New Year s blessings to all! Historic St. Mary s Church, Lancaster, PA January 1, Mass Intentions for the Week.

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2 Historic St. Mary s Church, Lancaster, PA January 1, 2012 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, With a longing in our hearts for healing, health, better days, satisfaction, greater joy and greater communion with family, community and God, we begin a new secular year. This longing is a gift from God that leads to hope, a desire that is satisfied ultimately in God s embrace. As St. Augustine says in the famous passage from his Confessions, You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Until that time, we embrace a new year knowing that God has great things in store for us. We begin anew and make resolutions because we know that with God s grace all things are possible. Happy New Year, my friends! May God bring to completion the good work He has begun in us. On this Octave of Christmas as we finish our novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary for our separated brothers and sisters, we gather to celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Let us continue to pray for all who seek truth and beauty; may their journey lead to Christ, the human face of God and the divine face of man. May our patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary, gather all her children together teaching us how to serve, love and pray as she serves, loves and prays. Once again our Christmas liturgies took my breath away! A special thanks to Don Peris, Stephanie Sands and to all our Liturgical Ministers. The liturgies were beautiful and the music was heavenly. A heartfelt thanks also to Alan Szymanski, Mary Walters and all who adorned our church so beautifully! With incredible skill and artistry you once again transformed our beautiful church into a heavenly vision. Thank you! Thanks also to Anne Barnes and our children for the delightful Christmas Story on Christmas Eve! We couldn t help but smile as you deepened our Christmas joy. I also want to thank all those who lavished me with cards, gifts, fruit, candy and baked goods. You certainly know how to make me feel loved; I am truly blessed. Thank you! Mark your calendars now! In four weeks, on Sunday, January 29, we will gather at 3:00 pm for our Annual Stewardship Dinner. This year we feature the incredibly entertaining show of Jonathan Burns whose flexible stunts, unique style and hilarious comedy will have you laughing for years every time you recall this wonderful afternoon. Don t miss it! If you ve volunteered for anything over the year or helped out even one of God s people in Christ s name, then this afternoon is for you. If you haven t, then there s still time to do so. Being able to attend Jonathan s show is in itself worth making the commitment to extend a helping hand! See you there! Catechism Question of the Week: True or False: The motherhood of Mary began with her consent at the Annunciation but ended when she was assumed into heaven. (see CCC 969) With family, friends and those you meet, please discuss the following Question of the Week: If not gold, frankincense and myrrh, what gifts do I offer to Christ the King? In Christ s Peace, Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday, December 31: 5:30 Parishioners & Friends 10:30 William H. Riesterer (John & Tina Skubon) Sunday, January 1: 8:30 Jessie Madonna - First anniversary of her death (Bereavement) 11:00 Margaret Madonna (Lois Rebman) Monday, January 2: 10:00 Golden Living Center: Paul LaBree - Living (Loretta & Bernard LaBree) 12:05 Unbelievers (Quinn Family) Tuesday, January 3: 12:05 Betty Panik (Jean Jackubowski) Wednesday, January 4: 10:00 Willow Valley Glen: Margaret R. Kaetz 12:05 John Skubon - Living (Amy & Bob Soper & family) Thursday, January 5: 12:05 Hermine Pilatti (John & Tina Skubon) Friday, January 6: 12:05 All Priests & Religious - Living & Deceased (Quinn Family) Saturday, January 7: 8:00 Helen Polansky (Shelley & David Tomey) 5:30 John Conroy (Joe & Amy Clupp) Sunday, January 8 (The Epiphany of the Lord): 8:30 Parishioners & Friends (Fr. Leo) 11:00 James Joseph Quinn - Living (Quinn Family) Important Dates January 3 RCIA (library) - 6:45 pm 3 Juggling Club (gym) - 7:00 pm 3 SVDP Meeting (DR) - 7:00 pm 4 Women of Grace (school) - 7:00 pm 5 Women of Grace (school) - 10:00 am 5 Choir Rehearsal (music room) - 7:00 pm 5 Parish Pastoral Council Meeting (library) - 7:00 pm 6 Rosary Group (nursery) - 9:30 am 6 Confessions (church) - 11:30 am 6 Community Meal (cafeteria) - 5:30 pm 7 Confessions (church) - 4:00 pm 8 Religious Education (school) - 9:40 am 8 Choir Rehearsal (music room) - 10:00 am Rectory Office Closed. The rectory office will be closed on Monday, January 2, for the New Year holiday. New Year s blessings to all!

