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The Roman Catholic Community of
Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Area, 213 One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
Saint Mark A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust
3210 Liberty Way McKeesport, PA 15133 Phone 412-678-6275
Fax 412-673-1393 Email: [email protected]
Saint Eugene Church (StE) 3210 Liberty Way - Liberty
Saint Michael A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust
101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037-2363
Phone 412-751-0663 Fax 412-751-2161
Email: [email protected]
Saint Michael Church (StM) 101 McLay Drive - Elizabeth
Queen of the Rosary A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust
530 Michigan Avenue Glassport, PA 15045 Phone 412-672-7209
Fax 412-672-6390 Email: [email protected]
Queen of the Rosary (QoR) 530 Michigan Avenue - Glassport
Website: ElizabethSouthAlleghenyCC.org
Looking For A Faith Community? Wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you to join our community. You may register by calling the Faith Community Office.
January 3, 2021
Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Area, 213 Faith Formation - Adult - Children - Youth
101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037 412-754-0886 Email: [email protected] Facebook: FaithFormation-EGSA
The Pittsburgh Catholic is now On-Line.
thepittsburghcatholic.wpccomstating.com
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Roman Catholic Community
Established January 4, 2021
A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust
One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
Website: joachimandannediopitt.org
Administration Center
101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037
Phone 412-751-0663
Fax 412-751-2161
Email: TBD
Church Buildings
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Saint Eugene Church (StE) 3210 Liberty Way
McKeesport, PA 15133
+
Saint Michael Church (StM) 101 McLay Drive
Elizabeth, PA 15037
+
Queen of the Rosary Church (QoR) 530 Michigan Avenue Glassport, PA 15045
January 4, 2021
Looking For A Faith Community? Wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you to join our community. You may register by calling the Faith Community Office.
Faith Formation Adult - Children - Youth
101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037 Phone 412-754-0886
Email: [email protected] Facebook: FaithForm-
Mary of Nazareth Catholic School 1640 Fawcett Ave. White Oak, PA 15131
Pre-School 3 & 4, Kindergarten, First - Eighth Grade please call the school office, 412-672-2360. Webpage: www.maryofnazarethschool.org
The Pittsburgh Catholic is now Online. thepittsburghcatholic.wpccomstating.com
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish 3
Sacraments
Baptism of Infants & Children Baptism is a joyous event in the life of the church. Baptism is celebrated any Sunday after Mass. Parents are required to attend a Pre-Baptism Class.
Previous arrangements are necessary.
Instruction in the Faith - R.C.I.A. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program is offered for those interested in the Catholic Faith. For more information, please contact Fr. Wagner.
Reconciliation St. Eugene Church, Liberty
Tuesday, 7 - 7:30 pm
St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Saturday, 11-11:30 am
Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport Saturday, 1- 1:30 pm
St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Saturday, 3:15-3:45 pm
St. Eugene Church, Liberty Saturday, 5:15-5:45 pm
Marriage The prospective bride and groom are to make arrangements with the priest or deacon at least 6 months prior to the proposed date of the wedding. Diocesan regulations require all couples to attend an approved pre-marriage preparation program.
Anointing of the Sick the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally on the Second Sunday of the Month.
Ministry to the Sick and Shut In Homebound members of the Parish should call the Parish Office to make arrangements to receive Holy Communion at home.
Sponsorship Forms Only registered, practicing, fully-initiated Catholics are eligible for sponsor certificates. Please call the Parish Office.
Bulletin Information Deadline 2 weeks in advance of publish date. [email protected]
Moving Please call or email your new address to the Parish Office.
Child Abuse Hotline 1-888-808-1235
Mass Intentions For The Week
StE St. Eugene Church, Liberty StM St. Michael Church, Elizabeth
QoR Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport
January 3 - 10, 2021
Saturday, 2, Vigil, Epiphany of the Lord
StM 4:00 pm T Joe & Norma Lord - Knights of Columbus
StE 6:00 pm M Joseph Nesteruk - Family & Friends
Sunday, 3, Epiphany of the Lord
StE 8:00 am M Crossen & Mullaly Families - Crossen Family
StM 9:00 am T Lillian Grooms - Patricia Yekich
QoR 10:30 am M Clara B. Palumbo - Karen Thomas
StM 12 Noon T Marjorie Davis - Jan & Ryan Living & Deceased of the Grouping Family
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish
Monday, 4, Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious
QoR 8:30 am Violet Kovtun - Parish Family
Novena - Infant of Prague
StM 9:00 am Ryan Malady – Frank & Sandie McLaughlin
Tuesday, 5, John Neumann, bishop
StM 9:00 am Georgia Gentile - Howard & Sue Hill
StE 6:30 pm Michael & Amanda Crossen - 30th Wedding Anniversary - Family
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions - 7:00 - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, 6, Christmas Weekday
QoR 8:30 am Evelyn Gooch - Parish Family
StM 9:00 am Mel Harlan – Louise Konchak
Thursday, 7, Christmas Weekday
StE 8:30 am Kenny Kaczka - Joe, Karen, & Michael
StM 9:00 am Charles & Kathleen Yaksick - Nada & Natalie Yaksick
Friday, 8, Christmas Weekday
QoR 8:30 am Ruth Rushe - Family & Friends
StM 9:00 am Joseph DeChicchis - Rose Marie Zuro
Saturday, 9, Vigil, Baptism of the Lord
StM 4:00 pm M Emil Raynak - Raynak Family
StE 6:00 pm T Louise Kyslinger - Family & Friends
Sunday, 10, Baptism of the Lord
StE 8:00 am T Phyllis Bator - Family & Friends
StM 9:00 am M Jean & Rich Vezzani - Choir
QoR 10:30 am T Clara Palumbo - Family & Friends
StM 12 Noon M Ollie Merletto & Family - Yurkovich Family Living & Deceased of the Grouping Family
Low Gluten Hosts available - please see Priest before Mass.
4 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Roman Catholic Community
Saints Joachim and Anne July 26, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Rationale: We are witnessing the presence of God
in our lives through faith and perseverance
under the guidance of the Virgin Mary.
In the Scriptures, Matthew and Luke furnish a legal family history of Jesus, tracing ancestry to show that Jesus is the culmination of great promises. Not only is his mother’s family neglected, we also know nothing factual about them except that they existed. The heroism and holiness of Joachim and Anne is inferred from the whole family atmosphere around Mary in the Scriptures. Whether we rely on the legends about Mary’s childhood or make guesses from the information in the Bible, we see in her a fulfillment of many generations of prayerful persons, herself steeped in the religious traditions of her people. Joachim and Anne represent that entire quiet series of generations who faithfully perform their duties, practice their faith and establish an atmosphere for the coming of the Messiah, but remain obscure. According to tradition, Anne was born in Bethlehem, and married Joachim of Nazareth, both descendants of David. Together with her husband, Anne raised Mary to be a paragon of virtue and entrusted her to the temple as a child. It appears that she died at an advanced age. The same tradition tells of Joachim, a wealthy livestock owner whose marriage to Anne did not produce offspring until late. This was regarded as a lack of heavenly blessing, resulting in Joachim’s sacrifice being refused at the temple. Remembering the son granted to Abraham late in life, Joachim resolved to go into the desert and fast for forty days. An angel appeared and told him of the birth of his daughter, and he went to meet his wife at the Golden Gate of Jerusalem.
Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us.
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish New Parish Establishment
On April 12, 2015, Bishop Zubik initiated On
Mission for The Church Alive! As a community of believers, we have successfully completed the merger process by presenting a Virtual Parish Assembly and gathering written feedback from parishioners. Members of the Advisory Councils (Pastoral and Finance) worked with your administrator to complete all necessary documentation for the merger. In turn, your grouping administrator
petitioned to merge the parishes of Saint Mark, Saint Michael, and Queen of the Rosary. On October 19, 2020, the diocesan Priest Council and Vicars General gave consent to the proposed merger, and Bishop Zubik decided to enact these recommendations. Effective January 4, 2021, our current parishes, Saint Mark, Saint Michael, and Queen of the Rosary,
will cease to exist as parishes, and the new parish of Saints Joachim and Anne will take their place. No church buildings will close at this time. Parish leaders (Clergy Team and Advisory Councils) and parishioners will need to follow a thorough process to consider which buildings will best serve the needs of the faithful and the community. Every member of Saint Mark, Saint Michael, and
Queen of the Rosary are now members of the newly formed parish of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish. Saints Joachim and Anne Parish will also inherit all of the assets, responsibilities and liabilities of the current parishes. Your priests and deacons have worked diligently in service to you and to God throughout this process. This has not been a simple task, Jesus never
promised that it would be easy to carry his message of love and mercy to others. He was clear that sacrifice would be necessary. However, we are positioning our new parish for more effective ministry by addressing the financial needs, sharing resources and allowing our clergy to focus on the spiritual work for which they were ordained. With
our faith in Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we welcome and serve each other as we become one parish family. We are a community of believers,
rooted in the abiding presence of Christ, centered in the Holy Eucharist,
proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus, and serving in the tradition
of the early church as his disciples.
One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic
New Parish Updates On Monday, January 4, 2021, our new parish,
Saints Joachim and Anne, officially begins. As we
celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, the manifestation of God’s love for us in the person of
Jesus Christ, let us pray that God will continue to
pour out divine mercy upon us through our new parish. As the Magi brought their gifts to the new-
born king, let us offer the gifts of ourselves, our
time, talents, and treasure, for the success of our new parish. Let us pray that our united parish will be
a joyful witness to the reality of divine love in our
world today. One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish 5
January Rosary Intention May the Lord give us the grace to live in full
fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions praying for one another, open to all.
Pastoral Staff Clergy Team Reverend Thomas A. Wagner, Administrator Reverend Miroslaus A. Wojcicki, Senior Parochial Vicar Deacon Dale J. DiSanto, Permanent Deacon Deacon Jeffrey P. Formica, Permanent Deacon Deacon Stephen C. Pikula, Permanent Deacon Deacon John E. Ragan, Permanent Deacon
Mary of Nazareth Catholic School Lynda McFarland, Principal, 412-672-2360
Faith Formation - Religious Education Adult - Children - Youth Julie Fleckenstein, Facilitator Amanda Wilt, Co-Children, K-6 Grade Susan Formica, Youth, Junior & Senior High Darla Losteter, Family Support
Music Ministry Pastoral Secretary Celeste Cafasso Jan Kunkel Carol Gioia Amy Megahan Pamela Whitney Jeannie Premozic
Facilities Safe Environment Tony Hutskow Jeannie Premozic Kevin Hopkins Darla Losteter Patricia Muic
Advisory Councils Pastoral Council
Jack Ferko, Facilitator Patty Smith, Co-Facilitator Zac Allan, Scribe
Glenn Bonczek Vickie Budd Elaine David Eric Davis Denise DeCapria Anne Laychak Michael Ksiazek Leah Meek Brian Phillips
Finance Council Judy Zajicek, Facilitator Patricia Palmer, Co-Facilitator
Barry Bisogni, Scribe Kay Callear Loretta Dabruzzo Val McCarthy Sandy Palmer Judy Shriane Donald Similo
We remember . . . In your charity, please remember all those who have died,
especially: Eugene Gutierrez, Duane Kennedy, Francis Osada, all who will die today,
and those who have no one to pray for them. Resting in Paradise.
Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord. And Let Perpetual Light Shine on them.
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Community
Epiphany Proclamation
Ash Wednesday Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord March 28, 2021
Easter Sunday, Resurrection of the Lord April 4, 2021
First Holy Communion Sunday, April 11, 2021
Confirmation Monday, April 12, 2021
The Ascension of the Lord Thursday, May 13, 2021
Pentecost Sunday May 23, 2021
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 21, 2021
Safety First Morning or Evening Mass Snow Cancellations
For everyone’s safety, a delay or cancellation at Elizabeth Forward or South Allegheny School Districts is our notice of Safety First.
Mornings or Evenings with a delay or cancellation—There will be no morning or evening Mass at Saint Eugene Church. Please listen to the radio or watch TV for delays or cancellations. Safety first! Be careful!
The Epiphany of the Lord When I tell a story, I have a friend who prefers the nut-shell version first. After that she’ll listen to me ramble, but she wants to know the main point right off the bat. When reading and hearing Sunday scriptures one may often find the nutshell by looking at the responsorial psalm or the Gos-pel acclamation. From Psalm 72 we hear Lord, every na-tion on earth will adore you. The verse for the Gospel ac-clamation is Matthew 2:2 We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. As a weary world, we need to see the light, to follow with our actions and our words. This is the same hope that is echoed in Isaiah 60:2; See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Don’t give up, friends. You must shine! Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
6 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Roman Catholic Community
Giving Homage In our minds, it is easy to mix up bits and pieces from Luke’s account of the shepherds coming to see Jesus in the stable and the story of the magi. Clearly, it has taken the magi time to get here, and the reading speaks of them coming to the house where the star led them. Nevertheless, they prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures . . . How do we do this? Do we continue looking for Jesus, even if takes a while and he is not where we expect to see him? Are we paying attention to the signs showing us the way? What gifts do we have with which to pay him homage? After seeing him, the Magi were warned in a dream not to go back the way they came. But if we have seen the Christ child, how can we go back to where we were? We must continue to respond to God’s call to move forward and grow in our lives. We must seek the right and just path and turn away from the Herod’s and inherent evils in our life. Nutshell: Seek God. Pay homage. Amen.
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.
Searching In Matthew’s Gospel today we see two extremely different perspectives, two different reasons for searching for Jesus. In some ways, this resembles the polarization of our nation in today’s time. What one group sees as good for the nation, those with opposing views think will wreck the country. The Magi were astrologers who saw a vision in the sky and were trying to find a way to follow it and discover the new king of the Jews. Herod heard about this king, and his reaction was dark and negative. He saw the birth of such a king as a threat to his power as the Roman leader of the country and wanted the Magi to pass on to him what they knew about this Christ child. Similarly, on a more personal level, we can either feel threatened or excited by changes that may come, depending on our perspective. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
Promise Fulfilled Isaiah reminds the people of God that the land shall be restored to their possession, they shall rejoice to see their people return from the bondage of exile, and they shall be a light to the nations. In other words, through the people of Israel, the Savior shall come to all people who seek God with a sincere heart. This brings joy and the radiance of God’s glory to all the world and to all people everywhere. Through the fidelity of the people of God, and through God’s fidelity to them, all people shall become God’s children and rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
The Epiphany of the Lord January 3, 2021
Where is that thing? mumbled Bob as he searched frantically on his dimly lit desk for the current electric bill. I know I put it right on top of these papers this morning! Growing in frustration and bordering
on anger, he flies stuff around, moves books and opines why simple tasks need to be so hard. Enter his wife, who calmly says, Maybe it would help if you put the light on, dear. The desk light goes on and lo and behold, there is the electric bill right where Bob left it earlier. All it took was a little light!
