Saints Peter and Paul Church

Announcements

• 2020 Apr 5 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord and Holy Week

  NO  PUBLIC  MASSES  Palm Sunday or during Holy Week; NO distribution of palms.

  All scheduled Masses are prayed privatele in church by Fr. Ed, including all of Holy Week.

  Good Friday is still a day of Fast and Abstinence from meat.

  PLEASE  OBSERVE  THIS  HOLY  WEEK  WITH APPROPRIATE  PRAYER TIME, ATTENDING ONLINE/TELEVISED MASS, SPIRITUAL REFLECTION especially on the SACRED  TRIDUUM:   

  HOLY  THURSDAY  (the Mass of the Lord's Supper will be celebrated)

  GOOD  FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD  pray the Stations of the Cross

  HOLY  SATURDAY  -  the  EASTER VIGIL  MASS

  EASTER  SUNDAY  OF THE RESURRECTION  OF  THE  LORD

• April 2, 2020 Bishop['s Letter

  Reverend and Dear Father,

  As Holy Week draws near, I have recorded a new message for the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton that I encourage you to share with your people, inviting all of us to join together in prayer. Please share it on your website, social media pages and using your other vehicles of communication.

  The video message link is: https://youtu.be/IBdJtccxeyI

  I am also requesting that each church of our Diocese join together in a small, yet significant way beginning this weekend.

  For five days, beginning on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020 and continuing daily through Thursday, April 9, 2020, I ask that you ring the bells of your church each day for sixty seconds at noon, as a means of calling us all to unite in prayer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  My hope is that the bells will not only unite people in prayer, but bring some comfort to those who are inside their homes and may feel isolated.

  While our public Masses may be suspended at this time, I believe that people who hear the ringing bells will be reminded that our Church is still active and praying for an end to this illness which has caused such great pain and suffering.

  Thank you for all that you are doing. You continue to be in my prayers. Faithfully yours in Christ,

  †Joseph C. Bambera

  Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.

  Bishop of Scranton

   

• Masses online or televised

  8:15 Daily (including Sunday) with Bishop Robert Barron at wordonfire.org

  Daily 8 AM, Noon, and 7 PM on EWTN television station

  Sunday 8 AM and Noon on EWTN television station

  Weekdays 12:10, 3:30 and 7 PM on CTW; also streamed on website www.dioceseofscranton.org; and on Diocesan facebook, twitter, instagram and youtube

  Saturday Vigil 4 pm on CTW and streamed on Diocesan website www.dioceseofscranton.org and Diocesan facebook, twitter, instagram and youtube

  Sunday 10 am on CTW and streamed onDiocesan websiter www.dioceseofscranton.org and Diocesan facebook, twitter, instagram and youtube

  Weekdays 9 AM livestream at TheDivineMercy.org facebook page

  Weekdays 7 pm in Spanish at LaDivinaMisericordia (Official) facebook page

   

   

   

• March 16, 2020 Bishop suspends All Masses, Meetings Cancelled

  No Public Masses.  No public meetings.  Effective immediately  - March 16, 2020  Letter from Bishop Bamera.

   

  Dear Brothers and Sisters,

  Effective immediately, and until further notice, I have suspended the celebration of Masses open to the public and all public gatherings in all diocesan parishes, worship sites, college campuses, chapels and health care facilities in the eleven counties of the Diocese of Scranton.

         Churches of the Diocese will remain open daily for individual private prayer. The time frame for each parish is to be determined by its pastor or parish life coordinator. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during this time remains in effect.

        Scheduled sacramental celebrations such as weddings, baptisms or funerals will be permitted, but attendance will be limited to immediate family members and follow any guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation will be available, when requested individually, by the faithful in cases of serious need.

        It deeply saddens me to take this temporary action, knowing the depth of your faith and your desire to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on a regular basis. In light of continued concerns surrounding COVID-19, and upon the advice of medical experts, it is clear that we, as a faith community, must do our part in order to help slow the spread of this virus.

