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SOLEMNITY: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE VIRGIN
MARY - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH
From the very first moment of Mary's existence, God formed her for a most unique
role. Mary was to give of herself by being the Mother of Jesus, by helping the
Son of God unite Himself with human nature, by helping God become one of us. God
made her immaculate, free from all sin and its effects, the perfect instrument
for the Son of God to dwell within and be formed as a human, so that He could
enter our world as we enter it.
Mary embraced the invitation to share in the work of salvation by saying "I am
the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say." Most Catholics,
if not all, have never spoken those words unreservedly to the Lord. We should,
as followers of Jesus, attempt to find out what it is He wants from us and
always be generous in cooperating with God's will for us.
Masses will be held on Tuesday at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, Noon, 3:45 PM & 7:00 PM.
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
It is said that the Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has a
spiritual significance that is often forgotten today. The twelve sets of gifts
mentioned in the lyrics call to mind important Divine Gifts that guide us to
salvation...
The One True God
The Two Testaments of the Holy Bible
The Three Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity
The Four Gospels
The Five wounds suffered for us by Christ on the Cross
The Six days of Creation according to Genesis
The Seven Sacraments
The Eight Beatitudes
The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The Ten Commandments
The Eleven Faithful Apostles
The Twelve points of faith in the Apostles’ Creed
COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Any Catholic individual searching for a way to better prepare for Christmas
doesn’t need to look any further than the parish confessional room. Do you want
to find peace? Do you want to grow spiritually? You are nervous because it has
been a long time since you have been to confession. Respond to the movement of
the Spirit within yourself and take the plunge. Don’t worry about what to say or
how to say it. You already know the manner in which you have displeased God by
your lifestyle. Mention those sins and request forgiveness. Holy Name carries
the reputation of strongly promoting the sacrament of forgiveness. Trust in
God’s mercy even if you haven’t been to confession in 4, 7, 10 or 15 years. Come
home to a loving Father waiting to forgive you. The Advent Adult Penance Service
is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 22nd at 7:00 PM.
ADVENT CONFESSIONS
As much as we strive for perfection, the known reality within each of us readily
admits to a state of sinfulness. To prepare properly for the coming of Christ at
Christmas requires spiritual conversion to His Gospel values. Confessing of sin
is integral to the conversion. The priests assigned to Holy Name will be hearing
confessions every Wednesday and Saturday at the regular scheduled hours. The
last week of Advent, confessions will be heard after each weekday Mass. In
addition, grade school CCD students will have the opportunity for the Sacrament
of Reconciliation on Tues., Dec. 15th at 3:00 PM; this also includes those
students in 7th & 8th grade; Holy Name school students on Wed., Dec. 16th at
10:30 AM; and the Parish Penance Service is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 22nd at
7:00 PM. High school students will have the availability for this Sacrament on a
given Sunday morning. Watching and preparing for the Coming of the Lord - become
part of the spiritual process.
SUGGESTED CHRISTMAS GENEROSITY OF $40.00
It is not too early to pray over one's Christmas stewardship to God and Holy
Name as we budget expenditures on gifts for both family members and friends at
this time of year. How senseless to exclude a generous gift to the Church
founded by Christ, who from all eternity planned this mystery of salvation
history. Indeed the Christmas story has touched our lives dramatically, allowing
ourselves to be called not only His disciples but indeed His adopted sisters and
brothers and heirs of His heavenly home.
We requested over the course of many, many years a minimum donation of $35.00 to
your venerable parish at Christmas. There are many parishioners capable of
donating $40.00 or above the suggested donation. We anticipate their response to
this Christmas Appeal to be based upon their ability to share more. Permit your
2009 Christmas Gift to Holy Name to be an unselfish one, coming from the heart
of a committed steward.
YEAR FOR PRIESTS - THE WHOLE CHURCH IS A PRIESTLY PEOPLE
Only Christ is the true priest. Yet through our baptism, we all share in His
priesthood. There are 2 ways to participate in Christ’s priesthood: 1) the
common (or baptismal) priesthood of the faithful; 2) the ministerial priesthood
of bishops and priests. The ministerial priesthood is at the service of the
common priesthood. Priests’ lives are literally spent in service to us. The
Church states that the priest’s office “is in the strict sense of the term
service.” Priests exercise their service to us in 3 ways: by teaching, divine
worship, & pastoral governance. The ministerial priesthood is one way Christ
builds up and leads His Church...thus every priest is a GIFT to us from God!
PARISH WEBSITE SURVEY FEEDBACK
We offer our sincere thanks to those who responded to our survey from several
weeks ago. Comments on the website were generally positive, with special mention
regarding the availability of the bulletin, as well as appreciation for the
photos of events that are posted regularly. A few suggestions were made – one to
add a monthly calendar of all church events, and another to send out mass emails
to notify/remind parishioners of upcoming/special events. Unfortunately, given
the staff time available for such activities, for now it is best to continue to
rely on weekly bulletins to disseminate schedule and event information. However,
we will keep these suggestions in mind and look for ways to incorporate them
into our electronic communications program in the future. Please note that
comments on the website can be submitted at any time simply by clicking on the
Parish email address on the homepage of the site.
LIFELINES
“American Catholics have long sought to assimilate into U.S. cultural life. But
in assimilating, we have too often been digested. We have been changed by our
culture too much, and we have changed it not enough. If we are leaven, we must
bring to our culture the whole Gospel, which is a Gospel of life and joy. That
is our vocation as believers. And there is no better place to start than
promoting the beauty and sanctity of human life.” (US Bishops, Living the Gospel
Life, 1998, n. 25).
BUS TO MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
The local Republican Party located in Johnstown will be sponsoring a bus to the
Annual March For Life in Washington, D.C. on January 22, 2010. Donation of $5
per person will be used for future Pro-Life activities. Bus will depart from
Holy Name/St. John Vianney Parking Lots. For reservations, contact Ann Poole
472-8584 or Millie Bodenschatz 472-6193. All reservations first come-first serve
basis. We will be sharing this bus with parishioners from St. Mary’s Parish in
Nanty Glo and St. John Vianney Parish in Mundy’s Corner.
RELIGIOUS RETIREMENT COLLECTION - DECEMBER 12/13
Retirement Fund helps senior religious. “As expenses continue to increase and
economic difficulties tighten our income, we appreciate more and more the help
of the Retirement Fund,” notes a woman religious. Your tax-deductible donation
supports the care of elderly and frail religious and helps to provide such basic
necessities as prescription drugs and medical services. Please give generously
to next week’s second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
STEWARDSHIP OF TIME - DISCOVER TIME
Christian stewards have discovered that time is an important part of total
stewardship. Time is a gift from God, and stewards realize that they will be
held accountable for the way in which they use their time on earth. They
recognize the importance of the role of time and explore the many ways time can
be used for God’s work. They find time to assist their pastor in supporting
various church programs.
LITURGICAL REFLECTION - ROMAN MISSAL
Advent time is an occasion to prepare for Christmas. The Diocesan Liturgy Office
will begin to prepare our people for the revised Roman Missal this new
liturgical year. Since the Second Vatican Council, there have been three
editions of the Roman Missal promulgated by the Church in 1970, 1975 and 2000.
The first two editions were under the pontificate of Pope Paul VI following
Vatican Council II; the most recent edition was issued by Pope John Paul II on
the occasion of the Great Jubilee of the Incarnation.
CONFIRMATION NEWS - FRESHMAN RITE OF BLESSING & SOPHOMORE RITE OF COMMITMENT
The Rite of Blessing will be at the 11:30 Mass on Sunday December 13th. ALL
FRESHMAN Confirmation candidates are required to attend the Rite of Blessing.
The Rite of Commitment will be at the 11:30 Mass on Sunday December 20th. ALL
SOPHOMORE Confirmation candidates are required to attend the Rite of Commitment.
The candidates will come forward after the Homily to receive this Rite. PARENTS
of the Confirmation Candidates are also REQUIRED to attend. Any questions, call
Tom Deskevich 472-5903.
JR./SR. HIGH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
1. This weekend is a service weekend for the Jr./Sr High CCD students. Please
pray for our youth that God will bless them and help them see the needs of
others as they go out into the community and do their service projects.
2. Regular Jr/Sr. High CCD classes resume next Sunday Dec 13, at 10 a.m.
3. The winner of our annual Feed the Hungry Project is Mr. Brian Bracken's 7th
Grade class. The donated food items will be given to St. Vincent DePaul for
distribution. We want to congratulate his students for bringing in over 90
can/box items. Overall the Jr/Sr. High students donated 352 items. Thanks to all
the students & parents for their support!!! May Christ bless you for your
generosity as we fulfill one of His Corporal Works of Mercy ---"Feed the
Hungry."
CONFESSIONS FOR 7TH AND 8TH GRADE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CCD) STUDENTS
CCD students in 7th and 8th grade are expected to be present for the CCD Advent
Penance Service to be held at Holy Name Church on Tuesday, December 15th at
3:00PM. Classes will still be held on Sunday, December 13th at the regularly
scheduled time. Students are to report to the church basement prior to 3:00PM on
Tuesday so that attendance can be taken. The 7th & 8th grade confessions should
be over by 4:00PM. Students are free to leave the church as soon as they have
completed their confession and penance. However, if parents are planning to pick
up their child(ren), please arrive between 3:30-4:00PM.
