Good Shepherd Braddock Avenue at Frazier St. Braddock, PA 15104-1612

Sacred Heart 1600 Brinton Road Braddock Hills, PA 15221-4902

Parish Office Phone: 412-271-1515 FAX: 412-271-1222

Website: www.goodshepherdbraddock.org

Parish Office Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 9 AM - 1 PM

Parish Staff Mrs. Michele Catone Parish Secretary Email: gshepoffice@comcast.net

Mr. Frank Koncerak Director of Maintenance

Madonna del Castello Parish 2021 S. Braddock Avenue Swissvale, PA 15218

Parish Office Phone: 412-271-5666 FAX: 412-271-2335 Website: www.madonnadelcastello.org

Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

Parish Staff Edward Kapsha Music Director EKAPD5965@gmail.com

Kelly James Parish Secretary madonnadelcastello1920@gmail.com

St. Maurice Parish 2001 Ardmore Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Parish Office Phone: 412-271-0809 FAX: 412-271-2415 Website: www.stmauriceparish.org

Twitter: @StMauriceFH

Parish Office Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 9 AM - 12 PM 1 PM - 4:30 PM

Parish Staff Norman E. Chapman, CAGO Director of Music nchapman@saintmauriceparish.org

Cheryl Kirkland Director of Religious Education ckirkland@saintmauriceparish.org

Kelley Rodgers Business Manager krodgers@saintmauriceparish.org

Judy Kosar, LaVerne Caprara Secretaries jkosar@saintmauriceparish.org lcaprara@saintmauriceparish.org

Fr. Daniel A. Adjei In Residence

Word of God Parish 7446 McClure Avenue Swissvale, PA 15218 Administrative Office: 2021 S. Braddock Ave Pittsburgh PA 15218

Parish Office

Phone: 412-241-1372

FAX: 412-271-2335

Website: www.madonnadelcastello.org

Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

Parish Staff

Deacon Ron Demblowski Pastoral Associate

wordofgodpa@gmail.com

Michael Burke

Music Director

Karen Flynn Parish Secretary

wordofgod1994@gmail.com

December 8, 2019 Second Sunday of Advent

CLERGY TEAM

Fr. Frank D. Almade Administrator

Fr. Martin F. Barkin Senior Parochial Vicar

Fr. Albert J. Semler Senior Parochial Vicar

Fr. Jeremy J. Mohler Parochial Vicar

Mr. Joseph M. Dougherty Deacon

Mr. Keith G. Kondrich Deacon

Mr. Herb E. Riley Deacon

This Week’s Mass Schedule and Intentions (Confessions: Saturday, 12:00 Noon-1:00 PM at Word of God & St. Colman; 7:30-8:00 PM, Monday at St. Maurice)

