The Roman Catholic Community of Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny

Transcription

1 The Roman Catholic Community of Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Saint Mark Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust 1125 Romine Avenue McKeesport, PA Phone Fax saintmarkparishdiopitt@gmail.com Saint Eugene Church (StE) 3210 Liberty Way - Liberty Saint Joseph Church (StJ) 1125 Romine Avenue - Port Vue Religious Education x 102 Youth Ministry: x105 Saint Michael Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust 101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA Phone Fax stmichael11@verizon.net Saint Michael Church (StM) 101 McLay Drive - Elizabeth Religious Education Youth Ministry: sformicaym@comcast.net Queen of the Rosary Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust 530 Michigan Avenue Glassport, PA Phone Fax @diopitt.org Queen of the Rosary (QoR) 530 Michigan Avenue - Glassport Religious Education or Youth Ministry: Accept God s Love, and Live! Share God s Love, and Thrive! Coming Soon - Website: ElizabethSouthAlleghenyCC.org - Coming Soon Looking For A Parish? Wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you to join our community. You may register by contacting the Parish Office. Implementation Phase Prayer Father of Mercy, During this time of implementation help us to grow in unity with St. Mark Parish, St. Michael Parish and Queen of the Rosary Parish. Grant us the wisdom and willingness to understand how our parishes will become stronger and more vibrant in fulfilling the mission of the Church. Assist us in opening our arms to welcome others as we continue to journey On Mission for The Church Alive! Help us, O Lord, to trust in the future you have planned for us. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. Learn Jesus, Love Jesus, and Live Jesus. The Third Sunday Of Advent December 16, 2018 Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. -Isaiah 12

2 2 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Pastoral Staff Clergy Team Reverend Thomas A. Wagner, Administrator Reverend Miroslaus A. Wojcicki, Senior Parochial Vicar Deacon Stephen C. Pikula, Permanent Deacon Deacon John E. Ragan, Permanent Deacon Religious Education Julie Fleckenstein, St. Mark Joan Kilgore, St. Michael Darla Losteter, Queen of the Rosary Youth Ministery Lori DiMarco, St. Mark Susan Formica, St. Michael Darla Losteter, Queen of the Rosary Safe Environment Emily Carlson, St. Mark Mary Jo Ignatius, St. Michael Music Ministry Brandy Irish-Gerjuoy, St. Mark Celeste Cafasso, St. Michael Carol Gioia, St. Michael Pamela Whitney, Queen of the Rosary Facilities Kevin Hopkins, St. Mark Patricia Muic, St. Mark Tony Hutskow, St. Michael Pastoral Secretary Lisa Mykeloff, St. Mark Jeannie Premozic, St. Mark Jan Kunkel, St. Michael Amy Megahan, Queen of the Rosary Parish Nurse Pam Curcio, , St. Mark Collaboration, Courage and Compassion Mary of Nazareth Catholic School Growing in Wisdom, Age and Grace Time for Twos, Pre K 3 & 4, Kindergarten, Grades Fawcett Avenue White Oak, PA Phone: Fax: Webpage: Religious Education Program Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ All children, Grades 1-8, are invited and encouraged to participate in a Religious Education Program. Youth Ministry All Youth, High School (9-12 grade) and Jr. High School (6-8 grade), are invited and encouraged to participate in the youth ministry program. Mass & Adoration of the Eucharist Tuesday Evening St. Eugene Church, Liberty Mass - 6:30 pm Adoration - 7:00-7:30 pm Confession - 7:00-7:30 pm Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, Queen of the Rosary Parish Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve, Vigil, December 24, :00 pm Saint Eugene Church, Liberty 4:00 pm Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth 10:00 pm Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth Christmas Day, December 25, :00 am Saint Joseph Church, Port Vue 9:30 am Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth 11:00 am Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport Mary, Mother of God Mass Schedule New Year s Eve, Vigil, December 31, :00 pm Saint Eugene Church, Liberty 4:00 pm Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth New Year s Day, January 1, :00 am Saint Joseph Church, Port Vue 9:30 am Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth 11:00 am Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport Morning & Evening Mass Snow Cancellations - Saint Eugene Church For everyone s safety, a delay or cancellation at Elizabeth or South Allegheny School Districts is our notice of Safety First. Mornings with a delay or cancellation There will be no morning Mass at Saint Eugene Church. Please listen to the radio or watch TV for delays or cancellations. Safety first! Be careful! Again, safety first! Be careful! December Rosary Intention That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time.

3 Sacraments Baptism of Infants & Children Baptism is a joyous event in the life of the parish. Baptism is celebrated any Sunday after Mass and during Mass on the Fourth Sunday of the Month. Previous arrangements are necessary. Instruction in the Faith - R.C.I.A. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program is offered for those interested in the Catholic Faith. For more information, please contact Fr. Wagner. Reconciliation St. Eugene Church, Liberty Tuesday, 7-7:30 pm St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Saturday, 11-11:30 am Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport Saturday, 1-1:30 pm St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Saturday, 3:15-3:45 pm St. Eugene Church, Liberty Saturday, 7-7:30 pm Marriage The prospective bride and groom are to make arrangements with the priest or deacon at least 6 months prior to the proposed date of the wedding. Diocesan regulations require all couples to attend an approved pre-marriage preparation program. Anointing of the Sick the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally on the Second Sunday of the Month. Ministry to the Sick and Shut In Homebound members of the Parish should call the Parish Office to make arrangements to receive Holy Communion at home. Sponsorship Forms Only registered, practicing, fully-initiated Catholics are eligible for sponsor certificates. Please call the Parish Office. Bulletin Information Deadline All information must be received 2 weeks in advance. Moving Please call or your new address to the Parish Office. Child Abuse Hotline Saint Mark Parish Saint Michael Parish Queen of the Rosary Parish 3 Mass Intentions For The Week StE St. Eugene Church, Liberty StJ St. Joseph Church, Port Vue StM St. Michael Church, Elizabeth QoR Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport December 16-23, 2018 Saturday, 15, Vigil, Third Sunday of Advent StM 4:00 pm M Dorothy Hamrick & LuBelle - Pat & Bill Mains StE 6:00 pm T Living & Deceased Members of Christian Mothers & Ladies Guild - Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild Sunday, 16, Second Sunday of Advent StJ 9:00 am T Gertie Fox, Mary Osieki, and Justine Antkiewicz - Liz Fox StM 9:30 am M Harvey Reder Wife, Helen QoR 11:00 am T Paul Gooch - Evelyn Gooch StM 12:00 nn M James Ranchik - M/M Ron Ziegler Living & Deceased of the Parish Family Monday, 17, Late Advent Weekday QoR 8:00 am Andrew V. Tkac - Wife & Family Novena - Infant Jesus of Prague StM 9:00 am James Fetchen - Family Tuesday, 18, Late Advent Weekday StM 9:00 am Wilma Brletic - Gary & Linda Lenik StE 6:30 pm Ceclia & Walter Wozniak - Family Eucharistic Holy Hour (6:30-7:30 pm) Wednesday, 19, Late Advent Weekday QoR 8:00 am Elizabeth Lux - Pat Chiaverine Novena - Miraculous Medal BVM StM 9:00 am Ruthie Pletcher - Mary Jo & Judy Novena - Michael the Archangel Thursday, 20, Late Advent Weekday StE 8:00 am Sr. Vincent Mary - Family StM 9:00 am Jerry Kunkel - Ushers Friday, 21, Late Advent Weekday QoR 8:00 am Gerry Michalski - Gerry Lykowski Holy Hour from 8:30 to 9:30 am StM 9:00 am Mario Bisogni - Rosanne & Bill Saturday, 22, Vigil, Fourth Sunday of Advent StM 4:00 pm T Augie & Maxine Gatto - Family StE 6:00 pm M Robert Johnson - Family Sunday, 23, Fourth Sunday of Advent StJ 9:00 am M Barbara Bator - Phyllis & Lisa Bator StM 9:30 am T Ronald Huss Wife, Janet & Family QoR 11:00 am M Audrey Urbanski - Family StM 12:00 nn T Stephen & Nina Szabo - Family Living & Deceased of the Parish Family Low Gluten Hosts available - please see Priest before Mass Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

4 4 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2018 In Christianity, we hear often about the Good News. We might often associate it with Jesus' compassion to the poor, his healings and miracles, and the salvation he won for us. In today's Gospel, we read of John the Baptist. Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people. Yet as we examine the rest of the reading, we see examples of John's preaching. If you have two cloaks, give one away. Don't cheat others out of their money, extort, or lie. And, of course, the warning that the Messiah is on the move and his winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. Merry Christmas? Not only do John's listeners enjoy his message, but they seem to think he might be the awaited Messiah! To understand today's Gospel, it's important to understand the Jewish people. For most of their history, God's chosen people had been under someone else's heel. They were slaves in Egypt. Their kingdoms were ravaged first by the Assyrians, then the Babylonians. Now they were under the yoke of the Roman Empire. Familiar with being strangers in a strange land, welcoming the stranger, caring for the vulnerable, and enacting justice was incredibly important to them as a people. While John's words may seem odd or strong to our modern ears, this call to justice was welcome, even if it was directed at the hearer. The truth is, no one is exempt from John's call to repentance. We all have further to go in the Christian life. We can all grow in virtue and love our neighbors more generously. The Church gives us the Advent season to examine our own hearts. Did any of John's warnings resonate with you? That could be a great thing to bring to Jesus this week! Liturgical Publications Inc The Light of God The light of God surrounds us, the love of God enfolds us, the power of God protects us, the presence of God watches over us, wherever we are, God is, and where God is, all is well. Saint Michael Angel Tree All gifts should be returned to the church Today, Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 12 Noon Mass for sorting and distribution. Thank You for caring! Kind deeds change lives, Thank You! REJOICE! Today has traditionally been called Gaudete Sunday. The Latin tag is derived from Paul s appeal in the second reading to rejoice always in the Lord, and the Latin Mass text based on that reading. The irony and paradox of this Christian joy is underlined by the fact that Paul wrote those words in prison. But from there he could see the progress of God s work. Is it obvious to us? We feel that this is not the time for joy when there is so much suffering and moral evil. It is interesting, then, that the first reading is from the prophet Zephaniah, who is almost exclusively concerned with gloomy visions of Judgment Day. Today the Church selects the only optimistic text in Zephaniah, in which the prophet has been touched by the spirit of joy. This, we are assured on all sides, is the season of joy. Let us recapture that feeling of joy in our lives and reflect it to those who are joyless. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. Celebration of Lesson and Carols Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 7:00 pm The Celebration of Lessons and Carols features a mixture of Readings from Sacred Scripture, Traditional Carols, Hymns, Choral Music combined with prayers appropriate to the Season. A mini choir will support and lead the faith community in praise and participation. Rehearsal will be on Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 pm. If interested in singing with the mini choir, please call Celeste, All are welcome! Witnesses Anonymous Our actions are the best witnesses of our thoughts. Pray for Peace. Pray for Unity. Pray for Patience and Understanding.

5 Treasures From Our Tradition Years ago, the trick question on religion quizzes would be to name all the liturgical colors, or the colors of the vestments worn at Mass. Rose is a color seldom seen, used at most two days a year. Today, Gaudete Sunday, is one of those days. The name of the day is drawn from an opening verse in the old Latin Mass texts: Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice! This year s Gospel certainly reflects that mood as Elizabeth feels her infant within her leaping for joy at the presence of Mary. Mary s visit to her aged cousin is an act of compassion between women, as two kinswomen who are bearing children into the world share their joy. Some churches retain the custom of having the priest wear rose vestments today, and many will use a rose candle in the Advent wreath. Violet is the official color for Advent and Lent, but many parishes employ different hues for each season, trying to keep them distinct. In medieval times, dye was costly, and poor parishes used unornamented plain cloth for vestments. Dyes were expensive and some colors, particularly purple, difficult to achieve. In England, purple dye was made from mollusks, yielding at best a deep indigo or blue and not the desired violet. Thus, the color of Advent in the British Isles has long been a deep blue, reminding many people of Mary s presence at the heart of the Advent mystery. That theology is largely unplanned: it s all because of the clams! Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch May God Bless Our Service Personnel If you would like to add or update an active Service member, please call the Parish Office. As a faith community, we pray for and remember our Service Men and Women who are serving on active duty in the Armed Services, especially: Pvt. Peter A. Barrante, USMC; Maj. Damian Baskerville, USAF; Capt. Perry Cansick, USAF; Col. Richard Collage, PA NG; Staff Sgt. Nicholas DeLuca, Army; Cadet 1/C David DeMaio, USCGA, Capt. Craig Dolhi, Army; Capt. Anthony Formica, Army; 2nd Lt. John Formica, Army; T/Sgt. Michael Goodman, USAF; E5 Sgt. Brian Imundo, Army; Sgt. Russ Langley, Marines; A1C Timothy Oeler, USAF; ENS Timothy Ragan, USNA; Sgt. Brandon R. Smith, USAF Pararescueman; Amn. Adam Stitt, USAF. Saint Michael, protect them. May We Never Forget... Freedom is Never Free! Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, Queen of the Rosary Parish 5 Annual Bell-less Red Kettle Drive serving families in 15037, 15013, & Pangburn Hollow Red Kettles will be in the Gathering Space on the First, Second & Third Sundays of Advent. Please make checks payable to Elizabeth Salvation Army. Thank you for your kindness and concern for others. On Mission For The Church Alive! Rejoice in the Lord Always The Third Sunday of Advent is a bit different than the others. While violet has been the color we are used to the past few weeks, this week the candle and the vestments are a rose color. These changes signify an increased joy in our hearts on this Sunday which we call Gaudete, which means rejoice! Our joy is increased because we know that our Savior is near, Emmanuel, God is with us. And, yet, a bit of anxiety may also creep in. We may be asking ourselves, are we ready? What must we still do? This is what those in today s Gospel were asking John the Baptist. His response? Be generous. Be honest. Don t cheat others. As Christmas draws ever nearer, there may be lots of things that distract us from what the Lord truly desires of us this time of year. God wants us to rejoice today, and all days, in freedom of heart so that we may share our gifts and proclaim the good news of God dwelling among us and in us. These lessons can also serve us well as we journey On Mission for The Church Alive! and recognize God at work in the hearts of sisters and brothers in faith. Rejoice! The Lord is near! Let the peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Visit onmissionchurchalive.org to learn more and to stay informed. HEALTH CONCERNS at Mass during FLU SEASON The Flu Season in Western Pennsylvania is now upon us. In order to prevent the possible spread of illness, we ask parishioners who have symptoms of the flu or other contagious diseases to use prudence in taking the Precious Blood and shaking hands at Mass until you are recovered. Thank you for contributing to the health of our Church family! Impressionable Ancient Chinese proverb A child s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.

6 6 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ Candidates for Sacraments should be adequately prepared to receive these gifts, and a proper understanding of the Sacrament should be gained and demonstrated. Generally, two (2) consecutive years of instruction is necessary for the reception of the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. Saint Mark Parish Religious Education Sunday Morning 10:00-11:30 am For information or questions, please call Julie at the Religious Education Office, x 102. Which are the chief corporal works of mercy? The chief corporal works of mercy are seven: To feed the hungry. To give drink to the thirsty. To clothe the naked. To visit the imprisoned. To shelter the homeless. To visit the sick. To bury the dead. Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. Whoever has food should do likewise. Mark your calendar... St. Mark Parish Festival - August 1-3, Festival Specialty Baskets Thank you so much for your generosity! We continue to receive items in our labeled specialty baskets at the Liberty and Port Vue churches. We appreciate that you are keeping us in mind while you are doing your own shopping. All these donations will start us on our way to designing the beautiful baskets that are an important part of our Saint Mark Parish Festival. P.S. Look for the clearance aisle. Save money while you donate! Saint Michael Parish Religious Education Sunday Morning 8:00-9:20 am & 10:30-11:50 am For information or questions, please call Joan at the Religious Education Office, Family Mass Sunday Today January 6, 2019 at 9:30am The Fifth Grade will assume the roles of liturgical leadership: greeters & ushers, lectors, gift bearers, etc. for the 9:30 am Mass. May the Lord Bless All of Our Children! Confirmation Candidates will meet Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 4 6 pm in Archangel Hall. Senior Youth Group will meet Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 4-6 pm in Archangel Hall. Junior Youth Group will meet Friday, January 11, 2019 from 7:00-9:00 pm in Archangel Hall. Marriage Moments by Susan Vogt, SusanVogt.net Rejoice in the Lord always The Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-5). Sometimes pressure preparing for Christmas can blind us to what s really important. Start by remembering that Christ lives in your beloved. Pause. Take time to rejoice in each other today. Parenting Pointers by Susan Vogt, SusanVogt.net Last Sunday we heard the apostle John, say Prepare the way of the Lord (Luke 3:4). There are usually many preparations to make for Christmas. Help your child focus on preparing and wait for the celebration. (Exception: school celebrations that we don t have control over). A Family Perspective by Bud Ozar Today s gospel tells us to SHARE! This Christmas resist the pressure to give token gifts. Instead, use those funds to give necessities to the poor. If our impoverished brothers and sisters are not on our gift list, we ve missed the point of Christmas. Common Grounds COFFEE HOUSE is open after 9:00 am Sunday Mass at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue. Please join us!

7 Queen of the Rosary Parish Religious Education Sunday Morning 9:30-10:45 am For information or questions, please call Darla at the Parish Office, or Religious Education &Youth Group News Please see that your child attends classes weekly and arrives on time. As the children enter this Gaudete Sunday, we continue the Advent journey to Bethlehem. The Religious Education Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 9:30 am. Any questions call Darla, Thank you! Youth Group meets on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Social Hall. New members are always welcome. Youth Group NEWS: We learn that we can make a difference in this world through friendship and love. Through empowerment, participation and personal and spiritual growth we hope to guide our youth to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. We will celebrate Jesus birth a group. Everyone 6th grade and up is welcomed to our meetings. Thank You to everyone who encourages and supports our youth. Youth will be visiting the shut-ins this month. Stop in or call Darla, New members welcome! Christmas Trees Decorating Holy Name Society will be setting up the Christmas Trees on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm in Queen of the Rosary Church. Anyone wishing to help decorate, please see the bulletin board for more information. Decorating will begin December 17th. Thank you. CCM/WG Scholarship Applications Scholarship Applicants must be a graduating High School Senior (2018) or a current student attending an accredited post secondary school and a registered member of Saint Michael Parish. There are two $500 scholarships available. Applications can be obtained at the Rectory Office. Scholarship Applications must be returned by Monday, December 31, Altar Bread & Wine, Altar Flowers, Sanctuary Lamp Saint Eugene Church: Sancturay Lamp burns in memory of Michael Palyo from Mary Ann Palyo. Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, Queen of the Rosary Parish 7 Read the Bible. Pray over Sacred Scripture. You can keep whatever you find Diocesan Regulations for all Ministries (Criteria for public ministry) All parish staff & volunteers: Advisory Council (Finance & Pastoral), Catechists & Aides, Choir, CCM/WG, Eucharistic Ministers, Fish Fry, Lectors, Liturgical Hospitality, Ushers, etc., are required by the USCCB, the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Parish and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be cleared in the following ways: 1. registered on the Diocesan Data Base. 2. sign the Code of Pastoral Conduct 3. cleared by the Department of Public Welfare 4. be cleared by the Pennsylvania State Police 5. attend Protecting God s Children Seminar. Protecting God s Children Seminar is a requirement for all adults (18 or older) who are involved in the public ministry of the church. This seminar is online or a live class, which will scheduled after the New Year for our Parishes. GOD s forgiveness of our sins is linked to our forgiveness of others. LORD GOD, forgive me my sins as I forgive those who sin against me. Parish Stewardship Time, Talent and Treasure Sunday, December 9, 2018 Saint Mark Parish Regular Offertory $ 3, Immaculate Conception $ Parish Share Goal $61, Received $38, Saint Michael Parish Regular Offertory $ 6, Utilities & Energy $ 1, Immaculate Conception $ 1, Parish Share Goal $90, Received $77, Queen of the Rosary Parish Regular Offertory $ 2, Immaculate Conception $ Parish Share Goal $31, Received $16, Thank You for Your Sacrificial Giving! Have you remembered your Parish in your will?

8 8 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Daily Bread, Celebration Publications Monday, December 17; Gn 49:2-10; Mt 1:1-17 Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. The countdown begins, nine days until Christmas. Not shopping days, no! but a steady unfolding of the mystery on the grand stage of salvation history. Today, Matthew opens the book of the genealogy [literally, genesis] of Jesus Christ, to a parade of global ancestors, Jews and even a Gentile or two, parsed in prophetic precision of three sets of 14 generations, from Abraham to the one acclaimed O Wisdom in today s Mass. Each day, Jesus will inherit another title from the Scriptures in the O Antiphons, which frankly, demand to be sung! So trim the tree, but remember the tree that became the cross. Wrap those gifts, remembering the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hang more lights than Snoopy, but remember when just one star lit up the whole world. O Wisdom of our God most high, guiding creation with power and love: Come to teach us the path of knowledge. Miguel Dulick Tuesday, December 18; Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-25 You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. For most of Advent, Isaiah sets the pace, and the Gospel readings just have to keep up. Now the balance has shifted; as Christmas nears, we get every angle on the story. Today, it is Joseph s turn. Yet Joseph never says a word. But I guess we think we can read his mind when Mary was found with child. Matthew, ever the accountant, adds the crucial rider: with child through the Holy Spirit. From there, the angel does all the talking, and the righteous man gets his just deserts: a virgin bride and a son of God. A bold move heard in the special antiphon applied to Jesus, O Adonai! the Hebrew name for God. O Leader of the house of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: Come rescue us with your mighty power!md Wednesday, December 19; Jgs 13:2-25; Lk 1:5-25 Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Like a blockbuster movie or a big TV series, today we get Jesus: The Prequel. We spend the longest Gospel of the week on the back story of Zechariah and the angel. Luke is a genius. As leisurely as the narrative is, we are on pins and needles, because we know where it is going! First, John the Baptist, then Jesus, who is not even mentioned, unless Zechariah could have guessed that his son John preparing a people fit for the Lord referred to his future nephew (technically, I am informed, his second cousin twice removed). Zechariah just barely believed in his own son; how was he supposed to imagine the Son of God climbing the family tree? O Root of Jesse s stem, sign of God s love for all people: Come save us without delay. Miguel Dulick Thursday, December 20; Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you. If I ever visit the Holy Land, the first place I want to go is Nazareth, just because no one knows where it was! But maybe you can just sense it, like some lingering GPS marker from that glorious summit of young girl and Gabriel, ground zero, as it were, of our salvation. It is the Big Bang in total silence, creating a whole new universe, (even multi-verses, as Stephen Hawking's research might be able to confirm now). God, often called the Ancient of Days, seems suddenly as playful as a child, ready for a game. It is as if everything is starting over: Heaven is not up, it s down, it s in Mary s womb! O Key of David, opening the gates of God s eternal kingdom: Come and free the prisoners of darkness. M Dulick Friday, December 21; Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18; Lk 1:39-45 When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb. Thomas Jefferson, who scrubbed every reference to Jesus divinity from his Bible, would not be happy today! Elizabeth welcomes Mary as the mother of my Lord, thus trumping Jefferson s enlightenment, which reduced any mystery to superstition. But let s not diminish Elizabeth s role as maybe the first female theologian, since it would be awhile before we get another woman to be a doctor of the church. Recent popes cite the saints as worthy teachers of the faith, just by their lives. That would put Joan of Arc in the inner circle, and her faith would have burned up Jefferson s toy Bible! So blessed are those women who boldly go where no man has gone before! O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: Come save us, Lord our God. Miguel Dulick

9 Saturday, December 22; 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. This prayer is called The Magnificat, from the Latin, because Mary magnifies the Lord. But can anyone doubt that, with this glorious hymn, Mary herself is growing into her role as the mother of our salvation? Last spring, Pope Francis dedicated the Monday after Pentecost as Mary, Mother of the Church. With excitement like this in the Holy Family, no wonder the 12-year-old Jesus would try to launch his prophetic career right there in the Temple in Jerusalem. It is hard not to jump ahead. But let us take this one step at time. Bethlehem, here we come! O King of all nations and keystone of the church: Come and save us, who you formed from the dust. Miguel Dulick Do you remember the ten commandments of God? The ten commandments of God are: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Remember thou keep holy the Lord's day. Honor thy father and thy mother. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods. Prepare the way of the Lord Christmas Flower Memorials St. Mark St. Michael Queen of the Rosary Please Print Requested by Donation $ Phone # Suggested Donation $10.00 Deadline Monday, December 17, 2018 Please place in an envelope marked Christmas Flower Memorial and deposit in the collection. Thank You! Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, Queen of the Rosary Parish 9 We remember... In your charity, please remember all those who have died, especially: Dolores Wise, Devon Matta, Debbie Bickerton, daughter of Richard Pershing and sister of Carol Janicki, Michael Assenti, brother of Paul Assenti, Devon Matta, all who will die today, and those who have no one to pray for them. Resting in Paradise. Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord. And let Perpetual Light Shine upon them. Grief Recovery Support Group Wednesday, December 19, :00-9:00 pm Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Center Lounge 1313 Fifth Avenue, East McKeesport Anyone who has experienced a loss is invited. No pre-registration. For information, Holiday Fruit Sale, 2018 Sponsored by Knights of Columbus, St. Michael Branch Quantity Price Total Naval Oranges 4/5 BU Holiday Navel 2/5 BU Juice Oranges 4/5 BU Red Grapefruit 4/5 BU Holiday Red Grapefruit 2/5 BU Grapefruit/Oranges Mixed Box 4/5 BU Mixed Box 2/5 BU Apples/Oranges/Pears Gift Box Sunkist Oranges Gift Box Gift Box Apples Full Box Red Apples Tangerines 4/5 BU Tangerines 2/5 BU Name Total Address Phone Number Make check payable to St. Michael K of C, # Deposit order with check in collection basket. Please mark envelopes FRUIT BASKET ORDER. Deadline for orders, Monday, December 17, 2018 Pick-up, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 at 9:00 am at Saint Michael Church, Archangel Hall, Elizabeth.

10 10 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Upcoming Events Catholic Men s Fellowship will meet on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 7:00 am in St. Michael Church & Meeting Room. Knights of Columbus will meet on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the St. Michael Church Meeting Room. Ushers will meet on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 7:30 pm in the St. Michael Church Meeting Room. Rosary Makers will meet on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 9:30 am in the St. Michael Church Meeting Room. Holy Name Society Pre-Super Bowl Party The Queen of the Rosary Holy Name Society will host a Pre Super Bowl Party on January 27, 2019 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm in the Queen of the Rosary Social Hall. Tickets $10.00 (includes food, beverages & prizes) We will have a 50/50 drawing and other drawings. All are welcome to attend. See any Holy Name member for tickets. Saint Mark Parish & Queen of the Rosary 50/50 In your offertory packet, there is a special envelope marked 50/50 Drawing--Donation $5.00. Saint Mark Parish, November 50/50 Winner is Tarquinio D Onofrio. Queen of Rosary Parish, November 50/50 Winner is Mary Ann Mularski. Beginning with the January offertory envelope packet, Saint Michael Parish will also have a 50/50 drawing each month Donation $5.00. At the end of each month, one lucky winner is drawn to win half of the proceeds. Thank you for your support! Handbell Practice meets on Sunday morning from 10:15-11:15 am at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue. Quilting Club meets on Monday, from 11 am-2 pm at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue. Crochet Club meets on Tuesday mourning, from 9:30-11:30 am at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue. Adult Choir Practice meets on Wednesday, from 7:00-8:30 pm at St. Eugene Church, Liberty. Adult Choir Practice meets on Wednesday, from 7:00-8:30 pm at St. Michael Church. Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! St. Mark Parish, St. Michael Parish Queen of the Rosary Parish Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 7:00 pm in St. Michael Archangel Hall. If you are unable to attend, please call Jan, Finance Council Meeting will be held On Monday, January 14, 2019 at 7:00 pm in St. Michael Meeting Room. If you are unable to attend, please call Jan. Queen of the Rosary Choir meets on Thursday at 6:00 pm in the Church. New members welcome! Cantor Practice meets on Thursday, from 7:00-8:00 pm at St. Michael Church. Oplatki (Christmas Wafers) are available after Mass or in the Parish Office, $3.00. Limited Supply. New! Quilting Club at Saint Mark Parish Bring your sewing machine and join us on Mondays at 11:00 am in the St. Joseph Meeting Room, Port Vue. All are welcome! For more information call Kathy, Winner Wonderland Raffle - $1,500 New Year s Eve - Monday, December 31, 2018 sponsored by St. Mark Parish Winner Wonderland Tickets - Great Stocking Stuffers Each Ticket will have 2 numbers Winner based on the first number of the PA PICK 3 evening drawing. Donation $5.00 No Bonus Numbers Motor Coach Trip to Lancaster, PA Save the Date: June 18, 19 & 20, 2019 Sponsored by Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Grouping Round Trip Transportation, Two Nights Lodging, 2 Breakfasts, Dinner & reserved seating for Jesus at the Sight & Sound Theater, Dinner & Show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, Kitchen Kettle Village, Amish Life Experience Tour and more. Bus will leave St. Michael Parking Lot. More information coming, save the date. Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner. Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven. - Pope Francis