Embedded Files
To miss Mass on Sunday without a grave (extremely serious) reason is a mortal sin. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is rooted in the Third Commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8-11). This practice is further emphasized in the New Testament, where Jesus' resurrection on Sunday is celebrated as the Lord's Day (John 20:1, Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms: "The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice... The faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason" (CCC 2181-2182). Canon Law reinforces this: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass" (Canon 1247).
Deliberately missing Mass without serious cause is a mortal sin (Canon 1247). As St. John Paul II wrote: "Sunday is the day which is at the heart of the Church's life" (Dies Domini, 4). The Mass is Heaven on Earth, celebrating Christ's sacrifice and resurrection (CCC 1326, 1407). Let's prioritize Sunday Mass and deepen our devotion to the Eucharist.
Attending mass by simply viewing it on television or computer or on the radio does not fulfill the Sunday obligation Unless you are homebound or hospitalized or for an extremely serious reason.
References:
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Code of Canon Law (Canon 1247), Exodus 20:8-11 (Third Commandment), St. John Paul II's apostolic letter "Dies Domini" (4)
MEET THE CHURCH’S TWO NEWEST SAINTS: ST. CARLO ACUTIS & ST. PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI
Canonized on September 7, 2025 by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, the Church celebrated a powerful moment in history: the canonization of two young men whose lives shine with joy, holiness, and relevance for today.
St. Carlo Acutis (1991–2006)
A modern teenager from Italy, Carlo loved computers, soccer, and the Eucharist. He created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world and called the Eucharist his “highway to heaven.” He died of leukemia at age 15, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope.
• Patron of: the internet, youth, programmers, and digital evangelization
• Why he matters: Carlo reminds us that holiness is possible in the digital age—and that being a saint doesn’t mean being boring! He lived a full, fun life centered on Christ.
St. Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
An energetic and adventurous young man from a wealthy family in Italy, Pier Giorgio loved hiking, mountain climbing, and caring for the poor. Known for his joyful faith and tireless service, he died at just 24 from polio contracted while helping the sick.
• Patron of: young adults, students, mountaineers, and those who serve the poor.
• Why he matters: He lived the Gospel boldly and joyfully, showing us that being Catholic means action—especially toward the most vulnerable.
Why They Matter for All of Us
In a world where faith can feel distant or complicated, these saints remind us that holiness is possible at any age, in any time. For our young people especially, Carlo and Pier Giorgio are proof that it’s not only okay—but exciting—to follow Jesus today.
St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati—pray for us!
St. John Bosco Parish
Saint John Bosco Church, Conyngham
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Weston
One Parish, Two Worship Sites
PO Box 919, Conyngham, PA 18219-0919
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Pastorship
Fr. Richard J. Polmounter
August 16, 2015 – August 16, 2025
Dear Parish Family,
As I reflect on the journey from August 16, 2015, to August 16, 2025, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. It has been a true blessing and honor to serve so close to my hometown as your pastor at St. John Bosco Parish over these past ten years.
These years have been filled with moments of joy, growth, challenge, and deep spiritual richness. Much has been accomplished through your cooperation, generosity, and love for Jesus and His Church. Together, we have shared in the sacred rhythms of parish life—celebrating the Sacraments, proclaiming the Gospel, worshiping in unity, caring for one another, and reaching out to the broader community in service and love.
On July 1, 2021, I was further blessed to be given pastoral care of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, our secondary worship site. It has been a true joy to serve the wonderful people of the Greater Weston area as well.
I have also been deeply supported by dedicated associate pastors, retired priests, a cooperative and committed office and pastoral staff, advisory councils, and all who serve in liturgical and faith formation ministries. I am especially grateful for Fr. Christian and Fr. Sudhir, whose service has been outstanding, and for the faithful priestly ministry of Fr. Steven and Fr. Edward.
To each of you—thank you. For your prayers, your patience, your generosity, and your unwavering faith. You have been a source of strength and inspiration to me. I have grown as a priest and as a person through our journey together.
Looking Ahead
Recently, I requested and was granted permission by Bishop Bambera to extend my retirement by one additional year. Originally scheduled to retire on July 1, 2027, I will now continue serving until July 1, 2028. This extension will allow me to complete a few projects, prepare the way for a new pastor, and remain with you through two special milestones:
My 75th birthday in November 2027
The 50th Anniversary of my Ordination to the Priesthood on May 6, 2028
A Word from Our Patron Saint
As we mark the 210th birthday of St. John “Don” Bosco (Saturday, August 16th), we are reminded of his beautiful words:
“Walk with your feet on earth, but in your heart be in heaven.”
I believe we have done just that—staying grounded in the real needs of our parish, the local community, and the Diocese, while always striving for the joy and hope of heaven.
As I celebrate this anniversary, I humbly ask forgiveness from anyone I may have hurt through my words or actions, whether knowingly or through human weakness. I continue to pray that God will guide us, bless us, and inspire us to grow ever more deeply as Disciples of Christ.
May the years ahead be filled with renewed purpose, unity, and faith.
With heartfelt thanks and love,
Father Ric
Rev. Richard J. Polmounter
Pastor
PRAY FOR VOCATIONS
Please pray for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life from our Parish and from the worldwide Church. Also pray for all who are discerning a vocation, those who are in seminary formation and all who are ordained or commissioned and are currently service in the Church.
XLT FOR VOCATIONS HOSTED AT DIOCESAN VOCATION CENTERS: First Thursday of every Month: 7 pm, Maria Goretti Church, Laflin; Last Wednesday of every Month: 6:30 pm, Christ the King Parish, Archbald; Fourth Sunday of Every Month, 7 pm, St Matthew's Parish, East Stroudsburg
For further information contact:
Fr. Alex Roche, Diocesan Vocation Director at 570-207-1452
or Facebook: /ScrantonVoc
Brochures available at our parish office.
SOLICITATION FROM PARISH CLERGY OR STAFF
Your parish clergy and staff members will NEVER contact you via phone, email or text asking you to provide them with gift cards or to assist them financially in a "crisis" situation. If you receive one which is seemingly being sent by a priest, deacon or staff member requesting financial assistance of any kind, please do NOT respond to it but report it immediately to the parish of-fice. This is a fraud and it is occurring in many parishes from throughout the Diocese of Scranton. Thank You!
WHEN YOU VISIT A PRIEST, PLEASE REMEMBER . . .
That a priest isn’t married, nor will he have a family of his own. No wife, no children. His family is his parishioners. He is a spiritual father in faith to the community he serves.
His future is in celebrating the Eucharist at mass every day listening to confessions, anointing the sick, serving those who come to him for help.
A priest may serve a parish only for a minimum of five to seven years. After that, he may be transferred to another parish or assigned a different role in the Church.
He relies on his team of volunteers, staff and the lay faithful. Don’t expect him to be there all the time for you.
When you give money to the Church, you may be surprised to know that the money isn’t for him because no priest earns a fixed salary.
They receive a stipend to meet their basic expenses of food, clothing and travel. They save every penny to go for a vacation and friends, relatives and well-wishers gift much of the money, as they don’t get paid leave like the rest of us who work.
While we work for a fixed amount of hours with two days off a week, priests are expected to be on standby 24/7. So don’t be angry if they don’t respond to you when you need them. They are humans as well with the same frailty as us.
If you hear anyone speaking badly about a particular priest, please correct that person and don’t engage in idle gossip without knowing the facts.
Remember that they are alone and at times would need company. Pay attention to their emotional, physical and mental needs.
Accompany them if needed or offer a helping hand or even a lift. It’s not easy to go out alone at 2 or 3 in the morning especially in dangerous neighborhoods for counselling or even anointing someone on their deathbed.
If someone comes to them at such an hour for help, they have to get up from their deep sleep and still be expected to celebrate Mass in the morning.
Who is there for them when they are ill or have emergencies in the middle of the night? Yet they are required to perform their duties because if not them, who?
Remember their birthdays, ordination anniversaries and important events in their lives. Celebrate with them, cry with them. Offer a shoulder to lean on. If they fall, don’t judge or criticize. Lift them up and help them on their journey in life. Don’t be offended if they don’t live up to your expectations. No priest is perfect.
So take care of your priests, remember the ones who baptized, confirmed, married and anointed you. The ones who offer masses for your intentions and pray for you. May God bless our priests in Jesus name, our eternal High Priest. Amen.
We must all ask ourselves: how do I let myself be guided by the Holy Spirit in such a way that my life and my witness of faith is both unity and communion? Do I convey the word of reconciliation and of love, which is the Gospel, to the milieus in which I live? At times, it seems that we are repeating today what happened at Babel: division, the incapacity to understand one another, rivalry, envy, egoism. What do I do with my life? Do I create unity around me? Or do I cause division, by gossip, criticism or envy? What do I do? Let us think about this.
Spreading the Gospel means that we are the first to proclaim and live the reconciliation, forgiveness, peace, unity and love, which the Holy Spirit gives us. Let us remember Jesus’ words: “by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:34-35).
~Pope Francis
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