3rd Sunday in Lenten Time - March 7, 2010

“Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.” –Luke 13:9

READINGS FOR THE WEEK:

Sunday              Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15; 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9
Monday            2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Lk 4:24-30
Tuesday            Dn 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35
Wednesday      Dt 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19
Thursday          Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23
Friday                 Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28-34
Saturday            Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14

MASSES FOR THE WEEK:

Saturday  -  March 6          4:00 PM    Anita Benedict (Bill & Brenda Hector)
Sunday –     March 7          8:00 AM   For Our Parishioners
    10:30 AM    Stanley & Anna Denkowski (Mr. & Mrs. John Washak & Kathy)
Monday -     March 8            7:00 PM         Steven Bozzo (Mom & Dad - Anniversary of His Death)
Tuesday -     March 9            7:00 AM    Andrew Safko Jr. (Gretchen Green)
Wednesday- March 10           7:00 PM     Alma Weed (Beverly & Florian Pasteka)
Thursday -   March 11            7:00 AM    Andrew Safko Jr. (Frank & Rita DiRiancho)
Friday  -      March 12           12:10 PM    Paul Banko (Tanya & Rusty Hemenway & Kids)
Saturday  -  March 13          4:00 PM    Nettie Holmes Gavin (Jean & Luke Farrell)   
Sunday –     March 14          8:00 AM    For Our Parishioners
         10:30 AM    Stanley & Anne Demkowski (Mr. & Mrs. John Washak & Kathy)

Mass can be offered in memory or honor of one of your loved ones at any time.
Mass Stipend is $10. Please contact Beverly at the rectory 278-1504

OUR SUNDAY READINGS

First Reading: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 

Exodus introduces something new to the Hebrew scriptures: a God who is profoundly immanent, involving Himself in the lives of the Chosen People directly. The Burning Bush event redefines Israel’s God, giving texture to the mystery and dimension to the ineffable. Chapter 3, verses 1-15, makes up a conceptual whole- Moses hears God, sees God’s mystery, and needs to know who God is before he can accept the mission. In effect, this is a true ‘call’, as each individual must receive it, i.e., we are called from wherever and whatever we are in the world to, acknowledge the notion of God, recognize the mystery of God within the world, question the nature of God, and only then to do something about it. Without the first three (faith), the fourth (works) is meaningless.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
  Paul uses the ancient story of the Exodus, a story that every Jew from the time of the original captivity knows, to make his point: beware lest you lose faith in God’s providence like your ancestors did in the desert. He then compares the food and drink provided by YHWH in the desert to the spiritual food and drink given by Christ.     

Please Pray For                      Our Service Men and Women

THE MISSION OF HOLY NAME OF MARY PARISH

is to build on the Catholic faith of those who have gone before us, striving as a strong, active, and living church community to reach out with compassion to all people offering Christ's love, healing, and forgiveness. "And the scribe replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.' 'You have answered  right,' said Jesus, 'do this and life is yours.'" (Luke 10: 27-28)

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9

The parable of the fig tree is generally thought to be a reminder to those who had yet to repent of their sins, and that may be why it has been chosen as a Lenten reading. Another more positive reading suggests that Christ is the gardener and through His intercession all are given the opportunity to grow. It seems that some-thing miraculous happens with Christ tending our growth- we are all given an imminent, human under-standing within which our spirits can prosper; we are given the Kingdom and the chance to live within it.         

PARISH FINANCES

Sunday collection goal is       $4,500.00
Sunday collection was            $3,173.00
Diocesan collection was              $76.00
Social Concerns                         $131.00
Thank you for your generosity and support

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:

Fridays during Lent 6:00PM

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST:

Evensong and Divine Mercy Service on Second Sunday of Easter

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY

will be on the following Wednesdays, March 3 to March 24, 10:00AM-11:30AM in the Parish Center and Tuesday evenings, March 2 to March 23 7:00PM – 8:30PM at Dee Butler’s apartment at the Montrose Square, 15 Church St., Apt 408. Bring your bible. If there are any questions, please call Dee at 278-1592.

ECUMENICAL LENTEN SERVICES

at the Montrose Methodist Church, Wednesdays at 6:00PM. Parishioners from the various churches will lead the service. All are welcome!

AMANDA CURRY

daughter of Holy Name of Mary Parishioners Geri & Joe Curry, was accepted to Lehigh University where she will be doing her doctorate in PHD program for Child Psychology. Addition-ally, Elysia Curry will be giving a speech at her commencement from Johnson College. She will be graduating #1 in her class as Valedictorian. Congratulations to both!

