ST.

DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI CATHOLIC

PARISH
722 WEST MAIN STREET MONONGAHELA, PENNSYLVANIA 15063
Parish Office: 724-258-7742 Parish Fax: 724-258-8733 Madonna Catholic Regional School: 724-258-3199
Website: stdamienofmolokai.org Email: stdamienparish@verizon.net
Diocesan Victim Hotline: 1-888-808-1235

DECEMBER 3, 2017 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

PASTORAL STAFF MISSION STATEMENT
Fr. William R. Terza ............................................. Pastor St. Damien of Molokai is a Catholic parish family which recognizes and
stdamienterzab@verizon.net embraces the gifts and talents of our faith filled people. The life of our
Deacon Al Poroda.............................Permanent Deacon patron saint inspires us to lead lives of love, hope and charity. Moving
DeaconAl611@gmail.com or 724-258-7742 x 13 forward, we will grow through our liturgy, teachings and outreach to all,
Mrs. Kathryn Wray ............................. Director of Music with the help of God and the gifts received through the Holy Eucharist.
kfwray188@gmail.com
Mrs. Patricia Forsyth ................. Asst. Director of Music
pattyforsyth@comcast.net
Mrs. Kathy Miller ............................ Lead Administrator
kmiller@madonnacatholic.com
Mrs. Kathy Miller ................................. Faith Formation
kmiller@madonnacatholic.com
Phyllis DeMedio .............................................. Secretary
stdamiendemediop@verizon.net
Peggy Romeo ................................................... Secretary
stdamienromeop@verizon.net
Helena Glaneman .......... Safe Environment Coordinator
Alexsei521@yahoo.com or 724-503-7325
ST. DAMIEN FINANCIAL COUNCIL
Gloria DeRosa Alfred Galilei Steven Markovich
Antoinette Moffit Richard Pantaleo Randall Rodriguez
ST. DAMIEN PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Joyce Amatangelo Kathleen Barkey Thomas Caudill
Nancy Cole Sandra Craig Kris DAndrea
James Greaves Thomas Kustron Denise Majoris
Anna Markovich Juliann Romasco Walter Tabory
INTERIM MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday Vigil .................................................. 4:00 p.m.
Sunday ........................................8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
MondayFriday ............................................... 8:00 a.m.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Tuesday................................................... 8:309:00 a.m.
Saturdays ................................................ 3:003:30 p.m.
All Masses & Reconciliation are at St. Damien
of Molokai Church 722 West Main Street
BAPTISMS: 1st & 3rd Sundays at 12:15 p.m. and 4th
Sunday at Mass.
WEDDINGS: Please make arrangements by calling the
Parish Office 6 months in advance.
Page Two St. Damien of Molokai Parish, Monongahela
December 3, 2017
First Sunday in Advent
Saturday, December 2, 2017
4:00pm Phoebe Barkey
(St. Damien Altar Rosary/ Christian Mothers)
Sunday, December 3, 2017
8:30am Dolores Posi (Jo Chang)
11:00am Living and Deceased Members
of the Parish
Monday, December 4, 2017
8:00am Thomas & Mary Louise Barger
(Mike & Toni Mendicino)
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
8:00am Charles Anselmino
(Marge & Ann Tabory)
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
8:00am Joanne Amoroso
(Don Amoroso & Family)
Thursday, December 7, 2017
8:00am Jason A. Herman (Mom, Dad & Brother)
Friday, December 8, 2017-Immaculate Conception
9:00am Helen Connell
(Daughters, Patricia & Peggy)
7:00pm Mary Pansino (Sam & Ruth Marraccini)
Saturday, December 9, 2017
4:00pm Leona Hudak
(Daughter, Marlene & Rick)
Sunday, December 10, 2017
8:30am Antoinette Dipaola (Elaine Niccolai)
11:00am Living and Deceased Members
of the Parish
Rest In Peace
In the charity of your prayers we kindly ask
that you please pray for the repose of the
souls of Joseph Koget and Mary Stasko.
May God grant them eternal rest, may Per-
petual Light shine upon their souls and may
all the souls of the faithful departed, through
the mercy of God, Rest In Peace .
St. Damien Mass Request Forms2018
2018 Mass Request Forms have been placed in
the vestibule of the church for our parishioners.
*Please be sure to read the complete form as
some changes may take place due to On Mission
initiatives.
ST. DAMIEN FAITH FORMATION
Dec. 3: 9:30-10:45am
Grades 1-8 &
Confirmation
Dec. 10: 9:30-10:45am Grades 1-8 &
Decision Point
Dec. 17: 9:30-10:45am Grades 1-8 &
Confirmation
Dec. 24: CHRISTMAS VACATION
Dec. 31: CHRISTMAS VACATION
DONUTS ~ THIS WEEKEND
St. Damiens World Famous
Donuts will are on sale in Fr.
Leger Hall this weekend,
December 2nd & 3rd.
DONT FORGET THE
ST. DAMIEN FOOD BANK
December pick-up date is:
Wednesday, December 13th
from 10am-2pm and 5-7pm
Items needed for the month of
December are:
Stove Top Stuffing, Canned Cranberries,
Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes,
Toilet Paper & Paper Towels
*Please be sure to check expiration dates on
items given to the Food Bank, Thank you!
Tuesday Morning Bible Study (Parish Center)
Every Tuesday morning from 11:00am-12Noon)
Servants of the Little Way (Chapel) The first Tuesday
of every month at 6:00pm.
Holy Hour(Church) The third Wednesday of each
month @ 7:00pm
Eucharistic Adoration (Chapel) This Friday from
12:00noon6:00pm. Call 724-747-7071 for scheduling.
Catholic Mens Fellowship The 1st & 3rd Saturday of
each month at 7:30-8am at St. Damien for Adoration, to
St. Francis for 8:30am Mass and then to breakfast.
Holy Name Society (Church) Second Sunday of each
month with Rosaries at 8am and then to the parish park
for the meeting after the 8:30am Mass.
 St. Damien of Molokai Parish, Monongahela Page Three

Immaculate Conception of MaryDec. 8th

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception declares that Mary was conceived without sin in
the womb of her mother. As the bearer of Christ, we recognize her unique role in salvation
history and designated special moments during which we honor her as a model disciple. On
May 13, 1846, the Catholic bishops of the United States, who were gathered for the Sixth Pro-
vincial Council of Baltimore, adopted a decree by which they chose the Blessed Virgin Mary,
conceived without sin, as Patroness of the United States. This is a Holy Day of Obligation.
St. Damien Mass Schedule on Friday, December 8th is 9:00am & 7:00pm

The Work of Gods Hands Today we begin the season of Advent, our
annual time of joyful expectation as we await the coming of Jesus Christ.
Our waiting is two-fold. More immediately, we anticipate the celebration
of Christmas and the anniversary of the Son of God coming as one like us
to love us and to set an example for us to follow. At the same time, we ac-
tively await the time when Christ will come again in glory and call all peo-
ple to himself. Throughout the Advent season, as in todays Gospel, we will hear the call to be
alert and ready for the Lords coming that we might not be caught off guard. That readiness
includes allowing the God who created us in his image to continue to form our hearts and lives
to be more like His own, for we are the clay and [He] the potter. As we also anticipate the
changes coming in our parishes as part of the On Mission for The Church Alive! initiative we
place our trust in God as he continues to form us and our parishes. May our hearts be formed
in patience and peace as we work to build up new communities of faith. May our parishes be
formed in vibrancy and unity as places of warm welcome and firm faith. Visit onmission-
churchalive.org to learn more and to stay informed.

Members of the St. Damien ARCM who made a reservation for the Christmas Party
are reminded that it takes place tomorrow, Monday, December 4th at Fr. Abbate Hall
beginning at 6:30pm. Please remember to bring nonperishable items for the Food
Bank.

Christmas Flower Memorials2017

Envelopes for Christmas Flower memorial donations have been placed at the doors of the
church this weekend. Please return your Christmas Flower donations by Monday, De-
cember 11th. This will insure that your donation and memorial will be placed in the
Flower Memorial publication.

Keep Christ in ChristmasThroughout the weeks leading up to Christmas or until sold out, the
Knights of Columbus will be selling religious Christmas cards in Fr. Leger Hall before and after week-
end Masses. Please purchase and use religious cards and help promote the true meaning of Christmas
the birth of Christ. If you have any questions, contact Chuck Brooks at 724-255-2744.

2017 TOYS FOR TOTS

Its that time of the year again! The Toy Box for Toys for Tots has been placed in the
church. Please bring all your new toys to donate for children up to age 12 and
place them in the box prior to pickup on December 10th.
Page Four St. Damien of Molokai Parish

Rediscover the Sacrament of Confession when the Light Is On for You! Every Church
in the Diocese of Pittsburgh will be open on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from
6pm - 9pm and priests will be available for Confession. Experience the unending love
and mercy of God!

Advent Reflections
Please join us at St Damien of Molokai Parish for a rest from hectic holiday
preparations. Let us together prepare ourselves for the true meaning of Christ-
mas , the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ thru prayer, music and quiet reflection.
Join us on Wednesday, December 6th, Tuesday, December 12th and Wednes-
day, December 20th at 7 pm in the Church.

Advent Giving Program 2017

This years Advent Giving Program will again invite all parishioners to donate
to our parish Food Bank by purchasing $10 gift cards to the following stores:
Sheetz, Aldis, Foodland, Giant Eagle and Walmart. Parishioners are invited
to take an Advent Ornament upon which will be written $10 gift card. Baskets
with the Advent Ornament are located at the doors of the churches. These cards
will be distributed by the Food Bank or from the Parish Office as needs
arise. Advent donations of gift cards may be placed in an envelope and put in the collection basket.

CHRISTMAS NUT ROLL SALE

Orders are now being taken for our Christmas Nut, Apricot and Poppy Seed rolls. They
are $13.00 each and orders are due by December 11th. Order forms are near the doors
of the Church, or you may call the Parish Office to order.

OplatkiChristmas Wafers are available at the Parish Office.

The requested donation for Oplatki is $3.00 per package. Thank you.

RCIA CLASS OF 2017-2018 ~ RITE OF WELCOMING

On Sunday, November
19th, the RCIA Class of
2017-2018 was present-
ed to the parish at the
11am Mass during the
Rite of Welcoming. Pic-
tured left to right are:
Kimberly Massafra,
Kevin Behanna, Cheryl
Falappi, Jack H. France,
Michelle Barkey, Angela
Fleischman, Delia Jeri-
cho and Guy A. Flament,
Jr.
 St. Damien of Molokai Parish Page Five

Offertory Report 11/19/2017 Pastoral Impressions

Offertory Mass By Fr. Bill
4:00pm 2065 .00 Our Attendance
8:30am 1424.00 Offering Its the First Sunday of Advent
11:00am 2034.00
Back
4:00pm 189 and you just received an invita-
To
Mail In 898.00 God 8:30am 163 tion: THE MOST HIGH GOD
11:00am 244 REQUESTS THE HONOR OF
Total $ 6,421.00 YOUR PRESENCE AT THE ENTRY OF HIS
Weekly Offertory Goal Total 596 SON INTO THE WORLD. THIS UNPRECE-
$7,500 DENTED EVENT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY
Religious Retirement: A JOYOIUS CELEBRATION IN TWO LOCA-
$2,122.00 TIONS: HEAVEN AND EARTH. THE
EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEM-
Offertory Report 11/26/2017 BER 25, AND YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO
Offertory Mass SPEND THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS PREPAR-
4:00pm 1534.00 Our Attendance ING FOR THE FESTIVITIES.
8:30am 1398.00 Offering
Welcome to Adventa season of hope and ex-
11:00am 2283.00 Back 4:00pm 153
To pectation! Over the course of the next month,
Mail In 360.00 8:30am 148
God
11:00am 270 you may be part of family gatherings, you might
Total $ 5,575.00 reenact time-honored traditions: buying gifts,
Weekly Offertory Goal Total 571 decorating homes, and preparing special meals.
$7,500 And to crown all these observances, Jesus him-
self will come and visit you. As todays Gospel
tells us, we may not know when he is coming,
Madonna Catholic Regional School but he promises he will come. Even now he is
731 Chess St. looking for new ways to touch your heart. Right
Monongahela, PA now, he is preparing special gifts of grace and
blessing for youAdvent and Christmas pre-
sents that he will give as you open your heart to
MCRS, located at 731 Chess St. Monongahe- him.
la, boasts students in Preschool Grade What kind of gifts will he give? Reminders of
Eight with a dedicated staff and active vol- his Fathers love. A sense of hope as you face
unteers. For information about MCRS, up- lifes challenges. New insights and wisdom that
coming events or fundraisers, please call 724 you can share with your loved ones. Freedom
-258-3199. from guilt as you lay your sins and failings at
BRUNCH WITH THE GRINCH! Saturday, his feet. And above all, peace and joy as he tells
December 9th MCRS at 10:00. $10.00 you that he has you in the palm of his hand.
per person includes Brunch and photo by So take his invitation today! Do everything you
Grillis Studio! Please call the school office can to be alert and ready to receive Jesus and his
to RSVP! All are welcome! gifts. Try to spend a little more time in daily
2018 Lottery Calendar tickets are available prayer and scripture reading. Go to confession
NOW. The $25.00 ticket gives you 365 so that you can get rid of anything that blocks
chances to win! Dont miss out on your favor- you from receiving his love and hos gifts.
ite numbers! Jesus wants to celebrate with you. And hes giv-
Enjoy Coupon Books - $30.00 and KidStuff en you a whole month(almost) to get ready. Je-
Coupon Books - $25.00 are available while sus, I accept your invitation. By your Spirit and
supplies last. Great money savers and great your grace, help me to get ready for your com-
gifts!
ing on Christmas Day.