PG. 1 DECEMBER 29, 2019

Welcome

one and all!

PASTORAL TEAM

Fr. Joseph McCaffrey Pastor

Fr. Anthony Sciarappa Parochial Vicar

Fr. Brendan Dawson Parochial Vicar

Fr. Victor Molka, Jr. Parish Chaplain Fr. Nicholas Spirko

In Residence Dea. John Carran

Dea. S. Daniel Kielar Sr. Annie Bremmer, OSF,

Pastoral Associate Sr. Barbara Ann Johnston,

CSJ, Pastoral Care Minister

PASTORAL COUNCIL

Marla Brown Amy Chornenky Phyllis Genareo

Joe Ginocchi Susan Kearns

Tom Leihy Matt McCosby Tom McCosby

Harry Micco Joe Pascarella

John Provencher John Stephens

FINANCE COUNCIL

Brad Cain Vince Fuleno

David Gettings George Liskooka

Debbie Lynch Reed Newell

Jerry Prestopine Jodi Russo

Tracey Vasko

724-652-3422 Main Office ♦ 724-964-8276 Communications

December 29, 2019

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Holy Day Masses

Vigil Masses on Tuesday, December 31 4:00 pm St. Joseph the Worker, Fr. McCaffrey St. Vitus, Fr. Dawson 6:00 pm St. Camillus de Lellis, Fr. Molka

Feast Day Masses on Wednesday, January 1st 8:30 am St. Camillus de Lellis, Fr. Molka 12 Noon St. Mary, Fr. Spirko

PG. 2 DECEMBER 29, 2019

Fr. Mac’s Message Sunday, December 29, 2019 02

What does it mean to be a family? We see the example in the Blessed Trinity. For there to be a family, there must be love! The nature of love is to be unselfish and self-giving. A family can never consist of just one person; it necessarily involves others. In the very being of God, there is community of persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The love that binds the Father and the Son is so pure and so self-giving that it is the Holy Spirit.

The blessing of the incarnation of Christ is that God chooses to share himself with his creation, namely, humanity. It boggles our mind and challenges our imagination to know that God became a human being. This, in and of itself, is an enormous expression of love. But Jesus chose not only to become a human being, but part of a human family in the household of Mary and Joseph. He chose to live his life to save us through his suffering, death and resurrection. This powerful truth of God’s love for us should inspire and encourage all of us to realize how important we are to God! He desires us to be part of His family and to be united in the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

Family life can be messy. Even the Holy Family, as is illustrated in the Gospel today, there were moments of misunderstanding, confusion and wonder. But the powerful message of this feast day is that God is present, even in our frail human families. In our own moments of confusion, frustration and difficulty, we need to sincerely seek the will of God in our lives as the Holy Family did. God is working in our world and in our families, if only we have the faith to believe and the eyes to see and the ears to hear.

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. His love for humanity has not, nor will not, ever change. It is only in quiet prayer and reflection that we can come to understand what God is doing in our family and in our world. He is still acting, revealing himself, and saving humanity. Like Mary, Joseph and Jesus, may we take the time to pay attention to our God. He calls out to us in our thoughts, our dreaming and the events of our lives. It is only those who are awake and paying attention that come to discover the intimacy and love of God.

Emmanuel, God with us, remains true even today! He is present; let us be present to Him! Make a visit to the Adoration Chapel located in the former convent across from St. Mary Church. It is open Sundays at 1:00 pm until Saturdays at 2:00 pm and then closed for Masses from 2:00 pm Saturday to 1:00 pm on Sunday when adoration begins again. This is a perfect New Year’s resolution! If every family would make the effort to stop in the Chapel at least once a month, what a difference it will make, even if it is just for a few moments. I promise you, that if you do this, the Lord will touch you in a special way. Every good parent loves to see their

children. The Lord will let you know how much He appreciates this small expression of love. What a powerful example it will be for your children. Please don’t under-estimate the difference this will make in their young lives.

What do you do when you pay our Lord a visit? Simply, believe, say thanks, open your heart to Him. If you don’t know what to do, try https://www.diopitt.org/adoration2020 or https://catholicmom.com/2016/02/08/31-quiet-resources-engage-kids-adoration/ for some suggestions. Most importantly, just make the effort, God will do the rest.

God love you,

4th Sunday of Advent Website : hsplc.org Facebook: facebook.com/hsplc

Know Christ, Love Christ, Serve Christ and Invite others to Christ through Word, Sacrament and Sacrifice!

OUR MISSION

STATEMENT

SAVE THE DATE:

On January 29, 2020

from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm,

all of our parish volunteers

and employees are invited to a

Thank You Reception

at St. Mary Parish Center.

This is our Christmas gift

to all of you for the gift you

are to our parish!

Please come and enjoy

good food and

each other’s company.

St. Vitus School children performed for Christmas.

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH PG. 3 MASS SCHEDULE-INTENTIONS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28th—VIGIL: THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH 4:00 pm St. Camillus—Sciarappa—Charles Peak (Family) 4:00 pm St. Vitus—Dawson—Anthony & Angeline DiCarlo (Daughter & Grandsons) 5:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul—McCaffrey—Michael Stull (Wife, Rita) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29th—THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH 7:00 am St. Vitus—Spirko—Robert Dess (Wife & Children) 8:00 am St. Mary—McCaffrey—Deceased Members of Chmura & Kearns Families (Family) 8:45 am St. James the Apostle—Dawson—Jim Goodge (Rosemary Gotch) 9:00 am St. Vitus—Molka—Mickey & Caroline Natale (Family) 9:30 am St. Joseph the Worker—Sciarappa—50th Wedding Anniversary Ginny & Stanley Lavella 10:00 am St. Vincent de Paul—McCaffrey—John Dominick (Mr. & Mrs. Michael Data) 10:45 am St. Anthony—Dawson—Living & Deceased Members of the Parish 11:00 am St. Camillus—Molka—Jane Nosik (Children) 11:30 am St. Mary—Sciarappa—Victor Litwinovich (Wife, Clara & Family) MONDAY, DECEMBER 30th—WEEKDAY Noon St. Mary—McCaffrey—George Murawski (Merida Murawski) 6:00 pm St. Joseph the Worker—Dawson—Louise M. Graziani (Husband & Family) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31st—WEEKDAY 8:30 am St. Vitus—Spirko—Ralph S. Pisano (Anthony & Anita) VIGIL: SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD 4:00 pm St. Joseph the Worker—McCaffrey—Ann Exposito (Mary Nemeth) 4:00 pm St. Vitus—Dawson—Living & Deceased Members of the Parish 6:00 pm St. Camillus—Molka—Joseph, Jennie, Joseph Jr. & Michael Croach (Family) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1st—SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD 8:30 am St. Camillus—Molka—Living & Deceased Members of the Parish Noon St. Mary—Spirko—Antoinette & James Layton (Daughters & Grandchildren) THURSDAY, JANUARY 2nd—SS. BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN 8:30 am St. Camillus—McCaffrey—Anthony Allegro (Marilyn & Jack Conwell) FRIDAY, JANUARY 3rd—WEEKDAY 8:30 am St. Camillus—Spirko—Kim Dengler (Sr. Barb & Amy Lamb) Noon St. Mary—Dawson—Millie Funari (Irene Pierz) SATURDAY, JANUARY 4th—VIGIL: THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 4:00 pm St. Camillus—McCaffrey—Robert Bremmer (Ronald & Cynthia Pisani) 4:00 pm St. Vitus—Molka—Joe Gorgacz (Rita & Randy Smith) 5:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul—Sciarappa—Loretta A. Walczak (Anthony Walczak & Tom) SUNDAY, JANUARY 5th—THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 7:00 am St. Vitus—Sciarappa—Living & Deceased Members of the Parish 8:00 am St. Mary—Dawson—John Kos (Grayce Presnar) 8:45 am St. James the Apostle—McCaffrey—Jim Goodge (Ray G. & Linda K. Goodge) 9:00 am St. Vitus—Sciarappa—Ralph S. Pisano (Bob & Rosa Perrotta) 9:30 am St. Joseph the Worker—Molka—Corporal Albert P. Gettings (Family) 10:00 am St. Vincent de Paul—Spirko—Mr. & Mrs. F. Heichel & Phil Magusiak (Family) 10:45 am St. Anthony—McCaffrey—Joseph Roseck (Mom & Dad) 11:00 am St. Camillus—Dawson—Rosina Melchiorre (Joseph Melchiorre) 11:30 am St. Mary—Molka—Michael, Kenny & Kevin Williams (Mom)

THIS WEEK, THE TABERNACLE

LAMPS ARE DEDICATED

FOR:

Adoration Chapel Antoinette Layton

by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lovaglio

St. Anthony Persecuted Christians

St. Camillus de Lellis

Persecuted Christians

St. James the Apostle

Persecuted Christians

St. Joseph the Worker

Samuel Zingaro by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph

Lovaglio

St. Mary Carmen Rozzi

by Wife, Mary Kay Rozzi

St. Vincent de Paul

Louis Martino by Family

St. Vitus

Danny Krispinsky by Richard & Joyce

Regna

St. Vitus Mary & Joseph Lamp

Paul & Anna Krispinsky

by Joe & Rita Lombardo & Family

The celebrant schedule is subject to adjustment. The bulletin is printed several days ahead of the Sunday date.

PG. 4 DECEMBER 29, 2019 PARISH LIFE

Ronald J. Duda, Sr.

Rose Marie Effinite

Elvira Francazio

Jamesa L. “Jaye” Presnar

Marie A. Sfara

Please hold in Prayer those who are ill, recovering or homebound;

our Priests, Deacons and Religious; our Military and our First Responders

and those who reside in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities.

REST IN PEACE

Readings for the week of December 29, 2019

Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/ Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5/ Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Monday: 1 Jn 2:12-17/Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10/Lk 2:36-40 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21/Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13/Jn 1:1-18 Wednesday: Nm 6:22-27/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8/Gal 4:4-7/ Lk 2:16-21 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4/ Jn 1:19-28 Friday: 1 Jn 2:29—3:6/Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6/Jn 1:29-34 Saturday: 1 Jn 3:7-10/Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9/Jn 1:35-42 Next Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13/ Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12

SCHEDULE OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSIONS): Saturdays: St. Camillus: 11:00 am—Noon St. Vitus: 11:30 am—12:30 pm St. Vincent de Paul: 4:00 pm—4:30 pm Mondays: St. Joseph the Worker: 5:15 pm—5:45 pm

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, A Holy Day of Obligation

will be celebrated on January 1st

Helping a friend, volunteering for the church or school event, shoveling the sidewalk—

all of these actions require a yes. Becoming your parent’s medical power of attorney,

resigning from a job or accepting a new one— our lives require yes after yes.

Each one sets us up for even more choices. On January 1st, we celebrate Mary as Mother of God.

This title is monumental. It elevates a simple girl from Nazareth

to the most highly revered woman in all creation. And it all started with a simple yes!

But it didn’t end there. Being free from sin doesn’t mean

being free from temptation. Mary had countless opportunities to say yes or no to God

throughout her life. She is an example for us of the power of graced perseverance!

Whatever your resolutions or decisions in the coming year, ask for Mary’s intercession to say yes.

The Adoration Chapel on North Beaver Street (across from St. Mary’s Church ) is open for adoration and prayer. Anyone wishing to visit may come between dawn and dusk.

Adoration Chapel Hours:

Open Sundays at 1:00 pm until Saturdays at 2:00 pm Closed Saturdays at 2:00 pm until Sundays at 1:00 pm

Those interested in becoming Adorers may do so by calling Vickie at 724-652-5538 x 8.

Adorers Are Needed for the following times: Saturdays: 4:00—5:00 am; 5:00—6:00 am

HOLY SPIRIT CHOIR SCHEDULE

January 4, 2020: Handbell Choir: St. Vitus 4:00 pm January 5, 2020: Choir A: St. James 8:45 am Handbell Choir: St. Vitus 9:00 am Choir B: St. Mary 11:30 am

Welcome Our Newly Baptized

Vivian Rose Mitchell Daughter of Ryan & Melissa (Nard) Mitchell

St. Vitus Church

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH PG. 5 FINANCES

In just a few short days we will bid farewell to 2019 and welcome the New Year of 2020! May your New Year be filled with the blessings of our Heavenly Father. In just a couple of months we will come to the end of our 2019 Parish Share Campaign; which ends February 29, 2020. Recently we received a $10,000.00 anonymous donation for our Parish Share Campaign. We thank this donor for their generosity in helping us to reach our goal. With only 2 months left in our Parish Share Campaign we are still short in reaching our goal.

Based on our most recent collection on December 15, 2019 we still owe $176,777.90 for Parish Share. We will be given credit for the Children’s and Youth Christmas Collection and the St. Anthony School Collection in January, thus reducing further the amount owed. Unfortunately, it appears we will not collect the total assessed amount of Parish Share for 2019. It is important to note any unpaid balance owed on Parish Share at the end of the campaign will have to be paid from our savings. In mid-February we will begin the Parish Share campaign for 2020. We will be receiving notice from the diocese as to our assessed amount for the 2020 campaign.

For this coming Parish Share year we plan to go back to the pledge cards and the monthly reminder notices that will reflect the total of your pledge, amount paid, and balance owed. Additional information will be forthcoming. We thank you for your support with our Parish Share assessment. Any additional help you can provide is greatly appreciated. We hope the amount of any shortfall in this collection will be minimal. Wishing you and yours a Blessed New Year! God Love You. Deacon John

J. M. J.

From the Desk of Deacon John:

BUDGET OVERVIEW Fiscal 2019/2020

YEAR TO DATE Offering Received:

$ 933,722.79

YEAR TO DATE Needed Per Budget:

$ 949,700.00

YEAR TO DATE Amount Over/Under Budget

-$ 15,977.21

Time, Talent & Treasure: Financial Stewardship

Number of Families Registered in Holy Spirit Parish: 5,936

Number of Envelopes Mailed Out: 5,334

# of Envelopes Used 12/15/19: 1,374

WEEKLY OFFERING 12/15/2019

In Envelopes: $ 26,020.76

Loose: $ 1,608.31

Received by Mail: $ 8,228.00

Electronic Giving: $ 2,057.97

Total Weekly Offering: $ 39,148.54

Needed per Budget: $ 37,988.00

Over/(Under) Budget: $ 1,160.54

Immaculate Conception

*Included in Weekly Total $ 658.50

2019 PARISH SHARE CAMPAIGN

Parish Share Goal: $ 424,989.00 Parish Share Paid: $ 248,211.10 (58.4%)

Parish Share Collected: $ 7,039.00 Parish Share Bal. Owed: $ 176,777.90 (41.6%)

PG. 6 DECEMBER 29, 2019 EVANGELIZATION & MUSIC

Christmas is a season, not a one night stand.

When it comes to evangelization, it is not often we can sit back and do absolutely nothing in order to send a huge Christian message to everyone in our local com-munity. While our neighbors are carting their Christmas trees to the curb, and packing away every ornament, garland, and strand of tinsel, Catholic Christians continue to celebrate the season in full regalia.

The Christmas season actually begins at Midnight on December 24th. While others see December 25th as the

last day of Christmas, we are just gearing up for a whole season of celebrations. These events are what we celebrate during the Christmas season.

• December 26 – St. Stephen (the first martyr)

• December 28 – The Holy Innocents (children murdered by Herod’s soldiers in the effort to destroy the Christ Child)

• December 29 – The Holy Family

• January 1 – The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

• January 5 – The Epiphany of the Lord (visit of the Magi)

• January 12 – The Baptism of the Lord

So, don’t touch your Christmas decorations. Leave them up through the Baptism of our Lord. In doing so, you are sending the signal to everyone who passes by that there is still more we have to celebrate. If they ask you why you are keep-ing your Christmas lights on for so long, well, you have created the perfect opportunity to share what we believe about the season. You aren’t being lazy – you are evangeliz-ing!

**One more important note – those Christmas cards that you never got around to sending before Christmas Day? Send them! When you do this, you are reminding folks that Christmas is not a 24 hour time period, but a season of joy we celebrate with all of God’s people.

What Child Is This? is a Christmas hymn whose lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865. At the time of creating this hymn, Dix served as an insurance com-pany manager and had been struck by a critical illness.

While recovering, he experienced a spiritual reviv-al that led him to write several hymns, including lyrics to What Child Is This? The lyrics were sub-sequently set to the tune of "Greensleeves", a tradi-tional English folk song. Although it was formulat-ed in Great Britain, the hymn is more popular in the United States than in its country of origin to-day.

What Child is this who, laid to rest On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?

What a wondrous mystical vision, to imagine the baby Jesus on his Mother’s lap with angels singing around him and shepherds keeping guard!

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Then the reminder that this precious child, born to save us all, will have to endure great suffering and death on the cross.

But for now, in this great season of Christmas, let us celebrate for Christ is Born. The Word made flesh!

Joy, joy for Christ is born The Babe the Child of Mary!

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH PG. 7 FAITH FORMATION

iWONDER! - WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ATRIUM? The children are shown Grace and Courtesy in the beginning weeks of the atrium. We walk slowly and talk softly in the atrium so we do not disturb the prayers of one another. In the beginning, the children are shown “Practical Life” presen-tations to help the young children gain the skills to work with the other materials. The other materials are meditative exercises based on Scripture and Liturgy. There are areas in the atrium that give our young children a love of Jesus, a base for their faith, and a deeper understanding of the Mass. It is important that the children begin this journey while they are in this critical stage of growing. It is never too early to engage children in their faith in a simplistic reality. Scripture is read and the children are invited into the wonder of God.

Vicki Pavalko, Director of CGS Email: vpavalko@hsplc.org Phone: 724-498-0904

Only at St. Camillus Sunday, 9:30—10:45 AM

SESSIONS

January 5, 12, 26 February 2, 9, 23 March 1, 8, 22, 29 April 5, 19 PARENT SESSIONS:

Jan. 8, Feb. 5, Mar. 4, Apr. 1 6:30—7:30 PM in the Rel. Ed. Building at St. Camillus, in the atrium (room 6)

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Level I

Cathy Frank & Kathy Gabriel Coordinators of K-5 Email: cfrank@hsplc.org Email: kgabriel@hsplc.org

SUNDAY’S FAITH FORMATION SITES St. Camillus Faith Formation Pre K—5 | 9:30—10:45 am St. Vitus Faith Formation K—5 | 10:15—11:30 am

SESSIONS

January 5, 12, 26 February 2, 9, 23 March 1, 8, 22, 29 April 5, 19

Cathy Frank 724-654-9371, #1 Kathy Gabriel 724-654-9371, #3 Holy Spirit Parish Faith Formation Office 915 S. Jefferson St. New Castle, PA 16101

Kindergarten-5th Stations of the Crib

CGS through 5th grade Faith

Formation participated in Sta-

tions of the Crib recently. Sta-

tions of the Crib is modeled after

Stations of the Cross but in Ad-

vent and joyful. At each of the

six stations there are readings

followed by a song and a beauti-

ful picture that corresponds to that sta-

tion. Everyone who attended was able

to take the prepared booklet home in

order to continue to enjoy this Advent

meditation. Pictured are some of the

readers from both locations. The chil-

dren did a wonderful job reading and

the experience was enjoyed by all!

PARENTS of both Wednesday Kid’s Kingdom Preschool sessions and our Sunday Faith Formation sessions are invited to the atrium January 8, 2020 at 6:30—7:30 pm.

CGS FORMATION FOR

CERTIFICATION

It is still not too late to join us! Please call Vicki at 724-498-0904. Come spend some time with us with no obligation! Just come and see! Next sessions are January 25 & 26!

The upper left picture: St. Camillus location – Readers with Brenda Kostial, Music Director.

The lower left picture: St. Vitus location - Readers

PG. 8 DECEMBER 29, 2019 FAITH FORMATION 6-8 / 9-12

High School Grades 9-12

UPCOMING SESSIONS DEC 22-JAN 5 Christmas Break

JANUARY 12 Semester Kickoff A back-to-school social with food, games, and prizes!

JANUARY 19 Anticipate For the next four weeks, we’ll look at miracles in scripture and what they tell us about God.

HIGHLIGHTS

Fall Retreat Nine students attended The Fall Retreat this past month! We talked about Mary and how she helps us in our prayer lives.

CORE TEAM MEETING DATE TBD Youth Ministry as Apostolate In addition to planning the next month’s sessions, we will be discussing how our spiritual lives can improve our youth ministry.

ST. CAMILLUS 11:00 am Mass

followed by High School Session

12:00—2:00 pm

PATRICK NEVE, DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY pneve@hsplc.org 724-652-3422 ext. 2211 910 S. Mercer St., New Castle, PA 16101

BRIAN BURICK, COORDINATOR OF MIDDLE SCHOOL FAITH FORMATION bburick@hsplc.org 724-654-9371 #2 915 S. Jefferson St., New Castle, PA 16101

Middle School Grades 6-8

ST. VITUS 9:00 am Mass followed by

Faith Formation 10:15—11:30 am

REGULAR SESSIONS: January 5, 12, 26 February 2, 9,23

March 1, 8, 22, 29 April 5, 19

ST. CAMILLUS Faith Formation 9:30—10:45 am

followed by Mass at 11:00 am

MEET BRIAN BURICK, OUR NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL COORDINATOR

Brian has been our Middle School Coordinator for a couple of months now. He is a native of the area and was an altar server at St. Joseph the Worker. Brian studied at Catholic University of America and Slippery Rock University earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. He also completed Graduate coursework

at both Geneva College and Immaculata University. Brian is a registered black belt with the United States Judo Association and has coached the sport for many years. He has also served as an elected and appointed government official,

Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County Ohio, a teacher, a prison counselor and as a caseworker. He has served as a volunteer catechist and lector for many years at St. Camillus. He and his wife, Janice, are the parents of two teenage children. Brian is excited to serve in this new role working with our middle school aged parishioners, helping to guide them in their journey with Christ.

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH PG. 9 ADULT FAITH FORMATION / ST. VITUS SCHOOL

ST. VITUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL 915 South Jefferson Street

New Castle, PA 16101

To donate call Mr. Ed Sharbaugh:

Mobile: (724) 944-4702 Work: (724) 654-9297

St. Vitus Catholic School

BAND

OLD BAND INSTRUMENTS WANTED

The St. Vitus School Band is growing and needs instruments.

If you have an old instrument you no longer need,

in reasonably good shape, please consider donating it

to the school to support the students in their music program.

Did you know that the Christmas season is anywhere from 12 to 40 days? Most Christians traditions celebrate the season from December 25th to January 6th the Epiphany of the Lord which celebrates the Magi bringing gift to the newborn Savior. The

Gospel of Matthew describes Wise Men (non-Jews) coming from the East (tradition has it that their names are Melchior, Caspar and Baltazar) who were told of Christ’s birth and set off, fol-lowing the Star of Bethlehem, to meet the baby. They presented Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to represent Jesus. Gold symbolized his kingship, frankincense his priesthood, and myrrh – that he would suffer and die for us. In many cultures, the “big’ celebration of Christmas, with gift giving, is celebrated on Epiphany. In older times, the Christmas season was celebrated until the Presenta-tion of the Lord in the temple (February 2nd.)

PG. 10 DECEMBER 29, 2019 SOCIAL MINISTRY

OUTREACH FORUM Next Meeting:

Saturday, January 18. 2020 Location:

St. Mary site—Marian Room Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am

THANK YOU! Many people

have been blessed during the Christmas holiday

and have asked us to express their gratitude

for your unfailing kindness and thoughtfulness.

May you have a Blessed and

Happy New Year!

TO BE IN SERVICE TO CHRIST CALL:

Bereavement/Funeral Home/Prayers: Sr. Annie Bremmer 724-652-3422 x 2205 Candle Bearers: Sr. Barbara Ann Johnston 724-652-3422 ext. 2712 Follow up Calls to Bereaved: Edna Hill 724-654-5620 Journeying Through Grief: Mary Ann Isaac 724-971-8539 Cards for Nursing Homes: Paula St. Clair 724-714-1567 Confirmation Blankets: Susan Kearns 724-651-1992 Rosary-Craft: Barbara Strittmatter 724-656-0942 Seven Sisters: Monica Leihy 620-877-7351 Nursing Home Masses: Madalaine Nuzzo 724-614-3453 Stitching Angels: Sara Kalata 724-944-7104

All women and men of the parish are invited to participate in these ministries.

ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER SITE: 1111 S. Cascade Street, New Castle, PA 16101 Saturday, January 4th: Noon—1:00 pm PRODUCE TO PEOPLE: St. Vitus School Gym 915 S. Jefferson Street, New Castle, PA 16101 Saturday, January 11th: 11:00 am—12:30 pm OUR FOOD PANTRIES CAN ALWAYS USE VOLUNTEERS!

HOLY SPIRIT FOOD PANTRIES

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH PG. 11 SOCIAL MINISTRY

THERE IS NOW AN INDOOR CLOTHING COLLECTION BOX AT THE ST. JAMES SITE! Items placed in the box will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Holy Spirit Parish

WHAT CAN YOU PUT IN THE BOX? Men’s, Ladies & Children’s CLOTHING, especially COATS; SHOES (put a pair of shoes into a plastic bag, tie the handles shut, to keep the pair together): BELTS, LEATHER GOODS, PURSES; PAJAMAS & ROBES. BLANKETS; TOWELS (New or Gently Used) NO Hard Goods or Appliances, sorry.

The St. Vincent de Paul truck will collect the items from the boxes.

REPORT OF THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY:

WALK FOR THE POOR RAFFLE: The 2019 Walk raised $4,156. The $250 raffle winner was Mary Christy. THANKSGIVING DINNERS: St. Vincent de Paul Society members worked with members of St. Elias Church to help our neighbors at Thanksgiving. Volunteers prepared and delivered hot Thanksgiving Dinners to 80 parishioners, seniors living in senior residences, individuals with disabilities, and families who are in current need in our community. A total of 177 residents of Lawrence County received hot meals on Thanksgiving Day! Each person was given a prayer to say before their meal and an invitation to attend Mass. ANGEL TREES: 325 Angels were placed on trees at the St. Vitus and St. Mary sites. Each person who had an angel will receive their gift. Thank You for helping the senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to know that they have not been forgotten. Our community is blessed this Christmas. Thank You. FINAL REPORTS: Reports have been submitted to the District Conference. The following is a synopsis of how residences of Lawrence County were assisted over the past year. Even though the conferences have merged together to form one society, each had to submit a report for services rendered over the last year since our merger took place at the end of the year. St Vitus site (19 Members) / St. Mary site (3 Members)

• HOME VISITS: 34 / 20 • ELDER CARE VISITS: 459 / 20 • IN PERSON VISITS: 22 / 10 • TOTAL VISITS: 713 / 125 • HOURS OF SERVICE: 1,900 Hours of Service / 930 Hours of Service

PEOPLE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY RECEIVED ASSISTANCE WITH: Gift Cards for Food; Rent/Shelter Subsidies; Utility Payments; Household Repairs; Furniture and/or Appliances; Transportation (Bus Tickets); Emergency Lodging; Car Repairs; Gift Cards for clothing and/or Household Supplies Thank you for your support!

PG. 12 DECEMBER 29, 2019 FAITHFUL EVENTS

Is the Spirit of a New Year calling you to new life in 2020—the Year of VISION?

Come join our Spiritual Poetry Group

on January 3rd from 3:00 pm to 4:40 pm,

at St. James Church in the Greater Room (lower level, on the Ohio side)

Experience the Spirit of Creation in Scripture and in poetry! No Previous Poetry Experience Necessary!

Call Pauline at 724-964-1104

for more information, or to let us know that you will RESOLVE to join us!

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING Sunday, January 12, 2020

7:00 pm—9:00 pm St. Mary site—Marian Room ALL MEN ARE WELCOME!

PLEASE JOIN US!

January 5 Breakfast Brunch 9:00 am—1:00 pm St. James site—Social Hall January 11 #Refresh Roaring 20s Extravaganza

POSTPONED January 18 Outreach Forum 9:00 am—11:00 am St. Mary site—Marian Room January 24 March for Life Bus Trip to Washington, D.C. Departure: 4:45 am Lawrence Village Plaza January 29 Thank You Reception for Parish Volunteers & Employees 4:00 pm—7:00 pm St. Mary site—Parish Center February 22 Holy Spirit Mardi Gras St. Mary site—Parish Center Admission by Ticket Only No Tickets Sold at the Door

2020

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH PG. 13 EVENTS

POSTPONED

Wishing one and all a Blessed New Year!

PG. 14 DECEMBER 29, 2019 FUNDRAISERS

Next Sunday, January 5th 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

MENU: French Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes,

Buckwheat Pancakes Sweet Cream Cheese Topping,

Maple Syrup & Apple Syrup Scrambled Eggs,

Eggs with Peppers, Onions & Cheese, Home Fries,

Bacon, Ham & Sausage, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

Fresh Baked Cinnamon Rolls, Toast, Hot & Cold Cereals

Coffee & Tea, Juices & Milk

Adults $9.00 Children $4.00

St. James the Apostle site 4019 US 422, Pulaski, PA

1 1/2 mi. East of Ohio/PA line

John’s

HOLY SPIRIT WOMEN OF FAITH 2020 RAFFLE BASED ON PA LOTTERY!

Payout Every Day of 2020! Cost is $25.00 Payout Never Less Than $30.00

TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS, CALL ONE OF THESE WOMEN OF FAITH: Carol Meyers: 724-944-4929 Jean Mann: 724-535-8357 Bonnie Williams: 724-698-7453 Cindy Terrell: 724-546-6022 Maureen Kuhn: 724-730-6830

LAST CHANCE FOR TICKETS: JANUARY 2, 2020 St. Mary site—Parish Center 9:00 am—2:00 pm

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH PG. 15 FUNDRAISER

Tickets $ 40.00

Early Bird Discount: $ 35.00 per ticket

(Early Bird Discount Ends January 1, 2020)

NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR!

Name: ________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________ Email: ______________________________________

Number of Tickets: __________ Amount Enclosed: ___________

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

Saturday, February 22, 2020 St. Mary’s Big Easy Parish Center

Corner of North & Beaver Streets, Downtown New Castle

Huge Basket Raffle! Silent Auction!

Eric De Fade Jazz Trio! Delicious Food by Mijavec! Mardi Gras Bonus Raffle!

Put Your Order Form and Payment (Make checks out to Holy Spirit Parish)

in an envelope, write Joanne McCaffrey’s name on it,

drop it in the collection basket or drop off at the St. Vitus Office or

the St. James Office.

PG. 16 DECEMBER 29, 2019 INFORMATION

HOLY SPIRIT SITES:

SAINT ANTHONY SITE 411 W. Poland Ave., Bessemer, PA 16112

SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS SITE

314 W. Englewood Avenue, New Castle, PA 16105

SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE SITE 4019 US 422, Pulaski, PA 16143

724-964-8276

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER SITE 1111 South Cascade Street, New Castle, PA 16101

ST. MARY SITE

124 North Beaver Street, New Castle, PA 16101

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SITE 1 Lucymont Drive, New Castle, PA 16102

SAINT VITUS SITE

910 South Mercer Street, New Castle, PA 16101

SAINT VITUS SCHOOL 915 South Jefferson Street, New Castle, PA 16101

724-654-9297

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH OFFICE 910 South Mercer Street, New Castle, PA 16101

724-652-3422

Victim’s Assistance Hot-Line: If you are a person who has been hurt by abuse from clergy or others associated with the Church,

the Diocese of Pittsburgh offers assistance with counseling, spiritual direction and referrals to other supportive services.

We invite you to contact our Diocesan Assistance Coordinator toll free at 1-888-808-1235 To report abuse to Childline, please call (toll free) 1-800-932-0313

Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.

Please Direct ALL Parish Cemetery Inquiries to:

The Catholic Parish Cemeteries Association of the Diocese of Pittsburgh

North Regional Office

2636 Ellwood Road, New Castle, PA 16101

(724) 323-0033 cpca@cpca-pgh.org

HOLY SPIRIT E-MAIL CONTACTS Father McCaffrey: jmccaffrey@hsplc.org Father Sciarappa: asciarappa@hsplc.org Father Dawson: bdawson@hsplc.org Sister Annie: abremmer@hsplc.org Sister Barbara: bjohnston@hsplc.org Deacon John: jcarran@hsplc.org Deacon Dan: dkielar@hsplc.org

HOLY SPIRIT GIFT SHOP 12 Maitland Street (Parking at the corner of Maitland & Jefferson Streets)

Hours:

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00 am—4:00 pm Sundays 10:00 am—Noon Other times by appointment: call 724-654-8851

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK!

JANUARY STOREWIDE CLEARANCE SALE!

30%—40%—50%—EVEN 60% OFF SELECTED MERCHANDISE INCLUDING CHRISTMAS ITEMS

JANUARY 2nd—5th—7th & 9th

All Parish Offices will be closed Tuesday, December 31st and

Wednesday, January 1st for the New Year Holiday.

Offices will reopen for business at 9:00 am on Thursday, January 2nd.

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PG. 20 DECEMBER 29, 2019