ADULT CONFIRMATION
Any adult not yet confirmed who wishes to receive this Sacrament in the spring
can call Sr. Margie for information concerning special preparation classes to
begin in January (472-8315). Confirmation is necessary for a Catholic to be a
baptismal god-parent or confirmation sponsor.
APEX YOUTH GROUP NEWS
1. MOVIE NIGHT - The Apex Youth Group will be watching a movie tonight in the
Apex Room from 6 to 9 p.m. All Holy Name 9 - 12 grade youth are invited for some
fun & relaxation!!! Feel free to bring a friend (high school age) All are
welcome!!!
2. CHRISTMAS CAROLING - Mark your calendars -- Dec. 20th-- 7 to 9 p.m-- the Apex
Youth Group will be going Christmas Caroling then coming back to the Apex Room
for a Christmas Party. Plan to join us to share the sounds of Christmas with our
neighbors and get into the Christmas spirit!!!!
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS
Everyone is invited to a Birthday Party for Jesus. Come and share an evening
with friends. Birthday cake will be served. The children will listen to a story
and create ornaments to be hung on a tree in the Narthex. The birthday party
will begin at 6:00 PM on Saturday, December 19, 2009 in the Church Hall. Donated
unwrapped baby gifts are welcome!
YOU ARE NEEDED
Are you interested in sharing your love of Christ and his Church with our parish
youth? Adults are needed, as The Youth Activities Committee begins to make plans
for this school year. The committees goal is to provide opportunities for our
youth to grow closer to Jesus and deepen their understanding of being a Catholic
Christian, through activities that combine both faith and fun. Please consider
joining us. The commitment of time is approximately 1 to 3 hours a month.
Remember, many hands make light work. Your hands are needed! Those interested in
helping with grades K thru 5th grade please call Maria Lauer 472-4607. Those
interested in helping with grades 6th thru 8th please call Darlene Walker 472-
8089.
MAKE A GIFT THROUGH AN IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER
If you are over the age of 70 ½, you must take a required minimum distribution
of your IRA. Normally, the amount of this distribution is taxed as ordinary
income. However, federal legislation enacted on October 3, 2008 extends the
opportunity for you throughout 2009 to make a direct distribution from your IRA
to a qualified charity, such as Holy Name Parish. For more information, contact
your financial advisor.
WINTER PARKING
Please abide by all winter parking regulation signs before parking for Saturday
evening and Sunday morning Masses. Winter parking signs are posted at the
beginning of each block that show the hours for NO PARKING.
NATIVITY DISPLAY- FINAL CALL!
The annual Nativity Display and Family Social is Sunday afternoon Dec.13th, 2- 4
PM. Complete the following form and return to the Rectory. We’d like to reach
100 entries!
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PARISH NATIVITY PARTICIPATION FORM
Name _________________________ Phone______________ Electric Outlet Needed? ___
Brief Description/Interesting Facts about your Nativity or religious piece of
art:
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(Drop in Collection Basket or office mail slot)
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POINSETTIA MEMORIAL
We will again be memorializing our beloved deceased with Poinsettias during the
Christmas Season. The living plant at this Season cannot adorn the cemetery site
but will give glory to God in the sacred church settings. If you wish to
participate and have a loved one remembered in this unique way this Christmas
Season, (we will post the names in a future bulletin), then please print their
name and yours on the form below. Place the form in an envelope with a $10.00
donation and return it either via the Sunday collection basket or directly to
the rectory no later than Dec. 6th for printing in the Dec. 13th bulletin.
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POINSETTIA MEMORIAL
IN MEMORY OF( Please print):
________________________________________________________
DONATED BY (Please print):
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QUEEN OF PEACE, PATTON all you can eat Breakfast Buffet Sun.
Dec. 6 7AM-Noon. Adults $7, children 5-12 $3, under 5 free.
CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, CONEMAUGH will hold a Meatloaf/Lasagna Dinner on
Sun. Dec. 6 from 11AM-2PM. Adults $8, children 12 & under $3.50. Take outs
available 535-2698. Also, a Fish Fry will be held Fri. Dec. 11 from 3:30-6:30PM;
adults $8, children $5. Take outs available 535-2698.
QUEEN OF PEACE PARISH, PATTON will hold a Gigantic Christmas Bake Sale on Sat.
Dec. 19 from 9AM-4PM at the upper level of the Parish Center. Baked items
including cookie platters/trays, cream puffs, cinnamon rolls, sticky buns,
pumpkin rolls, gingerbread monks, prune-poppy-sweet cheese-apricot & nut rolls.
NO PRE ORDERS. Come early for best selection.
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