<< New text box >>Youth Protection Bulletin Text Youth Protection Program: To report suspected abuse of a minor, call the toll free PA Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-932-0313. To report suspected abuse of a minor by a church official, employee or volunteer, also please call the Diocese of Harrisburg Youth Protection toll free number: 1-800-626-1608 or email: ReportAbuse@hbgdiocese.org.
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH
47 SOUTH MARKET STREET
MOUNT CARMEL, PENNSYLVANIA 17851
FACEBOOK: Our Lady's
*: Catholics Come Home.org
Choir Practices
Adult Choir Practice
Every Wed. 6:30PM
Youth Choir Practice
Every Sunday
10:00 am
Sherry Moroz…..Organist/Choir Director 570-274-0011
email:sherrymoroz@gmail.com
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional
School………….(570) 644-0375
PASTORIAL STAFF Very Rev. Francis J. Karwacki, V.F. M.Ed., M.Div………………..Pastor
Dean Northumberland Deanery,
Bishop's Liaison (Moderator) for Charismatic Renewal
SUPPORT STAFF
Joe Fesniak……Office Manager JFesniak@hbgdiocese.org
Katrina Gownley-……Coordinator of Religious Education Phone# 570-205-9575 kjgownley@gmail.com
Kathy Lapotsky...........Part-time Administrative Assistant
Tom Horan.......Facilities Manager, GOM
Eileen Hirsch…….Housekeeper & Cook OTHER Disabilities Advocate Paul Koutch 570-875-2650
OFFICE HOURS: MON, TUE & THUR 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM; WED & FRI 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone# 570-339-1031
Second Sunday of Advent December 8th, 2024
MASS INTENTIONS
Sunday 8:30 AM- Deceased Members of the Hancock Family From Bruce and Diane Graff
Sunday 11:00 AM- People of Parish
Monday 8:00 AM- Catherine Diebold From Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pulaski
Tuesday 8:00AM- Amalija Knavs From David Scicchitano
Wednesday 8:00 AM – John Habowski From John Lawler
Thursday 8:00 AM – Margaret Scicchitano From Tom and Maryanna Hynoski
Friday 8:00 AM – Leon and Elaine Jurgill From Mike and Sue Fletcher
Saturday 8:00 AM – Joseph Murray From Tonya Lodika
Saturday 4:00 PM- Bernice Rumin From Sister, Virginia Woznicki
Sunday 8:30 AM- People of Parish
Sunday 11:00 AM- Arlene Lokitis From Mr. and Mrs. William Lokitis
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES
Sunday, December 8th – CCD Classes for Grades 6 thru 8 will take place starting at 5:45 PM in the Parish School Building
Monday, December 9th – Fr. Frank will be Celebrating Mass at Serenity Gardens at 2:00 PM
Monday, December 9th – CCD Classes for Grades 1 thru 5 will take place starting at 5:45 PM in the Parish School Building
Thursday, December 12th – Fr. Frank will have Mass at Mt. Carmel Nursing Home starting at 2:00 PM
Thursday, December 12th – There will be a Ministerium Advent Soup and Sandwich Service at 6:00 PM in the Parish Hall. All are invited to attend these Advent Services. We are in Need of Desserts, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DESSERT AND DROPPING OFF DURING THE DAY OS THE SERVICE. THANK YOU!!
Sunday, December 15th – The Catholic Daughters of the Americas will have a Meeting at 2:00 PM in the Parish Hall
*******************************The Vocation Cross will be at the home of Trudy Hancock +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The next Food Pantry is Tuesday, December 17, 2024 1:00 – 3:00 PM
LOCAL Events
Our Lady’s Lottery Calendar for January 2025 is now available in the back of the Church/Parish Office. $5.00 each. Please Support this Fundraiser!
Holiday Soup Sale
Our Parish will be having a Take Out Soup Sale in December. Soups will be sold in quart containers at a price of $10.00/qt. Soups include Wedding, Vegetable, and Cheddar Broccoli. Order forms are available on the tables in back of Church and side entrance or Parish Office. Orders can be returned to the Parish Office, Lock Box, or collection basket by Dec 13th. Pick-up date is Friday Dec 20th from Noon until 5:30 PM in the Parish Hall.
Holiday Breakfast with Santa & the Grinch + 50/50 & Basket Raffle
Please join us for an All You Can Eat Holiday Breakfast featuring Santa and the Grinch, on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 9AM – 12 PM at the West End Fire Association, Kulpmont. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children, and free for children under 3. Breakfast includes eggs, pancakes, waffles, sausage, hashbrowns, & beverage. A 50/50 will be held in conjunction with the Breakfast and a Basket Raffle will also be held on the following dates: December 15th, 9AM – 5 PM, and December 16-18th from 5PM - 8PM. All proceeds from these events will benefit 10 month old Noah Fletcher in his brave fight against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We appreciate your support!
Contributions
Mass 11/30/24 & 12/1/24
- Adult Weekly……………..$3,063.10
- Loose Cash……….………....$217.10
- Monthly………………...,,….$850.00
- Steeple……………..................$16.00
- Advent Sacrifice......................$51.00
- Christmas Flowers…………..$34.00
- Matthew 25……….…..……...$30.00
Mail & Lock-Box 11/25/24 – 12/1/24
- Adult Weekly……..………...$837.00
- Monthly………......................$100.00
- Steeple………………………..$20.00
- Immaculate Conception….....$10.00
- Advent Sacrifice………....…$565.00
- Christmas Flowers………...….$5.00
- Matthew 25………………......$90.00
Misc. Deposit Week Ending 12/1/24
- Donations….............................$75.00
- Memorials………………...$1,045.00
- Rent…………………………$875.00
- Candles……………………....$40.00
- Flowers………………………$23.00
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Candles
FOR Health of Midge Strike
FROM Daughter Diane Knorr
Memorials
FOR Mary Lou Gaughan
FROM Bob and Anne Marie Devine
FOR Mary Lou Gaughan
FROM Bob and Steff Devine & Sons
FOR Mary Lou Gaughan
FROM Brian and Meghan Devine & Sons
FOR Antoinette (Tessie) Gudonis (Dec 6th Birthday 108th)
FROM Mary Ann Bartosic
FOR Sandra Ditchey
FROM Mary Buhay
FOR Sandra Wojcik Ditchey
FROM Walt and Ceil Kurzac
FOR Sandra Ditchey
FROM Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wydra
FOR Larry Wisneski
FROM Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wydra
FOR Sandra Wojcik Ditchey
FROM Hershey Education Association
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MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday Evening - 4:00 P.M.
Sunday Morning - 8:30 & 11:00 A.M.
WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE
Monday thru Saturday - 8:00 A.M.
HOLY DAY MASS SCHEDULE
Vigil - 6:30 P.M.
Holy Day Masses - 8:00 A.M. & 7:00 P.M.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Infant Baptism is celebrated the first and last Sunday of each month. Parents are required to participate in a preparation process for Baptism. Church law dictates specific guidelines. Please call the parish office for specific information and to arrange an appointment to begin the process.
BRINGING THE BREAD AND THE WINE TO THE ALTAR
If you have a scheduled Mass for a loved one and you wish to bring up the bread, wine and collection, YOU MUST SPEAK TO THE USHERS BEFORE MASS.
SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
Please call the parish office anytime to request the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Father Karwacki and our Eucharistic Minister's take Holy
Communion each month on First Friday. Please call if you or a family member desires to be added to the monthly Communion list.
RECONCILIATION
Monday thru Saturday 7:30 AM to 8:00AM
Saturday 3:00-3:50PM.
NEWCOMERS
Welcome! Register at the Parish Office.
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ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES
Sun, Dec 8th 1:00 PM Mother of Cabrini (Shamokin)
Sun, Dec 8th 3:00 PM St Patrick’s (Trevorton)
Tue, Dec 10th 6:30 PM Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Mt. Carmel)
Wed, Dec 11th 6:30 PM Queen of Most Holy Rosary (Elysburg)
Mon, Dec 16th 7:00 PM Holy Angels (Kulpmont)
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Our Lady’s Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society is asking for help from our parishioners to provide names of individuals or families that may need assistance during the Holiday Season. There are forms located on the tables in the back of the church to facilitate this task. Thank You!!
