St. Maximilian Kolbe ChurchSt. Maximilian Kolbe ChurchSt. Maximilian Kolbe ChurchSt. Maximilian Kolbe Church

December 6, 2015December 6, 2015December 6, 2015December 6, 2015

Second Sunday of AdventSecond Sunday of AdventSecond Sunday of AdventSecond Sunday of Advent

Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery;

put on the splendor of glory from God forever:

For God will show all the earth your splendor:

you will be named by God forever

the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship.

—Baruch 5:1, 3-4

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RRRREVEVEVEV. M. M. M. MSGRSGRSGRSGR. R. R. R. ROBERTOBERTOBERTOBERT J. CJ. CJ. CJ. CARROLLARROLLARROLLARROLL, Pastor RRRREVEVEVEV. M. M. M. MARCARCARCARC F. CF. CF. CF. CAPIZZIAPIZZIAPIZZIAPIZZI, , , , Parochial Vicar RRRREVEVEVEV. T. T. T. THOMASHOMASHOMASHOMAS J. GJ. GJ. GJ. GARDNERARDNERARDNERARDNER In Residence LLLLAWRENCEAWRENCEAWRENCEAWRENCE BBBBRANDONRANDONRANDONRANDON, Permanent Deacon, Retired WWWWILLIAMILLIAMILLIAMILLIAM HHHHICKEYICKEYICKEYICKEY, Permanent Deacon AAAALFREDLFREDLFREDLFRED MMMMAURIELLOAURIELLOAURIELLOAURIELLO, Permanent Deacon MMMMONICAONICAONICAONICA MMMMALSEEDALSEEDALSEEDALSEED School Principal RRRROBERTAOBERTAOBERTAOBERTA DDDDAINTONAINTONAINTONAINTON,,,, Director of Religious Education SSSSUSANUSANUSANUSAN BBBBARBELLAARBELLAARBELLAARBELLA, Business Manager JJJJACKACKACKACK CCCCRITTENDENRITTENDENRITTENDENRITTENDEN, Building & Grounds Supervisor SSSSARAARAARAARA TTTTOPPEROPPEROPPEROPPER, Music Director LLLLORIORIORIORI MMMMILLERILLERILLERILLER, , , , Administrative Assistant SSSSUSANUSANUSANUSAN TTTTEAFORDEAFORDEAFORDEAFORD, , , , Parish Secretary

RRRRECTORYECTORYECTORYECTORY PPPPHONEHONEHONEHONE 610-399-6936 RRRRECTORYECTORYECTORYECTORY FFFFAXAXAXAX 610-399-4828 RRRRELIGIOUSELIGIOUSELIGIOUSELIGIOUS EEEEDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATION OOOOFFICEFFICEFFICEFFICE 610-399-9642 SCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOL PHONEPHONEPHONEPHONE 610-399-8400

MAILINGMAILINGMAILINGMAILING AAAADDRESSDDRESSDDRESSDDRESS: 15 East Pleasant Grove Road West Chester, PA 19382

WWWWEBSITEEBSITEEBSITEEBSITE AAAADDRESSDDRESSDDRESSDDRESS: www.stmax.org EEEEMAILMAILMAILMAIL ADDRESSADDRESSADDRESSADDRESS: saintmax@comcast.net BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS bulletin@stmax.org

SSSSCHEDULECHEDULECHEDULECHEDULE OFOFOFOF MMMMASSESASSESASSESASSES Saturday – Vigil Mass – 5:30 PM

Sunday – 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon WWWWEEKDAYSEEKDAYSEEKDAYSEEKDAYS ININININ THETHETHETHE CCCCHAPELHAPELHAPELHAPEL

Monday through Friday – 8:00 AM Saturday – 9:00 AM

HHHHOLYOLYOLYOLY DDDDAYSAYSAYSAYS OFOFOFOF OBLIGATIONOBLIGATIONOBLIGATIONOBLIGATION VIGIL 5:30 PM

8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 7:00 PM

CCCCONFESSIONSONFESSIONSONFESSIONSONFESSIONS Saturday 4:00 to 5:00 PM or by appointment.

BBBBAPTISMAPTISMAPTISMAPTISM –––– Celebrated the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 1:00 PM. Please call the Rectory Office 6-8 weeks in advance to make arrangements. PPPPRERERERE----JORDANJORDANJORDANJORDAN – Expectant and/or new parents are to participate in a class on Baptism. This session is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 1:00 PM. It is necessary to call the Rectory in advance of the class to register. MMMMARRIAGESARRIAGESARRIAGESARRIAGES – Arrangements should be made at least six months before the date of the wedding. AAAANOINTINGNOINTINGNOINTINGNOINTING OOOOFFFF TTTTHEHEHEHE SSSSICKICKICKICK————In case of serious illness or surgery, please contact one of our parish priests. This Sacrament can also be administered after any weekday Mass. Please see the priest in the Sacristy. HHHHOMEOMEOMEOME VVVVISITSISITSISITSISITS---- Anyone unable to attend Mass regularly due to illness may call the Rectory to make arrangements to receive Communion in their homes. NNNNEWEWEWEW PPPPARISHIONERSARISHIONERSARISHIONERSARISHIONERS – Register at the Rectory at your earliest convenience or go to www.stmax.org. Please notify the Rectory of any change of address as soon as possible. CCCCHARISMATICHARISMATICHARISMATICHARISMATIC PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER: Tuesdays in the Chapel at 7:30 PM. CCCCENTERINGENTERINGENTERINGENTERING PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER:::: Fridays in the Chapel at 8:45 AM RCIARCIARCIARCIA–––– For those desiring to become Catholic or adults who were not baptized. Contact Fr. Capizzi.

RRRRECTORYECTORYECTORYECTORY OOOOFFICEFFICEFFICEFFICE HHHHOURSOURSOURSOURS Monday through Thursday 8:30AM-5:00PM

Friday 8:30AM-4:00PM

Sunday 8:30AM-1:30PM

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION EVERY TUESDAY

Beginning at 8:30AM and concluding at 7:00 PM with the Miraculous

Medal Novena.

Please note: December 8—No Adoration due to the Holy Day. You are

still welcome to make a Holy Hour in the Church, even though the Blessed Sacrament will not be exposed. Jesus still wants to see you!!

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Prepare the way for the Lord: Proclamation!

In Luke chapter 3 we hear John the Baptist proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Would you join John the Baptist in going around the country to speak about repentance? It’s challenging to imagine - asking people to consider the wrong that they’ve done, express remorse, and pledge to do differently.

During Advent, we’re preparing not only for the birth of Jesus at Christmas but also for the Second Coming of Christ. It’s our calling to do so in our hearts, in our families, in our communities, and in our world.

There are many ways that we can prepare our hearts… ~ Hold a door for the next person

~ Shovel a neighbor’s walk ~ Help carry something heavy.

~ Saying hello to someone who looks lonely ~ Cheer up a crying child

~ Clean up a mess that you didn’t make.

Offer these moments up to Jesus in silent prayer

Family Activity Set up a Nativity scene in a prominent spot in your home. Each day at dinner or as part of your Advent wreath lighting, talk together about ways that each person did God’s work in the world that day. These actions may be grand, community-wide gestures, or they might be small acts of exceptional kindness, or even acts of internal prayer. For each way in which you’ve prepared for Christ’s coming, add a piece of straw to the manger. In this way you’re creating a soft bed for the arrival of Baby Jesus as well as a strong faith that brings Jesus’ ministry to the world.

Reflection: The candles on the Advent wreath remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. How might we reflect the light of Christ to others this season and beyond?

Prayer: Be with us, Lord, as we continue in this waiting season of Advent. We thank you for the many blessings in our lives, and with anticipation, preparation, and hope, we look forward to the arrival of your son, Jesus, the light of the world. Amen.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Tuesday, December 8th is the feast of the Immaculate Conception and a Holy Day of Obligation.

Mass will be celebrated at the following times:

Vigil Mass on Monday, December 7th 5:30 PM

Feast Day on Tuesday, December 8th 8:00AM, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM

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Isaiah 11:1 “a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse” Our first ornament is a STUMP WITH NEW GROWTH. This symbol helps us to recognize HOPE; and the story of the Jesse Tree. During the Advent season, read along to see Jesus’ family tree, and the stories that lead to the birth of our Savior. Scripture: Genesis 1:1 - 2:4

We begin with CREATION, the birth of life, the beginning of time. God creates all; past, present and future. Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen."

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6 THE APPLE AND THE SERPENT symbolize the fall of man. Adam and Eve failed when tempted by the serpent, bringing sin into the world. Sin is an obstacle that we all must overcome; or like Adam and Eve we will suffer separation from God. Fortunately, God has great love for us and has, through Jesus, provided a means to forgive our sins. Thank you, God, for promising us a Savior.

Scripture: Genesis 6:12-9:17 NOAH THE ARK AND THE RAINBOW After creation God saw that indeed, "it was very good" Genesis 1:31. Several generations later, man had turned the world into an evil and ugly place. God told Noah to build an ark. Noah was nearly 600 years old, and very faithful to God. God promised those in the ark would be kept safe. It rained for forty days and nights, the world was flooded. When the rain stopped and the land was dry, God made a promise, 'the rainbow will be a sign of a covenant, never again shall all creatures be destroyed by the waters of a flood.”

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3; 15:5 ABRAHAM BEGINS THE LINEAGE OF CHRIST God said “go” and Abraham began his journey. Abraham had great faith and trust in God. God tells Abraham “In you, all families of the earth shall be blessed; look up at the sky

and count the stars; your descendents will number the same”. Scripture: Genesis 21:1-3 The CRADLE ornament is a symbol for SARAH. Sarah is Abraham’s wife. They waited for God’s promise “Abraham will be father to many nations”. They thought they would have many children, but now were too old to have a baby. “In God all things are possible” Philippians 4:13. They had a boy and called him Isaac.

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19 The RAM ornament is a symbol for ISAAC Abraham and Isaac had their faith tested by God. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only begotten son, Isaac. God was referring to the future when God’s only begotten son, Jesus, would be sacrificed. While they walked, Isaac carried the wood they would use for the sacrifice. They walked in faith, believing and trusting that God would keep His promise of many descendents, starting with Isaac. Proving their trust and faithfulness to God, God gave them a ram to sacrifice instead.

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-15 The LADDER ornament is a symbol for JACOB Isaac gave his son Jacob a blessing, the same blessing God gave to his father, Abraham. During Jacob’s travels, he came to a shrine and decided to rest there for the night. While Jacob was asleep, he saw a vision of a ladder reaching from heaven to earth. Angels were descending and ascending. God spoke to Jacob, “the land on which you are lying I will give to you and your descendants…spread out east and west, north and south. In you and your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing.”

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-36; 42:1-7; 45:4-11

JOSEPH AND THE COAT OF MANY COLORS Jacob had 12 sons, he gave one son, Joseph, the coat of many

colors. Joseph’s brothers became very jealous, they sold him as a slave. Joseph’s journey had him in many roles,

eventually he became the right hand man to Pharaoh. When seven years of abundance, enjoyed by Egypt, came to

an end; seven years of famine spread across the land. Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of supplying the people with

grain. When Jacob, his 11 sons and their families were faced with the famine, the sons traveled to Pharaoh to

purchase grain. Joseph was so happy to see his brothers. He had the entire family move closer to him where Joseph made sure

they were not affected by the famine. Joseph saw his experiences through life as the work of God. Through Joseph’s faith and

forgiveness his extended family was saved.

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Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:6-21 The TEN COMMANDMENTS is symbolic of MOSES Moses led the Israelites, God’s chosen people, out of Egypt. On their journey he received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. These laws taught how to love, respect, worship and honor; also how to act toward others. God wanted people to follow these laws and no longer sin. Scripture: Joshua 2:1-21

The ROPE signifies RAHAB Rahab worked at an Inn in Jericho. The Israelites, heading to the Promised Land needed to conquer Jericho. They sent 2 spies ahead to determine their opposition. When the King of Jericho learned of the spies, he ordered them killed. Rahab hid them in the Inn, she believed in God and that God was with them. She helped them escape with a rope for the Inn had a window in the wall around Jericho. In return Rahab asked that her family could join the Israelites and be saved. The spies gave her a Scarlet Cord to hang in the window in order for them to find her family when they returned. The Rope reminds us: Faith will bring Salvation

Scripture: Ruth 1:15-2:3 WHEAT signifies RUTH Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of people cursed by God because of their pagan beliefs. Yet Ruth was one of God’s chosen in the lineage of His Son. Ruth said to her mother-in-law, “Naomi where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay.” These promises were made after the death of both their husbands and will have an effect on the future of the world. By following Naomi, she met and married Boaz. They have a son Obed, who is the father of Jesse. Remember, Jesus “is a shoot from the stump of Jesse.” Ruth’s story shows unconditional love and devotion to her faith.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 The HORN OF OIL signifies SAMUEL Though you will not find Samuel in the genealogy of Jesus, you will find him included in the Jesse Tree. Samuel was commanded by God, “I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16:1). Samuel traveled to Bethlehem, when he saw David, he raised his ram’s horn, and poured the thick oil over David’s head. By anointing David with oil, he ceremonially and spiritually consecrated David for God’s holy work. David, a shepherd, becomes

a king, foreshadowing the coming King, our Good Shepherd, Jesus. Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-5 The CROWN signifies DAVID Although David was chosen by God to be king when he was a boy, he did not become king until he was thirty years old. As a boy David fought Goliath; and as a king he ended the civil war in his country. David allowed God to guide him as king for forty years. He was respected by all and righteous to God.

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-6 PROPHETS A red rose symbolizes love, with great respect. All prophets love and greatly respect God. Prophets do what God asks without questioning why. As we climb higher on the Jesse Tree, we meet some of the great prophets. Though they were not in the lineage of Christ, God used their pens to communicate greater details of the Promised One. Scripture: 1 Kings 18:17-24, 36-39 The STONE ALTAR AND FIRE ornament signifies ELIJAH. The people of Israel began to

worship a false god named Baal. Elijah offered to show God’s power verses the power of Baal. Elijah as well as the people prepared their sacrifices. Baal was asked to send fire to their altar and burn their sacrifice, no fire. When Elijah prayed for God to send fire to burn his sacrifice, God sent fire. Elijah reminded God’s people through miracles, God is Almighty. God will bring a savior to the world. Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-9

The WOLF AND LAMB ornament shows PEACE Isaiah 11:1 reminds us of the Jesse stump having new growth. The branch symbolizing David and 'a bud shall blossom' symbolizes Jesus; and still God promises a day when the world will change and violence will be no more. “the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb” Isaiah 11:6; symbolizes universal peace and justice.

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THE GIVINGTREE St Max Parish is once again sponsoring The Giving Tree Project. The tree of gift request tags will be in church narthex the weekends of Nov 21-22 and Nov 28-29. We are supporting the following charities:

Aid for Friends

Birthright of West Chester Coatesville Catholic Community

Safe Harbor St Agnes Day Room

St. Max Tuition Assistance Program

As all Giving Tree tags are selected, we invite all parishioners to place a Christmas intention on our tree. Please pick up a paper Christmas tag, write your intention on the back, and place the intention on our tree in the narthex. All intentions will be included in our Advent Sunday Masses.

Any questions about gift tags can be directed to Margaret Ann Kowalski

610-455-3921

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2015

CONFESSIONS Saturday, December 19 and 26 at 4:00PM

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE

Monday, December 14 at 7:00PM The Sacrament of Reconciliation will

be celebrated with prayer, music, reflection and praise for God’s mercy.

Several priests will be available.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE OF MASSES Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24

4:00PM, 6:00PM and 8:00PM in the Church 4:00PM and 5:30PM in the Gym

Christmas Day Friday, December 25 8:00AM, 10:00AM and 12 Noon

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

New Year’s Eve Thursday, December 31 5:30 PM

New Year’s Day Friday, January 1 9:00AM and 10:30 AM

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Please remember to pray for those in need of hope and healing. Please remember to pray for those in need of hope and healing. Please remember to pray for those in need of hope and healing. Please remember to pray for those in need of hope and healing.

Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them.

Laura Arena, James Burke, Sr., Donna Burke, Joan Carbo, Maryann Corrigan, Maria Costello, Glen Dekutowski, Lisa Dekutski, Louis DiGregorio, Frank Donato, David Doty, Denise Doyle, Hayden Elliot, Angelina Fiorito, Patricia Foster, Isabel Francolini, Mary Garofalo, Patricia Greist, Ron Hauser, Edmund Hayes, Marie Herrschaft, Ray Holback, Gary Hunter, Agnes Iacona, Judy Ikena, Sondra Kelly-Richmond, Martha Kerr, F. Edmund Lynch, Jack McAdams, Felice McElwaine, John McGowan, Kathleen McGrory, Jeff

Melasecca, Kayleigh Moran, Alexandra Morin, Ethan Mullin, Paul Nappi, Marie O’Connor, Barbara Ostapowicz, James Palo, Joe Peta, Chan Prathanaluangxay, Craig Riddell, Edward Robbins, Joseph Robbins, Drew Robertson, Mary Rossi, Geraldine Rotteveel, Anne Marie Swans, Meghan Tenaglio, Karen Tipka, Bill Verona, Dana Vink, Eveline Walker.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR 2017 The 2017 Mass Intentions book will open on Monday, January 4, 2016. We will be taking requests on a first come, first served basis. If you have any special dates you would like, we suggest you come in as soon as possible or you may mail in your requests with the stipend. All requests must be made either in person or via mail. No phone requests will be accepted.

BIBLE STUDY The Monday night Bible Study will begin again on Monday, January 4 7PM in the Kolbe Room to study the book of Psalms. The Psalms tell the “inside” story which comes from the deeply personal perspective of one who is seeking God. Come join Jeff Cavins, Tim Gray and Sarah Christmyer and learn how the Psalms can inform and transform your prayer. Registration is $25.00 and is due by Monday, December 21. Contact the rectory at 610-399-6936 or Lidia Manieri at 610-399-9488 or lidia@mmanieri.com for further information. The Monday night Bible Study will begin again on Monday, January 4 7PM in the Kolbe Room to study the book of Psalms. The Psalms tell the “inside” story which comes from the deeply personal perspective of one who is seeking God. Come join Jeff Cavins, Tim Gray and Sarah Christmyer and learn how the Psalms can i n f o r m a n d t r a n s f o r m y o u r prayer. Registration is $25.00 and is due by Monday, December 21. Contact the rectory at 610-399-6936 or Lidia Manieri at 610-399-9488 or lidia@mmanieri.com for further information

DATES FOR DECEMBER

12/6 – “Need & Wants - Making Space & Time to Pray”

12/13 – “Advent – Prepping and Preparing with Saints for Christmas” (Catholic customs and food!)

12/20 – Christmas Party!

All 7th & 8th graders are invited to attend any and all meetings. Bring a friend!

Questions? Call Katie Sullivan at 484-680-5289 or email stmaxedge@gmail.com

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MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE The regular monthly collection of NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS for the needy of Chester County will take place this

weekend December 5th and 6th. Please leave your donations in the bins in the vestibule. Your generous contributions of food are greatly appreciated.

MASS INTENTIONS

WEEK OF DECEMBER 6

MONDAY 8:00 AM Special Intention

TUESDAY– 8:00 AM Holy Day—See schedule

WEDNESDAY–8:00 AM William Tobin

THURSDAY–9:00 AM Ray Novak, Jr.

FRIDAY– 8:00 AM David Friese

SATURDAY—9:00 AM Heather Groody

WEEK OF DECEMBER 6 Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday Bar 5:1-9; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6

Monday Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26

Tuesday Gn 3:9-15, 20; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Wednesday Is 40:25-31; Mt 11:28-30

Thursday Is 41:13-20; Mt 11:11-15

Friday Is 48:17-19; Mt 11:16-19

Saturday Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab;

Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47

CHURCH COLLECTION

NOVEMBER 29, 2015 $17,515.50

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

Christmas is the spirit of giving

without a thought of getting.

Families in Action thanks you for your overwhelming support of our "Don’t come empty handed.” campaign for the Act in Faith Community Cupboard in West Chester. Many tubes of toothpaste were collected and will be shared with our neighbors in need this winter. For the month of December we ask that you bring hand and body cream-any sizes- with you when you come to church. They can be left in the Families in Action bin in the church vestibule to be distributed through the interfaith community cupboard to neighbors struggling financially. Many are elderly or do not have cars, and spend a fair amount of time out in the weather. Hand and body cream helps keep skin from getting cracked and infected.

For more information on how you can get i n v o l v e d p l e a s e g o t o h t t p : / /www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4faea96-community