FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:                                                    January 7-8, 2012

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I am very happy to welcome to Nativity BVM Church this Saturday, January 7th, Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.  Bishop Bambera will celebrate and offer the homily at the 5 PM Mass on the Vigil of the Epiphany, at which time he will also bless our renovated Church and dedicate our new Tabernacle which was donated by Nativity’s Altar & Rosary Society.  I am grateful to Bishop Bambera for his support throughout this ordeal. 

It has been a very long renovation project.  We began the interior renovations on June 7th and completed them on September 7th.  Then the rains came and our Church was destroyed on our Parish Feast Day, the Birthday of Mary, September 9th.  The second round of renovations began almost immediately but required a long cleaning and drying out process.  I am grateful to all who assisted in any way with this huge undertaking, volunteers, contractors and those who assisted with their generous donations and sincere prayers.  You assistance, along with the powerful Grace of God, enabled us to celebrate Mass on Christmas Eve in our Church.  The comments of parishioners and visitors have been extremely encouraging and uplifting.  Although we still have a few items to complete on the interior and exterior of the Church, a few repairs to the Rectory basement and the dismantling of Nazareth Hall, replacing it with a green space and a storage shed, almost everything else has been completed.  It is now time to grow comfortable again in our worship space.

The last six months have been a very difficult time for me.  The death of my mother, the changes in the liturgy, along with the flood and renovations has been a challenge. I know that many of our parishioners have lost their homes, jobs and loved ones too. Your friendship and prayerful support are appreciated more than you will ever know.  As I said last weekend, I am looking forward to an “uneventful” 2012.  But, in the end it is up to our Lord’s Will. I know that if we submit to His Will, that He will always give us the help we need to not only survive these unexpected changes but to flourish and grow because of them. 

As we conclude the Christmas Season and enter into this new year of grace, please be assured that you, your loved ones and your special intentions are being remembered in my prayers and masses and where it matters most, before our Lord, present in the Blessed Sacrament.

God Bless You,

Father Ric 

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:  Christmas Message            December 24-25, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends, 

It occurred to me as I settled down to write this Christmas letter to you that the greatest thing that we need in our lives, this and every season, is to know that the Lord is Emmanuel - God with us!  This is the message of Christmas and the basic message of our Faith. I like the way the new Archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles J. Chaput has put it. 

“WHAT BEGINS IN THE STABLE ENDS IN OUR SALVATION. THAT’S WHY WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, AND IT’S THE BEST AND ONLY REASON THE HUMAN HEART NEEDS.”

Jesus is with us! This is what our children really need to know.  Jesus is not only with the Babe in Bethlehem, but He is also the Son who was born to live for us and to die for our sins.  Christ is the missing piece to life.  Without Him our lives are incomplete. With Him our lives, even when it is difficult, painful, confusing or disappointing, make sense.

Jesus is with us! This is what our middle and high school youth and college age young people need to know too.  In the middle of their trials, identity issues, betrayals by friends, struggles to find their way in the world and in exploring dreams for a great future, the Babe in Bethlehem, now the enthroned Christ in Heaven, is with them.  He will never abandon them. His salvation gives hope to them and to each of us. 

Jesus is with us!  This is the message of hope to our single people, and single-again parishioners (because of divorce, separation or the death of our spouse), and young married people and to our families with children and our families without children, empty nesters and young retired folks and senior saints.  Yes, even your priests and deacon needs this message.  God is with us!

The light we all long for is the Light we have been given, Jesus, the Babe in Bethlehem. To receive Him is to be warmed by that Light and shown a new way through the trials and sorrows and even the joys that we have on our spiritual life-long journey. 

Our journey as a church, God’s family, continues.  And we are thankful to be on that journey.  Fr. Betts, Deacon Ray and I are thankful to be on the journey with you too.  We thank God for you every single day.  We commend you to your first and only true Pastor, the shepherd of your souls, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Babe in Bethlehem now enthroned in Heaven.

This Christmas Season, we want to again bow down before Him with you, happy and confident that in Him all things turn out for our good and for His glory.

“I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. HE WHO FOLLOWS ME
SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.”

This is God’s Christmas Gift to each of us.  This is what Christmas is all about.  This is our hope for every New Year. May we never forget that the Babe in Bethlehem now enthroned in Heaven is also living among us.  He is Emmanuel, God with Us!

