Sunday, December 15, 2019

Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice

“...For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10 Third Sunday of Advent—December 15, 2019 Parish Page 2 Journeying Together as a Family of God Today, December 15, 2019 Stewardship—doing the work of Christ December 1, 2019 CCD Classes—Sunday 9:30-10:45am for Kindergarten—8th grade 10:50 thru 11am Mass for 3yr & 4yr Preschool Weekly Income $ 9,606.00 Online $ 1,719.50 Olive Wood Art—Beautiful handcrafted art directly from $ 11,325.50 The Holy Land for sale after all Masses this weekend in the Weekly Budget $ 8,000.00 School Hall. Weekly Surplus $ 3,325.50 Advent Vespers—Sunday, December 15, 6:30pm

Poor Box $ 179.04 Next Weekend, December 21/22, 2019 Minister Schedule

CCD Classes—Sunday 9:30-10:45am for Kindergarten—8th grade This week: Jean Wishard, For the 10:50 thru 11am Mass for 3yr & 4yr Preschool

Intentions of Chessie Mathews & Family, Youth Group Cookie Sales–after Masses in School hall Jim, Jackson, and Kathleen Schlossnagle, and Kathy Stepulaitus, Nina Miller, Advent Vespers—Sunday, December 22, 6:30pm

Alaina Sullivan Ingels, Mary West Kritikos, Office Closed—Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Maxine Cool, Jenna Holderness, Richard December 24, 25 & 26 E. Bouder, Jordan Green, Atlee Constable; Tammy Miller, Intentions of Linda & Russ Minister Schedule Brezler; Caroline Shreck, Robert Willhide, James Bowling, Robert & Anna Topper, George Myers, Paul If you are unable to serve, please find a substitute. Thank you. Walter, Jr., Trevor George, Intentions of the Button Family, Fred Arena, Maureen Martz, Raymond Scott, Alan Saturday, December 21, 5pm: Hockenberry, Leisa Esposito, Pete Kauffman, Bill Garland, EMHC—Bill DeLise, Martin Lison, Karen Lison, Mike Malcolm Bryan, Brehon Sweeney, Allan Moran, Jessica Geoffroy; Altar Servers—Camryn Bonner, Lynn Patridge. Jo Pickert, Laurine Stein, Brian Shockey, William Ochoa, Dave Ochoa; Lector—Jeff Moyer; Gift Johnson, Christina Sentelle, Kathaleen Bryan, Keith Wolfrey, Aliene Misitis, Kellie Reiber, Philip Baker, Tom Lopresti, Frank Bearers—Carol Cool, Anne Fritzinger,Mary Little; Greeters—Anne Fritzinger, Mary Little Lago, Adele Hanson, Chauney McGarney, Zoey Walker, Lisa White, James J. Thomas, Ed Bryner, Earl Bennett, Ty Long, Sunday, December 22, 8:00am: Robin L. Fraley, Robin Holderness, Gordon Fath, Jr., A EMHC—Anne Bonner, Christine Bradley, Sue Miller, Special Intention for Kathy Osbourn, Margaret (Peggy) Pessagno; Altar Servers—Thomas Clement, Gillespie, Raylynn Gladhill, Jo Willard, Jim Barnes, Judy Jonathan Pan, Christina Pan; Lector—Jan Strait; Gift Huber, Becky & Jeffrey Schreck, Jr., Eileen Duke, Liz Jobes, Bearers—Mary Fahrney, Thomas Fahrney, 1 Betty Powers, Gladys Wetzel, Dorothea Peters, Eliana Bettwy, Needed; Greeters—Mary Fahrney, 1 Needed Catherine Hinkle, Seth Stine, Donna Krietz; Prayer List Policy: To help focus our prayers, names are kept on Sunday, December 22, 11:00am: the list for one month. If someone is still in need of EMHC—Richard Cook, Bill DeLise, Belen Aida prayer, notify the office to list them for another Bautista, 1 Needed; Altar Servers—Ernie Skehan, month for as long as prayers are needed. Skehan, Thomas Skehan; Lector—Emil Berendt; Gift Bearers—April Berendt, Mary Skehan, 1 Needed; Greeters—Samantha Cook, Bernadine Null Winter Bulletin Schedule

The December 29nd Bulletin is due by 12 Noon, Christmas Eve Vigil, December 24 , 5:00pm: Thursday, December 19th. EMHC—Charles Frame, David Pessagno, 2 Needed; The January 5th Bulletin is due by 12 Noon, Mon- Altar Servers—4 Needed; Lector—Mike Geoffroy; day, December 23rd. Gift Bearers—3 Needed; Greeters—2 Needed

