Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish StaffPastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365ResidentRev. Gene Ritz: 610.777.1365DeaconDeacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697Principal of La Salle AcademyMr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392Parish SecretaryBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697Parish Communications CoordinatorSarah Capato: 610.850.4978Director of Religious EducationBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697For Bulletin / Website Inquiries or AnnouncementsContact: Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMr. Tony Balistrere, Principal: 610.374.8361Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th GradeMrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697RCIA: Age 18+Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697

Scheduling Use of Parish FacilitiesFor those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Office at 610.777.1697

WorshipEucharistic AdorationFirst Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PMAltar ServersStudents from Grade 4 to Seniors in High SchoolContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Funeral ServersContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sunday’s at 10:30AM Mass, between September and May Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Lorna Pfeiffenberger at 610.777.4822LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contemporary Ensemble–Contact: Parish Office at 601.777.1697 Traditional Choir–Contact: Parish Office at 601.777.1697CantorsContact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264

Outreach & Parish MinistriesCulture of LifeContact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965Bereavement MinistryContact: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431Justice in Action MinistryContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Breaking Bread Social CommitteeContact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542Prayer Shawl MinistryContact: Joan Yanuskiewicz at 610.777.4646Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & MassContact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927Food Pantry / Emergency MealsContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesContact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792Parish Nurse MinistryContact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Spiritual DirectionContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Faith Sharing for WomenContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Parish Prayer LineContact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965Charismatic Prayer GroupContact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215

OrganizationsPrime TimersContact: Larry Shepherd at 610.777.8337Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Girl ScoutsContact: Britt Kobularcik at 484.256.1782 Daisy: Grade K-1, Brownies: Grade 2/3, Juniors: Grade 4/5

Cub ScoutsContact: Mitzi Ziolkowski at 610.856.0708Knights of Columbus Contact: Mike Hall at 804.212.7261Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360Men’s Recreational Basketball ClubContact: Russ Baver at 610.507.0627CYO (Christian Youth Organization)Contact: Rock Witmer at 610.775.2176Parish GardenersContact: Chris Hofmann at 610.777.2523

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Mass Intentions for the Week MONDAY, JULY 11 – St. Benedict 8:00 a.m. Jennie Arnold TUESDAY, JULY 12 - Weekday 7:00 p.m. Florence Michalowski WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 – St. Henry 8:00 a.m. Robert L. Miller THURSDAY, JULY 14 – St. Kateri Tekakwitha 7:00 p.m. Robert Glaser FRIDAY, JULY 15 – St. Bonaventure 8:00 a.m. Antonio Donatelli, Jr. SIXTEENTH SUNDAYIN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY, JULY 16 4:00 p.m. Ed Gajewski SUNDAY, JULY 17 8:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Susan Willem Butler

St. John's Baptist de la Salle July 10th 2016 www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary

Away from home? Find a Mass wherever you are at www.masstimes.org

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, JULY 16 - 4:00PM Lector: Bernadette Yohn Cantor: ----- Servers: Catherine Maher, Hanna Bitting EM: K.Becker, L.Asgari, V.Sottosanti, ME.Symanski, L.Katzaman, M.Melniczek, C/G.Legezdh SUNDAY, JULY 17 - 8:30AM Lector: Paul Berthinet Cantor: ----- Servers: Brigham & Baylor Kobularcik SUNDAY, JULY 17 - 10:30AM Lector: Adam Krick Cantor: ----- Servers: Faith & Brynna Bentz EM: K.Roché, C.Yochimowitz, C/K.Worley, S.Artz, D.Cannon, B.Wells, N.Bentz

Upcoming Events Monday, July 11 7:30 pm K of C Business & General Mtg. Tuesday, July 12 7:30 pm Charismatic Group Mtg. Wednesday, July 13 8:30 am Church Cleaning

Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator, Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com.

Bulletin submissions are due Thursday, ten days prior to the Sunday of publication.

Weekly Stewardship 6/26 - $10,830.00

Todays Readings First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14 Moses petitions the people to follow the commandments God has set before them. He reminds them that the laws are not in the sky or far away at sea, but are accessible to them and meant to be followed if they wish to prosper. Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Paul discusses the divine nature of Jesus, and explains that Jesus was created before anything else. Everything else was "created through him, and for him." Gospel: Luke 10:25-37 While discussing everlasting life, a lawyer mentions loving one's neighbor as oneself. The lawyer then asks Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus tells him about a man beaten by robbers, who was ignored by both a priest and a Levite before a Samaritan stopped and offered him aid. Jesus asks the lawyer who was neighbor to the injured man. The lawyer says "the one who treated him with compassion." Jesus encourages him to go and do the same.

