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Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 20

Posted on October 21, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 20

Not an easy read, the insert in today’s bulletin. It asks to change and change is never without its challenges. It’s written in rather technical, legal language. I can understand why we might stop reading and look for the easy version. But, I’m glad we have those words. They protect our rights and line our responsibilities. One set of words really struck me. It’s in the title— which I’m not sure I ever paid much attention to—for the Diocesan planning process. Vision 2030—that much I’ve known and used for years!--Creat...

Pastor's Corner: October 6

Posted on October 04, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 6

Now it’s time to talk about names. Names of parishes, names of churches. In a consolidation of parishes—the process we’re doing with St. Lawrence and St. Boniface—a new name may be assigned. And the person who gives that name is the Bishop of the Diocese. He issues the decree creating the parish. In that decree, he names the parish. But, bishops don’t work in a vacuum. The pastor will make a request for a name, usually offering several options. I’ll be doing it later this month when I’m called to appear before Bishop Bambera and ...

Pastor's Corner: September 29

Posted on October 02, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 29

There are weeks when I wish the bulletin deadline weren’t quite so early in the week. And not because I’ve wasted time or been lazy or too busy to come up with an idea. But, because sometimes something’s just happened on a Tuesday and I’d like to reflect on it with you. Like this past week, when we had our listening session about the upcoming consolidation of St. Lawrence and St. Boniface parishes. As I write these words, that meeting hasn’t yet happened. I don’t know what people will say, what they’ll hear, what they’ll th...

Pastor's Corner: September 22

Posted on September 20, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 22

We’re always interested in names. Think about the conversations expectant parents happen over the options—Who in the family wants a namesake? Which names are in fashion these days—and do we opt in or avoid? We listen to hear the confirmation name a young person has chosen. At a wedding we want to know: Name change or not? Hyphenated for her? Or for both? And, of course, as our parishes move to a closer union, we know the name questions in the air. But, that’s not the name I’m talking about today. It’s the Appeal—what used to be t...

Pastor's Corner: September 15

Posted on September 15, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 15

Think about the last words Jesus spoke before he left this earth. Think about what he didn’t say. And think about what he did say. He didn’t say: “You’re my Church. Be glad that you’ve heard the good news. Hang on to it, it’ll get you into heaven.” No, Jesus said: “Go, proclaim the good news to all the nations.” Our faith isn’t a treasure we’re to cling to, it’s meant to be shared—boldly and lovingly. Let’s think about what this means to us: Live a vibrant Christian life. The philosopher ...

Pastor's Corner: September 8

Posted on September 09, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 8

Some of you have asked about what progress we’ve made with the pipe organ. I haven’t said much about it since informing you of the various problems Tropical Storm Debby brought. I haven’t done much up until now because I haven’t had answers to give you. An organ is a complicated instrument. Repairing one that’s damaged requires a number of steps—and decisions. First of all, as you can see, we’ve removed the console from the church. That allowed us to have mold remediation done promptly. We’ve removed the carpet that was, ra...

Pastor's Corner: September 1

Posted on September 01, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 1

In his final homily a few weeks ago, Deacon McCarroll asked the question: “Was it worth it?” He pointed that question in more than one direction, but it was rooted in the Eucharistic Revival, an American project that tried to counter indifference to the Eucharist and a time for conferences and talks, processions and days of adoration, a renewed focus on how we offer and receive this Sacrament. Of course, we’ve had the added blessings of a summer when we reflect on Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse from John’s gospel. And now all that&rsq...

Pastor's Corner: August 25

Posted on August 26, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: August 25

Sometimes people say things, often in rather casual conversation, that stick with us. They are “words that crackle,” to borrow from the theologian David Power. One such phrase came from an artist friend. She said, “Good art is a moral choice.” Good art is a moral choice. Not a great way of making a living. Not the road to undying fame. Not the path to thunderous applause. Not what necessarily looks pretty or makes people happy. Good art is a moral choice because it points, as people of faith believe, to the One who is the Good, the True, and the B...

Pastor's Corner: August 18

Posted on August 19, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: August 18

The other evening I was having drinks with some friends from Muncy—people who knew both me and Deacon McCarroll. They asked about when he’d be going back to school. Then they posed the question: “Will you miss him?” “Of course, I’ll miss him,” I quickly responded. Almost as quickly one of them offered the helpful suggestion: “Well, you could always get a dog.” Let me be clear: I’m not getting a dog. Let me also be clear: I will miss Deacon McCarroll. I value our friendship, and I have enjoyed sharing ministry wi...

Pastor's Corner: August 4

Posted on August 04, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: August 4

A couple of years ago, I joined some priest friends in reading and discussing a book called Words Without Allow, A Biography of the Lectionary for Mass. We were interested in the project that faced the Church in the 1960s when Vatican II called for more scripture at Mass. How does one expand a set of readings that had been set for centuries upon centuries? What scheme for including various parts of the Bible? What discussions happened in those meetings, around those tables? Honestly, it was some of the most tedious reading we’ve ever done. Well researched, carefull...

Pastor's Corner: July 21

Posted on July 21, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: July 21

I'm writing these words Monday evening. But I’m thinking about words I want to say and a homily I want to preach on Wednesday evening. I was asked to preach at the beginning of the St Ann Novena at St Ann’s parish. I was happy with the invitation. The image of Christ’s grandmother has long been a favorite of mine. I’ve joined in those prayers for many years, asking for her help. But, this year I stand before that congregation as part of a process that means change for all of us—our parishes, their parish. There’s a phrase from St P...

Pastor's Corner: July 14

Posted on July 15, 2024 in: Pastoral Council, Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: July 14

Last weekend’s Sun Gazette featured a front-page article about the merger of two of our neighboring Protestant congregations. Like a similar article about us a few weeks ago, reasons for the transition were listed out. The vision for the future was described. I hope and pray it goes well for them. But, I could not help noticing a couple of things. First, whenever Catholics talk about changing demographics or the need to alter parish structures we get some advice. We hear people say: If the Catholic Church just lightened up, more people would come. If the Catholic C...

Pastor's Corner: July 7

Posted on July 06, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: July 7

Here’s a question that people have asked. Not one of the twenty questions, but it’s important for me to answer. The question: What happened to the statue of Mary at St. Boniface? The one we use for the May crowning? Simple answer: the statue’s in the lounge, a room that was notable for its crowd of priestly portraits and its lack of sacred images. I’m glad to balance things a little bit by shifting an image of the Mother of God into that space. But, why the move? Two answers. First, Vatican II urges to take care about the number and placement o...

Pastor's Corner: June 30

Posted on June 30, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 30

When Resurrection Parish was building a new church a few years ago, my mind kept returning to a verse from the Psalms: “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the builders labor.” What a healthy reminder that we’re to be about God’s work! If it’s God’s work, why don’t we actually give it over to God? Sure, we had to dream and plan, engage with architects and builders, face unexpected twists in the process. But, at every turn prayer made it better. We’re not being asked here at St. Ann's, St. Lawrence and St. B...

Pastor's Corner: June 23

Posted on June 23, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 23

Take a look at this picture: a brightly colored bouquet in the middle of the rectory’s kitchen table. It’s literally a spiritual bouquet, a collection of prayers and charitable works offered on my behalf. A gift from our PREP students and catechists to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests (observed on the feast of the Sacred Heart, this year June 7). Each blossom contributes to an assortment of prayers—Hail Marys and Our Fathers, rosaries and daily prayers, works of justice, and charity. As I approach my ordination anniver...

Pastor's Corner: June 16

Posted on June 17, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 16

Finally, the last two questions! What type of music do you like to listen to? I can answer that by naming the Sirius stations in my car. Classical, Broadway, Jazz—in that order. I sometimes dabble in popular music—a little Billy Joel, some ABBA, some R&B. Almost never Country. What attracted you to the priesthood? I can answer in one word: Jesus. As a Catholic, I find his life and message compelling. I wanted to be part of his mission—into whatever vocation that would lead me. In last weekend’s homily, I talked about how as Church we need t...

Pastor's Corner: June 9

Posted on June 10, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 9

Here’s the question I’ve been avoiding: What three words would you use to describe yourself? It’s too much like an awkward icebreaker at a meeting. Or a really annoying drinking game at a party. But, here we go: Introverted (which you must have noticed, but remember that introversion—just like its opposite—can be an asset). Creative (the part of me that values things like music and art, architecture and gardens, poetry and story-telling). Faithful (think of Dorothy Day’s description of faith as “a need to worship, to adore"). ...

Pastor's Corner: June 2

Posted on June 02, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 2

What is your favorite sport or sports team? Not sure I have a favorite sport—and definitely not a favorite sports team. Let me explain. I can have a lot of enthusiasm about going to a game, pretty much any game. I enjoy the atmosphere—the crisp fall weather at a football game, the National Anthem at a baseball game, the prayer before a Catholic school basketball game. I’m not a huge fan of being entertained at a sports event. I don’t need the mascot in a golf cart or a fake sumo wrestling match—get on with the game. I’ll cheer for pret...

Pastor's Corner: May 19

Posted on May 19, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 19

Here’s a question I appreciate because it allows/encourages more than one answer: Who is/are your favorite saint(s)? How can I skip mentioning the Mother of God? How could anyone say “Oh, I like loads of saints, but Mary not so much.”? I’m putting Mary in my answer but in a particular way. I’ve always been drawn to Our Lady of Lourdes. I read—and reread-- The Song of Bernadette growing up. I’m fascinated by the way that image of Mary in the grotto with the peasant girl St Bernadette pops everywhere (except, oddly in our rectory, ...

Pastor's Corner: May 12

Posted on May 13, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 12

Let’s take two questions that kind of feed into the notion of being prepared for ministry. First, in which church ministries were you involved? Frankly, hardly any. I started as lector when Sister of Mercy Colman Krise (may she rest in peace) boldly asked me, starting off with the words “I have come in the name of the Lord.” It’s hard to say no to nuns. For several years I served on the St .Boniface Parish Council. Believe me, I haven’t missed the irony that I’m often sitting in the same room talking about the same things as I did 40 y...

Pastor's Corner: May 5

Posted on May 05, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 5

Here are two of the 20 questions that are so connected, they really have to be answered together: How many siblings do you have? What is your birth order in the family? That could be a complicated question in a larger family than mine. But, it’s just me and my brother Paul. Let’s do the number part first. He’s three years younger than me, although four years behind me in school (as a small child he started to talk later than normal, so my parents opted to keep him home for an additional year). Oddly, that meant that we were pretty much never in the s...

Pastor's Corner: April 28

Posted on April 29, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: April 28

We’re not quite pulling these questions randomly out of a box. This week once again I’m pairing a pretty everyday question with one that has a little more religious impact. First, where did you grow up? Two answers to that seemingly simple question. First, I was born in Northumberland, where my father’s family was from. (My grandfather was one of 15 children surviving into adulthood. Not all, but many remained near home.) When I was in the third grade, we moved to Montoursville. I loved both places. But, Montoursville was full of ranch houses with ...

Pastor's Corner: April 14

Posted on April 14, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: April 14

For a few months, we’ve had a Vocations Committee forming in the parishes. We’ve been looking at ways to encourage vocations—to the priesthood, to religious life, to Christian marriage—among our people, especially our young with their whole lives ahead of them. One suggestion was to have Andrew and I answer a list of 20 questions about ourselves. So, let’s begin—just a few questions at a time. What did your parents do? My mother was a schoolteacher. She taught what we used to call home economics (largely cooking and sewing). Now ...

Pastor's Corner: April 7

Posted on April 08, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: April 7

Look at the picture. Holy Thursday night’s adoration space: After the evening Mass we linger to pray, doing what chosen apostles couldn’t do in Gethsemane. We traveled to other churches to keep this as a night of expectant prayer. Half an hour before midnight those seats were filled for Night Prayer, with some folks kneeling or sitting on the floor. We responded to the Church’s call to pray! And we did it throughout the week. Palm Sunday, bearing our branches. Morning Prayer is beautifully attended and sung. Good Friday’s veneration of the cr...

Pastor's Corner: March 31

Posted on March 30, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 31

Welcome! I know our Mass crowds will be larger this weekend. Easter is our greatest feast, after all. And I know that there are all sorts of reasons to walk through these doors today. Maybe it’s your first time in church, your first time in a Catholic church. Perhaps you came with family. Or a friend invited you. Maybe it was something more interior—a love for music, a struggle in life, a series of questions—even doubts. You are welcome here! You will always be welcome here. Or is today something of a homecoming? Back to the old neighborhood, church ...

Pastor's Corner: March 24

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 24

I know you have reminders all over the place! Posters in the church, graphics on social media, schedules in the bulletin, even a postcard in the mail. But, let me offer a couple of words about this week, this Holy Week: Monday and Wednesday are our last public opportunities for confession before Easter. Consider celebrating this sacrament of God’s mercy as a way to immerse ourselves in the love poured out on the Cross. New to us this year: Morning Prayer on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at St Lawrence which is a wonderful way to reflectively begin ...

Pastor's Corner: March 10

Posted on March 10, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 10

In the Missal, on the page where the prayers for today’s Mass are located, there’s a note: We can wear rose vestments, music can be bolder, flowers can be placed at the altar. I might be reading those lines, but you should be experiencing the sounds and sights of this halfway point in Lent, sights, and sounds that tell us to rejoice on our journey to Easter. Two musical opportunities come to us this week, two chances to deepen our appreciation of Lent— especially as we draw closer to the celebration of the Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection i...

Pastor's Corner: March 3

Posted on March 03, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 3

I don’t usually use this space to talk about the Sunday readings. But, this weekend’s gospel dovetails into something I want to mention this Lent. Jesus cleanses the temple. He makes quite a ruckus, he stirs things up, and he even begins to make enemies. Why? Because the temple does matter. Yes, the building is holy, dedicated to his Father. But, the temple of Jesus’ body—soon to be crucified and raised from the dead—matters. And so do the temples of our lives. The Church calls us to allow Jesus to complete the work of cleaning temples&mdash...