All bulletin announcements are due to the parish office Christmas Mass during the Night, December 24, either in writing or by e-mail to [email protected]. 10:00pm: EMHC—Judy Baker, Rick Baker, Richard Cook, 1 Needed; Altar Servers—Knights of the Holy Temple; Lector—Elizabeth (Betsy) Nicholson; Gift Bearers—3 Needed; Greeters—2 Needed

Christmas Day, December 25, 9:30am: EMHC—Christine Bradley, Sue Miller, 2 Needed; Altar Servers—4 Needed; Lector—Susan Pyatt; Gift Bearers—3 Needed; Greeters—2 Needed

BUY SCRIPT for all your Please volunteer for the needed spots on the holiday gift cards! Ministry Schedule on the Website. Third Sunday of Advent—December 15, 2019 Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish Page 3 Mass Schedule The is prayed ½ hour before each Mass.

Please consider making a year-end gift by December 31, 2019, December 14 to the Office of Development, which serves the Parish, CCD Mass of Anticipation and School. For tax purposes, please note: Stock remains at 3:30 PM Confession historic levels this year; therefore, stock may be an excellent 5:00 † Vincenzo Spinelli way to make a year-end gift. Online credit card gifts must be completed by December 31, 2019 at saintandrewschool.org/ Sunday, Third Sunday of Advent, December 15 advancement. 8:00 AM † Joseph A. Medevich 11:00 AM † Melvin Wishard Those who are at least 70 1/2 years of age may wish to consid- 6:30 PM Advent Vespers er using an IRA to make a gift. Checks dated and envelopes postmarked by December 31 will receive year-end tax credit. Monday, December 16 8:00 AM † Sam Ferguson Thank you for your support!

Tuesday, December 17 8:00 AM † Regina Hockenberry Parish Ministries Directory 10:00 AM Mass at Quincy Boy Scouts Fred Shetter 717-762-2462 Cemetery Joe Little 717-762-0233 Wednesday, December 18 Church Cleaning Crew Kathy Osbourn 717-352-3472 8:00 AM † Holy Souls in Purgatory Council of Catholic Women Elaine Sneeringer 352-8697

Thursday, December 19 Finance Council Chair Charles Frame 717-762-6702 8:00AM † David Wixted Knights of Columbus Jeff Moyer 717-762-7421 Music Director Kathy Bourdeau 717- 765-0791 Friday, December 20 Ministry Scheduler Kathy Bourdeau 717- 765-0791 9:30 AM For Intentions of Paulette & Richard Nidel Natural Family Planning Jeff & Marcia Moyer 762-7421

Saturday, December 21 Parish Council Chair Dave Wishard 717-387-2251 Parish Nurse Program Margy Cook 717-749-0012 Canisius, Priest & Betty Green 717-404-6814 8:00AM † For the Intentions of Philip Larkin Prayer Chain Bernie Null 717-762-1471 3:30 PM Confession Judy Baker 717-762-5642 Mass of Anticipation Pro-Life Committee Marcia Moyer 717-762-7421 5:00 PM For the People / Pro Populo SCRIP Lisa Skehan 717-762-3221 Saint Andrew Board of Education Sunday, Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22 Lesley Quesada 717-387-9656 8:00 AM † Harold Sprenkle Social Outreach & Advocacy Ministries 11:00 AM † Dorothy Willhide Marie “Maisie” DiGiammarino 717-762-2641 6:30 PM Advent Vespers Lucy Ivins 702-523-6445 Spirited Singles John Hoffman 717-552-9681 Saint Andrew Seniors Sonnie Medevich 717-749-3837 The Sanctuary Candle reminds us of the presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Waynesboro Area Fellowship of Churches Sacrament. It burns this week in Memory of Colleen & Chuck McManus 412-951-0209 Jean and Mike O’Brien. Youth Group [email protected]

Our parish benefits from the many ministries and educational pro- grams that the Diocese supports. Please be sure to honor your com- mitment for the Diocesan Annual Campaign. Gifts made before De- cember 31, 2019 may provide tax benefits to you. If you have not made a gift to this year’s cam- paign, it is not too late. You can make your gift securely online at www.hbgdiocese.org/dac. 100% of the monies collect- ed over our parish goal are returned to the Parish for our use. You can contact the Parish office or the Office of Stewardship Sunday Evening Advent Vespers are scheduled for & Development at the Diocese for more information. December 15 & 22 at 6:30pm. All are invited to take a moment away from the bustle and busyness of the season Parish Goal (Assessment): $62,700.00 to pray and spiritually prepare for the coming of Christ. Total Pledged/Paid to Date: $ 57,553.00 Each Sunday we will celebrate Solemn Sung Evening Ves- Amount Needed to reach Goal: $ 5,397.00 pers in the church. All are welcome. Third Sunday of Advent—December 15, 2019 Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish Page 4 Please return the wrapped gifts and Youth Group Manna Bags by today, Christmas Cookie Sale Sunday, December Saturday 12/21 and Sunday 12/22 15th. Please note: It is VERY IMPORTANT to After Each Mass

