Mary, the Holy Mother of God. January 1, 2017

Mary, the Holy Mother of God January 1, 2017

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MONDAY Worship A Note of Thanks Please accept my sincere gratitude for everyone s wonderful generosity to our parish community at Christmas. Your support will continue to foster the work and mission of our parish and help prepare for the construction of a new Center. Thank you for the cards, notes, gifts, baked goods, treats, spirits, and warm love shared by so many on the occasion of Christmas. Thank you for making me feel so much at home. Thank you for everything and Happy New Year! We believe Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and the center of our parish life and mission! Blessing and God's Peace, Fr. John (CSG) 7:00 AM Joan M. Judge The Family (OLS) 12:10 PM Leila May Polintan Bugno TUESDAY The Judges (CSG) 7:00 AM Deacon William J. Powers Lisa, Keith & Aidan Carson (OLS) 12:10 PM Helen Earley WEDNESDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM The Family George & Frances O Malley Nancy Coar (OLS) 12:10 PM Frank Savo The Family THURSDAY Dear Padre JANUARY 1, 2017 Does calling Mary the Mother of God mean that she came before God? No; it simply expresses our belief that Mary is truly the Mother of Jesus, who from the moment of his conception was both human and divine. Catholics believe that God is a Trinity of persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one divine nature. We believe that God existed from all eternity and is the source of all created things. We also believe that, to save us from sin, the second person of the Trinity, the Son, took on a human nature. God became one of us in the mystery of the Incarnation. Luke s Infancy narrative (1:26 38) tells us that God sent Gabriel to Mary to announce that she would have a child, the Son of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary consented, and Jesus Christ was conceived in her womb. Later, Mary is greeted by Elizabeth as the mother of my Lord (1:43). This greeting expresses the reality that the Lord, the God of the Hebrew Scriptures, is present in Mary s womb. Other passages testify to the same fact. Mary is the Mother of Jesus. Jesus is God (John 20:28). Therefore, Mary is the Mother of God. When we honor Mary as the Mother of God, we are professing our belief that Jesus is truly God. We are not saying that Mary came before God but rather that the Son, who existed from all eternity, became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). Source: Dear Padre: Questions People Ask, Liguori, 2003, sundaybulletin@liguori.org (CSG) 7:00 AM (OLS) 12:10PM FRIDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM Sheila Flanagan Sheils Mary Ellen Dougherty Stanley Campbell Wife John Q. Durkin The Family (OLS) 12:10 PM Joseph Kovatch SATURDAY (CSG) 5:00 PM (CSG) (OLS) Patrick & Andrea Rogers Paul Mahon Andrea & George Shoener Saint Gregory Our Lady of the Snows The gifts of bread and wine are offered in loving memory of Peggy & Roger Scrantz 3

Service We recognize God s call to serve our parish family and neighbors near and far! Ministry Center Gifts following days, times and duties. Year-end tax planning and stock gifting Monday, Thursday, Friday: Mid-day clerical-10:00 to 1:00 PM or 11:00 until 2:00 PM Monday & Thursday: Afternoon Sorting; Tuesday & Wednesday: Morning Sorting. If you are interested in making a special Christmas gift for our new Ministry Center, please contact Fr. John anytime. Federal tax laws provide for a charitable deduction for the full market value of securities gifted as of the date of your gift. If you would like to make a year-end gift of appreciated stock for tax planning purposes, please call the Office for the information you will need to provide your broker to complete a stock transfer transaction. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. During a typical month, there are more than 250 visits to the Baby Pantry. If you are interested in helping, please call Stephanie at 570.963.1261. Girls on the Run A great BIG thank you to Girls on the Run for their generosity and donations of warm socks filled with toiletries and gift cards to Dunkin Donuts. Our extended family at St. Francis Commons will certainly have a warm and blessed Christmas they will never forget. St. Francis Commons Building Campaign Launches January 17, 2017 Caregivers A parish member of the Caregiver Team is here to help! You may call the rectory at 570.587.4808 if you or someone you know is in need of this wonderful ministry, we will then get in touch with a Team member and they will contact you on behalf of St. Gregory s Caregivers. All calls will remain confidential. Toy Drive Catholic Social Services/Friends of the Poor annual Toy Drive was a huge success. Over 825 families received gifts for Christmas and over 100 volunteers unloaded donated gifts for distribution. Santa Claus is really at work in the Spirit of Christmas! St. Joseph Center Baby Pantry St. Joseph s Center Baby Pantry is looking for volunteers for the Ready to Serve Weekly Collection Juice or Juice Boxes This donation will be delivered to St. Patrick s Food Pantry Christmas truly visited the residents of St. Francis Commons this week. Residents were overwhelmed and thrilled with the generosity of presents and baked goods. Gifts were placed under the trees and were shared at a party on Friday with the staff. Thank you to ALL for helping those less fortunate enjoy the gifts and the spirit of Christmas. Seasons of Healing Winter: The Hopeful Heart Join VNA Hospice for a one day workshop dedicated to grieving parents who have lost a child of any age. Often times finding ways to cope with such a loss can be very difficult to accomplish alone. VNA can help you gain a better understanding about grief recovery by providing education on the grief process. Share ways to develop personal coping skills to help with healing and opening your heart to hope in the New Year. The workshop will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2017 (snow date-january 21) from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM (lunch included) To make a reservation, please call Olympia at 570-383-5180. Youth & Young Adult Retreat Friday, January 13 & Saturday, January 14, at St. Gabriel s Retreat Center. The retreat will be facilitated by Fred Mercadante. For more information or to register, please contact Mary Anne Malone at 570.207.2213. 4

Word We cherish our relationship with Jesus and strive to make the gospel relevant to our daily lives! R.C.I.A. Adult Initiation The candidates will begin the second phase of catechesis with a meeting on Saturday January 7, 2017 in the Emmaus Room at OLS at 9:30 AM. We encourage everyone s prayer and support. Religious Formation Classes Classes will resume on January 8, 2017. The Kindergarten class will now take place at Our Lady of Peace School in the Kindergarten classroom. (adjacent to the Cafeteria) Our new faith formation directors will be in the lobby of the school to assist students and direct them to their classes. Marriage Help If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, if your are considering separation or divorce, then the Retrouvaille Program can help you. Retrouvaille is helping couples put the pieces back together and to rediscover a more loving relationship. The next local program will be held February 24-26, 2017 at the Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit. Registration is requited and all calls remain confidential. For more information or to register, please call 1.800.470.2230 or visit www.helpourmarriage.org. Cost is by donation. Baptisms We welcome two new members of our St. Gregory s Family who baptized in December. Anistyn Kay Davis Ryleigh Catherine Hiller We congratulate Anistyn & Ryleigh s families and pray the Holy Spirit continues to guide them in their faith. The Feast of the Holy Family, normally celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas, is moved to the Friday before New Year s Day, which falls on a Sunday this year and is devoted to Mary, Mother of God. Over the past two years, Pope Francis has focused the church on the importance of the family with two synods and a key papal letter on love. The message has been clear: As the family goes, so goes society. The Holy Family therefore becomes a key point of entry into the question of how the image and likeness of God is the ultimate imprint of the life of the Trinity on all of creation, and in a critical way, on human families. Joseph, Mary and Jesus hardly seem like the kind of family we can imitate, so extraordinary are the circumstance of their lives. The theology of the Christmas story makes us hesitate to apply their example to our ordinary experience. Yet their story also depicts a whole range of challenges that place them in the thick of the common human struggle. It is as though we read about them every day in the news: couples in poverty, homeless and on the move, under government scrutiny, exposed to the elements, lacking basic healthcare, dogged by uncertainty and threat of violence, forced to flee and to live as refugees in exile from their homeland. It is as though solidarity with the human condition required that this family bear the full burden of suffering so that no other family might say, They could not possibly understand our loss or our challenges." Dramatic in scope and intensity, the issues confronting the Holy Family make them mentors for us all. Joseph stands with every father and husband who must negotiate the demands of marriage and parenting. Mary stands with every mother who has lost a child. Jesus, though divine, models human development more completely than any person who has ever lived, at a depth we can only imagine because his human identity emerged from engaging the same temptations and struggles we all face. Whatever our own situations, we celebrate the Holy Family by opening our hearts to be dwelling places for the Trinitarian God, where diversity is united in love, where all brokenness is healed, where community is nurtured and relationships are affirmed by compassion, reconciliation and mercy. Life is a journey and, as pilgrims on our way to God, we can have no better companions than the Holy Family. 5

Community We believe Eucharist is the believe that our Baptism forms us into a family joined together to love God and one another! Come let us adore Christmas Eve Liturgy, 2016 Christmas Gift Parishioners received copies of Fr. Martin s book Between Heaven and Mirth for Christmas this year. Rev. James Martin is a Jesuit priest, contributing editor of America magazine, and bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and My Life with the Saints. Before entering the Jesuits in 1988, Father Martin graduated from the Wharton School of Business. May our parish community celebrate at Christmas and throughout the entire year with joy, humor and laughter. Community Table Mark your calendars! The community table will be gathering on Wednesday, January 25, 6:00 PM at JJ Bridges. This will be a great way to get together with friends and to make new friends. Please call the rectory to make a reservation! We Did It Over the Top Thanks to your unending generosity, we are over our DAA goal by $6,105.00. Our goal was $79,000.00 and we are currently at $85,105.00. We are so very grateful to those who participate in this annual collection. Wedding Anniversary Mass His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2017 to a diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 11. The event includes a 2:30 mass at St. Peter s Cathedral followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address, should be made by calling the rectory office before March 13. Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus Abington Council 6611 will host an all you can eat breakfast buffet on Sunday, January 15 from 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM at St. Patrick s Church, Nicholson. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 12 and under. CCD students eat for free. Tickets will be available at the door. Menu includes, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage gravy and biscuits, fruit, coffee, tea and more. Volunteers Needed Traditional Home Health Care in Dunmore is looking for volunteers. This truly is a great ministry and a wonderful way to help others. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please call Kathleen Haikes, volunteer coordinator, 570.207.9286 6

Monday, January 2 Memorial of Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and Doctors of the church How s this for a circle of family and friends: One of the brothers of the fourth-century bishop and theologian Saint Basil was Bishop Gregory of Nyssa. Counted also as saints are Basil s grandmother, father, another of his brothers, and his sister. His good friend was Bishop Gregory of Nazianzus, also remembered today. Basil and his illustrious group came from the Greek region of Cappodocia, which had a tough reputation. They liked to tell the story that when a snake bit a Cappodocian, the snake died. Follow these holy Cappodocians and put some bite in your faith. Tuesday, January 3 Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Do you know the name of the person who delivers your mail? What about the manager of your grocery store or the CEO of your power company? Our automated, electronic, virtual world makes it nearly impossible to have personal contact with people who perform important services for us each day. Yet, amazingly, we know the name of our Divine Savior, whom we are encouraged to call directly for help. We honor the holy name of Jesus because God was revealed to us personally through Jesus, who invited us to share in his life and perform works of love and mercy in his name. What will you do today in the name of Jesus? Wednesday, January 4 Memorial of Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious Elizabeth Seton (1774-1821) became a Catholic at 30, after the death of her husband and over the protests of her Episcopalian family and friends. She had always been active in the support of poor widows and their children, enough to merit her the nickname the Protestant Sister of Charity. Estranged from her relatives, the now-catholic Elizabeth banded together with like-minded women to become the Daughters of Charity of St. Joseph. The sisters established orphanages and hospitals, but their commitment to the parochial school system became their renown. Thursday, January 5 Memorial of John Neumann, bishop Children resist accompanying their parents to places that are no fun for them: the bank, grocery store, or gas station. This list may also include church. Young John Neumann was no different. He wouldn t attend Mass, the rosary, or Stations with his mother unless she sweetened the deal with a penny. Mrs. Neumann got a good return on those pennies! So did the American church. The future bishop would walk miles to deliver sacraments to a single child who may have felt similarly uninspired without a penny s worth of investment. Share your faith with a child. Friday, January 6 Memorial of André Bessette, religious Nearly rejected by his order, the sickly Blessed André Bessette (1845-1937) was finally allowed to become a religious brother. His superiors figured that if he can t work, at least he ll be good at praying. It turns out he was good at both. Assigned to be the porter a kind of greeter and errand boy at Notre Dame college in Montreal, he spent his days listening to the concerns of all who arrived at his door, especially the poor and afflicted. He lived to be 91 and became known for his healings and his devotion to Saint Joseph. Today, pray in his memory to Saint Joseph for your needs or the needs of a loved one. for your Offerings Electronic Giving from December 24 & 25, 2016 Sunday $12,211.00 Christmas $51,963.00 Coffee is brewing in our Cafe every Sunday from 8:00 to Noon & Wednesday mornings after Mass. Parishioners are welcome to brew coffee any time! Visit : www.the CHURCHOFST GREGORY.COM Click on special link. Set up your account. Choose a payment option and customize your donation. Please call Judy Grambo with further questions. Worship Art and Environment David Hemmler, Marion Eagen, Nina Magnani, Debbie Colarossi, Donna Nasser, Judy Grambo, Danny Marx, Jennifer DiNoia, Ron Grambo, Cindy Dick. Service Coordinating Team Julie Nastasi, Carol Strauch, John Devine, Kate Sebring, Chrissy Jacoby, Meg Hambrose, Jane Farr, John Hambrose, Judy Burkavage, Susan Scanland, Deacon Bob. The Service Team has a complete list of service connected opportunities. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Julie Nastasi at julie.nastasi@gmail. com. Community Coordinating Team Tracy Bannon, Saul Rigau, Lisa Rigau, Delia Coppola, Yvonne Cronkey, Bridget Walsh, Bill Durdach, Danelle Hogan, Molly Johnson, Pam Jones, Mary Griffin, Judy Walsh, Joe Hogan. Parish activities and sign-up sheets may be found on the Welcome Cart. For more information, please contact Tracy Bannon at tracybannon@stjosephscenter. Org Word Coordinating Team Ruth Fried, Bob Barry, Jack Rubano, Connie Sheils, Patti Staples, David Coppola, Deacon Bob, Ted Tomaszewski. To learn more about the Word Coordinating Team, please contact Patti Staples at thstapes@comcast.net. Pastoral Council Michele Musheno, Paul Mullisky, Theresa Robinson, Scott Pettinato, Marjorie Barlow, Jim Fleming, Joe Hogan, Bill Donovan, Jane Farr, Dan Haggerty, Donald Broderick, Ted Tomaszewski, Mary Ann Morgan, Zoe Haggerty, Logan Lombardo, Deacon Bob, Gemma Chuff, Father John. Finance Council Bill Burkavage, John Devine, Veronica Dende, Paul Gerega, Deacon Bob, Yvonne Cronkey, John Devine, Fr. John. 7

Hospital Visitation If anyone has a family member, relative or friend in any of the area hospitals and would like them to have a visit, please call the rectory. St. Joseph s Outreach Our parish partners with St. Joseph s School in Uganda. Donations are always welcome in support of student tuition. Heavenly Paws A pet group that collects food and supplies for the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. For more information please contact Carol Hughes at carolmariehughes@gmail.com. Hands Ready To Serve Weekly donations may be left near church entrances or in the cabinet in the hallway near the restroom. See page 5 for a list of items we are collecting this week. There are also four large annual collections. Prayer Shawl Ministry The prayer shawl ministry meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM in the rectory. Caring Hearts A team of volunteers who provide comfort, a meal or assistance with spiritual guidance after the loss of a loved one. If you are interested in learning more, please email Marychris.jacoby@aseracare.com with your desire or need. Parish Caregivers This committee is designed to offer respite care for individuals taking care of elderly or ill homebound family members. For more information please email Susan: susan@dementiaconnection.com Prison Ministry This faith based ministry addresses the spiritual needs of men, women, and young people reforming their lives in hope! For more information please email Bernadette-Rudolph@dioceseofscranton.org Homeless Veterans Ministry This ministry seeks to raise awareness of the growing problem of homelessness of veterans within our local community and serve residents at St. Francis Commons. For more information please email: bburkavage@gmail.com Refugee Family Ministry This team will encourage parish support for refugees arriving in our community from all over the world in cooperation with CSS of the Diocese of Scranton. Baptism Baptisms are normally celebrated on the Third Sunday of every month during or following the 12 noon liturgy. Baptisms may be arranged at other times when necessary. Parent and Godparent preparation occurs two Sunday evenings each month at 5:00 PM at St. Gregory and Our Lady of the Snows rectories. Please call for an appointment. Women s Guild Guild meetings take place the first Thursday of every month from September through May, with the exception of January. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the rectory. saintgregoryswomensguild@gmail. com Community Table A social gathering to foster fellowship, friendship and parish family for all parish adults. The community table meets at a different venue monthly. Information will be published in the Green Dialog or you may email: judywalsh730@gmail.com. Anointing of the Sick Please contact the rectory at anytime for the celebration of this sacrament. Marriage Arrangements should be made six months prior to the desired wedding date. Please contact Father Lapera. Music Ministry Rehearsals (Both) Spirit Song Ensemble and Voices of Faith Choir: Wed. 7:00 p.m. Genesis Children s Choir: Wed. 4:00 p.m. Art and Environment A team of volunteers who provide appropriate ideas and design for the decoration of our worship space. Rosary Group Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 5:15 PM. Ministers of Hospitality Ministers of Hospitality are the welcoming ambassadors of our parish family at liturgy. Please contact our office for more information. Communion Calls A team of Extraordinary Communion Ministers visit our homebound with Communion every month. For more Information please contact Deacon Robert Sheils at rsheils@epix.net. Religious Education Our Religious Education program takes place every Sunday Morning at 11:05 AM at Our Lady of Peace School for grades 1-8. Kindergarten Class is held in the Early Childhood Center. Holy Cross School System Our Lady of Peace School 410 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA 570.587.4152 Mrs. M. Colleen Jumper, Principal www.olpclarkssummit.com Holy Cross High School 501 E. Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA 570.346.7541 Mr. Benjamin D. Tolerico, Principal www.holycrosshs-dioceseofscranton.org Early Childhood Program Our programs are held five days a week and take place in the Early childhood Center. Please call 570.587.4808. R.C.I.A. There currently is an R.C.I.A. team ready to welcome anyone interested in becoming a Catholic or to learn more about their Catholic faith. Please email Connie at rsheils@epix.net.