Church guide

This week’s Word on Fire Engage video asks: “Who is the most famous saint?” You may have a most favorite saint; however, Bishop Robert Barron names one who is famous and likely familiar to you. This saint was initially taken for a madman. Bishop Barron suggests that he continues to “sing across the ages to our own cynical time” and offers a back-to-basics evangelism. Please take some time to learn about this saint. Not signed up to receive Engage videos through text or email? Sign up on our website at olvchurch.com and click on the Flocknote box OR text “victory” to 84576 and follow the directions. We are blessed that this program is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #12114.

It’s time to make pierogi! If you can help, stop by the church hall Monday, July 8. #OLVbazaar2019

Today’s homily: Have you ever tried to make dinner without a good recipe? Have you ever selected a recipe but decided not to use it simply because it was too intimidating or too expensive, or you didn’t have the correct tools? In today’s Gospel, Jesus provides a recipe to spread his message. Think about it: We wouldn’t be following this faith if Jesus’ message wasn’t shared by the Apostles. This sharing and witness isn’t just for historical figures of the Bible. It’s for us today to spread the Gospel. But often that seems too difficult. We think being a witness to the acts of God is too hard. If we hope and trust in the Savior, it will never be easy, but we need to look at the cross and to be reminded of what He did for us. Maybe we don’t feel up to the task, have doubts, believe we’re not smart enough to tackle the big questions. However, our lives can do the witnessing. Our actions speak volumes to others about our values and faith. Remember Jesus provided a recipe for a beautiful world and our Christian faith. (Congratulations, Deacon Len, on your first homily!)

Would you rather be a sheep or a goat? Sounds like a silly question until you read the corresponding parable found in Matthew 25. This week’s short video from Word on Fire’s Engage program — “Are you a sheep or a goat?” — unpacks Jesus’ message. Bishop Robert Barron’s notes that the parable’s intent is “simple and deeply challenging,” and ties it to the example of the Catholic Worker Movement and its cofounders, Peter Maurin and Dorothy Day. Not signed up to receive Engage videos through text or email? Sign up on our website at olvchurch.com and click on the Flocknote box OR text “victory” to 84576 and follow the directions. We are blessed that this program is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #12114.

The early bird drawing is almost here, so please get your Grand Raffle tickets in. Thank you for supporting OLV’s fundraising activities. Good luck in the drawing.

God bless America! Please have a safe and fun holiday.

Prep for the OLV Homecoming Bazaar continues. Joann LaTorre from Our Lady’s Guild wrapped mystery packages today. Great work, Joann! Remember, the bazaar is just around the corner on Aug. 2 and 3. #OLVbazaar2019

Today is the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It’s a time of no great celebrations, such as Easter. We go about our lives, sometimes forgetting about the Lord until we need Him for a celebration or a difficult period. As a young priest, Father Rich was given many full-time jobs to do in his ministry, and he wondered why others had it a bit easier. It was suggested he read today’s Gospel. The message is to look forward instead of looking back. Jesus focused on the journey even though he knew death was at the end. The same happens for married couples who forget that they are a union working together. Also, people sometimes look at others who have so more career success. We need to focus on what God calls each and everyone to: a life of faith, love, forgiveness, patience and compassion. We need to focus not on what could have been but what could be. And, make sure the Lord is part of our every day.

Feel frustrated like the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son? Feel angered by the youngest son’s greedy request? This week’s short video from Word on Fire’s Engage program — “The Most Famous Story in the World” — explores this inspiring and insightful gem. Bishop Robert Barron spotlights Jesus’ “moving portrait of a loving Father.” And, he interprets this parable so we learn how to surrender to God’s grace. Not signed up to receive Engage videos through text or email? Sign up on our website at olvchurch.com and click on the Flocknote box OR text “victory” to 84576 and follow the directions. We are blessed that this program is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #12114.

Today is the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), a celebration of the gift of the Eucharist. Do you come to Mass and think it’s the same every time? You must remember, you’re a different person each time, depending on what happened in your life that day, that week, etc. In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of the miracle of the five loaves and two fish. Just what is Jesus asking his disciples to do? He is asking them to share all they are with those around them. The miracle is more than the multiplication of bread and fish. The miracle is that the people were so inspired by Jesus’ message that they shared all they had with each other. We are asked to do the same. Once a student asked: What does the priest mean when he says, “Do this in memory of me”? What is “this”? “This” is sharing and living the Word of Christ.

Please remember to sign up to help at the Homecoming Bazaar. Thank you!

Please pray for the members of OLV’s Youth Group as they travel on their mission trip to Newark, New York, this morning.

Some scenes from the Catholic Women’s Conference at University of Scranton attended by 15 OLV parishioners. Diocese of Scranton Diocese of Scranton Office for Parish Life

On our way to the Catholic Women’s Conference at University of Scranton with Diocese of Scranton Diocese of Scranton Office for Parish Life

Can you imagine being in a crowd and chanting “We want God” and changing the course of history? This week’s short video from Word on Fire’s Engage program — “How is Christian love different?” — explains how that did indeed happen. Bishop Robert Barron discusses why loving your enemy is the true test of love, what turning the other cheek really means and why provocative nonviolence is often necessary. Not signed up to receive Engage videos through text or email? Sign up on our website at olvchurch.com and click on the Flocknote box OR text “victory” to 84576 and follow the directions. We are blessed that this program is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #12114.

Misplace your church bulletin or forgot to pick one up? You can always find it on our website at: www.olvchurch.com/bulletin/

Happy Father's Day to fathers & father figures who make the lives of children better.

Today’s homily: Trinity Sunday is a day to honor the Holy Trinity. We celebrate God’s continued presence in our lives. He didn’t create the world and abandon us. He dwells in our world and works in our lives. The Trinity is often represented by the clover, the triangle as well as the chemical symbol for water. The best example of the Trinity is when we proclaim the Nicene Creed at Mass. The Creed came about in 325 after Roman Emperor Constantine asked the bishops to convene a Council regarding what Arius, a priest, was promoting: that Jesus was a creature, not God. The bishops’ conclusion was this idea was incorrect. Jesus was begotten by God, not made. This reaffirmed Jesus’ divinity, the word made flesh.

Mark your calendar!

The blessing of the Easter baskets means Easter is almost here. Jesus will be with us soon.

Our children bring great joy to our lives, and today was devoted to them. First, they brought their backpacks to the 10:30 a.m. Mass for a special blessing, and then, a Youth Expo was held in the church hall. Games, goodies, and fun were the order of the day. The Youth Expo was part of the parish's 50th anniversary celebration. #OLVCat50

Who won one of the water balloon toss contests at the 50th anniversary barbecue? Watch and see. #OLVCat50

Please enjoy this slideshow of your church donning its best for Easter. May you take Easter with you in your heart all year long. #OLVCat50

The Holy Name Society is sponsoring a breakfast today until 1 p.m. Here's a look at who stopped by earlier today. #OLVCat50 #Catholic Diocese of Scranton

What a difference a week can make. Here's a look at the new floor in the narthex. Tell us what you think in the comment section. #OLVCat50 #Catholic

Tomorrow is our PARISH PICNIC from 1:00-6:00pm! Come enjoy some picnic foods with fellow parishioners. Our high school youth group with provide games for the little ones and we’ll supply the food. All we need is YOU.