January 15, 2017 We celebrate the Holy Eucharist primarily to give honor, praise, glory, and gratitude to Almighty God. It is also offered for the needs of the Church universal, for the intentions of those assembled, and also for particular intentions, which for this week are the following: Saturday, January 14, 2016 Vigil : Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 5:00 pm For your intentions Sunday, January 15, 2017 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30am Special Intention 9:30am For your intentions 11:30am For your intentions Monday, January 16, 2017 Weekday in Ordinary Time 9:00am Anna Maisano—req Jessie DiBenedetto Tuesday, January 17, 2017 Saint Anthony, abbot 9:00am Angelo Masciantonio-req Joe & Helen Vallorani Wednesday, January 18, 2017 Weekday in Ordinary Time 9:00am Dora D’Lello—req Rita Cavalier Thursday, January 19, 2017 Weekday in Ordinary Time 9:00am Lucia Vannini—req Marie Guerrina

The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Holy Word of God First Reading: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 The servant will bring salvation. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 All who call upon the name of Jesus are to be holy. Gospel: John 1:29-34 John proclaims Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God. Please refer to At Home with the Word, pages 36-37 for suggested practices, insights into today’s Scriptures, and reflection points.

Saturday, January 14th: Vigil of the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Holy Eucharist: 5:00pm. Liturgy of the Word for Confirmation candidates. Sunday, January 15th: The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Holy Eucharist: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am. Monday, January 16th: Holy Eucharist: 9am. PREP classes: 4:30pm to 5:45pm & 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Tuesday, January 17th: Holy Eucharist: 9am. Rosary: 6:30pm in the Sacristy. Choir rehearsal: 7pm in Church. RCIA: 7pm in Church Office Conference Room. Wednesday, January 18th: Holy Eucharist: 9am. Community of Disciples: 7pm in the Sacristy.

Friday, January 20, 2017 Thursday, January 19th: Holy Eucharist: 9am. Stewardship/Finance Saint Fabian, pope, martyr; Saint Sebastian, martyr Council Meeting: 7pm in Church Office Conference Room. 9:00am Ronald Abel—req Linda Moscardelli Friday, January 20th: 6th: Holy Eucharist: 9am. Saturday, January 21, 2017 Saturday, January 21st: Holy Eucharist: 9am. Churchkeepers: Saint Agnes, virgin, martyr 9:30am. Sacrament of Reconciliation: 4pm. 9:00am Luke Baccino—req Ron & Lenore Lupo Saturday, January 21, 2017 Vigil: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 5:00p.m. For your intentions Sunday, January 22, 2017 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30am Special intention 9:30am Special intention 11:30am For your intentions

N.B. The Parish has celebrated many Funerals in 2016 with many requests for Masses for the deceased. Consequently there are no Mass intentions available in 2017. Mass intentions for 2018 will be available soon. Thank you for your understanding.

Saturday, January 21st: Vigil: The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Holy Eucharist: 5pm. Second collection: Catholic Relief Services. Sunday, January 22nd: The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Holy Eucharist: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am. Second collection: Catholic Relief Services.

SANCTUARY LAMP MEMORIAL This votive candle signals the Eucharistic presence of the Lord Jesus in the tabernacle and burns continuously. (14 days) Donations are accepted for these candles to memorialize the deceased or for any other worthy intention. This week the lamp will burn in loving memory of Kathie Majerchin as requested by Pat and Teresa Waller family. SAINT GABRIEL CANDLE A seven-day votive candle at the statue of our parish patron, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, may be lit in memory of the deceased or for any other worthy intention. This week the candle will burn in loving memory of Jean Zunino as requested by Mary and Greg Hanson . RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Our Parish Religious Education and Faith Formation Program, PREP, is for all children in grades 1—8, who are not enrolled in a full-time Catholic school. Sessions are held every Monday from either 4:30pm to 5:45 pm or 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm from September through April. Families who have children in our program are expected to celebrate the weekend Mass with our parish community and to support the work of the parish prayerfully and financially. We respectfully request at least a $4/week offering to the weekend collection. Please contact our Director, Mr. Brian Jefferes with any questions. Progress reports have been mailed. Questions should be directed to your child’s catechist.

TIME + TALENT + TREASURE

Stewardship

We express our sincere thanks to all who are contributing in any way to the building up of our parish community. On the weekend of January 7-8, there were 492 worshippers. The Sunday collection amounted to $7,184.12. Contributed Loose: $459.12; in the requested envelopes: $6,725. There were 144 envelopes presented for an average of $46.71 per envelope donor. The Christmas collection to date is $34,125.45. The weekly collection goal remains at $10,000. Our average weekly collection is $8,600, which includes e-giving. Thanks to all donors, who are helping us reach our goal. We need and appreciate your support. May God reward your generosity, which helps us meet our expenses, save for our capital projects, and provide for our future. We rely on your generous participation in our Sacrificial Giving—Tithing Way of Christian Stewardship. Please give serious prayerful consideration to participating in tithing, a spiritual way of Church support, which entails contributing 5% (or as close as you can come to this standard) of your weekly income as a sign of giving back to the Lord in gratitude the first fruits of all with which he has blessed you. He will provide for your needs and will never be outdone in generosity. Another stewardship standard for sharing financial resources is to contribute weekly an hourly wage or compensation or its equivalent. Trust in the Lord’s providence! Decide to be a generous steward. You will be rewarded in many ways. Electronic giving (or e-giving) is an optional way to support our parish and its mission. Currently e-giving adds about $1500 to our reported weekly collection. For more information, please contact the Church Office or access our parish website. We are grateful and indebted to our many volunteers who by the donation of their time and talent save the Parish many costly expenses. Thank you. “The Lord loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7b) SECOND COLLECTION The annual Catholic Relief Services, which provides financial support for the Church’s work among poor and stricken areas of the world, will be taken up as a second collection after Communion next weekend, January 21-22. Thank you for your usual generous support. STEWARDSHIP/FINANCE COUNCIL The Committee, which provides counsel and practical help regarding the financial assets of the parish, and promotes Christian Stewardship, will meet on Thursday, January 19th, at 7pm in the Church Office Conference Room. Members may pick up packets from the table in the Narthex

PLEASE PRAY For the sick in our parish and larger community, especially: Clara Bertz, James Erickson, Neil Reynolds, Evelyn Sullivan, Tony & Rose Klimchak, Patricia Matarese, Cathy Brady, Elaine Baccino, Claire Nunn, Fr. Edward Roszko. Pastor Dan Nicewonger, Donna Weible Allaband, Robin Daglion, Brian Deppen, Rick McMinn, Kathy Sherm, Pat Sabocsik, Mario Lorenzut, , Jessie Di Benedetto, Fr. William Lange, Vincent Vergara, Greg Hanson, Michele Enteman, Clara Dunlap, Walter Uhle, , Fernanda Sinibaldi, Josephine Blackburn, Doris Buchanan, Loretta Braden, Pat Borleis, Karen Berman. The names of the sick will be posted for six weeks. Upon request they will continue to remain on our prayer list. Pray also for the safety of our service men and women. Please pray for all who have died especially: OUR PARISH ON THE WEB AND ON FACEBOOK Albert Del Pizzo, Deacon Eugene Leahy, Please check out our website: Dorothyann Gleason. May they rest in the Lord’s www.stgabrielavondalepa.org eternal love and peace.. and our presence on Facebook: www.facebook.com/StGabrielAvondale

We have concluded the Christmas season and embark on the winter portion of Ordinary Time. This will extend to March 1, when we will begin the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday. During this time, the prayers and Scriptures, especially the Gospels, present the general teachings of the Lord and include some of the miracles of Jesus. The term “Ordinary” does not mean unimportant, but refers to themes of a more general nature pertaining to our Catholic Christian faith. January marks the beginning of a new calendar year, which is often a time for resolutions. It is good to choose one realistic resolution for general purposes of good living, like getting more exercise. It is also good to choose a spiritual resolution such as taking some time each day for at least a short prayer. This Monday, January 15, is the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., a peaceful champion for the civil rights of all. May we strive to be fair and charitable to all people, God’s children. January 22nd is the anniversary date of the infamous Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion on demand in our nation, rendered in 1973. Please pray for an overturning of this decision, coupled with prayers for victims and the women and men who are complicit in this taking of innocent human life. Support programs and organizations which help prevent needless abortions such as Birthright, Pennsylvanians for Human Life, and Moms’ House. The annual March for Life in Washington , DC, will take place on Friday, January 27th. Our neighboring parishes, St. Patrick and ABVM, are sponsoring busses. Please contact them directly if you wish to participate. A free will offering will be requested to cover the costs. On a personal note, since I will celebrate my 75th birthday in March, I am required by Church law and Archdiocesan policy to submit a letter to Archbishop Chaput offering my resignation as pastor, effective in mid June. Although it is possible to request an extension for one year, I will most likely not request this unless unforeseen circumstances arise or the Archbishop requests it. I have served happily as your pastor for 28+ years and will miss all of you. I request your prayers for me during this time and also your prayers that a younger and energetic successor will be appointed who will serve as your shepherd.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults This process introduces our Catholic faith to all who may be interested in exploring this treasure. Non-Catholic inquirers, returning Catholics and life-long Catholics who wish to know more about our faith are welcome to participate. Committed Catholics are also sought as team members. For more information, telephone the Church Office at 610-268-0296. Sessions are held on Tuesdays at 7 pm in the Church Office Conference Room. Please help us attract others to our faith. As a Parish, we have been blessed with receiving new members almost every year in our RCIA. We are blessed this year to have two inquirers in our process. Thanks be to God. CATHOLIC SCHOOL INFORMATION Saint Gabriel parishioners may apply for admission of their children to Catholic schools in our area in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, especially Assumption, B.V.M. School, West Grove, and Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown, subject to their requirements as well as ours. Please contact the principals: Mrs. Danielle White at Assumption School, 610869-9576 or Mr. Michael McArdle at Bishop Shanahan High School, 610-518-1300. These schools are worth considering. Call the schools for more information or to arrange for a tour or visit their websites. Saint Gabriel parishioners who wish to register their child(ren) at these schools must request a letter of sponsorship from our parish. Our requirements for sponsorship are regular Sunday Mass attendance at Saint Gabriel Church, participation in parish life, and a minimum contribution to our Sunday collection of $15.00 /week for the entire calendar year (52 weeks) for one or more students from the same family. This latter requirement is to help defray the $1,000.00 per student charge per year that Saint Gabriel parish pays in subsidies to these parishes for each of our children, as well as the archdiocesan assessment for the support of Bishop Shanahan and the other diocesan high schools. LITURGICAL MUSIC MINISTRY We are always seeking music ministers, especially cantors and choir members. Our parish choir has resumed rehearsals on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8:30pm. New members are always welcome. Music ministers support and enhance our sung worship at Sunday Masses and at other liturgies. Our Director of Music Ministries is Judy Boesch, assisted by her husband Bob. Please contact her directly at 570-401-7950 or at [email protected]. Singing at Mass is a vital component of our worship. Please do participate. Everyone has different musical abilities so please offer whatever yours is as a gift to the Lord. “One who sings, prays twice.” (Saint Augustine)

COMMUNITY OF DISCIPLES This Scripture based faith sharing group has resumed meeting on most Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Church sacristy. The Group usually shares the Scriptures for the following Sunday, PARISH/ARCHDIOCESAN making use of the publication At Home With The Word, which was CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES distributed earlier. Additional copies are available. All are Many parishioners are very solicitous about welcome. Meetings will resume after the Christmas season. providing for the needy in our area by regularly DAILY MASS & VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT donating food, clothing, and money. Non-perishable We remind all that we celebrate the best prayer, the Holy food only may be placed in the basket in the Church Eucharist every weekday, Monday through Saturday at 9am. vestibule anytime. Monetary donations may be Come pray, in this prayer given us by the Lord himself, to placed in a “St. Vincent de Paul” envelope found in praise him and to seek his blessings for yourself and others. the vestibule and placed in the weekend collection. Your parish Church is also open for prayerful visits every The food is taken weekly to a local pantry. The weekday from 8am to 5pm (Fridays 8am to 4pm) and on Sunday monetary donations are placed in a fund and given from 7am to 1pm. Come pray in the Eucharistic presence of Our to needy families and individuals as needs arise. Lord, Jesus Christ. If you or anyone you know in our parish or ARCHBISHOP ‘S & PASTOR’S SUNDAY HOMILIES community, who could use assistance, on a Listen to Archbishop Chaput’s Sunday homilies anytime at temporary or long-term basis, please notify the http://archphila.org/archbishopchaput/homilies/index.htm Church Office. The Parish and Our Good Samaritan The Archbishop’s homilies are also available as Podcasts on iTunes. ministry can provide some help or direction. The Archdiocesan Catholic Social Services has a local Fr. Maisano’s Sunday homilies are now printed on our website. office in West Chester. It provides a wide range of GREETERS services that we encourage you to utilize, such as We invite parishioners, especially families to welcome worshippers counseling, adoption services, etc. Phone 267-331- to our weekend Masses. Individuals and/or families who volunteer 2490 or [email protected]. arrive about 20 minutes before Mass, standing at the inner entry of ARCHDIOCESAN FAMILY LIFE OFFICE the Church. It entails wearing a name tag, saying hello and or/or offers the following programs shaking hands. Greeters also present the bread and wine and Natural Family Planning collection to the Presider. This is an excellent way to get to know Classes are held throughout the Archdiocese. For your fellow-sister parishioners. If interested, please contact our more information and dates, phone the Family Life coordinator, Angelique Raezer at 610-444-1575. Office,215-587-5639 or visit [email protected]. SUPPORT GROUP Separated and Divorced Catholics This Group has been formed in the Parish to assist all who are Support group meetings are held at various parish grieving the death of a loved one. Members of the Group, who sites throughout the archdiocese. For more have also suffered the pains of loss and grief are available to help information, please call the Family Life Office. with any needs that arise during this time of sorrow and beyond. Marriage Encounter All who are interested in this ministry or would like support in their This weekend has touched millions of couples, grieving may contact the Church Office. priests, and religious. For more information and a WORD OF LIFE schedule of upcoming weekends, or to register, “A model of care has been developed specifically for families please telephone 1-800-456-8330. whose infant is likely to die before or after birth. Often called Courage “perinatal hospice.” . . . It provides precious moments together— Spiritual support group for homosexual men and whether the baby is inside or outside the womb—which can be women seeking to live according to the Church’s cherished forever.” teaching on sexuality. For information call 1-215—USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities 587-4505. Confidentiality is assured. MONTHLY SOCIALS Encourage Would you like to host one of our socials held the first Sunday of A support group for parents, relatives, and friends each month after the 9:30am Mass? Please contact the Church of homosexually orientated persons. For Office. information call 1-215-587-4505. ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE Retrouvaille This year the March in DC is on Friday, January 27. Our neighboring This is a process to help heal troubled marriages, parishes, ABVM & St. Patrick, are sponsoring busses . Please which has helped many couples. For more contact them directly for more information. information, phone 1-800-470-2230.

HERITAGE OF FAITH—CONTINUING TO BUILD GOD’S KINGDOM CAPITAL CAMPAIGN & PROJECT Phase 2 of our building plans include: a multi-use chapel, a religious education center, and perhaps a bell tower or campanile as sufficient funds become available. We need and seek the support of all parishioners. You may place donations and fulfill pledges by making use of the gold-colored envelopes found in your mailed monthly packet. Thank you for Parents who desire baptism for their children your generosity. should contact Father Maisano well in advance for Most parishioners have fulfilled their pledges. Some of these the important instruction. Faith practice and good standing in the Church are required of both parents continue to make donations to our campaign, for which we are and sponsors. Letters of eligibility from the sponsors’ most grateful. Because of the generous stewardship of many parishioners and respective parishes are required. Baptisms are friends of the parish, we have thus far built and furnished our celebrated on the 2nd weekend of the month at Church, the Church Office, and the Rectory, all of which have the 5pm Saturday Mass or at the 11:30 am Sunday been paid for. Mass. The construction of the multi-use chapel is almost completed. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Furnishings and appointments still need to be received and Couples requesting this sacrament are asked to installed. Hopefully, the chapel will be available for use contact Father Maisano well in advance of the desired wedding date. Archdiocesan norms require shortly. A diagram is displayed in the Narthex. Most of the memorials have been taken. Chapel chairs are still at least six months advance notice. Pre-Cana available. Please return the form included in the Stewardship sessions are also required. Renewal mailing with your request. The offering for the chairs SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION is $250 per chair. If you need a form, please contact the Church This sacrament of God’s pardon and peace is Office. You may donate these in your name or as a memorial celebrated on Saturday from 4pm to 4:30pm or at for a departed loved one. General non-specific memorial doother times by appointment. Please contact the nations are also available. Church Office to arrange a suitable time. AID FOR FRIENDS SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR CHILDREN Our parish participates in this food and friendship outreach, Confirmation candidates are requested to come to providing meals and friendly visits for those in need, financial or the 5pm Vigil Mass on Saturday, February 18th for other. Please contact our parish coordinators: Ron & Lenore their next Liturgy of the Word. A pamphlet will be Lupo at 610-268-5927 or 484-888-3012 or distributed. The attached assignment sheet should [email protected] or the Church Office (610-268-0296) to be returned completed to their catechist or placed participate in or to benefit from this outreach ministry. There is in the weekend collection. a supply of trays in the vestibule near the food donation basket. First Reconciliation, First Eucharist candidates are Please help yourself and return the filled trays to the freezer at asked to come to the 9:30am Mass on Sunday, Saint Gabriel Hall during the scheduled times. Our parish freezer February 12th for their next important Liturgy of the is located at Saint Gabriel Hall, which will be open on Friday & Word. A pamphlet will b distributed. Candidates are Saturday, from 8am to 8pm, on Sunday, 8am to 3pm and Monto return the completed assignment sheet to their day thru Thursdays from 8am to 4pm. Use the right-hand side catechist or place it in the weekend collection. door closest to the PREP Building. We request your prayers for our 18 candidates for POPE FRANCIS’ JANUARY PRAYER INTENTIONS First Reconciliation/Eucharist and to our 22 Christian Unity: candidates for Confirmation during their period of That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching by strivpreparation. ing with prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial comCONGRATULATIONS munion and by collaborating to meet the challenges facing huThe Parish extends our prayerful best wishes to manity.

Cameron Anthony Stammler, son of M/M David & Carrie Felicia Stammler, who was baptized last Sunday. May he continue to grow in age, wisdom and God’s grace.

KEEP PRAYING WITH THE POPE The Holy Father asks us to pray for one published intention each month. He will also announce urgent intentions in response to world events. Download the app, ClickToPray.

His Word Today by Rev. Msgr. William J. Reilly The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time , January 15, 2017 “But as I say, I did not recognize him. The one who sent Sunday,January 15, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary me to baptize with water told me: ‘When you see the Time Spirit descend and rest on someone, it is he who is to Isaiah 49:3,5-6; 1Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34 baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen for myself, Monday, January 16, Ordinary Weekday and have testified, ‘This is God’s chosen One.’ Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 2:18-22 A logo or trademark makes it easy to recognize a product. Tuesday, January 17, St. Anthony, abbot The sari of St. Teresa of Calcutta or the gentle smile of Pope Hebrews 6:10-20; Mark 2:23-28 Francis leave no doubt of whom we speak. A familiar melody or words from the scripture often bring joy to our ears. They Wednesday, January 18, Ordinary Weekday stay with us. Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17; Mark 3:1-6 When the Baptist said he did not at first recognize the Christ Thursday, January 19, Ordinary Weekday until another sign was offered, he kept on looking. I ask Hebrews 7:25—8:6; Mark 3:7-12 myself, where can I recognize Christ today? How can I Friday, January 20, Ss. Fabian & Sebastian discover Him? The saint of Calcutta found Him in the poor Hebrews 8:6-13; Mark 3:13-19 and abandoned. The Holy Father tells us He is out on the Saturday, January 21, St. Agnes streets, in the poor, homeless and needy. Where do I look? Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14; Mark 3:20-21 Many young people give of themselves as Jesuit Volunteers, builders for Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Sisters PRAY THE ROSARY for our youth. These serve a dual role – they discover Christ Oremus Communications (OC) is currently hosting a daily series of live streaming recitations and bring Him as well. It is kind of like a smile – something I of the Holy Rosary, praying especially for progive away and hold on to at the same time. May others moting the culture of life. Live broadcasts are at recognize the Christ in me. 12:15pm Monday thru Saturday and Sundays at 2pm. Log on to: oremuscomms.com then clicking onto Listen Live. Petitions and suggestions may be sent to [email protected]. Special interesting guest speakers are often featured, so please tune in regularly. The Rosary is also prayed on most Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm in the Church Narthex before the statue of Our Lady of the Pieta,’ and on the first Saturday of each month at 8:30am. OUR GUIDE BOOK We have published a Parish Guide Book. Advertisers helped provide the book at no cost to the Parish. Please consider patronizing them. Interested advertisers contact [email protected] for more information. An electronic PDF version is available for downloading to your computer, smart phone, or tablet. Visit: www.GuideBookPublishing.com/booklist.php click on PA & Avondale & St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother to download the book. Copies are available in the vestibule near the religious literature rack. Please make good use of this resource.

YOUNG ADULTS OF CHESTER COUNTY If you are a young adult in your 20’s or 30’s, you are invited to join the Catholic Young Adults of Chester County (CYACC), pronounced kyak. The Group has many interesting activities, spiritual, cultural, entertainment, etc. to offer. Check them out on Facebook or email at [email protected] HAPPY NEW YEAR May this new year of Our Lord, 2017, be for all of us a year of growth in faith, hope, and charity. May the Lord Jesus bless us and lead us closer to him and his Church. Extra Parish calendars are available in the vestibule by the religious literature rack.

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NEW PARISHIONERS All Catholics living in our parish area should register at their earliest convenience, to acquire a sense of belonging to our faith community and to avail themselves of the services of the parish. Please fill out the preliminary form below and drop in the Sunday offering basket. The Church office will telephone to arrange for an appointment to meet with the pastor to welcome you and to complete a full registration form. Thank you and God bless you. Name

___________________________________________

Address _________________________________________

END OF YEAR CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS

Upon request, the Parish will happily provide a record of your donations to the Church for 2016.We can only issue a statement for identifiable donations, contributed by use of an envelope or check. Please contact the Church Office.

Phone: _________________________________