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SUNDAY | DECEMBER 13, 2020
MASS SCHEDULE SATURDAY VIGIL MASS
Corpus Christi: 4:00 PM St. Angela Merici: 4:30 PM
SUNDAY St. Patrick: 8:30 AM
St. Robert Bellarmine: 9:30 AM St. Angela Merici: 11:00 AM
WEEKDAYS St. Angela Merici:
Monday—Friday 8:30 AM MASSES AND PRAYER SERVICES AT ST. ANGELA
WILL CONTINUE TO BE
LIVESTREAMED THROUGH A LINK ON OUR WEBSITE
www.marymotherofgod1.org
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Thursdays, 5 – 6 p.m. at St. Angela
Church Saturdays, 12 – 1 p.m. at St. Robert Church
All those confessing must wear a mask.
Thank you!
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CLERGY TEAMPastor
Rev. Terrence P. O’Connor
[email protected]
Parochial Vicar Rev. Jack E. Demnyan
[email protected]
Parish Chaplain Rev. Joseph C. Beck
[email protected]
In Residence Rev. Pius Nwankwo
Deacon Reynold Wilmer [email protected]
PARISH STAFF Business Manager
Cathy Nola
[email protected]
Family Faith Formation/ Safe Environment Coordinator
Krista Sudyk
[email protected]
Director of Music Ministry Sharon Sisley
[email protected]
Assistant Director of Music Ministry
Carolyn Guzik
Youth Minister Emily Belchick
[email protected]
Maintenance Dan Hearn, A.J. Minyon
Administrative Assistant Kathleen Strangis
[email protected]
SACRAMENTS Please contact the parish office as to the
following sacraments:
Sacrament of Baptism Prior to having your child baptized,
both
parents must attend a
pre-baptismal seminar.
Sacrament of Matrimony Arrangements should be made at least
six
months prior to your wedding date. A
date will be set only after contacting the
priest.
Sacrament of the Sick (You may also see a priest after Mass)
Holy Communion for Shut-Ins
R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
This is the process to become Catholic or
for Catholics to receive the rest of their
Sacraments of Initiation. We also offer
programs for children.
St. Angela Merici 1640 Fawcett Ave. White Oak, PA 15131
Corpus Christi 2515 Versailles Ave.
McKeesport, PA 15132
St. Patrick 310 32nd Street
McKeesport, PA 15132
St. Robert Bellarmine 1313 Fifth Avenue
E. McKeesport, PA 15035
ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER 1640 Fawcett Ave
White Oak, PA 15131 Monday—Friday 9:15AM—3:15PM
P: 412-672-9641 | F: 412-672-1576
[email protected]
https://wecreate.4lpi.com/viewer/lpi/prgd0j-6ubtig-4sstpd
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Saturday,
December 12
4:00 pm CC
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Jdt 13:18bcde, 19
[15:9d]/Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 Thomas M. Budd by: Joe and
Stephanie Budd / Steve and Mary Jakubek by: Family Keith and Dennis
O’Grady by: Mary Pat Soltis
Sunday,
December 13
8:30 am St. P
9:30 am St. R
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 51-54 [Is 61:10b]/1 Thes
5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
Living and Deceased of Our Parish / Patrick J. McGhen III by:
Brian McGhen
Carolyn Edwards by: Cathy Edwards Shynski and Family
Shirley DiFalco by: Family
Monday,
December 14
8:30 am St. A
Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor of the Church
Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a/Ps 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9 [4]/Mt
21:23-27
Bill & Kathleen Kruczek and Linda Gasper by: sister,
Georgiann Kisielnicki
Tuesday,
December 15
8:30 am St. A
Advent Weekday
Zep 3:1-2, 9-13/Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23 [7a]/Mt
21:28-32
Emma Barco by: Kathy
Wednesday,
December 16
8:30 am St. A
Advent Weekday
Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21c-25/Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 [Is
45:8]/Lk 7:18b-23
Judy Johnson by: Rosalie Haggerty and Dolly Ursta
Thursday,
December 17
8:30 am St. A
Advent Weekday
Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 [cf. 7]/Mt 1:1-17
Poor Souls in Purgatory by: Ladies of Charity / Sr. Vincent Mary
by: Family
Friday,
December 18
8:30 am St. A
Advent Weekday
Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 [cf. 7]/Mt 1:18-25
Joseph Haughey by: Mom
Saturday,
December 19
4:00 pm CC
4:30 pm St. A
Advent Weekday
Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 [cf. 8]/Lk 1:5-25
Michael Matlos by: Frances Matlos and Family / William Benick by:
Mick Holtzman Josie Piper by: Ken Bradley
Sunday,
December 20
8:30 am St. P
9:30 am St. R
11:00 am St. A
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
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
Living and Deceased of Our Parish / Patricia Tognarine by: Ellen
Hornfeck
Priscilla Kent by: the Holland Family
Richard and Barbara Dandar by: the Baker Family
Mass Readings and Intentions
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FROM FATHER TERRY
J+M+J
Today we celebrate the third Sunday in Advent
known as Gaudete or “Rejoice” Sunday. We are
rejoicing because we are half-way to Christmas. We
are almost there! To express this joy we always hear
prayers and readings that focus on joy. We also use
the rose color instead of the more penitential violet.
A half-way point is not only a good time to rejoice
but also to evaluate. How has the first half of Advent
gone? If it has been life changing, then we need to
continue our efforts. If it has been less than stellar,
then we still have time to turn it around.
Today’s readings are filled with
joy. We hear in our first reading,
“I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in
my God is the joy of my
soul.” (Is. 61:10) Our second
reading tells us to, “Rejoice always.” (1 Thes. 5:16)
In the Gospel, we hear St. John the Baptist say, “I
baptize with water: but there is one among you
whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming
after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to
untie.” (Jn 1:26-27) If we want joy in our lives, then
we want to recognize Jesus! Please don’t let the
moment pass you by. Despite the pandemic and our
personal challenges, the Third Sunday in Advent is a
wonderful time to assess our joy. Do we have the joy
of Jesus in our hearts? We can base the joy of Jesus
on an acronym for JOY. “Jesus” first, “Others”
second, and “You” will fall right into place. The joy
of Jesus is a deep inner joy knowing that he is in
charge and that all will be well. Jesus’ joy is
unconditional. That is, we can possess this joy even
in the most difficult of circumstances. It is an
otherworldly joy. Please do not allow the Devil and
the world to steal your joy. Is there anything in your
way that prevents you from experiencing the joy of
Jesus? If so, what a great time to rid ourselves of any
obstacles. One final thought. If we are happy, let’s
notify our faces. Smiles light up the world and win
converts. Happy Advent! The Lord is on the way.
We just received news concerning the heating
system/boiler at St. Robert school building. The
system is in need of expensive repairs. Decisions
have not been made on which of our buildings will
remain open, but due to the uncertainty of our
building situation, we have elected not to make the
expensive repairs to the heating system. In addition,
we have other buildings that we can use in the
interim. Therefore, we will not be using St. Robert
school building until the Spring. Grades K-5 of Faith
Formation have been using St. Robert School. They
will be in a new home in January. We are still
assessing their new location. Beginning last weekend,
Saturday Reconciliation has been moved from St.
Robert school building to St. Robert Church. Thank
you for your understanding and cooperation as to this
unforeseen circumstance.
In light of the rising COVID cases, Bishop Zubik
requested us to remind you that the obligation to
attend Mass is dispensed. He further asked that we
urge anyone who feels ill, is older than 64 or has
health issues, to stay home. Please use your best
judgment when choosing to attend Mass. I also
remind you that our daily Masses and weekend
Masses are livestreamed. Speaking of livestream, a
wonderful practice for Advent is to attend daily Mass,
which we can now do at any time through our taping
of the Masses.
