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ST. Cecilia Church

2018 November

25

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Offices

Rectory 215.725.1240 Eleanor Kerwick

Fax 215.725.2130

Business 215.725.1240 Susan Wagner

PREP 215.725.2821 Marcia Mason

School 215.725.8588 Bobbie Mitchell

Tuition 215.725.2201 Lisa Hnat

Website: www.stceciliafc.org

TSC: www.teenservicecorps.org

School Facebook: www.facebook.com/SaintCeciliaSchool

CYO Facebook: Saint Cecilia Catholic Youth Organization

Rectory Office Hours Monday – Friday

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Closed on Holy Days of Obligation

Sacraments

Baptism: Fir st 3 Sundays of the month at 12:15pm.

Arrangements must be made at least two weeks prior to the

Baptism. Attendance at a Pre-Jordan class is required for first

time parents. Please pre-register for class by contacting the

Rectory at 215-725-1240.

Marriage: Couples must contact a pr iest six months pr ior

to the wedding.

Reconciliation: Saturdays from 4:00 to 5:00PM

Homebound Visitation: Please contact the Rectory.

Saint Cecilia Church 535 Rhawn Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111

PASTOR: Rev. Char les E. Bonner

PASTOR EMERITUS: Rev. Msgr. Francis X. Dreger

PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Rober t Lucas

PERMANENT DEACON: Deacon Patr ick Diamond

PRINCIPAL: Sister Jane Mary Carr , IHM

VICE PRINCIPAL: Sister Patr icia Healey, IHM

MASS SCHEDULE Sunday

Vigil 5:00pm (Saturday)

6:30, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am

Monday through Friday

6:30 and 8:30 AM

Saturday

8:30 AM

Holy Days of Obligation

6:30, 8:30, 10:30am & 6:00pm

Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe

November 25, 2018

FOCUS: Jesus, King of heaven and earth, cares for all his people and calls us to love and serve him in re-turn. This final Sunday in Ordinary time is marked as the Feast of Christ the King. Jesus, our King, has all power in heaven and earth. The Church represents the kingdom on earth. We, as members of that king-dom, are expected to follow the example of Jesus. He rules with love, service and compassion, and calls us to do the same.

LITURGY OF THE WORD: All of today’s read-

ings address the idea of kingship. Daniel’s vision sees the king in everlasting glory being served by all na-tions. The second reading names the King as Jesus Christ and affirms his reign as absolute and everlast-ing. John’s Gospel relays the exchange between Jesus and Pilate before his crucifixion, where Jesus confirms his kingdom is not of this world.

REFLECTION: Jesus’ kingdom, his world, is with

us now. We have, through our baptism and the gift of the Spirit, been given the vision to see the presence of the kingdom and its life-giving possibilities. It is a world of community, equality, respect and dialogue. In the kingdom, under Jesus’ rule, each person’s gifts are recognized. The poor and neglected are empow-ered and no one is left out. Justice is given to each, regardless of their political influence, race, gender or economic status.

So we ask ourselves:

Who or what set of values rule my life and guide my daily decisions?

What can I do to respond more fully to Jesus’ rule in my life.

Wednesdays in Advent

December 2

December 12

December 19

12:00—2:00pm

Spend some

quiet time

with the Lord

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Everyone is welcome to come and pray before the Blessed Sacrament

Bring your prayer book, bible, rosary, or sit quietly

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Charismatic Prayer Group Do you have an immediate prayer need or can you offer the gift of prayer? The ‘People of Love’ Prayer Group meets every Monday evening at 7:30PM in the Cecilian Room. You are always welcome to join us and renew your Spirit.

Aid For Friends We are always looking for volunteers to help with this ministry. Perhaps you would consider being a volunteer cook for AFF. Just add an extra portion to your family meal, freeze it in the trays we provide, and bring them to the freezer located in the alcove between the rectory and church. For info on how you can help, please call Bernadette O’Donnell at 215-379-3448.

FREEZER HRS: Mon thru Fri Sat & Sun 8:30am-6pm 8:30am-4pm

Mass Schedule For December 1 & 2 Saturday Celebrant: Father Lucas 5:00pm Lector: Paula Potts Sunday Celebrant: Father Bonner 6:30am Lector: Michelle Riccobono 8:00am Celebrant: Father Bonner Lector: Frank Slavin 9:30am Celebrant: Father Lucas Lector: Ed Sharp 11:00am Celebrant: Father Lucas

Lector: Zach Demusz

Senior Citizen News St. Cecilia Seniors meet on Thursdays from

10am to 2pm in the auditorium. New members (ages 50+) are always welcome to join and you can bring a friend. You do not have to be a member of the parish to join the fun. For more information, please call the rectory at 215-725-1240.

St. William Seniors meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 12pm at Wesley, 7040 Oxford Ave. The next meeting will be Nov. 28. New members are always welcome to join us. The Christmas luncheon for members only will be held on December 12 at Cottage Green beginning at 12 Noon. For more info, call Ro McElroy at 267-210-1524.

Best Advent Ever We prepare for everything we consider important in life. And that includes Christmas. We visit family and friends, bake cookies, decorate our trees, and shop for gifts until we’re ready to drop. This year, prepare for Christmas in a different way. Join our parish for BEST ADVENT EVER, a free email pro-gram from Dynamic Catholic that will help you slow down and focus on what matters most during the busy holiday season. Each day of Advent, you will receive an email with: Short inspirational videos Practical tips for your everyday life Real-life stories to encourage you in your faith jour-

ney Plus, every Sunday during the program, you will receive a thought-provoking video reflection that will help you un-derstand how the Gospel relates to your own life. To sign up, visit BestAdventEver.com/Christmas18

Letter from the Archbishop

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we review the history of the Catholic Church in the U.S.,

we are aware of the example and contribution of outstand-

ing men and women in consecrated religious life. Here in

our own Archdiocese of Philadelphia, St. John Neumann

and St. Katharine Drexel stand out prominently and we re-

vere their memory. These two notable figures invite us to

reflect upon the ministry and service of those unsung conse-

crated religious, so very many throughout the decades, that

have built up our local Church.

These consecrated persons, men and women have lived out

their sacred calling in exemplary fashion. By their service in

education, health ministry, caring for the most needy, and in

contemplative life they have been visible instruments of

God’s grace. Living out daily their faithful commitment,

they have enabled persons of every background to accept

and rejoice in the Gospel.

With gratitude for their dedicated service and yet recogniz-

ing the situation confronting so many congregations with

declining vocations and caring for their senior members,

each year our Archdiocese participates in the national Re-

tirement Fund for Religious Collection. This collection pro-

vides an opportunity for us to demonstrate gratitude and

personal concern for how they have affected each of us.

As Archbishop and as a Religious, I ask prayers for our

consecrated persons who strive to live out their special call-

ing. Likewise, I encourage your generous support for this

national collection scheduled for December 1-2. May the Lord reward your generosity and may His peace fill your

hearts.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, OFM. Cap.

Archbishop of Philadelphia

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Pancake Breakfast Benefits U. S. Veterans DATE: Sunday, Nov. 25 TIME: 8:30—11:30am PLACE: Cpl. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 7976 Oxford Avenue COST: $6 (juice, eggs, sausage, pancakes, coffee, tea) $4 (children under 12)

Troop 290 Christmas Wreaths St. Cecilia Parish Boy Scouts of Troop 290, are selling hand decorated Christmas wreaths after the 5:00pm Mass on Satur-day, and after the 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00am Masses on Sunday while supplies last. Cost $20. All proceeds benefit the scouts of Troop 290 to-ward the cost of summer camp, July 2019. Thank you for your support.

Advent Giving Tree In the front of Church is our Advent Giving Tree. The tree contains ornaments indicat-ing specific needs of St. Francis Inn, St. John’s Hospice, Bethesda, Women of Hope, Mercy Hospice, Birthright and Guiding Star Ministries.

During the season of Advent, we will once again be able to become an ‘extended family’ to many of our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate and share with them a season of happiness and giving.

Please feel free to take an ornament and purchase the item noted. Your gifts may be placed under the tree the weekend of December 15-16. Thank you for mak-ing a difference in someone else’s life.

Volunteers Needed If you would like to volunteer to deliver the gifts to the shelters collected from the Giving Tree, please call Judi at 215-725-0903. Delivery is scheduled for Monday, December 17th.

Keep Christ in Christmas The Knights of Columbus will be selling ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’ magnets for your car, refrigerator, etc. outside of Church the weekend of December 1-2. Proceeds benefit the many charitable works of the Knights. Thank you for your support.

Come and See Weekends at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary come in two varieties: an

overnight stay from Saturday into Sunday for high school men, and a Friday night to Sunday after-noon weekend for post-high school men.

High School: Dec. 8-9; Jan. 26-27; Feb. 16-17

Post High School: Jan. 18-20; Feb. 22-24; Mar. 29-31

A Philadelphia Seminarian states that these week-ends have been a vital part of his decision to enter the seminary. It wasn’t until he went on one of these weekends that he got a true understanding of seminary life and seminarians in general. It was not boring. It is a great experience and you meet some great people.

Visit heedthecall.org for information.

First Penance The children from Saint Cecilia School will receive the Sacrament of Reconcilia-tion for the first time on Friday, November 30th and the children in our Parish Re-ligious Education Program will receive the Sacrament on Saturday, Dec.1st. Please keep these children in your prayers.

St. William Concert Series Sunday, November 25

2:00pm—lower church

Nevilairs Choir

Come one, come all and hear this much loved choir of Alumni from the Overbrook School for the

Blind share their talented voices with us!

Bring your friends and family. Light refreshments to follow. Free-will offering graciously accepted.

Like and follow us on Facebook:

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B Street Band coming to St. Basil’s Join us for a night of great music and dancing with the B Street Band on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 7:00 to 11:00pm. Cost is $40 (includes dinner from Cescaphe Group) and BYOB. Tickets are limited. Order yours at www.stbasilacademy.org/product/b-streetband-tickets

Charcoal Art Retreat Are you ready to step into mystery—Coloring Without Lines: Art of the New Covenant? No background in art is necessary for this creative way to welcome Advent.

DATE: Saturday, December 1

TIME: 1:00—4:30pm

PLACE: Basilian Spiruality Ctr., 710 Fox Chase Rd.

COST: $50 (includes book—Coloring Without Lines: Art of the New Covenant); $33 (if you already have the book)

Please bring a journal, a pen, a rag and the book (if you have it). Register at www.stbasils.com.

OH WHAT FUN! Holiday Festival Friends of Fox Chase Cancer Center invite you to the first floor corridor of the Young Pavilion at FCCC on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Festival fea-tures new vendors selling handmade goods, fashion and jewelry, wreaths, small trees & poinsettias. All pro-ceeds support patient comfort and care.

Advent Tree Lighting You are invited to join Mother Boni-face Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Avenue, on Friday, November 30 from 6:00 to 8:00pm for the tree light-ing ceremony. The opening prayer and welcome will be 7:15pm with the tree blessing at 7:30pm with Bishop Deliman. Vendors will be present and light refreshments will be served. RSVP to mbcretreat@msbt.org.

You Served… You Deserve! The Villages at Pine Valley (900 Pine Valley Rd) is honored to host a special event to help veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve. Join us for dinner and refreshments to learn about critical healthcare, financial and even end-of-life benefits.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 27

TIME: 4:00—6:00pm

For more info and to RSVP, call 800-818-4747 or go to www.holyredeemer.com/events. If you want to enroll on the spot, bring a copy of the following: Honorable Discharge (DD214); 2017 tax return; estimate of any out of pocket medical expenses.

We LOVE our Advertisers

Every week, when reading this bulletin, we hope you also look at all our advertisers. We are very fortunate to have so many support St. Cecilia Church and we hope YOU support them. If you or someone you know would also like to advertise, please contact John Patrick Publishing Co. at 1 -800-333-3166.

We love and thank all our advertisers and we thank you for supporting them.

Advent Bible Study: A New Testament Hymnal To prepare our hearts for Christmas, let us study ten hymns the early Christian community sang to and about our Lord. Presenter is Sr. Sara Butler.

WHERE: Mother Boniface Spirituality Ctr. 3501 Solly Avenue

WHEN: Tuesdays, Nov. 27; Dec. 4, 11, 18 7:00-8:30pm

COST: Free will offering

CALL: 267-350-1830 or 267-350-1831

Operation Santa Claus at St. Anne’s DATE: December 1 (8:00pm—Midnight) PLACE: Sr. Anne Social Hall—2nd floor Memphis & Tucker Sts. COST: $25 (incl. food, soda, water, BYOB) TKTS: 215-739-4590

Ireland in Song & Dance DATE: Sunday, Dec. 2 PLACE: Cannstatters—9130 Academy Rd. 19114 COST: $15 CALL: 215-397-5909 (Jim McKee)

CHRISTMAS MASSES

Christmas Eve 4:00 & 7:00pm

Christmas Day 6:30, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am

PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Friday, December 21 4—5pm & 6—7pm

Saturday, December 22 4—5pm

Archbishop Wood High School Scholarships Applications now available for 2019-2020 school year and students must be registered by Jan. 14, 2019. Visit www.archwood.org, click on Alumni & Giving, and then Alumni Scholarships. Call 215-672-5050 x227.

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MASSES FOR THE WEEK OF November 26th

MONDAY, November 26th 6:30am – Dec’d members Norris, Drake & Dillon Families

8:30am – Jerry Dewan

TUESDAY, November 27th 6:30am – Jeremiah McCrimmon

8:30am – Mary E. Sweeney WEDNESDAY, November 28th 6:30am – Mary & Edward Leonard

8:30am – Dec’d members MacNeal & Dunleavy Families THURSDAY, November 29th 6:30am – Kyle Peahota & Eugene Emig 8:30am – Jack Marynowitz FRIDAY, November 30th

6:30am – Captain Samuel Schultz

8:30am – Paul Gannon SATURDAY, December 1st 8:30am – Rebecca Leaden

5:00pm – William MacNeal

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THE SICK OF THE PARISH IN YOUR PRAYERS, ESPECIALLY:

Margaret Lukacko Kara Granger Mike McKee Charles Randolph Veronica Klepesky Julia Bastian Christopher Rodgers Rosemary Von Hartleben Frank Gutekunst James J. Tobin Ann Marie Tobin Masgai Marie Lawly Violet Black Doreen Leason Lisa Malgieri Mike Hollenbach Lisa Kovacs-Breuer Megan Stewart Joann Cliggett Marie Zook Kathy Condran Billy Bailey Patty Martin Timothy Martin Walter Hnat Jack Kelly Eithna Russell The Davies Family The Seipel Family Russy Kahny Julia Maxin Judi Potts Carol Gordon Peg McNeely Liz Bernhard Sharon Gillespie Norbert Kuznicki John Smykal Mary DeGrasse Olena Sirianni PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, ESPECIALLY:

Mary Kathleen Bonner