Date Time Location Intention Offered By

Sat. December 7 Vigil Mass

4:00 PM St. John Fisher 1) †Frank Pizzuto 2) †Matthew Clark

1) Ann Halechko 2) Pelligrini Family

4:00 PM St. Maurice 1) For the People of our Parishes

2) †Roseann Manns 2) Sandy & Ed Best

5:30 PM St. Colman †Don McGowan Family

5:30 PM Madonna del Castello †Rose Rocco Edward & Nell Hardy

Sunday, December 8

Second Sunday of Advent

8:00 AM Good Shepherd †Linda McLaughlin McLaughlin & Klemencic

Families

9:00 AM St. Jude the Apostle 1) †Antonio & Michelina Travisano

2) In thanksgiving for prayers answered 1) Travisano Family

9:00 AM Word of God †Sophie C. Fazio/†JoAnn Nied Family/Family

10:00 AM St. Colman 1) †Josephine Alexander

2) †Roseann Incheck

1) Bill & Patti Connelly & Family

2) Dr. & Mrs. Cervino

10:00 AM St. Maurice †Justine Clougherty Clougherty Family

11:00 AM Sacred Heart †Elizabeth E. Chismar The Fetsick Family

11:30 AM St. John Fisher 1) †Larry Reiling

2) †Kathleen Kelly 1) Rick Reiling

2) Eileen Kisloff

5:30 PM St. Colman All Living & Deceased Members of our Parishes

Mon. Dec. 9 The Immaculate

Conception of the Virgin Mary

8:00 AM St. Colman 1) †Jean Nolan

2) †Harold Caprara 1) John Nolan family

2) Family

7:00 PM St. Maurice †Martin Conroy Mary & Family

Tues. Dec. 10 Advent Weekday

7:00 AM Sacred Heart †Nicolina Hardy Edward Hardy

8:00 AM St. Colman †Alphonso Botti Mark Botti

9:00 AM Madonna del Castello †Dorothy Scanlon Estate

Wed. Dec. 11 Advent Weekday

8:00 AM St. John Fisher 1) †Nicolina Hardy 2) †Barbara Terpok

1) Husband, Edward Hardy 2) Paulette Hamilton

9:00 AM Sacred Heart †John “Pat” Funyak Tom Riddlebaugh

Thurs. Dec. 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe

7:00 AM Sacred Heart †Helen Mogus Family

8:00 AM St. John Fisher †Pauline Schultz Beverly & Edwin School

9:00 AM Word of God †Jeffrey Plutto Mom & Family

Fri. Dec. 13 Saint Lucy, Virgin

and Martyr

8:00 AM St. Jude the Apostle 1) †Catherine Vana

2) †Dominic & Anthony J. Parisi 1) Daughter, Clara

2) Natalie

9:00 AM St. Maurice (ECS) †Matthew Clark Mary Rose & Susan

Sat. Dec. 14 Vigil Mass

4:00 PM St. John Fisher 1) †John & Mary Zinza 2) †Richard Bostjancic

1) Granddaughter 2) Wife

4:00 PM St. Maurice †Juan, Amanda & Hector Garcia Family

5:30 PM St. Colman †Pat Trainor Bour Family

5:30 PM Madonna del Castello 1) For the People of our Parishes

2) †John Zak 2) Family

Sunday, December 15

Third Sunday of Advent

8:00 AM Good Shepherd †Nicolina Hardy John & Diana Hardy

9:00 AM St. Jude the Apostle †David Speranzo Sisters & Brother

9:00 AM Word of God †Sophie C. Fazio Family

10:00 AM St. Colman †Roseann Alexander Boyd Mother & Family

10:00 AM St. Maurice †Mary Rosicci—Anniv. Family

11:00 AM Sacred Heart †Betty Hopta Her Children

11:30 AM St. John Fisher 1) †Kathy Cassella 2) †Cecelia Dugan

1) SJF Ladies of Charity 2) Husband, John

5:30 PM St. Colman All Living & Deceased of our Parishes

Is. 35:1-6a, 10 Jas. 5:7-10 Mt. 11:2-11

Faithful Chronicles By Father Frank D. Almade

I don’t tweet, and I have no plans to start a Twitter account. If I did, however, here are a few of my thoughts, some serious, some pastoral and some silly. ***Parishioners have expressed frustration with us priests, about not seeing us on Sundays. I feel frustrated too. Each of the four of us priests is only in a church once every four weeks. ***Here’s our rotation: Week 1, three Masses at St. Colman; week 2, two at St. John Fisher and one at St. Jude; week 3, two at St. Maurice and one at Good Shepherd; week 4, Madonna, Word of God and Sacred Heart. ***I try to give Father Daniel Adjei one Mass every weekend, so that all parishioners see him. This also gives a priest only two Masses on a weekend. ***Big word of thanks to the committee members who planned the Ghana Night. Wonderful liturgy, great food. Generous folks from all parishes have contributed over $34,000. Wow! ***The total amount raised toward building Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Ghana is over $100,000. Soon it will be completed. ***Father Daniel, smiling and dancing priest, everybody loves you! ***Let parishioners know that Father Carl Gentile will again celebrate the 6:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve in St. John Fisher Church. ***Be sure to share the schedule of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses with your family and neighbors. We welcome everyone to our celebration of the Birth of Jesus our Savior. ***This has been the most frustrating and roller coaster year for the Steelers in 30 years. Tough on us fans, tough on the players too. ***Don’t talk politics over your Christmas dinner. Unless you never want to see your in-laws again. …Then again???... ***Making plans for next year? Here are my three wild and crazy hopes: Ride the Zamboni at a Penguins game. See the city of Pittsburgh from the Goodyear blimp. Be the color commentator for an NFL game. ***Or, would you believe, visit the three continents I’ve never set foot on, Africa, Australia and Antarctica. ***If we are privileged