St. John The Beloved Parish Liturgy Schedule Saturday 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sunday 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Weekday Masses Mon - Fri 6:30 a.m. & 8:00 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Joseph Piekarski Our Mission: “Growing a welcoming community of disciples through participation in the sacraments, service, prayer and ongoing formation.” Parish Office: 907 Milltown Road Sherwood Park Wilmington, DE 19808 Phone: (302) 999-0211 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 to 6:30 p.m. December 1, 2019
Our Mission: “Growing a welcoming community of disciples through participation in the sacraments, service, prayer and ongoing formation.”
Parish Office:907 Milltown RoadSherwood ParkWilmington, DE 19808
Phone: (302) 999-0211Hours: Monday - Friday
8:30 to 6:30 p.m.
December 1, 2019
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
CHURCH STAFF Very Rev. Joseph Piekarski, V.F., Pastor Rev. Marek Szczur, Associate Pastor Deacon Thomas A. Bailey Deacon Dennis Wuebbels Deacon Mark Fontana Mr. Frank Julian, Parish Administrator Mrs. Sue O’Hanlon, Bookkeeper Dr. Lisa Papili Carlsen, D.M.A., Director of Liturgy and Music Mr. Kevin Duffy, Facilities Manager Mrs. Jennifer DiBella, Communications Mrs. Marie Malatesta, Safe Environments Coordinator PARISH OFFICE RECEPTIONIST (302) 999-0211 Mrs. Trish Tucker Sr. Dolores Huhman Ms. Linda Mondzelewski PARISH OUTREACH (Volunteer Today) (302) 994-7867 Mr. Jamie Moulthrop, Coordinator RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE (302) 994-7757 email: [email protected] Mrs. Dolores Ballintyn, Director Miss Lara D. Ballintyn, Administrative Assistant St. JOHN THE BELOVED SCHOOL (302) 998-5525 email: [email protected] Mr. Richard Hart, Principal Mrs. Mary Lou Soltys, Vice Principal Mrs. Sharon Breznitsky, Admissions Mrs. Mary Ann Thompson, Administrative Assistant
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE Saturdays, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. To schedule with priest, please call the parish office.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM To schedule a Baptismal Preparation Class please call the Parish Office at (302) 999-0211.
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Please complete our online Wedding Form at SJBDE.org one year prior to the wedding.
SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK Anyone seriously ill or facing surgery, please call a priest to make arrangements.
HOLY DAY MASSES As announced
Devotions — Mondays Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 6:00 p.m. Novena & Benediction 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. New members welcome. Contact Joe Ambrosino. Call the parish office.
Charismatic Prayer Group Meets Tuesdays, 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join us for praise music, bible reflections, and intercessory prayer in St. John Bosco Conference Room. All are welcome. First Saturday Devotions with the Blue Army are held monthly beginning with 8 a.m. Mass. Legion of Mary meets in the Gerres every Monday, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.Lazarus Ministry is a group of caring people who reach out to those who have lost a loved one. Help from the comfort of your home. More at SJBDE.org/lazarus-ministry.Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Are you interested in becoming a member of the Catholic faith or in learning more about the Church? For information please call the parish office.The Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality meets the first Sunday of the month at 7:30 a.m. Mass to honor our Blessed Mother, (September - June). Please join us after mass to pray the rosary.
To learn more visit SJBDE.org.
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES: All Saints: 737-2524 Cathedral: 656-3323 Gate of Heaven: 732-3690
Welcome to St. John the Beloved Parish. To register to become a member of our faith community, please visit our parish office, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Parishioners, please take a minute to update your information at wilmington.parishsoftfamilysuite.com. We appreciate your assistance. Thank you!
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, and Altar Server Schedules are posted online at SJBDE.org/liturgical-schedules.
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK Advent comes from the Latin word meaning “coming.” Jesus is coming, and Advent is intended to be a season of preparation for His arrival. While we typically regard Advent as a joyous season, it is also intended to be a period of preparation, much like Lent. Prayer, penance and fasting are appropriate during this season. Advent is not as strict as Lent, and there are no rules for fasting, but it is meant to be a period of self-preparation. The purple color associated with Advent is also the color of penance. The faithful should receive the sacrament of Reconciliation and do some acts of mortification to empty themselves of excess in order to
be ready for when the Lord arrives. Please take advantage of this sacred season of Advent. It is the time when the Church focuses on the real meaning of Christmas; the remembrance of His humble birth two-thousand years ago and more so His return in majesty when all is complete. Allow us to help you get-ready spiritually for that time with Reconciliation, Daily Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Works of Charity through our parish programs. There is no time like the present, to make straight the Coming of the Lord.
