From the Desk of Fr. Tim... The celebration of the Baptism of the Lord which is the final day of the Christmas Season is so important. As Ordinary Time begins on Monday we, like Christ, renew our ministry throughout the “ordinary” days of our lives. Jesus’ public ministry, as shared by St. Luke’s Gospel, begins with Jesus returning to his home town of Nazareth and speaking in the synagogue. He is acknowledged for his powerful proclamation of the scroll of the Prophet Isaiah. However, the crowd ultimately focuses on Jesus being the Son of Joseph the carpenter and Mary the housewife. They take offense that their humble neighbor is now considered a prophet and has declared that Isaiah’s passage about the Spirit of the Lord being upon him has been fulfilled in their hearing. We, like Jesus, have all been baptized and thus commissioned as a member of the family of God to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. Jesus throughout his public ministry will touch the hearts of many, but he will also offend. As we attempt to fulfill our commission to proclaim the good news of Jesus through our words and acts, we too will sometimes encounter opposition. Living in our secular culture we may even be accused of not being sensitive to the lifestyles of those who don’t live in accordance with Gospel teachings. If we read Luke’s Gospel passages closely this year, we will notice that Jesus prayed, after being baptized, before he started his day, before he preached, and before he healed. We all could greatly benefit by following the model of Jesus as he in prayer invoked his heavenly Father’s help constantly. We should also lift up a quick silent prayer as we evangelize, respond to those who question our faith in God or attempt to accomplish our work of being witnesses by word and act to Jesus. Daily Mass (Offering Ourselves to God) At every Mass we make an offering of our self to the Lord along with Jesus’ sacrifice that we re-present through the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We memorialize Jesus’ the unblemished Lamb who fulfilled all of the Passover celebrations by offering himself on the Cross for all people of all time. As the gifts of bread and wine are prepared we should prayerfully acknowledge that these humble offerings represent us and our human limitations. We pray that as they are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ through the actions and words of the priest that our lives also be transformed. Co-offering the Mass with Christ “We are therefore present at each and every Mass under the appearance of bread and wine. . . We are not passive spectators as we might be watching a spectacle in a theater, but we are co-offering our Mass with Christ. If any picture adequately describes our role in this drama it is this: There is a great cross before us on which is stretched the great Host, Christ. Round about the hill of Calvary are our small crosses on which we, the small hosts, are to be offered. When our Lord goes to His Cross we go to our little crosses, and offer ourselves in union with Him, as a clean oblation to the heavenly Father. At that moment we literally fulfill to the smallest detail the Savior’s command: Take up your cross daily and follow Me. In doing so, He is not asking us to do anything He has not already done Himself.” Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Through uniting our offering to the heavenly Father with Jesus’ sacrifice we make the limitations and sufferings of our lives redemptive. We can ask the Lord to apply those redemptive graces to those we love that are suffering or for the benefit of family members or friends who have gone before us and may be in Purgatory. The Lord knows our heart’s desires but he wants us to present them in this loving action of uniting ourselves to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. As we have previously noted, there is no more powerful prayer than the celebration of Mass. The simple act of attending and participating in the Liturgy enables us to enter more fully into relationship with Jesus by expressing our thanks, our love and acknowledging that he is God. Surrendering Our Heart to the Lord “Don’t think that you must do great things to show our Lord that you love him. No, great things are good when God presents them. But let’s offer our little things to his goodness with great love and great submissiveness, and the recompense will be in proportion to these two things. Nowhere in Scripture does the Lord say: My son, my daughter, give me your head, your arms, your life, but only, “My child, give me your heart” [see Mt 22: 37]. Whoever has a person’s heart has the whole person. The heart is the seat of love. “When I have your heart,” says the Lord, “I will set my love on it. And I will even make my love dwell in it, and all the rest will follow as a consequence.” St. Jane de Chantal (1572–1641) Father Tim has a number of rooms in the rectory that he needs to paint. He isn't very skilled as a painter. He is looking for volunteers to advise and assist him in doing this. If you are interested in helping please call him at 724-785-7781. Thank you! The St. Cecilia Pastoral and Finance Councils have approved plans for painting the interior of the church. Father Tim has forwarded a request to the Bishop's Office for approval of the plan, color, etc. This notification is being provided to make you aware of the possibility that for an upcoming two week period all Masses will be celebrated at St. Peter's. If the Bishop approves our plan you will have advance notice of the dates when painting will take place.
