Benefit concert tonight at WP church

A benefit concert featuring Bob White will be held at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 317 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, today, Sunday, August 16 at 7 p.m.

White who is the lead singer for the band, 3rd Degree, began his singing career with his sister and brothers, who competed in local, regional and statewide Sunday School music competitions as The White Family, winning awards at every level of competition.

The concert will be for the benefit of White’s daughter Ashley, who is raising support to sing with her college choral group touring Europe in 2010. Ashley is a student at Nyack College in Nyack, New York, majoring in music missions.

An offering for Ashley’s support will be received during the concert. Additional information can be obtained by calling the church office at 654-2500.

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.

There will be 50+ vendors showcasing a wide variety of handmade craft and gift items that will be perfect for Christmas gift giving.

First Friday Vigil

The First Friday Reparation Vigil to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary will be held Friday, September 4, at St. Joseph’s Oblate Seminary in Laflin. Father Paul McDonnell will serve as host for 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. 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.

Christmas Show

Bus 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. Cost of trip is $87 which includes bus seat, show ticket and dinner.

For additional information or to make a reservation, call 654-2310 or 654-8775. Seats are going fast.

Pray the Rosary

Join the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants and other young adults as we pray the Rosary at Allentown Women’s Center 1409 Union Blvd, rear entrance at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for an end to abortion.

We meet at 7 a.m. at St. Ann’s Basilica in West Scranton. Rides are available.

This event is held every second Saturday of the month for more information email dtafani@aol.com

Bethel United Methodist

Blessed Sacrament

St. Mary’s Assumption

St. Mary’s H of C

On the first Friday of each month Communion is brought to those who are unable to participate in Sunday Mass because of age or health. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated with anyone seriously ill, anticipating a serious operation, or quite elderly. Please notify the parish office of anyone desiring these Sacraments, as well as anyone in the hospital or a nursing home.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Assumption Annex. For further information, call Mary Boylan (654-0529).

Brick United Methodist

First CongregationalUnited Church of Christ

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 for fellowship, refreshments and fun.

First Congregational UCC

Today, instead of the regular worship service, there will be a Hymn Sing, featuring special music by the Walkers, Krista, George and Sara. Everyone is welcome.

First Presbyterian

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

Saturday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. - Scotland’s Jim Malcolm, singer-songwriter, in concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of poet laureate Robert Burns. Donation is $10.00. (Inquiries 570-905-9074 or chhmww@hotmail.com)

First United Presbyterian

The Session of the First United Presbyterian Church of 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

Weekly Wednesday evening prayer service begins at 7:00 p.m.; Adult and teen Sunday School begins each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

(If there are any questions or problems with the article please call me, Kathy Dolman, church secretary, 881-1572)

Glendale Gospel Church

Grace Bible Church

Harding Church of Christ

Holy Mother of Sorrows

Giant Flea Market: You still have time to reserve a table for the Flea Market on Sept. 12. Cost is $20.00 a table. If you are interested in renting a table call Mrs. Regina Bahaley at 457-2378 to reserve one. The fee has to be paid prior to Sept. 12. A check can be sent to Fr. David at the rectory, which is 212 Wyoming Ave. Dupont, PA 18641.

Harvest Festival: Our annual Dozynki (Harvest) Festival will be held on Sunday Sept.13, from 11:30 a.m. to dusk. The highlight of the Festival is the Blessing of the Harvest Wreath at 2:00 p.m. in church and then a procession to place the Wreath outdoors. A special Thank you to the clergy and faithful will be extended for supporting the festival. Everyone who comes to the Wreath will be given a sprig of wheat, a piece of bread, cheese and a small sip of wine.

Holy Redeemer

Thank you to all who contributed to the Special Summer “No Picnic” Collection. For all those who have not contributed yet, contributions can be placed in the special envelope for this collection and placed in the weekly Offertory Collection or dropped off or mailed to the Parish Office. Please return your contributions to the parish on or before the weekend of August 29 & 30.

Immaculate Conception

Eucharistic minister schedules can be picked up in the Sacristy this weekend and next weekend.

50/50: The winning number from the July 25 evening daily number was 969. If you have the winning number, please call Jack Williams at 654-9018.

Inkerman Presbyterian

Langcliffe Presbyterian Church

In addition to air conditioning, the Langcliffe Church is handicap accessible and nursery school is provided for young children. Anyone is welcome to worship with us.

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 gymnasium is closed for the entire month of August due to painting and floor re-finishing. The gym is expected to re-open by Sept. 1.

A regional Pittston Catholic Youth Group is in the process of being formed that involves the parishes of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/St. Rocco’s, St. John the Evangelist and Blessed Sacrament/St. Mary’s Parish communities. An organizational meeting will be held this Monday evening, Aug. 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the seminary. The first youth gathering is set for Thursday evening - Aug. 27th on the seminary grounds. The youth group is open to all Catholic teenagers who have received Confirmation. For more information, contact Fr. Paul at 654-7542.

Annual Labor Day Triduum in honor of St. Joseph the Worker will be held Sept. 4 - 6 with novena services each night at 7:00 p.m. in the seminary chapel. Special Mass on Labor Day morning, Sept. 7, at 10:30 a.m. for all area workers and those unemployed. Preacher of the Triduum will be Rev. Leo McKernan, Diocesan spiritual director.

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.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

We are pleased to announce a joint program for religious education with St. Rocco’s parish, K-6. To enroll your child, fill out the registration form for each child. The religious education program is tentatively scheduled to begin on September 9 and 10. Classes will be held 4:30 -5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for grades K, 1, 2, and 3 and on Thursdays for grades 4, 5, and 6. Forms can be found at the entrances of the church.

Altar and Rosary Society bus trip to see Camelot is scheduled for August 23. Bus will leave 9:30 a.m. from he Park and ride on Oak Street Pittston.

The next meeting of The Catholic Young Adult Group for ages 18 to 39 will be held Wednesday, August 19, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church meeting room of the parish center. Join other young adults who seek to grown in their faith, discuss current events and participate in social outreach activities. Meetings are held every first and third Wednesday of the month. For more information or directions, please contact Lynne Marie Busch 690-0512.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

This week’s mass schedule 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. (Note: There is no morning mass on Saturday.)

A class for new altar servers is forming. All students entering 3rd grade and up are welcome to participate. Practices will take place on August 25, 26 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the church. Please call the rectory at 654-3713 if you’d like to be an altar server or if you’d like to be a server but are unable to attend the practices because of vacation, etc.

On Sunday, August 30, all students from pre-K through college - along with their families are invited to come and celebrate a "Back to School Mass" at 10:30 a.m. Students are invited to bring along their book bags and other school items for a special blessing. Students are also invited to wear their new school clothes or uniforms to the mass. All teachers are invited to attend, too.

Following the mass, everyone is invited to enjoy refreshments and each other’s company in the church hall. If you plan on attending the social, please sign your family name and the number attending on the sheet in the church lobby or call Tammy Satkowski at 457-3855 or Missy Holmes at 472-9414. If you’d like to assist with the social, please call Tammy or Missy. Please sign up or call by August 25.

A Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at the Bernadette Franciscan Sisters’ Motherhouse in Reading, is planned for Saturday, September 26.A bus will depart from Sacred Heart Church at 6:00 a.m. and depart from the Motherhouse at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $50 payable with reservation. The fee includes a continental breakfast upon arrival and a lunch. Reservations can be made by calling Diane Skrzysowski at 654-6639 of Kathy Bryk at 654-0790 by September 1.

There will be a VIRTUS (Protecting God’s Children for Adults Program) mandatory three-hour training session for all employees or adult volunteers who work with children throughout the Diocese of Scranton. A VIRTUS training session is scheduled for our parish community on Thursday, September 24, at St. Mary Assumption School, Pittston, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All employees and adult volunteers who work with children are required to attend this training session. Please call St. Mary’s School at 54-8313 to register.

A trip is planned from Sept. 22, 2010 to Oct. 7, 2010. We will fly to Rome, where we will board the new Celebrity cruise ship, Equinox. Then we will sail to Greece, Egypt, Israel (Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth and Galilee), Sicily and Naples. We will return to Rome for two days and then fly home. All ship cabins have balconies. The cost is $5300 per person. For information or reservations, contact the rectory at 654-3713.

St. Anthony’s

This Sunday, we welcome the Wyoming Area football coaches, players and cheerleaders at our 10:30 a.m. Mass as they begin the sports program for the new school year 2009-2010.

The Pastoral Parish Council will meet on Monday, August 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rectory.

The Financial Parish Council will meet on Monday, August 24, at 7 p.m. in the Rectory.

The Mass Book for 2010 is available. If you wish to schedule a Mass, please come to the rectory, Monday thru Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Next Sunday, August 23, we will celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the 7:00 p.m. Mass. After the Mass a candlelight procession will be held with the statue of our Lady from the church to the parish center. All students in the Religious Education Program are asked to participate in this procession along with parents, grandparents, and anyone and everyone who wishes to be part of this beautiful celebration in honor of the Blessed Mother. Refreshments will be served after the procession in the Parish Center.

On Sunday, August 30, the Christian Community of Exeter: St. Anthony, St. Cecilia and St. John the Baptist, will have a family get together (a covered dish) at St. Anthony’s Pavilion. Bring you favor foods and your entire family. Let us together build our Faith Community for the future of our town. Please, come!

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). The Rosary is recited 20 minutes before the weekend Masses. Confessions are heard on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and before Masses.

St. John the Evangelist Parish Community

The Knights of Lithuania Council 143 will hold their monthly meeting on Sunday, September 6, at 12 p.m. in the church hall. New members are welcomed.

The parishes of St. John the Evangelist, Mount Carmel, St. Rocco’s, St. Mary Help of Christians, Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary of the Assumption announce the formation of a regional Youth Group for students in 7th grade and up. The kick off celebration will be held on Thursday, August 27 at 7 p.m. at the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary, Laflin. For more information email AJ or Kristen at youth0group@aol.com or call 654-7542.

Registration for religious education begins this weekend immediately after the 10 a.m. Mass in the auditorium of Seton Catholic. Registration is 425 per child and $65 for three children or more. Parents must be registered members of the parish. Families registered in neighboring parishes who wish to enroll their children must first obtain a letter of permission from their pastor.

A meeting will be held for all religious education teachers and aides on Tuesday, August 18 at 7 p.m. in the parish center dining room. The new curriculum will be discussed and teacher guides will be distributed.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, RICA, includingBaptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, will begin in September. Contact Mrs. Patricia Marx at 947-9462 for more information.

St John’s Lutheran

If you area Thrivent membercontact Laurie Brogan or Pastor so we can make a complete the list.

Pastor Cole’s barbecueis August 29 is for all young adults from college age up to 35 years young.

Please continue to make your donations to the Kids’ Closet held at the former Seton Catholic School. Wednesday morning 9 a.m. to 11:30; Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. then 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Don’t forget about the college football trip, Navy vs. Western Kentucky in Annapolis, September 26.

Our fund raiser for Bobby Drummond is Friday, August 28, at the Greenwood Hose Company in Moosic, 6 to 10 p.m. Price is $12 for adults, $7 for children. The evening includes food, entertainment by deejay Times Remembered, door prizes, raffles. To donate items or money or for tickets call 655-2505.

Pastor’s office is located in the Church’s Lower Level. Hours are Tuesday Thru Friday 9 a.m. until noon. Call ahead to schedule a time to meet with him. Please note of schedule change. You can pray with the Pastor in the Church starting at 9:30 a.m.

After summer break Adult Bible Study started last Wednesday Night and will continue on Wednesdays starting at 7 p.m.

A Saturday Communion service will be held once a month starting next month at 4 p.m. It will be held on the third Saturday.

September votive candles and bulletin openings. If you are interested please see Doris Mersincavage after church or leave a message.

If you have any questions, comments or would like more information or thinking about joining our Church Family, call 655-2505 and leave your name phone number. 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

We are in need of teachers for CCD classes 6, 7 and 8 grades. Also substitutes and aides are needed for the school year. Please call 655-8956 to volunteer.

Saint Mary’s

During the 8 a.m. Mass today at St. Mary’s Church, Father Phil and the parishioners will celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

During this Mass, the community is encouraged to bring herbs, fruits, flowers, and vegetables with them where Father Phil will bless the items in deference to the great bounty God has manifested in the abundant fruits of the earth.

Anyone who has an overabundance of these items is invited to bring them in baskets or boxes which will be delivered to St. Vincent de Paul’s Kitchen to feed the needy.

Rev. Phillip J. Sladicka will be installed today as the pastor of the linked parishes of St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Churches during the 10 a.m. Mass at SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, 1000 Main St.

The Rev. John V. Polednak, vicar of the southern region of the Diocese of Scranton, will perform the ceremony. Following the Mass, refreshments will be served in the church auditorium, which is located in the lower level of the church.

Congratulations to the following young parishioners of St. Mary’s Church who have joined the newly formed St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Church youth club: Alex Felter, Michael Felter, Rachel Ferrance, Nicole Karuzie, Hope Lettieri, and Brandon Shamnoski.

