SAINT ANTHONY SAINT LAWRENCE SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 26, 2017 Matthew 25: 14-30

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1 Serving the members of Christ the King and St. James the Apostle parishes Rev. Mr. John J. Carran, Deacon Administrator SAINT ANTHONY SAINT LAWRENCE SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 26, 2017 Matthew 25: In today s Gospel, Jesus describes to his disciples the scene of the judgment of the Son of Man. All the nations will be assembled before him, and he will separate them as a shepherd separates sheep and goats upon their return from the pasture. The judgments made by the Son of Man will be based upon the acts of mercy shown to the least ones the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the ill, and the imprisoned. Indeed, Jesus, who suffered on the Cross, identifies himself with the least ones. Recall that last week s parable of the talents taught us that the gifts that we have been given are intended to be used for the service of others, especially the least among us. Our judgment before God will be based not only on how we have used these gifts and talents, but also on how we have extended ourselves in service to these least ones. Indeed, Jesus tells us that whenever we have served these least ones, we have served Christ himself. In accepting death on the cross, Jesus shows himself to be one of the hungry, the naked, the ill, and the imprisoned. To accept Jesus is to accept him who suffered and died on the Cross as one of the least ones. Mission Statement: We, the Roman Catholic parishes of Christ the King and St. James the Apostle, because of our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for one another, commit ourselves to continue the mission of Jesus Christ. As people of God, we are called to evangelize by: Inviting people to worship with us Reaching out to the less fortunate Educating ourselves and others in the Catholic Christian faith Recognizing the gifts and talents of everyone Respecting all individuals Committing ourselves to implement this vision of faith CHRIST THE KING P. O. Box 23; Hillsville PA Church Office: Fax: Office Hours: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. (Monday Thursday) Website: anlaw@comcast.net Secretary/Bookkeeper: Mary Ann Zocolo CCD Coordinator: Vincie Greco Director of Music: Brenda Kostial bkostial@gmail.com St. Anthony Church 411 W. Poland Ave. Bessemer PA Religious Education Center: St. Lawrence Church 175 Martin Kelly Spear Road Hillsville PA Recreation Center: ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE 4019 US 422 Pulaski PA Church Office: Fax: Website: g stjamestheapostle@comcast.net Office Hours: 9 a.m. 4 p.m. (Monday Friday) Director of Adult Formation: Sr. Zoe Ann Reiter, HM/zoeannreiter@comcast.net Director of Music: Br enda Kostial bkostial@gmail.com Coordinator of Religious Education: Vicki Pavalko/vickipavalko@comcast.net Parish Evangelization Minister: J anet Cr espi jancrespi@aol.com Parish Social Minister: Mary Ann T. Isaac mobyisaac55@comcast.net Parish Youth Minister: Chr is Baker chrisbaker224@gmail.com Parish Office Manager: J ean Pascale jspascale@comcast.net Secretary: Mamie Denehy mamiedenehy@comcast.net (Monday Thursday) Bookkeeper: Lor r ie Millette lorrie-bookkeeper@comcast.net (Friday only)

2 Page 2 MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS FOR NOV. 26 DEC. 3 Saturday, Nov. 25: Vigil/Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 4:00 p.m. Marty & Joyce Kollar (Bob Kollar) (St. James) Sunday, Nov. 26: Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 8:45 a.m. Edward Pope (Ruth Fletcher) (St. James) 10:45 a.m. Jack (Putsy) Lupo (Family) (St. Anthony) Tuesday, Nov. 28: Weekday 8:30 a.m. The living and deceased members of St. James the Apostle Parish and our sister parish, Christ the King (St. James) Thursday, Nov. 30: St. Andrew, Apostle 8:30 a.m. Spiritual and temporal welfare of our parish and our sister parish (St. Anthony) Saturday, Dec. 2: Vigil/1st Sunday of Advent 4:00 p.m Jack (Putsy) Lupo (Family) (St. Anthony) Sunday, Dec. 3: 1st Sunday of Advent 8:45 a.m. Galmarini & Gurgacz families (Family) (St. James) 10:45 a.m. The living and deceased members of the Silhanek and Kopeck families (Paula & Doug Silhanek) (St. Anthony) Daily Mass at St. Camillus de Lellis Parish 8:30 a.m. Mon./Wed./ Fri. 4 p.m. Mass on Saturdays in December is at Christ the King PLEASE NOTE: All parish cemeteries are now under the management and care of the CATHOLIC PARISH CEMETERIES ASSOCIATION. All questions and concerns MUST be directed to Catholic Parish Cemeteries Association by calling their office at Contributions the Week of Nov. 12, 2017 Fiscal Year July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018 Weekly Collection needed per week $...4, Weekly Collection given this week $...3, Weekly Collection needed to date $...77, Weekly Collection given to date $...73, Weekly Collection overage/(deficit) $... (4,633.00) Total Weekly Envelopes: 103 Contributions the Week of Nov. 12, 2017 Fiscal Year July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018 Weekly Collection needed per week $...3, Weekly Collection given this week $...4, Weekly Collection needed to date $...72, Weekly Collection given to date $...72, Collection overage/(deficit) $...(120.00) Victim s Assistance Hotline: If you are a person who has been hurt by abuse from clergy or others associated with the Church, the Diocese offers assistance with counseling, spiritual direction and referrals to other supportive services. For information on any of these services, we invite you to contact our Diocesan Assistance Coordinator toll free at To educate the public about how to identify child abuse, the Protecting God s Children Workshop is available online to all parishioners and interested persons at READINGS: SUNDAY, NOV. 26 1st Reading God himself will shepherd the people of Israel. Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17 Psalm The Lord is our shepherd. Psalm 23:1-2,2-3,5-6 2nd Reading Because Christ has been raised from the dead, all those who have died will also be raised. Corinthians 15:20-26,28 Gospel Reading Jesus teaches that when the Son of Man comes in glory, he will judge the nations, separating the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25:31-46 SCRIPTURE READINGS NOVEMBER 27 DECEMBER 3 Monday: Dn 1:1-6, 8-20 Lk 21:1-4 Tuesday: Dn 2:31-45 Lk 21:5-11 Wednesday: Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, Lk 21:12-19 Thursday: Rom 10:9-18 Mt 4:18-22 Friday: Dn 7:2-14 Lk 21:29-33 Saturday: Dn 7:15-27 Lk 21:34-36 Sunday: Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7 1 Cor 1:3-9 Mk 13:33-37

3 SACRAMENTS BAPTISM Christ the King & St. James the Apostle: Please call Sr. Zoe Ann Reiter, , for an appointment, at which time, date and Pre-Baptism session will be arranged. MARRIAGE Christ the King & St. James the Apostle: Please contact the deacon at least 6 months prior to the tentative wedding date. Please contact Sr. Zoe Ann Reiter at least 6 months prior to the tentative wedding date. Pre-Marriage Preparation is required. RECONCILIATION Christ the King and St. James the Apostle: Following the two daily Masses, on Saturdays at 3:15 p.m. at the church having 4 p.m. Mass, or by special appointment with the priest. VISITATION: In the hospital? Have a family member who has been admitted? Please notify Christ the King or St. James the Apostle church office of the admission. Visits cannot be made unless the office has been contacted. Due to the privacy laws, the hospitals are no longer permitted to give out any information, even to religious leaders, concerning admitted parishioners. A visit from Christ the King or St. James the Apostle is only a phone call away. Christ the King Health Ministry will be collecting aluminum can TAB TOPS to help supplement the cost for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh. A container will be placed in the back of the church for your convenience. CHRIST THE KING Nursing Homes & Care Facilities Theresa Gregg & Jenny Gadzia/ Golden Hill; New Castle Theresa McCree/Masternick Asst. Living; New Middletown OH Helen Sackin & Margaret Kelty/ Avalon N.H.; New Castle Agnes Searfoss & Olga Pisciuneri/ The Haven; New Castle Robert Pacillo/Jameson Care Center; New Castle Homebound, Sick or Other Bobbie Angelo, Deacon John Carran, Mary Sackin, Bonnie Isabella, Kathy Penwell, Richard Byers, Michael Sackin, Ann Exposito, Rose Micco, Gadelmeyer family, Louise Bryan, Cheryl Miller, Marshall Sackin, Katie Exposito, Kathy Stokes, Jennie Fusco, Pat & Ed Ammeen, Delores Marcantino, John Pezzone, Marie Lucarelli, Matthew Pezzone, Donald Luther, Josephine Commisso, Dom Greco, Ursie Fellner, Thelma Gregg, Joan Wyza, Nicholas Altman, Patty Tropea, Frank Karolivic, Valerie Villiani, Mary Ann & Josie Greco If you have a family member you would like to have added to our prayer list, please call the office. Special Prayer Request for Alex Brown, 12-year-old grandson of Jay and Janet Roach. Page 3 PRAYER LISTS FOR CHRIST THE KING & ST. JAMES Please pray for our parishioners residing in nursing homes or other care facilities, for those who are homebound, for those who are ill, for those who may be facing surgery, and for those with special needs. Mohawk Food Bank: The food bank, run by H.O.P.E. from Bethel Church, continues to help people with food on the second Monday of each month. All donations are welcome. Donations for the month are Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels and napkins. We thank you for your continuing support in helping others. Questions? Please call Paula Silhanek at ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE Nursing Homes/ Care Facilities Victor Chrobak/Haven; New Castle Helen Fazzolare/Carriage Manor; New Castle James Goodge/Maplecrest; Struthers OH Mike Pavlov/Sunrise; Poland, OH Hazel Pennington/Countryside Nursing Home; Mercer Betty Ann Topolosky and Albert Tkach/Edison Manor; New Castle Annette Zets-Burbick/The Grove at New Wilmington Homebound, Sick or Other Bobbie Angelo, Isabelle Bartley, Bob Buydos, Larry Callahan, Cappy & Phyllis Caparso, Deacon John Carran, Shirley Chesmer, Katie Dando, Mamie Denehy, Gertrude Dietz, Dolores Despetorich, Arlene DeVite, Arthur Ealy, Micheala Goodrum, Bill Huncik, Barb Kamyk, Joan Kamyk, George Lawrence, Lois Lahr, Frank & Erma Lovich, Tom Magnone, Al Muscarella, Tommy Peachock, Tanya Persohn, Ann Pope, Randy Pope, Frank Romeo, Nick & Diane Sevachko, John Sotlar, Vince Strecansky, Mary Lee Termina, Rose Verhosek, Pat Wargo and Tom Zets Don t forget A.C.T.S. monthly meeting on the 3 rd Thursday of the month following Mass at St. Anthony.

4 Page 4 Christ the King Confirmation 8th & 9th Grade Confirmation Class meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Hall on December 3 and ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE CCD December 17 (on the 17th bring a $5 gift for our exchange) CCD 10 11:30 AM NO CCD TODAY! CCD RESUMES DEC. 3, 10, 17 DECEMBER 17TH CHILDREN S MASS AND GATHERING THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT St. James CCD Wish List (developing new program area) Needed: Religious education office aide to start in January Wood worker, wood, jig or scroll saw worker, craft painter, seamstress, gently used tablecloths in white and purple Call ST. JAMES CONFIRMATION PREP Sessions are 10 to 11:30 a.m. on: December 17 January 14 and February 18 Our next group service encounter is Dec. 17th! Candidates, please bring one dozen cookies with you that day! Catholic Trivia Question: How well do you remember some of the things you learned about our Catholic religion? For your fun and enlightenment test yourself today on this question and then check your response by asking your neighbor... or look for the answer online on St. James website or continue reading in today s bulletin. This weekend is the last Sunday of the Church Year and is celebrated as the feast of? A) Thanksgiving B) The End Times C) First Sunday of Advent D) Mary Mother of God E) The Good Shepherd F) Christ the King G) None of the above (See answer on page 6)

5 From the Desk of Deacon John: Page 5 J.M.J. Today we celebrate the last Sunday in Ordinary Time The Solemnity of Christ the King! In bringing another liturgical year to a close it gives us an opportunity to reflect back on this year. In today s gospel from St. Matthew we hear the final preaching of Jesus, as he speaks about the last judgement. If we were to place ourselves in this gospel, on which side would we find ourselves based on how we have lived our lives? Would we find ourselves on the right with the sheep, with those who were attentive to the needs around them? Or would we find ourselves on the left with the goats, with those who did nothing to help those around them. Each and every day we have the opportunity in some small way to minister to those who hunger, who thirst, who are strangers, naked and in need of clothing, those who are ill and need care, and yes even those who are in prison. Something to think about! Next weekend we begin our Advent Season, with that being said please note the following schedule for Penance Services and the Christmas schedules in both of our good parishes: Advent Penance Services: Christ the King Parish Monday, December 11, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. (St. Anthony Church) St. James the Apostle Wednesday, December 13, 2017 (please note this is the scheduled night for The Light Is On For You thus there will not actually be a penance service, simply the opportunity for confessions beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00). Christmas Mass Schedule: Vigil Mass December 24 th 4:00pm Christ the King (St. Anthony) 8:00pm St. James the Apostle Christmas Day December 25 th 8:45am St. James the Apostle 10:45am Christ the King (St. Anthony) This coming week I will find out just how soon I will be able to be back at work. I see the doctor on December 1 st. Hopefully I will be released to return to work on a light schedule. My energy levels appear to be improving, and hopefully that will be reflected in my next blood work up. Please know of my continued prayers for all of you, and I humbly ask for yours. Wishing each of you a blessed week! God love you, Deacon John Christ, the Unconventional King Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. What a magnificent title for the God who created us and loves us to the end. Of course, Christ is the most unconventional king. Instead of being born in a palace, he was born among the animals in a manger. Instead of the security of soldiers and guards, he was accompanied by twelve simple men. Instead of being crowned with gold and jewels, he was crowned with thorns. And, as today s Gospel reminds us, he did not want his face etched on coins or framed on walls, but instead wanted to be seen in the faces of those most in need. While Christ s kingship is unconventional, his reign over us is effective as he lovingly shepherds us towards the kingdom. On Mission for The Church Alive! invites us to seek new and, at times, unconventional ways to reach out to our sisters and brothers and strengthen our relationships with each other and with our Lord and King. As Christ reigns in our hearts and in the world, may he shepherd us as we work to fulfill his mission of love. Visit onmissionchurchalive.org to learn more and to stay informed. Tabernacle Lamp Intentions: Parishioners may now request dedication of the Tabernacle Lamp in the St. James the Apostle Chapel for their prayer intentions. A donation of $25 will dedicate the Tabernacle Lamp for a week beginning on Wednesdays and continuing through the following Tuesday. The Lamp intention will be posted as you enter the chapel. By the light of the Tabernacle Lamp in the chapel, prayers will be offered for the deceased members of St. James the Apostle Parish.

6 Page 6 NATIVITY DISPLAY AT VILLA MARIA The annual Nativity Display at Villa Maria is scheduled for December 3 & 10 from noon to 5 p.m. This indoor Advent tradition features hundreds of nativity sets from around the world with entertainment from musicians, choirs, a bell choir and more. Pete Pascale will be playing his guitar from noon until 1 each day of the display. St. James Choir, under the direction of Brenda Kostial, will be singing at 1:30 p.m. on December 10. Complimentary cookies and punch are available both days and shuttle service will be provided from the parking lot. The Villa Farm will offer fresh poinsettias, swags and wreaths and The Villa Shoppe will offer Fair Trade items, nativities and unique Christmas gifts. Dinners will be served from noon to 4 p.m.: Roast Beef on Dec. 3 and Pasta on Dec 10. Takeouts are available. LOVING CONGRATULATIONS! We welcome Micheala Goodrum who was baptized at St. James with the living waters of rebirth into the one body of Christ! She is the daughter of Michelle and Greg Goodrum and the granddaughter of Donna Smith. Micheala s godparents are Lon Goodrum and Shawna Rigby. We pray that Micheala and all in her family will continue to grow in faith strengthened by God s love and our parish support. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process of welcoming new members into our church. A group of inquirers and their sponsors from the various parishes of northern Lawrence County is meeting each Thursday at 7 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Hope Parish in New Castle. One of the inquirers is Jason Mathieson, from St. James. Pete Pascale is representing St. James Parish and serving as the sponsor for Jason, accompanying him while he journeys as a catechumen preparing for Baptism. The other baptized candidates are Jodi Fitzgerald from St. Vitus, Jessica Flynn from Mary Mother of Hope, Clarizel LaCap from St. Camillus, and Ron Phillips from St. Vitus. Please pray for our catechumen Jason and the other candidates as they continue on their faith journey supported by their sponsors. For more information about our initiation process, call Sr. Zoe Ann at Trivia Answer: F) Christ the King The final Sunday of the liturgical year is celebrated as the Solemnity of Christ the King, Lord of the Universe. The Scripture readings for this Sunday give us an indication of what type of king Jesus is. His realm is clearly seen as one that turns the status quo of our society upside down. The first reading taken from the book of Ezekiel speaks of the need for the shepherds of Israel (the leaders of the Israelites during the Babylonian exile) to tend with loving care the sheep (the Israelite people) especially those lost, injured or sick. In other words, the leaders must be concerned for and protect the most vulnerable of the people. In the Gospel reading, Jesus describes himself as the king who judges the people and then gathers his own to be with him in everlasting joy. What are the criteria Jesus gives us for entering eternal life with God? Not what many of us would guess and certainly not what our culture promotes. He tells us that only those who reach out to the most vulnerable and the outcasts of our society (the hungry, the sick, the prisoner, etc.) will join him in heaven! Jesus paints the picture of what a true ruler would be most concerned about: forgiveness rather than judgment, lifting up those forgotten and abused, and humble service to those in the greatest need. What a graphic portrayal of true power being wielded for the benefit of all, especially those most marginalized in our world. We might ask ourselves: How are we exercising the power we hold for the good of all? How are we caring for the most vulnerable in our midst? Do we realize that these words of Jesus are addressed to us today? What you did for the little ones, you did for Me. BIBLE STUDY RESUMES Bible Study will resume the regular schedule following the break for Thanksgiving. Weekly Bible Study sessions are held on Monday nights 7:00-8:30 and Tuesday mornings after the 8:30 Mass from 9:15-10:45 in the Great Room at St. James. We are currently reading the Book of Job with a focus on the meaning of suffering and why bad things happen to good people. All are welcome to join our friendly study group and it is not necessary to have participated in sessions before. Bring your own Bible or use one of ours. For more information, contact Sr. Zoe Ann. Knights of Columbus Council 512 will hold their social meeting on November 29 at Mary, Mother of Hope Church basement at 7:30 p.m. All prospective Knights and all members of the K of C are welcome.

