Celebrating the Rites and Blessings of Epiphany by Gretchen Filz

Transcription

1 FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE Celebrating the Rites and Blessings of Epiphany by Gretchen Filz Epiphany is one of the Chuch s major and spectacular feasts. It occurs on January 6th, the final day of the 12 days of Christmas (in some locations it is transferred to the Sunday between January 2 8). In some places it is also called Twelfthnight or Three Kings Day. This is the day the Church commemorates the Magi arriving to give homage to the newborn King of Kings with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolic of all the Gentile nations coming into the Kingdom of God. In many places around the world, this was the traditional day of gift-giving in celebration of Christmas. In the East this feast is quite a bit more elaborate than in the West. For the Eastern Church, Epiphany is the celebration of not one, not two, but three epiphanies, or revelations of Christ: the arrival of the Magi with their kingly gifts, the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, and Jesus first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana. These three biblical events are theophanies, or visible manifestations of who Jesus really was God incarnate. In some locations a fourth event was also historically celebrated on this day, the Nativity of Christ. There are many beautiful and ancient traditions that come to us from the East in the form of special blessings that the Church performs on this feast: the blessing of water, salt, chalk, and homes, as well as of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. SPECIAL EPIPHANY BLESSINGS EPIPHANY WATER: There is a special blessing for water on the feast of the Epiphany because of its connection to the celebration of Jesus baptism. This ancient rite of the blessing of the waters, with its extraordinarily powerful prayers of exorcism, renders Epiphany Water more spiritually potent than ordinary holy water (also, exorcised salt is part of the ritual and is used to make Epiphany water). BLESSED CHALK: There is a long-standing Epiphany tradition of marking churches, homes, schools, and other buildings with a special holy formula over the entryway using chalk that has been blessed for this purpose on Epiphany. This formula includes the current year along with the initials C, M, and B in the order shown below C + M + B + 19 The C, M, and B are placed in between the numbers of the current year, with crosses in between each symbol. The three letters have two significations: the invocation Christus Mansionem Benedicat (Christ bless this house), as well as the first initial of the names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. BLESSING OF HOMES: Epiphany, including its octave, is the traditional time of year to have your home blessed by a priest. If it isn t possible to have a priest bless your home, the head of the family household (i.e. the husband/father) can preside over the ceremony as in the above link to the Roman Ritual. After the ritual, mark 20 + C + M + B + 18 over the entryway of the home with chalk. BLESSING OF GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, & MYRRH: There is also a special Epiphany blessing in honor of the original Christmas gifts. The faithful can have their items of gold blessed (such as wedding rings and rosaries), myrrh for medicinal use, and frankincense to be used for the Epiphany home blessing and other liturgical feasts (such as Easter). HONORING CHRIST THE KING Coinciding with the freshness of a new calendar year, and with the symbolism of the Gentile nations being received into God s Kingdom, Epiphany is the perfect time to honor Christ s dominion over your life, and all that belongs to you, with these ancient, external signs of the Christian faith. The Catholic Company. All rights reserved.

2 IN THE PARISH CHRISTMAS SEASON SCHEDULE Saturday, January 5th VIGIL OF THE EPIPHANY No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions 4:00 pm Vigil and 5:30 pm Sunday, January 6th SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY 8:00 am Mass and 11:00 am Mass Weekdays after the Epiphany January 8 11 Saturday, January 12th No Morning Mass 3:00 pm Confessions 4:00 pm Vigil and 5:30 pm Sunday, January 13th FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD 8:00 am Mass and 11:00 am Mass Immediately following the 11:00 am Mass next Sunday, January 13th, parishioners are invited to adopt a poinsettia, lest they end up in the dumpster! The holiday decorations will be removed from the church beginning on Monday, January 14th. In the event that there is severely inclement weather (snow, ice, etc.) on a Thursday, there will be NO EUCHARISTIC ADORATION or VESPERS. ALSO, during the WINTER MONTHS, if there is inclement weather, we will not be going to the parish cemeteries for the rite of Committal. Committal prayers will be said in the church at the conclusion of the funeral. The funeral procession will not accompany the casket to the cemetery. Burials will be private. This decision will be made on a funeral by funeral basis given the condition of the roads and the weather. Many Thanks to all those who enhanced our celebration of the Christmas Season! Our Liturgical Ministers Cantors, Choir, Hospitality Ministers, Lectors, Ministers of Communion, Sacristans. Servers, Ushers, and those who volunteered so graciously to decorate the church and grounds for the Holiday Season. Our parish staff often exasperated, but always gracious Our Administrative Councils Pastoral, Financial, Social Justice, Catechetical and Parish Life Those who sent cards and gifts to Fr. Ken, Mrs. Seegar, Princess and Lady Those who worship regularly at St. Andre Bessette and their families who came in for the holiday Those who visited our parish, whether for the first time or the fiftieth! Those who contributed so generously to our Christmas Collection, helping us to reach our goal of $15, VOTIVE CANDLES Once more, as we prepare for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which is commonly referred to as Candlemass on February 2nd, our parish will once again be offering votive candles for sale. Our candles this year draw their inspiration from the parishes that came together t form St. Andre Bessette Parish. We are offering four models this year: Our Lord, St. Christopher, St. John the Evangelist, and St. Stanislaus Kostka. Each picture will be flanked by an appropriate prayer. Candles sell for $5.00 each. Forms are included in this bulletin. Simply fill out the form and return to the parish before January 27th. Candles will be blessed at the morning Mass on Saturday, February 2nd and will be available for distribution thereafter. Helpful Information Join the Parish Anyone wishing to register for membership in the parish is asked to fill out a registration form and drop it in the collection basket. Request Prayers Our INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY provides prayer for anyone in need throughout the parish. Contact MARY ANN MAGDA at or make your intention known on our parish website at Remember your Parish Your parish serves you faithfully throughout your life. Please remember your parish with a memorial gift or a Bequest in your will. Make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for you. SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may take place at any time, but, sadly, too many families wait until the last minute to call the priest to anoint their loved ones. If someone in your family is seriously ill, preparing for surgery, or suffering a prolonged illness, please contact the parish office to arrange a time for Fr. Ken to visit. IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY or if Fr. Ken is unavailable to visit immediately, we will contact the first available priest to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing with your loved one. Funeral Preparations We collaborate with the local funeral directors in arranging the times of the funerals. Please be aware that there is an additional fee for funerals on Saturdays imposed by most cemeteries in the area. Baptismal Preparations Parents of newly born infants may call the parish office to arrange a time for the Baptism of their child. Baptisms are celebrated, for the most part, on any Sunday, with the exception of the season of Lent. Wedding Preparations Couples contemplating Marriage are asked to contact the parish office at least one year prior to the contemplated date of marriage, before making other plans.

3 THE LITURGY The History of Epiphany by Adelaide Mena While the hustle and bustle of Christmas ends for many people on Dec. 26, throughout Christian history Christmas lasts for twelve days all the way until Jan. 6. This feast marking the end of Christmas is called Epiphany. In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, Epiphany celebrates the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. It focuses primarily on this revelation to the Three Wise Men, but also in his baptism in the Jordan and at the wedding at Cana. In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany as Epiphany is known in the East commemorates the manifestation of Jesus' divinity at his Baptism in the River Jordan. While the traditional date for the feast is Jan. 6, in the United States the celebration of Epiphany is moved to the next Sunday, overlapping with the rest of the Western Church s celebration of the Baptism of Christ. However, the meaning of the feast goes deeper than just the bringing of presents or the end of Christmas, says Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo, a Melkite Catholic priest and founding executive director of the Virginia-based Institute of Catholic Culture. You can't understand the Nativity without Theophany; or you can t understand Nativity without Epiphany. The revelation of Christ as the Son of God both as an infant and at his baptism illuminate the mysteries of the Christmas season, he said. Our human nature is blinded because of sin and we re unable to see as God sees, he told CNA. God reveals to us the revelation of what s going on. Origins of Epiphany While the Western celebration of Epiphany (which comes from Greek, meaning revelation from above ), and the Eastern celebration of Theophany (meaning revelation of God ), have developed their own traditions and liturgical significances, these feasts share more than the same day. The Feast of Epiphany, or the Feast of Theophany, is a very, very early feast, said Fr. Carnazzo. It predates the celebration of Christmas on the 25th. In the early Church, Christians, particularly those in the East, celebrated the advent of Christ on Jan. 6 by commemorating Nativity, Visitation of the Magi, Baptism of Christ and the Wedding of Cana all in one feast of the Epiphany. By the fourth century, both Christmas and Epiphany had been set as separate feasts in some dioceses. At the Council of Tours in 567, the Church set both Christmas day and Epiphany as feast days on the Dec. 25 and Jan. 6, respectively, and named the twelve days between the feasts as the Christmas season. Over time, the Western Church separated the remaining feasts into their own celebrations, leaving the celebration of the Epiphany to commemorate primarily the Visitation of the Magi to see the newborn Christ on Jan. 6. Meanwhile, the Eastern Churches' celebration of Theophany celebrates Christ s baptism and is one of the holiest feast days of the liturgical calendar. Roman Traditions The celebration of the visitation of the Magi whom the Bible describes as learned wise men from the East has developed its own distinct traditions throughout the Roman Church. As part of the liturgy of the Epiphany, it is traditional to proclaim the date of Easter and other moveable feast days to the faithful formally reminding the Church of the importance of Easter and the resurrection to both the liturgical year and to the faith. Other cultural traditions have also arisen around the feast. Dr. Matthew Bunson, EWTN Senior Contributor, told CNA about the rich cultural traditions in Spain, France, Ireland and elsewhere that form an integral part of the Christmas season for those cultures. In Italy, La Befana brings sweets and presents to children not on Christmas, but on Epiphany. Children in many parts of Latin America, the Philippines, Portugal, and Spain also receive their presents on Three Kings Day. Meanwhile, in Ireland, Catholics celebrate Women's Christmas where women rest from housework and cleaning and celebrate together with a special meal. Epiphany in Poland is marked by taking chalk along with gold, incense and amber to be blessed at Mass. Back at home, families will inscribe the first part of the year, followed by the letters, K+M+B+ and then the last numbers of the year on top of every door in the house. The letters, Bunson explained, stand for the names traditionally given to the wise men Casper, Melchior and Balthazar as well as for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, or, Christ, bless this house. In nearly every part of the world, Catholics celebrate Epiphany with a Kings Cake: a sweet cake that sometimes contains an object like a figurine or a lone nut. In some locations lucky recipient of this prize either gets special treatment for the day, or they must then hold a party at the close of the traditional Epiphany season on Feb. 2. These celebrations, Bunson said, point to the family-centered nature of the feast day and of its original celebration with the Holy Family. The traditions also point to what is known and what is still mysterious about the Magi, who were the first gentiles to encounter Christ. While the Bible remains silent about the wise men s actual names, as well as how many of them there were, we do know that they were clever, wealthy, and most importantly, brave. They were willing to take the risk in order to go searching for the truth, in what they discerned was a monumental event, he said, adding that the Magi can still be a powerful example. Lastly, Bunson pointed to the gifts the wise men brought frankincense, myrrh and gold as gifts that point not only to Christ s divinity and his revelation to the Magi as the King of Kings, but also to his crucifixion. In giving herbs traditionally used for burial, these gifts, he said, bring a theological shadow, a sense of anticipation of what is to come. Revelation of God Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo explained to CNA the significance of the feast of the Theophany and of Christ s Baptism more broadly within the Eastern Catholic churches. In our Christian understanding in the East, we are looking at creation through the eyes of God, not so much through the eyes of Man, Fr. Carnazzo said. In the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, he continued, there is special divine significance. With this feast day, the pastor explained, God has come to reclaim us for himself. Because of original sin, he continued, humanity has inherited a human nature which has been dislocated from its source of life. Sin also effected parts of creation such as water have also been separated from their purpose and connection to God s plan for life, Fr. Carrazzo said, because its original purpose is not just to sustain our bodies, but our souls as well. With the fall, however, it has been dislocated from its source of life, it is under the dominion of death- it doesn t have eternal life anymore. So God comes to take it to himself. What Jesus did was to take our human nature and do with it what we could not do which is, to walk it out of death, and that s exactly what He did with His baptism. As it is so linked to the destruction of death and reclaiming of life, the Feast of Theophany is also very closely linked to the Crucifixion an attribute that is reflected in Eastern iconography of both events as well. The feast of the Theophany celebrates not only Christ s conquering of sin through baptism, but also God s revelation of Christ as his Son and the beginning of Christ s ministry. The baptism of the Lord, just like the Nativity, is not just a historical event: it s a revelation, Fr. Carrazzo said. To mark the day, Eastern Catholics begin celebrations with Divine Liturgy at the Church, which includes a blessing of the waters in the baptistry. After the water is blessed, the faithful drink the water, and bring bottles of water to bring back to their homes for use and not only physical but spiritual healing, he explained. Many parishes hold feasts after Liturgy is over. In many Middle Eastern cultures, people also fry and eat awamat dough that is fried until it floats, and then is covered in honey. During the Theophany season, priests also try to visit each home in the parish to bless the house with Holy Water that was blessed at Theophany. Fr. Carrazzo invited all Roman Catholics to come and become familiar, to be part of a family and join in celebrating Eastern Catholic traditions.

4 Weekend of January 5-6 Solemnity of the Epiphany Monday, January 7 Tuesday, January 8 The Season of CHRISTMAS 4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am FAITH FORMATION 11:00 am Mass CLERGY COLLECTION No Morning Mass 6:00 pm St. Andre Faith Sharers 6:30 pm Development Committee 5:30 pm Choir Weekend of January Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Monday, January 14 Tuesday, January 15 4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am FAITH FORMATION 11:00 am Mass CLERGY COLLECTION No Morning Mass 9 am Take down Christmas Decorations 5:30 pm Choir PARISH MINISTRIES FAITH SHARING St. Andre Faith Sharers Monday, January 7, :00 pm Fr. Murgas Room of the Parish Office. DISCIPLES of the SPIRIT Saturday, January 12, :30 am Fr. Murgas Room of the Parish office COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY Sunday, January 13, :00 pm Home of Elaine Snyder Wednesday, January 9 Thursday, January 10 Friday, January 11 Saturday, January 12 6 pm Night at the Races Meeting 8 am Mass Noon Exposition 1 pm Admin Staff 6 pm Vespers Social Justice Council 10:30 am Disciples of the Spirit 3:00 pm Confessions VIGIL: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Wednesday, January 16 Thursday, January 17 Friday, January 18 Saturday, January 19 6:30 pm FINANCE COUNCIL 8 am Mass Noon Exposition 6 pm Vespers 3:00 pm Confessions VIGIL: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord If you would like more information about or to join one of our Faith Sharing Groups, or start one of your own, please contact Sr. Madonna at ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS All Administrative Council Meetings begin with Vespers in Church at 6:00 pm. Meetings follow immediately in the Fr. Murgas conference room of the parish office. UPCOMING: NIGHT AT THE RACES JANUARY 10, 2019 Social Justice Forms were distributed prior to the Christmas holidays and will be inserted again in next weekend s bulletin. Extra chances to win prizes!!! Get a free admission ticket for every 15 horses sold! $250 cash prize will be awarded to the person who sells the most horses. In the event of a tie, the prize will be split among the top sellers. For every five (5) horses you sell, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Visa Gift Card. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL Returns made by February 3, 2019 qualify for an extra entry in the drawing for every 5 horses sold!. HORSE ENTRY DEADLINE: February 24th RAFFLE PRIZES NEEDED! In addition to buying or selling horses, we are also in need of items for our raffle. Please consider donating one or more of the following items: Gift Cards/Certificates, in any denomination, for Restaurants, Markets, Stores, Liquor, Goods and Services Lottery Scratch-off tickets in any denomination Cash donations are always appreciated. Deadline for Raffle Prizes is January 27th! Please drop them off at the office, or through the collection in an envelope marked NIGHT AT THE RACES SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Black and White Personal or Business Ads can be placed in our Booklet for the following donations: $100 full page (8.5 x 11 ) $50 half page (8.5 x 5.5 ) $25 quarter page (4.25 x 5.5 ) $10 one line listing JANUARY 17, 2019 Finance Council JANUARY 24, 2019 Parish Life Council JANUARY 31, 2019 Catechetical Council FEBRUARY 7, 2019 Liturgical Council PARISH COMMITTEES The Development Committee will meet on Monday, January 7th at 6:30 pm in the Lower Meeting Room of the Parish Office. Loaves & Fishes Food for JANUARY COFFEE

5 FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH The Actions of the Magi A Homily of His Holiness, Pope Francis 6 January, 2018 Three actions of the Magi guide our journey towards the Lord, who today is revealed as light and salvation for all peoples. The Magi see the star, they set out and they bring gifts. Seeing the star. This is where it starts. But why, we might ask, did the Magi alone see the star? Perhaps because few people raised their eyes to heaven. We often make do with looking at the ground: it s enough to have our health, a little money and a bit of entertainment. I wonder if we still know how to look up at the sky. Do we know how to dream, to long for God, to expect the newness he brings, or do we let ourselves be swept along by life, like dry branches before the wind? The Magi were not content with just getting by, with keeping afloat. They understood that to truly live, we need a lofty goal and we need to keep looking up. Yet we can also ask why, among all those who looked up at the heavens, so many others did not follow that star, his star (Mt 2:2). Perhaps because the star was not eye-catching, did not shine any brighter than other stars. It was a star so the Gospel tells us that the Magi saw at its rising (vv. 2, 9). Jesus star does not dazzle or overwhelm, but gently invites. We may ask ourselves what star we have chosen to follow in our lives. Some stars may be bright, but they do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honours and pleasures when these become our life. They are meteors: they blaze momentarily, but then quickly burn out and their brilliance fades. They are shooting stars that mislead rather than lead. The Lord s star, however, may not always overwhelm by its brightness, but it is always there, ever kindly: it takes you by the hand in life and accompanies you. It does not promise material reward, but ensures peace and grants, as it did to the Magi, exceedingly great joy (Mt 2:10). But it also tells us to set out. Setting out, the second thing the Magi do, is essential if we are to find Jesus. His star demands a decision to take up the journey and to advance tirelessly on our way. It demands that we free ourselves from useless burdens and unnecessary extras that only prove a hindrance, and accept unforeseen obstacles along the map of life. Jesus allows himself to be found by those who seek him, but to find him we need to get up and go, not sit around but take risks, not stand still, but set out. Jesus makes demands: he tells those who seek him to leave behind the armchair of worldly comforts and the reassuring warmth of hearth and home. Following Jesus is not a polite etiquette to be observed, but a journey to be undertaken. God, who set his people free in the exodus and called new peoples to follow his star, grants freedom and joy always and only in the course of a journey. In other words, if we want to find Jesus, we have to overcome our fear of taking risks, our self-satisfaction and our indolent refusal to ask anything more of life. We need to take risks simply to meet a Child. Yet those risks are immensely worth the effort, since in finding that Child, in discovering his tenderness and love, we rediscover ourselves. Setting out is not easy. The Gospel shows us this through a cast of characters. There is Herod, wild with fear that the birth of a king will threaten his power. So he organizes meetings and sends people out to gather information, yet he himself does not budge; he stays locked up in his palace. Even all Jerusalem (v. 3) is afraid: afraid of the new things God is bringing about. They want everything to remain as it was that is the way it has always been no one has the courage to leave. The temptation of the priests and scribes is more subtle: they know the exact place and tell it to Herod, quoting the ancient prophecy. They know, but they themselves make no move towards Bethlehem. Theirs can be the temptation of those who are used to being believers: they can talk at length about the faith they know so well, but will not take a personal risk for the Lord. They talk, but do not pray; they complain, but do no good. The Magi, on the other hand, talk little and journey much. Ignorant of the truths of faith, they are filled with longing and set out. So the Gospel tells us: They came to worship him (v. 2); they set out; they went in, and fell down and worshiped him; they went back (vv. 9, 11, 12). They kept moving. Bringing gifts. Having come to Jesus after a long journey, the Magi do as he does: they bring gifts. Jesus is there to give his life; they offer him their own costly gifts: gold, incense and myrrh. The Gospel becomes real when the journey of life ends in giving. To give freely, for the Lord s sake, without expecting anything in return: this is the sure sign that we have found Jesus. For he says: The gift you have received, give freely as a gift (Mt 10:8). To do good without counting the cost, even when unasked, even when you gain nothing thereby, even if it is unpleasant. That is what God wants. He, who become small for our sake, asks us to offer something for the least of his brothers and sisters. Who are they? They are those who have nothing to give in return, the needy, the hungry, the stranger, the prisoner, the poor (cf. Mt 25:31-46). We give a gift pleasing to Jesus when we care for a sick person, spend time with a difficult person, help someone for the sake of helping, or forgive someone who has hurt us. These are gifts freely given, and they cannot be lacking in the lives of Christians. Jesus reminds us that if we only love those who love us, we do as the pagans do (cf. Mt 5:46-47). Today let us look at our hands, so often empty of love, and let us try to think of some free gift that we can give without expecting anything in return. That will please the Lord. And let us ask him: Lord, let me rediscover the joy of giving. Dear brothers and sisters, let us imitate the Magi: looking upwards, setting out, and freely offering our gifts.

