SAINT JOHN OF GOD Office Telephones

Parish Office/Residence.......................................412-771-5646 Parish Fax.............................................................412-331-0678 Deacon Leonard Thomas.....................................724-206-3210 Music Minister.....................................................412-812-4549 Catholic Parish Cemeteries Association ............ 412-256-9370 Social Hall (Bingo and Pizza Kitchen) .............. 412-331-8530

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD JANUARY 6, 2019

Mass Schedule

~ Low Gluten Hosts Available For Communion ~ ~ See Priest Before Mass ~

Saturday Vigil........................................................4:30 PM Church Sunday...................................................................9:45 AM Church Weekday Schedule Monday—Friday....................................................9:30 AM Church Confessions: Saturday 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM

Celebration of the Sacraments

Infant Baptism: Second Sunday Please call office to schedule. Adult Baptism: The R.C.I.A. program sees to the needs of adults who wish to become Catholic.

Reconciliation (Confession): 3:30 PM to 4:15 (Church) and following the 4:30 PM Mass (Church) and by appointment. Holy Eucharist: Available for those who are sick and confined to home. Call the Parish Office and we will bring the Eucharist to you. Anointing of the Sick: Available for those who are seriously ill or antici-pating surgery after Mass every Sunday at the Church. Marriage: Anyone who wishes to marry should contact the Office at least six months prior to the desired date. Inactive Catholics: Are lovingly welcome back to the faith. New Parishioners are joyfully invited to join our community. Please call the Parish Office.

Parish Clergy

Rev. David G. Poecking Deacon Tim M. Killmeyer Rev. Robert J. Zajdel Deacon Leonard M. Thomas Rev. Alan E. Morris Rev. Regis J. Ryan, ret. Rev. Michael R. Ruffalo Rev. Louis F. Vallone, ret. Staff Ms. Elna Johnson, Director of Music Mrs. Mary Ann Jones, Director of Finances Mrs. Janice Lipa, Parish Secretary, parish@sjogparish.com Mr. Wayne Summers, Maintenance Supervisor

Safe Environment Coordinator Mrs. Karen Vinci-Stack, 412-303-7745 Scheduler of Ministries Jeri Stotlemyer, sjogscat@gmail.com www.news.va/en (Vatican News) Bulletin Deadline: Tuesday Noon

CHURCH: 1011 Church Ave. McKees Rocks, PA 15136 www.RocKenRocatholics.org

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA

THE EPIPHANY

OF THE LORD MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, Jan. 5 to Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019

Saturday Vigil, Jan. 5: 4:30 PM Church James Crivelli (Family) Sunday, Jan. 6: 9:45 AM Church Agnes & Albert Gerger (John & Betty McDermott) _______________________________________________

WEEKDAYS — 9:30 AM CHURCH Monday, Jan. 7: John & Elsie Neal & Kelly Gault (Joe & Maureen Rzepecki) Tuesday, Jan. 8: Thomasina Cosentino (Cosentino Family) Tuesday, Jan. 8: St. Anthony Novena Prayers recited following the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary’s Church Wednesday, Jan. 9: Geraldine Ryan (M/M Dominic Puppo & Family) Thursday, Jan. 10: Parish Family of Saint John of God Friday, Jan. 11: Suchanek Family (Family) _______________________________________________ Saturday Vigil, Jan. 12: 4:30 PM Church Mayor John & Jean Kyle (Lydia King) Sunday, Jan. 13: 9:45 AM Church Christine Calabrese (Husband Joe & Daughters Angelica & Ariana

AN OPEN INVITATION OF WELCOME

Non-Catholics and non-parishioners are always welcomed guests.

Inactive, unsure or irregular Catholics are lovingly encouraged to reconnect with the Faith.

New parishioners are joyfully received in our community. Please call the parish office.

Our hearts are large and there is plenty good room for all.

BLESSING OF HOMES FOR EPIPHANY

The Sunday after New Year's Day is the Feast of the Epiphany. In imitation of the Magi, who, according to Matthew's Gospel, came to the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we ask Christ to visit our home and to bless all who dwell there. Following is the blessing prayer to say as you inscribe with a piece of chalk above the door, 20+C+M+B+19:

EPIPHANY PRAYER

20 + C + M + B + 19

Lord God of heaven and earth, You revealed your only begotten Son to every nation by guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill them with the light of Christ, that their concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Chalk available in the Sacristy) Readings for the week of January 6, 2019 Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 [cf.11]/ Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 Monday: 1 Jn 3:22—4:6/Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a [8ab]/ Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10/Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8 [cf. 11]/ Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18/Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13 [cf. 11]/ Mk6:45-52 Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19—5:4/Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17 [cf.11]/Lk 4:14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 [12a]/Lk 5:12-16 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5, 6a and 9b [cf. 4a]/Jn 3:22-30 Next Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11/Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-30 [1]/Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7/Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. (MONDAY THRU FRIDAY)

Saint John of God, Pray for us.

