CLERGY R. M J. L, O.P., P R. S A, O.P., P V R. C W. B, O.P., P V (P ) D J P. L D W M. M (R )

Transcription

1 January 7, 2018 CHURCH 50 L R, P, P P F SCHOOL 6 G R, P, P P : F : M K H, P T E L MASS & WORSHIP SCHEDULE S V : 5 :30 ; S M : 7 :30, 9, 11:30 ; Spanish1:30 ; 6 Youth Mass M -F : 6:30, 8 ; Saturday 8 R : Thursdays 7-8 ; Saturday 4-5 or by Appointment Adoration: Thursdays 8:30 8 ; Saturdays 4-5 CLERGY R. M J. L, O.P., P R. S A, O.P., P V R. C W. B, O.P., P V (P ) D J P. L D W M. M (R ) Isaiah, probably the greatest of the prophets, prophesies extensively on the coming of the savior, the Messiah. His prophecies are so specific it is hard not to believe that he is telling a contemporary story rather than proclaiming the future far in advance. "Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you." This proclamation about the coming of the Gentiles and all nations to worship the Lord is wonderful news indeed, for it presages our own worship of Jesus the Christ. Saint Paul says that "the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." We who are Gentiles can rejoice in our loving acceptance by our God. N S W B Y L "Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.' " These words are joyous news for those through the ages who worship Christ, but bad news to those who, like Herod, selfishly guard their own prominence and kingship. "Herod called the magi secretly..." Those who act in secret often have evil motives, and like Herod, are full of lies--"... that I too may go and do him homage." Herod has no such intent, but plans to murder the Christ child and, he thinks, protect his own rule. Evil is always at work in the world, but God protects the innocent, in this case sending the magi home by a different route rather than back to Herod. Y H S T O The magi "were overjoyed at seeing the star." So many of the words of Isaiah positively glow at the prophecy of the shining light of Israel, Jesus. "Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance... Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow." Christmas day, with all of its light and glory, has passed, and yet we forget that the Christmas season continues until tomorrow. The glory of the Lord continues to shine and manifest the glory to all nations. We who are members of these nations of the earth should continue to celebrate and rejoice at the coming of the Lord into our lives. We are indeed the Gentiles who have come to worship Christ, and to be saved by his glorious appearance. Blessed be the God who reaches out to us in mercy and love, and may the joy of his coming fill our hearts forever. T ' R : Is 60:1-6: Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

2 Page 2 January 7, 2018 E L All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him. Psalm 72:11 Sunday, January 7 Vigil Peggy Welsh 7:30 Janet Hogan (4th Anniv) 9:00 Thomas W. Morelli 11:30 Debbie Arnold 1:30 Jake McHugh 6 Parishioners Monday, January 8 6:30 Larry Schwartz 8:00 Mark Palmarella Tuesday, January 9 6:30 Donald Otten 8:00 Brian Zwaan Wednesday, January 10 6:30 Philip Cavaliere 8:00 Larry Schwartz Thursday, January 11 6:30 Rev. Msgr. James F. Montgomery 8:00 The Young Family Friday, January 12 6:30 Betty & William Mellet 8:00 Deceased members of the Searfoore Family Saturday, January 13 8:00 John & Theresa Mamidis Sunday, January 14 Vigil The Young Family 7:30 Jonathan Lucks 9:00 Edward McCarthy 11:30 Debbie Arnold 1:30 Castro Family 6 Parishioners For many people, the biggest improvement in confession would be switching from viewing it as an obligatory, abstract listing of sins to the renewal of a relationship with God. Fr. Matthew Schneider O V St. Norbert Parish aspires to become one in Christ as a community of fervent disciples, who listen attentively for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and who lovingly embrace Jesus, present in the poor, the alienated and the spiritually hungry. Stewardship Follow The Light Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. For centuries we as Catholics celebrated this Feast on Jan. 6, but the decision was made a number of years ago (at least in the United States) to celebrate the Epiphany on the Sunday which falls between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8. Epiphany means manifestation. It is on this day that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is revealed as the light of all nations. Officially Christmas is not over. In fact, the recommendation of the Church is that on this day those who display a crèche, a nativity or manger scene, should replace the shepherd and sheep with the Magi and their likely animals on which they traveled as well as their gifts. However, that is all secondary to the real meaning of this day. At Christmas the Messiah Jesus was revealed to the shepherds, who were Jewish. But on this day the Lord is revealed to all nations and to the Gentiles (represented by the Magi). We are all familiar with the star PRAYERS & READINGS P H : Corinne Kerrigan, Greg Kleckner, Maria Palfy, Ryan Schlecht, Julian D Orazio, William Denney, Elena Prota, Maria Morales, Michael Fullam, Aaron Gelstine, Mary Corcoran, William Wilbur, Tim Dippel, Alice Bowman, Dorothy Wilson, Ed Rofi, Guillermo Ramirez Maldonado, Rudy Spina, Helen Gelstine, Peter Lim, Ed Welsh, Ann Sassaman, Clare Rossmeisl, Diana Reyes, Frank Henriquez, Phyllis McCullough, Lonz Baldino, Patricia Boyce, Louanne Armstrong, Joan Schauble, Ruth Chavez, John Francis Erickson, Trudy DiNardo, Sr. Helena Mayer, John Valenti, Debra Ulicny, Roberto Barajas, Joseph Mongiello, Mary Alice Spina, Sue Birmingham, Todd Monastero, Margaret Maguire, Dan Petrella R P : Rev. David T. Lawlor, O.Praem, Stanley Francis Brohoski, Menuel, Angel, Melania & Anthony Castro P F O T : Pvt. Matthew Cress, USA; Pvt. Jessica Flowers, Pvt. Michael Flowers, USA; Capt. Rob Kersey, USN; 1st.Lt. Spencer Lahiff, USMC; Sgt. Justin Lansford, USA; Pvt. Bryan McCormick, USA; Lt. Col. James Merenda, USAF; Sgt. R. J. Paski, USA; Sgt. Matthew Paski, USAF; CPT Brian Wallin, DO, USA the Magi followed, but we need to understand all that is happening and what it means. This all represents the Light of Christ, a Light which today we honor and commemorate. We are called to be the Light of Christ right now to those around us and those with whom we come in contact. That way we can be the disciples Christ wants us to be. The poet William Cullen Bryant captures the significance of the star the Magi followed very well when he wrote, O Father, may that Holy Star, Grow every year more bright, And send its glorious beams afar, To fill the world with light. catholicsteward.com As a good gardener works from morning till night to destroy the weeds in his garden and fill it with flowers, so let us work every day to destroy the blemishes of our soul and adorn it with virtues. St. John Vianney Of Salvation READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 55:1-11 or Acts 10:34-38 or 1 Jn 5:1-9; Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10 or Is 12:2-3, 4bcd-6; Mk 1:7-11 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:9-20 or 1 Sm 1:1-8 and 1 Sm 1:9-20; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Mk 1:21-28 or Mk 1:14-20 and Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20; Ps 40:2, 5, 7-10; Mk 1:29-39 Thursday: 1 Sm 4:1-11; Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25; Mk 1:40-45 Friday: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a; Ps 89:16-19; Mk 2:1-12 Saturday: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a; Ps 21:2-7; Mk 2:13-17 Sunday: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42

3 St. Norbert Bulletin Page 3 erent when entering the Sanctuary and around the Altar. During the Consecration: What takes place at the altar with the words of Consecration is almost unbelievable. It is a place where the human and divine are joined; where ordinary bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Help me to be particularly reverent in that moment when Jesus joins us here on earth. Receiving Jesus: Coming to Communion is a time for great reverence. In receiving the Body and Blood of the Son of God we are becoming Christlike. Help me to help all of you to reverence the real presence of Jesus with us at Mass and in our bodies. The Mass is Ended : The term The Mass comes from the Latin Ite Missa Est. Pope Benedict explained it this way, In antiquity, missa simply meant dismissal. However, in Christian usage it gradually took on a deeper meaning. The word dismissal has come to imply a mission. These few words succinctly express the missionary nature of the Church. The People of God might be helped to understand more clearly this essential dimension of the Church's life, taking the dismissal as a starting -point. 1 Pray that I will be able to inspire you to take Jesus message each Sunday out into the world and share it as Fervent Disciples. Final Blessing: Granted there may be times when it s necessary to leave before the Last Blessing and Dismissal, but I wonder whether that sometimes becomes a habit. The Lord blesses you through me at this point, and sends you back into your everyday lives as a witness to him. Pray that we all may carry the light we receive at Mass out into the world. May our hearts and actions at Mass truly reflect the wonderful gifts God has given us. Thank you for helping me with my New Year Resolution at St. Norbert Church. Fr. Mike Pastor s Pulpit New Year Resolutions? Help Me With Mine at the name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father. -- Phil 2:10-11 One of the things people tell me when they are registering to become members of our St. Norbert Parish is the sense of community they felt when they first entered our Church along with the hospitality and the feeling that the Holy Spirit is very much alive here. I say this not to brag, but to reflect on our encounter with Jesus at Mass. Lately, however, I have noticed that my attitude has gotten a little lax in relationship to things sacred. I tend to get easily distracted by all that takes place in Church. I don t want you to think this reflection is the ramblings of a cranky old man older for sure but I m sharing this so that we all can come to a greater awareness of reverence and respect in Church. Therefore, I want to share with you my New Year s resolution and ask that you help me. Here s my resolution: I will be more respectful and reverent in the Church, Sanctuary and on the Altar. This may sound silly coming from a priest of nearly 57 years, however, sometimes with all the hustle and bustle in the Narthex before Mass and in the pews, it feels to me as if we are all gathering for a movie or a concert performance. With that in mind, I d like you to help me be more respectful and reverent particularly with the following: Entering the Sanctuary: As we enter, let us consciously bow our heads and genuflect toward the altar and the cross above in calling to mind who we are meeting, what we re doing, and why we are here in Church. Help me to be more rev- 1 Pope Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis, 51, benedict-xvi/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_benxvi_exh_ _sacramentum-caritatis.html T T T K S Where on earth would you go to honor the magi? Iran or Saudi Arabia, Tarshish or the Isles come to mind, but Cologne, Germany would be a good choice. There the Shrine of the Three Kings has been the centerpiece of the city's cathedral since the fourth century. Today it is the largest reliquary in the world: a gilded and ornamented triple casket gleaming high above the altar (left). In the fourth century, the supposed relics of the wise men were taken from Constantinople to Milan, where they remained until the German Emperor with the unlikely name Frederick Barbarossa (Red Beard) gave them to the Archbishop of Cologne. Ever since, pilgrims have streamed into the city to honor the magi, the first of all pilgrims, and thus the heavenly patrons of all who have some holy wanderlust. This largest Gothic cathedral in Europe today was begun in the mid-1200s to house the relics. In medieval times, the relics in a city's possession were often the key to a sound international economy. The reliquary was last opened in 1864, and the remains of three men were indeed discovered. The cathedral is well worth a visit, with enormous twin spires forming the largest façade of any church in the world (it is the model for St. Patrick's in New York). Construction began in 1248 and ended in 1880, a six-hundred-year project. Today, it is a World Heritage Site, described by the UN as "an exceptional work of human creative genius." This great treasure of our tradition suffered fourteen direct bomb hits in World War II, but did not collapse (top right).1 It survived while the city burned around it, preserved, the townspeople say, by three heavenly patrons. Rev. James Field J.S. Paluch 1

4 Page 4 January 7, 2018 News & Events R N Y J M That Man Is You (TMIY) starts up again on Thursday, Jan 18 to Apr 19 from 6-7:30 in the school cafeteria. This effort is an honest look at the pressures and temptations facing men today in our modern culture. TMIY seeks to transform men who will be capable of transforming homes and society. This session is timed to coincide with Lent and you don t have to have attended the Fall session to start this one. Check out videos and sign up now at R for this FREE program online at location_detail/ C : Tom Cancelmo at or tcancelmo@btcmarketing.com for more information C T L F C FFE... D M "How Can You Enrich Your Marriage in a Deeper Way?" is a special evening coming Lent for Married Couples to unwrap the gift of the Sacrament of Marriage. Join us Thursday, Feb 22, from 7-9, in the St. Norbert school dining hall. The evening begins with wine and cheese, followed by an inspirational talk, some quiet time with your spouse and finally with some takeaway Lenten resolutions to help strengthen your marriage and to encounter Christ together as a couple this Lent. This evening is hosted by our CaFFE Family Life Ministry and baby sitting will be provided. Please register online at C FFE F L P -... P P Positive Parenting Playbook is a 5-week course on Sundays, Feb 4 to March 11, from 10:15-11:15, between our two morning Masses. This program, led by Lisa Corcoran, will empower you to parent your children in ways that build up and help both parent and child grow together. Topics including: Why they do that? Understanding your child s behavior Motivating through Encouragement Listen up mom and dad: Learning how to hear your child I own that: I messages and problem solving Is there another way to discipline? Lisa is a long-time St. Norbert parishioner with 9 children, 6 siblings and 97 cousins, which may have led to her to study parenting. She founded The Parenting Playbook that combines her Alfred Adler studies with practical tools to raise loving, responsible, confident and happy children. God desires for us to have homes of happiness and harmony and this workshop will help you make that a reality, she added. Husbands and wives are encouraged to attend together. C : $75 per couple and $65 for one parent or $20 per drop-in session if you are unable to make the entire course. Workbook $20. Space limited. R : C : Mark Griswold at ext 114 or mgriswold@parish.stnorbert.org P Y A... S! The 50+ Group and the Easttown Police present Scams and How To Protect Yourself and Your Money featuring Detective Andrew J. Tritz III on Sunday, January 21 at 12:30 following the 11:30 Mass. Detective Tritz is a member of the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators and has a Masters in Fraud Management. He will cover scams that are plaguing our nation and local crimes. Free presentation and each attendee will receive a free copy of Money Smart For Older Adults: Resource Guide. Light refreshments to be served. C : Kevin Horan or kevin.horan1@verizon.net C F V... W N H Our Altar Linens Ministry needs additional people to help serve about once very two months for one week. Help is needed to wash and iron linens (purificators, finger towels, corporals) that are used at Mass. Contact: Maria Pollack at maria-ron@comcast.net or for more information and how you can assist with this vital ministry. B O T G Want to go deeper into the Sunday Gospel? Join a St. Norbert small faith sharing group. Contact: Ed Grady at egrady@parish.stnorbert.org for more information on dates, times and places. You won t be disappointed.

5 St. Norbert Bulletin Page 5 P S R During Lent last year, St. Norbert Parish participated in a national Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey sponsored by the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI). This survey looks at parishioners attitudes and beliefs regarding the local Catholic community, spiritual growth, personal beliefs and faith. Participants are asked about their participation in activities such as Confession, Mass, service, hospitality, bible study/ workshops, and retreats. Other questions ask about parishioner satisfaction with the parish, pastor and parish activities. Demographic questions help form a profile of parish communities and survey respondents. Thank you, everyone who responded! More than 600 St. Norbert parishioners completed the survey, an excellent 48% response. Parishes normally see a 12-20% response the first time they participate. Overall, nearly 82,000 parishioners from 366 parishes in 21 Dioceses have responded in the last four years to the DMI Survey. St. Norbert s participation was made possible by a generous grant from a CLI benefactor. The St. Norbert Five Year Parish Pastoral Plan ( ) has three goals: 1) Encountering Jesus: To create a community that encourages an Encounter with Jesus 2) Focusing on Sunday: To enhance the Sunday experience of our worship to better enable parishioners to encounter Jesus 3) Forming Fervent Disciples: To engage and enable our parish to grow as a community of Fervent Disciples through our ministries and discipling efforts This survey helps gauge the vibrancy of our parish and measure how effective we are in forming disciples. The results are compared with all parishes in the study and with the top 3 high-scoring parishes in the country. There is a lot of data and we have been analyzing the results. Below are some key findings and the date and time for a Town Meeting to review the results with all parishioners. K S A F I Parishioners Are Likely to Recommend St. Norbert s: Question: I would recommend my parish to a friend Our Result: Close to 70% of respondents are likely to recommend St. Norbert Parish to others. The top-mentioned reasons are: 1) The pastor; 2) A vibrant and engaging Sunday Mass; 3) Feeling welcomed and accepted; 4) Preaching connects to everyday life; 5) Accessible information and communications; 6) Parish helps them recognize God s work in their life. Comment: St. Norbert s response lies midway between the parish average (55%) and the score of the top 3 U.S. parishes (85%). While there is room for growth, clearly parishioners are passionate about St. Norbert s. Parishioners Want to Grow Spiritually: Question: Which of the following best describes the pace of your spiritual growth? 1) Period of decline; 2) Stalled; 3) Content with where I am; 4) Growing Steadily; 5) Would like to grow more; 6) In a period of rapid growth Our Result: More than 70% of our parishioners are growing steadily, want to grow more, or are in a period of rapid spiritual growth. Comment: In line with our Pastoral Goals, St. Norbert parishioners are encountering Jesus, focusing on our Sunday experience and growing as Fervent Disciples. Efforts like the RESPOND: Deepening Discipleship series are helping people go deeper and grow spiritually. T H D J 21 Learn more about the DMI Survey results and join in a Q&A session Sunday, January 21 at 10:15 in the St. Norbert Oratory. I look forward to seeing you there. Fr. Mike C Witnessing to the Faith: Question: How does the parish equip parishioners to share their personal witness story? Our Result: Only 17% of respondents believe our parish is equipping them to share their personal witness story (the national average is about 16%). The response is far higher (40%) in the top 3 parishes. Comment: St. Norbert Parish is addressing this through a strong support for faith sharing groups, our monthly Witness Sundays, Bible study, and Becoming Fervent Disciples. Helping Parents Teach Their Children Questions (agree or disagree): (1) One of my most important responsibilities as a parent is helping my child(ren) to know Jesus; (2) I have adequate support from my parish to help my child(ren) grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Our Results: While an overwhelming 61% of parents feel they are responsible for helping their children to know Jesus, only 29% feel the parish is providing adequate support. Comment: When this survey was fielded, St. Norbert s was just half-way through our new CaFFE Family Life effort (Catholic Family Formation and Evangelization). Other programs such as the Walking With Purpose group for women and the new That Man Is You program for men help to strengthen faith and form more Fervent Disciples to meet these and other challenges. : Mark Christmyer mchristmyer@parish.stnorbert.org or Ed Grady at egrady@parish.stnorbert.org for more information

6 Page 6 January 7, 2018 M L... O T B Our Respect Life Ministry will sponsor the annual March for Life bus trip on Jan 19 to Washington, DC, in support of all lives matter. C : Joe Maxwell of the Respect for Life Ministry at or jf.maxwell@verizon.net C : Seat reservation $10/person for parishioners. RSVP: Send checks to Joe at 2310 Pine View Drive, Malvern, PA T : Bus leaves St. Norbert at 8:45 and returns at 7:15. Also visit the table in the Narthex the weekends of Jan 6-7 and R : To sign up for a spot on the bus, go to: S D... S A The annual Ministry Appreciation Breakfast will be held on Saturday January 13 at 8:30. Come join us for Mass at 8 followed by a delicious breakfast. All are invited in appreciation of the members of our 50 ministries for their service and to anyone interested in becoming more involved. To find out more about all the Ministries here at St. Norbert parish go to our website: Ministry-Broch pdf C A H S... X XIV 4 T Hey Teens, are you listening? Hearing any voices? How about My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 27:10). Join us as we FOLLOW this year s Xanten XIV High School Retreat, Jan at Camp Sankanac in Spring City. C : $125. C : Clare Kane ckane@parish.stnorbert.org or ext 127 R : M S R : 7th & 8th graders: A special IGNITE overnight retreat will be held for you Feb C : Clare Kane at ext 127 or ckane@parish.stnorbert.org or R : L... S P N Do you love music? Do you want to get involved, but don't have much time? Join the Sound Ministry! We will train you and in a short period of time, you could be working the sound board. A once a month commitment at Mass provides a great service. C : Paul Stadter, stadterpm@yahoo.com or U E W : Sundays: EDGE 10:05-11:15 Youth Group Room; Youth Group following 6 Mass; Dads Basketball, 7-9, Gym Tuesdays: Dawn Seekers Bible Study, 8:30 10 am, Parish Office Dining Room; Walking With Purpose C : Lisa McGowan at mcgowanlh@gmail.com ; Young Adults Faith Sharing, Parish Office Lower Level, 7:30-9, C - : Hank Fila at or hankfila@gmail.com Wednesdays: Christian Practice of Yoga 10:30-11:30 Parish Office Lower Level; JCREW Youth Group, 7-9, Youth Group Room Thursdays: Adoration 8 :30 8, Oratory with Reconciliation 7 8 ; Legion of Mary, 9-10:30, Sacristy Meeting Room. Saturdays: Adoration 4-5 ; Reconciliation 4-5 or by appointment U : Jan 6-7 Outreach Food & Clothing Collection, Narthex (food) & Parish Activity Center (clothing/house items) Jan 11 Prayer & Healing Night, 7:30, Church. C : Pete Radice at prfr@comcast.net Jan 13 Ministry Appreciation Breakfast, 7:30-8:30, Fr. Burke Center Jan 14 Gethsemani 12 Step Spirituality Night 7:30, Oratory. C : Martin K at Jan 18 That Man Is You! 6-7:30, School Dining Room. C : Tom Cancelmo at tcancelmo@btcmarketing.com R Y R J S R Make your plans now for a 50+ Group Spiritual Retreat at Malvern Retreat House on Tuesday, Jan 23, from 9 2:30. This 50+ group inaugural spiritual retreat with Father John Meyers on The View from the Top of the Hill, will explore how we can refresh and re-energize our relationship with Jesus as well as continue to find meaning and fulfillment in our lives and reflect on our spiritual legacies. A full day that includes Mass, Adoration, Reconciliation, personal reflection time, and fellowship over breakfast and lunch. RSVP early to reserve your place! D - is Jan 15. Drop off or mail the registration form below along with payment to the Parish Office. C : Nancy Stemper at nancystemper@comcast.net or Nina Gallacher at ngallacher9@aol.com 50+ G S R M R H Tuesday, Jan 23, 9-2:30 Name(s): Phone: Total Enclosed: ($30/person, cash or check payable to St. Norbert 50+ Group) Return or mail completed form with payment to the St. Norbert Parish Office, 50 Leopard Road, Paoli, PA by Monday, Jan 15. If Office is closed, please use mail slot next to front door. Thank You.