Bulletinand

Insert

December 6, 2015

Our Lady of Peace1000 3rd Avenue Conway, PA 15027 724-869-3024

Fr. Jim Kurtz, OFM Cap, PastorJim Weiland, Deacon

Mass ScheduleSaturday: Vigil-4:00pm (1st weekend of Nov. thru Palm Sunday)5:30pm (remainder of the year unless otherwise noted)Sunday: 8:30am and 10:30amWeekdays: Mon., Tues., Wed., and Fri. 9:00am (unless notedotherwise in the bulletin)Holy Days: See Schedule in Bulletin

Office Hours Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm

Sacraments

Baptism Parents are required to attend a Preparation Class,normally held on the second Sunday of every other month. Dateand time of baptism are arranged at this session. In order for achild to be baptized parents must be a registered member of theparish for at least three months prior to the baptism. One parentmust be a practicing Catholic who actively participates in the lifeof the Church including regular attendance at Mass. Please callthe parish office in advance to register for the class.

Rite of ReconciliationSaturday: 3:00pm (1st weekend of Nov. thru Palm Sunday)4:30PM (Easter to 1st weekend of November)Anytime by appointment

Marriage Marriage requires a period of spiritual preparation.Couples should make an appointment with the priest at least sixmonths prior to the anticipated wedding date. Pre-marriageclasses, as well as meetings with the priest, are necessary. Oneparty to be married must be a registered parishioner andpracticing Catholic who actively participates in the life of theChurch including regular attendance at Mass.

RCIA We welcome those who are interested in becomingRoman Catholic Christians. To enter a program of formation andprayer contact the Religious Education Office.

Ministry to the Sick/Elderly Please call the Parish Officeif a relative has been admitted to the hospital. Those unable toattend Mass because of age, sickness or disability, may receive

Holy Communion at home. If you know someone who wouldbenefit from a visit, please call the Parish office. The Sacramentof the Anointing of the Sick can be administered prior to goinginto the hospital or at home by calling the Parish Office.

Sponsors To act as a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmationrequires a person to be a registered member of the parish forat least three months and to actively participate in the life of theChurch including regular attendance at Mass.

With Our Lady of Peace as our model of faith, hope, and love, we are a committed Catholic Christian people working together

for God through worship, education, and service to achieve spiritual growth. As a parish family devoted to Christ,

we welcome others to our faith community.

December 6, 2015

Second Sundayof Advent

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Reflecting on God’s WordHow many towns do you suppose have a newspaper called The Herald? It’s a good name for a newspaper because it refers to one who proclaimssignificant news. It also can refer to a person who comes before to announce what will follow, a forerunner like John. The angels who heralded thegood news of Jesus’ birth fit into a long line of heralds who proclaimed that God’s promises would at last be fulfilled.This week everyone seems to be announcing good news. Isaiah and the psalmist herald and describe others heralding glad tidings. Mark proclaims“the gospel [or ‘good news’] of Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1). He also depicts John as a herald in the tradition of Isaiah. And Peter speaks eloquently ofGod’s promise and patience. Can we bring ourselves to hearken to their words and believe them? Do we have any good news of our own toproclaim? —Virginia StillwellCopyright © 2014, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

Living God’s WordUnlike those who were baptized by John, we were baptized “with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8). If that is so, then “what sort ofpersons ought” we to be? Like Isaiah, John, and Peter, we ought to be both heralding and “hastening the coming of theday of God” (2 Peter 3:12).Copyright © 2014, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation)

The Solemnity of the ImmaculateConception will be celebrated onTuesday, Dec. 8th.

A Vigil Mass will be Monday, Dec. 7 at5:30PM and Masses on Tuesday are9AM and 7PM.

*********************************SPECIAL MASS

A Mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace at 9AM onSaturday, December 12th to celebrate the Feastof Our Lady of Guadalupe.*********************************

Just a Reminder...In the most recent packet of envelopes is a blueenvelope to be completed if you would like tomake a Christmas Memorial FlowerDonation. Please print the name of the familymember to be remembered or honored on thisenvelope (or enclose a sheet of paper ifneeded), along with your donation and drop itinto the collection basket or mail to the parishoffice before December 14th. The names of

the memorials/honoree and donors will be published and distributedat all the Christmas masses. The donations for the flowers are $10,$15, and $20 per plant. If you do not have this envelope or havemisplaced it, please call the parish office at 724-869-3024.

