The Good Friday Pontifical Collection Provides: Pastoral care for parishes in the Holy Land Housing and health care for the poor and elderly. Care for the shrines and chapel Schools often at no charge to students. Thank you for your generosity.

Parents who are sitting in the choir loft with their children, are asked NOT to sit in the first row due to safety issues. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Know a Marriage That Needs Help?  Throw them a lifeline and tell them about Retrouvaille, an international program that helps couples who are experiencing marital difficulties. This program is for all couples, at any stage of marriage that needs help to communicate with each other in a more attentive and loving manner. The next program in the Scranton Diocese begins Feb. 26-Feb. 28, 2016, at The Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, PA. Please call 800-470-2230 for more information or to register or visit the website at www.helpourmarriage.org.

God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them: “Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would borrow from you.” The Church’s love for the poor…is a part of her constant tradition. This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus, and his concern for the poor. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2443) The works of mercy (spiritual and corporal) are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his/her spiritual and bodily necessities. (#2447)

Spiritual Works of Mercy

1. To instruct the ignorant
2. To counsel the doubtful
3. To admonish sinners
4. To bear wrongs patiently
5. To forgive offenses willingly
6. To comfort the afflicted
7. To pray for the living and the dead

Corporal Works of Mercy

1. To feed the hungry
2. To shelter the homeless
3. To give drink to the thirsty
4. To clothe the naked
5. To visit the sick and imprisoned
6. To ransom the captive
7. To bury the dead

The time we spend in having our daily audience with God is the most precious part of the whole day. ~Blessed Teresa of Calcutta