St. Mary Roman Catholic Church
250 South 12th St., Reading, PA 19602
250 South 12th St., Reading, PA 19602
Parish News
Setember 24 - October 1, 2023
Setember 24 - October 1, 2023
St. Mary Roman Catholic Church
250 South 12th St., Reading, PA 19602
250 South 12th St., Reading, PA 19602
Notice: Do not use the Microsoft Edge browser to view this website. It does not display the website properly.
The 2024 Mass Book opened on Tuesday, August 22nd. In person requests will not be taken during this
time. Please write out your requests (Include the intention, requested by, and date. Also include your name,
contact information, and a check for the amount due. You can mail, drop them off at the Parish Center or
put them in the collection basket. Requests are dated upon arrival and are honored to the best of our ability.
Mass Forms are available on the tables in the Gathering area the weekend of August 19th and are also
available online. Please indicate an alternate date in case your first choice is not available. The offering
for each intention is $10. You may request two Mass intentions per deceased; one of which may be a
weekend Mass. The Office will put the Mass Intentions in the Mass Book and send you a copy. If we have
any questions concerning your requests, we will call you. If you have any questions prior to sending
in your request, please call the Parish Center between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday at
610-779-4005. If you are handicapped or a shut-in, please call the Office and we will help you. We will do
our best to accommodate everyone; however, we are working with a limited number of Masses and request
your patience.
Confession Schedule at St. Mary's: 2:45 - 3:15 PM on Saturdays. Otherwise by appointment at the
Parish Center.
Mass: Saturday at 3:30 PM and Sunday at 10:30 AM.
Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel from 8:30 AM till 8:00 PM starting Monday, October 2 through Friday,
Sunday, October 27. Please visit the sign up tables at the back of the Church or Chapel. For more
information, please call Sue Hissick and leave a message at 610-568-6328.
Pray the Rosary in the Chapel on Thursday mornings at 6:45 AM and on Saturday mornings at 7:30 AM.
Homebound Communion Calls - Anyone who is homebound and would like to receive Communion on a
weekly basis, please call the parish office at 610-779-4005 or email dsitler@comcast.net.
Youth Group News: Planning is underway for another exciting year for the teens of the parish. We are looking
for anyone interested in being a member of the Youth Group Core Team. Anyone 18 and older is invited to be a
part of this group. The Core Team will be responsible for planning and implementing Youth Group events through
out the year. Many hands make light work! Please email Marci Zambito at mzambito@scsrerading.org if you are
interested.
Poor Boxes are located in the Gathering Area of the Church. All money collected stays within our parish.
Ministry to the Sick: Anointing of the Sick Visits to the hospital are made on a regular basis. Please
notify the Parish Office when a parishioner is in the hospital or home, and would like to receive communion
or anointing of the sick. The Sacrament of the Sick is available to all in need of healing.
Volunteers Needed: We are in need of volunteers to help clean the Church on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM.
It is a great opportunity for families to participate in this service. Please call the Parish Center (610-779-4005)
if you are interested.
The Saint Catharine of Siena School Advisory Board is looking for parishioners (21 and older) willing to
serve a three year term beginning in May 2023. If you are looking for a way to give back and are passionate
about Catholiic Education, we encourage you to apply. Please email Mrs. Marcella Kraycik at
mkraycik@scsreading.org for an application. Questions about this ministry? Email Mrs. Julianne Smith at
juliannejs@gmail.com. Thank you for considering this ministry!
Are You Someone or do you know someone who:
• Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?
• Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and
Eucharist?
We offer an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith . Sessions
focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments
of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season. You are welcome to participate in
the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm accepting setting. For
information please contact St. Catharine’s Parish Center at 610-779-4005.
