Saint Mary Roman Catholic Church 94 Walnut Road, P.O. Box 189, Hamburg, PA 19526-0189 Website: www.stmaryhamburg.org A Parish Blessed by St. John Neumann Founded 1854 General Parish Email: StMaryHamburg@aol.com Rev. Donald W. Cieniewicz, Pastor StMaryHambPast@aol.com Deacon Thomas B. Drogalis Deacon Henry G. Gordon, Retired Mrs. Marie Dooley, Religious Education/PREP and Youth Ministry StMaryPREP@aol.com and Safe Environment Coordinator StMarySafe@aol.com Mrs. Laura Ludovici, Parish Office StMaryHamburg@aol.com Mr. Robert Lesnefsky, Director of Music Mrs. Marie Dinich, Financial Secretary Office: 94 Walnut Road (Tilden Twp.) Mail: P.O. Box 189, Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: 610-562-7657 FAX: 610-562-0379 Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30AM-2:00PM Rectory: 100 Walnut Rd., P.O. Box 189 610-562-4251 MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday Vigil: 4:30PM Sunday: 8:00AM & 10:45AM Daily: Tuesday, 7:00PM Wednesday-Friday, 9:00AM Eucharistic Devotions: Monday, 7:00 PM Holydays of Obligation: 7:00 AM & 7:00 PM Confessions: Saturday 3:45-4:15PM and 15 mins. before daily Mass or anytime by appointment. OUR MISSION To invoke the prayers and intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our patroness, as we seek to be drawn ever more deeply into the Paschal Mystery and the life of her Son, Jesus Christ. To provide the sacraments, liturgical services, pastoral guidance, and religious education for Catholic Christians in Northern Berks County. To provide opportunities to parishioners of all ages and abilities to share their time, talents and treasure through religious and social programs. To support those in need through prayer, outreach and good works. To manage the tangible assets of the parish with prudent administration through the cooperation of the pastor and the laity. To encourage participation in the inter-faith services and unite with all persons of good will in matters of faith and moral living. To be an asset to the Hamburg and Northern Berks Area and the Diocese of Allentown. DIOCESAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Ms. Wendy S. Krisak, M.A., NCC, LPC. Direct Telephone Line: 800-791-9209 DIOCESAN SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR: Sister Meg Cole, S.S.J., M.S., LMFT Phone: 610-332-0442, ext. 2019 PROTECTION OF CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE Diocesan Policies & Procedures www.allentowndiocese.org
The EPIPHANY of the LORD January 6, 2019 Our celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus continues as we go to Bethlehem once again. The Magi have come in search of the Newborn King. On this day salvation is revealed not only to Israel, but also to the entire world. We, too, come seeking the presence of the Lord. We now have a part in sharing the good news with the entire world. Like the Magi, we are to search for Christ. We find Him in Scripture, in prayer, in our participation at Mass and the Sacraments. Today's Scripture readings remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. Our Christian faith is to be a beacon of light and peace for the entire world. The Magi traveled and found the Messiah. We continue on our journey of faith and one day, God willing, we will know eternal life that comes through our Messiah Jesus. Lord, every nation on earth will adore You Psalm 72 Mass Intentions for the Week Monday, January 7 Christmas Weekday 7:00PM Devotions & Communion Service Tuesday, January 8 Christmas Weekday 7:00PM + John Ference Wednesday, January 9 Christmas Weekday 9:00AM + Patricia Van Meter Thursday, January 10 Christmas Weekday 9:00AM Sp. Int., Catherine Bewley Friday, January 11 Christmas Weekday 9:00AM + Carmen Morgan Saturday, January 12 Christmas Weekday Sunday, January 13 THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD 4:30PM(Vigil) + Veronica Vaupel 8:00AM + John Pierce 10:45AM + George Minnich READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 3:22 4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72: 1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52 Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19 5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14, 15bc, 17; Lk 4:14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 3:22-30 Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1b-4, 24-25, 27-30; Acts 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Lk 3:15-16, 21-22 PARISH CALENDAR Sunday, January 6 Sunday, January 13 Sunday: PREP, Levels K through 8, 9:30AM VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON, 12Noon Monday: Sr. Exercise, AM Hall, 