The Catholic Community Wexford

Saint Alphonsus & Saint Alexis

Sunday Mass Times Weekday Mass Schedule 4:00 p.m. Saint Alexis (Saturday Anticipated Mass) 8:00 a.m. Saint Alexis (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 7:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus Friday and Saturday) 9:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 9:00 a.m. Saint Alphonsus (Wednesday) 10:00 a.m. Saint Alexis 12:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) 11:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 5:00 p.m. Saint Alexis Second Sunday December 8, 2019 of Advent FROM FATHER ZYWAN

MISSION MAKING ADVENT MORE MEANINGFUL . . . Are you fully committed to growing in a relationship with Jesus, or do you have one foot in and one foot out the door? The honest answer for most of us is some- where in between. There is always room to improve in our relationship with the Lord, and we know that Jesus is constantly inviting us closer to him. He thirsts for our hearts – the hearts of everyone. During Advent, we have an opportunity for a spiritual “reset.” In waiting for December 24, invest your relationship with the Lord Jesus. The following are six suggestions as ways to help each of us grow more deeply in relationship with Christ. Make the most of this Advent season, and encourage others to do the same.

Go to confession. Part of preparing our hearts to welcome the Lord means to repent. See the bulletin or go online to see when confessions are schedule in this and any parish. Enter the Word through “lexio divina.” This is a way to listen to God’s voice through Scripture. Begin by slowly reading a passage from Scripture. Meditate on it. Pray about it. Consider where the Lord may be calling you in regard to it. Lastly, take action to where God is leading you. This can be a real life changer. Pray the Saint Andrew Novena. This is a beautiful prayer that a friend introduced me to over 25 years ago (thanks, Leslie). Traditionally, this short prayer is prayed 15 times a day from November 30 – the Feast of Saint Andrew - through December 24. If you would like, you may direct this prayer to a specific intention. It goes like this:

Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born in Bethlehem, at midnight, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayers and grant my desires, (mention your personal intention), through the merits of our savior, Jesus Christ and his blessed Mother. Amen.

Attend Daily Mass. There is no better way prepare for Advent (and heaven) than by attending the daily celebration of Mass. Spend more time with Jesus in his Eucharistic Presence. He is the source of real and lasting joy. Turn to Mother Mary. “There is a mysterious correspondence between the waiting of God and that of Mary, the creature ‘full of grace,’ totally transparent to the loving plan of the Most High. Let us learn from her, the Woman of Advent, how to live our daily actions with a new spirit, with the feeling of profound expectation that only the coming of God can fulfill.” Pope Francis, First Sunday of Advent, 2010

Lean in to Jesus this Advent. God’s peace and blessings to you and yours.

MAINTENANCE

IN HASTE, LET US BUILD HIM A HOME! Friends, your help is needed. Do you have, or do you know anyone who has old, aged barn wood siding? This year the display of the nativity scene will be placed in front of the church at Saint Alphonsus. A few carpenters have been asked to tackle the construction of a suitable manger. They’re “on board!” What is needed now is the barn wood to construct it. Do you have any aged barn wood or do you have any leads? Please contact Gail, the parish receptionist at 724.935.1151 or email her at [email protected]. What a joy to “prepare” for the Lord’s coming by creating a home for Jesus outside of our church and inside our hearts. Thank you.

In Jesus’ love,

Fr. Zywan LOVE

To is learning to follow Christ with others.

ADVENT PRAYER FOR FAMILIES WE PRAY FOR THE SICK

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, We entrust to the care of Christ the Divine Physician, ever faithful to your promises those members of our parish families of Saint Alphonsus and ever close to your Church: and Saint Alexis Parishes who are in need of healing in the earth rejoices in hope body, mind or spirit, especially: of the Savior's coming and looks forward with longing Brian Bart Eugene Mancino Jackie Straw to his return at the end of time. Rich Bogovich Ron Mehok M. A. Taiclet Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness Jeannie Bukaukus Gay Mullen Paul Turnley that hinders us from feeling the joy Anne Deley John Mullen Bill Vita and hope which his presence will bestow, Joseph Borza George “Murph” Marge Vita for he is Lord for ever and ever. Connor Cunic Neelan Marci Williams Amen. Lyndell Ewell Ray Obringer Jim Winkler Elmer Gerst Bill Redmack Mimi Woods ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES Marge Gerst Steven Paul Reid Prayer Shawl Deacon Al Heiles Larry Sampietro Recipients December 11 - The Light Is On Michael Karas Janice Spowal For You Penance Service at 6:00 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus ONLY If you know of a parishioner or have a loved one who is

ill, please contact the Parish Center and let us know. We December 12 - Saint Alexis will place that person’s name on the prayer list for four Penance Service at 7:00 p.m. weeks. Intentions may return to the list upon monthly

December 16 - Saint Alphonsus requests. Contact the Parish Center at 724.935.4343 or Penance Service at 7:00 p.m. 724.935.1151 to add a loved one onto the list.

SCRIPTURE READINGS Advent Materials Sale TODAY’S READINGS Prepare the Way…For He First Reading — He shall bring justice for the afflicted; the Comes! To ensure that this Advent earth shall overflow with the knowledge of the LORD season is more special, we are (Isaiah 11:1-10). offering Advent books, candles, Psalm — Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of wreaths and other materials for peace for ever (Psalm 72). purchase. See our selection in the Second Reading — Glorify God by living in harmony with back of both churches. one another, welcoming each other as Christ welcomed you We are also offering Oplatki, a (Romans 15:4-9). traditional Christmas wafer (much Gospel — Produce good fruit worthy of your baptism; repent, like a large rectangular host.) It is now available among for the reign of God is near (Matthew 3:1-12). our display of resources for Advent in the back of the The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved . churches or at the Parish Center. Suggestions as to how this tradition can be incorporated into your family’s READINGS FOR THE WEEK Christmas tradition may be found on the back of the Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; packet. The normal offering is $2 per envelope. Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; 2020 Yearly Calendar Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Please remember to take a 2020 Thursday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; yearly calendar from the back of Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, the church. We would like to thank or any readings from the Common of the our generous benefactor, Peggy Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712 Thoma from George A. Thoma Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Funeral Home, Inc. for providing Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; these for us once again this year. Mt 17:9a, 10-13 God bless you! Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11 Saint Alphonsus Information This Week at Saint Alphonsus Mass Intentions Sunday, December 8 Sunday, December 8 7:30 a.m. Mass 9:30 a.m. Mass with Children’s Liturgy of the Word 7:30 a.m. † Living and Deceased Members of Saint Alphonsus and 10:30 a.m. Children’s Choir practice Saint Alexis Parishes 9:30 a.m. † Marie Stadman by Mike and Mary Evers 11:30 a.m. Mass 11:30 a.m. † Ray Rossman by The Family Monday, December 9

12:00 p.m. Mass Monday, December 9

Tuesday, December 10 12:00 p.m. † Tom Fix by Kim Y on Wednesday, December 11 9:00 a.m. School Mass —All are welcome Tuesday, December 10—No Masses 12:00 p.m. Mass Wednesday, December 11 12:30 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Devotion 9:00 a.m. † Mary Ann Meinert by Children 6:00 p.m. The Light is On For You—Reconciliation 12:00 p.m. † Elaine Lawryk by David and Ruth Franz

7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Practice in rectory basement Thursday, December 12—No Masses Thursday, December 12 Friday, December 13 Friday, December 13 8:00 a.m. Sanctuary Committee in church 12:00 p.m. † Paul Dillon by The Pieczynski Family 8:30 a.m. CVOL Retreat for 7th Graders Saturday, December 14—No Masses 12:00 p.m. Mass