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR'S LAPTOP:                                                                                   December 3-4, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I have been asked by many parishioners about the possibility of having the celebration of Christmas in Nativity BVM Church.  It is my hope that this can be accomplished.  Our contractors have been outstanding!  They are truly the best!!!  Any delay has been with the flood insurance.  Much has been accomplished and the work is picking up steam.  This past week the flooring under the pew area was installed.  The newly restored pews are almost done and will be put in place beginning about December 12.  Following that, the aisle and sacristy rugs and the oak floor molding will be installed.  A contractor is working on the both sacristies where new oak closets and drawers were built.  They look terrific.  The church lavatories are operational and new flooring will be installed soon. The sound system will be worked on in the next few weeks. I have been told that the kneelers for the pews may not be ready until the New Year.  They were completely destroyed and new ones had to be measured and ordered.  The electrical work, new air conditioners, new church furnace/boiler, duck work, painting, drywall, molding, plumbing, hot water heater, etc. is basically completed.  The Nativity Figurines, which were thrown out of their boxes, were found floating in the flooded rectory basement.  However, Jesus was found still in his box, hiding behind the furnace. They will be repaired and repainted this month and I have been assured that they will be back a few days before Christmas. New doors for the basement boiler room and bath rooms will be installed and painted in the spring.  Much work was also done by our men to make our Church basement less prone to receiving runoff water from the lot.  The three basement windows have been closed in and the basement door raised and the asphalt graded properly.  Much volunteer work was done by our parish electricians that saved us thousands of dollars. The new air conditioners and heat pump were also raised a few feet by our men.  The driveway will be resurfaced next summer and the parking lot sealed and marked.  With God's grace and the cooperation of all we should be celebrating the Anniversary of Jesus birth in our Church (even if the aisle carpet and molding are not complete). Jesus had straw in his manger, so a concrete floor wouldn’t be too bad.  Naturally, we will need many adults and students to help us very close to Christmas to clean the Church and take all the vestments, statues, missals, etc. from Nallin Chapel to the Nativity Church.  Get your shopping done early so you will be available. 

We will also need Father Nallin Hall beginning in January 2012 for our Parish Activities, Scouts, our annual Lenten Pierogi making fundraiser, Valentine Dinner Dance and many scheduled community events and activities.

The Rectory cellar needs a little bit of electrical work, completing the insulation, the painting of the bilco door in the spring and the installation of a new sump pump. Five damaged basement windows will also be sealed up to prevent water from coming in. We lost the entire contents of the Rectory basement including Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter decorations for the Church, Rectory and outdoor grounds as well as all indoor and outdoor lights, 3 artificial Christmas Trees, timers, cords, etc.  We now have one of the cleanest and empty cellars in town. Fr. Betts is thrilled with the neatness and organization.

Nazareth Hall is a whole other story.  Little has been done at this time.  We do not have any plumbing, heat or electricity yet.  The main floor kitchen and bathroom was destroyed, the walls and rugs had to be removed, the heating system lost. The entire contents of the Parish Food Pantry were required by “Damage Control” to be thrown out. We also lost some furniture and the entire contents of the kitchen.  A decision on this property has not been made.  The Nazareth Hall was used by the Knights of Columbus, the Alcoholic Anonymous groups and our Parish Food Pantry.  A few times a year our Scouts also used it for a meeting.  The parish used it for some storage.  The stoves and refrigerator/freezers and wood flooring for the Parish Stand at the Wyoming County Fair were also lost.  They were stored in the small garage. 

I hope this answers most of your questions on the status of our flood damaged properties at Nativity Church.  I am grateful to you for your patience and cooperation during the initial renovation that began in June and the flood renovations that began in September.  One more month and we should be ready enough to move back to our Church.  Little items will be completed in the New Year.  I am grateful to Alberta Gozikowski who has been working with our contractors, insurance and the men of our Building and Grounds Committee to move these repairs along.  I have a little idea of what the insurance will pay and what we will be responsible for but no firm amounts at this time.

Regarding repairs and renovations at St. Mary of the Lake Church I am happy to say that the Parish Hall was repainted, the exterior lighting improved, the two church lavatories renovated, the exterior of the Church and Hall repainted this summer and new soffit, fascia and downspouts installed in time for our 25th anniversary celebration. The parking lots were resealed, repaired and lined. Our next major project will be replacement of the Hall flat roof and the replacement of window treatments in the Hall.  They will take place when we have sufficient money to pay for them.  Our main concern at St. Mary's at this time is to increase our weekly offertory collection and our participation in our parish fundraisers.  We are open to your ideas and need the participation of everyone to make our parish solvent. Your support of the current "Match the Number Fundraiser” which is now taking place is needed.  They make great stocking stuffers and small gifts.  Cash prizes will be awarded.  It will take place February 1-29, 2012. Let's sell these 500 tickets and make this a success.  Tickets are available at the Parish Office (call or stop by) and before and after all weekend masses. In 2012 we need to work on some new fundraisers, including our regular ones. I ask everyone to consider using their weekly envelopes and if possible to slightly increase your weekly or monthly contribution if it is possible.

Naturally, the most important work of our both parishes continues, the Catholic Formation of our young people and our youth ministry program, our outreach to the sick and needy of our area, the celebration in word and song of the revised Roman Missal (despite a rough first mass in each church), plus our many spiritual, social and educational programs and activities. With your love and devotion to our parishes we continue to fulfill our parish mission statement:  "To know, love and serve the Lord and One Another, in imitation of Mary."  May God continue to bless our efforts for the glory and honor of His Name.

See you soon in Church,

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:                    November 12-13, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Two weeks from today, November 26-27, the First Sunday of Advent, we will begin using the “Revised Roman Missal” at all masses.  As we wind down to this date we take a deep breath.  As we say farewell to many responses that we are used to saying or singing such as “Christ has died…” as well as the familiar “And also with you,” we begin to look forward to new phrases and words in the liturgy.  Probably, the average layperson may not find too many changes, but the priest will. Many of the paragraphs in the Mass will be different for the priest who maybe memorized lots of old phrases and now will have to be a bit slavish to the written text for a while and it may seem a bit awkward for a few months (or years). The current Mass is the only one that Fr. Betts and I have ever celebrated.  So be very patient with your clergy for a while if we don’t look up as often or seem to be out of touch a bit. While I was in Israel, at one of the holy sites where I celebrated mass, they gave me the new text to use.  I was taken by surprise and found it uncomfortable and certainly it showed.  I got mixed up a few times. Here, I intend to study the prayer texts before all masses so the words flow more smoothly.  We ask for your patience and understand and we promise to be patient with you too.

At Nativity Church we have ordered a new Hymnbook (Saint Augustine Hymnal) that has the text of the new responses as well as the Scripture readings.  At St. Mary’s Church, a new edition of our “Sunday’s Word” was ordered and it also has the new responses and readings included.  In addition, we have purchased pew cards with the entire congregation responses recited at mass for easy use.  Next week, Fr. Betts and I will talk about these changes as part of our homily and we prepare a brief bulletin insert.  We also sent every registered family/individual a letter and brochure in October to help you understand the reason and nature of these liturgical changes.  Please take time to read or re-read it. 

I am also grateful to all of our musicians, choirs and cantors for learning a new mass setting and introducing it to the congregation.

In time and with regular use and participation we will grow more comfortable with these changes.  I encourage you to pick up the pew card and use it until you become comfortable with the responses.  It will also serve to be a good example to our younger parishioners if they see you reciting the prayers.  Remember, we gather to worship God and that requires our “full, active and conscious” participation.  We can’t begin to fulfill our obligation to pray and worship God by just being present.  It requires our active participation.

God Bless You,

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:      October 1-2, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

If the Sacred Scriptures have a favorite image—today’s Sunday Mass readings have it: a beautiful vineyard.  I've had the chance to visit the Holy Land several times and look forward to our parish pilgrimage in late October.  However, I don't recall ever visiting or seeing a typical vineyard in Israel, much like the ones described in today’s Scripture readings by Isaiah, the psalmist, and Jesus. This time I will need to be more observant.  I have seen vineyards in Napa Valley, California and confess that I even sampled some of their delicious libations.

All three readings this weekend paint vivid pictures of vineyards, lush with grapevines and furnished with protective walls and the wine press ready to turn out great-tasting wine. 

What is the meaning of the Scriptures for us: We are God’s vineyard.  The Biblical stories make this clear.  In some versions, the very productivity of the vineyard stands for how God’s people fail to make use of the care and nurturing God lavishes on us.  In the Gospel, it’s the caretakers of the vineyard who are on the spot—the tenant farmer who fail to respect the owner’s rights and turn on his servants and his son. For Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, the story becomes a painful story of rejection that echoes the bitter memories of the early Church, reflecting on how most of God’s own people rejected the message of salvation.
 
We are all working in the Lord's vineyard and trying to make it bear fruit.  And just as the vineyard represented the nation of Israel for Isaiah, the vineyard now represents the Church. We are working at building up the Body of Christ by using our gifts, our talents and our time to further the kingdom of God on earth, principally by our works of charity.  Just as the tenants in the parable tended the vineyard so that it would produce abundant fruit of good quality, so we tend the Body of Christ on earth so that all of the vines bear good fruit. Otherwise, as Isaiah laments, the crop will be wild grapes which are not good enough to use for making wine.  It is our work in the vineyard, our sacrifices, our love, and our caring, which will bring forth good fruit in others.  If we do not tend others with loving care, they will only bring forth a bad yield, but we will be held responsible by the landowner for not doing our job. How are we spending our time? Working fruitfully in the garden? How are we using our gifts?  Or maybe we're not using them at all.

Powerful images with a powerful message of God’s love, human response and a warning for us who hear these stories in this Sunday’s liturgy. May we listen attentively to His Word and respond to His message of Love by the way we live our lives.

God Bless You,

Fr. Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:          September 3-4, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
                                                        
        It is that time of year when many of our young parishioners have left our area to either begin or resume their college studies.  An exciting time for students and an unnerving time for most parents. A number of parents have approached or even emailed me asking that I pray for their son/daughter, concerned that while away from home they might abandon or grow lukewarm in the practice of their faith, the faith in which they have been raised, or become involved with other young people or even professors who don’t share their Christian values and be led astray.

         I would like to remind our youngsters who are heading into their next semester of studies that “ducks need ducks.” In other words, we all need people in our lives who are courageous enough to tell us what we need to hear: an individual who is like us, one seeking the spiritual life, a spiritual partner who is striving to follow the Lord. A cow can teach a duck very little: ducks need ducks! We all need a friend, a fellow Catholic and spiritual voice that shares our values and is willing to drag us along when we fall behind.  I encourage our college students to continue to participate in mass, to become involved with campus ministry, to consider attending a weekend college youth retreat and to engage in service orientated projects or mission work sponsored by your school. But, above all, I encourage you to seek out someone who shares your Catholic Christian values. 

         As we begin the new School Year, ask yourself a few questions: Do you have someone in your life who loves you enough to share their concern, if they see that something in your life may be leading you away from the Lord; someone close who you would trust to be your guide; a holy man or woman who is not afraid to journey the spiritual life with you? As we enter into this new school year may we be mindful of seeking out good Christian witnesses to be a support and guide and may we also serve as good Catholic examples to others, especially our peers.
         As a parish family we send our young people off with our love and prayerful support, wanting them to know that their parish, Nativity BVM and St. Mary of the Lake, is always here for them, during moments of great success and also during times of struggle.  We look forward seeing you on your breaks and over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

         This can be an ambiguous time for parents, as you “let go” of your children. I imagine it is both a rewarding and heartbreaking time for you. Know that you are held in prayer, and I encourage you to put your trust in the Lord to watch over your youngsters. To every college student from our parish, I personally want you and your families to know that your parish family and your priests and deacon love you, pray for you and are here for you always.

God Bless You,

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:                                                  August 13-14, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This past week, in fact the whole summer, has been a busy one in our Parishes.

At St. Mary’s final plans for the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of our founding are in full swing.  The Commemorative Book is almost ready to go to the printers, the reservations for the Anniversary Dinner at the Canoe Club on Saturday, September 10  and the catered Brunch in our Hall on Sunday, September 11, are coming in, the Choir is practicing the music for the Masses of Thanksgiving. Exterior renovations to the Church and Hall are almost completed with work on the parking lots and hall roof yet to be done. Trimming of bushes and trees, weeding of the flower beds and a lot of other details are being finalized.  We hope that you can join us for this special event in the life of our Parish.  Contact the Parish Office this week at 836-3275 to reserve your ticket to one or both of the anniversary receptions and/or to place an Ad or patron/memorial listing in the booklet.

At Nativity, the renovations to the interior of our Church are also nearing competition.  This past week the rugs were installed and the pew racks were added.  The new Tabernacle arrived, the large candle sticks were repaired and replated and we anticipate the sanctuary chairs to be refurbished by the end of the month.  Later this summer or early fall the wooden ceiling and beams, fans, chandeliers, interior windows and Risen Christ and Cross will be cleaned and the interior of the Church repainted and decorated. I am grateful for your patience during this renovation and the financial assistance that made it possible. I deeply appreciate the support and assistance of our faithful Building and Grounds Committee. 

We are also preparing for the 2011-2012 CCD Year in both Churches. The yearly CCD calendar has been prepared as well as books and supplies ordered. Registration will take place later this month and prayer testing for 2nd Grade is scheduled.  We are in urgent need of a few additional Catechists (teachers), Substitutes and Aides.  Consider volunteering you time to share your faith with our young parishioners. They are our future!  We are also in need of a new CCD Coordinator at Nativity BVM Church.

Adults desiring to become Catholic or who may be interested in exploring the Catholic Faith are invited to contact the Parish Office (836-3275) and schedule an appointment with Fr. Ric this week.  In September, training sessions will begin with the RCIA Team.  

Plans for our participation in the Wyoming County Fair are in full progress.  We need many volunteers to give some time working our booths. It is a terrific time to meet other parishioners. We need baskets for St. Mary’s popular “Basket’s Galore” Booth as well as cooks and servers for Nativity’s Homemade Food Stand. Call to tell us the time that you can volunteer to work.  Your parish needs you!  

I am extremely grateful to all who give their time, talent and treasure on a regular basis to build up our Parish Family. It is great being a pastor when there is so much support, loyalty and love for our Church.  Our Parishes would not be as the vibrant communities of faith that they are without YOU!  I encourage and invite everyone to enter more fully into the work of our parish family and to invite others to join you.  All are welcome! No one will be refused! 

God Bless You,

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:                                  July 23-24, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

         As I write this bulletin message I am preparing to bury my Mother. She died, early last Sunday morning, July 17th, surrounded by her four children. My mom had a long and good life (88 years) and despite severe weakness and some pain during the past year, a peaceful death.  I am grateful to God that her suffering was short and that we were able to communicate with her almost until the end. God gave our family the blessing of caring and doing for her after all that she has done for us.  Several times on Saturday she asked us to pray with her.  That let me know that she was prepared to meet Jesus.  She received the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion just hours before she died. (This final communion is called Viaticum, from the Latin word meaning ‘provision for a journey’. It is spiritual food for the journey from this world to eternity.)    As Catholic Christians we often pray for a “happy death.”  I have learned over the years that it means more than the absence of pain and suffering.  Being surrounded by your family and at peace with God and others is a “happy death” and mom was granted that special blessing. In many ways, my Mom taught our family how to live and now, on her death bed, she taught us one final lesson – how to die, trusting in the goodness and mercy of God.

         Earlier today, a friend and former parishioner, who also lost her Mother a few years ago, emailed me to extend her sympathy. She said that being a Priest should make my mother’s death a little easier to deal with because “you know the Gospel and are assured of Jesus promise to raise us up to new life.”  She went on to say that “you have dealt with many deaths and funerals as a priest.” It seemed to me that she was inferring that I have probably become accustomed or num to death. Unfortunately, the death of a loved one, especially a parent is extremely difficult for a priest too.  Yes, I believe with my whole being that Mom is living in the presence of God with the Saints and is in total bliss, but I also have an empty, wrenching feeling, in my gut that tells me someone who has known and loved me since my conception and who has always been there for me is gone. No amount of theology or understanding of the Bible can remove that. I will miss her terribly!  We spoke almost every day, even if just for a minute or so.  I know that time will heal the hurt, soothe the pain and I will adjust to the new reality but I also know that things will be very different and selfishly wonder how that will work out.  I know that Mom, from her vantage point in Heaven, together with my Father, Grandparents and a very close friend, who are now all with her, will do whatever they can to guide our family and intercede to our Heavenly Father as we deal with this loss and continue our own earthly journey.  I can’t imagine how a person, without the gift of faith, deals with the loss of a loved one.  It would be a hole that could never be filled.  What a blessing our Christian Faith is!

