The Difference Between Dreaming and Having Vision by Kenneth Vogt

Transcription

1 FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT The Difference Between Dreaming and Having Vision by Kenneth Vogt He was a dreamer, a thinker, a speculative philosopher or, as his wife would have it, an idiot. ~Douglas Adams Who doesn t like to dream? Fantasies, daydreams, whimsies of all kinds are pleasant and indulgent. Dreams are thought candy enjoyable in the right quantity and within a balanced thought diet. Anyone who ever left a mark on this world had a dream. Whether they created a business, governed a country, or created a movement, it all started in their mind and heart as a dream. At the beginning, that dream might have been laced with fantasies of fame or riches or power. They may have pictured successes or accolades or respect. Therein lie the temptations and the snares of big dreams. Of course it doesn t stop there: dreaming is a place to start, but not one to prematurely end. Bringing a dream into the real world involves facing down challenges and problems, obstacles and outright resistance. So what separates the dreamers from the visionaries? How does a dream move from fantasy to reality? When the Reality Kicks In When we call someone a dreamer, it is rarely a compliment. We generally mean someone who is unfocused or lost in their own thoughts, and we expect that they are unlikely to do anything of value or to make any meaningful impact. When we call someone a visionary, however, it is an entirely different matter. They are someone we see as ahead of their time, bold and adventurous. We expect them to do great things. The difference is they make things happen here in the real world. So what is vision that makes it so different from dreaming? Vision is the result of applying the laws of physics, human nature and economics to a dream so as to transform that dream into a reality. The visionary ceases to luxuriate in all the possibilities that are inherent to dreaming, picks one and makes it real. Being a dreamer is a prerequisite for being a visionary but it is hardly a given that every dreamer becomes a visionary. Vision calls for refinement and many dreamers just aren t willing to do the work or make the sacrifices that such refinement requires. Does business or government or education or religion require vision? No. There are plenty of visionless organizations with visionless leaders. If that doesn t sound very inspiring it is because it isn t: vision is a motivator and so it is understandable that visionless organizations don t do much to improve the world we live in. In fact, they are usually attempting to be a force to maintain the status quo. For anything to move forward, upward or onward, vision is required. Even small organizations can have an impact with enough vision behind them, and small organizations with vision often become large organizations. That s how we got Kiva and NPR, Amber Alerts and Girl Scout cookies. It s also how we got organic vegan mexican food at Gracia Madre and delicious Jersey milk and yogurt from Saint Benoit Creamery. Don t know those last two? It s probably because they are also committed to being local in addition to healthy, but that doesn t mean they aren t visionary outfits lead by visionary people. There are times when the vision is deep rather than broad. That s the great thing about vision it is up to the visionary to choose. Why Visionaries are Willing to Pay the Price By now you have probably figured out that you can dream all you want for free but there is a price for being visionary. To turn a dream into a vision means making hard choices: it means ditching frivolous attachments and speculative leanings. That might sound like it would suck all the joy out of your dream, but consider this: would you prefer to spend your days wishing you had the perfect pony with a flowing mane and trophy-winning speed, or riding your own real live horse? Not everyone is meant to saddle up. You might want the horse, you might want the race, or you might want the stables. There is a lot of room for complementary visions. Whatever your dream may be, one truth remains: it is vision that transforms dreams into reality. So buy that horse, because until you do there is nothing to ride. Learn to ride that horse until you can race, then race the best you can. Win or lose, you are now beyond the dream, doing something real.

2 December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Best Wishes for a Blessed Christmas Season to all our Parishioners and Friends of St. Andre Bessette Parish From Fr. Ken The Parish Staff and Members of the Parish Administrative Councils IN THE PARISH 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 CHRISTMAS SEASON SCHEDULE Monday, December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE Parish Office closes at NOON 4:00 pm CHRISTMAS VIGIL MASS 10:30 pm CHRISTMAS MASS AT NIGHT Tuesday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 8:00 am CHRISTMAS MASS AT DAWN 11:00 AM CHRISTMAS DAY MASS PARISH OFFICE CLOSED Weekdays after Christmas December am Morning Mass Saturday, December 29th Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Family 3:00 pm Confessions 4:00 pm Vigil and 5:30 pm Sunday, December 30th FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY 8:00 am Mass and 11:00 am Mass Monday, December 31st NEW YEAR S EVE Parish Office Closes at Noon 4 pm NEW YEAR VIGIL MASS Tuesday, January 1, 2019 NEW YEAR S DAY 9 am NEW YEAR S DAY MASS PARISH OFFICE CLOSED Weekdays after New Year s January 2nd and 3rd 8 am Mass Friday, January 4th FIRST FRIDAY 8 am Mass 6 pm Confessions 6:30 pm Sacred Heart Devotions 7:00 pm Mass Saturday, January 5th VIGIL OF THE EPIPHANY 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 am Morning Mass Saturday, January 12th 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 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 Christmastide: The Celebration has Just BEGUN! By Genevieve Cunningham What does December 26th mean to you? For most people it means that Christmas is over. But for Catholics, it means the celebration has only just begun. Many of us Catholics, however, are not aware of this, and our rhythm of celebrating Christmas is very much along the lines of the secular celebration. We put a massive amount of effort into preparing for December 25 th ; then, the very next day, we feel a bit blue. It s over, we think. We begin the process of removing decorations, drag the tree out onto the curb, and return to our work-a-day lives. Don t! Stop right there. The carols, the feasting, the lights, the joy, have only just commenced. We are about to rejoice in an octave (and more!) of the radiant splendor of the birth of Christ, the Messiah. There is a reason why Christmas is called a season. It does not last for a single day. After Easter, it is the most important liturgical feast in the Church calendar. Why? Because Christmas is what made Easter possible. Without Our Lord s incarnation and birth, our redemption would not have been brought to completion, and there would be no hope for us in our fallen state. So first, we celebrate the octave of Christmas. This means that there are eight official solemn days of rejoicing. In the language of the Church, the word solemn does not mean what our common use of the word defines it as. It doesn t mean being grim, serious, or morose. According to a simple definition: In the Catholic Church year, a solemnity is the highest ranking holy day possible in the Church calendar These are days that are emphasized by particular joy, lavishness, pomp, and glory. This might be hard to recognize in the lay life, but it s unspeakably obvious in the religious life, where the Divine Office practically shouts out Hallelujah! Basically, during the octave of Christmas, the office that is prayed each day for eight straight days is more or less the same office: the one for Christmas day. Think about what that means: it means that we are celebrating each day, for eight days, as though each of them were Christmas day itself. Isn t that beautiful? The Church so rejoices in the birth of her Bridegroom and Savior that she simply revels in the joy! While the reality of the Christmas octave (the word octave just refers to the number 8) may be a new concept for many of us, who isn t familiar with the 12 Days of Christmas? These 12 days refer to the Christmas octave as well as the four subsequent days which take us to the feast of Epiphany. And actually, if we are going to be very thorough and precise about this, on the traditional liturgical calendar, the Christmas season (also known as Christmastide) lasts 40 days. It begins with the vigil Mass said on Christmas Eve, and ends on February 2nd, Candlemas, which is the day on which we celebrate the feast of Jesus presentation in the temple. The Christmas season is studded with incredible feast days and there are many ways to celebrate it as a Catholic should. Here s a calendar of what you can look forward to, followed by some ideas on how to celebrate it with your family: CHRISTMASTIDE The Octave Days of Christmas December 26 St. Stephen the Deacon December 27 St. John the Evangelist December 28 Holy Innocents December 29 St. Thomas Becket December 30 Sixth Day in the Octave - Or Feast of the Holy Family When there is no Sunday between Christmas and January 1 December 31 St. Sylvester January 1 Solemnity of Mary Mother of God (Circumcision of the Lord, Octave Day of Christmas) January 6th Epiphany (except in Countries like the United States where this feast has been moved to the Sunday between January 1st and 8th.) The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on the Sunday following the Epiphany (again, except in Countries where the Epiphany has been moved to Sunday, then the Baptism is celebrated on the following Monday). The Feast of the Baptism brings an end to the Christmas Season proper. Some cultures, however, extend the season until February 2nd, The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Ideas for Celebrating Christmastide Monks, priests, and nuns have the privilege of being able to attend daily Mass. This means that they experience the Christmas season in a very special way, partaking in all the beauty of the liturgy. But most of us have the responsibilities of life in the world. We have jobs to return to; kids to care for and bring back to school. We have family members in need. However, there are still things you can do to keep present to your family the reality of December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Christ s birth and the promise of His Second Coming (both of which we reflect on during Advent and Christmas). Some practical advice: since many of us are over whelmed just with accomplishing daily responsibilities, don t try to make all of the suggestions below a reality. That might be a burden and discourage you from trying at all! Perhaps choose one or two things to do, and no more. 1. Keep your NATIVITY SCENE on display. Don t take down your tree. Keep your Christmas lights on each day as the day ends and the sky darkens. Light candles near your manger scene, perhaps while the family eats dinner. 2. Pray the Litany to the Child Jesus during the Octave, or even throughout the entire season. If it s difficult to gather family members together for this, you could pray the litany privately before retiring for the night, or when you get up in the morning. This keeps fresh in our minds and hearts the joy of the Christ Child. 3. Take note of the various saints feast days that are celebrated during the Christmas season. (You can access them on the parish website, Ask them for their intercession. The saints are eager to offer petitions on our behalf! 4. Consider hosting Christmas parties AFTER Christmas day. Much of the rush and anxiety is over, people are no longer attending office/family/friends parties, and there is more down time. This opens spots on people s calendars (and reminds us that Christmas is not over!) 5. Host an Epiphany Party. The Feast of Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Magi and their gifts to the Christ Child. This party can feature candlelight, wonderful food, singing Christmas carols and hymns together, and quality time with people who are a blessing in our lives. 6. When possible, take time to rest and be still in silence. If you have the chance or the choice to do something active, social, or busy, you might consider graciously declining once or twice, and taking time to rest in the peace of Christ instead. In our world of constant distractions, this might take some will power: we might have to force ourselves to sit and be still. And yet keeping company with the Christ Child in our hearts is the gift that He desires from us.

4 December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT The Season of ADVENT Weekend of December FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Monday, December 24 Tuesday, December 25 Wednesday, December 26 Thursday, December 27 Friday, December 28 Saturday, December 29 4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am FAITH FORMATION 11:00 am Mass Parish Office Closes at NOON CHRISTMAS EVE 4 pm Christmas Vigil 10:30 pm Mass at Night The Season of CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS DAY 8 am Christmas Mass at Dawn 11:00 am Christmas Mass at Day PARISH OFFICE CLOSED The Season of CHRISTMAS Weekend of December Feast of the Holy Family Monday, December 31 Tuesday, January 1, 2018 Wednesday, January 2 8 am Morning Mass Thursday, January 3 8 am Mass Noon Exposition 6 pm Vespers 6:30 pm Staff & Choir Christmas Dinner Friday, January 4 8 am Morning Mass Saturday, January 5 3:00 pm Confessions VIGIL: Feast of the Holy Family Weekend of January 5-6 Solemnity of the Epiphany CHRISTMAS OFFERING As we approach the great Feast of Christmas, we may be wont to spend time and money choosing the perfect gift for that special someone. Do we give that kind of care and attention to the gift we give to God through our parish each Christmas? Or are we more prone to just give whatever change we might find left in our pockets, purses, or couch cushions? Remember the goodness of the Lord this Christmas, and all that He has done for you. Repay His generosity by remembering the work of your parish church. We are counting on your support so that we may continue to minister for many years to come. Please be