Parish Staff, Ministry Directory, and Contact Information

Parish StaffPastorRev. Richard Clement: 610.777.1365ResidentRev. Gene Ritz: 610.777.1365DeaconDeacon F. Joseph Lombardo: 610.777.1697Principal of La Salle AcademyMr. Stephen Mickulik: 610.777.7392Parish SecretaryBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697Parish Communications CoordinatorSarah Capato: 610.850.4978Director of Religious EducationBernadette Yohn: 610.777.1697For Bulletin / Website Inquiries or AnnouncementsContact: Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978

Comprehensive Catholic EducationLa Salle Academy: Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, K-8th GradeMr. Stephen Mickulik, Principal: 610.777.7392Berks Catholic High School: 9th-12th GradeMr. Tony Balistrere, Principal: 610.374.8361Parish Religious Education Program: 1st-8th GradeMrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697RCIA: Age 18+Mrs. Bernadette Yohn, DRE: 610.777.1697

Scheduling Use of Parish FacilitiesFor those interested in using the Father Lyons room for a meeting or special event, please contact the Parish Office at 610.777.1697

WorshipEucharistic AdorationFirst Fridays of each month from 8:30AM-12:00PMAltar ServersStudents from Grade 4 to Seniors in High SchoolContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Funeral ServersContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sunday’s at 10:30AM Mass, between September and May Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Eucharistic MinistersContact: Lorna Pfeiffenberger at 610.777.4822LectorsContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Ministers of HospitalityContact: Deacon Joe Lombardo at 610.777.2542Liturgical Music Contemporary Ensemble - Contact: Kelly Keim at 610.780.3905 Traditional Choir - Contact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227CantorsContact: Marge Vath at 610.373.0227Baptismal PrepContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Baptismal BibsContact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697SacristansContact: Elaine Strick at 610.856.7264

Outreach & Parish MinistriesCulture of LifeContact: Bob Peters at 610.775.8965Bereavement MinistryContact: Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431Justice in Action MinistryContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Breaking Bread Social CommitteeContact: Lois Lombardo at 610.777.2542Prayer Shawl MinistryContact: Joan Yanuskiewicz at 610.777.4646Nursing Home Visitors for Rosary & MassContact: Billie & Mike Resch at 610.775.3927Food Pantry / Emergency MealsContact: Lois Carrier at 610.777.6947Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesContact: Kathleen Roche at 610.777.4792Parish Nurse MinistryContact: Sharon Shingler at 610.775.9998

Spiritual GrowthRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Adult Education (Seasonal)Contact: Parish Office at 610.777.1697Spiritual DirectionContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Faith Sharing for WomenContact: Arlene Seeber at 484.794.8027Parish Prayer LineContact: Judy Peters at 610.775.8965Charismatic Prayer GroupContact: Amelia “Midge” Biancone at 610.777.2215

OrganizationsPrime TimersContact: Larry Shepherd at 610.777.8337Boy ScoutsContact: Dan Giesen at 610.777.4387Girl ScoutsContact: Britt Kobularcik at 484.256.1782 Daisy: Grade K-1, Brownies: Grade 2/3, Juniors: Grade 4/5

Cub ScoutsContact: Rich Kasting at 610.373.2575 Knights of Columbus Contact: Mike Hall at 804.212.7261Altar SocietyContact: Carol Bensing at 610.777.9360Men’s Basketball LeagueContact: Russ Baver at 610.796.7723CYO (Christian Youth Organization)Contact: Rock Witmer at 610.775.2176Parish GardenersContact: Chris Hofmann at 610.777.2523

2

Mass Intentions for the Week MONDAY, DEC. 7 - St. Ambrose Vigil Mass for Holy Day 4:00 p.m. Thomas Rubright TUESDAY, DEC. 8 - Immaculate Conception 9:00 a.m. Steve Weik 7:00 p.m. Ray Kase WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 - St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoazin 8:00 a.m. Jean Roland THURSDAY, DEC. 10 - Advent Weekday 7:00 p.m. Michael Wunner FRIDAY, DEC. 11 - St. Damasus I 8:00 a.m. Arlene Smith Third Sunday of Advent SATURDAY, DEC. 12 4:00 p.m. Marianne Donovan SUNDAY, DEC. 13th 8:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Edmund Palka

St. John's Baptist de la Salle December 6th 2015

www.stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com Second Sunday of Advent

Away from home? Find a Mass wherever you are at www.masstimes.org

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers SATURDAY, DEC. 12 - 4:00pm - Revelation Ensemble Lector: Nancy Faust Cantor: ----- Servers: Sophia Pienta, Molly Yohn, Chloe Ritter EM: R/M.Favinger, C.J.Geiger, K.Becker, T.Cuba, P.Miller, V.Sottosanti, P.Goodhart SUNDAY, DEC. 13 - 8:30am Lector: Britt Kobularcik Cantor: Lauren Hagan Servers: Isabella & Jack Makosch, Grant Kellenberger SUNDAY, DEC. 13 - 10:30am Lector: Cindy Trygar Cantor: Sara Teson Servers: Joseph Giesen, Hanna Bitting, Owen Winters EM: J.Stephan, MB.Kakos, C/L.Przydzial, A/W.Monserrate, D/D.Giesen, L.Kellenberger

Todays Readings First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9 Baruch tells Jerusalem to rejoice because of God's plan to bring his exiled people back to Jerusalem. He emphasizes God's power and describes his plan to lower mountains and fill gorges to make their journey easier. Second Reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 Paul encourages the Philippians to love each other completely. He hopes that their love and understanding will continue to grow so that they are prepared for the return of Christ. Gospel: Luke 3:1-6 Luke describes the work John the Baptist carried out to help people prepare for the birth of Jesus. Luke also discusses who was in power at the time, which helped historians to figure out the exact dates of certain events, including Jesus' birth.

Sanctuary Candle for the week of 12/6-12: In loving memory of Curvin “Bud” Myers (requested

by Anna Myers

St. John's is now on Facebook!

Please "like" our page to get updates on our parish and diocese. You will also find plenty of spiritually enriching material to utilize in

your daily living. Find us at St John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Upcoming Events Sunday, Dec. 6 6:00 pm Bereavement Group 6:30 pm Religious Education Classes

Monday, Dec. 7 7:00 pm Vigil Mass for Immaculate Conception 7:00 pm La Salle PTO Meeting 7:00 pm St. Cecilia rehearsal (after Mass) 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus General Meeting Tuesday, Dec. 8 – HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION 1:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 7:00 pm RCIA 7:30 pm Charismatic Group Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 9 Prime Timers Christmas Trip to Hershey Friday, Dec. 11 9:00am La Salle School Mass 7:00 pm La Salle Christmas Program

St. John Baptist de la Salle Family of Faith

Altar Bread: In loving memory of Henry & Lillian Matuszak (requested by Colleen & Al Candalaria)

Collections for Sunday, November 22 $ 9,889.75

Please Make Note: There will be no 8 AM Mass on Monday, Dec. 7

Eucharistic Ministers who do not receive their schedules either by email, may pick up their new schedules in the vesting room (room located in

the main vestibule of the church) before or after all Masses.

3

The Parish of St. Benedict Presents… Our Third Annual

Advent Vespers Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 4:00pm

Come and enjoy our Parish Choir, under the direction of Andrew Angstadt, as we embrace this beautiful

season of Advent and prepare our hearts for the joyous season of Christmas. This will be an afternoon filled

with sacred scripture, prayer, and music that will melt your hearts and fill you with the spirit of Christmas.

All are welcome! St. Benedict Parish, 2020 Chestnut Hill Road, Mohnton For Questions or Directions call:

610.856.1006

Having difficulties dealing with a loss? The Bereavement Ministry invites you to join them to help cope. We are a caring and sharing group here to support you through these tough times. Whether your loss is recent or not, come join us and share in faith. We meet once a week for 5 weeks, twice a year. Contact Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431

Please direct all bulletin and website inquiries to the Parish Communications Coordinator, Sarah Capato at 610.850.4978 or sarah@stjohnsfamilyoffaith.com.

Bulletin submissions are due Thursday, ten days prior to the Sunday of publication.

Save The Date! Family Christmas Caroling

Friday, December 18th

YOU ARE NOT ALONE If a Prenatal Diagnosis identifies a possible disability…You are not alone. There is help. The Diocese of Allentown has a network of concerned parents and professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding a poor prenatal diagnosis. For support, contact: Sr. Janice Marie Johnson, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org or 610.289.8900 x 42

Dreading the Christmas Season? Have you experienced a loss that makes it difficult to celebrate? St John’s is sponsoring an evening meeting on Sunday, December 6 at 6:00 in the Father Lyon’s room. Debbie Dartnell, an experienced counselor who has a special interest in dealing with loss, will conduct a workshop entitled Hope through the Holidays and will provide suggestions for getting through what can be a stressful period. Items we will cover:

• Best gifts

• How are you going to remember your loved one in a special way that brings you joy and honors your loved one?

• Your escape plan

• Your ally

• How to express what you want

If interested contact Roseann Kumor at 610.775.7431 for more info. Fellowship and light refreshment will be served.

Your Parish Nurse Ministry will begin monthly blood pressure screening after all Masses starting the weekend of Dec. 5th and 6th. Come to

the Father Lyons Room and meet your parish nurses and have your blood pressure taken.

Holy Guardian Angels will conduct its 22nd annual Advent Concert with Vespers on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 4 pm in church. The Choir is acclaimed for its Vespers Program performed during the Advent season. What a wonderful way to begin this season with an afternoon of sacred music and liturgical prayer.

LaSalle Academy has the following positions available: Daily Substitute Teachers at La Salle Academy –

Certified teachers, up-to-date clearances and background check. Send resume to LaSalle Academy, 440 Holland St., Shillington, PA 19607 Part-time Early Childhood Aide – former classroom or teaching experience preferred. Please send resume to La Salle Academy, 440 Holland St., Shillington, PA 19607

Bringing the Gospel to the Streets! There's a new kid in town here at St. John's and his name is St. Paul Street Evangelization. SPSE for short. He would really like to meet some new friends who are passionate about Christ to hang out with him on 5th and Penn St. once a month. He enjoys sharing his Catholic faith and spreading the Good News by: -Handing out Rosaries to others -Praying with them -Sharing his testimony To meet SPSE, please call Gina Aldi at 484.769.5346 | www.streetevangelization.com

Catholic Charities will be holding a Protecting God’s Children workshop on Dec. 10, 2015 at 10am in the Fr. Lyons Room. Anyone wishing to volunteer in the parish or school must attend the workshop. Please call Amy Ames at Catholic Charities 610.376.7144 to register.

Host families are needed for several international students who would like to attend Berks Catholic High School in January 2016. They stay until the end of the school year, have F-1 visas, speak English, are fully insured, and have their own pocket money for personal expenses. Host families provide room and board and receive a generous monthly hosting stipend. If you have room in your heart and home, and for more information, please contact: Angela Gable, the Nacel Open Door Representative with International Private School Program at 610.698.2647 or agableNOD@gmail.com

The “Giving Tree” project for 2015 is underway. Our church family is asked to share in the spirit of giving that Christmas brings to help Lifeline of Berks County to replenish their pantry which serves mothers, babies and their families this Christmas and throughout the coming year. Please choose a Gift tag located on Giving Trees at the

main entrance and in baskets at each of the side entrances to the church. We ask each family to pick one or more tags listing a needed baby item. Bring the new unwrapped gift and place it in the Father Lyons room. Your gift will be brought directly to Lifeline. This is a great way to provide a meaningful Christmas gift to mothers and their babies in need. Any questions contact Bob Peters at 610.775.8965

Prime Timers News: Mark your calendars for two upcoming trips scheduled for the ever fun-loving Prime Timers: •Feb. 10, 2016 Bus trip to Hollywood Casino, Cost $25. •Feb. 24, 2016 Bus trip to Rainbow Comedy Playhouse to see “Nana’s Naughty Knickers” Cost $63. Please call Philomena Repoley 610.777-5063 or Larry Shepherd 610.777.8337 for more information or to make reservations

Come join the Knight's of Columbus Sunday December 6th from 8:30-10:30AM for their annual breakfast with Santa! It will be held in the LaSalle cafeteria, and is a free will

donation. We hope to see you there!

4

Enjoy your fellow parishioners’ favorite cookie recipes!

December 19th and 20th in the Fr. Lyons Room

Drop off 2 dozen cookies before Mass and get a voucher to select 2 dozen cookies of your choice after Mass. Also copies of your cookie recipe would be wonderful.

SHARING IS CARING! Contact person Lois Lombardo at 610-777-2542

Sponsored by Breaking Bread Social Committee

The Gospel for All Ages A compilation of questions by age group, in line with the readings and Gospel for the week, to help you

ponder the Message and live it in your daily life.

2nd Sunday of Advent - Readings: Baruch 5.1-9; Philippians 1.4-6, 8-11; Luke 3.1-6

For Adults - Life Question: What memories do you hold of the home you started from?

Gospel Question: How are you a home where God dwells?

Older Teens - Life Question: How forgiving a person are you?

Gospel Question: How is forgiving a way to turn toward God?

Young Teens - Life Question: What activities can you do to help prepare for Advent?

Gospel Question What do the prophets of Advent tell us about God?

Grades 4-6 - Life Question: How can you practice mercy?

Gospel Question: What do you need to turn away from this Advent?

Grades 2-3 - Life Question What are your favorite ways to get ready for Christmas?

Gospel Question: What is a prophet?

Grades K-1 - Life Question: What are some ways your family prepares for your birthday?

Gospel Question : What are some ways you can prepare this Advent for Jesus’ birthday?

Preschool - Life Question: : What are some things you see in creation everyday?

Gospel Question: What are things in creation you are thankful to God for?

5

December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception starts the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy announced by Pope Francis. The Jubilee Year will run from December 8th 2015- November

20th 2016. What is the Year of Mercy? Seeing the great need for mercy and healing in the world, Pope Francis called for the Year of Mercy—a special period, also known as a Holy Year or Jubilee Year, for the Catholic Church. It is a time for the Church across the world to take approximately a year to focus on forgiveness and healing in a special way. Pope Francis has asked us as individuals and as a Church “to be a witness of mercy” by reflecting on and practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy (Pope Francis’ Announcement of the Year of Mercy). Beginning December 8, 2015, the Holy Year of Mercy will focus on studying and reflecting on mercy, receiving mercy, and being merciful towards others.

What is a Jubilee Year? A Jubilee Year is when the Catholic Church across the world takes approximately a year to focus on forgiveness and healing in a special way. Catholics are encouraged to join together in prayer, go to confession, and share the genius of Catholicism with others. The purpose of a Jubilee Year is to help people grow spiritually, strengthen their faith, and encourage works of service, and to promote unity within the Catholic Church and society in general. The last Jubilee Year was in 2000, called for by Pope Saint John Paul II. Indulgence for the Year of Mercy? Like any Jubilee Year, a person can receive a plenary indulgence for the Year of Mercy. A plenary indulgence removes all of what is called “temporal punishment” due to sins that have already been forgiven. Sin and evil are real. Every sin, large or small, is in some way a rejection of the-best-version-of-ourselves and a rejection of God. “Temporal punishment” is the natural consequence of that sin, the necessary purification following forgiveness of sin. (See Catechism of the Catholic Church on Indulgences and Sin and Mercy) The Works of Mercy The works of mercy are the practical ways we live out mercy. They are how we show loving kindness, compassion, and self-restraint to the people around us, both physically and spiritually. According to the Catechism, “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities” (No. 2447). While the exact list has varied slightly throughout the history of the Church, there are 14 consistently recognized works of mercy. CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY • Feed the hungry • Instruct the ignorant • Give drink to the thirsty • Counsel the doubtful • Clothe the naked • Admonish sinners • Harbour the harbourless • Bear wrongs patiently • Visit the sick • Forgive offenses willingly • Ransom the captive • Comfort the afflicted • Bury the dead • Pray for the living and the dead

More information on the Jubilee Year of Mercy can be found at www.im.va

6

The Beautiful Symbolism of the Advent Wreath

For many Christians, Advent Wreaths are a favorite way to celebrate the month of December leading up to Christmas Day. Even though Advent Wreaths are popular among Christians, many are not aware of the rich meaning and symbolism embedded in the tradition. If we learn this meaning, we can appreciate it all the more! DARKNESS AND LIGHT The Advent candles readily demonstrate the strong contrast between darkness and light. In the Bible, Christ is referred to as the “Light of the World” contrasted with the darkness of sin. Human history spanned long ages before our prophesied Savior would finally make his appearance, and

with him God’s promise to make all things new through him. As his Advent, or “coming,” draws nearer another candle is lit, each candle dispelling the darkness a little more. Thus, the Advent wreath helps us to spiritually contemplate the great drama of salvation history that surrounds the birth of God Incarnate who comes to redeem the human race. SHAPE, NUMBER, AND COLOR SHAPE: The circular shape of the wreath, without beginning or end, symbolizes God’s complete and unending love for us—a love that sent his Son into the world to redeem us from the curse of sin. It also represents eternal life which becomes ours through faith in Jesus Christ. NUMBER: The Advent Wreath traditionally holds four candles which are lit, one at a time, on each of the four Sundays of the Advent season. Each candle represents 1,000 years. Added together, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the world’s Savior—from Adam and Eve to Jesus, whose birth was foretold in the Old Testament. Some Advent wreath traditions also include a fifth white “Christ” candle, symbolizing purity, that is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. Many circular wreaths can incorporate a white candle by adding a pillar candle to the wreath center. COLOR: Violet is a liturgical color that is used to signify a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. Advent, also called “little Lent,” is the season where we spiritually wait in our “darkness” with hopeful expectation for our promised redemption, just as the whole world did before Christ’s birth, and just as the whole world does now as we eagerly await his promised return. THE FOUR WEEKS OF ADVENT During the first two weeks of Advent we light the first two purple candles. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our waiting for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy, so we light the single pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent. Then on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the final purple candle is lit to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait expectantly for the soon-coming birth of the King of Kings. Traditionally, each of the four Advent candles have a deeper meaning which you can read more about in many Advent prayer books that are available. These meanings are also simply illustrated in the lovely Four Weeks of Advent Pewter Wreath: • The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the “Prophet’s Candle” reminding us that Jesus is coming. • The 2nd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the “Bethlehem Candle” reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s

journey to Bethlehem. • The 3rd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the “Shepherd’s Candle” reminding us of the Joy the world

experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. • The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the message of the angels:

“Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” ENHANCE YOUR WREATH WITH MORE SYMBOLISM You can festively decorate your Advent Wreath with other natural materials that traditionally carry their own Christian symbolism. The use of evergreens reminds us of our eternal life with Christ; pointy holly leaves and berries represents the crown of thorns from the Passion of Jesus and his Precious Blood; and pine cones symbolize Christ’s Resurrection. -Gretchen Filz - catholiccompany.com