Saint Paul Parish 820 Carbon Road Greensburg, PA 15601 A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust A Parish of the Diocese of Greensburg Fr. Lawrence Manchas Pastor December 9, 2018 PARISH WEEKLY CALENDAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Men s Group Meeting at Panera 7:00AM Confirmation Prep 9:30AM Reconciliation 3:00PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Youth Ministry Grades 9-12 4:30PM Grades 6-8 6:300PM First Reconciliation 6:00PM MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 Rosary after Mass Cub Scouts 6:45PM Magnificat 6:45PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Good Shepherd Meeting 4:30PM Weight Watchers 6:30PM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Home School Group 10:00AM Midday Rosary 12:15PM Boy Scouts 7:00PM Children s Choir Rehearsal 6:00PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Sisters in Faith 7:00PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2ND FRIDAY Adoration 8:30AM Benediction & Closing 12:15PM Second Fridays Young Adults 7:00PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Men s Group Meeting at Panera 7:00AM Faith Formation Advent Retreat 9:30AM Reconciliation 3:00PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Youth Ministry Grades 9-12 4:30PM Grades 6-8 6:300PM Penance Service (Holy Cross) 2:00PM Fr. James Morley Parochial Vicar 2nd Sunday of Advent LITURGICAL SCHEDULE WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday Vigil: 4:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM WEEKDAY MASSES: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 3:00 PM ADORATION: Second Friday of each month at St. Paul in the Church, 8:30AM-12:15PM followed by Benediction. Also, at the Adoration Chapel at St. Bruno: Monday-Tuesday Wednesday-Friday 9AM-3PM; Thursday 9AM-7PM; First Friday 9AM-7PM. Children s Holy Hour Thursdays at 4:00PM. PARISH DIRECTORY PARISH OFFICE:......724-834-6880 FAX NUMBER:......724-834-1492 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL HELP LINE:...724-420-3279 AQUINAS ACADEMY MAIN OFFICE:....724-834-7940 WEBSITE... www.pbcatholic.org PARISH STAFF COORDINATOR OF FAITH FORMATION:... Sue Craig DIRECTOR OF MUSIC:...Glenn Buzzard BUSINESS MANAGER:... Ginny Buzzard DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE... Bob Stauffer OFFICE MANAGER:... James Mosser WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR:...Anthony Concannon
St. Paul Youth Ministry Grades 6-12 The Prayer Chain is ac vated every Tuesday evening. If you know someone needing the prayer chain, or if you would like to volunteer your me on the chain, please call either of the leaders listed below: Philomena Lillie 724-832-8521 or Audrey & Mike Lucotch 724-834-2113. NATIONAL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE A pilgrimage of faith, the National Catholic Youth Conference is an exciting, biennial three-day experience of prayer, community and empowerment for Catholic teenagers addressing a wide variety of topics including Catholic spirituality and prayer, social justice issues, sexuality and leadership. We are now accepting registrations to join our Diocesan pilgrimage. Information is available here: www.dioceseofgreensburg.org/ncyc. Contact your parish office to register. ST PAUL YOUTH MINISTRY CHECK IT OUT! This is an open invitation to all students in grades six through twelve to join us on Sunday evenings to discover what God is calling you to do as the young church. Saint Paul Youth Ministry is focused on forming our young people through the study and practice of their faith and to challenge them to embrace the life of the church through prayer, service to our community and social activities. Below is our schedule for the next few months. Grades 9-12 meet 4:30-6:00PM and Grades 6-8 meet 6:30-8:00PM except where noted differently. DECEMBER 2018 December 9 December 16 December 23: All Grades 4:30-6:00PM Christmas Party JANUARY 2019 January 6: All Grades 6:00-7:00PM January 13 January 17 & 18: Grades 9-12, March for Life January 20 January 27: All Grades 6:00-8:00PM J 18: 46 A M L... The March for Life Rally will take place at noon at 12th Street on the National Mall, in Washington DC. Following the Rally, the March will begin on Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets at approximately 1:00PM. Join in the largest pro-life rally ever. People of all ages are welcome to attend. It is not unusual to see many families with small children & babies in strollers at this event. Elderly, disabled and others who are concerned about Right to Life issues and legislation attend too. The tide is turning, be part of the wave! Bus(es) will leave our parking lot by 6:30AM and will return around 11:30PM. The excursion will cost $20.00/person and will cover coach bus accommodations, and a box/bag lunch. There will be a comfort stop on the way to the March and a dinner stop on the way home. The dinner meal is on your own. On the trip home we pass the hat to tip our bus driver. If interested contact Paul Whalen (724-836-3609) for additional information and to make your reservation. Dress for the weather, this is an outdoor rally & march. There is also a Diocesan Youth bus that will leave January 17th for an overnight excursion. If interested please contact Sue Craig in the Parish Office 724-834-6880. PICTURE FROM MARCH FOR LIFE JANUARY 2018 MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, December 8 8:00AM John Tricini & Steven Semekoski (Family) Immaculate Conception 4:30PM Anthony & Consetta Zello (Sons & Dtr. In Law) Sunday, December 9 9:00AM Anita Willochell (Carmen Willochell) Monday, December 10 8:00AM Angelo & Mary Guerrieri (Bina Guerrieri) Wednesday, December 12 8:00AM William Tometsko (Betty Wacs) Friday, December 14 8:00AM Anita Willochell (Carmen Willochell) Saturday, December 15 4:30PM Rocco Blasiole (Family) Sunday, December 16 9:00AM Frank Kansky (Family & Friends) FLOWER MEMORIALS: Altar Flowers for December 8 were donated in loving memory of the Moschetti Family given by Linda Higgins. Page 2
Liturgical Minister Schedule MASS ALTAR SERVERS EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION LECTORS SATURDAY DECEMBER 15 4:30PM Gia Angelicchio Matteo Arcara Karen Douglas, Joe Brecht, Sharon Highberger, Joan & Mark Ulishney, Bill Moore, Tom Dodson Zachary Lentz SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 9:00AM Gavin & Everett Woodbury Paul Whalen, Dave Woodbury, Kathy Hill, Karen Galvin, Doug & Alex Krnosky, Brenda Concannon Theresa Very OPLATKI TRADITION CONTINUES The tradition of this special bread goes back to its roots on the European Continent. Communities would band together making the bread with enough to spare and share, so that those who could not afford to make it for themselves could still partake of the Oplatki. Oplatki is available in the vestibule for a donation of only $2.00. The Saint Vincent depaul Society of Saint Paul Parish thanks you for your most generous donations for our annual Food Drive. You were provided with an opportunity to help so many in need, and you answered that plea with giving hearts. We extend our gratitude for your constant faithfulness in supporting those in most need. We received $3,600 for food which will be distributed at the Our Lady of Grace Food Bank. Thank you for making the lives easier for many families. Our hearts are touched! KNOCKING ON HEAVEN S DOOR We had to announce in last weekend s Masses that Jane Damico, a parishioner and member of the Rosary Altar Society, died on November 29th at her residence at Golden Heights, Penn Township. Bacha Funeral Home took care of the details. Her Funeral Mass was here at St. Paul on Wednesday, and she was laid to rest in the mausoleum at Greensburg Catholic Cemetery. Our sympathy to Jane s family & friends. WE ARE GROWING... Congratulations to Anthony and Emily Concannon and their family on the Baptism of little Louisa Joy. May the Good Shepherd keep her close to Him always. ADVENT DEVOTIONALS The Advent devotional books are in the vestibule for your use. As usual there is no charge for them, so take what you need for your household and others who are friends & family. Money Matters COLLECTION DATE WEEKLY BUDGET WEEKLY OFFERING WEEKLY +/- ANNUAL +/- ENVELOPES USED SECOND COLLECTION November 25, 2018 $9,150.00 $7,000.12 -$2,150.00 -$27,450.00 254 Local Charities $1592.73 December 2, 2018 $9,150.00 $9,657.00 +$507.00-26,958.00 265 None SECOND COLLECTIONS FOR DECEMBER December 24-25, Christmas Masses: Children & Family Services Appeal. December 29-30: Local Charities Collection. BAPTISMS: As your family grows and you prepare for the arrival of your child, remember to plan for his/her Baptism with the Parish Office. Please contact Sue Craig at 724-834-6880 to plan for the Baptism. You should allow a 2-3 month window so Parent Sacramental Formation can be done prior to the arrival of your child. Page 3
