FROM THE PASTOR Dear Parishioners, The American humorist, Mark Twain, famously said: “The only reason why God created man is because he was disappointed with the monkey.” Yet, this Sunday’s gospel assures us that God loves all of creation; even the smallest of sparrows are in his care. We know that the good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose. Even so, we might have to say that mosquitoes come close to serving no purpose. As sons and daughters of God, we are all called to discover our purpose in life and to acknowledge it before all else. We must forever give glory to the Father who breathes us into life, walks with us in all our days and calls us home at the end of life. Yours in Christ,

Father Dave ========================================

MASS INTENTIONS

Monday – June 26 – 9:00 a.m. JOSEPH KILPATRICK (Joseph & Melissa Palmieri)

Tuesday – June 27 – 9:00 a.m. FRED FANELLI SR. (Ron & Pat Lombel)

Wednesday, June 28 – 9:00 a.m. EDWARD LOEPER (Mr.&Mrs.James Loeper)

Thursday – June 29 – 9:00 a.m. ANTOINETTE REILLY (Joe & Ceil Burns)

Friday – June 30 – 9 a.m. ANDREW BALENTYNE (John Loeper)

Saturday, July 1 – 5 p.m. DANIEL KLINE, 2 ND ANNIV. (Joan Kline, Brothers- Dennis & Bob)

Sunday – July 2 – 8:15 a.m. FRANK BROZANA (Don & Joanne Doyne)

Sunday – July 2 – 10:30 a.m. ANNA ORLOWSKY (Joanie Hylton) ========================================

CANDLE DONATIONS BVM – IMO Lillian C. Selinko by Family St. Joseph - IMO Theresa Marie Holley by Mary Ann Holley Tabernacle - IMO Theresa Marie Holley by Mary Ann Holley Sanctuary All Sanctuary Candles IMO Theresa Marie Holley by Mary Ann Holley Guardian Angels 1&2. IMO Theresa Marie Holley by Mary Ann Holley ========================================

WEEKLY COLLECTION June 17/18: $ 4,456.60

Peter’s Pence: $ 1,457.00 We thank our parishioners for their sacrificial giving.

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SCHEDULE 13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

5:00 p.m. – Saturday – July 1st Reader: Carol Lasco Euch.Min.: Dan & Hermine Murphy Servers: Noah & Helena Fredericks, Andrew Viduszynski Cantor: Lucilla Kochol 8:15 a.m. – Sunday – July 2nd Reader: Ray Petrilla Euch.Min.: John Corbacio, George Forney Servers: Evan & Gavin Woodward, Bryan Daniels Cantor: Tina Seiger 10:30 a.m. – Sunday – July 2nd Reader: Chris Disabella Euch.Min.: Justina Majestic, Debbie Guers Servers: Evielyn Hower, Riley Doyle, Kate Kramer Cantor: Dave Derbes ========================================

PRAY FOR OUR SICK / DECEASED We remember in prayer those who are ill. We

commend to our Divine Lord all of our aged people and those residing in nursing homes. Sick: Fred & Magdalene Maskerines, Mary

Connell, Raydell Wychunas, Caitlin McGarry, Jerry Schoenauer, Mary Zambo, Carol Heacock, Paul Burns, Beth Orlowsky, Toni Wiest, Dorothy Blum. ======================================== 2017 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL- UPDATE

Total Goal: $ 35,309.04 Amount Collected: $ 9,419.00

Number of Donors: 80; Participation: 11.85% ========================================

QUESTION OF THE WEEK What role does fear play in your life?

What role does faith play in your fears? ========================================

Next Week’s Readings

13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (July 1/2) Reading I: 2 Kings 4:8-11

Reading II: Romans 6:3-5, 8-11 Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42

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PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION Thank you for your generous support in last week’s Peter’s Pence Collection! As a parish, we collected $1,457.00. Our contributions will be combined with those from our brothers and sisters around the world to help Pope Francis provide essential relief to people in need. If you missed the collection, it is not too late to give, visit www.usccb.org/nationalcollections, and click on the “How to Give” link on the left.

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DIVINE MERCY PERPETUAL ADORATION Open Hours with Jesus

We believe as Catholics that Jesus loves us so much that He dwells with us day and night in the Blessed Sacrament. Perpetual adoration is simply our response to His love whereby each of us is willing to spend a quiet holy hour of prayer in His Eucharistic Presence once a week on a regular basis. With Perpetual adoration, Jesus is never left alone, and the chapel is always open for anyone who may want to visit Him. Fr. Martin Lucia, SS.CC.

We need adorers for the following hours: Wednesday 12 & 1 a.m.

Saturday 1 & 4 & 9 p.m. Sunday 12 a.m. & 4 a.m.

Whenever you are unable to cover your Holy Hour, for whatever reason, we are always able to get a sub.

