Thank you for another great year! Your generos

St. John Neumann Parish is a
gathered people, acting in word,
sacrament, witness and service
toward all, with gratitude to God
our Father, through Jesus Christ
our Brother with the Holy Spirit
our Guide.
A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust
Dec. 20, 2015
Thank you for another
great year! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
4th Sunday of Advent
THE WEEK AHEAD
CALENDAR
Sunday, Dec. 20
10:30 AM Children’s Choir
12:30 PM High School Encounter
12:30 PM Church Decorating
Monday, Dec. 21
12:00 PM
Over 50’s
7:00 PM
St. Alphonsus Penance Service
Tues. Dec. 22
9:45 AM
Scripture Study
Weds. Dec. 23
5:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
Christmas Caroling
SJN Prayer Ministry - Holy Hour
Adult Choir Caroling & Pot Luck
MOMS
Thurs, Dec. 24
Friday, Dec. 25
Sat. Dec. 26
Reverend Albin C. McGinnis, Ext. 20
Pastor & Trust Adm. [email protected]
Richard Caruso, Ext. 23, Permanent Deacon
Parish Office 412-366-2020,
Joan Kiliany, Parish Secretary, ext. 10
Religious Education Office 412-366-5885
Lisa Rind, Rel. Ed. Secretary, ext 12
Barbara Stokes, Ext.13
Director for Rel. Education, Family & Sac. Ministries
Kelly Reed, Ext. 16
Dir. For Rel. Ed, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Barbara Matera, Ext. 18
Dir. for Rel. Ed, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Julie Amatangelo, Ext. 15 Director of Youth Ministry
Jessica Bucci, Ext. 10, Director of Music Ministry
Andrew James, Ext. 11, Facilities Manager
Larry Badaczewski, Ext. 56, Pastoral Counselor
Sue Bodziach, Ext. 14, Protecting God’s Children
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:
Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a;
Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45
Tuesday:
1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd;
Lk 1:46-56
Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14;
Lk 1:57-66
Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16;
Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79
Friday:
Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6;
Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]
Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab,
16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22
Sunday:
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28;
Ps 128:1-5
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday, Dec. 19
9:00 AM
Sylvia Schiberl (Full Family)
2:30 PM
Caruso/Mittal Wedding
5:30 PM
For the People of SJN Parish
Sunday, Dec. 20, 4th Sunday of Advent
8:00 AM
Fr. Phil Fink (John & Iris Parks)
9:30 AM
Joanne Wall (Sarah & Charlie Schneider)
11:30 AM
Deceased members of the Anthony
Dentici Family (Family)
Monday, Dec. 21
9:00 AM Nicholas Mance (Ross & Jeanette Crosby)
Tuesday, Dec. 22
9:00 AM
Agnes Chasler (Salt Family)
Wednesday, Dec. 23
6:30 PM
John Julian (Charlie & Sarah Schneider)
Thursday, Dec. 24
4:00 PM
For the People of SJN Parish
8:00 PM
For the People of SJN Parish
11:00 PM
For the People of SJN Parish
Friday, Dec. 25, The Nativity of the Lord
9:00 AM
For the People of SJN Parish
11:00 AM
For the People of SJN Parish
Saturday, Dec. 26, St. Stephen, The 1st Martyr
9:00 AM
Cora & Jack Rice (Ruth Craig & Family)
5:30 PM
Edward Dye (Daryl Hagen)
Sunday, Dec. 27 The Holy Family of Jesus,
Mary & Joseph
8:00 AM
9:30 AM
11:30 AM
Rosemary Wainwright (Iris & John Parks)
Myrna Olszewski (Vicki & Jim Vanpelt)
For the People of SJN Parish
WELCOME
Whether you come from near or far, we are
honored that you have chosen to join us. As
your presence here is a blessing to us, may
God’s presence here be a blessing to you.
LIGHT
All the darkness of the world cannot put out the
light of one small candle.
Operating
Camp. Alive
Parish Share
Holy Day
Fundraising
Youth Ministry
Misc.
Dec. 20
$ 9,179.00
9,347.00
5,271.00
1,651.00
1,992.11
530.00
581.00
$28,551.11
PARISH NEWS
SJN CHRISTMAS &
NEW YEAR’S MASS SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS EVE, THURSDAY, DEC. 24
4:00, 8:00 & 11:00 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY, FRIDAY, DEC. 25
9:00 & 11:00 AM
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
THURSDAY, DEC. 31 AT 5:30 PM
FRIDAY, JAN. 1 AT 10 AM
CHURCH DECORATING TODAY
For it to look like Christmas at SJN we
need some help. Help us out after the
11:30 Mass TODAY, Sunday, Dec. 20
to get our church ready for Christmas.
Many hands make light work!
CAROLING
SJN choir members will be leading two (or
possibly more) groups that will carol with
residents at the Calais and Stonebrook Apts.,
Vincentian and Manor Care nursing homes
on Weds., December 23 from 5-7pm followed by a potluck chili dinner. Contact Victoria Sheridan: [email protected]
FINAL ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE
ST. ALPHONSUS - DECEMBER 22 @ 7 PM
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
In proclaiming the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope
Francis proclaimed his desire that this Holy Year be
“steeped in mercy,” as we disciples “go out to every man
and woman,” bringing the “balm of mercy” to “believers
and those far away, as a sign that the Kingdom of God is
already present in our midst!” (Misericordiae Vultus, 5).
In her visitation of Elizabeth, Mary beautifully presents
just such an image. Despite the perils of her pregnancy,
not to mention her preoccupations as a young unwed
mother, Mary instantly, unselfishly, “goes out” of herself, hastening far and over dangerous terrain, to “bring
the balm of God’s tender mercy” in assistance rendered
to her older relative. Since baptism and the Eucharist
have made us, in a way, bearers of the living Christ
within as Mary was, such selfless “going out” of ourselves to be of loving service to others in mercy should
especially mark our Christmas season this Jubilee Year.
Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION,WEDS., DEC. 23
Please join us as we lift up all those names on
the SJN prayer list. Adoration will begin immediately following the 6:30 pm Mass. Prepare your hearts for Christmas celebration by
experiencing a Silent & Holy Night.
SJN CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
If you would like your Christmas Offering directed to either Church Alive or
Parish Share, please note such on your
envelope or check, and we will direct your contribution
that way. On Christmas, a second diocesan collection
will be taken for the annual Christmas Charities for
Children and Youth. Contributions to the Children/
Youth Christmas are credited against our diocesan Parish
Share obligation.
We thank you for your continued
generosity to St. John Neumann Parish.
OPLATKA
These special Christmas wafers are now available at the
Advent display. They are a wonderful Christmas tradition no matter what nationality you claim. Take a look at
them and read the story and maybe make this part of
your Christmas meal this year. Donation is $3.
MASS CHANGES
With the upcoming Holidays, there will be no 9 am
Morning Mass on:
Thursday, Dec. 24
Thursday, Dec. 31
Friday Jan. 1
CONCERT AT SJN
On Monday, December 28 @ 7:00 PM,
join us for a special evening of music with
Daniel Ficarri at the organ! Danny is excited to present this concert to the St. John Neumann
community while he is home from his studies at The
Juilliard School in New York City. Invite your family
and friends to make this concert a special part of the holiday season. Admission is free.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Join us prior to the Christmas Eve Masses to
enjoy some Christmas favorites! We will be
starting prior to Mass to sing carols and hear
some of St John Neumann’s own vocalists and
instrumentalists sing and play music worshipping
our newborn Christ. The Children’s Choir will be
singing the 4pm Mass in the church, and the
Adult Choir will be singing the 8pm Mass. At
7:30pm, the Adult Choir, our instrumentalists,
and soloists will start with music; music will begin 15 minutes prior to 4pm and 11pm Masses.
KEEP ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
Just a little time left to keep the season of Advent.
Use it well in your family and in your heart to prepare
for the Feast of Christmas this week. Take a look at
ALL the resources in the lobby. Find something for
yourself, your family, grandkids, etc. Just keep the
season holy! Come Lord Jesus come! Also, we have
added Oplatki, Christmas pens and bracelets for you.
SAVE THE DATE
Please mark your calendar to attend
the Respect Life Committee’s annual
Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, January
10th, after all Masses. The free-will donations will support Genesis House and the Women’s Choice Network. Donations will support the needs of pregnant
women at Genesis House and the ultrasound scans performed by Women’s Choice Network. We’ll also be
collecting baby items (diapers, clothes, baby wipes, etc.)
during the pancake breakfast after all Masses on January
10th. The collected items will be donated to Catholic
Charities. Come celebrate Life with pancakes, sausage
and more! Thank you for your support.
RCIA
Our candidates Matt, Diana and Sophie felt
your welcome and prayer as they celebrated
the Rite of Acceptance. Now they journey
toward the Easter sacraments through this
period of the catechumenate. During this time, we’ll
study and learn more about the Mass and sacraments.
Especially now they need our prayers and support.
Weekly Thursday classes will resume on January 7,
2016. We are blessed!
THANKS
Our 1st semester of Monday school came to a close with
an awesome reflection and performance by Cindy
DeAlmeida. We are so blessed at SJN - all of our
speakers have been wonderful and so gracious to us.
Look ahead to our January Monday School on January 11 and January 18. More info in next week’s bulletin. Just mark the date now on your new calendar. We
want you to come!
HOUSE BLESSINGS
If you would like to have your house blessed during the
Christmas season by Deacon Rick, please contact him at
[email protected] or 412-366-2020, ext. 23.
He’ll work with you to schedule a time to come to your
home to share scripture and prayers of blessings of
Christmas.
HOAGIES, BREAD, CHOCOLATE - OH MY!
Thanks to all who helped with any or all of these works
to help SJN and Catholic Relief Services to help others.
SACRAMENTAL
BAPTISM PREP
We are encouraged to prepare for every sacrament we
receive. Super important when we participate in Baptism
- especially as we bring a child to baptism. To help you
at this special time, we offer our next Baptism Prep class
for anyone anticipating the celebration of baptism in
their family. Our next class is January 10, 2016. No
sessions are scheduled for December. Call the Religious
Ed. Office (ext. 12) to register.
MARRIAGE PREP
Are you or do you know somebody planning a wedding in 2016? Consider SJN for
one of the best marriage prep programs.
Register now for Sat, Feb. 20, 2016. Size
is limited and registration (on line) is necessary
FIRST SACRAMENTS
All of our young people preparing for First Communion
in the spring have now received the Sacrament of Penance. This first time experience of reconciliation can be
repeated as often as we need the grace of this sacrament.
It is not a once for all, but rather a life long habit of trying to live closer and closer to the Lord. So don’t hesitate to come again on Saturday morning at 9:30 to celebrate reconciliation. Also, now we concentrate more on
preparing for 1st Communion so make sure you are
signed up for 1st Communion Family Activity on
January 31. Call the Rel. Ed. Office (ext. 12).
YOUTH MINISTRY
Encounter: High School Youth Ministry
December 20: Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
& gift exchange
2016 : January: 3, 17 & 31. February 14 & 28
Do Something Great This Summer
Join your friends to serve the people of Logan, WV July
17-23, 2016. Please contact Julie ([email protected]) to
let her know that you are interested in learning about the
trip and she will send you info on our next meeting.
Ignite Schedule
Ignite (faith formation for 7th & 8th graders)
is held every other Wednesday from 6:308:30pm, We’ll resume after Christmas on
January 6 & 20, February 3 & 17, March 2,
16 & 30, April 13 & 27. Please mark your calendars
now. We’ve had a record turnout this semester and want
to keep that going! Thank you for making the effort to
get your middle schooler to Ignite!
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Middle School Service Opportunity: WORLD VISION
Who:
When:
7th & 8th grade middle schoolers & friends
Saturday, January, 23, 2016
from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where:
World Vision, 210 Overlook Dr,
Sewickley, PA 15143
Sign -up: By January 16, 2016 to Anne Mlecko at
[email protected]
Volunteers will participate in sorting and packing
clothing for distribution to domestic and international
communities in need. World Vision’s Pittsburgh Global
Distribution Center is conveniently located just off the
Sewickley exit of I-79.
·
Parents are asked to drop off their students at the
World Vision location at 9:00 am and pick up at the
same location by 12:00 pm.
SPIRITUAL
SCRIPTURE STUDY
….during the Christmas Season will be
held on Tuesday instead of Thursday.
Please come on Dec. 22 and/or Dec. 29 to
read and pray the coming Sunday Scripture. All are welcome!
FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE…
This week, Dec. 20, the quote from Pope Francis is: May
we stop before the Child of Bethlehem and allow the
tenderness of God to warm our hearts.
A LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEA FOR HIM
Still looking for a gift for that important man in your life?
How about a gift certificate for the Men’s Retreat at St.
Paul of the Cross Retreat Center? March 11-13, 2016 is
the designated weekend for St. John Neumann’s annual
Lenten Retreat. Show that you care about his spirit, too.
Contact Andrew James (412 -366-5885,
[email protected]) or Paul Crnkovic (412367-7481) for more information about our retreat weekend.
PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
All church volunteers (age 18 and over) must participate
in this child sex abuse awareness seminar. The workshop
is being offered at the following location:
St. John Neumann
Sunday, January 24 1:30 pm
This requirement can also be completed on-line. Contact
Sue Bodziach, SJN’s new Safe Environment Coordinator
(412-366-5885 x14) for more information about Protecting God’s Children and completing all volunteer clearances mandated by the Catholic Church.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Any former children’s choir member is
asked to join the choir during the Holiday
Season. Please sit behind them in church &
join them in celebrating Mass. Please call
Annie Snyder at 412-526-0077 for the mass schedule
when they will be singing. This is their 35th year of
making beautiful music for our parish!
MISC.
GIFT CARDS
Great for Christmas, Great for Youth Ministry.
Pick up a Giant Eagle gift card and earn fuel perks,
grab a Chick-fil-A gift card for your favorite youth
minister :) get a Target gift card for your Christmas
shopping and support SJN Youth Ministry. Each gift
card you purchase earns a percentage profit for great
opportunities for teens like: retreats, our summer mission trip, and the teen leadership conference. Go to
www.sjnyouth.org then ENCOUNTER and click on
the GIFT CARDS square for an order form & info.
CALENDARS
Please pick up a Catholic calendar for your home. It is a
good way to remember the special saints and feasts that
the church celebrates throughout the year.
OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THE POOR
Pope Francis has energized the world to focus more in
serving the poor. Our St. John Neumann Appalachia
group have been serving the poor in Preston County,
West Virginia for 30 years. Over 70 adults and teens
travel to Preston County every June to work on home
improvement projects. The spirit of service is a true
blessing for our parish and especially for our young people. We host several fund raising events during the year
to raise money for home improvement supplies, transportation and lodging. If spending a week at the Appalachia
work camp doesn’t suit you, but you would like to support the commitment St. John Neumann has to this worthy endeavor, please seriously consider a monetary donation. Make checks payable to SJN Appalachia and deposit in the collection basket or drop off at the church
office. We are most grateful for your support.
RECENT DEATHS
Please pray for the souls of..
Matthew Harrold, grandson of Diana Harrold
Jim Lochner, brother of Cathy Weaver
Suzanne McClelland, sister of Geralyn Smith
Parishioner Jack Wassell, husband of Patricia
May the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.