Ministry Schedule January 16-17 Baptism of the Lord Saturday Vigil, January 9, 2016 4:00 p.m. P Lea Reine Satifka Scorza (Russ Urick) Sunday, January 10, 2016 8:00 a.m. P Pro Populo-Mass for the People 9:45 a.m. C Stephen & Rita Hovanec (Josephine Parr) 11:00 a.m. P Rae and Sam Francis (Their Daughters) Monday, January 11, 2016
EM: Reader: Server: EM: Reader: Server: EM: Reader: EM: Reader: Server:
4:00 p.m. St. Peter Gloria Wheeler Mark Galway Patty Galway John Ball Jolena Quarzo Morgan Sheranek 8:00 a.m. St. Peter Tim Shimko Mark Moncheck Margaret Peters Crystal Bogorae Shane Ziglear Samantha Ziglear 9:45 a.m. St. Cecilia Mark Konter. Nancy Sebeck Carl DellaPenna Karen Angelilli 11:00 a.m. St. Peter Diane Sheridan Larry Franks Kathy Miller Chuck Bogorae Luke Clinster Anna Clister
7:30 a.m. P NO MASS Tuesday, January 12, 2016 7:30 a.m. P NO MASS 8:00 a.m. C Helen Ozanick (Mr. & Mrs. Alec Merkosky) Wednesday, January 13, 2016 P/C NO MASS Thursday, January 14, 2016 P NO MASS 8:00 a.m. C Anna Marie Evans (Jane Kish) Friday, January 15, 2016 P Birthday Remembrance Christina Gabonay (Chuck & Anita Lamendola) Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:00 a.m. C Eugene Beck (Wife & Family) Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Saturday Vigil, January 16, 2016 4:00 p.m. P Lisa Battaglini (Mother, Frank & Mark) Sunday, January 17, 2016 8:00 a.m. P Pro Populo-Mass for the People 9:45 a.m. C Birthday Remembrance James & Anne Brady (Children & Grand Children) 11:00 a.m. P 1st Anniversary of Death Connie Duvall (Family) Sanctuary Lamp and Bread/Wine at St. Peter Regina Francis & Samuel N. Francis Requested by: Family
Prayer Corner...We Pray for... Paul Cech, Sr. Jill Wible David Ballant Patty Sluk Bruce Brady Sammy Basile III Nancy Heinbaugh Lacy Neff Tisa Lach Josephine Bogorae Rhonda Liggett Chuck Smith Joseph Nehela Carl Butler Beverly Berish Alex McCune Eleanor Dando Jerry Zalek Christopher Liebietreu
Maryann Olenik Barbara McNeeley Christine Rose Darla Stump Liliana Orris Rosalie Barlie Ann Baker Lenny Zielinski Conner McClelland Sylvia Walinski Linda Brand Laura Garee Emma Null Patricia Knight Mary Williams Mary Barber Sharon Smith Fred Gnus Michael Climes Sr. Serena Snodgrass
Bill Snodgrass Charlotte Katko Bob Behary Veronica Stringert Robert Stringert Bryan Tomecsko Brandon Tomecsko Allison Sallade Shane Urbine Joel Shumar Cody Tylka Dolores Sarrocco Ron Andreani Ronald Sabo Jr. Joseph Jagoda Margie Linzmeier All living and deceased members of our parish and their families.
Collection Report St. Peter’s Church 12/25/15 ADULT ENVELOPES(284)..…………… ...... $8575.00 STUDENT ENVELOPES(13)..………………….$38.75 MONTHLY(10)……………………………........ $285.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. .... $1026.00 CANDLES………………………………… ......... $14.00 CHILD FAMILY(124)………………………….$1248.00 CHILD FAMILY LOOSE(28)…………………..$401.00 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS(5)…………………..$116.00
St. Cecilia’s Church 12/25/15 ADULT ENVELOPES(40)……………….. ….$2010.00 STUDENT ENV(5) ........................................... $22.00 LOOSE……………………………………… . …$238.00 CANDLES………………………………………...$52.00 CHILD FAMILY .............................................. $325.00
Ministry Schedule The NEW combined ministry schedule that starts January 2, 2016 thru June 26, 2016 was mailed home and will also be available in the back of the church for your reference. Once again if you are unable to fulfill the ministry please find a replacement. Please check in with Fr. Tim or Fr. Jim prior to the Mass so they are aware you are present. This schedule replaces any previous schedule for this time period. If you should have any questions, please call the office. Music Notes The Music Ministry is looking for a few good people! St. Peter’s Choir has grown in numbers recently and now we are in need of several men as well as additional altos to round out our ranks. Choir rehearsal resumes this Tuesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM. Please prayerfully consider whether you are being called to this liturgical ministry. Upcoming events include the annual Tenebrae service on Good Friday evening, which will feature several new pieces this year. We are also in need of additional cantors for Mass. Training will be provided. If you are interested in the music ministry, please contact Eric Blanda, me at ericblanda@yahoo.com or at 412-582-2512.
St. Vincent De Paul Can you volunteer? We need people to share their Time and Talents for the good of the poor in our area. Any amount of help is appreciated: One hour, one day a week or even one day a month. All Are Welcome! Types of help needed: sorting incoming merchandise, receiving/shipping merchandise, cashiers, general maintenance, information and referral ministry, interviewers, computer assistance, budget coaching. Call 724-439-1780 and leave your name and number for someone to give you a call. May God Bless you!
A note from our neighboring Parish St. John the Baptist, Perryopolis. St. John the Baptist, Perryopolis is aware that St Hedwig Cemetery in Smock suffered damage due to vandalism. We are working in conjunction with the State Police and Diocese on this issue. If you would like additional information, please contact the St. John the Baptist Parish Office at 724-736-4442.
Collection Report St. Peter’s Church 12/27/15 ADULT ENVELOPES(229)..…………… ...... $3749.00 STUDENT ENVELOPES(16)..………………….$20.00 MONTHLY(5)…………………………… ......... $125.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. ...... $399.00 CANDLES………………………………… ....... $134.00 ACCENT(2)……………………………………….$10.00
St. Cecilia’s Church 12/27/15 ADULT ENVELOPES(66)……………….. ..….$969.00 STUDENT ENV(10) ......................................... $11.00 LOOSE……………………………………… ...…$60.00 CANDLES………………………………………...$43.00 SVDP ............................................................... $91.00 ACCENT(2)……………………………………….$10.00 FLOWERS………………………………………$118.00 CHILD FAMILY…………………………………..$48.00
St. Peter’s Church 1/3/16 ADULT ENVELOPES(285)..…………… ...... $4317.34 STUDENT ENVELOPES(12)..………………….$16.00 MONTHLY(10)……………………………........ $913.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. ...... $921.00 CANDLES………………………………… ....... $156.00 INITIAL OFFERING(90)……………………….$765.00 SOLEMNITY LOOSE(28)……………………..$156.00 SOLEMNITY(136)…………………………….$1697.00 CHRISTMAS(9)………………………………...$360.00 CHILD FAMILY(2)……………………………….$25.00
St. Cecilia’s Church 1/3/16 ADULT ENVELOPES(68)……………….. ….$1609.00 STUDENT ENV(10) ......................................... $11.00 LOOSE……………………………………… ... …$32.00 CANDLES………………………………………...$55.00 CHILD FAMILY .................................................. $5.00 CHRISTMAS(4)…………………………………..$55.00 SOLEMNITY(17)………………………………..$750.00 UTILITES(7)………………………………………$81.00
PRO LIFE MASS In recognition of the March for Life, the K of C Council 1275 will have a Mass offered for the Protection of the Unborn Child at St. Mary Nativity Church on Friday January 22, at 8:00 a.m. Rosary will be recited after Mass and a pro-life stand to follow at the five corners, Uniontown.
