Sunday, November 27, 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.

November 13, 2016 Collection………......$ 6.043 November 20, 2016 Collection………….....$ TBA

Avg Wkly Operating Exp (FY 15-16)…..$ 11,062 THIS WEEK’S DEFICIT………………….$ 5,019

2016 CSA Pledged…………..$ 47,240 2016 CSA Paid……………….$ 43,446

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

As we begin the season of Advent, let us be reminded of our need to quiet

down and look at our spiritual barometer and see how we are doing. We are

great about doing all the things that we have to do for family or work, but we

often forget to take time to be spiritual. For several weeks now, Hallmark

Channels have been showing movies with Christmas themes – feel good

movies. And it is wonderful that they do this, for much of what is on television is

so negative. These movies bring to the forefront what is good about mankind

(humankind). They remind us of how we should treat one another, not just during this season, but

always. How I wish, like these movies, that we could have everyday a happy ending. But that is

not always possible, nor realistic. However - we can dream.

You and I have the potential to make and have happy endings, if we listen to Jesus and follow His plan for us. Like Jesus,

we may not please everyone, but also like Jesus, we can keep trying. This season of Advent we are asked to make a

difference. In order to do this we have to both see and get in touch with the goodness that we carry inside.

All of us are aware of The Christmas Carol and the important character in it – Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge. He changed because

he finally found, within himself, the goodness that he had buried and forgotten for so long. Ebenezer changed and so can

we. We might call the Hallmark Christmas movies schmaltzy, but they remind us how we should act on a daily basis.

As we get closer to February 13th when the diocesan law takes effect for the parish restructuring, there will be nervousness

and apprehension, because we don’t know for sure what lies ahead. There will be rumors and some will have difficulty with

the changes, but with the grace of God we will get through this. In the long run this will strengthen the Catholic Community

of Bradford. God Bless. Fr. Ray

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

November 23rd - 28th — THANKSGIVING BREAK NO CLASSES & NO CARE

Classes & Care Resume Tues, Nov 29th Check our website, www.stbernardcatholic.org

for more scholarship information.

Wednesday, Nov 30th, 10 am Mass - grades 5 & 6

CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENTCAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENTCAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENTCAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Thank you for your contributions to the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)! Your generous gifts will help CCHD break the cycle of poverty in the United States through bet-ter education, improved housing, and economic devel-opment. Through CCHD and its beneficiaries, we demonstrate Catholic social teaching and carry out Jesus’ mission to “bring glad tidings to the poor . . . to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Lk 4:18).

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

Catholic Women: Tues, Dec 13 - Christmas Dinner, 6 pm Widows Group: Thurs, Dec 15, 11 am – Christmas Cards RCIA: Sundays @ Noon, Dec 4, 11 & 18 REP 1-8: Sundays @ 9am, Dec 4, 11 & 18 REP 9, 10 & Confirmation: Sundays @ 5:45 at Fr. Ritchie Hall, Dec 4, 11 & 18

AREA ADVENT AREA ADVENT AREA ADVENT AREA ADVENT SERVICESSERVICESSERVICESSERVICES

Dec 11th at 3:00 p.m. at St. Bernard, Bradford

(St. Bernard/ St. Francis & OMPH combined) Dec 14th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth, Smethport Dec 15th at 7:00 pm at St. Callistus, Kane

1111STSTSTST SUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENTSUNDAY OF ADVENT NOVEMBER 27, 2016NOVEMBER 27, 2016NOVEMBER 27, 2016NOVEMBER 27, 2016

FAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVEFAMILY PERSPECTIVE In today’s gospel Jesus advises: “Stay awake, watch out, and pray for the strength to hold your ground” when “fearful and bewildering signs” appear threatening your family. Re-sist being “fearful;” fear cripples! Instead “pray for the strength” to be courageous.

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

TOGI’S RESTAURANT

MARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTSMARRIAGE MOMENTS Feast then famine. It's a paradox of USA and Christian church calendars that the feast of Thanksgiving is quickly followed by Advent - a season of waiting and preparation. Our culture hurries Christmas by trying to get us to fill Ad-vent with buying and busyness. Don't let yourself be robbed of this holy time of reflection. Simplify.

St. Bernard Church Christmas Cards St. Bernard Church Christmas Cards St. Bernard Church Christmas Cards St. Bernard Church Christmas Cards are available in the Parish office They are in packs of 5 for $5 a pack. The cards feature St. Bernard altar/church 2011 Christmas decorations. Contact

the Parish office to purchase these cards. Photos by Long Art Photography.

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

Please Pray for the Following Priests

Sunday, Nov 27 - Rev. James G. Faluszcak Monday, Nov 28 - Rev. Msgr. Casimir A. Bogniak Tuesday, Nov 29 - Rev. Joseph C. Campbell Wednesday, Nov 30 - Rev. G. William Fischer, O.S.F.S. Thursday, Dec 1 - Rev. Eldon K. Somers Friday, Dec 2 - Rev. Msgr. Joseph V. Wardanski Saturday, Dec 3 - Rev. Glenn R. Whitman

www.osvonlinegiving/1845

CEMETERY DECORATIONSCEMETERY DECORATIONSCEMETERY DECORATIONSCEMETERY DECORATIONS Reminder that winter and holiday decorations can now be placed on the graves at St. Bernard Cemetery.

THE BOOK OF MEMORYTHE BOOK OF MEMORYTHE BOOK OF MEMORYTHE BOOK OF MEMORY Is available at the front of the Church for you to write the names of your beloved who have passed.

ST. FRANCIS PRAYER SERVICEST. FRANCIS PRAYER SERVICEST. FRANCIS PRAYER SERVICEST. FRANCIS PRAYER SERVICE This Sunday, November 27th is the First Sunday of Advent. There will be a prayer service at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 3pm.

Help support your Bradford area and McKean County Community! The Salvation Army in Bradford provides

food as well as gently used clothing and help with utilities through their “Neighbor to Neighbor” program. Sign up to adopt a kettle for this year’s Red kettle Campaign. For more information call the Bradford Salvation Army @ 368-7012. Ring the bell and help spread the love of Jesus this Christ-mas season!

CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCESCHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCESCHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCESCHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCES If you would like to honor a living or deceased family member or friend, the Remembrance forms are now available at the back of the church or in the Parish Office. You can drop them in the collection basket or bring them to the Parish Office.

Forms with donation are due in to the office by Monday, December 5, 2016.

LAST CHANCE TO SHOPLAST CHANCE TO SHOPLAST CHANCE TO SHOPLAST CHANCE TO SHOP Gift Card order forms are available in the back of the church and the parish office. Orders with payment are due in to the office BY MON-DAY, DECEMBER 12th — last order before Christmas.

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

the end of December, 2016. CONFESSIONSCONFESSIONSCONFESSIONSCONFESSIONS Confessions will be heard from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1st, for First Friday. Confessions are also heard on Saturdays following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and from 4:00-5:00 p.m.

FIRST FRIDAYFIRST FRIDAYFIRST FRIDAYFIRST FRIDAY The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration after mass in the chapel from 8:00 a.m. until Noon on First Fri-day, December 2nd.

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME

Baptism - November 20, 2016

Gawen Kevin Kramer

COMMUNITY BLOOD BANKCOMMUNITY BLOOD BANKCOMMUNITY BLOOD BANKCOMMUNITY BLOOD BANK The Blood Bank will be available in the St. Bernard Gymna-sium Monday, November 28th from 12:00 Noon ‘til 5:30 pm.

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

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.

IN WRITING BY NOON ON FRIDAY

2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BULLETIN DATE.

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

ADVENT FAMILY RESOURCESADVENT FAMILY RESOURCESADVENT FAMILY RESOURCESADVENT FAMILY RESOURCES The Office of Parish Social Ministry and Respect Life is offer-ing resources for individuals and families for the Advent Sea-son. These resources include weekly scripture for reflection, service opportunity suggestions and additional resources for assisting families in preparing for Christmas. Please visit h t t p : / / w w w . e r i e r c d . o r g / j u s t i c e . h t m For additional information or questions, please contact Erin Landini-Grogan at (814) 824-1254 or respect-life@eriercd.org.

BENEDICTINE GIFT SHOPBENEDICTINE GIFT SHOPBENEDICTINE GIFT SHOPBENEDICTINE GIFT SHOP

We have all of your holiday shopping needs. (Nativity sets, Advent wreaths, Christmas or-naments, and so much more)

135 Church St, St. Marys, PA, 814-834-1353.

Extended Christmas Hours begin Dec. 1st Mon-Wed 9:30AM—5:00PM

Thur & Fri 9:30AM— 7:00PM, Sat 10:00AM-4:00PM

MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSESMINISTER SCHEDULE FOR MASSES DECEMBER 3 DECEMBER 3 DECEMBER 3 DECEMBER 3 ---- 4, 20164, 20164, 20164, 2016

LECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULELECTOR SCHEDULE Saturday, December 3 5:15 pm Paul Curcio Sunday, December 4 8:00 am Jody Randoph 10:00 am Jim Colligan

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERSEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS Saturday, December 3 5:15 pm Mary Mongillo/ Cindy Higley/ Teri Everett Sunday, December 4 8:00 am Candy Tingley/ Kathy & Randy Durner 10:00 am Kathy Howe/ Paul Curcio/ Lynn Hogue HOSPITAL/PAVILION: J.E. O’Mara

ALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERS Saturday, December 3 5:15 pm Liam & Grace Frasier Sunday, December 4 8:00 am Noah Meyer/ Jessie Kerr 10:00 am Tim & Clare Mulcahy

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, Helen DeFrank, 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, Joe Monago, Shirley Mongillo, Lou Monti, Cheri O’Mara, Courtney Prentiss, 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 NOV 27, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF NOV 27, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF NOV 27, 2016READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF NOV 27, 2016

Sunday: Is 2:1-5/Ps 122/Rom 13:11-14/Mt 24:37-44 Monday: Is 4:2-6/Ps 122/Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72/Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Rom 10:9-18/Ps 23/Mt 4:18-22 Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118/Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24/Ps 27/Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147/Mt 9:35--10:1, 5a, 6-8 Next Sunday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72/Rom 15:4-9/Mt 3:1-12

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

Monday, November 28 9:00 am Mary Rusnak (Marie Rusnak) Wednesday, November 30 9:00 am Alphonse & Fannie Vogg (Daniel & Tammy Beeman) Saturday, December 3 4:30 pm Dan Ward (Family) Sunday, December 4 11:00 am Joseph Cavallaro (b)(Family)

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

Tuesday, November 29 8:00 am Carmen & Elvira Pascarella, James & Virginia Pascarella (Mary Ann Parcarella) Thursday, December 1 8:00 am Parishioners of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and St. Francis of Assisi Sunday, December 4 9:00 am George & Steve Kriz (Karen & Bill Benedict)

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK OF NOV 28 OF NOV 28 OF NOV 28 OF NOV 28 ---- DEC 4, 2DEC 4, 2DEC 4, 2DEC 4, 2016016016016

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX

Monday, November 28 8:00 am Parishioners Wednesday, November 30 8:00 am Louis DeSantis (Family) SBS 10 am Gwen Fling (Martha Williams) Thursday, December 1 9:00 am Edna Maxine Matto (Barry Matto) Friday, December 2 8:00 am Evelyn & Joe Anderson (Joe Anderson) Saturday, December 3 8:00 am Cynthia Guelfi (Guelfi Family) 5:15 pm Deceased Kearns & Martinez Families (Kearns Family) Sunday, December 4 8:00 am Emma Sherwin (Bob & Marilyn Johnson) 10:00 am Kevin Carns (Family) Pitt 7 pm Brian Lechner (Family)

ALL WEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELALL WEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELALL WEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPELALL WEEKDAY MASSES HELD IN THE CHAPEL

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

Nov 28 - Dec 3: Team 2

D. Jadlowiec/ C. Bennett/ P. Foote/ V. Comilla/

D & L. Williams/ K. Smeal