MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 14—4:30PM—St. Francis: Lector Sandy Gardner; Ministers Mike Griffin & Cathy O’Reilly; Servers—volunteer needed; Rosary—Tom Curley; Greeter—volunteer needed Sunday, Dec. 15—8:00AM—St. Francis: Lector Matt Oleniacz; Ministers Joyce Barnum & Karen Glowa; Servers Jacob & Carson Oleniacz; Rosary Joyce Barnum; Greeter volunteer Sunday, Dec. 15—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector—Cott DeMaree; Ministers—Bob Allen & Sr. Bette Brown; Servers volunteer needed; Rosary volunteer; Greeter Barb Pichette
DECEASED
Please pray for the deceased, especially our Parishioner, Peg Reed; David Wilson, husband of our Parishioner, Jane LaBonte Wilson; and Judy Crowley Frazier, sister-in-law of Bob Curley. We also pray for Jim Walters who was known to many. May they 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, especially all suffering from cancer, Lyme disease, or drug dependency. Kaitlyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Ruth King, Kyle Stoddard, “D”, Tom Wenman, Toni Colardino, Madigan Gow, Emily D., Amanda Branning, Daniel Gavin, Tommy Williams, Kathy Holt, Linda Hollenback, Don Zaleski, MaryLou Fahs, Elton Carr, Jim Raftis, Bub Davis, Tyler Fletcher, William Chaney, Joe Grindel, Chelsea Judson, Trisha, Mary Guido, Hallie Brooks, Mark Kovach, Brooke Arnold, Robyn Lawson, Ned Offner, Ethel Reid, Rusty Carmen, Butch Rosencranz, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Marie Donahue, Barbara Mahoney, Adam Price, Greg Lasgowka, Jay Gurn, 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, Tim Fruehan, Linda, Gloria, Carl, Lori Hammerly Coleman, Brendan Kelly, Jay C., Pat Walsh, 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, Gregory Diorio, Mike Coleman, Nicholas, Alex, Mike & Pat Stelacio, Fr. John Victoria, Joseph Santora, Carol Garcia, Jay S., 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, Joseph Olszewski, Matthew Gatto, Mike, Madigan, Kris Kiesly, Kylie Keenan, Sara Kelly Price, Tucker White, Terri Grindel, Jerry Wells, Fred Brown, Rosa Prieto, Carl Whitehead, Ed Snee, Cliff & Anita James, Pete Strojny, Mary (Jones) Edsell, Eileen Maruschok, Leonard Howell, Shirley Rockefeller, A.J. Pass, Nancy, Tony McHugh, Val Mosier, 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, Jake Warner, 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, Kelly Burridge, Caesar Siedlecki, Joe Leonard, Geri Mokris, Linda Henry, Jim Cullen, Gabi, Keith, Katie, Matt, Bill, Larry Wise, Ray Jones, Dan, Jeff, Ty, Frank Johnson, George, Lisa, Leah Walters, and Doug N. Pray for all the needs in our Parish & 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 MISSION STATEMENT
-mail: sfxc@epix.net Facebook: St Brigid Parish
Rev. Augustine Thomas Administrator
Father Augustine 1 (570) 909-7819
Deacon Paul J. Brojack
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 8th, 2024
All flesh will see the salvation of our God !
MASS SCHEDULE
Sat. Dec. 7 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT ANDY POTOCEK by Loretta Guiton
Sun. Dec. 8 8:00AM St. Francis Church - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT MAUREEN MILLER by a Friend 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS
Mon.Dec. 9 12:00NN St. Francis Church SHIRLEY KELLY by Mary L. Keenan
Tue. Dec. 10 8:30AM St. Augustine Church -
Wed.Dec. 11 NO MASS
Thur.Dec. 12 8:30AM St. Augustine Church -
Fri. Dec. 13 12:00NN St. Francis Church -
Sat. Dec. 14 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sun. Dec. 15 8:00AM St. Francis Church - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS
10:30AM St. Augustine Church - JOE & MARY BETH ADAMS by Judy Adams
Dear Friends!
On this Second Sunday of Advent the Gospel presents an authentic register of First Century Palestinian big-names, both from religious and from the political perspective. But why such details? St. Luke wants to emphasize that God’s marvelous deeds do not happen in a vacuum but in the concrete reality of history. The greatest of God’s interventions, the Incarnation - when the word became flesh - happened at a concrete time and place. This should have a great impact on our spiritual lives. Jesus coming among us cannot be just an abstract idea or a product of one’s intellect. Jesus came to this world for ME, for US! This overwhelming love calls forth a grateful response, a response of continual preparedness as Christians so that our life speaks of Christ. Hence it is rightly said: “If your life is not a message your message has no life.” Reflect: In what ways does the reality of Christ’s incarnation impact my daily living?
