Welcome in Christ: You are a stranger but once. You

are a child of God, redeemed by our Savior, Jesus Christ. In God’s name, we welcome you. May you find friendship,

peace and serenity in our loving and worshipping community. If you are a visitor interested in joining our

parish faith community or the Catholic Faith, please call the parish office. If you are returning after being away..…

Welcome home!

Immaculate Conception: Thursday is a Holyday of Obligation. Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday at

8:30am in Newfane and 7:00pm in Wilson.

The Good Shepherd Prayer Group is currently on win-ter break. It will resume on 2nd and 4th Monday of the

month meeting schedule the first Monday after Easter.

Thank you: We would like to thank Phil and Jan Toenniessen for the hard work and dedication they put into

the beautiful wreaths on the doors of all our sites and also the Advent wreaths. Nice Job...

Advent Wreaths & Candles: Can be purchased by call-ing the office 778-9822.

Missalettes: Newfane Site - Feel the need to participate

more fully in the Liturgy? Having trouble following the read-ings or Gospel? Missalettes are available in the Vestibule. If you borrow a missalette please be sure to return it to the

table in the Vestibule for your fellow parishioners to use as well!

St. Brendan Seniors – Don’t miss our Annual Christmas Party. We are having a Christmas luncheon buffet at noon on Monday, December 12 at the Wilson House Restaurant.

Be sure to make your reservation by calling Monica at 433-1162 or Shirley at 434-7354. Cost to members is $10. As

always guests are welcome to attend, cost $18. Send pay-ment of check to Shirley Ellis no later than December 5.

Oplatki - Polish Christmas wafer, is available at the en-

trance doors of the church.

PARISH NEWS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Saturday, December 3

4:00pm, Wilson - Intention for Therese Tarajos,

req. Bette Chalmers-St. Aude

5:30pm, Newfane-James DeBiase, req. Wife and Family

Second Sunday of Advent, December 4

9:00am, Newfane –Harold & Evelyn Bass,

req. Mike & Jo Hogan

11:00am, Wilson – Elsie LaLone, req. St. Brendan Seniors

Monday, December 5

10:15am, Newfane Health Facility, St. Brendan all Souls

Remembrance

Tuesday, December 6 St. Nicholas

8:30am, Newfane - Norbert & Elizabeth Daigler

Wednesday, December 7 St. Ambrose 8:30am,Wilson – Sears & Walters Families, req. Judy, Dave, Ken

& Family

Thursday, December 8 Immaculate Conception

Holyday of Obligation

8:30am, Newfane - Intentions for Bette Chalmers-St. Aude

7:00pm, Wilson - Parishioners of St. Brendan

Friday, December 9

8:30am, Wilson - Maureen Hansen, req. The Blackley Family

Saturday, December 10

4:00pm, Wilson - Deceased Frasier Family,

req. Szymula Family

5:30pm, Newfane-Joan Ames, req. Fran Budnack

Third Sunday of Advent, December 11

9:00am, Newfane –Stan Mroczek, req. Family

11:00am, Wilson – Pat Hermann, req. Adam & Angela Caraco

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS...

those who are sick, Frank Larkin, Eugene Kolipinski,

Horace Wolcott, Charles Bills, Colby Criswell, Don

Weisman, Mary Costello, Jim Piech, Kathy Burt, Ken & Mary

Mottorn, John Morello, Arthur Elia, Bob Williams, Mary

Walters, Mary Balk, Sally Gilson, Pat Pratt. Please call the

office at the end of the month if you wish to keep a name on

the prayer list.

those who have died, especially Raymond Moose, father of

Judy Myers, and all our faithful departed.

those serving in our military, Craig Ansel, Jeff

McDermott, Walter Beaman, Daniel Clark, Benjamin Clark,

Philip Messina, Ron McKeown, Philip E. Russell III, Jacob

Gagnon, Jason C. Harvey, Matthew King, Dale Denny, Sara

Cevaer, Mike White, Chris Chown, Mark VanBourgondien,

Krystle Ward, Margaret Emborsky, Matthew Emborsky, Ryan

P. Fritton, Zachary Wilder, Ariel Mollard, David Enderton,

Brent Szwalla, Nick Converso, Jerry Babcock, Chad Moden,

Charles Stevens, William Bliss, Vincent Gizzarelli, Paul Oakes,

Nick Cantara, Jamie Lepsch, David Siener, Chuck Salvo,

Robert Daul, Justin Pietrowski, Richard Frizzell, James

Schultz, and all those who serve in the Armed Forces.

Second Sunday of Advent

Stewardship: A Way of Life … Our Gift to God

““John was clothed in camel’s hair with a leather belt around his

waist.” - Mark 1:6

Regular Collection for November 26 & 27 198 envelopes ....................................................... $5,147.50

2010 collection was…$4,682.90 ($464.60 Thank you) Building & Maintenance ................................................................ 20.00

Human Development ................................................................. 176.00

Christmas Flowers ................................................................... 1,002.00

Giving Tree ................................................................................... 530.00

Catholic University .......................................................................... 4.00

Total ............................................................................ $6,879.50

December 3 & 4, 2011

JOURNEY IN FAITH

Grace and Peace of Our Lord Jesus

Christ…

Advent is a time when we are bombarded with all kinds of messages, especially from

advertisements. We must beware that we don’t lose the message John the Baptist brings. We

usually think of John the Baptist as the precursor of Christ and rightly so, for he was that. Yet, no

matter how wonderful a role this is for John, the gospel also tells us John is about more than simply

“preparing the way of the Lord.” John preaches repentance as well and announces “the one who is

coming after me is mightier than I” and will render judgment at a future eschatological time when the

good will be rewarded and the bad will be punished. John’s message is brief and clear: “Repent” and

“prepare the way of the Lord.” We might even dare to say that by repenting, we are preparing for

Christ’s coming as we prepare for the already and

the not yet….

John the Baptist is truly an Advent individual. John,

anticipating the judgment Christ’s coming would bring, prepared “the way of the Lord” by calling

people to repentance. We become an advent people when we heed John’s message by converting

our way of living and bearing good fruit. Indeed, our whole Christian life is an Advent calling, for all our

lives we are about repenting and preparing for Christ’s coming, the bearing of good fruit. In living a

repenting life - which bears good fruit, we have nothing to fear at Christ’s Second Coming and final

judgment. In John’ preaching the “winnowing fan” is a metaphor for the coming judgment which brings both deliverance for the just and condemnation for

the wicked. Yet, as an Advent people, we live each moment waiting and hoping for the coming of our

Lord.

We might consider John as the bridge between

Israel of old and Jesus our Messiah. He is the bridge between the alternative world painted by

Isaiah… where the king from the shoot of Jesse will judge with justice the poor and afflicted and slay the

wicked with the breath of his lips; and the eschatological end of times described in the gospel

when the victorious, glorious Son of Man will gather his wheat and the chaff he will burn. John forcefully reminds us that vindication or punishment is our

choice; according to the life we lead. We must

produce good fruit or be cut down.

John’s voice cries out to us an Advent message in

our own wilderness “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” We cannot afford to let the

busyness of this sacred season close our ears to his message. We cannot afford to risk being

chaff instead of wheat. This is our graced

time……

John baptized with water: followers of Jesus are

baptized with the “Holy Spirit and fire”. This imagery of fire reminds us, that we are purified

and made holy by our baptism, we received the Holy Spirit – God’s life is within us. This empowerment of God’s spirit enables us to bear

good fruit. All we need do is say yes to God’s will and be faithful to our baptismal call. We are

reminded again that baptism plunges us into “Christ’s dying and rising. By conforming

ourselves to Christ, we take on our own

challenges to die to self for the sake of others.

This is a time of the year when there are many

opportunities to think of others. The red kettle bell ringers, the Religious Retirement fund, the

food pantry, our giving tree and many other occasions which remind us that others less fortunate need our assistance. At the same time,

we must be mindful of those with whom we live, work, and play, when busyness might cause us to

be tired and short-tempered or when taking care of our own needs or desires might cause us to be

shortsighted and we might not see the needs of

those closest to us.

Advent is a time to experience the graces of

God’s reconciliation and love offered to us in the sacrament on Saturdays at 2:00pm, or anytime by

just calling for an appointment. Also our Vicariate Reconciliation Service at St. John the Baptist in Lockport will be celebrated on Monday,

December 19th at 7:00pm. May we take this graced opportunity….. to listen to the words of

John the Baptist…. Who continues to cry out not us to the people of the pass but to us

today………. Repent……….. Prepare the way of

the Lord.

Peace

Fr. Rob

St. Brendan on the Lake

Christmas Liturgies

Christmas Eve December 24th

4:00pm Wilson

5:30pm

Newfane Children’s Liturgy

Christmas Day December 25th

Midnight Mass

Wilson

11:00am Newfane

.

THANK YOU

Dear Father Rob and all our friends

at St. Brendan on the Lake, Surgery went well and my recovery is coming

along on schedule. I’m getting stronger everyday. I just wanted to thank you again

for all your prayers and support. You have all been so kind. Hope to see you soon.

Thanks again! Pat Gauda

Father,

Just a note to thank you for inviting and including us in the Anniversary service. It was

much appreciated. Again - Thank you,

Sincerely, Ann & Joe McKernan.

PASTORAL

PARISH

COUNCIL

MEMBERS

2011—2012

Mary Jane Beilein

Carol Nochajski

James Cantella

Linda Moran

Tom Copeland

Sal Nasca

Elizabeth

Secord-Smith

Beverly Palmer

Sandy Walch

Michael Walek

TRUSTEE

Judith Willard

Finance

John Phillips

Finance

Deacon David

Harvey

Vicariate

Father Robert

Wozniak

December 3 & 4. 2011

NEW PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

The new Pastoral Council members were

drawn by lot at last weekend liturgies. The four names chosen to serve were Elizabeth

Secord-Smith, Beverly Palmer, Sandy Walch and Michael Walek. These members will

service a term of three years on the Pastoral Council of St. Brendan on the Lake Faith

Community. We wish to express our

gratitude to the other ten members who

submitted their names to be part of the process. We pray for those newly appointed,

our entire council and our faith community that all of us may be open to the promptings of the

Spirit and collaborating with us towards the goal of creating the one faith community. May

God bless our endeavors…

COMMUNITY NEWS St. Francis Guild’s Holiday Bazaar to be held on

Friday, December 9, 2011 from 8:00am to

4:00pm at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, South

Lobby in Lewiston, Bake Sale, Holiday

Centerpieces, Jewelry, Toys, Gift Baskets, Boutique

Gifts, and more. Raffle at 3:00pm. Also serving

Pizza & Roast Beef on weck starting at 11:30am.

BISHOP’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Bishop

Edward Kmiec who has faithfully served your Church in the diocese of Buffalo. Now, as we

anticipate the appointment of a new bishop, we pray that your Holy Spirit may be upon

Pope Benedict XVI and those who advise him. May the one appointed to the role of

shepherd of this diocese be a person who will

hold your Word close to his heart, entrust

your Word to all who are a part of this diocese, and maintain us ever bonded and

assured of your infinite love through the Eucharist and in all the ministries present here.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Good

Shepherd and Lord of All. Amen

JOE’S 5K ANNUAL RUN

We were again amazed at the generous

donation from Joe’s 5k Annual Run! What an outstanding community effort, from the

littlest runner to the biggest supporter, it is just astonishing and such a witness to the

many friendships this event has made over the past nine years. Please express our

sincere thanks to the Newfane Sports Boosters for their contribution to this event.

We are honored to be the recipients of this endeavor in Joe’s name.

The many volunteers of the Food Pantry work

very hard to help our neighbors in need and to live the gospel message to “feed the poor”.

Your donation of $2593.53 will help us in this goal, especially this holiday season. May Joe’s

spirit continue to live in all of us.