Please call Albert 573-0036 or Aleece 449-7678. ========================================

FLOWER DONATIONS The flowers at the main altar this weekend are in memory of Charles Lorenz donated by Frances Lorenz.

If anyone wishes to memorialize flowers in the sanctuary for the weekend Masses for a living or deceased intention, please call the Rectory 622-5470.

======================================== FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PICTURES

First Holy Communion pictures are here! They are available at the rectory

during the week. ========================================

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION Before your youngest members are

baptized, parents are asked to come for Baptismal Preparation. It is preferable that this be done before your baby is born. Please call Father

Dave to arrange for this important preparation. Baptisms are celebrated the First Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m.; Second Sunday during 10:30 a.m. Mass. ========================================

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION Assumption BVM School is looking for your help in collecting “Box Tops.” Many of the products you already have in your home, has a BOX TOP on it. All you need to do is clip them out and place them in the drop-off box in the rear of the church. With each box top collected our school earns cash to update needed

materials. We are no longer collecting “Campbell Soup” labels. =======================================

SPECIAL THANK YOU A special thank you to the following who volunteered their time and talent here at St. John’s. Our volunteers make our parish family special !

! Pine Creek Country Gardens for supplying the beautiful flowers around the church properties.

! Joyce Gerace, Lucilla Kochol, Cathy Satterwhite, Mary Ann Schweikert, for helping with the parish mailing for our Mid-Summer Festival.

======================================== FAMILY MATTERS

Vacation for Families. God bless our parish families with a fun-filled vacation and safe travel to and from their destinations. May they be rejuvenated in their family relationships and return relaxed and nourished in body and spirit.

You pray for my family and I’ll pray for yours. ========================================

CCD REGISTRATION DEADLINE – June 30th

Now is the time to register your child for next year’s CCD class. There are reduced rates until June 30th. If you have not received a form in the mail, please call the rectory or pick one up in church. The forms are at the entrances of the Church. The longer form is for new students and new first graders. The shorter form is for students who are presently attending class.

Registration Fee: $50.00 First Child (after June 30th - $60.00)

All Other Children: $45.00 per Child (after June 30th - $55.00)

======================================== NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL NEWS … GIRL’S VOLLEYBALL CAMP to take place July 17, 18, 19, 20 at Nativity High School for girls 3rd to 8th grade. Cost $45.00. Brochures available at Nativity High School. Please call Mrs. Jennifer Daubert 622-8110 for more information.

POSITION AVAILABLE Nativity is accepting applications for Dean of Students for the 2017-18 school year. This is a year-round position. Duties include all aspects of Discipline, Student Record Keeping, Attendance, Coordination of Student Life, Supervision of Maintenance and others. Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree and Teacher Certification required. Interested candidates please send résumé, certifications and all clearances by July 5th to:

Nativity BVM High School Attn: Mrs. Lynn Sabol, Principal

One Lawton’s Hill

Pottsville, Pa. 17901 ========================================

MAJOR SPONSORS

Hahner Bros. Inc. Ed & Carole Quirin

Joe & Nancy Schlitzer

***** FESTIVAL PATRONS

$75.00 Ellen & Jay Zane $25.00 $50.00 Ann Blankenhorn Joey Kurtek Joe & Kathy Brahler M/M John Kutch $20.00 McNamara Family Anonymous $30.00 $10.00 Dave & Alice Bechtel M/M John Mestishen Wartella Family

*****

POT LUCK STAND Attention Parishioners !!! Once again we are asking for your help in making this year’s Pot Luck Stand a success. You have been very generous in the past and we are very grateful for your donations. Please save all those unwanted items that you received for

Birthdays, Christmas, etc. They will make great prizes for our Pot Luck Stand.

NEW & UNUSED ITEMS ONLY. If you would like us to pick up your donation, please call us … (Pat) 570-544-5266, (Maureen) 570-581-8307, or (Kathy) 570-622-2326. You can also drop them off at the rectory. As always, thank you very much for your support and help…

Pat Zaharis, Maureen Kurtek, Kathy Vicic. =======================================

STEWARDSHIP LIBRARY Stewardship Displays are located at the church exits. There are many items available including CD’s, Rosaries, Self-help and Informational Booklets, etc. New Items include: Music (lower door); Divine Mercy (main church), in addition to other great CD’s or books. Donations are accepted. ======================================== PRAYERFOROURTROOPSAROUND

THEWORLD“Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect

them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for

the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.”

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Specials Table Would you like to donate a basket for our Specials Table at the Festival?

We are asking for 15 Baskets. A sign-up sheet is located in the back of

church …. Suggestions are listed. Basket value should be approximately $50.00. Gift Certificates are always accepted and greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Donated Baskets to date: Art Basket --- Theresa McCabe Baking Basket --- Janet Daubert Black & White Party Basket – Karla’s Kreations Breakfast Basket – Chuck & Mary Rinaldo Fall Basket --- Chris Black Gardening Basket --- Rosann Sitkus Gift Certificates – Ed & Carole Quirin Hair Care Basket --- Shanna Deibert/the Looking Glass Sport/Snack Basket --- Sandy Frinzi Summer Afghan/Yankee Candle/Wine Basket --- Eleanor & Joe Orzechowski Summer Dishware Basket --- George & Kathy Zwiebel Vera Bradley Basket --- Ken & Tammy Cooper Wine Basket – Lori Pontician Wine Basket – Lori Pontician

Basket should be complete and wrapped. Baskets can be dropped off at the Russell Building

July 12 or July 13 or July 14. Baskets CANNOT be dropped off at the rectory.

======================================= DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Celebrating a Wedding Anniversary? Recently Married? Your love as husband and wife is a gift to one another as well as a gift from God. Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend to make the most of this precious gift. For information or to register call 732-904-9636 or visit www.aweekendforyourmarriage.org.

POSITION AVAILABLE Schuylkill Employment opportunity: A teaching position is available at Trinity Academy, Shenandoah, beginning the 2017-2018 school year. It is departmentalized Grs. 5-7 L.Arts, Grs. 5-6 Reading, Gr. 6 Religion, Gr. 7 Soc St., Gr. 6 Home Room. Those interested in applying should send résumé,

attention Sue Klinger by July 2. Teacher application & other pertinent information is available on the Diocesan website. ========================================

UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS June 30 CCD Registration deadline July 11 Men’s Gospel Reflection Group – 7 p.m. – F.R. 12 St. John’s Beneficial Society – 8 p.m. – F.R. 12/13 Mid-Summer Festival Set-Up – 6 p.m. 14/15 Mid-Summer Festival 5 to 9:30 p.m. 16 Mid-Summer Festival Take-Down – 9 a.m. 18 Men’s Gospel Reflection Group – 7 p.m. – L.H. 19 Catholic Women’s Union Mtg. – 7 p.m. – L.H. 25 Men’s Gospel Reflection Group – 7 p.m. – L.H. August 1 Men’s Gospel Reflection Group – 7 p.m. – L.H. 6 Family Fun Day at Knoebels Park

** L.H. – Longinus Hall ** F.R. – Rectory Fellowship Room ** R.B. – Russell Building ========================================

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK We appreciate advertisers who support St. John’s by advertising in our bulletin. Please patronize their business and let them know you saw their ad in our bulletin.

Why Advertise In A Church Bulletin? * It’s inexpensive Advertising * It’s Effective in Catching New Neighbors’ Attention * It’s Advertising Concentrated in Your Own Neighborhood * It Develops Good Community Relationships * It’s Good For Developing Loyal Customers

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“If someone we know has received a prenatal diagnosis, let us ask the Holy Spirit to work through us. May the families of these little children be strengthened and comforted by our affirmation of the truth that their child’s life --- however long or short --- is worth living.” ========================================

FAMILY FUN DAY KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT PARK

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6TH SAVE THE DATE !!

… MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW …

======================================== NEIGHBORING EVENTS

ST. PAULINE VISINTAINER … You are invited to take part in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Monday, June 26th at 5 p.m. at Our Lady’s Chapel in St. Patrick’s, followed by Veneration of the first-class relic of St. Pauline Visintainer, Patron Saint of Diabetics and of all who are sick. SUMMERFEST sponsored by St. Charles Borromeo Church in Ashland on July 7 & 8 from 5 to 10 p.m. on the 100 block of Walnut Street. Bake Sale, Basket Auction, Chances, Games, Music, Food, much more.

PILGRIMAGE sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Minersville on Sunday, August 6th to the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Bally (the oldest church in the Diocese of Allentown) followed by a tour of the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown. For reservations and info, call 570-527-0453.Cost is $25.00. KARATE CLASSES Interested in learning a traditional martial art? You are in luck! Karate classes held twice weekly on the second floor of the Russell Building. Classes are held Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. Ages 6 and up welcome. Classes taught by Sensei Dennis Tobash. For more information please call 484-357-2539. ======================================== FROM OUR PARISH NURSE … Besides causing premature skin aging and skin cancer, indoor tanning has immediate risks, according to a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine. Extrapolating from data collected at U.S. hospitals between 2003 and 2012, researchers estimated that about 3,200 people a year, on average, ended up in emergency rooms for injuries related to indoor tanning. The injuries

– mostly skin burns, followed by fainting and eye injuries – occurred most frequently in women and younger adults, who are the typical users. The good news is that the number of injuries has been dropping in

the past decrease – likely due to reductions in indoor tanning, the researchers said. ========================================