ARCHANGEL GABRIEL PARISH

M a s s a n d C o n f e s s i o n T i m e s

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILYDECEMBER 27, 2020

5 PM10 AM, 12:30 PM, 7 PM6:30 PM

Administrative Office:Email:

Website:Sacramental emergencies:

SAINT MALACHYCHURCH

HOLY MASSSaturday

Sunday4 PM8 AM, 10 AM8:30 AM

RECONCILIATION SATURDAY, 11 AM - 12 PM

SAINT MARY, HELP OFCHRISTIANS CHURCH

HOLY MASSSaturday

SundayMon to Wed

6 PM11 AM9:30 AM

HOLY TRINITYCHURCH

HOLY MASSSaturday

SundayMon to Fri

343 Forest Grove RdCoraopolis, PA 15108

5718 Steubenville PikeRobinson Township, PA 15136

1011 Church AveMcKees Rocks, PA 15136

info@archangelgabrielparish.org www.archangelgabrielparish.org

412-787-2140 x2

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412-787-2140

Thurs to SatRECONCILIATION RECONCILIATION

MON - FRI, 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM SUNDAY, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

(outdoor)

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COVID MASS PROTOCOLS

All Masses are celebrated inside the church buildings with the exception of a special 10 AM parking lot Mass which is celebrated in the front windows at Saint Malachy Church. The faithful can listen from their car by tuning their radio at 87.9 FM. Everyone is asked to please register for an indoor weekend Mass by using the link provided in the bulletin, by following the links on archangelgabrielparish.org, or by calling the parish office at 412-787-2140. The 10 AM Mass at Holy Trinity will continue to be live streamed and can be accessed by visiting archangelgabrielparish.org.You can find what we are doing as a parish in response to COVID-19 at www.archangelgabrielparish.org/covid19 in order to make the best decisions about participation for you and your household. Bishop Zubik has granted everyone a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass. “No one is currently obliged to attend Mass. If you feel ill, are older than 64, or have health issues, please stay home.

FIND THE WORSHIP AID FOR SUNDAY MASS ON THE NEXT PAGES

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS WEEK’S BULLETINSunday, December 27, 2020

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Table of Contents, COVID Mass Protocols.........................................Page 2

Message from Father Dave...................................................................Page 3

Sunday Mass Worship Aid..............................................................Pages 4-8

This week’s calendar.............................................................................Page 9

This week’s Mass intentions...............................................................Page 10

Faith Formation news..........................................................................Page 11

Intercessory prayer lists, Mass readings for the week...........................Page 12

Christmas Hymn History...................................................................Page 13

Parish news and updates....................................................................Page 14

AGS school update..............................................................................Page 15

Clergy and staff contact information.................................................Page 16

Sacraments, offertory, and online giving information..........................Page 17

“Gabe’s Grub” Super Bowl Pool........................................................Page 18

COVER ART: “The Adoration of the Shepherds” by Sebastiano Conca

http://archangelgabrielparish.orghttp://archangelgabrielparish.org

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FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILYFr. David Poecking (Pastor)

“I’m Catholic, but I don’t believe everything the Church teaches,” was a popular conceit for decades, as the frequently clumsy implementation of the Second Vatican Council seemed to justify what we called “cafeteria Catholicism.” Too many Catholics, including the clergy, felt free to select only those elements of the faith with which we felt comfortable, like diners selecting foods from a cafeteria buffet. We not-very-faithful faithful believed more in ourselves than in the Church as a whole.

Unsurprisingly, the self-indulgent arrogance of one generation leads to the stern arrogance of the next. While most heirs of cafeteria Catholicism ultimately selected themselves entirely out of the Catholic Church, a few of us predictably selected the opposite conceit, that to be Catholic is primarily about loyalty to the doctrinal and moral tradition or authority of the Church. Then ironically, we of a traditionalist disposition end up chafing against the authority of our Pope or Bishop, while those of us who prioritize authority invoke it to justify ourselves in scorning the tradition.

We of the sterner generation speak of “values,” “morality,” and “Church teaching”—all good things and necessary for our salvation—as the sole criteria for Catholicity. We’d like heresy- or sin-detectors at the entrances to our churches, after the mode of TSA at airports. Though we proclaim ourselves “not worthy to receive,” we tend to distrust the sacraments to confer God’s favor even on the inadequately faithful. We forget the sacramental worthiness about which St. Paul warns us: a generous and forgiving charity especially toward our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The feast of the Holy Family redirects us toward a higher standard. Law and obedience play important roles in the lives of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Count how many times the word “law” appears in today’s Gospel! But the Gospel is also about the proto-sacramental sacrifice in the Temple, a foreshadowing of our sacramental participation in the sacrifice of Christ. It’s about gratitude and wonder at the saving power of God in Jesus. And it’s about progress, growth, and maturation: Even as Mary and Joseph follow the prescribed processes for a firstborn son, Jesus himself is also said to grow in wisdom, age, and grace.

So for the new year let us resolve to be truly Catholic: Trusting in Church teaching, yes, and also trusting the salvific power of God in the shared life and love of the Church, and especially in her celebration of the sacraments. Happy New Year!

• Fr. Sam’s awesome history of Archangel Gabriel Parish and its predecessors in our territory’s Catholic communities is now on our website at archangelgabrielparish.org/history.

• An impressive model of St. Mary Church is on display in the narthex there.

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The parish office will be closed on December 31st and January 1st in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

http://archangelgabrielparish.org/historyhttp://archangelgabrielparish.org/history

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PROCESSIONAL HYMN — ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID’S CITYPROCESSIONAL HYMN — ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID’S CITY

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GLORIA - HERITAGE MASSGLORIA - HERITAGE MASS

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God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins—a house raised in justice to you.

FIRST READING — SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14FIRST READING — SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14

1. Give thanks to the Lord; proclaim his name. Make known his deeds among the peoples. O sing to him, sing his praise; tell all his wonderful works! R/

2. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. Turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. R/

3. O children of Abraham, his servant, O descendants of the Jacob he chose, he, the Lord, is our God; his judgements are in all the earth. R/

RESPONSORIAL PSALM — PSALM 128RESPONSORIAL PSALM — PSALM 128

4. He remembers his covenant forever: the promise he ordained for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. R/

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Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

SECOND READING — COLOSSIANS 3:12-21 SECOND READING — COLOSSIANS 3:12-21

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION — FESTIVAL ALLELUIASGOSPEL ACCLAMATION — FESTIVAL ALLELUIAS

Verse: Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation,which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted—and you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

GOSPEL — LUKE 2:22-40GOSPEL — LUKE 2:22-40

O blessed Archangel Gabriel, you announced our salvation to the Virgin Mary. Pray for us that we may be courageous and compassionate, strong and faithful followers of her Son, Jesus. By your intercession, obtain for us the unification of our parish, and the fruitfulness of our mission to make disciples. Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

ARCHANGEL GABRIEL PARISH PRAYERARCHANGEL GABRIEL PARISH PRAYER

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OFFERTORY HYMN — WHAT CHILD IS THISOFFERTORY HYMN — WHAT CHILD IS THIS

HOLY, HOLY, HOLYHOLY, HOLY, HOLY

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MEMORIAL ACCLAMATIONMEMORIAL ACCLAMATION

AMENAMEN

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION HYMN — LO, HOW A ROSECOMMUNION DISTRIBUTION HYMN — LO, HOW A ROSE

LAMB OF GODLAMB OF GOD

PRINT MUSIC LICENSEOne License AGP License Number: 700868-A Invoice Number: 275339 License Type: Annual License G

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 28RCIA - 7 PMZOOM meeting ID: 814 5180 3596 Passcode: RCIA

To register for weekend indoor Mass on Jan. 2nd/3rdgo to archangelgabrielparish.flocknote.com/signup/30653

FOUR WAYS TO REGISTER FOR WEEKEND INDOOR MASSESFOUR WAYS TO REGISTER FOR WEEKEND INDOOR MASSES

1. Sign up for Flocknote and a registration link will be emailed to you every week.2. Visit archangelgabrielparish.org and click the “Register for Mass” slide on the homepage.3. Find the next weekend’s registration link in the bulletin each week.4. Call the parish office at 412-787-2140. The receptionist will take your name and contact info to

register you for a particular Mass.

You can listen to the special 10 AM parking lot Mass at Saint Malachy Church from your car by tuning in to 87.9 FM on the radio.

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• Monday through Friday from 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM at Holy Trinity Church

• Sundays from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Saint Mary, Help of Christians Church

• Saturdays from 11 AM - 12 PM at Saint Malachy Church

http://archangelgabrielparish.flocknote.com/signup/30653

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 264:00 PM - SMC5:00 PM - HTC6:00 PM - SMHCC

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 278:00 AM - SMC10:00 AM - HTC10:00 AM - SMC (parking lot)11:00 AM - SMHCC12:30 PM - HTC7:00 PM - HTC

MONDAY, DECEMBER 289:30 AM - SMHCC6:30 PM - HTC

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 299:30 AM - SMHCC6:30 PM - HTC

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 309:30 AM - SMHCC6:30 PM - HTC

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 318:30 AM - SMC9:30 PM - HTC

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18:30 AM - SMC12:30 PM - HTC

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28:30 AM - SMC4:00 PM - SMC5:00 PM - HTC6:00 PM - SMHCC

SUNDAY, JANUARY 38:00 AM - SMC10:00 AM - HTC10:00 AM - SMC (parking lot)11:00 AM - SMHCC12:30 PM - HTC7:00 PM - HTC

Anna M. Evans by Ken & Sharon Dorman & familyDeceased members of Cypher family by Bill & Joanne CypherAntonella Presutti by family

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPHPaul & Pauline Enick by son, Rick Robert Bridge by wife, Anita BridgeLiam O’Toole by Bob and Bonnie RayMark Neiderhauser by Patty & familyPeople of the ParishNoel Letterio by Balint family

FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTSAngeline Henry by Elaine CosentinoFrank Matyaz by wife, Betty

OPTIONAL MEMORIAL OF ST. THOMAS BECKETMr/Mrs Wolf & Mr/Mrs McClelland by Bob & CharlotteDeceased of Aguglia family by Jim & Deb Manion

Anniversary - Madeline Nicoletta by sister, Rose RitaVera & John Augustine by Darlene Augustine

OPTIONAL MEMORIAL OF ST. SYLVESTER IAnita Dorman by Ken & Sharon DormanJohn Obsusek & Stanley Stavish by Hil & Don family

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GODCheryl LaCava by Susan Higgans & Anna SzarmackFr. Ken Keene by family

MEMORIAL OF STS. BASIL THE GREAT & GREGORY NAZIANZENTeresa Stankiewicz by daughter, Maria Kapela Ted Talkowski by Chuck Thomas Rosemarie Bevan by Linda CumptonMary Sulkowski by family

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORDPeople of the ParishTimothy Manion by familySr. Mary Esther Werner by Ruggiero familyElizabeth Begani by Pizza Kitchen familyMary M. Warner by Patsy & James BalduffThomas Garbin by Ministry of Consolation

HTC = Holy Trinity Church SMC = St. Malachy Church SMHCC = St. Mary, Help of Christians Church

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We are now accepting Mass intentions for 2021. You can select up to two Masses, one Sunday/Vigil Mass and one weekday Mass. The stipend is $10 per Mass. To check the availability and to schedule a Mass intention, please call the Parish Office at 412-787-2140 x100 or go to www.archangelgabrielparish.org/eucharist

http://www.archangelgabrielparish.org/eucharist

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FAITH FORMATION UPDATESteve Swank (Coordinator of Faith Formation, pro tem)

One of the questions that has arisen during our Fam Cat sessions is where parents can “look stuff up” when their children have a question. Along with the Bible, the best tool we have to discover the Faith is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism is a book first published in 1992 that contains the truths of the Catholic Faith. It is divided into four major parts, called “pillars.” The pillars are the Creed (what the Church believes), the Sacraments (what the Church celebrates), the Commandments (what the Church lives), and the Our Father (what the Church prays).

