Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish StaffPastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365ResidentRev. Gene Ritz: 610.777.1365DeaconDeacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697Principle of La Salle AcademyMr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392Parish SecretaryBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697Parish Communications CoordinatorSarah Capato: 610.850.4978Director of Religious EducationBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697For Bulletin and Website Inquiries or AnnouncementsContact: Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMr. Tony Balistrere, Principal: 610.374.8361Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th GradeMrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697RCIA: Age 18+Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697

Scheduling Use of Parish FacilitiesFor those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Office at 610.777.1697

WorshipEucharistic AdorationFirst Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PMAltar ServersStudents from Grade 4 to Seniors in High SchoolContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Funeral ServersContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sunday’s at 10:30AM Mass, between September and May Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Lorna Pfeiffenberger at 610.777.4822LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contemporary Ensemble - Contact: Kelly Keim at 610.780.3905 Traditional Choir - Contact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227CantorsContact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264

Outreach & Parish MinistriesCulture of LifeContact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965Bereavement MinistryContacts: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431Justice in Action MinistryContacts: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Breaking Bread Social CommitteeContact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542Prayer Shawl MinistryContact: Joan Yanuskiewicz at 610.777.4646Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & MassContact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927Emergency MealsContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Food PantryContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesContact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792Parish Nurse MinistryContact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Spiritual DirectionContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Faith Sharing for WomenContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Parish Prayer LineContact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965Charismatic Prayer GroupContact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215Organizations

Prime TimersContact: Larry Shepherd 610.777.8337Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen 610.777.4387Girl ScoutsContact: Britt Kobularcik 484.256.1782 Daisy: Grade K-1, Brownies: Grade 2/3, Juniors: Grade 4/5

Cub ScoutsContact: Rich Kasting 610.373.2575 Knights of Columbus Contact: Mike Hall 804.212.7261Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing 610.777.9360Men’s Basketball LeagueContact: Russ Baver 610.796.7723CYO (Christian Youth Organization)Contact: Rock Witmer 610.775.2176Parish GardenersContact: Chris Hofmann 610.777.2523

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Altar Bread & Wine: In loving memory of Sam Krick, Jr. (requested by his mother, Betty Krick)

St. John's Baptist de la Salle A Catholic Family of Faith www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com September 27th 2015

Sanctuary Candle for the week of 9/27-10/3: For Special Intentions

Collections for Sunday for Sept. 13 $9,245.00

Away from home? Find a Mass wherever you are at www.masstimes.org

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers Saturday, Oct. 3 - 4:00pm - Revelation Ensemble Lector: Chris Boland Cantor: TBA Servers: Lia, Dominic Riccione, Sally Gable EM: S/T.Yoder, K/R.Stuber, C/G. Legezdh, L.Asgari, M.Melniczek, P.Goodhart Sunday, Oct. 4 - 8:30am Lector: Bernadette Yohn Cantor: TBA Servers: Matt Brown, Ben Mulholland, Mark Stone Sunday, Oct. 4 - 10:30am Lector: Cindy Trygar Cantor: Deb Brooks Servers: Joseph Giesen, Brigham & Baylor Kobularcik EM: C/L.Przydzial, D/D. Giesen, K.Roché, L.Fox, A.Krick, G.Unger, C.Yochimowitz

Todays Readings Twenty sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Numbers 11:25-29 Two men not considered prophets by the people began to prophesize, and this offended those who did not feel they were true prophets. But Moses explained that God, not the people, chooses prophets. Second Reading: James 5:1-6 James speaks out strongly against people who become rich by cheating their workers. He claims the wealth they have dishonestly collected will be a testimony against them on judgment day. Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Jesus explains to his disciples that it is acceptable for a person who is not part of their group to speak in his name, but he does warn them that anyone who tries to lead his followers astray will be severely punished. Jesus also discusses personal failing and the importance of taking whatever steps are

Upcoming Events Sunday, Sept. 27 6:30 pm Rel. Ed Classes for ALL LEVELS 1-8 8th Level please report to the Café. 6:00 pm Bereavement Group mtg. Fr. Lyons Room Monday, Sept. 28 7:00 pm St. Cecelia Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm K of C business mtg. 7:30 pm La Salle Advisory Board Mtg. Tuesday, Sept. 29 1:00 pm Prime Timers Board mtg. 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic group Mtg. Wednesday, Sept. 30 7:00 pm Ensemble practice Thursday, Oct. 1 7:30 pm Lector Training in church Friday, Oct. 2 8:30 am Adoration of Blessed Sacrament

Nocturnal Adoration Devotions in honor of the Sacred Heart will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Church, South 5th St., Reading. Devotions will be on First Friday, Oct. 2 from 8-9 pm.

Mass Intentions for the week MONDAY SEPT. 28 - Sts . Wenceslaus & Lawrence Ruiz & Companions 8:00 a.m. Lewis Anuszewski TUESDAY, SEPT. 29 - Sts . Michael, Gabr ie l & Raphael 7:00 p.m. Wil l iam Johnson WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30 - St. Jerome 8:00 a.m. Jean Roland THURSDAY, OCT. 1 - St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus 7:00 p.m. Claire Causa FRIDAY, OCT. 2 - Holy Guardian Angels 8:00 a.m. Memorial Society Members Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time SATURDAY, Oct. 3 4:00 p.m. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Simchick SUNDAY, Oct. 4 8:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Frank Minot

First Friday Adoration: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on October 2 at 8:30 AM and will close with Benediction at 12 Noon. Please join us in adoring Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

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Sunday School Registrations are now being taken for the 2015-2016 Sunday School program for ages 4,5,6 year olds not yet in First grade. Our program runs from September 27 to May 2016 and will be held in the Fr. Lyons Room during the 10:30 AM Mass on Sundays. We are also in need of volunteers to help/teach. This is also a great way for students who need service hours. Please contact Tammy Steuer at 215.500.9676 or A2003mommy@aol.com to register or if you have any questions. You may also call the Parish Office to request a registration form 610.777.1697.

Job Available Bookkeeper – Part-time must have proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks. 2- 3 years of recent experience in bookkeeping. Applicants must have excellent organizational skills, strong oral and written communication skills. Our Lady's Missionaries of the Eucharist is located in Birdsboro, PA. Please email resumes to Accounting@olme.org or call 610.582.3333.

Save the Date! BC Youth Football & Cheerleading is hosting a Coach Bag Bingo @ St Ignatius West lawn Saturday Oct 3rd 600pm, doors open at 4pm Come and support BC Youth Football & Cheerleading Ticket information contact sarahswish75@hotmail.com or see any BCYFAC player/cheerleader or parent

Prime Timers Memorial Breakfast will be held on Sunday, October 4 beginning with 8:30 am Mass, followed by breakfast at Green Valley Country Club at 9:45 am. Reservations and payment are due before September 25. Cost for members is $15, non-members is $20. Please send your name and check to Joan Krohn. Any questions or for more information, please contact Joan at 610.678.3856 or Paulette Goodhart at 610.777.4817.

Harvest Fest at St. Mary’s Hamburg, Oct. 2 (4-9 pm) and Oct. 3 (12-9 pm). Food, fun, and activities for all ages! Friday, oldies band, Saturday Golden Tones polka band; 4:30 pm Polka Mass. For more info call 610.562.7657 or www.rc.net/allentown/stmaryhamb.

Deepen your Faith It is not easy to explain Cursillo, not because it is a secret organization, but because behind the mystery is God. Come and experience the mystery for yourself. The Diocese of Allentown will host a

Justice in Action Ministry JAM

The parish Justice in Action Ministry (JAM) will meet on Monday evening, October 5 at 7:00 pm at the home of Sue Goodwin (16 Alpine Drive, Mohnton). Come join in a discussion of Catholic Social Teaching and

preparations for upcoming outreach efforts with Opportunity House, Mary’s Shelter, Saint Peter School and parish recycling. First timers are most welcome. Your ideas are needed! If you are in need of directions, call Sue Goodwin 610.777.5827.

A Blessing of Pets will be held on Sunday October 4th at 12:15 PM on the side of La Salle Academy where the basketball court is located.

Job Available John Paul II Center has 2 positions open for a caring and dedicated assistant to work with adults and students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Work 25 - 29 hours per week in a rewarding environment. Experience with special needs population and bilingual a plus. Email your resume to madams@johnpauliicenter.org

The Annual Rosary Procession through downtown Reading will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Those wanting to participate are to meet at St. Peter’s Church at 322 S. 5th St., Reading at 10 am. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the Chapel so that those who are unable to process may pray the Rosary there. After the procession everyone will gather in the Chapel for Benediction. This event is organized by the Legion of Mary, bilingual. All are welcome.

Faith Sharing for Women Come seek Wisdom, learn wisdom and share your personal wisdom with other women in our family of faith at the next Faith Sharing for Women session, Wednesday, October 7 at 7:30 pm in the Father Lyons Room. We will ponder the readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 7: 7-11, Psalm 90: 12-17, Hebrews 4: 12-13 and Mark 10: 17-30. A warm and hospitable welcome awaits all new participants. Women in all stages of life are encouraged to join in this time of sacred sharing. For more information, get in touch with Arlene Seeber (484.794.8027 or arleneseeber@icloud.com).

A reminder from the Parish Nurses: Flu season will be here shortly. Free flu shots offered at Penn State Health St. Joseph main lobby on Saturday October 17th from 11 am to 4 pm

Just One Hour: The 9th Rosary Rally for our country and the unborn will be held on Oct. 10 from Noon – 1 PM at St. Ignatius small parking lot between the Gym entrance and Rectory. For more information please contact Joan Reedy at 610.678.5683 or visit www.Americaneedsfatima.org

Having difficulties dealing with a loss? The Bereavement Ministry invites you to join them to help cope. We are a caring and sharing group here to support you through these tough times. Whether your loss is recent or not, come join us and share in faith. We meet once a week for 5 weeks, twice a year. Contact Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431

Boy Scouts will be selling their Chicken BBQ tickets after all Masses the weekends of Sept. 26 & 27 and Oct. 3 & 4. Chicken BBQ will be held on Oct. 11.

Coffee, Tea and Sweets The Breaking Bread Social Committee would like to invite all to a coffee, tea and sweets gathering after both masses on Sunday October 18th. Please come and spend a few minutes chatting together while enjoying a breakfast beverage and snack.

The National 40 Days for Life Campaign and Prayer Vigil: Sept. 23 to Nov. 1, 2015. Daily prayer vigil in front of Reading Planned Parenthood, 4th and Franklin Sts. Reading from 7 am – 4 pm, Mon. thru Sat. Please come out to pray and help end abortion.

You are invited to the Franciscan Transitus Commemorating the death of St. Francis on the Alvernia Campus at the Bernardine Sisters Motherhouse Convent on Saturday, Oct. 3rd at 6:30 pm

Attention all Lectors A meeting of all active Lectors is scheduled for Thursday October 1st in Church immediately following the 7 PM mass. We will be reviewing procedures, scheduling and welcoming new Lectors.

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YOU ARE NOT ALONE If a Prenatal Diagnosis identifies a possible disability…You are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding a poor prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org or 610.289.8900 x 42

WIN $10,000 CASH!! The Berks Catholic High School Extravaganza Cash Raffle tickets are now available. Only 350 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held on Friday, October 9th during the Extravaganza 2015 event. Donation $100. To buy raffle tickets, please send your check with return address and phone number to: Berks Catholic Extravaganza, 955 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. If you would like to receive an invitation to attend Extravaganza, please call the Extravaganza Office at 610.374.1695 or e-mail at Extravaganza@BerksCatholic.org

Save the Date Basket Raffle -Tricky Tray Nov 7 and Nov 8 - Father Lyons Room Create your own basket to donate for the raffle Any theme; Any size; No limits to your creativity! Contact- Cheryl Colella- Gehrke 717.327.8973 or cherylcolella@yahoo.com

A Brief Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching

CST is central to our faith and is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human

life and dignity. We invite you to read, to ponder and to respond.

Theme: Options for the Poor and the Vulnerable A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Matt 25: 31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. (“Catholic Teaching and Principles”, USCCB) Scripture: Open your mouth in behalf of the dumb, and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, decree what is just, defend the needy and the poor! (Proverbs 31: 8-9) Tradition: The premier purpose of this special commitment to the poor is to enable them to become active participants in the life of society. It is to enable all persons to share in and contribute to the common good. The “option for the poor,” therefore, is not an adversarial slogan that pits one group or class against another. Rather it states that the deprivation and powerlessness of the poor wounds the whole community. The extent of their suffering is a measure of how far we are from being a true community of persons. These wounds will be healed only by greater solidarity with the poor and among the poor themselves. (Economic Justice for All #88, USCCB, 1986) Pope Francis: This is why I want a Church, which is poor for the poor. They have much to teach us. Not only do they share in the sensus fidei, but also in their difficulties they know the suffering of Christ. We need to let ourselves be evangelized by them. The new evangelization is an invitation to acknowledge the saving power at work in their lives and to put them at the center of the Church’s pilgrim way. We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom, which God wishes to share with us through them. (The Joy of The Gospel #198, 2013) Statiscal Data: About 805 million people of the 7.3 billion people in the world, or one in nine, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2012-2014. Almost all the hungry people; 791 million, live in developing countries, representing 13.5 percent, or one in eight, of the population of developing countries. There are 11 million people undernourished in developed countries (The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 2015) 86.0 percent (106.6 million) of U.S. households were food secure throughout 2014. 14.0 percent (17.4 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2014. (US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, 2015) Berks County experienced 11.3% food insecurity rate or 46,680 individuals 2012-2014. (Feeding America, 2015)

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Saint Michael the Archangel Feast day September 29

Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. Archangels have unique roles as God’s messengers to people at critical times. Among all the angels, they have the most special and protective love for all people and for the earth. The Church recognizes Michael

the Archangel as one of the greatest of the archangels. He is the guardian of the Church, as well as the patron saint of police officers, grocers, mariners, and paratroopers.

Save the Date! Family Halloween Party Saturday October 24TH6:30 - 8:30 pm La Salle Academy Games, music, food & a best costume contest Fun for the whole famly!

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World Meeting of Families Catechesis Series Continued Why the Church Does Not (Cannot) Endorse So-Called Same-Sex “Marriage”- by Tim Roder

Secretariat for Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth

Advocates of same-sex “marriage” can only make a case for its recognition by “premising marriage as mainly erotic or emotional satisfaction” and not as a social institution for the sake of uniting a man and a woman to each other, and children to their parents (134). Emotions run deep on this subject. As the catechesis Love is Our Mission points out, the truth about marriage has been obscured in our culture so much so that it is barely recognizable. As contraception, sterilization, abortion and divorce have become socially accepted and even commonplace, accepting same-sex sexual relationships seems a “plausible next step” (134). Once the core elements of marriage are separated—the unitive and procreative purposes—the line of what counts as a marriage is easily erased and redrawn. What’s morally acceptable becomes whatever people are comfortable with, or whatever “two (or more) consenting adults” agree on. Once established, this relativistic view is difficult to uproot. Six adults raised by two people of the same sex submitted amicus curiae briefs at the U.S. Supreme Court in support of man-woman marriage laws. I find the stories of these men and women compelling because they witness to the truth of the human heart: every person has an innate desire to know and be raised by their own mother and father. Children suffer when this does not happen, even if it is for a very good reason. We know this not only from these six people, but also from the experiences of adopted children, children of divorce, and children of artificial reproduction. These experiences and situations are not the same, but they do show us that whenever possible, children should be with their own mother and father in a stable, loving home. The witness of these six adults and of others points to the deeper question: What is marriage? The only definition of marriage that upholds the dignity of the child is the union of a man and a woman—a union grounded in sexual difference and open to life. Even when the gift of children is not possible due to infertility or age, marriage does not lose its meaning. Marriage in society is not about affirming adult romantic desires; it’s about bringing men and women together to become fathers and mothers of the next generation and recognizing the contribution that spousal love offers to society. As a Sacrament, marriage is further about drawing men and women close to Christ in a mutual gift of self that mirrors and participates in His relationship with the Church.

Introducing a new series to our weekly bulletin: The Gospel for All Ages

Featuring a compilation of questions by age group, in line with the readings and Gospel for the week, to help you ponder the Message and live it in your daily life.

26th Sunday in Ordinary time - Readings: Numbers 11.25-29; James 5.1-6; Mark 9.38-43, 45, 47-48 For Adults - Life Question: What can you do to widen common ground in the church? Gospel Question: How does Jesus challenge us to show hospitality? Older Teens - Life Question: Who gets separated today like lepers did in the past? Gospel Question: Why doesn't Jesus stop the man healing in his name? Young Teens - Life Question: What shows that you follow Jesus? Gospel Question: What does Jesus teach about including others? Grades 4-6 - Life Question: Who are people you follow? Gospel Question: How do you show that you are a follower of Jesus? Grades 2-3 - Life Question: How are we connected to one another? Gospel Question: How are we connected to Jesus? Grades K-1 - Life Question: Who are members of your family? Gospel Question: Who gathers at your house? Preschool - Life Question: When do you say " thank you"? Gospel Question: What does gather mean?

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Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator,

Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com. Bulletin submissions are due Thursday, ten days prior to the Sunday of publication.

Will you help feed the poor? We have all heard the sermon about Jesus feeding the masses by the miracle of the loaves and the fishes. Every time my wife and I come to mass we bring some items for the food bank. I often think, what if every parishioner brought just one single item? A can of soup, a box of macaroni, or a jar of applesauce?

We hear that God works in mysterious ways; here is your chance to help those in need of food. This is how it will work: I just got involved in a business called ACN, and they are the world’s largest supplier of utilities and technology. I have my own ACN website. You go to my website and shop for utilities, such as, cell phone and digital phone service, television, electric and gas, home security service and high speed internet. Lets say you can switch over your electric supplier through ACN, you will still receive your bill from your current electric company. Only your supplier changes. Check the rates against your latest bill, AND if it saves you some money, OR, if you would be paying about the same, switch over! Here’s why: Every time one of us becomes an ACN customer, ACN will feed a child in need of a meal for a day. Switch over two services and ACN will provide two meals, and so on. ACN has already provided over 1 million meals to hungry children in need, right here at home, and are committed to providing 1.5 million meals this year. How would you like to be a part of this wonderful program? The beauty of it is, that it wont cost you one red cent. Please be sure to pass this along to other parishioners and any of your friends. Lets feed the children! My website is: www.jbaddick.acndirect.com If you have any questions or would be interested in starting your own ACN business, call me at 610.698.7533. – Thank you, Joe Baddick

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How to Raise Kids Who Care 4 Ways to Cultivate Empathy

How do you raise kids who care? Education professor William Damon says that one of the first and most important steps in raising moral children is to nurture their ability to feel empathy. According to Damon, “Empathy toward those in distress” is one of the “elements of a universal morality.” The good news for parents is that empathy arises naturally in children at an early age and is easily nurtured through fun family activities such as watching movies together. You don’t have to go looking for special events or situations to make this happen. A child receives the best moral education during normal daily situations when adults are actively engaged in that child’s life. Here are a few ordinary opportunities where you might cultivate empathy in your children:

1 . • Read stories and watch movies together. Occasionally stop and ask your child, “How do you think this character feels?” There is no right answer. The point is to encourage empathetic feelings and reflection. Such questioning will give children opportunities to hone their ability to sense the feelings of others. It will also help them to base their future actions on compassion rather than self-centeredness.

2 . • Allow your child to fully declare their feelings when they're having a difficult time with a sibling or friend. Ask your child if they can also express what the other person might be feeling and why. The point of this exercise is not to put down or dismiss your child’s feelings but to widen his or her sense of all that is truly going on in the situation.

3 . • Create a safe climate for your child to take responsibility for his or her actions—both good and bad. Professor Damon says, “There is no more effective facilitator of moral development than fostering children’s willingness to take responsibility for good and bad deeds.” You can encourage this willingness by responding calmly and evenly when your child admits to misdeeds. Your child can still experience the consequences of those misdeeds, including your measured expression of disappointment or anger. Emotional tirades will just suppress your child’s willingness to admit mistakes.

4. • Be a good listener. Take the time for open conversation with your children and answer their questions honestly, this provides endless opportunities to talk about caring and respecting for others. Simply lead by example and you’ll accomplish a lot.