ST. CHRISTOPHER ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 2660 Niagara Falls Boulevard Tonawanda, New York 14150

December 29, 2019

MASS TIMES Saturday 4:30 PM

Sunday 7:30, 9 & 11 AM Monday, Wednesday & Friday 6:45 AM

Tuesday & Thursday 8 AM

CONFESSION Every First & Third

Wednesday 7 – 8 PM Saturday 3:45 - 4:15 PM

ADORATION Tuesday 8:45 AM - 7 PM

Novena at 7 PM

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Friday 9 AM - 4 PM

(Closed 12:30 - 1 PM)

Monday and Tuesday Evenings

7 - 8 PM

www.saintchris.org

(716) 692-2660

Sacrament of Baptism: Upon request, every Sunday at 12:30 PM, and at Mass. Parents must attend a Pre-Baptismal Class held on the First Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. Call the parish office for reservations two months in advance.

Rite of Christian Initiation is the way the Church prepares an unbaptized person for their sacraments. Persons already baptized in other denominations are also welcomed through this process. Contact the parish office for more information.

Prayer Network/Prayer Tree: To be added to the list, call the parish office or MaryAnn Kern at (716) 692-2033 or Laurie Wysocki at (716) 691-4378.

Sacrament of Confirmation: High School students having completed tenth grade in either a Catholic school or our Religious Education program should contact the Religious Education office at (716) 694-4310.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 3:45 PM, first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 PM, or by appointment.

Sacrament of Matrimony: Arrangements are to be made at least six months before the desired wedding date. Attendance at a marriage preparation program is required.

Letters of Recommendation to act as sponsors at Baptism or Confirmation are available to registered members of our parish who have been Confirmed, attend Mass and receive Communion regularly, have their children in Catholic School or Religious Education (Gr. 1–10) and, if married, are in a marriage blessed by the Church. Call (716) 692-2660.

“We, the people of St. Christopher Parish, journey to the heavenly kingdom of God our Father by following the

example and service of Jesus Christ his Son, inspired daily by the Holy Spirit to lead faith-filled Christian lives.”

JANUARY PARISH POTLUCK Please join fellow parishioners for the January 4 potluck dinner following the 4:30 PM Mass. Food can be dropped off in the cafeteria before Mass to make it easier. To ensure a variety of foods, we

will break it down this way: Families with last names beginning with A-I, please bring a main dish (hot or cold). Families with last names beginning with J-Q, please bring a side dish (hot or cold). Families with last names beginning with R-Z, please bring a dessert. Please sign up using sign up genius or calling the rectory. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050c44a5af23a02-stchristopher11

Thomas Gorski

SANCTUARY LAMP

The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week for Steve Odojewski by Family.

The St. Christopher Candle will burn this week for David by Family.

BREAD & WINE

Jim Smith by Sadie Giardina

WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE

Sunday, December 29: 7:30 AM Severino & Angela Scrivani by Janice, David & Lisa Scrivani 9:00 AM Frances Cummins by Larry & Lois McCormick 11:00 AM Braun & LaHood families by Marvin & Marjorie LaHood

Monday, December 30: 6:45 AM Mary Ann Drobits by Arthur & Karen Marshall

Tuesday, December 31: New Year’s Eve 8:00 AM Kirk Downing by wife, Barbara 5:00 PM Frank O’Brien & Tony Duch by John & Maureen O’Brien

Wednesday, January 1: New Year’s Day 9:00 AM Rose Anthon by the Serra family 11:00 AM Jane McDermott by St. Chris Lectors

Thursday, January 2: 8:00 AM For the People of St. Christopher Parish

Friday, January 3: 6:45 AM Lora DiMatteo by Linda & Matty Matuszewski

Saturday, January 4: 4:30 PM Ed Drabczyk by Tuesday Morning Build Yourself An Ark

Sunday, January 5: 7:30 AM Joan Quinn by Christian Service Comm. 9:00 AM Luigi Saia by Daniela Schmidt 11:00 AM Bob Robinson by Summerfest Committee

VOCATIONS CORNER Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as members of the Holy Family, always supported each other in doing God’s will, even though this was not always easy and meant letting go and trusting God. As the family of God’s children, we are to help each other in doing God’s will, which may be a vocation to priesthood or religious life. Let us not stand in the way of those whom God has called. If God is calling you to a church vocation, call our pastor, Fr. Steve, or Fr. Andrew Lauricella at (716) 847-5535.

Happy New Year! May we be blessed with good health, good friends, and good times. We invite parishioners, ages 55 and older, to become members in January. It is a great get

together with friends on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. We enjoy entertainment, organize informational presentations and have as many day trips as possible throughout the year. It is quite a bargain for only $10 annually! The meetings are held in the Fr. Smiroldo Parish Center (former cafeteria) at the back of the St. Edmund’s building. Please arrive early enough so the meeting can begin at 2 PM promptly. Watch this space for announcements of upcoming events. Call Sandy Radens at (716) 868-2865 if you are willing to chair our Fish Fry. You can always find photos of our activities on our website, www.saintchrisseniors.com and you may contact us at our Hotline, (716) 833-8383.

Scripture for the week of December 29

29 SUN Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

30 Mon 1 Jn 2:12-17/Lk 2:36-40 31 Tue 1 Jn 2:18-21/Jn 1:1-18 1 Wed Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 2 Thu 1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19-28 3 Fri 1 Jn 2:29—3:6/Jn 1:29-34 4 Sat 1 Jn 3:7-10/Jn 1:35-42

5 SUN Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12

HELP WANTED

Child Care is needed Monday through Friday from 3 until 6 PM for two students in grades 5 and 8. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Dominic Distilo at (716) 994-7117. Thank you!

SWAT CHRISTMAS PARTY AND OPEN GYM NIGHT!

Monday December 30, 7 - 9 PM: Teens, join us for our annual Christmas Party combined with an Open Gym Night. Teens are invited to bring a $5 gift for a gift exchange.

Registration packets for the Diocesan Youth Convention (2/28 - 3/1) will also be available.

Dear Family,

Merry Christmas!

This week, we continue our celebration of Christmas. This

Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Family. Our readings

remind us of the responsibilities of family life. Each person

in the family has a role to play. Our First Reading from the

Book of Sirach talks of the special responsibility that

parents have for their children and in return, the respect

due to parents by their children. It also reminds us that as

our parents age, we children are to care for our parents as

they cared for us when we were young! Our Gospel

Reading today relates the flight in to Egypt by the Holy

Family at the urging of the angel. Again, Joseph is called

upon to protect his family. How seriously do we take our

roles in our family life? Do we support one another or do

we undermine each other? Do we show respect for each

other even when life gets difficult or do we run away? We

also celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on

January 1st. Her very special role in salvation history is

celebrated on this day every year. Let us always turn to her

as our heavenly mother in our need. She is always there to

pray for us!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Praised Be Jesus Christ…Now and Forever!!!

Fr. Steve

Winners: December 1 - George L. #860 December 2 - Michele A. #329 December 3 - Shirley J. #845 December 4 - Kay M. #815

December 5 - Diane V. #634 December 6 - Karen V. #1036 December 7 - Susan F. #906 December 8 - Joe M. #732 December 9 - Julie F. #945 December 10 - Geri P. #900

December 11 - Jackie B. #1027 December 12 - Mike G. #710

December 13 - Darryl S. #1062 December14 - Josh S. #183

December 15 - Kehan A. #161 December 16 - Pat C. #971

December 17 - Donna W. #664 December 18 - Eva D. #13

December 19 - Shirl S. #1092 December 20 - Elaine T. #350

Christmas Flowers

Have been donated in memory of the following. Please keep them in your prayers this

Christmas season.

Edward J.P. Drabczyk, Mary Ann Drabczyk, Edward L. Drabczyk, Florence Drabczyk, Philip A. Penepent, Concetta Penepent; Deceased members of Melisz & Klein families; George Styn, Thomas & Helen Menchini; Michael T. Sullivan, Jr., Michael T. Sullivan, III, Dr. & Mrs. John Curtin, Dr. & Mrs. John Weiksnar, Ted Weiksnar, Ann Morsheimer, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Forestel; Deceased members of the Huber & Wopperer families, Cecilia Olsson...Any remaining Christmas flowers will be placed in the next bulletin...

