St. Mary Church December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent

Transcription

1 St. Mary Church December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent PO BOX 67 IRELAND, IN PHONE: (812) FA X : ( ) St Mary Church Rev. Gary Kaiser, Pastor.gkaiser@evdio.org Rev. Simon Natha, Associate Pastor snatha@evdio.org Deacon John Huether...jhuether@evdio.org Dianne Gogel, Secretary, Ext. 21 dgogel@evdio.org Sherri Hartley, Secretary, Ext. 22 chartley@evdio.org Stan Heim, Property Manager, Ext. 36 sheim@evdio.org Martha Schmitt, PCL, Ext. 45 mjschmitt@evdio.org Ann Nagy, Music Director, Ext 25 anagy@evdio.org Charlene Sermersheim, Music Annette Witte, Cleaning Parish Contacts Bereavement Meals, Sherri Hartley Church Decorations, Janet Schitter Finance Council, Audrey Wehr Ireland K of C, Grand Knight, Chris Weisman Ireland K of C Building Rental - Allen Reckelhoff Parish Nursing, Deb Brescher Parish Council, Pat Stemle Prayer Line, Bev Himsel St Anne s Society, President, Helen Vonderheide Director of St John Bosco Youth Ministry Angie Greulich Precious Blood Church Rev. Gary Kaiser, Pastor Office Ext. 128.Rectory...Ext. 650 Rev. Simon Natha, Associate Pastor Office...Ext Rectory..Ext 650 St. Mary s Mission Statement: St. Mary Church is a community of faith united in Eucharist and committed to seeking God through prayer; sharing our gifts of time, talent and treasure; providing formation and education for children and adults; responding to the needs of people by sharing our faith and resources. We are dedicated to living and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm Website:

2 St. Mary Church Mass Schedule Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 7:00am & 9:15am Monday and Friday at 7:30am Wednesday at 6:00pm Thursday Holy Day Mass at 7:00am Saturday at 8:00am Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Mary Church Saturday 4:30-5:20pm; 1/2 hour before weekday Masses Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 1/2 hour before weekday Masses Anointing of the Sick: Notify the parish office if there is a need for Father Gary or Father Simon to administer Anointing of the Sick. Sacrament of Baptism: The joy of having children is fully realized in their Baptism within the faith community. Call the Parish Office regarding Baptism appointments. First time parents, please stop by and pick up a baptism video. Sacrament of Marriage: Parishioners who wish to be married at St. Mary Church are asked to contact the parish office six months prior to setting a date. This will provide time for prayer, preparation and paperwork. Homebound Parishioners: Communion calls are made on Monday mornings to parishioners homes. Call the parish office if you would like a visit from our Eucharistic Minister. Gift Bearers: If you would like to carry up the gifts during Mass, please let the Ushers know. Church Support Budgeted Weekly Operating Costs: $13, Collection for the weekend of November 26 & 27 Weekend Collection......$ 8, Average ACH weekly deposit for November.....$ 4, Children s Collection...$ 5.00 Total Weekend Collection..$ 13, Over.....$ Thank You!!!!!! Please use your envelope if you are going to one of the area churches. They are coming back to our parish. Another way to make sure your tithing is coming to St. Mary is to go electronic. This can be by electronic check payment from your bank or by ACH through the parish office. This is an easy way to make your donations on a recurring basis and not have to worry about your tithing envelopes. Your support is greatly appreciated. Mass Attendance for November 26 & 27 5:30pm [232] 7:00am [190] 9:15am [354] Mass Intentions Sat-Dec 3 5:30 pm Ray Werner Sun-Dec 4 7:00 am Members of St. Mary Parish 9:15 am Robert & Catherine Betts Terwiske Mon-Dec 5 7:30 am Harold & Anna Mae Dittelberger Vigil Mass for Holy Day of Obligation Wed-Dec 7 6:00 pm Bob & Irene Lueken Holy Day of Obligation - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (note time change for Holy Day Mass) Thurs-Dec 8 7:00 am Rick Linette Fri-Dec 9 7:30 am Elizabeth, Leonard & Dave Fleck Sat-Dec 10 8:00 am Maury Eckerle Sat-Dec 10 5:30 pm Cletus & Mildred Nalin Sun-Dec 11 7:00 am Members of St. Mary Parish 9:15 am Carl & Marie Durcholz Readings for the Week of December 4, 2016 Sunday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72/Rom 15:4-9/Mt 3:1-12 Monday: Is 35:1-10/Ps 85/Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11/Ps 96/Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31/Ps 103/Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Gn 3:9-15, 20/Ps 98/Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Is 48:17-19/Ps 1/Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Ps 80/Mt 17:9a, Next Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10/Ps 146/Jas 5:7-10/Mt 11:2-11 December Area Events 4: Join the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand as they celebrate their 150th Anniversary with an Area Choir Concert at 2:00pm. Local parishes, schools and music organizations will be participating in this Advent/Christmas concert. The event will be held in the church at Monastery Immaculate Conception. 4 & 10: Das Nikolausfest, Santa Claus, food, activities and fun. 11: Healing Mass at Holy Family Church. Worship 3:30pm; Mass at 4:00pm. Celebrant will be Fr. Noel Mueller. For info call Charles Mendel Charismatic Renewal Website or 12: Jasper Circle #140 Daughters of Isabella Christmas Party at St. Joe Parish Center, Jasper. Doors open 5:30pm; eat at 6:30pm : Experience life as a Benedictine Sister during A Monastic Experience, with the Sisters of St Benedict, Ferdinand. Single women, ages are invited to Monastery Immaculate Conception to learn how the sisters live. To attend or get more info, contact Sister Traci Stutz at or tstutz@thedome.org. Precious Blood Church - Mass Schedule Tuesday - 8:00am Wednesday Vigil Mass for Holy Day - 7:00pm Thursday Holy Day of Obligation - 8:00am Saturday - 4:00pm Sunday - 8:00am & 10:30am Bulletin deadline is Monday at 9:00am

3 Dear Brothers and Sisters, This week, I am writing about two significant saints, St. Nicholas and St. John the Baptist. On December 6th, we celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas. St. Nick was the Bishop of Myra in Lycia (now part of Turkey). He died in the fourth century and has been honored by the Universal Church. As Bishop, St. Nicholas defended the teachings of the Catholic faith. From an early age, St. Nick was a man of charity. St. Nick would often give to those who were in need. Because he often helped children, St. Nicholas has become a patron saint for children. Traditions on this feast day are setting one s shoe outside one s door. Often gifts of candy, small toys or a coin will be left in the shoe. I must admit, while in seminary we sat one shoe outside our door. That was the first time ever I participated in this tradition. I was surprised to find a variety of candy in the morning. The readings this weekend focus on another saint, St. John the Baptist. The cousin of our Savior teaches us four important life lessons by his own example. First, St. John taught us to be humble. He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30) I can t think of a better statement on humility. The second example we learn from St. John the Baptist is repentance. During his ministry, St. John preached that people should turn away from sin. St. John understood that sin served as a block between us and God, keeping us distanced from God and from all other people. The third lesson we can gain from St. John is how to be Christ centered. St. John was never jealous of his cousin, rather from the moment he heard the greeting of Mary (Mother of God) he lept in his mother s womb. St. John s vocation was to prepare the way for Jesus. St. John spent his life dedicated to Christ and the mission of Christ. Finally a powerful lesson we learn from St. John is the power of integrity. He was a man of principle, conviction and honesty. St. John was self-aware. He understood who he was and what he was called to do. I baptize with water; but among you stands One whom you do not know, even He who comes after me, the throng of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie. (John 1:26-27) St. John knew be baptized with water and His cousin would baptize with water and spirit. Advent is a time of transformation. Both of these saints serve as role models for us to grow in both understanding and inspiration to live out our Catholic faith. God bless each of you this week. Yours in Christ, Fr Gary Kaiser Evening of Adoration on Sunday, December 11 at 7:00pm CST at Saint Benedict Cathedral in Evansville in celebration of the ordination to the Priesthood for Deacon Homero Rodriguez. This time of prayer and worship before the Blessed Sacrament in an opportunity to pray for Deacon Homero as he prepares for ordination the following day. This is also a call for all people, especially the young, to recognize the presence of God among us and to be aware of His invitation to a life of fulfillment in following His will. Engaged Encounter is a weekend experience with other engaged couples that affords time alone together to plan for sacramental marriage. Trained facilitators will lead the program on February 11 and 12, April 29 and 30 or September 17 and 18 at the Sarto Retreat Center. For marriage preparation resources, more information, or to register, please call Catholic Charities at or visit Father Gary encourages engaged couples to attend one of these weekends before getting married. St. John Bosco Catholic Youth Ministry is a collaborative effort between Holy Family Parish, Precious Blood Parish, St. Joseph Parish and St. Mary Parish and is for middle and high school teens. We are located at 214 West 13th Street in Jasper. Please use the link below for details. Contact Angie Greulich at agreulich@evdio.org or call / if you have any questions. Upcoming Bosco Events: High School Youth Nights on Sundays at 6:00pm - check out the website for details! Bosco Bagels at Azura on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00am #FeedMeWednesdays is at 5:30pm and follows the Religious Education Calendar #MiddleSchoolLive! meets on December 16 at Holy Family Parish. Registrations for Pilgrimage4Life are open! RSVPs for St. Meinrad s One Bread One Cup and Catholic Heart Work Camp Knoxville (Summer 2017) are open. *Those going on the Pilgrimage for Life will be babysitting and wrapping any gifts dropped off on December 10 from 3:00-5:00pm at the St Joseph Parish Center to raise funds to help cover the cost of their trip. Any and all donations are very appreciated. Vocation Chalice - A different family each week takes home the Vocation Chalice and a binder containing prayers and vocation stories of priests, religious, deacons and seminarians to pray for vocations. Call Martha at , ext 45 for more info or to sign up. The following families are already scheduled: December 3 & 4 - Ted Keusch. More volunteers are needed. Please consider praying for our religious Great way for you and your family to pray daily. Deanery Advent Penance Services Sunday, December 4 - St. Ferdinand Church at 4:00pm Thursday, December 15 - St. Joseph Church at 12:05pm Tuesday, December 20 - St. Joseph Church at 6:30pm. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending one of these penance services. Happy Birthday to the following parishioners who will be celebrating their 80+ birthdays in the month of December: Leona Werner, Dec 6; Elfrieda Merkley, Dec 15; Dottie Jerger, Dec 17; Clara Mae Braunecker, Dec 19; Gilbert Neuhoff, Dec 20; Leo Schnaus, Dec 22; Paul Schitter, Dec 25; Charles Durcholz, Dec 26; Dolores Klem, Dec 29; John Gehlhausen, Dec 30; and William Pryor, Dec 31. May God bless you on your special day. Congratulations!! Angel Tree Gifts need to be returned to the parish office (unwrapped) by December 5th.

4 This Week s Parish Events Sunday [12/04]: Sunday School during the 9:15am Mass in the basement of the Social Hall. All children in Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st grade are welcome. No registration required. Deanery Penance Service at 4:00pm at St Ferdinand Church. Monday [12/05]: Mass will be celebrated at 7:30am. Quilting at 5:00pm in the Rectory Basement. St. Anne Christmas Meeting at 6:30pm in the Community Center Cafeteria - prayer, food, speaker, Bingo and lots of fun. Servants of the Holy Spirit at 7:00pm in the Library. Ireland K of C 20/20 Draw at 8:00pm. Tuesday [12/06]: Choir Rehearsal Practice at 6:30pm. New members are always welcome and appreciated. Wednesday [12/07]: Rosary at 11:30am in the church. All are welcome. Quilting noon to 4:00pm in the rectory basement. Vigil Mass for the Holy Day will be celebrated at 6:00pm. St Anne s Sewing Room opens at 6:00pm in the Rectory basement. Religion Classes - Please attend the Holy Day Mass with your family. Thursday [12/08]: Holy Day of Obligation - The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mass will be celebrated at 7:00am (please note the Mass time change). No St. Vincent de Paul Meeting tonight. See Dec. 11. Friday [12/09]: Mass will be celebrated at 7:30am. Saturday [12/10]: Rosary at 7:30am. Mass will be celebrated at 8:00am. Sunday [12/11]: Breakfast with Santa and Cookie/Candy Walk 7:30-11:00am. Bring your camera and take pictures with Santa. There will be music, hot cocoa bar, make your ornaments, face painting and much more. Don t want to eat with Santa? Come buy cookies and candies at our cookie/ candy walk. Please invite your family and friends. Proceeds will go to the St. Mary Building Fund. St. Vincent de Paul Members meet in the back of the Community Center Cafeteria after the 9:15am Mass to fill bags for Christmas. Sing for Joy - The public is invited to a free Advent/Christmas Concert to be presented by the Celebration Singers at Precious Blood Church on Sunday, December 18, at 4:00pm. This one hour concert will feature inspirational Advent songs plus a few Christmas selections. Celebration singers is comprised of approximately 100 singers from Dubois and area counties. A free will offering will be taken. Remember to please refrain from bringing food or drinks into church. Upcoming Parish Events December 5: St. Anne Christmas Meeting December 6: Sponsor Couple Meeting in the Community Center beginning at 5:30pm. February 18-20: TEC here at St. Mary. February 26: St. Mary Confirmation 2016 Irish Sweepstake Winner for November 27 Congratulations to our $ winner, Roberta Neuhoff. Wedding Banns Evan Hulsman & Brittany Kordes Pub II Thanks to everyone who contributed to our Operation Shoe Box again this year. We collected enough supplies and monetary donation to send 58 shoe boxes out through Samaritans Purse organization. These shoe boxes were packed tightly with school supplies, person hygiene items, a couple of toys and some candy. We will never know the names of the children that receive these gifts, but we are certain that this Christmas Season will be a little brighter for many boys and girls because we cared enough to show our love. Thank You!! Martha St Anne Christmas Meeting December 5-6:30pm There will be prayer, a speaker, tons of good food, Bingo and lots of fun. Have not been to a St. Anne s Meeting for awhile? We would really like all members to try and attend - and bring a friend. Great way to meet fellow parishioners! Just to let you know, the Ireland Lions Club will be distributing their annual Christmas gifts on December 12 and 13. It is that time of the year when we are accepting donations for flowers and other decorations used to beautify our church during the Christmas Season. We are continuing our tradition to honor our loved ones who have died. The name of the persons honored will be on a special insert that you will be able to find in the bulletin boxes at Christmas. Special envelopes can be found in your November giving packet. If you do not receive envelopes, just put your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Flowers and include your name and those who you want remembered at this special time of year. If you have any questions, call the parish office and talk to Sherri or Dianne. Breakfast with Santa and Cookie & Candy Walk - Sunday, December 11

5 Liturgical Ministers for December 10 & 11 Servers: 5:30 pm Landon Kissel - Ally Wigand 7:00 am Brayden Clark - Zachary Mehringer 9:15 am Ty Ofer - Madison Heim Extraordinary Ministers: 5:30 pm Audrey Wehr - Jill Weidenbenner - Diane Gress Betty Gehlhausen - June Erny 7:00 am Mary Werner - Susan Oeding - Lauren Emerson Helen Vonderheide - Tammy Sermersheim 9:15 am Laura Otto - Deb Brescher - Bev Himsel Sharon James - Ronald James Lectors: 5:30 pm Kevin Shepherd 7:00 am Ken Schnaus 9:15 am Michelle Renner Lectors Website: (Year A) Ushers: 5:30 pm Leonard Spellmeyer - Greg Weidenbenner 7:00 am Jerry & Doris Stratman 9:15 am Kent & Nina Peter Sunday School: 9:15 am Shannon Elkins Thank You!! This bulletin is furnished to the Parish without charge. The advertisements that appear completely defray all publishing costs with which the church would otherwise be burdened. Please patronize these sponsors as a thank you for their kind generosity. Open hour in the Divine Providence Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 1st & 3rd Monday 1:00am - 2:00am 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday 1:00am - 2:00am If you can fill this time slot, contact or dp@adorationmanager.com. Please spend an hour with Jesus. If anyone would like to send Eric Gehlhausen, who is in the School of Theology, a card of encouragement, please send it to: Eric Gehlhausen Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary 2500 Cold Spring Road Indianapolis, In Remember Eric in your thoughts and prayers over the holidays. Make your Amazon shopping count extra this Christmas season! For every purchase you make through Amazon Smile, Catholic Charities receives a donation. Start your online shopping with smile.amazon.com/ch/ and help Catholic Charities help others. Koatz4Kidz! Please consider donating your slightly worn outerwear, hats and gloves to the Koatz4Kidz campaign. Bring your coats to St. Mary Parish Office or drop off on the parish office porch. The coat collection goes until December 5. Distribution day will be Saturday, December 10 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Precious Blood Church gymnasium. Please consider volunteering to help on that day, as well as helping set up Friday, December 9 at 3:00 p.m. in the gym. Contact the Sell4Free Welsh Realty office at or ofsell4free@gmail.com to sign up for set up or distribution day. Anyone needing community service hours might want to help out on this.