December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent

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1 Saint Matthias Parish 128 Bryn Mawr Avenue Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania Founded 1906 W e b s i t e : w w w. s a i n t m a t t h i a s. o r g E m a i l : m a t t h i a s a i n t m a t t h i a s. o r g R e c t o r y : F a x : Parish Religious Education Office and Youth Office: Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m. Mass Schedule Monday Friday: 7:30 a.m. Sunday: 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions): Saturdays at 4:15 PM, also by appointment Reverend Monsignor Gerard C. Mesure, J.D., J.C.D., M.A. Pastor Reverend Sean P. Bransfield, J.C.L., M.A., M.Div. Parochial Vicar Reverend John A. McGinnis, Retired Priest Brandon M. Artman, Seminarian Director of Parish Outreach: Peggy Haley Director of Liturgical Music: Berthilla Wiscount Coordinator of Religious Education: Peggy Haley Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry: Katie Bryson NEW PARISHIONERS: Welcome to Saint Matthias Parish! Please see one of the priests after any weekend Mass, or call the Rectory if you are interested in registering at Saint Matthias Parish. RECTORY OFFICE HOURS: The office staff is available for business matters Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. APPOINTMENTS: You are asked to arrange an appointment in advance by telephone with the Priest you wish to see. SICK CALLS: Emergencies Please call the Rectory. Hospital Visitation The Parish Priests will be happy to visit any Parishioner who is hospitalized. Please contact the Rectory, since hospitals do not contact the Rectory. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: The Sacrament of Baptism is administered most Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements are made in advance at the Rectory. Sponsors must provide proof of eligibility by a letter from their respective Pastors. First-time parents attend a Pre-Jordan Meeting prior to Baptism, which is arranged at a mutually convenient time. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: Arrangements must be made with the Pastor at least six months before the date of the Wedding. Pre-Cana instructions are required. Weddings may be scheduled on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., or on Friday evenings. D E C E M B E R 4, 2016 S E C O N D S U N D A Y O F ADVENT

2 December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent H.O.P.E. Helping Other People Enthusiastically H.O.P.E. volunteers assist fellow Parishioners by providing transportation to doctors offices, banks, and supermarkets. The H.O.P.E. Captain for December 5 to December 11 is Marisa Fusaro: Saturday, December 3 Vigil, Second Sunday of Advent 5:00 John McCormick Sunday, December 4 Second Sunday of Advent *8:30 Intentions of Marlene Giamporcaro 10:30 For Our Parishioners Mass of Anointing 7:00 Marian Mullahy Monday, December 5 Advent Weekday 7:30 Happy Repose of the Souls of the Buccino, Talarico, and Mollinedo Families Tuesday, December 6 Advent Weekday/St. Nicholas 7:30 Deceased Members of the McGeehan and McDevitt Families Wednesday, December 7 St. Ambrose 7:30 a.m. In Thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 8 Immaculate Conception of the 7:30 a.m. Nicholas Chovanes Blessed Virgin Mary 12:00 Noon Thomas, Alice, and Pat O Gara 7:00 p.m. Richard Frank Vita Friday, December 9 Advent Weekday/St. Juan Diego 7:30 Personal Intentions of Eileen Keenan Saturday, December 10 Advent Weekday 8:00 Stephen Griffin *5:00 Deceased Members of the Teller and Tiers Families Sunday, December 11 Third Sunday of Advent 8:30 Marie Przybyszewski 10:30 Kiley Steward 7:00 For Our Parishioners * Extraordinary support through the Saint Matthias Day Program LIVING LIGHTS: On the side of the Sanctuary near the statue of the Sacred Heart is a place where three candles burn for special intentions. If you wish to have one of these candles burning for your intention, please bring your donation and intention to the sacristy or the rectory office. The Donation for these candles is $10. This week s candles are lit for: Our Youth, Family and Marriage, and Special Intention. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK OF OUR PARISH: Martha Eckert, Frank Diebold, Marie Damas, Eleanor Kuhl, Louise Owens, Michele Smith, Louise Vesci, Lorraine Beaulieu, Dr. Joan Hurlock, Rev. Thomas Wheeler, S.J., Rev. James Moore, S.J., Chadd Kraus, Bill Duffy, Louis Owens, Lynne Dotsey, Toni Mastrocola, Jack Yura, Rev. John McGinnis, Nancy Lawler, Peggy Haley, and Stephanie Krieger. We also pray for those served by our Parish in Inglis House and Bala Nursing Home. Please help us keep this list current: if you wish to have someone s name added to or removed from our Sick List, please contact the Rectory. MEMBERS OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: Patricia Black, Katherine Bryson (ex-officio), Andrea Constantino, Mike DeMonte, Maggie Duffy, Peggy Haley (ex-officio), Ross Holgado, Claudia Martinez, Ray Nepomuceno, Mark Rooney, Gina Sullivan, H. Nelson Keyser (finance rep), Mike Utkus, Berthilla Wiscount (ex-officio). Sacrificial Giving ~ Stewardship Sunday Collection: November 19/20: $ 6,049 Sunday E-Giving: November 19/20: $ 1,432 Catholic Education Collection: November 19/20: $ 532 Thanksgiving Day Collection/Mercy Neighborhood Ministries: $ 436 Sunday Collection: November 26/27: $ 6,920 Sunday E-Giving: November 26/27: $ 693 Christmas Flowers Collection: November 26/27: $ 1,350 Thank you for your continued sacrificial generosity! Second Collection Envelopes: This weekend is the Religious Retirement Collection. Please be generous in this collection which assists in the various financial needs of our retired sisters, brothers, and priests. Your support is a way to show your appreciation for the years of dedicated service of these faithful men and women. All envelopes for the second collection should be placed in the main collection at the time of the offertory of the Mass. Thank you. 075 Saint Matthias - 2

3 Dear Parishioners, A Welcome and Some Farewells We have been notified that Deacon Mike Kubiak has been transferred to St. Bernadette Parish in Drexel Hill. St. Bernadette Parish is Deacon Mike s home parish and since there was an opening for a deacon there, he understandably asked for the transfer. Deacon Mike was only with us for about a year and a half, but I am most grateful for his assistance. We wish him well as he continues his ministry as a deacon. I have been told that another permanent deacon may be assigned to St. Matthias, but that is still in the works. Also, about a year ago when Jack Yura retired as our parish business manager, we were fortunate to have long time parishioner Mr. Dave Fabry come on board as our part time business manager to oversee the parish properties. Over this last year he has been an invaluable help especially in dealing with the complications of leasing the parish center building. Also last January, Cindy Barton came in on a temporary basis as our part time business manager to handle the parish's financial dealings. Cindy told me from the start that she could not stay, and I am most grateful that she has remained with us so long. Cindy will be leaving in about a month. She has been a great help to the parish and she will be very much missed. I am pleased to report, however, that a new part time business manager to handle our parish finances will be starting in a few weeks. He is Mr. Sean Sweeney. Mr. Sweeney is a graduate of St. Matthias School and his family has deep ties to the parish. He has extensive experience in financial matters and will be a great asset to the parish. We are most happy to welcome him back to St. Matthias. May God bless you all. Fr. Mesure Anointing Mass TODAY: December 4 at 10:30 AM The anointing of the sick is the sacrament for the seriously ill, infirm, the aged, or someone about to have surgery. Jesus showed a great love for sinners and the sick. He gave special care to the sick and cured them. Jesus continues to come to the sick in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. The priest takes the oil and anoints the sick person on the forehead and the hands, saying once: Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen. By this anointing and the accompanying prayers for the restoration of health, the entire Church through the priests ask the Lord (1) to lighten the suffering of the sick, (2) forgive their sins, (3) and bring them to eternal salvation. We will anoint those who wish to receive this sacrament during the 10:30 AM Mass today. Please alert an usher that you would like to be anointed and they will give you further instructions. A small luncheon will be held in the Parish Center after Mass for all who wish to attend. Saint Matthias Giving Tree Benefitting LaSalle Academy Our 5 th Annual Giving Tree is placed in front of the Saint Joseph Altar, at the entrance to the crypt. The tree displays Christmas ornaments. They are beautiful, but these are special ornaments. On the back of each ornament are items requested from Santa. In this case, you will be their Santa! LaSalle Academy is a mission school in Philadelphia. The school is dedicated to educating children in grades 3-8 whose life opportunities are limited by financial, academic, social or emotional challenges, and whose parents/guardians desire, but cannot afford a Catholic education. The academy is located at 1434 N. Second Street. LaSalle Academy serves the poorest of the poor. We ask that each family take an ornament from the tree, purchase the gift requested, place the unwrapped gift with the firmly-affixed ornament onto the gift under the tree. The gifts will be delivered to the school for distribution to these children and families. Please return all gifts to the Giving Tree no later than NEXT Sunday, December 11. LaSalle stated that these gifts are many times the only present the child or family members will receive for Christmas! It is our prayer that all the ornaments are taken and replaced with a gift. 075 Saint Matthias - 3

4 Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is on the first Tuesday of each month. The next All-Day Adoration followed by 7 PM Benediction will be this Tuesday, December 6. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar at the end of the 7:30 AM Mass. Stop by as a family! Please sign up for a time slot on the schedule at the back of Church to ensure Our Lord is never alone. JOIN US for the lighting of the Church lights for Christmas and the blessing of the Creche THIS Friday, December 9th at 6 PM outside Church, followed by the Children s Christmas Fun Fest in the Gym! ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FUN FEST This Thursday, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be celebrated at 7:30 AM, 12 Noon, and 7:00 PM, with a Calling all Saint Matthias Boys and Girls!! THIS Friday - December 9th, 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM Evening begins with Church Christmas Lighting and Crèche Blessing (promptly at 6:00 p.m.) in front of church. All children are invited to participate in the Tableau and Christmas Show during the Fun Fest! Elves are also needed to help with decorating, bake sale, craft table, and tableau. Please contact Mrs. Haley at the Rectory for more information: Vigil Mass on Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM. FUN FEST BAKE SALE An Advent Prayer Hail and blessed be the hour and moment In which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, At midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour, hear, O Lord, And grant my request. Amen. Congratulations to Lee Bussinger and Sarah Benedict Bussinger on the baptism of their daughter, Mikayla Bussinger, on November 20, 2016 at Saint Matthias Church. Congratulations also to Bao Nguyen and Yuki Kakuto Nguyen on the baptism of their child, Khai Nguyen, on November 27, 2016 at Saint Matthias Church. Please bring your donation to the Gym this Friday, December 9th Proceeds offset the cost of the Fun Fest DRIVER NEEDED Woman living in Wynnewood desires transportation to/from either Mass on Christmas Eve. If you can help, please call the rectory. Life is changed, not ended. Pray for the happy repose of the soul of Gladys Metz. Gladys was 100 years old, and her funeral is scheduled for December 5. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 075 Saint Matthias - 4

5 Boy Scout Troop Bala One Annual Wreath and Coffee Sale Boy Scout Troop Bala One, located in Bala Cynwyd, is having its annual fundraiser Holiday Wreath and La Colombe Coffee Bean Sale. The wreaths are decorated by the boys in the troop. The whole-bean coffee comes in 12 ounce bags. La Colombe coffee is often touted as the best coffee in Philadelphia and beyond. Three blends will be available Nizza (a creamy, fragrant sweet coffee Medium Light Roast), Corsica (a bold blend with an agreeable nature - Dark Roast) and Decaffeinated. They will be greatly appreciated as gifts, or treat yourself! Wreaths are just $20 each and will be available for pick-up or delivery in the first week of December. Wreaths will also be sold after Masses the first two weekends in December. Each bag of coffee beans is priced at $15 and is available now! Cash or checks made payable to Troop Bala One are accepted at or before delivery. All net proceeds benefit the Scouts of Bala One and are used to help offset the costs of camping, equipment and activities. Thank you for considering supporting the troop, and troop member/parishioner Teddy Eisenstein! Place order by sending an to seisenstein@aciclinical.com. Please provide name, address, phone, and number of wreaths and/or coffee blend. December 4 th Anointing Mass at 10:30 AM (Sandwiches & other refreshments after Mass) December 6 th Tuesday All-Day Eucharistic Adoration December 8 th Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 9 th Kids Fun Fest/ Outdoor Christmas Lighting December 11 th Giving Tree Donations Due Christmas Cards for the Homebound and those in Nursing Homes. Baskets are at the Church doors with the names and addresses of our Parishioners who are homebound or living in nursing homes. Please take the names of a few of your fellow Parishioners and send them a Christmas card, reminding them they are in the thoughts and prayers of their Parish during this holy season. For some, yours may be the only card they receive this year. Your thoughtfulness and kindness are appreciated. Infant Clothing Collection Benefiting Mothers Home in Darby December 4 th January 8 th Mothers Home is a residential shelter which provides a safe haven for vulnerable, pregnant women in crisis who choose life as a sacred gift. Founded in 1991 as a program to provide hope and support for young adult women who choose life for their unborn child despite ongoing obstacles, Mothers Home provides shelter for up to 22 women during their pregnancy and the first 6 months after their babies are born. Please drop off your donation (unwrapped, please) in front of Saint Joseph s Altar beginning December 4. Thank you for your kindness! Saint Matthias Church Christmas Schedule Advent-Christmas Confessions Saturdays (except December 24): 4:15 4:45 PM Sunday, December 18: 9:15 10:15 AM Monday, December 19: 7:00 7:30 PM Also by appointment Christmas Masses Christmas Eve: 4:00 PM Children s Mass and 6:00 PM Midnight Mass (preceded by choral and instrumental prelude at 11:30 PM) Christmas Day: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM (NO Evening Mass on Christmas Day) Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1) New Year s Eve: 5:00 PM New Year s Day: 8:30 and 10:30 AM (NO Evening Mass on New Year s Day) 075 Saint Matthias - 5

6 The luminaries on display for the Christmas Eve Masses are always a sight to behold. Can you help before the 6:00 PM Mass or after the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve to assist with lighting, placing and removing the luminaries? If so, please call the Rectory at A Special Message from Father McGinnis Dear Saint Matthias Parishioners, I want so much to thank all of you for all of your kind thoughts and prayers for my recovery from my recent accident. I even had prayers said from Lourdes and Miraculous Medal Shrine. Consequently, my medical providers were astounded at how quickly I healed and recovered. I am way ahead of schedule. And it is all your doing. Prayer works, prayer is powerful! Thank you again, and rest assured that you remain in my thoughts and prayers as well. May the Lord bless and keep you, may He shine His face upon you and be gracious to you, may He look upon you kindly and give you peace. Father John McGinnis St. Matthias Prayer Chain What an amazing addition to this season of thanksgiving! The choir loft is now adorned with our St. Matthias prayer chain. This chain started as a PREP project to teach kindergarteners that as Christians we are all one family. But with the help of Mrs. Haley, our idea went from the PREP classrooms out to all of you. Last Sunday PREP added more "links" by asking you to write names on slips of paper to add to the chain. With all of your support and interest in our project, our chain grew by leaps and bounds! We know there are more names to add, so we will keep baskets with strips of paper at the church doors. Just write your name or that of a loved one and return it to the basket. We will make sure it is included. It has been a joy to watch this project evolve, and heartwarming to see PREP students in awe as our chain grows. And now it is truly a beautiful symbol for all of us enjoy. Thank you! - Autumn Mendel, Kindergarten PREP Catechist The Visitation Nuns at 5820 City Avenue (between 59 th St. and Cardinal Ave.), Philadelphia, cordially invite you to celebrate with them the Triduum of Our Lady of Guadalupe at 7:30 PM Masses, December 10-12, celebrated by Rev. Joseph Okonski. All are welcome! December, 2016 Universal Intention: End to Child-Soldiers That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over. Evangelization Intention: Europe That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life. Christmas at the Cathedral Basilica Sunday, December 11 at 3:00 PM Featuring the Cathedral Choir, Archdiocesan Choir, Archdiocesan Girl Choir, and Archdiocesan Boy Choir. The choirs of the Cathedral Basilica and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia join forces in beautiful carols and the traditional music of Christmas. Resounding brass add to the spectacle as hundreds of voices sing in celebration of the festive season! For tickets, please visit to everyone who donated canned goods and/or money on Thanksgiving, and/or paper goods throughout the month of November. We were able to send a large donation to Mercy Neighborhood Ministries again this year! MAIN LINE SINGLES DINNER CLUB (AGES 52-64) Catholic men and women are cordially invited to join The Main Line Singles Dinner Club. Our next scheduled event is Sunday, December 11 at 5:15 P.M. at the entirely revamped Yang Ming Restaurant in Bryn Mawr. More info call Barb (610) Saint Matthias - 6