parish family of st. mary of the assumption · parish family of st. mary of the assumption 2510...

7
PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 2510 Middle Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 Founded 1834 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 9, 2012 PARISH STAFF Mr. Francis Dadowski, Deacon Mr. James Finn, Pastoral Associate Mr. Levi Hartle, Seminarian Mr. Robert Kardasz, Dir. of Music Ministries Father John Marcucci, Pastor Father Jeffrey Molnar, Parochial Vicar Ms. Antoinette Pilarski, Principal Father William Rutledge, Retired in Residence Sr. Lois Spinnenweber, CDP, Apostolate Minister Miss Rose Stegman, Dir. of Faith Formation Web Site: stmaryglenshaw.org E-Mail: [email protected] Parish Family Administration Office: 412-486-4100 Religious Formation Office - 412-486-5521 Parochial School -412-486-7611 Youth Ministry Office - 412-486-4100 Marian Hall - 412-684-1112 Social Ministry Office - 412-486-4021 Fax: 412-486-4150 SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. DAILY LITURGY SCHEDULE Monday through Friday at 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Saturday at 8:00 a.m. RECONCILIATION Saturday at 11:00 a.m. until final penitent is finished BAPTISM On Sunday twice a month after parental interview ANOINTING OF THE SICK Twice a year in a communal celebration Individually upon request MATRIMONY Saturday weddings at 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. Notification at least 6 months in advance BULLETIN DEADLINE Monday at 12:00 noon

Upload: haduong

Post on 11-May-2018

216 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION · PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 2510 Middle Road ... season in preparation for the Christmas. ... The Steeler game will

PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION

2510 Middle Road Glenshaw, PA 15116

Founded 1834

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 9, 2012

PARISH STAFF

Mr. Francis Dadowski, Deacon

Mr. James Finn, Pastoral Associate

Mr. Levi Hartle, Seminarian

Mr. Robert Kardasz, Dir. of Music Ministries

Father John Marcucci, Pastor

Father Jeffrey Molnar, Parochial Vicar

Ms. Antoinette Pilarski, Principal

Father William Rutledge, Retired in Residence

Sr. Lois Spinnenweber, CDP, Apostolate Minister

Miss Rose Stegman, Dir. of Faith Formation

Web Site: stmaryglenshaw.org E-Mail: [email protected] Parish Family Administration Office: 412-486-4100

Religious Formation Office - 412-486-5521 Parochial School -412-486-7611 Youth Ministry Office - 412-486-4100 Marian Hall - 412-684-1112 Social Ministry Office - 412-486-4021 Fax: 412-486-4150

SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE

Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

DAILY LITURGY SCHEDULE

Monday through Friday at 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Saturday at 8:00 a.m.

RECONCILIATION

Saturday at 11:00 a.m. until final penitent is finished

BAPTISM

On Sunday twice a month after parental interview

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Twice a year in a communal celebration Individually upon request

MATRIMONY

Saturday weddings at 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m.

Notification at least 6 months in advance

BULLETIN DEADLINE

Monday at 12:00 noon

Page 2: PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION · PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 2510 Middle Road ... season in preparation for the Christmas. ... The Steeler game will

Page Two St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Vol. 61 No. 50

LITURGY OF ADVENT As the season of Advent continues to move us

closer to the great event of the birth of the Savior, we look to the important prophets in both the old and new testaments to deliver the message of joyful expectation. Baruch of the Old Testament and John the Baptist of the New become the main characters of today’s liturgy. As we now return to “Year C” in the three year cycle of Sunday readings, the Gospel of LUKE will be spotlighted all during this year. We invite all parishioners to set aside the mad rush of the world’s shopping frenzy and prepare quietly through the reading of the scripture text as sent home in our Advent packet for the religious meaning of this joyous season in preparation for the Christmas.

ADVENT FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

Please plan on attending this year’s Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9th at 6:30 P.M. This year’s program features scripture and seasonal music from our Adult Choir, Children’ Choir, Contemporary Group, Handbell Choir and special instrumental and vocal performances. The Steeler game will be over (a win for us, we hope) and then we will be here to continue to cheer you up with some seasonal music as we “prepare the way” for the coming of Christmas.

PASTORAL COUNCL ANNIVERSARY Our Pastoral Council celebrated its TWELFTH Anniversary this past week with a special meal prepared and served by “Chef de cuisine MARY BETH.” The members of the Council now include Tricia Coyle, Jack DeAngelis, Sue Ferguson, Dona Hotopp, Paul Mitsch, Rich Nash, Kevin Schriver, and Debbie Schwoegl. We ask all parishioners to keep the intentions of these eight members in their prayers as they continue to offer their Lay Leadership in setting the objectives and goals for the coming year. Any parishioner who might wish to be considered for service on the Pastoral Council should make that request known to the rectory.

LOOKING FOR GIFT CARDS??? COMPANY OR INDIVIDUAL

STOP AT OUR SCRIPT OFFICE

FAMILY PICTURE WREATHS Have you noticed the Twelve Wreaths that have been placed on the walls around the church? Each Wreath represents a GIFT area of our Parish Family. We now invite families to place a picture of their own family in their GIFT envelope provided in the foyer of the church. The GIFT Coordinators will then attach these pictures to the proper Wreath. Each Wreath will show the families who belong to that GIFT to allow us to continue to bond together in our Community of Faith. Those who brought a picture last year may bring another if they choose, even though we have kept the ones from last year.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION The next opportunity for the sacrament of

Reconciliation in a communal celebration will take place this Saturday, December 15th, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the church. We have invited other priests to join us for the conferring of the absolution of the Lord Jesus. What an ideal way of preparing for the coming of the Christ Child --- experiencing the forgiveness of the divine Father. The “communal nature” of the sacrament emphasizes that we all are sinners in the eyes of our God, and yet we all come together to seek the forgiveness of our sinfulness.

OUR CHRISTMAS BAZAAR What a way to prepare for the celebrations and gift giving of the Christmas season! Come to our Christmas Bazaar --- next Saturday, December 15th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Marian Hall. A grand time for children with a photo with Santa, crafts and games! Raffle baskets, bake sale, crafts and vendors for adults! A special musical performance! This is an evening for the entire family --- eliminating the long lines, and pick-over items of the malls!

A TRIFECTA FOR CHRISTMAS (1) Today is the final day for bringing in the gifts that were chosen from the Sharing Tree; (2) Today is the day to pick up our St. Lucy seeds for your Christmas manger scene; (3) Today is a good time to stop at the rectory to purchase the Oplatki for a Christmas tradition!

BE A BIG TIME WINNER DO ALL THREE

HIT THE TRIFECTA!!!

Page 3: PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION · PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 2510 Middle Road ... season in preparation for the Christmas. ... The Steeler game will

jxx~Äç Tvà|ä|à|xá tà t ZÄtÇvx Sunday (Rectory) 10:00AM - R.C.I.A. December 9 (Marian Hall) 11:00AM - Liturgy of the Word for Children (Church) 6:30PM - Lessons & Carols

Monday (School) 4:30PM - CCD Classes December 10 (School) 6:30PM - CCD Classes (Church) 7:30PM - Brass Practice

Tuesday (Marian Hall) 7:00PM - Our Lady of Guadalupe Movie December 11 (Church) 8:00PM - Adult Hand Bells

Wednesday (Marian Hall) 1:30PM - 55 Social Group Bingo December 12 (Church) 2:45PM - Children Choir Practice (Marian Hall) 5:30PM - 55 Social Christmas Party (Rectory) 7:00PM - Catholics Coming Home (Church) 7:30PM - Adult Choir Practice

Thursday (Church) 2:45PM - Children’s Cantor Practice December 13 (Church) 8:00PM -Teen Chorale

Friday (School) 10:00AM - School Liturgy December 14

Saturday (School) 10:00AM - CCD Classes December 15 (Church) 10:30AM - Reconciliation (Marian Hall) 5:00PM - Christmas Bazaar

Sunday (Church) 9:00AM - Family Program December 16 (Marian Hall) 9:00AM - Liturgy of the Word for Children (Rectory) 10:00AM - R.C.I.A. (Catacombs) 10:00AM - Squires

PARKING ILLEGALLY ON OUR PROPERTY

All those who drive vehicles to our sacred grounds should be alert to the “NO PARKING” signs that are being placed in those areas where it is illegal to park. These areas have been designated by the proper Township authority and police persons from the Township, will patrol these areas by giving tickets to those who refuse to obey the signs!

December 9, 2012 Page Three

Liturgies

for the Week3\

Sunday, December 9, 2012 Sunday, December 9, 2012 Sunday, December 9, 2012 --- Second Sunday of AdventSecond Sunday of AdventSecond Sunday of Advent 4:00 p.m. William Ferraro - Harry & Rachele 6:00 p.m. Ralph Costa - Wife & Children 7:30 a.m. Giuseppe & Caterina Cugliari - The Cugliari Family 9:00 a.m. The Living & Deceased of Our Parish Family 11:00 a.m. Catherine & Elizabeth Betz - Family 6:30 p.m. Lessons and Carols

Monday, December 10, 2012 Monday, December 10, 2012 Monday, December 10, 2012 --- Advent WeekdayAdvent WeekdayAdvent Weekday 7:00 a.m. John Giel - Mary Jean Kirby 10:00 a.m. Andrew Caruso, Sr. - Rich & Toni Matone

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Tuesday, December 11, 2012 --- St. Damasus ISt. Damasus ISt. Damasus I 7:00 a.m. Caroline Druzak - Mr. & Mrs. Joe Zavolta 10:00 a.m. Ed Wesolek - Family

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 --- Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe 7:00 a.m. Nicola Barbieri - Mr. & Mrs. Tony Fusca 10:00 a.m. Susan Duncan - Friend, Rose

Thursday, December 13, 2012 Thursday, December 13, 2012 Thursday, December 13, 2012 --- St. LucySt. LucySt. Lucy 7:00 a.m. Domenico Distilo, Sr. - Family 10:00 a.m. Caterina & Antonio Pietropaolo - Daughter, Elizabeth

Friday, December 14, 2012 Friday, December 14, 2012 Friday, December 14, 2012 --- St. John of the Cross St. John of the Cross St. John of the Cross 7:00 a.m. Nancy & William Mascari - Tom & Mary Ann Zukowski 10:00 a.m. Thomas Pilarski - North Catholic Class of 1955

Saturday, December 15, 2012 Saturday, December 15, 2012 Saturday, December 15, 2012 --- Advent Weekday Advent Weekday Advent Weekday 8:00 a.m. Casey, Kerry & Rich Stiffey - Kathy 10:30 a.m. First Reconciliation 4:00 p.m. Stanley Antoszewski - The Ruffner Family 6:00 p.m. Peter Yasinsky - Bernie Taylor

Sunday, December 16, 2012 Sunday, December 16, 2012 Sunday, December 16, 2012 --- Third Sunday of AdventThird Sunday of AdventThird Sunday of Advent 7:30 a.m. Dr. Vincent Londino - Mrs. Grace Distilo 9:00 a.m. Adam & Irene Warenski - Paul J. Kramer Family 11:00 a.m. The Living & Deceased of Our Parish Family

Daily

Readings

December 10: Is 35;1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 December 11: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 December 12: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab: Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1;26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 December 13: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 December 14: Is 48; 17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 December 15: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80; 2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 December 16: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

December 1/2, 2012 Envelopes Contributions

Offertory 815 $26,213.40

Cash/Loose Checks - $659.00

Children’s Offertory 25 $47.25

Children/Youth Christmas 4 $37.00

Christmas Offertory 13 $860.00

Total 1134 $34,970.65

Parish Needy/St. Vincent dePaul 132 $3,283.00

Religious Retirement Fund 9 $1,175.00

Parish Share Program 2012 7 $420.00

Christmas Flowers 119 $2,185.00

Immaculate Conception Offertory 5 $43.00

Solemnity of Mary 5 $48.00

Page 4: PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION · PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 2510 Middle Road ... season in preparation for the Christmas. ... The Steeler game will

December 9, 2012 Page Four

SACRAMENTAL LIFE Baptized in Christ

Liam Michael Pawlak

Congratulations to his parents, godparents, and grandparents. Please join us in welcoming him into our Parish Family.

