Ministry Schedule December 30/31 EM: Server: Lector:
Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday Vigil, December 23, 2017 4:00 p.m. P The Franceschini Family (Galway family) Sunday, December 24, 2017 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)
Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24, 2017 4:00 p.m. P Special Intentions 6:30 p.m. C Special Intentions Midnight P Special Intentions
Christmas Day Monday, December 25, 2017 9:00 a.m. C Special Intentions 11:00 a.m. P Special Intentions Tuesday, December 26, 2017 NO MASS Wednesday, December 27, 2017 8:00 a.m. C Andy Guman (Joseph Zayance & family) Thursday, December 28, 2017 NO MASS Friday, December 29, 2017 7:30 a.m. P Alex McCune (Connie & ElmaJean Lama) Saturday, December 30, 2017 8:00 a.m. C Jay Locke (Smartu & Moffitt families)
Saturday, December 30 — 4:00 p.m. St. Peter C-John Peters C-Gloria Wheeler H-Matthew Bernot Jolena Quarzo Anna & Luke Clister Roxann Zidek Cantor: Volunteer
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, December 31 — 8:00 a.m. St. Peter C-Bill Johns C-Mark Moncheck H-Joanie Pagac David Ziglear Carmella & Gina DiFlippo Rose Comport Cantor: Samantha Ziglear
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, December 31 — 9:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Nancy Sebeck Carl DellaPenna Jr. Carl DellaPenna Anthony DellaPenna Caleb DellaPenna Vincent DellaPenna
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, December 31 — 11:00 a.m. St. Peter C-Larry Franks III C-Rich Eadie H-Tracy Eadie Addison Navarro Lacey & Sadie Harvey Chuck Bogorae Cantor: Nicole Dainty
Collection Report
St. Peter Church 12/17/17 ADULT ENVELOPES (243)......................... . ... $4144.00 STUDENT ENVELOPES (12) .............................. $18.00 MONTHLY (16)…………………………… ........... $258.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. ........... $356.00 CANDLES……………………………… ............... $150.00 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS.................................... $280.00 ACCENT ............................................................... $57.00 OPLATKI ............................................................ $141.00
St. Cecilia Church 12/17/17 ADULT ENVELOPES (104).............................. $1747.00 STUDENT ENVELOPES (5) .................................. $7.00 LOOSE ................................................................. $81.00 CANDLES............................................................. $64.00 ACCENT ................................................................. $5.00 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ........................... $212.00 UTILITY ................................................................ $56.00 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS...................................... $70.00 OPLATKI .............................................................. $54.00 MISSION .............................................................. $50.00
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Saturday Vigil, December 30, 2017 4:00 p.m. P Dorothy H. Marghella (Daughters, sons-in-law, granddaughters) Sunday, December 31, 2017 8:00 a.m. P Enis Meese (Andy Assad, grandson) 9:30 a.m. C Joseph Locke (Helen Toth) 11:00 a.m. P Pro Populo
Mary, the Mother of God Sunday, December 31, 2017 4:00 p.m. P Marian Vigliotti (Mary Savona) 8:00 p.m. C Bernard DeSimone (Barb & Ted Gera) Monday, January 1, 2018 — New Year’s Day 9:00 a.m. C Mary Kurnava (M/M Ed Duda & family) 11:00 a.m. P Annabel Franks (Fred Peter)
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 Note Changes In Regional Mass Schedule For Christmas Eve And New Year’s Eve
There will be NO 5:30 p.m. Mass at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church, Fairchance, on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 (Christmas Eve), or Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 (New Year’s Eve).
