reading catholic community · 2019-12-26 · vitug, deacon neil sumner, hrissy erretani, paula...
TRANSCRIPT
Reading Cathol ic Community St . Agnes Parish St . Athanasius Parish
Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ December 22, 2019
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December 22, 2019
Remember those in need of Prayers,
Especially: Maryann Lucerto, Margaret Sumner, John Cadigan, Pat K & Family, JDF & Family, Rick Q, Trudy, Dianne, Dina Luongo, Anne B, Katy, Bernadette, Bryan, Guarino Family, Frank Thomas, Ryan Smith, Sheila S, Bob C, Frank G, Ben Goodhue, Peter, James B, John M, Christine M, , Mary M,Terry G, Larry Y, Marion M, Phil T, Denise S, Martha K, Rosemary, Heather, Anne Marie, Barbara G, Barbara, Brian, Claire, Caitlyn, Sue, Jill, Ryan Smith, Danny, Joan B, Josephine S, David W, Morgan L, Enzo, David, Ed S, Frank F, Eddie, Ed S, Marie M, Baby Henry, Emma, Barbara, Cynthia Leonard, Pat Mcnulty, Tony, Robert, Richard Warmington , Haines Family, Marsha M, Mike S, Helen, Rollie and Joanne Snook, Cindy, Jennifer Ganas, Jeff Delovey, Burns Family, David, Jackie Fletcher, Rita C. and Baby Noelle, Denise McHugh, Brenda R, Julia Hoffman, Nick Scali, Adam Monkiewicz , Jeffrey R, Asher, Daniel, Baby Henry, Parker, Debbie, Carole Sinclair, Preston L, Marcia Lambert, Les Lambert, Della & Preston, Bernice, Bill and Diane, Tommy, Kevin H., Nancy Pepin These names will stay in the St. Athanasius Prayer Corner until Sunday, January 1. To add or renew a name, please call the Office or email [email protected].
READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Please Pray for the Men and Women
in Military Service
God of compassion, we pray for our loved ones in the military, who offer themselves
for the sake of others and who are separated From family and loved ones. Grant them
courage, compassion, strength, and all they need for the living of these days.
Sustain them through their every trial. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.
Amen. Please pray for all service members, especially for:
Lt. Jared Peledge (US Army Reserves),
Sgt. Jeff Peledge (US Army Rangers),
Spc. William T. Fisher (US Army),
LCPL Peter O’Connor (USMC), LCPL Dean Lepore
Cpl. Daniel Gonzales (US Marine Corps),
Capt. Nicholas Staffier (US Army),
LCPL Robert Ciaccio (USMC),
1LT Luke Beaulieu (US Army), 26th “Yankee”
Brigade, Brian Basso (US Army),
Patrick Cavanaugh,
Cpl. Brenden Amico, Justin Whitmarsh,
PFC Michael Goddard, Chaplain Tom Whiteman,
USMC Major Zachary Johnson,
1st Lts. Ryan & Nolan Johnson, (US Army)
PFC Christopher Lewis,
USMC Capt. Katie Sliwoski,
1LT Gregory Connery, 3rd Infantry Div (US
Army),
2nd Lieutenant Luke Sullivan (USMC),
Frank J. Pendergast (USMC)
Major Stephen Tyminski (US Army Rangers)
AT = St. Athanasius AG = St. Agnes
Saturday, December 21 4:00 pm (AT) - Katie Knee - Memorial - Anna Hutchinson - Month’s Mind
Sunday, December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent 7:30 am (AG) - No Mass Intention Request 9:00 am (AG) - No Mass Intention Request 10:00 am (AT) - Thomas J. Murray - George & Theresa Basso 11:00 am (AG) - John and Terese McCauley - Memorial 5:30 pm (AG) - No Mass Intention Request
Monday, December 23 9:00am (AG) - No Mass Intention Request
Tuesday, December 24 4:00pm - Christmas Eve Mass - RMHS Field House 5:30pm - Christmas Eve Mass at St. Athanasius 9:00pm - Christmas Eve Mass at St. Athanasius
Wednesday, December 25 9:00am - Christmas Day Mass at St. Athanasius 11:00am - Christmas Day Mass at St. Agnes
Thursday, December 26 9:00 am (AT) - Alice J. Cormier - Memorial
Friday, December 27 9:00 am (AG) - Rev. Robert J. DeGrandis, SSJ
Saturday, December 28 4:00 pm (AT) - Catherine Lombardo - Birthday Memorial - Mario Flaherty - Memorial
Sunday, December 29 7:30 am (AG) - No Mass Intention Request 9:00 am (AG) - No Mass Intention Request 10:00 am (AT) - Michael Sverdlove 11:00 am (AG) - Poock Family: Frank, Mil, Barbara - Memorial 5:30 pm (AG) - No Mass Intention Request
Mass Intentions
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive
and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel.”
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
week of the Question
What is my mission?
What is God calling me to do?
How can I fulfill my mission?
Christmas Eve
• 4:00PM at RMHS Field House
• 5:30PM at St. Athanasius
• 9:00PM at St. Athanasius
Christmas Day
• 9:00AM at St. Athanasius
• 11:00AM at St. Agnes
Christmas Mass Schedule Clergy Health and Retirement Trust:
Christmas Collection
Each Christmas, we have the opportunity to support
our priests through the Christmas collection that
benefits the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust.
With the goal of ensuring the health and well-being
of our 564 priests in good standing, the Trust offers
preventive health and wellness programs, offers one
-on-one support and advocacy to priests with health
concerns, and operates Regina Cleri, a state-of-the-
art facility where senior priests live in community.
This special collection is a primary source of funding
to care for our priests. Your generosity is very much
appreciated.
A solemnity is the
highest ranking holy
day in the Church
calendar. The
Solemnity of Mary is
a liturgical feast day
honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary's motherhood in
the wake of the birth of the baby Jesus Christ. This
day is also the Octave of Christmas or the 8th day of
The Solemnity Of Mary, Mother of God
Holy Day of Obligation
4:00PM Vigil Mass at St. Athanasius (December 31st)
10:00AM Holy Day Mass at St. Agnes (January 1st)
St. Athanasius
Bread & Wine
Donation
In loving memory of
Frances and Joseph
Labo for the week of December 29
Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of
Advent
With just three days to go until Christmas, the kind
of preparation we may be focused on may have
little to do with Jesus’ birth. Let us take this
opportunity to focus on the true gift of Christmas.
A virgin will bear a son, one in the line of David,
who will be called Emmanuel, “God is with us.”
Along with preparing gifts and Christmas dinner, let
us also prepare a place in our hearts for God to be
with us.
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December 22, 2019
READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Ministry Scheduling for Eucharistic
Ministers and Lectors
We are in the process of transitioning to a new
Ministry Scheduling program. If you would like help
setting up your information, or have any questions,
please stop in after Masses this weekend and next
weekend to speak with staff/volunteers.
• St. Athanasius Masses: help will be given in the Cry
Room
• St. Agnes Masses: help will be given in the back of
church, by the baptismal font
Those who prefer not to go “online” for scheduling
purposes, will be kept well informed of the schedule
by Worship Ministry Leaders.
December Faith Formation Classes
December 22 through January 1, 2020
(Happy New Year!) - NO CLASSES
January 5 through January 8 - classes resume at
regularly scheduled time/day/location
Silver Rose Rosary
Prayer Service
Sunday, December 29, 3:00PM
at St. Agnes Church
Hosted by The Reading Council
Knights of Columbus
What is the Silver Rose program?
Several Silver Roses travel across Canada, Mexico
and the US to share the message of Our Lady of
Guadalupe and promote respect. The Silver Rose
program demonstrates the unity between Knights of
Columbus in Canada, the United States and Mexico,
through a series of prayer services promoting the
dignity of all human life and honoring Our Lady.
Please join us following the Service, in the Lower
Church for hospitality.
Christmas Mass Gifting of Books
When you attend Mass this Christmas, perhaps you
could be a Gift-Giver on behalf of the Reading
Catholic Community. We need help at the end of
each Christmas Mass, to distribute the book which is
a gift from the Reading Catholic Community.
Perhaps you and your family would consider wishing
parishioners a Merry Christmas and handing them a
book as they leave the church following Mass.
Let us know you can help by signing up on the
website: ReadingCatholic.org
If you want to assist at the 4:00pm Christmas Eve
Mass, go to the Christmas Eve Mass volunteer site:
https://readingcatholic.org/christmas-at-rmhs
Dynamic Parish
The Dynamic Parish Implementation Team is the
group that has been partnering with Dynamic
Parish to bring the initiative into our Catholic
Community. The team is: Fr. Steve Rock, Fr. Victor
Vitug, Deacon Neil Sumner, Chrissy Cerretani,
Paula Colpitts, Janet Davidson-Dee, Diane Finigan,
Martha Jane Gagnon, John Guanci, John Silva, Lisa
Tavoletti.
We thank you for participating in our recent
activities, and invite you to join us in distributing
this year’s gift book to all Christmas Mass
attendees. If you and your family like to help
following the 5:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Masses at St. Athanasius, and the 11:00 a.m. at St.
Agnes. Go to www.readingcatholic.org to sign up.
If you want to assist with book distribution
following the 4:00 p.m. Mass, go to the Christmas
Eve Mass volunteer webpage.
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Food for Family Thought
Don’t deprive your family of the holiday traditions that are part of their heritage. As time goes by, one
generation may pass up as old fashioned a custom that the next generation would cherish. Resurrect the
religious customs - songs, foods, traditions - that helped sustain a lively faith for your ancestors.
Reminder for Eucharistic Ministers and
Ushers Serving at the 4PM Christmas
Eve Mass
Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers:
• Rehearsal at RMHS is extremely highly encouraged. Come on December 23 at 5:30PM or on December 24 at 12Noon.
Keep Christ in Christmas: Advent
Wreath & Crèche Drawing
Winners of our first annual Keep Christ in Christmas
Drawing.
St. Athanasius parishioners, Norma Lucey and Joseph Plano
Family Director,
David Ventola
presents the
crèche and
Advent wreath to
parishioners, the Reilly Family and Paula Curren
Saturday Night Club
Looking for a New Year's resolution? How about
helping to meld our Reading Collaborative by joining
us on the third Saturday of January, February, March
or any other of our get-togethers for the Saturday
Night Club in 2020. This is YOUR social and
community group. Each month we schedule an event
but everyone is welcome to just attend and have
coffee/tea, play chess or cards or just get to know
fellow Reading Catholic Community members. This is
open to anyone in the Community so please invite a
neighbor. Please like us on Facebook to see what
plans we have for 2020 or check the weekly bulletin.
ALL ARE WELCOME! For more information, contact
Jody Roffi [email protected]
Engaged Couples Program: a two-day
marriage preparation program which meets at the
St. Agnes Parish Center, 184 Woburn Street, Reading
DATES: Friday, February 28, 2020, 6:30PM - 9:00PM
and Saturday, February 29, 9:00AM - 4:00PM,
followed by 4:00PM Mass
Free Throw Event
Sponsored by Reading
Knights of Columbus
When: Saturday, January 11
Time: 1:00PM
Where: Burbank YMCA
Invited: all boys and girls ages
9-14 to attend this year’s Free Throw Challenge. This
is a free event.
If you would like to sign your son or daughter up for
this fun event, please do so according their age as of
January 1.
Sign up in advance if possible by Friday, Jan 10th by
registering directly at: https://bit.ly/2EhM9Qi
Contact: Mike Canavan, 781-872-0042 or
Email: [email protected]
Program Director Ken Charest delivered the crèche and Advent wreath to St. Agnes
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December 22, 2019
Reading Food Pantry December Needs: Caring for those in the Reading Community
CASH DONATION CAN BE SENT TO: READING FOOD
PANTRY, 6 SALEM ST, READING, MA
• Tuna - white, in water • Jell-O gelatin, Jell-O pudding and
sugar-free Jell-O • Mayonnaise • Crackers and cookies for children
and the holidays
Scripture: Week of December 22
22 SUN Is 7:10-14/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24 23 Mon Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Lk 1:57-66 24 Tue Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Lk 1:67-
79 25 Wed Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-
25 or 1:18-25, Night: Is 9:1-6/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14, Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20, Day: Is 52:7-10/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14
26 Thu Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Mt 10:17-22 27 Fri 1 Jn 1:1-4/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 28 Sat 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Mt 2:13-18 29 SUN Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Mt
2:13-15, 19-23
Living Nativity Prelude - Presented by Reading Catholic Community Youth
An Engaged Youth-Filled Community!
Last Sunday, many children from both parishes participated in The Living Nativity Prelude following the 10am
Mass. Many thanks to the children for sharing their JOY, and for all the adults who supported these youth in
bringing the Faith to Life!
READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
SAINT AGNES PARISH
December 15, 2019 Weekly Offertory
Total Week Income $ 9,944
Weekly Income Requirement $ 14,807
Surplus (Deficit) $ 4,863
Christmas Flower Envelopes
Christmas Flower envelopes are available at church
entrances. Donations in memory of loved one(s) go
toward the flower decorations for the altar.
Loved ones’ names are remembered in the bulletins
at the beginning of the New Year.
Welcoming Sunday Sunday, January 5, 2020, following the 7:30AM,
9:00AM and 11:00AM Masses
~ All Are Welcome ~
Coffee & Doughnuts will be served in the St. Agnes
Parish Center (2nd Floor)
Hosted by Parish Council
“Prepare Ye the Way
of the Lord”: Can You
Lend a Hand after
Today’s 10AM Mass?
Can you lend a bit of your
time after this weekend’s
10:00am Mass to help bring
in the plants so generously
donated by our parishioners
and help put up the seasonal decorations. We will
put our taller volunteers to work hanging our
wreaths. All help is welcome and appreciated.
Peace and joy to you during this blessed season.
SAINT ATHANASIUS PARISH
January’s Coffee Hour: We are in need of
host families for the month of January for Coffee
Hour after the 10am Mass on Sundays. As always
the sign up sheet is in the PAC.
Thank You, Sophie B
READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
At a wedding rehearsal one Friday night, a harried bride made the
observation that ‘today was the longest week of my life!” When time
is short and preparations are many, every moment seems to fly by
and take forever at the same time. What seemed at one time to be so
far away is now suddenly upon us. And as much as we anticipate great events, they still have a way of
catching us off guard as though we had never prepared.
God never requires much time to transform our lives or save our souls. Every moment of grace we
experience contains eternity within it. Packaged carefully in the constraints of time, a graced moment can
make the difference between doubt and faith, sin and virtue, sinner and saint. It’s not because we are so
easily transformed, but that grace is that effective and efficient. There is an economy of salvation which
allows for the slightest hint of faith—a mustard seed—to bring us the joy of God’s love and forgiveness.
Yes, there are only a few days until Christmas. But there is still time to let the spirit of Christmas renew and
nourish our souls. Let something in this season of celebration—the prayers, the Mass, the decorations, the
feeling of good will—move you one step closer to the Lord. Let this short week be the new beginning of a
long, eternal life!
~James Gaffney, © 2007 Karides Lic. to St. George Publishing
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December 22, 2019
READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Kerry Basford x120, [email protected] Admin Office Manager
Luann Barretto x110, [email protected] Admin Assistant
John Canning x210, [email protected] Director, Parish Life
Marcia Cutlip, [email protected] Reading Catholic Community Accompanist
Steve Flannery, Property Manager, St. Athanasius
Thomas Jones, Property Manager, St. Agnes
Jacqueline Steele x114, [email protected] Communications
Saint Agnes Church Sunday: 7:30AM, 9:00AM, 11:00AM 5:30PM ( Sept - June) Daily Mass: 9:00AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Saint Athanasius Church Saturday: 4:00PM | Sunday: 10:00AM Daily Mass: 9:00AM on Tuesday, Thursday First Saturday Mass: 9:00AM
Director of Evangelization: Paula Colpitts email: [email protected], x117
Pastor: Very Rev. Stephen B. Rock, x112 email: [email protected]
Parochial Vicar: Rev. Victor Vitug, x113 email: [email protected]
Senior Priest: Rev. Edward T. Malone, x211 email: [email protected]
Deacons: Rev. Mr. Bill Reidy
email: [email protected] Rev. Mr. Neil Sumner
email: [email protected] Rev. Mr. Matt Baltier
email: [email protected]
Office Location: 300 Haverhill Street, Reading, MA | Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:30AM-3:30PM
ReadingCatholic.org | email: [email protected] | 781.944.0490 or 781.944.0330
Sacraments:
ɬ Marriage: Arrangements are made with a priest at least six months in advance.
ɬ Reconciliation: Saturdays, 2:45PM - 3:45PM at St. Athanasius
ɬ Anointing of the Sick: Call the Parish Office to request. Extraordinary Ministers are also available to bring the Eucharist to the homebound.
ɬ Baptism: limit of 6 babies at the 1PM service; only one baby per weekend baptized at Mass
ɬ Baptism Parent Meeting: Parents must attend a baptism meeting prior to the baptism. Meetings are held on the 1st Friday of every month at 7:00PM at the St. Agnes Parish Center
St. Agnes Baptisms: 1PM Service - 1st and 3rd Sundays Baptism at Sunday Mass - 2nd and 4th Sundays
St. Athanasius Baptisms: 1PM Service - 2nd and 4th Sundays Baptism at Sunday Mass - 1st and 3rd Sundays
Director of Worship: Paul Ciotti, x115 email: [email protected]
Priest In Residence: Rev. Richard M. Erikson
Business Manager: Janine Castro, x119 email: [email protected]
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA)
For anyone interested in becoming Catholic and for
Catholics who have not been confirmed, please call
either St. Agnes or St. Athanasius Parish Office.
Altar Servers (For Youth in Grades 3 and up)
St. Agnes Contact: Michelle Goldner, 508-942-9788
email: [email protected]
St. Athanasius Contact: Call the Office 781-944-0330 Gluten Issues
Please see a Priest or Deacon before Mass. Mass Intentions, Mass Cards
Call the Parish Office to schedule Prayer Corner (St. Athanasius)
Call the St. Athanasius Parish Office or
email: [email protected] to add or
renew a name of your loved ones. Prayer Tree Requests (St. Agnes)
Contact the office or place note in the Blessed
Sacrament Chapel Prayer basket. Copies of the Prayer
Tree are at the church exits. Sanctuary Light Intention
Call St. Agnes or St. Athanasius Parish Offices Eucharistic Adoration (St. Agnes)
Friday 9:30am-12Noon | First Friday 9:30am-9:00pm
Fridays during Lent and Advent, 9:30am-9:00pm
Reading Catholic - Parish Council Fr. Steve Rock, Christine Ambrose, Chrissy Cerretani, Janet Davidson-Dee, Rosemarie DeLacy, James Dudley, Bob Finigan, Jane Fiore, Ed Fitzpatrick, Steve Goldner, Paul Lannon, Joanne Metzger, Jody Roffi, Fred Santosuosso, Chris Scozzari, Lisa Tavoletti, James Taylor
Society of St. Vincent de Paul 781-258-8767 St. Vincent de Paul is known as the "Apostle of Charity" dedicating his life to the service of the poor. Today, the Reading Catholic Community carries on his work: some of us contribute time, some talent and others treasure in the confidential support of our Reading neighbors. Please call us if we can help you.
Hospital Chaplain Winchester Hospital Chaplain: Mary Beth Moran, 781.756.2295
Bulletin Submissions Due by Monday at 9AM for print in the upcoming weekend’s bulletin. Email submissions to: [email protected]
Parish Registration Welcome to our Parish. Please call the Parish Office or register on our site at: https://readingcatholic.org/register-with-parish
Please pray for the success of the
St. Agnes and St. Athanasius Collaborative.
May we open our hearts to allow the Holy Spirit to work within and among us.
May we intentionally seek to lead others to Jesus through our actions and build
His Church in our community.
In the northern hemisphere the winter solstice is celebrated by many people
because of the happy coincidence of the celebration of the birth of Jesus
with the significant change of the seasons marked by the winter solstice…
Just as the light of the sun begins once more to grow stronger at the winter solstice,
so in our Advent prayers we greet the new light of Christ
at his birth and ask for that light to increase in our lives.