Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish Staff & Mailing AddressParish Mailing Address420 Holland Street, Shillington, PA 19607PastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365DeaconDeacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697Principal of La Salle AcademyMr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392Parish SecretaryBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697Parish Communications CoordinatorSarah Capato: 610.850.4978Director of Religious EducationBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMrs. Alice Einolf, Principal: 610.374.8361Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th GradeMrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697RCIA: Age 18+Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697

Scheduling Use of Parish FacilitiesFor those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Office at 610.777.1697

WorshipEucharistic AdorationFirst Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PMAltar ServersStudents from Grade 4 to Seniors in High SchoolContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Funeral ServersContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Bernadette Yohn at 610.777.1697 or 610.777.6297LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contact: Christopher Hoster at 610.334.1188CantorsContact: Christopher Hoster at 610.334.1188Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264Youth GroupContact: Ashlee Hess at 610.944.4862

Outreach & Parish MinistriesCulture of LifeContact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965Bereavement MinistryContact: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431Justice in Action MinistryContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Breaking Bread Social CommitteeContact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542Prayer Shawl MinistryContact: Elaine Strick at 484.824.1577Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & MassContact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927Food Pantry / Emergency MealsContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesContact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792Parish Nurse MinistryContact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998St. Paul Street EvangelizationContact: Gina Aldi at 484.769.5346Divorce MinistryContact: Deb Kelly at 610.763.6528

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Faith Sharing for WomenContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Parish Prayer LineContact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965Charismatic Prayer GroupContact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215

OrganizationsPrime TimersContact: Jim Stadelmeyer at 610.378.1290Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Cub ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Knights of Columbus Contact: Bill Griffith at 484.797.0669Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360Men’s Recreational Basketball ClubContact: Russ Baver at 610.507.0627CYO (Christian Youth Organization)Contact: Rock Witmer at 610.775.2176Parish GardenersContact: Chris Hofmann at 610.777.2523

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Mass Intentions For The Week MONDAY, Dec. 2 – Advent Weekday 8:00 a.m. Ed Orendorff TUESDAY, Dec. 3 – St. Francis Xavier 7:00 p.m. Paul Urban WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4 – Advent Weekday/St. John Damascene 8:00 a.m. Gregory Texter THURSDAY, Dec. 5 – Advent Weekday 7:00 p.m. Clerv Artz FRIDAY, Dec. 6 – Advent Weekday/St.

Nicholas 8:00 a.m. Memorial Society Members SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT SATURDAY, DEC. 7 4:00 p.m. People of the Parish SUNDAY, DEC. 8 8:30 a.m. Deacon Cy Simchick 10:30 a.m. Richard & Cecilia Roloff

St. John Baptist de la Salle December 1st 2019 www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com First Sunday of Advent

Away from home? Find a Mass wherever you are at www.masstimes.org

Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator, Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com.

Bulletin submissions are due Thursday, ten days prior to the Sunday of publication.

St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Altar Wine for the month December: In loving memory of John Lombard (requested by Jennie Lombardo)

Altar Bread for the month of December: In loving memory of Richard & Cecilia Roloff

(requested by daughter Donna Satz)

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, DEC. 7 - 4:00PM Lector: Tony Farina Cantor: Scott Tice Servers: Amie Wickel, Molly & Lily Yohn EM: S/T.Yoder, ME.Symanski, J/B.Peters, C/G.Legezdh SUNDAY, DEC. 8 - 8:30AM Lector: Paul Berthinet Cantor: Bridget Glass Servers: Rosie, Jack & Ben Makosch SUNDAY, DEC. 8 - 10:30AM Lector: Britt Kobularcik Cantor: Deb brooks Servers: Brigham, Baylor & Brindley Kobularcik EM: D/D.Giesen, MB.Kakos, C.Bensing, A.Krick, F.Claytor

Upcoming Events •Sunday, Dec. 1 NO REL ED CLASSES (classes resume 12/8) • Monday, Dec. 2 7:30 pm K of Columbus General Mtg. • Tuesday, Dec. 3 12:00 pm Prime Timer’s Christmas Luncheon

at the Crowne Plaza 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Prayer Group • Wednesday, Dec. 4 7:30 pm Faith Sharing for Women • Thursday, Dec. 5 5:30 pm Choir Rehearsal • Friday, Dec. 6 8:30 am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 12:00 pm Benediction 7:00 pm Advent Vesper Services & Social

