St. Mary on the Hill

Transcription

1 St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church Love is our Mission: The Family Fully Alive Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe -- November 23, 2014 RELIGIOUS Very Rev. Gerald Ragan, V.F., Pastor Rev. Thomas Murphy, Parochial Vicar Rev. Lou Lindsey, Parochial Vicar Rev. Richard Sutter, In Residence 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 6:00 pm, Iglesia de Saint Joseph, 2607 Lumpkin Road 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. SCHOOLS St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School Joseph McBride, Principal (706) smcs@knology.net Aquinas High School (706) aquinas@aquinashigh.org 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: November 23, 2014 Sunday, November 23 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe; Thirty-fourth or Last Sunday in Ordinary Time Ez 34:11-12, 15-17; Ps 23; 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46 CCD 9:00 am CAF/SMCS Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G 7:45 am (Fr. Richard Sutter) Mass for the People Rite of Welcoming during 10:30 Mass Deanery Spanish Mass 6:00 pm 10:30 am (Fr. Jerry Ragan) Ron & Shirley Schwanenberger Church Basketball Youth League at St. Joseph Church 58 th Wedding Anniversary 12:30-5:30 pm G HS Youth Night 6:30 pm AH 12:15 pm (Fr. Tom Murphy) Ann Douglas - 3 rd Anniversary Farewell Reception for Middle School Youth Night Fr. Murphy after 12;15 Mass N 6:40 pm CAF/G 5:30 pm (Fr. David Arnoldt) Irene Byrdy Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C Most Rev. Bishop J. Kevin Boland, DD & Rev. Alfonso Gutierrez / Peter Lanshima, Theology I* Monday, November 24 Memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lac, Priest & Companions, Martyrs Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5; Lk 21:1-4 or (Memorial: Sir 51:1-8; Mt 10:28-33) 7:00 am Agnes Thorstad No MDO Rosary & Miraculous Medal Novena 5:00 pm SJDC Senior Center Closed 9:15 am Kevin Mulherin RCIA 7:00 pm PH Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH 21 st Anniversary Rev. Lucien Lindsey & Rev. Ronald Pachence / Patrick May, Theology I* Tuesday, November 25 Memorial of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin & Martyr Rv 14:14-19; Lk 21:5-11 or (Memorial: Rv 21:5-7; Mt 10:28-33) 7:00 am Marianna George No MDO SMCS Turkey Bowl 1:30 pm playground 9:15 am (Grandparents Day Mass) Joseph Adams Andrews Legion of Mary 6:30 pm SA Rev. Msgr. Christopher Schreck, SSL, STD, PhD & Rev. Donal Keohane / Caleb Harkleroad, Pre-Theology II* Wednesday, November 26 Rv 15:1-4; Lk 21: :00 am 5:15 pm Aulcy Lee Jones SMCS Closed No MDO James Quick Parish Office Closes at 12:00 noon 1 st Anniversary Rev. Edward Frank & Rev. Stephen Pontzer / Bobby Phillips, Pre-Theology II* Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Day 1 Kgs 8:55-61; Ps 145; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Lk 1:39-55 or Rv 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9a; Lk 21:20-28 NO 7:00 am Mass 9:15 am Dolores Hoffman SMCS Closed Parish Office Closed NO MDO Rev. Richard Sutter & Rev. Richard Bendorf, OFM / Nash Murphy, Pre-Theology I* Friday, November 28 Rv 20:1-4, :2; Lk 21: :00 am Special Intention of Jimmy George 9:15 am Karin & Trey Edwards SMCS Closed Parish Office Closed No Walking Aerobics Senior Center Closed No Walking Aerobics Senior Center Closed Youth Holy Hour 9:00-10:00 pm AC Rev. Romanus Ezeugwu, MSP & Rev. J. Ronald Madden / Drew Larkin, Theology II* Saturday, November 29 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary Rv 22:1-7; Lk 21: :15 am Helen Evans Reconciliation 3:45-4:45 pm C 5:00 pm (Fr. Lou Lindsey) Jeanne Cooney 1 st Anniversary Rev. Brain LaBurt & Rev. Thomas Murphy / Sean O Brien, Pre-Theology I* Sunday, November 30 First Sunday of Advent Is 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7; Ps 80; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13: :45 am (Fr. Lou Lindsey) Dolores Hoffman NO CCD Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G 10:30 am (Fr. Tom Healy) Mass for the People Church Basketball Youth League Deanery Spanish Mass 6:00 pm 12:30-5:30 pm G at St. Joseph Church 12:15 pm (Fr. Jerry Ragan) Mary Bea Jackson Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C HS Youth Night 6:30 pm AH 5:30 pm (Fr. David Arnoldt) Kelly & David Schmitt Rev. Michael Roverse & Rev. Louis Lussier, OS Cam / New Vocations in the Diocese of Savannah* A = SJC Atrium AC= Adoration Chapel AH=Annunciation House MR1=Meeting Room 1 MR2=Meeting Room 2 YC=Youth Center (1 st Floor) BR= Bride Room C = Church CAF=SMCS Cafeteria CL= SMCS Computer Lab 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 November 23, 2014 Next Sunday we begin a New Church Year, so today is the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year and the focus of the Gospel is on ultimate things. When it comes to preparing for Judgment Day or our Ultimate Audit, today s Gospel from Matthew 25:31-46 is the one to paste on our refrigerator. The following are miscellaneous reflections on the Gospel that is sometimes called the Great Sermon. 