Ss. Gregory & Barnabas Parish

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1 Welcome to Ss. Gregory & Barnabas Parish United In Christ Pastor Rev. Robert L. Ruston Daily Mass: (See inside for locations) 8:00AM Monday T S A D 17, 2017 MISSION STATEMENT As Catholic Christians, we will live to serve God and each other. And do His will as one family united in Faith. We will teach, serve, and be an example to the youth of the parish that they will come to a full understanding of Christ and His plan for their lives. We will nurture the gifts and talents of all parish members and use them wisely for the glory of God. We will compassionately implement the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy for those in our Parish, Diocese and throughout the world. Through the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we affirm our Communion with Christ and each other. All are welcome. Tuesday Wednesday Friday 6:30PM Thursday Weekend Liturgy: Saturday: 4:00PM (Daisytown) Sunday: 8:00AM (Bon Air) 11:00AM (Daisytown) 120 Boltz Street 408 Luzon Avenue Johnstown, PA Phone: NEW stsgregbar@dioceseaj.org Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 2:00PM Visit us on the WEB! Join us on Facebook! groups/ssgregorybarnabas/ John answered them, I bap ze with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming a er me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to un e. ~ Jn 1:26-27 Reconciliation: Saturday: Noon 12:30PM (Daisytown) Saturday: 3:15 3:45PM (Daisytown) Sacrament of Baptism: Parents are to be examples to their children by being registered, active members of the Parish. Please call the rectory office to make arrangements. Sacrament of Marriage: Couples planning to marry are to make arrangements at least nine months prior to their wedding date. Diocesan Guidelines regarding Marriage Preparation must be followed. The Catholic party/parties is/are to be registered, active members in the parish. Anointing of the Sick: Please call the church office if you have a family member or friend in the hospital who would like to receive the Sacraments. The homebound and parishioners in nursing homes should also receive the Sacrament of the Sick and Holy Communion. Parish Membership: New members are always welcome! If you are moving into, within, or out of the Parish, please call the Rectory Office and let us know. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): All who would like more information about membership in the Roman Catholic Church are invited to call the Church Office.

2 Welcome to SS. Gregory & Barnabas Parish December 17, 2017 WEEKLY SCHEDULE MASS SCHEDULE (Mass Stipend $10) Sunday, Dec. 17th K 11 Note: 11th Graders Mass & Conf. Session in Bon Air & Decora ng of Bon Air a er class Angel Tree Gi s due today! Wednesday, Fr. Bob s Day Off Office closed Dec 22 26th Next Sunday, Dec. 24th Christmas Eve CCD Christmas Vaca on RELIGIOUS ED SCHEDULE CLASS 9:30AM - 10:45AM 12/17 K 11 Note: 11th Graders Mass & Conf. Session in Bon Air & Decora ng of Bon Air a er class 12/24 Christmas Vaca on 12/31 New Year s Eve / Family Day 1/1/18 New Year s Day CHOIR PRACTICE Choir Prac ce is every Wednesday in Bon Air at 6:30PM. Please contact: Marlene Kotch A LOOK AT WHATS 12/17 Angel Tree gives due today! 12/18 Christmas Flowers envelopes due today! 12/24 Christmas Eve 12/25 Christmas Day GIFTS DUE TODAY! Sunday, December 17th. Gifts will be delivered to Victim Services on Monday morning December 18th. Thanks, Kristen M (SG) 8:00AM T (SB) 8:00AM W (SG) 8:00AM T (SB) 6:30PM F (SB) 8:00AM S (SG) 4:00PM S (SG) 10:00AM (SG) 6:00PM (SB) 10:00PM Family members are asked to present Offertory Gifts at weekend masses being offered for their loved ones. Liturgical Reflection... We await the coming of the eternal Word of God. When a believer dies we find comfort and consolation in the word of God, the Holy Scriptures. Death may fill the Christian with fears and questions. Scripture firmly grounds us in the faith that death is not the end, that the promise made at baptism assures us that we who have died with Christ in the waters of baptism remain with the Lord into eternal life. The word of God assures us that death, a result of sin, does not have power over one claimed for Christ. Order of Christian Funerals, 1998/1989, General Introduction, Numbers 2 and , Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Liturgy Office Sacrament of Baptism Through the saving water of Baptism we welcome J D D IV to our parish family. We extend our congratulations to his parents, Jimmy & Samantha Dallas and sibling, Paige. May they be assured of our prayers as we help James Dean to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. Again, my apologies to the family for the error in last weekends bulletin. Kristen Mary Kohan by Loving Family Michael Zelek by Matt, Bernie & Tom Utnik Leona Flowers Wedding Anniv. By Bob & Pat Sweeney Jim Gerber Anniversary remembrance by Kathy Freidhoff Elizabeth Karen by Thelma Ponchek Deceased Members of Knowlton & VanNest Families By The Knowltons Christmas Novena Christmas Novena Christmas Novena 9th Grade CCD Fall Project 9th graders will be selling red bows that will be used to decorate Christmas Trees that will be displayed outside at both worship sites throughout the Christmas Season. The trees will be set up and the bow decora ng will begin on or by Dec. 17th. 9th graders are asking for a dona on of $2 per bow. The name of the person sponsoring will be placed on the bow. Proceeds will be donated to Catholic Chari es. The 9th graders have named the project Ribbons of Love. The bows will be sold at both worship sites following each mass this weekend Dec. 16th & 17th. Dona ons can also be mailed to the church rectory in care of the 9th Grade Christmas Project. Dona ons will be accepted through Dec. 22nd. Thank you, 9th Grade Class. St. Benedict Church, Geistown, Sun., Dec. 17th, 5:00 PM Church of the Visitation, Johnstown, Mon., Dec. 18th, 5:30 PM West End Penance Service, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Johnstown, Mon., Dec. 18th, 6:30 PM The West End Penance Service is open to the public. Our Mother of Sorrows Church, Johnstown, Tues., Dec. 19th, 6:30 PM Hi my name is Hannah McCombie and I am an 11th grader at Conemaugh Valley. For my individual confirmation service project I will be collecting soda/beer tabs for the Ronald McDonald House at Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The Ronald McDonald House is a place for families of seriously ill children receiving care from Children s Hospital, to say at with little to no cost. At the Ronald McDonald House the rooms that the families stay at are just like hotel rooms and are equipped with everyday objects the family may need during their stay. By collecting soda tabs the Ronald McDonald House turns the tabs into money by taking them to be recycled. With the money that is created, the Ronald McDonald House can buy food for the families, everyday objects that may be needed by the families or red wagons for the children to get back and forth from the hospital to the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House tries to be a home away from home and a comforting place for the families of seriously ill children to stay at while their child is in the hospital. In the back of the church there will be a red collection box that you can place tabs. I will be collecting the tabs from now until Sunday, March 25, 2018 Thanks Hannah

3 FROM THE DESK OF FATHER BOB I wish to express deep gratitude to someone who wishes to remain anonymous for a very generous donation given to the parish recently. It so happens that we had just received information from another parishioner that a family within our own faith parish was having a very difficult time making ends-meet with medical bills and utility payments. I would say that this was just a coincidence but as a man of faith I believe it was an answer to their prayer. This was a true blessing for this family and the individual who generously gave the parish a monetary gift at about the same time who then became the answer to their prayers. God does indeed work in mysterious ways. Thank you for unknowingly being the instrument of God s love at a time when another family was truly in need. This past week we had some windows replaced in the rectory which were part of the original building. Unfortunately they were not thermal windows and with the often high winds during the winter season the building could get rather chilly and the thermostat would have to be set higher to compensate. Hopefully with this improvement we can reduce the cost of heating oil for the rectory and ultimately save the parish some money in the future. I thank you for your continued financial support of the parish and hopefully we will have a long future for generations yet to come. God bless each of you for the wonderful years I have had here, and hopefully will have in the future. I have been blessed in all my priestly assignments and