THE PARTNER PARISHES OF Saint Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe & Saint Mary, Mother of God Parishes of the Diocese of Greensburg Pennsylvania Charitable Trusts SAINT MARY, OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE KITTANNING 101 W High Street Kittanning, PA 16201 724-548-7649 www.stmarykittanning.org OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm Friday 9 am - 12 Noon WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday…….4:00 pm Sunday……..9:00 am Weekday Mass Schedule Monday & Friday…….8:00 am Wednesday……..7:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation No Confessions at regular times until January 11 at Noon. St. Joseph & St. Mary Cemeteries Contact the parish office. KITTANNING STAFF Erika Dragunova Administrative Assistant [email protected]Sandy Ashley Director of Liturgy & Music [email protected]Joseph Kacprowski Facilities Manager [email protected]James Gaggini Coordinator of Faith Formation [email protected]Marilyn Brochetti Business Manager Sandy Carlson, Office Assistant Larry Bandura, Maintenance SAINT MARY, MOTHER OF GOD YATESBORO P.O. Box 327, 109 2nd Street Yatesboro, PA 16263 724-783-7191 www.saintmaryyatesboro.org OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9 am - 3 pm WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday…….6:00 pm Sunday……..11:00 am Weekday Mass Schedule Tuesday & Thursday…8:30 am Sacrament of Reconciliation No Confessions at regular times until January 4 at Noon. Sacred Heart & St. Mary Cemeteries Contact the parish office. YATESBORO STAFF Betty Rose Walker Office Manager [email protected]Bonnie Frailey Coordinator of Faith Formation [email protected]Barbara Boltz Financial Secretary [email protected]Peggy Skamai Organist [email protected]Bob Skamai, Choir Director Sandy Caresani, Sacristan Tom Caresani, Maintenance PASTORAL STAFF The Reverend William J. Lechnar Pastor [email protected]The Reverend Victor S. Baguna Administrator pro tem [email protected]The Reverend Alan W. Grote Regional Chaplain for Northern Armstrong County SACRAMENTS OF Baptism, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick Please contact the parish office for more information. Third Sunday of Advent ~ December 15, 2019
Transcript
THE PARTNER PARISHES OF
Saint Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe &
Saint Mary, Mother of God
Parishes of the Diocese of Greensburg Pennsylvania Charitable Trusts
SAINT MARY,
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
KITTANNING
101 W High Street Kittanning, PA 16201
724-548-7649
www.stmarykittanning.org
OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 12 Noon
WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday…….4:00 pm Sunday……..9:00 am
Weekday Mass Schedule
Monday & Friday…….8:00 am Wednesday……..7:00 pm
Sacrament of Reconciliation
No Confessions at regular times until January 11 at Noon.
Third Sunday of Advent | December 15, 2019 | Page 2
From Father Victor’s Desk...
Certain Sundays throughout the liturgical year have taken their names from the first word Latin of the introit, the entrance antiphon at Mass. Gaudete Sunday is one of these days. Rejoice in the Lord, be joyful! Gaudete Sunday is a joyous celebration that falls on the Third Sunday of advent, although it takes place during the usually penitential period of Advent. Gaudete Sunday serves
as a mid point break from the austere practices to rejoice in the nearness of Jesus’ return.
Advent is not as strongly penitential in character as Lent. However, the proximity of Christmas joy should not eliminate the penitential spirit of Advent. Amidst our busy preparation for Christmas we should find time to pause and interiorize the meaning of Advent through prayer, self-denial, and works of generosity especially to the poor.
Our both partner parishes are preparing ourselves to get spiritually ready through a wonderful opportunity of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I am encouraging each one of you and your family members to celebrate God’s forgiveness and experience His love and mercy at one of the remaining regional Advent Penance Services. The Penance Service at St. Mary, Mother of God, Yatesboro will take place this Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. Come and prepare the way of the Lord.
I want to thank all who contributed to the great success of this year’s Holly Berry Fair on December 7, especially those who came and worked in this all day fundraiser. What a wonderful community we have indeed. God reward all of you for your generosity.