Pastor's Corner: February 25

Posted on February 26, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 25

I know we have lots of things going on during Lent. The bulletin and website can seem like a maze of options— prayer, confession, adoration, music, education, etc. But, today I want to highlight one opportunity that’s coming up on March 13. You’ve known all along that St. Lawrence and St. Boniface Parishes have their place in the newly revived Road to Resurrection Series. Each of those nights involves prayer and song, scripture, and reflection. But, March 13 will take a slightly different turn. That night we’ll welcome The Vigil Project, a grou...

Pastor's Corner: February 18

Posted on February 19, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 18

During Ash Wednesday’s homily, I talked about the door in the gospel. The door of our private room where he can pray (and pretty much also fast and give alms) to the Father who sees in private. What drew my attention to that door was a book I’ve been reading by Cardinal Roche, The Gardens of God. He talks about that door and relates it to all the doors in the Scriptures—the door to Eden guarded by the cherubim once Adam and Eve are thrown out, the doors mentioned by the prophets, the doors in Jesus’ parables, ending with the door in Revelation: &l...

Pastor's Corner: February 11

Posted on February 12, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 11

Yes, it’s Lent again. This Wednesday begins that holy season of fasting, prayer, and works of charity. We have so many opportunities in our parishes and communities to make this truly a graced time. Mardi Gras. Don’t forget the old Catholic custom of celebrating before the fast. Throw the party, have the big meal, and do something fun this coming Tuesday. Ashes. Check the schedules for our worship sites and those of other parishes. Confessions. Again, take a look at the many chances we have to experience God’s mercy—all through the weeks of Len...

Pastor's Corner: January 28

Posted on January 29, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 28

Time to recycle! We’ve become used to recycling all sorts of things. Kitchen scraps that go to the compost. Plastics and papers in their bins. Visits to the recycling sites. And now it’s time to recycle last year’s palm branches. Yes, those palm branches that we put behind crucifixes or holy pictures. They’re destined, in the Church’s imagination, to become this year’s ashes for the beginning of Lent. Look for the baskets in the narthexes of our churches. Bring in those branches from last year. (And if you discover you have branches fr...

Pastor's Corner: January 21

Posted on January 21, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 21

The Winter Doldrums. I remember hearing those words in school. Their original meaning had to do with ships and oceans. The doldrums were a time when summer and fall storms had passed. Waters were still. Nothing much happened. A good time for seafaring folk. But, when I heard the doldrums talked about in school it referred to us. Students in the long month of January. January, after the exciting holidays had passed. January, too soon to look for signs of spring. January, with its dark and cold days and nights. Teachers claimed that we all slowed down a bit in January. ...

Pastor's Corner: January 14

Posted on January 15, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 14

There’s an old tradition that on Epiphany, as Christmas ends, we chant a proclamation of the year’s feasts and fasts—the dates for Ash Wednesday, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost. My hunch last weekend was that, given the impending snowstorm, the last thing any of us needed was anything to make Mass last longer! But, it’s worth mentioning that this year Easter will be early! And Ash Wednesday is only about a month away—February 14, to be precise. Not too early to be thinking about Lent—the places in our lives where we need to grow, the sa...

Pastor's Corner: January 7

Posted on January 07, 2024 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 7

We all know that the secular world makes a jumble of seasons. Memorial Day arrives and we complain it’s not warm enough to be summer. (Because summer’s still about 3 weeks away!) Radios blare songs about snow as Halloween ends (when we don’t want snow!) and drop them every December 26 (when it might be cold outside!). And, of course, stores have already loaded up on Valentine’s Day merchandise. Let’s not forget, at least for one more day, that it’s still Christmas. Today, the Lord’s Epiphany isn’t a faint echo of something ...

Pastor's Corner: December 31

Posted on December 30, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 31

This weekend’s certainly easier than last. Yes, a Sunday—the Feast of the Holy Family—and a holiday—New Year’s Eve and Day—come crashing together again. But, it’s easier because in the United States usually when a holy day of obligation falls on a Saturday or Monday, the obligation to participate in Mass is taken away. (For what I hope are obvious reasons, Christmas is one of the exceptions.) But, let’s think about January 1. It carries levels and levels of meaning. The original feast in ancient Rome honored Mary as the Mot...

Pastor's Corner: December 17

Posted on December 18, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 17

I told you at the start that this Advent would be a quick one! And now we’re in the last week—Christmas Eve will be next Sunday. If we have undone Advent business, let’s get to it! Both Jesus and St. John the Baptist have been urging us to repentance. If we need to go to confession, remember this Monday night at St Boniface (5:30–7 p.m.), Wednesday at St Joseph the Worker (6 p.m. service), and Thursday at St Ann’s (6–7 p.m.). The Wednesday liturgy will offer you several priests to offer God’s mercy. And if you haven’t fi...

Pastor's Corner: December 10

Posted on December 10, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 10

The other day I saw an article about how Christmas music touches our emotions—often in surprising ways. Sure, a beloved carol reminds us of truths we hold dear. It can conjure up sweet memories of past holidays. A Christmas song can speak to our sadness—people no longer in our lives, holidays we’ll never live again. Some songs were even written to be melancholy: think of “Last Christmas” or “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Advent never lets us get away without somber notes. Jesus tells us to wake up for the Last Judgment. John...

Pastor's Corner: December 3

Posted on December 03, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 3

If you drive by the rectory later this week you might catch a glimpse of a menorah in one of our windows. You might wonder “Why?” The simple answer: it’s part of our prayer for peace and justice in the Holy Land. Yes, as I write these words hostages and prisoners have been released. We certainly hope that the ceasefire becomes a step toward lasting peace. But, just as disturbing as the terrorist violence in Gaza has been the antisemitic words and actions in North America and Europe. Those situations need to be part of our prayer as well. As Catholics, w...

Pastor's Corner: November 26

Posted on November 28, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: November 26

I don’t like to rush into Christmas. I think Advent is a great concept and I want us to keep Advent well—a particular challenge this year when Advent is very, very short! But, since a month from now we’ll be at Christmas Day itself, let me talk about the Mass schedule for December 24 and 25. This is our first year with one priest to celebrate Masses—for Saturday/Sunday, December 23/24 the 4th Sunday of Advent and Sunday/Monday, December 24/25 as Christmas Eve and Day! It’s a challenging conjunction of days every 5 or 6 years. Our schedule th...

Pastor's Corner: November 19

Posted on November 19, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: November 19

These past few months I’ve been listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Catechism in a Year podcast. It follows the same pattern of his Bible in a Year— relatively manageable readings from the catechism, context, and commentary from Fr. Schmitz, all accomplished in 15 to 20-minute segments. The other morning I listened to the section on the Eucharist and was reminded of a truth that I’ve long known, but one that bears repeated. Father reminded us that Eucharist is both a noun and a verb. The consecrated bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ is Euch...

Pastor's Corner: November 12

Posted on November 12, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: November 12

Remember the schedule we give you when a holy day of obligation comes up? The one that lists Mass times from first thing in the morning until the final evening Mass? I’m a huge fan of that schedule. Not just because it makes getting to Mass on a holy day a little easier for me. But, because it shows our parishes cooperating. At our Masses for All Saints Day, for example, about half the people present weren’t our parishioners, but our neighbors. That tells me that what’s important about our celebrations is that we gather for Eucharist. Maybe in our own buil...

Pastor's Corner: November 5

Posted on November 05, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: November 5

No one needs to tell us we need priests. More priests. We know what Christians said from the beginning: No Church without Eucharist, no Eucharist without priests. But, as I learned when I went to our annual Priest’s Convocation a few weeks ago, sometimes we need to be told that we—the Church, after all—need to do some work if we’re to have the priests (and the religious sisters and brothers) we need. We need to pray for vocations (one of the few prayer intentions that Christ himself gave us when he taught us “to ask the harvest Master to send w...

Pastor's Corner: October 29

Posted on October 29, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 29

Scary and fun. Journeys into darkness and light. This world and the next. The living and the dead. It’s all part of the three days that bring us from October into November: Halloween, All Saints and All Souls. Let’s not forget to pray these mysterious (in the best, the most sacred, sense of the word) days. We all know how to do Halloween. But, remember what lies behind the costumes, the tricks, and the treats. We’re delving into the dark side so that we can journey to the brilliance of the next day—All Saints. All Saints Day we celebrate and ask the ...

Pastor's Corner: October 22

Posted on October 23, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 22

Last week I gave you a glimpse of a couple of upcoming events. One of them—the one happening this week— may require a little more explanation. I’m talking about the 40 Hours Devotion. Some of you have asked: Just what is this? Why are we doing this now? First, 40 Hours Devotion consists of a few days (usually three—the “40 hours” more or less corresponds to the time Christ’s body was in the tomb) of Eucharistic Adoration. After morning Mass the host is placed in the monstrance. People are encouraged to visit the church for quiet pra...

Pastor's Corner: October 15

Posted on October 17, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 15

“Something old, something new…” So began the old adage about what a bride should have on her person on her wedding day. As a Church we’re looking at some new and old things these coming weeks. First, a reminder that today at St. Boniface we begin a new approach to how we come to the altar for communion. Let’s be patient with each other. Try to remember which way we’re supposed to go. Remember why we opted for this change: to offer a more reverent way for all of us to receive the Lord’s Body and Blood. Secondly, the Williamspo...

Pastor's Corner: October 8

Posted on October 09, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 8

When the American Bishops invited us to a Eucharistic Revival, they wanted us to experience more than words or ideas. Yes, we can talk about the right theology. We can remember what our second-grade catechists told us about bread that becomes Body, and wine that changes into Blood. They wanted us to reflect on how we pray this mystery, and how we celebrate our Eucharist. Next weekend we’ll start to see some changes— largely at St. Boniface Masses—in the way we come to communion. You’ll see a map for those changes in this week's bulletin. We...

Pastor's Corner: October 1

Posted on October 01, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 1

Today, Respect Life Sunday reminds us each year of our deeply held Catholic belief that all life, from conception until natural death, matters. This year the Bishop’s Conference has chosen to focus on St. Joseph as “the protector of life.” I was particularly moved by a series of images on their website, pictures of Joseph as one who protects life. First, Joseph dreams about Mary’s unexpected and complicated pregnancy. Next, Joseph knocks on doors in Bethlehem looking for somewhere to stay. Then, Joseph with Mary and her newborn Son. Finally, Jos...

Pastor's Corner: September 24

Posted on September 24, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 24

I’ve already written the check. Yes, I’ve already written my check to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Why? To stop the flow of repeated letters inviting my donation? To help my parish communities reach their goal earlier? Well, in part, yes. But, it’s more about gratitude. I’m grateful for the education I was given in my seminary. I didn’t pay for that—you, the Church, did! And I thank you! I’m grateful that this Diocese continues to support seminarians—like Andrew—ensuring that we will have priests and Eucharist into our fu...

Pastor's Corner: September 17

Posted on September 17, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 17

Middle of September: our time to gear up our Christian formation programs. PREP for our school students. High school group for the older kids. Adult programs all over the schedule—Monday evenings with The Chosen, Sunday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, and evenings (Check the bulletin for details about each offering!). We’ve made a commitment to helping people of all ages to learn their faith and to grow in appreciation of the sacred scripture and our Catholic tradition. But, if all we did were learn, we’d fall drastically short. Think of the two disciples ...

Pastor's Corner: September 10

Posted on September 10, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 10

If you work, live, or worship near St. Boniface Church, you’re used to our bells. They’re a prominent part of the landscape on Washington Boulevard. We hear them ringing the quarter hours for the best portion of each day. Lately, you might have noticed a difference. Too many peals, you may have thought, for the normal time-telling task. Perhaps something’s gone wrong with those familiar bells. But, no! We’ve reintroduced—and it’s largely our seminarian’s persistent follow-through that made this happen—the Angelus. Three set...

Pastor's Corner: September 3

Posted on September 05, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 3

By now, most of us have seen the tweaks to the Mass schedule. A 5:45 p.m. Mass on Saturday evenings. No longer an 8 a.m. Mass on Wednesday mornings. I know those changes may make people unhappy or annoyed. But, know that they were made very carefully, with serious input from the Liturgy Committee and Parish Pastoral Council. Many factors had to be taken into consideration including the balance between our two parishes, the limits on how many Masses a priest can celebrate each day, pieces of my schedule beyond parish control (and beyond my control!), and the availabilit...

Pastor's Corner: August 20

Posted on August 20, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: August 20

Maybe you heard the voices of young people in Lisbon chanting “todos, todos, todos” to Pope Francis’ cry that all should be welcome in Christ’s Church. Certainly, you’ve joined in singing the refrain “All are welcome in this place,” and I’d like to think that at least some of us remember the call that this Diocese made over 30 years to become “The Welcoming Church.” Welcoming people takes any number of forms. When the church crowds, we move over so someone else can have a seat. When a visitor asks the way to the...

Pastor's Corner: August 13

Posted on August 13, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: August 13

Have you ever listened carefully to the first words of the baptismal ceremony? The priest or deacon says to the parents and godparents: “The Church shares your happiness at the birth of your child….This community rejoices with you….We offer you our support in raising your child in the practice of the faith.” Have you looked around the room and wondered “Where is this ‘Church’ the priest is talking about? Where is this ‘rejoicing community’? Who is the ‘we’ who promises such support? Usually at a bap...

Pastor's Corner: August 6

Posted on August 06, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: August 6

Two weeks ago I talked about change. In particular, I talked about the changes our parishes face as we transition into being a one-priest linkage. Today I’m not offering answers or solutions. Today I want to make note of the areas that will (or will not) surface as places for change. Closing buildings. Two weeks ago you read my words on a weekend. By Monday it came back to me that some folks thought the changes involved included closing buildings. Not true! Closing one of our buildings won’t save a priest. Closing one of our buildings won’t balance the ...

Pastor's Corner: July 23

Posted on July 22, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: July 23

You might have noticed as we read through St. Matthew’s gospel that this evangelist loved to collect and organize his material. Where John might have alternated miracles with teaching, while Mark might have pushed forward quickly with the story’s action, Matthew groups things—especially Jesus’ teaching—according to genre or theme. For example, just before Lent began, Matthew gave us a lengthy Sermon on the Mount—an ordered collection of teaching about forgiveness and anger, marriage and sex, prayer, and repentance. Right now at Sunday ...

Pastor's Corner: A Message from Father Bob

Posted on July 16, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: A Message from Father Bob

Shortly after Fr. Bill was appointed Pastor, I came to visit him. Having never been to Williamsport, I was treated to the grand tour and was wined & dined. During that visit, we discussed the possibility of my coming here to assist him. The rest is history! I must say any apprehension on my part was quickly diminished by your bright smiles, kind words, and extended hands of friendship. But, as the scripture tells us, “for everything there is a season.” The time has come for me to reluctantly take my leave and start the next adventure in my life. My last d...

Pastor’s Corner: July 9

Posted on July 09, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor’s Corner: July 9

A few weeks ago now we celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi. As part of that celebration we invited you to an afternoon of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. One of the sacred hosts consecrated at 10:30 a.m. Mass was placed in the monstrance in the middle of the altar. We closed with Evening Prayer—a collection of psalms and scripture leading to the community’s singing Mary’s Magnificat.” That liturgy ended with Benediction—when the priest blesses the congregation, not with his own hands, but with the Sacrament, the Real Presence of Chr...

Pastor's Corner: July 2

Posted on July 01, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: July 2

I know we’ve bounced the words “Eucharistic Revival” around. They’ve been part of our invitations to Lenten Holy Hours and Corpus Christi adoration. They’ve formed our decisions about adult faith formation themes. And they’ll shape some of our preaching, prayer, and bulletin-writing over the next year or so. But, why Eucharistic Revival? Why those words? Why now, why this particular moment in our Church’s history? Recently a national survey retrieved some distressing responses. Something like 2/3 of Americans who identify as C...

Pastor's Corner: June 25

Posted on June 25, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 25

June 25, 1995. Twenty-eight years ago I stood at the altar at St. Boniface Church to offer my first Mass. Some of you—or some of your families—were part of that day. On that afternoon, I had no idea that twenty-eight years later I’d be at the altar again, as your pastor. My ordination invitation began with the words “With joy and gratitude to almighty God…” Twenty-eight years later that pretty much sums it up. How grateful I am for every assignment. How grateful for the moments of joy and sorrow when people welcomed me into their live...

Pastor's Corner: June 11

Posted on June 11, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 11

Long before Corpus Christi was a city in Texas, it was a feast in the Catholic Church. Corpus Christi (technically Corpus et Sanguinis Christi) is the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. One thing this day has never been: the feast of the bread and the wine. The whole point of what we do at Mass is to ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Miraculous, mysterious, but true. But, sadly, many Catholics seem to have lost that truth. Many, if not most, Catholics polled don’t believe it anymore. That shoul...

Pastor's Corner: June 4

Posted on June 04, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 4

As we move through the Church’s year we’re so often reminded that we celebrate “with the Church throughout the world.” Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost—even today, Most Holy Trinity—are times that Catholics, wherever they are, hear the same words, offer the same prayers, and celebrate the same mighty works of God. But, the Church also gives great feast days for the local community—the patronal feast and the feast of the local Church’s dedication. Tomorrow is one of those days: the feast of St. Boniface. We celebrate it with ...

Pastor's Corner: May 28

Posted on May 28, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 28

This Tuesday we’ll welcome a seminarian, Andrew McCarroll, to St. Boniface and St. Lawrence Parishes. He will be here for a “pastoral year.” I know it’s been some time since our parishes hosted a seminarian for a summer or winter assignment. I suspect it’s been since never that we’ve had someone here for the duration of a year. So, let me give you some sense of what this experience means. Andrew, a native of Lehman (at the upper end of Route 118) and a son of St. Aloysius Parish in Wilkes-Barre, has just finished his third year in graduat...

Pastor's Corner: May 21

Posted on May 20, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 21

Most mornings I read the news from the New York Times on my phone. Many mornings I’ll take a stab at the games the NYT provides—the crossword, the sodoku, the spelling bee. That last game invites us to create words from a limited number of letters: the more letters, the more points. But, sometimes I put in a legitimate word and it gets rejected—either because it’s a foreign word, a proper name, or just one that the game designers don’t know. Two examples: “cenacle” and “novena.” Real words. Actual words that play into th...

Pastor's Corner: April 30

Posted on May 01, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: April 30

Some years ago, I celebrated a Mass—probably during Catholic Schools Week—where a high school student gave a talk about his experience of Catholic education. He had clearly prepared well. He was convincingly excited about his Catholic faith. But, I was a little surprised what people said—and didn’t say—as they talked to him after Mass. I heard: “You speak well—you should be a teacher,” “—you should be a lawyer,” “—you should be in politics.” What I didn’t hear: “You could be a pr...

Pastor's Corner: April 23

Posted on April 24, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: April 23

Something’s puzzled me over the past several months. The summer Mass schedule change. I wasn’t clear on why we have it. We’re not resort communities that fill with worshippers for summer getaways or winter ski trips. We’re not cancelling a Mass because few people attend in the summer; we’re just moving them closer together. Why, I ask? I’ve heard all sorts of answers—mostly about people other than the folks I’ve asked. Summer Mass schedule is for the priests, for the musicians, for families with children, for golfers, etc. So,...

Pastor's Corner: April 9

Posted on April 10, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: April 9

Easter cards are a funny thing. Most of them are about rabbits and eggs—often with all sorts of puns and jokes involved. A few, carefully placed in the part of the rack identified as “religious”, show a cross or a picture of Jesus. I can deal with all of those. But, I’m wary of the ones that wish us “Happy Easter, Happy Spring!” As if those two things are the same. They’re not. Spring comes as just one more season, repeating itself over and over. As soon as it arrives, it leads to another summer, another fall, another winter. But, E...

Pastor's Corner: March 12

Posted on March 12, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 12

At Mass sometimes the priest has the option of saying things “in these or similar words.” Many times, no such option is offered— “This is my Body” has to be “This is my Body,” after all. We don’t always think of these sorts of options for the lay faithful, do we? There’s no “in these or similar words” option for the Sanctus or the Lamb of God. Parents with babies to be baptized and couples coming to be married have to say “I do!” to the questions. But, there is one place where all of us— lay...

Pastor's Corner: March 5

Posted on March 05, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 5

A few years back, we received a new English translation of the Mass. We’ve grown used to “and with your spirit” rather than “and also with you.” So, of course, it’s time for the Church to launch a new English translation for another sacrament: Reconciliation. When you come to confession this Lent and beyond you may notice—and, admittedly, the change is so small you can miss this—two small changes in the priest’s words. Now we tell you that the Father has “poured out” the Spirit and that the Church promises th...

Pastor's Corner: February 26

Posted on February 26, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 26

40 days Jesus stays in the desert, keeping a fast. What does it mean to fast? How would we explain this to someone outside the faith? Many times, we’ve had to explain those ashes on our foreheads to someone else at school or the workplace. Many times, people have wondered why we skip the meat we’d like to opt for the fish on a Friday night. Sometimes we compare a fast to a diet. But, there’s a difference. Dieting is pretty much about us—our health, our self-image, the way we’d like to others to see us. But, fasting tells us to give up something...

Lent

Pastor's Corner: February 12

Posted on February 12, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 12

Oddly, our COVID times offered some moments of grace and growth. We were encouraged to leave our churches open for part of the day—particularly in light of our inability to welcome crowds back to public worship. Many of our parishes have continued to offer our spaces for quiet prayer and meditation. One of the opportunities here in our parishes has been the Monday evening confession time. Because it’s not just about getting to the sacrament of reconciliation, however valuable that may be, during that 5:30 to 7 p.m. time, we place the Blessed Sacrament on the alt...

Pastor's Corner: February 5

Posted on February 05, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 5

Do you realize we’re only 2 ½ weeks away from the beginning of Lent? Yes, Ash Wednesday approaches on February 22 this year. While I know that we often see Lent as a serious time for fasting and penance and prayer, Lent also invites us to prepare for Easter, to embrace a spiritual springtime along with the temporal springtime. Let’s think about how we’ll keep this Lent. This week I’d particularly invite families to consider how we lead our children along the pathways of Lent. Try to bring Lent into the home. We’re not just Catholic ...

Pastor's Corner: January 29

Posted on January 29, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 29

A budget inserted presented in the fall. A five-year trend report published in January. Now "Faith in the Present, Hope for the Future". Isn’t this a lot of talk about money? Isn’t this the kind of thing that makes people say the Catholic Church only cares about the money? Yes, sometimes—certainly not always—we talk about money. But, that’s because you—the Church, the People of God—have a right to financial transparency. What if we didn’t talk about money at all? What if we let a deficit grow? Or what if we hid a dow...

Pastor's Corner: January 22

Posted on January 22, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 22

Our parish pastoral council responds to a series of listening sessions with plans to invite parishioners to get more involved in the volunteer life of the parishes. The Diocese requires our parishes—and, in fact, all parishes—to offer transparent financial reports on a regular basis. Our Sunday gospels tell the story of Jesus proclaiming the gospel and recruiting disciples. Are these merely random events? Or can we see a convergence here? I certainly hope we can! Jesus calls us to a mission—proclaiming the kingdom of God to our world. That mission needs pe...

Pastor's Corner: January 15

Posted on January 15, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 15

Since the beginning of Advent the Sunday gospels have come from St. Matthew. That’ll continue to be the pattern—with a rather long interruption from St. John during Lent and Easter—up until the end of November. What should we look for from Matthew’s gospel? What would a one-time tax collector write about Jesus, his unexpected Savior? First, Matthew tells the most Jewish story of all the gospels. Now, all the evangelists write a narrative of the Jewish Messiah and his Jewish disciples. But, Matthew seems to take a particular care to show the continuit...

Pastor's Corner: January 8

Posted on January 07, 2023 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 8

I know the print’s small, the numbers might be hard to read, and those financial pages in the bulletin don’t always offer exciting news: but, please take a good look at those financial trend reports. In light of Vision 2030, the Diocese wants us all—priests, parish leadership, the whole community—to be aware of the graces and challenges of being a parish today. Here you see the figures that talk about one piece of parish life—the money we’re given and the money we spend. All in all, for both St. Lawrence and St. Boniface these report...

Pastor's Corner: January 1

Posted on December 31, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 1

Last Sunday, Christmas, was easy to explain: the Nativity of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Mary. Today’s a little less easy to explain—mostly because we celebrate several things with this feast. Let’s take a look: New Year’s Day. This is really a secular observance. But, note the blessings from today’s first reading and psalm. Aren’t we calling God’s blessing, his grace and favor, on this particular moment in time? As we wait for those blessings, don’t we commit ourselves to using them well? Christmas Octave. While...

Pastor's Corner: December 25

Posted on December 25, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 25

If you come to Mass with all the magic of childhood in your hearts and minds, come to see the greater wonder of God’s gift in Jesus Christ. If you’ve spent these past Advent weeks, praying and reflecting, come to adore your promised Lord and Messiah. If this year the shadows of grief and loss have fallen upon you, come to seek the true Light, which the darkness cannot overcome. If it’s been a while since you’ve worshipped with us, know that you’re welcome in the name of the Christ Child whose parents sought refuge on that first Christmas night....

Pastor's Corner: December 18

Posted on December 18, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 18

This weekend I’ve been here four months. As a new pastor, I’m often asked—and I often ask myself—if there’s anything I’d like to change. And, I’ll admit it: I’ve changed some things. I’ve added a Mass. I’ve moved confessions times. I’ve encouraged new ventures. I’ve asked why we’ve done some things the way we’ve done them. But, there’s one thing I’d never want to change in these two parishes. The one thing I’d never want to change is your willingness to step forward and do ...

Pastor's Corner: December 11

Posted on December 11, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 11

We’ve made it to Advent’s halfway point. That’s the message behind the rose vestments on the priest and the rose candle on the Advent wreath. We come to a Sunday where the season’s dark color lightens. We hear that Sunday summon us to rejoice in these passing days that have brought us closer to Christmas. But, at the same time, this reminder of time’s passing may jolt us into wondering what we’ve been doing with our Advent? Have we prayed more deeply? Have we been more generous in the works of charity and justice? Have we taken account of...

Pastor's Corner: December 4

Posted on December 04, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 4

First, some congratulations to a few of our neighbors. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Bishop Bambera ordained several men as permanent deacons, among them Deacon John Bubb from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, and Deacon Matthew Eisley from Immaculate Conception and St. Luke’s Parishes. We thank them for their willingness to say “yes” to God’s call to serve his people in our area. Also, congratulations later this week to the Sisters of Christian Charity (SCCS). Thursday, December 8 is the holyday, the Immaculate Conception of Mary— patro...

Pastor's Corner: November 27

Posted on November 27, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: November 27

As we hear in today’s scripture readings, Advent means some serious business. Transitioning weapons of war into life-giving agricultural implements? Waking up in the darkness when we’d rather fall back to sleep? Being ready to face that last judgment before the eyes of Christ who knows the depths of our hearts—what we’ve done and what we’ve failed to do? No way around it, preparing for the Lord’s coming will be hard work. Much harder than stringing lights or sending cards. These four Advent weeks—and this year with Christmas on a Su...

Pastor's Corner: November 20

Posted on November 20, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: November 20

A few weeks ago, I talked about listening to you, to your voices. But, we’re also called to listen to the silent moments. One of those silent moments happens around 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoons at St. Boniface. Confession time. The Saturdays I’ve been in that room, sometimes I’m alone for the whole time. Sometimes one, three, maybe four people come to the sacrament. What does that silence tell me? Not that sin has disappeared. Nor that God’s mercy has run out. It tells me we’re in that room at the wrong time. Some years ago, when this Diocese ...

Confession

Pastor's Corner: November 13

Posted on November 13, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: November 13

We’ve asked you to save the date. We’ve invited you. We’ve promised light refreshments. We’ve involved parish leadership and ministries to play their parts. But as several people reminded me this past week, I never exactly told you what an installation of a pastor actually is. So here we go: When a bishop entrusts a parish (or parishes, as in our case) to the care of a priest, a legal and ceremonial piece happens. Papers need to be signed. Questions need to be asked. Interested parties need to be introduced to each other. This process involves t...

Pastor's Corner: November 6

Posted on November 06, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: November 6

We asked you what you thought. You told us. Now it’s our turn to respond. In the spring, many of you participated in the Synodality conversation—listening sessions here in the parish, surveys on the diocesan level. The reports of those conversations—on parish, diocesan, national levels—are coming back. Some items have risen to the surface on every level. You’ve told us that you wanted to know what your Church teaches. You’ve told us you wanted your children and grandchildren—and not just the little kids, but those moving through you...

Pastor's Corner: October 30

Posted on October 30, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 30

This week brings us some great feast days. First, on Tuesday, we celebrate All Saints’ Day— a holy day of obligation when we look with joy and hope to those holy women and men who help us by their prayers and examples on our Christian journey. Please make the time to join us for Mass that day. On Wednesday we follow quickly with All Souls’ Day—the day we pray for our dead, asking God to help them on their next world journey into the company of the saints. This year we return to very special music for the 7 p.m. All Souls Day Mass—the Mozart ...

Pastor's Corner: October 23

Posted on October 23, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 23

I know, I know. There was a tech glitch last weekend and maybe you didn’t get to see the Diocesan Annual Appeal video at your Mass! But, all is not lost. You can still view that video. You can see faces from your parishes. You can hear voices of people you know. Most importantly, you can view the impact of the Appeal on the hungry in our own community. Go to the diocesan website: dioceseofscranton.org (If you’re not tech savvy, find a young person to help.) When the site opens, click on the Diocesan Annual Appeal picture (it’s front and center these days)....

Annual Appeal

Pastor's Corner: October 16

Posted on October 17, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 16

At Sunday Mass we hear the four gospels proclaimed over a period of three years—one year Matthew, the next Mark, the final year Luke, with John proclaimed in Lent and Easter time. This year we’ve heard from Luke’s gospel. Each evangelist had his own approach to Jesus’ story. Yes, they all followed the pattern of his life, death and resurrection. Yes, they told some of the same accounts with very similar words. But, each of them—as a true author with particular talents and interests—wrote with a slant. In Luke we can pull out some special ...

Pastor's Corner: October 9

Posted on October 09, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 9

Let me tell you why I give to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Of course, I’m impressed by the many ministries supported by the Appeal: service to the poor, Catholic education for our young people, support to parishes in creating leadership and service teams. I’m aware that these supports do come into our local community—something you’ll see when you look at this year’s Appeal video. But, I also give because I’ve received. I didn’t have to pay to be trained to be a priest. I didn’t have to pay for that graduate school education. Th...

Annual Appeal

Pastor's Corner: October 2

Posted on October 02, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: October 2

No, I’m not stranded in Portugal. I’m not being held a hostage by customs officials in the Philippines. I don’t have elderly relatives who need emergency surgery in Kenya. I haven’t just met a dying hospital patient who desperately needs to shop on Amazon. I have never asked—and never will—for anyone to send me gift cards to deal with the above situations. If you receive an email “from” me and it makes that kind of request, you’re being scammed. Don’t respond. Just delete the email. Sadly, churches are at particula...

Pastor's Corner: September 4

Posted on September 04, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: September 4

Now that it’s Labor Day weekend, let me talk about some of the work I do. You might have noticed in the official announcement of my appointment as your pastor, that I would continue as Episcopal Vicar for this Western Region of the Diocese. What’s that about? Frankly, it means I have another job! The Diocese pays part of my salary because I do that other job— good news to you. But, it means that sometimes I need to represent the Bishop to install a pastor (like last Sunday when I installed Fr. Carpenter at Resurrection) or help with the complicated busines...

Pastor's Corner: August 28

Posted on August 28, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: August 28

Thank you all for your warm welcome as I’ve moved into St. Boniface and St. Lawrence Parishes. I’m feeling quite at home already. Some folks have asked about what things I might change and I often quip back, “Don’t ask and I’ll probably let it alone!” But, I know I crashed into Sunday Masses with a quick change from Apostles’ Creed to Nicene Creed. Both professions of faith reflect our Catholic faith. I opt for the Nicene because I know it (and I sometimes think I’m too old to learn the newest translation of the Apos...

Pastor's Corner: August 21

Posted on August 22, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: August 21

Time to move? Looking to change? Seeking out new challenges? A few months ago, those ideas weren’t in my head. I was content to be where I was, doing what I was doing. But, the Bishop had other ideas. And so, did the gospel: All summer long the message was clear—travel lightly, take nothing for the journey, don’t let possessions possess you! So here I am, happy to be pastor of St. Boniface and St. Lawrence parishes, happy to continue the journey to which Christ calls us all. Let’s all allow the gospel to challenge and change us. ~Fr. Glenn McCreary

Pastor's Corner: June 5

Posted on June 05, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: June 5

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointment: Reverend Robert J. Antonelli, from Senior Priest, St. Boniface Parish, Williamsport and St. Lawrence Parish, South Williamsport, to Administrator pro tem, St. Boniface Parish, Williamsport and St. Lawrence Parish, South Williamsport, effective May 31, 2022.

Pastor's Corner: May 29

Posted on June 01, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 29

Thanks for all the cards and gifts. You have been too kind. But most of all, I need to thank you for allowing me into your lives despite being a New Englander. Some of you are shouldering massive burdens that you shared with me. Gratefully, there are also marvelous examples of faith here too. With that strength, you have moved our parishes forward. We have achieved much by spreading responsibility for ministries and creating new ones. Sadly, priests come and go. But this is your Catholic community. You can chart its direction and its success. Peace!

Pastor's Corner: May 22

Posted on May 24, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 22

The older I get and the longer I am a priest, the more I sense the primary need for kindness. So often I have discovered much later the real facts or motivations behind peoples' actions. That placed things in a new light. As I grow in my faith and also mature, I get better at that. Forgive me if I have ever pre-judged, or snapped or not paid attention. Mea culpa! I can only hope that despite my flaws I have served you well with devotion, creativity and most of all...faith in Jesus Christ.

Pastor's Corner: May 15

Posted on May 14, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 15

In the Psalms and the Gospels, it mentions how people of faith "go up to Jerusalem". It’s a term that captures ascending spiritually to the city of God. But it also covers the geography because it rests on a high mount. We literally need to travel uphill to reach Jerusalem from Tel Aviv airport or the Jordan River valley on the other side. Pray for us as we walk the path of Christ and gradually rise up to new levels of faith as we do so. When we return, parishioners will be on fire with an image of Jesus that is no longer black & white, but technicolor. ...

Pastor's Corner: May 8

Posted on May 08, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 8

I may sound obsessed about Parish Council lately but it’s so necessary. There are 4 vacancies. We need people who can think "big picture" and plan ahead for a growth in ministries that don't require a priest's attention. More than ever, these are your parishes. Who understands how boards of directors work? They don't create the bake sale or dinner, they recruit the people who will run those events on a long-term basis. Our parishes need to chart a course not based on Fr. Bill's direction, but on what was clearly expressed in the Synod Listeni...

Pastor's Corner: May 1

Posted on April 30, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: May 1

On Saturday, May 7, several children will receive their First Holy Communion. In the subsequent weeks as they become more relaxed, they will absorb the attitude they see from us as we receive. Do they see reverence as we take the Body of Christ in our hands? Are we prayerful after returning to our seats? Do they see us at church with regularity? Adult behavior often sets the bar for children. As we sing, pray, and genuflect, they watch. Meanwhile, we pray for them.

Pastor's Corner: April 24

Posted on April 23, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: April 24

The Feast of (John) Mark the Evangelist is on Monday. He was a cousin of Barnabas. While he traveled with Paul, he seemed closest to Peter. His audience was Gentile Christians when he wrote about 30 years after the death of Jesus. Although this is the shortest gospel, it’s also more detailed and less theological. His main theme is to proclaim the Good News that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.

Pastor's Corner: Palm Sunday

Posted on April 10, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: Palm Sunday

It’s interesting that the entire last chapter of Luke's Gospel seems dedicated to re-assuring the early Christians by using the example of the disciples immediately after the shock of the Crucifixion. Through the Road to Emmaus and the Appearance in Jerusalem, Luke reminds them that Christ is in their presence even though they don't feel that. It was meant as a spiritual boost as they adjusted to the ups and downs of the first years of the Church. He reminds them that they did great things and will continue to do so because they are guided by the Holy Spirit. ...

Pastor's Corner: March 27

Posted on March 27, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 27

Gethsemane is central to our faith. In Aramaic it means "olive press" for obvious reasons. On the outskirts of the city Jerusalem, it was easy escape there for a respite. It’s one part of the Mount of Olives where ancient olive trees still flourish and cool the air as people calm their souls from urban noise. Jesus was no different. It would have reminded him of Nazareth and even the Mt of Beatitudes. Create that quiet image in your mind as you try to pray in the last weeks of Lent.

Pastor's Corner: March 20

Posted on March 20, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 20

Do you want to fast this Lent? In the words of Pope Francis: Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and trust in God. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others. Fast from grudges and be reconciled. Fast from words and be silent so you ca...

Pastor's Corner: March 13

Posted on March 12, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: March 13

St. Patrick didn't wear green nor was he the genial sort that bought drinks for the entire pub. Instead he inspired a generation of people with the liberating message of Jesus. Using the beauty of nature and the gentleness of the Good Shepherd, he converted them from the arbitrary whims of gods who needed to be placated by animal sacrifices conducted by elite Druid priests. Sadly, in the last century, the Church became what it preached against and the people left. Now the simplicity of St. Patrick (Thursday, March 17) is in resurgence in Celtic spirituality. May it rest...

Pastor’s Corner: March 6

Posted on March 06, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor’s Corner: March 6

Stalin, the butcher of Russia, was a voracious reader. Apparently his library impressed everyone. We should never fool ourselves that we can educate ourselves into being moral people. The inclination to sin is part of the human condition. All of us can be selfish, petty, and violent in various ways. Lent is a suitable reminder of that human frailty. Better yet, it’s a corrective time because of the mercy and forgiveness of the Good Sheperd.

Pastor's Corner: February 27

Posted on February 27, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 27

The past weeks have brought from Chancery a booklet (distributed at Masses and bulletin announcements) regarding a more rapid implementation of Vision 2030 which would include closing and linking of more parishes. Williamsport was in that mix. Now this has been delayed and Chancery has asked all priests to Scranton for a meeting on March 10. When I know, you will be kept updated. Meanwhile, pray for our leaders and priests. These are stressful times.

Pastor's Corner: February 20

Posted on February 20, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 20

I think one of Monsignor's favorite concerns was to warn us against settling for "conventional religiosity". God's plan of our reconciliation didn't entail another religion but a movement steeped in a relationship with Jesus. So, as Church structures change and parishes are retired, it’s worthwhile to remember that our faith is in Jesus Christ. The Lord is our rock and our salvation! This is nothing new. But often our spiritual lives need a gentle reboot with eternal truths.

Pastor's Corner: February 13

Posted on February 12, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 13

There are so many of your smiling faces that we are missing around the table of the Lord. As the sun begins to remain with us longer and COVID cases diminish, we start thinking of your return. It’s not the same for you and definitely not for us, without you. We will continue to stream the 10:30 a.m. Mass through Easter, but thereafter, we will be stopping except for special events like First Communion or Confirmation. So let's start thinking it that direction. Our prayer and sense of the Body of Christ is much stronger...together.

Pastor's Corner: February 6

Posted on February 06, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: February 6

I'm not the best with plants. Often, I get busy and forget simple things like water or a bit of fertilizer. The result is predictable. Apply that lesson to your own spiritual life. Our soul and relationship with Jesus Christ requires regular TLC. During these cold, dark and interminable long days before Lent, feed yourself. Pick up a free copy of the Word Among Us booklet. Pull something out of the Lending Libraries. Watch a short video on FORMED. Deliver a meal or baked good to someone who is alone on your street. The institutions that normally feed us...

Pastor's Corner: January 30

Posted on January 30, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 30

“Last Rites" conjures up lots of imagery but usually dramatic ones from movies. In reality, we restored it to its original purpose based on James 5:14 and called it "Sacrament of the Sick". The sacrament is meant to seek physical and spiritual healing. I've received it three times for serious surgeries. But during COVID, a rash of them were requested as families worked themselves into frenzies, treating this as the card into heaven or a requirement of the Church. Please, understand that no ceremony, no prayer, can guarantee anyone's en...

Pastor's Corner: January 23

Posted on January 23, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 23

If the Lord loves a cheerful giver, He must love you. These past few months have stunned me with your thoughtfulness. It started with the supplies for the Baby Shower, then, extended to contributions for various needs or children in the area. On top of that, you have helped us succeed with the Annual Appeal and kept both parishes in the black despite limited attendance. Some of that stems from your recognition that regardless of everything, you are blessed and many are struggling. Simultaneously, grateful and generous. May that give you some peace.

Pastor's Corner: January 16

Posted on January 15, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 16

From 1960-63, my family lived in South Carolina. As the civil rights movement started to peak, local whites often associated it with JFK and Catholics. Being Catholic and from Massachusetts didn't help my parent’s popularity. And yet, we were not prophets. Black Catholics in our town were allowed to attend the "white" parish but only if they sat in the back. Thankfully, society has come a long way. But as we remember MLK, we still have far to go.

Pastor's Corner: January 9

Posted on January 10, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 9

In 1985, our two parishes baptized 95 children. In 2021 we baptized only 9. That says a lot about the size of families but it also signals less people participating in the faith. And yet, when conducted during Mass, baptisms bring such joy and life to the parish. What will bring new energy to our community if there is no one to carry on in the future? Sometimes we get overly focused on the scarcity of priests and their age (Fr. Bob 72, me approaching 70). But look closer to home. Who are our servers, musicians and volunteers? The future is here.

