FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
THE
ANNUNCIATION TO MARY
The gospel for this Fourth Sunday of Advent is that of the Annunciation to Mary that
she was to be the Mother of the Savior. There are many ways in which to look at the Blessed
Mother’s role and response to God’s call. She is a model of faith’s response to God in every
age. However, this is not necessarily the best time of the year to reflect on these mysteries.
In the words of Fr. Mariano Perron (in the American Bible Society’s “Lectio Divina”)
Mary had a nine month period of time
to prepare herself for Jesus’ birth; we have
only three days before Christmas, and they
will be packed with shopping, arranging
everything in our homes for family
gatherings, making last-moment phone calls
and much more. As usual, do not think I am
trying to “moralize,” but take some time to
enter your inner self. Try to remove any
speck of resentment or bitterness from your
heart, so that nothing hinders Jesus’ coming.
And do not forget those who will face
Christmas (and the rest of the year) in
conditions similar to those of Mary and
Joseph. I am sure you can do something
practical to help them.
~John Collier
The most common way to “prepare a way for the Lord” involves our willingness to
understand the biases, resentments and hurts that have become almost second nature to us
over time. They can be almost invisible or unrecognized, but the damage caused is that we
miss important opportunities to express the words of love that are so important: “I’m sorry.” “I would like turn a page together?” “Can we bury the hatchet?” “Let’s move forward.”
The greatest gifts of Christmas are the expressions and experiences of the “ties that
bind us” to the Infant Christ and one another. May Mary’s willing response to God’s call, in
spite of all the unknowns that came with it, be repeated in a similar openness to all those
whom we love – and need to love more – this Christmas.
“May it be done to me according to your word.”
FROM MONSIGNOR GASTON
Christmas 2014
Dear Parishioners,
On behalf of Father Ron, Deacon Dan, and our Pastoral Staff, I want to offer our prayers
and best wishes to all the members of Mother of Sorrows Church – and that includes all those visiting in this Holy Season – a Blessed Christmas and Grace-filled New Year.
In the past 6+ months since my arrival at Mother of Sorrows a number
of people, including family and friends, have asked me “How is Murrysville,
and how are you doing?” Several members of the parish also have asked me
(directly and indirectly) the same question, wondering how I feel about this new
assignment as your pastor. My response to all has consistently been, “I am enjoying the opportunities of meeting and working with an entire new community of people…and it is a thrill a minute!”
We have discussed at length the transitions that have occurred in the
parish in recent years up to and including my own transfer here. I want to reassure all that my response at Christmas is no different. In fact, I am extremely grateful for so
many persons who have gone out of their way to extend a warm welcome to me and expressed
their desire to be supportive and to “help in any way that I can.”
I am most grateful for such kindness and will take you up on this as time goes on. I hope
those who are may be concerned that I have “moved the cheese” – of their previous routines – will
gradually come to understand the rationale behind any changes that I have already authorized.
Change is a two-edged sword: it can upset our comfort zones, but it also can be a sign of new life
and improvement. That is my ultimate hope and goal.
As we celebrate the joy of Christmas and the New Year together in these next days, know
that my personal prayer for you and yours is that God’s love – made flesh in Jesus Christ – continue
to bring us healing, strength and hope as we continue on our common journey to God’s Kingdom.
The Lord has brought us together for that purpose. May we learn to collaborate with each other in
order to build a community of faith and service that will give ample testimony to the presence of
Christ among us within Mother of Sorrows Parish and the wider Murrysville community.
Merry Christmas!
Monsignor Gaston
PS Just in case, the Christmas Mass Schedule is as follows:
Christmas Eve
4:00 PM
4:00 PM
7:00 PM
10:00 PM
Church
Gym
Church
Church
Christmas Day
8:30 AM
11:00 AM
Church
Church
THE EUCHARISTIC TABLE
DECEMBER
22 MONDAY
8:00 AM
23 TUESDAY
8:00 AM
24 WEDNESDAY
4:00 PM Church
4:00 PM Gym
7:00 PM
10:00 PM
25 THURSDAY
8:30 AM
11:30 PM
26 FRIDAY
8:00 AM
27 SATURDAY
8:00 AM
5:00 PM
28 SUNDAY
7:30 AM
9:30 AM
11:30 AM
6:00 PM
ALTAR CANDLES
In memory of Guiseppe D. &
Maria A. Riga by
Christina M. Riga
1 Sm 1:24-28, Lk 1:46-56
Fabiana & Jose Portacio by Grado Family
Mal 3:1-4, 23-24, Lk1:57-66
Marcella Penkert by Jim & Linda Obman
2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, Lk 1:67-79
Special Intention
Special Intention
Special Intention
Special Intention (Choir Preludes begin at 9:30 PM)
The Nativity of the Lord
Special Intention
Special Intention
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59, Mt 10:17-22
Joseph R. Willis by MOS Priests & Parishioners
1 Jn 1:1-4, Jn 20: 1a and 2-8
Special Intention
Norma Grande by Sally & Dan Romito
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Leo Rebholz by Rebholz Family
Ann & Dom Cristello by Rosalie, Daughter
For the Parishioners of Mother of Sorrows
Regional Mass at St. Barbara’s Harrison City
SANCTUARY LAMP
In memory of Michael Reinhart
by Joe & Cathy DeRenzo
WEEK AHEAD
DEC. 22 ~ 28
22 Legion of Mary 9:15 AM
23 Reposition of the Blessed
Sacrament 6:00 PM
23 Sacrament of
Reconciliation
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
December
27-28
Presider
Saturday
5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM
Sunday
11:30 AM
Father Ron
Deacon Dan
Monsignor Gaston
Deacon Dan
Father Ron
Extraordinary
John Bonaroti
Ministers of
Stacey Bonaroti
Holy Communion Cheryl Buchin
Patti Donahoe
Matthew Dorn
Donna Drowser
Kathryn Majewski
Gail Peduzzi
Kathy Alexander
Deacon Dan
Lori Gardea
Andrew Kowatch
Ann Slike
John Slike
Mary Kay Valentine
Ray Valentine
Brandon Aganad
Deacon Dan
Don Granata
Rita Granata
John Lease
Jen Stasko
Barbara Taddonio
Lee Taddonio
Geraldine Burgoon
Gerry Cano
Rosenda Clark
Marcia Nelson
Ron O’Toole
Donna Stasko
Robert Wiley
Peg Willard
Altar
Servers
Nicole Fetsko
Anna Iovino
Brianna Mocharko
Chrissa Baldy
Renne Baldy
Michael Spila
Joey Alisesky
Lily Alisesky
Emma Martin
Sierra Massarelli
Anna Snyder
Gillian Taddonio
Readers
Kate Pyle
Chester Smolenski
Mark Munson
Jim Obman
Diane Boettger
Ivan D’Souza
Joanne Naugle
Patricia Weisser
Cantor
Edward Peduzzi
Don Underwood
Simone D’Souza
Laura Brennan
LOWC
Monsignor Gaston
Sunday
7:30 AM
_______
_______
Lorainne Amma
Christina Markley
FAITH FORMATION
Save The Date: Saturday, January 10, 2015
YOUTH MINISTRY
NCYC 2015- Grades 8-11 Nov. 18-20, 2015. Join us
on a three day experience of prayer, community,
and empowerment for Catholic teenagers! Contact
Gretchen for more information. Deadline is Jan. 1.
Diocese Retreat- Grades 9-12 February 27-March 1,
2015. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this
time apart provides youth with the opportunity to
encounter Jesus, reflect upon the movement of God
in their lives, and develop what their personal response will be to the call of discipleship that they
receive at their Baptism. Cost is $150. Scholarships
are available and forms are due to Gretchen by January 2, 2015.
Enjoy & Entertainment books - Youth Ministry is
selling in the parish office and at youth group.
Books are $30 each.
Epiphany: God’s Gift to the Whole World!
Our 3rd Intergenerational Faith Formation
Beginning with
5:00PM Mass followed
by Dinner, Breakout
Sessions, Prayer and
Wrap-up at 8:00 PM
RSVP by Sunday, January 4, 2015 with number
of adults and children 10 and under to
[email protected].
***********
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH FORMATION DINNER
Many helpers are needed for getting ready for
dinner in the social hall for the Intergenerational
Faith Formation Sessions. Putting tablecloths on
the tables and making coffee and getting ready for
dinner will begin at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January
10, 2015. We need your help and if you are able to
give some of your time, please call Larry Sabol at
724.325.2925 to volunteer. Thank you for considering volunteering in this ministry of hospitality.
***********
Mrs. Carrie Malley’s 3rd graders and parents
gave of their time and talent in making blankets
for Mother Teresa Outreach to distribute to those
who need them.
MUSIC MINISTRY
The 4th grade Faith Formation learned more than
they ever knew about The Nativity in their play,
“A Night in Bethlehem” directed by their catechist, Mrs. Carrie VanSoest.
Reminder:
Rehearsal for the Children’s Choir for the
4 PM Mass in the Church on Christmas Eve.
is scheduled for Monday evening, December 22nd from 6:00 until 6:45 PM in the
church. Parents are asked to stay during the
rehearsal. If you haven’t signed up your
child yet and they are interested in being
part of the Choir, please bring them to rehearsal on Monday evening. Thanks!
OUTREACH MINISTRY
WEEKLY GIVING
MOTHER TERESA OUTREACH
OFFERTORY DECEMBER 13~14
Mother Teresa Outreach: Visit our website
for opportunities to get involved and "Do
something beautiful for God." There are volunteer forms available in the narthex. Please
consider becoming active in the Mother Teresa Outreach Ministry by calling the Parish
Office at 724-733-8870.
Offertory
Online Offertory
Mother Teresa Outreach
MTO Online
Food Pantry/Thanksgiving
Debt Reduction
$ 24,509.82
2,470.00
125.00
—
1,512.00
698.00
Immaculate Conception
2,415.25
Immaculate Conception Online
750.00
Total $
$ 32,480.17
Did You Know….. Handyman Service Ministry
is a group of individuals ready to do small repair jobs in your home. If you know someone
who can’t afford to hire a professional or can’t
find anyone to do the work, please give us a call.
Call Dave Donaldson 724-325-7455 or Vic Steigerwald 724-327-0837.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
MARCH FOR LIFE
CHRISTMAS VISIT & VESPERS
Mother of Sorrows Church will sponsor 2
buses to the March for Life in Washington
D.C. on Thursday, January 22, 2015. Registrations (with a fee of $10 per person) may
begin immediately through the parish office. Contact Joanne at 724-733-8870. A special Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 AM with
departure promptly at 6:45 AM Participants
are asked to bring a lunch. Return is scheduled for 10:30 PM. For further information,
contact Peg Miller at 724-327-3903.
*Knights of Columbus will be collecting at
the masses this weekend 12/20 & 21 to help
defray the cost of the buses for the March
For Life.
OPLATKI ~ CHRISTMAS WAFERS
The Oplatki have arrived and are available (your
donation of $3.00 will be appreciated) in the Narthex and in the Parish Office. If you have never
shared in this beautiful tradition, you are encouraged to do so. It emphasizes that Jesus, the Bread
of Life, came to earth to set us free and to give us
hope in God’s abundant care.
Mass Attendance 1831
The Benedictine Nuns at St. Emma Monastery,
Greensburg, PA invite you to celebrate the birth of
Jesus by joining them for the annual Christmas
Visit and Vespers, Saturday, December 27, 2014.
From 1:30—3:30: view 200 nativities, see the Bethlehem Express Railroad taking Jesus out into the
world out into the world and into our daily lives;
meet the Nuns; enjoy homemade cookies and
punch. Sing carols with the nuns at 3:30 and 4:00
sing Vespers of the Octave of Christmas.
For more information or reservations (helpful but
not necessary), call 724-834-3060 or [email protected].