We stubbornly refuse to turn on the lights! Either we are
distracted, determined, disinterested, preoccupied, stubborn,
apprehensive, or all of the above. Or perhaps, we fail to do
the obvious. We would rather live our lives with the dimmest
of lights or even in total darkness. Why are we afraid to do
something so that we can actually see? It might help us to
find quicker and better answers to problems, the meaning of
life, relationships, happiness, and what is ultimate truth. Yet,
we stumble along, moving things from one side to the other,
getting angry, feeling cheated, being unsettled, resigning
ourselves to the agony of defeat once again.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising
preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place
where the child was. The light has come into the world in
the person of Jesus Christ! We no longer have to fumble in
the darkness. We have been gifted with the illumination we
need to see our way through things and find what we really
are looking for. All these years later, however, so many are
still reluctant to accept him. Perhaps they are unconvinced,
disinterested, preoccupied, stubborn, apprehensive, or all of
the above. Everyone has their own reason for not wanting to
turn on the switch.
But there are so many answers to so many of our problems
in this humble Child of Nazareth. A simple birth teaches us
about God’s tender wedded relationship with humanity. It
speaks to the expanse of God’s salvation across the globe,
and the incarnate Divine wonders and blessings that are a
part of our life moment to moment. It calls us to understand
the design of world order God intended as found in the
Beatitudes, the sacredness of every human life and all of
creation and the meaning of things we struggle with most, like
suffering and death. We have a lot of Good News to share,
not just with a privileged few but with all the world. All races
and creeds can receive God’s healing word. God continues to
manifest himself even now! Use the light to find what you are
really looking for! ©LPi
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish 7
Wise Men See God in the Simple Things If you’re on social media, you have probably seen a meme going around that features this quote: God has a plan for your life. The enemy has a plan for your life. Be ready for both. Just be wise enough to know which one to battle and which one to embrace. There were certainly two competing plans for the Magi: God’s and Herod’s. And, wise as they supposedly were, it wasn’t entirely easy for the Magi to discern which was which. After all, Herod posed as a friend. He offered the Magi hospitality and kindness. Though the Gospel doesn’t say so, he probably flattered them and appealed to every moral weakness he could observe in them. In his palace, they must have felt great physical comfort — rest and tables of plenty on what was an otherwise long and treacherous journey. But if the Magi were honest with themselves, I’ll bet they would have admitted that, regardless of Herod’s charm, they felt a gnawing sense of doubt while in his presence. When they looked upon the Christ Child, born in a stable without any of the comforts of the world or protections of wealth, they probably felt the opposite. They probably felt safe. The Magi were lucky enough to have the right plan spelled out for them in a dream, but for the rest of us, it’s enough to remember this: God’s plan is often the one that leads us to places of great simplicity, great humility and great love. Let’s have the wisdom to view power with suspicion, and innocence with admiration. — Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi
A Family Perspective by Bud Ozar
Epiphany: The Magi in today’s gospel were led to Jesus by a star. Who are the stars your children follow? Don’t let it be the tabloid stars. Resolve in this New Year to be the guiding star in the life of your children.
Initial Offering Envelope At the end of your December packet you will find your Initial Offering Envelope. Your donation of $5 or $10 will help to defray the cost of your Offertory envelopes throughout the year. Please place envelope in any collection. Thank You!
Parishioner Financial Statements will be mailed prior to January 31, 2021.
Our records show what the parish received in the Offertory Contribution Envelopes and Parish Share Program. Your contribution to the Campaign for the Church Alive will come under a different mailing.
Thank you for your sacrificial giving!
New Envelope Numbers Beginning with the Saints Joachim and Anne January Envelope packets,
All Parishioners will be receiving New Envelope Numbers.
With the combining of the St. Mark, St. Michael, and Queen of the Rosary census data, it became necessary to eliminate all duplicate numbers. The Parish Data System automatically assigned the new numbers.
Please make all checks payable to
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish
Mailing Offertory Envelopes:
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish 101 McLay Drive
Elizabeth, PA 15037
New Monthly Envelope Beginning with the January Envelope packets the Capital Improvement, Building & Grounds, Upkeep and the Utility & Energy or Fuel
envelopes will be replaced with a New Monthly Envelope. Each Family is asked to contribute $20 to the Monthly Envelope. These monies will be used to assist in the upkeep of parish property and help cover the cost of energy and utilities.
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish 50/50 In your offertory packet, there is a special envelope
marked 50/50 Drawing--Donation $5.00. Thank You For Your Support!
You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.
—2 Corinthians 9:11
Time, Talent, and Treasure
December 20, 2020
Weekly Offering $16,015
Parish Share Received $123,808
Parish Share Goal $168,086
The Weekly Offertory is used to offset the costs associated with the day-to-day operations of the parish and its programs. These costs include Masses, Liturgical Programs, Faith Formation (Adult, Children, Young Adult, Youth), Sacramental Preparation, Elementary School Subsidy, Insurance, Maintenance & Upkeep of Buildings and Property, Utilities, Supplies, and Payroll. Average amount needed per week for a balanced budget is $24,904. Thank You For Your Sacrificial Giving!
8 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Roman Catholic Community
Faith Formation Adult - Children - Youth
Religious Education 101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037
412-754-0886 Email: [email protected] Facebook: FaithFormation-EGSA
Faith Formation Sessions have begun. Parents are reminded that children must complete
two consecutive years of formation before receiving any sacraments (Holy Communion or Confirmation).
If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected]
or call the Faith Formation Office, 412-754-0886 and leave a message.
For more information or to register, please email [email protected] or call Mrs. Formica, 412-754-0886
Pre-Baptism Class Are you expecting? Is this your first child?
Pre-Baptism Class is for expectant parents and Godparents or anyone who is seeking a Catholic Baptism for their child.
Pre-Baptism Class - Deacon Dale DiSanto Thursday, March 17, 2021 at 7:00 pm
St. Michael Meeting Room Grandparents are also welcome at these classes.
Please register by calling the Faith Formation - Religious Education office, 412-754-0886 or emailing [email protected]. Prior to scheduling a Baptism, parents need to attend the Pre-Baptismal Seminar.
Bereavement Ministry
This group, led by Deacon Dale DiSanto, is for people Who have lost a loved one and are experiencing grief.
This is a Support Group, not counseling. If you need assistance in moving through your grief,
this is an ongoing way to be supported during this difficult time. The weekly session begins with suggested topics, open discussion and ends with prayer.
Save the Date …. Family Fun Night & Car Cruise
Friday, June 18, 2020 Sponsored by Youth Ministry
Patriotic Rosary Monday Evening
January 11, 2021 - 7:00 pm Saint Michael Church
Elizabeth, PA Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Rosary, Patriotic Hymns and Benediction There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Benediction to conclude the recitation of the Rosary. The Patriotic Rosary will be prayed on the Second Monday of the Month.
All are invited and most assuredly welcome!
Mary, Queen of the Rosary, pray for us.
May God Bless Our Service Personnel
We pray for and remember our Service Men and Women who are serving on active duty in the Armed Services, especially: Cpl. Peter A. Barrante, USMC; Maj. Damian Baskerville, USAF; Col. Richard Collage, PA NG; Staff Sgt. Nicholas DeLuca, Army; Ens. David DeMaio, USCG; Capt. Craig Dolhi, Army; Capt. Anthony Formica, Army; Jacob Formica, E-4, Army; 2nd Lt. John Formica, Army; SPC Samuel Formica, Army National Guard; Capt. Markus Gibson, USMC; 2ndLt. Miles Gibson, USMC; PO2. Mason Gibson, USN; T/Sgt. Michael Goodman, USAF; Lt. Col. James Hock, Army; E5 Sgt. Brian Imundo, Army; Sgt. Russ Langley, Marines; Staff Sgt. Raymond Massung, Jr., USAF; Sgt. First Class William Nellis, Army; Staff Sgt. Timothy Oeler, USAF; LTJG. Timothy Ragan, USN; Amn. Stephanie A. Reichenbach, USAF; PFC David R. Saunders, Army National Guard; Sgt. Brandon R. Smith, USAF Pararescueman; Amn. Adam Stitt, USAF; Capt. Andrew
Tkac, Army. Thank you for your service! May We Never Forget . . . Freedom is Never Free!
May God Bless Our Health Care Workers and All First Responders.
Sunday, Jan 03, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 Bless this new year of grace— Some things are worth taking the time to do. After enduring the manifold burdens of this past year, few of us will need persuading that the annual Epiphany Blessing of the Home is a ritual worth investing in. Gather your housemates if living with others. Download a home blessing ritual or create one yourself, using symbols especially meaningful to your participants. Which household items became especially significant during the pandemic and call for a special blessing? A cloth mask, a bar of soap, and Netflix may be featured as items of peculiar yet holy purpose in this year’s rites everywhere. Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come.
Monday, Jan 04; Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 John 3:22—4:6; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Preserve the legacy—Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first U.S.-born saint, started the country’s first Catholic girls’ school in Maryland, where she also founded the first American women’s religious community, the Sisters of Charity. All those “firsts” multiplied into an incredible legacy of parochial education and religious life benefiting women that ripples to today. At Seton’s beatification, Pope John XXIII said, “she sowed a seed in America which by Divine Grace grew into a tree.” Perhaps you yourself are a beneficiary of her legacy. In the words of Pope Paul VI at her canonization, Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom.
Tuesday, Jan 05; John Neumann, bishop 1 John 4:7-10; Mark 6:34-44
Parishes for the people—What would U.S. parishes look like without John Neumann, the first naturalized U.S. citizen and bishop who was canonized? As a seminarian in his native Bohemia, John cherished Saint Paul’s missionary epistles from the Bible and longed to serve the United States as a missionary. His wish was granted. After John’s 1835 ordination he began to set up parishes and a network of parochial schools in New York. He served Germans and Native Americans and also learned Gaelic and Italian to better serve parishioners in Baltimore and Philadelphia. He introduced the Forty Hours devotion and set up parish missions for Lent. Ask John to pray for your parish today. They were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
Wednesday, Jan 06; Andre Bessette, religious 1 John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52
Open the door to new life—So many have said that 2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges, marked by a pandemic that has taken lives and so much more, and a national election that challenged the U.S. belief in a united nation with liberty and justice for all. Though a new year is only the turn of a calendar page, it allows and encourages new life, new perspective, new
hope, and new energy. Let the life of the gentle and humble Saint André Bessette—who spent many years as a doorman for his monastic community—be our inspiration. May compassion and love of neighbor guide us into this new year. If God so loved us, we also must love one another.
Thursday, Jan 07; Christmas Weekday 1 John 4:19—5:4; Luke 4:14-22a
And now for an announcement . . . Even in an age when people are bombarded with messages, announcements can have particular cachet. They appear over and over in the gospels, from angels announcing Christ’s birth to Jesus’ announcement in today’s gospel that he came to fulfill the words of Isaiah. The church continues to make plenty of announcements, from the calendar items announced at Mass to “announcements” in the form of pastoral letters and encyclicals about how to live contemporary Christian life. You probably announced your faith in a formal way at your Confirmation. How can you announce Christ today through your words and actions? He said to them, Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.
Friday, Jan 08; Christmas Weekday 1 John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16
Out of stillness, creation—As the Christmas season draws to a close, some treasure its highlights, others dread the January blahs, and all of us could do well to follow Jesus’ model in the gospel. After he cures a leper, the crowds and the demands on him increase. Many of us would plough into the need, then the adulation. Instead, he withdraws and retreats. This wintry season offers a time to withdraw and reflect. Think, for example, of the solitude necessary to create the kind of sacred art that Giotto was known for. He died on this day in 1337, so perhaps you can bring him to mind as you channel your own inner artist in the winter stillness. Create something new today! But he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.
Saturday, Jan 09, Christmas Weekday 1 John 5:14-21; John 3:22-30
Make space for Christ—This is the final day of the Christmas season. But it’s always Christmas, every day of the year. Christ comes in our humanity, born into our human flesh. We are always united with Christ in a communion of divinity and humanity, realized in Jesus, shared with us. We celebrate that communion in the central act of our worship: We eat and drink the Real Presence of Christ in us. But like John the Baptist proclaims in today’s gospel, that presence of Christ must increase in us as our own egos decrease. This is the way to fulfillment. Let Christ lead you today. He must increase; I must decrease.
©2019 TrueQuest Communications. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. TakeFiveForFaith.com;
Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition
All you who are thirsty, come to the water! — Isaiah 55:1
Saints Joachim and Anne Parish 9
10 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Roman Catholic Community
Thank You! Christmas Flowers Thank You! We Remember: Saint Mark: Econovich & Mayher Family–Agnes Ecconovich; Popojas & Bollas Family–Theresa Popojas; Edward J. Perkoski, Julia Perkoski, Edward R. Perkoski-Richard & Barbara Perkoski; Bernard Kastan, Sr.–Helen Kastan; Bob Lapsley, Bobby Lapsley–Gwendolyn ‘Gay’ Lapsley; Paul & Helen Bonczek, Doris Bonczek, Dan & Clara Henry, Shirley Bonczek–Robert Bonczek; Roberta Obusek, Edith Obusek, Andrew Obusek–Robert Obusek; Marjorie Campano; George T. Legin, Jr.–Mary Frances Legin; Eileen Novobilsky; Patrick J. Stetar, Sr.–Patrick Stetar, Jr.; Deceased Marchetti Family–Frank Marchetti; Dorothy Vay, Nick & Tinney Vay, Mike & Elizabeth Moonis, Tippy Davis, Evelyn Criste–Nicholas Vay; Michael Palyo, John & Mary Gajdzik, Michael & Helen Palyo–Mary Ann Palyo; Theresa Delivuk & Family–Mary Salopek; Lisa Haberjak; Walter J. Kaczor, Amelia M. Kaczor–Peter & Vickie Reitz; Husband, Edward Wassil–Emma Wassil; Agnes Prisbylla; Wanda Evangelista; Harold ‘Buzz’ Phillips, Dom Capozzoli, Harold & Donna Phillips–Louise Phillips; John & Mathilda Pucky, Donald Puckey–Pamela Pucky; Ernest & Helen Buccini; Sedonia Horvath, John Horvath, Helen Horvath, Andrew Mahosky, Theresa Kurjak–Joseph Horvath; Elizabeth Hoak–Deb Kebles; Samuel Esack–Evelyn Esack; John & Dorothy Hornfeck, Edward Rarick, Edward & Helen Rarick, Joseph Hornfeck–Louise Rarick; Catherine & Jim Reilly, Hap Kramer, Diana Perciavalle, Grandparents of Reilly & Kramer Family–James & Karen Reilly; Arthur & Mark Como, Andy, Rose & Aaron Slafka, Virginia Como–Anita Lepley; Julia Karnash; in honor of Ryland & Markie Peppers–Lynnedee Muchow; Judith A. Zytka, Dorothy Sacco–Bernie Zytka; John & Pauline Youhouse-Robert Youhouse; Margaret Pancurak–Cheryl Pancurak; Margaret Pancurak, John & Mary Pancurak–John Pancurak; Roselyn Cindric; John, Mema, John Jr. Lyle–Patrick & Judy Shriane; Rachel Jones – Robert Jones; Mains & Pozzuto Families–Daniel & Elizabeth Mains; Mike Andre, son David Andre, Wauthier Family–Elizabeth Andre; George T. Legin, Jr.–Thomas & Cathleen Esack; Wasil & Portner Families–James & Mary Jane Portner; Dwane & Helen Curran, parents–Denice Helsel; John Qualters–Nancy Qualters; Pauline & Nicholas Robb–Janet Robb; Dwane & Helen Curran, parents–Daryl Curran; Deceased Members of Burchell & Suckfiel Families–Robert Suckfiel; Norma Jean Milice, M/M Ralph Miller, M/M William Miller, Alberta Burnett, M/M Glenn Swank, M/M Martin Stanchik, Pat Vuchetich, Bob Johnston–Gregory & Deborah Swank; William & Evelyn Piel, M/M Michael Hollick, Joni Lynn Gosney Foraker; Mike & Richard Hollick, M/M John Gosney Sr., Jack Gosney–Gerry Gosney; Leonard Lynch, Michael & Laura Tutko, Mikey Tutko–Doris Lynch; George & Mildred Tkacs, Stephen & Mary Lesko, Alan Tkacs, Thomas Kacik & Family–M/M Stephen & Geri Lesko; Ray Coleman, Bertha & Raymond Coleman, Alex & Betty Nizinski, Margaret Ryan, James McMahan–Geraldine Coleman; Stephen & Rebecca Bodzenski; Deacon Steve Pikula; Julie Fleckenstein; Ed Bator, Phyllis Bator, Barbara Bator–Lisa Bator; Fred & Mary Jane Kernisky; Michael & Anna Chemsak, Robert & Helen Ponchak–Thomas & Patricia Ponchak; Dean, Winter & Barnocky Families–Betty Barnocky; Cecelia & Frank Liszka–Dolores
McClelland; Saint Michael-Robert & Theresa Dobrich-Children; Chester & Anna Kantorczyk, Charles & Anna Lucas-Bob & Pat Lucas; Bob Agosti, M/M William Agosti, M/M Renaldo Gornati-Anna Agosti; Virginia & Ernest Oblack-Kabana & Ragan Families; Joshua David Huwalt-Pappy & Grannyma Stanton; Margaret Kubit, Madelyn & George Stanton-David & Patti Stanton; Bob & Helen Petro, Harry & Mary Partyka-Partyka Family; Laura & Robert Burchesky, Lotto Family-Connie Ramsey; John & Ann Bereznay, Ray & Ann Brancolini-Larry & Flo Brancolini; Parents-Fran & Nell Gradich; Deceased Smith & Markus Families, Dorothy Muller-Patty Smith; Hotovchin & Goodman families-Joseph Hotovchin Family; Bill, Irene & William Hunt, Deceased of Hunt & Brendza Families-Paula & Maureen; Lorraine Babyak, George & Donna Maley-Gregg & Cheryl Maley; Dziak & Pavlik Families-Dan & Nancy Pavlic; Danny Szabo, Helen Maurer, Margaret & John Kasper-Ellen Szabo; Thomas Sigler, Steve & Mary Konchak-Agnes Sigler; Bernard Rogers-Mary; Deceased of Ragan & Frost Families-John & Nanette Ragan; Donald P. Moore, Bill & Jen Hall-Terri & Greg Hall; Deceased of Bohte & Callear Families-Jim & Kay