~ Father Augustine
HOLY DAY—IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
THIS Monday, December 9th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is not Holy Day of Obligation this year. Mass will be on Monday, at 12:00Noon at St. Francis Church.
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS
Support those who have given a lifetime. Women and men religious have dedicated their lives to service praying, teaching, and caring for those in need—usually for little to no pay. Today, their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. Your donation provides for the essential care, medicine, and daily needs of thousands of senior women and men religious. Please give generously.
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.
CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS
We have (18) area families on our list to receive Christmas Food Cards. We are accepting monetary donations. Please make checks out to “St. Brigid Parish”. All donations are needed as soon as possible. Thank you for your generosity!
THE FOOD PANTRY CHRISTMAS
We are preparing for Christmas Food Baskets. Checks should be made out to “THE FOOD PANTRY” and put in a marked envelope in the collection. All donations are greatly appreciated & needed as soon as possible. Thank you for your generosity!
COLLECTION FOR THE CARE AND EDUCATION OF PRIESTS
Thank you for your generosity in last weeks collection. Our total was $ 839.00.
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 $ 5,139.00. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
LIFELINE
“Perhaps one of your friends has become pregnant unexpectedly. As someone who has been there, I encourage you to support your friend in her new journey of being a mother.” Learn how at respectlife.org/support-her
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
~ 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. Augustine burns for the return to health of all the sick in our Parish and Community offered by St. Brigid Altar and Rosary Society.
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 9 to 15 volunteers needed; December 16 to 22 Sr. Bette Brown & Phyllis McNamara; 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.
LITTLE BOOKS & THE WORD AMONG US FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS
Little Books and the Word Among Us for Advent/Christmas are available in the back of our Churches. Please feel free to take them home with you.
COMPLIMENTARY 2025 WALL CALENDARS
Religious Wall Calendars are available in the back of the Church. Please feel free to take one home with you. These are generously provided for us by the Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home
ST. JOHNS CEMETERY NEWS
St. John’s Cemetery re-organizational meeting was held last Sunday. Officers were elected: President Travis Long; Vice-President Joe Conboy; Secretary/Treasurer Diane Conboy Mooney. The Cemetery Association will meet again on February 16th, 2025 at 2PM in Neumann Hall. If the weather is bad the meeting will be on February 23rd, 2025 at 2PM at Neumann Hall. All are welcome to attend.
2024 DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL UPDATE
St. Brigid Parish 2024 Appeal Goal is $ 23,474.00. We have $ $ 35,002.65 pledged which is 149.11% of our Goal. We are over our goal by $ 11,528.65. 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.
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
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES
An Advent Penance Service will be held Tuesday, December 17th, at 6:00PM at St. Augustine Church. An Advent Penance Service will be held Wednesday, December 18th, at 6:00PM at St. Francis Church.
WOMEN’S ADVENT BIBLE STUDY
A Women’s Bible Study is being held Friday evenings during Advent at 6:00PM at Neumann Hall. The remaining dates are December 13th and 20th.
SIGN UP TODAY ALTAR & ROSARY CHRISTMAS PARTY THIS WEEK!!!
The Altar and Rosary Christmas party will be held THIS Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00PM at Neumann Hall. Dinner will be catered by the Whitetails Bar & Grill in Little Meadows. We will have turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a vegetable. The cost is $ 16.00 per person. Ladies are welcome to bring their husbands. Sign up sheets are in the back of the Churches. Christmas Sunshine Baskets Please bring lots of your favorite goodies for the Christmas Sunshine Baskets. There will be 18 baskets to be packed.
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 in 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. A limited number of these Christmas wafers are available in the back of our Churches today.
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS—THANK YOU
Thank you all for your generous donations to the Christmas Flower collection. A total of $ 1,405.00 has been donated this year to help cover the cost of our Poinsettias.
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).
FALL FUND RAISER
The winners have been drawn for the Fall Fund Raiser. Not everyone has been contacted yet, therefore the list of winners will be in the bulletin next week after everyone has been contacted.
COME OUT TO SEE SANTA & MRS. CLAUS
Come out to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Little Meadows Fire Station on Saturday, December 14th from 2 to 4PM. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend.