Saturday, December 14 Sunday, December 15

Outreach to Bethlehem Haven Women’s Shelter 7:30 a.m. † Tom Fix by Kim Y on Sunday, December 15 9:30 a.m. † Henry Borkowski by Michael and Diane Christel 7:30 a.m. Mass 11:30 a.m. † Michael McDonald by The Family 9:30 a.m. Mass with Children’s Liturgy of the Word 10:30 a.m. Children’s Choir practice

Income: November 18 through November 24, 2019 Income: November 25 through December 1, 2019 Regular Electronic Total Regular Electronic Total Offertory $ 8,575 $ 5,724 $ 14,299 Offertory $ 7,163 $ 4,204 $ 11,367 Parish Share $ 1,166 $ 3,626 $ 4,792 Parish Share $ 155 $ 1,591 $ 1,746 School $ 132 $ 180 $ 312 School $ 35 $ 127 $ 162 Major Maintenance $ 15 $ 215 $ 230 Major Maintenance $ 982 $ 78 $ 1,060 Religious Retirement Fund $ 2,158 $ 445 $ 2,603 Religious Retirement Fund $ 115 $ 965 $ 1,080 Christmas Flowers $ 255 $ 5 $ 260 Christmas Flowers $ 630 $ 5 $ 635 Thanksgiving $ 64 $ $ 64 Thanksgiving $ 1,223 $ 20 $ 1,243 Future Diocesan Collection $ 5 $ 30 $ 35 Future Diocesan Collection $ 5 $ 10 $ 15 Holy Days $ 60 $ 20 $ 80 Holy Days $ 5 $ $ 5 Votives $ 149 $ $ 149 Votives $ 240 $ $ 240 TOTAL $ 12,579 $ 10,245 $ 22,824 TOTAL $ 10,553 $ 7,000 $ 17,553

OUR ADVERTISERS Parish Share Assessment: $ 99,942 Thanks to our bulletin advertisers for advertising in our parish Collected: $ 176,491 bulletins this week:

Saint Alphonsus - Schellhaas Funeral Home Upcoming Second Collections: Saint Alexis - Vincentian Home December 15 - Maintenance Please patronize our sponsors or at least, be sure to thank December 25 - Christmas Collection them when you have the opportunity to do so. It is through their December 25 - Children/Youth Charities support that our weekly bulletin is made possible! Collection Saint Alexis Information

This Week at Saint Alexis MASS INTENTIONS MONDAY, December 9 Saturday, December 7 – St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor 2:00 p.m. Mass at Wexford House of the Church 5:30 p.m. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir 4:00 p.m. † Eleanor Debski - The Vella Family 7:00 p.m. Support Group Sunday, December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent TUESDAY, December 10 10:00 a.m. † Phyllis Re - Larry and Terri Sampietro 9:00 a.m. Small Groups 5:00 p.m. † David Heinricher - Lawrence Heinricher, Jr. 12:00 p.m. Tuesday Hope 5:00 p.m. Children’s Choir Monday, December 9 - The Immaculate Conception of the 6:30 p.m. Endow Women’s Group Blessed Virgin Mary WEDNESDAY, December 11 8:00 a.m. † Margaret Mary Zoffel - Francis X. Fleming 6:45 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Prayer Group Tuesday, December 10 - Advent Weekday 6:00 p.m. The Light is On For You Penance Service at St. Alphonsus 8:00 a.m. † Rosemary Sweeney - Bethe Rykaczeweski 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Practice Wednesday, December 11 - St. Damascus I, Pope

THURSDAY, December 12 No Mass 7:00 p.m. Advent Penance Service at St. Alexis Thursday, December 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe 7:00 p.m. Small Groups 7:00 p.m. Support Group B 8:00 a.m. † William Cairns - The Phipps Family FRIDAY, December 13 Friday, December 13 - St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr 12:00 p.m. Support Group 8:00 a.m. † Phyllis Re - Jack and Marilyn Schuler 2:00 p.m. North Hills Rehab Mass 7:00 p.m. Support Group Saturday, December 14 – St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church SATURDAY, December 14 8:30 a.m. Small Groups 8:00 a.m. † Ralph Altman - Betty and Family 8:30 a.m. Emmaus Group 4:00 p.m. † Flo McCauley - Tom and Lucille Roos 9:00 a.m. Breakfast Club Sunday, December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent 10:30 a.m. Support Group 10:00 a.m. † Phyllis Re - Bob and Pat Maloney SUNDAY, December 15 5:00 p.m. For the Living and Deceased Members of Saint Alphonsus and 8:00 a.m. RCIA Saint Alexis Parishes 11:15 a.m. Family-based Catechesis 2:00 p.m. Over 50 Income: November 25 through December 1, 2019 6:30 p.m. EDGE 6:30 p.m. Support Group Regular Electronic Total (11th & 22nd) Income: November 18 through November 24, 2019 Offertory $ 8,615 $ $ 8,615

Regular Electronic Total Loose Cash $ 751 $ $ 751 (11th & 22nd) Parish Share $ 1,388 $ $ 1,388 Offertory $ 8,645 $ 4,072 $ 12,717 School $ 195 $ $ 195 Loose Cash $ 723 $ $ 723 Religious Retirement $ 165 $ $ 165 Parish Share $ 496 $ 737 $ 1,233 Christmas Flowers $ 608 $ $ 608 School $ 15 $ 70 $ 85 Votives $ 304 $ $ 304 Religious Retirement $ 4,493 $ 650 $ 5,143 TOTAL $ 12,025 $ 0.00 $ 12,025 All Saints $ $ 130 $ 130 Parish Share Assessment: $ 139,733 - Collected: $ 199,936 Christmas Flowers $ 909 $ $ 909

Votives $ 373 $ $ 373 Thanks to everyone for your generous TOTAL $ 15,654 $ 5,659 $ 21,313 support of our two churches this past week! Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis News

Are you prepared? By Dave VanVickle, Director for Evangelization

The readings for Advent are pretty clear; we had better be ready for the coming of the Lord. The early Christians were people of preparation. They spent their whole lives waiting for that “great and terrible day.” We need to be that way as well. Even though we may not see the coming of the Lord in our lifetime, we will all stand before God and have our lives judged. Are we ready?

Here are the two best ways we can prepare for the coming of the Lord:

1. Daily prayer: When we meet Jesus, will it be comfortable and familiar? Personal prayer is how we get to know Jesus Christ. When we converse with Him every day, His grace floods our life, and we grow in intimacy with Him. He will eventually become our most trusted friend and most intimate confidant. That is the kind of relationship you want with the one who holds the keys to Heaven. 2. Daily Repentance: Sin is what keeps us from intimacy with God. Jesus came for one reason: to save man from his sins. He cannot do that unless we cooperate with this call to righteousness. Each and every day, we should be striving against sin by practicing a life of repentance. We must bring our failings to the mercy of God every day, but also regularly going to Confession. We will all meet the Lord face to face and have our lives judged. This does not have to be a scary thing because God wants a relationship with you right now. Come, Lord Jesus!

ON MISSION FOR JULY 2020 LITURGICAL MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR ST. In today’s Gospel we hear about John ALEXIS - DECEMBER 14 - 15, 2019 the Baptist, preparing the way for the Mass coming Messiah. John called for a 4:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. conversion from sin with new eyes of Time faith for the future. Let us dedicate J. Schuler, M. Schuler, J. Heim, R. Reiger, ourselves to be people like John the Baptist, looking Eucharistic C. Ebken, T. Sampietro, G. Quatchak, V. Iarussi, forward to our God coming into our lives through our one new parish. We are able to profess our faith today, in the Ministers J. Florentine, J. Peirish, P. Quatchak, J. Gavel, R. Negle D. Tyra holy triune God, whose love is revealed in Jesus Christ and who has gifted us with the Spirit. They shared the gift of faith with us and taught us how to pray. They nurtured the Reader 1 M. Takacs J. Graper faith in us through the celebration of the sacraments; they Reader 2 D. Bartlett M. L. Anderson brought us to the present moment to look forward with courage. Let us pray that we too will be able to hand on the Altar M. Allessi, J. Schlemmer, faith to future generations with effectiveness and joy. Servers S. Komoroski B. Vernon Cantor D. Scotto C. Isacco Christmas

CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS Carols Looking for a way to remember a On Friday December 13, the loved one this Christmas? Consider Catholic Community of Wexford has been using Christmas Flower Memorial honored to be invited to perform at Heinz Fund envelope. Hall prior to the Pittsburgh Symphony This fund is used for the purchase Holiday Pops Concert. The choir will begin of poinsettias that will remain in the singing as the doors open. sanctuary area throughout the All are invited to attend. For tickets, Christmas season. please visit www.pittsburghsymphony.org Your donations are due by Friday, December 13 and and use promo code 81749 you or your loved one will be recognized.. Thank you for to receive a discount on being a part of this effort! your tickets. Thank you for your support! DISCOVERING CHRIST FAMILY-BASED CATECHESIS Join us for a seven week One of the first efforts at collaboration in our Catholic journey into a personal Community of Wexford has been in the area of religious education. This joint effort to share talents and resources relationship with Jesus Christ! between our two parishes has truly been a blessing for The Wexford Catholic everyone involved. One of the most dynamic features of our Community welcomes you to new Faith Formation program is Family-Based Catechesis. join us for a seven week series This new approach is designed to support and strengthen exploring the basic Gospel parents in teaching the faith at home. The parents attend a message. Each evening will monthly class where they receive religious instruction, and have a delicious dinner, a video then teach lessons to their children at home. On the last presentation and a brief small Sunday of each month, the families in the program come together for fun and fellowship after Mass. group discussion. Join us for this exciting series. This th series is free of charge. Jeanie Jho, whose son Justin is a 5 grader in the Discovering Christ will be on Thursday evenings program, had this to say: “FBC encourages both parents and children to journey together in the lifelong process of faith January 23 through March 5. With a single day formation. As a parent, I especially appreciate that FBC special retreat day on Saturday, February 22. provides in part, religious instruction directly to the parents Please go online to register at stalexis.org or so that they can more confidently assume their roles as the saintalphonsuswexford.org. You’ll be glad you did! primary educators of their children’s faith lives. I am grateful to have gained insights from the interesting lectures and informative reading materials. I’ve particularly enjoyed ASCEND learning about the Biblical basis of Catholic doctrines, the YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT CALENDAR history and evolution of the Bible, and the clarification of (All meetings take place in the Youth Room misconceptions regarding the Catholic Church. I feel at Saint Alexis unless otherwise noted.) blessed that the FBC curriculum encourages the whole family to more actively read the Bible and grow closer to  12/8 – Life Night (High School), 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. God together through interactive family discussions, prayer, and service activities.” Janine Walkauskas, whose children,  12/11 – Dive Night (High School), 6:30 p.m. - th th nd 8:00 p.m. Luke (6 ), Nora (4 ), and Ryan (2 ) participate in FBC, added: “One reason we enjoy doing it is because we as  12/12 – Open Young Adult Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. - parents have the chance to learn as well. Also, the flexibility 8:00 p.m. of the scheduling allows us to work in the time where we as  12/13 - 7th Grade CVOL Retreat 8:30 a.m. - a family can sit down and have some very important 2:50 p.m. @ Saint Alphonsus small gym experiences together.”  12/15 – EDGE Night (Middle School), 6:30 p.m. - For more information about Family-Based Catechesis 8:30 p.m. in Fr. Rogers Hall @ Saint Alexis and Faith Formation program, contact our Director of Religious Education, Louis Bosco, at 724.935.1151,  12/18 – Dive Night (High School), 6:30 p.m. - ext. 213. 8:00 p.m. OUR CHURCHES ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK -  12/19 – Young Adult Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. - VISIT JESUS EVERY DAY DURING ADVENT 8:00 p.m. The Advent Season is a wonderful  12/22 – Life Night (High School) Christmas Party, time to visit Jesus in the Tabernacle, to 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. light a candle and to spend some quiet