6 IN THE DIOCESE Wedding Anniversary Celebration The Office of Parish Life, along with Bishop Bambera, invites couples celebrating their silver (25th) or Golden (50th) Wedding anniversaries in 2019 to a special Liturgy in the Cathedral on June 30, The Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 2:30 pm in the Cathedral followed by a reception in the Pastoral Center. Requests for an invitation, with mailing address, should be made through the parish office no later than April 2, 2019 Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson To make a donation to the Annual Appeal please visit or contact the Development Office at or send your gift to Development Office, Diocese of Scranton 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA Parish Goal: $ 32, Raised so far: $ 18, Still needed : $ 13, Diocese Adds Names to List of Credibly Accused Individuals Following the release of the Grand Jury report last year, Bishop Bambera made a promise that he would be more open and transparent in the way that the Diocese handles occurrences of child sexual abuse. That commitment remains true. In August, the Diocese published on its website a list of all clergy, staff and volunteers who had been credibly accused of child sexual abuse. Since then, additional victims have come forward. Eleven new names have been added to the online list. Those new names are listed below. We will continue to alert you periodically in the case that additional individuals are added to this list. If you are aware of additional allegations of wrongdoing or any information that should be included on this list, please contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator Mary Beth Pacuska at (570) or Monsignor Thomas Muldowney, Vicar General, at (570) If you have suffered abuse by clergy or anyone working on behalf of the Diocese, you are encouraged to contact Mary Beth Pacuska. These names have been added to the original list of credibly accused individuals: DIOCESAN CLERGY Polcha, Michael C. Pulicare, Michael J. MEMBERS OF RELIGIOUS ORDERS Bourbon, Francis C. (S.J.) Fertal, Joseph (SVD) Garrity, Stephen M., (S.J.) Long, Arthur J. (S.J.) Pisaneschi, Sister Clare (M.P.F.) Rebovich, John (OSJ) LAITY Maroni, Mark Smith, Richard Yarros, David Notice Regarding the Sexual Abuse of A Minor It is the policy of the Diocese of Scranton to report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you are encouraged to immediately report the matter to law enforcement. If any priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton has cause or reason to suspect that a minor has been subjected to any form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, the matter will be reported to law enforcement. In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania s Child Protective Services Law, reports of suspected child abuse should also be made immediately by phone to the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline (ChildLine) at or electronically at It is also the policy of the Diocese to adhere to all civil and state regulations. To this end, the Diocese is equally committed to adhering to the norms of the Code of Canon Law and to upholding the tenets of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes supporting victims of sexual abuse in their pursuit of emotional and spiritual well-being. As such, information regarding an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor should also be reported to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Mary Beth Pacuska at or to Diocesan Officials, including the Vicar General, Msgr. Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G. at

7 STEWARDSHIP Break the Spending Habit by Harvey Knowland Buyer's remorse is a strange condition known to set in this time of the year. Many people overspend during the Christmas season, even though they determined last year that it would never happen for a second time. Then, here they are again this year regretting their newly acquired debt. Larry Burkett used to say that "spending is a habit." That being true, then we should add that the way we handle that spending habit can either financially make or break us. Spending needs to be managed in such a way that you buy only those things you actually need now and save for future needs. Unwise spending may provide some immediate satisfaction, but that seldom lasts very long, and it certainly never helps you achieve financial goals. You must consciously substitute desirable spending behavior for the out-of-control spending habits that may have gotten you into debt. Now, these desirable spending habits may not prove to be immediately gratifying, but they will allow you to reach your financial goals. Here are some ideas to help change spending habits. Establish self-discipline Put all spending under God's control and recognize that you are the manager (steward) of God's resources. Make all spending decisions based on real need and whether God would be pleased with the purchase. You may truly need a car. But, would God approve of your new gas-guzzling Humbugmobile with all of the bells and whistles, when a good used sedan would do just as well? Avoid spending pitfalls when shopping by having a purpose, a time-limit and a list you've made before shopping; then stick to