Welcome in Christ: You are a stranger but once. You
are a child of God, redeemed by our Savior, Jesus Christ. In God’s name, we welcome you. May you find friendship,
peace and serenity in our loving and worshipping community. If you are a visitor interested in joining our
parish faith community or the Catholic Faith, please call the parish office. If you are returning after being away..…
Welcome home!
Immaculate Conception: Thursday is a Holyday of Obligation. Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday at
8:30am in Newfane and 7:00pm in Wilson.
The Good Shepherd Prayer Group is currently on win-ter break. It will resume on 2nd and 4th Monday of the
month meeting schedule the first Monday after Easter.
Thank you: We would like to thank Phil and Jan Toenniessen for the hard work and dedication they put into
the beautiful wreaths on the doors of all our sites and also the Advent wreaths. Nice Job...
Advent Wreaths & Candles: Can be purchased by call-ing the office 778-9822.
Missalettes: Newfane Site - Feel the need to participate
more fully in the Liturgy? Having trouble following the read-ings or Gospel? Missalettes are available in the Vestibule. If you borrow a missalette please be sure to return it to the
table in the Vestibule for your fellow parishioners to use as well!
St. Brendan Seniors – Don’t miss our Annual Christmas Party. We are having a Christmas luncheon buffet at noon on Monday, December 12 at the Wilson House Restaurant.
Be sure to make your reservation by calling Monica at 433-1162 or Shirley at 434-7354. Cost to members is $10. As
always guests are welcome to attend, cost $18. Send pay-ment of check to Shirley Ellis no later than December 5.
Oplatki - Polish Christmas wafer, is available at the en-
trance doors of the church.
PARISH NEWS
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE
Saturday, December 3
4:00pm, Wilson - Intention for Therese Tarajos,
req. Bette Chalmers-St. Aude
5:30pm, Newfane-James DeBiase, req. Wife and Family
Second Sunday of Advent, December 4
9:00am, Newfane –Harold & Evelyn Bass,
req. Mike & Jo Hogan
11:00am, Wilson – Elsie LaLone, req. St. Brendan Seniors
Monday, December 5
10:15am, Newfane Health Facility, St. Brendan all Souls
Remembrance
Tuesday, December 6 St. Nicholas
8:30am, Newfane - Norbert & Elizabeth Daigler
Wednesday, December 7 St. Ambrose 8:30am,Wilson – Sears & Walters Families, req. Judy, Dave, Ken
& Family
Thursday, December 8 Immaculate Conception
Holyday of Obligation
8:30am, Newfane - Intentions for Bette Chalmers-St. Aude
7:00pm, Wilson - Parishioners of St. Brendan
Friday, December 9
8:30am, Wilson - Maureen Hansen, req. The Blackley Family
Saturday, December 10
4:00pm, Wilson - Deceased Frasier Family,
req. Szymula Family
5:30pm, Newfane-Joan Ames, req. Fran Budnack
Third Sunday of Advent, December 11
9:00am, Newfane –Stan Mroczek, req. Family
11:00am, Wilson – Pat Hermann, req. Adam & Angela Caraco
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS...
those who are sick, Frank Larkin, Eugene Kolipinski,
Horace Wolcott, Charles Bills, Colby Criswell, Don
Weisman, Mary Costello, Jim Piech, Kathy Burt, Ken & Mary
Mottorn, John Morello, Arthur Elia, Bob Williams, Mary
Walters, Mary Balk, Sally Gilson, Pat Pratt. Please call the
office at the end of the month if you wish to keep a name on
the prayer list.
those who have died, especially Raymond Moose, father of
Judy Myers, and all our faithful departed.
those serving in our military, Craig Ansel, Jeff
McDermott, Walter Beaman, Daniel Clark, Benjamin Clark,
Philip Messina, Ron McKeown, Philip E. Russell III, Jacob
Gagnon, Jason C. Harvey, Matthew King, Dale Denny, Sara
Cevaer, Mike White, Chris Chown, Mark VanBourgondien,
Krystle Ward, Margaret Emborsky, Matthew Emborsky, Ryan
P. Fritton, Zachary Wilder, Ariel Mollard, David Enderton,
Brent Szwalla, Nick Converso, Jerry Babcock, Chad Moden,
Charles Stevens, William Bliss, Vincent Gizzarelli, Paul Oakes,
Nick Cantara, Jamie Lepsch, David Siener, Chuck Salvo,
Robert Daul, Justin Pietrowski, Richard Frizzell, James
Schultz, and all those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Second Sunday of Advent
Stewardship: A Way of Life … Our Gift to God
““John was clothed in camel’s hair with a leather belt around his
waist.” - Mark 1:6
Regular Collection for November 26 & 27 198 envelopes ....................................................... $5,147.50
2010 collection was…$4,682.90 ($464.60 Thank you) Building & Maintenance ................................................................ 20.00
Human Development ................................................................. 176.00
Christmas Flowers ................................................................... 1,002.00
Giving Tree ................................................................................... 530.00
Catholic University .......................................................................... 4.00
Total ............................................................................ $6,879.50
December 3 & 4, 2011
JOURNEY IN FAITH
Grace and Peace of Our Lord Jesus
Christ…
Advent is a time when we are bombarded with all kinds of messages, especially from
advertisements. We must beware that we don’t lose the message John the Baptist brings. We
usually think of John the Baptist as the precursor of Christ and rightly so, for he was that. Yet, no
matter how wonderful a role this is for John, the gospel also tells us John is about more than simply
“preparing the way of the Lord.” John preaches repentance as well and announces “the one who is
coming after me is mightier than I” and will render judgment at a future eschatological time when the
good will be rewarded and the bad will be punished. John’s message is brief and clear: “Repent” and
“prepare the way of the Lord.” We might even dare to say that by repenting, we are preparing for
Christ’s coming as we prepare for the already and
the not yet….
John the Baptist is truly an Advent individual. John,
anticipating the judgment Christ’s coming would bring, prepared “the way of the Lord” by calling
people to repentance. We become an advent people when we heed John’s message by converting
our way of living and bearing good fruit. Indeed, our whole Christian life is an Advent calling, for all our
lives we are about repenting and preparing for Christ’s coming, the bearing of good fruit. In living a
repenting life - which bears good fruit, we have nothing to fear at Christ’s Second Coming and final
judgment. In John’ preaching the “winnowing fan” is a metaphor for the coming judgment which brings both deliverance for the just and condemnation for
the wicked. Yet, as an Advent people, we live each moment waiting and hoping for the coming of our
Lord.
We might consider John as the bridge between
Israel of old and Jesus our Messiah. He is the bridge between the alternative world painted by
Isaiah… where the king from the shoot of Jesse will judge with justice the poor and afflicted and slay the
wicked with the breath of his lips; and the eschatological end of times described in the gospel
when the victorious, glorious Son of Man will gather his wheat and the chaff he will burn. John forcefully reminds us that vindication or punishment is our
choice; according to the life we lead. We must
produce good fruit or be cut down.
John’s voice cries out to us an Advent message in
our own wilderness “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” We cannot afford to let the
busyness of this sacred season close our ears to his message. We cannot afford to risk being
chaff instead of wheat. This is our graced
time……
John baptized with water: followers of Jesus are
baptized with the “Holy Spirit and fire”. This imagery of fire reminds us, that we are purified
and made holy by our baptism, we received the Holy Spirit – God’s life is within us. This empowerment of God’s spirit enables us to bear
good fruit. All we need do is say yes to God’s will and be faithful to our baptismal call. We are
reminded again that baptism plunges us into “Christ’s dying and rising. By conforming
ourselves to Christ, we take on our own
challenges to die to self for the sake of others.
This is a time of the year when there are many
opportunities to think of others. The red kettle bell ringers, the Religious Retirement fund, the
food pantry, our giving tree and many other occasions which remind us that others less fortunate need our assistance. At the same time,
we must be mindful of those with whom we live, work, and play, when busyness might cause us to
be tired and short-tempered or when taking care of our own needs or desires might cause us to be
shortsighted and we might not see the needs of
those closest to us.
Advent is a time to experience the graces of
God’s reconciliation and love offered to us in the sacrament on Saturdays at 2:00pm, or anytime by
just calling for an appointment. Also our Vicariate Reconciliation Service at St. John the Baptist in Lockport will be celebrated on Monday,
December 19th at 7:00pm. May we take this graced opportunity….. to listen to the words of
John the Baptist…. Who continues to cry out not us to the people of the pass but to us
today………. Repent……….. Prepare the way of
the Lord.
Peace
Fr. Rob
St. Brendan on the Lake
Christmas Liturgies
Christmas Eve December 24th
4:00pm Wilson
5:30pm
Newfane Children’s Liturgy
Christmas Day December 25th
Midnight Mass
Wilson
11:00am Newfane
.
THANK YOU
Dear Father Rob and all our friends
at St. Brendan on the Lake, Surgery went well and my recovery is coming
along on schedule. I’m getting stronger everyday. I just wanted to thank you again
for all your prayers and support. You have all been so kind. Hope to see you soon.
Thanks again! Pat Gauda
Father,
Just a note to thank you for inviting and including us in the Anniversary service. It was
much appreciated. Again - Thank you,
Sincerely, Ann & Joe McKernan.
PASTORAL
PARISH
COUNCIL
MEMBERS
2011—2012
Mary Jane Beilein
Carol Nochajski
James Cantella
Linda Moran
Tom Copeland
Sal Nasca
Elizabeth
Secord-Smith
Beverly Palmer
Sandy Walch
Michael Walek
TRUSTEE
Judith Willard
Finance
John Phillips
Finance
Deacon David
Harvey
Vicariate
Father Robert
Wozniak
December 3 & 4. 2011
NEW PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
The new Pastoral Council members were
drawn by lot at last weekend liturgies. The four names chosen to serve were Elizabeth
Secord-Smith, Beverly Palmer, Sandy Walch and Michael Walek. These members will
service a term of three years on the Pastoral Council of St. Brendan on the Lake Faith
Community. We wish to express our
gratitude to the other ten members who
submitted their names to be part of the process. We pray for those newly appointed,
our entire council and our faith community that all of us may be open to the promptings of the
Spirit and collaborating with us towards the goal of creating the one faith community. May
God bless our endeavors…
COMMUNITY NEWS St. Francis Guild’s Holiday Bazaar to be held on
Friday, December 9, 2011 from 8:00am to
4:00pm at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, South
Lobby in Lewiston, Bake Sale, Holiday
Centerpieces, Jewelry, Toys, Gift Baskets, Boutique
Gifts, and more. Raffle at 3:00pm. Also serving
Pizza & Roast Beef on weck starting at 11:30am.
BISHOP’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank you for Bishop
Edward Kmiec who has faithfully served your Church in the diocese of Buffalo. Now, as we
anticipate the appointment of a new bishop, we pray that your Holy Spirit may be upon
Pope Benedict XVI and those who advise him. May the one appointed to the role of
shepherd of this diocese be a person who will
hold your Word close to his heart, entrust
your Word to all who are a part of this diocese, and maintain us ever bonded and
assured of your infinite love through the Eucharist and in all the ministries present here.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Good
Shepherd and Lord of All. Amen
JOE’S 5K ANNUAL RUN
We were again amazed at the generous
donation from Joe’s 5k Annual Run! What an outstanding community effort, from the
littlest runner to the biggest supporter, it is just astonishing and such a witness to the
many friendships this event has made over the past nine years. Please express our
sincere thanks to the Newfane Sports Boosters for their contribution to this event.
We are honored to be the recipients of this endeavor in Joe’s name.
The many volunteers of the Food Pantry work
very hard to help our neighbors in need and to live the gospel message to “feed the poor”.
Your donation of $2593.53 will help us in this goal, especially this holiday season. May Joe’s
spirit continue to live in all of us.
Thank you again for your generosity. Merry Christmas & God Bless.
Newfane Community Food Pantry.
NAVIGATOR YOUTH GROUP
December 3 & 4, 2011
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - FAITH FORMATION
Can you believe it is December?! Classes
resumed this week after a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Remember Confirmation
class takes place at 7pm at the Newfane site!
Thank you to Sue Vermeulen for coming in to speak to our Secondary students about
Catholic morality! This was a great opportunity to discuss the 'Tough Stuff''.
Protecting God's Children It is our
utmost priority to ensure the safety of all
children in our parish community. Therefore, we are requesting that all teachers shut and
lock classrooms when they leave for the day. Also, please note that all classrooms and
hallways will be locked during the week. If there is a need to enter or use a room for any
reason, please contact the office or the DFF anytime! Thank you for helping keep our
children safe.
Mary C. Palmer
D.F.F.
Take the
Challenge
Redeem your empty bottles and
cans and help us reach our goal of
$1,000.00 by the end of the year!
The parish receives
5.5 cents per can or bottle,
$1,000– Goal
$500.00
Collected 222.41
$0
Collected another
$44.22 in cans
Niagara Bottle and Redemption
Center
4022 Lake Ave.
in Wrights Corners
It’s easier than you think.
-drop bottles off
at Redemption Center
-tell them the
bottles or cans are for St. Brendan on
the Lake.
They will sort them and add the amount
to our account.
ANGEL GIVING TREE
Angel Giving Tree: The Parish Life
Outreach Committee is asking for your help to make our parishioners Christmas brighter,
we are hoping to give some cheer to those in Newfane Health Facility, Heritage Manor in
Ransomville, and Shut-Ins of our parish
community. On the Angel Giving Tree at both
sites there are envelopes to take for a dona-tion. Please take one and return in the collec-
tion no later than December 11th. Your kind-ness is greatly appreciated.
FOOD PANTRY ACTIVITIES
Hey Navigators-we are going to be joining
forces with Lockport Catholic for the season of Advent! Check this out-
Lockport Catholic Youth Group is having a
meeting on Monday, December 12 from 7-9pm. at the YAC. This is the Feast of Our
Lady of Guadelupe. We have a guest coming
to tell us all about it followed by Mexican foods and time to have some fun. Anyone in
grades 7-12 are invited to come. If you have any questions call Ann @ 433-0276 or Barb @
772-2533. See you there:)
As Christmas approaches, St. Brendan on the
Lake faith community will be supporting the local food pantries hoping to make a brighter
Christmas for those in need.
The Newfane Community Food Pantry
will be asking for food and gift donations for families and children ages 1 thru 12 .
Children’s unwrapped gifts, new books ages 1-12, underwear, socks, mittens, hats, new or used Christmas decorations and
wrapping, and gently used winter coats and jackets only. No other used items or clothing
please. Deadline for gifts December 14th
Food: Non perishable canned or boxed food items - Fresh Potatoes (5, 10, 20# bags etc.
no earlier than Dec. 10th for potatoes) Dead-line for food and potatoes December 18th)
Please place all donations in designated boxes
in the vestibule. For drop offs during the week, office hours are 9:30am to 4:00pm
Monday thru Friday. Please call the church office at 778-9828 so someone can be available
to assist you.
Many helping hands are needed at the Newfane site to pack and sort food on the
following dates. No need to sign up. Sunday Dec.18th 6-9pm, Monday Dec. 19th 10am-
12noon & 1-3pm and Tues. Dec. 20th 10am-1pm.
Any food donations collected at the Wilson site will be transported to the
Ransomville Food pantry. Thank you for each and every contribution.
Take the
challenge
Redeem your empty bottles and
cans and help us reach our goal of
$1,000.00 by the end of the year!
The parish receives
5.5 cents per can or bottle,
$1,000– Goal
$500.00
Collected 222.41
$0
Niagara Bottle
and Redemption Center
4022 Lake Ave.
in Wrights Corners
It’s easier than you think.
-drop bottles off
at Redemption Center
-tell them the
bottles or cans are for St. Brendan on
the Lake.
They will sort them
and add the amount to our account.
Third Sunday of Advent
December 11, 2011
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8,19-28
At our Parish Sites
Next Saturday
4:00pm Wilson, Lector: Donna Antoncich
Eucharistic Ministers: Bill Antoncich, Doug Walch
Altar Servers: Cassie Martin
5:30pm Newfane, Lector, Brenda Horanburg
Eucharistic Minister Donald Pohl, Suzanne Schnure
Altar Servers - Elizabeth DeMarco, Zachary Lundy
Next Sunday
9:00am Newfane, Lector: John Connolly
Eucharistic Ministers: Mark & Suzanne Haselbauer,
Jinny Carnegie, James & Maria Cantella,
Jane Cutter
Altar Servers: Laura Gagnon, Ryleigh Myers,
Emily Foltz
11:00am Wilson, Lector: Linda Moran
Eucharistic Ministers: Tony Caraco
Altar Servers: Madeline Mocarski
Minister Schedules: The new schedules December 2011 thru February 2012, for
Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Altar Servers are located in the Sacristy of the Church.
During the Week
Faith Sharing Questions for this
weekend:
-When I look at my life, the “way of the Lord” I
see is…
- What I find most challenging about living the “way of the Lord” is… It is easier to live this
way when…
- Those who model for me living the “way of the Lord” are...
December 4 - 11, 2011
Ministries
Gift Bearers: Sat. 4:00pm, Wilson - Szymula Family
Sat. 5:30pm, Newfane - Ames Family
Sun.9:00am, Newfane - Mroczek Family
Sun. 11:00am, Wilson - Caraco Family
Sunday
Dec. 4
Second Sunday of Advent
9:30-10:55am, Elementary Faith Formation, Wilson
10:00-12:00n, Secondary Faith Formation, Newfane
7:00-8:30pm, Confirmation class, Newfane
Monday Dec. 5
3:00-7:00pm, Eucharistic Adoration, Newfane
7:00pm, Pastoral Parish Council, Newfane
Tuesday Dec. 6
9:00am, Morning Prayers, Chapel Newfane
7:00pm, Choir, Newfane
Wednesday Dec. 7
9:00am, Morning Prayers, Chapel Wilson
Thursday Dec. 8
9:00am, Morning Prayers, Chapel Newfane
Friday Dec. 9
9:00am, Morning Prayers, Chapel Wilson
Saturday Dec. 10
9:30-11:00am, Elementary Faith Formation, Newfane
2:00 - 3:00pm, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Newfane
Sunday
Dec. 11
Third Sunday of Advent
9:30-10:55am, Elementary Faith Formation, Wilson
10:00-12:00n, Secondary Faith Formation, Newfane
7:00-8:30pm, Confirmation class, Newfane
YOUR LEGACY:
A WAY TO REMEMBER AND BE REMEM-
BERED... We hope you will remember St. Brendan on the Lake, our Roman
Catholic Faith Community, and your other favorite charities with a bequest
when completing your final arrangements. Thank you for your
consideration for the future of our faith community.
Parish Office - 3455 Ewings Road PO Box 87, Newfane, NY Hours - Mon - Fri. 9:00am - 4:00pm
Phone 716.778.9822 Fax 716.778.8786
Website www.stbrendanonthelake.org
Parish Staff Fr. Robert A. Wozniak, Pastor ext.11
e-mail - [email protected]
David Harvey, Deacon
Mary Palmer, Faith Formation Director ext. 12
e-mail - [email protected]
Eileen Szratter, Parish Secretary ext. 10
Jinny Carnegie, Book Keeper/ Receptionist
e-mail - [email protected]
Willard Antoncich, Custodian
DeSales Catholic School - 716.433.6422 Dr. Scott Fike, Principal
Website www.desalescatholicschool.org
Liturgies dates and times are located inside bulletin