Derry, Pa. 15627

New Derry, Pa. 15671

Dec. 13, 2020 Welcome to All Third Sunday of Advent

Partner Parishes of the Diocese of Greensburg

A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

125 SOUTH LIGONIER ST. DERRY PA 15627

Partner Parish Office 724-694-5359 St. Martin Rectory 724-739-0769

Fax: 724-694-6215

Partner Parish Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday : 9AM to 3PM

Closed Wednesday & Friday WEBSITE: www.stmartinstjoseph.org

St. Martin St. Joseph

December 13, 2020 Page

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In our Catholic tradition this Third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, in Latin when translated, Gaudete means: “Rejoice!” Marked by the rose vestments worn by the priest and the rose candle that is lit on the Advent wreath, these are visible reminders that we are journeying closer to the coming of the Lord. As we make our way in the spiritual journey of this Advent season, a time marked by joyful expectation and hope, it is also a call to be certain that we are reconciled with God and one another, a season in which we are encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Penance to ready our hearts for the Nativity of the Lord. There is no greater gift that we can receive and give than to be reconciled with God and with each other. As we enter the THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT, the focus of our attention is on REJOICING IN THE LORD. The Lamb of God is now in our midst, even though we don’t recognize Him. The spirit of the Liturgy all through Advent is one of expectation and preparation for the Christmas feast as well as for the second coming of Christ, and the penitential exercises suitable to that spirit are thus suspended, as were, for a while in order to symbolize that joy and gladness in the Promised Redemption which should never be absent from the heart of the faithful.

In other business: On behalf of our church and faith community at St. Joseph, we are seeking your financial assistance to address the security and safety issues at St. Joseph. Any contribution(s) you can make towards the purchase and installation of a security & surveillance system would be most welcome. St. Michael the Archangel and St. Joseph, pray for us.

Happy Third Sunday of Advent! Have a great week! Fr. Sam

Pastor’s Pun: How is Prince Charming like a book? He has a lot of pages ***************************************************************************************

Feast Day: December 13

O St Lucy, you preferred to let your eyes be torn out instead of denying the faith and defiling your soul; and God, through an extraordinary miracle, replaced them with another pair of sound and perfect eyes to reward your virtue and faith, appointing you as the protector against eye diseases. I come to you for you to protect my eyesight and to heal the illness in my eyes. O St Lucy, preserve the light of my eyes so that I may see the beauties of creation, the glow of the sun, the color of the flowers and the smile of children. Preserve also the eyes of my soul, the faith, through which I can know my God, understand His teachings, recognize His love for me and never miss the road that leads me to where you, St Lucy, can be found in the company of the angels and saints. St Lucy, protect my eyes and preserve my faith. St. Lucy, pray for us!! Amen.

PRAY FOR THE SICK Please hold in your hearts and prayers those who are sick, aging or homebound:

Shirley Boring, Chuck DeRito, Dino Frassenei, Anna Frayvolt, Steve Gaul, Beverly Heiple, Karen Jellison, Deora Matvey, Gene & Gloria Paouncic, Selma Patterson, Millie & Stephen Perchinsky, Abby Rose, Braxton Strianna, Sue Tommasini, Zoey Tommasini, Grace Whipkey Also, pray for all the lonely and homeless, and all our loved ones who have gone before us.

December 13, 2020 Page

Saturday– Dec. 12 - St. Joseph 5:00 PM - St. Joseph - Josephine Ritenour (Chris Prohaska) Sunday - Dec. 13 - 3rd Sunday of Advent 9:00 AM - St. Martin - Sam DeCario (Rose & family) 10:30 AM - St. Joseph - Mass for the People Monday - Dec. 14 - St. Martin 6:00 PM - Borg Novello (family) Tuesday - Dec. 15 - St. Joseph 8:00 AM - Roxanne Rellick (family) Thursday - Dec. 17 Ron Echard (Phil Ruokonen family) Friday - Dec. 18 James Panizzi (Joan Adams) Saturday– Dec. 19 - St. Joseph 5:00 PM - St. Joseph - Bob & Rich Washinko (Jean, Cheryl & Vicki) Sunday - Dec. 20 - 4rd Sunday of Advent 9:00 AM - St. Martin - Shirley Laskie (Mary Lou Shumaker) 10:30 AM - St. Joseph - Bob Long (Joanne Gaul)

St. Martin Sanctuary Candle In acknowledging the Real Presence of Christ, the Sanctuary Candle will burn from Dec 13 through Dec. 19 in loving memory of

Sam & Olive Novello Requested by their family

St. Joseph Sanctuary Candle In acknowledging the Real Presence of Christ, the Sanctuary Candle will burn from Dec. 13 through Dec. 19 in loving memory of

Josephine Ritenour Requested by Chris Prohaska

Thursday, Dec. 17, Ron Echard Friday, Dec. 18, James Panizzi

Father Sam will continue to offer Mass privately for the following intentions that are scheduled on Thursday, Dec. 17th and Friday Dec. 18th.

Eucharistic Ministers

Saturday, December 19: St. Joseph, 5:00 pm Eucharistic Minister: Corey Koutsky Lector: Sharon Ritenour Sunday, December 20: St. Martin, 9:00 am Eucharistic Minister: Ken Myers Lector: Ellen Keefe Sunday, December 20: St. Joseph, 10:30 am Eucharistic Minister: Matt Merlin Lector: Betty Wechtenhiser

Diocese Plans Televised Christmas Masses With concerns over a resurgence in coronavirus cases, particularly in the four counties of the Diocese of Greensburg, diocesan leaders have decided to televise Masses to engage the faithful at home. A Christmas Vigil Mass from Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg celebrated by the Cathedral Rector, Monsignor Raymond E. Riffle, will be broadcast at 2 pm on Christmas Eve. Diocesan Administrator, Monsignor Larry J. Kulick, will celebrate a Mass from blessed Sacrament Cathedral, which will be broadcast at 10 am on Christmas Day. Both Masses will air on PCNC, the Pittsburgh Cable News Channel.

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SPONSOR

MULLEN REFRIGERATION

LATROBE

Stewardship of Treasure 07/1/20 - 12/06/20

St. Joseph Offertory Weekly Budget Need $ 3,700.00 Actual Weekly Offering 12/06 3,541.00 Other Income 1,570.00 Difference this week 1,411.00 Fiscal Year to Date Budget Need 85,100.00 Fiscal Year to Date Actual 80,170.00 Year to date difference $ (4,930.00) Receiving Envelopes 318 Using Envelopes 12/06 94 St. Martin Offertory Weekly Budget Need $ 2,500.00 Actual Weekly Offering 12/06 2,320.00 Other Income 1,265.00 Difference This Week 1,085.00 Fiscal Year to Date Budget Need 57,500.00 Fiscal Year to Date Actual 51,816.00 Year to Date Difference $ (5,684.00) Receiving Envelopes 252 Using Envelopes 12/06 65 Budget needs are based on projected expenses. Need will be reviewed periodically.

Thank you for your stewardship!

Counters–Sunday December 20, 2020 St. Joseph - Team 3 St. Martin - Team 3 Marsha Maljan April Phillippi Pat Geary Joyce Polinsky Bill Robertson Robert Polinsky

Our Partner Parishes would like to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all

who are celebrating birthdays from 12/13/20 - 12/19/20

ST. MARTIN: Neil Byers, Amber Eaglehouse, Eugene Joe and Betty Nolan ST. JOSEPH: Drew DeCrease, Gloria Henigin, Aiden Kerlin, Lorraine Opatka, Debbie Rick, Jeffrey Rick, Allen Skopp and Ted Watkins

Thank You For your continued financial support during our difficult time, your contributions greatly help our Parishes to maintain and continue God’s work. During this stress-filled time, please know that our parish continues to care for the spiritual and material needs of our faith Community.

Tax-Free Donations Want to increase your church donations at no cost? Ask your financial advisor about making qualified charitable distributions from your IRA directly to St. Joseph or St. Martin. Such distributions can be set up as periodic payments (e.g., quarterly), and are tax-free. Include your tax savings in the periodic distributions, and your church dona-tion will increase at no cost to you!

Congratulations to our newly Baptized! St. Martin Parish community joyfully welcomes and congratulates newly Baptized Blake Michael Eaglehouse (parents Michael and Amber) and Landyn Scott Shaffer (parents Jeremy and Michelle). We offer our prayers and support to the newest members of Christ and His Church.

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ST. JOSEPH NEWS

AREA HAPPENINGS

PARTNER PARISH NEWS Vocation Discernment Event for boys & young adults

Jeremiah Days is an opportunity for middle school-aged boys and their parents or guardians to gather to learn, discuss and pray about a vocation to the priesthood. The group will meet on the following days: Feb. 20 and April 17 from 9:30—11:30 at St. Barbara Parish in Harrison City. To register, visit gbgvocations.org. The Melchizedek Project is de-signed for both high school and young adult men to gather with other individuals their age who would like to grow in their understanding of how to discern a vocation to the priesthood.

Catholic Charities Offers Virtual Counseling Social distancing can take a toll. So can waiting in line to get into a grocery or hardware store. It’s not unusual to feel angry , or frustrated, or confused. For some people, the pandemic restrictions can mag-nify feelings of anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, grief and a wide variety of other issues and more. Taking care of your own emotional well-being is very important to you and the people you love. You don’t need to face these feelings alone. Call Catholic Charities at 724-837-1840 or email counseling@dioceseofgreensburg.org.

St. Benedict Parish Cash Give-A-Way St. Benedict Parish is selling a $6,000 Christmas Cash Give-a-Way Ticket this year. It is set to go off on Saturday, December 26, 2020 from the 7 pm PA Pick-3 Lottery. This would make a great Christmas Stocking stuffer! Cost of each ticket is $10. Tickets are available to purchase and sell. Please contact the Parish Office at 724-834-9045 or call Cheryl on her cell phone at 724-396-9227.

Learn more about Greensburg Central Catholic in a Virtual Tour Join a Virtual Open House where you can meet administrators, faculty and staff; learn about the school’s college-prep curriculum; see how Catholic identity is t the center of the school’s mission; and get a taste of the school’s many extracurricular and athletic offerings. Visit www.gcchs.org and complete the short registration form and the Virtual Open House link will be sent to you immediately.

Reverse Advent Calendar Boxes St. Joseph Altar Rosary Society’s Reverse Advent Calendar Project Food Box must be at the Church by Monday, December 14, 2020. They can be taken to the office or Church before that date. This special project is done in conjunction with the St. Vincent De Paul Society, who will add a gift card to each box. They will then distribute to needy families in the area. Thank you to all that are supplying the food boxes.

Children & Family Services Appeal Collection As you are aware, every year the second collection at all Christmas Masses had been for those people living within our own diocese who are less fortunate. This support could change the future of an individual, a family or a child through the good work of Catholic charities of the Diocese of Greensburg. Please be generous.

Knights of Columbus Ticket Winners The winners of the Knights of Columbus Sheetz gift cards were Fred Maljan, Sr. and Luke Rice. Thank you to everyone who continues to buy and/or sell these tickets to help out the Knights. They are a great organization who help out both Churches.

St. Vincent de Paul Society Donations Donations made to St. Vincent do Paul Society for the month of November were: St. Martin - $267.00 and St. Joseph - $215.00 for a total of $482.00. Thank you to all who continue to donate to this worthy cause to help those who are less fortunate.

Oblates of St. Benedict A series of monthly presentations on Benedictine spirituality will continue on Sunday, Dec. 20, from 3:00 to 4:15 pm in the Archabbey Basilica Crypt. Because of the need for precautions due to the coronavirus crisis, attendance will be limited to 25 people and social distancing will be observed. Attendees are asked to wear face masks. Attendees may also attend Vespers at 5 pm in the nave of the basilica. Supper at 5:45 and an evening session at 6:30 pm both in the Fred Rogers Center are available if those who are interested sign up at least nine days in advance. Contact Fr. Donald about this discussion on the book Study Guide for the Rule of St. Benedict. Copies will be made available to those who do not have the book.

Pastor: Rev. Salvatore Lamendola Maintenance Supervisor: slamendola@dioceseofgreensburg.org Rich Hamrock

Secretary: Joanne Gaul Custodians: jgaul@dioceseofgreensburg.org St. Martin: Ted Watkins St. Joseph: Becky Ellenberger

Financial Secretary: Karen Novello

knovello@dioceseofgreensburg.org Sacrament of Baptism: Contact Betty Wechtenhiser

Faith Formation Director: Betty Wechtenhiser

Ewechtenhiser@dioceseofgreensburg.org Sacrament of Marriage: C:724-989-5725 H:724-539-9799 Contact the Pastor a minimum of six months prior to wedding date Music Directors:

Dolly Stiffler (St. Martin) Sacrament of Reconciliation: Madlyn DeRito (St. Joseph) St. Martin: Monday 5:30 pm mderito@dioceseofgreensburg.org St. Joseph: Saturday 4:15-4:40 pm and by Appointment

Partner Parish Web Coordinator:

Theresa Miedel, tmiedel@dioceseofgreensburg.org St. Vincent de Paul Society Hot Line 724-694-5359

Sacristan: Tish Rossi (St. Joseph)

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‘The Accent On-Air’ Presents ‘Christmas Traditions’ “The Accent On-Air” presents “Christmas Traditions” on WTAE-TV at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 11:30 a.m., with overnight air ings planned for Dec. 12, 19 and 26. Slovak, Italian, German and Filipino Christmas traditions will be featured. This episode includes Msgr. Larry J. Kulick’s message that “Advent is Still Ours,” Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle’s collection of Nativity sets, Father Anthony W. Ditto’s reference guide of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a Christmas nut roll recipe, along with a modern hack; the story of the Feast of St. Nicholas, a Bountiful Night at Christ Our Shepherd Center, Filipino delicacies and good cheer and various live Nativities and Angel Trees. “The Accent On-Air” is always on at TheAccentOnline.org

Diocese seeks Substitute Teachers The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Greensburg are currently accepting applications for the position of substitute teacher. Qualified candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree and obtain all necessary clearances. Submit a current resume to the Office of Catholic Schools at CatholicSchools@dioceseofgreensburt.org or phone 724-552-2594.

Alternatives.Yes Schedules 2021 Essay Contest Alternatives.Yes is taking submissions for it’s 2021 pro-life sixth-grade essay contest. The theme is “Life, God’s Most Precious Gift.” Submissions must reflect the theme and be typed double-spaced, with name, grade, phone number, address and school name shown on a separate page or on the back of the essay. Essays must be 300-500 words. Prizes are: first place, $100; second place, $75; third place, $50, and honorable mention, $25. Submissions may be mailed to or dropped off at: Alternatives.Yes, 6 Frank Gallo Lane, Connellsville, Pa. 15425. Email submissions to pregnancysupport@zoominternet.net. They must be postmarked by January 22, 2021.

Artwork Contest Entries Being Accepted Entries are being accepter for the 2020-21 Mission-ary Childhood Association National Christmas Artwork Contest. The contest is open to young Catholics in grades K-8. Entries must be post-marked or received by your local mission office online at mcaartcontest.misso.org no later than Jan. 31, 2020. Entries also may be mailed to MCA Art-work Contest, 70 West 36th St. 8th floor, New York, NY, 10018.

JOHN THE BAPTIST At a school open house a woman could be overheard introducing her husband to some of the other parents. “Oh, Bill, I’d like you to meet Johnny’s father. And over here, this is Marie’s mom; you know, the little girl from our Ellen’s soccer team.” With satisfied resignation Bill introduced himself not by name: “I’m Ellen’s Dad.” It’s good to know who you are. Be it someone’s father or mother, son or daughter, husband or wife, it’s important to embrace the full meaning of our various roles. John the Baptist knows who he is. And who he is not. He is not the Christ. Nor Elijah. Nor like any other prophet God’s people had ever seen. John the Baptist knows his mission is divine. He’s more than satisfied to be the one to announce the coming of God’s reign. The Christ is near. Make straight your paths. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — As a garden makes its growth spring up, so will God make justice spring up before all the nations (Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11). Psalm — My soul rejoices in my God (Luke 1:46-50, 53-54). Second Reading — Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24). Gospel — I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord (John 1:6-8, 19-28). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23; Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21c-25; Ps 85:9ab, 10-14; Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Friday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Saturday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38 FEAST OF FAITH The Shape of the Mass In the renewal of the liturgy that followed the Second Vatican Council, the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly was the primary consideration. By participation, the Council Fathers did not mean just joining in the singing and the spoken responses, but active engagement and prayerful understanding of the rites. They envisioned a transparent liturgy, a worship that spoke so directly to the hearts and minds of the faithful that it would require no explanation at all. The liturgy itself is the best possible catechesis on the liturgy. What does the liturgy teach us? It shows us the ministry of Jesus continuing in the present. He gathers a community. He calls us to prayer and repentance and praise. He teaches us with the very word of God. He does not send us away empty, but sets before us a marvelous banquet, feeding us with his very body and blood. Then he sends us forth to do what he has done—to give ourselves for others, not just in words, but in deeds. The Mass is the pattern of our Christian lives. —Corinna Laughlin, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

MEASURING SUCCESS Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles that one has overcome while trying to succeed. —Booker T. Washington

UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they can’t understand; but . . . I have noticed that the passages in Scripture which trouble me most are those I do understand. —Mark Twain

ANGELS OF PEACE Let us not be justices of the peace, but angels of peace. —St. Thérèse of Lisieux

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent Monday: St. John of the Cross Wednesday: Las Posadas begins

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CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Joseph Church #436450 125 S. Ligonier Street Derry, PA 15627 TELEPHONE 724 694-5359 #2 for staff and #2 for Joanne CONTACT PERSON Joanne Gaul EMAIL: jgaul@dioceseofgreensburg.org TRANSMISSION TIME Wednesday 11:45 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION DECEMBER 13, 2020 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE PRINT 220 BULLETINS FOR THIS ISSUE