The Weekly Focus @ Saint Miriam: December 24th 2015
Saint Miriam in Prose: From our Pastor
Click Here to visit our pastor’s Blog for this week!
Saint Miriam in Prayer: Remembering!
Jerry, Lindsey, Jeanette, Donna, Chester, Mary Grace, Paul, Vince, Joe, Maia, Bishop Ken, Andrea, Sue, Vince, Nick, Irma, Mary Grace, Ricky, Susan, Dave, Christopher, Patrick, Bessie, Robert, Rich, Guy, Eleanore, Ed, Liz and Jane, Paulette, Patricia, Bill, Louise, Marie, Ruth, BJ, Victoria, Juliana.
(To be included in our prayer list, or to receive pastoral care, communion for shut ins, or any other pastoral need, please let us know by Clicking Here.)
Saint Miriam in Brief: A Quick Look!
Today we … honor the Nativity of Our Lord & the Holy Family!
The Focus: Christmas Edition! Join us this week as we gather to honor the Nativity of our Lord on Christmas Eve (4:30pm and 8:00pm) and Christmas Day (9:00am and 11:00am)and then a full Mass Schedule on Sunday, the 27th, for The Feast of the Holy Family!
Don’t Forget Them! Please remember that Monsignor Jim, and all of our ministry team, serve our parish community without taking a salary…and they give every week as part of their commitment to a tithing parish that needs every dollar in support. Won’t you remember them with a card and gift to help them financially this season of giving in recognition of all they did to make our home here? Our pastor has shown us what a true pastor is; what more beautiful way to honor Christ than a gift to the ones who lead and guide us all year?
Join Us for New Year’s Day! It is a very exciting time when we gather to honor our Blessed Mother on January 1st at 11:00am and below the annual Raymond Leight, Jr. Award to an individual who exemplifies sacrificial giving to Saint Miriam! Join us this year as we honor those who honor us and enjoy a festive annual tradition of brunch and champagne! You will want to see this one!
New Organ Donations Needed Please. Our new organ is now here! It is a very exciting time (and expensive, too!) Please make a donation today using the special envelopes to help us. A memorial or honor dedication plaque is available for any donation over $200. If you or your family wish to make the organ a gift from your family, please see Alan or Monsignor Jim. (A minimum donation of $5,000 is needed.) Please consider this wonderful way to honor your family legacy.
Is Saint Miriam on YOUR Christmas List? Please remember that we depend on your extra Christmas gifts to hep us along financially into a new year together. This past year, we did some amazing things, but it took your generosity and the hardworking staff. Is that not deserving of a little extra gift this Christmas Season? Give today in person, or by Donating Here!
Parish and School Offices Closed… Please remember that our parish and school offices are closed Dec 24 – 27 and again December 30 – Jan 2nd 2016. A blessed Christmas and new year to you and our wonderful team at Saint Miriam and Zion Preschool at Saint Miriam!
Saint Miriam in Life: News!
Security and Lighting Upgrades: We are almost complete in the final needed upgrades at our new parish home for this year and they include a new security system, entry system, and lighting for parking lots and cemetery. These new systems will improve security for both the preschool and parish, as well as limit vandalism within the cemetery property. The new LED lighting will also reduce our electric bill and our carbon footprint in compliance with our “Green” policy, as well as enhance our welcome to our campus! Please be mindful that if you currently have an entry code, you will need a new code effective December 23rd 2015. Please see anyone on administration staff.
Year Of Mercy Announced by Greater Church! Recently our Presiding Bishop announced an exciting show of solidarity! The Roman Catholic Church announced a Jubilee year for the 2016 Liturgical year. This Extraordinary Holy Year will be called the Jubilee of Mercy. It is scheduled to start on the Feast of the Conception of the Theotokos (called by the Roman Church the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) and will end on November 20, 2016 on the Feast of Christ the King. During this Holy Year, it is Pope Francis’ desire to see the church focus on practicing Mercy to all those we meet. He has also called on the church to practice mercy when it comes to those who have hurt or damaged the church. We practice this form of mercy every day in our interactions with those who have been hurt and disenfranchised by the mainstream churches. Therefore, as a show of solidarity with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, we are committing ourselves to the participation in this Holy Year. Join us! More information to come with links for prayer.
Visit the Cafe’ On-Line, too! Our Saint Miriam Cafe’ is such a hit and now will grow again with the introduction of seasonal features, colored menu boards, new punch cards for seasonal hot and cold lattes, its own Facebook page Cafe and a feature on its own at our parish website at its Cafe Page! And if you can spare time to help a little on Sunday, please let Lorraine know. Join us every Sunday and see what’s cooking’!
Help Promote Saint Miriam? There are many simple ways to support the parish and one is to share and like all of our posts from our various Social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Remember, if you don’t share people don’t see the posts!
Download Our App and Stay In Touch! Our Saint Miriam Parish App was recently updated and features faster download times, and a ‘refresh’ button for the newest content! Download the App by Clicking Here, and be sure to tell your friends as it is a great outreach tool!
Saint Miriam in Support: Join and Grow our Mission!
Ways to Support Saint Miriam? There are many ways to support the mission of our parish and a flyer has been prepared to show you how easy it is! Please learn about GoodSearch, GoodShop, eBay, and Amazon Smile! Please support us and pick up a flyer or Support Flyer one today!
Now TEXT Your Gifts to Saint Miriam! Text Giving allows you to give to your organization by simply sending a text message to our specially reserved phone number! You just “Text any dollar amount to (215) 515-6511.” Once you text an amount (like “$50” or “120.50”) you would either be sent an acknowledgment for the gift (meaning it processed) or given a short link to click in order to provide their payment information (one time only). You are also prompted by text message with instructions. The whole process is designed to be very simple and self explanatory. Another way to give and support…making it easy so try it today!
Mass Donations: A Beautiful Tribute As Catholics the most important thing we do is pray and offer the sacrifice of the Mass. Please…don’t forget to make your Mass intentions today by Clicking Here. Together, we honor God in Mass.
Support Us with SCRIP! With our preschool parents asking for SCRIP, we will dust off the program! Scrip is Fundraising While You Shop®. This amazingly successful fundraising program works for any school, church, team, club or other non-profit! Scrip turns everyday shopping into cash for your organization when families use retail gift cards to pay for everyday purchases (like gas and groceries) instead of the usual credit/debit card or other money. Scrip works equally well for onetime fundraising goals or year-round programs. Download the Categorized Family Order Form or see anyone on Staff to pre-order (or check out our in-stock cards by calling 215-836-9800 x 707) and join in and watch us grow…all because of you!
Get Your Mass Intentions In Person! Join the Women of Saint Miriam after any Mass and make your Mass Intentions live and in person after any Mass on Sunday! Now you can honor a loved one in person and online, too!
Search, Smile, and Make a Difference! Please support Saint Miriam by downloading and using GoodSearch and GoodShop! Our current total raised is $862.62! Every time you search or buy, we get a small percentage and you get great deals, and often free shipping! Also use Smile Amazon and make us your charity of choice! It all adds up!
Saint Miriam in Petite: Small Groups!
Life is not meant to be lived alone. In fact, God hates loneliness. You were created to experience life with other people, and that’s why at Saint Miriam, we encourage you to get involved in one of our amazing Small Groups!
A ‘Small Group” is a group of three or more people who gather each month in a home, workplace, or oftentimes in our parish. In a group you’ll hang out, study, discuss, laugh, discover, and even pray together! They include Sacred Meal Dinner, Support, Foyer Dinner, Fitness, Spirituality, Women, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and so many more! Our Small Group participants come in all shapes and sizes — married couples, singles, men, women, kids, no kids, workplace, under 20, over 40 — the list goes on! So, no matter where you are in life, there’s a group waiting just for you.
Ready to dive in? Find a group that fits you or start one of your own! Click Here to visit our Small Group page!
Feature Small Group Announcement…
The Saint Miriam Youth Group: We’re Looking for a New Leader!
The Saint Miriam Youth Group needs a new leader and meets regularly at the parish and engages in special service projects and get togethers to enhance the lives of the children and their community. It is an organization designed for young Catholics to develop a strong identity and live a good life from a young age, developing trust between peers, and living a happy life in a positive manner. The group is coordinated by leader from the parish and assisted by federally and state cleared volunteers. For more information contact us today. For more information, or to help as a group leader in this vital area, please see Kathleen Duncan or Father Joseph or contact us.
Saint Miriam in Fellowship: The Saint Miriam Cafe’!
Just click on this link for this Month’s Menu in PDF format and have it all month long!
The December Menu!
Saint Miriam in Calendar Form: Event Highlights!
(Visit our Parish Calendar Here for full weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules.)
December 24th – Christmas Eve Family Mass with St. Nick Visit at 4:30pm!
– Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Eight 0’Clock at 8:00pm!
December 25th – Christmas Day Masses at 9:00am and 11:00am!
December 27th – Feast of the Holy Family at 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:00am, and 4:30pm!
January 1st – Mass for Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and the Annual Raymond Leight, Jr. Award!
– A Festive Champagne Brunch to follow!
The Weekly Focus @ Saint Miriam: December 20th 2015
Saint Miriam in Prose: From our Pastor
Click Here to visit our pastor’s Blog for this week!
Saint Miriam in Prayer: Remembering!
Mary Grace, Maia, Lexi, Paul, Vince, Joe, Celine, Bishop Ken, Andrea, Sue, Vince, Nick, Irma, Ricky, Susan, Dave, Christopher, Patrick, Bessie, Robert, Rich, Guy, Ed, Liz, Paulette, Patricia, Bill, Louise, Marie, Ruth, BJ, Angela, Chester.
(To be included in our prayer list, or to receive pastoral care, communion for shut ins, or any other pastoral need, please let us know by Clicking Here)
Saint Miriam in Brief: A Quick Look!
Today we … honor the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the “Greening” of the Parish!!
An Advent of Tomorrow! The holy season of Advent is probably the most misunderstood season of the liturgical year because, if asked, most people would respond that it is the season in which we prepare for Christmas. Obviously, Christmas comes at the end of the season, but the season is NOT a preparation for Christmas because Christ’s birth is an event of the past, and the Advent scripture lessons refer to the future. The key to making sense out of the paradox is the present. The Gospel writers, in presenting the prophecy of Jesus regarding His future coming, are focusing attention on the present because living in the present is the only way to move wisely into the future. To watch and to wait is to resist the false value systems of the world today. This is a day-by-day struggle against attitudes and values which destroy our Christian life. One may spend hours watching television programs, which clearly portray anti-Christ attitudes and values and call such time recreation, but we fail if we fail to see what we are doing by polluting ourselves. Lying and cheating are accepted norms of behavior, missing Sunday Mass is the way of today and leaving a place of hope when one person causes you discomfort is all too commonplace. The list of false values is endless. Perhaps today we might all use this final week of Advent to change ourselves so we can become even better vessels of the holy God we claim to be our savior? O come, O come, Emmanuel…
Come and Be the First to Hear the NEW Organ! Our new organ is now here and ready for its debut! It is a very exciting time (and expensive, too!) Please make a donation today online or use the special envelopes to help us. A memorial or honor dedication plaque is available for any donation over $200. If you or your family wish to make the organ a gift from your family, please see Alan or Monsignor Jim. (A minimum donation of $5,000 is needed.) Please join us this Sunday at the 11:00am Mass and hear a special 5 minute debut by our own Charlie Masters! Join us! Please consider this wonderful way to honor your family legacy.
Last Call: Get Your Christmas Flowers Today! Join us with your gift of flowers to help us ‘green’ the parish for Christmas! Let us welcome the birth of our Christ with beautiful poinsettia and evergreens for a traditional Christmas decor that will stimulate and excite! Make your Christmas Flower Donation Online by Clicking Here, or see anyone on staff today! Let us make the new home of Saint Miriam a beautiful place this holiday!
It’s Time for Saint Miriam to “Get Her Christmas On”! Every year we decorate the parish for the Christmas holiday season, but this year is very special as it is our first year in our brand new home and we plan to do it right! So join us this coming Sunday, December 20th after the 11:00am Mass and please remember to also bring a Christmas Tree ornament from your family to ours to hang on our very first “Saint Miriam Parishioner Christmas Tree” that will be located in the Bell Tower Entry this year! Enjoy the sounds of Christmas music, holiday cookies, and special egg nog and hot drinks while you decorate, too! Children’s activities and childcare will be available so all can enjoy this year’s greening of Saint Miriam! Join us!
Don’t Be Blue… Feeling a little “blue” this Christmas? Just can’t get into the spirit? We have two ways to help you cope. Come to our “Blue Christmas” service on December 22nd 2015 at 6:30pm or join our spirituality group on Saturday December 19th @10am, as we talk about ways to get through the holidays. You’re not alone. Come be with friends. Feel better about Christmas and yourself.
Security and Lighting Upgrades! We are almost complete in the final needed upgrades at our new parish home for this year and they include a new security system, entry system, and lighting for parking lots and cemetery. These new systems will improve security for both the preschool and parish, as well as limit vandalism within the cemetery property. The new LED lighting will also reduce our electric bill and our carbon footprint in compliance with our “Green” policy, as well as enhance our welcome to our campus! Please be mindful that if you currently have an entry code, you will need a new one by year’s end. Please see anyone on administration staff.
St. Nick Needs Your RSVP Parents! Please let Dr. Shaun Little know if you are attending the annual Family Mass for Christmas on December 24th at 4:30m so that we can ensure enough gifts from St Nick…just Click Here to RSVP! What a beautiful way to honor Christ in Christmas!
Remembering Those Who Care For You All Year? Please remember that Monsignor Jim, and all of our ministry team members, serve our parish community without taking a salary…and they give every week as part of their commitment to a tithing parish that needs every dollar in support. Won’t you remember them with a card and gift to help them financially this season of giving in recognition of all they did to make our home here? Our pastor has shown us what a true pastor is; what more beautiful way to honor Christ than a gift to the ones who lead and guide us all year?
Saint Miriam in Life: News!
Is Saint Miriam on YOUR Christmas List? Please remember that we doped on your extra Christmas gifts to hep us along financially into a new year together. This past year, we did some amazing things, but it took your generosity and the hardworking staff. Is that not deserving of a little extra gift this Christmas Season? Give today in person, or by Donating Here!
Year Of Mercy Announced by Greater Church! Recently our Presiding Bishop announced an exciting show of solidarity! The Roman Catholic Church announced a Jubilee year for the 2016 Liturgical year. This Extraordinary Holy Year will be called the Jubilee of Mercy. It is scheduled to start on the Feast of the Conception of the Theotokos (called by the Roman Church the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) and will end on November 20, 2016 on the Feast of Christ the King. During this Holy Year, it is Pope Francis’ desire to see the church focus on practicing Mercy to all those we meet. He has also called on the church to practice mercy when it comes to those who have hurt or damaged the church. We practice this form of mercy every day in our interactions with those who have been hurt and disenfranchised by the mainstream churches. Therefore, as a show of solidarity with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, we are committing ourselves to the participation in this Holy Year. Join us! More information to come with links for prayer!
Christmas party for all PREP children after classes on December 20th! To ensure that all will be able to attend, all classes will begin after the children’s homily and end at 10:00am. The party will follow from 10:00am-11:00am.
Phoebe Wyncote Nursing Home Visit by PREP Students December 20th! After the holiday party (see above), the PREP students will visit with the residents of Phoebe where they will sing Christmas Carols, and bring them cards, and leave a few gifts, too! We will only be staying for about an hour, but for many of the residents, that may be the only visitors they get for Christmas. What a wonderful way to show our children the true meaning of Christmas! We request for the following items that our children might deliver to the residents of Phoebe Wyncote: small packs of tissues, chapstick, notepad and pen, solar activated dancing figurines, large-print puzzle books, or any item they think a nursing home resident might like. Please see Dr. Shaun Little for any questions. Item should be placed in a decorated/festive gift bag…it is Christmas after all!
Help Promote Saint Miriam? There are many simple ways to support the parish and one is to share and like all of our posts from our various Social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Remember, if you don’t share people don’t see the posts!
Download Our App and Stay In Touch! Our Saint Miriam Parish App was recently updated and features faster download times, and a ‘refresh’ button for the newest content! Download the App by Clicking Here, and be sure to tell your friends as it is a great outreach tool!
Saint Miriam in Support: Join and Grow our Mission!
Ways to Support Saint Miriam? There are many ways to support the mission of our parish and a flyer has been prepared to show you how easy it is! Please learn about GoodSearch, GoodShop, eBay, and Amazon Smile! Please support us and pick up a flyer or Support Flyer one today!
Now TEXT Your Gifts to Saint Miriam! Text Giving allows you to give to your organization by simply sending a text message to our specially reserved phone number! You just “Text any dollar amount to (215) 515-6511.” Once you text an amount (like “$50” or “120.50”) you would either be sent an acknowledgment for the gift (meaning it processed) or given a short link to click in order to provide their payment information (one time only). You are also prompted by text message with instructions. The whole process is designed to be very simple and self explanatory. Another way to give and support…making it easy so try it today!
Mass Donations: A Beautiful Tribute As Catholics the most important thing we do is pray and offer the sacrifice of the Mass. Please…don’t forget to make your Mass intentions today by Clicking Here. Together, we honor God in Mass.
Support Us with SCRIP! With our preschool parents asking for SCRIP, we will dust off the program! Scrip is Fundraising While You Shop®. This amazingly successful fundraising program works for any school, church, team, club or other non-profit! Scrip turns everyday shopping into cash for your organization when families use retail gift cards to pay for everyday purchases (like gas and groceries) instead of the usual credit/debit card or other money. Scrip works equally well for onetime fundraising goals or year-round programs. Download the Categorized Family Order Form or see anyone on Staff to pre-order (or check out our in-stock cards by calling 215-836-9800 x 707) and join in and watch us grow…all because of you!
Yankee Candles – FINAL CALL COMING! Everyone loves Yankee Candles! Great gifts for holidays, anniversaries, hostess gifts and birthdays. Order online and product is shipped directly to your home and Saint Miriam receives 40% profit. Volunteers will be available throughout the campaign to assist you with your online orders. Just click on this link , our group code is 990048826. Now you can click on a category and start shopping for America’s best loved candles and accessories. Please support Saint Miriam and help us grow. The online campaign is extended to December 31, 2015. Let’s all pray for success!
Get Your Mass Intentions In Person! Join the Women of Saint Miriam after any Mass and make your Mass Intentions live and in person after any Mass on Sunday! Now you can honor a loved one in person and online, too!
Search, Smile, and Make a Difference! Please support Saint Miriam by downloading and using GoodSearch and GoodShop! Our current total raised is $864.57! Every time you search or buy, we get a small percentage and you get great deals, and often free shipping! Also use Smile Amazon and make us your charity of choice! It all adds up!
Saint Miriam in Petite: Join a Small Group!
Life is not meant to be lived alone. In fact, God hates loneliness. You were created to experience life with other people, and that’s why at Saint Miriam, we encourage you to get involved in one of our amazing Small Groups!
A ‘Small Group” is a group of three or more people who gather each month in a home, workplace, or oftentimes in our parish. In a group you’ll hang out, study, discuss, laugh, discover, and even pray together! They include Sacred Meal Dinner, Support, Foyer Dinner, Fitness, Spirituality, Women, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and so many more! Our Small Group participants come in all shapes and sizes — married couples, singles, men, women, kids, no kids, workplace, under 20, over 40 — the list goes on! So, no matter where you are in life, there’s a group waiting just for you.
Ready to dive in? Find a group that fits you or start one of your own! Click Here to visit our Small Group page!
Feature Small Group Announcement…
The Saint Miriam Cafe’ and Hospitality Teams!
These selfless volunteers help on a rotational basis on Sundays to “feed the masses after our masses” in our new Saint Miriam Café! We offer a cafe’ experience for hospitality after each of our Sunday Masses (and on Thursdays during Lent after Stations of the Cross). Each is designed to allow visitors to engage other members and to become part of a real and dynamic community. Moreover, we offer several annual ‘Food Events’ that occur around the holidays. These food events are like catered affairs! Hospitality has become a cornerstone of the Saint Miriam experience! For more information, or to help us in this vital area, please see Kathleen Duncan or Deacon Pat or contact us!
Saint Miriam in Fellowship: The Saint Miriam Cafe’!
Just click on this link for this Month’s Menu in PDF format and have it all month long!
The December Menu!
Saint Miriam in Calendar Form: Event Highlights!
(Visit our Parish Calendar Here for full weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules.)
December 20th – Greening of the parish after the 11:00am!
– PREP Christmas Party and outing to Phoebe Wyncote Nursing Home!
December 22nd – The Longest Night Service at 6:30pm!
December 24th – Christmas Eve Family Mass with St. Nick Visit at 4:30pm!
– Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Eight 0’Clock at 8:00pm!
December 25th – Christmas Day Masses at 9:00am and 11:00am!
January 1st – Mass for the Blessed Mother an Annual Ray Leight Award at 11:00am – a special New Year brunch will follow!
The Weekly Focus @ Saint Miriam: December 13th 2015
Saint Miriam in Prose: From our Pastor
Click Here to visit our pastor’s Blog for this week!
Saint Miriam in Prayer: Remembering!
Paul, Vince, Joe, Celine and family, Maia, Andrea S., Bishop Ken, Andrea, Sue, Vince, Nick, Irma, Mary Grace, Ricky, Susan, Dave, Christopher, Patrick, Bessie, Robert, Rich, Guy, Eleanore, Ed, Liz and Jane, Paulette, Patricia, Bill, Louise, Marie, Ruth, BJ, Angela, Chester, Stacia, Victoria, James, Juliana, Charles, Fred, and Dee.
(To be included in our prayer list, or to receive pastoral care, communion for shut ins, or any other pastoral need, please let us know by Clicking Here.)
Saint Miriam in Brief: A Quick Look!
Today we … honor the Third Sunday of Advent!
An Advent Prayer:
O Lord, Jesus Christ, Redeemer and Savior, forgive my sins, just as You forgave Peter’s denial and those who crucified You. Count not my transgressions, but, rather, my tears of repentance. Remember not my iniquities, but, more especially, my sorrow for the offenses I have committed against You. I long to be true to Your Word, and pray that You will love me and come to make Your dwelling place within me. I promise to give You praise and glory in love and in service all the days of my life. O come, O come, Emmanuel…
Get Your Christmas Flowers Order Today! Join us with your gift of flowers to help us ‘green’ the parish for Christmas! Let us welcome the birth of our Christ with beautiful poinsettia and evergreens for a traditional Christmas decor that will stimulate and excite! Make your Christmas Flower Donation Online by Clicking Here, or see anyone on staff today! Let us make the new home of Saint Miriam a beautiful place this holiday!
Christmas “Greening” is December 20th! Join us after Mass on Sunday, December 20th as we ‘green’ (decorate) the church with holiday decor, Christmas trees, lights, deaths, and more! We have a bigger parish and need more hands so please plan to stay after the 11:00am Mass and make Saint Miriam ready for the Christ Child! Enjoy cookies, egg nog (yes, both varieties!), and holiday music to set the pace! Please let Sean Hall know if you can make it to lend a hand?
St. Nick Needs Your RSVP Parents! Please let Dr. Shaun Little know if you are attending the annual Family Mass for Christmas on December 24th at 4:30m so that we can ensure enough gifts from St Nick…just Click Here to RSVP! What a beautiful way to honor Christ in Christmas!
Is Your Pastor and Team on Santa’s List This Year! Please remember that Monsignor Jim, and all of our ministry team members, serve our parish community without taking a salary…and they give every week as part of their commitment to a tithing parish that needs every dollar in support. Won’t you remember them with a card and gift to help them financially this season of giving in recognition of all they did to make our home here? Our pastor has shown us what a true pastor is; what more beautiful way to honor Christ than a gift to the ones who lead and guide us all year?
Use GoodSearch, GoodShop, and Amazon and Make us all SMILE! Please support Saint Miriam by downloading and using GoodSearch and GoodShop! Our current total raised is $862.57! Every time you search or buy, we get a small percentage and you get great deals, and often free shipping! Also use Smile Amazon and make us your charity of choice! It all adds up!
New Organ Installed! Our new organ is now here! It is a very exciting time (and expensive, too!) Please make a donation today using the special envelopes to help us. A memorial or honor dedication plaque is available for any donation over $200. If you or your family wish to make the organ a gift from your family, please see Alan or Monsignor Jim. (A minimum donation of $5,000 is needed.) Please consider this wonderful way to honor your family legacy.
Boy Scouts Annual Event! On December 17th at 7:00pm, the Boy Scout Troop will hold its annual Christmas party. Instead of regular meeting they will have a party with light refreshments and exchange of gifts. Please see their parish liaison, David Olson, an Eagle Scout himself, for more information! Join them in support!
Year Of Mercy Announced by Greater Church! Recently our Presiding Bishop announced an exciting show of solidarity! The Roman Catholic Church announced a Jubilee year for the 2016 Liturgical year. This Extraordinary Holy Year will be called the Jubilee of Mercy. It is scheduled to start on the Feast of the Conception of the Theotokos (called by the Roman Church the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) and will end on November 20, 2016 on the Feast of Christ the King. During this Holy Year, it is Pope Francis’ desire to see the church focus on practicing Mercy to all those we meet. He has also called on the church to practice mercy when it comes to those who have hurt or damaged the church. We practice this form of mercy every day in our interactions with those who have been hurt and disenfranchised by the mainstream churches. Therefore, as a show of solidarity with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, we are committing ourselves to the participation in this Holy Year. Join us! More information to come with links for prayer!
Saint Miriam in Life: News!
‘Toys for Tots’ Going Strong! The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and we help through our Zion Preschool every year! See the box in the school/admin wing this week and make a child’s holiday brighter!
Christmas party for all PREP children after classes on December 20th! To ensure that all will be able to attend, all classes will begin after the children’s homily and end at 10:00am. The party will follow from 10:00am-11:00am.
Phoebe Wyncote Nursing Home Visit by PREP Students December 20th! After the holiday party (see above), the PREP students will visit with the residents of Phoebe where they will sing Christmas Carols, and bring them cards, and leave a few gifts, too! We will only be staying for about an hour, but for many of the residents, that may be the only visitors they get for Christmas. What a wonderful way to show our children the true meaning of Christmas! We request for the following items that our children might deliver to the residents of Phoebe Wyncote: small packs of tissues, chapstick, notepad and pen, solar activated dancing figurines, large-print puzzle books, or any item they think a nursing home resident might like. Please see Dr. Shaun Little for any questions. Item should be placed in a decorated/festive gift bag…it is Christmas after all!
Staff Updates and Congratulations to…
Mr. Brendan Kirk will now serve as Director for Facilities and Grounds for Saint Miriam and cares for our facilities, cemetery, and grounds maintenance. Brendan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Glenside. He spent 35 years in various jobs in the automotive industry. Brendan also worked with his father in building maintenance and repair. Brendan has started a new chapter in his life here Saint Miriam Parish in October. He resides in Glenside.
And our own Kathleen Duncan has been promoted to serve as the Parish Administrator for Saint Miriam and cares for the temporal and operational needs, including weddings and events of the parish, working closely with our pastor. She also volunteers as coordinator for our Walk Beside Me Program! Kathleen grew up in Philadelphia and is the youngest of 5 children. Her career has spanned 3 decades in the library science field. She presently works in center city for a leading science information company and currently resides in East Norriton. Kathleen joined Saint Miriam Parish in 2010. She is a member of the Saint Miriam Academy Board. Her interests include reading, storytelling and community events.
Congratulations to these find team members who give to make our life better and better!
Visit the Cafe’ On-Line, too! Our Saint Miriam Cafe’ is such a hit and now will grow again with the introduction of seasonal features, colored menu boards, new punch cards for seasonal hot and cold lattes, its own Facebook page Cafe and a feature on its own at our parish website at its Cafe Page! And if you can spare time to help a little on Sunday, please let Lorraine know. Join us every Sunday and see what’s cooking’!
Help Promote Saint Miriam? There are many simple ways to support the parish and one is to share and like all of our posts from our various Social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Remember, if you don’t share people don’t see the posts!
Download Our App and Stay In Touch! Our Saint Miriam Parish App was recently updated and features faster download times, and a ‘refresh’ button for the newest content! Download the App by Clicking Here, and be sure to tell your friends as it is a great outreach tool!
Saint Miriam in Support: Join and Grow our Mission!
Ways to Support Saint Miriam? There are many ways to support the mission of our parish and a flyer has been prepared to show you how easy it is! Please learn about GoodSearch, GoodShop, eBay, and Amazon Smile! Please support us and pick up a flyer or Support Flyer one today!
Now TEXT Your Gifts to Saint Miriam! Text Giving allows you to give to your organization by simply sending a text message to our specially reserved phone number! You just “Text any dollar amount to (215) 515-6511.” Once you text an amount (like “$50” or “120.50”) you would either be sent an acknowledgment for the gift (meaning it processed) or given a short link to click in order to provide their payment information (one time only). You are also prompted by text message with instructions. The whole process is designed to be very simple and self explanatory. Another way to give and support…making it easy so try it today!
Mass Donations: A Beautiful Tribute As Catholics the most important thing we do is pray and offer the sacrifice of the Mass. Please…don’t forget to make your Mass intentions today by Clicking Here. Together, we honor God in Mass.
Support Us with SCRIP! With our preschool parents asking for SCRIP, we will dust off the program! Scrip is Fundraising While You Shop®. This amazingly successful fundraising program works for any school, church, team, club or other non-profit! Scrip turns everyday shopping into cash for your organization when families use retail gift cards to pay for everyday purchases (like gas and groceries) instead of the usual credit/debit card or other money. Scrip works equally well for onetime fundraising goals or year-round programs. Download the Categorized Family Order Form or see anyone on Staff to pre-order (or check out our in-stock cards by calling 215-836-9800 x 707) and join in and watch us grow…all because of you!
Yankee Candles – FINAL CALL COMING! Everyone loves Yankee Candles! Great gifts for holidays, anniversaries, hostess gifts and birthdays. Order online and product is shipped directly to your home and Saint Miriam receives 40% profit. Volunteers will be available throughout the campaign to assist you with your online orders. Just click on this link , our group code is 990048826. Now you can click on a category and start shopping for America’s best loved candles and accessories. Please support Saint Miriam and help us grow. The online campaign is extended to December 31, 2015. Let’s all pray for success!
Get Your Mass Intentions In Person! Join the Women of Saint Miriam after any Mass and make your Mass Intentions live and in person after any Mass on Sunday! Now you can honor a loved one in person and online, too!
Search, Smile, and Make a Difference! Please support Saint Miriam by downloading and using GoodSearch and GoodShop! Our current total raised is $862.57! Every time you search or buy, we get a small percentage and you get great deals, and often free shipping! Also use Smile Amazon and make us your charity of choice! It all adds up!
Saint Miriam in Petite: Join a Small Group!
Life is not meant to be lived alone. In fact, God hates loneliness. You were created to experience life with other people, and that’s why at Saint Miriam, we encourage you to get involved in one of our amazing Small Groups!
A ‘Small Group” is a group of three or more people who gather each month in a home, workplace, or oftentimes in our parish. In a group you’ll hang out, study, discuss, laugh, discover, and even pray together! They include Sacred Meal Dinner, Support, Foyer Dinner, Fitness, Spirituality, Women, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and so many more! Our Small Group participants come in all shapes and sizes — married couples, singles, men, women, kids, no kids, workplace, under 20, over 40 — the list goes on! So, no matter where you are in life, there’s a group waiting just for you.
Ready to dive in? Find a group that fits you or start one of your own! Click Here to visit our Small Group page!
Feature Small Group Announcement…
The People Who Greet and Make You Feel Welcome!
At Saint Miriam, the most important person is the one who hasn’t walked through the door yet! So, why not join us in preparing to make every person feel like you did? Join us!
Greeters: These volunteers greet people, pass out missals for the Mass, and seat those attending. Then, they also remain after Mass for a few minutes to help tidy the church!
Ushers: These volunteers help to keep us on track during the set up and Mass and other services that take place at the parish! They serve as a ‘point person’ and to help ensure that we greet, welcome, and support everyone who comes! They are usually tenured people who have been part of the Saint Miriam family so they can effectively support other volunteers. They use their knowledge and empathy to make every experience a great one at Saint Miriam! For more information contact us today.
For more information, or to help us in this vital area, please see Kathleen Duncan or Deacon Pat or contact us!
Saint Miriam in Fellowship: The Saint Miriam Cafe’!
Just click on this link for this Month’s Menu in PDF format and have it all month long!
The December Menu!
Saint Miriam in Calendar Form: Event Highlights!
(Visit our Parish Calendar Here for full weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules.)
December 20th – PREP Christmas Party and outing to Phoebe Wyncote Nursing Home!
December 22nd – The Longest Night Service at 6:30pm!
December 24th – Christmas Eve Family Mass with St. Nick Visit at 4:30pm!
– Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Eight 0’Clock at 8:00pm!
December 25th – Christmas Day Masses at 9:00am and 11:00am!
January 1st – Mass for the Blessed Mother an Annual Ray Leight Award at 11:00am – a special New Year brunch will follow!
The Weekly Focus @ Saint Miriam: December 6th 2015
Saint Miriam in Prose: From our Pastor
Click Here to visit our pastor’s Blog for this week!
Saint Miriam in Prayer: Remembering!
Vince, Joe, Celine and family, Maia, Andrea S., Bishop Ken, Andrea, Sue, Vince, Nick, Irma, Mary Grace, Ricky, Susan, Dave, Christopher, Patrick, Bessie, Robert, Rich, Guy, Eleanore, Ed, Liz and Jane, Paulette, Patricia, Bill, Louise, Marie, Ruth, BJ, Angela, Chester, Stacia, Victoria, James, Juliana, Charles, Fred, and Dee.
(To be included in our prayer list, or to receive pastoral care, communion for shut ins, or any other pastoral need, please let us know by Clicking Here.)
Saint Miriam in Brief: A Quick Look!
Today we … honor the Second Sunday of Advent!
It’s Advent & Stressful! We love Christmas. We love the preparations, the waiting, the build up of excitement, the putting up of decorations, the time spent devising menus. We also love being involved in the music for carol services and Christmas Mass, watching our children’s excitement, as they prepare for the nativity play and to open gifts and met St. Nick! But, if we are honest, we also all struggle with the stress. We await, in wonder, the birth of the Christ child, our Lord and Savior, the Light of the World, and yet we stress over the things of this life and it removes our focus from that which is eternal. Perhaps we should stop and allow ourselves to be drawn to rediscover the meaning of ‘waiting’ this Advent. Drawn to the character of Mary, and what this time meant for her. When we first meet her in the gospels she seems like a vulnerable young woman; betrothed to a respectable man in her neighborhood But one visit from an angel changes everything. Mary’s response to that angel, after a few somewhat understandable questions, is simply ‘I am the Lord’s servant… May your words to me be fulfilled.’ (Luke 1:38) Incredible. Ask yourself this now: is your faith that deep? Could you remain that calm and give all that you have – including YOU – to God? O come, O come, Emmanuel…
Christmas “Greening” Begins Today! Join us with your gift of flowers to help us ‘green the parish for Christmas! Let us welcome the birth of our Christ with beautiful poinsettia and evergreens for a traditional Christmas decor that will stimulate and excite! See anyone on staff today! Let us make the new home of Saint Miriam a beautiful place this holiday!
St. Nick Needs Your RSVP Parents! Please let Dr. Shaun Little know if you are attending the annual Family Mass for Christmas on December 24th at 4:30m so that we can ensure enough gifts from St Nick! What a beautiful way to honor Christ in Christmas!
Our Organ Sadly ‘Bites the Dust‘! Our organ is not operational and we had a repair guy arrive last week who said it is irreparable. By a small miracle, we have located a church willing to sell us their second organ, and have begun arrangements to get it into place. You can imagine this is not an inexpensive task. Please make a donation today using the special envelopes to help us. A memorial or honor dedication plaque is available for any donation over $200. If you or your family wish to make the organ a gift from your family, please see Alan or Monsignor Jim. (A minimum donation of $5,000 is needed.) Please consider this wonderful way to honor your family legacy.
Breakfast with Santa! Join us on December 12th for Breakfast with Santa from 8:30am-9:45am. We will serve pancakes, juice & coffee and all kids will receive a gift all for only $8 per person. We will also be offering a Parent’s Night Out from 6-9pm on December 12 for only $15. If you purchase $200 in Scrip, this will be FREE! Please contact our director, BethAnn Leaming with any questions or if you would like to register at bethann.leaming@mysaintmiriam.org. Blessed holidays coming with great food, too!
Saint Miriam in Life: News!
Parents’ Night Out for December! Three full hours of babysitting by the finest staff on the planet – all for only $15 and you can go out to shop, eat, or just gain some needed downtime! Click Here and get your reservation in for Saturday, December 12th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm and enjoy yourselves! AND!!! If you purchase $200 in SCRIP Cards (see below) you get the three hours FREE!
Bring a Toys for Tots This Week! The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and we help through our Zion Preschool every year! See the box in the school/admin wing this week and make a child’s holiday brighter!
Join us for the Annual Tree Lighting and Memorial? Every year the fine folks at Boyd-Horrox Funeral Home, Life Celebrations and our own Rick Falicki hold an annual tree lighting and remembrance for those who suffered a loss. This year, they have invited Monsignor Jim to be a featured speaker. Please join us – and support our pastor in his own grief this year – on Wednesday, December 9th 2015 at 6:30pm at 200 West Germantown Pike Norristown, PA 19401. Remember to share the grief of others to help heal the world this holiday season.
Christmas party for all PREP children after classes on December 20th! To ensure that all will be able to attend, all classes will begin after the children’s homily and end at 10:00am. The party will follow from 10:00am-11:00am.
Phoebe Wyncote Nursing Home Visit by PREP Students December 20th! After the holiday party (see above), the PREP students will visit with the residents of Phoebe where they will sing Christmas Carols, and bring them cards, and leave a few gifts, too! We will only be staying for about an hour, but for many of the residents, that may be the only visitors they get for Christmas. What a wonderful way to show our children the true meaning of Christmas! We request for the following items that our children might deliver to the residents of Phoebe Wyncote: small packs of tissues, chapstick, notepad and pen, solar activated dancing figurines, large-print puzzle books, or any item they think a nursing home resident might like. Please see Dr. Shaun Little for any questions. Item should be placed in a decorated/festive gift bag…it is Christmas after all!
Our Saint Miriam Covenant! Did you know we have a covenant to live by? Some parishioners have not read the covenant we abide by at Saint Miriam. It makes us stronger and allows us to grow. A copy has been posted on the main news bulletin board and you can read it online by Clicking Here. Please…let us grow and become wiser through our mutual covenant.
Visit the Cafe’ On-Line, too! Our Saint Miriam Cafe’ is such a hit and now will grow again with the introduction of seasonal features, colored menu boards, new punch cards for seasonal hot and cold lattes, its own Facebook page Cafe and a feature on its own at our parish website at its Cafe Page! And if you can spare time to help a little on Sunday, please let Lorraine know. Join us every Sunday and see what’s cooking’!
Updated Ministry Schedules Posted. The computer generated schedules for serving were tedious to read and so new ministry schedules were released this month in a simpler format and that cover two months at a time! Click Schedules and let us know how we did and see where you are scheduled to help serve?
Help Promote Saint Miriam? There are many simple ways to support the parish and one is to share and like all of our posts from our various Social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Remember, if you don’t share people don’t see the posts!
Download Our App and Stay In Touch! Our Saint Miriam Parish App was recently updated and features faster download times, and a ‘refresh’ button for the newest content! Download the App by Clicking Here, and be sure to tell your friends as it is a great outreach tool!
Saint Miriam in Support: Join and Grow our Mission!
Ways to Support Saint Miriam? There are many ways to support the mission of our parish and a flyer has been prepared to show you how easy it is! Please learn about GoodSearch, GoodShop, eBay, and Amazon Smile! Please support us and pick up a flyer or Support Flyer one today!
Now TEXT Your Gifts to Saint Miriam! Text Giving allows you to give to your organization by simply sending a text message to our specially reserved phone number! You just “Text any dollar amount to (215) 515-6511.” Once you text an amount (like “$50” or “120.50”) you would either be sent an acknowledgment for the gift (meaning it processed) or given a short link to click in order to provide their payment information (one time only). You are also prompted by text message with instructions. The whole process is designed to be very simple and self explanatory. Another way to give and support…making it easy so try it today!
Mass Donations Needed! As Catholics the most important thing we do is pray and offer the sacrifice of the Mass. Please…don’t forget to make your Mass intentions today by Clicking Here. Together, we honor God in Mass.
SCRIP is Back, Baby! With our preschool parents asking for SCRIP, we will dust off the program! Scrip is Fundraising While You Shop®. This amazingly successful fundraising program works for any school, church, team, club or other non-profit! Scrip turns everyday shopping into cash for your organization when families use retail gift cards to pay for everyday purchases (like gas and groceries) instead of the usual credit/debit card or other money. Scrip works equally well for onetime fundraising goals or year-round programs. Download the Categorized Family Order Form or see anyone on Staff to pre-order (or check out our in-stock cards by calling 215-836-9800 x 707) and join in and watch us grow…all because of you!
Get Your Candles! Everyone loves Yankee Candles! Great gifts for holidays, anniversaries, hostess gifts and birthdays. Order online and product is shipped directly to your home and Saint Miriam receives 40% profit. Volunteers will be available throughout the campaign to assist you with your online orders. Just click on this link , our group code is 990048826. Now you can click on a category and start shopping for America’s best loved candles and accessories. Please support Saint Miriam and help us grow. The sales dates are September 27, 2015 – October 12, 2015. The online campaign is extended to December 31, 2015. Let’s all pray for success!
Get Your Mass Intentions In Person Beginning Today? Join the Women of Saint Miriam after any Mass and make your Mass Intentions live and in person! Now you can honor a loved one in person and online, too!
Search, Smile, and Make a Difference! Please support Saint Miriam by downloading and using GoodSearch and GoodShop! Our current total raised is $859.08! Every time you search or buy, we get a small percentage and you get great deals, and often free shipping! Also use Smile Amazon and make us your charity of choice! It all adds up!
Saint Miriam in Petite: Join a Small Group!
Life is not meant to be lived alone. In fact, God hates loneliness. You were created to experience life with other people, and that’s why at Saint Miriam, we encourage you to get involved in one of our amazing Small Groups!
A ‘Small Group” is a group of three or more people who gather each month in a home, workplace, or oftentimes in our parish. In a group you’ll hang out, study, discuss, laugh, discover, and even pray together! They include Sacred Meal Dinner, Support, Foyer Dinner, Fitness, Spirituality, Women, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and so many more! Our Small Group participants come in all shapes and sizes — married couples, singles, men, women, kids, no kids, workplace, under 20, over 40 — the list goes on! So, no matter where you are in life, there’s a group waiting just for you.
Ready to dive in? Find a group that fits you or start one of your own! Click Here to visit our Small Group page!
Feature Small Group Announcement…
The Secular Franciscans!
The Secular Franciscan Order, also known as the Third Order of St. Francis, is an official Order within our Church, established by St. Francis of Assisi, early in the thirteenth century. Members do not live in community, but rather live their everyday lives in the world. However, members gather together in fraternity on a regular basis, and by profession, they promise to follow a Rule of charity and service to others. Join us and make a vital life change!
For more information, or to help us in this vital area, please see Monsignor Jim or contact us!
Saint Miriam in Fellowship: The Saint Miriam Cafe’!
Just click on this link for this Month’s Menu in PDF format and have it all month long!
The December Menu!
Saint Miriam in Calendar Form: Event Highlights!
(Visit our Parish Calendar Here for full weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules.)
December 6th – Executive Committee Meeting at 12:30pm.
December 9th – Annual Tree Lighting at Boyd-Horrox Funeral Home begins at 6:30pm!
December 12th – Breakfast with Santa at 8:30am – 9:45am!
– Parents Night Out from 6:00pm – 9:00pm!
December 20th – PREP Christmas Party and outing to Phoebe Wyncote Nursing Home!
December 22nd – The Longest Night Service at 6:30pm!
December 24th – Christmas Eve Family Mass with St. Nick Visit at 4:30pm!
– Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Eight 0’Clock at 8:00pm!
December 25th – Christmas Day Masses at 9:00am and 11:00am!