Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish StaffPastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365ResidentRev. Gene Ritz: 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: 610.777.1697For Bulletin / Website Inquiries or AnnouncementsContact: Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMr. Tony Balistrere, 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 610.777.1697Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sunday’s at 10:30AM Mass, between September and May Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Lorna Pfeiffenberger at 610.777.4822LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contemporary Ensemble - Contact: Kelly Keim at 610.780.3905 Traditional Choir - Contact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227CantorsContact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264

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: Joan Yanuskiewicz at 610.777.4646Nursing 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 610.775.9998

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Spiritual DirectionContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Faith 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: Larry Shepherd at 610.777.8337Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Girl ScoutsContact: Britt Kobularcik at 484.256.1782 Daisy: Grade K-1, Brownies: Grade 2/3, Juniors: Grade 4/5

Cub ScoutsContact: Rich Kasting at 610.373.2575 Knights of Columbus Contact: Mike Hall at 804.212.7261Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360Men’s Basketball LeagueContact: Russ Baver at 610.796.7723CYO (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, NOV. 30 - St. Andrew 8:00 a.m. Steve Weik TUESDAY, DEC. 1 - Advent Weekday 7:00 p.m. Peter Bradley WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2 - Advent Weekday 8:00 a.m. Bette Spencer THURSDAY, DEC. 3 - St. Francis Xavier 7:00 p.m. Elizabeth & James Henderson FRIDAY, DEC. 4 - St. John Damasscene 8:00 a.m. Memorial Society Members Second Sunday of Advent SATURDAY, DEC.5 4:00 p.m. Ed Gajewski SUNDAY, DEC. 6 8:30 a.m. Deceased Members of the

Bodner Family 10:30 a.m. Clerv Artz

St. John's Baptist de la Salle November 29th 2015

www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com First Sunday of Advent

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

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATUURDAY, DEC. 5 - 4:00pm Lector: Leslie Curran Cantor: Mary McDevitt Servers: Catherine Maher, Faith & Brynna Bentz EM: S/M.Dietrich, J/B.Peters, B/M.Resch, S/J.Baddick, L.Wakefield SUNDAY, DEC. 6 - 8:30 am - Revelation Ensemble Lector: Lorraine Asgari Cantor: TBA Servers: John & Emily Rouleau, Andrew Stout SUNDAY, DEC. 6 - 10:30am - St. Cecilia Choir Lector: Philomena Repoley Cantor: Alex Krick Servers: Nancy Weinheimer, Amie Wickel, Kayla Davis EM: G.Unger, D.Berletic, S.Artz, R.Bodner, D.Cannon, C.Bradley, A.Seeber, K.Roché, V.Pinder

Todays Readings First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16 The Lord tells of fulfilling the promise he had made to Israel. He will send a replacement for David, someone who "shall do what is right and just in the land," believed by most to mean Jesus. Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be ready for the coming of the Lord. He explains that although they are conducting themselves in a way that would please God, they should always strive to do even better. Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Jesus warns his followers to be prepared for the end of the world. He reminds them not to be preoccupied with unimportant events, or they will be caught unaware rather than being on watch as they should.

Sanctuary Candle for the week of Nov.29- Dec. 5: In loving memory of: Jerry Keyek (requested by Bernadine Keyek)

St. John's is now on Facebook!

Please "like" our page to get updates on our parish and diocese. You will also find plenty of spiritually enriching material to utilize in

your daily living. Find us at St John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Upcoming Events Sunday, Nov. 29 NO Rel. Ed Classes (classes resume Dec. 6

Monday, Nov. 30 7:00 pm St. Cecilia rehearsal 7:00 pm Advocacy Meeting Tuesday, Dec. 1 11:15 am Prime Timers Christmas Luncheon 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Group Meeting 7:30 pm Faith Sharing for Woman Meeting

St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Altar Wine: In loving Memory of Jerry Keyek (requested by Bernadine Keyek)

Collections for Sunday, November 15 $ 10,962.50

First Friday Adoration: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on December 4 at 8:30 AM and will close with Benediction at 12 Noon. Please join us in adoring Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

Nocturnal Adoration Devotions in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be held at St. Paul’s on North 9th Street, Reading on December 4 from 8-9 pm

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The Parish of St. Benedict Presents… Our Third Annual

Advent Vespers Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 4:00pm

Come and enjoy our Parish Choir, under the direction of Andrew Angstadt, as we embrace this beautiful

season of Advent and prepare our hearts for the joyous season of Christmas. This will be an afternoon filled

with sacred scripture, prayer, and music that will melt your hearts and fill you with the spirit of Christmas.

All are welcome! St. Benedict Parish, 2020 Chestnut HillRoad, Mohnton For Questions or Directions call:

610.856.1006

Having difficulties dealing with a loss? The Bereavement Ministry invites you to join them to help cope. We are a caring and sharing group here to support you through these tough times. Whether your loss is recent or not, come join us and share in faith. We meet once a week for 5 weeks, twice a year. Contact Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431

Save The Date! Family Christmas Caroling

Friday, December 18th

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, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org or 610.289.8900 x 42

Dreading the Christmas Season? Have you experienced a loss that makes it difficult to celebrate? St John’s is sponsoring an evening meeting on Sunday, December 6 at 6:00 in the Father Lyon’s room. Debbie Dartnell, an experienced counselor who has a special interest in dealing with loss, will conduct a workshop entitled Hope through the Holidays and will provide suggestions for getting through what can be a stressful period. Items we will cover:

• Best gifts

• How are you going to remember your loved one in a special way that brings you joy and honors your loved one?

• Your escape plan

• Your ally

• How to express what you want

If interested contact Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431 for more info. Fellowship and light refreshment will be served.

Your Parish Nurse Ministry will begin monthly blood pressure screening after all Masses starting the weekend of Dec. 5th and 6th. Come to the Father Lyons Room and meet your parish nurses and have your blood pressure taken.

Holy Guardian Angels will conduct its 22nd annual Advent Concert with Vespers on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 4 pm in church. The Choir is acclaimed for its Vespers Program performed during the Advent season. What a wonderful way to begin this season with an afternoon of sacred music and liturgical prayer.

LaSalle Academy has the following positions available: Daily Substitute Teachers at La Salle Academy –

Certified teachers, up-to-date clearances and background check. Send resume to LaSalle Academy, 440 Holland St., Shillington, PA 19607 Part-time Early Childhood Aide – former classroom or teaching experience preferred. Please send resume to La Salle Academy, 440 Holland St., Shillington, PA 19607

Bringing the Gospel to the Streets! There's a new kid in town here at St. John's and his name is St. Paul Street Evangelization. SPSE for short. He would really like to meet some new friends who are passionate about Christ to hang out with him on 5th and Penn St. once a month. He enjoys sharing his Catholic faith and spreading

For those who could not get pictures taken, are in the military, nursing home, etc. and would like to have your picture in the Parish Directory, please submit your headshot no later than Friday, December 4 by dropping it off at the Parish Office.

Catholic Charities will be holding a Protecting God’s Children workshop on Dec. 10, 2015 at 10am in the Fr. Lyons Room. Anyone wishing to volunteer in the parish or school must attend the workshop. Please call Amy Ames at Catholic Charities 610.376.7144 to register.

Host families are needed for several international students who would like to attend Berks Catholic High School in January 2016. They stay until the end of the school year, have F-1 visas, speak English, are fully insured, and have their own pocket money for personal expenses. Host families provide room and board and receive a generous monthly hosting stipend. If you have room in your heart and home, and for more information, please contact: Angela Gable, the Nacel Open Door Representative with International Private School Program at 610.698.2647 or agableNOD@gmail.com