generous and help us make our goal of $15, for our Christmas collection this year. Thank You. 4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am NO FAITH FORMATION 11:00 am Mass SOCIAL JUSTICE COLLECTION Parish Office Closes at NOON New Year s EVE 4 pm Christmas Vigil Solemnity of Mary Mother of God 9 am New Year s Day Mass PARISH OFFICE CLOSED 8 am Morning Mass 8 am Mass Noon Exposition 6 pm Vespers Liturgical Council FIRST FRIDAY 8 am Morning Mass 6pm Confessions 6:30 pm Sacred Heart Devotions 7:00 pm Mass ALL ARE WELCOME 3:00 pm Confessions VIGIL: Solemnity of the EPIPHANY 4 pm Vigil Mass 5:30 pm Vigil Mass 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am FAITH FORMATION 11:00 am Mass CLERGY COLLECTION What Can I Give Him - Poor as I am? If I were a Shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet all I have I give Him.. I give Him my heart! -Christina Rossetti PARISH MINISTRIES 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. JANUARY 3, 2019 Liturgical Council JANUARY 10, 2019 Social Justice JANUARY 17, 2019 Finance Council JANUARY 24, 2019 Parish Life Council JANUARY 31, 2019 Catechetical Council PARISH COMMITTEES FAITH SHARING Our Faith Sharing Communities will meet again beginning in January. Watch the bulletin for dates and times. If anyone is interested in joining these lively sessions of faith sharing, please contact Sister Madonna at the parish office, ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS 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 DECEMBER Sugar by the pound

5 FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT The Lord Is Close: Come Let us Adore Him General Audience of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI 20 December, 2006 Dear Brothers and Sisters, "The Lord is close: come, let us adore him". With this invocation, the liturgy invites us in these last days of Advent to approach as it were on tip-toe the Bethlehem Grotto where the extraordinary event that changed the course of history took place: the birth of the Redeemer. On Christmas Night we will pause, once again, before the crib and contemplate with wonder the "Word made flesh". Sentiments of joy and gratitude will be renewed in our hearts, as they are every year, while we listen to the Christmas melodies that sing of the extraordinary event in so many languages. It was out of love that the Creator of the universe came to dwell among us. In his Letter to the Philippians, St Paul says that Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (2: 6). He appeared in human form, adds the Apostle, humbling himself. At holy Christmas we will relive the fulfilment of this sublime mystery of grace and mercy. St Paul says further, "When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Gal 4: 4-5). In truth, the Chosen People had been waiting for the Messiah for many centuries but they imagined him as a powerful and victorious army leader who would free his followers from foreign oppression. The Saviour, on the contrary, was born in silence and in absolute poverty. He came as "the light that enlightens every man", St John notes, yet "his own people received him not" (Jn 1: 9, 11). "But", the Apostle added, "to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God" (ibid., 1: 12). The light promised was to illumine the hearts of those who had persevered in vigilant and active expectation. The Advent liturgy also exhorts us to be sober and watchful in order not to let ourselves be burdened by sin and excessively worldly concerns. Indeed, it is by watching and praying that we will be able to recognize and accept the splendour of Christ's birth. St Maximus of Turin, a Bishop of the fourth and fifth centuries, said in one of his homilies: "The time warns us that the Birth of Christ the Lord is at hand. The world with its own apprehensions speaks of something imminent that will renew it, and desires with impatient expectation that the splendour of a brighter sun may illumine its darkness... This expectation of creation also persuades us to wait for Christ, the new Sun, to rise" (cf. Hom. 61a, 1-3). Creation itself, therefore, leads us to discover and recognize the One who must come. The Journey to Bethlehem But the question is: is the humanity of our time still waiting for a Saviour? One has the feeling that many consider God as foreign to their own interests. Apparently, they do not need him. They live as though he did not exist and, worse still, as though he were an "obstacle" to remove in order to fulfil themselves. Even among believers - we are sure of it - some let themselves be attracted by enticing dreams and distracted by misleading doctrines that suggest deceptive shortcuts to happiness. Yet, despite its contradictions, worries and tragedies, and perhaps precisely because of them, humanity today seeks a path of renewal, of salvation, it seeks a Saviour and awaits, sometimes unconsciously, the coming of the Saviour who renews the world and our life, the coming of Christ, the one true Redeemer of man and of the whole of man. Of course, false prophets continue to propose a salvation "at a cheap price", that always ends by producing searing disappointments. The history of the past 50 years itself demonstrates this search for a Saviour "at a cheap price" and highlights all the disappointments that have derived from it. It is the task of us Christians, with the witness of our life, to spread the truth of Christmas which Christ brings to every man and woman of good will. Born in the poverty of the manger, Jesus comes to offer to all that joy and that peace which alone can fulfil the expectations of the human soul. But how should we prepare ourselves to open our hearts to the Lord who comes? The spiritual attitude of watchful and prayerful expectation remains the fundamental characteristic of the Christian in this Advent Season. It is this attitude that distinguishes the protagonists of that time: Zechariah and Elizabeth, the shepherds, the Magi, the humble, simple people, above all Mary and Joseph's expectation! The latter, more than any of the others, felt in the first person the anxiety and trepidation for the Child who would be born. It is not difficult to imagine how they spent the last days, waiting to hold the newborn Infant in their arms. May their attitude be our own, dear brothers and sisters! In this regard, let us listen to the exhortation of St Maximus, Bishop of Turin, cited above: "While we are waiting to welcome the Nativity of the Lord, let us clothe ourselves in clean garments, without a stain. I am speaking of clothing the soul, not the body. Let us not be clad in silk raiments but in holy works! Sumptuous clothing may cover the limbs but does not adorn the conscience" (ibid.). In being born among us, may the Child Jesus not find us distracted or merely busy, beautifying our houses with decorative lights. Rather, let us deck our soul and make our families a worthy dwelling place where he feels welcomed with faith and love. May the Blessed Virgin and St Joseph help us to live the Mystery of Christmas with renewed wonder and peaceful serenity.

6 IN THE DIOCESE December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT To make a donation to this year s Annual Appeal please visit or contact us at or send your gift to Development Office, Diocese of Scranton 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 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 Parish Goal: $ 32, Raised so far: $ 18, Still needed to reach goal: $ 13, Thank you to all who have already contributed to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. If you have not yet made a donation to the appeal, you may do so by sending it to the address listed above. The 2018 Diocesan Annual Appeal: The Journey Makes Us One has received $2,730,179 in gifts and pledges from 13,700 donors, bringing us to 54% of our goal of $5 million. Your donation helps to support many of the ministries of the Diocese, like Catholic Social Services, Parish Life and Ministry Formation, Care and Education of Clergy, Education and training of Seminarians, Catholic Media (CTV) and Catholic Schools. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES COMPASSIONATE COUNSELING SERVICES Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton offers compassionate counseling in a safe, comfortable environment where your privacy is always respected. Anyone who struggles with anxiety, grief and loss, depression, life transitions or a variety of emotional or psychological conditions is welcome. CSS accepts Medicare and some other insurance plans. CALL for more information or to make an appointment 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 wellbeing. 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 December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT STEWARDSHIP Dance with Jesus Into Christmas by Shana Schutte I d love to go to a Christmas dance this year and twirl under sparkly little lights. I d love to sway in an elegant, shimmering red dress and watch as Mr. Right looks on in admiration. I d like to have him smile, offer me his hand, his cheek and his heart while he pulls me in close to a Christmas melody. Yes, I d love that. But Mr. Right hasn t shown up to invite me (yet), so I haven t put any Christmas dances on my calendar. But I have decided that I m still going to dance my way into Christmas anyway with Jesus as Giver, Emmanuel and Source of Life. Dancing with Jesus as the Giver At Christmas time, it s so easy to get hung up on the commercialism of the holidays. To remember the real reason for the season is to have the heart of Christ a giving one that is focused on what really matters, like giving your life for those you love, rather than what really doesn t, like the latest technological gadget or newest fashion trend. If you re tired of running like a rabid dog from one store to the next purchasing things for people you barely know who hardly like you, take a lesson from Simon Birch. He can help you dance into Christmas with