I am inviting everybody for the great opportunity to welcome our Lord Jesus Christ on His birthday and greet Him with gratefulness in our hearts that He is born among us. Let us celebrate Christmas Masses as a parish family and as a community of faith. Please see our Christmas schedule below.
May our celebration of Advent and this upcoming Christmas season through your active participation and contribution be of great help to its fulfillment and success. God’s abundant blessing be with you and your family.
- Father Victor
Receive God’s Healing Peace before Christmas
Tuesday, December 17 St. Mary, Mother of God, Yatesboro at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 18 St. Patrick, Brady’s Bend at 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 19 St. Mary, Freeport at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 21 Christ, Prince of Peace, Ford City at 12 Noon
Please note that there will be no individual confessions at regular times on Saturdays in Kittanning and Yatesboro until January 4.
St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Kittanning
Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24…..4:00 p.m.
Mass During the Night Tuesday, December 24...10:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25…..9:00 a.m.
St. Mary, Mother of God Parish Yatesboro
Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24…..6:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25…11:00 a.m.
Celebrate Christmas with Us!
Third Sunday of Advent | December 15, 2019 | Page 3
Helpful Phone Numbers
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg 724-548-1009 Divine Redeemer Regional Catholic School 724-763-3761 St. Mary Parish Hall Rental, Kittanning 724-548-7649 St. Mary/St. Gabriel Hall Rental, Yatesboro 724-783-7191 St. Vincent de Paul Helpline, Kittanning 724-543-2134 Prayer Chain, Yatesboro 724-783-6717 or 724-354-4545 Good Samaritan Ministry, Yatesboro 724-783-7936
Celebrating Third Sunday of Advent
Do you ever feel inwardly dry and parched?
Where do you turn to gain a refreshed sense
of being and purpose? Just as we often do
not refresh our physical bodies with what is
healthiest, we make the same mistake with
our soul. We do not always reach for the
healthiest spiritual food. We confuse our
inner dryness with something else and reach
out for the wrong thing. It is no wonder why
so many people are lost and confused. We
will never be completely satisfied or whole
this side of our journey. A good measure of
patience and waiting is needed as we hope
for the rain water of God’s presence to fall
upon us. When are we going to finally realize
that Jesus is the One who has come to
refresh us, and we no longer have to search
for another? Our souls will find refreshment
and rest only when they rest in God.
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, December 14 Vigil
4:00 p.m. Kittanning John Latini by Wife & Family
6:00 p.m. Yatesboro Darlene Frantz (Birthday Remembrance) by Mark & Veronica Cecchi
Sunday, December 15 Third Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Kittanning For All Living & Deceased Parishioners
11:00 a.m. Yatesboro Julie Barrett (Birthday Remembrance) by Family
Monday, December 16 Advent Weekday
8:00 a.m. Kittanning John DeLuca by Mike Swartz & Family
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration in Kittanning
Tuesday, December 17 Late Advent Weekday
8:30 a.m. Yatesboro Angelo Milicia by Beatie, Cindy & Michael
7:00 p.m. Yatesboro Advent Penance Service
Wednesday, December 18 Late Advent Weekday
7:00 p.m. Kittanning Susan Revay by CD of A, Court Patricia #998
Thursday, December 19 Late Advent Weekday
8:30 a.m. Yatesboro Ida Ondich by Children
Friday, December 20 Late Advent Weekday
8:00 a.m. Kittanning Gaetano & Josephine Piluso & Family by Carmela Piluso & Family
Saturday, December 21
Kittanning No Sacrament of Reconciliation
4:00 p.m. Kittanning Barbara Angelo by the Angelo & Claypoole Families
6:00 p.m. Yatesboro For All Living & Deceased Parishioners
Sunday, December 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m.
Kittanning Mary A. Coulter by Ken & Darlene Boylan & Family
11:00 a.m.
Yatesboro Tony Vicini by Wife, Bea
Please remember in your prayers the soul of Kittanning parishioner Evelyn Rudolchick as well as the soul of Carmela Muto, mother of Kittanning parishioner Angela Turco and the soul of Daniel Patrick Lorigan, son of Kittanning parishioner Dan Lorigan, who passed away last week. May God grant them eternal rest and peace.
The Sanctuary Candle in Kittanning is burning this week in memory of Sarah Colo (Birth Remembrance) by Son, Jeff Colo & Family.
The Tabernacle Candle in Yatesboro is burning this week in memory of Marlene Hockenberry (Birthday Remembrance) by Family.
St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish News
Third Sunday of Advent | December 15, 2019 | Page 4
Wish Tree Gifts to Be Dropped Off by December 15!
A reminder that the gifts for the Wish Tree project should be returned no later than Sunday, December 15. Please place the wrapped gift with the tag attached under the Wish Tree located in the narthex of the church or bring it to the parish office, latest on Monday, December 16.
Thank you for your participation!
Youth Ministry Gathering For Parish Youth in Grades 7 - 12
This Sunday, December 15 10:15 a.m. to Noon
Church Basement
Advent Video Program
The Star of Bethlehem
Monday, December 16
7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. St. Mary Parish Center, Kittanning
Advent is a time of waiting and a time to prepare
for the coming of Jesus Christ. One of the most
recognized symbols of the Christmas Season is
the Star of Bethlehem. The star of wonder and
light that led the Maji to the Christ Child. For
centuries people have questioned if the star was
real or just a legend or a story “made up” by the
early church. Join us in viewing this unique video
that compares Biblical references of the Star to
scientific evidence to validate if the story was
a real astronomical event.
Come and See!
Monday, December 23, after the 8:00 a.m. Mass
Please come and help us with preparation of our church environment for Christmas season. Right after the 8:00 a.m. Mass we will need help (especially men) to carry the nativity pieces and other larger items from the second floor to the main body of the church. Throughout the morning we will work on the placement of flowers, nativity set, decorating, cleaning and other important tasks.
Please plan to join us for any part of the morning as your schedule permits. No prior experience necessary!
Help Us Prepare Our Church for Christmas
Faith Formation and Children’s Liturgy of the
Word Christmas & New Year Break
There will be no Faith Formation classes and no Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Sunday, December 22 and Sunday, December 29. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 5.
We wish all of our students and catechists a Blessed and Joyous Christmas.
Sincere congratulations to our Holly Berry raffle winners!
$100 Winners: Ted Bearer, Nick Galupi, Paul Handley, Jon Kovatch, John McGinnis, Mary McKee, Jenna Wilson
$300 Winner: Loretta Golembiesky
Our Holly Berry Fair profit report will be published in our upcoming bulletin.
CD of A, Court Patricia #998 Quilt Raffle Winner Announced
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Patricia $998 announce that the winner of their Quilt Raffle is Mary Anne Galonski. It was a nice surprise for Mary Anne since the winning ticket was picked on her birthday at CD of A Christmas Party. Our heartfelt thank you is extended to all who purchased tickets and helped make this a successful project.
Oplatki (Christmas Wafers)
Oplatki is available in the churches in Kittanning and Yatesboro for a donation of $2.00 for a package of four Christmas wafers. Get yours while supplies last.
2020 Religious Calendars
2020 religious calendars are available in both of our churches. Make sure to take one for yourself or your family members.
St. Mary, Mother of God Parish News
Third Sunday of Advent | December 15, 2019 | Page 5
Angel Memorial Tree
Angel ornaments to be hung on the Angel Memorial Tree are once again being sold during Advent. The handmade angels can be purchased for
$5 each "in memory of" or "in honor of" a loved one. The last opportunity to purchase them in the church narthex before Masses is this weekend, December 14 & 15. The Angels will decorate the narthex Christmas tree over the holidays and can be taken home when the season is over. The Angel Memorial Tree is sponsored by the Good Samaritan Ministry, and all proceeds will be used to help those in need within our parish.
The St. Mary, Mother of God Library is featuring the following books for the month of December:
The St. Mary Mother of God Church Library is featuring the following books for the month of December.
The School of Nazareth:...A spiritual journey with St. Joseph…Saints #10…St. Joseph experienced a life that no man in history can parallel. Joseph knew Jesus & Mary intimately. He not only knew them, but in many ways led them. Mark Hartfie masterfully weaves the life of St. Joseph with our lives in an approachable and applicable way.
Meet your Mother:…Mary #3…Whether you have already met Mary or hardly know anything about her, this book is a treasure to read. It will help you to receive the gift that Jesus so graciously gave us from the cross. Many blessings await you as you meet and lovingly behold your Mother.
The Nativity Story…DVD #9…Powerful, timeless and visually magnificent, the Nativity Story is a beautiful telling of one of the world’s most famous stories.
The Christmas Box Miracle…Christian Fiction #4…A charming and delightful book that will leave you with the feeling that anyone can make a difference. It is the story of Richard Paul Evans spiritual journey and the stories of people he encountered along the way – miraculous stories of healing and divinity that often deft explanation.
These titles and many more can be found in the Church Library located in the lower level of the church in the Good Shepherd Room.
OPEN: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and before Mass on Saturday night and Sunday, morning. FRIDAY - CLOSED.
Youth Ministry News
The December 15th Youth Ministry Session will not meet at our parish. On that evening families will have the opportunity to attend Concordia’s 7th Annual Live Nativity in Cabot, PA. Detailed information has been given to faith formation classes and emailed to families.
If you haven’t received the information or have any questions, please contact Bonnie:
Come and help us prepare our worship space for the Christmas Season on Monday, December 23, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Any amount of time your schedule will allow will be greatly appreci-ated. EVERYONE IS WELCOME to assist in this important parish event. If you have any questions, please contact Sandy at 724-783-7730.
Faith Formation Christmas and
New Year Break
Classes for Grades K-12 will not be held on Sunday, December 22 and Sunday, December 29. All Classes will resume on Sunday, January 5.
We wish all of our students and catechists a Blessed Christmas and Joyful New Year!
The last Choir Rehearsal before Christmas will be
held on Thursday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m.
You can give the gift of life by donating
blood at St. Mary, Mother of God's
Blood Drive on
Monday, December 30
1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
St. Mary/St. Gabriel Social Hall
For scheduling or questions,
please contact 724-783-7936 or 724-464-8935.
Please note:
There will be no Friendship Circle Meeting and no Associates of Mary Meeting in December.
Because of the early bulletin deadline, Offertory Collection Report for December 7 & 8
will be included in the next week’s bulletin.
Thank you for your support!
If you wish to make your Christmas flower offering in memory or in honor of your loved ones, please indicate the names on the outside of your Christmas Flower envelope which is included in your December packet of offertory envelopes. It can be placed in the collection basket or mailed to your parish office.
The list of names of the loved ones with the names of
donors will be included in our bulletin after Christmas.
Early Bulletin Deadlines
Because of the early bulletin submission deadlines in December, any bulletin information you would like to have included in our partner parish bulletin must be submitted to your parish office as follows:
DECEMBER 29 bulletin info by 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 17. JANUARY 5 bulletin info by 1 p.m. Thursday, December 19.
Christmas Flower Offering
You are Invited! Divine Redeemer School
Christmas Concert
Monday, December 16 ● 6:30 p.m.
St. Mary Parish Hall, Kittanning
Pilgrimage to Passion Play in Oberammergau,
Czech Republic and Poland Aug. 25-Sept. 6, 2020
Join Bishop Edward C. Malesic and Father Willie Lechnar for the Diocese of Greensburg's pilgrimage of faith to the world-famous Passion Play of Oberammergau, Germany, Aug. 25-Sept. 6. Space is limited. The pilgrimage will include visits to the sites and shrines of Bavaria, Prague, Krakow and Warsaw. For more information, call 724-552-2645.
