Reverend James Rodia, O. Praem.

ST. RICHARD PARISH PHILADELPHIA, PA

The Epiphany of the Lord

SUNDAY January 3rd

8:00 Antonio & Candida Sofia req. by the Sofia family

10:00 HOLY SPIRIT Dominick Iacaruso requested by

wife, Bernice

11:30 Larry LaBella requested by wife, Anna and family

MONDAY January 4th

8:00 Carmen Ziccardi Bequest od Gerald J. Ziccardi

TUESDAY January 5th

8:00 Angelina Buonadonna requested by children

WEDNESDAY January 6th

8:00 Peter Barattini requested by wife

THURSDAY January 7th

8:00 Frank Stea, Sr requested by wife Dolores

FRIDAY January 8th

8:00 Joseph J. D’Ambrosio requested by

Tom & Florence McGettigan

SATURDAY January 9th

8:00 Jim Oakes requested by daughter, Marie Claire

4:30pm Mr. & Mrs. William Cibotti req. by daughter, Anna

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our SANCTUARY CANDLE will be burning this week

In Thanksgiving to St. Anthony and St. Pio for favors

received.

VOTIVE CANDLES

IMO Caqrmen Salmieri and family requested by family

IHO St. Anthony

IHO St. Pio ILM Larry LaBella requested by wife, Anna and family

IMO Edith Scairato req. by Anna LaBella and family

IMO Dec’d members of the Donnelly Family requested

by Dick & Mary Donnelly

IMO Frances Coccia requested by wife, Connie

FROM MY HOUSE

TO YOURS

Dear Parishioners,

Happy New Year! It is difficult for most Christians to wrap their

minds around the thought that every person is a child

of God. If the Spirit of God's Son is in our hearts, this

means that we are all sons and daughters of God,

members of God's family. This truth changes the way

we look at people and treat them. With the Spirit of

God's Son in us, we are challenged to see every person

as a sacred dwelling place of God. When we encounter

another person we must remember that we are encoun-

tering God. If we approached every person with this

understanding, we would be more respectful and car-

ing in our interactions with others. We would be more

accepting, less critical and judgmental of others.

When Mary accepted the invitation to be the

Mother of God, she also accepted God’s plan to make

every person an adopted son and daughter. It is hard to

imagine that we are part of a cosmic family made up of

people from all over the world and all walks of life.

We need to think about Mary, the Mother of God,

about her trust, openness, and courage in accepting

God's plan. We are the adopted sons and daughters of

God. It is time for us to open our hearts, to trust, and to

be courageous enough to live in peace and love with

all people.

I pray and hope that this year will be a blessed

one for you and your family. As with all those new

year resolutions we make and begin this week, maybe

we can add another one on to the list: how about invit-

ing someone to come back to church. I know that it

may seem like a huge request, but what a great oppor-

tunity to invite someone to begin this year by inviting

the Lord back into their life as well as coming to pray

with us as a parish family each Sunday. Here’s a little

prayer to help you begin this year as a prayerful one:

The Epiphany of the Lord January 3, 2016

Continued

Prayer for the New Year O God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises,

thank you for the gift of a new year. May it be a time

of grace for me, a time to grow in faith and love, a

time to renew my commitment to following Your Son,

Jesus. May it be a year of blessing for me, a time to

cherish my family and friends, a time to renew my ef-

forts at work, a time to embrace my faith more

fully. Walk with me, please, in every day and every

hour of this new year, that the light of Christ might

shine through me, in spite of my weaknesses and fail-

ings. Above all, may I remember this year that I am a

pilgrim on the sacred path to You.

Amen

Also this weekend, the church celebrates the

Epiphany of the Lord. In commemoration of the visit

of the Magi to the home of the Holy Family, there

arose the custom of blessing homes during the week of

Epiphany.

The blessing includes marking the first initials

of the legendary names of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior

and Balthasar) at the top of the main door frame, along

with the year, plus crosses in between the numbers and

the letters. This year it would look like this:

20+C+M+B+16

The home of a Christian is a holy place ~ a

place with Christian symbols and a place where

prayers are said. On this feast of the Epiphany,

whether you live alone or with a family, pray a bless-

ing on the place you call home. Here’s one to help

you:

Be my shelter, Lord, when I am at home,

my companion when I am away, and my welcome

guest when I return.

And at last receive me into the dwelling place

you have prepared for me in your Father’s house,

where you live forever and ever.

Amen.

May the peace and blessings which only God

can give, bless you and your loved ones this New

Year!

God Love Ya!

Fr. Reilly

Confirmation News

Confirmation Prep Session 2 Jan. 9, 2016

9-11:15 a.m. in School Hall

(Children only)

“Lord, ev’ry nation on earth will adore you.”

Psalm 72

Today, we celebrate the feast of Epiphany. This

Feast concludes the Church’s twelve days of Christ-

mas, that began with the Birth of the Son of God.

The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the universal-

ity of our faith. By following the bright star in the

sky, the three Kings, coming from different areas

with different skin colors, followed the light and jour-

neyed to find the newborn king. Although they came

in splendor and brought riches with them as gifts to

the newborn baby, they soon realized that the child

they saw was more mighty than any king.

We are called to follow the light of Christ

from the moment we are Baptized. Our Baptismal

Candle is lighted from the Paschal Candle also

known as the Christ Candle. We become the hands,

feet, hearts and voices of Christ on earth. Our gift to

Jesus, the Messiah, is to be the best Catholic we

can be and to use all of our God given talents to

create a better world and truly adore the Son of

God and King of Peace

As we continue in this Year of Mercy, let us

strive to practice Corporal and Spiritual Works of

Mercy and do everything we can to build up the

community with acts of kindness and compassion

thus combating the evil of violence that is perme-

ating our society.

• Where do you begin your

search for the King of Kings? Whom do you ask for directions? How might the search change your life?

• When people ask where

to find Jesus, how do you respond?

The Epiphany of the Lord January 3, 2016

Holy Year of Mercy December 8, 2015-November 20, 2016

“Be bearers of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galations 5:22 !

The fruits of the Holy Spirit are based on the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians. Though Paul identifies nine fruits,

over time the Church added three more fruits of the Holy Spirit to the list ( goodness, modesty, chastity.)

What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

We often hear the expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” The fruits of the Holy Spirit are behaviors or atti-

tudes which help us to respond to every day situations and witness to God’s grace working within us. They are signs

to others that we are believers and depend on the Holy Spirit to live a faithful Christian life.

Every year, Holy Mother Church designates January 1st

as the World Day of PEACE. Blessed Pope Paul VI pro-

posed the first World Day of PEACE in 1968. As Jesus

calls all believers to be bearers of God’s PEACE in the

Beatitudes, Blessed Pope Paul “launched the idea” for

the entire world to be united spiritually on the first day

of the New Year and pray for PEACE which promotes

“a more happy, ordered and civilized” home for all. He

wrote: “The world must be educated to love PEACE, to

build it up and defend it.”

The World Day of PEACE also coincides with the So-

lemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Who better than Mary, the Queen of PEACE, to ask her

son to take away the knots of the lives of her spiritual

children and replace them with God’s PEACE.

Pope Francis has declared the 2016 theme as “Overcome

Indifference and Win PEACE.” Indifference, especially

during this Holy Year of Mercy, cannot be tolerated as it

leads to persecution, intolerance and failure to recognize

the God-given rights of every human person.

Throughout the New Year, let us pray for PEACE,

which is beyond all understanding, for our world, our

families, our school community and ourselves.

What is PEACE? It is more than a slogan or the ceasing

of earthly battles. PEACE is a gift from God. Jesus reveals

its nature to the apostles on the night before his crucifix-

ion: “PEACE I leave with you; my PEACE I give to you;

not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart

be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 16:33)

St. Paul instructs us that PEACE is a fruit or the Holy

Spirit, working within us. By walking and rejoicing daily

in God’s ways, our hearts and minds become free from

anxiety and guarded with a PEACE which “surpasses all

understanding.” We become apostles of kindness, secure

in the knowledge that true PEACE and happiness await us

in heaven. (Philippians 4:4-17)

Prayer for Peace

Mary, Queen of PEACE,

we entrust our lives to you.

Shelter us from war, hatred, and oppression.

Teach us to live in peace,

to educate ourselves for peace.

Inspire us to act justly,

to revere all God has made.

Root peace firmly in our hearts

and in our world.

Amen. (St. John Paul II)

Peacefulness is being calm inside. You are practicing peacefulness when you �

• Create inner peace with daily reflection or prayer, • Use peaceful language even when you are angry, • Speak gently and respectfully, • Avoid harming anyone, • Appreciate differences, • Find peaceful solutions to every problem..

Information obtained from Immaculata ABC notes online through Arch of Phila Catechetical Formation

AbbeyFest Night of Worship Saint Gabe’s at 7:30 PM

Friday, January 8, 2016

Join us for a night of joyous and intense worship and adora-

tion in Saint Gabriel Church, (29th & Dickinson) led by

FireHill Worship Music Ministry. FireHill leads the wor-

ship at the monthly Festival of Praise at Saint Norbert Par-

ish and was one of the groups that performed on the Park-

way before the Pope’s Mass. Plan on coming and be sure to

invite your family and friends. Young adults especially will

find this experience very uplifting.

Pre-Cana Classes

In preparation for the sacrament of Marriage, Pre-

Cana classes are required for all couples. You must

register in advance for this class. For registration

and more information visit

www.philamarriageprep.com .

Pre-Jordan Classes

In preparation for Baptism Pre-Jordan classes are

held the third Monday of the month at 7:00 pm in the

Church. The parents of the child are required to at-

tend the class; godparents are also welcome but not

required to attend.

Please call the rectory to make arrangements for the

Baptism and to attend the class. After you have at-

tended the class and acquired certificates of eligibil-

ity for your godparents, you may then call the rectory

for an appointment to book the date of your choos-

ing. The next scheduled class is :

January 18, 2016

February 15, 2016

Cardiology

Consultants

of Philadelphia

CARDIOLOGY CONSULTANTS

OF PHILADELPHIA

1703 S. Broad Street215-463-5333

Pasquale M. Procacci, M.D.Mark F. Victor, M.D.

Veronica A. Covalesky, M.D.Dean G. Karalis, M.D.

Santosh Gupta - Bala, M.D.Salvatore P. Girardo, M.D.

Barry A. Bravette, M.D.

1809 - 13 Oregon Avenue215-389-3890

Pasquale F. Nestico, M.D.

1809 - 13 Oregon Ave.2nd Flr.

215-465-3435Howard Rosner, D.O.

FRANK R. LAMANTIA, Supervisor

2501 S. Camac St. (215) 468-1200

FRANK R. LAMANTIA, Supervisor

2501 S. Camac St. (215) 468-1200

Free Implant Consultations

Free Periodontal Evaluation (Gum Evaluation)

2546 S. Broad St. • Philadelphia, PA 19145

215.463.6677www.periodontalconsultants.com

1820 West Moyamensing Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19145

Phone: (215) 462-1095 • Fax: (215) 462-7090

Hours: Mon.Fri.: 6:30am-7pm

Sat. & Sun. 8:00am-5:00pm

www.TNhomemadekitchen.com

TN Homemade Kitchen

@tnhomemadekitch

Mingroni’s Rhino Roo"ng !"#$$%&'" !"()*)&'" !"(+)&',)&' 2335 So. 12th Street Phila, Pa 19148

Frank 215-462-4476

Fax 215-551-3956

2531 - 35 S. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19148

215.462.0992

Samuel J. Monti

Founder - Supervisor

Mark J. Rago

Funeral Director

Nicholas A. DiValentino

!"#$%&'()*)+&,

Agent Michael DeCarlo

Home • Life • Auto

215-772-0100www.mikedecarlo.com

ST. RICHARDS, PHILADELPHIA, PA 04-0941 NOVEMBER 17, 2015 8:56 AM

Packer Park Court & Annex

Oregon Court & Arms

19th & Hartranft St.19th & Oregon Ave.

Spacious apartment homes

available for rent.

FREE parking, FREE StorageAMC Delancey Property

Management

215-627-8282mgt@amcdmanagement.com

Joseph F. RuffenachFuneral Home

Steven J. Ruffenach F.D

(215) 389-08762101 S. 21st Street • Philadelphia, PA 19145

21st Street & Snyder Avenue

VINCENT GANGEMI FUNERAL HOME, INC.Founded 1937

Vincent C. Gangemi Jr., Supv. • Vincent Gangemi, Founder

James L. Guercio, Dir.

2232-40 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145

215-467-3838 • www.gangemifuneralhome.net

Member FDIC

Savings • Checking • Mortgage • Home Equity

215-755-1500 • www.prudentialsavingsbank.com

GRASSOFuneral Home & Cremation Services

Raymond E. Grasso • Buddy DoughertyFuneral Directors

GrassoFuneralHome.net 215.462.2889

P&S Ravioli Co.Italian Deli

1722 Oregon Avenue, Phila., PA 19145

215-339-9929CALL AHEAD TO ORDER

918 03

“We take pride in making your meals more enjoyable for over 37 years!”~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Featuring ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Pasta, Hoagies, Chicken Cutlets, Hot Roast Beef, Hot Roast Pork, Party Trays,

Pasta Salads, Lunch Meats, Fresh Cheeses, Fresh Bread, Fresh Mozzarella, BroccoliRabe, Pepper Shooters, Roasted Peppers, Mixed Olives AND SO MUCH MORE...!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We also carry seasonal items during the holidays! Stop by... give us a try!Mon. thru Fri. 8:30 am to 7 pm + Saturday 9 am to 7 pm + Sunday 9 am to 3 pm

“Need a gift sent somewhere? We Ship Anywhere!”Check out our website at www.psravioli.com

We now have gift cards in any denomination...along with gift baskets and other gift ideas

$1.00 OFF any $10.00 Purchase with this ad.

STOLFO FUNERAL HOME

2536-38 South Broad Street

(215) 334-7376

Paul C. Stolfo, Dir. • Marianne Stolfo, Dir.Pre-Arrangement & Trust Specialist

800.888.4574 ext. 3429KBuck@4LPi.com

For Advertising Information, call

KATHY BUCK at LPi today!

TROAST-SINGLEY INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC

Auto • Home • Business • Life

JOHN MILLER 2700 S. 18th St.,

Philadelphia, PA

19145-4703 215-339-0333 • Fax: 215-339-5303 john@troast-singleyagency.com

yyPhiladelphia Heart

Asif I. Hussain, MDConsultant in Cardiovascular Medicine

1332 W. Ritner Street,Philadelphia, PA 19148

267-319-1939

Mazzotta and Carabello Family Medicine

Dr. Frank Mazzotta

Dr. Rita Carabello

Porter Office1339 W. Porter Street

Philadelphia, PA 19148Phone: 215-551-3325

Fax: 215-551-9979

Jackson Office2201 So. 3rd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19148Phone: 215-550-1799

Fax: 215-550-0152

NOVEMBER 17, 2015 8:56 AMFOR AD INFO CALL 1-800-888-4574 © LITURGICAL PUBLICATIONS INC. ST. RICHARDS, PHILADELPHIA, PA 04-0941 NOVEMBER 17, 2015 8:56 AM