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December 18, 2016 Web Site: www.sainthelena-centersquare.net Email: [email protected] Fax: 610-275-7610 School Phone: 610-279-3345 PREP Phone: 610-279-3870 1489 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422 Phone: 610-275-7711

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Page 1: December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent€¦ · 3 December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent NIC NOTES Dear Parishioners, We are ambassadors for St. Helena Parish

December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

December 18, 2016

Web Site: www.sainthelena-centersquare.net Email: [email protected]

Fax: 610-275-7610 School Phone: 610-279-3345 PREP Phone: 610-279-3870

1489 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422

Phone: 610-275-7711

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

PARISH STAFF Parish Priest: Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Nicolo Parochial Vicar: Rev. Tadeusz Gorka Parish Deacon: Deacon A. Kenneth Belanger Deacon: Deacon Francis Cavaliere School Principal: Sr. Cathe Shoulberg, RSM Director of Religious Education: Mrs. Madeleine Fitzgerald Business Manager: Ms. Cathy Neugebauer Facilites Director: Mr. Vince Thompson Parish Administrative Asst: Gina Malony, Stephanie Donley School Secretary: Mrs. Phyllis Cissone Director of Youth/Young Adults/Adults: Mr. Kurt Zampier

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:00 AM Weekdays: Mon - Sat 9:00 AM St. Theresa Chapel Holy Day Vigil: 7:00 PM Holy Day: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, & 12:15 PM

DEVOTIONS IN THE ST. THERESA CHAPEL Most Holy Rosary: Mon - Sat 8:25 AM Adoration: Mon. - Fri. 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Divine Mercy Chaplet: 3:00 PM Mondays

CHAPEL HOURS: The St. Theresa Chapel is open Monday through Friday from 6:15 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; and Sunday from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

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. MARRIAGE: 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. Please contact Rob & Lena Gelenberg at [email protected] or 610-292-8359 for class information and registration. OUR NEXT PRE-CANA CLASS IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 11, 2017. ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Arrangements can be made by calling the Parish Office. RECONCILIATION/CONFESSION: Saturdays 4:00 - 4:30 PM in the Church 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)

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.

“TITHING IS GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING”

“Some ask, ‘Does tithing really help the parish?” The answer is absolutely yes! But it helps the tither even more. Thank you for tithing.” Msgr. Nicolo

“To those we love, we give our best. Let’s give God our best too.”

Parishioner

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

NIC NOTES

Dear Parishioners,

We are ambassadors for St. Helena Parish. Just having Ministers of Hos-pitality (Greeters) to do the greeting for us is not enough. We must think of all the “boundaries” that are produced

even before people get to the church door. Visitors are usually met first by a parish’s reputation, what they hear through the neighborhood grapevine be-fore they even approach the front courtyard. Visitors may meet parishioners even before they come to St. Helena. How we talk about our experiences at the Church can also open the door for them or close it. So, we need to understand that, as regular parish-ioners, we are ambassadors for St. Helena Church and the way we speak about our experiences here should be inviting others.

What can we do to be more welcoming?

Pray. The Holy Spirit calls each of us in our own way to welcome new people into our church. Whether they have just moved into the parish, or are returning after many years away, we should pray that the Holy Spirit will help them find their place among us.

Envision. Take time to reflect on what you would like to see our parish become. How would you en-courage active membership? Do you see yourself taking part in a ministry or program?

Listen. As you come into Church, look around you, listen to what people are saying and asking. Does someone close by look bewildered, lost? Speak with them or simply smile and nod your head hel-lo. Be aware of your fellow worshipers.

Commit. Don’t leave all the work or the financial burden to others. There is no such thing as a gift that is too small. Everything you give will build up our parish community if it is given honestly and sincerely.

Believe. Each one of us is a gift worthy of salva-tion. St. Helena Church is not our private prayer palace. It belongs to everyone, even those who have not joined us yet! Let us be lavish in our ex-pression of welcome. Then maybe we will be seen as a home where people will want to come, and stay.

