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WE ARE IN THE GREEN PHASE

GUIDELINES FOR SAFELY RETURNING TO MASS = GREEN PHASE

Welcome

Welcome!

Queen of the Apostles Parish  established November 6, 2011 Avoca, PA. 

Staff

Office Hours

Office Hours
Tuesday - Fri, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

THE BISHOP'S MESSAGE

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

We are pleased to announce that Eucharistic Adoration will resume on Tuesday, June 2, following the 9 a.m. Mass until 8 p.m. If you will not be observing your hour which you were previously scheduled, please contact the parish office at 570-457-3412 or Ann Jake at 570-457-3521.

We request that all adorers practice social distancing and sanitary practices. Please be aware that the restroom will not be available at this time. If you would like to schedule an hour of adoration please contact Ann Jake.

 
 

FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK THE PASTOR'S DESK

 

Dear Parish Family,
 
     Witness the cycle of life! Isaiah begins with rain and snow. They fall from the heavens, enabling the growth of plants and trees, which are abundant in oxygen; fruits and vegetables, all rich in nutrition; and rivers and lakes, which they fill with life giving water. They then evaporate to return to the heavens where the cycle can begin anew. Jesus tells the crowds of the cycle that starts with a seed. When it falls onto rich soil, it produces fruit. What originated as a handful of seeds can now feed dozens. Its own seeds are replanted to produce another generation of fruit. The cycle goes on. Jesus explains to his disciples that the seed is the word of God. When the seed lands on fertile soil, the word is digested by someone who understands it, takes it to heart and spreads it on to others, making more disciples inspired by this same word. At the beginning of his Gospel, John identifies Jesus as the Word. Jesus came down from heaven, gathered disciples for his mission, suffered and died for our sins, then returned to the Father in glory. The rain, the seed, the word, Jesus Christ: all have come down to earth as gifts from God, giving us life and nourishment, sustenance and delight, purpose and mission, adoption and redemption. How can we sustain these cycles of life?
 
     Next Saturday, July 11 marks my 13 anniversary as pastor here in Avoca. July 11 is the feast of St. Benedict (480 574, Abbot). Here is a bit of background on this great saint. He was born in Italy in 480 AD. St. Benedict was educated in Rome, but became increasingly upset by the drastic divisions between the rich and the poor. Fleeing the decadence of the Roman society, Benedict lived as a hermit in the hills of Subiaco, Italy. Eventually, those who heard of his holy and austere life came to join him, and he founded monasteries for prayer and work. His Benedictine Rule became the norm for all monasteries in Western Europe by 817, and influences monastic life even today. It was among the most significant factors in the development of Western civilization during the Middle ages.
 
     The directives for our churches in Luzerne County say we can go to 50% of capacity. We will safely hold 90 people which includes the Choir loft. The safety of our members and our whole community, depends on our diligent efforts to arrange for 6 feet physical distancing, to provide adequate protective equipment (Masks), to tend to sanitization procedures, to restrict people with symptoms, and to monitor when people have potentially been exposed to the virus. It’s good to see members coming back to church. You are welcome to attend daily mass, no need to register. Also, no need to register for Weekend Masses at this time. We have never gotten 90 people at mass. Remember 4pm Saturday liturgy and 10 am Sunday liturgy. We are tracking for number safety and the entrance is through the Ramp Door.
 
     Our parish has taken all the safety measures, distancing, protecting the vulnerable, etc. as we look forward to moving to full opening. We will continue to keep our Masses on line on our Facebook page and YouTube channel till the crisis passes.
 
     Please continue to remember to drop off or send in your weekly contributions to the parish office during this time of special need. The parish bulletins will be on line for any of you to view. We are all in this together. We have left no one behind. Care for your family and neighbors in need. Continue to check on them. Let them know your love for them. It’s important.
 
Thank you for all you are and all you do.
God bless you and perhaps I will see you in Church soon,
Fr. Phil

 

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DAILY INSPIRATION

Weekly reading
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Weekly reading

Readings for the week of October 25, 2020

© Liturgical Publications Inc

Mass 6-21-2020

Mass Times

Please remember that as of this time the Church is limited to 90 people per Mass including Father, Deacon, lectors and servers

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Friday - 9 a.m. daily
Wednesday - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 10:00 a.m.

Reservations are no longer necessary
Face masks are required

All parish and church events cancelled due to quarantine

October

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There are no upcoming scheduled events.

GUDELINES FOR 2021 MASS SCHEDULE

FORMED

Blog Summary

PARISH HALL DURING COVID

Posted in Blog on 06/27/20

A MESSAGE FROM FATHER

Posted in Blog on 05/18/20

Dear Parish Family,

  We are all connected. John tells us in the Gospel ... Read More »

Prayer for the Increase of Vocations

Posted in Blog on 05/16/20

Holy Spirit, stir within us the passion to promote vocations to the consecrated life, ... Read More »

CNA DAILY

Ahead of beatification, priests reflect on McGivney's priesthood, and the miracle he prayed for

10/31/20 5:50 am

New Haven, Conn., Oct 30, 2020 / 09:50 pm (CNA).-  

A prayer vigil for priests on the eve of the beatification of Ven. Michael McGivney took place Friday, October 30, at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, the parish where McGivney served as a priest and founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882.

Read More

Brooklyn auxiliary bishop retires, remains as local pastor

10/31/20 12:43 am

CNA Staff, Oct 30, 2020 / 04:43 pm (CNA).- The Diocese of Brooklyn announced Friday the retirement of Octavio Cisneros from the office of auxiliary bishop. The Cuban-born bishop will remain in ministry as pastor at a local parish.

Cisneros had turned 75 in July. Diocesan bishops are required by canon law to submit their resignation to the pope upon reaching age 75. Pope Francis accepted Cisneros’ resignation Friday.

Read More

Despite concerns raised, New Zealand voters back assisted suicide

10/31/20 12:21 am

CNA Staff, Oct 30, 2020 / 04:21 pm (CNA).- A strong majority of New Zealand voters approved the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia for the terminally ill Oct. 30. Foes of legalization said many voters appeared confused about the measure’s far-reaching effects and warned that the move will have consequences for the vulnerable.

The nationwide referendum passed with support from 65% of voters on Friday. It allows terminally ill persons who are believed to have six months or fewer to live to be euthanized or to take a lethal dose of prescribed drugs themselves, on the condition that two doctors agree the person is well-informed. Patients are eligible if they show significant, ongoing decline in physical ability and experience “unbearable suffering that cannot be eased.” The law will take effect Nov. 6, 2021.

Read More

CONGREGTIONAL MUSIC AND RECEIVING COMMUNION ON THE TONGUE

Following Bishop Bambera’s Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2020, a number of questions have been raised regarding congregational singing and distributing Holy Communion on the tongue.  These clarifications and recommendations are offered to parishes to help minimize the spread of the coronavirus: 

Congregational Singing at Mass

Congregational singing at Mass is discouraged at this time so as to minimize the spread of breath droplets.  Since music is still integral to the liturgy and enhances the experience of livestream Masses, the following directives are offered to parishes:

  • Parishes may still utilize a cantor and organist for Mass as long as they are at least 10 feet away from each other, the assembly, and any ministers in the sanctuary.
  • Cantors should serve more as soloists rather than encouraging congregational singing.
  • Advise the assembly that singing is not recommended at this point, even with a mask.
  • Choirs are not permitted at this point since vigorous singing in close proximity with others increases the risk of viral spread.

Specific Recommendations for Parish Music Ministry Directors:

  • Hymns and acclamations sung by the cantor at Mass should be brief so as not to prolong the liturgy: decreased Mass time equals a decreased risk of contamination.
  • Consider having the cantor only sing the antiphon, a refrain, or one verse of a hymn for the Entrance, Preparation of the Gifts, and Communion.
  • Acclamations sung by the cantor should have very few, if any, repeated phrases (example—using a gospel acclamation setting with three ‘Alleluias’ as opposed to one that has five or six).
  • Try having the cantor introduce some hymns or acclamations that the assembly is not familiar with to minimize any congregational singing.
  • Instrumental selections are also encouraged at this time, especially at the Preparation of Gifts and the Reception of Holy Communion after Mass.

Holy Communion on the Tongue

Although it is strongly discouraged, anyone who still wishes to receive Holy Communion on the tongue can be instructed to wait until the end of the Communion distribution after everyone else has received.  This will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others, as well as allow time for the priest to sanitize his hands properly after each person who receives on the tongu

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Faith Formation

Religious Education - Sundays - 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Deborah Yuschovitz - Director of Religious Education

Lori Ostrowski - Director of Youth Ministry

Volunteers are always welcome - Pennsylvania clearances required

All Faith formation classes are cancelled until further notice due to Covid-19 Stay At Home Order.  We will reorganize as per the directions of Governor Wolfe and Bishop Bambera when the order is lifted.

First Communion and Confirmation will be scheduled at a later date when all candidates are fully prepared and again when order is lifted

At his time we have no new information on First Communion And Confirmation Masses.  We are in communication with Father and trying to work out details.  We will contact all parents when more information is available.

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