52nd annual St. Jude Novena Oct. 19-28 | The Pittston Dispatch, Pittston, PA

The 52nd Annual Novena in honor of Saint Jude will be held at St. Mary, Help of Christians Church, 535 North Main Street, Pittston, from Monday, October 19 through Wednesday, October 28.

There will be two services daily. Mass, followed by novena prayers and veneration of the relic of St. Jude, Patron Saint of Hopeless Cases and Things Despaired Of will be celebrated Mondays through Fridays at noon and at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at noon and at 5:30 p.m., and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Rosary will be recited before all services and Confessions will be heard prior to all services.

The following guest homilists are scheduled for the novena: Monday, October 19 at noon and 7:00 p.m., Rev. Sean Carpenter; Tuesday, October 20 at noon, Rev. Thomas J. Maloney and 7:00 p.m., Rev. Christopher Washington; Wednesday, October 21 at noon and 7:00 p.m., Rev. Vincent Dang; Thursday, October 22 at noon and 7:00 p.m., Rev. Robert Simon; Friday, October 23 at noon and 7:00 p.m., Rev. Anthony Generose; Saturday, October 24 at noon and 5:30 p.m., Rev. Msgr. Philip Gray; Sunday, October 25 at 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Very Rev. Paul McDonnell, OSJ; Monday, October 26 at noon and 5:30 p.m., Rev. Paul Mullen; Tuesday, October 27 at noon and 7:00 p.m., Rev. Philip Altavilla; and Wednesday, October 28 at noon, Rev. Thomas J. Maloney. Rev. John Polednak, V.E., Episcopal Vicar of Southern Luzerne will celebrate the Solemn Closing Liturgy on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Flea Market

There will be a flea market, with various vendors, on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Rocco’s School Auditorium, corner of West Oak and Tompkins Streets, Pittston

Day of Recollection

The Ladies of Charity, Diocese of Scranton, have scheduled their annual Day of Recollection for Saturday, November 7 at the King’s College Chapel. The doors will be open at 9:30 a.m. and will begin with a message from Rev. Gregory Loughney at 10 a.m.

This will be followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation for those who wish, or a time of silence. They will then celebrate the Eucharist with Msgr. Kelly. A lovely luncheon will be served on the 3rd floor of the Sheeny/Farmer Campus Center Building of King’s College, and an elevator is available. The cost for the luncheon is $17. Reservations are required, and the deadline is November 3, 2009. Make your check payable to “Ladies of Charity” and mail it to President, Evelyn Raitter, at 33 Oak Drive, Mountaintop, Pa 18707. Call her at 474-5192 with any questions. A collection basket for Pro-Life donations will also be available.

Craft Show

The Shavertown United Methodist Church is holding their third annual vendor Craft Show on October 17, from 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. In addition to the wonderful crafts there will be a Bake Sale and Silent Auction. The morning will start with an “All You Can Eat” Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:00 to 2:30. All kitchen proceeds will go toward Youth Mission projects. For vendor information call Daisy 570-824-0354 or the church at 570-675-3616. Pictured above planning the event are Bonnie Ziegler, Nancy Dingman, Daisy Root, and Ruth Mary Corcoran.

Flea Market

St. John the Baptist Church, 126 Nesbitt Street, Larksville will hold their Annual Indoor Fall Flea Market Festival on Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church hall. Fall and Christmas items and decorations, household decor, kitchen items, pots/pans, dishes, glasses, silverware, books, toys, jewelry and much more. A light menu is available along with a bake sale and our famous frozen Pierogies for sale. Plenty of parking, handicap accessible.

First Friday Vigil

The next monthly First Friday Reparation Vigil to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary will be held Friday, November 6at St. Joseph’s Oblate Seminary in Laflin. Father Paul McDonnell will serve as host for the vigil. Young adults are most welcome. Devotions begin Friday evening at 8 p.m. with recitation of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, during which time confessions are heard. Meditation of the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary will also take place at this time. Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated at 8:55 p.m. followed by benediction, litany and consecration to the Sacred Heart. Vigil continues with the crowning of the Pilgrim Virgin Statue, World Apostolate Pledge, Fatima prayers and consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The vigil concludes with scapular enrollment at 10:15.

A & R Meeting

The St. John the Evangelist Parish Community will hold their Altar and Rosary Society Meeting on Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. in the church hall. Refreshments will be served

Spiritual Renewal

The Forty Fort Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a praise band spiritual renewal event called “Spirit in the Valley” on Saturday October 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This praise band concert and worship experience will include five different groups: “The Smith Family Revival,” “Step by Step”, “Fishers of Men,” “Soul Searching” and the Forty Fort Presbyterian Church Praise Band.

Come for an evening of worship and inspiration. There is no charge for the event; a free will offering will be received. The Forty Fort Presbyterian Church is located at 1224 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort. For further information call Rev. Lukesh at 283-3631.

Roast Beef Dinner

The Dymond Hollow United Methodist Church will hold its annual roast beef dinner buffet and bake sale on Saturday, October 17. Take-outs will be available from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Dinner will be served from 4:30 until sold out and will include roast beef, gravy, real mashed potatoes, squash, creamed cabbage, green beans, homemade coleslaw, homemade applesauce, red beets, rolls, homemade pies and beverages. Tickets at the door. Adults are $8, children (5-12) $4, children under 5 free. For further information, please call 388-6566 or 333-5110.

Harvest Tea

The Parish Community of the Church of St. Maria Goretti, Laflin Road, Laflin, cordially invites all to our annual "Harvest Tea" on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. in our Banquet Center. Join us for a fun-filled evening of beautifully decorated tables in various themes, food, refreshments, and door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by “Sweet Charity” with Father James Paisley. Reservations are required no later than October 12. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased by calling Dorothy Yazurlo at 655-0200 or the Parish Office at 655-8956.

Fall Rummage Sale

The Confraternity of Catholic Women of Holy Trinity Church, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville will hold their annual Fall Rummage Sale in the church hall on the following days:

Over 40 tables of fantastic items including clothing, shoes, hats, purses, jewelry, small appliances, kitchen ware, electronic items, puzzles, books, toys, bedding, decorative and seasonal items, picture frames, records, and lamps are the many items that are available at affordable prices. A stage full of furniture, baby equipment, work out equipment and luggage is included in this giant sale. Racks of better clothing for men, women and children are priced accordingly.

A bake sale and a light eat-in or take-out lunch is available consisting of wimpies, home made halushki and hot dogs with homemade kraut made by the men and women of the parish. Father William J. Karle is pastor of Holy Trinity church. For more information call the rectory at (570) 287-6624. Off street parking is available along side of the school building. The public is invited to attend.

Christmas Fair

The United Methodist Church, Morgan Highway, Clarks Summer will hold a Country Christmas Fair on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be over 40 vendors, with show admission $1, 12 and under no charge. Cookies and lunch will be available, along with quality crafts and baked goods.

Pastie Sale

The First United Methodist Church of West Pittston will hold their first pastie sale of the season on Thursday October 15. Pasties offered are meat with or without onions; vegetable with cheese; sausage and pepper. Orders can be called in to the church office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Ann Alaimo at 654-3850 or Warren Pollard at 654-4745. Orders must be in by Tuesday, October 13. No orders will be taken on Wednesday, October 14 or the day of the sale. Cost of the pasties are $4 each.

Christmas Show Trip

The United Methodist Women’s Group Pittston Church is sponsoring a bus trip on Saturday, November 28 to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse to see a fabulous Christmas Show. For additional information or to make a reservation, call 654-2310 or 654-8775. Seats are still available.

Weekly Novena

St. Rocco’s weekly Novena is held every Tuesday evening at the 7 p.m. Mass with Novenas and prayers to our lady of the Miraculous Medal, and to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, which precede this 7 p.m. Mass.

Catholic Young Adults

The next meetings of the Catholic Young Adult Group for ages 18 to 38 will be held on October 21 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 241 William Street, Pittston in the meeting room of the parish center.

Holiday Gift Show

St. John’s PM Church, Avoca, has planned a Holiday Craft and Gift Show for Saturday, November 7, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Oblates of St. Joseph, Rt. 315.

Bethel United Methodist

Blessed Sacrament

St. Mary’s Assumption

St. Mary’s H of C

There are no Religious Education classes this weekend. Classes will resume on Sunday October 18.

Father Tom is leading a Scripture Study on the Gospel of St. Luke. There are two programs, one on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and one on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Both programs are being held in the Religious Education Center at St. Mary, Help of Christians. There will be 12 sessions for each program. The Scripture Study combines personal Bible reading and study, faith sharing, lecture and prayer in an informal setting. Come and join us and learn to make the real connection between your faith and your everyday life! The program began on Tuesday, September 8th.