The “Giving Tree” project for 2015 is underway. Our church family is asked to share in the spirit of giving that Christmas brings to help Lifeline of Berks County to replenish their pantry which serves mothers, babies and their families this Christmas and throughout the coming year. Please choose a Gift tag located on Giving Trees at the

main entrance and in baskets at each of the side entrances to the church. We ask each family to pick one or more tags listing a needed baby item. Bring the new unwrapped gift and place it in the Father Lyons room. Your gift will be brought directly to Lifeline. This is a great way to provide a meaningful Christmas gift to mothers and their babies in need. Any questions contact Bob Peters at 610.775.8965

Prime Timers News: Mark your calendars for two upcoming trips scheduled for the ever fun-loving Prime Timers: •Feb. 10, 2016 Bus trip to Hollywood Casino, Cost $25. •Feb. 24, 2016 Bus trip to Rainbow Comedy Playhouse to see “Nana’s Naughty Knickers” Cost $62. Please call Philomena Repoley 610.777-5063 or Larry Shepherd 610.777.8337 for more information or to make reservations

Come join the Knight's of Columbus Sunday December 6th from 8:30-10:30AM for their annual breakfast with Santa! It will be held in the LaSalle cafeteria, and is a free will

donation. We hope to see you there!

Faith Sharing for Women “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Such is the call to us in this season of Advent. Women of our parish are invited to attend the next session of Faith Sharing for Women for reflection on the Word of God that comes to us. First time participants are most welcome to join in the prayer and sharing on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 pm in the Father Lyons Room. We will pray Lectio Divina with the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent: Baruch 5: 1-9, Psalm126: 1-6, Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11, and Luke 3: 1-6. For more information contact Arlene Seeber 484.794.8027 or arleneseeber@icloud.com.

Justice in Action Ministry The next meeting of JAM will be held on Monday, November 30 at 7:00 pm at the home of Sue Goodwin (16 Alpine Drive, Mohnton). All interested parishioners are welcome to join this group. For more

information see the Justice in Ministry page on the parish website or call Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027.

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Saint Andrew Feast Day November 30 St. Andrew was a fisherman who lived in Galilee during the time of Jesus. He often followed John the Baptist and listened to his teachings. One day, John saw Jesus walking along the road. John said to his followers, "Behold the Lamb of God." He told his followers to go and talk to Jesus. He wanted them to

know that Jesus was the One for whom they had been waiting. Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus and spent an afternoon with him. Early the next day Andrew found Simon Peter, his older brother, and told him, "We have found the Messiah." Both men gave up their work as fishermen to become apostles of Jesus. Andrew was one of the first to be called. He seemed to take delight in bringing others to Jesus. Andrew was the one who told Jesus about the little boy who had the loaves of bread and the fish, the beginning of a meal that fed more than five thousand people. It was Andrew and Philip whom the Greeks approached when they wanted to see Jesus. These events indicate that Andrew was a man who was easy to approach, a man you could trust. Like the other apostles, Andrew became a missionary. He preached about Jesus in the area around the Black Sea. Tradition tells us he preached in northern Greece, Turkey, and Scythia (now the southern part of Russia). Andrew died as a martyr. Tradition says that in Patras in Greece he was tied to a cross shaped like the letter X. Ever since then, a cross in the shape of an X has been called St. Andrew's cross. The name "Andrew" is a Greek name meaning "courageous" or "manly." St. Andrew lived up to his name.

BABYSITTING WHILE YOU CHRISTMAS SHOP

YES REALLY, FREE BABYSITTING! FRIDAY DECEMBER 4th 6:00pm-9:30pm

Drop your little ones off in the Father Lyons Room and we’ll entertain your kids while

you get some of your Christmas shopping done! (Or you just need some Mommy time!)

We’ll have arts and crafts, watch holiday movies, snacks and much more for the kids!

Any questions please contact Cheryl Colella-Gehrke at 717.327.8972

SUPPORT OFFERED BY YOUR DIOCESE... Courage

A Roman Catholic Apostolate for Catholics dealing with same-sex attraction. The Diocese of Allentown supports men and women who experience attraction to those of the same-sex and desire to live according to Catholic Church teaching on morality. Courage meets regularly to support each other while striving to grow in holiness and understanding. For more information call 610.334.9147 or check out the Courage website at www.Couragerc.org. All calls are confidential. EnCourage For family and friends of Catholics with same-sex attraction. Our Diocese offers pastoral support to the family and friends of those who experience SSA. EnCourage strives to learn to love as Christ loves, to grow in mercy toward family members and loved ones whose lives are affected by this issue. EnCourage meets regularly to share joys and hopes, sorrows and anxieties. For more info call 610.334.9147 or visit the website at www.Couragerc.org. All calls are confidential.

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The Opp Shop truck will park right here at St. John’s to accept your donations, to benefit the homeless of our community, on Saturday, December 5 from 3:00 to 5:30 pm and Sunday, December 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. For more information contact Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027. Opp Shop welcomes donations of: clothing, shoes, belts, purses, hats, jewelry, books, magazines, CD’s, DVD’s/VHS tapes, working VCR’s, dishes, glasses, cutlery, household appliances, electronics, household and office furniture, pots, pans, other kitchen equipment, toys, stuffed animals, bedding and linens, knick-knacks, baskets, other decorative items, holiday decorations, Halloween costumes, arts and crafts items, pictures, picture frames, sports equipment, cans, bikes, lawn and garden tools, old barbecues, computer equipment (except monitors) pianos, organs, refrigerator, freezer, range, washer, dryer, dishwasher, true flat screen TV (not a box TV with a flat screen) new(wrapped in plastic) mattress/box spring. Opp Shop cannot accept: chemicals, console TV’s/Stereo’s, copiers, doors, seats, chairs, strollers), used mattresses/box springs, monochrome computer monitors, office chairs with fewer than five (5) wheels, shag carpets, tires, tubs, toilets, sinks. Sponsored by Justice in Action Ministry

Discerning Between Good and Evil

Good versus evil. You see this theme played out in comic books, video games, westerns, and other movies. In the classic westerns, you could always tell who the good guy was—the one wearing a white cowboy hat. The villain, of course, wore a black hat and was usually dressed all in black. The good cowboys and the villians had their own posse or gang. The good posse protected the town and fought for justice and peace. The evil gang robbed banks, hijacked trains, and terrorized the towns. In these stories, it was clear who belonged to the good side and who belonged to the evil side. This idea of good and evil is seen in many religious traditions, including our own. In the Book of Genesis, we are first introduced to God's goodness. God creates the entire world and sees it as good. Humans too are created good. Things get a little dicey, however, when evil, represented by the serpent, comes to town. The serpent tempts Adam and Eve to go against God (who clearly said not to eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden). Adam and Eve choose what is false, or evil, over what they know to be true, or good. We've heard this story so many times that it's easy to follow along and watch as Adam and Eve fall for the serpent's trick. “Don't listen to him! He's the devil, duh. Don't even go near that tree. What? You actually ate the fruit! What were you thinking?” To us, Adam and Eve's choice between good and evil may have seemed obvious. But in everyday life, things may not always be so clear. continued on next page.

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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.

The Gospel for All Ages A compilation of questions by age group, in line with the readings and Gospel for the week, to help you

ponder the Message and live it in your daily life.

1st Sunday of Advent - Readings: Jeremiah 33.14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3.12-4.2; Luke 21.25-28, 34-36

For Adults - Life Question: What gives you hope this Advent?

Gospel Question: What hope and comfort do you hear in Jesus’ teachings?

Older Teens - Life Question: What problems scare you in the world today?

Gospel Question: What are ways to stand up straight and raise your head to God this Advent?

Young Teens - Life Question: What are your hopes for yourself, your family, our world?

Gospel Question: What are ways to prepare for Jesus’ coming in glory?

Grades 4-6 - Life Question: What are you giving this Christmas?

Gospel Question: How can we be ready for Jesus to come?

Grades 2-3 - Life Question What is a promise?

Gospel Question: What does creation tell us about God?

Grades K-1 - Life Question: What do we do during Advent?

Gospel Question In what special ways can you show love to others this Advent?

Preschool - Life Question: How do you get ready for Christmas in your family?

Gospel Question: How did Mary and Joseph get ready for Jesus’ birth?

continued... First of all, there are no white or black cowboy hats to tip us off. Second, there's no such thing as good guys who always do good and bad guys who always do evil. God created the world and all of us as good. Like Adam and Eve, however, we can be tempted into choosing what goes against God, even though we know what is good. Third, when we have to make a choice about how to act, it may not be clear what to do. How do we know what God wants us to do, that is, what is his will for us? This is where discernment comes into play. Discernment refers to the process of tuning into God's will. It is a process of figuring out what God is calling us to. Discernment takes place when we have the opportunity to make an immediate decision (do I say something about the racial joke that my best friend just told or pretend it didn't bother me) or a decision about the overall direction of our lives (which group of friends is the best one for me?). In both cases, the decisions we make have everything to do with God and the kind of person he is calling us to be. Sometimes we might think that God has nothing to say about such things, especially the little decisions we make every day—what outfit should I wear today? what book should I read? what should I do after school? who should I call to go out with this weekend? But every choice we make, no matter how small, can lead us to be more in tune with God, or less. Here are some tried-and-true pointers that can help you make decisions that are in tune with God. • Take some alone time with God. First and foremost, remember that God is always with you. Take some alone time with God—sit with Scripture or a religious image, go for a walk through the trees or by the water, find a quiet spot that can help you come in tune with God, such as a chapel. Get in touch with God's awesome love for you. This is the basis of all your decisions. • Search your feelings. In the Star Wars saga (another classic story of good versus evil), there is a memorable line that is often repeated when a character is faced with a challenge: “Search your feelings.” For example, in Episode VI, Return of the Jedi, Luke says, “Search your feelings, Father, you can't do this. I feel the conflict within you. Let go of your hate.” He's trying to get Darth Vader to choose the good that is within him instead of giving into the evil. This practice is not just for the movies. In discernment, we search our feelings so that we have a sense of how in tune we've been with God throughout our day. We can ask two important questions: When do I feel “in the zone” with God? When do I feel like I am totally out of tune with God? Our responses can help us figure out where we stand with God and help us make good decisions about the direction we are going. • Beware of temptation. Sometimes when we search our feelings, we find that there are certain things that always seem to lead us into temptation. It is important to be aware of the things that are temptations for us. Knowing our temptations helps us be more careful so we don't get caught off guard. For example, if I know I often mess up when I get angry at my little brother when he gets annoying, then I can take extra precautions to guard against this temptation. Some good options for me are surprising him with kindness, avoiding him when he is particularly annoying, or talking with him about his behavior when he is acting “normal.” Sometimes it is helpful to talk to someone we trust and ask for help in facing temptations. • Be conscious of your conscience. Our conscience is that inner voice that helps each of us to judge the morality of our actions. It guides us to follow God's law by doing good and avoiding evil. When we have to make a decision, it's good to check in with our

conscience because it can serve as a guide to good decisions. • Get help from the “been there, done that” crowd. The good news for us is that we don't have to figure out what God wants us to do by ourselves. In addition to the grace of God, we have the Bible, the Church, and all the saints to help us. We can read stories about the ways that Jesus and the saints made decisions for God and how they dealt with temptations. Whenever we face a choice, remember that we have a bunch of consultants who have “been there, done that” and who are always willing to help. • Check out the fruits. In Matthew 7, Jesus tells the disciples that they can know what is true from what is false by the fruits of their actions. “Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:17-18) If the fruits—our words, actions, and behaviors—are good, then it is a good indication that the decision we made or will make is good. If the fruits are “rotten,” then that too is a good indication that we may need to do some repair work. True discernment results in good fruit (even if it's something we wouldn't normally pick out for ourselves). These pointers can help you when you face decisions. Even though making good decisions can be difficult at times, trust that the Holy Spirit is with you to guide you and help you choose what is good and true.