Diocese of Greensburg Prayer Events:
Pro-life Prayer Vigil: January 20th, 2:30 PM to 7 PM, at Saint Emma’s Retreat Center. DCCW Day of Prayer for Life: January 22nd, 11:30 AM to 4 PM, at the Bishop Connare Center. 9 Days for Life: If you wish to pray a novena for life from January 16th to January 24th with other Catholics across the nation, please visit http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/januaryroe-events/9-days-for-life-resources-for-leaders.cfm for prayer resources.
Would you like to join Fr. Tim and fellow parishioners as we journey to Washington, DC for the March for Life? We would depart on Thursday, January 21, at 12:00 noon and return Saturday, January 23, by 12:00 noon. We would attend the Vigil Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and also participate in the March and related events on Friday. Departure from DC will be on Saturday, January 23, at 8:00a.m. If you are interested or have questions please call Fr. Tim at the Church office 724-785-7781. Space is limited. Stand up for the Gospel of Life with thousands of others!
Memorial Bookplate Order Form Please fill out your selection of either “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” and submit the form with your check or cash in an envelope in the collection basket or mail it to the Church office. Please note it is very important to note “Hymnal Bookplate” on your check or envelope. You may also email your request to ssealy@dioceseofgreensburg.org . We ask for a donation of $20.00 for each requested bookplate. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
In Memory of: ______________________________________________________________________ 2nd line :_________________________________________________________ (Ex: Grandmother/father; Friend; Mother/Father; Godmother; etc.) By:____________________________________________________ Date:_______________
Donation $20.00
___________Cash or _______________Check
In Honor of: ________________________________________________________________________ 2nd line :_________________________________________________________ (Ex: Grandmother/father; Friend; Mother/Father; Godmother; etc.) By:____________________________________________________ Date:_______________
Donation $20.00
___________Cash or _______________Check
I would like my Memorial placed at St. Peter _______________or St. Cecilia __________________ Name of Person Completing this form:_____________________ Phone Number:___________________
“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.�
With over 1100 people attending our six Christmas Masses at our Partner Parishes, we worshipped together to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fr. Tim shared the story of the Birth of Jesus as Santa stopped by to pay homage to the new Messiah on the day of his birth. Much happiness, health and prosperity to you and your family.
Christmas 2015
Partner Parishes of Historic Church of Saint Peter 300 Shaffner Avenue St. Peter Brownsville, Pennsylvania 118 Church Street & Brownsville, PA 15417 Saint Cecilia Church 1571 Grindstone Road O: 724-785-7781 Grindstone, Pennsylvania
#770350
H: 724-785-7604 Parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg C: 724-984-6983*** “Pennsylvania Charitable Trusts”
Contact: Shannon Sealy MESSAGES: Mailing Address: Partner Parishes of St. Peter & St. Cecilia 118 Church Street Brownsville, PA 15417 Phone: 724-785-7781 Fax: 724-785-0844
Pastor: Rev. Micah E. Kozoil; Sr. Priest Active: Rev. James Petrovsky Office Manager: Mrs. Virginia Galway: Music Ministry: St. Peter: Daniel Kovacic; St. Cecilia: Eric Blanda Religious Education Coordinator: Mrs. Anita LaMendola: Youth Ministry: Patty Columbia Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil 4:00 P.M. (EST); 5:00 P.M. (DST) (St. Peter) Sunday Morning 8:00 A.M. (St. Peter); 9:30 A.M. (St. Cecilia); 11:30 A.M. (St. Peter) Reconciliation: Noon to 12:30 p.m. St. Peter: 1st & 3rd Saturday St. Cecilia: 2nd & 4th Saturday Sacrament of Baptism Contact the parish as soon as you know that you are expecting a child. Sacrament of Matrimony Those entering into Marriage must contact the pastor at least one full year in advance of the wedding Sponsor Certificates You must be registered and active in the parish at least 4 months to receive a certificate. Please don’t come at the last minute! Sexual Child Abuse If you have a concern about sexual abuse of a child or young person by anyone in a parish or diocesan position — clergy, volunteer or paid staff — please contact Bishop Brandt’s delegate for matters of sexual misconduct. He may be reached at 724-837-0901 Ext. 221