effective Immediately.
PRINTED COPIES OF ‘THE WAY’ ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH VESTIBULE
HELP WANTED – Ss. Peter & Paul Ukr. Cath. Church, W-B is seeking temp. help with prep and event day work associated with it’s Annual Rummage & Homemade Food & Bake Sale. (March 5, 6 & 7) Positions are available in the following areas;  Salespersons, Pricers, Parking Attendants, Kitchen Staff, Set-Up/Clean-Up Crews.  Work at home positions available for Bakers.  F/T & P/T positions available.  No experience necessary, on the job training provided.  Compensation limited to personal gratification.  Rewards heavenly.  Benefits your parish.  To find out how you can help call 825-0902.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES RESUME – Our Spring Session of the Cross Valley Religious Education classes will begin on Saturday, February 13, 2010.  Catechism classes are offered free of charge to parishioners in grades one through eight, on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30.   (Please call regarding other ages, if interested.)  For more info, call the program’s coordinator Christine Mash at 735-1784.

LAYMEN STATIONS OF THE CROSS – The Annual Deanery Stations will be held on the following Sundays starting at 4:00 PM.
2/21/10 SS. Peter & Paul (Wilkes-Barre)
2/28/10 St. Nicholas (Glen Lyon)
3/7/10 Transfiguration of Our Lord (Nanticoke)
3/14/10 SS. Peter & Paul (Plymouth)
3/21/10 St. Vladimir (Edwardsville)
MYASOPUSNA SUNDAY AT TRANSFIGURATION – Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church invites the public to its 2010 Myasopusna prelenten celebration.  This cultural event takes place Sunday, February 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at the church hall, Center and Bliss Streets, in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke.  Myasopusna Sunday (Meatfare Sunday) is traditionally the last day in the church year during which Eastern Catholics may consume meat, in preparation for the upcoming fast of lent.  The parish of Transfiguration Church uses the occasion of Myasopusna Sunday as an opportunity to celebrate and share its Ukrainian heritage with the community, through food, crafts, music, and dance. Dinner (a platter of roast pork, kobasi, baked ham, varenyky/pierogies, homemade borscht, homemade blackbread and butter, rice pudding, and a beverage) will be served from 12:30 to 1:30.  The cost for the dinner is $12 (additional donations are accepted).  Please call Geri at 824-3880 or Helen at 735-4654, to purchase your dinner tickets in advance.  Preferred dinner/entertainment seating will be reserved for those who call by February 1.   Dinner will be followed by live Ukrainian music and dance performances, including the Holy Year Choir, Kazka, the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers, a selection of Klezmer tunes, and more.  Participation of Ukrainian crafters will include embroidery, woodcrafts, pysanky, and ceramics displays, with many items available for purchase.  We hope to have a la carte items available for takeouts in the afternoon.   This is a perfect way to spend your Superbowl Sunday afternoon, and perhaps take home something special to eat for your party as well!
PORK AND KAPUSTA-SAUERKRAUT DINNER – St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, Scranton will hold a Pre-Lenten Pork & Kapusta Dinner, Sunday, February 7, 2010.  There will be one seating at 12:00 noon at St. Vladimir Parish Center, 428 North Seventh Street, Scranton.  Adults $11; Children $5.50 (age 6-12);  Under 6 – free.  Take outs will be available for pick-up between 11:00 and 11:45 a.m.  Advance reservations please.  Call Kathleen at 346-2414.  Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Everyone welcome!  For information, please call 346-2114 only.
CHILDREN / YOUTH PARTY & TALENT SHOW – A Children / Youth Party and Talent Show will be held on Friday, February 12, 2010, 6 to 8 pm at Transfiguration Church Hall, Bliss and Center Streets, Hanover Section.  FREE party for children of all ages (tots through teens).  The talent show is open to youths of all ages as well.  RSVP is not necessary unless you would want to register for the talent show.  If you have questions or if you would like to contribute something for the party (a bag of chips, soda, any items for our prize display) please call 735-1784.  (This is a good opportunity to make use of your excess holiday gifts!)  Call Front and Center Music at 740-2009 to register for the talent show.
DEANERY FORGIVENESS SUNDAY – The North Anthracite Protopresbytery (Deanery) will conduct Forgiveness Vespers on the Last Sunday before Lent, Cheesefare Sunday, February 14, 2010.  The vesper service will begin at 4:00 PM at SS. Peter & Paul Church (Plymouth) and will be followed by covered-dish supper in the parish hall.  All deanery parishes are invited to participate and asked to contribute food and donations to the covered-dish supper.  Stephen Mykulyn (825-0902) will be coordinating donations from our parish.
LENTEN FOOD SALE – St. Vladimir Church, Scranton will hold a Lenten Food Sale with pick ups on Saturday, February 13 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm;  Sunday, February 14 from 11:30am to 1:00pm;  and Ash Wednesday, February 17 between 11:00am and 6:00pm.  Menu includes:  Borshch (red beet soup), Manhattan (red) clam chowder, Cream Bean with Potato, and Vegetarian Vegetable soups; Halushky (noodles with cabbage and onions); and White Bread.  All foods are homemade fresh and are meatless.  Advance take-out orders only.  No eat-in.  Phone Kathleen at 346-2414 no later than Tuesday, February 9th.  Pickup Orders at:  St. Vladimir Parish Center, 428 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton.

