St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish. Second Sunday of Advent. December 9, 2018 WELCOME!

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St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2018 WELCOME! If you are new to St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish or just visiting welcome!

1 St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2018 WELCOME! If you are new to St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish or just visiting welcome! Visitors, please sign the Guest Book found near the main entrance to the church. If you would like to register in the parish, please call or the parish office. Welcome to the neighborhood and parish community! PARISH 3949 Wilmington Avenue St. Louis, MO fax Chapel of Sts. Mary and Joseph 6304 Minnesota St. Louis, MO SCHOOL 3929 Wilmington Avenue St. Louis, MO fax www. Father Ron Hopmeir, Pastor Mrs. Mary Regan, Pastoral Associate Mr. Stephen Jones, Music Director Mrs. June Tessin, Office Manager / Bookkeeper junetessinssp@gmail.com Mrs. Michel Wendell, Principal michelwendellssp@gmail.com Mrs. Mary Paule, Child Safety Coordinator, Secretary marypaulessp@gmail.com

STEWARDSHIP: SHARING TIME, TALENT, TREASURE and PRAYER And this is my prayer: That your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value.

It is important that during this season of endless buying we remember that each of us also has the need to give back to God and to those in need.

Campaign for Human Development $ 62 Seminary $ 20 Special collection for December is for the Seminary. MASS MINISTERS Lectors Saturday, December 15 4:00 p.m. - C. Aasgaard, W.

, Sam C. 10:30 a.m. - Ben W., Brody Z. Greetings to all, UPDATE FROM MARY REGAN I want to thank you and update you.

thoughts and prayers. The open heart surgery and aortic valve replacement went well. (Thankfully, no blockages.) I am home, and believe it or not, I really am taking it slow.

Blessings, Mary CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT CONCERT Saints Mary & Joseph Chapel (at 6304 Minnesota Ave.) invites you to a Christma

2 STEWARDSHIP: SHARING TIME, TALENT, TREASURE and PRAYER And this is my prayer: That your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value. PHILIPPIANS 1:9-10 Glittery holiday ads can blind us to our stewardship values and distort our needs and wants. It is important that during this season of endless buying we remember that each of us also has the need to give back to God and to those in need. SUNDAY CONTRIBUTION December 2 Contribution $ 10,436 On-line Giving Contribution $ 1,391 Total weekly contribution $ 11,827 R & I $ 662 Tuition Assistance $ 541 Catholic Relief Services $ 100 Campaign for Human Development $ 62 Seminary $ 20 Special collection for December is for the Seminary. MASS MINISTERS Lectors Saturday, December 15 4:00 p.m. - C. Aasgaard, W. Kveton Sunday, December 16 8:00 a.m. - C. McGeehan, C. Grindel 10:30 a.m. - B. McLain, R. Moylan Servers Saturday, December 15 4:00 p.m. - Tara J., Ellen K. Sunday, December 16 8:00 a.m. - Tommy G., Sam C. 10:30 a.m. - Ben W., Brody Z. Greetings to all, UPDATE FROM MARY REGAN I want to thank you and update you. There is nothing more comforting than knowing I am surrounded by the prayers of so many from receiving the Sacrament of Anointing under the hands of the entire school to all of your continued thoughts and prayers. The open heart surgery and aortic valve replacement went well. (Thankfully, no blockages.) I am home, and believe it or not, I really am taking it slow. I am trying to be patient with the healing process, which I am told will take six to eight weeks. I might get used to napping once or twice a day!! So thank you, wonderful people of SSP. Blessings, Mary CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT CONCERT Saints Mary & Joseph Chapel (at 6304 Minnesota Ave.) invites you to a Christmas Candlelight Concert on Saturday, December 15, at 7 p.m. The evening will feature the Archdiocesan Handbell Choir, tenor Scott Kennebeck, and pianist John P. Walsh. Free-will offerings are welcome. Refreshments in the Msgr. Keating Center will follow the concert. THIS WEEK AT ST. STEPHEN PROTOMARTYR Monday December 10 Tuesday December 11 Wednesday December 12 Thursday December 13 Friday December 14 Saturday December 15 Sunday December 16 Morning Prayer Quilters 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mass 8 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Holy Name Society All School Mass 8 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. All School Mass 8 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. Reconcilation 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 4 p.m. Mass 7 p.m. Concert at SSMJ Mass 8 & 10:30 a.m. Choir Practice 11:30 a.m.

