WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Thank you for your kindness & generosity in our weekly Parish Collections: St. Francis (4:30PM) $ 877.00; St. Francis (8:00AM) $ 1,427.00; St. Augustine (10:30AM) $ 1,190.00.

LIFELINES

“[W]e are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life, the ‘culture of death’ and the ‘culture of life’. We find ourselves not only ‘faced with’ but necessarily ‘in the midst of’ this conflict: we are all involved and we all share in it, with the inescapable responsibility of choosing to be unconditionally pro-life.” —Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 28 © 1995 Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission.

HOLY COMMUNION UNDER ONE ELEMENT AND NO SHAKING HANDS

Because of the winter cold & flu season, we are suspending shaking hands at the sign of peace and following Mass. Please acknowledge those around you with a wave or nod of the head. The Precious Blood will not be offered until further notice.

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH,

(St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa.

St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

P.O. Box 75 • 17 Cottage Street • Friendsville, Pa. 18818 www.ourparishcommunity.com • Phone (570) 553-2288

E-mail: sfxc@epix.net Father Casimir (Cas) Stanis, Pastor

Kenneth S. Brennan, Deacon

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT “We the faithful of the Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish, (St. Francis Xavier and St. Augustine Churches), in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, and the Diocese of Scranton, are called through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We in this Faith Community, under the leadership of our Bishop and our Pastor, cooperate to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture of life, justice and peace. We especially endeavor to foster spiritual growth and evangelization in our present and future generations by drawing parish members back to active participation.”

MASS SCHEDULE

Wed. Dec. 24 4:30PM St. Francis Church - DORIS KEASLER by Mike & Mary Ellen Griffin 6:30PM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS DAY) Thur. Dec. 25 8:00AM St. Francis Church - 4th Anniv. PAUL F. MORAN, SR. by Kay Keenan 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - JEAN REBELLO by Pat McCabe Fri. Dec. 26 NO MASS Sat. Dec. 27 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH

ALL THE DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE KOTCH FAMILY by Chuck & Sandy Kotch

Sun. Dec. 28 8:00AM St. Francis Church - HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

10:30AM St. Augustine Church - ANTHONY TRECOSKE by Bill & Barb Pichette Mon. Dec. 29 12:00NN St. Francis Church- JULIA ZANGARA by Donald Griffin Tue. Dec. 30 8:30AM St. Augustine Church - MARY ANN NAGY by Rosalyn Perlick-Spencer Wed. Dec. 31 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

ANN ELLA LARUE by Kay Keenan Thur. Jan. 1 8:00AM St. Francis Church - SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - JEAN M. ROSSETTI by Friends of the Family Fri. Jan. 2 NO MASS Sat. Jan. 3 4:30PM St. Francis Church - VIGIL: EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

MARY LOUGHREN by Patricia Hutchinson Sun. Jan. 4 8:00AM St. Francis Church - EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

WALTER & PEG PICHURA by M/M BILL DOVIN 10:30AM St. Augustine Church - INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS EVE)

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FATHER CAS Advent has once again brought us to the threshold of the Christmas Season. The discipline of the Christmas Season, for Christians throughout the Universal Church, begins with our Christmas Vigil Service. For us here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, while it may not look like our traditional Christmas’ of old, that is, snow covered surroundings, we have that inner peace, the outpouring of love, the joy of the season, and happiness in our hearts. Jesus loves us immensely. Love Him in return. Make every effort, beginning with Christmas, to thank God for the most precious gift of all, life. See you in Church! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Happy, Happy New Year!!!

CCD CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ~ THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the students in CCD Classes for putting on the Christmas Program last Sunday. It was beautiful! Thank you to our CCD Coordinator, Susie Reichlen, and all the teachers and aides who helped to make the Program possible. Thank you to everyone who brought food to share. A great time was had by all!

OPLATKI ~ THERE IS SOME LEFT

Oplatki is the Traditional Christmas Wafer shared at Christmas Eve. There are still packages available in the back of our Churches for anyone who would like any.

AVAILABLE IN OUR CHURCHES

The Word Among Us and The Catholic Digest are available in the back of the Churches. Please take one home with you. Also available are a limited number of books from Dynamic Catholic Publishers, “Ordinary Lives Extraordinary Mission” by John R. Wood; “The Joy of the Gospel”, by Pope Francis; “A Living Legacy”, by James Campbell; “In His Spirit”, by Richard J. Hauser; “Life’s Greatest Lesson”, by Allen R. Hunt; and “Mission of the Family”, by Jon Leonetti. Please feel free to take a copy home with you.

COMPLIMENTARY PARISH CALENDARS A limited number of complimentary Parish Calendars are available in the back of the Church.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP BULLETINS~ SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION

This week there is a special Christmas Edition of the Children’s Worship Bulletin available in the back of the Church as well as the regular Sunday edition. Please take one home for your children to use!

PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS

Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of the Churches. Again this year calendars are $ 20.00 each. They run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2015. Each family in our Parish is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars available. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to please sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. Please help to make this very important fund raiser a success again this year!

7TH ANNUAL CAR RAFFLE ~ LAST CHANCE FOR A TICKET!

Again this year the Catholic Schools of Broome County are having a Car Raffle Fund Raiser. There are three chances to win—1st prize—2015 Jeep Wrangler; 2nd prize—$ 1,000.00; and 3rd prize—$ 500.00. Tickets are $ 5.00 each or 5 for $ 20.00. The drawing will be held December 29th, 2014 at 3:00PM at Seton Catholic Central High School. Purchaser must be 18 years or older. Please help support our St. Brigid Parish students who are enrolled in the Catholic Schools of Broome County. If you would like to purchase tickets, please see Rosanne & Jeff Williams (570-553-2859) or call St. Brigid Parish Office at (570-553-2288).

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF BROOME COUNTY The Catholic Schools of Broome County: Admission for 2015-2016 opens February 1st, 2015. Schedule a Tour & Shadow Day now. Early Childhood Education through 12th Grade. Contact the Office of Admissions at 607-748-7423 ext. 3 for more information. Consider the possibilities waiting for your children. 100% graduation rate. Class of 2014: 100% moving on to higher education. Tuition assistance available. Busing from Pennsylvania available. www.broomecatholicschools.org & www.setoncchs.com

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN

If you would like to help respond to prayer requests (for anyone in need), please contact Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer (570-663-2212), Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618), or Mary Keenan (570-553-2431). If you have actual prayer requests, please call anyone on the list and many prayers will be offered for your particular intention.

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEKEND St. Francis—Dec. 27th—4:30PM: Lector—Larry O’Reilly; Servers—Declan & Daegan Giannone; Rosary—Mary Shaughnessy St. Francis—Dec. 28th—8:00AM: Lector—Bill Dovin; Servers—Curtis, Gabe & Madeline Spila; Rosary—Martha Strojny St. Augustine—Dec. 28th—10:30AM: Lector—Barbara Pichette; Servers—Victoria & Elizabeth Villanella; Rosary—Ann Zalepa & Caesar Siedlecki

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR HOLY DAY St. Francis—Dec. 31st—4:30PM: Lector—Betty Ellen Hardy; Servers—Declan & Daegan Giannone; Rosary—Margaret Flaherty St. Francis—Jan. 1st—8:00AM: Lector—Amanda Reeves; Servers—Marty Conboy; Rosary—Mary Tims St. Augustine—Jan. 1st—10:30AM: Lector—Judy Adams; Servers—Jack & Luke Fruehan; Rosary—Ann Zalepa & Caesar Siedlecki

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEKEND St. Francis—Jan. 3rd—4:30PM: Lector—Thomas O’Reilly; Servers—Declan & Daegan Giannone; Rosary—Loretta Guiton St. Francis—Jan. 4th—8:00AM: Lector—VOLUNTEER NEEDED; Servers—Thomas Williams; Rosary—Tom Curley St. Augustine—Jan. 4th—10:30AM: Lector—Johanna Higgins; Servers—VOLUNTEERS NEEDED; Rosary—Ann Zalepa & Caesar Siedlecki If at any time you see that a volunteer is needed for any ministry, please feel free to step forward and volunteer your services.

DECEASED Please pray for the deceased, especially Geralda “Gerry” Souza DaCosta-Warmers, mother of Marise Shearer. May she rest in peace. Amen.

SANCTUARY LIGHTS, ADORATION VIGIL CANDLES & DEVOTIONAL CANDLE DONATIONS A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention requested by Joe Purr.

A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention. A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for healing for all the sick.

CHURCH CLEANING

St. Francis cleaners for the month of January—Kathy Gage. St. Augustine cleaners Dec. 28 to Jan. 3—volunteer needed; Jan. 4 to 10—Roseann West, Rosalynd Perlick-Spencer, and Kay Caspersen. Volunteers are needed to clean St. Augustine Church. If you can help, call the rectory.

PRAYER LIST

Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish and Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers. Katelyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., David Zevan, Rita Powers, Debbie Jones, Kyle Stoddard, Mary Lou Gregg, Sophie Padula, Madigan Gow, John Flynn, Donald & Terry Baum, Mary Bakay, Donnie Butler, Tommy Williams, Stephen Ambrose, Mary Riley, Toni Colardino, Tom Wenman, Linda Hollenback, Jennifer Lynn, Jerry Lynch, Tyler Fletcher, Joshua Welch, S.C.F., Anna Mae Coleman, Jean Ryan, Richard Hutchinson, Mary K. Long, Joshua Kaminski, Kathy Holt, B.F., Aleisya Abrams, Agnes Neville, Steve Hundiak, Mary Lou Fahs, Butch Rosencranz, Ruth King, Ken Roon, Brooke Arnold, Hallie Brooks, Sarah Murnigahan, William Chaney, Mary Cadden, Sandy Szabo, Nancy Lynch, Daniel Gavin, Sue Anderson, June Riley,

John Bauer, Adam Kelly, Francis Zernone, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, John & Alberta Zielinski, Virginia Raftis, Fred Russell, Dorothy Catlin, Marie Donahue, Nancy, Matt & Emily, Bob Murphy, Robyn Lawson, Vicky Nelson, Rita Flynn, Elton Carr, Peter Purtell, Kaleena Dughi, Molly Getter, Sam Miner, Debbie Drewry, Bill Sheredy, Bub Davis, Rusty Carmen, Ronalee Eckert, Chelsea Judson, Doug Wheaton, John Paul Jones, Valerie Newhart, Amanda Branning, Deborah Gregory, J.K., Andy Mooney, Dave Hibbard, Jeff Barnard, Mary Elizabeth Healy, Javina Davis, Gloria Craige, Delmar O’Rourke, Walt Frystak, Cynthia F., Lori & Michelle Parsons, Barbara Borsavage, George Kotch, Jr., Leo Guiton, Whitney Neville, Gregg Loboda, Tammy Fleming, Steve Burrell, Mark Kovach, Joe Vrabel, Jerry Conboy, Brendan Kelly, Greg Lasgowka, Shirley Bowser, Mary Louise Keenan, Tiffani Allen, Robert Picciano, Jr., Theresa Noldy, Paul Kerber, Linda Bush, and Megan Priestner. May they regain full health. Please pray for the needs in our Parish Intention Books. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen.

ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our Parish & Community, Christopher Reichlen, Patrick Allen, Shane Kalpokas, Ryan Gormley, Mike Griffith, Reed Shave, Matthew Kramer, Dustin Ryder, Bobby Brostoski, Ricky Trowbridge, Ryan Neville, Anthony Flynn, A. Jay Tewksbury, Jennifer Buttacavoli, Andrew Muscarelle, Adam Barziloski, Lukas Crisman, John Matousek, David Teetsel, Lisa Phillips, Carrie Krouse, Ryan Newberry, Wayne M. Bennett, Duane Thomas, Joseph Elliott, Michael and Sean Plitt, Mark W. Gregg, Bradley J. Bryant, Kevin Lewandoski, and all who serve with them. May they all be protected and safe from harm and return home soon to their families and friends. Amen. Please call the rectory when the person you put on the Prayer List or Armed Forces List can be removed. If you know of anyone on the list who has passed away, please let us know so that their name can be removed from the list. OIL SPILL: Please continue to pray for a successful cleanup of the remainder of the spill.

THANK YOU TO CHURCH DECORATORS Special thanks to all those who helped to decorate and clean our Churches and make them so beautiful during the Advent and Christmas Season. Christmas services wouldn’t be so beautiful and special without your help. Thank you one and all!

THANK YOU!!! Special thanks to all who helped to make our Masses this season so special. Thank you to the Choir, Organists/Pianists, Choir Director, Lectors, Altar Servers, those who led the Rosary and to anyone we have missed. Thank you also to Fr. Buckley for saying Mass at St. Augustine on Christmas Day.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS

Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to the Christmas Flower collection. Because of your generous donations, the Churches look very beautiful this year.

CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS Thank you to everyone for their continued donations to the Food Cards. We were able to collect a total of $ 1200.00 to divide between the (14) families on our list. Your contributions are greatly appreciated! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Thursday, January 1st is the Solemnity of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, a Holy Day. The Mass Schedule will follow the regular weekend schedule:

Vigil Mass—Wednesday, December 31st—4:30PM at St. Francis Holy Day Mass—Thursday, January 1st—8:00AM at St. Francis

Holy Day Mass—Thursday, January 1st—10:30AM at St. Augustine. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES 2015 Offertory Envelopes are in the back of the Churches. They have (hopefully) been placed in the Church that you most frequently attend. If you can’t find yours, please call the parish office at (570)553-2288 and we will provide them for you. If you have never received envelopes in the past and would like to have them this year, please call the parish office. Use of the offertory envelope system makes our record keeping much easier.

END OF YEAR CONTRIBUTIONS Final contributions for 2014 should be made by Monday, January 12th, 2015. You can put them in the collection or mail them to the rectory.

REMINDER ABOUT SECOND COLLECTIONS Please remember that when there is a second collection, only the envelopes for the announced special collection should be put in the second collection basket. All other envelopes, offertory, insurance, building maintenance, utilities, fuel, candlemas, Easter flowers, etc., go in the first collection taken up. All checks for the second collection should be made out to St. Brigid Parish.

Thank you to those who have already made the commitment to join in “Transforming Lives Together.” If you did not already make a pledge, envelopes are available in the back of the Churches for your pledge. Completed pledges may be placed in the collection basket or mailed to the Rectory. St. Brigid Parish Appeal goal is $ 24,000.00. Currently we have (118) pledges for a total of $ 19,124.00. We are under our goal by $ 4,876.00. Each gift truly matters. If you have not yet made your gift, and need a pledge envelope, envelopes are available in the back of the Church. Packets are also available by calling the Diocesan Development Office at 570-207-2250, or on-line at www.DioceseofScranton.org. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

Requested by: In Memory of: Joe & Judy Adams - Bob & Maureen Allen - Gerard Mahoney, Jean & Elaine Allen, M/M Jeremiah Mahoney, M/M Ralph Baker Gary & Helena Arbosheski - Ralph & Marie Gesford, Daniel & Lena Kane, Frank Lippe, Peter & Betty Arbosheski Lou Baker - Mom & Dad Joyce Barnum - Barnum & Shaughnessy Families Marilee & Martin Beyer - Beyer & Corcoran Families Kevin Boyle - John L. Boyle & Rosemary Boyle Fred & Bette Brown - Judy DeAngelo Frank & Helen Burns - M/M Francis H. Burns, Sr., M/M Joseph McGowan, Mr. Joseph Mann & Mr. Walter Mann John & Mary Butler - David & Rosemary Calabretta - Deceased Members of the Calabretta, Caufield, and Murphy Families Alice & Elton Carr - Agnes Jones & Margaret Coolbaugh Joanne Cerretani - Joseph & Elva Pompeii Denny Coleman - Dad & Bill, Mary Ellen Conboy & Joe LaFrance Genevieve Coleman - Chris & Bill Coleman Frank Conboy - Conboy Family James Curley - Tom Curley - Bub & Dawn Davis - Helen M. Davis, A.M. Davis, Andy Condon & Bill Phalen M/M Scott Dearborn - John & Liz Demaree - Deceased Members of the Demaree & Bader Families Dan & Rose Devine - Michael & Barbara Dovin - Henry & Martha Chesnick, Michael & Theresa Dovin, Msgr. Stanley Piorkowski, & Jim & Elaine Chesnick William & Linda Dovin - Margaret & John Beautz & Theresa & Michael Dovin Nancy Fike - Helena Flaherty - Margaret Flaherty - James & Julia Flaherty, Lawrence Flaherty, Jimmy Ed. Flaherty, & Mary Ellen Flaherty Griffin Tom Flaherty - Joseph & Cecilia Degnan, Larry Flaherty, James J. Flaherty & Mary Ellen Flaherty Griffin Brian Gardner - Dennis & Debra Garges - Deana Garges, Ralph Warner, Catherine Hutchinson, & Byron & Francis Jacobs Tom Golden - Tom & Nora Golden, Larry Golden, James F. Golden, & Catherine Golden Hundiak Claire & Bernie Griffin - Gerald & Winnie Griffin, Lorenzo & Germaine Croteau, Pauline VerValen & Ed & Geraldine Griffin Donald Griffin - Mary Ellen Griffin David & Terri Grindel - M/M Gerald Guiton - M/M Francis Guiton, M/M Lawrence Smith, Helen Taylor, Mae Poch, & Walt, Ray & Paul Guiton Leo & Loretta Guiton - Francis & Anna Guiton & Family, and Eldred & Elsie Tewksbury & Family Anne Hawley - The Hawley Family Patricia Hutchinson - Roy Hutchinson, Vincent & Catherine Riley & Family, and Catherine Hutchinson Ron Kocak - Mrs. Peter Jaeger - Elisabetha, Martha, Barbara, Carolina, Juliana, Hubert & Karl Katherine Keenan - Jim Keenan, Jerome Ryan, Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, and All Deceased Friends Shirley Kelly - Leo & Peg Kelly Pat & Wally Knepper - Charles Kotch & Family - Irene & George Kotch, Barbara Kotch, McWilliams Family Members, & Ghul Family Members Jack & Vicky Kozic - Edward & Florence Kozic, Hazel Hall, Frank & Mildred Russell, and Helen Haracik Dick & Jo Leavenworth - Gail Lutz - Lutz & Vrabel Family M/M Richard Lynch - Ann LaMarca Major - Gary LeMarca, Jimmy Horner, & Sandy Rapano Dick & Mary K. Manjerovic - The Manjerovic, Blashill & Parkinson Family Bill & Mary Lou Martin - The Martin & Purtell Families Phyllis McNamara - John C. McNamara Pauline Miller - Carl Miller, Mildred Condon, George & Mary Miller, & Carol Jones Pat & Kathy Mordovancey Family - John & Anne Pollock and Joseph & Rita Mordovancey Theresa & Bill Noldy - John & Sophie Glenn, Rudolph & Berenice Noldy, John & Pat Glenn, & Frank Padula Cathy O’Reilly - M/M Larry O’Reilly - Grausgruber, O’Reilly, Giannone, & Evans Families Anthony & Mary Palombaro - Michael Mason, Jimmy Mason, & Carlo Palombaro Dora & Frank Pawlowski - Julie Perlick - Frank Perlick Rosalynd Perlick - Frank Perlick & Carl Spencer Bill & Barb Pichette - Albert & Margaret Pichette and Charles & Julia Borsavage Andy Potocek - Joe Purr - Wanda Purr, Frank Zernone, Deceased Family, and Deceased Friends Jerry & Karen Purtell - The Brion & Waldrep Families Debbie Purtell - Rose Conboy and Mae Conboy Hedi Randall - Charles Randall and Jonathan Randall Margaret Reed - Reichlen Family - Aaron Reichlen and Paul Shaffer Paul Schuler - Paul G. Schuler, Mary I. Schuler, and Katherine M. Schuler Mary Shaughnessy - Jim & Peg Shaughnessy, Chip Barnum, and the Shaughnessy & Buckley Families M/M Williams Stewart - Keron & Marie Cavanaugh and Dolores Hickey Martha Strojny - Leo Harris James J. Taylor - Anne M. Taylor & Susan Miller Tims Family - John Collins Mary Warner - Ralph & Gram Jeff & Rosanne Williams - Joan Williams and Mary Ellen Flaherty Griffin Ann Zalepa - Mrs. Anna Phillips Donald & Patricia Zaleski - Our Parents

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS