December 20th,2009

VISITATION B.V.M. • TROOPER, PENNSYLVANIA
MASS SCHEDULE
Sunday Vigil Mass: Saturday 5:15 PM Upper Church
Sundays:
Upper Church: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM & 12:00 Noon
Lower Church: 6:00 AM , 7:30 AM & 11:00 AM
Eve of Holy Days: 5:15 PM Upper Church
Holy Days: As Announced • Weekdays: 7:00 & 8:00 AM
First Fridays: 7:00 & 8:00 AM
(9:00 AM School days only)
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Saturdays: After the 8 AM Mass: 4:00 to 5:00 PM
Eve of First Fridays & Holy Days: 7:30 to 8:00 PM
WEBSITE http://www.visitationbvm.org Please visit our
website for a complete Directory Listing.
Rev. Msgr. Thomas A. Murray, Pastor
Rev. Edward J. Kelly,
Parochial Vicar
Rev. Michael J. Saban,
Parochial Vicar
Rev. Msgr. Ignatius L. Murray,
In Residence
Weekend Assistants
Rev. John J. Hagen, O.S.A.
Rev. Richard M. Jacobs, O.S.A.
Rev. John Sheridan, O.S.A.
BAPTISM Arrangements and instruction by appointment
must be made in advance. Both parents are required to attend a
Pre-Baptismal Class. Baptisms are celebrated within the 12
Noon Mass every Second Sunday of the month or at 1:30 P.M.
on the First and Third Sundays of the Month.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK (& HOLY
COMMUNION) Please notify the Rectory when any family
member cannot come to Church regularly. The Priests will call
with the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist, Penance, and
Anointing of the Sick.
MARRIAGE Arrangements by appointment should be made
with the priest at least six months before the date of the
wedding.
NEW PARISHIONERS Please register at the Rectory as
soon as possible. Parishioners moving within or out of the
parish, please notify the Rectory of the change.
A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR…
To the naked eye, today’s world seems totally
different from that into which the Christ Child was
born two thousand years ago, but "the more things
seem to change, the more they stay the same”.
Herod greeted the Lord with fear and violence;
ignorance and indifference typified the response of
so many others to the babe in Bethlehem. After
two thousand years, violence, fear, ignorance, and
indifference, still strive to stifle the Light
emanating from the manger. Praise God such was
not the whole story then nor is it today.
Mary and Joseph could not be deterred by a "no
room in the Inn" sign. Shepherds and Magi from
the East would do just fine as a welcoming
committee! Attempts to bar Jesus from the
classroom, bedroom, workroom, office, or public
square today, will never keep him from the hearts
and homes of those sincerely seeking truth and
light! You and I are the shepherds and Magi of this
day! Though we be sinners, may we have the
wisdom of the Magi to follow the star! May ours be
the simple, “Trust, and Love of the Shepherds”,
who faithfully came to the manger to welcome the
Child. Like Mary and Joseph, may we allow His
coming to change our lives! Have a Merry, a
Happy, a Holy Christmas!
SCHOOL
Sr. Diane Marie, Principal 610-539-6080
Mrs. Rosanne Terranova, Dir. of Rel. Education 610-5396211; Mrs. Ellen Giammarco, C.A.R.E.S. 610-539-1796
Peace in this beautiful season and always,
Msgr. Murray
CONVENT Sr. M. Joachim 610-539-5558
PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL
(located at rear of Convent) Jim & Pat Welsh 610-584-5298
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DECEMBER 20, 2009 • FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 20, 2009
Brothers and sisters, today we move
toward the conclusion of our Advent
preparations for the coming of the Lord. Let us take the
time to appreciate the small things in life, for like the little
town of Bethlehem, great things may come of them. We
pray for the grace to treasure quiet moments of peace
and joy and the presence of one another. May we
recognize the coming of the Lord in each and every one
of these precious gifts.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Micah 5:1-4a
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45
From Bethlehem shall come the
ruler of Israel.
Behold, I come to do your will..
Mary
visits
her
kinswoman
Elizabeth.
CHILDRENS’ LITURGY OF THE WORD is
held during the 9AM Mass and the 11AM Mass.
Your child does not have to register in order to attend. Children
will be dismissed during the Mass prior to the Readings. They
will return to the pew to be with you after the Offertory Gifts are
presented. Children love to listen to the Readings and the
Gospel from the Children’s Lectionary. During the process,
there is also time for the children to share their thoughts on the
Readings. Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be held from
September through June.
ROSARY: Please join us as we pray the rosary for the special
intentions of the parish each Wednesday at 7PM in the Lower
Church.
ST. RITA OF CASCIA NOVENA: The Novena is prayed
on Tuesday mornings after the 8AM Mass. Favors already
received will be announced beforehand. Come join us.
HELP
WANTED
FOR
PERPETUAL
ADORATION CHAPEL: Our Perpetual Adoration
Chapel, on the side of the convent, is open 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week for your visits. Please pray for
volunteers to fill the following vacant times – every
week: Sun. 3PM; Mon. 3AM; Wed. Noon, 8PM;
Thurs. Noon. Every other week: Sun. 5PM, Fri. 12-1AM.
Substitutes are needed as well for all hours. To volunteer,
please contact Jim and Pat Welsh 610-584-5298.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA: If you are interested in hosting
Our Lady of Fatima statue for a week in your home, please
contact Bob or Rosa Quaglia at 610-489-7427.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT If you are grieving the loss of
a loved one or helping someone through their grief, you are
invited to our parish support group meeting on Sunday,
January 3, 2010 from 2-4PM in the lower rectory conference
room. Please call Peg McDonough at 610-584-5514 for more
information.
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CHRISTMAS MASSES
Christmas Eve Vigil
4PM – Upper & Lower Church
6PM – Upper & Lower Church
8PM – Upper Church
12 Midnight – Upper church
Christmas Day
9, 10:30AM & 12 Noon – Upper Church
7AM – Lower Church
**No Evening Mass on Christmas Day**
NEW YEAR’S MASSES
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
(Holy Day of Obligation)
New Year’s Eve Vigil
5:15PM – Upper & Lower Church
New Year’s Day
7AM – Lower Church
9, 10:30AM & 12 Noon – Upper Church
**No Evening Mass on New Year’s Day**
WE ARE A TITHING PARISH
“God’s Plan for Giving”
Striving to be good stewards, please be generous in
your “Thank you back to God” for all His blessings, and
remember to use your church envelopes accordingly.
December 13, 2009:
December 12, 2008:
$26,339.40
$27,756.00
From the Pastor: Ideally, the tither gives the first tenth of all he
receives back to the Lord, both in gratitude and trust in Divine
Providence. Note that it is the first portion. The hope, the goal of the
tither, indeed of any good Christian, is to always put God first, not only
in the allocation of treasure but of our attention, our time, our talent,
our heart. The more we succeed in doing so, the more everything else
seems to fall into place!
“Comments on Tithing from the Pews”: “I have been tithing
for many, many years. Lots of good has come from it in my life.
Things that seemed very bad turned to very good happenings. I could
tell of any number of good things from business, family, to health and
then some! Keep us the good work, Father!”
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED to decorate the
Upper & Lower Churches for the Christmas
nd
Season on Tuesday, December 22 at 7PM.
Please consider sharing your time and talent with
your parish family this Christmas Season. Any
time you can give will be much appreciated!
VISITATION B.V.M. • TROOPER, PENNSYLVANIA
P. Reilly, Joe Murray, Darren Lajaunie, Breanna King, Patricia Downs,
Michaeletta Magee,
Mary Jane Pleva, Reece Adams, Carolyn
Peairson, Mark Muench, Kim McCartney, Crystal Fiorentino, Steven
Rock, Jr., James Abel, Robert Shafer, Baby Boy Donner, Charlotte
Pellechio, Thomas Collins
MONDAY, December 21, 2009 – Peter Canisius,
priest & doctor
7:00 AM
John Corrado – 20th Anniversary
th
8:00 AM
Jonathan
Crescimone
–
6
Anniversary
TUESDAY, December
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
22, 2009
Kevin Morris
Amato Iuliano
Robert Romani
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Congratulations and prayers from our Visitation Family to the
following child who was recently baptized and incorporated
into the Body of Christ:
Olivia Marie Davis
PRE-JORDAN SESSION
WEDNESDAY, December 23, 2009 – John of Kanty,
priest
th
7:00 AM
Rosemary Fazio – 4 Anniversary
8:00 AM
Mary Piacitelli
The next Pre-Jordan Class for expectant parents is scheduled
for Thursday, January 14, 2010, 7 to 8:00 PM in the Larkin
Center. Please call the Rectory to register, 610-539-5572.
THURSDAY, December 24, 2009
7:00 AM
E. Michael Wolper
8:00 AM
Davis & Bateman Families
4:00 PM
Christmas Eve Vigil – Upper &
Lower Church
6:00 PM
Christmas Eve Vigil – Upper &
Lower Church
8:00 PM
Christmas Eve Vigil – Upper
Church
Midnight Mass
Upper Church
20+Gasper+Melchior+Balthazar+10
FRIDAY, December 25, 2009 – Nativity of the
Lord/Christmas
Masses:
7:00AM, 9:00AM, 10:30AM & 12
Noon
SATURDAY, December 26, 2009 – Stephen, first
martyr
7:00 AM
Kern Family Members
8:00 AM
Rose Caville
EPIPHANY BLESSING
We call upon the Saints Gasper, Melchoir, and Balthazar to
protect families and homes from every harm and danger. Using
chalk, we place their names over the doors of our homes as a
reminder to us and all who enter that our house is truly a house
of the Lord.
Chalk will be blessed at the 5:15PM Mass on Saturday,
January 3, 2010, the Vigil Mass of the Epiphany. It can be
obtained after all Masses. (Community of Disciples, Peg Mehl
610-666-6349).
RESPECT LIFE INFORMATION
Our Parish’s Angel Gift Giving Program concludes
today. The gifts will be separated this afternoon for pick up
from organizations tomorrow morning. Thank you for your
support. All of the items were individually requested, so thank
you for your generosity. Any questions, please call Kathy @
610-584-4291
Mark Your Calendars: The Annual March for Life in
Washington, DC will take place on Friday, January 22, 2010.
There will be bus transportation from Visitation parking lot.
More information to follow.
Especially Eileen Cavaliere, James Aquilani, Antionette Gaudio
and all those who have lost their lives in service to our country.
Remember Our Sick
Keller Tschoepe, Edmund Orme, Jr., Jerome Hunlock, Julia Greco,
Eileen DiCasimirro, Cheryl D’Andrea, Sandy Erbstein, Joseph
Florkowski, Mary Jean Trimble, Betty Clemente, Mary C. Smith, John
McLaughlin, Nicolina Azzolina, Mrica Kqira, Joseph H. Kelly, Thomas
Martin, Gilbert Ledesma, Collette Neal, Geraldine Way, Catherine
Steffler, Antoinette DiGrazio, Robert Hughes, Bob Mootz, Gertrude M.
Durkin, Thomas A. Durkin, Robert DePetris, Perry Maholland,
Christiana McElwee, Lou Mazzenga, Robert Scotti, Jr., Steven
Johnstone, Kathleen Guziewicz, Frank “Whitey” Manze, Shala
Kristofor, Richard Matthew, Toby Matthew, Franchon Williams, Marie
Gambino, Cynthia Griffin, Sophia Agatone, Michele Terranova, Chris
Migliore, Baby Braydon Hoffer, Aidan Melven, Regina Stolburg, Trevor
John Warrick, Steve Walmer, Fred Peltier, Mary Capece, Tom
Shaeffer, Emma Schaefer, Jordan Farrell, Josie Collis, Deidre Miller,
Charlotte Pellechio, Beth Shopnick, Justin Dougherty, Sr., Justin
Dougherty, Jr., Emilio Liberatore, Lee Downs, Mary O’Donnell, Joseph
‘TIS THE SEASON TO SUPPORT
OUR PARISH VOUCHER PROGRAM
Please keep in mind that an easy way to support your
Parish is to purchase your Acme, Giant & Macy gift cards
before you go shopping. And don’t forget to use your
Genuardi Card since part of the proceeds comes back to the
parish. Thanks for your support! Vouchers are sold MondayFriday at the Rectory and to accommodate holiday shopping,
th
will be sold Sunday, December 20 .
THANK YOU to the following parishioners who
so generously shared their Nativity Sets which
are displayed in the vestibule of the Upper
Church: Mary Lou Steele, Sallie Tschoepe.
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DECEMBER 20, 2009 • FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
PARISH LAWN SIGN SALE:
Please help in spreading the
good news of the real meaning of
Christmas by adding a parish
lawn sign to your home
decorations. These signs are twosided, all weather, and very
durable for years of enjoyment.
Signs are $5 each and can be
purchased at the rectory during business hours. Help Keep
Christ in Christmas!