have the ornament at- Select your favorites to build your own cookie tached to the outside of the gift for identification. tray. If you would like a Christmas basket or you know of a fam- ily who would, please contact the office at 717-762-1914. 1 Dozen Cookies for $8 OR Epiphany Parish 2 Dozen Cookies for $15 Dinner OR Sunday, January 5, 2019: 3 Dozen Cookies for $20 Our parish is sponsoring a Par- ish Dinner to celebrate the Christmas season. Join us for Christmas Vespers in the church at 5:30pm, followed by Dinner in the School Hall at 6:00pm. Come celebrate the Christmas season with the Saint An- drew Family with good food, company and fellowship. You can buy your ticket in the parish office until Thurs- day, January 2 or after Masses December 28 / 29. Saint Andrew’s Youth Group Tickets: $6 for adults; $3 for children ages 12 and under. Upcoming Events Having tickets helps us to know how much food is needed  Christmas Lock-In—Friday, De- for everyone who attends. We want everyone to be able to cember 20 7:45pm until Satur- attend, so if the ticket price is a hardship, please contact day, December 21 8:30am after the office for complimentary tickets. See the bulletin morning Mass board flyer for more information or contact the parish of-  Cookie Sale after all Masses— fice, 717-762-1914 ext 5. December 21/22  Contact [email protected]. Buy a Cookie Tray and Com- Beautifully Handcrafted Olive- bat World Hun- Wood Art ger Little Bethlehem Christians is a group that represents 200 Christian families who live YOUR COOKIE ORDER IS IN!!! in Bethlehem in the Holy Land and make If you handed in The Cookie Sale order form or called their living as wood carvers. After all Masses, December 14/15, the group in an order, your cookies are available for pick up af- represented by the Alsahouri Family ter all Masses this weekend, December 14/15, on the will display a col- stage in the school hall. lection of hand- carved olive wood Knights of Columbus religious items for sale. The profit goes Regular Council Mtg—Thursday, Decem- to support Christiani- ber 19, 7:30pm. ty in the land of Christ. Please visit their website, www.little-bethlehem.org, to view these beautiful and unique religious Council of Catholic Women items. Meeting—Wednesday, December 18, at 6:30pm, in the Parish Meeting Room. All ladies of the parish are invited Saint Andrew School and encouraged to attend! Christmas Choral & Spirited Singles—Wednesday, Decem- Band Program ber 18, 9am—Singles, divorced & widowed Thursday, December 19 men & women. Join us for breakfast or just cof- at 6:30pm in the Church. fee & fellowship at the Velvet Café. More info- John 717-552-9681. Third Sunday of Advent—December 15, 2019 Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish Page 5 Sunday, December 15, 2019 the Mary herself was conceived. This conception was Third Sunday of Advent not virginal. (That is, she had a human father as well as a hu- 35:1-6a, 10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 man mother.) But it was special and unique in another way. 2. What is the ? The of ’s the explains it this way: Paragraph 490: To presence features become the mother of the Savior, Mary “was enriched by God prominently in the gos- with gifts appropriate to such a role.” The angel at the pel today. Though we moment of the Annunciation salutes her as “full of grace”. In are in the midst of Je- fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her sus’ ministry and John faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary is in prison, he has a that she be wholly borne by God's grace. Paragraph 491: question for the would- Through the centuries the Church has become ever more be Christ: “Are you the aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed one who is to come / or from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma should we look for an- of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pius IX pro- other?” Though it claimed in 1854: The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the might be surprising to us, it seems as though Jesus did not fit first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privi- the expectations of John the Baptist! Two thousand years lat- lege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus er, we see these figures through the eyes of faith and so it can Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all be difficult to place ourselves in the context of their day. stain of original sin. John the Baptist had been preaching fiery judgment, immi- 3. Does this mean Mary never sinned? Yes. Because of the nent wrath. Last week’s itself, states this message quite way redemption was applied to Mary at the moment of her plainly. In John’s mind, the one to come would baptize with conception, she not only was protected from contracting origi- the Holy Spirit and with fire. The winnowing fan is in his nal sin but also personal sin. The Catechism explains: Para- hand. The chaff will be burned in an unquenchable fire. But graph 493: The Fathers of the Eastern tradition call the then John is arrested and imprisoned, and Jesus begins Mother of God “the All-Holy” (Panagia), and celebrate her as preaching and doing mighty deeds. There is not the judgment “free from any stain of sin, as though fashioned by the Holy that John expected. Thus, he sends his own disciples from his Spirit and formed as a new creature”. By the grace of God imprisonment with an astonishing question for Jesus. Had Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life John gotten it wrong? Is Jesus the one? Or is there another? long. “Let it be done to me according to your word.” For his part, Jesus does not respond with a simple “yes” or 4. Does this mean Mary didn't need Jesus to die on the “no” answer. He responds by sending John’s disciples back to Cross for her? No. What we've already quoted states that him with a report of what they have seen and heard. Jesus re- Mary was immaculately conceived as part of her being “full views some of his deeds in alluding to the prophet Isaiah. He of grace” and thus "redeemed from the moment of her con- then concludes with an ominous beatitude that seems to be ception" by "a singular grace and privilege of almighty God addressed to John directly: “Blessed is the one who takes no and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the hu- offense at me.” man race." The Catechism goes on to state: Paragraph 492: In the Gospel of Matthew we do not have a story of John and The “splendor of an entirely unique holiness” by which Mary Jesus as cousins, as Luke would have it. Instead, Matthew tells is “enriched from the first instant of her conception” comes us something that might be closer to the historical picture. wholly from Christ: she is “redeemed, in a more exalted fash- Perhaps John misunderstood Jesus and his mission. Perhaps ion, by reason of the merits of her Son”. The Father blessed John even took offense at what Jesus was preaching and what Mary more than any other created person “in Christ with eve- he was doing. Jesus’ words and actions were not what John ry spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” and chose her “in had expected. Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and Jesus reminds the one who baptized him that among other blameless before him in love”. From among the descendants things, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. the good news preached to them. This is the mission of the “Full of grace”, Mary is “the most excellent fruit of redemp- Christ sent by God. Though John is greater than any person, tion” (SC 103): from the first instant of her conception, she the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Nowhere was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she does it say how John responded to this beatitude addressed remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life. specifically to him. That silence speaks volumes. Jesus’ mis- 5. How does this make Mary a parallel of Eve? and Eve sion is proclaiming this kingdom and creating it. Let us not were both created immaculate--without original sin or its take offense at his priorities, even if they are not our own. In- stain. They fell from grace, and through them mankind was stead, let us align ourselves with Christ sent by God, assisting bound to sin. Christ and Mary were also conceived immacu- and proclaiming and creating the kingdom in our own day and late. They remained faithful, and through them mankind was time. From Living Liturgy redeemed from sin. Christ is thus the New Adam, and Mary the New Eve. The Catechism notes: Paragraph 494 . . . As St. says, “Being obedient she became the cause of salva- From our Pastor’s Pen... tion for herself and for the whole human race.” Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert. . .: “The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience: what the virgin This past Monday, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Im- Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her maculate Conception. It celebrates an important point of aith.” Comparing her with Eve, they call Mary “the Mother of Catholic teaching, and it is a holy day of obligation, except the living” and frequently claim: “Death through Eve, life when it falls on a Sunday. Here are 8 things you need to know through Mary.” about the teaching and the way we celebrate it. 6. How does this make Mary an icon of our own destiny? 1. Who does the Immaculate Conception refer to? There's a Those who die in God's friendship and thus go to heaven will popular idea that it refers to Jesus' conception by the Virgin be freed from all sin and stain of sin. We will thus all be ren- Mary. It doesn't. Instead, it refers to the special way in which dered "immaculate" (Latin, immaculatus = "stainless") if we Third Sunday of Advent—December 15, 2019 Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish Page 6 remain faithful to God. Even in this life, God purifies us and Tuesday, December 17, 2019 trains us in holiness and, if we die in his friendship but imper- Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17 fectly purified, he will purify us in purgatory and render us Finally, like a long exhalation during the final week before immaculate. By giving Mary this grace from the first moment Christmas, we pray the “O Antiphons,” which give us different of her conception, God showed us an image of our own desti- ways to image the long-awaited Messiah. Some of the more ny. He shows us that this is possible for humans by his grace. colorful names are: Wisdom, Root of Jesse’s stem, Key of Da- John Paul II noted: In contemplating this mystery in a Mari- vid, Radiant Dawn. Praying with one each day unites us to the an perspective, we can say that "Mary, at the side of her Son, universal church over many centuries. Check out YouTube for is the most perfect image of freedom and of the liberation of a video that provides historical background on the Antiphons. humanity and of the universe. It is to her as Mother and Mod- Take a moment to watch it as part of your Advent observation. el that the Church must look in order to understand in its Wednesday, December 18, 2019 completeness the meaning of her own mission" (Congregation 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25 for the Doctrine of the Faith, Libertatis conscientia, 22 March, Today is International Migrants Day, reminding us that all 1986, n. 97; cf. Redemptoris Mater, n. 37). Let us fix our gaze, biblical people, including the Holy Family, were obliged to then, on Mary, the icon of the pilgrim Church in the wilder- roam to survive. The mystery of the Incarnation, Christ in us, ness of history but on her way to the glorious destination of is extended to all people, especially those who have been driv- the heavenly Jerusalem, where she [the Church] will shine as en from their homelands by violence and crushing poverty. All the Bride of the Lamb, Christ the Lord [General Audience, of us need rescuing! “O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of March 14, 2001]. the Law to on Sinai: Come to rescue us with your 7. Was it necessary for God to make Mary immaculate at her mighty power!” conception so that she could be Jesus' mother? No. The Church only speaks of the Immaculate Conception as some- Thursday, December 19, 2019 thing that was "fitting," something that made Mary a "fit habi- Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Luke 1:5-25 tation" (i.e., suitable dwelling) for the Son of God, not some- "O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: thing that was necessary. Thus in preparing to define the dog- Come to save us without delay!" Today is the third day of the ma, Pope Pius IX stated: “And hence they [the Church Fa- church's week of O Antiphons, used at evening prayer to count thers] affirmed that the Blessed Virgin was, through grace, down the final days of Advent. Each gives a different depiction entirely free from every stain of sin, and from all corruption of of the Messiah; each captures the longing of a people yearning body, soul and mind; that she was always united with God and to be saved. Today's imagery comes from Isaiah 11:1, where joined to him by an eternal covenant; that she was never in God establishes the House of David from beleaguered begin- darkness but always in light; and that, therefore, she was en- nings: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jes- tirely a fit habitation for Christ, not because of the state of her se, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” David, the young- body, but because of her original grace. .For it was certain- est son of Jesse, is as improbable a king as the Christ Child will ly not fitting that this vessel of election should be wounded by be. If you haven’t been praying the O Antiphons this week, it’s the common injuries, since she, differing so much from the not too late to start; nor is it too late to decorate a Jesse Tree, based on the same Isaiah verse. others, had only nature in common with them, not sin. In fact, it was quite fitting that, as the Only-Begotten has a Father in Friday, December 20, 2019 heaven, whom the Seraphim extol as thrice holy, so he should Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38 have a Mother on earth who would never be without the There’s a special Christmas season novena—that is, nine days splendor of holiness [Ineffabilis Deus]. of prayer—that commemorates the nine months of Mary’s 8. How do we celebrate the Immaculate Conception today? pregnancy with Jesus, as well as her journey from Nazareth to In the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, December 8th is the Bethlehem, and it is done in the nine days leading up to his solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In the United States birthday. Called Las Posadas, which means “lodging,” it is cel- and in a number of other countries, it is a holy day of obliga- ebrated by many Spanish-speaking cultures with re- tion. enactments of Joseph and Mary (often with entourage and even a donkey!) knocking on neighbors’ doors seeking a “place to stay.” A party usually ensues. Remember all those in the world who are journeying to find shelter for their children, and work to make our communities more open to them. In fact, celebrate their presence!

Saturday, December 21, 2019 Memorial of Saint Peter Canisius, Priest & Doctor of the Church Song of Songs 2:8-14 or 3:14- 18a; Luke 1:39-45 Peter Canisius (1521-97), a Dutch Jesuit priest who was a contemporary of Saint Ig- Daily Readings & Reflections natius, was a learned and capable scholar who started many Jesuit colleges. Peter had Monday, December 16, 2019 a gift for making theological doctrine under- Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a; Matthew 21:23-27 standable. To that end, he wrote three cate- Magisterium is a mighty big word that means a lot to Catho- chisms that helped common folk and chil- lics. The word derives from the Latin for “teacher.” It refers to dren understand the teachings of the church the sacred deposit of faith, which includes both scripture and and ground their faith. Peter’s ability to lis- tradition, that’s been entrusted to the church. And it is the ten in working with non-Catholics helped him respect differ- source of the church’s authority to interpret this deposit of ences and seek common ground. We ask Saint Peter Canisius faith, which has been divinely revealed by Christ, the “Word to help us listen to those with whom we differ and seek com- made flesh.” What an immense gift from God, for all of us to mon ground. be shown so much. Be faithful to it.