157 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga, New York 14215 Web Site: stalschurch.com Rectory: ...... 833-1715 Religious Education Office: ... 836-9657

Rectory Fax: ...... 837-5703 Convent: ...... 834-1889

Rectory E-Mail: .. [email protected] Parish Hall: ...... 836-4617

MISSION STATEMENT Our goal, our purpose, is threefold:

(1) to proclaim the saving mission of Jesus Christ through word and sacrament to the people of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish and to strengthen them as a Community: St. Aloysius Gonzaga (2) to reach out and proclaim the good news to the un-baptized, the un- 1568 – 1591 churched and the inactive; and Patron of Youth (3) to impact our principles and beliefs upon the community in which

St. Aloysius Gonzaga is shown carrying a we live. victim of the Roman plague. He eventually succumbed to the illness himself, dying at the Mass Schedule: age of twenty-three. He is seen in the Jesuit Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m. habit, which he donned, having left the royal Sundays: 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. courts and riches of his family castle. Vigil of Holydays: 5:00 p.m. Holydays: 6:45 and 8:30 a.m., 12:00 and 7:00 p.m. PARISH LEADERSHIP Monday thru Friday: 6:45 and 8:30 a.m. Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.

Pastor: Confessions: Saturday: 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.; anytime upon request

Rev. Peter J. Popadick Devotions & Prayer:

Weekend Assistants: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Mon.-Fri., 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Rev. Martin X. Moleski, SJ Novena to St. Anthony & St. Theresa: Tuesday before 6:45 a.m. Mass Rev. Msgr. Matt Wendzikowski Stations of the Cross: Fridays of Lent, 7:00 p.m.

Parish Trustees: Rectory Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thomas L. Franczyk (Business Manager) and 1:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Richard W. Jauch Baptisms: During or after Sunday Masses; Parents are expected to Pastoral Care/Parish Outreach Coordinator: complete Baptism Training Program. Sister Maryann Kolb, SSJ * 833-1715

Music Ministry/Choir Director: Marriages: Registered couples should contact the Rectory six months in advance and are expected to complete the Pre-Cana Program. Lee Peters * 207-0430

Religious Education/RCIA Coordinator: Care of the Sick: The pastoral care of the sick and homebound is a Robert Rybarczyk * 688-1380 priority of our parish ministers. Please notify the rectory immediately if

Web Master: someone is hospitalized, enters a health care facility or is in need of the Sacrament of the Sick or the Eucharist brought to the home. John Fahey * 510-6798

Evangelization Committee Coordinator: Letters of Recommendation: Those chosen to be Godparents at John McMahon * 833-3454 Baptism or Sponsors at Confirmation are to be role models in the

Parish Council Contact: practice of the Catholic Faith. Therefore, those seeking a Letter of Recom- Paul & Donna Lewis * 834-8493 mendation are expected to attend Mass regularly, live according to Gospel Values, be at least 16 years of age, have received the Sacrament Finance Committee Chairperson: of Confirmation, and be generous in their service of others. Thomas Gaulin * 833-1715

Eucharistic Adoration Director: Parish Registration: New parishioners are always welcome within the Frank Guglielmo * 832-1519 Community of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Members of the Evangelization Committee meet with new parishioners, sharing with them information Pro-Life Coordinators Contact: on our parish and inviting the new parishioners to become actively Rose Fera & John Tomasello involved in the faith life and ministerial opportunities of our parish. Page Two St. Aloysius

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018 FRIDAY BINGO: We begin at 7:30 PM in the school; doors open THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH at 6:15 PM. Prizes total $3,000. Games are all paper. Assigned MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018 — ST. SYLVESTER I, workers are asked to report by 6:30 PM. 6:45 AM St. Aloysius Parishioners & Their Families SATURDAY BINGO: Doors open at noon; Casino Bingo begins at 8:30 AM John Zuchs (Birthday Remembrance)—req. Mel Saile 12:30 PM & Bingo games start at 1:00 PM. Prizes total $1,800+. 5:00 PM Estate of Msgr. Mecislaus S. Wendzikowski TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019 — SOLEMNITY OF MARY THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION) REFLECTING ON THE WORD OF GOD: Today we celebrate the 9:00 AM Claude & Elizabeth Whissel— req. Tom & Sandy Whissel feast of the Holy Family. This feast is part of the Christmas season, and 11:00AM Good health & God’s Blessings for Debra & James R. we should place today's Gospel in the context of what Luke's Gospel tells Caputi & Family—req. Family us about the birth of Jesus. Luke has been answering the question “Who is NO 5 PM MASS Jesus?” through his stories of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 — STS. BASIL THE GREAT & Today's Gospel reading continues this theme. It has no parallel in the GREGORY NAZIANZEN other Gospels and is the conclusion of Luke's Infancy Narrative. Mary, 6:45 AM Estate of Leo & Evelyn Smith Joseph, and Jesus are presented in this Gospel as a faithful Jewish family. 8:30 AM Intentions for Good Health for Kim Paul—req. Debra A. They are participating in the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feast Caputi of Passover, an event shared each year with family and friends. When THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 — CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY, THE Jesus is found, Luke describes him as seated in the Temple in the midst of MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS the Jewish teachers. Although he is young, Jesus seems not to need 6:45 AM For the Military & Their Families—req. Friends from St. teaching about his Jewish tradition. In his dialogue with these learned Al’s teachers, Jesus astounds them with his insight and understanding. Jesus is 8:30 AM Joe Ducato—req. St. Al’s Holy Name Society a child of Israel. His Father is God. In Luke's Gospel, Mary's importance FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 — ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON is even greater than her role as Jesus' mother. Mary is the first disciple and 6:45 AM All Souls will be present with Jesus' disciples after his Resurrection at Pentecost. 8:30 AM In Thanksgiving for Blessings received Klosko, Caputi & - Reflection prepared by parishioner, John Fahey Gentile Families—req. Family SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019 — ST. JOHN NEUMANN IN THE WORDS OF : Today’s Gospel passage 8:30 AM Lynn Rusch—req. Family invites families to welcome the light of hope that comes from the home of 5:00 PM Herbert Bork—req. Family Nazareth, in which Jesus’ childhood unfolded in joy. Jesus, says St Luke, SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 — THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD “increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man”. The 9:00 AM Deceased Members of the Haberman & Leberer Families— nuclear family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is for each believer and req. Family especially for families an authentic school of the Gospel. Here we admire 11:00 AM Diane Davis—req. Martin & Mary Ann Davis the fulfillment of the divine plan to make of the family a special 5:00 PM Eugene Wallmeyer—req. Family community of life and love. Here we learn that every Christian nuclear family is called to be a “domestic church”, to make the Gospel virtues PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK: Mary Davis, Loretta Phillips, shine and become a leaven of good in society. The classic traits of the Dorothy Hensen, Barbara Ross, Andrew Hashimi, William Bystrak, Holy Family are: reflection and prayer, mutual understanding and respect, Andrew Richesin, Lisa Blount, Sarah Nelson, Rene Meyer, Dorothy and a spirit of sacrifice, work and solidarity. From the exemplary witness Coyne, Chris Christopher, Maureen Michaels, Dottie Besant, Janice of the Holy Family, each family can find precious guidance for the style Kerber, Karen Mitchell, Al Stritzel, John Dedloff, Barbara Kelly, Susan and choices of life, and can draw strength and wisdom for each day’s Hilburger, Stacey Grant-Littleton, John & Lori Mento, Paulette Adams, journey. Our Lady and Joseph teach us to welcome children as a gift of Flora Perez, Susan Duquin, Theresa McKibbin, Anne Dyson, Lina God, to beget them and raise them, cooperating wonderfully in the work Kujawski, Ruth Vaught, Mary Ellen Kern, Paul Pronti, Nancy Hoffman, of the Creator and giving to the world, in each child, a new smile. It is in a Rose Oehler, Robert Clinch, Vivian Kurylo, Rylin Boncore, Linda Mento, united family that children bring their existence to maturity, living out the Charlotte Braun, Timothy Martin, Harry Flynn, Elaine Luparello, Mary meaningful and effective experience of freely given love, tenderness, and Ferd Philipps, Joshua Rudnicki, Marilyn Roof, John Gatti, Dominic reciprocal respect, mutual understanding, forgiveness and joy. Palmeri, Ashley Kern, Thomas Martin, Louis Augello, Sue Hartke, Nick ANGELUS, SAINT PETER'S SQUARE, Ball, John Halper, Luvena Moore, Eileen Somogye, David, Joy Berry, SUNDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2015 Father Michael Uebler, Hal Lane, John Albarella, Mary Ann Talarico, Joseph Craddock, Davina Kollaranska, Tom Noonan, Marilyn Fiegel, Ken FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD: On January 1st the Church Schuh, Maureen Boncore, Esther Curtin, Felix Mayer, Loraine Wallmeyer, gathers us together to celebrate the Feast of Mary, the Holy Mother of Evangelina St. John, Bill Severson, Anne Stepien, Rosemary Causley, God. It is a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics. But even if it was Alaina Drzyzga, Kim Paul, and all our parishioners in Nursing Homes. not a Holy Day, what better way is there to begin the journey of a new year than participating in Mass, feasting on the Word of God and being PLEASE PRAY FOR THE DECEASED: Dorothy Monczynski (cousin nourished with the Body and Blood of Christ? of Theresa Wendzikowski and our late, beloved Msgr. Matt) In calling us to honor Mary on January 1st, the Church gives us her example because she teaches us how to follow Christ. Mary is a woman of prayer – she ponders the Message of the angel in her heart. She is a woman of service – rushing to assist her cousin, Elizabeth, in her pregnancy. Mary brings Hope to all people by giving Birth to Jesus. Mary teaches us how to pray, how to serve and how to give Birth to Jesus by the kindness of our words and the gentleness of our actions. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to Note the times of Masses for January 1st. Join us in honoring Mary them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus who teaches us how to follow Jesus each day of the new year. advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man. - Lk 2:51-52 REFLECTING ON THE HOLY FAMILY: Saint Mother Teresa of Readings for the week of December 30, 2018 Calcutta wrote these powerful words about the Human Family: Sunday: 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28/Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10 [cf. 5a]/1 Jn 3:1- “Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater 2, 21-24/Lk 2:41-52 development and greater riches. Children have very little time for their Monday: 1 Jn 2:18-21/Ps 96: 1-2, 11-12, 13 [11a]/Jn 1:1-18 parents and parents have very little time for their children and each Tuesday: Nm 6:22-27/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 [2a]/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 other…Bring prayer to your family, bring it to your little children. Teach Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [3cd]/Jn 1:19-28 them to pray. For a child that prays is a happy child. A family that prays is Thursday: 1 Jn 2:29—3:6/Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6 [3cd]/Jn 1:29-34 a united family. We hear of so many broken families. And then we Friday: 1 Jn 3:7-10/Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9 [3cd]/Jn 1:35-42 examine them: Why are they broken? I think because they never pray Saturday: 1 Jn 3:11-21/Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5 [2a]/Jn 1:43-51 together. They are never in prayer before the Lord…If you want a happy Next Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 [cf. 11]/Eph 3:2-3a, family, if you want a holy family, give your hearts to love.” 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 Page Three December 30, 2018 NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS: It is a joy and privilege for our Sisters, the WORDS OF GRATITUDE: As to be expected, the entire Parish Family members of our Rectory Staff and our Priests to wish you and all you love of St. Aloysius Gonzaga join Father Peter in expressing deep gratitude to a Holy and Blessed Journey thru the New Year of Grace 2019. It is our all who helped make our Advent Journey, our Christmas Celebrations and prayer that during the new year you experience deeply the Presence of God our entrance into the New Year so prayerful and beautiful. in your life and grow in wisdom, age and grace. We pray that God blesses - to our Parish Choir, our Cantors and Musicians, under the direction you with peace of mind and heart, as well as health of body and spirit. We of Lee Peters, for leading us in song and lifting up our minds and hearts in ask Mary and all the to walk at your side, protecting you from all prayerful praise of God who gifted us with Jesus. Our Advent and evils of the mind, heart and body. It seems that this simple Irish Blessing Christmas Liturgies were so beautiful and our Advent Lessons and Carols expresses our wishes for you: so prayerful; “May there always be work for your hands to do. - to the women of our Altar and Society, and their helper- May your purse always carry a coin or two. elves, for so carefully decorating our Church and sanctuary; arranging the May the sun always play on your windowpane. flowers, cleaning our church and creating sacred space in which to May a rainbow chase after each spot of rain. celebrate God’s Goodness and Love; May the hand of a friend always be near you. - to all our Liturgical Ministers: Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.” Servers, Ushers/Greeters who by their reverence and faithful service help A Blessed, Holy, Happy and Healthy New Year to all! those present to pray; - to the members of the Evangelization Committee, chaired by John NEW YEAR OF GRACE – 2019 CALENDARS: At all Masses this McMahon, for preparing our Advent Journey Packets and giving weekend, we will bless the calendars that mark our journeys through the leadership to our pastoral outreach to our faithful parishioners and those New Year of Grace 2019. As the calendars are blessed, we will pray that members of our parish who may have drifted away from Mass and the each day of the new year will be filled with deeds of kindness and Sacraments; compassion to family and friends, to the poor and needy. We will also pray - to all who helped Sister Maryann prepare our Christmas Dinner and Gifts that if God calls us Home on any day of 2019, we will be found watching Ministry and to all who delivered gift bags to parishioners who are home- and waiting – ready to go Home to God, where a thousand years are like bound and living in health care facilities. You show us how to put love into the passing of one day. action. Gratitude, of course, to Sister Maryann for her leadership in our Please feel free to take as many calendars are you need – for your Outreach Ministry; own needs as well as for family and friends, places of work and other - to Dino and Jim for doing “the leg work”, putting up the trees and gathering places. Having a Catholic calendar in a prominent place is wreathes, and to those who arranged the manger scene, placing bows and another very simple way to evangelize – a gentle reminder of the Presence lights on trees, arranged the Baptismal Font, fixed the window of God in our midst. appointments; A word of gratitude is expressed to Amigone Funeral Homes for - to all our friends and parishioners who gifted the Rectory Staff with providing our parish with these calendars each year. cookies, candies, breads, baked goods, cards and flowers. The Rectory Staff and Father Peter thank you all for your kindness and support. NEW PARISH STAFF: Tom Franczyk, Parish Business Manager, and And, most importantly of all, a word of thanks to all our good and Father Peter are pleased to inform you that Rick Puszert has been hired as faithful parishioners and all the friends of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish for our part-time maintenance person, replacing Jim Banas who is “retiring” joining us in prayer during these Sacred Seasons – Advent, Christmas, after 19 years of service. New Year – what a joy, privilege, blessing and grace it is to pray with you Rick and his wife, Mary, are active parishioners of St. Al’s. They can at the Altar-Table, celebrating together Emmanuel – God with us! be found worshipping with us, participating in opportunities for Adult Deep gratitude to all who contributed to such a joyful and prayerful Faith Formation, including our Book Discussion Group, working Bingo Advent, Christmas and the start of a New Year’s pilgrimage of Faith and and present at our special events. So his love for our parish and his desire Love and Service. May God bless you for all your kindness and goodness. to make our buildings and properties as welcoming and pleasant as possible are evident. HOLY NAME SOCIETY: The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is Rick brings to his job a variety of skills including painting, carpentry, celebrated each year on January 3rd. Six years ago, in 2013, our past- plumbing and electrical work – all learned on the job through the president Joseph Ducato invited all men of the parish to attend Mass at maintenance of his own home. He will, of course, work closely with Dino, 8:30 am on January 3rd to celebrate the Feast Day. That began a tradition our Director of Maintenance. Once Rick has a handle on his new of monthly Mass & Breakfast attendance of our Holy Name Society men, responsibilities it will become more clear what days and hours he will in addition to celebrating the Feast Day on January 3rd. usually be working here at St. Al’s. Parishioners join Father Peter in As the tradition continues, all men of the parish are cordially wishing Rick happiness and success in his new responsibilities. A word of invited to join with our Holy Name members at Mass on January 3rd gratitude is once again extended to Jim Banas for his long years of at 8:30 am. After Mass all are invited to breakfast at Milo’s Restaurant, at dedicated service to his/our Parish Family of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. a cost of $10, with the Holy Name Society covering all additional costs. The Holy Name Society promotes reverence for the Sacred Names of HOLY NAME SOCIETY: Our Holy Name Society will meet on God and Jesus Christ, obedience and loyalty to the Catholic Church, and Monday, January 7th in the C.Y.O. Room at 7:30 p.m. Come join us as we the personal sanctification and holiness of its members. Members are discuss our schedule for 2019. We are always looking for fresh ideas and called to assist in the evangelization mission of the Church and to make new members, so all men of the parish are cordially invited to attend our perpetual acts of reverence and love for our Lord and Savior. Our St. business meeting, and stay around to meet fellow parishioners, join in Aloysius Holy Name Society embodies these principles and will continue spirited conversation, play cards and enjoy our refreshments. to grow as additional men of our parish become active members. Please show your support of our Holy Name Society and begin 2019 with Mass EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: If you are looking for a really fine New on Thursday, January 3rd, the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Year’s Resolution, you might want to give consideration to embracing Eucharistic Adoration as part of your personal spiritual journey in the new NEW YEAR’S EVE MASS: Rev. Mother Prioress and our cloistered year. You really could not embrace a better resolution. Carmelite Nuns of Buffalo invite us to join them in prayer at 11:30PM on Pope Saint John Paul II wrote: “The Church and the world have a New Year’s Eve for Holy Mass – a wonderful way to thank God for all His great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of Blessings throughout 2018 and to seek God’s help as we begin the journey love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in of 2019. Father Peter Santandreu, a newly ordained Priest of the Diocese contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious and Associate Pastor at St. Amelia’s Parish, Tonawanda, will be Celebrant offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease.” and Homilist. The Mass will be celebrated at the Monastery of the Little The Lord is waiting for you to make a resolution to be still and silent Flower, 75 Carmel Road, off Hertel in Buffalo. Think about it – what a in His Eucharistic Presence. Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament wonderful way to begin a New Year! And if you do begin the New Year in takes place Monday thru Friday from 1PM to 9PM. You may be a prayer with our Carmelite Nuns, please ask God to bless our community Permanent Adorer or a Substitute Adorer – or you may simply enter into here at St. Aloysius Gonzaga. our Adoration Chapel for prayer whenever time, need or circumstances allow, if even for a few minutes. For more information on Eucharistic WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU…actually kept a New Year’s Adoration, speak with Frank Guglielmo (832-1519), Parish Director of Resolution and for how long? Eucharistic Adoration, or with Father Peter. WAGNER MONUMENTS Monuments, Markers, Urns Vases, Cemetery Lettering Anthony V. Morgante, DC 892-5505 2953 GENESEE STREET • Between Harlem & Union Theresa M. Morgante, DC Chiropractic Care PLUS... 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