From Father Joe

Today, we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent is the season leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. You are encouraged to visit the world’s only replica of the Vatican crèche in downtown Pittsburgh. Visiting the crèche may help you

recapture some of the true spirit of Christmas that urges us to draw closer to God. You are also encouraged to use the prayers and reflections in the weekly Advent bulletin insert.

 

FYI- Due to safety and insurance concerns, no church or school key will be distributed to a group unless that group pre-schedules a meeting with the rectory office. This has been an established policy for a number of years. Keys must also be returned immediately following all meetings. Keys cannot be kept by any organization.

 

The Crucifix of Christ the High Priest is in the home of Anthony & Betsy Polley this week.

 

Christmas Wafers “Oplatky”- are being sold in the rectory office. The price for a pack of 5 wafers is $1.00.

 

Christmas Flower Envelope- Please print legibly on the donation envelope the name(s) of the person(s) you are remembering or honoring and we will place these names in a memorial book on the altar rail during the Christmas Season.

 

Confessions for Christmas-will take place on Monday, December 19^th at 6:30 p.m. This will be your last opportunity for Confession prior to Christmas. Several priests will be available in Church. Their will be no Confessions on Tuesday, December 20^th. Arrangements have been made for the children of our parish who attend our school/religious education classes to receive the Sacrament during the Advent season.

 

Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? Why not purchase a daily drawing ticket for $5, which  gives a chance to win daily for an entire month! Winning numbers are based on the evening PA lottery. You can win $5-$500 and all proceeds benefit our school. Tickets are available in the rectory office for December and January. Tickets make great gifts in card and great stocking stuffers.

 

 

 

St. Rosalia Religious Education News: On Wednesday, December 14, there will be a meeting for all parents of students in grades 5-8 to discuss the Catholic Vision of Love Chastity Education and Personal Safety Program. If you have a student in 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade, please plan to attend this meeting.

 

St. Rosalia Academy News

§         Please join us for these upcoming events:

v      Saint Rosalia Academy will be sponsoring a Cash Bash on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. Cash Prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes!!  That is 17 chances to win with each ticket! Tickets are $20.00 each. Ticket includes a complimentary buffet, pop, and beer. Must be 21 to attend the Cash Bash.  WINNER NEED NOT BE PRESENT to win. For tickets and more information call Amy Goetzman 412-521-0910. Tickets will be delivered!!!!! Thanks for your support!!!!

v      St. Rosalia Academy is celebrating its history of “Over 100 Years of Excellence.” Please save the following dates in 2012 for future alumni functions: May 5, 2012 (Alumni Mass & Open House) and November 24, 2012 (Grand Reunion Banquet). We are looking for both grade school and high school alumni to join in the fun and renew friendships. If you or your children attended St. Rosalia or if you are planning a reunion and have a list of classmates that we can contact, we would like to hear from you. We also need volunteers to work with the Alumni Committee in planning the events and helping to locate graduates. Please email strosaliaacademy@gmail.com or call 412-521-3005 to RSVP your attendance at Mass or if you would like to volunteer or have contact information to share.