Today's Readings First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Samuel describes how all the tribes of Israel went to David in Hebron and said they were his bone and his flesh and it was he who led them back to Israel. The Lord told David he would be a shepherd to His people. David made an agreement with the elders and was anointed king. Second Reading: Colossians 1:12-20 Paul explains to the Colossians that God has made them fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light and that through the Son we have redemption and forgiveness of sin. He describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the head of the church and in Him all things hold together. Gospel: Luke 23:35-43 Jesus is mocked by the crowd as he hung on the cross. Above him was an inscription that read “This is the king of the Jews.” One of the men being crucified with Jesus tells Him to save them and Himself, while the other asks that he be remembered when Jesus is in his kingdom. Jesus said in reply, “Amen I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Sanctuary Lamp for the week of 12/1-7 In loving memory of: George Hlodash, Sr. (requested by

Shirley & Linda Hlodash)

Weekly Stewardship 11/17 - $ 8,603.36

First Friday Adoration: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on December 6 at 8:30 AM and close with Benediction at Noon. Come spend some time with our Lord and what a beautiful way to begin our Advent Season!

Baptism: Welcome Harper Ann Noll to our parish family.

DIOCESAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE: Contact Ms. Wendy Krisak L.S.W Direct Phone # 800.791.9209 SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR: Contact Sister Meg Cole S.S.J 610.332.0442 x 2019 PARISH SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR: Contact: Bernadette Yohn 610.777.1697

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Parish Happenings

JOB OPPURTUNITY: Mary’s Shelter is looking for part-time staff members. This is an entry level position, please contact dani@marysshelter.org for more information.

Advent Vespers by Candlelight

Breaking Bread invites all to this evening of Advent song, prayer and benediction, which will be held on Friday evening December 6th at 7 PM in church. A social

fellowship and light refreshments will be follow the church services in the Father Lyons Room. This is a good way to prepare for the coming of Jesus.

A free will donation will be graciously accepted. Proceeds will be used to benefit our fellow parishioners on the Communion routes.

Please complete the attached form below and drop it in the Sunday collection so we know

how many of you are attending. Hope to see you there. __________________________________________________________________________

Advent Vespers

Name:

__________________________________________

Number attending: __________

Knights of Columbus Calendar – December 2019/January 2020

December • Monday; December 2 – General Meeting (for members) – 7:30 PM • Friday; December 6 – 7:00 PM – Advent by Candlelight Service with Breaking Bread • Sunday; December 8 – Knights at Mass – Rosary 8:00 / Mass 8:30 AM Breakfast with Santa –after 8:30 Mass at Mangia’s • Monday; December 16 – Business Meeting (for members) – 7:30 PM • Wednesday; December 25 – Christmas January 2020 • Wednesday; January 1 – Soup Kitchen • Sunday; January 12 – Knights ta Mass – Rosary 10:00 / Mass: 10:30 AM

JOB OPPURTUNITY • La Salle Academy is hiring a night-time security lock-up attendant. Applications and clearances may be sent to Mr. Stephen Mickulik, M.Ed., Principal, La Salle Academy, 440 Holland St., Shillington, PA 19607. • Adult Library Assistant Volunteers are needed for Wednesdays at school to help students check books in and out and to reshelve returned books. Volunteers must have or be able to obtain Diocesan clearances. Contact the Principal at La Salle Academy for more information (610.777.7392).

Thank You! A special THANK YOU to the Bean Funeral Home for sponsoring our beautiful parish calendars this year. Due to their generous sponsorship our parish receives these calendars with no costs to our parish family.

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YOUTH GROUP - We will be holding a lock-in this Saturday, November 23th, into

Sunday. We invite all 8th-12th graders to join us for a night of fun with games, movies, faith discussion, and more! To see more youth group updates and information, visit our Twitter at StJohn_YG16.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE If a Prenatal Diagnosis identifies a possible disability…You are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding a poor prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson at 610.289.8900x42 or jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org

PRIME TIMERS NEWS

Berks Catholic News • Registration is now open for the 2020-2021 School Year! Please contact Nicky Smith for information on how to Be A Saint and about preparing young men and women to Be College and Life Ready. All inquiries are confidential. nsmith@berkscatholic.org or 60.374.8361 ext. 244 • Berks Catholic Christmas Vespers -Berks Catholic High School invites you to celebrate the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ with our Christmas Vesper Prayer Service on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 4:00 P.M. at Sacred Heart Church, West Reading. Admission is free and open to the public.

The St. Francis Hospice Home in Shillington, PA is in need of additional volunteers to help provide compassionate, loving care to it’s residents. Please come and shadow one of our volunteers and see if you are being called to provide this blessed ministry. No medical background is required, just a willing heart. Any amount of time can help. For more information please contact Sandy Niehenke, manager of St Francis Home, directly at 610.898.4242. Thank you and God bless you.

THE ADVENT LIFELINE GIVING TREE will be going up on Saturday, November 30th and remain throughout Advent. Our Church Family is asked to share in the Spirit of Giving that Christmas brings to help Lifeline of Berks County replenish their Pantry of supplies which serves

babies, mothers and their families this Christmas and throughout the new year. Please choose a snowflake ornament from the tree which will have a label affixed containing a needed baby item. Bring the NEW UNWRAPPED gift to the Fr. Lyons Room and place it in the BLUE TUB marked Lifeline Giving Tree Gifts. We ask that you return the Snowflake Ornament with your gift so we can reuse it next year. If you wish to write a check, please make it out to Lifeline of Berks County and place in a sealed envelope marked Lifeline Giving Tree Donation into the weekend collection baskets. For more information, please call Bob Peters 610.775.8965. Thank You!!

Come to Faith Sharing for Women and join in a comfortable discussion on the Scripture readings for the Second

Sunday of Advent (December 8 readings) on Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 pm in the Father Lyons Room. Come follow the directives of Lectio Divina, and ponder how your daily life connects with the message contained in the Gospel. Women from all walks of life are welcome to participate. Attendance at previous sessions is not required, just a willingness to listen to others with the ear of your heart and to share in all that surfaces under the influence of the Holy Spirit. For more information contact Arlene Seeber (484.794.8027 or arleneseeber@icloud.com).

The Catholic Woman's Club of Berks County is holding their Christmas luncheon and meeting on Sat. Dec. 14 at Chef Alan's in West Reading. Lunch begins at 12:30. For more information and reservations, please call Fran at 610.621.8699 by 12/7.

Knights of Columbus - Breakfast with Santa Please join the Knights of

Columbus Council 7179 here at Saint John’s in saying the Rosary prior to Mass on Sunday,

December 8 at 8:00 AM. What better way do we have in asking Mary for her help on this the Feast of

the Immaculate Conception. After the 8:30 Mass we hope that parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles will bring their young family members to join with us at Mangia’s where we will celebrate our annual Breakfast with Santa. There is no cost to attend other than the price of your family’s breakfast. Remember we are always seeking the fellowship of Catholic men and their families. Please see a Knight for more information on our charitable and social works.

St. Joseph's Parish Annual Christmas Bazaar, Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in our Parish Center at 1018 N. 8th Street, Reading, PA 19604. Shop for great finds, homemade baked goods, ethnic foods and delicious homemade pierogis'. Selling tickets for great raffle baskets. A ticket is $10.00 for 25 chances to win. For more information, contact St. Joseph's Parish at 610.376.2976.

Rediscover the Love in Your Marriage! Tens of thousands of couples have healed their Marriages through Retrouvaille (Retro-VIE). Couples learn to build communications skills and rediscover intimacy. Retrouvaille provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises. The next program begins the weekend of February 21-23, 2020 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. Another weekend will be held in April 2020. For more information, or to register for one of the weekends, visit their website at: www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 210.766.3944 or 800.470.2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

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GUIDELINES FOR THOSE WHO ARE HOSPITAL BOUND: • If you are scheduled for a hospital visit and know in advance, please see Father Rich before or after mass and he will anoint you and bless you. • When being admitted to the Reading Hospital please advise the admitting staff person you are Catholic and a member of St. John Baptist de LaSalle. Should you want Communion while you are hospitalized please tell them you want Communion either daily or weekly and your name will be added to list of the Eucharistic Ministers who serve at the hospital. If you have any questions about this procedure see Deacon Joe Lombardo.

A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR...

If you have received an adverse Prenatal Diagnosis, you are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding adverse prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org or 610.289.8900 x 2280

REVERSE ADVENT CALENDARBeginningDecember1andcontinuingeachdayuntilChristmasEve,December24placeanon-perishablefooditemintoyour“AdventCalendarBox”andsayalittleprayerforthosewhohunger.BringyourfilledboxtotheFatherLyonsRoombeforeorafterMasstheweekendofDecember28-29.JusticeinActionMinistrywilldeliveryourAdventdonationstoourlocalfoodpantry.Belowaresuggesteddonationsforeachday.December1-Boxofcereal December13-CannedbeansDecember2-Peanutbutter December14-BoxofcrackersDecember3-Stuffingmix December15-PackageofriceDecember4-Boxedpotatoes December16-BoxofoatmealDecember5-Mac&Cheese December17-BoxofpastaDecember6-Cannedfruit December18-SpaghettisauceDecember7-Cannedtomatoes December19-ChickensoupDecember8-Cannedtuna December20-TomatosoupDecember9-Dessertmix December21-CanofcornDecember10-Applesauce December22-CannedvegetablesDecember11-Driedmilk December23-CannedcarrotsDecember12-Cranberrysauce December24-Cannedgreenbeans

Suggested Prayer

AlmightyGod,itisdifficulttoseepeoplesuffer,especiallyfromhunger.Weprayforthosewhohavenothingandthosewhohavetoolittletoeat.Wethankyouforourdailybreadaswemakethiscontributiontoendhungerinourcommunity.Amen.

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kids corner

ANNUAL ADVENT RETREAT: Love Beyond All Telling - December 13-15, 2019 Can we pause in our Christmas preparations and reflect upon the Word of God and our own desire to make a difference in our world? Can we find holiness in our daily comings and goings, nurturing it with “a love beyond all telling” (Advent Preface) as we serve those in need? Come Christmas, can we then go tell it on the mountain that God’s love has taken flesh in Emmanuel and that we, in some small way of self-giving and in deep faith, are witnesses to this Incarnation and are making our world a better place? Let’s come together to share possible ways and sacred answers! Offering: $175 PP SNG OCC $165 PP DBL OCC Deposit: $80 Check In begins December 13 at 6:00 PM, First Session: 7:30 PM. To register or for more information, please call 610.867.8890 or email stfranciscenter@gmail.com Facilitator:Sr. Bridget Haase, OSU St. Francis CEnter for Renewal www.stfrancisctr.org

Benefit Concert for the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood. Constantia, the choir from the Philadelphia Korean Catholic Church, will perform on Sunday, Dec. 8th at 3pm in the Precious Blood Chapel, 1094 Welsh Rd. Reading, PA 19607. There will be a silent auction to follow the concert.

SCHOLARSHIPS – During 2020, the Polish-American Board of Education of Berks County (PABEBC) will celebrate its75th Anniversary. As of 2019, the organization has awarded 321 scholarships totaling almost $700,000. A reunion of scholarship recipients is being planned in conjunction with the PABEBC annual scholarship awards dinner to be held at the Inn of Reading on Saturday, April 25, 2020. If you were the recipient of a scholarship please mark your calendar and plan to attend. If you know someone who was a recipient of a scholarship please share this information with him/her. In addition, we would like to compile information about the activities of our scholarship recipients. Scholarship recipients should visit our Facebook Page at Polish American board of education Berks County or our website at www.pabeberks.com.

The Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated at the Santander Arena on Thursday, December 12th. The Solemn Mass will be celebrated in the evening beginning at 6:30PM followed by the fiesta. (Las Mañanitas begin at 4:30AM.) The official novena, organized by the Guadalupe Committee, and prayed in churches, will be held on December 4-7 at St. Margaret Church and continues at St. Joseph Church the evenings of December 8-11. The novena is celebrated in Spanish. Unless advised otherwise, all evening services will begin at 6:30PM. Everyone is welcome to honor the patroness of the Americas.

The Polish-American Heritage Association will be holding their 15th annual Polish Christmas Eve "Wigilia" Dinner on Sunday, December 15, The Gables at Stirling Guest Hotel, 1120 Centre Ave. Doors open at 4:15PM. Open bar, traditional Polish dinner, desserts, coffee and tea. Members $55. Non-Members $65. For more information or reservations contact Henry Pruski at 610.372.1279 after 7PM. Deadline is December 9.

Pro-Life Call to Action

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has requested support for the “Dignity for Aborted Children Act” (S. 2590/HR 4934) recently introduced by members of Congress. This bill requires that the bodies of aborted children be treated with respect like other deceased human bodies, and either be buried or cremated. There is no reason that anyone—even those who support legal abortion—should deny basic respect to human

remains. The UCCB requests that we send a message to our Congressional representatives asking them to support this bill. Just a simple statement asking each of the following federal representatives to please support S. 2590/HR 4934 The Dignity for Aborted Children Act can make a difference in their support for this bill. In your letter simply ask the representatives to lend their support to these bills and help them to pass into law. Senator Patrick Toomey: 248 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Senator Bob Casey: 393 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Representative Chrissy Houlahan: 1218 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515

Christmas Vespers 2019 Saturday, December 21 @ 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 22 @ 2:00 & 7:00 PM White House Chapel, Monocacy Manor, 395 Bridle Path Road Bethlehem 610.867.8890. Refreshments to Follow. Retreat Center Dining Hall. Freewill Offering