Sunday of Cheesefare

February 14, 2010

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroys, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Matthew 6:19-21

DIVINE LITURGY / SERVICES SCHEDULE
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
4:00 p.m. Forgiveness Vespers Saints Peter & Paul (Plymouth)
Mon. Feb. 15 – NO SERVICES
Tues. Feb. 16 – NO SERVICES
Wed. Feb. 17 – 6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty (St. Vladimir, Edwardsville)
Thurs. Feb. 18 – NO SERVICES
Fri. Feb. 19 – 9:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
Sat. Feb. 20 – 4:00 p.m. †Leo Pensieri – Mary Pensieri
Sun. Feb. 21 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
4:00 p.m. Laymen Stations – SS. Peter & Paul (Wilkes-Barre)
Divine Liturgies for St. Vladimir (Edwardsville)
Saturday 6:00 p.m. English – Sunday 10:30 a.m. Slavonic

The Sunday of Cheesefare
“The Holy Church in gradually preparing us for the fast, permits us to eat meat for the last time on Meatfare Sunday.” In years past, “During Cheesefare week, however, she permitted us to eat only dairy products. Just as we bid farewell to meat on Meatfare Sunday, so too we bid farewell to dairy products on Cheesefare Sunday. Hence, the name Cheesefare Sunday. Our people called this week cheese-or butter-week. This Sunday was the last day for pre-Lenten amusements.
On the Saturday before Cheesefare Sunday, in order to provide us with an example and an incentive for fasting and penance, holy Church celebrates the memory of those men and women who, from the earliest times, devoted their lives to prayer, fasting and penance in monasteries or as hermits in the deserts. Julian J. Katrij, OSBM, A Byzantine Rite Liturgical Year

LENTEN SERVICES
The following Services will be offered in our Church during the Great Fast.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts – Fridays 9:00 AM
Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty Services – Fridays 6:30 PM

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.

LENTEN REGULATIONS – Strict Fast and Abstinence from meat, eggs and dairy products on the 1st Day of Lent and on Good Friday, Abstinence from meat only on all Fridays of Lent as well as Holy Saturday is obligatory. Voluntary abstinence from meat only on Wednesdays of Lent is also encouraged, but not obligatory. Reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist during the Paschal Season (from the onset of Lent to the Wednesday before Ascension Thursday) is required. Participation in the Lenten Services is encouraged. Fasting and abstinence are not binding on persons 60 or older, the poor, sick, nursing or pregnant women, children below the age of 14 and those who engage in physically hard labor. Prayer and alms giving oblige all!

