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26th Sunday after Pentecost
Children's Day - Детињци
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Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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The Limits of Being Rich
Father Ted Bobosh
In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Many believers wish that God would at some point in their lives speak to them – if for no other reason than to know for sure that He existed.
In Luke 12:16-21, we are presented the story of a man to whom God spoke directly. Unfortunately, God’s words to the man were “You fool!” It certainly would be a rude awakening for any of us believers if when God finally spoke to us, first words were to call us a fool! We might then wish that God had never spoken to us, for such a judgment by God would not be a welcomed word by us.
If we examine our own lives and our own values, do we imagine that God’s first words to us would be one of praise for our lives and thinking, or would we be rebuked for our folly – for basing our lives on shallow ideas, on goals that turn out to be phantoms which disappear in a second when we wake up to reality?
The man’s folly was not that he had become rich, but he had not become rich towards God. Wealth and prosperity can be a blessing from the Lord, but they are given to us in order for us to accomplish His will, not to selfishly spend it on our selves which also turns out to be folly.
Being rich is not the same as being rich towards God. Blessing received from God are by God’s design meant to enable us to give – not just to be thankful but to be generous as well.
This Gospel lesson from Christ offers us one of the earliest glimpses into the notion of a “bubble economy.” For the rich man’s bubble was burst in that moment when he was told he was going to die that night. His wealth was shown to be a mere dream but not the reality upon which to base his life’s decisions. It was not even the case that his wealth was the result of ill-gotten goods – he didn’t lie, cheat and steal to obtain his wealth, but worked for it. Yet in the eternal scale of things, his wealth was not all that valuable to that man. Blessings received might make us rich, but we have to receive those blessing and use them to make us rich towards God.
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Commemorating the Conception of the Most Holy Theotokos by Saints Joachim & Anna, Prophetess Hannah the mother of the Prophet Samuel, St Sophronius Archbishop of Cyprus, St Stephen the ‘New Light’ of Constantinople, Hieromonk Anthimus the Athonite “Fool for Christ’
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”
CONCEPTION OF THEOTOKOS TROPARION—TONE 4
Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, for having heard Joachim and Anna, God clearly assures them of the birth of the Mother of God, from whom He Himself, the Uncircumscribed One, was born, becoming man when He commanded the Angel to cry out: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.”
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION—TONE 4
Truly you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 1
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
CONCEPTION OF MOTHER OF GOD KONTAKION—TONE 4
Today, the inhabited earth celebrates Anna's conception, which was from God, for she gave birth to her who, beyond understanding, gave birth to the Word.
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Aleksandra Saran
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Grant Govelovich
EPISTLE: Ephesians 5:8-19
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the just!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us ...
CHOIR: … as we have set our hope on You!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Ефесцима 5:8-19
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,
Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Ефесцима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, некада бијасте тама, а сада сте свјетлост у Господу: владајте се као дјеца свјетлости; Јер плод Духа је у свакој доброти и праведности и истини. Истражујте што је угодно Господу. И немојте узимати учешћа у бесплодним дјелима таме, него их још разоткривајте. Јер је срамно и говорити о ономе што они тајно чине. А све што се разоткрива свјетлошћу се објелодањује; јер све што је објелодањено излази на свјетлост. Зато вели: Устани ти који спаваш и васкрсни из мртвих, и обасјаће те Христос. Дакле, пазите добро како живите, не као немудри, него као мудри, користећи вријеме, јер су дани зли. Због тога не будите неразумни, него схватите шта је воља Господња. И не опијајте се вином, у чему је разврат, него се испуњавајте Духом, говорећи међу собом у псалмима и химнама и пјесмама духовним, пјевајући и појући Господу у срцу своме.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава људе испод мене.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Он увећава спасење Краља и милостиво се односи са Давидом, његовим помазаником и његовим сјеменом заувијек.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 12:16-21
At that time, He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 12:16-21
Каза Господ причу ову: У једнога богатог човјека роди њива. И размишљаше у себи говорећи: Шта да чиним, јер немам у шта сабрати љетину своју? И рече: Ово ћу учинити: срушићу житнице своје и саградићу веће; и ондје ћу сабрати сва жита моја и добра моја; И казаћу души својој: Душо; имаш многа добра сабрана за многе године; почивај, једи, пиј, весели се, а Бог му рече: Безумниче, ове ноћи тражиће душу твоју од тебе; а оно што си припремио чије ће бити? Тако бива ономе који себи тече благо, а не богати се Богом.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Metodija and his parents Fr. Dn. Milan and Mira Damljanovic, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, the child Penelope and her parents, Alex and Michelle Dowd, Kaitlyn Hook and the newborn Bowen William, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Mara Bebeau and the newborn Jacob, Emma Howell and the child to be born of her, Lousi, Tony & infant of God Zayne, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Caryn Kiraly, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, John Luksic, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Jenny Moore Oliver, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Christopher Radanovic, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Donald Semic, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Beverly Yanich, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those Who Are Currently Deployed
Christopher Baker
Those to be Baptized
Bowen William Hook, Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Bogoljub Blagojevic, Jovanka Foltz, Bozidar 'Bobby' Bulatovich, Demetrios Ziogas, Peter Mrgich, Katherine Radoicich, Vladimir Djordjic
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~Pomen Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ARCHIE & †ELEANOR SEMIC, †STEVO & †EVICA SEMIC, †VASIL & †OLGA DUNDOFF, †RAINA DUNDOFF, †JOHN DUNDOFF & ALL DEPARTED SEMIC & DUNDOFF FAMILY MEMBERS Offered by John & Cindy Semic in loving memory of their parents, grandparents, great grandmother, uncle and all their departed loved ones, as they observed their Krsna Slava (St Nicholas).
~Parastos to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†JOVANKA ‘JOANN’ FOLTZ Offered today after Liturgy, by her family, in commemoration of her 6 month repose.
~Vigils Offered~
MARINA RADANOVIC - The Artist Radanovic - Offered as we thank Marina for the portrait of Fr. Srboljub Jockovic that she created with obvious talent, immense soul and deep love. Her talent does not go without saying. It speaks volumes. Our Church community is blessed by her presence, her faith and her artistry. We wish her a long and productive life and career. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years! Offered by the Yanich and Matich Family.
CHRISTOPHER BAKER Offered by Chris & Jevi Radanovic during his deployment. Praying for all of our Christ loving soldiers, families and their service to our country.
TOOTSIE KRNJAICH Offering vigils and prayers for our Kuma Tootsie. May God’s blessings be with her during her rehab period. From her Godchildren, Kat and families.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†VERNA TARASI Offered in loving memory for the repose of grandmother & friend Verna (10 years—Dec 21). May she rest peacefully in the Lord’s mercy and grace. Given by the Yanich, Wenner, Mumma, Wolf, Cruz & Hook Family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ELIJA & †STANA KLIPA, †MARY KLIPA LALIC, †PATRICIA HERNJAK, †SAMUEL & †MILLIE KLIPA, †NICHOLAS & †HOPE KLIPA, †BASIL KLIPA, †PETER & †OLGA KLIPA, †STEVE & †STEFANIA KLIPA, †JANE KLIPA & †GUY & †MARY LALIC Lovingly remembered by the Cashman, Hernjak, and Lalic families as we celebrated our Krsna Slava, St Nicholas. Our memories bring us much joy and peace. May God grant them peace, happiness and life everlasting. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†LJUBICA VIOLA YANICH Offered in loving memory of Mom/Grammy/Nin/Ujina as we observe the 12th anniversary (Dec 24) of her repose. We are sustained by memories of her wisdom, faith and good humor and lifted by the certainty that she rests peacefully in Christ’s eternal light. Given with love by her Family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†FR. SRBOLJUB JOCKOVIC Offered as we remember †Proto Srboljub with profound respect and unbridled joy. He was our priest, mentor, confessor, counselor. His love for St. Nicholas Church stewards was unconditional. His expectations of us were simple and clear - that we pray, read the scriptures, forgive, worship, fast, confess, repent, receive the Gifts, care for each other, give glory to God. We are grateful to the Church Council and the Congregation for recognizing Proto Srbojlub’s selfless service. We know he would be immensely pleased and totally humbled to have the Church Library named in his honor and memory. Axios! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Offered by the Yanich and Matich Family.
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for all of those suffering from the pandemic, for those who minister, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race.
We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 12/15/2024
Collection: $5,797.00
Date 12/8/2024
Collection: $3,735.00
Date 12/1/2024
Collection: $4,377.00
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December Birthdays
Laurie Brosius (Dec 1), Stephani York (Dec 2), Alex Govelovich (Dec 2), Gordana Fasnacht (Dec 4), Alexandra McFall (Dec 4), Paul Kasper (Dec 7), Alexa Healy (Dec 10), Nicholas Blitva (Dec 11), Sarah Milletics (Dec 11), Lorraine James (Dec 15), Quinn Gilroy (Dec 15), Irina Miljkovic (Dec 17), Steve Barry (Dec 17), Michael Filepas Jr (Dec 23), Carole Blitva (Dec 25), Josh Howell (Dec 30)
December Anniversaries
Alex & Nicole Bazdar (Dec 11), Dori & Doug Bert (Dec 18), Lauren & Ross Spangler (Dec 21), Pharon & Christine Bertsch (Dec 27)
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THE SAINTS OF OUR FRESCOES
This year, we will be offering multiple opportunities to learn more about the saints that are depicted on the icons in the Church. Mrs. Martha Rakowski, Th.M., will be teaching the lives of these wondrous saints—many of whom we call our patrons! This adult education class continues today Sunday, December 22nd after Church with Kings and Prophets.
SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Gift cards are a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling Texas Roadhouse and Darden Restaurant Group cards (which includes Olive Garden, Longhorn, Cheddar’s, Yard House, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52) at a face value of $50. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
SOTAYA LAMB SALE
We are once again having our Christmas Fund Raising event. For your Christmas dinner on January 7, let us provide you with hot Roast Lamb. This year the lamb will be sold by the pound, for $18 per pound. Deadline to place your lamb order is Sunday, December 31. Contact Sladjana Gligorevic at 717-538-2073 or sladjagligorevic@gmail.com
YOUTH CONFERENCE RESCHEDULED
Father Chris humbly asks our SOTAYA group for forgiveness as he needs to reschedule the annual Youth Conference to a later date after his surgery and recovery.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Our Annual Assembly will be gathered on Sunday, February 2, 2025. If you would like to serve on the Parish Council, please see any of our nominating committee members: Yovanka Hoover, Nikki Lewis, or Paula Werner. Successful nominees regularly receive the Holy Mysteries of Confession and Communion, attend services frequently, offer their time, talents, treasure, and have a willingness to work for the good of Christ’s Holy Church.
OLD CHURCH PEWS
The pews that were unused from our parish have been donated to the Steelton/Highspire School district for use in starting a woodshop club, which will be developed into an actual elective class. This reuse has the potential to offer a creative and productive avenue for our local community children. Glory to God!
BADNJACARI VOLUNTEERS
We are seeking volunteers to take care of procuring and carrying the Badnjak for our Christmas Eve celebration on January 6, 2025. Please contact Father Christopher if interested, or if you have questions.
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PLEASE HELP - BETHESDA MISSION WOMEN’S SHELTER OUTREACH
On the second Saturday of every month (the next one is this Saturday, January 11th), volunteers from our four Orthodox churches prepare and serve lunch for shelter residents. We also help with various projects and activities that assist with shelter operations. If anyone would like to volunteer or learn more about this important program, please contact Andrea Gunther.
PANTRY BOX IN THE LOBBY (THANK YOU!!)
Thanks and God bless the St Nicholas congregation for the much needed gifts already taken to the Shelter.
It is not too late to drop off items. The Pantry Box helps to supply much needed goods to the Bethesda Women’s Shelter. Please remember to drop off items like: ibuprofen, toothpaste, toothbrush, powdered laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, lotion, razors, bar soap or body wash, deodorant. Have your donations in the box by December 25.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9 am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717) 939-3872 or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Please send all Bulletin Requests to the Church Office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call (717) 939-3872
PORTRAIT OF FATHER SERB
As a part of our library dedication, the Yanich and Matich families commissioned a portrait of Father Serb by the hand of Marina Radanovic. This portrait will be on display in Church for the next three weeks, before it travels to the National Portrait Gallery competition. Its final home will be in our library once the competition is complete.
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December Charity
Very Reverend Stavrophor Srboljub Jockovich
Fund for St. Nicholas Church Ministries & those in Need
In 2010, our congregation established The Fr. Srboljub Fund as a permanent resource for special ministries and other special needs or events in our church community or with our Orthodox Christian partners in the Central PA area or the larger Orthodox Christian community. Each month we participate in the Charity Sunday program and we always give those donations to an outside charity. Through the Fr. Srboljub Fund, we have created a dynamic new way to support the special ministries of our Church community and to respond to the special needs of our Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters. We are preparing ourselves to respond to ministries and programs in areas such as feeding the hungry, youth and senior programs, library needs, gift shop resources, education and outreach initiatives, visitation efforts and unforeseen emergencies or crises.
Please give generously to the Fr. Srboljub Fund so we may honor the memory of our long-time spiritual leader in this unique way as we grow our resources and are prepared to respond when a special need arises. God bless you and thank you for your generosity.
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KSS-MOTHER’S CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!
On Sunday, January 12th, the newly joined KSS-Mothers Club will have their annual Christmas Party and gift exchange at Gilligan’s Restaurant after Liturgy.
All Sisters and Mothers are encouraged to attend, as we will have the appointment of officers. And don’t forget to bring a gift to be exchanged in the White Elephant game (max cost $15-$20).
Please contact Protinica Andreja to let her know if you will be attending.
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