BAPTISMAL PROGRAM FOR NEW AND EXPECTING PARENTS

The class will be held next Sunday, January 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Gathering Place at St. Mary’s. To register or for more information, please call Tom Adams at 412-999-2985.

BIBLE STUDY Our Bible Study will resume this Monday, Jan. 7, from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. in the Gathering Place. For more information, please call Tom Adams at 412-999-2985. Everyone is welcome!

SANCTUARY CANDLE - WEEK OF JANUARY 6 ST. MARY’S – IN MEMORY OF MARY LOU AND FRANK

DIFILLIP BY LINDA AND FAMILY

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA

FAITH FORMATION NEWS

Religious Education classes at Saint Malachy resume this Sunday, January 6 and Monday, January 7.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

The Youth Leaders from Saint John of God, Saint Malachy, and Holy Trinity are planning “ROCKENRO” Youth Group activities for the win-ter and spring. So far some of the suggested activities are skiing, bowling, laser tag, and karaoke night. All teens in grades 9-12 are encouraged to submit their ideas. What activities would you like to attend? Email Mr. Swank at swankymca@gmail.com so we can add your ideas to the list!

QUOTE FROM THE POPE

“Today follow the “bright star of Jesus.” Have courage, because the “light of Jesus can overcome the darkest darkness.”

PARISH WEEKEND ATTENDANCE Dec. 22 / 23

Saturday, Dec. 22 .......................................... 336 Sunday, Dec. 23...................................... 345 Total Weekend Attendance ..................... 681 Regular Offertory ........................................ $3,791.00

CHRISTMAS ATTENDANCE, DEC. 24 / 25 Monday, Dec. 24, 4:30 PM ............................ 762 8:00 PM .............................. 205 12:00 Midnight ....................... 256 Tuesday, Dec. 25, 9:45 AM ............................. 225 Total Christmas Attendance ......................... 1,448 Christmas Offertory ..................................... $11,857.00 (This is ordinary income from contributions for the general running of the parish. It is subject to a 17.6% tax to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.)

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Children & Youth ..............................................$1,855.00 (These collections are mandated by the Diocese for specific purposes. These moneys are remitted in total to the Diocese and are not taxed. This particular collection is a two-fold win. Not only does it help children and youth, but all proceeds collected will be credited towards our Parish Share Assessment. Since we have met our Parish Share goal for 2018, this money will stay in the parish and not be taxed by the Diocese.)

Due to early transmission of this bulletin, the attendance and offertory information for the weekend of December 29/30 will be published next week.

ALSO

The winners of the Steelers vs. Bengals game on December 30 will be published next week.

Please keep our Priests, Seminarians, Deacons and all Religious in your prayers.

The Rosary is prayed at 9:00 AM before the 9:30 AM Mass Monday through Friday in St. Mary’s Church.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Jan 7 (Mon.) - Miraculous Medal Novena Prayers Reci-tation of the Rosary begins at 6:30 P.M. in St. Mary’s Church - held on the 1st & last Monday of each month. Jan. 7 (Mon.) - Bible Study, 6:30-7:30 PM in Gathering Place at St. Mary’s Jan. 8 (Tues.) - St. Anthony Novena Prayers recited following the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary’s Church Jan. 9 - WEDNESDAY NIGHT BINGO in MOS Social Hall - Doors open at 5 PM Early Birds, 7 PM and Regular Games begin at 7:15 PM. Jan. 11 (Fri.) - Mother of Sorrows Novena Prayers recited following 9:30 AM Mass, St. Mary’s Church. Jan. 11 (Fri.) - PIZZA KITCHEN! To order please call 412-331-8530 on Fridays, 8 AM to 1 PM. Orders must be picked up by 3:30 PM.

HOSPITAL Please pray for all parishioners who are in the hospital. Also for all those ill at home, in nursing homes, and shut-ins; that they may continue to receive the Lord’s Blessings.

SYMPATHY We wish to extend our sympathy to the Family of Nathan Fischio, Mary DiGiovine, Joseph Barker, and Theresa DeFrancesco whom God has called home. Please remember them and all our dearly departed and their families in your prayers. “May the Angels lead them into paradise, may the martyrs receive them at their coming and take them to Jerusalem, the holy city.”

Diocesan Victim Assistance Hotline 1-888-808-1235

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD JANUARY 6, 2019

MARCH FOR LIFE Friday, January 18, 2019

Join us on this 46th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision. We will petition Con-gress and the President to protect the right to life of every born and pre-born human being. Schedule: 6 a.m. - Lenzer 55 seat bus departs from Holy Trinity - Robinson Township parking lot (5:45 arrival) 11 a.m. - Arrive Basilica of Immaculate Basilica for afternoon: 12 p.m. - March to Capitol and Supreme Court 3:30 p.m. - Meet at Grand Central Station to board bus. Sandwiches and drinks provided on way home. Bus returns by 10 p.m. For bus reservations and/or further information call Helen Stamatakis at 412-788-1974 or Sharon Graham at 773-972-6657. Adults $40, Students $20. (Cost in-cludes $3 metro tickets and $9 for dinner on bus. Please let us know if you prefer beef, chicken or tuna sandwich). Checks payable to Holy Trinity Right to Life. Send to Helen Stamatakis, 111 Lakeview Dr., McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Please RSVP by Sunday, January 13. 2019.

Gifts for a King - As the wise men followed the star they were convinced that it would lead them to something amazing, a great king who had come into the world. They certainly could have been caught off guard when they gazed upon

the sight where the star led them. Instead of a powerful ruler they were looking at a newborn baby surrounded by his mother and foster father. Yet, they didn’t hesitate to lay their precious gifts before the Lord and do him homage. And after honoring the newborn king, they went in haste to return to their homeland, sharing the good news of the coming of the Messiah as they traveled along. The witness of the wise men is one we are invited to follow as we journey On Mission for The Church Alive! We all are being asked to come before the Lord with the gifts we have to offer. These gifts aren’t gold, frankin-cense and myrrh, but the gifts of our hearts and lives that we are able to share with God, the Church and others and enrich our parishes. Even more, as we journey from our faith communities through our fam-ily, work and social relationships we also look for opportunities to share the good news of God-with-us with all we meet. What gifts do you have to share? Visit onmissionchurchalive.org to learn more and to stay informed.

SERVICE OF LOVE You are invited to come and make polar fleece tie blankets that will be donated to the American Cancer Society’. These blankets are distributed to local hospitals and MD offices where patients receive their treatments. Bring a SHARP pair of scissors and 1 and ½ yards each of 2 coordinated fleece fabrics (3 yards total). You can also buy a NO-Sew polar fleece tie kit (sized 48 x 60 inches) at any local craft type store. If you have never made one of these blankets we can show and help you. Please join us for an evening of fun and fellowship and feel free to bring a friend or two! Our next meet-ing for this year is Wednesday, January 9 from 6 to 8 PM in St. Malachy Church Hall. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Pat Kulak at 412.262.1162 or Patty Beasock at 412.331.0685. Additional dates will be Wednesdays, February 13, March 13 and April 10.

RocKenRo Adorers Needed at St. Malachy

On the third Tuesday of each month from 1-6:30 p.m. there is Adoration at St. Malachy. We are in desperate need of regular adorers who will take a 1/2 hour or one hour time slot each month to spend time with Our Lord. Please call Kathleen at 412-875-2337 for details and to sign up.

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE by Bud Ozar The Magi in today’s Gospel were led to Jesus by a star. Who are the stars your children follow? Don’t let it be the tabloid stars. Resolve in this New Year to be the guiding star in the life of your children.

WE NEED HELP! On Sunday, January 13, we will take down the Christmas decorations in St. Mary’s Church after the 9:45 A.M. Mass. Anyone that can help us with this task is most needed and welcomed.

Thanks in advance!

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA

STEELERS FOOTBALL POOL WINNERS December 23, 2018 Steelers vs. Saints

Half Time Score: Steelers 14 Saints 17

BJW owned by Betty Jo Walsh $100 MADISON owned by Carole Vas $100 BOB owned by Bob Sharp $100

Final Score: Steelers 28 Saints 31

PRIDGRAM owned by Carolyn Priddy $150 “THE GREEK” owned by Bill Economou $150 JEM - MAH owned by Maryann Holland & John McNally $150

Congratulations!

STEEPLE CHASE SUPER BOWL POOL Super Bowl Sunday is February 3, 2019. Again, the SJOG Steeple Chase is offering two pools for the Super Bowl. There are 100 blocks in each pool.

☺ $35 pool will have a total payment of $1,700 : $100 1st qtr., $500 half time,

$100 3rd qtr. and $1,000 final. ☺ $100 pool will have a total payment of $5,000: $500 1st qtr., $1000 half time, $500 3rd qtr. and $3,000 final. For the $100 pool only you will get 4 sets of numbers ~ a different set of numbers for each quarter. The names and numbers for each pool will be randomly drawn in advance. You will receive a copy of your completed pool prior to the Super Bowl. Don’t be left out. The pools fill up quickly. Purchase a square for yourself or partner with a friend. Consider buying some as Christmas or birthday gifts. Deadline is Friday, January 18, OR AS SOON AS THE POOLS ARE FILLED, WHICH-EVER COMES FIRST. Name your block and fill out the form below. All proceeds benefit the St. John of God capital improvement fund. Questions?? Call Terry at 412-331-3443

—————————————————————— SUPER BOWL POOL

PLEASE PRINT, FILL OUT COMPLETELY, DROP IN COLLEC-TION BASKET OR PARISH OFFICE MAIL SLOT, OR MAIL TO: “SUPER BOWL POOL,” 1011 CHURCH AVE., MCKEES ROCKS, PA 15136. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH. MARK ENVELOPE “SUPER BOWL” QUESTIONS??? CALL TERRY AT 412-331-3443 . _____Square(s) @$35/square ($1,700 payout) =$______ (AMOUNT ENCLOSED) ____Square(s) @$100/square ($5,000 payout) =$______ (AMOUNT ENCLOSED)

(PLEASE PRINT) I would like to name my square(s) __________________ _____________________________________________ Name ________________________________________ Address, City, State w/ZIP ________________________ ______________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________

ANOTHER SUPER BOWL UPDATE Super Bowl Sunday is February 3, about a month away. We filled three super bowl pools before Christmas and immediately started new ones. So if you didn’t get in any of those pools, there is still time to join in on the fun. Our entries come from Pennsyl-vania to Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, West Virginia and just added Tennessee to our family. So tell your family, friends, and neighbors, space is available. We are accepting entries for the $35 and the $100 pools. Don’t be left out.

BISHOP CANEVIN NIGHT AT THE RACES

Date: Saturday, January 19, School Gymnasium Time: Doors open at 5:30 pm Races start at 7 pm Admission: $25 per person includes buffet dinner, beer and mixers Features: special memorabilia silent auction, Chinese auction, basket of cheer and much more! For tickets, to purchase horses ($10), or sponsor a race ($100) stop by the school Athletic Office or call 412-922-7400, ext. 237. All proceeds benefit Bishop Canevin Athletics.

PARENTING POINTERS by Susan Vogt

According to tradition, three kings came to honor the baby Jesus and we call this feast the Epiphany (the recognition of Jesus as God by the larger world). Consider giving something gold, sweet smelling, or soothing (myrrh) to your child today as a sign of God’s presence within him or her. ~© by Susan Vogt

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD JANUARY 6, 2019

SPECIAL SECOND COLLECTION ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL

DEPAUL SCHOOL The Pittsburgh Diocese is home to two nationally recognized educational programs for children with special needs: St. Anthony School Programs and DePaul School for Hearing and Speech (formerly known as The DePaul Institute). A special collec-tion to benefit these two organizations will be taken the weekend of January 19-20, 2019. This collection is a two-fold win. Not only does it help two very unique and nationally recognized education programs for special needs children, all proceeds collected will be credited towards our Parish Share Assessment for 2018. Since we have met our goal for 2018 this collection will be automati-cally be deposited in our savings at Catholic Institute and not be taxed.

RETROUVAILLE Helping Marriages—Saving Families

Are you married to a stranger? Do you feel alone? Do you argue - or have you just stopped talking to each other? Do you dread the ride Home? Does talking about it only make it worse? This program has helped countless couples experiencing marital difficulty at all levels, from disillusionment to deep misery. For confidential information or to register for the program beginning with a weekend on Feb. 1, 2019 please contact Retrouvaille at 412-277-3434 or email 3041@retrouvaille.org. More information is available at www.retrouvailleofpittsburghinc.org.

STO-ROX FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

QUALITY HEALTH CARE INSURANCES

HMO’S SLIDING SCALE PAYMENTS

412-771-6462 OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY

YEAR-END STATEMENTS We will be mailing to you a list of your contributions for 2018 by January 31, 2019. If you do not receive envelopes, you will not receive a report. If you receive envelopes, but didn’t use them, you will receive a report marked $0.00 contributions, and the computer may deactivate you. You may be removed from the envelope list. And your status is reduced to inactive parishioner, which means that you will not qualify for things like sponsorship certificates and a number of other things. Of course, you always have the right to come to Church, receive the sacraments if you are spiritually disposed and call upon the clergy for pastoral service. But you will lose some of the privileges of active participation. Since we will not compute the report till the end of January, you have time to make contributions for the 2018 year, but you must make it clear to us that it is to be credited to the 2018 account. We have started the 2019 contribution records already.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM Bridgeville/Cecil Grouping will host a weekend marriage preparation program on Friday, February 8 & Saturday, February 9 at St. Mary’s Church (10 St. Mary’s Lane, Cecil, PA 15321). Couples who are plan-ning to be married in the Church must first attend marriage preparation or “pre-cana” classes. Times for the weekend are: Friday, February 8, 6-9:30 pm & Saturday, February 9, 8:30 am to 7 pm. The cost is $60 per couple to help cover materials and meals. You must pre-register. Call the parish office at 412-221-5213 or email holychildparish@verizon.net.

All the priests in our RocKenRo grouping would like to thank all those who were so generous during this Christmas Season through your gifts, goodies, and greeting cards. It would be im-

possible to thank each one of you individually, so allow us to convey our sincere thanks to all of you for making our Christmas Season a sincerely happy and joyful one. Know that we will remember all in a very special way at our Masses throughout the year.

SPEAKER SERIES The St. Malachy Speaker Series continues in the new year on Tuesday, January 15, at 7:00 P.M. in St. Malachy Church featuring David Mills. David Mills writes the “Catholic Sense” column for the Pittsburgh Catholic and for other Catholic organiza-tions. His topic is: “Why candles? Why holy cards? What the Catholic “extras” give us.” The series will continue February 19 with Fr. Richard Jones speaking on “How to have a more meaningful Lent”, and on March 19 Janet Puppo, Ph.D., will present “Behold the Lamb of God-Reflections on the Eucharist.” Please mark your calendars and we look forward to getting “Back to the Basics” of our Catholic Faith. All are welcome. For more informa-tion, please call St. Malachy at 412-771-5483.

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA

FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

The Manifestation of God in Jesus Christ Addressing the Church in Ephesus, Saint Paul describes a “mystery now revealed.” For the ancients, a “mystery” was not merely something unknown, but something destined to be made known according to a ritual process. The ancient meaning survives in our reference to “murder mysteries,” a genre which is not just about people dealing with a murder by person(s) unknown. Instead, the murder-mystery genre typically has a sleuth, specially gifted with skills of observation, wisdom, or some other virtue empowering him (or her) progressively to see past the lies, deceptions, and delusions of the many suspects and so ultimately reveal the whole truth and restore justice. A mystery is being revealed among us. What is our Lord doing with us? Who among us are still trying to deceive him, pretending to be devoted to the truth while in fact serving our own interests? Who is paying attention to the clues and helping our sleuth to bring us to truth and justice? The magi found our Savior by following the intricate rules of astronomy and astrology, and then by sacrificing their science and careers for the opportunity to follow the star to Jesus. In fact, lots of people are helping. Pastoral and finance councilors have been advising the clergy on the affairs of our community. Others have contributed their thoughts and concerns. Still others forge a path of revival, extending hospitality to strangers or strengthening the faith and trust of those around them. Do you get it yet? Do you see how the mystery is being revealed? Are you grateful for what others have done for you? Have you yet responded by assuming responsibility for the health and welfare of the Church? By gratitude and co-responsibility, our Lord prepares us for the shared life of the communion of the saints, and the communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The mystery is revealed in Jesus Christ.

—Fr. Dave

St. John of God Parish Membership Form

Name __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ City ________________________ Zip ________ Phone ______________

CHECK ONE: New Registration Change of Address Moving out of Parish Want Envelopes

Please drop Membership Form into the offertory basket or mail to Rectory.

HIGH SCHOOL SILENT RETREAT Have you ever allowed God to speak to you through silence? High school men, give God the chance to speak directly to your heart at the High School Silent Retreat, held February 9-10 at Martina Spiritual Renewal Center. It will include Mass, adoration, dynamic talks, and solid brotherhood. No cost. To reg-ister, visit PGHPriest.com by Friday, January 25.

BISHOP CANEVIN SHOWCASE Experience Our Excellence will be held February 6, 2019, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. More than an Open House - it’s an opportunity for prospective families to see Bishop Canevin in action! Apply now for the 2019-20 academic year. For more information, please call Mrs., Katie Stevens, Admissions Director, 412-922-7400, x220