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Mount Carmel Ministerium Advent Service Soup and Sandwich
December 12th Our Lady of Mount Carmel
December 19th Divine Redeemer
All Services begin at 6:00 PM
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The Mother Maria Kaupas Center has announced the establishment of service stipends of $200.00 each for college students who complete six days of community service work in the Mount Carmel-Kulpmont area over the December 2023-January 2024 semester break. Service projects will be assigned by the Center. Participants must be members of Divine Redeemer, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Holy Angels, or SS Peter and Paul parishes. Application forms are available on tables in back of church, or by contacting Jake Betz at kaupascenterdrc@ptd.net or 570-339-3450 (option 7).
KNIGHT BEFORE CHIRSTMAS
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town,
Husbands and fathers were writing lists down.
What gifts should they get, for their dear loved ones?
Their beautiful wives, daughters, and sons.
At church on Sunday, a man suggested
Join the Knights of Columbus and sleep well rested.
You’ll protect your family, and support your priest
Do acts of charity and help out the least
Before Christmas arrives, please come and join us
And you too can become a Knights of Columbus
Please contact the Grand Knight or any member of your local Knights of Columbus Council or go to kofc.org/join and use the promo code: blessedmcgivney
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Christmas Wafers “Oplatki” are Available in the Parish Office for $4.00/pk
MASS SCHEDULE OUR LADY’S PARISH
Tuesday, Dec 24th 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Midnight Mass 12:00 AM
Wednesday, Dec 25th 9:30 AM
The Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
O, Mary conceived without sin, pray
us who have recourse to thee.
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Prayer for Vocations
Almighty and eternal God, in your unfailing love you provide ministers for your Church. We pray for those whom you call to serve the Church of Harrisburg as priests, inspire in them a generous response. Grant them courage and vision to serve your people. May their lives and service call your people to respond to the presence of your Spirit among us that, faithful to the Gospel and hope of Jesus the Christ, we may: announce glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, set prisoners free, and renew the face of the earth. Amen
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ATTENTION ALL: OUR PARISH FOLLOWS ALL THE DIOCEAN REGULATIONS ON YOUTH PROTECTION. Google Diocese of Harrisburg. You will find our Diocesan Webpage. Click on Youth Protection and You can explore all the following options. Our parish requires all up-to-date clearances for CCD Teachers and employees and we administer the Virtus Program in our CCD classes.
Victim Assistance — United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Kelly Gollick Victim Assistance Coordinator Youth Protectio 1-800-626-1608 reportabuse@hbgdiocese.org Michelle Shae, Safe Environment Director, with your designated local administrator for VIRTUS Empowering God’s Children by 8/31/22. Michelle can be reached at MShae@HBGDIOCESE.ORG We Pledge . . .
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BISHOP GAINER LIFTS DISPENSATION. ON AUG. 15, 2021 Obligation to Attend Mass is restored and ALL CATHOLICS WHO CAN ARE CALLED BACK TO ATTEND MASS. Fr. Frank
<< New text box >>PHOTO OF OUR ALMOST FULL CHURCH BEFORE COVID-19
<< New text box >>See the video of our 2021 seminarian Kevin Key, Fr. Frank
<< New text box >>See our Seminarian for this summer in the video, Kevin Key Fr Frank
OUR SACRED HEART OF JESUS ALTAR & The BVM & ST. JOSEPH ALTAR
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SEE BISHOP GAINER'S YOUTUBE PRESENTATIONS FAITH ALIVE<< New text box >>
The Faith Alive! This new video series from the Diocese of Harrisburg explores and explains the basics of the Catholic Faith through short videos. Throughout this year, we’ll be joined by special guests, including Bishop Gainer, to explore topics related to what we believe as Catholics, various Church teachings, and ways to grow in the Faith. Look for a new video every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the Diocesan YouTube channel, www.YouTube.com/hbgdiocese. Facebook Q&A with Bishop Gainer (announcement can be used with FB_Q&A_Bishop_Gainer.jpg image) Tune in to the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Facebook page at 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month, beginning March 1, for Facebook Q&A with Bishop Gainer. Every month, we’ll sit down with the Bishop to answer your questions. Have a question? Please email it to communications@hbgdiocese.org >>
On Feb. 8th. I received my 2nd. Covid-19 vaccination at the Mt. Carmel Sr. Living Center. I am grateful to God and the Administrator for including me because I am among the on-call clergy for the Center and when Masses can resume there I am looking forward to celebrating Mass there for all the wonderful residents. Fr Frank Karwacki Pandemic Covid-19 Holy Spirit Prayer Come Holy Spirit in great power to free us from the scourge of the Covid-19 Virus which is plaguing so many on the face of the earth. O’ Holy Spirit you manifested yourself as a mighty wind and flames of fire on the day of Pentecost. Come again with a mighty healing wind to cast out the Covid-19 Virus from the air we breathe and send forth your healing fire to alter the gene or genes within the Covid-19 virus to render it harmless. Come Holy Spirit to renew us with your gifts of peace and strength. Yes, come Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth with your gift of healing. Amen. Composed by Fr. Frank Karwacki
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MISSION STATEMENT OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH
We, the people of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish of the Diocese of Harrisburg are called through our Baptism and Confirmation to celebrate the presence of Christ in Word and Sacrament and sent by Christ to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. In the spirit of faith, service, and community, we strive to bring people closer together and closer to God. This we accomplish by our surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and in the power of His Holy Spirit. We invite everyone to serve the needs of our parishioners and the broader community. We strive to be faithful stewards accountable to God by our prayer and worship, praying for healing and sharing our time, talents, treasure and by reaching out to the poor and needy.
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The Dioceseof HBG< askd all parishes to post the ABOVE in all parishes.w text box >>
<<OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL, Mt. CARMEL CCD: PARENTS PLEASE GET YOUR CHILD'S REGISTRATION IN ASAP. DROP IT THE LOCK BOX AT THE FRONT DOOR OF THE RECTORY OR SEND BY MAIL. You can pick up the forms at the front door of the rectory at any time . CCD STARTS SEPT 20 & 21. YOU MUST SIGN THE WAIVER FORM. (IN CLASS WILL USES ALL COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS: Temps will be taken, social, distancing, masks , hand sanitizer etc.) THOSE GOING ON LINE MUST FILL OUT A REGISTRATION FORM. SEE CALENDARS, ONLINE INSTRUCTION SHEETS ETC. YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU CHILD IS GOIUNG ON LINE. Fr. Frank Karwacki & Mrs. Katrina Gownley CRE ATTENTION PARENTS :PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOUR CCD CHILD HAS ACCESS FOR ONLINE SCHOOLING computer or Ipad & IF NECESSARY. YES___________ NO__________________ Name of Child________________ Address______________________
SEE OUR CHURCH BULLETIN ATB "parishesonline"
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Jerry , Fr. Frank's new dog, an 8year old Spca rescue dog. Well behaved . Does not jump on people and can do all kinds of tricks!<< New image with text >>
COME TO OUR PARISH AND EXPERIENCE OUR AMAZING CHOIR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR AND ORGANIST SHERRY MOROZ AS WELL AS MANY OF THE LIFT YOUR SPIRITS GROUP WHO ARE MEMBERS OF OUR CHOIR. FR FRANK KARWACKI PASTOR
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Annual Summer Festival Church of Our Lady
April 11& 12, 2015 Fr. Frank Karwacki & Deacon McCarthy help distribute orange ribbons to remind people to pray for those persecuted by ISIS and other terrorist groups!
WE ARE A WELCOMING COMMUNITY OF FAITH.
Fr. Frank blessing a skunk at a Pet blessing. Fr. Frank wil be blessing Pets on Sun. Oct. 2, 2016
FR. FRank blessing pets 10-4-18
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cOME JOIN US IN WORSHIP
PRAY FOR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS WHO DO NOT ATTEND MASS FOR THEIR SUNDAY OBLIGATION NOR FOR HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE CAPABLE OF DOING SO:
Lord Jesus, I realize that of all the duties you have entrusted to me, that my duty to pray for the salvation of the souls of my loved ones, family members and friends, is in Your eyes a very high priority. You call us to pray for one another’s salvation and so I pray for the souls of ____________________
_____________________________who are not coming to church on a regular basis even though they are able to do so. Lord Jesus touch and protect them with the power of your love and grace. Send Your Holy Spirit upon them and help them to hear You
calling them closer to You. Dear Lord help me with Your grace to draw closer to You and to share the gift of my faith with them according to Your holy will. Amen Composed by Fr. Frank Karwacki
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AS YOU SAID by Sr. Margaret Kob OCD
Ask, you said. Ask, and you shall receive. Ask the Father in my name, you said. Thus far you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask the Father to send laborers, you said, for the fields are white for the harvest . If I have the the Bread of Heaven to offer you and you do not ask for it, it must be that you are not hungry. If I have Living Water to offer you and you are not clamoring for it, it must be that you are not thirsty. If the sirens blast and the children are falling, falling, and you are not pounding on my door for their rescue, it must be that you have no heart. If my shepherds grow cold and my sheep rush in their droves to the Horror, and you are not screaming before my tent for their saving, it must be that you have no Fire. O my people, ask --- ask in my name! Ask, and you shall receive! Mt 9:38 Jn 14:13; 15:1, 16; 16:24
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Sr. Margaret Kob OCD, a Carmelite Nun who is retired and living in Danville with the other retired Nuns from the Monastery in Elysburg is 92 and going blind and has kept a handwritten prayer journal entitled “Sparkles on the Gihon” and it is filled with poetry, prose, and reflections on Sacred Scripture from the Old & New Testaments.. Use this link to access the webpage: https://sparklesonthegihon.wordpress.com
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Jesus under the weight of His Cross. We unite our sorrow of not being able to gather for public Masses, ceremonies & devotions with the suffering of Jesus during this Lent.
We pray the Lord will banish the Covid-19 Virus & we look forward to returning to worship in our church again. Fr. Frank
Exiled from Places of Worship by a Virus
By Fr. Frank Karwacki, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mount Carmel
In the Book of Daniel we find Azariah walking in the midst of the fire in the furnace unharmed and praying this lament, “We have in our day…no holocaust, sacrifice, oblation or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with You. But with contrite hearts and humble spirit let us be received; as though it were holocausts of rams and bullocks or thousands of fat lambs.”(NAB translation) It is believed by many Bibles scholars that the Book of Daniel was written during the persecution of Jews by King Antiochus IV in the second century B.C.to encourage the Jews, with stories of Jews exiled to Babylon in the 6th century B.C., who had experienced the destruction of their place of worship, the temple in Jerusalem. And so, Azariah prays, “We have no place to offer first fruits”. The first fruits of the harvest was taken to the temple to offer to the Lord.
With so many churches, chapels and places of worship closed because of the Covid-19 virus, we pastors and faithful members while fully respecting the government’s advice and laws for our protection feel some sense of that lament of Azariah. We too can pray that lament to the Lord, ‘We have in our day no place to worship”. We realize that we, the people, are the church, the mystical Body of Christ yet there is a special presence of the Lord Jesus and in the Eucharist when we gather in Hs name
Churches have always been a place of refuge, a haven of peace and holy ground. Our churches are filled with so many memories of the significant events in our lives. We remember the joyous occasions of baptisms and weddings and the sad occasions of funerals celebrated with love and faith.
Hopefully our experience of yearning to return to our places of worship will deepen our appreciation of our places of worship as we look forward to the day when the doors will be unlocked as we enter to gather together to worship, our Lord and He will be waiting there for us as we gather
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Jesus under the weight of His Cross. We unite our sorrow of not being able to gather for public Masses, ceremonies & devotions with the suffering of Jesus during this Lent.
We pray the Lord will banish the Covid-19 Virus & we look forward to returning to worship in our church again. Fr. Frank
<<BELOW IS THE LINK FOR THE 3-29-20 MASS Click on it.New text box >>
ALL OUR MASSES ARE ON YOU TUBE -LIVE STREAMED AND FOR LATER. GOOGLE YouTube and type in father frank karwacki and you will find them. text box >>
https://youtu.be/WMrSbGImHIs
https://youtu.be/iuMnR-RiUjA
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