************ Oplatki ************ We will be selling Oplatki, the traditional Christmas Wafers after allmasses. They will also be sold in the parish office, Monday-Friday,9am to 4pm. Each envelope of four wafers is $2.

Greeters, Eucharistic Ministers, LectorsAltar Ministers and Servers

With the celebration of Christmas not far away we ask that you volunteer to assistat one of the Masses on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.A sign up sheet for the Greeters has been posted near the ReconciliationRoom. The Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors can volunteer on the sign upsheets posted on the podium at the side entrance in the back of church. AltarMinisters and Servers can also find their sign up sheet on the podium at theside entrance in the back of the church. Your willingness to assist at one of theChristmas masses will truly make our celebration a special and beautiful one.

The Light is on for You!“The Light is On for You!” is an initiative of the Diocese of Pittsburgh toencourage Catholics to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.Confession is a wonderful opportunity to set aside our sinful ways and to drawcloser to our Lord. Confession will be available on Wednesday, December 9from 6PM to 9PM in every Catholic parish in the Diocese (includingOur Lady of Peace Parish).

Regional Advent Penance OpportunitiesSunday, Dec. 13 - 7PM - St. Cecilia, Rochester

Monday, Dec. 14-7PM-Our Lady of Peace, ConwayTuesday, Dec. 15 - 7PM - Our Lady of Fatima, HopewellWednesday, Dec. 16 - 7PM -St. Francis Cabrini, Center

Thursday, Dec. 17 - 7PM - SS Peter & Paul, BeaverSaturday, Dec. 19 - Noon - St. John the Baptist, Monaca

Baptismal SeminarOn Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 at 9:30AM, there will be a BaptismalPreparation Program for those parents who have recently given birth or areexpecting in the near future. The program addresses the importance of baptismas well as the responsibilities of parents in sharing the faith with their children. Please call the parish office at 724-869-3024 to register.

Mark your calendarAs a way for the parish to show its appreciation for all those who volunteer in theparish, an Appreciation Dinner will be held in Stephens Hall onSaturday, January 9, 2016. Invitations will be mailed the first week inDecember.

Adult Bible StudyEvery Wednesday at 7PM in Room 5 of theEducation Building is a Bible Study on varioustopics of the Bible. We are currently studyingThe Prophets through a DVD series byAscension Press. This is a great series thathelps to learn about the famous Prophets fromthe Old Testament and links it to how theirmessage can help us today. Our Bible Studiesare free for parishioners to attend. Immediatelyfollowing at 8:15PM is a study on ChurchHistory. You are welcome to join one or bothstudies.

CCD ResumesCCD resumes on Sunday, December 6 andMonday, December 7 for all CCD students.

Angel TreeThis is the last day to take a tag from the AngelTree. All left over tags will be advertised on theFacebook page for parishioners or parishgroups to purchase those gifts. All Angel Treegifts are due to the office by Sunday, Dec. 13.They will be delivered on Monday, so pleasehave them in on time. We have no way to deliverthe late gifts. All donations for Bishop Lippert’sOrphanage need to be made out to Our Lady ofPeace. If you have any questions, pleasecontact Cindy Deschaine at 724-869-4723 ext2.

Website ChangesHave you checked out the new website(http://www.olopconway.com)? In addition to aweekly blog by Fr. Jim, we also have ourMinisters Schedules posted online. If you wouldlike to see when you are serving but can’t findyour paper, just go to the Parish website to findout. Our site is also mobile friendly and caneasily be viewed from your smartphone ortablet. Stay tuned for our Parish App comingsoon. If you would like to see something addedto the website, please let the office know and wewill see if we can make it happen. If you havenot checked out the new site, please take alook!

3 in 1 Youth GroupOur next Youth Group meeting will be onSunday, December 13 at 6:30PM at St.John’s, Baden. We will have a Christmas Partyand everyone is asked to bring a $5 grab bagand an appetizer. Please RSVP to CindyDeschaine at 724-869-4723 ext 2 orolopdre@verizon.net for planning purposes.

Home Study Advent EventWe will have a Home Study Event on Sunday,Dec. 6 following the 10:30AM Mass inStephens Hall. All Home Study students arerequired to attend the events in addition to thecomputer work for their grade level.

Saint NicholasSaint Nicholas will make an appearance at theend of the 8:30 & 10:30AM Mass onSunday, Dec. 6 in honor of his Feast Day. Allchildren in attendance will receive a small treatfrom him.

Mary’s MantelAs you may have read in the bulletin, inSeptember we started a new undertakingthrough the Apostolate Committee called Mary’sMantle, in which we asked for volunteers tomake afghans which will then be distributed tothe shut ins from our church and those from ourchurch that are in nursing homes. Thanks to thegenerosity of so many, we have now deliveredabout 40 afghans. Even though right now boththe shut in list and the nursing home list havebeen delivered to, as new people are added tothe lists we will keep delivering the afghans.Those receiving these handmade gifts are sosurprised and touched that we remember them,and those making the afghans are a trulyblessed group of women who are giving of theirtime and talents to make someone happy. If youcan still donate afghans please do so. We aredelivering as needed and will tell you whoreceived your afghan when they are delivered.The people receiving afghans will also know whomade this lovely gift for them. Thank you againfor your help and generosity in making thissuccessful.

UPCOMING EVENTS/TRIPSAT OLOP

Spain and the Portuguese Rivieraincluding Fatima.....Our Lady of PeaceChurch is sponsoring a trip to Spain includingCosta del Sol and the Portuguese Rivieraleaving June 9-21, 2016. This exciting tripstarts in Spain's dynamic capital city of Madridand continues on to historic Cordoba, Grenada's rolling hills with olive groves, classiccountry beauty in Ronda, the "Garden of theArchitect" with waterfalls, courtyards, and secretgardens in Seville, and Costa del Sol anabsolutely beautiful resort area with cascadingflowers and whitewashed buildings.From there we travel to Portugal and thePortuguese Riviera where we will enjoyexploring Lisbon, perhaps walk the beachpromenade in Cascais or shop for hand wovenworks and tapestries. We will travel Portugal'sSilver Coast, a region filled with sleepy villages,rich vineyards and centuries old castles. We willvisit the medieval walled city of Obidos andfishing villages, then visit Fatima, the worldfamous Marian pilgrimage site. A $200.00 perperson discount will expire Dec. 10th.Please call Jackie @ 724-869-9908 or Jim @724-775-8127 for more information.

Other News and Events

Catholic Hospice is reaching out &inviting you to consider volunteeringwith us. We hope to have people who share inour mission and are open to encountering oneof life’s most rewarding experiences, join ourvolunteer team. If Patient Care is not yourprimary interest, we are welcoming people whoenjoy fundraising or clerical work to join ourteam as well. Volunteer training for Patient Carewill be held on Friday, Dec. 18 from 9AM to4PM at the Sewickley office. If you areinterested in learning more about volunteeropportunities, call Robyn Aguzzi at 724-933-6222 or email raguzzi@catholichospicepgh.org.

Friendship Ridge Christmas DayVolunteer Request: Mass will be celebratedon Christmas Day at Friendship Ridge at 10AM.Volunteers are needed to escort residents toand from Mass beginning at 9:15AM. Liturgicalcantors and instrumentalists are also welcome.If you can assist, or for further information,please call Father Bill at 724-775-4111 x 234.Thank you and God Bless you.

Saints Peter and Paul PTG presents the29th Annual Christmas Candlelight HouseTour, Dec. 6. Tour beautiful homes, enjoycomplimentary refreshments at the SS Peterand Paul Activity Building and take in thewonder of our children’s Live Nativity. Tickets:$15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tour begins at370 East End Ave. Doors open 3:30PM, homesopen at 4PM. Call for info 724-774-4450.

A recital of sacred and secular Christmasmusic will be presented Sunday, Dec. 13 at2:30PM at St. Monica Parish, Chippewa Twp.Featured musicians will be Randy Hutchinson,organist, and Nate Goodrich, violinist. Mr.Goodrich has performed in concert with thePittsburgh Symphony. Admission is free.Donations are appreciated.

CCD Administrative Assistant - St. MargaretMary Parish in Moon Twp is currently takingapplications for an Administrative Assistant fortheir CCD program. Specifications for this jobinclude: 25 hours/week, flexible scheduling,summers free. The applicant must be computerliterate, organized and knowledgeable ofCatholic teaching. In accordance with Diocesanregulations on Safe Environment, the personhired for this position must complete ChildAbuse, State Police and Fingerprintingclearances. Position opens in January. Pleasesubmit resume now to: dre@stmargaretmary-moon.org.

