March 14, 2010
He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death he will rise” (Mark 9:31)
DIVINE LITURGY / SERVICES SCHEDULE
FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
Sat. Mar. 13 – 4:00 p.m. Helen Pozda – Apostleship of Prayer
Sun. Mar. 14 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
4:00 p.m. Laymen Stations – SS. Peter & Paul (Plymouth)
Mon. Mar. 15 – NO SERVICES
Tues. Mar. 16 – NO SERVICES
Wed. Mar. 17 – 6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty (St. Vladimir, Edwardsville)
Thurs. Mar. 18 – NO SERVICES
Fri. Mar. 19 – 9:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty
FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
Sat. Mar. 20 – 4:00 p.m. †John & †Mary Waslasky – Waslasky & Hall Families
Sun. Mar. 21 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
4:00 p.m. Laymen Stations – St. Vladimir (Edwardsville)
Divine Liturgies for St. Vladimir (Edwardsville)
Saturday 6:00 p.m. English – Sunday 10:30 a.m. Slavonic
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
“A typical lenten service is the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. Already in the first centuries there was a custom during the Forty Days Fast to omit the celebration of the Divine Liturgy because, at that time, it was still linked with agape, that is the love banquet, and this was not in keeping with the spirit of fasting. Furthermore, the Divine Liturgy was regarded as a joyous mystery; for this reason, it’s celebration was limited to Saturday and Sunday. On the other days of the week, to give the faithful an opportunity to receive Holy Communion, the Divine Liturgy was replaced by other services, from which the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts developed in time. Actually, this is not a Liturgy in the sense of the word, for it does not have consecration of bread and wine: but rather, it is a Vespers service combined with the rite of Holy Communion, for which the bread was previously consecrated. Hence the name of Presanctified Gifts. ” Julian J. Katrij, OSBM, A Byzantine Rite Liturgical Year
The Holy and Great Fast
“Because we did not fast we were banished from paradise.
So then let us fast so as to return back to paradise”
(St. Basil, On Fasting I)
“The great Holy Fast, called also the Forty Days Fast, is one of the oldest and most sacred Christian practices. The history of the Great Fast is long and rich in tradition, dating from Apostolic times.
The pre-paschal fast is called Great, not only because of the duration but also because of it’s significance in the life of the Church and of every Christian. ” Julian J. Katrij, OSBM, A Byzantine Rite Liturgical Year
Metropolitan Stefan’s Mediation for the Fourth Sunday of Great Fast
Jesus instructs his disciples that he is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days later after his death he will rise. The disciples did not understand what he was saying, and they were afraid to question him. Jesus desired that his disciples understand God’s plan in Him. There is so much each of us does not yet understand in our faith. Do we take advantage of opportunities to enhance our knowledge and experience of faith? Do we seek to understand God’s plan for us? The exhibition of the Shroud of Turin in our Cathedral is an exceptional invitation to grow in understanding of the meaning of the Lord’s suffering for you and for me. Have you made plans to venerate and to pray before the Shroud? Plan a private visit or a parish group visit. A multi-media presentation on the Shroud planned for the evenings of Friday, April 9th and Saturday, April 10th from 7 to 9 pm is something you don’t want to miss! Have you seen Him? Come to pray and to rejoice in your renewal of faith in Jesus Christ! For more information, see http://www.ukrcathedral.com or phone Fr. Dan at 215-922-2917.
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.
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.
PYROHY SALE – We are currently taking order for pyrohy for Saturday, March 20th, 2010. To place an order please call the school hall and leave a message with your name, phone number and the number of dozen you’d like to purchase. A limited number will be made as our number of workers is also limited. Return calls will be made to verify that your order can be filled. Calls received for orders after our limit has been reached will be filled on a first come first served basis. School hall phone number is (570)829-3051. Workers are needed for Saturday, (3/20). Please consider coming out to lend a hand. Lunch will be provided.
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE MEETING – The March meeting of the Activities Committee will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lower Level of the Church. All parishioners are welcome to attend this meeting.
