When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you.

Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.

He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Matthew 1:13-15

220 Third Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania 17331

Parish Office: 717.637.4625 Facsimile: 717.637.6650

Website: www.svparish.org Facebook @stdepaul

When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”

He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there.

And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled,

“He shall be called a Nazorean.”

Matthew 1:19-23

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In his Angelus message for the Fourth Sunday of Advent 2009, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the true meaning of the Feast of the Holy Family. “Today is Holy Family Sunday. We can still identify ourselves with the shepherds of Bethlehem who hastened to the grotto as soon as they had received the Angel's announcement and found ‘Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger’ (Lk 2: 16). Let us too pause to contemplate this scene and reflect on its meaning. The first witnesses of Christ's birth, the shepherds, found themselves not only before the Infant Jesus but also a small family: mother, father and newborn son. God had chosen to reveal himself by being born into a human family and the human family thus became an icon of God! God is the Trinity, he is a communion of love; so is the family despite all the differences that exist between the Mystery of God and his human creature, an expression that reflects the unfathomable Mystery of God as Love. In marriage the man and the woman, created in God's image, become ‘one flesh’ (Gen 2: 24), that is a communion of love that generates new life. The human family, in a certain sense, is an icon of the Trinity because of its interpersonal love and the fruitfulness of this love. Today's Liturgy presents the famous Gospel episode of the 12-year-old Jesus who stays behind in the Temple in Jerusalem unbeknown to his parents who, surprised and anxious, discover him three days later conversing with the teachers. Jesus answers his Mother who asks for an explanation that he must ‘be in his Father's house’ that is

God's house (cf. Lk 2: 49). In this episode the boy Jesus appears to us full of zeal for God and for the Temple. Let us ask ourselves: from whom did Jesus learn love for his Father's affairs? As Son he certainly had an intimate knowledge of his Father, of God, and a profound and permanent relationship with him but, in his own culture he had of course learned prayers and love for the Temple and for the Institutions of Israel from his parents. We may therefore say that Jesus' decision to stay on at the Temple was above all the result of his close relationship with the Father, but it was also a result of the education he had received from Mary and Joseph. Here we can glimpse the authentic meaning of Christian education: it is the fruit of a collaboration between educators and God that must always be sought. The Christian family is aware that children are a gift and a project of God. Therefore it cannot consider that it possesses them; rather, in serving God's plan through them, the family is called to educate them in the greatest freedom, which is precisely that of saying ‘yes’ to God in order to do his will. The Virgin Mary is the perfect example of this ‘yes’. Let us entrust all families to her, praying in particular for their precious educational mission. … “How is it possible not to remember the true meaning of this feast? Having come into the world, into the heart of a family, God shows that this institution is a sure path on which to encounter and come to know him, as well as an ongoing call to work for the unity of all people centred on love. Hence one of the greatest services that we

Christians can render our fellow human beings is to offer them our serene and unhesitating witness as a family founded on the marriage of a man and a woman, safeguarding and promoting the family, since it is of supreme importance for the present and future of humanity. Indeed, the family is the best school at which to learn to live out those values which give dignity to the person and greatness to peoples. In the family sorrows and joys are shared, since all feel enveloped in the love that prevails at home, a love that stems from the mere fact of belonging to the same family. I ask God that in your homes you may always breathe this love of total self-giving and faithfulness which Jesus brought to the world with his birth, nurturing and strengthening it with daily prayer, the constant practice of the virtues, reciprocal understanding and mutual respect. I then encourage you so that, trusting in the motherly intercession of Mary Most Holy, Queen of Families, and under the powerful protection of St Joseph, her spouse, you may dedicate yourselves tirelessly to this beautiful mission which the Lord has placed in your hands. In addition you may count on my closeness and affection, and I ask you to convey to your loved ones who are in the greatest need or find themselves in difficulty a very special greeting from the Pope. I warmly bless you all.” 1 Live for God. Be transformed by His Grace. Go and make disciples.

Peace in Christ, Father Michael 1 Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, 27

December 2009.

"If God is the center of your life, no words are necessary. Your mere presence will touch hearts." ~ Saint Vincent de Paul

“Many are part of the Church in an only apparent way, while in reality they live against her,” while “outside the Church there are many who — without knowing it — belong profoundly to the Lord and thus also to his Body, the Church.”

- Benedict XVI

Stewardship Reflection

“…as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.”

(Colossians 3:13)

Forgiving is one of the hardest things for people to do.

We can’t give what we don’t have. We need to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness first before we can give it to others.

Go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. Then, share give the gift of forgiveness with someone – a family member, a friend or a co-worker.

Pick up the phone or text someone right now.

Alternatives to Abortion:

Please call (717) 854-6285 or

1 (888) LIFE-AID [1 (888) 5433-243].

Beginning on Saturday, November 28, and ending January 6, 2020 our Christmas Charity Tree will be located in the back of church awaiting new and handmade hats, scarves, and gloves for the young and old alike.

