December 17, 2017 Sunday Mass: Vigil 4:00pm; 9:00am, 11:00am Weekday Mass: 9:00am - Except Wednesday Morning Prayer 8:45am

St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St, Reading, 01867 Monday - Friday 9am-4pm www.StAthanasiusReading.org [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/StAthanasiusReading

Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30pm Confessions Available First Saturday Mass: 9:00am

Twitter: twitter.com/StAsReading Phone: 781-944-0330 Fax: 781-944-1266

Reconciliation: Saturdays 3:153:45pm and during Eucharistic Adoration. Baptism: Celebrated the 3rd Sunday at 1pm. Call to register for Baptism Prep. Anointing of the Sick: Notify the office when a person is seriously ill. Extraordinary Ministers are available to bring the Eucharist to the homebound. Marriage: Call at least 6 months in advance of your wedding.

St. Athanasius Parish, Reading, MA

December 17, 2017

Please pray for our military and civilians who defend our freedom, especially: Saturday, Dec 16 4:00pm Lucy Bertoncini Memorial Sunday, Dec 17 9:00am Vincent Connors Memorial 11:00am Mass for the People Monday, Dec 18 9:00am Edward Fitzpatrick Months Mind Mass Tuesday, Dec 19 9:00am Atley Miller Memorial Thursday, Dec 21 9:00am Cathy Cann Memorial 6:30 pm Adoration Friday, Dec 22 9:00am Evelyn Brodowski Memorial Saturday, Dec 23 4:00pm Jon & Ann Marie Shepard Memorial Sunday, Dec 24 10:00am Mass for the People CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES : 4:00pm (upstairs & downstairs) 6:00pm, 11:00pm Monday, Dec 25 CHRISTMAS DAY ! 10:00am

The 26th “Yankee” Brigade, and 1st Lts. Ryan & Nolan Johnson, US Army, Patrick Cavanaugh, PFC Christopher Lewis, CPL.Brenden Amico, Justin Whitmarsh, PFC Michael Goddard, Chaplain Tom Whiteman, Brian Basso US. Army, USMC Captain Zachary Johnson

Remember those in need of prayers, especially: Maryann Lucerto, Margaret Sumner, John Cadigan, Pat K & Family, Marie Brown, JDF & Family, Patrick & Brianna, Rick Q, Trudy, Sean T, Dianne, Dina Luongo, Anne,Katy, Bernadette, Bryan, Guarino Family, Robert, Richard, Steve R, Nowicki family, Scott, Trudy, Carla, Patrick M, Matthew, Paula, Marie M, Sheila S, Bob C, Rose, Dom, Daniel, Paige Goulet, Sandra Cadigan, Lindsey, Matt & Chloe, Margie M, Kelly G, Frank G, Ben Goodhue, Jeff Eble, Peter, James B, John M, Christine M, Sheila D, Richard Rossi, Dottie Dillon, Dorothea Golini, Richard, Andrew, Thomas, Anna W, Mary M, Terry G,Larry Yetman, Marion,Phil T,Beth O, Denise, Martha K,Anne Marie, Barbara G, Tim Ervin and family, Barbara, Daniel, Asher,Brian,Caitlyn,Sue, Jill, Frank Thomas, Ryan Smith, Johnson Family,Elliott Family,Beth Munn Griffin, Bill Griffin & famly, Danny,Joan.B,Josephine.S,Bob Curran, David W, Morgan L, Enzo David,Josie.B,Dan Daley,Chip Case, Ed. S, Frank. F ,Eddie, Guy.F, Ed .S

SPECIAL DONATIONS: Bread & Wine : In Memory of Lucille Cater

These names will stay in the Prayer Corner until Sunday, Jan 8th - Call the office or email [email protected] to add or renew a name of your loved ones on the list.

W EEKLY O FFERTORY Mass Attendance Last Week : 447 Offertory $6173 2nd Collection - Deficit Reduction $2348 S CRIPTURE 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

SUN Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat SUN

FOR THE WEEK OF

M EETINGS & E VENTS Dec 22 Dec 24

D ECEMBER 17

Office Closes at Noon Mass

10:00AM

CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES 4:000PM , 6:00PM 11:00PM

Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/1 Thes 5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8,19-2 Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-25 Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Lk 1:5-25 Is 7:10-14/Lk 1:26-38 Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Lk 1:39-45 1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56 Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Lk 1:57-66 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38

Dec 25

CHRSITMAS MASS

10:00AM

*** No Rel Ed Classes all week … ENJOY *** 2

St. Athanasius Parish, Reading, MA

December 17, 2017

EVANGELIZING FRIENDS AND RELATIVES AT CHRISTMAS Some Practical Suggestions We all have family members, friends and neighbors who have become distant from Jesus Christ and the Church. We want to invite them to return but often don’t feel comfortable doing so, or fear offending them. Here are some simple suggestions to use during the seasons of Advent and Christmas: During Final Days of Advent: Pray and Invite Pray! Pray! Pray! Start praying now for those you hope will return to Christ and the Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the courage to invite family or friends to attend Mass with you. Many people are simply waiting for such an invitation! When you do invite, be sensitive to the way you extend the invitation–extend it as one that genuinely cares for them and longs for them to become full members of the community. For example, say, “Our family is planning to attend the 4:00 o’clock vigil Mass at St. Mary’s; would you [and your family] like to join us?” At Christmas Mass: Smile and Move In Christmas is the celebration of the great mystery of the Incarnation–the gift of God becoming man! When you encounter those who may not be “regulars,” smile – be a model of joy! Another sign of welcoming is to move to the center of the pew so that others may easily find a place to sit down for the celebration of Mass. Go even further by inviting people searching for seats to join you in the pew! After Christmas: Gather and Celebrate Many people find themselves away from home or perhaps struggling through difficult family situations during Christmas. Invite them to join you for your traditional Christmas celebrations where appropriate. Continue celebrating throughout the Christmas season by sharing in family and parish gatherings! It is a common custom to keep Christmas lights on until the celebration of the Magi’s arrival before the Infant Lord on January 6th–called the “Epiphany,” or “Little Christmas.” This is also a way of observing the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Remember that your witness may well inspire a deepening sense of God’s love and invitation. “Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, for he is going to say: ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed Me”

Rule of St.Benedict 53:1-2

3

St. Athanasius Parish, Reading, MA

PA

EW N H RIS

December 17, 2017

S 3rd Sunday of Advent

ADVENT SEASON One ingredient in any relationship that is always sure to keep things moving and interesting is a shared vision of the future. When people dream great things, their energy is renewed, their thoughts directed, their goals articulated and their victories celebrated. Dreams give us a reason to get up in the morning with a fresh start and new possibilities. It is the promise of a better tomorrow that gives today its purpose and meaning as well as its joy and contentment. Life to the fullest is not found in the goal, but in the journey to it. Dreams are important to both a marriage and a family. Whether they are found in short or long term goals, in plans for vacations or for new gardens, in school or in work, dreams give us hope, something to look forward to and something of value to share together. A proverb says that a person without dreams is a person without life. Support each other’s dreams. Spend time imagining the future. The joy and hope you feel will make for a better today.

Something to Think About … During this Advent Season, how have I prepared a place for Jesus in my Life ?

~James Gaffney, St. George Publishing

December 17 ~ Third Sunday of Advent ~ Gaudete Sunday The Scripture readings of this third week of Advent are filled with encouragement and joy. What words from Scripture caught your attention today? “The Spirit of God is upon me. . .” “Rejoice always.” “In all circumstances give thanks for this is the will of God for you.” “The one who calls you is faithful.” Savor the word of God that you heard today and let it nourish you throughout the coming week.

M

arriage is about beautiful weddings, romance, love and candlelight anniversary dinners, but marriage is also about dirty laundry, confrontations, balancing budgets, and hanging in there with teens. Retrouvaille is a program designed to provide help and support to married couples who are undergoing difficulties in their relationship, for those who are hurting in brokenness and loneliness. It has also proven helpful to couples who are separated or divorced. Although Retrouvaille is Catholic in origin, couples from all or no faith traditions are welcome to attend. The next program begins with the weekend of January 12-14, 2018. For further information, contact John & Christine at 508-271-7155. You can also e-mail questions at [email protected]. All inquiries are confidential.

4

St. Athanasius Parish, Reading, MA

December 17, 2017

SATURDAY NIGHT CLUB is h !! Par ings !! pen p a H

St. Athanasius is hosting a opportunity for Parish Life……The Saturday Night Club. Every third Saturday of the Month, all are welcomed to meet up at our Parish Center for an evening of activities; structured or arbitrary, or perhaps just come to hang out with new people. We can provide rides for those who let us know beforehand.

Imagine not having a warm place to sleep tonight !

Some of the events planned have tentative dates: January 20, 6:30-9:00 Paint night - $25 pp Alternatives for those not painting, Playing cards, Chess, Cribbage, tea tasting, etc.

Help Support a great cause … We at St. Athanasius made a donation of $250.00 in support of the “Buy a Bed Program” MASSACHUSETTS COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS For every $250 raised, a child will receive a complete new bed set delivered to their home. Consisting of a new twin mattress, box spring, bed frame and linens. Every cent will help individuals and families across the state. To contribute individually please contact : Sister Linda Bessom SND, Contact : linda@mahomeless org 73 Buffum St., Lynn, MA 01902 781-595-7570 x18

February 17, 6:30-9:00 - Floral Arranging Class….$10.00 per participant March 17, 6:30-9:00 - St. Patrick’s Day Party Pot luck Dinner and Raffles (TBA) Other upcoming anticipated events……Cooking classes, crafts, speakers, etc.

“A Big Thank You to St Athanasius from us here at Mass Coalition for the Homeless” ~ Sister Linda

* Watch Bulletin for definitive dates and specifics* This is YOUR club. ALL are welcome so invite a friend or come alone to meet one. Registration is taken for Organized events by email or contacting the Parish Office after the 1st of each month but registration is not required to just show up for casual conversation, light refreshments and perhaps a card game.

Ladies’ Prize Bingo Sunday, Jan 21st at 6pm Potluck - bring food and drinks to share !

Anyone interested in participating in facilitation of this new endeavor should contact Jody Roffi at [email protected].

Dooney & Burke, Coach, Kate Spade, jewelry, candles, make up, and more!

$20/ticket Limited amount of tickets are available in the office or through Cindy Canavan 781-872-0042 or [email protected] 5

St. Athanasius Parish, Reading, MA

December 17, 2017

Parish Staff Pastor ………………………………. Reverend Darin V. Colarusso [email protected] Parochial Vicar………………………..Reverend Patrick Armano [email protected]

Next week there will be a diocese-wide collection to benefit the Clergy Health & Retirement Trust which cares for the needs our 590 priests . Our Priets are always there for us ; they share Christ’s good news, perform good works and build communities of good faith. Your support helps care for their health and well-being in retirement. You can learn more about the Clergy Health and Retirement trust and make a gift on-line @ clergytrust.org.

Permanent Deacon………………………….Deacon Neil Sumner [email protected] Permanent Deacon…………..….………… Deacon Matt Baltier [email protected] Administrative Office Manager………………. Kerry Basford [email protected] Director of Religious Ed……………………………….. Jo-Ann Rossi [email protected] Music Director..………………………………………..John Donovan [email protected]

Thank you in advance for your prayers and support.

Business Manager……………………………………...Janine Castro [email protected] Administrative Assistant ……………………….. Luann Barretto [email protected] Youth Ministry……………………………………….Brad Agostinelli [email protected] Religious Ed Administrative Assistant …..Michele Barrette [email protected] Submissions for our bulletin are by Monday 9am [email protected]

Looking for Ways to Give Back this Season? All Care Hospice needs you! All Care Hospice is currently seeking caring, compassionate people to offer comfort and support to our patients and families through companionship. As part of the care team, volunteers serve a vital role in affecting the quality of our patients’ lives. All Care Hospice serves the North Shore, Merrimack Valley and Greater Boston. Volunteer opportunities available close to home! For more information or to enroll in a training, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Maureen Burge at 781-244-1129.

READING FOOD PANTRY Suggestions for DECEMBER White Tuna in water, Hot Chocolate, Cereal, Snacks for children, Laundry Detergent, Laundry Softener Caring for the needs of our Community

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