Welcome to Saint Thomas More University Parish

Transcription

1 Saint Thomas More University Parish A Parish of the Diocese of Greensburg A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust Moving from Maintenance to Mission 1200 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA Facebook (stmup) Office Hours: M-F 9 am 4:30 pm Phone: December 9, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent Bishop of Greensburg: The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, JCL Pastor: The Rever end Alan N. Polczynski Parochial Vicar: The Rever end Andr es C. Gumangan SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST Mass Times Saturday... 6:00 pm Sunday... 10:00 am & 7:00 pm Christmas Schedule: Christmas Vigil....4:00 & 10:00pm Christmas Day... 10:00am SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Tuesdays 6:00-6:30 pm or call for an appointment. Please see inside bulletin for changes to schedule. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call the Parish Office, , ext. 113, at least four months prior to the birth of your child. Baptisms will be scheduled within Mass on the first and third Sundays of the month or outside of Mass by appointment. SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Please call the Parish Office for an appointment, , ext. 113, at least one year prior to your anticipated wedding date. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Call Fr. Alan, ext. 116 or Fr. Andy, ext. 120 SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about vocations to the priesthood or religious life, please call or the Diocesan Office for Clergy Vocations at , ext or ext NEW PARISHIONERS & IUP STUDENTS Welcome to Saint Thomas More University Parish To register, go to: or contact the Parish Office.

2 PARISH STAFF Reverend Alan N. Polczynski, Pastor Phone Extension: Reverend Andres C. Gumangan, Par ochial Vicar Phone Extension: Cindy Schillinger, Pastor al Associate & Dir ector for Campus Ministr y Phone Extension: cschillinger@dioceseofgreensburg.org Lynne Jones, Dir ector for Litur gy & Music Phone Extension:115 ljones@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mary Beth Palko, Director for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd & Youth Ministry Phone Extension: mpalko@dioceseofgreensburg.org Diane Cawley, Par ish & Financial Secr etar y Phone Extension: dcawley@dioceseofgreensburg.org Bill Strittmatter, Maintenance & Physical Plant Manager Phone Extension: 122 Second Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 8 6:00pm + Robert Petro - Penrose Family Sunday, December 9 - Second Sunday of Advent 10:00am - Pro Popolo 7:00pm + Ed and Anna Bellock - Tom Bellock Monday, December 10 - Advent Weekday 12:10pm + Ann Yerep - Family 7:00pm - Regional Advent Penance Service Tuesday, December 11 - Advent Weekday 12:10pm + Charles Zlockie, Jr. - Family No Confession 6:00pm - Taizé Wednesday, December 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe 12:10pm + Dorothy Krupnick - Table 1 Friends 9:00pm - IUP Students Thursday, December 13 - Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr No Mass Friday, December 14 - Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church 12:10pm + Michele Kelly - Tom and Sandy Nanni Saturday, December 15 6:00pm + Twila Buchanan - The Cawley Family Sunday, December 16 - Third Sunday of Advent 10:00am + Ray Polanski - Ralph and Janet May 7:00pm + Donna Wolfe - IUP Payroll Services Readings for the Week Saturday / Sunday Bar 5:1-9 / Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 / Lk 3:1-6 Monday Is 35:1-10 / Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday Is 40:1-11 / Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday Thursday Is 41:13-20 / Mt 11:11-15 Friday Is 48:17-19 / Mt 11:16-19 Next Saturday / Sunday Zep 3:14-18a / Phil 4:4-7 / Lk 3:10-18

3 The Blessing and Lighting of the 2018 Advent Wreath Regional Advent Reconciliation Service STMUP s Advent Reconciliation Service will be held on Monday, December 10th at 7pm. A full list of the Regional services can be found on the Around the Region & Diocese page of the bulletin Appreciation Brunch Lynne Jones will be leaving the staff as Director of Liturgy and Music on Sunday, December 16th. To show our appreciation for her many years of service, we would like to have a brunch in her honor following the 10am Mass that day. All are welcome, we ask that you contribute a covered dish for all to share as we say thank you and best wishes in her new career as a Certified Music Practitioner. Hand Blown Glass Nativity The name drawn for the November winner of the Hand Blown Glass Nativity from Uno Alla Volta is Steve and Crystal Deemer. AROUND THE PARISH PRAYER CHAIN & PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRIES For those in need of prayer or a prayer shawl, please contact the Parish Office, extension 113. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) If you are interested in joining the Catholic Church, please contact the Parish Office, extension 113. HELPFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Catholic Charities, Indiana Office Catholic Charities 24 Hr. Hotline Saint Bernard Regional Catholic School Saint Vincent de Paul Society Helpline Rev. Gregorio D.C. Soldevilla, Jr., Catholic Chaplain at IRMC Suicide Prevention WEBSITES Parish Website: Diocesan Website: US Conference of Catholic Bishops Website: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Website: Knights of Columbus, Council #1481 Indiana Like us on Facebook (stmup) Thank you Thank you to choir members and IUP students who took time last Thursday to go caroling at some of our local Nursing and Personal Care Homes. The residents enjoyed the caroling and participating in the singing. Christmas Decorating We will get our Church ready for Christmas on Saturday, December 22 nd, starting at 9:00am. Your help would be greatly appreciated in decorating trees, hanging wreaths, setting up the Nativity Scene and preparing all the other things that make Christmas such a beautiful time of the year at Saint Thomas More University Parish. Please let us know if you are able to help, World Youth Day Event in D.C. The Diocese of Greensburg is sponsoring a trip for young adults (ages 18-39) to a one-day Catholic festival at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, 2019, in conjunction with World Youth Day in Panama. The event will include a livestream of Pope Francis Mass in Panama. Cost, including overnight accommodation, is $160 per person, $95 per person for double occupancy. Visit for information. The registration deadline is Jan. 3. This Week at STMUP Sunday, December 9 Please join us in the lounge after the 10am Mass for the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast. 5:00-7:00pm - Youth Ministry Monday, December 10 Tuesday, December 11 10:00pm - Pancakes Till Midnight Wednesday, December 12 5:15-7:15pm - CGS Level I and II 5:30-7pm - Choir [Church] 10:00pm - Pancakes Till Midnight Thursday, December 13 5:15-7:15pm - CGS Level II Sunday, December 16 Appreciation Covered Dish Brunch after the 10am Mass. 5:00-7:00pm - Youth Ministry

4 FAITH FORMATION Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) We reflect on the stories of the Annunciation to Mary and the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth in all three levels of the atria. God chooses Mary and invites her who is full of grace to be the mother of His Son, Jesus, Mary responds with a resounding, Yes. Her response means that the History of Salvation reaches its pinnacle through her collaboration. Likewise, as Mary enters the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth, both of these mother s proclamations call us into a new joy that has been shared through the Holy Spirit. As these words are proclaimed and the children have time to continue to work with the materials, their prayer life is enriched. The words of the Hail Mary are now actualized before the children giving hope in knowing how they too are also called to be a collaborating servant in the kingdom. Sacramental Preparation This upcoming year will be filled with much anticipation for the families whose children will be participating in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Parents of children preparing for these sacraments should have received a letter and brochure in the mail. They are outlining the next months of immediate preparation for these sacraments, all of which must be attended as per diocesan requirements. Please Mary Beth Palko, mpalko@dioceseofgreensburg.org, if you have not received this information to date. The Welcome Session for Parents is Wednesday, December 12 from 5:30-7:00 pm in the Saint Cecilia Room. Please RSVP to Diane Cawley by calling the Parish Office at by the end of this week, Friday, December 7 so that we know who will be attending and materials can be prepared for you. Youth Ministry Youth Ministry sessions are held on Sunday evenings in the St. Cecilia room and the lounge from 5-7pm. If your child is not already registered, registration forms are available on the website or in the parish office. Second Sunday of Advent Gospel: ~Luke 3:1-6~ REFLECTION: Luke shows a remarkable interest in tying together the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in Christ. Luke is believed to have been a Gentile, and it s likely that the time he spent sharing the missionary travels of St. Paul gave him profound insight into the intimate connection between Judaism and its fulfillment in Christ. In this week s reading, John the Baptist s ministry is introduced; he s the last prophet of the Old Covenant and the first of the New Covenant. John is the great precursor of the Messiah that the prophet Isaiah had foretold. He is, in fact, the precursor of Christ in our souls this Advent season. In a homily on Luke, the early Church theologian, Origen says of the Baptist, I think that the mystery of John is still being carried on in the world. If a man is to believe in Jesus Christ, the spirit and power of John must first come into his soul and prepare for the Lord a perfect people, make the rough ways of the heart plain, make the crooked straight. Even now the spirit and power of John precede the coming of our Lord and Savior. On any electronic device, visit Enter Parish Code: B H F W H C Apple users can now download the ios App Android users please go to and follow the instructions to access Formed

5 CAMPUS MINISTRY Pope Francis Speaks to Young People (excerpts taken from Don t Be Afraid to Say Yes to God ) Bands of Love The biblical concept to mercy... Includes the tangible presence of love that is faithful, freely given, and able to forgive. In the following passage from Hosea, we have a beautiful example of God s love, which the prophet compares to that of a father for his child: When Israel was a child I loved him; out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me... Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks... I stooped to feed my child. (Hosea 11:1-4) Despite the child s wrong attitude that deserves punishment, a father s love is faithful. He always forgives his repentant children. We see here how forgiveness is always included in mercy.... Our Lord s mercy can be seen especially when he bends down to human misery and shows his compassion for those in need of understanding, healing, and forgiveness. Everything in Jesus speaks of mercy. Indeed, he himself is mercy. Message for the Thirty-First World Youth Day, August 15, 2015 For Reflection: Have you experienced God s fatherly love for you as his child? If not, have you prayed for the grace to know him as your loving Father? How can you grow in your identity as his child? If you see God as a god of punishment, and fear is holding you back, what might God want to say to you about that? Do you have father figures in your life who are models of our merciful, compassionate Father? How have they reflected God s love to you? Eucharistic Adoration Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Thursday, December 6th at 8pm in the church. This is a monthly devotion of the CSA, but all students and parishioners are welcome to participate. Catholic Student Association (CSA) Join CSA for their weekly session on Tuesdays from 8:15-9:15pm in the Allegheny Room of the Hadley Student Union Building. All IUP students are welcome. Contact Information csaiup1200@gmail.com. Pancakes Till Midnight Pancakes Till Midnight (new time, same Jesus Cakes ) on Tuesday, December 11th and Wednesday, December 12th, with Mass at 9:00pm. We will be serving pancakes from 10:00pm until Midnight. Please invite all your friends and classmates to take a break and come and eat some delicious pancakes. Spring Break Alternative - Attention IUP Students God may be calling you to serve him in Appalachia this year over Spring Break. St Thomas More University Parish will once again sponsor a Spring Break Alternative to Eastern Kentucky where we will join with other universities to rehabilitate substandard housing. No Experience Necessary. If you are interested in going on the trip or finding out more, please contact Cindy at or cschillinger@dioceseofgreensburg.org

6 AROUND OUR REGION AND DIOCESE St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store Christmas Items BO/GO FREE - Also find--household goods, collectibles, books, puzzles, toys etc. Located in the Bi Lo Plaza on North 4th St. (Indiana). Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am - 4pm; Tue. 10am - 5pm; Sat. 10am-3pm. Knights of Columbus Council 1481 Dec Membership Appeal [STMUP] Dec. 12-7pm - Council meeting [Lodge] Homemade Pierogi Church of the Good Shepherd in Kent is once again helping to make your Christmas or New Years meals more special and more tasty! Their homemade ready to cook world famous pierogi are available for purchase. The cost is $13 for a bag of 24 pierogi (preparation instructions included). Call to place your order and arrange for pick-up. The Bethlehem Project The Bethlehem Project, a ministry of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral (BSC), will hold a Home for the Holidays Raffle on Sunday, December 16, The Bethlehem Project helps those facing homelessness in Central Westmoreland County. Two types of tickets are available: a Sports and Leisure raffle ticket with a chance to win Penguins Tickets, Steeler Tickets or a wine and liquor basket; and a Basket Raffle ticket with a chance to win one of many prizes. A $10 donation is suggested. For tickets or more information on the raffle or Bethlehem Project contact Katie Zuzik, at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral at ext. 11 or kzuzik@dioceseofgreensburgh.org Annual Children and Family Services Appeal The annual Children and Family Services Appeal collection to support the work of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg will be taken at all Christmas Masses in the diocese Dec. 24 and 25. Christmas reminds us of the gift of God s own Son, Jesus Christ, given to each of us without question of our merit or eligibility. You are asked to support this appeal and make your contribution to help change the future of an individual, family or child through the good work of our diocesan Catholic Charities. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Parish Liturgical Schedule Week of December Monday, December 10 7:30am Mass Tuesday, December 11 7:30am Mass 12-7 Eucharistic Adoration Wed., December 12 7:30am Mass Thurs., December 13 7:30am Mass Friday, December 14 7:30am Mass Saturday, December 15 7:30am Mass 1:00pm Regional Penance Service 4:00pm Mass Sunday, December 16 8:00am Mass 10:00am Mass Region 5 Advent Reconciliation Services Monday, December 10 ~ 7:00pm Saint Thomas More University Parish Wednesday, December 12 ~ 7:00pm Church of the Resurrection, Clymer Thursday, December 13 ~ 7:00pm Church of the Good Shepherd, Kent Saturday, December 15 ~ 1:00pm Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Indiana Monday, December 17 ~ 7:00pm Our Lady of the Assumption, Lucernemines Tuesday, December 18 ~ 7:00pm Saint Sylvester, Slickville Wednesday, December 19 ~ 7:00pm Saints Simon & Jude, Blairsville

7 STEWARDSHIP Advent Reflection from Pope Francis: Accepting Salvation A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 The voice of the Baptist still cries in the deserts of humanity today, which are... closed minds and hardened hearts. And [his voice] causes us to ask ourselves if we are actually following the right path, living a life according to the Gospel. Today, as then, he admonishes us with the words of the Prophet Isaiah: Prepare the way of the Lord! (v. 4) It is a pressing invitation to open one s heart and receive the salvation that God offers ceaselessly, almost obstinately, because he wants us all to be free from the slavery of sin. But the text of the prophet amplifies this voice, portending that all flesh shall see the salvation of God (v. 6). And salvation is offered to every man, and every people, without exclusion, to each one of us. None of us can say, I m a saint; I m perfect; I m already saved. No. We must always accept this offer of salvation. Angelus, December 6, 2015 Reflection: God s invitation of salvation is for me. Where in my life do I need Jesus to come and save me? Prayer: Jesus, send me your Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind and heart. Show me those places in my life where I can make more room for you. Newman Used Book Sale 2018 Book Sale Totals Income: $25, Expense: $12, Profit as of 11/27/2018: $14, Thank You to the following Sponsors: 700 Shop Book Nook Clymer Furniture Melanie Cicon Colonial Motor Mart Diamond Drug Council Members at St. Thomas More University Parish Pastoral Council Jeffrey Balencic jbalencic@verizon.net Lori Campbell loricampbell101412@gmail.com Lynn Contrucci elcrpc@comcast.net Judi Duffy duffyedd@aol.com Jane Kolb jpkolb813@gmail.com Tim Petro timpetro@verizon.net Molly Reddinger macarr@hotmail.com Joe Schillinger schillinger75@verizon.net Joe Marcoline Angie Quinn Edel Reilly Ann Marie Riscinto Gary Ryan Indiana Chiropractic InFirst Bank Luigi s Ristorante Merrill Lynch Ted Moreau Garage Door Rairigh Bence Funeral Home Martin s Finance Council joemarcoline@hotmail.com theqzoo@gmail.com edelmreilly@yahoo.com nariscinto@comcast.net gryan903@gmail.com Romeo Pizza Roseanne s Everyday Gourmet Scerbo s Pharmacy Suicide Task Force Supinka and Supinka Tom and Alice Zaucha STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE December 2, 2018 Adult: $5, Children: $3.00 Loose: $ Total Regular Weekly Collection: $8, Utilities: $ Catholic Accent: $7.00