The Catholic Community of Bradford

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018

The Catholic Community of Bradford

St. Francis of Assisi 15 St. Francis Drive

Website: www.stfrancisomph.com

Our Mother of Perpetual Help (A Secondary Mission Church)

St. Bernard of Clairvaux 95 East Corydon Street

Website: www.stbernardcatholic.org

On-line giving: www.osvonlinegiving/1845

Very Rev. Raymond Gramata, V.F.

Pastor

Rev. Stanley Swacha, Senior Associate

P.O. Box 2394 • Bradford, PA 16701-5394

Phone: (814) 362-6825 • Fax: (814) 362-1479

Email: sboffice@atlanticbb.net

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Francis of Assisi

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Mission Church

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH BRADFORD, PA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

Saint James’ writings are the

most practical, over the writings

of Saint Paul, Saint Peter, and

Saint John. Saint James likes to

tell it as it is; without much fan

fair. The passage that we hear

from today is very practical.

Martin Luther had great difficulty

in understanding this letter simply

because he was too practical.

Luther’s theology was based

upon faith and faith alone. Saint James demonstrates to us

that we need both, faith and works, for one supports the

other. Let us listen to his words: “Indeed someone might

say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Demonstrate your

faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to

you from my works.”

In the Gospel of Saint Matthew Jesus backs up what Saint

James has just said throughout his letter: “Then the

righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see

you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?

When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked

and clothe you” When did we see you ill or in prison, and

visit you?’ The king will answer, ‘Whatever you did for one of

these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for

me.’” (Matthew 25: 31-43)

Sometimes in this gospel we miss the most important line:

“Lord when did we see you?” They were doing this more

than automatically; they were doing it out of love for God and

the other. They did not have to be told to do it. They

responded in love. So as I said last week - Let the light of

Jesus shine through you.

God Bless, Fr. Ray

ST. BERNARD SCHOOL

WELCOME BACK!

For scholarship information visit our website, www.stbernardcatholic.org

DESIGNER BAG BINGO

Sat, Oct 6th, 12pm - 5pm

NEW

Sept 23rd - Oct 12th

See a student or stop at the school office to see this colorful catalog of t-shirts, candles & novelty items affordably priced and environmentally oriented.

www.naturesvisionfundraising.com

Mass—Wed, 19th, 10 am - Grade 5

R.E.P. TEACHERS NEEDED Several of our loyal teachers are moving on to other things this year and we are in need of new teachers. If you are interested in helping in this parish ministry, please call the office at 362-6825 or speak with Fr. Stanley Swacha as soon as possible.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION This weekend is the special collection supporting Catholic Education. Your generosity makes a difference. Please support this important program and remember, half of the money given by parishioners will remain in each par-ish to assist with the educational programs. Also, remember in your prayers all who are involved in educational ministries in our parish and throughout our diocese.

September 10, 2018 Dear Parishioners, As you can see, both Fr. Stan and I are

having difficulty doing stairs lately. As you may know, our residence is on the second floor. I feel that we have reached a time where there is a definite need to put a lift in at the Rectory/Office for our safety. In the original plans for the building there was space reserved for a lift, but never used. I would like to go ahead and have a lift installed in that space to make it easier for Fr. Stan and myself. Prelimi-nary studies have been done and the estimated cost for the lift and installation would run between $30,000 to $40, 000. I would truly appreciate any help that you feel led to give to help offset this expense. Please mark your check or enve-lope clearly for the lift. Thank you so much! Fr. Ray

THANK YOU TO

Italian/American Progressive Club

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OUR PARISHES THANK YOU

FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

St. Bernard - Needed Weekly: $ 10,219 Sept 2nd Collection ....$ 5,826 Sept 9th Collection ....$ 4,839 Aug SB School ..$ 404 Aug On-Line Donations $ 1,915

2018 CSA Assessment�.$ 37,338 2018 CSA Collected ..$ 38,112

St. Francis of Assisi - Needed Weekly:$ 4,775 Sept 2nd Collection ....$ 2,477 Sept 9th Collection ...$ 1,357 Aug SB School ....$ 225

2018 CSA Assessment"..$ 28,275 2018 CSA Collected ........$ 15,575

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION Anyone interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic Faith is invited to attend the R.C.I.A. classes which will begin later in September. Please con-tact the office at 362-6825 to register.

