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Volume VI, Issue 2

New Beginnings -- A Message from our Pastor

Sunday, November 28, 2004, we begin the new Liturgical Year in the Church. This short and busy Advent Season helps us prepare for the joys of Christmas. Once again we celebrate the birth of Christ the Light of the World. It is always my hope as we celebrate the new Liturgical year, we are open to New Beginnings in our spiritual life. It is always my hope that the birth of Christ moves us beyond where we are comfortable to take a risk or a leap of faith. Remember, with Christ all things are possible. It is my hope that the light of the newborn child guides us to new beginnings this year.

On Tuesday, November 7, 2004 we entered a new beginning. By now you may have heard that along with St. Agnes, Immaculate Conception and St. Barbara Churches we entered into an agreement with the Norwin School District to purchase the Junior High East building. It will be a Catholic Center where many ministries of the church will find a home. Our school, Queen of Angels will call our Catholic Center home for a new beginning August of 2005. With a large building with a gym, we can provide activities for all age groups. We look forward to enhancing our Senior Youth program in the new center. With an auditorium, cafeteria, industrial arts shops, sewing room, home economics kitchen, labs etc., the possibilities for new beginnings for our community could be endless.

The journey to the announcement by Bishop Brandt was long, but welcomed. So many of you made this Catholic Center a reality. Thank you for your patience, generosity and loyalty. As this new beginning for the church in our community develops, I will continue to inform you of our hopes. I ask for your continued prayers and support. They mean so much.

May the new liturgical year and the new Catholic Center be a beginning of many new and exciting ways to celebrate "church" for years ahead.

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Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

We often get inquires regarding sponsors for the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. Therefore, we are including in this newsletter the eligibility requirements.

The sponsor must be a catholic at least 16 years of age, who has been baptized and confirmed, has received the Holy Eucharist, leads a life of faith and is in good standing with the Catholic church. He/she may not be the mother or father of the one receiving the Sacrament.

For baptism, it is allowable to have one sponsor. However, when there are two Godparents, one must be a male and one female. One of the sponsors must be Catholic according to the stipulations above. The other may be from another Christian tradition.

After a baptism takes place, the relevant information is entered into a permanent record book in the parish where it took place. Subsequently, after other sacraments are received, they are entered into that book no matter where they took place. When one is preparing to be married, a recently issued baptismal certificate is required so as to provide documentary proof that the person is free to marry. To obtain a baptismal certificate, contact the parish where the sacrament took place.

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Christian Mothers

by Pat Stephanik

The Christian Mothers met for the first meeting on September 23rd. This meeting is traditionally the covered dish dinner. We had a wonderful variety of foods at our dinner before the meeting. We started to plan for the Fashion Show to be held in November and the Healing Service in October.

Before each Mass in October, which is the month of Mary, our Mother, several members volunteered to say the Rosary at the Mass they attend.

At the Mass before our October meeting, Father Rick installed 3 new members, Cathy Bradica, Donna Folino, and Pat Vorkavick. We welcome them to our membership. During the meeting, we finalized our plans for the Fall Fantasy Fashion Show and also planned to sponsor a healing service after the 11:00 Mass on October 31st with refreshments to be served. November 7 was the Fall Fantasy Fashion Show, which was a salad and dessert bar. Marshall's of Monroeville sponsored the clothing, Jonathan Michaels provided First Communion dresses, and Elegant Details did the hair and makeup. For the third year in a row, the show was a success.

A movie on leadership and conducting meetings will be shown at the November meeting. Christian Mothers will provide gifts for the children of the Parish on Light-Up Night. The Christian Mothers Christmas party is scheduled for December 5th at Banquets Unlimited. Monetary donations will be collected for Mom's House.

We have been very busy since the first meeting of the season in September. By the January meeting in 2005, we will be ready to start back fresh for the remaining months ahead.

I hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

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R.C.I.C. / R.C.I.A.

by Alice Beard

This year our parish has an active Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (R.C.I.C.) as well as Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.). We have two catechumens in the R.C.I.C. program, Adam Reay and Austin Reay. John Yacko is the candidate in the R.C.I.A. program.

Donna Bayless and Debbie Swartzbeck are assisting the R.C.I.C. catechumens. Carol Grubb and Dee Simkovic participate with the R.C.I.A. candidate.

Thus far, both the R.C.I.C. and R.C.I.A. have completed the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming. Both groups are progressing in their journey toward full participation in the church. Please pray for them as they continue in our program leading to the Easter Vigil.