VISITS NEEDED

Long time Holy Name of Mary parishioner, Ruth Williams, is now residing at the Country Care Personal Care Home in South Montrose. Visits to Ruth would be appreciated or perhaps a card sent to her at:
Country Care Personal Care Home, RR 6 Box 6086 Montrose PA 18801. Thank you for your thoughtfulness!

LENT REGULATIONS

James B. Earley, chancellor of the Diocese of Scranton, asks the faithful to be aware of Diocesan Statute No. 41, which addresses the penitential aspect of Lent: “The season of Lent is penitential in nature and during Lent penance should be not only internal and individual, but also external and social (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 5, 109). Pastors are seriously obliged to avoid scheduling activities in the parishes which in any way could possibly detract from the external and social penance required by Lent.” As with Ash Wednesday, Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence. The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. All of the faithful who have reached the age of 14 are obliged by the law of abstinence. On a day of abstinence no meat may be eaten by anyone obliged by this law. All of the faithful from the age of 18 to the beginning of their 60th year are obliged by the law of fast. On a day of fast, those obliged by this law may eat only one full meal and two partial meals unless dispensed or excused.

LENTEN FISH FRY

There will be a Lenten Fish Fry held on Friday, March 26 from 4:30-7:00PM at Neuman Hall, Choconut, PA. Adults $8, Children under 12 - $4. Proceeds benefit the CYO Boys & Girls Teams. Come help give them your support and enjoy a delicious meal!

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRY

is a good way to save on your food bill. Orders will be taken March 10  from 4:30-5:30 and March 11 from 11:30 to 12:30 and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Bridgewater Baptist Church,or Order online at www.angelfoodministries.com.  Distribution will be March 20 ~ 8:00-9:30AM.

BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS

In cooperation with Interfaith and the Trehab Food Bank, a consortium of churches in Susquehanna County has been organized to prepare a full dinner for our neighbors in need at Easter, which has been named “Bountiful Blessings”. Last year 674 Easter dinners were distributed. We continue to experience an increase in need, especially in Susquehanna, Great Bend, Hallstead, Jackson, and New Milford areas. This year we will continue to have direct distribution in the needy areas. We are challenged with providing meals for more than 700 families and individuals. The dinners will be distributed on Wednesday, March 31. We are asking Holy Name of Mary to provide 250 boxes of macaroni and cheese or canned fruit, which will be included in the Easter dinners.  If you would like to participate, please drop your donations in the box located in our church lobby.

FINALLY YOU GET TO GO!

For years, you have been reading in the bulletin about the delicious lunches that we have enjoyed at the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center at Elk Lake Schools. If you work during the day, you were never able to come. The Altar & Rosary Society has now scheduled a dinner buffet to be held on Thursday, April 29 at 6:00PM. We are letting you know early as the 40 available slots will fill up quickly. The cost will be $15 but dessert is included. The food prepared by the students in the culinary arts department is excellent and the company will be pleasant. This is open to all parishioners and their friends and relatives. If you would like to carpool, meet at the church parking lot at 5:40PM. We do not yet know the menu but it will be included in a future church bulletin. We will have to pay for the number of people who said they were going so if you plans change, please let us know no later than Wednesday, April 21 or get someone to take your reservation. To register, call the rectory at 278-1504.

VESPERS SERVICE

The monthly Vesper Service will be held on Sunday, March 14 at the Historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Montrose, PA at 5:00PM. Mrs. Mary Lee Fitz-gerald will welcome the congregation. The lessons will be read by Mr. Paul Gere. Mr. Thomas Welch, of New Milford, will provide special music. Mr. Welch, tenor soloist, is a graduate of Blue Ridge High School, Susquehanna University and has a Masters degree in School Administration. He taught vocal music in Adams County, PA for nine years before returning to New Milford. A light supper will follow the lay led service. Everyone is welcome.

TO ALL CURSILLISTAS

Are you missing the Cursillo groups? Come join us for a small group meeting on Monday evenings before the 7:00 Mass. We meet in the crying room (unless the crowd gets to big). You can arrive anywhere between 6:30-6:50PM. The meetings are not long but at least for Lent will get us in touch with Jesus and each other. Stay for mass and the Novena afterwards, if you can.

OPERATION RICE BOWL

founded in 1975 by Catholic Relief Services, this Lenten program invites you to place a cardboard container (given out after Mass today) in your home and put in it the money that is saved due to fasting and the things given up for Lent.  At the end of Lent, the Rice Bowl is then brought to Sunday Mass.  The proceeds are used for hunger relief in the local Diocese and development projects in poor nations.

SLEEPING BAG LADIES NEED YOUR HELP!

The need for sleeping bags is greater than ever this year; 238 sleeping bags have been completed and delivered to the shelter in Binghamton, NY by these wonderful women. This past Tuesday, they had to shut down early due to the fact that they ran out of supplies. Any blankets, sheets, bedspreads, drapes or large pieces of material or quilt batting that you can donate for sleeping bags will be appreciated. Items may be dropped off at the rectory. Should you have any questions, please call the rectory at 278-1504. Thank You!

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKSHOP OFFERED

The Diocesan Office for Parish Life is offering a Continuing Education course on the “Dynamics of Youth Ministry” on March 15 and 22 at the Diocesan Center in Scranton. Father Cyril Edwards will serve as the instructor for the two part workshop, to be offered on the consecutive Monday evenings from 6 to 8pm. The course offering will present a comprehensive approach to building a successful youth ministry program in any parish, and will prove helpful whether a parish is planning to start a program or seeks to enhance an existing one. The first workshop session will focus on the key concepts of creating a vision statement that will guide all future activities. It will also focus on selecting effective leadership personnel. During the second session of the course, a host of practical projects will be presented that can work in any area of the Diocese. Course fee is $30 per person or a group fee of $50 for three or more persons. To register, Call 207-2213 ext. 1007.

RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND – MARCH 12-14

at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Sponsored by the Diocesan Office for Parish Life/Family Life, Retrouvaille is a weekend program for couples in a stressed marriage. Led by a trained priest and married couples who have survived marital difficulties, the weekend does not consist of counseling or group therapy. Focus will be on healthy communication, trust/forgiveness issues, and issues connected with intimacy/rediscovering romance. A registration deposit is required; donation is also requested. For more information, call Bob and Nettie at 587-0415. All calls are confidential. Registration deadline is March 8.

DAY OF REFLECTION FOR CATECHISTS

“Jesus as Prophet, Priest and King – Model for Catechists,” March 20, 9:30AM – 2:30PM at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Guest presenter: Monsignor David Tresslor. This Reflection Day will lead catechists in an understanding of how they, through faith and Baptism, share in the Church’s mission of service and how they are set apart as bearers of the Word in their parish religious education programs. Day includes celebration of Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fee: $20 catechist discount per person, includes lunch. To register, call Fatima Center 563-8500.

BASIC SKILL CLASSES FOR CATECHISTS

Two Basic Skills classes will be held at two locations. These classes are for teachers in the parish religious education programs and will discuss: using a teacher’s manual, lesson planning, classroom management, and methods of prayer, among other topics. They will offer practical ways in which the family can be incorporated into the religious education program, and will explain the importance of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, The National Directory for Catechesis, and The Directives for Religious Education in Parishes/Schools in the Diocese of Scranton.
    The first class will take place at Holy Cross High School, Dunmore, Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 6 to 9PM. The instructor is Mary Anne Malone. The second class will be held at Bergan Hall (adjacent to St. Ignatius Loyola Rectory), Kingston. Carmella Faust will serve as the instructor. Dates are March 2, 9, 23, 30 from 6 to 9PM. Fee: $30 per person or a flat fee of $50 for any number of participants from a given parish. To register, call 207-2213, Ext. 1107.

LIFELINE

The Second Vatican Council reminded the entire Church that we are to be a leaven for the world’s transformation. Recently, we have tried to be such a leaven in the debate about health care. It is not for us to speak to particular means of delivering health care; it is our responsibility, however, to insist, as a moral voice concerned with human solidarity, that everyone should be cared for and that no one should be deliberately killed. – Cardinal Francis George, Presidential Address to General Meeting of U.S. Bishops, Nov. 16, 2009

NEW LOCATION FOR FOOD BANK:

The Food Bank is now located 1 ½ miles south of Montrose in back of the large beige warehouse building on Industrial Park Drive. The hours of operation are Monday thru Thursday 9:00AM to 3:30PM. Closed for lunch 12:00 to 1:00PM. 278-9218

FOOD BANK  REMINDER

The Food Bank is in need of all kinds of foodstuffs, including fresh garden produce. They are also in need of diapers, toilet paper, shampoos, even pet food. Any of these items can be placed in the box in the crying room, and it will be taken to the Food Bank. Clothes should be taken to Interfaith on Public Avenue.

LIVING WAY OF THE CROSS

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PLEASE PRAY FOR EMILY DONOVAN

Three year old Emily Donovan, daughter of HNM Parishioners, Janet and Joseph Donovan, desperately needs your prayers. Her mother, Janet, informed us that her cancer has returned. Emily, who has been receiving chemotherapy, will now begin radiation treatment in Danville. Please, Please remember her in your prayers. If you wish, cards may be sent to Emily at 19 Mill Street, Montrose PA 18801

GOOD NEW HAPPENING IN OUR PARISH

If you would like to share some "good news" concerning happenings in your family or in our community that you would like to have published in our bulletin, please email them to rectory@holynameofmary.com or call the rectory at 278-1504.

SOCIAL CONCERNS

Remember our Visiting Committee is available to make visits to folks who desire some company. If you know of anyone, friend, relative, neighbor etc. who is sick, lonely or would simply appreciate a visit or if you would like to be on the committee please call George at 663-3019.

AUTISM FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

If you have a family member or friend that is autistic help is available. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month, at 7:00PM, in the parish center. Childcare is provided. Any questions call Alison or Patty Kwader, 278-3055.

CENTERING PRAYER GROUP

Meets at 4:00PM on Thursdays at the Parish Center. There is no weekly commitment. This is an ecumenical group, bring a friend. All are welcome!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY of SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Applications are being accepted for a new home that is being built in Montrose. Applicants must have a minimum income of 23,000, proof of employment and credit references. Please call the Habitat office at (570)278-4102 for more information and an application. Note: Volunteers are needed for Board and Committee members, helping with construction, or serving meals to volunteers. If you have an interest in working with Habitat for Humanity, please call the office at (570)278-4102.

Dear Friends,

It’s that time of year again. The weather has turned cold and the American Legion Gardner-Warner Post 154 in Montrose has started donating coats and is already running out of coats, Please donate your lightly used clean coats to the Post. There is a drop box right at the Post at the lower building. Don’t delay your community depends on your generosity. You can also make a monetary donation to Community Bank and Trust. Just drop your check off and make it payable to “Coats for the Community”. We purchase $1,000 or more children's coats every year. This is our 4th annual Coat Drive!.  Good Morning America and Burlington Coat Factory have a coat drive… we can inspire the world. Donate your coats today! 
Thank you and God Bless, Salene Herman

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

NOVEMBER
Preschool
•    Elizabeth Donovan
•    Cooper Henry
•    Hayleigh Krupinski
•    Aspen Smith
•    Kiara Mooney
Kindergarten
•    Nicholas Hoffman
•    Kyle Kaminski
•    Angelo Scarfalloto
•    Tangi Smith
•    Thomas Sorensen
•    Kerry Tometchko
First Grade
•    Hailey Dalton
•    Cade Mooney
Second Grade
•    Rowan Ryan
Third Grade
•    Maxwell Brewer
•    Deane Fisher
•    Madison Gilhool
•    Brennan Gilhool
•    Ethan Mack
•    Dominic Pasquali
•    Adriana Scarfalloto
•    Jennifer Tometenko
•    Lauren VanNostrand
Fourth Grade
•    Ryan Harding
•    Ann Marie Sorensen
Fifth Grade
•    Owen Brewer
•    Paul Freeman
•    Vince Freeman
•    Rudolpho Gonzalez
•    Mikayla Henry
•    Matthew Ruseski
Eighth Grade
•    Eric Donovan
•    Courtney Harding
•    Lauren Hackett
•    Anna Ruseski
•    Matt Simonds
Ninth Grade
•    Alex Crandall
Tenth Grade
•    John Harding
Eleventh Grade
•    William Guenter
•    Joseph Olszewski
Twelfth Grade
•    Emma Robinson
DECEMBER
Preschool
•    Paige Brewer
•    Owen Cameron
•    Elizabeth Donovan
•    Caden Holtmaster
•    Riley Keihl
•    Hayleigh Krupinski
•    Aspen Smith
Kindergarten
•    Margaret Nehzydoski
•    Angelo Scarfalloto
•    Tangi Smith
•    Kerry Tometchko
First Grade
•    Regan Cameron
•    Anthony Torres
Second Grade
•    Rowan Ryan
•    Ashley Torres
•    Theresa Vaccaro
Third Grade
•    Maxwell Brewer
•    Deane Fisher
•    Madison Gilhool
•    Brennan Gilhool
•    Dominic Pasquali
•    Adriana Scarfalloto
•    Jennifer Tometenko
Fourth Grade
•    Riley Cameron
•    Abigail Hartman
•    Brandon Curley
•    Bethany Wayman
Fifth Grade
•    Paul Freeman
•    Vince Freeman
•    Rudolpho Gonzalez
•    Ethan Luecke
•    Matthew Ruseski
Eighth Grade
•    Holly Andre
•    Samantha Bennici
•    Callie Curley
•    Eric Donovan
•    Courtney Harding
•    Codie Malloy
•    Anna Ruseski
•    Sal Vetri
•    Brenton Warner
Ninth Grade
•    Alex Crandall
•    Devin Hoffman
•    David Koloski
•    Sean Regan
•    Theresa Staats
Tenth Grade
•    Rachel Robinson
•    Michael Vaccaro
•    Michael Hackett
Eleventh Grade
•    William Guenter
•    Nicholas Delaney
•    Aaron Pytlik
•    Sarah Feeney