December 9, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent Parish Mission Statement Following the example of our patron St.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Born to a new life in Christ and joined to our faith community through the water of Baptism, we congratulate and welcome: Francisco Michael Loaiza son of Louis & Karen Loaiza

November 24, 2018 Henry Nicholas Arb son of Nick & Megan Arb baptized on November 25, 2018 Thomas Jackson Pottmeier son of Steven & Victoria Pottmeier baptized on November 25, 2018 If you are

3 December 9, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent Parish Mission Statement Following the example of our patron St. Stephen, we are called to be witnesses of God s love and to be a faith-filled, reconciling parish. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Born to a new life in Christ and joined to our faith community through the water of Baptism, we congratulate and welcome: Francisco Michael Loaiza son of Louis & Karen Loaiza baptized on November 10, 2018 Remi Maureen Dawson daughter of Travis & Christine Dawson baptized on November 11, 2018 Simone Astra Louise Montgomery daughter of Kirby & Maria Montgomery baptized on November 24, 2018 Henry Nicholas Arb son of Nick & Megan Arb baptized on November 25, 2018 Thomas Jackson Pottmeier son of Steven & Victoria Pottmeier baptized on November 25, 2018 If you are homebound or in a nursing home and would like to receive Holy Communion, please call the rectory ( ) and let us know. We will arrange for a Eucharistic Minister to visit you and bring communion. ACE CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS If you need ACE cards in time for Christmas gifts or Christmas purchases, the last day to place orders is after Masses on the weekend of December Orders sent through school must be in the office by December 14. DECORATE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS Join us after 10:30 Mass on Sunday, Dec.23, to decorate the church for the Christmas holiday. Many hands make light work! UPCOMING CHORAL CLUB APPEARANCES The SSP Choral Club (our schoolkids from 3rd through 8th grade) is about to embark on its Christmas 2018 Tour! You can catch them around town with several venues very close to home on any of the dates below. The nursing-home residents particularly enjoy the visits from the children and the opportunity to sing along. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 3rd & 4th Grades 1 p.m., St. Alexius Hospital Auxiliary Xmas Party 2 p.m., St. Louis Altenheim, 5408 S. Broadway Tuesday, Dec. 11, All Grades 7:30 p.m., SSP Holy Name Society, SSP Parish Hall Thursday, Dec. 13, 8th Grade 12 p.m., Metropolitan Square lobby Friday, Dec. 14, 7th Grade 11:30 a.m., Carondelet Business Assn., 6410 Michigan, Monday, Dec. 17, 5th & 6th Grades 10 a.m., Our Lady of Life, 7655 Watson, :15 a.m., Rose Hill House, 225 W. Rose Hill, Thursday, Dec. 20, All Grades 11 a.m., SSP 50+ Club, SSP Parish Hall Friday, Dec. 21, All Grades SSP Band & Choral Concert, SSP Parish Hall Monday, Dec. 24, All Grades 4:30 p.m., SSP Christmas Eve Mass, caroling with adult choir; Mass to follow at 5 p.m. SO. NOW THAT YOU RE INSPIRED TO SING... Celebrate the season! Get a group of friends or family together and Christmas carol door-to-door for the St. Louis Christmas Carol Association to benefit area children s charities. Songs and supplies are provided. Call Area Chairman Anne Borgmeyer at for more details. Great activity for scouts, neighbors, and service groups!

