St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish

Our Mission Statement We of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish believe that we have been gifted with Life, Faith and Discipleship.

Empowered by Jesus in Word and Sacrament, we are called to grow in wisdom, grace and fidelity to

His Church by following the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.

5112 Pocono Crest Rd. PO Box O Pocono Pines, PA 18350

Parish Office: (570) 646-6424 Web Page: http://www.stmaxkolbepoconos.org

Saturday Confessions ~ 3:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil ~ 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Masses ~ 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

December 28, 2014 The Holy Family of

Jesus, Mary and Joseph

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Staff

Reverend Sean G. Carpenter ~ Pastor

Deacon Frank Gisoldi ~ deaconf@ptd.net

Mrs. Lynnette Smith

Coordinator of Religious Education/ Pastoral Associate ~ lysmith@ptd.net

Marion Colvin

Office Manager ~ mcol@ptd.net

John Marcinkowski, Jr. Coordinator of Music ~ jjm1105@ptd.net

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

WE ARE GOD’S HOLY FAMILY The scriptures of Israel are filled with many stories of barren couples who were miraculously granted the gift of children by God. Surely the best known among these is the first reading from today, from which Luke took inspiration when he

recounted the miraculous birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth, and the more miraculous birth of Jesus to Mary and Joseph. In each instance, we are given examples or role models of those who trusted in God. More than examples of those who trust, they are models of self-surrender. They abandoned their own presuppositions and prejudices about the workings of the world and turned their lives over to belief in a God who can make life grow where none ought to; a God who can turn death around into a new and unimagined life; a God who can, today, take a tiny child of humble parents in an insignificant town and make him into a light for all the world. This is what we, as God’s holy family, are called to do each day: to trust not in ourselves and the way we think things should be, but to open ourselves and surrender ourselves in faith to a God of endless promise. Copyright J.S. Paluch

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION In the last century, a few new feasts were blended into the Church year, including today’s. After World War I, the chaos of daily life in Europe made its impact felt on the family structure. Partly to offer Christians an image of hope and holiness in married family life, and also to promote the welfare of children, today’s feast was “invented” in 1921. In 1969, it became a feast of Christmas. The prayers today remind us not only of family life, but of life in the community of faith. We ponder the mystery of a God who loves us dearly enough to embrace the struggles, joys, and daily sorrows of family life. The message of Christmas shines through: God-with-us is available to us in the ordinary patterns of our lives and commitments. The lives of people who raise their children in difficult circumstances, and of people who remain faithful to life in the Church in spite of some of their own family struggles, occupy a special place in our hearts today in prayer.

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

December 28, 2014 The Holy Family of

Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Thursday, January 1st -World Day Of Prayer for Peace

(Holy Day of Obligation) Mary, Mother of God Mass - 10:30 A.M.

Please welcome Fr. Tim O’Toole who will speak at all the Masses on behalf of Cross Catholic Outreach which was founded to create a meaningful link between parishes in America and the priests and nuns working in the Church overseas in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Please be generous in your response to Father’s appeal. Brochures will be provided if you wish to support this worthy Catholic ministry.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Saturday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:22-40 Monday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:22-35 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Lk 2:36-40 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Jn 1:1-18 Thursday: Nm 6:22-27; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Friday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Jn 1:19-28 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Jn 1:29-34 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

There will not be an 8:15 Daily Mass or Communion Service when a Funeral Mass is scheduled.

Total Expenditures for y/e 06/30/13 .…$378,000.

Avg. weekly cost of Operation………… $ 7,269.

Collection for w.e. 12/14/14……………..$ 6,006.

(Deficit) / surplus………………………..$ ( 1,263.)

Thank You for Your Generosity.

“Are we moved by the suffering of those without shelter? Do we seek to alleviate the fear, confusion and panic that women facing unexpected pregnancies may be experiencing? Do our hearts ache for elderly patients in nursing homes who feel abandoned and unwanted, having no one to visit them? Our mission is to show each person the love of Christ. As uniquely created individuals, we each have unique gifts which we are called to use to share Christ’s love.” Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Chairman, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, 2014 Respect Life Month Statement

In the case of inclement weather conditions, if school is cancelled, there will be no Mass; if school is delayed, Mass will be delayed.

Also, there will not be an 8:15 Mass when a Funeral Mass is scheduled.

December 27th through January 4th Saturday 4:00 pm For The Parishioners Christmas Novena of Masses Sunday 8:00 am Christmas Novena of Masses 10:30 am Christmas Novena of Masses

Monday 8:15 am Christmas Novena of Masses Tuesday 8:15 am Christmas Novena of Masses Wednesday 8:15 am Christmas Novena of Masses Thursday 10:30 am Holyday of Obligation Christmas Novena of Masses Friday 9:30 am Communion Service Saturday 4:00 pm For The Parishioners Christmas Novena of Masses Sunday 8:00 am Christmas Novena of Masses 10:30 am Christmas Novena of Masses All are invited to join us for Morning Prayer at 8 a.m.

preceding the 8:15 Daily Mass.

Saturday Confessions at 3:00 pm

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Parish Life

OUR SCRIPTURE SHARING GROUP meets downstairs in the hall on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 A.M. All are welcome to join us as we prepare for the upcoming weekend celebration of the Eucharist. The group process includes time to quietly reflect on each reading, to gain insights from several Scripture commentaries, and an option to share personal insights about how the Word of God is speaking to us personally in the context of our daily lives.

THE HELPING HANDS COMMITTEE was formed to offer assistance in several areas to the members of our Parish Family: transportation to the pharmacy, doctor appointments, Mass, or grocery shopping for those unable to drive; seasonal help with shoveling walkways or raking leaves; providing meals during family emergencies, etc. If you would like to volunteer to offer assistance, or if you are in need of assistance, please call the Parish Office.

NO CLASSES DECEMBER 28th All classes resume on January 4th.

COMMUNION TO THE HANDICAPPED If you are able to attend Mass but unable to approach the altar to receive Communion, our Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist will make every effort to see that you are able to receive the Body and Blood of Christ after the general assembly has been served. The ushers have been asked to direct the ministers to those handicapped persons who have their hands raised. To help us to serve you, we ask that if at all possible, those who cannot approach the altar would be seated in the reserved row of pews.

PRE-JORDAN SESSION JANUARY 7th

Parents who would like to present their child for Baptism must attend a Baptismal Preparation Session. (Godparents are invited, but not required, to attend.) Please call the Parish Office to register if you plan to attend at 7 P.M. on Wednesday, January 7th. Our next Pre-Jordan Session will be held in April.

THE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP meets in the hall at 9:30 A.M. on the second Wednesday of each month. Anyone who has experienced a loss due to death, divorce, or separation, is encouraged to attend this ecumenical group. Through the use of audio, visual, and printed materials, the group explores the stages of grief and offers guidance for coping through difficult times. Those who have previously experienced loss offer support and encouragement to those who are beginning the bereavement journey.

The next meeting will be January 14th.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION An invitation: His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and the Office for Parish Life wish to invite couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversaries in 2015 to a Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 21st. The event includes a 2:30 P.M. Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral, followed by a reception. Requests for an invitation, with a mailing address, should be made though the Parish Office before March 16th.

To Our Parish Family and All Our Friends and Visitors:

We Wish a Very Happy and Blessed New Year.

~Fr. Sean

and the Parish Staff

To strengthen stewardship at St. Maximilian Kolbe you may want to consider utilizing a easier way to support our parish….Automated Giving. It is an alternate means of support for St. Max instead of envelopes. In lieu of weekly collections, the Parish Pay program will collect monthly contributions from your checking, saving, or credit card account. There is NO cost to participate in the program. Contact the office for more information if you are interested.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Parish Life Parish Life

Those In Need of Prayer Kevin Kret ~ Ron Heisler

Betty Lou Torpey Fr. Tom McLaughlin

Fr. Urban ~ Msgr. Jerry Sherba Duncan Van Dusen ~ Richard Snell ~ Michael James

Antonia Lucia ~ Joe Miller ~ Joan Rafferty Temi Miller ~ Bob Brinkerhoff ~ Vicki Knight Jimmy Heisler ~ Caroline Bruno - Rene Ponce

Joseph Burinsky ~Haydee Melendez Joan Harrigan

COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND If illness or chronic health problems prevents you from attending Mass on the weekend, there are several Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist who are able to bring Communion to you. If you have a temporary or ongoing need for this outreach, please contact our Coordinator of Extraordinary Ministers, Diane Lake (570-646-4594; dianemlake@live.com.)

The next meeting is January 5th @ 7 pm For more information

call Steve Glinane at 570-977-4617. ~ http://knights13752.webs.com/

~Facebook at KnightsofColumbus Pocono Pines or ~ Twitter@ kofc13752mail.

OUR ROSARY MAKERS would like to extend an invitation to anyone willing to help provide rosaries to various groups. Donations are needed to purchase materials & ship the rosaries, and/or by actually making the rosaries. The work can be done at home at your convenience. If you can share your time, talent, or treasure to help foster this Marian devotion, please call Diane @ 570-646-4707 or Pat @ 570-643-7073.

Thank You…”We can certainly call you friends because of the way you care for our retired members,” writes a religious brother. Your gift to last week’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious benefits some 35,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. May God bless you for your generosity!

SAVE THE DATE! FREE COMMUNITY DINNER

2 pm, Sunday, Jan. 18th at St. Maximilian Kolbe Homemade baked ziti & meatballs, salad, bread,

beverage & dessert. Snow date: Sunday, Jan. 25th at 3 pm

ST. MAX SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me and in prison and you visited me. ..Whatever you did for the least of my brothers you did for me.” (Matthew 25: 36-37, 40) The Social Concerns Committee is alive and well in our parish. Reflecting on the above, one of the goals of the Social Concerns Committee is to give parish members an opportunity to clothe the naked, feed the hungry or welcome a stranger. Working with local agencies that assist those in need in our community, the committee will regularly sponsor projects that parish members can participate in by simply making a donation of any of the items that the agency requests. We will continue to hold semi-annual blood drives (The Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot on Thursday, February 5th.) As a support parish for Family Promise, we prepare meals for the families in that program and will continue quarterly collections of items for those families leav-ing the program for permanent housing. As a parish we support the work of The Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Food Pantry. We also host several free community dinners throughout the year. The committee now meets in the parish conference room at 5:30 P.M. on the first Tuesday of each month.

Christmas is not a single day, however, but an entire season. Today, the Sunday after Christmas, we ponder the Holy Family. What difference does this mystery of the Incarnation make for families? Jesus came to bring together the children of Israel into a new family, a family united not by blood but by faith in him. So in today’s Gospel we see some of the first members of that family.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AND MARTYR, PRAY FOR US

Ecumenical / Interfaith

Parish Life

Major Thomas M. Smith - Hanscom AFB, MA Airman Joshua Ponce - Caldwell AFB, Texas

Seaman Nicole Beckman, San Diego, CA Lt. Col. Christopher Yuskaitis - Italy

Lt. Joseph V. Yuskaitis, Jr. - Fort Lee, VA Cpl. John P. Bramley - Camp Pendleton, CA

3rd Class Petty Officer DC3 Jeffrey Royall - USCG -VA Pvt. Nhelmar DePerro - Camp Le Jeune, NC

PFC Amber Keppol - Camp Zamo, Japan Pvt. Matthew Ponce - Fort Bragg, NC

Alston Smart Jr., USN , Middle East Jake Yuskaitis - USMC -Camp Le Jeune, NC Staff Sgt. William D. Olsen, Nellis AFB, NV

DEPLOYED CIVILIAN PERSONNEL Eugene Maslar, Jr.-Bagram, Afghanistan

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect

them as they protect us. ~AMEN

PRAYERS FOR MILITARY AND

GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Tabernacle Light Available for $20. for two weeks

Bread and Wine

Are Available for $25. for one week

Altar Flowers

Are available for $100 for one week

Tabernacle Flowers

Are available for $150. for one week

Week of December 28th

THE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY, now located at Five Loaf House on 133 Firehouse Road in Pocono Pines, continues to count on our support to supply non-perishable food to local families in need. Next distribution will be Monday, January 12th and Tuesday, January 13th. Monday pick-up time is 9:30 to noon and Tuesday pick-up is 8:30 to 11 am. In case of winter bad weather, we will do our best to be open. If you question if we are open, please call us first @ 570-646-7456.

This list of names will be refreshed at the end of each month. You may have names placed back on

the list by calling the office. ~Thank You.

THE PRAYER GARDEN The expansion of the garden continues with Stations of the Cross. There are several still available. If you have questions please call Mike Kummer at 516-633-5523.

Around The Diocese

Do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.

~Benjamin Franklin

KNOW A MARRIAGE THAT NEEDS HELP? If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, then the Retrouvaille program can help. Retrouvaille is helping couples to put the pieces back together and to rediscover a more loving relationship. The next local program will be February 27 – March 1, 2015 at the Ramada Inn in Clarkes Summit, PA. For more information, or to register, please call 1 - 8 0 0 - 4 7 0 - 2 2 3 0 o r v i s i t h t t p : / /www.retrouvaille.org. MOST REV. JOSEPH C BAMBERA, D.D., J.C.L. , Bishop of Scranton, will be celebrating the Mass with the Filipino Community on Saturday, January 3rd at 6 P.M. at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA. Please come and visit us for this very special opportunity. THREE KINGS’ DAY...so that children and families can renew this tradition. Come greet the Kings as they travel through the Poconos on Saturday, January 3rd, 3-5 P.M. at St. Luke’s Parish, at the Corner of 9th and Main Streets in Stroudsburg. There will be music, stories, and refreshments for all, and presents for children under 12. (Sponsored by the Foundation of Latinos for the Education about Cultures of Hispanic America. Please visit www.flecha-nepa.webs.com.)