Daily Liturgical Schedule during Advent:
Monday to Friday 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. MassesMondays of Advent 3:00 to 7 p.m. Adoration of the BlessedSaturday 8:00 a.m. Mass and Reconciliation (Confessions) 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Parish Penance December 10, 2019 12:00 noon Confessions. 6:30 p.m. Parish Penance Service
are available at the Parish Office.
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Thank you for your continued generosity to the parish as part of your gift to God for the good things God has given you. 11/17/2019 Offertory $14, 746.93 Building & Maintenance 75.00All Saints/ Souls 2,190.00 Votives / Poor Box/ Other 268.81 Outreach 105.00School Development Fund 30.00 $17, 415.74 St. Vincent DePaul 3,715.85
Your gifts make a meaningful difference to St. John The Beloved Parish's ministries and programs. We wish to extend a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who financially supports our parish through weekly giving, special collections, one-time gifts, and all of the other avenues of giving (e.g. volunteering your time and talent). Everyone's income and needs are different, and each gift is understood to be a sacrifice given for the greater good. May God bless your efforts.
Readings for the week of December 1, 2019
Sunday: Is 2:1-5/ Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 1]/Rom 13:11-14/Mt 24:37-44Monday: Is 4:2-6/Ps122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9/Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 [cf. 7]/Lk 10:21-24Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 [6cd]/Mt 15:29-37Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118: 1 and 8-9. 19-21, 25-27a [26a]/Mt 7:21, 24-27Friday: Is 29:17-24/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 [1a]/Mt 9:27-31Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8Next Sunday: Is 11:1-10/ Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 19 [cf. 7]/Rom 15:4-9/Mt 3:1-12
Monday: 6:30 a.m. Edward J. Gutowski 8:00 a.m. Robert Sanders
Tuesday: St. Francis Xavier, Priest 6:30 a.m. Deceased Members of Jaksinski Family 8:00 a.m. Elisa M. Quattrociocchi
Wednesday: St. John Damascene, Priest & Doctor of the Church 6:30 a.m. Agnes Dworsky 8:00 a.m. Eleanor F. Justison
Thursday: 6:30 a.m. Thomas David Tubbs 8:00 a.m. Caroline E. Peart Friday: St. Nicholas, Bishop 6:30 a.m. Ann Yuskiewicz 8:00 a.m. Shinya Kikuchi Saturday: St. Ambrose, Bishop & Doctor of the Church 8:00 a.m. Isabel & Arnold Bjanes William Lynch Eleanor Hussey Marco Bianchi Dorothy Kelly 5:00 p.m. Joan Gaul Sunday: 2nd Sunday of Advent 7:30 a.m. Frank & Mary Renai 9:30 a.m. Our Parish Family 11:30 a.m. Joseph & Victoria Piekarski 5:00 p.m. Trudy Pagano
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
PARISH NEWS
Every Outreach donation goes to assist a member of our community in need. Visit sjbde.org/outreach to learn more. ___ soup, beans, rice,___ canned fruit and vegetables___ mac & cheese___ pasta, pasta sauce___ peanut butter and jelly___ tuna, canned meats___ breakfast cereal ___ shampoo___ body wash (toiletry items) ___ personal hygiene products
THANK YOU!
If you are able, please prayerfully consider making a one time monetary donation directly to Outreach via online giving > sjbde.org/connect-now-giving, or in the collection at Mass to help. Thank you.
Come pray …
TOTAL CONSECRATION THROUGH MARY TO JESUS - ST. LOUIS MARIE DE MONTFORT
2019-2020 at St. John the Beloved
Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.,
Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 12 2020, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. &
Wednesday, March 18, 2020, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Consecration Mass be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. This is the Feast of the Annunciation. For more information, please call Johannah at 302-998-3057, or Janet at 302-996-0482.
The upcoming Christmas Flowers Collection can be memorialized to allow those who contribute to remember loved ones. If you desire, kindly list on or enclose with your Flower Collection Envelope the names of those who you wish to remember. For those who contribute on line, simply e-mail the names you wish to memorialize for Christmas at: [email protected] Please make your request within the next two weeks.
Those loved ones will be gratefully acknowledged in the Christmas bulletin.
THANK YOU! To all those who have donated to our "Raise The Roof" Campaign, which was established to help raise funding to restore our beloved SJB Parish Hall, thank you! To learn more visit SJBDE.org/capital-campaign.
Discussion Group: Subsequent Sunday ReadingsBeginning Thursday, December 5 we will meet on Thursday mornings, 9:30AM until 11:00AM, and Thursday evenings, 6:30PM until 8:00PM in the St. John Bosco Conference Room at St. John the Beloved. The same format will be used in both sessions to aid your availability. We will informally discuss the next Sunday’s Readings from the Mass. The intent is to help us prepare so that we can have a deeper understanding and further appreciation of the Mass. If any questions, please contact Deacon Dennis at 302-981-4567 or [email protected].
The Saint John the Beloved Varsity and JV football teams had our annual season ending celebration bonfire. Over 200 kids and their families attended this fun filled event. We want to give a special "Thank You!" to all who sponsored this event. You made it so memorable for the kids. Thank you to our sponsors for all of your generous support: Cardiology Physicians (Copeland Family), Investment Property Services (Clark and Peronti Families), Merced Plumbing Services (TJ Merced and Family), McCullough and Associates (McCullough Family), the Strusowski Family, The Applebaum- Nolte Realty Group (the Nolte Family), Avondale Dentistry (The Cummings Family), and Luigi's.
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FORMATION
SAINT JOHN THE BELOVED SCHOOL NEWS
St John the Beloved Parish invites all students to receive their Faith Formation through our parish RE program. Click here for more information about religious education formation at St John the Beloved Parish and to register your child / grandchild to attend our Tuesday evening program.
Mrs. Smith’s fifth grade students built Viking ships in social studies class. They worked in groups to build their ship from carboard, popsicle sticks, felt, molding clay, and whatever else they brought in. Each student contributed with supplies, creativity, ideas, and they learned to work together. The STEAM project was a great success!
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
INSPIRE
God Bless Our Newly Baptized : Michael Sean Swoyer, Jr.,
Francis Lee Marra, Brett Charles Ferris, Quinn Carmela Foster, Riley Charlotte Rivituso,
And Brynn Kathleen Schulak May our little ones who were baptized be blessed by our parishioners' prayers and good works, and may they continue to grow in their love for God.
Marriage Moments: Think of one trait or talent that your mother-in-law or father-in-law passed on to your spouse for which you are grateful.
Parenting Pointers: The purpose of Advent is not to shop but to learn to wait. Teaching your child to delay gratification is an important life skill. By Susan Vogt www.SusanVogt.net
The Bishop celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation each year for those adults who have not yet completed their initiation. The date for this celebration this year in Spanish is Sunday, December 15, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church. This celebration is for those over the age of 18 who have already been baptized and received their first Communion.
El Obispo celebra cada año el Sacramento de la Confirmación para aquellos adultos que aún no han completado su iniciación. La fecha de esta celebración de este año en español es: el domingo, 15 de diciembre de 2019 1:00 pm en Holy Cross Church en Dover, DE. Esta celebración es para los mayores de 18 años que ya han sido bautizados y han recibido su primera Comunión. Es responsabilidad del Pastor asegurar que estas personas hayan sido debidamente catequistas para la recepción de este Sacramento. También es responsabilidad del Pastor asegurarse de que el Patrocinador propuesto cumpla con todos los requisitos que se encuentran en el canon 874 del Código de Derecho Canónico. Tenga en cuenta que si un adulto (alguien mayor de 7 años) está siendo bautizado o
recibido en la Iglesia Católica, el sacerdote que bautiza o recibe también debe confirmar a la persona en la misma celebración. Aquellos que están siendo bautizados o recibidos en la Iglesia en la Vigilia Pascual (o durante todo el año) no deben esperar a ser confirmados. Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con la Oficina de Educación Religiosa via: [email protected].
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
AROUND THE DIOCESE OF WILMINGTONTens of thousands of couples have healed their Marriages through Retrouvaille (Retro-VIE). If you know of anyone who could benefit from this program please pass this on. Couples learn to build communication skills and rediscover intimacy. Retrouvaille provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises. The next program in your area is the weekend of February 21-23 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. Another weekend will be held in April. For more information, or to register for one of our weekends, visit our web site at: www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Save the Date: St. Peter Cathedral School Christmas Fundraising Event Saturday, December 7, 2019, 12 to 4:00 p.m. in the school auditorium with chances, raffles, elegant baskets and refreshments.
Cathedral All Saints and Gate of Heaven Cemeteries are once again offering families the convenience of purchasing Christmas grave/crypt decorations for family members who are laid to rest in our diocesan cemeteries. The decorations are made by a local artisan and placed by cemetery personnel. For more information go to cathcemde.com and click on “Special Notices” at the top of the page. The information you need to order on-line is in the first paragraph. If you need to order by mail or in person, please contact the respective cemetery office. For Cathedral and All Saints Cemeteries please call (302) 656 – 3323. After the prompt press 1 for Cathedral and 2 for All Saints. For Gate of Heaven call the Cathedral Cemetery office.
Mealey Funeral Homes and Crematory will hold their 22nd Annual Christmas Memorial Service to honor any individual who has passed away during the past year on Sunday, December 8, at 2 p.m.
This program will include information on how to manage grief during the holidays, a candle lighting ceremony, prayers, musical selections, a time for fellowship and refreshments.
Please call Lori Mealey or Laura Hannagan at (302) 652-5913 if you would like a personal Christmas ornament made in your loved one's memory.
Listen to Catholic Forum every Saturday morning at 11:00 on Relevant Radio 640. Next Saturday, December 7th, Msgr. Steven Hurley is scheduled to report from Rome where he and Bishop Malooly are attending the ad limina visit. The Bishops’ periodic visits to the Vatican is formally called "ad limina apostolorum," which means "to the thresholds of the apostles." After it airs, listen online anytime at www.cdow.org/CatholicForum, or search “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, or iHeartRadio podcasts. For photos, information regarding upcoming guests, links and more, “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CatholicForum.
The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held Dec. 7-8 in the Diocese of Wilmington. Proceeds help hundreds of U.S. religious communities to care for aging members. Some 30,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit. Last year, the Diocese of Wilmington donated $112,748.61 to the collection. The Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns, Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, Oblate Sisters, Priests & Brothers of St. Francis de Sales
within our Diocese received, last year, a combined total of $252,992.06 in financial support. The featured religious, in this year’s poster, includes a Wilmingtonian. The religious on the left is Bernardine Sister de Lourdes, Okoniewski, OSF. A native of St. Hedwig Parish and a graduate of St. Elizabeth High School, Sister de Lourdes ministered most of her religious life in education. She was principal of St. Mary Magdalen School, Sharpley, in the 1980s. Presently at St. Joseph Villa in Reading PA, Sister de Lourdes is caregiver of her older blood and religious sister, Sister Mary Laetitia, who celebrated her 100th birthday in August. Donations to the Retirement Fund enable religious men and women to retire with dignity.
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SJB YOUTH MINISTRY
SJB Youth Ministry is for students in 6th through 10th grade. There are many exciting events planned and Youth Ministry looks forward to welcoming you to any and all of their events. Please remember to register in advance, contact Miss Ballintyn at [email protected] with any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon.
YOUTH MINISTRY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
On Dec. 21, starting at 9am at the Community of Christ Church, our youth group is invited to help with the distribution of gifts, singing
carols, and offering fellowship to the families receiving gifts that day.
We would love to have some elves to help with distributing gifts, sharing some goodness with the families,
and singing some carols to make the season bright.
If you can join us, please email your RSVP to [email protected] and we will look forward to welcoming you to a great morning of giving.
Parents/guardians are asked to download and complete the attached Form B located via this link: Form B. The Form B must be given to
Fr. Marek upon arrival at the event. We are also in need of two adults to ensure a great event. If you are interested in serving, please email
We look forward to celebrating the holiday spirit with you.
December 1, 2019 WWW.SJBDE.ORG 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
THIS WEEK December 2019 #SJBDE 1 SUNDAY Mass 7:30 a.m. @ Church
Mass 9:30 a.m. @ Church Mass 11:30 a.m. @ Church Mass 5:00 p.m. @ Church
2 MONDAY Daily Mass 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. @ Church Adoration and Novena 3:00 p.m. @ Church Legion of Mary 7:00pm - 9:30pm @ Gerres RCIA 7:00 p.m. @ Bosco Conference Room
3 TUESDAY Daily Mass 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. @ Church Charismatic Prayer Group 9:45 a.m. @ Bosco Conference Rm Religious Education 6:20pm - 7:20pm @ School
4 WEDNESDAY Daily Mass 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. @ Church
5 THURSDAY Daily Mass 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. @ Church Adult Choir Practice 7:00pm - 8:00pm @ Church
6 FRIDAY Daily Mass 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. @ Church
7 SATURDAY Mass 8:00 a.m. @ Church Sacrament of Reconciliation 4:00 p.m. @ Church Mass 5:00 p.m. @ Church
Visit SJBDE.org for more. To submit an announcement in our weekly bulletin, go to sjbde.org/submit-bulletin.
WHY DO WE DO THAT? Question: What’s the story behind the Advent wreath? Answer: Each season in the liturgical calendar comes with its own local and regional rituals. During the Advent season, wreathes adorn church sanctuaries and family dining room tables. You may have said Advent wreath prayers in childhood or taken a turn