Jesus as the true Giver. In the 1998 movie Simon Birch, the main character, 12-year-old Simon, is unusually small because of a birth defect. Even though he is little, his confidence is big, and believes God created him to do great things--specifically to be a hero. Though his stature causes him heartache, his size is the reason he is able to save many children when a school bus crashes into a freezing river. Simon climbs through a bus window too narrow for anyone else to set his classmates free. When I saw the movie, my heart screamed in jubilation, Yes! Simon's dream came true! He got to be the hero! Then my heart sank when he died the next day. I couldn't help but think about the parallel between Simon's life and mine. Many times I would like to be a hero for someone, (like purchase them a nice Christmas gift or take them some holiday cookies,) but that is as far as my sacrifice goes. I don t want to have to die to be anyone s hero. Of course, I'm not referring to physical death like Simon experienced, but dying to my own desires. This Christmas, I want Jesus to teach me afresh that one paradox of His Kingdom is that death births life; losing means winning; and being the greatest means being the least--and sometimes that involves giving more than a gift but losing myself and dying to what I want to bring someone joy. It means serving, and letting go of the things that are really valuable to me, like my time, my talents and something that is not easily purchased at Target. Will you join me in serving from the heart this year? You ll look great dancing with Jesus as the true giver. Dancing with Jesus as Emmanuel Last year I attended a candlelight Christmas Eve church service with my family. While there an ache filled my heart because I knew that a young man I had once loved had seen my mother there at the church the day before. As we sang our way through Silent Night, Away in a Manger and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing my eyes fell on a small cloth laying on the communion table. Emmanuel it read. Ah yes, God with us. Immediately the Holy Spirit lovingly placed his finger on my memories about the young man I had loved and revealed that in this life spot I had doubted that God was with me, that He was my Emmanuel even then. Fresh tears filled my eyes. Jesus, you have been with me all of my days, even in every one during my singleness. Forgive me for not trusting you. Why is it that we can be convinced of God s care and presence in many areas of life, such as in our careers and friendships, but when it comes to our personal lives and romance, we wonder if He took a leave of absence? We can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is present in our friendships, but we doubt that He cares about our romantic loneliness. We can experience a kind of schizophrenic faith believing on one hand, but being unbelieving on the other. To doubt His love and presence in one area and champion it in another is to live life with a divided heart. Do you doubt that God is with you, that He has always been and will always be the Emmanuel of your single life? Are you not entirely convinced of His presence? If you said yes, will you take the hand of Jesus this Christmas and dance with Him into the truth that you are never alone? You ll be glad you did. Dancing with Jesus as the Source of Abundant Life Do you remember the last time you had the post-holiday blues? Did you feel like you wanted to go hide in a closet and eat an entire bag of chocolate? Were you desperate for something you couldn t quite put your finger on? Believe me, I can relate. Post-holiday blues have hit me many times. But this year, I know there is something I can do to combat the blues desperation for Jesus. When the world and all it has offered during Christmas (stuff, stuff and more stuff) doesn t satisfy my hungry soul, this year I will choose to remember that all that Christ wants me to be desperate for is Himself, his presence, to know Him more, to hear His voice and to do His will. This kind of post-holiday desperation will lead me to the abundant life that He wants to grant me (John 10:10). All other objects of Christmas affection will receive second place on my list under Christ, because if they don t, I ll struggle with post-holiday blues more than necessary. Don t get me wrong, there can be a lot of fun in giving, getting, and the stuff of the holidays, but no matter how much my stocking has been filled, nothing in it will ever satisfy like Jesus, and nothing can make me more desperate than living without Him at the center of life. This is truly something to celebrate! It means that Christ so jealous for those he loves that He will not allow them to be completely satisfied in anything but him. My prayer is that this year you ll be desperate for Jesus like never before so you can dance with Him into Christmas and post-christmas with a smile on your face and a joy in your heart. And I pray that you ll discover or rediscover Him as Giver and Emmanuel.

