ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED MARY 119 South Prince Street Lancaster, 17603 717.392.2578

Bishop of Diocese of Harrisburg Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer

Pastoral Staff Rev. Brian J. Wayne, Rev. Bernardo Pistone, In Residence, Retired Fran Sescilla, Pastoral Assistant Parish Mission Tina Skubon, Parish Manager We, the family of St. Mary’s, are a community Don Peris Jr., Director of Liturgy nourished and sustained by the Body and Blood of Christ Stephanie Sands, Director of Music Joe Clupp, Director of Family Life and impelled by the Word of God Bob Cybulski, Youth Ministry Coordinator to go forth and evangelize. Nikki Hollister, Religious Education Coordinator Amy Patton, Facilities Coordinator Keri Kiefer, Religious Education Secretary Betty Anne O’Brien, Administrative Assistant Janice Frank, Receptionist Mike Bitts, Head Organist Clem Filippelli, Maintenance Chris Addis, Parish Pastoral Council Co-Chair Bernadette Weaver, Parish Pastoral Council Co-Chair Email Addresses for Staff www.stmaryslancaster.org/contacts Websites www.stmaryslancaster.org www.hbgdiocese.org Office Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm Mass Schedule Monday through Friday 12:05 pm Saturday Vigil 4:30 pm Sunday 8:30 and 11:00 am Confessions—Fridays following the 12:05 pm Mass and Saturdays following the 4:30 pm Mass Mass Broadcast Sunday evening 5:00-6:00 pm on LCTV Channel 66 Religious Education Office 717.392.2578 — Classes held on Sunday after the 8:30 am Mass. Resurrection Catholic School 717.392.3083 Lancaster Catholic High School 717.509.0315 Prayer Line 717.459.3360 Parish Advocate for People with Disabilities Yvonne Devosa, 717.560.0674 Library Open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily and between Masses on Sunday. Marriage Preparation A minimum of nine months is required for marriage preparation. Go to www.stmaryslancaster.org/weddings or Third Sunday of Advent call the parish office. Baptism December 15, 2019 Second and fourth Sundays; parish membership and baptism class mandatory. Contact the parish office. Historic St. Mary’s Church, Lancaster, PA December 15, 2019

Dear parishioners and friends, When we see a picture of an event, don’t we tend to grasp the idea quicker and doesn’t the concept last longer? So, it Saturday, December 14: was in Medieval times. The Church wanted to teach its 4:30 pm Josephine Cusumano (Joyce Rebman) members, many of whom were illiterate, its Biblical history Sunday, December 15 (Third Sunday of Advent): from Creation to the Christmas story and everything in 8:30 am Parishioners and Friends (Fr. Brian) between. So, was created, beautiful tapestries and even 11:00 am Marianne Lynch (Jack Lochonic) Monday, December 16: stained-glassed windows to depict historical Scriptural 12:05 pm Josephine Cusumano (Kevin & Bernadette events. Weaver & Family) Later, during the season of Advent, people would get a tree Tuesday, December 17: or a large branch, called it a Jesse Tree, and hung on it 12:05 pm Josephine Cusumano (Jack & Betty Anne O’Brien) symbols of the Bible stories they portrayed. Also noted was Wednesday, December 18: 12:05 pm Philip E. Cardin (Jim Loehwing) the chapter and verse in the Bible where the story could be Thursday, December 19: found. They would hang as many symbols as they chose. 12:05 pm Kim McNabb - First anniversary of his death Some examples would be: the earth for Creation, an apple (Bereavement) for and Eve, a rainbow for and the flood, a ram Friday, December 20: for , a ladder for ’s ladder, two stone tablets for 9:30 am WV Lakes: Fr. Brian’s intention the Ten Commandments, a tree stump with a single branch 12:05 pm Mary Eshbach - First anniversary of her death for the prophecy of , a whale for , an animal skin (Bereavement) for , a lily for Mary, a hammer for , Saturday, December 21: sheep for the shepherds and a baby in the manger for Jesus. 4:30 pm John Fanale (Tom & Lee Ann McCall) Sunday, December 22 (Fourth Sunday of Advent): Another very visual demonstration came to fruition when 8:30 am Parishioners and Friends (Fr. Brian) St. , a devout Franciscan friar, created the 11:00 am Annette M. Stumpf - Living (The Ushers at the first Christmas creche. With the permission of the , he 11:00 am Mass) decided to celebrate Christmas in Grecio like never before. Since the Franciscan hermitage where the friars lived was too small, he decided to celebrate Midnight Mass near the town square where he set up an altar in a niche in a rock that he found. Francis was determined to commemorate the birth of Jesus with great devotion and solemnity. He AH (Assumption Hall) • CAF (cafeteria) • CH (Church) • CC (convent chapel) prepared a manger, brought hay and an ox and an ass and CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Room) • DR (rectory dining room) G (gym) • JP (JPII Room) • K (Kolbe Room) • L (library) townspeople to portray Mary and Joseph. N (nursery) • RP (rectory parlor) • SAC (sacristy) • S (school) The people of the town were summoned for this most SY (school yard) • YM (youth ministry rooms) • LS (Lancaster Square) radiant night. St. tells us in the Life of St. December— Francis, “The man of God stood before the manger, full of 15-22 Women’s Winter Shelter (CAF) - 7:00 pm devotion and piety, bathed in tears and radiant with joy; the 15 Hospitality (AH) - following both Masses holy Gospel was chanted by Francis. Then he preached to 15 Adult Education “Catholicism” (K) - 9:40 am the people about the nativity of the poor King and being 15 PREP (S) - 9:40 am 15 Choir Rehearsal (CH) - 10:00 am unable to utter his name for the tenderness of His love, He 15 Distribution of Giving Tree Gifts - 12:30 pm called Him the Babe of Bethlehem.” Legend has it that St. 15 Decorating Group (CH) - 1:00 pm Francis was able to hold the Infant in his arms. Can we 16 Light Weigh (K) - 6:30 pm embrace Jesus with the love that Francis had for the Child 17 Juggling Club (G) - 7:00 pm Jesus? 18 Choir Rehearsal (128) - 7:00 pm 18 RCIA (L) - 7:00 pm Nativity scenes today come in all different sizes and 18 That Man Is You Planning Meeting (DR) - 7:00 pm materials, but the message remains the same. Jesus was 19 Men’s Gospel Reflection Group (JP) - 6:00 am born on Christmas Day to save us from our sins. 19 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) - 9:30 am 19 Mothers Group (AH) - 9:30 am 19 Children’s Christmas Liturgy Rehearsal (CH) - 5:00 pm 20 Confessions & Adoration (CH) - following the 12:05 pm Mass Thought for the week: 20 Community Meal (CAF) - 5:30 pm What do you hope to be cured of when you see the face 21 Ave Maria Mass Choir Rehearsal (CH) - 9:00 am of the Infant Jesus on Christmas morning? 21 St. Paul Street Evangelization (LS) - 10:00 am 21 Confessions (CH) - following the 4:30 pm Mass 22 Parish Penance Service (CH) - 6:30 pm Page 2 - 242 Third Sunday of Advent

Stewardship From the Rectory Office Tithing: God’s Plan for Giving 2019 Diocesan Annual Campaign. Eternal rest grant unto her, Tithing weekend of The 2019 Diocesan Annual Campaign O Lord: December 8: (formerly known as the Bishop’s Lenten  Phyllis Graceffa- mother of $13,847.61 Appeal) is coming to a close. I am so Felicia Caruso Online giving: grateful for the many parishioners who December 2-8: collectively made this year’s effort a Women’s Winter Shelter. $2,790.00 success. We all worked together to reach We are blessed to host the and exceed our parish goal for the 2019 emergency shelter for women once From Fr. Brian. You too must be Diocesan Annual Campaign. The total again. We provide the physical space patient. Make your hearts firm balance left to be paid is $7,500. Please (until April 3), and Lancaster County because the coming of the Lord is at honor your pledge if it is outstanding. On Food Hub provides the oversight. hand (James 5:8). behalf of the those in our parish and our Let’s exude our well-known St. Patience is another one of those things Lancaster community who have benefited Mary’s hospitality to our guests and many of us struggle with. We want directly from the ministries offered by the make them feel welcome in the things to go according to our plan and Diocese, thank you for your generous and evenings! our schedule. Any change brings steadfast support. anxiety and fear. Through daily prayer —Fr. Brian Are you thinking about we better align ourselves with God’s volunteering to work will and His plan, which is far better than anything we can come up with on Sanctuary Candle. with our youth sometime our own. The sanctuary candle burns this week for in the future? a special intention for Teresa and Phil Opportunity for St. Mary’s portion Do you have your Youth Protection Neff and family from Clem and Sandy clearances? Why not get them now? of tithe. Filippelli. December 25—Christmas collection It’s easy to do! Simply go to You may request that the sanctuary www.hbgdiocese.org and click on Note from organization who candle burn in memory of a loved one, to “Youth” then “Youth Protection” received money from St. Mary’s honor a special occasion, or for a then “Certificates and Tithe the Tithe. special intention. The candle will Requirements.” Then click on Thank you for the generous gift of burn for one week. The customary “Volunteers” and either “Adult” or $2,275. This gift will allow us and our donation is $10/per intention. Call “Youth Parish Volunteers.” local agencies to continue to support the rectory office to schedule. Complete each needed the 12.5 million people that we serve requirement, print out the each year. We are a trusted member of Personal Care Donations Are Needed! certificates, and submit all the communities we serve and our On the third Friday of each month, St. paperwork/certificates to the presence is deeply felt in every part of Mary’s distributes toiletries and personal rectory office. Once these are the country and its territories. — care items to guests at our community submitted to the rectory office, they Frances Broderick, Sr. Director of meal who have difficulty providing these will be submitted to the diocese Institutional Giving, Catholic Charities for themselves. Donations of toilet tissue, who will then issue a Youth USA toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, Protection badge. If you have any To read the complete letters from deodorant and feminine hygiene products questions, please don’t hesitate to individuals and organizations who have are needed and would be greatly contact the rectory office. been helped by Tithe the Tithe, appreciated. please see the bulletin board in the Donations have been down. Upcoming Bulletin Deadlines. church vestibule. Please consider contributing Deadlines to submit information is to this ministry. If you can 9:00 am on: Offertory Collections. help, please contact Lora Cronk at 631.871.6339.  For December 22 bulletin: info Sometimes parishioners was due Wednesday, December place their offertory 11. envelope or check in a Please support our  For December 29 bulletin: collection basket as they advertisers! Monday, December 16. enter Mass. Because the money is not They make our bulletin possible!  For January 5 bulletin: Thursday, secure, the ushers have been asked to December 19. not accept it prior to Mass. Please use Our Advertiser of the Week. the offertory baskets or consider Send information to online giving. Thanks for your —Baker’s Automotive— [email protected]. understanding! Auto Sales & Service Page 3 - 242 Historic St. Mary’s Church, Lancaster, PA December 15, 2019

Liturgy Contact Don Peris 717.333.1947 or [email protected]

Scripture Readings. The Antiphon for the December 22: Fourth Sunday of Advent Season of Advent to Candlemas is the Our Mass setting is called Isaiah 7:10-14 • Psalm 24:1-6 Alma Redemptoris Mater: Mass of the Resurrection Romans 1:1-7 • Matthew 1:18-24 Loving mother of the Redeemer, gate of heaven, and the Glory to God, Holy, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen etc. can be found the Incense will be used at the yet strive to rise again. To the wonderment of 11:00 am Masses on Sundays nature you bore your Creator, yet remained a Breaking Bread book throughout the Advent and virgin after as before. You who received ’s starting at number 850. Christmas Seasons. joyful greeting, have pity on us poor sinners.

Family Life Vocations Contact Joe Clupp Contact Fr. Jonathan Sawicki 717.332.7728 or [email protected] 717.657.4804 x 282 or [email protected]

Mothers Group. Traveling This month's Mothers Group will take place on Thursday, December 19, from 9:30-11:00 am in Vocations Chalice Assumption Hall. Our December meeting is always a special one. This month we will not have a podcast to Join St. Mary’s in its campaign to pray discuss. Instead, we will gather together for for vocations. fellowship and a potluck breakfast. This Go to: https://www.signup genius.com/go/ month also comes with the opportunity to All are 4090B4EABAF2CABF85-traveling (Access Code: invited! receive Confession, and to help write cards Vocations) to St. Mary's Parish shut-ins to wish them a blessed holiday. As always, babysitting will be For more information, email Dr. Ruth Davis at [email protected]. provided. For more information, please contact We are in great need of holy men and women, called to serve in Caitlyn Dusablon at [email protected] or at vocations. Help us to increase our vocations by signing up for the 717.669.1136. Traveling Vocations Chalice and pray for vocations for one week. This will make a difference! Prayer can accomplish miracles! That Man Is You. Sign up with your name, phone number and email address. We have just Questions? Please contact Dr. Ruth Davis at rdavis1208@ finished up our first gmail.com. semester of That Man is You, The Battle over the Bride, but don’t fret. You can still join Men’s Vocation Discernment Retreat. other men of the parish in growing in your faith. We Are you called to be His priest? Like the disciples, encounter Christ will be back on Saturday, January 25, 6:30 am, in and answer the Father’s call. Attend a weekend of discernment: Assumption Hall and every Saturday through April 25. prayer, recreation, relaxation and fraternity. Spend the weekend with Him—Friday, January 3—Sunday, January 5—at Mother So, if you are looking for a way to meet others, to Maria Kaupas Center, Mt. Carmel. Cost is $50/person. For more grow in your faith, or just want to try Ed and Rich’s information, contact the Office for Vocations, 717.657.4804 x282 or awesome breakfasts, consider joining us. Mark your email [email protected]. calendar now. It is only a few weeks away!

Parish Campout 2020! Addiction & Recovery Ministry It is not too early to reserve your spot for the 2020 Contact Alyssa Carter Parish Campout at Codorus State Park. The dates are 717.203.1892 or [email protected] July 23-26. This year we will be camping with St. Our Mission Statement: Our Addictions and Recovery Ministry mission Margaret Mary Parish. We have 20 sites reserved, is committed to educating, connecting and ministering to all people in including two cabins, and payment isn’t due until our community who are coping with the challenges of addiction. May. Enjoy campfires, daily Mass, kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, or just relaxing with a book. Addiction = destruction • Recovery = hope Contact Tina Skubon, 717.392.2578 or tina@stmarys To talk with someone who can help you get help, contact Alyssa at lancaster.org, for a map to choose your spot. the number above. Your information will be held in strictest Page 4 - 242 confidence. Third Sunday of Advent

Adult Education PREP Contact Joe Clupp Contact Nikki Hollister 717.332.7728 or [email protected] 717.575.1008 or [email protected]

Women’s Bible Study: Genesis to Jesus. We meet each Thursday morning from 9:30-11:00 am in Sunday, December 15: Assumption Hall (except for the third Thursday of the  Class month when the Mothers Group meets). Our next meeting Thursday, December 19: is Thursday, January 9. (We do not meet December 19, 26,  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Class, 9:30 am or January 2.) Coffee is provided; children are welcome.  Children’s Christmas skit rehearsal, church, 5:00 pm Contact Robyn Visniski at [email protected]. Sunday, December 22:  No class—Merry Christmas! Catholicism with Bishop Barron. Our last meeting is today, Sunday, December 15, from 9:40 Christmas Skit. -10:45 in the Kolbe Room. Child volunteers are needed for the Christmas Eve Children’s Liturgy Mass. Rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, from 5:00-7:00 pm Men’s Gospel Reflection Group. in the church. The children will perform a skit of All men are invited to join this group on the Christmas story at 4:50 pm, just prior to the Thursday mornings at 6:00 am in the John Paul II 5:00 pm Mass, on Christmas Eve. If you have a Room. Contact Joe Clupp at joe@stmarys child or children who are interested in helping lancaster.org or 717.332.7728 for more with our skit, please contact Nikki by Sunday, December 15. information.

RCIA meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 Resurrection Catholic School: Our Parish School pm in the Marian Library. Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 18. Contact Brian Eltz  During this Advent season, our students are preparing for at 215.805.5335 or [email protected]. the coming of Jesus by giving to those in need. Students participated in a “Day of Sharing” in which they made over 100 Christmas cards and Souled Out Catholic Youth Ministry ornaments for parishioners to help make their Contact Bob Cybulski Christmas a little brighter. 717.385.9268 or [email protected]  The children will attend theDecember 20 REST – God was Smiling! showing of “Twas The Night Before God led us to our first-ever chair race, focusing on REST. At Christmas” at the Fulton Theater. We appreciate this each station we reflected on and wrote about:Rejoice, that opportunity to give students an experience at one of Christ was born, Enjoy the Season, Sacrifice and we will be Lancaster’s cultural and historical landmarks. more appreciative, and Time needs to be given to God  School Mass this Thursday, December 19, 9:30 am at St. when we are so busy. Church will be led by third grade. We went to church for Adoration and wrote letters to God and a family member. GOD WAS SMILING! Lancaster Catholic High School Upcoming Schedule:  Lancaster Catholic's Activities Fair. On Saturday, January  Sunday, December 15, after the 11:00 am 25, from 1:00-3:00 pm in the LCHS Berger Gym, prospective Mass—Help decorate the church for families will have the chance to speak to and interact with Christmas various clubs, sports teams, campus ministry and the Fine  Friday, December 20, 8:00-10:00 pm— and Performing Arts ensembles at the 3rd Annual Activities Christmas Party—Lancaster Ice Rink Fair! Students who complete their bingo card indicating that  Saturday, December 21, 7:00-9:00 am— they spoke with a variety of extracurricular activities will be Christmas dinner distribution at Lancaster Barnstormers entered into a raffle for FREE tuition for the 2020/21 school year! To register for the Activities Fair, please visit Stadium www.lchsyes.org/activities/. Attendees that pre-register will  Saturday, January 11, 5:30-7:30 pm—Youth Group be entered into a raffle to win Amazon gift cards. Night—The Ultimate Gift  Cafeteria Help Needed. Lancaster Catholic High School is in need of a part-time cafeteria worker. Hours are Monday Check us out on Facebook: through Friday between 9:00 am and 1:15 pm. If interested, please contact Misty Pitrovich at 717.509.0306 or pick up an Souled Out (Historic St. Mary’s) application in the LCHS main office. Page 5 - 242 Historic St. Mary’s Church, Lancaster, PA December 15, 2019

Help Decorate the Church for Christmas.  Sunday, December 15, 1:00-5:00 pm—decorating in the church (crèche, trees, choir loft, etc.)  Monday, December 23, 1:00-5:00 pm  Tuesday, December 24, 9:00 am-12:00 pm (if needed) Advent & Christmas Opportunities Contact Mary Walters for more information, 717.293.0203. Help is needed before and after Masses during the weekend of Buy A Cookie Tray and Combat World Hunger. December 14/15 to After all Masses this weekend, buy a prepare the gifts for cookie tray and feed 375 starving delivery. In addition, -8 children. These cookie trays make 10 parishioners with cars are needed to deliver wonderful hostess gifts and affordable gifts after the 11:00 am Mass on December 15. If gifts for friends and colleagues. The cookie trays are only $15 each you have questions or would like to help, please and have 24 cookies, chocolates and are beautifully gift wrapped. contact Kathy Setlock at [email protected] or Last year’s sale provided food for 4.2 million children as part of Cross 717.940.2582. Catholic Outreach’s school feeding program in Haiti

Deanery Penance Services Join the Ave Maria Choir for Christmas Eve! Come join our Ave Maria Choir! We are looking for committed St. Philip Sunday, December 15 2:00 pm singers, ages 6 to high school, who are willing to share a few hours of their time in preparation to serve the Lord through St. Tuesday, December 17 7:00 pm music. On the following dates, December 24(Christmas eve, St. Joseph Wednesday, December 18 7:00 pm 5:00 pm Mass), February 23, April 19 (Divine Mercy Sunday), the participating youth will lead our San Juan Bautista Thursday, December 19 7:00 pm congregation in musical praise at the 8:30 am Mass. St. Anthony of Padua Thursday, December 19 7:00 pm Rehearsals take place the Saturday before from 9:00-10:30 am. We hope to grow the choir and fill St. Mary Sunday, December 22 6:30 pm the hearts of our youth with a nourishing means to serve at Holy Mass. Our goal: to sing for God as if St. Anne Sunday, December 22 7:00 pm the music sings through our souls. Contact Kristin Young to sign Advent is a time for new beginnings through the up: 717.391.0151 or [email protected]. Next rehearsal is Saturday, December 21, at 9:00 am in the church. Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Christmas & New Year’s Mass Schedule Christmas gift ideas! Check out the ‘Stewardship Christmas: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Bookshelf’ in the back left corner of Tuesday, December 24 (A Holy Day of Obligation) the sanctuary. Learn more about our faith! Purchase any one of the 30 4:50 pm Children’s Christmas Skit Tuesday, December 31 different CDs (for a $1 donation). 5:30 pm Mass 5:00 pm Vigil Mass (Children’s Liturgy) Many are about Advent and other 8:00 pm Vigil Mass Wednesday, January 1 topics relating to the beliefs of the Midnight Mass (Carols at 11:30 pm) 10:00 am Mass . Wednesday, December 25 Also find new books (up to $5 donation) and other books/booklets 8:30 am Mass Free parking is available in the Steinman Park Garage for all Masses. including the Catechism. Lately, 11:00 am Mass some of our parishioners have recommended the book, The Real Blessed 2020 Calendars. Story: Understanding the Big Picture oplatki Thank you to Charles F. of the Bible, by Edward Sri & Curtis (Christmas Snyder Funeral Homes for Martin. It is a clear explanation of the wafers) are providing our parish with entire Bible story. available in 2020 calendars. Help The bottom shelf is for kids! Check the rectory office. Suggested yourself to a calendar for out the Bibles for teens and, of donation is $5 each. your family. They are located course, Christmas themed Veggie in the narthex of the church. Tales! Page 6 - 242 Third Sunday of Advent

From Behind the Pew Knights of Columbus #867 Contact Stephen Gambone Contact Ed Krause 717.538.1877 or [email protected] 717.490.9066 or visit http://867kofc.org

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT: “That Man Is You”  Monthly Council Meeting for the Knights, December 18, Begins again on Saturday, January 25, in Assumption Hall. 7:00 pm. Description: That Man Is You is a ministry designed to bring  The Club will be closed on December 25 and 27. men closer to Jesus through weekly sessions held Merry Christmas! throughout the academic year. Meetings are held on  A big thank you to Bill Childs and all who Saturday mornings, 6:30-8:00 am, with breakfast included. donated to this year’s Coats for Kids Drive. We were able to No cost to attend. distribute a new coat to every child who needed one at How to Participate: All men 18 years of age and older are Resurrection and Sacred Heart Schools. invited to attend. Consider having breakfast, sitting in on a  Monthly Sunday Breakfast will begin again starting on session and discussing, or just listening to others talk about January 19 from 8:00 am-12:30 pm. Enjoy eggs, pancakes, our walk closer to Jesus. Contact Stephen for more breakfast meats, etc. information.  Friday Night Dinner Specials: December 20—Stuffed pork URGENT NEED! A transportation coordinator is needed to chops, January 3—Shepherd’s pie, January 10—Stuffed coordinate deliveries of St. Mary’s quarterly food drive chicken breast. All specials include soup and salad bar, coffee items to San Juan Bautista’s Food Bank. The volunteer will and dessert. Note: Alcohol can only be served if visitor is only coordinate the transportation from St Mary’s to San accompanied by a member. Juan.  Banquet Room Rental: Our newly renovated banquet room If you have a desire to get involved, contact Stephen has one of the lowest rental rates in the area. Please also Gambone. (Call/text and leave a message.) If you are a consider us for your class reunion. Ministry leader looking for volunteers, contact him too. He  Bingo every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 pm. will act as a liaison between all the ministries and the people  Interested in becoming a new member? Call Jim Schoeplein behind the pew…YOU!! at 717.475.0390.