TIME OF PREPARATION -- This life is the time of our preparation for our future state. Our souls will continue for ever what we make them in this world.

TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading - We are the clay and you, O Lord, are the potter: we are the work of your hands (Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7).
Psalm - Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80).
Second Reading - God is faithful; by God you were called to fellowship with the Son
(1 Corinthians 1:3-9).
Gospel - Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. (Mark 13:33-37).

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday:	Is 2:1-5; Mt 8:5-11
Tuesday:	Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24
Wednesday:	Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15:29-37
Thursday:	Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27
Friday:	Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31
Saturday:	Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
Sunday:	Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85; 2 Pt 3:8-14;Mk 1:1-8

"PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN," -- Under the general program of our Diocese, called "Protecting God's Children," there is a general number to call by anyone who has direct knowledge of abusive conduct to a child or adult: 1-888-808-1235.

Please pray for those who serve our country: Ross Browning, Anthony J. Bruno, Jr., James Carr, Vincent Carr, Jr., Dan Flatley, Danny Kachmar, Steven Schaefer, Chris Schneider, Nick Schneider, Todd Thomas, Mike Pallatto, Gabriele D'Achille, Drew Schaub, Mark Paine, William Evans, Brendan Negle, Michael Lex, Jacob Hohman, Thomas Adams, Alex Moore, Brooke Thompson, Christopher Thompson, Nathan O'Neil.

Peg Burlett, Conrad Carney, Gertrude and Bob Gabert, M. Gloria Grau, Gertrude Dellert, Judy Brown, Gertrude White, Beth Stauber, June O'Neill, Faith Evans, Muriel Koch, Bernice & Walter Kukawa, Nancy Buettner, Ray Maharsky, Jeanne Wagner, Gloria Donatelli, Joyce O'Brien, Mary Margaret Sullivan, Nancy Fleming, Rose McFadden, Esther Green, Ernest Bold, Rosemary Casselman, Donna Kitzman, Marlene & George Gibson, Irene Ambrose, Emagene Surman, Patricia Regan, Aimee Killmeyer, Patrick Finnegan.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The new Advent Wreath before the Altar with the first candle of the season lighted puts us in the framework of blessed times. In time, the Son of God takes on human life and in her time Mary brings to birth the One whom the Father has set for His Time for our human family. "in the fullness of time God sent forth his only Son...."

There are special moments in this four weeks of time that make the days holy, because we take them into our thoughts, and preparations, and prayers. Holy as it was by itself, we could make Thanksgiving Day holy because of our grateful prayers in observing the 80th Anniversary of the dedication of St. Ursula Church. We will add a special sense of the holy to a festive concert of the season, when we come together for our Centennial Concert with the River City Brass Band and our Choir. It will be part of this holy season as we join in celebration of 100 years of active faith at St. Ursula touching all the dimensions of our lives, including having a good time. Sometimes a season is holy because we get serious -- to have some fun. Happy Advent!

   GIFTS F0R CHILDREN TREE --
           HELP FOR FAMILIES TREE
Gifts for youngsters must be returned by Sunday, December 7. After that, the tree changes "leaves". The Youth Group members will place tags on the trees suggesting donations to North Hills Community Outreach. The amount can be more or less than the figure on the tags. Take a tag and mail it in or place it in the Sunday Offering basket during December.

A GREAT COMPANION BOOK FOR ADVENT --
"WORD AMONG US" -- ADVENT ISSUE -- For your daily preparation and in anticipation of Christmas, we have extra copies of the Word Among Us. It has short Meditations for each day. They are available in the Vestibule of the Church.

REMINDER -- With Christmas approaching please keep in mind that no wrapping paper is accepted in the Recycling bins down in the lower Church lot. Also, no boxes at anytime. We do appreciate the wonderful response that the bins have generated and do encourage you to continue.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR MEDICARE D REVIEW --
Private consultations with Medicare experts. Be sure you have the right coverage. Benedictine Center, 4530 Perrysville Ave., December 4, 2008: 10:30 - 4:00 pm. All are welcome. Light refreshments provided. For details call 412-931-6051.

BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY -- The Bread of Life Food Pantry in Etna located at Calvert Memorial Presbyterian Church on 94 Locust Street collects food items and donations in order to feed over 150 families in Shaler and Etna. There is a box in the back of the church for any and all items that you might bring when coming to church. Please send your monetary donations to: Bread of Life Food Pantry, c/o Calvert Presbyterian Church, 94 Locust St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223. The check should be made payable to The Bread of Life Food Pantry. They are most appreciative of anything received and thank you for your continued support of this important community ministry.

LOCAL AUTHOR SPEAKS AT KEARNS -- Dr. Charles McCollester recently published his work on Pittsburgh's 250th, "The Point of Pittsburgh." He will speak at the Kearns Center on Wednesday, December 3rd at 7:30 pm. Active in his own parish of St. Mary of the Mount, he will address the isues of young Catholics veering from Catholic practice and the connections with current business practice. He will consider how the late Father Charles O. Rice stood as a clarifying figure for the quandary young people face.
Kearns Center, Wed. December 13, 7:30 pm. Donation: $15. Information call 412-366-1124.

            MARCH FOR LIFE
Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 22, 2009 and plan to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
Any questions, call Paul Francis, 412-366-8031.

Heath Stephen Borgo son of Stephen & Angela McKernan Borgo.
Matthew John Fisher son of John & Janet Badusha Fisher
Evan Daniel Hagler son of Daniel E. & Lori L. Stachelek Hagler
Samuel Francis Kieffer son of Kenneth & Teresa DiLeo Kieffer
Jonas James Paclawski son of Joseph & Jessie Steines Paclawski

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN NOTE: -- Our dessert/information session scheduled for the 17th, took place on the 24th. Invitations to the next two one hour session have been sent for December 2nd and 3rd. We will schedule some additional "tea and crumpet" events right after Christmas. In the meantime, anyone wishing information on our future plans or where they might stand in terms of their own contributions, leave word for Fr. Dorsey or Joanne Jarvis at our offices. (As usual, we will mail a summary of all contributions in January.)

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN STORE -- for Kyle Cronin, son of M/M William Cronin and William Miller, son of M/M William R. Miller for making the Central Catholic High School Honor Roll. We wish them well.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS -- You will be receiving the Christmas Flower Envelope in the mail. Memorials or remembrances for our loved ones will be due NO LATER than December 08, 2008 in order that the booklet may be made up. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Building a foundation that will last a lifetime. Visit the school Website at www.stursulaschool.org to learn more or call the school office at 412-486-5511 to schedule a tour.

HOT OFF THE GRIDDLE! -- All you can eat Pancake Breakfast this Sunday, 7:30 - 12:30. St. Ursula School Cafeteria. $6, Adults; $4, Children. This annual event is hosted by the 8th grade parents and students to raise money for the class remembrance gift.

COOKIES WITH SANTA -- Santa is coming to St. Ursula on Saturday, December 6th. 1:00 - 3:00 pm; St. Ursula School Cafeteria. Join in the fun and games as Santa makes his annual visit. Kids of all ages will be able to pass along their wish list and tell him if they've been naughty or nice. There will be pictures with Santa, Games for the kids, Crafts, Chinese Auction, Cookies and refreshments. Reservations are requested but not required. Cost is $5.00 per child. Free for adults. For more information please call 412-477-5858.

GIFT CARDS ARE THE WAY TO GO -- Gift cards make wonderful presents for everyone on your list. And/Or use them as cash when you shop the stores looking for holiday specials. Kohl's and Penney's cards purchased through the school program can be used for payment on your monthly bill. They are available after Masses and at the school from 9:00 - 3:00 pm.

"BELLRINGERS" -- North Hills Community Outreach is recruiting "Bellringers" to participate in its annual fundraiser at Shoppers' Choice in Allison Park. Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts during December. For additional information, call 412-487-6316. Volunteer gift wrappers are also needed at Northway Mall from Dec. 12-24. Call 412-487-3579 for additional information.

SPECIAL NOTE: On December 12, at our Centennial Concert in addition to our choir joining the River City Brass Band for seasonal pieces, the program includes the reading of "The Night Before Christmas." Our guest reader will be Mr. Jerry Vondas, feature writer with the Tribune Review.
(Tickets for the concert maybe purchased at Sunday Masses, at St. Ursula School, and at the parish offices.)

WOULD YOU LIKE THE EUCHARIST BROUGHT TO YOU during the holiday? -- Call Sister Janice, 412-486-6700 ext. 7 so that she may be able to schedule a time for you with the Eucharistic Ministers.