SEVEN SORROWS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MIDDLETOWN, PENNSYLVANIA 17057 December 9, 2018

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Knights of Columbus Magnet Sale, Narthex 2:00 PM Parish Penance Service 10:30 AM Nursery Available, Church Basement Monday, December 10, 2018 6:00 PM Legion of Mary, Cry Room

6:30 PM School Christmas Concert Tuesday, December 11, 2018

6:30 PM Cub Scouts, Cafeteria

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

6:30 PM Religious Education Classes Thursday, December 13, 2018

6:30 PM RCIA, Library 7:00 PM Choir Practice Friday, December 14, 2018

Saturday, December 15, 2018

CCW Christmas Cookie Bake Sale, Narthex Sunday, December 16, 2018 CCW Christmas Cookie Bake Sale, Narthex 10:30 AM Nursery Available, Church Basement

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

Mon Dec 10 Is 35: 1-10 Lk 5: 17-26

Tue Dec 11 Is 40: 1-11 Mt 18: 12-14

Wed Dec 12 Zec 2: 14-17 Lk 1: 39-47

Thu Dec 13 Is 41: 13-20 Mt 11: 11-15

Fri Dec 14 Is 48: 17-19 Mt 11: 16-19

Sat Dec 15 Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11 Mt 17: 9, 10-13

Sun Dec 16 Zep 3: 14-18 Lk 3: 10-18

Sunday, December 9, 2018– Second Sunday of 8:00 AM +Marie Boyd Advent 10:30 AM Our Parish Family

6:00 PM +Deborah “Precious” Palermo

Monday, December 10, 2018– School Mass 8:30 AM +John Diffendall

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 8:00 AM +Dorothy Viola

Wednesday, December 12, 2018– Our Lady of 8:00 AM +Carol Tringali Guadalupe

Thursday, December 13, 2018– St. Lucy 8:00 AM +Joseph Gusler 8:30 AM-6:00PM Adoration 4:30-6:00 PM Confessions Friday, December 14, 2018 8:00 AM +Rachael Hughes

Saturday, December 15, 2018 8:00 AM +Rose Rinaldo 5:30 PM +Nancy Kosheba Sunday, December 16, 2018–Third Sunday of Advent 8:00 AM +Mary Lane 10:30 AM +Andrew Shivetts

6:00 PM Our Parish Family

Missal Readings for December 8th & 9th- Pg. 35

OPENING HYMN~ #61 PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS~ #41

COMMUNION HYMN~ #607 RECESSIONAL HYMN~ #473

Mass Intentions

Parish Life

8th Grade Poinsettia Pick Up Poinsettias will be available for pickup on

December 14th at the School between 3:30 and 5:30

They will also be available after all masses the weekend of December 15th and 16th

“There are two things the devil is deadly afraid of: fervent Communions and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament — Saint John Bosco

A Holy Hour with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Thursday, 13th & 20th. Confessions will be heard from 4:30PM-6:00PM. Father Ted will be available to hear confessions during Adoration from 4:30PM-7:00PM on December 20th. During this time with our Lord, pray for conversions, for those who are away from the church & sacraments, the sick and lonely, our youth, our family, the unborn, our Holy Father and for all priests and religious. Use your rosary to pray slowly and thoughtfully. One of the best gifts we can give ourselves is time alone with God!

2nd Candle- (purple)

The Bethlehem Candle or The Candle of Preparation– God kept his promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Preparation

means to “get ready.” Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD! (Luke 3: 4-6)

Interfaith Council Food Bank Drive January 12th & 13th

These items are needed:

Syrup & pancake mix, canned tuna, canned soups and broth, canned vegetables & fruit, jello, pudding, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, canned tomato products (diced, stewed, crushed), cans of chili, beef stew, spaghettios, ravioli, condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayo and pickles, boxes of cereal, soap bars, toilet paper and other paper products.

Thank you in advance for your donation!

SEVEN SORROWS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MIDDLETOWN, PENNSYLVANIA 17057 December 9, 2018

This Advent, Lord, come to the manger of heart. Fill me with Your presence from the very start. Remind me of the gift You gave when You sent Your Son from Heaven. The first Christmas gift, it was the greatest gift ever. You came as a baby born in a manger. Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree. Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me. Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth, When He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth. Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night. And angels announced, “Into your darkness, God brings His Light.” “Do not be afraid,” they said, to shepherds in the field. Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield. Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to Your call. Setting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all. Clear my mind of countless concerns and all the holiday noise. Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush. In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush. This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart. Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part. Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence each day. Keep me close to You, Lord, It’s in Your wonderful Name I pray. Renee Swope, “The Manger of My Heart” from Proverbs 31 Ministries

Men of Seven Sorrows BVM: WHEREVER YOU ARE IN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE. CHRIST WANTS TO ENCOUNTER YOU RIGHT THERE, AND TAKE YOU EVEN FURTHER.

