Phone: 610-275-7711
1489 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422
Fax: 610-275-7610 School Phone: 610-279-3345 PREP Phone: 610-279-3870
Web Site: www.sainthelena-centersquare.net
Gloria In Excelsis Deo!
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
PARISH STAFF
Parish Priest: Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Nicolo
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. John T. Coates
Parochial Vicar: Rev. George J. Szparagowski
Weekend Ministry: Rev. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Parish Deacon: Deacon A. Kenneth Belanger
Deacon: Deacon Donald Kretsch
Parish Secretaries: Ms. Gina Malony & Ms. Tracy Wilton
School Principal: Sr. Cathe Shoulberg, RSM
School Secretary: Mrs. Phyllis Cissone
Director of Religious Education: Mrs. Madeleine Fitzgerald
Business Manager: Mr. Nicholas Semchuk
Director of Music: Mrs. Cheryl Moser
CHAPEL HOURS:
The St. Theresa Chapel is open Monday through Friday
from 6:15 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00
PM; and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All are
welcome to spend time with our Lord during these hours.
M ASS SCHEDULE:
Saturday Vigil:
Sunday:
M ARRIAGE:
Arrangements must be made with a priest at least six
months prior to your desired wedding date.
The
Archdiocese requires that all couples attend Pre-Cana
class. St. Helena offers a Pre-Cana Day which fulfills the
Archdiocesan requirements. The topics for the day will
consist of Communications, Life Adjustments, Sexuality,
and Spirituality. You’ll begin the day at 9AM with coffee
and donuts, enjoy a catered lunch, and end the day with
5:00 PM Mass and a special blessing. Please contact Rob
& Lena Gelenberg at [email protected] or 610-2928359 for class information and registration. Our next PreCana class is scheduled for March 10, 2012
BAPTISM:
Baptisms are celebrated the second Sunday of each
month after the 11:00 AM Mass. Please stop by the Parish
Office for information on scheduling Baptism for your child.
Pre-Jordan classes are required for parents and optional
for godparents and are usually offered the first Monday of
the month at 7:30 PM in the Education Center. Call to
register for class. Letters of eligibility are due at the Parish
Office before a date can be confirmed for Baptism.
5:00 PM
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:00 AM
Weekdays:
Mon. through Sat. 9:00 AM
St. Theresa Chapel
Holy Day Vigil:
Holy Day:
7:00 PM
7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, & 12:15 PM
DEVOTIONS:
St. Theresa Chapel
Following daily Mass
Adoration:
Mon. through Fri.
Concluding at 7:30 PM
Most Holy Rosary:
Mon. through Sat. 8:25 AM
Divine Mercy Chaplet: Mon. 3:00 PM
St. Peregrine Novena: Mon. Following daily Mass
Religious Vocations:
Tues. Following daily Mass
Family & Parish:
Wed. Following daily Mass
Most Precious Blood: Thurs. Following daily Mass
Sacred Heart of Jesus: Fri. Following daily Mass
St. Theresa :
Sat. Following daily Mass
ANOINTING OF THE SICK:
Arrangements can be made by calling the Parish Office.
RECONCILIATION/CONFESSION:
Saturdays 4:00-4:30 PM or any time upon request.
Call the Parish Office for an appointment.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(closed for lunch 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
Pray for Our Military
Pray For Our Sick
In your prayers, please keep in mind our sick, homebound and those in healthcare facilities including: Father
Coates, Phyllis Galenti, Patricia Vozzo, Gasper Scardino,
Joanne Chinoy, Al Schaefer, Melanie Crepeau, Brody Moran,
Deidre Miller, Jim Lee, 2nd Lt. Timothy E. Fallon-Marines,
Dolores D’Amore, Christine Gvodas, Theresa Tomczak, Michael
Allen, Teresa Stong, Michael Lydon, Nicole Thomas Lutz,
Leona Collins, Patrick Cifelli, Arline Marinari, Patrick Banicki,
Bob Collins, Raymond Vozzo, Liz Horner, Gloria Wesley,
Michael Forchetti, Mary Eddy, Sr. Elizabeth Kovacs, SCC., Max
Tinti, Gloria Forchetti, Lee Pergiel, Tammy Lentz, Fran DeBona,
Jill Spencer, Anne Marie Steppler, Sue Eason, Sr. Rosemary
Collins, SSJ., Carmen Branco, Patricia Ann, Betsy Mace, Marie
Woodward, Tony Peluso, Mary Pizzico, Peggy Gravenstine,
Daniel McDermott, Walter Small, Sr., Raymond Stevens, and Sr.
Mary Theresa Escher, SCC.
Please pray for these and all our Military personnel: Tony Mitchell, Kevin O’Brien, CPO Richard Lindberg, Lt. Daniel Neverosky,
Pvt. Mathew Loggins, Sgt. Ross Gallagher, Lt. Bert Geis,
Capt. Rimas Radzius, Maj. Michael Magee, Lt. Col. Michael
Dehner, Maj. James M. Asman, Sgt. David Gentner, Sgt. David
Carlson, PO3 Elizabeth K. Fenerty, Capt. Kevin P. Maguire, Jr,
1st Lt. Steven J. Zahuranec, Jr., 1st Lt. Gregory Gehring, Maj.
Pamela DiPatrizo, Capt. Karl Van Haute, Lt.
Christopher Jones, L’Cpl. Angelo Pastella,
PFC Russ Souders, Jr., Tony Winston, US
Navy SAR Cadet, Timothy Kopp, and Scott
Gumpert.
“Lord, hold our troops in Your loving hands. Protect them as
they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless
acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."
Pray For Our Deceased
Please also remember in your prayers our beloved deceased including: Msgr. John A Sharkey, Kathleen Ryan, Mary Plamondon,
John Cardinal Foley, Family, Friends, and Casualties of War.
May God, through the intercession of St Helena, bless them. Amen
2
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
Parish Mission Statement
One Family
United as members of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, we are committed, as ONE FAMILY, to be messengers of God’s love and presence in the world, and to welcome and invite others to become part of this family and
this mission.
One Heart
Called by our Baptism to a life of service in the Lord, we are committed, with ONE HEART, to live in charity, practice the
works of mercy, and work for peace and justice.
One Faith
Strengthened by God’s Word and nourished by His Sacraments, we are committed, in ONE FAITH, to promote lives of
learning, living, and proclaiming the Gospel message, as we continue to grow in the knowledge, understanding, and
appreciation of all that embodies these awe-inspiring truths.
By the grace of God, may we be what we proclaim!
Merry Christmas !
Wishing you all of God’s blessings
this holy Christmas season.
NIC NOTES
sent the scourging Jesus received and the blood He
shed on the Cross. Why is that important? Because the
Bible says it is by trusting in the Precious Blood of Jesus
that we can have forgiveness of our sins and an everlasting home in heaven.
Dear Parishioners,
Merry & Blessed Christmas!
May God bless you with every good grace as you celebrate this wonderful feast day of the Word made flesh,
Jesus Christ.
Over time, the special candy became known as the candy cane—a treat seen just at Christmastime; but, the
meaning is still there for those who have “eyes to see
and ears to hear.”
Many of our Christmas treats and songs
have a lot to do with Christ. Here is one
example:
My hope is that now, whenever you see a candy cane,
you will be reminded of Jesus and the things God wants
you to know, and you will remember its origin. Like most
traditions that surround Christmas, this has a special
meaning. Sadly, often these special things end up no
longer religious, but secular. Please do all you can in
your own family to keep Christ in Christmas. Remember
that saying “Merry Christmas” to someone is not only a
beautiful greeting/sentiment, it is evangelization. “Merry
Christmas” really has everything to do with Christ and His
Holy Mass.
THE CHRISTMAS CANDY CANE
A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make
a candy that in a special way would show
people the love of God at Christmas. He used several
symbols for the Birth, Ministry, and Death of Jesus
Christ.
He began with a stick of pure, white, hard candy—
WHITE to symbolize the virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and HARD to symbolize the firmness of the
promises of God and Christ as the Solid Rock of foundation of the church.
During these past several weeks, our school children put
on a play, our PREP had their Tableau, and our Parish
Choirs, along with others, offered a Christmas Concert.
Words cannot express the magnificence and beauty of
these events. We at St. Helena truly strive to keep
“Christ” and “Mass” in “Christmas.” Let the blessings of
this Holy Season begin.
The candy maker formed the candy in the shape of a “J”
to represent the precious name of Jesus, Who came to
earth as our Savior. He felt the shape could also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which He
reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift up the
fallen sheep who, like us, have gone astray.
Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
May God, through the intercession of St. Helena, bless us.
Love & prayers,
Msgr. Nicolo
The candy maker stained the white candy with RED
stripes. Red stripes reminded him of Jesus. They repre3
DECEMBER 25, 2011
Mass
MON., Dec. 26
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
Stewardship is a Way of Life
Intentions
ONE FAMILY, ONE HEART, ONE FAITH
Total Contributions Week of December 18
Prior Year Contributions:
St. Stephen, first martyr
9:00 AM Edward Kurek
Req. by Rita Kurek
TUE., Dec. 27
St. John, the apostle
9:00 AM Raymond VanHaute, Sr.
Req. by the Tronoski family
WED., Dec. 28
The Holy Innocents
9:00 AM Susan M. Ward
Req. by the McKernan & Ward
families
THU., Dec. 29
St. Thomas Becket
9:00 AM Karen DeGennaro
Req. by Teresa Morella
FRI., Dec. 30
The Holy Family
9:00 AM Raymond VanHaute, Sr.
