WELCOME Registration Booklet

St. Joseph Church

St. Joseph School Center Table of Contents Parish Information ...... 4-5

Parish Ministries

Community & Fellowship Ministries ...... 6

Liturgical Ministries ...... 7

Ministries of Services ...... 8-9

Faith Formation & Prayer Ministries ...... 10

Religious Education & Ministries for Youth ...... 11

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration ...... 12

The St. Joseph Parish App ...... 13

Abundantly Blessed ~ Being a Stewardship Parish ...... 14-15

2 Welcome to Parish Thank you for taking the time to register as a member of Saint Joseph Parish. We are happy that you are joining our community of faith! We hope that you will become an active member of our parish by participating in our programs, which are designed to foster community, spiritual enrichment, and growth among our members.

Established in 1851, Saint Joseph is a vibrant parish with a wonderful history. We have grown from a small country church into a thriving and diverse community. All of our members work together to live as God’s people, motivated by ’ call to love one another as has loved us.

As a stewardship parish, we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God and that we are called to share our blessings with the rest of God’s people. We ask our parishioners to share their gifts by giving their time, talent, and treasure to help build our community of faith and to support one another as members of God’s family.

This booklet offers a glimpse of the opportunities for spiritual growth, service, and community building that are available here at Saint Joseph. Please prayerfully consider participating in one or more of our groups and programs. If you would like more information, feel free to contact the person listed with each organization.

Again, welcome to Saint Joseph Parish! May God continue to bless you as you join our community of faith.

Saint Joseph Parish Mission Statement

Motivated by our belief in Jesus and bound together by our Roman faith, we are a parish that seeks to respond to the invitation by living as God’s people.

Baptized into Christ Jesus, confirmed by the gift of the Holy Spirit, and nourished by the Eucharist, we are a community that gives glory to God and proclaims His message of love and salvation.

3 OFFICE AND SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION PARISH OFFICE PARISH SCHOOL Holy Family Center St. Joseph Education Center 332 Manor Avenue 340 Manor Avenue Downingtown, PA 19335 Downingtown, PA 19335 P. 610-269-8294 P. 610-269-8999 F. 610-269-2487 F. 610-269-2252 ST. JOSEPH CLERGY Rev. Stephen F. Leva, Pastor Dcn. Jim Bogdan, Permanent Rev. W. Pancoast, Parochial Vicar Dcn. Matt Coyne, Permanent Deacon Rev. John E. Donia, Resident Dcn. Ed Schiappa, Permanent Deacon Rev. Francis J. Mulranen, Resident ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL STAFF Principal Administrative Assistant Sr. Catherine Irene Masino, I.H.M. Mrs. Mary Jane McGeehan [email protected] [email protected]

Assistant Principal Sr. Diane Licordare, I.H.M

[email protected] PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP) Director of Religious Education 340 Manor Avenue, Mrs. Kathy Thomas Downingtown, PA 19335 [email protected] P. 610-873-8798 [email protected] F. 610-269-2487 ST. JOSEPH OFFICE STAFF Business Manager Administrative Assistant Mr. Allan Anderson Mrs. Mary Beth Mostyn [email protected] [email protected]

Parish Secretary Bookkeeper Mrs. Joyce Castaldi Mrs. Carol Orphanos [email protected] [email protected]

Maintenance / Cemetery Supervisor Parish Ministries Coordinator Mr. Dennis Luminella, Jr. Mr. Matthew Riggio [email protected] [email protected]

Receptionist Evening/Weekend Receptionist Mrs. Dodie Milano [email protected] [email protected]

4 TIMES Monday—Friday Sunday 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. (Saturday Vigil) 9:00 a.m. 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. Holy Days as Announced

DEVOTIONS Morning Prayer Divine Mercy Mon-Fri at 6:30 a.m. in Church Every Thursday after the 9:00 a.m. Mass

The Holy Litany to the Recited before the 9:00 a.m. Mass daily First Friday of the month after the 9:00 a.m. Mass Devotions Every Tuesday after the 9:00 a.m. Mass First Saturday Devotions First Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. Novena to St. Joseph

Every Wednesday after the 9:00 a.m. Mass

SACRAMENTS Baptism Marriage Parents of babies to be baptized are asked to register Couples planning to marry should meet with their for Pre-Jordan, a baptism preparation program, parish priest as soon as possible after engagement. recommended by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Engaged couples are also asked to enroll in a You can find class dates and register online at marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana) at least six www.stjosephrc.org/sacraments/baptism months prior to the wedding. Contact the parish office to set up a meeting with one of the priests. Pre- Reconciliation Cana registration can be completed online at: Saturday: 3:30 p.m—4:30 p.m. www.stjosephrc.org/sacraments/marriage Wednesday: 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m.

First Communion & Confirmation If not enrolled in St. Joseph School, please contact the Any person discerning a call to the priesthood or PREP office. religious life who like more information are encouraged to contact the parish office. Your parish Anointing of the Sick clergy are happy to talk with you! Any sick or hospitalized parishioner who is in need of the Sacrament of the Sick should contact the parish office.

PERPETUAL ADORATION Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available in the Holy Family Center Adoration Chapel. The chapel is avaialable 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

5 PARISH MINISTRIES Community & Fellowship Ministries These groups help build community among specific adult populations. Spirituality and service also are important components of their mission. Please direct your inquiries to the contact listed, or call the parish office at 610-269- 8294.

Grief Support Group | Dcn. Jim Bogdan ([email protected]) Twice a year, the Bereavement Team offers a six-week program called “Grieving a Death of a Loved One.” Anyone who is experiencing a loss is invited to join us. The program strives to provide support while helping participants find a renewed sense of hope in God’s loving presence. Knights of Columbus | Mike Kordel ([email protected]) This fraternal benefit society welcomes Catholic men ages 18 and older who are dedicated to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. It upholds and promotes Catholic teaching, and sponsors and provides support for various parish and Knights of Columbus activities throughout the year. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Parish Meeting Center. Marriage Encounter Group | Rich & Phyllis Fasano ([email protected]) Worldwide Marriage Encounter is truly worldwide (in over 90 countries) and dedicated to helping married couples draw closer in love to each other through a communication technique which is taught on the Marriage Encounter weekend. The Downingtown group meets once a month (usually the third Friday of the month) in the homes of couples in the area. Prime Timers Club | George Scerba ([email protected]) This group welcomes men and women 50 years of age and older. It holds theme meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, September through June, in the Parish Meeting Center. The club sponsors trips, social events, and gives donations to the Lord’s Pantry and Saint ’s, as well as other worthy causes. St. Gerard Circle of Love | Lauren Rambo ([email protected]) The Saint Gerard Circle of Love is a ministry for mothers who have lost a child either before birth or during infancy. The group meets for prayer, discussion, support, and companionship on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 in the Parish Meeting Center. St. Joseph’s Community Festival | Jack Ousey ([email protected]) This festival was reintroduced in 2007 after a 50 year absence from the community life of Downingtown. Restarted through the persistent and hard work of Downingtown mainstays Frank Manetta and Joe Cippolini (deceased), St. Joseph parishioners and friends are happy to present this now annual event to bring smiles to the faces of children and adults alike. We extend our hand in friendship from the parish to the community. Volunteers are always welcomed and encouraged. Women’s Book Group | Pam Seymour ([email protected]) This women’s book group meets monthly and discusses books relevant to the Catholic faith. Past offerings have included books on contemplative prayer, Ignatian spirituality and discernment. Programs run in the Spring or Fall. Young People’s Group of Alcoholics Anonymous | Mary Small ([email protected]) This group of young adults meets on Saturday evenings.

6 PARISH MINISTRIES Liturgical Ministries As Catholics ,we are all called to participate in the liturgy through our prayer, song and spoken responses at Mass. Some of us also feel called to serve at Mass as liturgical ministers. Please direct your inquiries to the contact listed, or call the parish office at 610-269-8294.

Altar Servers | Eileen Amicone ([email protected]) Altar Servers assist the priests and during the celebration of Mass and other liturgical events. Parishioners in sixth through eighth grade are eligible to serve. Altar Society | Mary B. Walsh ([email protected]) Volunteers prepare and maintain the linens used in church, washing and ironing the altar cloths on an alternating monthly schedule. Requires on average 3 to 4 hours a week. Art & Environment | Teri Jenkins ([email protected]) This group is responsible for symbols, banners, and flowers in church. Extra help is needed during and . The group meets as needed. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion | Dr. Bob Swift ([email protected]) Extraordinary Ministers assist the priests with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick and homebound parishioners. Lectors | Chris Pfendner ([email protected]) Lectors proclaim the Word of God at daily and weekend Masses. Training is provided. Liturgical Music Ministries | Joanne Carroll ([email protected]) Our Choir, Instrumental Group, Lumen Christi, Schola, and Cantors lead the congregation in song and musical praise. Ushers | Ed Reid ([email protected]) Ushers are responsible for seating people, taking up the collection, facilitating the presentation of the gifts, refilling the holy water fonts, making sure the bulletin stands are filled, and ensuring that Communion lines flow smoothly. Ushers are scheduled according to the Mass they normally attend.

7 PARISH MINISTRIES Ministries of Service These organizations provide spiritual and temporal services to Saint Joseph Parish and to surrounding communities. Please direct your inquiries to the contact listed, or call the parish office at 610-269-8294.

Caring For Friends | Debby O’Keefe ([email protected]) Volunteers prepare individual meals for the homebound in the area. They pick up containers at church, fill them at home (often by simply cooking a little more at dinner and setting aside a portion), and return them to the Aid For Friends freezer in the Holy Family Center. Every contribution is important, from one meal a month, several a week, or something in between. Blood Drive | Dana Gryger ([email protected]) The American Red Cross visits our parish twice a year, giving parishioners the opportunity to conveniently donate the lifesaving gift of blood. In addition to blood donors, volunteers are needed to organize the drives, call previous donors, and set up/break down the cafeteria. Finance Council | Fr. Stephen Leva ([email protected]) This group meets with the pastor to discuss the parish’s financial well-being, and to prepare the parish budget and the annual report. Good Works Partner Churches | Becky Kopec ([email protected]) Partnering with Good Works, Inc. of Chester County, this ministry helps homeowners living in substandard housing by working hands-on with them once a month to make their homes warmer, safer, and drier. Its mission is to extend God's love and replace hopelessness with the hope of Jesus Christ. Home and School Association | ([email protected]) This group helps Saint Joseph School faculty and students by providing volunteers, raising funds, and planning special events during the school year. HOPE (Helping Other People Everyday) | Debbie Hastings ([email protected]) HOPE volunteers drive parishioners to doctor appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and other necessary errands. Please contact us if you need a ride (48 hours’ notice, please) or if you would like to be a driver. Hospice Casserole Makers | Gail Hoekzema ([email protected]) Volunteers make casseroles that are taken to Mercy Hospice in Philadelphia to feed women (and their children) who are in crisis situations or involved in a recovery or life management program. Recipes and pans are provided, and volunteers bring the casseroles to the “Mercy Hospice” freezer in the Holy Family Center. Drivers are also needed once a month. Hospitality Committee | Pat Wishing ([email protected]) If you like to bake, create centerpieces, and help set up/clean up events, this ministry is for you. The Hospitality Committee helps with events such as receptions after special Masses.

8 PARISH MINISTRIES

Joseph’s People | Cheryl Spaulding ([email protected]) This non-profit organization is dedicated to offering support, guidance, and job counseling services to people of all faiths who are unemployed or seek full-time employment. Volunteers offer encouragement, spiritual support, and individual expertise as applicable. They help organize and run meetings and events, and secure occasional speakers. Visit www.josephspeople.org for more information. Loaves & Fishes Project | Nancy Farrington ([email protected]) Parishioners can drop off non-perishable items to the food closet in church to benefit the Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown. Contact Nancy Farrington below if you would like to sign up to deliver the food. Pastoral Council | Fr. Stephen Leva ([email protected]) This consultative body advises the pastor and seeks to foster the parish’s full participation in the life and mission of the Church. Pro-Life Committee | Jim Solnosky ([email protected]) This group promotes respect for life from conception to natural death through education, prayer, and service opportunities. The committee initiates and participates in pro-life activities in the parish and community, including sidewalk counseling, prayer warrior partnership, housing opportunities and material gathering/sharing. Photography Ministry | Matthew Riggio ([email protected]) This group takes photos of parish events, liturgies, and ministries in action. We keep a list of volunteers with photography expertise to document these occasions for use on our website, in our bulletin, and on social media. Prayer Shawl Ministry | Carol Grigson ([email protected]) Volunteers make prayer shawls for those undergoing medical procedures, those who need comfort after a loss, or those enduring times of stress. Safe Harbor | Zsa Zsa Alston ([email protected]) On the first Friday of every month, St. Joseph parishioners prepare, deliver, and serve dinner to 25 women residents at Safe Harbor in West Chester. You can take part by preparing one of the components of the meal and/or delivering/serving the meal. We arrive at Safe Harbor at 4 p.m., serve at 4:30, and leave at 5:00. Senior Health & Wellness Ministry | Ceil Harkness ([email protected]) This ministry provides resources and support to those dealing with health-related issues and options for aging relatives. Society of St. Vincent de Paul | Susan Lindsey ([email protected]) Members strive to grow spiritually by offering tangible person-to-person service to individuals in need in our community. This aid may take the form of intervention, consultation, or direct dollar or in-kind service.

9 PARISH MINISTRIES Faith Formation & Prayer Ministries The following organizations offer people the opportunity to grow in their faith and to deepen their relationship with the Lord and each other. Please direct your inquiries to the contact listed, or call the parish office at 610-269-8294.

Adoration | Peg Cassidy ([email protected]) Come pray before the Blessed Sacrament in our perpetual adoration chapel (in the Holy Family Center parish office building.) The chapel is open 24/7. You are always welcome to come and spend time in prayer with our Lord – whether it is for a few minutes as you are passing by or during a regular hour you sign up for each week. Charismatic Prayer Group | Joe McCahon ([email protected]) Our charismatic prayer group meets on Thursdays at 7:30. Please join us in the chapel as we deepen our prayer life, deepen our relationship with the Lord, and worship as a community. Flame of Love Prayer Cenacle | Cathy Moser ([email protected]) Our Flame of Love Prayer Cenacle meets Thursdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Meetings consist of a brief teaching followed by prayer and recitation of the rosary. To learn more about the Flame of Love, visit www.flameoflove.us. of Mary | Jim McGowan ([email protected]) This group honors the Blessed Mother with prayer and service. They meet on Tuesdays in the Saint John Neumann meeting room in Church after the 9 a.m. Mass to pray the rosary. Parish Library | Alice Dowling ([email protected]) This collection of print, audio, and video materials is located in the Parish Office. New titles are added monthly. The Library is open during office hours. Pre-Cana | Matthew Riggio ([email protected]) This team of parishioners helps prepare engaged couples to celebrate the sacrament of Matrimony in the Church. Sessions are offered in the fall and spring. Pre-Jordan | Matthew Riggio ([email protected]) Parish parents facilitate these classes to prepare parents having a child baptized at St. Joseph Church. Classes are offered monthly on a Saturday morning. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults | Kathy Thomas ([email protected]) This team welcomes and provides instruction for adults wishing to become full members of the . This program begins each Fall and is open to those who want to deepen their relationship with the Lord and who have not yet celebrated one or more of the sacraments of initiation. Walking with Purpose | Frannie Ota ([email protected]) This women’s study group meets weekly. The group aims to bring women to a deeper personal relationship with Christ by offering personal study and small group discussion that link everyday challenges and struggles with the solutions given through the teachings of Christ and the Church.

10 PARISH MINISTRIES Religious Education & Ministries for Youth These groups are dedicated to fostering the spiritual, social, and emotional development of young people in a safe, faith-filled environment. Please direct your inquiries to the contact listed, or call the parish office at 610-269-8294.

Boy Scouts | Peter Piergiovanni ([email protected]) Troop 2 welcomes boys (ages 11–17) to outdoor adventure, leadership training, service projects, and fun. Boy Scouts meet every Thursday night. More info: www.troop2.org Children’s Liturgy of the Word | Kathy Thomas ([email protected]) At the 9 a.m. Mass (September-June), children in first through third grade have the opportunity to hear and experience the Sunday Gospel in the chapel at a level they better understand. Adult and teen volunteers who enjoy children and love the Word of God will enjoy this ministry. The time commitment is 20 minutes once a month during Mass. Training is provided. Cub Scouts (Pack 2) | Joe Trainor ([email protected]) Individual dens in Cub Scouts meet twice a month; the pack meets once a month and sponsors one pack event monthly. CYO Athletics | Matthew McConney ([email protected]) The Catholic Youth Organization program offers athletic opportunities to boys and girls in grade school, middle school, and high school. All teams and coaches must abide by the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Girl Scouts | Cindy Bucklin ([email protected]) Girl Scouting offers friendship, outdoor adventure, and new experiences to girls from Kindergarten through eighth grade. Little Flowers | Cathy Herb ([email protected]) This group of girls in grades 1 through 5 meets from on the first Monday of the month to discuss the lives of the saints. Meetings include crafts, games, snacks, and other activities. Parish Homeschoolers | Amy Fontecchio ([email protected]) Parish homeschoolers meet regularly for learning and community. Parish Religious Education Program | Kathy Thomas ([email protected]) PREP provides religious instruction for parishioners in kindergarten through grade 6 who attend non-Catholic schools. VBA (Vacation Bible Adventure) | Kathy Thomas ([email protected]) This program offered the last week of June features Bible lessons, games, music, crafts, and snacks. It is open to students entering kindergarten through grade 7. Teens are invited to volunteer as aide Youth Ministry | Fr. Alexander Pancoast ([email protected]) This group offers a broad selection of spiritual, service, and social opportunities for youth and is open to students in grades 7 through high school from any school, parish, or faith.

11 PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Be still and know that I am God.

Adoration is where I go to seek peace and understanding. It is here that I pray, talk, and listen to God because He is here, present in front of me. In adoration, in my conversation with Him, He leads me perfectly. I don’t know what life would be like without adoration and that personal time with Jesus. - A St. Joseph Parishioner

What is Eucharistic Adoration? It is the adoration of Christ present in the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is displayed in a special holder called a monstrance and people come throughout the day and night.to pray to Jesus. He is never alone in the chapel.

Why is praying in front of the Eucharist different than praying anywhere else? In the Eucharist, Jesus is actually present – body and blood, soul and divinity. We are not just praying to Him, or thinking about Him. We are actually with Him.

Our Perpetual Adoration Chapel which is located in the Holy Family Center parish office building. Since then, people have been praying before the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Blessed Sacrament is held in a monstrance on the altar “perpetually.” You are always welcome to come and spend time in prayer with our Lord – whether it is for a few minutes as you are passing by or during a regular hour you sign up for each week. If you’d like to sign up for a regular time, please see contact information below. We encourage you to come to the Holy Family Center to visit our Adoration Chapel.

12 DOWNLOAD THE ST. JOSEPH PARISH APP!

The St. Joseph Parish App is FREE and available for iPhone and Android!

How to download the app: Search the AppStore (for iOS/ iPhone) or the Google Play store (for Android) for “St Joseph Downingtown” and download!

Or scan this QR Code using your smart phone’s camera:

What’s included in the app? Mass Schedule, Weekly Bulletin, USCCB Readings, Prayers, Articles, and much, much more!

13 ABUNDANTLY BLESSED: BEING A STEWARDSHIP PARISH Gifted For everything is from you, and we only give you what we have received from you. | 1 Chronicles 29: 14 The giving of your treasure to God as a gift of thanks to Him is a personal gift between you and God. As you review your faith journey in Stewardship of Treasure, look at the treasure God has entrusted in you and decide what personal sacrifice you and your family can make to maximize your gift to God. Pray for the wisdom to understand the difference between your wants and your true needs. Then, with joy, give back to God. Grateful In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God, for you in Christ Jesus. | 1 Thessalonians What does your contribution support?  Our facilities, namely God’s house, a sacred place for our faith family to come worship and celebrate the sacraments.  Catholic Education for children in our parish school and PREP program, as well as for adults through RCIA, sacramental preparation programs, and adult faith formation classes..  Parish staff who assist the pastor and priests with the pastoral and temporal aspects of running a parish.  Preservation and beautification of parish grounds and buildings.  Our many programs available from the youngest to the oldest of our parishioners. All of this and more is made possible through your generous annual contributions.

Weekly Giving Chart % of Income: 3% 4% 5% Giving $25,000 $14 $19 $24 It is more blessed to give than to receive. | Acts 20:35 $50,000 $29 $38 $48 The Weekly Giving Chart to the left can assist you in prayerfully discerning your $75,000 $43 $58 $72 contribution level. St. Joseph Parish asks that you consider a minimum of 3% of $100,000 $58 $77 $96 your income. $125,000 $72 $96 $120

Ways to Give With Auto Give, you authorize Saint Joseph to establish automatic withdrawals from a checking account on a weekly or monthly basis. You attach a voided check and specify the amount and frequency. With a Credit Card Authorization, you choose an ongoing monthly amount to be charged to the credit card of your choice. Monthly charges are applied on the first of every month. E-Giving is a secure, automatic transfer program that allows you to make electronic contributions at your discretion. To E-Give, go to www.stjosephrc.org, under Resources and locate the Online Giving button which can be found under “Give to St. Joseph Parish.” The Envelope option allows you to choose weekly or monthly envelopes that you use to place your contribution in the collection basket during Mass. 14 ABUNDANTLY BLESSED: BEING A STEWARDSHIP PARISH What is stewardship? Stewardship is a way of living and a way of looking at life. We are all given certain blessings in the form of time, talent, and treasure. These gifts are meaningful only when we share them. Stewardship emphasizes the need for each of us to return gratefully a portion of the blessings we have received. This sacrificial giving is central to Christ’s life, parables, and teachings.

How is stewardship practiced at Saint Joseph Parish? Stewardship is practiced in many ways at Saint Joseph Parish. Parishioners share their time, talent, and treasure to take personal ownership of the parish and to support its mission.

How do time and talent fit into stewardship? Each person’s time and talents are gifts from God. There are no substitutes for the gifts of time and talent that we share with each other.

Am I expected to practice stewardship? Absolutely! Stewardship is a joyful duty for those who understand what being a faithful member of the Catholic church means.

How do we share our time, talent, and treasure? In this booklet, the parish publishes directories of its organizations, including the leaders’ names and contact informaiton. If a group interests you, please contact the person listed to find out more. We welcome your participation! In addition, our annual Renewal of Treasure Campaign allows you to indicate on a “Card of Intent” the gift of treasure you wish to share.

What should I enter on the card of intent? Only you can decide how to use your gifts of time, talent, and treasure. The Stewardship Committee suggests that you share your gift of treasure in proportion to your means. If you want a guideline, Saint Joseph Parish recommends that parishioners commit a minimum of 3% of their income. (A chart is provided on the previous page for your convenience.)

Will my card of intent be treated confidentially? Yes. Please mail the completed card of intent to the parish office or place the card in a sealed envelope in the collection basket. It will be treated confidentially, just as the weekly collections are.

Can I change my giving if my financial situation changes? Of course. Please notify the parish office.

Does Saint Joseph Parish publish financial reports? Yes. The Finance Council publishes an annual financial report. These reports are important because the parish has income and expenses of well over $1 million per year.

Why should I be a sacrificial giver? Being a sacrificial giver answers the question, “What shall I return to the Lord for all he has given me?” (Cf Psalm 116:12) 15

Shopping on Amazon? Another Way to Give!

Use the St. Joseph AmazonSmile charity link and a portion of your total purchase will be donated to St. Joseph Parish.

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-1365111

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