1) In the year 1880 in Paris a rather poorly dressed priest showed up at a presbytery looking for a night s lodgings. He had come all the way from Turin, in Italy, and was trying to raise funds to build a church. the visitor s name was John Bosco, but this meant nothing to the resident priest, so he put him in the attic. Many years later when John Bosco was declared a saint by the Church, the priest said, Had I known it was John Bosco, I would not have put him in the attic; I would have given him the best room in the house. We never know exactly who it is we are meeting in the person of our neighbor. But this is not important. What is important is that we see in that person a needy human being, and that we do our best to meet his need. For those with faith, behind the face, no matter how strange, the face of Christ lies hidden. 2) Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian author, was also a Christian who took seriously the demands of the Great Sermon (Matthew 5-7) and attempted to live his life accordingly. One day, a beggar stopped him while he was out walking and asked him for alms. Tolstoy searched his pockets for a coin but, finding none, he said with regret, Please don t be angry with me, my brother, but I have nothing with me, if I did, I would gladly give it to you. At that, the beggar s face brightened with joy. You have given me more than I asked for, he said, you have called me brother! Tolstoy had not only grasped the intent of the Great Sermon but he had also penetrated the truth of today s Gospel. He regarded the poor man asking him for alms as a brother because he had understood and made his own the great commandment (Matthew 22:37). But, he had also learned to see the face of Christ in the poor and, because of that insight, he met the criteria of judgment set forth for our consideration in today s gospel. On this Christ the King Sunday, Bishop Hartmayer is celebrating a special Mass at the Cathedral in honor of this year s Gartland Award winners. This award named after the first Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah is given each year on this Sunday to two people from each parish in recognition of the service they provide to their parishes and communities throughout the Diocese. Our award winners, Linda Cook and Sr. Josephine Quinlan are two amazingly compassionate women who understand that there is a great poverty in the isolation that so many of the homebound experience in our parish. For years they have quietly, joyfully, and faithfully ministered to those who cannot join us for the Sunday Eucharist. Their love and caring has been such a great blessing to so many who are homebound members of our faith community. I am so very pleased that they have been named as St. Mary on the Hill s recipients for the 2014 Bishop Gartland Award. And since Sr. Josephine can t join Linda at the Cathedral today, I look forward to personally delivering the Gartland Award to Sister when I head North this week for Thanksgiving with my family. Early Friday morning, Fr. Tom Murphy will head to Columbus to minister to the people of Holy Family Parish. I hope you can join us after the 12:15 Mass today to thank him for his wonderful ministry among us. His stay with us was just too brief and he will be greatly missed. And here is a good little prayer reflection to share with your family on Thursday Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarms rings, Thank you, Lord, that I can hear, for there are many who are deaf. Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, Thank you, Lord, that I can see, for there are many who are blind. Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise, for there are many who are bedridden. Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short and my children are so loud, Thank you, Lord, for my family, for there are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in the magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, Thank you, Lord, for the food we have, for there are many who are hungry. Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work, for there are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day, and wish my circumstances were not so modest, Thank you, Lord, for Life. (Author unknown) On the Way Home: When the Gospel today talks about loving the least of these, can you think who the least of these would be in Augusta? Who would they be in our family or at school? Thursday is Thanksgiving. What can you thank God for?

4 PRAYER REQUESTS Lauren Adcock Kacey Axon Amy Fegan Blank Philip Bowman Patrick Boyd Frances Brown Betty Casey Mary Anne Chamberlain Charles Cheek Cameron Clark Joyce Coleman Elizabeth Cook Julia Crabbe CPT (SEL) Nicolais Chighizola - Iraq CPT (SEL) Laura Lammert Chighizola SPC Sean Domzalski - Afghanistan LT Col Michael Gill - Iraq Pray for the Sick of Our Parish Marianna Daskal Ida Damiano Ellie D Souza Diane Dymeck Wayne Enroughty Sarah Faughnan Adam Goldberg Hugh Greene Pia Hagler Christy Price Hammond Turner Hennig John Hoverkamp James Hutto STEWARDSHIP Jennifer Jackson Jackie Jackson Cambri Jewell Ed Kulik Laurie Landrum Audrey Lavin Vance Logan Betty Logan Connie Lundy Dave Maney, Jr. Tony Maniquis Nancy Marsh Eva Marie Mobley Kathy Mosner Barbara Mulherin Doris Portka Benny Price Sallie Rankin Aileen Robinson Wanda Roper Meagan Ryan Frank Salmons Tiffany Salmons Paul H. Seigler, III Julia K. Smith Brandy Stephens Pray for the Military Austin Gouveia - Kuwait DCFN Kristen Jacobson E6 Jason Jones - Afghanistan LT Kelly Lammert - Ramstein MAJ I. Michael McLaughlin - Kuwait SSGT Jared McMahon SGT William Morgan - Afghanistan CPL Philip Andrew Rast - Iraq Joyce Stigall Kerri Thompson Catherine Ray Tucker Joe Ward John Ward Vickie Walters Sheryl Werrick Lindsey Williams Chris Wisner CPT Andrew Rupp - Tikrit CPT Jennifer L. Rupp - Baghdad Jacob Watson - Afghanistan Please remember in your prayers our parish family and friends, and those involved in the war on terrorism. 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. Sarah Floyd Blake Rachel Cagle Maura Dial Pray for Expectant Mothers Meghan Patchan Edwards Ashley Johannsen Fisher Sarah O Neill Connie Osorio Alicia Brooks Phillips Kimber Brooks Popducev November 23, 2014 Rest In Peace Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently: Dr. Robert Stambuk, father of Emily Kerstiens; Raymond Lundquist, husband of Marian, father of Lisa Whatley. Our prayers are with these families during this difficult time. Please remember to call the church office if you or a family member can be removed from this prayer list. Michaelann Rountree Harmony Schexnayder Morgan Krulisky Dr. Susan Owensby Kristen Prestifilippo Cecilia Shoffner 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. 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. Giving Electronically Please be aware that you may make your offertory donation, pay for mass stipends, send memorials and make any other contributions or payments to the church through our website org. All we ask when you do is that your description of the gift be detailed enough for us to post this correctly. We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa debit or credit transactions. Another way to make gifts to the church is through your bill pay option with your bank. Simply enter the church as the payee, using your tithe number for the account number. For non tithe monies please make sure you clearly note what the check is for on the memo section of the payment. We feel these options are preferable to automatic debits as you, the parishioner, have control over when your gifts are made. Don t Forget to Turn in Your Commitment CArd We are still in the midst of our annual Stewardship Renewal. If you have not returned your Commitment Card, you still can mail it to the Parish. You will soon receive an extra card in the mail. 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! Catholic Campaign for Human Development The Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) provides funding for groups that make lasting change and uplift the poor in the United States. CCHD grants improve education, support economic development, and help communities provide housing in low-income neighborhoods. Help us continue to defend human dignity and aid those living on the margins of society. Part of our tithe this weekend will be for the CCHD Collection.

5 WORSHIP Family Advent Penance Service St. Mary on the Hill Church Monday, December 15, 7:00 pm All are welcome. Other Advent Penance Services Wednesday, December 3 Most Holy Trinity 7:00 pm Friday, December 5 Our Lady of the Valley 6:00 pm Tuesday, December 9 St. Teresa of Avila 6:30 pm Tuesday, December 16 Our Lady of Peace 7:00 pm Monday, December 22 St. Joseph 7:00 pm Children s Liturgy Sunday, December 7, 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. Altar Servers, Lectors, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, & Sacristans Please remember to check your schedules and arrange for a sub before you leave for vacation. If you are at Mass, please check to see if you are needed. Free Ministry to Traveling Catholics For nationwide Mass times and locations: Call Mass Times (( ) or Internet FAITH FORMATION Baptisms Baptism Preparation Classes typically are scheduled for the first Sunday of the month. The next Baptism Preparation Class is Sunday, December 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. Engaged Couples - Mandatory Marriage Preparation Retreat The next Engaged Couples weekend will be at St. Mary on the Hill on January 16 and 17, 2015 in the Parish Hall. This certification is required to get married in the Catholic Church. Advance registration is required to attend. Please remember that this certification is mandatory. For more information or registration, call St. Parish Office at (706) November 23, 2014 Perpetual Adoration - Adorers Needed! 11:55 pm - 1:00 am Sunday, Monday, Saturday 1:00-2:00 am Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 2:00-3:00 am Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 3:00-4:00 am Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 am Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday -- once month on rotation basis (need 2) 5:00-6:00 am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:00-7:00 am Sunday, Saturday 8:00-9:00 am Wednesday 9:00-10:00 am Monday, Thursday, Saturday 10:00-11:00 am Monday, Friday 11:00-12:00 noon Sunday, Thursday, Friday 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Thursday 1:00-2:00 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday 2:00-3:00 pm Friday, Saturday 3:00-4:00 pm Sunday, Friday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 pm Thursday, Saturday 7:00-8:00 pm Wednesday, Saturday 8:00-9:00 pm Sunday, Monday 9:00-10:00 pm Friday, 10:00-11:00 pm Friday, Saturday 11:00 pm - midnight Sunday, Saturday BIG NEED FOR A PARTNER: 4:00 5:00 am Wednesday - once a month, need two 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. 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. Wedding Banns Shannon Leigh Fyffe and Christopher Michael Edry, both of St. Mary on the Hill, Augusta, GA Courtney Jean Gilbert, Fort Rucker, AL and Matthew Michael Angelo, St. Mary on the Hill, Augusta, GA

6 St. Mary on the Hill November 23, 2014 Men s Discernment Group Are you a single young Catholic man in high school or older? Have you ever thought about joining the Priesthood or are interested in learning more? Then this group is for you! Join the Melchizedek Project discernment group that is currenlty meeting in the Augusta deanery for lively discussion and great fellowship with other Catholic men. Dinner is provided. Contact Fr. Dawid for more info and to register: frdawid@st-teresa.com And please continue to pray for the young men that are attending! Golden & Silver Wedding Anniversary Mass Celebration 2015 The diocese will celebrate World Marriage Day on February 8, 2015 with the Anniversary Mass at 11:30 am at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah. If you are a couple celebrating Wedding Anniversaries of Silver (25 years) who were married in 1990 or Golden (50 years) who were married in 1965, please call St. Marys Parish Office by Monday, December 15, COMMUNITY Senior Center The Senior Center is closed Thanksgiving week. No aerobics on Wednesday or Friday. Have a safe & blessed Thanksgiving. Senior Center Calendar for December is available in the Narthex. Bulletin Deadline December 7 th bulletin deadline is the normal deadline of noon on Monday, December 1, December 14 th bulletin deadline is noon on Thursday, December 4, December 21 st bulletin deadline is noon on Tuesday, December 9, Information may be sent to the church office via mail, fax, or at smbulletin@knology.net 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. The Parish Office will close at noon on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 and reopen on Monday, December 1, Fr. Tom Murphy Join us this Sunday, November 23, 2014 to say farewell to Fr. Tom Murphy after the 12:15 Mass in the Narthex Church League Basketball If you are interested in being a coach or helping someone coach, please show up at the time your child is practicing and let us know you are willing to help! Or Alice Hagler at ahagler167@gmail.com Sign up for basketball is closed for all age groups except the Mighty Mights. Practice Times for Sundays: (the control date is September 1, so your child will play in the league listed below that is the age that your child was on September 1 of this year) 12:30-1:30 pm: U-19 BOYS 1:30-2:30 pm: UNDER- 9 COED (Some of these 7 year olds may end up being placed in the Mighty Might beginner league, instead!...we will let you know after the first two weeks of practice!) 2:30-3:30 pm: UNDER-11 COED 3:30-4:30 pm: UNDER-12 &15 GIRLS and U-19 GIRLS 4:30-5:30 pm: UNDER-13 & 15 BOYS The Mighty Mights League which is for 6 year olds (AND less experienced 7 year olds) will NOT start practice until Sunday, December 7 at 1:30 pm and games will start after the new year. If you have any questions, call Alice Hagler or ahagler167@gmail.com. Advent Candles Advent candles are available at the church office for $5.00 (set of four). 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

7 St. Mary on the Hill November 23, 2014 Men s Communion Breakfast All Catholic Men are invited to the first annual Men s Communion Breakfast on Saturday December 6. Mass will be at 9:15 and will be presided by Fr. Jerry. Mass will be followed by a delicious breakfast and a talk by Fr. Richard Sutter. Enrich your faith with other Catholic men for a morning of brotherhood and inspiration! A $5.00 donation will be taken. Please RSVP with Rob Cui at Rcui1969@gmail.com Great news for GRACE Scholars donors! GRACE Scholars now has one consolidated online Tax Credit and Contribution Form for 2015! Two separate forms are no longer needed, and you can complete, sign and submit everything online. Your donation is not due until March 2015 at the earliest. This is a very popular scholarship program in support of Catholic Education. It is available throughout the entire State of Georgia. Historically, Catholic Schools in the metro Atlanta area have received the vast majority of the benefits of this program. It is a competitive process because Georgia has placed a $58 million annual cap on the tax credits. Other private and independent schools in Georgia also have their own scholarship programs that compete for the same tax credits. It may sound like a lot of money, but the 2014 cap was reached only three weeks after GRACE began applying for the 2014 tax credits. GRACE cannot formally apply for this year s tax credits until January 1, Your pre-registration date determines the order in which tax credits are processed. Please go to for more information and to complete your easy pre-registration TODAY! Let s grow GRACE Scholars in Augusta! You can also contact Christine Sweeney at for questions or more information. Thank you for your support of GRACE Scholars. SERVICE Once again, our St. Mary s Angel Tree will be shining in the Narthex this Advent. Our faith family has the chance to do something wonderful for Christmas--bring clean, abundant water to our young friends in Goala, Ethiopia! Presently the children have two options for water: walk down five miles from the mountain where they live to the well in Adigrat, fill a large plastic jug and walk the five miles back home.or use the unclean river water in the town of Goala. If they don t take care to boil it (they are young children!) the water makes them sick from Typhoid and other illnesses. St. Mary on the Hill School News This week at school: On Tuesday we celebrate our Grandparents Day Mass at 9:15 am in Church. This Mass will be hosted by 6 th grade. All students should be in Mass Uniform. Upon returning to school, Grandparents will visit our classrooms and share refreshments in the cafeteria until 11:30 am. At 1:30 pm that same day we will