BANNS OF MARRIAGE I. Alex Manzonelli (Our Lady of Grace) & Heather DeFazio (St. Mary)

OUR PRAYER VESSEL - Have you noticed the glass vessel placed near the tabernacle? All have the opportunity to fill out an intention slip and place it in the vessel. Every day the special intentions are remembered at Mass. All our intentions are mentioned each week during the Prayer of the Faithful.

RCIA - is the process through which non-Catholics enter the Catholic Church. We gather each Sunday morning at 10:00am in the rectory dining room. All are welcome. This week we will discuss Marriage and Holy Orders. Next week will discuss Church history in the U. S. and the world. For more information, call Jim Finn at 412.486.4100.

LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO is a ministry for parents with young children under the age of five years. The next PRAY and PLAY Day will be on Wednesday, December 19th, and we’ll discuss St. Francis and Christmas crèche. There will be a special Christmas Eve Mass at 6:00pm geared to the younger members of the parish. All are invited.

MEN’S RETREAT SET FOR FEBRUARY, 2013 All men and young men are invited to join men from St. Mary’s and all over the diocese for a weekend retreat at St. Paul’s Retreat Center on the Southside of Pittsburgh. Save February 8-9-10, 2013 for one of the best weekends of your life. To find out more or to register call:

Charlie Fischer 412.487.4667 Jim Karcher 724.444.5798 Brad Fischer 412.260.9058

RELIGIOUS FORMATION Faith Sharing for Second Week of Advent

We hear John the Baptist crying out in this Sunday’s gospel to “PREPARE the way of the Lord…” It’s so very obvious that very many people are preparing for the celebration of Christmas with decorations and shopping for gifts. How delightful it is to drive these evenings and see the bright lights, crèche displays, Santas, reindeer, and snowmen brightening many homes. Such are enjoyable signs of the “preparations”. Preparing for the Lord in the depths of one’s heart may not be as “flashy” but can be as gratifying as seeing bright lights. Catching on to the “direction” in the scriptures of the daily liturgy, and knowing these are the Word of God, will hopefully evoke responses of “AWESOME”, “WOW”, “AMAZING”. Will YOU take some extra time this week to “Prepare the way of the Lord” by reflection on scripture and respond in your life? The daily Liturgy scripture references are given on another page in this Bulletin.

Sacraments Grow In Faith Together Clusters Grade 2 – First Eucharist Clusters. The Cluster sessions will be this Saturday, December 8, 5:00 PM in Marian Hall. FIRST RECONCILIATION liturgy Saturday, December 15, 10:30AM. Parents/guardians and family members welcome too. GRADE 8 - Confirmation Cluster is this Saturday, December 8, 7:00 PM in Marian Hall.

Faith Formation for children in public schools: Monday, December 10 – All meet IN church. Saturday, December 15 - ALL Families meet in classrooms. 10:30 AM First Reconciliation liturgy in church. Family Program families do at home lessons with Gospel weeklies for December 16; see objectives to be discussed with each of your children on their white page handout for November-December. Students bring the GIFT hand-out with parent signature to class on December 16.

ADVENT activity items to use in the family are still available at our Faith Formation office

The Year of FAITH All Catholics are encouraged to the TOP TEN ways to strengthen your life of faith: 1. Participate in Mass, 2. Go to the Sacrament of Confession, 3. Learn about the lives of the Saints, 4. Read the Bible daily, 5. Read documents of Vatican Council II, 6. Study the Catechism, 7. Volunteer in our parish, 8. Help those in need, 9. Invite a friend to Mass, 10. Strive to live the Beatitudes.

YEAR OF FAITH – Objective to learn about lives of Saints… PITTSBURGH SAINTS…Do you know that several canonized Saints served in our Pittsburgh area in the past. One, Saint John Neumann served here in our own parish. Plan to come to a workshop in Marian Hall on Saturday, January 5, 8:30-11:30 AM.

Home with the Lord Remember Lord and welcome into your Kingdom those who have died and have gone before us marked in the sign of faith, especially Wanda Sabol, mother of Jane Sutter. Please remember to pray for the consolation of their loved ones.

