The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
December 25 , 2016
OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL PARISH
PARROQUIA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA MEDALLA MILAGROSA
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday:
5:00 PM — Vigil
Sunday:
8:00 AM & 11:00 AM
La Misa en español 2:30 PM
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 10:00 AM
6:00 PM
Wednesday:
Check Bulle n Schedule
Holy Days:
La Natividad del Señor (Navidad)
300 Pike Street
Meadow Lands PA 15347
724-222-1911
724-206-9677 (en español)
Office Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
e-mail: [email protected]
www.MiraculousMedalChurch.org
25 de diciembre de 2016
DAY / TIME
CONFESSIONS / EVENTS
OBSERVANCES / MASS INTENTIONS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 4:00 pm
4:00 pm
8:00 pm
12 am MIDNIGHT
READINGS
THE VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS
Mass in Church (English)
Mass in CCD Ctr. (English)
Mass in Church (Spanish)
Mass in Church (English)
PARISHIONERS
PARISHIONERS
PARISHIONERS
PARISHIONERS
Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 1617, 27 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25;
Mt 1:1-25 [18-25]
Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13;
Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS)
10:00 am Mass in Church (English)
PARISHIONERS
Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb
1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26
ST. STEPHEN; KWANZAA BEGINS
10:00 am Mass
10:45 am Miraculous Medal Novena
Richard Stelzer + (Christmas), req. Stelzer Family
PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22
ST. JOHN
10:00 am Mass
6:30 pm Welcome Ministry, Church Hall
Josephine Calabro +., req. Bruce & Mei Yee Livingwood
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6,
11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8
THE HOLY INNOCENTS
6:00 pm Mass
Joan Bandi + (Birthday), req. Family
1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2;
Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18
ST. THOMAS BECKET;
FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
10:00 am Mass.
John M. Livolsi +, req. Wife, Bella & Family
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6;
Lk 2:36-40
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH
10:00 am Mass
10:45 am Divine Mercy
Joseph & Elizabeth Chehovin + (Christmas), req. Children
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21
[12-17]; Ps 128:1-5;
Mt 2:13-15, 19-23
ST. SYLVESTER I; NEW YEAR’S EVE
SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
3:00 pm Wedding
4:00 pm Confession
5:00 pm Mass
Carla Roney & Ean Miller
1 Jn 2:18-21;
Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18
Daniel Moroco Sr. +, req. Deb, Dan & Family
MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD — THE OCTAVE DAY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE NEW YEAR’S DAY
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017
8:00 am Mass
11:00 am Mass
2:30 pm Spanish Mass
Richard Bandi + (Anniversary), req. Family
Mira Simonini + (Birthday), req. Family
PARISHIONERS
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN LATIN,
THE COMPENDIUM ON THE EUCHARIST IS FINALLY AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH!
It is a treasure trove of material from doctrinal, liturgical, and spiritual points of view, incorporating the most
recent English translation of the Roman Missal, 3rd Edition. Priests, seminarians, and liturgists will be delighted
with this resource. A pastoral aid designed to help Catholics explore and understand the mystery of the Eucharist
more fully, this important new collection will help guide the faithful to a deeper understanding and celebration
of the source and summit of the Christian life.
AVAILABLE NOW
http://store.usccb.org/Compendium-on-the-Eucharist-p/7-114.htm?
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
OS CUMPLEAÑOS DE ESTA SEMANA
Kathleen Davey, Christopher Havelka, Richard Stofko, John Zipko, Joseph Zipko, Beth Ann Lesjak,
Brittany Palfreyman, Richard Rockage, Justin Dzubinski, Samuel Tepsich, Mary Zak, Chase Roberts,
Kyle Rush, Danelle Waugh, Roxanne Moskal, Genevieve Woucuich, Dorothy Zatta, Isabelle Lape, Virginia Oliveri, Madeline Semple, Jessica Insana, Patricia Openbrier and Robert Sroka.
OLMM CHURCH, DECEMBER 25, 2016
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PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOOD FOR NEEDY FAMILIES
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY CONFIRMED
During the harsh winter months of January and February, we
are asking our parishioners to help some of our families in the
parish who are in need of assistance for food. If you are able to
donate, the following it would be appreciated:
Flour, sugar, rice, beans, tortillas
and assorted canned goods.
You can bring these items to the church on Sundays, or to
the rectory during the week, from 9 am to 2 pm. Thank you so
much for your generosity.
La Comida para las Familias Necesitadas Durante los meses
de enero y febraro, estamos preguntando nuestros feligreses
que ayuden a algunas familias necesitadas. Si pueden donar
algunos de la sientes productos:
arroz, frijoles, tortillas, harina,
azucar y otros productos enlatados.