Sanctuary Candle for the week of 6/26-7/2 in loving memory of Rita, Bob, and Debbie Gruber

(requested by Mr. & Mrs. Frank Talarico)

Altar Bread for Month of July: In loving memory of: Jennie & Joseph Butz (requested by

Bernadine Keyek)

Altar Wine for Month of July: In loving memory of: Jerry Keyek (requested by

Bernadine Keyek)

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS: Registration forms for our upcoming school year 2016-2017 for our Religious Education Program have been mailed out for returning students. If you did not receive your form please notify the Parish Office, 610.777.1697.

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St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

PRIME TIMERS NEWS PRIME TIMERS UPCOMING TRIPS: Oct. 12 – Mystery Trip cost $84, Sit down family style Meal included. Will depart from St. John’s at 8 am with a 5:30 pm approximate return. Nov. 9 – Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre to see “Anything Goes” cost $69. Departure from St. John’s 10:30 am – approximate return of 5:30 pm. Nov. 30 – American Music Theatre to see “Winter Wonderland” cost $81 departure from St. John’s 11:00 am, lunch at the Steamboat Inn, sit down family style meal, approximate return 6:00 pm. For more information or reservations please call Philomena Repoley 610.777.5063 or Larry Shepherd 610.777.8337

SAVE THE DATE! Patriotic Parish Picnic Sunday, September 25th Mohnton Playground Start gathering your red, white and blue

Parish Happenings

WIN $10,000 CASH!! The Berks Catholic High School Extravaganza Cash Raffle tickets are now available. Only 350 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held on Friday, October 7th during the Extravaganza 2016 event. Donation $100. To buy raffle tickets, please send your check with return address and phone number to: Berks Catholic Extravaganza, 955 E.Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. If you would like to receive an invitation to attend Extravaganza, please call the Extravaganza Office at 610-374-1695 or e-mail Extravaganza@BerksCatholic.org

Are you a registered nurse who has a heart for women in trouble and would love to learn a new skill? Lifeline of Berks County is looking for the right person to train as a Client Care Advocate and ultrasound nurse, working 15-20 hours per week helping women fall in love with their babies! Call 610-374-8545 or stop by Lifeline at 612 Reading Avenue, West Reading for more information and to fill out an application.

Attention: All St. Mary’s Graduates – Reunion We will have an organization meeting on August 18, 2016 in St. Mary’s Hall at 7 PM to plan a Fall Reunion for all graduates of St. Mary’s School. Anyone who is interested in helping to plan this affair, please call St. Catharine’s parish center at 610.779.4005

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL NEWS: Many thanks to everyone who helped to make our VBS CAVE QUEST a wonderful “Spelunking” experience! A most heartfelt THANK YOU to Fr. Rich who supported our program in so many ways, Mr. Stephen Mickulik for allowing us the use of the school Cafeteria and Mr. Tom Doyle, our go to person when we needed help with anything (we did try to get him to do the Power Shuffle, but he was holding his newest little grandson, Grady!) Special thanks to our Station Leaders who made our week of VBS an awesome experience: Mrs. Lisa Galvin (Deep Bible Quest), Mrs. Angie Gable (our Bible Buddy artist) Mrs. Britt Kobularcik (Imagination Station), Mrs. Tammy Ritter (Mrs. Kobularcik’s helper), Mark Stone (aka “MJ” – our Tech person for our music & slide show, and all around floater), Mr. Tommy Szurgot (Spelunker Sports & Games), Mrs. Lori Thomas (KidVid Cinema), Mrs. Wendy Yeckley (Photographer & Slide show producer) and Mr. Paul Yohn (Cavern Café snack chef). Our Spelunker Crew Leaders: Luke Bennethum, Kendal, Liam & Jude Galvin, Matt Gehris, Joseph Giesen, Brigham & Baylor Kobularcik, Ethan Latshaw, Bella, Jacob, Ben & Jack Makosch, Lukas Nittinger, Chloe Ritter, Miracle Thomas, Courtney & Kaylie Vu, David Yeckley, Molly Yohn. Most of all, we thank all the young “Spelunkers” who shared their joyful enthusiasm and energy – you were just AWESOME: Brynn & Eric Bennethum, Caroline & Drew Buono, Tenley Capato, Penny Cartin, Alison Delewski, Joby & Milo Galbraith, Amelia Heberlein, Brindley Kobularcik, Coryn & Jovyn Kreska, Jax & Joseph Leininger, Rosie & Josh Makosch, Serina & Wyatt Miller, Anthony “AJ” Neishloss, Lily & Jack Ritter, Teagan Rogers, Eliza Sullivan, Lydia & Seth Toal, Lily Yohn. We hope to see you all back for next year’s VBS.

