01-02-2022

Partner Parishes of The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia

January 2, 2022 The Epiphany of the Lord

Mailing Address: Partner Parishes of The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia 118 Church Street, Brownsville, PA 15417 Phone: 724-785-7781 Websites: www.stpeterstcecilia.org and www.historicchurchofstpeter.org

Ministry Schedule January 8-9, 2022

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Saturday, January 1, 2022 9:00 a.m. C Richard Riley (Paula Gribble) 10:00 a.m. P Gary Brumley (Rick & Pixie Gates) Sunday Obligation 4:00 p.m. P Lea Satifka (Mom, Dad & Brother Matt)

The Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, January 2, 2022 L.S. 8:00 a.m. P Pro Populo 9:30 a.m. C Tim Chiplaskey (Josephine Parr) 11:00 a.m. P Larry Papini (Patricia & Tom Downes) Monday, January 3, 2022 7:30 a.m. P No Mass Tuesday, January 4, 2022 7:30 a.m. P Maggie Spishock (Mary Porter) Wednesday, January 5, 2022 L.S. 8:00 a.m. C Rita Petrus-Month’s Mind (Parish Family) Thursday, January 6, 2022 L.S. 7:30 a.m. P Gary Brumley (Ted & Barb Gera) Friday, January 7, 2022 L.S. 7:30 a.m. P Helen Diamond Anniversary of Death (Daughter Caroline & Ron)

The Baptism of the Lord Saturday, January 8, 2022 4:00 p.m. P Lucille Kormos (Daughters Eva & Gina) Sunday, January 9, 2022 L.S. 8:00 a.m. P Geraldine Ward (Mr. & Mrs. Jack Ferenci) 9:30 a.m. C George Bozek (Jean Bozek & Family)

Sanctuary Lamp at St. Cecilia Tim Chiplaskey Requested by: Josephine Parr

EM: Lector: EM: Lector: EM: Lector:

Saturday, Jan. 8 — 4:00 p.m. St. Peter Gloria Wheeler John Ball Sunday, Jan. 9 — 8:00 a.m. St. Peter Bill Johns Rose Comport Sunday, Jan. 9 — 11:00 a.m. St. Peter Dot McCrory Larry Franks

New Years Message

On behalf of our staff, all engaged in ministry, and our faithful parishioners, let us not only wish one another a good and prosperous New Year but prayerfully support each other on our respective journeys. Although we are still being affected by the Covid pandemic we pray the vaccine will be successful so that in the New Year we will continue to grow and prosper as Partner Parishes.

We will strengthen our ministries and outreach to the broader community. This month we will complete the construction of the Mezzanine level of the Parish Social Hall/Rec Center at St. Peter, which is planned for use and benefit of all.

A few reminders about our celebration this weekend of Mary, Mother of God on January 1st and on Sunday the Epiphany. The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is the Church’s oldest celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also designated as the World Day of Prayer for Peace. There can be no better way to start the New Year than to honor our Blessed Mother and pray with her for peace in our world. As we pray together at God’s invitation, let us be mindful of how the Holy Mother of God cares for the Church and the world that her Son died to save.

We pray that through the intercession of Mary the Mother of God, you will be strengthened on your journey of faith. The sacred scriptures we hear proclaimed continue our celebration of the Christmas season. We still have shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus at the manger in Bethlehem. As we celebrate the Epiphany, the three wise men represent the fact that all the nations of the world are invited to sing the Lord’s praises. The readings recount a very beautiful blessing from our ancient tradition, and Saint Paul proclaims that we are adopted children of God through Jesus Christ. Let us ponder these readings and reflect on them in our heart. ~Fr. Tim

Sanctuary Lamp at St. Peter Maggie Spishock Requested by: Rich & Roxann Zidek & Family Bread & Wine at St. Peter Maggie Spishock Requested by: Rich & Roxann Zidek & Family

Notes from Fr. Tim

1-2-2022

So, in the depth of despair, in darkness, in exile, in slavery, nothing remains of the city of Jerusalem. Isaiah is prophesying of this time to come, prophesying the light, a radiance will shine over Jerusalem that all the nations would come there.

Later in this passage he talks about their coming with camels, with dromedaries. He references they'll have incense, gold and myrrh.

As I’ve shared before I have here a video called "The Star of Bethlehem." It's a documentary produced by an attorney who knew nothing about astronomy. However, he was a very faithful Christian and informed by the Scriptures, he said: "The story from Matthew’s Gospel about the star: there must be a way to determine he acif there's substance to it. Is it true?" quired books on astronomy. He studied very deeply. Ultimately, he acquired the software used by the folks who sent our astronauts to the moon.

The software is based on “Kepler's Law” which established that the constellations, the stars and planets’ movements follow an arithmetic pattern.

Some are constantly repeating, some over long periods of time; some over short periods of time, but it is repetitive.

Using the theorems and equations that Kepler developed scientists created software that enables us to determine from any time in history, from any location in the world, how the stars, even entire’ constellations were aligned. this fellow: an attorney who knew nothing about science, delved very deeply, and in his research, he found that at the time of Christ's birth, Jupiter, which is the largest of the planets, and a star called "Regulis" (which means "king)" that happens to be a very bright star, came together. And when they came together, according to this software through which he is able demonstrate the movement of the constellations, they are moving from the east towards the west, and even seem to almost stand still in the area of Jerusalem down to Bethlehem.

He's absolutely certain, and what he's shown in his documentary convinced me that, indeed, the star did exist.

God had a plan from the very beginning when the universe was formed that at a certain time, in space and in human existence, his Son would be born. In order to accomplish his plan he placed the stars, the constellations, the planets in their orbits, and timed them so that his purpose would be accomplished.

The documentary then focuses on Je-

sus' Passion, Cross and death. During the period of the Passover thirty-three years after the birth of Jesus, he shows that there was an eclipse of the sun: that for those three hours from twelve noon till 3:00 p.m. when Jesus died, there was complete and utter darkness because God had a plan, and that plan would be accomplished, and the earth would quake at the time of Jesus' death. Simultaneously the curtain in the temple that separated the people from the Holy of Holies, that sanctuary where the tabernacle was, would be torn asunder from top to bottom because God would henceforth be amongst his people. There would not be a separation between God and his creation.

Now, we can decide not to believe these facts; we can even decide not to believe the Gospel but the point that we're trying to make here is that, indeed, this wondrous event that proclaimed the birth of the Christ was real, that the people of all the nations would come, not just the Jews who had been that Chosen People, but the Magi, the Gentiles of whom we are the successors, would indeed come to that light and would profess the truth.

But in the darkness that we encounter every day, where there is sadness, where there is mortality, where there is loss, there's death, there's frightening events that occur, we get caught up in them and we forget that Jesus fought the battle again. He has defeated Satan; he has destroyed sin. It's no longer a death sentence for us; he has destroyed death itself. We have the eternal promises.

That's why, in this season, we should be joyous, recognizing that the Light of the World has indeed come and we're the beneficiaries of those eternal promises: restored to relationship with our heavenly Father.

So, let us celebrate; let us recognize this gift, and let us re-commit, to be those who say "yes" to Christ, who help build up his Kingdom, who do the work in this lifetime that he's established for us, in order that all might be accomplished. For, indeed, the battle has been fought; the war has been won, and we are now being tested to see if we believe, if we follow that Light, if we become Christ for one another and live it out as fully as we can in this lifetime, recognizing that when we fail, he forgives us, restores us, and enables us to once again, be fully united to him.

PRAYER LIST Our Prayer Warriors will keep these people in their prayers. Please call the office with your Prayer List request.

724-785-7781 Also, please call the office if someone’s name should be removed from the list.

