SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH MECHANICSBURG, PA December 1, 2019

The Week Ahead

MONDAY NO SCHOOL SJS NO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

TUESDAY 9:30 AM Divine Mercy Chaplet (Sanctuary) 9:45 AM Faith First Moms Movement (Brindle Hall) 1:00 PM Senior Leadership Team Mtg. (John Paul II Rm.) 6:00 PM SJS Tree of Lights Ceremony (Parish Life & Ed. Ctr. Gym) 7:00 PM Property & Maintenance Committee Mtg. (Lee Horan Rm.)

WEDNESDAY 9:30 AM Women’s Group Abiding Together (John Paul II Rm.) 2:30 PM Country Meadows Mass (Special Intention) 5:30 PM Chosen (Lee Horan Rm.) 6:00 PM Bear Den Mtg. (Parish Life & Ed. Ctr. Rm. 206) 7:00 PM Legion of Mary (John Paul II Rm.) 7:00 PM Christmas Fest Planning Mtg. (Brindle Hall) 7:00 PM Centering Prayer (Lee Horan Rm.)

THURSDAY

1:45 PM Bethany West Mass (Theresa Heffner) 7:00 PM Women’s Group Abiding Together (Parish Life & Ed. Ctr. Rm. 306) 7:15 PM Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

FRIDAY 7:00 PM Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament/Evening Prayer Adoration continues (Sanctuary) 8:30 PM Benediction (Sanctuary) SATURDAY 6:15 AM That Man Is You (Brindle Hall) 10:00 AM Junior Legion of Mary (John Paul II Rm.) 3:00 PM Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessional) -Roz/Sahd After 4:00 PM Mass Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Sanctuary)

After Mass Welcome Kiosk (Narthex) Grocery Gift Cards (Narthex) NEXT SUNDAY WELCOME SUNDAY 9:00 AM Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessional) - Roz 9:30 AM Preschool/Kindergarten REP (Parish Life & Ed. Ctr.) 9:45 AM Children’s Liturgy of the Word (Lee Horan Rm.) 11:15 AM Deaf Bible Study (Lee Horan Rm.) 7:30 PM Over 30-Men’s Basketball (Parish Life & Ed. Ctr. - Gym)

After All Masses Welcome Kiosk (Narthex) Grocery Gift Cards (Narthex) Coffee & Donuts (Brindle Hall)

Masses for the Week

SATURDAY VIGIL - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

*4:00 PM Claire Martin Moore (Harris) - Sahd

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:00 AM People of the Parish Living and Deceased - Roz

+9:45 AM Ellen Misiti (Wlazluk) - Roz

11:30 AM Kay Succa (Clay) - Sahd

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 - ADVENT WEEKDAY

6:30 AM Rose Ryan (Stupi)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 - SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST

9:00 AM Michael Swetra (Gibellino) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 - ADVENT WEEKDAY; SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

9:00 AM Anne Scanlon (Gilroy)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 - ADVENTWEEKDAY 8:30 AM Special Intention

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 - ADVENT WEEKDAY; SAINT NICHOLAS, BISHOP

6:30 AM Anna Krolick (Diaz) 9:00 AM Special Intention of Gagliano Family (Gagliano)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 - SAINT AMBROSE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH 8:00 AM Increase of vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate, and Consecrated Life

SATURDAY VIGIL - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 4:00 PM People of the Parish Living and Deceased - Roz

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:00 AM For all living Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and

Religious who have ever labored in our Diocese - Roz

+9:45 AM Claire Martin Moore (Harris) - Sahd

11:30 AM Phyllis Miller (Family) - Sahd

+ Mass in American Sign Language (ASL) *Baptism at Mass

Today in Our Parish 9:00 AM Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessional) - Sahd 9:45 AM Children’s Liturgy of the Word (Lee Horan Rm.) 12:30 PM Adoration (Sanctuary) 3:00 PM Benediction (Sanctuary) 3:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 195 Court of Honor (Parish Life & Ed. Ctr. Saint Joseph Hall) 7:30 PM Over 30-Men’s Basketball (Parish Life & Ed. Ctr. - Gym)

After All Masses New Hope Food Collection (Narthex) Grocery Gift Cards (Narthex) No Coffee & Donuts (Brindle Hall)

REST IN PEACE Please pray for those who have recently died, may they rest in peace, especially:

Michael Brady

THIS WEEK’S READINGS MONDAY - Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11 TUESDAY - Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24 WEDNESDAY - Isaiah 25; 6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37 THURSDAY - Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21, 24-27

FRIDAY - Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31

SATURDAY - Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-36; Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 SUNDAY - Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12

There is always a possibility that one of our priests will be called to assist at other parishes, which would unexpectedly affect the weekend celebrant

schedule here at our parish.

Music Ministry 4:00 PM Organ/Cantor 8:00 AM Organ/Cantor 9:45 AM Organ/Cantor 11:30 AM Organ/Cantor

Next Weekend Music Ministry 4:00 PM Organ/Cantor 8:00 AM Organ/Cantor 9:45 AM Sanctuary Choir/Contemporary Ensemble

11:30 AM Cherub Choir

Welcome to Saint Joseph Parish! First Sunday of Advent

We Remember RED SANCTUARY CANDLE: Special Intention. TABERNACLE CANDLES: Special Intention. ALTAR CANDLES: Special Intention. AMBO CANDLES: Special Intention.

$100 Donation for Tabernacle, $50 Altar, Ambo, & Divine Mercy Flowers, $10 Donation for candles, $5 Donation for Pro-Life Rose

Contact the parish office with any questions, 717-766-9433.

P ARISH TRANSFORMATION:

Eucharistic Ministry to the Home

Bound: Bringing Holy Communion to

our elderly parishioners who cannot

attend Mass

Do we want to see this continue?

Of course we do!!!! This is one of the Corporal Works of

Mercy, to visit the sick. It is part of the Church’s history

and tradition to do so, because of the grace, comfort and

healing that is brought with this Sacrament.

But, it is becoming increasingly challenging for us to

continue offering this ministry as we currently do.

There are not many parishes like ours that make such a

commitment to our homebound on a weekly basis. This is

all because of the few dedicated Ministers of Holy

Communion who commit to this service. In order for us to

continue this ministry in this way, we need more

assistance, more Extraordinary Ministers of Holy

Communion. And so, this is a call for you to become part

of this very needed and gratifying service to the over 160

Catholics in nursing homes and in their own homes who

are not able to get to Mass.

So many, when asked, say, “I am not worthy” to distribute

the Eucharist. Well, brothers and sisters in Christ, neither

am I, nor Father Sahd, nor Deacon Paruso. “Lord, I am

not worthy that you should come under my roof….” We all

declare this before Holy Communion, clergy and laity

alike. None of us is “worthy,” and yet Jesus gave us this

great gift for our benefit. In fact, it is truly humbling to be

able to share such a special gift with those who desire to

receive. All we ask is that you, in humble prayer and

reflection, consider assisting with this very important

parish ministry. Our goal is to have enough ministers so

that those who currently take Holy Communion will not be

overburdened each week. We will expand this ministry to

other days of the week, according to your schedule. It

does not have to be done on a Sunday morning. There is

training to undergo before being commissioned to serve.

We are going to mention this need often, as we are

looking to add the appropriate number of 12 ministers to

our list. You do not have to serve during Mass if you do

not desire to do so.

Below you will find a form to submit someone’s name to

the parish office, if you think that one of the clergy should

approach them. Or, please submit your own name if you

would like to volunteer. Father Joshua Brommer is

offering a training session here at our parish on Saturday

morning, January 25. It’s so easy for our parishioners to

get trained!

I find that in most other parishes Holy Communion is taken

to the homebound not once a week, but once a month. The

primary reason for this is most likely due of the lack of

volunteers for this ministry. Only with your support will we

be able to continue our parish’s custom of serving our

elderly and ill brothers and sisters in this way every week!

Please help us continue such a wonderful mission in our

parish! If you have any questions, please contact Sharon

Younes at parishvisitor@stjosephmech.org.

Saint Joseph Parish is BUILDING DISCIPLES, SHARING

GIFTS!

Nomination Form for Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick

Please contact: __________________________________

Submitted by: __________________________________

Please place in collection basket.

Welcome to Saint Joseph Parish! To register, you have several options available to you: There are bright yellow forms in the narthex of the church, ask any usher for assistance in locating them; visit our website: www.stjosephmech.org to download the Parish Registration Form and return it to the parish office; or stop by the parish office and our staff will be happy to assist you. Current parishioners, if you have any updates, please contact us as soon as you can, in order to keep your information current. Also, we invite everyone to visit our website, click the link to FORMED. It is easy, just enter your email and you have access to start watching Catholic videos, movies, and formation information. There is no cost to you. This is Father Rozman’s gift to all our parishioners. Check out all the great information, movies and books available for free!!! What a great way to learn more about being a disciple for our Lord, Jesus Christ!

SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH MECHANICSBURG, PA December 1, 2019

MASS SCHEDULE CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Christmas Eve Mass - 4:00 PM Christmas Eve Over Flow Mass

Parish Life & Education Center - 4:15 PM

Christmas Eve Mass - 7:00 PM

Christmas Eve Mass with Choir - 10:00 PM

CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES Wednesday, December 25, 2019

*9:00 AM and 11:00 AM

The 9:00 AM Mass will also be in

American Sign Language

NEW YEAR’S MASS

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Tuesday, December 31, 2019

6:00 PM Vigil Mass

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

*9:00 AM

The 9:00 AM Mass will also be in

American Sign Language

Advent Penance Schedule

Saint Patrick, Carlisle Sunday, December 8, 7:00 PM

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mechanicsburg Thursday, December 12, 7:00 PM

Saint Katharine Drexel, Mechanicsburg Sunday, December 15, 2:00 PM

Saint Theresa, New Cumberland Sunday, December 15, 7:00 PM

Good Shepherd, Camp Hill Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 PM

Our Lady of Lourdes, Enola Friday, December 20, 7:00 PM

Saint Joseph, Mechanicsburg Sunday, December 22, 2:00 PM

Download the MyParish app today! It’s Free! And full of useful information!

Once downloaded, enter our zip code (17055), select Saint Joseph Catholic Church and you will be up and running instantly. Call the parish office with any questions, 717-766-9433.

Real-time Parish Announcements!

Including weather-related delays/closings!

Our Parish Bulletin!

Daily readings and Spiritual Inspirations!

Mass times! Holy Day Reminders!

And so much more!

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This year, December 8 falls on a Sunday, which removes the Holy Day Obligation. To celebrate this Feast Day of Our Blessed Mother, Father Rozman has added an additional Mass to our daily Mass schedule on Monday, December 9. We will have Mass on this day at 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM. All are welcome to join us as we honor the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Please note that the Parish Office will be closed from 12 Noon- 2:00 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Thank you for

your understanding with this!

Faith Forward

2019 Diocesan Annual Campaign

Thank you for your generosity thus far! Here is a breakdown of current totals. If you would like to participate, please contact David Maceiko in our finance department at 717-766-9433.

Parish Goal for 2019: $228,700.00

Total Paid: $ 207,450.00

Outstanding Pledges: $ 14,870.00

Total Paid + Outstanding Pledge Balance:

$ 222,320.00

Under Goal: ($ 6,380.00)

Percentage Toward Goal: 97%

Next weekend we will report our collection numbers for the weekends of November 24 and December 1. Numbers were not available due to early bulletin deadlines for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

May God continue to bless you and your families!

All Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Altar Servers, and Ushers are reminded to please return your completed surveys as requested to the Parish Office by Friday, December 13. If you need another copy, please contact the parish office and we will be happy to assist you. Thank you for your continued gift of service to our parish family!

Welcome to Saint Joseph Parish! First Sunday of Advent

Trinity High School is updating their database and is looking to update as many records as possible! If you wish to update your record or be included in mailings for Trinity, please email: profileupdate@thsrocks.us.

Toys for Tots Collection: Trinity will collect donations for Toys for Tots through December 10. Unwrapped toys for any age can be placed in a collection bin outside the Main Office. Thank you!!!

We need you!!! Christmas flowers and decorations are a beautiful expression to honor the Birth of Our Savior!!!

We are looking for assistance to decorate the Church and would appreciate any help. If you are interested in helping to, please contact the parish office at 717-766-9433.

Thank you for your consideration!

ADULT Volunteers Needed to Help Clean Saint Joseph Church for

Christmas! We need your help to clean our church for Christmas! Adults are needed on Wednesday, December 18 following Daily Mass from 9:30 - 11:30 AM. It is not necessary that you attend for the entire time; come when you are able. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

STUDENT Volunteers Needed to Help Clean Saint Joseph Church for

Christmas! We need your help to clean our church for Christmas! Grade School Students are needed on Friday, December 20 from 1:00-3:00PM. High School Students are needed from 3:00-5:00PM. It is not necessary that you attend for the entire time; come when you are able. Your help is greatly appreciated and service hour forms will be provided. Thank you!!!

Congratulations to Theresa Nardis for her Outstanding Catechist Award presented to her at the Catechetical

Conference. May the Lord continue to bless her

always!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FREE THROW COMPETITION:

Attention boys and girls ages 9-14. Start practicing your free throw for the Knights of

Columbus Free Throw Competition. This annual event will be held 2:30-5:30 PM on Jan. 19 in the Parish Life and Education Center. Registration will be held from 2:30-3:00 PM the same day. Proof of age is required. For more information, email David Waverka at davidwaverka@comcast.net.

The Saint Joseph Athletic Association is looking to fill a soon to be vacant Board position. The vote to fill the Vice

President position will occur at the SJAA meeting on December 19, 2019. Interested parties should contact Amy Montgomery, Board President, at amont99@gmail.com. A letter (or email) of intent to run for the position must be received by Friday, December 6, 2019 to be included in the selection process. Interviews will be conducted in a closed session prior to the December meeting at 5:00 PM and voting will occur in a closed Executive session immediately after. The Board’s recommendation will be forwarded to Father Rozman for final approval.

Some of the after-school enrichment STEM Club members are shown proudly demonstrating their

creations which they tested. Middle School Drama Club members showcased their talent at their recent entertaining performance. Shown are some of the club members in a scene from Scrooge Wears Prada.

EIGHTH ANNUAL TREE OF LIGHTS CEREMONY

When: Tuesday, December 3rd, at 6:00 PM

Where: Saint Joseph Hall in the PL&EC

What: Prayer, student music performances, illumination of the tree in the social hall, and cocoa and cookies. All are welcome!!!

SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH MECHANICSBURG, PA December 1, 2019

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK We would like to thank:

Garden Bouquet for sponsoring an advertisement in our parish bulletin.

Please patronize the businesses that underwrite all of the publishing expenses of our weekly bulletin.

The Sheranko family is the December Knights of Columbus Council 12788

Family of the Month

Please congratulate them when you see them!

Please join us in Brindle Hall on Saturday morning at 6:15 AM for That Man is You, a contemporary men’s program that enables you to develop the vision of authentic men capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society, experiencing true freedom as sons of God.

This week we discuss the Battle Against the Dictatorship of Noise, with the topics: * Deafening Noise * Silence is What a Man Needs * Man Defined in Silence * The Fruit of Silence * Into Great Silence * Make an Appointment with God *

Contact Tony Devlin at thedevlinfamily@yahoo.com for information.

Mass for Persons with Autism Mass will be celebrated at Saint Catherine Laboure Parish in Harrisburg at 6:00 PM on Dec. 14. Mass is celebrated with accommodations such as low lights and music to assist those with special needs to participate in the celebration of the Mass.

All are welcome!

Come see how your faith blossoms when you’ve got some amazing, insightful, supportive, and fun women as companions on the journey! On , in Room 306 at the Parish Life & Education Center, women gather to listen to an episode of the

podcast, then discuss how the ideas presented help us draw closer to Christ. We learn, we laugh, we pray — and we leave refreshed and renewed in Him. Each week is a different stand-alone topic, so you can drop in any time.

Hope you can join us!!

Want a preview? Listen to the podcast for free using your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, etc.)

or by visiting https://abidingtogether.fireside.fm/ Contact: Mary at adultformation@stjosephmech.org

or 717-766-9433

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Mandate Workshop

The Diocesan Mandate Workshop to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion has been scheduled in Brindle Hall at 9 AM on January 25, 2020 by the Office of Divine

Worship. This workshop is for both new and renewing mandates. Mandates are good for 5 years and must be renewed if interested in continuing in this ministry. If you would like to become a Minister of Holy Communion for our parish or are interested in renewing your current mandate, please call the parish office at 717-766-9433 and we will be happy to assist you and register you for the workshop. Deadline to register is Jan. 3.

Bambinelli Sunday Please bring your Baby Jesus infant statue from your Nativity for Bambinelli Sunday, December 14/15! The Catholic Church has a beautiful tradition of the Blessing of the Christ Child figurines, the miniature statue of

the Baby Jesus that are placed in the manger scene in our homes. Families are invited to bring the “Bambino” of their home Nativity Scene to any of the Masses on “Gaudete Sunday” - the time in the Advent Season when we rejoice (in Latin, “Gaudete”) that our Savior is near. This is the Sunday when the rose-colored candle is lit on the Advent wreath and when the priest wears the rose colored vestments. The children of the family will be invited to come forward during the weekend Masses on December 14 and 15, holding the Infant statue. The “Bambinelli” will be blessed for you to then take home and place in your family’s manger scene as you continue your Advent preparations for the wonderful Christmas season.