W e, the blended Catholic community of St. Ignatius Loyola, draw

THE CHURCH OF
S AINT IGNATIUS
L OYOLA
A ROMAN CATHOLIC
COMMUNITY INSPIRED BY THE
T R A D IT I O N O F S T . I G N A T IU S ,
ST. HEDWIG AND
ST. M ARY'S ANNUNCIATION
PARISHES.
W
e, the blended Catholic community of St. Ignatius Loyola, draw strength from Word and Sacrament,
especially in the celebration of the Eucharist. Modeling Christ’s work, we embrace our commitment to
God’s call. We remain faithful to the shared acts of prayer, study and service.
Together we extend Christ’s hospitality to others and light the path of peace for generations to come.
“Knowing God is more important than knowing about God.”
— Karl Rahner, S.J.
THE SUNDAY LIGHT
Page 2
Christmas Season Mass Schedule
View our
information video
at
www.stignatiuspa.
com
Don’t forget to
check our grocery
rebate program.
Details can be found
in the vestibule of
the church. Your
support is deeply
appreciated.
Bob Walsh, Coordinator
Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve
4:00 PM and 5:30 PM at St. Ignatius Church
4:00 PM at the Chapel of St. Ann
10:00 PM at St. Ignatius Church
Tuesday, December 25, Christmas Day
7:00 AM at Chapel of St. Ann
10:30 AM at St. Ignatius Church
Monday, December 31, Vigil of Solemnity of Mary
5:30 PM at St. Ignatius Church
Tuesday, January 1, Solemnity of Mary
7:00 AM at the Chapel of St. Ann
10:30 AM at St. Ignatius Church
Please note, on Monday, December 24th & Monday, December 31st, there
will only be a 7:30 AM Mass.
There will be no 12:10 PM Mass on these dates.
CHRISTMAS PRELUDES
In recognition of our need to
give, and the many needs of
our church and parish, and
in gratitude for God’s gifts to
us, we declare our willingness to return a portion of
our Treasure to our parish,
as part of our total Christian
stewardship.
Sunday Tithe
$16,747.50
Additional Retirement
$251.00
Total
$16,998.50
Last Week’s Expenses
$17,033.49
Starting at 3:15 PM before the 4:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass at the Church, the Children’s & Contemporary Ensemble Choirs will present their annual Christmas concert. The Loyola Singers and
the Bell Choir will perform preludes beginning at 9:30 PM prior to the 10:00 PM Mass on
Christmas Eve. Come early and enjoy the sounds of Christmas.
ADVENT EVENING PRAYER
Evening Prayer tonight (Sunday) at 7:00 PM.
Programs are provided.
PREPARING THE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHRISTMAS
Decorating of the inside of the church will take place today (Sunday) at 1:00 PM. It takes many
hands to prepare our beautiful worship space for Christmas. Please consider helping us.
WEEKLY MEDITATION
Today’s reading encourages us to seek God through the lens of the less important and powerful.
God sees us and all we do without distinction or comparisons. His great love for us delights in the
good He created. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth reminds us that God celebrates and gives birth to life
from what appears barren and hopeless. May we be nourished by today’s Eucharist and with
God’s love be energized to reveal His love in all we do.
Don’t forget! Food Collection each and every weekend at the vestibules of Church and Chapel.
Page 3
DECEMBER 23, 2012
BLESSINGS OF CHRISTMAS EXTENDED TO ALL
On behalf of the entire staff of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Fr. Polednak wishes to extend a very Merry
Christmas to all parishioners and their families and friends. May the Christ Child reflect to you the peace
and joy you have given to all in the parish and community in the past year.
CHRISTMAS SACRIFICIAL GIVING
A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOUR PARISH FAMILY
Please remember we depend on your Christmas Offering for great help with our yearly expenses. With
rising costs, increasing school subsidies, health insurance and utilities/maintenance, it is critical everyone
responds with generosity. Christmas income enables us to maintain all of our important ministries by
offsetting a weekly deficit in our regular envelope income. May your gift be in proportion to all other
Christmas expenditures. Let it be your first and most important gift.
The Altar Breads and
Wine for this week are
offered in memory of
Katelyn Marko
as requested by
Mom, Billy & Grammy
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Fourth Sunday of Advent - Obedience to God’s will
Reading I
Micah 5:1-4a (restoration through the Messiah)
Reading II
Hebrews 10:5-10 (the second covenant)
Gospel
Luke 1:39-45 (the visit to Elizabeth)
Key Passage
Elizabeth said, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what
was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)
Adult
When was it hardest for you to trust in God’s plan for you, as Mary did? What can
help you at such times?
Child
When is it hardest for you to obey a parent or teacher? What can help you obey with
more trust?
Sanctuary Candles
Burn this week
In Memory of
Katelyn Marko
By—Mom, Billy &
Grammy
“CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AT ST IGNATIUS”
As we have been discussing these past months, the ministry of WORSHIP focuses on the liturgy, the source and summit of Christian life,
and the devotional life of the parish. Our new Worship Commission is
currently studying the sacred documents of liturgy and preparing themselves to continue the rich traditions of our faith.
Throughout this beautiful season of Christmas, there are so many opportunities for all members of the parish to participate in some way.
Among them, new Lectors will proclaim the word of God, new Eucharistic Ministers will distribute the body and blood of Christ, and new
Altar Servers will assist presiders at Mass. Additionally, voices will be
lifted, instruments played and the environment transformed for the season. All of this, as Bishop Bambera reminds us is “to discover together how to proclaim the gospel and live Eucharistic communion in a
way that our brothers and sisters can comprehend and be inspired.”
As the second vital area of our Servant Leadership model begins to unfold, the area of COMMUNITY
continues its strong presence. The youth collected hundreds of gifts and brought Christmas joy to nursing homes by Caroling together. There was a Christmas party for the children; and in their wide-eyed
wonderment asked Santa for a special wish. Pierogies were made so that our holiday tables remind us of
the rich traditions of our families, and poinsettias were presented to those who are homebound and in
nursing homes.
“The parish is, first, a people.” As we continue these traditions, please remember all of us in your prayers
this season and pray that anyone considering a way to offer their gifts in the coming year will feel the
warmth of our parish and most welcome to do so.
In Memory of
Gerald & Thomas Maier
By—Wife, Ella & Mom
P r a y er Ca r d s
We encourage you to
spend quiet time in prayer
before the Blessed Sacrament throughout the week
with a special prayer intention in mind. Just pick up a
card after your visit to
Church and send it off to
the one in your prayer. The
cards may be used on First
Fridays by those attending
Eucharistic Adoration.
Merry Christmas from our Parish Pastoral Council!
Think gospel! Please make room for your neighbor in church and slide to the center of the pew.
Page 4
NEW OFFERTORY ENVELOPE SYSTEM
After careful consideration of costs associated with the current offertory envelope system, the decision has been made to change the company, timing, and style of offertory envelope. The new envelope system will begin for January. Each packet will contain 2 MONTHS of envelopes. They will
arrive as a booklet rather than in an envelope. There will be one offertory envelope for each Sunday
that will have four boxes marked OFFERTORY, DUES, HEAT/UTILIES, AND VINCENT de
PAUL. Please mark the amount you wish to contribute to any of these and put the total amount in
the envelope. Special envelopes for Diocesan Collections, Holy Days, Flowers, Christmas, Easter,
etc. will continue as usual. Detach the envelope from the booklet and place in the offertory basket.
There will be a place in the booklet to record your contributions if you wish. Below is a sample of the
new envelope. For instance, you might mark $10 for offertory and $5 for St. Vincent de Paul and
place $15 in the envelope. Or place $20 in the envelope, mark nothing, and $20 will be credited to
offertory. Any combination will work.
THIS
WEEK
AT A
GLANCE
•
Cantor Rehearsal—Thursday—
6:30 PM—Church
FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM
Sunday, December 23rd-30th - No class for grades 1-6. Class resumes on Sunday, January 6th.
2012 CONTRIBUTIONS
If you wish to add to your 2012 contributions, please do so on or before January 13, 2013. Statements will be emailed to parishioners who have provided us with their email address. All other statements will be mailed before the end of January 2013. If you have any questions regarding your contributions, please call Jen at the rectory.
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
If you need any days off for the February and March schedules, please call the rectory by January
10th. Thank you for your cooperation, this helps in the scheduling process.
BLOOD DRIVE
A blood drive is scheduled for Monday, January 14, 2013 from Noon to 5:00 PM in Conlan Hall.
Mark your calendars.
In Memoriam
4:00 PM MASS PARKING
If you attend the 4:00 PM Mass on Saturday, we kindly ask you to take note of the following parking
stipulations. The parking lot is clearly lined, kindly occupy only one parking space. We realize that
many parishioners attend this Mass causing the parking lot to get full. If you are not able to find a
space, please do not block another car in or park in between the rows. Should an emergency arise
this would pose a serious problem. Namely, a car that needs to got out would not be able to and an
emergency vehicle would not have proper access. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation.
Thank you.
“Teach us to give and not to count the cost.”
Thomas Roan
— Ignatius of Loyola
DECEMBER 23, 2012
Page 5
REMEMBERING
B U L L E T I N
December 24—29
Monday
HISTORY WRITING CONTEST
7:30—
7:30—Anthony LatosekLatosek-LM
Grandson, Tim
NO 12:10 PM Mass today
LOTTERY TICKETS
Tuesday
PLEASE SEE MASS SCHEDULE
ON PAGE 2
Wednesday
7:30—
7:30—Martha BentonBenton-LM
Vannucchi Family
12:10—
12:10—Helen JonesJones-LM
Sharon Murray
Thursday
7:30—
7:30—William JagodaJagoda-ALM
Family
12:10—
12:10—Katelyn MarkoMarko-ALM
Mom, Billy & Grammy
Friday
7:30—
7:30—Robert HerstekHerstek-ALM
Family
12:10—
12:10—Jim FennellFennell-ALM
Family
Saturday
7:30—
7:30—George R. EvansEvans-ALM
Family
4 PM—
PM—Erin HollingsheadHollingshead-LM
Eichorn Family
5:30 PM—
PM—Primo CastellaniCastellani-LM
without Sunday we cannot live
CHRISTMAS DAY
Holy Spirit Parish/St. Adalbert’s church, Glen Lyon is
sponsoring a four month
lottery that starts January 1st
thru April 30th, 2013. Cost
of each ticket is $20.00.
Prizes are as follows: Monday thru Saturday-$50.00;
Sunday’s-$100.00; the last
Sunday of each month$500.00 and April 30th pays
out $1,500.00. Tickets are
available by calling the parish
office at 736-6372.
LITTLE SISTERS OF THE
POOR RAFFLE
Tickets are now available for
the Little Sisters of the
Poor’s Mount Airy Casino
resort weekend getaway for
two raffle. The prize includes limousine service
from the Scranton/W.B.
area on the weekend of your
choice to Mt. Airy on Friday
and return on Sunday.
Chances are $10.00 each or
three for $25.00. The drawing is New Year’s Eve.
Tickets can be purchased by
calling Mrs. Jackie Glavin,
M.S., director of development and communications,
at Holy Family Residence at
343-4065. All proceeds will
benefit the Little Sisters in
the mission of serving the
elderly poor.
Students of Luzerne County are invited to submit entries
to the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians 2012 - 2013
Irish Writing Contest. The LAOH is a charitable organization of Catholic Irish-American women founded in
1894, and aims to promote Irish history and culture.
The contest is open to any students (public, private, parochial, or home-schooled) of grades 6-12. For complete
contest rules and list of cash prizes, please visit
www.ladiesaoh.com or call Mary Ellen Dooley at 7351711. Deadline for entries is January 15, 2013.
KNOW A MARRIAGE THAT NEEDS HELP?
Throw them a lifeline and tell them about Retrouvaille,
an international program that helps couples who are
experiencing marital difficulties. This program is for all
couples, at any stage of marriage that needs help to communicate with each other in a more attentive and loving
manner. The next program in the Scranton Diocese
begins February 15-17 at Fatima Renewal Center in Dalton. Please call 1-800-470-2230 for more information
or to register. Visit our website at
www.retrouvaile.org.
The Social Concerns Corner
Check Here Every Week for
the Latest Food Bank Information
TheFoodBankisinNeedoftheFollowingItems:
*spaghetti sauce*beef stew*canned hams/chicken*
Mixed fruit*vegetables*soup*juice
(PLEASE
PLEASE PLACE ITEMS IN THE MARKED BASKETS )
Monetary donations are also accepted, please make checks
payable to the Al Beech West Side Food Bank.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
Emily Stella & Family
Just a reminder! Be sure to check your on-line/mailed copy of liturgy schedule often.
Page 6
THE SUNDAY LIGHT
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
December 29 & 30
B O A R D
PANAMA CANAL & CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Saturday 4:00 PM
Please consider this 10 Day Panama Canal & Caribbean
Cruise abroad Holland America MS Zuiderdam. The
Panama Canal opened on August 15, 1914 making the
ocean voyage from the east coast to the west coast
much shorter than going around the tip of South
America. This is a once in a lifetime experience. The
package includes round trip motor coach transportation
to Newark airport with a direct flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Once in Florida, you will board the MZ
Zuiderdam for an exciting week cruising to the ports in
Costa Rica, Aruba, Curaco. You will enter the Panama
Canal at Cristobal then cruise Gatun Lake and then exit
the Canal at Cristobal to continue the cruise. Cabins
start at the unbelievable price of $2,095.00 per person
based on double occupancy. For further information
or to make your reservation, please contact Mr. John
Madden at Travelworld at (570) 432-5790. Monsignor
David Tressler is leading the group.
Lectors
K. Wiener & M. Girton
Communion Ministers
T. Crawford, T. Jagoda, J. Lenahan, N. Bellas, D. Duesler, J.
Michalek, S. Rhoads
The Knights of Columbus
Assumpta Council, Luzerne,
will hold their annual Free
Throw Contest on Saturday,
January 12th, starting at 11:00
AM at St. Elizabeth Ann
Seton gym, Hughes St.,
Swoyersville. This event is
for all boys and girls, 10 to 14
years of age. Proof of age is
required.
Prizes will be
awarded to all winners. Advancement to district, regional and state finals is possible.
Call John Duesler at 2881776 for information. Parent
or guardian of child should
be present.
without Sunday we cannot live
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
FREE THROW CONTEST
Altar Servers
J. Blewitt, E. Cudo, L. Spivey
Saturday 5:30 PM
Lectors
G. Galante & J. Girvan
Communion Ministers
M. Heffers, J. Stretanski, E.
Rishcoff, T. Smith
Altar Servers
L. & M. Flannery, R. Frey
Sunday 7:00 AM
Lector
S. Barnes
Communion Ministers
C. McGee, E. Dougherty, T. Verbyla
Sunday 8:30 AM
Lectors
K. Corgan & T. Thackara
Communion Ministers
A.
Maurer, J. Semcheski,
T. Thackara
Altar Servers
A. Lacina, M. & M. Lyons
Continued on page 7
Check us out! E-mail us at [email protected] or browse our home page at www.stignatiuspa.com
Page 7
DECEMBER 23, 2012
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Regional Youth Ministry
Continued
Comprised of the Catholic Communities of Swoyersville, Luzerne, Kingston, Larksville and Plymouth
570-288-6446 Voicemail or [email protected]
———————————————————————————————————————
Sunday 10:30 AM
Lectors
L. Simms & M. Smee
Communion Ministers
P. Kupetz, H. O’Brien, B. Rapach, G. Bokrosh, P. Clemente,
K. Clemente, K. Donlin
Altar Servers
N. Mirigliani, S. & M. Pernisco
Sunday 12 Noon
Lectors
S. Verdone & S. Arbogast
Communion Ministers
A. Calderone, N. Frusciante, A.
Asby, K. Smedley
REGIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY MISSION STATEMENT
“The Regional Youth Ministry is comprised of youth and adults working together as Disciples of
Christ. With hearts set aflame we strive to bring the youth of our community into an active relationship with God and each other. We establish friendships and transport youth to the forefront of our
parish communities, provide meaningful social service and spiritual opportunities that amplify God’s
word, and joyfully recognize that we are the church of today.”
————————————————————————————————————————
TEEN MASS CHANGE OF SCHEDULE
The January 13th Regional Mass will be rescheduled,
sorry for any inconvenience
Sunday, January 27th
Regional Rec. Room Open & Info Night hosted by
St. Ignatius Leadership Team
6:00-7:00 PM - 6th, 7th & 8th graders AND 7:00-8:00 PM (High School)
Sunday, February 10th
5:00 PM Regional Teen Mass, Social & Speaker Series at St. Ignatius
——————————————————————————————
Altar Servers
L. Lupinski, K. McNulty, S. Touey
REGIONAL YOUTH
MINISTRY CONTACT
INFORMATION
For more information on
how to get involved with the
Regional Youth Ministry
as a Youth Leader, please
contact Brian Williams, our
Regional Coordinator of
Catholic Youth Ministry.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR 2013
The Bazaar Committee will meet on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 7:00 PM in Bergan Hall. Volunteers are
needed! Please take the time to consider helping at St. Ignatius Bazaar 2013. Any amount of time you
could spare would be greatly appreciated. It is never too late to join for a meeting! We look forward to
seeing you and hearing your ideas. TOGETHER we can make the Bazaar a success! Thank you in
advance for your thoughtful consideration.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Ministry Voicemail is
Due to early publication of the bulletin, the following is the date for submission of announcements:
(570) 288-6446 and email
@ [email protected]
January 6th bulletin - deadline for announcements is December 26th
The Regional Youth
Special Note! Please send us your e-mail address and help us cut down on paper and postage.
Page 8
THE SUNDAY LIGHT
“Do not think that God is further from you when you are in the midst of the busyness which your vocation entails than he
would be if you were enjoying a tranquil life.”
—Frances de Sales
PARISH SCHOOLS
Good Shepherd Academy: Principal, Mr. James Jones
Phone: 718-4724
Holy Redeemer High School: Principal, Mrs. Anita Sirak
Phone: 829-2424
Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Schools/Superintendent of Schools,
Ms. Kathleen Hanlon
YOUTH MINISTRY
Our parish offers a comprehensive Youth Ministry, in conjunction
with the Regional Youth Ministry, including community building,
service, religious education and socialization. Watch the bulletin for
ministry information.
THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
This is a process the Catholic Church uses to bring adult members
into the faith. Anyone interested in becoming a part of this process
or in obtaining more information can call Mary O’Connor at 2878536. This journey in faith is concerned with the total formation of
the person into living and serving with the Church community.
PARISH STAFF
Pastoral Outreach
Religious Formation
Mrs. Carmella Faust
[email protected]
Mrs. Patty Kopec
Youth Ministry
Jennifer Frusciante
Regional Youth Ministry Mr. Brian Williams
[email protected]
Worship
Ms. Joan Turel,
Program Director, Loyola Singers
& Festival Choir
Mrs. Elaine Blessing,
Contemporary Ensemble &
Children’s Choir Director
Mrs. Carmella Faust,
Handbells & Accompanist
Mrs. Pat Fennell, Accompanist
Mrs. Jane Gaudio, Cantors
Mrs. Caprice Ryman, Accompanist
Mr. George Andresky, Accompanist
R.C.I.A.
Mrs. Mary O’Connor
Receptionist
Mrs. Jen Carey
Main/Business Office
[email protected]
Ms. Mary Lewis
Maintenance
Mr. Ronald Gaylord
Cemetery Clerks
Ms. Mary Lewis, St. Ignatius
Mrs. Jen Carey, St. Mary & St. Hedwig
Visiting Priests
Rev. Joseph Adonizio
Msgr. David Bohr
Rev. Daniel Issing C.S.C.
Rev. Tony Urban
Rev. Richard Zavacki
Pastoral Associate
[email protected]
Mr. Anthony Butel
Pastor
Rev. John V. Polednak, V.E.
BAPTISM
Expectant and new parents are asked to participate in a seminar on
Baptism. Please call the Rectory to schedule an appointment. Godparents are welcome to attend, though it is not required. Please call
the rectory to register at your earliest convenience. The celebration of
the Sacrament of Baptism is on the third Sunday of every month
except during Lent.
MARRIAGE
Congratulations! You are asked to contact one of the parish priests at
least six months before the date of your marriage so that the appropriate preparations can be made for this special celebration.
VISITATION OF THE SICK
Deacon John E. O’Connor
Please call the office for visitation of the sick at home, in the hospital,
or health care facility.
SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Urgent calls will be attended to at any time of the day or night.
RELIGIOUS FORMATION
Grades 1—6 — Good Shepherd Academy on Sunday morning from
9:15 AM to 10:20 AM.
Grades 7—8 — Released Time Confirmation Program
High School— Sunday Evenings (Monthly)
NEW PARISHIONERS
Please register by calling the rectory. Those moving should inform the
office as soon as possible.
DEVOTIONAL LIFE
The Rosary is prayed after the 7:30 AM Mass daily and before the
8:30 AM Mass on Sundays at the Chapel of St. Ann. Eucharistic
Adoration is held the First Friday of the month at Saint Ignatius
Church beginning at 12:45 PM concluding with Benediction at 4:00
PM. (September—May)
MINISTRY COUNCILS
Pastoral Council — Pat Endler, Debbie Lyons, Joe Evan, Al Maurer,
Deacon John O’Connor, Sarah Touey, Maria Scappaticci,
Tom Hamill, Nancy Larralde, Gerry Larkin, Nancy Roberts,
Mary Beth Zelinsky, Dorothy Duesler, Father Polednak, Tony Butel
Finance Council — Father Polednak, Bob Gabriesheski, Tom Kopec,
Jack Lenahan, Mary Lewis, Lou Mondy, Tom McDonnell,
Art Piccone, Joe Pringle, Sue Rhoads, Lisa Rinker, Susan Shoemaker,
Kay Smedley, Stanley Swaintek, Jean Michalek
[email protected]