Readings & Reflections-1st Week of Advent REFLECTION: AWAITING THE SALVATION OF GOD The world does not seem big enough to contain the jubilation of the first reading. In the Gospel reading, the Roman empire isn t big enough, either. The great powers of Rome are named and made to stand waiting for the arrival of God s salvation. And we find Paul meditating joyfully on what really matters. According to Baruch, the city of Jerusalem is like a person standing on tiptoe looking for God s salvation, which is coming from the east. Those who were led away on foot, heads down, now come back, a proud people. Why, the very way is smoothed out. The path is lined with fragrant, lush trees. It can t get any better than this, can it? Well, yes, it can. For a voice calls out in the desert. Here is the beginning of the salvation of God. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. TODAY S READINGS First Reading Take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God (Baruch 5:1-9). Psalm The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy (Psalm 126). Second Reading I am confident that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11). Gospel The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth (Luke 3:1-6). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80: 2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Look around most Catholic churches, and you will discover an image of John the Baptist, often in the old baptistery, or in a window near where the font is or was located. He has two feast days in the calendar: one commemorating his birth, and the other his death. There are only three nativities in our calendar: for Jesus, for Mary, and for the Baptist. John s birthday is reckoned according to the schedule given in Luke s Gospel of the angel s announcement to Mary. The angel tells her that her cousin Elizabeth is in the sixth month of pregnancy, and so Mary hastens to help her. Reckoning Christmas as December 25, we count backwards nine months to March 25 for the Feast of the Annunciation. Then we count forward three months to June 24 for John the Baptist s birth. Halfway to Christmas, his nativity gives ample reason for rejoicing in the summer, and his symbols of fire and water are used playfully in bonfires and dives into the sea. Even at the polar opposite of Christmas in the calendar, the energy of Christ s birth in the Incarnation provides cause for rejoicing. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. LESSONS AND CAROLS AT BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHEDRAL Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish, Greensburg, will host Lessons and Carols December 9 at 3:00PM with Bishop Malesic. FATHER ANTHONY CARBONE ANNOUNCES THE 2018-19 MISSIONARY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CHRISTMAS ARTWORK CONTEST: There will be 22 winners whose artwork will be displayed at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. Entries must be received by January 31st. Flyers are available in the vestibule for those wishing to participate. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS RAFFLE TO BENEFIT BETHLEHEM PROJECT The Bethlehem Project, a ministry of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral (BSC), will hold a Home for the Holidays Raffle on Sunday, December 16, 2018. The Bethlehem Project helps those facing homelessness in Central Westmoreland County. Two types of tickets are available: a Sports and Leisure raffle ticket with a chance to win Penguins Tickets, Steeler Tickets or a wine and liquor basket; and a Basket Raffle ticket with a chance to win one of many prizes. A $10 donation is suggested. For tickets or more information on the raffle or about Bethlehem Project contact Katie Zuzik, at BSC at 724-834-3710 ext. 11 or kzuzik@dioceseofgreensburgh.org. WEDDINGS: Planning your wedding is a monumental task. But, before you set the date please contact the Parish Office at 7247-834-6880. You will need to talk to Father Lawrence, and then confirm a date that the Church will be available. Because Marriage is a serious step in life and it is a Sacrament, Marriage Preparation is necessary. Please contact the Parish Office at least 6 months prior to the anticipated time when you want the wedding to occur to allow time for the preparatory meetings. Page 4
