OUR PASTOR S LETTER TODAY S READINGS SERVANTS OF HOLY REDEEMER - ST. JAMES THE LESS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY. Servant of Prayer & Worship Claire McLiam

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2 OUR PASTOR S LETTER Dear friends in Christ, As we move into this fourth and final week of Advent we are told of three wonderful things! In the first reading, we are told there will be a sign - the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. That sign is repeated in the Gospel in the Angel s message to Mary. Emmanuel, which means: God is with us! And in Paul s letter to the Romans we are reminded that we are Apostles, walking with God, God acting in us, and bringing about obedience to faith in all people! And so, we who have seen the sign acknowledge that God is with us and that obedience to faith is the way to our salvation, fulfillment and joy! Share this message with all those you encounter in the coming days. This is how we honor Christmas. I thank all of our parishioners who renewed or made their financial commitment to our Parish. As I mentioned, the words of John the Baptist to produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance is partially fulfilled by supporting the good works of your parish. May God bless your sacrifice. Thank you to all who helped us in assisting families in need this Christmas. At a time when we can be so overly focused on what we want - to provide for others in real need - is a sign that we are responding to God s grace. We are leaving ourselves behind and living for others. Thank you. This would also be a good time to invite family, friends and neighbors to join you for Christmas Mass. Sometimes just the invitation is encouragement enough to start the journey back toward or the first steps towards practicing faith. Put yourself out there! They may say no but will at least know you wanted to walk with them. Your final opportunities for a good Confession before Christmas are Monday at Incarnation, Tuesday at St. Bede or Wednesday at Holy Redeemer. For the Mass schedules at Christmas and New Year s please check the Parish website. If you are traveling, please travel safely. I wish you all a Holy & Merry Christmas and a deep Christmas Peace. - Fr. Ed TODAY S READINGS First Reading You will be given this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:10-14). Psalm Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory (Psalm 24). Second Reading God has called us to belong to Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-7). Gospel The son born of Mary shall be called Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. He shall be Emmanuel, God is with us (Matthew 1:18-24). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. INSIDE THIS WEEK S BULLETIN PASTOR S LETTER, READINGS, & STAFF....2 WORSHIP & SACRAMENT SERVICES SPECIAL COLLECTION & BAPTISM....4 PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES & MASS INTENTIONS....4 SERVICE & OUTREACH...5 EVANGELIZATION & FORMATION... 6 SPECIAL EVENTS & PARISH CALENDAR SERVANTS OF HOLY REDEEMER - ST. JAMES THE LESS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY Ordained Servants Rev. Edward Dover, Pastor Rev. Msgr. Marc Trudeau, Weekend Support Rev. Msgr. John Foley Pastor Emeritus-Holy Redeemer Rev. George Brincat Pastor Emeritus-Our Lady of Lourdes Deacon Joe Hegenbart Servant of Prayer & Worship Claire McLiam Servants of Music Ministry Amelia Acosta Andrea Anderson Michael Paul Leon Servants of Christian Formation Michael Paul Leon Susan Romero Trish Swords Servants of Administration Deirdre Cascelli Christine Corrigan Kathy McCauley Doug Sinning

WORSHIP & SACRAMENT SERVICES ADORATION & CONFESSION Adoration and Confession held on Tuesdays at St. James the Less Church from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Dec. 19th Dec. 20th Dec.

3 WORSHIP & SACRAMENT SERVICES ADORATION & CONFESSION Adoration and Confession held on Tuesdays at St. James the Less Church from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Dec. 19th Dec. 20th Dec. 21st Confessions also by appointment. ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES Incarnation, Glendale at 7:30 pm St. Bede the Venerable, La Canada at 6:30 pm Holy Redeemer, Montrose at 7:00 pm LET YOUR PARISH BE THERE FOR YOU Communion for Sick and Homebound Parishioners Please call the parish offices if you would like to receive Communion we will make the arrangements with the Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick. Anointing of the Sick Please notify the parish office as early as possible for the Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament intended for the seriously ill or dying. It is Our Lord s special presence and companionship in serious time of need. Anointing may take place in the home, at the hospital or elsewhere, and as often as once a month. If someone should die without anointing, remember that the desire to receive is sufficient and the Lord cares! If You Should Experience the Loss of a Loved One Please call the parish offices. If you feel you will be in need, or your loved one has passed, our Bereavement Ministers will assist in making arrangements with your chosen funeral directors and offer you helpful guidelines that will aid in the Liturgical planning of the Mass or Memorial Service. We know that this can be a tough time and we want you to know that your parish is there for CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve: Holy Redeemer 4:00 PM Mass 11:00 PM Mass St. James the Less 4:00 PM Children s Liturgy with Communion 5:30 PM Mass Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day: Holy Redeemer 10:00 AM Mass 5:30 PM Mass St. James the Less 8:30 AM Mass 11:30 AM Mass NEW YEAR S DAY The Feast of Mary, the Holy Mother of God We will have our regular Sunday Masses on New Year s Day, January 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Sacrament of Baptism St. James and Holy Redeemer parishes welcome all! Baptisms are held on the First Sunday during the 10 am Mass at HR Third Sunday during the 11:30 am Mass at SJ Prep (group session): First Saturday of the month. Please call the Parish Office at (818) Sacrament of First Communion Preparation for children who have attained the age of reason (usually during 2nd grade) is arranged either through the Office of Religious Education or the parish school. This is a two-year program. Sacrament of Confirmation A two-year program for freshman/sophomore-age teens. Apply through the Life Teen office. Sacrament of Matrimony Please contact the Parish Office upon engagement; at least six months is needed for preparation of this joyous sacrament! Holy Orders/Religious Orders Anyone interested in a religious life as a priest, deacon, or sister please contact Father Ed.

CENTERING PRAYER Monday s at the BVM Convent from 7:15 pm-8:15 pm Our prayer program begins with a 20 minute Centering Prayer followed by a video or community prayer. Please call the convent at 818.

..the essence of the Divine Mercy Devotion.

Baby Girl Scarlette Barbara Diekmann Bill Ferguson Scott McGregor Dolores Maggipinto Andres Ramirez Gloria Rodriguez Cindy Rutherford Beri Trestrail Vivianne Young Gene Blackmun Madeleine Doctors Sue

called home in recent days. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

4 CENTERING PRAYER Monday s at the BVM Convent from 7:15 pm-8:15 pm Our prayer program begins with a 20 minute Centering Prayer followed by a video or community prayer. Please call the convent at for more information. ALL ARE WELCOME THE DIVINE MERCY PRAYERS Wednesday mornings at 9:30 at St James Church The mission of the prayer group is: Trust, Love and Mercy...the essence of the Divine Mercy Devotion. We welcomed into our family of faith: Cristal Yee Who was Baptized, Confirmed and received First Holy Communion on November 30, 2016 at Holy Redeemer Church Please Keep In Your Prayers. Baby Girl Scarlette Barbara Diekmann Bill Ferguson Scott McGregor Dolores Maggipinto Andres Ramirez Gloria Rodriguez Cindy Rutherford Beri Trestrail Vivianne Young Gene Blackmun Madeleine Doctors Sue Jiannino Ron McLoud Omar Mullen Richy Reivydas Michele Ruegg Tony Samaan Anthony Trujillo Jean Zimmerman We pray for the repose of the souls of Leona Kautzi, FlorenceSteffes & Cristal Yee Who were called home in recent days. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS An event celebra ng the beauty and dignity of every human life from concep on to natural death. ONELIFELA.ORG Thank you for supporting senior religious. A sister from Indiana writes, because of your kindness, our elderly sisters will have the comfort, security, and joy of living out their remaining years here in their home. You truly honor them and their many years of service by your generosity. Religious across the United States offer sincere thanks for your generosity to last week s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Brothers Helpers prepares 300 meals for the needy in downtown Los Angeles four days per week. Groceries are loaded into the Brothers Helpers van, and the activity takes about two hours.

5 SERVICE & OUTREACH BROTHER S HELPERS Feeding those in need. We have an urgent need for an able-bodied person to help transport groceries from the St Bede pantry to St James and/or Holy Redeemer at 2:00 pm on weekdays. Brothers Helpers prepares 300 meals for the needy in downtown Los Angeles four days per week. Groceries are loaded into the Brothers Helpers van, and the activity takes about two hours. A person can volunteer for one or more days. Please consider helping us with this work of mercy. Call Bill Maddigan at CHRISTMAS DECORATING OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME JESUS INTO OUR HEARTS AND OUR CHURCHES Hoping your Thanksgiving was filled with family and friends, good memories, tables full of turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie! Let's keep that loving and warm feeling alive as we look forward to preparing for the birth of Jesus! It will soon be time to decorate our churches as we prepare for His birth. This year, with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day falling on the weekend, we realize many will be working and it may be a challenge to take time to help with the decorations. We have scheduled two days for each church hoping to give everyone an opportunity to participate. If you can only volunteer for an hour - that is fine. Every helping hand is truly appreciated. Here is the schedule: SJ - Sunday 12/18/16 after 11:30am Mass - Large trees to be assembled and decorated Nativity set-up, lights/wreaths/garland hung HR - Monday 12/19/16 after 8:00am Mass - Large tree to be assembled and decorated Holy Family set up, lights/wreaths/garland hung SJ - Tuesday 12/20/16 after 8:00am Mass - Place flowers and put finishing touches on everything HR - Wednesday 12/21/16 after 8:00am Mass - Place flowers and put finishing touches on everything Please Anne Calabrese of the Environment Committee at: annecalabresehrsj@gmail.com Let her know which day(s) you and your family can help. BLOOD DRIVE TODAY! December 18th 8 am to 2:30 pm St Bede s Parish Hall 215 Foothill Blvd, La Canada In the season of giving, give the gift of life! There will be awesome raffle prizes, super Christmas sweets, games (win movie tickets or In and Out gift certificates), Christmas atmosphere and a chance to make a Difference in someone s life. Huntington Memorial Hospital will be in charge of collecting from all donors. Please, help us make this our most successful Blood Drive! If you have any questions, contact Brian Brady Cell: Home: THE SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Council Los Angeles, is part of a worldwide organization of lay Catholic men and women who are committed to live and grow in their Christian faith through prayer and personal involvement in charitable works. The Society s mission is accomplished through parish and community-based groups called Conferences (volunteers) and programs called Special Works. If you or a loved one needs help with food, clothing, bills, etc., please contact Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St.James and Holy Redeemer Conference) at the church office: x572 LOAVES AND FISHES FOOD BANK Non-perishable food collection for the hungry Holy Redeemer 2nd Sunday of each month in bins near restrooms. St. James last Sunday of each month in bins in vestibule BUT WAIT WE ALSO NEED TOOTHPASTE AND SHAMPOO...

EVANGELIZATION and FAITH FORMATION Evangeliza on Starts with Our Own Rela onship with Jesus The spread of the Gospel is not guaranteed either by the number of persons, or by the prestige of the

What counts is to be permeated by the love of Christ, to let oneself be led by the Holy Spirit and to graft one s own life onto the tree of life, which is the Lord s Cross.

6 EVANGELIZATION and FAITH FORMATION Evangeliza on Starts with Our Own Rela onship with Jesus The spread of the Gospel is not guaranteed either by the number of persons, or by the prestige of the institution, or by the quantity of available resources. What counts is to be permeated by the love of Christ, to let oneself be led by the Holy Spirit and to graft one s own life onto the tree of life, which is the Lord s Cross. ~Homily, Mass with Seminarians and Novices, July 7, 2013 FAMILIES OF FAITH-DECEMBER SCHEDULE December 4th - Whole Family Catechesis/ Breakfast with Santa 8am Holy Redeemer December 11th - Class Family Catechesis 9:45-11am St. James December 18th - Home Family Catechesis No sessions December 25 and January 1 R.C.I.A. Are you someone or know someone who. Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic? Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist? We offer an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm accepting setting. Sessions meet weekly in the Pope John XXIII Room in the Ministry Center at Holy Redeemer. For information please contact Trish Swords at drehrsj@gmail.com or call the parish office. Please join us for our Christmas Eve Children's Liturgy featuring the families from our parish school and Families of Faith program 4pm at St. James the Less SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN Did you know? Set guidelines for holiday visits to ensure your child s safety Your holiday plans may include spending a few nights at a family member or friend s house, possibly with all the kids piling into a few rooms to sleep. Before you go, remind your kids about their body boundaries and what to do if someone violates those limits. Explain which areas are okay for others to touch and what areas are off limits. Inform the child that any areas that would be covered by underwear or swimsuits are off limits. For more information on helping a child establish boundaries, a copy of the VIRTUS article Teaching Boundaries, jvienna@la-archdiocese.org or call ST JAMES HOLY REDEEMER SCHOOL (TK-8th GRADE) Our school offers an education where values, character, and personal responsibility combine with proven educational methodologies and innovation to develop life-long learners. All our elementary and middle school students benefit from a holy environment where we come together with our faith as a foundation to provide excellence in Catholic education for the Crescenta Valley.

BIBLE STUDY Adult Bible Study Tuesday, 9AM, at the St. James Parish Center. Adult Bible Study Monday, 10AM, in the conference room in Holy Redeemer Healy Hall.

Coffee and Donuts will be served a er the 8:30 am Mass at St. James with proceeds going to the Archdiocesan Adopt-a-Family Christmas charity. Thank you for your support.

!! Boy Scout Troop 317 of Holy Redeemer-St James will be selling fresh mistletoe after the 8:30 am Mass at St James and after the 10:00 am Mass at Holy Redeemer (donuts too!

7 BIBLE STUDY Adult Bible Study Tuesday, 9AM, at the St. James Parish Center. Adult Bible Study Monday, 10AM, in the conference room in Holy Redeemer Healy Hall. Teen Bible Study Tuesday, 6:30 PM, at the St. James Parish Center. Reminder.. Please pick up your photos from the All Soul s Mass at Holy Redeemer. Coffee and Donuts will be served a er the 8:30 am Mass at St. James with proceeds going to the Archdiocesan Adopt-a-Family Christmas charity. Thank you for your support. Mistletoe Brings Holiday Cheer!!! Boy Scout Troop 317 of Holy Redeemer-St James will be selling fresh mistletoe after the 8:30 am Mass at St James and after the 10:00 am Mass at Holy Redeemer (donuts too!), on Sunday, December 18th in the gathering area. Thank you for supporting your Boy Scouts! WHATS HAPPENING AT HRSJ THIS WEEK Monday, December 19, 2016 Mass at HR Church (8:00 AM) Pioneer Club Senior Club in HR Healy Hall - (11:00 AM) EDGE Youth Ministry in SJ Msgr Barry Hall -(6:30 PM) Bereavement Support Group in SJ PC 101 (7:00 PM) Tuesday, December 20, 2016 Mass at SJ Church (8:00 AM) Bible Study in SJ PC 101 (9:00 AM) Brothers' Helpers Ministry in HR Healy Hall - (3:00 PM) R.C.I.A. in HR St John XXIII Room (7:00 PM) Adoration & Confession in SJ Church (8:00 PM) Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Mass at HR Church (8:00 AM) Divine Mercy in SJ Church (9:30 AM) Advent Penance Service in HR Church (7:00 PM) Thursday, December 22, 2016 Mass at SJ Church (8:00 AM) Knitting Group in HR Healy Hall - (12:00 PM) Brothers' Helpers Ministry in SJ Msgr Barry Hall -(3:00 PM) Adult Choir in HR Rectory/Parish Offices (6:00 PM) Friday, December 23, 2016 Mass at HR Church (8:00 AM) Saturday, December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve Mass/Holy Day in HR Church (4:00 PM) Mass/Holy Day in SJ Church (4:00 PM) Mass/Holy Day in SJ Church (5:30 PM) Mass/Holy Day in HR Church (11:00 PM) Sunday, December 25, 2016 Christmas Day Mass/Holy Day in SJ Church (8:30 AM) Mass/Holy Day in HR Church (10:00 AM) Mass/Holy Day in SJ Church (11:30 AM) Mass/Holy Day in HR Church (5:30 PM) Bereavement Ministry Volunteer for the Bereavement Ministry.If a loved one has been called home by God, the Bereavement Ministry is available to provide compassionate support in planning either the Rite of Christian Burial or a Memorial Liturgy to honor deceased loved ones-please call the Parish Office if you are interested in volunteering in this helpful and compassionate ministry. ACCW East San Fernando District Mee ng Wednesday, January 11, 2017 St Bede the Venerable 215 Foothill Blvd. La Canada Registration at 9:30 am, Call to Order at 10:00 am, and Concludes at 1:30 pm. Mass will be celebrated at 11:15 am. Luncheon 12:00 noon-$10.00 prepaid For reservation and further information please contact Ellie Martin at or Marie Urrutia at Deadline to Register: Wednesday, January 4th.

8 Bulle n Number: Holy Redeemer 2411 Montrose Ave Montrose, Ca Contact: Chris ne ccorrigan@hr-sj.org

OUR MISSION: Sharing Faith, Celebrating Traditions, and Serving Each Other to the Praise and Glory of God.

MAY 7, 2017 FOURTH SUNDAY IN EASTER Welcome into full ini a on and to our parish family! OUR MISSION: Sharing Faith, Celebrating Traditions, and Serving Each Other to the Praise and Glory of God. Fr. Edward