For more information on these events, visit us at time in prayer. In order to prepare well for the celebration of the birth of facebook.com/ascendwexford or @ascendwexford on Jesus, one parishioner is going to visit Instagram or contact David Piccirilli at 724.935.4343. Jesus every day during Advent! We are so blessed that Saint Alexis Church and Saint JESUS IN DISGUISE Alphonsus Church are open for visits 7 days a week! As The weather is changing and the a reminder, both churches are open Monday through homeless are in desperate need of Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. blankets, towels, pillows, pillows On Wednesdays, Saint Alphonsus Church remains cases and back packs and sleeping open until 8:00 p.m. for Adoration. Saint Alexis Church bags. is open on Saturdays for the 8:00 a.m. Mass and closes If you have it in your heart after the 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass. Saint Alphonsus Church please purchase new things for is open on Saturdays from 8:10 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; enter yourself and then give us the old through the old side ramp door facing the parking lot. Both churches are open on Sundays for Masses. things. Thank you in advance and God bless you all. You're always welcome here! Jesus is waiting for you! Blessed Francis Seelos Academy Varsity Girls Basketball Food Donations The Varsity Girls won their first Students collected food for the Ladies of Charity tournament of the season at the canned food drive during Thanksgiving week. The Saint Gregory Tournament. Congratulations, girls! donations were overwhelming and demonstrated the generosity and eagerness of the school families to help Baking Bread those in need. During the week of Thanksgiving, the first grade class used Mrs. VanKooten’s special recipe to make bread for their families. The bread was blessed by Father Joe Freedy before the students took it home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Congratulations Honor Students!

Aquinas Academy Central Catholic North Catholic

Highest Honors High Honors Hayley Baranowski Kate Calloway Grant Cunningham Brian Becker John Griffith Luca Vero Lheureau Branygan Bianchin Kieran Harrington Brendan Maddigan Cole Bianchin Caroline Breen Ava Lesnefsky Conor Maddigan Brittney Carmazzi Maria Ravotti Dillon Maddigan Aislin Daugherty Our Lady of the Sarah Rhodes Evan Moncheck Allison Feczko Sacred Heart Joshua Schlemmer Matthew Scholl Elizabeth Feczko Dominic Veltri Highest Honors Ryan Feczko High Honors David Winkler Cassie Foster Sydney Komoroski Dennis Harrington John Zagrocki Madison Heim Paul Stock Naomi Solomond Matthew Zagrocki Joseph Kearney Therese Solomond Ashley Kiley Honors Alexandra Taylor Honors Faith Kilkeary Michael King Amanda Veazey Dominic Pietro McKenny Martha Patrick Veazey Emma MacDonald Vincentian Academy

Lauren MacDonald High Honors Honors Kailey McSteen David Kelly Zoe Solomond Reagan Miksch Tara Lucot Abigail Stalder Liana Morreale Rachel Rothermel Benjamin Stalder Honors Andrew Skrastins Morgan Balkovec Brooke Standish Abbie Voettiner Rory Cooke Jose Venero neighborhood news OVER 50 experience is on Saturday, January 11 at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m. All reservations and payments must be submitted by meeting. Wally will entertain and everyone Saturday, January 4. RSVP to [email protected] is invited to bring a dish. For more Checks ($50/couple) should be made out to St. Catherine information, contact Rose Scheller at of Sweden and mailed to the parish office.

724.728.2563 Italy Pilgrimage with Fr. Terry

OLSH Christmas Play In partnership with the Pittsburgh Catholic, Fr. Terry Santa of the Opera - December 13 & 14, 7:30 p.m. O’Connor is leading a pilgrimage to Italy in 2020. The Don’t miss this annual OLSH tradition! This year’s Catholic faith is so evident throughout all of Italy. Visits production is written by OLSH senior Margaret Matous, include Rome, Assisi, Florence, and Venice. While in and promises to be a hilarious musical parody that will Rome, an audience with Pope Francis will be sought, if he is get you in the holiday spirit! Admission is $5 for adults in residence. Pilgrims will walk in the footsteps of St. Peter, and students, children 6 and under are free (but still St. Paul, St. Mark, St. Francis, St. Clare, and many others. require a seat reservation). Shows frequently sell out, so Daily Mass will be celebrated in amazing churches. The purchase your tickets today in the OLSH Main Office, dates are September 21-30, 2020. The price is $4,699 per 412.262.3300. person based on double occupancy in specially selected hotels. Includes round trip airfare from Pittsburgh. Forever I Do Breakfasts and dinners are included. You can request a Come to the latest Forever “I Do” marriage ministry roommate and Unitours will try to accommodate you. For event for “Wing and Beer Pairing by a Pro.” Three time itinerary and to book online visit www.bit.ly/Oconnor20 or award-winning chef Eric von Hansen of Caliente’s Pizza contact Marianna at Unitours, phone 800.777.7432 or email and Draft House will offer his unique take on wings, with [email protected]. $100 discount if you book by each flavor paired with its own beer to provide a January 2, 2020. Feel free to also contact Fr. Terry as well, delectable treat for the taste buds. This one-time only or 412.672.9641. diocesan news Mary and Bright - The retreat takes place December 13 through 15 at A morning of Christmas Cheer St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center. The weekend will Women in God's Spirit (WINGS) include Mass, adoration, conferences, opportunity for will be hosting a reflection of Mary confession, and solid brotherhood. No cost. Men must be the Mother of God. Join us for a joyful 18 or older. Visit PGHPriest.com to register. morning of sisterhood, in the middle Advent Reflection Series of this busy season. Together let us Join the National Institute for sing, pray, enjoy a festive brunch, and Newman Studies on Monday evenings celebrate Holy Mass to prepare ourselves for the glory of in December for “A Journey Through Christmas! We will also be collecting gloves and warm Newman’s Advent Sermons,” a series socks to spread the warmth to those in need if you would of reflections on John Henry Newman's like to donate. The event takes place on Saturday, advent sermons, led by Dr. Bud Marr December 21, from 9:00 a,m, until noon in the Upper and Dr. Elizabeth Huddleston. The reflections take place Cardinal DiNardo Center (building across from the church) on December 9, and December 16 from 7:00 p.m. to at Saints John & Paul Parish (2586 Wexford Bayne Rd., 8:00 p.m. at the National Institute for Newman Studies Sewickley, PA 15143). It is open to all women, high (211 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213). To register, school aged and older. Please register at greatgrouping.org/ visit: https://www.newmanstudies.org/news-and-events/2019- wings. You can also register for childcare if needed. advent-series-on-newman-s-s.rmons#register Christmas Discernment Retreat Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe Are you striving to do something great with your life? Though the world offers you mediocrity, do you thirst for The Latino Ministry will celebrate the Feast of Our heroism and sainthood? College and post-college men, Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, December 12 at Saint come to “Made for Greatness: A Christmas Discernment Paul Cathedral with Bishop David Zubik as principal Retreat,” to discern your vocation and learn more about the celebrant. Eucharistic Adoration begins at 5:30 pm with priesthood. Retreat master Deacon Jim Keating will lead recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 pm and reposition at 6:30 the retreat. Deacon Keating, director of Theological pm. A procession into the cathedral will follow at 6:45 pm Formation at the Institute for Priestly Formation, will offer with a color guard of flags of many nations. Mass begins at life-changing insights and reflections to aid you in 7:00 pm and a reception will follow. All are welcome. discerning what God is calling you to do with your life. SAINT ALPHONSUS AND SAINT ALEXIS PARISHES - THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF WEXFORD

A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust Parish Office: 10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090 A Parish of the Diocese of Pittsburgh diopitt.org Phones - 724.935.1151 or 724.935.4343 Fax - 724.935.1270 saintalphonsuswexford.org or stalexis.org SERVED BY OFFICE HOURS Administrator Reverend Paul J. Zywan / ext. 224 /[email protected] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. J U ! Parochial Vicar OIN S Reverend Joseph M. Freedy / ext. 233/[email protected] To become a registered member of the parish family, please visit our website at www.stalexis.org or at www.SaintAlphonsusWexford.org . Deacons Introduce yourself to us at Mass! Deacon Albert Heiles/[email protected] Deacon Jeffrey J. Ludwikowski/[email protected] RECONCILIATION

Director of Parish Operations/Business Manager Saint Alexis: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Saturday - 7:30 a.m.-7:55 a.m. Saturday - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Chuck Goetz / ext. 223/ [email protected] Saint Alphonsus: Wednesday 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Director of Evangelization PRAYER Dave VanVickle / ext. 232/[email protected] Eucharistic Adoration Office Manager Saint Alphonsus: Wednesday 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. MaryEllen Pendel / ext. 221/[email protected] Saint Alexis: First Friday of every month from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Directors of Music Divine Mercy Devotion: Wednesday 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Christopher Brewer/ext. 226/[email protected] at Saint Alphonsus

Mary Heagy/[email protected] Prayer Ministry- To initiate a request for urgent prayers contact Assistant Music Director - Lisa Hoffman the following people: Saint Alexis - Barb Busi at 412.366.4829 Director of Religious Education Saint Alphonsus - Norma Heyl at 724.935.1094 or Jo Labrise at Louis Bosco/ext 215/[email protected] 724.935.3826.

Religious Education Program Manager M Paula Green / ext. 225/[email protected] ARRIAGE

Coordinator of Youth Ministry /Young Adults Arrangements must be made with a priest at least six months in advance of the desired wedding date. David Piccirilli/ ext. 227/[email protected] H O Bookkeeper/Safe Environment Coordinator OLY RDERS Mary King/ext. 212/[email protected] For information about the priesthood or the vowed religious life, or [email protected] please contact Fr. Zywan or the Vocation Office of the diocese at or [email protected] 412.456.3131 or visit pghpriest.com.

Receptionist/Secretary BAPTISM Gail Clendaniel/ext. 210/[email protected] Celebrated on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. at Saint Alexis or at 12:45 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus by appointment. Arrangements BLESSED FRANCIS SEELOS ACADEMY should be made through the Parish Center several months in advance. Parents need to be registered parishioners and Principal complete a pre-baptism class before scheduling a baptism. Robert Reese - [email protected] MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND School Secretary K-8 Patty Anfang - [email protected] Communal anointing is celebrated periodically. Anyone who is 724.935.1152 anticipating surgery is encouraged to request this sacrament prior to being admitted to the hospital. Individuals who are unable to School Secretary Pre-K attend Sunday Mass and want to receive the sacraments are asked Chris Schlieper - [email protected] to please call the Parish Center. 724.935.3940 DIOCESAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR North Hills Regional School Board - www.nhrces.org 412-456-3093 (Office) 1-888- 808-1235 (Hot Line) * * Bulletin announcements and flyers are due by noon PA Child Line - 1-800-932-0313 Fridays a week in advance of publication. * * Call 911 immediately if a child is in danger.

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