16 December 2018 Third Sunday of Advent

Weekly Bulletin for the Cathedral of St. , Wheeling, West Virginia Vol. 8, No. 3

‘I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire'

LK 3:16

In this Issue: Christmas Decorating 2 Rector’s Ruminations 4 Christian Awareness 5 Christmas Mass Schedule 7

Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish is called to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a community. We are committed: to our urban neighborhoods, to being the Cathedral of the Diocese, and to fellowship, formation, sacrament, and prayer. Third Sunday of Advent 3:14-18 • (Ps) 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 Philippians 4:4-7 • Luke 3:10-18 We have arrived at Gaudete Sunday (Gaudete is the Latin word for “rejoice”) this Third Week of Advent, and the Scriptures take ThisAt The Cathedral Week on a joyful tone as we continue our preparations for the feast of our Savior’s birth. December 16 - 23, 2018 Our Second Reading gives us cause for joy as Paul reminds us, “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all….” Then he gives vvvvv us a prescription for maintaining this peace: “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding SUN Third Sunday of Advent will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s instruc- 16 tions for obtaining peace come as an early Christmas gift. They 6:00 pm (Sat) Mass for the Parishioners remind us that we can and should go to God with all our needs 8:00 am Mass for Helen Pasden and present them to Him along with our thanks. This guidance 9:15 am Religious Education Classes calls to mind a vital aspect of a holy way of life: gratitude to God 10:30 am Mass for Joseph Ulrich in response to His great love and countless gifts to us. Noon Decorating for Christmas (Church) The Gospel passage, from Saint Luke, shows us how to live 6:00 pm Vespers out this thanks, making our lives a “Christmas gift” to Christ in joyful response to His love for us. When the crowds hear John MON Advent Weekday the Baptist’s message that their Savior is coming, they ask him 17 what they should do to prepare. He responds, “Whoever has two Mass for Nicholas & Nimnoom Ghaphery 12:05 pm cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do the same.” He tells tax collectors to stop col- TUE Advent Weekday lecting more than is prescribed and soldiers, to be satisfied with 18 their wages. In other words, he tells them to be good and generous 12:05 pm Mass for Anne Sobota stewards of all God’s gifts to them! As you make your Christmas preparations, think about those WED Advent Weekday whose lives are not joy-filled during this time of the year: the 19 imprisoned, the elderly, the home-bound, the sick, the depressed, 12:05 pm Diocesan Employees Holiday Mass and the lonely. Let us never forget our duty to care for all those Mass for Paul & Dorothy Fillipovich who are around us, most especially those in need. By doing so, we can bring the joy of Christ to their lives. THU Advent Weekday As the great festival of Christmas draws near, let us rejoice in 20 Christ’s extravagant love. Let’s avail ourselves of the peace He 12:05 pm Mass for Kipton Ruble longs to give us. And let’s look carefully at our lives to make sure we are indeed making of them a gift fitting for Him. ¦ FRI Canisius, 21 priest, 11:15 am Confessions 12:05 pm Mass for Clara Scheibelhood

SAT Advent Weekday 22 Sunday, Dec 16 at Noon 9:00 am Mass for Jean Huff 9:30 am Rosary 5:00 pm Confessions 6:00 pm Mass for Roy Crenwelge When was the last time SUN Fourth Sunday of Advent you invited someone to Mass? 23 8:00 am Mass for the Parishioners Each one of us has a responsibility to evangelize - to share the 9:15 am Religious Education Classes Good News of Jesus Christ. How can we reach out to our 10:30 am Mass for Rosalie Young friends, family members, and those we work with who are not 6:00 pm Vespers practicing their faith? Consider inviting them to join you for Christmas Mass this year. Pray that the peace and joy of the vvvvv Christ Child may enlighten their hearts and minds to accept His grace in their lives.

2 The Cathedral Courier December 16, 2018 December: Month of the Divine Infancy In your charity, please keep in your prayers: During this month of December, as we look forward to Arthur Danehart, Austin Cook, Barb Mazzocca, Christmas, we recall the Divine Infancy of Christ. Devotion Bertha Wurtzbacher, Betty Lou Galloway, Betty Teater, to the Infant Jesus is to marvel at His having humbled Himself Bill Wilson, Bob Armstrong, Bob Jones, Brogan Gallen- by taking on a human nature, subjecting Himself to all that tine, Caleb Hlebiczki, Charles Heizer, Children of the flesh is heir to (minus the effects of original sin, of course), Youth Services System, Chuck Fair, A. Kress, Jr., even subjecting Himself to the earthly authority of Mary and Dustin Ronevich, Eva Wood, Father Joseph Wilhelm, Joseph. Through prayer, let the humble and peaceful ways of the Divine Child Jesus become ours as we strive to serve and Frank Davis, Fred Herink, Gail Koch, George Kirchner, love as he continues to do. Geri Nagy, Haley Carter, Helen Chiazza, Hines Rotriga, James Benner, Jane Rudari, Marlene Martin, Janet Cupp, Janie, Jean and Chuck Schultz, Jim Antill, Jim and Dee, Jimmy Hocking, John Petrella, Jon- Prepare your hearts Lasher, Judy Pack, Julia Sheets, Kathy Cooley, for the Lord Kermit Klosterman, Liam Manning, Lukie Brown, Margaret Stocke, Mark Davis, Martha Yocum, Mary The Sacrament of Reconciliation Alice Florio, Mary Ann Fowler, Mary K. Schlosser, Mary is celebrated each week at the Cathedral on Fridays from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Walicki, Michael DeBlasis, Milissa Rose, Milly Burke, and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Mona Wurtzbacher, Nadine Greenwood, Norma Bosold, Paul Camilletti, Patricia Kaliscz, Pete Mack, R. J. Stocke, Richard Simon, Rick Burgy, Ron Hickman, Rosalie Davis, ATTENTION: Rose Otey, Sarah Hanasky, Sarah Sargent, Shirley DeCaria, Readers, Servers, Extraordinary Stanley Kyrc, Stephanie Bugaj, Susan Graff, Susan Mize, Susan Schulte, Tammy, Thelma Pearson, Thomas Griffith, Ministers of Holy Communion, Trystan Timmons, Victoria Jeskey Greeters, and Ushers Christmas is fast approaching. Please consider signing up as soon as possible to serve at the Christmas Masses. The sign-up Join us for sheets are located in the narthex of the church. Advent vespers 2019 Calendars are available in the narthex, please feel free to take one. Sunday evenings at 6pm “Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem. Dec 2, 9, 16, & 23 May we let ourselves be drawn by the light of God made man.” - Francis Vespers, also called Evening Prayer, is part of the Liturgy of 2018 the Hours, the official prayer of the Church. In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church fulfills Jesus’ command to “pray always”. Through this prayer, the people of God sanctify Holiday Projects the day by continual praise of God and prayers of interces- sion for the needs of the world. Join us on Sunday evenings Food Drive during Advent for Solemn Evening Prayer with an Advent The Cathedral Parish will be collecting food for reflection and music provided by the Cathedral Schola. the local Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center. Please bring non-perishable food items to the Weekly Collection Cathedral during the weekend of December 15/16. The items will be delivered on December 9, 2018 Monday, December 17. Envelopes: $3001 Loose: $467 Thank you for your support! Online: $314 Thank you for your generosity and support.

Third Sunday of Advent 3 Rector’s Ruminations Saint Agatha Quintianus then had Agatha By Rev. Msgr. Kevin M. Quirk subjected to a number of tortures, including the cutting off of her breasts. ow we move on to the third pair the eruption of a plague which would An apparition of Saint Peter cured her. of , the saint in the northern last 15 years, often called the Plague After further dramatic confronta- Ntransept a lady kneeling, holding a of . Christians throughout tions with Quintinianus, her scorned plate and her counterpart to the south the Empire were put to death in admirer eventually sentenced her to a bishop holding his heart. hopes of appeasing the custodian death by being rolled naked on a bed So far, in the northern transept deities of Rome. Agatha was appar- of live coals, which brought about her we have met Saint Peter, and his ently caught up in the early throes of death, but not before she was heard successor Pope Saint Gregory the this persecution, always being to utter this final prayer: Great. A sharp eye here will remove the object of great imperial concern, “Lord, my creator, you have always all doubt as to the identity of this given its role as one of the principal protected me from the cradle; you lady, because it is answer to the have taken me from the love of the second question (what’s on her plate) world and given me patience to that provides the answer to the first suffer. Receive my soul.” question (who is the saint). Because of the first torture Though some have claimed this to she suffered, St. Agatha is often be , mistaking the plate depicted carrying her breasts on to be bearing her gouged out eyes, a a plate (as shown depicted in clear view of the mural shows that the this mural). As mentioned, her saint actually has what are clearly two patronage of bell founders and breasts on the plate she holds. From bread (and by association, those on this evidence alone, it is clear that the bread dole, i.e., the poor) arose this is in fact, Saint Agatha of Sicily, from a mistake in the understand- one of eight women mentioned by ing of the presentation. name in the First Eucharistic Prayer. Because she was asked for help during If you didn’t recognize the contents the eruption of , her assis- of the plate she bears, you are in good tance is invoked against the outbreak company: over the centuries, many breadbaskets of the Western Empire. of fire and she is the secondary patron have made similar mistakes based on The relates that of firemen, following St. Florian. other representations of St. Agatha Agatha, rich and noble, rejected the Her patronage extends to Sicily; and her platter, supposing her to amorous advances of the low-born bellfounders; bakers; , Sicily; be holding aloft loaves of bread or Roman prefect, Quintianus. She was eruptions of Mount Etna; jewelers; even two small bells. As a result, persecuted by him for her Christian ; nurses; , Sicily; she has become the of faith and eventually arrested and rape victims; ; single bell-founders and the patron saint given to Aphrodisia, the keeper of a laywomen; sterility; torture victims; of bakers, whose loaves were blessed brothel, and her nine daughters, but wet nurses; and Zamarramala, on her feast day. in response to their threats and en- . Her intercession is invoked St. Agatha’s cult extends to a period treaties to sacrifice to the idols and against breast cancer, sterility, natural before the organized time of the sixth submit to Quintianus, she responded disasters, and volcanic eruptions. century. It can be said with certainty My courage and my thought be so Next week, we will move on to Saint that she was born in Sicily and died firmly founded upon the firm stone of Agatha’s counterpart in the southern a on the same island at some Jesus Christ, that for no pain it may not transept, the bishop holding another point prior to the third century. Her be changed; your words be but wind, organ … his heart, found third in dates are usually given as 231-251, your promises be but rain, and your line in the northern transept. with the later date supported by menaces be as rivers that pass, and If you have a question for The Cathedral the outbreak of the Decian Persecu- how well that all these things hurtle Conundrum, please share it with our tion, in which the Emperor Decius at the fundament of my courage, yet adept editor, Mr. Tyler Greenwood blamed Christians in the Empire for for that it shall not move. ([email protected]). ¦

4 The Cathedral Courier December 16, 2018 Christian Awareness

It’s Coming on Christmas thought for some just to follow His By Alex J. Nagem way. His way is centered in prayer to God above. Our prayers are heard t’s coming on Christmas. A new birth as the story goes. His birth in a stable with His undying love. They are given Iis what we see. It is not just a giving is to remind us that his ways are for all from the heart to those who may grieve. of presents. It is a giving of me. We who believe. Believe in a Child who They are gifts of thanksgiving and give our time, our kindness, and our we pray on bended knees. for those who are in need. They are feelings. It is a time for reflection as It’s coming on Christmas. What do gifts of joy and for safety in a storm. we stare at colorful lights and nativity you see? Is it sharing of what we have as They are gifts taught by the birth of a scene displays. It is a time of good little as it may seem? Is it the giving of Child on a December morn. humor and joy. It is the celebration for kindness to those we know not by name? It’s coming on Christmas. For those the birth of a Child of humble means We look for the special gift for someone who believe, a Child’s birth awaits. to parents who believed. we love. The gift of the Christ Child A Child who knows forgiveness has It’s coming on Christmas. The lights was given from Heaven above. taught us his ways. A Child who walked do we see. The darkness disappears It’s coming on Christmas, I remind among us, cries when we stray. A Child with the lights hung on home and you with each line. A Child born of a who walked among us now King does tree. I wish the lights would remain woman, man she did not know. Her he stand. A Child who walked among year round. They would bring a peace faith was unyielding. Her love of God us now sits at God’s right hand. A and reflection if not taken down. Is she did show. This Child born among Child who walked among us will this the feeling that awaits us in the us saved us from ourselves. He reminds judge each and every one. A Child presence of the Child? In the light our us no one is better than the one we who walked among us is our gift from fears are not known. In the Light we stand beside. All are welcome into His God, His only son. never feel alone. kingdom and walk by His side. I pray “The Child that lies in the manger, It’s coming on Christmas. It is a time my faith be like Mary’s accepting blindly helpless and abandoned to the love of of joy and celebration for us all. Gifts what God asks. I pray my faith be like His creatures, dependent entirely upon and the parties our homes are now Mary’s not fearing His tasks. them to be fed, clothed, and sustained, filled. It is a time when no loneliness It’s coming on Christmas. Do these remains the Creator and Ruler of the should be felt or ill will be shown. A words give you joy? A Child is born universe. …He wills to be helpless that Child was born in a time long ago to among us, our salvation He restored. we may take Him into our care. He lead us with His words, His actions, We celebrate His birth and will later has embraced our poverty…in order and His tone. A Child was born among mourn His loss. This Child that walked to give us his riches,” Thomas Merton. us to show us the way to our new among us lived poorer than the poor You are remembered in my prayers home. What more can we celebrate? but wanted for not. His riches are as I hope I am remembered in yours. What more should we want? This found in Heaven, where we should “Vocatus Atque non Vocatus, Child was born among the livestock hope to be one day. This is a simple Deus Aderit” ¦ Rejoice in the Lord always again I will say, Rejoice Philippians 4:4

Third Sunday of Advent 5 Scripture Readings

The readings are included each week so that those who are This Week with the Saints unable to join us for daily Mass will be able to consider and December 21 - Saint (1521-1597) was the first Dutchman to join pray them in union with the whole Church. the Jesuits. He is known as the second apostle of Germany for his work restoring Catholicism after the Reformation, writing a “German catechism,” which defined Week of December 16 basic Catholic beliefs in German. Peter felt that it was more effective to clarify the teachings of Catholicism rather than engage in polemics with the reformers. His last Monday twenty years were spent in Switzerland, where he founded the Jesuit College that is Genesis 49:2, 8-10 the core of the Univeristy of Fribourg. He is credited with adding “Holy Mary, Mother of God, Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 17 pray for us sinners” to the Hail Mary. This appeared for the first time in his Catechism of 1555. Matthew 1:1-17 Tuesday 23:5-8 All holy men and women, Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Matthew 1:18-25 Saints of God, Wednesday pray for us! Judges 13:2-7, 24-25 Ps 71:3-4, 5-6, 16-17 Luke 1:5-25 Blessing of a Christmas Tree for the Home Thursday The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins Isaiah 7:10-14 are found in the medieval mystery plays that depicted the tree Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 of paradise and the Christmas light or candle that symbol- Luke 1:26-38 ized Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the Friday Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain Song of Songs 2:8-14 in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany. The lights of the tree or Zephaniah 3:14-18 are illuminated after the prayer of blessing. Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Luke 1:39-45 When all have gathered, a suitable song may be sung. The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply “Amen.” Saturday 1 1:24-28 The leader may greet those present in the following words: (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8 Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and Luke 1:46-56 peace into our midst, now and forever. Amen. Next Sunday My brothers and sisters, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of 5:1-4 Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and enlightenment to our minds. With this tree, Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights guide us to the Hebrews 10:5-10 perfect light. Luke 1:39-45 One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Titus 3:4 (lines 4-7) or 17:22 (lines 22-24 4; I will plant a tender shoot on the mountain heights of Weekly Devotions Israel.) at the Cathedral The leader says the prayer with hands joined: The following devotions are Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: prayed each week following the the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night. 12:05 pm Mass: We praise you for the light of Israel: Novena the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures. Monday We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: Litany of Loreto he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace, Tuesday who fills us with the wonder of your love. Litany of Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree. Wednesday May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. Litany of the Sacred Heart May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation. Thursday We ask this through Christ our Lord. Chaplet of Divine Mercy R/. Amen. Fridays The olyH Rosary The lights of the tree are then illuminated. Saturdays after the 9 am Mass 6 The Cathedral Courier December 16, 2018 The “O” Antiphons With a mother’s heart, Mary raises up the abandoned, Each year on December 17, the pope says at Mass Church begins a series of seven short VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Just as she did hundreds of years ago from a small hill in verses sung before the Magnificat Tepeyac, Mexico, Mary accompanies the downtrodden and the lowly like a mother during Evening Prayer or Vespers, caring for her children. Mary “is a woman who walks with the gentleness and ten- on the seven days before the vigil of derness of a mother, she makes her home in family life, she unties one knot after Christmas. They each begin with the another of the many wrongs we manage to generate, and she teaches us to remain exclamation “O” and are therefore standing in the midst of storms,” the pope said in his homily during a Mass in St. called the “O Antiphons.” Peter’s Basilica Dec. 12, the feast of . The antiphons were composed in the In his homily, the pope reflected on the reading from St. Luke’s Gospel, in which seventh or eighth century when Mary hastily visits her cousin Elizabeth, and subsequently proclaims “the greatness monks put together texts from the Old of the Lord.” Testament which looked forward to the Through her Magnificat, the pope said, Mary teaches all Christian men and coming of our salvation. The first letter women not only the importance of praising God in the midst of joy, but also how of the Messianic titles: Emmanuel, to accompany and walk with others. Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, From houses and hospital rooms to prison cells and rehabilitation clinics, he Sapientia—all spell out Latin words added, Mary continues to utter those words she said to St. Juan Diego, “Am I not ERO CRAS, meaning, “Tomorrow, I here who am your mother?” will come.” “In Mary’s school, we learn to be on the way to get to where we need to be: on our feet and standing before so many lives that have lost or have been robbed of hope,” December 17 the pope said. O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! December 18 & O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to on Sinai: come to AdventAT THE CATHEDRALChristmas rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19 O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! December 20 O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free ADVENT SEASON CHRISTMAS SEASON the prisoners of darkness! Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 24 December 21 Vespers ChristmAs eVe mAss O Radiant Dawn, Choral Meditations at 5:30 p.m. splendor of eternal Sunday, December 2 at 1:30 p.m. Mass: 6:00 p.m. light, sun of justice: come and shine on AdVent & ChristmAs ConCert those who dwell in darkness and in the mAss during the night shadow of death. Sunday, December 16 at 10:30 a.m. Choral Meditations: 11:30 p.m. Blessing of the BAmBinelli Mass at Midnight December 22 Bring the Baby Jesus from your O King of all nations and keystone of Tuesday, December 25 Nativity scene to be blessed ChristmAs mAss during the dAy the Church: come and save man, whom at the Cathedral you formed from the dust! 10:30 a.m. Sunday, December 16 at Noon Tuesday, January 1 December 23 deCorAting the ChurCh mAry, mother of god O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of for ChristmAs Masses: (Mon) 6 p.m., (Tues) 9 a.m. Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

From the Diocesan Office of Safe Environment The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is committed to the protection of its children and young people. The Diocese complies with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by maintaining an Office of Safe Environ- ment. To report an incidence of suspected child sexual abuse, please contact your local law enforcement agency, or you may confidentially contact the West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families/Child Protective Services by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 800.352.6513. To report suspected cases of sexual abuse by personnel of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to the Diocese, please contact one of the Bishop’s designees at 888.434.6237 (toll free) or 304.233.0880: Sister Ellen Dunn, ext. 264; Mr. Bryan Minor, ext. 263; or Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, 270. For more information on the Diocese’s Office of Safe Environment, please go to www.dwc.org, then click the “Diocese” tab, then click “Office of Safe Environment” under the “Offices” menu. To learn more about the ’s efforts in preventing sexual abuse of children in the United States, please visit http://www.usccb.org. Under “Issues and Action,” click “Child and Youth Protection” from the drop down menu. Third Sunday of Advent 7 The Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Parish Offices: 1218 Eoff Street Masses Wheeling, WV 26003 Sundays: 6:00 p.m. (Saturday) (304) 233-4121 8:00 a.m. www.saintjosephcathedral.com 10:30 a.m.

CLERGY Weekdays: 12:05 p.m. Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. Saturday Most Reverend William E. Lori Apostolic Administrator Holy Days: Please consult the bulletin of The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

Reverend Monsignor Kevin M. Quirk, J.C.D., J.V. Rector of the Cathedral (304) 281-7073 [email protected] Confessions Rev. Mr. Douglas Breiding Friday 11:15-11:45 a.m. Deacon [email protected] Saturday: 5:00-5:45 p.m. or by appointment PARISH STAFF

Ms. Debora V. Fahey Assistant for Pastoral Ministries vvvvv [email protected] Mr. Matthew S. Berher Director of Music & Organist [email protected] BAPTISMS / INITIATION Both Baptism and the Rite of Initiation for Adults Mr. Tyler J. Greenwood can be arranged by contacting the parish office. Associate Organist [email protected] MARRIAGE Mr. Martin Imbroscio Engaged couples who are members of the Sacristan Cathedral parish should contact the parish office. [email protected]

Mr. Alex Nagem, CPA, CGMA SACRAMENT OF THE SICK / Comptroller COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND [email protected] Please call the parish office to arrange for a visit.

Mr. Donald Gruber Custodian PARISH REGISTRATION Registration forms can be obtained through the parish office. PARISH LEADERS Please notify the parish office of address changes Mr. James Carroll through the parish office or by visiting the website. Finance Council President BULLETIN DEADLINE Mr. John Petrella Announcements for the Courier must be submitted Liturgical Ministries Scheduler to Debbie Fahey by email to [email protected] by noon on Monday (5 days prior to publication).

The Mother Church of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston