Saint James Church A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust A Parish of the Diocese of Greensburg 306 Saint James Lane New Alexandria, PA 15670 The Reverend Monsignor Larry J. Kulick, J.C.L.,VG, Pastor Rectory & Office: (724) 668-2829 Social Hall: (724) 668-2323 Education Center & Fax: (724) 668-7327 Website: www.stjamesnewalexandria.org Bulletin Deadline: Monday at 4:00 PM Third Sunday of Advent - December 16, 2018 Mass Schedules Saturday Vigil at 4:30 PM Sunday Mass at 9:30 AM Daily Mass: Monday Friday at 8:00 AM Holy Day: Vigil at 7:00 PM & Day at 8:00 AM Sacraments Marriage: Six Month Notification is Required Baptism: By Appointment Sacrament of Penance: Saturday 4:00 PM or By Appointment Saint James Parish Mission Statement We, the parish family of Saint James Church, New Alexandria, consis ng of diverse, dedicated hard working people, hold firm the tradi ons and beliefs of our Catholic faith. Our Mission is to keep this faith alive and growing through the love of the Eucharist, the Sacraments, and the Word of God. Responding to our Bap smal call we are devoted to fostering spiritual forma on, strengthening Chris an values, evangelizing and caring for all. As we travel on our Journey of a Life me, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we help the community strive to seek the Kingdom of God.
Third Sunday Fourth of Advent Sunday, Sunday December of Lent 16, 2018 The King of Israel, March the 6, Lord, 2016 is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. ~ Zephaniah 3:15b ~ Whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old things have passed away; Liturgical behold, Services new things have of The come Week Saturday, December 2 Corinthians 15, Third 5:17 Sunday of Advent 4:30 pm Julius Benko (Marty, Dorothy & Paul Strosko) Sunday, December 16, Third Sunday of Advent 9:30 am Liturgical For the People Services Monday, December 17, Late Advent Weekday 8:00 am George of Dickerson The Week Saturday, (Catherine March 5, Vigil: Pastor) Fourth Sunday of Lent Tuesday, 4:30 pm December Piwinsky Family 18, Late (Stella Advent Sheffler Weekday & Family) Sunday, 8:00 am Kimberly March 6, (Phillips) Fourth Sunday Lauffer of Lent 9:30 am (Frank For the & People Betty Nemchik & Family) Wednesday, Monday, December March 7, Saints 19, Late Perpetua Advent and Weekday Felicity 7:00 8:00 pm am Forish Andrew & Nalevanko Hornock Families (Family) Tuesday, (Marge March Forish 8, Lenten & Family Weekday ) Thursday, 7:00 pm December Emily Morelli 20, Late Advent Weekday 8:00 am Joseph (Son, & Olga Bernie Janoscrat & Ruth Ann Morelli) Wednesday, (Daughter March 9, Lenten Theresa Weekday Janoscrat) Friday, 7:00 pm December Renewed Health: 21, Late Kathy Advent McNaughton Weekday 8:00 am Tom Nalevanko, (Jerry & Anna Jr. Marie Suman) Thursday, (DeLuca March 10, Family) Lenten Weekday Saturday, 8:00 am December John Wagner 22, (Family) Fourth Sunday of Advent Friday, 4:30 pm Joseph March & 11, Margaret Lenten Gallek Weekday 8:00 am (Son Special Ed Intention & Doris Gallek) for Lori L. Bird Sunday, December (Joe & 23, JoAnn Fourth Ragan) Sunday of Advent 9:30 7:00 am pm For STATIONS the People OF THE CROSS Saturday, March 12, Lenten Weekday 9:00 am DCCW Mass Saturday, Ministers March 12, of Vigil: the Fifth Week Sunday of Lent 4:30 pm For the People Altar Sunday, Servers: March 13, Fifth Sunday of Lent 9:30 am Julio Rosa Malavez Sat. 4:30 p.m. Ray & (Joe Anna & Rose Marie Mary Mowery Kuznicki) Sun. 9:30 a.m. Peggy (Daylight & Emma Savings Slezak Time Begins) Lectors & Eucharistic Ministers Ministers for the Week Sat. 4:30 p.m. Gene Bartolini ALTAR SERVERS: Mary Bartolini, Karen Bennett 7:00 pm Ray & Anna Mike Marie Stango Mowery Sun. 9:30 a.m. Greta Gump 4:30 pm Jessica Fran Palko Disciascio, & Mark Ruth Suman Ann Morelli 9:30 am Dave McNaughton Jan Hankinson & Ray Mowery LECTORS & EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS: Collection 4:30 pm Stewards Dottie - December Bacher 23, 2018 - Barb Volek Mary Bartolini, Mike Bernie Stango, Merenda, Nicole Wells 9:30 am Mary Kay Jan Rosborough Hankinson Barb Volek, Maryanne Moyer, Ruth Ann Morelli COLLECTION STEWARDS: Helen Ellis, Maryanne THE SANCTUARY Moyer, Ruth Ann LAMP Morelli The Sanctuary Lamp acknowledging the Real Presence of Christ in the tabernacle is burning during the month of December 2018: In Memory of: From Our Pastor Ang & Paul Benko The Reverend Requested by: Marty, Monsignor Dorothy & Paul Strosko Larry J. Kulick, JCL From Our Pastor: The Reverend Monsignor Larry J. Kulick, JCL, V.G. REJOICE! Today has traditionally been called Gaudete Sunday. The Latin term is derived from Saint Paul s appeal in the second reading to rejoice always in the Lord, and the Latin Mass text based on that reading. The irony and paradox of this Christian joy is underlined by the fact that Paul wrote those words in prison. But from there he could see the progress of God s work through the infant church. Is it obvious to us? We feel that this is not the time for joy when there is so much suffering and moral evil. It is interesting, then, that the first reading is from the prophet Zephaniah, who is almost exclusively concerned with gloomy visions of Judgment Day. Today the Church selects the only optimistic text in Zephaniah, in which the prophet has been touched by the spirit of joy. This, we are assured on all sides, is the season of joy. Let us recapture that feeling of joy in our lives and reflect it to those who may be experiencing despair or hopelessness. Advent Evening of Reflection On Monday, December 17, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Saint James Parish is honored to be hosting a special Advent Evening of Reflection sponsored by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The members of the Western Pennsylvania Region of the Order will be present for this special event. Following Evening Prayer, there will be a special presentation on the Holy Land. This presentation will include a special opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Holy Land in relationship to the life of Christ and the mystery of his incarnation which the Advent Season prepares us to celebrate. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Social Hall. We encourage all parishioners and the public to join us for this special Advent Evening of Prayer. Thank You I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Vecchio and Lupyan families for their generosity in requesting monetary donations be made to our Parish in memory of their deceased loved ones at the time of their death. By their kindness, Saint James Parish will benefit from their generosity.
SAINT JAMES CHURCH EVANGELIZATION CORNER By: William D Angelo Formation Director (724) 771-7333 MASS ATTENDANCE: We count everyone because everyone counts. Immaculate Conception - Friday, December 7 & 8, 2018 7:00 p.m. - 63 8:00 a.m. - 26 Total - 89 Weekend of December 8, 2018 & December 9, 2018 4:30 p.m. - 81 9:30 a.m. - 113 Total - 194 Thank You I would like to express my sincere thanks for the many cards, prayers and well wishes I received during my recuperation from spinal surgery. A special thanks to Monsignor Larry and the parish staff for everything they did to help during my absence, I cannot express how deeply appreciative I am for all your kindness. Bill D Angelo Religious Education & Youth Ministry The next Religious Education & Youth Ministry class will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Education Center for all of our children. This evening we will have the Children s Christmas party. Thank you. Blessed Straw This weekend at Mass those in attendance will have the opportunity to receive blessed straw. This straw can be used at home for your table for your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner or displayed in a reverent manner as one of your family s Christmas customs. The straw that we distribute and that which will be used in our church s nativity scene is to remind us of the humility of Christ and the simplicity of his birth at Bethlehem. It reflects how God humbled himself to take on our humanity. The Customs of Straw at Christmas Time The use of straw at Christmas time is symbolic of the humility of Jesus, as God took on human flesh. One Christmas custom is the practice of having little children prepare a soft bedding in the manger by using wisps of straw as tokens of their Advent prayer and good works. For every good deed a straw is placed in the manger is a graphic sign of growth and preparation for the awaited Christ child. Thus the figure of the Baby Jesus will find on Christmas Day an ample supply of tender straw to soften the hardness of the manger s boards. This custom service as a vivid memorial to Jesus first night s sleep in this world. Another Christmas custom involving straw involves placing straw on the table, under the tablecloth, or on the floor under the table. On top of the table straw is placed a clean white linen cloth representing the swaddling clothes of our Lord. This straw is for use in your home during the Christmas season. O Antiphons The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17th - 23rd. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. December 17, 2018 O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! December 18, 2018 O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! December 19, 2018 O Root of Jesse s stem, sign of God s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! December 20, 2018 O Key of David, opening the gates of God s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! December 21, 2018 O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. December 22, 2018 O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! December 23, 2018 O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
SAINT JAMES NEWS Sympathy We commend to your prayers the soul of our parishioner George Dickerson who passed away on Friday, December 7, 2018 and was buried from our Parish on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. and to: Monsignor Michael R. Dylag, a retired priest of the Diocese of Greensburg, who died on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Lourdes Healthcare Facility in Waterford, Michigan and was buried on Monday, December 10, 2018. May God receive their souls into His everlasting Kingdom and grant comfort and peace to their family and friends. Stocking Stuffer Tickets We are pleased to report that all Stocking Stuffer Tickets have been sold. Thank you to all those who helped sell and also that purchased tickets. All money and stubs should be returned by Wednesday, December 26, 2018 but no later than December 30, 2018. Winning numbers begin on January 1, 2019. Christmas Masses Christmas Eve Vigil Mass: Monday, December 24 4:30 p.m. Christmas Midnight Mass: Tuesday December 25 12:00 Midnight Christmas Day Mass: Tuesday, December 25 9:30 a.m. Please join the choir singing before The Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 4:10 p.m. and Midnight Mass at 11:40 p.m. New Year s Day Mass Solemnity of Mary Mother of God Vigil Mass: Monday, December 31, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 1, 2019 New Year s Day Mass: 9:30 a.m. Epiphany Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, January 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Christmas Flower Offering In Memory and Honor of our Loved Ones If there is any individual or family who still wishes to donate towards the Christmas Flower offering, please contact the Parish Office or return an envelope marked with your intentions no later than Wednesday, December 19, 2018 in order to have your names included in the Christmas Bulletin insert. Thank you. STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE Collection Report December 8, 2018 & December 9, 2018 Adult Envelopes: $3,294.00 Loose Offering: $ 156.00 Fuel & Maintenance: $ 12.00 Advent: $ 105.00 Candles: $ 93.50 Christmas Flowers: $1,240.00 Immaculate Conception $ 714.00 Christmas: $ 525.00 Oplatki: $ 23.00 Catholic Accent: $ 20.00 Total: $6,182.50 89 Adults - 37% out of 242 who choose to use Regular Sunday envelopes. 48 - Immaculate Conception Envelopes STEWARDSHIP REPORT December 8, 2018 & December 9, 2018 Income Budget Difference $6,162.50 $3,653.85 $ + 2,508.65 Second Collection - Children and Family Services Appeal Collection The second collection at our Christmas Masses will be for those people living within our own Diocese who are less fortunate than we. This collection is titled the Children and Family Services Appeal. On the coming Christmas Feast, which reminds us of the gift of God's own Son, Jesus Christ given to each of us without question of our merit or eligibility, we ask you to support the Children and Family Services Appeal and make your contribution toward changing the future of an individual, a family or a child through the good work of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg.
NEWS IN THE DIOCESE OF GREENSBURG Sacrament of Penance The Sacrament of Penance is a special way in which we prepare ourselves this Advent season to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord. It is important that we take advantage of the opportunities that are offered at this time of the year. Receive this special grace of this Sacrament and let us open our hearts to receive Christ. Regional Advent Penance Service Tuesday, December 18 th 7:00 p.m. Saint Rose Church, Latrobe Gaudete Sunday Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent also known as Gaudete Sunday. This Sunday of Advent takes its name from the opening antiphon of the introit of Mass: Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always.) On this Sunday, rose vestments are permitted in the Eucharistic liturgy and the third candle (rose) in our Advent wreath is lit. Gaudete is the imperative plural form of the Latin verb gaudio (to rejoice). It is a command calling us to rejoice! In these days of penance and preparation leading up to the feast of our Savior s birth, it reminds us of the joy that is to come. Saint Emma Monastery Visit & Vespers Saturday, December 29, 2018 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Watch the Bethlehem Express, 300 + Nativities, meet the Nuns, tour the Bed and Breakfast. 3:30 p.m. Carols with the Nuns 4:00 p.m. Vespers. A Prayer for Third Week of Advent May the God of Peace make us completely holy. May God keep us blameless in spirit, soul and body for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Forever faithful is the One who calls us - God our Father! Expectant, let us live in joyful hope for the revelation of the glory of our God and Savior, Christ Jesus. To him be glory forever. Come, Lord Jesus. Your grace be with us all. Amen Year-End Charitable Giving As the end of the year approaches, there are ways you can make a gift to support your parish and the church and receive a tax benefit, even if you do not itemize deductions. If you are 70 ½ or older and required to take a minimum distribution from your IRA by the end of the year, present law allows use of an IRA charitable rollover without having to pay tax on the withdrawal for gifts to specific charities. For information, contact your IRA administrator or The Catholic Foundation at 724-552-2504 or jdimario@dioceseofgreensburg.org December 2018 Special Intentions of Pope Francis In this season of Advent, we pray that all Christians who are involved in the service and spread of faith may find, in their dialogue with today s culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time. Did You know? On the third Sunday of Advent children from Rome bring to Saint Peter s Square the figurine of the Christ Child from their families Nativity sets. Then, the Pope blesses the statutes of Baby Jesus which the children will take back to their homes to be placed under their Christmas trees on Christmas morning. Loving God, help us to wait with patience and anticipation, to not be caught up in the rush of the season, but resting in your ever-present love. Amen