FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

NOVEMBER 30, 2014

St. Thomas of Villanova is an Augustinian Roman Catholic Community. As the Body of Christ, we share our time, talent and treasure to fulfill our Baptismal commitment. Following the example of St. Thomas of Villanova, our patron, we take as our challenge the mission of Jesus and strive to love and experience God through worship, social justice, education and evangelization.

A Note from Fr. Art…. Dear Parishioners: Today we begin another new year of the Church calendar — The First Sunday of Advent. This is the season during which we live in expectation and we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Son of God became one of us so that He might win for us the salvation which God desires. This is a time of hope and peace. The retail world is already in high gear telling us how to be ready for Christmas. Black Friday is now every day. Christmas is a time of giving, so they tell us to buy more, to give more. But is this really the type of gift that should concern us? Jesus came to give Himself to us for us. If we are to imitate Him should we not be giving ourselves to one another? The best gift that we have to give is Love. That is he gift God gave to us at Christmas, His only Son, Jesus. Rather than spend too much time shopping, we should spend time opening our minds and hearts to God and one another. Sometimes our loving presence is the best present that we can give. Let us use this time becoming more loving toward one another following Jesus command. Advent is the season for us to remember and celebrate….. 1) the birth of the Savior, 2) looking forward to His second coming and 3) we recognize that Christ is now among us present in the Sacraments and in one another. Let us prepare for Christmas by prayer and good works. Let’s keep Christ in Christmas! Fr. Art

Stewardship Thought for the Week “Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time will come.” Mark 13:33 We all take things for granted. In particular, we take time for granted. Our lives are so busy, many of us are planning our time — our days, weeks, months, even years in advance. Remember, our time on earth is a gift. None of us knows how long we will be here. Start today and begin thanking God for each and every day. Take time in silence, everyday, and listen to what God is saying to you. 1-180 St. Thomas of Villanova

Schedule of Events for the week of: November 30, 2014 Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy. Mon., Dec. 1st 12:05PM-RMCH Tues., Dec. 2nd 12:05PM-RMCH Wed., Dec. 3rd 12:05PM-RMCH Thurs., Dec. 4th 12:05PM-RMCH Fri., Dec. 5th 12:05PM-RMCH Sat., Dec. 6th. 9:00AM-RMCH 5:00PM-RMCH Sun., Dec. 7th 7:30AM-VNCH 9:00AM-RMCH 10:30AM-VNCH

Advent Weekday Deceased Members of O’Sullivan and Gibbons Families Advent Weekday Harry Wolfington & Pat Campbell Carol Wolfington & Family Saint Francis Xavier Anna Kruse - Thomas Moore Family Advent Weekday; St. John Damascene Candido Viedo - Family Advent Weekday Frank & Helen Gruber - Daughter, Helen Advent Weekday; Saint Nicholas Deceased Members of the Geraghty Family - Jack Geraghty Jeanne Stokes - Powers Family Second Sunday of Advent Deceased Members & Benefactors of O.S.A. For the Parishioners of St. Thomas John Burns & Bernice Ward - Family

“Masses in Interpreted American Sign Language”

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: Is 2:1-5; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 10:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

First Honors: Liam Callahan

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 Exercise - Aud Honickman Ministry Religious Education Classes Baptism Class - PC1

2:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 10:00AM 10:15AM 4:45PM 7:00PM

Thursday, December 4, 2014 Walking With Purpose “Advent by Candlelight” - Aud 7:00PM

Saturday, December 6, 2014 Advent Giving Tree Sunday, December 7, 2014 Word of God Religious Education Class Rosemont Village Eucharistic Prayer Service Advent Giving Tree

9:00AM 10:10AM 10:30AM

FIRST FRIDAY SOLEMN EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Friday, December 5, 2014

Congratulations to our Honor Students: Distinguished Honors: Brett Mastrangelo

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Staff Advent Retreat - Office Closed BP Screening after 12:05 Mass No 10:00AM Bible Study SFC Mentors Bible Study - PC-2 Genesis Bells - Aud Choir Practice - VNCH

11:00AM 7:00PM

Friday, December 5, 2014

We have an American Sign Language Interpreter at the 9:00am Mass in the Rosemont Chapel on the Second and Fourth Sunday of each month. The interpreter will be here on December 14 and 28, 2014.

Malvern Preparatory School

Monday, December 1, 2014 Art Class - PC-1 Food Addicts in Recovery - Café

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for one hour following the 12:05 Mass in the Rosemont Chapel of St. Thomas of Villanova. Benediction will follow the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The solemn exposition of the Holy Eucharist offers the opportunity to the people of God for prayerful reflection on our call to a deeper devotion to the Holy Eucharist and a more faithful living of the Christian Life.

We will have Reconciliation after the 12:05 Mass every Friday during Advent. Please join us. 2-180 St. Thomas of Villanova

ADVENT SEASON Begins Weekend of November 29-30, 2014

November 30, 2014

DECEMBER 8th - FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Holy Day Masses 12:05PM - Villanova Church 12:05PM - Rosemont Chapel 5:30PM - Villanova Church 7:00PM - Villanova Church

COMMUNAL CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Monday, December 15, 2013 at 7:30pm in the Villanova Church. We will also have Reconciliation after our 12:05pm Mass in the Rosemont Chapel every Friday during the Advent Season

ADVENT 2014 PENANCE SERVICES St. Anastasia St. Katharine of Siena (at Our Lady of the Assumption)

Annunciation B.V.M. St. Thomas of Villanova

Wed., Dec. 3

7:00pm

Mon., Dec. 10 Mon., Dec. 15 Mon., Dec. 15

7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm

(Campus - University Church)

St. John Neumann Tues., Dec. 16 Our Mother of Good Counsel Tues., Dec. 16 St. Denis Wed., Dec 17 Sacred Heart Thurs., Dec. 18 St. Colman Thurs., Dec. 18 St. Pius X Tues., Dec. 23

7:00pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

Dear Friends in Christ, Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, reminds all of us that the call to live out the Gospel message involves dedication, commitment and sacrifice. Of course, such evangelical witness is actualized as we unselfishly meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in our common human endeavors. Whether it is in education, caring for the sick, comforting the abandoned or in just uplifting one another with a sense of hope, all of this makes Jesus’ challenge a reality. Within our family of Christian faith, a compelling example has been provided to us by the ministry of our dedicated religious men and women, living out daily their baptismal and religious vocation in their respective congregations and communities. Complementing the active apostolate, God’s saving grace is powerfully demonstrated by religious living in contemplative communities and by persons engaged in other forms of consecrated life. These individuals and groups with their intense spirituality and self-sacrifice present a fountain of vitality for all God’s people. Each year the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection offers the faithful an opportunity both of appreciation for the service rendered over the years by our religious, and also of assistance for their present needs. Considering the median age of the religious in many communities and acknowledging the limitations of their financial resources, this yearly collection has become increasingly important and necessary. We recognize that our American Catholic Church owes a debt of sincere gratitude to our religious men and women for their manifold labors and success. As Archbishop, I commend all of our consecrated religious to your prayerful remembrance, and I urge that you support most generously this Retirement Fund for Religious Collection, scheduled for December 6-7, 2014. May the Lord’s loving grace sustain us and grant us peace. Gratefully in the Lord Jesus Christ, +Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Archbishop of Philadelphia

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Villanova Celebration of Nine Lessons and Carols

CHRISTMAS LITURGY SCHEDULE

Be part of a Villanova Holiday Tradition

Sacrament of Reconciliation Every Friday in Advent following 12:05 Liturgy Every Saturday following the 9:00am Liturgy

Join the Villanova Pastoral Musicians and Parish Music Ministry for an Evening of Advent and Christmas Music and Readings

Communal Reconciliation Monday, December 15th 7:30pm Villanova Church WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24th Daily Mass - 9:00am - Rosemont Chapel CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00PM (Villanova Church) 4:00PM (Rosemont Chapel) (Please bring a baby gift for the Presentation of the Gifts.) (There will be a 15 minute Bell Prelude before the 4:00PM Mass at the Rosemont Chapel.) There will be an American Sign Language Interpreter at the 4:00pm Mass in the Rosemont Chapel. 6:00PM (Villanova Church) 6:00PM (Rosemont Chapel) 10:30PM (Villanova Church) (Musical Prelude begins at 10:00PM) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25th CHRISTMAS DAY 10:30AM - Villanova Church (Only one Liturgy on Christmas Day) Masses for the January 1, 2015 Holyday Wednesday, 31st: 5:30PM Vigil Mass Thursday, January 1st: 9:00AM Mass Both Masses are in the Rosemont Chapel.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 7:30pm St. Thomas of Villanova Church All are Welcome!!

