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

Transcription

1 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 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

2 STEWARDSHIP: SHARING TIME, TALENT, TREASURE, and PRAYER See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. (1 John 3:1) During this season of giving, let us remember the most important gift we have received being children of God. As God s children, it s important that we express our love for others as well. Tell your spouse, children, and other family members and friends that you love them, frequently. SUNDAY CONTRIBUTION December 16 Contribution $ 13,933 On-line Giving Contribution $ 1,844 Total weekly contribution $ 15,777 R & I $ 189 Tuition Assistance $ 2,382 Seminary $ 35 Permanent Diaconate $ 10 World Mission Sunday $ 10 Special collection for December is for the Seminary. 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. PHONE UPGRADE The church and school offices will be having a phone upgrade on Jan. 2. We don t expect any interruption of service, but if you experience any difficulty contacting the church that day, please be patient. Thank you for your understanding. MASS MINISTERS Lectors Saturday, January 5 4:00 p.m. - TBA Sunday, January 6 8:00 a.m. - TBA 10:30 a.m. - TBA Servers Saturday, January 5 4:00 p.m. - Mark W., Stephanie W. Sunday, January 6 8:00 a.m. - Meggie G., Ben W. 10:30 a.m. - Jack S., Jake L. THE GIFT OF GENEROSITY This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish this past year with their time, talent, and financial contributions and look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. As the pace of life speeds up especially around the holidays you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Contact the parish office at for more information or visit THIS WEEK AT ST. STEPHEN PROTOMARTYR Monday December 31 Tuesday January 1 Wednesday January 2 Thursday January 3 Friday January 4 Saturday January 5 Sunday January 6 NO MORNING PRAYER Holy Day Mass 9 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. All School Mass 8 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. Mass 8 & 10:30 a.m. Parish Office Closed 4 p.m. Mass Pancake Breakfast Epiphany Pageant & Choral Club

3 December 30, 2018 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 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. DINE TO DONATE Help support Boy Scout Troop 104 as it raises funds to send the boys dog sledding! Enjoy a great meal at Cecil Whittaker s on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Mention Troop 104 and the restaurant will donate 15% of all sales to the troop. All day, dine-in or carryout, at any of these three locations: St. Louis City 6018 S. Grand, Affton/Lemay 9040 Gravois, St. Louis Hills 3429 Watson, BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION The school s annual Box Tops for Education collection has been extended until Feb. 1. Send your clipped Box Tops to the school office, or put them in the marked bin in the back of church near the stairs to the rectory. Last year, our school benefitted by more than $800 from this collection. Thanks for your support! MARCH FOR LIFE Missouri Life Caravan is now accepting registrations for our bus trip to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan , The 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 EPIPHANY CELEBRATION January 6 will be a full day here at the parish! Come to Mass at 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m., and then join your fellow parishioners for our annual complimentary pancake breakfast. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, and coffee will be served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. After a leisurely breakfast, return to the church for an Epiphany Pageant by our second graders. We will conclude the day with a performance of Christmas music by our Choral Club under the direction of Drs. Dave and Anne Borgmeyer. BLUEGRASS AT MASS Fishpot Creek Bluegrass Band will be leading the music at Mass on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 4 p.m. The band is a group of local Catholic music ministers who travel to parishes throughout the Archdiocese to provide prayer with a different flavor. For more information, visit 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!

4 St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish HOLY WONDER An adult son remembers his last days with his father: When my father was dying, I was alone with him in the hospital and found myself feeding him applesauce. The moment opened and my whole being, my whole life, was suddenly concentrating on slipping the spoon with the utmost care into his mouth, waiting for him to swallow, and then sliding the spoon slowly from his lips, so as not to disturb his labored breathing. We repeated this ritual tenderly, spoonful after spoonful. And in the rare quiet of a January afternoon, wonder began to fill the room. I began to cry softly. There seemed to be a glow about us. There was no need for words. I didn t want my life to leave this moment of feeding my father.... And in this moment of tenderness, all of life opened... My sadness had given way to care, which had given way to wonder. Wonder in the center of all that pain. As I slipped the spoon from his mouth one last time, I felt that I was in the moment of every child who ever fed their dying parent. I kissed his forehead and held his hand, both of us more alive than we could remember, completely covered in inexplicable wonder... And while wonder can surprise us, our daily work is to cultivate wonder in ourselves and in each other. Yet we only have a few seconds to love the wonder out of those before us or they will swallow it. Seconds to warm their life-force into the air where it will reveal the kinship of things. Seconds to let the timeless resource of aliveness come into our knowing, so it can soften our fears and save us from the brutality of insisting that our way is the only way... That day with my father, I learned that a presence waits beneath our chatter and our pain that can illuminate the world. When tired, we splash water on our face. If you find me half-hearted, please, splash some wonder on my face. From The One Life We Live, by Mark Nepo In this holy season, we embrace and are embraced in such wonder; we behold the light that illuminates the joys and sorrows of our lives with pure grace. In the wondrous light of Christmas, the love of God is revealed. Here, in the Christ Child, the sacred is not some abstract concept of theological theory: the love of God takes on a human face; the Word of God becomes enfleshed in the Child Jesus, enabling us to transform our hearts in that love and re-create our world in that Word of justice and compassion. The challenge of Christmas is to continue to make that love incarnate in our own lives and in the lives of those we love. From Connections, December 2018 CHURCH NURSERY FOR TODDLERS There are loving church members available to watch your active toddlers and preschoolers during the 10:30 a.m. 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 one- to four-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. FAITHFUL DEPARTED In the charity of your prayers, please remember Lorraine Hempen and the father of Ileana Amsler, who died recently. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. LOOKING AHEAD January 1: Solemnity of Mary January 4: Adult Pickleball January 6: Pancake Breakfast & Epiphany Pageant January 8: Holy Name Society Annual Dinner January 12: Fishpot Creek Bluegrass Band January 15: Finance Committee Meeting January 18: Adult Pickleball January 25: Sports Trivia January 30: Pastoral Council Meeting

5 December 30, 2018 Sounds of the Season AROUND TOWN St. Joan of Arc Parish (5801 Pernod) is hosting its sixth annual Christmas concert Sounds of the Season: An Afternoon of Song and Prayer on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at 2 p.m. The event is free of charge; any free-will donations will support the music ministry at the parish. 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, Mass at 10 a.m. 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. 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). The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Trivia Night to Benefit Our Lady s Inn Our Lady s Inn Maternity Homes is having its annual Trivia Night on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, 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 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, Seventh Day Within the Octave of the Nativity: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Tuesday, Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Wednesday, Sts. Basil & Gregory: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Thursday, The Most Holy Name of Jesus: 1 Jn 2:29 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3-6; Jn 1:29-34 Friday, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Saturday, St. John Neumann: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1-5; Jn 1:43-51 Sunday, The Epiphany of the Lord: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 Do you have access to 8 1/2 x 11 paper that is blank on one side? If so, we can use it! Using "scrap" paper helps to offset our supply costs, and we appreciate any donation that we receive. If you have questions, please contact the school at

6 GAME DAY Game day has become a real success! For seven months, people from various parishes have been gathering together on the first Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the rectory basement of Immaculate Heart of Mary (4092 Blow St.). It s the building connected to the back of the church; please go in the door next to the garage doors. We break up into various groups and enjoy the afternoon playing a variety of games, enjoy snacks, talk, and laugh. What s not to love? Feel free to bring a friend or relative. Any questions call IHM pastoral associate Debbie Gartner at (In the event of snow or ice, game day will be cancelled. Otherwise, even if it is cold outside, we will be 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 2019.

7 St. Stephen Protomartyr MASS INTENTIONS Monday, December 31 8:00 a.m. - Liturgy of the Hours, Morning Prayer Tuesday, January 1 9:00 a.m. - Thomas Raczerowski, Magdalen Mike Wednesday, January 2 8:00 a.m. - Msgr. Charles Forest Thursday, January 3 8:00 a.m. - Fr. David Walter Friday, January 4 8:00 a.m. - Carol Klump Saturday, January 5 8:00 a.m. - Fr. Ted Pieper 4:00 p.m. - Our Parishioners Sunday, January 6 8:00 a.m. - Jane Coerver 10:30 a.m. - Noreen Herzog for our sick and recovering... Suzi Beck Jerry Buchet Fran Campbell Ann Dosenbach Dwayne Hickey PLEASE PRAY Jack Jung Thomas Lorenz Angela Kraus Lois McClellan Steve Moylan DEVOTIONS Grace Phillips Mary Regan Vince Stehlin for our homebound... Jeanette Holmer Albertine Honious Rose Schuster for those in nursing homes... Ellie Kearns Olivia Dee Dee Owen 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. 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.

8 CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Stephen Protomartyr # Wilmington Avenue St. Louis, MO TELEPHONE CONTACT PERSON Mary Regan SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2007 Adobe Acrobat X Windows 7 PRINTER HP Laserjet Pro400 maryreganssp@gmail.com TRANSMISSION TIME Friday, 1300 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATON December NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS