Sunday, December 18, 2016 St. Bernard of Clairvaux

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH BRADFORD, PA ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA BRADFORD, PA

OUR PARISH THANKS YOU OUR PARISH THANKS YOU OUR PARISH THANKS YOU OUR PARISH THANKS YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONFOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION

What we sacrifice and return to God through His church will be returned to us many times over.

Immaculate Conception Collection…….$ 810

December 11, 2016 Collection……………$ 6,900

Avg Wkly Operating Exp (FY 15-16)…..$ 11,062 THIS WEEK’S DEFICIT………………….$ 4,162

2016 CSA Pledged…………..$ 48,081 2016 CSA Paid……………….$ 45,336

Please do not staple or tape your envelopes closed! Thank you!

FOR THOSE IN THE KNOW AND THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW - In recent weeks we have been getting inquiries concerning what a ciborium is. It is the vessel that contains the consecrated hosts you see being used during the Mass. The priest and Eucharistic Ministers use it at Communion time. After Communion the priest places it in the tabernacle.

WOW! It is hard to believe that we have already reached the Fourth Sunday of Advent and that means Christmas is around the corner. The readings today remind us that we have a choice.

You may ask, “What’s the big deal? We make choices daily. Why is this choice any different?”

It is about Choosing the Path to Walk. Father Bober writes about this in The Priest magazine as he considers the readings of the Fourth Sunday of Advent. “The Scriptures of this Fourth Sunday of Advent introduces us to King Ahaz, a weak king who had plans of his own. The last person he wanted to encounter was Isaiah the prophet. But there he was in front of him… The message is clear: There is now a new plan, which entails a new way of living. Ahaz faces the choice, - God’s plan or his own.”

“These Advent readings also place Mary and Joseph before us. Interestingly, both would have likely had plans of their own, but now faced a divine intervention that asked them to change their plans and accept the Lord’s plan, not only for their lives but for all of humanity. Now what are they to do?”

“Unfolded before us are two responses, one of Ahaz who fought the Lord’s plan in favor of his own and one of Mary and Joseph who embraced the Lord’s plan with faith. The Scriptures elsewhere tell us of what happens to Ahaz and his plans… His plans lead to doom for his people.”

“How different then is the outcome of the lives of Mary and Joseph. Yes, there is struggle, persecution and suffering, but out of that there is redemption, glory and eternal life opened for all of humanity.”

“The clear difference is that Ahaz did not welcome the Lord into his life and plans, whereas Mary and Joseph did. They abandoned their own ways and took up God’s. Ahaz could never bring himself to do that.”

“What about us? Are we not at times like Ahaz? We have our own plans, our strategies, and we don’t welcome any interference, perhaps even from God. We become so convinced that our way is the best way that it becomes the only way.”

“Yet the Liturgy keeps saying Emmanuel, God is with us. Is that true for us or have we pushed God away? We often do not want to live in the shadow of God’s presence because we feel that it limits us. Yet, in fact, the very opposite is true. When we truly allow God to be with us we are never freer, never more open to all wonderful possibilities.”

“What an incredible difference we find in the way of Ahaz and that of Mary and Joseph. The difference is found in whether or not we believe that God is truly with us and whether or not we have chosen to walk in His ways or our own.”

God Bless. Fr. Ray

ST. BERNARD SCHOOLST. BERNARD SCHOOLST. BERNARD SCHOOLST. BERNARD SCHOOL

Dec 19th — Christmas Play presented at 1 pm & 7 pm — Community is invited.

Dec 20th & 21th— SANTA STORE SHOPPING

Dec 23rd — NO SCHOOL OR CARE – Christmas break begins

Classes resume Jan 3rd, 2017 Check our website, www.stbernardcatholic.org

for more scholarship information.

Wed, Dec 21st, NO MASS—Confessions Only

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

Catholic Women: TBA Widows Group: TBA RCIA: Sundays @ Noon, Dec 18, Jan 8, 2017

REP 1-8: Sundays @ 9am, Dec 18, Jan 8, 2017 REP 9, 10 & Confirmation: Sundays @ 5:45 at Fr. Ritchie Hall, Dec 18, Jan 8, 2017

4444TH TH TH TH SUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 18, 2016DECEMBER 18, 2016DECEMBER 18, 2016DECEMBER 18, 2016

MARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTS "A husband always prefers his wife's mother-in-law to his own." (Anonymous) Think of one trait or talent that your mother-in-law or father-in-law passed on to your spouse for which you are grateful.

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

Please Pray for the Following Priests

Sunday, Dec 11- Rev. Richard C. Tomasone Monday, Dec 12 - Rev. David M. Renne Tuesday, Dec 13 - Rev. Rocco A. Tito Wednesday, Dec 14 - Rev. John M. Schultz Thursday, Dec 15 - The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico Friday, Dec 16 - Rev. George E. Strohmeyer Saturday, Dec 17 - Rev. Paul A. Schill

www.osvonlinegiving/1845

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEKSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

TUNA VALLEY TOWING & RECOVERY

FINAL 2016 CSA pledge payments must be in to the Parish Office by

the end of December, 2016.

WORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFEWORD OF LIFE “Help one another: This is what Jesus teaches us and this is what I am doing, and doing with all my heart.”

Pope Francis, Homily on Holy Thursday. © 2013 Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. 4444ththththANNUAL TRIANNUAL TRIANNUAL TRIANNUAL TRI----PARISH PARISH PARISH PARISH

CHILI CONTESTCHILI CONTESTCHILI CONTESTCHILI CONTEST Saturday, January 21, 2017

Watch for more information to come!

RETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTIONRETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTIONRETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTIONRETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTION Thank you for supporting senior religious. A sister from Indi-ana writes, “Because of your kindness, our elderly sisters will have the comfort, security and joy of living out their re-maining years here in their home. You truly honor them and their many years of service by your generosity.” Religious across the United States offer sincere thanks for your gen-erosity to last week’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.

COMMUNITY BLOOD BANKCOMMUNITY BLOOD BANKCOMMUNITY BLOOD BANKCOMMUNITY BLOOD BANK

The Blood Bank will be available in the St. Bernard Gymna-sium Monday, December 19th from 12:00 Noon until 5:30 p.m.

CHRISTMAS WAFERS Oplatki are now available in the

Parish office for $3.

FAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVE The child born to Jesus and Mary was named Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Every child reminds us by their innocence that “God is with us.” Children are signs of God’s continuing presence in our lives.

The family of Dolores Winner has graciously purchased a St. Joseph statue for the Divine Mercy Chapel in her honor. I so deeply appreci-ate their thoughtfulness. Fr. Ray

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX PARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATIONPARISH INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OF TIME & TALENT

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

Liturgical Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors

Music Director Kathy O’Mara 331-8084 Folk Group Peggy Errera 368-3024 Resurrection Choir Mariann Pascarella 368-5356 God’s Housekeepers Parish Office 362-6825 Liturgy Committee Fr. Raymond C. Gramata 362-6825

Parish Community St. Bernard School Kim Mooney, Principal 368-5302 Parish Council Catholic Women’s Club Joan Yohe 362-3929 Telephone Prayer Chain Natalie Marasco 363-9110

Cover photo by LongArt Photography

Acts

The Spread of the Kingdom A Twenty-Part Bible Study Featuring Jeff Cavins

Starting January 5, 2017 at 6:30 pm in Ritchie Hall, St. Francis of Assisi Church

Cost: $32.00

Registration must be into the St. Francis office by December 21, 2016

Registration forms are available in the back of the Church or St. Bernard parish office.

For more information, call the St. Francis Parish Office 814-368-6959 or Email stfandomph@atlanticbbn.net

IN WRITING BY NOON ON FRIDAY

2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BULLETIN DATE.

PASTORAL STAFF: Rev. Father Raymond C. Gramata, Pastor Mrs. Kimberly A. Mooney, Principal SBS

OFFICE HOURS: Monday: 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday - Friday: 8 am to 4 pm Ms. Wendy Thomson, Financial Manager Ms. Kathy Bryant, Secretary

MASS SCHEDULE: Monday-Saturday: Please consult bulletin. Weekend: Saturday (Vigil): 5:15 pm, Sunday: 8:00 am & 10:00 am Holy Days: Please consult bulletin

RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 8:30 am, 4 to 5 pm, Thursday before First Friday: 4 to 5 pm. Private appointments may be made by calling Parish Office.

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

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

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

MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES DECEMBER 24 DECEMBER 24 DECEMBER 24 DECEMBER 24 –––– 25, 201625, 201625, 201625, 2016

LECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULE Saturday, December 24 5:15 pm Mary Anne Stauffer 9:00 pm Rhett Kennedy Sunday, December 25 10:00 am

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS Saturday, December 24 5:15 pm Cliff Ackley/ Mary Mongillo/ Teri Everett 9:00 pm Chris Pehonsky/ Paul Curcio/ Lynn Hogue Sunday, December 25 10:00 am VOLUNTEERS HOSPITAL/PAVILION: J.E. O’Mara

ALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERS Saturday, December 24 5:15 pm Cara & Laryssa Webster 9:00 pm Brent, Hugh & Rhys Kennedy Sunday, December 25 10:00 am Christian Peterson/ VOLUNTEER

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

Thomas Ackley, Betty Baliski, Bill Baynes, Barb Bernheisel & Foster Family, Shirley Black, John Bove, Tom Burke, Dick Clark, Ryley Cleveland, Betsy Costello, Ann Cummiskey, Helen

DeFrank, Michael Eaton, Helen Ewell, Rose Feldhaus Family, Ysbella Feldman, Pat Girard, Pearl Harris, Brandon M. Henry, Jill Henry, Sandy Holsinger, James Kibby, Bill Kline, Lori Kozlowski, Kaylee Marsfelder, Colleen McNamara, Shannon McNamara, Mariana Militelo, Joe Monago, Shirley Mongillo, Lou Monti, Cheri O’Mara, Courtney Prentiss, James Romanelli, Tim Romanelli, Cindy Sayers, Nancy Shaw, Caro Simonds, Steve Skaggs, Sandy Spehar, Bonnie Swackhamer, Matthew Whelan, Richard Yovichin, Tom Zimbardi

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

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 18, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 18, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 18, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 18, 2016

Sunday: Is 7:10-14/Ps 24/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24 Monday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71/Lk 1:5-25 Tuesday: Is 7:10-14/Ps 24/Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Ps 33/Lk 1:39-45 Thursday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/1 Sm 2/Lk 1:46-56 Friday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25/Lk 1:57-66 Saturday: Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89/Lk 1:67-79 Next Sunday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/ Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Night: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK OF DEC 19 OF DEC 19 OF DEC 19 OF DEC 19 ---- DEC 25, DEC 25, DEC 25, DEC 25, 2016201620162016 ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX

Monday, December 19 8:00 am Parishioners Wednesday, December 21 8:00 am Augustine “Tino” Sposato (Lucille & Dave Vinca) SBS10:00 am NO MASS Thursday, December 22 12:10 pm Leona Fisher (Patti Fisher) Friday, December 23 8:00 am Louise Ackley (Cliff Ackley) Saturday, December 24 8:00 am Andrew Taylor (Family) 5:15 pm Living & Deceased St. Bernard Parishioners 9:00 pm Living & Deceased St. Bernard Parishioners Sunday, December 25 10:00 am Living & Deceased St. Bernard Parishioners

WEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELWEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELWEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELWEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPEL

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISIST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Monday, December 19 9:00 am Fanny Vogg (Dan Beeman) Wednesday, December 21 9:00 am Oliva Lucarelli (Irma Lombardi) Saturday, December 24 4:30 pm Brzenski & South Families Sunday, December 25 11:00 am Midge Franco (Family)

OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELPOUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELPOUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELPOUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP

Tuesday, December 20 8:00 am Parishioners of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and Saint Francis of Assisi Thursday, December 22 8:00 am Montecalvo Family Sunday, December 25 9:00 am Lucille Vinca (B)(David Vinca)

GOD'S GOD'S GOD'S GOD'S HOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERSHOUSEKEEPERS

Dec 19 - Dec 23: Team 1 L. Hogue/ S. Madison/ R. & J. Geis/ P. Pyle