From the Desk of Fr. Tim... Advent begins we await the Lord’s return at the end of time and look forward to commemorating his birth in time 2,000 years ago. However, we know that the beautiful image of the Christ Child in the Creche or Baby Jesus in Mary’s arms although powerful memories are not today’s reality. We begin Advent immediately following Black Friday and the day before Cyber Monday. This commercial assault about when and what to buy can be overwhelming. This is why the Church asks us to take time, to reflect, to consider why Jesus’ Incarnation, his birth in time in human vesture is not only important to us but can be totally transformative in our lives. We live in an age of electronic media in which every event, each noteworthy occurrence will be broadcast in the 24 hour news cycle. We are inundated with information, not often uplifting, that can cause us to succumb to fear or sorrow about what they portent. The wonder and joy of the Father’s plan for our salvation that Jesus revealed through his life, death and resurrection must be our strong foundation and frame of reference as we enter this holy season of preparation. Our Gospel passage from Luke is a continuation of the message we received from the celebration of Christ the King. It speaks of the end of time, our Lord’s second coming. Although the imagery can be frightening each of the respective Gospel readings express great hope for the wise, those who live in relationship with the Lord throughout their lives. This week’s passage says that when the signs of the end times begin to appear we are to stand erect and raise our heads because our redemption in at hand. However, there is an admonition that we are not to be presumptuous that salvation is ours but we are to stay awake and not allow the anxieties of daily life to cause us to be caught by surprise. So advent is a time of preparation. We prepare best by examining our relationship with Jesus and by striving to strengthen our faith life (See note below concerning daily Mass.) Jeremiah the Prophet speaks of the just shoot of David’s line, Jesus, who the Father will raise up to fulfill the promises made to Israel. We know of Jesus’ revelation of the Father’s plan for restoration of his people. Each of us will experience the fulfillment of that plan whether in a particular judgment before Christ or before the King of Glory with all who remain at the end of time. Remembering from All Souls Day the quote from John’s Gospel “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” Our redemption in the person of Jesus Christ is at hand, let the faithful rejoice and be glad, as they await his coming.
Advent Daily Mass Advent is a wonderful time to increase our commitment to our faith life. As appropriate to our personal journey we should use this holy season to restore, strengthen or begin a deeper faith life. We do this through daily prayer, fulfilling our Sunday obligation and potentially by beginning the practice of attending daily Mass. I know from my own faith journey developing the routine of attending daily Mass transformed the depth of my relationship with Jesus. In my effort to encourage participation in daily Mass I will share my personal witness to the transformative benefits of daily Mass. For those of you that heard my first homily at the Partner Parishes I referenced a career in federal law enforcement. I was truly given the “federal” experience – meaning I came to know almost every part of our country through travel to our field offices and the various relocations my assignments required. While assigned to direct our offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands I began attending daily Mass. Although the liturgy was in Spanish the beauty and the universal nature of the Mass spoke powerfully to my heart. I ultimately observed that my day, effectiveness and energy were always enhanced when I attended Mass. Thus in 1995 I began the practice of daily Mass participation. My assignment at National Headquarters, in DC, included a four year stint of conducting compliance inspections of our field offices. During that time I traveled to the majority of our field offices. The significance of the Catholic (universal) Church was made powerfully clear to me as I attended daily Masses throughout the length and breadth of the US. Whether in Boston, Tampa, Seattle or Honolulu or anywhere in between I grew in my faith from the experience of the liturgy and the gift of the Eucharist. Over the next nine weeks, with the exception of Christmas, I will be including a segment in the bulletin addressing the spiritual benefits of participating in daily Mass. Those nine weeks will take us up to the Holy Season of Lent which is of course another great opportunity to begin this practice. The respective topics are set forth below. So whether I’m a retiree, a busy working person or a college student I can grow in my faith by participating in Mass during the week, whenever possible. I hope you will read, consider and discern whether this spiritual practice is appropriate for you.
Topics
1. Every Day with Jesus 2. Honoring the Saints 3. Daily Repentance 4. Taking the Word to Heart 5.Frequent Intercession 2. 6. Offering Ourselves to God 7. Offering the Eternal Sacrifice 8. Our Daily Bread 9. Equipped for the Day’s Service
Ministry Schedule November 28-29 First Sunday of Advent Saturday Vigil, November 28, 2015 4:00 p.m. P Kay Woody (Linda Rohland) Sunday, November 29, 2015 8:00 a.m. P Birthday Remembrance Michael Babich (Daughters Margaret, Ann & Sandy and Families) 9:45 a.m. C Anthony and Josephine DeSimone (Children and Grandchildren) 11:00 a.m. P Remembrance of Deceased Members
EM: Reader: Server: EM: Reader: Server: EM: Reader: EM: Reader: Server:
4:00 p.m. St. Peter Mark Galway Patty Galway Marlene Ricco Rose Ziglear Shane Ziglear Samantha Ziglear 8:00 a.m. St. Peter Margaret Peters Tim Shimko Mark Moncheck Crystal Bogorae Luke Clister Anna Clister 9:45 a.m. St. Cecilia Carl DellaPenna Jr. Mark Konter Clara Medlock 11:00 a.m. St. Peter Nancy Ritz Kathy Miller Larry Franks III Chuck Bogorae Talia Dellarose Tessa Dellarose
of our Parishes
Monday, November 30, 2015 7:30 a.m. P Anniversary of Death Stella Solak (Daughter Lorraine Kelley & Family) Tuesday, December 1, 2015 7:30 a.m. P Helen I. Franko (Sister Wilma Franko) 8:00 a.m. C Mary Dubos (Carl Dubos) Wednesday, December 2, 2015 P/C NO MASS
Thursday, December 3, 2015 7:30 a.m. P Month’s Mind Florence Washnock (Parish Family) 8:00 a.m. C Richard & John Kish (Jane Kish) Friday, December 4, 2015 7:30 a.m. P Florance Washnock (Jim Duvall) Saturday, December 5, 2015 8:00 a.m. C 1st Anniversary of Death Michael F. Urick (Wife & Family) First Sunday of Advent Saturday Vigil, December 5, 2015 4:00 p.m. P John Webnick (Grand daughter Pat DeConcilis) Sunday, December 6, 2015 8:00 a.m. P Birthday Remembrance Samuel Basile (His Family) 9:45 a.m. C Carmen & MaryKathryn DellaPenna (DellaPenna Family) 11:00 a.m. P Pro Populo 12:30 p.m. C Youth Christmas Party 1:30 pm. C Faith and Family Movie– Christmas Candle at St. Cecilia Hall 7:00 p.m. P Christmas Concert at St. Peter (The Greater Uniontown Chorale)
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 Tretinik Mary Barber Tim Kloock Sharon Smith Fred Gnus
Michael Climes Sr. Serena Snodgrass Bill Snodgrass Charlotte Katko Barbara Digiovine Bob Behary Veronica Stringert Robert Stringert Bryan Tomecsko Brandon Tomecsko Allison Sallade Shane Urbine Joel Shumar Cody Tylka All living and deceased members of our parish and their families.
Sanctuary Lamp and Bread &Wine At St. Cecilia in Memory of Joseph Warchol Jr. Requested by: Bill & Cheryl Rouse
Collection Report St. Peter’s Church ADULT ENVELOPES(248)..…………… ...... $4045.00 STUDENT ENVELOPES(19)..……………....... $31.00 MONTHLY(15)…………………………… ....... $335.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. ...... $255.00 CANDLES………………………………… ....... $104.00 POVERTY RELIEF(60)………………………..$603.00 SVDP(57)………………………………………….$52.00
St. Cecilia’s Church
Music Notes
As we conclude this liturgical year, we focus on Christ’s kingship as well as the image of the good shepherd. Christ is the tender and loving God who will judge us. These images are not in conflict. In Crown Him with Many Crowns, Rejoice! The Lord is King, The King of Glory and To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King, we celebrate the image of that gentle, loving King who calls us into his everlasting reign. The Preface today concludes with an awesome description of what we can expect: “an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” Now that is something to look forward to!
Partner Parish Holiday Drawing Please send in your ticket stubs and money as soon as possible. The deadline for the Holiday Drawing is November 30. The drawing will take place on December 6, immediately prior to the Christmas Concert at St. Peter’s at 7:00 PM. Winners need not be present. Please call the office with questions. Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated!
Christmas Concert at St. Peter’s Church The Greater Uniontown Chorale proudly presents our Christmas Cantata, Forever Christmas, with favorite traditional Christmas carols and original music from Don Wyrtzen and Phil and Lynne Brower. Come and enjoy with us! Free Admission December 6th, 2015 at 7:00p.m. Mass Schedule:
Saturday Vigil: 4:00 P.M. (EST); 5:00 P.M. (DST) (St. Peter) Sunday Morning: 8:00 A.M. (St. Peter); 9:45 A.M. (St. Cecilia); 11:00 A.M. (St. Peter) Mission Statement United as the parish family, The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia Catholic Church of the Diocese of Greensburg, come together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to promote the mission of Jesus Christ and to live out our faith as Christians. Centered in the Eucharist, we are a welcoming community that exists to love, serve, and grow in our relationship with our Lord through prayer, worship and ministry. We strive to strengthen and inspire our parish family by understanding and passing on our faith.
Angel Tree We are continuing our tradition of our Angel Tree! Let’s show our support for the children. ALL are welcomed to participate. Please take the “angel tags” and return the gifts labeled and unwrapped. Don’t forget to sign the sheet on the table. ALL gifts MUST be returned to the office or the church no later than December 13th! Any questions please call the office 724-785-7781.
Faith Formation and Youth Group Winter will soon be here! If families would like to be notified of class cancellations and other program announcements, please subscribe to the “Remind” text service. There is no charge to use this service. This will be the ONLY communication of class cancellations for Faith Formation and Youth Group. To receive messages via text, text @msawk to 81010. Trouble using 81010? Try texting @msawk to 724-812-0032 instead. To receive messages via email, send an email to msawk@mail.remind.com.
Advent Penance Services 2015 Tuesday-December 1, 7:00p.m. (St. Joseph/St. Mary’s at St. Mary’s Sunday-December 6, 3:00p.m. (St. Joan of Arc) Wednesday-December 9, 7:00p.m. (St. Peter/St. Cecilia at St. Peter) Saturday-December 12, 1:00p.m. (SS Cyril & Methodius/St. Hubert at Fairchance Monday-December 14, 7:00p.m. (St. Francis of Assisi at Masontown Saturday-December 19, 1:00p.m. (St. Therese/St. John at St. John)
Holy Day of Obligation – Immaculate Conception 7:00p Vigil at St. Peter
Christmas Youth Party 12:30-1:30p St. Cecilia Hall 1:30p-Faith & Family Movie-St. Cecilia Hall
Holy Family Jesus, Mary and Joseph
28.Octave of Christmas
27.Octave of Christmas
Holy Innocents
21.
Penance Service at 7:00pm at St. Francis of Assisi
20.4th Sunday of Advent
Diaconate Ordination Ryan Ravis Blessed Sacrament Cathedral
13.3rd Sunday of Advent
14.
7.
6. 2nd Sunday of Advent
Christmas Concert 7:00P at St. Peter Church
Mon
Sun
Office: 724-785-7781 Ssealy@dioceseofgreensburg.org
Cantor Rehearsal 5p-6:30p Choir Rehearsal 6:30p-8p
29.Octave of Christmas
Cantor Rehearsal 5p Choir Rehearsal 6:30p
22.
15.
Holy Day of Obligation– Immaculate Conception 8am St. Cecilia 9am St. Peter 7pm St. Peter
8.
Penance Service at St. Mary’s 7:00pm(Uniontown)
6:30p
5p-6:30p Choir Rehearsal
1.Cantor Rehearsal
Tue
4pm-St. Peter 8pm-St.Cecilia
31.Octave of Christmas
30.Octave of Christmas Basketball Practice at Cal U (Hamer Hall) 6:30p
Christmas Eve Vigil Masses 4pm– St. Peter 6pm-St. Peter 10pm-St. Cecilia 12 MN-St. Peter
24. Meals on the Blvd
17. Catholic Daughters of Americas Co.1141 Northside Fire Hall 5:45p Cantor Rehearsal 5p
Cantor Rehearsal 5p
Choir Rehearsal 6:30p Basketball Practice at Cal U (Hamer Hall) 6:30p
23.
Basketball Practice at Cal U (Hamer Hall) 6:30p
(215 Church St. Methodist Ch.)
SVDP Food Bank
16.
Basketball Practice at Cal U (Hamer Hall) 6:30p
Meals on the Blvd 5:45p Depart St. Peter
10.
6:30p
Basketball Practice at Cal U (Hamer Hall) 6:30p
9. Penance Service at St. Peter 7:00pm
Cantor Rehearsal 5p Choir Rehearsal
3.
2. Society of Catholic Women Meeting 6p at Cross Keys
Thu
Wed
December 2015
s of Parishe Partner ilia c r/St. Ce St. Pete
First Friday Exposition 8am St. Peter
Holy Day of Obligation Solemnity of Mary
January 1, 2016 Happy New Year! 8am-St. Cecilia 10am-St. Peter
Holy Day of Obligation
25. Merry Christmas 8am St. Cecilia 10am-St. Peter
18.
Society of Catholic Women Poinsettia Pickup 3:30-5pm at Crosskeys
11.
4.
Fri
Pro Life Trip 7:15am Depart St. Peter
January 2, 2016
St. Stephen Octave of Christmas
26.
Penance Service at 1pm at St. John’s 1:00pm
Pro Life Trip 7:15am Depart St. Peter
19.
Penance Service at 1pm SS Cyril & Methodius at Fairchance 1:00pm
12.
5.
Sat
Parish Ministry Highlights Faith and Family Movie Events
Each week we will feature a different Partner Parish Ministry for this column. We hope to share the good news with our parishioners about the temporal works of mercy our parishes are accomplishing through these wonderful outreach ministries. Many of our people say that they are not fully aware of the nature or works of our parish ministries. Hopefully, you’ll make a practice of reading these short articles in order to learn more about the work we do in the vineyard on behalf of Jesus and his people. Perhaps you’ll find a ministry that is suited to your gifts and attracts you to participate in one of these life giving initiatives as a member of our faith community. There are many opportunities to serve that don’t require particular skills or resources – our ministries typically only require a desire to be Christ’s love in the midst of our brother and sisters.
This month’s Faith and Family Movie Event will be held immediately following the Youth Christmas Party on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at St. Cecilia’s Social Hall. The Youth Christmas Party will begin at 12:30 and will include holiday activities, food and fun for the kids. A “special guest” (Hint… “ho, ho, ho…” )will arrive and share treats and carols with the children. Each child will receive a color photo with our special guest to take home. We plan on starting the movie around 1:30p. During the movie we will have door prize drawings for the children! ALL PARISHIONERS, YOUNG AND OLD, ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THE MOVIE! This month’s movie, The Christmas Candle, released in 2013, is the story of an angel that visits a small village each year. “Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candle maker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve.”
Youth Christmas Party Sunday, December 6, 12:30 PM St. Cecilia’s Social Hall All Parish Youth Are Invited!
Free Popcorn Free Water Can of Pop: $1 Candy Bars:$1 Nachos & Cheese: $1
December Movie: The Christmas Candle
Advent Wreath Tradition The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is November 29. In observance of this holy season, let’s renew a family tradition of gathering around a meal with family and friends and together lighting the appropriate candles and reciting the Advent prayer. With this in mind, we are asking interested families to purchase a family advent wreath that includes candles for $5.00. Sample wreaths will be on display in the entrances of each church this weekend and next weekend. To place your order, call the office or place request in the collection basket with your payment. Only 50 wreaths will be made this year! Pick-up dates will be announced soon. The following are the Advent wreath prayers that change every week. They are prayed at the lighting of each candle every day during Advent. Week One: The first candle is lit, and the prayer for the first week is said. Prayer Leader: Let us pray. Stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, O Lord, and come, so that we may escape through Thy protection and be saved by Thy help from the dangers that threaten us because of our sins. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. All: Amen. During the first week one candle is left burning during the evening meal, at prayers or at bedtime. Week Two: Two candles are lit on the second Sunday and allowed to burn as before. The prayer for the week is: Prayer Leader: Let us pray. O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure souls. Through the same Christ our Lord. All: Amen Week Three: Three candles, including the rose candle, are lit on Gaudete, the third Sunday, and during that week. The following prayer is said: Prayer Leader: Let us pray. We humbly beg Thee, O Lord, to listen to our prayers; and by the grace of Thy coming bring light into our darkened minds. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. All: Amen Week Four: All four candles are lit on the fourth Sunday and allowed to burn as before. The prayer said the fourth week is: Prayer Leader: Let us pray, Stir up Thy might, we pray Thee, O Lord, and come; rescue us through Thy great strength so that salvation, which has been hindered by our sins, may be hastened by the grace of Thy gentle mercy. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. All:Amen
Cash & Carry Sale for Advent Wreaths on this Weekend of November 28/29 at St. Peter & St. Cecilia! $5.00 Each
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