STAFF Administrator: Fr. John Gallagher

Parochial Vicar: Fr. Mark L. Thomas Parochial Vicar: Fr. James Torquato

Chaplain: Fr. J ames Young Deacon: Donald Pepe

Office Manager: Louis Ferrario

(Extension 110)

Business Manager: Julie Strosnider (Extension 115)

Faith Formation & RCIA:

724-752-1271 Elementary Director: Mrs. Laurie Nocera

Secondary and Adult Director: 724-758-5562

Ms. Kay Ann Bellissimo

Social Services: 724-758-3465

Music Ministry: 724-752-9518 Director: Mrs. Frances Fotia

Organist: David Kosior

Catholic Parish Cemetery Association: 724-323-0033

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday: 9:00 a.m.

RECONCILIATION Saturday: 12:30—1:30 p.m

BAPTISMS

Sundays at 12:15 p.m. One preparation session is required and will be offered on Jan. 9th, Apr. 10th, July 10th and Oct. 9th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Parish Ministry Center. Pre-registration is required. (Please

come before the baby is born.)

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Please contact one of the parish priests at

least 6 months in advance. An initial meeting with a parish priest is required before a

wedding date is agreed upon. Participation in a marriage preparation program is required.

“A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust”

415 Fourth Street & Park Avenue • Ellwood City, PA 16117 Parish Office: 300 Crescent Ave, Suite 1 • Ellwood City, PA 16117

Phone: 724-758-4411 • Fax: 724-752-1466

Dec. 9, 2018 • 2nd Sunday of Advent

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT We, the people of Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Parish, are one family united in Jesus Christ.

Blessed by the Father's love, redeemed by the Son and guided by the Holy Spirit, we freely share our faith and serve the community with love and compassion. God, our Father calls us to

enrich our lives through Word and Sacrament, Prayer and Action. We pledge to build our lives according to the truths of Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church.

We welcome you to join our faith journey.

Cranberry Twp., Ellwood City and Zelienople Grouping

Holy Redeemer Parish

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA

Support all Catholic Education: “Great Beginnings last a lifetime.”

Saturday, December 8, 2018—Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent 5:00 P.M. Fr. Raymond Boccardi and all the Deceased Members of the Mystical Rose Society (Members) Sunday, December 9, 2018—Second Sunday of Advent 9:00 A.M Karen Rybka (Michael Rybka) 11:00 A.M. Joan Wrona (Stanley & Family) Monday, December 10, 2018 9:00 A.M. For All Our Priests (Donor) Tuesday, December 11, 2018—Saint Damasus I, Pope 9:00 A.M. Helen Kuczmanski (Shirley Dominelli) 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. The Light is On For You! - Draw Come closer to the Lord through the Sacrament of Penance/Confession Wednesday, December 12, 2018—Our Lady of Guadalupe 9:00 A.M. David Schaffer (Family) Thursday, December 13, 2018—Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr 9:00 A.M. Angelo & Daisy Murdocco, Robert Murdocco & Robert Merone (Catherine Fosse) Friday, December 14, 2018—Saint John of the Cross, Priest & Doctor of the Church 9:00 A.M. Angelo Prestopine (Andrew Zelesnak Family) Saturday, December 15, 2018 9:00 A.M. †Angie Varrato (Ladies of Charity) Saturday, December 15, 2018—Vigil Mass for the 3rd Sunday of Advent 5:00 P.M. Virginia Montozzi (Tony & Karen Woloszyn) Sunday, December 16, 2018—3rd Sunday of Advent 9:00 A.M. Connie Reeher (David Kosior) 11:00 A.M. Jane D’Amico (Pete & Fran Maietta) †denotes Month’s Mind If you requested a weekend Mass and wish to carry the gifts at the Rite of Offertory, please inform an usher before Mass.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet Devotion will continue every day, Monday thru Friday, at 8:40AM. The Rosary will be recited every Saturday, as well as every Marion Feast Day, at 8:35AM. Mass follows at 9:00AM.

