Remembering. Worship. Worship. We believe Eucharist is the source. our faith and the center of our parish life and mission!

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2 Remembering MONDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM Joseph Mullen Dr. Frank Milani (OLS) 12:10 PM Tom Rose Ellen Franco TUESDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM John Flannery The Family (OLS) 12:10 PM William Longstreet Chester & Tina Jerchuk WEDNESDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM Irene Parsons John Wilk (OLS) 12:10 PM Ann Romano Margaret McNulty THURSDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM Special Intention Trudy Stroney (OLS) 12:10 AM Ann & Charles Zolnik The Family FRIDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM Patricia Govan The Constantine Family (OLS) 12:10 PM Catherine Harding Margaret McNulty SATURDAY Anthony & Colette Fennessy The Family Worship We believe Eucharist is the source Worship and summit of our faith and the center of our parish life and mission! 2 Stories of kings and queens are often relegated to fairy tales or medieval gallantry. Sometimes, of course, we see modern royalty in the media, and many might remember the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana decades ago, and more recently their son Prince William s wedding to Kate Middleton. But modern royals tend to be figureheads rather than political heads of state. So it can seem a bit odd to celebrate Christ as King. He is certainly more than a figurehead. It s no surprise that the Romans, always on the lookout for those who might attempt insurrection, crucified Jesus as King of the Jews. The gospel reading for today brings us into the scene between Jesus and Pilate. Of course, we know how it will end, ultimately with the crucifixion and the antagonizing sign proclaiming Jesus, King. But here in the midst of the conversation we hear eternal questions that cause us to consider, What is truth? Jesus makes a straightforward claim, that he is a king, and he has been sent to testify to the truth. Pilate, vested with political authority, including the power to inflict capital punishment, is wrapped up in a semantic argument about the nature of truth. He doesn t see the incarnation of truth, the King of Kings, standing before his very eyes. And in Pilate s blindness, he will put to death Jesus as King of the Jews. So the early Christians, and even us today, continue to proclaim Jesus as King. He is no mere figurehead. Instead, he shares the title with Yahweh, great king over the gods. What Pilate said in mockery was utterly true. Jesus Christ is King. Reflection: What is the essential truth revealed by Jesus in the gospels?

3 THE PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. GREGORY, GUIDED BY CHRIST S GOSPEL MESSAGE OF LOVE AND NOURISHED FOR MISSION AT EUCHARIST WELCOMES THE WORLD WITH OPEN ARMS, FAITHFUL HEARTS AND HANDS READY TO SERVE. We recognize God s call to serve our parish family and neighbors near and far! The season of Advent is a time to remember the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ s coming brought and continues to bring to our world. Now more than ever, though, PEACE must be our primary prayer and hope. Join the combined music ministries of the Church of Saint Gregory and Our Lady of the Snows/St. Benedict s in a moving, musical Advent prayer for peace And On Earth, Peace: A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 16 at 7:00 pm at the Church of Saint Gregory. Join the 60+ voice choir and chamber orchestra in recalling through scripture and song how God s peace has always been present to his people. Admission is free. Service WE RE GLAD YOU RE HERE! The Church of St. Gregory is a diverse and vibrant community of faith that offers many opportunities to enrich your spiritual life, serve those in need, educate your family, and most importantly, to belong. You may fill out an online registration form at Thechurchofstgregory.com or download form and return to our office.

4 Love and generosity start here at home. We are grateful for your faithful stewardship which sustains the life of the parish, supports our outreach and ministries, as well as maintains the level of staffing needed to put our mission into action: welcoming the world with open arms, faithful hearts and hands ready to serve. Thank you for your gift of treasure and commitment to do God s work here at the Church of Saint Gregory offered on the weekend of November 17 & 18, Sunday Offering $13, Building Fund Payments $33, Weekly Pantry Collection Macaroni & Cheese or Canned Pasta The children are fun to be around. They smile and it makes your day. You will get back more than you give. It is great to hear what their perspective is on things we discuss. They offer a fresh new view. The discussions with the Faith Formation staff were meant to bring awareness of this program to the members of the parish. In the articles, the instructors talked about how they became involved in the program and what their goals were for their students. They also answered an additional question. The question asked the instructors: what you would say to someone who is considering volunteering as a Catechist in Saint Gregory s Faith Formation Program? Below is a sampling of some responses. It is an opportunity to work with quality people and to inspire children. It is a rewarding volunteer experience. I have met many wonderful children, parents, and teachers in the Faith Formation program. Donations this week will be offered to McAuley Center Donations of pet food will always be received. 4 Working in the Faith Formation Program will inspire you and strengthen your faith as much as you will inspire and strengthen the faith of your students. God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. The laity is needed more now to help with the future of the church. Don t be afraid. Once you get started, the rewards are great. If your child is a student in the faith formation program, giving your time, either teaching or substituting is ideal. It is like a family affair with tons of rewards. Do it! Being involved with students has helped me to focus on faith in my life. Surely you will get more than you give. It s not like teaching school, but more like sharing your life with these deserving young people. To watch your faith continually grow through the eyes of a child, is the most rewarding gift you can be given. If you have a desire to find out more information about volunteering for the Faith Formation Program, contact Ruth Fried at ruthfried@comcast.net or Cristen Klamp at cklamp@alum.lehigh.edu.

5 December 2 at 6:00 PM The Listening Session canceled due to poor weather conditions is moved ahead to Sunday December 2 beginning with Advent Evening Prayer at 6:00 PM. This is a much needed opportunity to gather to reflect, pray and listen to each other in love in a safe and judgment free environment. Gentle and loving listening, shared vulnerability and conversation in community is a path toward healing. We invite your kind cooperation during the construction phase of our Ministry Center. Please do not park in the main driveway. Everyone s safety and access to our campus is our primary concern. We apologize for the added inconvenience. It is temporary! OLP parking lots are always available. We cherish our relationship with Jesus and strive to make the gospel relevant to our daily lives! Word Valet The first phase of restoration of the church garden began with the following work completed on November 2, 2018 by Brown Hill Tree Company. Wash by hand the plants in the indoor garden to remove dust build up. IPM Service Spray the plants in the indoor garden with insecticidal soap to kill soft bodied pests. IPM Service Treat the large trees with a growth regulator to slow growth and encourage a healthy root system. Prune Reduction to direct growth and keep clearance form walls. Elimination of several dead plants. Planting of new smaller greenery. Installation of new irrigation (watering) system. Work will continue throughout the year. We plan to have all this work completed before the installation of new carpeting in the Spring. Donations/ pledges to the Forward in Faith Campaign can still be made. Your support is critical to the restoration of our beautiful church along with construction of our new Ministry Center. For anyone who needs assistance when attending mass while we are under construction, help is here! We ask you to please pull your car up to the sidewalk entrance on the OLP side of the rear parking lot at the rear of the rectory. One of our hospitality ministers will meet you to assist your passenger into church while you park your car. You may call in advance during the week and request help for a particular Mass. The gifts of bread and wine are offered this week in memory of Kashetta & Clum Families 5

6 Leadership Teams Catholic Social Services/Friends of the Poor annual Toy Drive has begun. New, unwrapped toys for ages infant to 17 years of age may be dropped of in the boxes at the back of the church. All donations will be picked up and delivered on December 16 for distribution. Michele Musheno, Theresa Robinson, Scott Pettinato, Marjorie Barlow, Joe Hogan, Donald Broderick, Ted Tomaszewski, Mary Ann Morgan, Logan Lombardo, Deacon Bob, Gemma Chuff, Mary Chuff, Matthew Walsh, Theresa Acla, John Zaums, Marian Farrell, Barbara Bratz, Chris Behan, Perry Rose, Fr. John Bill Burkavage, John Devine, Paul Gerega, Deacon Bob, Yvonne Cronkey, Ken Paulino, Jim Fleming, Father John. Every donation counts!! If you have not yet pledged, please Help us reach our Annual Appeal Parish Goal! We are at 50% of our goal of $79, We are grateful to the 142 parishioners who have supported the 2018 Annual Appeal to date. f you have not yet given your support, please: Call the Development Office at to make a pledge Mail a check to the Diocesan Appeal Office Give online at Scranton.org Our Parish is reimbursed 75% for any gifts made to the Appeal in excess of our Appeal goal. The Little Sisters of the Poor will be at all of the Masses this weekend, November 24 & 25 seeking your support for their Mission of Caring for the Poor and Aged. On behalf of the Little Sisters, we thank you for your kindness and generosity. Fresh brewed coffee in St. Joe s Café every Sunday from 8:00 am to Noon and Wednesday mornings after Mass. 6 All Lector s are kindly asked to stop in the Sacristy this weekend to pick up your Lector workbook. Books are in alphabetical order and we ask that you please take the book that belongs to you!

7 The Giving Tree has been an Advent tradition at St. Gregory s for many years. The gifts are for the residents of Clarks Summit State Hospital (gold tags), and the Veterans at Saint Francis Commons (red tags). Please choose a tag and ornament from the tree. Wrap the gift, attach the tag, and return it as soon as possible for the gifts to be delivered before December 16. The handmade ornaments are the Women s Guild s gift to you in exchange for your gracious participation. If for any reason you are unable to get the gift you chose please contact Suzanne or Anne We believe that our Baptism forms us into a family joined together to love God and one another! Community If you would like to make an Advent Wreath, families are invited to sign-up at the hospitality cart for an Advent Wreath kit. Kits will be placed in the Sanctuary and will be blessed at all of the masses. The Abington Community, friends and family are invited to the Candle Lighting Program on Sunday, December 9 at 7:00 PM at the Abington Community Library. This worldwide event creates a 24 hour wave of light across the globe to give all bereaved families and friends everywhere the opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us. The event will include music, interfaith prayers and a table of remembrance. Registration will begin with the names of those who were lost at 6:30 PM and the lighting of the ceremonial candle promptly at 7:00 PM. Everyone is kindly asked to bring a flameless candle or glo-stick to participate in the lighting. Fellowship and remembrance will be held after the candle lighting program. Get Involved Whether you re interested in serving, connecting with others, worshipping, giving, or growing spiritually, we offer many opportunities for adults of all ages and youth to choose from. This bulletin along with our website is the best source of information for those wanting to engage. 7

8 Baptisms are normally celebrated on the Third Sunday of every month during or following the 12 noon liturgy. Baptisms may be arranged at other times when necessary. Parent and Godparent preparation may be scheduled by calling the rectory for an appointment. The prayer shawl ministry meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM in the rectory. A team of volunteers who provide comfort, a meal or assis- tance with parishioners and neighbors suffering loss or illness of any kind. Please contact the rectory at anytime for the celebration of this sacrament. David Hemmler, Marion Eagen, Nina Magnani, Cindy Dick, Debbie Colarossi, Ron Grambo, Donna Nasser, Judy Grambo, Danny Marx. Julie Nastasi, Carol Strauch, John Devine, Kate Sebring, Chrissy Jacoby, Deacon Bob, Meg & John Hambrose, Jane Farr, Judy Burkavage, Susan Scanland, Ken Walsh, Doris Sanner. The Service Team has a complete list of service connected opportunities. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Julie Nastasi at Julie.nastasi@gmail. com. Tracy Bannon, Saul & Lisa Rigau, Yvonne Cronkey, Bridget Walsh, Bill Durdach, Danelle Hogan, Molly Johnson, Pam Jones, Mary Griffin, Joe Hogan, Nina Magnani. Parish activities and sign-up sheets may be found on the Welcome Cart. For more information, please contact Tracy Bannon at tracybannon@stjosephscenter. Org Ruth Fried, Bob Barry, Jack Rubano, Connie Sheils, Patti Staples, Fred Mercandante, Dr. Ted Tomaszewski, Carlon Preate, Dan Haggerty, Bob Sheils, III, Cristen Klamp. To learn more about the Word Coordinating Team, please contact Patti Staples at thstapes@comcast.net. Arrangements should be made six months prior to the desired wedding date. Please contact Father Lapera. (Both) Spirit Song Ensemble and Voices of Faith Choir: Wed. 7:00 p.m. Genesis Children s Choir: Wed. 4:00 p.m. A team of volunteers who provide appropriate ideas and design for the decoration of our worship space. Ministers of Hospitality are the welcoming ambassadors of our parish family at liturgy. Please contact our office for more information. A team of Extraordinary Communion Ministers visit our homebound with Communion every month. For more Information please contact Deacon Robert Sheils at rsheils1@comcast.net Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM, every Tuesday afternoon at 5:15 PM and every Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM. If anyone has a family member, relative or friend in any of the area hospitals and would like them to have a visit, please call the rectory. Our parish partners with St. Joseph s School in Uganda. Donations are always welcome in support of student tuition. A pet group that collects food and supplies for the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. For more information please contact Lisa Thomas at lmt01@comcast.net Weekly donations may be left in the closet to your left as you come in the new entrance on the OLP side. There is a wagon inside the door for all donations. See page 4 for a list of items we are collecting each week. There are also four large annual collections. This ministry seeks to raise awareness of the growing problem of homelessness of veterans within our local community and serve residents at St. Francis Commons. For more information please bburkavage@gmail.com This team will encourage parish support for refugees arriving in our community from all over the world in cooperation with CSS of the Diocese of Scranton. Family, friends and visitors are welcome for coffee after Mass in St. Joe s Café on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. Guild meetings take place the first Thursday of every month from September through May, with the exception of January. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the rectory. saintgregoryswomensguild@gmail. com A social gathering to foster fellowship, friendship and parish family for all parish adults. The community table meets at a different venue monthly. Information will be published in the Green Dialog or you may judywalsh730@gmail.com. Our Religious Education program takes place every Sunday Morning at 11:05 AM at Our Lady of Peace School for grades 1-8. Kindergarten Class is held at Our Lady of Peace School. Our Lady of Peace School 410 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA Mrs. M. Colleen Jumper, Principal - Holy Cross High School 501 E. Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA Mr. Benjamin D. Tolerico, Principal - There currently is an R.C.I.A. team ready to welcome anyone interested in becoming a Catholic or to learn more about their Catholic faith. Please Connie at rsheils1@comcast.net Seasonal Faith Formation opportunities for all ages are offered throughout the year.