BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY … · BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ... the St. Vincent de Paul ... remote ecumenical monastery of Taize in Southern France

BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Advent Christm

as Season Newsletter 2014

Advent Christm


Advent Christm


Advent Christm

as Season Newsletter 2014-- -- 2015

2015

2015

2015

“Being humble helps us share the burdens of others.” Pope Francis

PARISH COMMUNITY LIFTS EACH OTHER UP WITH SERVICE

Inside this issue:

Pray without ceasing.

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the

will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:17

Members of the Blessed Sacrament Parish Men’s Club shared their time and talent recently at the home of one of their members. A ramp was built on to the front of Cal’s residence upon his return home from

rehab.

Cal and Joanne Gilbert are most appreciative of the addition. Truth be told, they are thrilled that this dynamic group came to their aid in the best way possible! Not only that, Cal was able to provide ideas from inside as the project unfolded. The work began early in the day, and

was completed by dinner time.

Pastor’s ColumnPastor’s ColumnPastor’s ColumnPastor’s Column 2

Worship & Spiritual GrowthWorship & Spiritual GrowthWorship & Spiritual GrowthWorship & Spiritual Growth 3

Faith FormationFaith FormationFaith FormationFaith Formation 6

Youth MinistryYouth MinistryYouth MinistryYouth Ministry 8

Coming SoonComing SoonComing SoonComing Soon 9

Pats’ ColumnPats’ ColumnPats’ ColumnPats’ Column 13

Service & JusticeService & JusticeService & JusticeService & Justice 14

FAMILY SOUP KITCHEN

A mighty team of volunteers meets at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall in Niles to prepare and serve lunch monthly from September - May. This particular team is composed of families who have made the commitment to be the hands and heart of Christ in their method of service. This ministry is made richer in that these families also sit down to share the prepared meal with the people who need a meal that day. “This ministry teaches young children the value of each person and the importance of service, all within the enjoyment of a meal,” said Pastor Tom Eisweirth. Fr. Tom encourages all to try this ministry, either as a family on the third Saturday (see

p. 14 for info), or with our SVdP So-ciety on the third Thursday.

Call the parish for details!

S H O U T F O R J O Y! Handel’s

Messiah Sunday, December 7, 2014

4 and 7 p.m. Blessed Sacrament Parish

with the musical talents of

Warren Civic Chorus & members of

the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra

The first Sunday of Ad-vent marks the beginning of the new Liturgical Year. Advent is a time for us to prayerfully re-flect on God’s coming into the world. We wait in hope for the coming of Christ and our annual celebration of Christmas. It is a time of waiting, a time of prayer, a time of recommitment to what it

means to be a disciple of Christ. Please note that our Advent Reconciliation Service on Sunday, December 14, at 3 p.m. Pope Francis tells us “the forgiveness of our sins is not something we can give ourselves. Forgiveness is asked for, is asked of another, and in Confession we ask for forgiveness from Jesus. ...it is a gift of the Holy Spirit who fills us with the wellspring of mercy and of grace… In the celebration of this Sacrament, the priest represents not only God but also the whole community, who sees itself in the weakness of each of its members, who listens and is moved by his repen-tance, and who is reconciled with him… ...Do not be afraid of Confession! ...Be courageous and go to Con-

fession! Document to General Audience St. Peter’s Square, Wed 2/19/14

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, as darkness begins to descend upon us, we will gather in our wor-ship space for a unique prayer experience that origi-nated in a remote French village near the Swiss border. The village is called Taize. In that village, there is an old church building that was originally given to a newly formed community by the papal nuncio to Paris. That person later became Pope John XXIII. In the late 1960’s young people from all over the world began flocking to that remote ecumenical monastery of Taize in Southern France. Brother Roger of Taize writes: “To celebrate such an all-inclusive prayer only a few people are needed, and already the heart becomes more encom-passing in an encounter with Christ. And in addition, if these people were to join, at least once a week, the prayer of the local Christian community, the worship of a parish or congregation where all generations are present, including little children, young adults and eld-erly persons, then the universality of communion in Christ would find a clear expression. Prayer is a se-rene force at work within human beings, stirring them up, changing their hearts, never allowing them to close their eyes in the face of evil, of wars, of all that threat-

ens the innocent of this world… All who walk in the footsteps of Christ, while holding themselves in the presence of God, remain along side other people as well. They do not separate prayer and solidarity with others.” I invite the entire parish to join me and my Priests’ Support Group in this Taize prayer experience on Sunday, December 21, at 4:30 p.m. I think it will be a blessing for all of us! Please check the bulletin for other activities this Advent. I want to thank those of you who have re-sponded by saying yes to using your time, your talent and your treasure to support the efforts of our parish. On Sunday, November 9 we hosted our Community Outreach Day; over sixty parishioners volunteered to help and we had thirteen requests for assistance. It certainly was a great day for our parish community! Highlights will appear in the next newsletter. I also want to thank those of you who have elected to participate in electronic giving. This will certainly help the office staff in maintaining records. It will also assist the Administration Commission and Parish council in future planning for the parish. If you need assistance in registering or making changes please call the parish office to direct you. Our parish fundraisers were well attended and very helpful for the parish. Once again, I express my thanks to all the volunteers who helped make such a success of our events. Details about each event can be found in this newsletter. I want to invite you to attend our Annual Vol-unteer Appreciation Dinner at Di Vieste’s Banquet Hall on North River Road in Warren. It takes time and talent of many individuals to ensure the life of Blessed Sacrament Parish and I am very proud of you for choosing to share your gift! We are planning this event for Sunday afternoon, February 8, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. There will be more information about this in the bulletin after Christmas.

PASTOR’S COLUMN

Page 2 BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Page 3

WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTHWORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTHWORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTHWORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH Submitted by Pat Campbell

TAIZE PRAYER

AROUND

THE CROSS

Steal a few quiet moments on the shortest day

of the year!

During the craziness of the preparations for Christmas, why not set aside a few minutes to center mind and heart in calming prayer in the style of the Taizé com-munity?

Join us Sunday, December 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the church.

NOTE: Taizé Prayer includes singing, psalms, a scripture reading, interces-sory prayer and silence.


PLEASE HELP WITH UPCOMING HOLYDAYS…

Monday, December 8 -- Immaculate Conception. Liturgies at 8:30 a.m. with the school students, and 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 24 -- Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord. Liturgies at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m.

Thursday, December 25 -- Nativity of the Lord. Liturgy at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, December 31 -- Vigil of Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

Thursday, January 1 -- Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

If you could offer your help as a hospitality minister -- greeter, usher, altar server, lector or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at the Masses you plan to attend, you’d be helping the community a great deal. Please check the gathering space for sign up sheets. The December 8 sign ups are ready as you receive this newsletter. The sign ups for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will be ready on December 10.

Please sign up in the gathering space to minister at these special liturgies. We are particularly in need of parish ministers for the VERY CROWDED 4 p.m. liturgy on Christmas Eve. Can you help? All ministries are needed.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL HAVE TO ARRIVE EARLY FOR THE LITURGY WHERE YOU WILL MINISTER. IF THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS Needed for Holy Days of Obligation

Find out about the Bible and

Catholic teaching concerning it.

Take a look at how a constitution

from the Second Vatican Council

changed the world of Scripture

scholarship and each Catholic’s

potential relationship with sacred

Scripture. Using the resource, The Word of God at

Vatican II: Exploring Dei Verbum

written by Ronald D. Witherup, SS, join the staff in exploring the way we look at Scripture and how it has changed. Here is a look at some of what we will ponder

together

Did you ever wonder how the Bible became such an essential part of being a Catholic in our Day? Dei

Verbum—The Dogmatic Constitu-

tion on Divine Revelation—remains one of the foundational teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Dis-cover how this teaching continues to direct our efforts in liturgy, edu-cation, and spirituality, and helped

to move the Bible into the heart of

parish faith formation.

The Vatican II’s Dogmatic Consti-tution on Divine Revelation is uni-versally acclaimed as one of the council’s most important docu-ments. Published in 1965 after a long and circuitous route through-out all four years of the council, Dei

Verbum sets forth the Catholic Church’s official teaching about divine revelation and the complex interrelationship between Scripture and Tradition. With the approach of the fiftieth anniversary of the constitution, this book—intended for general audiences—summarizes the history and principal teaching of this groundbreaking document. Accompanying the text of The

Word of God at Vatican II is a para-graph-by-paragraph commentary and an exploration of the impact the constitution has had in the church’s life. Readers will be amazed at how

influential Dei Verbum continues to

be, even today.

Please accept the invitation of the parish staff to join us to explore the place of Scripture in our Catholic faith life. We will join together on Tues-day, November 25, and on the first three Tuesdays of Advent, December 2, 9 and 16, to look at The Word of

God at Vatican II and to discuss the way Scripture and tradition work to-gether to guide our steps. We will begin each evening with prayer in the chapel, then move to Holy Family Hall for a short presentation -- fol-lowed by sharing and discussion. The evening will wind up with dessert at

8:25 p.m.

Pre-register by calling the parish office at 330-372-2215, or by signing up on our new parish website at

bspcc.org.

Catholicism: Scripture and Tradition


Page 4

Joy to the

World!!

Please accept this invitation to join Blessed Sacrament’s

Christmas Eve Family Choir This special choir will sing for the 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. liturgies. Participants choose the most convenient liturgy for their family. We will have THREE rehearsals

Sunday, December 7, 1–3 p.m. in the Parish library

Sunday, December 14, 1–2:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 21, 1–3 p.m.

All ages are welcome! Second grade and older are welcome on their own or with other family members. Younger children are welcome with their families, knowing that they will have to be attentive during Mass and rehearsals. Adults who are not accompanied by children are welcome.

You will have a reserved seat! Sing together as a family and experience Christmas Eve

in a wonderful new way!

Contact Pat Campbell at the parish office with any questions!

Liturgy of the Hours during Advent

This ancient prayer of the church will be prayed during the Advent season as Evening Prayer on the Tues-days of Advent December 2, 9 and 16 to begin our Tues-day Adult Education presentations, on Monday, Decem-ber 15, and also on Tuesday, November 25, before the first of the Advent sessions. Join us in chapel at 7 p.m. Our Advent Tuesday sessions will conclude in Holy Family Hall with dessert! Evening Prayer will take place each Tuesday beginning

January 6, and also on Monday, January 12.

Advent Items The Advent season begins with 4 p.m. Mass

on November 30.

Stop by the table in the gathering space November 22 & 23 or December 6 & 7

for Advent items to help you and your family cele-brate the season of Advent.

The Worship and Spiritual Growth Commission is again making a number of resources available to help us as we journey through Advent. There is a small charge for each item.

See these items -- and more!

• LITTLE BLUE BOOK (Diocese of Saginaw)

• Advent DAYBREAKS (Fr. Paul Turner)

• WAKING UP TO GOD IN OUR MIDST (Pax Christi)

• ADVENT CALENDARS for Children

Eucharistic Bread Bakers Welcome Eucharistic bread will be baked for each of our Advent weekends again this year. If you are willing to help in the preparation of this bread, please mark your calendar and join with other interested bakers in the school kitchen any Saturday during Advent. Our usual meeting time will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m., but if a morning

funeral is scheduled, we’ll move this to 1 p.m.

Saturday Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13, Dec 20

We’ll work together to prepare two batches of the bread for the three weekend liturgies. We welcome elementary aged children through adults – join in the fun! No bread baking (or even baking) experience is needed, as the bread we make is VERY simple – only involving whole wheat flour, white flour and hot water. That’s it! We knead the dough, let it rest, shape it and cut it. With a few hands we are able to accomplish this preparation in less than one hour and enjoy some fellowship time while

we are at it.

NOTE: We’ll also be baking bread for the Thanksgiving

liturgy on Tuesday, Nov 25 at 6 p.m. – All are welcome!

“At Home With the Word” 2015

Our new liturgical year begins with the Advent season. To help parishioners prepare for weekly liturgy, we make available a book of the readings for the new year. This year we have decided to make At Home with the Word that book. A copy would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

You’ll find all of the readings for Sundays, beginning with the First Sunday of Advent – November 30, 2014, and ending with Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - November 22, 2015.

“This book invites you to be at home with God’s word. Read and ruminate on the Sunday scrip-tures, by yourself or with others. Whether you use the book for meditation or study, it will nourish you to act on God’s word in the world as you prepare to hear the scripture proclaimed at Sunday liturgy.”

Copies in the Gathering Space after any week-end Mass or in the parish office. $6.50. Large print $9.


Advent Reconciliation Service Sunday, December 14, 3 p.m.

This sacrament will be available immedi-ately following the 4:00 p.m. liturgy on Saturday, December 27. After Mass ends, please move to the chairs near the piano. Loved ones accompany-ing those to be anointed are welcome to sit behind their friend/loved one and touch their shoulder as Father lays hands on them, and again as he anoints them, joining all present in praying for those who are anointed. This sacrament is primarily a sacrament of physical healing and spiri-tual strengthening. Anointing of the Sick is available after Mass the fourth Saturday of each month throughout the year.

Join together with other members of the Warren Catholic churches for the Advent Communal Reconciliation Service on

SUNDAY, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church.

A communal penance service includes the Opening Rite, Liturgy of the Word, Examination of Conscience, Individual Confession and Absolution, a Song of Praise and Concluding Rite. This is not a “formula” chosen only by Blessed Sac-rament, this is Form II of the Rite of Penance of the Roman Catholic Church. We join together for prayer and then make our individual confession (where we receive Penance). We come back together to conclude the service, lifted up by the support of the presence of other believers. This is the only form of communal penance approved for use through-

out the United States.

Father Eisweirth and several other area priests will be available to hear confessions. Here we have the opportunity to

join in prayer with others. In this way we

“obtain from God’s mercy pardon for having offended him and at the same time reconciliation

with the Church, which we have wounded by our sins and which by charity, example, and prayer

seeks our conversion.” Lumen Gentium, Vatican Council II, no. 26 (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church 4, no. 146)

Make plans now to attend this special service. For those who have been away from the sacrament for a long period, perhaps this service will be an opportunity to revisit the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You might also wish to join with

the community in the service even if you do not wish to take advantage of individual confession and absolution.

All are welcome! The service is open to people from all area parishes.

Anointing

of the Sick

We are still praying, still waiting in joyful hope!

Join us the first Tuesday of the month – December 2 and January 6 – to pray the Stations of the Cross for peace. If you’d like to participate, simply meet in the church at noon. This prayer will take less than a half hour and will involve spoken prayer along with simple singing. Here is a way to join with others to give voice to your desire for peace in this complicated world.

Questions? Call Pat Campbell at the parish office.

Stations of the Cross for Peace

MEN’S ADVENT PRAYER

BREAKFAST

Join Fr. Tom and other men of the parish each Monday of Advent at Panera Bread on Elm Road, 7 a.m., for Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

Mondays, December 1, 8, 15, 22

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Little Rock Scripture Study Winter 2015

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW II

January 6 - February 10 7:30 -9 p.m. in the Parlor

For continuing participants, $10 includes study guide only; no assignment for the first session. For those beginning this study, $20 includes materials; please look over the first part of the study prior to Janu-ary 6. Please bring a bible to each session along with study materials 9 hours general CEU’s available

Registration: in gathering space 12/27 & 28 and 1/3 & 4, or in the parish office during the week.

Materials may be picked up when payment is made… Checks payable to Blessed Sacrament Parish

Fundamental Commitment: Prayer - Presence - Preparation - Participation

Bambinelli Sunday

It's customary for the pope to bless Infant Jesus figures that children and families bring to St. Pe-ter's Square in Rome on the Third Sunday of Ad-vent. Some parishes, including ours, offer the same blessing at Masses on December 21, the weekend before Christ-mas. Deacon Bob reads the book, “Bambinelli Sunday” to the children, and then

blesses the figures during the CLOW sessions.

Please have your children participate in this spe-cial time. However, if you aren’t able to attend one of these blessings, or you forgot to send your figurine, simply hold the Infant from your creche reverently in your hand and invite those you live with to pray as you read this blessing:

God our Father, you loved us so much you sent us your only Son, Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary,to save us and lead us back to you. We pray that, with your blessing, these images of Jesus might bea sign of your presence and love in our homes. Good Father, give your blessing to all who gather with us this Christmas, family and friends.

Open our hearts, that we might receive Jesus in joy, do always what he asks of us and see him in those who need our love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son, who came to give peace to the world. You who live and reign forever and ever.

Amen.

Blessings to all of you

and may you have a Merry Christmas!

FAITH FORMATIONFAITH FORMATIONFAITH FORMATIONFAITH FORMATION Submitted by Brenda Antenucci


Thirty five second graders are beginning to prepare to for their First Reconciliation, which will be celebrated on Monday February 2 at 6:30 PM. Our first set of parent preparation sessions will be December 14 at 10:10 a.m. in the chapel; we meet again on

December 17 at 6:30 p.m.

All parents who have children who will be receiving this sacrament must attend one of these sessions for session I, and then for Session II which will be on January 11 in Reagan Hall and January 14 in Holy Family Hall. Session

II is for parents and their child.

Families are asked to please complete your books together as you model for your children God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. Our parent and family preparation sessions are mandatory as we seek to fulfill our diocesan

guidelines and responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Canon Law and the National Catechetical Directory: “Parents have a right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for [sacraments]. Catechesis aims to help parents grow in under-standing and appreciation of the [sacrament] and participate readily in catechizing their children”. Thank you for your participation in and dedication to these programs, as we work together to prepare our chil-dren for life in the community

as Catholic Christians!

FIRST RECONCILIATION FIRST COMMUNION

This year we look for-ward to the celebrations of First Communion on Sunday, May 10, at both Masses, and at all week-end Masses the weekend of May

16 and 17.

Please remember that you need to turn in your child’s baptismal certificate if he/she was NOT baptized at Blessed Sacra-

ment. Families with second graders should start thinking about which Mass time is best for your

celebration.

The first set of preparation sessions for First Communion are February 8 and 11 (parents only), and the second set of sessions are March 15 and 18 (with child). The mandatory retreat is Sun-day, April 19 from 10:10 -2:30 p.m. in Reagan

Hall and the church.

The letters and registration forms for these sacraments have already been sent out, so please mark your calendars with these important dates. If you have not received these materials, need extra forms, or have questions or concerns, please call Brenda at the parish office as soon as

possible.

FAITH FORMATON SESSIONS 2014-2015


Our Blessed Sacrament Faith Formation program is off to a great start for this year. We have a wonder-ful, dedicated group of volunteer cate-chists, helpers, children and family participants! They are working, pray-ing, and learning together in an excit-ing and dedicated way! These parents, grandparents, and “friends of our youth” have answered the call to be catechists this year and we all remain grateful as they dedicate themselves and enthusiastically carry out the mis-

sion of teaching and forming disciples.

I also thank the catechists from last year who have moved on to other endeavors: Jill Alvetro, Lonnie Isenberg, Chris Ray, Heather Moosally, and Chris Heltzel. I’m al-ways impressed by the dedication of

our volunteers!

This year’s catechetical theme is “Teaching about God’s Gift of Forgiveness”. The catechists are stressing the need for forgiveness…both giving it and accepting it. We are reminded that Jesus’ teaching of offer-ing forgiveness “70x7” times (Matt. 18:22) means not 490 times, but that

we offer forgiveness as often as neces-sary…as God continually offers un-conditional forgiveness for us…into infinity! Another way that we will be focusing on forgiveness is that during Lent this year we will hold a family retreat focused on forgiveness during one of the Sunday morning FFS ses-

sions.

Early in October we cele-brated St. Francis’ Feast Day and Re-spect Life month with a communal prayer and blessing in our beautiful brick garden. During “Respect Life” month the students also participated in First Step For Change, the Catholic Charities’ baby bottle change collec-tion and service learning curriculum. The money collected buys wipes, dia-pers, formula, etc., which assists poor families during pregnancy and into early childhood. Some of our young people also serve by counting the

change which is collected.

We will also collect house-hold and cleaning items like Clorox wipes, Lysol, Windex, toilet bowl cleaner, etc., for “Harriet’s Cupboard”,

BLESSED SACRAMENT FFS

Pre K - Ms. Ronnie Scrabis, Mrs. Tracey Jaros

Kindergarten - Mrs. Anna Grzebieniak,

Mrs. Liz DelGarbino

1st - Mrs. Michelle Fabrizio, Mrs. Molly James

2nd - Mrs. Angie Summers, Mrs. Jackie Weston

3rd - Mrs. Mary Brown

4th - Mrs. Laurie Faulk

5th - Mr. Chris Doutt, Mrs. Kathy Anerino

6th - Mrs. Ann Gebhardt

7th - Mrs. Melissa DeJacimo

8th - Mrs. Brooke Steines,

Mrs. Rosanna Montecalvo

FFS office staff -- Ms. Anastasia McLeod,

Mrs. Melissa McLeod, Mrs. Kerrie Olzewski,

Mrs. Mary Goffos

Please thank all these wonderful catechists and office helpers for sharing their time and talent

as they pass on our faith to the children!

2014 - 2015 Catechists

another Catholic Charities outreach to the poor in our local community. Pope Francis stated in his Day for Life

Greeting:

“Even the weakest and the most vul-

nerable, the sick, the old, the unborn,

and the poor, are masterpieces of

God’s creation, made in his own im-

age, destined to live forever and

deserving of the utmost reverence and

respect.”

On October 27 the 6-8th grad-ers celebrated World Youth Day by listening to presentations from our own Blessed Sacrament and JFK stu-dents who participated in mission trips to Kentucky, and India. Our students were also treated to free donuts as together we honored these young peo-

ple, who are our present and future!!

We look forward to Advent! On December 7 we will celebrate the season with a family gathering honor-ing Mary and “Our Lady of Guada-lupe”. We will pray together, make a craft, and have a snack, asking parents to participate in this family celebra-

tion.

Sundays 10:10 a.m.-11:20 a.m.

November 30, No FFS

December 7 -- family Advent event

December 14, 21

Communal Reconciliation Service, December 14, 3 p.m.

January 4, 11, 25

February: 1, 8, 22

March: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

April: 19, 26

May 3

Note: No morning FFS as follows:

December 28

January 18, February 15, Easter, April 5, & April 12

First Communion May 10, and 16 & 17, 2015

YOUTH MINISTRYYOUTH MINISTRYYOUTH MINISTRYYOUTH MINISTRY E.P.I.C. Teens

facilities & deposit, t-shirt, food & activities. Please call your parish about assistance or for a possible sponsorship. Fundraisers are TBA. November 23 6-7 p.m. Mini Retreat #2 St. John Paul II Social Hall 420 North St. NW, Warren

Retreat: Jan 24-25 Sat 9 a.m. -- Sun 5:30 p.m. @ Villa Maria Education Spirituality Center 2105 Evergreen Rd. Villa Maria, PA 16155

We will start with a prayer service at 9 a.m.,

BSP Chapel, 3020 Reeves Rd. NE -- then head to the Villa.

or your youth minister.) Marisa Pipino, a senior at John F. Kennedy Catholic High School, is organizing this retreat for the second time, with the assistance of other teens from area parishes. She will be working with Brooke Steines from Blessed Sacrament Par-ish in Warren. If you have any questions please contact Brooke at the parish office. This retreat is for 9th-12th graders from all area parishes and all schools, public or parochial.

Please make a commit-ment and sign up for the weekend -- to meet new people of the same faith! Everything hap-pens for a reason. Learn things about yourselves

and others! We will touch on topics that teens are facing today and the teens will hear witness talks from high-schoolers on this stu-dent-led retreat. We will have small group shar-ing, opportunities for alone time, and for prayer and reflection. Our area priests will be present for a prayer ser-vice and Mass over the weekend. We don’t want to give too much away, so please join us for this special weekend retreat! Once you are a participant, you will have the opportunity to be-come a leader at next year’s retreat. $70 fee is due on Dec 1, for retreat

Kairos is a Greek word meaning “God’s Time”. Kairos is also a type of retreat for youth to strengthen their relation-ship, not only with God, but with themselves and others. This retreat chal-lenges your faith but also helps you understand your relationship with God, and helps you know that you are not alone. Two mini-retreats are planned so the partici-pants can get to know one another before the final retreat in January. (*You do not need to attend the mini retreats in order to come in January, but it is encouraged to meet people and to do retreat activities. Please try to make at least one...and RSVP to Marisa


WORLD YOUTH DAY

HIGHLIGHTS

“My trip to Kentucky (Summer 2014) was very eye-opening for me. While I was there, the people in Cumberland, KY were extremely friendly with us. They were so poor, yet they were so very happy to see us. I believe the trip has helped me to grow closer to my faith as a Catholic and towards God.” Will Thompson, BSP EPIC teen, Sophomore at Mineral Ridge High School

“My Kentucky mission trip (Summer 2013 & 2014) was an unforgettable experience. It granted me the opportunity to meet new people, strengthen bonds with friends, help people experience new things. Abigail Downing, BSP EPIC teen, Sophomore at Howland High School

World Youth Day 2014...Patricia Salcone, mission trip chaperone; EPIC teens Wil Abigail and Brooke Steines,

Blessed Sacrament Parish Youth Minister

Fr. Tom Eisweirth and other members of the par-ish staff are currently in-volved in a planning effort for a speaker/support series entitled “Lighting the

Way.”

We are working with local churches and nursing home administra-tors to plan an effective and comprehensive series to help families as they face issues, questions, and concerns dealing with their own aging process, or those of a parent, grandpar-

ent, etc.

Would YOU like to be involved in this plan-ning process? Would YOU like to present information on a topic that you have expertise in?? Would YOU like to attend these

sessions, and bring your

questions??

Please call Fr. Tom, Brenda or Paula in the parish office to indicate your interest in any of those areas. This has be-come an ecumenical and community-wide effort, and we want -- and appre-ciate -- your input and par-ticipation in any of these

areas you feel called to!!

It is our hope that we can minister to families in the community by pro-viding important informa-tion in a safe, non-threatening environment to open up dialogue among generations about these

important matters.

Look for informa-tion about programming to begin in the Spring of

2015.

Family Nights! LIGHTING THE WAY


Baptismal Preparation Session Our next Baptismal Preparation Session will take place SUNDAY, January 11, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, at 1:00 p.m. in the parlor. Those wishing to have a child baptized BE-FORE LENT need to be sure to attend (Lent begins February 18; no Baptisms during Lent). Please contact the parish office to let us know you will be there! Plan to take part in the class before your child is born, as during the third trimester of your pregnancy. Families need to be registered members of the parish. It is our hope that they regularly partici-pate at Mass, considering themselves to be mem-bers of the parish community. Also, in choosing godparents, they should be Catholic, as they are to help the parents in raising the child in the Church.

Baptisms are normally celebrated on the fourth weekend of the month. Parents are REQUIRED to attend a baptismal session prior to their child’s baptism. The preparation session offers an opportunity to discuss the sacrament of baptism in the life of this child. We do not celebrate baptisms during the season of Lent.

A great time was had by all families, parents, chil-dren, and youth as we joined together for a fun eve-ning at Irons Mill Farmstead on October 11! Thirty of us were able to attend, enjoying the fellowship, corn maze, hay ride, bonfire, slide, and so much more! Grandparents attended for free since we had

enough paying parents and families!

We look forward to other family evenings, on February 7 and April 18. These will be pizza and pot luck events. We’ll find an age-appropriate movie for the February night, and plan a game night for

April.

We hope these events will provide our fami-lies and young people a chance to get to know one another better in a casual family friendly atmosphere at our church. If you have any suggestions for a fam-ily activity OR you would be willing to help plan and “execute” the evening, please call Brenda or Brooke

in the parish office!

A Look Into the Future!

Ash Wednesday -- February 18, 2015 Ordinary Time is only 5 WEEKS after Christmas Time ends!

Easter 2015 – April 5

From Pope Francis… “...I greet young people, the sick and newlyweds.

May the Virgin Mary help you,

dear young people,

to understand ever more deeply the value of sacrifice

in your human and Christian formation;

may she support you, dear sick,

in facing pain and illness with serenity and strength;

and may she guide you, dear newlyweds,

in building your family

on the solid foundation

of fidelity to God’s will.” Documents to General Audience, St. Peter’s Square, Wed 2/19/14

J O I N U S!!

• Christmas Caroling

and Bowling -- De-

cember 14, 2014

• Souper Bowl of

Caring and Pancake

Breakfast --

February 1, 2015

Up-and-Coming Youth Ministry Activities…

Ahhhh, the atmosphere! The food! The music! The prizes! The dancing!! FESTA! 2014 proved to be a fabulous WARM evening to celebrate the Abruzzo region of Italy. The Trumbull Country Club was transformed to reflect the colors of this mountainous region of Italy, and those whose families with origins there com-pleted the richness of the atmosphere with their warmth, and good cheer, and festive moods.

For five years, this annual event has featuree the beauty of the Italian heritage. It seems the more we celebrate this country, the more we learn, the more we love it!! Linda Cetrone and her com-mittee delight with celebration! This year, the proceeds from this event totaled $9,300!! Thank you to all in attendance, and to those who supported this event through raffle ticket purchases!

The Grand Prize winner of the week-long stay at a condo in Myrtle Beach, SC, was Janelle Falcione, CONGRATULATIONS!!! The 2nd Prize of $250 cash was won by Rae Kohut, CONGRATULA-TIONS!!! The 3rd Prize of Dinner for 6 with Fr. Tom Eisweirth was Mike Giangardella, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

In addition to five baskets for raffle and a 50/50 raffle was a spe-cial raffle of a week-long stay at a condo at Seven Springs, PA. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!

Lucille Bayman, Ohio State-themed basket.

Lucia Bright (left) wine basket.

Bill Gerrity limoncello basket.

Brenda Antenucci Italian tray and wine basket.

Jean Winger won the Lottery tree basket.

Tom Lazor won the condo stay at Seven Springs.

David Zock won the 50/50 raffle.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR PARISH!!

If you would like to celebrate your ethnic heritage - Italian or other - and be part of planning such an event, please contact Fr. Tom at the parish office with your ideas!


F

E

S

T

A

2014

Christmas Program for

Women…

CONTAGIOUS CHRISTMAS Wednesday December 10

12 p.m. and 7 p.m. HOLY FAMILY HALL

Spread Christmas joy! JOY is contagious! You’ve probably noticed when you smile, other people smile back. It’s catch-ing! Joy shouldn’t be kept to ourselves -- it should be spread around. And there’s no better time of year to do it than Christ-mas, when we celebrate the joy Jesus’ birth brings to us all. Discover how you can spread the joy of Christmas!! Call the parish office to register for the Noon or 7 p.m. time slot.

HOLY LAND HOLY LAND HOLY LAND HOLY LAND

ITEMS ITEMS ITEMS ITEMS

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

DECEMBER 6 & 7DECEMBER 6 & 7DECEMBER 6 & 7DECEMBER 6 & 7 We welcome Suhair Musleh and family to our parish on the first weekend of Decem-ber! Suhair will feature arti-cles from the Holy Land of Bethlehem. She always brings something more wonderful than we recall from the year before! These items are sure to please every eye, and make wonderful gifts during this holy season of the year!

BLESS

ED

SA

CRA

MEN

T P

ARIS

H C

ATH

OLIC

CO

MM

UN

ITY

BLESS

ED

SA

CRA

MEN

T P

ARIS

H C

ATH

OLIC

CO

MM

UN

ITY

BLESS

ED

SA

CRA

MEN

T P

ARIS

H C

ATH

OLIC

CO

MM

UN

ITY

BLESS

ED

SA

CRA

MEN

T P

ARIS

H C

ATH

OLIC

CO

MM

UN

ITY —— ——

AD

VEN

T 2

014

AD

VEN

T 2

014

AD

VEN

T 2

014

AD

VEN

T 2

014

Wee

ken

d M

ass

esW

eeken

d M

ass

esW

eeken

d M

ass

esW

eeken

d M

ass

es—— ——

Satu

rday, 4:0

0 p

.m.; S

unday, 9:0

0 a

.m. and 1

1:30 a

.m.

Satu

rday, 4:0

0 p

.m.; S

unday, 9:0

0 a

.m. and 1

1:30 a

.m.

Satu

rday, 4:0

0 p

.m.; S

unday, 9:0

0 a

.m. and 1

1:30 a

.m.

Satu

rday, 4:0

0 p

.m.; S

unday, 9:0

0 a

.m. and 1

1:30 a

.m.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRID

AY

SATURDAY

Novem

ber 30

First Sunday

of Advent

Y

ear

“B”

beg

ins

No FFS

N

o C

off

ee a

nd

Don

uts

Decem

ber 1

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Men’s Advent Prayer

Breakfast-7 am-Panera

Am

eric

an R

ed C

ross

B

lood

Dri

ve

2—

7 p

.m.

Rea

gan

Hal

l

C

om

e and

sa

ve u

s,

Lo

rd o

ur

God

;

let

you

r fa

ce s

hin

e upo

n u

s,

tha

t w

e m

ay

be

save

d.”

Decem

ber 2

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Chu

rch

Stations of the Cross

for Peace, Noon

7 p.m. Evening Prayer,

Catholicism

:

Scripture & Tradition”

Th

e W

ord

of

God

at

Vat

ican

II

Exp

lori

ng D

ei V

erb

um

Dessert Follows

Decem

ber 3

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Saint Francis

Xavier, Priest

Parish Pastoral

Council—

7 p.m.

Rectory

Go

and

tea

ch a

ll n

ati

on

s,

says

th

e L

ord

:

I a

m w

ith

yo

u a

lwa

ys,

unti

l th

e en

d o

f th

e w

orl

d.

Decem

ber 4

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Musicians Rehearsal

7 pm

See

k th

e L

ord

whil

e h

e m

ay

be

fou

nd

;

call

him

wh

ile

he

is n

ear.

Decem

ber 5

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

First Friday

Beh

old

, ou

r L

ord

sha

ll c

om

e w

ith

po

wer

; h

e w

ill

enli

gh

ten

the

eyes

of

his

ser

van

ts.

December 6

“Mes

siah

” D

ress

Reh

ears

al-

Churc

h ;

9—

Noo

n

Eucharistic Bread

Baking, 10 a.m.

