December 17, 2017 - Third Sunday of Advent

2310 Bedford Street • Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15904-1127

Saint Benedict Parish Mission Statement: “To proclaim and live the message of Jesus Christ; through the power of the Holy Spirit, pray and work to build up His Church; and to do the will of the Father always and everywhere.”

Parish Mo o: “Ora et Labora” - La n for “Pray and Work” - comes from the Benedic nes who were the first to staff our Parish. PARISH STAFF Rev. David S. Peles, Pastor …………… SBpastor@atlan cbb.net, Ext. 502 Rev. Peter Crowe, Parochial Vicar ……………………....…..………… Ext. 507 Deacon Michael Russo ………………………………..…………….…….…… 288-3036 Mrs. Mary Jo Podratsky, Assoc. Principal …………………...……….… Ext. 201 Sr. Cindy Burns, CCW ………………………. srcindy@stbenedictchurch. org High School CCD, Confirma on, RCIA ……….….....…………………….. Ext. 301 Mrs. Michelle Roba n, Elementary CCD ……………..………….….…… Ext. 302 ………………………………………….…………...…………….... elemccd@floodcity.net Mr. Joseph Gaunt, Office of Music & Liturgy ………………...…..…. 241-1923 ……………………………………..…………..……..……………... jgaunt@atlan cbb.net BAPTISM: Parents are to be examples to their children by being registered, ac ve members of the Parish. First me parents are required to a end a Bap smal Prepara on Class. Please call the Rectory Office to make arrangements.

MARRIAGE: Couples planning to marry are to make arrangements at least nine months prior to their wedding date. Diocesan Guidelines regarding Marriage Prepara on must be followed. The Catholic party/par es is/are to be registered, ac ve members in the parish.

CARE OF THE SICK: Those confined to their homes by sickness or age may arrange to receive Holy Communion by calling the rectory office at 266-9718. Our priests and deacons visit all St. Benedict parishioners once a week at Memorial Medical Center or other hospitals as requested.

PARISH MEMBERSHIP: New members are always welcome! If you are moving into, within, or out of the Parish please call the rectory Office and let us know.

BULLETIN ARTICLE DEADLINE: Wednesday of the week prior to publica on.

DIRECTORY

Rectory Office …. (814)266-9718 ext. 501 Rectory Fax ..................... (814)269-4220 Parish Website …... stbenedictchurch.org School Office .……………….. (814)266-3837 School Fax ………...……….… (814)266-7718 School Website …………………………………... http://www.divinemercy.academy

RECTORY OFFICE HOURS Monday – Thursday: 7:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:00pm Friday: 7:30 am – 12:00 pm Closed Saturday, Sunday & Holidays

MASS SCHEDULE Monday—Friday…......8:00am, 12:05pm* Saturday ………………………...….….. 9:00 am Saturday Vigil ………..… 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm Sunday…......……..… 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am *School Mass Usually 9:00 am Thursdays

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION The Night Before …………....…...... 6:30pm The Day of …. 7:00am, 12:05pm, 6:30pm

CONFESSIONS Tuesday & Thursday following the 8:00 am & 12:05 pm Masses Saturdays .................................... 3:00pm Other mes listed in bulle n.

EUCHARISTIC DAYS Adora on of the Blessed Sacrament begins a er 12:05pm Mass and con nues un l 7:00pm on Tuesday.

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Mass Inten ons For This Week School Mass will be Thursday, December 21st Mon 8:00am Anniv. 12/17 Matthew Gerko (Gerko Family) 12:05pm Lester Reitz (Johnstown Retired Men’s Choir) Tues 8:00am Claude (Bud) McKinley (Wife & Family) 12:05pm Elaine Brzana (Family) Wed 8:00am Cliff Miller (John & Carol McGuire) 12:05pm Anniv. Thomas M. Marron (Daughter, Margie Marron) Thurs 8:00am B-day Carl Motter, Jr. (Wife, Joyce & Family) 9:30am Camilla (Kelly) Zalucki (Ron Geiser) 12:05pm Anniv. Francis D. Sallese (Wife & Family) Fri 8:00am Anniv. Helen Knapp (Joanne Knapp) 12:05pm B-day David Tickerhoof (Daughter, Ruthayn) Sat 9:00am Deceased Members of Hamilton & Hall Families (Mary Jo Hall) 5:00pm B-day 12/25 Francis L. Feyock (Children) 7:00pm Anniv. Agnes Reitz (Bobby Arcurio) Sun 7:30am Charles Carpenter (Mary Rilogio 9:30am Marie O’Connor (Frances DiFlori) 11:30am Mary & Charles Mayer (Family) 5:00pm Intentions from Christmas Envelopes 9:00pm Intentions from Christmas Envelopes Midnight Intentions from Christmas Envelopes