8 December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT FINANCES INCOME EXPENSES December 15-16, 2018 December 13 19, 2018 PARISH COLLECTION Administration In Church Mailed In Clergy Residence -0- Loose Liturgy Offering 3, Religious Education Holy Days Social Justice -0- Initial Maintenance Dues Parish Assessment -0- Debt Reduction Insurance -0- Holiday Flowers Taxes -0- TOTAL PARISH COLLECTION Diocesan Collection TOTAL DIOCESAN $4, $ Transfer -0- DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS Diocesan Collections Debt Service (Principal + Interest) 2, School Subsidy OTHER INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $4, Candles Rental of Properties -0- Perquisites -0- Previous Balance $3, Transfers Income this week +5, 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) The Monthly School Assessment Installment is $4, (another weekend s collection) To pay off the total current and past Schools Assessment, the monthly installment would be $12, (3 weekend collections.) PARISH DEBT SERVICE Parish Loan Amount Paid BALANCE Due Miscellaneous -0- -Expenses this week -4, TOTAL OTHER INCOME Balance Forward $4, BALANCE 412, , , Please Note: The Parish Debt service has been paid to date. This Account is current. TOTAL INCOME $5, Your Gift to God Mass Attendance December 16-17, 2018 People In-Church Collection Average Offering per person 4:00 p.m , :30 p.m :00 a.m. 64 1, :00a.m. 76 1, Total 321 4, REMINDER: In order for our parish to remain solvent, the average weekly offering per person MUST equal or be greater than $15.00 consistently. Votive Offerings Bread and Wine Intention Fr. Francis Zolcinski Offered by A Parishioner Sanctuary Candle Intention Craig Cummings Offered by David December 16-17, 2018 Over $ $20 35 $ $ $ $15 20 $75 0 $ $ $10 81 $50 6 $ $ $5 41 $25 10 under $5 18 $ Total Envelopes used 260 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. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson December 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Join Us for Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday (Except for Thanksgiving and Holy Thursday) from Noon to 6 pm. The Day concludes with Vespers and Benediction at 6 pm. Still Looking for a GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA??? 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 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 Season of Christmas December 24-30, 2018 Day and Date Time Intention Offered by Events Monday, December 24 Late Advent Weekday NO Morning Mass Scheduled PARISH OFFICE CLOSES AT NOON CHRISTMAS VIGIL MASS AT NIGHT MASS AT DAWN MASS DURING THE DAY SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 4:00 PM Dec :30 PM Dec. 24 8:00 am Dec :00 AM Dec. 25 Christmas Intentions Christmas Intentions Christmas Intentions Christmas Intentions PARISH PARISH PARISH PARISH CHRISTMAS DAY PARISH OFFICE CLOSED Wednesday, December 26 St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr Thursday, December 27 St. John the Evangelist Friday, December 28 Holy Innocents Saturday, December 29 St. Thomas Beckett 8 am John Vernoski s Special Intentions Family 8 am Charles Perry Bernadine Baluta 8 am Rosemary Dupre Joan Cavanaugh NO Morning Mass Scheduled Feast of the Holy Family Noon: Exposition 6 pm Vespers Choir and Staff Christmas Dinner VIGIL 4 pm John Kristan Blizman Family VIGIL 5:30 pm Stanley Zapotoczny Irene Seegar No Faith Formation SOCIAL JUSTICE COLLECTION SUNDAY 8 am Helen Flynn Loretta & Jeff Hines SUNDAY 11 am Parishioners Pastor December 24-25, 2018 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE December 29-30, 2018 Feast of the Holy Family 4:00 pm 10:30 pm 8:00 am 11:00 am 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 8:00 am 11:00 am Servers Manuel Baez Aiden Burridge Mimi Tosh Sr. Tina AJ Kondracki Rosemary Shedlock Rosemary Shedlock Sr. Tina Hanrahan AJ Kondracki Jackie Barkus Hailey Stephens Lector Ann Bergold David Alusick Jackie Barkus Pat Baran Mary Ann Slavinski David Aulsick Ann Bergold Sr. Kate Morris Mary Ann Slavinski Sandy Snyder EMOC John Bergold Sr. Tina Hanrahan AJ Kondracki Rosemary Shedlock John Bergold William Klukoske AJ Kondracki Elaine Snyder Cantor Brian Clarke Sr. Madonna Geri Ulichney Matt Kurtz Carol Zukoski Geri Ulichney Brian Clarke Matt Kurtz Hospitality Children of our Faith Formation Program Dolores Yesuvida Ann & Dennis Bozinski Lori & John Morris Sr. Madonna Joe Stone