(1 p.m. if a.m. funeral)

______________________

4:00 p.m. Mass

V

igil

of

the

2nd

Su

nd

ay

of

Ad

ven

t

Gif

t It

ems

from

Bet

hle

hem

Decem

ber 7

Second Sunday

of Advent

FFS/Pre-K -8

“Family Celebration”

10:10-11:20 in Reagan

Coffee and Donuts

Christmas Eve

Family Choir, 1-3 pm

Handel’s “Messiah”

Performances

4 and 7 pm

Gif

t It

ems

from

Bet

hle

hem

Decem

ber 8

SOLEMNITY OF THE

IMMACULATE

CONCEPTIO

N

HO

LY

DA

Y

of

Ob

ligat

ion

8:30 am & 7:00 pm

Masses in Church

Patronal Day of the

United States of America

Men’s Prayer Advent


Decem

ber 9

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

7 p.m. Evening Prayer,

“Catholicism

:

Scripture and Tradi-

tion”

Th

e W

ord

of

God

at

Vat

ican

II

Exp

lori

ng D

ei V

erb

um

Dessert Follows

T

he

da

y of

the

Lo

rd i

s n

ear:

beh

old

, h

e co

mes

to s

ave

us.

Decem

ber 10

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Contagious

Christmas

Women’s Holiday Event

12 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Beh

old

, th

e L

ord

co

mes

to

save

his

peo

ple

: b

less

ed a

re

tho

se p

repa

red t

o m

eet

him

.

Decem

ber 11

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Musicians Rehearsal

7 pm

Let

the

clo

ud

s ra

in d

ow

n

the

Just

One,

an

d t

he

eart

h

bri

ng

fo

rth a

Sa

vio

r.

Decem

ber 12

Feast of Our Lady of

Guadalupe,

Patroness of America

Ser

vice

of

the

Wo

rd w

ith

the

Dis

trib

uti

on

of

Holy

Co

mm

un

ion —

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ble

ssed

are

you

, dau

gh

ter,

by

the

Mo

st H

igh

Go

d, a

bove

a

ll t

he

wo

men

on

ea

rth

; an

d

ble

ssed

be

the

Lo

rd G

od

, th

e

crea

tor

of

hea

ven

and

eart

h.

Decem

ber 13

Saint Lucy,

Virgin and M

artyr

Eucharistic

Bread Baking,

10 a.m.


4:00 p.m. Mass

V

igil

of

the

3rd

S

und

ay

Rel

ay f

or

Lif

e C

ook

ie S

ale

Th

is W

eek

end

Decem

ber 14

Third Sunday

of Advent

FFS/Pre-K — 8

Coff

ee a

nd

Donu

ts

Pa

ren

t-1

st R

ec.

Mtg

.

Christmas Eve

Family Choir, 1-2:30

COMMUNAL PENANCE

SERVICE –3 p.m.

Youth M

in. Caroling 4:30 off site

Youth M

in. Bowling 6 off site

Rel

ay f

or

Lif

e C

oo

kie

Sal

e T

his

Wee

ken

d

December 15

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Men’s Advent


Even

ing P

rayer

, 7

pm

Worship and

Spiritual Growth

Commission—7 p.m.

Show

us,

Lo

rd, yo

ur

love

,

and

gra

nt

us

you

r sa

lva

tion

.

December 16

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Chu

rch

7 p.m. Evening Prayer

with “Catholicism

:

Scripture and Tradi-

tion”

Th

e W

ord

of

God

at

Vat

ican

II

Exp

lori

ng D

ei V

erb

um

Dessert Follows

Co

me,

O L

ord

, do

not

del

ay;

forg

ive

the

sin

s

of

you

r peo

ple

.

December 17

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Par

ent

Mee

tin

g

1st

Rec

on

cili

atio

n

Op

tion

2

6:3

0 p

.m.

–H

oly

F

amil

y H

all

O W

isdo

m o

f o

ur

God

Mo

st

Hig

h, gu

idin

g c

reati

on

wit

h

pow

er a

nd

love

:

com

e to

tea

ch u

s th

e p

ath

of

know

ledg

e!

“O

” A

nti

ph

on

December 18

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Musicians Rehearsal

7 pm

O L

ead

er o

f th

e H

ou

se o

f

Isra

el, g

iver

of

the

Law

to

Mo

ses

on

Sin

ai:

com

e to

res

cue

us

wit

h y

ou

r m

ighty

po

wer

!

“O

” A

nti

phon

December 19

Ser

vice

of

the

Wo

rd w

ith

the

Dis

trib

uti

on

of

Holy

Co

mm

un

ion —

8:3

0 a

.m.

O R

oo

t of

Jess

e’s

stem

,

sign

of

God

’s l

ove

for

all

his

peo

ple

: co

me

to s

ave

us

wit

ho

ut

del

ay!

“

O”

An

tiphon

December 20

Family Soup Kitchen

9 a.m.

Eucharistic

Bread Baking,

10 a.m.


4:00 p.m. Mass

V

igil

of

the

4th

Su

nd

ay

R

elay

fo

r L

ife

Cook

ie S

ale

This

Wee

ken

d

BLESS

ED

SA

CRA

MEN

T P

ARIS

H C

ATH

OLIC

CO

MM

UN

ITY

BLESS

ED

SA

CRA

MEN

T P

ARIS

H C

ATH

OLIC

CO

MM

UN

ITY

BLESS

ED

SA

CRA

MEN

T P

ARIS

H C

ATH

OLIC

CO

MM

UN

ITY

BLESS

ED

SA

CRA

MEN

T P

ARIS

H C

ATH

OLIC

CO

MM

UN

ITY —— ——

AD

VEN

T/C

HRIS

TM

AS

2014

AD

VEN

T/C

HRIS

TM

AS

2014

AD

VEN

T/C

HRIS

TM

AS

2014

AD

VEN

T/C

HRIS

TM

AS

2014

-- -- 2015

2015

2015

2015

Wee

ken

d M

ass

esW

eeken

d M

ass

esW

eeken

d M

ass

esW

eeken

d M

ass

es—— ——

Satu

rday, 4:0

0 p

.m.; S

unday, 9:0

0 a

.m. and 1

1:30 a

.m.

Satu

rday, 4:0

0 p

.m.; S

unday, 9:0

0 a

.m. and 1

1:30 a

.m.

Satu

rday, 4:0

0 p

.m.; S

unday, 9:0

0 a

.m. and 1

1:30 a

.m.

Satu

rday, 4:0

0 p

.m.; S

unday, 9:0

0 a

.m. and 1

1:30 a

.m.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRID

AY

SATURDAY

Decem

ber 21

Fourth Sunday

of Advent

NO FFS

No

Co

ffee

an

d D

on

uts

Christmas Eve

Family Choir,

1-3 pm, Church

TAIZE PRAYER

4:30 p.m.

Rel

ay f

or

Lif

e C

ook

ie S

ale

Th

is W

eek

end

Decem

ber 22

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss —

Ch

ap

el

Men’s Advent Prayer


O

Kin

g o

f a

ll n

ati

on

s an

d

keys

ton

e of

the

Chu

rch

: co

me

and

sa

ve u

s, w

ho

m

you

fo

rmed

fro

m t

he

du

st!

“O

” A

nti

phon

Decem

ber 23

O E

mm

anuel

, G

od

wit

h u

s,

ou

r K

ing

an

d l

aw

giv

er, th

e ex

pec

ted

of

the

na

tion

s and

thei

r Sa

vio

r: c

om

e to

save

us,

O L

ord

ou

r G

od

. “

O”

An

tiph

on

Decem

ber 24

Off

ice

clo

sed

VIG

IL of

CHRISTMAS

4 p.m., 6 p.m.,

11 p.m.

Decem

ber 25

Off

ice

clo

sed

CHRISTMAS

DAY

One liturgy

10 a.m.

Decem

ber 26

O

ffic

e cl

ose

d

No

Ma

ss o

r

Co

mm

un

ion

Ser

vice

Saint Stephen,

The First M

artyr

Ble

ssed

is

he

who

co

mes

in t

he

na

me

of

the

Lo

rd:

the

Lord

is

God

a

nd

ha

s g

iven

us

lig

ht.

December 27

Saint John,

Apostle and Evangelist

4:00 p.m. Mass

V

igil

of

the

Fea

st o

f th

e H

oly

Fam

ily

A

no

inti

ng o

f th

e S

ick

foll

ow

s 4

p.m

.

Decem

ber 28

Feast of the

Holy Family

NO FFS

N

o C

off

ee a

nd

Don

uts

Decem

ber 29

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

F

ifth

Day

wit

hin

th

e O

ctav

e o

f th

e

Nat

ivit

y o

f th

e L

ord

A

lig

ht

of

reve

lati

on

to t

he

Gen

tile

s an

d g

lory

for

you

r peo

ple

Isr

ael

.

Decem

ber 30

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

S

ixth

Day

wit

hin

th

e O

ctav

e o

f th

e

Nat

ivit

y o

f th

e L

ord

A h

oly

day

ha

s d

aw

ned

upon

us.

Co

me,

yo

u n

ati

on

s, a

nd

ado

re t

he

Lo

rd.

To

da

y a g

reat

ligh

t ha

s co

me

upon

the

eart

h.

Decem

ber 31

No

Mo

rnin

g M

ass

Sev

enth

Day

wit

hin

th

e O

ctav

e o

f th

e

Nat

ivit

y o

f th

e L

ord

Vigil of the

Solemnity of Mary,

Mother of God

7:0

0 p

.m.

Mas

s

Th

e w

ord

of

God

bec

am

e fl

esh

an

d d

wel

t a

mo

ng u

s. T

o t

ho

se

wh

o a

ccep

ted

him

he

ga

ve p

ow

er

to b

eco

me

the

chil

dre

n o

f G

od

.

January 1

O

ffic

e cl

ose

d

SOLEMNITY OF

THE BLESSED

VIR

GIN

MARY,

MOTHER OF GOD

Ho

ly D

ay

of

Ob

ligat

ion

8:30 a.m. Mass—

Church

January 2

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

First Friday

Saints Basil

the Great and

Gregory Nazian-

zen,

Bishops and Doctors of

the Church

Yo

u h

ave

but

on

e F

ath

er

in h

eave

n;

you

have

bu

t on

e m

ast

er, th

e C

hri

st.

January 3

T

he

Word

of

God

bec

am

e

fles

h a

nd d

wel

t a

mo

ng

us.

T

o t

ho

se w

ho a

ccep

ted

him

he

ga

ve p

ow

er t

o b

eco

me

the

chil

dre

n o

f G

od

.

4:00 p.m. Mass

V

igil

of

the

Ep

iph

any

January 4

Feast of the Epiph-

any

FF

S/P

re-K

— 8

, 10

:10

-11

:20

Coff

ee a

nd D

on

uts

Bap

tism

al P

rep

—1

p.m

.

January 11

Feast -Baptism

of the

Lord

Ch

rist

mas

Sea

son

En

ds

FF

S/P

re-K

-8 ,

10

:10

-11

:20

Coff

ee a

nd D

on

uts

Parent/Child Reconciliation

Mtg. 10:10 in Reagan

January 5

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

Men’s Prayer


A h

oly

day

ha

s d

aw

ned

upon

us.

Co

me,

yo

u n

ati

on

s, a

nd

a

do

re t

he

Lo

rd. T

oda

y a

gre

at

ligh

t ha

s co

me

upon

the

eart

h.

January 6

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Chu

rch

Stations of the Cross

for Peace, Noon

Even

ing P

rayer

, 7

pm

Scripture Study Begins:

“The Gospel of Mat-

thew

, Part II” -7:30

p.m.

Th

e L

ord

ha

s se

nt

me

to

bri

ng

gla

d t

idin

gs

to t

he

Poo

r a

nd

to p

rocl

aim

lib

erty

to c

apti

ves.

January 7

8:3

0 a

.m.

Ma

ss—

Cha

pel

All Seasons

Lunch—11:30 a.m.

Parish Pastoral

Council—

7 p.m.

Glo

ry t

o y

ou

, O

Ch

rist

,

pro

cla

imed

to

the

Gen

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Page 13

PATS’ COLUMNPATS’ COLUMNPATS’ COLUMNPATS’ COLUMN

Dear Pats,

I love your column and have wondered if anyone has ever asked you ladies about why so many people leave before Mass is over and before the priest has left the church. Maybe it is my age show-ing, but it seems disrespect-ful to go to Communion and then walk out the door. I sometimes find myself un-able to leave with a smile when I watch people speed to the door to leave in front of our priests. When is Mass over? Do those who leave early still get credit

for being at Mass?

Thanks!

Ramona...Remaining Until

the End

Dear Ramona,

Thank you for expressing your concern over the prac-tice of leaving Mass early. We frown on the practice, too, but find it is not some-thing easy to end. As we are often told, we can only con-trol our own actions. Your questions did bring us to some interesting conversa-tion, so here is what the Pats

would like to offer.

Some parishioners may recall our former pastor sharing a story from a fel-low priest who pointed out to the congregation how odd is seemed to him that people who left early had larger derrieres than others. It brought some light-hearted laughter and, by the way, NOT ONE PERSON left early that day! It is fair to say that the magic only worked for that day. The

next week there were people present who had not heard that particular homily, so did not even have a second thought about the people who were watching them leave early. Yes, it was a very low number that week, but we think the homily’s effect on early departing people only stuck with those who were staying until the

end anyway.

When the subject of leaving early comes up, we are always reminded that there are some valid rea-sons. We think there is a need to see these as excep-tions. Those who know the Pats know that we always take comments made to a group as being directed to us. If Father would say something about concern over many people arriving late for Mass regularly and we had been late that day due to a flat tire, we would think he was telling us that we were doing something wrong and had disappointed him. Of course not! Just as with your question, some-one who has a valid reason to leave early one day is not the source of concern. It is those who regularly leave, as if there is a timer set and to stay longer would to be to take too much time in church. If dinner is on the stove and we have to get home before the house burns down, perhaps it would be better to start the dinner later or to go to a

different Mass.

At the end of the Mass we hear the Deacon or Priest say, “Go in peace,

glorifying the Lord by your life.” (This is one of four dismissals from The Roman

Missal.) Mass has ended, but it is our practice to stay and sing a song at the end during most liturgical sea-sons. During Lent we often remain in silence and that is a real challenge. Will peo-ple stay in place until the

ministers process out?

