Dear Brothers and Sisters in  Christ,

Thus far it has been a brutal  winter and unfortunately I have to cancel twice the 9 o’clock  Mass at St. Joseph. Such is life  in NEPA. I just think about how  beautiful it is in the other three seasons and what a  blessing it is to live here. At the same time we grieve for those many people in California and down south  who experience such weather-related trauma. May God watch over them and through our prayers and contributions ease their pain and loss. We pray for the people who have lost their lives.

In the Gospel today our Lord gives a tough talk about forgiveness and judgement. Sometimes we mistaken ly think that all judgement is contrary to the will of God. Not so. We certainly are required to point out  evil when we see it and call those who perpetrate it  to conversion. We are not condemning the person, but we surely must recognize and condemn the evil committed. If not, we may be complicit in wrong behavior. This, of course, requires both fortitude, courage and prudence on our part. That is a fraternal responsibility on our part and through prayer we ask God for the ability to correct with calmness, com passion and mercy those who are jeopardizing their  immortal souls. Do all things with love even if we are fuming on the inside. As difficult as it may be, persevere in bringing the mercy of God to those most in  need. 

This week our parish has received a great honor. St.  John the Evangelist Parish has been chosen by Bishop Bambera to be one of the eight pilgrimage sites  throughout the Diocese in this Jubilee Year. Our  doors are open for anyone seeking the indulgences  granted by Pope Francis to those who travel to and  visit our churches. We are presently awaiting further  information regarding this great honor and as it will  be received it will be published in the bulletin. Deo  gratias! 

With Blessings, 

Father Langan