        The number of faithful souls who filled our churches this past weekend, even with the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass, was deeply consoling to me. As you always have, so many of you are turning to your faith as the surest place where we will find God’s peace, consolation and hope.

        Unfortunately, the presence of such great numbers of worshippers in our churches is not serving our efforts to help mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. In an effort to prevent overwhelming our hospitals and health care facilities, national, state and local leaders have urged people to avoid large gatherings of people and keep appropriate social distancing from one another.

        As your bishop, in addition to the care of souls, the safety and health of all of our faithful parishioners, friends and those we welcome through our outreach and service, is of utmost importance to me. As such, the decision that I have announced, while difficult, is the best way for us to work together to serve the common good of all, both in our parishes and in our communities.

        During these challenging times, it is also crucial that we not forget who we are as Christians. May we continue to offer, in whatever way we can, care and concern for those who are most vulnerable, including the poor, our senior citizens and those who are ill. I also urge those who can do so to maintain support for your parishes during these difficult days in order to sustain the ministries and outreach services for parishioners and those most in need.

        Despite the suspension of public Masses, a private Mass will be celebrated daily in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton, and made available on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. On weekdays, the Mass will be broadcast at 12:10 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. On weekends, the Saturday Vigil Mass will be broadcast at 4:00 p.m. and rebroadcast on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. The Masses will also be streamed on the Diocese of Scranton’s website (www.dioceseofscranton.org), made available on the Diocese of Scranton’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and will be accessible on the Diocese of Scranton’s YouTube channel.

        Additional resources for individual parishioners to deepen their faith during Lent are also available on the Diocese of Scranton’s website.

        During this sacred season of Lent, we are being asked to sacrifice more than ever before – particularly with the loss of cherished religious practices, most especially the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. May we do so mindful of the selfless sacrifice of Jesus and for the sake of our brothers and sisters who are most vulnerable and in need of our help.

        The Diocese of Scranton continues to monitor the rapidly evolving health situation regarding the coronavirus. We are constantly monitoring directives from national, state and local officials. This policy will be reassessed on a regular basis, in addition to the plans for Holy Week and Easter.

        God bless you and keep each of you in His care. Let us continue to pray for one another.

   

  Faithfully yours in Christ,
  †Joseph C. Bambera
  Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
  Bishop of Scranton

   

   

   

• EWTN Mass Schedule

  Daily Mass is available on EWTN (Comcast channel 63). 

  The schedule is 12:00 a.m. (midnight), 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. (noon), and 7:00 p.m.

  Sunday Mass is on EWTN at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (noon).

• Diocesan Mass Televised Schedule and online access

  A pivate Mass will be celebrated daily in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton, and made available on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton.

  On weekdays, the Mass will be broadcast at 12:10 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

  On weekends, the Saturday Vigil Mass will be broadcast at 4:00 p.m. and rebroadcast on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.

  The Masses will also be streamed on the Diocese of Scranton’s website (www.dioceseofscranton.org), made available on the Diocese of Scranton’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and will be accessible on the Diocese of Scranton’s YouTube channel.  

• Masses at TheDivineMercy.org

  Please join the Marian Fathers each day as we livestream the Masses and prayers needed to supply you with the necessary grace to help get you and your loved ones through this time of difficulty and health concerns. Daily from the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy we will livestream the following spiritual activities on our Facebook page — Divine Mercy (Official):

   

  At 9 a.m. EST we will bring you the Most Holy Mass, including the prayer to make a Spiritual Communion so you can receive the graces as if you received our Lord sacramentally in Most Holy Communion;

   

  At 3 p.m. EST we will broadcast the Novena and Chaplet of Divine Mercy, followed by Benediction and a blessing with the first-class relic of St. Faustina;

   

  At 5 p.m. EST please join the Marian Fathers in prayer as we recite the Most Holy Rosary; and

   

  At 7 p.m. EST we will livestream the Most Holy Mass in Spanish on our Spanish Facebook page, La Divina Misericordia (Official). NOTE: We will also post these on our website TheDivineMercy.org.