         I want to take this opportunity to thank the members of my Parish Family for your promise of prayers, kind words, thoughtful remembrances, Mass cards, memorial donations to our Parish or Hospice of the Sacred Heart in her honor, floral bouquets, offers to help, supportive phone calls and emails, visits at the wake and participation in the Funeral Mass.  They are a tremendous support and I will always remember your compassion during this time.  Nativity BVM and Saint Mary’s, over the past five years, have become home to me and I deeply appreciate your friendship and love.    Mom wanted to visit Nativity to see the interior renovations that are taking place and desired to attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration at St. Mary’s.  In fact, right up until this past weekend, she was making plans and telling my Sisters and Brother on how this could be done.  Now she will be with us in spirit.

         Again, thank you for all of your kindness and thoughtfulness.  Please be assured that I will continue to remember you, your families and all of your intentions, where it matters most, in prayer before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Our God is great – He is an awesome God!

God Bless You Always,

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:                        July 2-3, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

       As I prepare this bulletin message the summer vacation season is in full swing.  The weather prediction for this holiday weekend (if we can trust it) looks perfect: partly sunny, mild temperatures with little humidity and virtually no chance of showers.   We wish all of you a safe and enjoyable holiday as we celebrate Independence Day - the 235th birthday of our Country.  We also welcome all visitors in our area to our Parish and invite them to participate in our worship services and activities.  May the time with family and friends along our rivers, creeks, lakes and in our mountains – fishing, hiking, boating, jet skiing, enjoying the fireworks listening to music, read a book or participating in a cookout, be a time of refreshment and renewal in mind, body and spirit.

         Almost everyone has a favorite Bible passage.  I have a few that inspire me and assist me in my life journey.  One of them is found in this weekend’s Gospel reading.  They are the consoling words of Jesus that are very familiar to us:  “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest.”  (Matthew 11:15-16)  I believe that I like this text so much because I have felt burdened and overwhelmed many times in my life and have known countless parishioners and friends who labor under great sorrow and suffering too.  Some are living in an unloving marriage, others are working through a painful relationship, many are dealing with the sorrow that accompanies the loss of a loved one, some are trying to hold it together and deal with the serious sickness of a family member.  There are others who face debt and loss of employment and some who are broken in their relationship with a son/daughter or sibling.  I have read and heard these words of Jesus and I’ve shared them with others in counseling, homilies at mass and especially at funerals. I have found them to an encouragement and consolation.

         But in addition to our Lord’s encouragement that we come to Him with our burdens, He invites us to “take up his yoke” and “learn from him.”  His meekness and humility show us a way to bear our burdens. 

         I have always marveled at the paradox in Christ’s words: His yoke (his burden of the cross) and yet he calls it “easy and light.” How does the heavy burden of the cross, suffering and death become “easy and light”? Somehow, that transformation must happen in the act of surrender, in the “giving over” of our own daily labors, burdens and crosses to the Lord, just as Jesus surrendered them to His Heavenly Father. Admitting to ourselves that we cannot carry them on our own, allowing Jesus to shoulder them with us; letting go of control – in that simple, childlike surrender we discover the rest of Jesus promises and we will find rest for yourselves.

God Bless You!

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:        June 11-12, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, commonly referred to as “The Birthday of the Church.” Along with Easter, Pentecost is one of the greatest Feasts of the liturgical year for all Christians. The Christian term "Pentecost" simply means "fiftieth" in the Greek language and is considered the conclusion of the Easter season. The traditional color of Pentecost in the Roman Catholic Church is red. The red symbolizes the tongues of fire that descended upon the Apostles, Mary and the early followers of Jesus who were gathered in the Upper Room. It gave them empowerment from God to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world. It is a symbol of excitement, passion, heat and zeal and reminds us of the excitement for mission that we should embrace. The red decorations, linens, vestments and flowers that adorn our sanctuary this weekend, remind us of the Holy Spirit who was sent as tongues of fire on the Apostles 50 days after Easter to strengthen them to boldly proclaim the Good News to the world. On this day the sevenfold gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the early Church to guide and sustain us and to give us the wisdom and courage to continue the work of the Father.

The difference that Pentecost should make in our lives is that on this same day the promised Gift of the Holy Spirit is poured out on each of us. I believe that it is that force, the Holy Spirit, which has powered the Church throughout the past two thousand years, kept it going, fed us, and strengthened us. It is the power of the Spirit that will continues to guide and lead the Church today and in the future. While there are other references to Pentecost in the New Testament (e.g. 1 Cor 16:8), it is most significant in Acts 2 and the familiar scene of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those in the "upper room." The New Testament writers associate the events of Acts 2 with Pentecost, and relate it to the prophecies of Joel 2 and the promises of Jesus (Acts 1:8). In both, the emphasis is on an empowerment through the Holy Spirit to enable the people of God to witness to Jesus Christ. May we be open to the power of the Spirit to lead and guide us, the Church, the family of Jesus in our day.
May you have a holy and faith-filled Pentecost. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit may we be recommitted to witness to God’s love and fulfill our parish mission statement: “to know, love and serve the Lord and one another…” before everyone whom we meet today and during the summer season.

God Bless You,

Fr. Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP: May 21-22, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends:

Do you live in the home of your birth and upbringing? If you answer yes, then you are in an increasingly rare group of people. I recall the late Stan Smigel of St. Mary of the Lake Church. Although he and his wife Lucy had moved for a while to New Jersey for employment, he was born and died in the same farm house in Falls Township. I remember visiting him at his home prior to his death and he told me that he was born in the same downstairs room where he was now staying and that he intended to die there. He was proud of that fact. The rate of pace and mobility has increased dramatically over time. From where our grandparents met and married, within the same parish, to where marriages can form between continents. As part of this, over the course of our lives, many tend to move away from home with work, then to upsize their home with increased family and downsize with retirement. I have friends who left a large home after they retired and their kids grew up and moved and now they are living in a townhouse or condo. In fact, an increasing number don’t actually own their home. We can feel rather like pilgrims or tourists on our way through the various physical rooms of life. Our homes can reflect this migratory nature. So the idea of “many rooms” which we hear in the Gospel of St. John this weekend, (In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places…”) in an eternal and permanent destination, may sound to our ears rather enticing. Particularly if the joy of Easter, some 29 days ago, is still struggling to rise. “Rooms” has a warm, intimate yet spacious feel. It is the home we never left in a way. Maybe we’re tired lugging around treasures that tarnish? We seem to enter this life without stuff. From our infancy we are given “stuff”, we eventually develop a capacity to get our own “stuff”, we fall in love and marry and merge our “stuff” with other individuals and drag all this “stuff” around after us, eventually leaving “our stuff” in our Will to some person who probably has too much stuff already and doesn’t want any more. So, how do we lighten up and move on? Maybe there’s a difference between being a pilgrim and a tourist. A tourist moves about quickly, purchases many souvenirs and takes a huge amount of photographs. A pilgrim travels slower and more deliberately and savors life. Those who will be traveling with me to the Holy Land this October will be “pilgrims” not tourists. There is a huge difference as they will experience. As Fr. Paul Sellam often said when he way going to travel: “I going on a pilgrimage, not a vacation.” Macrina Wiederkehr in her book, “Seasons of Your Heart” says: Being a pilgrim means:

• to be on the move, slowly • to notice your luggage becoming lighter • to be seeking for treasures that do not rust • to be comfortable with your heart's questions • to be moving toward the holy ground of home • with empty hands and bare feet. When we do revisit the home of our birth - if it still exists, (mine does) we always notice change. It has changed, more importantly we have changed. We may realize that home is much more within ourselves than some physical address. Home is about comfort and challenge, about compassion and critique-but all founded on love. Maybe our task during the remaining 21 days of this Easter Season is to love the pilgrim soul within us.

May we never forget that the road to our “true and eternal home” goes straight through our heart.

God Bless You,

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR'S LAPTOP:           April 9-10, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends:

In the Gospel passage this weekend, the Evangelist, John tells us the familiar story of Jesus raising his close friend, Lazarus, from the dead. He brings him back to life. It is a Gospel passage filled with hope and new life that I often use at funerals in our Parish. I believe that this story is significant because it is likely that his action, raising Lazarus from the dead, was Jesus last miracle before He began the journey toward his own death.

Jesus was called to the town of Bethany to save his friend, but instead waited several days to return. This action confused Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, because they knew that Jesus could have healed their brother. Jesus used the incident to strengthen the faith of Mary, Martha, and all who were present. He made sure that Lazarus was raised from death so that the people could witness God’s glory and come to belief.

What can we learn from this inspired story? Certainly, that the healing power of Jesus can bring new life to all of us.

As we near the end of Lent and prepare ourselves to enter Holy Week next weekend, perhaps we can ask ourselves some questions. Are there some things in our lives that cause us to die to others and to God? Perhaps we are impatient, ungrateful, critical, or quick to anger. Maybe we’re proud, lack forgiveness, boastful, or envious. Do we place Christ first in our lives? Do we consider our Faith when we make a moral decision? Do we spend time reflecting, praying and deepening our relationship with God? Are there areas of death in our spiritual lives that need the new life that only Jesus can bring?

I encourage you to take time to participate in our Parish Communal Penance Services this week.  Take the opportunity to examine your conscience, confess your sins and prepare your heart to receive God's grace and new life as we enter this holy time of the year. Jesus promises us new life if we only trust in him, allow his amazing grace to touch our heart and seek to do His will. 

The brief Penance Services will be held at Nativity BVM Church on this Sunday, April 10, at 6 PM (7 priests will be available) and at St. Mary of the Lake Church on this Monday, April 11, at 7 PM (4 priests will be available). Deacon Ray will give the reflection to help us prepare ourselves to make a worthy and fruitful confession. Mark your calendar, invite a friend or family member and plan to participate as part of your Lenten observance in preparation for Easter. 

As we slowly begin to experience the new life of nature emerging all around us this springtime, may we also experience the new life of Jesus emerging in our very soul.

God Bless You,

Father Ric

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP:                                                                                February 5-6, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

         This weekend we celebrate Boy Scout Sunday. It marks the 101st Anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America by William Boyce on February 8, 1910. We welcome to our Parish all of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Nativity’s Pack & Troop 518, their Scoutmasters, Committee members, Parents and Friends. The 11 AM Mass today, celebrated by Fr. Betts, will honor Scouting and recall this wonderful youth ministry program which has helped to form countless young men as solid Americans and Faithful Christians. This celebration is one way for our scouts to acknowledge and live the 12th statement of the Scout Law: “A Scout is Reverent.” A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. This celebration fits well with our Gospel Reading taken from Mathew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus tells his disciples and us that “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the Light of the World.”  He goes on to remind us that “…your light must shine before men so that may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father.” (Matt. 5:13-16)  It is our hope and prayer that our Scouts may add flavor and excitement to our world and brings the light of God’s truth to all whom they meet. 

         I am particularly grateful to all the men and women of our Parish and the larger Tunkhannock Community who give their time and share their talents with these youngsters on a weekly basis. Our pack and troop are one of the largest and most active in the Northeastern PA Council and Two Mountains District.  We encourage you to visit our official scout website: www.bsa518pa.org. and to participate in those activities that are open to the community, especially our fundraising events that benefit our local scouting program.  Hint: Our Italian Dinner is Sat., Feb. 19, 4-7 PM in Fr. Nallin Hall.

         I encourage our parents and grandparents to encourage their sons and grandsons to participate in the scouting movement. Feel free to contact our parish office (836-3275) to receive the names of our Scoutmasters for you to contact for further information/registration.

         The adventure starts with Cub Scouting, a year-round family program designed for boys in the 1st through 5th grades, or 7 to 10 years of age. The program emphasizes shared leadership, learning about the community, family understanding, character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.

         Boy Scouting is for boys who are 11, or are at least 10 years old and have completed the fifth grade or have earned the Cub Scout Arrow of Light Award, through 17 years old. Boys experience a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster to achieve the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness. Outdoor camping, fun with friends -- and more. It’s the adventure of a lifetime.

         Consider giving back to the youth of our area. Through volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America as an adult, you will work with youth to build a better future for everyone. Scouting volunteers come to Scouting from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Plumbers, lawyers, housewives, teachers, doctors, janitors, and scientists—people from just about every occupation imaginable – are involved in leading youth to become responsible, caring, and competent citizens. They also quickly discover that Scout volunteering enables them to learn new skills and build lifelong friendships while having fun.

        Today, in the name of the Parishioners of Saint Mary of the Lake Church in Lake Winola and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tunkhannock, I wish you a happy and blessed Scout Sunday. May you experience a year filled with a variety of activities that help you to grow in wisdom and moral character, in love and devotion to our Country and in a deeper love and reverence for our God and for our neighbor.

God Bless You,

Father Ric
Pastor

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Church Saint Mary of the Lake Church
C/o 99 East Tioga Street
P.O. Box 186 Tunkhannock, PA 18657-0186
December 27, 2010

Dear Parishioners,

This year I am writing my annual letter expressing Christmas and New Year’s greetings to you from Father Betts, Deacon Ray and myself, a bit late. The reason for this is because the 2011 Parish Calendars, which are usually included with this mailing, arrived late from the printers. I hope that your Christmas celebration and family gatherings were wonderful and that you have a healthy and happy New Year. I was beginning to feel a bit guilty for being late with this greeting until I recalled the popular holiday song: “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” In our culture we are always anticipating holidays. Christmas decorations are set up in some places around Halloween and stores begin their Christmas sales about September. Christmas songs hit the airwaves on Thanksgiving. On the other hand, once we celebrate December 25th, we move on to the next holiday. I recall putting out Valentine Cards on Christmas Eve when I worked at a McCroy’s Store when I was a high school student. Last year, I actually did see a Christmas tree stripped, taken down and thrown on the side of the road on December 26th. How Sad! The “Twelve Days of Christmas” are actually the festive days beginning on Christmas and ending on the traditional day of the Epiphany (Three Kings). Some have referred to this period as: Christmastide. Growing up we were allowed to keep the holiday decorations and the train platform up and have friends over to play with the toys we received during this time. Our family would visit relatives, friends and neighbors and they would make a special “Christmas Visit” to our home too. It was a wonderful time of the year! As a priest, I usually never open a card until after Christmas and have even waited until Epiphany to open gifts. Actually, I once lost a whole ring of Kielbasa because I didn’t know what the gift was and failed to refrigerate it. There is a downside to this! So, with this said, I no longer feel guilty for mailing out this greeting “late.” The miracle of Christmas continues and we should take the time to enjoy the mystery of the Incarnation (God taking on our human flesh, in the person of Jesus, out of pure love of us in order to save us from our sins.) It is such an awesome blessing that it can’t be confined to 12 Days, let alone Christmas Day. It recalls the special dignity, value and worth that God has for each of us. So, continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday, sing Christmas Carols, eat Christmas cookies and gather with your friends and family. Enclosed, please find a beautiful 2011 Parish Religious Art Calendar for your family. They were donated again this year by the Sheldon – Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga Street in Tunkhannock through the generosity of Tom and June Kukuchka and Eric and Gretchen Kukuchka. We are grateful to them for this substantial gift to both of our Churches. For your convenience, it contains the Mass and Confession schedule, and phone numbers and email addresses for our parish office. I also want to take this opportunity to thank all who are working to make this Holy Season special for our Parish Family, especially our Choirs & Directors, Youth Music Ministry, Sacristans, Church Indoor and Outdoor Decorators, Parish Office Staff and Volunteers, Ushers, Maintenance Personnel, Liturgical Ministers & Altar Servers, those who assisted with the “Giving Tree,” the “Adopt a Family Program” as well as St. Mary’s Social Concerns Committee and Nativity’s Human Needs Committee and all who are offering their time, talents and effort to make our “12 Day” celebration so special. I am always amazed at your generosity to the poor and needy of our area, especially during these difficult economic times. It is an inspiration. Your Christmas and “End of the Year” contributions to our parish are deeply appreciated and will enable us to continue the work of Christ through our parish ministries and programs and assists us in keep our properties in good repair. May you have a blessed holiday season. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones in my daily prayers and masses, especially where it matters most – before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Happy “12 Days of Christmas,”

