January 10th, 2021 · 2021. 1. 10. · Margaret Jones Lisa Shanahan Mickey Kavanagh Gerard Taddei Michael & Elizabeth Leddy Edward Lieber Irma MacKenzie Bishop Robert P. Maginnis

33 Conwell Drive Maple Glen, PA 19002

(215) 646-4600 • (215) 646-0180 (Fax)

[email protected]

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Rev. Msgr. Brian P. Hennessy, Pastor

Most Rev. Timothy C. Senior, Assisting

Rev. Keith Chylinski, Assisting

Deacon John Mischler

Deacon James (JT) Toth

Mary Frances Kelly

Parish Services Director

Sandra Lowery

Business Manager

Michele Gordon Director of Religious Education

[email protected] P.R.E.P. (215) 643-7938

Jeffrey Clements

Director of Communications & IT

Fran La Noce

Parish Faith Director

Frank Stieber

Director of Music Ministry

(215) 542-8319

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PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm;

MASS SCHEDULES

Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm

Sunday 8:00 am, 10:15 am, 12 Noon

Tuesday–Friday 9:00 am (Chapel)

Saturday morning 9:00 am (Chapel)

BAPTISMS

Second and fourth Sundays

Contact the Rectory

CONFESSIONS

Saturday morning

following 9:00 am Mass

Saturday afternoon 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

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OUR LADY OF MERCY REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

29 Conwell Drive

Maple Glen, PA 19002

January 10th, 2021 Baptism of the Lord

Page 2 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected]

A Message from Monsignor Hennessy Dear Parishioners, As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord and so conclude the Christmas season, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of our volunteers who helped us to celebrate these sacred days so well. When we began planning for our Christmas Masses, there were so many variables that it made it diffi-cult to anticipate what our real need would be. But our goal was simple – to allow for any and all who wished to celebrate in-person at church to do so. This required preparing the parish center in addition to the church for the celebration of Mass, including music, decorations and the large number of volun-teers needed to assist with ushering, in addition to cantors and musicians, altar servers, lectors and cleaners.

Thank you to all who volunteered, some even for multiple Masses on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for your dedication and great generosity to me and to our parish. You helped us to celebrate safely and worthily this Christmas, with many of you taking up the new ministry of ushering for the first time! In a special way, I want also to thank Frank Stieber, our Director of Music Ministry, for perfectly preparing music for 10 Christmas Masses and Suzanne Pacitti, our coordinator of church decorations, for beautifully decorating our church and parish center. To them and to all who assisted them, know of my deep gratitude.

I want to thank all of you as well for your generous support of our parish this Christmas season, and throughout this past year. We support our parish, above all, when we pray together, especially by celebrating Mass, in-person but also virtually, and when we participate in the activities of our parish. But a real and necessary support is also financial, and you have been extraordinary in this regard. I know there are so many demands on you for the support of many worthy causes, especially at this time of year. I am forever grateful that you believe our parish to be worthy of your support. Without your contributions, small and large, we would not be able to serve our community as we do – to serve you.

As we continue in this new year, may we remain united in hope for a year of health and safety, a year that will allow us to again gather with family and friends and as a parish community, a year of deepening trust in the Lord and of ever-greater love for him and his Church. Like Mary and Joseph, may we continue to adore Jesus and know that he remains with us always! Sincerely in Christ, Monsignor Hennessy

READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK Reading I: Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7, or 55: 1-11 God speaks as He would to a heavenly court, and promises that He will give His Spirit to the coming Messiah. We also learn about the power of God‘s Word, which never goes unfulfilled. The Messiah will be ―a light to all nations.‖

Reading II: Acts 10: 34-38, or I John 5: 1-9 This letter of John joins obedience to love. It is incumbent on us to believe that Jesus is the Son of the Father, and that His death for sin brings us eternal life.

The Gospel: Mark 1: 7-11 John the Baptist again exhibits his humility before Jesus, as he declares himself unworthy to do what was normally a slave‘s task: loosening Jesus‘ sandal straps. ―Wind and fire‖ describe the coming of the king-dom and precede the proclamation of Our Lord‘s true identity.

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

(St. Alphonsus Ligouri) My Jesus, I believe that You are pre-sent in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I de-

sire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment re-

ceive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. Iembrace You as if You were al-

ready there and unite myself wholly to You. Nev-er permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Page 3 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected]

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS Austin Schultz, 2nd Lt., Captain Colleen McIntyre Osborne, Captain Andrew O‘Grady, Sgt. Kyle J. Mullen, 2nd Lt.

Gregory J. Fry, Major Matthew Miller, 1st Lt. Ryan A. Schieber, Andrew J. Urban, Captain Christopher Smith, Ensign Justin Price USN, Sgt. Michael Hiltwine, Captain Sean Milde, Daniel R. Plefka, USAF, Cpl. Mat-thew S. Leonardo, Lt. Christopher M. Boss, Capt. Thomas Nell, USMC, Eric Burns, Anthony Szczurek, Tania Szczurek, Matthew Trimborn, Major Gabriel J. Zinni, Ryan Greene, Michael McDonald, Col. John Sul-livan, Lt. Commander Thomas Luft, Lt. James D. Voter, USN, Commander Frank Walter, Commander J. Milo Sewards, USN, Captain Andrew O‘Grady, USA, Harry Kilpatrick, IV, USMC, Pvt. Joseph T. Donohue, USA Together as a parish we pray for their safety. Contact John Cavanaugh if you would like to add a name or for more information at [email protected] or 215-643-3299.

The Sanctuary Light burns bright in memory of

Isabelle Peszka from the Peszka Family

Deceased Relatives and Friends Thomas Finnegan, Maria DeGirolamo,

Joseph Kalkbrenner, Jr., James Hansen,

Gregory N. Klemick, Mary Sigg

Laurence Finnegan III, Martin Brennan Jr.,

George Freeman, Frederick Browne,

Rosemary Thompson, Florence Finley

& John J. Bunkle

Sick Relatives, Friends and the Homebound

Marin Baumer Marguerite Bradley Johanna Brown Cathy & Angelo Caggiano

Leah Carsello Ellie Chang Matt Cirillo Colleen Coll David Coroniti Anne Marie Davine Donnelley Family Mary Eidenshink Louis Farren Annette Feola Joseph Ferla Laura Giampa Joe Gisondi Connor Gravelle Arthur Huie Margaret Jones Mickey Kavanagh Michael & Elizabeth Leddy

Edward Lieber

Irma MacKenzie Bishop Robert P. Maginnis

Patrick Maholland Donald Mahon Fr. Wilfred Maloney Barbara McAleer Julie McCauley Elisabeth McLaughlin Timothy Morgan Edward Morris Jeffrey Moyer Patrick Murphy Bet Nardello Elizabeth Anne Noll Mary Parkinson Michael Rafter Pat Reigle Michael Rockwood Joan Schmitt Lisa Shanahan Gerard Taddei Nate Williams

If you would like someone added, returned, or taken off this list, please contact the rectory.

Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday, January 9th: Readings: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Jn 1:19-28 9:00 AM: Thomas Campbell—Joe Young & Family 5:00 PM: Robert J. Schaefer—Mary Frances & Patrick Kelly Sunday, January 10th: Readings: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 8:00 AM: Vincent Walters—Warren & Nancy Voter 10:15 AM: Theresa ―Terry‖ Scott—Charles & Roseanne Hofmann 12:00 PM: People of the Parish Monday, January 11th: Readings: Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9; Mk 1:21-28 9:00 AM: No Mass Tuesday, January 12th: Readings: Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab, 5, 6-9; Mk 1:21- 28 9:00 AM: Mary Jo McNamara—Carolyn Gretzinger Wednesday, January 13th: Readings: Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Mk 1:29-39 9:00 AM: Spencer Taddei—Joe & Margie Gilbert Thursday, January 14th: Readings: Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3, 8-9, 10-11; Mk 1:40-45 9:00 AM: Debbie Hobbs —Jill Susui Friday, January 15th: Readings: Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3, 4bc, 6c-7, 8; Mk 2:1-12 9:00 AM: Vince Walters—McDonald Family Saturday, January 16th: Readings: Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mk 2:13-17 9:00 AM: In Honor of Gerry & Nancy McDonald‘s 50th Wedding Anniversary—Nancy McDonald 5:00 PM: People of the Parish Sunday, January 17th: Readings: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8a, 8b- 9, 10; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35- 42 8:00 AM: Thomas Murphy—Bonnie Murphy & Family 10:15 AM: Annie John—Jaya Kallukaran 12:00 PM: Peter Waters—The O‘Kane Family

Next Sunday’s Celebrants

Page 4 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected]

January 16th and January 17th

5:00 PM: Father Keith Chylinkski 8:00 AM: Father Keith Chylinkski 10:15 AM: Monsignor Brian Hennessy 12:00 PM: Monsignor Brian Hennessy

Celebrants subject to change

YOUR WILL

Please remember our parish in your bequests.

Stewardship Report

For the Week Ending: Dec, 19, 2020 Dec 21, 2019

Sunday Collection $13, 112 $17,666

Parish Giving (net of fees) 5,414 4,881

Total Weekly Collections* $18,526 $22,547

Fiscal YTD Collections* $442,206 $462,409

The generosity and support of our parishioners is greatly appreciated during these challenging times.

Parish Office Hours Until further notice there will be NO in person business done in the parish office. Please call the office at 215-646-4600 or email [email protected] with any re-quest for forms, Mass cards and any other busi-ness. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Prayer Minus the Pizza! This virtual and in-person gathering will resume on Thursday evening, February 4, at 6:30, when Monsignor will discuss our Christ-mas gift book, The Search. There will be no Prayer Minus Pizza in January.

Saint Alphonsus Census Please remember to mail back your 2020 census form with the provided return envelope. If you have not received a census or have any questions, please contact the rectory.

A New Year Suggestion: Join BSG! What is BSG? It is the Tuesday Morning Bible Study Group. Why join BSG: because it is an opportunity to learn the scriptures without leaving the warmth of your own home. Why now? Two reasons: it is the beginning of a new year and BSG is beginning a new Catholic Bible Study program, First Corinthians: ―The Church and the Christian Community.‖ First Corinthians is an eleven session Ascension Press program that tells of the conflicts of the early Christians that in many ways resemble our struggles today. The message of St. Paul to the early Christian community in Corinth that guides and encourages them amid their problems with divisions, immorality and persecution is a much-needed message for our own times. Our sessions are in-person at 6:30 AM on Tuesday mornings (worth the sacrifice) in the Narthex and remotely on Zoom. For information call Dave White (215-601-3424) ([email protected]).

RETROUVAILLE: REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE

Metanoia is an active community of Catholic young adults in western Montgomery County, PA. The group supports Catholics in their 20s and 30s who are looking to deepen their faith and meet fellow Catholics in the area. Our upcoming events are listed below and begin at 7:30pm on most Tuesdays unless otherwise noted. The next Retrouvaille program will be held in person February 12 - 14 at the Malvern Retreat House. As the current gathering restrictions in our area are frequently changing, please be sure you are sub-scribed to our newsletter to receive access to our virtual meetings and our latest information by head-ing to http://www.metanoiayoungadults.org. Questions? Contact [email protected] for more in-formation, or visit our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/users/metanoiayoungadults).

Novena to St. Anthony to restore that which we have lost due to the pandemic

We will be praying a Novena to St. Anthony, Patron of the Lost for 9 days beginning January 11. The Novena will be live streamed at 9:00 AM each day or you are invited to live participate in our sanctuary. Please visit www.saintanthonyparish.org and click on the Vimeo-Livestream link on our homepage to partici-pate online. St. Anthony of Padua Parish. 259 Forest Ave. Ambler, PA 19002 215-646-4742 for more infor-mation.

Event: Philadelphia March for Life (first-ever!)Saturday, January 23, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

With the Annual March for Life in Washington, DC be-ing extremely limited by COVID restrictions, join us instead for a March for Life in Philadelphia. Come and give joy-filled witness to the dignity and sanctity of hu-man life from conception to natural death!Schedule: 9:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul followed by a March, ending with a rally on Independence Mall. Event will conclude at 1:00 PM.

mailto:[email protected]://www.metanoiayoungadults.org

FORMED—Now Easier Than Ever! Now Register Easily for FORMED Using a One-step Process: Go to stalphonsusparish.formed.org on any mobile device or computer. No parish code is neces-sary, and no fee is required. Take advantage of the many rich resources available to nurture your faith!

Simplify another thing in your life and sign up for automated Parish Giving. To sign up, go to our website, www.stalphonsusparish.org, and click on the Parish Giving Icon on the sidebar. Have your bank account or credit card information available when you sign up. The program also includes holy days and second collections. Please feel free to call the rectory if you need any help.

Prep News Confirmation preparation begins in grade 6. If you have a child in a private school who is in 6th grade, please contact Michele Gordon as soon as possible at [email protected] in order to receive important Confirmation information. For families with pre-school aged children, if you would like to receive weekly Shining Stars materials to do at home with your children, please contact Michele Gordon at [email protected].

The Holy Family: An Exemplary Model for Living a Life of Faith

Catholic Updates from Liguori Publications are concise, readable, four-page articles on topics of interest in the Church today. Please take a copy from the wall rack on the right as you leave the church. Look for new up-dates each month.

Page 5 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected]

Come Share the Word with us! Join us virtually for an opportunity to grow in faith as we share the readings of the upcoming weekend and talk with one another about the meaning and message of those readings in our daily lives. We meet on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:00. To receive a Zoom link, contact Mauri McKee at [email protected]

St. A.’s Knit and Pray Experienced knitters and beginners alike are invited to come together on Wednesday afternoons in the Parish Center (school gym) for prayer, fellowship, and expert instruction from our Parish Services Director, Mary Frances Kelly. This Winter, we will meet at 4:30 ra-ther than 4:00 in the Saint Alphonsus Parish Center (gym). New members are always welcome! There is an initial $15 charge to cover the cost of supplies and the book, Knit, Purl, Pray: 52 Devotions for the Creative Soul by Lisa Bogart. To register, call Fran La Noce at the parish office, 215-646-4600.

Young Adult Retreat February 5 - 7, 2021

Marianist Family Retreat Center Cape May Point, NJ 08212

Come join other young adults (ages 22-35) married or single, to take a step back from our busy lives. This will be a time to examine your personal faith and your rela-tionship with God, your family members and yourself. Our time will be filled with prayer experiences, peer group discussions, Eucharist and lots of fun! Cost: $140 per person, single occupancy only due to Covid restrictions Register at: www.capemaymarianists.org or call 609-884-3829 Some financial aid is available

Online Discernment Retreat Are you discerning religious life? The Missionary Serv-ants of the Most Blessed Trinity will be hosting a virtual discernment retreat January 29th and 30th for single women, ages 18+ that are considering religious life. Join MSBT sisters in prayer, reflection and hear MSBT sisters share their stories on mission. To register go to http://www.msbt.org/rise-up-journey-with-jesus-2021/ or for more information email [email protected]

Martin Saints Classical High School Admissions Open House: January 31, 2021 @ 11am

7th Grade Visitation: March 30, 2021 Guest Student Visit: Contact our admissions counselor, Ms. Lindmeier, to schedule a visit

during the school day. Location: On the campus of Holy Martyrs Church,

120 Allison Road, Oreland PA 19075. www.whymsc.org

Come be ―fully alive‖ with us!

Any questions? Contact: Ms. Laura Lindmeier to RSVP ([email protected])

Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Service

Monday, January 18, 2020 - 6:00 PM

Sponsored by the Office for Black Catholics of the Arch-diocese of Philadelphia; Join us in person or via

livestream.Location: St. Dorothy Catholic Church; 4910 Township Line Road; Drexel Hill, PA

Presiders: Archbishop Nelson J Pérez; Rev. Edward Sparkman; Rabbi Jeremy Gerber

More details and livestream info: Visit our Website

Rite of Acceptance for RCIA Candidates Monsignor Hennessy will celebrate the Rite of Ac-ceptance with our candidates for full communion with the Catholic Church this Sunday, January 10, at the 10:15 Mass. Our community welcomes them and ex-presses our support and they continue to investigate our Catholic Faith. The candidates are: Drew Phillips, Amanda Murphy, Paul Kingston, and Mark and Heather Norman.

http://www.stalphonsusparish.commailto:[email protected]

Page 6 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected]

Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School

29 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen

215-646-0150

―OLM Rooted in God…. And growing in Mercy.‖

21-22 OLM Enrollment NOW Open!

Enrollment for the 21-22 School Year is NOW Open for grades K to 8th. Seats are very limited. Due to COVID19 restrictions, we are unable to conduct personal tours, however, we can put you in touch with a current family to ask questions or you can contact Julie Bebey for more information or to receive an application. Julie can be reached at OLM at [email protected] or at school, 215-646-0150 x113. We look forward to speaking with you!

OLM in Search of Prayer Angels Inviting Parish Members and Friends to be an OLM Prayer Angel THANK YOU to those that said YES to being an OLM Prayer Angel. We just passed the one month mark of our school opening. We know that your prayers are keeping us safe. During the school year we are saying Pope Francis‘s COVID Prayer each day. We would like to invite members of the parish to be an OLM Prayer Angel and recite the prayer each day to keep the OLM family safe and healthy. We have printed prayer cards to anyone who wants to join this prayer chain. To join, please call OLM and speak with Julie Bebey at (215) 646-0150 x113 or email jbebey@OLMrcs and Julie will send you a prayer card. #weareinthistogether

Martin Saints Classical High School Open House: November 10, 2020 at 7 PM 8

th Grade Visitation: November 17, 2020 7

th Grade Visitation: March 30, 2021

Guest Student Visit: Contact our admissions counselor, Ms. Lindmeier, to schedule a visit during the day. Location: On the campus of Holy Martyrs Church,

120 Allison Road, Oreland PA 19075. www.whymsc.org

Come be ―fully alive‖ with us! Any questions? Contact Ms. Laura Lindmeier, Admissions Counselor at [email protected] or Mr. Adam Dickerson, Headmaster at [email protected]

Support OLM when You Shop At Amazon Are You Shopping on Amazon? Please Partici-pate in the AmazonSmile Program. It’s simple and OLM will receive a % back to support school programs. If you are not already an AmazonSmile member, sign up on your web browser at https://smile.amazon.com. Simply select OLMrcs to start generating donations at no cost to you. New this year: You can now support OLM on iPhone & An-droid phones too! Open the app and find ‗Settings‘ in the Main Menu. Tap on ‗Amazon Smile‘ and follow the on-screen in-structions to turn on Ama-zonSmile on your phone. OLM thanks you!

Visit the OLM Christmas Light Display!

OLM wishes to send a heartfelt thanks to Ken-ny‘s Christmas Trees & Acteon Light Up A Life for making possible the wonderful Christmas display at OLM. Your generosity brought Joy & Smiles to so many.