St. Sebastian Catholic Church

Transcription

1 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 St. Sebastian Catholic Church A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust A Parish of the Diocese of Greensburg 801 Broad Avenue ~ Belle Vernon, PA Parish Staff Rev. Francisco R. Gan, Jr. (Fr. Frank) Pastor fgan@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mr. Daniel F. Lisovich Business Manager dlisovich@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mr. Scott Martin Director of Faith Formation smartin@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mr. Dean Dellamalva Coordinator of Liturgical Music ddellamalva@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mrs. Linda Drury Parish Secretary ldrury@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mrs. Darleen Koury Bulletin/Faith Formation Secretary dkoury@dioceseofgreensburg.org Parish Telephone Numbers: Parish Center/Office: Parish Fax: Faith Formation Office Parish Website: Weekend Masses: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Weekday Masses: Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. Holy Days, Holidays, call the Parish Office Sacrament of Penance: Saturday 3:00 4:00 p.m. Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saint Sebastian Regional School Dr. Nina Zetty Principal nzetty@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mrs. Tiffany Miller School Business Manager tnmiller@sssbv.org School Telephone School Fax Website Bulletin Deadline: 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Please print or type all announcements. Ministry to the Homebound: For the Sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation or Anointing of the Sick, call the Faith Formation Office.. Extraordinary Ministers are available for Communion to the Homebound on Sundays. Catholic Charities: Counseling is available through the Diocesan Catholic Charities Office. Call Religious Education/Formation: Please call the Faith Formation Office at (RCIA) Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Anyone interested in becoming a Catholic, please call the Faith Formation Office. Sacrament of Marriage: Arrangements are to be made at least six months in advance. Couples must participate in Marriage Preparation sessions. Sacrament of Baptism for Infants: Please call the Faith Formation Office to schedule Baptism and to register for the Baptism Preparation session held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Parents must attend prior to their child s Baptism. MISSION STATEMENT We the Parish Family of Saint Sebastian, Belle Vernon, serve people in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties. We are Roman Catholics of various ethnic backgrounds with strong family values demonstrating a variety of skills, trades and professions. The purpose of the parish is to glorify God by assisting the community on the Journey of a Lifetime through the Liturgy and Sacraments, teaching and preaching the Word of God, and witnessing to our faith. As a community of faith, we are committed to love of God and neighbor through worshiping together and serving others in caring for their spiritual, emotional and physical needs. Each of us is called to strengthen and reach beyond our parish through being responsible stewards of our time, talent and treasure in the spirit of our patron, St. Sebastian.

2 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT PAGE 1 DECEMBER 23, 2018 Thanks for Sharing Sacred Music and Words Last Sunday, December 16, the Belle Vernon Area Ministerium presented a Service of Lessons and Carols in our church. A large choir, featuring members from the various Churches, sang for the Service, and Readers from several of the Churches read the Word of the Lord. Thank you and God bless all of you who worked so hard to bring this celebration of the season to the area. Special thanks to Dean Dellamalva, our Coordinator of Liturgical Music, who directed the musical program, to the choir who sang so beautifully, and to those who read God s holy Word. And thank you to all who donated cookies for the reception that followed. It was truly a blessed evening. Annual Children & Family Services The annual Children and Family Services Appeal collection to support the work of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg will be taken at all Christmas Masses in the diocese Dec. 24 and 25. Grateful Thanks to all who have helped make this a very special Christmas for our parish and community. To those who prepared the Angel Tree with Angel tags and to those who brought gifts for the Angel Tree; to those who helped decorate the church for Advent and Christmas; to those who made donations for the Sanctuary Flowers for Christmas; to all those who helped in any way, GRATEFUL THANKS! The Christmas Spirit shines through your talent and hard work and because of you, Saint Sebastian parish reflects the joy of Christmas. Thank you and God bless you. Due to the early transmission of today s bulletin, the financial report for last Sunday, Christmas, and the Solemnity of Mary will be in a future bulletin. Contribution Records for 2018 will be mailed to our parishioners by January 31, Missing Missals The new hardback Missals have recently been placed in the pews Eight Missals are now missing. These Missals are to be left in the pews for use by all who come to Mass. Kindly return any Missals that have been accidentally taken. If you wish to purchase a Missal for home use, (cost is $20 each) please contact our business manager, Dan Lisovich, at A special thank you to the two anonymous donors who covered the cost of our new Missals. THANK YOU to the anonymous donor who purchased a new commercial freezer for the hall kitchen. The cost/donation was over $3,000. Our heartfelt thanks.

3 ST. SEBASTIAN CHURCH PAGE 2 BELLE VERNON, PENNSYLVANIA Begin Where You Are In today s Gospel, those who listened to John the Baptist s prophetic preaching were quite troubled, and moved to ask, What should we do? although John had given dire warnings about what might happen if they did not sincerely repent, he did not suggest drastic actions. He recommended that people begin where they are, and work within their daily circumstances. Share generously. Treat people fairly. Be content with what you have. These were perhaps small steps turning them, in God s times, toward deeper change. A first step for us might be to learn,, however slowly, to listen to God speaking within the context of our lives. We can respond with small concrete actions and perhaps learn what God wishes to say through them. We can then listen anew for the next step. First Holy Eucharist Workshop A workshop for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist will be held on Monday, January 14, at 6:30 p.m., in our Parish Hall. For your convenience, this workshop will also take place at St. John the Baptist Church in Perryopolis, on Monday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. You may go to either workshop. All parents of students who will receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist are to attend this workshop. Baptism Congratulations Cole James Dongilli, son of Chase and Karlee (Chaybin) Dongilli, was baptized in Christ last weekend. We welcome Cole into the Church and into our Parish family. God bless him and his family. Sympathy and Prayers Please remember in your prayers those who have died: John W. Monack and Cora M. McGraw. We extend our sympathy to their families. May they rest in peace. Altar Candle Ring Flowers this weekend are in memory of Attorney Joseph & Erma Rygiel by their sons and family. December 22 Vigil 4:30 pm (Death Anniv) Vincent Edward Zuza Wife, Irene, Daughters, Vinnie Ann, Bernadette, Linda & Westan Edward December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00 am Scott Hoffman Bill & Terri Wilson 11:00 am Peter & Sarah Bednarczyk Daughter, Kathleen Monday, December 24 Vigil 4:00 pm Intention of the Celebrant 9:00 pm Intention of the Celebrant Tuesday, December 25 Birth of Our Lord 10:00 am Intention of the Celebrant Wednesday, December 26 St. Stephen 8:00 am William Picchiarini Wife & Family Thursday, December 27 St. John the Evangelist 8:00 am For All the People of Saint Sebastian Parish Friday, December 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents 8:00 am Chad Angelo Grandmother, Mary Hufford Saturday, December 29 3:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday, December 29 Vigil 4:30 pm (Date of Birth) John J. Barnot Son, John December 30 Feast of the Holy Family 9:00 am John M. Nusser, Sr. Sadowski Family 11:00 am For All the People of Saint Sebastian Parish Liturgical Ministers Servers Saturday, Dec 29 4:30 pm M. Lancy, S. Molesky Sunday, Dec 30 9:00 am G. & J. Pokol 11:00 am T. Breckenridge, A. Hoffman Lectors Lit. Coordinators Ministers Saturday, Dec 29 4:30 C. Gorski J. Moody M. Grados, M. Moody, K. Rygiel T. Rodriguez, L. Santori, J. Stringhill, J. Moody Sunday, Dec 30 9:00 L. Kapolka B. Mallonee L. Turcheck, M.A. McMillen R. & M. Smereczniak, L. Kibler, J. Russell, B. Mallonee 11:00 T. Sebetich E. Breckenridge F. Aleman, D. Bisceglia R. Messick, R. & W. Hoffman, M. Iacoboni E. Breckenridge Choir S. Messick

4 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT PAGE 4 DECEMBER 23, 2018 Shoe Drive Faith Healy, a parishioner, is doing a Shoe Drive. All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school. Most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate. By doing so, the donations help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. The gently worn, used and new shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people s lives around the world. St. Vincent de Paul Society The St. Sebastian Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will meet on Tuesday, January 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. Registration deadline for World Youth Day event in Washington, D.C. The Diocese of Greensburg is sponsoring a trip for young adults (ages 18-39) to a one-day Catholic festival at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., January 26, 2019, in conjunction with World Youth Day in Panama. The event will include a livestream of Pope Francis Mass in Panama. Cost, including overnight accommodation, is $160 per person, $95 per person for double occupancy. Visit WYD for information. The registration deadline is January 3. Lessons & Carols January 6, 2019 Holy Family Parish, West Newton, will celebrate its second annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, on Sunday, January 6, 2019, at 2:00 PM. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a service celebrating the birth of Jesus that is traditionally followed at Christmas. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music. All are welcome! Lord, please remember the sick, the homebound and those in nursing homes from our parish and community: Doreen Abler, Minerva Albert, George Aul, Donna Biagini, Sally Biava, Anthony Boyle, Dane Breakwell, Brennan Breakwell, Tricia Pelissero Bruenn, Adam Canigiani, Jr., Elizabeth Cannizzaro, Ron Carson, Eric Cecchetti, Sam Cekinovich, Josie Cekinovich, Jenna Christner, Albert Cialone, Joe Ciferno, Sr., George L. Cowan, Bernadette Dayner, Frank Delia, James Delongchamp, David Dubinsky, Darlene Engel, Jean Ferreri, Autumn Fields, Betty Fisher, John Fisher, Dolores Frazier, Rose Gaggini, John Gira, Mary Gira, Wayne Granchai, Michael J. Hazy, Betty Jean Henderson, Maureen Jenkins, Avery Kazakewicz, John Kelemen, Jr., Bronson Keller, Sr., Jared Konsugar, Terry Krolik, Cole Layhue, Catherine Lennex, James Litterini, Lori, Marjorie, Lopez, Marge Marek, Stephen McCulloch, Brandon Morris, David Moskovitz, Tricia Pelissero Narus, Val Novak, Paul Novakovich, Melissa O Brien, Julia Paholski, Shirley Patten, Jack Pesi, James Pozum, Joy Pozum, Barbara Riffle, Joel Rivera, Dorothy Rodgers, Mary Ann Rocco, Matthew Ross, George Rue, Betty Savarino, Patricia Senko, Betty Smereczniak, Ralph Swantek, William Tansmore, Joseph P. Trenk, Christopher Valerio, Arlene Vargo, Melvin Walkush, Sr., Helene Wozniak, John & Nina Zetty. Lord, give them strength in body, courage in spirit, and patience in pain. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

5 SAINT SEBASTIAN CHURCH PAGE 3 A Christmas Blessing to Our Parishioners and Guests The birth of Jesus brought Love, Joy, Peace, Faith and Hope into our world. May these gifts be yours this Christmas 2018 and throughout the New Year, 2019 Merry Christmas from the Saint Sebastian Parish Staff: Rev. Francisco R. Gan, (Fr. Frank) Pastor Mr. Daniel F. Lisovich, Business Manager Mr. Scott Martin, Director of Religious Education Mr. Dean Dellamalva, Coordinator of Liturgical Music Mrs. Linda Drury, Parish Secretary Mrs. Darleen Koury, Bulletin/Faith Formation Secretary Mr. Mark Frederick, Maintenance Mrs. Lynn Sokol, Maintenance Religious Education Classes Christmas Break There will be NO CLASSES for Religious Education students on, Monday, December 24, or next Monday, December 31. Classes will resume on January 7 at 6:15 p.m. in the school building. Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God The vigil Mass on Monday December 31 for the holy day is at 6:00 p.m. On Tuesday, January 1, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.