Sunday, December 13, 2020 | 132

Church of the Sacred Heart 203 Church Road Oxford, PA 19363

Website: www.sacredheart.us Phone: 610-932-5040

E-mail: info@sacredheart.us

December 13, 2020 Third Sunday of Advent

Parochial Administrator:

Reverend Joseph T. Shenosky

Deacon: Deacon Justin J. Watkins

MASS SCHEDULE

Daily Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri - 8:00 am Tues - 7:00 pm Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm

Sunday at 8:00 am, 10:00 am & 12:00 noon Reconciliation

Saturdays 3:30 — 4:45 pm

SACRED HEART PARISH OFFICE HOURS **The Parish Office is currently closed to the public**

Parish Staff is available by phone from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, by appointment, via our general email at info@sacredheart.us

or through personal parish email addresses.

REGISTRATION FOR NEW PARISHIONERS:

If you are new to the parish, we welcome you. You may come as a stranger to us, yet you are known to Our Lord, Jesus Christ—in His name we pray you will find peace, hospitality and friendship with us. You are welcome to register by calling our parish office at 610-932-5040 or online at our website www.sacredheart.us

SACRAMENTS:

Visit our website, www.sacredheart.us for the sacrament page and information about becoming Catholic, Baptisms, Marriage, and PREP. If you would prefer, you may call the parish office at 610-932-5040 for details.

THE SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: If a loved one is dealing with a serious illness, it is wise to notify the parish office as soon as possible. This sacrament is intended by the Church to be a comfort and strength to people during their illness, not to be held out as “Last Rites”.

132 Sacred Heart Parish Sunday, December 13, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday.. The word “Gaudete” is Latin for “Rejoice”, and is taken from the first word of the Introit (i.e., the Entrance Antiphon) that the Roman Missal provides for today’s Mass. Although Advent is a penitential season to help us prepare our minds and hearts to receive the Lord at Christmas, on Gaudete Sunday the emphasis is on the joy we experience for all that God has done for us in sending us His only Son to be our Savior. This weekend, I am also rejoicing for the generosity of God working through the people in our midst. Recently, a memorial donation from the estate of one of our faithful departed parishioners has allowed the parish to make some improvements to the sanctuary of our church. With the approval of the family of the donor, the parish has purchased a number of items at a very reasonable price that were originally in churches now closed. These liturgical items include: a rose marble ambo (pulpit) that matches our main altar (to be installed at a later date); a votive candle stand with real candles; and cloth-covered bench seats for the altar servers. The parish has also replaced the altar of repose where the tabernacle rests. The former one did not have a shelf to put the ciboria (i.e., the metal vessels containing the consecrated hosts) as they are removed from the tabernacle. Oak wood was purchased with money from the memorial donation, and parishioner Henry Staszesky volunteered his gifted carpentry skills to build the new altar of repose — thanks Henry! In many Catholic churches, the tabernacle, which contain the Blessed Sacrament, is veiled. Different color veils are used to reflect the liturgical season (e.g., green for ordinary time; white for Christmas and Easter; violet for Advent and Lent). The color of the veil also indicates the liturgical celebration of the day (e.g., red for the feast days of martyrs; white for feast days of saints who were not martyred). The new veils for our tabernacle were made free of charge by the same person who made the veils for our Cathedral Basilica in Philadelphia. The final liturgical update being made concerns the main altar. The main altar in our church was originally a side altar taken from a church that closed. Consequently, the mensa (i.e., marble altar top) is not very wide, making it difficult during the celebration of major liturgies when there is need to place many ciboria and chalices on the altar. Using funds from the memorial estate and additional funds donated by another family in the parish, a new, wider marble mensa was made and installed this past Wednesday. Traditionally, relics of a saint are embedded in the altar. The Archdiocese recently donated to our parish a first class relic of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, the saint to whom Jesus revealed the image of His Sacred Heart. This relic of Saint Margaret Mary, along with the relics of Saints Abdon and Sennen presently in the main altar, will be embedded in the altar. Bishop McIntyre will be able to consecrate the new altar mensa at the noon Mass on Sunday, December 20th during his pastoral visit to Sacred Heart. On this Gaudete Sunday, we at Sacred Heart Parish can truly rejoice in the generosity of our parishioners, both living and deceased. May God bless you and Mary keep you. Father Shenosky

Sat., Dec. 12th - Vigil Mass

5:00 pm MaryAnne Fazio (living)

Sun., Dec. 13th - Third Sunday of Advent

8:00 am Vivian & Phyllis McCullough

10:00 am The People of Sacred Heart

12:00 pm Edward Lynch

Mon., Dec. 14th - St. John of the Cross

8:00 am Robert J. Prim

Tues., Dec. 15th - Advent Weekday

7:00 pm Georgiana Erbrecht

Wed., Dec. 16th - Advent Weekday

8:00 am Lori Jakubowski

Thur., Dec. 17th - Late Advent Weekday

8:00 am Thomas Keiser, Sr.

Fri., Dec. 18th - Late Advent Weekday

8:00 am John Brown, Sr.

Saturday, Dec. 19th - Vigil Mass

5:00 pm Emma Massaglia

Sun., Dec. 20th - Fourth Sunday of Advent

8:00 am Patrick John Thomas

10:00 am The People of Sacred Heart

12:00 pm James Finnegan, III

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

All campus ministries, groups and events are being assessed on a case by case basis as we progress through the “Green

Phase” of reopening our community.

Church is open for private, personal prayer 9:00am - 3:00 pm Monday - Friday except for Tuesdays

when we have Eucharistic Adoration Sunday, Dec. 13th FFF - Home Based this week AA (open) - 6:30 pm - Parish Hall Monday, Dec 14th Tuesday, Dec. 15th Eucharistic Adoration - 10:00 am - Church FFF - Home Based this week Benediction - 6:45 pm - Church RCIA - 7:45 pm - location TBD Wednesday, Dec. 16th Christmas Bell Choir - 7:00 pm - Church Thursday, Dec. 17th Ladies Auxiliary - 7:00 pm - **VIRTUAL Friday, Dec. 18th Stations for Life - 3:00 pm - Church Saturday, Dec. 19th Reconciliation - 10:00 to 11:00 am - Church 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm - Church Sunday, Dec. 20th Welcome Bishop McIntyre - 12:00 noon Mass - Church AA (Holiday Gathering) - 5:00 pm - Parish Hall

www.sacredheart.us www.facebook.com/sacredheartoxford

Please continue to abide by all established guidelines for Mask/face shield use, disinfecting, social distancing and

reduced capacity.

Email ladiesauxsh@gmail.com for Zoom meeting entry code

Vincent Nawroozi, Ruthann Miller,

Rita Marra, Brian Kozakowski, Mary Jane Carroll, Richard Miller, Robert Brady

Greyson Pickar, Sandra Henderson, Bob Scott, Jr. Mary Plumley, Carrie Rissel-Sorber

Also please remember in your prayers all of our parishioners

with special needs and those serving in our military. Sick List - names will be kept on the prayer list for one month. If you wish to have a name added, please contact the office after obtaining permission

for publication.

Parish Scrip Program This holiday season consider using the Parish Scrip Card Program for your family’s household needs as well as for gift-giving. The Parish receives a percentage of all gift cards purchased. We have Walmart,

Starbucks, Target, ACME, Giant, Amazon and more! Order forms are on the narthex desk and can be returned via our Parish Drop Box, US Mail or by emailing orders to

info@sacredheart.us

Happy Shopping!

Join us for 12:00 pm Mass next

Sunday, December 20th when we welcome

Bishop John McIntyre as our guest celebrant

132 Sacred Heart Parish Sunday, December 13, 2020

MINISTRY | STEWARDSHIP | PRAYER

Collection Totals

December 5th / 6th Sunday Offertory: $15,473.50

Building Maintenance: $990.00 Poor Box: $96.36 Candles: $43.00

Thank you for your generosity!

Please return your Christmas Flower

Envelope donations by December 31st or sooner for inclusion of your loved one’s names in our January 10th bulletin. Any names received

after December 31st will not be included due to publishing deadlines.

Prayer / Devotion Schedule

Eucharistic Adoration Tuesdays 10:00 am - 6:45 pm

Benediction 6:45 pm

Rosary Recitation Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

at 7:30 am

Miraculous Medal Novena Monday following 8:00 am Mass

Chaplets of Divine Mercy & St. Michael the Archangel

Wednesday following 8:00 am Mass

The Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Thursday following the 8:00 am Mass

Our Lady of Fatima Rosary

First Saturday of each month at 4:15 pm

Patriotic Rosary First Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm

Stations for Life

Every Friday at 3:00 pm

Robert Minnick

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetu-al light shine upon them. May the souls of the faith-ful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen

A Christmas Anticipation Prayer

Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God

was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight,

in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.

In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God,

to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [mention request here]

through the merits of Our Savoir Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother.

Amen.

Beginning on the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle, November 30th, this beautiful prayer is traditionally

recited 15 times per day until Christmas. This meditative prayer helps us increase our awareness of the real focus

of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming.

Prayer to Saint Michael St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle. Be our defense against the

wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the

heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil

spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Family Faith Formation Third Sunday of Advent - December 13, 2020

First Reading: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11 God’s Glad Tidings Responsorial Psalm: “My soul rejoices in my God” Second Reading: 1 Thes 5:16-24 Christian Joy Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28 Witness to Christ

Reflection: The Merriam-Webster definition of “JOY” (noun) is A

SOURCE OR CAUSE OF DELIGHT. On this Third Week of Advent ~ Gaudete Sunday ~ may our actions, words and deeds bear

witness to our Lord and Savior. “Choose Joy”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reminder to all 2020-21 FFF Families: The next two scheduled gatherings of December 13/15 and January 10/12 will be moved from in-person to home-based formation. Any questions, please contact

the Faith Formation Office. Safe travels and God Bless.

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the

Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually to my heart. I embrace You as if You

were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen

Eucharistic Adoration Tuesdays 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Benediction beginning at 6:45 pm

Scheduled Adorers needed for 9:00 am & 10:00 am For interest or questions contact

Joann DiLiberto at (610) 869-8962

In the silence,

The Lord speaks

Sacrament of Reconciliation December 19th - 10:00 to 11:00 am & 3:30 to 4:45 pm

The Nativity of the Lord December 24th - 4:00, 6:00 & 8:00 pm

December 25th - 8:00 & 10:00 am

The Solemnity of Mary December 31st - 5:00 pm

January 1st - 8:00 & 10:00 am

132 Sacred Heart Parish Sunday, December 13, 2020

FAITH & COMMUNITY

Bulletin Submission Guidelines

Bulletin ad submissions are due by Monday at 12:00 noon the week you would like the ad to appear. Ads should be fully complete with all infor-mation details (date, time, location, group/event name) fully edited and in a Microsoft Word format if possible. Please do not send a PDF file. There is no way to edit for space/size or use any logos or images you’ve included if you send a PDF. Ads will be placed as space allows. Call Beth in the Parish Office with any questions at 610-932-5040.

Stay in Touch with our Parish YouTube: Sacred Heart Oxford for weekly Mass Website: www.sacredheart.us Facebook: www.facebook.com/sacredheartoxford Email: info@sacredheart.us myParish App: Text “app” to 88202 or visit myParishApp.com

Navigating The Pandemic As Chester County continues to navigate the pandemic, when attending Mass and on campus,

we ask everyone to follow established guidelines regarding:

*Social Distancing *Sanitation *Face Covering/Mask Usage

Please stay home if you are sick, feel ill, are at high risk of serious illness, or been exposed to someone with COVID -19.

The faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days until further notice.

CDC Guidelines for Those at Higher Risk for Severe Illness:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html

Many thanks to all volunteers who stay to sanitize after each Mass to keep our community safe!

Our Parish Giving Trees have arrived! As

your family acknowledges the many blessings you’ve received this year, please

consider taking a tag and donating to someone who may be in need this holiday

season.

Please return gift items by December 20th or earlier.

Protecting God’s Children

The Archdiocese is still offering this required one-time class as a live online training session facilitated by OCYP

staff. Participants will be able to register at www.virtusonline.org

and will then receive instructions to log in.

Sessions are limited to 20 participants and will be offered during different times of the day. January training dates/

times are now available. The training session is offered in both English and Spanish. Participants will not be

permitted to join without pre-registration and must keep their cameras on throughout the session. (Protecting

God’s Children is a one-time session that “Pre” COVID-19 had to be taken in person.)

This is a great opportunity to complete the training from your own home so take advantage of this convenience

while you can. Let’s be prepared for the day when many of our ministries can start to gather again.

Please contact our Safe Environment Coordinator, Mrs. Claudia Karat with any questions / concerns at

Claudiakarat.sacredheart@gmail.com or via our Parish Office phone at 610-932-5040

Caring for Friends - Meals Needed

This community outreach ministry is in need of MEALS and SOUPS at this time. Containers and

freezer in the Parish Hall. - - - - - - - - - - -

Pantry Items also needed - boxes of cereal, canned soup, canned fruit, tuna, pasta peanut butter and jelly (no glass jars)

American Red Cross Blood Drive Sacred Heart - Parish Hall Friday, January 15, 2021

1:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Sign up now as slots fill quickly! Please visit www.redcrossblood.org or call

1-800-REDCROSS to schedule an appointment

Sponsor code: shoxford