St. Mary on the Hill

Transcription

1 St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church ORDAINED MINISTERS Fr. Jerry Ragan, Pastor Fr. Lou Lindsey, Senior Parochial Vicar Fr. Michael Hull Fr. David Arnoldt Deacon Ken Maleck Deacon Donald McArdle Deacon Al Sullivan Deacon Tony Wagner Masses Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 7:45 am, 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, 5:30 pm Weekdays Monday through Friday 7:00 am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:15 am Wednesday Miraculous Medal Novena & Evening Mass 5:15 pm Saturday Morning Mass & Anointing of the Sick 9:15 am Reconciliation Saturdays 3:45 4:45 pm Rosary Monday 5:00 pm and Saturday 4:30 pm Sacred Heart Perpetual Adoration Chapel 1210 Monte Sano Avenue Available to all parishioners to spend time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and is open 24 hours per day 7 days per week. Baptisms Baptisms are celebrated once a month (except during Lent). Preparation classes are held prior to the Baptism weekends. Please call the office to register Weddings Arrangements should be made at least four months in advance. Nursery Available at the 10:30 am and 12:15 pm Sunday Masses for ages 6 months to Pre-K4. A pre-school religious program is offered during the 10:30 am Mass for 3 and 4 year olds. Emergencies Call the Office (706) After Hours (706) Trinity Hospital Chapel Mass Thursday 12:00 noon Ministerio Catolico Hispano Misa en Español: Domingo 2:00 pm, Iglesia de Saint Teresa of Avila, 4921 Columbia Road, Grovetown, GA Domingo 4:00 pm, Iglesia de Saint Joseph, 2607 Lumpkin Road, Augusta, GA Year of Mercy Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord -- January 3, 2016 PARISH MISSION St. Mary on the Hill Parish, a Catholic community, is committed to caring for God s people through stewardship. We are bound together by the Eucharist, directed by the Gospel teachings and the teachings of the Church, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, and are committed to sharing in the ministry of Jesus Christ. As stewards, we will proclaim the Gospel, promote peace and justice, and use our time, talents, and treasure to advance God s Kingdom. PARISH MEMBERSHIP Welcome new members! Please stop by the church office or call to register. Active parishioner status is determined by the following: You are registered with the parish; You attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days regularly, You use parish envelopes weekly to indicate your mass attendance, You have a Stewardship Commitment Card on file every year; and You honor your pledges of time, talent, and treasure. CHURCH STAFF Administrative Assistant Martha Kearns martha.kearns@knology.net Music & Worship Alvin Blount stmmusic@knology.net Stewardship Deacon Al Sullivan al.sullivan@stmaryonthehill.org CCD Barbara Kareis & Joan Purucker (706) stmarysccd@hotmail.com Mothers Day Out & Nursery Gina Craw (706) gina.craw@knology.net Senior Center Patty Lezotte (706) patty.lezotte@knology.net Youth Ministry Michael & Missy Lammers Joanna Watwood smothyouthgroup@gmail.com Secretaries Mary Bowles Karen Brooks Finance Dori Thorstad dori.thorstad@stmaryonthehill.org Facilities Jimmy Carrick jimmy.carrick@knology.net SCHOOLS St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School Joseph McBride, Principal (706) smcs@knology.net Aquinas High School Maureen Lewis, Principal (706) aquinas@aquinashigh.org Fr. Richard Sutter, Chaplain In Residence at SMOTH Deadline for bulletin is Monday at noon. Send information by smbulletin@knology.net, fax or phone 1420 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA smoth@knology.net Web: Parish Office: (706) Fax (706) Hours: Monday Thursday 8:45 AM 5:30 PM, Friday 8:45 AM 2:00 PM

2 Weekly Schedule: January 3, 2016 Sunday, January 3 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6; Ps 72; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 7:45 am (Fr. Richard Sutter) Mass for the People Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C 10:30 am (Fr. Kieran) Carl & Lauren Rhodes NO CCD Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G Baptism Prep Class 1:30 pm PH NO High School Youth Night 12:15 pm (Fr. Lou Lindsey) Erna Hull Saints Overseas 3:00 pm SC 5:30 pm Fr. David Arnoldt) Michael Maguire Most Rev. Bishop Raymond W. Lessard, DD / Deacon John Wright, Theology IV* Monday, January 4 Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious 1 Jn 3:22--4:6; Mt 4:12-17, (Memorial: Dt 10:8-9; Mt 11:25-30) 7:00 am Mass for Fathers Bridge 10:00 am SC MDO 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SA Rosary & Miraculous Medal Novena 9:15 am Bobby Mulherin Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm 5:00 pm SJDC 5 th Anniversary Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH RCIA 7:00 pm PH Rev. Romanus Ezeugwu, MSP & Rev. Lorenzo Garcia / Drew Larkin, Theology III* Tuesday, January 