NEIGHBORS IN NEED

Our next Neighbors in Need dinner will be held on the second Saturday in January, the 11th. We will be hosting a Taco themed dinner hosted by our Brownie Scouts, and are in need of volunteers for set up beginning at 5:30 PM, and assisting until 7:30. We are

asking for donations of pies and other dessert items this month along with volunteers to help serve. Monetary donations are always appreciated! Last month, St. Vincent’s Ministry sponsored a very festive Christmas dinner, and we had more than 30 neighbors visit us again! Please contact David Pohl at davidpohl2011@gmail.com or (248) 760-9876 if you can help with anything. THANK YOU!

Thank you to Lombardo Funeral Home for again this year underwriting our beautiful 2020 parish calendars! Please be sure to grab one on your way out of Mass. Wishing everyone many blessings in the new year!

CONGRATULATIONS TROOP 58 EAGLE SCOUTS! St. Christopher parish family, please join Boy Scout Troop 58 in congratulating our newest Eagle Scouts, Connor Morrissey and Kevin Carberry. The rank of Eagle Scout requires giving leadership, the successful completion of at least 21 merit badges, a community service project and an Eagle Board of Review, in addition to living and practicing a code of honor with high goals and ideals. Approximately 5% of all eligible scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout. These young men will be recognized during an Eagle Court of Honor on January 3, 2020 in St. Christopher church.

May they spread their wings and soar to the highest heights, leading and setting a cheerful example of honor, courage, loyalty and service.

As we celebrate the Holy family this weekend, we ask a blessing on all families.

A Prayer, for the Feast of The Holy Family

Father in heaven, creator of all, you ordered the earth to bring forth life and crowned its goodness by creating the family of man. In history's moment when all was ready,

you sent your Son to dwell in time, obedient to the laws of life in our world. Teach us the sanctity of human love, show us the value of family life, and help us to live in

peace with all men that we may share in your life forever. We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen.

[From the Heavenly Divine website]

Blessings and Happy New Year!

Marie Sajsa, PCL

WALKING WITH GRIEF

Walking with Grief is a monthly lecture series and support group provided to assist people 18 years of age or older in their journey of grief. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 PM at St. Edmund campus. Jacci Smith Reed will be our guest speaker, and the topic of discussion will be “Embrace the Uniqueness of Your Grief.” You will come to an understanding that each person’s grief is unique and that your grief and mourning can never be compared. We will explore all the many reasons that your grief is your grief. All parishioners, friends and neighbors are

welcome. Please be aware there will be no adoration on Tuesday, December 31. Thank you!

HEALTHY HOUSEKEEPING JANUARY: WINTER SKIN CARE

It happens every year- warm moist air becomes windy dry air. We turn the heat on in the house and all of a sudden, our skin becomes itchy, our fingers begin to crack and the eyebrows start to snow! There are alternatives to dry, itchy winter skin. When the air starts to chill, your body tries to hold in heat by narrowing the blood vessels. As a result the outer layers of the skin become dull and dry leading to problems such as flakes and cracks. Consider cleansing your skin without drying the skin. Switching to a soap-free skin cleanser is your first step. Many brands offer a cleanser for the face such as Aquanil, Cetaphil, Cerave and Neutrogena. For the body, choose a liquid or bar skin cleaner that contains moisturizers. Dove offers a men's line which is much gentler than Dial and Irish Spring. Dove sensitive skin soap has moisturizers and avoids fragrance which can be irritating to dry, itchy skin. You can always return to your deodorant soaps in summer! Avoid HOT showers. The warmer the water is, the more drying and irritating it is to the skin. Try to lower the temp just a bit so as to remain comfortable but so you’re not coming out of shower looking like a cooked lobster! Consider exfoliating weekly to remove those dry dull skin cells. This can be accomplished with a soft brush, using your skin cleanser. Try and limit bath or shower time to 20 minutes. Oatmeal baths can be very soothing to dry itchy skin. Once out of bath/shower, PAT DRY, leaving some moisture on the skin, then seal it in with a good moisturizer. The most emollient comes in an ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, second highest is cream in a jar, third is a lotion in a pump bottle. The Vaseline/ Aquaphor can be applied to lips and fingertips for extra moisturizing especially at night before bed. Doing this sets up a good moisture barrier for next day when you are licking your lips and washing your hands. Apply moisturizer generously to remainder of body. Consider a facial moisturizer for your face, and don't forget the sunscreen if outdoors skiing or shoveling! Reflective rays are just as harmful in winter as in summer. Sometimes special attention is needed for the feet, knees and elbows! Amlactin and Urea are both "super humectants" that have the ability to remove thicker build up of scale and hydrate the skin. Caution with cracked skin though as this may burn. Suggestion would be to put an ointment on until fissures are healed then treat with the am lactin or urea. Oils such as baby oil and coconut oil etc are great at helping with providing a moisture barrier, but not so good at moisturizing. The new formulations of creams and lotions have put skin science and research to good use. Ceramides are very beneficial in repairing the cutaneous dermis or skin layers. If you are opposed to the chemical concoctions, consider Shea butter, which does have ability to penetrate the skin layers to help them hold moisture. Best to avoid the lotions that contain high fragrance content due to alcohol placed in lotion, which detracts from the moisturizers. If you must smell sweet, then apply your base moisturizer and put your fragrance product over that! During the driest of months, such as January and February, you might find two applications a day are what is required to keep the flakes at bay!

I, like most, can't wait until the daylight is longer and warm moist air returns but in the meantime-moisturize! moisturize! moisturize! daily.

WEEKLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS KEY CONTACTS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 8:00 AM HSA Gala Prep RR-U

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30 7:00 PM SWAT Open Gym/Christmas Party WPC

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE 5:00 PM Vigil Mass Solemn. Of Mary Church

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD 9:00 AM Mass Church 11:00 AM Mass Church

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 SCHOOL RESUMES 4:00 PM 4th/5th Grade Girls Basketball WPC 5:30 PM 6th Grade Girls Basketball WPC 7:00 PM 5th/6th Grade Boys Basketball WPC

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 4:00 PM Eagle Scout Court of Honor Church

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 8:30 AM 4th Grade Boys Basketball WPC 9:00 AM Rosary Makers RR-L 10:00 AM Catechist Gathering Lower Hall 10:00 AM 7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball WPC 11:00 AM 7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball WPC 5:30 PM Parish Potluck Cafe

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 10TH GRADE COMMITMENT AT ALL MASSES 8:00 AM HSA Gala Prep RR-U

PARISH OFFICES Phone (716) 692-2660 FAX (716) 693-5639 rectory@saintchris.org www.saintchris.org

PARISH STAFF Pastor: Rev. Steven Jekielek sjekielek@saintchris.org Weekend Associate: Rev. Adelmo Dunghe, SJ

Deacons: Francis A. Zwack Thomas Healey David McDermott

Director of Music: Sean Polen spolen@saintchris.org

Business Manager: Marie Schwab mschwab@saintchris.org

Bulletin Editor: Anne Yeskoot ayeskoot@saintchris.org

PARISH SCHOOL Phone: (716) 693-5604 Fax: (716) 693-5127 school@saintchris.org

Principal: Dr. Camille Pontrello cpontrello@saintchris.org

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION reled@saintchris.org Telephone: (716) 694-4310 Director: Marie Sajsa msajsa@saintchris.org

OUTREACH & St. Vincent de Paul (716) 564-9023

Mission Coordinator: Cindy Vanderbrook cvanderbrook@saintchris.org (716) 564-9023

Pastoral Council Andrea Robinson, President pastoralcouncil@saintchris.org

Our weekly bulletins are printed and delivered free of charge. This great service, offered to our community by our publisher, is made possible by

our advertisers. Please patronize the businesses highlighted in our bulletin.

FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

MASSES Tuesday, December 31 5 PM Wednesday, January 1, 2020

9 & 11 AM

POLAND 2021

Europe is filled with so many great wonders when it comes to the history of our world, especially the history of the Catholic faith. Central Europe and Poland in a special way have a rich history that is intimately woven into our faith. Journey through Central Europe May 2 to May 11, 2021 with Fr. Michael LaMarca. Stops include Warsaw, Krakow and Prague! Visits to the Divine Mercy Shrine, "The Black Madonna" in Czestochowa, and Auschwitz/Birkenau are just some of the key parts of this 10 Day pilgrimage. The cost is $3,649, which includes air, four star hotel accommodations, transportation and a majority of meals. More information can be found at www.saintmichaelwarsaw.org/poland-2021.

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