March 2019 March March 2019 1 March Parish Expo Parish Introducing The Anastasian Ministry Fair Simple Service The Linen Ladies A FORMED Opinion Altar Linen Ministry Altar Opportunities to Serve Opportunities to Our New Music Director Our New
Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 1
Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 2
March 2019 2 March The Anastasian - March 2019 3 March . Since1935 The Anastasian . We hope you enjoy this enjoy you hope We . Prayer for Beginners The Anastasian THE Altar Linen Ministry Altar Introducing Ministry Fair Simple Service Con rmation Update A FORMED Opinion A Letter from Our Pastor from A Letter 05 The Linen Ladies 06 Director Music Our New 08 Expo Parish 09 Serve Opportunities to 10 the Sacrament Receiving for Age A New 11 of Review image: cover Front Courtesy Smargiassi Joe Holden and the Choir- of Carmen captions: Photo Extraordinary every meeting for which takes place The Ministers, few 2- Courtesy Smargiassi February of Carmen on Saturday, was years, . Sue Lindinger with a Sister to bid farewell 10, we February On Sunday, fun and good Food, gathering after Hall. the 9:00 am Mass in the Church new Sue in her Sister wish all the best to as we shared were feelings ministry- Courtesy Smargiassi of Carmen Randal Gusti and Aimee up for all dressed its best, at our church Enjoy 04 a parish event from photos have Do you April. last from wedding tis’s send them in to Please share? like to would you that consideration. for [email protected] the Gustitis family by submitted -photos Anastasian Welcome to to Welcome newsletter. St. Anastasia is a large, vibrant parish with vibrant is a large, Anastasia St. newsletter. in wonderful engaged groups activi- di erent many will o er newsletter This the parish. to life give ties that our ways many the about learnmore to chance the you E-mail us at E-mail us at "Like" us on Facebook friends and neighbors in Christ parish engage with the to will see you And enrichdeepen their faith and their lives. knowus let Please what too! fun of lot a having are they can improve. we how think and you [email protected] E-mail us at saintanastasianewtownsquare "Like" us on Facebook the parish saintanastasiaparish Instagram Follow
Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 3 Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 4 Follow the parish on Instagram and see more photos of Lucky and other parish events. and other parish of Lucky events. photos the parish and see more on Instagram Follow A Letter from Our Pastor from A Letter Colagreco Father Dear Parishioners of Saint Anastasia, of Saint Dear Parishioners all who to you Thank Anastasian. The edition of the latest present to again, it is a pleasure Once have made this issue possible: the members of the Promotion Committee, the writers and all the writers Committee, the members of the Promotion made this issue possible: have March 2019 4 March
www.saintanastasia.net Sincerely yours, Sincerely Colagreco Father As you peruse this publication take a moment and ask yourself where you might t in. Is there any group or ministry group that any t in. Is there might you where yourself and ask take a moment peruse this publication you As Our it. Mission about nding out more to some thought give or another? If so, in one way you to appeals that you, interests help! your can only happen with That parish community.” “one form our goal to expresses Statement Read about some of the many ways we undertake di erent projects and appeals to help the needy among us, and also help the needy among us, projects and appeals to undertake we di erent ways Read some of the many about from a number of photos are There this autumn. their Con rmation for preparing who will be graders about our seventh you anyone to mention to sure be and them enjoy you hope I issue. this in included parish events variety recent of broad a seeing their picture. enjoyed you know that might in these photos the organizations and ministries featured in these pages. I hope you nd this issue interesting and informative. and informative. nd this issue interesting I hope you in these pages. and ministries featured the organizations on hand to were our parish of organizations – members of many fronts on many success a great was MinistryOur recent Fair was There the satisfactionin their particular enlist new members. they experience and to they do, groups the work explain the fair alike. to and the visitors among the presenters weekend spirit that a great and public is out front perspectives – what di erent two from articles church happens at on what in this issue focus Two Mass before the scenes goes on behind a lot of work public gathering, any with As goes on behind the scenes. and what dependable parishioners of faithful, about a group In can read you this issue unappreciated. and and is often unnoticed go quietly people good these out week and in Week Mass. at celebration the for altar the at used linens the launder who group is another part Also Mass, at of our celebration a smooth running of the sacristy. ensure and help to about their work our are people These all of us. by seen and heard but who then are behind the scenes, preparing hard of people who work and is busy getting Joe Holden. Joe started Read of Music, about our new Director in this issue musicians. recently with us him at see Joe when you hello to and say Stop knowto everyone and putting his distinctive stamp on our music program. console. the organ The Anastasian - - March 2019 5 March The Anastasian every celebration of the Eucharist. Those involved say they say involved Those every of the Eucharist. celebration is That and glory praise of God. the greater know they do is for what Linen who make up the Altar women The do! they they do what why Ministry carry part this captures out their task in a spirit that of our faith-based commu a strong … are “We Mission Statement, Parish rooted than a century tradition, in more of Catholic grounded nity, and service.” in worship consider to want might You work? scenes the behind like Doyou being a part who perform need of the group this service. you All The an iron! and of course o er, spirit, some time to is a generous Altar Linen Ministry is happy to in being a part please contact Candy of this ministry, interested welcome new members. If you 610- 356-3697. at Foreman are This ministry is organized so that any one of them is only scheduled for service just three times a year. The linens are are linens The service a year. times for scheduled is only of them one just three ministryany This so that organized is who hidden gures are women These without fuss or fanfare. and then returned laundered, picked up in the sacristy, at for and cared prepared the altar well and respect of having perform reverence the a necessary to contributes task that ing Mass. They are also used to wipe the cup after each person takes a sip of the Precious Blood, when Holy Communion is is when Holy Communion Blood, wipe the cup after person takes a sip of the Precious each also used to are They ing Mass. and use of the puri cators of the sacred Linen Ministry members of the Altar The aware well are under both forms. o ered service. “behind scenes” the be part to happy are of this The “Linen Ladies” wash, fold, and iron (yes, I mean iron) the puri cators used at every Mass. You may be wondering, “What be wondering, may You every used at the puri cators Mass. I mean iron) (yes, and iron fold, wash, Ladies” “Linen The an important are They of a handkerchief. the size cloths, small white are Puri cators is it used?” “How and is a puri cator?” dur the rim of the chalice Blood and other spots from wipe the Precious priest uses them to The part liturgy. of Catholic Saint Anastasia Parish invites parishioners to serve parishioners to part as parish the Inof faith. community way in some invites any life of their Parish Anastasia Saint who make up the women twelve The serve members who are behind the scenes. there including the Church, organization, What Linen Ministry the members of the Altar is it that What the parish? do for Linen MinistryAltar category. that fall into is their hidden service? Sister Mary Barrar, SSJ Mary Barrar, by Sister
Altar Linen Ministry Linen Altar Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 5 A Letter from Our Pastor from A Letter Colagreco Father Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 6 March 2019 6 March
Music has paralleled my professional career. I am the oldest of three boys. My parents were born and raised in West and Southand - West in born raised and were My parents boys. three of oldest the am I career. professional my Musicparalleled has recruit student a young Of the fourth I was I am the lone musician. Rewind to grade: them all, respectively. Philadelphia, west I sang parishioner), Anastasia lined us up. (a St. Eileen Blankemeyer parish organist, The choir. children's Laurence's Saint for session looms largely recruiting That Looking back, I don't think I had a choice. the group. into welcomed bars and was a few my o ered I was self-taught. but I am largely I've lessons, paths of the some piano and organ chosen. I brie y took many over Hill. Charles in Drexel St. on to it was there, From came calling. Parish Donato 15 when St. position at rst organist The church was grand -- Saint John the Evangelist in Pittston. There was a stately, imposing pipe organ that needed some love needed some love that imposing pipe organ a stately, was There in Pittston. John the Evangelist -- Saint grand was church The to introduction my Well the choir? And warm and welcoming. parishioners were The became fast friends. We and attention. and hoped jump-starting I was except sell, the choir, I had nothing to call. the phone -- the classic cold over most of them was who Monsignor Oh, and that me a chance. give would sheet, on an old tattered whose names appeared these strangers, the years. became close friends over -- Monsignor Jack Bendik and choir director -- we an organist shing for rst called me, and children one of my He baptized practically family. were We him as "the to bishop." the parish, I quietly referred Around an important remains xture in our lives. Joe Holden by Joe choir directors," know but do you of any the organ, can play "I know you knew. a Monsignor I barely It email from a random was - With I know yeah, a director. I thought, email. blinking, as I opened up a reply cursor sat The is leaving." "Our director he asked. when I was high school and college, back to stretched musical experience Most of my resume. my I forwarded out hesitation, and living father, a new married, I was, and here later, years ve But fast forward Hill. Charles Saint in Drexel at music director especially a parish music program, jump back into to Did I want a mighty river. by little town in a sleepy Wilkes-Barre outside reporter the local NBC at full-time position as an investigative I knew with my where nobody? Even unfamiliar, was one that not? In fact, why I couldn't wait. I gured, weeks, with 50-hour work a liate,
Our New Music Director
Introducing The Anastasian - - March 2019 7 March The Anastasian - - . Choir rehearsals are Tuesdays from roughly 7:30 to 9. The abilityThe 9. 7:30 to roughly from Tuesdays are . Choir rehearsals [email protected] of space on our risers (I jokingly refer to them as the penalty box). Running out of space is a good problem to have. have. to is a good problem out of space Running them as the penalty to on our risers box). (I jokinglyof space refer actively seeking sing with purpose join with us in sup and are to new faces We and free- owing. upbeat Rehearsals are porting parish liturgies. Here comes the plug -- if you have participated in parish music programs before and have taken a and have before participated in parish music programs have the plug -- if you comes porting Here parish liturgies. Please most welcome. also are First-timers in. jump back to an invitation this please consider long, how break,no matter me via email at out to reach and choir an organist "the email from shing for Like that bishop" all necessary. but not at music is helpful, read sight to I'm experience. be a rewarding to proven has already what for again grateful I nd myself ago, all those years director be here. blessed to In late 2015, CBS3 came calling. It was a childhood dream realized. We packed up again, three children in tow, and re in tow, children up again, three packed We It realized. dream a childhood In 2015, CBS3 came calling. was late For the next six years, the choir at Saint John the Evangelist experienced dramatic growth, the cantor program expanded, expanded, program the cantor growth, dramatic experienced John the Evangelist Saint the choir at the next six years, For of their time challenged me as much as I did so graciously who gave volunteers many The uplifting. were and liturgies Northeastern Pennsylvania Leaving turn down. to good them. But in 2013, a sudden opportunity too was in Pittsburgh it was the story As goes, routinely or I knew in the "4-1-2." wife anybody Neither my transitions. among the hardest was to promoted I was Professionally, churches. subbing at regularly quickly -- I was familiar roles identi ed We be. to meant in Irwin, years three spent community a rural We Award. an Emmy for twice nominated anchor and was evening weekend about 35 miles east of the city. By 2007, we had been living in Northeastern Pennsylvania for a few years when that email arrived from "the bishop." We We "the from arrived email that when bishop." years few a for Northeasternin living been had By we 2007, Pennsylvania music Returning church to short just two both sets of parents. were hours from we and Pennsylvania, had made it back to pipe and stately church the grand batteries: my bench recharged Getting back on the organ a blessing in disguise. was station the at team my reporter, capacityinvestigative as an my in Meanwhile, combination. the quite for made organ of dawn tracking overnight the clusters, cancer of instances revealing cases, corruption public breaking was signi cant water. head above music kept my Church industry energy an untapped of the heavy other stories variety. and myriad sued my dream of journalism and news re of journalism news and dream sued my beautiful Charlottesville, porting, to moving and after I got married during this time, VA. move to hope holding out I was years, a few It advance time to was Pennsylvania. back to TV fewer were market, plus there a larger to and virtually no Virginia, in churches Catholic opportunities music. do church to I inherited a choir of some 35 people - many - many 35 people of some a choir I inherited the of members original men were of the the '60s. to back dating choir and boys' men's came after intermission music My liturgical a with University Cabrini from graduated I I pur in English and Communication. degree The opportunity to join the sta at St. Anastasia was another unexpected blessing. I strive to engage and inspire through through engage and inspire to I strive opportunityThe another unexpected blessing. was Anastasia St. join the sta at to have may You opportunity variety any and spotlight for make a quick joke or inject I live to a situation. levitymusic. into the utilize I also regularly they say. passion -- go big or go home, with concentrated I play a full organ. I enjoy noticed will run out and soon, we 20 members, Our adult choir is approaching and pieces. special hymns showcase piano to turned home. I was named weekend evening anchor of CBS3 Eyewitness News in July. Since being home in Havertown being home in Havertown Since in July. News anchor of CBS3 Eyewitness evening named weekend I was turned home. and the Northeast Overbrook section County, in Delaware I've churches subbed at regularly Parish), Dorothy in St. live (we of Philadelphia.
Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 7 Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 8 - Pope Francis (9/15/17) Francis Pope “I ask you to build the future. Make the world a better place.
March 2019 8 March
Please don't see life from afar. Live it. Jesus didn't stay out in a balcony. Instead, He got involved. Follow Jesus' example.” Joe Crimminsby Joe In June of 2018, the Pastoral Council decided to sponsor a Parish Expo/Ministry Fair showcasing the various ministries the various of the showcasing Expo/Ministry sponsor a Parish decided to Fair Council Inof 2018, the Pastoral June min and the parish organizations (1) Showcase to: the fair were goals of The the years. over expanded parish have which is in keeping learn volunteers parishioners about and discuss our ministries to with their respective for a venue Providing as one parish community.” united more “…be Mission to, with ful lling our Parish If you ventured down to the Parish Hall after Mass, the weekend of November 17-18, you may have been surprised at what been surprised what at have may 17-18, you of November the weekend Hall after Mass, the Parish to down If ventured you about Colorful information tables lled with home baked goodies and parishioners talking booths, exchanging and saw. you What some of the local businesses. by provided win door prizes up to signing even were Someparish attendees ministries. come did this event and how Expo/Ministry is a Parish What Fair Expo/Ministry going on? Itwas the 2018 Parish was Fair! about? gifts and talents your how will consider had an opportunity you you it is the hope that Whether the fair or not, attend to Keep in mind that a ministry. for with prayerful volunteering up with some of our ministries re ection, and, consider match very little time and commitment. some of our ministries require Currently, there are over 40 ministries which range in services that can span a person’s whole life, from pre-Jordan to Seniors to pre-Jordan from whole life, in services 40 ministries which range can span a person’s over that are there Currently, serving in the Ministry one of his parents, by accompanied of Greeting! as ve, had someone as young even have We Club. istries of St. Anastasia Parish. (2) Promote this donation of talent as a form of stewardship. (3) O er opportunities more for of stewardship. as a form of talent this donation (2) Promote Parish. Anastasia istries of St. their interests. matching parish joining organizations consider parishioners to For more information about St. Anastasia’s Parish Ministries, please visit : https://saintanastasia.net/organizations Parish Anastasia’s about St. information more For
The Anastasian Ministry Fair / Parish Expo Ministry Fair - - - - March 2019 9 March Photo courtesy Photo of Deanna Stagliano The Anastasian HOPE- Helping Our Parishioners in an Emergency:HOPE- Helping Our Parishioners HOPE is a ministry opportunities out and be which will provide reach to Life Center Collection: The Life Center in Upper Darby is a homeless shelter that o ers a meal program every through night a meal program o ers that is a homeless shelter in Upper Darby Center Life The Collection: Center Life the Extraordinary homebound parishioners by to Min Delivery: usually delivered are Flower Christmas and Easter Flowers St. John’s Hospice Program: Located in Center City Philadelphia, St. John’s Hospice is a Catholic Social Services is a Catholic Hospice serv shelter John’s City St. Philadelphia, in Center Located Program: Hospice John’s St. Aid for Friends: Aid for Friends is a program that provides meals for people who are con ned to their homes because of age their homes to con ned people who are meals for provides that is a program Friends for Aid Friends: for Aid Food for the Bernadine Center: The Bernadine Center is a food pantry that distributes food to the poor living in economi the pantry to is a food food distributes that BernadineThe Center the Bernadine Center: for Food cally depressed parts of Delaware County. The Bernadine Franciscan Sisters administer the center with help from the laity. On the laity. with help from the center administer Sisters BernadineThe Franciscan parts County. cally depressed of Delaware the by in the church, can be placed items nonperishable in the bulletin, food as announced of the month, the rst Sunday (610-356-1613). contact Lawler Linda information more For door near the Blessed Mother altar. • (610-356-2053). at Grogan contact Cathy information more For in need. “friends” think of your leftovers, have you ever • non-perishable food toiletries, clothing, and donating casseroles preparing by contribute ing homeless men. Parishioners information more For lobby. school lower the in month of each Tuesday second collectedthe on Items are money. and items, (610-431-3881). contact Deanna (610-353-7972) or John Kyle Stagliano • Mary contact assist Sister to like would If Barrar you needed. always is help However, bring Communion. Holy them that isters (610-356-1613). • drive to during the day free an hour or two have Do you elderlyof service or those in need in our community. our shut-ins, to be called when someone in being on a list to consider you Would shopping? the doctorsomeone to or take someone food contactHornbach Jeanne (610-356-0790) information more the parishour Hope Ministry is in need? Maybe For you. is calling or (484-602-3971). a community outreach project. Once every other month, St. Anastasia parishioners are scheduled to collect food and go and collect scheduled to food every parishioners Anastasia are Once project. St. a community other month, outreach families. the parish school and CCD to genius sent a sign-up through collection is coordinated food The serve the meal. • or illness. Individual meals are prepared by parishioners and stored at the parish for distribution when needed. Containers Containers distributionwhen needed. the parish for at parishioners and stored by Individual prepared are meals or illness. When stairwell in the back basement. of the church stored the meals are where next the freezer to and labels can be found • right here in St. Anastasia Parish. Anastasia in St. right here It may be easier than you think to add service to your Lenten Sacri ce. There are many opportunities many are There Sacri ce. add service Lenten think to It your be easier than you to may
Simple Service Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 9 Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 10 - Photo courtesy Photo of Kristen Mancini March 2019 10 March
A very important part of preparation that Theresa Haggerty meeting of Theresa A very outlined both in our discussion and in the recent important part that of preparation log hours to children require programs many While of Mercy. Works the was in this program, of sixth children grade parents the children Mrs. Haggerty Anastasia, Saint encourage at to here Con rmation, prefers for of service in preparation tion in November of 2019. Children in the Saint Anastasia school sixth grade class will receive supplemental instruction supplemental school sixth class will receive Anastasia in the Saint grade 2019. Children of tion in November the their lessons until into be integrated to will continue This course. used in the CCD using the same materials prepare to Con rmation. November This seemed like a less than ideal time for them to truly focus on Con rmation. The sta at Saint Anastasia met and it was talked about the we Haggerty, Theresa Education, of Religious Director Anastasia with the Saint conversation In a recent in their lives. transitions many often going through are fact especially those in public school, sixth children, that grade was it and met Anastasia Saint at sta The Con rmation. on focus truly to them for time ideal than less a like seemed This would (November) year the time of that and they agreed Con rmation be the new age for would grade seventh decided that attend program in the sixth CCD Children grade this school year. will be no Con rmation there a result, As the same. remain making until Con rma and prepare again in September then begin May, through March courses preparation Con rmation The 2018-2019 school year is the rst in a long while that will not see the Sacrament of Con rmation celebrated here at Saint Saint at here celebrated of Con rmation Sacrament not see the will while that a long rst in is the year school 2018-2019 The Throughout standardized. not was received is Con rmation when age the that recognized Chaput Archbishop Anastasia. in high school in some and even grade, seventh to third from anywhere being received was this sacrament the Archdiocese time most logical be the would grade or eighth seventh that determined it was and consulted, of priestswas A board cases. of Con rmation. the Sacrament should receive in which students by Mancini Kristen
The Anastasian Confirmation Update Confirmation - March 2019 11 March . Rating saintanastasia.formed.org The Anastasian The Anastasian
Opinion -
really provide a wonderful opportunity as the children are a year older and more mature, and can more fully focus on the on the fully focus and can more a wonderful mature, provide opportunity and more older really a year are as the children the program, to be some updates may change and there is still a new This of Mercy. Works its meaning and the sacrament, serve to will choose their families recipients Con rmation grade of seventh this rst year see how certainly to but it is exciting faith. of their Catholic as they take this importantand communities in the full realization step situations that occur within their daily lives that allow for Works of Mercy. They are asked to log three corporal works of of works corporal log three to asked are They of Mercy. Works for allow that lives their daily within occur that situations and can be opportunities be dramatic not need to do These within their own of mercy. spiritualmercy works three and Mrs. Hag of Con rmation, On the date Con rmation. up until works these time and continue any at begin can They homes. preparing for Con rmation to look at this as less of a “project” and more of an opportunity to create an awareness of of of an opportunity an awareness and more create to “project” less of a this as look at to Con rmation for preparing While the fundamentals of the Sacrament of Con rmation certainly have not changed, the move to seventh grade can can grade seventh to the move certainly not changed, of Con rmation of the Sacrament have the fundamentals While Another important aspect of any sacrament is the parental involvement. Mrs. Haggerty stresses that parents are asked to asked to Mrs. Haggerty are parents that stresses involvement. importantAnother is the parental aspect sacrament of any looking of a sponsor (she recommends choice in the appropriate and guide their children assist of Mercy, Works the oversee and help also assist with the study packet provided can a sponsor). Parents for a good choice as godparents the children’s to in October the parish right in hall and parent retreat is a Con rmation there Finally, the summer. questions over the review snacks. with activities, assisting or providing organizing, needed for always are volunteers gerty will place a box that their and is a wonderful incorporate as a sort to the children is viewed made by This way of o ering ceremony. Con rmation includes the logs of the Works day. of Mercy the Con rmation into Works of Mercy the children have prepared in the sanctuary during the Do you have a favorite movie, book, audio, or program from FORMED that you would like to recommend? Please send in Please recommend? like to would you FORMED that from or program book, audio, movie, a favorite have Do you in the next issue of be featured and it may [email protected] to review your
We We are so fortunate that there are ten books by Peter Kreeft available to us on FORMED. I recommend them all, but during this season of Lent, when we are all trying to increase and improve our devotions, I particularly recommend, Prayer for Beginners.This small practical book was written not just for beginners, but also, as it states in the Introduction,“for people with little time to pray, busy people who keep nding excuses not to pray – in other words, people like me.” I echo that sentiment;written for thatechobookwasthis I peopleme.” like otherwords, in – pray topeoplebusy ndingnotkeepwhoexcuses me. With chaptersme. that explore both easy methods and beginning steps as to well prayer, as how to work through any obstacles or distractions,oftensimplicityhumorous piercing style,thisbook yetKreeft’s andpracticality with Peter Written commonare themes. is a joy to read. But, read. asistoajoythe author orthink warns, do aboutnot just understandyouorreadit,about feel or prayer, orit,plan pray, to imagine yourself praying, “you must actually do it.” -Katie Downey “you must actuallyimagine yourself do praying, it.”
to begin. Here is one FORMED opinion: Here begin. to web-based platform accessible for FREE to our par FREE to for accessible web-based platform choose where to it can be hard on FORMED, all the rich content With another. is a dynamic, is a dynamic, FORMED.org and one Christ, our Church for our love our hope and increase strengthen any device with internet access. It deepen our faith, to is designed access. with internet device any
ish community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on a year days 365 ish community 24 hours a day, Issue 11 - The Anastasian - 11 A Confirmation Update Confirmation We, the parishioners of Saint Anastasia, are a strong faith based community, grounded in
more than a century of Catholic
tradition, rooted in worship and service.
Compelled by the Good News of Jesus Christ,
we are committed to growing in a deeper relationship with God and with one another.
We strive to become a more vibrant parish by inspiring an atmosphere of belonging, of
welcoming, and by promoting opportunities to share and spread
our Catholic faith, so that we may be more
united as one parish community.