Rev. Fr. Dale Branson, Pastor

Transcription

1 St. Michael the Archangel Parish Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 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 In ancient pagan Rome, these days in middecember were a me for general slacking off at work and far too much rejoicing. The period of leisure a er the harvest and a whole cluster of pagan fes vals were a force for the church to reckon with. The Saturnalia, breaking out on December 17, was a me of high living and loose morals. Chris ans were advised by their bishops to drop out of the mayhem and do some serious fas ng. A famous church council at Saragossa in Spain made a season of fas ng mandatory from December 17 to December 23, exactly coinciding with the Saturnalia. The bishops at that me were perhaps less concerned with preparing for Christmas than with resis ng the kind of loose living going on. Modern mes have restored a bit of the Saturnalia spirit to our culture, so that a general period of partying with a vague connec on to religion is now upon us. How does a Chris an keep balance? The prac ce of charity by remembering the poor in our gi giving, of hospitality in finding a place at our holiday tables for the poor and lonely, and of daily prayer in the home and at church are great helps. Although Advent is not a peniten al season like Lent, it is a me for making room in our lives for what ma ers most. 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 23 8:00am Pro Populo 10:00am Marina Sabbara & family Dec 24 4:00pm Lydia Reola Dec 25 10:00am Austin J. Chagoya Dec 26 8:30am Steve Moore Jennie Moore Dec 29 8:30am Charles Yetzer 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: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Tuesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Wednesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Thursday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Friday: 1 Jn 1:5 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52 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 There is a spirit of audacity in our readings today. During a me of injus ce and threat of invasion, the prophet Micah boldly announces that the God of insignificant Israel will raise up a leader from backwater Bethlehem, and this leader will bring jus ce and peace to the whole world. In the Gospel, Elizabeth and Mary, marginalized women, brazenly celebrate that their sons will be world-changing instruments of God. We further learn that this audacity is rooted in trust in God. The author of Hebrews describes the faithful obedience of Jesus. Mary is shown as the exemplar of faithful trust in God. This is the way God o en seems to work, in the ordinary and marginalized in our world. Those who seem weak have learned to trust in God s strength. These have the audacity to become instruments of God s peace and jus ce. FROM SCANDAL TO HONOR The mee ng of Mary and Elizabeth follows a strong tradi on of women in their culture, to come together to support each other during pregnancy. Mary likely carried a shadow of scandal in her pregnancy, since it began before her marriage. Elizabeth, having carried her own burden of social disapproval a er many years without children, sees only cause for celebra on. Elizabeth sees beyond the social shame of Mary s situa on to observe how God is working, and how Mary has accepted joining in this work. Unlike Elizabeth s husband Zechariah, who thought it unbelievable that God could bring them a son, Mary believed the angel s message. Elizabeth honors Mary, in part, for simply being able to imagine that God could do this extraordinary thing through her. Perhaps God had been preparing Mary s heart throughout her young life, so that she could be fully recep ve to God s specific call when the me was right. Mary opened herself to an uncertain future, trus ng that God would accompany her in the joys and sorrows of being the mother of Jesus. PREGNANT WITH GOD Advent, as a me of prepara on for Christmas, echoes the pregnancy of Mary. Something is s rring within us, and we await the coming of Jesus. Although we the Church have observed Advent and Christmas many mes, God is always offering something new to us. Like the angel asked Mary, God is always asking us to allow Christ to be born in and through us. Christ wishes to make himself at home within us, and increase his presence in our hearts. Like pregnancy, at mes God s ac vity within us can be disorien ng and confusing. The story of Elizabeth and Mary reminds us that however uncertain we may be about what God is up to in our lives, we have cause to rejoice because God is indeed good, and will truly bring blessing to us. And through the fruit of our own wombs, God will bring blessing to the world. TODAY S READINGS First Reading From Bethlehem-Ephrathah shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel (Micah 5:1-4a). Psalm Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). Second Reading We have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:5-10). Gospel Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken by the Lord would be fulfilled (Luke 1:39-45). 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 Do we really understand the Mass? If so, why do we treat the liturgy as if it were a picnic or a ball game. Spit out your gum, turn off or down your cell phone, check that you re appropriately dressed to make the most of this precious opportunity. Remember when coming to Mass you are stepping away from the ordinary and into a sacred space. Catholics are required to fast for one hour before receiving the Eucharist. This ensures that we are hungry for the Eucharist and that we show the proper respect for the Body of Christ, let s not forget that going to mass is not only a privilege but a great gift. Don t let anything distract you from the sacred fast that prepares you to receive the Body of Christ. So there s one more reason to lose the gum and remember why you come to Mass! May the Blessings of Christ be upon you! 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 Do you know someone who needs prayers to comfort and strengthen them? If so please contact Virginia Bombolino Phone: ginbaby2003@aol.com All requests are private. Financial report December 16,2018 Parish Offertory Online Giving Find out how on our website and select online giving tab MASS ATTENDANCE Will be updated when the information is available Total Annual Catholic Appeal Amount Pledged Amount Paid $23, $17, Pledge Balance $5,667.00

5 Hand Print Tree Christmas Family Craft Use hand prints for the tree with green paint Paint on the trunk and star Once the tree is dry use finger print for the lights Mistletoe footprints Use foot print for the mistletoe with green paint and let dry before adding embellishments. For keepsakes use plastic Christmas balls.

6 Psalms 29:11 Peace ~May the LORD bless his people with peace Bring a notebook, an open mind, and an open heart. x Classes are Sundays after 10am Mass and will run until 12:30pm. x Schedule: Dec 23 - No class Volunteer project or party To register your teen for the year, please contact (480) The St. Michaels cook book has arrived and available for purchase Stop by the Gi shop. A Wonderful Night of the Live Nativity Thank you to all of those who participated in the Live Nativity presented by Diana Albert and the 10 AM Choir. It was a beautiful night to be sitting under the stars as the story of our Lord Jesus Christ s birth, portrayed by our young actors accompanied by the choir who sang carols to announce His birth through the arrival of the Wise men from the East. Thank you to all our Parishioners who came out to enjoy this beautiful evening and for the canned goods donated to the Food Bank.

7 Reajean Porter *Director of Religious Education* CCD Weekly Announcements December 23, 2018 December 18 Tuesday Pageant 6:00 8:00 December 19 Wednesday Pageant 6:00 8:00 December December Weeks at a Glance Tues/Wed No CCD Christmas Break Tues/Wed No SAC New Years Break December 29 4pm Scott Kennedy December 30 8am William Johansen Tobee Dunlap 10am Brooklynn John Melina Stegner Monday, December 24th at 3:30pm Come join us as our children enlighten us with their version of the Christmas Nativity. Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all our wonderful CCD Teachers, Students and Families CCD RECONCILIATION UPDATE First Reconciliation will now be heard on Friday, January 25, 2018 at 7:00 PM. There will be a mandatory class for these students on Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:30pm to review and prepare for their Reconciliation. 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 January 30 8am William Johansen 10am Vincent Vitale

8 INFORMATION SHEET Church name & address: St. Michael the Archangel # Poseidon Rd. Florence AZ Contact person: Lisa (520) So ware used: Win 7, MSPub 2010, Adobe Acrobat XI Day & me of transmission: noon Number of pages transmi ed: Cover + 5 text pages + this page = 7 Special instruc ons for Produc on: FedEx shipping address: Poseidon Rd., Florence AZ Special instruc ons for delivery (if any): FedEx tracking Secretary@stmichaels77.org