St. Francis de Sales Church

MASS SCHEDULE Sundays (September ~ June) Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 AM Summer Weekend Mass Schedule Memorial Day thru and including La-bor Day: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 AM Monday—Friday 8:30 AM Wednesday 8:30 Communion Service Saturday 8:30 AM (September through May) Holy Day Vigil 5:00 PM Holy Days 6:30 AM and 7:00 PM Confessions are Saturday at 4:30 PM and anytime by request.

“Do not wish to be anything but what you are,

and try to be that perfectly.”

— St. Francis de Sales

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Page 2 - 105 St. Francis de Sales

Scripture readings for:

The Epiphany of The LORD January 8th, 2017

Isaiah 60:1 Ephesians 3:2-3a

Matthew 2:1-12

Adult Choir Nancy Brown 610.358.3112 Adult Education/RCIA Sr. Betty Kirk 610.459.0554 Marion Bennett 610.459.0554 Altar Society Phil D'Orazio 610.459.0635 PREP/CCD Sr. Betty Kirk 610.459.0554 Church Environment Barbara Jones 610.566.4149 CYO Paula Bonsall 610.517.6136 Eucharistic Ministers Tracy Boyle 610.566.8453 Finance Committee Fr. Okon 610.459.2203 HOPE Cathy Hawes 610.627.0874 Ladies' Club Belle Miller 610.513.2920 Lectors Joanne Sunick 610.459.1996 Liturgy Committee Sr. Betty Kirk 610.459.0554 Pastoral Council Steve DeLozier 484.574.4425 Web Master Arlene Petragnani 610.558.0588 Welcome Committee R. DiFebo 610.459.8971 Women's Prayer Group Sr. Betty Kirk 610.459.0554

Refer and Reflect

Directory of Parish Organizations

RECTORY 610.459.2203 35 New Road, Box 97, Lenni, PA 19052 Website—www.sfdschurch.org E-Mail-Office-sfdsrectory@aol.com Reverend Alan J. Okon, Pastor Deacon Paul A. Quinn Sr. Betty Kirk 610.459.0554 Parish Services Director Mrs. Marie McGonigal 610.459.2203 Administrative Assistant Tammy McDonald 610.459.2203 Communications Secretary Art Kahn, Business Manager 610.459.2203 CONVENT 610.459.2501 28 New Road, Aston, PA 19014 Education Center 39 New Road, Aston, PA 19014

OUR WEEKLY OFFERING

DECEMBER 4th , 2016

Sunday Collection = $8432.00

E-Giving = $4013.00

Total Sunday = $12,445.00

Parish Improvement = $.58500

Annual Fall Appeal= $3925.00

DECEMBER 11, 2016

Sunday Collection = $7917.00

E-Giving=$1901.00

Parish Improvement=$270.00

Annual Appeal=$23,345.00

Thank You for your generosity!

Page 3 - 105 St. Francis de Sales

January 1st, 2017 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

SATURDAY December 31 8:30 AM Steven Weikel 5:00 PM Robert Marsden SUNDAY January 1 7:00 AM Kathrine Thomas 8:30 AM Mary Lou Miller 10:00AM Nora McEnery(Living) 11:30 AM Steven Weikel MONDAY January 2 8:30 AM Ann Carr TUESDAY January 3 8:30 AM Charlie Toner WEDNESDAY January 4 8:30 AM Communion Service THURSDAY January 5 8:30 AM Fr. William Kane 2nd Pastor SFDS 1903-1910 FRIDAY January 6 8:30 AM Mary Toner SATURDAY January 7 8:30 AM Mary & Charlie Toner 5:00 PM Lisa Faust SUNDAY January 8 7:00 AM Living & Dec’d Members of SFDS 8:30 AM Joan Stewart 10:00AM Phyllis Huskey 11:30 AM John Dukes, III

JANUARY 1ST, 2017 This past Autumn, “Time” magazine chronicled the fact of widespread depression as characteristic of our American teenagers. This sad news has multiple causes, sure to be an agenda for helpers of all kinds and later dis-cussion. For today, however, we honor another adoles-cent, one from another time and place who just happened to be a favorite of God and a unique channel of opti-mism. She is Mary of Nazareth, the young girl who would someday be known as Queen of Heaven. What must it have been like to be visited by an archan-gel named Gabriel, who brought her a stupendous re-quest? How did this young girl manage a mysterious preg-nancy, with the realization that the Child growing in her womb was the One who would “save His people from their sins?” We are not entitled to the answers to those questions, but we can learn a lot about her reaction when we read her “Magnificat” prayed in the presence of her older cousin Elizabeth. One of the gem observations Luke makes about Mary is included in today’s gospel. He wrote: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Oh, that heart! That heart which surely was the locus of the Holy Spirit’s loving wisdom. The point for us is that Mary reflected on, that is to say pondered, all those things which formed a unique spiritual album for a Mother about her Son. So I ask you: Do you reflect from time to time on all that happens to you? Do you ever try to decipher a pattern in the events of your life that point to and delineate God’s plan for you? Doing that requires more determination now because we have reached a time in human history when our technological toys, wonderful in their own right, can nevertheless be-come our enemies. If you doubt me, weigh the amount of time you spend on your cell phone versus that spent in prayer. Or in pondering over your life’s twists and turns. Mary’s reflecting on her life and that of her Son’s is what gave her the ability to see beyond the immediate and put full trust in God. While she suffered through all those swords predicted by Simeon to stab at her, she never wa-vered or despaired. All those taunts and jeers that Jesus felt, she felt. All the frustration of “looking through a glass darkly,” as St. Paul wrote, were hers as well as ours. Yet she still “stood by the cross of Jesus” on the worst day of her life. Can we do less? It is New Year’s Day. A day to honor the Mother of God and start the year off right. It’s that annual day for making resolutions as we begin the countdown from 365. One

resolve we might not think of right away has to do with

becoming “PWP” (“People who Ponder”). When we step back to ponder on things that happen to us and in our wide world, “reflecting on them in our hearts,” we have the potential to profit from what we learn. We get to trust more in God, and better able to sing His praises, becoming along the way truly joyful peo-ple. Or, as one thinker put it: “When you can think of yesterday without regret and tomorrow without fear, you are near contentment.” Happy New Year!

Reflection by, Rev. Leonard N. Peterson

Page 4 - 105 St. Francis de Sales

Remember Our Sick

If you wish to have a family member added to our list to

be remembered in prayers, for sickness or health con-

cerns, please call; Dee Mulranen DeeMari-

nucci@gmail.com—610-3582772

e-mail the rectory @ sfdsrectory@aol.com

Belle Miller & Dorothy Tait

Jim Williamson, Kathy Walsh,

Bruce McManus

A

Announcing!

The 9th Annual Men’s Spirituality Conference—

March 4th, 2017

MEN ON A MISSION!

On Saturday March 4th at St. Joseph University Ha-

gan Arena, the men of your parish are invited to join

Catholic Men from throughout the Archdiocese for

the 9th Annual Archdiocesan Men’s Spirituality Con-

ference. Many speakers to attend, the Sacrament of

Reconciliation will be offered, and the Conference

will conclude with Mass celebrated by the Most Rev-

erend John McIntyre. -www.manupphilly.com

Parish Holiday Outreach

Through the generosity of our Parishioners,

$2,440.00 worth of Gift Certificates were given

to families, who needed an extra blessing, at

this time in their lives.

The Ladies’ Club acted as Santa’s helpers

and provided 36 “Wish List” gifts for Santa’s

deliveries. May all of you be blessed, for the

blessing you have been!

A Special Thank You!

A Special Thank You,

to all that donated funds to

purchase the beautiful Altar

Flowers and to all of the Parish-

ioners that helped to decorate

the Parish and Parish Grounds.

My Queen, my Mother, I give myself entirely to thee, and to show my devotion to thee, I consecrate to thee this day, my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore good Mother as I am thine own, keep me, guard me, as thy property and possession. Amen.

Page 5 - 105 St. Francis de Sales

Happy New Year January Calendar of Events Jan. 4th—Choir 7:00pm FWC Jan. 4th—Prayer Groups 9:00am & 7:00pm RR Jan. 9th—Ladies Club Mtg. 7:00pm FWC Jan. 10th—Outreach Comm. 7:00pm FWC Jan. 11th—Choir 7:00pm FWC Jan. 11th—Prayer Groups 9:00am & 7:00pm RR Jan 17th.—CYO Meeting 7:00pm RMR Jan. 18th—Choir 7:00pm FWC Jan. 18th—Prayer Group 9:00am & 7:00pm RR Jan. 20th—Youth & Young Adult 7:00pm FWC Jan. TBA—Social/Fellowship Jan. TBA—Hospitality Social Any changes will be posted in the bulletin, as well as the parish website, under HOME/Synod Update at www.sfdschurch.org

Please Note the Change in Date for the Ladies Club Meeting, now on January 9th, 2017.

SFDS Acme, Shop Rite & Giant Gift Cards

The Gift Card Program. Cards are available after the Vigil and Sunday Masses and at the Rectory during the week. If no one is selling cards, please stop in the Sac-risty and Mr. Bradley will help with your card re-quest. This program will continue to support the needs of our parish. Thank you for your support.

Rectory Office Hours

During the Holiday Season; Happy New Year!

Monday, January 2nd, - The Rectory will be closed .

Altar Servers Needed

Would you like to be more involved in the mass?

Have you ever wanted to be an altar server? Did

you once serve and would like to return to it? This

is your chance. This ministry is open to students in

grade 5 and above, and all adults. If you would like

to be an alter server, please contact Donna Mucha

at 610-358-5966 or don6292@verizon.net.

Training will be provided.

RCIA

The Catholic lifestyle, when authentically em-

braced, nurtures the individual, the local com-

munity and the whole human family. If you or

someone you know is interested in the Catholic

Faith consider coming to the Parish RCIA Pro-

gram. If interested please call,

Sister Betty at (610)459-0554

For more information on Parish events and committees check

out our updated website at: www.sfdschurch.org *We also

have a Facebook Page!

Sister Margaret Van Wagenen. OSF

Sister Margaret, who ministered in our Parish School for many

years, died at Assisi House on Sunday, December 18, 2016. Sis-

ter spent her time here doing what she enjoyed most—tutoring

children. Her easy manner, her understanding of their limita-

tions and her desire to help the children resulted in many suc-

cess stories for her students. We remember her with gratitude

and fondness.

The St. Paul Center has partnered with The Archdio-

cese of Philadelphia to offer limited-time access to its new video Bible study series, The Bible and Virgin Mary. Over the course of 12 lessons, beginning on January 18, this study presents the participant an opportunity for growth in knowledge of Scripture and devotion to Our Lady. The St. Paul Center is making this resource available to all members of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, so please share this link with your friends and family. A new lesson will be posted each week and will be available for two weeks after the post date. Keep an eye out for a new email each week announcing that the new lesson is available. If you miss any of the les-sons, there will be an opportunity to save on the full DVD set in your welcome email. We look forward to growing with you. Call (740) 264-9535 for information.

Page 6 - 105 St. Francis de Sales

Lifelines

Crisis Pregnancy Hotline 610.626.4006

Pro-Life Union of Delaware County

610.789.LIFE

www.prolifedelco.org

A Baby’s Breath

484.580.6436

24hr hotline

484.571.5540

www.ababysbreath.org

Mother’s Home

610.583.HOME

www.mothershome.org

Delaware County

Pregnancy Center

www.dcpchester.org

Rachel’s Vineyard

Ministries

1.877.HOPE4ME

Page 7 - 105 St. Francis de Sales

Parish Office Hours

The Parish Office is open for business Mon-

day through Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM, sum-

mer hours, Friday’s 8:30AM to 1:00PM.

Weeknights and Saturdays are by appoint-

ment only. Please refer elsewhere in the

bulletin for holiday hours.

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

and Holy Communion

Please call the Parish Office at 610.459.2203 to

schedule an appointment for the Anointing of

the Sick. Every effort will be made to celebrate

the Sacrament of the Sick within 48 hours of it

being requested. Please call the Parish Office

to request a visit from an Extra Ordinary

Minister of Holy Communion to receive the Holy

Eucharist on Sunday mornings.

Funeral Arrangements

We are very sorry for the loss of your loved one.

To make funeral arrangements, please first

meet with your Funeral Director to discuss your

wishes and their availability. The Funeral

Director will contact our Parish Office to

coordinate the date and time of the funeral.

Once the funeral has been scheduled, Fr. Okon

will call you to schedule a time to meet and plan

the Liturgy.

Parish Registration Welcome to our family of St. Francis de Sales.

We are happy to welcome new members in to

our community. We invite you to be a vital part

of our family and hope you will support your

parish with your prayers, your presence and

your talents. Please contact the Parish Office at

610.459.2203 to make arrangements for

registration. If you move out of our parish, or

have changed your phone number, please

contact the Parish Office so we can update our

data base.

Sacrament of Baptism Congratulations on the birth of your child. The

Sacrament of Baptism is normally administered

after the 11:30 AM Mass on Sunday. Pre-Jordan

class for the parents is required prior to the

scheduling of the Baptism. Parents can attend

the class before the baby is born. Pre-Jordan

class is held on the second Tuesday of each

month at 7:00 PM. Please contact the Parish

Office at 610.459.2203 to register for the Pre-

Jordan class. To schedule a Baptism, please

have already obtained the certificates of

eligibility and then contact the Parish Office at

least two weeks in advance.

Certificates of Eligibility Congratulations on being asked to be a sponsor

at either a Baptism or a Confirmation. You have

been asked to be a witness to, and role model of,

your Catholic faith. A sponsor is a Roman

Catholic who has received the Sacraments of

Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, is an

active registered member of his or her parish, at

least 16 years of age, and if married is in a

Sacramental Marriage. Please contact the

Parish Office at 610.459.2203 to request a

certificate.

Sacrament of Reconciliation The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated

each Saturday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:00, or by

appointment.

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