st. susanna · 12/8/2019 · need to stand out from the crowds. maybe we need to point to a...

Parish Website: MPHCatholic.org mphcatholic

Fr. Larry Adams Fr. Thom Miller Fr. Al Zapf Fr. Rick Thompson Fr. Faustine Furaha

St. Bartholomew 111 Erhardt Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

(412) 242-3374

St. Bernadette 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146

(412) 373-0050

St. Gerard Majella 121 Dawn Dr, Verona, PA 15147

(412) 793-3333

St. Susanna 200 Stotler Rd, Penn Hills, PA 15235

(412) 798-5596

North American Martyrs 2526 Haymaker Rd, Monroeville, PA 15146 /

740 E Wall Ave, Pitcairn, PA 15140 (412) 373-0330

MPH Catholic December 8, 2019

As we continue our journey through Advent to the Fulfillment of the Promise, we hear three rather disparate readings. In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, we hear about the shoot from the

stump of Jesse. It goes on to describe natural enemies coming together in peace. The one image that we always draw from this reading is not even contained in it – the image of the lion and the lamb. But it is still a natural extension of what we do read.

In the second reading, we hear a proclamation of hope. That hope, borne in endurance, leads to that same peace among all people, Jews and Gentiles alike.

Our Gospel begins the public ministry of John the Baptist. He is the great forerunner of the Messiah. He is, as the prophet Isaiah described him, a “voice of one crying out in the desert.” His purpose is to prepare the way for the Lord. But John is a strange character who wore odd garments and ate unusual foods. He stood against the religious leaders of his day. He proclaimed that something far greater was coming, and soon.

Maybe our role as faithful Christians needs to reflect the spirit of John the Baptist more. Maybe we need to stand out from the crowds. Maybe we need to point to a reality that is greater than ourselves. Maybe that is our mission as followers of Jesus.

So how do we do that? Well, the first thing about standing out from the crowd will take some doing. It has been to our benefit that we are a majority religion, particularly here in the United States. But that is not always a good thing. We can easily become complacent. Coming to Church once a week for an hour or so is not enough to make you a Christian. You must be living your faith every day. How? By caring for those around you. By standing up for what is right, even if it is not popular. By living in a way that points to that greater reality, the Sovereignty and Love of God.

If people cannot look at you and say. “That person is a Christian,” maybe you need to make some changes in your life. Advent is the perfect time for that. We are preparing our homes for Christmas. Should we not be preparing our hearts for the Messiah? Spend time in quiet reflection, away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Take time to take stock of your life. What do you want for Christmas? DO you really need all those gadgets and toys and the like? What you really need is a heart devoted to God. Go and prepare the way for Him.

From Deacon Mike

Immaculate Conception

When the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception falls on a Sunday of Advent, the celebration of the Sunday of Advent takes precedence as our liturgical celebration. (As Catholics, we always assert that Mary points to Jesus, rather than taking his place.). This year, Immaculate Conception falls on Sunday, December 8. So, on that day, we celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Advent. We transfer the celebration of Immaculate Conception to Monday, December 9. When we transfer the celebration, the obligation to attend Mass is removed. We will celebrate Mary’s Immaculate Conception at our regularly scheduled daily Masses on Monday, December 9th. Please join us at these Masses!

The Light is on For You!

This Advent, on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, rediscover the healing power of God's love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at Catholic parishes throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In our parish we will have the Sacrament at St. Bartholomew and North American Martyrs. If you've been away for a long time, don't worry. The Light Is On For You! We will have an Advent Penance Service on Monday, December 16, 2019 beginning at 6:30 pm at St. Bernadette Church.

2nd Sunday of Advent

PARISH HAPPENINGS

Rev. Larry Adams, Team Ministry [email protected] Rev. Thomas Miller, Team Ministry [email protected] Rev. Albert Zapf, Moderator, Team Ministry [email protected] Rev. Richard Thompson, Parish Chaplain [email protected] Rev. Faustine Furaha, In Residence Deacon Michael W. Kelly [email protected] Deacon Richard M. Tucek [email protected] Mrs. Bess Biamonte, Pastoral Associate [email protected] Mr. Anthony H. Costa, Pastoral Associate [email protected] Mr. Joshua Bandish, Music [email protected] Mrs. Mary Lou Bender, Music [email protected] Mrs. Cindy Karell, Music [email protected] Mrs. Karen McDonough, Music [email protected] Mr. Jerry Brandl, Business [email protected] Mr. Tim Thorsen, Business [email protected] Mrs. Melissa Busbey, Bookkeeper, Office Mgr., [email protected] Ms. Roz DeStefano, Bookkeeper [email protected] Mrs. Cathy Cowan, Bookkeeper [email protected] Ms. Donna Lew-Buechel, Faith Formation [email protected] Mrs. Marlene V. Kopper, Faith Formation [email protected] Ms. Donna Lamanna, Safe Environment Coord., St. Bartholomew Mr. Christopher Cooley, Youth Ministry, Web, [email protected] Ms. Kathy DeStefano, Admin. Assistant [email protected] Ms. Sandy Baer, Secretary [email protected] Ms. Pat Cepec, Secretary [email protected] Mrs. Charlotte Dobrinsky, Secretary [email protected] Mrs. Sandy Palmieri, Sacramental Secretary [email protected] Ms. Ginny Beck, Weekend Secretary Mr. Leo Bickert, Maintenance Mr. Tim Jacob, Maintenance [email protected] Mr. William Sterf, Maintenance Ron Kreske, Maintenance Bob Gasper, Maintenance

Parish Staff Directory Office Hours

Nut Rolls

Time to order Christmas Nut Rolls. All orders must be in by Dec. 12, 2019 Call Jan at 412-372-6555 or emai [email protected] with your order, name AND Phone # by Dec. 10, 2019. I will confirm your order. Nut Rolls: $13.00 Cherry/Nut Rolls $16.00 Apricot rolls $13.00 Apricot/Nut Rolls $16.00 Poppy Seed $13.00 Banana/Nut Rolls $16.00 Pick-up will be on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 at 244 Clover Dr. Monroeville. between Noon and 3 PM

St. Bartholomew M-W 8am-4pm Thursday 8am-5pm Friday 8am-3pm Saturday 12:30pm-5pm Sunday 8am-12:30pm St. Bernadette M-Th 10am-5pm Friday 10am-1pm

St. Gerard Majella M-W 9am-4pm

North American Martyrs M-F 9am-5pm

St. Susanna M-F 9am-4:30pm

Thank You

The Breaking Bread Ministry provided Thanksgiving dinner to nearly 160 guests and volunteers. There are plenty of people to thank for making this a joyous event. Thank you for your generous donations at our recent second collection, $2821 was collected and was used to provide this meal free of charge to our guests to assure no one had to eat alone on this holiday. Several turkeys and other food items were donated to help defray the total cost of preparation – thank you to those who provided for us. Desserts were plentiful and delicious – thank you for the sweets. They were a great end to our fabulous feast. You are awesome! Thank you to Mohan’s Restaurant, ALDI, Giant Eagle, and Shop & Save for their food donations and gift cards. Such an undertaking requires volunteer support to plan, prepare and serve such a delicious meal, to set-up and clean-up, and to welcome our guests and spend time in conversation with them. Thank you to all who shared time, talents and treasure to make this another successful Holiday Meal.

We welcome those who are interested in joining our parish family. We invite new

members to complete a registration form which can be obtained by calling one of our

Church offices.


PARISH HAPPENINGS

Orders will be delivered to each Church on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Orders can be picked up after each Mass that weekend. Thank You!

Christmas Candy Sale Eucharistic Adoration When we worship you in the form of bread … we always see you as an adult. But every year at Christmas, you reveal yourself to us as a child born in a crib. We stand in silent amazement … In silent adoration we stand before the mystery, like Mary when the shepherd came and told her what they had

seen and heard: “She kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” – Servant of God Chiara Lubich St. Bernadette, Mondays 10am - 7pm St. Gerard Majella, Dec. 15, 2019 after 10am Mass

Giving Tree at MPH Catholic

St. Bartholomew Church Once again our parish Giving Tree is up and placed at the Blessed Mother Altar. This is such a beautiful combined ministry of our Ladies of Charity and St. Vincent de Paul Society. If you are able, please take a tag from the tree, purchase the gift request and place the tag on the outside of the package. Please return the item no later than December 8th , 2019. Small gift bags have been donated. Please take one from the basket near the tree and use it for your gift request. Thank you for your continued generosity.

St. Gerard Majella Church Thank you to all who returned gifts for our annual giving tree.

St. Susanna Church It is with sincere appreciation that the many volunteers of Penn Hills Service Association send a gracious Thank You to the parishioners of Saint Susanna for their very generous donation of $2,846.00 by way of the Giving Tree. The Penn Hills Service Association has been providing food, clothing and medical equipment to the families of Penn Hills since 1960. A major expense is the purchase of food for out food pantry for approximately 140 families each month. Your gift goes a long way toward enabling us to meet some of the needs of our less fortunate Penn Hills residents. The Annual, Christmas Program 2019 is now underway and will provide gift certificates to approximately 168 children. Again, Thank You for your benevolent support of the Penn Hills Service Association

North American Martyrs The St. Vincent de Paul Society is sponsoring the angel tree program to provide Christmas presents to the poor in our area. Please return the presents by Sunday December 8 to allow sufficient time for delivery. We are supporting the children of the Crossroads food pantry clients, a special children’s program at St. Michael, the homeless ministry of Intersection, and children of St. Vincent de Paul clients. Thank you for your continued support for this program over the past 24 years.

St. Bernadette The Ladies of Charity invite you to take a card from the Giving Tree to help members of our Parish family have a brighter Christmas. Please return the wrapped new gift with card NO LATER than MONDAY, DECEMBER 16. There will be a box at the back of the church to put your gift in or you may return it to the parish office. We appreciate all the support you have given to the Ladies of Charity. May God bless you and your family this Christmas Season. Thank you.

Your generosity has enabled the Ladies of Charity at St. Bernadette Church to provide Thanksgiving Dinners to members of our community. We genuinely appreciate the support we receive from our each of you. Thank you and God bless you.

Thanksgiving Dinners


PARISH HAPPENINGS

Bingo Night

Join us for Bingo, Wednesday's at St. Gerard Majella Church. Doors open

at 5pm and games start at 7pm in the church social hall. Food & drinks

available. Come Support the Church and have an evening of fun!

THERE WILL BE NO BINGO ON WEDNESDAY, DEC.25th AND JAN.1st

EMERGENCY FOOD, CLOTHING & MORE IN MONROEVILLE & PITCAIRN

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY CAN HELP CALL 412-373-0330 X33

Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent

First Reading — He shall bring justice for the afflicted; the earth shall overflow with the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11:1-10). Psalm — Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever (Psalm 72). Second Reading — Glorify God by living in harmony with one another, welcoming each other as Christ welcomed you (Romans 15:4-9). Gospel — Produce good fruit worthy of your baptism; repent, for the reign of God is near (Matthew 3:1-12). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997

JUSTICE AND OBEDIENCE Justice is the insurance we have on our lives, and obedience is the premium

we pay for it.

Travel Opportunities

Travel with Fr. Rick to Ireland & Scotland May 15-27, 2020

Join Fr. Rick, on a trip to Ireland and Scotland. We will visit Galway, Our Lady of Knock, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Edinburgh Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral. The trip cost is $4,799 for airfare and all-included. We will be staying in 4- & 5-star hotels, with daily Mass. To register, call 855-842-8001 or 508-340-9370 or online at www.proximotravel.com.

Travel with Fr. Faustine to Tanzania June 29-July 14, 2020

Join Father Faustine, native of Tanzania, on a guided tour. Departure will be from Dulles International Airport, Washington D.C. Included in

the tour will be: roundtrip airfare, accommodations and meals, motor coach with English speaking guide, visit to Mt. Kilimanjaro,

Safari in the Serengeti & Ngorongoro, attending Priestly ordinations Diocese of Moshi, and optional side trip to Zanzibar will be extra.

Estimated cost $3500 per person. For more information please call 412-242-3374 or email Father at [email protected].

Travel with Fr. Al and Fr. Ed to Austria & Germany September 22-

October 2, 2020

Visit Heidelberg, Rhine Valley, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Altotting, Munich, Rothenburg. $4359 from Pittsburgh. Email

[email protected] for more information.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Please join us on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at St. Susanna Church for the

feast day of Our Lady Guadalupe.

Please join us at 8:30am to pray the rosary before a statue of Our Lady of

Guadalupe, followed by Mass at 9am. After Mass, we will pray a litany to Our Lady of Guadalupe, followed by

a donut social in the Spirit Room. Please join us!


PARISH HAPPENINGS

Parish Website: MPHCatholic.org mphcatholic Parish Website: MPHCatholic.org mphcatholic

A Musical Nativity

Members of the Divine Mercy Academy Children’s Choir will present the program “A Musical Nativity” on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Saint Bernadette Church. Join us as the children present the story of the birth of Christ in prayer and song.


Scout Project

Life Scout Tad Horomanski will be at the 10:30am and 6:00pm masses at St. Bernadette this weekend providing information about his Eagle Scout project. Next weekend, he will be at the 5:00pm and 8:00am Masses, as well as the 4:00pm and 11:00am Masses at North American Martyrs. To support his service project, he is asking for monetary donations. Thank you for your generosity.


Live Nativity

You are invited to join the students of the Penn Hills CCD Program in the presentation of The Live Nativity on Tuesday, December 17, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at St. Susanna Church. A reception will follow the presentation in the Spirit Room. We would love for you to join us.

Join the choir of

North American Martyrs Church as we present our annual Lessons and Carols

on Monday, December 9, 2019

at 7:00pm in the Church.

Refreshments will be served following the

service. Please join us.


PARISH HAPPENINGS

PRAY FOR VOCATIONS

"Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2).

Please pray that young men and women hear and

respond generously to the Lord's call to the priesthood, diaconate, and

religious life.

Christmas and Mary Mother of God (New Year’s) Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve • 4pm St Bernadette • 4pm NAM • 4pm St Susanna • 4:30pm St Bartholomew • 6pm St Bernadette • 10pm NAM • Midnight St Bernadette Christmas Day • 9am St Susanna • 9:30am St Michael • 10am St Bartholomew • 10am St Bernadette • 10am NAM • 10am St Gerard Majella

Mary, Mother of God New Year’s Eve • 4pm St Bartholomew • 5pm NAM New Year’s Day • 9am St Susanna • 10am St Bernadette

Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator: 412-456-3093 (Office) 1-888- 808-1235 (Hot Line) PA Child Line: 1-800-932-0313 Call 911 immediately if a child is in danger.

Teresa Fortwrangler (St. Bernadette)

Dorothy Paolucci (St. Bernadette) Anthony DiDomenico (St. Bartholomew)

Pray for the Repose of Souls


ON MISSION FOR THE CHURCH ALIVE

One month from now our new parish becomes a reality. In today’s Gospel we hear about John the Baptist, preparing the way for the coming Messiah. John called for a conversion from sin with new eyes of faith for the future. Let us dedicate ourselves to be people like John the Baptist, looking forward to our God coming into our lives through our one new parish. Perhaps we feel disappointed or sad about the impending end of our former parishes, but let us instead focus on the positive and remember their successes and accomplishments. We are able to profess our faith today, in the holy triune God, whose

love is revealed in Jesus Christ and who has gifted us with the Spirit, because of our former parishes. They shared the gift of faith with us and taught us how to pray. They nurtured the faith in us through the celebration of the sacraments; they brought us to the present moment to look forward with courage. Let us pray that we too will be able to hand on the faith to future generations with effectiveness and joy.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been examining the needs of our parishes in terms of Lay Ecclesial Ministry positions (Director of Music Ministries, Pastoral Associate, Director of Faith Formation, Business Manager). Next year, we will complete the process by examining the needs of the parish in terms of all other staff positions. Our discernment of the composition of the LEM team for 2020 is now complete. Given the dedication of our current staff and the skill sets they have brought to bear in service of our communities over the years, it was a very difficult process of discernment and prayer. At this time, we would like to announce the 2020 LEM team for the Monroeville / Penn Hills Catholic Community: Pastoral Associates: Bess Biamonte (part-time) Deacon Mike Kelly (part-time) Director of Music Ministries: Joshua Bandish Director of Faith Formation: Marlene Kopper Business Manager: Jerry Brandl Irene Swackhammer will assist Marlene as “assistant director of faith formation”, in a volunteer role. Deacon Mike will also hold a part-time role of “associate director of faith formation”, with responsibilities that will include coordinating the safe environment program and leading the RCIA program. We would like to offer our congratulations to Josh, Bess, Jerry, Deacon Mike, Marlene, and Irene; we look forward to our collaboration in ministry in 2020! We would also like to thank those who have served faithfully on our team, but who will not continue on in that capacity in 2020. In a particular way, we would like to offer a word of thanks to Paul White, who decided to resign his role as music minister at North American Martyrs, effective November 25. We wish Paul well in his new role in the Catholic Community of South Pittsburgh (Holy Apostles, Holy Angels, and St. Sylvester).


Saturday, December 7, 2019 4:00pm, St. Bartholomew (LA), George K. Beck - Donohoe Family 4:00pm, NAM (AZ), Rev. Anthony G. DeLuca-Charlotte & Ed Dobrinsky 5:00pm, St. Bernadette (RT), John & Mary Papso—Family 5:00pm, St. Susanna (TM), Nate Ferraco - Ferraco Family Sunday, December 8, 2019 8:00am, St. Bernadette (TM), Rolf Patberg—Sharon & Children 9:00am, St. Michael (LA), Helen Pollis-Marie Brendlinger 9:00am, St. Susanna (RT), For the People of the Parishes of our Grouping 10:00am, St. Gerard (AZ), To embrace the strangers in our midst - Purgatorian Society 10:30am, St. Bartholomew (RT), Ruth Harris- Barb Fratangelo 10:30am, St. Bernadette (TM), Angelo DiPiazza—Marie Damask Brendlinger 11:00am, NAM (B), Mary Elizabeth Eisenberg-Mary & Bob Harrill 6:00pm, St. Bernadette (LA), John Balocik—Bill & Linda Mackey Monday, December 9, 2019 (Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38) 9:00am, St. Gerard Majella, Holy Souls in Purgatory—Purgatorian Society 9:30am, St. Bernadette, Ryan Scott– Paul & Lori Scott Tuesday, December 10, 2019 (Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14) 8:00am, NAM, Peg Gomrick-Rita & Dave Dolan 9:00am, St. Susanna, Dave Heinauer - Jack and Bonnie Myler 10:00am, St. Bartholomew, Frank Porco - Marie Ciccotelli Wednesday, December 11, 2019 (Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30) 8:00am, St. Michael, Living & Deceased Members of the Altar Rosary Society 9:00am, St. Gerard Majella, Happy & Blessed Birthday Reubin- Obiekezie Family 9:30am, St. Bernadette, Anthony Telles Jr.—Dad Thursday, December 12, 2019 (Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47)

8:00am, NAM, Rebecca Maola-Husband, Anthony 9:00am, St. Susanna, Anniversary, Dorothy Swackhammer - Irene Swackhammer 10:00am, St. Bartholomew, Jean Stellitano—Larry & Marcia Irr Friday, December 13, 2019 (Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19) 9:00am, St. Gerard Majella, Betty Bigos—Steve, Kathy & Roz 9:30am, St. Bernadette, Elizabeth Jonnet—Daughter Saturday, December 14, 2019 (Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13) 9:00am, St. Susanna, Bob Kerekes - Joan Lunifeld 10:00am, St. Bartholomew, Josephine Wichman - Family & Friends 4:00pm, St. Bartholomew (AZ), For the People of the Parishes of our Grouping 4:00pm, NAM (TM), Tom Morris-Millie 5:00pm, St. Bernadette (LA), Robert Kocur—Family 5:00pm, St. Susanna (RT), Anniversary - Lynn Rubash - Husband and Family Sunday, December 15, 2019 (Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11) 8:00am, St. Bernadette (AZ), Mary Macaluso—Linda & Mike Gordon 9:00am, St. Michael (TM), Ortenzio Vecchio-Irene Chenot 9:00am, St. Susanna (B), Anthony and Collette Fennessy - Family 10:00am, St. Gerard (RT), Robert Eury—Joyce Heil Family 10:30am, St. Bartholomew (LA), Margaret Viglio—Viglio Children 10:30am, St. Bernadette (AZ), Kay & Hank Ihrig—Family 11:00am, NAM (TM), Bernadette Catone-Vranka Family 6:00pm, St. Bernadette (RT), Madeline Lowden—Josephine Jackson

MASS INTENTIONS

Legend AZ Fr Al Zapf LA Fr Larry Adams TM Fr Thom Miller RT Fr Rick Thompson FF Fr Faustine Furaha B Benedictine TBD To be determined VP Visiting Priest


SAINT BERNADETTE

SUNDAY DEC 8 6am LC Blood Drive 9am DMA CCD 10:30am BH Children’s Liturgy of the Word 7pm LC Youth Group MONDAY DEC 9 10 am – 7pm C Adoration 7pm RC-1 Divorced & Separated 7:30pm BH KOC Meeting TUESDAY DEC 10 10am BH Tai Chi 5:15pm C Purgatorian Society 6:30pm RC-2 CMF Meeting 7pm C Contemporary Choir

7pm RC-1 Young Adult Bible Study WEDNESDAY DEC 11 3pm C Children’s Choir 6pm LC Cub Scouts 7pm BH RCIA THURSDAY DEC 12 6pm LC DMA Christmas Band Concert SATURDAY DEC 14 7am LC Men’s Bible Study (TMIY) 9am LC WOG Women’s Bible Study 7:30pm C A Musical Nativity

C-Church, LC-Lourdes Center, BH-Biedenbach Hall, DMA-School RC1-Rectory Conference Room 1

This Week at St. Bernadette Church

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW

Saturday December 14 Altar Servers V. Senge, D. Maguire, E. Nichols Lector R. Donnley E.M K. Regan, R. Rick, G. Beck, R.M. Curran, R. House, E. King, N. Senge

Sunday December 15 Altar Servers J. Fitzgerald, C. Capasso, K. Boyle, H. Dawson Lector M. McKoy E.M. J. Depner, T. Stanton, J. Boyle, L. Irr, C. Kulikowski, D. Lamanna, R. Stitzel

Liturgical Ministers—December 14/15

SAINT GERARD MAJELLA

Christmas Flowers

BIBLE DISCUSSION GROUP—(Meets the 1st & 3rd Monday of the Month) All are welcome to attend. Next meeting is December 16, 2019 at 6:30 PM PURGATORIAN SOCIETY - Meets every Thursday at 4:30 PM In the Resurrection Room

LEGION OF MARY—Meets every Saturday at 11:00 AM In the Resurrection Room ANOINTING OF THE SICK (The First Sunday of the Month) January 5, 2020 after 10 AM Mass

Please PRINT names clearly when filling out your Christmas Flower Memorial envelope.

Santa Breakfast

Stop in after Mass today for our Santa Breakfast in the St. Gerard Social Hall. 9:00am until noon. MENU

Stack of Buttermilk Pancakes Covered in Syrup, Sausages and a Drink Topped off with a visit from the Jolly Elf himself! Treat Bags for the Kids

Chinese Auction, 50/50 Raffle, New & Gently Used Items from our Flea Market Table & Bake Sale Free Souvenir wine glass with every adult breakfast awhile supplies last.

St. Bernadette Comfort Quilt Ministry is not accepting fabric donations at this time. The Salvation Army does accept donations of fabric and craft supplies. For more information, please contact The Salvation Army at 412-446-1500


SAINT SUSANNA

Join “Coming Attractions” Bible Study

Congratulations to our Lucky 50/50 Winner Carol Kerr

And she won $105. Our next winner could be you!Tickets are $10 and the next drawing will be on Tuesday morning, January 2, 2020. Best of Luck to Everyone!

CENTERING PRAYER GROUP - Saint Susanna Prayer Group meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm in the Rectory Meeting Room. Lectio Divina Sundays Gospel/Prayer/Spiritual Reading.

PENN HILLS SERVICE ASSOCIATION - Every 3rd week of the month Saint Susanna has a collection of non-perishable food. Please donate what you can. Thank You.

Please consider joining Coming Attractions. The group will read the next Sunday’s readings, consider some background, notice relationships among the readings, and share insights, questions, and observations as a preparation for Sunday’s liturgy. We will meet Thursdays after the 9:00 A.M. Mass in the Spirit Room. As Jesus told Andrew and John, “Come and see.”

50/50 Raffle

NORTH AMERICAN MARTYRS

Christmas Flower Donations

In your envelope packet you will find an envelope for Christmas Flower donations. Please make sure to return this donation as soon as possible if you wish to have your name included in the Christmas flower publication.

STEWARDSHIP

Sanctuary Candle

St. Bartholomew: For Blaise Manzo from his Family. St. Susanna: For Dorothy Ross from the Schroeder Family For Barbara Hunkele from the Hunkele Family (Nov. 30/Dec. 1). NAM: In memory of Sr. Susanne Watson, requested by Mary Jane Beemiller & Family. In memory of Hank Damask, requested by Marie & Family (Nov. 30/Dec.1) St. Gerard Majella: In Honor of the Blessed Sacrament and for The Holy Souls in Purgatory, Requested by The Purgatorian Society


St. Bartholomew: $4,326.00 St. Bernadette: $13,982.57 November 24: $14,728.79 Retired Religious: $5,769.00

St. Gerard Majella: $2,525.00 November 24: $1,735.00 Retired Religious: $2,011.00

NAM: $5,301.92 November 24: $6,179.00 Little Sisters of the Poor: $530.00 Building and Grounds: $757.00

St. Susanna: $5,988.00 November 24: $3,891.00

Christmas wafers

Christmas wafers (Oplatky) are available at North American Martyrs and St Michael in the main vestibules. The donation is $3/package.


Pray for the Sick of our Parish Mary Ann Abbenante, Stacey Baylie, Jim Behe, John Behe, Mary Lou Brown, Paula Conte,

Rosalie Cordasko, Matt Costa, Patricia Costa, Josephine Costanco, Ken Cravotta, Mary Dailey, Derna DiCecco, Julie DiCecco, Malcolm Anthony Francis Ferrao, Jane Catherine Ferrao, Shawn Anthony Ferrao, Nicole Antonette Ferrao, Anita Farruggia, Doreen Franceschini, Janet Fisher,

Magdalen Fisher, Bob Gojkovich, Jane Grabenstein, John Jackovitz, Jessica Andrews Jones, Ron Jones, Thomas Kengerski, Jim Koerneke, Jim Kovach, Christopher Labergew, Jean Lawton, Noel

Ljubicic, Corrine Malloy, Anthony Maola, Charles McCracken, Richard Miller, Jim Moberg, Anna Nowak, Noreen Orlando, Ashley Preece, Christine Samrock, Clara Sands, Isabella Sciara,

Lou Smith, Wayne Stiffey, Patty Toohill, Helen & Joe Toth, Dcn. Rick Tucek, Clare Valansky, Mary Ann Vecchio, Theresa Ventresco, Renee Venturella, Eric Vidra, Amy Whitaker

Worthington & Nancy Youthers, Joann Evans, Larry Bacco, Mary Dailey, Christine Davis, Mary Lou Frollo, Millie Lodovico, Chris LaBertew, Anthony Pugliese, Don Turak, Deacon Rick Tucek,

Rich Wicker, Edward Konop

To be added to the prayer list, please contact one of our Church offices.


Baptism

Please contact one of our parish offices for information of the requirements, conditions and options for

baptisms.

Marriage

Please call one of our parish offices as soon as you select a wedding date, so that we can begin planning

your wedding ceremony with you.

Sick and Shut-ins

The Sacraments are available to those who are unable to celebrate Mass due to sickness or age. To make

arrangements for visitation to your home, please call 412-373-0050 and ask for Deacon Mike.

Sacramental Sponsor

Requirements: Registered member of an MPH parish, attending Mass weekly; Baptized and Confirmed in the

Catholic Church; if married, then married validly in the Catholic Church.

SACRAMENTS

Confession Schedule

The Regular Confession Schedule for our grouping is: St. Bartholomew — Saturday at 3:00pm St. Bernadette — Monday at 6:00pm and Saturday at 3:45pm St. Gerard Majella — Sunday at 9:10am NAM — Saturday at 3:00pm (except 2nd Saturday) St. Michael — 2nd Saturday of the month at noon St. Susanna — Saturday at 9:30am


AROUND THE DIOCESE

Mary and Bright

Mary and Bright - A morning of Christmas Cheer: Women in God's Spirit (WINGS) will be hosting a reflection of Mary the Mother of God. Join us for a joyful morning of sisterhood, in the middle of this busy season. Together let us sing, pray, enjoy a festive brunch, and celebrate Holy Mass to prepare ourselves for the glory of Christmas! We will also be collecting gloves and warm socks to spread the warmth to those in need if you would like to donate. The event takes place on Saturday, December 21, from 9:00 am – noon at in the Upper Cardinal DiNardo Center (building across from the church) at Saints John & Paul Parish (2586 Wexford Bayne Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143). It is open to all women, high school aged and older. Please register at greatgrouping.org/wings. You can also register for childcare if needed.

SAM – Substance Addiction Ministry

The next Substance Addiction Ministry Rosary for Recovery will be Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at St. Coleman Church, 100 Tri Boro Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145. We will meet at 7:00PM for the Rosary followed by an informal gathering for all who are afflicted or affected by addiction. It will be a safe, confidential place for people to seek education, referral and support. For more information please contact Noreen at 412-296-1709

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Monday: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wednesday: St. Damasus I Thursday: Our Lady of Guadalupe Friday: St. Lucy Saturday: St. John of the Cross

MPH Catholic Youth Group Annual Luminaries Sale Please support our Youth Group’s trip to the 2020 March for Life by purchasing a luminary for a deceased or living loved one or someone who has inspired you or your family. Luminaria that are purchased will be placed at our six churches on Christmas Eve and Day. Youth Group members will write the name included on this form on the luminary. If you wish to have multiple names remembered or recognized, please donate at least $10 per recipient. Please do not take any of the luminary home because we recycle them annually to keep our costs down. The MPH Catholic Youth Group thanks you for your generosity! God bless! Please place this form and your donation in an envelope labeled “Luminaries.” Place the envelope in the offertory baskets of the MPH Catholic Churches or place envelope in LUMINARY COLLECTION BOX if a collection box is found in the lobby of your church. Turn in luminary donation sheets on weekend Masses of Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15. We will create all Luminaries at Youth Group on Dec 22nd. YG member teams will set up luminaries at various churches on morning/afternoon of Dec 24th and all luminaries will be picked up by YG on Dec 26th.

Name of person donating:____________________________________ Amount of cash donation:___________ Amount of Check (Made out to St. Bernadette):___________ Name(s) of luminary recipient: (name(s) placed on luminary) ($10/recipient)

1.) _____________________________ 2.)_____________________________

3.) _____________________________4.) _____________________________ Date of purchase of luminary:_________ CIRCLE the MPH Catholic Church where Luminary is to be placed for Dec 24th & Dec 25th Masses:

St. Bartholomew St. Bernadette St. Gerard Majella NAM St. Michael St. Susanna

December Early Bulletin Deadline:

Content for the December 22, 2019 Bulletin is due by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2019

st. susanna · 12/8/2019 · need to stand out from the crowds. maybe we need to point to a...

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