JANUARY 6, 2019 – THE OF THE LORD

PARISH STAFF For the Week of Jan. 7 - 13, 2019 Pastor: Rev. Simione Volavola, M.S.C. Mass Intentions Parochial Vicar: Rev. Tony Ripp, M.S.C. Morning Prayer in St. Chapel, Mon. – Fri. at 8:15am

Dir. of Religious Education: Donna Sciacca Mon. – Thurs. 8:35am / Friday 9:00am Parish Secretary: Rebecca Tirpok Monday: Robert Hueston (Karen Hueston) Finance Manager: Carolyn Marchese Tuesday: Charles W. Barlow (Jack Lynch) Wednesday: Maria Meier (Ron Meier) PARISH SPIRITUALITY Thursday: Mary DeBenedetto (Catherine Giardino) Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm Friday: James Wolfgang (Tom Fink) Sunday: 8:00am & 10:30am Mon - Fri: 8:35am Weekend Masses Holy Days: 9:00am & 7:30pm Saturday – Epiphany of the Lord 5pm: Adeline Rushatz (Mrs. Kaucher) CONFESSION: Saturdays 4:15pm - 4:45pm or by Sunday – Epiphany of the Lord appointment. 8:00am: Parishioners’ Intentions REGISTER: Please contact the parish office to register 10:30am: Harry Reckner (Tony & Janet Souza) when you move into the parish. Only registered parishioners, in good standing, can receive a Certificate of Ministry Meetings this Week Eligibility to act as a Godparent or sponsor. Mon. Jan. 7: K of C, 7:30pm – Marian Room BAPTISMS: The Sacrament of Baptism is administered on Wed. Jan. 9: Flame of Love Rosary, 8am – church the fourth Sunday of every month. Parents are encouraged RCIA, 3:30pm – Parish Office to invite family members to the 10:30 Mass as the Thurs. Jan. 10: Baptismal Enrichment, 6pm – Parish Office Sacrament of Baptism takes place immediately Sat. Jan. 12: Men of Faith, 8am – Marian Room & Chapel following the Mass. Parents and Godparents must attend an enrichment class approx. 1 month prior to the Baptism. You will need to call the Parish Sunday Mass Collection Office to register for this class. A Godparent must be a committed, practicing Catholic, and if from another Not Available at Press time parish, must provide a certificate of eligibility from their pastor. This certificate should be brought to the enrichment Thank you for your generosity! class. A Christian of other denominations may serve as a Godparent along with a practicing Catholic. OUR CHURCH CLEANING TEAM for the WEEK of January 7th is # 4 MARRIAGE: A Saturday Mass for the Sacrament of Karen Parassh, Jeanne Keller, Chris Zdanowicz, Matrimony may be celebrated no later than Dot Cegielski, Diane Watson, Joyce Vinciguerra 1pm. Couples planning marriage are to contact the parish office & schedule a meeting with our Your Service is Greatly Appreciated! wedding coordinator no later than 6 months in advance of the wedding. Shorter preparation This weekend’s Mass READINGS periods must be approved by our Pastor. Couples will meet several times with the Pastor throughout the preparation may be found in: process. Couples are to attend a Pre-Cana program Section 878 approved by our Pastor.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Please call the rectory at anytime

for the Sacrament of the Sick. Also the Holy

Eucharist will be brought to the sick and shut-ins upon request to the Parish Office. We celebrate a Communal Anointing of the Sick in June, near the https://www.facebook.com/Ottsville Feast of St. .

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JANUARY 6, 2019 – THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

This king that prophesied about is not Gospel Reflections only revealed to Jews only but is revealed to all peoples A Letter from of the world, here represented by the Magi from the Our Pastor, Father Simi east. Yet this revelation is well received by the non Jews, Gentiles and not by the Jews in Herod’s palace to whom the promises were made and in whose midst they PARISH ASSEMBLY were being fulfilled. JANUARY 12, 2019 We who are not from Jewish roots can rejoice SESSION ON LITURGY with the Magi at this all encompassing reach of God as Dear brothers and sisters, Father and Son and the Holy Spirit, dwelling in our midst, making His Home with us now. God the Holy "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? Trinity are truly present in our midst in their Majestic We saw his star at its rising Glory revealed in the most humble of ways at the altar and have come to do him homage.” around which He gathers all His children to this day (:2) still from all the ends of the earth.

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord. You and I are called to take heed of the God reveals Himself, His very Self, His Nature in a temptation to seek God in the mansions and palaces of very simple yet most striking way. The Infinite, Eternal, worldly power and human independence. The Son of Mysterious, Ineffable God reveals Himself to all the God the Most High was born in a and grew up universe, to all peoples, to all nations in the Person of in little remote village and would ascend to His Father Christ, the Son of God, the Child of Mary. after passing through the halls of the same palaces in This is the great revelation, the most wondrous Jerusalem where they would condemn Him to death as Epiphany that the universe proclaims, that the Magi a common criminal. saw, and they were drawn by this revelation to Yet the Son of Mary would not keep from Jerusalem where Jewish kings had lived, then from that laying down His life for them and for the whole world. palace to a manger in where they beheld for It is at the palaces of human pride and arrogance that the first time the King of the Universe with His Mother, the Son of God would offer His back for scourging, His Mary. There, with their gifts of , and head for crowning and there shed His blood. This He , they did him homage. does for us who refuse to do Him homage. The whole world over is familiar with this Such wondrous love, a majesty too lofty to scene and today we as believers of Jesus as truly God grasp! Yet this is the Epiphany we come to adore and and as truly Human, remember this God Self- pay homage to at all the altars of the world! The Son of Revelation and with the gifts of our very lives, do Him Mary is the Son of God, the Most High, whose love of homage at the altars of all the churches all over the His children is too high to comprehend yet is not world. withheld from our eyes and our lowly faith. This famous story recorded by Matthew in his Father Simi gospel is meant to proclaim boldly to his Jewish Christian readers that the promises made to their Join Father Simi on a visit to the Holy Land! ancestors through the prophets of old is now being September 2019 Tour. fulfilled in the birth of the child of Mary. Limited to the first 30 Matthew has the elders in Herod’s court quoting who register. one of those prophets, Micah 5:1“And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW! of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to Visit our parish website & click on brochure for full shepherd my people Israel.” details.

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JANUARY 6, 2019 – THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

whitreproesens Jesus, the light of the world. Jesus said, TEACH the CHILDREN

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the ’s . We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus. We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests "Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed." burned the substance in the Temple. encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is Catholic schools across the country. Not only are we teaching offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death. students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and enriched citizens in our communities, we, as educators, are The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing growing with them. In Catholic schools, we are all learners, forth.” Historically several moments in Christ’s early life servants and leaders. These shared qualities are what make and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” Catholic schools work. They are what make Catholic schools including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his succeed. baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana. Mr. John Mundy, Headmaster Tradition - : 610-847-5523 / [email protected] An Epiphany House Blessing Mr. Geoff Meyer, Dir. of Institutional Advancement The family gathers to ask God’s blessing on their home 610-960-7062 / [email protected] and on those who live in or visit the home. It is an Mrs. Amy Mattle, Admissions Director: 267-424-5762 invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our home, our www.RASJB.org comings and goings, our conversations, our work and play, our joys and sorrows. FATIMA HOUSE RETREAT A traditional way of doing this is to use chalk to write CENTER Bedminster, PA above the home’s entrance, 20 + C + M + B + 19. The letters C, M, B have two meanings. They are the initials of “A Quiet Country Retreat the traditional names of the three magi: Center” , , and Balthazar. They also abbreviate the Offering Day & Overnight Retreats Latin words, Christus mansionem benedicat, “May for Individuals & Small Groups Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs represent the cross and 2019 is the year.

Calendar Reminders: Monday, 7pm: Adoration & Prayers January 7th & 8th: PREP Mass Wednesday, 9:30am: Adoration & Prayers 3rd Sunday, 12pm: Adoration & Prayer for Vocations January 21st: No PREP (MLK Jr. Day) th 1st Saturday: 10am- Rosary, Confession Mass & Lunch January 24 : Sacrament of First Reconciliation, 6pm

Your “Letter to Your Child” as described in our parent For more information or directions, please call Joan Black at meeting, is due to their teacher on or before JAN. 15th. 215-536-3508, or visit us at fatimahousebedminster.webs.com

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JANUARY 6, 2019 – THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Divine Worship Liturgical Assembly th Sat., Jan. 12 9am – 12:30pm

Let your voice be heard. Please complete a survey, available on our website or pick up a printed version in the Narthex. Knights of Columbus To register for the Assembly, email your contact info to: Valentines Day Dinner & Dance [email protected] February 9, 2019

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FREE THROW COMPETITION JANUARY 11, 2019 Please consider donating your Scrip credits.

MAGS SCRIP CARDS available for purchase in the REGISTRATION OPENS AT 6 PM Narthex before all weekend Masses AND at the parish OPEN TO BOYS & GIRLS 9 - 14 office daily. Not just for school credits. Donate your earned credits toward any of the several Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus parish funds in need of financial support such as PREP, Lord’s Pantry, Church Fuel, church repairs (Tower & Baptistry). You choose where your credits go.

March for Life – Washington, D.C. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019

If you plan to attend, please add your name to the sign- 315 S. Warren Avenue Malvern, PA 19355 up sheet in our Narthex before all the seats are taken. 610.644.0400 This bus serves both parishes of St. John’s and St.

Lawrence – so, DON’T DELAY, SIGN UP TODAY! CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS: For more information, contact Kevin Murphy (his phone number is on the sign up sheet, located on the pro-life table in HOLY SPIRIT our Narthex). Friday, Jan 25, 2019 - Sunday, Jan 27, 2019 5:00 pm - 12:00 pm $250.00 per Person WORSHIP WHILE YOU WORK ST. JOHN N NEUMANN OUR PARISH CLEANING Friday, Feb 8, 2019 - Sunday, Feb 10, 2019 5:00 pm - 12:00 pm $250.00 per Person TEAMS ARE IN NEED OF Retreat Director and Speakers: MORE VOLUNTEERS. Fr. Dennis J.W. O’Donnell, Ph.D.

5 TEAMS ROTATE MONTHLY. RETROUVAILLE FOR MARRIED COUPLES NO SET TIMES, CLEAN WHEN YOU ARE ABLE DURING Friday, Feb 8, 2019 - Sunday, Feb 10, 2019 YOUR ASSIGNED WEEK. To volunteer contact Marion 7:00 pm - 4:00 pm Retreat Wolf or leave a message at the parish office. Director and Speaker: Father Chris LaBarge

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JANUARY 6, 2019 – THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Please remember in your prayers our Romaszewski, Sam Rothman, Frederick R. Rude, Dolly Rutherford, parishioners, who are sick, homebound, in the Zina Sauerwine, Bob Sheetz, Lana Schell, Ronald Schultz, Sr., Frank & Joyce, Mary Jane Shuman, Baby Ella Stack, Jenna Stanzio, Shane hospital, under hospice or residential care. Stroup, Sean Thatcher, Baby William Patrick Thomas, Cynthia Tocci, Susan Ackerman, Lillian Appleman, Patricia Baker, Maddie Tomaszewski, Douglas Toner, Betty Ventresca, Helen Wall, Nancy Beans, John Becker, Loretta Bodisch, Patti Diane Wesoski, Maryjane Whealton, Tamara Widmer, Edward Wismer, Bucci, Anne Colyer, Charlene Cornell, Matthew Baby Logan Yoder, Liem Zbyszinski Crance, Jim Crawford, Chrissy Davis, Joy Davis, MaryJane Deutsch, Larry & Joanne Diehl, Terry Dunn, Arlene Eichlin, Marvin Eichlin, Charles Fees, Jr., John Finn, Patricia Fite, Crystal THANK YOU FOR SERVING & PROTECTING Fleck, Sarah Fleck, Thomas Fleck, Herman Fleck, Paulette OUR FREEDOMS. Frankenfield, Claire Fratrik, Janet Galen, Kathi Gallegher, Kathleen Jamie Steven Ayuso, Fionna M. Boyle, Derek Brosius, Gaughan, Dylan Geroni, Kathy Geroni, Marie & Rosalyn Giardullo, Christopher Brune, Kyle Crossland, Anna Giebler, Mary Halwski, Florence Hancharik, Bill Hejnor, Joyceann Casey de Lauretis, Heley, Heuston, Sharon Horvath, Charles Houston, Martha Michael Froeder, A.J. Giovino, Juchnowicz, Carol Knight, Valerie Korbar, Aleena Lang, Nate Leidtke, Aaron Given, Matthew Gumprecht, Ryan Leven, Kathy Lightkep, Marie Louzon, Charles Lutcavage, Bob Hankinson, Victor Hormilla, Loretta Malloy, Jill Martindell, Adelaide McElderry, Carol McGlinchey, Stephen Lindmeier, Jason Bridget McHugh, Anne McNichol, , Emma Michael, Nancy Moreno, Litschauer, Cory Litzenberger, Dan Lorraine Mosolgo, Harvey Mueller, Charles Murphy, James O’Hanlon, O’Connor, Jonathan Pucci, Dusty Gabrialle Otero, Gary Palmer, Helen Pepkowski, Victoria Pepkowski, Rhodes, Craig Russell, Nicholas Powell, Judielynn Protentis, Don Raman, Mike Ramos, Don Valdez. Rachael Rice, Gregory Rickert, Joy & Teddy Rodman,Sandy

January 12th & 13th

BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Extraordinary Lector Altar Server Music Minister

Saturday Denny – Choir 5 PM Sue Rogers Nio Logaivau Due to the Bulletin printer’s accelerated holiday schedule, our parish Sunday Kate Minster 8 AM liturgical ministries schedule for this Karen Parash weekend was not available

at time of print. Sunday 10:30 AM

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