Christ the King of the Universe

November 20, 2016

Worship Art and Environment David Hemmler, Marion Eagen, Nina Magnani, Debbie Colarossi, Donna Nasser, Judy Grambo, Danny Marx, Jennifer DiNoia, Ron Grambo, Cindy Dick.

Service Coordinating Team Julie Nastasi, Carol Strauch, John Devine, Kate Sebring, Chrissy Jacoby, Matthew Newton, Meg Hambrose, Jane Farr, John Hambrose, Judy Burkavage, Susan Scanland, Deacon Bob. The Service Team has a complete list of service connected opportunities. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Julie Nastasi at julie.nastasi@gmail. com.

Community Coordinating Team Tracy Bannon, Saul Rigau, Lisa Rigau, Delia Coppola, Yvonne Cronkey, Bridget Walsh, Bill Durdach, Danelle Hogan, Molly Johnson, Pam Jones, Mary Griffin, Judy Walsh, Joe Hogan. Parish activities and sign-up sheets may be found on the Welcome Cart. For more information, please contact Tracy Bannon at tracybannon@stjosephscenter. Org

Word Coordinating Team Ruth Fried, Bob Barry, Jack Rubano, Connie Sheils, Patti Staples, David Coppola, Deacon Bob, Ted Tomaszewski. To learn more about the Word Coordinating Team , please contact Patti Staples at [email protected] .

Pastoral Council Michele Musheno, Paul Mullisky, Theresa Robinson, Scott Pettinato, Marjorie Barlow, Jim Fleming, Joe Hogan, Bill Donovan, Jane Farr, Dan Haggerty, Donald Broderick, Ted Tomaszewski, Mary Ann Morgan, Zoe Haggerty, Logan Lombardo, Deacon Bob, Gemma Chuff, Father John.

Finance Council Bill Burkavage, John Devine, Veronica Dende, Paul Gerega, Deacon Bob, Yvonne Cronkey, John Devine, Fr. John.

Worship … Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Though the theme of Christ's kingship is ancient, this solemnity dates back only to the nineteenth century. Before the calendar reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the solemnity provided a Catholic answer to the Protestants' late October celebration of Reformation Sunday. Now the day marks the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Developing themes of the kingship of Christ, the triumph of the Cross and God's judgment on our sin, this liturgy celebrates Jesus as Lord of love, revealing God's love for all people and calling his followers to live in that love. Where do we see the power of evil broken? Where, in our lives, can we say that things are being made new? In those places, God is glorified. In our daily prayer, are we taking time to notice the Lord at work? Can we keep building that discipline as we examine our consciousness, day by day?

Jubilee Year of Mercy November 20, 2016 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Jubilee Year Ends Today Luke, evangelist and by tradition artist, sends us forth from this Jubilee Year of Mercy with an unforgettable portrait of Christ the King. The setting for Jesus’ “royal portrait” is the cross. From this “throne,” the crucified “crown prince” welcomes by “executive pardon” the kingdom of mercy’s first citizen, a fellow criminal. The “Good Thief” requests neither deliverance nor salvation, or even forgiveness: “Remember me when . . .” (Luke 23:42). “Today you will be with me,” King Jesus promises, “in paradise.” (23:43). Paradise, even for non-believers, is an image of creation contentedly in harmony with self, fellow creatures, and Creator. Today, we “good thieves” beg Jesus to remember us. We promise to remember that, although Jesus’ kingdom will be fulfilled only when Jesus’ returns, that kingdom begins today in the paradise that will flower from this Jubilee Year of Mercy. We disciples, having been embraced unconditionally and undeservedly by Jesus’ mercy, must now go forth to embrace all others, unconditionally, with that same unfailing mercy.

Advent 2016 Begins Next Weekend Messengers of Mercy, Isaiah—Mary—John—Gabriel For the past three months we have prayed with the parables of mercy and discovered the four moments of the compassion of the Good Samaritan. These four elements in the parable constitute ministry in the Church: contemplative seeing, affective response, practical service of the other, and engaging another to sustain a good work. The conclusion of the Lucan account is brilliant: Which of these three, do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” In Advent with the great messengers of mercy in view, we will not close the door Pope Francis opened, we will open new ones between need and love. We finally recognize being compassionate

All Souls’ Intentions A special book with names of our beloved dead will be located in the church throughout the month of November. We encourage parishioners to write the names of your special intentions in the book.

2

We believe Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and the center of our parish life and mission! toward another opens the door to our own need for compassion and as participation in God’s saving, healing love for self and other.

Thanksgiving

The gifts of bread and wine are offered

in memory of

All are welcome to join us on Thanksgiving morning at 9:00 AM for the celebration of Eucharist. We give thanks to Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts at Mass.

Remembering Our Loved Ones at Eucharist November 21 - November 26

Eugene Kane, Sr.

MONDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM

Evening of Remembrance An Evening of Remembrance, Light a Luminaire for a lost loved one so their light may always shine. Sunday, December 11 at St. Joseph’s Center DeNaples Building, 320 Blakely Street, Dunmore. Gathering at 6:45 PM; 7:00 PM Candle lightening ceremony; 7:20 PM light refreshments. Luminaries will be provided and the name of your loved one will be printed on the luminaire. An evening of remembrance will be held in conjunction with The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting Ceremony. This service unites family and friends around the globe in lighting candles for one hour to honor the memories of those who left too soon. To reserve a luminaire please contact Lynn @570.969.5250 or Jeanne @ 570.346.7197.

The Family (OLS) 12:10 PM

Tuesday, November 22 Memorial of Cecilia, virgin, martyr Sing praises to the unsung The saints are lifted up as examples of how to live lives of holiness, but what about those saints who are canonized but we don’t know

much about? Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, is one such saint. Much of her story is unconfirmed, yet countless people take inspiration from the stories of her courage and faith. While we may not know the details of her life, we can be assured that by inspiring the sweet music of so many, Cecilia has earned her place among the heavenly hosts—a saint whose holiness resounds in the beautiful music of our church. Wednesday, November 23 Memorial of Clement I, pope, martyr Drop anchor Little is known about Pope Saint Clement I, but it appears he may have succeeded Saint Peter as the bishop of Rome. He is the first Apostolic Father of the Church—those early Christian leaders who personally knew some of the 12 apostles. To be that first crucial link through whom the apostles taught the church! Given his role, it’s fitting that Clement’s symbol is the anchor, which happened to be the method of his martyrdom by drowning. Do you make the church your anchor in life? How can you help ground others in Christian living?

†Anthony Petrone, Jr. The Family

TUESDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM

†Leonard & Marie Sulzinski Michael & Kim Sulzinski

(OLS) 12:10 PM

Monday, November 21 Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Belong to God, as Mary did You can’t find an account of the presentation of Mary in the Bible. But there is a story about this event in the Protoevangelium of James. In this account, Mary is born to a barren Joachim and Anna, who present Mary at the temple when she is 3 years old. According to this legend, Mary lived at the temple until the age of 12. This second-century writing is not included in our sacred scripture, and we do not really know how or when Mary was presented at the temple. What we do know and what this feast honors is that throughout her entire life, Mary belonged to God. Take time today to sit in silence and imagine that you are walking with Mary. Be content to simply be in her presence. Today’s readings: Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5; Luke 21:1-4 (503). “From her poverty she has offered her whole livelihood.”

†Katie Hennemuth Reap

†John Macheska M/M Caryl Kapp

WEDNESDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM

†Robert Sibello, Jr. A Friend

(OLS) 12:10 PM

†William Christian Eileen Christian

THURSDAY

Thanksgiving Day

(CSG) 9:00 AM

†J. Robert Walsh The Family

(OLS) 9:00 AM

†Christopher Sturchio Father

FRIDAY (CSG) 7:00 AM

†George A. Gresh The Family

(OLS) 12:10 PM

†Walter Heisner Wife

SATURDAY (CSG) 5:00 PM

†Beverly LaBelle Women’s Golf Associates CC of S

(CSG) The Church of St. Gregory (Continued on page 7)

(OLS) Our Lady of the Snows

3

We recognize God’s call to serve our parish family and neighbors near and far!

Please consider a donation of new hats, gloves, scarves and socks OR gently used coats and November jackets that will help our disadvantaged neighbors and community members to stay warm this 19 & 20 winter. The hats, gloves, scarves and socks will be distributed to local food pantries. The coats will be made available to those that need them during the Family to Family Thanksgiving Program. Collection boxes for these much-needed items will be located in the back of the church on both weekends. If you can help sort and deliver items, please join the service commission today, November 20 at 2:00 PM. As always

thank you for your generosity!

Service … Children’s Christmas Party Committees are now working on plans for the Christmas Party for Refugee Children planned for December 4th from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at the Bhutanese Hall in South Scranton. Please keep this special event in your prayer.

Caregivers Our Caregivers Team would like to know if there is someone who is in need of:  A social visit.  A Caregiver in need of a break.  Need help after recent surgery. A parish member of the Caregiver Team is here to help! You may call the rectory at 570.587.4808 if you or someone you know is in need of this wonderful ministry, we will then get in touch with a Team member and they will contact you on behalf of St. Gregory’s Caregivers. All calls will remain confidential.

Thank You! On behalf of the Alice V. Leahy Food Pantry, “thank you,” for your generous donation to our food pantry. Your continued support and generosity has allowed us to feed many families in our local community. This month’s contribution will be used to add to our Thanksgiving food baskets. We, as well as the families appreciate your kindness and hope to continue the partnership with your parish as we continue to serve the families of our local community.

Veteran’s Project A huge word of thanks to ALL who are participating in the St.

Francis Commons project. The outpouring of generosity is overwhelming. We would like to continue to keep them supplied with gift cards. (Arbys, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme, Regal Theatre, Rite Aide, Subway-$10.00 increments). If you are interested at anytime in making a donation, the smart money program has been set up so that all credit from purchases will go to St. Francis Commons. Gift cards may be purchased at the rectory office during office hours.

Enjoy the Convenience of Electronic Giving As St. Gregory’s prepares for a new year, it is important to know what support we can depend on from our congregation members. By knowing what you are willing to commit financially, we are able to better plan for the future. Please consider setting up a recurring giving plan. Automating your financial commitments means your contributions will be received on a steady, uninterrupted basis. To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at THECHURCHOFSTGREGORY.COM , locate the Online Giving button and set up your recurring giving schedule. The first time you give, you will select a password that will enable you to log in at any time and make changes to your giving or view your complete online giving history. Or if it’s easier, complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office.

Hands Ready To Serve Weekly Collection

Rice and/or beans (canned or dried) This donation will be delivered to McAuley Center

4

We believe that our Baptism forms us into a family joined together to love God and one another! asking for some volunteers to give the church a thorough house cleaning. If you are available we ask that you kindly call the rectory!

Community ... We believe that our Baptism forms us into a family joined together to love God and one another!

Benefit Run/Walk for Haiti...

R.C.I.A. Adult Initiation St. Gregory and Our Lady of the Snows parishes prepare to welcome five new inquirers into a process of study and reflection as they journey toward full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. These efforts will be coordinated by Mrs. Connie Sheils and Deacon Leo Lynn with the R.C.I.A. teams from both parish communities. Father John and Father Seth will accompany the candidates as spiritual directors. The candidates will begin with a study of Vatican II Council Documents between now and Christmas. The facilitators for these presentations include Fr. Jeff Tudgay (Lumen Gentium), Fr. Robert Simon (Sacrosanctum Concilium), Dr. David Coppolla (Dei Verbum) and Catherine Butel (Gaudium et Spes). We encourage everyone’s prayer and support.

New Ministry Center As you know the Parish is in the process of formalizing building plans for a Ministry Center. The parish is building enthusiasm for the project and the time has come to begin planning a campaign to fund such an endeavor. We are reaching out to see if you would volunteer as a solicitor in the fun raising effort. We are planning that solicitors would only be asked to solicit 3-4 parish families. The formal campaign would kickoff in January. Before that there are going to be a number of training sessions where we would have distributed Ministry brochures, pledge cards, solicitor/ parishioner meeting guidelines as well as a predetermined list of objectives with corresponding responses. We are blessed with so many parishioners that we feel we have the foundation for a successful solicitation. Please let us know if you can assist us in this effort. Please email or call Jim Fleming: 570.885.9529 or [email protected] and let Jim know if you would be available for this Campaign. Thank you.

Church Cleaning In order to ready the church for the Holiday Season, we would appreciate your help! On Monday November 21 at 9:00 AM we are

On Saturday, Nov. 26 at Lake Scranton., 5k run/walk. Benefitting Haiti. One hundred percent of the proceeds go towards disaster relief. through St. Luke’s Foundation for Haiti. Families, groups, walkers and corporate teams are welcome. Go to https:// www.crowdrise.com/HaitiDisasterRelief5k to register.

Scranton Prep’s Entrance Exam Scranton Preparatory School’s Scholarship Entrance Exam will be held on Saturday, December 3, for 8th grade students interested in applying for the fall term of 2017. Registration will begin at 8:30 AM and the exam starts at 9:00 AM. Students may pre-register by calling 570.941.7737, ext. 141 or by visiting www.scrantonprep.com.

St. Joseph’s Baby Pantry St. Joseph’s baby pantry is in need of clean, gently used Girls & Boys winter clothing, sizes 2T through 10. Please leave donations in the hall near to food closet.

Serving the Community Around Us FAMILY TO FAMILY Each year at the Scranton Cultural Center, Friends of he Poor helps provide over 3,000 meals to those in need throughout the area. Our Youth group helps with the distribution and assists people as they come through the doors. The event this year will be held on Wednesday, November 23 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The Youth group volunteers from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM. A great opportunity to lend a hand! WORLDWIDE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL On December 11 at 7:00 PM at the Abington Community Library, children who passed away in our community are remembered at a Candlelight Vigil. The youth group assists in greeting those attending and reading the names of the deceased. If you are interested in participating in any of the ACYM activities and events please call Steve Wallo for more information or to sign up Coffee is brewing in our Cafe every Sunday from 8:00 to Noon & Wednesday mornings after Mass. Parishioners are welcome to brew coffee any time!

BUILDING DESIGN WEEKEND December 3—4, 2016

5

We cherish our relationship with Jesus and strive to make the gospel relevant to our daily lives!

Word ... Messengers of Mercy Sunday December 7 at 7:00 PM “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming the faithful will renew their ardent desire for his second coming.” - CCC (524) Advent is a case in point. This is the time when our faith asks us to slow down, reflect and engage in prayerful preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. But it is also the time when society starts revving up for its annual stretch of hyper-busyness; shopping, parties, and all other things related to the secularized holiday season. It isn’t that any of these things are bad, but they make it difficult to engage in the prayerful anticipation that Advent calls us to. Therefore we welcome you to join us for a special Advent presentation offered by David Coppola, Ph.D., Keystone College and Jack Rubano, Vice Principal, Holy Redeemer High School on Thursday, December 1 at 7:00 PM in the Church.

son approaches. Please call Nettie to register, 570.586.1741. All are welcome!

Christmas at the Cathedral Saint Peter’s Cathedral parish is honored to welcome back Ronan Tynan in an all-new concert featuring the season’s most beloved Christmas selections and year-round favorites. Ronan’s captivating singing, combined with the majesty of the Cathedral and the jubilant expectation of the season will combine for an unforgettable evening. All tickets are reserved seating and are available for purchase by calling the parish office at 570.344.7231 or by visiting www.stpeterscathedral.org. Ticket prices: Premier Reserve Seating: $100.00 (includes pre-concert reception with Ronan); limited reserve seating and general reserved seating: $50.00/$35.00. The concert will take place in the Cathedral of Saint Peter. All are invited!

Toy Drive Catholic Social Services/Friends of the Poor annual Toy Drive will begin the weekend of November 27. New, unwrapped toys for ages infant to 17 years of age may be dropped off in boxes at the back of the church. All donations will be delivered on December 18 for distribution.

Lector Workbooks The new Lector workbooks for the church cycle year A are available on the counter in the Sacristy. They are labeled and we kindly ask that you take the book with your name so we can keep track. All of our Lectors are strongly encouraged to prepare for their proclamation of God’s Word with this important resource.

Religious Formation Classes Classes for grades K through 8 will continue at 11:05 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace School. The Kindergarten class will now take place at Our Lady of Peace School in the Kindergarten classroom. (adjacent to the Cafeteria) Our new faith formation directors will be in the lobby of the school to assist students and direct them to their classes.

Diocesan Annual Appeal To date we are currently at 88% of our goal of $79,000.00, with a total of $69,520.00 raised. We are so very grateful to those who participate in this annual collection.

Christmas Eve Children’s Liturgy Plans are in the making for our annual Children’s Liturgy on Christmas Eve. Any high school student who would like to take the time to volunteer to help our little ones prepare for this special liturgy we kindly ask that you contact Ruth Fried, 570.947.8016 or email: [email protected] at your earliest convenience. The dates for practice are Wednesday, December 14 and Friday, December 16 both at 4:00 PM in the church.

Surviving the Holidays This Sunday, November 20, Our Lady of the Snows will host a presentation on surviving the holidays after a loss. The presentation will begin at 2:00 PM in the Gathering Room. A bereavement counselor will offer advice to help grieving individuals as the holiday sea-

6

(Continued from page 3)

Thursday, November 24 Proper Mass for Thanksgiving Day Thanks be to those who inspire On this national day of giving thanks, think about the people in your life from whom you have received the gift of faith. Who brought you to the church for Baptism? Who taught you about God and how to pray? Who took you to Mass? Who inspired you by the way they lived their faith? Perhaps you will think of parents or grandparents, special teachers or other friends. Whoever it is, they deserve your thanks. On this day of thanksgiving, be mindful and grateful for the gift of faith.

Thank you November 12-13, 2016 Weekly Offering

$13,473.43 Haiti $2,227.00

Electronic Giving 

Visit : www. CHURCHOFSTGREGORY.COM

  

Click on special link.



Please call Judy Grambo with further questions.

THE

Friday, November 25 Give thanks by giving In 2008 President George W. Bush signed a law designating the day after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day to honor the contributions of Native Americans to the United States, which started before the country existed with the help they gave to the Pilgrims. Let’s follow their example today and reach out to newcomers to this land—many of whom, like the Pilgrims, are refugees fleeing persecution. Let’s befriend them and help them succeed in their new home—the way it was done unto our ancestors.

Set up your account. Choose a payment option and customize your donation.

7

Hospital Visitation If anyone has a family member, relative or friend in any of the area hospitals and would like them to have a visit, please call the rectory.

St. Joseph’s Outreach Our parish partners with St. Joseph’s School in Uganda. Donations are always welcome in support of student tuition.

Baptism Baptisms are normally celebrated on the Third Sunday of every month during or following the 12 noon liturgy. Baptisms may be arranged at other times when necessary. Parent and Godparent preparation occurs two Sunday evenings each month at 5:00 PM at St. Gregory and Our Lady of the Snows rectories. Please call for an appointment.

Heavenly Paws

Rosary Group Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 5:15 PM.

Ministers of Hospitality

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Ministers of Hospitality are the welcoming ambassadors of our parish family at liturgy. Please contact our office for more information.

The prayer shawl ministry meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM in the rectory.

Caring Hearts

Communion Calls

A team of volunteers who provide comfort, a meal or assistance with spiritual guidance after the loss of a loved one. If you are interested in learning more, please email [email protected] with your desire or need.

A team of Extraordinary Communion Ministers visit our homebound with Communion every month. For more Information please contact Deacon Robert Sheils at [email protected].

Parish Caregivers

Religious Education

This committee is designed to offer respite care for individuals taking care of elderly or ill homebound family members. For more information please email Susan: [email protected]

Our Religious Education program takes place every Sunday Morning at 11:05 AM at Our Lady of Peace School for grades 1-8. Kindergarten Class is held in the Early Childhood Center.

Holy Cross School System

Prison Ministry

Refugee Family Ministry This team will encourage parish support for refugees arriving in our community from all over the world in cooperation with CSS of the Diocese of Scranton.

Music Ministry Rehearsals

A team of volunteers who provide appropriate ideas and design for the decoration of our worship space.

Weekly donations may be left near church entrances or in the cabinet in the hallway near the restroom. See page 5 for a list of items we are collecting this week. There are also four large annual collections.

This ministry seeks to raise awareness of the growing problem of homelessness of veterans within our local community and serve residents at St. Francis Commons. For more information please email: [email protected]

Marriage Arrangements should be made six months prior to the desired wedding date. Please contact Father Lapera.

Art and Environment

Hands Ready To Serve

Homeless Veterans Ministry

Please contact the rectory at anytime for the celebration of this sacrament.

(Both) Spirit Song Ensemble and Voices of Faith Choir: Wed. 7:00 p.m. Genesis Children’s Choir: Wed. 4:00 p.m.

A pet group that collects food and supplies for the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. For more information please contact Carol Hughes at [email protected].

This faith based ministry addresses the spiritual needs of men, women, and young people reforming their lives in hope! For more information please email [email protected]

Anointing of the Sick

Women’s Guild Guild meetings take place the first Thursday of every month from September through May, with the exception of January. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the rectory. saintgregoryswomensguild@gmail. com

Community Table A social gathering to foster fellowship, friendship and parish family for all parish adults. The community table meets at a different venue monthly. Information will be published in the Green Dialog or you may email: [email protected].

Our Lady of Peace School—410 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA | 570.587.4152 | Mrs. M. Colleen Jumper, Principal | www.OLPClarksSummit.com Holy Cross High School—501 E. Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA 570.346.7541 | Mr. Benjamin D. Tolerico, Principal | www.holycrosshs-dioceseofscranton.org

Early Childhood Program Our programs are held five days a week and take place in the Early childhood Center. Please call 570.587.4808.

R.C.I.A. There currently is an R.C.I.A. team ready to welcome anyone interested in becoming a Catholic or to learn more about their Catholic faith. Please email Connie at [email protected].