ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH 101 West Church Avenue Masontown, Pennsylvania 15461 Phone: 724-583-7866 • Fax: 724-583-0373 Visit us on the web: www.sfoafayette.org

A Parish of the Diocese of Greensburg A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

Rev. William G. Berkey, Pastor December 10, 2017 [email protected]

Rev. Alvin Enal Cabungcal, Shared Parochial Vicar PO Box 727, Grindstone, PA 15442

Masses in Masontown M, T, W & F ...... 8:00 am Saturday ...... 4:00 pm Sunday ...... 8:00 am & 11:30 am Confessions: Saturday 3:00-3:30 pm

Masses in Footedale M, T & T ...... 8:00 am Saturday: ...... 4:00 pm Sunday ...... 9:30 am Confessions: Saturday 3:00-3:30 pm

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Bulletin Articles: The deadline for placing articles in the bulletin is Monday at Noon.

New Parishioners, Welcome! Please register as soon as possible.

Communion to the Homebound is provided on a regular basis. Call the Parish Office to be added to our list.

Sacrament of Baptism: By appointment. Prior to your baby’s Baptism, you must be a registered, practicing member of this parish.

Sacrament of Marriage: Requires parish membership by at least one of the parties for six months prior to making arrangements for marriage. Weddings should be scheduled one year in advance. Saint Francis of Assisi Parish December 10, 2017

Thoughts from Fr. Bill ...... Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Welcome to the Second Sunday of . Deserts and wilderness can be beautiful, but they have an element of danger as well. They’re good places to get lost, for one thing, and in them you’re vulnerable to forces of nature that are vastly more powerful than you. Sometimes, though, you have to travel through the trackless wastes to get where you want to go, and that’s true spiritually as well. To reach the Promised Land, the Israelites had to walk through the desert; to return from exile in Babylon they had to journey back to Jerusalem. called people out of the desert to repent. As you continue your Advent journey, remember that sometimes you have to walk through life’s deserted stretches to arrive at the place where God is found. ------Our Regional Penance Services continue this week : Sunday at 3:00 pm in Farmington; Thursday at 7:00 pm here at Saint Francis of Assisi (Masontown) and 1:00 pm Saturday at Saint John’s in Uniontown. Please take the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before . ------Monday is the Feast of Saint Damasus I. He asked Saint to translate the Bible in , which still holds an honored position in the church today.

Tuesday is the Feast of . Today’s feast recalls the apparitions of Mary at the hill of Tepeyac from December 9-12, 1531 to the native convert, Juan Diego. She was declared patroness of the Americas by Pius XII and raised to the rank for all countries of the Americas on March 25, 1999. Pope Francis said, “Like , Mary is close to all her sons and daughters; as a concerned mother, she accompanies them on their way through life. She shares all the joys and hopes, the sorrows and troubles of God’s people, which is made up of men and women of every race and nation. When the image of the appeared on Juan Diego’s tilma, it was the prophecy of an embrace of all the peoples of the expanses of America - t he peoples who already lived there, and those who were yet to come. LONG LIVE THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE!

Wednesday is the Feast of Saint Lucy. Her name means light! Those who suffer from diseases of the eye pray for her intercession. It is said that she chose blindness rather than betrayal of the Lord she loved and longed to see. In her suffering courage we catch sight of the light of faith that cannot be quenched by any darkness.

Hanukkah begins on Wednesday. This is a celebration of eight days for our sisters and brothers of the Jewish faith.

Thursday is the Feast of Saint . In his exploration of the movement through the dark night of the soul to union with God, Saint John used the imagery of a house grown still and silent to describe the soul so entered in God by prayer that it is free to leave the self behind and become absorbed in the presence of the promised Prince of Peace. From this inward stillness flows the outward peace for which the world longs. ------A quote from Pope Francis’ Laudato Si´, On Care For Our Common Home: Greater investment needs to be made in research aimed at understanding more fully the functioning of ecosystems and adequately analyzing the different variables associated with any significant modification of the environment. Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another. Each area is responsible for the care of this family. This will require undertaking a careful inventory of the species which it hosts, with a view to developing programs and strategies of protection with particular care for safeguarding species heading towards extinction. (Laudato Si´, 96) ------Question of the Week: In what ways do I feel parched, spiritually or emotionally? How can Jesus’ presence satisfy my thirst? How can I prepare myself for Christ’s presence?

Our Psalm Response this week, “Lord, let us see your kindness and grant us your salvation,” reminds us that kindness and truth, justice and peace become intimates in the time of salvation. ------Here we go Steelers, here we go! Peace, Fr. Bill Let’s Go Pens!

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord, failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time. Second Sunday of Advent December 10 , 2017

Golden Group Christmas Party Wednesday, , at the social hall in Footedale. Appetizers served at Noon; dinner served at 1:00 pm. Questions? Call Rosemary - 724-245-8333.

Girl Scouts in grades 2-12 interested in earning the Our Lady of Fatima 100 Year Anniversary Patch are invited to attend a workshop, December 14, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Saint Benedict Learning Center in Masontown. There is no cost but pre-registration is requested. For questions and/or registration, please call 724-583-2377 or email [email protected]

Stewardship John the Baptist’s call to repentance is echoed in the U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on stewardship: “Christians must beg God for the grace of conversion: the grace to know who they are, to whom they belong, how they are to live - the grace to repent and change and grow, the grace to become good disciples and stewards.” Family - We invite you to bring an ornament to decorate the Family Christmas Tree The Confirmation Class collected $450.00 from their in Church. Bring your ornament in now through “Yard” Sale service project last Saturday and are Christmas Day and place it on the tree. donating the proceeds to Fayette Friends of Animals. Thanks to all who supported this project! Christmas Wafers (Oplatki) are available at the Church entrances, the offering is $2.00. The Christmas wafer Stewardship of Treasure reflects a tradition which is at least 2,000 years old. Thank you for last Sunday’s offertory ... The father of the family solemnly breaks the wafers on $7,350; children $33; loose $515; Accent $251 for a and distributes them to those present total of $8,149; 452 envelopes were used of 795 issued. as a symbol of love and peace. These pieces are then Offertory needed weekly $12,600. shared with wishes for luck, health and happiness. We also collected $412 for Social Ministry

Christmas Flowers - We encourage you to use the Sacred Steps “Christmas Flower Offering” envelope from your packets to list the names of those to be remembered throughout Sacramental Celebrations the Christmas season. Your donations are used to pur- at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish chase the flowers and items needed to decorate the Congratulations to Beau Matthew Frost , Church for Christmas. Thank you and God bless! son of Wallace & Heather (Holzer) Frost,

who was baptized last Saturday, December 2. Saint Francis of Assisi Faith Formation Today Welcome to the newest member of our Parish Family! 10-11:15 am: Masontown - St Benedict Learning Center

10:30-11:45 am: Footedale - Church basement Parish Sympathy is expressed to the families of † Coffee and Donuts will be served after all Masses Betty A. (Logan) Pahula this Sunday, December 10 . Please join us! who was buried Monday, December 4; † Mary Kathryn “Sally” (Hall) Petko , The Giving Tree - All who took ornaments are who was buried Tuesday, December 5. reminded to return the gifts this weekend. May God grant them eternal life and comfort their families. May they rest in peace. Christmas Play - Any child interested in participating in the Christmas Play at 4pm Christmas Eve in Masontown is asked to contact Wanda at 724-583-1149. Practices Prepare the way of the Lord, will be Sundays, December 10 & 17 at 9:00 am. make straight his paths. - Mark 1:3 Live the Liturgy

Today we light the second candle Reconciliation on our Advent . It is the Advent resounds with the theme of reconciliation “ Candle,” a symbol of the and the call to repentance. That call is not about dwelling preparations being made to receive and on our sins and being even more burdened by them, but cradle the Christ Child. May our hearts the opposite: bringing them to God in sorrow and hope be ready to receive the Good News! for forgiveness. It is a fitting time to approach Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and be able to approach He is coming! Him in the Eucharist on Christmas with a renewed heart. In today’s reading from Matthew, John the Bap- tist announces for all to hear, the long-awaited coming of Regional Advent Penance Services the Messiah. John the Baptist proclaimed a serious mes- Sunday, December 10, 3:00 pm sage of change and conversion. Indeed, he must have Saint at Farmington been a sight to behold draped in his penitential garb, nib- bling on his locust and honey. Anyone who heard him ! A PENANCE SERVICE will be conducted at preaching must have taken notice, even if they didn’t take 7:00 pm this Thursday, December 14, in Masontown heed. If nothing else, John the Baptist surely got people’s Saturday, December 16, 1:00 pm attention; but, will he get ours? True conversion reveals Saint John/Saint Therese at Saint itself outwardly. When our hearts change, our actions do, too. Charity replaces criticism. Forgiveness replaces an- Tuesday, December 19, 7:00 pm Saint Mary/Saint at Saint Mary ger. Service replaces selfishness. The Catechism of the teaches us that the kingdom of heaven Please note: There will be NO 3:00 pm Confessions belongs to the poor and lowly; in other words, to those the Saturdays of December due to the Advent who have accepted it with humble hearts (CCC 544). Penance Services which all are encouraged to attend. This Advent, may we feel the urgency of John’s words and get about the serious business of repentance. There are only ten days before Christmas! In these final days of Advent, seek out a time to go to Memorial Candle Request confession and be reconciled with God. The Sacrament Remember a deceased loved one or honor a loved one or of Reconciliation exists so that you and I can begin again a special occasion by sponsoring a memorial candle. The when we fall and we can live with a greater integrity. candles will burn in their memory/honor for one week. _____ Sanctuary ($20) Intention Request Form 2018 _____ Blessed Mother ($10)

_____ ($10) Intention for: ______Sacred Heart ($10) Requested by: ______Saint Anthony ($10)

Date Requested: ______Mass Time: ______In memory/honor of ______Requested by ______Alternate Date: ______Phone ______Worship Site: _____ Footedale _____ Masontown Date / Week of ______Phone Number: ______Payment is due at the time of scheduling. Please return the completed form with payment to the Parish Office. Payment is due at the time of scheduling.

Saturday, December 9 -- Vigil: 2nd Sunday of Advent 4:00 pm-M (B) Martin G. Kolar (Wife, Ann Kolar) 4:00 pm-F (A) Joe Mehalek (Family) Sunday, December 10 -- 2nd Sunday of Advent 8:00 am-M (B) Noel Ulgisse Houze (Tom/LouAnn Patterson) 9:30 am-F (B) Brenda Otto (Husband Louis/Son Louis) 11:30 am-M (A) Catherine Geisel (Irene O’Brien)

Monday, December 11 -- Saint Damasus I, pope 8:00 am-M Walter Korona (Francis Mullooly) 8:00 am-F Jasper Hager (Gloria & Marty) Tuesday, December 12 -- Our Lady of Guadalupe 8:00 am-M Mary E. Michalik (Daughters) 8:00 am-F Frank Kordella (Son, Frank Jr.) Wednesday, December 13 -- Saint Lucy 8:00 am-M Frank J. Gall (M/M Ernest Benchek) Thursday, December 14 -- Saint John of the Cross 8:00 am -M C ommunion Service Inspiration for the Week 8:00 am -F J oseph & Stella Borytsky (Dtr Contance/Fam) John the Baptist announced, “Prepare the way of 7:00 pm-M PENANCE SERVICE the Lord, make straight his paths.” Does preparing a Friday, December 15 -- Advent Weekday way for the Lord have priority in our lives? Often we 8:00 am-M Tom Gorman (Daughter, Julia) spend more time preparing paths for ourselves rather Saturday, December 16 -- Vigil: 3rd Sunday of Advent than a path for God. Advent calls us to take the focus 4:00 pm-M (A) Margaret Cappellini (Rita Spinelli) off ourselves and put it on God. We prepare a path for

4:00 pm-F (B) Leonard Kromer (Paul & Judy Wasil) God by practicing and living the virtues, being holy and Sunday, December 17 -- 3rd Sunday of Advent devoted, patient and repentant and attentive and humble. 8:00 am-M (B) Joey, Tim, Alex & Kevin (Debbie/Haley) We are asked to bring comfort and healing to people and 9:30 am-F (B) Joseph E. Glad (Glad Family) to show others by the way we live our lives that we have 11:30 am-M (A) John & Carolyn Takacs (Jerry & Cheryl) a higher calling and purpose.

(B) Fr. Bill / (A) Fr. Alvin In the evening of life, we will be judged Sunday Regional Mass : 5:30 pm at on love alone. - St. John of the Cross Cyril & Methodius Church, Fairchance

Please Note: There will be NO Regional Mass on December 24 AND December 31 Memorial Candles burn this week in loving memory of or for the special intention of: Mass Readings for the Week Ahead † Sanctuary - Deceased members of the Sofranko Family Monday: Is 35:1- 10; Lk 5:17 -26 requested by Helen Sofranko Tuesday: Zec 2:14- 17; Lk 1:26 -38 Wednesday: Is 40:25- 31; Mt 11:28 -30 † Blessed Mother - 97th Birthday Thursday: I s 41:13 -20; Mt 11:11 -1 5 of Josephine Smith Friday: Is 48:17- 19; Mt 11:16 -19 requested by her family Saturday: Sir 48:1- 11; Mt 17:9 -13 † Saint Joseph - Joseph & Stella Borytsky Next Sunday: Is 61:1- 11; 1 Thes 5:16 -24; Jn 1:6 -28 requested by daughter, Constance & Family † Sacred Heart - Robert Daugherty Be patient, because the weaknesses of the body requested by Kim Revak are given to us in this world by God for the salvation † Saint Anthony - Elaine Rosnack of the soul. So they are of great merit when they requested by husband & family are borne patiently. - St. Francis of Assisi ROBERT T. KISH FUNERAL HOME, INC. HAIR LAIR 20 N. Mill St. • New Salem, PA John P. Duke, Supervisor & TANNING 508 EAST CHURCH 1 Legion St. • Republic, PA Robert T. Kish, Supervisor 724-583-9550 ST. MASONTOWN JOHN S. MAYKUTH JR. W.B. Kania & Associates Sinclair Personal Certified Public Accountants Care Home, LLC TIBERI’S INN FUNERAL HOME 71 North Mt. Vernon Avenue !"#$ /\ ' $ -.$(*&$ McClellandtown Rd. LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Uniontown, PA 15401 724-245-7200 Non-Smoking • Family Dining Phone: (724) 437-2731 Owner: Charlene Sinclair Augustine 724-892-2273 724-583-8811 Fax: (724) 437-2952 [email protected] 1878 McClellandtown Rd DEARTH FUNERAL Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc. Masontown • 724-952-1040 at Sylvan Heights Cemetery HOME 603 North Gallatin Ave., Extension, Uniontown, PA 15401 FREE DELIVERY New Salem, PA Phone: 724-437-2756 www.hakyfuneralhome.com Store Hours: Clark B. Dearth Since 1900 Stephanie Haky Georgiana, FD, Licensed Supervisor M-F 9-9 Sat-Sun 9-5 J & J M ECHANICAL Compliments of Ralph’s Garage Doors !"#$%&S( Residential Heating & Cooling Your Local, Authorized Lennox Dealer Kathleen Packroni Sales • Service • Installation ~ 724-583-2687 ~ T " C$%%&'($) Doors & Parts • Electric Openers SHOP’n SAVE 407 N. Main St. • Masontown 201 North Main Mason Town (724) 966-2879 Carmichaels The more you shop the more you save! Masontown • 724-583-7575 Jerry’s Catering Service Superior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning STORE H OURS “Where Our Noodle is Always Al’Dente” Satisfaction Guaranteed! 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Everyday Kathleen Broadwater, Owner Calvin Samples, Owner WE A CCEPT 16 Legion Street, Republic, PA 15475 724-246-8889 724-785-3036 724-583-9417 • 724-562-2416 c Mastercard • Visa • Mac or 72 Mack Farm Road, Masontown, PA 15461 Discover • American Express Like us on Facebook SINCE JONATHAN P. KRIZNER, D.D.S. Ben’s Auto Parts 1976 600 CHERRY TREE LN. For all your body shop supplies and mechanical needs! BERISH UNIONTOWN, PA 15401 107 River Avenue • Masontown, PA 15461 AGENCY, INC. Phone: Email: Telephone (724) 438-0241 724-583-8335 Fax: bensautopa A. Berish, CIC Office Hours By Appointment 724-583-9656 724-583-7766 @gmail.com T. Berish AAI 1-800-446-8335 Insurance - Real Estate 12 S. Main St. • Masontown 724-583-7767 Fax 724-583-7792 [email protected] Cloverdale Personal Care Home 206 Westwood Avenue, Masontown 724-583-0620 Carol Assad, Andy Assad - Owners ADAH V OL . FIRE DEPT . Contact Sue Novosel to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6318 126 F IREHOUSE RD., ADAH, PA 15410 H & H WATER CONTROLS, INC. 565 Route 88 • Carmichaels, PA 15320 PA DEP Water Lab Certification • O & M Service/Repairs • NPDES Wastewater Analysis Process Controls • Industrial Water Analysis • Utility Billing Services • Contract Operations • Training Services RESIDENTIAL WATER ANALYSIS - (724) 966-2278 See the Detweiler Boys! DETWEILER Inc. THE A REA’S O LDEST M ONUMENT C OMPANY 50 E. F AYETTE ST., UNIONTOWN , PA 15401 Rt. 21, McClellandtown Rd. 438-5200 , After 6:00 p.m. 439-1163 724-737-6321 TRI-COUNTY HVAC !"#$%&^&!$()*+$ Installations FULL SERVICE AUTO &#)*+,-.(/"%.+*,%0*.+1 REPAIR & SALES Lud Kopec • Cristy Kopec-Frantz -FREE ESTIMATES- Celebrating An Independent Agency Representing 25 Years! the Erie Insurance Group Call Terry or Tyler 724-785-7171 &' RIVER AVE. ( MASONTOWN # 724-583-1944724-583- 211 S. Main St. • Masontown • (724) 583-2634 4-D-5-3 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0702