Restoration & Healing
My Dear Parishioners, “The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal.” These are the words of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who invites US to join in His work. In this way He restores His Church. The Feast of Christ the King comes right before the holiday season and reminds us of the “unfinished business“ that needs to be done before we celebrate the coming of our Savior—renewing and strengthening our family, both at home and in our parish. Invite someone back to Christmas liturgy at our church. Be reconciled with a distant family member. Restoration and healing! This is the to work to which Christ the King calls us. Thanks for all you do! God bless you! Fr. Dave
Exalting the Virtues of an Industrious and Resourceful Wife
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Jesus has entrusted His Church into our care until He comes again in glory. Are we faithful servants, working for God’s honor and glory? That is the question ALL the baptized heed to ask of themselves: Clergy, Laity, and Religious. Today’s first reading exalts the virtues of an industrious and resourceful wife. Women have a natural sense of caring and nurturing service in the community. Pope Francis has recently appointed women to high level positions in the Vatican. Our Diocese has many hard-working women who make things happen. Since coming here to the South Bethlehem parishes, I have noticed the active efforts of our ladies in serving Jesus and His Church. Let’s not let them do it alone, guys! Male and female, old and young, rich and poor, we each have a responsibility to use our God-given talents well. Thank you for all…
The Time of the Year for a Nostalgic Look at the Past
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This is the time of the year for a nostalgic look at the past. The people who touched our lives are especially beloved. We commemorate and pray for them. The names on the altar and the photos of our deceased are a witness to our love for them. The greatest tribute we can show is to carry on the work of faith, building on the foundation of faith in Jesus and love of the Church that they laid. Jesus tells us in the Gospel reading to “stay awake, we know neither the day nor the hour!” Let’s look attentively for opportunities to grow in our love for Jesus and to bring others into our faith community. God bless you! Fr. Dave
Pray for our Priests—We are all in this Journey Together
My Dear Parishioners and Friends, Priests take a lot of criticism these days. The question is asked, “How can men dedicated to God act in such a way?” Jesus was unsparing in His criticism of the religious leaders of the time and challenged them to a new kind of leadership—SERVANT LEADERSHIP. “The greatest among you must be the servant”. Humility is good for all of us and we all must heed Jesus’ call. A reminder that we are all on this journey together to live our faith more authentically. We must support each other on that road with prayer and fraternal correction. When was the last time that you prayed for your priest? Or gave him some CONSTRUCTIVE criticism? Let us help one another to grow in the Lord! God bless you! Fr. Dave
First Friday Home Communion and Visitation
Fr. Dave is available on the First Friday of each month for Communion and visitation. Please call either Rectory to have your name put on the list for a visit from Fr. Dave.
Loving God and Loving Our Neighbor
My Dear Parishioners and Friends, Loving God and loving our neighbor is the greatest commandment. Jesus reminds us of this truth in today’s Gospel reading. This challenge needs constant reminders and even prodding at times. That is why I am so grateful for the visit of Bishop Schlert to celebrate Mass on October 29, 2017. His very presence with us is an encouragement to fulfill Jesus’ commandment of love. Let us strive to find practical, concrete ways of putting it into practice. Two suggestions: Regular Confession to show our trust in His compassion and mercy. I will do my part by being available for confession during the normal time at 3pm on Saturday and by appointment. ALSO- I will be available after week-day morning Mass. Not true that ever penance will be to have breakfast with me!! Exercise the Work of Mercy by visiting the sick. PLEASE inform the rectory…
Journeying With You on the Road of Faith
My Dear Parishioners and Friends, Since I arrived in Bethlehem to journey together with you on the road of faith I have been keeping my eyes and ears open. What I see and hear brings me joy and hope. You are doing SO MUCH for Jesus and our church. I share the feelings that St. Paul expressed in today’s second reading “We give thanks to God always for all of you…calling to mind your WORKS OF FAITH, your LABOR OF LOVE, and ENDURANCE IN HOPE. All these are clearly seen in the important activities of worship (Servers, Readers, Choir Members, Sacristans), administration of our day to day affairs by a capable lay staff, and fund raising. Things like noodle and pierogi making, preparing for the Fall Fair, etc. are vitally important. I urge everyone to support these activities. See you around enjoying good food and fun. May Jesus bless us!…
Welcome, Fr. David Kozak!
The Incarnation of Our Lord Parish welcomes Fr. David Kozak, our new Pastor. His first Mass at Incarnation will be at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 15. He is shown in the picture above to the right of Bishop Alfred Schlert. Father Dave, as he likes to be called, says he is looking forward to seeing all of you and meeting all of you in the weeks and months ahead. Fr. Dave will be Pastor at both Incarnation and Holy Ghost Parishes. He comes to us from St. Peter the Apostle in Reading, where he served as associate pastor.
Scrap Metal Collection Continues
The St. Vincent de Paul Society will continue to collect scrap metal throughout the year. If you have a donation, please contact Ruth Herman (rmh1330@aol.com) to arrange for a pick-up.
First Breakfast Buffet a Success!
More than 100 people attended the first Breakfast Buffet held in Labuda Hall at Incarnation of Our Lord Parish on Sunday, May 21st, 2017. Buffet organizer Tony Diaz sends a “big thank you” to the many volunteers and attendees who made the buffet a success.