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Sanctuary Light Burns before the Blessed Sacrament the week of
December 6 in loving memory of:
St. Angela
Richard and Barbara Dandar by: Carol Baker and Family
Please remember in your prayers :
Chester Englert, Janet Grebeck, Robert Ingram, and Samuel
Strangis
May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest
in peace. Amen.
LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 6
Daily Mass Mon.-Fri. 8:30 A.M.
Weekend Masses: Saturday 4:30 P.M.
Sunday 11:00 A.M.
Holy Hour Tue. 12/15 7:00 P.M.
Rosary Thu. 12/17 7:00 P.M.
OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS
December 6, 2020
Offertory $ 17,386.00
Monthly Maintenance $ 1,718.00
Parish Share* $ 2,445.00
Christmas $ 756.00
Christmas Flowers $ 2,373.00
Christmas Charities $ 223.00
Retired Religious $ 522.00
Immaculate Conception $ 578.00
Outreach $ 24.00
Votives $ 458.00
*We have collected $141,755.00 towards our goal of
$181,258
Thank you for your generosity!
We recently said goodbye to Fr. Ed Litavec. He was
the Pastor of former St. Mary Czestochowa Parish in
McKeesport. Fr. Ed was a prince of a man. I always
found him to be so genuine, kind and loving. Many
of you have shared those same sentiments. Please
find his obituary in the bulletin. We also recently
said farewell to Fr. Gabriel Badurina, TOR, who
served as pastor at the former Sacred Heart Parish in
McKeesport. I did not have the pleasure of knowing
Fr. Gabriel. We had a write up on him in the bulletin
a couple of weeks ago. Please keep them in your
prayers.
Kathleen Strangis, our Administrative Assistant,
recently lost her Dad, Sam, a former member of St.
Perpetua Parish. Please keep Sam, Kathleen, and the
entire family in your prayers.
FROM FATHER TERRY
(continued)
REV. EDWARD LITAVEC
Rev. Edward S. Litavec, age 86, of Pittsburgh, died
November 20, 2020, at Mt. Assisi Place. Born July
24, 1934, in Roscoe, PA, he was the son of the late
Joseph Sr. and Mary (Bury) Litavec. Fr. Litavec
was a graduate of St. Vincent College and St.
Vincent Seminary. He was ordained a priest for the
Pittsburgh Diocese on March 25, 1960.
Pastor to many, he was truly the shepherd of the
flock. The “Mon Valley” will remember the
messages of his homilies and his powerful voice
singing praises to the Lord.
Fr. Litavec is survived by a brother, Thomas
Litavec; sisters, Agnes Braunegg, Anne Krupa,
Helen Litavec, Dorothy Reeves, and many nieces
and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph, Paul,
John Litavec, sisters, Mary Krofchek and Susan
Braunegg.
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Due to COVID, we will not be having Penance
Services. The diocese has also called us to not have
one evening for the Light is On For You but to invite
all to come to the regularly scheduled Reconciliation
times. Please note that we are now celebrating the
Sacrament indoors. In addition to our normally
scheduled Reconciliation on Thursdays at St. Angela
and Saturdays at St. Robert, we will be having
individual Reconciliation. Please see the schedule
below for those dates and times.
Monday, December 14 at Corpus Christi from
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Monday, December 21 at St. Patrick from 6:30 –
8 p.m.
PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
If you suspect any child is being abused or
neglected call 1-888-808-1235. If you
suspect a child is in imminent danger from
abuse please call 911 immediately.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT
It is the policy of the Diocese that all
volunteers must complete the Safe
Environment process before beginning a
ministry or activity in any Parish.
Please contact Krista Sudyk, our Safe Environment
Coordinator at [email protected].
BULLETIN DEADLINES All bulletin articles must be submitted in
writing by
Monday at noon. Articles can be delivered to the office
at 1640 Fawcett Ave., White Oak or emailed to :
[email protected] Thank you!
Oplatki wafers are available at the main doors of each
church building. Suggested donation is $3.00 per
pack. Please place your donation in the basket
provided next to the oplatki. Thank you.
Volunteers needed to help decorate
St. Patrick Church on Wednesday,
December 16th at 6:00 PM. Please
meet at the main doors of the church
and please remember your mask.
Thank you!
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Thursday, December 24, 2020 2:00 p.m. Corpus Christi
2:00 p.m. St. Angela
4:00 p.m. St. Patrick
4:00 p.m. St. Robert
4:30 p.m. Corpus Christi
4:30 p.m. St. Angela (Live-Stream)
10:00 p.m. St. Angela (Live-Stream)
Friday, December 25, 2020 8:30 a.m. St. Patrick
9:30 a.m. St. Robert
11:00 a.m. St. Angela (Live-Stream)
Reservations required for all Masses!
Deadline for reservations is Tuesday, December 15th.
MASS SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND
CHRISTMAS DAY
Due to COVID, Bishop Zubik has allowed
Christmas Eve Masses to begin at 2 p.m. However,
the earlier Masses are not to take the place of
traditionally scheduled Masses. Therefore, for
example, we are to use the earlier Mass times to help
alleviate the crowds at our regularly scheduled 4
p.m. Masses. I point this out in case you are
wondering why we are not having all earlier times.
Due to the possible large crowds, we
will be taking reservations for the
Christmas Masses.
I ask that you visit our website to make reservations
as soon as possible. It is based on a first come, first
served basis. Please use the website if you are able.
If you do not have access to the internet or need
assistance in making reservations on the website,
please call the office. Some of the Masses will be
livestreamed. I am looking forward to celebrating
the Birth of Our Lord.
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ANGEL TREE COLLECTION
Thank you all for participating in our angel tree
ornaments for the various charities we are helping
this year. Reminder to return wrapped gifts (with
original gift tags) to parish sites no later than
Sunday, December 13, 2020. You can still drop
your donation in an envelope marked Angel Tree in
collection basket or mail to church office. If you
forgot to drop off your gifts at a church site or have
any questions, please call Joanne
Dorazio (412-780-4810), Assunta
Tyskiewicz (412-678-2028), Anna
Marie McCandless (412-678-
1960), or Anita Holland (412-874-
3423). Thank you for making the
Christmas Season brighter for
someone less fortunate.
HOLIDAY NUT ROLL SALE Reminder & Thank you to those who have
ordered
nut rolls. The nut rolls need to be picked up
December 14, 2020 at Corpus Christi Hall, Market
Street, McKeesport from 3-6 PM. The nut rolls are
completely sold out so there are no walk in orders
available.
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
Many of our parishioners are
Shut ins or are in Nursing
Homes. Help make Christmas
Merrier for them by taking a
name or names from the wicker
basket in the back of the church
and send them a Christmas
Card. Let them know that
someone is thinking about them from our Parish,
Mary Mother of God. Thank you!
PIEROGI SALE
We have a very limited amount of frozen pierogi
available for sale at $10 per dozen and can be picked
up December 14, 2020 between 3-6 pm at Corpus
Christi hall, Market Street, McKeesport. To order
phone 412-672-2220 or 412-215-9857 between the
hours of 12 Noon & 7 PM.
CLOTHING DRIVE THANK YOU
The Mary, Mother of God Holy Name Society
would like to thank al those who contributed
clothing for the St. Vincent dePaul Society this past
weekend. The collection totaled 153 bags and boxes
of much needed clothing and shoes. The men who
helped unload vehicles and loaded the clothing onto
the St. Vincent dePaul truck were: Fred Coder,
Bernie Francetic, Ron Andrekanic, DJ Palcsey,
Norm Terrijoni, and Don Kudas.
You can always place your clothing donations in the
blue box next to the garage entrance.
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MA’S PANTRY
Ma’s Pantry serves residents of North Versailles and
East McKeesport with free food distributed twice
every month. Food is distributed from Broadway
Alliance Church, 1000 Broadway Street,
East McKeesport from 9:30 A.M. to
11:00 A.M. on scheduled Saturdays.
