St. Masry Roman Catholic Church
 
 
 
  St. Mary Roman Catholic Church
           250 South 12th St.,  Reading, PA 19602
St. Masry Roman Catholic Church
 
Parish News
June 4 - 11, 2023
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  St. Mary Roman Catholic Church
           250 South 12th St.,  Reading, PA 19602
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Confession Schedule at St.  Mary's:  2:45 - 3:15 PM on Saturdays.  Confessions will also be heard from
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in St. Catharine's Chapel on Perkiomen Avenue.  Otherwise by appointment at the Parish
Center. 
Mass:  Monday - Friday, Mass is at 7:15 AM in the Chapel.  Saturday Daily Mass is at 8:00 AM.

Eucharistic Adoration following Monday's 7:15 AM Mass till 8:00 PM. 

If You Are Interested in  helping with Communications, please contact Fr. Miller  610-779-4005.

The Parish Finance Committee currently has openings for several new members. The committee meets
quarterly and acts as an advisory board to the Pastor.  To be considered for this committee, candidates
must have backgrounds in one or more of the following categories: attorney/legal, CPA, architect/engineer,
business owner/management, finance/banking.  Qualified applicants should email their resume to stcatharinespc@outlook.com by June 12.

Parish Center Office:  Office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM; Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

Pray the Rosary in the Chapel on Thursday mornings at 6:45 AM and on Saturday mornings at 7:30 AM.

Please Help Our School win the The Make a Joyful Noise Competition Voting by making a donation. 
Your donation directly helps the school.  You can donate online using the QR code in the Sunday Bulletin
or by check payable to Saint Catharine of Sienna School and mailed to:
Saint Catharine of Sienna School
Attention: Make a Joyful Noise
2330 Perkiomen Avenue
Reading, PA 19606
For more information, visit:
http://www.weloveourcatholicschools.com/fundraising/st-catharine-of-sienna-reading.

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.

Consider Giving by Direct Withdraw:  Simplify your tithing!  Did you know that St. Catharine’s offers
a Pre-Authorized Direct Contributions program; that permits you to make your contributions directly on a
weekly or monthly basis?  Currently, 105 parishioners taking advantage of this program.  Their regular
contribution is withdrawn, at the interval they choose and deposited into our parish account.  This option
eliminates paperwork and ensures regular giving.  Many of these parishioners still drop an envelope in
the basket, and simply check direct deposit.  To enroll or get more information, contact Diane Sitler at
610-779-4005.

Because We Are Catholic Annual Appeal:  Many thanks to those who have made a pledge to
the Making a six-month pledge to the Appeal allows you to maximize the amount that you may give
by making monthly payments. For example, a $120 gift to the Appeal may be set up with six $20
installments.  Remember, every gift counts, no matter how big or small. Your generosity supports
children and families in our own community and throughout the Diocese of Allentown.  You can
make your gift online at BecauseWeAreCatholic.org.

SCS Endowment Fund: 
Thank you to all who have generously donated to our Saint Catharine of
Siena Endowment Fund
. and have supported our academic programs, special programs, scholarships,
teacher excellence programs, maintenance programs and capital improvements at St. Catharine of
Siena School. Your renewed generosity and support of the Saint Catharine of Siena Endowment Fund
provides a rigorous and quality Catholic education that will continue to make a positive impact on our
world. Your support is needed to keep Saint Catharine of Siena School from becoming part of the
unsustainable school statistics.  Your donation goes directly to the school and will make a crucial
difference. You can play a part.  There are a variety of ways to provide you with maximum tax and
financial benefits. They include:  A gift made in your will or trust; A gift that pays you income for life;
A gift of life insurance or retirement plan assets. We hope you will play a part in our future by filling
an endowment envelope found in the back of the church.  Feel free to contact Marcella Kraycik,
Principal, at mkraycik@scsreading.org or Mrs. Stephanie Conlon, Advancement Director at
conlon@scsreading.org for more details. Thank you.

Sunday Missals
for 2023 are available at the Church on Rt.562 or at the Parish Center for $4.00/Missal.

Pan Z Wami:
2023 Polish Missals are available at St. Catharine’s Rectory.  The cost is $15.00/book.

Hallow:  If you saw the flyers here at Church during the Easter season about Hallow, here is some
additional information.  I and other parishioners enjoy Catholic content on Hallow every day. Hallow
is a Catholic app that is easy to use on your phone or computer.  It contains a wide variety of content
for adults, teens and children.  Content includes the Bible in a Year, Catechism in a Year, daily
Gospel and homilies, Catholic trivia, daily Saint, guess the Saint for children, and daily quote, as
well as Rosaries, Divine Mercy Chaplets, Novenas, Litanies, music, examen, and spiritual challenges
and courses.  They have speakers like Jonathan Roumie from the Chosen, Jim Caviezel, Scott Hahn,
Jeff Cavins, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sister Miriam and many others.  Most trials are 14 days, but since I
am a member of the Hallow Heralds, I can share my link with all of you for a 3 months Free Trial http://hallow.com/share/DWUYQ6.  Please feel free to share the link with friends, family and
coworkers who’d like to try Hallow with you. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Siciliano

Sanctuary Candle Memorials
for the Week of June 4th: 
St. Catharine’s Church - Deceased of Tomkowicz and Spychalski Families
Saint Catharine’s Chapel - William and Margaret M. Bollendorf
St. Mary’s - Poor Souls In Purgatory

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.

Join our team of faith-filled professionals.  Looking to return to the classroom after being home on family l
eave?  Looking to return to the classroom from retirement?  Then Saint Catharine of Siena is the place
for you!  Join our excellent team of faith-filled, dedicated, and professional educators. Saint Catharine of
Siena is accepting applications for: Classroom teacher, Science teacher, Teacher aides.  Please send
resume, all clearances, references, and certifications to Mkraycik@scsreading.org or mail to 2330
Perkiomen Avenue, Reading PA 19606.

Hope Rescue Mission has a clothing donation box located behind our Church on Route 562.  Since
1894, Hope Rescue Mission has been a place of refuge for the homeless men of Berks County, PA.
They offer four residential programs that men can work their way through to transition back into the
community as productive and independent individuals. They accept all clothing and shoes.

Please take note of the businesses advertising on the last pages of our bulletins. We thank them for their
support and ask you to consider patronizing them.

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.

I
f 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
events, text @9h4ac9 to 81010.


Welcome:
The priests, deacons, staff and parishioners would like to extend a warm welcome Deacon Van
Vien Nguyen to St. Catharine’s.  He will be here this weekend and stay until the end of July. We wish him the
very best!


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.

June Necrology: Please keep these faithful servants in your prayers:  6/9 - Joseph Mikolajewski (1996); 
6/12 - John S. Klapp (3001);  6/15 - Frederick F. Walewski (1942);  6/25 - Frederick Przydzial (2003);
6/30 - August Kucynski (1937).

Prayer Requests for Priests:
Monday 6/5             Rev. Vincent Freeh, M.S.C.
Tuesday 6/6            Rev. John A. Frink
Wednesday 6/7       Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher
Thursday 6/8           Rev. Joseph S. Ganser
Friday 6/9                Rev. Angel L. Garcia-Almodovar
Saturday 6/10          Rev. Andrew N. Gehringer

The Senior High Youth Group is on INSTAGRAM.  Follow us at youth_of_scs to see all the exciting events
as well as our prayers for you!

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.

Parish Nurse News:
Sometimes we all need a mental lift!  Pick-me-up ideas include: Curb clutter, visual chaos
can amp up stress.  Read something totally fun, helps to relax.  Buy yourself something nice, brings smiles!  Call
your doctor anytime you may need extra help (WebMD, Easy habits that can improve your mental health).  Extra
blessings to Moms today, living, and deceased.

Knights of Columbus Community Service Award:  Our St. Catharine of Siena Council#14880 will again be
providing a $1000 cash award via its Community Service Award Program, intended to award student’s dedication
to and performance of charitable service. The program is open to St. Catharine of Siena School, public school,
and home-schooled students currently in the eighth grade and planning to attend Berks Catholic High School this
fall.  Applications are being sent to parents/guardians of eighth grade students at St Catharine’s School. In addition,
public and homeschooled students can secure applications by contacting Bill Wertz at pakettle629@aol.com.
Please see the application form for additional details.

Our parish just purchased six new ciboria.  If anyone would like to memorialize them, please see Father Miller.

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.

Berks Catholic Youth Football and Cheerleading 2023 Season Registration is open.  You can register by going
to http://go.teamsnap.com/forms/361889.  This program is open to girls and boys enrolled in Berks County Parochial
Schools. Some age and grade restrictions do apply.  For more information on eligibility and cost go to http://go.teamsnap.com/ forms/361889.  For any other questions, go to www.leaguelineup.com/bcyfac; Danielle Fowler 610-374-1695; or email dfowler@berkscatholic.org.

Catholic Trivia Night: 
The Office of Evangelization and Formation is hosting a Catholic Trivia Night on June 7,
2023 at 7:00 PM at The Crimson House in Pottsville.  This is an all-ages event and prizes will be awarded to the
top team.  Table reservations can be made by contacting The Crimson House.  For more information, contact Rob Johnson at rjohnson@allentowndiocese.org.


St. Joseph's Church Annual Flea Market:
1018 N. 8th Street, Reading, PA 19604.  Thursday, June 8th,
4:00 - 7:00 PM.  Friday, June 9th, 900 AM - 6:00 PM.  Saturday, June 10th, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.  Great finds,
delicious ethnic food, and homemade baked goods.  Raffle tickets being sold for 5 cash prizes - a total of
$1200.00 at $5.00/ticket. For more additional information, please call the Parish Office at 610-376-2976.

Kennedy House:  Want to volunteer and help those struggling?  It is St. Catharine's turn to run the Kennedy
House in Reading.  We would love to have you come and help out either Saturday, June 10th and or Sunday,
June 11th or both days!  Times are from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM each day.  Please call, text, or email if you can
help - Sara Miller 484-459-0270 or sk1699@hotmail.com.  Hope to see you there.  If you are unable to help but
would be willing to donate food or other supplies we would need, please contact me as well.

Eucharistic Procession: 
Come join us in bringing Jesus to our community! On Sunday, June 11, 2023, on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), there will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament through Robesonia immediately following 10:30 AM Mass.  The feast of Corpus Christi has been observed since 1264.  The prayers and hymns associated with it were composed by Saint Thomas Aquinas.  Since then processions with the Eucharist in the monstrance with singing by the people have been a feature of the celebration.  Our procession will form after Mass and go through the local streets (closed to vehicles) and sidewalks and will last about a half hour, ending again in church for Benediction. It is a special opportunity for our First Communicants and those who serve in various ministries to be present.  Those who are unable to make the walk are welcome to stay in Church and pray for the success of the procession: not only an opportunity to celebrate our Lord in the Eucharist, but also an opportunity to "Live Jesus" in bringing the light of Christ to the world outside our doorsteps.  All are welcome.

St. Catharine’s of Siena
is having a blood drive on Sunday, June 11.  Due to continued staffing challenges,
Miller Keystone had to reduce staffing.  Many of St. Catharine’s loyal donors may not be able to be
accommodated on June 11.  To help meet the demand for blood we will be adding a blood drive the week of
June 12 through June 17 at the Reading Donor Center.  Thank you so much for your consideration.  Please
mention St. Catharine’s of Siena when scheduled or sponsor code #3164.  Please see David Gibney with
questions.
• During the summer months, our community blood supply is always low but the need is still great.
• 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.
• Miller-Keystone Blood Center needs to see approximately 450 donors every day to supply the 27
  hospitals served by the blood center.


Join Sacred Heart Church
for a Mass in support of those suffering from addiction.  Sacred Heart Church is located at 868 Walnut Street, Royersford, Pa 19468.  The Mass will be held on Saturday, June 17th at 10:00 AM.

The Polish American Heritage Association will hold their 14th annual Polish Open Golf Tournament
fundraiser on Saturday, June 17, at the Manor Golf Club, 153 Bran Rd., Sinking Spring.  The scramble
format starts at 1:30 PM.  The cost is $90. per golfer and includes greens fees, cart, refreshments, lunch
and dinner, gift and prizes.  Proceeds support the Polish American Cultural Center at the GoggleWorks
Center for the Arts.  For questions call 610-779-5523. Deadline is June 7, 2023.

Loved into New Life: Six-day Retreat - June 18 to June 24 - Arrival Time: 3-4:30 PM.  This is a guided
retreat based on a 12 Step Spirituality theme.  It will include times for conferences, sharing, and quiet reflection.
Sr. Christa Mary Jones, CPS and Sr. Margaret Conlon, SC, will guide you as you explore and reflect on the 2
12 Step Spirituality in the challenging realities of daily living.  To register, call Mariawald Renewal Center at
610-777-0135 or email mariawaldcenter@gmail.com.  Register before 6/10/2023.  Cost: $550.00.  Mariawald
Renewal Center, 1094 Welsh Road, Reading PA 19607.

Vacation Bible School is back!  At Stellar VBS, kids celebrate God’s Greatness! Stellar is filled with awesome
Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, and touch!  Sciency-fun gizmos, team building games, unforgettable
Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life.  Plus, we’ll help
kids discover how they can shine Jesus’ light in everyday life.  VBS is held in the school cafeteria June 19 - 23 from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM.  It's open to children entering grades K-5 in September 2023. Students in grades 6 - are invited to volunteer to help run VBS.  Adult leaders are needed as well!  Registration and volunteer forms are available on the tables in the back of the Church or at www.scsyouth.weebly.com. Email Marci Zambito at
mzambito@scsreading.org with questions.

Holy Family Senior Living Golf Outing:  All are invited to support Holy Family Senior Living on June 26, 2023
for a day of golf, fun, and fellowship. The outing will be held at Southmoore Golf Club (235 Moorestown Road,
Bath, PA 18014).  The four-person scramble begins with a shotgun start at 8:00 AM.  Golfers can participate for $125.00 each that includes green fees, cart, food, and refreshments on the course, buffet after golf, grab-n-go breakfast, gift for every golfer, and an awards reception.

2023 Steubenville Youth Conference:  Calling all high schoolers!  In our ever-changing world, Jesus is the
answer to the longing of our hearts for meaning, fulfillment, security, and love.  Join hundreds of Catholic teens
at Steubenville Youth Conference Main Campus 4 on July 14-16, 2023 to experience the peace of Jesus Christ,
who is our refuge and never wearies of loving us.  All rising freshmen in high school through rising freshmen in
college are invited to attend this retreat with our group.  Contact Marci Zambito at mzambito@scsreading.org
or check out the youth website at www.scsyouth.weebly.com for more information.

Quo Vadis and Fiat Days Discernment Retreats - The Office of Vocations in the Diocese of Allentown is
pleased to present Quo Vadis for young men and Fiat Days for young women on July 16-20, 2023 at Lehigh
University!  All high-school aged young men and women (14-18 years of age, including newly-graduated seniors)
are invited to attend this discernment retreat to hear to what vocation God might be calling them.  Retreat
activities will include time for fellowship, Mass, and Adoration, presentations and talks, and activities each
day rooted in prayer for the discernment of their vocations.

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.

St. Joseph in the Hills Retreat for Men:
Men in the Diocese of Allentown are invited to period of refreshment,
release, calming, learning, and concentrating on the most important gift: your life, a gift from God.  The retreat called
St. Joseph in the Hills will take place at Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA.  The Lehigh Valley men’s retreat
group, dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, would like to invite you to experience the same excitement and
awe that we feel on our yearly weekend.  Learn, reflect, and increase your personal communion with the Lord.
Join us on the weekend of August 25, 26, and 27, 2023, Friday night to Sunday morning.  To register, contact
Anthony Scarselletti of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Group by phone (610-393-4671) or by email: OLPH.ascarselletti@gmail.com.

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/.