St Brigid Parish Bulletin for Sunday December 3, 2023 by Fred Brown

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH, (St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa. St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

-mail: sfxc@epix.net Facebook: St Brigid Parish Rev. Augustine Thomas—Administrator Father Augustine—1 (570) 909-7819 Deacon Paul J. Brojack

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 3rd, 2023 I lift up my soul, to You, O my God!

MASS SCHEDULE Church - VIGIL: FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS St. Francis Church - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT KAREN LARUE RAMEY by the Family St. Augustine Church - JOE & MARY BETH ADAMS by Judy Adams NO MASS St. Francis Church- JOHN ROSSI by Allen Hayes St. Augustine Church - EDWINA HARVILCHUCK by Rosalynd Perlick St. Augustine Church - VIGIL: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION JIM SHELP by Diane Archer St. Francis Church - IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CAROL BOMBOY by Kay Keenan St. Francis Church - VIGIL: SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT CATHY SYMANSKI by Kay Keenan St. Francis Church - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT INTENTIONS OF OUR PARISHIONERS St. Augustine Church - DAVID PICHETTE by the Pichette Family

Sat. Dec.

4:30PM St. Francis

Sun. Dec.

8:00AM

Mon. Dec. Tue. Dec. Wed. Dec. Thur. Dec.

10:30AM 4 5 12:00NN 6 8:30AM 7 6:00PM

Fri.

8 12:00NN

Dec.

Sat. Dec.

4:30PM

Sun. Dec. 10

8:00AM 10:30AM

SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND The second collection this weekend is for the Care & Education of Priests. HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION Friday, December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Vigil Mass is on Thursday, December 7th at 6:00PM at St. Augustine. The Holy Day Mass is on Friday, December 8th at 12:00Noon. RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS—NEXT WEEKEND You can help. “Religious are blessed to serve,” says Dominican Father Bertrand Ebben, age 90. Please donate to the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift will provide essential care for nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Let us show our gratitude to these selfless individuals by giving generously. ALTAR & ROSARY CHRISTMAS PARTY The Christmas party will be Wednesday, December 13th, 6:00PM at Neumann Hall. The food will be from the Whitetails Bar & Grill in Little Meadows. We will have turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a vegetable. Cost is $ 20.00 per person. Sign up sheets are in the back of the Churches. Christmas Sunshine Baskets—Please bring lots of your favorite goodies for the Christmas Sunshine Baskets. There will be 18 baskets to pack. FOOD PANTRY—CHRISTMAS We are now preparing for Christmas Food Baskets. If you know of anyone who could use help this year, please contact Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212) by THIS Monday, December 4th. All checks should be made out to “THE FOOD PANTRY” and put in a marked envelope in the collection basket. All donations are greatly appreciated and needed as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued generosity! CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS We have (18) area families ranging in size from 1 person to 8 people, on our list to receive Christmas Food Cards. We are accepting monetary donations now. Please make checks out to “St. Brigid Parish”. Thank you for your generosity! PARISH LOTTERY CALENDARS Parish Lottery Calendars are available in the back of our Churches for Christmas Gift -Giving. Calendars are $ 20.00 each and run from April 1st thru December 31st, 2024. Each family is asked to take at least (5) calendars to sell. There are both packages of (5) calendars and loose (single) calendars. (Please do not break up the packages.) You are asked to sign the calendars out on the sign out sheet provided. PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING The Pastoral Council will meet on Wednesday, January 10th at 5:00PM in the Rectory. All members are encouraged to attend. CONFESSION SCHEDULE—(BEFORE ALL WEEKEND MASSES) Saturday—St. Francis Xavier—before 4:30PM Mass—3:30 to 4:15PM Sunday—St. Francis Xavier—before 8:00AM Mass—7:30 to 7:50AM Sunday—St. Augustine—before 10:30AM Mass—9:45 to 10:20AM WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT Thank you for your generosity in last weeks collection. The collection total was $ 3,110.69. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. LIFELINES “The Gospel of Life recognizes the full range of threats against human life, from poverty and malnutrition to murder and war. Particular emphasis, however, is placed on threats to life at its beginning and end—precisely when it is most in need of protection. In modern times, children in their mothers’ wombs and those approaching the end of their lives are certainly among the ‘least of these’ in our world’s estimation.” ~ USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, respectlife.org/live-the-gospel-of-life

HOLY DAY AND WEEKEND MINISTRY SCHEDULE Thursday, December 7—6:00PM—St. Augustine: Lector—Julie Perlick; Ministers—Bob Allen & Eileen McDonald; Servers—volunteer; Rosary—volunteer Friday, December 8—12:00NN—St. Francis: Lector—Sandy Gardner; Ministers—Mike Griffin & Joanne Nolt; Servers—volunteer; Rosary—Betty Ellen Hardy Saturday, December 9—4:30PM—St. Francis: Lector—Betty Ellen Hardy; Ministers—Mike Griffin & Sean Kelly; Server—volunteer; Rosary—Betty Ellen Hardy; Greeter—volunteer Sunday, December 10—8:00AM—St. Francis: Lector—Christina Long; Ministers—Dave Curley & Larry Purtell; Servers—volunteer; Rosary—Dave Curley; Greeter—volunteer Sunday, December 10—10:30AM—St. Augustine: Lector—Cott DeMaree; Ministers— Sr. Bette Brown & volunteer; Servers—volunteer; Rosary—volunteer; Greeter—Barb Pichette PRAYER LIST Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our Parish & Community listed below and for those who are not listed and in need of our prayers, especially all suffering from cancer, Lyme disease, or Covid-19. Kaitlyn Andre, Michael Haefner, Bill Jones, Jr., Ruth King, Kyle Stoddard, Sam Miner, Sophie Padula, Tom Wenman, Toni Colardino, Madigan Gow, Amanda Branning, Daniel Gavin, Tommy Williams, Kathy Holt, Linda Hollenback, Don Zaleski, MaryLou Fahs, Elton Carr, Jim Raftis, Bub Davis, Tyler Fletcher, William Chaney, Joe Grindel, Chelsea Judson, Trisha, Mary Guido, Hallie Brooks, Mark Kovach, Brooke Arnold, Robyn Lawson, Ned Offner, Butch Rosencranz, Shawn Burns, Quinn Seymour, Emily D., Marie Donahue, Barbara Mahoney, Rusty Carmen, Adam Price, Greg Lasgowka, Terry, Cameron & Levi White, Natalie Dawn Abell, Tom Ellison, the Reed Family, Don Higgins, Raub Family, Todd Legg, Ryan Hayes, Sean McMahon, Thomas McWilliams, Marty Mosher, Chad Grindel, Cathy Ballogg, Mary Ann Casterline, Janice Jacobs, Patricia Charpinsky, Diane Holleran, Ethel Reid, Kineer Worgen, James Dughi, Peg Broadwater, Christopher Dauber, Jay Gurn, “D”, Frances Murphy, Adrian Stephens, Millie, John, Sophia ILichishin, Alice Walsh, Josh Zaleski, Caleb Scepaniak, Dana Marsh, Reilly, Mary Joan, Lori Rawlins, Brendan Merritt, R.M., Mark Pasteka, Tim Fruehan, Lori Hammerly Coleman, Brendan Kelly, Pat Walsh, Angelo Scarfalloto, Emily Graves, Cathy Albert, Robert Nemcek, Wayne Hibbard, Laura Nelson, Garrett Farr, Gloria, Dr. Silversti, Mary Keenan, Linda, Everly Hausmann, George Coleman, Sally Saunders, Dennis Byerly, Marie Cavalarro, Sully & Patty Cavallaro, Evelyn Ferro, Briana Grisdale, Gregory Diorio, Mike Coleman, Nicholas, Alex, Alice, Mike & Pat Stelacio, Fr. John Victoria, Joseph Santora, Carol Garcia, Wink, Jessica Lawrence, Sophie Holgash, Nellie Manarchuck, Monica Gibson, Diane Coffee, Millie Chamberlain, Bill Noldy, Jr., Cathy Edsell, Patricia Hutchinson, Chris Mortensen, Clyde & Mary Tims, Louise Darrow, Aaron Fredendall, Louise Eastman, Diane, Michelle Weiss, Niki Rogers, Wade Leach, Shirley Conboy, Joseph Olszewski, Curtis Edwards, Matthew Gatto, Marge Murphy, Mark, Ellen Bieleski, Kylie Keenan, Becky Jenner, Sara Kelly Price, Tucker White, Liam Little, Terri Grindel, Kris Kiesly, Jerry Wells, Fred Brown, Rosa Prieto, Theo Goodrich, Madigan, Carl Whitehead, Ed Snee, Anita James, Shirley McWilliams, Mary (Jones) Edsell, Peter Strojny, Eileen Maruschok, Shirley Rockefeller, Tony McHugh, Val Mosier, Hunter Allen Sapp, A.J. Pass, Leonard Howell, Sue L., Bryce Histand, Ken Warner, Jay S., George Thrasher, Jay C., Norma Volk, Mike, Kathy Conklin, Gary Fisher, Joan Middendorf, Marie Mirabelli, Clint Wise, Carol Jarnigan, Brian, Carl, Kevin Pierson, Gary Davis, Deacon Tom Hartley, Anne, R.C.M., Madeline Barno, Evan Small, Megan Hale, Ben Naylor, Marshall Thompson, Tammy Volk Jennings, Debbie, Brian, and Rosemary Stewart. Please pray for all the needs in our Parish & Community. Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us. Amen. ARMED FORCES LIST Please pray for those in our Armed Forces, especially those from our , Ryan Gor m ley, Christopher Reichlen, Mike Griffith, Matthew Kramer, Ryan Neville, Shane Kalpokas, Dustin Ryder, Steven Shelp, Ricky Trowbridge, A. Jay Tewksbury, Lukas Crisman, Ryan Newberry, Mark W. Gregg, Andrew Muscarelle, Lisa Phillips, Adam Barziloski, Quinn Gurn, Marty Conboy, Wayne M. Bennett, Joseph Elliott, Bradley J. Bryant, John Baltsley, Mara Redding, Michael Redding, James Hemmerly, Amberlynn Villanella, Jacob Balchikonis, Rip VanWinkle, Jonathan Green, Cameron, Garrett Kiehle, and all who serve with them. May they be protected & safe from harm & return home safely and soon. Amen.

The Roman Catholic Community of ST. BRIGID PARISH, (St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, Pa. St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, Pa.)

(St. Brigid’s Cross)

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

-mail: sfxc@epix.net Facebook: St Brigid Parish Rev. Augustine Thomas—Administrator Father Augustine—1 (570) 909-7819 Deacon Paul J. Brojack

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 3rd, 2023 I lift up my soul, to You, O my God!

Sat. Dec.

4:30PM St. Francis

Sun. Dec.

8:00AM

Mon. Dec. Tue. Dec. Wed. Dec. Thur. Dec.

10:30AM 4 5 12:00NN 6 8:30AM 7 6:00PM

Fri.

8 12:00NN

Dec.

Sat. Dec.

4:30PM

Sun. Dec. 10

8:00AM 10:30AM

Deacon’s NOTE Happy First Sunday of Advent! Advent begins today. We spend this me preparing for the coming of Christ into our world. He is here already, of course, but he wants to come closer. Let me be one of his points of entry by keeping awake to open the door when he knocks. Jesus is like a householder who has gone abroad. He has le$ his servants – that is, you and me – in charge of his aﬀairs, each one with their own task. What is my task, my role in this world? “Stay awake because you do not know when the master will come back – “stay awake.” What has Christ put me in charge of? How am I doing? Will I be delighted to see him when he comes? God Bless. Deacon Ron Maida—dorronto@protonmail.com FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS—JANUARY 6TH