Req. by M/M Joseph Paul Smith
SAT., Dec. 31
St. Peter Canisius
9:00 AM For all living and
deceased members of the
St. Theresa Guild
Thank you for tithing – 5% to God’s Church and 5% to God’s
other good works, e.g., Archdiocesan Campaign, Diocesan
Collections, Capital Campaign, Poor Box, Parochial School
Tuition, Breast Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Leukemia
Society, Aids, Habitat for Humanity, etc.
“TITHING IS GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING.”
“A gift is freely given and freely received. Thank You, Lord
for Your gifts to us—especially the gift of Your Son, Jesus.”
Msgr. Nicolo
“I thank God, the Giver of all Good Gifts, for inspiring everyone to tithe.”
A parishioner
“Your care, concern, and commitment to Saint Helena Parish
are evident and greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your
continuing generosity to our Parish Family.”
May God bless you!
Msgr. Nicolo
Merry Christmas!
Each Christmas many parishes around the world
will begin with these simple words from a much
loved song, “In the little village of Bethlehem was
born a child one day and the sky was bright with a golden light
o’er the place where Jesus lay.” There is a hush in the parish
as the song is sung. It is both familiar and reassuring as we all
sing together. The words bring forth an image that is imprinted
in our minds, the humble place where the Blessed Virgin Mary
gave birth to the infant, Jesus.
5:00 PM Mass of Anticipation of the
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
SUN., Jan. 1
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM
Msgr. Nicolo celebrates Mass every Sunday and Holy
Day of Obligation for the People of Saint Helena Parish.
Throughout the Advent season we have been immersed with
new “words” of the Revised Translation of the Roman Missal
for the Mass. Words that give us great images of Holy Scripture and the essence of our faith. For many of us, the change
brought us closer to Christ and deeper spiritual enlightenment.
St. Helena Parish
AWE-INSPIRING JOURNEY TO POLAND
Sept. 14th—26th, 2012
$ TBA
$ 23,862
Cost: $3,150.
For those who may have missed a few of the instructions or
perhaps those who would like to reread some of the instructional leaflets that were in past bulletins during the Advent
Season rest assured that you can go to our Archdiocesan website (www.archphila.org) and become better acquainted on the
actual changes in the Mass texts, especially the people’s parts.
All these changes are positive and they help to convey many of
the rich biblical images and allusions in the original Latin text.
These changes help to emphasize God’s unconditional love,
goodness, power and glory for us. When we become immersed
with the meanings of the revised text we can better understand
the Eucharist as the sacrificial memorial of Christ's Death, and
the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Please join Fr. Szparagowski on a parish trip to Poland.
We will follow in the footsteps of Blessed Pope John
Paul II.
Experience the historicalreligious culture of Poland.
An evening for questions,
answers and other information is scheduled for
Thursday, February 23, at
7:30 PM in the Library.
Brochures will be available.
Call the Parish Office at:
610-275-7711 if you have
questions.
The more we grasp the meaning of what we say and do at
Mass the better our encounter with Christ can be. The Liturgy
will then be familiar and imprinted in our minds and heart with
the great images of Holy Scripture and the essence of our faith.
Then a month, six months or a year from now, when we sit
together as the Body of Christ, as a family celebrating the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass we will be fully immersed as
active participants.
4
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
We Remember
Joy to the World! Our Savior Reigns!
And we gratefully acknowledge the following families who so
thoughtfully asked that donations in memory of their loved
one be sent to St. Helena Church. We ask that you please
keep them in your prayers:
LIVE VIDEO STREAMING
OF MASS
James Adams, John Botto, Mary Ellen Brogan, Dr. Elwin S. Carlin, Audrey F. Crause, Harry DeFazio, Ann
Kelly, Jennie Dinardo, Michael Frawley, Nicholas
Grant, Ann Gerlach, Eugene P. Kenworthy Sr., Peter J.
Kelly, Sr., Orville Johnson, John S. Maguire, Jane
O’Doherty, Lucille Mazur, Grace Migliarese, George T.
McCool, Jean P. McQuade, Dorothy Nicolo, Thomas
Oakes, Joanna F. Roth, Matilda M. Schoppet, Mary
Ellen Sullivan, Gertrude Usher, Virginia Valentine,
Louise Vanelli, Jean Vereb, Mary C. & Raymond F.
