ST. JOSEPH PARISH 11045 St. Joseph Blvd. , Mantua OH 44255

Parish Office 330-274-2253 / Fx 330-274-2254

PSR Office 330-274-2268 www.stjosephmantua.com

PARISH STAFF

Rev. Edward Stafford Pastor

Deacon Gerry Scopilliti Permanent Deacon

Sr. Joyce Schreiber, SND Pastoral Associate

Mrs. Margaret Haney Director of Religious Education

Mr. Bill Davies Music Minister

Mrs. Kathi Trares Parish Secretary

Mrs. Cindy Clark Business Office Manager

Mrs. Ruth Fitzgerald Ox Roast Fair Financial Secretary

Mr. Jason Garey Maintenance

LITURGY SCHEDULE

SATURDAY 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY 8:30 and 11:15 a.m. 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. (Summer)

WEEKDAY 8:00 a.m. Tues.-Thur.

HOLY DAYS & SPECIAL LITURGIES (please refer to bulletin)

RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Saturdays 4:00-4:30 p.m.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION First Friday each month

7:00-9:00 p.m.

HOLY ROSARY First Saturday each month

4:20 p.m.

Proud Home of the

Ox Roast Fair!

NEWS OF COMFORT In a time of preparation, much of it having to do with material things, it is good to hear the words of Isaiah, “Comfort, give comfort to my people, / says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). In a time of such stress and rush, when our usual burdens are augmented by piles of Christmas preparations, we can choose to slow down, take some time to heal, and appreciate the enormous gift we are about to receive. Christ, the Son of God, has become one of us, and knows our human limitations. Yet God, even now, is freeing us from the burdens that our inattentiveness to our God and to our deepest inner longings have heaped upon us. The Lord comes, not as a king with mighty armies, but as a shepherd leading the flocks with care and tenderness. Isaiah prophesies good news: our oppression is over, our sins forgiven. The savior we have awaited is coming, not the first time, but in the end times, as our salvation.

PASTOR’S CORNER We are lucky in our lifetimes if we are blessed with prophetic messengers like John the Baptist. We need voices crying out to us in the wilderness of our lives, giving us wisdom and strength to live good lives. In the beautiful canticle of Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, expresses “in the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Advent is a very special time to ask God to guide us and lead us on the right path. Years ago the music group Supertramp sang a song called Take the Long Way Home:

When lonely days turn to lonely nights

You take a trip to the city lights

And take the long way home,

Take the long way home. —Fr. Ed Stafford

LITURGICAL MINISTER SCHEDULE—12/16-17:

5:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. SERVERS *Server Needed B. Ruffner P. Gedeon A. Schweickert

LECTORS A. Brunton T. Murphy M. Fratus K. Wood J. Sawyer D. Engelhart

EUCH. MIN. J. Robine B. Kasubick C. Casalicchio K. Gray D. Kruis B. Colin J. Kruis D. Rich-Gross D. O’Donnell J. Herman M. Romanello C. Kotkowski C. Sherbondy G. Scopilliti MASS SET-UP Staff W. Custer C. Cassalicchio CLEANERS T. Norden

ATTENTION LITURGICAL MINISTERS Please Sign-Up For Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Masses

STEWARDSHIP WAY OF LIFE SUNDAY COLLECTION (12/3): $5,434.00 ONLINE GIVING (12/3): $ 597.99 WEEKLY AMOUNT NEEDED: $6,125.00 OVER/UNDER: —$ 93.01 # OF ENVELOPES & ONLINE: 178 (of 463)

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle, being grateful and generous with our gifts, does just that – it puts us on the path to holiness and it invites others to be holy, too.

