Today’s Readings: 1st Reading - Isaiah 11:1-10 | 2nd Reading - Romans 15:4-9 | Gospel - Matthew 3:1-12
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight His paths.
Sacred Heart Parish
The 2nd Sunday of Advent
December 8, 2013 | 0132
0132 Sacred Heart Parish Sunday, December 8, 2013
This past week we celebrated the feast day of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of missionaries. St. Francis died in the middle of the 16th century after spreading the Gospel to many nations. In the readings for his feast day on December 3rd was an excerpt from his writings that was striking. He spoke about his arrival at one particular missionary destination and how the older children would not let him pray, eat, or sleep without first teaching them one prayer or another! He said that it was then he understood that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Can we begin to imagine a group of older children running up to a priest today and not letting him even eat without first teaching them how to pray? How are we to break into the kingdom of God with lives filled with so many things that we seem to have hardly the energy or time to pray? Fortunately, nothing is impossible for God!
At this moment we know that Christ is seeking us. He is seeking to have a friendship with us. He stands 24/7 at the door of our hearts waiting patiently for us to let him in. Think for a moment about a person who would stand outside the door of your house 24/7 for your entire life hoping to have a friendship with you. That's what Christ does with us.
In order to have a friendship with another human person we have to spend time with them. We have to share our heart with them and let them share their heart with us. This is what prayer essentially is.
First, it takes time. Friendship cannot grow without dedicating time and we all know how a relationship can slip through our fingers unless we give the time to it that it deserves. We need to take time every day to pray-- not only devotional prayers-- but prayer in which we speak freely and listen attentively. When we do this we find out something wonderful-- Christ is really there. Christ will be there if you take time. I would recommend starting out with ten minutes a day if you aren't praying already.
What do we do during those ten minutes? Of course our devotional prayers give us a solid anchor! A heart-felt "Our Father", a decade of the rosary, the Act of Contrition-- these are excellent ways to get started.
Next, we have to talk from the heart honestly without reserve and also listen. Praise the Lord. Thank the Lord. Pray for an intention. Complain to the Lord. Express frustration to the Lord. Reveal your pain to the Lord. This is the easier part! The harder part is listening. In order to be a good friend we have to be a good listener. As the Lord listens to us-- so we have to listen to Him. What He has to say is even more important!
Listening is hard "work." Here we can also benefit from anchors. No anchor serves better than the Scriptures-- and the Gospels in particular. Read through a passage of Scripture, if even a line or two, and sit and listen. In a sense we are looking for a word behind the Word. What is Christ asking me to do today when He says we have to love our enemies? What's the application for me?
We can also find a word behind other words-- words that are not in Scripture. A passage from a spiritual book, something someone said to you during the day, a thought you had while driving in the car, the impression you had when looking at snowflakes falling in your backyard. Christ can speak to us through everything and anything! The important part is to listen, to reflect, to meditate.
Sometimes we may just sit silently and "hear" nothing. That is fine. Sometimes our minds wander. That is fine, too. The important part is that we are actively trying to let the Lord into our hearts. He'll take care of the rest!
How important it is for us to pray! Unlike the children referred to by St. Francis Xavier-- prayer can fall to last on our list. It should be first. Without the practice of daily prayer our relationship with Christ remains more or less intellectual. We know facts about Him-- but we haven't experienced Him. During this season of Advent may we respond to Christ's invitation to deepen our friendship with Him through prayer!
Yours in Christ,
Father Hamill
P a s t o r ’ s C o r n e r
Stewardship Corner ~
Brothers and sisters: Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ROMANS 15:4
Paul opens this week’s second reading from his letter to the Romans with a verse about hope and Scripture. Hope, a theological virtue or gift given by God, allows us as humans to continue even through the worst of circumstances.
Benedict XVI spoke to this directly in his second encyclical Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope) when he wrote that man needs a “hope that goes further.” What does this mean? He develops his comment saying that, “Day by day, man experiences many greater or lesser hopes, different in kind according to the different periods of his life...” but with each hope that is fulfilled, he comes to realize that those smaller steps were not the whole.
Let’s say for example that our hope is to obtain a job, we then hope to obtain a raise, and then a promotion etc with acknowledgment of our success the whole way. At the fulfillment of each of these hopes, there is still a greater hope, a beyond hope. But what ultimately satisfies us? What is the ultimate hope? In the words of Benedict XVI, only something infinite can suffice, “something always more than he [a human] can ever attain.” What do you hope for? What steps are you taking to ensure this dream is fulfilled? We have been told that only God through salvation can bring us true happiness, so how are we preparing for Him this Advent Season? How are you preparing for the Lord?
Peace,
Kaitlyn Wiant, Parish Services Director
Please note for your calendar:
There will be NO Adoration on Tuesday, Dec. 24th, Christmas Eve.
Adoration will take place from 8 am until 5 pm
on Tuesday, Dec. 31st, New Years Eve.
Sacred Heart Giving: November 24th & December 1st, 2013
Nov. 24th Collection: $ 10,389.69
Nov. Month to Date: $ 43,730.20
Dec. 1st Collection $ 9,723.88
Building Maint. Fund $ 1,503.00
Poor Box Collection Nov. 24 & Dec. 1: $ 286.69
Thank you!
Christmas Mass Schedule:
Tuesday, December 24th Christmas Eve Masses at:
5:00 pm in the Church 5:00 pm in the Gym 7:00 pm 10:00 pm (“Midnight”.)
Wednesday, December 25th Christmas Day Masses at:
7:00 am Dawn (new) 10:30 am 12:00 noon
Advent Confession Schedule
Each Wednesday during Advent from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Saturday, December 21 from 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm
with two additional guest Confessors.
There will be NO Confessions
on December 25th or January 1st.
Because The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception falls on the Second Sunday of Advent, the Feast Day will transfer to Monday December 9th, but is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year. Daily Mass will be celebrated at 8 am as usual.
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK, especially:
Thomas Muchanic, Gary & Linda Tomasulo,
Sue Vinciguerra, Pat Ryan, George Cleary
and all parishioners with special needs.
Please contact the parish office if you would like to add
someone to our prayer list. You may resubmit a person’s name
anytime through our website, www.sacredheart.us
or call 610-932-5040 ext.1.
Any new additions to the sick or military list will be in the
bulletin for one month, then continued on the website
for our prayers.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
5:00 PM
Extraordinary Minister: G. Campbell, M. Campbell, B. Gondol
Lector: C. Schaible
Altar Server: Gregory & Teddy Chesson, Madeline Martin
Music: Sacred Heart Adult Choir
Ushers: Beau Jones
Sunday, December 15, 2013
7:45 AM Both Species
Extraordinary Minister: C. Quigley, P. Kozakowski, D. Signs
P. Cahill, J. D’Aquanno
Lector: D Vendrick
Altar Server: Alex, George, & Abby Tzanakis
Music: Beth Van Woert
Ushers:
9:00 AM
Extraordinary Minister: K. Cummiskey, M. Strohmaier, H. Staszesky
Lector: H. Cummiskey
Altar Server: Kieran & Nathan Singley, Mark Patterson
Music: Lauren Cupples, Cathy Grebner
Ushers: Mark Bradford, Frank Sipala, Brandon & Lauren Kim,
and Samuel Hamilton
LOWwC: Michelle Sapp, Sapp teen volunteers
10:30 AM
Extraordinary Minister: M. Styer, B. Leach
Lector: G. Urig
Altar Server: Brenna Marzano, Parker Saltysiak, Arianna Santos
Music: Amy Murphy, Fran Murphy, Bob Boyle - Guitars
Ushers: Catherine Lacek, Jerome Lacek, John Peluchette
12:00 Noon
Extraordinary Minister: K. Leyman, E. Skotleski
Lector: P. Leyman
Altar Server: James, Elizabeth, & John Michalski
Music: Beth Van Woert, Karen Evangelista
Ushers: Jack Morrison, Jon Anderson
M i n i s t r i e s a t M a s s
Saturday December 7, 2013
5:00 pm The Purgatorial Society
Sunday December 8, 2013
7:45 am Rose & Philip Leo,
req. by Nick Leo
9:00 am Thomas & Frances McCann,
req. by Connie & Charlie Merkel
10:30 am Katherine Faucera,
req. by the Urig Family
12:00 Noon The People of Sacred Heart Parish
Monday December 9, 2013
8:00 am Joe Klein,
req. by Skip Pennewell
Tuesday December 10, 2013
7:00 pm Helen McSorley,
req. by Annemarie & Jim Dunn
Wednesday December 11, 2013
8:00 am Diane Nagle,
req. by the Topmiller Family
Thursday December 12, 2013
8:00 am MaryAnne Fazio,
req. by Lisa Ledger
Friday December 13, 2013
8:30 am Mary Russell,
req. by Marie & Frank Sipala
Saturday December 14, 2013
5:00 pm Louis Hartman,
req. by Lillian Hartman
Sunday December 15, 2013
7:45 am The People of Sacred Heart Parish
9:00 am Joe Dunlap
10:30 am Robert Urig,
req. by the Urig Family
12:00 Noon Helen T. Batten
req. by the Williams Family
M a s s I n t e n t i o n s
0132 Sacred Heart Parish Sunday, December 8, 2013
Sacred Heart Parish
welcomes our newly Baptized
members:
Madison Barker, Domenick Brown,
Maiya Fitzpatrick, Reece Jones,
Elizabeth Kelmelis, Eric Koch,
Joseph Spirito, and Benjamin Tercha.
M i n i s t r i e s
S a c r e d H e a r t S c h o o l
Sacred Heart School Many Families, One Heart
Please join us on Thursday, December 19th for our annual Christmas Show
A Pirate Christmas
There will be a 9:00 am performance for area pre schools and
additional performances at 1:15 pm and 7:00 pm.
Parish families are welcome to attend any performance.
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, January 8 - Open Gym. Come cure “cabin fever” with your little ones from noon to 1:30 pm.
Our gym will be open for all children ages 6 and under accompanied by an
adult.
Sunday, January 26 - Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House.
We will be accepting registrations for the 2014-15 school year beginning in January.
Please contact the school office to schedule a tour.
Financial aid is available.
Liturgy of the Word
with Children
is offered during the
9:00 am Mass.
We are looking for both adult AND teen volunteers!
For more information, please contact Phoung Besancon
at 302-766-1153 or [email protected].
A Taste of Heaven Awaits in
Eucharistic Adoration (EA)
“Come Let Us Adore Him”
During the busy Advent Season, if you are tired and
overwhelmed by your many duties and responsibili-
ties; if you are laden with guilt from past sins; if you
are trying to find meaning in life, then come spend
some quiet time with our precious Lord Jesus Christ.
There you can speak with Him about anything. You
can offer Him your petitions, concerns, troubles,
joys, gratitude and all your needs. He is always there
waiting for you in the silence.
Eucharistic Adoration is open to all and
is held on Tuesdays from 8 am to 7 pm.
We are currently in need of an adorer for 2 pm.
If you are interested in becoming an adorer or would
like to have more information about Eucharistic
Adoration at Sacred Heart Parish, you may contact
Joann Di Liberto at 610-932-8962.
Spirit of Christmas
It's that time of year!
Please visit our Parish Giving Tree
set up in the Narthex. Every year, this
parish project helps families in our
area receive food and gifts to help
them joyfully celebrate the birth of
our Savior. Feel free to browse the
gift tags and pick one you think you
can help provide for.
Place unwrapped gifts with gift tags under the
tree anytime before Monday, December 16.
PASTOR
Rev. Gregory J. Hamill
484-758-0099
WEEKEND ASSISTANTS
Rev. Joseph Shenosky & Rev. John Franey
MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil at 5:00 pm
Sunday 7:45 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am & 12:00 noon
DAILY Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8:00 am Tuesday Evening 7:00 pm & Friday 8:30 am
Holy Days as announced in the bulletin
Reconciliation Saturday at 4:00 pm & Wednesday at 6:30 pm
Adoration Tuesday 8:00 am-7:00 pm
Rosary: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 7:30 am
Friday - 8:00 am
Miraculous Medal Novena Monday following 8:00 am Mass
Sacred Heart Parish Office
610-932-5040
203 Church Road
Oxford, PA 19363
Sacred Heart Parish School
610-932-3633
Website:
www.sacredheart.us
Comm uni ty
Breakfast with Santa - December 15, 2013
Remember to bring the kids and join the Knights of Columbus
for Breakfast with Santa in the church hall on Sunday,
December 15th. Santa will be there to talk to the kids and
listen to their Christmas lists.
Breakfast will include all you can eat pancakes,
eggs, bacon and sausage.
Cost is $7.00 per person. Children 6 and under free.
0132 Sacred Heart Parish Sunday, December 8, 2013
Aid for Friends is in need of volunteers to deliver meals once a
week and visit with members of our
community who are not able to do for
themselves. Become a volunteer
visitor and bring the gifts of food and
friendship to someone in need. If
interested in helping, please contact
Dana Felder at (484) 459-3433.
The Ladies Auxiliary
would like to extend
a special thank-you
to all who donated
used coats and jackets
for the November Coat Drive.
REGISTRATION FOR NEW PARISHIONERS
If you are new to the parish, we welcome you. You may come as a stranger to us, yet you are known to Our Lord, Jesus Christ—there are no strangers in grace—in His name we pray you will find peace, hospitality and friendship with us. You are invited to register at Sacred Heart after any Mass on the weekend, just stop by the Welcome Desk in the Lobby.
SACRAMENTS: Visit our website, www.sacredheart.us for the sacrament page and information about becoming Catholic, Baptisms, Marriage, and PREP. If you would prefer, you may call the parish office at 610-932-5040 ext.1 for details.
THE SACRAMENT OF THE SICK - If a loved one is dealing with a serious illness, it is wise to notify the parish office as soon as possible. This sacrament is intended by the Church to be a comfort and strength to people during their illness, not to be held out as “Last Rites”.