THAT MAN IS YOU. Come and join us for coffee, donuts and fellowship on Saturday mornings in the school cafeteria. If interested in becoming a part of TMIY contact Matt Sheaffer at sheaf418@comcast.net. or call 717-319-9065 to register.

WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!!!!

40 OZ /48 OZ JARS JIFF CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER

1,200 jars needed for the 2019 Season. We collect all the way up to Holy Week!

TOTAL DONATED TO DATE:

410 Jars

Over the years, your donations have contributed to approximately $24,000 of our overall profit.

THANK YOU!!!

Perohi, Kielbasa & Nut Roll Sales– St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church parish will be selling Perohi, and smoked Kielbasa this fall. Sales will December 12th from 11:30AM-1:30PM & Saturday, December 8th from 9AM-12Noon as a part of a Christmas Bake Sale. These will be held in

the Parish Hall, 5408 Locust Lane, Hbg. The homemade nut rolls will be sold only on December 8th and we will have walnut, poppy seed or apricot filling for $10. The perohi will be sold frozen by the dozen for $6. Flavors include potato & cheese, farmer cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, prune and apple. Smoked Kielbasa will also be for sale by the ring or in sticks for $7. Visit www.stannbyz.org or call 717-652-0545. All sales are first come, first served.

The Beautiful Symbolism of the Advent Wreath Advent wreaths are a popular Christian tradition with roots that date back to 16th-century Germany. In the past century it has spread to many places around the world, especially in North America. They are seen both in churches and in homes and are an excellent way to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. The Advent wreath has its own special symbolism that is not often known, but has great spiritual power. Here are some of the primary symbols embedded into the Advent wreath tradition.

Wreath The wreath itself is typically a circle of branches from an evergreen tree. This primarily symbolizes eternity, as the circle has no beginning or end. It can also symbolize God’s unending love for us.

Light The candles themselves symbolize the light of Christ, which grows brighter as the feast of Christmas draws near.

Violet and Rose Candles Three of the four candles are traditionally violet in color, corresponding to the liturgical color used in Catholic churches. This symbolizes penance, prayer and sacrifice, while also reminding us of Christ’s kingship. The rose color is one of joy that signals the upcoming conclusion of the Advent season.

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love

In other traditions it is common to see each candle representing a different spiritual theme. This is most often described in the sequence of hope, peace, joy and love. Philip Kosloski/Nov. 29, 2018 THE EPIPHANY ITALIAN MASS

Sunday, January 6, 2019 at 12:15 PM

NOTE NEW TIME & LOCATION

Saint Patrick Cathedral 212 State Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101 Father Joshua Brommer, Celebrant

Special thanks to: Rev. Joshua R. Brommer, Chaplain for the Italian Apostolate Ministry, Mario Billow of Daily Funeral Home & The Italian Apostolate Ministry Committee will provide a reception after Mass.

For more information please contact:

Mariella Amato at 717-278-9420 or Maria DiSanto at 717-554-5698/ disanto1@comcast.net

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

MINISTER, LECTOR, ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

December 15th & 16th

5:30PM C.Larry, S.Spadone, R,Goles, D.Stoudt, P.Sweigart

8:00AM L.Bell, R.McNulty, D.McNulty, K.Warnagaris, L.Fortunato 10:30AM M.Spear, D.Spear, K.Shreiner, R.Angelucci, P. Fraley

LECTORS:

5:30PM L. Breisch

8:00AM K. Orfanelli 10:30AM F. Shreiner

ALTAR SERVERS

5:30PM C. Farber, M. Farber, M. Heagy, A. Larry 8:00AM L. Carnes, P. Carnes, A. Corradi, A. Bell

10:30AM A. Cleland, M. Flaig, J. Kearney, J. Spears

Mary Ellen Dunlap, Marcia Harney, Linda Hartzell, Diane Matas, Heather Nelson, Marlene Cole,

Carolyn Sullivan, Pat Donofrio, Ramona Stenger

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Offertory income for the week ending:

12/01-12/02- $23,477.00

ROSARY OF SEVEN SORROWS LEADER SCHEDULE

December 15th & 16th 5:30 PM V. Varankar 8:00 AM L. Fortunato

10:30 AM L. Braasch

SCRIP VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

December 15th & 16th

5:30 PM C. Garber 8:00 AM D. Carson

10:30 AM E. Kemmerling

COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN NEWS

SCRIP TIP OF THE WEEK

Let us...remember Peter: three times he denied Jesus, precisely when he should have been closet to him; and when he hits bottom he meets the gaze of Jesus who patiently, wordlessly, says to him: “Peter, don’t be afraid of your weakness, trust in Me.” Peter understands, he feels the loving gaze of Jesus and he weeps. How beautiful is this gaze of Jesus—how much tenderness is there! Brothers and sisters, let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God! —Pope Francis (Homily on Divine Mercy, April 7, 2013)

GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERS THIS WEEK

December 15th & 16th~ CCW Christmas Cookie Sale, before & after all Masses. Please donate your best Christmas Cookie!

Parishioners please put your member # on your checks to be properly credited. Thank you!

Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg Night with the Hershey Bears– Celebrate Catholic Schools’ Week with the Hershey Bears Hockey Team vs. Laval Rockets at the Giant Center in Hershey on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 7:00PM. This fun-filled action packed night at the Giant Center is open to all and is a great way to celebrate Catholic Schools! Discounted tickets are available for $16.00 each for all ages, from the regular admission price of $25.00. Deadline to order is Friday, January 18th. For more information see order form or contact Jdise@HersheyPA.com.

If you’re thinking of signing up for Presto Pay to order cards directly to your phone, here’s the enrollment code: ELL299D51L54

BAPTISM CLASS The NEXT baptism class will be held on THURSDAY, JANUARY 24TH at 6:30PM in the Rectory Meeting Room. All first time parents and those who have not attended a class within the last three years are required to attend. Call

the parish office at 717-944-3133 to register for the class.

The Advent Wreath

Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son.

The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.

Prison Ministry– Volunteers are needed for communion services and catechesis at Dauphin County Prison– particularly on Saturday afternoons, but also on other days. Extraordinary Ministers and catechists are needed, as well as volunteers who can pray the rosary and assist with services or just visit with inmates at Chapel Talks. If you wish more information, you may also attend a Volunteers meeting and supper, courtesy of St. Francis Parish which is scheduled for Tuesday, December 11th beginning at 6:00PM at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hall, 1439 Market Street, Harrisburg. Contact Deacon Jim Doyle at 717-343-1102 or email OLBSDEACON@gmail.com if interested and available for this rewarding ministry—a true work of Mercy.

PRAYER: RESPECT OF THE AGED

I want to live, Father, and yet I do not look forward to that day when I will be looked upon as old...to that day when I must give myself over to others...to others’ priorities, to others’ values, to others’ lives. I’d not wish this for myself so I ask you to make me sensitive, responsive to those whose lives are no longer their own. Make me interested in them, in their problems, in their concerns, in their needs, in their hopes. Help me to open my life to give them a sense of value, of belonging, of counting as they surely do to You. Amen

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FAMILY CONNECTION

Second Sunday of Advent (Violet) Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 1-6

Greetings, John preaches repentance and baptizes in the region of the Jordan. During the season of Advent, we choose to add many

activities to our family’s schedule to prepare for celebration of Christmas. John the Baptist reminds us that our repentance is another way in which we can prepare for the Lord’s coming and our celebration of Christmas. Parish communities often offer a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Advent season. Your family might choose to participate in the communal celebration of the sacrament, or you might seek out this sacrament on an individual basis. Read together today’s Gospel, Luke 3: 1-6. Talk about how John the Baptist called upon the people to prepare the way of the Lord through repentance. Together as a family, prepare a simple reconciliation service in preparation for Christmas. Gather in a prayerful space, perhaps around the family Advent wreath. Read again from today’s Gospel, Luke 3: 1-6. Invite each family member to pray silently, asking God to forgive his or her sins. Pray together the Act of Contrition. Then celebrate God’s forgiveness by sharing the sign of peace with one another. (Source “Sunday Connection” Loyola Press) Reminders: “Quilt” Squares due December 12th. Christmas Break-December 26th– Classes resume on January 2nd. All MCA boxes due.

Pax Christi, Ray

CONFIRMATION NEWS

HELP US SPREAD THE FRUITS & GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE DIOCESE

8th graders (enrolled at Seven Sorrows & Religious Education) are required to complete Confirmation Service

Hours. If you, a neighbor or relative need tasks done around the house please consider these students! Please don’t hesitate to contact us to see if we can fill the need. Requests will be considered on an individual basis, dependent on individual’s needs and student/staff availability. Please note, students have until Wednesday, April 3rd to complete their Service Hours! Molly Lahr

Confirmation Coordinator (ignite@ssbvm.org)/717-856-6840 “Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love”-St. Mother Teresa

Save the Date– Hear Bill Donaghy as the keynote speaker at the Holy Family Radio Benefit Dinner, Friday, March 1st at the Sheraton Hbg/Hershey Hotel. He will speak on “The Art of Being Human: Rediscovering the Gift of Life and Human Love”. Plan now to hear this dynamic Catholic speaker and support our only local Catholic voice on the radio. Bill is a Senior Lecturer with the Theology of the Body Institute and has worked in the missions, evangelization and education for nearly 25 years. www.720whyf.com

When moving, please don’t forget to include the rectory on you list when notifying everyone of your new address and phone number. A quick phone call or email to the rectory is very much appreciated and greatly assists us in getting mailings and envelopes to your new home. Name changes should be reported as well. Thank you for your help!