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YOU ARE NOT ALONE If a Prenatal Diagnosis identifies a possible disability…You are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding a poor prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org or 610.289.8900 x 42

Summer Time Pace Is Time for Prayer

Does summer time offer you a slower pace and more time for personal reflection? Do you sometimes wish for greater awareness of the awesome presence of God in your life? Spiritual Direction can help. Arlene Seeber holds an M.A. in Religious Studies from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia and completed a two -year training in Spiritual Direction at the Jesuit Center, Wernersville. Arlene offers her practice in spiritual direction as a volunteer ministry to St. John’s family of faith. Individual sessions are private and held in strict confidence. To learn whether spiritual direction is something you would like to explore you can reach Arlene by phone 484-794-8027 or by e-mail arleneseeber@icloud.com.

Are You Familiar With Catholic Social Teaching? If you are not, you are not alone. Catholic Social Teaching has been called one of the best, kept Catholic secrets. Our American Catholic Bishops are well aware of this: “Far too many Catholics are not familiar with the basic content of Catholic social teaching. More fundamentally, many Catholics do not adequately understand that the social teaching of the Church is an essential part of

Catholic faith. This poses a serious challenge for all Catholics, since it weakens our capacity to be a Church that is true to the demands of the Gospel. We need to do more to share the social mission and message of our Church.” (Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, U.S. Catholic Bishops)

What is Catholic Social Teaching? The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. (The body of official writings issued by popes, bishops, and other prominent faith leaders.) The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) Go to the website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org to explore the wealth of information available. What is Catholic Social Justice? “Catholic Social Justice encompasses the written teachings of the Church (Catholic Social Teaching) and includes the witness of all Christians and people of faith committed to proclaiming the love of the Gospel and the justice of God’s kingdom in the public sphere. Catholic Social Justice is not a theory or an intellectual exercise, but rather how people of faith are called to live the Gospel in a broken and suffering world.” (NETWORK, Advocates for Justice Inspired by Catholic Sisters, www.networklobby.org)

“Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities, which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities.” (Pope Francis Address to Congress, September 2015)

Works of Mercy in Action: Comforted the Afflicted Are you in need of assistance in carrying out normal household chores? Do you know of someone in our parish who could benefit from assistance with light housekeeping tasks? Justice in Action Ministry will try to help. Get in touch with Arlene Seeber (484.794.8027 or arleneseeber@icloud.com) and your request will be circulated among possible helpers in our parish.

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St. John's next Youth Group event will be:

July 10 | 6pm 8th - 12th graders join us!

Meet at the back entrance to the La Salle Cafe. We will enjoy a picnic and some exciting outdoor games. We invite each of our teens to bring a favorite small snack or drink to share.

Bring a friend to join in on the fun!

Are you wondering what to do with your life? Have you asked the question, "What am I looking for?” If so, you are not alone. You are in good company because people like Saint Andrew and Saint John the Evangelist had these same questions and then found the answers in a man who was baptized by John the Baptist and called them to be "fishers of men." Bishop Barres invites you to join him, the seminarians of the Diocese of Allentown, and Sisters from various women's religious communities at the 2016 Quo Vadis or Fiat Days at DeSales University from Sunday, July 17 to Thursday, July 21. Quo Vadis and Fiat Days are open to young men and women from ages 14 to 18 (including the newly graduated). This five-day event will include time for personal and group prayer, Mass and other Catholic devotions, talks by priests and religious sisters, and sports and other activities. Registration is now open. Registration materials are available at www.allentowndiocese.org. Click on the vocations information link. Spaces are limited so act fast.

Guess who is coming to dinner update! The first gathering turned out to be a wonderful picnic where 20 parishioners put names with faces as they shared tasty food, great conversation and made new friends. Our thanks goes out to Don and Eileen Muzyka for hosting the event at their home where birds chirped as we ate. The next dinner will take place in the fall, so if you could not make it this time, please watch for the sign up announcement in the bulletin. The intention of this new type of gathering is for smaller groups. There are already 5 hosts who are looking for guests. Please consider joining in on this opportunity to meet the people you sit next to in church, but don't know their names.

Saint Henry Feast day July 13

You know that the president of the United States is elected by the people. If he doesn’t do a good job or doesn’t take care of the needs of the people, they will elect someone else the next time. In the 10th century, leaders were not elected, and so they did not have to worry about pleasing their subjects in order to stay in power. Because of this, many emperors and kings took advantage of the power, luxury, and honor of their position without responsibly working for the good of their people. Kings often chose to ignore or to squelch conflict rather than to resolve it justly. In the midst of these circumstances, Henry, the son of the Duke of Bavaria, set the example of a Christlike leader. Jesus said that a leader is one who serves. And that is what Henry did. Henry was married to Cunegunda of Luxembourg, but they had no children. When he was 34 years old, Henry became king of Germany. As a ruler, Henry concentrated on the good of his people. He built monasteries, helped the poor, fought against unjust seizure of power, and relieved all kinds of oppression. Once his brother-in-law and some other relatives complained that Henry was wasting the family fortune on the poor. They actually got an army together to challenge Henry’s rule. Henry met them on the battlefield and put down the uprising, then pardoned them out of Christian charity. In 1014 Henry was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. That title made him ruler of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, and northern Italy, as we know these countries today. Henry was well known for his missionary spirit and for his protection of the pope in times of trouble. Henry ruled with a spirit of great humility and always sought to give the glory to God. He used his position to promote the work of the Church and the peace and happiness of the people. Henry is buried in the Cathedral of Bamberg beside his wife Cunegunda; he was canonized in 1146, and she was canonized in 1200.

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Encouraging Parents to Be Leaders of Family Prayer Ideas to Connect with Preschool Families

As children enter the preschool years, parents are often eager to connect with the parish community in new ways. By signing up for preschool religious education, parents are expressing the desire to incorporate their child more fully in the life of the parish community. Preschool religious education provides a unique opportunity to encourage parents to be leaders in their family’s practice of the faith. Those involved in ministry should take this opportunity to acknowledge parents’ follow-through on the promise they made at their children’s Baptism. At the same time, encourage parents to persevere in attending to their own spiritual needs

by finding time for personal prayer each day, especially when things are busy. Parents may welcome simple suggestions for daily prayer, such as a morning prayer, daily Bible verses, or the daily examine. Many parents want to know how to connect more fully with the life of the parish community. For many, Sunday liturgy is already an integral part of their week. Some may not be attending Sunday Mass but may be open to the invitation. Encourage parents to bring their preschool child with them to Mass and be sure to greet both parent and child when you see them. Make it a point to provide parents information about other opportunities to be involved with the parish community. Send home the parish bulletin with the preschool children and perhaps extend special invitations to parents about parish events. Consider making child care is available and in the bulletin, note activities at which children’s participation is especially welcome. As you encourage parents to nurture their own faith life, invite them to consider their role as leaders in their family’s practice of the faith. Preschool children are eager to please their parents and wish to participate in family activities. Catechists, DREs, and parish ministers can propose practices and encourage parents to establish them as part of their daily life. Suggest a variety of opportunities for family prayer, such as the following: • Grace Before and After Meals • Bedtime Prayer • Prayers of Blessing • Devotion to the Saints • Seasonal prayers and activities • Family Rosary Be sure to highlight prayers and practices from a variety of cultures and pay particular attention to devotions and practices that reflect the cultural backgrounds of the families in your parish. Provide resources that include a thorough explanation of the practice, including prayer suggestions and a guide for leading family prayer. Ideally, these resources should be designed to encourage young children’s participation. Finally, help parents to learn to be intentional about their practice of the faith. It takes effort to establish new habits, and it takes time for habits to become a natural part of our life. Encourage parents to anticipate the years ahead when it may be their child who returns the gift to them by recalling these daily rituals and insisting on their importance to family life.