Twenty sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time September 30, Second Sunday of Advent December 09, 2018

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1 Twenty sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time September 30, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent December 09, 2018 Advent 2018

2 Remembering December MONDAY (OLS) 12:10 PM John & Joan Judge Joseph Zielinski Phil & Dee Judge Jerry & Marilyn Graff Rose & David Hemmler Jonathan Brunetti Mom & Dad Ralph & Ludmilla Grambo Christian LaBelle David & Joanne Hartman Joseph V. Scott Ethel Locher Tim Aikman Kaitlyn Dougherty Jamie Tomczyk John Martin Tomczyk Family TUESDAY (OLS) 12:10 PM WEDNESDAY (OLS) 12:10 PM THURSDAY (OLS) 12:10 AM FRIDAY (OLS) 12:10 PM SATURDAY We believe Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and the center of our parish life and mission! Reflecting on Living the Gospel Beginning with John the Baptist s preaching, Luke situates the Christ-event in a particular historical time and place, for, as he tells us in Acts 26:26, these things did not happen in a corner. And it is precisely because of Luke s desire to give us the historical details that scholars can be fairly confident of their dating. Luke cites both civil and religious leaders to situate the Christ-event in history. The Emperor Tiberius, who reigned from AD 14 to 36, succeeded Caesar Augustus, which means that the fifteenth year of Tiberius s reign could be anywhere from AD 27 to 29 depending on how one counts the years. The historical details do much in demonstrating that Jesus was a historical figure. The Christ-event is not a mere myth like so many other Greek and Roman tales. Jesus was a living, breathing Jewish human being who lived in the Roman Empire in the province of Judea. These things did not happen in a corner (cf. Acts 26:26). Once the events are situated in their historical setting, Luke continues the narrative with the story about John the Baptist, whose birth is recounted in the first chapter. There we hear the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth having a child even though Elizabeth is barren. It is Luke who essentially makes John a cousin of Jesus, a detail found nowhere else in the New Testament. The appellation of John as son of Zechariah (Luke 3:2) is a nod to the story in the first chapter. These details alone the historical setting and the familial relationship between John and Jesus tell us we are dealing with a unique author who has his own theological insights to convey. Luke is a gifted storyteller, theologian, and evangelist. We do well to read his story carefully. 2

3 Courageous Conversation In this season of Advent and soon Christmas, we are invited to ask an important question: how has and will Christ come to us? I propose we draw upon the power of our parish family in unified prayer. There is no doubt that we are in a time of struggle. I am very grateful for the sixty members of our parish family who came together for prayer and conversation regarding the release of the grand jury report. I am sure their honest and heartfelt concerns are shared by everyone. I am convinced now more than ever that every one of the baptized should be involved in the ecclesial and social change that we so greatly need. A solidarity that summons everyone to support reform and renewal. The extent and the gravity of all that has happened requires coming to grips with this reality in a comprehensive and communal way. If one member of the body of Christ suffers all suffer together with it. (1Cor 12) We must remain vigilant in our prayer and care for the victims of violence and their healing from these great tragedies. We must help one another embrace the waiting, the longing, and the dreaming that so captures Advent anticipating joy even if we cannot taste it yet. As we begin our new liturgical year, we hold up our parish family: Built of Living Stones. We pray for the gift of God s grace to abound in this holy season here at the Church of Saint Gregory and beyond. These seasons of Advent and Christmas bring a tangible presence and spirit, especially in our love and concern for one another. Our conversation will inspire us to action. Father John Mission Statement 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! Advent Penance Services Advent Reconciliation services will be held throughout our area in the month of December. Please make an effort to attend one of the services listed below. Sunday, December 9 at 6:00 PM Nativity BVM, Tunkhannock Monday, December 17 at 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 PM Thursday, December 20 at 7:00 PM St. John Vianney (Corpus Christi), Montdale Church of St. Patrick, Nicholson Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit ARE YOU NEW TO ST. Gregory s? 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 Stewardship 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 December 2 & 3, Sunday Offering $14, Building Fund Payments $2, Care & Education $ Hands Ready To Serve Weekly Pantry Collection Coffee, tea & instant drinks Donations this week will be offered to Leahy Center. Donations of pet food will always be received. 4 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.

5 Refugee Christmas party The Church of St. Gregory s Service Commission will hold its second annual Refugee Christmas Party today, Dec. 9, 2018 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the University of Scranton s Rose Room in Brennan Hall on Madison Avenue. Volunteers are needed to help welcome party guests and introduce our new neighbors to our community. Children are welcome to volunteer to help with children s games and arts and crafts. Parish Bakers are invited to put their skills to work providing the taste of Christmas in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Please sign up at the hospitality cart to help! 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! Valet Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Christmas Vigil 12:00 a.m. Midnight Mass Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. 12 Noon 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 Dr. Caroline Coffey 5

6 Leadership Teams Pastoral Council 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 Finance Council Bill Burkavage, John Devine, Paul Gerega, Deacon Bob, Yvonne Cronkey, Ken Paulino, Jim Fleming, Father John. Angels at the Doorstep D o you have a relative, friend, or neighbor who is in need of assistance but you have not had the time to reach out to them? This newest ministry at St. Gregory s, Angels at the Doorstep, might be just what you are looking for. This ministry provides outreach services to our parishioners who are either sick, hospitalized, in a nursing home or who have suffered a loss of a loved one and are temporarily in need of some sort of assistance. This ministry would like to provide more services, but we need your help. We need your help in identifying these people in need. We are also in need of more volunteers either to provide long term assistance or short term interventions. If this ministry is one which interests you or you know someone who could benefit from these services, please contact Joe Hogan at jhoganstgregory@gmail.com. Christmas Gifts of Stock In the spirit of good stewardship, you may want to consider a year-end gift of stock. Donations to St. Gregory s Building Campaign Fund of stock or mutual funds transfers may provide you with an income tax deduction, as well as a way to avoid paying capital gains tax on the shares increased value. As always, check with your tax consultant for details. A member of our leadership team would be happy to meet with you and discuss project details and options with you! 6 Fresh brewed coffee in St. Joe s Café every Sunday from 8:00 am to Noon and Wednesday mornings after Mass. Christmas Eve Liturgy with Children Any child from preschool through high school who is interested in participating in the 2018 Christmas Eve Liturgy with Children, please contact Ruth Fried at or to register. Altar Servers, readers, gift bearers, and children for the nativity scene are needed. There will be an informational meeting and first practice Friday, December 14 at 4:00 PM in St. Gregory s Church. We will be choosing the parts for the Mass at this meeting. The following is a schedule of practices: Monday, December 17, Tuesday, December 18, Thursday, December 20, all practices will begin at 4:00 PM. Practice for All parts will be held on Saturday, December 22 at 10:00 AM.

7 Giving Tree 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, and the Veterans at Saint Francis Commons. Please wrap the gift, attach the tag, and return it as soon as possible for the gifts to be delivered before December 16. If for any reason you are unable to get the gift you chose please contact Suzanne or Anne Thank You! We believe that our Baptism forms us into a family joined together to love God and one another! First Reconciliation Candidates Tucker Abrahamsen Brayden Franey Gabriella Agosin Eloise Giroux Zachary Astolfi Lily Griffiths Reese Azar Julia Healey Katherine Barrett Coen Holland Jack Bernard Julia Jones Austin Browining William Jordan Brieanna Bugno Alissa Jury Austin Chiochio Avery Kane Kenzie Ciavarella Joseph Karsnak Claire Conaboy Lucas Lengyel Jude Cuff Alexander Lin Maizie Davolos Celia Ludka Reid Debnam Sadie Lydon Lucas Dennis Rocco Marsala Lear Eckenrode Giuliana Matrone Addison Edwards Emily McGurrin Eloise Egan Gavin Monagan Macsen Evans Paige Moroski Rose Morrison Sophia Pulman Judith Riff Amelia Rizzo Lucas Samala Connor Seamans Cole Severs Logan Shaffer Cooper Smith Adalyn Snyder Cole Spinelli Sophia Statsman Leah Steinberg Daniel Stofko Samantha Tonti Grayson Voytek Zane Whitbeck 2018 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 Baptism 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. Coordinating Teams WORSHIP David Hemmler, Marion Eagen, Nina Magnani, Cindy Dick, Debbie Colarossi, Ron Grambo, Donna Nasser, Judy Grambo, Danny Marx. SERVICE 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. Anointing of the Sick Parish activities and sign-up sheets may be found on the Welcome Cart. For more information, please contact Tracy Bannon at tracybannon@stjosephscenter. Org WORD 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. The prayer shawl ministry meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM in the rectory. Angels at the Doorstep A team of volunteers who provide comfort, a meal or assis- Please contact the rectory at anytime for the celebration of this sacrament. tance with parishioners and neighbors suffering loss or illness of any kind. Marriage Veterans Ministry Arrangements should be made six months prior to the desired wedding date. Please contact Father Lapera. 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 Music Ministry Rehearsals (Both) Spirit Song Ensemble and Voices of Faith Choir: Wed. 7:00 p.m. Genesis Children s Choir: Wed. 4:00 p.m. Art and Environment A team of volunteers who provide appropriate ideas and Refugee Family Ministry 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. design for the decoration of our worship space. Holy Grounds Ministers of Hospitality Family, friends and visitors are welcome for coffee after Mass in St. Joe s Café on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. Ministers of Hospitality are the welcoming ambassadors of our parish family at liturgy. Please contact our office for more information. Communion Calls 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 COMMUNITY Rosary Groups Tracy Bannon, Saul & Lisa Rigau, Yvonne Cronkey, Bridget Walsh, Bill Durdach, Danelle Hogan, Molly Johnson, Pam Jones, Mary Griffin, Joe Hogan, Nina Magnani. Prayer Shawl Ministry Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM, every Tuesday afternoon at 5:15 PM and every Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM. Hospital Visitation 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. St. Joseph s Outreach Our parish partners with St. Joseph s School in Uganda. Donations are always welcome in support of student tuition. Heavenly Paws 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 Hands Ready To Serve 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. Women s Guild 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 Community Table 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. Religious Education 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. Holy Cross School System 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 - R.C.I.A. 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 Family Faith Formation Seasonal Faith Formation opportunities for all ages are