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Entries for December 2023
You are invited to the Epiphany Open House 12–3 p.m. on January 7 in the Rectory (living/dining rooms). Hot and cold beverages and snacks will be available. Come and mingle with fellow parishioners and friends before we take down the Christmas tree. All are welcome!
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This weekend’s certainly easier than last. Yes, a Sunday—the Feast of the Holy Family—and a holiday—New Year’s Eve and Day—come crashing together again. But, it’s easier because in the United States usually when a holy day of obligation falls on a Saturday or Monday, the obligation to participate in Mass is taken away. (For what I hope are obvious reasons, Christmas is one of the exceptions.)
But, let’s think about January 1. It carries levels and levels of meaning. The original feast in ancient Rome honored Mary as the Mot...
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One of the beautiful teachings of our Christian faith is the belief in the power of prayer. It is especially effective when we pray for the needs of others. For the last several years we have had a column in our weekly bulletin, listing persons for those prayer requests. Beginning with the February bulletin, we will remove the current names and begin a new list. If you would like to include a person on this new list please contact the parish office at 570-326-1544.
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MEN:
Are you ready to take more control of your life?
To grow closer to God?
To become a better man for your family?
Join other men on a 90-day journey to holiness.
Contact Noah at njb5022@gmail.com for more information.
This journey starts on January 1, 2024! Learn more and register for free at exodus90.com.
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This weekend...
Saturday, December 23rd & Sunday, December 24th is the fourth weekend of Advent. Saturday Vigil Masses will be held at both our parishes at 4 p.m. (St. Boniface) and 5:45 p.m. (St. Lawrence). There will only be one Sunday Mass at 9 a.m., December 24 at St. Boniface.
Our Christmas (Vigil) Eve Masses will start Sunday evening on December 24th at 4 p.m. at St. Boniface, 6:30 p.m. at St. Lawrence, and midnight at St. Boniface.
Christmas (Day) Mass will be Monday morning December 25th, 9 a.m. at St. Lawrence.
T...
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Mass Times
I love living in the Northeast! In particular, I love living in Pennsylvania. Believe it or not, I really do enjoy the cold, wind, and snow that winter provides, and I can’t go skiing without some snow! However, the one thing that bothers me the most about winter, as compared to the other three seasons, is that our daylight is at its shortest point in the year. When sunset is at 4:30 p.m., it drives me a little crazy as I think of those long summer days, but I’m not about to move to the equator in order to get more sunlight.
Every Advent season...
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I told you at the start that this Advent would be a quick one! And now we’re in the last week—Christmas Eve will be next Sunday.
If we have undone Advent business, let’s get to it! Both Jesus and St. John the Baptist have been urging us to repentance. If we need to go to confession, remember this Monday night at St Boniface (5:30–7 p.m.), Wednesday at St Joseph the Worker (6 p.m. service), and Thursday at St Ann’s (6–7 p.m.). The Wednesday liturgy will offer you several priests to offer God’s mercy.
And if you haven’t fi...
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High school students, parents, and families are invited to an Advent Adoration and Party on Monday, December 18, from 6–8 p.m. at St. Boniface. For more information contact Andrew McCarroll at AMcCarrollSBSL@gmail.com. You can sign up online at https://www.osvhub.com/st-boniface-williamsport/forms/dec-18-high-school-advent-adoration
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Youth Ministry
It's the time of the year that Sojourner Trust Ministry, Family Promise, and Shepherd of the Streets could use extra support through our Giving Tree. Monetary donations for these local organizations are most appreciated. A few tags are remaining on the tree in each church. Please return them to the collection boxes by December 25.
Thank you to all who took a tag for the Salvation Army Christmas Tree. Please place unwrapped gifts with the name tag in a gift bag and place them in the back of church no later than the weekend of December 16/17. Thank you for y...
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The other day I saw an article about how Christmas music touches our emotions—often in surprising ways. Sure, a beloved carol reminds us of truths we hold dear. It can conjure up sweet memories of past holidays. A Christmas song can speak to our sadness—people no longer in our lives, holidays we’ll never live again. Some songs were even written to be melancholy: think of “Last Christmas” or “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”
Advent never lets us get away without somber notes. Jesus tells us to wake up for the Last Judgment. John...
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Join us on Tuesday, December 19, after the 7 a.m. Mass to help decorate St. Lawrence Church for Christmas! Your time and talents are appreciated as we work together to create a beautiful and festive atmosphere for the holiday season. If you can help, please contact Jack Peck or Dianne Fisher. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Join us on Thursday, December 21, at 7 p.m. at St. Boniface for an evening of music and reflection as we gather on the darkest night of the year, the Winter Solstice. Together, we will find solace and peace in the company of friends and community, as we soothe our hurting hearts and souls.
Featured musicians:
Chris Dincher
Brimmer Engel
Kristin Fisher
Members of the St. Boniface Contemporary Choir
Mark your calendars and join us for this special evening of hope and healing.
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If you drive by the rectory later this week you might catch a glimpse of a menorah in one of our windows. You might wonder “Why?” The simple answer: it’s part of our prayer for peace and justice in the Holy Land. Yes, as I write these words hostages and prisoners have been released. We certainly hope that the ceasefire becomes a step toward lasting peace.
But, just as disturbing as the terrorist violence in Gaza has been the antisemitic words and actions in North America and Europe. Those situations need to be part of our prayer as well. As Catholics, w...
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Join Seminarian Andrew McCarroll as he takes a closer look at the Advent passages in Isaiah regarding the Coming of the Messiah.
December: 6, 13, & 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at St. Lawrence Hall.
There will also be a session on Sunday, December 17 from 9:15–10:05 a.m. (during PREP) in the St. Boniface RAC.
"Advent invites us to a commitment to vigilance, looking beyond ourselves, expanding our mind and heart in order to open ourselves up to the needs of people, of brothers and sisters, and to the desire for a new world." - Pope Fra...
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Advent