hopefully I will have a few more years of service here in the parish, even when I sometimes can t remember what I did five minutes ago. I am getting much more comfortable hearing, Father, you just did that or said that! But chances are good that I might say or do something a third time as well. Then just slap me! As we are approaching the Christmas season, those Masses are often crowded so please be considerate and perhaps arrive a few minutes earlier than usual. I would also ask Altar servers to please sign the sheets in the vestibule of either/both of the worship sites as soon as possible so that we are prepared for those Christmas liturgies and not pulling people from the pews at the last minute. This would certainly make our celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior the joyful and solemn celebration that it was meant to be. Also, if you are unable to come to the altar for the Eucharist, please stand or raise your hand, or asking someone near you to stand and we will come to you. It is our deepest intentions that you receive the Eucharist. Thank you! Advent Reflections Fire of Advent by Edward Hays Advent, like its cousin Lent, is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent...If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time. HOSPITALIZED Tom Zepka PLEASE, if you have a loved one admitted to the hospital or nursing home contact the office. The hospital may take your church information, but we are not always notified. Fr. Bob likes to get to the hospital in a timely manner, but cannot if he doesn t know. Thanks for your help. PRAYER CHAIN Do you know someone who needs prayers? Please contact Debbie Washington at or dlwashi@hotmail.com to place a name on the parish Prayer Chain! Boxes for requests are also located in the vestibules of our worship sites. PRAYERFUL REMEMBRANCE FOR ALL SERVING IN THE MILITARY Ryan Wood, Army; Nathan Brezovic; Fr. Frantisek Halka, Army; Major David Dietz, Army; Petty Officer Tony Pinkas, Navy; Second Infantry Brigade & Det 1, Company C, 2nd 104th; Navy Corpsman Marina J. Sumrada, Annapolis (MD) Naval Academy Hospital Please contact the parish office ( ) if we need to add or remove any of our military personnel from this list. Thank you. Snow Days!!! Last Days of Advent by Pope John Paul II The liturgy of Advent...helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an advent, a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is an intense training that directs us decisively toward Him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously. Christmas Flower Offering Envelopes are due Monday, December 18th. Again, we remind you to PRINT legibly so that your memorials may be published correctly. Thank you! Oplatki Wafers packs of three wafers, along with explanation of tradition, can be purchased for $1.00. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, Ss. Gregory & Barnabas Parish will follow the Conemaugh Valley School District s schedule. If there is no school the Parish Office will be closed and all mee ngs/ ac vi es will be cancelled. If there is an unscheduled early dismissal the Parish Office will close early and all mee ngs/ ac vi es will be cancelled. Please note, Mass will be celebrated in Daisytown if Conemaugh Valley schools are cancelled or dismissed early due to weather.

4 Families and the Gospel December 17 John 1:6-8, Today s gospel reports there is one among you whom you do not recognize. It is hard to believe Christ is present in a family with crazy schedules, suppers that start too late and end too early, cars that don t start, misunderstandings, frustrations, piles of laundry, unmatched socks and stretched food budgets. The list is endless. The words spoken at mass, The Lord is with you, are not a hope, they are a fact. M C Saturday, December 23rd 4:00PM 4th Sunday of Advent Daisytown Sunday, December 24th 10:00AM 4th Sunday of Advent Daisytown Christmas Eve 6:00PM Daisytown 10:00PM Bon Air Christmas Day Monday, December 25th 10:00AM - Daisytown FINANCIAL NEWS Fiscal Year July 1, June 30, 2018 Offertory Totals for the week of December 10, 2017 Weekly Offering $3,569 Misc. Income $251 Votive Candles $67 Building Fund $111 Thanksgiving $8 Christmas Flowers $238 Christmas $345 Immaculate Conception $378 Solemnity of Mary $115 Total $5,082 CMD 2018: $198 Weekly Needs $5,000 12/10 $5,082 (Over/under) $82 TV Ministry $87 Retired Religious $389 Perquisities $150 Total Collec on for the Re rement Fund for the Religious $463. LAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE Liturgy Dec 16/17 Dec.23 4PM 4PM Lector: Sorchilla S. Hall D EM: B P. Harteis P. Harteis (B: Bread) C Sorchilla L. Menett (C: Cup) C R. Skelly J. Pribish Servers: Sorchillas 8AM Lector: 11th Grade BA EM: B Moot C Moot C S. Rozum Servers: 11th Grade Dec AM 11AM Lector: S. Rosenbaum S. Rosenbaum D EM: B R. Rosenbaum B. Sweeney C M. Krawczyk R. Rosenbaum (Christmas Day mass C J. Pribish 10AM) Servers: J. & J. Dietz C. Wysocki One Liners If God is watching us, the least we can do is be entertaining. Christmas Eve 1 Lector Sharon Rozum 6PM 4 Eucharistic Dan Slavick (B) Daisytown Ministers Lisa Menett (C) Abby Menett (C) Sherri Slavick 4 Altar Jordan Slavick Rozum Servers Josh Slavick Rozum Christmas Eve 1 Lector Moot 10PM 4 Eucharistic JoAnn Kopco M.B. Dietke Rykala Bon Air Ministers B. McPherson (B) P. Ledwich (C) 3 Altar Servers Christmas Day 1 Lector S. Rosenbaum 10AM 3 Eucharistic Ron Rosenbaum Daisytown Ministers Susie Rosenbaum Janet Pribish 3 Altar Jeremy Dietz Servers Julian Dietz

5 I D N F P Does your method of family planning strengthen your emotional intimacy with your spouse?...work with (not against) the gift of your fertility?...nurture a loving relationship with God and the Church?...increase your self-respect and growth as a person/couple? The Billings Method of NFP ( or is the result of decades of scientific research by medical researchers. NFP honors the Church s respect for the unitive and procreative purpose of married love-making. If you haven t checked out NFP, you haven t made an informed choice. Certified diocesan instructors are located throughout our diocese. Introductory presentations to groups also available. Contact our diocesan Family Life Office, ; familylife@dioceseaj.org FAITH & LIGHT Sharing Faith & Friendship with Intellectual Disabled Persons A faith sharing group which also includes family members, caregivers, friends. Meets monthly, Sundays, 1:00-4:00 pm at a handicap accessible location. Call Gaye (814) or Family Life Office (814) I? There is hope through Retrouvaille, a Christian peer ministry. Retrouvaille (French for rediscovery ) is Catholic, but open to all couples. See for brochure or to talk to couples in our diocese who have used Retrouvaille contact diocesan Family Life Office (814) or familylife@dioceseaj.org Your marriage is meant to be a Sacrament a source of life and energy. You owe it to yourself to heal. K 5 10? A son or daughter, sibling, niece or nephew, or you yourselves...bishop Mark has a message for you! To receive this letter, send the couple s name, mailing address, and whether married 5 or 10 years to the Family Life Office, 5379 Portage St., Lilly, PA 15938; ; familylife@dioceseaj.org. Be sure to indicate it is for the anniversary letter from Bishop Mark. MARRIAGE PREPARATION SERIES 2018 ~Pre-registration required. Early registration advised some series fill up months in advance. ~2018 COST: $70 per couple (includes all sessions in a series) Fee payable at the first session (check payable to Family Life Office ) Please come 15 minutes early to the first session for registration purposes. ~Cancellation due to weather: For classes in all locations, call the Family Life Office. A taped message will list cancellations. If you can t attend due to driving conditions, call the Family Life Office (814) during office hours (M-F 8:30-4:00) for make-up instructions. Register for a series through the Family Life Office by (familylife@dioceseaj.org) or call our office at ( ) dates January 6 and 20 (*Snow date: Feb. 3) Sat. 9:00 am-12:45 pm at Cathedral of the Blessed (Church Hall) One Cathedral Square Altoona January 13 and 27 (*Snow date: Feb. 3) Sat. 9:00 am-12:45 pm at Resurrection Church Hall 324 Chestnut St. Johnstown March (*Snow date: April 4) Wed. 7:00-9:30 pm at St. Rose of Lima School 5514 Roselawn Ave. Altoona April May 1 (*Snow date: May 8) Tues. 7:00-9:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church Hall 309 Lotz Ave., Lakemont Altoona May Wed. 7:00-9:30 pm at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Church Hall 608 Main St. Lilly June Thurs. 7:00-9:30 pm at Our Lady of Victory Activity Center 820 Westerly Pkwy. State College Sept Wed. 7:00-9:30 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Activity Center 134 Barron Ave. Johnstown Oct Tues. 7:00-9:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist School Auditorium 116 E. Bishop St. Bellefonte

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