ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH LORAIN, OH
If St. Joseph was ready to divorce his fiancée, then
it would seem that divorce must be permissible? Is that
one of the messages in today’s gospel (Matthew 1:18-24)?
We need to remember not to confuse the separate
issues of “legality” and “morality.” Not all biblical teach-
ings in the Old Testament, such as the permission given
by Moses for men to divorce their wives, are meant to be
binding forever; several were abolished by Jesus. For ex-
ample, the practice of divorce and remarriage in St. Jo-
seph’s day, an accommodation that had slipped into the
old Law, was later flatly prohibited by Jesus (e.g., Mark
10:2-12; see the Catechism of the Catholic Church
#2382). His new ban was an entirely new idea not found
in the Old Testament or even the rabbinical literature. To-
day, just like the crime of abortion, divorce from a sacra-
mental marriage has come to be “accepted” in our culture
simply because it is “legal.” Divorce is a civil matter, not
a religious event. If the Church investigates and con-
cludes that a marriage was, in fact, not sacramental, then
an annulment can be granted – which simply states that no
sacramental marriage existed in the first place.
That most awesome event that we celebrate each
year, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, is only days
away! Just think about what is going on here. For centu-
ries the Jewish people had been expecting a Messiah, the
One the prophets had announced would be coming to save
them. And then the Messiah came! He became incarnate
– our divine God took on our human flesh! That is the
“awesome” part (human words fail to describe this great
mystery) – so overwhelming that every Sunday when we
pray our Creed, each of us bows our head as we say, “by
the power of the Holy Spirit he was incarnate of the Vir-
gin Mary, and became man!” That is all a human believer
can do: simply bow our heads in awe and adoration and
such a remarkable event in history!
So today let’s focus on God’s intervention in our
human history, the mystery of the Incarnation. Also, let’s
remember to trust in God’s word, as St. Joseph trusted in
God’s word given to him by an angel.
~Rev. Edward J Smith
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday: 4:00 pm • Sunday: 10:00 am
WEEKDAYS
Monday & Tuesday: 8:30 am
HOLY DAY MASSES
Consult your weekly bulletin.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Phone: 440-288-0106 • Fax: 440-288-0143
www.stanthonylorain.org
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS
CONFESSION: Saturday 3:00 pm or by appt.
BAPTISM: Call the Parish Office to register.
Baptisms will be held on the 3rd Sunday of the month
MARRIAGE: Active Parishioners only.
Call at least 6 months in advance. No date may be
reserved until discussion with priest of the parish.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Call the Parish Office
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION
(PSR)
Grades 1−8 meet in school on Monday at 6:15 pm
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
440-288-2155 • www.stanthonylorain.org
Lucia Heddleson, School Principal • ext 232
Lisa Stefan, Secretary • ext. 231
PASTORAL STAFF
Rev. Edward J. Smith, Pastor • ext. 248
Father Thomas Sanders, OSB, Weekend Associate
Deacon Paul Heise
Deacon James Stewart (retired)
Eric Gilles, Maintenance Supervisor
Kim Kuhn, Parish Secretary • ext. 221
Diana Lesiecki, Business Manager
Kathleen Obermiller, Communications Director
William Shaffer, Music Minister
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday: 4:00 pm • Sunday: 10:00 am
WEEKDAYS
Monday & Tuesday: 8:30 am
HOLY DAY MASSES
Consult your weekly bulletin.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
1305 E. Erie Avenue Lorain, OH 44052
Phone: 440-288-0106 • Fax: 440-288-0143
www.stanthonylorain.org
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS
CONFESSION: Saturday 3:00 pm or by appt.
BAPTISM: Call the Parish Office to register.
Baptisms will be held on the 3rd Sunday of the month
MARRIAGE: Active Parishioners only.
Call at least 6 months in advance. No date may be
reserved until discussion with priest of the parish.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Call the Parish Office
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION
(PSR)
Grades 1−8 meet in school on Monday at 6:15 pm
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
440-288-2155 • www.stanthonylorain.org
Julio Alarcon, School Principal
PASTORAL STAFF
Rev. Edward J. Smith, Pastor • ext. 248
Father Thomas Sanders, OSB, Weekend Associate
Deacon Paul Heise
Deacon James Stewart (retired)
Eric Gilles, Maintenance Supervisor
Kim Kuhn, Parish Secretary • ext. 221
Diana Lesiecki, Business Manager
Kathleen Obermiller, Communications Director
John Kowalski, Music Minister
READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 22, 2019
Sunday: Is 7:10-14/ Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 [7c, 10b]/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24
Monday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14/Lk 1:57-66
Tuesday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 [2]/Lk 1:67-79
Wednesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 [2a]/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25
Midnight: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14
Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20
Day: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5, 9-14
Thursday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22
Friday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8
Saturday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18
Next Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/ Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Mt 2:13-15, 19-23
Sunday - December 22 - 4th Sunday of Advent
10:00 am - †Pat & Betty McGinley
Requested by: Family
Monday - December 23 - St. John of Kanty,
Priest
8:30 am - †Robert C. Salkowitz
Requested by: Lorrette & Robert
Metakovich
Tuesday - December 24 - Natiivity of the Lord
at the Vigil / Christmas Eve
4:00 pm - Living & Deceased of the Garcia
& Prieto Families
Requested by: Family
Wednesday - December 25 - The Nativity of
the Lord / Christmas Day
10:00 am - Living & Deceased of the Parish
Saturday - December 28 - The Holy Innocents,
Martyrs
4:00 pm - †Florence Veroni (1st Anniv.)
Requested by: Edie & Ron MacGregor
Sunday - December 29 - The Holy Family of
Jesus, Mary and Joseph
10:00 am - †Maria Hayes
Requested by: Carol & Leonard
Findish
DECEMBER 22, 2019 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
OFFERTORY REPORT
will be available in the next bulletin.
We wish you all a glad & peaceful Christmastide
with all its memories sweet; May hope & love &
joy be yours with kindly friends to greet; The echo
of the angel’s song, The star’s clear guiding light,
The Christ Child in your heart & home, to make
this Christmas bright.
Merry Christmas to All,
Fr. Smith, Fr. Thomas,
Deacon Paul, Mr. Alarcon &
The Parish & School Staffs
CHRISTMAS MASSES
The Nativity of the Lord -
At the Vigil
Tuesday, 12/24 - 4:00 pm
Nativity of the Lord - Mass During the Day
Wednesday, 12/25 - 10:00 am
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH LORAIN, OH
ADORATION CHAPEL
“One night there went out over the stillness of the evening breeze, out over those chalky hills of
Bethlehem the cry of a new born babe. “The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.” Earth
did not hear the cry for the earth slept; men did not hear the cry for they did not know that a
child could be greater than a man. Kings did not hear the cry for they did not know that a King
could be born in a stable. Empires did not hear the cry for empires did not know that an infant could hold
the reins that steer suns and worlds in their courses. But shepherds and philosophers heard the cry for
only the very simple and the very learned know that the heart of a God can cry out in the cry of the child.
And they came with gifts and adored and so great was the majesty seated on the brow of the child; so
great was the dignity of the babe; so powerful was the light of these eyes that shone like celestial suns
that they could not help but cry out: “Emmanuel: God is with us.” ~Venerable Fulton Sheen
On December 25, 2013 at the parish of St. Jack in Legnica, Poland, a Sacred Host fell on the floor during
the distribution of Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist was placed in a water-filled container
(vaseulum) and stains of red appeared. Forensic Medical testing determined that “the fragments of tissue
have been found containing the fragmented parts of the cross striated muscle. The whole is most similar
to the heart muscle with altercations that often appear during agony. The genetic researches indicate that
human origin of the tissue.” The Bishop approved the Eucharistic miracle and the Sacred Host is on dis-
play for Adoration.
1305 E. ERIE AVENUE LORAIN, OH 44052-2226
Call the Parish Office if you would like to add someone to this list. Please notify us when to remove the name.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Call the “Prayer Line” for immediate prayer requests, Georgianna: 440-288-1644 or Dee: 440-984-3874
PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Gilbert Amador Gloria Badillo Lindsey Marie Ballas Janet Baxter Joanne Bilancini
Loretta Bliss Tim “Swampy” Burton Gary Butchko Marvin Campbell Donna Clark
Lynn Coscho Ann Cusella Ann DiFrancesco Helen DiLuciano Jerry Donovan
Anna Mae Ebinger Bea Ellis Denise Ellis Deacon Jose Flores Scott Friges
Bea Giacobbe Brian Grace Renee Golowenski Basilia Gonzalez D’Arie Gonzalez
Delores Gonzalez Jose Gonzalez Jose Gonzalez Jr. Juan Gonzalez Fr. John Raphael
Hadnagy, OFM Conv
Lenore Hales Tim Haupt Clara Hodorowski Kevin Holley Phyllis Holomuzki
Jennifer Humphrey Al Jacobs Sylvia Johnston Ralph Koontz Pepsi Lachowyn
Ann Marshall Barbara McCalland Deacon Luis Maldonado Dolores Melley Ellen Morgan
Victor Munoz Mary Nazario Nick Penick Sharon Pintur Liz Profant
Elizabeth Raddell Emily Raddell Tim Rankin Amy Schmidt Elmer Schneider
Joan Schwartz Deacon Jim Stewart Celia Stanislaw Andrea Taylor Audali Torres
Rosa Torres Peter Uies Stacie Velasquez Sherri Wedgeworth Peg Young
Phone: 440-288-0106 • www.stanthonylorain.org
Weekly Activities
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
1:00 am - CYO Basketball Games (Gym)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
10:00 am - Christmas Pierogi Sale (Social Hall)
3:00 pm - CYO Basketball Practice (Gym)
7:30 pm - New Life Prayer Group (Adoration Chapel)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE
The Parish Office will be closed until Thursday, 12/26/19
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
COME LET US ADORE HIM!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26
3:00 pm - CYO Cheerleading Practice (Social Hall)
4:00 pm - CYO Basketball Practice (Gym)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
3:00 pm - Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Adoration Chapel)
4:30 pm - CYO Cheerleading Practice (Social Hall)
5:00 pm - CYO Basketball Practice (Gym)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
Please join us
Saturday, January 4th
from
10:00 am-3:30 pm,
for our
Marathon of Rosaries to
Save the Unborn.
We will begin a
rosary every half hour.
The final 3:30 pm
rosary will be
prayed in the
church before
4:00 pm Mass.
All are Welcome!
DECEMBER 22, 2019 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SCHOOL UPDATES FROM THE PRINCIPAL
As a Catholic, Christmas holds a special place in all of our hearts. It is directly connected to the core of our ex-
istence. While Jesus represents many things, one of his core values is kindness. The Bible illustrates many times in
which Jesus demonstrated his kindness to others. Here at St. Anthony’s School, our theme is centered on kindness.
Kindness is something that is not just said, but is honored through actions. This school year, we have shown this
many different ways. Our students have raised money for those in need. They have donated their Halloween candy to
our brave soldiers and Veterans. Our children have bought gifts and donated household items to families that are having
issues. We have shown kindness to one another, highlighted by our caught being good display.
While, I feel we have done more than most schools, we want to be better than the norm. In 2020 we have a goal
to do even more than what we have and hopefully give more to our local community. In order to be successful, we will
need your help. Please do not hesitate to volunteer and participate in our events. Our school is your school and without
collaboration we will not be successful. Have a Merry Christmas and God Bless You! ~Mr. Julio Alarcon
MASS SERVERS FOR DECEMBER
24TH, 25TH, 28TH, & 29TH
Nativity of the Lord - At the Vigil Mass
Tuesday, 12/24 - 4 pm
A., M. & V. Smith
Nativity of the Lord - Mass During the Day
Wednesday, 12/25 - 10 am
K. Antus & C. Collazo
The Holy Family Vigil Mass
Saturday, 12/28- 4 pm
LJ Hurlbut & K. Rawlins
The Holy Family Mass
Sunday, 12/29 - 10 am
Z. & G. Shildwachter
PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
December 24th, 25th & 26th, 2019
in observance The Nativity of the Lord
&
January 1st & 2nd, 2020
in observance of Mary, the Holy Mother of God.
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH LORAIN, OH
CHRISTMAS PIEROGI SALE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23RD
10 AM - 6 PM
Pre-Order 24 hours in advance 440-934-4482
We will be selling:
Pierogi - $7/dozen frozen or $8/dozen cooked
Cabbage & Noodles - $3 small or $6 large
Macaroni & Cheese - $3 small or $6 large
Pierogi To Go Meal - $10
6 Pierogi, Cabbage & Noodles, and Macaroni & Cheese
Frozen Specialty Flavor Pierogi - $4/half dozen
ST. ANTHONY FAMILY SKATE NIGHT
Sponsored by the School Parent Advisory Committee
Thursday, January 2nd from 6:30-8:30 pm
at Lorain Skate World
Admission is free, you just have to pay for skate rental.
All school and parishioner families are welcome. Hope you can join us!
2019 CONTRIBUTIONS
The cutoff date for 2019 contributions is December 31, 2019. This year, December 31st is a Tuesday. All Contribu-
tions made the last weekend of the year will be recorded as a 2019 contribution. The mailed contribution envelopes
contained both a December & January envelope. If you send both months back in December, they will be reflected in
your 2019 contributions even if it is a January envelope. The contribution must go by postmark date, not the date of
check. Any ?’s, call the Parish Office.
PLEASE HELP US KEEP “UP TO DATE”
• If you recently had a child, and the baptism took place at another parish; please let us know so we can update our
files.
• If a child has moved out of your home, and is living on his/her own; please let us know.
• If you are a young adult 24 or older, supporting yourself, living on your own or with your parents, you should
be independently registered with our parish.
• If your son or daughter has gotten married, at a parish other than St. Anthony’s, please let us know so we can
make the appropriate notation in our records.
• If you have changed your address, email or phone number, please let us know so we can have the correct in-
formation on file.
CLUSTER PARTNERS WEBSITES
St. Teresa of Avila Parish
stteresaparish.com
St. Thomas the Apostle Church
saintthomaschurch.net
DECEMBER 22, 2019 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH DINNER
Our next monthly dinner will be Saturday, January 4th, after the 4 pm Mass.
The menu will be Beef Stroganoff over Parsley Noodles, Peas & Carrots, Garden Salad, Dinner
Roll, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and a beverage when you Dine-In.
The cost of each dinner will be only $10.
Please sign up at all church doors or call the Parish Office, 440-288-0106, to give us a count.
You may pay at the door. Dine in & Carry out available.
Hope to see you there!
If you would like to submit an article for the
January 5th bulletin, please send requests to
by Monday, December 23rd at 10 am.
Bulletins are sent to print every Tuesday!
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Chicken Paprikashevery Wed. & Sun. Perchdinners & breaded pork
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