If you would like to explore the Catechism, a great place to start is on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church. Here you can view the online Catechism and even order a hard copy or ebook version. There is also a FAQ that goes into greater depth regarding where the Catechism came from and how it can be used.

Hopefully you are already using the Catechism of the Catholic Church to help guide you on your faith journey. If not, I cannot urge you enough to start using it. Saint John Paul II said, “I ask all the Church’s shepherds and faithful members to receive this Catechism in a spirit of communion and to make careful use of it in carrying out their mission to proclaim the faith and to call to the gospel life. This Catechism is given to them to serve as a sure and authentic source book for the teaching of Catholic doctrine...It is also offered to all the faithful who want to understand better the inexhaustible riches of salvation.”

Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Faith?Contact Maria Fenner at mfenner@archangelgabrielparish.org

or 412-787-2140 x10211

http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-churchhttp://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church

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OUR SICK AND SUFFERINGPlease pray for:

Sir 3:2-6,12-14 / Ps 128:1-2,3,4-5 /Col 3:12-21 / Lk 2:22-40 1 Jn 1:5-2:2 / Ps 124:2-3,4-5,7cd,8 / Mt 2:13-181 Jn 2:3-11 / Ps 96:1-2a,2b-3,5b-6 / Lk 2:22-351 Jn 2:12-17/ Ps 96:7-8a,8b-9,10 / Lk 2:36-401 Jn 2:18-21 / Ps 96:1-2,11-12,13 / Jn 1:1-18 Nm 6:22-27 / Ps 67:2-3,5,6,8 / Gal 4:4-7 / Lk 2:16-211 Jn 2:22-28 / Ps 98:1,2-3ab,3cd-4 / Jn 1:19-28Is 60:1-6 / Ps 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13 / Eph 3:2-3a,5-6 / Mt 2:1-12

SUNDAY: MONDAY: TUESDAY:

WEDNESDAY:THURSDAY:

FRIDAY: SATURDAY:

NEXT SUNDAY:

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 27, 2020

JoaniePatrick AlexJoan AmonCharles Bastyr Dorothy Bastyr Rita Battaglini John BednarDolly Blumling Ann BordenTheresa Boros Elizabeth Bridge Janet CainBetty Campalong Charles CampbellKathy CampbellBill CasrelliEarl CettoBob ChamberlinAdam ConnerRyan CostaBev CumminsAlice Curtolo Anthony Davis Jack Davis Jane Davis Ken DelCimmuttoMadeline Deluca Anya DeFeoRene Dewine

Gil Dieteman Ken Dorman Phyllis DownsJoanne DresslerLeandro D’RosaLeonarda Dudash Karen Duran Don Fern Helena Ferro Lynn Frketic Katie Gasior John Gallagher Bonnie Gallagher Anna GarofaloCynthia GilchristGeorgiana Guerra Bruce GuttLizzie Guzman Brenna HalbedlJoseph HamerskiElizabeth Jakiel Victoria M. JeffreyLouise JonesMelissa Jones Sean JonesSue Joseck Alberta Kale Laura Kammermeier Ann Kane

Susie Kanuch Stella KargWasil Karlobski Jack KelleyBonnie Kempton Arlene KikleLydia KingJoseph Knouse Gloria KrallKevin Kramer Penny Kramer Lorraine Kriger Judy Kugel familyKatherine Kulik Kevin KutzavitchRenee Lach Bob LangmannMsgr. Lamonde John LeamanLori Leaman Jennifer LePore Sam LewisPatricia Leyda Irene ListLarry Markowski Anna MarianaSilvana Mariani Judy Maritz Nicola MarshallPatricia Martin

Louise Marushak Betty Matyaz Mary Mazzocco Mariyanna McCarthy Michele McClean Matthew McClean Dolores McGuire Martha MeyersPatricia Misklow Diane Moorhead Jean Moran Shelly MorganJohnny MuchaPatrick MurphyEddie Nagel Betty Ann NavickasTim Nolan Janet OakesMali OlivaniJude OstrowskiAlbert PalermoCindy PanikCynthia PapstEmil Parent, Sr.Shirley PietoBarbara PlacekMargaret Porter Gerard PowersShannon PreiningerMarie Pristas

Aaron ProsperiniHelen ProstkoAlice RhoadesEvelyn SchieferSam ScottiDavid ShankinJoanna SimmonsCarol SinatraFrank SinatraKenny Skepanski IIIAmy SloatFran SmithMarianneJessica SolizAnna SpezialettiDonna SpohnBarb StemmlerShirley StephensonRobert StrehlauAnn SullivanRon ThomaArabella S. VattimoElizabeth VeinMary “Mia” WalshEnzo WatsonStephen WilczakEmily WootenRon WoshnerPatricia Zerishnek

OUR DECEASEDRobert Chupa, Kathleen Samber, and Geraldine Roussey

Lisa AburaadBrian BrelandJames BreslinJosh BruchwajskiJustin BuckleyDavid DiSanto

William DuffyTravis DunhamMark FinneganEdward GlanceJason GlanceBenjamin Goehring

Lewis HessSpencer LindsayChristopher McDermottJames McGregorBenjamin MacekJacob Mammay

Steven MarshallJeremiah MurphyKevin MurphyMichael MurphyNick ObusekNicholas Rymniak

Christian SmithTyler SmithC.J. StanglChris StrawJames Van DykStephen Vasko

Jeffrey VittorioChris WasekEric WasekJack WasekJoseph Wasek IllMatthew Zivic

OUR SERVICEMEN AND SERVICEWOMEN

You can find the obituaries at www.archangelgabrielparish.org/obituaries

Want to receive updates? Join our parish email list by visitingarchangelgabrielparish.flocknote.com12

http://www.archangelgabrielparish.org/obituarieshttp://archangelgabrielparish.flocknote.com

The famous Christmas carol Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming has inspired composers for well over four centuries, owing in part to the rich imagery of the text and to the now-classic musical setting of Michael Praetorius (1571–1621). The carol combines references to the birth of Christ from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke (v. 1–2), prophecies of Isaiah (v. 1–2), and the Incarnation from the Gospel of John (v. 3). The image of the rose in this carol applies to the “stem of Jesse,” Christ himself. Yet “rose” traditionally denotes Mary, whose agency takes more prominence in the second verse. In addition, excerpts like “amid the cold of winter,” taken from Isaiah, can suggest folkloric imagery. The carol thus balances the apparent—nature and earth—with the mystical—Christ’s lineage and Incarnation.

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming first appeared in print in the 1599 Alte katholische geistliche Kirchengesänge (Old Catholic Sacred Church Songs); however, scholars argue over the chronology. Some suggest the text first appeared in print around 1580 and may date even to the 15th century. Praetorius composed the now-familiar harmonization in 1609, which since has taken on the tune name from its original German incipit: ES IST EIN ROS’ ENTSPRUNGEN (“A Rose has sprung up), which you can listen to here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX6Kbq0VIBo.

Marian imagery shines prominently in Hugo Distler’s (1908–1942) setting of the chorale. This short movement comes from the composer’s 23-movement Die Weihnachtsgeschichte (Christmas Story), a sumptuous work clothed in a Neo-Baroque style for mixed choir and four soloists. Distler referred to it as an “Oratorio with the character of chamber music” and foregrounded used the Praetorius tune prominently throughout several movements. This short piece shows a mezzo-soprano soloist singing the Magnificat of Mary, while the chorus subtly weaves the familiar tune in and out of the texture: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfLJ82QRDqU.

This beautifully serene piece ironically does not betray the turmoil Distler faced while he composed it in 1933 Hamburg, Germany. At that time, he was pressured into joining the Nazi party to protect his family and career. He grew increasingly despondent over the next decade, seeing friends and colleagues murdered. In 1942, he decided he could not serve both God and the Nazis with a clear conscience. He moved his bed into the kitchen of his home, turned the gas of the oven on, and climbed into bed. Distler died of carbon monoxide poisoning at age 34.

A contemporary take of Lo, How a Rose comes from Swedish composer Jan Sandström (b. 1954), a double-chorus setting of the Praetorius tune. This piece demonstrates many colorful techniques. Sandström experiments with sound effects by having Choir I sing the Praetorius harmonization in short phrases throughout. So the familiar tune sounds staggered. In addition, Choir II incorporates an effect called bandwidth, which is basically the timed release of many notes to give the impression of sound growing in thickness and density. Each voice adds notes slowly, which gives the listener the impression analogous to watching something unfold in slow motion. As each vocal section of Choir II divides and sings clusters of tones unfolding at a glacial pace, Choir I follows with the Praetorius chorale. In effect, we are listening to the approximation of watching the rose e’er bloom from its tender stem: www.youtube.com/watch?v=86-ulHbApOM.

CHRISTMAS HYMN HISTORYDr. Vincent E. Rone (Director of Music)

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Congratulations to the newest members of ourCatholic Faith, those who were newly baptized:

Allison Grace JenningsDavid Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX6Kbq0VIBohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfLJ82QRDqUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86-ulHbApOM

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The Feast of the Holy Family is always celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas Day. It can be easy to think about the household of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as somehow without any of the problems or challenges that affect family life today. Yet, if we really look beyond the “cutesiness” of our manger scenes with everything so pristine, and recognize that even there, in a place where animals lived, there would have been sights, sounds, and smells that we would not want in front of us much.

Mary and Joseph were exiles, refugees who fled an oppressive government and lived for a time in a foreign country. How many families around our globe are caught in this very same situation? Mary was known as “that girl” who had a pregnancy outside of marriage, and Joseph would have been the butt of jokes in the marketplace and synagogue because he married her anyway. Can we identify with this?

For most people, the real-life stuff of family existence is messy. And that’s exactly where we find God. He comes amid the messiness of our lives and stays beside us in the trials and challenges we face every day. Don’t try to be like the wood carved statues you see in church! Instead, be like the honest to goodness human persons they represent. When difficulties come, don’t give up, or run and hide, or deny they exist. Instead, remember that all families deal with messiness and thank God for being with you in the middle of it.

THE HOLY FAMILYFr. Sam Esposito (Senior Parochial Vicar)

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As we begin the Christmas Season, the music for the parts of Mass have changed. In addition, we will reinstate the singing of the Gloria, which we’ve not had since May! I invite you to take a moment to familiarize yourselves with the new music, in the event you wish to participate through singing.

The Gloria: Heritage Mass, by Owen Alstott, www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLnBHqogu-4The Alleluia: Festival Alleluia, by James Chepponis, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl6VEQIlfrYMass for the City, by Richard Proulx: Holy, Holy, Holy: newman.nd.edu/liturgy-planning/video-mass-settings/mc/Memorial Acclamation: newman.nd.edu/liturgy-planning/video-mass-settings/mc/3/Amen: newman.nd.edu/liturgy-planning/video-mass-settings/mc/5/The Lamb of God will remain the one we’ve been doing from Holy Cross Mass.

MASS PARTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND Dr. Vincent E. Rone (Director of Music)

Communications CoordinatorThis creative individual will design, coordinate, and implement all communication efforts to promote the mission of Archangel Gabriel Parish. This position will develop through an iterative process with the possibility of growing into a full-time role.

Teacher-CaregiversWe are looking for people who have a natural affinity for working with children and who see each child as unique, strong, and full of potential. The ideal candidate is to be loving and supportive while attuning to each child’s unique needs. From first smiles and giggles to curiosity and independence, a Teacher-Caregiver will encourage the natural wonder of every child and ignite their own love of learning. Full and Part Time positions are available.

To see the full job descriptions please visit archangelgabrielparish.org/jobs. Interested applicants should submit their cover letter and resume to jobs@archangelgabrielparish.org.

WE’RE HIRING!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLnBHqogu-4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl6VEQIlfrY http://newman.nd.edu/liturgy-planning/video-mass-settings/mc/ http://newman.nd.edu/liturgy-planning/video-mass-settings/mc/3/ http://newman.nd.edu/liturgy-planning/video-mass-settings/mc/5/ http://archangelgabrielparish.org/jobsmailto:jobs%40archangelgabrielparish.org?subject=Communications%20Coordinator%20interest

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archangelgabrielpgh.org · 412.787.2656 · schoolofficerobinson@archangelgabrielpgh.org

The Jesse Tree is a way of preparing for Advent by journeying through the stories on Jesus’s family tree. The tradition goes that each day of Advent, you should read a Bible story about someone on Jesus’s family tree and hang an ornament symbolizing the story on your Jesse Tree. As you decorate your tree, you’ll see how God prepared for Jesus to be born through many generations. This year, as our tradition goes 7th graders researched traditional ornaments hung on a tree during the season of Advent, wrote a report, and designed their own ornament to hang on our Jesse Tree standing outside of the school office.

Preschool has been busy while on their special journey through Advent learning about how to identify and help people in need, which is this month’s Knights with Heart theme for our school. Our youngest Knights even took on a few special projects. The students collected money to send candy and slippers to Father Russell, collected pajamas for an organization called Sisters Place and collected non-perishable food items for the Felician Sisters Food Pantry. We are proud of our students for thinking beyond their own wants and needs and how to serve others.

Celebrating Advent

7th Grade Jesse Tree

Our Young Knights Have Heart

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Fr. David Poecking, Pastor dpoecking@diopitt.org412-787-2140 x104

Fr. Alan Morris, Senior Parochial Vicaramorris@diopitt.org412-787-2140 x109

Fr. Samuel Esposito, Senior Parochial Vicarsesposito@diopitt.org412-787-2140 x111

Deacon Tim Killmeyertimkillmeyer@verizon.net412-787-2140 x113

Fr. Joe Codori, Parochial Vicarjcodori@diopitt.org412-787-2140 x110

Clergy Team

Operations Team

Vincent Rone, Director of Music vrone@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x118

Steven Swank, Coordinator of Faith Formation, pro temsswank@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x106

Maria Fenner, Discipleship Coordinatormfenner@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x102

Carol Pfeuffer, Administrative Assistantcpfeuffer@archangelgabrielparish.org 412-787-2140 x122

Kristin Hayes, Communications Coordinatorkhayes@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140

Engagement Team

Music Team

Priests in Residence

Jacob Williamson, Director of Engagement jwilliamson@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x119

Fr. Lou ValloneSaint Mary, Help of Christians

Fr. Regis RyanSaint Mary, Help of Christians

Fr. Ignitius Nimwesiga Saint Malachy

Fr. Adrian Tibezuka Saint Malachy

Fr. Albert SemlerSaint Mary, Help of Christians

Bonnie Amendola, Assistant Director of Operations bamendola@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x108

Lisa Davis, Finance Managerldavis@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x120

Mark Zadrozny, Maintenance Supervisor mzadrozny@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140

Ken Zern, Director of Operationskzern@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x107

Wayne Summers, Maintenance Supervisorwsummers@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140

Jim Schweinberg, Safe Environment Coordinatorjschweinberg@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x114

Michelle Roun, Receptionistmroun@archangelgabrielparish.org 412-787-2140 x100

Jeanine Wilson, Preschool and Nurseryjwilson@archangelgabrielparish.org412-771-4545

Jan Lipa, Occasional Assistancejlipa@archangelgabrielparish.org412-787-2140 x101

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3. GIVE VIA MAILPlease make checks payable to Archangel Gabriel Parish and send to:Archangel Gabriel Parish 5718 Steubenville PikeMckees Rocks, PA 15136

1. GIVE ONLINEGiving online is a convenient and secure way to support the work of the parish. See archangelgabrielparish.org/onlinegiving for details.

2. TEXT TO GIVEText a dollar amount to 412-775-2460.

FOUR WAYS TO GIVE

4. GIVE VIA DROP OFFPlace checks in the drop box at our administrative office (located at Holy Trinity Church) or the other church buildings.

Couples desiring a sacramental marriage should contact the parish office at least six months before the date of the wedding. In order to set a date for the wedding, all couples must first meet with a priest. Call 412-787-2140 to schedule.

Baptisms occur on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Call 412-787-2140 to schedule.

Home visits are available for those who are seriously ill or upon whom death is imminent. Call 412-787-2140 to arrange a visit.

MARRIAGE

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

RECONCILIATION

BAPTISM

SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-932-0313 Diocese of Pittsburgh Victim Assistance: 1-888-808-1235Call 911 immediately if a child is in imminent danger of abuse

More information about Safe Environment at our parish can be found at www.archangelgabrielparish.org/safeenvironment

Monday through Friday from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM at Holy Trinity Church.Saturday from 11 AM to 12 PM in Weirauch Hall of Saint Malachy Church.Sunday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Saint Mary, Help of Christians Church.

ARCHANGEL GABRIEL PARISHOFFERTORY TOTALS Dec 12th/13thWeekly Offertory Total $ 21,887.50

PARISH SHARE PROGRAM (PSP)Total Assessment $ 272,224.00Total Collected $ 213,200.99

Balance Due $ 59,023.01

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SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE TABERNACLE LAMP AND

HOLY FAMILY NICHE FLOWERS.

Please call the Parish Office at 412-787-2140 x100.

http://archangelgabrielparish.org/onlinegivingmailto:www.archangelgabrielparish.org/safeenvironment?subject=

Archangel Gabriel Parish “Gabe’s Grub” Super Bowl Pool

Super Bowl Sunday is February 7, 2021. We have two Super Bowl pools for your enjoyment. Each pool has 100 blocks. When one pool fills, another is started. Don’t be left out as the pools fill quickly! Purchase a square for yourself or partner with a friend. Consider buying some as Christmas or birthday gifts. $35 The names and numbers for each pool will be randomly drawn in advance and pool copies will be mailed out via USPS before the Super Bowl.

Deadline is Tuesday, January 26, 2021 or as soon as pools fill, whichever comes first.

Name your block(s) and completely fill out the form below. If purchasing a block for someone, be sure to include their name and address. If purchasing multiple squares, list all names and required information on an attached sheet of paper. Have questions? Call Terry at 412-331-3443.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLEASE PRINT AND FILL OUT COMPLETELY

Drop in any AGP collection basket or mail to: Make checks payable to: Archangel Gabriel Parish, “Gabe’s Grub,”

5718 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

__________ Block(s) @$35/block ($1,700 payout) = $_________(Enclosed)

__________ Block(s) @$100/block ($5,000 payout) = $_________(Enclosed)

Name of Block(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________

Name: _______________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, ZIP: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Proceeds benefit the Archangel Gabriel Capital Expense Account. Prizes over $600 will be issued a 1099. Unsold squares belong to Archangel Gabriel Parish.

$35 POOL Pays a total of $1,700

$100 1st and 3rd quarters $300 half time for exact score; $200 reverse score $600 final for exact score and $400 reverse score.

Example: Actual Score is AFC 14; NFC 17 Payout AFC 14; NFC 17 exact score AFC 17; NFC 14 reverse score

$100 POOL Pays a total of $5,000

$500 1st and 3rd quarters $1,000 half time score $3,000 final score

This pool will have four sets of numbers: a

different set for each QUARTER.