5 Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop 1 Jn 4:7-10; Mk 6:34-44 (Memorial: Is 6:1-8; Mt 28:16-20) 7:00 am 9:15 am Friday, January 8 1 Jn 5:5-13; Lk 5: :00 am Elaine Moxlow 9:15 am Joseph Kelly Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH Very Rev. Timothy McKeown, VF & Rev. Pablo Migone / Peter Lanshima, Theology II* Saturday, January 9 1 Jn 5:14-21; Jn 3: :15 am Adam Gilmour Reconciliation 3:45-4:45 pm Church League Basketball Games Retrouvaille 6:00 pm SC 5:00 pm (Fr. Tom Healy) Arline Kelly Rigby 8:00 am - 3:00 pm G Rev. Lucien Lindsey & Rev. Kim Nguyen / Patrick May, Theology II* A = SJC Atrium AC= Adoration Chapel AH=Annunciation House MR1=Meeting Room 1 MR2=Meeting Room 2 YC=Youth Center (1 st Floor) Betty Garner Red Douglas MDO 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SA Centering Prayer 7:00 pm SC Rev. George Gonzalez & Rev. Avery Hanna / Chris Hassel, Pastoral Year* Wednesday, January 6 Memorial of Saint André Bessette, Religious 1 Jn 4:11-18; Mk 6:45-52 (Memorial: 1 Kgs 19:4-9a, 11-15a; Lk 9:57-62) 7:00 am Holland Merrick Bridge 10:00 am SC MDO 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SA Stewardship Commission Meeting 5:00 pm PH 5:15 pm Pat Gambill Bussey Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Light Weigh 7:00 pm FCH Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH Parish Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm PH Rev. Gerald Ragan & Rev. Donal Keohane / Theodore Agba, Theology II* Thursday, January 7 Memorial of Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest 1 Jn 4:19--5:4; Lk 4:14-22a (Memorial: 2 Cor 5:14-20; Lk 12:35-40) 7:00 am 9:15 am Cursillo 7:00 pm SC Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Theology Uncorked 7:30 pm MDO 9:00 am - 2:30 pm SA Knights of Columbus Hall Bridge 10:00 am SC Prayer Group 7:30 pm FCH Bingo 10:30 am SC Youth Holy Hour 9:00-10:00 pm AC Rev. Aaron Killips & Rev. Victor Marquez / Solomon Kaanan, Theology II* James MacKenzie Pat Gambill Bussey Sunday, January 10 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29; Acts 10:34-38; Lk 3:15-16, or Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 104; Ti 2:11-14, 3:4-7; Lk 3:15-16, :45 am (Fr. Jerry Ragan) Mary Selzler Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C K of C Pancake Breakfast Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G 10:30 am (Fr. Jerry Ragan) Ron Schwanenberger 80 th 8:00 am - 12:00 noon PH High School Youth Night Birthday CCD 9:00 am CAF 6:30-8:00 pm AH 12:15 pm (Fr. Meza) Julia & Jeff Fitzgerald Youth Master s Table Soup Kitchen 10:30 am NO Middle School Youth Night 3:00 pm (Fr. Lou Lindsey) Anglican Mass Church League Basketball Practice Youth March For Life/Ski Trip 5:30 pm Fr. David Arnoldt) Mass for the People 12:30-5:30 pm G Meeting 6:30 pm CAF Baptisms 1:30 pm C Most Rev. Bishop Gregory John Hartmayer, OFM Conv / Caleb Harkleroad, Theology I* BR= Bride Room C = Church CAF=SMCS Cafeteria CL= SMCS Computer Lab FCH = Fr. Charlie s House G = School Gym MC = SMCS Media Center N = Nursery NX= Narthex O = Office PH= Parish Hall R = Rectory SA = St. Anne s Hall SC= Senior Center SH = Scout Hut SJC = St. Joseph Center SJDC = St. Joseph Day Chapel SMCS = St. Marys Catholic School UR= SJC Upper Room *= Please pray daily for our Priests & Seminarians. =Deceased =Living

3 St. Mary on the Hill January 3, 2016 A few days ago we celebrated the beginning of a New Year and traditionally this is a good time to reassess where we are in our spiritual development and to reflect on how things might be different in the coming year. Today we hear the story of the Magi and the gifts they bring to Jesus. It is a good day to look at our own response to God. Stewardship is about making a response to God. And by now, I hope you know that I am not just talking about what goes into the offertory. That is a part of it and I am grateful for the generous response of so many at Christmas that allows us to get back to a balanced budget. But Stewardship is about so much more. So, I am asking how well have we given ourselves to God in response to his wonderful gift to us? How readily and regularly have we spent time with God in prayer, in reading his Word, in spending an hour in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament? How readily and regularly have we given of ourselves and our time to someone who needs love and compassion? How readily have we shown that this King rules in our lives by letting him make a difference when we are confused or lonely or devastated by what life throws up? How readily have we given God, not second best, not what s simply good enough, but the best of what we have to offer? What more could they or we -- want of a life s journey, than to find, in our epiphany, the Christ waiting for us? The twelve days of Christmas have led us to this place, where Gentiles from afar have discovered Christ, thereby revealing that He came for everyone, for each one of us throughout history, and not just for the Jewish people to whom he was born. The feast of Epiphany brings us to the last week of our liturgical celebration of Christmas. But for the Christian steward, Epiphany is not an end but a beginning. This feast reminds us that the New Year beckons us to openness about the epiphanies to which God leads us if we but keep an open, prayerful heart, a heart full of deep, awed gratitude. Let us pray never to become too jaded, too full of certainty, too wrapped up in the routine of life to be asleep at the time of epiphany. If we could resolve to keep only one New Year s Resolution, let it be this: to pay attention to the epiphanies God places before us. I am delighted to announce that Bishop Hartmayer has appointed a new Parochial Vicar to our faith community. Father Gonzalo Meza was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas in He is 38 years old and most recently he has been an associate pastor in San Antonio. Before he began studying for the priesthood Fr. Meza worked for several years at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City in the consular section. He studied in Rome with Fr. Pablo Migone at the North American College and Fr. Pablo naturally told him wonderful things about our Diocese and St. Mary on the Hill. So, he wanted to come and see. The Bishop has told me that like me Fr. Meza might be perceived as being somewhat reserved but that may be where the comparisons end. I am intimidated by the depth of his experience. I believe he can converse in six languages. He is a member of the American Translators Association. In addition to studying in Rome and working in our Embassy in Mexico City, Fr. Meza has taught in Paris, and for two years was a translator and media assistant for Archbishop Gomez in Los Angeles. He is an expert in liturgy. He is passionately pro-life and has a deep concern for persecuted Christians. I look forward to welcoming him this week and I have no doubt that you will help me in offering Fr. Meza a warm welcome. And as a native of Philadelphia, I think it is a good week to welcome Fr. Meza because on Tuesday we celebrate the feast day of the fifth Bishop of Philadelphia, St. John Neumann. St. John was also a great linguist. His ability to speak seven languages, German, Czech, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Gaelic helped him to serve the immigrant people of his day. Naturally as a native, I have great devotion to St. John. He was doing errands on January 5, 1860, when he collapsed and died of a stroke on Vine St. across the street from where my Dad had his office for many years. On the Way Home: It has been said that the star is a symbol of faith. Do you have stars in your life that lead you on the right path to Jesus? Who or what are they? How can your faith be a star for others this week? How can it light the way?

4 PRAYER REQUESTS Kim Agee Vicky Barnett Patricia Beckwith Lillian Bennett Bill Berry Michael Boos Lois Brooks Pray for the Sick of Our Parish Frances Brown Retta Burke Clifford Carey Cameron Clark Joyce Coleman Diane Cone Marianna Daskal Scott Davis Greg Dross Margaret Dunstan Diane Dymeck Tom Edry Wayne Enroughty Dwain Green Hugh Greene STEWARDSHIP Charles Hinnant Anne Hoffman John Hoverkamp Jennifer Jackson Sheri James Cambri Jewell Lisa Johnson Steve Kowalczyk Ed Kulik Laurie Landrum Audrey Lavin Tony Maniquis Marie McBurney Ann McDaniel Eva Marie Mobley Kathy Mosner Jason Mulherin Pop Newman Tim O Shea Benny Price Tony Price Sallie Rankin Paul Reese Ashton Rinker Aileen Robinson Wanda Roper Pam Rosema Mary Rolwing Joan Schenkel Shirley Schwanenberger Ron Schwanenberger Martha Scott MaeAnnie Screven Julia K. Smith Brandy Stephens Joyce Stigall John Strelec Maura Stoehr Virginia Weigle Joe Ward John Ward Vickie Walters Pray for the Military ENS Kyle A. Iasiello USS Farragut MAJ I. Michael McLaughlin - Kuwait SSgt Brandon Terrette - Honduras McKenzie Dicks Carter Maura Dial Stephanie Mae Easley Please remember in your prayers our parish family and friends, and those involved in the war on terrorism. Pray for Expectant Mothers Jessica Futrelle Leslie Gumas Carol Harrison Karmen Lowery Ryan Armstrong Rhodes Michelle Rose Please pray for our expectant mothers and their babies. If you are a member of St. Mary s and expecting a baby, please call the Parish Office to add your name to the Elizabeth Ministry list. January 3, 2016 Please remember to call the church office if you or a family member can be removed from this prayer list. If you have a loved one in need of prayers, please call the Parish Office ( ). Names of the sick will be listed for two weeks unless we are informed otherwise. Intercessory Prayer Team at St. Mary on the Hill is ready and willing to pray for the needs of our fellow parishioners. If you or someone you love has a prayer request, please call or send an . This powerful team of more than 65 members can lift you and your needs in prayer. Contact Mary-Garner Merz or mgmerz123@knology.net. Parish Stewardship of Treasure Week of 12/20/15 FY16 Year to Date FY15 Year to Date Contributions $ 92,246 $ 1,860,653 $ 1,804,385 Children s $ 80 $ 2,135 $ 2,314 Stock/Other $ - $ 57,799 $ 94,946 Total $ 92,326 $ 1,920,587 $ 1,901,645 Budget $ 78,845 $ 1,971,125 $ 1,971,125 Surplus (Deficit) $ 13,481 $ (50,538) $ (69,480) Bequest $ - $ 277,047 $ 1,200 Memorials/Donations $ 1,367 $ 3,278 $ 1,780 Southern Cross $ 25 $ 5,524 $ 5,754 Religious Retirement $ 2,300 $ 13,767 $ 15,015 Special Collections $ 5,760 $ 17,948 $ 36, (18 thru the website) of 2461 families and 65 children gave the week of December 13, Don t Forget to Turn in Your Commitment Card We re still in the midst of or annual Stewardship Renewal. If you haven t returned your Commitment Card, you still can mail it to the Parish Office or turn it in the weekend collection basket. Returning your card is an important part of being an active member of St. Mary on the Hill. Please take this opportunity to express your support for our parish with your time, talent, and treasure! Bishop s Annual Appeal As of the last report we received (12/18/15), 599 of our parishioners have given $225,704 to the Bishop s Annual Appeal which is 93% of our target of $242,807. Thank you to those who have made their BAA pledge. If you are not able to make a pledge, please consider a one-time gift. Give with a Joyful Heart Each one of us is Christ to all we meet. Black and Native American Mission Ever since the first Collection in 1887, the Commission has administered the yearly, national Black and Indian Mission Collection. The generosity of the good People of God allows the Commission to give helpful grants to dioceses across the country to operate schools, parishes, and other missionary services that build the Body of Christ in Native American, Alaska Native, and Black Catholic communities. For more information on this Mission, please visit Part of our tithe next week will be for the Black and Native American Mission.

5 WORSHIP Children s Liturgy Sunday, January 17, we will celebrate the Children s Liturgy of the Word during the 10:30 am Mass. This is for children in kindergarten, first or second grades who have not celebrated their First Communion. The children will begin the 10:30 am Mass with their parents and then will be dismissed and taken to the Parish Hall for their own age appropriate Liturgy of the Word. They will rejoin their parents in the Church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. If you are interested in helping with this ministry please contact Tiffany Salmons at or themobilementor@gmail.com. In Loving Memory of: The Burke, Kearns & Agee Families by Loretta K. Burke Michelle Ware by Mildred Z. Mills Mary & Jim Nooney, Catherine & John Seechak by Nancy Nooney Edward & Margaret Deuchar, Michael & Dorothy Bruno by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Deuchar Mr. & Mrs. Gene Howerd, Sr., Big Dot Armstrong, Mary Hilda Price by Katherine Howerdd Price Cheryl A. Bachelder, Margaret Bachelder, Eleanor Walker The Saints & Martyrs by Michael Sexton Kathy & Al Christine, Erna Hull by Renee J. Strunk Dr. & Mrs. Joe Mulherin, Dr. & Mrs. F.X. Mulherin, Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Key, Mary Alice King by Estelle Mulherin Duncan Frank X. Kaminski, Dolores Kaminski by Paula Kaminski Mr. & Mrs. C.J. Vaughan by Greg Poteet Donation by Patricia Rimbey Christmas Flowers Tommy Werrick, Kathleen & W.B. Duncan by Sheryl Werrick Katharine Cundey, D.J. Fountain, Mr. & Mrs. Homer Hawkins, Tamara Dunstan by the Richard Cundey Family Tom & Mary Maxwell, Nan Armstrong, Dorothy Armstrong, Louise Armstrong by Scott, Susan, Chris & Mary Graham Littlefield Agnes Conklin, Betty Harris, Virginia Wilkins, Monica Lightell, Scott Hayward Mary & Tom Maxwell, Aaron Booher, Melissa Eustice by Trisha, Meredith & Rusty Campbell Jack & Joan Rucker, Peter & Rosemary Menk by Mike Rucker In Honor of: Laura Cameron by Sheryl Werrick Jack & Jean Leone, Clifford Hull, Colleen Quinn by Renee J. Strunk Mr. & Mrs. Gene Howerdd, Jr, Little Dot Armstrong by Katherine Howerdd Price The Priests of St. Mary on the Hill by Victoria Sanders FAITH FORMATION Baptisms Baptism Preparation Classes typically are scheduled for the first Sunday of the month. The next Baptism Preparation Class is Sunday, February 7 at 1:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Please call the office to register for classes, Baptisms normally will be held the third weekend of the month at the 5:00 pm and 12:15 pm Masses. Please call the office to register. Perpetual Adoration - Adorers Needed! 11:55 pm - 1:00 am Sunday, Monday, Saturday 1:00-2:00 am Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 2:00-3:00 am Sunday, Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 3:00-4:00 am MONDAY, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 am Sunday, Tuesday, Saturday 5:00-6:00 am Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:00-7:00 am Sunday, Saturday 9:00-10:00 am Monday, Saturday 10:00-11:00 am Monday, Thursday 11:00-12:00 noon Sunday, Monday,Thursday, Friday 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, SATURDAY 1:00-2:00 pm Saturday 2:00-3:00 pm Friday,Saturday 3:00-4:00 pm Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5:00-6:00 pm Thursday 6:00-7:00 pm Thursday 7:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, Saturday 8:00-9:00 pm Sunday, Monday, Friday 9:00-10:00 pm Friday 10:00-11:00 pm Thursday, Saturday 11:00 pm - midnight Saturday BIG NEED FOR A PARTNER: 3:00-4:00 am Monday Noon - 1:00 pm Saturday January 3, 2016 Perpetual Adoration needs a strong boost in adorers. Please prayerfully consider adding an hour of adoration to your week. Call Paul or Mary Ellen Zielinski to sign on and begin enjoying a life filled with more blessings and peace. God truly does give back abundantly to those who spend time with Him. Blessing Non-Catholics and others unable to receive Eucharist are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. Please indicate so by crossing your arms in front of your chest. Homebound Visitation If there are parishioners who are homebound, in a nursing facility, or in the hospital and who wish pastoral visits and Holy Communion, please have a family member contact the Parish Office by calling (706) We rely on family members to notify us if there are patients to be visited. Please keep the office informed. Volunteers Needed!! You can participate in the Mass in a special way. Please volunteer to carry the offertory gifts at any Mass. Just check in with the ushers before Mass. Engaged Couples - Mandatory Marriage Preparation Retreat The next Engaged Couples weekend will be at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church on January 15 & 16, This certification is required to get married in the Catholic Church. Advance registration is required to attend. Please remember that this certification is mandatory. If you have not received your informational letter, please call the Parish Office. For more information or registration, call the Parish Office at (706)

6 St. Mary on the Hill January 3, 2016 Is your marriage in trouble? Are you at the end of your rope? Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with each other? Don t know how to change or where to turn? 10 s of 1000 s enduring the pain of a troubled marriage have been helped. Reach for the RETROUVAILLE LIFELINE. Our next Retrouvaille Weekend will be January in an Augusta Hotel. For additional information or to register call (706) or retroquinn@knology.net. More info at Space limited. Register early. COMMUNITY Senior Center WELCOME BACK! SIGN UP: Corks & Canvas Master s Tee Thursday February 11 1:00-4:00 pm Step by step instructions. It s EASY.it s fun!! You take your painting home that day. SIGN UP: Historic Trolley Tour Friday January 22 1:00 pm $18 We ll be picked up at the CHURCH. SIGN UP: Ken Maleck s Tax Tips & LUNCH Monday January 11 11:00 am Ken keeps us updated with all the new laws. SIGN UP: Tuesday Music Live January 12 12:00 Noon I must collect $12 for the luncheon BEFORE January 6. $$$ BINGO $$$ Thursday January 7 10:30 am Senior Center Calendar for January is available in the Narthex. Abuse Hotline Number: To report sexual abuse of a minor by a Diocese of Savannah employee or volunteer, call the abuse hotline number at or the Office for the Protection of Children and Young people, /4. To read the diocesan policy on sexual abuse of minors, go to www. diosav.org/childyouthprotection. Pancake Breakfast Pancake Breakfast to benefit our Seminarians will be held next Sunday, January 10 in the Parish Hall after the 7:45 & 10:30 am masses. Come and have a delicious and filling Pancake and Sausage Breakfast with the proceeds going to our Seminarians. Our Patrick Walsh K of C Council will host the event. Cost is $5.00 for an adult, $15.00 per family or $3.00 for a child. Ladies Out to Lunch Thursday, January 14 at 11:30 am This is our Special Pot Luck Lunch in the Parish Hall with a Very Special Guest Speaker Reservations call Jane Cashin, or Ellen Burroughs, Church Basketball League Practices There will be no scheduled Church Basketball Practice until January 10. Coaches, if you choose to have practice on Sundays over the holidays, please let Alice Hagler know so the gym will be open for you during your designated time. Parents, unless you hear from your child s coach saying that you do have practice, there will be no practice until after school starts back! Widow - Widowers Widow- Widowers group will meet at T-Bonz on Washington Road Tuesday, January 12, 2016, 6:00 pm RSVP: Gail Winkley (706) by Sunday, January 10, th Annual Ciao, Bella! Dance Make your plans now to come to The 12 th Annual Ray Meneghello Ciao, Bella! Dance sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 677 on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at the St. Mary on the Hill Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome at this casual evening of dinner, dancing to live music by Soundtrack, and conversation with old friends and new. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm, dancing at 7:30 pm and goes until 11. The cost is only $45 per couple in advance, or $50 at the door. For reservations, contact Rich Dimenna at richdimenna@gmail. com or call Attention 8th Graders: Aquinas High School Placement Test Saturday, January 23 at 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Saturday, March 13 at 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Please call Alice Hagler to make your reservation, $20 fee

7 St. Mary on the Hill January 3, 2016 Jubilee Year of Mercy December 8, November 20, 2016 Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Saturday, February 20, 2016 beginning at 2:00 pm As part of a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, the Augusta Deanery is organizing a bus. The afternoon will include mid-afternoon prayer with homilist, Fr. Timothy McKeown; Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; Chaplet of Divine Mercy; Sacrament of Reconciliation; Benediction and more. The bus will leave on Saturday morning at 11:00 am and will depart the Cathedral after the 5:30 pm Vigil Mass. The cost of the trip is $25 per person. Please contact Church office at Space is limited so please reserve your place soon! Deadline to pay/ register is January 30, Notes from the Parish Office - If you are new to the parish, please call, , or stop by the church office. It only takes a minute to register and we would love to hear from you. Registration forms are also online at stmaryonthehill.org/registration.htm - If you are going to move, have a change of address or change your phone number, please contact the parish office. You can help save us return postage. - If you have an emergency and need a priest after hours, please remember that the emergency phone number is on the front cover of the bulletin. - When you reach the age of 18 and/or are no longer a dependent of your parents, you should register with the parish. If you are asked to be a sponsor or godparent, then the parish will be able to issue a certificate that you are an active, registered member of the parish. - If you have a loved one on the prayer list, please call the office when their name can be removed. SERVICE St. Mary on the Hill School News This week at school: Re-enrollment for the upcoming will begin on January 4, 2016 for all current families. The re-enrollment should be completed on RenWeb by clicking on the Family Information link on the left side of the page and following the directions. Please make any changes to all the forms (address changes, medical information, emergency contacts, etc.). This will automatically update your information and start the re-enrollment process. You will not need to send in a paper copy of the re-enrollment form. Payments may be made online by clicking on the link on the last page or on the home page under announcements. Re-enrollment fees are: $350, 1 child; $650, 2 children; $950, 3 children and $1250, 4 children. Please call Mrs. Ryan if you have any questions. Re-Registrations are due from families planning to return by Friday, January 15 th! The basketball teams will pay at Mead Hall on Thursday. Games begin at 4:00 pm. Report Cards will be distributed on Friday. Please be sure all fees are paid and accounts are up to date. Otherwise, report cards will be held. Elijah Cup will be at the 12:15 pm Mass January through March 2016 The Elijah Cup program is a ministry to foster and support priestly and religious vocations. The Elijah Cup is a chalice that is presented to a family, couple, or individual each Sunday at the offering of the gifts. The chalice is taken home and used as a focal point while praying for our current and future priests, deacons, and sisters. The chalice is returned the following Sunday. Sign up in the Narthex or contact Miriam Cortez-Cooper at (706) or by mcortezcooper@gmail.com. Family Promise of Augusta Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 It s the time again! St. Mary s will be hosting up to three homeless families the week of January 3 rd at the Annunciation House on Central Ave. We need many volunteers to meet the families needs. If you can prepare and share an evening meal, spend the night, help set-up for our guests, or have some time on Saturday or Sunday afternoon please contact one of the coordinators or see the display and sign-up sheets in the Narthex: Time commitments range from 2-10 (10 hrs. for overnight) hours depending on what you sign-up to do. Diane is doing well; she had hip surgery on Tuesday and continues to recover. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Hopefully she will be able to join us when we host in April Service weeks: January 3-10, April 24-30, October Wish List: Toiletries; body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, liquid soap, personal hygiene items, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair accessories, razors, shaving cream. Baby items; diapers, wipes, baby wash, etc. All items are greatly appreciated. We are also in need of towels (bath, hand, and washcloths) preferably white, and both twin and full size bed sheet sets (new or gently used). Lori Serji , lori.serji@knology.net Allison Spensley: Meal Coordinator , alli101320@gmail.com Cherie Wright: Overnight Coordinator, cherie.wright@bsci.com Chad Sweeney: Set-up & Take down Coordinator, chadsweeney@aol.com

8 St. Mary on the Hill January 3, 2016 Youth Events Master s Table Soup Kitchen - Usually every Second Sunday (January 10) Come Serve at the Master s Table Soup Kitchen (behind the Civic Center). To serve, please Belinda at belwat630@ comcast.net Call Michael for more info Year of Mercy Check for information about Youth Ministry! March for Life/Ski Trip When: Thursday, January 21 through Monday, January 25, 2016 Where: March for Life - Washington, DC; Winterplace Ski Resort, Ghent, WV Cost: $385 for students who plan to ski at ski resort ($100 non-refundable payment due to hold spot. Final payment due by January 4, 2016) **Note: Teens can earn a $5 credit towards this trip for every Youth event (Youth night, praying at abortion mill, soup kitchen, holy hour, etc.) Up to a $100 credit can be earned by teens! Cost includes: Lodging, bus ride, ski lift tickets, ski rentals, breakfast, sweatshirt Sign-up at: March for Life/Ski Trip Meeting & Ski Fitting Sunday, January 10 after 5:30 pm Mass (~6:30 pm) in the school cafeteria Middle School Youth Night: Sunday, January 24 (No Middle School Youth Night on January 10 th.) after 5:30 pm Mass (~6:40 pm) SMS Cafeteria and Gym Food, Fun, Jesus! Youth Holy Hour - Every Thursday, 9:00-10:00 pm Come and spend some time with Jesus in the Eucharist. Pop in and spend 10 minutes or the whole hour with THE MAN - JESUS! Words for the Week There s no vocation to laziness. ~ Pope Francis Augusta Young Adult Ministry Weekly Spirit & Truth Young Adult Meetings The Annunciation House 2561 Central Ave (on the corner of Central & 7:30 pm every Thursday *unless otherwise specified Complimentary Dinner! This Catholic Ministry seeks to bring Christians into contact with Christ and His Church through Faith, Fellowship, & Spiritual Growth. YAM is affiliated with the Diocese of Savannah and is supported by St. Mary on the Hill Church. January Schedule 1/7 Theology Uncorked Q&A with Fr Jerry at the Knights of Columbus Hall 1/14 Answering Atheism: How to Make the Case for God with Logic & Charity 1/21 Gospel Study 1/28 Movie Night: Mother Theresa Every Sunday from 1:00-2:00 pm, a volunteer member(s) of our group covers adoration in the Chapel. The following movies have been evaluated by the Catholic News Service according to artistic merit and moral suitability. The reviews include the CNS rating and the Motion Picture Association of America rating. (see website The 33 A-III adults. (PG-13) Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip A-I General Patronage (G) The Big Short A-III adults. (R) Brooklyn A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) Burnt A-III adults. (R) Creed A-III adults. (PG-13) Daddys Home L Limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (PG-13) The Good Dinosaur A-I General Patronage (PG) The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) In the Heart of the Sea A-III adults. (PG-13) Krampus A-III adults. (PG-13) Legend L Limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (R) The Letters A-II adults and adolescents (PG) MOVIE RATINGS Love the Coopers L Limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (PG-13) My All American A-II adults and adolescents (PG) The Night Before O morally offensive (R) Our Brand Is Crisis A-III adults. (R) The Peanuts Movie A-I General Patronage (G) Point Break A-III adults. (PG-13) Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse O morally offensive (R) Secret in Their Eyes O morally offensive (R) Sisters O morally offensive (R) Spectre A-III adults. (PG-13) Spotlight A-III adults. (R) Star Wars: The Force Awakens A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) Steve Jobs A-III adults. (R) Victor Frankenstein A-III adults. (PG-13)

