St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish 5112 Pocono Crest Rd. PO Box O Pocono Pines, PA 18350 Parish Office: (570) 646-6424 Web Page: http://www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent And how does this happen to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? Our Mission Statement We Worship ~ We Teach ~ We Care
December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent A NEW ORDER O, Little Town of Bethlehem. A Philadelphia clergyman named Phillips Brooks penned these popular words back in the mid-1800 s, but the prophet Micah could have used them first. Micah knew that from small packages great treasures come. In today s first reading, he knew that from tiny Bethlehem would come the Lord. The writer in Hebrews explains that Christ came to us to do the will of God by establishing a new order and by becoming our perfect sacrifice. And Luke tells us that Elizabeth and John, the infant in her womb, understand that great and wondrous things are at hand with the coming of the Lord. This is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Soon we celebrate anew the fruit of Mary s womb. As we are told in Hebrews, Jesus new order is being established even today. And as Micah proclaims, his greatness is reaching even now to the ends of the earth. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb (Luke 1:39 45). St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Staff Reverend Sean G. Carpenter ~ Pastor Deacon Frank Gisoldi -~ deaconf@ptd.net Deacon Tom Amoroso Mrs. Lynnette Smith Coordinator of Religious Education/ Pastoral Associate ~ lysmith@ptd.net Marion Colvin Office Manager ~ mcol@ptd.net John Marcinkowski, Jr. Coordinator of Music ~ jjm1105@ptd.net TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Many of our most treasured traditions link the liturgy of the church with the hearth of the home. The food on the table at certain feasts and fasts helps to extend the mystery into everyday life. Tonight, for example, many families of Italian heritage, especially those with links to the south of Italy, will settle down to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or La Vigilia. It is a command performance for the whole family, as the saying goes: Natale con I tuui, Pasqua conchi vuoi, or Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you wish. Seven different fish, some say one for each day of Mary and Joseph s journey to Bethlehem, others say one for each sacrament, or one for each day of creation, are served. Eel and shrimp, lobster and crab, calamari, pasta with clam sauce, flounder and hake all abound, but most especially baccala, dried salted cod. Why? Many say that it is a way to pay homage to the beasts of the stable who witnessed the holy birth and relinquished their manger to make way for God. Tonight, if someone asks you to pass the shrimp, you ll be able to shed a little light on a menu that is a delicious treasure in our tradition! Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. He shall be peace. ~ Micah 5:4 Here we are, just a few days removed from the celebration of Christmas. How fitting that today we re brought into the company of the prophet Micah, who invites us to reorder our priorities and learn to see beyond external appearances. Micah insists that, in God s way of reckoning, little and least Bethlehem shines with potential and promise. From insignificant Bethlehem shall come the long awaited one who will take his place as both ruler and shepherd and who will lead with care and tenderness. Not bad for a city ranked at the bottom of the list of the tribes of Judah! But wait, there s more, the prophet tells us. The savior to come forward from this no place will be so filled with the spirit of God and the things of God that he will witness to a new way of living contemplatively. He will be more than a peaceful presence. In his very person, he will fully embody and be peace. ~Sr. Chris Koelhoffer, I.H.M. Area Advent Penance Service Monday, December 21 st 7 P.M. Our Lady, Queen of Peace Brodheadsville