On Thursday evening December 4th The women of Walking with Purpose will be offering an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of the coming Christ into each of our hearts and homes. This evening is:

Advent by Candlelight Celebrate the blessed season of advent with an evening of quiet festivities and beauty. A light meal is served and tables are set with a touch of elegance. A sense of warmth to reflect the opportunity we have to welcome Jesus into our own hearts. Guest Speaker Msgr. Joe Marino & Dennis his dog Rector at Malvern Retreat House Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 The Visit of the Magi In Search of God - Waiting on the Lord Thursday, December 4, 2014 — 7:00-9:30 pm St. Thomas of Villanova Auditorium 1229 East Lancaster Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010 RSVP to Stephanie D’Arcangelo [email protected] 610-420-0589- $10/person

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CHRISTIAN SERVICE

We extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Mark & Nancy Malangoni of Bryn Mawr Resting in Peace: Mr. Enrico Gatti Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Peggy Caulfield, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Jack Geraghty, Patricia Ann Harley, Bridget Kelly, Joseph Maiorana, Garrett P. McAleer (baby), Ellen McFadden (Dalton), Madeleine O’Callaghan, Rita O’Connor, Julia Boland Paparella, Alice Rogers, and Annie Sears. Please pray for our soldiers assigned in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world. Please also pray for the soldiers who are returning from their assignments, especially the wounded soldiers.

THE INN KEEPER MINISTRY “She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him

in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room at the inn.” Luke 2:7 In 2013, we welcomed over 3,000 parishioners, extended family members and visitors to our parish churches on Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning. Would you be willing to share 30 minutes before and after the Mass you plan to attend to make each person who joins us for Christmas Liturgy feel….

* warm

* welcome

* wanted

*worthy

What is the job description of an Inn Keeper? - Stand outside the doors of the Church, open the doors, express a warm welcome, and hand out liturgy booklets. - After Mass you will stand outside doors expressing a goodbye and asking our guests to “come back”, distribute a Christmas Card, and make sure the luminaries are ready for the next Mass. If you can be an Inn Keeper to welcome the Body of Christ this Christmas, contact Anne Murphy at [email protected] or 610-525-4801, ext. 205.

PRAYERLINE The parish prayerline is waiting for your prayer request. This week call Mary Ann Barrow at 610-525-4164 or email [email protected] to activate the parish prayerline. Two parish teams are available for your special intentions. The Prayerline is now virtual. Go to www.stthomasofvillanova.org. PROJECT HOPE This is a transportation ministry for our Parish. If you need a ride to your medical appointments or to food shop this week, please call Anne Hennessy at 610-525-2112. Please give at least 3 days notice. DINNERS TO THE DOORSTEP This ministry is for parish families who are in crisis or for parish couples welcoming a new baby. Homemade dinners are delivered. Two parish coordinators keep a list of volunteers who are called as needed. If you are in need of this delicious community support, please call Maria Gunn at 610-291-7205. ST. FRANCIS INN We are forming a parish work group to serve the midday meal at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington on Sunday, December 21st. The Inn tries to meet the immediate daily needs of the poor and homeless people they serve with food, clothing and hospitality. This ministry is open to anyone 16 years or older. For more information and to sign up, contact our parish coordinator, Sheila Holst at 610-659-5828 or [email protected].

Calling All 5th Graders On Sunday, December 14th, the 5th Graders of St. Thomas of Villanova will participate more fully and more actively in the 9:00am Mass. The children will serve as ‘greeters,’ ushers, and lectors, as well as assist in bringing the gifts forward. We would like to engage the boys and girls from our Religious Education class, in addition to parish 5th Graders who are in local Catholic schools or who are home schooled. If your child is interested in participating, please contact Dean Miller at 610-733-4838 or [email protected]. There will be two additional Masses later this school year in the spring to become involved in if your 5th Grader is unable to participate this November or December.

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YOU ARE INVITED TO A ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA BROWN BAG LUNCH Wednesday, December 10th 12:45pm in the Rosemont Auditorium TOPIC:

Léger and the Beginnings of Modern Art

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Presenter: Elaine Sharer Elaine Sharer is a long time active parishioner who shares her gifts as a lector and as a coordinator with the Interfaith Hospitality Network which serves homeless families. Elaine was a Fulbright scholar studying in France. She has a Masters in French and a Masters in History. She has been a Docent at the Philadelphia Art Museum for over 20 years.

The Parish Community of St. Thomas of Villanova announces the Advent Giving Tree The First 3 Sundays of Advent, 2014 For many years our parish community has worked collaboratively with the Campus Ministry Department of Villanova University in buying hundreds of gifts of clothing for children and adults for five faith communities – St. Cyprian Parish, St. Martin de Porres Parish, St. Elizabeth’s Community, Holy Family Nursing Home and Mercy Neighborhood Ministries.

Drinks and desserts are provided. Please join us. Christmas Cookie Exchange We would like everyone to participate and bring two dozen homemade cookies to the Brown Bag Lunch.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO

SOUP’S ON IHM Conference Center 401 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 December 10, 2014 6:00-8:00PM Simple Supper — Quiet Time

AN ADVENT REFLECTION By Ernie Sherretta Come and Bring a Friend! (Stipend $15.00)

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Paper Angels will be available for purchase at the rear of both Churches on the weekends of November 30th, December 7th, and December 14th. Your monetary gift will be used to buy a specific clothing item. Watch the Christmas Trees radiate with Angels throughout the Advent Season! If you can help sell angels after the Masses, please call Joan Mauriello at 610-254-5061. Wrappers are Needed!! If you can help wrap gifts on Monday, December 8th, at 12:30pm in the auditorium, call Judi Samulewicz at 610-649-5433.

Reservations required 4 days before date. Call 610-581-0120 or email [email protected] 6-180 St. Thomas of Villanova

HO! HO! HO! ou h it !! w s ens t f a cr sh te e k ri Ma Pa

r Bring Yo ur Leave the Camera Reinde at Home! er

The Family Life Committee invites You to BREAKFAST WITH SANTA ohig nie Tw a h p e t ith S ongs w Saturday, December 20, 2014 Singal 10:00AM Rosemont Auditorium

RSVP A MUST TO HELP US PLAN ! Tear off this slip and you can return it in the Offertory Basket, to the Parish Center, fax it to 610-525-6041 or email [email protected].

Please bring a gift of boys or girls socks or a baby crib sheet for the children served by Cradle to Crayons www.cradlestocrayons.org

FAMILY NAME__________________________________________________

NUMBER ATTENDING __________

________ADULTS _____

PHONE NUMBER ______ - ______ - _____________

VOLUNTEER TEENS ARE NEEDED FOR BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. Please contact Susan May of the Family Life Committee at 610-525-3742 or [email protected] 7-180 St. Thomas of Villanova

What is the meaning Of the Advent Wreath? Sign-up open for Catholic Event…. Pope Francis will be attending next September’s World Meeting of Families. Registration is open for those wishing to attend the Roman Catholic Church’s World meeting of families, set for next year in Philadelphia. More that a million people are expected to come to the city for a chance to see this popular and controversial pontiff. The conference will consist of a Youth Congress for ages 6 to 17 and an Adult Congress for those 18 and older. The World Meeting of Families will deal with a wide range of family issues where our faith is both needed and tested. The conference aims to address family issues globally, including poverty, addition, disabilities, and the effects of divorce. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said “We want to involve the whole community in this celebration, which is why we’ve included Jewish, Morman, Muslim, and Protestant presenters on issues that we all share regardless of confessional divides. Individuals and families can sign up for the conference through the registration tab at www.worldmeeting2015.org. Delegates can choose from various registration and pricing options.

Welcome to an adventure in exploring the Scriptures. The Scriptures are a magnificent picture of a loving God who wants the very best for us … Please join us for our Weekly Bible Studies on Tuesday Mornings — 10:00am Tuesday Evenings — 7:00pm The Bible Studies are held in the Rosemont Parish Center. Everyone is welcome. Please join us.

ARE YOU PLANNING A CHANGE?? If you are making a change in … address, parish affiliation, e-mail, or phone number, please call the Parish Office. We strive to keep our records up-to-date.

Since circles have no beginning and no end, the circular shape of the Advent Wreath is used to symbolize God the Father and eternal life. The wreath holds four candles which are lit over the four weeks of Advent. There are three violet (purple) candles and one rose candle, each representing 1,000 years. Added together, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the Savior. Violet is a liturgical color that is used to signify a time of penance, sacrifice, and prayer. During the first two and the last weeks of Advent we light violet candles. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our waiting for Christmas is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy, so we light the rose candle on the third Sunday of Advent. Traditionally, each of the four candles on an Advent wreath has their own meaning. The first Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the Prophet’s Candle reminding us that Jesus is coming. The second Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the Bethlehem Candle reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The third Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the Shepherd’s Candle reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. The fourth Sunday symbolizes Peace with the Angel’s Candle reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” When Advent Wreaths are decorated the materials often have symbolic meaning. The use of evergreens reminds us of our eternal life with Christ, holly represents the crown of thorns from the Passion of Jesus, and pine cones symbolize Christ’s Resurrection.

WELCOME VISITORS Thank you for worshiping with us today. If you are visiting our beautiful church or chapel, please know you are most welcome! If you have questions or are interested in joining our parish community, please call the parish office at 610-525-4801.

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“The Footsteps of St. Patrick” Tour of Ireland with Fr. Stephen Curry, O.S.A. July 21 — August 1, 2015

Calling All Young Adults of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Ages 21-35

Your 10 Night Tour in Ireland Includes: - Hotels in Dublin, Waterford, Kerry, Limerick, Ballina and an Irish Castle. - 10 Full Irish Breakfasts daily (not including morning of arrival but morning of departure) - 6 dinners Sightseeing includes: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dunbrody Famine Ship, Viking City of Waterford, House of Waterford Crystal, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, Ferry across the River Shannon, Cliffs of Moher, Galway City, Knock, Museum of Country Life, cruise with tea and scones on the River Shannon, Ballintubber Abbey, special evening at the Emigrants Tale Show     

Luxury air conditioned motorcoach Professional Irish Driver/Guide Hotel Taxes, service fees and porterage (1 bag) Roundtrip Airport transfers Roundtrip air transportation JFK/DUBLIN/JFK with Aer Lingus

Package Price (including airfare): $3,795 per person (single supplement—$599.00) (Gratuities to Driver/Guide not included) $110 per person discount if full tour price is paid by check only no later than March 16, 2105. To reserve please contact Fr. Stephen Curry, O.S.A., 610-519-8693 or [email protected]

Advent Retreat Day for Women IHM Spirituality Center 1140 King Rd, Immaculata, PA 19345 “Discovering the Shape of Your Emptiness: Encountering Christ Within” Dec. 10, 2014 — 9:30am – 3pm Presenter: Jeannine Peters For more information and/or registration, contact Sister Barbara Cook at 610-647-4136: [email protected] or visit website: www.ihmimmaculata.org/facilities/s_center.html

Are you interested in establishing a recreational team in one of the city’s sport and social leagues? The prominent leagues are:

PHILADELPHIA SPORTS NETWORK www.philadelphiasportsnetwork.com AND PHILLY SPORT & SOCIAL CLUB www.playphillysports.com Facilities and fields are close to us: Manayunk and Fairmount Anyone Interested? Contact Chris Geraghty Email: [email protected] or call 610-715-4366 (mobile)

ST. JOHN’S CASSEROLES Want to help out a great nonprofit that serves hot meals to those in need? St. John’s Hospice is greatly in need of pre-cooked casseroles. Every day they provide over 350 meals to homeless people in Philadelphia. We are looking for volunteers who can make a casserole and bring it to our freezers located in the room outside the elevator in the lower level of the Rosemont Chapel. We have two new freezers waiting for your casseroles. Casserole tins are available on the top of the freezers. Any home cooked casseroles must have a protein, i.e., meat and/or beans. Please use masking tape on lid to indicate the type of casserole and date. If you have any questions, or need recipes for the casseroles, please contact Anne Murphy at [email protected].

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