JANUARY 31, 2021 |FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

MASS SCHEDULES Saturday Vigil | 4:30 p.m.

Sunday Mass | 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Daily: Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m.

SACRAMENTS

Marriage: Six month notification required

Baptism: By appointment

Penance: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. in Education Center or By appointment

Pastoral Emergencies: Contact Bishop-elect Kulick at 412-582-6082

PARISH OFFICE & STAFF

Bishop-elect Larry J. Kulick, J.C.L., Pastor

Loretta Oken, Office Coordinator

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Laura Nalevanko, Website Content Manager & Bulletin Editor

Missy DiRado, Payroll/Financial Officer

Denise Pencola, Director of Religious Formation

306 Saint James Lane New Alexandria, PA 15670 Rectory & Office: (724) 668-2829 www.stjamesnewalexandria.org Bulletin Deadline: Monday | 4:00 p.m.

Public Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesday - Office Closed

PRAYER & WORSHIP PAGE 2 FROM THE DESK OF OUR PASTOR

Most of us are not trail blazers. Throughout history though, there have been many folks who tirelessly and persistently pursued the promptings of their hearts without giving any care to what others thought or trends dictated. Jesus is one of them. Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Saint Francis of Assisi are examples of others.

The rest of us are people who take a more measured look at things, want to test the waters, and take our time choosing what path or person to follow. We need credible witnesses of faith. We need the Moses people in our lives to show us by word and deed who God is and what integrity and a purpose-driven life looks like. They are the pointers to truth, who even though they struggle themselves, seem to embody an unspoken timeless wisdom that just sounds and feels right. Jesus taught with this same type of authority and caught the attention of the greatest of skeptics. They were astonished. Even though we need our human prophets we can also be somewhat prophetic ourselves by putting integrity and conviction behind our embrace of the Gospel. Perhaps much to our surprise, we all have the power to be a credible witness.

As I take leave of the parish after eight years, I would like to thank you for being a “Moses” for me, helping me be a better priest and Christian disciple. Your kindness, generosity and self-sacrifice has inspired me and has helped to form me. As I transition into my new assignment as Diocesan Bishop, along with many wonderful memories, I take with me your example of kindness, patience and fidelity. Please pray for me and be assured of my prayers for each of you.

LITURGICAL SERVICES OF THE WEEK

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | VIGIL MASS - THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 4:30 p.m. In Thanksgiving for the People of Saint James Parish (Bishop-elect Larry J. Kulick) SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021 | THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 8:00 a.m. † Anna Loyacona (Francis & Barbara Pagnotta) 10:00 a.m. † For the People MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2021 | WEEKDAY 8:00 a.m. In Honor of Bishop-elect Larry J. Kulick (Parishioners and Friends of Saint James Parish) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021 | THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD 8:00 a.m. † Amy McQuade (Family) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | WEEKDAY 8:00 a.m. † Gennaro Cononico Family (Estate of Donet Cononico)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021| WEEKDAY 8:00 a.m. † Anna Marie Suman (James Hornock) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021| SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR 8:00 a.m. † Mary Selepena (Nieces and Nephews)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021| VIGIL MASS - THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 4:30 p.m. † Andy Yantos (Chabino and Felice Families)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 8:00 a.m. † Matt Salandro (Fran and Nance Disciascio) 10:00 a.m. † For the People

ADORATION

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed before morning Mass. Everyone is welcome to join us for the First Friday devotion and time of prayer. The Sacrament of Penance will be available during this time.

SAINT JAMES NEWS PAGE 3 CONGRATULATIONS

As we prepare to say goodbye to our pastor, Bishop-elect Larry J. Kulick, the parishioners and staff of Saint James Parish wish to extend our sincere congratulates to you on being chosen by the Holy Father as the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg. We thank you for your faithful service to our parish, for your leadership, friendship and love. We will forever cherish the memories from the past eight years and we will miss you! God bless you and be assured of our continued prayers for you always.

WELCOME FATHER BANDURA

Saint James Parish welcomes this week our new Parish Administrator, Father Tyler Bandura. Saint James staff and parishioners are so delighted to have you at our parish. Welcome Father Bandura!

ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY NEWS

ROSARY ALTAR SUNDAY

The Rosary Altar Society will be praying the Rosary on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 9:05 a.m. in the Church. Please come early to join and pray with our members. Thank you.

MARIAN PRAYERS

Our Rosary Altar Society will sponsor our monthly devotions and Marian Prayers on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 1:30 - 3:15 p.m. in the Church. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. all four mysteries of the Rosary will be prayed. There will then be a period of quiet time for private prayer. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. with closing at 3:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join us in this time of prayer as we pray for the intentions of the Church, our world and country along with your own private intentions.

