We Begin the year of Mercy

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2 A Letter from Father... Page 2 December 20, 2015 We Begin the year of Mercy My definition of Mercy is this: Mercy is where we do not really get what we truly deserve. In other words, if God was not merciful, we would receive the full measure of His wrath upon sinful human beings. God was not merciful to Jesus on the cross because the entire wrath of God was poured on Him for what should have been ours. Webster s dictionary defines mercy in a somewhat different manner, but I still like it. It is compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender, showing leniency. Mercy, in a sense, is just the opposite of grace as mercy is that which we don t deserve (God s wrath). Grace is that which we do get but don t deserve because of our sins. You may notice some elements in the church that can help us focus on the theme of Mercy and more importantly, come to experience it. Under the arms of the crucified Christ are the banners that manifest the mercy of God: Merciful Like the Father. We are called to practice acts of mercy. On the church columns, we will be hanging banners naming the Acts of Mercy. There are seven Corporal Acts of Mercy and seven Spiritual Acts of Mercy. As the year passes, we hope to focus on these different acts of mercy. We can take advantage of this year by finding some act or acts of mercy of our own to put into practice as a parish: The Mercy Cross. Through the most generous use of his wood-working talents, Mr. John Verwiel has built the Mercy Cross. The cross is the visible manifestation of God s Mercy to all of us. He sent His beloved Son to die on the cross so as to forgive us and save us. We will be using the Mercy Cross in all of our celebrations throughout the year. God wants to extend His mercy to you and give you his grace. What a wonderful time to make use of the sacraments of Reconciliation. Yes, we need to humble ourselves, repent for our sins and to confess our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You will receive God s mercy and forgiveness. What we know and celebrate is that our God is good and ready to forgive, plenteous in mercy to all who call on Him. Peace,

3 Parish & Community Activities Page 3 December 20, 2015 St. Francis de Sales Catholic School 4205 Mulberry St Riverside, CA Principal: Kathy Kothlow Phone: (951) Day Care: (951) Religious give thanks. We cannot begin to repay all who contribute, writes a Catholic sister. So we pray to God, who is never outdone in generosity, to reward you. Heartfelt thanks for your donation to last week s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. May God bless you for your goodness! God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. Sleeping Bags for the Homeless St. Francis de Sales is looking for your help in providing NEW, adult-size sleeping bags for the homeless. These sleeping bags can be purchased at any sporting goods store, i.e., Big 5, Sports Authority, Target, Walmart, etc. Please bring these items to the parish office or you may bring them to the Mass you attend and leave them in the main entrance to the church. We will need at least twenty (20) sleeping bags before Winter. Thank you for your giving spirit toward those in need. STOP ASSISTED SUICIDE!!! Earlier this year Governor Brown called for a special session to address the state s Health Care Budget. The CA legislature passed and sent Governor Brown bill ABX2-15 Physician Assisted suicide, allowing doctors to prescribe overdose medication to terminally ill patients. This bill was previously rejected by the legislature because the people voiced their opposition to their representatives but was resurrected in this special session. Please join a coalition of physicians, nurses, disability-rights organizations and people of all faiths to stand for the lives of our elderly and dying and oppose assisted suicide! Over the next three weeks petitions will be available for signature after each Mass. Signer must be registered to vote in California and can only sign once. If you have previously signed a petition please do not sign again. Thank you. O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted. Psalm 80:15 16 Our Adoration Chapel Needs More Adorers The 24/7 Adoration Chapel at 13th and Lime of St. Francis de Sales is adding more adorers. We currently need additions to substitution lists, ongoing varying needs and MORE MEN on some early morning hours. For more information or to schedule a time, please call Fay at (951) , or (951) A current address and/or phone number is desirable. La Capilla de Adoración 24/7 en el 13 y de la calle de San Francisco de Sales está agregando más adoradores. Actualmente necesitamos unos cuantos alrededor del almuerzo algunos días de la semana, las adiciones a la lista de sustitución, y más hombres algunas semanas primeras horas de la mañana el día. Por favor llame feligrés Carlotta, (951) , o (951) , para obtener información o para programar.

4 Parish & Community Activities Page 4 December 20, 2015 Christmas Eve Family Mass We need children who are interested in auditioning for the parts of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, Three Kings and choir members for the Christmas Eve Family Mass at 6:00pm on Thursday, December 24, Children in the choir must be in 2nd Grade or higher and able to read: Dec. 22-6:00 PM - Church ** If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help, please call Sherril Tinder (951) Our New Candle Stand is In! We have 13 annual candles, lasting 365 days, along the back row of our new SFDS Candle Stand. The remaining candles are for all parishioners to light. In order to light the candle, please remember to hold down the button for 2 to 3 seconds for it to light. You may put the donation of your choice in the gold donation box to the right of the candle stand. Thank You. Did you know? The Church gets ready every year to put up decorations for the Liturgical Season of Advent. The traditional colors of purple and pink are vibrantly displayed. There are certain guidelines that we as a church must follow when it comes to how we decorate our church. One of the documents that has those guidelines is the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM). It provides direction on how the Mass is to be celebrated and how our church is decorated: 305. Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar. During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this time of year, without expressing in anticipation the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. Exceptions, however, are Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts. Floral decoration should always show moderation and be arranged around the altar rather than on the altar table. (GIRM). TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Many of our most treasured traditions link the liturgy of the church with the hearth of the home. The food on the table at certain feasts and fasts helps to extend the mystery into everyday life. Tonight, for example, many families of Italian heritage, especially those with links to the south of Italy, will settle down to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or La Vigilia. It is a command performance for the whole family, as the saying goes: Natale con I tuui, Pasqua conchi vuoi, or Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you wish. Seven different fish, some say one for each day of Mary and Joseph s journey to Bethlehem, others say one for each sacrament, or one for each day of creation, are served. Eel and shrimp, lobster and crab, calamari, pasta with clam sauce, flounder and hake all abound, but most especially baccala, dried salted cod. Why? Many say that it is a way to pay homage to the beasts of the stable who witnessed the holy birth and relinquished their manger to make way for God. Tonight, if someone asks you to pass the shrimp, you ll be able to shed a little light on a menu that is a delicious treasure in our tradition! Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties Counseling Programs is offering free services for the residents living in the following zip codes: , 92518, 92521, and Individual, Couples and Family counseling are available in English and in Spanish. For more information please contact our office at: (909)

5 Calendar of Events and Mass Schedules Page 5 December 20, 2015 THIS WEEK MASSES FOR THE WEEK Sunday, December 20 * Youth Mass Liturgy - 9:00 AM Mass * Altar Society Coffee & Doughnuts - Hall English RE K-8 Classes: 10:15 AM Confirmation I, II, III Classes: 8:00 AM Monday, December 21 Spanish Confirmation/RCIA: 5:15 PM SFDS School Closed 12/21/15-1/1/16 - Christmas Vacation Adult English Choir Practice - Church 6:30 PM Tuesday, December 22 English Bible Study 10:00 AM - MPR OLPH Novena: 5:00 PM - Church Christmas Family Mass Rehearsal: 6:00 PM - Church Spanish Choir Rehearsal: 7:00 PM - MR Wednesday, December 23 Christmas Confessions - 7:00 8:00 PM Thursday, December 24 Parish Office Closed Friday, December 25 Parish Office Closed No Confessions Saturday, December 26 Wedding 12:00 PM - Church Wedding 2:00 PM - Church A.A. Meeting: 6:00 PM - Room 1 Sunday, December 27 Serra Club Coffee and Donuts Hall No English RE K-8 Classes No Confirmation I, II, III Classes Cardmaker s Ministry Sales - After Morning Mass ALTAR SOCIETY SCHEDULE Michelle Gonzales, Jo Hersman, Betty Andrews, Catherine Cates & Alejandra Jacobsmeyer will have Altar Duty on Saturday, December 26, at 8:30 AM. Saturday - December 19 5:00 PM Tom & Jean Cantwell Sunday - December 20 7:00 AM Joseph John Gilwood 9:00 AM Hal Andrews 11:30 AM Luciano Garcia For the Parishioners of SFDS 5:00 PM Leon Cortez Monday - December 21 6:30 AM For Your Intentions Tuesday - December 22 6:30 AM For Your Intentions 5:15 PM Jimmy Rodriguez Wednesday - December 23 6:30 AM Mary Nguyen 8:00 AM Paul Cantwell - Happy Birthday! Thursday - December 24 6:30 AM In Thanksgiving for the Vasquez Family - SI 6:00 PM José & Frances Fonseca 10:00 PM Bernardo & Ruth Rubio 12:00 AM Familia Nevarez - SI Friday - December 25 7:00 AM Hal Andrews 9:00 AM Thomas J. Cantwell 11:30 AM Jamshed Bamji * No 5:00 PM Spanish Mass * Saturday - December 26 8:00 AM Peter Ortega (Vigil Mass) 5:00 PM Mass of Thanksgiving - SI Sunday - December 27 7:00 AM Joseph John Gilwood 9:00 AM Lucy Gomez 11:30 AM Audrey Rodarte - SI 5:00 PM For the Parishioners of SFDS

6 Fourth Sunday of Advent Page 6 December 20, 2015 St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church 4268 Lime St ~ Riverside, CA Phone: (951) ~ FAX: (951) ~ Español: (951) After hours: (951) Served by the Consolata Missionaries (IMC): Fr. Louis Abdoo, Fr. Reno Aiardi and Deacon Joe Marino MASS SCHEDULE: Sunday Masses: 5:00pm (Sat. Vigil), 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:30am, 5:00pm (Español) Weekday Masses: Monday - Friday 6:30am; Tuesday & Friday 5:15pm; Saturday 8:00am; First Friday: 7:00pm (Español) Holy Days: 5:15pm (Vigil); 6:30am, 8:15am 12:15pm, 5:15pm, 7:00pm (Español) OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm (closed 1:00-1:30pm for lunch) SACRAMENTS: Confessions: Tuesday & Friday 4:00-5:00pm; Saturday 3:45-4:45pm Baptisms: Every last Saturday each month at 10:00am (must call the Parish Office first) Pre-Baptism Class: Every last Friday each month at 6:30pm Marriages: By appointment only; at least SIX MONTHS in advance; consult a Priest before setting a date. Ministry to the Homebound & Sick: Call the Parish Office for visitations or the Sacraments. Welcome New Parishioners: Please register by picking up a form from our Parish Office. St. Francis de Sales Catholic School: 4205 Mulberry St Riverside, CA Telephone: (951) Day Care: (951) Principal: Ms. Kathy Kothlow Bulletin Deadline: Monday 12:00pm READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, Tuesday: 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1: Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Friday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52

7 MINISTRIES / MINISTERIOS Liturgical Ministries Altar Servers Mary Waterman Altar Society Donna Pitell Choir (English) Mary Fall Coro (Español) Josefina Oliva Organist Prince Ward Eucharistic Adoration Fay Fletcher Eucharistic Ministers T. Waldschmitt *English/Spanish Lectores Francisco Mendoza (909) *Español Lectors Lorraine Mooney *English Ushers/Hospitality Ray Serna Catechetical Ministries Adult Faith Formation Chris Gallardo (626) *RCIA *RCIA Español Victor Grajeda Baptisms Parish Office Bible Study Fr. Louis *English/Español Spanish Youth Group Mayumi Mendez Quinceañeras Alba Dominguez Religious Education Toni Bastian Educación Religiosa Consuelo Grajeda R/E Office Monica Sandoval Parish Ministries Bereavement Ministry R. Pucciarelli-Davis Card Makers Ministry Toni Bastian Hulen House Miguel Caballero Liturgical Dance Amanda Weber Parish Council Peter Bradley (909) Pastoral Care Maureen Riggs Visita Los Enfermos Roberto y Adriana Ramirez Spanish Ministries Alba Dominguez St. Anne s Sewdality Angie Nudge Weddings/Bodas Alba Dominguez *Español Women s Ministry R. Pucciarelli-Davis Catholic Ministries Catholic Charities Knights of Columbus Nestor Contreras Legion of Mary Marriage Encounter Robert & Denise Borruel Right to Life Pregnancy Hotline Riverside Life Services Office Serra Club Charline Gajdos St. Vincent de Paul Office Prayer Groups Grupo de Oración Martin & Gloria Ruiz Welcome to the Parish Bienvenido a la Parroquia Fill out and place in collection basket Llene esta forma y déjela en la canasta de la colecta Last Name: Apellido First Name: Primer Nombre Address: Domicilio City and Zip: Ciudad y Codigo Postal DEVOTIONS & EVANGELIZATION Mother of Perpetual Help Novena: Every Tuesday at 5:00 PM Legion of Mary: Every Tuesday at 7:30 PM - Room 1 Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 24 hours/ 7 days in the St. Bernard Chapel First Friday Mass: 7:00 PM (Español) ST. FRANCIS DE SALES FOOD PANTRY We are still in need of food every week. Any non-perishable items, such as canned soups, canned fruits, canned vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, rice, beans, dry cereal, energy bars, flour, sugar, cooking oil, pasta and spaghetti sauce are welcome. You can bring them to the Mass you attend and leave the items in the green bins at the main entrance of the church. PLEASE DO NOT DONATE ANY ITEMS WITH PAST EXPIRATION DATES! Your contributions are most needed and appreciated. I would like to receive parish envelopes Quiero recibir sobres de la Parroquia Yes/Si No *We will mail you a complete Parish Registration Form* * Le enviaremos una forma de registro completo de la parroquia *

8 S T. F R A N C I S D E S A L E S C AT H. C H. W O U L D L I K E T O T H A N K T H E S E B U S I N E S S E S F O R M A K I N G O U R B U L L E T I N P O S S I B L E GRACE V. Quiambao Professional Car Service Star Smog Check Brakes Electrical A/C Family Owned & Operated Since 1964 Free Consultation rd St autotechservice.net Community Care Pharmacy Full-Time Realtor (951) Kathy Keyes, R.Ph Brian Keyes, R.Ph "Honesty is telling the truth to ourselves & others. Integrity is living the truth." K.B. prayerworksmgvq@hotmail.com 4440 Brockton Ave. Ste. 400 Habla Español Fax BRE # Jose Cucarachas Esquilizes Hormigas Arañas Trabajos 100% garantizados Trabajos los 7 dias de la semana EVERGREEN MEMORIAL PARK Since 1872 Riverside's Historical Cemetery Serving All Faiths & Religions Casket Burial Cremation Burial Niche Burial Crypt Burial Community Vault Burial Located in the Heart of the Downtown District th St. Riverside (951) Fax (951) evergreenmemorial@yahoo.com Lupita's Gifts & Flowers Cemetery Lic.# 141 Crematory Lic. #190 VALERIE'S Birthdays New Born Babies BEAUTY SALON Just Because Valentines Day Cortes de cabello para toda Get Well Thank You la familia Congratulations All kinds of events Niños Niñas Gift Items Accessories Hombres y Mujeres Flores y Regalos th St th St. NICK S ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, LLC Nick@NicksEnviro.com Whole Life Insurance to Cover Burial Expenses You can purchase from $1,000 up to $20,000 Ages between 0-85 years old No Physical Exam Required NICHOLAS GONZALES CAC Lic. # CDPH Lic. #24337 CMI Lic. # Environmental Inspections & Clearances Offered: ASBESTOS LEAD MOLD BACTERIA and Simons Mortuary n o t s e r P Funeral Directors Est Lic. FD Air conditioning Heating Duct testing & sealing Attic insulation We service & repair most makes & models 10% off on your next A/C or Heater check-up with free disposable filter Cremation & Burial Advanced Planning Financing Available Catholic Funeral Directors for the Church and the Inland Empire Mission Inn Ave. Se Habla Español ST. FRANCIS DE SALES/ Since 1983 Lic. # For advertising information, please call (951)