Thank you again for your generosity. Merry Christmas & God Bless.

Newfane Community Food Pantry.

NAVIGATOR YOUTH GROUP

December 3 & 4, 2011

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - FAITH FORMATION

Can you believe it is December?! Classes

resumed this week after a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Remember Confirmation

class takes place at 7pm at the Newfane site!

Thank you to Sue Vermeulen for coming in to speak to our Secondary students about

Catholic morality! This was a great opportunity to discuss the 'Tough Stuff''.

Protecting God's Children It is our

utmost priority to ensure the safety of all

children in our parish community. Therefore, we are requesting that all teachers shut and

lock classrooms when they leave for the day. Also, please note that all classrooms and

hallways will be locked during the week. If there is a need to enter or use a room for any

reason, please contact the office or the DFF anytime! Thank you for helping keep our

children safe.

Mary C. Palmer

D.F.F.

Take the

Challenge

Redeem your empty bottles and

cans and help us reach our goal of

$1,000.00 by the end of the year!

The parish receives

5.5 cents per can or bottle,

$1,000– Goal

$500.00

Collected 222.41

$0

Collected another

$44.22 in cans

Niagara Bottle and Redemption

Center

4022 Lake Ave.

in Wrights Corners

It’s easier than you think.

-drop bottles off

at Redemption Center

-tell them the

bottles or cans are for St. Brendan on

the Lake.

They will sort them and add the amount

to our account.

ANGEL GIVING TREE

Angel Giving Tree: The Parish Life

Outreach Committee is asking for your help to make our parishioners Christmas brighter,

we are hoping to give some cheer to those in Newfane Health Facility, Heritage Manor in

Ransomville, and Shut-Ins of our parish

community. On the Angel Giving Tree at both

sites there are envelopes to take for a dona-tion. Please take one and return in the collec-

tion no later than December 11th. Your kind-ness is greatly appreciated.

FOOD PANTRY ACTIVITIES

Hey Navigators-we are going to be joining

forces with Lockport Catholic for the season of Advent! Check this out-

Lockport Catholic Youth Group is having a

meeting on Monday, December 12 from 7-9pm. at the YAC. This is the Feast of Our

Lady of Guadelupe. We have a guest coming

to tell us all about it followed by Mexican foods and time to have some fun. Anyone in

grades 7-12 are invited to come. If you have any questions call Ann @ 433-0276 or Barb @

772-2533. See you there:)

As Christmas approaches, St. Brendan on the

Lake faith community will be supporting the local food pantries hoping to make a brighter

Christmas for those in need.

The Newfane Community Food Pantry

will be asking for food and gift donations for families and children ages 1 thru 12 .

Children’s unwrapped gifts, new books ages 1-12, underwear, socks, mittens, hats, new or used Christmas decorations and

wrapping, and gently used winter coats and jackets only. No other used items or clothing

please. Deadline for gifts December 14th

Food: Non perishable canned or boxed food items - Fresh Potatoes (5, 10, 20# bags etc.

no earlier than Dec. 10th for potatoes) Dead-line for food and potatoes December 18th)

Please place all donations in designated boxes

in the vestibule. For drop offs during the week, office hours are 9:30am to 4:00pm

Monday thru Friday. Please call the church office at 778-9828 so someone can be available

to assist you.

Many helping hands are needed at the Newfane site to pack and sort food on the

following dates. No need to sign up. Sunday Dec.18th 6-9pm, Monday Dec. 19th 10am-

12noon & 1-3pm and Tues. Dec. 20th 10am-1pm.

Any food donations collected at the Wilson site will be transported to the

Ransomville Food pantry. Thank you for each and every contribution.

Take the

challenge

Redeem your empty bottles and

cans and help us reach our goal of

$1,000.00 by the end of the year!

The parish receives

5.5 cents per can or bottle,

$1,000– Goal

$500.00

Collected 222.41

$0

Niagara Bottle

and Redemption Center

4022 Lake Ave.

in Wrights Corners

It’s easier than you think.

