St. John Capistran Church Address: 1610 McMillan Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Parish Office: 412-221-6275

St. Thomas More Church Address: 126 Fort Couch Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Parish Office: 412-833-0031 School Office: 412-833-1412

St. John Capistran SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday Vigil: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

St. Thomas More SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday Vigil: 4:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:30 am & 11:30

3 Mass Intentions

4 From the Pastor

5-10

Around the Parish

11 Youth Ministry News

10 School News

12 Religious Education

13 Ministries

14 Parish Information

Sunday, December 22, 2019 | Fourth Sunday of Advent

St. John Capistran P: 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More P:412-833-0031 School P: 412-833-1412 Website: stm-sjc.org

WHAT’S INSIDE

MASS SCHEDULE

Please welcome our New Parishioners:

Oliver Beale Joseph & Valerie Krall

Patricia Calland Matthew & Stacy Cooper

Emma Schicke Amy Koza

Shawn Lutz

May they feel the warmth of Christ in our Parish Community. To our parishioners and visitors, our friends, neighbors, Catholics and non-Catholics. We’re so glad you are here! If you have any questions about the Mass, church membership, or want to speak with a priest, please call one of the parish offices.

DAILY READINGS

Sunday: Is 7:10-14/ Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 [7c, 10b]/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24

Monday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14/Lk 1:57-66

Tuesday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 [2]/Lk 1:67-79

Wednesday: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5, 9-14 Thursday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22 Friday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Saturday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18

Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/ Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org

WELCOME READINGS

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CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS MASSMASSMASSMASS

SCHEDULESCHEDULESCHEDULESCHEDULE

St. John CapistranSt. John CapistranSt. John CapistranSt. John Capistran Christmas EveChristmas EveChristmas EveChristmas Eve

5:00 pm & 9:00 pm5:00 pm & 9:00 pm5:00 pm & 9:00 pm5:00 pm & 9:00 pm Christmas DayChristmas DayChristmas DayChristmas Day

9:00 am & 11:00 am9:00 am & 11:00 am9:00 am & 11:00 am9:00 am & 11:00 am

St. Thomas MoreSt. Thomas MoreSt. Thomas MoreSt. Thomas More Christmas EveChristmas EveChristmas EveChristmas Eve

4:00 pm, 7:00 pm 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm & 10:oo pm& 10:oo pm& 10:oo pm& 10:oo pm

Christmas DayChristmas DayChristmas DayChristmas Day 10:00 am10:00 am10:00 am10:00 am

Recently welcomed to our

Christian Community through Baptism

Charlotte Valli Bigante

daughter of Donimico & Christina

Bigante Please pray for the parents and

God Parents.

“Are you the one who is to come or should we look for another?”

“The decisions which create a human environment can give rise to specific structures of sin which

impede the full realization of those who are in any way oppressed by them. To destroy such structures and replace them with more authentic forms of living in community is a task which demands courage and patience”.

(St. John PaulII; Encyclical; Centesimus Annus; 1991; #38)

Sunday, December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00 am

Mark Lucas (Denise & Boys)

11:00 am

Leo Yochum & Mary Meegan (Cindy & John Meegan)

Monday, December 23 8:30 am

Robert Mitchell (George Puskar)

Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve

5:00 pm

Kevin McCullough (Eleanor McKenzie)

Wednesday, December 25, The Nativity of the Lord 9:00 am

Nancy Whitford (Chuck Whitford)

Thursday, December 26, St. Stephen 8:00 am 8:30 am

Morning Prayer Rose Mary Sifferman (Anthony & Carolyn Fonseca)

Friday, December 27, St. John the Apostle 8:30 am

Gerry Flannigan (Daneen Calhoun)

Saturday, December 28

5:00 pm Joseph & Leona Sinicrope (Leslie & Larry Morgan)

Sunday, December 29, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 9:00 am

Melvin Henninger (Josephine Henninger)

11:00 am

For the Parishioners

9:00 pm Art Tambucci (Sarah Tambucci)

11:00 am For the Parishioners

Sunday, December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00 am For the Parishioners

9:30 am

Lucy & Blackie Pugliese (Tess Eggert)

11:30 am

Wanda & Victor Buyny (Son & Family)

Monday, December 23 11:30 am

Jenny Tragore (The Berty Family)

Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve 4:00 pm For the Parishioners

7:00 pm For the Parishioners 10:00 pm For the Parishioners Wednesday, December 25, The Nativity of the Lord 10:00 am For the Parishioners

Thursday, December 26, St. Stephen 11:30 am

Frances McCauley (Hearts with Hammers)

Friday, December 27, St. John the Apostle 11:30 am

Ronald E. Koch (Altar Society)

Saturday, December 28 11:30 am

Mary Botash (The G. Siconolfi Family)

4:00 pm Theresa V. Kelly (Family)

Sunday, December 29, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 8:00 am

Joseph & Elizabeth Schmidt (Jim & Phyllis Wilding)

9:30 am

Al Muehlbauer (Family)

11:30 am

James Ferry (The Stoessel Family)

Saturday, December 28

Fourth Sunday of Advent

MASS INTENTIONS

St. John Capistran Church St. Thomas More Church

3 St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org

REFLECTION Pastor’s Letter

FROM THE PASTOR

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org 4

Rest in Peace

Please pray for

Albert Demjan

Rita West

Ann Brannan

Ashley Kennedy

May their souls and all

the souls of the

faithful departed

through the mercy of God,

rest in peace.

Please pray for their

loved ones.

He shall be called “Emmanuel”, a name which means God is with us. As Christmas draws near, the Church, on this final Sunday of Advent, relates the conception of Jesus as our Savior. Fully Human and Fully Divine, the Son of God took flesh in the miracle of the Incarnation to demonstrate that God is always with us and for us. The faith of Mary and Joseph, both of whom followed the angel’s command, brought Jesus into the world. We prepare now to celebrate that great feast of Christmas.

At the end of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, Linus reminds us that this is what Christmas is all about: the birth of our Savior. This was always my mother’s favorite time of the year, a time in which her generosity went into high gear. From the cookies she made for all the families in our Oakland neighborhood, as well as all of the clerks at the post office, tellers at the bank and employees of our local Giant Eagle to the gift boxes she made for all of the nuns in our parish and the toothpick Christmas Trees made for our teachers, she embodied the Christmas Spirit. So much love, generosity and good cheer. In her loving service, she made us aware that God is indeed with us. For her, Jesus was The Gift from which all other gifts flowed.

You, my parish family at Saint John Capistran and Saint Thomas More, remind me every day that God id indeed with us. Your dedication, service and generosity are truly an inspiration. You make every day a proclamation that God is with us. For all of your prayers, love and support, I am truly grateful. It is a honor to be a part of your family and your story. Know that I am thankful for all of your gifts, but most especially for the gift of you in my life and in my heart. As Saint Paul write, “I thank my God in every thought and prayer for you.”

And so, it is my prayers that all of the blessings of this holy season be yours today, on Christmas Day and always. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy, Holy and Healthy New Year.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Peter�

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do no be afraid take to Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Mt 1:20-21 Experts from the Lectionary for Mass �2001, 1998, 1970 CCD.

AROUND THE PARISH Events

THIS WEEK AT ST. THOMAS MORE THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN CAPISTRAN

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org

Historic Church Tour Enrich your Christmas Season by traveling to some of Pittsburgh’s finest churches. South Hills Council of the Knights of Columbus is hosting a bus tour of several historic churches in the city. The trip includes visits to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, one of the largest churches in the diocese, Sacred Heart Church, the dream church of its founding pastor, and St. Stanislaus Church, visited by Saint John Paul II. This event is scheduled for Saturday January 11th. The bus leaves the parking lot of St. Thomas More Church at 9:15 AM and returns approximately 3:15 PM. Lunch is included at Café Raymond in the Strip District. There is no cost for the bus or lunch but everyone is encouraged to make a donation to the churches and provide gratuity for the bus driver. Please contact Matthew Hoffman at matthewhoffman421@gmail.com or Jim Rebel at 412-831-0652 to make a reservation. Everyone is invited. Deadline for reservations is December 28th. Note that the entrances to some of these churches involve steps.

Sunday, December 22 11:00 am Children’s Liturgy of the Word

(Church)

Sunday, December 22 8:00 am Donut Sunday (FLC)

10:00 am RCIA (Utopia)

12:30 pm Live Nativity (Campus)

Monday, December 23 7:00 pm Cursillo Movement (Rooney Room)

Tuesday, December 24 6:30 am More’s Men (Rooney Room)

Sunday, December 29 1:00 pm Coffee and Catholicism for Young

Adults (Chelsea)

5

The March for Life in Washington D.C.The March for Life in Washington D.C.The March for Life in Washington D.C.The March for Life in Washington D.C.

Friday, January 24Friday, January 24Friday, January 24Friday, January 24thththth

Join us for the 47th annual March for Life. Our parish will again have 2 buses (leaving at the same time), 1 for adults and families,

and 1 for youth in grades 8th-12th. Cost is $20 and scholarships are available.

Schedule: 5:30am Communion Service at STM 6:00am- Board busses and head to Washington DC. 12:00-3:00- Rally and march down Constitution Avenue 3:00-5:00pm Visit Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 5:00pm- Head back to Pittsburgh 10:30pm- Arrive at STM parking lot

SIGN UP NOW to reserve your spot! mcelhaneyk@stm-sjc.org

AROUND THE PARISH Parish News | Events | Financial Reporting

St. John Capistran P: 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More P:412-833-0031 School P: 412-833-1412 Website: stm-sjc.org 6

First Annual First Annual First Annual First Annual SJC/STM SJC/STM SJC/STM SJC/STM Heritage Heritage Heritage Heritage

Celebration Celebration Celebration Celebration DayDayDayDay!

Sunday, February 23rd

9:00 am - 1:00 pm In the

Family Life Center at STM

We all have diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and traditions. Heritage Day is a day to celebrate your roots and showcase your traditions.

We hope to have a table representing as many countries/regions as possible. We’ll need a “table coordinator” for each country/region who will work with other volunteers to design your table. Have fun with it. Adorn your space with a festive table cloth, photographs, keepsakes - dress in the fashion of the region or maybe even make snacks from the region! Parishioners will visit the tables before and after Masses in the FLC during February’s Donut Sunday. It will be a time of education, appreciation, and fellowship!

Please email the parish office at: Parishoffice@stm-sjc.org to register your table and begin planning. It will be a fun event celebrating what makes all of us, children of God, so special.

FINANCIAL REPORTING For the week of December 1, 2019

ST. JOHN CAPISTRAN Weekly Offertory….…...…… $14,651.00 *Parish Share Goal....…… $89,774.00 Parish Share Remitted.…………………………..$76,374.00 ST. THOMAS MORE Weekly Offertory …..…...…$22,684.32 *Parish Share Goal..…….$176,484.00 Parish Share Remitted……………………......$143,048.00 *Any amount over our goal stays in the parish tax free.

The Respect Life Committee will be showing a screening of the movie UNPLANNED based on the book by Abby Johnson. Friday, January 3rd at 7:00 pm in the STM Life Center. All Abby Johnson ever wanted to do was help women. As one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the nation, she believed in a woman’s right to choose. Until the day she saw something that changed everything. This movie received anR

rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for brief periods of intense violence when an abortion is portrayed in the movie. Parental discretion is advised. We will view the movie and have a short discussion afterwards. If you have any questions please call Carolyn Sopher-Martin at 412-860-9980.

AROUND THE PARISH

Lamb of God Chapel at St. Thomas More Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration 24/6 Open Sunday after 11:30am Mass To Saturday before 4pm Mass Vianney Cenacle—12pm Saturdays: Holy Hour for the Sanctification of Priests Rosary at 12pm weekdays & during Cenacle Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3pm daily Children’s Hour - Tues. at 10am: Nursery and Chapel Nocturnal Adoration-10pm to 6am (scheduled adorers) https://stm-sjc.org/adoration

Christmas Hours in the Chapel: Tuesday, Christmas Eve: Open in the morning. Closed at 2PM. Reopens at 11PM for scheduled nocturnal adorers. Visitors welcome 6AM to 2PM. Wednesday, Christmas Day: Open in the morning until 9AM. Closed 9AM to 1PM. Open 1PM, resuming the usual chapel schedule. Visitors welcome 6AM to 9AM, and 1PM to 10PM. Thanks to all the regular adorers and holiday substitutes who have stepped up to take a Christmas holy hour so that others may stop in on Christmas to adore the Lord. Come, let us adore Him!