Father Ric Polmounter

Pastor

FROM THE PASTOR’S LAPTOP: January 15-16, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I recently read this article on a parish web site: “We want you to know that we believe that EVERYONE belongs in our Father’s house—the Church. We are all hungry for the Word of God, his spiritual nourishment in the Eucharist and God’s love. We all yearn for meaning and direction in our lives. Jesus welcomes EVERYONE—saints & sinners. And EVERYONE comes, regardless of color, nationality, or sexual orientation; whether rich, poor, sick, in health; whether single, divorced, happily married, not so happily married; traditional families and single parents, the widowed, priests, nuns, deacons, the physically challenged, those suffering from mental illness—Jesus Christ accepts all of us where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there!” I agree with these words whole heartedly. We often sing the hymn: “All are welcome.” As we begin a new year, help me get this message out to our friends and neighbors, that there is a place for them here in our parishes. May EVERYONE know by our kindness and welcoming attitude that they are always welcome in our Father’s House.

God Bless You!

Father Ric

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Today we mark the third Sunday of Advent, traditionally called Gaudete Sunday which is symbolized by the lighting of the pink candle of the Advent Wreath, the wearing of rose colored vestments by the priest and deacon (“real men wear pink”) and the word joy that permeates our liturgy. If we were still using Latin at Mass, the first word we would have heard in today's liturgy would have been "Gaudete", or "rejoice". The word is sprinkled throughout today's readings: in the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet proclaims that God has sent him to bring "glad tidings to the poor" and "I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul". The psalm of the day is taken from Mary's Magnificat, in which she exclaims "My soul rejoices in my God, my spirit finds joy in God my savior". The second reading from Paul's letter to the Thessalonians begins with the words "Rejoice always”.” Some people ask: But is this joy still possible today given the current state of the economy, the turmoil affecting our world with wars and terrorism and myriad of other problems that affect our life?” Today’s first two readings give the answer. 1. The first reading announces glad tidings for the poor. If you want to be happy or joy-filled, the first thing you need to do is help the poor with Christian charity. Donating a Christmas Gift for the parish giving tree, volunteering time at our local soup kitchen, calling up someone who is alone and inviting them to join you at Mass or gathering with your family for Christmas dinner, making and delivering a meal on Christmas to someone who is homebound, spending time with someone who is alone or making some cookies for an elderly person in the neighborhood, are just a few ideas. Pope Benedict XVI said: “Was not Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta an unforgettable witness of true Gospel joy in our time? She lived daily with wretchedness, human degradation and death. Her soul knew the trials of the dark night of faith, yet she gave everyone God’s smile.” He quotes her saying “Being happy with God means loving like him, helping like him, giving like him, serving like him.” He adds: “Yes, joy enters the hearts of those who put themselves at the service of the lowly and poor. God abides in those who love like this, and their souls rejoice.” 2. The Psalm is unusual today. It’s the Magnificat, from the Gospel of Luke. In it, Mary finds happiness in the destruction of the false sources of happiness — riches and material comforts. 3. The source of joy is revealed in the Gospel. John the Baptist says there is one coming “whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” If you want to find happiness, follow John’s advice. Repent; go to confession in preparation for Christmas — so that you might be at peace with God and that he might find a joyful welcome within your soul.

God Bless You,

Father Ric Pastor

PASTOR’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2010
Dear Parishioners and Friends:

In his 1843 story "The Christmas Carol," Charles Dickens explores the meaning of Christmas through the eyes of a miserly old man, Ebenezer Scrooge. You know the story:  Scrooge hates Christmas. On Christmas Eve night he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show Scrooge how he used to be, what he is missing now, and who he will become if he continues down his current path. These visits bring about a change in Scrooge's hard heart, and he ends up being filled with the Christmas spirit.

Christmas is the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ. It marks the beginning of a two week period known as the Christmas season. It celebrates Jesus' birth, his revelation to the world (the Epiphany, the coming of the Magi bringing gifts, from whose example we give gifts at Christmas), and ends with his Baptism. As the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" makes clear, we are to celebrate every day of the Christmas season, not just Christmas day.

But what exactly are we celebrating during this festive period? Let's take a look. 
Jesus Is the Light of the World: No one knows the exact date, month, or year of Jesus’ birth. We celebrate on December 25 because the winter solstice—the longest night of the year—has passed and we welcome the growing amount of daylight each day. For Christians, this is a sign of Jesus bringing the new light of salvation into the world. During the Christmas season we are reminded that we, too, are to bring the light of Christ into the world through our lives.