SPAGHETTI DINNER – Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 695 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre will hold a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, February 13th, 2010, in their Social Hall Cafeteria (522 Madison St.).  5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Takeouts 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM).  Adults $7.00 Children (under 12) $4.00.  Includes:  Spaghetti, homemade meatballs, salad, bread, dessert, & beverage.  Free seconds on spaghetti.
FISH DINNER – The Social Concerns Committee of the Catholic Community of North Wilkes-Barre is sponsoring an Ash Wednesday Fish Dinner on February 17, 2010 in St. Stanislaus Church Hall North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.  Adults $8.00 (fish, baked potato, coleslaw/applesauce, relish tray, rolls & butter, beverage and dessert).  Child’s Dinner $3.00 (homemade macaroni & cheese, rolls & butter, applesauce & dessert).  Takeouts from 3:30 p.m., Dinners will be served from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  For tickets, which must be purchased in advance, call Joyce at the rectory (570) 823-4988.

LEAGUE OF UKRAINIAN CATHOLICS RETREAT – The League of Ukrainian Catholics will host their Annual Lenten Retreat Weekend at St. Mary’s Villa Educational & Retreat Center in Sloatsburg, New York.  The retreat will be held March 19, 20, & 21, 2010.  This year’s theme is “Living the Beatitudes”.  The retreat director will be the Very Reverend Mark Fesniak.  All are welcome to participate in this weekend of prayer and reflection on the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes as given by Jesus.  Anyone who wishes to spend some time away from the unessential activities of everyday, is encouraged to consider joining the retreatants from other parishes of the Metropolia for a weekend of prayer.  The retreat begins Friday evening at 7:00 and runs through early Sunday afternoon.  Registration is $175 and includes meals and lodging.  Deadline for registration is March 10, 2010.  Additional information, schedules and registration forms are available in the vestibule of the church.
SAINT BASIL’S LENTEN PILGRIMAGE – St. Basil College Seminary (Stamford, CT) opens its doors to the general public this upcoming spring.  March 19-21, 2010 is your opportunity to come and learn about the richness of the Eastern Christian Tradition in a program entitled “Discover the Mystery of Christ in the Lenten Pilgrimage”.  The aim of the program is to acquaint one with the richness of Eastern Christian theology and spirituality through the works of the Fathers of the Church, liturgy, icons and prayers.  This special program provides an introduction and general overview of the most important issues of the Eastern Christian Tradition.  The program is open for all who are interested and wish to gain knowledge about the beauty of Byzantine theology.  The program fee is $225 and includes meals and lodging.  Class space is limited so reserve your spot early.  Deadline for registration is March 15, 2010.  Additional information, pamphlets, schedules and registration forms are available in the vestibule of the church.  Or call (203) 324-4578 or online at http://www.stbasilcollege.com.
SAINT BASIL’S UKRAINIAN STUDIES PROGRAM – St. Basil College Seminary (Stamford, CT) opens its doors to the general public this upcoming spring.  April 23-25, 2010 is your opportunity to come and learn about the riches of the Ukrainian culture in a program entitled “Come and Discover the Magic World of Pysanka!”.  The aim of the program is to acquaint and provide knowledge about Ukrainian Cultural with special focus on “Easter and the spring season” customs and traditions.  The program is open for all who are interested and wish to gain first hand experience and knowledge of the ancient Ukrainian traditions and customs.  The program fee is $225 and includes meals and lodging.  Class space is limited so reserve your spot early.  Deadline for registration is April 19, 2010.  Additional information, pamphlets, schedules and registration forms are available in the vestibule of the church.  Or call (203) 324-4578 or online at http://www.stbasilcollege.com.

125 YEARS – TRANSFIGURATION CHURCH SHAMOKIN – Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church of Shamokin, is celebrating its 125th anniversary on April 25, 2010.  To celebrate this historic event, they will be publishing a DVD.  This DVD will detail the rich history of the parish and its founders.  To be part of this DVD, please consider placing an ad, which could be a congratulatory or memorial wish for the parish.  The deadline for ad submission is February 1, 2010.  For further information please call; Mary Ann Charnosky, Adt Manager at (570) 648-7155.

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (CONFESSION)
Before Liturgies or by appointment.
Parish members should go to Holy Confession at least once a month on average, or more often if there is a serious or mortal sin.   In case of a serious or mortal sin, one may not receive Holy Communion, until they have first gone to Confession and received absolution.  For small or ‘daily’ sins, one may receive Holy Communion as often as once a day, provided they have made an examination of conscience, a sincere Act of Contrition and recite the Prayer before Holy Communion, found in the text of the Liturgy.