Sanctuary Candle Memorials for the Week of September 24th:
St. Catharine’s Church - Deceased of The Vrana Family
St. Catharine’s Chapel - Joseph Elia
St. Mary’s - Peter P. Kaminski, Jr
Saturday Morning Prayer Group: Meets after the 8:00 AM Mass in the convent around 8:45 AM,
starting May 6th. Please call Matthew if interested at 610-864-2611 or you can email him at
Mattmalf11@gmail.com. Cenacle will include Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary, and discussions on Our
Lady of Medjugorje and her messages.
The Polish American Connection TV Show hosted by Tom Gajewski is on Comcast Channel 15 and
Service Electric Channel 19 on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM. The show features interviews
with interesting people in, or connected with, the Polish Community, topics of interest, and information on
upcoming events and activities. The program is re-broadcast on the same channels on these days
immediately following the show: Friday 1:30 PM, Monday 10:30 PM, and Tuesday 3:30 PM. If you have
an idea for a program, call Tom at 610-698-8731.
To Add Someone to Our Prayer List, call the Parish Center at 601-779-4005 or email them to Diane
Sitler at dsitler@comcast.net.
If you are sick, hospitalized, in a rehabilitation facility, or confined to your home, call the Parish Center at
610-779-4005.
To Receive text messages concerning weather cancellations of parish liturgical services, Masses, and
other 1984)events, text @9h4ac9 to 81010.
Father Stajkowski is back in Reading at the Celebration Villa of Exeter (formerly Elmcroft), 9 Colin Court,
Reading, PA, 19606. His phone number is 610 370 2211.
September Necrology: Please keep these faithful servants in your prayers: 9/1 - Leonard S. Merook (1984)
9/3 - Edmund M. Kempinski (1966); 9/10 - Matthais Tarnowski (1910); 9/12 - Francis S. Palecki (1984)
9/18 - Julian G. Zagorski (1992); 9/23 - John G. Pasura (1996); 9-28 - Joseph A. Zmijewski (1968)
9/30 - Jerome G. Marecki (1955)
Prayer Requests for Priests:
Monday 9/25 Rev. Thomas G. Shanfelt
Tuesday 9/26 Rev. Barnabus O. Shayo, A.J.
Wednesday 9/27 Rev. Joseph A. Sheehan
Thursday 9/28 Rev. Msgr. Joseph P.T. Smith
Friday 9/29 Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Sobiesiak
Saturday 9/30 Rev. Leo S. Stajkowski
The Exeter Area Food Pantry continues to accept Personal Hygeine products and any non-perishable food
item on an on-going basis. Bins are located in the back of the Church. Thank you for your continued prayers and
support.
The Polish American Cultural Center, Room 509 at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St.,
Reading, has an exhibit of Polish folk costumes on display from now until mid-November. We are open weekends
from Noon - 4:00 PM.
When You Schedule Meetings and Events for your parish group or organization, please email your schedule
to dsitler@comcast.net for placement on our calendar and inclusion in the weekly bulletin. Along with the dates
of your meeting or event, please include the time and location so that we can make sure there are no scheduling
conflicts.
Feed the Priests: This ministry allows you to provide a complete evening meal on Mondays, Tuesday, and
Wednesdays delivered to the Parish Center by 4:00 PM. The meal should consist of a meal for two priests;
be a fully cooked ready-to-eat meal; delivered in a disposable container; and include heating instructions if
required. The meal should include a salad, meat, starch, vegetable, and possibly a dessert. If you wish to
provide a meal, call Diane Sitler at 610-779-4005. Thank you for all you do for our parish and priests.
If You are Shut In and need assistance getting groceries/supplies, please call the the Parish Center at
610-779-4005 and leave your name and phone number. A number of people have offered their service to
help those in need.
For Those Who Are Grieving, please email judyacameron@comcast.net for details about our newest group
beginning May 1st.
St. Monica Ministry Holy Hour: Are you heartbroken because members of your family have left the Church?
Join the St. Monica Ministry in petitioning Our Lord to draw back into the fold our loved ones who have strayed,
and to give strength and wisdom to those who await their return. Together we will offer our prayers at a Holy Hour
offered monthly. No registration required. For more information, visit: www.allentowndiocese.org/stmonicaministry.