LITURGIES FOR THE WEEK Sun. 8:30 a.m. Mass .......... Bill & Rose Sontag 11:15 a.m. Mass ........ Elaine Fetsko Mon. No Liturgy Tues. 8:00 a.m. Mass .......... Margaret Hocevar Wed. 8:00 a.m. Mass .......... Jack Zeller Thur. 8:00 a.m. Mass .......... People of St. Joseph Fri. No Liturgy Sat. 4:00-4:30 p.m. Reconciliation 4:20 p.m. Rosary 5:00 p.m. Mass .......... Stanley Gaba Sun. 8:30 a.m. Mass .......... Antoinette Gaebelein 11:15 a.m. Mass ........ Carl Feddor

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Many people think that Saint Francis originated the Christmas crèche, but its origins go far back. The Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome has housed what is said to be relics of the cradle of Jesus since the seventh century. In time, every year during the Christmas season the reliquary (container for relics) was surrounded by an increasingly grand three-dimensional scene of the place of Jesus’ birth. Rocks and trees, houses, streams, figurines of villagers going about their daily tasks were all included. It was a very dramatic presentation. If you’ve ever seen an elaborate model train installation, you get the idea. The proper term for this depiction is presepio, from the Latin word for “surround” or “hedge.” Over the centuries, the custom spread first to churches, and then to aristocratic homes. In Italy, whole chapels are often set aside for the presepio, and it is not unusual to have hundreds of figures. It can sometimes be a challenge to locate the Holy Family amid the crowd, almost like a Where’s Waldo? children’s book. The oldest surviving presepio is in St. Mary Major and dates from the thirteenth century, although many pieces have been broken or lost. Saint Francis of Assisi took a decidedly creative step in 1233 in the village of Greccio, when he directed his followers to fill a manger with hay and tether an ox and ass nearby. He then invited the villagers to attend Mass outdoors near the crib, the worshipers themselves becoming a living presepio. By the seventeenth century, the tradition was well-established, particularly in Naples, and had a firm hold in Portugal, Spain, and in the Provence region of France. Today, it is not unusual to find presepios with five hundred figures, a vivid reminder of Emmanuel, God-with-us!

—Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Mon: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab,10-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tues: 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 Wed: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4,8,10; Mt 11:28-30 Thur: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Fri: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4,6; Mt 11:16-19 Sat: Sir 48:1-4,9-11; Ps 80:2ac,3b,15-16,18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 To Prepare For Next Weekend’s Mass . . . Sun: Is 61:1-2a,10-11; Lk 1:46-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8,19-28

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Visit us on the web at www.stjosephmantua.com

PRAYER INTENTIONS Let us always pray for our sick and homebound.

In particular, please remember in prayer:

Joe Robine Sabina Delgado Kathy Morris Cheryl Erickson Joan Kodash Bunny Fritz Mary Ann Feddor Dean Kohanyi Natalie Jahn Sharon Olszak Alivia Julliana Tammy Cozzone Sarah Tedrick Marcia Verardi Klara Rose Fitzpatrick Reynaldo S. Bernardo Barb Moore Lily Peterson Ralph Cooper Kyle Painley Josephine Rizzo Vicki Kotkowski Debbie Fahl Brian Cole Courtney Tayerle Paula Krebs Julie Monnin Paul Gatian Pat Smith Elaine Finnerty

SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME PRAYER LINE: 440-279-1163

KEEP WATCH! BE ON YOUR GUARD! Sometimes the greatest gifts we receive come through people. Disguised in camel's hair and behind that breath of locusts, John the Baptist is a gift that announces the coming. He prepares people's hearts and minds to experience the message and person of Christ. John is watchful, scanning the horizon for both lurking danger and tremendous promise. His proclamation draws from the traditions, history, and scripture of the church. John points to Jesus. He boldly tests everything, using the Lamb of God that he announces as his lens.

What people have announced Christ's coming in

your life?

What resources (traditions, scriptures, scriptural

readings) help you in encountering the lurking dangers and tremendous promises in everyday life?

THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

December 12th is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, unborn children, and the New Evangelization. Our Lady of Guadalupe is unlike any other apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. First, it is the only apparition where Our Lady left a miraculous image of herself unmade by human hands. Second, it is the only universally venerated Madonna and Child image where Our Lady appears pregnant instead of holding the Infant Jesus. The historical story surrounding this Marian apparition is truly fascinating. There are so many details regarding the time period and culture to which the image was revealed that combine to make this a truly significant apparition, not just for the Americas or for the Catholic Church, but for all of humanity.

The feast in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe goes back to the 16th century. A poor Indian named Cuauhtlatohuac was baptized and given the name Juan Diego. He was a 57-year-old widower and lived in a small village near Mexico City. On Saturday morning, December 9, 1531, he was on his way to a nearby barrio to attend Mass in honor of Our Lady. He was walking by a hill called Tepeyac when he heard beautiful music like the warbling of birds.

A radiant cloud appeared and within it stood a young Native American maiden dressed like an Aztec princess. The lady spoke to him in his own language and sent him to the bishop of Mexico, a Franciscan named Juan de Zumarraga. The bishop was to build a chapel in the place where the lady appeared. Eventually the bishop told Juan Diego to have the lady give him a sign. About this same time Juan Diego’s uncle became seriously ill. This led poor Diego to try to avoid the lady. The lady found Diego, nevertheless, assured him that his uncle would recover and provided roses for Juan to carry to the bishop in his cape or tilma. When Juan Diego opened his tilma in the bishop’s presence, the roses fell to the ground and the bishop sank to his knees. On Juan Diego’s tilma appeared an image of Mary exactly as she had appeared at the hill of Tepeyac. It was December 12, 1531.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER FUND To remember a loved one at Christmas you may wish to make a donation to the Christmas Flower Fund. Please use the special Christmas Flower envelope included in your contribution envelope packet (or a plain envelope). Be sure to

PRINT the names of those you wish memorialize and indicate whether your contribution is “in memory of” (deceased) or “in honor of” (living). Online givers should enter the names in the “Other Comments” section of their ConnectNow Giving donation page. We ask that your intentions be turned in by Monday, December 18. These donations not only help provide our beautiful Christmas environment but also assist with church environment expenses throughout the year.

CHRISTMAS WAFERS (OPLATKI) The people of Central Europe have had oplatki as part of their Christmas Eve meal for many generations. The wafer bears an image from the Christmas story and the bread signifies the “Bread of Life”, Jesus, who is among us in the Eucharist and in our lives. Generally the eldest member of the family will begin the ritual by breaking off a piece of the wafer and passing it to another family member with a blessing. This blessing can simply consist of what you desire for your loved one in the upcoming year – whether it be good health, success, or happiness. The purpose of this act is primarily to express ones unconditional love and forgiveness for each member of his or her family. Just as we share in the Eucharist as one family in Christ and receive Christ’s love through the Eucharist, the Oplatki allows for one’s immediate family to come together and share the love they have for one another. Oplatki is available in the Narthex beginning the third weekend of Advent for those who would like to celebrate this tradition of unity. Your donation to help defray the cost is appreciated.

ADVENT SEASON Dynamic Catholic has a downloadable Advent program for adults looking to have “The Best Advent Ever”. Check out the poster in the

school hallways for more information. If you are looking for other ideas to make Advent meaningful in your family life, check out these links…. https://www.pinterest.com/explore/advent-activities/ https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/advent/activities

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS The Knight of Columbus are once again sponsoring the “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest for PSR students. The contest is intended to help your child express the real meaning of Christmas in our world. Your children will be coming home with entry forms for the contest. The winners of the contest will be announced at the Cookie Party after the Christmas pageant. For more info., contact Peg Haney (phaney@stjosephmantua.com or 330-274-2268).

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT The Story of Christmas Pageant and Cookie Party will be on Sunday, December 17, beginning at 10:00 a.m. All families and parishioners are invited to attend. Attendees gather in the church for the pageant and proceed to Hughes Hall for the party afterward. All are asked to bring one dozen cookies to share.

4C’s COLLECTION Next weekend is our monthly collection for Mantua’s food cupboard, the 4C’s. Your help for families in need is greatly appreciated. Items needed include: canned & boxed food items, laundry & cleaning supplies, and paper & personal care products. Individuals may also assist by sending monetary donations to the 4C’s, P.O. Box 227, Mantua, Ohio 44255. Volunteers are welcome as well. For more info, please call Terri (330-274-0132).

“SEASON OF GIVING” Looking to make an end-of-year gift to an organization that provides help and creates hope for thousands of people each year? Consider Catholic Charities! They offer programs that couple direct assistance with budgeting to help families create a path to greater self-sufficiency. They help low-income expectant parents with the items they need to welcome a new baby to the world. They extend compassionate care to older adults through a variety of services that meet local needs. And they serve all people who qualify for our services—regardless of their faith—as resources allow. Visit www.ccdoy.org to learn more and to make a tax-deductible gift to help us serve your neighbors in need.

EMMET CAHILL CONCERT On Thursday, December 21, 8:00 p.m., at The Cathedral of Saint Columba, 154 W. Wood St., Youngstown, presents internationally renowned Irish Tenor Emmet Cahill in an exclusive encore performance. The Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Laginya, will join Emmet in a few beloved songs. Tickets are now available on www.ticketleap.com. Ticket prices are $35.00 and $45.00. Contact Frank Rossetti at 330-240-4322 for more information. Meet & Greet tickets prior to the concert are $55.00 which includes your ticket to the concert, are still available. Christmas, sacred, traditional and popular music sung so beautifully!

VILLA MARIA NATIVITY DISPLAY You won’t want to miss a beautiful display of over 100 nativity pieces at Villa Maria Conference Center, 2067 Evergreen Rd., in Villa Maria, PA on 10, 12:00-5:00 p.m. An indoor Advent tradition featuring a display of hundreds of nativity sets from around the world, with entertainment from local choirs, musicians and more. Roast Beef dinners featuring Villa Maria farm-raised beef and vegetables will be served from Noon to 4:00 p.m. on both Sundays. The cost is $12 for a large serving and $8.00 for a small serving. Children 4 & under are free, and take-out is available. Dinner tickets can be purchased in advance at Villa Maria. The Villa Maria Farm will offer fresh poinsettias, swags and wreaths; and The Villa Maria Shoppe will offer Fair Trade items, nativities and many other unique Christmas gifts. For more info. or to purchase dinner tickets, visit humilityofmary.org or call 724-964-8920, ext. 3348. JESUS KNOWS YOUR PAIN Jesus came for all of us and knows our pain. There is Hope and Healing from abortion. For CONFIDENTIAL help, please contact Project Rachel of N.E. Ohio at 888-259-4806 or support@projrachneo.zohosupport.com. OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MASS CELEBRATION Walsh University in North Canton, will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tuesday, December 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the Rosary and Mass at 6:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel. There will be a flower presentation to our Blessed Mother and a fiesta following Mass. The event is free and open to the public, however, seating is limited. CARE NOTES Please feel free to pick up “Care Notes” in the Narthex. Some of the titles available include: Celebrating Your Last Christmas With a Loved One, Finding Comfort for Your Grief in Christmas Traditions, Going on an Advent Prayer Journey, Christmas: A Time to Remember Those We’ve Loved and Lost, and Facing the Holidays When a Family Member Is Seriously Ill. These pamphlets provide information on various topics that may help you or someone you know that is experiencing difficulty in their life.

NEW YEAR’S EVE REVERSE RAFFLE PARTY Looking for a New Year’s Eve party! The Women’s Auxiliary of the Mantua Knights of Columbus Council #3766 is planning to have a New Year’s Eve/Reverse Raffle party on Sunday, December 31. It's a Roaring 20's theme this year! If you’re looking for a fun time, at a good price, come and join us at the Sentinel Party Center (FKA Knights of Columbus Hall), 11845 St. Rt. 44, Mantua, OH 44255. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $65.00/couple, $50.00/single, and include appetizers, raffle, dinner, open bar, DJ, dancing, and a midnight champagne toast. Purchase your tickets through Jay D’Aurelio (330-569-8156). Proceeds go towards church interior improvements.

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Sun. 9:40-11:00 a.m. ........... PSR Classes & Pageant Rehearsal (Sch. Bldg.) 9:45-11:00 a.m. ........... RCIA (PC) At 11:15 a.m. Mass .... CLOW (Rm. #1) 12:30 p.m. ................... Roman Girls’ Baptisms (Church) 1:00-6:00 p.m. ............. LaMarca Family Christmas Party (Hall) 6:00-8:00 p.m. ............. Live Nativity (Pavilion) Mon. 6:30-7:30 p.m. ............. Exercise Class (1/2 Hall) 7:00 8:00 p.m. ............. Cub Scout Den Mtgs. (Classrooms) 7:00 p.m. ...................... K of C Women’s Aux. Mtg. (K of C) Tues. 6:00-9:00 p.m. ............. Renewing Women Mtg. (Rm. #9) 7:00-9:00 p.m. ............. Boy Scout Mtg. (Hall) Wed. 7:00 p.m. ...................... Men’s Renewal Team Mtg. (Rm. #9) 7:30 p.m. ...................... K of C 4th Degree Mtg. (K of C) 8:00 p.m. ...................... AA Mtg. (Hall) Thur. 8:30 a.m. ...................... New Rosary Prayer Group (Church) 12:00 p.m. ................... Parish Staff Christmas Luncheon (Jake’s) 5:45-6:45 p.m. ............. Children’s Chorus Rehearsal (Church) 6:00-7:30 p.m. ............. G.S. Troop #90015 Mtg. (Rm. #3) 6:30-7:30 p.m. ............. Exercise Class (1/2 Hall) 7:00 p.m. ...................... Music/Choir Rehearsal (Church) Fri. ~ Liturgical Ministers’ Schedule Changes Deadline ~ Sat. 4:20 p.m. ...................... Rosary (Church) After Mass ................... Appalachian Experience Bake Sale (Narthex) Sun. After Masses ............... Appalachian Experience Bake Sale (Narthex) 9:40-11:00 a.m. ........... PSR Classes & Pageant Prep. (School Bldg.) 9:45-11:00 a.m. ........... RCIA (PC) 10:00 a.m. .................... PSR Christmas Pageant & Cookie Party (Church/Hall) At 11:15 a.m. Mass .... CLOW (Rm. #1) 12:15 p.m. ................... Christmas Environment Preparations (Ch)

APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE BAKE SALE Next weekend, December 16/17, the Appalachian Experience group will hold a bake sale to raise funds for their trip in 2018 to participate in the Housing Repair Program in McClure, VA. All bakers, our faithful bakers and anyone who would like to begin baking, may drop off their baked goods in the Narthex before the Mass they attend. Thank you!

The Fourth Sunday of Advent will be observed on Saturday evening, December 23, at 5:00 p.m. Mass and Sunday morning, December 24, at 10:00 a.m. Mass. Christmas will be observed Sunday evening, December 24, at 5:00 & 10:00 p.m. Masses and Monday, December 25, at 10:00 a.m. Mass. There is an obligation to participate at Mass for both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and for Christmas this weekend. Attendance at one Mass does not fulfill both obligations.

NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY SCHEDULE The Feast of the Holy Family will be celebrated the weekend of December 30/31 with our usual Mass Saturday/Sunday schedule. Monday, January 1, the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Mary, remains a holyday however the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated in 2018. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 1.

~ For the Week of Dec. 10 - 17 ~

LIVE NATIVITY THIS WEEKEND December 9 & 10 ~ 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Come celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, join in the caroling,

and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. A freewill donation of cash or 4C’s items will be accepted.

Proceeds to help with church interior repairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LITURGICAL MINISTERS’ TRAINING We are currently in need of additional Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers at all weekend Masses. If you are a practicing Catholic, having been Baptized and Confirmed in the Catholic Church, and have an on going relationship with the parish as a registered, active participant, then you may wish to answer your Baptismal call to service. Men and women are also needed to serve as Adult Altar Servers for funerals and other liturgies. Training will take place to meet the schedules of those interested before December 15 (prior to the Jan.-Mar., 2018 schedule). If you’re interested in serving or would like more info., please contact the Parish Office (330-274-2253).

ADVENT RECONCILIATION Several opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the Christmas Holidays will be offered throughout the month of December.

• Saturdays, 4:00-4:30 p.m.

• Monday, December 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, December 19, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

• Or By Appointment (please contact Fr. Stafford at the Parish Office)

CONTEMPLATING CHRIST WITH MARY

The Rosary is an incredible prayer. It's deceptively simple, and profoundly deep. A simple vocal prayer, and a school of silent contemplation. It's as small as a palm full of beads, and as wide as the Gospels. The Rosary will be prayed each Saturday of Advent at 4:20 p.m. Please join us for this devotion.