MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 28—4:30PM—St. Francis:
Sunday, Dec. 29—8:00AM—St. Francis: Lector—Matt Oleniacz; Ministers—Chris & Katie Volk; Servers Jacob & Carson Oleniacz; Rosary Bob Curley; Greeter volunteer needed Sunday, Dec. 29—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector Dave Rebello; Ministers Travis Wise & volunteer; Servers Travis Wise; Rosary volunteer needed; Greeter Barb Pichette
DECEASED
Please pray for the deceased, especially Wayne “Jake” Warner. May he rest in peace. Amen.
PRAYER LIST
Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish & Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers, .
Kaitlyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Ruth King, Kyle Stoddard, Tom Wenman, Toni Colardino, Madigan Gow, Emily D., Amanda Branning, Daniel Gavin, Tommy Williams, Kathy Holt, Linda Hollenback, Don Zaleski, Elton Carr, Jim Raftis, Bub Davis, Tyler Fletcher, William Chaney, Joe Grindel, Chelsea Judson, Trisha, Mary Guido, “D”, Hallie Brooks, Mark Kovach, Brooke Arnold, Robyn Lawson, Ned Offner, Ethel Reid, Rusty Carmen, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Marie Donahue, Barbara Mahoney, Adam Price, Jay Gurn, Greg Lasgowka, Terry, Cameron & Levi White, Natalie Dawn Abell, Tom Ellison, the Reed Family, Don Higgins, Raub Family, Todd Legg, Ryan Hayes, Chad Grindel, Thomas McWilliams, Marty Mosher, Cathy Ballogg, Mary Ann Casterline, Janice Jacobs, Mary Joan, Patricia Charpinsky, Diane Holleran, Kineer Worgen, James Dughi, Peg Broadwater, Adrian Stephens, Millie, John, Reilly, Sophia ILichishin, Josh Zaleski, Caleb Scepaniak, Dana Marsh, Lori Rawlins, Brendan Merritt, Mark Pasteka, Jay C., Tim Fruehan, Linda, Gloria, Carl, Lori Hammerly Coleman, Pat Walsh, Brendan Kelly, Angelo Scarfalloto, Emily Graves, Cathy Albert, Robert Nemcek, Wayne Hibbard, Laura Nelson, Garrett Farr, R.C.M., Everly Hausmann, Diane, George Coleman, Sally Saunders, Marie Cavallaro, Sully & Patty Cavallaro, Evelyn Ferro, Alice, Briana Grisdale, Jay S., Gregory Diorio, Mike Coleman, Nicholas, Alex, Mike & Pat Stelacio, Fr. John Victoria, Joseph Santora, Carol Garcia, Cathy Edsell, Jessica Lawrence, Sue L., Nellie Manarchuck, Monica Gibson, Diane Coffee, Bill Noldy, Jr., Patricia Hutchinson, Mark, Chris Mortensen, Clyde & Mary Tims, Louise Darrow, Aaron Fredendall, Louise Eastman, Niki Rogers, Wade Leach, Shirley Conboy, Mike, Joseph Olszewski, Matthew Gatto, Madigan, Kris Kiesly, Kylie Keenan, Sara Kelly Price, Tucker White, Terri Grindel, Jerry Wells, Fred Brown, Rosa Prieto, Carl Whitehead, Ed Snee, Pete Strojny, Mary (Jones) Edsell, Eileen Maruschok, Leonard Howell, Val Mosier, Shirley Rockefeller, A.J. Pass, Nancy, Tony McHugh, Hunter Allen Sapp, Bryce Histand, Dcn. Tom Hartley, Ken Warner, George Thrasher, Norma Volk, Gerry, Kathy Conklin, Gary Fisher, Tom Walz, Joan Middendorf, Kevin Pierson, Megan Hale, Ben Naylor, Kathleen, Tammy Volk Jennings, Rosemary Stewart, Joe, Margaret Zernone, Bucky Russell, Delores Sinchak, Carolyn Doolittle, Jane Borelli, Chuck Bullock, Tom Krupinski, Eileen Drab, Susanne Wolf, Doug Packer, Gail Lutz, Ellen Bieleski, Larry Black, Joyce Danielewicz, Dorothy Angel, Jackie Foster, Ed Bartkus, Mary Ann Severage, Jeanette Williams, Michael Stone, Grady White, Jan Harmon, John Mulrooney, Joan Golis, Margaret Connolly, Miriam Van Winkle, Elizabeth Fancher, Sally McGlynn, George Starzec, Nancy, Edward Silver, Dustin, Marie Violini, Sam Arnold, Jeff, Kelly Burridge, Jim Cullen, Caesar Siedlecki, Joe Leonard, Geri Mokris, Linda Henry, Gabi, Keith, Katie, Matt, Bill, Larry Wise, Ray Jones, Dan, Ty, Frank Johnson, George, Lisa, Leah Walters, Doug N., Michael Sacco, and Denise Campbell. Pray for all the needs in our Parish and Community. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.
ARMED FORCES LIST
Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish & Community, Ryan Gormley, Christopher Reichlen, Mike Griffith, Matthew Kramer, Ryan Neville, Shane Kalpokas, Dustin Ryder, Steven Shelp, Ricky Trowbridge, Jay Tewksbury, Lukas Crisman, Ryan Newberry, Mark W. Gregg, Lisa Phillips, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Marty Conboy, Joseph Elliott, Wayne M. Bennett, Bradley J. Bryant, John Baltsley, Mara Redding, Michael Redding, James Hemmerly, Amberlynn Villanella, Jacob Balchikonis, Rip VanWinkle, Cameron, Jonathan Green, Garrett Kiehle, and all who serve with them. May they be protected & safe from harm & return home safely and soon. Amen.
The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,
(St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa.
St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)
(St. Brigid’s Cross) PARISH
-mail: sfxc@epix.net Facebook: St Brigid Parish
Rev. Augustine Thomas Administrator
Father Augustine 1 (570) 909-7819
Deacon Paul J. Brojack
FOURTH
SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 22nd, 2024
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord!”
MASS SCHEDULE
Sat. Dec. 21 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sun. Dec. 22 8:00AM St. Francis Church - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
GERALD MURPHY by the Family
10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS
Mon. Dec. 23 12:00NN St. Francis Church - BOB GRIFFIN by Jeff & Rosanne Williams
Tue. Dec. 24 4:00PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD NANCY LYNCH by the Family
6:30PM St. Augustine Church - HELGA WALZ by Ralph Walz
Wed.Dec. 25 8:00AM St. Francis Church - THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
MARTHA STROJNY by Mary Louise Keenan
10:30AM St. Augustine Church - KEN PICHETTE by Bill & Barb Pichette
Thur.Dec. 26 NO MASS
Fri. Dec. 27 NO MASS
Sat. Dec. 28 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: HOLY FAMILY PATRICK DALY by Bill & Dawn Zalewski
Sun. Dec. 29 8:00AM St. Francis Church - HOLY FAMILY
GENEVIEVE COLEMAN by Frank Conboy
10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS
Dear Friends!
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, Mary emerges as a Missionary Model to emulate. Mary carrying the tiny Jesus in her womb, yet going to Elizabeth’s aid, is a true missionary model of caring Jesus, in being the tabernacle of Christ, and the first bearer of the Good News that would change all of human history. Mary as a missionary brings incredible joy both to Elizabeth and to John the Baptist in her womb. This Christmas invites us to be missionaries of Joy in a world that is encircled with darkness of hatred and division. This lasting joy is possible only when one gifts them Christ. He is the greatest gift we could ever bring someone we love. All other material goods in the world fall flat in comparison to the greatest gift of all times, Jesus Christ. We all could sing today; “Put a little more of Jesus in your life; the world will be happy place. No more fighting, no more strife, everyone will have a smiling face.”
Reflect: What are the ways through which I bring Jesus into the hearts and homes of people?
~ Father Augustine
PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS
Parish Lottery Calendars are now available in the back of our Churches for Christmas Gift-Giving. Calendars are $ 20.00 each and run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2025. Each family is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to sign the calendars out on the sheet provided.
OPLATKI
The Oplatki Christmas wafer is a Catholic Christmas tradition celebrated in Poland, Moravia, Lithuania, and Slovakia. The unleavened wafers are baked from pure wheat flour and water, are usually rectangular in shape and very thin, and are identical in composition to the altar bread that becomes the Eucharist at the consecration during Mass the Roman Catholic Church. The Oplatki wafers are embossed with Christmas-related religious images, varying from the nativity scene, especially Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, to the Star of Bethlehem.
Christmas wafers are available in the back of our Churches today.
LITTLE BOOKS & THE WORD AMONG US
Little Books and the Word Among Us for Christmas are available in the back of our Churches.
COMPLIMENTARY 2025 RELIGIOUS WALL CALENDARS
These Calendars, provided by Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home, are in the back of the Church.
CONFESSION SCHEDULE—(BEFORE ALL WEEKEND MASSES)
Saturday St. Francis Xavier before 4:30PM Mass 3:30 to 4:15PM
Sunday—St. Francis Xavier—before 8:00AM Mass—7:30 to 7:50AM
Sunday St. Augustine before 10:30AM Mass 10:00 to 10:20AM
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Our weekend collection total was $ 3,763.61. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
LIFELINE
“O Blessed Mother, at the angel’s word you went in haste to the aid of your cousin Elizabeth. Although pregnant yourself, you placed her needs before your own. By your example of radical solidarity, teach us to reverence and protect those in need, without conditions or expectations… Obtain for us the grace to bring Christ to any expectant mother who is alone and afraid.”
~ USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Prayer for Radical Solidarity (www.respectlife.org/prayer-for-radical-solidarity)
CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday, December 24th Christmas Vigil 4:00PM Mass St. Francis
Tuesday, December 24th—Christmas Vigil—6:30PM Mass—St. Augustine
Wednesday, December 25th Christmas Day 8:00AM Mass St. Francis
Wednesday, December 25th Christmas Day 10:30AM Mass St. Augustine
CHRISTMAS MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Christmas Vigil 4:00PM Mass St. Francis: Lector Matt Oleniacz; Ministers Chris & Katie Volk; Servers Jacob & Carson Oleniacz; Rosary Mary Shaughnessy; Greeter volunteer needed
Christmas Vigil 6:30PM Mass St. Augustine: Lector volunteer needed; Ministers volunteers needed; Servers volunteers needed; Rosary volunteer needed; Greeter volunteer needed
Christmas Vigil—8:00AM Mass—St. Francis: Lector Terri LaRue; Ministers Tim LaRue & Larry Purtell; Servers volunteer needed; Rosary Debbie Purtell; Greeter volunteer needed
Christmas Day 10:30AM Mass St. Augustine: Lector Johanna Higgins; Ministers Eileen McDonald & Concetta Schirra; Servers volunteer needed; Rosary volunteer needed; Greeter volunteer needed
SOLEMNITY OF MARY, HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
The Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God, January 1st, 2025, is a Holy Day of Obligation. Our Mass schedule is as follows:
Vigil Mass is Tuesday, December 31st at 6:00PM at St. Francis Xavier Church
Holy Day Mass is Wednesday, January 1st at 9:00AM at St. Augustine Church
FORMED
FORMED provides the very best Catholic content to help parishes, families, and individuals explore their faith. The site has thousands of movies, children’s programs, eBooks, audio, programs and studies. FORMED is available to our Parishioners. All you need to do is go to www.formed.org/signup and type in our zip code (18818) or parish name (Roman Catholic Community of St Brigid).
2024 DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL UPDATE
St. Brigid Parish 2024 Appeal Goal is $ 23,474.00. We have $ 37,202.65 pledged which is 158.48% of our Goal. We are over our goal by $ 13,728.65. Thank you to all our Parishioners for your efforts in helping the Parish to make our goal. 75% of all money raised over our goal is returned to St. Brigid Parish.
FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS—SATURDAY, JANUARY 4TH
On Saturday, January 4th, we observe the Fatima First Saturday Devotions in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our Lord and Lady requested of Sister Lucia, shepherd visionary of Fatima.
Please consider participating as we seek to fulfill our Savior's and Blessed Mother's request for prayer and penance in reparation to her most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. All are welcome.
The schedule for these Devotions at Saint Augustine Church is:
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by confessions: 8:30AM-9:00AM
Recitation of Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: 9:00AM-9:30AM
Adoration and Meditation on Mysteries of the Rosary: 9:30AM-9:45AM
Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament: 9:45AM-9:55AM
Mass: 10:00AM-10:45AM
SANCTUARY & DEVOTIONAL CANDLES FOR CHRISTMAS
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for a Special Intention offered by Joe Purr.
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns for peace in Ukraine, Israel, and the Middle East.
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Leo Guiton offered by Loretta Guiton.
~ ~ A Sanctuary Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of John & Sophie Glenn and Rudolph & Bernice Noldy offered by Bill & Theresa Noldy.
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Sophie & Frank Padula, John & Pat Glenn, and Mary & Joseph Drobish offered by Bill & Theresa Noldy.
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Sophie Padula (Special Aunt Cioci) offered by the White & Noldy Families.
~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis burns in Memory of Sophie Padula offered by friend Joyce Danielewicz.
SPECIAL PRAYERS
Please continue to pray for vocations to the Priesthood in our Diocese.
PARISH PRAYER CHAIN
If you have a prayer request, please call Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212), Maureen Allen (570-6632256) or the Rectory (570-553-2288) sfxc@epix.net. Many prayers will be offered for your intentions. Please call when the person you put on this Prayer List can be removed, either because of their return to health or because they have passed away.
CHURCH CLEANING
St. Augustine: December 23 to 29 Sr. Bette Brown & Barb Pichette; December 30 to January 5 Rosalynd Perlick; January 6 to 12 Rosalynd & Veronica Perlick; January 13 to 19 Rosalynd & Veronica Perlick; January 20 to 26 volunteers needed; January 27 to February 2 volunteers needed
St. Francis cleaner for the month of December Kathy Gage.
NEW VOLUNTEERS are always welcome to help clean our Churches. There are several openings at St. Augustine. To volunteer, please call or email Kay (570)553-2288 or sfxc@epix.net
ADORATION HELP IS NEEDED
As more and more “Snow Birds” are leaving for warmer climates, we are looking for more substitutes. Can you help out once a month? Can you help every once in a while? Please let Rosalynd know. This way you aren’t scheduled every week you are only scheduled when you are available.
Please consider spending an hour with Our Lord. Call Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212) to volunteer.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS CLASSES BEGIN IN JANUARY
RCIA is the process, established for the universal Church, for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. If you or anyone you know would like to begin the process to become full members in the Catholic Faith, please contact the Rectory (570)553-2288 / sfxc@epix.net or see Fr. Augustine or Deacon Paul. Anyone who would like to attend RCIA as a refresher course or to learn more about their faith is also welcome to attend. Please let us know if you are interested in joining.