A VOCATION VIEW John the Baptist cried out and made ready for the Lord. Who will promote the gospel in our community? (Luke 3:1-6)

ADULT ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY

Bible Study will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30PM in the Faith Formation Office in our school. We will study: Holy Queen, The Mother of God in the Word of God. Please join us. Over the past several years, it has been spiritually rewarding and at the same time… fun! Any questions, please call Dori Monahan at 412-848-2428.

CATHOLICS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Looking for a fresh start? Let it begin at St. Mary’s! Fresh starts don’t begin with a change of circumstances a new job, new location, or new relationships—they begin with a change of heart. God specializes in clean slates and fresh starts. A new year is upon us and your parish family invites you to join us as we all look at ways to make 2013 and the rest of our lives, the best they can be! Invite someone to come home for Christmas! A personal invitation is the best way!

Page 5: PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION · PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 2510 Middle Road ... season in preparation for the Christmas. ... The Steeler game will

December 9, 2012 Page Five

YOUTH MINISTRY St. Mary School News YOUTH GROUP NEWS

YOUTH MASS We are sorry to see the Youth Masses come to an end. However, they will start up again in February which will be referred to as Lifeteen. Please watch the bulletin for exciting new updates! Thank you to all of you who supported the Youth Masses and we will see you in February!

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Several of our parishioners are in need of help with leaf raking and light yard work. If any middle school or high school youth are willing to help, please contact the Faith Formation Office at (412) 486-5521 for additional information. Service hours will be awarded for this activity.

A Benefit of Brotherhood Helping to Keep the Faith Alive

Knights of Columbus

The Order is one of the most admired fraternal benefit societies among Catholics and throughout the world, with a reputation second to none.

We are men of faith, with a devotion to the Blesses Virgin Mary, guided not only by our belief in God and the Catholic Church, but by our belief in each other, and in ourselves.

We are the Knights of Columbus, believing that a man is defined by his actions as a follower of God, and as a leader in his community, believing that a man is more than simply a man, when he bears the title of “Knight.”

Come, be a member of your local Knights of Columbus Council 14722. Call Andy Rodgers for more information at 412-487-8975.

ST. MARY SCHOOL

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS Entertainment Books are available for purchase in the Scrip office and will be sold at the Scrip table on Saturdays after the 4 PM liturgy, before the 6 PM liturgy and on Sundays after the 9 AM liturgy and before the 11 AM liturgy. The cost of each book is $30.00.

CONTINUE TO SAVE Please continue to save all Campbell's products labels, Box Tops For Education labels, ink cartridges, old cell phones, and Shop 'N Save receipts for the school. These items afford us the opportunity to purchase educational materials for the children. Thank you!

SCRIP CORNER Does your company give out Gift Cards for Christmas? Ask if they would be willing to purchase them through St. Mary School. Our school will benefit from these sales! Please give us advance notice for large orders!

NIGHT AT THE RACES “MARK YOUR CALENDARS”

The St. Mary Athletic Association will hold their annual “Night at the Races” in Marian Hall on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 7PM. It is never too late to start planning your calendar for 2013, so get a jump on it and circle the date for this most enjoyable evening with friends and exciting entertainment. Spread the word and tell your friends and family. Details to follow in January.

CARE FOR THE HOMELESS! Bring blankets, sleeping bags or men’s white tube socks. Put in a bag marked “for homeless” and leave on the last pew in our Children Liturgy Room. THANKS for the many people who have already left items. Your caring and generosity is greatly appreciated!

Diocese of Pittsburgh Abuse Hotline: 1.888.808.1235

GREAT GIFT IDEAS

Wondering what to get your husband or wife? Surprise them with a weekend away! Gift certificates for the upcoming retreats at our local retreat houses are available and make excellent gifts. Gifts that change lives! Upcoming retreats at the Martina Spiritual Renewal Center and St. Paul Retreat House are scheduled for the spring of 2013. The Men’s Retreat is scheduled for this spring. Call Charlie Fischer at 412.487.4667.

NEED HELP?

Do you know someone who needs the help of the St. Vincent dePaul Society? Through no fault of his or her own, someone may have fallen on hard times. They may be having difficulty buying food or paying gas or electric bills or even the rent. Maybe a family has no money to buy a much needed appliance or faces some other need. No one should have to deal with such problems alone. Perhaps we can help. If so, call Sr. Lois Spinnenweber, our Social Minister at 412-486-4021.

Page 6: PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION · PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 2510 Middle Road ... season in preparation for the Christmas. ... The Steeler game will

December 9, 2012 Page Six

OUR PARISH NEWS

THE SHARING TREE The LAST DAY that we can accept the gifts this year will be, TODAY, Sunday, December 9, 2012, as they have to be sorted, packed and delivered to the various facilities. Drop the packages off in the Narthex. Thank you to EVERYONE who participated.

PROJECT APPALACHIA 2013 Applications for Project Appalachia 2013 are due at the Rectory by December 15th. Any teen currently in grade 9 - 12 can apply for the Mission Trip to Webster Springs, WV, from June 23 - 29. If you missed the information meeting, please email Sue Ferguson at [email protected] for an information sheet and application.

Special Days this Week December 11 – Saint Damasus I, pope is to be thanked for commissioning Saint Jerome to translate the Scriptures into Latin, which made them readable for many.

December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe, title for which we honor Mary’s apparition to Saint Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. Her miraculous image still remains brilliantly preserved in the cathe-dral there. A copy of the image from Juan Diego’s tilma is on display in our sanctuary this week.

December 13 – Saint Lucy, whose name means “Light” is honored as she heralds the coming of the True Light of the World during the winter solstice. She is the patron of lamplighters and the gondoliers of Venice who sing “Santa Lucia” as they row visitors thru the city.

December 14 – Saint John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church, taught that only God can make us happy and to seek happiness in God alone. He is remembered also for his contribution to some of the most mystical Spanish poetry which he composed while imprisoned by members of his own community of Carmelite brothers.

MARKET DAY order forms for December are at the church exits, Scrip, Faith Formation and Rectory offices. Holiday gift

items, cookie dough for easy baking, and delicious entrees available. Orders due THIS week. Delivery will be Monday, December 17, 6:00-7:00 PM in Marian Hall. Attention NEW CUSTOMERS!! Receive $5.00 OFF a $25 order. Simply order on-line and place in promo code: NEWFIVE!

OPLATKI These Christmas Wafers are available at our Church Rectory. Packages of four wafers are on sale for $2.00. Please stop by for your families Holiday Tradition!

Our NEIGHBORHOOD HAPPENINGS

SAVE THE DATE:

ST. MARY’S PTG CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

When: Saturday, December 15th - 5:00 - 9:00pm Where: Marian Hall What: Pictures with Santa, Kids Crafts and Games, Bake Sale, Craft and Vendor Sale, Food Sales, Raffle Baskets, and so much more!! We are still in need of volunteers!! Any help or donations would be greatly appreciated! If you are a baker and would like to help, please call! Joy Midgley at 412-487-1429 or Tina Grimm at 412-719-1612.

Your donations are needed and greatly appreciated! Baked Goods: Desserts, pies, cakes and cookies for the Bake Sale. Please bring your delicious creations to Marian Hall, Thursday & Friday, December 13th & 14th after 3:00PM. Any questions, contact Marie Dennis at 724-309-9448 or [email protected]. Children’s Toys: New toys, books or games for the Children’s Raffle Baskets.  

VOTIVE LIGHTS - A TRADITION THAT CONTINUES The practice of lighting a candle is an expression of faith that began centuries ago. It continues today in the chapel off the narthex of our church where the Sorrowful Mother, the Infant of Prague and Saint Anthony are honored. Our prayerful intentions illuminate the chapel in the glow of each votive light.

THIS WEDNESDAY is Our Lady of Guadalupe Feastday - December 12. In anticipation a short film will be shown about the miracle at Tepeyac on Tuesday, December 11, 7:00 PM in our school room 23. Call 412-486-5521 if you will attend. A Mass in Spanish, with Bishop Zubik presiding, Mariachi music, and a festive reception will be held at St. Paul Cathedral, Oakland on Dec. 12, 7:00 PM. All are welcome.

Grow In Faith Together by visiting Faith in Action reflections, which draw richly from Vatican II and the Catechism. Keep them in your heart and meditate upon them with the hopes of accomplishing what they suggest. It is a time to focus and dive deeply into the life transforming faith of the Catholic Church. To receive Faith in Action reflections, sign up at TheCatholicYearofFaith.com.

A Prayer of Preparation for Christmas: Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother. Amen.

Please pray for all the sick and those Recovering from illness. Family and friends have requested prayer for the following:

Clara, Ed, Mary Lou, Leeland, Patricia, William, Lisa, Jack, Paula, Ken, Jennifer, Jim, Gloria, Mary Louise & V’Kojak Balsamico, Cindy Benoit, Michael Biskup, Bill Brown, Joe Brucker, Christine Cangilla, Mary Carothers, Joe Cuhn, Dan Dezort, Jenny Dugan, Anita Fabry, Luke Fabry, Jessica Fabry, Marie Fusca, Drew & Trent Grady, Rachel Gniewkowski, Butch Haney, Evelyn Huber, Judy Huber, Hilary Husband, Nicole Jacobs, Carol Kirk, Kathy Klein, Mary Kuzio, Barbara Lagiovane, Claire Larkin, Norbert Loveland, Lorraine Lau, Sandi Maier, David McGee, Louis Michalak, Scott Mullen, Margaret Nist, Jeff Novosel, Larry O’Connor, Paul Owens, Jay Plietz, Sarah Polito, Jim Politylo, Courtney Reed, Carol Restly, Suzanne Riley, Mike Rupert, Courtney Ryce, Sr. Dolores, Spence Ryce, Thelma & Vic Saftner, Patty Schulze & Family, Gina Sienko, Joshua Stanek, Elaine Settelmaier, Lynn Taylor, Mark Thimons, Lee Thorpe-Holleran, Christina Ward, Steve Weissman, Sharon Wojnar, Christine Z., Victor Zandy.

Page 7: PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION · PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 2510 Middle Road ... season in preparation for the Christmas. ... The Steeler game will

December 9, 2012 Page Seven

PASTORAL IMPRESSIONS from Father John

Have you ever been in a heated discussion concerning the difference between SAINT NICHOLAS and SANTA CLAUS? We have just celebrated the optional memorial of Saint Nicholas this past Thursday on December the 6th and that always precipitates an inquiry into the difference between the two names. In order to offer clarity to understanding the difference between the two, may I offer this explanation? SAINT NICHOLAS is a real person. He is sometimes called Nicholas of Myra because he was heralded as the bishop of that city, Myra of Nicholas is now called Demre, and is part of the modern day Turkey. Nicholas was born a Greek in Asia Minor in the third century. The traditional dates of his life are born in 270 and dying on December 6, 343, and hence is honored on that day on the Liturgical calendar. Since Nicholas’ parents died when he was young, he was raised by his uncle who was the bishop of Patra, who later on ordained Nicholas as a priest. Even though little is known “historically” about his life, he is commemorated and revered among peoples of all lands and cultures. As the cult of Saint Nicholas spread among both the churches of the East and West, a number of “miracle” stories arose attributed to him. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him. He was reputed to have given three bags of gold to three girls for their marriage dowries to save them from prostitution. Many pilgrims are attracted to his shrine in Bari, where supposedly his relics can be seen. He is a popular subject portrayed on countless Eastern Orthodox icons. In Roman Catholic iconography, Saint Nicholas is depicted as a bishop, wearing the insignia of this dignity: a red bishop’s cloak, a red miter and a bishop’s crozier. SANTA CLAUS is the name of saint nicholas changed through a series of elisions and corruptions by the Dutch Protestants of New Amsterdam, who wished to destroy the CATHOLIC commitment to a SAINT. The Dutch referred to him as “SINTERKLASS” as a transliteration of the original Greek “sant nickolaus” and thereby created the English version of “Santa Claus.” A sad moment in the history of hagiography: a very popular real saint called NICHOLAS has lost his religious significance to a folk lore figure called CLAUS!