Callear; Deceased of Niedziela & Laver Families-Mike, Terri, Matthew & Emily; Jerry Kunkel, Deceased of Kunkel, Betz, Barto Families-Jan & Ryan; Deceased of Eddy & Regosh Families-Eddy Family; Michael & Helen Gogoel, Andrew & Katharine Korona-Barbara Pascotti; John Ogurchak, John & Margaret Gori, John & Helen Ogurchak, Mary Ann Brendza, Beth Ladzinski, Margaret, John & Mike Wargo, Denny Maksin, Deceased of Gori, Ulakovic, Ogurchak & Maksin Families-Margaret Ogurchak; Frank & Eleanor Mollise, John & Anna Kovac, John Jr., Joan & Charlotte Kovac-Sal & Nancy Mollise; Medvidovich & Lucarelli Families-Sally & Pat; Beth Wargo-Emil & Shirley Wargo; Andrew & Ruth Edwards, Samuel T & Ruth George-Sam & Linda George; Mary Margaret Malandra-Louis J. Malandra; John & Cecelia Bradley, Sr. Roberta Bradley, Francis & Greg Strutt-Jeff and Adele Strutt; Harlan & Mayou Families-Pam, Kelli & Susan; Marcella & Emil Raynak, Bob Valerio-Sue Raynak; Living/Deceased Bisogni, Hammling, DeMars, & Pavlik families-Libby Bisogni & Rosanne Pavlik; Helen & Dominick Garofolo, Julia &
Angelo Vergona-Don & Rosemarie Garofolo; Queen of the Rosary-Tony DeVito, Arla Butts-Louise DeVito; Arlene Burgman-James Humanic; Lykowski Family, Arbaczewski Family, Golembiewski Family-Geraldine Lykowski; Joseph M. Halich Family-Viola Mihalich; James Dorazio Family, Gabe DeMaio, Robert Haber-Shirley Haber; Paula & Jenny Massaro, Richard Popovich, Mike Popvich, Antonette Massaro, John & Mary Popovich-Philomena Popovich; Anthony G. Jaskolski-Dorothy Jaskulski; Graboski Family, Kwiatkowski Family, M/M Ray Graqboski, Pam Maher-M/M Raymond Graboski; Stella Ostroski, Louis Ostroski-Ann Ostroski; Paul & Evelyn Gooch, Thelma & Frank Spanbauer-M/M John Spanbauer; Joseph & Stella Delia, Gerald & Doreen Miller, Deceased Members of Delia & Miller Families-M/M Joseph Delia; Deceased Members of Ferko, Strelinski, Manno, Aquino, Smedley Families-Jack Ferko; Nick Dabruzzo, Frank & Vera Skerkoski, The Dabruzzo Family, Frank, Marge & Mike Skerkoski, Leona Bocianoski, Leeds-Loretta Dabruzzo; Deceased Members of Parish, Deceased Members of Cairns & Faix Families, Walter T. Palmer & John Palmer, Edna Ashton-Sandra Palmer; Clearance & Helen Urbanski, Paul & Jenny Massaro, Audrey Urbanski-M/M Eugene Urbanski; Milan & Mary Trbovich, Domenic & Pauline Spallone-Mrs. Aleta Spallone; Alice & Edward Kopczynski, Ronald Corigliano-M/M David McCorkle; Ron Corigliano Sr.-Jean Corigliano; Eugene Komondor, Leonard & Blanche Pasinski, Valerya Skierkowski, Valeria D’Angelo, Debbie Komondo-Theresa Komondor; Alberto Chiarizio, Deceased of the Chiarizo & D’Amico Families-Maria Chiarizio; Andrew V. Tkac, Lucelli & John Honacki, Kay & Charles Groun, Fran & Ed Corbin, John & Theresa Homacki-Theresa Tkac; Ed Topoleski Family-Joanne Topoleski; Eugene Skerkoski; Mary Spagnola; Martha Yablosnky; M/M John Spanbauer; Thomas Beres; Gerald Wagner; M/M Frank Kwolek; Roger & Elizabeth Grossi, Margaret DiGiacomo-M/M Dino Difelice; Avery Morgan; Paul Hrehocik; Joseph Manno-Joann Manno; Joseph Borrelli; Victoria Whitney; M/M John Morgan; M/M Robert Balog; Armella Bocianoski; M/M John Beisler; M/M Edmund Mularski; M/M Ronald McShane; Ralph Palatis; M/M Charles Cunningham; Ed & Morna Uziel, Vincent & Helen Viscomi-M/M Eric Uziel; Jaskulski, Partyka & Minerd Families-M/M Douglas Minerd; Nick & Juliana Aquilante-Linda Aquilante; Lauren Whitney; Edwin & Joseph Wichman-David Wichman; John & Mary Sydeski, Gerald Ormand, Connie, Ray, & Steve, John, Ed., Christa Shumber, Deceased Ormand Family-Gertrude Ormand; Joseph Winzek; Anthony Piccioni; Stepko & Danzak Family-Eleanor Danzak; Michael & Mary Blaho, Sr., Peter & Blanche Turek, John Blaho, Michael Jr., George Blair, Walter Strauss, Anna Plesniak, John Turek, Sr., Joseph C. Turek-Anna Turek; M/M Duane Molinaro; Ksiazek & Miller Families-M/M Michael Ksiazek; John Kaczka, Francis Kaczka, Richard Kaczka-Betty Kaczka; M/M Charles Whitney; Antonio & Genoeff Piccioni, John & Anna Caspero-Ezio Carl Piccioni; Sabol Family-Bernadette Sabol; Elkanich Family-Michael Elkanich; Anna Borkowski-M/M Joseph Gatchie; John & Catherine Trunzo, Vina March-Paul Trunzo.
Thank you for your generosity and kindness! Merry Christmas and Blessed & Healthy New Year!