Pueden dejar las cosas en la iglesia los domingos o en la retoria duponte la semana de 9 am to 2 pm
PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Thank you to everyone that participated in anyway with the
Pancake Breakfast with Santa. It was a very successful
event and your help and attendance was so very much appreciated. The winner of the 50/50 raffle was Barb Provenzano.
We would like to congratulate the young people in our parish
who have just recently been confirmed.
Chase Michael Bitz
Ava Brookman
Natalee Kathleen Burns
Jacob Cimino
Abigail Larue Glivic
Veronica Jane Hess
Michael Francis Koroly
Haley Ann Mruk
Rachel Nawrocki
Gabrielle Faye Pomfret
Thomas James Ross
Brendan Trischler
Matthew Williamson
Sarai Guadalupe Villafana Heranandez
Gustavo Angel Gonzalez Carranza
Donato Garcia Jr.
Mark Gonzalez
Alan Olmos
Jaime Salinas
We are so proud of you.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIOCESE
SPREAD THE WORD
He is the Light of the World! Enrich your faith this Advent
and Christmas with special programming throughout the
season on EWTN. Find EWTN in your area by visiting
www.ewtn.com/channelfinder
RESPECT LIFE
To the parishioners of Our Lady of the
Miraculous Medal Parish. The Human
Coalition would like to thank you for your
generous contribution to our Annual Baby
Bottle Campaign.
The people of your parish raised $1,342.30
to date for this years campaign.
MARCH FOR LIFE
This years March for Life will be on January 27, 2017 in
Washington D.C. We will be providing a bus.
The cost is: Adults $10.00 Children & Youth: Free.
Mass will be at 5:30am the morning of the trip. The bus will
leave at 6 am from Miraculous Medal parking lot.
If you would like to make reservations, please call
Jan Chehovin at: 724-222-8513
REST IN PEACE
Please pray for the soul of
Doris M. Volen, parishioner
May her soul and all the souls of the
faithful dparted rest in peace.
OLMM CHURCH, DECEMBER 25, 2016
ON MISSION FOR THE CHURCH ALIVE!
As we prepare for the coming of our Savior, let us also continue to get ready for the changes and growth ahead as we journey ON MISSION FOR THE CHURCH ALIVE!
The more than 27,000 faithful who recently attended parish
consultation meetings are a testament to your commitment to
your parish and our baptismal call to follow Jesus and bring
others to Him. As the consultation process continues, stay involved and sign up for e-mail updates at OnMissionChurchAlive.org
HIGH SCHOOL SILENT RETREAT
God is alive and we believe that He speaks to us. At this
men’s High School Silent Retreat, we are going to give God
the time and space to speak to our hearts about our lives and
our vocations.
The retreat will be led by Fr. Mike Ackerman and Fr. Joe
Freedy at The Arc and The Dove Retreat House, fr om 9:00
a.m. on Saturday, January 14 until 11:00 a.m. on Sunday,
January 15, 2017.
For more information or to register, visit GHPriest.com.
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PARISH FAITH
THE GIFT OF GOD’S WORD
On this day of gifts and gift giving, it seems appropriate
that we take a moment to reflect on the great gift of God’s
Word. Because it is creative, God’s Word always points to its
author, always calls us to respond. Because it is powerful,
God’s Word can link the sublime with the ridiculous, the
transcendent with the immanent, the divine with the human.
Because it is graceful, God’s Word establishes a relationship
of deep intimacy between us and God.
At the heart of God’s Word lies a tantalizing tension between the mysterious and the mundane. In our liturgical celebration, this unresolved tension both reveals the meaning of
life for us and calls us to respond, to act upon that meaning.
Once accepted and opened, the gift of God’s Word is a
gift that keeps on giving and keeps on calling us to give in
return. It dares us to be like the gift-giver and to become gifts
for others, not only at Christmas, but at every moment of life.
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
An old joke asks, “What time is Midnight Mass?” The answer is not really obvious, since Christmas is unique
in having several distinct celebrations. The readings
and prayers vary greatly from hour to hour. The
Vigil Mass hinges on the family heritage of Jesus
and his origins. The concept of “midnight” predates
clock time, and really has to do with a celebration in
the hours of darkness. Years ago, it was not possible
to receive Communion without fasting for a full day,
so the late hour of this Mass made it possible for the
people to receive.
The first Mass after sunrise, the Mass at Dawn, was once
known as “The Shepherds’ Mass,” and later Masses set
aside stories of Jesus’ birth to focus on the key to the day’s
celebration: John the Evangelist’s majestic theology of
Christ’s identity as the Word made flesh, dwelling among
us.
One feast, four separate Masses. Only monasteries manage
the whole round. Parishioners typically take just one entry
point into the mystery. Yet there is much to savor and celebrate in the coming of Christ into the world. Christmas is
not a day, but a season. You still have two weeks to send
those Christmas cards before you’re officially late!
LA FE DE LA PARROQUIA
EL DON DE LA PALABRA DE DIOS
En este día de recibir y dar regalos, parece apropiado que
tomemos un momento para reflexionar sobre el gran don de la
Palabra de Dios. La Palabra de Dios es creativa y por eso
siempre apunta a su autor, siempre nos llama a responder. La
Palabra de Dios es poderosa y puede enlazar lo sublime con lo
ridículo, lo trascendente con lo inmanente, lo divino con lo
humano. La Palabra de Dios es llena de gracia, establece una
relación de intimidad profunda entre nosotros y Dios.
En el corazón de la Palabra de Dios yace una tensión seductora entre lo misterioso y lo mundano. En nuestra celebración litúrgica, esta tensión sin resolución revela el significado
de la vida para nosotros y también nos llama a responder para
actuar según ese significado. Una vez que la aceptamos y la
abrimos, el don de la Palabra de Dios es un regalo que sigue
dando y sigue llamándonos a dar a cambio. Nos reta a ser como el dador de regalos y a convertirse en regalos para los demás, no solo en Navidad, sino en cada momento de la vida.
TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FE
Hoy celebramos el nacimiento de Jesús, comenzando con la
Misa de Gallo. A esta Misa se le añade la tradición popular que ha comenzado en el hogar con pesebres, comidas y regalos. Se nos haría difícil imaginar terminar
el año sin la Navidad. Pero el calendario cristiano sólo
la ha festejado algunos 1800 años. Los primeros cristianos únicamente celebraban la Pascua de Resurrección,
siguiendo lo que todos los evangelios nos relatan de los
eventos de la Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección de Jesús.
Sólo Mateo y Lucas mencionan su nacimiento.
Alrededor del año 200 d.C., los cristianos
egipcios empezaron a conmemorar el nacimiento de Jesús el
20 de marzo que era el noveno mes de su calendario. Con el
tiempo, la idea de festejar el nacimiento del Mesías se extendió
a otras comunidades cristianas, pero con diversas fechas como
el 19 de abril, el 6 de enero, el 28 de marzo y otras. Fue hasta
el siglo cuarto que se fijó la fecha para el 25 de diciembre,
gracias a Juan Crisóstomo y al Papa Julio I. Otras fuentes señalan que en el año 366 los cristianos comenzaron a celebrar el
nacimiento de Cristo, sol de justicia, precisamente el 25 de
diciembre.
En realidad no sabemos cuándo nació Jesús, pero sí sabemos que hay que celebrar el hecho que Dios se hizo uno de
nosotros.
FROM THE OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
DE LA OFICINA DEL MINISTERIO DE JÓVENES Y ADULTOS
GAME ON!
¡VAMOS A JUGAR!
Youth and Young Adult Ministry wants to add a little
more fun to the youth room!
¡El ministerio de jóvenes y adultos jóvenes quiere
añadir más diversión al salón de jóvenes!
This Christmas, consider gifting your fully functioning,
gently used, extra gaming system to our parish youth.
We are looking for a complete unit, including controlers,
and perhaps a few games to get us started!
If you, or someone you know is interested in sending
their device to a good home, please contact our youth
minister, Rachel, at (724) 222-1911 or
[email protected]
Esta Navida, ¡considerar donar su vieja máquina de videojuegos a los jóvenes de la parroquía! Nos gustaría una
máquina completa, con controles, que funciona bien,
para usar durante nuestras reuiniones.Si tienes algo, o
conoces a alguien quién tiene una máquina para donar,
favor de hablar con la directora del ministerio juvenil,
Rachel, a (724) 222-1911 o
[email protected]
OLMM CHURCH, DECEMBER 25, 2016
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TODAY’S MESSAGE
EL MENSAJE HOY
THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
LA NATIVIDAD DEL SEÑOR (NAVIDAD)
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Christmas can be disappointing. We remember the
Christmases from our childhood, all the joy, the excitement,
and the fun we had. When we grow up, we have to shop for
gifts, write and mail the cards, put up the decorations, and do
all the preparations that seem to stress us out. We may be sad
that the day did not meet our expectations. Now that most of
that is done, (unless you are reading this on a break from
cleaning house before the grandkids arrive) we can reflect on
how the first Christmas upset all expectations.
I’m sure Joseph never expected to have a child so
soon. Or to have the baby born in a stable miles from their
home in Nazareth. The shepherds never expected to be awakened by angels. And those Jews who looked forward to the
coming of a Messiah never expected him to come as a baby.
Yet God had reasons for coming in this way.
The nativity scene looks so peaceful and beautiful,
but the reality was not so romantic. The messiah came not to
the sound of war horns, but the cry of a helpless infant. He was
born in a stable because no one had room for him. The first to
see him were the shepherds, the migrant workers of the time.
The political leaders (Herod and friends) wanted to kill him.
Jesus was born in this way to show that he came not
for the important and wealthy, but for the poor and outcast. As
an adult, he would continue to surprise: he ate with sinners and
tax collectors; he challenged the religious leaders of Israel. He
was executed as a criminal.
So today he continues to come to us in the homeless,
the illegal alien, the sick, those in prison, the unborn infant,
that we might find him where we least expect. Can we learn to
see him in the unexpected, in our trials and difficulties, our
own weaknesses? When we do, we will celebrate what Christmas is truly about.
Tom Schmidt, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
ESPERANDO EN LA OSCURIDAD
Isaías escribe intensamente en la oscuridad y en la
penumbra, con las cargas y sacrificios que los judíos han soportado por años y años. Su espera, su miseria se difícil y prolongada. Y aún así ellos continúan esperando. En la carta de
Pablo a Tito, la comunidad cristiana también está esperando,
no por el nacimiento del Salvador sino por el regreso de ese
Salvador. Pablo nos recuerda “la bendita esperanza” que sostiene nuestra espera. En Lucas escuchamos la ya conocida
historia de María y José, el embarazo y el alumbramiento, el
bebé, el Hijo. Él es aquel por el que todos han esperado. Su
venida, tan anhelada, tan anticipada, es una realidad. Otra historia que conocemos y que menciona Lucas es la de los pastores, ellos tuvieron miedo. A ellos también se les dice las mismas palabras que el ángel le dijo a María quien le anunció que
daría a luz a un hijo: “no tengas miedo”.
LA FAMILIARIDAD ENGENDRA CONTEMPLACIÓN
¿Pero cómo no podríamos tener miedo? Una jovencita y madre dando a luz en un establo. Pastores viendo ángeles.
No necesitamos tener miedo porque estas historias son conocidas y familiares. Muchos de nosotros podríamos contarlas de
memoria, casi palabra por palabra. Son como las historias que
nuestros hijos insisten les leamos cada noche aún cuando ya se
conocen la historia de memoria. Esas historias son familiares
no porque las escuchemos repetidamente cada año durante la
Navidad sino porque son historias de nuestra preparación diaria, nuestra anhelada espera, nuestro miedo, cansancio, miseria
y nuestra esperanza y alegría. Su misma familiaridad significa
que no tenemos que preguntarnos lo que va a pasar. Ya lo
sabemos. Sabemos que a pesar de las circunstancias del nacimiento de Jesús, hijo de María, él transforma la oscuridad en
luz. Su Hijo trae alegría, paz. Sabemos que a pesar de nuestro
cansancio y miedo, también la paz espera por nosotros.
PARISH INFORMATION AND CONTACTS
CLERGY
Carmen A. D’Amico, Pastor
Anton V. Mobley, Permanent Deacon
PARISH STAFF
Rosalie Eckels, Religious Educa on Director
Jennifer Derrick, Music Director & Organist
Rachel Krofcheck ,Youth Pastor
Mary Ann Lecci, Parish Secretary
Don Ross, Coordinator of Ministries
Andrew James, Maintenance, Mon-Fri
Dean Gindlesperger, Maintenance, Sat.-Sun.
PARISH PHONE NUMBERS
Rectory:
724-222-1911
Rectory:
(en español) 724-206-9677
Rectory Fax:
724-222-5688
CCD Center:
724-228-8575
Religious Educa on Office:
724-228-9088
Religious Educa on Fax:
724-228-1488
Bap sm and Marriage (Contact Rectory)
724-222-1911
Diocesan Abuse Hotline
1-888-808-1235
Safe Environment Coordinator - Ed Holmes
724-886-1484
e-mail: [email protected]
If you are a vic m of abuse, the diocese wants to help, even if you have dri ed away from the Church.
Call the Diocesan Toll-Free Number for Abuse Response: 1-888-808-1235
Average Weekly Expense
$ 6,100.00 Parish Share Goal 2016
Collec on for Sunday December 11, 2016
$ 6,420.00 Parish Share as of December 4, 2016
Surplus
$ 320.00 E-Offering for November 2016
Anything collected over our Parish Share assessment will go into our savings.
OLMM CHURCH, DECEMBER 25, 2016
$ 69,201.00
$ 50,000.00
$
889..00
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