UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS December 15/16 ‐Blessing of the Baby Jesus at all masses December 24‐26 ‐ Parish Office Closed December 27 ‐ 8:30 AM ‐Feast of St. John the Evangelist Mass and Breakfast at The Dream DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. John the Evangelist Church 309 Lotz Avenue, Altoona, PA 814-942-5503 www. stjohnsaltoona.org Office hours: Monday ‐ Friday 9:00‐3:00 APPOINTMENTS ACOLYTES Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Ryan & Jack Donoughe Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Emily & Ethan Miller Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Kaelab Ruggles, Trenton Wandersee Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐Mai Linh Do, Brody Partner‐Gore, Keaton Swope, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐Nicholas Helsley, Bob Olson, NOT FILLED Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Bob Olson, NOT FILLED _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ LECTORS Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Matt Michelone, Heather Nackley Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Tim Rea, James Krug Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Richard Consiglio, Mary Petrak Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐Maria Spayd, David Langguth Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐Bill Foose, Norma Foose Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Gary Johnson, Fran Semelsberger _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Joseph Klobuka, Pam Klobuka Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Fran Semelsberger, Mary Truesdale Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Barbara Bundy, Dolores Capriotti, Lou Ann Clark, Bill Foose, Norma Foose, Bob Olson Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐Walter Bloom, Cecelia Bloom, Barbara Bundy, Daniel Turcovsky, Diane Turcovsky, Daniel Langenbacher Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐ Paula Adams, David Lee, Donna Moyer, Susanna Tomlinson Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Dolores Capriotti, Darlene Scarpaci _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Connie Baker, Carolyn English, Betsy Lloyd, Dorothy Yingling Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Ed Stoltz, Ginny Reeder, Ray Kennedy, Helen Miller Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Marilyn Bevan, Peg Madden, Patrick Podoletz, Judy Sneath Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Ginny Reeder, Karen Moughemer, Ed Stoltz, Dennis Moughemer, Charlie Moore, Mike O’Neill Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐ Walter Bloom, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Connie Baker, Carolyn English, Dorothy Yingling, NOT FILLED ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SACRISTAN Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Joyce Cunningham Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Darlene Scarpaci Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Marilyn Bevan Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐Barbara Bundy Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐Joyce Cunningham Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Marilyn Bevan _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SCRIP Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Chris Palazzi, NOT FILLED Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Erika & Heather Yasolsky Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Peg Madden, Marge Rudolph MASS SCHEDULE MONDAY • TUESDAY • THURSDAY • FRIDAY 8:30AM WEDNESDAY 6:00 PM SATURDAY ‐ 4:00PM • SUNDAY ‐ 8:00AM & 11:00AM Christmas Mass Schedule December 24 Christmas Eve: 4:00 PM & 10:00 PM December 25 Christmas Day: 10:00 AM
Transcript
UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS December 15/16 ‐Blessing of the Baby Jesus at all masses December 24‐26 ‐ Parish Office Closed December 27 ‐ 8:30 AM ‐Feast of St. John the Evangelist Mass and Breakfast at The Dream
DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY
OF ADVENT St. John the Evangelist Church 309 Lotz Avenue, Altoona, PA
814-942-5503 www. stjohnsaltoona.org
Office hours: Monday ‐ Friday 9:00‐3:00
APPOINTMENTS ACOLYTES
Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Ryan & Jack Donoughe Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Emily & Ethan Miller Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Kaelab Ruggles, Trenton Wandersee Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐Mai Linh Do, Brody Partner‐Gore, Keaton Swope, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐Nicholas Helsley, Bob Olson, NOT FILLED Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Bob Olson, NOT FILLED _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LECTORS
Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Matt Michelone, Heather Nackley Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Tim Rea, James Krug Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Richard Consiglio, Mary Petrak Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐Maria Spayd, David Langguth Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐Bill Foose, Norma Foose Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Gary Johnson, Fran Semelsberger _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Joseph Klobuka, Pam Klobuka Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Fran Semelsberger, Mary Truesdale Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Barbara Bundy, Dolores Capriotti, Lou Ann Clark, Bill Foose, Norma Foose, Bob Olson Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐Walter Bloom, Cecelia Bloom, Barbara Bundy, Daniel Turcovsky, Diane Turcovsky, Daniel Langenbacher Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐ Paula Adams, David Lee, Donna Moyer, Susanna Tomlinson Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Dolores Capriotti, Darlene Scarpaci _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY
Sat. Dec. 22 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Connie Baker, Carolyn English, Betsy Lloyd, Dorothy Yingling Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 8:00 AM ‐ Ed Stoltz, Ginny Reeder, Ray Kennedy, Helen Miller Sun. Dec. 23 ‐ 11:00 AM ‐ Marilyn Bevan, Peg Madden, Patrick Podoletz, Judy Sneath Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 4:00 PM ‐ Ginny Reeder, Karen Moughemer, Ed Stoltz, Dennis Moughemer, Charlie Moore, Mike O’Neill Mon. Dec. 24 ‐ 10:00 PM ‐ Walter Bloom, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED Tues. Dec. 25 ‐ 10:00 AM ‐ Connie Baker, Carolyn English, Dorothy Yingling, NOT FILLED ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Christmas Mass Schedule December 24 Christmas Eve: 4:00 PM & 10:00 PM
December 25 Christmas Day: 10:00 AM
A Few Words from the Pastor:A Few Words from the Pastor:
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Beginning on the 17th, and continuing until Christmas Eve, the tone of our daily and Sunday liturgies turns from a focus on the Second Coming of Christ to His glorious coming at Christmas. This advent hymn is built upon the “O Antiphons” which proclaim the beautiful titles of our Savior: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Rod of Jesse, Dayspring from on High, Key of David, Adonai, Wisdom, King of the Nations.
Our Angel Tree – Many thanks to all who have participated in our annual Angel Tree Project. Your generosity will bring many smiles on many little faces this Christmas!
Arise! – Our Arise gathering last Friday was a good opportunity for participants to share their experience with this new diocesan/parish program. Many thanks to all who provided refreshments! We look forward to the 2nd Session of Arise which will begin in the Lenten Season.
Choir Concert an Amazing Witness – Our annual Choir Concert was a great success, and a wonderful witness to the truest meaning of Christmas: God‐With‐Us, first heralded by the heavenly choirs of angels! Congratulations to Debbie Johnson and to the many instrumentalists and singers who made it such a glorious and inspiring evening!
First Reconciliation! – We celebrate with these second grade children who received the Sacrament of Penance for the first time on Saturday, December 15: Hendrix Bacon, Addison Horell, Lydia Krug, Ethan Murphy, Heston Murphy and Patrick Port. We are grateful to their families and to those who have patiently prepared them for this experience of God’s loving forgiveness. We look forward with them to their First Communion in the Easter season.
Celebrating the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, December 27th! Following Mass at 8:30AM on our Feast Day, we will gather at The Dream in Hollidaysburg for a community breakfast! Sign up in the Gathering Space!
Oplatki, The Christmas Wafer – This is a tradition from Eastern Europe, especially Poland. Oplatki are unleavened wa‐fers baked from pure wheat flower and water, and are usually rectangular in shape and very thin. They are similar to the composition of Communion hosts at Mass, and are used at Christmas Eve celebrations as a reminder of our sharing in the Body of Christ. These wafers are embossed with Christmas related religious images, such as the manger, the Blessed Mother, or the Star of Bethlehem. It is broken and shared before Wigilia, the Christmas Eve dinner!
Christmas Mass Schedule – Please note our Christmas Mass schedule. There is the usual Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve at 4:00 PM, but the late evening Mass is celebrated this year at 10:00 PM, not at Midnight. Christmas Morning Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM.
Liturgical Ministry Scheduling January – May
Deadline Sunday, December 16th It is time to begin scheduling for January through May, 2019. And so, we are asking that you give us the dates for which you are NOT available for January – May. If you have internet access please update your profile in Ministry Scheduler Pro. There is a link from our parish website (WWW.STJOHNSALTOONA.ORG) and a link in the email reminder you will receive. There are cards available in the gathering space for those who do not have access to the internet. Please update your profile online OR fill out a card and return it by Sunday, December 16th. Family members can fill out one card front and back. Thank you for your service to our faith community throughout the year!
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES IN OUR AREA: Saint Mary, Hollidaysburg: Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4:00 PM Saint Matthew, Tyrone; Monday, Dec. 17 at 7:00 PM. Saint Rose; Monday, Dec. 17 at 7:00 PM Cathedral; Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 PM Sacred Heart; Thursday, December 20 at 5:30 PM
Liturgical Reflection … Today the priest may wear a rose vestment at Mass. There is an obvious tone of joy in today's Advent Mass. Christmas quickly approaches and the scripture
readings speak of rejoicing in the Lord always, of the presence of the Holy One of Israel, and the Baptist tell‐ing us the Holy One will baptize in the Holy Spirit. Chris‐tians are nearing the holy commemoration of the Birth of the Savior. Our joy is obvious and, hopefully, conta‐gious. 2018 Diocese of Altoona‐Johnstown, Liturgy Office, 925 South Logan Boulevard, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania 16648.
ST JOHN’S PRAYER LIST It is a Spiritual Work of Mercy to pray for the sick. If you know of someone in the parish who is ill or has passed away and in need of prayers, please call Ginny Reeder (695‐7671) or email her at [email protected] to add their name to the prayer list.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING and their caregivers and give thanks for those who have recovered.
Lord we ask for your blessings and care for these and all people in need:
HOME WITH THE LORD: Your prayers are requested for the repose of the souls of:
Steve Flanagan – Brother‐in‐law of Paul, Mary & Betty Dennis
Mary A. Pipetti – Aunt of Ginny Reeder
STEWARDSHIP CORNER: At a time when advertisers are trying to convince us to buy those “must‐haves,” we hear John the Baptist calling us to share our possessions with others who are less fortunate. May we, as Christian stewards, demonstrate gratitude for the gifts that God has entrusted to us by giving joyfully to others in need.
Stewardship at St. John’s Offertory for December 9
Catholic Ministries Drive: Total $44,648 Goal $44,438
Baby Adam Baby Aiden Cari Ann Judy Baird Jen Buda Robert Cole Millie Grace Capon Mary Lee DeStefano Michael DeStefano Jim Duffy Helen Fornwalt Leann Frazier Dianna Green Ken Hartman Boni Javier Brian Kopp Sara Litzinger Sherri Maffettone
Bryson Miller June Miller Barbara Moore Mary Oricko Ron Peschock Bob & Mary Rajnish Allison Recker Olga Romerowicz Mike Rudolph Sylvia Santoni Anne Showalter Dianne Stultz Tim & Dina Temofonte Patty Teufel Lois Werfel Noah Wills Amber Yasolsky Milan & Family
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Religious Education Schedule
December 16 – Class in Session 9:15‐10:45 December 23 – NO CLASS December 30 – NO CLASS January 6 ‐ Class Resumes 9:15‐10:45
DON’T FORGET SCRIPNOW FOR LAST MINUTE GIFTS! Skip the cold weather and holiday crowds–take care of those last‐minute gifts right from home! Choose their fa‐vorite retailer and send an eGift right to their inbox. It’s like having your very own personal elf! It’s easy to get started! Simply visit ShopWithScrip.com and follow the simple steps to set up your new account in just minutes.
FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP: Star of the Sea Council 4245, Hollidaysburg, will hold its Free Throw Champion‐ship for 2019 on December 30, 2018 from 100‐230pm at Blair Regional YMCA in Hollidaysburg. REGISTRATION 12:30‐1:00pm. Competition is free but a donation of non‐perishable food item for local food bank is encouraged. Open to boys and girls 7‐14 as of Jan. 1, 2019. Must bring proof of age. May only participate in one council compe‐tition. Awards for all age groups. Questions or pre‐register (recommended) by calling Dennis Dombrosky at 695‐1509 or email at [email protected].
A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS: On Sun‐day, December 30th, at 3 PM, at Our Lady of Mount Car‐mel Church, a relaxing concert with Seasonal Music and audience participation will be held. The organists will be Agoston Solzi and James Dengler. A free will offering will be taken to benefit the Pipe Organ Campaign.
THE FRIAR’S NOOK GIFT SHOP CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS: Christmas Sale: December 15‐22 Finish up (or start) your Christmas shopping by stopping at The Friar’s Nook Gift Shop, located at 793 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg. Save 20% off your entire purchase on all items storewide De‐cember 15‐22! Christmas Cookie Sale: December 20 Take the stress out of Christmas cookie prep by stopping at The Friar’s Nook Gift Shop’s Christmas Cookie Sale on Thurs., Dec. 20th. There will be a variety of ethnic and traditional Christmas cook‐ies, so stop by early while supplies last! Phone: 814‐695‐3802 Open Mon.‐Sat.: 10:00 AM‐4:00 PM.
PARISH FEAST DAY MASS AND BREAKFAST: Please join in our parish feast day celebration on Tuesday, December 27, with mass at 8:30 AM. After the morning mass, we will go to breakfast at The Dream in Hollidaysburg. You can sign up on the kiosk if you plan on attending the breakfast.
EARLY BULLETIN DEADLINES: All information for the De‐cember 30 bulletin should be submitted by this Tuesday, December 18. Information for the January 6 bulletin is due on Wednesday, December 26.
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
Sunday December 16 ‐ Third Sunday of Advent 8:00AM‐Mass for Ida Prosperi requested by John Prosperi 11:00AM‐Mass for Joan Brua requested by Janet & Sam Ianuzzi
Monday December 17 ‐ Advent Weekday 7:30AM‐Eucharistic Adoration 7:10AM‐Morning Prayer 8:30AM‐Mass for Laurie Kalan requested by Rich & Joyce Lowe
Tuesday December 18 ‐ Advent Weekday 7:30AM‐Eucharistic Adoration 7:10AM‐Morning Prayer 8:30AM‐Mass for Special Intention requested by Betsy Slat
Wednesday December 19 ‐ Advent Weekday 5:00PM‐Eucharistic Adoration 6:00PM‐Mass for John Lloyd requested by Mr. & Mrs. Michael Parisi 6:45PM‐Rosary
Thursday December 20 ‐ Advent Weekday 7:30AM‐Eucharistic Adoration 7:10AM‐Morning Prayer 8:30AM‐Mass for Joe Robeson
Friday December 21 ‐ Advent Weekday 7:30AM‐Eucharistic Adoration 7:10AM‐Morning Prayer 8:30AM‐Mass for Leo & Cecelia Long requested by Bill & Dee Schmerbeck
Saturday December 22 ‐ Vigil of Fourth Sunday of Advent 3:00PM‐Confessions 4:00PM‐Mass for Keith DeMasters requested by Ray & Mary King
Sunday December 23 ‐ Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00AM‐Mass for People of the Parish 11:00AM‐Mass for Tom Lutton requested by Bob & Ginny Reeder
READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 49:2, 8‐10; Mt 1:1‐17 Tuesday: Jer 23:5‐8; Mt 1:18‐25 Wednesday: Jgs 13:2‐7, 24‐25a; Lk 1:5‐25 Thursday: Is 7:10‐14; Lk 1:26‐38 Friday: Sg 2:8‐14 or Zep 3:14‐18a; Lk 1:39‐45
END‐OF‐THE‐YEAR‐CHARITABLE GIVING: Ease your tax burden while benefitting St. John the Evangelist Church. In a year when the investment markets have helped to grow investment portfolios, please consider the benefits of charitable giving to St. John’s. Here are two important ways to help your parish: 1. Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA: If you are over age 70½, you may transfer, tax‐free, up to $100,000 from your IRAs to St. John the Evangelist Church. The gift can satisfy your required minimum distri‐bution (RMD) each year, but does not count as income to you! This can be a great way to make a gift to St. John’s, and enjoy the tax benefits. When the transfer is proc‐essed directly to St. John’s, you do not pay taxes on the distribution. The requirements are relatively simple. The charitable distribution must be: A distribution from a traditional IRA limited to the total of your Required Mini‐mum Distribution (RMD) that would otherwise be taxed as ordinary income. This excludes non‐deductible contri‐butions. Paid directly from the IRA trustee/custodian to St. John’s ‐ Contact your IRA Trustee or Custodian for pa‐perwork to process this distribution directly to St. John’s The IRA owner must be age 70½ or older. Must be com‐pleted now to qualify for 2018 tax benefits for the donor If you’ve already taken your RMD for this year, keep this gifting strategy in mind for next year! 2. Donation of Appreciated Stock or Mutual Funds: If you have shares of stock or mutual funds that have grown in value over the years, or low basis stock, consider gifting the shares to St. John’s, rather than giving cash. At the time of the donation you get a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the stock, and avoid paying the capital gains on the shares donated. To get the process started, please contact Pam Seasoltz, Director of Stewardship and Development, at 814.695.5577 or [email protected] Remember: Plan early to process your donation in order to receive your tax deduction in 2018!
SPIRIT OF THE SEASON CONCERT: On Thursday, Decem‐ber 27, at 7 PM, at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archan‐gel, 321 St. Mary Street, Loretto, a Christmas Concert will be held featuring La Bella Musica String Quartet, The St. Michael Basilica Choir and the St. Michael School Choir under the direction of Basilica Director of Music, Jonathan Nagy. A free will offering will be taken to benefit the Lo‐retto Basilica /Our Lady of the Alleghenies Garden Shrine music program.
Rehabilitation CenterRegency Square
ASK FOR USBY NAME!
Pat Leamer, MPTPhysical TherapistClinic Manager
2900 Plank Road, Suite 2Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 941-0916
Brian or Sally, coordinators
860.399.1785www.CatholicCruisesAndTours.com
an Official TravelAgency of
Apostleship ofthe Sea-USACST 2117990-70
Download Our Free App or Visit
MY.ONEPARISH.COM
Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and
connect with yourCatholic Community
with OneParish!
The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.Joseph J. Stevens, Supervisor
Altoona 944-9365Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home
David J. Mason, SupervisorHollidaysburg 695-1551
Roland Crevecoeur Jr. M.D. FAAP, MACP
1800 North Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648(814) 695-0632 • Accepting New Patients Again
Pediatric Cardiology and otherMedical Consultations, LLC
“Specializing in Pediatrics, Pediatric Heart andHypertension Disease for nearly a decade in Central PA”
When Only TheBest Will Do
814-942-01011006 Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Altoona, PA 16602Corner of 10th & Pleasant Valley Blvd.
378660 St John the Evangelist Church
Thank you for advertising inour church bulletin.
I am patronizing your businessbecause of it!
Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad”and Present It The Next Time YouPatronize One of Our Advertisers
✂
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION • CIVIL LITIGATIONEMPLOYMENT/BUSINESS LAW
ESTATES • WILLS • REAL ESTATE
Promote Your Business365 Days a Year WithCustom Promotional Calendars!
Makes a Great Gift For ClientsCall for brochure and pricing!