Uccelletti, Sr., Margaret Wright, Carmen Pagliaro, Dottie Monastra, William Curran, Shawn Henry, Jack Gambone, Gasper Butera, Helen Borkowski, Mary Ryan,
Edward Garbacz, John Cantarini, Dave Landers, Joseph Nicolo, Sr., Ron Miles, Harold Rodgers, Marge
Fitzpatrick, Mildred Dulin, Candida Barone, Stanley
Lentz, Sr., Walter P. Piecyk, Henry Orzechowski,
Gasper Sclafani, Rose Trombetta, Brad Souders, Peter
Nicolo, Joseph Yaccarino, Irene Koziol, Frances Lavin,
Anna Silvaggio, Vincent J. Petrone, Stanely Toscani,
Rita Rego, Charles Halfpenny, Sr.,Gerard Geisel, Carol
Piskai, Stephen Imms, Betty Haly, Ed Sciarra, Ralph
Martino, Thomas Keane, Mary Russo, Marlin Souders,
William Guerrini, William Schmitz, Jr., Andy Ortlieb,
Nicola Rocco, Richard Duszak, Salvatore Giuffrida,
Harry Neff, Sr., Ronald Lattanze, Katherine Roth, Maria
Begley, Peggy Guerrini, Daniel Staffieri, Norma
Leuallen, John Frawley, Rae Bordo, Veronica Graff,
Thomas Yuengling, Francis Nolan, Thomas Swan, Dixie Katrina, Anna Marie Esposito, and Karen DeGennaro, Catherine Murphy, Rita Curran, Ann Yaccarino,
Tom Gaasche, Catherine Swanick, Agnes Dougherty,
Vera Lentz, Marg Agresti, James Frawley, Suzanne
Bottinger, Jack Fitzpatrick, Antoinette Cannon, Harvey
Kreitzer, and Nancy Cavan.
You can now see our Sunday
Masses (5 PM Saturday and 7:30,
9, and 11 AM Sunday, and all Holy
Day of Obligation Masses, the May
Procession, First Communion,
Confirmation, etc., live on your computer. This is to
allow those who may be homebound, sick, or infirmed to
watch Mass as it is celebrated from Saint Helena
Church. Simply go to our website, www.sainthelenacentersquare.net, and click on the “Live Mass Broadcasts” link. This will take you to the page where you can
click right on the “play”
button. Double click on
the picture to enlarge it to full screen. These Masses/
Services are shown as they occur (real time only).
SANCTUARY CANDLES
The Sanctuary Candle in the Church burns this week in
memory of Lucille Mazur on the eighth anniversary of her
death. Req. by Bob, Erin, and Melissa.
The Sanctuary Candle in the Chapel burns this week in
memory of Joseph R. Ferrara, Mary Salvatore, & Drs.
Joseph & Anthony Puleo. Req. by Agnes Ferrara.
BREAD and WINE
The offering of Bread and Wine is being
made this week in memory of Lucille Mazur
on the eighth anniversary of her death. Req.
by Bob, Erin, and Melissa.
MEMORIALS
The following people made bequests in their will to Saint
Helena Church. Please remember them in prayer as well.
ALTAR FLOWERS: If you wish to place flowers in memory
of a loved one or for a special occasion, please call
Theresa Smith at 215-646-7636.
BREAD AND WINE MEMORIAL: If you wish to participate in
the ancient tradition of providing the Bread and Wine for
our liturgies, please come to the Parish Office. An
offering of $50 is requested.
SANCTUARY CANDLES: If you wish to have a Sanctuary
Candle burn in memory of a loved one, please come to
the Parish Office. An offering of $20 is requested.
Vivian Becker, Alice P. Devlin, Mary E. Flanagan, Hon.
Robert W. Honeyman, Concetta Marchesani, Mary
Ellen Sullivan, Laura E. Wisniewski, Estelle Noska,
Elizabeth Ann Quillinan and Jean Stock.
Bequests
Would you like to remember Saint Helena in your will?
Ask your attorney to include such words as these in your
will: “I give, devise, or bequeath to Saint Helena Church,
1489 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422 for its general
purposes all (or state a fraction or percentage) of the rest,
residue, and remainder of my estate, whether real or
personal.” OR “I give to Saint Helena Church, 1489
DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422 ($ X.00 ) to be used
for the general purposes of Saint Helena Parish.”
ST. THERESA GUILD: If you wish to honor someone with a
membership in the St. Theresa Guild where they will
benefit from sharing perpetually in the Holy Sacrifice of
the Mass, please come to the Parish Office. An offering
of $25 is requested.
5
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
WOMEN OF THE GOSPELS
Daily Prayer for Christmastime
All women are invited to five evenings of
guided prayer and sharing with the women
of the New Testament. We will ponder the
poignant stories of Mary and Elizabeth,
Mary and Anna, Mary and Martha of Bethany and Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary as recorded by Luke and
Matthew. These Gospel women were in caring relationships with Jesus and each other. Their stories offer
profound wisdom for our lives today. Please reserve the
third Monday evening of each month from 7:00 to 8:30
PM. beginning January 16, 2012. Plan to come and
bring your Bible and your friends. For more information,
please contact Carol Jensen at 610-277-4833.
Lord Jesus, God from God,
Guide my every thought today.
Heaven and earth, rejoice!
Lord Jesus, my Redeemer,
Let my lips speak only Your word.
Heaven and earth, rejoice!
Lord Jesus, my King,
Fill my deeds today with your love.
Heaven and earth, rejoice!
CATHE’S CORNER
Merry Christmas! On this Feast of Wonder and Awe, we have wonderful news from
St. Helena School to share with our parish family. To date, we have been informed
that the following students have won Academic Scholarships: Victoria Summerville
to Mt. St. Joseph Academy; Maddy Dittrich to Gwynedd
Mercy Academy, and Gabe Holder to LaSalle College High
School! We are so proud of these young people and rejoice
in their very good news!
We would also like to announce that the following students
from our Eighth Grade Class have qualified to sit for the
Neumann Scholarship from the Connelly Foundation and
have received an invitation to participate in this program:
Douglas Boehme
Maddy Dittrich
Sean Finlay
Peter Fiorentino
Liam FitzPatrick
Richard Fusco
Gabe Holder
Kristin Lucas
Charlie Lunney
Lindsey Maiale
Jack Niekelski
Colleen Osborne
Ryan Schutta
Samantha Scoma
Quinn Szente
Hannah Tubman
In order to be invited to participate in this program, the
following qualifications must be met:
 Attended a parish/regional elementary school for the entire
7th grade academic year
 Achieved a National Percentile (NP) Total Score of 90 OR a Cognitive Skills
Index (CSI) of 120 in the 7th grade Terra Nova Test
 Achieved a final general average of 92.0 in the first marking period of 8th
grade
 Have a strong desire to attend an Archdiocesan high school.
This Christmas as we celebrate the mystery of Emmanuel, God-With-Us, it is
important to take some time to quietly reflect on all of the many gifts that have
been showered on us. Be assured that YOU are each Gift in my life and I thank my God each and every day!
May this Christmastime be filled with the rich gifts of Peace, Happiness, Joy and Light.
Merry Christmas, with love, Sister Cathe
Blessings!
6
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
MADELEINE’S MESSAGE
KEN’S CACHE
ST. HELENA RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
On this most Blessed of Days, we
look at the history of the Celebration
of Christmas:
We wish Rev. Msgr Nicolo, Father
Szparagoowski, Sister Cathe, and all our
Saint Helena Parish family a Blessed
Christmas.
The word for Christmas in late Old
English is Cristes Maesse, the Mass of Christ, first found
in 1038, and Cristes-messe, in 1131. In Dutch it is Kerstmis, in Latin Dies Natalis, whence comes the French Noël, and Italian Il natale; in German Weihnachtsfest, from
the preceeding sacred vigil. The term Yule is of disputed
origin. It is unconnected with any word meaning "wheel".
The name in Anglo-Saxon was geol, feast: geola, the name
of a month (cf. Icelandic iol a feast in December).
May the birth of Our Savior bring peace and
many blessings into your homes.
Love from: Maria Mitchell, Donna Matoney, Sarah
Finnegan, Helen Winterbottom, Terry Reigle, Jill Martin,
Bill Bogle, Angela Malony, Danielle James, George
McCool, Joanne Palmer, Jim Dougherty, Wit Hammond,
Sue Hammond, Frank Reigle, Gina Malony, Lisa Filoon
and myself .
Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the
Church. Irenaeus and Tertullian omit it from their lists of
feasts; Origen, glancing perhaps at the discreditable
imperial Natalitia, asserts that in the Scriptures sinners
alone, not saints, celebrate their birthday; Arnobius can still
ridicule the "birthdays" of the gods.
To all a Blessed Christmas!
Madeleine Fitzgerald
PARISH CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WEEK OF DECEMBER 25, 2011
SUN., Dec. 25
-Christmas Mass
7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 AM
-Facility closed
MON., Dec. 26
-Facility Closed
TUE., Dec. 27
-NO PREP classes
-Young Adult Basketball
6:30 PM in the Social/Rec Center
-Adult Basketball
7:30 PM in the Social/Rec Center
WED., Dec. 28
-CYO 4:30 PM in the Soc/Rec Center
-Ladies of Helena
7 PM in the Cafeteria
-RCIA 7:30 PM in the Parish Meeting Rm
THU., Dec. 29
-NO Charismatic Prayer Group
-CYO 4:30 PM in the Soc/Rec Center
FRI., Dec. 30
-Facility Closed
-Have a very Merry Christmas!
SAT., Dec. 31
-Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Mary,
Mother of God 5:00 PM
SUN., Jan. 1
Happy New Year!
-Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
7:30 AM, 9 AM, & 11 AM
-Facility Closed
The first evidence of the feast is from Egypt. About A.D.
200, Clement of Alexandria says that certain Egyptian
theologians "over curiously" assign, not the year alone, but
the day of Christ's birth, placing it on 25 Pachon (20 May)
in the twenty-eighth year of Augustus, thought they did this
believing that the ninth month, in which Christ was born,
was the ninth of their own calendar. Others reached the
date of 24 or 25 Pharmuthi (19 or 20 April). With Clement's
evidence may be mentioned the "De paschæ computus",
written in 243 and falsely ascribed to Cyprian , which
places Christ's birth on 28 March, because on that day the
material sun was created. But Lupi has shown that there is
no month in the year to which respectable authorities have
not assigned Christ's birth. Clement, however, also tells us
that the Basilidians celebrated the Epiphany, and with it,
probably, the Nativity, on 15 or 11 Tybi (10 or 6 January).
At any rate this double commemoration became popular,
partly because the apparition to the shepherds was considered as one manifestation of Christ's glory, and was added
to the greater manifestations celebrated on 6 January; partly because at the baptism-manifestation many codices
wrongly give the Divine words as (Thou art my beloved
Son, this day have I begotten thee) in lieu of (in thee I am
well pleased), read in Luke 3:22. Abraham Ecchelensis
quotes the Constitutions of the Alexandrian Church for a
dies Nativitatis et Epiphaniæ in Nicæan times; Epiphanius
quotes an extraordinary semi-Gnostic ceremony at Alexandria in which, on the night of 5-6 January, a cross-stamped
Korê was carried in procession round a crypt, to the chant,
"Today at this hour Korê gave birth to the Eternal"; John
Cassian records in his "Collations", written 418-427, that
the Egyptian monasteries still observe the "ancient
custom"; but on 29 Choiak (25 December) and 1 January,
433, Paul of Emesa preached before Cyril of Alexandria,
and his sermons show that the December celebration was
then firmly established there, and calendars prove its
permanence. The December feast therefore reached Egypt
between 427 and 433.
Merry Christmas !
SCHOOL CHOICE
School choice reinforces the idea that parents, not the
government, are the primary educators of their children.
Details of school choice legislation is available on line via
the PA Catholic Conference at www.pacatholic.org. I ask
you to please call or visit your legislator and ask them to
support legislation that includes two parts—a voucher
program and an increase to the tax credit scholarships. If
you are unable to visit or call, log on to
www.pacatholic.org to send a message via email.
Bishop Fitzgerald
Merry Christmas!
7
Deacon Ken
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
8
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
9
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
The Origin of
The Twelve Days of Christmas
- - LOOKING AHEAD - MINISTRIES SCHEDULED FOR
THE WEEKEND OF DEC. 31 & JAN. 1
CELEBRANT
5:00 PM
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
Did you know “The Twelve Days of
Christmas” was written in England as a
“catechism song” to help young
Catholics learn the tenets of their faith?
How well do you know your Catholic faith? Match up the
following points noted in the song to the symbolic interpretation of their meaning. (Some items are used twice.)
Fr. Joseph
Fr. Szparagowski w/ Deacon Don
Fr. Szparagowski w/ Deacon Ken
Msgr. Nicolo
E.M. OF HOLY COMMUNION
5:00 PM
B McDugall, J & T Smith, M Valle,
A Wales
7:30 AM
A & T Perkinson
9:00 AM
P VanHaute, J Waitkus, L Basile,
R Henry
11:00 AM**
J Oberlies, J Eisle, J Schmidt, J Coyle,
L Filoon, T Reigle, F Boccella
A. Eleven Pipers Piping
B. Five Golden Rings
1___ Fruits of the Holy Spirit
2___ Evangelists: Matthew,
Mark, Luke, John
C. Ten Lords a-Leaping
3___ Old & New Testaments
D. Four Calling Birds
4___ The Virtues: Faith, Hope
and Love
E. Twelve Drummers Drummin’ 5___ Number of Doctrines in
the Apostles’ Creed
F. Six Geese a-Laying
6___ Days of Creation
G. Partridge in a Pear Tree
7___ Faithful Apostles
H. Eight Maids a-Milking
8___ Jesus
I. Two Turtle Doves
9___ The Commandments
J. My True Love
10___ The Holy Trinity
K. Three French Hens
11___ Gifts of the Holy Spirit
L. Nine Ladies Dancing
12___ God
M. Four Calling Birds
13___ The Gospels
N. Seven Swans a-Swimming 14___ Anyone baptized in the
Name of Jesus
O. Three French Hens
15___ The Beatitudes
P. (To) Me
16___ The Pentateuch
**Holy Communion offered under both Species.
LECTORS AND MUSIC
5:00 PM
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
J Jones
T Donohue
J Treml
D Barry
ALTAR SERVERS
5:00 PM
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
J Barrett, C McInerney, A & D Hughes
Servers needed
Servers needed
A Tomlinson, M & S Reichard
Organ/Cantor
Organ/Cantor
Ensemble
Organ/Cantor
8th
Memorial Invitational
Basketball Tournament
REVERENTIAL SILENCE
The keeping of a “reverential silence” in the
church and chapel is of the utmost importance.
People come to the church and chapel to pray.
Chit-chat is distracting. Please go to the Narthex before
or after Mass to chit-chat and greet people. Chit-chat is
inappropriate in the Narthex during Mass. Make sure the
inner doors of the church are closed so voices don’t travel into the body of the church. When leaving the chapel,
please go a distance outside before you chit-chat and
greet people. Please make sure the chapel doors are
closed. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
13, 14, 15 & 16, 2012 (Fri., Sat., Sun., Mon.)
“Championship Game” January 16th at 6:00PM & 7:30PM
Saint Helena Church is
proud
to
introduce
“Enhanced Stewardship
through Electronic Funds
Transfer.” We have partnered with Parish Giving to offer
this program to all of our parishioners.
Parish Giving is simple, secure, and convenient; and, it
offers tax benefits as well as parish benefits.
To get started, log on to http://www.sainthelenacentersquare.net and click on the Parish Giving logo
and follow the easy registration steps . If you have questions, please call Nick Semchuk at 610-275-7711.
Mike Brophy 610.292.9880 Work or Email: [email protected]
10
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
JOY TO THE WORLD! JESUS IS BORN!
H P E S O J
ANGELS
GIFT
MAGI
ANIMALS
GLORIA
MANGER
BETHLEHEM
HOLY
MARY
Q A E R E E L N
BIRTH
HOLY SPIRIT
NATIVITY
I
M E U F H H R W T N P A D E N
CHILD
INN
PEACE
L
T
CHRISTMAS
JESUS
SAVIOR
Y S B K H P E P R L C M E T N P
CRECHE
JOSEPH
SHEPHERDS
Z
DONKEY
JOYFUL
SONG
EMMANUEL
KINGS
STABLE
FAMILY
LORD
STAR
FATHER
LOVE
WORSHIP
F D F
J
I
E E R E H T A F F
D B M C S G N
I
K O W
A S E E E L E T M A Y H N V S
M A Z S B
I
I
T
L S U C L
I
I
S O N U
I
A R T Y H S Y O A R A
L
I
M G W
L A N
B R T T R
I
E Y H T
I
M E G Y L
F H S R
O M L O G
I
V
I
I
C
I
I
K C Z E B M Q O L
J
A V A N H A
R S G G N O S H Y
I
I
M
I
S A E
A G O N S H E P H E R D S T H D
T O Y A D O N K E Y O U J
L A E
S R M M J O Y F U L
F T N
W O R S H
I
L G
I
FAMILY FOCUS
It’s a challenge to keep the family focused on the true
meaning of Christmas. Trees, tinsel, trains, and toys
are hard to compete with!
P N X L G X L O R D
During Advent, you may have helped with an outreach
program to help the poor enjoy a few gifts and a nice
holiday meal. Try to remain involved in these activities
year round. Show your children that Christmas is the
birth, or “beginning,” of a year of helping others, as
Jesus did throughout His life.
Complete this dot-to-dot puzzle and you will have a
reminder of what today is all about. Then enjoy coloring!
Jesus Our gift of love
WORD INTO
ACTION
Before the gifts are opened,
set aside an empty box. Ask
each family member to save
a piece of wrapping paper
from one gift. After all gifts
are opened, tape or glue
each piece of paper to the
outside of the box. You’ll
have a box decorated with a
colorful Christmas collage.
Attach a tag of sign that says
“Jesus Is Our Best Gift.”
Keep the box under the tree
throughout the Christmas
season.
Answers to Twelve Days of Christmas:
1-L, 2-D, 3-I, 4-O, 5-E, 6-F, 7-A, 8-G, 9-C,
10-K, 11-N, 12-J, 13-M, 14-P, 15-H, 16-B
11
DECEMBER 25, 2011
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
STEWARDSHIP OF TIME & TALENT
MINISTRY / ORGANIZATION
CONTACT PERSON
PHONE NO.
