St. Mary on the Hill

Transcription

1 St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church Forming the Family in Faith Second Sunday of Advent -- December 8, 2013 RELIGIOUS Ordained Ministers Rev. Gerald Ragan, V.F., Pastor Rev. Thomas Murphy, Parochial Vicar Rev. Charlie Hughes, Senior Priest Deacon Brian Goodman Deacon Ken Maleck Deacon Donald McArdle Deacon Al Sullivan Pastoral Care Sr. Josephine Quinlan Masses Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 7:45 am, 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, 6:00 pm Weekdays Monday through Friday 7:00 am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:15 am Wednesday Miraculous Medal Novena & Evening Mass 5:15 pm Saturday Morning Mass & Anointing of the Sick 9:15 am PARISH MISSION St. Mary on the Hill Parish, a Catholic community, is committed to caring for God s people through stewardship. We are bound together by the Eucharist, directed by the Gospel teachings and the teachings of the Church, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, and are committed to sharing in the ministry of Jesus Christ. As stewards, we will proclaim the Gospel, promote peace and justice, and use our time, talents, and treasure to advance God s Kingdom. CHURCH STAFF Administrative Assistant Martha Kearns martha.kearns@knology.net Music & Worship Alvin Blount stmmusic@knology.net Stewardship & Development Mary Davis davism@knology.net CCD Barbara Kareis & Joan Purucker (706) stmarysccd@hotmail.com Mothers Day Out & Nursery Gina Craw (706) gina.craw@knology.net Reconciliation Saturdays 3:45 4:45 pm Rosary Monday and Saturday 4:30 pm Sacred Heart Perpetual Adoration Chapel 1210 Monte Sano Avenue Available to all parishioners to spend time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and is open 24 hours per day 7 days per week. Baptisms Baptisms are celebrated once a month (except during Lent). Preparation classes are held prior to the Baptism weekends. Please call the office to register Weddings Arrangements should be made at least four months in advance. Nursery Available at the 10:30 am and 12:15 pm Sunday Masses for ages 6 months to Pre-K4. A pre-school religious program is offered during the 10:30 am Mass for 3 and 4 year olds. Emergencies Call the Office (706) After Hours (706) Trinity Hospital Chapel Mass Thursday 12:00 noon Ministerio Catolico Hispano Misa en Español: Domingo 6:00 pm, Iglesia de Saint Joseph, 2607 Lumpkin Road PARISH MEMBERSHIP Welcome new members! Please stop by the church office or call to register. Active parishioner status is determined by the following: You are registered with the parish; You attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days regularly, You use parish envelopes weekly to indicate your mass attendance, You have a Stewardship Commitment Card on file every year; and You honor your pledges of time, talent, and treasure. Senior Center Patty Lezotte (706) patty.lezotte@knology.net Youth Ministry Michael & Missy Lammers mmlammers@knology.net Joanna Watwood Joannawatwood@gmail.com Secretaries Mary Bowles Karen Brooks Finance Dori Thorstad dthorstad@knology.net Facilities Jimmy Carrick jimmy.carrick@knology.net SCHOOLS St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School Joseph McBride, Principal (706) smcs@knology.net Aquinas High School (706) aquinas@aquinashigh.org Deadline for bulletin is Monday at noon. Send information by smbulletin@knology.net, fax or phone 1420 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA smoth@knology.net Web: Parish Office: (706) Fax (706) Hours: Monday Thursday 8:45 AM 5:30 PM, Friday 8:45 AM 2:00 PM

2 Weekly Schedule: December 8, 2013 Sunday, December 8 Second Sunday of Advent Is 11:1-10; Ps 72; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12 7:45 am (Fr. Jerry Ragan) 10:30 am (Fr. Thomas Murphy) 12:15 pm (Fr. Charles Hughes) 6:00 pm (Fr. David Arnoldt) Monday, December 9 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Not a Holy Day of Obligation) Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1: :00 am 9:15 am Tuesday, December 10 Is 40:1-11; Mt 18:12-14 MDO 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SA Rosary Ministry 6:00-8:00 pm SC 7:00 am Patty & Peggy Armstrong Senior Luncheon 10:30 am PH Legion of Mary 6:30 pm SA SMCS Early Dismissal 1:50 PM St. John Vianney Vocations Ministry 9:15 am Willard Bazemore SMCS Christmas Tree Musical 6:30 pm G 6:30-8:30 pm SC Rev. Mariusz Fuks & Rev. Patrick O Brien / Philip Nyikyaa, Theology I* Wednesday, December 11 Memorial of St. Damasus I, Pope Is 40:25-31; Mt 11:28-30 or (Memorial: Acts 20:17-18a, 28-32, 36; Jn 15:9-17) 7:00 am John Patrick Ward Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Bridge 10:00 am SC Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH High School Youth Night 6:30-9:30 pm YC 5:15 pm Edith Moore MDO 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SA Parish Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm PH Rev. David Koetter & Rev. Richard Bendorf, OFM / Johnathon Brett, Pre-Theology II* Thursday, December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1: :00 am Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Helen & Owen Schweers MDO 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SA 9:15 am Cathy Covert Bridge 10:00 am SC 3 rd Anniversary SMCS Basketball Games 4:00-8:00 pm G All Priests / Patrick May, Pre-Theology II* Saturday, December 14 Memorial of St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Mt 17:9a, or (Memorial: 1 Cor 2:1-10a; Lk 14:25-33) 9:15 am 5:00 pm (Fr. Jerry Ragan) Sunday, December 15 Third Sunday of Advent Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11 7:45 am (Fr. Charles Hughes) Mass for the People 10:30 am (Fr. Thomas Murphy) Sally Rhodes 12:15 pm (Fr. Jerry Ragan) Myrtle T. Blount 6:00 pm (Fr. David Arnoldt) James W. Ryan A = SJC Atrium AC= Adoration Chapel AH=Annunciation House MR1=Meeting Room 1 MR2=Meeting Room 2 YC=Youth Center (1 st Floor) Mass for the People Vola & Harry Jacobs Lillian Wongo Irene Ragan Dr. & Mrs. Joe Mulherin Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SMCS Play Practice 3:00 pm G Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH Rosary & Miraculous Medal Novena Dick Mulherin MDO 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SA 4:30 pm SJDC 19 th Anniversary Bridge 10:00 am SC Rev. Benjamin Dallas & Rev. Samuel Aniekwe / Drew Larkin, Theology I* Jim O Meara Secular Franciscan Order 8:00 am - 2:30 pm SC Albert Bachard Church League Basketball Games 10:00 am - 3:00 pm G Rev. John Lyons & Rev. John Markham / Caleb Harkleroad, Pre-Theology I* Most Rev. Bishop J. Kevin Boland, DD / Michael McAdams & Bobby Phillips, Theology I* BR= Bride Room C = Church CAF=SMCS Cafeteria CL= SMCS Computer Lab G = School Gym MC = SMCS Media Center CCD 9:00 am CAF/SMCS Children s Liturgy during 10:30 Mass PH Baptisms celebrated during 12:15 Mass Church League Basketball 12:30 pm G Saints Overseas 3:00 pm SC N = Nursery NX= Narthex O = Office PH= Parish Hall R = Rectory SA = St. Anne s Hall Breakfast with Santa 8:00 am - 12:00 noon PH CCD 9:00 am CAF/SMCS Youth Master s Table 10:30 am Baptisms 1:30 pm C Most Rev. Bishop Gregory John Hartmayer, OFM Conv & Rev. Louis Lussier, OS Cam / Peter Lanshima, Theology I* RCIA 7:00 pm PH Prayer Group 7:30 pm SA Spirit & Truth 7:30 pm AH Youth Holy Hour 9:00-10:00 pm AC Friday, December 13 Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr Is 48:17-19; Mt 11:16-19 or (Memorial: 2 Cor 10:17--11:2; Mt 25:1-13) 7:00 am Mary Cooney Rotchford Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH 9 th Anniversary Celtic Christmas 7:00 pm PH 9:15 am John Quinn Rev. Donatus Mgbeajuo, MSP & Very Rev. Gerald Ragan, VF / Malcolm Cibak, Pre-Theology I* SC= Senior Center SH = Scout Hut SJC = St. Joseph Center SJDC = St. Joseph Day Chapel SMCS = St. Marys Catholic School UR= SJC Upper Room Church League Basketball 12:30 pm G Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G Deanery Spanish Mass 6:00 pm at St. Joseph Church Reconciliation 3:45-4:45 pm C Baptisms celebrated during 5:00 Mass Retrouvaille Core Mtg 7:30 pm SC Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G Deanery Spanish Mass 6:00 pm at St. Joseph Church *= Please pray daily for our Priests & Seminarians. =Deceased =Living

3 St. Mary on the Hill December 8, 2013 Have you noticed? Mary and Joseph are no longer together. I hate to be the one to point this out as we are headed towards the joyful season of Christmas but it looks like the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph have gotten a divorce or at least a separation. And truth be told, I am the one to blame. I am talking about the statues in front of our parish school. Connor Sweeney as his Eagle Scout project created a rosary garden around the flagpole at St. Mary School. With lots of good help he did a great job. Connor s intention was to seek donations for a new Mary statue. But I really wasn t comfortable with the idea of a new Mary competing with our old Mary. And as it turned out, it would have been a very expensive project to buy a new Mary statue as nice as the one we already had. Now I am writing about this in a lighthearted way. But you know as well as I do some of the things said about Catholics by people who are not Catholic, about our use of Statues and our devotion to Mary the Mother of God, are downright wrong and repugnant. For us as Catholics statues serve the same function as photographs of loved ones kept in our homes. Just as photos of those we love help us to cherish happy memories so statues help us rejoice in those who are close to God. They are symbols which serve as a reminder of the lives of holy people throughout Church history. We do not worship statues. We worship the Lord God alone. We do not pray to statues we pray to God alone. It was not an easy task to move our Mary Statue but I hope you like her position of honor overlooking the new rosary garden and near the sign for our parish school. St. Joseph remains near the school entrance as a reminder of the woman religious, the Sisters of St. Joseph, whose great dedication and hard work first brought Catholic education to Summerville in I offer a special thanks to Connor Sweeney and to all who helped to make his project a reality. We will have a dedication service at School on Tuesday morning. And I hope you will pardon any inconvenience you may experienced as the sidewalk in front of Church was being replaced this week. This was a project that could not wait as the Bald Cyprus trees surrounding the Church Rotunda have grown to the point that they were pushing up the concrete causing serious tripping hazards. The trees have also reached the height that allows the needles to fall on the roof causing the drains to frequently back up and this has caused some damage to the ceiling in the Narthex. So, the obvious course of action would be to replace the trees, but as a teenager I remember the surprising emotions I felt when my Dad cut down a diseased tree in our front yard. I do not want to make any change too quickly. Removing the trip hazards could not wait but the contractor assured us that the trees still could be replaced after his work was finished. But of course leaving the bald Cyprus in place is only asking for more trouble down the road, so it is recommended to replace these trees with a lesser aggressive type of landscaping tree. Presently our Facilities Manager, Jimmy Carrick, is consulting with a couple of landscaping experts for a more suitable landscaping scheme that replaces the trees while enhancing the view of the steeple and serving as a more visible, appealing entrance way to the church. If you have any thoughts, I know he would be grateful to hear from you. This Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at 10:00 am in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, Bishop Hartmayer will ordain to the priesthood, Lucien (Lou) Lindsey. Bishop Hartmayer received him into the full communion with the Catholic Church in October of The Rt. Rev. Lucien D. Lindsey, Jr. is a retired Anglican bishop who has been accepted for admission and ordination to the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter (the Anglican Ordinariate set up by Pope Benedict XVI). He will be incardinated into the Ordinariate, but will have faculties in the Diocese of Savannah so that he can minister to the Catholic Community beyond the Ordinariate, which means you might soon be seeing Fr. Lou coming to a Church near you, perhaps even our church. Fr. Lou received his Master of Divinity degree from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. He was ordained an Episcopalian priest on December 11, 1963, so it is wonderful that he will be ordained a Catholic priest on his fiftieth anniversary. As an Episcopal priest he served in the Dioceses of Chicago, Oklahoma, and Georgia, and was an Anglican bishop in Tennessee. He has been married to his wife, Jeanne, for over 50 years. They have four married children and 16 grandchildren. Jeanne also was received into full communion with the Catholic Church in October Normally (and really when is anything normal anymore?) the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Patronal Feast day of the United States of America is celebrated on December 8 th. But this year since December 8, 2013 is the Second Sunday of Advent, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred to Monday, December 9, It is still a Holy day but the obligation to attend Mass, however, does not transfer. But come to Mass anyway. The normal (and really when is anything normal anymore?) Advent bump in daily Mass attendance went missing this year and it would be nice to see it return on the Blessed Mother s special day. Finally, on Tuesday, December 10, Father Charlie Hughes will celebrate his 86 th birthday. And in June he will be celebrating his 60 th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Ad Multos Annos, Fr. Charlie, which is a fancy way of saying Happy Birthday in Latin. It means for many more years or similar to happy returns.

4 PRAYER REQUESTS Alice Bazemore Mary Beier Shirley Bernhard John Brennan Nancy Brigham Marty Brusnahan Tom Brusnahan Caroline Chamberlain Shane Claber Cameron Clark Joyce Coleman Charlotte Conlin James Conner CPT Thomas M. Beier - Afghanistan CPT (SEL) Nicolais Chighizola - Iraq CPT (SEL) Laura Lammert Chighizola COL Thomas D. Crimmins - Saudi Arabia SPC Sean Domzalski - Afghanistan Elizabeth Cook Ida Damiano Marianna Daskal Rafael Delgado Ellie D Souza Wendy Dutch John Easley Wayne Enroughty Leonard Fiedorczyk George Greene Hugh Greene Mike Hagler Pia Hagler STEWARDSHIP Pray for the Sick of Our Parish Arlene Hally Henry Hamilton Jean Hill James Hutto Jackie Jackson Mary Jackson Barbara Kerbelis Mary Alice King Robert Kozel Laurie Landrum Christy Luckey Sr. Linda Marie Lully Connie Lundy Magnotta Family Tony Maniquis John Mattman Beth Mazurek Robert McCampbell Myrna Montalvo Dr. Bill Neumann Kellie Ohlinger Doris Andreni Portka Benny Price Peter Redmond Wanda Roper Emmaline Rice Routon Pray for the Military COL Steve Eveker - Afghanistan LT Col Michael Gill - Iraq DCFN Kristen Jacobson E6 Jason Jones - Afghanistan LT Kelly Lammert - Ramstein Jimmy McArthur - USA SSGT Jared McMahon SGT William Morgan - Afghanistan SPC Peter Muir - Korea CPL Philip Andrew Rast - Iraq Dr. P. J. Stager Tiffany Salmons Kirsten Sanders Dan Scherer Edwina Schexnayder Paul H. Seigler, III Judy Seniuk Smallwood Family Julia K. Smith E. B. Steward Robert Stewart Joyce Stigall Elbert Surritte Michael Sweeney Angela Temple Kathleen Toland Rosie Walling Eva Cruz Wheeler Lindsey Williams Cason Wright Baby Reagan Wyatt Mildred Zeller CPT Andrew Rupp - Tikrit CPT Jennifer L. Rupp - Baghdad Jacob Watson - Afghanistan Please remember in your prayers our parish family and friends, and those involved in the war on terrorism. If you have a loved one in need of prayers, please call the Parish Office ( ). Names of the sick will be listed for two weeks unless we are informed otherwise. Pray for Expectant Mothers December 8, 2013 Rest In Peace Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently: Lawrence Patrick Mahoney, brother of Paul Mahoney; Geraldine Malnofsky, mother of Marie Patchan; James Quick, husband of Mary Ellen. Our prayers are with these families during this difficult time. Please remember to call the church office if you or a family member can be removed from this prayer list. McKenzie Dicks Carter Leah Duke Evans Caty Fealko Amy Trussell Heit Andi Kimbrough Morgan Krulisky Jane Grady Pollock Brittany Shaffer Rose Rebecca Trussell Maggie Douglas Williams Please pray for our expectant mothers and their babies. If you are a member of St. Mary s and expecting a baby, please call the Parish Office to add your name to the Elizabeth Ministry list. Intercessory Prayer Team at St. Mary on the Hill is ready and willing to pray for the needs of our fellow parishioners. If you or someone you love has a prayer request, please call or send an . This powerful team of more than 65 members can lift you and your needs in prayer. Contact Mary-Garner Merz or mgmerz123@knology.net. Parish Stewardship of Treasure Week of 11/24/2013 FY13 Year to Date FY12 Year to Date Contributions $ 63,090 $ 1,596,907 $ 1,535,563 Children s $ 73 $ 1,322 $ - Stock/Other $ 4,000 $ 26,321 $ 62,209 Total $ 67,163 $ 1,624,550 $ 1,597,772 Budget $ 77,250 $ 1,699,500 $ 1,699,500 Surplus (Deficit) $ (10,087) $ (74,950) $ (101,728) Retirement Fund for Religious Help aging sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. Each year the need to provide for our elderly (members) becomes more pressing, and we are ever more grateful for these providential funds, writes a religious sister about the financial assistance received from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your donation helps provide necessities such as prescription medication and nursing care. Please give to those who have given a lifetime. An envelope for this collection was included in your bi-monthly envelope mailing. Memorials/Donations $ - $ 2,180 $ 3,545 Southern Cross $ 55 $ 5,493 $ 6,230 Philippines $ 1,649 $ 1,889 $ - Special Collections $ - $ 10,459 $ 12, (8 thru the website) of 2452 families and 53 children donated the week of November 17, Don t Forget to Turn in Your Commitment Card We re still in the midst of our annual Stewardship Renewal. If you haven t returned your Commitment Card, you still can mail it to the parish. You ll soon receive an extra card in the mail. Returning your card is an important part of being an active member of St. Mary s. Please take this opportunity to express your support for our parish with your time, talent, and treasure!

5 WORSHIP Other Advent Penance Service Monday, December 9 St. Joseph 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 10 Our Lady of the Valley 6:15 pm Monday, December 16 St. Teresa of Avila 7:00 pm Children s Liturgy Sunday, December 15, we will celebrate the Children s Liturgy of the Word during the 10:30 am Mass. This is for children in kindergarten, first or second grades who have not celebrated their First Communion. The children will begin the 10:30 am Mass with their parents and then will be dismissed and taken to the Parish Hall for their own age appropriate Liturgy of the Word. They will rejoin their parents in the Church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. If you are interested in helping with this ministry please contact Tiffany Salmons at or themobilementor@gmail.com. Homebound Visitation If there are parishioners who are homebound, in a nursing facility, or in the hospital and who wish pastoral visits and Holy Communion, please have a family member contact the Parish Office by calling (706) or Sister Josephine at josephinemfic@knology.net. We rely on family members to notify us if there are patients to be visited. Please keep the office informed. Free Ministry to Traveling Catholics For nationwide Mass times and locations: Call Mass Times (( ) or Internet FAITH FORMATION Baptisms Baptism Preparation Classes typically are scheduled for the first Sunday of the month. The next Baptism Preparation Class is Sunday, January 5 at 1:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Please call the office to register for classes, Baptisms normally will be held the third weekend of the month at the 5:00 pm and 12:15 pm Masses. Please call the office to register. Golden & Silver Wedding Anniversary Mass Celebration 2014 Couples celebrating Wedding Anniversaries of Silver (25 years) who were married in 1989 or Golden (50 years) who were married in 1964, are invited to Mass at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Savannah on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 11:30 am. A reception follows the Mass. Please register at St. Marys Parish Office by Friday, December 20, Family and friends are invited. Perpetual Adoration - Adorers Needed! 11:55 pm - 1:00 am Sunday, Saturday 1:00-2:00 am Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday 2:00-3:00 am Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, FRIDAY, Saturday 3:00-4:00 am MONDAY, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 am Sunday, Wednesday -- once month on rotation basis 5:00-6:00 am Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 6:00-7:00 am Wednesday 7:00-8:00 am Tuesday 9:00-10:00 am Sunday, Saturday 10:00-11:00 am Saturday 11:00-12:00 noon Sunday, Thursday 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday 1:00-2:00 pm Monday, Thursday, Saturday 2:00-3:00 pm Sunday, Friday, Saturday 3:00-4:00 pm Friday 4:00-5:00 pm Thursday, Saturday 6:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, Saturday 7:00-8:00 pm Wednesday, Saturday 9:00-10:00 pm Friday, Sunday 10:00-11:00 pm Friday, Saturday 11:00 pm - midnight Saturday WE HAVE NO ONE: 2:00-3:00 am Friday 3:00-4:00 am Monday December 8, 2013 BIG NEED FOR A PARTNER: 4:00 5:00 am Wednesday once a month, need two Perpetual Adoration needs a strong boost in adorers. Please prayerfully consider adding an hour of adoration to your week. Call Paul or Mary Ellen Zielinski to sign on and begin enjoying a life filled with more blessings and peace. God truly does give back abundantly to those who spend time with Him. Altar Servers, Lectors, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, & Sacristans Please remember to check your schedules and arrange for a sub before you leave for vacation. If you are at Mass, please check to see if you are needed. Wedding Banns Venus Morris St. Mary on the Hill, Augusta, GA and Louie Hanneh Hank Griffin, Augusta, GA Engaged Couples The next Engaged Couples weekend will be at St. Mary on the Hill Mandatory Marriage Catholic Church on January 17 & Preparation Retreat 18. This certification is required to get married in the Catholic Church. Advance registration is required to attend. Please remember that this certification is mandatory. For more information or registration, call the Parish Office at (706)

6 St. Mary on the Hill December 8, 2013 Second Wednesday: Where Psychology Meets Christ Wednesday, December 11, :45 pm in St Mary s School Computer Lab TOPIC: First We Must Forgive...Then Peace on Earth PRESENTER: John C. McCormack, Ph.D. Jesus Christ asks us to forgive each and every time we are hurt by anyone, even by those we do not like. By holding grudges we separate ourselves from God, and diminish the space for his love in our hearts. Psychology offers practical steps we can take to foster a forgiving lifestyle within. Come, meet with us at the intersection of science and faith. We have much we can learn from each other. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them Matthew 18:20. COMMUNITY Senior Center SR. MASS & LUNCHEON Tuesday December 10 10:30 am Join us in the Parish Hall for mass & stay for lunch. All St. Mary Seniors welcome. SIGN UP: TUESDAY S MUSIC LIVE January 8, 2014 If you want to go, I must collect & make reservations before December 18. Senior Center Calendar for December is available in the Narthex. Bulletin Deadline The bulletin deadlines for the following bulletins are: December 15, 2013 bulletin is noon on Thursday, December 5, 2013 December 22, 2013 bulletin is noon on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 December 29, 2013 bulletin is noon on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 January 5, 2014 bulletin is noon on Friday, December 20, Information may be sent to the church office via mail, fax, or at smbulletin@knology.net. Abuse Hotline Number: To report sexual abuse of a minor by a Diocese of Savannah employee or volunteer, call the abuse hotline number at or the Office for the Protection of Children and Young people, /4. To read the diocesan policy on sexual abuse of minors, go to org/childyouthprotection. Breakfast with Santa This Sunday, December 8 in the Parish Hall The Knights of Columbus will serve a delicious pancake breakfast after the 7:45 am and 10:30 am Masses. $5.00 for an individual and $15.00 for a family Pictures with Santa will be taken ($5.00 donation). All are welcome! 8 th Graders: If you would like to help as an elf for Breakfast with Santa, please contact Leigh McCormack, leighmc127@yahoo.com or , to volunteer. This service does count for Confirmation service hours. College Visitation This is a very simple program in which the priests of the parish visit college towns in the region and take our parishioners who are studying there out for a decent meal. It is a good meal at a good restaurant with no strings or tough questions attached. What is not to like? Dinner is usually fairly early (6:30 pm normally) so it doesn t interfere with either studies or extra-curricular activities. It is simply a chance for the priests of the parish to say, Hey, we haven t forgotten you. Please pass this information onto your son or daughter who is away at school. If you are attending college and would enjoy a free meal with one of your parish priests when they come to Milledgeville, Atlanta, Statesboro, Columbia, Clemson, or Macon, please call the parish office and leave your name and cell phone number. Church League Basketball The Mighty Mights and U-9 will practice again this Sunday, December 8 th at 1:30 pm. If you are a 6, 7, or 8 year old, it is NOT TOO LATE to sign up for basketball. Just show up at practice and we will have forms. The cost is $40. Games will begin in January. All other teams still have the same practice times: U-19 boys at 12:30 U-9 and Mighty Mights at 1:30 U-11 boys at 2:30 U-12 girls and U-15/19 girls at 3:30 and U-13 and U-15 boys at 4:30 Call Alice Hagler, , or , ahagler167@gmail.com, with questions. Aquinas Open House Aquinas High School This Sunday, December 8 2:00 pm Join Us! Rosary Ministry of Our Lady Where: Senior Center When: Tuesday, December 10, 6:00 until 8:00 pm (usually on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month) For more information, please call James Tanner, (706) or jetanner1950@ peoplepc.com. Advent Candles Advent candles are available at the church office for $5.00 (set of four).

7 St. Mary on the Hill December 8, 2013 A Celtic Christmas Friday, December 13, 2013 at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall featuring Acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist Carroll Brown Come enjoy an evening of Irish, Celtic, and traditional Christmas songs and stories. Presented by one of the consummate performers on the circuit today. Bring a friend and be prepared for a unique and fun filled evening. Tickets available in the Parish Office for $15 each. For more information, contact Parish Office at or smoth@ knology.net. Elijah Cup at the 6:00 PM Mass The Elijah Cup program is a ministry to foster and support priestly and religious vocations. The Elijah Cup is a chalice that is presented to a family, couple, or individual each Sunday at the offering of the gifts. The chalice is taken home and used as a focal point while praying for our current and future priests, deacons, and sisters. The chalice is returned the following Sunday. The Elijah Cup will be at the 6:00 pm Mass now until December 29. Sign up in the Narthex or contact Miriam Cortez-Cooper at (706) or by mcortezcooper@gmail.com. SERVICE The Angel Tree is Back! Cursillo Attention Cursillistas & anyone interested in making a Cursillo: We will be having Ultreya meetings at St. Mary on the Hill Senior Center at 6:30 pm the second Tuesdays of each month Tuesday, December 10, If you need more information contact Anne Arnold at or Anne.arnold55@gmail.com Make 2014 the Best Year Yet - NOW!! No more watching and waiting - Send in your form, and check or credit card information to GRACE NOW and they will do the rest for you in January ALSO... ATTENTION BUSINESS OWN- ERS... if you are a S Corporation, LLC or Partnership, you can now claim a tax credit of up to $10,000! Please call Mary Davis in the Church Office for assistance, Nursery The nursery is available on the weekends during the 10:30 am and the 12:15 pm Sunday Masses. It is open to children from 6 months to 4 years of age. We ask that if you use the nursery that you volunteer once every 6 weeks. Call for more information at and ask for Gina Craw or gina.craw@knology.net. A favorite Advent tradition has returned to St. Mary on the Hill. Please visit the Angel Tree in the Narthex where you can select an angel ornament and envelope. Donations and prayers are requested for our Saints Overseas Ministry. Through this ministry our parish family has adopted St. Justin s Catholic School in Goala, Ethiopia. This school serves children who are orphaned, or soon will be, due to the AIDS epidemic. It is run by the Religious Teachers Filippini. We hope to establish a friendship with these young children in great need of love and assistance. A small donation goes such a long way in Ethiopia! Please keep the angel as a reminder to pray for the children and if you wish, return the envelope with a donation to the offertory collection. We will update you after the holidays on how the children are doing and how the money will be used to help with their needs. For further information contact Katie Conner at (706) School News This week at St. Mary School: The Christmas Bazaar is this week! The goal of the Bazaar is to provide students the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for their families. We will also have a food drive this week to benefit Catholic Social Services. On Tuesday we will present a preview of the Christmas Shoe Tree Musical for the entire school at 2:00 pm in the gym. Then, we invite all friends, families and parishioners to the gym at 6:30 pm for the performance of the Christmas Shoe Tree Musical. Please join us! Admission is free. On Thursday the seventh grade classes will go to the Imperial Theatre to see A Christmas Carol, the Musical. Basketball games will be played Thursday evening in our gym versus Mead Hall. Faithful Readers Book Club Our current book selection is 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker. From barnesandnoble.com: 7 is the true story of how Jen (along with her husband and her children to varying degrees) took seven months, identified seven areas of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence. This may be a great read as we head into the Christmas season! For more information contact Jodie Silva at or jodiesilva@gmail. com. Parking Reminders Please be mindful of our neighbors when parking near the Church. Please DO NOT park in the Trinity on the Hill Methodist Church parking lot or in Comcast s reserved parking spaces (they use these spaces on the weekend also). Violators may be towed. Be sure you are parked in a legal space, do not block driveways or move trash receptacles. (Moved trash receptacles have resulted in trash containers not being picked up on Mondays of our neighbors who are allowing us to use their parking lots on Sundays.)

8 St. Mary on the Hill December 8, 2013 Youth Events December Calendar: 2 nd Sunday (8th) Master s Table Soup Kitchen (10:30-12:30) Wednesday (11 th ) HS Girls/Guys Group Thursday (12 th ) Youth Holy Hour Wednesday (18 th ) No HS Girls/Guys Group - No MS Youth Night Thursday (19 th ) Youth Holy Hour High School Youth Nights & Small Groups - Typically Wednesday Nights in the Youth Center (corner of Arsenal & Central Ave.) 6:30-7:30 pm - Girl s Small Groups; 7:30-8:30 pm - Girls & Guys - Eat, Play, Hang; 8:30-9:30 pm - Guy s Small Groups Middle School Youth Night Due to conflicting events, the Middle School Youth Night will be on the following Wednesdays (no longer 2 nd and 4 th Wednesdays): January 8, 29 February 5, 19 March 19 April 2, 23 May - 7 Where: SMCS Gym Time: 6:30-7:30 pm Fun & Prayer! 7:30-8:00 Food! EVOLVE Master s Table Soup Kitchen - Usually every Second Sunday (December 8). Come Serve at the Master s Table Soup Kitchen (behind the Civic Center). To serve, please Belinda at belwat630@comcast.net Call Michael for more info Words for the Week An evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral! ~ Pope Francis Young Adult Ministry We meet Thursday nights at 7:30 pm at 2561 Central Ave. in Augusta. us at AugustaYAM@gmail.com Augusta Y.A.M. is a Catholic ministry that seeks to bring all Christians into contact with Christ and His Church through events, fellowship, speakers, and ministries in the Augusta area. We offer opportunities for young adults to meet others with similar values, make new friends, have fun, and grow in faith. Y.A.M. is affiliated with the Diocese of Savannah and is supported by the parishes of the Augusta deanery. MOVIE RATINGS The following movies have been evaluated by the Catholic News Service according to artistic merit and moral suitability. The reviews include the CNS rating and the Motion Picture Association of America rating. (see website 12 Years a Slave L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (R) About Time L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (R) The Best Man Holiday O morally offensive (R) Black Nativity A-II adults and adolescents (PG) Carrie L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (R) The Counselor O morally offensive (R) Delivery Man L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (PG-13) National March For Life (For High School) - January 20-23, 2014 Location: Washington, DC; we will be staying at host parish- to be announced. Activities Include: Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine, Youth Verizon Center, Holocaust Museum and the National Mall, National March for Life Get the sigh-up sheet/waiver on St. Mary s website Call Michael Lammers c or JoAnna Watwood Nursing Home Visit - St. Mary s Youth will start visiting a nursing home every first Saturday (Next one - January 4 th ) of the month from 10:00-11:00 am. Please contact Michael for more info YOUNG ADULT ADORATION HOUR - We are covering the adoration chapel every Sunday, 1:00-2:00 pm. Come to pray and be with Jesus! Ender s Game A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) The Fifth Estate A-III adults. (R) Free Birds A-I general patronage Frozen A-I general patronage Homefront L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (R) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire A-III adults. (PG-13) Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa O morally offensive (R) Last Vegas A-III adults. (PG-13) Thor: The Dark World A-III adults. (PG-13) Pro-Life WEEKLY: Every Saturday Morning, 9:00 AM through 12:00 noon- At a Preferred Health Center, 2903 Professional Parkway, the West Augusta abortion clinic, for prayer and silent witness. Please contact George Vozniak at or Charleen Luther at Every Wednesday 6:30-8:00 am, Prayer at Planned Parenthood. Every Saturday Morning, 10:00 am Mass at Most Holy Trinity (prayer for pro-life issues and anyone touched by abortion). MONTHLY: First Tuesday of each month - Pro-Life Rosary and Prayer - 11:30 am in front of Planned Parenthood, followed by Mass at the Most Holy Trinity at 12:15 pm. First Saturday of each month - Mass at Saint Mary on the Hill, 9:15 am, followed by a Pro-Life Rosary at Preferred Health Center (approximately 10:15 am) First and Third Fridays of each month - Crosswalk, a family pro-life gathering, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Planned Parenthood. Please contact Gary Garner, at Third Monday, 7:00 pm, Pro-Life Committee, Conference Room at St. Patrick s Hall, Most Holy Trinity. Contact Paul Rowan, Free Pregnancy Care Services Abortion Alternatives: Birthright of Augusta: LOVE; Birthright National: ; Augusta Care Pregnancy Center: ; Care Net/Heartbeat Hotline: HELP. Post Abortion Alternatives: Rachel s Vineyard: 877-HOPE-4-ME.

9 AROUND THE DEANERY, DIOCESE, & THE AREA Aquinas High School Placement Test Tests are administered at Aquinas with a $20 fee payable at the time of the test. December 14, :30-3:30 pm February 1, :30-11:30 am Students who earn a composite score of 98 or 99 on a test administered in December may receive a $1,500, 4-year renewable scholarship. For more information, call or visit New Life in Christ is the Ultimate Makeover Join the Council of Catholic Women and get a faith lift. Contact your local CCW officers. MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN. ADCCW President, settingfoundations@gmail.com Save the Date! Under the Tuscan Moon Aquinas Auction Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 6:00 pm Aquinas Grand Dining Hall Tickets $50 Silent & Live auction including fabulous trips, jewelry, golf memorabilia and more! Looking for a Sign From God? This might be it. Attend the Beloved of God Women s Retreat. Sponsored by the Savannah Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church 300 South Davis Drive, Warner Robins, GA February 7 and 8, 2014 CONTACT: E. Willingham, SDCCW Spirituality Commission Chair: evenings or settingfoundations@gmail.com Make checks payable to Savannah Diocesan Council of Catholic Women or SDCCW. FOR: Beloved of God Retreat Include contact information. Mail to: 2225 Woodbluff Way Augusta, GA ATTEND ONE OR BOTH SESSIONS: Friday Evening~ 6:00 8:30 pm Bring a memento of one significant woman in your life. Hotel accommodations may be needed for Friday. Note: *(Dinner Friday & Saturday breakfast on your own) Saturday: Main Session~ 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Lunch provided. Suggested donation for costs: $15.00 Lydia Project Looking for a unique volunteer opportunity? Find several at The Lydia Project, a free outreach for women anywhere coping with any type of cancer. Individuals can volunteer from home, at the agency, and in the community. Call for details and to register for the one hour Volunteer Orientation Saturday, December 14 th at 10:00 am. Visit Lydia s website to find out more or to request free and caring services for a woman coping with cancer: Trinity Hospice Trinity Hospice is looking for motivated volunteers wanting to have a positive impact in their community. We offer support systems including patient care and administrative support. We also provide educational workshops to help our volunteers enhance their understanding of the complex needs of the dying and bereaved. Our hospice team is available 24/7 for continual support so our volunteers, patients, and families never feel alone. Please come join the Trinity Hospice tradition of providing compassionate, highquality care to patients and families in the CSRA for more than 30 years. We believe in our motto that patients can live longer with loving care. Contact our volunteer coordinator direct at (706) or brittani.wetherington@ trinityofaugusta.com for more information. Save the Date! The 10 th Annual Ray Meneghello Ciao, Bella! Dance is coming up on Saturday, January 25, Make your plans now to enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing in the St. Mary s Parish Hall for only $40 per couple. More information will be coming soon, but if you want to make reservations early, call Rich Dimenna at or send an to: richdimenna@gmail.com Celebrate a Once in a Lifetime Journey to Rome April 27, May 5, 2014 The Catholic Community of South Georgia and the Diocese of Savannah invite you to join a 10 day pilgrimage to witness the Canonization of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II. Fr. Doug Clark will lead you from the Vatican to the Shrines of Italy, the resting place of Padre Pio, The Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, and The Holy House in Loreto. We will also celebrate mass in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Cost is $ from Atlanta and includes airfare, accommodations, all airport taxes and fees, two meals daily, wine and mineral water with dinner. Call Yaritza or Sandra at For brochures or registration forms go to: Men s Discernment Retreat December 20-21, 2013 Holy Spirit Church, Macon Advent retreat for single men, 18 and up, to spend a Friday evening and Saturday open to God s grace. For more information visit SavannahPriest.com The New Art of Being Church, Community & You The new buzzword we are hearing is the New Evangelization. This is synonymous with mission, requiring the capacity to set out anew, go beyond boundaries and broaden horizons. This is what we hope to do during our short time together: Challenge our status quo mentality and truly learn, love and live community life Learn some practical steps to engage in renewal Learn how to evaluate programs and activities in the light of their missionary character Two opportunities! Friday, January 17 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Presented in English Focuses on Clergy and Staff Saturday, January 18 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Presented in Spanish and open to everyone Place: Sacred Heart Church 251 S. Davis Drive, Warner Robins, GA Cost: $10 includes lunch Register online by January 13 at htp://diosav. org/oyyan-intercutural-awareness Catholic Holy Land Pilgrimage Travel back in time to the ancient Holy Land and birthplace of Jesus and Christianity. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus for the spiritual experience of a lifetime in a fully escorted, customized, guided pilgrimage to the Holy Land with three priests, including daily Masses, first class hotels, all meals and round trip airfare for 9 days, (February 13-21, 2014) This is truly a Catholic pilgrimage with spiritual meaning and great value, not just another tour. Call Father Hoyer at , or the tour agency at (Altura Tours) for complete information and group pricing. Hurry, the group is limited and will sell out soon. If you have not walked where Jesus walked, now is the time! Save the Date LAOH/AOH presents An Evening in Ireland March 1, 2014