Pastor's Corner: January 2

Posted on January 02, 2022 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: January 2

The Arabs have a way of saying "Happy New Year" that stresses: "May you be well and at peace." Based on recent history, maybe their lower expectations are more realistic. Not knowing what we face in 2022, let's hope we do so with the inner peace that comes from our connection with Christ. Happy-ness can be fleeting but peace remains. May our prayer together elevate and restore you. May it carry you through the week. May it give you a reason to return to the altar. Despite everything around us, may Jesus be the Alpha & Omega that sustains.

Pastor's Corner: December 26

Posted on December 26, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: December 26

And yet again, you have been incredibly generous to me & Fr. Bob but also to the families who are struggling this winter. That's exactly what we are striving to become...the sheep rather than the goats. The "givers" rather than the "takers". The ones who understood Jesus in MT 25:31 are those who create the peace-able kingdom. In the process, we feel much better about ourselves. And we show society... there is another way of living.

Pastor's Corner: Fourth Week of Advent

Posted on December 19, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: Fourth Week of Advent

Some people cringe when they see the word "Xmas". But there is really no reason. The early Christians were mainly Greek speaking. When they were persecuted, they would abbreviate some correspondence. So, they used their letter P to represent Jesus and X to represent Christ. Even now you see some vestments or religious art that superimposes the X over the P to stand for Jesus Christ. Some non-Catholic preachers with little sense of Christian history have distorted our background. Whichever way you spell it, give glory to God.

Pastor's Corner: Third Week of Advent

Posted on December 12, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: Third Week of Advent

The early Church was very ready to recognize the inspirational people among them, especially women. Lucy (Lucia) of Sicily was one who stood out for her uncomplicated faith in Jesus and his way of life. When a jilted suitor sought revenge for being rejected, he revealed that she was a Christian, a criminal offense at that time. If you were accused of being a follower of Jesus...would they find enough evidence to convict you?

Pastor's Corner: Second Week of Advent

Posted on December 07, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: Second Week of Advent

One of the most positive ways to protect life is to support pregnant women who for lack of support might have had an abortion. What the Social Concerns Committee has done, collecting diapers, lotions, and baby food for our "Baby Shower" helps us serve others and honor the arrival of the Christ child in concrete ways. Jesus, Mary and Joseph had nothing...but hope that others would come forward.

Pastor's Corner: First Week of Advent

Posted on November 29, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: First Week of Advent

When travelling somewhere on vacation, some of the best times are the weeks before when I'm researching things to do and places to see. The preparation can be exciting and joyous as I contemplate what could be. In a year of sadness, sickness and struggle, we are all eager to experience the joy and innocence of Christmas. The smiles of children and the selflessness of adults is refreshing. It's all sparked by God who is deliberately reaching out to us and asking us to do the same to each other. Advent asks us to restrain our impulses and use that energy to b...

Pastor's Corner: Nov. 20-21

Posted on November 21, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: Nov. 20-21

We are told that 3 features normally attract people to a parish that is above average: Homilies, Music and Community. Our music is one of the strongest characteristics. Dedicated teams learn new hymns and elevate our spirits and simultaneously, praise our God on High. Their ministry is something we should always support. On Monday, November 22, we remember the teenage woman Cecilia of Rome who was killed for her faith and sang to her death. St. Cecilia, patron of music, pray for us.

Pastor's Corner: Nov. 13-14

Posted on November 15, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner: Nov. 13-14

Nov. 21st, Bible Sunday, is meant to promote its use among all Catholics. We have advanced a great deal since my youth when it was not encouraged. Vatican II urged ownership and reading of God's Word on all of us. We donate youth Bibles to all of our 7th graders as they start for Confirmation. Everyone in the Spanish speaking ministry is given a Bible en Espanol. This is worth more than any book of prayers or writings of the saints. This is the Holy Spirit trying to reach us. We have free Bibles in the rectory for anyone!

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 02, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

August 1 - Some people asked me if my last homily about excluding people was focused on politicians. No, I'm not concerned about them. They can protect themselves. I'm more worried about the vigilantes coming after you and priests. Where do you draw the line as you judge who is worthy and who is unworthy? Do we exclude those who are not married formally in the church? or those who fail to accept all teachings? or those whose lives are on the fringe? Let's allow people the time to grow, and leave the judging to Christ.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 21, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

- July 14th is the memorial of St Kateri Tekakwitha, a woman of the Algonquin tribe who became a Catholic. She suffered huge discrimination from whites and natives alike. I thought of her as we literally unearth hundreds of graves of native children who were removed from their parents and placed in govt/religious institutions (many Catholic) for reeducation. Many died of tuberculosis far from family and were forgotten. As we discover the extent of that system in more investigations, we will be shocked and rightly disgusted. But the best response would be more support for Na...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 11, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

July 11 - Now that we can sing in church, the joy is obvious. You raised your voices beautifully last week. While many of our musicians are on vacation, we can "pray twice" as we lift our voices in song. The second step is to remind neighbors and friends that we miss them. This is the time to return to the Lord. Mass on a screen doesn't equal what we have in person. The happiness was palpable especially as people received the Body of Christ and paused in silent gratitude. We are back!

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 06, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

July 4 - During a tourist trip to Russia, I had a bad experience with two "policemen" who tried to roust me for money. Fellow tourists intervened and they scampered off. But that incident just fed the paranoia that I had regarding the former Soviet Union and everything connected with it. When our flight landed at JFK, I almost imitated Pope John Paul and kissed the tarmac. Despite all our warts, we are blessed. Happy Fourth of July. May our behavior justify this gift of freedom.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on June 28, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

June 27 - Leadership is tough everywhere. People expect a great deal and complain vociferously when it’s not delivered. The Church is no exception. A reporter at the Vatican reflected that being the successor to Peter must be the most arduous job anywhere. All 1.3 billion Catholics have opinions and all are based in their country's faith. Americans want everything immediately and Africans are willing to wait. Pray for Pope Francis on Wednesday the 29th that the Holy Spirit guides and comforts him as we journey together.

Fr. Bill's Pastors Corner

Posted on June 25, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr. Bill's Pastors Corner

June 13th - Now is the time to stop streaming and watching tv. Get outside, exercise, catchup with people and let the sun bake memories of covid out of your head. Plant herbs and eat them. Play with a dog and laugh with a child. This is a season to heal the mind and feed the soul. "I came that you might have life and have it to the fullest". John 10:10

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on June 07, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

June 6 - The center of Catholic and Orthodox prayer life is the Eucharist. Jesus wanted to guarantee that we would never be left to our own devices. Consequently, He allowed us to re-live the Last Supper for 2,000 years with Him in attendance. His Body and Blood transcend symbols of his presence. We proudly proclaim that Christ is alive in the bread and wine. John's Gospel Ch. 6 written maybe 20 years after Matthew, Mark & Luke stresses to early Christians that Christ is truly there on the altar. So, we genuflect and receive Him into our hands with reverence.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on May 24, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

May 23 - So many people are looking for authenticity, energy and consistency from communities of believers. They want to see that our words are matched by actions. The world is sick of hypocrites who hold everyone else to a different standard. At Pentecost, we were armed with gifts and strengths of the Holy Spirit that could enable us to inspire a jaded world. But we must enlist them and with enthusiasm. In this past week, we have been given another chance at life together. Let's make it impressive.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on May 18, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

May 16 - As society and the parishes begin to re-open, I beg you to be gentle with each other. For some it will be too slow and for others, they will flinch when the tape on pews is removed. Especially at church, we should be patient. Also remember that we continue to have many vulnerable people around us. At the very least, most of our children have not been vaccinated. Their parents will be vigilant. So, take a deep breath. After a year of training, our atmosphere of caution will not disappear overnight.

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on May 18, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

May 9 - As I said in my homily last week, we've suffered two years of obstacles to our parish growth. Now we feel a bit freer and sense that life can be exciting in the near future. Let's take that enthusiasm and ask the Holy Spirit to help us harness it. We should try to make up for lost time. Think seriously about what you can do for the parishes. Small efforts by everyone could transform us into a light on the hill. For too long, a few people have been carrying the parishes. Or as business people say about human nature, often 20% of the people do 80% of...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on May 04, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

May 2 - There is joy in the parking lot and in the vestibule of both of our parishes. People are thrilled when they see each other for the first time in months. That's part of the joy of coming to Mass. We see strangers who have become friends and even brothers/sisters. Slowly, the Holy Spirit transforms how we relate to each other as we stand around the table of the Lord. As we piece together our community, let others know of your happiness to see them...even if you don't know their names.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on April 25, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

April 25 - Bono from the rock group U2 noted in the song Every Breaking Wave, "It’s hard to listen when you preach". For obvious reasons, I take that to heart. But so should all of us. Last year, many people talked and yelled and lectured. That drained us, but I'm not sure about its positive effects. This summer especially could be a wonderful time to be more silent and to listen. With families and friends, the quiet could be healing. And I suspect we will learn a great deal about each other.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on April 11, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

April 11 - This week, Jews around the world remember the holocaust (Shoah) of 6 million Jews by the Nazi's. Sadly, genocide of ethnic groups & religions still continues. Catholics & Muslims in China, Orthodox Christians in Azerbaijan, Christians in Iraq are among the most obvious. Shining a spotlight on them is a moral responsibility. Besides the deaths, violence of that magnitude eats the soul of a country. Which is even a consideration for the US in the way we treat our most vulnerable.

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on April 05, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

April 4 - There are many spiritual ways to describe the Resurrection. But maybe this year it’s takes on the additional significance of being a Reset. After months of hibernation, many people are returning to pray around the altar. That alone is reason to rejoice! But we know that we are entering a new phase of our two parishes. Friends have died. Some practices will be retired like passing around collection baskets and at least, delayed sharing of the Precious Blood in a chalice. But we must add new things also... more on-line access, more care to our "home ...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on March 25, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

March 21 - Actions like denying Holy Communion or blessings end up shrinking our community even more quickly. Christ welcomed the Samaritan woman at the well (married 5 times) & the Roman centurion (who conquered Palestine) without feeling a need to condemn and exclude them. We can assert our principles with out shoving people out the door. If we applied litmus tests to everyone, Masses would be much smaller. All of us have parts of our lives that need redemption.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on March 15, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

March 14 - This week some of our younger parishioners were infected. It was a reminder that we are not "normal" yet. But, we can use this time to plan for the future. Currently, we are expanding the Bereavement Ministry beyond funeral receptions to include informal outreach and even a support group. Stay tuned. Our next big project is to expand our Hospitality or Event group that coordinates social events. We've been isolated for too long and need to party! A pool of volunteers who can help for small actions who allow us to become a community again.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on March 07, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

March 7 - In Quebec, some people would curse by saying Tabernac or Hostia! It shocked me to hear the Tabernacle or the Host becoming an invective to shock people with your anger. It makes little sense to swear using something you consider sacred and holy. Imagine using your wife or children's names to cuss at someone. This is an ugly habit that we can break. "Hallowed be thy name" or "Holy be your Name" is something we pray daily. Now we must mean it.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on February 28, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

February 28 - The Twelve Steps of AA are uniquely inspired and useful for all of us. Both steps 8 & 9 urge us to make "amends" for all the injuries and bruises that we have caused in our lives. A healthy Lenten reflection is to list these in our heads and then, try to reach out. None of this is easy. But we need to recognize that we are sinners and we can be healers. Take advantage of this holy season of Lent to repair something.

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on February 21, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

February 21 - Is observance of Lent asking too much this year? They don't get much worse than last year. So, now we crave sunshine and the ability to party with others. But Lent, even at its best, can be depressing. Consequently, this year some of you may be struggling with it. To help, we will accent the liberation and freedom that come from submitting our lives to the Lord. Remember everything in our lives ends up with the Resurrection. "I came that you may have life!" John 10:10

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on February 15, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

February 14 - Looking back, some of what I "gave up" for Lent was silly and had no effect on anyone, especially me. Think about a concrete, disciplined response. No TV at night, instead, time used to read No meat, instead, get creative with simple meals Read 2 books from the Lending Libraries Devote 2 hours weekly to someone elderly in the neighborhood Read 2 books of the New Testament - Subscribe to a Catholic magazine (in lobby) Offer to be an aide for Religious Ed You have 40 days or 6 weeks to improve. Carpe diem!

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on February 09, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

February 7 - You may remember that I'm involved in Muslim dialogue at a national level. A group of us had a first time Zoom meeting last week that was enjoyable and friendly. While we agree on many fronts, we also had an understanding that there will be profound differences on issues like Jesus as God, the Bible as God's Word and the value of the sacraments. But mutual respect, allowed us to note our gaps without having to convince them that they are wrong. I pray that future meetings will be as dignified and yet, honest. It’s said that as a boy Muhammad ...

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 31, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

January 31 - As parishioners get vaccinated, a semblance of normality seems closer. Consequently, we are starting to renew our suspended ministries to the community. We have 25 parishioners who were committed to Sojourners soup kitchen and women's shelter . Several are collecting supplies for the local food pantries. Eight of you assist Family Promise. And the Social Concern team is examining new ministries because the community needs help and we need the impact on us. Think about giving some of your time to those who struggle. Details later ...

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 25, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

January 24 - Normally, January is a welcome pause after the craziness of Christmas shopping and then, endless partying with cookies and other belt busters. This year was a bit slower. But we should still take advantage of the relative quiet. Restore some of the peace in your heart by investing in a spiritual book rather than the TV or adopt an intense physical fitness program. Put your body and mind back in balance to enable your resiliency.