Altar Server Schedule Please check your mail and email for the new altar server schedule. You can also view your schedule by going to www.stbenedictchurch.org and clicking on “Ministry Scheduler Pro.” Servers are s ll needed for Christmas Eve and Christmas

Day. Check the sacristy for the sign-up sheet. May you and your families have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Third Sunday of Advent

December 17, 2017

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Religious and Social Event Third Sunday of Advent Parish Penance Service Today at 5:00 pm Angel Fund Weekend Sun 7:30am Sunday Mass 8:00-9:15am Happy Birthday Jesus 9:30am Sunday Mass sung by our Schola Choir 11:30am Sunday Mass 5:00pm Parish Penance Service No Confessions offered a er toda-Mon 7:40am Recita on of the Rosary / Church 8:00am Mass 11:40am Recita on of the Rosary / Church 12:05pm Mass No Eucharis c Day Tues 7:40am Recita on of the Rosary / Church 8:00am Mass / No Confessions 11:40am Recita on of the Rosary / Church 12:05pm Mass / No Confessions 5:30 - 6:30pm No Pro - Life Holy Hour 7:00pm Knights of Columbus Rosary followed by Mee ng / St. JP II / Chapel 7:00-8:30pm Good News Prayer Group / St. JP II / Room # 1 7:00pm Schola Choir Rehearsal

Wed 7:40am Recita on of the Rosary 8:00am Mass 11:40am Recita on of the Rosary / Church 12:05pm Mass 6:30pm RCIA / St. JP II / Room # 2 6:30 - 7:45pm Contemporary Choir Rehearsal

Readings for the Week

Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18- 25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;

Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent Page Three

Religious and Social Events This Week Thurs 7:40am Recita on of the Rosary 8:00am Mass / No Confessions 9:30am School Mass sung by our Omega Choir 10:00am Sr. Cindy Adult Ed / St. JP II / Room #2 11:40am Recita on of the Rosary 12:05pm Mass / No Confessions 6:30pm Liturgical Choir Rehearsal

Rectory Office Closed Fri 7:40am Recita on of the Rosary 8:00am Mass 11:40am Recita on of the Rosary / Church 12:05pm Mass

Sat 9:00am Mass 3:00pm No Confessions 5:00pm Mass to fulfill Sunday Obliga on 7:00pm Mass to fulfill Sunday Obliga on Sunday, December 24th, Christmas Eve Sun 7:30am Sunday Mass 9:30am Sunday Mass sung by our Liturgical Choir 11:30am Sunday Mass

5:00pm Christmas Eve Mass sung by our Alpha & Omega Choirs 9:00pm Christmas Eve Mass sung by our Contemporary Choir Midnight Mass sung by our Schola Choir

John 1:6-8, 19-28 Today’s gospel reports “there is one among you whom you do not recognize.” It is hard to believe Christ is present in a family with crazy schedules, suppers that start too late and end too early, cars that don’t start, misunderstandings, frustra ons, piles of laundry, unmatched socks and stretched food budgets. The list is endless. The words spoken at mass, “The Lord is with you,” are not a hope, they are a fact.

2017 Contribu ons All contribu ons for 2017 must be submi ed by the end of December for tax purposes. Thank you for your coopera on.

Pray For. . .

the repose of the souls of Philip Hoffman (brother of Pauline and Gregory Hoffman) and Edward Burns (brother of Sr. Cindy Burns) who have entered eternal life. May Philip and Edward rest in God’s peace and may the comfort of the Lord be with their families.

. . . remember in your charity the homebound, elderly, sick and hospitalized members of our Parish Family, especially Bobbi Sallese, Donald Rybar, Michael Krestar, Jr., Maureen Argie, Lincoln Ashcom, Mark Williams, Dave Deitle, Heidi Allison, Judy Kosmac, Kathryn, Mandy Keim, Jim Stiffler, Bob Jeschonek, Alan Klaum, Bobby Cates, Deanna, Rose Cale, Bryson Miller, Michael Krestar, Sr., Stella Neuder, Edward A. Nowacki, Wyatt Price, Christopher Norton, Chris Davis, Mark Rager, Jeremy Minor, Zach Womer, Russ Bobkoskie, Lois Gaunt, Jillian, Joe, Michelle Fitzpatrick, Rosemary Stump, Marilyn Danchanko, Steve Faher, Judy Koshute, Helene Barron, Jack Slezak, Ray, Betty Karafa, Larry Krestar, Terry Shustrick, Elizabeth Wilson, Margarete Riederer, Donna Cooper, Eileen Leuser, Robert Kormanik, Nori McGowan, John Lowes, Margaret Brown, Lloyd (Mac) Hughes, Alan Klaum, Deanna Henderson, Nancy Boes, Cindy Leonard, Ruth Boes, Gary Single, Nancy, Brett Greenhill, Jeffrey Hope, Joann Reiser, Baby Ashlyn, Chad, Sylvia Drozdik, Joan Parks, Pat Bendick, Doris Pepple, Cindy Rummel, Ashley Bassette, June Shaw, George Lulos, Frank Fratrich, Jan Seitz - Molchany, Harry Cox, Mildred Kluchar, John Jordan, Barry Vill, Nina Roman, Lee Herdman, Noah, Hilda Natta, Pat McClafferty, Sandy Kloo, Lynn Lubinsky, Doug Osborne, Kay Gorczycki, Jewel Jordan, Basil Constantino, Ron Rayman, Kathleen Hennessey, Jill, Rosemary, Ann, Zack, Andrew, Patricia Renaud, Jan, Rose Marie, Ann, Zack, Ken Julian, Chris Howie, Krista Walker, Bettie Washington, Josh, Rudy Lapid, Leonora Sakony, Justine, Edith Gargon, Allison Krischer, Darin Roles, Amy, Vincent Spinelli, Jim Stem, Dorothy Markovich, Charles Donald Jacobs, Sylvia Drozdik, Kathy Kohan, Pat Roebuck, Mary Susan, Lissa Gindlesperger, Ken Blasko, Denny Sherman, Helen Rizzo, Pat Smith, Mary Louise Pollock, Maurice Herdman, Jr., Sylvia Latchney, Judy Furfari, Sue Williams, Joe Walbeck, Jill, Harry Gorman, Jonathan W., Mark, Braden Schofeld, David Dabbs, Jacob Sutton, Danielle Sopich, Sharon Wilson, Betty Horner, Gia Bucci, Bob Bark, Derek Brozozowski, Maria Zubak, Antonia Ramirez, Jessi, Lance Hupkovich, Janet S., Atlas, Charles Sklar, Jack Drummer, Ashley Maciejewski, George, Regina Hoover, John Orlosky, Rebecca Boring, Brayden Yorchak, Evelyn Velenski, Louann Clites, Mary Goas, Cheryl Bailey, John Vitez, Sean Aveni, Andi, Carol, Idela Robison, Rich Blaschack, Judy, John Glenn, Theresa Balon, Rudy, Nicholas, Bryan Mahon, Ethan Wirfel, Bob Liddell, Nicole Mickolick, Ted Bishof, John Williams, Larry Sedlemeyer, Andrea, Douglas Shaffer, John Dilko, Dawn, Jacqueline Beltz, Connie, Heather, Stephanie Cleary, and their courageous families who are caring for them. May they be united in a special way with the suffering Christ.

. . . also, Lord, please watch over the men and women serving in our armed forces, and also those civilians whose work puts them in harms way. . . . and also, for more voca ons to the priesthood, Permanent Deacons, and religious life, all our volunteers and all the ministries.

Page Four Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017

Our Parish Penance Service is scheduled for today, Sunday, December 17th at 5:00 pm. There will be no confessions a er this date!

Today is the monthly offering for the Angel Fund Program. You will find this envelope in your offertory box. Remember that all dona ons made through this envelope will be put into our “Angel Fund” to help those who need assistance at our Parochial School. Thanking you in advance for your con nued support. There will be no Eucharis c or Pro - Life Holy Hour this Tuesday, December 19th as we prepare the church for Christmas. We will resume our regular schedule on Tuesday, December 26th. Good News Charisma c Prayer Group will meet this Tuesday evening, December 19th from 7:00 - 8:30 pm in the St. JP II / Room # 1 with Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR. All are welcome to join us in thanking God for his many blessings. If you have any ques ons, please contact Joe or Connie at 266-7109.

The monthly Knights of Columbus mee ng will be held this Tuesday, December 19th. The Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm, followed by the monthly mee ng in our St. JP II / Chapel.

Just a reminder that our Parish Office will be closed on Friday, December 22nd, Monday, December 25th and also Tuesday, December 26th. Our Parish Office will reopen on Wednesday, December 27th.

Thank you to all parishioners who have responded to the Catholic Ministries Drive. To date we have received 311 pledges or 18.45% people totaling $71,451.00. All pledges may be dropped in the collec on basket during Mass each weekend with your check made payable to St. Benedict Church or you may give online at www.dioceseaj.org. Ministries that Drive the Life of our Church are Caring for the Poor and Strengthening Families: Catholic Chari es, Family Life, The Fulton County Catholic Mission, The Mandeville Diocese in Jamaica. Nurturing Our Youth with Campus Ministry, Educa onal Programming, Sacramental Prepara on, Youth Ministry. On behalf of these vital ministries, thank you for your sacrificial gi s of prayer and treasure. Just a reminder that all funds collected over our $126,624.00 target will be returned to our Parish.

Notes from Music Ministry The Adult Bell Choir will rehearse on Sunday evening at 7:00 pm

The Schola Cantorum will rehearse on Tuesday at 7:00 pm and will sing the Midnight Mass for Christmas Eve

The Contemporary Choir will rehearse on Wednesday at 6:30 pm and sing the 9:00 pm Mass on Christmas Eve

The Liturgical Choir will rehearse on Thursday at 6:30 pm, and sing the 9:30 am Mass Sunday (4th Sunday of Advent) and the 9:30 am Mass on Christmas Day

Christmas Choir Schedule Christmas Eve 5:00 pm Alpha & Omega Choirs 9:00 pm Contemporary Choir & Bell Choir Midnight Schola Cantorum Christmas Day 7:30 am Cantor 9:30 am Liturgical Choir 11:30am Cantor

Charitable Giving at Year End As we enter the season of giving thanks, some parishioners may be inspired to make a special contribu on to our Parish. Depending on your circumstances, gi s of appreciated stock or IRA charitable distribu ons may provide be er tax advantages than a gi made by a check. Please contact the Parish Office to learn how you can make a gi from an IRA account or donate stocks or mutual funds.

2017 Bonanza Ticket Program Due to early bulle n publica on, we are not able to publish the winning lo ery numbers. This year’s program is coming to a close. Is your cket paid in full? If not, please pay it off now so that you are eligible for the big prizes! Final payments are due now! 2018 Tickets are in!! Contact the Parish Office to hold your special number.

Thanks to our adver sers who sponsor this bulle n. Support them

with your business. Kulback Eye Care & Chiroprac c

December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent Page Five

Advent Penance Services

If you are unable to a end our Parish Penance Service below is a schedule of days and mes at other area Parishes: Today, Sunday, December 17th at 5:00 pm Here at St. Benedict Monday, December 18th, 5:30 pm Visita on

Monday, December 18th, 6:30 pm West End Churches, St. Francis, Barron Avenue

Tuesday, December 19th, 6:30 pm Our Mother of Sorrows

Tuesday, December 19th, 6:30 pm St. Mary, Nanty Glo

Friday, December 22nd, 7:00 pm Saint Aloysius, Cresson

Yellow Ribbon Campaign The Yellow Ribbon Campaign at St. Benedict will be held the weekend of January 6th - 7th before and a er all Masses. This is the Ci zens Concerned for Human Life’s (CCHL) main fundraising project for the year. The money raised assists with our pro-life educa on efforts, the March for Life and other expenses. Checks should be made payable to CCHL / Cambria Somerset. Please prayerfully consider dona ng your me and money to this important event.

March for Life Ci zens Concerned for Human Life and St. Benedict Church is coordina ng a bus to the March for Life on Friday, January 19, 2018. The bus will depart from St. Benedict Church at 7:15am. Mass will be offered at

6:30am at St Benedict. The cost to reserve a seat is $10/student and $15/adult. Money must be received prior to January 19th. All people under the age of 18, we ask you to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please do not let the cost of a cket defer you from a ending - if you need financial assistance, please contact Fr. Crowe at the rectory. The bus will return back to St Benedict at about 10:00pm the same day. We will stop for dinner,

but please pack a breakfast and lunch. If you are unable to physically a end, financial assistance is also greatly appreciated to help cover the cost of the bus reserva on. This is a very rewarding experience and a powerful witness for life at all stages of life. Please contact Heidi Bence to register at (814) 536-7335. Our Reunion Commi ee is already planning ahead and looking for your assistance. Do you have the me and talent to organize a commi ee to take over the “2018 Reunion Car Project?” This commi ee would be comprised of several people to do specific jobs. The tasks would be finding venues and gathering volunteers to promote the sale of ckets. Please contact Debbie Mendillo at 266-6963 if you have ques ons or would be willing to organize this project. Your though ul prayers and me, talent and treasure would be greatly appreciated.

Page Six Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017

Adult Ed with Sr. Cindy: Sr. Cindy’s Adult Ed will meet on December 21st at 10:00 am. We will con nue to reflect and discuss on the season of Advent, the readings for the season, and how we can focus on the birth of Christ in our world.

HIGH SCHOOL CCD SCHEDULES: High School CCD Schedules for Winter 2018 are in the bookracks for pick up. In the midst of the holiday rush, don’t forget to get your schedule and plan your CCD classes. High School CCD classes will resume on January 14th.

NEED A HOLIDAY STOCKING STUFFER or a LAST MINUTE GIFT? The Carmelite Community of the Word is selling chances on the January 2018 Lo ery. These chances make wonderful stocking stuffers! For only $5.00 you get a chance to win for the en re month of January. For more informa on or to get yours, contact Sr. Cindy.

A Great Christmas Gi : The Trip of a Life me From October 1-10, 2018 join us on a journey to the heart of our Catholic faith in Rome and Assisi. Visit the seven churches of Rome central to our pilgrimage to the city as well as the Va can. In Assisi, visit the places central to the ministry of Saint Francis and Saint Claire. We will celebrate Mass each day at one of the holy sites on our tour. Since our patron saint is St. Benedict, we have added a special stop at two of the monasteries he found-ed: Subiaco and Monte Cassino. The tour includes all inclusive pricing, entrance and program fees, gratui es, breakfast and dinner each day, first class hotels, guided tours, deluxe air condi oned motor coaches, fuel surcharges and government taxes, and interna onal airfare from New York. Transporta on to and from New York is extra and will leave and return from St. Benedict’s upper parking lot. Cost of the pilgrimage is $3,548. Space is limited!!! Only 14 spaces le !

Brochures are in the informa on racks in the church or contact Deacon Michael for more informa on: michael.russo@atlan cbb.net or 288-3036.

All 2018 Envelopes are available for pick up. Once again, they are placed in the last pew of the Church. Adult envelopes are located on one side and children on the other. Please look for both sets. If you are unable to locate your envelopes, please contact the Parish Office at 266-9718 Ext. 501.

Schedule for the Christmas 2017 Season Saturday, December 23, 2017 No Confessions 9:00 am Morning Mass 5:00 pm Mass to fulfill Sunday Obliga on 7:00 pm Mass to fulfill Sunday Obliga on

Sunday, December 24, 2017

7:30 am Sunday Mass 9:30 am Sunday Mass sung by our Liturgical Choir 11:30 am Sunday Mass

Sunday, December 24, 2017 - Christmas Eve Masses

5:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass sung by our Alpha / Omega Choirs 9:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass sung by our Contemporary Choir Midnight Mass sung by our Schola Choir

Monday, December 25, 2017 – Christmas Day

7:30 am Christmas Mass (No Incense) 9:30 am Christmas Mass sung by Liturgical Choir 11:30 am Sunday Mass NO EVENING MASS

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Eucharis c Day Resumes

No 8:00 am Mass 12:05 pm Mass opens our Eucharis c Day followed by Confessions Wednesday, December 27th Back to usual schedule

Sunday, December 31, 2017 New Year’s Eve

7:30 am Sunday Mass 9:30 am Sunday Mass sung by our Liturgical Choir 11:30 am Sunday Mass NO VIGIL FOR January 1st

Monday, January 1, 2018 is not a Holy Day of Obliga on – we will use our regular Mass Schedules

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Saint Benedict Church 2310 Bedford Street Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904-1127

Contact: Mary Beth Pudliner Email: sbpastor@atlan cbb.net

(814)266-9718 ext. 501

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