Adoration
Art & Environment
Basketball: Adult
Young Adult
Bereavement Ministry
Bible Study
Chapel Reposers
Charismatic Prayer Group
Collection Counters
Communion and Liberation
Community of Disciples
Cross Talk
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Divine Mercy Support Group
Ecumenical Activities Coordinators
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Church
Mercy Suburban. Hospital
Nursing/Private Home Visits
Evangelization Ministry
Facilities Committee
Finance Council
Fundraising
Garden Club
Governmental Affairs
Greeters
Habitat for Humanity
Home & School Association
Hospitality
Knights of Columbus
Ladies of Helena
Lectors (Scheduling)
Lending Library
Liturgical Dance
Liturgy Committee
Mommy & Me
Music Ministry
Adult Choir
Bell Choir
Cantors (Scheduling)
Children’s Chime Choir
Contemporary Music Ensemble
School Chorus
New Beginnings II
Parish Nurse Program
Parish Pastoral Council
Parish Youth Ministry
St. Helena School
Parish Religious Ed. Program (PREP)
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Altar Servers
Youth Lectors
High School Youth Group
CYO / Community Service Corps
CYO / Sports - Athletic Director
Brownies / Girl Scouts
Cub / Boy Scouts
Photography Club
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Pre Cana Team
Agnes Ferrara
Theresa Smith
Kevin Wisniewski
John Oberlies
Michele Gerstemeier
Deacon Ken Belanger
Deacon Don Kretsch
Linda & Fred Short
George Haly
Rebecca Cherico
Jo-Ann Belanger
Dorothy Barry
Barbara Souders
Hannah Kiernan
Tim & MaryAnne Seiders
Msgr. Nicolo
Jim Pinciotti
Dick Stauffer
Parish Office
Jo-Ann Belanger
Anthony Taormina
Msgr. Nicolo
Nick Semchuk
Theresa Smith
Dick Stauffer
Herb Mace
Ray VanHaute
Carolyn Dittrich
Gina Malony
Bob McDugall
Theresa Smith
Angela Walker
Donna Matoney
Jackie Spada
Msgr. Nicolo
Becky Bushner
Cheryl Moser
Cheryl Moser
Cheryl Moser
Jim Siewert
Cheryl Moser
Dick Lentz
Jennifer Lau
Rita Kurek
Terry Shomberg, R.N.
Msgr. Nicolo
215-699-9419
215-646-7636
215 699-0559
215-756-7194
610-584-0862
610-279-8042
610-539-7365
215-699-4426
610-831-1490
484-231-8807
610-279-8042
610-275-3689
215-646-3437
610-707-2709
215-699-6993
610-275-7711
610-275-9813
610-272-7585
610 275-7711
610-279-8042
610-256-0886
610-275-7711
610-275-7711
215-646-7636
610-272-7585
610-275-2297
215-641-0356
215-628-2962
610-275-7711
610-275-9599
215-646-7636
215-628-2797
610-275-7711
610-589-4917
610-275-7711
484-684-6118
610-505-3038
610-505-3038
610-505-3038
610-277-6265
610-505-3038
215-822-6751
610-279-3345
610-279-5897
215-699-5024
610-275-7711
Sr. Cathe Shoulberg
Madeleine Fitzgerald
Marie Kushnerick
Millicent Basile
Angela Walker
Fr. Szparagowski
Marianne Smith
Dan O’Brien
Susan Hughes
Ken Brooke
Theresa Smith
Sr. Francis Reinhardt, O.S.F.
Lena & Rob Gelenberg
610-279-3345
610-277-3573
610-270-3035
215-661-1378
215-628-2797
610-275-7711
610-278-0718
215-806-2281
610-279-5564
610-476-6987
215-646-7636
610-279-1804
610-292-8359
12
E-MAIL / WORK NO
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] or
215-652-7507
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
DECEMBER 25, 2011
MINISTRY / ORGANIZATION
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
CONTACT PERSON
Pre-Jordan Team
Debbie & Corey Furlan
Pro-Life Activities
Deacon Don Kretsch
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Deacon Ken Belanger
Sanctuary/Church Cleaners
Anne Burr
Senior Citizens Club
Marion Novelli
Serving Our Community—SOC
Micki Burns
St. Anne Sewing Club
Theresa Smith
Time & Talent Coordinator
Joe Walker
Tithing Coordinators
Elaine & Vince Thompson
Ushers
Herb Mace
Wedding Rehearsal Coordinators
Cindy Lejman
PHONE NO.
E-MAIL / WORK NO
610-277-1291
610-539-7365
610-279-8042
610-279-3616
610-277-1279
610-272-5408
215-646-7636
215-628-2797
610-277-5814
610-275-2297
215-699-9063
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
PARISH MEMBERSHIP
Please remember….In order to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Matrimony; or, to be granted Letters of Eligibility for sponsorship at Baptism or Confirmation, or to have the priest give you a
personal recommendation, it is necessary that you be registered in the parish and practicing your faith. Please call the
Parish Office for an appointment if you need to register.
If you move, change your phone number or e-mail address, please notify the Parish Office so our records can be
brought current. Parish Office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday (closed 12 to 1 PM).
WELCOME TO SAINT HELENA PARISH
We are glad you decided to celebrate with our Parish Family. If you have recently moved into the parish
area, live within the parish boundaries, and would like to register as a parishioner, please fill in the information below and place the form in the collection basket. Someone from the Parish Office will call you.
You are also welcome to call the Parish Office at 610-275-7711 if you have questions. Also, be sure to visit our Parish website at www.sainthelena-centersquare.net
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE/ZIP:
PHONE #:
CELL:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
13