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 The Roman Catholic Community of Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Area, 213 One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic New Parish and Anne Parish Effective Monday January 4, 2021

Safety First Morning or Evening Mass Snow Cancellations For everyone’s safety, a delay or cancellation at Elizabeth Forward or South Allegheny School Districts is our notice of Safety First. Mornings or Evenings with a delay or cancellation— There will be no morning or evening Mass at Eugene . Please listen to the radio or watch TV for delays or cancellations. Safety first! Be careful!

 The Pittsburgh Catholic is now On-Line. December 13, 2020

thepittsburghcatholic.wpccomstating.com Website: ElizabethSouthAlleghenyCC.org Saint Mark Saint Queen of the A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust 3210 Liberty Way 101 McLay Drive 530 Avenue McKeesport, PA 15133 Elizabeth, PA 15037-2363 Glassport, PA 15045 Phone 412-678-6275 Phone 412-751-0663 Phone 412-672-7209 Fax 412-673-1393 Fax 412-751-2161 Fax 412-672-6390 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Saint Eugene Church (StE) Saint Michael Church (StM) Queen of the Rosary (QoR) 3210 Liberty Way - Liberty 101 McLay Drive - Elizabeth 530 Michigan Avenue - Glassport Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Area, 213 Faith Formation - Adult - Children - Youth 101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037 412-754-0886 Email: [email protected] Facebook: FaithFormation-EGSA Looking For A Faith Community? Wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you to join our community. You may register by calling the Faith Community Office.   2 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Sacraments Mass Intentions For The Week

Baptism of Infants & Children StE St. Eugene Church, Liberty StM St. Michael Church, Elizabeth

Baptism is a joyous event in the life of the QoR Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport church. Baptism is celebrated any Sunday December 13-20, 2020 after Mass. Parents are required to Saturday, 12, Vigil, Third Sunday of Advent attend a Pre-Baptism Class. Previous arrangements are necessary. StM 4:00 pm M Living & Deceased of Piper & Shaner Families - Arnold & Kathy

Instruction in the Faith - R.C.I.A. StE 6:00 pm T Harold ‘Buzz’ Phillips - Louise Phillips & Family

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Sunday, 13, Third Sunday of Advent

Program is offered for those interested in StE 8:00 am T Helen Kish - Kish, Husband

the Catholic Faith. For more information, StM 9:00 am M Patricia Crum - Family please contact Fr. Wagner. QoR 10:30 am T John Kaczka - Holy Name Society Reconciliation StM 12 Noon M Elaine Valecko - Betty & Tim Runtich St. Eugene Church, Liberty Living & Deceased of the Grouping Family Tuesday, 7 - 7:30 pm Monday, 14, John of the Cross, St. Michael Church, Elizabeth QoR 8:30 am John Kaczka - Gert Ormand Saturday, 11-11:30 am Novena - Infant of Prague Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport Saturday, 1- 1:30 pm StM 9:00 am Mel Harlan – Audrey Benz

St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Tuesday, 15, Advent Weekday

Saturday, 3:15-3:45 pm StM 9:00 am Don Geletko - Family & Friends

St. Eugene Church, Liberty StE 6:30 pm Agnes Vayda Potocsnak - Elizabeth Gantner, Daughter

Saturday, 5:15-5:45 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions - 7:00 - 7:30 pm

Marriage Wednesday, 16, Advent Weekday

The prospective bride and groom are to QoR 8:30 am Marie Grantz - Donna Diesing make arrangements with the priest or StM 9:00 am Bill Owens – Knights of Columbus, #10077 deacon at least 6 months prior to the proposed date of the wedding. Diocesan Novena - Michael the regulations require all couples to attend Thursday, 17, Late Advent Weekday an approved pre-marriage preparation StE 8:30 am Elda Polidora - Carmen & Gloria Marchetti

program. StM 9:00 am James Fetchen - Family

Anointing of the Sick Friday, 18, Late Advent Weekday the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally on the Second Sunday of the QoR 8:30 am Clara B. Palumbo - Karen K. Thomas

Month. StM 9:00 am Jerry Kunkel – Jan & Ryan

Ministry to the Sick and Shut In Saturday, 19, Vigil, Fourth Sunday of Advent

Homebound members of the Parish StM 4:00 pm T Lorraine Babyak - Irwin & Family

should call the Parish Office to make StE 6:00 pm M John & Dorothy Hornfeck - Daughter, Louise Rarick arrangements to receive Holy Communion Sunday, 20, Fourth Sunday of Advent at home. StE 8:00 am M Arleigh E. & Mary T. Smith - Family Sponsorship Forms Only registered, practicing, fully-initiated StM 9:00 am T Harry Reder - Wife, Helen

Catholics are eligible for sponsor QoR 10:30 am M Cecelia & John Ferko - Jack & Family certificates. Please call the Parish Office. StM 12 Noon T Michael Harlan - Mom

Bulletin Information Deadline Living & Deceased of the Grouping Family

2 weeks in advance of publish date. Low Gluten Hosts available - please see Priest before Mass. [email protected]