A Sick Friend Angelilli, Frank Ann Augustine, Marie B., Marge Baker, Colby Ballone, Mike Battaglini, Betty Beckman, Haley Marie Belice, Linda Black, David Black, Theresa Brant, Donna Brosky, Tom Buffer, Rose Capatosti, Genevieve Charsh, Melonie Columbia, Bernice Compton, Cathy Datzko, Kit Dakota

Dean, Chuck & Joyce Diamond, Dan Dowling, Matthew Dumay, Judith Dvorchak, Patty Fecek, Jack Frisco, Richard Garofalo, Carl Gigliotti, Petronilla Gigliotti, Rita Ann & Francesco Gnus, Fred Hall, Barbara Hlatky, John Jeff & Nancy Jones, Brent Josephine Kadar, Michael Kenny & Stephanie King, Debby Koban, Sammy

Kurek, Janet Lopez, Emma Louge, Harriet Martini, Zane Robert Mathianas, Joanne Maxwell, Dan Maxwell, Laura Medlock, Babette Nemetz, Virginia Niccolai, Kyle Ochkie, Melonie Papini, Marsha Pichard, Bertha Popiesh, Shirley Repasy, Karen Ricco, Camille Ritz, Gary Sampey, Linda Sealy, Olivia Shenal, Paul, Jr. Smith, Chuck

Smith, Joyce Snodgrass, Bill Stevenson, Ed Stringert, Robert Stringert, Veronica Sullivan, Louise Tinstman, Terri & Rev. Marc Tinstman, Bethany Tomecsko, Bryan Tomecsko, Nelda Triffanoff, Colleen Tylka, Kathy Volek, Jeff Volek, Patty Willeford, Jeff & Nancy Winwood, Billie Wivell, Amy Smith Zuchelkowski, Bernie Fr. Tim Fr. Bill Berkey

St. Peter Social Hall Daily Mass Chapel

The parish experiences significant costs heating and cooling the sandstone of St. Peter Church in the cold winter months and during the heat of summer. In January we will begin celebrating daily Mass in the new chapel located on the mezzanine level of the Social Hall. We would only use the Social Hall space when temperatures were excessively hot or cold. The church is comfortable during the later spring and fall months without the use of heat or air conditioning. During these more temperate months our gas and electric bills for the church are much lower.

We intend to celebrate only daily Mass in the Social Hall. By limiting the amount of time we condition the church temperature to a comfortable level for parishioners to Saturday and Sunday, the parish would experience a significant cost savings. This is particularly true since the Social Hall is always temperature conditioned by its new, more efficient HVAC system.

As soon as the occupancy permit is obtained for the second level of the Social Hall we will notify our parishioners and begin celebrating the daily Masses in our chapel.

Bereavement Group Meeting January 5, 2022 5:00 pm - Office

Knights of Columbus Meeting January 10, 2022 7:30 pm - Social Hall

St. Peter’s Church 12/12/21 ADULT ENV (138) .............. $4972.75 MONTHLY (31) ................... $1511.00 LOOSE .................................... $26.00 CANDLES .................................. $8.00 OPLATKI ................................. $24.00 UTILITIES (5) ......................... $115.00 IMMAC. CONCEP. (58) ......... $909.00 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS (25) $446.00 St. Cecilia’s Church 12/12/21 ADULT ENV......................... $1273.00 IMMAC. CONCEP. (12) ......... $260.00 LOOSE................................... $106.00 MONTHLY (5) ........................ $175.00 CANDLES ................................ $65.00 OPLATKI ................................. $75.00 CHRISTMAS (1) ...................... $50.00 FLOWERS (7) ........................ $160.00

The new hymnals found in each church were an anonymous donation by two of our parishioners.

Enough were ordered to satisfy the needs of each church.

Please do not remove these hymnals from the church at any time.

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St. Peter’s Church 12/19/21 ADULT ENV (138) ......................... $4068.00 MONTHLY (8) .................................. $440.00 LOOSE ............................................ $222.00 CANDLES ......................................... $125.00 OPLATKI .......................................... $139.00 CEMETERY (2) ................................. $205.00 IMMAC. CONCEP. (4) ........................ $40.00 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS (8) ............ $145.00 UTILITIES (18) .................................. $185.00 St. Cecilia’s Church 12/19/21 ADULT ENV.................................... $1370.00 LOOSE ............................................. $154.00 CHRISTMAS (2) ............................... $125.00 CANDLES ........................................... $34.00 UTILITIES (4) ...................................... $60.00 IMMAC. CONCEP. (4) ........................ $93.00 OPLATKI ............................................ $13.00 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS (1) .............. $20.00 Blessing of the Homes.

The Blessing of the home on Epiphany has been a Catholic tradition for centuries. As the Israelites in the Old Testament marked their doors to be saved from death, we invoke the Heavenly Father’s blessing and protection over our homes and families for the coming year. The lintel of the door is marked with “20+C+M+B+22” signifying the year and the initials of the three kings, Caspar, Balthazar and Melchior (also an abbreviation of the Latin blessing Christus mansionem benedicat which means, May Christ bless this house) and appropriate prayers are said. Kits for blessing your home will be available in the back of each church.

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21, 2022

Would you like to join Fr. Tim and fellow parishioners as we journey to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life?

The van will depart on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 10 a.m. and return on Friday, January 21, 2022. We are attending the Vigil Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and participating in the March and related events on Friday. If you are interested or have questions, please call Fr. Tim at the church office, 724-785-7781.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa Claus

St. Peter SUN

MON

January 2022 TUE

WED

THUR

St. Cecilia FRI

SAT 1 Solemnity of Mary Masses 9 am (C) 10 am (P)

2 Epiphany of the Lord

3 Holy Name of Jesus Bible Study Crosskeys - 6 pm

4 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

5 St. John Neumann Bereavement Group Mtg Office - 5 pm

6 St. André Bessette

7 St. Raymond of Peñafort (P) First Friday 7:30 am Mass, Exposition, Benediction (C) 6:00 pm Confession, Exposition, Benediction Pierogi Making– 10 am

13 St. Hilary Meals on the Blvd.-depart St. Peter’s parking lot at 3:30 pm

14

NO SCW meeting

9 Baptism of the Lord

10

11

12

Bible Study Crosskeys - 6 pm K of C - 7:30 pm - St. Mary’s Hall

16 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

17 St. Anthony Bible Study Crosskeys - 6 pm

18

19 Bereavement Group Mtg Office - 5 pm Food Bank

20 St. Fabian, Pope St. Sebastian Depart for March for Life 10:00 am

23 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

24 St. Francis de Sales Bible Study Crosskeys - 6 pm

25 Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle

26 St. Timothy St. Titus

27 St. Angela Merici Meals on the Blvd.-depart St. Peter’s parking lot at 3:30 pm

30 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

31 St. John Bosco Bible Study Crosskeys - 6 pm

1

2 The Presentation of the Lord Candlemas

3 St. Blaise St/ Ansgar

Bereavement Group Mtg Office - 5 pm

8 Pierogi Making– 10 am

C) 6:00 pm Confession, Exposition, Benediction

15 Pro-Life - depart St. Peter’s parking lot at 7:00 am

Pierogi Making10 am

Pierogi Making10 am

21 St. Agnes

22 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

March for Life, Washington D.C. No Confession, Exposition, Benediction 28 St. Thomas Aquinas C) 6:00 pm Confession, Exposition, Benediction

29

4 5 (P) First Friday St. Agatha 7:30 am Mass, Exposition, Benedic- Pro-Life - depart tion St. Peter’s parking (C) 6:00 pm Conlot at 7:00 am fession, Exposition, Benediction

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St. Peter 118 Church Street Brownsville, PA 15417 O: 724-785-7781 C: 724-984-6983***

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