MISSION STATEMENT We Worship ~ We Teach ~ We Care

5112 Pocono Crest Road PO Box O

Pocono Pines, PA 18350 570-646-6424

Mass Schedule: Saturday 5:00 pm

Sunday 8:00 am & 10:30 am Saturday Confessions 4:00 pm

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

JUNE 30, 2019

13th SUNDAY

in ORDINARY TIME

Reverend Sean G. Carpenter ~ Pastor

Deacon Frank Gisoldi

Deacon Tom Amoroso

Melissa Laverty

Pastoral Associate ~ St.MaxMelissa@outlook.com Coordinator of Religious Education

Juli Reese

Office Manager ~ Stmaxkol@ptd.net

John Marcinkowski, Jr. Coordinator of Music ~ jjm1105@ptd.net

Visit us on the web @ www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org

GOSPEL MEDITATION

Have you ever heard that the Gospel is radical? In our times, we hear that word and think of fundamentalists, radical activists, or extremists - people who go beyond limits to achieve their goals and may not consider themselves bound by normal propriety or morality. Their ethos might not be so different from James and John in today's Gospel. "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" This isn't so foreign to some of the stories of the Old Testament. Yet Jesus rebukes them. He won't be exacting in the way his contemporaries expected. There will be no radical rain down of fire and brimstone. Jesus is radical in another way: the call to discipleship. "The Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head." "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks back to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God." These can be difficult passages to read. These are not normal things to hear! It can be easy for many of us to avoid the exacting nature of the Gospel, which might not be what we think it is. James and John wanted to set the bar high for others on the outside and to punish those who didn't meet that standard. Jesus sets the bar high for his disciples, those who say they want to follow him. He may be using some hyperbole, but it's only to send a clear message. This is a radical call, one that has a cost. To truly put God and others first, before ourselves, will involve sacrifice. How is Jesus asking you to be radical today?

And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me say farewell to my family

at home.” To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

~Lk 9:61-62

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Staff

St. Maximilian Kolbe is A Welcoming Roman Catholic Parish

We welcome new parishioners. If you would like to join our parish, registration forms may be found

in our church narthex and in the parish office or if you prefer, register online at www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org.

You may also call the parish office (570-646-6424) and we would be happy to send you

Saturday 5:00 pm

Lena and Max Seebacher by Richard and Jean Seebacher

Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners

10:30 am John & Brian Donahue, Megan Pearson by Theresa Lockyer

Monday 9:15 am Jerry Plisinski by Missy and Billy Papa

Tuesday 9:15 am Rose White by Anne White

Wednesday

9:15 am

Thomas McAndrew by Irene McAndrew

Thursday 9:15 am Michael John White by Anne White

Friday 9:15 am Communion Service

Saturday 5:00 pm William Koffer by Sharon Angelos

Sunday 8:00 am For The Parishioners

10:30 am Anna and Peter Nowak by Jacek and Dorota Nowak

June 29th through July 7th

Sunday Collection 06/16/19………………. $ 7,602. Capital Collection ………………………… 569. Thank You for Your Generosity

Confessions -Saturday 4 pm (Memorial Day thru Labor Day)

First Friday Adoration held after 9:15 am Communion

Service each month.

9:15 am mass will still be celebrated when we have a funeral mass that day.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Sunday: 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21; Gal 5:1, 13-18; Lk 9:51-62

Monday: Gn 18:16-33; Mt 8:18-22 Tuesday: Gn 19:15-29; Mt 8:23-27 Wednesday: Eph 2:19-22; Jn 20:24-29 Thursday: Gn 22:1b-19; Mt 9:1-8 Friday: Gn 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67; Mt 9:9-13 Saturday: Gn 27:1-5, 15-29; Mt 9:14-17 Sunday: Is 66:10-14c; Gal 6:14-18; Lk 10:1-12, 17-20

Thursday, July 4th, 2019 Independence Day

Throughout the United States, we celebrate our freedom. Our rights are protected and opportunities abound. We recognize that freedom has a cost, one

we celebrate and honor on days such as this. It's good to honor those who fight for our country, who

may well pay the ultimate price for the liberties we're afforded. As faithful Catholics, we recognize that there is more to freedom than simply being at liberty to make our lives what we want them to be. St. John Paul II reminds us: "Freedom is not just

doing what we can, it is doing what we ought." We become freer within ourselves and within our

relationships when we choose what is right and good. When we choose sin, we become trapped in egoism - less free, not more. This Independence

Day, let's continue to pursue virtue and good character and encourage others to do this same.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Parish Life

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2019: CAMP KOLBE

Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be held this summer at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. each day for students ages 4 through grade 5 (2018-2019 school year). See the registration form in the bulletin. Forms are also are available in the parish office. Cost for VBS will be $10 per child for the week, not to exceed $30 per family. Teen helpers in grades six and above are also welcome to assist as classroom and music aides and with snacks, crafts and games. For more information, contact Melissa in the parish office.

Join us on Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. in the parish hall as we discuss the Gospel of John. Using both videos and written materials, this program is designed to help bring Catholics to a greater understanding of the Bible and an awareness of God’s living presence in the Scriptures, as well as an appreciation of how the Bible can be applied to daily life. For more information, call or stop by the parish office or simply join us on Tuesday mornings.

LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE STUDY

Parish Life RECEPTION FOR FATHER SEAN!

On Saturday, June 29, following 5 p.m. Mass in the parish hall, join us as for a free reception to congratulate Father Sean on the 10th anniversary of his ordination.

… AND POLISH DINNER AND MOVIE! On Sunday, June 30, the Polish community of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish will celebrate the 10-year anniversaries of our parish and Father Sean’s ordination by holding a dinner featuring delicious Polish food and desserts. The group will also show the movie Two Crowns about the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe. The movie begins at 3 p.m. with dinner to follow. Tickets are required for dinner only. A children’s menu and movie will be offered as well.

PARISH PICNIC COMING SOON The Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish Picnic will be Sunday, August 11, 2019. The Picnic Committee is looking for volunteers to help out with this year’s event. The first meeting of the picnic committee will be Sunday, June 30, at 12 p.m. Last year’s picnic on the St. Max grounds was a huge success and we’re looking to make this one even better. To volunteer, come to the meeting on June 30 or contact the parish office.

THANKS FROM THE SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE

The Social Concerns Committee would like to thank those who donated to our Mother’s Day Weekend “Baby Shower.” Through your generosity, both Shepherd’s Maternity House and the Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos received many needed items. The baby bottle banks gleaned $113 which was divided between the two charities. Using some of the proceeds from their Lenten Buffets, the Social Concerns Committee purchased requested big-ticket items – a bassinet, a highchair and an umbrella stroller. We sincerely thank you for extending a helping hand to those who are struggling to care for their young children – the unborn, the newborn and toddlers. Our Community Dinner in June was another great success! 90 diners enjoyed a delicious ham dinner with all the trimmings, topped off with homemade strawberry shortcake. Numerous guests took extras home to enjoy another day. It took many hands to make this dinner enjoyable for all attending. The committee thanks Jean Sockol, Joan and Greg Aronowitz, Leon Piasecki, Peggy Waibel, Sally Jones, Cookie Litwienski, Maureen Rinehimer, Terry Logan, Becky Loftus, Millie Holahan, Lillian Namik, Dorota Nowak, Sue and Bill Snell, and, Mary and Dick Miraglia for their help. Our Father’s Day Weekend collection for Nurse-Family Partnership was a new charity which the committee embraced for 2019. Diapers, wipes and monetary donations will help first time moms, with the help of their partnered nurse, care for their babies. And, Nurse-Family Partnership serves the committee’s pro-life mission. The committee greatly appreciates the continued support and generosity of our St. Max members and friends who help us help those in need. May God bless you one and all!

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Parish Life Parish Life

Jay Crandall ~ Bill Gleason Bob Ruezinsky ~ Richard Snell

Kim Maria Giganti ~ Fr. Ed Kearns Jennifer Royall ~ Deacon Frank

Terry Howe ~ Irene Halupa Alice & Eileen O’Neill ~ Joan Harrigan

Samson Colborn ~ Joan Harrigan Jamie Nderitu ~ Maurice Berger ~ Sal Rullis

Msgr. Fitzpatrick ~ JoAnn Berger ~ Ryan Miller Cathy Valente ~ Fr. Anthony Urban

Joseph Conte ~ John Mercer

……..And For All Dear Members and Friends that are in need of Prayers, Lord Hear Our Prayer.

This list will be updated periodically.

Hospital Visits - Due to the Health Insurance Portability and

Accountability Act (HIPAA), the parish is unaware when a parishioner is in the hospital.

If you or a loved one would like a hospital visit from Father Sean, contact the parish office

to make arrangements.

at St. Max

Sat. June 29th - Joyful Noise Choir Practice - 10 am Sun., June 30th - Picnic committee Meeting 12 Noon

- “ Two Crowns” - 3 pm movie about

the life of St. Maximilian

- Polish Dinner to follow the movie

(Reservations for Dinner are closed) Mon., July 1st - Knights of Columbus Meeting - 7 pm Tues., July 2nd - Prayer Shawl Meeting - 6:30 pm

St. Maximilian Annual Golf Tournament

Tues., Aug. 6th

Mountain Laurel Golf Club -12:15 pm

Dinner @ Lake Naomi Club -6:00 pm

Bulletin submissions can be emailed to Marion Colvin at: mcol@ptd.net

Please submit two weeks prior to publication date otherwise we cannot promise publication date desired.

~ Thank You

God formed us; sin deformed us;

but Christ can transform us.

...for all have sinned and fall short of the

glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by

Christ Jesus. ~Romans 3:23-24

“Footprints” Margaret Fishback Powers

SAVE THE DATE: PARISH PICNIC! The Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish Picnic will be Sunday, August 11, 2019. The Picnic Committee is looking for volunteers to help out with this year’s event. Last year’s picnic on the St. Max grounds was a huge success and we’re looking to make this one even better. To volunteer, come to the meeting on Sunday, June 30th - 12 noon

Family Promise Essentials Collection During the weekend of July 13 & 14, Social Concerns will hold an Essentials Collection for Family Promise of Monroe County. Please see the insert in this week’s bulletin. We thank you for your continued generosity. Everyone needs a home!

Lord of justice and peace, may I not pause at the marked stones of the brave to learn of liberty, but may I look for the opportunities that I may measure up to because of them, and do my part to keep the peace and spread the blessings of our land. Amen.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Parish Life Parish Life

Upcoming Planned Activities by The St. Max Activities Committee September 2019 - Trip to Winery

(date, time, location TBA)

Thursday, December 5, 2019 - Trip to Radio City

“Christmas Spectacular” starring the Rockettes Our own St. Maximilian Kolbe Adult Choir will perform, alone on stage, for the Sounds of Christmas Experience,

opening the 11:00 am "Christmas Spectacular". Cost $120. Contact Marianne @ 643-1293 for more information. ~See the lighted Rockefeller Center Christmas tree!

~Visit the St. Patrick's Cathedral Nativity scene awaiting Baby Jesus!

~Enjoy Midtown Manhattan! ~And the Christmas Spectacular opened

by our own St. Max Choir! (Reservations needed now to meet July and Sept

deposits at the Music Hall)

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK….. "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God." Jesus' words may seem a bit harsh but are directly on target. The life of discipleship can be costly. Upholding the tenets of the Gospel can put us at odds, even with those most close to us. Jesus never misses an opportunity to spend time with outcasts and sinners. It matters little to him whether doing so breaks a Sabbath law. The Gospel may seem unrealistic, but it is the Gospel nonetheless. We respect the dignity of all persons, from conception to natural death. We work on behalf of justice, which calls us to be with the poor, lonely, confused, and broken. The old "eye for an eye" mentality no longer applies when it comes to dealing with those who hurt us. When Jesus asks you to follow him, will you go?