Retrouvaille: Rediscover the Love in your Marriage. Tens of thousands of couples have healed their
marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vy). If you know anyone who could benefit from this
program, please pass this on. Couples learn to build communication skills and to increase intimacy. It
provides help for marriage problems, difficulties, or crises. Upcoming programs will be held August
18 - 20 and again October 6 - 8, 2023 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. For more information,
or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800- 470-2230. All inquiries are
strictly confidential.
Celebrate St. Columbkill's 25th Basket Party on October 26 -29th. Drawing: Oct. 29th at 12:30 PM. Special Raffle: Two framed prints by "Painter of Light", Thomas Kinkade, and much more. St. Columbkill Church, 200 Indian Spring Rdoad, Boyertown, PA. For info/tickets call 610-367-2371 or go to stcolumbkill.org.
Father Miller’s Bible Study Dates
6:30 PM - Church
Wednesday, September 27th
Tuesday, October 10th
Monday, October 16th
Wednesday, October 25th
Monday, October 30th
Wednesday, November 8th
Tuesday, November 21st
Wednesday, November 29th
Knight at The Races: St. Catharine of Siena Church Social Hall on 9/30 at 6:00 PM on 9/30. Cost: $30.00 per person. Admission includes pasta buffet, salad, snacks, homemade desserts, beer, wine, soda and water. No one under 21 admitted. 11 Horse Races, Opportunity to Name a Race Horse-$5.00, Money Wheel, 50/50 Drawing, and Door Prizes. Tickets available after Mass, at the Parish Center,or call Bob Hoffman at 610-779-8833. The SCS Knights are grateful and very blessed for your historical support of our Council’s events. Because of you, we are able to contribute to and satisfy many needs within our Church and local community. Many thanks!
Purpose of the Berks County Life Chain. The Berks County LIFE CHAIN will provide a visual statement of solidarity by our local Christian community that abortion is grievously wrong and that the church Christ founded is opposed to the unmerciful killing of pre-born children. Please join with hundreds of Berks County Christians, representing 60+ churches standing on both sides of Penn Avenue, while holding 17" x 22" signs that read: Abortion Kills Children; Jesus Heals and Forgives; Adoption, the Loving Option; Lord, Forgive us and our Nation; Abortion Hurts Women; and Life, the First Inalienable Right. Our bold, prayful witness is scheduled from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, on Sunday, October 1, 2023; and we regard it as an extension of our regular worship on the Lord's Day. An estimated number of babies killed annually in Berks County exceeds 1,000; approximately 10-15 babies murdered weekly at Reading's Planned Parenthood facility. A powerful LIFE CHAIN on October 1 will offer strong encouragement and hope for reducing that number. With your firm support, we are confident f having a strong chain, able to change the lives and minds of those who pass by. We have a comprehensive LIFE CHAIN manual to lead us each step of the way, but more importantly, we in the local Life ministry are experiencing peace with this project because we believe God has approved this event. Please join with us. Let us invest at least one hour to save a lifetime.
St. Catharine’s of Siena is holding a blood drive on Sunday, October 6th. Please call Dave Gibney at 484.332.1624, or schedule online at https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/85668. Anyone who is in good health, is 16 years of age or older, and weighs 110 pounds or more, may donate whole blood every 56 days. (16-year old donors require parental consent). Did you know: 40% of the US population is eligible to donate – but only 5% do on a yearly basis. Statistics show that 25% or more of us will require blood at least once in our lifetime. Every 2 seconds, someone in the US requires a blood transfusion. It only takes about 45 minutes of your time to save a life. Miller-Keystone Blood Center needs to see approximately 450 donors every day to supply the 27 hospitals served by the blood center.
