Saint Maria Goretti Church

Transcription

1 Saint Maria Goretti Church Reverend James J. Walsh, J.C.L. - Pastor Reverend Dr. Michael Imbrogno - Deacon 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin, PA Telephone # Fax # redwood@comcast.net MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 4:30PM Sunday: 8:30AM and 11:00AM Weekdays: 8:00AM Holy Days of Obligation: 6:30PM VIGIL 8:00AM and 5:00PM Website: goretti-laflin.org

2 January 7, EPIPANY OF THE LORD PASTOR S NOTES SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: FIRST READING: Isaiah addresses Jerusalem, a symbol of the chosen people of Israel. He calls them to rise up in splendor because the light of the Lord, the salvation of God has arrived. This great blessing brings a new mission for them. They will be a light for the nations, they will be the messengers of the wondrous deeds of the Lord. No longer will they be enslaved by other nations; in fact other nations will bring them riches from afar. SECOND READING: The issue of whether the gentiles could inherit salvation without first becoming Jewish was a contentious one for the early church. Paul, who came to be known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, makes it clear that God has always intended that the gentiles receive the grace of salvation. Paul believes he has been appointed to reveal the truth that the salvation of God is open to all, because all are from God. GOSPEL: The importance of this story within the Christmas narrative lies in its theological meaning. Jesus birth has significance far beyond the religious boundaries and expectations of his ancestors. The intervention of God in human history will have universal repercussions and people of every time and nation will be drawn to the Son of God. 2. ABOUT TODAY S SOLEMNITY: Today we celebrate that the child born in darkness of night in a lowly manger is revealed as the manifestation (the meaning of Epiphany) of God. Christ is revealed in many ways: as Lord, as King, as the one in whom God is present and acts. All of these manifestations are lights that shine on Christ, revealing a deeper understanding of who He is. All the readings of today reveal, in a way, a different manifestation of who Christ is for all who believe. Traditionally, three events in the life of Christ are remembered today as manifestations of God s presence and action through Christ: the visit of the Magi, the wedding feast of Cana, and the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Lights have played an important role in today s Solemnity. 3. THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD/THE CONCLUSION OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON: The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord proclaims a theophany, a revelation or manifestation of the divine Sonship of Jesus by His anointing and appointment to His messianic office. It is the Feast that proclaims the Baptism that elevates believers to the status of sons and daughters of God. 4. CHRISTMAS COLLECTION THANK YOU: I wish to thank all our wonderful and generous parishioners for your generosity in our CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, It truly reflects your concern and care for the Church of St. Maria Goretti. By comparison: The 2016 Christmas collection realized $ 17, This compares to this year s 2017 collection total of $19, The differential is an increase of $1, MARRIAGES AT ST, MARIA GORETTI S: The Diocese has the requirement that a couple intending to enter marriage must notify their parish a MINIMUM of 6 months before the intended date (and preferably a year). This means currently that marriages intended to be celebrated HERE are being accepted for July to Dec., 2018 (the last half of the Year). I do have some requests for future couples that I wish to share: 1. Neither I, myself, nor the parish secretaries will accept the reservation for a date for marriage from anyone other than the bride or groom to-be. 2. When a date is secured, the marriage will only be agreed upon to be celebrated after an initial meeting with the Pastor or Deacon, and when it has been established that there is nothing that stands in the way of a valid marriage being celebrated; and that both parties are CANONICALLY FREE to be married. The FIRST MAJOR REQUIREMENT is the presenting of a recently-issued Baptismal Certificate (even if one of the parties is baptized in another Christian denomination). I hope all will be able to understand this approach, which is in keeping with what the church requires in this regard; and provide me with their cooperation. 6. Little blue-colored book: These little blue books conclude Monday, January 8, 2018, with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord; the conclusion of the Christmas Season. There is another to come, beginning with Ash Wednesday. 7. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: You will find when you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the Spirit of love. Henry Drummond, poet.

3 Weekend of December 23-24, 2017 Sacrificial Offering $10, Non-Parish Contributions For Christmas contributions see Father s Notes January 7, EPIPANY OF THE LORD FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS It is with great sadness that we announce one of our dearest parish family members has been called Home. Gen Roarty entered into Heaven Saturday, December 30 th. Gen was a vibrant and faithful icon of our Church. She spent many hours helping in many areas of our parish for the past 40 plus years. Gen was loved deeply by all who knew her. If she wasn t at 8:30 Mass in her pew people would all ask Where is Gen? Is she ok? Gen s strong faith and positive attitude should be an inspiration to us all. We will miss her dearly. 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE BOOKETT In celebration of our 50th Anniversary as a parish, a commemorative booklet which includes our history, has been prepared. If you are interested in receiving this beautiful keepsake, compliments of the parish, a sign-up sheet is available in the vestibule after all Masses. PARISHIONERS STATEMENTS As a cost saving measure, statements will not be sent out to all parishioners for your 2017 contributions. However, if you need one for tax purposes, please contact the Parish Office and we will gladly send you one. In order for credit to be given to your 2017 statement, your contribution must be dated as In order for credit to be given to your 2017 statement, your contribution must be in by January 14 and dated as SOUP FOR THE SOULS Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, 420 Main Road, Buttonwood, Hanover Townships, Soup for the Souls sale is January 11, Soup of the month is Clam Chowder. Pickup time 8am to 6pm. Cost is $8.00. Pre orders are appreciated. For more information, please call ANNIVERSARY MASS His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2018 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 10th. The event includes a 2:30 PM mass at St. Peter s Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address, should be made through your pastor before March 12th. If you are celebrating your 25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2018, please contact the Parish Office at and we will forward the information to the Diocese as requested. CASH CLUB The 2018 Cash Club tickets have been mailed to each parishioner. Again, we count on this fundraiser to continue the upkeep of the parish. We, of course, do not have the final net from last year s Cash Club but it always turns out to be a substantial amount if parishioners support it. As usual, we need your help. Only $60 a year for a chance to win every day based on the evening drawing of the Pennsylvania Lottery Number. Please try to purchase at least one ticket for you and your family or friends. We need as many participants as possible (at least 350) in order to make a reasonable profit. We will honor all winners thru the month of January as tickets are received. CARE & CONCERNS FOOD PANTRY Our parishioners remain very generous in giving to the Food Pantry. As usual, during the holiday seasons much more food is distributed to those less fortunate than we are. Any donation of non-perishable food will continue to be greatly appreciated and definitely used. The food which is dropped off in the foyer of the church on Sundays (and any other day) is delivered to St. John s on Wednesdays.

4 ATTENTION: C.C.D. STUDENTS The schedule for January and February: January: 7th Confirmation Parents Meeting 9:30am 21st 28th (11:00 AM Liturgy involves 3rd grade) February: 4th Parents meeting and instruction for First Penance (9:30AM - Church Hall) 10th Confirmation Class Retreat at St. Joseph Marello s Church 11th Catholic Schools week 25th (11:00AM Liturgy involves KG/1st grade) 50TH ANNIVERSARY ENDOWMENT RECOGNITION BOOK The information which will be engraved in the Recognition Book of donors who have contributed to the Endowment Campaign has been sent to the engraver. It has been carefully reviewed several times and we are finally waiting for the last proof before the finished product. Hopefully you will see this beautiful book in our church very soon. IN LOVING MEMORY John Baran Eileen Hoban Clancy Anthony N. Colonna Elizabeth Colonna James L. Conlon, Jr. James A. Dougherty Robert Faber Mary & Martin Gallagher Family Walter & Celestine Gottlieb James J. Giamas Stanley Harenza Helen Marykwas Leonard & Gen McHale Mario Malvizzi Chester & Mary Pietras Mr. & Mrs. William Shea Michael P. Yazurlo LITURGICAL SCHEDULE Saturday, January 13, :30pm Altar Servers Jacob Aftewicz Ethan Aftewicz Sarah Supinski Sandy Hopkins Pat Fisher Tina Fisher Bianca Mazzarella JoAnne Stella Elaine Fisher Celine Capriotti Sunday, January 14, :30am Altar Servers Morgan Costa Katie Ann Costa Joseph Monahan Joe Mullen Mark Smith Sarah Liskowicz Mary Beth Mullen Deacon Mike Noelle Imbrogno Carol Fisher 11:00am Altar Servers Emily Kane Ryan Kane Austyn Lepore Vanessa Pinto Volunteer Chris Baron Maddie Lewis Nelson Pinto Jim O Meara Frank Magdalinski ST. MARIA GORETTI & ST. MARK PRAY FOR US!

5 Monday, January 8, 2018 The Baptism of the Lord 8:00am Helen Sarago by Margaret & Jim Valentine Tuesday, January 9, :00am Carmella Salerno by Joe & Barb Romanofski Wednesday, January 10, :00am James Brice by William Brice Thursday, January 11, :00am Rose Valenti by Deborah & Keith Cebrosky Friday, January 12, :00am Dennis M. McNulty, Sr. by Dennis, Carol & Brandon McNulty Saturday, January 13, :30pm Orlando & Mary Albertelli & Christopher Waxmonsky by Vince Albertelli Sunday, January 14, :30am People of the Parish 11:00am Marlene Insalaco by Cathy Mack SANCTUARY CANDLES FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 7TH In Loving Memory of: Marie Scarantino by Chris and John Baron Please remember in your prayers the soul of Gen Roarty, who passed away this past week. May her soul and all the souls of the faith-