OLOP SCHEDULED CONFESSIONS PRIOR TO CHRISTMAS

Wednesday, Dec. 9, The Light is on for You, OLOP, 6-9PMSaturday, Dec. 12, 3:00PMMonday, Dec. 14, Communal Penance Service, 7:00PMTuesday, Dec. 15, following 9:00AM MassWednesday, Dec. 16, following 9:00AM MassFriday, Dec. 18, following 9:00AM MassSaturday, Dec. 19, 3:00PMMonday, Dec. 21, following 9:00AM Mass; 7-8PMTuesday, Dec. 22, following 9:00AM Mass; 7-8PM Wednesday, Dec. 23, following 9:00AM Mass (last scheduledopportunity prior to Christmas)

Christmas Mass ScheduleMasses for Christmas are as follows:

Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24th: 4:00PM (in church) andalso 4:00PM (in Stephens Hall); 7:00PM & 10:00PM

Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25th: 8:30AM & 10:30AM

Christmas Second CollectionOn Christmas Day there will be a second collection taken up at allthe masses for the support of Children and Youth, an annualdiocesan collection. This worthwhile collection benefits the followingprograms and organizations of the diocese.1. Support of adolescent formation and youth ministry programs.2. Support of the Department for Religious Education/CCD.3. Support of elementary education of the youth of the diocese.4. Support of various programs related to youth including the

Department of Persons with Disabilities and the Ozanan CulturalCenter.

Besides benefitting the above programs and organizations thiscollection also benefits Our Lady of Peace Parish. The contributionsmade toward this collection will be credited to our Parish ShareAssessment for 2015. As you know, all the monies received overand above our Parish Share Assessment stays within our parish andis not taxable income by the diocese in the following year.When the second collection is taken up at the masses onChristmas we ask that you be as generous ascircumstances permit for the benefit of children and youththroughout the diocese as well as Our Lady of PeaceParish.

IMPORTANT INCOME TAX INFO

Please have all envelopes for Sunday Contributions as well as Parish Sharepayments in no later than December 27th if you wish to have them credited onyour 2015 contribution statement. If they are not received by the above date,they will be credited to your 2016 statement. Our system does not allow us toback-date payments.

PARISH SHARE 2014This year’s assigned goal was $68,103. That amount is determined as 17.6%of the ordinary income (offertory contributions) from the previous year. As of12/1/15 contributions total $51,702. $16,401 is still needed tomeet our goal. Thanks to all those who have contributed this year. This is anexcellent “tax free” way to contribute to the parish and any money over our goalstays within our parish!

Taxes and Giving at Christmas and Year’s End

Many people enjoy using Christmas and year’s end as a special time to give totheir parish Church and also positively impact their federal and state incometaxes. Christmas and year-end giving provide many advantages to you, thedonor.C All gifts made on or before December 30 are tax deductible for the tax year

in which your gift is made.C The knowledge that your gift is assisting your parish Church and advancing

the mission of the Catholic Church here on earth.C Celebrating the joy of Christmas by giving in the true spirit of the season.C A last reminder to make that special gift or increased gift that you’ve wanted

to make during the year.C If you itemize, your gift will lessen your tax liability for the tax year in which

your gift is made.C If you do not itemize, your Christmas gift may be just the right decision to

allow you to itemize and lower your tax bill (check with your tax advisor).C “Carry Over Deduction” - depending on your age, income and size of your gift,

you may be able to “carry over” your charitable gift tax deduction tosubsequent years.

C Most importantly, make a return to God of your blessings at Christmas andassist Our Lady of Peace Church in attaining its spiritual and programmaticgoals: serving God’s people here on earth.

Church Decorating for ChristmasMake this one of your family’s pre-Christmasactivities. WE NEED YOUR HELP on Sunday,December 20th following the 10:30AMMass. You don’t have to be an expert or evenvery creative. The gift of your time or yourfamily’s time, heart, and hands is what we needto decorate our church for the Birth of Christ.

FINANCIAL REPORT NOVEMBER 22, 2015Offertory Collection 173 $3,467.00Offertory Collection not in envelopes $160.00Online Giving $1,286.00Total $4,913.00REMINDER: Weekly operating expense for running the parish is $7,500Religious Retirement $1,105.00

FINANCIAL REPORT NOVEMBER 29, 2015Offertory Collection 228 $5,556.00Offertory Collection not in envelopes $141.00Online Giving $1,203.00Total $6,900.00REMINDER: Weekly operating expense for running the parish is $7,500

2016 Calendars have arrived!Thanks to Poland Funeral Home, 2016 Calendars are in the back ofthe church for anyone who would like them. Thank you to Jean Poland!

Donations were made to the Memorial Fundin honor/Memory of:

Frank J. Halicek by Sylvia HeaterAntonio DiBernardo by M/M Nicola DiTommasoCharles & Sally Laughlin by Susan Laughlin

Donations were made to Parish Share inhonor/Memory of:

Maria Pati

MASS INTENTIONS FOR DEC 5- DEC 13, 2015

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5VIGIL - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

4:00PM ` John Meyers (Anniv of Death) - by Dolores Meyers

SUNDAY DECEMBER 6SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:30AM Florence Lintio (Anniv of Death) - by Jean & Nick Macaluso10:30AM Donald ‘Skip’ Persuitte (Anniv of Death) -

by Donna Persuitte

Mon. Dec. 7 Vigil-Immaculate Conception (Holy Day ofObligation)5:30PM ` James & Helen Remas - by Donna & Mike Adams

Tues. Dec. 8 Immaculate Conception (Holy Day ofObligation)9:00AM ` Barb Schuett - by Rudy & Liz Trombetta7:00PM ` John Dvorzak - by Dvorzak Family

Wed. Dec. 9 9:00AM ̀ Eugene Litzinger (Birthday Remembrance)- by wife, Brenda

Thur. Dec. 10 9:00AM No MassFri. Dec. 11 9:00AM ` Ed Meder - by Art & Patti Columbe

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12VIGIL - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

4:00PM ` Sophie Oriszko (Anniv of Death) - by Sophie & Bill Campbell & Family

SUNDAY DECEMBER 13THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:30AM For All Living & Deceased Parishioners10:30AM Deceased Members of Adamoski & Dermotta Family -

by Mary & Gene Adamoski *********************

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING MASS INTENTIONS:

If you have the Mass intention scheduled and would like to take up the gifts at that Mass, please arrive 15 minutes early for Mass and

inform the ushers that you would like to take the gifts up. Thank you.

OFFICE PHONES - Dial 724 and the number belowParish Office/Parish House 869-3024 Fax 869-3025

Email: olop@verizon.netOLOP website: www.olopconway.com

Facebook: OurLady ofPeace ConwayTwitter: @OurLadyofPeaceC

Instagram: @ourladyofpeaceconwayDiocese of Pittsburgh Sexual Abuse Hotline:

888-808-1235

PARISH ADVISORY COUNCILS:Finance Council Members: Jim Angeloni, Patti Columbe, Dom Rinaldi and Bonnie MakarewiczParish Pastoral Council Members: Jim Angeloni, Stanley Duplaga, Jerry Fleeson, Pat Keeley, Steve Lesko,Anita Myers, Chris Petukauskas, Jean Pittman

OLOP Library - regular hours: Monday thru Friday, 10am to 4pm andevenings by appointment (Cindy at 724-869-4723)

SCHEDULE FOR WEEK OF DEC 12 AND DEC 13

Sat. 4:00PM MassExtraordinary Ministers: Altar Servers: Lector:

Jeanne Lesko Needed Maria AngeloniSheila Shillingburg Needed

Victor Franc

Sun. 8:30AMExtraordinary Ministers: Altar Servers: Lector:

Teri Fleeson Santino Guandolo Dave FolmarPat Russo Zach Sutton

Deacon Jim

Sun. 10:30AMExtraordinary Ministers: Altar Servers: Lector:

Diane Marr Mitchell Deschaine Bernard StockDenise Marr Kylee Salyers

Sue Hendrickson

Our Lady of PeaceJanuary Raffle Tickets

Sold after all masses every weekend

Also on saleMonday thru Friday, 9AM to 4PM

in the Parish Office

Donation: $5/each

Tickets are good for the ENTIRE month of January 2016

and numbers are based on the evening (7PM) 3-digit PA daily lottery drawing.

Great gift idea for: hair stylist, dentist, paper boy/girl,neighbor/co-worker, or as an easy stocking stuffer!

Our Lady of PeaceMovie Night

Christmas for a Dollar

Friday, December 117:00PM

Rooms 4 & 5 (Education center)

America is in the midst of the Great Depression, and theKamp family is struggling to get by, especially sinceMrs. Kamp’s untimely death nearly a year ago. Theolder children do their best to take care of the family,but it’s the younger children who struggle the most.Now with their mother gone and their fatheroverwhelmed by doctor’s bills, the Kamp siblings expecta Christmas without presents. But when the fatherscrapes together a dollar in coins to use for Christmasgifts, everything begins to change. Warm up yourChristmas season with this touching reminder that themost meaningful gifts come from the heart.

Popcorn will be provided. You may bring an appetizeror a dessert to share and any spirits that you would liketo have for yourself.

Questions: Call Cindy Deschaine – 724-869-4723