St Brigid Parish Bulletin for December 24 & 25, 2023

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH, (St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa. St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

-mail: sfxc@epix.net Facebook: St Brigid Parish Rev. Augustine Thomas—Administrator Father Augustine—1 (570) 909-7819 Deacon Paul J. Brojack

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 23rd & 24th, 2023

NATIVITY OF THE LORD (Christmas) December 24th & 25th, 2023

Sat. Dec. 23 Sun. Dec. 24

MASS SCHEDULE Church - VIGIL: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT PATRICK M. DALY by Bill & Dawn Zalewski 8:00AM St. Francis Church - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

4:30PM St. Francis

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS 4:00PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: NATIVITY OF THE LORD NANCY LYNCH by the Family 6:30PM St. Augustine Church- INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Mon. Dec. 25 8:00AM St. Francis Church - NATIVITY OF THE LORD—CHRISTMAS RIP, SR., STEPHEN & VINCE VAN WINKLE 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - FR. CASIMIR STANIS by Bill & Barb Pichette Tue. Dec. 26 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - KEN PICHETTE by Bill & Barb Pichette Wed. Dec. 27 NO MASS Thur. Dec. 28 NO MASS Fri. Dec. 29 12:00NN St. Francis Church - SHIRLEY KELLY by Louise Baker Sat. Dec. 30 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: HOLY FAMILY HELEN M. DAVIS by Bub & Dawn Davis Sun. Dec. 31 8:00AM St. Francis Church 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

My dear Brothers and Sisters!

God gave His only begotten Son to us. WHAT are we going to give to God? I personally wish you “Merry Christmas to you” the birthday of Jesus for which we have been preparing has arrived, the Lord’s nativity. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. The birth of Jesus was a joyous event and the heavenly hosts in unison praised and glorified God for the magnificent event that took place on that night. Christmas continues to be a joyous event and the entire world rejoices at His birth. Let us approach the new-born child with grateful hearts and ask Him for the graces we need to live our lives as His worthy witnesses and it may continue every day in our hearts and family. ~Fr. Augustine CHRISTMAS FLOWERS—THANK YOU Thank you all for your generous donations to the Christmas Flower collection. A total of $ 1,347.00 was donated this year to help cover the cost of our Poinsettias.

CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS Thank you all for your generosity to the Christmas Food Card collection! You have helped to make the Christmas meal special for 18 families.

FOOD PANTRY—CHRISTMAS Thank you for your continued generosity!

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of our Churches for Christmas Gift -Giving. Calendars are $ 20.00 each and run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2024. Each family is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided.

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING—RESCHEDULED The Pastoral Council meeting has been changed to Wednesday, January 17th at 5:00PM in the Rectory. All members are encouraged to attend.

FALL FUND RAISER The winners have been drawn for the Fall Fund Raiser. Not everyone has been contacted yet, therefore the list of winners will be in the bulletin next week after everyone has been contacted.

CONFESSION SCHEDULE—(BEFORE ALL WEEKEND MASSES) Saturday—St. Francis Xavier—before 4:30PM Mass—3:30 to 4:15PM Sunday—St. Francis Xavier—before 8:00AM Mass—7:30 to 7:50AM Sunday—St. Augustine—before 10:30AM Mass—9:45 to 10:20AM WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT The weekend total was $ 3,395.00. Your continued generosity is greatly appreciated.

LIFELINES “O Blessed Mother, at the angel’s word you went in haste to the aid of your cousin Elizabeth.

Although pregnant yourself, you placed her needs before your own. By your example of radical solidarity, teach us to reverence and protect those in need, without conditions or expectations…

Obtain for us the grace to bring Christ to any expectant mother who is alone and afraid.” ~ USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Prayer for Radical Solidarity (www.respectlife.org/prayer-for-radical-solidarity)

WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE Saturday, December 30—4:30PM—St. Francis: Lector—Sandy Gardner; Ministers—Mike Sunday, December 31—8:00AM—St. Francis: Lector—Matt Oleniacz; Ministers—Chris & Katie Volk; Servers—Jacob & Carson Oleniacz; Rosary—Bob Curley; Greeter—volunteer Sunday, December 31—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector—Dave Rebello; Ministers—Bob Allen & Eileen McDonald; Servers—volunteer; Rosary—volunteer; Greeter—Barb Pichette DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Frances M. Murphy, sister of Richard Foster Lynch.

We also pray for Karen Murphy, wife of Jim Murphy. May they rest in peace. Amen.

PRAYER LIST Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish & Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers, especially all suffering from cancer, Lyme disease, or Covid-19.

Kaitlyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., Ruth King, Kyle Stoddard, Sam Miner, Sophie Padula, Tom Wenman, Toni Colardino, Madigan Gow, Amanda Branning, Daniel Gavin, Tommy Williams, Kathy Holt, Linda Hollenback, Don Zaleski, MaryLou Fahs, Elton Carr, Jim Raftis, Bub Davis, Tyler Fletcher, William Chaney, Joe Grindel, Chelsea Judson, Trisha, Mary Guido, Hallie Brooks, Mark Kovach, Brooke Arnold, Robyn Lawson, Ned Offner, Butch Rosencranz, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Emily D., Marie Donahue, Barbara Mahoney, Rusty Carmen, Adam Price, Greg Lasgowka, Terry, Cameron & Levi White, Natalie Dawn Abell, Tom Ellison, the Reed Family, Don Higgins, Raub Family, Todd Legg, Ryan Hayes, Ethel Reid, Sean McMahon, Thomas McWilliams, Marty Mosher, Chad Grindel, Cathy Ballogg, Mary Ann Casterline, Janice Jacobs, Patricia Charpinsky, Diane Holleran, Kineer Worgen, James Dughi, Peg Broadwater, Christopher Dauber, Jay Gurn, “D”, Adrian Stephens, Millie, John, Sophia ILichishin, Alice Walsh, Josh Zaleski, Caleb Scepaniak, Dana Marsh, Reilly, Mary Joan, Lori Rawlins, Brendan Merritt, R.M., Mark Pasteka, Tim Fruehan, Lori Hammerly Coleman, Brendan Kelly, Pat Walsh, Angelo Scarfalloto, Emily Graves, Cathy Albert, Robert Nemcek, Wayne Hibbard, Laura Nelson, Garrett Farr, Dr. Silversti, Mary Keenan, Linda, Gloria, Everly Hausmann, George Coleman, Sally Saunders, Dennis Byerly, Marie Cavalarro, Sully & Patty Cavallaro, Evelyn Ferro, Briana Grisdale, Gregory Diorio, Mike Coleman, Nicholas, Alex, Alice, Mike & Pat Stelacio, Fr. John Victoria, Joseph Santora, Carol Garcia, Wink, Liam Little, Jessica Lawrence, Sophie Holgash, Nellie Manarchuck, Monica Gibson, Diane Coffee, R.C.M., Millie Chamberlain, Bill Noldy, Jr., Cathy Edsell, Patricia Hutchinson, Chris Mortensen, Clyde & Mary Tims, Louise Darrow, Aaron Fredendall, Louise Eastman, Diane, Michelle Weiss, Niki Rogers, Wade Leach, Shirley Conboy, Joseph Olszewski, Curtis Edwards, Matthew Gatto, Madigan, Marge Murphy, Mark, Ellen Bieleski, Kylie Keenan, Becky Jenner, Sara Kelly Price, Tucker White, Terri Grindel, Kris Kiesly, Jerry Wells, Fred Brown, Rosa Prieto, Theo Goodrich, Carl Whitehead, Ed Snee, Anita James, Shirley McWilliams, Mary (Jones) Edsell, Pete Strojny, Mike, Eileen Maruschok, Shirley Rockefeller, Tony McHugh, Val Mosier, Hunter Allen Sapp, A.J. Pass, Leonard Howell, Sue L., Bryce Histand, Ken Warner, Jay S., George Thrasher, Jay C., Norma Volk, Kathy Conklin, Gary Fisher, Joan Middendorf, Marie Mirabelli, Clint Wise, Carol Jarnigan, Brian, Carl, Kevin Pierson, Gary Davis, Deacon Tom Hartley, Anne, Madeline Barno, Evan Small, Megan Hale, Ben Naylor, Tammy Volk Jennings, Debbie, Brian, Rosemary Stewart, Margaret Zernone, John Herman, Owen, Bucky Russell, and Dorothy Sorensen. Please pray for all the needs in our Parish & Community. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our , Ryan Gor m ley, Christopher Reichlen, Mike Griffith, Matthew Kramer, Ryan Neville, Shane Kalpokas, Dustin Ryder, Steven Shelp, Ricky Trowbridge, A. Jay Tewksbury, Lukas Crisman, Ryan Newberry, Mark W. Gregg, Andrew Muscarelle, Lisa Phillips, Adam Barziloski, Quinn Gurn, Marty Conboy, Wayne M. Bennett, Joseph Elliott, Bradley J. Bryant, John Baltsley, Mara Redding, Michael Redding, James Hemmerly, Amberlynn Villanella, Jacob Balchikonis, Rip VanWinkle, Jonathan Green, Cameron, Garrett Kiehle, and all who serve with them. May they be protected & safe from harm & return home safely and soon. Amen.

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH, (St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa. St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

-mail: sfxc@epix.net Facebook: St Brigid Parish Rev. Augustine Thomas—Administrator Father Augustine—1 (570) 909-7819 Deacon Paul J. Brojack

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 23rd & 24th, 2023

NATIVITY OF THE LORD (Christmas) December 24th & 25th, 2023

Sat. Dec. 23 Sun. Dec. 24

MASS SCHEDULE Church - VIGIL: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT PATRICK M. DALY by Bill & Dawn Zalewski 8:00AM St. Francis Church - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

4:30PM St. Francis

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS 4:00PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: NATIVITY OF THE LORD NANCY LYNCH by the Family 6:30PM St. Augustine Church- INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS Mon. Dec. 25 8:00AM St. Francis Church - NATIVITY OF THE LORD—CHRISTMAS RIP, SR., STEPHEN & VINCE VAN WINKLE 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - FR. CASIMIR STANIS by Bill & Barb Pichette Tue. Dec. 26 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - KEN PICHETTE by Bill & Barb Pichette Wed. Dec. 27 NO MASS Thur. Dec. 28 NO MASS Fri. Dec. 29 12:00NN St. Francis Church - SHIRLEY KELLY by Louise Baker Sat. Dec. 30 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: HOLY FAMILY HELEN M. DAVIS by Bub & Dawn Davis Sun. Dec. 31 8:00AM St. Francis Church 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

My dear Brothers and Sisters!

God gave His only begotten Son to us. WHAT are we going to give to God? I personally wish you “Merry Christmas to you” the birthday of Jesus for which we have been preparing has arrived, the Lord’s nativity. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. The birth of Jesus was a joyous event and the heavenly hosts in unison praised and glorified God for the magnificent event that took place on that night. Christmas continues to be a joyous event and the entire world rejoices at His birth. Let us approach the new-born child with grateful hearts and ask Him for the graces we need to live our lives as His worthy witnesses and it may continue every day in our hearts and family. ~Fr. Augustine CHRISTMAS FLOWERS—THANK YOU Thank you all for your generous donations to the Christmas Flower collection. A total of $ 1,347.00 was donated this year to help cover the cost of our Poinsettias.

CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS Thank you all for your generosity to the Christmas Food Card collection! You have helped to make the Christmas meal special for 18 families.

FOOD PANTRY—CHRISTMAS Thank you for your continued generosity!

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of our Churches for Christmas Gift -Giving. Calendars are $ 20.00 each and run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2024. Each family is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided.

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING—RESCHEDULED The Pastoral Council meeting has been changed to Wednesday, January 17th at 5:00PM in the Rectory. All members are encouraged to attend.

FALL FUND RAISER The winners have been drawn for the Fall Fund Raiser. Not everyone has been contacted yet, therefore the list of winners will be in the bulletin next week after everyone has been contacted.

CONFESSION SCHEDULE—(BEFORE ALL WEEKEND MASSES) Saturday—St. Francis Xavier—before 4:30PM Mass—3:30 to 4:15PM Sunday—St. Francis Xavier—before 8:00AM Mass—7:30 to 7:50AM Sunday—St. Augustine—before 10:30AM Mass—9:45 to 10:20AM WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT The weekend total was $ 3,395.00. Your continued generosity is greatly appreciated.

LIFELINES “O Blessed Mother, at the angel’s word you went in haste to the aid of your cousin Elizabeth.

Although pregnant yourself, you placed her needs before your own. By your example of radical solidarity, teach us to reverence and protect those in need, without conditions or expectations…

Obtain for us the grace to bring Christ to any expectant mother who is alone and afraid.” ~ USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Prayer for Radical Solidarity (www.respectlife.org/prayer-for-radical-solidarity)

WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE Saturday, December 30—4:30PM—St. Francis: Lector—Sandy Gardner; Ministers—Mike Sunday, December 31—8:00AM—St. Francis: Lector—Matt Oleniacz; Ministers—Chris & Katie Volk; Servers—Jacob & Carson Oleniacz; Rosary—Bob Curley; Greeter—volunteer Sunday, December 31—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector—Dave Rebello; Ministers—Bob Allen & Eileen McDonald; Servers—volunteer; Rosary—volunteer; Greeter—Barb Pichette DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Frances M. Murphy, sister of Richard Foster Lynch.

We also pray for Karen Murphy, wife of Jim Murphy. May they rest in peace. Amen.

PRAYER LIST Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish & Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers, especially all suffering from cancer, Lyme disease, or Covid-19.

Kaitlyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., Ruth King, Kyle Stoddard, Sam Miner, Sophie Padula, Tom Wenman, Toni Colardino, Madigan Gow, Amanda Branning, Daniel Gavin, Tommy Williams, Kathy Holt, Linda Hollenback, Don Zaleski, MaryLou Fahs, Elton Carr, Jim Raftis, Bub Davis, Tyler Fletcher, William Chaney, Joe Grindel, Chelsea Judson, Trisha, Mary Guido, Hallie Brooks, Mark Kovach, Brooke Arnold, Robyn Lawson, Ned Offner, Butch Rosencranz, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Emily D., Marie Donahue, Barbara Mahoney, Rusty Carmen, Adam Price, Greg Lasgowka, Terry, Cameron & Levi White, Natalie Dawn Abell, Tom Ellison, the Reed Family, Don Higgins, Raub Family, Todd Legg, Ryan Hayes, Ethel Reid, Sean McMahon, Thomas McWilliams, Marty Mosher, Chad Grindel, Cathy Ballogg, Mary Ann Casterline, Janice Jacobs, Patricia Charpinsky, Diane Holleran, Kineer Worgen, James Dughi, Peg Broadwater, Christopher Dauber, Jay Gurn, “D”, Adrian Stephens, Millie, John, Sophia ILichishin, Alice Walsh, Josh Zaleski, Caleb Scepaniak, Dana Marsh, Reilly, Mary Joan, Lori Rawlins, Brendan Merritt, R.M., Mark Pasteka, Tim Fruehan, Lori Hammerly Coleman, Brendan Kelly, Pat Walsh, Angelo Scarfalloto, Emily Graves, Cathy Albert, Robert Nemcek, Wayne Hibbard, Laura Nelson, Garrett Farr, Dr. Silversti, Mary Keenan, Linda, Gloria, Everly Hausmann, George Coleman, Sally Saunders, Dennis Byerly, Marie Cavalarro, Sully & Patty Cavallaro, Evelyn Ferro, Briana Grisdale, Gregory Diorio, Mike Coleman, Nicholas, Alex, Alice, Mike & Pat Stelacio, Fr. John Victoria, Joseph Santora, Carol Garcia, Wink, Liam Little, Jessica Lawrence, Sophie Holgash, Nellie Manarchuck, Monica Gibson, Diane Coffee, R.C.M., Millie Chamberlain, Bill Noldy, Jr., Cathy Edsell, Patricia Hutchinson, Chris Mortensen, Clyde & Mary Tims, Louise Darrow, Aaron Fredendall, Louise Eastman, Diane, Michelle Weiss, Niki Rogers, Wade Leach, Shirley Conboy, Joseph Olszewski, Curtis Edwards, Matthew Gatto, Madigan, Marge Murphy, Mark, Ellen Bieleski, Kylie Keenan, Becky Jenner, Sara Kelly Price, Tucker White, Terri Grindel, Kris Kiesly, Jerry Wells, Fred Brown, Rosa Prieto, Theo Goodrich, Carl Whitehead, Ed Snee, Anita James, Shirley McWilliams, Mary (Jones) Edsell, Pete Strojny, Mike, Eileen Maruschok, Shirley Rockefeller, Tony McHugh, Val Mosier, Hunter Allen Sapp, A.J. Pass, Leonard Howell, Sue L., Bryce Histand, Ken Warner, Jay S., George Thrasher, Jay C., Norma Volk, Kathy Conklin, Gary Fisher, Joan Middendorf, Marie Mirabelli, Clint Wise, Carol Jarnigan, Brian, Carl, Kevin Pierson, Gary Davis, Deacon Tom Hartley, Anne, Madeline Barno, Evan Small, Megan Hale, Ben Naylor, Tammy Volk Jennings, Debbie, Brian, Rosemary Stewart, Margaret Zernone, John Herman, Owen, Bucky Russell, and Dorothy Sorensen. Please pray for all the needs in our Parish & Community. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our , Ryan Gor m ley, Christopher Reichlen, Mike Griffith, Matthew Kramer, Ryan Neville, Shane Kalpokas, Dustin Ryder, Steven Shelp, Ricky Trowbridge, A. Jay Tewksbury, Lukas Crisman, Ryan Newberry, Mark W. Gregg, Andrew Muscarelle, Lisa Phillips, Adam Barziloski, Quinn Gurn, Marty Conboy, Wayne M. Bennett, Joseph Elliott, Bradley J. Bryant, John Baltsley, Mara Redding, Michael Redding, James Hemmerly, Amberlynn Villanella, Jacob Balchikonis, Rip VanWinkle, Jonathan Green, Cameron, Garrett Kiehle, and all who serve with them. May they be protected & safe from harm & return home safely and soon. Amen.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24th—Christmas Vigil—4:00PM Mass—St. Francis Sunday, December 24th—Christmas Vigil—6:30PM Mass—St. Augustine Monday, December 25th—Christms Day—8:00AM Mass—St. Francis Monday, December 25th—Christmas Day—10:30AM Mass—St. Augustine

CHRISTMAS MINISTRY SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24—4:00PM—St. Francis: Lector—Matt Oleniacz; Ministers—Mike Griffin & Joanne Nolt; Server—Jacob & Carson Oleniacz; Rosary—Mary Shaughnessy Sunday, December 24—6:30PM—St. Augustine: Lector—Cott DeMaree; Ministers—Eileen McDonald & volunteer; Servers—volunteer needed; Rosary—volunteer needed Monday, December 25—8:00AM—St. Francis: Lector—Christina Long; Minister—Larry Purtell & volunteer; Servers—volunteers needed; Rosary—Tom Curley Monday, December 25—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector—Bob Allen; Ministers—Sr. Bette Brown & volunteer; Servers—volunteer needed; Rosary—volunteer needed OPLATKI The Oplatki Christmas wafer is a Catholic Christmas tradition celebrated in Poland, Moravia, Lithuania, and Slovakia. The unleavened wafers are baked from pure wheat flour and water, are usually rectangular in shape and very thin, and are identical in composition to the altar bread that becomes the Eucharist at the consecration during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. The Oplatki wafers are embossed with Christmas-related religious images, varying from the nativity scene, especially Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, to the Star of Bethlehem.

A limited number of these Christmas wafers are available in the back of our Churches.

LITTLE BOOKS & THE WORD AMONG US FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS Little Books and the Word Among Us for Advent/Christmas are available in the back of our Churches. Please feel free to take them home with you.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES Offertory Envelopes are in the back of the Churches and have been placed in the Church you frequent the most. If you don’t see them, they may be in the other Church; please call the office (570-553-2288) and we will get them to the other church for you. If you haven’t had envelopes in the past and would like them, please contact the office and we will prepare a box for you.

2024 WALL CALENDARS—COMPLIMENTS OF DANIEL K. REGAN FUNERAL HOME Religious Wall Calendars are available in the back of the Churches for you to take home.

Deacon’s NOTE May Jesus be reborn in your heart and life during Christmas 2023 and every day of the New Year 2024.

May He radiate His Presence from within you as sharing love, uncondi#onal forgiveness, humble service, a compassionate heart, and overflowing generosity. May the Holy Babe of Bethlehem bless you with health in body and soul and grant you a peaceful and blessed New Year……….

May the LORD bless you and keep you!

May the LORD let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you!

May the LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

God Bless. Deacon Ron Maida

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS—JANUARY 6TH

Saturday, January 6th, we observe the Fatima First Saturday Devotions in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our Lord and Lady requested of Sister Lucia dos Santos, one of the three shepherd visionaries of Fatima.

Please consider participating as we seek to fulfill our Savior's & Blessed Mother's request for prayer and penance in reparation to her most Sorrowful & Immaculate Heart. All are invited.

Devotions are held at Saint Augustine Church with the following schedule: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by confessions: Recitation of Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: Adoration and Meditation on Mysteries of the Rosary: Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Holy Mass:

8:30AM-9:00AM 9:00AM-9:30AM 9:30AM-9:45AM 9:45AM-9:55AM 10:00AM-10:45AM

ADORATION

Please consider spending an hour with Our Lord. New volunteers (fill-ins and permanent) are needed. Many hours are available. Call Rosalynd Perlick (570663-2212) to volunteer.

SPECIAL PRAYERS Please continue to pray for vocations to the Priesthood in our Diocese.

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to respond to prayer requests, or if you have a prayer request, please contact Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212) or Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618). Many prayers will be offered for your intentions. Please call when the person you put on this Prayer List can be removed, either because of their return to health or because they have passed away.

SANCTUARY & DEVOTIONAL CANDLES ~ A Sanctuary Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Irene, George & Barbara Kotch offered

by Chuck & Sandy Kotch. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention offered by Joe Purr. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Augustine b u r n s for the return to health of all the sick in our Parish and Community offered by St. Brigid Altar and Rosary Society. ~ A Sanctuary Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of John & Sophie Glenn and Berenice & Rudolph Noldy offered by Theresa & Bill Noldy ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Frank Padula, John & Pat Glenn, and Joseph & Mary Drobish offered by Theresa & Bill Noldy. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for Special Intentions for Terry White & Sophie Padula offered by Theresa & Bill Noldy. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of John & Sophie Glenn, Frank Padula, John Glenn, Jr. & Joseph & Mary Drobish offered by Sophie Padula.

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, although attending Mass is encouraged. Our Mass scheduled is as follows: Monday, January 1st—8:30AM—St. Augustine Church Monday, January 1st—12:00NN—St. Francis Xavier Church CHURCH CLEANING St. Augustine: December 25 to 31—Sr. Bette Brown & Barb Pichette; January 1 to 7—Susie Reichlen; January 8 to 14—Rosalynd & Veronica Perlick; January 15 to 21—Rosalynd & Veronica Perlick; January 22 to 28— Kay Caspersen; January 29 to February 4—Anne & Sally Hawley St. Francis cleaner for the months of December & January is Kathy Gage.

DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Our goal for 2023 is $ 22,000.00. We have raised $ 31,000.00 (140.91 % of our goal from 33.33% of our Parishioners). We are over goal by $ 9,000.00. All donations are still very welcome. 75% of all money raised over our goal is returned to St. Brigid Parish. Thank you again to all of our very generous supporters!!

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24th—Christmas Vigil—4:00PM Mass—St. Francis Sunday, December 24th—Christmas Vigil—6:30PM Mass—St. Augustine Monday, December 25th—Christms Day—8:00AM Mass—St. Francis Monday, December 25th—Christmas Day—10:30AM Mass—St. Augustine

CHRISTMAS MINISTRY SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24—4:00PM—St. Francis: Lector—Matt Oleniacz; Ministers—Mike Griffin & Joanne Nolt; Server—Jacob & Carson Oleniacz; Rosary—Mary Shaughnessy Sunday, December 24—6:30PM—St. Augustine: Lector—Cott DeMaree; Ministers—Eileen McDonald & volunteer; Servers—volunteer needed; Rosary—volunteer needed Monday, December 25—8:00AM—St. Francis: Lector—Christina Long; Minister—Larry Purtell & volunteer; Servers—volunteers needed; Rosary—Tom Curley Monday, December 25—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector—Bob Allen; Ministers—Sr. Bette Brown & volunteer; Servers—volunteer needed; Rosary—volunteer needed OPLATKI The Oplatki Christmas wafer is a Catholic Christmas tradition celebrated in Poland, Moravia, Lithuania, and Slovakia. The unleavened wafers are baked from pure wheat flour and water, are usually rectangular in shape and very thin, and are identical in composition to the altar bread that becomes the Eucharist at the consecration during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. The Oplatki wafers are embossed with Christmas-related religious images, varying from the nativity scene, especially Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, to the Star of Bethlehem.

A limited number of these Christmas wafers are available in the back of our Churches.

LITTLE BOOKS & THE WORD AMONG US FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS Little Books and the Word Among Us for Advent/Christmas are available in the back of our Churches. Please feel free to take them home with you.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES Offertory Envelopes are in the back of the Churches and have been placed in the Church you frequent the most. If you don’t see them, they may be in the other Church; please call the office (570-553-2288) and we will get them to the other church for you. If you haven’t had envelopes in the past and would like them, please contact the office and we will prepare a box for you.

2024 WALL CALENDARS—COMPLIMENTS OF DANIEL K. REGAN FUNERAL HOME Religious Wall Calendars are available in the back of the Churches for you to take home.

Deacon’s NOTE May Jesus be reborn in your heart and life during Christmas 2023 and every day of the New Year 2024.

May He radiate His Presence from within you as sharing love, uncondi#onal forgiveness, humble service, a compassionate heart, and overflowing generosity. May the Holy Babe of Bethlehem bless you with health in body and soul and grant you a peaceful and blessed New Year……….

May the LORD bless you and keep you!

May the LORD let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you!

May the LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

God Bless. Deacon Ron Maida

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS—JANUARY 6TH

Saturday, January 6th, we observe the Fatima First Saturday Devotions in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our Lord and Lady requested of Sister Lucia dos Santos, one of the three shepherd visionaries of Fatima.

Please consider participating as we seek to fulfill our Savior's & Blessed Mother's request for prayer and penance in reparation to her most Sorrowful & Immaculate Heart. All are invited.

Devotions are held at Saint Augustine Church with the following schedule: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by confessions: Recitation of Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: Adoration and Meditation on Mysteries of the Rosary: Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Holy Mass:

8:30AM-9:00AM 9:00AM-9:30AM 9:30AM-9:45AM 9:45AM-9:55AM 10:00AM-10:45AM

ADORATION

Please consider spending an hour with Our Lord. New volunteers (fill-ins and permanent) are needed. Many hours are available. Call Rosalynd Perlick (570663-2212) to volunteer.

SPECIAL PRAYERS Please continue to pray for vocations to the Priesthood in our Diocese.

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to respond to prayer requests, or if you have a prayer request, please contact Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212) or Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618). Many prayers will be offered for your intentions. Please call when the person you put on this Prayer List can be removed, either because of their return to health or because they have passed away.

SANCTUARY & DEVOTIONAL CANDLES ~ A Sanctuary Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Irene, George & Barbara Kotch offered

by Chuck & Sandy Kotch. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention offered by Joe Purr. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Augustine b u r n s for the return to health of all the sick in our Parish and Community offered by St. Brigid Altar and Rosary Society. ~ A Sanctuary Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of John & Sophie Glenn and Berenice & Rudolph Noldy offered by Theresa & Bill Noldy ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Frank Padula, John & Pat Glenn, and Joseph & Mary Drobish offered by Theresa & Bill Noldy. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for Special Intentions for Terry White & Sophie Padula offered by Theresa & Bill Noldy. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of John & Sophie Glenn, Frank Padula, John Glenn, Jr. & Joseph & Mary Drobish offered by Sophie Padula.

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, although attending Mass is encouraged. Our Mass scheduled is as follows: Monday, January 1st—8:30AM—St. Augustine Church Monday, January 1st—12:00NN—St. Francis Xavier Church CHURCH CLEANING St. Augustine: December 25 to 31—Sr. Bette Brown & Barb Pichette; January 1 to 7—Susie Reichlen; January 8 to 14—Rosalynd & Veronica Perlick; January 15 to 21—Rosalynd & Veronica Perlick; January 22 to 28— Kay Caspersen; January 29 to February 4—Anne & Sally Hawley St. Francis cleaner for the months of December & January is Kathy Gage.

DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Our goal for 2023 is $ 22,000.00. We have raised $ 31,000.00 (140.91 % of our goal from 33.33% of our Parishioners). We are over goal by $ 9,000.00. All donations are still very welcome. 75% of all money raised over our goal is returned to St. Brigid Parish. Thank you again to all of our very generous supporters!!

Christmas Flower Donations Requested by:

In Memory/Honor of:

Gary & Helena Arbosheski

Elizabeth Fancher Helena Flaherty Tom Flaherty Lynn Gamble Brian Gardner Dennis & Deb Garges Karen Glowa Barb Gow Donald J. Griffin J. Michael Griffin Terri & Dave Grindel Loretta Guiton Jim & Mary Lou Harasymczuk Betty Ellen & Gary Hardy Diane & Matt Holleran

~ Ralph & Marie Gesford; Peter & Betty Arbosheski; Carol Mnahoncak; Jean Grassman; Frank Lippe ~ Family and Loved Ones ~ ~ Joseph Violini; Paul Brojack, Sr.; Rose & John Barbini; Helen & Peter Brojack ~ Emery Bennett Family and C. Fred Brown Family ~ Rita Pietrosanti; Dan Miller; Ken & Frances Brown; Richard Roney ~ ~ Joseph F. Caganek ~ Calabretta, Caufield, Murphy, and Alexander Families ~ Dad, Mom & Bill Coleman ~ ~ ~ ~ M/M Francis Curley; William, Richard, Beverly, James & Harold Curley and James Keenan ~ Helen M. Davis; A.M. Davis; Sandy Stahler; John Atkinson ~ DeMaree, Nolan, Kane & Stojek Families ~ ~ Dan Devine ~ Henry & Martha Chesnick; Michael & Theresa Dovin; Msgr.

Stanley Piorkowski ~ ~ ~ ~ My Parents and Robert and Anita Turnblom ~ ~ Jeanette & Deana Garges; Rich & Kay Jacobs; and Ralph Warner ~ M/M John Fredendall, Jr. and M/M Michael Glowa ~ ~ Mary Ellen (Flaherty) Griffin ~ Mary Ellen (O’Reilly) Griffin ~ ~ Leo Guiton ~ ~ Hardy Family; Golden Family; Jerome Ryan; Fr. Cas ~ Betty & Bob Holleran; Alice & Tom Lannon; and Elihu Payne

Margaret Hooker

~ Joe Hooker

Heidi Jaeger The Kaminski Family Katherine Keenan Mary L. Keenan Chuck & Sandy Kotch Ginger & Len Laky Nancy Lamberty Lawrence Family Randy & Mary Long

~ Peter Jaeger; Kathy Peters; Llona Staudt; Sr. Vincent Marie Binder ~ Kaminski Family ~ Deceased Family & Friends; Jim, Bob & Anna Mae Keenan; Fr. Cas ~ Deceased of the Curley Family and Jim Keenan ~ ~ Our Parents; Family and Friends; Fr. Cas; The Holy Souls ~ Gladys Rosado ~ Katherine Davis; Corder Davis; and Philip Lawrence ~ Guiton & Long Families; Jack, Louise & Leo Curley; Martin, Ken & Colleen Guiton ~ Nancy Lynch ~ Leslie Major; James LaMarca; and Dennis Kerfien ~ Manjerovic, Blashill, and Parkinson Families ~ ~ ~ Martin and Purtell Families ~ ~ Carl Miller; Carol Jones; George & Mary Miller; and Mildred Condon ~ Joseph & Rita Mordovancey; Michael Pollock; John & Anne Pollock; Jeremiah Pollock ~ ~ Mary Ann Murphy ~ Donald & Geraldine Chotkowski ~ John & Sophie Glenn; Rudolph & Berenice Noldy; John Glenn, Jr.; Frank Padula; Joseph & Mary Drobish ~ Gertrude Seal ~ Richard O’Reilly; Rita O’Reilly; Mary Ellen Griffin; Richard M. O’Reilly ~ Florian Pasteka; Jennie & Frank Pasteka; Janet Pasteka; Bernice & John Pero; and John Pero, Jr. ~ Albert Coles; Eleanor Coles; Frank Pawlowski, Sr.; Mary Pawlowski; Donna Coles

Louise Baker Joyce Barnum Deacon Paul & Lisa Brojack Sr. Bette Brown Ken & Felicia Brown John & Mary Butler Martha Caganek David & Rosemary Calabretta Denny Coleman Frank Conboy Jim & Jane Conboy Bob & Mary Curley Tom Curley Bub & Dawn Davis Cott DeMaree Steve & Kitty DeRiancho Rose Devine M/M Michael Dovin

Richard Lynch Ann Marie LaMarca Major Richard & Mary Manjerovic David & Teresa Manning Sam Manning Bill & Mary Lou Martin Stephen Melnick Pauline Miller P & K Mordovancey John Mulrooney /Sandy LaRue Gerald Murphy Eileen Nelson Theresa & Bill Noldy Joanne Nolt Cathy O’Reilly Beverly Pasteka Dora & Frank Pawlowski

Bob & Betty Pencek Julie Perlick Rosalynd Perlick Bill & Barb Pichette Joe Purr Larry & Debbie Purtell Hedi Randall Bob & Susie Reichlen

~ Mary & Jack Zacharias and Ruth & Gus Pencek ~ Frank Perlick ~ Frank Perlick ~ ~ Deceased Family and Friends ~ All the deceased Conboys; Bob Purtell; Virginia Steen ~ Jonathan Randall and Charles Randall ~ Robert E. & Mary Reichlen; Emily & Tuley Smith; Aaron Reichlen & Paul Shaffer; Teresa Reichlen

Shirley Stewart Kathleen Sventek The Tims Family Art & Maryanne Trecoske Christine & Katie Volk Mary Warner Ralph Walz Claire & Rick Woidt Ann Zalepa Bill & Dawn Zalewski

~ Bill Stewart; Keron and Marie Cavanaugh ~ ~ Thanks for Blessing Received ~ Family and Friends ~ Carol & John Fredendall; John Fredendall, Sr.; Leo Curley ~ Dad and Ralph ~ Helga Walz ~ Paul, Mildred & Joseph Reich ~ Olga Shinn ~ Bernard & Victoria Zalewski; Bernie Zalewski; and Pat Daly

If you gave to the Christmas Flower collection and don’t see your name, please contact Kay (570-553-2288) or sfxc@epix.net and your name and intentions will be added next week. My apologies if I have accidentally left anyone off this list this year.