ROSARY ALTAR ROSARY AND MEETING

The Rosary Altar Society will be hosting their monthly meeting on Sunday, February 14, 2021 immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the Parish Social Hall. Rosary will be recited prior to the start of the meeting. All ladies of the parish are welcome to attend the meeting and everyone is welcome to attend the reciting of the rosary. SAINT JAMES NEWS PAGE 4

“GOOD-BYE DRIVE BY” FOR BISHOP-ELECT KULICK

Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. will be the last weekend Mass celebrated by our Pastor, Bishop-elect Kulick here at Saint James Parish. We are planning on live-streaming this Mass on our Parish YouTube Channel. With the COVID pandemic safety restrictions currently in place, unfortunately, we are unable to have any farewell celebration together as a parish. In light of this, we are planning a “Good-bye Drive By” starting at 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. following this last Mass for anyone who would like to come to the parish parking lot and extend their best wishes to Bishop-elect Kulick in the safety of their own vehicle. We will have parishioners stationed in various areas of the parking lot assisting with the traffic flow. Please join us to extend your well wishes!

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD WORLD DAY OF CONSECRATED LIFE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed and carried in procession with appropriate prayers and ceremonies. The blessed beeswax candles typify the humanity which God the Son assumed, and signify that Jesus Christ is the True Light of the world by his doctrine, grace, and example. They also represent the ardent faith, hope and charity with which Christians should follow Christ by humble obedience to His Gospel and imitation of His virtues. "This then is the consecrated life: praise which gives joy to God’s people, prophetic vision that reveals what counts. Consecrated life is not about survival, it is not about preparing ourselves for ars bene moriendi: this is the temptation of our days, in the face of declining vocations. No, it is not about survival, but new life. “But… there are only a few of us…” – it’s about new life. It is a living encounter with the Lord in his people. It is a call to the faithful obedience of daily life and to the unexpected surprises from the Spirit. It is a vision of what we need to embrace in order to experience joy: Jesus" --Pope Francis, WDCL Homily on February 2, 2019.

So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday and will be celebrated in parishes next weekend February 6 and 7, 2021 in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation.

“Almighty and ever-living God, on this day Your only Son was presented in the Temple as sharing our human nature. We humbly ask that we too may be presented to You with purified intentions.” Amen

SAINT JAMES NEWS PAGE 5

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE MASS ATTENDANCE COLLECTION REPORT JANUARY 23, 2021 & JANUARY 24, 2021 JANUARY 23, 2021 & JANUARY 24, 2021

4:30 p.m. - 45 Adult Envelopes: $1,540.00

8:00 a.m. - 21 Offertory Loose: $197.00 10:00 a.m. - 76

Fuel & Maintenance: $35.00 Total - 142

Candles: $75.95

Catholic Accent: $117.00 LECTORS OF THE WEEK

Special Donation: $10,000.00

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 Solemnity of Mary: $20.00 4:30 p.m. - Marion Cowan Christmas: $20.00 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021

Children & Family: $15.00 8:00 a.m. - Bridget Widdowson

Donation: $250.00 10:00 a.m. - Karen Bennett

Total: $12,269.95

THE SANCTUARY LAMP

55 Adults - 23% out of 237 who choose to use The Sanctuary Lamp acknowledging the Real regular Sunday envelopes Presence of Christ in the tabernacle is burning during the month of Income Budget Difference February 2021 $12,137.95 $3,688.85 $ + 8,449.10 In Memory of: Birthday Remembrance for George Pastor Requested by: Wife, Catherine Pastor and Family

2020 CONTRIBUTION LETTERS

This past week parishioners should have received in the mail a letter that contains a record of your 2020 contributions to Saint James Parish. These letters are for your personal reference and for auditing and tax purposes. If your donation to the 2020 DLA was $250.00 or greater you will receive a separate statement from the Diocese of Greensburg. If you do not receive these letters, or if you have a question relating to your record of contributions, please contact the Parish Office or a member of our Parish Finance Council. Thank you! SAINT JAMES NEWS PAGE 6 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CORNER BY: DENISE PENCOLA, DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS FORMATION

HEROES CORNER

This week, we receive a special blessing when we celebrate Mass on the February 3, the feast day of Saint Blaise, Bishop and martyr. The blessing of throats. Tradition tells us Saint Blaise was Bishop in Armenia, east of modern day Turkey. Most of what we know about Saint Blaise was written long after his death in 316 AD in the “Acts of St. Blaise.” He was a doctor who not only healed people’s physical ailments but he was also a “physician of souls.” He was well known for his prayerfulness and holiness and many people sought him out for healing and wisdom. In 316 AD he was arrested for being a Christian. Tradition says, a woman brought her son, who was choking on a fish bone, to Saint Blaise as he was being taken to jail. Saint Blaise prayed over the youth and he was cured.

Another legend tells us Blaise was a tamer of wild animals. Saint Blaise is often depicted holding two crossed candles in his hands, or in a cave with wild animals. Agricola, the governor of Cappadocia, tortured Saint Blaise before eventually beheading him. Saint Blaise is the patron saint of throat illnesses, animals, wool traders and wool combers. In honor of his feast day, February 3, a special throat blessing is bestowed by placing two crossed candles placed over the throat while the priest, deacon, or minister says: “Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” Saint Blaise, pray for us!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & YOUTH MINISTRY

The next Religious Education and Youth Ministry classes will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Education Center. DIOCESE OF GREENSBURG NEWS PAGE 7 MODIFICATIONS MADE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FOR ASH WEDNESDAY WEEK

Providing for the safety and welfare of the OBSERVED JANUARY 31 faithful has necessitated many modifications to our TO FEBRUARY 6, 2021 ritual practices. To reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus, it is not permitted this year to sign the faithful with ashes in the customary fashion. Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated January Rather, on Ash Wednesday (February 17), the 31 through February 6, 2021. This year’s theme is “Faith. tradition of being marked with ashes will take place Excellence. Service.” The week will promote the positive in a different fashion, through a sprinkling with ashes. experiences of past and present Catholic School students, as well as the efforts of many to continue to The minister, using a thumb and index facilitate the best education for students under the finger, secures a pinch of ashes from the vessel current circumstances. containing the ashes. Without using words, the minister then sprinkles the ashes on the heads of Each of the 12 schools of the Diocese of Greens- the recipients. Please remember that the reception of burg will have activities throughout the week that are ashes on Ash Wednesday is not required. Whether traditional to that school, as well as a Mass to celebrate participating in this ritual or not, all the faithful are Catholic Schools Week. It’s also an opportunity for those urged to undertake penitential practices during these interested in a Diocese of Greensburg school to make a Lenten days. Catholic school connection. Virtual open houses and private tours are now available. Learn about ways we educate students safely in-person and the many options we provide for connec- tivity.

Register at CatholicSchoolsGuide.org

BISHOP-ELECT KULICK INSTALLATION AND ORDINATION MASS TO BE CELEBRATED FEBRUARY 11, 2021

The Ordination and Installation Mass for Bishop-elect Larry J. Kulick, J.C.L., as the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, will be celebrated Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. In an abundance of caution and in order to prioritize the health and safety of the faith community, attendance will be extremely limited and by invitation only.

However, the entire diocesan community is invited to participate in the celebration, which will be available for viewing on the diocesan website, DioceseofGreensburg.org, our diocesan Facebook page and YouTube Channel. The Mass will also be broadcast on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) live at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Diocesan coverage of this much-anticipated event will begin at 1:00 p.m. with special coverage by The Catholic Accent. Five Points Veterinary Services Blairsville CARING FOR ALL ANIMALS MANORDALE Floor Covering Co. We will treat your pets TIRES & SERVICE Family Owned Business like one of our own! Serving the Area Since 1953 Full Service Automotive Center Dr. Alquin Heinnickel 26 W Market St • Blairsville, PA 15717 8296 State Route 22, New Alexandria (Across from Sheetz) Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm • Sat 8am-2pm (724) 702-0160 (724) 459-9350 (724) 668-5118 2356 State Route 66 • Delmont, PA 117 Salem Dr. 724-468-5953 www.blairsvillefloorcovering.com @meadowsofnewalexandria The Meadows of New Alexandria New Alexandria Stop in to see our sheet vinyl & carpet remnants. www.fivepointsvet.com www.manordaletire.com

AvailableRiver for wedding receptions Hall & other events One price per person includes SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • PERFORMANCE building rental, catered dinner and 5 hours of open bar Grabiak Performance Center located inside Grabiak Chevrolet We will leave you the key on Thursday All Under 1 Roof - Rt. 22 & 981, New Alexandria 313 Salt St • Saltsburg, PA 15681 724-668-2231 724-840-1790 www.grabiak.com • www.gpcperformance.com www.saltsburgriverhall.com

Gregory & Martin, Incorporated 3159 State Route 119 • New Alexandria, PA PLUMBING / HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING 724-668-7172 • www.westcentraleq.com Blairsville Derry Latrobe Lawn Equipment • Gator Utility Vehicles 724.459.0552 724.694.0330 724.537.5831 Power Equipment • Full Service

Contact Sue Novosel to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6318