ST MARK PARISH 602 Military Road, Rothschild, Wisconsin

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1 ST MARK PARISH 602 Military Road, Rothschild, Wisconsin Advent 2 December 9, 2018 Liturgical Schedule Monday, December 10 No Sacrament of Eucharist Tuesday, December 11 Saint Damasus I, Pope Sacrament of Eucharist, 8:10 am Wednesday, December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Sacrament of Eucharist, St Clare Hospital, Noon Thursday, December 13 Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr Sacrament of Eucharist, 8:10 am Friday, December 14 Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church Sacrament of Eucharist, 8:10 am Saturday, December 15 Advent 3 No Sacrament of Reconciliation Sacrament of Eucharist, 4:30 pm SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM - Contact the Parish Offices for baptism dates and to register for preparation sessions. SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION Saturday - 10:30 am SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING - Celebrated in the Spring and Fall or in the home and hospital. Sunday, December 16 Advent 3 Sacrament of Eucharist, 8:00 am Sacrament of Eucharist, 10:00 am Communal Acknowledgement of Sinfulness, 6:30 pm RCIA - A catechetical process to assist adults interested in becoming Catholic. Contact the Parish Offices. MARRIAGE - Couples planning to marry are to notify the Parish Offices one year prior to the desired wedding date. FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH with the parish, Contact the Parish Offices and ask for Father Slowiak. Parish Offices: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Pastor: (Rev) Allan L. Slowiak, Deacon: Patrick McKeough, Director of Religious Education: Mary Hart, Pastoral Musician: Mary Martin, Primary Accompanist: Mikki Fronek, Pastoral Care to the Homebound: Susan Soriano, Secretary to the Parish: Mary Maly, Bookkeeper: Amy Tishken, Newman Catholic Schools at St. Mark Principal: Tina Meyer stmarkroths@smproths.org FAX: Web: Information for the bulletin is due at 4:00 pm, Tuesday 1

2 SACRED WORSHIP Advent 2 Marian Shrine Week of December 9 Daniel A. Gorski December 9-15, Light two candles, pray the prayer and three acclamations each day. L Our Father, guide us to live Your way of love and protect us during this week as we come to know Jesus now and to the end of time. We pray this grace in the name of Jesus our Lord and the Holy Spirit. A Amen. L A Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world. Amen. L A You are light in our darkness. Amen. L A Bless us as we gather in Your name. Amen. Liturgical Ministry December 15 and 16, Advent 3 4:30 pm Servers. Finn A., Ethan O. Lectors. Ramsey O., Bob P. Ministers of Hospitality. Don B., Elliot S. Extraordinary Ministers. Phyllis B. (c), Penny D., Ann L., Terry N., Mary S. (c), 2 volunteers Pastoral Musicians. Marcie W., Steve W. 8:00 am Servers. Sara M., David M. Lectors. Doug B., Stephen B. Ministers of Hospitality. Roger D., Norb H. Extraordinary Ministers. Ann M., Gail K. (c), Robert K. (c), Loraine L., John P., 2 volunteers Pastoral Musicians. Mikki F., Andi O. Reflection of Today s Scripture Texts -Father Slowiak Baruch 5:1-9 Attributed to the secretary of Prophet Jeremiah, this text is set within the exile of Babylon and presents a vision of Jerusalem welcoming home its exiles. This vision is the celebration of the faith of a people who recognized that their time and well-being on this earth were contingent upon God and that their freedom cannot be effected by any military or political maneuvering. 10:00 am Servers. Eva A., Hailey T. Lectors. Pam Z., Mike Z. Ministers of Hospitality. Greg C., Gerald G., Janice G., Joan W., Kirk W. Extraordinary Ministers. Roxann M., Deacon Patrick (c), Kim S., Sue S. (c), Kris B., 2 volunteers Pastoral Musicians. Mikki F., Michele T. Philippians 1:4-11 Paul writes from prison to the Philippian community who are also experiencing difficulties. Paul teaches that the love of the believer is not pure intellectualism nor sentimentality, but love that is authenticated in everyday events and encounters. It is this love which brings a clear conscience, blameless conduct and correct values. If there is a discrepancy, follow the online or printed schedule Volunteers are needed for the following Liturgies: Call or the Parish Office to Volunteer. Luke 3:1-6 By means of an elaborate introduction of John the Baptist and his ministry, the Community of Luke turns the tables and places Jesus, not the Roman emperor, at the political and religious focal point of the then known world. December 24, 4:30 PM, Vigil of Christmas (FILLED) Servers. Tanner H., Nicholas S. Lectors. None Needed Ministers of Hospitality. Russ S., Paula S. Extraordinary Ministers. Deacon Patrick (c), Lisa S. (c), Dennis B., Nancy B., Ross B., Kim S., Joan B. Communal Acknowledgement of Sinfulness December 24, 10:30 PM, Nativity of the Lord Servers. 2 Volunteers Needed Lectors. Terri R., Claire T. Ministers of Hospitality. Volunteers Needed Call Don Bischel or the Parish Office Extraordinary Ministers. Deacon Patrick (c), Lee R. (c), Barb B., Marne B., Ann L., Gina L., 1 Volunteer Needed Sunday, December 16, 6:30 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation (Liturgy of the Word with Individual Confessions): December 16 December 17 December 18 December 22 6:30 pm, St. Matthew Parish, Wausau 6:30 pm, St. Therese Parish, Rothschild 7:00 pm, St. Michael Parish, Wausau 10:00 am, Church of the Resurrection, Wausau December 25, 9:00 AM, Nativity of the Lord Servers. David M., Sara M. Lectors. Mike Z., Pam Z. 2

3 Ministers of Hospitality. Volunteers Needed, Call Don Bischel or the Parish Office Extraordinary Ministers. Deacon Patrick (c), Pat G. (c), Kathy S., Betty K., Ann M., Marie A., 1 Volunteers Needed the way of the Lord, we might examine our lives and rid ourselves of the urge to judge others, to be unforgiving, to be more generous, and to be kinder and more patient. I am sure, if you are like me, there are many potholes to be filled. When we repent as John invites us to do, our preparation for the celebration of Christmas will be much smoother. January 1, 9:00 AM, New Year s Day Servers. 2 Volunteers Needed Lectors. Pam Z. Ministers of Hospitality. Volunteers Needed, call Don Bischel or the Parish Office Extraordinary Ministers. Bill S. (c), Dennis B. (c), Nancy B., John P., Marie A., 2 Volunteers Needed On December 16, you are invited to join other members of the parish family to Prayer Acknowledging our Sinfulness at 6:30 pm in the church building. It is a time to acknowledge the potholes in our lives and make smooth the road to the celebration of Christmas. Homebound Communion - Susan Soriano We call to mind this week, Damasus I, pope, (Tuesday) Our Lady of Guadelupe, (Wednesday) Lucy, virgin, martyr (Thursday) John of the Cross, priest, doctor of the Church (Friday). Homebound visits for the week of December 9, Team A: Ann L., Laurie K., Margaret K., Phyllis B., Pam Z. St. John of the Cross, priest, doctor of the Church ( ) John was born in Spain. His father died when he was young and his mother was very poor. At a about the age of 20 he became a Carmelite friar. He wanted to live a strict version of his order believing that would deepen his relationship to God. Teresa of Avila also believed in a community of simplicity and strict following of the rules of communal life. She invited John to be the spiritual director of the nuns at Avila. John made enemies among the Carmelite Order. He was imprisoned by the Order in Toledo. He was imprisoned for nine months in a very small cell and wrote some of his greatest spiritual poetry. He thought that prayer was a way to help us become more loving toward others. His writings are still used by people all over the world. He is considered one of the finest poets in the Spanish language. Pastoral Music - Mary Martin The Parish Choir will rehearse at 6:30 pm on December 13, in the church. The Parish Choir will be Christmas Caroling, Sunday, December 16 at 1:00 pm. The Handbell Choir will play at TLC Pride Assisted Living Center at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, December 11. The Youth Choir will rehearse for the Christmas Eve Liturgy on Wednesday, December 13 from 5:30-6:20 pm and Tuesday, December 18 from 5:00 6:20 pm in the church (with instruments). The Youth Choir will sing at the 4:30 pm Christmas Eve Liturgy and will practice prior to that Liturgy at 3:40 pm. During the procession with the figures for the Nativity scene the choir will be singing, He is God. In the Liturgy of the Church - Helen Ackermann CATHOLIC EDUCATION/FORMATION With this Second Sunday of Advent, we hear the words from Isaiah regarding the preparation for the way of the Lord. Paths are to be straightened, valleys are to be filled, mountain and hills brought low, winding roads made straight and rough ways made smooth. We hear John the Baptist calling us to a life of repentance. For us, all of this is to be done in preparation for the celebration of the Incarnation, the coming of God into our midst. Catholic Formation/Education Committee Religious Education Mary Hart This is the second week of Advent. Take a moment this week to pray the advent wreath prayers with your family. As we prepare our homes and hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ let s all try to slow down a bit and focus on ways to keep Christ and others at the center of our Advent Journey. This week the focus of the family discussion is how we can be people of peace. In meditating on these words, I thought of the many streets we travel in our area that are filled with potholes and cracks, anything but smooth. Indeed they are often rough ways. When highway departments come to patch the potholes and fill the cracks, we notice the difference immediately. We are able to travel without dodging the obstacles. We are free to move forward. During the Advent Season, if we follow the invitation of John the Baptist, we might need to deal with our inner potholes, the many cracks we have in our spiritual lives. To prepare Grades 1-6, remember to turn in the form for week 2 to your catechist on Monday night. 3

4 Parents of children preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation: Peace Day is Saturday, December 15. We will gather in the school building at 9:00 am. This week in Religious Ed: December 9 Confirmation Session 4 after 10:00 am Liturgy December 10 6:30 pm, Sessions for Grades 1-6 Sacrament of Reconciliation Grade 5 December 12 6:30 pm, Sessions for Grades 8 and 9 December 15 December 16 December 17 9:00 am, Peace Day for those celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time and their parents 10:00 am, Sunday School Meet in the church 6:00 pm, Grades 1-6 A Night in Bethlehem Family Event Newman Catholic Schools The NCS Mission Statement reads: Newman Catholic Schools provides excellence in education in a Catholic environment and enhances the personal and spiritual growth of our students to meet life's challenges. All are welcome to join Newman Catholic students for a Candlelight Walk, December 19. Buses to the Rudolph Environment Center will depart from NCES: St. Mark at 5:15, 5:45, 6:15 and 6:45 pm, returning every half hour from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided in Schumacher Hall. Newman Alumni Night, December 21, 7:15pm. Cheer on Newman Girls Basketball vs. Edgar. Alumni receive free admission and popcorn. Join us for an evening of fun, fellowship, and basketball! NCS: St Mark December 13 FAMILY LIFE 8:10 am, Sacrament of Eucharist, School The family of St. Mark extends our sympathies to the family of: Priscilla A. Tuckett who passed away on November 28, God, grant her the fullness of Eternal Life. SOCIAL CONCERNS Thank you for your generosity. Your donation to the Annual Retirement Fund for Members of Religious Communities will help hundreds of religious communities meet pressing retirement needs while continuing to serve the people of God. LADIES COUNCIL OF ST MARK PARISH Prayer Shawl Ministry. New members are welcome to join this ministry, Thursdays at 1:00 pm in the Adult Formation Room. Prayer Shawls are available in the Parish Office for anyone who has need of one. PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL Budget Committee Stewardship of Time and Talent Volunteer/community involvement this week by parish members, 36 hours. Attendance Circle of Joy. Is in need of: Tuna fish, crackers and toilet paper. Thank you for your continued support. Operating Income Summary 2-Dec 1 Jul-2 Dec 2019 Balance Adult Tithe 21, , ,000 (332,936.00) Student (337.50) Offering , ,500 (15,012.06) Debt Reduction , ,500 8,852 Totals 21, , Adult Tithe Summary Adult Tithe Budgeted Per Week 11, Received this Week 21, Over/Under Budget 9, Adult Tithe Received Weeks , Budgeted Weeks , Over/Under Budget (6,686.00) Other Income/Transfers Circle of Joy Votive Candles Ch Organ Replacement Fund , Endowment Trust (Holding) Christmas Christmas Memorials Retirement of Religious Nov 18-Nov 25-Nov 2-Dec 4: : : Total

5 DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL PARISH OFFICE Parish Offices Hours for the Christmas Season: If you misplace your pledge card there are coded cards in the entrances of the church with envelopes for your convenience. Do not send cash. December 24, 8:00 am to Noon. December 25, closed. December 31, 8:00 am to Noon. January 1, closed. FAITH ENRICHMENT Direct questions or concerns to Amy Tishken, Parish Bookkeeper, at Saint Anthony Spirituality Center, Marathon. To register visit or call Current Statistics for St Mark Parish New Year s Eve Retreat Pray Always with Fr. Tom Zelinski, OFM Cap. December 31, 6:00 pm to January 1, 1:00 pm. This retreat begins with an evening meal, includes a Holy Hour of Adoration, a late night social to count down to the New Year, and Mass on New Year s Day. Cost: $95 Target Total Received $90, $26, This is 29.14% of the Target Balance Remaining ($64,296.60) Number of Donors Step Serenity Retreat, January Ken Fasbender will facilitate this weekend retreat built around the 11th Step. The retreat is open to all persons who participate in a 12 step program. The retreat includes talks, testimonies, discussions, opportunities for private consultation with the facilitator, the chance to become acquainted with others who share the 12step journey, and opportunities to explore our spiritual needs. The cost of this retreat is $190. Scholarships are available! LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW -Father Slowiak A digest from other places. C. S. Lewis wrote that the chief human problem was not that we were discontent and restless. Our problem, said Lewis, is that we are far too easily pleased. Most people met Jesus on the road. When John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the world, he quoted the prophet Isaiah, Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled... All humanity will see God s salvation. In Jesus, God worked a highway construction project, making a road straight through the desert to enslaved humanity. Just as in the exodus, when God made a way out of Egyptian slavery to the promised land, so Jesus is the way to God. How ironic that while we clamored up to God through our intellect, our morality, our architecture, our art, and our institutions (both secular and religious), in Jesus, God slipped in among us. The first name for the Church was simply The Way, not our way to God but rather God s way to us. IN THE AREA Catholic Charities Selected for CoVantage Cares Foundation Giving 2sday Campaign. CoVantage Cares Foundation two week fundraising campaign, November 27 to December 11. Funds generated from the Giving Campaign will be matched with up to $125,000 in total contributions from their foundation. This year Catholic Charities of Wausau has been chosen to be the recipient. Visit any CoVantage branch to donate by December 11. Visit for more information. ST. MARK PARISH 2018 CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS (Please Print) Given in memory of: From: Amount: Return to the Parish Office by December 14 5

6 Youth of the parish living the Gospel Message this Advent! Grade 7, tying scarves, mittens and hats in downtown Wausau. Items made and donated by St. Mark Prayer Shawl Ministry. Grade 8, Bingo with residents at Copperleaf Assisted Living Grade 5, decorating Christmas trees at Copperleaf Assisted Living Grade 6, putting together the College Care Packages 66

7 SCRIPTURE TEXTS Advent 3 Opening Prayer: Lord God, as I meditate on your Holy Word, help me to examine my way of living so that I can answer the question, What should I do? How can I live more fully in the way of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we are about to celebrate. I make this prayer in His name, He who is Lord forever and ever. Amen. Zephaniah 3:14-18a Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Philippians 4:4-7 Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Luke 3:10-18 The crowds asked John the Baptist, What should we do? He said to them in reply, Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise. Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, Teacher, what should we do? He answered them, Stop collecting more than what is prescribed. Soldiers also asked him, And what is it that we should do? He told them, Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages. Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people. Reflection Questions: 1. We are challenged in today s gospel, What should we do? In these last days of Advent preparation let us take this question seriously as we deepen our relationship with Jesus, the Christ. 2. What anxieties are you struggling with? St. Paul in the second reading urges us to Have no anxiety at all Do Christmas preparations cause anxiety in your life. What can you let go of and what can you change? 3. What was the good news that John the Baptist preached? Have you accepted this good news into your heart? Concluding Prayer: Lord God, in these last days of Advent, help me to let go of all that causes anxiety knowing that You walk with me each and every day. Deepen my relationship with Your Son, Jesus Christ, He who is Lord forever and ever. Amen. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, copyright 1998, 1997, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc. Washington, D. C. Used with permission. All Rights reserved. No part of the Lectionary for Mass be reproduced by means without permission in writing from the copyright owner St. Mark Parish, Rothschild, Wisconsin. Copyright Clearance, Secretariat for Legal Affairs and Copyright Management. 7

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