   

  We hope you will join us to receive these special graces that the Church allows during this time of the coronavirus. Thank you and God bless!

• March 10, 2020: Restriced Visitation to Health Facilities

  Religious services and communion calls have been restricted effective immediately until further notice, by the relevant health care providers, including the Bradford County Manor, Towanda Personal Care Home, Towanda Skilled Nursing.  Emergency calls for the sacraments by the priest will be allowed.

• March 8, 2020: Health Concerns -

  Personal and Parish Health

   

  Most people are curious about the progression and location of outbreaks of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As public health officials in Pennsylvania and beyond continue to track the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and widespread flu activity, the Diocese of Scranton is announcing new precautions for the celebration of Mass in its eleven counties.

  Effective immediately, the Bishop is implementing the following directives:

   

  • The distribution of the Precious Blood via the Chalice is temporarily suspended

  • The Sign of Peace will now be exchanged without physical contact

  At this time, the Diocese is monitoring all information and updates being provided by federal, state and local government officials.

  In addition to the temporary changes that are taking effect immediately, the Bishop is also reminding parishes of the following:

   

  • Priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should practice good

  hygiene, washing their hands before Mass begins for at least 20 seconds or even using an alcohol- based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion.

   

  • Parishioners are also reminded that if they are sick, especially with flu-like symptoms, they should stay home for their own well-being and that of others. If parishioners are sick or suspect they are sick with a contagious illness, they are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation.

   

  On its website, the Pennsylvania Department of Health also has basic personal hygiene reminders which

  include:

  * Covering coughs or sneezes with your elbow instead of hands

  * Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand

  sanitizer if soap and water are not available

  * Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes and

  other frequently touched items.

   

  The new precautions will continue as long as deemed necessary. The Diocese of Scranton will continue to monitor the situation and is ready to make any updates as needed.

   

  Bishop Bambera now wishes to address several additional concerns that have been raised by members of the faithful in our Diocese.

   

  * The faithful are strongly encouraged at this time to receive the Body of Christ (via the Sacred Host) in the hand, but the right of each individual to receive on the tongue, as guaranteed by the universal law of the Church, remains in place and is to be respected. This request is made in order to curtail the spread of germs to the communicant, to the minister of Hoy Communion and other communicants.

   

  * The faithful should refrain from the use of holy water upon entering and exiting our churches. Out of an abundance of caution, pastors should remove holy water from fonts in an effort to reduce the

  possible transmission of the virus.

   

  * Parishes should make proper provision for persons with celiac disease who cannot digest the

  gluten in wheat hosts or have other sensitivities.

   

  * Elderly parishioners who are not sick but are concerned about being in crowded spaces are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation.

   

  These temporary changes come in addition to those announced on March 3, 2020, which are mentioned above.

   

  Undoubtedly, other concerns may be raised as we confront the spread of the coronavirus. I would encourage vigilance and discretion by our priests and faithful to use common sense and good hygiene.

   

  We pray for all the sick, in particular those suffering from the flu or from the coronavirus. We pray for the researchers trying to find a treatment; and we pray for those who are caring for the sick throughout the world.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Lenten Regulations - begin Feb. 26, Ash Wednesday

  Lenten Regulations: Fast and Abstinence

  Abstinence from Meat: Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent, all Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are obliged to abstain from eating meat.

  Fast: All Catholics over 18 years of age to the beginning of their 60th year are obliged to fast: which means to take only one full meal, and two smaller meals not equivalent to a full meal, unless dispensed or excused.

   

• "FORMED" on-Line Resources - easy access

  Registering for FORMED is easier than ever:

  1. Go to formed.org/signup
  2. Select your parish (search zipcode or parish name)
  3. Register with your name and email address
  4. Check that email account for a link to begin using FORMED

  Enjoy DVD's, CDs, Programs,  books and more, for a variety of ages and interests.

• Mar. 19: Feast Day of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  Year of St. Joseph

   

  This year marks the 150th Anniversary of Pope Pius IX’s decree naming Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster-father of Jesus, as the

  Patron of the Universal Church. In commemoration of this anniversary and

  recognizing the fitting time for the Church to invoke the intercession of this guardian, His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera ha s declared this year as a “Year of Saint Joseph” to be observed in the Diocese of Scranton from March 19, 2020 to March 19, 2021. Bishop Bambera states, “Just as Saint Joseph watched over and protected the Lord Jesus while he was on earth, we need Saint Joseph to watch over and provide for the Church today. His intercession on behalf of the Universal Church is vital as the world faces so much upheaval and pain, and

  particularly as it confronts the uncertainty and pain of the coronavirus epidemic.”

   

  Bishop Bambera invites all of the faithful to renew their devotion to Saint Joseph during this commemorative year, and to seek his powerful intercession to safely guard the Church from all evils, just as he protected the Holy Family from harm. A Closing Mass for the Year will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Friday, March 29, 2021.

  A Novena to St. Joseph will be available on the parish website, sspeterandpaulchurch.net, or contact the parish office 570-265-2113..

   

• Diocese of Scranton Notice Regarding Sexual Abuse of a Minor

  It is the policy of the Diocese of Scranton to report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement.  If you are a victim of sexual abuse committed by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton, you a re encouraged to immediately report the matter to law enforcement.  If any priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton has cause or reason to suspect that a minor has been subjected to any form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, the matter will be reported to law enforcement.  It is also the policy of the Diocese toadhere to all civil and state regulations.  In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Laws, reports of suspected child abuse should also be made immediately by phone to the 24-Hour Child Abuse hotline (ChildLine) at 1-800-932-0313 or electronically at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis.  To this end, the Diocese is equally committed to adhering to the norms of the Code of Canon Law and to upholding the tenets of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and YToung People, which includes supporting victims of sexual abuse in their pursuit of emotional and spiritual well-being.  As such, information regarding an ellegation of sexual abuse of a minor shoulc also be reported to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Mary Beth Pacuska at 570-862-7551.

  Aviso al Respecto de Reportar el Abuso Sexual de Un Menor de Edad Ed la norma de la Doceses de Scranton reportar cualquier alegacion de abuso sexual de un menor de edad a las autoridades.  Si usted ed una victima de abuso sexual cometido por un sacerdote, diaconon, religioso o empleado laico, o voluntario de la Diocesis de Scranton, usted esta obligado a reportar el asunto immediateamente a las autoridades de la ley.  Si algun sacerdote, diacono, religioso, empleado laico o voluntario de la Diocesis de Scranton tiene sospecha de que un menor de edad ha sido sujeto a cualquier forma de abuso, inluyendo abuso sexual de menor de edad, el asunto sera reportado a las autoridades de la ley.  Es la norma de la Diocesis defender todas las regulaciones civiles y del estado.  De conformidad con la Comunidad de los Servicios de Proteccion Infantil de Pennsylvania Leyes, informes de sospecha de abuso de ninos tambien debe hacerse inmediateamente por teefono las 24 horas maltrato infantil hotline (ChildLine) al 1-800-932-0313 o electronicamente en www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis.  Al fi n de que la Diocesis este comprometida igualmente a defender las normas del Codigo de Derecho Canonico y defender los principios de la Carta Para la Proteccion de Ninos y Jovenes (Conferencia de los Obispos Catholicos de los Estados Unidow), lo cual incluye apoyar a las victimas de abuso sexual en pos del bienesar emocional y espiritual.  Por eso, informacion respecto a una alegacion del asunto sexual de un menor de edad, debe ser reportada a la Coordinadora Diocesana de Asistencia para Las Vctimas, Mary Beth Pacuska, a 570-862-7551.