4 St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish TWO PROPHETS FOR OUR TIME Tomorrow this year s Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded in Oslo, Norway. The recipients are not world leaders or internationally recognized authorities in law or economics or science or philanthropy. The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize will be shared by a 63-year-old physician working in Africa and a 25-year-old survivor of sexual violence. Dr. Denis Mukwege is gynecologist who has seen the damage from Congo s brutal civil war play out in the bodies of women. In 1999, he opened a hospital that specializes in treating the victims of sexual violence and rape: the Panzai Hospital treats thousands of women each year. More than five million have been killed in the Congo, where militia groups frequently target civilians. At the risk of his life and that of his family, Dr. Mukwege continues to operate his struggling hospital, with little electricity and never enough medical supplies, and campaigns relentlessly to call attention to the plight of his innocent patients. Dr. Mukwege was in the operating room when he was told that he won the Nobel. When the Islamic State overran her homeland in Northern Iraq in 2014, Nadia Murad was abducted along with thousands of other women and girls from the Yazidi minority. Nadia Murad was sold into sexual slavery. She managed to escape but rather than remain silent and anonymous as her culture dictates, Ms. Murad has openly and courageously told her story, calling the world to act on behalf of millions of women and girls who have been sexually brutalized by war. She has spoken before the United Nations Security Council, the British Parliament, and the U.S. House of Representatives but while other Iraqi survivors testified before the same bodies with faces covered so as not to be identified on television, Nadia Murad insisted on showing her face. She is considered an icon in the villages of her homeland. She finds her work of public activism exhausting but I will go back to my life when women in captivity go back to their lives, when my community has a place, when I see people accountable for their crimes. As she writes in her autobiography The Last Girl, I want to be the last girl in the world with a story like mine. This year s Nobel Peace Prize casts a spotlight on two regions in the world where women have paid a devastating price for years of armed conflict. In their courage and perseverance, Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege are nothing less than prophets in the spirit of the great prophets of LOOKING AHEAD December 17-23: Christmas Novena Scripture, in the spirit of John the Baptist s heralding of the Christ, in the spirit of the prophets of our own time who have given their lives for the sake of what is right and just. In Baptism, God has called all of us to be his prophets: to proclaim his Word of justice and reconciliation here and now, along our own Jordan Rivers. OPPORTUNITY: EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS The Pastoral Care Department at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital is seeking Eucharistic Ministers to serve the Catholic patients in the hospital. It is a ministry that both helps others in their healing process and feeds your own heart and soul. You can choose one day a month, one day a week, or one day every other week. Scheduling is flexible to adjust to your commitments and time availability. Please take some time to discern if this might be the right time for you to reach out and help in the pastoral care ministry at the hospital. Eucharistic Ministry Coordinator Chaplain Tom Sanger Eucharistic Ministry Administrator Alice Kim Pastoral Care Department sluh-pastoralcare.admin@ssmhealth.com EMERGENCY CONTACT UPDATE As a courtesy, the parish maintains emergency contact information for any parishioners who wish to keep it on file with us. This information would be used in the event that we would need to reach someone on your behalf. If you would like for us keep a contact card for you or if you think the information we have may be out of date please submit one of the cards found in the back of church. You can return them to us at the rectory or drop them in the collection basket. December 21: Band & Choral Club Concert December 26: St. Stephen Feast Mass & Reception January 1: Solemnity of Mary January 4: Adult Pickleball January 6: Pancake Breakfast & Epiphany Pageant

December 9, 2018 AROUND TOWN An Evening for the Divorced & Separated Greg DeNeal, a licensed professional counselor, will be speaking on Finding Comfort & Peace During the Holidays, on December 13,

Please RSVP to Melissa Keating at melissakeating@archstl.org or 314.792.7173. Advent Taize Candlelight Service On Sunday, December 16, at 4 p.m., St.

meaning of Advent. The musicians of the parish, accompanied by harp, flute, violin, and bells, will lead the congregation in singing the prayerful, meditative music of Taize.

Young Catholic Musicians Concert On Thursday, December 27, and Friday, December 28, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the 41st Annual Christmas Concert of the Young Catholic Musicians will be held at Seven Holy Founders Church in Affton.

5 December 9, 2018 AROUND TOWN An Evening for the Divorced & Separated Greg DeNeal, a licensed professional counselor, will be speaking on Finding Comfort & Peace During the Holidays, on December 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Cardinal Rigali Center, 20 Archbishop May Dr., The event is sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life. There is no charge. Please RSVP to Melissa Keating at melissakeating@archstl.org or Advent Taize Candlelight Service On Sunday, December 16, at 4 p.m., St. Richard Parish, Schuetz Road in Creve Coeur, invites you to step away for an hour from the frantic pace of the holiday season into the calming, quieting, experience of Taize prayer and the real meaning of Advent. The musicians of the parish, accompanied by harp, flute, violin, and bells, will lead the congregation in singing the prayerful, meditative music of Taize. Readings of the season, silent meditations, and lighting of candles will enhance the experience of listening to God. Young Catholic Musicians Concert On Thursday, December 27, and Friday, December 28, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the 41st Annual Christmas Concert of the Young Catholic Musicians will be held at Seven Holy Founders Church in Affton. Cindy Preszler will narrate the concert on December 27; Reverend Monsignor Joseph M. Simon will narrate on the 28th. To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Mary Smith, Director of Organization for the Young Catholic Musicians, at SmithYCM@sbcglobal.net or Trivia Night to Benefit Our Lady s Inn Our Lady s Inn Maternity Homes is having its annual Trivia Night on Saturday, January 19, at Chaminade College Prep School (425 S. Lindbergh). Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person or $200 for a full table of 10. For more information or to register, visit or call Katrina at Our Lady s Inn provides pregnant women and their children shelter and hope for a new life through humble acts of love. Second Sunday of Advent THIS WEEK S READINGS Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday, Our Lady of Guadalupe: Zec 2:14-17; Judith 13-19; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday, St. Lucy: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13; Mt 11:11-15 Friday, St. John of the Cross: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2, 15-19; Mt 17:9-13 Third Sunday of Advent: Zep 3:14-18; Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 DEACON LOUIS SCIARONI Our best wishes to SSP alumnus Lou Sciaroni ('80) on his ordination to the permanent diaconate. Lou resides in Decatur, Alabama. GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE Boy Scout Troop 104 is sponsoring its annual Holiday Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross on this Sunday, December 9 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Parish Center. Donors may visit the website " and enter the code "StStephenP" to schedule an appointment. FAITHFUL DEPARTED In the charity of your prayers please pray for the repose of the souls of Frances Crimi and Marcella Mueth, who died recently. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. May their souls and souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

50-PLUS CHRISTMAS PARTY Attention all seniors You are invited to St. Stephen s 50+ Christmas Party on Thursday, December 20.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Joyce Stockmann at 314-752-4827 by December 12. We look forward to seeing you there!

Louis and earn up to $18,210 in gross annual income or $1,518 per month for a one-person household (increase based on the total number living in household), may be eligible to receive services

Utility payment assistance assistance covering costs associated with outstanding gas or electric bills as well as utilities disconnection associated with missing back payments on accounts.

6 50-PLUS CHRISTMAS PARTY Attention all seniors You are invited to St. Stephen s 50+ Christmas Party on Thursday, December 20. The festivities begin at 10 AM and will include a catered lunch, attendance prizes, entertainment by the SSP Choral Club, and some surprises. Cost is $15 per person. For more information or to make a reservation, please call Joyce Stockmann at by December 12. We look forward to seeing you there! ASSISTANCE WITH UTILITIES AND HOME IMPROVEMENTS Individuals 60 years and older who are a resident of the city of St. Louis and earn up to $18,210 in gross annual income or $1,518 per month for a one-person household (increase based on the total number living in household), may be eligible to receive services through the Economic Security through Energy Resources (EASTER) program. Utility payment assistance assistance covering costs associated with outstanding gas or electric bills as well as utilities disconnection associated with missing back payments on accounts. Minor home improvement assistance equipment, including installation and / or contractor services to improve living conditions and / or reduce energy costs. Major home improvement assistance crucial repairs to existing heating / cooling equipment or installation of equipment designed to reduce energy costs. This category of service is only available to homeowners. For more information, call STEPHEN MINISTRY: DO IT ALL IN JESUS S NAME Stephen Ministers bring distinctively Christian care to those in need. They use both words and deeds to express Christ s care for others listening and comforting, calling on the training they have received, and employing the tools of faith. If this job description fits your personal goals for ministry, consider becoming a Stephen Minister. A training class is starting in January For more information, contact Leigh Manalang at or Barb Crockett at

St. Stephen Protomartyr www.saintstephenstl.

7 St. Stephen Protomartyr MASS INTENTIONS Monday, December 10 8:00 AM - Liturgy of the Hours, Morning Prayer Tuesday, December 11 8:00 AM - Elmer & Rose Schuster, Lee Reed Wednesday, December 12 8:00 AM - John & Cecelia Hopmeir Thursday, December 13 8:00 AM - N. Edward Forti Friday, December 14 8:00 AM - Regina McGahan Saturday, December 15 8:00 AM - Frances Crimi 4:00 PM - Our Parishioners Sunday, December 16 8:00 AM - N. Edward Forti 10:30 AM - Polo & Karmela Vushaj PLEASE PRAY for our sick and recovering Suzi Beck - Jerry Buchet - Fran Campbell Ann Dosenbach - Thomas Lorenz - Angela Kraus Lois McClellan - Steve Moylan - Mary Regan Vince Stehlin for our homebound Jeanette Holmer - Albertine Honious - Rose Schuster for those in nursing homes Ellie Kearns - Dolores Meisemann - Shirley Weathers for family members serving in the military Derek Hirtz - Tristan Moylan - Ryan O Neil Jack Renick - Brian Schoellhorn - Mitch Sollmann DEVOTIONS Tuesday - after 8 AM Mass: Perpetual Help Devotions Wednesday - 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM: Church is available for Eucharistic Adoration. Stop by the rectory for entry First Friday of the month Holy Hour and Benediction after the 8:00 AM Mass. Christmas Novena - December 17 - December 23 at 7 PM Parish Office Hours Monday through Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays Bulletin Article Deadline Monday at 12:00 PM prior to the weekend bulletin. Sacramental Celebrations Eucharist Saturday evening vigil: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM 10:30 AM (nursery available) Monday: Liturgy of the Hours, Morning Prayer 8:00 AM Tuesday through Saturday: Mass 8:00 AM Holy Day: 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM Infant and Child Baptism Baptisms are celebrated at any weekend liturgy or on the last Sunday of the month following the 10:30 am. Eucharist. Parents are asked to call the parish office to arrange a Baptism. Adult Initiation / Reception into the Catholic Church Any adult who would like to know more about our Catholic faith, and/or who is interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church, please call the parish office. Reconciliation Saturdays 3:00-3:30 PM Marriage Please contact one of the clergy at least six months prior to the planned date of marriage. Anointing of the Sick We have a communal celebration of this sacrament at the weekend liturgies in the fall and in the spring. If you would like to be anointed before entering the hospital or if you are homebound, please call the parish office. Parish School of Religion Parish School of Religion formal classes in our Catholic Faith Children: 4 yrs. through 8th grade and high school Located on the campus of St. John the Baptist Parish. Call the PSR Director at Church Nursery Located in the rectory basement during 10:30 AM Mass. Enter by way of the alley. Staffed by parents. Children s Liturgy of the Word Children ages 4 through second grade are invited to participate and hear the scriptures in a way meaningful to their age. Held the first Sunday in September through Mother s Day excluding holidays.

CHIPPEWA ANIMAL HOSPITAL Bruce H. Kurka, D.V.M. 3850 Chippewa at Gustine 314.

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8 CHIPPEWA ANIMAL HOSPITAL Bruce H. Kurka, D.V.M Chippewa at Gustine Consider Remembering Your Parish in Your Will Cathy Mann Your Neighborhood Expert! Brian or Sally, coordinators an Official Travel Agency of Apostleship of St. Stephen Parishioner CST For further information, the Sea-USA please call the Parish Office. cathymann.stlouisareahomesearch.com From the WLP Vault comes the Bible Story of Christmas featuring 8 Classic Christmas Carols and a reading of the Gospel of Luke 2: 4-20 by Bing Crosby! Also available on vinyl. TREE & LAWN CARE EXPERTS SINCE 1880 $20 OFF Tree Pruning/Removal (314) Sales, Installation & Service Victor Vitt, Jr. - President OHMER & OHMER PC Attorneys at Law Trusts & Wills Income Tax Probate Court FUNERAL HOME 2906 GRAVOIS, Since Gravois Photo Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises Visit WLPmusic.com to purchase your copy - CD $10.00 DAVID J. BORGMEYER, D.D.S. AUGUSTINE J. BORGMEYER, D.D.S LEONA STREET (314) SAINT LOUIS, MO Fax (314) LEMAY FERRY, djbd2thdoc@sbcglobal.net GRAVOIS, Denise Dowd REALTOR Phone: Mobile: DeniseDowd@kw.com Retirement Living All Inclusive Across from Tower Grove Park FLESCH BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO Remodeling Since 1968 Kitchens Baths Windows Decks Vinyl Siding John P. Flesch Joe Flesch Sponsored by St. Andrew s Resources for Seniors Since 1927 Saint Margaret Sunday Missal An ideal companion for personal prayer. The Most Complete Online National In Stock & Ready to Order Today. CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95 Directory of Check It Out Today! Download Our Free App or Visit MY.ONEPARISH.COM St Stephen Protomartyr Grow in your faith, find a Mass, and connect with your Catholic Community with OneParish! Catholic Parishes auto life home business health long term care Steve Butz 9700 Mackenzie, Suite 120 Saint Louis, Missouri For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc

St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish. Fourth Sunday of Advent. December 23, 2018 WELCOME!

St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 WELCOME! If you are new to St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish or just visiting welcome! Visitors, please sign the Guest Book found near