on following through with the process of making our “eight great churches of the East” into one new parish next year, this will be the third time for me. ***I helped merge Nativity of Our Lord and Annunciation parishes into Incarnation of the Lord Parish on the North Side of Pittsburgh in 1993. ***And I helped merge Madonna of Jerusalem, St. John Cantius and St. Mary parishes into St. Juan Diego parish in Sharpsburg in 2009. ***What will be our new parish’s name? Only Bishop Zubik knows, and will share with us in May. ***As I continue to get familiar with the “eight great churches of the East” I was surprised to learn that the adoration chapel in St. Maurice Church is dedicated to Archbishop Coleman Carroll, who was the parish’s pastor from 1949 to 1951. ***Archbishop Carroll, a native of Pittsburgh, was the first bishop, and later first archbishop, of the diocese of Miami, Florida. He died in 1977. ***And I was pleased to learn that the image of Christ’s crucifixion hanging on the back wall of St. Maurice Church over the tabernacle was painted by the grandmother of Father Nick Vaskov, a priest of our diocese. ***Father Nick is now the administrator of the new “Pittsburgh shrines” grouping. He was baptized in St. Maurice Church. ***A great big thanks to the 55 parishioners who joined Deacon Herb Riley and his wife Cheryl for “Amen to Action” at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Friday after Thanksgiving. ***Some 5,000 Christians packed over 1,000,000 meals for shelters and food banks—in less than three hours! How’s that for organization! ***Talk about, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” ***Bishop Zubik sent his regards via video, as he was in Rome visiting Pope Francis. ***Have you seen the new stained-glass windows in St. John Fisher church, to replace those destroyed by fire? Lovely. And it only took 16 months to replace them. ***Congratulations to our four candidates for reception into full communion through the R.C.I.A., who were ceremonially welcomed last Sunday. We pray daily for more to hear the call of Jesus inviting them to discipleship through our Catholic Church. ***The older I get the slower I drive, and the more I use my turn signal.

Placement/Entrance Test for eighth grade boys who wish to attend Central Catholic beginning in the Fall of 2020 will be administered Sat., Dec. 14; no fee. Complete registration online at www.centralcatholichs.com/apply. Call the Admissions Office at 412-621-7505 with any questions.

Hi Rise Mass, Thurs., Dec. 19, 1:30 p.m., Community Room, 1826 Monongahela Ave., Swissvale. For more information call the parish office, 412-241-1372.

Child Protective Services Law: Report any acts of child abuse to Commonwealth of PA Hotline 1-800-932-0313.

Diocesan Victim Assistance Hotline: 1-888-808-1235.

PRO LIFE CORNER: For a Christian to speak or act publicly in a pro-choice manner is a scandal to the Gospel and Jesus Christ. Join pro-life today.

Have you noticed the simple, intriguing notes in the bulletins over the past few weeks? Our first note was, "Life is a journey. Where are you headed?" These notes were all placed to peak your interest and entice you to find out more about your faith and your personal relationship with Christ. Our grouping has embarked on a wonderful journey of faith and we'd like you all to be a part of it! We will be bringing ChristLIfe, a dynamic, Catholic, evangelical interactive series to our grouping

starting in February 2020! ChristLife was designed for participants to refocus their faith life and gain a deeper, closer and more personal relationship with God. Over seven weeks, we hope to help our participants to learn to love God, our neighbor and ourselves in a whole new way! Please continue to read the bulletin for more information on how YOU can take part in this transformative series, too! God wants you to join us.... please listen to His call!

Are you searching for more? discovering Christ... Join Us starting in February 2020

The Heritage Edition of The Saint John's Bible is a seven-volume hand-illuminated work of sacred art created by team of 15 scribes and illuminators using medieval materials and techniques. It is also a bible for the modern world, which reconciles Christian values with contemporary science, and places technology and current events within the context of the traditional biblical text. Parishioners are invited to view the Bible which is on exhibit at Duquesne University Gumberg Library's fourth floor Popular Reading

Room until December 20. A docent from the parish will be available Sunday December 8, 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. to answer questions and help visitors to interact with the bible by examining passages and images of personal interest. The exhibit is free and open to the public. To schedule a group visit of over 10 people, please contact Dr. Sara Baron, barons1@duq.edu. Visit https://guides.library.duq.edu/tsjb/visiting for more information. A reproduction version of the Saint John’s Bible is available in the parish library.

Preview Day-La Roche University-Mon., Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: High school juniors and seniors as well as transfer students are invited to learn more about the university. The University offers more than 50 career-focused majors, plus a unique Study Abroad+Study USA program that is included with the cost of tuition. Admissions counselors will answer questions, explain the application process, and give instant admission decisions to high school seniors. A campus tour is included, as is dinner. To register online, go to www.laroche.edu. Groups call 412-536-1272 to register. Questions? Email admissions@LaRoche.edu or call 412-536-1272. La Roche University, one of the most affordable private higher education institutions in Western Pennsylvania is private, nonprofit, Catholic, and co-educational. It is located in Pittsburgh’s North Hills, McCandless Township.

CHRISTMAS DISCERNMENT RETREAT: Are you striving to do something great with your life? Though the world offers you mediocrity, do you thirst for heroism and sainthood? College

and post-college men, come to “Made for Greatness: A Christmas Discernment Retreat,” to discern your vocation and learn more about the priesthood. Retreat master Deacon Jim Keating will lead the retreat. Deacon Keating, director of Theological Formation at the Institute for Priestly Formation, will offer life-changing insights and reflections to aid you in discerning what God is calling you to do with your life. The retreat takes place December 13-15 at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center. The weekend will include Mass, Adoration, conferences, opportunity for Confession, and solid brotherhood. No cost; men must be 18 or older. Visit PGHPriest.com by December 8 to register.

Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Come to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Paul Cathedral on December 12 at 5:30 p.m. The program begins with a Eucharistic Adoration at 5:30 p.m., followed by the recitation of the rosary at 6:00 p.m. and the Mass is at 7:00 p.m.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Sunday, December 8, 2019

Food Collection 4:00 PM - Lessons and Carols - St. Maurice Church

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 6:30 PM - St. Vincent de Paul - Davin Room

Wednesday, December 11, 2019 9:45 AM - Prayer Shawl Meeting - Lawrence Room

Thursday, December 12, 2019 6:30 PM - Giving Tree Packing Party - Keane Hall 7:00 PM - Bible Study - Parish Center

Saturday, December 14, 2019 8:00 AM - Breakfast With Santa - Keane Hall

Sunday, December 15, 2019 Donut Sunday

This Week

Saturday 6:30 PM Parish Family Social - Madonna Sunday - 2nd Collection - Utilities 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Library & Gift Shop open 10:00 AM Parish Family Social - Word of God Monday - Immaculate Conception (Not a Holy Day of Obligation) 6:30 PM Word of God Choir Rehearsal-Word of God Wednesday 10:30 AM Legion of Mary - Swissvale Towers Thursday 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM - Library & Gift Shop open 7:00 PM Prayer & Praise Group - Madonna Next Sunday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Library & Gift Shop open Prayer & Praise Group will meet at 7:00 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 12. They will not meet Thurs., Dec. 26. For info. call Mike Matthysse, 412-241-1254.

Prayer Line: 412-277-0693 or 412-871-3245

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS: Sun., Dec. 22, to decorate Good Shepherd Church for

Christmas. If anyone would like to volunteer please call the Good Shepherd Office at 412-271-1515. Office hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-1 PM.

Prayer Line: 412-804-8858

Dinners & Cookies can be purchased after the Sat. 5:30 p.m. Mass at Madonna in the hall twice a month and also after the Tues. 9:00 a.m. Mass. Dinners are in containers and include: Eggplant, Stuffed Shells, Plain Sauce, Rollatini & Meatballs, and Cavetelli. Baked goods include anginetts, iwanti, biscotti, and pizzelles. Everything is homemade. For information call 412-271-5666.

Our Parish Family Weekend Socials After Masses will be on Sat., Dec. 7 & Sun., Dec. 8. Hosted at Madonna by volunteers and Word of God by Finance Council.

The Legion of Mary assists people to grow in holiness. Working for and with others as disciples can give a new meaning to your life. See “Lend a Hand” literature in the church racks.

GIVING TREE: The program helps local individuals and families as well as LGAR Home, Genesis, Steel Valley Family Center and Auberle. Gifts should be returned wrapped by Tuesday, December 10, with the tag visible. For gifts associated with LGAR (indicated by a purple tag), the organization has requested items be wrapped in a gift bag. Thank you for your generosity.

