Rev. Fr. Dale Branson, Pastor

Transcription

1 St. Michael the Archangel Parish Third Sunday of Advent December 16,2018 Rev. Fr. Dale Branson, Pastor Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday: Parish Office Mailing and delivery address: N. Poseidon Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ Phone: (520) Fax: (520) Office hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Adoration 9am (following 8:30am mass) Vigil 4pm Sunday: 8 am & 10:00 am Daily Mass Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - 8:30am at the Parish Center. Parish Center N Apollo Dr. San Tan Valley, AZ For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy it; you may even find yourselves fighting against God. Acts 5:38b-39b TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Years ago, the trick question on religion quizzes would be to name all the liturgical colors, or the colors of the vestments worn at Mass. Rose is a color seldom seen, used at most two days a year. Today, Gaudete Sunday, is one of those days. The name of the day is drawn from an opening verse in the old Latin Mass texts: Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice! This year s Gospel certainly reflects that mood as Elizabeth feels her infant within her leaping for joy at the presence of Mary. Mary s visit to her aged cousin is an act of compassion between women, as two kinswomen who are bearing children into the world share their joy. Some churches retain the custom of having the priest wear rose vestments today, and many will use a rose candle in the Advent wreath. Violet is the official color for Advent and Lent, but many parishes employ different hues for each season, trying to keep them distinct. In medieval times, dye was costly, and poor parishes used unornamented plain cloth for vestments. Dyes were expensive and some colors, particularly purple, difficult to achieve. In England, purple dye was made from mollusks, yielding at best a deep indigo or blue and not the desired violet. Thus, the color of Advent in the British Isles has long been a deep blue, reminding many people of Mary s presence at the heart of the Advent mystery. That theology is largely unplanned: it s all because of the clams! James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. Are you new to St. Michael the Archangel Church? We welcome you and we ask that you please take a few moments to register. Registra on forms are located at the Greeters Table or can now be found and submi ed online. Visit our website and click on the link, Parish Registra on Form, found at the bo om of the home page and follow the instruc ons.

2 Sacramental Policies ANOINTING OF THE SICK At the 8:30am Mass on the first Friday of each month or by appt. BAPTISM Parents will need to provide a copy of the child s birth certificate and participate in a class. Baptismal Classes are held on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 11 am in the Church office. Parents must call the church office a week prior to register for the class. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are confirmed and married in the Church, if married. CONFESSION Confessions are heard after mass on the weekdays or on Sunday half hour before mass time. CONFIRMATION Confirmation will be given students in 8 th grade or above. They must have completed the 8 th grade religious education class and optimally the 7 th as well. Sponsors must be practicing Catholics who are already confirmed and married in the Church, if married. Parents should not be sponsors for their own children. For information on Confirmation preparation for adults please contact the pastor. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION First Holy Communion will be offered to children in Grade 2. Children must attend CCD regularly throughout Grade 2 in order to receive the Sacrament in May of that year. Students will also be prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Grade 2. MARRIAGE Both parties are expected to participate in the preparation program. Parties must notify the pastor at least one year prior to their proposed marriage date. Please meet with the pastor for a fuller explanation and to make arrangements. QUINCEANERAS St. Michael the Archangel Parish does not have Quinceaneras at this time. Parish Pastoral Council: Diana Albert, Sue Baitinger, Bob Butchko, Virginia Bombolino, Reajean Porter, Bert Pampanin, Craig Rudko, Darrell Stonerook, Mary Teese, Irene Chagoya, Patricia DeStefano, Karen Panhans, Jane Vogel and Scott Robert. Pastoral Council meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and all are welcome to attend. Bap sm class will be held January 12th Please call the parish office to register. Dec 16 10:00am Marina Sabbara & family Robert Dunaway Alfred Nieves Jr Eugene R. Boehm Dec 18 8:30am Christobal H. Rodriguez Dec 19 8:30am Fred J. Smith Dec 21 8:30am Virginia Gonzalos Pro Populo - Latin: for the people - Deceased To request a mass, please call the rectory ST. MICHAEL THE AV Ministry Alvin Rivera, brooklynboy3@cox.net (480) Scott Robert, scadabox@gmail.com (480) BULLETIN bulletin@stmichaels77.org (520) CCD/ALTAR SERVERS Reajean Porter, ccd@stmichaels77.org (808) EUCHARISTIC MINISTER/PRAYER CHAIN Virginia Bombolino ginbaby2003@aol.com, (480) FOOD BANK Jane Vogel, jema48@gmail.com (520) GREETERS Karen Panhans karen.panhans1@gmail.com (928) HOMEBOUND MINISTRY Patricia DeStefano, patriciad333@yahoo.com (480) KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Gary Kluthe garykaboom@cox.net (402) RED HAT Michaele es / LECTORS Suzanne Baitinger rsbaitinger@hotmail.com (480) MINISTRY FOR THE DEAF Annemarie Kalvaitis mabel231@cox.net MUSIC Diana Albert Dialbert2@aol.com, (480) Readings for the Week Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1: Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 2, 12-13, 13, 18-19; Mt 1: Wednesday: es da Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; 25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; 17; Lk 1:5-25 Thursday: Is 7:10-14; 14 ; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; 18 Ps 33:2-3, 3: 3, 11-12, 12, 20-21; 21; Lk 1:39-45 Saturday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, ; 19 Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45 MINISTRIES & Prison Ministry Kathy Ernst, kathyernst10@yahoo.com Teen Youth Group Dillon Tambagan teens@stmichaels77.org (480) PASTOR Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson pastor@stmichaels77.org, (520) RCIA Bob Butchko Bob.butchko@centurylink.net (480) SACRISTANS Irene Chagoya Irene.chagoya@gmail.com (480) SAFE ENVIRONMENT Sue Stonerook, sstonerook@live.com (602) Mary Teese, mteese@cox.net (520) SECRETARY Elisa Victoria secretary@stmichaels77.org (520) USHERS Darrell Stonerook, sstonerook@live.com (602) WEBMASTER Craig Rudko webmaster@stmichaels77.org (480) SCOUTS Scott Robert, scadabox@gmail.com (480)

3 The prophetic writings we hear in today s scriptures call us to rejoice and celebrate the goodness of God. Zephaniah, Isaiah, Saint Paul, and John the Baptist in Luke s Gospel all follow the rich tradition of the Biblical prophets, a tradition that reaches full expression in Jesus. The prophets warn that human failings have truly disastrous consequences. All are summoned to repent, and to change their lives. Today we hear the Good News that God s gracious love exceeds and overcomes all human corruption. God has not given up on us. Indeed, God keeps pursuing us, and eagerly seeks to reconcile with us. God s initiative to set the world aright culminates with Jesus, whose coming John the Baptist announces. John s prophetic message summons us to join in God s reconciling work, by living generously and justly in our daily lives. As we rejoice in God s grace, we then extend this grace to all. GOD S JOY, OUR JOY Zephaniah s description of God in today s first reading is quite striking. It is remarkable that after most of the book of Zephaniah paints a dark picture of God s judgment on the Day of the Lord, we see God singing with joy, partying and celebrating, bursting with love for the Chosen People. Such is God s delight in us human beings. In the scriptures, there seem to be two kinds of moments when God is especially delighted. First, during creation, when God creates something beautiful: not only the whole universe, but also individual human persons, made in God s image. Second, after times of separation, when God celebrates the restoration of intimacy with God s beloved. As Paul writes to the Church in Philippi, those on the path of faith might somehow get swept up in God s joy. Because in Christ and through the Holy Spirit, God continually speaks and listens to those in united in faith. We participate in God s delight in creation when we are creative ourselves, when we add to the world s beauty. We also participate when we join in the work of reconciliation and act to heal human divisions and restore relationships. BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE In today s Gospel, those who listened to John the Baptist s prophetic preaching were quite troubled, and moved to ask What should we do? Although John had given dire warnings about what might happen if they did not sincerely repent, he did not suggest drastic actions. He recommended that people begin where they are, and work within their daily circumstances. Share generously. Treat people fairly. Be content with what you have. These were perhaps small steps turning them, in God s time, toward deeper change. A first step for us might be to learn, however slowly, to listen to God speaking within the context of our lives. We can respond with small concrete actions and perhaps learn what God wishes to say through them. We can then listen anew for the next step. TODAY S READINGS First Reading Your God will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at fes vals (Zephaniah 3:14-18a). Psalm Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 12:6). Second Reading Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! (Philippians 4:4-7). Gospel Whoever who has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. Whoever who has food should do likewise (Luke 3:10-18). The English transla on of the Psalm Responses from Lec onary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, Interna onal Commission on English in the Liturgy Corpora on. All rights reserved.

4 MASS ATTENDANCE 933 People attended mass December 09, People attended mass Dec. 8th for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Do you know someone who needs prayers to comfort and strengthen them? If so please contact Virginia Bombolino A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from any food and drink, yes folks that includes coffee. CCL 919 Phone: ginbaby2003@aol.com Online Giving Find out how on our website and select online giving tab Have you considered volunteering? Today is your day. Volunteers are needed in the following ministries: Sacristans, Prison, Greeters, Red Hats, and Knights of Columbus, just to name a few. High school students, this is a great way to earn your service hours. If you are interested in any ministry, contact informa on for the ministry leader is listed on the inside cover of this bulle n. Holiday Mass Schedule & Penance Services 12/24 2pm and 4pm 12/25 10am 12/31 7pm - Holy Day of Obligation 1/1 10am - Holy Day of Obligation 2018 Penance Service schedule. December 10, 7pm, St Michaels in San Tan Valley December 14, 4pm & 7pm, St. Anthony's in Casa Grande December 17, 7pm, St. James in Coolidge December 18, 4pm & 7pm, OL of Grace in Maricopa December 19, 7pm, St. Helens in Eloy December 20, 8am, 4pm, 6:30pm, St. George in Apache Junction December 21, 7pm, Assumption in Florence Marriage Help Retrouvaille helps married couples show each other mercy through the opportunities it provides to listen, to forgive, to be reconciled and to move into their futures believing that God loves them. With His help and your efforts, your marriage can be healed and restored! Register Now for the Weekend Program in Tucson beginning Friday evening, January 18 - Sunday, January 20, Visit: or Call Annual Catholic Appeal Amount Pledged $23, Amount Paid $17, Pledge Balance $5, Financial report December 9,2018 Parish Offertory $7, Missale e $33.00 Seminarian Educa on $ Capital Campaign $6, Poor $25.00 Building fund $ Total $15,393.98

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6 Philippians 4:4 --Rejoice* in the Lord Joy always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Winter Visitors Our winter visitors are a vital component to St Michael the Archangel. A recent demographic survey was undertaken in San Tan Valley. This study showed: 60% are year-round residents 30% are winter visitors 10% are renters St. Michael the Archangel Parish needs to accommodate all 100%. We truly appreciate the support of our winter visitors. That support is vital to our financial health. We know you support your home parish. Please consider us as your 2nd home parish. Any support that you can offer during our six month But it s a dry heat season, when you are missing, would be most welcome. Please consider our electronic giving platform on our parish website: then click Online Giving on the horizontal menu below the picture of the Parish Center. We have recently formed our own Knights of Columbus Council All men among our winter visitors are welcome and encouraged to join. More information will be forthcoming. Tim Davidson Eagle Scout Awarded Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scout Colin Wild, who celebrated this award at the Court of Honor this past Sunday including an Eagle Dancer as part of the ceremony. Scouts received various awards and our youngest Cub Scout Liam Robert, also our youngest Usher at the 10am Mass, earned his Bobcat rank and other belt loop awards. Bring a notebook, an open mind, and an open heart. Classes are Sundays after 10am Mass and will run until 12:30pm. x Schedule: Dec 23 - No class Volunteer project or party x To register your teen for the year, please contact (480) The Fr. John C. Borley Council of the Knights of Columbus wishes to thank the parishioners of St. Michael The Archangel for your on-going support in our first year. We consider it an honor and Blessing to serve this parish. Your support makes it possible. May you all experience the overwhelming joy of Christ s presence this Christmas and always! Remember to keep Christ in Christmas!

7 Reajean Porter *Director of Religious Education* CCD Weekly Announcements December 16, 2018 December 18 Tuesday Pageant Rehearsal December 19 Wednesday Pageant Rehearsal December Weeks at a Glance 6:00 8:00 6:00 8:00 Tues/Wed No CCD Christmas Break December 29- Tues/Wed No SAC New Years Break December 22 4pm Scott Kennedy December 23 8am William Johansen Tobee Dunlap 10am Brooklynn John Melina Stegner Monday, December 24th at 3:30pm Co-directed by Miss Jenny & Miss Jennifer with help from our CCD teachers. They are looking for 30 students who would like to participate in being angels, wise men, shepherds, narrators and more. Come out Tuesday, Dec. 18th from 6-8 to get your part, try on costumes and do a walk through. Wednesday, Dec. 19th from 6-8 there will be a dress rehearsal. Good time to take pictures. Pageant will start at 3:30 before the 4pm Christmas Vigil Mass. Everyone participating should come dressed in their costume and arrive at 3:00pm. There will be a 2pm Mass Parking may be a little tight please plan on parking on the road. Offertory Gift Bearers Sunday 10am Mass December 22 Aeneas Alvarado Valeria Murillo Deontae Peralta Aramis Murillo(W) January 6, 2019 Luke Bradeen Alexis Raphael Melina stegner Marcus Ramirez(W) December 23 8am 10am Mario Paccirilli Fernando Peinado December 30 8am William Johansen 10am Vincent Vitale

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