SEASONAL MASSES & LITURGIES Penance Services December 16: Holy Cross, Youngwood, 2:00PM December 17: St. Bruno, S. Greensburg, 7:00PM December 18: St. Paul, Carbon, 7:00PM December 19: St. Benedict, Marguerite, 7:00PM December.20: Our Lady of Grace, Greensburg, 7:00PM December 22: Blessed Sacrament, Greensburg, 11:00AM Christmas Eve Masses December 24: 4:00PM St. Bruno 6:00PM St. Paul 10:00PM St. Paul Midnight St. Bruno Christmas Day Masses December 25: 9:00AM St. Paul; 11:00AM St. Bruno New Year s Eve Masses December 31: 4:00PM St. Bruno; 6:00PM St. Paul New Year s Day Masses January 1: 9:00AM at St. Bruno & St. Paul You can also find out more about Mass & Liturgy times by visiting the Diocesan Website and search by finding Mass times. Events Around the Diocese DECEMBER 16: RETREAT AT MOUNT ST.MACRINA. A Christmas preparation retreat featuring Benedictine Father Cyprian Constantine will be held at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, Uniontown, Dec. 16 from 1:15-5:30 p.m. (includes dinner). Offering is $35, and the registration deadline is Dec. 12. To register for either retreat, call 724-438-7149 or email hpmsm@verizon.net. ON-GOING UNTIL DECEMBER 29: ENJOY 2019 COUPON BOOKS BENEFIT SISTERS OF CHARITY. Purchase your Enjoy coupon & fundraiser book from the Sisters of Charity. Deadline to purchase is December 29, 2018. JANUARY 26: WORLD YOUTH DAY. Mark your calendar. The Diocese of Greensburg is sponsoring a trip for young adults (ages 18-39) to a one-day Catholic festival at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with World Youth Day in Panama. Cost, including overnight accommodation, is $160 per person, $95 per person for double occupancy. Visit www.dioceseofgreensburg.org/wyd for information. Registration deadline is January 3. ANNUAL CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES APPEAL The annual Children and Family Services Appeal collection to support the work of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg will be taken at all Christmas Masses in the diocese Dec. 24 and 25. Christmas reminds us of the gift of God s own Son, Jesus Christ, given to each of us without question of our merit or eligibility. You are asked to support this appeal and make your contribution to help change the future of an individual, family or child through the good work of our diocesan Catholic Charities. OUTREACH MINISTRY FOR LGBT PEOPLE AND FAMILIES Always God s Children, a ministry to LGBT people and their families, will be held January 10 at 7:00PM at Saint Vincent Grove, Latrobe. For more information, contact Alecia Moss at leashmo@hotmail.com or 724-433-1857. Catholic Mediterranean Cruise May 10-20, 2019 by Catholic Cruises and Tours, and The Apostleship of the Seas of the USA A 10-Night Catholic Mediterranean Cruise with Fr. Joseph Vella on Holland America s Konsingdam, departs Civitavecchia, Italy May 10, 2019. Daily Mass is offered. Ports of Call include: Cartagena, Malaga, and Barcelona, Spain Gibraltar, British Territory Marseille, France Monte Carlo, Monaco Livorno, Italy. Prices begin at $3552.00 for 2 passengers which includes all port fees and taxes. A deposit of $600.00 will reserve your cabin. Also Ask about Snap Fares... A Lower, non-refundable rate. Deadline to book your tour is April 14, 2019. For additional information or reservations contact Doug or Eileen at 860-399-1785, or Eileen@CatholicCruisesandTours.com CATHOLIC CHARITIES OFFERS COUNSELING FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES AND FAMILIES Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg offers faith-based assistance with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, interpersonal conflicts, recovery support, parenting and family issues, anger management and other personal and family issues. Counseling is provided by licensed, professional and experienced therapists. Fees are low, and many insurances accepted. Offices are located in Greensburg, Indiana, Uniontown, Kittanning and New Kensington. For more information or an appointment, call 724-837-1840 or email counseling@dioceseofgreensburg.org. Page 5