9:30AM Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Sr. Exercise, AM Hall, 9:30AM Friday: Saturday: Sunday: PREP, Levels K through 8, 9:30AM MINISTERS OF THE ALTAR NEXT WEEK, January 12 & 13, 2019 Altar Servers 4:30PM: A Vaupel, O Ludovici 8:00AM: Criswell Family 10:45AM: C Lubak, I Forte, J Hoy Lector Eucharistic Ministers 4:30PM: J Laurie C Dunlap, W Kearns, VOLUNTEER 8:00AM: B Cordier B Tyson, J Heacock 10:45AM: W Atkinson R Davis, C Weyer, F Herman 2019 PARISH CALENDARS are now available. Thanks to the Burkey and Driscoll Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendars. STEWARDSHIP OF GOD S GIFTS December 23, 2018: $ envelopes returned out of 405 mailed FACILITIES MAINTENANCE FUND Total received December 23, 2018: $ FLOWERS before the Tabernacle are given in memory of ANN VAN STRANDER by Judy Golden.
LIFE THOUGHT - All aspects of today s feast work powerfully together to enable us to communicate the message of the sanctity of life. Epiphany is about revelation and manifestation, and that, of course is what Christ does. Not only does He reveal the Father to us, but also He reveals us to ourselves. He shows us that this human nature of ours, that can be so troublesome and burdened at times, has in fact been renewed. The universal offer of God s salvation extends to all, including those still in the womb. Epiphany not only tells us that there are no national or ethnic boundaries to God s call, but that there are no artificial boundaries between born and unborn, wanted or unwanted, and convenient or inconvenient. Moreover, the epiphany most needed in our time is the ability to see beyond the appearances of those who are smaller and weaker, and beyond the illusion created when some are declared non-persons under the law. Breaking through all this darkness is the clear Light of Christ, which shines on every human life without exception, brings us God s love and gives us the sacred obligation to love them as well. MARCH FOR LIFE is Friday, January 18. A bus will leave from St. Ambrose Church, Schuylkill Haven, at 7 AM and depart from Washington at 5 PM. Cost is $25 for the bus. The trip will include a breakfast stop and dinner after the march (at personal expense). To reserve a seat call Dana (484-645-5613) or Heather (570-573-3262). LIFE AD: The Berks Deanery is planning its annual Life Ad to be published in the Reading Eagle on January 22. Sponsors are asked to contribute $6 for individuals or $12 for couples or families (or more if your means allow). Your name will be displayed in the ad under our parish name. Proceeds beyond the cost of the ad go to support Mary's Shelter/Home, which provides pro-life outreach to pregnant women in need of housing and care. To participate forward your donation (payable to St. Mary Church) to the parish office or via the weekly collection along with your name clearly printed, as it is to appear in the ad. FAMILY MINISTRY: March for Life Potluck & Prayers - Friday, January 18 from 6:30-8:00PM. All in the Parish are invited to join us for a night of fellowship and prayer as we come together to support life from womb to tomb! We will enjoy a potluck dinner, followed by a brief presentation on the March for Life, and end the evening with a family rosary for the intention of the unborn. St. Mary will provide paper products & beverages for this event. Please sign up for enough food to feed your family and more by going online to perfectpotluck.com under the Name: Mary with the Password: March to sign-up, OR contact Daneka Cairnie at: 484-709-5954. ADULT FAITH EDUCATION: RCIA Session - All are welcome: Tuesday, January 15- open discussion and question and answer sessions on matters of faith. CELEBRATIONS OF CHRISTMAS: GIFTS FOR CHILDREN (new and unwrapped) are still being accepted, to be distributed through prolife organizations Mary's Shelter and Lifeline of Berks. Please bring any donations to the parish office as soon as possible. Especially needed is help to restock supplies of diapers, sanitary wipes and baby formula. THANKS to those who sponsored meals through the Women s Guild and the gifts for Lifeline of Berks, Dayspring Homes, Salvation Army and the Laurel Nursing Center. THANKS from Father Don and Deacon Tom for the many kind expressions and thoughtful gifts and goodies received during this Christmas time. THANKS from the parish secretary for the many cards, gifts & good wishes received! God bless you all! HEALTH TEAM HIGHLIGHTS: A positive attitude is free and has no negative side effects. Practice managing your stress, laugh a little more and the next time you have one of those curve-ball days, just remind yourself that learning to be flexible can extend your life.
DIOCESAN NEWS and EVENTS: FOR TEENS AND PARENTS: A special presentation entitled The Master Craftsman: God s Amazing Plan for teens and their Parents will feature nationally-recognized speaker Scott Anthony, as he reflects on the Truth of God s hand in our lives. Teens in grades 9-12 and their parents are welcome to attend on Friday, January 11, 2019, 7 PM at St. Thomas More Family Center (Allentown). Refreshments will be provided. The event is free of charge. To register, visit allentowndiocese.org/craftsman. For questions, call 610-289-8900 (ext 2021) or email Francesca at Ffrias@allentowndiocese.org. WOMEN'S GUILD and HOLY NAME ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVES are underway by way of the dues envelope included in the January envelope packet. Your membership and support of these organizations benefits the parish in many ways. If you do not receive envelopes, you may forward your $5 membership dues to the parish office. FOR FUN: After Christmas Mass, an eight year-old boy said to the pastor: When I grow up, I'm going to give you some money. Well, thank you, the pastor replied, but why? Because my father says that you're one of the poorest preachers we've ever had. LOTTERY CALENDARS: Still in need of a holiday gift- perhaps for New Year s? Lottery calendars ($10) are still available. Daily prizes will be awarded for the months February, March and April. VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION: The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is being held in Ave Maria Hall today, Sunday, January 6, at 12 PM for those that made reservations. Many thanks to all our wonderful volunteers. FACILITIES FUND collection was taken this weekend (January 5 and 6). Funds are being designated toward the ongoing cemetery beautification and refurbished flooring in the church. Thank you for your generosity. BVM PILGRIM STATUE: Jan 5-12: C Bewley; Jan 12-19: Open (call the parish office if you wish to host the statue this week); Jan 19-26: M Blauser. Please call the next host family on the schedule as a courtesy reminder. PRAY FOR DECEASED PRIESTS: Jan 7: Rev. John Conte (2017); Jan 9: Rev. Frederick Gasparovic (1966), Msgr. Nicholas Terna (1981), Rev. Matthew Jarasunas (1995); Jan 12: Msgr. Francis Glunz (1992) TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION: Monday of this week is Christmas Day in Russia and in much of the Orthodox world. This curious difference in schedule has a lot to do with how calendars have been developed and changed over the years. In the year 45 B.C. Julius Caesar gave the empire his Julian Calendar, with the winter solstice on January 6. This put an end to a system in which officials called pontiffs were able to tweak the calendar by adding extra days in as needed. He invented two new months at that time, December and January; and in order to correct the mess the pontiffs had made, forced a year of 445 days on the empire in what he named The Last Year of Confusion. The new months varied in number of days according to a complex schedule, but the calendar was still off by nearly twelve minutes a year, and lost a full day every 130 years. Pope Gregory XIII reformed the calendar in 1583, but not everyone appreciated his efforts. England held out for two hundred years. The year 1700 was a leap year in England, but not in France; they were eleven days apart! George Washington was really born on February 11; when the Gregorian calendar was finally adopted in the English colonies shortly before the Revolution, he had to move his birthday to February 22. Now the calendars are thirteen days apart, which accounts for Russia s Julian calendar Christmas. And Caesar thought he had brought confusion to an end! James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.
Parish Information BAPTISM: administered Sundays at 12:00 noon. Call the pastor to arrange. Families must be registered and practicing for at least 3 months. Parents are to attend an informational session. Catholic sponsors (at least 16 yrs. old) must practice the faith and need a letter of eligibility from the home parish. MARRIAGE: Contact the pastor at least 6 months prior to the desired date. Bride or groom must be registered and practicing the faith for at least 6 months. CARE OF THE SICK for Homebound: Please notify the office of aged, seriously ill or infirmed persons desiring Holy Communion and/or Anointing of the Sick at home. HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES: When a family member is admitted, please notify the parish office. SPONSOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION for Baptism or Confirmation will be issued only to practicing parishioners who are members for at least 3 months. CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: PREP classes (Pre K - grade 8) Sunday mornings. Contact Mrs. Cordier or the parish office, or e-mail StMaryPREP@aol.com CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Depending on location, our parishioners might attend any number of Catholic elementary schools or Catholic high schools. Contact the pastor regarding the parish subsidy policy for students attending Catholic schools or for further information. RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program for those preparing for Baptism, reception into the Catholic Church, or for those Catholics who are lacking one of the Sacraments of Initiation or who wish to return to the Church after an absence or who wish to learn more about the faith. The program runs from September until Easter. MEMBERSHIP and REGISTRATION: New members are to arrange to meet with the pastor. Membership involves a commitment to the life of the parish through regular participation spiritually and with one's time, talent and treasure. For CHANGE OF ADDRESS or PHONE NUMBER or if you are MOVING, please notify the parish office. BULLETIN DEADLINES: All announcements are to be submitted in writing or by email to StMaryHamburg@aol.com by the Sunday of the week prior to publication. TECHNOLOGY NOTES: Follow our parish news and events on Facebook or on the parish phone app (via OneParish.com). NEWSLETTER is published with 3 seasonal issues: November (for Advent & Christmas), February (for Lent, Easter & Spring), and August (for Fall events and news). Deadlines for information is the 10th day of the months listed. MEMORIAL FUND: Memorial gifts may be made to the parish in memory of deceased loved ones. WILLS AND BEQUESTS: Consider designating your parish in your last will and testament or living trust so that the blessings the Lord has given you may continue to build His Kingdom. Directory of Parish Ministries & Services: Altar Ministers: Fr. Cieniewicz Bulletin (weekly): Laura Ludovici (StMaryHamburg@aol.com) Catholic Charities: Reading or Kutztown Office: 610-376-7144 Pottsville Office: 570-628-0466 Cemetery: John Driscoll Children s Choir: Keith Symons Choir & Music Ministry: Robert Lesnefsky Facilities Manager: Jacob Kessler Greeters / Ministers of Hospitality: Christine Johnson Guitar Group: Tony LaMastra Holy Name Society: Doug Greim (douggreim@outlook.com) Knights of Columbus: Contact Parish Office Lifeline of Berks County: 610-374-8545 Newsletter: seasonal issues in August, November, and February: stmaryhamburg@aol.com Parish Council: Fr. Cieniewicz Parish Nurse: Susan Walley PREP/Religious Education: Marie Dooley RENTAL INFO (Pavilion & Ave Maria Hall): Parish Office $CRIP Website: www.glscrip.com or call office Taste & See (Mercy meals): Mary Alice Kuhns Ushers: Ed Burns Women s Guild: Bonnie Katzaman or Laura Ludovici Youth Ministry: Marie Dooley VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR The Diocese of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually abused by a priest, deacon, or employee/volunteer of the Diocese/Parish. Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the Diocese of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should be extended to these victims of the Church. Victim Assistance Coordinator Direct Telephone Line 800-791-9209 To learn more about the Diocese of Allentown s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy, and Code of Conduct, please visit www.allentowndiocese.org and click on Youth Protection in the upper righthand corner of the page.
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