Annunciation Parish
@
Saint Gabriel Church
December 13, 2015
LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
ACCORDING TO WHICH AN INDULGENCE IS GRANTED TO THE
FAITHFUL
ON THE OCCASION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY
Furthermore, the Jubilee Indulgence can also be obtained for the deceased. We are bound
to them by the witness of faith and charity that they have left us. Thus, as we remember
them in the Eucharistic celebration, we can, in the great mystery of the Communion of
Saints, pray for them, that the merciful Face of the Father free them of every remnant of
fault and strongly embrace them in the unending beatitude.
Pastors Thoughts
The immense mercy of God can be invited and offered to both the living and the
dead - for all are alive to God! Our Holy Father reminds us of the very ancient
custom of obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence of behalf of those who no longer live
on the earth but, being among the saved, are being purified and perfected in
Purgatory. God desires all of His children to be completely made whole, detached
from passing things, open totally to love and glory without end - thus in His
mercy He aides them directly after this life is over. The Jubilee Indulgence can be
offered for our departed loved ones, bringing them the same graces of total
cleansing of soul from the remnants of sin, graces to uplift and cleanse and
perfect the soul, that we can gain for ourselves on the earth. As we now enter into
this Holy Year of Mercy, do not overlook that these dear people - family, relatives,
friends, neighbors, and indeed those most overlooked and most in need in
Purgatory, can benefit from our prayer and works of mercy obtaining the
Indulgence for them as well.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Diocesan Appeal : We have reached $23,700.00 towards our goal of
$35,000 - many thanks to all (165 FAMILIES) for helping the work of
the Diocese.
HELPING THE NEEDY
A Shelter for the Homeless is being organized to help the needy of the Hazleton
area. Coordinated by Fr. Clarke of Holy Rosary Parish and involving Catholic
Social Services and the parishes of our area, it will be hosted at St. Peter’s
Episcopal Church on S. Laurel St., hopefully beginning in the new year. Bishop
Bambera has already pledged the support of the Diocese for start up costs. Each
of the local parishes has been asked to raise at least $2000 in support of this
project as well as collect names of anyone interesting in volunteering to prepare
a meal on the nights when the shelter operates. Anyone wishing to make a
donation or be considered as a volunteer can stop by the Rectory. This would be
a great contribution to our Christian efforts in this Holy Year of Mercy!
PARISH HAPPENINGS
FEAST OF GUADALUPE: The Annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe will take
place with a parish wide Mass on Sunday Dec. 13 at Noon followed by a fiesta
with free food, music and dancing open to all.
FR. FINN’S MONTHLY RADIO SHOW
“This is our Catholic Faith” will be
broadcast on catholicfmradio.com on Thursday, December 17 at 7:30pm. Topics
include elements of our Catholic Faith and current issues of Church life. Listeners can
participate via the chat line.
FIRST FRIDAY of the month is a day when we traditionally bring Holy
Communion to the persons who cannot make it to church from their homes. If
you know anyone who would like to receive Holy Communion at home, please let
us know at the Rectory.
SIGN-UP SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S is available in
the sacristy this weekend. If interested in participating, stop in and sign up.
CHRISTMAS WAFERS are available this weekend in the sanctuary area.
Donation is $2.00
PIONSETTIA MEMORIALS: If you would like to remember your loved one on
the Altar this Christmas Season, please include their name on the back your
Flower Envelope found in your packet of envelopes this month. Cost is $15.00
THE MPB COMMUNITY PLAYERS present
“Our Christmas Gift”
Sunday, December 13 @ 7:30 PM @ Most Precious Blood Church, 4th &
Seybert Streets. Admission is FREE. Good will donations accepted.
An evening of Music and Theatre celebrating the Reason for the Season!
SURVIVORS AFTER SUICIDE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 6 – 7:30 PM.
Catholic Social Services, 214 West Walnut Street, Hazleton
Facilitated by: Professional and Peer
This is a no fee open grief gropy that welcomes survivors at any stage of their
grieving process. You don’t need to sign up. Anyone in need of support after
the loss of a loved one is welcome.
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 Feb. 26-Feb. 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.
Those who sow in tears
will reap with cries of joy.
Those who go forth weeping,
carrying sacks of seed,
Will return with cries of joy,
carrying their bundled sheaves.
— Psalm 126:5-6 (NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission.)
MASS INTENTIONS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18th
7:00 AM Robert Stracka…M/M Michael Zelenak 7:00 PM Elizabeth & Sylvester Fellin..
12:10 PM Special Intention….Carol
Anna Marie, Tom & Tommy
th
TUESDAY, December 15
12:10 PM Theresa Mancuso…
7:00 AM Healing of Jeanne Hammond…
A.M. Kennedy
The Freyne Family
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19th
12:10 PM Margaret Haraschak…James &
8:00 AM Michael & Pauline
Dorothy McHugh
Giarrizzi…Larry & Nancy
th
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
4:00 PM Tom & Ellen Gallagher…
7:00 AM In Thanksgiving
Tom, Kathleen & Tommy
12:10 PM Charlutz & Cera Families….Anela
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20TH
& Dolores Cera
7:30 AM Dec. of Rohrbach/Fellin Fam.
th
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
10:15 AM Ann Matisak…Family
7:00 AM Frank Notaro….Josephine Rubio
12:00 PM For the People
12:10 PM Nicole Notaro….Kim Meyers Family
5:30 PM Thomas Carey…Wife
7:00 PM Special Intention
th