December 27th, 2015 * Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

ST. MONICA PRAYED AND WEPT WITH HOPE FOR

THE CONVERSION OF HER HUSBAND AND SON FOR 30 YEARS!

St. Monica Parish was founded in 2013 by Bishop David

Zubik. The clergy and people of four parishes, representing

eight previous parishes, bravely accepted the call of the

Bishop to cooperate as people of faith in the power of the

Holy Spirit to Build a Church that is Alive! Christ has

asked this parish to be born so that the Faith may continue

to be proclaimed and lived in the upper Beaver Valley. The

Holy Eucharist has been praised and adored in this area

since 1854. St. Monica Parish with the assistance of our

Patroness, and her son St. Augustine, will continue to

spread the Catholic faith and to be the light of Christ to all

that we meet.

www.saintmonica.us Father Kim J. Schreck

Pastor of St. Monica

Father John Naugle

Parochial Vicar

Deacon Harry DeNome

ONE PARISH WITH THREE CAMPUSES

Chippewa: 116 Thorndale Drive

(Christ the Divine Teacher) (Chippewa Twp.)

Beaver Falls

College Hill: 6th Ave.

(St. Philomena) Beaver Falls

Darlington: 3357 Constitution Blvd.

(St. Rose of Lima) Darlington

ST. JOSEPH ADORATION CHAPEL

Chippewa Campus—adorationservants.org

CONTACT US:

Office located at Chippewa Campus

(724) 846-7540

Fax: (724) 846-3819

office@saintmonica.us

St. Monica Catholic Academy:

724-846-5955

office@saintmonicaacademy.org

St. Mary Cemetery: 724-843-4704 _______________________________

Diocesan victim assistance hotline:

1-888-808-1235

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday

7:30am Mass.....................................Chippewa 9:00am Mass.....................................Chippewa 10:45am Mass.................................. Chippewa 12:30pm Mass...................................Chippewa

Monday -Tuesday -Thursday-Friday

8:00am Confessions/ Adoration..…...Chippewa 9:00am Mass.....................................Chippewa

Wednesday

6:00pm Confessions/ Adoration.........Chippewa 7:00pm Mass......................................Chippewa

Saturday

4:00pm Mass..................................... Chippewa 5:00pm Confessions………………….Chippewa 6:00pm Mass......................................Chippewa

DEVOTION HOURS

St. Rose & St. Philomena will be churches of Devotion: SAINT PHILOMENA: Tuesday 11am-2pm

(use entrance at top of rear parking lot ramp)

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA: Saturday 9am-12pm

To Schedule a Baptism, Wedding, or Funeral please contact the office for information and

policy procedures.

ST. MONICA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH A Continuous Catholic Presence Since 1854

Page One

Lord's Peace Saint Monica parish, A continued Merry Christmas and Blessed Feast of the Holy Family! Christmas reminds us that our faith revolves around the truth of a miracle. The miracle of God becoming a man, born into a human family. A God who choose to be born into the most humble of families and the most meager of means. It is to en-counter this miracle that we renew our faith each Sunday at Mass and with particular solemnity that we rever-ence this mystery at Christmas. The miracle of Christ's birth situates us as Catholics within the glitter of the Christmas season. I invite you this Christmas break to encounter this miracle as a time of renewal by inviting the baby Jesus more into your homes and family lives. Here are some possible ideas: make some time each day as a family during the Christmas season to read the nativity narrative from the Gospel of Luke 1-2, take time each day to pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, spend a few minutes reading the daily magnificent reflection, make a visit to a local nursing home or volunteer at one of our community food banks, make a family pilgrim-age to Pittsburgh to see the Vatican creche at the U.S. Steel Building. A continued beautiful Christmas season to you and your family from Fr. Naugle and I, and all of the Saint Monica staff. We priests are grateful for your support and generosity.

Peace of Christ,

Fr. Kim J. Schreck

For the ride home

Imagine for a moment what it would be like to win a million dollars. What would be the first thing you would do? Who would you call? What would you buy? How much would you give to the church....yes to the church? Tithing is defined as giving one tenth of annual produce or earnings, formerly taken as a tax for the support of the church and clergy. Is this important to do? What about the gifts and tal-ents you have been given by God? What is your greatest talent? How can you use it during this new year for the honor and glory of God? AMDG: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop

condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be

given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into

your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

Luke 6:36-38

Gospel: Feast of the Holy Family LK 2:41-52

Page Two

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

RCIA NEWS

PARISH NEWS

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Classes for Religious Education Grades 1-6 are held at Saint Monica Catholic Academy from 9:00am-10:15am. If you

have any questions, contact Heather at educa-tion@saintmonica.us. Please note: there will be no classes

this Sunday, December 27th and January 3rd for

Christmas Break. Classes resume on January 10, 2016.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

Please pray for the individuals who are currently attending RCIA on Sunday mornings. For information about RCIA at

Saint Monica Parish, please email rcia@saintmonica.us, call the Parish office at 724-846-7540 x-23, or visit our web-

page on the Parish website at www.saintmonica.us/

Religious Education/Become a Catholic (RCIA).

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Fellow Parishioners: Our new playground has been installed and I would again like to thank everyone who had anything to do with this project, from buying and selling tickets to get-ting your hands dirty helping to build it. We cannot do any of this without you. Father Schreck comically told the students it was finished just in time for winter! As we approach the second half of our 126th school year, I am humbled with how supportive and generous everyone has been for these 126 years and in the words of Father Schreck, “The miracle continues.” It has been the most impressive of accomplishments to be going so strong after 126 years! We owe very much to the Angel Fund Committee and their commitment to Catholic edu-cation. Since 1989, these devoted people have selflessly raised funds to be distributed to our families who other-wise would not be able to afford a Catholic education for their children. It has been inspiring to be able to boast that Catholic education is still alive and well and avail-able in Beaver Falls, PA, for anyone who chooses it for their children. Financial Aid, thanks to the Angel Fund Committee, is still in place, helping all who need it. Since 1989, monies have been awarded to every single family that has applied. No one has been turned away yet. Please consider your parish school for your children and grandchildren. We are only a phone call away ready to answer any questions that you may have. Both primary Christmas program and the Glory of Christ-mas were well attended and enjoyed by all involved. The Band and Steel Pans Ensemble performed a beautiful Christmas concert that was impressive for only being in school for four months. We are very proud of all our stu-dents and they all aspired to give you the best they are capable of giving. We cannot thank all of you enough for your support and generosity. Over these more than 125 years the students who have graduated from our school have been nothing but a source of pride to us. Thank you everyone for your part in helping these young peo-ple experience the gift of a Catholic education. As always, I thank you for your continued support of your parish school and God Bless, Mr. Brad Diamond, Principal

YOUTH GROUP

There will be No Youth Group this Sunday evening, December 27th. Join us next Sunday for a fun evening,

bring a friend or two!! We wish Victoria and Gabby luck on their move, we will miss them!

REST IN PEACE

Please remember Regina Karczewski and Richard Joseph Chiappetta in your prayers who was buried this past week.

May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

PILGRIM MADONNA The Pilgrim Madonna will be at the home of Rich & Janet

Pavlinch (724-462-5792) this week and at the home of Patty Pavlinch (724-846-7315) the week of January 3rd-9th.

MASS INTENTIONS 2016

Parishioners are able to request Mass Intentions for 2016.

2 intentions per family (1 weekday & 1 weekend).

B-I-N-G-O Please note there will be no bingo on December 31st due

to the “Holiday Break”. Bingo will resume January 7,

2016.

MARCH FOR LIFE The parish is taking a bus to the Annual March for Life on

January 22nd, 2016. Bus is leaving at 6am and return around 10:30pm. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus and

St. Monica Holy Name Society the cost is $25 per person

which includes snacks on the bus and a metro ticket. Call the parish office for more details, 724-846-7540 ext 6.

Spaces are very limited, first come first serve. Money is due at time of reservation.

Page Three

ADORATION AND CONFESSION CHANGES

Please note that there will be no Adoration and Confessions before Daily Masses on Monday, December 28th and

Tuesday, December 29th and Wednesday, December 30th. Normal schedule will resume the following week.

THE LEGION OF MARY The Legion of Mary is an international lay aposto-

late, composed of men and women seeking to serve the parish and community through the Spiritual Works of Mercy

(i.e., religious education, visiting the homebound and im-prisoned, friendly evangelization, etc.) and to grow in devo-

tion to Jesus through Mary. We are welcoming new Active

(able to attend weekly meetings and complete assigned work) and Auxiliary (offering daily prayer support for the

Legion) members. Please feel free to join us for a meeting Tuesday evenings at 7 pm in St. Joseph’s room or

contact Ann at 412-401-6056 aschmalstieg@gmail.com.

SAINT MONICA’S WOMEN ALIVE IN PRAYER

Come, join Saint Monica’s Women Alive in Prayer. There is power and enjoyment in women discussing the Bible read-

ings and homily from the previous Mass. We learn about Jesus, we share different books and authors. We pray for

each other and others. If you have a need or a problem,

bring it to the group. Or get to know a woman in the group and talk to her after the meeting. We meet the 1st & 3rd

Mondays of the month at 7pm in St. Joseph’s Room.

CATHOLIC MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The Catholic Men’s Fellowship will be meeting the first and third Sundays at 9am in St. Joseph’s Room.

BIBLE STUDY MEN’S GROUP

Will meet in St. Mary’s Room, Chippewa the second and

fourth Saturday’s each month beginning at 7:15am. We will be discussing The Joy of the Gospel.

FRIENDS FOR JESUS

The Friends For Jesus Group is in the process of organizing small groups to share reflection and prayer using the

"Magnificat Companion" for the Year of Mercy which began

on December 8th. Times and dates will be determined from the responses received. If you are interested in being a part

of one of the groups call the office at 724-846-7540 ext. 5 or email charity@saintmonica.us. Call us, join us, make a

Friend For Jesus! Help someone appreciate God's great

mercy.

LADIES OF THE PARISH Having a rough time coming up with a gift for your father,

husband, brother, significant other? How about giving them

an opportunity to get away, relax and strengthen their faith: give them a weekend with Catholic brothers and fel-

low Parishioners at this springs 2016 Men's Retreat- March 11 - 13th. at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat

Center. Contact Dennis Garrett for info. (724-827-2350) or pick-up a pamphlet on the way going in or out of Church.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MEETINGS

The Beaver Valley Council 604 of the Knights of Colum-bus meets for their monthly Planning meeting on the

2nd Monday each month at 7pm and on the 4th Mon-day of each month for dinner at 6pm and the Rosary

at 6:30pm followed by the meeting at 7pm. Both meetings

are held in the first classroom of Founders Hall. We invite all men of the Parish to join. Like our New Facebook

page by searching Knights of Columbus 604 to keep up with all of the latest news about our Council.

ROSARY CENACLE

A Rosary Cenacle is held every Monday at 9:30am at the

request of the Blessed Mother. God wants her to have this power, but she requests our prayers to assist her. All mem-

bers are invited.

ST JOSEPH ADORATION CHAPEL

By being faithful to our Holy Hour, and letting nothing inter-fere with it, we use it as the sign and symbol of our victim-hood with Christ. (Archbishop Fulton Sheen) During this year of Mercy won’t you consider committing to an hour each

week at the Adoration Chapel? Currently, there is a need for adorers at 10am Saturday, 9pm on Thursday and 11pm on

Thursday. In addition, we are trying to fill each hour with at

least 2 adorers. The time spent adoring our dear Lord is pre-cious. Visit the Saint Joseph Adoration Chapel link on the

parish site at www.saintmonica.us. The Chapel is open con-tinuously from Sunday 1:30pm through Saturday at

4pm. Info. can be found at www.saintmonica.us under the

Adoration headings.

FOR THE RIDE HOME ANSWERS The answers to last two weeks questions are:

What day is Mary’s Birthday? The Blessed Mother's birthday

is September 8th. The second door opened is? The second door that was opened was that of Saint John Lateran and in

the Cathedrals of the world.

BLESSED TERESA OF CALCUTTA Mass times for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day:

December 31st Vigil Mass 5pm and New Year Day Mass is at 11am.

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS / NEWS

ST. MONICA PARISH Holy Day Schedule

Mary, Holy Mother of God

Thursday, December 31st-Vigil 4pm Mass *Please note there will be no 9am Daily Mass this day.

Friday, January 1st, 2016 12pm Mass and 7pm Mass *Please note there will be no 9am Daily Mass this day.

Page Four COMMUNITY NEWS

BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASSES

Baptism Preparation Classes will be held on the first Sat-urdays of each month at 11am at the Chippewa Site,

by Deacon Harry DeNome. Please call the parish office to set up all baptisms and register for the class.

ASCA – ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE It is a long road of recovery for those suffering from

wounds associated with child abuse and neglect. All adults wishing to heal from their past are welcome to attend a

free, supportive, and confidential group meeting each Thursday from 7:30-9pm in Mary’s Room. For more

info., email ascabeaver@gmail.com or call 724-462-8180.

There will be no meetings until January 7th, if you need anything in the meantime, please contact the number

or email above.

GENEVA COLLEGE OUTREACH

Catholic at Geneva College is an outreach to the Catholic student population at Geneva from St. Monica Parish. It

exists to help Catholic students grow and develop in their Catholic Faith as they encounter the questions that will in-

evitably arise while attending an evangelical Protestant in-stitution. Ann Schmalstieg is the facilitator of this group.

Meetings are held every Wednesday night from 8-

9pm at the Beaver Falls Coffee & Tea Company (3219 4th Ave, Beaver Falls) directly across the

street from the Main Campus.

VSP - BOX TOP & LABELS FOR EDUCATION PROJECT

The VSP Box Top Project has been very successful. Each box top earns 10 cents for St. Monica’s Catholic Academy.

In addition to that project, the VSP will collect Labels for Education. Labels are on Campbell’s soups, Post cereals,

Glad storage bags, and more. The UPC must be on the

label to count. Labels earn points toward art and gym sup-plies. Please clip your box tops and labels and deposit in

boxes at Chippewa site. Thank you for your support.

CHURCH SUPPORT Offertory (12/13/15): $15,811.50

Immaculate Conception: $2,409.00

Offertory (12/20/15): *Will be posted in next week’s bulle-tin due to early bulletin deadlines.

Parish Share 2015: Paid: $138,685.00 2015 Parish Share Goal:$165,696.00

Thank you for your generosity and support!

PARISH NEWS

SAM (SUBSTANCE ADDICTION MINISTRY)

Sam is a program of the National Catholic Council on Addic-tions, an affiliate of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

This new ministry, being established in the Diocese of Pitts-burgh, is to offer hope, healing and reconciliation to both

the afflicted and affected. Sts. Peter & Paul, Beaver, is the

host parish for SAM in our Vicariate. Please join us on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm for recita-

tion of the Rosary and Mass at 7pm at Sts. Peter & Paul Church. Fellowship will follow in the school cafeteria.

JUST MY GAME

Just My Game by Jason Grilli, former Pittsburgh Pirates re-

lief pitcher, now with the Atlanta Braves, is available from Father Bill for $20.00 (the book retails for $24.95). Monies

raised will be given toward youth ministry spiritual enrich-ment and charities/individual(s) in need. For further infor-

mation call Father Bill at 724.775.4111 X234.

MARRIAGE RETROUVAILLE

Are you feeling helpless because you think your Marriage is heading downhill? Don't despair. Retrouvaille (French for

Rediscovery and pronounced Re-tro-vi) has proved an ef-fective program that is helping hurting marriages rebuild

their trust and renew their communication. For confiden-

tial information about or to register for the program begin-ning with a weekend on January 15th, please contact

Retrouvaille at 412-277-3434. More information is available at http://www.retrouvailleofpittsburghinc.org/.

WEEKEND RETREAT FOR POST-ABORTION HEALING Rachel’s Vineyard, a weekend retreat designed to heal

the emotional and spiritual wounds of abortion, will be held January 22-24, 2016 at the Spiritan Center in Bethel

Park. In a confidential and supportive atmosphere, Ra-

chel’s Vineyard demonstrates God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion to women (and men) struggling with abortion’s

aftermath. Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Pittsburgh co-sponsor this retreat. To register or for more information,

call Toni Jester at 412-352-5348 or email

toniafj1@comcast.net.

LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST

Saturday, February 6th 8:30am to 11:30am St. Paul Seminary Cardinals’ Great Hall. Youth Ministry Lead-

ers, volunteers, parents, young adult professionals, and WYD pilgrims are invited to join Bishop Zubik for a leader-

ship breakfast inspired by Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy. To

register, please visit: http://yearofmercy.eventbrite.com.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

The Parish office will be open 9am-12pm on Monday, De-cember 28th & Tuesday, December 29th. The parish office

will be closed December 30th-January 1st.

Page Five DIOCESAN NEWS

CEMETERY NEWS

ST MARY CEMETERY NEWS

The chapel at St. Mary Cemetery is open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 3:00pm. The chapel at St. Mary

Cemetery is also open most holidays. A list of holiday hours along with dates and times of current funerals is posted on

a sign located at the entrance of the chapel. Anyone wish-

ing to pray or meditate is invited to and always welcomed at the St. Mary Cemetery chapel. All cemetery flowers and decorations have been removed. Please remember that the cemetery vases are not to be used during winter months.

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, December 26th Vigil/Holy Family of Jesus, May & Joseph

4:00pm RALPH & SHORTY GRECO By Daughter

6:00pm MARY SAGE

By Ed & Rosemary Young

Sunday, December 27th

Holy Family of Jesus, May & Joseph

7:30am PRO POPULO 9:00am CAROLINE ROSENSTEEL

By Cheryl & Larry Poulin 10:45am MARY SMOLAR

By Family

12:30pm JOE VEON By Edie & Family

Monday, December 28th

9:00am JOHN JANKOWSKI By Children

Tuesday, December 29th 9:00am HENRIETTA PODBIELSKI

By Cindy Nardone

Wednesday, December 30th

7:00pm HARRY & ANNA PATTERSON By Daughters

Thursday, December 31st/Vigil

Mary, Holy Mother of God 4:00pm WILLIS ANDROLIA

By Pat Androlia

Friday, January 1st Mary, Holy Mother of God

12:00pm PRO POPULO 7:00pm ALICE ARBUSH

By Terry & Betsey Uslenghi

Saturday, January 2nd Vigil/Epiphany of the Lord

4:00pm RICHARD FETKOVICH

By St. Monica Holy Name Society 6:00pm CARMELO CANANZI

By Carol Gratteri & Family

Sunday, January 3rd Epiphany of the Lord

7:30am PRO POPULO 9:00am JOSEPH KONDRACKI

By Ray & Denise DeSanzo

10:45am MR. & MRS. MICHAEL KALCEVIC By Daughter & Children

12:30pm MARY SYLVIA CHULAK & MICHAEL EMIL CHU-LAK By Daughter

CANDLE (week of 12/27/15)

In Memory of John & Ann Donnelly & Bob Hiltz requested by Family.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Maronite Catholic Mission (Meets at our Darlington site)

*You can attend any of their Masses.

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 6:30pm

Saturday 9am & Sunday at 11am

ON MISSION FOR THE CHURCH ALIVE!

If we get too caught up in the secular celebration of Christ-mas, we may experience that day-after feeling of “is that all

there is?” There is nothing wrong with all the lights and jingle bells if we remember what we are celebrating: the

birth of Jesus. We are called to become His disciples, to

live out our faith in love and service. That is the work of formation that must go on in us every day of the year.

Make today another step in your formation as a disciple of Jesus. To read more, check out “On Mission for The

Church Alive!” on page 5 of this week’s Pittsburgh Catholic and visit www.OnMissionChurchAlive.org.

SECOND COLLECTION

There will be a second collection on Friday, January 1st for the holy day, Mary, the Holy Mother of God.