Rev. Douglas Cunningham, Administrator

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

P.O. Box 711 Whitney Point, New York 13862 Parish Halls: WP(607)692-3357

M(607)849-3630 (607) 692-3911 Fax: (607) 692-7171

As announced or by appointment

Please contact the rectory to make arrangements.

Whitney Point: Monday-Thursday, 9AM-Noon

Email: ststephenstpat@syrdio.org Website: www.ccsssp.com

February 23, 2020

At the end of today’s gospel, Matthew 5:38-48, we read… “ be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” When I read this, I feel that there is no way I can ever be as perfect as God the Father. So how am I to deal with this??

First of all, we are created in the image of God, but we are not God. We are to mirror God’s moral excellence and holiness. “Be ye holy as I am holy,” but we can’t be as perfect as God. When Jesus tells us to be perfect, we have to realize that He would not ask us to do something that is impossible for us to achieve. Through-out history, the greatest saints have confessed that they struggled with sin their whole lives, St. Paul being a good example. So the question is what are we to do? With every temptation we meet, God gives us a way to escape it. Sin is inevitable but not necessary. Theoretically we could be perfect, but none of us are. We just have to try and be the best that we can be, realizing that we always will need God’s help to achieve this.

The Corinthians were known for their beautiful clay pots. But in the firing process some of the pots came out of the kiln with cracks in them. People soon realized that these made wonderful light diffusers with the light of the candle inside the pot appearing through the cracks and making the soft light visible to all. In 2 Corinthians 4,

St. Paul mentions that our cracked exterior imperfections like the pots are necessary to allow the light that is within us to shine God’s light in this world. Thanks be to God

Lloyd Lapierre

The Altar Rosary Society of

the Church of the Holy

Trinity, 346 Prospect St., Binghamton, is sponsoring a

sale of butter lambs, an Easter tradition. Each lamb is hand-crafted and costs only $3.50. Orders can be placed by calling 797-1335. Pick-up will be the weekend of April

4/5; you will be contacted with details. The deadline for ordering lambs is March 15th

. Thanks for your support!

Maple Fest Dinner Maple Fest Dinner Maple Fest Dinner Maple Fest Dinner - We're looking for someone to

run the Maple Fest Dinner this year. Please contact

Brittney Penrose at or call our parish office. Please

notify one of us by March 9th .

I am sure you have noticed by now, but we recently made the decision to switch our liturgy/hymnal books to the Breaking Bread books. The new books contain the updated liturgy as well as give

us additional hymn selections to use during Mass. And don’t worry, the old Journeysongs books are going to be put to good use! Please see the additional bulletin article regarding what

we are planning to do with them and thank you again for your support as we transition to the new books.

John Carroll is recuperating at Crown Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

(Old Highgate), 28 Kellogg Rd, Cortland, for the next 6-7 weeks.

Drop In Center-The Parish Council has been discussing the possibility of a DROP IN/Welcoming Center attached to

the Ecumenical Food Pantry and Clothing Bank. The purpose of it would be that people could stop in, enjoy a hot

cup of coffee/tea/hot chocolate, instant oatmeal or an instant cup of soup, while visiting with others and perhaps picking up some literature of services available in the area

or books to read. We are putting this idea out there to see if there is interest in our parish. We would need to raise

money for building plans and materials and would need volunteers to help construct and 'man' the room. Peg Orzel will be taking the idea to our local Council of Churches next

week and Catholic Charities to see if they would be interested in partnering with us. Please give it thought and

prayer and contact Peg (porzel10@yahoo.com) with any thoughts concerning this outreach project. If there appears

to be interest we will seek volunteers and ideas.

The Norfolk Island Pines near the Hymn stand in Marathon are available for you to take after

Mass today. These pines are considered tropical, and cannot be planted outside.

New SongBooks-With the purchase of new SongBooks, the Journey Song Books are available for those who are interested in having a copy

at home. There are sign up papers on the entrance tables to indicate whether you want a book you donated (please indicate who it is

dedicated to) or you would like a book you did not donate, but would like to have at home. Please sign up by March 1. Any books remaining

after March 1 will be donated to an organization that helps churches that lost items because of flooding, etc.