Week of June 30th

Sanctuary Light In Memory of Frank Cranley, Jr. by Pat Cranley

Bread and Wine For The Unborn

Altar Flowers Available for $100. for one week

HA Valerie Novak ~ Sr. Airman Charlie Maldanado Alston Smart, Jr.~ Eugene Maslar, Jr

Sgt. Matthew Price ~ 1st Lt. Mark Gaido Airman Patrick Alminde ~ TECH Sgt. William D. Olsen

Seaman Nicole Beckman ~ Cpl. John P. Bramley Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr.

Major Thomas M. Smith ~ Sgt. Amber Keppol 2nd Class Petty Officer DC2, Jeffrey Royall Sgt. Andrew Malave ~ Sgt. Matthew Ponce

MK1 Katie Stodnick ~ Pvt. 2 Lars Hicks Lance Corporal Kevin Horoszewski

Prayers for Military

and Government Service

Meetings are the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month @ 7 pm in the parish hall.

~ http://knights13752.webs.com/ ~Facebook: Knights of Columbus Pocono Pines

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Sunday: 9 am to 10:15 am

Monday thru Wednesday: 9 am to 2 pm Thursday: 9 am to 12 pm Friday: Closed

Sunday: 9 am to 10:15 am

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Parish Life

FOOD PANTRY NEWS : Five Loaf House 133 Fire House Rd., Pocono Pines

Distributions are to qualified persons and families only. Distributions are the Second Monday of each month and

the Tuesday following that Monday. Monday Hours 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. by appointment after these hours & Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Food Donations are accepted on Mon/Tues only, from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. or call 570-646-7456.

RECOGNIZE GOD IN ORDINARY MOMENTS Some conversion stories people tell are so profound and meaningful that they make you want to invent a story for yourself. Some of us have these type of stories to tell, but most of us can only tell stories of slowly coming into a greater maturity of faith over many years and many mistakes. I personally was baptized as an infant, grew up in the Church, and never experienced a time when I was fully the prodigal son. I have sinned quite often throughout my years, but I never drifted so far away where I needed that moment of truth to help me see the light. However, that does not diminish the fact that I have been made new in Christ and I need to live in a way that leaves the old me behind. If you are like me, you must admit there are times when that former self comes into view. There are times when we fall into our sin to the point where no one would believe we were baptized disciples of Jesus. Thank God there is forgiveness through the sacraments. When we fall, we can always recover and be made new again. So maybe it is not true that people like me don't have a profound conversion story. Maybe the truth is we simply have MANY conversion stories. As we continually strive to pick up our crosses and follow Him, we fall away and need to come back to Him. Each time, we have a new story. Each time, God's love and healing are profound. Each time, we have something new to tell. - Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

MEMORIAL PAVERS FOR ST. MAX PRAYER GARDEN

With your support, the St. Maximilian Kolbe Stewardship Committee created a beautiful, quiet space on the church grounds where we are able to reflect and pray. Along the walkway, in addition to benches, statues, and Stations of the Cross, there is an area with memorial pavers to honor loved ones and to commemorate special occasions. 4 by 8 inch pavers (with 3 lines of 17 spaces and letters each) are $60 for one paver and $100 for two. An 8 by 8 inch paver is $150. If you would like to purchase one of the pavers, you can get a form from the parish office.

PARISH COOKBOOK ~ $10 “Flavor to the Max~ A Second Helping” can be purchased in the Cry Room after Masses or in the Parish Office during regular office hours. During our year-long celebration of the 10th Anniversary of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, we hope to feature many delicious dishes found in this cookbook at various parish events.

Parish Life

Mr. Weis Markets Tape Program St. Max participates in a program where we get a percentage of your grocery bill returned to us. All we ask is each time you shop at a Weis Market save your receipt and turn it in to us - either in the collection basket or bring them into the office. Receipts are tallied by Joan Hild, a dedicated volunteer who brings them to the store and after being processed, they send us a check.

~Thanks to All