Advent 2015 Waiting in Joyful Hope

The Parish Community of the

C AT H E D R A L O F

SAINT PETER Serving the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton since 1853

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.

Bishop of Scranton

Monsignor Dale R. Rupert Cathedral Pastor Edward R. Shoener Permanent Deacon In Residence at the Cathedral Monsignor Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G. Vicar General of the Diocese Reverend Jeffrey J. Walsh, V.E. Episcopal Vicar for Clergy

DECEMBER 20, 2015 | FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Telephone: 570-344-7231

315 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 Facsimile: 570-344-4749 Email: [email protected]

www.stpeterscathedral.org

THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PETER Weekly Mass Schedule December 19 - 27, 2015 \

Sunday, December 19, 20 - Fourth Sunday of Advent 4:00 p.m. 6:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.* 12:15 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

John & Reinelda Cwalinski (Family) Elizabeth Vail (Family) Parishioners of the Cathedral of Saint Peter Ricardo Josol (Louis & Jessica Nykaza) Mary Evelyn Mooty (Marion Raymer, Sharon Roche & Ceil Goss) Advent Sung Evening Prayer & Benediction

Monday, December 21 6:30 a.m.

Mary Catherine Kennedy (Dr. Arthur Jordan, Sr.)

8:00 a.m. 12:10 p.m.

Angela Fiore (Daughter) Joan Urbanowicz (Family)

7:30 to 7:50 a.m. confessions

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Luke 1:41-42

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD.

PLEASE PRAY FOR...

Tuesday, December 22 6:30 a.m.

Spec. Int. - Dr. Arthur Jordan, Sr. (Daughters)

8:00 a.m. 12:10 p.m.

Carmel Galella (Tom, Tommy & Bobby) Agnes & George Morohovech, Harry Kuzmick, John Tompkins & Joseph Jennes (Carol Kuzmick)

7:30 to 7:50 a.m. confessions

5:30 to 7:00 p.m. confessions

Wednesday, December 23

...Our Deceased Family & Friends Please remember William P. Simerson and all our deceased family, friends, and fellow parishioners. May our faithful departed enjoy eternal rest in heaven!

6:30 a.m.

Nan Snyder (Jill Snyder)

8:00 a.m. 12:10 p.m.

Edward Pepsin, Jr. (Mother, Alice Pressley) Pontifical Advent Mass for Chancery Staff

...Our Sick and Suffering Please remember the sick, suffering and all who have asked for a remembrance in our prayers. May the Lord grant them health and peace in body, mind and spirit!

Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

...Our Military Men and Women Please remember all our men and women in military and government service, especially those who serve in foreign lands. May the Lord preserve them from all harm.

PARISH NEWS

7:30 to 7:50 a.m. confessions

3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. confessions

6:30 a.m.

Dec’d of the Yanisko Family (Bob & Cathy Yanisko) 10:00 a.m. to Noon- confessions

**No 8:00 a.m. or 12:10 p.m. Masses** 4:00 p.m. Pontifical Vigil Mass of Christmas 12:00 a.m.* Pontifical Midnight Mass of Christmas

Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day 6:30 a.m. Francis P. Karam (Dr. Arthur Jordan, Sr.) 10:00 a.m. M/M Jacob Mwangi, Moses & Paul (Sr.Dionisia & Fam.) 12:15 p.m. Amy Opsasnick & Joseph Gall (Cindy & Joe Gall) **NO 5:00 p.m. MASS ON CHRISTMAS DAY**

Saturday, December 26

Live the Word - A Liturgical Bible Study Please note that there will not be a Bible Study on December 24 or January 31st. The Bible Study will resume on Thursday, January 7, 2016

6:30 a.m.

Jane Bagley (Bernie Curran)

12:10 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

William Fahey (Parents) Angeline Balczeniuk (Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Konchar)

The Cathedral of Saint Peter Christmas Office Hours The parish office for the Cathedral of Saint Peter will be closed on Thursday, December 24, and Friday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, December 28th. The office will also be closed on Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1, 2016.

Sunday, December 27 - Feast of the Holy Family

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Confessions

6:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.* 12:15 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

Dec’d of Bagley-Curran Families (Bernie Curran) Eleanor Reese (Cawley Family) Parishioners of the Cathedral of Saint Peter Marjorie A. Gerrity (Gerrity Family, Dan, Rhea & Katy Demuth)

DECEMBER 20, 2015

PARISH NEWS Report of Income & Expenses December 12 & 13, 2015 Total Income December 11 & 12, 2015

Sanctuary Lamp December 19 - 25, 2015

$10,053.75

Total Income December 12 & 13, 2015

S

$9,612.67

Envelopes

$3,655.00

Loose

$2,085.03

Daily Loose

$988.54

Candles

$484.97

Christmas Flowers

$597.00

Christmas

$75.00

Immaculate Conception Holyday

$1,727.13

Total Expenses (December 14, 2015)

In Memory of Bill Dopko Requested by Nancy

2016 Calendars While supplies last, parish calendars for 2016 are now available in the church at the sanctuary railing. The calendars are provided through the generosity of Hazzouri Cosmetic, Implant and Family Dentistry & the Northeastern Eye Institute. Many thanks to our sponsors for providing us with such beautiful calendars!

$8,845.55

Administrative

$8,845.55

With gratitude for your Weekly Sacrifice!!! We are grateful to all those who financially sacrifice every week to support our parish and its ministries! We are especially grateful to those who faithfully use their weekly parish contribution envelopes! Retirement Fund for Religious Religious give thanks! “We cannot begin to repay all who contribute,” writes a Catholic sister. “So we pray to God, who is never outdone in generosity, to reward you.” Heartfelt thanks for your donation of $1,650.37 to last week’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. May God bless you for your goodness!

REMEMBERING YOUR

2015 Diocesan Annual Appeal Thanks to the tremendous generosity of many of our Cathedral parishioners and friends, we are currently at 104% of our parish goal. We have received $78,026.50 in pledges and/or donations. Keep in mind that once we reach our goal, the parish will receive 75% of any additional money received. Call the Diocesan Appeal office at 570--207-2250 for information. Please remember: any gift, any size really matters...and is deeply appreciated!!! Christmas Gifts for Kids - Thank you! On behalf of Catholic Social Services and Friends of the Poor, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for the donations received this year for “Christmas Gifts for Kids.” Your generosity has helped to brighten Christmas for many needy families in our area. Thank you!

Loved Ones A T C H R I S T M A S

Donations will be gratefully accepted for the purchase of flowers, trees, and garland to decorate the sanctuary this Christmas. The names of the deceased family members or friends to be remembered will be published in the bulletin during the Christmas season. Please complete the form below and place it in the collection basket. You may also use the envelopes provided in your envelope pack. THANK YOU! Name of Donor Street Address

City

State

Zip

Name(s) of Person(s) to be Remembered Amount Enclosed: $ __________

Please make your check or money

Donation: _____ In Memory of or _____ In Tribute to order payable to: Saint Peter’s Cathedral

DECEMBER 20, 2015

PARISH NEWS

2015 MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Morning: 6:30 a.m. (No 8:00 a.m. or 12:10 p.m. Mass on Thursday, December 24)

4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass of Christmas Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Scranton

11:00 p.m. - Christmas Preludes by the Cathedral of Saint Peter Parish Choir

CONFESSION SCHEDULE Tuesday, December 22 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 23 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, December 24 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon Saturday, December 26 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

12:00 a.m. - Midnight Mass of Christmas Solemn Pontifical Midnight Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Scranton

Christmas Day Friday, December 25 Masses: 6:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. (No 5:00 p.m. Mass on Thursday, December 25)

Advent is a special season of hope and prayer as we anxiously await the birth of our Lord and Savior. To enter more deeply into the spirit of this season, the Cathedral of Saint Peter will offer a series of Sunday Evening Prayer services and Advent reflections which will refresh in young and old alike the spirit of hope, peace, joy and love that Advent brings. Evening Prayer with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

December 20—abounding in

Advent Reflection: Fr. Robert Barron’s Eucharist: Sacred Meal, Sacrifice and Real Presence Christ is alive and full present in the Eucharist. As a reflection program for Advent and Christmas, join us as we delve into the “source and summit” of our Faith with Fr. Robert Barron’s DVD-based program: Eucharist: Sacred Meal, Sacrifice and Real Presence. This spiritual study will give you a deeper understanding of the precious gift of Christ’s body, blood, soul and divinity that you can receive at each and every Mass. Starting on Sunday, December 20, and continuing for the next three Sundays until January 10, Deacon Ed Shoener will present the Eucharist program from 11:00 a.m. to Noon (after the 10:00 a.m. Mass) in the Parish meeting room in the rectory basement. Coffee and donuts will be served.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

AROUND THE DIOCESE Christmas Day Breakfast The University of Scranton will host their annual Community Christmas Day Breakfast on Friday, December 25, from 8:00-11:00 a.m. It will be held in The DeNaples Center, 900 Mulberry Street, Scranton, 3rd floor. There is no cost to guests. Reservations are not necessary. Parking is available in their garage at Mulberry Street and Monroe Avenue. 21st Annual Bob Bolus, Sr. Christmas Dinner The 21st Annual Bob Bolus, Sr. Christmas Dinner will be held on Christmas Day, from Noon—6:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street, West Scranton. Don’t spend Christmas alone! Come enjoy a buffet style turkey dinner with all the fixings. Spend your Christmas with family, friends and neighbors. All are welcome! Bring your Christmas spirit and your appetite. No reservations required. If you need assistance, please call 570-346-7659. Know a Marriage That Needs Help? Throw them a lifeline and tell them about Retrouvaille, an international program that helps couples who are experiencing marital difficulties. This program is for all couples, at any stage of marriage that needs help to communicate with each other in a more attentive and loving manner. The next program in the Scranton Diocese begins February 26—28, 2016 at The Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, PA. Please call 800-470-2230 for more information or to register or visit the website at www.helpourmarriage.org. Save the Date! Friends of the Poor will celebrate 30 Years of IHM Ministry on January 10, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy God’s mercy is full of grace. God’s mercy is grace. This is God’s very life. Let us, then, turn to face God all this week. We do it when we to turn to those who are near, to those in our home, to those at work or school, to those in the street – and behave like Gabriel (announce God’s favor), behave like Mary (ask “How?” then say “Yes!”).  How will I find ways this week to say “yes” to God’s good mercy?  Who needs the mercy I can give? (excerpt from Diocese of Springfield, Illinois)

4th Sunday of Advent Thanksgiving weekend, with its compressed timeline, is the busiest time for travel. But Christmas is not that far behind. The days immediately before Christmas involve people returning home to be with family for the holiday. The days after Christmas are packed with families traveling for a quick vacation while the children are out of school for a week. The 1844 poem "Over the River and through the Woods" by Lydia Maria Child was originally about journeying to grandfather's house for Thanksgiving Day. Later recorded versions turned it into a Christmas song describing the sleigh ride to grandmother's house. Either way, for a long time these winter holidays have involved traveling. This weekend's Gospel is another traveling story. Pregnant with Jesus, Mary leaves the confines of Nazareth in Galilee and heads south, up into the hill country of Judea. Is she fleeing because she has no husband yet? Is she going to seek the counsel of an older kinswoman? Or is she just heading off on a friendly little visit? We don't really know. Luke doesn't tell us, and so her journey is open to speculation. But Mary's arrival is the first occasion of an expression of joy about the birth of the Savior. Elizabeth proclaims that the infant in her own womb leaped for joy because of the nearness of salvation. We know that experience. Think of what happens when family or friends finally arrive after a long journey to spend some time over the holidays. They are welcomed and greeted and made to feel at home. This is our natural reaction to seeing folks who have not been around for a while. We are glad that they are here. Now, take that very natural human reaction and imagine what it will be like to welcome Christ. Through baptism, we are his brothers and sisters. We are family. And when he returns we will welcome him with great joy! ©2012 Liturgical Publications Inc

THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PETER

FOR YOUR INFORMATION Sacraments Baptism Please call the Parish Office to schedule a Baptism. Families having a first child baptized are asked to attend an Informational Session discussing the importance of Baptism. Deacon Edward Shoener facilitates these sessions. Reconciliation (Confessions) Daily: 7:30 -- 7:50 a.m. Saturday: 10:30 -- 11:30 a.m. Thursday before First Friday: 3:15 -- 4:00 p.m. Each Monday during Lent: 5:30 -- 7:00 p.m. Marriage Couples seeking to be married at the Cathedral must contact the Parish Office at least six months in advance of their anticipated date. Along with preparation meetings with the pastor (or the priest who will be celebrating the marriage ceremony), couples are to attend a diocesan PreCana program. Visit: www.dioceseofscranton.org for the Pre-Cana schedule. It is essential that the Church be contacted before scheduling the wedding reception. Pastoral Care of the Sick Please call the Parish Office whenever someone is seriously ill or is admitted to the hospital or a local health care facility. Local hospitals no longer notify parishes about admission of parishioners.

Devotions Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Tuesdays following the 6:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Masses Novena to St. John Neumann Fridays following the 6:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Masses Daily Eucharistic Adoration at St. Clare’s Church, North Washington Ave. and Park St. Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Welcome to the Cathedral of Saint Peter If you are interested in becoming a registered parishioner of the Cathedral Parish, please complete this form and return it to the parish office or drop it in the offertory basket.

Request for Parishioner Registration Form Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________ State________________________ Zip _________________ Phone _____________________________________________