Here is where re-spect and etiquette come into play. Is it polite to leave the church while the Priest is still standing near the sanctuary? That gets a pretty clear, “No!” from most. Those who distribute bulletins, or cover a table in the gathering space, might leave early to be in place right after Mass. Think about this, though, if every-one waited until Father left the worship space to leave, there would be no need for people to be in place early. They could simple walk out in the final procession and go to where they need to be. Ah, so simple, yet, not al-

ways possible.

The part of your statement about leaving after receiving Communion is also a question that we ponder. One priest who writes often about Catholic

liturgy has written:

In practice some communi-cants never return to their seats. They leave the church after receiving Com-munion. Some come to Communion carrying car keys, purses, or jackets. Liturgical documents do not envision a self-dismissal of the faithful during the Com-

munion rite, which breaks a unity of the Body of Christ at its most focused moment. The widespread practice indicates that many of the faithful poorly appreciate the meaning of Communion and the value of the Closing

rites of the Mass.

Father Paul Turner (Let Us Pray: A Guide to the Rubrics of

Sunday Mass,) suggests a need to have a better understand-ing of Communion and those concluding rites that follow. That is something we often cover in adult edu-cation offerings here at the parish. It is a question that might need to be addressed at liturgy – before Commun-

ion, though (ha!).

The question about “credit” reminds us that we are lucky that we are not God and that God is God! We applaud your desire to experience the entire Mass and we join with you in that desire and in the showing of respect for others by staying in place until the singing ends. We think it best to let our Lord determine any per-

son’s credits.

We trust this little reflection has been helpful to you and we hope to see you smiling after liturgy

next weekend!

Sincerely,

The Pats


Our own two Pats (Campbell and Rogan) answer any questions you might have about Church practice, rules, history, tradition and ritual.

SERVICE & JUSTICESERVICE & JUSTICESERVICE & JUSTICESERVICE & JUSTICE

Page 14

IMPORTANT DATES EARLY 2015

• Scripture Study starts: January 6

• Newsletter Deadline: January 12

• Youth Ministry Pancake Breakfast: February 1

• Volunteer Appreciation Dinner: February 8

• Ash Wednesday: February 18

• AHA Pasta Cook-Off & Wine Taste: February 22

• Soup Suppers begin: February 24

• Easter Sunday: April 5

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY The Society members are pleased to announce that our finances allowed us to help 150 Trumbull County families with food assistance during the Easter Season, including 259 adults and 257 children. Total costs were $9,294.85 for truck rental $148.90, $77.70 for miscellaneous. During the Summer Season, 111 families received baskets, and this included 207 adults and 253 children. Total costs for this distribution were $6,444.28, in-cluding $28.53 for postage, $79.49 for truck rental, and $63.28 miscellaneous expenses. The Society thanks Fr. Tom Eisweirth for his permission to use the facilities for these distributions; the office staff for re-cording messages for the distribution, and the maintenance staff for helping set up and tear down the distribution materials. Our thanks to Brooke Steines for enlisting student and adult help-ers...Paul Lattanzi, Alex Stirling, Mara Wilson, Kaitlyn Butler, Max and Anastasia McLeod, Rachael Cullison, Richard and Meredith Loges, Patrick Niess, and Melissa McLeod. Our Society thanks all parishioners and benefactors for their support of these events to feed the hungry! We rely on your continuous generosity to feed many! We will host a food basket distribution this holiday season on Wednesday, December 17.


American Red Cross

BLOOD

DRIVE

Monday December 1

2-7 p.m. Reagan Hall

Adults & Students 16* years +

Schedule your appointment time in advance --

Call 1-800-RED CROSS

or visit redcrossblood.org

Paperwork required including parental consent

Stambaugh Chorus concert in our worship space

We are most grateful to have heard the beautiful sounds of the Stambaugh Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Lee, filled our worship space in April 2014. This event was open to the public, and wowed all in attendance!!

Join our Parish Relay for Life Team --

any time!

Blessed Sacrament’s RFL team remains strong and full of great energy! We continue to be blessed with many success sto-ries in our parish family, and praise God for the opportunities to walk with others during very difficult treatments. We pray al-ways for strength and compassion, and remain hopeful with each person with cancer.

Orders will be taken for our Annual Cookie and Nut Roll Sale. Stop by the table near the parlor after Mass, or call the parish office for informa-tion. Items will be ready for pick-up Dec. 13 & 14, and extras (IF any) will be sold that weekend and

the following. Order soon!!

Our team will be selling tickets to the January 25 Trumbull New Theatre production of “Dixie Swim Club”. Join us for a fun afternoon!! The show will start at 3 p.m. Tickets remain a bargain at $15/person. Snacks & raffle baskets make for even more of a great afternoon. Look for information when you place your cookie order!

Consider sharing the items you no longer need for our garage sale in April! Items will be ac-cepted April 7, 8, 9, and during the sale April 9-11. Contact Judy Gerrity with any questions!

Warren Relay for Life May 8-9, 2015

RELAY FOR LIFE

Page 15

PASTA COOK-OFF benefits American Heart Association

Early registration in January and February, great incentives! Call the parish for information! 330.372.2215 Must be minimum of 18 years of age to participate Proceeds benefit parish ministries

Our community thanks the seventy-eight players at our October Casino Night!! $3,769 was realized for our parish ministries. Thank you!!


CASINO NIGHT & TEXAS HOLD ‘EMCASINO NIGHT & TEXAS HOLD ‘EMCASINO NIGHT & TEXAS HOLD ‘EMCASINO NIGHT & TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

Saturday February

28

2015

5:30 p.m. Covelli

Gymnasium

Blessed Sacrament’s Heart Walk Team hosted another successful Pasta Cook-Off & Wine Taste event during February, raising $5,006.16 for the American Heart Association. Well done!! Thank you to the entire com-munity for attending this community-wide event!

Mark your calendar to attend the February 22 event in

2015! Volunteers are needed to assure our success!

3020 Reeves Road NE

Warren, OH 44483

Phone: 330.372.2215

Fax: 330.372.6380

E-mail: [email protected]

We’re on the web!

www.bspcc.orgwww.bspcc.orgwww.bspcc.orgwww.bspcc.org


RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

JOIN US TO WORSHIP THE LORD!

Vigil of Christmas, December 24, 4 p.m., 6 p.m., & 11 p.m. Mass Each Christmas Eve liturgy is preceded by 20 minutes of seasonal music,

including Christmas Carols sung by all!.

Christmas Day, December 25, 10 a.m. Mass Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, December 27, 4 p.m. Mass Anointing of the Sick follows

The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

December 28, 9 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Mass

Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

December 31, 7 p.m. Mass

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

January 1, 2015, 8:30 a.m. Mass Vigil of The Epiphany of the Lord, January 3, 4 p.m. Mass The Epiphany of the Lord, January 4, 9 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Mass

Vigil of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

January 10, 4 p.m. Mass

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

January 11, 9 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Mass

The Christmas Season ends with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord We observe Ordinary Time for less than five weeks before Lent begins!

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