THE GIVING TREES: are in the churches with the tags attached. Please help us help some families have a good Christmas. The deadline for tags to be returned with gifts is December 15.

PACKING PARTY: Volunteers of all ages are welcome to come to St. Maurice Keane Hall Thursday, December 12 at 6:30 PM to help sort and pack gifts for the Giving Tree. Your help is greatly appreciated.

DONUT SUNDAY: will be held in St. Maurice Keane Hall next week, Sunday, December 15, after Mass. Please join us for coffee, juice and donuts.

FOOD FOR THE NEEDY: The St. Maurice Conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society will be collecting food for the needy this weekend at the 4:00 PM Vigil Mass and the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass at St. Maurice

Church. Please make sure the food is nonperishable, in good condition and has NOT expired. Thank you for replenishing our pantry!

Memorial Offerings ST. MAURICE: Tabernacle Lamp is in memory of Joanne Kosar by Family.

WORD OF GOD: Tabernacle Lamp is in memory of Dora & Frank Urick from Grandchildren Matthew & Terri Urick.

IN YOUR CHARITY, we pray for the souls who were buried recently: Anna Radokovic, John Niehl, Georgiann Boone, Eleanora Senic, Nicholas Pohorilak, and Joseph Evancho. May their souls rest in peace with Christ.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Tuesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. - St. Colman 4:00 p.m. - St. Maurice 4:00 p.m. - Sacred Heart 5:00 p.m - St. Jude the Apostle 6:00 p.m. - St. John Fisher 7:30 p.m. - St. Maurice 10:00 p.m. - St. John Fisher 12 Midnight - Word of God Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. - Good Shepherd 10:00 a.m. - St. Colman 10:00 a.m. - Madonna del Castello 11:00 a.m. - Word of God

SPECIAL CONFESSION TIMES FOR ADVENT Tues., Dec. 17, 7:00 p.m. - St. Jude the Apostle Church Wed., Dec. 18, 1:00 p.m. - St. Colman Church Thurs., Dec. 19, 7:00 p.m. - John Fisher Church

THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU! is an initiative of the Diocese of Pittsburgh to encourage Catholics to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is a wonderful opportunity to set aside our sinful

ways and to draw closer to our Lord. Here in our grouping, we will offer confessions Wed., Dec. 11, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 1600 Brinton Rd., Braddock Hills, PA 15221; and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Maurice Church, 2001 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA 15221. If you have been reluctant to come to the sacrament, have been away for some time or just found it difficult to get to a Saturday afternoon confession time, this is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Christ and His Church.

Lessons and Carols, Celebrating the Immaculate Conception of Mary on Sunday, December 8 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Maurice

This year, the St. Maurice Music Ministry presents a new twist on our Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols as we celebrate the Blessed Mother in readings and song. We also welcome the Good Shepherd Ringers for this beautiful afternoon in devotion to Mary. Readings will be interspersed with Marian themed music and prayer. The service is free to everyone and a light reception will follow in Keane Hall. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to join us for this beautiful event.

Since the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, December 9, it is not a day of obligation in the USA.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HANDBELL CHOIR will be

performing their Christmas concert, "Glory to the Newborn King," Sun., Dec. 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Word of God Church in Swissvale and also Sun., Dec. 22, 2:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Church in Braddock. Join us as we help celebrate and ring

in the Christmas season with holiday favorites such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "O Holy Night," "A Midnight Clear," "The First Noel," and more! Concerts are free and open to the public. We'd love to help you slow down and celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon of joyous music.

Parish Stewardship - November 24 Good Shepherd .............. $ 4,263.00 Madonna del Castello .... $ 1,275.00 St. Maurice ..................... $ 6,829.00 Word of God .................. $ 5,395.00

Parish Stewardship - December 1 Good Shepherd .............. $ 3,819.00 Madonna del Castello .... $ 1,368.00 St. Maurice ..................... $ 7,300.00 Word of God .................. $ 4,711.00

Jon Zellhart and Friends present Kronos Duo: Join us for a celebration of beautiful music for guitar, clarinet, voice, and singing of your Christmas favorites!

Sunday, December 15 at 3:30 p.m. St. John Fisher Parish 33 Lewin Lane Pittsburgh, PA 15235

RETROUVAILLE: Does your marriage need a rebirth? Retrouvaille has helped countless couples experiencing marital difficulty at all levels from disillusionment to deep misery. For confidential information, please call 412-277-3434 or email 3041@retrouvaille.org. The next weekend retreat is Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Call today to begin the healing process or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

EAST CATHOLIC SCHOOL-SOUNDS OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON Dec. 11, 7:00 p.m. - Gr. 3 & 4 will perform “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Also School Band Concert, Keane Hall (cafeteria). Dec. 17, 7:00p.m. - Gr. 5-8 - “Living Nativity,” story of Jesus’ birth through narration, song & liturgical dances. For info. call 412-351-5403.

ECUMENICAL CAROL FESTIVAL: Sun., Dec. 15, 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m., Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, 2018 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218. Carols sung by the audience will be

interspersed with music, readings, storytelling, etc. from members of area churches. A money offering will be taken for the local Food Pantries. A reception will follow. For more info.contact Deacon Ron Demblowski at 412.241.1372 or wordofgodpa@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Swissvale Ministerial Association.

PARISH LIBRARY/GIFT SHOP NEWS SPECIAL HOURS Sun., Dec. 15: 9am-2pm!!

Christmas at the Gift Shop: Stop in for traditional Christmas Wafers (Oplatki), boxed Christmas cards at reasonable prices, and unique Christmas cards for those who have lost a loved one. Drawing for the Special raffle is

today!—Quilted Nativity Scene Wall Hanging plus more prizes! New St. Joseph Sunday Missal for 2019-2020—Year A—$5.00 each—great for shut-ins! “Requiem for the Living” CDs from the Service of Remembrance—2/$25 or $15.00 each. Parish Library: Looking to bring to life the true meaning of the Advent/Christmas Season? Visit for wonderful books and DVDs for children and adults that bring joy and less stress to this special time of year. Regular hours: Sundays—9:00-11:00am; and Thursdays—9:30am-Noon. Convenient location: 1st Floor—Word of God Parish Center at 7436 McClure Avenue—Swissvale.

Thoughts to Reflect On and Share

As Christians, to be of like mind with one another is to be of like mind with all that Jesus did and taught. -Deacon Herb

You can follow Deacon Herb on Facebook.

MADONNA & WORD OF GOD CHRISTMAS 2019 GIFT GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Sponsored by Madonna/Word of God Ladies of Charity GIVING TREES: Help us make Christmas more special

for the needy in our area! Bring your wrapped gift back to EITHER church with the gift tag attached. Please have your gift back to one of the churches by SUN., DEC. 15. Gift cards can be placed in an envelope (with the gift tag attached) and put it in the collection basket.

P.O.W.E.R.: Many of the women at P.O.W.E.R. have no one to remember them at Christmas. By donating small items for women ages 20-50, you will help brighten their Christmas and their recovery. Place all items in the boxes

set up in the back of Madonna and Word of God by SUN., DEC. 15. Suggested items: wallets, purses, pens & pencils, small notebooks, puzzle books, stamps, dusting

powder, stuffed animals, socks, hair accessories, body lotions, nail polish, knee highs, toothpaste, slippers, jewelry, and hand cream/lotions. Be creative! Hats, scarves, or gloves are not needed.

TOYS FOR TOTS: Dane Johnston/Edward Jones will serve as a drop off location for Toys for Tots. New, un-wrapped toys can be dropped off Monday through Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM at 1501 Ardmore Blvd., Suite 300. The last day to drop off toys will be Dec. 10. Thanks for your support.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: will be held Sat., Dec. 14, 8:00-10:00 AM in St. Maurice Keane Hall, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Tickets are available from a Knight after the Saturday & Sunday Masses or by calling Paul at 412-271-1538.

Students age 8 & older are invited to join the St. John Fisher Youth Christmas Choir. The choir will sing before and during the 6:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve, Dec.24. There will be three rehearsals: Dec. 8, 15, 22, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Maurice. Please encourage your child to participate! We would like the music of this choir to be our young people’s gift to Christ on His birthday. Please fill out the form below and return in the collection basket or drop off at the church office no later than Sun., Dec. 8. We must have an accurate count to have materials adequately prepared. —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —- —- —- —— —— ——

St. John Fisher Youth Christmas Choir

Name_______________________________________________________________________Age________ Parent/Guardian Name_____________________________________________________________________ Email____________________________________________Phone_________________________________