This year we have a unique calendar for the Christmas Season. Today is the beginning of the fourth week of Advent; this evening we will celebrate the Vigil for Christmas tomorrow. The account today from Luke conjures an image in our minds of many Christmases past. We’ve all seen paintings that provide the seasonal imagery. The Annunciation of our Blessed Mother recounted in today's passage from Luke's Gospel typically involves an image of her seated, clothed in long, silky robes, which is a common depiction in well-known Renaissance paintings. The angel is resplendent in all his glory. Mary is seated in a garden that is nicely manicured, with lovely bushes, trees and flowers and birds. We know that these images are intended to lift our spirits and inspire us, but the reality is that Mary came from a very poor family. She was probably 13 to 15 years old. You can imagine what was going through her mind when she heard the angel's words. It had to be frightening. She had no true understanding of the meaning of the words. She couldn't comprehend the consequences that might flow from the words; at that time, under the Mosaic Code, she would be subject to being stoned to death for engaging in sexual relations outside the context of marriage. It probably was very unsettling. However, in the words of the angel, she experiences the will of God for her life, and she said her "fiat," her "yes." "I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." Mary, in effect, is saying, "I am the Lord's servant. Whatever his will is for my life, I will indeed respond." We will take a brief look at the history of Israel to understand what's taking place. In our first reading from the Second Book of Samuel, David had become the king and, under his leadership, all of Israel had been consolidated. His enemies on every side were defeated. Israel extended from the Mediterranean Sea all the way over to the Euphrates River. Today this area is Iraq. Israel was a strong kingdom, and David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. Nathan had said, "Do whatever your heart tells you." But then Nathan had a vision, and he had to relate it to David: "No, you will not be permitted to build a temple for the Lord, but your son, Solomon, will." David doesn't understand. He's the king; why couldn't he build this temple? Then he hears the words of the Lord repeated by Nathan. "You were a shepherd boy. I brought you from the fields; I gave you the ability to overcome great obstacles, to defeat Goliath and all the nations surrounding Israel. I’ve been with you in every circumstance, except the times when you sinned. You took Bathsheba to yourself, and had her husband's life taken, in effect." Through Nathan, God told David, "You will not build a temple for me; your son will." He couldn't understand those words, but he obeys and, because David had been faithful, he is told his heirs will reign on his throne forever. That gave great consolation—not only to David, but to all the people of Israel. Over time, the people of Israel, who saw themselves as under the safety of David’s Covenant, began to presume God's goodness to them. In their minds, they could do whatever they cared to and the Lord would never withdraw his favor from Israel. But they found out otherwise for, indeed, at the time of the Babylonian exile, Jehoiachin, who was the king, would be the last king of natural lineage until Jesus was born some 500 years later. Jesus will rule on the throne of his father, David, forever. Matthew and Luke recount the genealogy, the lineage, up to Jesus. Luke starts his account with Adam; Matthew goes back to Abraham, and he shows how ultimately Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus, was part of the lineage of the family of David. The prophecy is fulfilled, and Mary would be the instrument by which it is fulfilled. But as I noted earlier, imagine what her feelings, her concerns, must have been at the words of the angel. But if she had not said "yes," for those of you who pray the Rosary, none of those 20 different mysteries would have occurred; none of those joyous and sorrowful events would have occurred unless Mary said her "yes" to the will of God. It is human responsibility to play an important part in God's plan for the salvation of mankind. We could look at everyone from David to Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph--a broad array of individuals from scripture who took an important role in ensuring that God's plan for our salvation was accomplished. Another of these examples is when David accepted God’s will that he wouldn't build the temple. It would be Solomon. Or when Mary, not understanding the words of the angel, what would occur, and the potential consequences, said her “yes.” The question is: Are we able to say our "yes," even sometimes when the circumstances are such that we can't fully understand them? Perhaps my spouse and I have reached retirement age. We had great plans for a wonderful, relaxing retirement, traveling or whatever, and my spouse is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, so those remaining years will be spent caring for another who will be slowly slipping away . Or maybe I have been afflicted with some type of serious illness that might even take my life, or I experience some tremendous financial setback for our family. It could be one of many possibilities that could affect us, and we might not understand; we would ask how could the Lord do this to us? We said in our responsorial psalm today: "I will always sing the goodness of the Lord." Sometimes that's hard to do! Think of the blessings in circumstances where we're willing to say our "yes" to the Lord's will for our life, even when we don't understand. When without counting the potential costs we say, “I am his servant,” we can accomplish great things, even without understanding. 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!!!
Partner Parishes Ministries Come Together To Provide Christmas Goodwill
Despite very inclement weather on our last trip to Pittsburgh, all those who spent the evening of Dec. 14, 2017, delivering meals and Christmas cheer to the homeless declared it a heartwarming experience. In addition to many of the usual Meals on the Boulevard participants, more than 20 members of the Brownsville High School Student Council joined in our
evening of service, citing it a “powerful experience,” and stating they learned the critical lesson that “these people are just like us.” Although the weather kept many of the homeless in their warm spots and fewer than usual were fed, those who did attend enjoyed a complete, home-cooked turkey dinner. The Mt. Pleasant St. Vincent de Paul Conference distributed bags full of toiletries, flashlights and other handy items. Winter clothing, blankets, hats, scarves, etc., were also available, donated items that are part of our parish clothing ministry. The students also provided festive Packets of prestamped Christmas cards and pens for the people to send Christmas greetings to their loved ones, and looked up addresses if necessary on their phones and ipads. Technology and youthful expertise can be a wonderful thing!
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!
Christmas Kindness Project 2017 Draws to Close As Christmas morning approaches, our Partner Parishes Christmas Kindness Project 2017 to fill the Christ Child’s manger with bedding in preparation for his arrival on Christmas Day is drawing to a close. This “bedding” is 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. Please be sure to place your Acknowledgement Cards in the manger as soon as possible! 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. The beautiful creche figurines at right , which you may have noticed at The Historic Church of St. Peter, were donated in memory of Florence Wyda by Joanne and Chuck Bogorae, Michael and Crystal Bogorae, Eddie and Lisa and Nolan Wyda.
Christmas and New Year’s Partner Parishes Mass Schedule 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
Mary, the Mother of God Sunday, Dec. 31 4:00 p.m. — St. Peter 8:00 p.m. — St. Cecilia Jan. 1, 2018 — New Year’s Day 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!
Fort Burd United Presbyterian Church and Pastor Katy Yates Brungraber hosted Brownsville Area Ministerial Association’s “Blue Christmas” service Dec. 17, 2017, for those who have had a hard year. Because unemployment, grief, family strife, and other challenges can make Christmas a difficult time, everyone was welcome to attend this gentle, reflective service. Several clergy from area churches were present at the service, representing different worship traditions, both in spoken and sung prayer. Above are, l. to r., Fr. Tim Kruthaupt, Pastor Roger Diehl, Rev. Renita Crable, and Rev. Aleda Menchyk.
Fr. Tim conducted the RCIA Rite of Welcoming for our Partner Parishes candidates Dec. 16, 2017, during the 4:00 p.m. Mass at The Historic Church of St. Peter. Joining him above are, l. to r., candidates Beth Ann Durst and Nena Simmons. Our two other RCIA participants, Debby Lee King and Linda Medve, were not available.
Prayer List Ann Jaworowsky 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 Linda Medve 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
Please Note!
There will be NO meeting of the Society of Catholic Women on Jan. 3, 2018. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at Crosskeys. Please join us then!
Hymnal Bookplates Still Available Memorial bookplates for our parish hymnals are still available for a $20 donation. The list of bookplates already dedicated, along with order forms for new bookplates, can be found in the back of both churches. Please call the church of ice at 724-7857781 with questions or to place your bookplate orders. 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.
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 will resume Jan. 8, 2018, 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.
Thank You to All Our Musical Contributors!
We’re sending out a BIG Partner Parishes thank you to our choir, musicians and everyone who serves in any way in our music ministry! Kudos for your hard work and long-term commitment to our music program. Thank you for making this beautiful and joyful Christmas Season even more inspiring by sharing with your fellow parishioners your gifts of song and musical talent.
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