Moving I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, Please call or email your new address to make straight the way of . the Parish Office. —John 1:6-8, 19-28

Child Abuse Hotline 1-888-808-1235   Saint Mark, Saint Michael, Queen of the Rosary 3 New Parish Update Saints Joachim and Anne On April 12, 2015, Bishop Zubik initiated On , parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mission for The Church Alive! As a community of Rationale: We are witnessing the presence of in believers, we have successfully completed the our lives through faith and perseverance under the merger process by presenting a Virtual Parish guidance of the Virgin Mary. Assembly and gathering written feedback from The names of the parents parishioners. Members of the Advisory Councils of Mary are known from the (Pastoral and Finance) worked with your administrator apocryphal Proto of to complete all necessary documentation for the James (2nd century). The merger. In turn, your grouping administrator cult to is petitioned to merge the parishes of Saint Mark, Saint documented in the East in the 6th century, in the West Michael, and Queen of the Rosary. On October 19, in the 10th century; that of 2020, the diocesan Priest Council and Vicars General Saint Joachim in the 14th gave consent to the proposed merger, and Bishop century. In the Byzantine Zubik decided to enact these recommendations. rite the 25 of July reminds us the dedication in Effective January 4, 2021, our current parishes, of a Basilica in honor of Saint Anne. Saint Mark, Saint Michael, and Queen of the Rosary, In the Scriptures, Matthew and Luke furnish a legal will cease to exist as parishes, and the new parish of family history of , tracing ancestry to show that Saints Joachim and Anne will take their place. No Jesus is the culmination of great promises. Not only church buildings will close at this time. Parish is his mother’s family neglected, we also know leaders (Clergy Team and Advisory Councils) and nothing factual about them except that they existed. parishioners will need to follow a thorough process Even the names Joachim and Anne come from a to consider which buildings will best serve the needs legendary source written more than a century after of the faithful and the community. Jesus died. Every member of Saint Mark, Saint Michael, and The heroism and holiness of these people, Queen of the Rosary are now members of the newly however, is inferred from the whole family formed parish of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish. atmosphere around Mary in the Scriptures. Whether Saints Joachim and Anne Parish will also inherit we rely on the legends about Mary’s childhood or make guesses from the information in the , we all of the assets, responsibilities and liabilities of the see in her a fulfillment of many generations of current parishes. prayerful persons, herself steeped in the religious Saints Joachim and Anne Parish will be served traditions of her people. by the following clergy team: Joachim and AnneNwhether these are their real  Reverend Thomas A. Wagner, Pastor names or notNrepresent that entire quiet series of  Reverend Miroslaus A. Wojcicki, Senior Parochial Vicar generations who faithfully perform their duties,  Deacon Jeffrey P. Formica, Permanent Deacon practice their faith and establish an atmosphere for  Deacon Stephen C. Pikula, Permanent Deacon the coming of the , but remain obscure.  Deacon John E. Ragan, Permanent Deacon According to tradition, Saint Anne was born in  Deacon Dale J. DiSanto, Permanent Deacon Bethlehem, and married Joachim of Nazareth, both Your and deacons have worked diligently in descendants of . Together with her husband, service to you and to God throughout this process. Anne raised Mary to be a paragon of virtue and This has not been a simple task, Jesus never entrusted her to the temple as a child. It appears that promised that it would be easy to carry his message she died at an advanced age. The same tradition tells of love and mercy to others. He was clear that of Joachim, a wealthy livestock owner whose would be necessary. However, we are marriage to Anne did not produce offspring until positioning our new parish for more effective late. This was regarded as a lack of heavenly ministry by addressing the financial needs, sharing blessing, resulting in Joachim’s sacrifice being resources and allowing our clergy to focus on the refused at the temple. Remembering the son granted spiritual work for which they were ordained. With to late in life, Joachim resolved to go into our faith in Jesus and empowered by the , the desert and fast for forty days. An appeared we welcome and serve each other as we become one and told him of the birth of his daughter, and he went parish family. One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic to meet his wife at the of .  

4 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community From Memories to Mission... As we prepared to become one new parish, the Advisory Councils, Clergy Team, Faith Formation and Pastoral Staff are trying to capture our rich history of the Catholic Faith in our community. We are asking you to write your memories from any of the former parishes of Elizabeth, Glassport and South Allegheny Area. These Memories will be a part of the foundation of our new parish and will guide us as in our Future Mission.  Parish Memories: ______  How Our Memories Support the Future Mission: ______  All who believed were together and had all things in common. —Acts 2:44

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. —Philippians 2:2

We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. —Hebrews 10:24

  Saint Mark, Saint Michael, Queen of the Rosary 5 Pastoral Staff New Parish Updates

Clergy Team Reverend Thomas A. Wagner, Administrator Three weeks until our new parish, Saints Joachim Reverend Miroslaus A. Wojcicki, Senior Parochial Vicar and Anne Parish, officially begins. The Deacon Dale J. DiSanto, Permanent Deacon responsorial psalm of today's liturgy is Mary's Deacon Jeffrey P. Formica, Permanent Deacon prayer, the , from the , her Deacon Stephen C. Pikula, Permanent Deacon prayer of joy, hope, and confidence. We know that Deacon John E. Ragan, Permanent Deacon change isn’t easy, that leaving the past behind is

Mary of Nazareth Catholic School difficult, and that no one knows what will happen in Lynda McFarland, Principal, 412-672-2360 the future. But we are a pilgrim people of God, a people filled with hope who are confident that with Faith Formation - Religious Education Jesus as our head and the Holy Spirit as our guide Adult - Children - Youth we will become a united parish community. Our Julie Fleckenstein, Facilitator mission this Advent and always is to be a parish Amanda Wilt, Co-Children, K-6 Grade community that effectively proclaims Jesus’ Gospel Susan Formica, Youth, Junior & Senior High of divine mercy and truly witnesses to it by our Darla Losteter, Family Support lives. Let us continue to pray for our parish clergy Music Ministry Pastoral Secretary team, our parish staff, and our leadership councils, Celeste Cafasso Jan Kunkel that they will fearlessly lead us to be disciples of our Carol Gioia Amy Megahan coming Savior. His coming means our joy and Pamela Whitney Jeannie Premozic gladness, our hope for the future. Facilities Safe Environment   Tony Hutskow Jeannie Premozic We are a community of believers, Kevin Hopkins rooted in the abiding presence of , Darla Losteter centered in the Holy Eucharist, Patricia Muic proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus,

Advisory Councils and serving in the tradition Pastoral Council of the early church as his disciples. Jack Ferko, Facilitator Patty Smith, Co-Facilitator  Zac Allan, Scribe Saints Joachim and Anne Glenn Bonczek Vickie Budd Elaine David July 26, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Eric Davis Denise DeCapria Anne Laychak Rationale: We are witnessing the presence of God Michael Ksiazek Meek Brian Phillips in our lives through faith and perseverance under the

Finance Council guidance of the Virgin Mary.  Judy Zajicek, Facilitator Patricia Palmer, Co-Facilitator Barry Bisogni, Scribe One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Kay Callear Loretta Dabruzzo Val McCarthy Sandy Palmer Judy Shriane Donald Similo A Little Good News Many years ago, Canadian We remember . . . In your charity, singer Ann Murray had a hit please remember all those who have died, song that spoke of her especially: John Paoletti, frustrations as she listened to all who will die today, the radio and read the headlines. and those who have no one to pray for them. She sang that we sure could Resting in . use a little good news today. It Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord. strikes me that this is the message that the readings want us to leave with this week. The Gospel Antiphon proclaims, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because God has anointed me to bring December Rosary Intention glad tidings to the poor (Isaiah 61:1 & Luke 4: 18). That our personal relationship with Jesus Christ is here to testify to the light, be nourished by the Word of God to the Good News. and a life of prayer. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

 

6 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community 3rd Sunday of Advent Will The Real Messiah December 13, 2020 Please Stand Up Did you ever stop and The Jewish people were waiting for their messiah, realize that there is no they were waiting for a hero. They prodded John earthly gain that can ever several times trying to figure out what his role really satisfy us? Think of actually was, and to see what he knew. It became a winning the Lotto. On this guessing game. He tried to say nothing, but finally side of the winning ticket, answered in a humble fashion, I am not he. He it’s all about the money, baptized with water as a means of leading people to the new car, house, the coming Christ and helping them to prepare. He vacations, bank accounts, somehow avoided the trappings of success that and infinite pleasures. The possibility of acquiring all would turn his light on himself. Today he remains a of these earthly securities brings us back again and road sign for us, pointing out Christ our Light.  again to the purchase of a ticket. Then, one day we We all want someone to rescue us, and most likely win! Our dreams are fulfilled, and happiness is on to fix the mistakes and errors that we continue to the horizon. Then one day, we wake up and realize make as individuals and as nations. Much of that is that nothing has really changed, and I am not as human nature. satisfied as I thought I was or would be. I find myself  Would there be as much fascination with living in my incompleteness and with my profound superheroes if this were not the case? sorrow and grief. I did not find joy.  How many times do you as an adult turn to your Glimpses of joy are possible but not by material folks for advice, or wish you could talk to a means. They are brought to us through incredible deceased parent? experiences of connection that bring us face to face  Some need help emotionally, others spiritually, with real and authentic faith, hope, and love. And, others financially. they are glimpses and do not last. The moment we The reality is that it is tough to get your ducks in a find ourselves looking back at them, they are gone, row and always has been. Today’s encouraging and we find ourselves remembering the moment in message is for us to always look to the Light for our memory. To carry joy within us is to realize that it is help. not something I create, manufacture or even acquire. May we always be like John the Baptist It is not able to be purchased. It is a gift. My need for and testify how Jesus Christ, joy mirrors my need for eternity, for a Creator who the Light of the World, has been our Savior. has a claim on the very essence of who I am and Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. desires a home within me. As C. S. Lewis discovered, joy is a surprise that speaks to my very soul and is given as gift by the God who loves me. The beauty of Advent is found in discovering the beauty of the gift of joy. God has visited his people for no other reason than to show them where and how to find joy! All of our human and earthly joy 2020 Christmas Flower Memorials experiences are always only glimpses. They never ____ St. Mark ____ St. Michael ____ Queen of the Rosary satisfy us, sustain us or fulfill us. It is only God who Please Print is the joy of my soul. Real, Divine experiences of joy ______catch us off guard, make us stop and become aware, bring a feeling of awe and rightness and have an ______eternal Otherness about them. Nothing created by Requested by humans can ever come close to this. We probably will not fully realize the truth of all of this until we ______actually meet God face to face in heaven one day. Donation $______Phone # ______Then, in that sacred moment when our hearts leap for Suggested Donation $10.00 joy we will understand what we have been tirelessly Deadline Monday, December 16, 2020 searching for all along. Intense gratitude will most Please place in an envelope marked Christmas Flower surely follow. ©LPi Memorial and deposit in the collection. Thank You!  

Saint Mark, Saint Michael, Queen of the Rosary 7 Third Sunday of Advent  John The Baptist The readings this week bear a certain similarity to At a school open house a woman could be overheard those of last weekNwe hear a prophecy from Isaiah introducing her husband to some of the other parents. that is reiterated by John the Baptist in Mark’s Oh, Bill, I’d like you to meet Johnny’s father. And GospelNbut today the focus is different. Last week over here, this is Marie’s mom; you know, the little John told us to repent. Today he is the light leading girl from our Ellen’s soccer team. us to God. Today is also known as Gaudete With satisfied resignation Bill introduced himself (Rejoice) Sunday, as the reading from First not by name: I’m Ellen’s Dad. Thessalonians commands us to Rejoice in the Lord It’s good to know who you are. Be it someone’s always. We are to rejoice. Right now. Combined father or mother, son or daughter, husband or wife, it’s with last Sunday, this seems like a mixed message. important to embrace the full meaning of our various Which is it? Repenting or Rejoicing? But John is roles. telling us that one leads to the other. As we prepare John the Baptist knows who he is. And who he is for the coming of our Savior we must first repent and not. He is not the Christ. Nor . Nor like any then rejoice.    Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. other prophet God’s people had ever seen.  Marriage Moments by Susan Vogt John the Baptist knows his mission is divine. He’s Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all more than satisfied to be the one to announce the circumstances give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16). coming of God’s reign. Impossible you say! Ok, how about choosing one The Christ is near. Make straight your paths. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. thing that gives you joy, say one prayer, and be  thankful for one thing today. Share. The Shape of the Mass  Parenting Pointers by Susan Vogt In the renewal of the liturgy that followed the December 12 was the feast of Our Lady of Second Vatican Council, the full, conscious, and Guadalupe. Even if you’re not Hispanic, this Marian active participation of the assembly was the primary feast has a message for all humanity. Mary appeared consideration. By participation, the Council Fathers to Juan Diego in the clothing and look of a Mexican did not mean just joining in the singing and the woman. I reminds us that God often comes through spoken responses, but active engagement and people we can identify with. Having trouble getting a prayerful understanding of the rites. They envisioned message across to your kids? Try tuning into their a transparent liturgy, a worship that spoke so directly world, their needs. to the hearts and minds of the faithful that it would  require no explanation at all. A Family Perspective by Bud Ozar The liturgy itself is the best possible catechesis on Today’s gospel reports there is one among you the liturgy. What does the liturgy teach us? whom you do not recognize. It is hard to believe  It shows us the continuing in Christ is present in a family with crazy schedules, the present. suppers that start too late and end too early, cars that  He gathers a community. don’t start, misunderstandings, frustrations, piles of  He calls us to prayer and repentance and praise. laundry, unmatched socks and stretched food  He teaches us with the very word of God. budgets. The list is endless. The words spoken at  He does not send us away empty, but sets before mass, The Lord is with you, us a marvelous banquet, feeding us with his very are not a hope, they are a fact.   body and blood.  Then he sends us forth to do what he has doneN to give ourselves for others, not just in words, but in deeds. The Mass is the pattern of our Christian lives. NCorinna Laughlin, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

 Understanding Scripture  NMark Twain Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they can’t understand; Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. but . . . I have noticed that the passages N 1 Thessalonians 5:16  in Scripture which trouble me most are those I do understand.  

8 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Pre-Baptism Class  Are you expecting? Is this your first child?  PreBaptism Class is for expectant parents and Godparents or anyone who is seeking a Catholic

 Baptism for their child. Faith Formation PreBaptism Class  Deacon Dale DiSanto Adult  Children  Youth Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 7:00 pm Religious Education St. Michael Meeting Room 101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037 Grandparents are also welcome at these classes. Please register by calling the Faith Formation  4127540886 Email: [email protected] Religious Education office, 4127540886 or Facebook: FaithFormation-EGSA emailing [email protected]. Faith Formation Sessions have begun. Prior to scheduling a Baptism, parents need to Parents are reminded that children must complete attend the PreBaptismal Seminar. two consecutive years of formation before receiving any sacraments (Holy Communion or Confirmation). Thank You! Thank You! If you have any questions or concerns, Bagged Lunches For The Homeless please email [email protected] Youth Ministry would like to Thank or call the Faith Formation Office, 412-754-0886 all who supported the and leave a message. Bagged Lunches For the Homeless with their Time, Talent and Treasure. Through your generous support ($1,955) 100 Homeless, Men and Women received bagged lunches: Warm soup, sandwiches,

 cookies, fruit cups, chips, crackers, bottled water, Junior Youth Group Meeting a McDonald’s Gift Card, and a prayer card. Students in Grades 6  8 Additionally, the clothing drive sent blanket rolls,  All Youth Ministry activities are suspended as well, and warm weather items. except for the sorting of the Angel Tree gifts Thank you for your kindness! that will be after the Noon Mass I was hungry and you gave me food, on Sunday, 13th December. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. This is a good way for our 8th graders N Matthew 25:35  to get in a few service hours.  For more information or to register, Bereavement Ministry please email [email protected] or call Mrs. Formica, 4127540886 This group, led by Deacon Dale DiSanto, is for people Come and join in the fun and fellowship Who have lost a loved one and are experiencing grief. CDC Guidelines  will be followed. This is a Support Group, not counseling. If you need assistance in moving through your grief, Save the Date …. this is an ongoing way to be supported during this difficult Family Fun Night & Car Cruise time. The weekly session begins with suggested topics, open discussion and ends with prayer. Friday, June 18, 2020 Sponsored by Youth Ministry Thursday Afternoon Saint Michael - Meeting Room - 1:00-2:30 pm December 17, 2020 January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2021

  Please RSVP to Jan, 412-751-0663, Enlisting Witnesses For Jesus Christ so that we may prepare materials.

  Saint Mark, Saint Michael, Queen of the Rosary 9 Sunday, December 13; rebuilding the relationships around us. In such practices, wewill Third Sunday of Advent find Advent hope and peace. The poor have the good news Is 61:1--11; 1 Thes 5:16-24;Jn 1:6-8,19-28 proclaimed to them.

Discern the spirit—Often we get an intuition, a burning in the Thursday, Dec 17; Advent Weekday - O Wisdom heart that feels motivating. It may tell us to speak up or shut up; Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17 to reach out or keep our hands off a situation; to admit we need Heavenly sounds—Today is the first of the O Antiphons, an help or to stop leaning on others. Do we obey the prompt, or Advent tradition from the seventh century whereby for a week ignore it? The problem with following what may be a divine the church’s evening prayer salutes the coming Messiah by nudge is that we can’t always discern the Holy Spirit from a different names each evening. Tonight , parishes, lesser kind. Discernment involves prayer, familiarity with and ordinary will sing or recite O Sapientia scripture, consultation with faithful others, and sometimes (Wisdom). Reading about the loveliness of this prayer is no spiritual direction. Above all, it needs to be practiced. Befriend substitute for hearing it. Let the ethereal sound of this ancient the Spirit! Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise tradition uplift your prayer today. Here is O Sapientia sung by prophetic utterances. Dominican friars in Oxford, England. Thus the total number of

Monday, Dec 14; John of the Cross, priest generations from Abraham to David is fourteen Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a; Matthew 21:23-27 generations.

Be a light in the darkness—We have so many options in our Friday, Dec 18; Advent Weekday - O Sacred Lord modern world that it’s easy to walk away from any organization 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25 or community that we struggle with and simply join ones that are A call to rescue and restore—The calamities that piled up in more agreeable to us. But what if we stayed and worked to 2020 point surely to the longing of today’s O Antiphon. A wave make them better instead? Saint John of the Cross did exactly of global pandemic, quarantine, massive unemployment, fires, that and reformed his Carmelite order, despite imprisonment for floods, and protest for racial justice crests, resonating with the his efforts. When you feel disillusioned with institutions you love, yearning for freedom. More than ever, we yearn for the Leader be guided by John’s writing—considered among the greatest in who will restore justice and rescue us with mighty power. And at all of Spanish literature—about darkness leading to the light. By a time when more people are exiled from their homes than ever what authority are you doing these things? before in human history, we commemorate Migrants Day with a

Tuesday, Dec 15; Advent Weekday plaintive call: Come, Lord Jesus to our human mess. We need Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 21:28-32 you as we have throughout the centuries. O sacred Lord of The darkness before dawn—Two days ago we celebrated ancient Israel, who showed yourself to in the Gaudete Sunday with refrains of rejoicing. Two days from now, burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai we’ll begin to pray the O Antiphons—seven days to laud the mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us fast-approaching Messiah. What to make of this in-between free. time, when scripture shows Jesus chiding religious leaders and Saturday, Dec 19; Advent Weekday prophets preach fire and brimstone? “The day in O Flower Of Jesse’s Stem which we now find ourselves is still night,” wrote Saint Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Luke 1:5-25 Augustine. But the promise of salvation is sure. Keep your Creation is full of surprises—The image of “Jesse’s Stem” in attention closely fixed on it, as you would on a lamp today’s O Antiphon comes from the Book of Isaiah. Using the shining in a dark place until the first streaks of dawn image of a tree much like we use a family tree to trace our appear. Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the lineage, Isaiah traces the lineage of the kings of Judah forward kingdom of God. from Jesse, the father of King David, to the hoped-for Christ, the

Wednesday, Dec 16; Advent Weekday new king who might restore the monarchy to its former Isaiah 45:6b-8, 18, 21c-25; Luke 7:18b-23 greatness. But like the birth of John the Baptist, the actual Usher in a renewed Advent—This Advent season is so coming of the Christ would be a surprise, anew revelation of a different from any other in our lifetimes, and the holidays may heavenly Kingdom. Reflect on the various ways God has not allow for worship in person with our faith communities or surprised you in your life. O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have celebrations with beloved families. For many of us, this brings been raised up as a sign for all peoples. sadness to these Advent days as we mourn the loss of familiar ©2019 TrueQuest Communications. All rights reserved. rituals. The poetic words of theologian, educator, and civil rights Reprinted with permission. TakeFiveForFaith.com; leader Howard Thurman remind us that the work of Christmas is Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition to find the lost, heal the broken, feed the hungry. . . rebuild Do not quench the Spirit. the nations and bring peace among others. Let us pray for Do not despise prophetic utterances. the grace to overcome any disappointment we feel and focus on feeding the hungry, having compassion for the broken, and Test everything; retain what is good. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-24   10 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community A Constant Companion As Christians, we are called to a life of prayer. This is not just during seasons like Advent, but all year long. When we talk about being prayerful everyday stewards, we are speaking about cultivating an awareness of God being with us at all times. Each Catholic Community of day we begin by offering God the entirety of our Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Area day. Each night we rest in Him and hope that the  All gifts should be returned to hours that passed gave Him glory. the church by today, During this busy time of Advent, it is hard to Sunday, December 13, 2020. cultivate this life of prayer, but without it we can too Thank You for caring! easily lose sight of the reason for the season. It is All the gifts will be sorted after during this time of year we need to heed the words of the 12 Noon Mass today for distribution. St. Paul more than ever when he wrote to the Kind deeds change lives, Thank You! Thessalonians, Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. This is how we will be able to avoid the pitfalls of consumerism and secularism and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Bring Jesus with you into the office Christmas party. Take him with you shopping for gifts in the department store. Be aware of him when you sit down to watch television specials you have seen every year of your life. Give him all your time and let his presence fill your every moment. By striving to be connecting with Jesus at all times, you will bear greater fruit and the joy you experience will be much greater than you could imagine. You might even spend a few less dollars and spend more time with those you love, particularly the one who loves you the most, the Incarnation himself. Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi  Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.

Time, Talent, and Treasure  Weekly Offering $  December 6, 2020  Weekly Offering $9,451  Parish Share Received  $120,468  Parish Share Goal $168,086  Mary of Nazareth Catholic School The Weekly Offertory is used to offset the costs Regional Catholic School - PERCES associated with the daytoday operations of the 1640 Fawcett Ave. White Oak, PA 15131 parish and its programs. These costs include Pre-School 3 & 4, Kindergarten, First - Eighth Grade Masses, Liturgical Programs, Faith Formation If you have any questions, would like more info, (Adult, Children, Young Adult, Youth), Sacramental Preparation, Elementary School Subsidy, Insurance, please call the school office, 412-672-2360. Maintenance & Upkeep of Buildings and Property, Webpage: www.maryofnazarethschool.org Utilities, Supplies, and Payroll. Average amount We invite you to follow us on Twitter needed per week for a balanced budget is $24,904. and like us on Facebook. Thank You For Your Sacrificial Giving!

  Saint Mark, Saint Michael, Queen of the Rosary 11 May God Bless Our Service Personnel Patriotic Rosary We pray for and remember our Service Monday Evening Men and Women who are serving on active duty in the Armed Services, especially: Cpl. December 14, 2020 - 7:00 pm Peter A. Barrante, USMC; Maj. Damian Saint Michael Church Baskerville, USAF; Col. Richard Collage, Elizabeth, PA PA NG; Staff Sgt. Nicholas DeLuca, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Army; Ens. David DeMaio, USCG; Capt. Craig Dolhi, Army; Rosary, Patriotic Hymns and Benediction Capt. Anthony Formica, Army; Formica, E-4, Army; 2nd Lt. John Formica, Army; SPC Formica, Army Join us at Saint Michael Church on Monday National Guard; Capt. Markus Gibson, USMC; 2ndLt. Miles Evening December 14, 2020 at 7:00 pm to pray Gibson, USMC; PO2. Mason Gibson, USN; T/Sgt. Michael the Rosary Virgin Mary, Immaculate Goodman, USAF; Lt. Col. James Hock, Army; E5 Sgt. Brian Conception, the Patroness of the United Imundo, Army; Sgt. Russ Langley, Marines; Staff Sgt. States of America. Raymond Massung, Jr., USAF; Sgt. First Class William There will be Exposition of the Blessed Nellis, Army; Staff Sgt. Timothy Oeler, USAF; LTJG. Sacrament with Benediction to conclude the Timothy Ragan, USN; Amn. Stephanie A. Reichenbach, recitation of the Rosary. USAF; PFC David R. Saunders, Army National Guard; Sgt. The Patriotic Rosary will include brief Brandon R. Smith, USAF Pararescueman; Amn. Stitt, reflections on The Mysteries and Patriotic Hymns USAF; Capt. Andrew Tkac, Army. after each decade. Thank you for your service! We are planning a Patriotic Rosary for each May We Never Forget . . . Freedom is Never Free! month on the Second Monday of the Month.  May God Bless Our Health Care Workers All are invited and most assuredly welcome! and All First Responders.

 Available soon….. Upcoming Events CUPID CIRCLE TICKET  Knights of Columbus will meet on Monday, Benefits Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Area Grouping January 4, 2021 at 7:30 pm Try a chance at winning a total of in the St. Michael  Archangel Hall. $4000.00 in the month of February.  Glassport Sons of Italy Spaghetti Dinner Minimum payout is $100.00. Sunday, December 20, 2020  12 Noon to 6:00 pm $10.00 per ticket with 28 chances to win! Homemade Gnocchi or Cheese Ravioli Pays out daily on the 7pm PA Daily Pick 3. with Meatballs, Salad & Dessert No bonus numbers. TakeOut Only 4126733915 Numbers will be dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to help our Catholic Community with selling a few tickets or helping to sell before and after Masses, please contact Cathy or Jan. Thank You for your support!

 

12 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Food Bank Sunday Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Community Festival 2021 Area Grouping Food Bank Sunday is scheduled for Third Sunday of the Month August 5, 6, 7, 2021 St. Mark, St. Michael, Queen of the Rosary

We accept all nonperishable food items and paper products to The Community Festival administer to the needy of our will be here before you know it.

local community.  Items for your consideration are The holidays are rapidly approaching and our pasta and sauces, tuna , rice, basket team is gearing up to start producing stews, cereal, canned fruits & those specialty baskets for the Community vegetables, coffee & tea, hot Festival. We give away approximately 60 chocolate mix, peanut butter & jelly, sugar, flour, baskets every night of the festival, so it does take crackers, Jell-O gelatin, puddings, powdered milk, us some time to create them. Before you know it cocoa, infant formula & baby food, juices, facial soap, will be August 2021. shampoo, laundry detergent, diapers, facial tissues, So keeping that in mind, we are asking that paper towels, toilet tissue, cleansers, etc. you kindly keep all those donations coming in. Please bring your donations to Mass with you and You can put those items in the gathering space leave them in the Gathering Space of the Church. of every church. Cash or checks are also welcome. Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving items will Kind deeds change lives, Thank You! soon be on clearance. These themed seasonal  The Three Comings Of Advent items make great baskets. We also do themed There are three distinct comings baskets such as popular children's characters, of the Lord of which I know: men's items from tools to car washing supplies, pet supplies, assorted candles or books and His coming to humankind, crossword puzzles, etc. His coming into humankind, If you are shopping online these days, look for and His coming against humankind. the clearance section for some great deals before NSt. Bernard: Third Sermon for Advent   you check out. Remember we accept any new Of Peace  NSt. Thérèse of Lisieux items (never been used). Let us not be justices of the peace, Thank you in advance for your generosity! but angels of peace. We couldn't do it without your help. Mary of Nazareth Catholic School 1640 Fawcett Ave. White Oak, PA 15131 Parish Share Program  2020 Pre-School 3 & 4, Kindergarten, First - Eighth Grade Your selfsacrifice includes support of our local If you have any questions, would like more info, ministries and your support of the Parish Share please call the school office, 412-672-2360. Program provides training for lay leaders who serve Webpage: www.maryofnazarethschool.org our faith communities, and especially for helping We invite you to follow us on Twitter young people grow closer to Jesus. and like us on Facebook. If you have not yet made a pledge, please prayerfully consider your support for this important initiative. All funds raised beyond our assessment Thank You! Thank You!  will stay right here in our Grouping. 2021 Grouping Calendars  To make a contribution to the Parish Share The 2021 Calendars are provided through the  Program, please place your contribution in an generosity and kindness of Bekavac,  envelope and write Parish Share on the outside of Gilbert, Willig, Wojciechowski Funeral Homes. the envelope. Thank You! Thank You!  Thank you for your sacrificial gift.   Saint Mark, Saint Michael, Queen of the Rosary 13 Treasures From Our Tradition When the ties of affection and authority that bound Europe’s Catholics unraveled in the sixteenth century, many cultures lost timehonored customs of faith. Some customs proved to be especially difficult for the reformers to wrest away from the people, especially those celebrated in the home. This week in Sweden, a country where the was disestablished four hundred years ago, a Catholic martyr from Sicily is the most beloved figure. St. Lucia, Lucy, is celebrated on December 13. The long storyshort is that Lucy was a Christian whose Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny father wanted to marry her off to a pagan fellow, and Catholic Community she rejected her father’s authority. To make an Saint Mark, Saint Michael, Queen of the Rosary example of her, her father had her killed. In the

Christmas Mass Schedule course of the brutal martyrdom, Lucy lost her beautiful eyes, but her vision was miraculously Christmas , Vigil restored. The candles worn today by the eldest Thursday, December 24, 2020 daughter of the family are tokens of the fire that

2:00 pm Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth refused to harm the saint. So this patroness of light 4:00 pm Saint Eugene Church, Liberty and clear vision is revered on the shortest, darkest 4:00 pm Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth days of the Nordic winter. Before the reform of the 10:00 pm Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth Gregorian calendar in the sixteenth century, December 13 was the winter solstice. Christmas Day Today, young girls appear in the morning wearing Friday, December 25, 2020 lighted candles on their crowned heads (battery

8:30 am Saint Eugene Church, Liberty operated now after many mishaps), and serve sweet 9:00 am Saint Michael Church, Elizabeth rolls and coffee to everyone in the house. For the 10:30 am Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport Swedes, who are not churchgoers, the Lucias are the official heralds of the holiday season and a sign of  Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Area Grouping everyone’s yearning for more light in this world. Altar Bread & Wine, Altar Flowers, Sanctuary Lamp Europe once abounded with customs like this; the St. Mark: St. Eugene survival of this custom in Scandinavia is a sign of

___ Altar Bread & Wine ___ Sanctuary Lamp God’s grace, and how fertile the soil is to receive the true message of Advent. St. Michael: ___ Altar Bread & Wine NRev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

 ___ Sanctuary Lamp Chapel ___ Sanctuary Lamp Church Measuring Success  NBooker T. Washington

Queen of the Rosary: Success is to be measured not so much

___ Altar Bread & Wine ___ Sanctuary Lamp by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles that one has overcome Please Print while trying to succeed.

___ Intention (Living) ___ Memorial (Deceased)

Date Requested ______Christmas Charities Collection A longstanding tradition in the Diocese of Alternate Date: ______Pittsburgh on Christmas Day is the Christmas

Please Print ______Charities Collection for Children and Youth. This collection supports children and youth Requested by ______programs in our diocese, who depend on our

Donation $______Phone # ______generosity and our loving concern for them.  Thank you for your generous gift which helps both Please place your request and donation ($15.00) in an envelope marked Altar Memorials and deposit in the collection. the Children and Youth of our diocese, but also Thank You! For Altar Flower Memorials please call counts toward our PSP goal. Thank you for the Parish Office to check availability. supporting our future, our children.   14 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community 2021 Mass Intention Requests Saints Joachim and Anne Parish Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Roman Catholic Community Offering Mass for a special intention is a longstanding practice in our Catholic Tradition. Mass is offered for many reasons, i.e. remembrance of someone who is deceased; for the health/wellbeing of someone, or in honor of a birthday or anniversary, etc (please mark Living Intention). If you would like a Mass to be offered for someone or a special occasion, please complete this form and return it to the Parish Office by the US Mail (101 McLay Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037)or the Offertory Basket. The Mass Stipend is $10.00 for each Mass Intention. Please include stipend with your request. Please return the Entire Mass Intention Form (entire page) to the Parish Office by Monday, January 11, 2021.  No requests will be taken over the telephone, 4127510663, until Wednesday, February 3, 2021.   Three (3)Mass Intentions per family (please only one weekend date).  No Mass intentions will be accepted for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday,   Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, All Souls Day or Thanksgiving Day.  After Wednesday, February 3, 2021, you may call for any open dates. At that time, you will be welcome to  schedule additional Mass Intentions.  If you do not have an Email address, please enclose a selfaddressed, stamped envelope if you wish to receive  confirmation of the dates requested. Thank you.  Please Print  Your Name: ______Total Amount Enclosed: $______  Your Address: ______  Dayme Phone Number: ______Email: ______  Mass Intenon For: ______  Requested By: ______  Living Intenon: ____ Church Request: ____ St. Mark ____ St. Michael ____ Queen of the Rosary ____ First Available  Mass Date Requested: ______Sunday Mass Time Request: ______  Alternate Date #1: ______Alternate Date #2: ______

 Mass Intenon For: ______  Requested By: ______  Living Intenon: ____ Parish Request: ____ St. Mark ____ St. Michael ____ Queen of the Rosary ____ First Available  Mass Date Requested: ______Sunday Mass Time Request: ______  Alternate Date #1: ______Alternate Date #2: ______

 Mass Intenon For: ______  Requested By: ______  Living Intenon: ____ Parish Request: ____ St. Mark ____ St. Michael ____ Queen of the Rosary ____ First Available  Mass Date Requested: ______Sunday Mass Time Request: ______  Alternate Date #1: ______Alternate Date #2: ______

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