4th Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2017

The Catholic Community of Bradford

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH BRADFORD, PA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017

This year we may sneeze and the Fourth Sunday of Advent will be blown away, since it falls on

Christmas Eve. The Gospel from the Fourth Sunday truly fits and reminds us of what we will celebrate

later on tonight and tomorrow on Christmas. In Luke’s Gospel, we revisit the angel Gabriel’s visit to the

Blessed Mother, where he announces to her that she will become the mother of God and Mary

responds: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” At

that moment God gave to mankind the most perfect gift that He could ever give. He gave us the gift of

His Son to become our Redeemer. Just as we look about to find that “perfect gift” to give to that special

person; so does our God. Unlike many of the gifts that we give and receive; this gift does not break

down nor do we use it up.

The Gift of Jesus restores to us what we could not do on our own. To heal the rift that sin had brought about in our

relationship with our God. Sin broke the intimacy that we had with our God. Remember the words from the Book of Genesis:

“God walked with Adam and Eve in the coolness of the evening. God did not have to create us; He did because He loves

us. Sin broke that relationship, but even then, God promised a

Savior would come.

Tonight we celebrate the fact that the Savior did come and keeps

on coming. Jesus is not only the reminder of God’s unconditional

love for us, but He is also the embodiment of that love for us. We

may now ask ourselves - what gift does our God want from me.

The gift is simply us. Just as we want to hold a small infant in our

arms and cradle him; so does God want to do the same to us.

Merry Christmas, God Bless Fr. Ray

OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU OUR PARISHES THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONSFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

St. Bernard Dec 17th Collection…………...….$ 5,771 Retired Religious Collection…....$ 1,919

CSA Assessment….$ 39,441 CSA to date ……...$ 51,214

St. Francis of Assisi Dec 17th Collection…………...….$ 1,852 Retired Religious Collection….....$ 887

CSA Assessment….$ 27,222 CSA to date ……...$ 22,000

Please write separate checks for weekly and other collections

Make sure your checks are made out to your home parish and signed.

Please DO NOT STAPLE or TAPE your envelopes closed. Thank you!

The Parish Office will be Closed Mon & Tues, Dec 25 th & 26 th

Open Dec 27 th & 28 th Closed Friday, Dec 29 th &

Mon, Jan 1 st, 2018 The office will open Jan 2 nd at 9am.

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

Catholic Women: No January Meeting 50+ Club: TBA RCIA: Resumes Jan 7, 2018 REP 1-8: Sun @ 9 am, Resumes Jan 7, 2018 REP 9-11: Sun @ 5:45 pm,Resumes Jan 7, 2018 Rosary Altar: No Meeting in January, 2018 Widows Group: TBA

ALL FINAL 2016 CSA PAYMENTS MUST BE IN THE OFFICE BY

DECEMBER 28th

4444THTHTHTH SUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017

FAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFEFAMILY LIFE

Two important lessons in today’s gospel speak to anyone who has ever felt afraid or uncertain; stressed or confused. No matter what is happening in your family, remember, “The Lord is with you.” The angel reminds us, “Do not be afraid” for “nothing is impossible with God”.

THANK YOU TO

SOUTHERN TIER CATHOLIC SCHOOL ARCHBISHOP WALSH

ACADEMY

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

www.osvonlinegiving/1845

5555th th th th ANNUAL CHILI ANNUAL CHILI ANNUAL CHILI ANNUAL CHILI CONTESTCONTESTCONTESTCONTEST

CHILI MAKERS COME JOIN US!

Please contact the parish office at 362-6825 to reserve your spot in

the January 20th Contest.

Need a different kind of Christmas gift? Why not a ticket to play Bingo, Designer Bag Bingo, that is.

St. Bernard School’s

1st Annual Designer Bag Bingo

Sunday, February 11, 2018 St. Bernard School Cafeteria, doors open at

Noon, first game starts at 1 pm There will be raffles for Designer wristlets,

wallets and other accessories as well. $30 Bingo tickets include Bingo boards and

dauber and are available at St. Bernard School or the parish office.

NO TICKETS SOLD THE DAY OF EVENT

There will be 10 rounds of Bingo and 9 boards per game; there will be a limited number of ad-

ditional boards available for purchase.

Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

Proceeds to benefit new technology in the classrooms.

The Faculty & Staff of The Faculty & Staff of The Faculty & Staff of The Faculty & Staff of St. Bernard School St. Bernard School St. Bernard School St. Bernard School

Wish You All Wish You All Wish You All Wish You All A Very Merry Christmas A Very Merry Christmas A Very Merry Christmas A Very Merry Christmas

& & & & A Happy New Year!A Happy New Year!A Happy New Year!A Happy New Year!

Classes resume Tuesday, January 2, 2018

THANK YOU & MERRY CHRISTMAS THANK YOU & MERRY CHRISTMAS THANK YOU & MERRY CHRISTMAS THANK YOU & MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF OUR TO ALL OF OUR TO ALL OF OUR TO ALL OF OUR

BULLETIN SPONSORSBULLETIN SPONSORSBULLETIN SPONSORSBULLETIN SPONSORS Each week the cost of printing the Parish Bulletin is sup-ported by our advertisers. We encourage you to pat-ronize these businesses and thank them for sup-porting our Parish. The bulletins we enjoy would not be possible without your continued support.

MARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTS Christmas - The birth of a baby reminds us of our past ("Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to Da-vid is 14 generations" Mt. 1) and into our future (What will this child become?) Today, ponder the lives of your ances-tors and your unknown future together.

Visit the Diocese of Erie Family website at:

http://www.eriercd.org/fam.htm and discover why families always matter!

Next Sunday, December 31st, is the

Feast of the Holy Family. May the Holy Family

watch over our parishes and all of our parish families

today and throughout the year. Fr. Ray

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." - Lk 2:10-12

WORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFE

"In our society, human life is especially under direct attack from abortion, which some political actors mischaracterize as an issue of women’s health.” Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, USCCB

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017

4444THTHTHTH SUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017

Solemnity of Mary Mass Schedule:Solemnity of Mary Mass Schedule:Solemnity of Mary Mass Schedule:Solemnity of Mary Mass Schedule:

St. Bernard of ClairvauxSt. Bernard of ClairvauxSt. Bernard of ClairvauxSt. Bernard of Clairvaux

Monday, January 1st — 9:00 am

St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi

Monday, January 1st — 9:00 am

BULLETIN INFORMATION MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING BY NOON ON FRIDAY

2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BULLETIN DATE.

PASTORAL STAFF: Very Rev. Raymond C. Gramata, Pastor Rev. Stanley Swacha, Senior Associate

Mrs. Linda Cecchetti, Principal SBS

OFFICE HOURS: Monday: 9 am to 4 pm

Tuesday - Friday: 8 am to 4 pm Ms. Wendy Thomson, Financial Manager

Ms. Kathy Bryant, Secretary

MASS SCHEDULE: Please consult bulletin

RECONCILIATION: St. Bernard — Saturdays from 4:30 to 5 pm before 5:15 mass, Thursday before First Friday from 4:30 to 5 pm. St. Francis — After 9 am mass on Saturdays. Private appointments may be made by calling the Parish Office (362-6825).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (REP) Students not attending Catholic school should be enrolled in REP programs. St. Bernard, St. Francis and OMPH Religious Education programs are combined. Grades 1 through 8 meet on Sunday mornings at 9 am at St. Bernard in Fr. Gallina Social Center and grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation) meet at St. Francis in G. Carlton Ritchie Hall at 5:15 pm on Sunday. Both programs begin in September.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): We welcome all inquiries about the Catholic faith. This process begins in the fall of the year. Please call the Parish Office for further information.

ST. BERNARD ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE SCHOOL: 450 West Washington Street: serving students, preschool through eighth grade. Open to parishioners, Catholics from other parishes and those of other faiths. Offering Extended Care before, during, and after school. For complete information, please call 368-5302.

MEMBERSHIP: All Baptized Catholics should be registered, practicing and supporting members of a Parish. Only properly registered members appear on our parish list and are eligible to receive the benefits of parish membership for sacraments, and educational opportunities (including tuition assistance) at our Catholic School. Each parishioner is called upon to practice good stewardship of time, talent and treasure. If you are not currently receiving envelopes, you may not be registered. Call the Parish Office - we would love to meet you!

MARRIAGE: Couples need to contact a priest at least six months before their wedding. Registered and active participation needs to be considered before marriage.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Please call the Parish Office to request the Sacrament of the Sick for family members who are seriously ill. Communion for the sick is taken to the hospital, nursing homes, and the home-bound on a regular basis.

BAPTISM: Both parents must attend the Pre-Baptism Preparation Program. Please call the St. Bernard Parish Office for dates and times of upcoming class. Baptisms are scheduled after completing the program. Call the Parish Office to schedule the class and baptism. Godparents must be at least 16, confirmed and active, registered members of their parish.

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Religious Education:

Grades 1-8, 9 am Sunday mornings at St. Bernard Grades 9, 10 & 11(Confirmation), 5:45 pm Sunday

evenings at St. Francis

Liturgical Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors

Music Director Kathy O’Mara Organist St. Francis Michael Hicks Resurrection Choir Mariann Pascarella God’s Housekeepers Parish Office Liturgy Fr. Raymond C. Gramata

Parish Community St. Bernard School Linda Cecchetti, Principal Parish Council Fr. Raymond Gramata Catholic Women’s Club Teri Everett Rosary Altar Society Joan Hoffman Telephone Prayer Chain - Natalie Marasco (363-9110)

Cover photos by LongArt Photography

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORDCATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORDCATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORDCATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF BRADFORD DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017DECEMBER 24, 2017

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTSPRAYER REQUESTS FOR PRIESTS

Please Pray for the Following Priests

Sunday, Dec 24 - PRAY FOR VOCATIONS Monday, Dec 25 - Rev. Msgr. Richard G. Mayer Tuesday, Dec 26 - Rev. Joseph C. Campbell Wednesday, Dec 27 - Rev. Michale G. DeMartinis Thursday, Dec 28 - Rev. Christopher M. Barnes Friday, Dec 29 - Rev. Daniel R. Hoffman Saturday, Dec 30 - Rev. William C. Miller

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK OF OF OF OF DEC 25 DEC 25 DEC 25 DEC 25 ---- 31, 201731, 201731, 201731, 2017

Weekday masses are held in the Divine Mercy Chapel

Monday, December 25 — CHRISTMAS DAY– in church SF 8:00 am Living & Deceased St. Francis Members SB 10:00 am Living & Deceased St. Bernard Members OM 11:30 am Lucille Vinca (David Vinca) Tuesday, December 26 SF 9:00 am John Verolini (David Vinca) Wednesday, December 27 SB 8:00 am Bill & Don Raabe (Family) SBS 10:00 am NO MASS Thursday, December 28 SB 8:00 am Geoffrey Hannon (Cathy & Paul Mitchell) SF 9:00 am O’Donnell Family (Family) Friday, December 29 SB 8:00 am Robert McCann (John & Debbie Place) Saturday, December 30 SF 9:00 am Daniel Ward (Family) SB 5:15 pm Trudie & Ken Luke (Jean B. Smith) Sunday, December 31

SF 8:00 am Joseph Viola (Charmaine Viola) SB 10:00 am Dan Pascarella (Gary & Holly Puglio) OM 11:30 am Gloria Pingie (Family)

(Weekly confessions Saturdays after 9 am mass at St. Francis and before 5:15 mass at St. Bernard)

Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering: Please pray for those who are sick or suffering:

Thomas Ackley, Virgil Anderson, Michelle Allen, Betty Baliski, Bill Baynes, Barb Bernheisel & Foster Family, Shirley Black, Barbara Boser, John Bove,

Mary Brzenski, Tom Burke, Donna Carll, Annie Champagne, Dick Clark, Billie Cummins, Paul Curcio, Charlotte Cuthbertson, Helen DeFrank, Paul Eakin, Michael Eaton, Helen Ewell, Rose Feldhaus Family, Alliyson Feldman, Ysbella Feldman, Allen Fuller, Pat Geary, Pat Girard, Ken Hall, Pearl Harris, Susan Hamric, Brandon M. Henry, Jill Henry, Sandy Holsinger, Kathy Howe, James Kibby, Bill Kline, Rita Leone, George MacFarlane, Sr., Kaylee Marsfelder, Colleen McNamara, Shannon McNamara, Mariana Militelo, Anne Miller, Joe Monago, Lou Monti, Frank Organski, Cheri O’Mara, Courtney Prentiss, Lori Rigowski, James Romanelli, Tim Romanelli, Cindy Sayers, Nancy Shaw, Judith Shick, Caro Simonds, Steve Skaggs, Dan Songer, Hailey Smith, Lillian Stoddard, Bonnie Swackhamer, Matthew Whelan, Corrine Wilson, Richard Yovichin, Liza Zurat

May they be strengthened by the healing presence of God’s Spirit.

MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES DEC 30 DEC 30 DEC 30 DEC 30 –––– 31, 201731, 201731, 201731, 2017

Saturday, December 30 SB 5:15 pm Lector: Don Konwinski EM: Bill Douglass/ Cliff Ackley/ VOLUNTEER Servers: Aliya & Emma Webster

Sunday, December 31 SF 8:00 am Lector: Kathy Bryant EM: George Macfarlane/ Joyce Schaming/ Joan Yohe Servers: Samantha Soyke

SB 10:00 am Lector: Paul Curcio EM: Chuck Beattie/ Kim Lance/ Paul Curcio Servers: Abby Coffman & Erica Marshall

OM 11:30 am Lector: Aimee Bundy EM: Carol Vinca Servers: Joe Ditz

Hospital/Pavilion: Rosemary Burke Chapel Ridge: Kathy Bryant

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 24, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 24, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 24, 2017READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 24, 2017

Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38 Monday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 [2a]/ Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Midnight: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/ Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 Tuesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22 Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Thursday: 1 Jn 1:5--2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18 Friday: 1 Jn 2:3-11/Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 [11a]/Lk 2:22-35 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:12-17/Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 [11a]/Lk 2:36-40 Next Sunday: Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9, [7a, 8a] or Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 or Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/ Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40

GOD’S GOD’S GOD’S GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERS

Dec 26 - Dec 29: Team 2 D. Jadlowiec/ P. Foote/

V. Comilla/ D. & L. Williams/ K. Smeal/ D. Housler