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Calendar of Events

Nov 27 & 28 ...........Giving Tree Tags Available
Dec 11 ...................First Reconciliation
Dec 11 & 12 ............Giving Tree Gifts Returned
Dec 12 ..................Light--Up Night 
Dec 13 ..................Penance Service

Please see Christmas Mass schedule on insert page. There will be NO SUNDAY 6:00 PM VIGIL MASS on Christmas Day. Mass times on Sunday, Dec 26th are 7:00 am, 8:30 am, and 11:00 am.

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View From The Pew

by Ed Wojciak

It is that time of year again when everyone seems to be a bit more enthusiastic about the holiday seasons that have crept up on us again. Thanksgiving is around the corner and will have been gone by the time you read this article. Christmas will follow shortly thereafter--already stores are advertising their holiday sales.

But I do hope we all take a few extra quiet moments everyday to ask our God to enlighten our world leaders to the advantages of living peaceably and ending all wars and killing of all soldiers and civilians in harms way. Why it continues I cannot answer--but I must trust in God and His eternal plan--whatever it may be.

So as we go forward, we need to look at ourselves and see where we can make a difference. Possibly a smile instead of a frown when asked to go out of our way for someone--maybe by trying to look at all situations through others' eyes--realizing we all are not perfect--just striving to become perfect--together.

And just a reminder that as excitedly as our children learn their prayers and take part in the "Mass", we too must keep their fire active for God--for they are our future and we will answer to Him when He calls us home--our example will be our ticket to Heaven. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!

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Making Peace at Home - A Checklist

Our family recognizes that conflict is inevitable -- We recognize conflict when it happens. We acknowledge the conflict. We talk about it. We figure out what things we can change. We figure out what things we cannot change. We do something about the problem. We apologize to each other--over and over and over again.

Our family seeks solutions rather than trying to find someone to blame. We acknowledge the hurt. We offer support and encouragement to each other. We work to find solutions to the problem. We believe that figuring out who is to blame is a waste of time and energy. Sometimes we find family meetings effective in straightening out our conflicts.

We are able to tell the difference between the person and his or her behavior. We speak out against the hurtful act. We are careful not to bruise the person who did the hurtful act.

We know the difference between "excusing" and "forgiving". We excuse the excusable-simple, small accidents. We forgive the inexcusable-those times when family members really blow it! We know that forgiveness is hard, particularly when someone does something inexcusable. But we keep on forgiving!

We celebrate together when there is forgiveness in our family! We hug each other, have a special treat, tickle each other-just have a fun time when all is well again. We try to do something that lets everyone know that the hurt just isn't there any more.

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Advent--Did you know?

• The Church's liturgical year begins with the first Sunday of Advent.
• Advent begins on the Sunday nearest Nov 30th, which is the feast of St. Andrew, and lasts until Dec 24th.
• The word Advent comes from the word adventus which means "coming".
• Advent is a season in the Church year when we remember how the Word of God became human in the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem, which we celebrate on Christmas. During Advent we also reflect on and celebrate how Jesus comes into our lives and is present with us every day.
• Advent is a time of hoping and working for a change of heart. We focus on being more open to the love of God in our lives, and the salvation offered through Jesus.
• The Advent wreath is a tradition of the season. It is a symbol of our hope in Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world.
• The circle and evergreens on the Advent wreath remind us of God's everlasting love which has no beginning and no end.
• The four unlit candles on the wreath remind us of the four thousand years before Christ's birth, a time of spiritual "cold and darkness" as humanity awaited the birth of the Messiah. They also represent the four weeks of Advent
• It is customary to use three purple and one pink or white candle on the Advent wreath. The purple reminds us of the need for sorrow for our sins. The pink or white candle reminds us of the joy and hope we share in Jesus, the Light of the World, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas.
• Advent begins with the lighting of one purple candle on the first Sunday of Advent. The pink candle is lit the third week when the Advent focus shifts to the special joy of the Christmas event. The increasing light of each week reminds us that Christmas is closer, and Christ's presence continues to grow and brighten the "darkness" we find in our lives and in the world around us.

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Music Notes

by Marion Siebert

Young Ringers Choir this year has six new members: Mariah Brandon, Sarah DeCario, Bobby Ellis, Rachel Fasiczka, Kaitlyn Kolano, and Sarah Smatana. Returning ringers are Kira Boros, Michael Brunson, Becky Campbell and Jessie Henry. These young people, who are mostly beginning ringers, have already rung at two Masses with Young Voices Choir and will be ringing Christmas Eve at our Vigil Mass.

Our Parish Handbell Choir (or "Parents" Handbell Choir as one of the Young Ringers has named us) is comprised of Annie Booth, RoseAnn Cieslewicz, Brittany Dawson, Nell Eseny, Michele Fucich, Molly Hart, Julie Henry, Karen Lindow, Sue Romansky, Betty Rose, and Diane Weitz. This choir which has also enhanced two of our liturgies with bells will be ringing at Midnight Mass of Christmas and then again on January 16th at 11:00 Mass. On the 16th they will be playing a favorite hymn of many people, "Here I Am, Lord" which we are singing during liturgy that weekend.

The Handbell Ensemble, which includes Annie Booth, Michele Fucich, Julie Henry, and Marion Siebert played for our Mass of remembrance on All Souls Day. They also will play during the Christmas season at 11:00 Mass.

Our Parish Choir has twenty-four singers serving this season: Rhonda Alcott, Lori Baird, Sara Bednarofsky, David Blon, Sheldon Blon, Bob Cunningham, Jean Donegan, Nell Eseny, Michele Fucich, Ron Gibala, Iain Greba, Anne Meynor, Janet Oddo, Debby Pazehoski, Eleanor Quigley, Rose Rosche, Betty Rose, Tom Ryan, Betty Sage, Blythe Schneck, Mark Schneck, Gretchen Shorkey, Carol Sincak, and Traci Varrati. This may seem like a lot of people but we are always looking for a few more "good women and men" to help us as song leaders at Mass! The choir has added three new songs to their repertoire so far this year, one of which will be in the new issue of our hymnals. (The folks at 11:00 Mass have joined us in singing this one already.) Speaking of song leaders, even though there are usually cantors at all our Masses, we are still in need of people to serve their parish as cantors!! If you could sing as little as one Mass every two months, please call the church office.

In whatever way you choose, please join us all in giving joyful praise and thanks to our God who has blessed us all in so many ways!

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For young Parishioners only...

SHARE YOUR TALENTS WITH THE ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON MUSIC MINISTRY

January seems to be a month of resolutions and new beginnings. If you're a young person looking for something new in your life, enjoy singing, play an instrument, or want to find a way to serve the parish, look no further! The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Music Ministry offers several opportunities for you to use your God-given talents. Below are a few groups waiting to hear from you!

YOUNG VOICES CHOIR-- This choir is open to young people in 2nd grade and up. Rehearsals are every other Tuesday from September into May. The choir generally sings every other Sunday at the 8:30 AM mass, the 6:00 PM Christmas Eve mass, and at other church and community functions. Many of our young cantors have begun as members of this choir. Musicians with at least two years of training on flute, violin, clarinet, guitar, etc. are welcomed to accompany the choir. Music is provided. Watch the bulletin or call Diana Mikash at 724-864-5972 for more information.

YOUNG RINGERS BELL CHOIR - The youth handbell choir invites young people in 2nd grade and older to come and ring! Rehearsals are every Monday evening in the church. No experience is necessary. Contact Marion Siebert, Director of Music, or the church office for more information.

PARISH CHOIR - Young people in 8th grade and older are welcomed to join our parish choir. This group rehearses every Wednesday evening and sings every Sunday at the 11:00 AM mass, along with other special holiday masses and church and community events. For more information, contact Marion Siebert, Director of Music, or the church office.

TEEN HOPE BAND - The Teen Hope Band is a group of musicians and singers who lead the music at the Teen Hope masses. Sponsored by the Senior Youth Ministry, these masses are held once a month, usually on a Sunday evening at 5:30 PM, at either St. Agnes or St. Elizabeth Seton Church. High school students and young adults who play drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, percussion, and vocalists are always welcomed to join us. Music is a mix of Contemporary and Traditional worship songs and is provided before each mass. Rehearsals are held generally two hours prior to the mass. Interested musicians should contact Diana Mikash at 724-864-5972 for more information.

Merry Christmas from the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Music Ministry!

Hope to see you in the New Year!

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Religious Formation

Happy Holidays from the Religious Formation Department and it's entire staff. All grades have been very busy this year working on various projects and hopefully bringing faith home with them to share with their families. The 2nd grade class has had their first Sacramental Retreat which was a great success due to the participation of students and parents. First reconciliation will be celebrated this year on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 9:00 am.

The Junior Faithworkers which consist of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade have been working on several service and fundraising projects. The projects the students have decided to complete for this year include: Sponsoring an underprivileged child from another country, Visiting and donating to a homeless shelter, Receiving donations and buying Christmas gifts through Catholic Charities, Spending time on weekends at an animal shelter, and preparing and serving breakfast for the congregation to raise money for some of their activities. Please watch the bulletin for these announcements and please encourage the students with your participation and support.

In these times, we that are involved with the Religious Formation program feel it is very important to relay to the children the importance of prayer for world peace along with donating time in service to others. A child, no matter how small, can touch the hearts of many by a simple gesture of caring and we hope and pray that in the New Year our efforts will be enhanced and expounded upon at home.

Please remember the catechists in your prayers for their efforts in the spiritual growth of your children. Happy Holidays! - Martin Muir, Director of Religious Formation

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In the service of our Lord....     

The Region 7 Sr. Youth Ministry has been visiting Fayette County and working with the Sisters of Rendu who run Rendu Services in the Connellsville area. Rendu Services is named after Sister Rosalie Rendu, a French Sister of Charity who dedicated her life to serving the poor in France during the 1700's. The Sisters of Rendu provide a mobile health van, parish nursing services, a monthly food bank and outreach services to the needy in the Connellsville area.

In visiting Fayette County our teens are getting a small taste of missionary service work. In June, the teens, along with their advisors, made a couple of trips down to Connellsville to help renovate a house that was donated to Rendu Services. Everyone was kept busy--cleaning, painting, moving furniture and even removing an old furnace from the basement. The house will be used as office space, a food bank, and a place for after-school programs and outreach services.

The teens last went to Rendu Services on October 30th to help Sister Sarah, Sister Margaret and Sister Mary Fran with a game, craft and Halloween treat party for the children in the area.

All high school teens are invited to join the Sr. Youth Ministry on a trip to Rendu Services on December 23rd. On this trip they plan to hold a Christmas party. All teens are asked to bring a few dollar store gifts for a Santa Shop that they will staff. College students are also welcome to join us on our trips to Rendu Services.

Additional upcoming meetings for the Sr. Youth include:

• An Advent retreat at St. Emma's Retreat House on Saturday, Dec 11th, from 9:00 am--5:00 pm
• Teen Hope Mass and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Light Up Night on Sunday, Dec 12th, starting at 5:30 pm
• Assisting with the Giving Tree at St. Agnes on Sunday, Dec 19th, from 3:00 pm--6:00 pm

Members of the Sr. Youth Ministry also meet regularly for Bible study two Wednesdays a month. Adult help is always welcome at any of our events. Be a mentor and join us as we work with some amazing teens in our region!

For more information on the Region 7 Sr. Youth Ministry and any of the above events, call Judy Kunes (St. Agnes) at 724-864-9213, Mary Jude Duncan (I.C.) at 724-863-7106 or Jeff Cieslewicz (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton) at 412-751-4059.

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"OUR PARISH FAMILY"

Advent--Living it

Last Sunday at our RCIA session , we talked about Mary, the Mother of God. The subject of Advent came up. We lamented over the lost meaning and attention given to this beautiful liturgical season. So much of our focus is on the external that little time is left for the spiritual. And yet, it is possible to surround ourselves with an aura of "Christ coming" by the way we live out the days of Advent.

We can: - have an attitude of gentleness and kindness as we shop, run errands, answer the phone...

-make ourselves purposefully slow down and notice "Christ within" the people around us.

-say the simple prayer, "Come Lord Jesus" while waiting in traffic, the check-out line...

-take anxiety out of activity by living in the present moment

-find 10 minutes during each week of Advent to call or write a note to someone you have been thinking of, is homebound or ill

-think before you speak and use a loving tone and words, instead of critical, judging or harsh ones.

I'm sure you can add to this list. The idea is living each day in a Christ-like way. We are doing what we need to do, but "doing" with an awareness of how we think and act. Jesus becomes the center of our preparation and celebration. He is the reason for the season!

Don't forget the Advent wreath! This is especially meaningful to children who can light and blow out the candles. It can be the table centerpiece where a prayer before meals is said or on a special stand where night prayers are offered. This meaningful ritual will be an example for children to carry into their own adult family life. Look for table and daily Advent prayers in the bulletin.

-The four candles represent the 4,000 years prior to Christ's coming and, of course, the four weeks of Advent.

-The unlighted candles represent Christ, the Light of the World. Each week we light one more candle and that represents the idea that the coming of Christ is closer.

-The circular form of the wreathe symbolizes that God has no beginning or end.

-The green of the boughs indicates hope-just as the green of spring indicates new life.