Epiphany of Our Lord Church

Transcription

1 Epiphany of Our Lord Church 3050 Walton Rd., Plymouth Meeting, PA Tel: ~ Fax: ~ eol@epiphanyofourlord.com ~ bulletin@epiphanyofourlord.com Fourth Sunday of Advent Dec. 23, 2018 Love is born on Christmas. God s limitless love for us is once again made known to us so that, having humbled himself and becoming man, we might become sons of God and heirs to eternal life. Pastoral Staff Rev. Joseph J. Quindlen, Pastor Rev. John J. Nordeman, In Residence Permanent Deacons Emil J. Wernert Michael Pascarella, Jr. Kenneth P. Clancy (Retired) Joel M. Ziff, (Retired) Office Staff Business Manager, JoAnn O Connor Director of Music, Constance M. Steuer IT Coordinator, Nicole Zimmerman Maintenance Super., Anthony R. Mashaintonio šššš Religious Education Staff rep@eol.comcastbiz.net; (215) Coordinator, Linda DiCampli Admin. Assistant, Maryann Schieve Youth Ministry Staff ymmin@eol.comcastbiz.net; (215) Coordinator, Kevin Kozeniewski Holy Rosary Regional Catholic School (610) Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA Mary Ann Gilman: Principal magilman@holyrosaryregional.com Beth Sheldon: Admin. Assistant bsheldon@holyrosaryregional.com Mass Schedule Saturday 5 p.m. Vigil Sunday & 10:30 a.m. Daily Monday to Saturday (except Thursday) Holydays 7 p.m. Vigil, & 12:05 p.m. Confessions Saturday 3:30-4:30 p.m. & by appointment Parish Office Hours Monday-Friday -4:30 p.m.& by appointment Closed for lunch: 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Saturday: By appointment only Sunday: By appointment only A mail slot is located in the front door of the rectory. Parish Office Requests To register in the parish, arrange for a baptism, or request a Certificate of Eligibility for sponsorship at Baptism or Confirmation, contact the Parish Office during office hours at eol@epiphanyofourlord.com. Also, please advise our office staff of any change of address, telephone number or family status. Anointing of the Sick First Saturday of the month after Mass or by request. Please notify the Parish Office as soon as possible when any parishioner becomes seriously ill or is admitted to the hospital. Baptism Baptisms are celebrated after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays upon request. Both first-time parents need to attend a Pre-Jordan class, which is held the first Wednesday of every month. Pre-Registration for the class is required by contacting the Parish Office. Sponsors not from Epiphany are required to submit a Certificate of Eligibility from their parish two weeks prior to the Baptism. Matrimony Notify the Parish Office of your intention to marry at least six months before the date of the wedding to assure sufficient preparation and to arrange for Pre-Cana sessions. Miraculous Medal Perpetual Novena After Mass every Saturday. Holy Communion for the Sick and Homebound Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are available to bring Communion to the sick and homebound. Call the Parish Office at (610) to provide the office staff with the name, address and phone number of the sick or homebound parishioner.

2 Parish Office and Chapel Closed The Parish Office and Adoration Chapel will be closed Monday-Wednesday, Dec , in observance of Christmas. Merry Christmas! Excerpts from What Christmas is all About By M.S. Lowndes Christmas will always be for us a time to reflect on Christ, the gift God gave to all the world was the gift of His life. So remember as you celebrate, just what it s all about and invite the Lord to join with you, instead of leaving Him out. For He will always be the reason we celebrate this day, no substitute the world may offer can take that meaning away. CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Confession Saturday, Dec. 22, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Masses Monday, Dec and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. NEW YEAR S SCHEDULE Confession Saturday, Dec. 29, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Masses The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Monday, Dec p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. A Christmas Eve Tradition Children of the parish are invited to sing happy birthday to Jesus (and receive a candy cane) after the 4 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve. Main Line Singles (Ages 52-66) Monday, Dec. 31-New Year s Eve gathering at 9 p.m. at Stephen s On State Restaurant, Media. Contact Barb at (610) for details. Retreat for Ages Young adults ages are invited to join others in deepening your relationship with God while making new friends the weekend of Jan. 4-6, at the Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May, N.J. Cost is $135/person. Register at B Street Band Hear the B Street Band (The Original Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band) on Friday, Jan. 4, 7-11 p.m., at Saint Basil Academy, Jenkintown. The event is BYOB. Tickets are $40/person which includes dinner. Purchase tickets online at: For more information, contact Linda Powers at (215) ext Pro-Life Lecture Marie Joseph, Founding Executive Director of Legacy Life Foundation & Women s Crisis Pregnancy Centers, will speak on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., at St. Genevieve Church, Flourtown. Contact St. Genevieve Rectory at (215) Holy Rosary New Student Registration New registrations will take place: ~Monday, Jan. 14, 8-10 a.m. ~Wednesday, Jan. 16, 5-7 p.m. ~Thursday, Jan. 17, 1-3 p.m. Be sure to bring copies of your child s Birth Certificate, Certificate of Baptism, other sacramental certificates, if applicable, Immunization Record, $100 registration fee (for Pre-K4, the fee includes supplies and snacks), letter of subsidy payment, if applicable, Custody papers, if applicable, and IEP and Evaluation Report, if applicable. Contact Beth Sheldon, School Secretary, at bsheldon@hoyrosaryregional.com or by calling (610)

3 2019 March for Life The 2019 March is on Friday, Jan. 18. Epiphany will host a bus trip. The cost will be $45/adult or $30/student, including bus, dinner and Metro fare card. Those staying at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception can deduct $5 for the cost of the fare card. Contact Bernie Toth at (610) Stressed or Troubled Marriage? Retrouvaille is a program that offers a welcoming and loving space to married couples who are hurting and is run by volunteer couples who have gone through the program themselves. The next program begins on the weekend of Feb. 8-10, at the Family Life Center, Malvern. For more information or to register, visit or call (800) Spiritual Support for Addiction If you or someone you love is seeking spiritual support on the road to recovery from addiction, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia invites you to visit archphila.org/hope for information on events and resources. Support Program for Abuse Survivors The bishops throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have pledged to create new modes of support for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia will participate in an Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program (IRRP) providing financial support to those sexually abused as minors by Archdiocesan clergy, especially those whose claims are time-barred from civil litigation. The program will operate free from the influence or supervision of Archdiocesan staff and leadership. It will be funded by existing Archdiocesan assets and not by the Catholic Charities Appeal, Seminary Appeal, other donor-designated funds, nor donations made to parishes, ministries or schools. This program supplements the already existing survivor-assistance efforts provided through the Office for Child and Youth Protection s Victims Assistance Program which, since its inception, has provided more than $18 million to assist survivors and their loved ones as they seek peace and healing.

4 WWP Connect Coffee Talk: God First Place in All Things Our most important priority is our relationship with God. When He is at the center, everything else stays in balance. Join us as we discuss putting Him first amidst the messiness of life. No experience necessary just come share coffee and what Walking with Purpose is all about on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 12:00 p.m. in the Parish Center Walking with Purpose is a women s Catholic Bible Study held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Parish Center. Personal study and small group discussions help us link our daily challenges with the solutions found in the teachings of Christ and the Church. All women from Epiphany parish are invited even if they are not registered and not participating in the regular meetings. Contact Olivia Selinger at oselinger@icloud.com for more information.

5 Things You Need To Know About Christmas Based on Blogs by By Jimmy Akin and Angelo Stagnaro What is the real meaning of Christmas? The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest. The Church never tires of singing the glory of this night (525). Christmas is not based on a pagan holiday. St. Hippolytus of Rome, in his Chronicle written in AD 234, a full 39 years before Emporer Aurelian created his pagan festival, Sol Invictus, clearly explains For the first advent of our Lord in the flesh, when he was born in Bethlehem, was December 25th, a Wednesday, while Augustus was in his forty-second year, but from Adam, five thousand and five hundred years. Christmas is not one day long. It also is not twelve days long. We tend to think of Christmas as being just December 25th, but the Christmas season lasts longer than that. Many think of the Twelve Days of Christmas, but the Christmas season is actually variable in length. Christmas Time runs from the Nativity of the Lord up to and including the Sunday after the feast of the Epiphany or after 6 January. Christmas has its own "octave." Embedded within the Christmas season is an "octave"--a period of eight days--that begins on Christmas Day and runs through Jan. 1. You could think of it as a season within a season. The earliest known celebration of an octave comes from the times of Constantine when the churches of Tyre and Jerusalem were dedicated in imitation of the dedication of the Jewish Temple which lasted eight days. Among those eight days are celebrated: The Nativity of the Lord, feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The Sundays of Christmas are also special. The Sundays of Christmas Time have special significance as well. They celebrate The Epiphany of the Lord and The Baptism of the Lord. What is the "Epiphany" of the Lord? The word "epiphany" means "manifestation" (display, revealing). The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel...the one who will be king of the nations (528). Why is the Baptism of Jesus significant? According to The Catechism of the Catholic Church, The baptism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and inauguration of his mission as God's suffering Servant. He allows himself to be numbered among sinners; he is already the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (536). Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all mankind. At His baptism heaven was opened (that Adam's sin had closed). Epiphany of Our Lord Church - Dec. 23, 2018 Fourth Advent/Christmas

6 Holy Rosary Review Outside the main office is a magnificent wooden backdrop depicting that first Christmas. It was skillfully painted by an eighth grade class several years ago. Our talented maintenance supervisor, Tony Mashaintonio, built a rustic replica of that first manger. In preparation of Christmas Day, our children have been enthusiastically performing good deeds. For each kind act, an eager child places one piece of hay into the manger. Our goal is to fill the crib so that Baby Jesus has a comfortable place to lay on December 25th. The little ones are skipping down the hall to share the news of their good deeds and place their piece of hay into the manger. This activity is a visual reminder of what Advent is about. The hopeful eyes and loving hearts of our students remind all of us what our own hearts should feel like. Altar Servers Needed Parishioners in fourth through twelfth grade who would like to serve on the altar may contact Deacon Pascarella at (610) or by at mpascarella@archphila.org. Lectors Needed Parishioners of at least high school age who would like to proclaim the scripture readings at Mass may contact Deacon Pascarella by at mpascarella@archphila.org or call (610) Lily s Gift Lily s Gift is a network of parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with poor prenatal diagnoses providing support to couples. For support, contact (215) For more information about Lily s Gift, visit lilysgift.org. Pregnancy Hotline Pregnant and need help? Call or text the hotline at , 24/7, for assistance with pro-life options, supportive counseling and other resources. Stewardship is a way of life. Tithing is God s Plan for Giving. Sunday Offering 12/9 $ 12,726 Last Year s Offering $ 14,730 Children s Offering $ 18 Thank you for your continued support! Mass Intentions Monday, Dec. 24 Victoria Mashaintonio Tuesday, Dec :30 a.m. Celebrant s Intention Wednesday, Dec. 26 Helen Toth Please Remember in Prayer In Loving Memory Susan A. Barbella, Who died Dec. 7 Wife of the late Joe. Mother of Marti, Mike, Steve, Ellen, Sara, John, Drew, and Beth. And Sophie Atkinson, Who died Dec. 9 Mother of Christine and Benjamin. The Respect Life Roses This week, Dec. 23, are for Mary Mack From Maryann Cunnane And Fran Marciniak From JoAnn O Connor The roses were placed on the Altar in front of The Blessed Mother. Adoration Chapel Votive Candles are Dedicated for: Friday, Dec. 28 Viola Pascarella Saturday, Dec. 29 Lisa Shepherdson Dec. 23 Mary Mack From the Pastor: After the annual celebration of the Paschal Mystery, the Church has no more ancient custom than celebrating the memorial of the Nativity of the Lord and of his first manifestations, and this takes place in Christmas Time (Universal Norms, 32). The Christmas season extends from Christmas Eve through the Baptism of the Lord on Monday, Jan 14. From the Children: I prayed. I was kind. I sang in church. Please Pray for the Sick Parishioners listed in bold. Marge Addario Richard Armento Miriam Beaumont Stella Danishefsky Nicholas Esposito George Gunning, Jr. Theresa Kelly Paul Mirabile John Purcell Dolores Sanders Bill Teti Joe Williamson Contact Epiphany the Parish of Our Office Lord Church to update - Dec. 23, the 2018 list. Fourth Advent/Christmas

7 ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT HOURS AT AREA PARISHES (Information subject to change. Please contact each parish to verify.) Epiphany of Our Lord, Plymouth Meeting Mon.-Fri: -4:30 p.m. St. Anthony of Padua, Ambler Mary Chapel: Weekdays after 9 a.m. St. Francis of Assisi, 600 Hamilton St., Norristown Mondays Only Sept.-May: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; June-Aug.: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. St. Helena, 1489 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell St. Theresa Chapel Mon.-Fri.: 6:15 a.m.-9 p.m. St. Paul, 2007 New Hope St., Norristown Fridays only: After the 8 a.m. Mass until 3:30 p.m. St. Philip Neri, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill Second Monday of the month only Sept.-June: -6 p.m. St. Titus, 3006 Keenwood Rd., East Norriton Second Sunday of the month only 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Visitation BVM, 196 N. Trooper Rd., Norristown BVM Chapel: Open 24/7