7:30 am (IC) Rita Ross Denisco & Anna Marie Denisco
                       by Ross & Rosemary Denisco

OPERATION RICE BOWL: As we continue our Operation Rice Bowl journey let us remember in prayer that human beings are not only sacred, but also social. How we participate in our family and community, from our daily actions to our policy decisions, affects each and every person. May our fasting keep us mindful of the families and communities that are hungry. May our almsgiving assist Catholic Relief Services as we learn about education programming in Ghana.    

**Next weekend the second collection at Immaculate Conception will be for the Operation Rice Bowl.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES: Last weekend Immaculate Conception raised $415.95 and Holy Redeemer raised $204.35 for the Catholic Social Services.  May God bless you for your generous support. 

(IC) ATTENTION ALL PARISHIONERS:  Please note that when you submit your envelopes do not use scotch tape or staples to seal your envelopes.  Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.

WEST PITTSTON DEANERY SPONSORING THE ROAD TO RESURRECTION:  Our final gathering will be this Wednesday evening, April 1^st, at St. Joseph’s Parish, Wyoming. Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 pm.  The Very Reverend Richard A. Burke, C.P. will be the celebrant and Lenten Homilist.

TABERNACLE ALTAR CANDLES:  The Tabernacle altar candles are still available in both Churches.  If you would like to memorialize them please contact the office       ”.

EASTER FLOWER COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND:  This weekend a collection will be taken for the flowers that adorn our altars during the Easter celebration.  The collection envelopes will be placed on the Altar during the Easter season.  Your generosity at Christmas was truly gratifying.  May I again ask for your generosity during this special time of our liturgical year. 

LENTEN OFFERING:  The holy season of Lent is a time for fasting, prayer and almsgiving.  Please remember the special Lenten Collection during this special season of penance.  An envelope for this special collection can be found in your envelope packs.  Your generous support would be greatly appreciated. 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:  On Friday evenings during lent at 7:00 pm we will have the Stations of the Cross followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at both parishes. Holy Redeemer will also have the recitation of the rosary.  Please make an effort to join us for this beautiful devotion.

(IC) CCD NEWS:  There will be no CCD classes at the Immaculate Conception Church this Sunday, March 29, 2009, to allow boys and their fathers to attend the Annual Father & Son Communion breakfast.  

(IC) HOLY FAMILY SHRINE: The Living Flame of the candle at the Shrine of the Holy Family will burn in reverence and petition for the repose of the soul of Rita Ann Denisco by Catherine & Gene Manganello

(IC) FATHER-SON ANNUAL COMMUNION BREAKFAST PLANNED:  The 23^rd Annual Father-Son Communion breakfast will be held in our Parish Hall this Sunday, March 29^th, after the 7:30 am Mass. 

(IC & HR) NIGHT AT THE RACES:  There will be a meeting on Monday, March 30^th at 7 pm in the Church hall.  Night at the Races will be held on Saturday, April 18^th in the Parish hall.  We are looking for donations of “Theme Baskets”.  Anyone interested in donating a basket is asked to call Loretta at 654-2655 or Raymonde at 654-8394.

WOMEN’S COMMUNION BREAKFAST:  The Annual Women’s Communion Breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 26^th after the 7:30 am Mass in the Church hall at Immaculate Conception.  Menu: Juice, breakfast roll, scrambled eggs, ham, sausage and coffee.  Cost is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children 12 and under.  Guest speaker will be Father Richard.  Women of both parishes are invited.  For reservations please contact Mary Lepore at 654-2734 or Loretta Anderson at 654-2655

(IC) MILK & COOKIES WITH THE EASTER

   BUNNY:  The Youth Group is sponsoring “Milk & 

   Cookies with the Easter Bunny” for the children of

   our parish.  Sunday, April 5^th, all children are

   invited to come downstairs to the church hall after   

   10:30 Mass for a visit with the Easter Bunny, an egg

hunt, and to play games.  Refreshments will be served by the Youth Group. Parents may bring cameras for pictures with the Bunny!  Anyone who would like to bake cookies or donate a prize for the Egg Hunt should bring them to the church hall before 10:30 mass. Youth Group members will meet at 9:30 am on April 5^th to set up. 

(HR) ATTENTION ALL 9^th – 12^th GRADERS: This year we will present the “Living Stations” on  Good Friday, April 10^th at 7:00 pm.  Practices  will be held this Sunday, March 29^th  and

April 5^th at 6:30 pm in the Church.  All 9^th – 12^th graders of  the  parish  are welcome to  participate. 

 (IC) ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:  This year we will present the “Living Stations” on Good Friday, April 10^th at 7:00 pm.  Any high school students

interested in participating in Living Stations must attend the practices on Sunday March 29th, Sunday April 5th and Wednesday April 8th at 7PM in the Church. If you have any questions, see Mrs. Klepadlo.

(HR)  TOUCHING SAFETY PROGRAM:  According to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese of Scranton is obliged to offer all children in the diocese a safe environment program.  So as to comply with the Charter requirement, last week our parish provided the Teaching Touching Safety materials to be taught to your child(ren) during the week of March 16-21.  The lessons are being offered to all students in grades 1-12.  Participations forms are to be filled out by parents and returned to their CCD teachers no later than March 29^th. 

(HR) EASTER MASS INTENTIONS:  If you would like your family and friends remembered in the Masses on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday please fill out the Easter Novena envelope.  Envelopes can be found on the table in the back of the Church.  Please return by Sunday, April 5^th. 

(HR) ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED FOR HOLY WEEK:  If you are able to serve at any of the Masses during Holy Week, please put your name on the sign-up sheet located in the Altar Server’s Room.  **Watch bulletin for practice times for Holy Thursday and Good Friday.          

(IC & HR) FAMILIES OF FIRST COMMUNICANTS:  The Holy Thursday liturgy, April 9^th, is a special Eucharistic liturgy that celebrates the institution of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist and the Last Supper.  The story is very special to children preparing to receive First Holy Communion.  All students from the second grade Holy Communion class must attend this mass.

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES:   We extend our most sincere congratulations and  best wishes to VIOLA C. MICHELS of our  parish community as she celebrates her 100th birthday on April 5th of this year.  Viola's family has extend an invitation to an open house to be held in Viola's honor at Ardee's Food-Drinkery on Rt 92 in Falls between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 4th.   We again extend our best wishes to Viola and to her family on this most happy occasion.  May God bless Viola with many more happy and healthy years.  Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!