This week, we are taking up the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. This collection supports the Church in more than 20 countries that still struggle to recover from Communist rule. Funds from this collection support pastoral care, catechesis, building renovations, and seminary formation. Your support restores the Church and builds

the future in this region. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this collection.

Desires of the Heart by Sister Bethany Madonna Sr. Bethany Madonna, vocations director for the Sisters of Life, shares how God not only wants us to know him, but also to give

us the desires of our heart and gifts that bring purpose, meaning, and hope. Listen on Formed.org Parish Code: CFMRYY

The Sanctuary Candle Burning

for the month of February February February February in our Whitney Pt. Church

is In Memory Of:

Helmut Melzer & Helmut Melzer & Helmut Melzer & Helmut Melzer & Daina Freima Daina Freima Daina Freima Daina Freimanisnisnisnis

by Vella Melzer

Our Marathon Church:

George Hinman George Hinman George Hinman George Hinman Bill & Helen Appleby Bill & Helen Appleby Bill & Helen Appleby Bill & Helen Appleby by Claire Hinman

Whitney Point Ecumenical Food Pantry During the month of February we are collecting canned fruit for the Whitney Point Ecumenical Food Pantry. We are always in need of any food donations. There are marked

baskets at the entrances of our churches. Thank you for all food & monetary donations.

Please notice additional announcements on our church bulletin boards.

Please Pray For Our Following Friends and Family

in the Military: 2ndLt. Trevor Jones, PVT2 Averi Hull, Major Corrine Miller, Devon McGill, Sgt Megan Ballard, Joshua Lilley, PV2 James McGill, Sgt Heather Fox, A1C Brendan Schneider, LCpl John Larkin,Jr., USMC, A2C Derek Lescord, SSG Jacob Rau, Major Joy Thomas, SSgt Michael Hetzler, Major Caleb Miller, Daniel Morehouse USMC,

SSG Steven Gross, Sgt Nicholas Stone, Major John Thomas, USMC SSgt Dan Votra, SSgt Justin Blaisdell, LCDR Paul McDonald, LCDR Marvin Joel Scott III, Brett Hayes, 2ndLt. Emily Steele USAF, OS3 Jonathan Schneider, Sgt Zachary Reardon USMC, LCDR Maria Lescord, and our pastor, LtCol Douglas Cunningham.

If you have a friend or family member serving our country and would like their name mentioned weekly in our bulletin, to be kept in our prayers,

please contact our parish office.

Weekly Stewardship Report: Last Sunday, February 16, 2020

Regular Collection: Envs: $2,809. Loose: $970.45 Electronic: $140. ….…Total Regular Collection: $3,919.45 Other Income: Solemnity of Mary-$110. CathSun-$24. Because of your contributions, we were able to pay the following bills this week: SchSubPymt: $1,165. Utili: $397. SnowRemov: $1,250. HallExps: $66. SpkrFees: $400. Phone: $98. Salaries: $1,400. ChMaint: $22. …………….Total Bills Paid This Week: $4,798. Thank you for your TIME, TALENT & TREASURE! Bills To Pay Next Week: $2,000.

If you would like to be on the ministry schedule and have received training or would like to receive training, please contact Justin VanTassel at jvantassel@gmail.com or 607-343-9577.

Whitney Point Marathon Greeters: Peggy Kemp, Cathy Cummings McEvoy Family Next Sunday: Ingrid Jordak, Anne Clerkin Don Atwood, Dawn Odinek Lector: Ingrid Jordak Next Sunday: Justin VanTassel Lector: Rose Ann Holland Next Sunday: Brandon Tyrrell Altar Servers: Noah Somers, Hannah Somers Arianna Silva, Brandon Tyrrell Next Sunday: Isaac Jordan, Nora Jordan Gunner Tyrrell, Alex Votra

Eucharistic Ministers: Cecelia Carstens, Cathy Shoemaker, Emily Jordan Linda Caminiti, Kathy Cusick, Karen Standish Next Sunday: Margaret Fabrocino, Dot Hathway, Ingrid Wennerod Cindy Barry, Don Barry, Geoff Tyrrell Children’s Liturgy Leader: Cecelia Carstens Feb Ushers: Tony Zelsnack, Chuck McEvoy

Next Sunday: Sherry Dee March Ushers: Wayne Niggli, Bob Barry March Cleaners: Carol Niggli, Karen Standish

If you know someone that is ill, facing surgery, or some other kind of difficulty, and needs our prayers, please call Dottie Angel at 656-9230 or Pat Canfield at 849-6978. They will lead the Prayer Chain we have at The CC of St. Stephen-St. Patrick Church. Supporting each other with the Power of Prayer is the best medicine.

If you are not on our Prayer Chain and would like to be, please call our Parish Office, 692-3911.

Our bulletin & OLPH’s can be viewed online at www.ccsssp.com Our face book page: www.facebook.com/ccsssp

If you know of parishioners that have not been able to come to Mass because they are ill, hospitalized or homebound, please let the Parish Office know so our Hospitality Groups can provide contact with them through visits and cards, or any spiritual needs such as communion, and perhaps they would like to receive a copy of our bulletin.

WP Ecumenical Food Pantry: M-Th & Sat, 10am-Noon & Thurs Eve, 6-8pm. Closed Fridays, Holidays, & when school is closed for inclement weather. Food Pantry Chairperson: Roger Calice Clothing Bank: M,Tu & Sat, 10am-Noon. Mobile Food Pantry: 1st Friday of Month at WP Church parking lot. Truck arrives around 10:00am (unless holiday)

Daily Mass Schedule & Intentions

Sunday Feb. 23 8:30 AM Whitney Point…for Elsie Zelsnack…by Elsie Poyer

10:30 AM Marathon…for Mary & Warren Lynch…by Garret & Joyce Van De Weert

12:00 PM OLPH…for The People Of Our Parish

Tuesday Feb. 25 NO MASS TODAY

Wednesday Feb. 26 8:30 AM Whitney Point…Ash Wednesday Mass w/Distribution of Ashes

7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Communion Services w/Distribution of Ashes-WP, Marathon & OLPH

Sunday Mar. 01 8:30 AM Whitney Point…for Charles Hartnett…by Paul O’Donnell

10:30 AM Marathon…for Marge Carroll…by John Carroll

12:00 PM OLPH…for The People Of Our Parish

Readings for the Week of February 23 through March 1, 2020:

Today: Lv 19:1-2,17-18; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48 Thursday: Dt 30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25

Monday: Jas 3:13-18; Mk 9:14-29 Friday: Is 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15

Tuesday: Jas 4:1-10; Mk 9:30-37 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14; Lk 5:27-32

Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20--6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18 Next Sunday: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Rom 5:12-19; Mt 4:1-11

Mission Statement for The Catholic Community of St. Stephen - St. Patrick We are a Roman Catholic Community of faith, welcoming the strength found in diversity. We are committed to using our time, talent, and treasure in proclaiming the Kingdom of God through prayer, fellowship, and service.

We experience our unity at the Eucharistic Table of the Lord, and our direction from the Word of God.

Parish Council Parish Council Parish Council Parish Council PARISH STAFFPARISH STAFFPARISH STAFFPARISH STAFF

Chairperson - John Mihalko Director of Faith Formation - Cecelia Carstens, 323-5114

Vice-Chairperson - Dan Burke Ministry Coordinator-Peg Orzel, porzel10@yahoo.com

Secretary - Peg Orzel Church Organist/Music Director - Jennifer Cafferty

Maintenance - (Please call parish office w/maintenance concerns)

Parish Business/Office Manager-Mary Wied Bulletin Deadline: Tuesday, Noon - Phone, Mail or Email, ststephenstpat@syrdio.org

St. Patrick’s Day Brunch St. Patrick’s Day Brunch St. Patrick’s Day Brunch St. Patrick’s Day Brunch In Honor Of Our Patron SaintIn Honor Of Our Patron SaintIn Honor Of Our Patron SaintIn Honor Of Our Patron Saint Please join us for a

St. Patrick’s Day Brunch at our Whitney Pt Church following the 8:30am Mass on Sunday, March 15th. Bring a dish to pass. CCSS-SP’s Hospitality Committee will provide the refreshments. There will be door prizes and the Four Corners All String Band

will play Irish music!

Lent Insert - Please save and refer to the insert concerning our Lenten activities and materials that are available. We look forward to our parish journeying together during this Season.

