Christian and Missionary Alliance

317 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston

570-654-2500 or 570-654-7414

cmaofwestpittston@juno.com

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Website: www.cmawp.com

Sunday prayer, 9 a.m.; Worship, 10:30 a.m.; Evening service 7 p.m.

Wednesday prayer and praise, 7 p.m.

Bible study all ages Thursday, 7 p.m.

The Breaking Bread Soup Kitchen is serving meals from 5 to 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the church. The meal is being served without charge to interested individuals and families in the community.

Christ Community Clothes Closet will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Donations of clothing are accepted. Call for additional information.

Exercise classes are available at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings. Call 570-655-4791.

Breaking Bread Soup Kitchen will be held Monday’s from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with the exception of Dec. 28. Call Toni Davis at 570-760-4830 to donate food or call the church at 570-654-2500 for more information.

The Adult Choir of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church will present a Christmas Cantata, entitled, “Celebrate! The Joy and Wonder of Christmas”, written by Marty Parks, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20.

The Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service will be held at 11 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24.

Christ’s Community Clothes Closet will be open on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. from Dec. 17 until Jan. 5.

First Congregational Church U.C.C.

500 Luzerne Avenue

West Pittston, PA 18643

570-654-8052, leave message

Rev. Joan Mitchell, Pastor

Morning worship at 11 a.m.

Sunday School at 10:15 a.m.

Sanctuary is handicap accessible.

Church council and Diaconate will meet following service.

First United Presbyterian

West Pittston

Rev. James Thyren, pastor

570-654-8121

Sunday, Dec. 13: 9 a.m., Worship and Holy Communion at Wyoming Presbyterian Church; 10:15 a.m., Sunday School for all ages.; Noon, Wyoming Presbyterian Church Advent Workshop and Covered Dish

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 6:30 p.m., Choir rehearsal; 7:30 p.m., New members class

Thursday, Dec. 17: 7:30 p.m., Session

Holy Mother of Sorrows PNCC

212 Wyoming Ave., Dupont

Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid, pastor

Sunday Masses: 8 a.m., 9 a.m. Coffee hour and School of Christian Living, 10:30 a.m. High Mass

Daily Mass: 9 a.m. Tuesday through Friday

Christmas Wafers are available from church organist Jan Cwikla until Sunday, Dec. 20. Leave a donation in the envelope next to the wafers, in the vestabule. Christmas Eve Supper should begin with breaking and sharing the wafer, which symbolizes love, peace and forgiveness.

Thursday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Wigilia. 10:15 p.m. special music, 10:30 p.m. procession to the manger, blessing of crib, Christmas trees, and Christmas candle, Pasterka Shepherd’s Mass.

Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day Bozego Narodzenia – 9 a.m. Mass of Christmas Day, Benediction.

Saturday, Dec. 26: St. Stephen Deacon and First Martyr is 9 a.m., which is the Holy Mass that includes the symbolic stoning of Stephen, throwing of walnuts at the priest.

Sunday, Dec. 27: Solemnity of Humble Shepherds/St. John the Apostle. Distribution of wine from St. John’s Day. Collection for Savonarola Seminary – 9:30 a.m. Holy Mass

Lighthouse Fellowship Church

718 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston

Pastor Shane Nichols

570-883-9755

Sunday Morning:

9:15 to 9:45 a.m., Prayer; 10 a.m., Worship.

10:45 a.m., Children’s Sunday School. Nursery available.

Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer will be at 6:30 p.m.

First and third Friday Morning Bible Study will be at 10 a.m.

Members of the church will be singing Christmas carols and serving hot chocolate and coffee in front of the church from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.

Nativity of Our Lord Parish

127 Stephenson St., Duryea

570-457-5302

Mass Schedule all to be held at Holy Rosary Church

Saturdays – 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Sundays – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Confessions: Daily from 6:40 to 6:55 a.m.; Saturday from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.

Daily Masses: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.

The Men’s Society will sponsor an early Christmas breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at Sacred Heart Hall, 529 Stephenson St. The menu includes scrambled eggs, potatoes, ham, pancakes, roll and beverages. Tickets are available in advance by calling the rectory or by filling out the form in the parish bulletin. Forms may also be purchased at the door. The cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish

535 N. Main St., Pittston

www.eucharist-pittston.org

www.facebook.com/OLEPARISH

570-654-0263

Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil: 4 p.m.

Sunday: 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Weekday Mass: 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday,

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions): 3:30 to 3:45 p.m. and by appointment Saturdays.

Religious education classes are held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. All children enrolled in public or private schools, as well as home schools, are invited to participate.

Adult Choir rehearsals are held each Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the church, unless otherwise noted. All elementary and high school students of the parish are invited to join the Youth Choir, which will once again participate in the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Liturgy. The choir will present a series of preludes and lead singing during the liturgy. Rehearsals will be held in the church from 6 to 6:45 p.m. on the following days: Wednesday, Dec. 16, and Monday, Dec. 21. Contact Michael Sowa after Mass or call him at 570-881-2301 with any questions.

Father Walsh will be available from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In celebration of the Year of Mercy, Dec. 8, 2015 through Nov. 20, 2016, the church will have Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays after the 8 a.m. Mass. Adoration will be held on Dec. 18.

The church will be decorated for Christmas next Sunday, Dec. 20 after the 11 a.m. Mass. Volunteers are needed and will be greatly appreciated.

Mass will be celebrated at 4 and 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The Children’s Choir will perform a musical prelude at 3:45 p.m. and the Adult Choir will perform a musical prelude at 9:45 p.m. On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, there will be only one Mass at 10 a.m. Liturgy for the Solemnity of Mary, New Year’s Eve/Day will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31 and at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 1. Note that there will only be one Mass celebrated on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Letters have been mailed to the sponsors of last year’s calendar as well as to those who participated in the 26th Annual Lucky Number Calendar. This is a major fundraiser for our parish. We would encourage those who have not participated in the past to consider participating this year. Please be advised that payments may be made in installments. If you would like and are able to participate this year, please call the parish office. Calendars make wonderful Christmas presents!

Baskets will be placed at the entrances to the church for the November/December Food Drive. Place non-perishable food items in the baskets. All food will be donated to the Greater Pittston Area Food Pantry. Carl Boos will see that all these items are delivered.

Letters will soon be mailed to the sponsors of last year’s calendar as well as to those who participated in the 27th Annual Lucky Number Calendar. This is a major fundraiser for the parish. Payments may be made in installments. To participate this year, call the parish office.

Queen of the Apostles

715 Hawthorne St., Avoca

570-457-3412

stmarysavoca@verizon.net

www.queenoftheapostles.weconnect.com

Facebook page: Queen of the Apostles Parish, Avoca.

Daily Masses: 8 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 7 p.m. on Wednesday

Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Miraculous Medal Novena: Wednesday following the 7 p.m. Mass

Healing Mass: First Friday of the month at 7 p.m.

Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday at 4 p.m.; Sunday at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Confession: Saturdays 3 to 3:45 p.m.; anytime upon request by calling 570-457-3412.

Prayer Chain: 570-457-5867

The women’s guild will have its annual Christmas party at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at Lucca Restaurant and Catering, Taylor. Cost is $25 per person. Call Arlene at 570-346-8060 or Cookie at 570-343-5080 by Wednesday, Dec. 9, to make a reservation and payment.

The pastoral council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, in the rectory.

The parish will sponsor Santa’s Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, in the parish hall. The menu includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, ham, coffee, tea, juice and homemade baked goods. Children will receive coloring books with crayons and candy. Pictures with Santa will be available too. Tickets, which are $6 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under, can be purchased after all weekend Masses or by calling the parish office at 570-457-3412. Children under 2 will be admitted for free.

Tickets are available for the Pot of Gold Stocking Stuffer raffle. Tickets, which are $10 each, offer a chance to win $75 daily and $100 on Fridays throughout January, as well as $250 on Jan. 10 and 24 and $500 on Jan. 1 and 31. For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact the parish office. The daily winning number must match the state lottery’s evening Pick 3 number.

St. Barbara’s Parish

28 Memorial St., Exeter

570-654-2103

Parish office hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; evenings, by appointment.

Weekend Masses: Saturday, St. Anthony, 4 p.m. Vigil Mass; Sunday, St. Cecilia; 8 a.m.; St. Anthony; 10:30 a.m.

Daily Masses: Monday at 7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday at 8 a.m.; Wednesday and Friday at 7 a.m.

The Social Concerns Committee will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 15, in the parish center, to prepare the gifts for the shut-ins and parishioners who are in nursing facilities. New members are always welcome.

The Giving Trees for the Greater Pittston Kids Clothes Closet and the Toys and Book Corner will continue until Sunday, Dec. 20.

St. Joseph Marello

237 William Street, Pittston

570-654-6902

office@sjmparish.org

www.sjmparish.org

Mass schedule: 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Solemn Vespers at 5 p.m.

Confessions: 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday; 11 to 11:25 a.m. Monday-Friday.

Office hours: 1:30 to 4 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 12:30 to 1 p.m., closed for lunch.

Novenas: Every Tuesday after 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Every Wednesday after the 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses novenae to St. Joseph and St. Joseph Marello.

Holy hour is offered every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in the church.

From noon to 5 p.m., First Friday Adoration: An afternoon of Silent Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration will begin at noon (end of mass) and end with Solemn Benediction at 5 p.m.

The parish will have Solemn Vespers every Sunday before the 5:30 p.m. Mass. The psalms will be chanted, and prayer booklets will be provided.

Anyone interested in helping the religious education program can email the director, Alicia Hintze, at ccd@sjmparish.org. Volunteers, including teenagers, are needed to serve as teachers, substitute teachers, classroom helpers, etc.

New members of the Knights of Columbus Council 16071 are always welcome. Contact Jim Nardone at 570-299-0717 or John Bingham at 570-947-4994 or email info@ sjm-koc.org for additional information.

Confessions for Advent will take place on Monday, Dec. 14 for grades 5 and 6.

The sung Christmas Novena will be held at noon each day from Wednesday, Dec. 16 until Thursday, Dec. 24. The only exception will be on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20 as it will be held at 5 p.m.

The Second Annual Breakfast with Santa will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20 with Santa arriving at 10 a.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and admission is free for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the rectory office or from any Council 16071 Knights of Columbus.

Parish penance service for Advent will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22 during the regularly scheduled Holy Hour.

Volunteers are needed to help with the annual Christmas Pageant to be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Children from the CCD classes are asked to participate. Parents are needed to volunteer for the various committees. The committees we are seeking help with are rehearsals, costume committee and phone committee for the party that follows the play. Rehearsals start on Wednesday, Dec. 9 and are held from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran

7 Wood St., Pittston

570-655-2505

www.lutheransonline.com/stjohns18640

Facebook: stjohnslutheranchurchpittstonpa

stjohnspittstonpittston@verizon.com

Sunday School and Fellowship: 10 a.m.

Sunday Service: 11 a.m.

Council meeting will be held Sunday, Dec. 13 after service.

The Children’s Christmas Play will take place during service on Sunday, Dec. 20.

Christmas Eve service will be held at 10 p.m.

GLC Scripts Gift Cards are currently for sale. There are many cards and price ranges to choose from. See Mary Ann or Allan to make a purchase.

When coming to a worship service or church function park in the lot. If a handicap spot is needed, use the driveway located right next to the church.

St. John the Evangelist Parish Community

35 William St., Pittston

The Greater Pittston Kids Clothes Closet is open on Wednesdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

The Care and Concern Free Health Clinic is open every Wednesday and is free of charge. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in the former Seton Catholic High School and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Patients for The Pediatric Health Clinic are now being seen on the first Thursday and third Thursday of the month at Dr. Imbrogno’s office at 570-855-6035 until further notice. Children’s immunization records are required upon registration. Parents or guardians must be present to have their child examined. All services are free and confidential.

The food pantry always in need of the following items: cereal, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, soups, vegetables, canned hams and other non-perishable items. Call 570-654-9923 for more information.

The Toy & Book Corner is open from 5-7:30 p.m. every other Wednesday as follows: Dec. 16, 20 (special Sunday opening for Christmas).

St. Maria Goretti

Laflin Road, Laflin

Rev. James J. Walsh, J.C.L., pastor

Mass schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Holy Days of Obligation: 6 p.m. vigil

New hours for the parish office will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The office will be closed on Tuesdays. The pastor is off Fridays. Calls will not be returned, but messages will be taken on Fridays.

The scouts are accepting enrollment for the New Year. If interested, contact Ed Daveski at 570-466-6025. The scouts will be available in the foyer of the church after the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Masses this weekend and next weekend to answer any questions about scouting.

St. Monica’s Parish

363 W. 8th St., West Wyoming

570-693-1991

Email: 363monicast@comcast.net

www.stmonicanepa.com

Father Leo McKernan, pastor

Father Joseph Adonizio, visiting priest

William Jenkins, deacon

George Mochin, Jr., deacon

Diana Loftus, secretary

Office hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m

Daily: Monday and Thursday, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, 7 a.m.; Wednesday, No Mass; Friday, 12:10 p.m. followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 6:45 p.m. with Benediction and Divine Praises and Night Prayer.

Sacrament of Reconciliation is available each day before daily Mass, as well as 3 to 3:50 p.m. Saturday and anytime by appointment.

Prayer Group is held in the Chapel at 7:30 p.m. after the 7 p.m. Mass. Bring a Bible if you have one. Guitar Music and songs will be led by Ted, Mike and Anna.

CCD classes for intellectually challenged adults is held on Wednesday in the church hall.

The St. Monica Parish website, www.stmonicanepa.com, is currently being updated by a new Web Master. We thank our parishioners for your patience during this transition and we look forward to a new and improved web full of many church activities. It should be done soon.

An Advent Penance Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15. About 10 priests will be available for confessions.

A Night at the Races will be held on Friday, Feb. 5 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church Hall, 363 W. Eighth St., West Wyoming. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a post time of 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and only 175 seats will be sold. Horses can be purchased for $10. There will also be a Chinese auction, basket raffles, food and beverages. For more information, contact Tom Tomsak at 570-237-2188.

St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church

320 Vine St., Old Forge

570-457-3042

The church is having a Cookie Walk Sale from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. All cookies are homemade and will include anise, wedding, pepper, thumbprint, ricotta, chocolate chip, peanut butter kisses, nut, rugelach, and linzer cookies. Fill the box with cookies and pay $8 per pound.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

100 Rock St., Hughestown

570-654-1008

Stpeterselc@yahoo.com

Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

New/unwrapped toys are being collected to donate to Toys for Tots. Monetary donations are also being accepted.

The church will be decorated for Christmas the first weekend in December. Anyone wishing to help is welcome.

The WELCA will sell poinsettias for Christmas. More information will follow.

Poppy seed and nut roll order deadline is Dec. 13. Donation is $8.50. Call Pam 570-313-2829 or Carolyn, 570-654-1849. Pick up will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

The Sunday School Children’s Christmas Program will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20. A Christmas Party will be held for the children immediately following the program.

Christmas Eve Services will be held at 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The WELCA will hold a Christmas Potluck Dinner at 6 p.m. on Dec. 28.

Pastor Newman will hold Bible study at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20.