Today, the Gospel presents us with the person of John the Baptist. Each of the Gospels present a description of John the Baptist and his preaching. He is an important figure in Christianity since a number Jesus’ first disciples came from John’s own followers. Over the last few weeks, our Sunday readings were written using an “Apocalyptic Style. This means that the author used strong language and powerful and dramatic images to teach us the Gospel Lesson. Since the style is so powerful and shocking, many people could be drawn into the text. John used this style of Apocalyptic preaching to reach his listeners. They were longing for an end of the many disorders plaguing their world. Sin had poisoned politics, economics, law and social interaction. The people understood that their world was haunted by evil. As it was then, so it is today. The Gospel messages over the last weeks have been speaking directly to us. Our world has become darkened by people’s selfish and insensitive choices. John’s voice told people that God was at work in all of this preparing a savior Who would purify Israel from all of this corruption and darkness. To prepare for the Savior’s arrival, everyone needed to purify themselves from the corruption of the world. John adapted the ritual washings that the people were already familiar with into an act of total rebirth. This was the “clean break” the people needed so that they could be a part of the Savior’s reign. John’s mission is now ours. We also live in an uncaring society filled with darkness and every impurity. Because of this strong pull toward the darkness, many people can no longer hear the voice of God or recognize sign of His presence. Just as John’s presence among the people was a sign to them that God has never forgotten them, so too, our presence can testify to the promise of the Gospel Lesson: “All flesh shall see the salvation of God.” And finally, the best way to be the sign of God’s enduring presence is to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MARK L. THMAS

ALL CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS ARE DUE BY WEDNESDAY,

DECEMBER 12, 2018.

Tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 10th is last day to make your reservation for our An-nual Christmas Dinner to be

held on Sunday, Dec. 16th. Cocktails at 1:00PM followed by dinner at 2:00PM. Cost is $20.00 per person. Please call the parish office at 724-758-4411 by 3:00PM.

EMHC & Greeters: Please call the Religious Ed. Office to volunteer for the Christmas Masses—752-1271/758/5562

Congratulations to Reed Angelucci and Lee Barnhart who recently received the Beaver County Holy Name Youth Fellowship Award on behalf of the Holy Redeemer Holy Name Society. Good Luck in all your future endeavors. We are all proud of you.

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME DECEMBER 9, 2018

Remember Holy Redeemer Parish in your will.

Readings for the week of December 9, 2018

Sunday: Bar 5:1-9/Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 [3]/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6 Monday: Is 35:1-10/Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13- 14 [Is 35:4f]/Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11/Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13 [Is 40:10ab]/Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Jdt 13:18bcde, 19 [15:9d]/Lk 1:26- 38 or Lk 1:39-47 Thursday: Is 41:13-20/Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12- 13ab [8]/Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 [Jn 8:12]/Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15- 16, 18-19 [4]/Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Next Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a/Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 [6]/Phil 4:4-7/Lk 3:10-18

SUNDAY CONTRIBUTIONS December 1st/2nd, 2018

Weekly Contributions received…………..$8,491.50 Monthly Contibutions received…………..$6,912.00 THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF OUR PARISH. YOUR HELP IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED.

2018 PARISH SHARE Parish Goal: $141,132.00

Money Received: $ 82,924.97 Needed to reach goal: $ 58,207.03

All money over our goal is the parish’s—tax free!

ALTAR FLOWERS This week’s altar flowers are

In Memory of Harry and Alice Nelson Donated by the Tony Nocera Family

We are now accepting requests for 2019. There are no weekends available in 2018 for altar flowers.

Freshly made Frozen Pierogis are available at the parish office for $5.00 per dozen. If you wish a large amount for those special holiday dinners, please call the parish office at 724-758-4411.

OPLATKI—The Christmas Wafer is available at the parish office for $3.00 for a packet. This has become a tradition here at Holy Redeemer for families to share this as part of their Christmas Dinner.

The book, Experiencing God, The Three Stages of Prayer, the Men ’s Fellowship’s Group will be using for 2019, has arrived and is available in the parish office for $10.

Holy Redeemer’s Annual New Year’s Eve Bingo! Monday, Dec. 31st at the Catholic Center. Doors open at 5:00PM, with dinner being served until 7:00PM. Packages up to 24 cards will be distributed at 6:00PM. Cost:

$25 in advance; $30 at the door. Tickets available at the Friday’s Bingo, the Parish Office (until Dec. 28th) or any Social Club members.

The Light is On for You THIS WEEK!

This December 11th from 6:00PM to 9:00PM, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in every parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Now is the time. God is waiting to offer you forgiveness, healing and peace. The light is on and the confessional door will be open.

McGuire Memorial will be sponsoring its annual “Special Auction for Special People” on Saturday, March 2, 2019. As part of the Special Auction, the winner will be able to select their vehicle of choice of one of the following vehicles: a 2019 Alpha Romeo Giulani, a 2019 Ram 15,000 Big Horn, or a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. The drawing will take place on March 2, 2019. Tickets are $25 each. All proceeds benefit McGuire Memorial. Sister Thaddeus will be selling tickets after all Masses on January 19th/20th. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Lifelong Learning Choices: Free GED Classes and Free English (ESL) Classes are now available in New Castle and in Ellwood City sponsored by the Adult Literacy of Lawrence County. Call 724-654-1500 or email pambailey024@gmail.com for confidential information. Volunteer for Literacy—Become a tutor or classroom aide: All tutors and aides receive free training, materials and personalized support from the Adult Literacy Staff. Make a positive difference in others’ lives! Call Lynne Watson, Tutor Coordinator, at 724-654-1500 or lynnewatson927@gmail.com for more information.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! St. Monica Parish is hosting AMANDA CANTELMI for an afternoon of holiday music from classics to sacred arias TODAY AT 3:00pm. A freewill offering will benefit St. Monica Catholic Academy.

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA

Diocesan Toll-Free Number for Abuse Response: 1-888-808-1235

SERVING THE PARISH DECEMBER 15TH/16TH

EMHC 5:00 P.M. *Karen Woloszyn, Jackie Dimeo, Melissa Rosendale, Carol Nocera, Linda DeSanzo, LuAnn Salvati, Jim Gillespie 9:00 A.M. *Laurie Nocera, Norman Ballard, Mark & Julie Strosnider, Dave & Annie Raybuck, Kayla Brandt 11:00 A.M. *Karen Williams, Tom Heckendorn, Janet Pezzi, Kathy Gorzkowski, Linda Pohto, Francine Hunter, Deb Pagley READERS 5:00 P.M. Julie Santillo 9:00 A.M. Mary Anne Mansell 11:00 A.M. David DeCaria

CANTORS 5:00 P.M. TBA 9:00 A.M. TBA 11:00 A.M. Choir

SERVERS 5:00 P.M. Jadyn McClean, Luke Oehmler, Elisa Pritts 9:00 A.M. Michael Styn, Ryan Gajewski, Michael Nocera 11:00 A.M. Anthony & Dominic DiBuono, Maleah Lott

GREETERS 5:00 P.M. John & Carol Todorich, Laura McMichael 9:00 A.M. Pat Morabito, Mark & Julie Strosnider 11:00 A.M. Grace Haberman, Patty D’Ambrosio

MONEY COUNTERS Dec. 16, 2018 Kathy D’Biago, Kathy & Joe Olayer, Vickie Koach Dec. 17, 2018 Lefty DeCarbo, Charlie Chaffin, Kathy Gorzkowski, Pat Regna

ALTAR LINENS Dec. 16, 2018 Helen Gobrich

Calendar of Events Dec. 9, 2018: Social Services Open House 10:00AM to 12:30PM—All are welcome! Dec. 11, 2018: The Light Is On For YOU! - 6:00PM to 9:00PM—Come back to the Eucharist through the Sacrament of Penance/Confession Dec. 13, 2018: ‘Reflections on the Incarnation’ - 7:00PM—Galiano Room—Dessert will be served! Dec. 15, 2018: Koppel United Methodist Church December Soup Sale-Veg. Beef-$6.50 & Stuff Pepper-$7.00; Pumpkin Logs-$8.50; Homemade caramels $6.50(25 to a bag)—Advance orders only by Dec. 10th—Call 724-843-5358—Pick up will be Dec. 15th at Fellowship Hall Dec. 15/16, 2018: Bambinelli Sunday at all weekend mass-es Dec. 15, 2018: Everyone is invited to Lessons and Carols at St. Ferdinand. The Chancel Choir and Brass Quartet will present Lessons and Carols at 7:35PM. The program is ap-propriate for all ages and will feature readings from scripture and the music of the season. No admission; free will offerings are accepted. Dec. 18, 2018: Holy Hour with Confession—7:00 PM Jan. 5, 2018: SAG Meeting—9:30AM—Lunchroom Jan. 19, 2018: Buffettman Presents a Jimmy Buffett Con-cert—St. Ferdinand Oldenski Hall-Doors open at 5:00PM; Din-ner served at 6:00PM-$40 ticket includes dinner, beer, wine, soft drinks and dessert, mixed drinks are offered at a nominal fee—Music-Food-Dancing-Basket Raffles—Checks payable to St. Ferdinand Parish and mail to parish Feb 17, 2018: Annual E.C. Wolves & Holy Redeemer CASH & GOLF BASH-1:00 to 5:00PM—Catholic Center—$3400 and numerous Golf items raffled—$25.00 includes 2#’s per ticket—Food, drinks, etc. included

Weekly/Monthly Events Every Monday morning: Bible Study-10AM-Ministry Center Every 4th Monday of the month: Social Club meeting at 6:00pm in the lunchroom Tuesday to Thursday: Social Service Office open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Closed Monday and Friday. First Tuesday of every month: Knights of Columbus meet-ing at Connoquenessing County Club—6:30PM Every Wednesday: Mystical Rose—10:00AM—Ministry Cen-ter Every Wednesday: Golden Agers – Catholic Center doors open at 12:30PM First Thursday of every month: Social Services/Food Bank unloading of truck from the Pittsburgh Food Bank, beginning at 9:00AM at the Ministry Center. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Pizza lunch provided. Every Thursday: Choir practice at 7:00PM in the Church—New members are always welcome! Every Friday: Friday Night Bingo—7:00PM—Catholic Cen-ter First Saturday of every month: SAG Meeting-9:30AM-Lunchroom

Advent Services & Programs

Tuesday, Dec. 11th—The Light is on For You—6:00-9:00PM in the Church

Thursday, Dec. 13th—Scripture, Tradition,

Spirituality & Dessert: Reflections on the

Incarnation—7:00PM in the Galiano Room

Tuesday, Dec. 18th—Holy Hour with

Confession—7:00PM in the Church

There will be a special Mass for all residents at Trinity Oaks Nursing Facility on Wednesday, Dec. 12th at 1:00PM and at Northview Estates Nursing Facility on Wednesday, Dec. 19th at

1:00PM. All parishioners are welcome and encouraged to attend to let the residents know they are not forgotten. The choir wil l be providing the music. Light refreshments will be served following Mass. For more information, please

Retrouvaille: A Lifetime for Married Couples

Retrouville offers help to couples experiencing trouble in their marriage. The Weekend and Post Sessions focus on rebuilding marriages through better communication and understanding. The next weekend begins Feb. 1st. For confidential information, please call 412-277-3434 or email 304@retrouvaille.org. Call today to begin the healing process.

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA

Leslie Lucarelli-Anderson Eugene Angelucci Angelo Aromatorio Mary Bartolomeo Kyree Beachem Susan Beall Susan Bennett Shawn Biega Teresa McAllister Bissell Jamie Brightwell Frank & Norma Borroni David Brooks Roman Carr Rozanne Carosi David Childs Sue Colavecchia Helen Colosimo Ray Colledge Frederick Conley Clark Conley Mary Jo Conley Julia Conti Meghan Cook Ruth Edna Cordes Sam Crangi, Sr.

Fr. Joseph Dascenzo Clifford Dow Tyler Dunham Tony Dunning Thelma Figurel Helen Fiori Gus Fornataro Edward Fray Stella Fray Marilyn Frost Joseph Gasper Pat Gerello Ray Graham Jenny Grant Marion Gruber Jim Haberman James M. Hackett Heather Hall Jackie Henderson Kelly & Johnny Hickey Stacey Hoak Darin Hoak Jim Houk Nancy Houk Bill Hufnagel Linda Ierino Cathy Jaskolka Aimee Knauff C.J. Kriley Sr. Joanne Kokosinski Greg LaCava

Harvey Lantz Bob Lucarelli Ralph Lutz Ray Lutz Arlene Maielli Jodi Minteer Brooke Moffatt David (Mitzi) Moritiza Patricia Mount Tom Mullen Msgr. Richard Murphy Bridget Musguire Donna Myrick Bruce Patrick Amelia Pecoraro Antoinette Pansera Carlo Pisani Jason Praster Elena Punzell Ray Reeher Bob & Sandy Reisinger Gabriel Richard Anthony Rocco Vince Rosati John Rosati James Rosenberger Rosemary Rozzi Lisa Roth Madison Roy Kathleen Russo Greg Santo

Diane Scott Catherine & Bill Shuttleworth Mary Ann Sirimarco Amy Shope Judy Strohecker Jim Sudano John Sutch Ed Sutphin Doreen Tomon Delida & Frank Viccari Dom Viccari Patty Viccari Ron Viccari Sandra Viccari Victoria West Al Whalen Bob Whalen Esther Whalen Sandy Winchell Jan Bauder-Zayas Carl Zimmerman *All Names will be removed beginning with the January 6, 2019 bulletin. If you wish to have the name remain on the list, a family member must call the office to confirm the name. Please call as soon as possible.

Great stocking stuffers for that special someone!

2019 Holy Redeemer Social Club Calendar Ticket—Donation $40.00—Based on the 3 digit, PA, evening lottery number (first number drawn) Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. 2019 $AG $UPER $PECIAL TICKET—(Special Activities Group) Donation $120—Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2019—Based on the 3 digit PA, evening lottery number (first number drawn). 2019 Holy Name Society Pot of Gold Ticket—$5.00—$500 on Mar. 15th and 16th and $1500 on Mar. 17th.—Based on the 3 digit Pa. evening lottery number (First number drawn). 2019 E. C. Wolves & Holy Redeemer Cash and Golf Bash– Feb. 24th—1:00PM to 5:00PM—Ticket drawn every 10 minutes—Donation $25 per ticket—Only 500 tickets printed, two numbers per ticket

All tickets are available at the Parish Office!

Cookies are needed for our annual Christmas Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 16th. Cookies may

be dropped off at the Catholic Center on Sat. Dec. 15th from 10AM to 1:00PM. Thank you and God Bless You!

Bambinelli Sunday: Each year on the Third Sunday of Advent, children gather with their families in St. Peter’s Square in Rome for “Bambinelli Sunday.” The children bring with them figures of the Christ Child—the

Bambinelli—from their families’ Nativity scene. During the noontime Angelus prayer, the Pope blesses the children and the figurines they have brought. Here at Holy Redeemer, we will celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, December 16th—with our own blessing of the “Bambinelli”. The figures will be blessed at all the Masses. We will have a Children’s Mass at the 11:00AM Mass.

Father of Mercy During this time of transition help us to grow in unity with St. Ferdinand, St. Gregory and Holy Redeemer. Grant us the wisdom and willingness to understand how our parishes will become stronger and more vibrant in fulfilling the mission of the Church. Assist us in opening our arms to welcome others as we continue to journey On Mission for The Church Alive! Help us, O Lord, to trust in the future you have planned for us. This we ask through Christ our Lord.

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”

Do I have some bad habits that are making my path crooked?

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA