2007 Bulletins/Bulletin # 49 December 9, 2007 …2007/12/09 · *Parish Council: Lou Khourey 277-3230, Linda Duffy 242-6853, Tom George 336-7142, P.J. Lenz 242-5606 and Carol Dougherty

2007 Bulletins/Bulletin # 49 1 12.9.2007 Bulletin

December 9, 2007 Bulletin # 49

Our Lady of Lebanon Church (Maronite Catholic Rite) Faith Family Friends

2216 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 Rectory: (304) 233-1688 • Fax: (304) 233-4714

E-Mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.ololwv.com Rev. Bakhos Chidiac (Pastor) Evelyn Ghaphery (Organist)

Charlotte Khourey & Thomasina Geimer (Secretaries)

Birth of John the Baptist

Schedule of Divine Liturgies

*Weekend Masses: Saturday evening at 4:00 p.m. Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. [Rosary & Litany start at 10:10 a.m.]

*Weekday Masses: At Noon. Please refer to the Mass schedule on page 3 of this bulletin for Mass times and changes due to special events. Thank you for your cooperation.

*Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament: Every 1st Saturday & Sunday of the month after Communion *Miraculous Medal Novena: Every 2nd Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m. *Reconciliation: Saturday: 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. or any other time by appointment *Baptism: Kindly phone the Pastor as soon as the baby is born. Godparents must be Catholics. *Weddings: Please make arrangements at least six months in advance before any other plans are made. *Sick Calls & Anointing of the Sick: Please notify the pastor any time at (304) 233-1688 *Parish Council: Lou Khourey 277-3230, Linda Duffy 242-6853, Tom George 336-7142, P.J. Lenz 242-5606 and Carol Dougherty (740) 782-0146 *Choir Members: Rita Thomas Strawn, Jim Dellget, Shirley George, Allison Duffy, George Thomas, Ted Olinski,

Earl Duffy, Lou Khourey, Robert Vawter *Cedar Club: Linda Duffy, President 242-6853 *Women’s Society: Sandra Dusick, President 232-7395

*Please support Our Lady of Lebanon Church by patronizing our Advertisers *Bulletin Announcements: Submit all Bulletin Information to Fr. Bakhos. Deadline: Every Tuesday by Noon *Remember the Church in your Last Will – Her prayers will accompany you to heaven *New Parishioners: We welcome you with great joy & invite you to be officially listed as one of our parishioners *If you support the Church and need a Bulletin mailed to you, please call the Rectory *Parking: Saturday & Sunday–all spaces for parishioners; Monday through Friday–park ONLY in the 3 ALLEY spaces


Gospel Reflection: Birth of John the Baptist Readings: Gal 4:21-5:1 & Lk 1:57-66

Following the close parallel which St. Luke establishes between Jesus and John the Baptizer in his infancy narrative, the liturgy also celebrates two births: the birth of the Messiah at the winter solstice, and the birth of the Precursor at the summer solstice. This clearly shows the importance given to John the Baptizer. He is a strange destiny. On the one hand he is a saintly intolerance of the things of this earth. “He shall drink neither wine nor any strong drink.” Yet also, hand in hand with this rugged austerity, an intense spiritual joy. Twice in his life he trembles with joy: in his mother’s womb, and when as a grown man, he points to the Messiah. Until he has found him he remains “The voice crying in the wilderness,” that arena of spiritual warfare between a fallen world and the kingdom which is to come. God speaks in hearts which have abandoned all else. In the desert regions along the Jordan, John rises up ‘In the spirit and power of Elijah”, as the great preacher of judgment. With his burning words and his baptism in water, he is to bring back the sons of the covenant to the Lord their God, before the deluge of fire. He is therefore the great successor of Noah whose primeval judgment by water foreshadowed the final judgment and foretold the waters of baptism which save us from impending retribution. But more than all that, John appears as the friend who brings the bride to the bridegroom, and then goes quietly away. He turns all hearts towards Jesus. Then, eager to decrease so that Jesus may increase, he chooses to be forgotten and abandoned. Is not this the passion which makes manifest the extent of his faith and perfects the identification between servant and master?