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 Michael Yatison (2/15). May God grant him long life, good health and happiness. MNOHAYA BLAHAYA LITA!
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY NOTE – Walter and Marion Melnyk celebrate 70 years of marriage this month (2/3). May God grant them continued long life, good health and happiness. MNOHAYA BLAHAYA LITA!
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.
SOROKOUSTY MEMORIAL SERVICES – There is still time to have your beloved deceased 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.
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE MEETING – The February meeting of the Activities Committee will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lower Level of the Church. All parishioners are welcome to attend this meeting.
LAYMEN STATIONS – We will be hosting the Laymen Stations of the Cross on the 1st Sunday of Lent, February 21, 2010 at 4:00 PM. The Apostleship of Prayer will again host our reception. Please contact Irene Melnyk (824-0761) to help out with food or monetary donations or to donate your time to help with the Social.
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.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP – Our thanks to everyone who so generously gave up part of their weekend and came out on Saturday morning to help fill Baba’s freezer with food for the upcoming Rummage Sale. And to those who helped with the prep work as well.
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.
CONGRATULATIONS – Congratulations to Timothy Mykulyn who was awarded Scouting’s Religious award, the Parvuli Dei medal and Alex Mykulyn who was awarded the Light of Christ medal at a liturgy at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Plains on Scout Sunday last weekend. Tim and Alex are Cub Scouts in Pack 100 in Plains.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES RESUME – Our Spring Session of the Cross Valley Religious Education classes resumed this Saturday. 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.
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.
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. Our thanks to Catherine Dubinski for her $300 donation toward the cost of the sign. 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.
PARISH EVENTS FEATURED IN THE WAY – In the February issue of The Way two articles feature events at our church. Take a moment to check them out. The Way is available online at the Archeparcial web site, http://www.ukrarcheparchy.us. A limited number of black on white, printed copies of The Way are available in the vestibule of the church.
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)
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.
LUC NORTH ANTHRACITE COUNCIL – The LUC North Anthracite Council will meet on Sunday, February 21st at 2:00 PM at SS. Peter & Paul in Wilkes-Barre.
UKRAINIAN CULTURAL EXHIBIT & CRAFT SALE – Sponsored by League of Ukrainian Catholics, North Anthracite Council Sunday,  March 14, 2010 at St. Vladimir Parish Center 428 N. 7th Ave,  Scranton  PA  18503  – 10:30 to 3:00. Lunch will be available, along with variety of homemade ethnic foods and baked goods. Everyone is cordially invited to attend SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY at  St. Vladimir Church at 9 a.m. Interested crafters/ vendors:  $15/8’table Contact Janina  Everett 570-759-2824  or nacfluc@hotmail.com.
PASKA SALE – Saints Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic, Berwick will have a Paska (Easter Bread) Sale. Plain or Raisin Loaves are available for $7 each. Orders will be available for pick-up on Saturday, March 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church on Warren Street in Berwick. Order by Sunday, March 21st by calling Pat Reddin (570)572-1269 or Shirley Fowler (570)752-4701.
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 Churh 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.
LITURGICAL MUSIC WORKSHOPS – Come experience a great opportunity to grow in faith and experience the joy of music. Prof. Joseph Roll is offering a Workshop on the Divine Liturgy and the Eight Resurrectional Tones at St. Michael’s Church in Frackville, PA on Friday, March 19 to Sunday, March 21, 2010 and at the Ortynsky Spirituality Center in Philadelphia on Friday, April 16 to Sunday, April 18, 2010. Registration deadlines are March 10, 2010 and April 10, 2010 respectively. The cost for each workshop is $150 per person and includes meals, music and workbooks. Hotel accommodations are available at both locations. Additional information is available in the church vestibule. Contact Rev. Archpriest John Fields at (570)874-1101 for Frackville and Rev. Archpriest Daniel Troyan at (215)922-2917 for Philadelphia.
CRUISE FUND RAISER – Set sail for Bermuda with Fr. Ivan Turyk and St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church, Toms River, NJ. Sail on the Norwegian Dawn Leaving New York on June 6 and returning June 13, 2010. Cabins are $805, $1022 or $1270 per person based on double occupancy and include port, tax and donation, insurance and gratuities additional. Reservations through Zenia’s Travel Club LLC, 46 Muirfield Rd., Jackson, NJ 08527. Phone (732)928-3792; Fax (732)928-3793; email ztc@earthlink.net.
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.
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.
PRINTED COPIES OF ‘THE WAY’ ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH VESTIBULE

HAPPY ST. VALENTINE’S DAY
A Special Valentine…
“For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life.”John 3:16

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.

In Gethsemane, Jesus begged His disciples to “watch one hour” with Him…Another Lent begins tomorrow. 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?

February 8, 2010

The following is a brief summary of the minutes taken at the Parish and Pastoral meeting which was held on February 04, 2010.
High levels of contamination, such as the presence of exposed asbestos, unhealthy mold & mildew, and higher than normal reading of radon gas have been detected in the Parish Rectory., These problems create an unacceptable health environment which may have caused respiratory problems for our pastors family. Fr. Orest met with Archbishop Stefan Soroka, to notify him of this situation. He responded quickly, and gave him full authorization to immediately address these problems. MAC’S Restoration LLC which specialized in the removal of asbestos mold and mildew did the work with a cost of $2931.68

Temporary housing was provided by Extended Stay Hotels, Wilkes-Barre, Pa, at 129.00 per day.

Bids are currently being accepted for drainage problem that exists on the creek side of the rectory which contributes to the mold and mildew situation. Tadon problems will be corrected following the remediation of asbestos, mold, and mildew at a cost of $695.00.

Archbishop Stefan Soroka has procured an official replica of the Shroud of Turin for display at our Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. The replica will be on exhibition at the cathedral from February 21, 2010-June 29, 2010. A bus trip will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2010. Since this is a spiritual event, Father Orest requests young and old alike attend. Dr. Michael Labuda is in charge of the trip. Part of the cost will be covered by our Parish funds. Each parishioner will be asked to contribute a certain amount. Bus companies will be called to consider the cost of the trip. Additional information will be featured in future bulletins.

Our Parish sign will be installed sometime in the spring.

Recording Secretary,
//S//
Janet Feszchak