NOVEMBER 26, 2017 Saint Paul Parish 820 Carbon Road Greensburg, PA 15601 A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust A Parish of the Diocese of Greensburg JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE Fr. Lawrence Manchas Pastor LITURGICAL SCHEDULE Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil: Sunday: 4:30 PM 9:00 AM Weekday Masses: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Reconciliation: Saturday: 3:00PM 8:00 AM 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. PARISH STAFF Coordinator of Faith Formation:... Sue Craig Director of Music:...Emily Lapisardi-Knotts Business Manager:... Ginny Buzzard Director of Maintenance:... Bob Stauffer Office Manager:... James Mosser Website Administrator:... Bob Chappell PARISH DIRECTORY Parish Office:......724-834-6880 Fax Number:......724-834-1492 Church Email:.....stpaulgbg@aol.com St. Vincent de Paul Help Line:...724-420-3279 Aquinas Academy Main Office:..724-834-7940 Fr. James Morley Parochial Vicar PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM -12:00 Noon 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Friday 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Office closes Noon-1:00PM daily. PARISH WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, November 26 No Youth Ministry Meetings Knights of Columbus Memorial Mass & Member Breakfast Monday, November 27 Office Closed Rosary after Mass Cub Scouts 6:30PM Tuesday, November 28 Weight Watchers 6:30PM Good Shepherd 5:30PM Wednesday, November 29 Mid Day Rosary 12:15PM Church Boy Scouts 7:00PM Choir Practice 7:00PM Thursday, November 30 Friday, December 1, First Friday Our Lady s Rosary Makers 10:00AM Saturday, December 2 Faith Formation Advent Retreat 9:30AM Confession 3:00PM Sunday, December 3, First Sunday of Advent Partner Parishes First Reconciliation at St. Bruno RAS Christmas Social at Lakeview 1:00PM www.pbcatholic.org www.oneparish.com
Mass Intentions Saturday November 25 4:30PM Nancy Bittner (Tracy Rowe) Sunday November 26 Francis & Mary Ann Parana (Kathy Zupancic) Monday November 27 8:00AM Tig Burris (Sheila Chalot) Wednesday November 29 8:00AM Charles Burrell (Family ) Friday December 1, First Friday 8:00AM Mary Ann Parana (Funeral Choir) Saturday December 2 4:30PM Patsy DeNezza (dtr., Patricia Testa) Sunday Meetings, News and Events At St. Paul Parish December 3, First Sunday in Advent Ralph & Lee Ann Graff (Nina & Ray DeFazio) denotes focus of the intention is deceased St. Paul Youth Ministry Youth (Grades 6-12) High School: 4:30-6:00PM Jr. High: 6:30-8:00PM November 26: No Youth Ministry Meetings. December 3: Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord. (Advent) December 10: The Sacrament of Reconciliation December 17: Christmas Party 4:30-6:00, All Grades December 24 & 31: No meetings... Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! St Paul Youth Ministry is focused on forming our young people through the study and practice of their faith, to challenge them to embrace the life of the church through prayer, service to our community and social activities. CONFIRMATION PREPARATION Confirmation Preparation Gatherings are underway. There are 6 more sessions and it is mandatory to attend the preparation sessions to be eligible to receive the sacrament. The remainder of the dates are as follows: December 9, January 13, February 10, March 17, April 14, May 12. PRAYER CHAIN The Prayer Chain is activated every Tuesday evening. If you know someone needing the prayer chain, or if you would like to volunteer your time on the chain, please call either of the leaders listed below: Philomena Lillie 724-832-8521 or Audrey & Mike Lucotch 724-834-2113. FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES 2017 Once again we are helping Catholic Charities provide a brighter Christmas to a number of area families. A list has been provided to us with gift suggestions for 20+ children. By now you should have registered to participate in this program. You may shop for a gift or give a monetary donation (please make checks out to St. Paul Parish and note on the memo line Families ). All items must be turned in to the church office by December 1, at Noon. Thank you for helping to brighten someone s Christmas. PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN If you have any suspicion about the sexual abuse (or any other type of abuse) of a minor child by anyone please contact PA Childline immediately at 1-800-932-0313. If the alleged abuser is functioning in a parish, school or diocesan position as clergy, religious, paid staff or volunteer you are also requested to contact the Bishop s Delegate for Matters of Sexual Misconduct after you have called the Childline number and made the report. The Bishop s Delegate may be reached at 724-837-0901, Ext. 1221. Also, in the same effort to protect children, anyone age 18 and older, working with children, or is in the presence of children is required to have special clearances and training. As you anticipate the birth of your child, please call or visit the parish office to make arrangements for Baptism. You should contact the office at least two months in advance of the child s birth. Sessions for the parents are required and are designed to reflect on the meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism, to review the ceremony, and to highlight the importance of the family s commitment to practice the Catholic Faith. When you select godparents, at least one must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. Any questions; call the office. Pg. 2
Money Matters OFFERTORY REPORT: 11/20/2017 Envelopes Sent: 867 Envelopes Used: Data not available Weekly Budget Weekly Collected $8,250.00 Data not available Weekly +/- Data not available Annual +/- Data not available MUSIC MINISTRY PREPARES FOR THE CHRISTMAS LITURGIES The music ministry welcomes new and returning volunteers of all ages to serve for Christmas liturgies! This year, children in grades 2-7 can join "Sing and Ring the Faith," a musical ensemble which will sing and play bells for the 6:00PM Christmas Eve Mass. Rehearsals will be held on the three Wednesdays in December leading up to Christmas from 6:00-6:45PM. Singers age 14 through adult are also welcome to serve as "seasonal singers" with the adult choir for the 10:00PM Christmas Eve Mass by attending the second half of choir rehearsals (8:00-9:00PM) starting November 15th. Finally, instrumentalists (especially strings, woodwinds, and brass) are encouraged to play for any of the three Christmas Masses. Please contact music director Emily Lapisardi at 304-216-0302 or Lapisardi@gmail.com if you'd like to be involved in any of these musical opportunities. ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SOCIAL The Saint Paul Rosary Altar Society will hold its Annual Christmas Social on Sunday, December 3 at Lakeview. All Active & Honorary Members, as well as invited guests, are welcome to attend. Dinner will be served promptly at 1:00PM. Selections for dinner are either Chicken Marsala or Rolled Stuffed Steak. Please contact Teresa Bringe at 724-837-5557 by Monday, November 27 and give her your reservation and dinner choice. There is no cost for the members, but guests will have to pay the cost of their meal (approximately $15.00). We hope to see you there! Readings & Reflections LEAP OF FAITH Today's Gospel could be seen as an example of what St. Paul is explaining in the second reading. First, he tells us that the resurrection of Christ is not the end of God's reign, but the beginning. Since death came into the world with the sin of Adam, Christ's death saved us from sin and his resurrection saves us from death. Now that he is risen, he will complete his reign over all creation, meaning that everything in creation that turned away from God will now be subject to God. Since Christ had to die before he could rise, the last enemy to be subjected is death; so too do we have to die before we can rise. When all this happens, everything will show God's glory. God will be seen in all of creation. Jesus will be seen as equal to the Father, not just a man, but the Son of God. The Gospel gives us the image of a king on his throne, surrounded by his subjects. And then comes the final judgment. The rest of the Gospel is symbolic description of that judgment. I always thought the point of this parable was that we recognize God in the poor, the sick, the homeless, prisoners, etc. But the people in the parable who helped all those in need did not recognize Christ in the needy. That's why he tells them that whatever we do for "these least ones," we do for Christ. That is actually good news, because it is not always easy to recognize Christ in others. I used to think that once I start seeing Christ in all people, I'll be more willing to help them. But it also works the other way. When you help someone in need, you begin to see Christ there, too. This means that we cannot use not seeing Christ in others as an excuse to put off helping them. ("Sure, I'll help those drug addicts--as soon as I see Jesus in them.") Whether it is a death-row prisoner or a homeless family, we need to take that leap of faith to help, not knowing if we will ever see Christ in them. Remember, God forgives and saves us because we need God, not because we deserve it. Tom Schmidt, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co. TODAY S READINGS First Reading I will rescue my scattered sheep (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17). Psalm The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Psalm 23). Second Reading As in Adam all die, so too in Christ all shall be brought to life (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28). Gospel Whatever you did to the least ones, you did to me (Matthew 25:31-46). 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: Dn 1:1-6, 8-20; Dn 3:52-56; Lk 21:1-4 Tuesday: Dn 2:31-45; Dn 3:57-61; Lk 21:5-11 Wednesday: Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Dn 3:62-67; Lk 21:12-19 Thursday: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Friday: Dn 7:2-14; Dn 3:75-81; Lk 21:29-33 Saturday: Dn 7:15-27; Dn 3:82-87; Lk 21:34-36 Sunday: Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37 Pg. 3
Liturgical Minister Schedule MASS ALTAR SERVER EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION LECTOR Saturday December 2 4:30PM Gavin Woodbury & Matthew Ulishney Sue Craig, Dave & Cheryl Ream, Mark Ulishney, Lisa Crowe, Jeanne Shaffer, Sharon Highberger Don Schaer Sunday December3 Joe Fiedor & Matteo Arcara Jeff & Stephanie Peterinelli, Karen Douglas, Alex Androkites, Tom Adams, Kathy Hill, Jack Yurko Marcia Tucci YOU CAN HELP! It has come to our attention through parishioner family members that our service women & men are in need of some basic food and supplies. We think when they are deployed such items go with them in great supply, but obviously not. In response to this need we have placed baskets and boxes near the entrances to the church and parish center to collect these items, and the Rosary Altar Society will ship them to a deployed military man who will see that they are distributed throughout his unit. As you place your items in the box/basket add a prayer for the safe return of all of our military men & women. The items needed or that are in short supply are listed below. Personal Care: baby wipes, antiperspirant/deodorant, razors & shaving supplies, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, foot & body powder, individual packs of tissue. Food & Drink: Anything that is shelf stable (not needing refrigeration) like canned soups, stews, spaghettios, raviolis, that can easily be heated on a hot plate or microwave oven; also beef jerky, hard candy, gum, granola & protein bars, protein powder, crackers, ramen noodles, Coffee & supplies (powdered and shelf stable creamers, sugar & other sweeteners); flavor packets for water & coffee. Please nothing that will melt, and no alcohol. Thank you! We know that you will step forward to help our military women & men who are deployed protecting us here at home and protecting others who are in vulnerable situations. Thank you to all; our parishioners and the members of the Rosary Altar Society for your generous spirit, and to our military men and women for your courage & sacrifices. 724 FOOD RESCUE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Elizabeth Bina is recruiting volunteers for 724 Food Rescue. The objective is to reduce food waste, redistribute excess, thereby reducing/ ending hunger in the 724 Area Code region of PA. Food vendors donate unsellable yet viable, healthy foods to nonprofit agencies (recipients) who redistribute food to their clients. This process relies on volunteers (Food Heroes) who transport the food from donors to recipients. It is also dependent on the Food Hero s ability to retrieve information from the app on the phone or computer. The volunteer clicks the posting to claim the food, delivers the food, then reports back on how the rescue went. If you are interested in volunteering to be a Food Hero or donor contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@412foodrescue.org. FULL-TIME POSITION AT AQUINAS Aquinas Academy is looking for a full time maintenance worker. Clearances and basic maintenance/janitorial skills required. If interested, please contact the school office at: 724-834-7940 or email your resume to jrice@aquinasacademy.org. Engaged couples planning to be married at St. Paul Parish, one of whom must be an active, registered member of the parish, should contact the Parish Office at least six months in advance of the intended wedding. A date should not be set before this contact to assure that the church is available and that there is time for Pre-marriage formation. Premarriage formation is required to prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony and the serious, life-long commitment that marriage brings. Any questions; call the office. Pg. 4
Around the Diocese THEOLOGY ON TAP Calling ALL young adults (single, married, parents, etc.)! Join us for Theology on Tap in the A-K Valley on Thursday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the KNEAD Community Cafe (1011 Barnes Street, New Kensington, PA 15068). The topic of the evening is Bible 101: Exploring the Basics and Learning How to Add Scripture to Your Daily Life presented by Elizabeth Haberstroh, LSW, MDiv. Dinner will be provided, no charge! BYOB and invite a friend! Babies in carriers are welcome at all A-K TOT events. Theology on Tap is a program for Catholic Young Adults and their friends to meet together at local bars, cafes, and restaurants to listen to a speaker, share conversation, and gain new insights into the faith. For further information, please contact Elizabeth Haberstroh at EHaberstroh@dioceseofgreensburg.org or Ariel Schroeder at ASchroeder@dioceseofgreensburg.org or find us on Facebook at Theology on Tap in the A-K Valley (@akvalleytot). No need to RSVP, just show up! OVERLY S COUNTRY CHRISTMAS SEEKS VOLUNTEERS Overly s Country Christmas in Greensburg is seeking volunteers for its 2017 Christmas event, which supports the group s year-round charitable works with children and families in need. For information call 724-423-1400 or email overlyvolunteers@gmail.com or info@overlys.com. For information about Overly s, go to www.overlys.com. HOLLY BERRY FAIR AT ST. MARY, OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Kittanning, will hold its annual Holly Berry Fair on Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in St. Mary Parish Hall. Holly Berry favorites will include a theme basket raffle with over 75 baskets; Breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. (please pre-register); sale of fresh Christmas greens and used Christmas items; bake sale and homemade soup sale; lunch menu; Ham & Turkey Bingo from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Stuffed Chicken Breast sit-down or take-out dinner from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $10/Adult, $5/Child. For more information or pre-order dinner forms, visit www.stmarykittanning.org or call 724-548-7649. Bring your family and friends! Nativity Showcase Please join the St. Joseph Altar Rosary Society Sunday, December 3, 2017 11:30 am-3:00 pm (after 10:30 Mass) St. Joseph Parish Hall 117 S. Ligonier St., Derry, PA For an afternoon of viewing Nativity Sets of parishioners of St. Joseph and St. Martin s Parishes. Advent Calendars, Advent Wreaths and Advent Candles will be sold. Religious Christmas ornaments and variety of items will be sold Food and bake sale Meeting & Event Minder Every First Tuesday: TAIZE PRAYER FOR PEACE Sisters of Charity at Seton Hill, Doran Hall 441 Mount Thor Road, Greensburg For additional information call Sr. Barbara Ann Smelko, SC at 724-836-0406 X6622. Taize brochures are available in the vestibule. November 26: Bingo at St. Bartholomew Church, Crabtree starts Winter Hours: doors open at 12:30 PM. Early Bird begins at 1:45 PM. For more info call 724 837 0197. November 27: Last day to register for Natural Family Planning sessions at Catholic Charities. Contact Mary Ann Newhouse at Catholic Charities at 724-837-1840, X1658. For more information about Natural Family Planning and the CM-BBT Method, visit www.ccharitiesgreensburg.org and link into Natural Family Planning under Services. November 30-December 2: Christmas Crèche Show at First United Methodist Church, Greensburg, November 30 & December 1 exhibit is open 4:00-8:00PM; December 2 it is open 11AM-3PM. No admission. December 3: Stedry Vecer at the Connare Center in Greensburg, at 4:00PM. Mass, traditional Christmas dinner, entertainment and more. Tickets are limited, get yours by November 17. Call Darlene Patty at 724-493-8712 for your reservation. GCC ENTRANCE TEST DECEMBER 9TH Exam is scheduled for Saturday, December 9th, beginning at 8:30AM at the school. The exam is required for all incoming freshmen. For information and to register, go to www.gcchs.org or call 724-834-0310. The registration deadline is Nov. 29. CLELIAN HEIGHTS CRAFT AND VENDOR SHOW DEC. 3 Clelian Heights, Greensburg, will host a craft, vendor and basket raffle show Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the gymnasium. For information, call Johnna Sleith at 412-607-4479. Pg.5