Crucifix to be Restored to St. Lawrence:
News came to St. Lawrence a few days ago of a wonderful Christmas gift. Thanks to the kind cooperation of education officials of the Diocese of Harrisburg, the support of several priests in the area, and Bishop Gainer, we at St. Lawrence Church plan to restore the crucifix that was original to the building when it was built a century ago.
In the image above [see in bulletin0], taken early in the church’s history and obtained from the archives of the diocese, the beautiful wooden crucifix can be seen suspended by chains above the sanctuary, giving all that would gaze upon it a stunning piece of art illustrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the same as at Calvary.
For most of the last century, the cross was at St. Lawrence, but seemingly some decades ago, it was moved out of the sanctuary to the rear of the church, then eventually moved to a nearby Catholic school.
If all goes according to plan, we hope to erect scaffolding this week and lift the cross that wrought our salvation high into the air. As Our Lord, said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself” (John 12:32).
Registration at St. Lawrence Church:
The Pastor and Assistant Pastor have the special grace to guide those who are registered parishioners and are hence assigned to their care. The Pro Populo Mass offered for the people every Sunday, is offered for those who are registered members. Anyone seeking the Sacraments of Baptism, 1st Communion, Confirmation and Matrimony here must be registered and active parishioners for 6 months. Registration forms are available on our website.
THIS SATURDAY— Parish Christmas Party at 112 State Street!:
Please use the links below to RSVP and volunteer:
Our Christmas Party’s Music Repertoire Festivities will begin at 10:30am with the Parish choir's performance of a few of our favorite Christmas carols and motets, and public sing-along. Please see the Insert (2 pages double-sided) included in today’s Bulletin.
PUBLICATION OF THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Effective in the new year, the parish office hours will be as follows:
During this time, you are invited to stop by the parish office, now located in the Parish Center at 112 State Street, and speak with Marcella de Freitas, the parish secretary, Mary Ann Vigilante, the parish bookkeeper, Paul Thomas May, the parish music director, or one of the priests. Each person has a different schedule (Fr. Smith has his day off normally on Mondays, and Fr. Cortes on Thursdays), but the goal is that that during these times, you should be able to find someone by ringing the doorbell at either the front or rear of 112 State Street.
CHURCH OPEN FOR PRAYER:
Also effective in the new year, we announce that the church will be open for prayer (through the front door) every day until 12:15 pm. This will allow you to come for private prayer in the church at your own schedule, and to assist at the Divine Office, the schedule for which was published last week. We know that the opportunity to be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is very important and helpful for prayer, so we have long wanted to make this possible. Now that our parish owns this church, and we have been able to install some security cameras and other devices, we are able to do this.
Holy Name Society - Jan. 8, 2023 Induction Ceremony!:
The Holy Name Society will celebrate its annual new member induction ceremony after the 11am Mass on Sunday, Jan.8, 2023. New Candidates and Novices must attend in order to become Professed Members of the Holy Name Society. Please email Mr. William Gabig at: willgabig@comcast.net for more information.
St. Lawrence Pro-Life Committee:
We are looking for parishioners who are interested in forming a Pro-Life Committee to address the needs of the community and to organize future events. If you are interested in joining, please email the Parish Office at: contact@stlawrence.cc.
LAST DAY TO SIGNUP FOR EPIPHANY HOME BLESSINGS:
We are happy to offer again the possibility of having your home blessed with Epiphany water, incense, and chalk. To request this blessing during the time of Epiphany (on the days of Jan. 9 through 12), please sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YTQ63KB
When visiting your home, the priest will sprinkle and incense your house, and mark the front door (or doors) with chalk. This tradition commemorates the visitation of the three Magi to the Holy Family in Bethlehem. A priest visits the home, blessing each room (or at least, whichever rooms you would like him to bless) with Epiphany water and incense. The main entrance of the home is then marked with the initials of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, and a code of the current year (2023) connected with crosses: 20+C+M+B+23. The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi; and second, they abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat; “May Christ bless the house.” Taken together, this inscription is performed as a request for Christ to bless the home, and that He abide with all those who dwell therein throughout the year.
Email Prayer Chain:
If you are not currently on the Mater Dei prayer request email list and would like to be added, please email: prayers@stawrence.cc. In this way, Parishioners can submit prayer intentions that we then share with everyone on the email list.
Parish Christmas Party Slide Show—Photos of parish events wanted:
We are creating a slideshow of the many important events that have taken place in our Parish this year. If you have photos of any parish events, including First Communion, Confirmation, Chant Camp, our Parish & All Saints Day Picnics, Youth Group, YAG, Sports, etc., please send them to: historian@stlawrence.cc, no later than Tuesday, Dec. 27.
Legion of Mary—meeting time change effective Jan. 2023—In an effort to meet the needs of the active members who regularly attend its weekly Tuesday evening meetings, the Mater Dei Praesidium of the Legion of Mary will begin meeting at 6:30pm after the change of the year. We will also be moving our meeting location from the Church’s Social Hall to our 112 State Street Parish Center. Guests are always welcome!
FSSP 2023 Liturgical Calendars—are now available for purchase @ $17 each; please place your donations in the black metal box after purchasing one.
Reminders—No Friday Religious Education classes Dec. 30, Jan 6; CCD classes Dec.25, Jan.1, Jan. 8, and Jan 15.