The new youth club, which had previously been SS. Peter and Paul’s Church youth group, will meet Sunday, Aug. 23 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the auditorium of SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, 1000 Main St. At this meeting, plans will be discussed for the group’s teddy bear drive in September.

During the drive, the youth will collect new or fairly new teddy bears donate them to the Geisinger Pediatric Unit. Lori Ostrowski is the youth ministry coordinator. New members are always welcome.

St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Church holy name society is seeking new members. Any gentleman who is interested in joining this group should call Don Gilchrist at 451-1177.

St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Churches has Eucharistic Adoration Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 715 Hawthorne St.

The public is welcome to come and spend some time in quiet reflection and meditation.

For more information please call Eucharistic Adoration Coordinators Ken and Ann Francis at 457-8241, St. Mary’s rectory at 457-3412, or SS. Peter and Paul’s rectory at 457-2483.

St. Mary’s Church senior youth group, which is part of a youth ministry network that meets at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, Old Forge, will participate in several upcoming events that your child will surely enjoy. If your child is interested in attending any of these events or for more information please call Kay Price at 504-4199 or Joann Wilbur at 457-9166: August 17 - Hershey Park and August 23 - potluck dinner.

The group will meet today from 7-10 p.m. at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, 620 S. Main St., Old Forge. Teens in grades 9-12 are invited to attend.

The officers of St. Mary’s and SS. Peter and Paul’s altar and rosary societies will meet Monday, Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. in St. Mary’s rectory, 715 Hawthorne St.

St. Mary’s choir will begin rehearsing Monday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. at the church, 715 Hawthorne St., in preparation for the parish’s annual September 11 Mass. New members are always welcome.

Sister Jane O’Donnell, R.S.M., will present a seminar entitled “New Life Beyond Change” Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary’s School auditorium, 742 Spring St., to offer advice and tips on how the parishes can keep building their newly formed community.

The seminar will also focus on strategies for dealing with the feelings of grief, loss, and change that can accompany individuals as the parishes move through the consolidation process. The public is invited to attend.

St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s altar servers will have a joint meeting Saturday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. in SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, 1000 Main St. Anyone who attended the previous meeting does not need to attend this session.

St. Mary’s Church finance council will meet Monday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary’s Rectory, 715 Hawthorne St.

Al-Anon, a support group offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics, meets Mondays at 7 p.m. in the basement meeting room of St. Mary’s Rectory, 715 Hawthorne St., and Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the basement meeting room of the Brick United Methodist Church, 935 Foote Ave., Duryea.

Anyone who has been impacted by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon fellowship.

Anyone who is interested in renting St. Mary’s School for child care, parties, or other useful activities is invited to call the rectory at 457-3412 to learn more about this opportunity.

Daily Masses: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8 a.m., Wednesday at 7 p.m.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

St. Rocco’s

The Feast of St. Rocco, Our patron saint, will be celebrated on Sunday, August 16 with a Mass at 11 a.m. in the church. Immediately following the Mass, a procession will follow through the streets of the Oregon Section of Pittston.

Members of the mutual Aide Society, Society members and altar servers, parishioners and friends of St. Rocco will be present. Raffle tickets for the feast will be drawn after the procession

St. Rocco and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parishes announce the beginning of a joint program for the 2009-2010 CCD religious education program for grades K-1-2-3, Classes will be held on Wednesdays and for grades 4-5-6, classes will be held on Thursdays.

Both classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 and start on September 9 and 10. Registration forms will be available at the two entrances of the church.

The Mass book for the year 2010 is now being opened. Please call the church rectory at 654-2914 to reserve your masses for 2010.

Second Presbyterian

The Session of the Second Presbyterian Church, 143 Parsonage Street, Pittston announces the following schedule.

Trinity Episcopal

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

Food Pantry: August items needed include non-perishable lunch box items for kids.

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.

First Saturdays Giant Neighborhood Yard Sales: Every First Saturday. 25 + Family Sale on Trinity Grounds. $10 Space. Reservations at 654-3261.

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

United Methodist

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday each month Choir Rehearsal: Thursday’s at 7 p.m. unless told otherwise United Methodist Women: 2nd Monday of the month

The Women’s Group is sponsoring a bus trip on Saturday, Nov. 28 to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse to see a fabulous Christmas Show.

PD Matters of Faith