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org 7

God answers prayer. Jesus said, “come to me all you who are weary and heavily laden, and I will give you rest.”

Prayer ministers are available after our weekend Masses at STM to pray for your concerns and help heavy hearts be lifted.

At the end of Mass, our priests will announce that prayer ministers are available to pray with parishioners and to carry their intention home for prayer.

Please take a few moments to join us in lifting your concerns to Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

If you would like additional information about this prayer ministry or to be added to our prayer ministry team, pleases contact Amy Mercalde (STM) or Tom Anderson (SJC).

ANNUAL LIVE ANNUAL LIVE ANNUAL LIVE ANNUAL LIVE NATIVITYNATIVITYNATIVITYNATIVITY

(Sponsored by the Navajo Indian Princesses

and Guides)

Sunday, December 22, 2019

At 12:30 pm (following the 11:30 Mass)

St. Thomas More Church (Oxford Drive)

O COME LET US ADORE HIM!O COME LET US ADORE HIM!O COME LET US ADORE HIM!O COME LET US ADORE HIM!

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org 8

AROUND THE PARISH Parish News & Events

ENJOY DISCOUNT BOOKS Enjoy discount books are available in the St. Thomas More office between now and Christmas. Cost of the book remains $30 and proceeds benefit the parish and the Knights of Columbus Charity Fund.

�

GIFT CARDS��

HOLIDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY HOLIDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY HOLIDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY HOLIDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY The Christmas holiday season is HERE - ARE YOU READY? Many of us procrastinate to buy those special gifts for all of those special people in our lives. There is ONE and only ONE SURE WAY to avoid the hassle of the crowds and the agonizing decision of what to buy - for our spouse, family members, boss, co-workers, teachers, parish priest, mailman, and all those special people. Relax and enjoy the holiday season. BUY GIFT CARDS at St. Thomas More Church. According to the National Retail Federation, spending on gifts this season is expected to hit a record of over $4 billion dollars. Everyone loves to receive a gift card!

HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS: HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS: HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS: HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS: Teachers: Macy’s, Barnes & Noble, Kohls, Target, and Hand & Stone Mailman: Bob Evans, Eat N’ Park, Olive Garden and Home Depot, Walmart Babysitter: Eat N’ Park, Panera, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Dicks Sporting Goods Priest/Deacons: Atrias, Olive Garden, Walmart and TGIF Boss/Co-worker: Honeybaked, Olive Garden, Target and Walmart Spouse/Family Members: Any of the above! If you are unsure of which gift card to buy, you could give a Giant Eagle and/or Shop n’Save gift card and the recipient can use those cards at those stores to buy other gift cards or groceries and/or to purchase gasoline at a Get Go or Sunoco Gas Station.

Gift cards are available for purchase in the parish office Mon-Fri from 9am-4pm, and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Also, they are available for purchase at the church before and after each weekend Mass in the main entrance (Baptismal Font Lobby) and the Breezeway (second Sunday only). In addition to hassle free shopping, other benefits of purchasing gift cards are: � Tuition credits for Catholic school families � Additional charitable contributions on your Federal Income Tax return for those that itemize deductions.

ALL PURCHASES HELP ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH AND SCHOOL AND IT DOESN’T COST ALL PURCHASES HELP ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH AND SCHOOL AND IT DOESN’T COST ALL PURCHASES HELP ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH AND SCHOOL AND IT DOESN’T COST ALL PURCHASES HELP ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH AND SCHOOL AND IT DOESN’T COST YOU ANY MORE THAN YOU WOULD SPEND OTHERWISE. YOU ANY MORE THAN YOU WOULD SPEND OTHERWISE. YOU ANY MORE THAN YOU WOULD SPEND OTHERWISE. YOU ANY MORE THAN YOU WOULD SPEND OTHERWISE.

Why bother with the crowds and take a risk that you didn’t get the right gift. Everyone loves to receive a gift card!

Have a Blessed and Happy Holiday! Have a Blessed and Happy Holiday! Have a Blessed and Happy Holiday! Have a Blessed and Happy Holiday!

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stmsjc.org 9

AROUND THE PARISH

Coffee and Catholicism (For Adults - ages 18-30)

Sunday, December 29, 2019

12:45 pm

Please join Father Peter in the Family Life Center for coffee and donuts. Your chance to ask questions about the church, faith, and spirituality!

Please R.S.V.P. to the Parish Office at 412-833-0031 but don’t

hesitate to just stop by.

Thanks to our Sponsors: Judy’s Java Joint, located at 3400 South Park Road in Bethel Park & Duck Donuts, located at 100 Siena Drive in

Upper St. Clair.

The winner of the Polar Express Adventure Raffle is Lorrie Barton

and family, parishioners in our STM/SJC community! Congratulation to Lorrie and thank you for the support of this fundraiser benefiting our STM School PTG!

The Little Yellow Bus The Little Yellow Bus

will run on Christmas Day for the 10:00 am Mass at St. Thomas More Church. Pick-ups: Dorchester 9:12 - 9:17 am St. Thomas More Manor 9:22 am Chanticleer: 9:27 am Liberty Point 9:33 am To St. Thomas More Church by 9:45 am.

AROUND THE PARISH �

Who Are All of These Who Are All of These Who Are All of These Who Are All of These ‘New’ Choirs?‘New’ Choirs?‘New’ Choirs?‘New’ Choirs? One fact that many people do not know about me is that I am a religious Black Friday shopper. I love going out on the day after Thanksgiving and get-ting the best deal from the brands and labels that I like. It is wonder-ful that all of us can wear those brands that mean the most to us. However, sometimes labels are not a good thing. Since I have been the Minister of Music for the last year, I took it upon myself to remove two labels in our parish that do not belong in our liturgy:

“contemporary” and “traditional.” Everyone in the pew will have a different definition of these words and it makes it virtually impossible to use. Did you ever try to agree on pizza toppings with a group of people other than plain cheese?

Therefore, I asked all of the groups of the parish to come up with a new name that would reflect a musical but a Catholic identity of how we enhance the Eucharist. Therefore, these were the new names that all of the groups voted upon themselves:

CanticleCanticleCanticleCanticle – Formerly Traditional Choir Living Spirit ChoirLiving Spirit ChoirLiving Spirit ChoirLiving Spirit Choir – Formerly SJC Contemporary Choir OneaChordOneaChordOneaChordOneaChord – Formerly STM Contemporary Choir Resounding Grace RingersResounding Grace RingersResounding Grace RingersResounding Grace Ringers – Formerly Parish Handbell Choir

While it may take us awhile to adjust to these new names, our primary identity is that we are members of the congregation that are called to service to enhance the Eucharistic celebration through our gifts and talents. It is not about the “style of music” or “style of liturgy” but us coming to the Altar of our God to receive the Spiritual nourishment that we need.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org 10

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org

For More Information Contact: Karen McElhaney at

mcelhaneyk@stm-sjc.org 412-833-0031 x227

Be sure to stay in the know about all YM Be sure to stay in the know about all YM Be sure to stay in the know about all YM Be sure to stay in the know about all YM events by emailing Karen McElhaney, events by emailing Karen McElhaney, events by emailing Karen McElhaney, events by emailing Karen McElhaney, Youth Minister, at mcelhaneyk@stmYouth Minister, at mcelhaneyk@stmYouth Minister, at mcelhaneyk@stmYouth Minister, at mcelhaneyk@stm----sjc.org to be added to the YM email sjc.org to be added to the YM email sjc.org to be added to the YM email sjc.org to be added to the YM email blast. Text this message @stmsjc to the blast. Text this message @stmsjc to the blast. Text this message @stmsjc to the blast. Text this message @stmsjc to the number 81010 to get text updates about number 81010 to get text updates about number 81010 to get text updates about number 81010 to get text updates about upcoming events. Visit upcoming events. Visit upcoming events. Visit upcoming events. Visit www.stmwww.stmwww.stmwww.stm----sjc.org/youthsjc.org/youthsjc.org/youthsjc.org/youth----ministry/ministry/ministry/ministry/ ....

Follow us on Instagram stmyouthmin

11

Our CYO Girls Basketball team made wreaths to distribute to some of our elderly parishioners to spread some Christmas

cheer. Thanks to Coach Meg for organizing and to Hearts with Hammers for donating

the materials!

Christmas Caroling at Manor Care was fun for all! We brought lots of smiles to the residents!

Look for our Youth Ministry 2020

Calendar at the church entrances.

Lots of events are in store for you!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

ST. JOHN CAPISTRAN ST. THOMAS MORE

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org 12

SJC Religious Education Christmas Break: We do not have faith formation classes this Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24th & 25th, and next Tuesday and Wednesday, December 31st & January 1st.

STM Religious Education Christmas Break: We do not have faith formation classes this Sunday and Wednesday, December 22nd & 25th, next Sunday and Wednesday, December 29th & January 1st, and the following Sunday, January 5th.

The staff and volunteers at both Faith Formation Offices at St. John Capistran and St. Thomas More extend heartfelt wishes to all of our faith formation families, parishioners, and friends of our parish family for a truly blessed and joyous Christmas!

Thank you! We greatly thank Mrs. Maureen McDonough and Mrs. Regina Zelik, who co-directed our Nativity Play at St. John Capistran, and Meredith McDonough for sharing her gift of music in leading the children in song, and accompanying them on the piano. Also, thank you to all who helped in any way with the details of the play and the reception. Congratulations to the children who participated in the Nativity Play on a job well done. Everyone’s hard work, dedication, and generosity resulted in a wonderful performance enjoyed by all!

Thank you! Many thanks to all who donated hats, socks, gloves and toiletries for the homeless, and to all who baked cookies for the Little Sisters of the Poor and their residents and visitors. Your kindness will help to keep warm our brothers and sisters in need and the delicious homemade treats will be enjoyed by many this Christmas season. We especially thank Dena Wirth for delivering the clothing items to Operation Safety Net and Morgan Meddings for organizing and delivering the cookies to the Little Sisters of the Poor. We appreciate everyone’s generosity and support in helping to make our Advent service activities so successful!

Christmas Flower Christmas Flower Christmas Flower Christmas Flower Memorials at STMMemorials at STMMemorials at STMMemorials at STM

It’s that time of year It’s that time of year It’s that time of year It’s that time of year ---- an opportunity to add to the beauty of Christmas with an opportunity to add to the beauty of Christmas with an opportunity to add to the beauty of Christmas with an opportunity to add to the beauty of Christmas with the gift of altar flowers. Flowers can be donated in memory of a loved one. the gift of altar flowers. Flowers can be donated in memory of a loved one. the gift of altar flowers. Flowers can be donated in memory of a loved one. the gift of altar flowers. Flowers can be donated in memory of a loved one. Please use this order form to make a monetary donation for altar flowers ($15 per plant) Your check may be made payable to the “St. Thomas More Altar Society” and can be dropped off or mailed in to the parish office, or sent to:

Attn: Altar SocietyAttn: Altar SocietyAttn: Altar SocietyAttn: Altar Society St. Thomas More ChurchSt. Thomas More ChurchSt. Thomas More ChurchSt. Thomas More Church 126 Fort Couch Road126 Fort Couch Road126 Fort Couch Road126 Fort Couch Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15241Pittsburgh, PA 15241Pittsburgh, PA 15241Pittsburgh, PA 15241 The deadline for memorials at STM is Monday, December 23rd.

(Please print legibly.) Christmas Flower donation IN MEMORY of: (Print name) Print your name Phone number Amount of donation $

MINISTRIES Ministries | Events

We invite you to form an ongoing relationship with your parish family through active participation in one or more of our ministries.

Please consider using your time, talents, and treasures for the Lord. Please contact Deb Dell at 412-833-0031 ext. 230

Annulment ........................................................................... Pam Batz Altar Servers (STM).................... Dave Barone/Lois D’Emilio Altar Servers (SJC)…………………………………………………..Kara Trant Altar Society ........................................................ Carolyn Andzelik Art and Environmental .......................................... Rita Belback Bereavement................................................................ Joanne Fibbi Blood Bank ...................................................................... Sara Hunter Book Discussion Group ............................... Shirley DiMatteis Centering Prayer ................................................................ Mary Fay Cursillo Movement................................................. Kaye Houston Emmaus, Men ............... Stephen Mahler/Allen Sherwood Emmaus, Women ......................................... Theresa Zingrone Eucharistic Adoration............................................ Mary Henkels Eucharistic Ministers (SJC)……………………...Sarah Tambucci Eucharistic Ministers (STM)..........Jill Tauch/Marlene Kish Finance Council (SJC)……………………………………..John Meegan Finance Council (STM.............................................. Vita Fontana Funerals .............................................................................. Susie Levitt Gift Card Program .......................................................... Bill Trozzo Good Shepherd (3-5 year olds).................................. Mary Fay Greeters/Hospitality ........................................... Robin Weissert Hearts with Hammers ............................................... Joe Schuck Helping Hands ............................................................ Parish Office Hospitality Committee (SJC)……………………….….Lynn Hogan Knights of Columbus .................................................... Jim Rebel Ladies of Charity .................. Marita Howell/Martha Martin Lectors (SJC)……………………………………………………..Tom Anderson Lectors (STM).............................................................. Gayle Chalker Library ............................................................................ Kaye Houston Legion of Mary. ...............................................................Sue Vodzak Lunches for the Hungry ........................................ Ann Rhodes Marriage Ministry …………………………….Carol & Joe Schuck/Anna & Rick George Marthas (Funeral Luncheons) ............. Mary Beth Pierson Men’s Fellowship (SJC)……………………………………......Jim Belack Military Ministry……………………………………...Gail & Dan Schnurr MOMs/Family Ministry ............................... Karen McElhaney Money Counters (SJC)………………………………..Greg Pasternak Money Counters (STM)............................................. Sue Vodzak Mores Men ............................................. John Stone/Tom Jones Music Ministry ......................Daniel Kovacic/Music Minister Pastoral Council ................................................ Deacon Bill Batz Pastoral Outreach .................................................... Marlene Kish Prayer Ministry (after Masses) ………………………………………………..Tom Anderson/Amy Mercalde Prayer Shawl Ministry.......................... Tess Eggert

MINISTRIES

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org

Respect Life Ministry ......................Carolyn Sopher-Martin RCIA (Becoming Catholic) ................................... Peter Skeel St. Paul’s Retreats ......................................... Jay & Judy Shock St. Vincent de Paul Society ................. Richard McNemar Two’s Together .................................. Carolyn Sopher-Martin Ushers (SJC)…………………………………………………...Tony Podobnik Ushers/Hospitality (STM).................................. Paul Bildstein Worship Committee ................................ Michele Petrovich Welcoming Committee ....Mary Skubak/Kate Harrison

MINISTRIES If you are interested in any of the above ministries, please contact the appropriate parish office. St. John Capistran Church.………... 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More Church………….. 412-833-0031

MINISTRIES (CONT…)

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SPECIAL GIFT CARD ORDERS In addition to the array of gift cards we offer on a regular basis, St. Thomas More offers a broader selection of gift card options on a monthly basis, except during the Summer months. You can choose AMAZON, BRUEGGER’S, CVS, WALGREEN’S and DUNKIN’ DONUTS, to name a few. Available before and after Saturday evening and Sunday Masses. Order forms can be picked up in the STM Rectory or at the table where gift cards are sold Questions? Email myronsigg@juno.com Thank you for your support.

Sacrament of Baptism Celebrated the first Sunday of the month at 12:45 p.m. at STM and the third Sunday of the month at noon at SJC (An instruction class before a first child’s Baptism is required. Call the Parish Office to R.S.V.P.) Sacrament of Holy Eucharist Available to the sick and those confined to home. Please contact the Parish Office to learn more. First Eucharist is celebrated annually in the spring. Sacrament of Confirmation Annually in the fall. Please contact the Religious Education office to learn more. Sacrament of Marriage Please contact a parish priest at least six months in advance. Masses are typically scheduled on Saturdays at 1:30pm at STM and 2:00 pm on Saturdays at SJC. Sacrament of Holy Orders If you feel you are might be called to the priesthood or diaconate, please contact your parish priest or visit: www.pghpriest.com. Sacrament of Reconciliation Confessions are heard on Saturdays at 9:00am at STM and 4:00pm at SJC. For private confessions, call the Parish Office. Sacrament of Anointing If you or a loved one is in need of Anointing, please contact the Parish Office. Anointing services are also conducted annually. RCIA (THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS) Are you interested in becoming Catholic? RCIA is offered every year in the fall. It is a beautiful process of discernment, conversion, commitment, and love. Please call or email the Parish Office and ask to be directed to the RCIA Coordinator. Funeral Masses .......................... 10:00 am at both locations

Fr. Peter Horton/Pastor…………………….……….........frpeter@stm-sjc.org Fr. Jim Chepponis/Sr. Parochial Vicar….jchepponis@diopitt.org Fr. Jim Bedillion/Chaplain…………...……..…....frbedillion@stm-sjc.org Rev. Mr. William G. Batz/Deacon…..……..…….…..batzb@stm-sjc.org Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Sutton/Deacon….….....suttonl@stm-sjc.org Kathy Pfeifer/Business Manager….….kathypfeifer@comcast.net Daniel Kovacic/Minister of Music………….....kovacicd@stm-sjc.org Nick Capone/Asst. Music Minister…….….....caponen@stm-sjc.org Lynne Lynch/Principal…………………………….…….......lynchl@stm-sjc.org Karen McElhaney/Youth Minister…....mcelhaneyk@stm-sjc.org Kate Hanley/Bulletin Editor………….......katehanley2@comcast.net Denise DeCapria/Director of Faith Formation………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………….sjcreled@comcast.net Mary Lou Rodgers/CCD Admin. Asst……...sjcreled@comcast.net Jennifer O’Rourke/Religious Education Program Manager………. ………………………………………………………………..………..……..orourkej@stm-sjc.org Rita Caldwell/Accountant……….……… ……...caldwellr@stm-sjc.org Deb Dell/Parish Life Coordinator…….…………...delld@stm-pgh.org Mary Beth Pierson/Events Coord………..…...….events@stm-sjc.org Susie Levitt/Facilities Manager/Sec…………......levitts@stm-sjc.org Colleen Pauley/Receptionist……………… ..……..pauleyc@stm-sjc.org Nancy Hanna/PT Receptionist……… ………..hannan@stm-sjc.org Carol Janus/Sat. Receptionist……………… janusc@stm-sjc.org Tony Podobnik/Maintenance/SJC……………………………....412-221-6275 Chris Caldwell/Maintenance/STM….……...caldwellc@stm-sjc.org

Catholic Charities/Main………………………………………….…....412-456-6999 Addiction/National Catholic Council……….…...…....1-800-626-6910 Aging Support/Catholic Charities……………………..…....412-456-6999 Counseling/Individual, Marital, Family…………….……..412-456-6951 Crisis Support/Resolve…………………………………..………...1-888-796-8226 Divorced/Separated-Beginning Experience.…......412-523-2405 Food & Clothing Assistance/SHIM………………….…..…...412-854-9120 Health Care for the uninsured……………………….……..…...412-456-6911 Marriage, Family & Life………………………………………...….…...412-456-3157 Marriage (troubled)/Retrouvaille…………..……….…...1-800-470-2230 Marriage Prep……………………………………………………………....….412-861-0262 Meals on Wheels/Bethel-St. Clair……………..………...…....412-835-1039 Refugee Services…………………………………………………..…….....412-456-6999 Retreat Center/Spiritan Center-Bethel Park….…....412-835-3510 Retreat Center/St. Paul’s-South Side…………….………..412-551-4843 Safety Net & Stability Services…………………….………..…..412-469-6999 Self Sufficiency Programs/SHIM………………….....412-854-9120 x107 St. Vincent de Paul Society @STM………………...………..412-283-0245 St. Winifred (Mt. Lebanon) Food Pantry……..……….....412-343-1915 Substance Addiction Ministry/Mike H...mjh15241@verizon.net If you suspect child abuse, please contact: Diocesan Victim Assistance 1-888-808-1235

PARISH STAFF

LOCAL SUPPORT RESOURCES

If you require assistance in an area not listed in the bulletin, please call or visit the parish office.

GIFT CARDS Gift Cards are available in STM Parish Office, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Gift Cards are also available after Mass in the Baptismal Font Lobby. Thank you for supporting the church through your participation in the Gift Card Program.

ALL BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT ELECTRONICALLY TO:

parishbulletin@stm-sjc.org NO LATER THAN 10:00 A.M. MONDAY MORNINGS

NO EXCEPTIONS

SACRAMENTS

PARISH INFORMATION Directory | Sacraments

St. John Capistran 412-221-6275 St. Thomas More 412-833-0031 School 412-833-1412 stm-sjc.org 14