Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Every day we are bombarded with many voices, many opinions, many which conflict with each other. So we are faced with the dilema: “Who do we believe?” It is most important not to make decisions based upon emotional re- actions no matter how strong those emotions may be, but rather discern what is best by em- ploying the virtue of wisdom. And, one might ask: “Where is that wisdom to be found?”

In today’s first scripture reading at Mass (Kings 4:42-44) Solomon inherits the Kingship of Israel and Judah from his father David. Rather than access his power and dominion he turns in all humil- ity to God and asks the Lord for the wisdom to be a just, temperate and wise ruler over those entrusted to his care. The prayer comes from the depths of his sincere heart. Rightfully, we admire and commend such humility and confidence in God. Solomon realized he could not rule by his own wits.

In these days of turmoil, we need to approach God with the same humility and confidence. Earnestly we pray for the resurgence of wisdom in our own lives and in the lives of those whom we entrust to make the right decisions for our general health, welfare, and peaceful good order. St. Peter reminds us to always pray for the civil authorities, even though these same authorities would bring persecution, he still took the higher ground as prescribed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a well-informed conscience. May we too invoke the wisdom of Solomon adn follow unreservedly the Holy Spirit’s promptings in all we do!
A thousand thanks for all the beautiful cards, Masses, spiritual bouquets that I have been receiving daily for a speedy recov- ery. At my recent therapy session they were astounded by the progress I have made thus far. I told them I have a lot of people praying for me. Never I doubt the power and efficacy of prayer.

With Blessings,

Father Langan

Novena Prayer to Saint Ann, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Begin by Making the Sign of the Cross:In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Priest : Incline unto my aid, O God.

People: O Lord make haste to help me.Priest: Let us pray.O Almighty God Father of mercies and Giver of all good gifts we kneel before You to honor You in Your Saints; and to seek their intercession in our many needs. We are truly sorry for all our sins; and humbly ask Your pardon. Please grant our petitions and a full measure of the indulgences granted by Your Vicar, the Pope and draw us ever nearer Your Divine Heart. Amen

Prayer to Saint Ann, Mother of The Blessed Virgin Mary

With a heart full of sincere and filial veneration, I prostrate myself before You, O Blessed Saint Ann, You are that beloved and privileged creature who, because of your extraordinary virtue and sanctity did deserve of God that chief of graces, of giving life to the treasury of grace, the Blessed among women, the Mother the Incarnate Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Ah: In consideration of such exalted favors, please O most tender Saint, receive me among the number of your truly devoted servants, for such I profess myself to be and wish to remain for the rest of my life. Surround me with your efficacious patronage and obtain for me a knowledge of my sins and sorrow for them, an ardent love of Jesus and Mary, and a faithful and constant observance of the duties of my state in life. Save me from all dangers in life and assist me at the hour of my death that I may safely reach Paradise, there to praise with you, most happy Mother, the Word of God made man in the womb of your most pure daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen.

One Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be to the Father……..

Prayer to Saint Ann to Obtain A Special Favor

O Glorious Saint Ann, filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affair which I recommend to you under your special protection [here mention silently your intentions] Please recommend it to your daughter the Blessed Virgin Mary and lay it before the Throne of Jesus so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Please continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face and with you and Mary and all the Saints praising and blessing Him for all eternity. Amen.

THREE TIMES:Good Saint Ann, Mother of her who is our Life, our Sweetness and our Hope, pray to Her for us and obtain our requests.

ONE HAIL MARY

GOOD SAINT ANN, PRAY FOR US

HYMN TO ST. ANN (sung to the tune of Immaculate Mary)

Hail Mother Mary, O gracious Saint Ann,God’s Marvelous Choice from the whole Race of Man:(Chorus) O Good Saint Ann, Saint Ann pray for us. O Good Saint Ann, Saint Ann pray for us.

Sweet Child of election deemed worthy to bear.The Virgin of Virgins, Christ’s Mother, most fair.(Chorus)

Look upon our sorrows, give ear of our plaint, Behold our afflictions, O powerful Saint.(Chorus)

July 11 and 12 (Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we hear the Parable of the Sower and the Seed.  Perhaps some of you have planted gardens in your yards for produce and flowers and with this exceptionally nice weather, have appreciated how quickly things have grown.  Soon you will be happily reaping the fruit of your labors.  Our Lord has the same anticipation and expectation.  At Baptism, He has planted the word in your heart and soul.  Patiently, He has nourished and tended the tender shoots with His grace.  He pulls out the weeds (the Sacrament of Reconciliation); He feeds the plants with Sprigs of Salvation (the Holy Eucharist); He fortifies the soul with energy (Confirmation); and even places stalks along those plants that need strength and encouragement.  The Good Shepherd is also the Good Farmer.  He knows what the seed needs to grow and He gives it.

But seeds sometimes seem to have a mind of their own.  Strangely, the spring up in the most unexpected places and we are astounded to find them in a small crack of payment or concrete.  Sadly, the “glory “ of the seed lasts only a moment without having fulfilled its purpose that is to flourish and multiply.

What is particular about this Sower is that He has a simple requirement – receptivity and cooperation.  That responsibility falls to us.  Will the seed lie dormant in us and simply wither away or will we humbly ask the Sower to provide the nutrients that will yield a bountiful harvest?  So, how does your garden grow?

One of the highlights of the month of July is the Annual Novena to St. Ann.  Because of the prevailing pandemic, many erstwhile pilgrims will be unable to travel to the Shrine in Scranton.  As usual we shall pray the novena in our parish beginning Saturday, July 18^th until the feast day, July 26^th.  Novena prayer fliers will be available.  When you take one, please keep it with you and do not return it.  St. Ann will certainly be hearing our particular intentions for an end of this virus and take it into consideration.

Thanks to all for your continued prayers, cards, and good wishes as I’m slowly recovering.

With Blessings,

Father Langan

In order to facilitate social distancing of 6 feet or more between individuals (households may sit together), you are required to make reservations for all Sunday and daily Masses. Parishioners must reserve their seats by calling the Parish Office at 570-253-4561 Monday to Thursday between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM and Friday from 9 AM to noon. Please no reservations via text messages or email after hours.

For now, Masses at St. Mary Magdalen are limited to 32 people; 41 at St. John the Evangelist; 40 at St. Bernard in Beach Lake and 25 at St. Joseph in Rileyville. In the meantime until further notice, we will be celebrating outdoor Mass behind St. John’s Church at 11:30 on Sundays (no reservations for this Mass is required).

Face masks must be worn at all the Masses.

July 4-5

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our Lord offers comforting words to us today:  “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest”. Let those words wash over us and all the responsibilities we have, all the stresses we are under, and all our failures that haunt us.  “My yoke is easy,” Our Lord assures us, “My burden light.”  As we celebrate this Independence Day weekend, let us rejoice in the freedom that Jesus offers us from our heavy burdens.

With Blessings,

Father Langan

June 27-28

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One never knows how kindness and charity will be rewarded sometimes in this life, but always in the next.  God does indeed take account of what we do and someday we will behold the long-forgotten (on our part) good works we have done.  During these unsettled days, opportunities present themselves for our doing good.  Since the usual busy routines are generally disrupted, we should ask God to inspire us to live more ardently the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.  One good work maybe to check on our many homebound neighbors who would appreciate a call.  Some of them may need shopping or picking up prescriptions.  Every day God gives us a gift and with that gift comes the opportunity to do good.

This Saturday our Diocese has been blessed with three new priests.  Ordained by Bishop Bambera are Fathers Jonathan Kuhar, Kevin Miller, and Shawn Simchock.  Please keep these new fathers in your prayers as they go out to tend the Lord’s flock.  And blessings on and thanks to Father Sahd as he celebrates the 19^th anniversary of his priestly ordination on June 30^th.  We are truly blessed to have him with us.

On July 1^st I will be having a total knee replacement and, therefore, will be in recovery for several weeks thereafter.  Monsignor Peter Madus and Father Patrick Mohr will be helping with the weekend Masses.  During the week, there will be only one daily Mass.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

With Blessings,

Father Langan

In the event that a person does not show up at his/her assigned chapel hour, kindly close the door of the Tabernacle door prior to your departure. Otherwise, the door is to remain open when an adorer is present.

June 20-21

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we honor our earthly fathers today, we hear Our Lord reassure his disciples by reminding them of the tender care of His heavenly Father.  Our heavenly Father watches over us assiduously, faithfully, lovingly; every hair on our heads is accounted for.  We find great consolation in such trying times when we place ourselves into our Father’s care.  Think of the times when our own fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father-figures – living and deceased – made us feel safe and secure.  How very much they deserve our gratitude and admiration.

At our 9:30 Mass today, we welcome Emily Jonas, fiancée of Eric Diehl who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Once again, the power of the Holy Spirit is poured out upon a young member of the Church.  Fortified by this special grace,  may Emily be a steadfast and fervent witness to the Faith especially as she will soon enter for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

As things are ‘loosening-up’ and summer is here, let us continue our ardent prayer for the end of the pandemic and continue to be prudent and cautious in observing the prescribed protocol for safe distancing.

Blessings and good health to all especially our Fathers,

Father Langan

Although some of the “social distancing” regulations are loosening up in Wayne County, we are still maintaining safe distances within ALL the Churches during Mass. Reservations remain in effect until further notice and attendees must wear a face mask for the duration of the Mass.

June 13-14

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“I will be with you always until the end of the ages.”  These words of Our Lord are the absolute guaranties that no matter how bleak things get we are not alone.   And the ultimate assurance of His Divine Presence we celebrate today in a special way.  It is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi – the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Before He gave His Body and Blood on the cross for the salvation of the whole world, Jesus gave His Body and Blood to His Disciples under the appearance of bread and wine in the Upper Room on the night before He was crucified.  Our Lord empowered these disciples to continue this sacrificial meal as the way and means by which He would be with us always.

Just as the Lord provided the necessities of life for ancient Israel as they journeyed through the desert so in a more profound and intimate way, he sustains us on the journey to the Kingdom of Heaven.  In the Holy Eucharist one Lord commingles His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity with our unworthy and broken human nature.  “My Flesh is true food and my Blood, true drink,” says the Lord.  Today, as last Sunday, we ponder a mystery that is beyond human explanation, but must be embraced in faith.  May we pray for an increase in faith for ourselves and especially for those who have drifted away from the most glorious gift that God has given to His creatures.

As well you know, in order for this divine gift to come to us there needs to be priests.  One June 27, at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, Bishop Bambera will be ordaining to the Sacred Priesthood Rev. Mr. Jonathan Kuhar, Rev. Mr. Kevin Miller, and Rev. Mr. Shawn Simchock.  This is a joyous day for our diocese and we offer our prayers for these men who will continue to supply the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation along with the forgiveness of sins to God’s faithful people.  Please pray daily for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood.

As we celebrate this great Mystery of Corpus Christi, we have the joy of returning to our regular (24-7) adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our Eucharistic Chapel.  Thanks to all who are resuming their hours.  Kindly remember ONLY two adorers (or family adorers – thus more than 2) may be in the chapel at one time.  We will begin on Saturday at 7 AM.  As you are leaving the chapel at the conclusion of your designated hour, please sanitize kneelers and chair arms before leaving.

With Blessings,

Father Langan