9 AROUND THE DEANERY, DIOCESE, & THE AREA Awakening Faith Program Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 4921 Columbia Road, Grovetown, Georgia, will be offering an eleven week program of faith renewal entitled Awakening Faith. This is a conversationbased program that gives inactive or marginally active Catholics a forum where they reconnect with their faith and have it reawakened. Here is where Catholics can come together and explore questions of faith. Through this program, people are able to draw closer to Christ, the Church and hopefully, to be more active in their parishes. Topics include individual Spirituality, the Trinity, Mass, Forgiveness, Faith, Love and Marriage to name a few. The series will begin on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the home of Mary and Deacon Joe Soparas. For more information go to or contact Deacon Joe or Mary Soparas at , mary.soparas@ gmail.com or joseph.soparas@gmail.com. Special Education Scholarship Fund In conjunction with the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Immaculate Conception Catholic School kicks off its Special Education Scholarship Fund Campaign. We are asking for 100,000 people to give only $1. Be the first to help out this worthy cause. Spread the word to co-workers, family, and friends. Go to our website icaugusta.org/ support-us to donate! Or you can mail your donation to: IC Catholic School Attn.: Special Ed Scholarship Fund PO Box 2446, Augusta, GA NO MATTER THE NEED, EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL! Help Spread THE WORD Saint Paul Radio WKER 91.1 FM MSA Hospice MSA Hospice is seeking compassionate hearts to volunteer with hospice patients. Volunteering may include companionship or caregiver relief. Training provided. Must be 18 or older. For more info, contact Adrianne Fernandez, Volunteer Coordinator at (706) or amfernandez@msa-corp.com We are also looking for veterans and therapy dogs to join our caring team. Live Praise & Worship Concert Begin 2016 with Praise, Worship and Eucharistic Adoration Featuring Audrey Assad 7:00 pm, Friday January 8 Free Admission Daily Mass at 6:00 pm followed by concert at 7:00 pm in Main Sanctuary at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 4921 Columbia Rd, Grovetown, GA Catholic New England/ Canada Cruise Come and sail away on a 7-night Catholic New England/Canada Cruise with Father Gerald Ragan August 20 August 27, 2016 on Holland America s Veendam out of Boston, Massachusetts-- Ports of Call: Bar Harbor, Maine Halifax, Nova Scotia Sydney, Nova Scotia Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Cruise Gulf Of St. Lawrence Cruise St. Lawrence River Quebec City, Quebec Montreal, Quebec. Prices begin at $2983 for two passengers this includes all port fees and taxes. Daily Mass offered. Deposits of only $350 per person will reserve your cabin. Space is limited. For further info or to register, contact Doug or Eileen at / Doug@CatholicCruisesandTours.com. Evening in Ireland The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) will present an evening of food, Irish music and Irish fun on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Augusta Elks Lodge. The entertainment will consist of local talent with students of Lillie Morris and a regional band the Amazing Spud Brothers. Tickets can be purchased from any LAOH member or at St. Mary s and St. Teresa s church office. The cost is $25.00 per ticket. We look forward to presenting this show and hope you will join us in our celebration of an Evening in Ireland. Contact info: Karen Brooks at (706) or kandvbrooks@ yahoo.com, Estelle Duncan or eduncan081954@yahoo.com, Ruth Smith or garnsmitty@gmail.com. Legalized Abortion in America: How We Got Here and What is Happening - The Witness of a Sidewalk Counselor January 16, 3:00-4:00 pm Maxwell Branch Library 1927 Lumpkin Road Reservations required Augusta University Literacy Center Will present the play, Sticks and Stones on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 from 10:00-11:00 am in the AU Maxwell Theater. The cost for the play is $2/person. Please call and tell how many will be coming. Deanery Rosary for Persecuted Christians Where: St. Ignatios of Antioch Greek Melkite Catholic Church, 1003 Merry St. We meet in the Sanctuary When: Every Saturday 11:45 am Join us for the rosary, prayer and singing hymns. Lunch is served in the parish hall afterwards. Pro-Life WEEKLY: Every Saturday Morning, 9:00 AM through 12:00 noon- At a Preferred Health Center, 2903 Professional Parkway, the West Augusta abortion clinic, for prayer and silent witness. Please contact George Vozniak at Every Wednesday 6:30-8:00 am, Prayer at Planned Parenthood. MONTHLY: First Tuesday of each month - Pro-Life Rosary and Prayer - 11:30 am in front of Planned Parenthood. First Saturday of each month - Mass at Saint Mary on the Hill, 9:15 am, followed by a Pro-Life Rosary at Preferred Health Center (approximately 10:15 am) First and Third Fridays of each month - Crosswalk, a family pro-life gathering, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Planned Parenthood. Please contact Gary Garner, at Free Pregnancy Care Services Abortion Alternatives: Birthright of Augusta: LOVE Birthright National: Augusta Care Pregnancy Center: Care Net/Heartbeat Hotline: HELP Post Abortion Alternatives: Rachel s Vineyard: 877-HOPE-4-ME.