Christmas Reflections Origin of the Word Christmas

The word for Christmas in late Old English is Cristes Maesse, the Mass of Christ, first found in 1038, and Cristes-messe, in 1131. In Dutch it is Kerst-misse, in Latin Dies Natalis, whence comes the French Noël, and Italian Il natale; in German Weihnachtsfest, from the preceding sacred vigil. The term Yule is of disputed origin. It is unconnected with any word meaning "wheel." The name in Anglo-Saxon was geol, feast: geola, the name of a month (cf. Icelandic iol a feast in December).

Christmas Long Ago Christmas in the Middle Ages was a time of feasting and celebration. And those meals

were the size of mountains! An English feast started at noon and lasted eight hours. The tables were loaded with fruit, plum puddings, mince pies and molded jelly. A blast of trumpets, and on came the main course: roast beef, venison, roasted rabbits, turkeys, swans, herons, capons, pigs, geese -all topped off by the Boar’s Head with an apple in its mouth, carried on a silver platter.

The Yule log was dragged in with singing and dancing, and with prayers that it would burn forever. In charge of the feast was the “Lord of Misrule,” the first of the baggy-pants comics, who was aided by a host of assorted clowns and tumblers. Everybody had a wonderful time, especially the dogs that hid in the corners and ran out for bones and leftovers.


Mass Intentions THIS WEEKEND, December 8-9: “Birth of St. John the Baptist” Saturday, December 8, at 4:00 p.m.: Immaculate Conception Feast Day

Living and Deceased members of the Nicholas and Nimnoom Ghaphery Family and the David Abraham Ghaphery Family by the Ghaphery Family Walter Elwartoski by his wife Lottie & son Richard

Sunday, December 9, at 10:30 a.m.: Deceased members of the Cater Family by Drs. Mary Ann Cater and Rob Vawter Siham Frenn (mother of Dr. Frenn) and Evelyn Hall (grandmother of Diane Frenn)

[on their Anniversary] by Dr. Adel, Diane, Andreah and Justin Frenn

WEEKDAY MASSES Monday, December 10: No Mass Tuesday, December 11: No Mass Wednesday, December 12 at Noon:

Walter Elwartoski by his wife Lottie & son Richard William Diab by Betty Lee Diab

Thursday, December 13 at Noon: Stanley & Mary Kowalzyk and Deceased Family members by Michaeline Custer Mary George Murad by Thomas Murad and Family

Friday, December 14 at noon: Earl Custer and Deceased family members by Michaeline Custer Ed Shia by George & Jean Weisner

NEXT WEEKEND, December 15-16: “Revelation to Joseph” Saturday, December 15, at 4:00 p.m.:

Special Intention Son of Josephine Mennillos by his mother Josephine

Sunday, December 16, at 10:30 a.m.: Dale Seidler Sr., by his wife Nettie & Family Helen Fielding by her husband Don (FL) and Special Intention Donations towards the Building Project during November 2007: $73,285.00 Donations towards the Building Project during December 2007: ? Donations Received

Gem Level Requested

Donor’s Name & Date

$400 Foundation Altmeyer Funeral Homes (12.1.2007) $50 Cedar Book Rose Marie White (12.1.2007) $50 Topaz Rudy & Joan Zinka (12.1.2007)

$1,000 Sponsors Bill & Carol Dougherty (12.2.2007) $100 Topaz Luane Frazier (12.2.2007) $500 Ruby Earl & Linda Duffy (12.2.2007) $200 Cedar Book Bob & Virginia Pockl (friends of Fr. Bakhos) (12.5.2007) May all generous parishioners, friends and benefactors be rewarded in good health and

heavenly bliss.


Good News A generous benefactor will match donations up to $10,000, dollar for dollar, from now

until December 31, 2007. Let’s take advantage of this generous offer. Double your donation before December 31st and also benefit from the tax deduction. Building Project Items to Sponsor

Some items deemed essential necessary in the new building project are listed below. Their installation is essential to the function of the building addition. Benefactors will be recognized on a brass plaque affixed to the sponsored item. If you are able to sponsor an item, please contact any member of the parish council or the pastor. Available first come first served. Items Available to Be Sponsored Cost Benefactors Date Elevator $50,000.00 Anonymous 11.29.2007 Kitchen- Hood for Kitchen $12,700.00 Retaining Wall $11,000.00 Kitchen- Dishwasher $10,700.00 Painting $9,000.00 Cedar Tree of Life $7,500.00 Kitchen- Counter with Base Cabinet $5,150.00 Door - Main Entrance $5,000.00 Tile- (Upgrade for Lobby and Church Landing) $8,000.00 Sound System $5,000.00 Kitchen- Dish Table for Soiled Dishes $4,875.00 Kitchen- Sink (3-Compartments) $3,400.00 Kitchen- Hood for Dishwasher $2,700.00 Kitchen- Range $2,550.00 Kitchen- Dish Table for Clean Dishes $2,100.00 1st Window- (New Social Hall) $2,000.00 2nd Window- (New Social Hall) $2,000.00 3rd Window- (New Social Hall) $2,000.00 4th Window- (New Social Hall) $2,000.00 5th Window- (New Social Hall) $2,000.00 6th Window- (New Social Hall) $2,000.00 Kitchen- Sink (1-Compartment) $1700.00 1st Window- (in Church Basement Old Façade) $500.00 2nd Window- (in Church Basement Old Façade) $500.00 3rd Window- (in Church Basement Old Façade) $500.00 Kitchen- Disposer $350.00 In Memory of Saada Habdo

by Bill & Carol Dougherty 12.02.2007

Kitchen- Pre-Rinse Assembly $300.00 In Memory of Saada Habdo by Bill & Carol Dougherty

12.02.2007

Kitchen- Sink (Hand) $250.00 In Memory of Saada Habdo by Bill & Carol Dougherty

12.02.2007

Giving In Scr iptures

God Commands Us to GIVE

(Examples in Giving 2)


Whenever the chest was brought in by the Levites to the king’s officials and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did this regularly and collected a great amount of money. The king and Jehoiada gave it to the men who carried out the work required for the temple of the LORD. They hired masons and carpenters to restore the Lord’s temple, and also workers in iron and bronze to repair the temple. The men in charge of the work were diligent, and the repairs progressed under them. They rebuilt the temple of God according to its original design and reinforced it. When they had finished, they brought the rest of the money to the king and Jehoiada, and with it were made articles for the Lord’s temple: articles for the service and for the burnt offerings, and also dishes and other objects of gold and silver. As long as Jehoiada lived, burnt offerings were presented continually in the temple of the LORD. (II Chronicles 24:1 1-14)

All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. (Acts 2:44-45)

Then Peter said, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. (Acts 3:6)

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:32-37)

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:3 5)

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. (Philippians 4:15-16)

Upcoming Calendar of Events Saturday, December 8 Immaculate Conception Feast Day Sunday, December 9 Women’s Society Novena – 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 14 Caroling with the Cedar Club – 7:00 p.m. Sat., & Sun., Dec. 15 & 16 Christmas Cookie, Candy, etc., Exchange & Sale Sunday, December 16 Children’s Parish Christmas Party – after 10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday, December 16 Deadline to Sponsor a Christmas Poinsettia Sunday, December 16 Deadline to Donate Non-perishable Food Sunday, December 23 “Happy Holidays Christmas Basket” Raffle – after Mass Sunday, December 30 50/50 Building Fund Raffle Drawing – after 10:30 a.m. Mass

2007 Bulletins/Bulletin # 49 6 12.9.2007 Bulletin Monday, January 14 Cedar Club Meeting – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 17 Cedar Club Dinner & Gift Exchange– 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 20 Women’s Society Meeting – after 10:30 a.m. Mass

Immaculate Conception Feast Day (Saturday, December 8th) How can anyone be sinless?