January 22nd is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children December 19th through December 27th Saturday 4:00 pm The Meehan Family by The Zarra Family Sunday 8:00 am For the Parishioners 10:30 am Eugene Gartner by Joan Gartner Monday 8:15 am James G. Gravatt by Pati Cranley Tuesday 8:15 am Brian Donohue by Mary O Donnell Wednesday 8:15 am Manny Carabel by The Paglia Family Thursday - Christmas Vigil Mass 5:30 pm ~ For The Parishioners ~ Christmas Mass Intentions Friday - Christmas Day Mass 10:30 am ~Christmas Mass Intentions Saturday 4:00 pm Christmas Mass Intentions Sunday 8:00 am For the Parishioners Christmas Mass Intentions 10:30 am Christmas Mass Intentions Regardless of our circumstances and whether people acknowledge it, nothing and no one can take away our God-given dignity. ~USCCB 2015-16 Respect Life Program There will not be an 8:15 Mass when a Funeral Mass is scheduled. Saturday Confessions at 3:00 pm LIGHT All the darkness of the world cannot put out the light of one small candle. Anonymous Weekly Collection 12/06/15 $ 7,559. Thank You for Your Generosity. Saturday: Kgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25 Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45 Monday: Sg 2:8-14 Lk 1:39-45 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Lk 1:57-66 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1:67-79 Christmas Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 Christmas Day: Is 62:11-12; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Col 3:12-21 Lk 2:41-52
NO CLASSES on Sundays, December 27th and January 3rd. Classes resume on January 10th. CCD CLASSES: Pre-K class- during 10:30 Mass. This optional class is for children age 4-K. Grades 1-5: 9 am-10:15 am. Grades 6-8/Confirmation 11:45 am to 1:15 pm. YOUTH GROUP: (grade 9-12) after 10:30 Mass. Advent Season & The Year of Mercy FREE ON-LINE RESOURCES FOR ADVENT If your schedule keeps you from participating in our Parish Advent activities or if you are looking for additional resources for spiritual enrichment- you can sign up to receive daily emails. Join Matthew Kelly and 6 other influential Catholic voices of our time on a life-changing journey through Best Advent Ever Rediscover Mercy. Learn more or sign up at BestAdventEver.com. Sign up for daily reflections by Bishop Robert Baron at adventreflections.com; reflections are available in English or Spanish. CHRISTMAS BOOKSALE FUNDRAISER Our Parish Family has been offered the opportunity to raise funds by selling copies of two beautiful books; both would make wonderful Christmas gifts! Mary, The Ideal of Virtue Thirty-one Meditations on the Litany of Our Lady written by Giovanni M. Semeria, CRSP ($12.95) The Adventures of Anthony Mary Mouse by Carol J. Hail is based on the life and times of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria ($24. 95) To place an order, please fill out an order form located by the exits of the church and in the parish office. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPDATES First Communion Mass: 10:30 am, May 1 Confirmation Mass: 5 pm, Wednesday, May 4 WE HAVE ACHIEVED OUR DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL GOAL! Thanks to all who have helped us to make our goal for the first time ever. We are grateful to the Diocese for re-evaluating the amount we had been asked to contribute to make our goal. The more equitable assessment, coupled with your generosity, have made it possible to meet our goal. 75% of additional contributions over our goal, will come back to our parish. If you have not yet made a gift to the DAA, please consider doing so. Choir Hymnal Donations As we begin the new liturgical year, we are once again looking for "Angels" to help provide the resources needed for our choir and cantors. Commemorative labels will be placed inside the cover of each donated book to acknowledge the donor and intention. The form below can be submitted to the office, placed in the collection, or given to John Marcinkowski, Coordinator of Music. Name Phone or email In Memory of: or In Honor of: $10 Respond & Acclaim, one year $20 Respond & Acclaim, two years $30 Respond & Acclaim,3 yr cycle $30 Choral Praise Hymnal $ As needed
Week of Dec. 20th - Dec. 26th Sanctuary Light Is available for $20. for two weeks Bread and Wine For The Unborn Children Altar Flowers No Flowers during Advent Season at St. Max. Sun. Dec. 20th- Parish Christmas Party 3-5 pm Mon. Dec. 21- K of C meeting - 7 pm Tues Dec. 22- Joyful Noise Choir practice 5:45pm Thurs Dec. 24- Christmas Eve Vigil - 5:30 pm ST. MAX PRAYER GROUP Note: Meetings will resume on Saturday, January 9th The group meets in the parish hall and shares in prayer, song, praise and thanks. Time is given to reflect on the spiritual aspects of our faith, what the Bible teaches us and what we are thankful for. The group disperses shortly before the 4 pm Mass. Please feel free to attend and consider if this is something you wish to include in your spiritual journey. Fri - Dec. 25-Mass of Christmas Day - 10:30 am NATURE RESTORED Christ is born, that by his birth he might restore your nature. St. Peter Chrysologus POPE FRANCIS SPEAKS TO FAMILIES Those In Need of Prayer Kyle Brennan ~ Amy Hatlee Jack Carey ~ Claire Abbazio Flo Butler ~ Kevin Kret Michael James ~ Gerry Boyle Betty Lou Torpey ~ Beverly Lewis Deacon Frank - Timothy Yuskaitis Fr. Tom McLaughlin ~ Charles Knopp Brodie Direnzo ~ Fr. Urban ~ Temi Miller Msgr. Jerry Sherba ~ Richard Snell ~ Noah Direnzo Duncan Van Dusen ~ Joe Miller ~ Antonia Lucia Caroline Bruno ~ Haydee Melendez ~ Joe Filocco Ron Heisler- Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr. COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND If illness or health problems prevent you from attending Mass, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are able to bring Communion to you. If this need exists, please contact Diane Lake 570-646-4594 or email her at dianemlake@live.com. A Cultural Crisis The family is experiencing a profound cultural crisis, as are all communities and social bonds. In the case of the family, the weakening of these bonds is particularly serious because the family is the fundamental cell of society, where we learn to live with others despite our differences and to belong to one another; it is also the place where parents pass on the faith to their children. Marriage now tends to be viewed as a form of mere emotional satisfaction that can be constructed in any way or modified at will. But the indispensable contribution of marriage to society transcends the feelings and momentary needs of the couple. As the French bishops have taught, it is not born of loving sentiment, ephemeral by definition, but from the depth of the obligation assumed by the spouses who accept to enter a total communion of life. ~Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 66
EXPANDING BEREAVEMENT MINISTRIES In anticipation of the observance of The Year of Mercy, which has begun on December 8th, we are exploring ways in which we can enhance and expand our support and outreach to the bereaved. Please contact Lynnette Smith if you would like to find out more about any of our current activities and/or if you would like to help with some new or revived endeavors. The Lazarus Luncheon Volunteers help to prepare a meal for after the funeral and burial of parishioners. We are always looking for more people to help cook, set up, serve, and/or clean up and reset the hall. Liturgical Ministers for Funerals: We would like to train volunteers to serve as Greeter/Usher (to help to distribute worship sheets, directing the flow of Communion, etc.), Altar Server, Sacristan, Lector, and Extraordinary Minister of Communion within the particular setting of the funeral liturgy. A Blessing Prayer for the Christmas Tree O God, Creator of all life, we stand in the presence of your wonder. This tree which, only You could given to us, reminds us of the joys of Your coming, and of Your creation. We thank You! We welcome You into our hearts, as we welcome this tree into our home. Let us treasure Your presence in our lives as we treasure this tree adorned with lights and decorations, sign of our hope and love. Be with us as we enter more fully into the celebration of Christmas now as we bless this tree, now and forever. Amen. PRAYERS FOR MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT SERVICE Meetings are held the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month @ 7 pm ~ http://knights13752.webs.com/ ~Facebook at KnightsofColumbus Pocono Pines or ~ Twitter@ kofc13752mail. DID YOU ORDER A CHEESECAKE? Orders can be picked up in the church hall this weekend on Saturday between 3:30 and 5:30 pm. or during the Parish Christmas Party (3-5 pm) on Sunday, December 20. COVERED DISH CHRISTMAS PARTY THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20th - 3-5 pm Santa is Coming to St. Max Sponsored by our Knights of Columbus Council #13752 After dinner, a special visitor from the North Pole will join us to talk to the children! NOTICE: SUMMER SATURDAY SCHEDULE FOR 2016 Beginning on Memorial Weekend and through Labor Day Weekend, the Saturday Vigil Mass will be at 5 p.m. and Confessions will be at 4 p.m. during that summer season. Major Thomas M. Smith ~ Airman Joshua Ponce Seaman Nicole Beckman ~ Cpl. John P. Bramley Lt. Col. Christopher Yuskaitis Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr. ~ Alston Smart Jr. 3rd Class Petty Officer DC3 Jeffrey Royall Cpl. Nhelmar DePerro ~ Spec 4 Amber Keppol Pvt. Matthew Ponce ~ Alston Smart Jr. Jake Yuskaitis ~ Staff Sgt. William D. Olsen MK1 Katie Stodnick ~ Eugene Maslar, Jr. 2nd Lt. Mark Gaido ~ Ensign Michael Huf Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. ~AMEN Regional Sunday Evening Mass 7:00 pm @ St. Matthew s in East Stroudsburg This Mass will be every weekend except for Christmas and Easter. It is being offered because there is a need to reach out to University Students and to support families who would like to attend Mass but struggle because of work schedules and family obligations. Please feel free to use your parish envelope at this Mass - Envelopes will be returned to your parish for your support.
HELPING HANDS MINISTRY Can you share your time and talent to help members of our Parish Family? We are looking for drivers to provide transportation to the doctor, pharmacy, or supermarket. Are you able to pick up prescriptions or groceries for someone unable to do so? Are you willing to provide occasional help with yard work, snow shoveling, seasonal cleanup, etc.? Can you cook a meal for someone recovering from an illness or surgery, etc.? Can you provide respite care by staying with someone while the caregiver takes a much needed break or needs to run some errands? If you can help, or if you know someone who needs assistance - call Lynnette at the parish office. Ecumenical / Interfaith MANY BLESSINGS FROM THE COMMUNITY! We have been so blessed by the outpouring of support from the community. Enough money was donated to pay for the 260 turkeys to distribute to our clients for Thanksgiving. We have received donations of enough money to pay for the 80 hams we needed to supplement the 180 hams we already had on hand for Christmas. All our clients will be receiving a ham for Christmas. The monetary donations we are now receiving are keeping our pantry in the black. Chuck carefully budgeted but we spend between $2500 and $3000 per month on food. We also pay rent of $500 each month to Five Loaf House and a phone bill. Our pantry is completely run by volunteers. We are thankful for the many blessing small and large that are helping keep our doors open to serve those in need in our Top of the Mountain community! Ecumenical / Interfaith THANK YOU for so generously sharing the Presence of Jesus through the presents you have provided for the children served by our Ecumenical Food Pantry at Five Loaf House. THE STATE OF PA BUDGET As of December 1st there still is no state budget! Once the budget is finally passed, we won t receive the money immediately. It will take at least 6 weeks to run the signed grant through the state and county government. FOOD PANTRY NEWS Location: Five Loaf House: 133 Firehouse Road Telephone: 570-646-7465 NEXT DISTRIBUTION : December 14th & 15th New volunteers - please contact Beth or Chuck. PERMANENT SEPARATE DAY FOR CLOTHING & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS DISTRIBUTION From now on, we will have a separate day for clothing & household items. In October it worked very well. We had 35-50 clients who came and shopped for clothing and household items. If the weather is bad and the schools are closed then we will not have a clothing/household distribution day that month. FOOD & CLOTHING ARE ACCEPTED Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday from 9 am -11 am There is someone at Five Loaf House on these days to accept donations. We are accepting only fall and winter clothes. If this doesn t work for you, leave a and we will get back to you when we can. Around the Diocese Know a Marriage That Needs Help? Throw them a lifeline and tell them about Retrouvaille, an international program that helps couples who are experiencing marital difficulties. This program is for all couples, at any stage of marriage that needs help to communicate with each other in a more attentive and loving manner. The next program in the Scranton Diocese begins Feb. 26 - Feb. 28, 2016 at the Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, PA. Please call 800-470-2230 for more information or to register visit the website @ www.helpourmarriage.org.