Community Happenings

FLORAL BOUQUETS

If you would like to donate a floral bouquet for either St. John Bosco Church or Sacred Heart of Jesus Church during July, August or September, IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE, FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION or IN THANKSGIVING, Please contact the parish office at 570-788-1997, EXT 3. The Intention and donor will be listed in the bulletin unless directed otherwise. Flowers may be placed in front of the Main Altar, Ambo (pulpit), in front of our Statues or Shrine areas. Donation: $75 main altar or $50 other areas. You may also contact the florist of your choice and make arrangements directly with them and pay them if you desire. Flowers are usually delivered to our parish on Saturday mornings.

CANDLE MEMORIALS

In addition to Mass Intentions and Flowers, you may also donate the Altar Candles ($10 a week for each candle) or the Sanctuary Candle: $20 for two weeks at St. John Bosco Church and $10 for one week at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. The intention and donor will be listed in the bulletin on the weekend chosen.

DOWNSIZING? MINIMALIZING? SPRING CLEANING?

Kindly consider donating your extra items to the Historic Brainerd Church, Sybertsville, for the “Attic Treasures” during their annual October Festival, October 6. All proceeds are used for the continuing maintenance and restoration of the Brainerd Church and Cemetery Grounds and the adjacent Historic Cedar Grove Schoolhouse. Please contact Nannette at (570) 814-6443 to arrange a time to accept your generous donation.

PARISH BOOKS AVAILABLE

Years ago, during the pastorate of the late Father John K. Manno, two books were written and published by one of our parishioners, DR. JOHN R. LEASE and illustrated by Robin Antolick Marchetti. It is based on Cecil, oneof the large camels that figure in the St. John Bosco Outdoor Nativity. One of the books, entitled: “CECIL” (1992) is a Christmas Story and the other one is entitled: “CECIL’S JOURNEY,” (1994) is an Easter Story. Both of the popular books are family friendly and wonderful books that teach a valuable lesson for your children and may be read to your grandchildren and great grandchildren. A limited number of these hardbound edition books, which are listed with the Library of Congress, are still available. The donation is only $20 ea. If you are interested in securing a copy for yourself or to give as a gift to your children or grandchildren, please contact the parish office at 570-788-1997, EXT. 3. A copy of each of the books is available to view at the parish office. The proceeds of this sale will be given to St. John Bosco Church for our parish youth ministry

KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE HEART

Copies of Fr. McHugh’s new poetry book, Kaleidoscope of the Heart, is on sale at our parish office; cost is $23. Fr. McHugh is Pastor Emeritus at Good Shepherd Church, Drums. He served many years at Saint John Bosco Parish in Conyngham. He has celebrated Mass here and conducted many Adult Scripture classes over the years for our parishioners. He is a well-versed scripture scholar, historian, sports enthusiast, sports card collector and also a very talented writer! To reserve your copy, simple contact our parish office at (570) 788-1997, ext. 3, or visit our office during the week. Congratulations on your new book, Fr. McHugh!

MISSIONARY IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE COMES TO THE DIOCESE OF SCRANTON!

The Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a 4’ x 6’ exact digital replica of the original Miraculous Image “painted” by Heaven on St. Juan Diego’s cloak in 1531. The Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Msgr. Diego Monroy, blessed the Missionary Image for the purpose of promoting sanctity of the family, solidarity of the Church in America, a culture of life, and a civilization of love. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to venerate the Mis-sionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in our Diocese. Please see the parish Bulletin Board for the Public Visitation Schedule and other details.

NUREMBERG-WESTON FIRE COMPANY

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER?

Come to a meeting, contact any current member of the fire company, message the fire company on FACEBOOK or visit their web page for an application. You may also call and leave a message (name and phone number) at 570-384-4411 and someone will get back in touch with you. Meetings are on the last Sunday of the month at 7 pm at the Firehall, 459 Hazle Street, Weston. Website: https://nwvfc.org.

SAVE THE DATE - MEN’S MALVERN RETREAT

The L. J. Ferdinand Malvern Retreat Group will hold their annual retreat on July 12 - 14 at the Malvern Retreat House. The group has been hosting annual retreats continuously for over 80 years and many men from our parish have faithfully attended the retreats - some for over fifty years! New retreatants are welcome and are encouraged to join them. Contact captain John M. Nonnemacher for more details (570-788-1012).

DIOCESE OF SCRANTON

UP & OVER

Middle School Retreat

July 12-14

Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center, Dalton, PA

Arrival: 7 PM Friday, July 12

Departure: 11 AM Sunday, July 14

Registration Fee - $170

Includes 5 meals, lodging, retreat materials and t-shirt.

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH WALKING PILGRIMAGE

You are cordially invited to the second annual Holy Spirit Parish Walking Pilgrimage on Saturday, July 13. Sing and pray through beautiful forest land as we walk from St. Mary’s Church in Mocanaqua to St. Adalbert’s Church in Glen Lyon. Participants will ask God’s blessing on our diocese, our country, and our world, and witness to those we meet along the way. The pilgrimage begins at 8:00 a.m. with Confessions and prayer at St. Mary’s Church. A pilgrim brigade will then form and walk approximately six miles through the Mocanaqua Tract of the Pinchot State Forest, culminating with Holy Mass around 12:00 noon at St. Adalbert’s Church. Lunch will be served and transportation will be available back to Mocanaqua. We will walk rain or shine; please dress accordingly and modestly. All are invited to participate in the pilgrimage either by walking or by submitting prayer requests. Call Raphael Micca at 570-301-9253 or email rdmicca@aol.com before July 7 to register.

APPRECIATION GATHERING

We would like to thank many of our parishioners of both churches who do many "hidden" but necessary tasks for our Churches throughout the year. It will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Noon. All of these special volunteers received an invitation in the mail this past week with the details and a reply card. Please complete and return it to the parish office or in the weekend collection basket by Monday, July 8. We are grateful to all who do the hidden tasks in our parish: Collection Counters, Mass Linen cleaners, office volunteers, those who open/close and volunteer to clean Sacred Heart Church, etc.

LOOKING TO THE SUMMER OF 2024

Although we are in the autumn season and have not celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas, remote plans are slowly emerging to have an Old Fashioned Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Family Picnic in the summer at the Weston Athletic Field on Weston Road. The space has already been reserved: SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2024.

After Christmas we will form a family picnic committee to plan it. Perhaps the afternoon might include an outdoor mass, catered luncheon, dessert and ice cream, music, bingo games, outdoor games like corn hole, etc. For this to happen we will need volunteers to share ideas and plan it.

This would not be a fundraising event but a social gathering. Please keep it in the back of your mind, jot some ideas down as you think of them and when we call a meeting in early 2024 please volunteer and attend. For now simply mark this date on your 2024 calendar if you have one. Our 2024 Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Calendars will be blessed and distributed in late November.

ST. JOHN BOSCO TO HOST “CATHOLIC MYSTICISM” AUTHOR

Catholic Mysticism will be the topic when the Saint John Bosco Roman Catholic Church hosts paranormal author Maxim Furek. The event will be held on Wednesday, July 17, at 6:00 pm at the Saint John Bosco Church, 573 State Rt 93, Conyngham, PA 18249.

The author will discuss aspects of Catholic Mysticism such as miracles and exorcisms, St. Theresa of Avila, Padre Pio, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, the existence of evil, and the author’s friendship with Roman Catholic demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Maxim Furek is the author of the Award-Winning Coal Region Hoodoo: Paranormal Tales from Inside the Pit and The Sheppton Mythology, which investigated one of the miracles of Pope John XXIII and was the 6467 Book of the Month for St John Bosco’s Book Club.

The author, a Mocanaqua resident, and a Vietnam Veteran brings a unique perspective and a personal connection to Catholic Mysticism, making this event a true community affair.

The program is free and open to the public.

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

The Diocese of Scranton has a limited number of individual passes to the Eucharistic Congress, July 17-21, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis - at a reduced price of $200 ($360 value).

· These passes are valid for the full 5-day event (or any part) and are priced at $200. (Regular 5-day passes are $360)

· Passes will ONLY be sold online and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

· Passes do NOT include travel, meals, or housing for the Congress. All arrangements for travel, meals, and housing must be made by the individual.

Individuals may register directly. REGISTER AT: https://ccrscranton.org/national-eucharistic-revival

PLEASE NOTE: ANY ACTIVE PARISHIONER FROM ST. JOHN BOSCO OR SACRED HEART CHURCHES WHO REGISTERS AND PARTICIPATES IN THIS EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS WILL RECEIVE $100 TOWARD YOUR REGISTRATIPON FEE FROM OUR PARISH FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONGRESS AND TO REPRESENT OUR PARISH. CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE AT 570-788-1997, EXT 3 or 4.

SOLEMN NOVENA IN HONOR OF SAINT ANN

100TH Anniversary - 1924-2024, July 17-26, Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Ann -Passionist Monastery

The Novena of Saint Ann will be prayed following all scheduled Masses at St. John Bosco Church and Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Wednesday, July 17 through Friday, July 26. Novena Booklets will be available for your use.

FREELAND SUMMER CONCERT

Freeland Park Pavilion, Friday, July 19, 6:30 PM. Frank Balon, Trumpet. Rain or shine. Free of charge.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT CHRIST LUTHERAN

Conyngham - July 21, 9 AM to 10:30 AM. Decorate and eat cookies; assemble gift backpacks with school supplies; and a visit from “Humphrey” the live camel. All are welcome. Rain date is July 28.

MASS IN REMEMBRANCE OF VICTIMS OF VIOLENT OR TRAGIC DEATH

The Diocese of Scranton is offering the annual Mass in remembrance of victims of violent or tragic death. This Mass is of-fered for the families and friends of those who have died in tragedy, especially through murder, suicide, and accident. The Mass is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in Saint Peter’s Cathedral, 315 Wyoming, Scranton. All persons who have lost a loved one through tragic and traumatic death are invited to this liturgy. The mass will be televised on CTV. We ask that the names of deceased loved ones are registered on registration forms which are available in the parish office or on the Diocese of Scranton’s website, www.dioceseofscranton.org. All forms must be received by July 19, 2024.

SAINT JOSEPH'S CENTER: ANNUAL FESTIVAL

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 26-28 on the grounds of Marywood University.

Anthracite Model Railroad Society

Annual Summer Open Houses, 1056 Hanover Court, between Peace and James and 22nd and 23rd Streets, Hazleton. Noon to 5 PM on the following dates: Saturday, July 20; Sunday, July 21; Saturday, July 27; and Sunday, July 28. Bring your Camera. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Visit http://www,amrclub.,org.

SAINT JOHN BOSCO PARISH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

Sunday, August 25, Sugarloaf Golf Course, Rock Glen Road 9 am - Shotgun start. 7:30 am Registration. Raffles, Prizes, Dinner, Snacks, etc. Mark your calendar and invite your relatives and friends. Golf Committee Planning Meeting: Wed., May 29, 6 PM, Classroom 1. Adult Volunteers needed.

SOMETHING NEW

Christmas Bus Trip and Dinner Show Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, NJ Thursday, November 21, 2024

“A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS” Christmas Musical

Bus Transportation, Matinee show, and Dinner all included. Only $125 per person.

A great gift for an upcoming birthday, wedding anniversary, Christmas, etc. Choice of a large variety of Entrees. Includes their famous unlimited amazing Dessert Buffet. For information/reservations contact: Marie at (570) 455-3874. Payment in full is due with reservation. Bus fills up fast. Checks payable to St. John Bosco Church.

NEW ROOTS - ROAD TO RECOVERY

Providing Peer-Based Recovery Support Services

100 South Wyoming Street, Hazleton

Contact: 570-455-7000, Open: 8 am until 6 pm daily.

http://www.newrootspa.org

Email: information@newrootspa.org

Assisting those with a substance use disorder

and their families.

Certified Recovery Specialist

HEARTWOOD CENTER: Willow Foundation

Providing services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and/or food insecurity.

Breakfast and Lunch served daily, computer lab, etc.

SLOVAK PUBLICATION

The Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union's publication ZORNICKA is available for anyone who desires a copy at the main entrance of St. John Bosco Church.

Adult Prayer Group

"One in Christ Prayer Group" Meets at 12:45 PM on every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month unless other-wise announced. We meet in the basement of Holy Annunciation Church (St. Gabriel's). Do come and join us sometime for Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet, praise, song, scripture sharing, intercessory prayer, and sharing of how the Lord is working in our lives. Any questions, please call George Gunzerath at 570-455-1951 or Arlene Stagg 570-788-3643.

TUESDAY NIGHT BINGO AT GOOD SHEPHERD

You are invited to attend our neighboring parish for bingo at Good Shepherd Church in Drums on Tuesday evenings. Lot of fun and good cash prizes. The kitchen opens at 5:00 PM with special soups, sandwiches, beverages, ethnic foods and a variety of other goodies. The Early Bird game begins at 6:00 PM.

EMMAUS MINISTRY

Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham, sponsors the Emmaus Ministry. They provide transportation to church events, medical appointments, and Food Pantry. If you have a need for this service or would like to be a driver, please contact Br. Fred Jaxheimer, OEF, 570 956-5991, (cell phone), or the Christ Lutheran Church in Conyngham.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES - “TO GO DINNER” PROGRAM

Catholic Social Services is in the preliminary planning stage of a “To Go Dinner” program, which will allow us to serve a hot meal in our community two days a week. We are looking for volunteers to pick up the prepared meals at St. Vincent Kitchen in Wilkes Barre and deliver it the CSS Family Center, 106 S. Church St. Hazleton, PA 18201. Pick up time would be between noon and one. This would require use of a personal van or vehicle that could carry multiple chafing dishes. Please call the office at (570) 455-1521 for more information.