Harvest Fest ’23 at St. Mary Church, 94 Walnut Road,Hamburg: Friday, Oct. 6 (4:00 - 9:00 PM) and Saturday, Oct. 7 (12 Noon - 9:00 PM). Music, homemade ethnic food, activities, ongoing entertainment, and games for all ages including bungee jump and rock wall, hay rides, bounce house, bingo, theme baskets, quilt and cash raffles, corn maze
and more! Free admission, plenty of parking, no coolers, no BYOB/F. Questions: 610-562-7657, ext. 0 or www.stmaryhamburg.org or Facebook.
The Polish American Heritage Association and the Columbiettes, Light OF Christ #8726, proudly present the author of One Star Away, Imogene Salva, on Saturday, Oct. 7th, at the Reading Public Museum, at 5:30 PM. It is a
story of Imogene’s family, who survived the WWII deportation from Poland to a Siberian labor camp. It is a story of
survival, separation, and sacrifice. For tickets ($10.00) and advance book copies ($15.00), contact Marilyn at
610-779-5523 or marilynwla@aol.com; Chris at 610-743-5613. or cearl47@comcast.net.
Blessing of Animals/Pets - We will have the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 7th at 11:00 AM at the Pavilion on Route 562. There will be a short service and a blessing. We encourage you to bring your animals/pets for this special blessing. All pets should be contained with a leash for their own safety as well as the safety of the other people who will be present. All pets are welcome!
Confirmation will be held on Tuesday, October 24th, at 4:30 PM.
Mass for Healing - Please join us for a special evening on Sunday, October 29th, at Saint Columbkill. Praise and
Worship music begins at 6:30 PM, and Mass, Benediction, and healing service will begin at 7:00 PM. Our celebrant will be Rev. John A. Frink. Please spread the word. We hope you can join us for this uplifting and solemn service.
Save the Date Advent by Candlelight for Women, December 3, and Advent for Men, Jesus is Coming, December 10.
Renewal Of Wedding Vows on February 10, 2024 at 4:30 PM Mass at St. Catharine's Church. There will be a renewal of Wedding Vows Ceremony followed by a dinner at St. Catharine's Social Hall.
Parish Resources: To view a listing of the parish resources, their contacts, and their emails addresses (as applicable), go to www.scsreading.org/scsparish/wp/contacts-resources/.
The 2024 Mass Book opened on Tuesday, August 22nd. In person requests will not be taken during this
time. Please write out your requests (Include the intention, requested by, and date. Also include your name,
contact information, and a check for the amount due. You can mail, drop them off at the Parish Center or
put them in the collection basket. Requests are dated upon arrival and are honored to the best of our ability.
Mass Forms are available on the tables in the Gathering area the weekend of August 19th and are also
available online. Please indicate an alternate date in case your first choice is not available. The offering
for each intention is $10. You may request two Mass intentions per deceased; one of which may be a
weekend Mass. The Office will put the Mass Intentions in the Mass Book and send you a copy. If we have
any questions concerning your requests, we will call you. If you have any questions prior to sending
in your request, please call the Parish Center between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday at
610-779-4005. If you are handicapped or a shut-in, please call the Office and we will help you. We will do
our best to accommodate everyone; however, we are working with a limited number of Masses and request
your patience.
Confession Schedule at St. Mary's: 2:45 - 3:15 PM on Saturdays. Otherwise by appointment at the
Parish Center.
Mass: Saturday at 3:30 PM and Sunday at 10:30 AM.
Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel from 8:30 AM till 8:00 PM starting Monday, October 2 through Friday,
Sunday, October 27. Please visit the sign up tables at the back of the Church or Chapel. For more
information, please call Sue Hissick and leave a message at 610-568-6328.
Pray the Rosary in the Chapel on Thursday mornings at 6:45 AM and on Saturday mornings at 7:30 AM.
Homebound Communion Calls - Anyone who is homebound and would like to receive Communion on a
weekly basis, please call the parish office at 610-779-4005 or email dsitler@comcast.net.
Youth Group News: Planning is underway for another exciting year for the teens of the parish. We are looking
for anyone interested in being a member of the Youth Group Core Team. Anyone 18 and older is invited to be a
part of this group. The Core Team will be responsible for planning and implementing Youth Group events through
out the year. Many hands make light work! Please email Marci Zambito at mzambito@scsrerading.org if you are
interested.
Poor Boxes are located in the Gathering Area of the Church. All money collected stays within our parish.
Ministry to the Sick: Anointing of the Sick Visits to the hospital are made on a regular basis. Please
notify the Parish Office when a parishioner is in the hospital or home, and would like to receive communion
or anointing of the sick. The Sacrament of the Sick is available to all in need of healing.
Volunteers Needed: We are in need of volunteers to help clean the Church on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM.
It is a great opportunity for families to participate in this service. Please call the Parish Center (610-779-4005)
if you are interested.
The Saint Catharine of Siena School Advisory Board is looking for parishioners (21 and older) willing to
serve a three year term beginning in May 2023. If you are looking for a way to give back and are passionate
about Catholiic Education, we encourage you to apply. Please email Mrs. Marcella Kraycik at
mkraycik@scsreading.org for an application. Questions about this ministry? Email Mrs. Julianne Smith at
juliannejs@gmail.com. Thank you for considering this ministry!
Are You Someone or do you know someone who:
• Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?
• Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and
Eucharist?
We offer an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith . Sessions
focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments
of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season. You are welcome to participate in
the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm accepting setting. For
information please contact St. Catharine’s Parish Center at 610-779-4005.
Sanctuary Candle Memorials for the Week of September 24th:
St. Catharine’s Church - Deceased of The Vrana Family
St. Catharine’s Chapel - Joseph Elia
St. Mary’s - Peter P. Kaminski, Jr
Saturday Morning Prayer Group: Meets after the 8:00 AM Mass in the convent around 8:45 AM,
starting May 6th. Please call Matthew if interested at 610-864-2611 or you can email him at
Mattmalf11@gmail.com. Cenacle will include Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary, and discussions on Our
Lady of Medjugorje and her messages.
The Polish American Connection TV Show hosted by Tom Gajewski is on Comcast Channel 15 and
Service Electric Channel 19 on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM. The show features interviews
with interesting people in, or connected with, the Polish Community, topics of interest, and information on
upcoming events and activities. The program is re-broadcast on the same channels on these days
immediately following the show: Friday 1:30 PM, Monday 10:30 PM, and Tuesday 3:30 PM. If you have
an idea for a program, call Tom at 610-698-8731.
To Add Someone to Our Prayer List, call the Parish Center at 601-779-4005 or email them to Diane
Sitler at dsitler@comcast.net.
If you are sick, hospitalized, in a rehabilitation facility, or confined to your home, call the Parish Center at
610-779-4005.
To Receive text messages concerning weather cancellations of parish liturgical services, Masses, and
other 1984)events, text @9h4ac9 to 81010.
Father Stajkowski is back in Reading at the Celebration Villa of Exeter (formerly Elmcroft), 9 Colin Court,
Reading, PA, 19606. His phone number is 610 370 2211.
September Necrology: Please keep these faithful servants in your prayers: 9/1 - Leonard S. Merook (1984)
9/3 - Edmund M. Kempinski (1966); 9/10 - Matthais Tarnowski (1910); 9/12 - Francis S. Palecki (1984)
9/18 - Julian G. Zagorski (1992); 9/23 - John G. Pasura (1996); 9-28 - Joseph A. Zmijewski (1968)
9/30 - Jerome G. Marecki (1955)
Prayer Requests for Priests:
Monday 9/25 Rev. Thomas G. Shanfelt
Tuesday 9/26 Rev. Barnabus O. Shayo, A.J.
Wednesday 9/27 Rev. Joseph A. Sheehan
Thursday 9/28 Rev. Msgr. Joseph P.T. Smith
Friday 9/29 Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Sobiesiak
Saturday 9/30 Rev. Leo S. Stajkowski
The Exeter Area Food Pantry continues to accept Personal Hygeine products and any non-perishable food
item on an on-going basis. Bins are located in the back of the Church. Thank you for your continued prayers and
support.
The Polish American Cultural Center, Room 509 at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St.,
Reading, has an exhibit of Polish folk costumes on display from now until mid-November. We are open weekends
from Noon - 4:00 PM.
When You Schedule Meetings and Events for your parish group or organization, please email your schedule
to dsitler@comcast.net for placement on our calendar and inclusion in the weekly bulletin. Along with the dates
of your meeting or event, please include the time and location so that we can make sure there are no scheduling
conflicts.
Feed the Priests: This ministry allows you to provide a complete evening meal on Mondays, Tuesday, and
Wednesdays delivered to the Parish Center by 4:00 PM. The meal should consist of a meal for two priests;
be a fully cooked ready-to-eat meal; delivered in a disposable container; and include heating instructions if
required. The meal should include a salad, meat, starch, vegetable, and possibly a dessert. If you wish to
provide a meal, call Diane Sitler at 610-779-4005. Thank you for all you do for our parish and priests.
If You are Shut In and need assistance getting groceries/supplies, please call the the Parish Center at
610-779-4005 and leave your name and phone number. A number of people have offered their service to
help those in need.
For Those Who Are Grieving, please email judyacameron@comcast.net for details about our newest group
beginning May 1st.
St. Monica Ministry Holy Hour: Are you heartbroken because members of your family have left the Church?
Join the St. Monica Ministry in petitioning Our Lord to draw back into the fold our loved ones who have strayed,
and to give strength and wisdom to those who await their return. Together we will offer our prayers at a Holy Hour
offered monthly. No registration required. For more information, visit: www.allentowndiocese.org/stmonicaministry.
Retrouvaille: Rediscover the Love in your Marriage. Tens of thousands of couples have healed their
marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vy). If you know anyone who could benefit from this
program, please pass this on. Couples learn to build communication skills and to increase intimacy. It
provides help for marriage problems, difficulties, or crises. Upcoming programs will be held August
18 - 20 and again October 6 - 8, 2023 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. For more information,
or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800- 470-2230. All inquiries are
strictly confidential.
Celebrate St. Columbkill's 25th Basket Party on October 26 -29th. Drawing: Oct. 29th at 12:30 PM. Special Raffle: Two framed prints by "Painter of Light", Thomas Kinkade, and much more. St. Columbkill Church, 200 Indian Spring Rdoad, Boyertown, PA. For info/tickets call 610-367-2371 or go to stcolumbkill.org.
Father Miller’s Bible Study Dates
6:30 PM - Church
Wednesday, September 27th
Tuesday, October 10th
Monday, October 16th
Wednesday, October 25th
Monday, October 30th
Wednesday, November 8th
Tuesday, November 21st
Wednesday, November 29th
Knight at The Races: St. Catharine of Siena Church Social Hall on 9/30 at 6:00 PM on 9/30. Cost: $30.00 per person. Admission includes pasta buffet, salad, snacks, homemade desserts, beer, wine, soda and water. No one under 21 admitted. 11 Horse Races, Opportunity to Name a Race Horse-$5.00, Money Wheel, 50/50 Drawing, and Door Prizes. Tickets available after Mass, at the Parish Center,or call Bob Hoffman at 610-779-8833. The SCS Knights are grateful and very blessed for your historical support of our Council’s events. Because of you, we are able to contribute to and satisfy many needs within our Church and local community. Many thanks!
Purpose of the Berks County Life Chain. The Berks County LIFE CHAIN will provide a visual statement of solidarity by our local Christian community that abortion is grievously wrong and that the church Christ founded is opposed to the unmerciful killing of pre-born children. Please join with hundreds of Berks County Christians, representing 60+ churches standing on both sides of Penn Avenue, while holding 17" x 22" signs that read: Abortion Kills Children; Jesus Heals and Forgives; Adoption, the Loving Option; Lord, Forgive us and our Nation; Abortion Hurts Women; and Life, the First Inalienable Right. Our bold, prayful witness is scheduled from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, on Sunday, October 1, 2023; and we regard it as an extension of our regular worship on the Lord's Day. An estimated number of babies killed annually in Berks County exceeds 1,000; approximately 10-15 babies murdered weekly at Reading's Planned Parenthood facility. A powerful LIFE CHAIN on October 1 will offer strong encouragement and hope for reducing that number. With your firm support, we are confident f having a strong chain, able to change the lives and minds of those who pass by. We have a comprehensive LIFE CHAIN manual to lead us each step of the way, but more importantly, we in the local Life ministry are experiencing peace with this project because we believe God has approved this event. Please join with us. Let us invest at least one hour to save a lifetime.
St. Catharine’s of Siena is holding a blood drive on Sunday, October 6th. Please call Dave Gibney at 484.332.1624, or schedule online at https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/85668. Anyone who is in good health, is 16 years of age or older, and weighs 110 pounds or more, may donate whole blood every 56 days. (16-year old donors require parental consent). Did you know: 40% of the US population is eligible to donate – but only 5% do on a yearly basis. Statistics show that 25% or more of us will require blood at least once in our lifetime. Every 2 seconds, someone in the US requires a blood transfusion. It only takes about 45 minutes of your time to save a life. Miller-Keystone Blood Center needs to see approximately 450 donors every day to supply the 27 hospitals served by the blood center.
Harvest Fest ’23 at St. Mary Church, 94 Walnut Road,Hamburg: Friday, Oct. 6 (4:00 - 9:00 PM) and Saturday, Oct. 7 (12 Noon - 9:00 PM). Music, homemade ethnic food, activities, ongoing entertainment, and games for all ages including bungee jump and rock wall, hay rides, bounce house, bingo, theme baskets, quilt and cash raffles, corn maze
and more! Free admission, plenty of parking, no coolers, no BYOB/F. Questions: 610-562-7657, ext. 0 or www.stmaryhamburg.org or Facebook.
The Polish American Heritage Association and the Columbiettes, Light OF Christ #8726, proudly present the author of One Star Away, Imogene Salva, on Saturday, Oct. 7th, at the Reading Public Museum, at 5:30 PM. It is a
story of Imogene’s family, who survived the WWII deportation from Poland to a Siberian labor camp. It is a story of
survival, separation, and sacrifice. For tickets ($10.00) and advance book copies ($15.00), contact Marilyn at
610-779-5523 or marilynwla@aol.com; Chris at 610-743-5613. or cearl47@comcast.net.
Blessing of Animals/Pets - We will have the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 7th at 11:00 AM at the Pavilion on Route 562. There will be a short service and a blessing. We encourage you to bring your animals/pets for this special blessing. All pets should be contained with a leash for their own safety as well as the safety of the other people who will be present. All pets are welcome!
Confirmation will be held on Tuesday, October 24th, at 4:30 PM.
Mass for Healing - Please join us for a special evening on Sunday, October 29th, at Saint Columbkill. Praise and
Worship music begins at 6:30 PM, and Mass, Benediction, and healing service will begin at 7:00 PM. Our celebrant will be Rev. John A. Frink. Please spread the word. We hope you can join us for this uplifting and solemn service.
Save the Date Advent by Candlelight for Women, December 3, and Advent for Men, Jesus is Coming, December 10.
Renewal Of Wedding Vows on February 10, 2024 at 4:30 PM Mass at St. Catharine's Church. There will be a renewal of Wedding Vows Ceremony followed by a dinner at St. Catharine's Social Hall.
Parish Resources: To view a listing of the parish resources, their contacts, and their emails addresses (as applicable), go to www.scsreading.org/scsparish/wp/contacts-resources/.