NOTE OF THANKS – Our thanks to Verna Kozicki for her donation of flowers and work in preparation of the Cross for the Exaltation of the Cross last week.
VENERATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – After Vespers and the Procession on Good Friday, we would like to have a few hours of veneration, during which the church will remain open for those who would like to come and pray. It is hoped that volunteers, a minimum of two each hour, could keep vigil at Our Lord’s Tomb for several hours. Please contact Stephen Mykulyn at 825-0902 if you can help.
PUSSY WILLOWS – We are in need of pussy willows for Palm Sunday. If any parishioners are able to donate them, from their yard, please bring them to the church.
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.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES – Our Spring Session of the Cross Valley Religious Education classes is underway. Catechism classes are offered free of charge to parishioners in grades one through eight, on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.
PORTRAIT OF JESUS! THE SHROUD OF TURIN – Would you like to see the famous Shroud of Turin? The actual burial cloth that wrapped the crucified body of Jesus? The Shroud’s history includes theories of how it was taken from Jerusalem to France and then secretly moved in 1939 to a chapel in Avelline in Southern Italy for safe keeping during WWII. It was later returned to Turin in 1946. Princes’, Dukes, Duchess’ and even Pope John Paukl II were persons who claimed its ownership for 2,000 years. On Sunday, April 25th SS. Peter & Paul Church will sponsor a bus to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia to view the Shroud of Turin Exhibition. The bus will leave the Churchyard at 10:30 AM. It is anticipated that we will leave Philadelphia about 3:30 PM. Edwardsville and Wilkes-Barre will be sponsoring the trip. The cost for the trip will be $25 per person. Should you wish to reserve a seat, please call Dr. Michael Labuda. 820-7105.
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 VESTIBULE
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 10 a.m. Interested crafters/ vendors: $15/8’table Contact Janina Everett 570-759-2824 or nacfluc@hotmail.com.
POTATO PANCAKE SUPPER – Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring a Potato Pancake Supper on Friday, March 19th in the Church Hall. Serving will be from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM with take-outs available. Dinner includes “made from scratch” potato pancakes, choice of homemade soup, veggies, dessert, and beverage. The cost is $6.00. Reservations are not necessary. However, if you would like take-outs, you may call to reserve your pancakes and give an approximate pick up time. For more information, please call Jill at 824-4603.
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – Adult religious education classes at SS Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Berwick, will resumed Monday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in church hall. They will continue for four Mondays. This year’s topic will be the Divine Liturgy. Everyone is welcome. The church is located at 706 Warren St, Berwick, PA.
PARISH LENTEN MISSION – SS. Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 706 warren St., Berwick, PA will conduct a Lenten Mission on Sunday, March 21, 6:30 pm followed by social & fellowship, Monday, March 22, 6:30 pm and Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 pm followed by social & fellowship. Everyone is welcome. The Mission will be presented by His Grace Bishop Nicholas Samra. Bishop Nicholas was formerly (now retired) Auxiliary Bishop of the Newton, MA Eparchy of the Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church in America. He was born in Patterson, NJ, and was ordained a priest in 1970. He served in parishes in California, Illinois, and New Jersey. In 1989, he was named Auxiliary Bishop of the Newton Eparchy and served as Vicar General in addition to other duties. He has authored many articles on Christian leadership, ecumenism, catechesis, and stewardship. He has published a multi-volume history of the Melkite Church. He is a dynamic speaker, and often gives retreats, missions, and formation weekends to clergy and laity.
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)752-1269 or Shirley Fowler (570)752-4701.
HOMEMADE LENTEN FOOD SALE – The Catholic Community of North Wilkes-Barre will sponsor Homemade Lenten Food Sales in St. Stanislaus Church Hall, 666 North Main Street, on Fridays during Lent. Potato pancakes, halusky, Manhattan clam chowder and New England clam Chowder. Serving 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. Eat in or Take out. For Larger Orders Call Joyce at 823-4988.
LENTEN FISH DINNER – St. Mary of the Assumption, Byzantine Catholic Church, North Main Street will hold a Lenten Fish Dinner and Greek Catholic Union Basket Drawing on Friday, March 19th, 2010 in their Social Hall, 522 Madison St., Wilkes Barre, PA 18705. Takeouts 4 PM to 5 PM. Serving 5 PM to 7 PM (or ‘til sold out). Menu: Baked Stuffed Haddock, Potatoes, Vegetable, Homemade bread/butter, Dessert/Beverage. Adults: $8.00 Child $4.50 (under 12). Reservations Suggested 822-6028.
LITURGICAL MUSIC WORKSHOP – Professor Joseph Roll, noted authority on liturgical music of the Ukrainian Catholic Church will conduct a weekend workshop on congregational singing of the Divine Liturgy in English, Fri.-Sun. March 19-21, hosted by St. Michael Church, Frackville, Pa. The workshop will begin Friday March 19 at 4 p.m. and will conclude Sunday afternoon, March 21. The workshop fee, including all instructional materials, music and meals is $150.00 per person. Lodging is available at the Holiday Inn Express Frackville (570-874-1700). Registration forms are included in the vestibule of the church. For more information call: 215-627-0143, 570-874-1101 or email IBAH@aol.com. Deadline for registration is March 10, 2010.
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.
RETREAT HOUSE – Interested in getting away from it all and meeting God in the quiet of nature? Information about the St. Clare Retreat House at the Holy Dormition Friary in Sybertsville, PA is available in the vestibule of the church.
MARRIAGE PREP WORKSHOP – The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ukrainian Catholic Church, Melrose Park, PA will present a marriage preparation workshop, “Entering the Holy Mystery of Marriage”, on Saturday, April 17, 2010 with a follow up session on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The program will focus on various aspects of marriage, both spiritual and practical, and provides each person an opportunity for greater understanding of one’s partner and a means to strengthen one’s relationship. Registration information is available in the church vestibule. The total cost of the program is $120 / couple and includes materials, lunch and refreshments. For information call (215)635-1627.
UKRAINIANS CALLED TO FULL PARTICIPATION IN CENSUS – by Metropolitan Stefan Soroka April 1st is CENSUS DAY. The census counts the number of people living in the United States of America and gathers some statistics. Only a person’s status is asked. Social Security or other identification is not asked. I urge you to write in “UKRAINIAN” in response to question #9, “race”. This directly impacts government funds allocated for various services and effects representation in politics. Writing in “Ukrainian” will positively help in dedicating assistance for the Ukrainian American community. Participate and be counted as a Ukrainian on Census Day 2010! Thank you!
UKRAINIAN EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL CENTER – Those wishing to help defray the cost of printing the commemorative book for the 30th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Educational & Cultural Center may purchase an advertisement in the book. Please see the information available in the vestibule. Adds must be placed by March 15th.
In Gethsemane, Jesus begged His disciples to “watch one hour” with Him…Another Lent has begun 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?
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!
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
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)
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.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Almighty and Merciful God, Inspire those You have chosen To hear and answer Your call to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Give them the courage to be the prophets for our times. Give them the wisdom and openness to live their personal call. Give them the strength to be ready witnesses of Your love and care for the world. May they find support and encouragement in our words and in our prayers. Through the intercession
of Mary, the Mother of God and all the Saints. Amen.
The Purpose of the Great Fast
“Although our time has brought with it many changes in church laws, traditions, and discipline, and the Second Vatican Council has relaxed the rules for fasting, including the Great Fast, nevertheless, the Forty Days Fast still has significance for our spiritual life. For various reason, today we may be unable to fast in the same way our ancestors did; yet even today we are obliged to a spiritual fast – that is, we are obliged to refrain from sin, and from giving in to our evil inclinations. We are also obliged to pray and to practice virtue and good deeds. In reality then, the most important goal of the Great Fast is our spiritual renewal.” Julian J. Katrij, OSBM, A Byzantine Rite Liturgical Year
Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA 