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

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1 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 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 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.

Do you prepare for Mass each week, or do you just show up and expect to be entertained? We are called to be active participants, not passive bystanders.

They will be available in the December 30 bulletin. PHONE UPGRADE The church and school offices will be having a phone upgrade on Dec. 28

MASS MINISTERS Lectors Saturday, December 29 4:00 p.m. - C. Aasgaard, B. Borgmeyer Sunday, December 30 8:00 a.m. - C. Kveton, W. Kveton 10:30 a.m. - L. Harbaugh, A.

CORRECTION TO SCHEDULE Contrary to the insert in last week s bulletin, there will be NO VIGIL MASS on December 31 for the Solemnity of Mary. We will celebrate one Mass on January 1 at 9 a.m. CHRISTMAS SEASON MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Monday, Dec.

2 STEWARDSHIP: SHARING TIME, TALENT, TREASURE, and PRAYER For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. (Luke 1:44) When you hear the scripture readings and Gospel reading each Sunday, do you leap for joy? If not, don t blame the lector or priest, rather look inside yourself. Do you prepare for Mass each week, or do you just show up and expect to be entertained? We are called to be active participants, not passive bystanders. SUNDAY CONTRIBUTION Due to an early deadline by the bulletin publisher, the Sunday contribution amounts for December 16 were not available in time for this bulletin. They will be available in the December 30 bulletin. PHONE UPGRADE The church and school offices will be having a phone upgrade on Dec. 28 and Jan. 2. We don t expect any interruption of service, but if you experience any difficulty contacting the church on those days, please be patient. Thank you for your understanding. MASS MINISTERS Lectors Saturday, December 29 4:00 p.m. - C. Aasgaard, B. Borgmeyer Sunday, December 30 8:00 a.m. - C. Kveton, W. Kveton 10:30 a.m. - L. Harbaugh, A. Borgmeyer Servers Saturday, December 29 4:00 p.m. - Brian B., TJ S. Sunday, December 30 8:00 a.m. - Gabriel S., Colin M. 10:30 a.m. - Tommy G., Dayana N-M. CORRECTION TO SCHEDULE Contrary to the insert in last week s bulletin, there will be NO VIGIL MASS on December 31 for the Solemnity of Mary. We will celebrate one Mass on January 1 at 9 a.m. CHRISTMAS SEASON MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Monday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. Feast of St. Stephen Wednesday, Dec. 26, 9 a.m., followed by a reception in the rectory The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Saturday, Dec. 29, 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Feast of Mary, the Mother of God Tuesday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m. DECORATE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS Join us after 10:30 Mass this Sunday, December 23, to decorate the church for Christmas. Many hands make light work! THIS WEEK AT ST. STEPHEN PROTOMARTYR Monday December 24 Tuesday December 25 Wednesday December 26 Thursday December 27 Friday December 28 Saturday December 29 Sunday December 30 NO MORNING PRAYER Christmas Mass 10 a.m. Feast of St. Stephen Mass 9 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. Mass 8 & 10:30 a.m. Christmas Mass 5 p.m. & 10 p.m. Parish Office Closed Parish Office Closed 4 p.m. Mass

EMERGENCY CONTACT UPDATE As a courtesy, the parish maintains emergency contact information for any parishioners who wish to keep it on file with us.

3 December 23, 2018 Fourth 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. 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. SECURITY CAMERAS Please be aware that for safety and security reasons, cameras are being installed in the Parish Center and the Parish Hall. Thanks for your cooperation! MARCH FOR LIFE Missouri Life Caravan is now accepting registrations for our bus trip to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., Thursday- Saturday, Jan , Join us and thousands of others from across the U.S. for this huge pro-life gathering in our nation s capital. This trip is open to anyone ages 7 and up (chaperones not provided). We depart from several locations in the St. Louis area, and we do not stay in hotels as we sleep on the buses. The cost, if received by Dec. 21, is $205. After Dec. 21, cost is $220. Registration deadline is Jan. 2, For registration or more information, please contact us at: or mrl.eastern@yahoo.com. You are also welcome to download our registration form at 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. LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP CARLSON Christmas 2018 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Rejoice! The weeks of Advent waiting are over, and Christ is born! We rejoice in our Savior s birth remembering the great gift of faith He has given us through the mystery of His incarnation and the saving power of His death and resurrection. Each year, the people of our archdiocese have been asked to make a special gift on Christmas Day to support our seminarians at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. The men of our seminary, who have responded to Christ s call to follow Him, are truly a gift to the Church and to the Archdiocese of St. Louis. It is these men who will bring the faith given to us by Christ 2000 years ago to future generations here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. I ask you, once again, to pray for vocations and for all our priests and seminarians. I also ask you to be generous in your donation to the Christmas Day collection, which helps pay the day-to-day expenses and maintenance of our seminary. Please be assured of my prayers for you during the season of Christmas. May the Lord of life come into your hearts and homes in a special way during this holy time of year. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson Archbishop of St. Louis

As a boy, Mark knew his grandfather had flown in the Royal Air Force in World War II. His grandfather never spoke of his experiences, except one day mentioning Dresden and weeping.

4 St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish AFTER THE BATTLE The Rev. Mark Oakley is the chancellor of St. Paul s Cathedral in London. He tells the story of going to the German city of Dresden as part of his sabbatical a few years ago. Dresden is a beautiful city, but he had other reasons for wanting to go there. As a boy, Mark knew his grandfather had flown in the Royal Air Force in World War II. His grandfather never spoke of his experiences, except one day mentioning Dresden and weeping. Mark didn t understand then, but he does now. Two years after his grandfather s death, Mark was asked to preach in the reconstructed Frauenkirche in Dresden. On the way to the train station at the end of his visit, the taxi driver asked Mark what brought him to Dresden. Mark said he had always wanted to come to Dresden. Why? the taxi driver asked. Mark took a deep breath. Because my grandfather was a navigator of a Lancaster bomber and on February 14, 1945, I know he flew here as part of the bombing raid and he could never talk about it. The driver was quiet and then said, That was the night my mother was killed. The driver then pulled over the car and turned the engine off. He turned around to face Mark. He extended his arm to Mark, and said, And now we shake hands. No further words were said. No further words needed to be said. Both knew the horror of that night; both knew that history weighed heavily on each of their souls, in different ways. And, realizing that in the other s life, the seemingly impossible took place: healing, restoration, forgiveness. In Mary and Elizabeth s meeting and in our own similar visitations, the Spirit of God is present in the healing, comfort and support we can extend to one another in such moments. In the light and hope of this holy season, may we make haste to bring such reconciling peace and healing justice in our own visitations to others, in our own encounters in which the grace of God enables us to see one another in God s eyes. From Connections, December CHURCH NURSERY FOR TODDLERS There are loving church members available to watch your active toddlers and preschoolers during the 10:30 am Mass on Sundays. If you would like some peaceful prayer time, come to St. Stephen s nursery program located in the rectory basement, which can be reached from the alley door at the west transept of the church. A parent or high school student volunteer watches 1-4 year olds during the hour of Mass. There are many age-appropriate toys and books for the children. We also play Bible and nursery rhyme music, and enjoy a light snack. It is a fun time for these small children of our parish to meet and play together! Call Leigh Manalang at for more information or to volunteer your time in this ministry. 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 Web ( Apply Now ) LOOKING AHEAD December 26: St. Stephen Feast Mass & Reception December 29-30: Feast of the Holy Family January 1: Solemnity of Mary January 4: Adult Pickleball January 6: Pancake Breakfast & Epiphany Pageant January 8: Holy Name Society Annual Dinner January 12: Fish Pot Creek Bluegrass Band

December 23, 2018 AROUND TOWN Young Catholic Musicians Concert On Thursday, Dec. 27, and Friday, Dec. 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.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact director Mary Smith at SmithYCM@sbcglobal.net or 314-962-9260. Annual Migration Mass The parish of St. Pius V, 3310 S.

5 December 23, 2018 AROUND TOWN Young Catholic Musicians Concert On Thursday, Dec. 27, and Friday, Dec. 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 Dec. 27; Reverend Monsignor Joseph M. Simon will narrate on the 28th. To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact director Mary Smith at SmithYCM@sbcglobal.net or Annual Migration Mass The parish of St. Pius V, 3310 S. Grand, will celebrate the migrations of our own with the annual Migration Mass on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, at 10 a.m. Mass is followed by a reception featuring dishes from five continents. All are invited and encouraged to wear the ethnic dress of their heritage and to bring a dish to share at the luncheon. For more information, please contact Sr. Leslie Dao at , x204. Invitation to Surviving Divorce Find comfort in a new ministry to Catholics who have suffered from divorce: The Catholic s Divorce Survival Guide. The 12-week DVD program features Catholic experts who present Church teaching along with lay men and women who share their challenges on the way to true healing. Immaculate Conception Parish Dardenne is hosting the program beginning Jan. 10. Marriage on Tap Married couples are invited to an evening out just call it a date night! Be with other couples who care about a good marriage growing better and want to enrich themselves. Join us Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at the Pasta House at 8231 Delmar. A buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by a talk, This Is My Body, Given for You by Fr. Paul Hoesing, Dean of Seminarians and Direction of Human Formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Enjoy his insights on how a faithful priesthood needs the witness of faithful marriage. Cost is $20 per person (includes dinner, tax, and tip). RSVP before Jan. 11 to marriageontapstl@gmail.com. Fourth Sunday of Advent Trivia Night to Benefit Our Lady s Inn Our Lady s Inn Maternity Homes is having its annual Trivia Night on Saturday, Jan. 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 shelter to pregnant women and their children. FAITHFUL DEPARTED In the charity of your prayers, please remember the brother of Linda Wessels who died recently. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The St. Louis Tax Assistance Program offers FREE electronic income tax return preparation and tax information for a family with income below $55,000. Must bring W-2s, 1099s, and 1098Ts, if applicable. The program benefits working families who are eligible for the earned income credit and child-care credit. Location: St. Mary s High School, 4701 S. Grand Blvd. Dates: January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, and March 2, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. THIS WEEK S READINGS Monday: Is 62:1-5, Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 Tuesday, The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas): Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Wednesday, St. Stephen, The First Martyr: Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Ps 31:3-4, 6-8, 16-17; Mt 10:17-22 Thursday, St. John, Apostle: 1 Jn 1:1-14; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1-8 Friday, The Holy Innocents: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7-8; Mt 2:13-18 Saturday, Fifth Day Within the Octave of the Nativity: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5-6; Lk 2:22-35 Sunday, Feast of the Holy Family: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:41-52

6 To the St. Stephen Protomartyr community, As we celebrate the Lord s birth, let us give thanks for the many ways, both big and small, in which God s love is born into our lives each and every day. May you and your loved ones experience the peace and joy of Christ s blessings in this holy season! Wishing you and all of your families a Merry Christmas. Father Ron

St. Stephen Protomartyr www.saintstephenstl.org MASS INTENTIONS Monday, December 24 5:00 p.m. - Laverne Gartner 10:00 p.m. - Rev. Robert Roeding Tuesday, December 25 10:00 a.m. - Ken Simon, Mike Letz Wednesday, December 26 8:00 a.

7 St. Stephen Protomartyr MASS INTENTIONS Monday, December 24 5:00 p.m. - Laverne Gartner 10:00 p.m. - Rev. Robert Roeding Tuesday, December 25 10:00 a.m. - Ken Simon, Mike Letz Wednesday, December 26 8:00 a.m. - Dolores Edwards Thursday, December 27 8:00 a.m. - Henrietta Werkmeister Friday, December 28 8:00 a.m. - Msgr. Charles Forest Saturday, December 29 8:00 a.m. - Fr. Donald Dalton 4:00 p.m. - Jim Hieger Sunday, December 30 8:00 a.m. - Our Parishioners 10:30 a.m. - Polo & Karmela Vushaj for our sick and recovering... Suzi Beck Jerry Buchet Fran Campbell Ann Dosenbach PLEASE PRAY Dwayne Hickey Thomas Lorenz Angela Kraus Lois McClellan DEVOTIONS 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 Tuesday - after 8 a.m. Mass: Perpetual Help Devotions Wednesday - 8:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: 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 a.m. Mass. Christmas Novena - December at 7 p.m. Parish Office Hours Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays Bulletin Article Deadline Monday at 12:00 p.m. prior to the weekend bulletin. Sacramental Celebrations Eucharist Saturday evening vigil: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. (nursery available) Monday: Liturgy of the Hours, Morning Prayer 8:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday: Mass 8:00 a.m. Holy Day: 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. 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 p.m. 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.

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8 CHIPPEWA ANIMAL HOSPITAL Bruce H. Kurka, D.V.M Chippewa at Gustine Cathy Mann Your Neighborhood Expert! Sales, Installation & Service Victor Vitt, Jr. - President St. Stephen Parishioner Brian or Sally, coordinators CST an Official Travel Agency of Apostleship of the Sea-USA cathymann.stlouisareahomesearch.com The Most Complete Online National Directory of Check It Out Today! S. Broadway, St. Louis Catholic Parishes OHMER & OHMER PC FUNERAL HOME 2906 GRAVOIS, Since Gravois 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, REALTOR Download Our Free App or Visit DeniseDowd@kw.com MY.ONEPARISH.COM Photo Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises Visit WLPmusic.com to purchase your copy - CD $10.00 Denise Dowd Phone: Mobile: For further information, please call the Parish Office. 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. Attorneys at Law Trusts & Wills Income Tax Probate Court Consider Remembering Your Parish in Your Will. Learn How Boutique Senior Living Is Perfect For You Grow in your faith, find a Mass, and connect with your Catholic Community with OneParish! Retirement Living All Inclusive Across from Tower Grove Park Saint Margaret Sunday Missal An ideal companion for personal prayer. Sponsored by St. Andrew s Resources for Seniors In Stock & Ready to Order Today. FLESCH BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO. CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95 Remodeling Since 1968 Kitchens Baths Windows Decks Vinyl Siding John P. Flesch Joe Flesch Since Get this weekly bulletin delivered by - for FREE! Sign up here: Courtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc. If You Live Alone You Need MDMedAlert! 24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY! Ambulance Solutions as Low as Police Fire Friends/Family FREE Shipping $19.95 a month auto life home business health long term care FREE Activation NO Long Term Contracts CALL NOW! MDMedAlert Safe-Guarding America s Seniors Nationwide! St Stephen Protomartyr This Button SAVES Lives! As Shown GPS, Lowest Price Guaranteed! GPS Tracking w/fall Detection Nationwide, No Land Line Needed EASY Set-up, NO Contract 24/7 365 Monitoring in the USA Steve Butz 9700 Mackenzie, Suite 120 Saint Louis, Missouri For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc

St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish. December 30, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph WELCOME!

St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 30, 2018 WELCOME! If you are new to St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish or just visiting welcome! Visitors, please sign the