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 17, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

January 17 - We are all exhausted by Breaking News and political wrangling. But as Christians, we can't stop caring, throw up our hands and say "whatever". This week has numerous memorials that highlight injustice and gaps in achieving a just society. Prejudice still flourishes as we remember the birthday of Martin Luther King. Abortions continue among the poorest and most vulnerable women as we mark the Roe v Wade decision. Divisions still separate Christian denominations as we honor years of promoting unity. There is much to do, in addition to pr...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 11, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

January 10 - The vast majority of the US is believers. They accept that a Divine Power exists, created us and oversees basics of life. BUT that doesn't mean that they are Christian. After the ceremony of Baptism that our parents initiated, what did we do? If we didn't receive the Sacraments especially the Body & Blood of Jesus, who are we kidding? If we didn't serve and give to the forgotten in society, who are we trying to fool... the one who sees everything? Our baptism is the start, not the finish.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 03, 2021 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

January 3 - We did it! Survived 2020 with some scars but nevertheless made it. Now let's endeavor to make 2021 truly a New Year. Much of the power is in our hands. It can be more gentle based on how we treat each other. Are our words and thoughts those of healers? Do they mirror Jesus or a political agenda? Do we walk away from gossip? Do we distance ourselves from social media which is often inaccurate? "Blessed are the peacemakers..."

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 28, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

December 27 - The Feast of the Nativity is such a welcome respite in this year of darkness. The cookies, lights and decorations offer a temporary distraction of happiness. But the reminder that God, the Creator of the universe, has made a guest appearance still startles me. Why would the Master of the World lower himself to suffer our pain and anxiety in this crazy world? Simply so that you and I could get to know Him. Zoom has been no replacement for a true face to face. That is Christmas...God comes to us in person.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 20, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

December 20 - The Great Lutheran pastor, who opposed Hitler, left some apt advent thoughts: “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, Living and incarnate.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 14, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

December 13 - During this crisis, I continue to be shocked when darkness arrives at 5pm. That's when the desire for a good hug seems the keenest. The nights are long and devoid of even the company of a parish meeting. Psalm 85:21 has a phrase that is so apt in Advent as we dream of better times. "Mercy and truth have embraced; righteousness and peace have kissed each other". This is the intimate hope for a world renewed when that baby arrives and stirs our hope. I find myself often staring at the delicate lights of the Christmas tree, meditating on Jesus ...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 06, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

December 6 - This monk looks at our world and posts an insightful reflection: We are always in crisis, we know no peace. That’s a characteristic of our time. Crisis is the new normal. It’s almost becoming boring – what’s the latest crisis? The media of course works it up, but it’s the mentality of our time. It’s partly caused by the fact that the rate of change is accelerating and we don’t know how to keep up with it, and we can’t control it. So, there is a real crisis. But there is no human generated crisis that we cannot ...

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on November 30, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Fr Bill's Pastor's Corner

November 29 - Advent is a time of waiting for the Christ Child to come into our lives. But if I'm honest, I'm tired of waiting this year. We have been waiting for the elections to end, for a vaccine to arrive, for normalcy to return and yet, to naught. Being tired and impatient is understandable now. So, maybe we forget the theme of "waiting" and instead, live in hope of what will be. In the arrival of Jesus, we have the right to anticipate moments of joy and innocence as we welcome the Prince of Peace into our frazzled hearts. I won't tell the Advent ...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on November 23, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

November 22 - This has been a rough year. Yet, we have much to be thankful for. We aren't prone to earthquakes, floods or brush fires. Our economy has stabilized despite the postponement of Little League and so many events. And until now, we have been relatively exempt from covid. Meanwhile, we continue to meet, pray and laugh with our faith in Jesus Christ. We have multiple reasons to show our gratitude to the Lord of the harvest. Happy Thanksgiving!

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on November 09, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

November 9 - The election results are mostly clear. An admonition by Pope Francis suggests we all be careful about thinking our way is the only way as we move forward. Let's all take a deep breath and read this note written years ago..."If one has the answers to all the questions - that is proof that God is not with him. The great leaders of the people of God, like Moses, have always left room for doubt. You must leave room for the Lord, not for our certainties, we must be humble"

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on November 02, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

November 1 - Finally, this week the political campaigns that never ended, will be finished. The incessant ads and robocalls will stop. The pollution of lawn signs will stop. Hopefully, the irritability and argumentation will cease also. We deserve a time to heal. Let's all take a deep breath and give the opinions a break. It’s now time to pray for our country and to seek God's help in becoming a little more gentle...each of us, individually. "Lord make me an instrument of your peace." Let's not wait for the other guy to do it. As followers of Jes...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on October 19, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

October 18 - Many of you started to donate to the Annual Appeal. That’s very kind. We want to finish our parish effort by Thanksgiving. I made my contribution thru both parishes and I did it online. This charity could be a blessing for the local church as we approach another winter without easy solutions. More families are reaching their financial and physical limits. Catholic schools are delaying some tuition to ease the burden. Various parishes are stretched and can’t make salary or bill payments. If your wallet is not stressed, please, help the Annual Ap...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on October 12, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

October 11 - In 1919, the Irish poet W.B. Yeats wrote the poem “The Second Coming”. His doom and gloom after WWI feels like a direct prophecy of now. Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. We have gone through these times before. Our indiv...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on September 28, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

September 27 - This is a strange year. For strength and to avoid duplication, we had joined our two parishes with St Ann and Our Lady of Lourdes for RCIA (convert classes). This worked very well until now. For the first time in 13 years, we had no one step forward to take instruction. That's a sobering fact. Countering that, we have 18 students receiving Confirmation this weekend from last year's class. Let's talk up our faith. It’s even more crucial now as we face such profound questions in everyday life. We can't retreat from that reality!

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on September 21, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

September 20 - The Meditations of the last 2 weeks have been by priests who gave the invocations at the Democratic and Republican conventions. They didn't vilify or label the others as being evil. They prayed that we might be one nation under God. As tempers flare, a few fringe clergy will try to tell you who to vote for. And yet, the Church has struggled for centuries to avoid being engaged in partisan politics. It damages the Church and takes away your role as mature adults. The Church will educate on moral issues and help you to form your consciences. But i...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on September 14, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

September 13 - Normally, the auto body business is at its peak in winter. Slick conditions on dark nights understandably cause more accidents. But this year, road rage, political impatience and maybe extra drinking are causing a jump in repairs. That's especially the case, with parking lot "scratches" where the driver leaves no note of apology with contact info. Often, our conversion to Christ will show itself in small ways.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on September 06, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

September 6 - I recently streamed a murder mystery to relax. It was remarkably calming after being subjected to an avalanche of political rhetoric on TV and in social media. That's not healthy when murder mysteries become your outlet. Perhaps in 2020 because of our "hibernation" we have subjected ourselves to entirely too much electronic stimulation. Use the remaining summer and early Fall weather to stay outdoors. Visit friends, play with the dog, pray in the woods and take a hike. But give the screen a break! (For Christ's sake)

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 31, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

August 30 - It’s refreshing to see that both parties are inserting moments of prayer in their conventions and the Catholic Church seems rather prominent. The Jesuit writer Fr. James Martin addressed one convention and Cardinal Dolan of NY will pray with the other. Regardless of your leanings, we can impact the issues and our nation's fragility by conducting all discussions as people of the Gospel... believers who are centered on justice and rooted in peace who advocate without tearing down. How we debate is often as crucial as our stance itself.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 23, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

August 23 - During First Communion, the children gave me a good laugh (often hidden by my mask). Sometimes physically awkward as they genuflected or made the sign of the Cross, you couldn't help but chuckle. Yet you also felt a massive sense of responsibility. Because they are blank slates, it’s obvious they are trying to imitate what they see and hear. Consequently, the Church has said forever that parents are the First Teachers of children in the faith of Jesus Christ. School teachers or religious ed catechists can help but have much less import than parent...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 16, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

August 16 - I called friends in Lebanon after the explosion. One woman remarked that their beautiful apartment was devastated. Windows were blown out and shards of glass destroyed furniture but they had just stepped into their car and were shielded. Two minutes later and they could have been devastated. Another friend, lost her entire apartment and possessions, even her recent wedding gifts. Take a few minutes today to simply count your blessings. Saying Thanks to God is a first step to deep prayer.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 09, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

August 9 - My first introduction to St Boniface was large numbers of parishioners making pierogis to sell at the Carnival. Since then I have witnessed the dedication and labor of our Parish Activities Committee as they strive to have fun and raise money for our ministries. Sadly, that won't happen this year. Together we reached the conclusion that we couldn't ensure everyone's safety. We will miss the joy of working together, watching small children giggle as they play a game and eating sausages followed by Eder's to quell the fire. But this cancellatio...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 03, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

August 2 - With schools starting extra early, my summer is fading quickly. So, I'm trying to savor the remaining sun, fresh tomatoes and meals outside. The warmth and brightness helped mitigate some of March's isolation. And while we are tougher now, I shudder at the thought of shorter days and nights colder than Eder's ice cream. They also mean less contact with you and less laughter. That's where I revert to Jesus on the Road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13. The disciples were blue. He was with them throughout but it’s hard to see when all they did was ...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 26, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

July 26 - The students of Lyco were effusive in their gratitude. As victims of covid and international politics, they were feeling forgotten and lonely. Plus, this summer seemed wasted and very uncomfortable. Parishioner generosity shocked them with a mound of food which they ate and took back to the dorms in boxes. But most impressive were the parishioners who exchanged contacts with them and have already reached out. The day after the Nazi rally in town, we lived the Christian ideal. Welcoming strangers who don't share our religion, nationality or ethnicity. Chri...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 20, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

July 19 - Based on some of the depictions of Mary Magdalene, it always strikes me as ironic that we call her Saint. Some early portrayals confused her with other women of the New Testament, thus being painted as a street worker. In fact, we don't know her background. But we do know that she ended up the Apostle to the Apostles, telling them of the Risen Christ. In 2016 the Pope raised her Tuesday 22nd memorial to a Feast Day. May we elevate the status of all women in the Church.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 13, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

July 12 - Tuesday, we honor St. Kateri Tekakwitha, part of the Mohawk nation, that converted to Catholicism. For following Jesus, she suffered horribly from her own tribe until she died in 1680 just north of NY State. She was only 24 yrs old but left a mark of faith. That witness begs us to treat Native Americans better than we have since we arrived in their land. They are twice as likely to be hospitalized and die of Covid than whites. Their legacy of poverty and despair should scandalize us and bring us to the Gospel values that attracted her.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 06, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

July 5 - If you are looking for intentions to add to your prayer lists, let me recommend: over July 4th weekend - our country. May we be rooted in justice and thrive in peace, globally and locally. after recent Ordinations - for our 3 new priests. Leadership is not easy but especially spiritual guidance of parishes and communities. The new priests have been assigned and will start soon. Fr. Jonathan Kuhar, an ex. lawyer, will go to Scranton; Fr. Kevin Miller, ex. military, will go to Carbondale: and Fr. Shawn Simchock, a former salesman, will serve in Nanticok...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner -- First Communion

Posted on June 29, 2020 in: Sacraments, Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner -- First Communion

This weekend we welcomed half of our 24 children to First Holy Communion. It’s always a joyful day to watch their enthusiasm as they become more "grownup" in following Jesus. Let's pray that they always hunger for the Bread of Life. Moreover, we hope that it touches their parents in new ways to energize an older faith. Like marriage, the relationship with Jesus Christ requires relentless effort. But it’s worth it. First Communion Video First Communion was held on Saturday and was streamed live on FB. You can watch it here.

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on June 15, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Today on Corpus Christi, we elevate the importance of Christ's real presence in the consecrated bread and wine. But as our world struggles with prejudice, its crucial to also remember that Jesus wants us to use the Eucharist as a way of becoming the Body of Christ. "But God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, so that there may be no division in the body but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it". 1 Cor 12:24 We can't simply tolerate, we must...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on May 31, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

What lessons/trends have we learned from this for the future of the parishes? Electronic - we need to offer more digital options for people, whether it be homilies or Religious Education. Home Bound/Nursing Homes - our outreach needs to extend beyond Eucharistic Ministers. Local agencies - volunteerism and financial aid should go to more nonprofits like Food Bank, Sojourner Truth and Family Promise. Support Groups - should expand beyond Women’s Book Club to encompass others like young parents, the grieving, etc. Quiet Prayer - other forms are suggested l...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on May 17, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

May 17 - We try to be a pro-life people dedicated to the sacredness of human life at all stages. That includes the baby in utero and the elderly person on a ventilator. They are dependent and fragile needing someone to speak for them. Now we are being forced to show it and move beyond pious words or bumper stickers. Some will argue that in the balance of things, we can’t waste time with elderly. They will contend they are destined to die anyway. They have diminishing value. Yet for us, all are precious in the eyes of God and deserve dignity. We are all chafing at the ...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on May 04, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

May 3 - April has dragged in many ways. Thankfully, May will be warmer and sunnier. Trees will burst with green, flowers will share more beauty and we will savor long walks under bright skies. But it’s also the month of Mary, and Mothers’ Day, and Memorial Day. Definitely a time to give thanks and ask for blessings upon so many. Let’s commence this month in a more positive way... by starting up the rosary again on Friday’s 8:30am in St Boniface. You can contemplate these biblical moments, give praise and still distance safely. Holy Mary, Mother ...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on April 26, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

April 26 - Because we were robbed of a full Lent, we didn’t have a chance to really reflect on the unavoidable part of life...death. Corona has reminded us. Similarly, we have had a series of parishioners pass away in the past weeks. Life is fragile and can expire very quickly. So, what endures? Our relationship with Jesus Christ. We can be separated from family and friends. But we never are cut off from the love of Christ. Only we can sever the ties, voluntarily, by choice. Even as the sun appears and flowers bloom, we are confronted by a very sobering atmosphere eve...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on April 19, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

April 19 - Oddly we are developing a routine of distancing and taking this seriously. The shock to our systems is less acute but now boredom may be sinking in. Many of us are reaching the end of our To Do lists. What’s next? St Francis de Sales urged us... “Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean do not be disheartened by your imperfections but always rise up with fresh courage.” d 1622

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on April 12, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

April 12, EASTER - In the Gospel of John for Easter Sunday, when Mary Magdalene sees the empty tomb, she tells the Apostles that “they have taken the Lord...and we don’t know where they put him”. The absence of Mass, puts a new spin on that. Without the music and contagious joy that His Resurrection ignites as we celebrate together, it will feel empty in some ways. Our Orthodox friends greet each other in the Easter season by saying, CHRIST IS RISEN. And the response is HE IS INDEED! We must say that to ourselves and exchange best wishes to our family and ...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on March 30, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

March 30 - What, if anything, positive is coming out of this forced retreat? For one, it has slowed us down. The pace is visibly more relaxed. While everyone keeps their distance, we are eager to talk, to end our isolation. Second, we’re paying attention more to the elderly especially those alone. Parishioners are calling them and checking to see if they need food and meds. Third, people are praying more by themselves. When we don’t have a scheduled Mass that we show up for, it depends more on us to initiate the conversation with God. More people are e...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on March 23, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

March 22 - Life has changed immeasurably and will continue to do so. Hang on! Sadly, we will be without our major source of support, the Mass. We are a people of the Eucharist. So, this will hurt. But it’s the perfect time for a Lenten retreat. With your down time, immerse yourself in the New Testament. Read one of the spiritual books in our lending libraries. Call neighbors to check in on them and pray with them. Take quiet time in the morning and at night to pray. Cook a meal for someone who is isolated and deliver it to their door. We can transform an imposed hiber...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on March 17, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

March 15 - "See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little." ...quipped Pope John 23rd about how we should treat one another. It easy to be judgmental, but usually we don't know all the facts. Jesus with the woman at the well is a perfect illustration of this adage. In our times, some of society's political polarization has drifted into the Church and poisoned discussions. Instead of rationally examining crucial issues for our faith, social media stoops to personal attacks and labeling. That is blatantly antiChristlike. This pope who initiate...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on March 09, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

March 8 - So many of you are nicely "giving up" or "doing" during Lent. That helps make the season a serious attempt at triage-ing your spiritual life and applying the correct medicine. But the older we become, the more we understand this is not possible on our own. Year after year, we find ourselves battling the same flaws and sins. Many of our Lenten observances are repeat failures. Somehow, we need to literally invite the Holy Spirit into our lives. Kidding around, we'll say...JMJ. But rarely do we invite the Paraclete, the Advocate, the S...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on March 03, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

March 1 - I'd ask you to think in a novel way this Lent. Don't focus on what sins you committed or how bad you are. Instead, think about what you haven't done that you could have done. Sins of omission are usually more prominent in our lives.  5 years ago you said I need to read the New Testatment  at Christmas, you said we should cook supper for that man who lives by himself  "soon I'm going to start the practice of praying every morning for 5 minutes"  "someday I should help out at Sojourners soup kitchen"  "When I have time, ...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on February 23, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

February 23 - Winter, current events and the specter of Lent, create a somber mood. It's an obligation for people of the Resurrection to laugh and promote joy. A priest parked his car in a no-parking zone because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. Then he put a note on the windshield, "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses." When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with a note. "I've circled the block for 10 years....

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on February 17, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

February 16 - Over 55 parishioners are delving into the Old Testament Book of Exodus with me for Bible Study. Bravo to them for investing the time and effort in better understanding the Word Of God. Bible Study can be both a form of prayer and an attempt to better know what God is saying to us. There are many beneficial ways of praying and serving but with the exception of the Mass, this should increasingly be the most important aspect of our spirituality. The essence of Vatican Council ll was to return to the sources, go back to the basics. Recently, this is so...

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

Posted on February 09, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill's Pastor's Corner

February 9 - It hardly seems Christmas has faded and now we start Lent at the end of this month. How will you observe it differently this year? Lent is designed to help focus us. Generally, we do that by simplifying. Less food, less self-indulgence, less busyness...all work together to create more time...for God and for the ones Christ calls our sisters and brothers. Make this a Lent with no regrets! Commit to a concrete action plan of penance and self-sacrifice. Give yourself in service one day per week, read 3 pages of Holy Scripture every day, offer up meat for the 40 da...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on February 03, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

February 2 - I'm grateful to Fr. Don Williams for leading our weekend Masses and offering me a break before Lent. He came from Scranton specifically for this purpose. During this week (February 3 - 7), there will be no weekday Masses at St. Lawrence or St. Boniface. Our supply of priests is stretched especially in the winter when retired priests are living elsewhere. That is something to contemplate as we face the diocesan future planning, Vision 2020. While we must always foster vocations in our families and parishes, the immediate years require answers now. ...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 26, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Jan 26 Catholic Schools introduce children to a world they would not encounter anywhere else. Faith in Jesus Christ, shaped by a community and in union with the Catholic Church around the world...they absorb a new way of thinking and living. I see it regularly at the elementary school next door where children are formed in a healthy environment. Under the dynamic leadership of principal Alicia McNamee, both the grade school and high school are excellent options for your family. During Catholic Schools Week, think about St John Neumann Regional Academy as a magnificent wa...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 24, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Jan 19: Respect for Life Respect for Life will be the central focus of Catholic hearts this next week. We should be promoting the sanctity of human beings at every step of their existence. The unborn, elderly, disabled, poor, refugees all deserve to be treated with respect. They all independently have a dignity that comes from God, not any human authority. But beside our prayers and words, let's be certain that we are promoting their worth with our personal actions. Are we feeding the poor, welcoming the stranger, and visiting those in prison? As witnesses of the ...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 12, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

January 12 - A central goal of Vatican Council II was to remind us of the beauty and significance of Baptism. This sacrament ties and dedicates us to Jesus. But because of that it also gives us roles and responsibilities to build the Kingdom of God. When you were blessed with Chrism during your Baptism you were designated a priest, prophet and king. So, you are a critical part of the spreading the good news and expanding the Church. Make this year a time when you volunteer to strengthen our two parishes. We have much we could do with you! It’s not my job alone, w...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on January 06, 2020 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Archbishop Fulton Sheen said … “Love tends to become like the one loved; in fact, it even wishes to become one with the one loved. God loved unworthy man. He willed to become one with him, and that was the Incarnation.” The Divine Romance, 70. Now it is our role to become like God by imitating what we have seen and heard about Jesus. It’s not about prayer, charity, contributions…it’s becoming the one that is loved.

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 29, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

December 29 - Among many other things, in the dynamics of the Christmas event, God’s approach toward humanity emerges powerfully. God, the infinite, the eternal, who is above all created things, has taken care of the lastborn creation—that is, the human creature—has leaned toward it, and decided to interact with it. Better still, God has joined humanity in such an extraordinary and astonishing way as to generate on earth a human being, Jesus, who has in himself the unattainable fullness of God’s divinity. Therefore, the emphasis is on God’...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 26, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

December 22 - The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God. The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture. From the time of its Franciscan origins, the nativity scene has invited us to “feel” and “touch” the poverty that God’s Son took upon himself in the Incarnation. It asks us to meet and serve him by showing mercy to those of our brothers and sisters in greatest need. Standing before the Christmas crèche, we ar...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 15, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

December 15 - On pilgrimage in Bethlehem, we had Mass at the main altar in the Church of the Nativity. The place of His birth was just below us and the sacredness of the moment was palpable. We remembered how God reached out to us. Then, a group of Filipino pilgrims whispered to me that they would like to join us and sing O Holy Night. The combined voices with those lyrics brought us to tears. For a few moments, we were children again in the wonder of Christmas. Try in the dark of night to sit around your manger and tree.&nb...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 15, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

The joy that characterizes the awaiting of the messiah is based on steadfast prayer: By praying we can enter a stable relationship with God, who is the source of true joy. For this reason, a Christian, having encountered Jesus, cannot be a prophet of misfortune, but a witness and herald of joy. A joy to share with others, an infectious joy that renders the journey of life less toilsome. ~Pope Francis~

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on December 11, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

The joy that characterizes the awaiting of the messiah is based on steadfast prayer: By praying we can enter a stable relationship with God, who is the source of true joy. For this reason, a Christian, having encountered Jesus, cannot be a prophet of misfortune, but a witness and herald of joy. A joy to share with others, an infectious joy that renders the journey of life less toilsome. ~Pope Francis~

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on November 30, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

December 1: Last month our pilgrimage sang Christmas Carol's in Bethlehem. While it was hot outside, it felt appropriate to ask Jesus to make himself more tangible and visible in our lives. Advent is our chance to open our hearts and focus on the important, spiritual reason for this season. Take advantage by reading, praying and simply being thankful God reached out to us.

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on November 25, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

November 24 - Many of us prefer THANKSGIVING to most other holidays. It’s not spoiled by commercialism, the meal is based on comfort food, the football is fabulous and the day revolves around family. With the Pilgrims, the underlying principle had one other key element, gratitude to God. It remembers that despite our hard work, all good things ultimately come from God. The Almighty who is Creator, Sustainer, Sanctifier is intimately involved in our lives daily. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" is a hymn we all have voiced. Besides Eucharist (giving ...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on November 14, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Sunday the 3rd at 3pm, we serenade Mary with classical songs of beauty and peace. Our talented choir supplemented by some of the Williamsport Symphony will lift you up into prayerful moments that remembers her role. As a teenager, she said Yes to God's frightening request of her. Thereafter, she served as a disciple of the Saviour . The Gospels remind us that she encouraged Jesus at his first miracle and she stood with him at the foot of the cross when the men had disappeared. Moreover, Mary was among the select few in the Upper Room when the Holy Spirit descended...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on October 29, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

October 27, 2019 Losing someone you love, changes you forever. Hopefully, we can rely on our faith at that time. Consequently, trust in the Resurrection of Jesus is no longer theoretical. It’s an active part of our life and gives us hope that we will see our loved ones again. Life is changed, not ended... We remember those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May all those who have died in this past year, enjoy looking into the eyes of Jesus. And may their families and friends, heal but never forget.

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on October 20, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

October 20, 2019 What will the Church of the future look like? The basics like the Creed, Sacraments and Mass would remain the same. But some of the man-made externals, created by the Church over two thousand years, may adjust to better serve the spreading of the Gospel today. One of the most obvious may be the return to ordination of married men. This was the Catholic practice until the year 1000. It was reintroduced partially by Pope John Paul II. Now the bishops of Latin America are meeting in Rome for a Synod. They will ask the Holy Father ...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on October 20, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

October 13, 2019 Larry the Cable Guy employs the slogan, "Git R done". He means tackle it now, don't delay. That's wise advice when it comes to the Annual Appeal. This weekend we are calling PEW COMMITMENT SUNDAY. If you haven't already contributed, this is the time. Flyers will be handed out. You could finish them in church and return them to us OR finish it at home today. If money is tight at the moment, pledge. We know you are good for it. Moreover, this year you can designate or restrict your gift. Either way, as Larry says ...Git R done...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on October 08, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

October 6, 2019 The most influential person in recent Church history has been Pope John 23rd. An elderly man, observers thought he would be a transition leader only, coasting thru his years. Instead, he noted the rapid secularization of Western society, the suggestions of many biblical & liturgical scholars and decided the Church needed to re-examine its style. The world was in urgent need of re-evangelization. To do that, the Church would first need to return to its roots. That emphasized a greater reliance on the Bible, the Early Church Fathers and the first centur...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on October 08, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

September 29, 2019 When Pope John Paul wanted to pray with other faiths, the one place that was considered acceptable to all was Assisi Italy, the birth place of St Francis. Muslims, Jews, Protestants and Hindus knew of Francesco felt comfortable gathering at his holy sites. That is rare when a Catholic saint can be a point of unity for wildly diverse groups. If you have never read a biography of him or seen a DVD, invest some time in his marvelous life. Some refer to him as the closest to Christ that we have had. Books by Chesterton, Spoto, Goudge, Sweeney and Jorgensen are all incredibly rich for reflection. His te...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on October 08, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

September 22, 2019 "When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist." Archbishop Helder Camara - Recife, Brazil died 1999 Today's Gospel passage (Luke 16) is quite demanding. I wonder what they called Jesus when he posed these questions. Whenever morality moves from voluntary acts of charity by individuals to suggesting large scale or systemic change, people get nervous. Sharing from our surplus, every once in a while, we can accommodate. But if the Bible asks us to budget it in as a way of imitating Jesus, that scares some. Christ is te...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on September 16, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

September 15, 2019 As you can tell from my tone as I speak of the Annual Appeal, I'm treating it differently than last year. The Bishop and the Diocese have been very responsive to the suggestions and comments of the priests of Lycoming County. This year is demonstrably hopeful. Besides that, in the past weeks, I've tapped diocesan assistance for: advice on campus ministry at Lycoming College, use of a Spanish speaking priest, recommendations on safety & security, opinions on liturgical art for the sanctuaries Scranton is helping us in more ways than you know. They help me ...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on September 09, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

September 8, 2019 The relatively calm of summer has passed. I hope you had a chance to linger over some meals outside, savor fresh fruit, exercise, read a worthwhile book and pray quietly. But how do you save some of that glow as you face the onslaught of fall activities? The best of the saints has recommended to us... balance. Work diligently yet not confusing lengthy hours for productivity. Maybe, you can schedule yourself with breaks in between. Offer a brief time of prayer in the morning asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Pause at night when the lights are low and thank Jesus, no matter how the day went. The...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on September 03, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

September 1, 2019 Often, people will ask, “how is the parish progressing?” Sometimes they expect you to focus on attendance or contributions. While both have been very gratifying, my best indicator is the willingness of parishioners to volunteer, to get involved. That has been superb and seems to expand regularly. This is part of our role as baptized members of the church of Jesus. The mission belongs to all of us, not just the Boys in Black and therefore, we are all responsible for its actions. I’ve seen a healthy response when we wanted to initiate Children&r...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 27, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

August 25, 2019 So many of us have family members that either fell away from regular attendance or actually left the Church. On the 27th, we honor St. Monica the mother of St. Augustine. Initially, he had a mistress and a son outside of marriage. For years, she prayed and gave a marvelous example hoping that her son would become a Christian and live a life of faith. Eventually, he did and exceeded her wildest dreams. For all family members who yearn for their family to embrace Christ, Monica is encouragement. Next month we have 2 teenagers who have requested baptism because of...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 27, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

August 18, 2019 Events in the world and the Church have pushed us to moments of despair. That’s why the August 4th words of Pope Francis to priests struck me as relevant to all . . . “Thank you for the joy with which you have offered your lives, revealing a heart that over the years has refused to become closed and bitter, but has grown daily in love of God and his people. A heart that, like good wine, has not turned sour, but becomes richer with age. In effect, we show that we continue to believe in God, who has never broken his covenant, despite our having broken it countless times. ...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 09, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

August 11, 2019 In the past, buffalo on the range were the survival and future of the Native Americans. Lately they have been saying that education is their new buffalo. Likewise, education is also our future as Catholic Christians. In the 70's parishes botched the training of youth in the ways of Jesus Christ. Thankfully, we have vastly improved religious education programs with more content. But now many families are struggling because of work or other demands. Parents are the first teachers of the faith by their example. Offering grace before a meal, praying wi...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on August 04, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

August 4, 2019 In the Letter to the Colossians (3: 9-11), our 2nd reading, St Paul identifies one of the reasons why Christianity grew so quickly. "Here there is not Greek and Jew, ... barbarian, Scythian, slave, free..." He would not permit labels or divisions. In the sight of God, all were equal children. None better than the other. The Christian community prayed together and then fed anyone who was struggling. In imitation of Jesus, Paul drew people together. The word "Catholic" means universal in Greek. In 100 AD, we acquired that name wh...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 28, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

July 28, 2019 St. Lawrence Parish is doing some wonderful things in the next weeks. On Sunday the 4th, they are hosting a picnic for both parishes at Southside's Park Complex under one of the pavilions. Last year they invited St. Boniface parishioners to join. It was a huge success when dozens schlepped across the bridge and partied together. I'll see you there. On Saturday the 10th, they observe their Feast. Make an effort to attend that special 5:30pm Mass and the wine/cheese party afterwards. Lorenzo was executed in 258 AD in Rome 4 days afte...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 21, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

July 21, 2019 Domani (IT), Manana (SP), Boqara (AR), Demain (FR) in whatever language, "tomorrow" means we are delaying what we should tackle today. Hugging our family, losing weight, starting to pray again. Let's not delay any longer. Summertime is an opportunity. "In the last century, the life expectancy of my fellow citizens rose from forty-seven to seventy-six years. Such wonders can be credited to antibiotics, indoor plumbing, spandex and the soybean. With the extra three decades, we neither cured the common cold nor secured peace...but w...

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on July 14, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

July 14, 2019 Its only mid-July and you still have a chance to read in the sun. Try these books for a summer retreat. Sacred Fire - Fr. Ron Rolheiser (2014) moving from the faith of our childhood to mature adult faith Great Catholic Parishes - Wm. Simon Jr (2016) - what ingredients make a vibrant church Reluctant Saint - Donald Spoto (2002) famous biographer takes on Francis of Assisi Treasure in Clay - Abp. Fulton Sheen (1979) his autobiography True Happiness - Abp. Fulton Sheen (1954/2016) our search for inner peace Pope's Last Crusade - Peter Eis...

Fr. Corcoran's Pastors Corner

Posted on May 01, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

April 28, 2019 My first Holy Week and Easter with you exceeded my expectations. We produced beautiful and highly prayerful Masses. The music and decorations were superlative. Your attendance and that of some new people filled both churches to capacity on Easter day. The enthusiasm and joy at the 10:30 Mass was palpable. It gives much to reflect upon. We are uniquely blessed as communities. The Holy Spirit is working among us. More volunteers will feed this growth and enrich us even further. Let our action and prayer, prepare the way for a fitting Pentecost and the future. Meanwhile, I'm deeply gratef...

Fr. Corcoran's Pastors Corner

Posted on April 25, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

April 21, 2019 Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Instead of saying hello, early Christians usually greeted each other with this salutation. Christians in the Holy Land use this even today. By saying this, they acknowledge that the Resurrection changes everything. Now we know that death is not the dark end that we will see each other again and that justice and peace will be restored when we see the Savior face to face. These aren't pious platitudes but what we know from the life of Jesus. Better yet, it helps put the pain and resentments of our lives in context.&nbs...

Fr. Corcoran's Pastor Corner

Posted on April 11, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

April 7, 2019 Take Advantage of the Last Chances. Last weekend we had a retreat for the Confirmation candidates. The Confession discussions were candid and thoughtful. I think some were surprised that it could be so calm and refreshing. We have 2 more opportunities for Keep The Light On. They are normally uncrowded, allowing time to talk. Moreover, the time is convenient ...from 5:30 to 7pm. I promise I won't faint if you say Bless me Father it's been 3 years... In addition, our Contemporary Music Choir is performing a Lenten Concert on SUNDAY, APRIL 14 (next weekend...

Pastor's Corner - Week of January 20, 2019

Posted on January 25, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

We are all exhausted by breaking news and political wrangling. But as Christians we can’t stop caring, throw up our hands and say “whatever”. This week has numerous memorials that highlight injustice and gaps in achieving a just society. Prejudice still flourishes as we remember the birthday of Martin Luther King. Abortions continue among the poorest and most vulnerable women as we mark the Roe vs. Wade decision. Divisions still separate Christian denomination as we honor years of promoting unity. There is much to do, in addition to praying. “If you want peace, work for justice.&rd...

Installation of our Pastor - Sat Feb 2nd - 5:30pm

Posted on January 23, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

The offical Installation of Father William Corcoran as Pastor of St Boniface and St Lawrence Parish will be Saturday, February 2nd at 5:30 P.M. at St Lawrence Church. Please join us to pray for Father Bill's health and the Holy Spirit.

Diocese of Scranton Independent Survivors Compensation Program

Posted on January 22, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

Dear Friends, As you may be aware, today the Diocese of Scranton launched its Independent Survivors Compensation Program to compensate survivors of child sexual abuse. This Program comes on the heels of the Grand Jury report, and is the latest step the Diocese has taken as we work to support survivors of abuse and eradicate abuse from the Church altogether. As you likely know, our Victim Assistance Coordinator helps to provide emotional, psychological and pastoral care to survivors of abuse, and survivors will now have the option to file a claim for compensation. We adhere to a strict zero tolerance policy ...

Weekly OnLine Giving is Now Available

Posted on January 15, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

I am pleased to announce that Online Giving is available for you to make contributions to the parish. This option makes use of current technology and security standards and allows you to easily setup recurring contributions. It also enables our parish to take advantage of new tools to become more efficient. Online Giving Parishioner Benefits: Secure and confidential. No need to share payment information with the parish office. Efficient. Set up direct withdrawals from you checking or savings account. Simple. Start, stop and change your contributions at any time. Conven...

Children's Liturgy

Posted on January 07, 2019 in: Pastor's Corner

STARTING THIS MONTH....we will start a special Children's Liturgy of the Word (scripture reading geared to children) during some of the 10:30am Masses on Sundays at St Boniface. Several people have volunteered. We still need more. Teenagers are welcome. Voice an interest to Father Bill at Frbillc@comcast.net or call 570.326.1544. Children would retreat to the newly renovated Music Room and hear the Gospel for their age group. They would return to their families in the church during the Creed. It's meant to give parents a break and allow the chidren to hear the word...

Father Bill Corcoran's Pastor's Corner

Posted on September 09, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

Please join us in welcoming Fr. James Kgunya (Priest from Kenya, East Africa) who will be visiting our parish September 8 th & 9th . Fr. James Kagunya is a diocesan priest from the diocese of Nakuru. Presently, the diocese of Nakuru is involved in pastoral care and promoting human development activities to a Catholic population of approximately 650,000 in the counties of Nakuru and Baringo. In the Northern enclaves of Baringo and East Pokot, drought is ravaging thousands and dangerously leaving many more to be dependent on food aid. There are reports of human and livestock deaths as a result of acute food shortage. The...

24 hours of Prayer for Atonement & Healing

Posted on September 07, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

Across the diocese, we are observing 24 hours of prayer for Atonement & Healing regarding sexual abuse. It will be held this Friday 14th, the Feast of the Holy Cross and on Saturday 15th, Our Lady of Sorrows. Friday Regular 8am Mass - St Boniface Special Evening Prayer with Exposition at 6:30 pm - St Lawrence Saturday Special Mass at 8am - St Boniface We hope you will join us to pray that our sins may be atoned and healing will come to those affected.

Mass Times Changes

Posted on August 06, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

Father Bill Corcoran has announced that effective September 9th, the St. Boniface Sunday Mass time will be at 10:30 AM. This is also the first Sunday that the Contemporary Choir returns.

About Our New Pastor - Rev. William "Bill" Corcoran

Posted on July 05, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

Rev. William Corcoran Fr. Bill was born in Virginia while his father was in the military. He graduated with a BA in Public/International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Initially, he worked in business at Amtrak headquarters in Washington DC and then, as Manager of Marketing at Exide batteries of Horsham PA. Testing a vocation to the priesthood, he took a job with Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Harrisburg where he oversaw marriage preparation, ministry to separated/divorced and diocesan food banks. In 1986 he finished at Mt. St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg MD with an MA in T...

Priest Biographies

Pastor Announcement

Posted on June 06, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective as indicated: Reverend William D. Corcoran, to Pastor, Saint Lawrence Parish, South Williamsport, and Saint Boniface Parish, Williamsport, effective June 25, 2018. Monsignor Stephen D. McGough, from Pastor, Saint Lawrence Parish, South Williamsport, and Saint Boniface Parish, Williamsport, to Pastor Emeritus, Saint Lawrence Parish, South Williamsport, and Saint Boniface Parish, Williamsport, effective June 25, 2018. Reverend Michael J. Zipay, from Senior Priest, Saint Lawrence Parish, South Williamsport, and Saint Bonif...

Monsignor McGough, Pastor’s Corner, May 27, 2018

Posted on May 24, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

MOST HOLY TRINITY The Council of Nicea affirmed as doctrine for the church the fact of the Trinity. It affirmed what was found in Mt.28.19. "Go, baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…" All Christian churches that I am aware of affirm that God is a Trinity of persons. There is a depth to the being of God. There is a profundity to his nature. It is true that we cannot understand what and how the Trinity "works". One thing is certain, it works to our benefit. If you take humans out of the equation you could sincerely ask whether there is need for a Trinity. I...

Monsignor McGough, Pastor’s Corner, May 20, 2018

Posted on May 17, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

Pentecost The blending of the Jewish faith with Christianity was with us from the beginning. When the first communities following the "new way", as we were known early on, began to live out the mystery of Jesus Christ it was clear there was not a clear break between the two. One of the first truly public expressions of our faith was Pentecost. The Jewish and Christian communities were gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Hemera (the fiftieth day). It was a harvest festival of the first fruits of the grain harvest. The small Christian community was there for that feast with all their ne...

Celebrate 50 Years Together As Priests

Posted on May 12, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

Fifty years ago, four men — Charles Cummings, John Manno, Stephen McGough and Michael Zipay — from the region were ordained as a part of the Diocese of Scranton’s 1968 ordination class. Today they still serve and stay active in the community. Bishop James C. Timlin will celebrate their 50th anniversary of priesthood at 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 711 W. Edwin St. Click Link to read entire story..

Monsignor McGough, Pastor’s Corner, May 13, 2018

Posted on May 09, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

END OF OPPORTUNITY The Easter season concludes on May 20th with the Feast of Pentecost. Easter was real game changer. With the renewal of the act of Baptism on Easter Day we took on a New Life, with New powers, in short, a New Day for us. This all takes place in the world of faith, which for us is reality. This reality is opposed to the world which forgot Easter on Easter Monday. When we speak of the "world" we speak of any reality without God. The "world" is not the beautiful universe filled with the wonder of God's creation. Wherever you have unity, truth, beauty, grace, goodness and ...

Msgr. McGough's Pastor's Corner, May 6, 2018

Posted on May 05, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

FURTHER INTO EASTER--The Father's action in sending the Word, the Son, was not the first step in the beautiful expression of the Father's Love. As the Jewish people used to sing in considering the steps that God took to save them; at any point they sang, "it was enough". The Father's action was completed when the Son was crucified and buried and rose. It was always about His love for the human family he created. He is the Good Shepherd. He is the vine to which we are attached. When you think of Easter and Ascension and the absence of Jesus, you want to know what next? Jesus has left us with loving ...

Msgr. McGough's Pastor's Corner, April 29, 2018

Posted on May 04, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

The life of the Risen Lord has been poured out into our hearts. This risen life has come into us. Our faith confirms what Jesus has done. His entry into life was without any exceptions. Nothing of the human condition was avoided. This included the horrifying crucifixion. It was real and he truly suffered and died. Jesus did not die an ordinary death. The manner and experience of Jesus' death is unfathomable to us. Jesus went to the extreme of human suffering and pain. We make a real choice to join our real pain and suffering with his, the first of many brothers and sisters to go the way of death. He asked us to follow ...

Monsignor McGough, Pastor’s Corner

Posted on February 19, 2018 in: Pastor's Corner

OUR LENTEN JOURNEY - This is one possible path for our Lenten journey. Probably the most important thing is to have a plan. There are certainly many paths. I suggest this one because it seems to correspond with our actual human experience and our nature. The FIRST PILLAR is to admit what is present, i.e., simply there! Essential to our very existence is having been created in a relationship with God. His love for us is a continuing action, not unlike your loving relationships wherein you trust the other! We don't have a lot of these relationships, maybe one, or two. Once you see that then you want to become aware of it...

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St. Boniface Parish

326 Washington Boulevard
Williamsport, PA 17701

Office: 570-326-1544
Fax: 570-326-6746

stboniface@comcast.net

Mailing address for both churches:
326 Washington Blvd.
Williamsport, PA 17701

St. Lawrence Parish

800 West Central Avenue
South Williamsport, PA 17702

Office: 570-326-1544
Fax: 570-326-6746

stboniface@comcast.net

Mailing address for both churches:
326 Washington Blvd.
Williamsport, PA 17701

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