STAFF Administrator: Fr. John Gallagher

Parochial Vicar: Fr. Mark L. Thomas Parochial Vicar: Fr. James Torquato Parochial Vicar: Fr. David J . Egan

Deacon: Donald Pepe

Office Manager: Louis Ferrario (Extension 110)

Business Manager: Julie Strosnider

(Extension 115)

Faith Formation & RCIA: 724-752-1271

Elementary Director: Mrs. Laurie Nocera

Secondary and Adult Director Pastoral Associate:

Ms. Kay Ann Bellissimo

Youth Minister: Diego Araujo 724-758-4411—Ext. 160

Social Services: 724-758-3465

Music Ministry: 724-752-9518 Director: Mrs. Frances Fotia

Organist: David Kosior

Catholic Parish Cemetery Association: 724-323-0033

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday: 9:00 a.m.

RECONCILIATION Saturday: 12:30—1:30 p.m.

BAPTISMS

Baptisms are held the third Sunday of every month at 12:15 p.m. One preparation session

is required and will be offered on Oct. 9th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Parish Ministry Center. Pre-registration is required. (Please

come before the baby is born.)

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Please contact one of the parish priests at

least 6 months in advance. An initial meeting with a parish priest is required before a

wedding date is agreed upon. Participation in a marriage preparation program is required.

“A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust”

415 Fourth Street & Park Avenue • Ellwood City, PA 16117 Parish Office: 300 Crescent Ave, Suite 1 • Ellwood City, PA 16117

Phone: 724-758-4411 • Fax: 724-752-1466 Website: www.holyredeemerparishpgh.com

Dec.1, 2019 • First Sunday of Advent

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT We, the people of Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Parish, are one family united in Jesus Christ.

Blessed by the Father's love, redeemed by the Son and guided by the Holy Spirit, we freely share our faith and serve the community with love and compassion. God, our Father calls us to

enrich our lives through Word and Sacrament, Prayer and Action. We pledge to build our lives according to the truths of Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church.

We welcome you to join our faith journey.

Cranberry Twp., Ellwood City and Zelienople Grouping

Holy Redeemer Parish Holy Redeemer Parish

serving

Ellwood City, Zelienople and Cranberry Twp.

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA

Support all Catholic Education: “Great Beginnings last a lifetime.”

Time seems to be flying by. It was just Thanksgiving and now we have already entered the First Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel Lesson for today, Jesus is warning us to not let the events of our daily living take our focus off of Jesus. A long time ago there was a Brady Bunch episode that used this line: “When you least expect it; expect it.” I don’t remember the episode, except there was revenge involved, but the line always stuck in my mind as truthful. “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and swept them away... Stay awake! At an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come” (MT 24:37-44). How do we stay awake? The verse: “They did not know until the flood came and swept them away” is important. We live in a time of many floods, perhaps not “literally”, but surely “figuratively.” These floods are emotionally charged experiences that invoke a “knee-jerk” reaction from us. Poverty, crime, politics, social interaction, employment, marriage and family, and many other topics can bring about hostile and unhappy thoughts. If we allow them, they can be a flood that sweeps us away. It is important to stay focused on Jesus. We are born unhappy. The first thing we need is nourishment. From our first moments of life we are needy. Unless we are grounded in Jesus and truly want to be His, we run the risk of being swept away by these floods that seemingly spring out of nowhere. On the First Sunday of Advent, Jesus seems to be saying, “Stay rooted in Me, because when you least expect it- expect it!” Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen.

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MARK L. THOMAS

Saturday, November 30, 2019—Vigil Mass for the First Sunday of Advent 5:00 P.M. Joseph T. Maietta (Mother and Sisters) Sunday, December 1, 2019—First Sunday of Advent 9:00 A.M Jim Laverty (Jane Petrak) 11:00 A.M. Dena Ottobre (Josephine Mancini) Monday, December 2, 2019 9:00 A.M. Louis Nocera, Sr. & Louis Nocera, Jr. (Family) Tuesday, December 3, 2019—Saint Francis Xavier, Priest 9:00 A.M. Frank Borroni (Daughter, Lori and John Engle Family) 7:00 P.M. NO HOLY HOUR Wednesday, December 4, 2019—Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church 9:00 A.M. Albert Amadio (Wife and Family) Thursday, December 5, 2019 9:00 A.M. Emery, Mark, Rose & Elmer Cortez (Family) Friday, December 6, 2019—Saint Nicholas, Bishop 9:00 A.M. Charles Fairbrother (Shirley Dominelli and Family) Saturday, December 7, 2019—Saint Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 9:00 A.M. Ann Fatter (Marian and Terry Lindenmuth) Saturday, December 7, 2019—Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent 5:00 P.M. Frank and Mafalda Dombeck (Family) Sunday, December 8, 2019—Second Sunday of Advent 9:00 A.M. William J. Puz (Wife and Son) 11:00 A.M. Sick and Deceased of the Mystical Rose Society (Members) If you requested a weekend Mass and wish to carry the gifts at the Rite of Offertory, please inform an usher before Mass.

The Shining Star Tree The trees are in the vestibule of the Church. Please take a star from the Tree, wrap your gift and attach the tag securely to the outside. Gifts must be returned to the church vestibule or the Social Service

Office by Sunday, Dec. 8th. Stars are also available in the parish office.

Charlotte Ryan Newman, daughter of Ryan and Krista (Houk) Newman. May God Bless your family and friendsl

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 1, 2019

Remember Holy Redeemer Parish in your will.

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 24:37-44 Monday: 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 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 [6cd]/ Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118: 1 and 8-9. 19-21, 25- 27a [26a]/Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 [1a]/Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/ Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8 Next Sunday: Is 11:1-10/ Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 19 [cf. 7]/Rom 15:4-9/Mt 3:1-12

SUNDAY CONTRIBUTIONS November 16th/17

Weekly Contributions received……….…...$7,859.35 Monthly Contributions received………......$2,730.00 Religious Retirement Fund received……..$2,023.00

November 23rd/24th Due to the early submission of the bulletin to our publisher, contributions received will be listed next week. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF OUR PARISH. YOUR HELP IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED.

2019 PARISH SHARE Parish Goal: $136,876.00 Money Received: $ 87,742.43 Needed to reach goal: $ 49,133.57

All money over our goal is the parish’s—tax free!

ALTAR FLOWERS This week’s Altar Flowers are In Memory of Gloria Houk

Donated by son, Mark and Family

TABERNACLE FLOWERS This week’s Tabernacle Flowers are

In Memory of Frank L. Borroni Donated by wife, Norma and Family

The Social Services/Food Bank will have an Open House on Sunday, Dec. 8th from 10:00AM to 12:30PM. Stop and visit the staff at the new location, the Holy Redeemer Center (former HR School), return your Shining Star Gift and join us for refreshments. Everyone is welcome!

The Holy Redeemer Social Club will have their annual trip to Wheeling Island and Oglebay’s Festival of Lights on Dec. 8th leaving the Catholic Center parking lot at 9:00AM. Cost: $25 per person. Payment must accompany reservation. Call Stretch at 724-752-3751 for more info.

“O Come Let Us Adore Him”

An Advent and Christmas Program of Readings and

Music

Presented by

ONE VOICE

Sunday, December 8th at 7:00PM Holy Redeemer Church

A Free Will offering will be taken to benefit

The Holy Redeemer Ministerium Social Services and Food Bank

Pepperoni Puffs 5 puffs in a bag—$20 per bag

Cooked and Frozen Ready to Heat and Eat

Available at the parish office or call 724-758-4411—Ext. 110 to order

Delicious, potato cheese pierogis. They are available at the parish office for $6.00 a dozen. If you wish a large order of 6 dozen or more, please call the parish

office at 724-758-4411 Ext. 110.

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA

Diocesan Toll-Free Number for Abuse Response: 1-888-808-1235

Dec. 1, 2019: Social Club Annual Children’s Christmas Party-2 to 4PM-Catholic Center-Registration is required by calling the Parish Office at 724-758-4411 Ext. 110 Dec. 3, 2019: Grouping Listening Session—

7:00PM—St. Gregory Church—Come share your thoughts about the present and the future of our parishes. Dec. 4, 2019: Advent Evening of Prayer & Reflection—7:00PM—Church Dec. 7, 2019: SAG Meeting—9:30AM—Lunchroom Dec. 7, 2019: Ladies of Charity Meeting-10:00AM—Catholic Center—All ladies of the parish, “Consider joining us!” We need you!!! Dec. 8, 2019: Annual Advent Christmas Concert by ONE VOICE—7:00PM—Holy Redeemer Church Dec. 9, 2019: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Masses at 9:00AM and 7:00PM—The obligation to attend has been suspended for this year. Dec. 10, 2019: NO HOLY HOUR— Fr. Mark will speak on “ An Advent with St. Matthew”—7:00PM—Holy Redeemer Center, Rm. 107 Dec. 11, 2019: The Light Is On For You for the Sacrament of Reconciliation—6:00PM to 9:00PM Dec. 14/15, 2019: Bambinelli Sunday at all weekend Masses –11:00AM Children’s Mass—All are encouraged to bring your Baby Jesus to be blessed at all Masses Dec. 15, 2019: Second Collection for Christmas Charities for Children and Youth Dec. 15, 2019: Annual Holy Redeemer Christmas Dinner—1:00PM Cocktails/Appetizers, 2:00PM Dinner—Cost $20 per person—Call your reservations into the Parish Office Dec. 17, 2019: Confessions with Priests from our grouping –7:00PM Dec. 25, 2019: FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER, 11:00AM to 1:00PM—First United Methodist Church, 416 Crescent Ave, Ellwood City– All are welcome! - For more information, call 724-714-3308

Weekly/Monthly Events Every 4th Monday: Social Club meeting at 6:00pm in the lunchroom Every Monday: Bible Study Group—10:00AM—Holy Redeemer Center—Bring a Catholic Bible, pen & small notebook—Enter the 3rd Street door Tuesday to Thursday: Social Service Office open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Closed Monday and Friday. First Tuesday of every month: Knights of Columbus meeting at Carusone’s Catering on Lawrence Ave.—6:30PM 2nd Wednesday of every month: Ellwood City Fire Department—First Aid & CPR Classes are available—6:30PM -Call Anita Yoder at 724-333-4992 for more information and reservations Every Thursday: Choir practice—7PM—Church—New members are most welcome! First Thursday of every month: Social Services/Food Bank unloading of truck from the Pittsburgh Food Bank, beginning at 9:00AM at their new location—311 Lawrence Ave. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Pizza lunch provided. Every Friday: Friday Night Bingo—7:00PM—Catholic Center - Fun! Fun! Fun! First Saturday of every month: SAG Meeting-9:30AM-Lunchroom

The 2020 $40 Social Club Calendar Ticket is now available at the Parish Office. This year long ticket is based on the daily three digit PA lottery evening (unless noted) number. Tickets go fast, so if you want that special number for a Christmas gift, call the parish office today!

SERVING THE PARISH DECEMBER 7TH/8TH

EMHC 5:00 P.M. *Guy Calabro, Karen Woloszyn, Kay Bellissimo, Jackie Dimeo, Melissa Rosendale, Carol Nocera, Linda DeSanzo 9:00 A.M. *Mary Parente, Jo Ann Smith, Jane Petrak, Mary Anne Mansell, Susanna Schaffer, Mimi Spade, Jan Zayas 11:00 A.M. *Judy Yeykal, Loretta Silvestri, Rosina Betz, Charlie Chaffin, David DeCaria, Bonnie Wadding, Mary Ellen McDowell READERS 5:00 P.M. Stacey Cunningham 9:00 A.M. Debbie Kucan 11:00 A.M. Heather Ketterer

CANTORS 5:00 P.M. Stacey Cunningham 9:00 A.M. CHOIR 11:00 A.M. Francesca Nardone

SERVERS 5:00 P.M. Cameron Dimeo, Michael Styn, Matthew Bowser 9:00 A.M. Emily Borroni, Sophie Gray, Mia Meredith 11:00 A.M. Alexa, Nichole and Sophia Bartolomeo

GREETERS 5:00 P.M. Laura McMichael, Carol Nocera 9:00 A.M. Norm Giancola, Joyce Hackett, Louise Carrozza, Pat Morabito 11:00 A.M. Patty D’Ambrosio, Norma Zingaro

MONEY COUNTERS Dec. 8, 2019 Sandy & Chuck Houk, Cathy DeBlaso, Donna Zikeli Dec. 9, 2010 Herman Petti, Jr., Dave & Vicki Manzo, Karen Williams

ALTAR LINENS Dec. 8, 2019 Ann Colella

PRIESTS SCHEDULE December 7th/8th

St. Gregory: 5:00PM (Sat.), 8:00AM and 11:30AM

Fr. John Gallagher with Deacon preaching

Holy Redeemer: 5:00PM (Sat.), 9:00AM and 11:00AM Fr. Mark Thomas

St. Ferdinand: 4:00PM & 6:00PM (Sat.)

Fr. James Torquato 8:00AM & 10:00AM 12:00PM & 5:00PM Fr. David Egan Fr. Ed Kunco

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion & Greeters: Please call the Faith Formation Office (724)752-1271 to volunteer for the Christ-mas Masses at 5:00 & 10:00 PM on Christmas Eve and 9:00AM on Christmas Day. Thank You!

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA

Mary T. Bartolomeo Rita Bartolomeo Susan Bennett Ashley McBride Bezilla Jamie Brightwell David Brooks Carmen Bucci Aurelius Burfict Anthony Buzzelli Judy Buzzelli Vance Byram Rozanne Carosi Dana Cirelli Ray Colledge Helen Colosimo Frederick Conley Mary Jo Conley Ethan Conte Bill Contino Izzy Contino Ruth Edna Cordes Leroy Cortez

Sam Crangi, Sr. Fr. Joseph Dascenzo Danny DeCaria Shirley Dominelli Helen Fiori Stella Fray Marilyn Frost Jennifer Fry Joseph Gasper Cindy Gatto Pat Gerello Stephen Grinnen James M. Hackett James W. Hackett Dana Baker Hare Robert Holmes Johnny Horvath Shannon Wimer Hunston Catherine Jaskolka Noah Jones John Kati Rick Keisling Justin Kelly Aimee Knauff Denise Knauff Sr. Joanne Kokosinski Antonietta Lightner Mike Lodovico

Theresia Manz Stephan Manz Arlene Maielli Norma Marker Francesca Mayo Maura McGee Kristen Parker Mihalko Jodi Minteer Brooke Moffatt Bridget Musquire James Norton Anthony Onufer Joanne Ottaviani Antoinette Pansera Bruce Patrick Audrey Patterson Carlo Pisani Frieda Pitelka Rosaline Pratt Duney Pietrcollo Vic Rangel Apollo Rangel Bob Reisinger Gabriel Richard Rose Ritter Lisa Roth Kathleen Russo Jill Rutter

Larry Sano, Sr. Julie Santillo Diane Scott Debra Shaffer Catherine Shuttleworth William Shuttleworth Cindy Skvarla Lena Rose Smith Nancie Straessley Jim Sudano Doreen Tomon Carolyn Viccari Dom Viccari Frank & Delida Viccari Patty Viccari Ronnie Viccari Sondra Viccari Robert Whalen Joni Whelan Cristin Willhelm Ron Williams Valerie Yukner Frank Zayas Karl Zimmerman Family must call the office at 724-758-4411 Ext 110 to add a name

We have received requests for the following Christmas card addresses:

Fr. Joseph Dascenzo Villa St. Joseph of Baden, Inc.

1030 West Street Baden, Pa 15005

Fr. Camillus Njoku Sr. Joanne Kokosinski Apt. 2C Villa Walsh 1518 West Touhy Ave. 455 Wester Ave. Chicago, IL 60626 Morristown, N.J. 07960

Fr. Zachary Galiyas Fr. David Rombold Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Holy Child Parish 1109 South Main Street 212 Station Street Burgettstown, PA 15021 Pittsburgh, Pa 15017

Christmas Flower Memorials Please submit your Christmas Flower Memorial donations by Thursday, December 12th. PLEASE PRINT all information clearly. Any questions, please call the Parish Office at 724-758-4411 Ext.110.

We are excited to announce that Dynamic Catholic and Allen Hunt are coming to St. Ferdinand Church with the event Find Your Greatness! Dynamic Catholic events are not just about feeling. They are about doing. They don’t just give you something to think about, they give you a plan. They help you make your life work better. Together, with St. Gregory and Holy Redeemer Churches, we are so excited to bring this life-changing event to our community on Saturday, March 21st. Tickets are available online at DynamicCatholic.com/CranberryTownship. Tickets will be available at all Masses Dec. 7th/8th. This is an event you don’t want to miss! We can’t wait to help you find your greatness!

Give the gift that keeps on Giving 365 days of the year. Fifty-two designated Saturdays offer cash prizes by the Special Activities Group of $1000 or $750 or $500 along with $135 per day Sunday thru Friday. Tickets are available, in the vestibule, after each Mass

throughout the months of November & December. Become a parish “financial minister” and purchase a 2020 Special Activities Group ticket which benefits the many needs of our parish. Further details can be found in the flyer available at the church exits.

St. Gregory Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: 4:00, 6:00 and 10:00PM

Christmas Day: 10:00AM

Holy Redeemer Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: 5:00 and 10:00PM

Christmas Day: 9:00AM

St. Ferdninand Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: Hall 4:00 & 6:00PM

Church 4:00, 6:00, 8:00PM & 12:00AM Christmas Day: 8:00, 10:00AM & 12:00PM

New Altar Servers Congratulations to Matthew Bowser, Sadie Grinnen and Mia Meredith who have successfully completed altar servers training classes and are now serving at parish Masses. May God grant you many blessings for your generosity in this new ministry..

Christmas Mass at Northview Estates with Fr. Mark on Friday, Dec. 6th at 3:00PM

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA