From the Desk of Fr. Tim... St. John the Baptist will be the focus of the readings from Luke’s Gospel for the 2nd thru the 4th Sundays of Advent. This second Sunday we encounter John in the desert. John from his mother’s womb had been inspired by the Holy Spirit to recognize his cousin Jesus within the Blessed Mother as they visited the home of Zachariah and Elizabeth. During his time of preparation for fulfilling his ministry as the precursor of the Jesus, John lives in the desert as an ascetic, with no material comfort or security. St. Mark’s Gospel describes him as being “clothed in camel’s hair, a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey.” In the fullness of time the Lord ignited within John the Spirit that impelled him to inaugurate his ministry as “A voice of one crying out in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” He began his ministry of baptizing in the Jordan River and proclaiming this baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The quiet of the desert and the meditative prayer of John allowed his Heavenly Father to form him into a sharpened instrument of the Lord for accomplishing the vocation that lay ahead. If you recall, when John baptized Jesus, the Spirit of the Lord descended upon him and his Heavenly Father spoke saying, “this is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” Then Jesus was driven into the desert by the Spirit where he fasted, prayed and was tempted by Satan. This desert experience was also a time of formation and preparation of Jesus for his public ministry and the suffering that his vocation of Savior would entail. During Advent we will not reside in the desert or wear attire that announces us as prophets of the Lord. However, our time of preparation for the Lord must entail increased prayer and abstaining from any sinful habits as we await Christ’s arrival on Christmas morning and at the end of time. We light the Advent Wreath, we enter more routinely into prayer as we ask the Lord to form us more fully into himself. Let us take full advantage of this Holy Season, this time of preparation, as we await Jesus’ coming whether at the end of time or when we personally encounter him as we transition from this life to the next.
Year of Mercy
Pope Francis has declared that a Jubilee Year of Mercy will begin on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) and extend until the Solemnity of Christ the King (November 20, 2016.) A Jubilee Year arises from the Jewish practice established in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus in chapters 25 and 27 that every seven years those who had sold themselves into bonded labor or sold their ancestral land would be restored. In other words Hebrew slaves and prisoners would be freed, debts would be forgiven, and the mercies of God would be particularly manifest according to Leviticus. In the Papal Bull Misericordiae Vultus Pope Francis says “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy. These words might well sum up the mystery of the Christian faith. Mercy has become living and visible in Jesus of Nazareth, reaching its culmination in him.” This Holy Year according to Francis is a time “to bear the weaknesses and struggles of our brothers and sisters (MV10,) an occasion to open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters” (MV15.) Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Tuesday December 8) The year’s celebration of the Immaculate Conception is the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. When St. Pope John XXIII opened the Council he declared “Now the Bride of Christ (the Church) wishes to use the medicine of mercy rather than taking up arms of severity”. The celebration of the Immaculate Conception Solemnity is a liturgical feast that recalls God’s plan from the beginning of human history to show mercy to mankind. Adam and Eve sinned and fell unable to say yes to the will of God. Mary, holy and immaculate was chosen to be the mother of man’s Redeemer whose word would be yes to the will of God. In the Book of Genesis, God tells the serpent (satan) “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel” (Gn 3:16). The ”woman” is Mary, her offspring is Jesus, and He is our Redeemer and strikes at the head of Satan. Jesus and Mary are the new Adam and Eve. Their word is always yes to the will of the Father. Sin and death were introduced to the world because Adam and Eve had said no to God and sinned. Jesus through his sacrificial yes to His passion and cross destroys sin and death. The mercy of God is made manifest through His Son’s Incarnation and Paschal Mystery. Jesus, the Son of Mary, is the fullness of the Revelation of the Father’s plan for our salvation.
Ministry Schedule December 12-13 Second 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) Monday, December 7, 2015 7:30 a.m. P Marian Vigliotti (Mr and Mrs.Jim Porter) 7:00 p.m. P Mark A. Rose (Fr. Tim Kruthaupt) Tuesday, December 8, 2015 8:00 a.m. C Month’s Mind-Helen Richards (Parish Family) 9:00 a.m. P Albert Durigon Jr. (Wife Edith & Son Peter Durigon) 7:00 p.m. P Birthday Remembrance– Beverly Ryan (Family) Wednesday, December 9, 2015 7:00 p.m. P Advent Penance Service/ First Reconciliation
Thursday, December 10, 2015 7:30 a.m. P Happy Birthday-Fr. Mel Bessellieu (Saint Ann Parish) 8:00 a.m. C Month’s Mind-Kaitlyn Chancey (Parish Family) Friday, December 11, 2015 7:30 a.m. P Anniversary of Death–Pearl Teper (Son Bill, Dayna and Jacob Teper) Saturday, December 12, 2015 8:00 a.m. C Albert Voytek (Bernard & Madelyn Rohaley) Third Sunday of Advent Saturday Vigil, December 12, 2015 4:00 p.m. P Pro Populo Sunday, December 13, 2015 8:00 a.m. P Frank J. Savona (Grand daughters Megan & Sarah Sawka) 9:45 a.m. C Helen Ozanick (Daughter Marlene Klamerus & Family) 11:00 a.m. P Louis & Frances Sharpe (Family)
EM: Reader: Server: EM: Reader: Server: EM: Reader: EM: Reader: Server:
4:00 p.m. St. Peter Mark Galway Patty Galway Marlene Ricco Patty Craig Morgan Sheranek Jolena Quarzo 8:00 a.m. St. Peter Kathy Miller Tim Shimko Andy Tressa Crystal Bogorae Shane Ziglear Samantha Ziglear 9:45 a.m. St. Cecilia Carl DellaPenna Mark Konter Vincent DellaPenna 11:00 a.m. St. Peter Nancy Ritz Bert Smith Larry Franks III Chuck Bogorae Talia Dellarose Camden Harvey
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 Tim Kloock 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 All living and deceased members of our parish and their families.
Collection Report St. Peter’s Church ADULT ENVELOPES(231)..…………… ...... $3329.10 STUDENT ENVELOPES(17)..……………....... $28.00 MONTHLY(11)…………………………… ....... $277.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. ...... $335.00 CANDLES………………………………… ......... $89.00 THANKSGIVING(102)………………………..$1287.00 ACCENT(4)……………………………………….$22.00
St. Cecilia’s Church
ADULT ENVELOPES(64)……………….. ….$1425.00 STUDENT ENV(6) ............................................. $8.00 LOOSE……………………………………… ……$41.00 CANDLES………………………………………...$64.00 POVERTY RELIEF(1) ..................................... $20.00 HIGHER ENGERY(1)……………………………..$5.00
Advent Daily Mass (Every Day with Jesus) The liturgical year begins with Advent, which is marked by four consecutive Sundays from the one nearest to November 30 to the one before Christmas Day. "The Church invites us to worship at Mass every day, and it assures us that we will receive the power of daily Mass. It does this by making the mysteries of Christ and his graces present and available to us through the seasons of the liturgical year." In the Holy Season of Advent when we prepare for the celebration of our Lord's Incarnation, birth as a weak, dependent child we experience the wonder and mystery of God's profound love for us in His only Begotten Son, Jesus. "Advent has a twofold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time, when by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight." As you reflect on the liturgical season of Advent, I hope you will decide to worship at daily Mass. If you can’t make it every day, choose one or two days that fit your schedule. I assure you that you will experience the power of daily Mass. As the Ceremonial of Bishops says, “The celebration of the liturgical year possesses a distinct sacramental force and efficacy because Christ himself in his mysteries . . . continues his mission of infinite mercy. Therefore his faithful people not only recall and contemplate the mysteries of redemption, but also lay hold of them, enter into communion with them, and live by them.” 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 1:30pm. During the movie we will have door prize drawings for the children! We will not be affected by the surrounding power outages so please plan to join us! 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.” IN ADDITION A MOVIE WILL BE PLAYED FOR THE CHILDREN UPSTAIRS: NESTOR THE LONG-EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY
Christmas Concert at St. Peter’s Church Youth Christmas Party Sunday, December 6, 12:30 PM St. Cecilia’s Social Hall All Parish Youth Are Invited!
LAST CHANCE FOR THE ANGEL TREE... Only 15 Tags Remaining... We are continuing our tradition of our Angel Tree! Let’s show our support for the children by donating gifts that they would otherwise not receive. 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 so that we can ensure all receive their presents. ALL gifts MUST be returned to the office or the church no later than December 13th!
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. New Hymnals Our wonderful volunteers are working diligently to add the Memorialization bookplates to our new hymnals. Fr. Tim’s goal is to finish the first round of requests by Christmas. During this process, we have noticed that some of our new hymnals are missing Please return them promptly. If you are would like to borrow one, please call the office to make loan arrangements. Please take one of the Breaking Bread Missals from the foyer of the Churches if you like to read along with the Eucharist Prayers. Thank you!
MASS SCHEDULE FOR IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Holy Day of Obligation Dec.7th 7:00pm. Vigil at St. Peter Dec.8th 8:00am at St. Cecilia 9:00am at St. Peter 7:00pm at St. Peter
Advent Penance Services 2015 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) JUBILEE YEAR IN DIOCESE OF GREENSBURG Churches of Pilgrimage/Doors of Mercy The Door of Mercy is a special Holy Door which Pope Francis has asked to be opened in every Diocese on the Third Sunday of Advent, December 13. The Doors of Mercy will allow the faithful during the Jubilee Year to experience the Mercy of the Father in its fullness. The Churches of Pilgrimage will be places where major diocesan events will be celebrated, as well as Churches where pilgrims can come to experience mercy by walking through the Doors of Mercy, touring the Church, and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I have decided that it is advantageous that we have one Church of Pilgrimage in each county, with the exception of Westmoreland County, where there will be two Churches of Pilgrimage. During this Jubilee Year I have declared the following parishes, Churches of Pilgrimage with Doors of Mercy: †Blessed Sacrament Cathedral – 300 North Main St.-Greensburg †Saint Vincent Basilica – 300 Fraser Purchase Road- Latrobe †Christ, Prince of Peace Church – 718 Fourth Avenue -Ford City †Saint Francis of Assisi – Footedale Site 528 Footedale Road New Salem †Saints Simon and Jude Church – 155 North Brady Street Blairsville
24 Hours for the Lord In the Bull of Indiction, the Holy Father announced, “…the initiative of ‘24 Hours for the Lord,’ to be celebrated on the Friday and Saturday preceding the Fourth Week of Lent. So many people, including young people, are returning to the Sacrament of Reconciliation; through this experience they are rediscovering a path back to the Lord, living a moment of intense prayer and finding meaning in their lives. Let us offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in such a generous way that it will invite more people to make use of it. For every penitent, it will be a source of true interior peace” (MV 17). Therefore, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available for 24 Hours in the Diocese of Greensburg beginning at 12:00 Noon on Friday, March 4th, 2016. Each of the Churches of Pilgrimage will host 6hour blocks. The schedule will be announced soon.
Divine Mercy Sunday The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a powerful meditative prayer of the Church. Many of the faithful have a great devotion to this prayer. During this Jubilee Year of Mercy I have a great desire that we as a diocesan faith community gather together for its celebration. Thus, on the Feast of Divine Mercy, Sunday, April 3rd, 2016, we will gather at a location to be announced for Exposition and Adoration of the Eucharist, to be followed by the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Days of Mercy One of the greatest acts of the faithful are works of mercy. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us, “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God” (CCC 2447). Therefore, in the Spring and Fall of the Jubilee Year in each county we will be scheduling a Day of Mercy. The day will include: a prayer service at local parishes, parish groups doing service with needy parishioners or with a local service agency, pilgrimage to the Church of Pilgrimage in the respective county, Mass with me as Presider and Homilist, and dinner and fellowship. Additional Events In the near future the Diocese will announce additional events, including events at the Diocesan Heritage Center, a celebration of the Jubilee for the ill and persons with disabilities, the Jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy, the Jubilee for Prisoners, and the Feast of All Souls. More information on the celebration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy will be forthcoming in the Catholic Accent, the diocesan website, and diocesan social media platforms.
Music Notes
One of the most familiar hymns of Advent is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. This 9th century chant uses specific titles for the Messiah, such as "O wisdom", "O Dayspring, and "O Key of David." These are part of a traditional prayer called the "O Antiphons," which is chanted between December 17 and 23. These titles were arranged with a purpose. The first letter of each of the Latin titles, Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia form the words ero cras, meaning "Tomorrow, I will come." This reflects our awaiting of the promised Messiah. The O Antiphons bring intensity to the preparations of Advent, then will bring it to a joyful conclusion. We will sing this hymn on the third and fourth Sundays of Advent. Sanctuary Lamp in Memory of LENA Requested by: Sister Louise Mendish
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
2015/2016 CYO Varsity Basketball Team “Brownsville Catholic Padres�
Our inaugural basketball season with the CYO League is well underway! Our team, the Brownsville Catholic Padres, have spent time practicing and showing off their skills shooting for the basket and on the court. Please find time to join the cheering section of our parish youth who are sharing their talents outside of church! Go Team! Our home court is Cal U at Hamer Hall! Thanks to our Coaches Greg Fike and Mike Bogden for your time and dedication to our team! Game Date Game Location Opponent Home/Away Time 6:30pm
Cal U Hamer Gym
Mother of Sorrows Sch. W.
Home
December 9, 2015
6:30pm
Geibel Catholic Sch.
Geibel Catholic J/S High Sch.
Away
December 13, 2015
6:00pm
Cal U Hamer Gym
Holy Trinity Sch.
Home
December 15, 2015
7:00pm
Greensburg Central Catholic
Mary Queen of Apostles Sch.
Away
December 20, 2015
7:00pm
Cal U Hamer Gym
Mother of Sorrows Sch. B.
Home
January 9, 2016
1:00pm
Cal U Hamer Gym
St. John the Evangelist Sch.
Home
January 11,2016
7:00pm
Cal U Hamer Gym
Geibel Catholic J/S High Sch.
Home
January 13, 2016
7:00pm
Queen of Angels Sch.
Queen of Angels Sch.
Away
January 19, 2016
7:00pm
Mother of Sorrows Sch.
Mother of Sorrows Sch. W.
Away
January 25, 2016
7:00pm
Mother of Sorrows Sch.
Mother of Sorrows Sch. B.
Away
January 28, 2016
7:00pm
St. Johns Sch.
St. John the Evangelist Sch.
Away
February 3, 2016
7:30pm
Greensburg Central Catholic
Mary Queen of Apostles
Away
February 6, 216
3:00pm
Holy Trinity Sch.
Holy Trinity Sch.
Away
February 10, 2016
7:00pm
Cal U Hamer Gym
Queen of Angels Catholic Sch.
Home
Tessa practices her blocking skills as Hunter goes for the shot!
Brandon is ready for practice. Hope and Nolan watch the shot!
Roster #04 #07 #10 #13 #18
Hope Yeardie Hunter Assad Tessa Dellarose Cameron Walters Cole Rankin
#21 #22 #25 #27 #28
Nicholas Climes Tyler Wible Nolan Konopka Zachary Allamon Brandon Zimcosky
Tyler waits for the ball.
GO PADRES!!
December 7, 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