First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017

Transcription

1 First Sunday of Advent December 3, Philippe Parkway Safety Harbor, FL (727) Fax: (727) Church Office Hours Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (727) Fax (727) School Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (727) Fax: (727) Religious Educa on Office Hours Monday - Tuesday 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (727) Fax: (727)

2 Celebra ons of the Holy Eucharist Masses Monday Friday 8:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m.( includes Anoin ng of the Sick), Saturday Vigils: 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m.-family Mass, 10:15 a.m., 12:00p.m. & 5 p.m.-lifeteen/young Adult Bap sms Please contact the church office at least 6 weeks in advance. Sacrament of Reconcilia on Saturday 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Communal Celebra ons during Advent and Lent. (Special Schedule During Holidays) Church Office (727) Clergy and Consecrated Religious Pastor - Reverend Father Len Piotrowski Parochial Vicars - Reverend Father Frank Lubowa Reverend Father Brad Reed Pastoral Ministries - Deacon John Alvarez Assis ng - Deacon Vincent Alterio Deacon Dominic Friscia Deacon Steven Girardi Deacon Greg Nash Funeral Liaison - Sister Paulamarie Lacy, SND Bereavement Sister Donna Daniels, SND Espiritu Santo Catholic School (727) Principal - Margaret A Penn Clearwater Central Catholic High School (727) Principal - James W. Deputy (Parish Supported High School) Parish Informa on Weddings Please contact the church office at least 6 months in advance. Parish Staff Sacrament of Anoin ng of the Sick Every Saturday morning during the 8:30 a.m. Mass, 2nd Thursday at 11:00 a.m. during our Sick & Homebound Mass, or you may ask the priest a er any Mass, or call the office for an appointment. Devo ons First Friday Adora on of the Blessed Sacrament 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. with Benedic on of the Blessed Sacrament Marian Prayers: In honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Mondays a er the 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Masses Rosaries Monday Saturday, 8:00 a.m. Thursday, 10:15 a.m. and following the 6:30 p.m. Mass. Pastoral Staff Office (727) Bulle n Editor - Jean Hart Director of Accoun ng & Finance - Jus ne Mullaney Director of Business Services - Terry Ness Evangelization & Adult Faith Formation - Deacon Steven Girardi Liturgy & Music - Jeff FitzCharles Office Manager - Millie Cantone Outreach Ministries/Pastoral Council - Deacon Vincent Alterio RCIA - Deacon Steven Girardi Sacristan - Paule e Purvis Sick & Homebound Visita ons - Deacon Dom Friscia Stewardship & Family Life Ministries - Tim Bergevin Website - Sonia Romero Religious Educa on (727) Director of Religious Educa on RE Administra ve Assistant Our Mission and Our Vision Ellen Jones Pat Roane Mission Statement -Who We Are The welcoming community of Espiritu Santo, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is commi ed to encountering Christ by spreading the joy of the Gospel, celebra ng the sacraments, serving with compassion, and embracing all on our journey of faith together. (In a Nutshell: To proclaim and live Jesus Christ to all in love.) Vision Statement-Who We Strive To Be Espiritu Santo Catholic Church and School is a warm and welcoming Eucharist centered parish community reaching out to all people in their treasured diversity. We support and encourage all people, especially our youth, to grow and par cipate more fully in their journey of faith. We ac vely engage in parish and community ministries that transform our words of faith into works of compassion, mercy and a commitment to social jus ce in the one global family. We envision a stronger commitment to be er understand, appreciate and celebrate the joy of the gospel, the grace of the sacraments and the transforma ve power of prayer and God s infinite love.

3 We are a Sacramental People Mass Inten ons Bap sm: Parents of infants and children six years of age and younger contact the church office preferably six weeks in advance at bap sm@espiritusanto.cc Children seven years and older, teens & adults contact: Deacon Steven Girardi for more informa on at deaconsteven@espiritusanto.cc First Holy Communion & Confirma on: School aged, contact Ellen Jones, Ellen@espiritusanto.cc Older teens and adults, contact Deacon Steven Girardi, deaconsteven@espiritusanto.cc Marriage: Contact Tim Bergevin at least six months in advance at Tim@espiritusanto.cc Holy Orders: Contact Father Carl Melchior (727) ; or spvoca on@dosp.org Prayer List Please pray for those who are suffering from illness in our parish. Prayer list names remain on the prayer list for eight weeks, a call is needed to renew. Elsie Archer Patricia Arias Assunta Badamo Donald Bishop Marie Bishop Dora Ciardullo Chuck Coggin Ivan Crnich Larry Crowley Sco Crowther Tony Degenaro Enrique Reyes Daniel Fleming Joni Giardino-Lopez Ka e Griffin Rose Marie Harvey Anne Hode Grace Ierardo Carl A. Invandino Sanctuary Candle For this Week In Memory of: Enrique Reyes From: The Romero Family Tim Keyes Jim Larkins Gary Mancuso Candy Masipinto Derek Matson Brooke Musmacker Jacob Nicker Maureen O'Brien Frank O Mrs. Papara Angelica Pa erson Carlos Ristorelli Adeline Ross Terry Theriod Hester Thuerk Barbara Va ato Maria Wassmer Josie Wilson Eleanor Zingale Monday, December 4 8:30 a.m. Brian Farley 12:15 p.m. Nermine Rubin INT 6:30 p.m. Pauline Farrugia Tuesday, December 5 8:30 a.m. Bob Larue 12:15 p.m. Louis S. Allen 6:30 p.m. James M. Ferguson, Jr. Wednesday, December 6 8:30 a.m. Frank DeMarco 12:15 p.m. Robert Cass 6:30 p.m. Osvaldo Vega Thursday, December 7 8:30 a.m. Aida Filosa 12:15 p.m. Barbara Krautheim Vigil Masses-Immaculate Concep on 4:00 p.m. Marie Murphy 6:30 p.m. John Ciardullo Friday, December 8-Immaculate Concep on 7:00 a.m. For the People INT 8:30 a.m. Helen Larkins INT 10:15 a.m. Thomas McKenna & Family 12:15 p.m. Edward Lynch 4:00 p.m. GiGi Lindh INT 6:30 p.m. Robert Dellefield Saturday, December 9 8:30 a.m. Terry Moriarty Vigil Masses 4:00 p.m. Ed Hannaford 6:00 p.m. Vi orio Palazzo Sunday, December 10 7:00 a.m. For the People INT 8:30 a.m. Concepcion Villa 10:15 a.m. James M. Ferguson, Jr. 12:00 p.m. Concepcion Villa 5:00 p.m. Gerry Moynihan

4 Reflec ons Reflec ons on the Scriptures by Jack Conroy, Ph. D - 2nd Sunday of Advent I. Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 The First Good News Reflec on: This reading opens what scholars call "Second Isaiah," to dis nguish it from the wri ng of "Isaiah of Jerusalem," who ostensibly wrote in the 8th Century BC. The context of this document is that of the Exiles in Babylon, or mid Sixth Century BC. It opens with God addressing a group, perhaps prophets, including Isaiah, sugges ng that Jerusalem (by having been demolished) has paid for her sins. But, most importantly, it affirms that God has not abandoned the Exiles; that His presence will be made manifest. While it may have appeared that God had abandoned His People in the Exile, the reality is otherwise. It is a sign of Hope that we share in Advent. II. 2 Peter 3:8-14 A Defense of God s Promise Reflec on: The early Church expected Christ s return in the immediate future. In the earlier sec on of this le er, certain scoffers had challenged the Church contending that Christ had not kept His promise to return. In the ancient world, promises were sacred and one was considered dishonorable not to fulfill his or her promise. Hence, Christ Himself was being challenged. The author of this le er defends Christ s honor by arguing that divine me is different from our me. The fact that His return had not come could be understood by understanding this dis nc on. Indeed, such an argument holds even today, for we have lost the apocalyp c sense of the early church. The return of Christ in fire would bring about The a new human world heart where plans righteousness the way, would but the dwell; LORD we directs now know the steps. that bringing Proverbs about 16:9 that sort of world is our task, and we rely on God only to provide us with the grace to effect the apocalyp c transforma on through our efforts. III. Mark 1:1-8 The Beginning of the Gospel Reflec on: We should first no ce that the Greek word for Gospel is euangellion ; eu means good; and angellion means announcement. (Note: Angels are Announcers. ) This same word, euangellion is what glad dings is translated from in Isaiah 40:9. The author of Mark clearly picked up the idea that the same Glad dings of God s presence is precisely the announcement of John the Bap st! Second, no ce that we have the tle Christ, which does not appear un l 8:31, with the confession of Peter about who Jesus was. And Son of God does not re-appear un l the Gen le Centurion confesses it at the foot of the cross (15:39). Hence, Mark frames his en re story in the first sentence. The Good News is that Jesus is in fact God s presence, announced to the world at a me of exile; Jesus is God s anointed one (Gr. Christos) and God s Son. Advent Taize The Spirit of Advent is one of vigilance and ac on. We watch and wait with longing for the coming of our God A spirituality of vigilance slows us down and draws us into a deep place of awareness awareness of who is to come, Emmanuel, God with us awareness that we have been entrusted since the beginning of me with the well-being of one another, and of this earth, our home awareness that God has given us dominion over the earth and its creatures that we may draw from the earth only what we need to live, to safe-guard and responsibly manage our environment. Advent, finds us wai ng an cipa ng, reflec ng on our promised Savior, Jesus,...coming now and coming again at the end of me. to heal our wounded world with the gi of himself We long for a new heaven and a new earth transformed, healed, and abundantly available to everyone. And if we are honest, we know that will not happen without us. This evening, an Advent Sabbath is in response to the plea of Pope Francis to all who call earth home, we have chosen to reflect on this sacred trust. Advent Taize Wednesday, December 13 7:30 p.m.

5 Re rement Fund For Religious 2017 Collec on

6 Liturgy & Worship Feast of the Immaculate Concep on December 8 Holy Day Mass Schedule: Vigils 4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Holy Day: 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. WE NEED YOU!!! The Solemni es of Immaculate Concep on and Christmas are right around the corner. All Liturgical Ministers are URGED to see the signup sheets in the Minister s Room for our many Masses where we need help and lectors need to pick-up their workbooks in the Ministers Room. Thank You. Advent Reconcilia on Service: Plan Ahead *Please note - there will be only one service The service will be celebrated Monday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the main church. In this season of grace and light, we are called to Prepare the Way of the Lord by renewing our rela onship with God and with one another. A pure heart and clear conscience bring the deepest peace and joy we can imagine. Give this great gi to yourself and others. Come, par cipate in our Advent Reconcilia on service. We will have me for communal prayer, followed by individual confession and absolu on. An cipate the light and peace of forgiveness. Christmas Flowers Contribu ons for our seasonal environment and beau ful Christmas flowers placed in our sanctuaries for Christmas are needed. Please use the designated envelope found in your envelope packet or through the WeShare app found on our website: Thank you for your dona on. Jeff Fitzcharles Director of Liturgy & Music jeff@espiritusanto.cc Adult Faith Forma on With the approach of Christmas, the life of the Church is energized as we celebrate the coming of Jesus and greet the crowds of people who will join us during our Christmas Vigil and Christmas Day Masses. This is a good me to share our faith with other people perhaps someone who isn t Catholic or someone who has dri ed away from the Church but may be thinking about their faith at Christmas. One way to do that is to invite someone to join you at our monthly forum, What Do Catholics Believe?, from 7:30-9 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, in the Parish Center. This is our third forum during which 30 to 50 non-catholics and Catholics have come to discuss and to ques on our faith, tradi ons, history and celebra ons with our Pastor Father Len and each other. The conversa ons have been lively, hi ng on topics such as marriage and annulments, how to read scripture, who can be bap zed, is there really such a place as limbo, and some of the concerns that have caused people to leave the Church. Maybe you are curious about some aspect of our faith, or have nagging ques ons about something. Or maybe you know someone who is interested in what we do, or even in becoming a Catholic. If so, why not plan to join us for 90 minutes or so? Brochures in the pews have more informa on. Please take one for yourself or for someone you would like to invite. We look forward to seeing and hearing you! MEANWHILE, our Rite of Chris an Ini a on of Adults (RCIA) sessions are con nuing to meet for anyone interested in becoming Catholic or who needs to make their confirma on. For more informa on about the forums, RCIA or any adult faith issues, contact Deacon Steven Girardi at the parish office. Peace! Deacon Steven Girardi RCIA deaconsteven@espiritusanto.cc

7 Stewardship & Family Life Espiritu Santo School New Member Welcome Gathering Sessions Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 We want to wish you a warm "WELCOME" to our stewardship parish community and are glad you have chosen us. The next group of New Member Welcome Gathering sessions will be held Sunday, December 17 following the 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Masses in the Parish Center. Please plan to come and see what it s like to become a member of this vibrant parish community even if you have already completed a registra on card. Here you will experience a small taste of the flavor of the community beyond the weekly celebra on of Mass. Speaking of flavor and taste, ALL NEW MEMBERS WHO ATTEND A SESSION ARE INVITED TO ENJOY A FREE FAMILY STYLE BREAKFAST in the Parish Center, immediately following the 20 minute session. At the session you'll be given a high level overview of the parish including a short video about the history, philosophy and benefits of being a part of the Espiritu Santo parish community. The whole family is invited, infants too, however, if only one parent or the head of household can make it, that works too. Please sign up to a end the session by going to our website and clicking on the WeShare icon. On the WeShare page you can build your electronic giving account for the Offertory collec on or other special occasions. Once your account is built, please click on the New Member Welcome with Free Family Breakfast bu on which reads Sign Up Here for Welcome and Free Breakfast Pass to get your vouchers. May you have a wonderful experience with our community while furthering your own journey in faith. Any ques ons call the Welcome desk at ext Tim Bergevin Stewardship & Family Life m@espiritusanto.cc Margaret A. Penn Principal

8 Religious Educa on Youth Ministry Christmas Break Religious Educa on classes will be off from Dec. 24 to Jan. 13 for the Christmas holidays. We will return to class the week of Jan. 14. Have a blessed me with your family. Confirma on Our 2nd session for Confirma on will be on either Sunday December 17 at 1:00 p.m. or Wednesday, December 20 at 6:00 p.m. in Padua Hall. A student and sponsor/parent are required to a end. Please bring your sponsor informa on form and make sure your sponsor is obtaining a sponsor verifica on form from their parish. First Reconcilia on/first Holy Communion All students in prepara on for First Reconcilia on should be working on their Blessed workbook at home with their family. If you have not turned in your Mass Choice form for First Holy Communion, it is due by Dec. 6 in order to ensure the Mass you would like to a end. Tuesday RE Classes Give Thanks The 2nd grade Tuesday Religious Educa on class led the rest of our classes to think and pray about how blessed we are and what we need to be thankful for. The students were encouraged to make sure and let those important people in our lives know how much they are appreciated. Ellen Jones Director of Religious Educa on ellen@espiritusanto.cc Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest The Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster contest is open to all young people between the ages of 8 and 14. Entries must fall under either Alcohol Awareness and Abuse or Drug Awareness and Abuse. Each poster on either topic must include a slogan and an original visual image. Posters may be entered under only one topic. The posters need to be submi ed by Dec. 15. Any ques ons, contact the RE Office. Middle School Christmas Party Join us on December 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the youth lounge of the John Bosco Ctr. as we talk about Advent and Christmas! We will be making cinnamon ornaments and gingerbread houses. And playing several fun games such as Race to Jesus and Living Christmas tree. We will also have pizza and hot chocolate. This is a great opportunity to get to know other Catholic youth in our parish in a fun and exci ng way. All those a ending are asked to bring a gi card to go to a child who would otherwise not have anything for Christmas. High School Students We are looking for help with our middle school youth ministry events. We will be forming a high school youth core team to discuss the events, come up with a plan for the mee ngs, and lead various aspects of each mee ng while learning leadership skills and more about your own Catholic faith. If interested, join us on Friday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the youth lounge.

9 Around the Parish Around the Parish Opening up the Catechism of the Catholic Church with Father Frank Tuesdays - 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the John Bosco Ctr. Next Class is December 5th If you have any ques ons, please contact Rita Santoro at rsan_@excite.com Au sm Support Group at St. Igna us Next Mee ng will be December 12, :00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Connect to their GoToMee ng link: h ps://global.gotomee ng.com/join/ You can also dial in using your phone at and use Access Code: Contact Mike Laverty for monthly link at or mlaverty1@yahoo.com Knights of Columbus Council 7109 Spelling Bee Sunday, Dec. 3rd at 12:30 p.m. Grades 5-8 Two Age Group Awards for 5th-6th and 7th-8th Grades 1st Place $50 Amazon Gi Card, 2nd Place $25 Gi Card Spelling Bee will be held at Espiritu Santo School Padua Hall Tis the Season of Giving - Share the joy of Christmas! **Reminder** Please return Adopt a Family & Giving Tree gi s to W.E.S. next weekend Dec 9 th & 10 th or Dec. 16 th & 17 th. Diocese of St. Petersburg's 50th Anniversary Celebra on Will Begin on January 1, 2018 Star ng on January 1, 2018 the Diocese of St. Petersburg will begin the celebra on of its 50th Anniversary with the theme of gra tude, joy and hope. We are planning various events and providing resources throughout the year, in order to remember the past with gra tude, celebrate the present with joy and look to the future with hope. To help keep parishes, schools and the community informed of our jubilee, the Diocese of St. Petersburg has created a website with informa on. Please visit to learn about the events that are being planned and how parishes, schools and the en re community can par cipate. This website will be con nually updated and expanded so please check back o en. Christmas Poinse as We will be selling lovely po ed poinse a plants to benefit The Kimberly Home a er all Masses this weekend, Dec. 2 nd & 3 rd. Prices are $8 for 1 plant and 2 for $15. Please consider purchasing your Christmas poinse as on behalf of this life-saving ministry. Merry Christmas! Lec o Divina Lec o Divina, praying with the scriptures will meet for the last me this year on Friday, December 8 th. Look for the resuming date in a later bulle n. For informa on call Anna at Your Gi s To God And To Your Parish Offertory Collec ons for week ending Regular Offertory Collec on: $ 19, Average Envelope Gi : $ WeShare, Electronic Giving: $ 6, Average WeShare, Electronic Gi : $ Children s Offertory: $ Founda ons of Life-Thank You Thank you, Espiritu Santo, for your sponsorship of $ for The Founda ons of Life Gala and Silent Auc on. The Gala benefi ng Founda ons of Life Pregnancy Center (St. Pertersburg, Tampa, Spring Hill Dade City) and Knight s Women Center.

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