Saturday, January 6th, we observe the Fatima First Saturday Devotions in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our Lord and Lady requested of Sister Lucia dos Santos, one of the three shepherd visionaries of Fatima. Please consider participating as we seek to fulfill our Savior's & Blessed Mother's request for prayer and penance in reparation to her most Sorrowful & Immaculate Heart. All are invited. Devotions are held at Saint Augustine Church with the following schedule: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by confessions: Recitation of Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: Adoration and Meditation on Mysteries of the Rosary: Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Holy Mass:

8:30AM-9:00AM 9:00AM-9:30AM 9:30AM-9:45AM 9:45AM-9:55AM 10:00AM-10:45AM

ADORATION

Please consider spending an hour with Our Lord. New volunteers (fill-ins & permanent) are needed. Many hours are available. Call Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212) to volunteer. SPECIAL PRAYERS Please continue to pray for many vocations to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Scranton. PARISH PRAYER CHAIN If you would like to respond to prayer requests, or if you have a prayer request, please contact Rosalynd Perlick (570-663-2212) or Susie Reichlen (570-553-2618). Many prayers will be offered for your intentions. Please call when the person you put on this Prayer List can be removed, either because of their return to health or because they have passed away. SANCTUARY & DEVOTIONAL CANDLES ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for a Special Intention offered by Joe Purr. ~ A Devotional Candle at St. Francis b u r n s for peace in Ukraine, Israel, and Middle Eastern area.

CHURCH CLEANING St. Augustine: December 4 to 10—Eileen McDonald; December 11 to 17—Eileen McDonald; December 18 to 24—Sr. Bette Brown & Phyllis McNamara; December 25 to 31—Sr. Bette Brown & Barb Pichette St. Francis cleaner for the month of December is Kathy Gage.

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT MASS SCHEDULE Saturday, December 23rd—4th Sunday of Advent Vigil—4:30PM—St. Francis Sunday, December 24th—4th Sunday of Advent—8:00AM—St. Francis Sunday, December 24th—4th Sunday of Advent—10:30AM—St. Augustine CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24th—Christmas Vigil—4:00PM Mass—St. Francis Sunday, December 24th—Christmas Vigil—6:30PM Mass—St. Augustine Monday, December 25th—Christmas Day—8:00AM Mass—St. Francis Monday, December 25th—Christmas Day—10:30AM Mass—St. Augustine

LITTLE BOOKS & THE WORD AMONG US FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS Little Books and the Word Among Us for Advent/Christmas are available in the back of our Churches. Please feel free to take them home with you. ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST An All You Can Eat Breakfast will be held THIS Sunday, December 3rd at the Little Meadows Fire Station. Serving is from 7 am to 11 am. Breakfast consists of scrambled eggs, bacon, french toast, pancakes, home fries, sausage gravy with biscuits, beverages and baked goods. Cost is $12.00 adults and $6.00 children. Benefits the Little Meadows Fire Company. All are welcome to attend.

FREE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA The Youth Group is hosing a FREE Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 16th from 8 to 11AM or until “sold out”, at Neumann Hall for our Parish Family & Friends. A “Free-willoffering” can be made at the door. YOUTH GROUP MEETING The Youth Group will meet on Friday, December 15th at 6:00PM. This will be a meeting and setting up the hall for the Breakfast on Saturday. FAITH AND FAMILY NEWS LETTER This is a new feature for our families. You can enter the following link on your web browser or you can find it on St Brigid Parish Facebook Page. Thank you, Amanda, for another great job on this!! https://www.smore.com/1nm3p-faith-family FORMED “FORMED” is available to our Parishioners. Go to www.formed.org/signup and type in our zip code (18818) or parish name (Roman Catholic Community of St Brigid). DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Our goal for 2023 is $ 22,000.00. We have raised $ 26,780.00 (122 % of our goal). We are over our goal by $4,780.00! All donations are still very welcome. 75% of all money raised over our goal is returned to St. Brigid Parish. This makes a very nice fund raiser for the Parish. MOM’S HOUSE BARNES & NOBLE BOOK FAIR Mom’s House Barnes & Noble Book Fair will be held at the Town Square Mall, Vestal, December 4-6 from 9AM to 9PM. *Must mention Mom’s House at check out and a percentage of your sales will benefit the organization. On-line sales do not apply.