OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH AT OUR LADY OF LORETO CHURCH DECEMBER 24, 2017 CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE. A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP McMANUS

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2 OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH AT OUR LADY OF LORETO CHURCH DECEMBER 24, 2017 CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve Masses will be celebrated at 4:00 pm and Midnight. Christmas Day Masses will be celebrated at 8:00 and 10:00 am NEW YEAR S MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD MASS SCHEDULE This year, the holyday, Mary, the Mother of God (January 1 st ), is not a day of obligation. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 1 st at 10:00 am only. There will be no vigil Mass on December 31 st. May the miracle of Christ s birth bring joy to you and yours this Blessed Season! Merry Christmas from Msgr. Pedone, Deacon Gerry, Deacon Paul and all the staff from our parish PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY AND TUESDAY, DECEM- BER 26 TH A BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! NO 7:00 MASS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 TH Flu Season Parishioners who are ill or suspect that they are ill with a contagious illness are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation. The exchange of the Sign of Peace may be offered without any physical contact - i.e. a simple bow. A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP McMANUS December 2017 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, A chapel in Shepherd s Field outside of Bethlehem commemorates the wondrous events of Christmas in three beautiful paintings. In the first painting, the shepherds, keeping watch over their flock by night, are roused from their silent vigil by the glad tidings of an angel, glorious streams from Heaven, and the strains of an angelic choir. In the second painting, the shepherds, having traveled to Bethlehem, bow in awe and adoration before the new born Christ child in the manger as heavenly light illuminates the Holy Family. In the final painting, dawn is breaking, the Heavenly streams of God s glory are fading, and the shepherds are again back amidst their flock. But the shepherds are changed. In the third painting, an elderly shepherd looks upward with an expression of wonder. Another shepherd pipes a tune on a simple musical instrument while a shepherd boy skips with exuberance, joy, and uplifted arms. They have returned to the place where they were but they have not returned the way they were. They are filled with joy, wonder and awe that God has come to them. Christmas reminds us that God has also come to us. The shepherds path to joy is also ours. At Christmas Mass and every Mass we might think of ourselves as shepherds going to Bethlehem. After hearing God s Word, we go to Him in the communion line, bow in adoration and receive the same Divine Child born of Mary and worshiped by the shepherds at the manger. As the shepherds departed from the stable, so may we depart Christmas Mass, and every Mass, with joy, wonder and awe that God has come to us. May this Christmas change us so that as we return to our routines with a deeper appreciation of God s love for us, we may bear witness to that love just as the shepherds did on that first Christmas morning. With every prayerful best wish for a Blessed and Merry Christmas, I remain Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Robert J. McManus Bishop of Worcester ADULT CONFIRMATION On Sunday, February 4, 2018, Bishop McManus will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults who were baptized Catholics but never confirmed. If you are interested in becoming a candidate for this ceremony, please see Monsignor Pedone, Deacon Audette or Deacon Montiverdi.

3 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 24, th Sunday of Advent "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus." Today is the last Sunday of the Advent season, and we hear in the Gospel the anticipation of the feast we will celebrate in just one day. Christmas is coming! Jesus is on his way! We have had weeks to prepare for this momentous occasion, and now we are on the very verge of its arrival. The children in our midst can hardly contain their excitement as they wait to wake up on Christmas morning. The thrill of this coming moment is meant to remind us of the joy and anticipation we should all feel as we await the coming of Christ. Yes, Christmas is a great feast, but there is more here than a remembrance of the past or a fabulous party in the present. There is a looking-ahead as well. We celebrate as we anticipate. Much as Mary must have waited in wonder during the nine months of her pregnancy, we wait in hopeful expectation as Christians looking forward to being reunited with our Savior. Our future is full of hope. The deflating melancholy that afflicts many people after a holiday runs its course need not be the experience of the Christian waiting for Christ. We are always looking forward to something! There is never a moment when we have no cause for joy. Our lives are lived in a kind of unending advent as we stand in watchful waiting. Let us remember this as we enter into our Christmas Eve gatherings and festivities. As we join with family and friends to share in the good things of this life, may we carry with us the joy of knowing that even better things lie in store for us who welcome the infant Jesus into our hearts and homes. Giving Trees Thank You Liturgical Publications, Inc. Thank you so much for your generosity to those in need. Many people - children as well as adults - will have a brighter Christmas because of you. A veritable mountain of Christmas gifts were contributed to the children of St. Agnes Guild, the residents of the Nazareth Home for Boys, and several other charities. The gifts were attractively - and thoughtfully - wrapped. Many of you brought extra gifts - beyond what was listed on the tag. You are incredibly generous people. God bless you all! The Nativity of the Lord Take a moment to contemplate the symbols of the season. The crèche tells us the Gospel stories: first from Luke, which details the human birth in a lowly stable and the angels' message to shepherds; and later from Matthew, which describes the arrival of Magi who signify that God's salvation extends to all. The angels stand as heralds of the good news, an emblem for each of us on this solemn feast of our own duty to spread the message that Christ is born and saves us from our sins. The tree stands as a symbol of life, its green branches unfading even in the winter cold, just as God's life remains in us even though our human form should die. The wreath made of evergreens reminds us that God is one, without beginning or end. The candles recall the birth of him who is forever the Light of the world. Today, we celebrate the fact that God came to earth as a beautiful, innocent infant who rejects no one. We rejoice this day in the birth of Christ! And tonight, we remember that Jesus Christ came into this world quietly, humbly, and gracefully, an example of how we should live our lives Liturgical Publications Ministry Assignments for Dec. 30-Jan. 1 Dec. 4 pm Lector - Linda Chenevert Ministers - Chet & Marcia DiLeo Dec. 8 am Lector - Chris Cook Ministers - Sr. Roberta & Sr. Linda Dec. 10 am Lector - Vera Novick Ministers - Elizabeth Santley & Nancy Gurgone Dec. 31@ 11:30 am Lector - Pat Solitro Ministers - Sue Cozzolino & Maria Sciannameo Jan. 8:00 am Lector Fran Penny Ministers Louise Faiola & Joe Sama Jan. 10:00 am Lector Flo Dionne Ministers Julie Tufano & Heather Morello Please arrange for a substitute if you cannot fulfill your assignment. Thank you for the good work that you do!

4 OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH AT OUR LADY OF LORETO CHURCH DECEMBER 24, 2017 Financial Stewardship For the week ending December 17, 2017 Income Offertory $4, Transfer from Savings 2, Security Deposit 1, Parking Revenue 1, Donations 1, Offertory Mail 1, Fuel Christmas Flowers Funeral Stipends Maintenance Religious Retirement Mass Stipends Immaculate Conception Religious Education Candles All Souls All Saints Sanctuary Lamp TOTAL $13, Expenses Salaries and Wages $8, Computer Equipment 2, Security Deposit Refund 2, Architectural Fees (Mount Carmel Church) 1, Clergy Benefit Plan (December) Organists Funeral Stipends Repairs and Maintenance Supplies TOTAL $16, Finance Committee The Finance Committee of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish at Our Lady of Loreto Church met on Tuesday, December 5. Joe Sama presented the financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2017 and will summarize those statements at all Masses on the weekend of December 16 and 17. The parish needs $8,500 per week in offertory to meet expenses to support both campuses, far higher than what is currently being collected. The Year End report shows total receipts for the year of $534,447 and total disbursements of $705,726, a $171,279 decrease in the parish cash balance. The report also shows total cash availability as of August 31, 2017 of $102,260 and total outstanding debt of $1,131,524. First Friday Devotions First Friday devotions and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on Friday, January 5, in the church. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins after the 7:00 am Communion service and ends with Benediction at 11:45 am. We invite you to spend a half -hour in adoration and reap many graces for doing so. A sign-up sheet for that purpose will be in the vestibule next weekend. NOTE: If there is a funeral that morning, adoration and benediction will be held in the Parish Center Chapel. You dwell, my Lord Jesus, in the Holy Eucharist. You are here, within a few feet of me, in the tabernacle...you were no nearer to the Blessed Virgin and Saint Joseph in the cave at Bethlehem, in the house of Nazareth, than you are to me here now, so often, in the tabernacle. Blessed Charles de Foucauld PLEASE NOTE: We are having trouble arranging for people to participate in First Friday Adoration. Very few people sign up and we need to recruit the same people every month. We are considering discontinuing First Friday devotions. It will depend on whether or not more people sign up. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD SMALL FAITH COMMUNITY The Light of the World Small Faith Community meets every other Tuesday evening at the Parish Center from 7:00PM-8:30PM. Individuals that have made the retreat, or those that are thinking of making one in the future, are welcome to attend. It is a guided evening of open discussions where we have the opportunity to develop a closer bond with Christ and each other. If you would like more information please contact Rick Annunziata at RSA06@charter.net or phone: This Week in Our Parish Tues., Dec pm - Knights of Columbus Sun., Dec No Religious Education classes this week

5 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 24, 2017 Saturday, December 23, :00 p.m. Confessions Saturday, December 23, :00 p.m. Mary & Michael Guerra and Fiore & Raphaela Fenuccio by Anna Fenuccio Jack & Anna Caputo by Daughter and Family Sunday, December 24, :00 a.m. The People of the Parish Sunday, December 24, :00 a.m. Leno Caputo by Wife and Children Francesco & Antoinetta Caputo and Giovanni & Maria DelloStritto by Antonia Caputo and Family Sunday, December 24, :00 p.m. Charles D Elia, Sr. by Family Sunday, December 24, :00 Midnight Kenneth Daignault by Family Monday, December 25, :00 a.m. Parishioners of the Parish Monday, December 25, :00 a.m. Parishioners of the Parish Tuesday, December 26, :00 a.m. No Mass Wednesday, December 27, :00 a.m. The Sick of the Parish Thursday, December 28, :00 a.m. Joseph Tufano (39th Anniversary) by Family Saturday, December 30, :00 p.m. Confessions Saturday, December 30, :00 p.m. Ida Mastrototaro DeMauro by Children Joan Mero, Joyce Mills and Janet Eros by John Mero Sunday, December 31, :00 a.m. Eleanor B. D Elia (Birthday Rembrance) by Family Sunday, December 31, :00 a.m. Domenic D. Mercurio, Sr. by Domenic, Jr. and Family Sunday, December 31, :30 a.m. The People of the Parish Please pray for the sick of our parish: Francis Caffone, Susan Stomski, Donna Grasseschi, Lori Blackwell, Carmella Szklarz, Matteo Fiore, Patrick Loconto, Eleanor Lupisella, Butch Rano, Mary O Connor, Christopher Collazo, Paula Mari, Sim Simone, Cathy Coffey, Mildred Bassan, Vincent Pusateri, Sylvia Pusateri, Debbie Caffone, Joseph Lapomardo, Joseph Ginskus, Philip Powers, Marcia DiLeo, Virginia Czubrynski, Karen Remian, Chester DiLeo, Sandra Powers, Robert Mazzola, Jennifer Bodinizzo, Martin Laine, Antoinette Raddi, Loretta Sciafani, Robert Bacon, Susan Cardinal, Belinda Sahagun, Thelma Ortiz, Caryl Masiello, Cynthia Pedone, Roland Dionne, Maxwell Mitchell, Louis Naple, Carol Youngstrom, Vera Novick, Richard Patrone, Sue Cozzolino, Carol & Frank Iaconi, Anthony DeAngelis, Frank Corridori, Reverend Charles Armey and Anthony & Paul Locantore. May the Lord give them strength, courage and healing. THIS WEEK OUR SANCTUARY LAMPS ARE DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF: Henry C. Pignataro (Birthday Remembrance) By daughter Rosemarie Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish at Our Lady of Loreto Church will again be offering Adult Faith Formation classes beginning on Monday January 8th at 7:00 pm. If you've wondered WHAT and WHY the Catholic Church teaches, doctrine, morality, and/or current issues that affect our everyday lives, or if are interested in learning more or refreshing their knowledge about the Catholic faith; then please join us for these sessions where we will discuss these issues. All adults are welcome! These educational sessions will prove to be instrumental in helping to make our lives more meaningful, relevant, joyful, and helpful among the many difficulties in our lives, as well as the lives of our families and friends. Anyone interested please call Maria at or sciannameo352@gmail.com Pray Pray Pray...

6 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 24, 2017 ITALIAN CLASSES This semester we are offering three levels of classes for adults. Italian for Beginners 1, this class is intended for people who have had no exposure to Italian. A Beginner 11 is intended for those who have completed Beginners 1 and are not ready of Intermediate. Intermediate Italian for those that have completed Beginners Italian I and II will be offered on Tuesday, Level 3 will be held on Thursday. Cost: $ Classes run for ten weeks and will begin the week of January 16. For more information Joan at joan_dargenis@yahoo.com OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS RECEIVES COLUMBIAN AWARD Nino Giamei, Past Grand Knight of Our Lady of Mt. Knights of Columbus recently accepted the Columbian award from District Deputy Normand Armstrong. This is the 11th time in the council's 14 year existence that it has received this award which recognizes councils that have achieved exemplary service in 6 different categories. CHRISTMAS PAGAENT Students from our religious education classes performed their annual Christmas Nativity Pageant on Sunday before the 10:00 AM Mass. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish at Our Lady of Loreto Church PRAYER FOR PARISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL Lord God, You love us with an everlasting love, and You choose us to share Your love with others. We ask that You rekindle in our hearts a new spirit of faith, of prayer and of reconciliation. Inspire us to search out and find ways of bringing one another closer to You. We pray for all who form our parish community, that we remain faithful to Your teaching, that we remain steadfast in our prayer, both personal and communal, that together with You and the Holy Spirit, our parish may be renewed and transformed. All this we ask in the name of Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Please cut out and pray daily. PARISH FOOD PANTRY Through your generosity, we are able to help families in our local area with food. Please drop off food items in the church vestibule or at the parish center. Your donations make a big difference to someone who is hungry. Many thanks! March for Life early bird registration deadline approaching! Please join us for the Diocese of Worcester s bus trip to the 45th annual March for Life in Washington, DC. Buses leave on Thurs. Jan. 18 after the 7:30 p.m. Mass at St. Paul s Cathedral, travel to Washington for the March for Life on Jan. 19, followed by the return trip to Worcester. Cost is $75 per seat for registrations postmarked by December 31, and $90 thereafter. For more information, and to download registration forms, visit respect-life.

7 End of Bulletin Church Name: Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Parish at Our Lady of Loreto Church City: Worcester Account Number: Routing Code: Y Run: 15 Editor: