TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOSTTENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE

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Icon ofSaint Nicholas December 6th

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Thought for the Day .Jesus is the reason for the season

Assumption B.V.M.Sunday 12-04-1110:30 AM Confessions11 :00 AM + John Lynn - 40th Day req.by Wife, Anna & FamilyTuesday 12-06-11Feast of St. NicholasSolemn Holy Day9:00 AM + Andrew E. Kriesher req. byJohn & Evelyn MushalkoFriday 12-09-11Feast of Conception of Sf. AnneSolemn Holy Day9:00 AM + Andrew E. Kriesher req. byJoseph LiptockSunday 12-11-1110:30 AM Confessions11 :00 AM + Andrew E. Kriesher req. bySue Remash

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SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church /Assumption B.V.M.131 North Beech Street, Mount Carmel, Pa. 17851Rectory 570-339-0650 ChurCh Hall 570- 339-4333

E-Mail: stsppmc@ptd.net?rayer Line: Louise Cuff 339-3660 - Eleanor Stebila 339-2353 - Louise Troyan 339-1565

Very Reverend Archpriest Michael Hutsko, Pastor;::)ease notify the rectory office if you or a loved one is hospitalized or admitted to a nursing home.Rectory Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

1sl Collection: Candles 2nd Collection: Regular Offering25m

Sund~After Pentecost December 4 ,2011

Saturday 12-03-11 4:00 PM + Edward Coveleski req. by3: 15 PM Confessions Wife, Evalyn4:00 PM For the Parishioners Sunday 12-11-11Sunday 12-04-11 8: 15 AM Confessions8: 15 AM Confessions 9: 15 AM For the Parishioners9: 15 AM + Andrew Stelma, Sr. req. byPaul & Arlene Wagner & FamilyMonday 12-05-11Feast of Sf. NicholasSolemn Holy Da)£6:00 PM + Debbie Moser Ford req. bySon, BrockTuesday 12-06-11Feast of St. NicholasNo Divine Liturgy(See Assumption B.V.M. Church)Wednesday 12-07-118:00 AM Health and God's BlessingsUpon June Petchulis req. by Husband,StanleyThursday 12-08-11Feast of Conception of Sf. AnneSolemn Holy DaX6:00 PM + Andrew & Clara Hutnick req.by Daughter, LouiseFriday 12-09-11

. No Divine Liturgy (See AssumptionB.V.M. Church)Saturday 12-10-118:00 AM + John Lynn req. by GeorgineNodich3: 15 PM Confessions

Welcome: We the people of SS. Peter& Paul/Assumption Churches, are acatholic community that worships God,spreads the Good News of Christ, andserves those in need. Come into thehouse. Bring all you are, no need tocheck your failures at the door. Thereare no perfect people here. You areinvited: come. Come in seeking, come inwondering, come in hurting. Come intothis house of companionship andcompassion. Come in. You are welcomehere. SS. Peter & Paul/AssumptionChurches open their doors to you.

Daily Liturgy;. Come to Me, all you wholabor and are heavy laden and I will giveyou rest! Take my yoke upon you andlearn from Me, for I am gentle andhumble of heart, and you will find rest ofyour souls. For my yoke is easy and Myburden light. "Mt. 11, 28-29. All areinvited to be refreshed by the Lord on adaily basis by attending Divine Liturgyand receiving the Holy Eucharist! Whata beautiful way to start the day! Yourparticipation on a daily basis allowsJesus to refresh and renew your life asonly he can.

Choir Rehearsal: With the ChristmasSeason fast approaching we will soonbe starting choir practice. We would liketo have as many people as possible joinour choir so we will be able to make ourChristmas Season a festive and joyousone. Choir rehearsal will begin onDecember 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM at SS.Peter & Paul Church. Anyone interestedin joining our choir please contact EdCuff at 339-3660.

