THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF OAKMONT, PLUM & VERONA

www.opvcatholic.org The only official website for our parishes.

School sites can also be accessed from this website.

CLERGY

Group Email: office@opvcatholic.org

Rev. Kevin G. Poecking Priest Administrator

Rev. George Dalton Senior Parochial Vicar

Rev. David DeWitt Senior Parochial Vicar

Rev. Frederick Gruber Parish Chaplain

Deacon Joseph Vannucci

Deacon Timothy Noca

Weekend Mass Times

Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM St. Irenaeus 4:00 PM St. John the Baptist 5:30 PM St. Joseph 6:00 PM Our Lady of Joy

Sunday: 8:00 AM Our Lady of Joy 8:30 AM St Joseph 9:00 AM St. John the Baptist 10:00 AM Our Lady of Joy 11:00 AM St. Januarius 11:00 AM St. Irenaeus 11:30 AM St. John the Baptist 6:00 PM St. John the Baptist

Confessions: Monday 6:00-6:20 PM St . Januarius Wednesday 6:00-6:20 PM St. Irenaeus Saturday 9:30-10:00 AM St. John the Baptist - Or By Appointment -

St. Irenaeus, Oakmont St. Januarius, St. John the Baptist, Plum

St. Joseph, Verona, Our Lady of Joy, Plum

DECEMBER 1, 2019

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Beau Quattrone Principal St. John the Baptist / St. Joseph Catholic Schools

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Gospel reading today is, of course, appropriate for the first Sunday in Advent. It clearly falls in the category of being a discussion for the return of Christ and the events that will accompany that return. As always, God reveals just enough about the future to give us hope, but not so much that we do not have to live and walk faithfully each and every day. We have assurance about the things hoped for, and belief about the things not yet seen, but what we do not have is a timetable in the Scriptures, nor would that have been helpful to us anyway. “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” This presents us with Je-sus telling his disciples that neither angels, nor ordinary hu-man beings, nor even he himself, know the timing of His Re-turn. Only the Father knows such things as is written in the Gospel, “So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

With that being said, we are getting ready for our Advent services and we will continue them as usual at St. John the Baptist school and I would like to start a new tradition at St. Joseph school. The students will assemble in the cafeteria to prepare for an Advent service with the 8th grade students leading the prayer during this time. This will be taking place at both schools and should not take away too much instructional time. To me, this is something important to offer to the students at both schools because “Advent” means the coming of Jesus into the world. I feel we need to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Unfortunately, we will not be able to complete all four Sundays for the Advent prayers, but we will pray what we can before the students leave for Christmas break. They will leave for break with an understanding of what the Christmas season is really about.

Also, our annual Breakfast with Santa will be offered again this year at St. John the Baptist School on Sunday December 9th. The breakfast will be from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and they will be serving my favorite, French toast sticks. Come out

and enjoy a fun family morning, bring your camera because I heard Santa will be making a stop. This is an all OPV Community Building Event. I hope to see you there! As the Gospel states, we do not know if we have a short time or a long time to live; much less do we know the time fixed for our judgment. Our Lord's coming will be wonderful to those that will be found ready, but those that are not ready, it will not be as joyous. “Therefore, you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.” Our preparation has to do with spiritual awakening rather than physical. The people who live as Jesus has taught, will not be threatened by Jesus’ sudden appearance. Instead, the coming of Jesus will be very satisfying.

God Bless, Beau Quattrone, Principal St. John the Baptist/St. Joseph Catholic Schools

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SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

READING I I S 2:1-5

This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come, the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: "Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths." For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced because they said to me, "We will go up to the house of the LORD." And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May those who love you prosper! May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Because of my brothers and friends I will say, "Peace be within you!" Because of the house of the LORD, our God, I will pray for your good.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

READING 2 ROM 13:11-14

Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

R. Alleluia, alleluia. CF. P S 85:8

Show us Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia. GOSPEL MT 24:37-44

Jesus said to his disciples: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

7 Medios espirituales para recibir a Cristo en la Navidad (primera parte)

El sacerdote, escritor y funcionario de la Secretaría de Estado del Vaticano, Mons. Florian Kolfhaus, compartió siete medios espirituales prepararse y recibir a Cristo en Navidad.

1. Empezar la jornada con Dios: Levantarse unos 10 minutos antes de lo habitual permite tener un tiempo para Dios y empezar bien la jornada. Una oración personal, una breve lectura de las Escrituras, el rezo del Rosario, entre otros, pueden ayudar.

2. Ayunar en Adviento: Si bien las cuatro semanas previas a la Navidad tienen un carácter “más alegre” se debe esperar hasta el cumpleaños de Jesús para celebrar en la cena navideña.

Este sacrificio, además de tener un valor espiritual, genera más gusto y expectativa por la Navidad.

3. Un tiempo de silencio: El sacerdote sugiere tener una hora de silencio todos los días de Adviento. Sin radio, teléfono, televisión, ni música de fondo, sino utilizar el tiempo para momentos de oración y reflexión.

Si se siente inquietud o preocupación, hay que dejar que el Mesías entre en el corazón. La paz externa y silencio interior limpia casi automáticamente el alma.

4. Obsequiar desde el corazón: “¿Por qué no dar una alegría a alguien por cada día de Adviento?”, se pregunta el P. Kolfhaus.

Todos los días se puede obsequiar un pequeño regalo, carta o i magen. Pero es bueno tener un plan previo: obsequiar quizás una fotografía en blanco y negro a un familiar, juguetes de mis hijos para un sobrino, las chaquetas de invierno para un hogar de niños huérfanos o hacer galletas para una casa de ancianos.

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OPV MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS

DATE TIME CH PRIEST INTENTION/REQUESTER

SATURDAY 11/30 (VIGIL) 4:00 p.m. SJB DALTON Leo Iannacchione (Bernie & Ross Hull)

First Sunday of Advent 4:00 p.m. STI POECKING Joseph Schiffgens (Rich Capozzi)

5:30 p.m. SJV SHIMMEL, E. Bonnie Conway (Elain Diez)

6:00 p.m. OLOJ DEWITT Philomena Palmieri (Maria Dalessio)

SUNDAY 12/1 8:00 a.m. OLOJ DALTON Rose Hribik (Gary & Yolanda Cypher)

First Sunday of Advent 8:30 a.m. SJV POECKING Mandie Aubele (Mom, Dad, and Christopher)

9:00 a.m. SJB BENEDICTINE Antonio Sciulli (Amerina)

10:00 a.m. OLOJ DEWITT Living and Deceased of Float & Hrabelowski Families (Family)

11:00 a.m. SJAN BENEDICTINE Rose M. Yaklick (Family)

11:00 a.m. STI DALTON Carole DiGioia (Husband & Children)

11:30 a.m. SJB DEWITT Mickey Horvat (Deacon Tim & Lisa Noca)

6:00 p.m. SJB POECKING Living & Deceased of the Parishes

MONDAY - Weekday 12/2 9:00 a.m. STI DALTON Carmella Bencivenga (Barbara Alcorn)

6:30 p.m. SJAN POECKING Christine Beilstein (Konop Family)

TUESDAY - Weekday 12/3 7:30 a.m. SJV DEWITT Ralph Ritter (Pat Fischer)

9:00 a.m. OLOJ POECKING Casimir Kucharczyk (Marie & John Fischer)

WEDNESDAY - Weekday 12/4 9:00 a.m. SJB DALTON Joanne & Guy Taglieri (Rose & Family) Ted & Betty Hoolahan (Rege)

6:30 p.m. STI POECKING Robert Morsey (Jeff & Elaine Tishko)

THURSDAY - Weekday 12/5 7:30 a.m. OLOJ DEWITT Liz Bachtel (John M. Gazda)

12:00 p.m. SJV POECKING Philomena Palmieri (Bill & Debbie Lang)

FRIDAY– Weekday 12/6 7:30 a.m. SJB DALTON Alex DiFrank (Rich & Judy Young)

9:00 a.m. OLOJ DEWITT Mary Ellen Bodnar (Dave & Noreen Saville)

NOON STI POECKING Deceased Members of Dinnin Family (Tom & Francie Dinnin)

SATURDAY 12/7 9:00 a.m. SJB POECKING Speranza & Albano Frollo (Family)

SATURDAY 12/7 (VIGIL) 4:00 p.m. SJB POECKING Carmella Krupper (Daughter, Joann)

Second Sunday of Advent 4:00 p.m. STI DEWITT Siciliano Family (Jim & Ginger Siciliano)

5:30 p.m. SJV DALTON Marc Hazur (Sparacino Family)

6:00 p.m. OLOJ POECKING Rose Hribik (Jeff & MaryAnn Weisz)

SUNDAY 12/8 8:00 a.m. OLOJ POECKING Joe & Debbie Nese & Family (Rockett Family)

Second Sunday of Advent 8:30 a.m. SJV DEWITT Don Yarros (Dee Capezzuto)

9:00 a.m. SJB DALTON Living & Deceased Members of the Parishes

10:00 a.m. OLOJ BENEDICTINE Jean Nolan (Steve & Patty Mahr)

11:00 a.m. SJAN POECKING Rita Thomas (Peggy & John LaBella)

11:00 a.m. STI DEWITT Keenan James Sullivan (Casey & Kyle Reynolds)

11:30 a.m. SJB BENEDICTINE Leo Iannacchione (Lou & Barb Ragghianti & Family) Kathy Harrington (Deacon Tim & Lisa Noca)

6:00 p.m. SJB DALTON Nate Ferraco (Ferraco Family)

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The St. Irenaeus FALL/HOLIDAY Flea Market

Halloween, Autumn and Christmas Decorations,

Clothing and Accessories, Household Items,

Furniture, and Much More!

Donations may be dropped off when the flea market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and

Saturdays or call Elaine at 412-828-8515

to make other arrangements

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Tuesdays 10:00 - 4:00 Thursday 10:00 - 5:00

Saturday 9:00 - 2:00

CLOSED THANKSGIVING Last day is December 14th!

(Until next Spring)

St. Januarius: Offertory: $2,664.00 PSP: $257.00 St. Irenaeus: Offertory: $5,273.00 PSP: $206.00 St. John the Baptist: Offertory: $9,239.00 PSP: $2,504.00 St. Joseph: Offertory: $3,365.00 PSP: $127.00 Our Lady of Joy: Offertory: $6,410.00 PSP: $2,034.00 TOTALS : Offertory: $26,951.00 PSP: $5,128.00

OPV CATHOLIC FINANCIAL REPORT 11/17/19

This weekend marks the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical

year. As we celebrate throughout Advent our anticipation of Christ coming

again into our lives, we are also anticipating the merger of our parishes into the reality of one new parish. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, let us continue to prepare for the

coming merger, by strengthening the bonds of unity among our parishes, praying for those in leadership, dedicating ourselves to accept the mission of Christ to be missionary disciples of his Gospel of divine

love. Our parish family is our way of the future. Let us anticipate it with joy and hope.

(No reservations needed)

Breakfast Menu *French Toast Sticks * Sausage * Hash Browns*

* Fruit* & *Beverage * Adults: $6.00 Children: $5.00

Bring Your Camera —Take your picture with Santa! Make Christmas Crafts (Additional Cost)

Sunday, December 8th - 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Located at St. John The Baptist School

418 Unity Center Road, Plum 412-793-0555

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MINISTRY AT OPV CATHOLIC

BAPTISM MINISTRY IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS

The OPV Catholic Baptism Ministry is looking for new volunteers to assist in a variety of areas. We are seeking volunteers at each parish to serve as Baptism Hosts. A Baptism Host attends a baptism and assists in greeting the family attending, as well as assists the priest or deacon in gathering materials. Baptisms typically always follow the latest Sunday morning Mass at each parish and only last about thirty minutes. With enough volunteers, you would only have to serve every other month and only if there is a scheduled baptism.

As we become one parish, it is essential to integrate the many and varied traditions of the five individual parishes in a cohesive, meaningful expression of our union that can be practiced in all of the Church buildings. This applies to various practices, in particular, the White Garment Ministry. The expression of the Baptismal white garment has been varied among our parishes. In order to be receptive to the input of others, a meeting will be schedule in the near future.

If you have any questions or if you would be interested in volunteering as a Baptism Host , please contact Steph Williams by calling the Religious Education Office 412-793-4511 or email reled@opvcatholic.org.

Senior's -- Let's Celebrate

Join us for our annual luncheon at Pugliano's on Golden Mile Highway in Plum on December 3 at 12:30 p.m. Price per

person is $20 and includes lunch, beverage, and dessert (and of course you just may win a prize!) Call early to reserve

space as we have a private room booked and reservations will end once room capacity is met.

Contact Irene at 724-733-8146 or Email sos@opvcatholic.org.

The event is sponsored by the social activities area of SOS (Serving Our Seniors) Ministry.

SAM – Substance Addiction Ministry

The next Substance Addiction Ministry Rosary for Recovery will be Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at St. Coleman Church, 100 Tri Boro Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145. We will meet at 7:00 p.m. for the Rosary followed by an informal gathering for all who are afflicted or affected by addiction. It will be a safe, confidential place for people to seek education, referral and support. For more information please contact Noreen at 412-296-1709.

REMEMBERING ALL SOULS

During the month of November, the books of the deceased from our parishes from the past year were displayed in

the front of church.

Lord, grant eternal rest to the souls of the dearly

departed

VOTIVE CANDLES—Correction

Votive candles at STI are $4.00. SJAN, SJB and SJV will maintain or be increased to $3.00 / candle. The electronic votive candles at OLOJ will remain at $1.00. Some OLOJ members have requested returning to wax

candles. Please send us a note to the parish office or collection basket or an email to office@opvcatholic.org if you would like to maintain the electronic or prefer the wax Votives. Wax candles last about 7 days.

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Sign Up for Flocknote Announcements

Questions?

Contact Kristin Consuegra, Coordinator of Youth Ministry at

youth@opvcatholic.org

JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY

Text ‘OPVJYM’ to 84576 for Junior Youth Ministry Text ‘OPVSYM’ to 84576 for Senior Youth Ministry

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Sanctuary Lamp and Altar Candles

We are accepting donations for the Sanctuary Lamp ($10) a week. We will announce in the bulletin in whose memory those candles will be lit. If you are interested, send in an envelope marked “Sanctuary Lamp” and

the week you would like to remember your loved one, or call the office at 412-795-3388.

ST. IRENAEUS PARISH NEWS

387 Maryland Avenue

Oakmont, PA 15139

412-828-3065

Office Hours

Reminder: St. Irenaeus Office is open Mondays and Fridays from 8 AM to Noon. Mass Intentions are available by

calling or stopping in the office during those hours. This can also be done at St. Joseph Parish office Mondays from 1 PM - 4 PM

and Tuesday through Thursday 8 AM - 4 PM.

ST. JANUARIUS PARISH NEWS

1450 Renton Road Pittsburgh, PA 15239

412-793-4439

Overeaters Anonymous

Contact Dee for more information at 724-339-3617.

All meetings are held every Tuesday at 7:00 pm in the Church Hall

All are welcome to attend the meeting!

MASS INTENTIONS

Mass Intentions are available by calling Joyce Doyle at St. Joseph Parish office (412-795-5114)

Mondays from 1 PM - 4 PM and Tuesday through Thursday 8 AM - 4 PM or by stopping in the rectory at St. Joe’s during

those hours. You can also email her at: office@opvcatholic.org

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH NEWS

444 Saint John Street Pittsburgh, PA 15239

412-793-4511

Advent Wreath Candle for Dec 1– Dec. 7

The Sanctuary Candle burns this week for Andy Nowicki By Carmen

NEW ITEMS IN OUR AUGUSTINE INSTITUTE KIOSK

The kiosk is currently located in the Church. The stock will be replenished when the need arises. Kindly donate $5 each for the books, or make checks payable to SJB parish.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: Prayer Time

This book contains a collection of Catholic Prayers, stressing the importance of sound family life and that requires families to pray together.

MASS INTENTIONS

Mass Intentions are available by calling Joyce Doyle at St. Joseph Parish office (412-795-5114)

Mondays from 1 PM - 4 PM and Tuesday thru Thursday 8 AM - 4 PM or by stopping in the

rectory at St. Joe’s during those hours. You can also email her at: office@opvcatholic.org

Sanctuary Candle for

Dec. 1 - Dec. 7

The Sanctuary Candle burns this week

for Anna Wehner & Tim Wehner By Ron Wehner

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ST. JOSEPH PARISH NEWS

825 Second Avenue Verona, PA 15147

412-795-5114

2000 O’Block Road Pittsburgh, PA 15239

412-795-3388

OUR LADY OF JOY PARISH NEWS

Sunday: Is 2:1-5/ Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 1]/Rom 13:11-14/Mt 24:37-44 Monday: Is 4:2-6/Ps122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9/Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 [cf. 7]/Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 [6cd]/Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118: 1 and 8-9. 19-21, 25-27a [26a]/Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 [1a]/Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8

Next Sunday: Is 11:1-10/ Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 19 [cf. 7]/Rom 15:4-9/Mt 3:1-12

SCRIPTURES FOR DECEMBER 1—DECEMBER 8

SCRIPTURES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHRISTMAS DECORATING

Volunteers are needed to help decorate Our Lady of Joy for Christmas on

Saturday, December 21st at 9:00 AM. Please reach out to Brienne May at

bkmetzgar@gmail.com with any questions.

Liturgical Ministers (Dec. 7—Dec. 8)

Cantors: 5:30 PM 8:30 AM

Money Counters: M. Forbeck, J. Maisto, D. Testa

ST. LUCY’S WHEAT Packets of wheat seeds will be available at the church entrances after all Masses at Our Lady

of Joy on December 7 and 8. Each family is encouraged to take a packet of seeds home and

plant them in a small container on December 13, the Feast of St. Lucy. Instructions are in the

packet. The wheat will be several inches high at Christmas and can be placed with your

creche as a reminder of Christ, the new life born in Bethlehem.

Welcome Our Newly Baptized!

Emmy Nicole Gustavson—SJAN Madeline Rose Erbelding—SJAN

Arabella Penelope Palombo—SJB Aria Claire Churilla—SJB

Kennedy Eleanor Yotz—SJB

SANCTUARY CANDLE

If you would like to have the sanctuary candle burned in

memory of a loved one, please contact Karen Deemer

at 412-793-4511 or by email at bulletin@opvcatholic.org.

Candles are $10.00 per week and your

dedication will be included in this bulletin.

Volunteers Needed

St. Joseph Church is still looking for volunteers to help clean inside the church. If you are available for a couple hours each week for this valuable service, please contact the parish office for details.

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The Catholic Schools of Oakmont, Plum, & Verona

~Preschool-8th Grade~ Middle States Accreditation

~Highly Qualified Teachers~

(No reservations needed)

Breakfast Menu *French Toast Sticks * Sausage * Hash Browns*

* Fruit* & *Beverage * Adults: $6.00 Children: $5.00

Bring Your Camera —Take your picture with Santa! Make Christmas Crafts (Additional Cost)

Located at St. John The Baptist School

418 Unity Center Road, Plum 412-793-0555

Sunday, December 8th - 9:00 a.m. - 11:30

~St. Joe’s~

Mrs. MacCamy’s 7th and 8th Grade ELA class completed RAFT Project Presentations as

alternatives to book reports.

The 4th and 5th graders from St. Joseph School and St. John the Baptist School experienced the Pittsburgh Symphony during a

combined field trip to Pittsburgh. What an awesome experience! They ended their field trip with a stop at McDonald’s.

~St. John’s~

8th Grade students visited their Kindergarten Mass buddies in

Ms. Butterfield’s class and shared what they were thankful for. They created a “Thankful

Hearts” activity together.

~St. John’s~

Students in Second Grade explored the oceans and continents.

~St. Joe’s~ CONGRATULATIONS TO Mrs. O’Connor and

Mrs. MacCamy for completing their Google training. They are now “Google Certified Educators.”

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.

Drawing at ST. JANUARIUS ON Monday, December 16th

(After the REGULAR 6:30 pM Mass)

$5,000 Cash Sweepstakes

(3) First Prizes: $1,000 each

(4) Second Prizes: $500 each

(Winner does NOT need to be present)

Tickets are $2.00 each...or get two FREE chances,

by returning all 12 tickets for ONLY $20.00. Thanks for your support!!!

1st Annual OPV Catholic Parishes

Profits will be shared EQUALLY by all (5) Churches!

Return your tickets by Sunday, December 15th. Place them in the collection basket, Drop them in the mail, or bring them directly to any Parish Office. Checks Payable to: Any Parish in the OPV Grouping, please note “Christmas Raffle” in Memo of Check.

CHRISTMAS DAY HELP NEEDED - SOS

For the past four (4) years the SOS (Serving Our Seniors) Ministry at Our Lady of Joy has conducted a Christmas Brunch on Christmas Day from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The main purpose of the Christmas Brunch is to provide a meal for those struggling financially, the elderly, the homeless, anyone living alone and basically anyone who may want to come and not eat alone on Christmas Day. The Brunch is open to both Parishioners and non-parishioners. Each year we serve about 200 meals along with an additional 200 meals that we send home with attendees plus dozens of Christmas cookies donated by parishioners.

This will be the first year that this will be an OPV Christmas Brunch. We are in need of volunteers to assist us on Christmas Day. We will need help preparing take-out meals, serving, welcoming and greet-ing, hall setup, cleanup, parking, home deliveries, etc. Each year we have received an overwhelming response from parishioners to volunteer for the Brunch. Due to this response we have scheduled one (1) hour shifts in order to provide everyone with the opportunity to volunteer at the Brunch.

Please sign up to volunteer via Rotunda Volunteer if your schedule permits. Hope to hear from you and Merry Christmas! Sal Altomare 412-780-6929 . Bill Molyneaux 412-215-0560.

~Monthly Raffles and Bingo~ Benefits St. Joseph School

Join us for Bingo on December 14th

@ St. Joseph School Cafeteria Doors open @ 6pm Early Birds 6:30pm

Regular games 7:00pm $25

Purchase Monthly Lottery Tickets $10 each (Stop by the rectory)

~Chance to win every day based on evening drawing of Pick 3 PA Lottery Numbers~

January tickets ON SALE during December

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Help Us Help Others

OPV ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE AND CONFECTION SALE – sponsored by the Ladies of Charity! Avoid the holiday lines …… Pre-order your scrumptious homemade cookies EARLY … and SAVE !!!!! Reminder– you’ll need to get your order in before December 8th to get the discount. Pre-Order Forms are available in the vestibule at St. John the Baptist Church or in the bulletin.

OPV Cookie Bakers Help Us Help Others! Your homemade cookies and baked goods can be dropped off at St. John the Baptist Church in the St. Elizabeth Room:

Friday, 12/13 between 1:00 & 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, 12/14 before 10:00 a.m.

Thank you and see you there!

December 14 & 15 Saturday 4:00—6:00 PM and Sunday 8:30—2:00 PM

Help Us Help Others OPV ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE & CONFECTION SALE

Sponsored by Ladies of Charity

Cookie Pre-Order Form Orders must be returned to the St. John the Baptist Church Office or placed in

the collection basket by Sunday December 8th to get your discount. Name: _________________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________________

Type # Dozen SPECIAL

Pre-Order Price

Pre-Order Amount

Total

Assorted Cookies 1 1/2 $5.00

Assorted Cookies 3 $10.00

Total Amount Due

Cash or Checks (payable to the Ladies of Charity) Thank you for your order!

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Support St. Joseph School and Join Us for Bingo Every Second

Saturday of the Month Doors open @ 6:00pm

Early Birds @ 6:30pm Regular Games @

7:00pm

Join Us On December 14th

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OPV CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY CORNER

Praying for Our Sick Please pray for all those in our parish

grouping who are in need, especially the sick at home, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the unemployed, those who have lost a loved one and those who feel isolated or abandoned.

In particular, we ask you to pray for: David Baker, Randy Barker, Jackson Beck, Paul Bell, George Benson, Dorothy Boldy, Betty Bosnich, Cecilia Condon, Dorothy Concilio, Phyllis Cosnotti, Patricia Coto, Jim Cunningham, Paul Dannhardt, Guy DeCarlo, Phil Derry, Audrey D’Incau, Mary Denholm, Irene DePellegrin, Alexander DeRiso, Sonny DeRiso, John Dominic, Natalie Evans, Alice Falkowski, Michael Fanzo, Gino & Blanche Fedel, Lois & Don Funk, Dave Gartner,

Mary Lou Gartner, George Gerneth, Paula Gent, Fritz Gimbel, Barb Goettler, Bill Gould, Marian Grasinger, Judy Gratz, Bill Griffith III, Virginia Grilli, Pat & Jean

Guerrierro, Matt Gunsallus, Joe H., Julie H., Carol Harrity, Alice Havics, Mary K. Heinz, MaryLou Heiser, Mary Henry, Rosemarie Hranica, Russ Hull, Angela P. Jackson, Tia K.,Mr. Phil Karl, Sandy Keller, Bob Kelly, Doris Kennedy, Claire Kleckner, Jacob Knighton, Ursula Koontz, Mary Ann Kralovic, Eleanor Kuhn, Richard L., Josephine Labriola, Theresa Lasher, Debbie Lawrence & Family, Mary Ann Leone, Shirley Leras, Erica Letters, Margaret Mary Lisotto, James Majernik, Kimberly Manuppelli, Violet Marney, Jack Martz, Farah Marshal, Brian Marquis, Richard Martin, Louis Martin, Dolores Matthews, Michael Marx, Ruth Marx, Lee Mazur, Laura McAleer, John McGovern, Tim McKee, Tom Medved, George E. Mesher,

Rosemary Meuser, Ray Milleman, Bart Miller, David Miller, Mary Miller, Sally Miller, Susan Miller, Dolores Minster, Michael Monfredi, Patsy Montanaro, Dominic Mollica, Dorothy Morrissey, Yvonne Mosco, Gene Mowry, Gloria Mulholland, Colomba Musico, Kenneth Myers, Lois Myers, Melissa N., Sandy Novak, Dorothy O’Donnell, Frank A. Opice, Rene Olean, Ross Orgera, Jimmy Painter, Edna Parillo, Frank Parillo, John L. Parillo, Michael Payne, Janice Pfeifer, Phyllis Pierce, Dee Pivik, Jonathan Plake, F.L. & J.L. Pro, J.R. Pro, Bernie Proch, Zita Pushkar, Gia Regan, Paxton Renk, Jo Ann Rusnak, Christine Russo, Melinda S., Camillo Sciulli, George Scribe, Marge Scribe, Dolores Sciullo, Janet Sendek, Jane Seibel, Mary C. Sneider, Chris Sparacino, Mary Ann Stadler, Colleen Strahler, William Stezoski, Rose Tamburro, Don Tappe, Janet Terlizzi, Peggy Tomes, John Truxal, Marge Tuite, William Volzer, Rita Vucic, Laure W., George Walcutt, Elaine Wertz, Mary Whitaker, Loretta Williams, , Tom Woods, Amy Worthington, Paul Zanella, Barbara Zimmers, Betty Zimmers, and Angie Zucco.

We will keep your loved one on our OPV Prayer List for 3 months. After that time, if you would still like your loved one to

be on the list, just call your parish office and make a request.

We ask those who have requested a prayer, to please give us an update call when

your loved one is better.

DEVOTIONS AND ROSARIES IN OUR GROUPING Rosary & Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena with Devotions

Every Wednesday after 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. John the Baptist 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Thursdays: Rosary, Divine Mercy Prayer Group, Intercessory Prayer, Adoration, Our Lady of Joy

St. Anthony Novena Every Monday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Januarius

St. Jude Novena Every first Monday after the 6:30 p.m. Mass at St. Januarius

Morning Prayer After 9:00 a.m. Mass on Tuesdays & Fridays and after 7:30 on Thursdays at Our Lady of Joy

Rosary Before Mass Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at Our Lady of Joy

Mondays & Wednesdays in Advent & October at 6:00 p.m. at St. Irenaeus & St. Januarius

Rosary for the Deceased After the 8:30 a.m. Mass every second Sunday of the month at St. Joseph

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament First Fridays:

8:00 a.m. Friday to Saturdays 8:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist 9:35 a.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena at Our Lady of Joy

Seven Sisters Apostolate A group of seven women pray for 1 hour before the Blessed Sacrament on a selected day for each priest in our grouping.

See page 6 of this bulletin for Living Rosary

Opportunities.

17

OPV PARISH STAFFS/DIRECTORIES

OPV CATHOLIC PARISH STAFF/DIRECTORY

Parish Office ………..……..……………………………………………….…….....….……..…..….412-793-4511 Parish Fax …………...………...……….…...………..……...…………………...…………......…...412-793-4311 General Office & Oakmont/Verona Parish Accounting, Joyce Doyle………..…...………..….office@opvcatholic.org Safe Environment Coordinator, Barb Pronio……………...….…...…..……………..…. safe@opvcatholic.org Plum Parish Accounting, Patty Mahr…….………………..………….….……..…...accounts@opvcatholic.org Bulletin Editor / Facilities, Karen Deemer..…...…………………..…....……..……...bulletin@opvcatholic.org Ministry Scheduler, Rita Gurganus...…………………………….……..…….…......schedule@opvcatholic.org SOS Ministry, Sal Altomare..……………………………………...…..………......…..……sos@opvcatholic.org

OPV CATHOLIC SCHOOLS STAFF/DIRECTORY

“Beau” Quattrone, School Principal.....................................................................principal@opvcatholic.org St. John the Baptist School & Preschool Office…………………..…………………..…….412-793-0555 Jeanne Loebig, Vice Principal…………...……………..……………………….…….……...loebig@sjtbcs.org

St. Joseph School & Preschool Office: .……………………………………………………...412-828-7213 Tina Bucci, Vice Principal:……………..………………….….…………... .stjosephelementary@comcast.net St. Irenaeus Preschool Office:…...……………….……………...…………...…….……412-828-3065 X103

All Clergy are listed on the cover page. Additional OPV Staff are listed below:

Mr. David Hall, Business Manager………………………………………………….business@opvcatholic.org Sr. Lynn Miller, Social Ministry ………………………………………………….....…….psm@opvcatholic.org Mrs. Stephanie Williams, Faith Formation Director………………...………………...reled@opvcatholic.org Mrs. Kristin Consuegra, Coordinator of Youth Ministry……………...……………...youth@opvcatholic.org Mr. Silvio Garcia, Young Adult Minister………………………………………….youngadult@opvcatholic.org Mr. Ronald Donatelli, Christian Initiation………………………………………….……..rcia@opvcatholic.org Ms. Brit Meli, Communication and Technology Manager…………………communication@opvcatholic.org

OLOJ Parish Mission Statement Our Lady of Joy Parish is a Catholic community of faith dedicated to Mary, the cause of our joy. We are centered in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Eucharist. We are a welcoming family, striving to see Christ in all and responding to the needs of the members of our parish and community. Called to act in faith, hope and love we seek to become a visible presence of Christ in the world. Our Lady of Joy, pray for us!

SJV Parish Mission Statement St. Joseph Parish is a faith community, rich in history and strong in its Catholic tradition since 1866. Through the grace of the Eucharist and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to building up the Body of Christ through a strong spiritual life, education in the faith and service to our parish and community. St. Joseph, pray for us!

SJAN Parish Mission Statement St. Januarius is a Roman Catholic community of faith focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We are grateful to those who have built up St. Januarius to be a welcoming, active, and spiritual parish. With the Eucharist and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we strive to use the gifts and talents given to us by the Father to support the lives of parishioners at all age levels and stages of life. We also pledge to live our lives so that through our words and actions all may feel the presence of Jesus Christ in the world today. St. Januarius, pray for us!

SJB Parish Mission Statement Saint John the Baptist Parish is located in Plum Borough, Pennsylvania and is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. As a faith community, we strive to imitate our patron Saint John the Baptist who led others to Christ. We are committed to keeping our faith alive and growing through prayer, sacraments, faith formation and service. Through evangelization and stewardship we encourage full and active participation of all members. We hope to reflect the life and love of Christ by strengthening the faith of our parishioners while reaching out to all God’s people.

Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!

STI Parish Mission Statement The Faith Community of St. Irenaeus strives for knowledge, service, and faith through our patron’s guidance and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. With love, worship, and solidarity, we are building God’s Kingdom in our families and communities. Nourished by Word and Sacrament, we give ourselves to Christ and His Church for the greater glory of God our Father.

“The proper glory of God is man fully alive.” ~St. Irenaeus