-drop bottles off

at Redemption Center

-tell them the

bottles or cans are for St. Brendan on

the Lake.

They will sort them

and add the amount to our account.

Third Sunday of Advent

December 11, 2011

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

John 1:6-8,19-28

At our Parish Sites

Next Saturday

4:00pm Wilson, Lector: Donna Antoncich

Eucharistic Ministers: Bill Antoncich, Doug Walch

Altar Servers: Cassie Martin

5:30pm Newfane, Lector, Brenda Horanburg

Eucharistic Minister Donald Pohl, Suzanne Schnure

Altar Servers - Elizabeth DeMarco, Zachary Lundy

Next Sunday

9:00am Newfane, Lector: John Connolly

Eucharistic Ministers: Mark & Suzanne Haselbauer,

Jinny Carnegie, James & Maria Cantella,

Jane Cutter

Altar Servers: Laura Gagnon, Ryleigh Myers,

Emily Foltz

11:00am Wilson, Lector: Linda Moran

Eucharistic Ministers: Tony Caraco

Altar Servers: Madeline Mocarski

Minister Schedules: The new schedules December 2011 thru February 2012, for

Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Altar Servers are located in the Sacristy of the Church.

During the Week

Faith Sharing Questions for this

weekend:

-When I look at my life, the “way of the Lord” I

see is…

- What I find most challenging about living the “way of the Lord” is… It is easier to live this

way when…

- Those who model for me living the “way of the Lord” are...

December 4 - 11, 2011

Ministries

Gift Bearers: Sat. 4:00pm, Wilson - Szymula Family

Sat. 5:30pm, Newfane - Ames Family

Sun.9:00am, Newfane - Mroczek Family

Sun. 11:00am, Wilson - Caraco Family

Sunday

Dec. 4

Second Sunday of Advent

9:30-10:55am, Elementary Faith Formation, Wilson

10:00-12:00n, Secondary Faith Formation, Newfane

7:00-8:30pm, Confirmation class, Newfane

Monday Dec. 5

3:00-7:00pm, Eucharistic Adoration, Newfane

7:00pm, Pastoral Parish Council, Newfane

Tuesday Dec. 6

9:00am, Morning Prayers, Chapel Newfane

7:00pm, Choir, Newfane

Wednesday Dec. 7

9:00am, Morning Prayers, Chapel Wilson

Thursday Dec. 8

9:00am, Morning Prayers, Chapel Newfane

Friday Dec. 9

9:00am, Morning Prayers, Chapel Wilson

Saturday Dec. 10

9:30-11:00am, Elementary Faith Formation, Newfane

2:00 - 3:00pm, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Newfane

Sunday

Dec. 11

Third Sunday of Advent

9:30-10:55am, Elementary Faith Formation, Wilson

10:00-12:00n, Secondary Faith Formation, Newfane

7:00-8:30pm, Confirmation class, Newfane

YOUR LEGACY:

A WAY TO REMEMBER AND BE REMEM-

BERED... We hope you will remember St. Brendan on the Lake, our Roman

Catholic Faith Community, and your other favorite charities with a bequest

when completing your final arrangements. Thank you for your

consideration for the future of our faith community.

Parish Office - 3455 Ewings Road PO Box 87, Newfane, NY Hours - Mon - Fri. 9:00am - 4:00pm

Phone 716.778.9822 Fax 716.778.8786

Website www.stbrendanonthelake.org

Parish Staff Fr. Robert A. Wozniak, Pastor ext.11

e-mail - fatherrob@stbrendanonthelake.org

David Harvey, Deacon

Mary Palmer, Faith Formation Director ext. 12

e-mail - religioused@stbrendanonthelake.org

Eileen Szratter, Parish Secretary ext. 10

Jinny Carnegie, Book Keeper/ Receptionist

e-mail - office@stbrendanonthelake.org

Willard Antoncich, Custodian

DeSales Catholic School - 716.433.6422 Dr. Scott Fike, Principal

Website www.desalescatholicschool.org

Liturgies dates and times are located inside bulletin