We have two choices of booklets for your Lenten reading available at the

church entrances. Browse through and take home what looks good to you. Also, there are MANY resources on

Formed.org. Book, movies, and studies to enhance your Spiritual journey during

Lent. There are also Rice Bowls available for your Lenten sacrifices.

is February 26th. There will be an 8:30am Mass at our Whitney Pt Church. We will have Communion Services at 7pm at our Marathon, Whitney Point and Cincinnatus Churches. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church’s service

will be led by Dcn. Joseph During of St. Mary’s/St. Anthony’s in Cortland. Whitney Point’s Service will be led by John Mihalko and our organist, Jennifer will play.

Mass and services all with communion and distribution of ashes.

“God’s Will” A 2Day Parish Mission at our Whitney Point Church on Monday, February 24th , 7 – 8:30pm & Tuesday, February 25th, 6 – 8pm (dinner 6:00 – 6:45pm.)

Please come both evenings, each night will be different! Let’s gather together to gain further insight into a faith filled life. It is a time for grace and renewal of the individual and parish through music and talks filled with stories, examples and meaning. Christian/Gospel Artist & Worship Leader Jeremy Bobak and speaker, Chris Spilka will be here!

Praying The Stations of the Cross Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church

will be praying the Stations of the

Cross every Friday during Lent,

at 3:00pm. Our Marathon Church will be

praying the Stations of the Cross at 6:30pm every

Friday during Lent, beginning Feb. 28th .

IGNITE 2020 Catholic Men's Conference -Attention men of the parish, the theme for the 12th Annual IGNITE Men’s Conference is Take Refuge in the Lord. As usual there are 3 tremendous speakers that will challenge all who attend. You can be part of it on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the SRC Arena & Event Center for an amazing day that will have a tremendous impact on you. You can register for the IGNITE 2020 Catholic Men's Conference online at www.ignitecatholicmen.org or contact our parish captains, Don Barry & John Mihalko, who have gone in the past. Sign up now. Limited seating available. This is a day you that will affect you more than words can describe. Speaker: Chris Greisen a Former NFL quarterback. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1999 draft. He played college football at Northwest Missouri State. Chris earned a degree in physical education with a minor in mathematics from Northwest Missouri State. He teaches at Notre Dame Academy (Green Bay, WI). He also runs the Chris Greisen Quarterback Academy during the season at Texas Stadium and through the offseason in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Chris is a convert to the Catholic Church from Lutheranism. Chris and his wife, Shannon, have four children.

Please kindly pray for the repose of the soul of Mike Thayne who

has entered into the Kingdom of Heaven. May he rest in peace.

Calling Hours: Today, Feb. 23rd, 1-4pm at Allen’s Funeral Home, Endicott Funeral Mass: Monday, Feb. 24th, 10:30am at our Whitney Pt. Church. ����For any food and money donations for Ann Thayne and family, please call Don or Cynthia Alexy at 607-345-9375.

Whole Community Catechesis

Readings and Questions for Discussion

Reading 1 - Leviticus 19:1–2, 17–18

Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God,

am holy.

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 3:16–23

Are you not aware that you are the

temple of God, and that the

Spirit of God dwells in you?

Gospel - Matthew 5:38–48

My command to you is: love your

enemies, pray for your persecutors.

Adults: What is the point of

“turning the other cheek” in an

argument, and why is it so hard to do so?

Children: When have you or someone

you know insisted on “having the

last word” in an argument?

What happened afterwards?

This Week In Our Parish

Monday, Feb. 24th 10:30am - Michael Thayne Funeral - Whitney Point Church

7:00-8:30pm - Parish Mission “God’s Will” Part 1 - Whitney Point Church Hall

Tuesday, Feb. 25th NO MASS TODAY

9:30am - CCSS-SP’s Women’s Faith Group Meeting - Whitney Point Church Hall

6:00-8:00pm - Parish Mission “God’s Will” Part 2 - Whitney Point Church Hall

Wednesday, Feb. 26th 8:30am - Ash Wednesday Mass - Whitney Point Church

7:00pm - Ash Wednesday Services Whitney Point, Marathon & Cincinnatus Churches

All Services and Mass with distribution of ashes

Thursday, Feb. 27th 7:00pm - Adoration - Whitney Point Church

Friday, Feb. 28th 3:00pm - Stations of the Cross - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Cincinnatus

6:30pm - Stations of the Cross - Marathon Church