First time applicants must bring:
• Proof of residence in East McKeesport or North
Versailles.
• A current, government issued photo ID
• Amount and source of income
• Names and birthdates of household family
members
The next distribution date is December 19.
Ma’s Pantry Shopping List for December is:
Soups, peanut butter and jelly
2021 CALENDARS
Mary, Mother of God Parish 2021 calendars have
arrived!!!This year’s calendar features beautiful
images of our beloved Saints. Please pick one up at
each of the church doors as you leave Mass. We
would like to thank the following funeral homes for
sponsoring our calendars:
• Daniel F. Bekavac
• Forgie-Snyder
• Gilbert
• Jaycox-Jaworski
• James F. Kutch
• Striffler’s
• Willig
On Tuesday, December 15, Father Michael will offer
a reflection and enrichment on John 1:14, beginning
at 7:00 p.m. in Madonna of Jerusalem Church, 201
9th Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215.
If you are unable to attend in person, the presentation
will be broadcast live on our Facebook page,
Addiction Recovery Ministry Pittsburgh.
ADDICTION RECOVERY MINISTRY K.O.C. BISHOP'S PROJECT CHRISTMAS
SEALS
Knights of Columbus Christmas Seals
will be available in the back of all
churches beginning on November 28th and will
remain available throughout Advent. The Bishops
Project , with donations totaling over $6-million, has
helped serve intellectually disabled and / or
physically challenged youth and adults in the Saint
Anthony Schools and McGuire Memorial Home and
Schools for almost 60 years.
All you need to do is pick up a packet of seals and
send in your donation in the postage paid return
envelope. If you have any questions or need
additional info please see
www.bishopsprojectkofc.org,
https://www.facebook.com/KoCBishopsProject/,
or contact Joe Krol at (412) 751-5493.
Your support is much appreciated!!! Vivat Jesus!
KOC 2021 POCKET DATE BOOKS AVAILABLE
The McKeesport Knights of Columns, Council #955, have placed a
limited number of 2021 Pocket Date Books / Planners in the back of
all our churches.
Please take one while available and may you and your family have
a wonderful
Advent journey, Blessed Christmas, and a Happy and Safe New
Year! Vivat Jesus!
CONGRATULATIONS EAGLE SCOUTS
We congratulate our new Eagle
Scouts from Troop 85, which is
sponsored by Mary, Mother of
God Parish and meets at St.
Robert’s. Anthony “AJ” Bosco,
Benjamin Edwards, Nathan
Janero, Erik Mahaffey, Nick
Stevenson, Matthew Waszkiewicz, and Nathan
Welch. The rank of Eagle Scout is a tremendous
accomplishment marked by a great deal of
commitment and effort. We also recognize their
families and scout leaders for helping them to attain
such a lofty goal. May God bless them all.
http://www.bishopsprojectkofc.orghttps://www.facebook.com/KoCBishopsProject/
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Sanctuary Candles 2021
We are now accepting Sanctuary Candle requests for 2021.
All are welcome to request one sanctuary candle. Candle requests
are given on a first come,
first serve basis. To be fair to everyone and to help facilitate
the process, we ask that you fill
out the form and submit it. Phone requests will not be accepted.
Forms will be placed in the
order that they are received. Sanctuary Candle intentions are
$10 each. If you would like
confirmation of your Sanctuary Candle requests, please enclose a
self-addressed stamped
envelope. Please provide an alternate date in case your first
choice is not available. We will
only contact you if your 1st choice is not available.
Sanctuary Candles are lit at each church for one week beginning
on Sunday and ending on
Saturday.
PLEASE PRINT
Intention (name(s)):
____________________________________________________________________
Requested by:
____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number /
Email:___________________________________________________________________
1st choice
Week beginning:_______________ Church:
_______________________________________________
Alternate choice
Week beginning:_______________ Church:
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Office use only:
Date received:_______________________ Amount
Paid:______________________________
Cash / Check #___________
______________________________________________________________________
