12-19-2021

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

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

Ministry Schedule December 24-26, 2021

Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 18, 2021 4:00 p.m. P Mary Dimperio (Meaghan & Ron Clister) Sunday, December 19, 2021 L.S. 8:00 a.m. P Sharon Wright (Cory, Scott & Emily Dolan) 9:30 a.m. C Mickey Liptak Birthday Remembrance (Daughter Karen & Frank) 11:00 a.m. P Pro Populo Monday, December 20, 2021 7:30 a.m. P No Mass Tuesday, December 21, 2021 7:30 a.m. P John Kavulic Anniversary of Death (Daughter & Son-in-law Dorothy & Chuck Clayton) Wednesday, December 22, 2021 L.S. 8:00 a.m. C Gary Murray-Month’s Mind (Parish Family) Thursday, December 23, 2021 L.S. 7:30 a.m. P Franceschini Family (Galway Family) Friday, December 24, 2021 L.S. 7:30 a.m. P No Mass VIGIL - Nativity of Our Lord 4:00 p.m. P Parish Family 6:00 p.m. C Parish Family Midnight P Parish Family

The Nativity of the Lord Saturday, December 25, 2021 9:00 a.m. C Parish Family 11:00 a.m. P Parish Family Sunday, December 26, 2021 L.S. 8:00 a.m. P William Caterini (Ron & Denise Helsel) 9:30 a.m. C Pro Populo 11:00 a.m. P Diane Sheridan (Barb & Ted Gera)

Sanctuary Lamp at St. Peter Mildred Barak Requested by: Linda & John Ducar

LECTORS; EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS; SERVERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE, MIDNIGHT, CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEARS EVE MASSES AT BOTH CHURCHES.

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.

December 24 - 1:30 pm - Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve- Pope Francis celebrates the Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord, Live from St. Peter’s Basilica December 25 - 1:00 am - Midnight Mass from the Holy Land Experience one of the most beautifully sanctifying services of the Christmas season.

December 25 12:00 pm - Solemn Mass of Christmas Day– Live from the historic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Channels: *Armstrong (California) - 043/HD-159 *Atlantic BB-021 *DIRECTV-370 *DISH-261

Notes from Fr. Tim

12-19-2021

This year, we have an excellent calendar for the Christmas Season. Today is the beginning of the 4th week of Advent; Friday evening we will celebrate the Vigil for Christmas which is Saturday. The fourth week of Advent is not just a day or two which it sometimes is but the entire week. Our preparations for the coming of the Lord can continue robustly.

Today the candles are all lit on our Advent wreaths, the Lord is near and we continue with all of our preparations.

Family commitments dictate that most of our time and energy will be focused on purchasing, wrapping and exchanging our Christmas gifts throughout the next week. However, in our heart of hearts, we know our true focus must be on the reason for this Christmas Season – the love of God for us, became incarnate 2,000 year ago, in the person of Jesus Christ.

Micah who lived 700 years before Jesus prophesized that from Bethlehem would come the ruler over all of Israel.

According to the prophet this ruler to be born in Bethlehem would “stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord”. As our reading from Hebrews says Jesus fulfilled the prophecy by his birth and through his shepherding of the nations until now. We know from the Gospels that the Good Shepherd will leave the other 99 to search for us when we have wondered from the fold.

We encounter Jesus, our Good Shepherd, in such a special way during this season. He renews and strengthens those of faith who seek him with sincerity. We know that our Advent preparation should be drawing to a close but we must reflect these last few days on whether we have sought and are permitting a spiritual transformation in our lives. We still have an opportunity to say our yes and to celebrate Christ’s arrival in our heart. In return he will give us a joy that will extend beyond the few hours of our official celebration.

Luke’s Gospel passage has been read so many times throughout our years of faithful Mass attendance. Have you noticed the reading never seems repetitive or time worn. Perhaps because we like Elizabeth and John in her womb are filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are filled with anticipation to be once again in our Lord’s presence as we celebrate His birth. John leaped for joy. Elizabeth like Micah prophesized saying “blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. How will this Advent transformation express itself in our lives?

Mary’s response to Elizabeth is also Spirit filled. The beautiful prayer of her “Magnificat” also known as “Mary’s Canticle” is: And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry

he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Mary and Elizabeth spent the next three months together joyfully anticipating the roles their respective sons Jesus and John would play in the salvation of Israel. Little could they begin to comprehend the Father’s plan for their children.

Literally John the “greatest” of all the prophets and Jesus the long anticipated Messiah. How could they know how God’s plan for our salvation would be accomplished? However, Mary’s words of acceptance of the Father’s plan applied equally to both as they submitted to God’s will for their lives.

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Such faith is hard to imagine but Mary and Elizabeth recognized in the words of the Archangel Gabriel that God’s plan required their cooperation. There would be joy in the birth and early years of their sons. However, we know the suffering that ultimately encompassed them as their sons were martyred because they proclaimed God’s truth to power.

All of us have complications that impact our individual lives and often that of our families. We worry about a multitude of different challenges affecting our peace of mind. Financial issues, family problems, personal or loved one’s health concerns weigh heavily on our hearts. Jesus began the Messianic fulfillment with his birth and life. However, his kingdom and the Father’s plan for our salvation, while revealed through his public ministry and Gospel has only been announced, not yet fulfilled. Hard as it is to imagine each of us are like Mary and Elizabeth, contemplating or wondering what my role is in the fulfillment of God’s plan. The simplest answer is that we are to use our gifts and circumstances to bring the light of God’s love and his presence into our family and the broader world. Impossible you say? Isn’t that what Zachariah and Mary’s first responses were? We will not play as significant as role as they. But our loving God has blessed each of us with gifts and opportunities to be the hands, feet and voice of Jesus in what can sometime be a dark and foreboding world.

As we draw Advent to a close and enter into the celebration of the Christmas Season let us soften our hearts in order that we will be prepared to say yes to the will of God in every circumstance. The joy of knowing that Jesus comes again to his faithful must be a source of inspiration to us. Let us move beyond the worldly concerns that challenge us and enter into the peace and joy of the season. Jesus came in order that we have life and have it abundantly. Our fears, sadness and worldly desires should not strip us of the very gift of God. The “Son” envelopes us in the robe of salvation and strengthens us with his commitment that those who believe in him and follow his commandments will have eternal life. What joy that brings to the souls of the faithful. Merry Christmas!!!

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 28. In observance of this holy season, let’s renew a family tradition of gathering for a meal with family and friends and together lighting the appropriate candles and reciting the Advent prayer.

The following are the Advent wreath prayers for the second week. They are prayed at the lighting of each candle every day during that week.

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

H

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Dear friends, With great joy on this festival day, we are filled with wonder and awe at the birth of God’s Son. With a profound sense of gratitude we raise our voices in this great prayer of thanksgiving – the Mass of the Nativity. Christmas is a time in which we continue to keep watch. We wait for justice and mercy to descend from heaven, for the fullness of life to spring up from the earth.

In the mystery of the Christmas liturgy, on this holy day we encounter the Lord in glory. As members of our Partner Parishes striving to live out God’s will, we continue to look forward in hope as we await his Messianic Kingdom.

Merry Christmas from the staff and volunteers of our Partner Parishes!

Masses Requests for 2022 We are now accepting Mass requests for 2022. Forms can be found in the back of each church.

Three alternative ways of memorializing your loved one would be to request the Bread & Wine Remembrance, or the Sanctuary Lamp Remembrance.

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December 24, 2021 Christmas-The Nativity of the Lord Vigil 4:00 pm St. Peter 6:00 pm St. Cecilia Midnight St. Peter December 25

Christmas Day 9:00 am St. Cecilia 11:00 am St. Peter On December 26 all Masses resume at regular times.

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M ,M G December 31-Vigil 4:00 pm - St. Peter 6:00 pm - St. Cecilia January 1—New Year’s Day 9:00 am - St. Cecilia 10:00 am - St. Peter 4:00 pm - St. Peter

On January 2, 2022 all Masses resume at regular times.

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 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

Sunday, Today!

Louge, Harriet Martini, Zane Robert Mathianis, 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

Please consider helping!

Volunteers are needed to help carry items and to decorate.

TODAY!!!!

December 19 Young Adult Evening of Exploring God’s Call with the Seminarians

Young adult-aged men interested in learning more about answering God’s call in life are invited to join the diocese seminarians for an evening of prayer, fellowship, and conversation. Doing God’s will can be a challenge for each of us, but it is not impossible. So come and listen as the seminarians share their experience of God’s call and how it changed their journey in life. This event will take place on December 30, at 5:45 PM at Christ Our Shepherd Center. Please visit greensburgpriest.org for registration information.

Blood Drive Thursday, Dec. 21, 2021 St. Peter’s Church (St. Mary’s Hall) 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm

- St. Cecilia - after 9:30 am Mass December 19 - St. Peter - after 11:00 am Mass We are in desperate need of strong men to help lift and carry.

Christmas Cookie Orders will be ready for Pick Up TODAY December 19 (11:00-1:00) or December 20 (4:00-6:00) at St. Mary’s Hall, and December 21 at the office.

Oplatki is still available in the back of each church or at the parish office. $4.00/ pkg of 4 wafers

Don’t forget to bring your Acknowledgement Cards and Kindness Cards to pad the manger for Baby Jesus.

2021 Regional Advent Penance Services this year.

Sunday, December 19 3:00 pm at St. Joan of Arc Tuesday, December 21 7:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist

DLA—2021 BE THE LIGHT—ST. PETER & ST. CECILIA MADE THEIR GOALS !

St Peter Church Boiler System Repair Parish Maintenance Staff Project Work Joe Lovis Construction (Charges to date) Pipe Fabrication and Steam Fitting Materials and Supplies Total expense:

$1,760. $450. $709. $2,950. $5,869.

We are very pleased with the repair of the Boiler Heating System at St. Peter. Significant work was done with the trenching of over 150’ to the depth of 30”. Our team procured, connected and laid 700+ feet of PVC pipe. After the mounded dirt settles the grounds will be restored.

When we consider that professional estimates we received ranged from $30,000 $60,000, we have reason to give thanks. Our maintenance team, Joe Lovis who also digs all parish graves and hired steam fitter did a great job. Final cost to the parish was just below $6,000. which is one fifth to one tenth of the estimates we received.

If you recall I asked parishioners to help out with DLA so that we could pay with the funds returned from the diocese. As noted above St. Peter has exceeded its DLA yearly goal by roughly $500. through the end of November. Additional funds of roughly $2,000. have been received to date. We need approximately $3,500 more in DLA commitments to pay for the entire project. All funds contributed through the end of December come back to the parish at 100%. Please consider helping us bring this important project to a closure by designating any Christmas or year end contributions to DLA for the parish.

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

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