it. Limit the number of trips to the store or mall and never shop when hungry or depressed. Under God's direction, control your money instead of allowing money to control you. Then, once spending has been brought under control, you can determine how much needs to be spent each month in every area of an implemented budget a spending plan. Some say budget some say spending plan Call it what you will, a budget is a spending plan that helps you organize and control financial resources, set and realize goals and decide in advance how money will work for the good of your family. The basic idea behind budgeting is to save money up front for both known and unknown expenses, and that means there must be a commitment to stick to the plan. Every purchase should be considered in light of an established budget. That means buying non-budgeted items on impulse must be avoided, especially when you have to purchase it with a credit card. Be cautious about your spending habits develop a look-now-maybe-i'll-buy-later attitude. Shop around before buying and learn to say "No". Keep a record of spending and purchases. If you feel the need to buy something that's not budgeted, put it on a want-to-buy list. Then find two additional prices for the same item, to be sure it's a good buy. After a week's wait and checking prices, you may change your mind or at least you should get the best buy on the item but, do not charge it. Begin your spending plan Remember, in order to have a budget/ spending plan that works, you must have the attitude that God owns it all and you're only the manager of what He has entrusted to you. Without that belief, chances are that not much will change. Your spending plan must be flexible. Do not make plans that are totally dependent on financial increases. Be patient, because sometimes God's will is accomplished by a loss rather than by a gain. Your spending plan needs to be written, because a written plan: Provides a visible and objective standard to work toward, and Helps you measure progress better and keep the plan on track. A family budget shows you: Where the family is financially, How much the family is currently spending, and How much the family can spend according to current income. It's important to understand that very few, if any, families with financial difficulties have a written budget plan. Perhaps that's what God's Word is all about when it says: "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). After all, how can God direct our steps if we haven't planned? Develop realistic goals The primary ingredients necessary to develop a spending plan are goals, and these are generally divided into short-range goals and long-range goals. Short-range plans are basically day-to-day occurrences. Included in this day-to-day schedule should be some sort of plan for paying bills. Long-range plans help you visualize your long -range financial objectives. Not every Christian will be wealthy, but everyone has a responsibility to plan well, to have sound objectives and to operate according to God's principles. Who needs a spending plan? Getting started on a budget/spending plan isn't always easy, but it is essential. Some families have the false idea that they don't make enough money to live on a budget, but they need a spending plan even more than others. Because when a family has to live on a low income, they must develop a budget that is as non-indulgent as possible, control their spending very carefully and live within the established budget guidelines. At times it might become very frustrating, wondering how to develop a budget when there doesn't seem to be enough money to make ends meet. But that's exactly what makes a budget even more important for families with low incomes. Whatever your income level might be, a welldeveloped spending plan should help you determine: What kind of home you can afford, The kind of car you can drive, How much insurance you should have, even What kind of clothes you buy. At first, it can be hard to make a budget work. Often, people with low incomes have to play catch-up, because they don't have the funds to set aside for the various budget categories. Even though it might take as much as a year for a family to get on solid ground with a budget, disciplined use of your money will eventually pay off. Best of all, as you chip away at it, bit by bit, God will honor your obedience. Tools that can help Perhaps you would like more information about goal setting and planning, and feel that you need some help and encouragement in getting started. Here's a suggestion go to the Internet site of Crown Financial Ministries at and you'll find free online tools to help you develop your spending plan. There you'll find calculators for: Budgeting, Accelerated debt pay-off, Mortgages Fifteen vs. 30- year loan comparisons and many more free helps. While online at visit the Budgeting Coaching section. If you have a brief budgeting question, you can chat online privately for 20 minutes with one of Crown's Money Map Coaches at no charge. if you live in the United States and would like to have someone help you with an in-depth evaluation of your financial situation income, spending, debt, saving, giving and so on you can meet in person with a Money Map Coach in your area, again at no charge.

8 FINANCES INCOME EXPENSES December 29-30, 2018 December 27,2018,January 02, 2019 PARISH COLLECTION Administration 4, In Church Mailed In Clergy Residence -0- Loose Liturgy Offering 3, Religious Education -0- Holy Days 1, , Social Justice -0- Initial Maintenance Dues Parish Assessment -0- Debt Reduction Insurance -0- Holiday Flowers Taxes -0- TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION Diocesan Collection TOTAL DIOCESAN $5, $2, Transfer 15, DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS Diocesan Collections Debt Service (Principal + Interest) -0- School Subsidy -0- OTHER INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $20, Candles Rental of Properties -0- Perquisites -0- Previous Balance $12, Transfers Income this week +11, DIOCESAN ASSESSMENTS (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019) Diocesan Assessment School Assessment BALANCE Prior Balance , , Current Assessment 71, , , Amount Paid BALANCE DUE 11, , , , , , The Monthly Assessment Installment for the Diocese is $5, (that is a little over 1 Weekend s collection per month) The Monthly School Assessment Installment is $4, (another weekend s collection per month) To pay off the total current and past Schools Assessment, the monthly installment would be $12, (3 weekend collections per month.) PARISH DEBT SERVICE Parish Loan Amount Paid BALANCE Due Holy Day 2, Expenses this week -20, TOTAL OTHER INCOME $3, Balance Forward $3, BALANCE 412, , , Please Note: The Parish Debt service has been paid to date. This Account is current. TOTAL INCOME $11, Your Gift to God Mass Attendance December 22-23, 2018 People In-Church Collection Average Offering per person 4:00 p.m , :30 p.m :00 a.m. 78 1, :00a.m. 78 1, Total 347 5, REMINDER: In order for our parish to remain solvent, the average weekly offering per person MUST equal or be greater than $15.00 consistently. Intention Offered by Intention Offered by Votive Offerings Bread and Wine Ann Marie Tarnoski Carol & John Sitar Sanctuary Candle Joseph Kristan Sr., Joseph Kristan Jr. & Rita Kcenich & Rita Kopcho December 29-30, 2018 Over $ $20 37 $ $ $ $15 23 $75 0 $ $ $10 72 $50 5 $6-9 2 $ $5 32 $25 8 under $5 21 $ Total Envelopes used 246 Is your gift to the parish each week an honest reflection of God s goodness to you?

9 LOCAL EVENTS RESPECT LIFE MASS Sunday, January 13 10:30 am St. Ignatius Church, 339 N. Maple St. Kingston, PA Sponsored by the Wyoming Valley Council, Knights of Columbus The Knights, along with Pro-Life Representatives, will offer prayer intentions during the Mass for a greater respect of all human life. January is RESPECT LIFE Month Monsignor David Tressler, Pastor, warmly invites all to participate in this Mass and pray for the most vulnerable of human lives, those with disabilities, the terminally ill, and the unborn. JESUS Bus Trip to SIGHT and SOUND THEATER Wednesday, May 15, 2019 Adults $129 Children (3-11) $91 12:15 2:15 Lunch (on own) at Kitchen Kettle Village 3:00 SHOW 6:00 pm Dinner Good n Plenty Restaurant (included in price) To make reservations call Mary at RESERVATIONS CLOSE March 31, 2019 Just Great Tours PO Box 2365 Wilkes-Barre, PA

10 WEEKLY CALENDAR Season of Christmas January 7 13, 2019 Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events Monday, January 7 St. Raymond of Penyafort NO Morning Mass Scheduled 6:00 pm St. Andre Faith Seekers 6:30 pm Development Committee Tuesday, January 8 Christmas Weekday Wednesday, January 9 Christmas Weekday 8 am Florence Garbush The Woytas Family 8 am Elizabeth Ungvarsky Parish of SAB Thursday, January 10 Christmas Weekday 8 am Deceased members of the Laskowski Family Family Noon: Exposition 6 pm Vespers/ Social Justice Friday, January 11 Christmas Weekday 8 am Elizabeth Ihnat Mr. & Mrs. Rob Barkus Saturday, January 12 Christmas Weekday NO Morning Mass Scheduled FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD VIGIL 4 pm Parishioners Pastor VIGIL 5:30 pm Joseph Koval Dorothy Milunk & Family SUNDAY 8 am John Blizman Family 9 am Faith Formation Cemetery Envelopes Return Candle Forms SUNDAY 11 am Edward Darko Parish of SAB Join Us for Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday from Noon to 6 pm. The Day concludes with Vespers and Benediction at 6 pm. January 12-13, 2019 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 8:00 am 11:00 am Servers Mimi Tosh Sr. Tina Hanrahan AJ Kondracki Lector Ann Bergold Pat Baran Mary Ann Slavinski Aiden Burridge Kayla Gianelli David Alusick EMOC John Bergold William Klukoske AJ Kondracki Jim Zoccola Cantor Carol Zukoski Geri Ulichney Brian Clarke Matt Kurtz Hospitality Ann & Dennis Bozinski Dolores Dlugosh Roxanne Degnan Joe Stone Sr. Madonna CHOMAN S MOBILE CARE Cemetery Care Automobile Detailing Power Washing You can contact Chris at (570) , or Book your appointment online at ChomanCares.com or by at ChomanCares@gmail.com. ECO-FRIENDLY CARE FOR YOU AND YOUR INVESTMENTS