First Sunday of Advent December 02, 2018

Transcription

1 Twenty sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time September 30, 2018 First Sunday of Advent December 02, 2018 Advent 2018

2 Remembering December 3-7 MONDAY (OLS) 12:10 PM Dan & Kathryn Millett Helen Owens The Family Lee Family Frank Nichols Evelyn Kovalesky Dr. Frank Milani Albert & Sandra Materna Herbert W. Kull Joseph Zielinski M/M Adrian Camarillo Bob & Barbara Geibert John Q. Durkin Robert N. Peffer The Family Jean B. Peffer Sarah Palermo Judge William J. Nealon Dr. John Sanner/Ann Coglieser Friends Tina & Dick Kane The 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 Most of us look for meaning in the signs and events of daily life. We wonder how God might be acting in our lives. The gospel reading for today gives the reader signs that will accompany the end times, the coming of the Son of Man. But we would be mistaken if we took these passages literally. And it s certainly true that hundreds if not thousands of people have done just that looked for these signs to be fulfilled literally. The message of this passage sought to give hope to a beleaguered people, the Christians. Many of them desperately wanted to see the coming of the Son of Man who would establish justice and peace. And at the time this gospel was written there were many other Christians who may have lost hope or grown weary of waiting. This message was for them; and the message is also for us. For us, the watching for the coming of the Son of Man has been not merely decades, as it was for the early Christians, but two millennia! Do we really believe that the end is near? That Jesus might return any day? It might be more worthwhile for me to imagine my own personal end (death) rather than the end of the world. In that way, it might be easier to see that my own personal end could catch me by surprise like a trap. This is not to say we have no cares for the world, but rather, we have our eyes set on something greater as we live by a different set of values. Ideally, we serve more than we are served; we give more than we receive. And in that way we imitate Christ, whose disciples we are. 2

3 Advent Invitation I invite you to deepen your Advent journey by participating in one of the many opportunities that we have planned throughout the coming season. In this weekend s bulletin, we have three special events devoted entirely to your worship in Advent including tonight s Evening Prayer and Reflection, an Advent Penance Service and Lessons and Carols. Take time to read through and plan for the coming weeks. Experience God's grace and prepare your heart for the coming of the Lord. Father John The Immaculate Conception of mary 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. Saturday December 8, Day of Obligation On this great feast of Mary, we do well to ponder how God has called each one of us to be part of the divine plan of salvation. We will celebrate all Holy Day Masses with our neighbors at Our Lady of the Snows parish. The schedule includes: Friday Vigil, December 7 5:30 PM at Our Lady of the Snows Church Saturday, December 8 8:00 AM at Saint Gregory's Church Saturday, December 8 12:10 PM at Our Lady of the Snows Church We recognize God s call to serve our parish family and neighbors near and far! Advent Penance Services ARE YOU NEW TO ST. Gregory s? 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 10 at 6:30 PM Nativity BVM, Tunkhannock Monday, December 17 at 7:00 PM St. John Vianney (Corpus Christi), Montdale Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 PM Church of St. Patrick, Nicholson Thursday, December 20 at 7:00 PM Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit 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 November 24 & 25, Sunday Offering $11, Building Fund Payments $2, Little Sisters of the Poor $2, Hands Ready To Serve Weekly Pantry Collection Boxed Skillet Dinners Donations this week will be offered to United Neighborhood Centers Donations of pet food will always be received. 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. 4

5 Refugee Christmas party The Church of St. Gregory s Service Commission will hold its second annual Refugee Christmas Party 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! Interior Garden 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. Valet 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. Joseph E. Cronkey 5

6 Leadership Teams Christmas Toy Collection Pastoral Council 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 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 Evening Prayer and Reflection Behan, Perry Rose, Fr. John Finance Council Bill Burkavage, John Devine, Paul Gerega, Deacon Bob, Yvonne Cronkey, Ken Paulino, Jim Fleming, Tonight December 2 at 6:00 PM Father John. Our parish community will gather tonight for prayer and reflection given the findings of the PA state grand jury report released in August. 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. First Penance Saint Gregory s Second Grade Students will receive the Sacrament of First Penance on Saturday, December 8 at 9:30 AM. There will be a practice for all students on Friday, December 7 from 4:00 until 5:00 PM. Information regarding practice, first penance and the second grade liturgy on Sunday, December 9 will be sent via . Christmas Eve Liturgy with Children Fresh brewed coffee in St. Joe s Café every Sunday from 8:00 am to Noon and Wednesday mornings after Mass. 6 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! Veteran s Christmas Party The Church of St. Gregory s Service Commission will hold its tree trimming and Christmas Party today Sunday, December 2 at 1:30 PM. A casual meal will be shared with the veterans during the event. Families are welcome to join in the fun. We kindly ask you to sign up at the hospitality cart and if you would like to bring a homemade treat or snacks they will be more than welcomed! If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation of any type of Christmas décor or snacks we kindly ask that you drop them off at the rectory Sunday before 1:00 PM. Theology on Tap 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. Young Adult Ministry is beginning to come into its own here in the Diocese of Scranton. An Advent reflection program specifically for young adults is being offered. Beginning on Tuesday, December 4th, the Diocese will be hosting a Theology on Tap series focusing on the Love Command that will discuss Service to the Church, Community, and Self. Fr. Ryan Glenn will lead the first discussion on Service to the Church at Sabatini's Bottleshop & Bar in Exeter. Ages are encouraged to attend on December 4th at 7:00pm. 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