A church building reflects the worship of the people. When people approach our Church in person, they are informed about the parish by what they see. A church building reflects how the people who worship

there think about God and themselves. Things like landscaping, signage and lighting can speak vol-umes of who we are and how welcoming we can be. The décor, the vestments, the furnishing, and even the cleanliness to create a worship space that not only glorifies God, but invites others to join us.

Stop and think like you are a first time visitor to this Church. What do you experience? Do you know which door to enter? Was anybody there to help you when you came inside? How do you decide where to sit? Does it feel welcoming, inviting? Sometimes, because we are regular parishioners, we do not even see where necessary “boundaries” become walls instead of bridges. So remember, an-ything that calls upon inside knowledge blocks wel-come.

Congratulations and prayers to our children who made First Reconciliation.

May God, through the intercession of St. Helena,

bless us.

Love and Prayers, Msgr. Nicolo

Mass Intentions

for the Week

MON, Dec. 19 9:00 AM Dick Fretz Req. by Bill & Dorothy Paulits

TUE, Dec. 20 9:00 AM Deacon Donald Kretsch Req. by Gina Malony

WED, Dec. 21 St. Peter Canisius

9:00 AM Wilson Bartolazo Req. by Miguel De Castro

THU, Dec. 22 9:00 AM Mary (McCloy) Cavallaro

Req. by the Caperilla family

FRI, Dec. 23 Saint John of Kanty

9:00 AM Barbara Stolarczyk

Req. by Mom and Dad

SAT, Dec. 24 9:00 AM For all living & deceased members of the St. Theresa Guild

Msgr. Nicolo celebrates Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation for the People of

Saint Helena Parish.

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

Pray For Our Sick

Please pray for these and all our Military personnel: Pvt. Mathew Loggins, Sgt. Ross Gallagher, Lt. Bert Geis, Capt. Rimas Radzius, Maj. Michael Magee, Lt. Col. Michael Dehner, Sgt. David Gentner, Sgt. David Carlson, PO3 Elizabeth Fenerty, Capt. Kevin Maguire, 1st Lt. Steven Zahuranec, Maj. Pamela DiPatrizo, Capt. Christopher Jones, Cpl. Angelo Pastella, 1st Lt Andrew B. Gray, Maj. Nathan Edwards, Lt. Brian Asman, 2nd Lt. Timothy Fallon, SSgt. Joshua Wartchow, Capt. David Collins, Lt. Joseph Pawke, Lt. Daniel Neverosky, Ryan Calef, Pvt. Brian D. Quinn, Corporal Jonathan Healy, Specialist John Zachary Mateja & Lance Cpl. Anthony J. Ciccarone.

Memorials for the Week of December 18, 2016

The Sanctuary Candle in the Church burns this week in memory of Deacon Don Kretsch at the request of Mary Kretsch & family.

The Sanctuary Candle in the Chapel burns this week in memory of Ryan Joseph Caperilla at the request of his family.

Bread and Wine this week is in memory of Mary & Anthony DeMarco at the request of their family.

KEN’S CACHE

As we arrive at the end of the calendar year, our RCIA candidates continue on their journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church on the Sun-day after Easter, Mercy Sunday. Rachel, Grace and Sandy have spent this fall semester meeting on Wednesday evenings to learn about the Church’s teachings regarding how God’s love has redeemed us from the original sin of our first par-ents and has guided and strengthened us to deal with the temptations of the world as we strive to live lives that reflect that love. Each week, as we share how Jesus has walked with us over the past week, it is very heartening to see the maturi-ty in the depth of the responses of each of the candidates. Each Sunday after the homily at the 9:00 AM Mass, they are dismissed with prayer to open more fully the word that they have heard in the readings and homily during the Mass. The new year will bring new and exciting opportunities to experience the depth of our faith for each of them when we meet with the Archbishop on the First Sunday of Lent and later on when we have our annual Retreat. Please join our RCIA team, our Pastor and priests and the entire staff here at St. Helena Parish in wishing them a Very Merry Christmas.

God Bless You,

Deacon Ken

Please keep in your prayers our sick, homebound, & those in healthcare facilities including: Patrick Ban-icki, Patricia McCarthy, Marge Brady, Phyllis Donofrio, Tony Bello, Albert Lewullis, Mary Ellen Kraft, Phyllis Galanti, Matthew McNamee, Miguel de Castro, Sandy McIlvaine, Al Hirsch, Elizabeth Man-jardi, Rosa Maria Santos, Ann Buckley, Katie Lartigue, David O’Brien, Therese Schapers, Vincent Scaramuzzo, Jen McAlary, Michelle Young, Antho-ny Greco, Mary McDonnell, Rebecca Levis, Jenny Amiot, Michelle Maher, Drew Donovan, Kaytie O’Hara, Aubrey Fells, Baby Skey Nicole Butler, Ed-wina Krol Smith, Charles Thomas Nentwig, Fion Welch, Jason Taylor, Mary Kretsch, Robert Soud-ers, Peter McVeigh, Lexy Guenther, Marie Delciotio, Frank McDevitt, Jerry Sulock, Jr., John Hilferty, Dee Piscano, Gerry and Mike Martinello, Flossy Meehan, Diane Bambino, Marie Litman, Marie Marrongelli, John McLaughlin, Al Slusarz, Baby Soren Zimmer-man, Maureen Michelle, Sue Eason, Elizabeth Fos-ter, Fernando (Fred) Lombardi, Sister Andrea Cur-ran, and Baby Landon Gavio, Gail McLean, Vincent Chiarolanza, Tracey Van Tassel, and Carol Demor-est.

Pray For Our Military

Pray For Our Deceased

Please remember in your prayers all of our deceased Parishioners and Yolanda Pizzuto.

BLESSING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Dear God, two thousand years ago, You brought Your Son, Jesus into

this world to teach us the power of love and sacrifice. As we raise this tree, we remember His birth and the meaning of His life for us. Bless this tree as a symbol of our celebration of Jesus' birth and our gratitude for His sacrifice. May the joy this tree brings, and the gifts we place under it, remind us of the many gifts You have given us. We ask Your blessings upon our loved ones this day and always. Amen.

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

PARISH CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEEK OF

DECEMBER 18, 2016

SUNDAY, December 18

Blessing of the family Baby Jesus: At All Mass-es - Church

CYO Tournament Information: After All Mass-es - Church

Parish Christmas Concert: 4:00 PM - Church

High School Youth Group Christmas Party: 6:00 PM - Parish Meeting Room

MONDAY, December 19

Choir: 7:00 PM - Church

CYO Basketball: 4:30 PM - Social & Recreation Center

2nd Grade Girl Scouts: 6:00 PM - Cafeteria

TUESDAY, December 20

Men’s Book Review: 7:00 PM - Parish Meeting Room

PREP Tableau: 6:30 PM - Social & Recreation Center

WEDNESDAY, December 21

CYO Basketball: 4:30 PM - Social & Recreation Center

4th Grade Girl Scouts: 6:00 PM - Cafeteria

RCIA: 7:00 PM - Parish Meeting Room

Reach More Leader Training: 7:00 PM - Li-brary

THURSDAY, December 22

CYO Basketball: 4:30 PM - Social & Recreation Center

Scripture Study: 7:00 PM - Parish Meeting Room

Bell Choir: 7:00 PM - Church

FRIDAY, December 23

CYO Basketball: 4:30 PM - Social & Recreation Center

Communion and Liberation: 8:00 PM - Parish Meeting Room

SATURDAY, December 24

Christmas Eve Masses: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Church

SUNDAY, December 25

Christmas Masses: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM - Church

CELEBRANT Sat. 4:00 PM Msgr. Nicolo 6:00 PM Fr. Gorka 8:00 PM Msgr. Nicolo Sun. 7:30 AM Fr. Scott 9:00 AM Fr. Gorka 11:00 AM Msgr. Nicolo EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION Sat. 4:00 PM McDugall, McLaughlin, McWilliams, McWilliams, Moore, Nicoletti, DeBrakeleer, Berti, K. Ryan 6:00 PM J. Smith, T. Smith, Eisele, Catalde, Coyle, Pomeroy 8:00 PM Reigle, Harris, Kang, R. Ryan, Sheehan, Kihm Sun. 7:30 AM Filoon, Boccella, Treml 9:00 AM Mace, B. Geiger, Waitkus, Matoney, D. Nolan, O’Doherty, Walker 11:00 AM Shoulberg, Wales, Jensen, Jensen, Thompson, Tice, Van Haute LECTORS MUSIC Sat. 4:00 PM C, M Neugebauer Contemporary 6:00 PM Children Lectors Children Chorus 8:00 PM Machado Adult Choir Kushnerick Sun. 7:30 AM McCloskey Organ/Cantor 9:00 AM Nyman Organ/Cantor 11:00 AM R, A Heleniak Organ/Cantor ALTAR SERVERS Sat. 4:00 PM Moore, Robison, Kelly, Facciolo 6:00 PM Bushner, Guarnaccia, Lynch, Seaman 8:00 PM Malloy, Malloy, Lising, Kushnerick Sun. 7:30 AM TBD 9:00 AM Zulick, Zulick 11:00 AM McDonnell, Banmiller, Banmiller, Banmiller

MINISTRIES SCHEDULED

FOR DECEMBER 24-25

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

MADELEINE’S MESSAGE

Tuesday evening, December 20th at 6:45 PM, PREP will hold our annual Christmas Tableau in the Social/Recreation Center. PREP students will go to class at 6:30 PM as usual for role taking, and then they will go to the Social & Recreation Center with their teach-ers. All parents and guardians are invited to this blessed event.

CATHE’S CORNER

Did you know that Pennsylvania has over 25,000 state-owned bridges?

In Science and Social Studies, the students in Mrs. Joanne Owsiany Third Grade are studying bridge safety and the engineering design process. Working together in small groups, the students were chal-lenged to plan, design and build their own bridges using only glue and Popsicle sticks! The goal was to create a strong bridge that could sustain weight which would mimic real traffic. Whose bridge will be able to hold the most weight? We will soon find out that answer!!

As you can see by the happy faces and busy hands, these children are getting a first class experience in the World of STEM! We will owe the future safety of our bridges and roads to the children of 3O!

Have a great week!

Madeleine

Still Available!!!! LIMITED EDITION

Byers Choice St. Helena Caroler Custom made for St. Helena!

There are still a few carolers available for pur-chase - get your early Christmas gifts now!

Carolers are $72 each and are available with either blonde or brunette hair.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these delightful collectables, please contact Maureen Dever at [email protected] or Susie Wenz at 215-385-2795.

With love and God’s blessings, Sister Cathe

A Prayer While Lighting the Advent Candle

O God, as light comes from this candle, may the blessing of Jesus Christ comes to us warming our hearts and brightening our way. May Christ our Savior bring light into the darkness of this world, and to us, as we wait for His coming. Amen.

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

Christmas Stocking Stuffers Needed

Norristown State Hospital is in need of Christmas Stocking Stuffers for their adult men and women patients. Suggested items include: AA batteries, puzzle books, pan-tyhose, handkerchiefs, stationery, earmuffs, gloves, washable slippers, change purses, powders, cards, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lip balm, lotion, hand cream, deo-dorant, shampoo, powder, and plain white ath-letic socks. Low-fat, sugar-free and low -calorie snacks are also appreciated.

These gifts ae not to be wrapped and please no glass containers or sharp objects.

Gifts should be placed under the tree in the Narthex by December 18, 2016.

Grow Closer to Our Lady This Winter! The Bible and the Virgin Mary

Join folks from all over the greater Philadelphia area in a 12 week long encounter with the Virgin Mary right from your own home! The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, founded by Dr. Scott Hahn, has partnered with the Archdiocese of Phil-adelphia to offer limited-time free access to its new video Bible study series, The

Bible and the Virgin Mary. You can access this 12-part series online at no cost beginning January 18, 2017. The videos can be used for individual or group study.

To take advantage of this great opportunity to grow spiritually, sign up at: BibleandtheVirgin-Mary.com/Philadelphia.

SAVE THE DATE! Summer

Youth Conference JULY 21-23,2017

$270/person

For Who? High School Teens & Class of 2017 Grade School Students More to come in next few

weeks!

Welcome to the newest members of our parish family!

Talia Grace Kowalski, daughter of Matthew

Kowalski and Kelly Weiss

Theodore Allan Noto, son of Andrew Noto

and Jessica Muhl

Cosette Marietta Penska, daughter of Zacha-

ry Penska and Danielle Green

Remy Laurent Penska, son of Zachary Penska

and Danielle Green

Beau Francis Storm, son of Brett Storm and

Melissa Kelly

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

High School Youth Group

Christmas Party!

Sunday, December 18

6:00 to 8:00 PM Parish Meeting Room

We have a FUN evening planned

Bring a wrapped Gag gift between $10-15 for our

White Elephant exchange

Wear your ugly Christmas sweater

We will wrap gifts for the two families that we are Secret Santa’s for

Save the Date

Summer 2017

Vacation Bible School

Who: Kids going into K to 5th Grade

Where: St. Helena Education Center

When: August 7-11, 2017 Time: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Cost: TBD

Come celebrate the gift of LIFE at this

unforgettable Birthday Blast! This is an

exciting PRO-LIFE themed week where

kids will learn to discover, respect,

protect, serve and celebrate life.

Kids will receive a basic introduction

to the Theology of the Body along

with lessons on what it means

to be a child of God.

Questions? Contact Kurt Zampier

at (610) 930-0349 or

[email protected]

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

CHRISTMAS ITEMS FOR SALE

Christmas

Schedule

2016

Masses

Sat. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve

4:00 PM, 6:00 PM

(Children’s Mass) &

8:00 PM

Sun. Dec. 25 Christmas Day

7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, &

11:00 AM

Sat. Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve

5:00 PM

Sun. Jan. 1 New Year’s Day

7:30 AM, 9:00 AM &

11:00 AM

THE FIRST SPIRITUAL

EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS of

LOYOLA

Thank you for your gracious response to the First Exercises this fall. You have been so faithful to prayer, so accepting in our gatherings and so very generous in sharing your challenges and insights. It has been a joy to pray with each of you! The dates for the second of the four series of the Exercises are January 12, 19, 26 and February 9 and 16 at 9:30 AM in the Counting Room, and 6:45 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge. Please mark your calendars.

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

We Remember 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:

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, 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, Nancy Cavan, Theresa Tomczak, John Barry, Nicholas Machion, Daniel Begley, Joseph Monastra, Catherine Frawley, Rev. John T. Coates, Linda Taormina Kuhn, Dorena Colonnello, Marian Curran, Alexander Piermani, III, Kathleen DePietro, Francis Zuest, Joseph O’Hara, Steve Bacino, Phyllis D’Amico, Emil Bilinski, Carol Mignogna, Edward Stimmler , Marie Neff, Joan Schmitz, Yolanda Marinari, and Deacon Donald Kretsch.

Bequests

The following people made bequests in their will to Saint Helena Church. Please remember them in prayer as well.

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, Jean Stock, Lawrence Marinari, Catherine Frawley, Mary Rosciola, Marian Curran, Charles Loeper, Rev. John Coates, Kathleen Schoemaker, and Regina Zaleski.

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.”

CALL FOR

VOLUNTEERS 13th Annual St. Helena’s

CYO Memorial

Invitation Basketball

Tournament

The CYO Memorial Invitational Basketball Tour-nament is a major production and it’s right around the corner - January 13-16, 2017. There are many volunteer opportunities availa-ble for anyone interested in helping to continue this great community event - we can’t do it with-out you!

We’re looking for help in the following areas: Sponsorship Communication Graphic Design Food Videography Operations Volunteers in general

For more information about the duties of the volunteer positions, likely time commitment and other pertinent information, contact Ryan Major (215/872.7115) or Marci Schankweiler (215/416.7489).

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION

MONTH 3 - I SUCK MY THUMB!

Your baby is quite active in the womb now - alt-hough his mother won’t feel him for another couple of months. If his mother’s womb had a window, you could watch your spiritually adopted baby squint, swallow and move his tongue. He can make a tight fist if you touch his palm. He is breathing amniotic fluid which continues until birth, although he obtains the oxygen his body needs through the umbilical cord. The baby you are praying for weighs one ounce. Early this month, at just 9 weeks, he began to suck his thumb.

O my Jesus, by the intercession of Mary, Your mother, who bore You so lovingly and of St. Jo-seph, strong man of faith, who protected You both, I pray to You for the life of the unborn child I have spiritually adopted, who is in danger of abortion. Please give the parents of this child the grace and courage they need to bring their baby to birth. Amen.

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

DID YOU KNOW? FACTS ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE

During December in the Middle Ag-es, trees were hung with red apples as a symbol of the feast of Adam and Eve, and called the Paradise Tree

Saint Boniface, a monk from Eng-land, is credited with the first Christ-mas tree. He used the triangle shape of the fir tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

The angel on top of the tree sym-bolizes the significance of the angels over Bethlehem who announced Jesus’ birth

The Christmas tree was introduced in the United States by German set-tlers and the Hessian mercenaries paid to fight in the Revolutionary War

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME & TALENT

MINISTRY / ORGANIZATION CONTACT PERSON PHONE NO. E-MAIL / WORK NO Adoration Agnes Ferrara 215-699-6128 Art & Environment Theresa Smith 215-646-7636 [email protected] Basketball: Adult & Young Adult Mike O’Brien 610-247-3570 [email protected] Basketball: Young Adult Joe Oberlies 215-756-7194 [email protected] Bereavement Ministry Michele Gerstemeier 610-584-0862 [email protected] Catering/Empress Room Joe Paravati 610-666-8112 [email protected] Chapel Reposers Jack Greenleaf 610-292-9606 [email protected] Collection Counters Denise Janick 610-733-1968 [email protected] Karen Wurtenberg 610-322-5951 [email protected] Communion and Liberation Rebecca Cherico 484-231-8807 [email protected] Community of Disciples Jo-Ann Belanger 610-279-8042 [email protected] Cross Talk Dorothy Barry 610-275-3689 [email protected] Discovering/Following Christ Kurt Zampier 610-930-0349 [email protected] Divine Mercy Chaplet Barbara Souders 215-646-3437 [email protected] Ecumenical Activities Coordinators Tim & MaryAnne Seiders 215-699-6993 [email protected] Evangelization Ministry Jo-Ann Belanger 610-279-8042 [email protected] Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Msgr. Nicolo 610-275-7711 [email protected] Church Jim Pinciotti 610-275-9813 [email protected] Suburban Hospital Fr. Gorka 610-275-7711 [email protected] Nursing Home/Private Visit Parish Office 610 275-7711 [email protected] Home Visit Jim McLaughlin 610-587-6186 [email protected] Facilities Committee Anthony Taormina 610-256-0886 [email protected] Finance Council Msgr. Nicolo 610-275-7711 [email protected] Fundraising Nick Semchuk 610-275-7711 [email protected] Garden Club Theresa Smith 215-646-7636 [email protected] Greeters Herb Mace 610-275-2297 [email protected] Home & School Association Jennifer Lynch 610-292-8403 [email protected] Knights of Columbus Tony Gallagher 215-970-6878 [email protected] Ladies of Helena Theresa Smith 215-646-7636 [email protected] Lectors Pat Lorenzo 215 653-0987 [email protected] Lending Library Anne Marie Arena 610-275-6918 [email protected] Liturgical Dance Dana Leeds 215-661-2878 [email protected] Men’s Fellowship Group Joe Bushner 484-684-6118 [email protected] Mommy & Me Kim Durski 215-699-6898 [email protected] Music Ministry Cheryl Platco 610-505-3038 [email protected] or Adult Choir Cheryl Platco 610-505-3038 215-652-7507 Bells Cheryl Platco 610-505-3038 [email protected] Cantors (Scheduling) Jim Siewert 610-277-6265 [email protected] Children’s Chimes Natalie Perez 610-639-3932 [email protected] Contemporary Music Ensemble Dick Lentz 215-822-6751 [email protected] School Chorus Jennifer Lau 610-279-3345 [email protected] New Beginnings II Rita Kurek 610-279-5897 [email protected] Parish Nurse Program Terry Shomberg, R.N. 215-699-5024 [email protected] Parish Pastoral Council Msgr. Nicolo 610-275-7711 [email protected] Parish Youth & Young Adult Ministries St. Helena School Sr. Cathe Shoulberg 610-279-3345 [email protected] Parish Religious Ed. Program (PREP) Madeleine Fitzgerald 610-277-3573 [email protected] High School Youth Group Kurt Zampier 610-930-0349 [email protected] Young Adult Group Kurt Zampier 610-930-0349 [email protected] Children’s Liturgy of the Word Kurt Zampier 610-930-0349 [email protected] Altar Servers Becky Bushner 484-684-6118 [email protected] Youth Lectors Angela Walker 215-628-2797 [email protected] CYO / Community Service Corps Susan Hughes 610-279-5564 [email protected] CYO / Sports - President Ryan Major 215-872-7115 [email protected] CYO / Sports - Athletic Director Chris Massella (boys) 267-934-1220 [email protected] Maria Saxon (girls) 610-389-3582 [email protected] Brownies / Girl Scouts Susan Hughes 610-279-5564 [email protected] Cub / Boy Scouts Shawn Connaghan 215-643-3365 [email protected] Vacation Bible School Kurt Zampier 610-930-0349 [email protected] Photography Club Theresa Smith 215-646-7636 [email protected] Prayer Shawl Ministry Sr. Francis Reinhardt, O.S.F. 610-279-1804 Pre Cana Team Lena & Rob Gelenberg 610-292-8359 [email protected]

Page 13: December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent€¦ · 3 December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent NIC NOTES Dear Parishioners, We are ambassadors for St. Helena Parish

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December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

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 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.

Please be sure to visit our Parish website at www.sainthelena-centersquare.net NAME: ________________ ADDRESS: __________

CITY: ______________ STATE/ZIP: PHONE #: _____ CELL: _____________ E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______________

MINISTRY / ORGANIZATION CONTACT PERSON PHONE NO. E-MAIL / WORK NO

Pre-Jordan Team Kathy Petz 610-270-0216 [email protected] Prison Ministry Ray Van Haute 215-641-0356 RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Deacon Ken Belanger 610-279-8042 [email protected] Respect Life Activities Bill Bogle 610-272-1106 [email protected] Scripture Study Deacon Ken Belanger 610-279-8042 [email protected] Senior Citizens Club John Waldspurger 484-485-7739 [email protected] Serving Our Community—SOC Micki Burns 267-240-3264 [email protected] Spiritual Direction Carol Jensen 610-277-4833 [email protected] St. Anne Sewing Club Theresa Smith 215-646-7636 [email protected] St. Martha Cleaners Marlene Jeffreys 610-804-2840 [email protected]. Stephen Ministry Deacon Ken Belanger 610-279-8042 [email protected] Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained Kurt Zampier 610-930-0349 [email protected] Time & Talent Coordinator Joe Walker 215-628-2797 [email protected] Tithing Coordinators Elaine & Vince Thompson 610-277-5814 [email protected]

Ushers Herb Mace 610-275-2297 [email protected] Wedding Rehearsal Coordinators Cindy Lejman 610-275-7711 Women of the Gospel Carol Jensen 610-277-4833 [email protected]