The parish community choir will be singing during the Closing Mass of the St.Jude Novena. Practice will begin this Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Mary, Help of Christians Church. All members of our parish community are invited to attend.

The committee is getting ready to order new coats (from K-mart) to assist children from Head Start by giving them a brand new winter coat for the upcoming winter season. Being a non-profit organization we rely strictly on donations received from friends of the community, local businesses, and/or organizations. Last year we had the privilege of purchasing 330 brand new coats for the children. Thus we are in the process of seeking donations for this year’s endeavor. All donations can be sent to Coats/Shoes for Kids, Inc., 13 Fairway Drive, Exeter , Pennsylvania 18643 . Checks and/or money orders can be written out to Coats/Shoes for Kids, Inc.

Holy Redeemer High School’s Open House will be held on Sunday, November 1st from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a presentation at 2:30 p.m. All seventh and eighth grade students, their parents and families are cordially invited to attend. The Scholarship Entrance Exam will be held on Saturday, December 12 for 8th grade students interested in applying for the fall term of 2010. Registration will be at 9:00 a.m.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Help of Christians Religious Education Center. Please note the change in meeting site. For further information, call Mary Boylan (654-0529).

There will be baskets at the back of each of our churches during September and October. All donations will be forwarded to the Pittston Area Food Pantry.

Brick United Methodist

First Baptist Church

Sunday Worship and Praise Service 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Adult/Teen Sunday School immediately following service.

Bible Study/Prayer Service Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Chairlift is available.

Teen/Youth night last Friday of every month at 7:15 p.m. in the church hall. All area youth are invited.

First Congregational UCC

Fall roast beef dinner will be held on Saturday, October 17. For tickets and information call 654-0588

First United Methodist Church

The First United Methodist Church of West Pittston announces the following schedule

Sunday, October 11 - 10 a.m. Worship; 11:15 a.m. Sunday School; 12:15 p.m. Children’s Choir; 6 p.m. Youth Group.

Thursday, October 15 - Pastie Day; 7 p.m. Weight Watchers; 7 p.m. Leadership meeting.

First Presbyterian Church

First United Presbyterian

The Session of the First United Presbyterian Church West Pittston announces the following schedule.

The First United Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Exeter Avenue and Warren Street.

The Sanctuary is handicapped accessible and childcare is available during Worship.

Full Gospel Chapel

Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. Johanna Coe Herndon will be minsitering with the gift of healing through prayer.

Glendale Gospel Church

Harding Church of Christ

Holy Mother of Sorrows

Ladies ANS Society is serving a pork dinner today. Servings will be 11:30 to 2:00 p.m. Take outs will be available. Dinner includes roasted pork, mashed potatoes, spiced apples, coleslaw, dessert and beverages. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Donation is $9.00 adults and $4.50 for children.

Holy Redeemer

Immaculate Conception

The Holy Redeemer Youth Group will have a brief meeting this Sunday, October 11 at 11:00 a.m. in the Church hall. All students who have received the sacrament of Confirmation are invited to join our parish Youth Group.

This year the Baby Bottle Program will be held during October, which is the Respect Life Month. We ask that you take a bottle home and place any loose change in it during the month. The bottle should be returned to the Church prior to November 15.

The next monthly meeting of the Altar & Rosary Society will be Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Redeemer. All women of our parish community age 18 and older are welcome.

Beginning this weekend the Immaculate Conception Holy Name Society will be selling tickets for the 50/50. Please see Leonard Cumbo, Jack Williams or Harry O’Dell if you would like to purchase tickets.

Inkerman Presbyterian

Langcliffe Presbyterian Church

Oblates of St. Joseph

Perpetual Novena in Honor of St. Joseph & St. Joseph Marello is held every Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Recitation of the holy rosary and confessions precede the novena service.

Tune into Catholic Radio 750 AM. The studio is located in the seminary building with call letters WQOR (Queen Of the Rosary). For more information, contact the station at 287-4670.

The Pittston Catholic Youth Group meets every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the seminary. Teenagers are welcome from the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/St. Rocco, St. John the Evangelist and Blessed Sacrament/St. Mary’s Parish Communities of Pittston. To be a part of this group, any parent or young adult may contact Fr. Paul McDonnell, OSJ at 654-7542 or osjseminary@comcast.net

This afternoon, we welcome the Back Mountain Prison Ministry Group for a Day of Prayer and Reflection. The retreat will include presentations, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confessions, Mass and sharing session. We applaud these men who give of their time and compassion to prisoners as they seek to bring them closer to the forgiveness of Christ.

St. Joseph’s Senior Social Club will hold their monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 14, at 3:00 p.m. New members are always welcome by calling Theresa Ormando at 654-2967.

The Oblate Fathers will welcome the arrival of the Superior General from Rome, Italy next week. A meeting will be held with the General and the Oblate Fathers from both the Pennsylvania & California Provinces. Welcome to the General and our visiting Oblates from the West Coast.

The Pittston Catholic Youth Group will host their first "Haunted Trail" in the woods of the seminary on Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25, beginning both nights at 6:00 p.m. Admission: $5.00 - adults; $3.00 - students. For those who survive the tour of fright, FREE refreshments will be offered. All are welcome to join in the family fun and fright.

Youth Band Concert at the seminary gymnasium from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the seminary gymnasium on Saturday, October 24. For more information, contact Samuel C. James at 655-2443 or 466-8124.

Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) will meet on Sunday, October 25th, at the seminary for their Fall meeting. For more information, call DCCW President, Linda Malinowski, at 347-3793.

Mass enrollments, cards and other religious articles are available at the office. Feel free to stop by for any of your personal religious needs.

The seminary facility is available for small meetings, events and activities, etc. Contact Father Paul McDonnell, OSJ at 654-7542 or at osjseminary@comcast.net

Check out the seminary website: www.oblates-stjoseph.com for any current and vocational information.

Catholic Community of the Wyomings

Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 4:15 – 4:45 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows.

Daily Mass: Monday and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s; Tuesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows.

CCD classes meet on Sunday. Times are 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows and 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s.

This is a Confirmation preparation year. The Pastor will meet with parents of students who will receive Confirmation next year after Mass in the churches on Sunday, October 18. Children at St. Joseph’s (entering grades 6 & 7 this year) and at Our Lady of Sorrows (entering grades 6, 7 & 8) are required to register to receive the Sacrament next fall.

Vacation Sweepstakes Tickets will be mailed this coming week. Tickets cost $20.00 and are based on the PA Big 4 evening drawing Monday through Saturday during the month of December, 2009. Ticket sellers are needed; you will receive a free ticket for every 5 sold. Please contact Howard Kelley at 693-1521 if you are able to help.

Our Lady of Sorrows Holy Name Society will meet in the parish hall Sunday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. New members are welcome.

St. Joseph’s Christian Mothers will receive in body on Sunday, October 11 and will meet Tuesday, October 13 in the parish hall. Please note this date change. New members are most welcome.

Our Lady of Sorrows Altar and Rosary Christian Mothers & Sodality will receive in body on the third Sunday of the month, October 18. The Altar and Rosary Christian Mothers will meet on Monday, October 26 and will pray the rosary at 7 p.m. Please join us.

Youth Group: All high school students from both parishes are invited to attend a short meeting in St. Joseph’s Church basement on Monday, October 19 at 6 p.m. We will gather to learn about our faith and then practice our faith through service activities. Please contact Michelle Stark at 693-1907.

A family style ham dinner, sponsored by the St. Joseph’s Christian Mothers, will be held on October 25 from noon – 4:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Tickets will be on sale after all Masses, available from any Christian Mother, or in the church offices. Cost is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 10 years of age and under. Instant bingo and 50/50 raffle will be available at the dinner.

Confirmation classes will meet with Father Marchetti on Sunday, October 25 in Our Lady of Sorrows Church from 2 – 3:30 p.m. It is imperative that all confirmation candidates from both churches attend.

The Parish Implementation Team will meet Monday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Rectory.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Altar and Rosary Society of Mt. Carmel Church will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m. in the parish hall. The Society will be selling lottery tickets after all Masses on the weekend of October 24 and 25.

Catholic Young Adults next meeting will be held on October 21 (social evening) at 7 p.m. in the church meeting room of the parish center.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

The mass schedule for the week is: Monday through Friday at 7:00 a.m., Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The Women’s Society will attend the 10:30 a.m. mass today and receive as a group. Installation of new officers will take place at the mass. The officers for 2009-2010 are: Co-coordinators - Diane Skrzysowski and Geraldine Coolbaugh; Secretary- Mary Waskiewicz and Treasurer-Loretta Justick.

The Rectory office will be closed on Monday, October 12 in observance of Columbus Day.

The Choir will meet on Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the choir loft. New members are always welcome.

Congratulations to Susan Kuna and Mike Miller who have been united in the Sacrament of Marriage this weekend.

There will be no CCD class on Monday, October 12. Class will be held on October 19. The CCD monthly mass will take place at the 8:30 a.m. mass on Sunday, October 25. Students are to meet at 8:10 a.m. in the church hall. Grade 7 will be assisting Father at this mass.

CCD classes begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evenings.

The next Adult Bible Study will be held on October 14 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in the Rectory lower level meeting room. New members are welcome to join.

St. Anthony’s

Classes for all Confirmation students in the Public and Catholic Schools, grades 6 &7, will be held on Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Center. After class the students will attend the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

“Patsy Cline Lives” in Penny appearing on Saturday, October 17 at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall. Kaelyn Marie will sing your favorite tunes. Enjoy home cooking from B.P. Catering. Buffet Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Music starts at 8:00 p.m. Cost: $32.50 per person. Call Bill at 457-7665 for tickets & information.

Weekday Masses: Monday through Saturday at 7:00 a.m. Also on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday an additional Mass at 11:00 a.m..

Every Monday at 7:00 p.m. Mass with Novena prayers to the Miraculous Medal and Mother Cabrini. Confessions before Mass.

Every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Mass with Novena prayers to St. Anthony of Padua. Confessions before Mass.

On Wednesday after the 7:00 & 11:00 a.m. Mass, Novena prayers to St. Joseph and St. Joseph Marello.

The Eucharistic Adoration is held every day from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by the Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament.

Weekend Masses: on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., on Sunday at 7:30 & 10:30 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. (the last Mass in the valley). Confessions are heard on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and before Masses.

Second Presbyterian

Saturday, October 17 - 9 a.m. Fellowship breakfast at Pickett’s Charge, Dallas

St. John the Evangelist Parish Community

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday from 3:30 until 4:15 p.m. and on the first Sunday of each month from 9:15 until 9:30 a.m. Parishioners may also make an appointment to celebrate the Sacrament. Come and celebrate the Lord’s great love and mercy!

If you need assistance with food, please call the Food Pantry at 654-9923. Distribution of food is by appointment only.

The Greater Pittston Kid’s Closet is open on Wednesdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays 11 – 2 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m. The Kid’s Closet accepts donations of new or “gently used” clothing for children (sizes newborn to size 16).

If you are looking for help coping with the recent loss of a loved one, consider joining St. John the Evangelist’s Bereavement Support Group on Tuesday evenings from 7 til 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center Dining Room. For more information, please call the Parish Office.

Beginning Sunday, October 4 a Coffee Hour will be held every Sunday following the 10 a.m. Mass in the Church Hall. Parishioners are needed for hosting the Coffee Hour. Anyone interesting in hosting one Sunday a month is asked to call Patricia Marx at 947-9462. This activity involves preparing coffee and serving breakfast cakes (provided by the parish).

This year’s Annual Chicken Dinner will be held on Sunday, October 11 in Seton Catholic Auditorium. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Take-outs are $8.50 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Take-outs are available from 11 until noon. Dinners will be served from noon until 3:30 p.m.

The Altar and Rosary will hold its Annual Card Party on Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m. in Seton Catholic Auditorium.

The Holy Name Society will sponsor its Annual Halloween Party on Saturday, October 24 immediately after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Church Hall.

St John’s Lutheran

Please continue to make your donations to Kids Closet held in the former Seton Catholics High school. Hours: Wednesday 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., then again 5 to 8 p.m.

There are openings for Votive Candle and Bulletin November 15, December 6. Anyone interested on those dates please leave a message for Doris Mersincavage.

Our Church is starting a food bank here. We need donations of non perishable food , cleaners, toiletries.

There is an opening for October 25 for altar flowers. Please leave a message for Rita Morgan.

Pork and Sauerkraut dinner tickets are now available. It is scheduled for Saturday October 24. Adults $9, Children under 12 $5

Quarterly voter assembly will be held October 18. After service refreshments will be served.

If you have any questions, comments on the information above, please call 655-2505 and leave your name and your message. Pastor Cole or a member of St. Johns will get back to you as soon as possible.

St. John’s P.M. Church

St. Maria Goretti

There will be a brief Children’s Choir interest/informational meeting on Sunday, October 11 immediately following the 11 a.m. Mass. All children ages 6-13 who would like to join are asked to attend the meeting with a parent or guardian. Anyone 14 or older is welcome to join the adult choir, which rehearses on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Please contact Jennifer Johnson at JMSJohnson7@gmail.com with Children’s Choir subject line or call 208-5750.

The Harvest Tea will be held on Wednesday, October 24 in the Banquet Center beginning at 7 p.m. Father Paisley’s group Sweet Charity will entertain. Cost is $10 per person. Please make reservations by October 12. For more information call 655-8956 or Dorothy Yazurlo at 655-0200.

There will be a Halloween Dance on Saturday October 24 in the parish center. Doors open at 7 p.m. Dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight. Music will be provided by GTO and Hat Tryk. Cost is $20 per person. Proceeds benefit St. Maria Goretti Parish. Costumes are recommended but not mandatory. BYOB, beer, pizza, soda, mixers are included in price. Call Dorothy Tarasek at 654-4606.

Saint Mary’s

A big Avoca welcome to Sr. Jane Duke, I.H.M., who has been assigned to St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Churches for this year.

A big welcome also to the newest members of the St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Youth Club: Brandon Ferrance and Rudy Garafola.

St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society will meet Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. in St. Mary’s Rectory, 715 Hawthorne St.

St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Youth Club will have a bowling outing Sunday, Oct. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Chacko’s Family Bowling Center, Wilkes-Barre. A caravan will leave SS. Peter and Paul’s Church parking lot, 1000 Main St., at 5:30 p.m. To make a reservation, please call Youth Group Coordinator Lori Ostrowski at 704-9145. New members are welcome.

St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Churches will have a combined parish pastoral council meeting Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in SS. Peter and Paul’s Church auditorium, 1000 Main St.

St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Churches will have a prayer for life holy hour followed by benediction Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 7-8 p.m. at SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, 1000 Main St. The public is invited to attend.

The lectors and Eucharistic Ministers of St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Churches will meet Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s School, 742 Spring St.

The parishioners of St. Mary’s Church will have their harvest tea Sunday, Oct. 25. For more information or to reserve a table, please call Debbie Callahan at 457-8887 or 407-0740, Kay Price at 457-8470 or 504-4199, or Debbie Robinson at 963-8802 or 903-2031.

Daily Masses: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8 a.m., Wednesday at 7 p.m. at SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, 1000 Main St.

Confession: Saturday 3-3:45 p.m. (SS. Peter and Paul’s Church) 4:30-5:15 p.m. (St. Mary’s Church) and available upon request at anytime

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

8:00 and 10:30 Sunday Services; 9:15 Sunday School; 5:00 Saturday Contemporary Service; 55th Anniversary of Robert F Sauers Ordination is Sunday November 8, at 3:00 p.m. at Colarusso’s La Palazzo, Moosic. Starts at 3:00. $25.00 per person. Please call 654-1008 to make reservations.

St. Rocco’s

St Rocco’s welcomes the Italian American Association of Luzerne County to the 11 a.m. Mass today. After Mass they will process to the Columbus Statue on South Main Street for the traditional ceremony.

Every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Mass. Novenas and Prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, precede the 7 p.m. Mass.

A flea market with various vendors will be on Saturdays, October 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auditorium, corner of West Oak and Tompkins Streets. A variety of household items will be sold at greatly reduced prices.

Trinity Episcopal

Sunday Holy Eucharist: 11 a.m. Every Sunday. Holy days and weekdays as announced.

Food Pantry: October items needed include hearty soups and fruit and pudding cups.

Youth Program: 10:45 a.m. Every Sunday. Weekday special events and service projects as announced.

Faith Forum for Adults: Enrichment for adults seeking spiritual renewal and opportunities for ministry and volunteerism.

Party and Banquet Space. Newly renovated banquet room and kitchen. All Day Rental $100. Reservations at 654-3261.

The Children’s MUSICare Project: Opportunities for exploration of musical intelligence, music lessons, voice, piano, organ, chorus with the help of area musicians. Limited partial scholarships available for all children. Telephone parish office at 654-3261.

Jewelry Trunk Show and Bake Sale: November 14-15 in Trinity Church community room.

United Methodist

The Roast Chicken Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. - takeouts available. Adults $8.50 - Children $3. For tickets call 654-3936, 693-1572 or 603-1915. Advance purchase of tickets recommended - limited tickets at the door. Bake Sale with all homemade items.

The United Methodist Women’s Group is sponsoring a bus trip on Saturday, November 28 to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse to see a fabulous Christmas Show. Price of the trip is $87 which includes bus, show & dinner. For reservations or additional information call 654-2310 or 654-8775. A few seats still available.