All will be distributed to local charities. Please remember our homeless men.

Saint Vincent DePaul reminds us that charity is greater than any rule. We can emulate his words by donating to our Christmas Charity Tree.

If more information is needed please contact Nancy Reitz, 410-302-4035.

Christmas Charity Tree

Parish Life This Week

Sunday, December 27 10:00 am - Rosary / Church Tuesday, December 30 7:20 am - Rosary / Church Thursday, December 31 7:20 am - Rosary / Church 11:00 p.m. - Holy Hour for Peace Friday, January 1 8:20 am - Rosary / Church Saturday, January 2 9:00 am - Confessions / Priests’ Sacristy 4:00 pm - Rosary / Church

Clothing Bank: Family sized toiletries, sheet sets (all sizes), bath towels, men’s white T-shirts (L & XL), baby diapers (sz 4-5)

Changing Lives Shelter: Volunteers for 4 - 7 pm

Large trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes/sprays, umbrellas or ponchos

Ruth’s Harvest: Single serve entrees, cereal, juice boxes, snacks & vegetables [all single serve]

God’s Meal Barrel: Tooth paste & toothbrushes

PAL Sauerkraut, large cans of green beans, sweet potatoes, pasta sauces, single serve fruits, canned pears, scalloped potatoes (boxes), corn bread mix, beef and chicken broth, Ziploc sandwich bags / Please place your PAL donation on the back porch of the de Paul Center. Please, no perishables.

For info, call: Jill Janusz at (717) 632-8939.

please note

SAT DECEMBER 26 Saint Stephen, Deacon, the first Martyr 8:00 am Mary Suddath * Public Mass *

VIGIL: THE HOLY FAMILY 4:30 pm People of the Parish * Public Mass *

SUN DECEMBER 27 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH

7:30 am Daniel J. Bair * Public Mass * 10:30 am James & Jean Staub * Public Mass *

MON DECEMBER 28 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 8:00 am Mr & Mrs Charles Rosensteel TUE DECEMBER 29 Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr 8:00 am Mary Ann Smith * Public Mass * WED DECEMBER 30 Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity 8:00 am Mary C. Bowling THU DECEMBER 31, 2020 + Office Closed + Saint Sylvester I, Pope 8:00 am Samuel Walton * Public Mass *

All of the Holy Masses of

Mary, Mother of God

are open to the public.

VIGIL: MARY, MOTHER OF GOD 5:30 pm Jim Lawrence * Public Mass * 11:00 pm Public Holy Hour with Jesus

FRI JANUARY 1, 2021 + Office Closed + THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD 9:00 am People of the Parish * Public Mass *

SAT JANUARY 2 Saints Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

8:00 am Albert Kuhn * Public Mass *

VIGIL: THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 4:30 pm People of the Parish * Public Mass *

SUN JANUARY 3 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 7:30 am Mary Bowling * Public Mass * 10:30 am Mary Ann Smith * Public Mass *

Mass Intentions This Week

Mary’s Promises for Daily Devotion

The most amazing thing about the Rosary is that Mary made 15 promises to those who recite it daily. These aren’t insignificant promises, but rather enormously helpful graces provided to those who are trying to live a good and faithful Catholic life. Here are three promises to consider this week: Those truly devoted to my Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the

Church. True children of my Rosary will enjoy great glory in Heaven. What you shall ask through my Rosary you shall obtain.

Anointing of Sick: If you, or your loved one, is going to be admitted to or is in the hospital and would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick, Confession, Holy Eucharist, or a visit from clergy or parishioner, then you MUST call the parish office: (717) 637-4625.

Baptisms: will be scheduled on an individual basis; generally, Baptisms are celebrated Sundays 12:30 P.

Weddings: Engaged couples: please contact the Parish Office at least one year before the anticipated date of your wedding. We are looking forward to working with you as you prepare yourself spiritually for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Parish Religious Education (1st-8th): 8:45 A to 10:15 A, Sundays, September - May. For more information please contact Sandra Clark: (717) 632-1461 or smclark@pa.net.

The Parish Office is closed to the public, but open for business.

THIS WEEK Monday-Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Public Mass Schedule THIS WEEK Saturday 4:30 pm Sunday 7:30 am; 10:30 am Tuesday 8:00 am Thursday 8:00 am, 5:30 pm Friday 9:00 am 1st Saturday 8:00 am

On Sundays, our parish will LIVE STREAM the Rosary at 10 AM & the Mass at 10:30 AM on Facebook.

Confessions: 9:00 am Saturdays in the Priests’ Sacristy and by appointment during the week.

Join Our Stamp Ministry

The Parish Council of Catholic Women collect stamps to be sent to the Sisters of the Holy Cross to support their Ministry to the Poor. Please call the office and ask for a flyer regarding the types of stamps that are preferred.

Coupons for Troops

The Parish Council of Catholic Women invites you to support U.S. troops stationed overseas by clipping out the manufacturer coupons that you do not use, put them into an envelope marked “Coupons for Troops”, and place the envelope in the collection basket or bring it to the Parish Office. sending them to the troops. For U.S. military families assigned overseas, manufacturers allow for their coupons to be used for up to six months beyond the expiration date. The Council will forward the coupons to a local processing center which makes sure that the coupons are distributed. The troops greatly appreciate the 102,917 coupons that were sent from Saint Vincent over the past three years. We thank all of our parishioners for saving, clipping, and cutting the coupons. We hope that you have felt the many prayers we have offered for you. Again, MANY THANKS!

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week January 31—February 6

Thank you! On behalf of Father Gotwalt, Father Palomino, and myself, we thank everyone for your heartfelt cards and generous gifts that we received during this Christmas Season.

“There is no freedom where there is compulsion, and where freedom is lacking, so too is righteousness.”

- William of St. Thierry

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com St. Vincent de Paul, Hanover, PA 04-0178

Phone 717-632-3270Fax 717-632-9045

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR, LLC

Established 1939Residential • Commercial

145 Oak LaneMcSherrystown, PA 17344

Making Rooms Beautiful Since 1967

Interior Design • Tile & StoneCarpet & Wood Flooring

Countertops • Fixtures • Fabric & Blinds

(717) 359-5460myersfloors.net

PA1254 MHIC437636185 Baltimore Pike, Littlestown, PA

SMITH’SSANITARY SEPT IC SERVICE

REPAIRS • EXCAVATIONSINSPECTIONS • SERVICE

717-637-5630Visit Us: smithsseptichanoverpa.com

1 FREE CAN OF SEPTIC TANK FOOD W/AD

1234 Baltimore St, Hanover, PA 17331

KenworthyFUNERAL HOME INC

Preneed funeral planning - An investment in peace of mind.At-need funeral arrangement -

When you need a friend.ON~SITE CREMATORY

Wayne V. Kenworthy / Supervisor269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA 17331

717-637-6259Eric V. Kenworthy / Supervisor

66 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325717-337-9311

Visit us at - www.kenworthyfh.com

OPEN DAILYMain St. Plaza

4 S. Sixth St., McSherryStown717-630-8945 or 717-630-8946

CZAPP & GRIFFITH

2640 Baltimore PikeHanover, PA

PlumbingHeatingAir ConditioningRefrigeration

(717) 633-1258

360 MAIN STREET • MCSHERRYTOWN717-632-1216

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS

Donald B. Smith, Inc.Roofing & Siding Contractors

Any Type OfResidential & Industrial RoofsNo Job Too Large Or Small

Hanover, Pa.632-2100

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com St. Vincent de Paul, Hanover, PA 04-0178

C. Michael Newman,Supervisor

Kristin Kroehler Newman,Funeral Director

311 BROADWAY, HANOVER, PA 17331

(717) 637-5194www.panebakerfuneralhome.com

North Fifth Street DinerMcSherrystown, PA

717-630-1045Serving Breakfast All Day

Daily Lunch SpecialsSunday 6:00-2:00

OPEN 7 DAYS

5 am - 2 pm

ServingBreakfast &

Lunch

– Established 1958 –30 Radio Rd

Hanover, PA 17331(717) 637-1966

Open all year, please call for hours

GEORGE H. BIXLER, INC.PLUMBING - HEATING

AIR CONDITIONINGSHEET METAL WORK

RODNEY G. BIXLER, President

5641/2 BROADWAY • HANOVER

717-637-2141

15 South Main Street, Spring Grove, PA 17362Office: (717) 225-5397

240 3rd Street (Rear), Hanover, PA 17331Office (717) 646-0397

Since 1975

D.E. WILDASIN & SONPLUMBING & HEATING

Air Conditioning • Water Conditioning

dewjr15@comcast.netAfter Hours Emergency (717) 725-1255

702 W. Elm Ave.Hanover, PA 17331

(717) 632-8808

AULT PAVING AND SEALING, LLC

Commercial - Residential

FREE ESTIMATESOffice: (717) 632-0043

Cell: (717) 479-6558146 Glenville Road • Hanover, PA 17331

Licensed & Insured PA HI# 147635

6-8 S. Sixth St. | McSherrystown

10% OffValid only on merchandise & over the counter purchases.

Not valid on prescriptions. Valid at both locations

717-630-2000Mon-Fri 9am - 9pm

Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am - 4pm

choicefamilypharmacy.com

717-630-8858Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm

Sat 9am - 1pmchoicehealthcareinc.com

717-637-9265 717-624-8184

(717) 632-4048Singerorthodontics.com

50 York StreetHanover, PA 17331

Contact Servaas Verbiest to place an ad today! sverbiest@4LPi.com or (800) 477-4574 x6630

501 Ridge Avenue, McSherrystown, PA 17344(717) 637-6945

Joseph A. Murphy, Supervisorwww.beckfunerals.com