Fall Fling Breakfast Social

The Catholic Community of Bradford is holding a

Fall Fling Breakfast Social

Location: Ritchie Hall at St. Francis Church

Date: Sunday, September 23, 2018

Time: 9 am to 11 am (After 8:00 Mass)

Bring a breakfast dish to pass

and join with your fellow parishioners and

friends in breaking bread

Drinks will be provided

50/50 Raffle with proceeds to benefit additional

altar stair railings at OMPH and St. Francis.

Parish Office Hours:

Monday 9am - 4pm

Tuesday-Friday, 8am - 4pm

MARRIAGE MOMENTS Research studies show that men who kiss their wives before leaving in the morning live 5 years longer than those who don't. Don't want to be a widower? Remember this. Alt-hough I haven't done the research, I suppose this works in the reverse too (wives kissing their husbands before leav-ing).

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Catholic Women: Tues, Oct 2 at 6:30 pm in Fr. Leo Hall 50+ Club: Wed, Oct 10 at 11 am in Fr. Ritchie Hall St. Francis Bell Choir: Tuesdays at 6:30 in SF choir loft RCIA: TBA REP 1-8: Sun, Sept 16, 23, 30 at 9 am in Fr. Leo Hall REP 9-11: Sun, Sept 16, 23, 30 at 5:45 pm in Fr. Leo Hall Revelations Class: Wed’s at 6:30 pm in Fr. Ritchie Hall Rosary Altar: Oct 11 at 6:30 pm in Fr. Ritchie Hall Widows Group: Tues, Sept 25 @ 1pm in Conference Rm

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

SOS!

HELP!

SOS!

ST. BERNARD CHOIR in need of more voices! Please help us continue our wonderful choir tradition here

at St. Bernard by joining your voices with ours. First rehearsal is Sept.19th at 7 pm in the choir loft.

If you have any questions, please call the parish office or contact director Kathy O’Mara at 814-331-8084.

We really need your voice!

2018-19

St. Bernard & St. Francis Students

Grades 1-8 will meet at St. Bernard Social Center on Sunday mornings at 9 am BEGINNING THIS SUNDAY SEPT 16th. Registration packets for all grades will be available from the parish office and at the first class.

Grades 9-10-11 (Confirmation Class) will meet at St. Francis’ Fr. Ritchie Hall from 5:45-7:15 pm on Sunday evenings BEGINNING THIS SUNDAY SEPT 16th. Reg-istration packets for Grades 9-11 will be available at the parish office or the first class on Sept. 16th.

For questions concerning all the grades, please contact the parish office at 362-6825.

ATTENTION WIDOWS! Our first meeting for this year will be on September 25th in the parish conference room at 1:00 pm. We encourage all widows from all parishes to join us.

Get resources and suggestions for your family at the Diocese of E r i e ’ s f am i l y webs i t e ,

www.ErieRCD.org/fam.htm. At the Diocese of Erie, fami-lies always matter! Go Families!

2018 CSA HELPS SUPPORT

Your CSA gifts help the office of Catholic Charities throughout the diocese provide programs and services that give hope to those in need.

Catholic Charities Counseling & Adoption Services

St. Martin Center and Rural Ministry

Saint Elizabeth Center

Prince of Peace Center

Please take the time to prayerfully consider what you are able to give and remember, the parish will retain the monies collected over the goal.

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE If commitment is the choice we make to give up other choic-es, then it is about “losing ourselves”. If we try to be inde-pendent from others by “saving ourselves”, we end up lonely and alone. Happiness is found in commitments. The gospel is true: We save our life by losing it!

WORD OF LIFE "To be clear: Catholics cannot provide, support or encourage abortion. Catholic political leaders have a serious obligation in this matter. Abortion is sinful; it is immoral. It destroys life and exploits women. Disciples of Christ do not support abor-tion. Period." ~Bishop Thomas J. Tobin

The Bradford Council #403 of the Knights of Columbus will meet monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, monthly, at 7:00 PM in the Confer-ence Room at the parish office. All Council members are urged to attend, and

new members are most welcome.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Each time you see the word “volunteer” in the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors or Altar Servers schedule that means you are needed! We have openings that need to be filled. Please call the Parish Office at 362-6825 to let us know when you can help.

nwpaCatholic.com

Sign up for the diocesan e-newsletter. Do you want to keep up to date on all the news and information generated in the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie and beyond? Then sign up today to receive Diocese of EriE-news and enjoy a quick overview of what’s happening in your town and else-where. Go to www.nwpaCatholic.com and subscribe today.

www.osvonlinegiving/1845

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

NEW SCHOOL FUNDRAISER:

SALE ENDS SEPT 21st — Discount cards giving you a variety of discounts at

over 19 local area businesses. Present the card to get various discounts off at Arbys, Dunham’s, Chu-lee Gardens, Perkins, Kennedy Street Café and City Line, DQ, Subway, Burger King and oth-ers. Contact the school or parish office for the $20 cards.

St. Francis Bell Choir

NEEDS MORE HANDS!!!

Practice will be on Tuesdays at 6:30 in St. Francis Choir Loft.

If you are interested but unable to attend please call Bro. Mike, 362-2337.

Thank You.

NOVA Openings remain for NOVA, scheduled for Satur-day, October 6th in Erie at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence Park. Nova is a one-day premarital program designed for couples seeking remarriage or convalida-tion in the Catholic Church. Topics covered include com-munication, blending families, legal issues and others. Call the Family Life Office at 814/824-1265 or by email at: fami-lylife@erieRCD.org to register.

St. Bernard Elementary/ Middle School

Presents

Designer Bag Bingo

WHEN: Saturday, October 6, 2018

Doors open at 12 pm

First game Starts at 1 pm

WHERE: St. Bernard Elementary/Middle School

450 W. Washington Street, Bradford, PA

DETAILS:

St. Bernard will be hosting our second Designer Bag Bingo!

We will have a variety of name brand handbags such as

COACH, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Vera Bradley and many more for you to WIN!!!

BINGO TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE

ST. BERNARD SCHOOL OFFICE

450 W. Washington St.

The $35 ticket cost includes BINGO sheets and dauber.

You may pay by cash, check, credit or debit card.

ONLY 125 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD

We will have a 50/50 raffle and pull tabs for sale in between games.

There will be raffles for Designer accessories such as wristlets, wallets and other goodies!

Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

BOYB , please drink responsibly!

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

BULLETIN INFORMATION MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING BY NOON ON FRIDAY

2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BULLETIN DATE.

MEMBERSHIP: All Baptized Catholics should be registered, practicing and supporting members of a Parish. Only properly registered members appear on our parish list and are eligible to receive the benefits of parish membership for sacraments, and educational opportunities (including tuition assistance) at our Catholic School. Each parishioner is called upon to practice good stewardship of time, talent and treasure. If you are not currently receiving envelopes, you may not be registered. Call the Parish Office - we would love to meet you!

MARRIAGE: Couples need to contact a priest at least six months before their wedding. Registered and active participation needs to be considered before marriage.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Please call the Parish Office to request the Sacrament of the Sick for family members who are seriously ill. Communion for the sick is taken to the hospital, nursing homes, and the home-bound on a regular basis.

BAPTISM: Both parents must attend the Pre-Baptism Preparation Program. Please call the St. Bernard Parish Office for dates and times of upcoming class. Baptisms are scheduled after completing the program. Call the Parish Office to schedule the class and baptism. Godparents must be at least 16, confirmed and active, registered members of their parish.

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Religious Education:

Grades 1-8, 9 am Sunday mornings at St. Bernard Grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation), 5:45 pm Sunday

evenings at St. Francis

Liturgical Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors

Music Director Kathy O’Mara Organist St. Francis Michael Hicks Resurrection Choir Joan Raabe God’s Housekeepers Parish Office Liturgy Fr. Raymond C. Gramata

Parish Community St. Bernard School Linda Cecchetti, Principal Parish Council Fr. Raymond Gramata Catholic Women’s Club Teri Everett Rosary Altar Society Dawn Kozminski/Theresa Bond

Telephone Prayer Chain - Natalie Marasco (363-9110)

Cover photos by LongArt Photography

PASTORAL STAFF: Very Rev. Raymond C. Gramata, Pastor Rev. Stanley Swacha, Senior Associate/ REP Co-ordinator Mrs. Linda Cecchetti, Principal SBS

OFFICE HOURS: Mon: 9 am to 4 pm Tues - Fri: 8 am to 4 pm

Ms. Wendy Thomson, Financial Manager Ms. Kathy Bryant, Secretary

MASS SCHEDULE: Please consult bulletin

CONFESSIONS: St. Bernard — Saturdays from 4:30 to 5 pm before 5:15 mass, Thursday before First Friday from 4:30 to 5 pm. St. Francis — After 9 am mass on Saturdays. Private appointments may be made by calling the Parish Office (362-6825).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (REP) Students not attending Catholic school should be enrolled in REP programs. St. Bernard, St. Francis and OMPH Religious Education programs are combined. Grades 1 through 8 meet on Sunday mornings at 9 am at St. Bernard in Fr. Gallina Social Center and grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation) meet at St. Francis in G. Carlton Ritchie Hall at 5:15 pm on Sunday. Both programs begin in September.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): We welcome all inquiries about the Catholic faith. This process begins in the fall of the year. Please call the Parish Office for further information.

ST. BERNARD ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE SCHOOL:

450 West Washington Street: serving students, preschool through eighth grade. Open to parishioners, Catholics from other parishes and those of other faiths. Offering Extended Care before, during, and after school. For complete information, please call 368-5302.

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

Accepting donations of gently used outer waer thru mid-October

Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, 121 Main St. Destinations-Bradford, 1 Main

St. First Baptist Church, 71 Congress St. Northwest Savings Bank, 33 Main St.

Call Destinations at 331-4551 for more information.

DISTRIBUTION PLACE, DATE & TIME TBA

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTS

Please Pray for the Following Priests

Sun, Sept 16 - PRAY FOR VOCATIONS

Mon, Sept 17 - Rev. Marc J. Solomon

Tues, Sept 18 - Rev. Msgr. Daniel E. Magraw

Wed, Sept 19 - Most Rev. Lawrence Persico

Thurs, Sept 20 - Rev. John G. Barwin

Fri, Sept 21 - Rev. Philip Bilotte

Sat, Sept 22 - Rev. Brandon Kleckner

MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES SEPTEMBER 22 – 23, 2018

Saturday, September 22 SB 5:15 pm Lector: Bill Douglass EM: Cliff Ackley/ Mary Mongillo/ Volunteer Servers: Cooper & Peyton Haight

Sunday, September 23 SF 8:00 am Lector: Rita Verolini EM: Chuck Lang/ Kathy Bryant/ George Macfarlane Servers: Samantha Soyke/ Noah Meyer

SB 10:00 am Lector: Greg Ulyan EM: Lynn Hogue/ Doris Hungiville/ Chuck Beattie Servers: Tim & Clare Mulcahy/ Christian Peterson

OM 11:30 am Lector: Susie Yakimovich EM: Kim Ditz Servers: Joe Ditz/ Jacob Hannahs

Hospital/Pavilion: Kathy & Randy Durner Chapel Ridge: Craig Cuthbertson/Saturday evening

MASS INTENTIONS WEEK OF SEPT 17 - 23, 2018

St. Bernard Weekday Masses will be held in

The Divine Mercy Chapel

Monday, September 17 SB 8:00 am NO MASS SF 9:00 am NO MASS Tuesday, September 18 SF 9:00 am L/ D Members of the 50+ Club Wednesday, September 19 SB 8:00 am Michael Walter (Tom & Rose Close) SBS 10:00 am Ann Marie Moore (Cathy, Molly & Kathy) Thursday, September 20 SB 8:00 am Glen Stom (Kathy Riffe) SF 9:00 am NO MASS Friday, September 21 SB 8:00 am Fred & Eva Costanzo (Family) Saturday, September 22 SF 9:00 am All Souls in Purgatory SB 5:15 pm Hannon-Sapko Families (Mary Lou Sapko) Sunday, September 23 SF 8:00 am Buccolini Family (Lisa Zurat) SB 10:00 am Alice & Charles Loughlin (Family) OM 11:30 am Joseph Viola (Charmaine Viola)

(Weekly confessions Saturdays after 9 am mass at St. Francis and before 5:15 mass at St. Bernard)

St. Francis Sanctuary Candle is in Honor of Ann Miller

GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERS SEPTEMBER 17 - 21: TEAM 4

M. Block/ Bev Spadafore/ A. Frombach/ G. Ulyan Please pray for those who are sick or suffering:

Thomas Ackley, Virgil Anderson, Michelle Allen, Betty Baliski, Bill Baynes, Barb Bernheisel, Shirley Black, Barbara Boser, John Bove, Mary Brzenski,

Annie Champagne, Dick Clark, Billie Cummins, Paul Curcio, Charlotte Cuthbertson, Helen DeFrank, Paul Eakin, Michael Eaton, Helen Ewell, Alliyson Feldman, Pat Geary, Pat Girard, Ken Hall, Susan Hamric, Jill Henry, Craig Johnson, James Kibby, Bill Kline, Rita Leone, George MacFarlane, Sr., Barbara Matto, Kaylee Marsfelder, Colleen McNamara, Shannon McNamara, Mariana Militelo, Anne Miller, Noel Miller, Joe Monago, Jay Monti, Lou Monti, Cheri O’Mara, Karen McDowell Phillips, Andy Pingie, Dan Popiel, Courtney Prentiss, Lori Rigowski, James Romanelli, Cindy Sayers, Steve Skaggs, Dan Songer, Hailey Smith, Lillian Stoddard, Bonnie Swackhamer, Jess Whelan, Matthew Whelan, Corrine Wilson, Lisa Zurat

May they be strengthened by the healing presence of God’s Spirit.

(If a name has been removed from this list that you feel should still be included, please call the parish office.)

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT 16, 2018

Sunday: Is 50:5-9a/Ps 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 [9]/ Jas 2:14-18/Mk 8:27-35 Monday: 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33/Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17 [1 Cor 11:26b]/Lk 7:1-10 Tuesday: 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a/Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5 [3]/ Lk 7:11-17 Wednesday: 1 Cor 12:31--13:13/Ps 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22 [12]/Lk 7:31-35 Thursday: 1 Cor 15:1-11/Ps 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28 [1]/ Lk 7:36-50 Friday: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13/Ps 19:2-3, 4-5 [5]/Mt 9:9-13 Saturday: 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49/Ps 56:10c-12, 13-14 [14]/ Lk 8:4-15 Next Sunday: Wis 2:12, 17-20/Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6-8 [6b]/ Jas 3:16--4:3/Mk 9:30-37