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Sunday before Theophany
St. Nicholas Bulletin - January 15, 2023
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Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo está entre nosotros! | |
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Homily on the Sunday before Theophany
by Archbishop Elpidephoros
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Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
On Christmas Eve, we had a beautiful baptism in this Parish. Today, we journey together toward the Baptism and Holy Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Imagine for a moment that you were among those throngs of people who went out into the desert places to see – not Jesus, but His very own cousin, John the Baptist! Later, after John had been arrested, the Lord Jesus challenged these same crowds by asking them:
“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaking in the wind? Well, what did you go out to see? A man clothed in robes of silk? Behold! those who wear such delicacies dwell in palaces of kings! Well, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Oh yes, a prophet I tell you, and much more than a prophet!
More than a prophet. The greatest prophet. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord!”
The people poured out of Jerusalem and all the surrounding towns and villages to hear from this man named John – who lived on locusts and honey – and to be baptized by him as they repented for their sins.
Imagine for a moment that on this Sunday before Epiphany, three days before Theophany, that you are among those travelling to Jordan River. Perhaps you were caught up in the excitement surrounding this new Prophet. Or maybe you had a personal crisis, and you felt the need for cleansing and redemption. For those first century Jews, washing in water, or ablution, was part of their ritual tradition. Therefore, a practice such as baptism was not strange.
What was strange to them was the sight of John, shaggy in his tunic of camel hair and girt with a leather belt. His rugged appearance might have frightened some, and he preached the coming Kingdom with strong words. But they still came, and perhaps, you would have too.
So, now imagine you are traveling in the company of strangers, heading to the banks of the Jordan, and suddenly in your party is a young man, the same age as John. He has no remarkable appearance, as the Prophet Isaiah foretold. He has no need to confess even a single sin, for He has never committed one. And even though He is the rightful inheritor of the throne of King David himself, His clothes are simple and poor; no royal silks adorn Him. The truth is you would pay him no regard, no interest. Even when His cousin John hesitates to immerse Him in Jordan’s waters, begging Jesus to switch places and baptize the Baptizer!
Imagine, my beloved Christians, you who are the baptized and chosen of God, what you would have thought at that moment? When the heavens opened, and the Dove appeared, and the Voice of the Father sounded?
You see, my friends, the Lord journeyed from Galilee to the Jordan River not for Himself, but for us. He had no need of Baptism, but we do.
He had no need of forgiveness, but we do; He is the one Who implored our forgiveness
from the Cross.
He had no need to have the heavens open, but we do; He bowed down the Heavens to become incarnate in the womb of the Virgin.
He had no need to have the Holy Spirit alight upon Him, but we do. He is the One Who implored the Father to send to us “another Comforter.”
And He had no need of adoption by the Father, but we do. He is God of God and Light of Light, consubstantial with His Father and the Holy Spirit.
My beloved brothers and sisters,
Each of us who has received the grace of Baptism, has been given all of the above, because the Lord sanctified the waters: forgiveness of our sins, a place in Heaven, the Seal of the Holy Spirit, and the adoption by grace to be children of the Father.
Therefore, as we journey to the Jordan these next few days, let us be alert to the humble Nazarene, Who comes to the waters for our sake, and Who grants us eternal life, through His ineffable condescension. Amen.
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Commemorating the Forefeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, St Sylvester Pope of Rome, Hieromartyr Theogenes Bishop of Parium on the Hellespont, New Martyr George of Iberia, Repose of Venerable Seraphim Wonderworker of Sarov, Venerable Sylvester of the Kiev Near Caves, Righteous Juliana of Lazarevo Murom
RESURRECTION TROPARION - TONE 6
The angelic powers were at Your tomb; the guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Your grave, seeking Your most pure body. You took captive hell, not being tempted by it. You came to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You.
FOREFEAST TROPARION—TONE 4
Prepare, O Zebulon, and adorn yourself, O Naphtali! River Jordan, cease flowing, and receive with joy the Master coming to be baptized! Adam, rejoice with our First Mother, and do not hide yourself as you did of old in Paradise; for having seen you naked, He has appeared to clothe you with the first garment. Christ has appeared to renew all creation.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION - TONE 6
When Christ God the Giver of Life, raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand, He bestowed resurrection on the human race. He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.
FOREFEAST KONTAKION - TONE 4
Today the Lord enters the Jordan and cries out to John: “Do not be afraid to baptize me! For I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man.”
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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: Marijana Rocknage
EPISTLE: 2 Timothy 4:5-8
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Sixth Tone: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
CHOIR: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
READER: v: To You, O Lord, will I call. O my God, be not silent to me!
CHOIR: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
READER: O Lord, save Your people...
CHOIR: ...and bless Your inheritance!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to Timothy
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Timothy my son, be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: O God, be bountiful to us and bless us, show the light of Your countenance upon us, and have mercy on us!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: That we may know Your way upon the earth, and Your salvation among all nations.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 2 Тимотеју 4: 5-8
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 6 Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Хор: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Читач: Теби, Господе вапим: Боже мој, немој ме оставити без одговора!
Хор: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Читач: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој
Хор: и благослови наследство Своје.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читац: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Тимотеја.
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Чедо Тимотеје, буди трезвен у свему, злопати се, врши дјело јеванђелиста, служење своје испуни. Јер ја се већ приносим на жртву, и вријеме мојега одласка настаде. Добар рат ратовах, трку заврших, вјеру одржах. Сад ме чека вијенац правде, који ће ми у онај Дан дати Господ, праведни Судија: али не само мени, него и свима који с љубављу очекују Долазак његов.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Боже, буди нам милостив и благосиљај нас.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Обасјавај нас лицем Својим и помилуј нас.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Mark 1: 1-8
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Марк 1: 1-8
Почетак јеванђеља Исуса Христа, Сина Божијега. Као што је писано код пророка: Ево ја шаљем анђела својега пред лицем твојим, који ће припремити пут твој пред тобом. Глас вапијућег у пустињи: Припремите пут Господњи, поравните стазе његове. Појави се Јован крстећи у пустињи, и проповиједајући крштење покајања за опроштење гријехова. И излажаше к њему сва Јудејска земља и Јерусалимљани; и крштаваше их све у ријеци Јордану, и исповиједаху гријехе своје. А Јован бијаше обучен у камиљу длаку, и имаше појас кожни око себе: и јеђаше биље и дивљи мед. И проповиједаше говорећи: Долази за мном јачи од мене пред ким ја нисам достојан сагнути се и одријешити ремена на обући његовој. Ја вас крстих водом, а он ће вас крстити Духом Светим.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Christian CJ Holland his parents and sponsors, Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protopresbyter Srboljub and 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 Danijela and her parents Mark and Jennifer Belo, Melissa Thomason and the child newly born of her, Clare Jurkovic and the child newly born of her, Lauren Spangler and the child newly born of her, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Louise Bare, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Leann Cox, Joseph Derk, Art Dils, Draga Donato, Tommy and Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Anaya Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Basil Havalchak, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Tijana Jaksic, Slobodan Jovicic, Spencer Klinge, Ljuban Kosovac, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Catherine Lewis, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Annabelle McLaughlin, John J Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Infant of God Ryan Leigh Moffitt, Dave Morris, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Eva Orr, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Ljubomir Pejanovic, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Tracy Petrovich, Logan Roszkowski, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Michael Semic, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Pat Shoemaker, Branko Smitran, Tim Stefan, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Dewey Yetter, Mileva “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
COUNTRY MEADOWS MECHANICSBURG: Florence Ivanoff; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic; SPRING CREEK: Chuck Belic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane Ivey & Berkeley Blythe Semic, Emilia Renee Peterson, Barrett Scott, Divna and Danica Mitrovic, Nora Katherine & Maeve Noelle Van Huysen, Sloane York, Logan Michael Livingston, Bennett Noah Spangler
Our College Students
Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Kyranna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Matushka Anna Hopko, Nenad ‘Nesho’ Pantelich, Mark Gruin, Slobodanka Balaban, Mihailo Novakovic, Ljubica Tajkovic, Jo-An Tracey Stanovich, William Yovanovich, Eva Stimac, Dr Ljubisa Stankovic, Natalija Mandic
~Vigils Offered~
KRNJAIC FAMILY MEMBERS Offered as they celebrate their Krsna Slava (Sveti Jovan, Jan 20). May God grant you Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! By Kat and family.
HONORABLE WILLIAM WENNER Offered as we celebrate his birthday today (Jan 15). We pray for his good health and well being and that God grants him Many Blessings for Many Years! Offered with love by Bobbi, Brandon, Kait, Tim, Baylor and the family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
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.
DARLENE BLACK Offered with love by the Barber & Geib Families for God’s Blessings during her recovery. We pray that He will bless her with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with her.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†DR LINDA WOLF Offered on the first anniversary of her repose (Jan 16) as we remember her bright spirit, keen insights, unconditional love and ready sense of humor. We pray she rests peacefully in her Lord’s merciful embrace. Offered in loving memory by the Yanich, Matich, Wenner, Hook, Cruz & Wolf family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ZORAN TRKULJA Offered in loving memory of his repose (3 year—Jan 11). May God grant him eternal peace in his heavenly kingdom. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts, by his loving momma Mirjana, Kumovi and friends. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PERO VUJASINOVICH Offered in loving memory of his repose (3 year—Jan 14). May God grant him eternal peace in his heavenly kingdom. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts, by his loving Seja Zorica and the entire family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†FRANK MILLETICS Offered in loving memory of his repose (25 years—Jan 18) by Dave, Daria, Jason & Sarah. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†DECEASED KRNJAIC FAMILY MEMBERS Offered on their Krsna Slava (Sveti Jovan, Jan 20) as we pray for the peaceful repose of our deceased Krnjaic family members. Loved and sadly missed by their family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†SIMO & †VERONICA KRNJAICH Offered in loving memory of my parents who celebrated our Slava (St John the Baptist) on Jan 20, with our dear Lord in His Heavenly Kingdom. Always in my prayers and heart. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! Given with love by daughter Tootsie.
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, 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.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 1/8/2023
Collection: $2,641.00
Date 1/7/2023
Collection: $9,430.00
Date 1/1/2023
Collection: $1,510.00
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January Birthdays
Kristina Carricato (Jan 3), Brad Livingston (Jan 4), Betty Matovich (Jan 5), Chris Krnjaic (Jan 5), Voni Brown (Jan 6), Jody Atty (Jan 7), Fred Book (Jan 7), Ellen Long (Jan 8), Lauren Spangler (Jan 9), Jason Milletics (Jan 11), William Hernjak (Jan 12), JoAnn Filepas (Jan 13), Tracy Petrovich (Jan 13), Bill Wenner (Jan 15), Stacey Stanovich (Jan 15), Nicole Stefan Imschweiler (Jan 15), Christina Radanovic (Jan 15), Tatyana Reznitchenko (Jan 16), Sylvia Stefan (Jan 18), Nina Radanovic (Jan 19), Makrina Rocknage (Jan 19), Kristina Vukalo (Jan 20), Rita Vorkapich (Jan 22), Protinica Andreja (Jan 24), Kobe Petrovich (Jan 24), Andjelija Lojpur (Jan 27), Sophia Mummert (Jan 28), Jane Svitchan (Jan 29), Maxim Reznitchenko (Jan 29), Ashtyn Isadora Cruz (Jan 30)
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FEAST OF THEOPHANY
We will celebrate the Feast of Theophany beginning on Wednesday, January 18 with Royal Hours at 8am followed by Vesperal Liturgy at 9 am. The blessing of Water and Festal Vigil will begin at 6:30 pm. Then on Thursday, January 19 we will continue the celebration with Liturgy at 9 am
FEAST OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
We will celebrate the Feast of St John on Friday, January 20 with Liturgy at 9 am
BLESSING OF THE SUSQUEHANNA
The Feast of Theophany will be truly remarkable as we bless the Susquehanna River in the afternoon on January 22 at 2 pm. We will meet on City Island at the Arcade, and process to the river dock.
HOUSE BLESSING 2023 BEGINS THIS WEEK
As with previous years, Fr. Chris will be blessing homes according to the zip code schedule printed in the bulletin. You will receive a call and/or email the week beforehand, letting you know which day Father will be coming. Please have ready: a candle, a bowl of water, the list of names you would like Fr. Chris to pray for, both living and departed. If you do not hear from Daria the week before your scheduled house blessing or you were inadvertently overlooked last year, and would like to have your house blessed, please reach out to her at 717-939-3872
GREETERS TEAM
Hello! Welcome to St. Nick’s! If you can say this with a smile, you are a born GREETER. Have you ever felt uncomfortable upon entering a place where no one knows you? It is not a great feeling. St. Nick’s is asking you to be a steward willing to share your warm welcome to all those who enter our beautiful church for the first or the five hundredth time. Please let Daria or Terry know that you can be that steward once every 6 weeks.
KSS 2023 DUES AND SENIORS 2023 DUES
Jovanka Shaffer and JoAnn Filepas will be seated in the church hall after Liturgy on Sundays to collect 2023 dues. Dues remain at $5 for the year.
MOTHERS CLUB 2023 DUES AND SERB CLUB 2023 DUES
Please see Nikki Lewis to pay your 2023 Mother’s Club Dues and Popadija Andreja to pay your 2023 Serb Club Dues.
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FOOD PANTRY BOX
Just a reminder, January is Poverty Awareness Month. Please consider dropping off non expired canned and dry goods along with paper towels, tissues, feminine products, diapers, etc… in the Food Pantry Box, that is in our lobby. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717-939-3972) or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am. Please send all bulletin requests to office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call the office at (717-939-3872).
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January Charity
The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
IOCC is a humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. Established in 1992 by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), it works in cooperation with the Orthodox Church and on behalf of Orthodox Christians. In carrying out its mission, offering emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthening the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond, IOCC applies the highest profession standards and renders itself fully accountable to the public and its donors. Since its inception, IOCC has administered more than $580 million in humanitarian relief, sustainable development and self-help programs worldwide.
Approximately 92% of all money donated directly helps those facing dire situations and every dollar given helps secure $7 in support from various sources. All assistance is provided solely on the basis of need and benefits orphans, refugees and displaced persons, the elderly, school children, families and people with disabilities. Over the course of their history, IOCC has been able to assist people in 50 countries with priority currently in the Balkans (Bosnia, Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro), Cameroon, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Iraq, Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Syria, Uganda, and the United States. Since the need for help is great, IOCC continually works to expand its programs to other areas. Visit www.iocc.org for additional information.
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KSS ANNUAL
MEATLOAF FUNDRAISER
PRE-ORDERS ONLY
ORDER FORMS WILL BE AT THE TUTOR DESK
Order Deadline is January 29, 2023
Pickup is February 5, 2023
Following Divine Liturgy
Cost $8.00 per dinner
Menu includes
Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, Apple Sauce & Roll
Call Sue Petrovich at 717-944-1258 to place an order or if you have any questions. You may also turn your order forms into the Church Office.
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2023 PARISH COUNCIL NOMINATIONS
The following positions for the Parish Council are open for nominations for the Annual Assembly in February:
II Vice President—responsible for the operation of the Church buildings and grounds
Treasurer—responsible for managing Church expenses
Secretary—responsible for taking minutes for meetings
Member at Large—responsible for assisting II VP in operation of buildings and grounds
All those who are interested in serving on the Council are required to the following:
1) Regularly attend services
2) Regularly participate in the Holy Mysteries of Confession and Communion
3) Regularly offer of their Time, Talents and Treasures to the Church
Please notify Fr. Christopher if you are interested in serving our parish by calling 717.939.0251 or emailing at fr.chris@stnicholassteelton.org
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Upcoming House Blessing Schedule
Friday, January 20
St. John the Baptist Slavas
Monday, January 23 — Friday, January 27
(Jan 28 Make-up Day)
17113, 17022, 17033, 17034, 17036, 17057
Monday, January 30 — Friday, February 3
(Feb 4 Make-up Day)
17011, 17015, 17018, 17025, 17050, 17053, 17055
Monday, February 6 — Wednesday, February 8
17102, 17109, 17110, 17111, 17112
Monday, February 13 — Friday, February 17
(Feb 18 Make-up Day)
17019, 17221, 17225, 17257, 17315, 17316, 17320, 17331, 17365
17070, 17319, 17339, 17345, 17361, 17362, 17363, 17370, 17402, 17406, 17408
Thursday, February 23 — Friday, February 24
(Feb 25 Make-up Day)
17003, 17028, 17032, 17038, 17042, 17045, 17067, 17078
17502, 17512, 17522, 17540, 17543, 17545, 17552, 17557, 17601, 17602, 17603
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