Church of Saint Benedict
Diocese of Allentown - Bishop John O. Barres, D.D.
January 11, 2015
January 11, 2015
MASS SCHEDULE
Daily: Mon. & Thur. 6:30pm - Tue.,Wed.,& Fri. 8:00 am
Saturday: Vigil: 5:00pm
Sunday: 8:00, 9:30, 11:15am
Holy Day Vigil: 5:00pm; Day-8:00am & 7:00pm
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Celebrated the 1st Sunday of the month at 12:30pm
and the 3rd Sunday at 11:15am mass. Baptism preparation class held 2nd Saturday. Please call the office
to schedule a baptism & class.
RECTORY PARISH OFFICE
2020 Chestnut Hill Rd, Mohnton, Pa 19540
610-856-1006 Office Hrs. Mon—Friday 9am-5pm
Website: www.churchofsaintbenedict.com
Email: [email protected]
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
Couples should call the priest at least 6 months before the wedding. A marriage preparation program is
offered to every couple.
Church of St. Benedict
MINISTRY TO THE SICK
Please call the parish office if a parishioner is homebound or hospitalized. Sacrament of Anointing is
offered anytime. Eucharistic Ministers are available
every Sunday.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
PREP (W) 610-856-5146 - (H) 610-370-0199
LaSalle Academy Office
610-777-7392
www.lsabear.org
Berks Catholic High School
610-374-8361
www.berkscatholic.org
PARISH STAFF
Fr. Philip F. Rodgers ...................................... Pastor
Fr. Tom Kuller, S.J…………….Weekend Ministry
Valerie Christo .......... Director Religious Education
Andrew Angstadt ............................. Music Director
Patti Fisher, Psy. D....... Principal LaSalle Academy
Jeanie Hauck .................................. Parish Secretary
Anne Long ........................................... .Bookkeeper
Clara Lush ........................................ Bulletin Editor
Rosanne Weidner ................ Rectory Housekeeping
Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator:
Wendy S. Krisak, M.S., 800-791-9209 Confidential
Sister Meg Cole, S.S.J. Safe Environment Coordinator
610-866-0581, Ext. 19 - Fax: 610-867-8702
Allentown
Diocese
website
www.allentowndiocese.org
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday from 4:00-4:45pm or by appointment.
RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program for
anyone interested in the Catholic faith or in returning
to the Church. If interested or have questions contact
Mark Schrum at 610-856-7518.
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
We the Parish of St. Benedict, under the guidance of
the Holy Spirit and our patron St. Benedict, are a vibrant, worshiping and welcoming community of
God. The strength of our people is obtained through
joyful celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Our commitment is to promote the Gospel of the Lord
through our prayers, words, and actions with Jesus as
our guiding light.
Page Two
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading — Behold my
servant with whom I am
pleased; he shall bring forth
justice to the nations
(Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7) or Isaiah
55:1-11.
Psalm — The Lord will bless
his people with peace (Psalm
29) or Isaiah 12:2-6.
Second Reading — God anointed him with the Holy
Spirit (Acts 10:34-38) or 1 John 5:1-9.
Gospel — You are my beloved Son, with you I am well
pleased (Mark 1:7-11).
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:
Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9; Mk 1:14-20
Tuesday:
Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab, 5, 6-9; Mk 1:21-28
Wednesday: Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Mk 1:29-39
Thursday: Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-11; Mk 1:40-45
Friday:
Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3, 4bc, 6c-8; Mk 2:1-12
Saturday: Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mk 2:13-17
Sunday:
1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10;
1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42
STEWARDSHIP
GOSPEL THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. The US
Bishops’ pastoral on stewardship reminds us that Baptism
gives all of His disciples a share in His priestly work and
calls them “to offer up the world and all that is in it—
especially themselves—to the Lord of all”.
Stewardship- Gifts of God
Thank you for your generous gifts!
Stewardship
Mortgage
12-28-14:
EFT:
01-04-15:
EFT:
12-28-14:
EFT:
01-04-15:
EFT:
Christmas
EFT:
$13,791.16
$ 309.00
$ 8,542.00
471.50
$ 1,838.00
$
65.00
$ 1,429.00
$ 165.00
$26,616.00
$ 970.00
(296 envelopes)
(236 envelopes)
(114 envelopes)
( 97 envelopes)
Pray for the repose of the souls of
Josephine Auman, mother of Deborah
Landrigan; Dorothy Hauptly; and
Carolyn Yoder, wife of James, mother
of Hailie & Samantha. May they rest
in peace.
PRO-LIFE CORNER
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s
sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare
before the eyes of him to whom we must give
account”. He sees what we do and what we do
not do to help end abortion. The only voice the
preborn have is our own.
LIFE AD—Sign-ups for the life ad in the Reading Eagle
will take place the weekend of January 10/11.
MARCH FOR LIFE WASHINGTON DC JANUARY
22, 2015. Sign up sheet in the gathering space.
PRAYER LIST.....
For those in need of Hope, Healing and Health pray for
all in our parish who are ill, especially Father Louis
Ogden, Rev. Stephen Price, Margaret Albert, Tim
Antosy, Rosemary Deegan, Irene Didyoung, Timothy
Didyoung, Robert Fanning, Kate Fratti, Robert Giering,
Donna Haines, Bob Klett, Mary Messner, Richard
Meyers, Suzanne Michel, Bill Nelson, Peggy Pingatore,
Sam Reber, Helen Reidel, Kathy Reinert, Lewis Sauders,
Vickey & Joanne Sullivan, Mia Yeager. Mary, Health of
the Sick, please pray for them.
Remember in your prayers our homebound
parishioners and also those in nursing homes.
Please remember in your prayers all who are in the
military service: Amy Bourett, USArmy; Cpl. Vincent
Bergandino, USMarines; Airman First Class Mark S.
Cahill, USAF; Spc. Nathan Calhoun, USArmy; Grant
Dufin, USMC; Tom Gutherman, USAF; Christopher G.
Hari, USArmy; Richard J. Hari, USArmy; Ens George
Hinerman USNavy; Sgt. Rachelle Hinerman USMC; Dan
Kenyon, USMC; Lt. Michael Koch, USNavy; Matthew
R. McGinn, USArmy; Lt. Matthew Palange, USArmy;
PV2 Chelsea Raser, USArmy; Thomas Schaeffer; Cp.
Daniel Scheidel, USMC; SFC Ken Setta, USArmy; Cpl.
Sam Talarico, USMC; Major Christopher Timothy
USMC; Ryan Vance, USAF; and Pvt. Michael Wagner
USArmy; Airman Zachery Voelker, USAF.
Please pray also for an end to abortion, and for the
victims of abortion.
After Jesus was baptized, he saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove
and a voice was heard “This is my
beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased”. As we give to the poor, we
also can hear these same words.
As you place your gift in the Society
of St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box, know
that you are a sign of God’s love to those who are
suffering and you give them reason to believe and to
trust.
Page Three
LANDINGS—St. Benedict’s parish has an exciting
program for “returning Catholics” - Catholics who have
not been attending Mass for months or years, but now
want to come back, visit, ask questions, share, discuss or
just see what’s going on. Returning Catholics—Landings
is just for you. Friendly, listening ears, and welcoming
hearts are waiting to hear your story. Landings began
Monday, January 5, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. If you would like
to learn more about this program, please give us a call or
send an email to: Robin Ball (610-804-4096) or St.
Benedict Parish office (610-856-1006) or send an email
to:
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY MEETING
Monday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the social hall. ALL
are welcome!
THE PRICE IS RIGHT - FREE
MOVIES - Prime Timers “Brown Bag
Lunch” Movie Day Tuesday, January
13— lunch at 12:30; show time 1:00.
Feature movie “Mama Mia”. Each
person is requested to bring your
friends and your own brown-bag lunch
and drink. NO covered dish or pot-luck food. ALL are
welcome!
FIRST CONFESSIONS- St. Benedict’s will celebrate
First Sacrament of Reconciliation for the boys and girls
in 2nd grade at LaSalle Academy & 3rd grade in PREP.
Our parish celebration will be on Thursday, January 15 at
6:00 pm.
FAMILY LIFE POTLUCK
Saturday, January 24
following the 5:00 Mass. Please bring a dish to share and
join us in fellowship. Sign-up in the gathering space to
attend.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
PARTY is scheduled for January 25
after the 11:15 a.m. Mass. If you
volunteered at any event, activity,
ministry, etc. during 2014 you are most
welcome to attend this party. Come join
the happiest people in Berks County and rub elbows with
the most famous people in our parish—our volunteers.
Sign up ahead of time is a must. Please call Jeanie in the
parish office (610-856-1006) or sign your name to the list
in the gathering space.
FLOWER CALENDAR is posted on the
bulletin board in the vestibule.
Parishioners may place flowers at the
altar on any given weekend in memory
or in honor of a loved one’s anniversary,
birthday, or special occasion. Simply fill in your request
on the flower calendar, then send $50.00 per arrangement
to the parish office at least one week prior to date
requested. The parish office will order the flowers in a
timely way. Flowers are not normally used in church
during Lent and Advent. Say it with flowers!
RCIA 2014-15
January 6 opened the next phase of the
RCIA program. From January to
February various presenters will be
offering the Catholic perspective on the
Sacraments of the Church.
There are seven individuals in our RCIA group, please
pray for them and our presenters as we strive to prepare
them as new members into our community.
ST. BENEDICT MEMORIAL SOCIETY—
Memorials—After the death of a loved one, more and
more people are considering a lasting memorial gift given
to their parish in memory of the deceased. Memorials
also may be given in lieu of flowers. For details contact
the rectory office (610-856-1006).
Liturgical Ministers—January 17 & 18
Saturday 5:00 PM
Greeter:
Justin & Katie Weidner
Lector:
Marissa Avadanian
Servers
Michael DiGiacomo, Breno Pinheiro, Matthew Kuberski
EM:
Robin Ball, Frank Burns, Jeanne DiGiacomo,
Tom Henefer, Maria Schieber
Sunday 8:00 AM
Greeter:
Clara Lush, Cindy Miller
Lector:
Gerry O’Neil
Servers:
Emily Angelo, Cross Cossitor, Abby Netterville
EM:
Cindy Miller, Tom Dobson, Helen MacMinn,
Debra Mazzarelli, Tom Culbert
Sunday 9:30 AM
Greeter:
Jim Gregor, Janet Motta
Lector:
Rita Setta
Servers:
Gina Coccia, Mariella Frisina, Sean Bigelow
EM :
Diane Arnold, Kelly Eichenlaub, Carie Leggett,
Paul Wirkus, Chris Braccili
Sunday 11:15 AM
Greeter:
Sandy Kozlowski, Bev Kuzmission
Lector:
Sister Kathleen
Servers:
Jonathan Nergart, Anna & Sam Coppa
EM:
Dianne Cooper, Karen Keenan, Joan Moffa,
Steve Wagner, Courtney Marley
Page Four
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES
PHILADELPHIA, PA
SEPTEMBER 22-27, 2015
The official theme of the World Meeting of Families
is: “Love is our mission: the family fully alive.”
“What is family?”
The Second Vatican Council said that family is
“domestic church”.
Pope Francis said, “The family is important for the
evangelization of the new world”.
Archbishop Chaput said, “Catholic families have a
key role in God’s healing of a broken world. So let’s
pray for each other—beginning right now—that the
World Meeting of Families 2015 will become for each
of us … a new Pentecost….
Join together with families from around the world in
prayer and pray each day the “World Meeting of
Families Prayer” for your family’s personal intentions
and for the success of the World Meeting of Families
in Philadelphia, September 2015.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us.
LENT 2015—ST. BENEDICT PARISH
“THE FAMILY FULLY ALIVE”
“LOVE IS OUR MISSION”
For Lenten Reflection and to prepare for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia 2015 and Pope Francis’
visit to Philadelphia, we invite you and your family to
“Family Fully Alive”. This Lenten Study will be a five
week guided tour through Scripture and Church teaching
on family issues.
Family—Mission of Love
Family—Marriage is a Sacrament
Family—Creating the Future
Family—School of love, justice, forgiveness,
Patience and respect
Family—Home for wounded hearts
There will be a general presentation followed by break-out
groups for adults, teens, middle and elementary school
children with activities/discussion, questions about family.
Join us to renew your focus on family, the “domestic
church”. Watch the bulletin for the dates of our Lenten
program.
Registration for our Lenten series and to reserve a seat on
the bus to Philadelphia for Mass with Pope Francis on
September 27 begins the weekend of January 24/25.
CHRISTMAS THANK YOU
...Special thanks is extended to all who helped us celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus with great joy, dignity and
solemnity.
...Gratitude is extended to all who sent cards, desserts,
cookies, candy, and gifts to the rectory at Christmas
time. We enjoyed the sweet treats and your kindness is
very much appreciated.
...Finally, to our parish staff for their hard work and
dedication I am eternally grateful.
May 2015 be filled with unimaginable blessings to sustain and encourage us to live the Mission of the Christ
Child.
In Christ,
Father Phil
PAPAL MASS VOLUNTEERS AND WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES—PHILADELPHIA 2015– REGISTRATION OPEN! Mark your family calendar for the 8th
World Meeting of Families! Philadelphia is proud to welcome families from around the world to this event on September 22-27, 2015. Registration is now open. To be a
host family or volunteer for the Papal Mass, please go to:
:WorldMeeting2015.org to learn more.
THE SANCTUARY LAMP burns to remind us of the
sacramental presence of Jesus Christ. You may have the
sanctuary lamp memorialized for either a sick person or a
deceased lived on or any special intention for a weekly
donation of $10.00. Please call the parish office to reserve
a specific date.
BERKS CATHOLIC NEWS…..SAVE THE DATES……
Step Up Day, January 21, 2015: 8th graders are invited to
spend the day at BC to get a real feel of what being a
freshman will be like. Contact Nicky Smith for more info
and to save your spot. [email protected]
Open House, January 25, 2015 2-4 pm: A terrific opportunity to meet faculty, administration, current students and
clubs and activities are on hand to give you a glimpse into
what we are about. It’s a real neat experience seeing our
community all together.
Night of Champions: January 30, 3015—BC will honor
Central Catholic and Holy Name championship basketball
teams from 1985 and 1970.
Page Five
The Sanctuary Lamp burns this week in
memory of Renee Tobias by the Miccicke
Family
THIS WEEK AT ST. BENEDICT’S
Monday 01/12
7:00 PM St. Vincent de Paul Society meeting in
the social hall
7:00 PM Landings meeting in the rectory meeting
room
Tuesday 01/13
12:30 PM Prime Timers Movie Day
7:00 PM
RCIA meets in the rectory meeting
room
Thursday
01/15
6:15 PM First Penance
6:15-7:30 PM PREP Classes Grades 1-8
8:00 PM AA meeting in the rectory mtg room
Sunday 01/18
8:30-11:30 AM “Breakfast Sunday”
9:30 Mass with Children‘s Liturgy of the Word—
Leader: Angela Hall
7:00 PM Al-Anon meeting in the rectory meeting
room
COMING EVENTS…..
01/19
01/19
01/24
01/25
01/26
02/25
Landings meeting
K of C Officers meeting
Family Life Pot Luck dinner
Volunteer Appreciation Party
Presidents’ meeting
Common Heart at Alvernia
“BREAKFAST SUNDAY” January 18 featuring
Pancakes with sausage or Eggs Benedict. Breakfast is
served from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Cost: $3.00 adult; $2.00
child and includes coffee, tea, milk and juice. Join us
for breakfast and fellowship.
BAPTISM OF THE LORD commemorates the final
“Christ” feast, when God reveals the divinity of Jesus at
his baptism in the Jordan River. It is a good day to celebrate our own baptism, our “new birth” in Christ and inclusion in his body, the Church.
Monday 01/12 Weekday (First Week in Ordinary Time)
6:30 PM Marie T. Cooke
by M/M Robert Joyce
Tuesday
8:00 AM
01/13
Weekday St. Hilary
St. Andre Bessette
Al Yzzi
by Rick Venzia
Wednesday 01/14 Weekday
8:00 AM Myrtle Fox
by Jim & Floss Pleitner
Thursday 01/15 Weekday
6:30 PM William Coll
by the Reagan Family
Friday 01/16 Weekday
8:00 AM Edna Hood
by the Rosary Group
Rosary will be recited after Mass
Saturday 01/17 St. Anthony
4:00-4:45 PM Confessions
Sunday 01/18 Baptism of the Lord
5:00 PM (Saturday)
Nicole DeFrancesco
by parents, Rick & Sharon Frank & brother, Corey Frank
8:00 AM
Stefan Gombar
9:30 AM
People of the Parish
11:15 AM
Robert Focht
by Joanne & Phil
Please pray for a priest each day:
01/11: Rev. Michael E. Ahrensfield
01/12: Very Rev. Luke Anderson
01/13: Rev. Scott R. Ardinger
01/14: Rev. Eric R. Arnout
01/15: Deceased Priests
01/16: Rev. George Aschenbrenner
01/17: Rev. Achilles Ayaton