host the Annual 8 th grade Turkey Bowl on the playground. All are welcome to attend and cheer on our teams! There is NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of this week. On behalf of the staff and students of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School, we wish all of you a blessed Thanksgiving! Elijah Cup at the 5:30 pm Sunday Mass 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. Parking Reminders Please be mindful of our neighbors when parking near the Church. Be sure you are parked in a legal space, do not block driveways or move trash receptacles. (Moved trash receptacles have resulted in trash containers not being picked up on Mondays of our neighbors who are allowing us to use their parking lots on Sundays.) Please DO NOT park in the Trinity on the Hill Methodist Church parking lot or in Comcast s reserved parking spaces (they use these spaces on the weekend also). Violators may be towed. Angel Tree But a cistern well in Goala can change all that. With a well, everyone will have the opportunity to take showers! Their water will always be nearby and clean! They will be able to water their little crops for more and healthy food! It would be a dream come true! Want to give the best Christmas give you ve ever given? Take an angel from the tree. Pray for the children and for a life-giving well. If you wish, put a donation in the envelope and place in the offertory collection during the Advent season. Consider donating in a friend or loved one s honor. For more information, contact Katie Conner at (706) or kathleenconner@bellsouth.net Thank you!

8 St. Mary on the Hill November 23, 2014 Youth Events National March for Life Walk January 21-22, 2015 Washington, DC Location: Washington, DC; we will be staying at St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Claridge Rd, Wheaton, MD Activities Include: Visit the Basilica of the National Shrine, Catholic Underground Event/Concert; Youth Verizon Center Individual in charge: Michael Lammers w , c Estimated date & time of departure: Meet at the back St. Mary on the Hill School Church parking lot at 6 am, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 Estimated date & time of return: The back St. Mary on the Hill Church parking 11:30 pm, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 Mode of transportation to and from event: Lewis Bus Line Cost: $150.00; $25 nonrefundable deposit due to hold spot no later than December 15, 2014 The Form is on St. Mary on the Hill Website! EVOLVE High School Youth Night Sundays after 5:30 pm Mass at the SMY House All high school youth are welcome! Middle School Youth Night: This Sunday, November 23 after 5:30 pm Mass (6:40) SMS Cafeteria and Gym Food, Fun, Jesus! Master s Table Soup Kitchen - Usually every Second Sunday (December 14) 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 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 Dear young people, Christ is counting on you to be his friends and witnesses to his infinite love. ~ Pope Francis Young Adult Ministry Spirit & Truth - Weekly Young Adult Meetings Annunciation House Central 7:30 pm every Thursday Complimentary Dinner! November Theme for discussion is Thanksgiving 11/27 : No Meeting! Happy Thanksgiving! MOVIE RATINGS This Catholic Ministry seeks to bring Christians into contact with Christ and His Church through Faith, Fellowship, & Spiritual Growth. Our group covers adoration in the Chapel every Sunday from 1:00-2:00 pm. Y.A.M. is affiliated with the Diocese of Savannah and is supported by the parishes of the Augusta Deanery. Search for Augusta YAM Spirit & Truth on Facebook Website: us at AugustaYAM@gmail.com 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 Addicted O morally offensive (R) Fury L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day A-II adults would find troubling (R) adults and adolescents (PG) Gone Girl O morally offensive (R) Annabelle A-III adults. (R) Interstellar A-III adults. (PG-13) Before I Go to Sleep A-III adults. (R) John Wick O morally offensive (R) The Best of Me A-III adults. (PG-13) The Judge L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content Big Hero 6 A-II adults and adolescents (PG) many adults would find troubling (R) Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) A-III adults. (R) Left Behind A-III adults. (PG-13) The Book of Life A-II adults and adolescents (PG) Nightcrawler L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content The Boxtrolls A-II adults and adolescents (PG) many adults would find troubling (R) The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them A-III adults. (R) Ouija A-III adults. (PG-13) Dracula Untold A-III adults. (PG-13) St. Vincent L limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (PG-13)

9 AROUND THE DEANERY, DIOCESE, & THE AREA Aquinas High School Preparing students for their future... whatever it may be. Join us for an Open House, we might be a perfect fit for you. this Sunday, November 23 at 2:00 pm Aquinas High School 1920 Highland Avenue Augusta, GA A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols presented by the Guild of Sacred Heart Cultural Center Based on the traditonal service at King s College Chapel, Cambridge University, England Under the direction of Keith Shafer featuring The Augusta Collegium Musicum William Toole, Director Augusta Children s Chorale Linda Bradberry, Founding Music Director and Conductor St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church Choir Alvin Blount, Director of Music & Worship Organist - Mark Dickens Tuesday, December 9, :30 pm $20.00 Admission Please call for reservations Save the Date! 14 th Regional Stewardship Conference Friday, May 1, :00 pm Saturday, May 2, :00 am - 4:30 pm Hilton Savannah DeSoto 15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA Registration materials will be available in January Interact with and learn from individuals and parishes from across the southeast... Featuring: Tom Corcoran - Keynote Speaker Associate to the Pastor Church of the Nativity, churchnativity.tv Co-Author of Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter Hosted by the Dioceses of Charlotte, Charleston, Raleigh and Savannah and the Archdiocese of Atlanta Parish Mission Parish Mission beginning the First Sunday of Advent at Church of the Most Holy Trinity Fr. Thomas Sullivan, C.P.M., The Fathers of Mercy Sunday, November 30 - Wednesday, December 3, 6:00 pm Return to Bethlehem December 3-6, 2014 Walk-through, 6:00-9:00 pm Handicapped guests are invited to drive through each night. Please be parked in front of the Wesley Center no later than 5:45 pm. Join a caravan of travelers, beckoned onward by a brilliant, heavenly light. Rejoice in the music of angels calling everyone to see the Christ Child. Travel back in time, 2,000 years ago to a place called Bethlehem... Grace United Methodist Church, 639 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC (803) Come Follow Me Discernment Retreat for Young Men It takes good information, prayer, and guidance to discover your true vocation. Our annual discernment retreat is designed to help you better understand all vocations and give you the tools you need to listen to God s call. Inspiring talks by priest and seminarians Mass and Eucharistic Adoration One-on one spiritual direction Time for personal prayer Discussion with other men who are discerning their vocations Who: For Catholic Men ages Speaker: Father Pablo Migone, Diocese of Savannah Vocation Director When: Arrive Saturday, December 27 between 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Depart Sunday, December 28 at 2:00 pm Where: Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge, 80 Live Oak Trail, Helena, GA (south of Dublin, Georgia near McRae Register: or call Volunteers Needed - Come Ring With Us! The Salvation Army Augusta Area Command invites you to join us at the iconic Red Kettle as a volunteer Bell Ringer for our 2014 Kettle Campaign. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator: Alice Scavullo at Desk phone: for additional information and to sign up for a shift to ring. This is a great volunteer experience for individuals, families, youth groups (a great way to get community service hours for school) or any church group willing to give a few hours of their time. As a Salvation Army Bell Ringer you ll help us change lives, uplift families and support our neighbors in need every day. Kettle dates run Now - December 24 with many kettle locations. We hope you will join us in our mission of Doing the Most Good! 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.