Sunday, December 11, 2016 St. Bernard of Clairvaux

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH BRADFORD, PA ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA

OUR PARISH THANKS YOU OUR PARISH THANKS YOU OUR PARISH THANKS YOU OUR PARISH THANKS YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION

What we sacrifice and return to God through His church will be returned to us many times over.

December 4, 2016 Collection……………$ 10,017 November On-Line Giving…………….…$ 1,440 November St. Bernard School………….$ 580

Avg Wkly Operating Exp (FY 15-16)…..$ 11,062 THIS WEEK’S DEFICIT……………...….$ 1,045

2016 CSA Pledged…………..$ 47,776 2016 CSA Paid……………….$ 44,556

Please do not staple or tape your envelopes closed! Thank you!

Would you believe that it is already the Third Sunday of Advent? In the Gospel

reading, Saint John the Baptist asks Jesus an important question: “Are you the one

to come, or should we look for another?” The question that we have to ask

ourselves is this: “What is the purpose of my following/believing in Jesus?” At first

glance, we may be drawn to Jesus for various reasons much like the people of His

time, but at some point we must allow this Jesus to become a part of our lives. We

must get to the heart of the answer. Jesus says so often in the gospels: “He, who

sees me, sees the Father and if you don’t believe in me, believe in the works that I do.”

Everything about Jesus was different. As the scriptures remind us - He was Son of God and son of Mary. As we read and

pray through the gospels, we get a marvelous picture of who this Jesus is. Jesus was compassionate, always pointing us

to His Father. As we look to Christmas and continue to grow with the scriptures, we see the special gift that the Father

gave us, in the gift of His Son, Jesus. Jesus is the embodiment of His unconditional love for mankind. It is a wonderful

unselfish love that truly sets us free to love one another - and the source of that love is God Himself.

All of us are aware of the famous Christmas song: “The Little Drummer Boy.” It teaches

us a wonderful lesson. All of us know that he played his drum for Jesus, but let us delve

deeper. He did more than play drums - at the same time, he gave the gift of himself,

and he gave his talent. This Christmas, all that Jesus wants from us, much like the

drummer boy, is the gift of our self.

God Bless. Fr. Ray

ST. BERNARD SCHOOLST. BERNARD SCHOOLST. BERNARD SCHOOLST. BERNARD SCHOOL

Dec 19th — Christmas Play presented at 1 pm & 7 pm — Community is invited.

Dec 20th & 21th— SANTA STORE SHOPPING

Dec 23rd — NO SCHOOL OR CARE – Christmas break begins

Classes resume Jan 3rd, 2017 Check our website, www.stbernardcatholic.org

for more scholarship information.

Wed, Dec 14th, 10 am Mass — grade 3

RETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTIONRETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTIONRETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTIONRETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTION Aging religious need your help. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests have offered their lives in service to others—educating the young, comforting the sick, seeking justice for the oppressed. Today, they are frail, elderly and in need of assistance. Your gift this week to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps to furnish medications, nursing care and other necessities. Please give generously to today’s second collection.

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

Catholic Women: Tues, Dec 13 - Christmas Dinner, 6 pm Widows Group: Thurs, Dec 15, 11 am – Christmas Cards RCIA: Sundays @ Noon, Dec 11 & 18 REP 1-8: Sundays @ 9am, Dec 11 & 18 REP 9, 10 & Confirmation: Sundays @ 5:45 at Fr. Ritchie Hall, Dec 11 & 18

AREA ADVENT AREA ADVENT AREA ADVENT AREA ADVENT SERVICESSERVICESSERVICESSERVICES

Dec 11th at 3:00 p.m. at St. Bernard, Bradford (St. Bernard/ St. Francis & OMPH combined)

Dec 14th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth, Smethport Dec 15th at 7:00 pm at St. Callistus, Kane

3333RD RD RD RD SUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 11, 2016DECEMBER 11, 2016DECEMBER 11, 2016DECEMBER 11, 2016

CHRISTMAS WAFERS Oplatki are now available in the

Parish office for $3.

FAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVE The question put to Jesus in today’s gospel is also put to us today: “Are you the one?” Are you the one who will give guidance to the children in your life or must they look to TV sitcoms, Face Book, videos or music lyrics for direction? Are you the one? Will you be the one?

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

PENN LAUREL REALTY

MARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTS "Be patient, brothers and sisters...Do not complain about one another." (James 5: 7-9). Preparation for Christmas can strain even the best relationships. Be gentle and patient with each other as you do the many tasks to prepare for Christ-mas.

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTS

Please Pray for the Following Priests

Sunday, Dec 11- Rev. Richard C. Tomasone Monday, Dec 12 - Rev. David M. Renne Tuesday, Dec 13 - Rev. Rocco A. Tito Wednesday, Dec 14 - Rev. John M. Schultz Thursday, Dec 15 - The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico Friday, Dec 16 - Rev. George E. Strohmeyer Saturday, Dec 17 - Rev. Paul A. Schill

www.osvonlinegiving/1845

LAST CHANCE TO SHOPLAST CHANCE TO SHOPLAST CHANCE TO SHOPLAST CHANCE TO SHOP Gift Card order forms are available in the back of the church and the parish office. Orders with payment are due in to the office BY MON-DAY, DECEMBER 12th — last order before Christmas.

FINAL 2016 CSA pledge payments must be in to the Parish Office by

the end of December, 2016.

ADVENT FAMILY RESOURCESADVENT FAMILY RESOURCESADVENT FAMILY RESOURCESADVENT FAMILY RESOURCES The Office of Parish Social Ministry and Respect Life is offer-ing resources for individuals and families for the Advent Sea-son. These resources include weekly scripture for reflection, service opportunity suggestions and additional resources for assisting families in preparing for Christmas. Please visit h t t p : / / w w w . e r i e r c d . o r g / j u s t i c e . h t m For additional information or questions, please contact Erin Landini-Grogan at (814) 824-1254 or respect-life@eriercd.org.

WORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFE “A child is loved because he is one’s child: not because he is beautiful, or because he is like this or like that...Not because he thinks as I do, or embodies my dreams. A child is a child: a life generated by us but intended for him, for his good, for the good of the family, of society, of mankind as a whole.”

—Pope Francis, General Audience, February 11, 2015 ©Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission.

St. Bernard Church St. Bernard Church St. Bernard Church St. Bernard Church Christmas Cards Christmas Cards Christmas Cards Christmas Cards

are available in the Parish office They are in packs of 5 and feature St. Bernard altar/church 2011 Christmas decorations. Contact the Parish office to purchase.

NOW ON SALE FOR $2.50 /pack

Photos by Long Art Photography.

4444ththththANNUAL TRIANNUAL TRIANNUAL TRIANNUAL TRI----PARISH PARISH PARISH PARISH CHILI CONTESTCHILI CONTESTCHILI CONTESTCHILI CONTEST

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Watch for more information to come!

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX PARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATION

PASTORAL STAFF: Rev. Father Raymond C. Gramata, Pastor Mrs. Kimberly A. Mooney, Principal SBS

OFFICE HOURS: Monday: 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday - Friday: 8 am to 4 pm Ms. Wendy Thomson, Financial Manager Ms. Kathy Bryant, Secretary

MASS SCHEDULE: Monday-Saturday: Please consult bulletin. Weekend: Saturday (Vigil): 5:15 pm, Sunday: 8:00 am & 10:00 am Holy Days: Please consult bulletin

RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 8:30 am, 4 to 5 pm, Thursday before First Friday: 4 to 5 pm. Private appointments may be made by calling Parish Office.

RELIGIOUS EDCATION PROGRAM (REP) Students not attending Catholic school should be enrolled in REP programs. St. Bernard, St. Francis and OMPH Religious Education programs are combined. Grades 1 through 8 meet on Sunday mornings at 9 am at St. Bernard in Fr. Gallina Social Center and grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation) meet at St. Francis in G. Carlton Ritchie Hall at 5:15 pm on Sunday. Both programs begin in September.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): We welcome all inquiries about the Catholic faith. This process begins in the fall of the year. Please call the Parish Office for further information.

ST. BERNARD ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE SCHOOL: 450 West Washington Street: serving students, preschool through eighth grade. Open to parishioners, Catholics from other parishes and those of other faiths. Offering Extended Care before, during, and after school. For complete information, please call 368-5302.

MEMBERSHIP: All Baptized Catholics should be registered, practicing and supporting members of a Parish. Only properly registered members appear on our parish list and are eligible to receive the benefits of parish membership for sacraments, and educational opportunities (including tuition assistance) at our Catholic School. Each parishioner is called upon to practice good stewardship of time, talent and treasure. If you are not currently receiving envelopes, you may not be registered. Call the Parish Office - we would love to meet you!

MARRIAGE: Couples need to contact a priest at least six months before their wedding. Registered and active participation needs to be considered before marriage.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Please call the Parish Office to request the Sacrament of the Sick for family members who are seriously ill. Communion for the sick is taken to the hospital, nursing homes, and the home-bound on a regular basis.

BAPTISM: Both parents must attend the Pre-Baptism Preparation Program. Please call the St. Bernard Parish Office for dates and times of upcoming class. Baptisms are scheduled after completing the program. Call the Parish Office to schedule the class and baptism. Godparents must be at least 16, confirmed and active, registered members of their parish.

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OF TIME & TALENT

Religious Education: Grades 1-8, 9 am Sunday mornings at St. Bernard Grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation), 5:45 pm Sunday evenings at St. Francis

Liturgical Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors

Music Director Kathy O’Mara 331-8084 Folk Group Peggy Errera 368-3024 Resurrection Choir Mariann Pascarella 368-5356 God’s Housekeepers Parish Office 362-6825 Liturgy Committee Fr. Raymond C. Gramata 362-6825

Parish Community St. Bernard School Kim Mooney, Principal 368-5302 Parish Council Catholic Women’s Club Joan Yohe 362-3929 Telephone Prayer Chain Natalie Marasco 363-9110

Cover photo by LongArt Photography

Acts

The Spread of the Kingdom A Twenty-Part Bible Study Featuring Jeff Cavins

Starting January 5, 2017 at 6:30 pm in Ritchie Hall, St. Francis of Assisi Church

Cost: $32.00

Registration must be into the St. Francis office by December 21, 2016

Registration forms are available in the back of the Church or St. Bernard parish office.

For more information, call the St. Francis Parish Office 814-368-6959 or Email stfandomph@atlanticbbn.net

IN WRITING BY NOON ON FRIDAY

2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BULLETIN DATE.

MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES DECEMBER 17DECEMBER 17DECEMBER 17DECEMBER 17---- 18, 201618, 201618, 201618, 2016

LECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULE Saturday, December 17 5:15 pm Jean Truman Sunday, December 18 8:00 am Rhett Kennedy 10:00 am Greg Ulyan

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS Saturday, December 17 5:15 pm Mary Mongillo/ Cindy Higley/ Cliff Ackley Sunday, December 18 8:00 am Ruth Dixon/ Sue Bradley/ Marcia Riley 10:00 am Chuck Beattie/ Kim Lance/ Paul Curcio HOSPITAL/PAVILION: J.E. O’Mara

ALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERS Saturday, December 17 5:15 pm Ryan Hughes/ VOLUNTEER Sunday, December 18 8:00 am Brent, Hugh & Rhys Kennedy 10:00 am Timothy & Clare Mulcahy

Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering:

Thomas Ackley, Betty Baliski, Bill Baynes, Barb Bernheisel & Foster Family, Shirley Black, John Bove, Tom Burke, Dick Clark, Ryley Cleveland, Betsy Costello, Helen DeFrank, Michael Eaton,

Helen Ewell, Rose Feldhaus Family, Ysbella Feldman, Pat Girard, Pearl Harris, Brandon M. Henry, Jill Henry, Sandy Holsinger, James Kibby, Bill Kline, Lori Kozlowski, Kaylee Marsfelder, Colleen McNamara, Shannon McNamara, Mariana Militelo, Joe Monago, Shirley Mongillo, Lou Monti, Cheri O’Mara, Courtney Prentiss, James Romanelli, Tim Romanelli, Cindy Sayers, Nancy Shaw, Caro Simonds, Steve Skaggs, Sandy Spehar, Bonnie Swackhamer, Matthew Whelan, Richard Yovichin, Tom Zimbardi

May they be strengthened by the healing presence of God’s Spirit.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 11, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 11, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 11, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 11, 2016

Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10/Ps 146/Jas 5:7-10/Mt 11:2-11 Monday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Jdt 13/Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13/Ps 34/Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25/Ps 85/ Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday: Is 54:1-10/Ps 30/Lk 7:24-30 Friday: Is 56:1-3a, 6-8/Ps 67/Jn 5:33-36 Saturday: Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72/Mt 1:1-17 Next Sunday: Is 7:10-14/Ps 24/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK OF DEC 12 OF DEC 12 OF DEC 12 OF DEC 12 ---- DEC 18, DEC 18, DEC 18, DEC 18, 2016201620162016 ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX

Monday, December 12 8:00 am Parishioners Wednesday, December 14 8:00 am Place & McDonald Families (Family) 5:15 pm Al & Robert Johnston (Rita Hogan) Thursday, December 15 12:10 pm Francis Albert Sinatra (Barry Matto) Friday, December 16 8:00 am Dolores & Paul Madison (Shirley & Paul Madison) Saturday, December 17 8:00 am Mary Telese (Pat & Loretta Iaderosa) 5:15 pm Vicky Leo (Family) Sunday, December 18 8:00 am DelMonego Family (Shirley DelMonego) 10:00 am Scott Rae (Family)

WEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELWEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELWEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELWEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPEL

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Monday, December 12 9:00 am Zena Verolini (Elizabeth Lindemuth) Wednesday, December 14 9:00 am Vivian Pritz (Jerry & JoAnn Bator) Saturday, December 17 4:30 pm Carla Zandi Shamblen (Carl & Bunny Zandi) Sunday, December 18 11:00 am William Bottorf (a) (Cindy Greek)

OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELPOUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELPOUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELPOUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP

Tuesday, December 13 8:00 am James Ross (Sam & Florence Langianese) Thursday, December 15 8:00 am Parishioners of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and St. Francis Sunday, December 18 9:00 am Deceased Members of the Langianese Family

GOD'S GOD'S GOD'S GOD'S HOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERS

Dec 12 - Dec 16: Team 4

B. Spadafore/ M. Block/ A. Frombach/ G. Ulyan/

G. Santora