BIBLE STUDY: Parish Bible Study on the Acts of the
Apostles will be Tuesday, January 5th. Remember that we start
the video at 7:15PM, so try to arrive 10 minutes early so you
can grab a cup of coffee/snack. Call John at 610-513-7227 for
questions.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
The Religious Education Office extends prayerful
best wishes for a very blessed Christmas to all our
Parish family. Than you for all the support and help
you give so generously in so many ways
throughout the year. May the Christ Child bless
you and your family with much joy, hope and
peace.
Important Dates:
•
•
•
PLEASE NOTE: Form “A”, “B”, “C” and the fee were
th
due by December 7 . If these forms have not yet been
turned in, kindly do so as quickly as possible.
Sunday, December 27 – NO SUNDAY PRE-K &
KINDERGARTEN PREP CLASS
Monday, December 28 – NO MONDAY NIGHT PREP
CLASS.
SCHOOL NEWS
The administration, faculty, staff and students of Visitation
B.V.M. School extend prayerful and heartfelt greetings and
wishes for a Merry and Blessed Christmas Day and Season to all
parish family members. We pray for each of you during this
season that Jesus, Emmanuel, will bless your homes, hearts and
lives with His peace, deep joy and renewed hope! Your needs and
intentions will be remembered during our School prayer times and
at the Manger! Thank you to Monsignor Murray, our priests,
parish staff members and all parishioners for your support of our
school programs and projects! Rejoice! The Lord comes and lives
with us in time and in eternity!
Upcoming Open House opportunities for Visitation
B.V.M. School:
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 @ 10AM:
Tour &
Question/Answer session.
Monday, February 1, 2010:
Visits to classrooms from 9AM to 11AM; Tour for prospective parents at
10AM.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 1PM:
Tour &
Question/Answer session.
Upcoming Registration Dates for 2010-2011
students:
Thursday, February 25, 2010 – 9AM to 12 Noon:
Kindergarten 2010 registration
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 – 9AM to 11AM:
Pre-School 2010 Registration
Thursday, March 4, 2010 – 9AM to 11AM:
New students to Grades 1-8, 2010 registration
Reminder: Parents are reminded that there is an 11AM
dismissal on Tuesday, December 22nd. All students who are
car riders must be picked up at this hour. Norristown and
Methacton buses will run at 11AM. Parents of students in other
districts must check with those districts to determine if there
will be an early bus pick up that day.
Vendors Needed: We are presently preparing for the H&S
sponsored 3rd Annual Mom’s Night Out to be held on Friday,
th
February 26 in our school gym. We are looking vendors to
participate during our event. If you are interested, please
contact Ann Fergione @ [email protected] or 610-4540306 OR Nancy Lake at [email protected] or 610-584-9653.
UPCOMING SCHOOL REMINDERS:
Monday, December 21 – Special Visitor to School today;
Announcement of the Principal’s Prized Paper Awards.
Tuesday, December 22 – Advent/Christmas Mass for school
at 9AM; Announcement of the Students of the Month; Early
Dismissal at 11AM to begin Christmas vacation.
Wednesday, December 23 – In-Service Day for Teachers.
Thursday, December 24 – Junior High and Children’s Choir
will sing at the 4PM Vigil Mass.
Monday, January 4 – Return to school after the vacation.
Tuesday, January 5 – Faculty Meeting at 2:45PM
Tuesday, January 12 – Winter Band Concert at 9AM & 7PM.
CYO NEWS
Pee Wee Basketball: Registration for the 2010 Winter Pee
Wee Basketball program (K-4) is open and can be completed
online. This popular program is open to all school and PREP
students in grades K-4. Play will begin in mid-February and run
through the first week of April 2010. More information is online.
To register, go to the Visitation CYO website at
www.visitationcyo.com, click on the Pee Wee Basketball tab
and follow the registration link. Log into your account or create
a new one if this is a first time registration to the online system.
Early registration is encouraged. Any interested coach or
coordinator must register themselves early and be sure to have
all necessary child clearances in place. No adult can be
considered to assist until all mandated clearances have been
completed and received. Questions can be directed to Kathy or
Bill Steiert, 610-222-0585 or [email protected].
Methacton Boys’ Basketball Program is hosting a
basketball clinic for boys and girls in grades 3-6. The clinic will
th
be on Monday, December 28 from 10AM to 1PM. The
coaches and players of the boys’ basketball team will be
teaching some basic skills of the game. Registration will begin
at 10AM in the Main Lobby of Methacton High School. The
cost is $20 per student. There is no form to fill out prior to the
event. Register the day of the clinic.
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VISITATION B.V.M. • TROOPER, PENNSYLVANIA