Entries for October 2024

The process of merging parishes is not easy. Our parish pastoral and finance councils and our pastor held several meetings, and together with the Diocese, discussed the future of our parishes. Many individuals volunteered their time in this process. We thank all those who have helped in the process. Also, thank you to all our parishioners who expressed their opinions at our information meeting on September 24 at St. Lawrence. We extended an opportunity to suggest additional names by email to the parish office. Every idea submitted has been considered. We thank you for being...

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Not an easy read, the insert in today’s bulletin. It asks to change and change is never without its challenges. It’s written in rather technical, legal language. I can understand why we might stop reading and look for the easy version. But, I’m glad we have those words. They protect our rights and line our responsibilities. One set of words really struck me. It’s in the title— which I’m not sure I ever paid much attention to—for the Diocesan planning process. Vision 2030—that much I’ve known and used for years!--Creat...

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Our next Family Promise hosting week is November 3-8. If you can provide a meal for the families in this program, please get in touch with Gloria O'Connell at 570-220-1895. Thank you!

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Family Promise

Dear Friends, On October 20, 2024, the Universal Church will celebrate World Mission Sunday. As we come together on this special day, I join Pope Francis in inviting each of you to embrace the Gospel’s call: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). This invitation to mission is at the heart of our faith, compelling us to share God’s love with all people. World Mission Sunday is a reminder that our faith is not confined by borders but extends to the farthest reaches of our world. This day invites us to reflect on our shared...

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40 HOURS The Forty Hours Eucharistic Devotion held this week was a wonderful gathering for our communities. As we prayed before the Blessed Sacrament and the Lord in solemn adoration, we followed with Evening Prayer & Benediction.  It gave us time to deepen our appreciation of the importance of the mystery of the Eucharist in our lives.  Thank you all that participated! 

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We’ve been telling you that the Forty Hours Devotion is coming up. Let me fill in some details. This Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday our Deanery—not just one parish, but all of our parishes together—collaborate in celebrating these days when we focus on the great gift of the holy Eucharist. We begin each of the three days with Mass, fed by God’s word and sacrament. We place the consecrated host in the monstrance so that we can see that outward sign that gives such grace during the quiet hours of the day. In the evening we regather to pray Vesp...

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Do you have questions about the upcoming consolidation of the Parishes of St. Boniface and St. Lawrence? Would you like an update on the process? Join Father McCreary on Sunday, October 20 at 9:15 a.m. in the St. Boniface RAC for an update.

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Everyone is welcome to attend this informative series on church history led by Jack Houston at St Lawrence Parish Hall. Afternoon and evening sessions are available each week to accommodate busy schedules. Jesus and the Founding of the Church October 29 - 2:p.m. October 30 - 7 p.m. Christian Community in the Early Centuries November 12 - 2:p.m. November 13 - 7:p.m. Church in the Middle Ages November 19 - 2:p.m. November 20 - 7:p.m.

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ONGOING ADULT FAITH FORMATION SERIES MONDAYS with THE CHOSEN October 21 at 7:00 PM at St Boniface Rectory Basement (RAC) Watch Season 2, Episode #4 of the popular series on the life of Christ and his “Chosen Ones.” Enjoy some refreshments and community. Bring a friend!      CHURCH HISTORY SERIES with Jack Houston at the St Lawrence Hall Jesus and the Founding of the Church Tuesday, Oct 29 @ 2:00 PM Wednesday, Oct 30 @ 7:00 PM Christian Community in the Early Centuries Tuesday, Nov 12 @ 2:00 PM Wednesday,...

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Adult Faith Formation

Attention all high school students! Registration will open for the Steubenville Youth Conference 2025 on October 16--seats are limited and will fill up quickly! Save your spot by making a $50 non-refundable deposit as soon as you are able. See the conference flyer for more information on registration, scholarships, and more. Contact Karen Balestino at sbslprep@comcast.net with questions.

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Now it’s time to talk about names. Names of parishes, names of churches. In a consolidation of parishes—the process we’re doing with St. Lawrence and St. Boniface—a new name may be assigned. And the person who gives that name is the Bishop of the Diocese. He issues the decree creating the parish. In that decree, he names the parish. But, bishops don’t work in a vacuum. The pastor will make a request for a name, usually offering several options. I’ll be doing it later this month when I’m called to appear before Bishop Bambera and ...

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The Williamsport Deanery will hold 40 HOURS this October Tuesday October 15 - Church of the Resurrection, Muncy Wednesday October 16 - St Boniface Church, Williamsport Thursday October 17 - Immaculate Conception Church, Bastress Friends of St. Boniface, St Lawrence & St Ann's may sign up for a holy hour by going to tinyurl.com/wd40hours or paper sign up in the narthex of St Boniface Church

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Mass intention requests for January 1 through June 30, 2025, are now available. Note that only one weekend Mass can be requested at this time. Dates after June 30, 2025, will be available after the anticipated linkage with St. Ann's is complete. Saturday, Sunday, and daily masses, as well as the sanctuary candles, are $10.  2024 mass intentions are still available at St. Lawrence and Divine Chapel, and the 7-day sanctuary candle at St. Boniface is still available. Please call the parish office for more information on dates (570-326-1544).

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The annual Lycoming County Life Chain will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on the "Golden Strip” (East Third Street). This is a peaceful, prayerful, and visible witness of Christ's love. Be prayerful, silent, and peaceful. Life Chain volunteers will set up four sign distribution stations along the Golden Strip where you can pick up & drop off signs. $1.00 requested donation per sign. Bring your whole family. Rain or Shine! Please encourage and remind one another to gather with us in prayer for one hour on October 6th.

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There are weeks when I wish the bulletin deadline weren’t quite so early in the week. And not because I’ve wasted time or been lazy or too busy to come up with an idea. But, because sometimes something’s just happened on a Tuesday and I’d like to reflect on it with you. Like this past week, when we had our listening session about the upcoming consolidation of St. Lawrence and St. Boniface parishes. As I write these words, that meeting hasn’t yet happened. I don’t know what people will say, what they’ll hear, what they’ll th...

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