Answer: No one can be sinless on his or her own. Only God can enable a person to remain free of sin. Through no merits of her own, the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin by a special grace from God. This is called the Immaculate Conception. She was also preserved from personal sin throughout her life by divine grace. Otherwise, she would have been a sinner like the rest of us. This is why she called God her Savior (Luke 1:47). God saved her from falling into sin, before the fact, not after the fact, as with us. 2nd Collection for the Patriarchal Charities (Saturday-Sunday, December 8-9)

As brothers and sisters in Christ, Catholics have a moral duty to support the needs of the Church as a whole – primarily in USA. The Second Collections (blue envelopes) are for our generous contributions that go beyond the needs of our local church in Wheeling and they reach their destination via our Diocese.

As the Holy Father has said, “Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message of fraternity for the world.” Now, more than ever, the Maronite Patriarch needs to be able to play an active role in Lebanon’s rebuilding. This collection allows us, as a Diocese, to strengthen our Patriarch’s charitable giving. It is like the “Peter’s Pence” collection for our Patriarch. Women's Society Novena (Sunday, December 9th, at 10:00 a.m.)

Every second Sunday of the month, the Women Society, adorned with the Medal of the Blessed Mother, will gather faithfully at 10:00 a.m. to lead the Rosary, the Litany, and the Novena of the Miraculous Medal. Their prayers will be offered for their own intentions, their family members, the sick parishioners, and special intentions. Medals worn for the Mass may be picked up at the rear of the Church and should be returned at the end of the Mass. Please join our Ladies in prayer. Caroling with the Cedar Club (Friday, December 14th, at 7:00 p.m.) Grab a flashlight, don your Santa hat, warm coat and mittens and join the Cedar Club for a festive, fun-filled evening of Christmas Caroling through the streets of Valley View on Friday, December 14th. We will meet at the Wheeling Coffee Shop on Washington Avenue, Wheeling, at 7:00 p.m. Music sheets will be provided. Our merry caroling will end at Alli Duffy’s house where we will enjoy hot chocolate and holiday desserts. Warm your hearts and love thy neighbor. Happy Holidays from the Cedar Club!

Decorating & Preparing Food for Children’s Party (Sat., Dec. 15) Anyone wishing to help decorate the Church hall and to prepare the food for the Children’s Christmas Party should plan to arrive by 9 a.m., Saturday, December 15. Christmas Cookie, Candy, etc., Sale & Exchange (Sat.-Sun., Dec. 15-16) Ladies and gentlemen of our parish, don’t be left out of the first Christmas Cookie, Candy, etc., Sale & Exchange. Remember, you do not need to donate anything if all you want to do is make a purchase. Here’s how it works:

--Make and donate extras of your favorite Christmas treat. --You may then buy goodies that another person brings OR


--You may choose to “exchange” half of your treats for some that another person brings – half for you to exchange and half for others to buy. (If you wish to take home 2 dozen treats, please bring 4 dozen; if you want to take home 3 dozen, bring 6 dozen, etc.)

Donated cookies may be dropped off beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 15. However, those who wish to “exchange” half their cookies donated should plan to come from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, December 15.

Cookies and candy will be available by the half dozen. Any goodies remaining after the exchange will be available for anyone to buy. Hours of the sale will be Saturday, December 15, from 3 to 4 p.m. and immediately following the 4 p.m. Mass; and Sunday December 16 following Mass.

If you plan to participate by preparing your favorite goodies for this fundraiser, please let us know what you might make so we can tempt people by printing a list of items. So far, donations include: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, Shortbread Cookies, Chocolate Fudge, Peanut Butter Fudge, Buckeyes, Texas Sheet Cake, Mini Banana Bread, Pizzelles, Biscotti, Baklawa, and many more items. Call Charlotte (277-3230), Carol (740-782-0146) or the Church office (233-1688).

Christmas Poinsettias (Deadline: Sunday, December 16th) Every Christmas our church looks beautiful when decorated with poinsettias grown by

Nikki’s Garden Center, $25.00 each. Your generosity contributes to the beauty of the church. 2007 Christmas Poinsettias are offered in Memory of: $25 Siham Frenn by Dr. Adel, Diane, Andreah, Justin & Elia Frenn $25 Laverne Thomas by Dr. Adel, Diane, Andreah & Justin Frenn $25 Barkett & Sadie Coury by Lucille Gibbons $25 Mary K. Ferris by Tom Ferris $25 The Schlog & Saseen Families by Bob & Fran Saseen $25 The Cater & Vawter Families by Dr. MaryAnn Cater & Dr. Rob Vawter $25 The Habdo & Dougherty Families by Bill & Carol Dougherty $25 The Montalbano & Popovich Families by Joe & Nikki Popovich $25 The Khourey & Howard Families by Lou & Charlotte & Family $25 Richard W. Frazier (husband) and Cecilia Murad (mother) by Luane Frazier $25 Nimon & Mary Joseph Family by the Family $30 Special Intention $25 Living & Deceased members of Suzanne & Mike Linton $25 John Kukula by his wife Mary Rose Kukula $20 George & Rose Fadoul by the Family $25 Arthur Long and his son Mark by Sylvia Long $25 Roland Tappe and the John Family by Julia Tappe $25 Robby Hunter, Mary and Ralph Shipley by Thomasina Geimer $25 Fred Oser and Ronald Canestraro by Bob Oser $25 Lawrence & Pauline Shalvey by Peggy & Nancy Shalvey $25 The Shiben and McFarland Families by John & Dee Shiben $25 Vickie Malatinsky, Kenneth DeMuth, Sr. & family members and Tom Moses by Judy Dierkes &

Sandra DeMuth $25 Living & Deceased of Constantine & Anna Shia by Rose Vargo $25 Jim Smith by his wife Patti Smith $25 George Joseph and Seima & Elias Joseph by Becky Ferrera & Betty Joseph $25 Joseph L. (Sunny) George Jr., by Joseph & Kimbra George $25 Thomas J. Moses Jr. by Paula & Dan Neavin $25 John T. John by Michael Carl Family $25 Nicholas George by his wife Rosella and Family $30 The John & Keegan Families by Marge & Lou John $25 Mary Roe by Bob & Virginia Pockl


Children’s Christmas Party (Sunday, December 16th, after 10:30 a.m. Mass) The Women's Society of Our Lady of Lebanon Church asks you to plan to bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to the Children's Parish Christmas Party planned for Sunday, December 16th, following Mass. Look for more information in future bulletins. Christmas Barrel of Non-perishable Food (Deadline: December 16th) A barrel has been placed in the back of the Church for non-perishable food items (please be sure the items you donate are in usable condition) to be given to those who are in need this Christmas Season. Our church will donate some monetary gifts collected from the poor box to poor children along with the food items. Please be generous if you can share your blessings.

2007 Christmas Schedule: Novena, Christmas Day & New Year [From Monday, December 17th until Friday, December 21st, all daily Masses will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m.

followed by Christmas Novena at 7:00 p.m.; Rosary & Litany start at 6:10 p.m.] Monday, December 17: Mass: 6:30 p.m. followed by Novena: 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 18: Mass: 6:30 p.m. followed by Novena: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 19: Mass: 6:30 p.m. followed by Novena: 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 20: Mass: 6:30 p.m. followed by Novena: 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 21: Mass: 6:30 p.m. followed by Novena: 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 22: Mass at 4:00 p.m. (No Christmas Novena) Sunday, December 23: Mass at 10: 30 a.m. Monday, December 24: Christmas Eve:

4:00 p.m.: Christmas Children’s Mass (Choir will sing) 10:00 p.m.: Christmas Midnight Mass (Choir will sing)

Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m.: Christmas Day Mass (No choir)

Monday, December 31st: New Year’s Eve: (Day of Obligation) 7:00 p.m.: New Year’s Eve Mass (No Midnight Mass)

Tuesday, January 1st, 2008: New Year’s Day: (Day of Obligation) 7:00 p.m.: New Year’s Day Mass

Fr. Bakhos’ 16th Anniversary of the Priesthood On December 21st, 1991, I was ordained to the priesthood in Sydney, Australia. It is a

great honor for me -unworthy sinner- to serve the house of the King of kings and that of the Blessed Mother. I dedicated my life entirely to serving the people God entrusted to me even before I had the chance to know them. I am humbled to be used as an instrument to convey the message of the Gospel to thirsty souls. I pray for my benefactors in every Mass and my motto is that of Saint Paul, “Your grace is sufficient to me” and my personal prayer is, “Lord, don’t treat me according to my numerous sins, but according to your great mercy.” Please pray for me as I do for you and forgive me if I am unable to understand everyone, I am indeed very poor in reading minds. --Fr. Bakhos “Happy Holidays Christmas Basket” Raffle (Drawing: Sunday, Dec. 23)

The cherry tickets for the “Happy Holidays Christmas Basket” Raffle, sponsored by the Women’s Society, are available now at $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 at the church entrance, in our weekly Bulletins or from Women’s Society members. Some of the items contained in the basket include: a foot massager; Breitenbach wine; Christmas-themed placemats, dishtowels, potholders, magnets, and angel; crystal tree candy dish,

2007 Bulletins/Bulletin # 49 9 12.9.2007 Bulletin chocolates, canned ham and other holiday food items. The drawing will take place after mass on Sunday, December 23.

Buy or sell the tickets, and return the completed stubs as soon as possible in the collection or mail to: Our Lady of Lebanon Church, 2216 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV 26003.

For more information or additional tickets, contact the church office at (304) 233-1688. Proceeds will benefit the Building Fund. Your generosity and cooperation enhances our Church.

Monthly 50/50 Building Fund Raffle (Drawing: Sunday, December 30th) The Women’s Society is sponsoring the Monthly 50/50 Building Fund Raffle. The drawing-from entries received from the goldenrod-December tickets provided at the entrance of the church and in the weekly church bulletin-will take place in the Social Hall following Mass on Sunday, December 30.

Proceeds will benefit the Building Fund. Raffle Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Buy or sell the tickets, and return the completed stubs as soon as possible in the collection or mail to: Our Lady of Lebanon Church, 2216 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV 26003.

For more information or additional tickets, contact the church office at (304) 233-1688. Your generosity and cooperation enhances our Church. Congratulations to: parishioner Lois Hammond, the November winner of $112. Lois and her husband Richard donated their prize to the Building Fund.

Cedar Club Meeting (Monday, January 14th, at 7:00 p.m.) The Cedar Club will meet in the Church Hall Monday, January 14, at 7:00 p.m. Danielle Lavoie will be the hostess for the evening.

Cedar Club Dinner & Gift Exchange (Thursday, January 17th, at 5:30 p.m.) The Cedar Club will hold a dinner and gift exchange at the Alpha Restaurant on Thursday, January 17th, at 5:30 p.m.

Women’s Society – Next Meeting (Sunday, January 20th, 2008 after Mass) Plan to join the Women's Society for their next meeting scheduled for Sunday, January 20th, 2008 after Mass. They will make plans for upcoming spring events and activities.

Note: There will not be a December meeting. Is Anyone Sick?

Please remember those hospitalized recently in your prayers: George Weisner, Zahoe Khoury (Mother of Dr. Rajai Khoury), Theresa Sofka, Martha Ruggiero, Jennie Bedway, Jean Bentz, Jim Miller, Bob Wiles, Betty Joseph, John John,

Also please pray for those on our Prayer List: Dolores Oser, Jobe Weitzel, Ralph Sengewalt, Mike Sobota, Shipley Shipley, Joe Linton, Bernard Olako Sr., Joe Pagendarm (friend of Fr. Bakhos), Debbie Laughlin (Columbus), Virginia Khourey Bryan (aunt of Lou Khourey), Mary Ryncarz (Shadyside), Alice (Thomas) Holmes, Philip Ruggiero, Leona Albaugh, Manell Brice (Arlington), Rose Mary Bris-Roybal (Albuquerque), Clara Joseph-Malone (daughter of Josephine Joseph), John Vawter and his mother (brother and mother of Dr. Rob Vawter)

Your Church Support Last Week $815 Collection $40 Utilities $91 Candles

$150 Christmas Flowers $100 Parking

$2,455 Building Fund Donations $80 Refunds

$720 Bulletin Ads $4,451 Total. May God reward you many fold


What’s New? The Pope Benedict 16th Will Visit the USA

His holiness the Pope Benedict 16th will visit the USA from April 15th through April 20th. He will visit the National Shrine in Washington and ground zero in New York. Let us pray for a successful and safe trip. Congratulations to… …Parishioner Tom Ferris, Chairman of the Moundsville water board. After ten years of planning and perseverance, he was instrumental in the design of the state-of-the-art water treatment plant in Moundsville, which culminated Saturday, December 1, in the ribbon-cutting and turning of a symbolic valve officially marking its opening. … Parishioner Gina Stees who received Honorable Mention for the OVAC All-Valley Soccer

2008 Offering Envelopes Available Pick up your offering Envelopes from tables at the Church entrance. Please complete and return (in the collection basket) the form enclosed in your box so that we may keep your information current. A Charitable Contribution Statement for 2007 Tax Deduction will be sent around January 15, 2008, to all registered parishioners who made contributions of $250.00 or more from January 1 to December 31, 2007. If you cannot locate Offering Envelopes for 2008 for you, please check with Fr. Bakhos or the Church office.

Advertise in Our Bulletin Advertise on our bulletin page for the entire year 2008. Many advertisers renew annually, but we may

have one or two spaces available if someone chooses not to renew his ad. If anyone is willing to place an ad in memory of their parents or to promote their business, Please call the church office at 233-1688 no later than December 16. Space is available on a first come first serve basis. Single-size ads cost $120 for the year.

Christmas Gifts from the Church Available for Sale Buy from the church a Christmas gift and offer it to your children or friends.

$5.00 Round Rosary Pearl Bracelet $4.00 Love Charm Bracelet $5.00 Heart Rosary Pearl Bracelet $4.00 Stone Cross Pendent on Cord $4.00 Joy Charm Bracelet $2.00 Flower Cross Pendent $4.00 Hope Charm Bracelet $10.00 Lebanese Scarf & Toboggan Set (only 2 left) $4.00 Faith Charm Bracelet

Lebanese Food Items for Sale See any member of the Women’s Society or Fr. Bakhos if you are interested in purchasing any of the

following items which are available for sale: $3.00 2 lb. pkg. #1 (fine) Cracked Wheat (Bulgur) $7.00 Tahini – quart jar $5.50 Grape Leaves – quart jar – only 1 jar left $4.00 Halavah – with Pistachio $4.00 Pine Nuts – ¼ lb. container $3.50 Halavah – plain

Poor Box Please consider sharing your blessings with the brothers and sisters of Christ who knock at our door

daily. Many people in the area need assistance in many ways. Some are in dire need some are not, but God alone knows what’s in each one’s heart. The Poor Box is located at the rear of the church near the Holy Water font. Fr. Bakhos is using his judgment to help the poor on your behalf and asks each of them to pray for you.

Around Us

Praying the Icon of Nativity (December 11th and 18th)

2007 Bulletins/Bulletin # 49 11 12.9.2007 Bulletin Where: St. Vincent De Paul Church Speaker: Rev. Dr. Bonnie Thurston

Story: Remember My Birthday “As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor

and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration.

Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts.

But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face and I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor!

At midnight, all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and … do you know … no one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.

What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside.

Do you know how you can answer this invitation? It is by extending it to others whom you care for... I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year... See you soon … I love you! Jesus.”

Christmas Prayer Once upon a darkened night, long had our world forgot its worth. When amid a wondrous birth, Truth revealed its virgin light, through the smallest of the earth. And humankind with bowed heads raised, knelt in homage to the ground. For there the lost that night were found, God-in-flesh by angels praised, and those enslaved became unbound.

2007 Bulletins/Bulletin # 49 12 12.9.2007 Bulletin Now all who hunger to be fed, at love incarnate’s humble table. Gather when, wherever able, to receive the wine and bread, born of Mary in a stable.

Maronites, Who Are They? The Maronite Church Uses Jesus’ Language: “The Aramaic” in

the Mass to keep the Word Alive. (4) A small federal agency is spending $1 .3 million on a 20-year project to put together the

largest-ever dictionary of Jesus’ first and last language: Aramaic. Publication began in 2003 for the Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon. Once -2500 years ago- Aramaic spread from Pakistan to southern Egypt. In the time of

Jesus, many Jews who did not know Hebrew spoke Aramaic, since the two languages are similar. Speakers of one, however, do not always understand the other.

Now, in Ukraine and the Middle East, only scattered clumps of villages still speak versions of Aramaic. Scholars think Jesus also may have known Hebrew and some Greek, but Aramaic was the language of his native Galilee.

Few Christians in the Western world now know Aramaic, but many recall Jesus’ last words on the Cross: “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” Mark, apparently writing in Greek, carefully added “which is, being interpreted, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”

The grants for the Aramaic dictionary come from the National Endowment for the Humanities, which also has financed dictionaries of other ancient languages in the

Middle East, including Sumerian, which goes back more than 5,000 years and may be the oldest written language of all.

Wisdom: Cruise Control A 36-year-old female had an accident several weeks ago and totaled her car. A resident

of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessive, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!

When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know: Never drive in the rain with your cruise control on.

She had thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on and your car begins to hydroplane -- when your tires lose contact with the pavement your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed and you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred. We all know you have little or no control over a car when it begins to hydroplane. You are at the mercy of the Good Lord. The highway patrol estimated her car was actually traveling through the air at 10 to 15 miles per hour faster than the speed set on the cruise control.

The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver's seat sun-visor - NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed-but we don't tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.

The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.


A Time to Laugh (482) Turned Off Jesus To show the splendor of the newborn Savior in the church Christmas pageant, an electric light bulb was hidden in the manger. All the stage lights were to be turned off so only the brightness of the manger could be seen, but the boy who controlled the lights got confused, and suddenly all the lights went out. The tense moment was broken by a little shepherd’s loud whisper. “Hey, you just turned off Jesus!” Which Side I Am On A little old man was seen every Sunday morning walking to church. He was deaf, so he could not hear a word of the sermon, or the music of the choir, or the hymns sung by the congregation. A scoffer asked him, “Why do you spend your Sundays in that church when you can’t hear a word?” He replied, “I want my neighbors to know which side I’m on.” Church Growth Equation Hot heads plus cold hearts equal empty churches. Your Niche A man had visited church after church trying to find a congenial congregation, and finally he stopped at a little church just as the congregation read with the minister, “We have left undone those things we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.” The man slipped into a pew with a sigh of relief and murmured, “Thank goodness, I’ve found my crowd at last.” Fads and Popular Religions Running after religious fanatics who come up with some new or “rediscovered” doctrine reminds me of the old farmer who, when asked what was the matter with his hogs, replied, “When I lost my voice a year ago I could not call them to their feed, so I got a big stick and hammered on the crib. They soon learned that was a call to their corn. They were doing well until three weeks ago when some woodpeckers came in here and went to pounding on the old dead trees. My hogs ran in the direction of the noise, thinking it was my call to their feed. When the hogs came running and squealing, the frightened woodpeckers would fly to another dead tree, and the hogs would run to that part of the woods. They have just about run my hogs to death.” I hope the church will cease running after the religious woodpeckers. Much so-called “new thought” is old nonsense. Who Is Asleep? When people sleep in church, it may be the minister who needs waking up.

Documents

2007 Bulletins/Bulletin # 49 December 9, 2007 …2007/12/09 · *Parish Council: Lou Khourey 277-3230, Linda Duffy 242-6853, Tom George 336-7142, P.J. Lenz 242-5606 and Carol Dougherty