7 Page 7 CHRIST THE KING EVENTS & INFORMATION: CHRISTIAN MOTHERS CHRISTMAS PARTY All ladies of the parish are invited to the Christian Mothers Christmas Party on Saturday, December 2nd, at 1 p.m. at Tuscany Restaurant. RITA S NUT ROLLS: To order for Christmas call Rita Lamb at Pick up on Saturday, Dec :30 p.m. PROJECT HOPE with thanks to all Project HOPE would like to thank the generous people of Christ the King and also the Men's Group, who donated to the Food Bank at the second collection. We will use your monetary donations wisely to help the less fortunate of the area. PROJECT HOPE CHRISTMAS The Project Hope Giving Tree will be at the back of the church starting this weekend. Please take a tag, sign the sheet and return the gift to the back of the church, wrapped, with your tag taped to it by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD. Thank you ahead of time for making Christmas happier for the children in need in the Mohawk Area. The tags on the tree for Shop 'n Save will be given to each family also, including several elderly. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Please write checks to a "Project Hope" and place in the collect basket. Any questions, please call Paula Silhanek at Dec. 3: Dec. 7/8: Dec. 10: Dec. 11: Dec. 13: Dec. 14: Dec. 19: Dec. 20: Dec. 21: Villa Maria Annual Nativity Display Noon to 5 p.m.; main retreat center Roast beef dinner, noon to 4 p.m. Feast of the Immaculate Conception Holy day Masses at Christ the King and St. James the Apostle (see Mass schedule) Villa Maria Annual Nativity Display Noon to 5 p.m.; main retreat center Pasta dinner, noon to 4 p.m. Penance service, St. Anthony, 7 p.m. The Light is on for you confessions heard at St. James and Mary, Mother of Hope from 6 to 9 p.m. Penance service, St. Vincent de Paul, 7 p.m. Penance service, St. Camillus, 7 p.m. Penance service, St. Joseph, 7 p.m. Penance service, St. Vitus, 7 p.m. Call for more information. WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE Concert features talented young women Sunday afternoon November 12 at St. James was the place to be for an uplifting concert by the young women of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. Their voices filled the church with songs Of the Sea and Sky (The Wonder of God s Creation) as the parish musicians of Lawrence County were able to sit back and relax while enjoying the talents of so many young people. At times, they were invited to join in the singing of familiar hymns. Our Vicar, Fr. Philip Farrell, was happy to recognize the talents of everyone present and congratulated Director Dr. Marissa Ulmer on having trained so much talent. The event was a wonderful collaboration of the music directors of our District. Prior to the Craft Sale at Christ the King, women of both Christ the King and St. James got together at St. Lawrence Hall to make the rolls that are ever so popular. They worked together as they chatted and made quick work of the project. Thanks to Marie Benedict who coordinated the effort! ST. JAMES IMPORTANT NOTICES: CWO Annual cookie sale Dec. 3 in the Social Hall during the Breakfast Brunch. $4 per dozen or $2 per half dozen. Donations of cookies accepted Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. Bring 6 dozen. Call Nancy Butch at CWO Christmas Party is brunch in the Social Hall on Sunday, December 10. Please pay in advance. Cost is $15 drop your payment in the collection basket or stop by the church office by Dec. 5.

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