Ministry Schedule December 23/24
Third Sunday of Advent Saturday Vigil, December 16, 2017 4:00 p.m. P Josephine Bogorae (Joe & Patty Pecosh) Sunday, December 17, 2017 8:00 a.m. P John Sheehan (Coletti family) 9:30 a.m. C Frank Sr. & Lucille (Angelo) Angelilli (Son Frank & Karen Angelilli) 11:00 a.m. P Pro Populo Monday, December 18, 2017 7:30 a.m. P Harry V. Adams (Colleen & Frank Ricco) Tuesday, December 19, 2017 7:30 a.m. P Birthday Remembrance James R. Parrish (Susan Parrish) Wednesday, December 20, 2017 8:00 a.m. C Frank Ricco (Rita [Scorza], Dino Aloisi) Thursday, December 21, 2017 7:30 a.m. P Birthday Remembrance Justin Brezovsky (Dad, Mom, Jennifer, Matt, Ava) Friday, December 22, 2017 7:30 a.m. P Agnes (Gigi) Bashour (Carolyn Verseyla) Saturday, December 23, 2017 8:00 a.m. C Birthday Remembrance Mickey Liptak (Daughter Karen & Frank Angelilli)
Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday Vigil, December 23, 2017 4:00 p.m. P The Franceschini Family (Galway family) Sunday, December 24, 2017—Christmas Eve 8:00 a.m. P Pro Populo 9:30 a.m. C Henrietta Bair (Husband Leroy) 11:00 a.m. P Rita Hovanic (Jeff, Melissa, Seth & Haley) 4:00 p.m. P Special Intentions 6:30 p.m. C Special Intentions Midnight P Special Intentions Monday, December 25, 2017—Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. C Special Intentions 11:00 a.m. P Special Intentions
EM: Server: Lector:
Saturday, December 23 — 4:00 p.m. St. Peter C-Patty Galway C-Mark Galway H-Sr. James Ann Jolena Quarzo Volunteer John Ball Cantor: Volunteer
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, December 24 — 8:00 a.m. St. Peter C-Margaret Peters C-Kathy Miller H-Joanie Pagac Carmella & Gina DeFlippo David Ziglear Crystal Bogorae Cantor: Rita Koffler
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, December 24 — 9:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Annette Augustine Mark Konter Nancy Sebeck Caleb DellaPenna Anthony DellaPenna Vincent DellaPenna
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, December 24 — 11:00 a.m. St. Peter C-Larry Franks III C-Diane Sheridan H-Bert Smith Sarah Sawka Dylan & Madison Stowe Patty Columbia Cantor: Nicole Dainty
Collection Report
St. Peter Church 12/10/17 ADULT ENVELOPES (224) ......................... . ...$3707.00 STUDENT ENVELOPES (22) ............................... $28.00 MONTHLY (31)…………………………… ........... $415.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. ........... $565.00 CANDLES………………………………................ $177.00 MISSION ............................................................... $10.00 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS .................................... $480.00 ACCENT ............................................................... $65.00 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION .........................$1235.00 ADVENT WREATHS ............................................ $35.00 OPLATKI ............................................................. $289.00
St. Cecilia Church 12/10/17 ADULT ENVELOPES (99) ................................$1671.00 STUDENT ENVELOPES (4) ................................... $6.00 LOOSE.................................................................. $80.00 CANDLES ............................................................. $54.00 ACCENT ............................................................... $51.00 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ........................... $383.00 UTILITY................................................................... $5.00 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS .................................... $327.00
Oplatki Wafers Still Available
Oplatki Christmas wafers are available for sale in the back of both Partner Parishes churches this weekend: $3 per pack of four wafers, three white and one pink. Please join us as we decorate
St. Cecilia Church
for Christmas! Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 Immediately following 9:30 a.m. Mass
Everyone is welcome! We especially invite MEN to help set up the outdoor Nativity and to carry boxes of decorations.
As I wrote these notes it reminded me of the Thursday evening prior to Gaudete Sunday in 2008. That Thursday there was a mix of snow and freezing rain. Our parishioners from Holy Family, Latrobe, where I was serving then, went down to the Boulevard of the Allies to feed the homeless. The entire evening it rained, and it rained heavily. But we had 25 of our parishioners, hardy souls who had gathered a large amount of clothing and some wonderful food that was almost like dining in an elegant restaurant. At least, it's what the folks we served observed about the cooking. The parishioners took all kinds of gifts in goody bags, and individual Christmas cards made out to them—a whole array of things that made those who were there feel special. It was interesting, since the weather was so bad that the individuals—wherever their warm spot was--decided to join us. Normally we have over 100 to serve; we had maybe 40 who came out that night. But the food prepared for 100 was all distributed! Those we served were so thankful for our taking the time to recognize them—not just for the food and the gifts, but for our conversing with them, recognizing that they, too, are children of a loving God, that they, too, are made in the image and likeness of Our Lord. As they thanked us, they continually said, "It's wonderful—not just the food and clothing, but that you spend time talking with us." Something else happened on that Thursday night. Wouldn't you know it? The Lord decided that it would be helpful if we had a flat tire on one of our vehicles! So there we were, trying to figure out where the spare tire for this vehicle was located. We couldn't find a jack. We couldn't find anything. Eventually, we decided to get under the vehicle where the spare was rusted fast to its mounting. The rain kept pouring down on the street, and we probably spent half an hour trying to lower the tire, to release it from below the vehicle and put it back together. We had 25 to 30 assistants, all advising us how to do it; others were holding umbrellas, just doing everything they could to be helpful. I remember lying in the gutter working under the car with the freezing rain collected there soaking my back. Even with the cold and damp, there was the palpable presence of the Lord in our midst. While physically uncomfortable, there was a goodness and refreshing change in all of our relations with one another that evening. It gave me reason to rejoice: there were no distinctions among those who were homeless and those who were from the Parish. It was a group of people on a joint project. Everybody had their own opinion, their ideas as to how it might best be accomplished fixing the tire, and it took a long time. We were soaked! The point is that it was a powerful experience of God's love being made manifest amongst his people. Here in our Partner Parishes, we have much to celebrate with the advancement of our service ministries. The bereavement sessions have continued nonstop for well over a year. Many have shared with me the value of the group sessions in their personal journey to overcome loss of a loved one. Our St. Vincent de Paul conference continues to operate the monthly food bank and to provide resources to those in need. Our clothing collection and distribution group not only supports the homeless on the Boulevard of the Allies but also the two local food banks. Crosskeys, although not directly a parish ministry, continues to bring many needed services to local seniors and those with functional disabilities related to mental health. There are our liturgical ministers and other ministries such as those who do great work in the parish office on a volunteer basis. We have individuals who count the collections every Monday. Others decorate the Churches for each special celebration and seasonal liturgies. Some of our men, in particular, contribute their know-how and strength to accomplish manual projects around our campuses. Even our informative and attractive bulletin is edited by someone who gives a significant amount of her time and talent to serve our parishes. There is no way to say thanks to everyone. We will always forget and unintentionally hurt someone’s feelings. However, this Gaudete Sunday I give thanks for our good people and Rejoice! in the Lord.
Christmas Spirit Alive and Well At Our Partner Parishes
Our parishioners exhibited the true spirit of Christmas in sharing the blessings our gracious God has showered on them by purchasing gifts for children in our community through the Angel Tree program. On Sunday, Dec. 11, the final day for gifts to be returned, Angel Tree donations overflowed the vestibules of both The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia. As evidenced by the photos below, the amazing generosity of our Partner Parishes almost filled our offices. Gifts ranging from bicycles to every imaginable game and toy will bless the recipients with the spirit of Christmas giving. All these gifts required lots of vehicles and helpers, and lots of trips on foot and by vehicle, to transport them from our Partner Parishes churches and office to get them to their recipients. Here are just some of the many wonderful people who assisted in making our 2017 Angel Tree program another huge success!
Don’t forget to place your “Acknowledgement” card in the manger!
Thanks to ALL who helped to make our 2017 Angel Tree program a HUGE success and bring BIG SMILES to children in our community this Christmas! God bless you!
Why is Jesus better than Santa Claus? Santa lives at the North Pole … JESUS is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh … JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year … JESUS is an ever present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies … JESUS supplies all your needs. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited … JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited. You have to wait in line to see Santa … JESUS is as close as the mention of His name. Santa lets you sit on his lap … JESUS lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn’t know your name. All he can say is, “Hi, little boy or girl, what’s your name?” … JESUS knew your name before you were born. Not only does He know your name, He knows your address, too. He knows your history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on your head.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly … JESUS has a heart full of love. All Santa can offer is HO HO HO … JESUS offers health, help and hope. Santa says “You better not cry” … JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.” Santa’s little helpers make toys … JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but … JESUS gives you joy that is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree … JESUS became our gift and died on a tree — the Cross.
Put Christ back in Christmas! JESUS is THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!
BAMA Blue Christmas Worship Service TODAY
For those of us who don’t respond well to elves and jingle bells, we need to focus on the true reason for the season, and worship through our tears of grief, loss, etc. Please join us for a Blue Christmas Worship Service, sponsored by the Brownsville Area Ministerial Association, TODAY, Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Burd Presbyterian Church, 200 Thornton Rd. (Rt. 166), Brownsville. Questions? Call 724-785-3080. Please join us as we welcome the two newest members of our Partner Parishes, who were baptized Dec. 10, 2017, by Fr. Tim at the Historic Church of St. Peter. At left, joined in celebration by Fr. Tim are Lucas James Pitek with parents Doug and Emily Pitek and godparents Mark and Natalie Moncheck, and Ainsley Moncheck with parents Mark and Natalie Moncheck and godparents Tom Torrey and Emily Pitek.
Christmas Kindness Project 2017 Now In Full Swing Our Partner Parishes of The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia have embarked on a Christmas Kindness Project to fill the Christ Child’s manger with bedding in preparation for his arrival on Christmas Day. This “bedding” will be composed of “Acknowledgement Cards,” business-card-sized slips of paper that acknowledge acts of kindness done during this Advent Season. When we perform an act of kindness for someone, or someone else does a kindness for us, we are to place an Acknowledgement Card into the manger in either church. This way, the more kindnesses we all do this Advent Season, the more soft bedding Jesus will have to welcome him Christmas morning. An additional part of the project is “Kindness Cards” that you may hand to anyone for whom you do even the simplest kindness. This card asks that person to share a kindness with another person, with the message, “Pass it on.” Our hope is that kindness will be contagious this Advent Season and really catch on into the New Year! Sheets of Acknowledgement Cards and Kindness Cards are available in the back of both of our Partner Parishes churches. Please call the church office if you have questions or would like additional sheets of cards: 724-785-7781.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Partner Parishes Mass Schedule Fourth Sunday of Advent — Dec. 24 8:00 a.m. — St. Peter 9:30 a.m. — St. Cecilia 11:00 a.m. — St. Peter
Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. — St. Peter 6:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Midnight — St. Peter
Christmas Day, Dec. 25 9:00 a.m. — St. Cecilia 11:00 a.m. — St. Peter Please note that there are sign-up sheets in the back of both churches for the various Christmas and New Year’s ministries. We hope you will take a look and sign up for dates and times when you are available and will be able to follow through on your commitment! Thank you!
Partner Parishes of The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia Join in RCIA Rite of Welcoming Dec. 16 On Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at the 4:00 p.m. Mass at The Historic Church of St. Peter, Fr. Tim conducted the Rite of Welcoming our four Partner Parishes RCIA candidates/ catechumens. Those who attended this Mass participated in this rite, which welcomes those adults who are seeking to complete their Christian initiation. Our current four RCIA participants are Beth Ann Durst, Debby Lee King, Linda Medve, and Nena Simmons. At our Easter Vigil 2018, these candidates will join our Partner Parishes through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion, based on their status as either candidate (already baptized) or catechumen.
Prayer List Beatrice Kloock Bill Snodgrass Brian Tomecsko Carol Ashton Charlotte Katko Cheryl Furlong Chuck Britvich Cody Tylka Craig Alessio Daryl Hall David Ballant David Ostien Deb Donna Fletcher Donna Hill Dru Vojacek Ed Balchon Elaine Helsel Eleanor Dando Fr. Bob Conley George Lisac HeatherBeth Powell Helen Mendish Irene Franks
J. A. Jackson Hodge James Harvey Jr. Janet Booker Janice Ritsko Jean Bohna Jerry Zalek Jim Famularo Joe Angell Joe Shashura John Hlatky Jonathan Wallowicz Josephine Lagina June Robinson Karl Hennig Kim Harvey Lillian Baroni Lisa Chancey
Luella Sholl Mary Ann Olenik Matthew DeSimone Mike Dorobish Mildred Petro Mildred Shenal M. V. Nancy Jenkins Patricia Knight Robert Atz Robert Franks Robert Stringert Sam Basile III Sarah Corebridge Sherri Zias Shirley Mae Mislo Stanley Sobek Susan Rountree Sylvia Walinski Veronica Stringert Virginia Conaway V. V. Wanda Burns William Gabonay
The Historic Church of St. Peter Sanctuary Lamp and Bread & Wine Alex McCune by Betty Jean & family See What Good You Can Do With Your Old Eyeglasses?
The Grindstone Lions Club is collecting any used eyeglasses (frames with or without lenses, tinted or clear) to be donated to the Fayette County Association for the Blind. There are box‐ es in the back of both of our Partner Parishes churches to collect your eyeglass donations.
Thank you for sharing the gift of sight with others in need! Brownsville Library to Hold Children’s Holiday Party
Brownsville Free Public Library will hold a Children’s Holiday Party Dec. 20, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Hear a story read by Santa Claus himself! Make ornaments to take home and to hang on the Snowden Square Christmas Tree. Questions? Call the library at 724-785-7272.
Advent Penance Service Schedule — December 2017
Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m. St. Mary (Nativity)/St. Joseph, St. Mary (Nativity) Uniontown Please note: Because of conflicts with regional Advent Reconciliation Services, Confessions will not be held at The Historic Church of St. Peter on Saturdays of Advent until Dec. 23.
Bereavement Session Begins Jan. 3, 2018
The next six-week session of the Partner Parishes Bereavement Group will begin Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at the church office. The group offers support for those individuals who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. If you would like to participate in the group, or if you have questions, please call the church office, 724-785-7781.
Still Time to Make Tax-Deductible Donation!
There is still time left in 2017 to make a tax-deductible donation to this year’s Diocesan Lenten Appeal. Remember that all money donated to the DLA now is returned to our respective churches. (Please note “DLA” on your donation.) Thank you for your generosity! Come Join Us for Bible Study! Bible study classes are still continuing on Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at Crosskeys in Brownsville. We hope you will join us for these informative and thoughtprovoking classes. For more information, call Crosskeys at 724-785-6180. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Classes Have Begun
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic, our Partner Parishes RCIA classes have begun and we welcome you to join us. Classes are held on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. Please call the church office for more information, 724-785-7781.
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