Candle Sponsors: Several parishionershave inquired about sponsoring themain candles in our church for variousintentions. I've seen this done in otherparishes and think it's a wonderful idea.As such, we are making the followingcandles available to be sponsored forthe entire year of 2012 at the cost of$150.00 each:Candles on the tetrapod (2)Candles on the main altar (2)Candles on the preparation altar (2)Icon of Jesus ChristIcon of our Blessed MotherIcon of S1. NicholasIcon of S1. John the BaptistIf you are interested in sponsoring oneor more of these candles for a specialintention, or would like more information,please call the rectory office duringbusiness hours and we will be glad tohelp. Sponsors and Intentions will beframed and on display in the vestibulefor the entire year.

Assumption B.V.M. Church:Eternal Light Candle - If anyone isinterested in sponsoring The EternalLight Candle, the cost is $5.00 percandle per week or $150.00 for the year.If interested please contact the Churchoffice, during regular office hours.

Candle Sponsor for the Year:55. Peter & Paul Church$150.00 - Icon of 81. John the BaptistSponsored by John & Helen Duni

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Your Stewardship: We thank you foryour generous financial support of ourparish communities. The followingdonations were deposited from lastSunday's collection.

Weekly Parish Financial Report:55. Peter & Paul ChurchSunday, November 27,2011Income... ... $ 2, 238.80Expenses... $ 2,214.55Sunday, November28,2010Income $ 998.99

Assumption BVMSunday, November 27,2011Income $ 370.00Expenses ... $ 1,125.09Sunday November 28, 2010Income $ 475.00

November Pyrohy Sale:Income: $ 3, 582.00Expenses: $ 964.00Profit: $ 2, 618.00

A Beautiful PrayerLord, teach me to be generous. Teachme to serve you as you deserve; to giveand not to count the cost; to fight andnot heed the wounds; to toil and not toseek for rest; to labor and not to ask forreward; except to know that I am doingyour will. Saint Ignatius of Loyola

55. Peter & Paul Rebuilding FundDonations:$100.00 -In Memory of Nick & MaryPochakilo by Louise Pochakilo$25.00 - Donation to SS. Peter & PaulChurch by Mary Quinn

55. Peter & Paul Donations:$'"100.00 - In fV1emory of + AndrewStelma, Sr. given by

. Helen HutnickSally HutnickRita & Ziggy SienkiewiczClare KornackiGeorgine & Michael NodichWinonna Owens &Rick WhearyEvalyn CoveleskiJack & Bernie HamullaLorriane SedorCafeteria Girls of MCAAunt Anna Zelinski$20.00 - In Loving Memory of + AndrewStelma by Grandaughter, Amber$40.00 - In Memory of + MonicaPesarchick by John & Mary JoAfflerbach$35.00 - In Memory of + MonicaPesarchick by Helen Hutnick

Assumption B.V.M. Donations: None

Altar Flowers: Altar flowers can besponsored weekly for $30.00 perarrangement. Parishioners can sponsorthese flowers in Memory of a loved one,or for any occasion. Anyone interestedin sponsoring flowers may call 339­0650, or visit the rectory office.

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Thank You: Thank you to everyonewho came out this past week todecorate our parishes for the upcomingChristmas season. Both parishes lookbeautiful.

Christmas Play Rehearsal: ChristmasPlay rehearsal/practice will be held onDecember 12, 2011 at 6:30 PM in SS.Peter & Paul Church. We would like tomake this year's pageant larger andmore festive than last year, so we areencouraging adults as well as childrento participate in the Christmas Pageant.Please join us in making this a specialevent.

Advent Season: During the time of"Christmas Fast" the Psalm ofTypica/Beatitudes found on page 6 andpage 10 respectively of the white DivineLiturgy booklet will be respondedinstead of the RegUlar Sunday orWeekday Antiphons, until the Sundaybefore Christmas.

Musical Angel: A "Musical Angel" hasbeen donated by an anonymous SS.Peter & Paul parishioner to be chancedoff to a lucky winner. All proceeds of thisraffle will benefit the 55. Peter & PaulChurch Building Fund. Cost of the raffleticket is $1.00. The angel is on display inthe vestibule of SS. Peter & PaulChurch. Tickets may be purchased fromDeb Worhach, office secretary, or JoeLiptock at the church office or afterDivine Liturgy on Sunday Mornings atSS. Peter & Paull AssumptionChurches. Drawing date will beDecember 11,2011 Winner will benotified. Good luck to everyone.

City Chicken Sale: S5. Peter & PaulChurch will be having a City Chicken,(pork and veal on a stick), breadedand ready to cook take out sale onWednesday, December 21 st, 2011, justin time for the Christmas Holiday.Instead of making City Chicken for yourHoliday feast, let us make them for you,so you can spend more time shoppingor visiting with Family & Friends. CityChicken cost will be $1.50 per citychicken piece, $8.00 per }2 dozenpieces and $16.00 per dozen pieces.Orders can be placed by calling theChurch Office at 339-0650 duringregular Office hours or by filling out theform below. LAST DAY TO ORDER ISDECEMBER 18th• 2011. ABSOLUTELYNO ORDERS AFTER THAT DATE!Pick up will be on Wednesday,December 21 st from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PMin the church hall of SS. Peter & PaulChurch. Take out orders onlY:. Pleasecomplete the order form below andreturn it to the Church office ordeposit in collection basket. Thankyou for your sUIW0rt of this proiect.©

SS. Peter & PaulCity Chicken Sale Order FormName: _

Phone Number: _

Single City Chicken$1.50 each _

1/2 Dozen City Chicken$8.00 _

.'1 dozen City Chicken$16.00 _

Prayer Intention Line: SS. Peter &Paul Parish has established a PrayerIntention Line sponsored by the AltarRosary Society. On the top page of thebulletin you will see several numbers,you are free to call to request prayersfor you or a loved one. Your intentionwill be remembered in prayer by themembers of the Altar Rosary Societyand also written in a special book whichwill be placed in the vestibule of thechurch so that all members of our parishcan remember your prayer needs. Youcan request to remain anonymous if youlike. It is my hope we can all pray foreach other in time of need and be lifted­up through the prayers of our parish.

Divine Liturgy Intentions: All theDivine Liturgy Intentions requested todate have been celebrated or scheduledto the end of calendar year 2011. Thereare Not any open dates available for theweekend Divine Liturgy; but there areweekday dates opened.Divine Liturgy Intention requests forCalendar Year 2012 are now beingaccepted. Note: Weekend requests arelimited to Two per person, but weekdayintentions are available. Please Note:All Divine Liturgy Intentions are subjectto change only by Father Michael.Thank you for your considerationrequesting Divine Liturgy Intentions. Inaddition, please remember that althoughthere are usually three (3) DivineLiturgies on the weekend that oneLiturgy Intention must be For AllParishioners.

Religion Classes: Religion classes areheld at SS. Peter &Paul Church onMonday evenings from 6:00 PM to 7:00PM. All children from pre-school age to8th grade are encouraged to attend.Children receiving the Sacrament ofPenance/Holy Communion in CalendarYear 2011-2012 must attend theseclasses. Registration forms areavailable. If you have any questionsplease contact Christine Bogner at847-4385.

st. Michael's Ukrainian CatholicChurch - Frackville ChristmasCandlelight Procession: St. Michael'sChurch in Frackville invites you to attendthe Annual Christmas CandlelightProcessional Pageant, which will beheld on Sunday, December 11, at 4:00PM. The program will include the storyof the Birth of Christ, with Scripturereading a reenactment of the Nativityscene by the children of the parish, andan audience carol sing-a-long with manyof the traditional Christmas carols. Abrass ensemble will perform before theprogram and also provideaccompaniment during the presentation.The pageant will include theparticipation of parish childrenportraying Joseph, Mary, the three wisemen, angels, shepherds, and villagers.After the program, a covered dish will beserved in the parish hall and St.Nicholas will make his annual visit. Theprogram is free and open to the public.For more information call the parishrectory: 874-1101

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DECEMBER 9

The Feast ofthe Conception ofSt. AnneThe feast of the "Conception of St Anne, when she conceived Mary, the Mother of God" is not a so-called "Holy Day ofObligation." It technically never has been-except that the Roman Catholic Church in the United States designated the feastthey know as the "Immaculate Conception" as the patronal feast of the country. In most other places-except for Ireland andThe Philippines even the Latin Church does not consider it a "holy day of precept."

A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century (prior to the Great Schism of1054). It spread to the West in the eighth century. In the eleventh century it received the name Immaculate Conception in theWest. In the eighteenth century it became a feast of the Roman Catholic Church-the only Marian feast that came to theWestern Church not by way of Rome, but from the Byzantine area to Naples; thence to Normandy during their period ofdominance over southern Italy. From there it spread into England, France, Germany, and eventually, Rome.

Prior to Pope Pius IX's definition of the Immaculate Conception as Church dogma, missals referred to it as the Feast of theConception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The festal texts of this period focused more upon the action of her conception ratherthan a theological question of her preservation from original sin. A missal published in England in 1806 indicates the sameset of prayers for the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was used for this feast as well.

In 1854, Pius IX gave the statement Ineffabilis Deus: "The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception,by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the humanrace, was preserved free from all stain of original sin."

Eastern liturgical texts do not express the later-defined Roman Catholic dogma ofthe Immaculate Conception. They do noteDecember 9 as the Feast of the Conception by St. Anne of the Most Holy Theotokos. They stress that Mary was, from herconception, filled with every grace of the Holy Spirit, in view of her calling as the Mother of God; they do not explicitly sayshe was conceived without original sin as the understanding of this doctrine differs from the Roman Catholic artiCUlation.All prayers affirm that Mary is "all-holy" and in eloquently poetic terms call her "completely sinless".

The Eastern feast is not exactly nine months before the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8) as it is in theWest, but a day later. This feast is not ranked among the Great Feasts of the church year, but is a lesser-ranking feast(Polyeleos).

Historically it appears that belief in Mary's immunity from sin in her conception was prevalent among the Fathers,especially those of the Greek Church. The rhetorical character, however, of many of the passages prevents laying too muchstress on them, and interpreting them in a strictly literal sense. However, the Greek Fathers never formally or explicitlydiscussed the question of the Immaculate Conception, about which an implicit reference may be found in the angel'sgreeting to Mary. The angel Gabriel said, "Hail, full ofgrace. the Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). The phrase "full of grace"is a translation of the Greek word kecharitomene. It therefore expresses a characteristic quality of Mary.

The U. S. Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy issued the following letter dated November 30, 2006:

To the Clergy, Sisters, and the Faithful ofthe Metropolitan Province of Philadelphia for Ukrainians:

As long as anyone can remember, we have celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the United States onDecember 8th as a Holy Day ofObligation. This was done so we may be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of theLatin Church as this title afthe Mother ofGod is the patron ofour great country. In accordance with the decree (lA) oftheSynod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church during the Synod of 1997 (September 14th-20th), the holy days ofobligation were promulgated and the Feast ofthe Immaculate Conception was not included as a day ofobligation.

As the feast of the Conception of St. Anne is celebrated on December 9th in all of the Eastern Churches (GregorianCalendar) and specifically in the Ukrainian Church. we. the undersigned, promulgate that the Feast ofthe Conception ofSt.Anne is to be celebrated on December 9th in the United States ofAmerica. This will enable our Church sui iuris to be ofoneaccord in its celebration of the Liturgical life of our Church. This is to take effect immediately. Given on the Feast ofSt.Andrew (November 30) 2006.

+Stefan Soroka +Robert M. Moskal +Richard S. Seminack +Paul Chomnycky, O.S.B.M.

DECEMBER 6

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The Feast ofSt. Nicholas,Archbishop ofMyra, Wonderworker

St. Nicholas stands out in the Church as a "model of faith andan example of virtue." Nicholas was Archbishop of Myra inLycia in the fourth century. He is called the Wonder-worker.His greatness lies neither in theological works nor in writing.He is a personification of a shepherd, a defender, and anintercessor. For us, Nicholas is a man of faith. He shows uswhat humility is and teaches us the values of moderation andpoverty. All generations have acknowledged him as a holybishop.

St. Nicholas, called "of Bari", was bishop of Myra in thefourth century. The great veneration with which this saint hasbeen honored for many ages and the number of altars and

churches which have been everywhere dedicated in his memory are testimonials to his holiness and ofthe glory which he enjoys with God. He is said to have been born at Patara in Lycia, a province ofAsia Minor. Myra, the capital, not far from the sea, was an episcopal see, and this church fallingvacant, the holy Nicholas was chosen bishop, and in that station became famous by his extraordinarypiety and zeal and many astonishing miracles.

The Greek histories of his life agree that he suffered imprisonment of the faith and made a gloriousconfession in the latter part of the persecution raised by Dioletian, and that he was present at theCouncil ofNicaea and there condemned Arianism. He died at Myra, and was buried in his cathedral.

The Icon of St. Nicholas brings him into our life. He is shown with his right hand raised in blessingand his left hand clasping a scroll. As bishop, he blesses his people in the name of Christ and bringsthe Word of Truth to them. The Icon encloses the image of Christ holding the Gospel Book on oneside of the Saint, and the Mother of God holding the Bishop's omophorion on the other side. This isan obvious reference to his choice as Bishop of Myra. It is common for events from the lives of theSaints to be shown in their icons. In a vision prior to his election as Bishop, Nicholas beheld Christhanding him the Book of Gospels, and the Mother of God placing the omophorion on his shoulders.

The celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas, on December 6, is a holiday celebrated with much joy inUkraine, where it is a traditional custom to visit and distribute gifts. Many Ukrainian communitiescontinue this old tradition, which helps Ukrainian children remember that before Santa Claus therewas a holy man called Nicholas.'

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Named the patron saint of children, Nicholas was the son of a wealthy bishop and shared his fortunewith the poor. He was said to have secretly left bags of gold in the night for those who could notafford doweries for their daughters. Legend says that maidens need only pray to the patron saint andthey will have good husbands in the future.

With St. Nicholas we stand in faith and worship, seeing him as a model for our Christian lives and amodel for Christian leadership. We ask him to pray to Christ for us.

· 2012 Offering;..The 2012 ChurchEnvelopes are in the vestibule of theChurches. 'Every married couple orsingle person 18 years or over is to beregistered and receive envelopes. To be

Iconsidered a member of our parishes,· SS. Peter & Paul or Assumption BV.M.

Churches regular attendance and use ofchurch envelopes is required. If you areill and/or aged let Father Michael know. I

The neglect of regular church· attendance and regular use of church

envelopes can lead to difficulties at thetime of baptisms, weddings, funerals,etc. If you have used your 2011envelopes faithfully, no action isneeded. If you did not receive churchenvelopes in 2011 and would like toreceive 2012 offering envelops, pleasecall the church office at 339-0650 duringregular office hours. If you have notreceived your 2012 envelope packetplease contact the church office duringregular office hours. In order for us toupdate our records please utilize theregistration card in the front of your2012 envelope packet, please depositit in the collection basket.

Saint Nicholas Social:All parishioners and friends are invitedto attend our Annual S1. Nicholas Socialwhich will be held on Monday,December 5th

, 2011 immediatelyfollowing the 6:00 PM Divine Liturgy.We are asking that you please bring acovered dish. The highlight of theevening will be a visit from S1. Nicholashimself. Please plan to join us!

Altar Rosary Society Sunday,;, Sunday,December 4, 2011 is Altar RosarySociety Sunday. All members are askedto join in praying the rosary before

I liturgy, receive the Eucharist as a groupand attend a short meeting immediatelyafter liturgy. New members are being

. accepted into the Society dues are$5.00, which are due now.

Holy Name Societ'i,;,..Sunday,December 11, 2011 is Holy NameSociety Sunday. All members are askedto pray together, receive the HolyEucharist as a group and attend a shortmeeting immediately after liturgy. Newmembers are always welcome to jointhis society.

2012 Calendars: The 2012 Calendarsare in the vestibules of our Churches.A very special thank you to C. J. LucasFuneral Home, Mount Carmel forsponsoring the 2012 Calendars for SS.Peter & Paul Church, Mount Carmel,and to Joseph J. Stutz Funeral Home,Inc for sponsoring the 2012 calendarsfor Assumption B.V.M., Centralia.May God Bless You!

. Vera Bradley! Scarf Chinese Auction:The Vera Bradley/ Scarf ChineseAuction will be held on Sunday,December 4, 2011. Doors open at 12:00Noon, auction begins at 2:00 PM.There will be homemade food, and freshbaked items for sale. Please join us inthe church basement of SS. Peter &Paul Church for a day of fun!!

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CHRISTMAS FLOWER ORDER FORM

Once again we are asking parishioners to sponsor poinsettias to decorate ourchurches for Christmas in memory of a deceased loved one or for thanksgiving andfor God's blessings upon someone living. You may sponsor more than one poinsettiaflower, just be sure to include the information for each listing. The flowers will bedelivered the week of December 18th and will remain in the churches untilTheophany. After the holiday season you may take a poinsettia home if you havesponsored one. LARGE FLOWERS ARE $15.00; MEDIUM FLOWERS ARE$10.00.

Please complete this order form and return it to the parish by Sunday, December4th

• No orders can be accepted after December nth.

Please take this opportunity to help decorate our churches and remember yourloved ones in a special way during the Christmas season.

Given in Memory of•

Given in Honor of

Given in Thanksgiving to God for

Donated by _

Number of Poinsettia plants x $10.00 = $ _Number of Poinsettia plants x $15.00 = $ _

Total Amount Enclosed $--------

SS. Peter & Paul/Assumption BVMParish Food Drive: The Altar RosarySociety is sponsoring a food drive tohelp The Mount Carmel Area Food Bank Ito feed the needy. The food isdistributed to only Mount Carmel Arearesidents. We will be collecting cannedor boxed items such as cereal, potatoes,rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, peanutbutter, jelly, pudding, crackers, etc. Noperishable items will be accepted, suchas fruit, vegetables, etc. You may placedonations in the container in the front ofthe church. This is an ongoing project.As we receive donations they will betaken to The Mount Carmel Area FoodBank. Thank you for your generosity.Christmas Offering,;,..Dear Parishioners,as we all begin our preparation forChristmas, I ask you to begin settingsome extra money aside to make a veryspecial and generous offering to ourparish on that festive day. Donations of$25.00, $50.00, $75.00, $100.00 orMore would be greatly appreciated.When we consider how much we spendon decorations, gifts, cards, etc., you willunderstand we are not asking for toomuch. Please, be as generous aspossible to your church on Christmas.

Feast of St. Nicholas:Feast of S1. Nicholas will be celebratedat SS. Peter & Paul Church on Monday,December 5th at 6:00 PM. Tuesday,December 6,2011 at 9:00 AM atAssumption BV.M. Church.Feast of Conception of St. Anne: willbe celebrated at SS. Peter & PaulChurch December 8, 2011 and atAssumption B.V.M. Church onDecember 9,2011 at 9:00 AM. Theseare Solemn Holy Days please try toattend one of these liturgies.

Collecting Donations: SS. Peter &Paul Church will be collecting donationsfor the Pregnancy Center in Shamokin.Items needed are as follows: diapers,wipes, formula, baby cereal, baby food,clothing sizes newborn to 4t, bottles,and toys. You may place the donationsin the bassinette in the front of thechurch. Donations will accepted untilDecember 18, 2011. Collected items willthen be taken to the Pregnancy centerin time for Christmas. Thank you somuch for your donations.

Boyer's Market Caring and SharingPlan: SS. Peter & Paul Church hasjoined the Boyer's Caring and SharingPlan. Boyer's has sent us key ringcards, which we had applied for. Thekey ring cards are in a basket in thevestibule of our parish, for anyone totake one. Each time one of ourparishioners, or parishioner friendspresents the key card to one of Boyer'scashiers, Boyer's will scan it and ring uptheir order. Boyer's will electronicallyaccumulate our parishes purchases andrebate us 1% of the total purchases(excluding tax, milk, and tobaccoproducts). Boyer's will issue us a rebatetwo times a year with a minimum of$25.00 being earned by our parish.There is no limit to the amount of moneywe can earn. So, please continue to useyour key card today at Boyer's FoodMarket and earn money for our parish.Thank you for your support.

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Lector Schedule:SS. Peter & PaulSat. December 3rd

- 4:00 PM Volunteerplease see Father MichaelSun. December 4th

- Justine EisenhartSat. December 10th

_ 4:00 PM Volunteerplease see Father MichaelSun. December 11 th

- Michael Timmins

Assumption BVM .Sun. December 4th

- Bryce FiamonciniSun. December 11 th

- Bryce Fiamoncini

Please remember: To pray forvocations to the Holy Priesthood andreligious life.

Rosary Intention: for the week ofDecember 5th , 2011 for the sick and theinfirm of our parishes..

In Your Prayers: Please remember topray for the sick and the infirm of ourParishes.

Just for Toda\!! Trust God one da\! at~ time. I will not lack wisdom, for, "If anyof you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,that giveth to all men liberally, andupbraideth not; and it shall be givenhim." (James 1:5)

Sunda\! Social: Sunday, December 4,2011 there will be no social due to theVera Bradley/ Scarf Auction. Social willresume on Sunday, December 11.2011. All are welcome! ©

Christmas Flower Requests: Onceagain we are asking our parishioners tosponsor poinsettias to decorate ourchurches for the holidays. Mediumflowers cost $10.00; large flowers cost$15.00. This is a nice way to rememberyour beloved family members during theChristmas season. Forms are availablein the bulletin, or in the vestibule of theChurches, Place the order form in anenvelope and place it in the collectionbasket. All requests are due by Sunday,December 4,2011. Your names andintentions will be framed and placed inthe vestibule of our parishes.

Next P\!roh\! Sale: SS. Peter &Paul/Assumption Pyrohy sale will beheld on Wednesday, December 14th

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Thursday, December 15th, 2011. Orders

must be placed by December 7th, 2011.

We are still in need of help in all aspectsof this project. Please come and join us!

Closing of Books for Calendar Year2011: The closing of the Church Bookswill be on Sunday, January 15, 2012.Any donations received after that datewill be credited to calendar year 2012.Anyone wanting a print out of their 2011donations may contact the church officeat 339-0650 during normal office hours,and one will be sent to you.

25th Sunday After PentecostTroparion:You came down from on high, 0Merciful One, and accepted three daysof burial to free us from our sufferings. 0Lord, our life and our resurrection, glorybe to You.

Kontakion:Glory be to the Father, and to theSon, and to the Holy Spirit:You rose from the tomb, You also raisedthe dead and resurrected Adam. Eveexults in Your resurrection, and the endsof the world celebrate Your rising fromthe dead, 0 most merciful One.

Theotokion:Now and ever and forever: Amen.To you, 0 Mother of God, the invincibleleader, we, your servants, ascribe thesevictory hymns in thanksgiving for ourdeliverance from evil. With yourinvincible power free us from all dangersthat we may cry out to you: "Hail, 0Bride, and pure Virgin!"

Prokiemenon:Pray and give praise to the Lord ourGod.V. In Judea God is known; His name isgreat in Israel.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!Come, let us rejoice in the Lord,let us acclaim God our Savior.V. Let us come before His countenancewith praise and acclaim Him with psalmsAlleluia (3x)

Communion ~mn:Praise the Lor rom the heavens;praise Him in the highest. Alleluia! (3x)

Epistle: Eph 4:1-6Gospel: Lk 17:12-19

Prayer for VocationsAlmighty and merciful God,

Inspire those You have chosenTo hear and answer Your call to the

Priesthood and Religious Life.Give them the courage

To be the prophets for our times.Give them the wisdom and openness

To live their personal callGive them the strength

To be ready witnesses ofYour love and care for the world.

May they find supportand encouragement

in our words and in our prayers,Through the intercession of Mary,

The Mother of God, and all the Saints.

Amen

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ASSUMPTION BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CHURCH - CENTRALIASS. PETER & PAUL, MT. CARMEL

UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCHES131 N. BEECH STREET, MOUNT CARMEL, PA 17851

TELEPHONE: 570-339-0650' FAX: 570-339-2715VERY REVEREND ARCH PRIEST, MICHAEL HUTSKO

SACRAMENTSBAPTISMS: Please contact the rectory a week or more in advance.CONFESSIONS: Before the weekend Divine Liturgies. Check your bulletin schedule.MARRIAGES: Those planning marriages must be active members of the parish, and must contact the pastor at least 6months in advance. Marriage preparation for couples is required.EMERGENCIES AND PASTORAL CARE: Please call the pastor if a parishioner is hospitalized or homebound andwill need the Eucharist or Anointing of the Sick.NEW PARISHIONERS are urged to register in the rectory office, Moving? Change of address? Please notify the rectory.LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION for Sponsors of the sacraments will be issued only to active members of theparish who are registered in the parish, receiving the sacraments and supporting the parish.CHURCH FUNERALS: Members who are registered in the parish, receiving the sacraments, and supporting the parish.

The Legendary Saint Nicholas

The absence of the "hard facts" of history is notnecessarily an obstacle to the popularity of saints,as the devotion to St. Nicholas shows. Both theEastern and Western Churches honor him, and itis claimed that, after the Theotokos, he is the saintmost pictured by Christian artists. And yet, his­torically, we can pinpoint only the fact that Nicho­las was the fourth-century bishop of Myra, a cityin Lycia, a province ofAsia Minor.

As with many ofthe saints, however, we are able tocapture the relationship which Nicholas had withGod through the admiration which Christianshave had for him - an admiration expressed in thecolorful stories which have been told and retoldthrough the centuries.

Perhaps the best-known story about Nicholasconcerns his charity toward a poor man who was

unable to provide dowries for his three daughtersof marriageable age. Rather than see them forcedinto prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bagof gold through the poor man's window on threeseparate occasions, thus enabling the daughtersto be married. Over the centuries, this particularlegend evolved into the custom of gift-giving onthe saint's feast. In the English-speaking coun­tries, St. Nicholas became, by a twist ofthe tongue,Santa Claus - further expanding the example ofgenerosity portrayed by this holy bishop.

The critical eye of modern history makes us take adeeper look at the legends surrounding St. Nicho­las. But perhaps we can utilize the lesson taughtby his legendary charity, look deeper at our ap­proach to material goods in the Christmas seasonand seek ways to extend our sharing to those inreal need.

Eastern Christian Bulletin Service -- PO Box 3909 -- Fairfax, VA 22038-3909 www.ecbulletin.com Ph: 703-691-8862 Fax: 703-691-0513