3 The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Stewardship Tithing: God s Plan for Giving Tithing weekend of December 25, 2011: Amount will be included in next Sunday s bulletin. From Fr. Leo. The first reading today recalls God s special blessing upon the Israelites. The Lord has been gracious to us as well, pouring into our hearts that spirit that knows Him as Father and makes us His children. May we, like Mary, treasure these things in our hearts and live gratefully! Comment from the Pews. I recently read that, As Christian stewards we receive God s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord. I think this is a wonderful definition of stewardship. Where I especially see a difference in my life is that I feel so grateful for everything even the challenges and obstacles. My child s good deed for the week: Several of our children offered these as their tithe in addition to their financial gift: I helped a woman in a wheelchair with her groceries. From the Parish Office Legacy Project. If you missed the Town Hall Meeting after Mass, please visit our website at for information. The Development and Preservation Committee is seeking your comments: legacyproject@stmaryslancaster.org. Leave a voice mail message at x153. Write a note and insert it in the suggestion box in the back of the church. Thank you! Your feedback is vital. Advertiser of the Week Walker Insurance Services Our thanks to Walker Insurance Services and all our sponsors for advertising in our bulletin. Please patronize them and thank them for advertising. It is because of them that our bulletin is possible. Have you ever prayed the bulletin? Take a few moments and read over our bulletin each week. Pray for the Mass intentions, those working in the parish, all our volunteers, those who have died or are getting married, for the success of our activities, etc. Pray for your fellow parishioners! It s easier than ever to make your regular tithe to St. Mary s! Log on to our website: Click on Online Giving in the upper right corner. Follow the easy registration instructions. Please contact the rectory office for more information, Question of the Week. If not gold, frankincense and myrrh, what gifts do I offer to Christ the King? Matthew 2:1-12 Catechism Question of the Week. True or False: The motherhood of Mary began with her consent at the Annunciation but ended when she was assumed into heaven. (CCC 969) 7th Annual Stewardship Recognition Party Sunday, January 29 Dinner: 3:00 pm at St. Mary s Cafeteria This event is hosted by the staff of St. Mary s and is for all of St. Mary s volunteers who have given of their time, talent or treasure! If you have volunteered at St. Mary s for even just an hour, you are invited to attend! Entertainment in the gym provided by: Jonathan Burns

4 Historic St. Mary s Church, Lancaster, PA January 1, 2012 Liturgy Contact Don Peris or DPeris@verizon.net Rediscover Catholicism! There are many, Catholics and non-catholics alike, who do not want to rediscover Catholicism. Others think religion, and Catholicism in particular, has no place in the modern context. I will admit that Catholicism is old. But let me ask you a question. If you had an ancient treasure map, would you throw it away just because it was old? No. The age of the map doesn t matter. What matters is whether or not it leads to treasure. Catholicism is a treasure map: It may be old, but it still leads to treasure. Matthew Kelley, Rediscover Catholicism (Please enjoy this book handed out at Christmas.) St. Mary s Mass on Comcast TV. St. Mary s 11:00 am Mass on Sunday is broadcast on Comcast Channel 95 later the same day (Sunday) at 6:00 pm and then again on Monday at 3:00 pm. Praise & Worship. Tuesday, January 10, 7:30 pm in the convent chapel Adoration & Confession "God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar." St. Maximilian Kolbe Scripture Readings. January 8 The Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12 Follow each week s homily on our YouTube Channel and our Facebook page. Visit and follow the links. January 1 The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Of all the Marian feasts of the Church, this one has a place of primacy. It celebrates Mary s role in the incarnation and in redemption. In this role, her special relationship with her Son is emphasized, and she is acknowledged as a model of the church. The One whom [Mary] conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father s eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly Mother of God (Theotokos). (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 495) Hail, Holy Lady Hail, Holy Lady, most Holy Queen, Mary, Mother of God, ever virgin, chosen by the most Holy Father, in Heaven. Consecrated by him, with His most Holy Beloved Son and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. On you descended and in you still remains all the fullness of grace and every good. Hail, His Palace. Hail, His Tabernacle. Hail, His Robe. Hail, His Handmaid. Hail, His Mother. And hail, all holy virtues, who, by the grace and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, are poured into the hearts of the faithful so that, faithless no longer, they may be made faithful servants of God through you. Saint Francis of Assisi Assembling for Liturgy. Why do we come together to celebrate liturgy? (We used to call it attending Mass.) Because we are all needed there. Because the Body of Christ is not complete without us. Because we can gain strength from the faith witness of others and give encouragement to others through our own faith witness. Because we need to acknowledge our relationship with God and with one another. Because God has called us. All are invited to pray the rosary approximately onehalf hour before each weekday and weekend Mass. The rosary is said not with the lips alone, muttering Hail Mary s one after the other.... For a Christian vocal prayer must spring from the heart, so that while the rosary is said, the mind can enter into contemplation of each one of the mysteries. Saint Josemaria Escriva

5 The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Religious Education Contact Anne Barnes or Classes begin promptly at 9:40 am in the school building. January 1 No Class Happy New Year! 8 Class 15 Class 22 Class / First Penance Student & Parent Meeting at 9:45 am in the gym Adult Education St. Mary s Book Club. Current Book: The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. We will meet to discuss the book on Saturday, January 7, after the 5:30 pm Mass. Contact Joe Clupp at jclupp@msn.com for more information about this book. For more information on the Book Club itself or to offer a suggestion for a future book, contact Andrew Odell at odellcajr@gmail.com. Diocesan Institute Courses Offered. Diocesan Institute 2012 winter/spring course listings are now available. If you are an adult interested in continuing your religious education and formation, go to the Diocese of Harrisburg s web page, and click on the Adult Education icon on the right-hand side of the page. You will find a variety of courses offered at the Diocesan Center, Harrisburg and elsewhere. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Burger at kburger@hbgdiocese.org or x229. RCIA Contact Tim or Michele Quigley or tsquigley@gmail.com Tuesday, January 3, 6:45 pm in the Marian Library Catholic School News Resurrection Catholic School News. As we end 2011, the students, the staff and principal would like to thank you for your prayers and the support you have shown Resurrection Catholic School your parish school! We prayed for the intentions of our school and parishes at our weekly Masses and daily Advent Prayer Services. All of our parish priests came to administer the sacrament of Reconciliation. During November and December the children collected food items for the local food bank, made cards for the Community Meals at St. Mary s, and donated personal items and toiletries to the Homeless Student Project in the School District of Lancaster. We celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas and spent the Feast of the Immaculate Conception making small gifts and cards for Meals on Wheels, Evergreen Estates and Conestoga View residents. We ended this Day of Sharing by praying the rosary and singing Christmas carols. Of course, during this season of joy, we shared our voices with St. Anthony s Senior Citizens and at our Christmas Concert. Are you interested in learning more about Resurrection? An Open House will be held on Tuesday, January 31, from 9:00-11:00 am and again from 6:30-7:30 pm. Please call the school at if you have any questions or to set up a time to tour Resurrection. We invite your family to become part of the Resurrection family! Catholic Schools Week. The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service. This annual observance runs January 29 to February 5. Contact Information. Resurrection Catholic School: Lancaster Catholic High School: Religious education for adults is the culmination of the entire catechetical effort because it affords an opportunity to teach the whole Christian message. Catechetics for children and young people should find completion in a catechetical program for adults." To Teach as Jesus Did, 1972, #47 Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He founded. Through education the Church seeks to prepare its members to proclaim the Good News and to translate this proclamation into action." To Teach as Jesus Did, 1972, #7

6 Historic St. Mary s Church, Lancaster, PA Youth Ministry Contact Silvia Doe or stmarysyouth@hotmail.com January 1 Happy New Year! No meeting. 8 Party to celebrate the new year (high school) 15 Music video shoot! Your chance to be on the big screen! (high school) 22 Rosary Army and diocesan safe environment program (high school) Family Life Contact Joe Clupp or jclupp@msn.com A Marriage Made for Heaven. Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York has stated that, Vocations to the priesthood and religious life come from lifelong, life-giving, faithful marriages. How can you strengthen your marriage? Come to an information session after Mass on January 7/8 and learn about A Marriage Made for Heaven program for couples, which will begin January 28. For more information, please contact Joe Clupp. Mothers Group. Parenting Sharing Panel: Join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 9:30-11:00 am, in the chapel where we will have a parenting discussion with our panel of parishioners who are wonderful, experienced mothers. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and share your own experiences. We always welcome new members! Childcare is provided, but infants/non-separating children are always welcome to stay with their mothers. Contact Marissa Schwartz, , or Vivi Listyowardojo, , for more information. Vocations Contact Fr. Raymond LaVoie x 282 or frlavoie@hbgdiocese.org They made known what had been told them about this Child. If you may be one of those called to make the Christ Child known to others as a priest or consecrated religious, contact Fr. Leo in the rectory or Fr. Lavoie at the number listed above. Pray for Our Diocesan Seminarians. Seminarians at St. Vincent Seminary (2011/2012 academic year): Donald Bender (Theology I) St. Mary s own!! Ryan Fischer (Theology I) Stephen Kelley (Theology III) Matthew Larlick (Pastoral Year) Pro-Life January 1, 2012 Contact Anne Marie DiCarlo or dicarloanne@comcast.net St. Mary s Pro-Life Mass Saturday, January 28 8:00 am Annual March for Life. The 39th Annual March for Life will be held in Washington, DC on Monday, January 23, for the purpose of protesting the evil of abortion in our nation. Catholics Defending Life of Lancaster, PA will again be sending buses to this pro-life event. Bus seat reservations are absolutely necessary, with a deadline of January 15. Individual bus fare is $20, with free and discounted seats available. Family and group rates are also available. Buses will depart from St. Leo s Church at 8:30 am, following Mass at 7:00 am. If you want to attend the March, please phone Anne Marie DiCarlo, , for a reservation and bus trip details. If you are unable to attend the March, please consider making a donation or sending an individual or a family in your place. From St. Mary s Archives From the Lancaster New Era, January 25, 1881: Rev. J. C. Hickey, pastor of St. Mary s Church, met with a serious accident while driving with two gentlemen friends today. They were proceeding up West Vine Street on Dinah s Hill about one o clock when their horses took fright and ran away. Opposite the residence of Mr. Henry Carson, Father Hickey s companions jumped (or fell) out, escaping injury. The horses then ran to Strawberry Street, Father Hickey holding on manfully, and out Strawberry to West King, where the reverend gentleman was thrown out, and besides receiving cuts about the head, was rendered partially unconscious. He was carried into the Plow Tavern, where he soon recovered sufficiently to be taken home in a carriage. One of the runaway horses was caught before proceeding far, but the other had a good run of it, and was somewhat injured. Father Hickey s companions were Fathers McBride and McCully, and the former says he had no notion of jumping out, but slipped and fell while trying to clamber to the front seat to assist Father Hickey.

7 The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God In & Around the Diocese Special Order of Malta Event. On Friday, January 20, at 7:00 pm, the Order of Malta will sponsor their Annual Sanctity of Life Mass at St. Leo the Great Parish, 2427 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster. The principal celebrant and homilist will be the Diocese of Harrisburg s former Bishop, the Most Reverend Bishop Kevin Rhoades. You are invited to come together and worship as a Catholic community of Lancaster County as we pray for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Crusader Softball. The St. Leo Athletic Association is sponsoring the 2012 season of Crusader Girl s Fast-Pitch Softball. The program is open to any girl attending a Catholic parish within Lancaster County. The program is geared towards all levels of skill, with an emphasis on instruction, particularly for those ages 10 and younger. The older groups will progress to a more competitive level of play. Preseason instruction clinics will start in February. For registration or program information, contact Wes Kelso, or or wrk@stevenslee.com or visit and click on the baseball/softball tab. The deadline for registration is February 18. Any adults interested in coaching or assisting are welcome. Prayer Intentions of Pope Benedict XVI January 2012: General Intention: That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives. Missionary Intention: That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will. A Moment with Mary Have recourse to Mary in all your necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine will that she should help in every kind of necessity. St. Basil

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