Twenty sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time September 30, 2018

First Sunday of Advent December 02, 2018

Advent 2018

Rem

embe

ring

Most of us look for meaning in the signs and events of daily life. We won-

der how God might be acting in our lives. The gospel reading for today

gives the reader signs that will accompany the end times, the coming of

the Son of Man. But we would be mistaken if we took these passages liter-

ally. And it’s certainly true that hundreds if not thousands of people have

done just that—looked for these signs to be fulfilled literally.

The message of this passage sought to give hope to a beleaguered people,

the Christians. Many of them desperately wanted to see the coming of the

Son of Man who would establish justice and peace. And at the time this

gospel was written there were many other Christians who may have lost

hope or grown weary of waiting. This message was for them; and the mes-

sage is also for us.

For us, the watching for the coming of the Son of Man has been not mere-

ly decades, as it was for the early Christians, but two millennia! Do we

really believe that the end is near? That Jesus might return any day? It might be more worthwhile for me to im-

agine my own personal end (death) rather than the end of the world. In that way, it might be easier to see that

my own personal end could catch me “by surprise like a trap.” This is not to say we have no cares for the world,

but rather, we have our eyes set on something greater as we live by a different set of values. Ideally, we serve

more than we are served; we give more than we receive. And in that way we imitate Christ, whose disciples we

are.

2

MONDAY

(CSG) 7:00 AM Dan & Kathryn Millett The Family

(OLS) 12:10 PM Helen Owens Lee Family

TUESDAY

(CSG) 7:00 AM Frank Nichols Dr. Frank Milani

(OLS) 12:10 PM Evelyn Kovalesky Albert & Sandra Materna

WEDNESDAY

(CSG) 7:00 AM Herbert W. Kull M/M Adrian Camarillo

(OLS) 12:10 PM Joseph Zielinski Bob & Barbara Geibert

THURSDAY

(CSG) 7:00 AM John Q. Durkin The Family

(OLS) 12:10 AM Robert N. Peffer Jean B. Peffer

FRIDAY

(CSG) 7:00 AM Sarah Palermo Friends

(OLS) 12:10 PM Judge William J. Nealon Tina & Dick Kane

SATURDAY Dr. John Sanner/Ann Coglieser The Family

December 3-7

We believe Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and the center of our parish life and mission!

Reflecting on Living the Gospel

Mission State-

ment THE PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. GREGORY, GUIDED BY CHRIST’S GOSPEL MESSAGE OF LOVE AND NOURISHED FOR MISSION AT EUCHARIST WELCOMES THE WORLD WITH OPEN ARMS, FAITHFUL HEARTS AND HANDS READY TO SERVE.

Saturday December 8, Day of Obligation On this great feast of Mary, we do well to ponder how God has called each

one of us to be part of the divine plan of salvation. We will celebrate all Holy

Day Masses with our neighbors at Our Lady of the Snows parish. The sched-

ule includes:

Friday Vigil, December 7 — 5:30 PM at Our Lady of the Snows Church

Saturday, December 8 — 8:00 AM at Saint Gregory's Church

Saturday, December 8 — 12:10 PM at Our Lady of the Snows Church

We recognize God’s call to serve our parish family and neighbors near and far!

Advent Reconciliation services will be held throughout our

area in the month of December. Please make an effort to

attend one of the services listed below.

Sunday, December 10 at 6:30 PM Nativity BVM, Tunkhannock

Monday, December 17 at 7:00 PM St. John Vianney (Corpus Christi),

Montdale

Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 PM Church of St. Patrick, Nicholson

Thursday, December 20 at 7:00 PM Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks

Summit

The Immaculate Conception of mary

Advent Invitation

I invite you to deepen your Advent

journey by participating in one of the

many opportunities that we have

planned throughout the coming sea-

son. In this weekend’s bulletin, we

have three special events devoted

entirely to your worship in Advent

including tonight’s Evening Prayer

and Reflection, an Advent Penance Service and Lessons and Carols. Take time

to read through and plan for the coming weeks. Experience God's grace and

prepare your heart for the coming of the Lord. Father John

ARE YOU NEW TO

ST. Gregory’s? WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!

The Church of St. Gregory is a diverse and vibrant community of faith that offers many opportunities to enrich your spiritual life, serve those in need, educate your family, and most importantly, to belong. You may fill out an online regis-tration form at Thechurchof-stgregory.com or download

form and return to our office.

Advent Penance Services

Stewardship

Love and generosity start here at home. We are grateful for your faithful stewardship which sustains the life of the parish, supports our outreach and ministries, as well as maintains the level of staffing needed to put our mission into action: “welcoming the world with open arms, faithful hearts and hands ready to serve.” Thank you for your gift of treasure and commitment to do God’s work here at the Church of Saint Gregory offered on the week-end of November 24 & 25, 2018.

Sunday Offering $11,657.00

Building Fund Payments

$2,599.00

Little Sisters of the Poor $2,812.38

4

Hands Ready To

Serve Weekly Pantry Collection

Boxed Skillet Dinners

Donations this week will be offered to United Neighborhood Centers

Donations of pet food will always be received.

The season of Advent is a time to remember the hope,

peace, joy, and love that Christ’s coming brought – and

continues to bring – to our world. Now more than ever,

though, PEACE must be our primary prayer and hope. Join

the combined music ministries of the Church of Saint

Gregory and Our Lady of the Snows/St. Benedict’s in a

moving, musical Advent prayer for peace – And On Earth,

Peace: A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols – on Sunday,

December 16 at 7:00 pm at the Church of Saint Grego-

ry. Join the 60+ voice choir and chamber orchestra in re-

calling through scripture and song how God’s peace has

always been present to his people. Admission is free.

We invite your kind cooperation during the con-

struction phase of our Ministry Center. Please do not park in

the main driveway. Everyone’s safety and access to our campus is our primary

concern. We apologize for the added inconvenience. It is

temporary! OLP parking lots are always available.

The first phase of restoration of the

church garden began with the following

work completed on November 2, 2018 by

Brown Hill Tree Company.

Wash by hand the plants in the in-door garden to remove dust build up.

IPM Service Spray the plants in the indoor garden with insecticidal soap to kill soft bodied pests.

IPM Service Treat the large trees with a growth regulator to slow growth and encourage a healthy root system.

Prune Reduction to direct growth and keep clearance form walls.

Elimination of several dead plants.

Planting of new smaller greenery.

Installation of new irrigation (watering) system.

Work will continue throughout the year. We plan to have all this work com-

pleted before the installation of new carpeting in the Spring. Donations/

pledges to the Forward in Faith Campaign can still be made. Your support is

critical to the restoration of our beautiful church along with construction of

our new Ministry Center.

We cherish our relationship with Jesus and strive to make the gospel relevant to our daily lives!

5

Valet

For anyone who needs assistance when attending mass while we are under

construction, help is here! We ask you to please pull your car up to the sidewalk entrance on

the OLP side of the rear parking lot at the rear of the

rectory. One of our hospitality ministers will meet you to assist your passenger into

church while you park your car. You may call in advance during the week and request help for

a particular Mass.

The Church of St. Greg-

ory’s Service Commis-

sion will hold its second

annual Refugee Christ-

mas Party Dec. 9, 2018

from 1:30 to 3:30 PM

at the University of

Scranton’s Rose Room

in Brennan Hall on

Madison Avenue. Vol-

unteers are needed to

help welcome party

guests and introduce

our new neighbors to

our community. Chil-

dren are welcome to

volunteer to help with

children’s games and

arts and crafts. Parish

Bakers are invited to

put their skills to work

providing the taste of

Christmas in Northeast-

ern Pennsylvania.

Please sign up at the

hospitality cart to help!

The gifts of bread and wine

are offered this week in

memory of

Dr. Joseph E. Cronkey

Interior Garden

Refugee Christmas party

Any child from preschool through

high school who is interested in

participating in the 2018 Christmas

Eve Liturgy with Children, please

contact Ruth Fried at 587.0864 or

947.8016 to register. Altar Servers,

readers, gift bearers, and children for the nativity scene are needed. There will be an

informational meeting and first practice Friday, December 14 at 4:00 PM in St. Grego-

ry’s Church. We will be choosing the parts for the Mass at this meeting. The following

is a schedule of practices: Monday, December 17, Tuesday, December 18, Thursday,

December 20, all practices will begin at 4:00 PM. Practice for All parts will be held on

Saturday, December 22 at 10:00 AM. 6

Fresh brewed coffee in St. Joe’s

Café every Sunday from 8:00 am to Noon and

Wednesday mornings after

Mass.

Catholic Social Services/Friends of the Poor annual Toy Drive

has begun. New, unwrapped toys for ages infant to 17 years

of age may be dropped of in the back of the church. All do-

nations will be picked up and delivered on December 16 for

distribution.

Leadership Teams

Pastoral Council

Michele Musheno, Theresa Robinson,

Scott Pettinato, Marjorie Barlow, Joe

Hogan, Donald Broderick,

Ted Tomaszewski, Mary Ann Morgan,

Logan Lombardo, Deacon Bob,

Gemma Chuff, Mary Chuff, Matthew

Walsh, Theresa Acla, John Zaums,

Marian Farrell, Barbara Bratz, Chris

Behan, Perry Rose , Fr. John

Finance Council

Bill Burkavage, John Devine, Paul

Gerega, Deacon Bob, Yvonne

Cronkey, Ken Paulino, Jim Fleming,

Father John.

Christmas Eve Liturgy with Children

Christmas Toy Collection

Saint Gregory’s Second Grade Students will receive the Sacrament of First Penance on

Saturday, December 8 at 9:30 AM. There will be a practice for all students on Friday,

December 7 from 4:00 until 5:00 PM. Information regarding practice, first penance

and the second grade liturgy on Sunday, December 9 will be sent via email.

First Penance

Tonight December 2 at 6:00 PM

Our parish community will gather tonight for prayer and reflection given the findings of the PA state grand jury report released in August. This is a much

needed opportunity to gather to reflect, pray and listen to each other in love in a safe and judgment free environment . Gentle and loving listening, shared

vulnerability and conversation in community is a path toward healing.

Evening Prayer and Reflection

Get Involved

Whether you’re interested in serving, connecting with others, worshipping, giving, or growing spiritually, we offer many opportunities for adults of all ages and youth to choose from. This bulletin along with our website is the best source of information for those wanting to engage.

We believe that our Baptism forms us into a family joined together to love God and one another!

7

Giving Tree

Theology on Tap

The Giving Tree has been an Advent

tradition at St. Gregory’s for many

years. The gifts are for the residents

of Clarks Summit State Hospital, and

the Veterans at Saint Francis Com-

mons . Please wrap the gift, attach

the tag, and return it as soon as possi-

ble for the gifts to be delivered before

December 16. If for any reason you

are unable to get the gift you chose

please contact Suzanne 570.586.0866

or Anne 570.586.6831. Thank You!

Young Adult Ministry is beginning to come into its

own here in the Diocese of Scranton. An Advent

reflection program specifically for young adults is

being offered. Beginning on Tuesday, December 4th,

the Diocese will be hosting a Theology on Tap series

focusing on the Love Command that will discuss

Service to the Church, Community, and Self. Fr.

Ryan Glenn will lead the first discussion on Service

to the Church at Sabatini's Bottleshop & Bar in Exe-

ter. Ages 21-35 are encouraged to attend on Decem-

ber 4th at 7:00pm.

The Church of St. Gregory’s Service Commission will hold its

tree trimming and Christmas Party today Sunday, December

2 at 1:30 PM. A casual meal will be shared with the veterans during the

event. Families are welcome to join in the fun. We kindly ask you to sign up

at the hospitality cart and if you would like to bring a homemade treat or

snacks they will be more than welcomed! If you are unable to attend, but

would like to make a donation of any type of Christmas décor or snacks we

kindly ask that you drop them off at the rectory Sunday before 1:00 PM.

Veteran’s Christmas Party

Coordinating Teams

WORSHIP David Hemmler, Marion Eagen,

Nina Magnani, Cindy Dick,

Debbie Colarossi, Ron Grambo,

Donna Nasser, Judy Grambo,

Danny Marx.

SERVICE Julie Nastasi, Carol Strauch, John

Devine, Kate Sebring, Chrissy

Jacoby, Deacon Bob,

Meg & John Hambrose,

Jane Farr, Judy Burkavage, Susan

Scanland, Ken Walsh,

Doris Sanner.

The Service Team has a complete list of service connected opportunities. If you are interested in learning more,

please contact Julie Nastasi at Julie.nastasi@gmail. com.

COMMUNITY Tracy Bannon, Saul & Lisa Rigau,

Yvonne Cronkey, Bridget Walsh,

Bill Durdach, Danelle Hogan,

Molly Johnson, Pam Jones, Mary

Griffin, Joe Hogan,

Nina Magnani.

Parish activities and sign-up sheets may be found on the Welcome Cart. For more information, please contact Tracy

Bannon at tracybannon@stjosephscenter. Org

WORD Ruth Fried, Bob Barry, Jack

Rubano, Connie Sheils, Patti

Staples, Fred Mercandante, Dr.

Ted Tomaszewski, Carlon Preate,

Dan Haggerty, Bob Sheils, III,

Cristen Klamp.

To learn more about the Word Coordinating Team , please contact

Patti Staples at thstapes@comcast.net .

Baptism Baptisms are normally celebrated on the Third Sunday of every month during or following the 12 noon liturgy. Baptisms may be arranged at other times when necessary. Parent and Godparent preparation may be scheduled by calling the rec-tory for an appointment.

Anointing of the Sick Please contact the rectory at anytime for the celebration of this sacrament.

Marriage Arrangements should be made six months prior to the desired wedding date. Please contact Father Lapera.

Music Ministry Rehearsals (Both) Spirit Song Ensemble and Voices of Faith Choir: Wed. 7:00 p.m. Genesis Children’s Choir: Wed. 4:00 p.m.

Art and Environment A team of volunteers who provide appropriate ideas and design for the decoration of our worship space.

Ministers of Hospitality Ministers of Hospitality are the welcoming ambassadors of our parish family at liturgy. Please contact our office for more information.

Communion Calls A team of Extraordinary Communion Ministers visit our homebound with Communion every month. For more Infor-mation please contact Deacon Robert Sheils at rsheils1@comcast.net

Rosary Groups Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM, every Tuesday after-noon at 5:15 PM and every Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM.

Hospital Visitation If anyone has a family member, relative or friend in any of the area hospitals and would like them to have a visit, please call the rectory.

St. Joseph’s Outreach Our parish partners with St. Joseph’s School in Uganda. Dona-tions are always welcome in support of student tuition.

Heavenly Paws A pet group that collects food and supplies for the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. For more information please contact Lisa Thomas at lmt01@comcast.net

Hands Ready To Serve Weekly donations may be left in the closet to your left as you come in the new entrance on the OLP side. There is a wagon inside the door for all donations. See page 4 for a list of items we are collecting each week. There are also four large annual collections.

Prayer Shawl Ministry The prayer shawl ministry meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM in the rectory.

Angels at the Doorstep A team of volunteers who provide comfort, a meal or assis-tance with parishioners and neighbors suffering loss or illness of any kind.

Veterans Ministry This ministry seeks to raise awareness of the growing prob-lem of homelessness of veterans within our local community and serve residents at St. Francis Commons. For more infor-mation please email: bburkavage@gmail.com

Refugee Family Ministry This team will encourage parish support for refugees arriving

in our community from all over the world in cooperation with

CSS of the Diocese of Scranton.

Holy Grounds Family, friends and visitors are welcome for coffee after Mass

in St. Joe’s Café on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.

Women’s Guild Guild meetings take place the first Thursday of every month

from September through May, with the exception of January.

Meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the rectory. saint-

gregoryswomensguild@gmail. com

Community Table A social gathering to foster fellowship, friendship and parish

family for all parish adults. The community table meets at a

different venue monthly. Information will be published in the

Green Dialog or you may email: judywalsh730@gmail.com.

Religious Education Our Religious Education program takes place every Sunday

Morning at 11:05 AM at Our Lady of Peace School for grades

1-8. Kindergarten Class is held at Our Lady of Peace School.

Holy Cross School System Our Lady of Peace School—410 N. Abington Road, Clarks

Green, PA | 570.587.4152 | Mrs. M. Colleen Jumper, Princi-

pal - www.OLPClarksSummit.com

Holy Cross High School— 501 E. Drinker Street, Dunmore,

PA 570.346.7541

Mr. Benjamin D. Tolerico, Principal - www.holycrosshs-

dioceseofscranton.org

R.C.I.A. There currently is an R.C.I.A. team ready to welcome anyone

interested in becoming a Catholic or to learn more about

their Catholic faith. Please email Connie at

rsheils1@comcast.net

Family Faith Formation Seasonal Faith Formation opportunities for all ages are