St. Mary on the Hill

Transcription

1 St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church Love is our Mission: The Family Fully Alive ORDAINED MINISTERS Fr. Jerry Ragan, Pastor Fr. Lou Lindsey, Senior Parochial Vicar Fr. Michael Hull Fr. David Arnoldt 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 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. 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 2:00 pm, Iglesia de Saint Teresa of Avila, 4921 Columbia Road, Grovetown, GA Domingo 4:00 pm, Iglesia de Saint Joseph, 2607 Lumpkin Road, Augusta, GA First Sunday of Advent-- November 29, 2015 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. 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. 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 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 SCHOOLS St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School Joseph McBride, Principal (706) smcs@knology.net Aquinas High School Maureen Lewis, Principal (706) aquinas@aquinashigh.org Fr. Richard Sutter, Chaplain In Residence at SMOTH 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 29, 2015 Sunday, November 29 First Sunday of Advent Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25; 1 Thes 3:12--4:2; Lk 21:25-28, :45 am (Fr. Jerry Ragan) Dave & Janet Crowley NO CCD Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C 10:30 am (Fr. John Markham) Jeanne Cooney Church League Basketball Practice Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G 2 nd Anniversary 12:30-5:30 pm G NO High School Youth Night 12:15 pm (Fr. Tom Healy) 5:30 pm (Fr. David Arnoldt) Mass for the People Steve Andrews Rev. Brian LaBurt & Rev. Robert Chaney / Stephen Hill, Pre-Theology I* Monday, November 30 Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4: :00 am Jim & JoJo McLaughlin 9:15 am Tony Colley Saturday, December 5 First Saturday Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35--10:1, 5a, 6-8 9:15 am Helen Evans Reconciliation 3:45-4:45 pm 5:00 pm (Fr. Michael Hull) John Rolwing - 1 st Anniversary IAHS Dinner 4:00 pm PH Rev. Adam Kasela & Rev. Jerry Ragan/ Theodore Agba, Theology II* A = SJC Atrium AC= Adoration Chapel AH=Annunciation House MR1=Meeting Room 1 MR2=Meeting Room 2 YC=Youth Center (1 st Floor) Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm MDO 9:00 am SA Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH Bridge 10:00 am SC All Priests / Esteban Steven Mallar, Pre-Theology I* Friday, December 4 Memorial of Saint John Damascene, Priest & Doctor of the Church; First Friday Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31 or (Memorial: 2 Tm 1:13-14, 2:1-3; Mt 25:14-30) 7:00 am Ben Strong Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH 9:15 am Edith Cook 7:00 pm (First Friday) Fred Hoffman Rev. Francis Patterson & Rev. Samuel Aniekwe / Chris Hassel, Pastoral Year* BR= Bride Room C = Church CAF=SMCS Cafeteria CL= SMCS Computer Lab FCH = Fr. Charlie s House 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 Rosary & Miraculous Medal Novena 5:00 pm SJDC RCIA 7:00 pm PH Tuesday, December 1 Is 11:1-10; Lk 10: :00 am Betty Logan MDO 9:00 am SA SMCS Basketball Game 5:00 pm G 9:15 am Arline Kelly Centering Prayer 7:00 pm SC Rev. John Johnson & Rev. Michael Cerrone / Deacon Brian O Shaughnessy, Theology IV* Wednesday, December 2 Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15: :00 am Todd Pittman Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Bridge & Christmas Treats 10:00 am SC 5:15 pm Charles Cheek MDO 9:00 am SA Light Weigh 7:00 pm FCH Walking Aerobics 9:00 am PH Parish Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm PH Rev. J. Ronald Madden & Rev. Anthony Wesolowski, OSB / Deacon John Wright, Theology IV* Thursday, December 3 Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, or (Memorial: 1 Cor 9:16-19, Mk 16:15-20) 7:00 am 9:15 am Erna Hull AHS Placement Testing 8:00 am PH Senior Center Open 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Melissa Anderson Jacobs MDO 9:00 am SA Bridge 10:00 am SC Bingo & Advent Party 10:30 am SC Rev. Joseph Smith & Rev. David Hamm, ST / Drew Larkin, Theology III* Sunday, December 6 Second Sunday of Advent Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6 7:45 am (Fr. Tom Healy) Mass for the People 10:30 am (Fr. Richard Sutter) John Thorstad 12:15 pm (Fr. Jerry Ragan) Isabel Balog - 20 th Anniversary 5:30 pm Fr. David Arnoldt) Michael Sandy SMCS Basketball Games 5:00 pm G Cursillo 7:00 pm SC Spirit & Truth 7:30 pm AH Prayer Group 7:30 pm FCH Youth Holy Hour 9:00-10:00 pm AC CCD 9:00 am CAF Children s Liturgy during 10:30 Mass PH Church League Basketball Practice 12:30-5:30 pm G Baptism Prep Class 1:30 pm PH Most Rev. Bishop Gregory John Hartmayer, OFM Conv / Solomon Kaanan, Theology II* Saints Overseas 3:00 pm SC Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G High School Youth Night 6:30-8:00 pm AH UR= SJC Upper Room *= Please pray daily for our Priests & Seminarians. =Deceased =Living

3 St. Mary on the Hill November 29, 2015 Happy New Year!!! As we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical Year. Advent is about hope, and the joyful expectation of the coming of Christ in our lives. We should take this four-week opportunity to rediscover all that Jesus brings to our lives. I d urge you to use this time to re-align yourself spiritually, through prayer, fasting and service to others. If you have not received the special graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for a while, now is the time to do so, especially as we start the Year of Mercy on December 8 th. Our Advent Penance Service will be on Tuesday, December 15 th. Do not let Advent fall into the background of the secular Christmas rush, instead use this time to reorient yourself to Jesus. You know as well as I do, that any more Advent is something that you only hear about in Church and that so many people today are really clueless that the Incarnation, the Mystery of the Creator becoming creature, is the real reason for the Season. You know as well as I do, that to some extent all of us lose focus in the midst of what has become a crazy holiday season. So, as good Catholic people I d ask you to focus on just one word that I pray will help you deepen the Mystery of the Incarnation throughout the Advent and Christmas Seasons. The word is Reconciliation. If you do nothing else of a spiritual nature in the next few weeks celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is not only an important step to prepare spiritually for Christmas, but this year it is a great way to begin the Year of Mercy. Pope Francis has proclaimed an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy as a special time for the Church to make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercy. Only the third special jubilee in Church history, this year will be an opportunity to encourage Christians to meet people s real needs with concrete assistance, and to experience and recognize with gratitude the mercy of God in our own lives. Regardless of our position in life, we are all in need of God s mercy, a mercy that he extends so that, despite our spiritual poverty, we can be one with him. It is God s mercy that bridges the gap between our humanity and God s divinity, provides us with a model for right relationships, and brings us out of our isolation and into joyful communion with him and with all people. The journey of Mercy begins by being aware of what areas in our life are in need of God s compassionate love. So, I hope you will take some time between now and December 8 th to visit the Shrine of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, that has been temporarily built in the front of the Church. Write out a petition asking for prayers that will help with God s grace to bring healing and reconciliation to a particularly knotty problem that you are facing. This Holy Year will open on December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and conclude on the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 20, In this jubilee year, Catholics should make it evident that the Church is a living witness to the compassion of God. By recognizing the presence of the Father s mercy in our own lives, through prayer, reflection, and reconciliation, we are then prepared to search out and respond to the physical, emotional, and spiritual privations of those in our community the sick, the imprisoned, the poor, the stranger and bring mercy to others. It has been a year since Fr. Tom Murphy left us and we became a faith community without a full time Parochial Vicar. Fr. Tom Murphy is keeping busy as he is working hard to establish a new parish in Pooler, Ga. while also serving as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Port Wentworth. Keep him in your prayers. And it has also been over a year since Fr. Lou Lindsey began treatments for cancer. His radiation therapy ended this week but he continues his chemo and hormone therapies. Obviously, these therapies have taken their toll. Still, Fr. Lou is in great spirits and is very much hoping to be back celebrating Mass on a regular basis. He is most grateful for your continued prayers. I am grateful to Fr. Michael Hull, and my two retired friends, Fr. Dave Arnoldt and Fr. Tom Healy who have been most generous in their willingness to help out. Fr. John Markham, the Catholic Chaplain at the VA hospitals, is also willing to celebrate the 10:30 Mass on occasion and Fr. Richard Sutter, Chaplain at Aquinas High School, will also pitch in when his busy schedule with school events and work at other deanery parishes allows. He is beginning a Mission at St. Joseph s Parish today. I had a great talk with Bishop Hartmayer when he was here for Confirmation and though he doesn t have an immediate solution, he gives me hope that he might be able to find a Parochial Vicar for us soon. I continue to rejoice in the wonderful work of our Deacons and so many, many good lay people in this faith community. There is no way that our Parish could remain as vibrant as it is without so many folks giving of their time and talent so willingly. I am grateful to all of you who take your faith so seriously and who have been so supportive this parish. We can look back with nostalgia at the way things used to be. But really Advent and the beginning of a new Church year offers us an opportunity to look forward with hope. My hope is that we will follow the lead of Pope Francis and truly have a sense that we all have a mission to bring God s love and mercy to our world. So, at the beginning of a New Year, I ask each of you to take the next step in being intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. On the Way Home: The Gospel asks us to Be vigilant at all times. What does that mean in your life? How do you keep watch for the Lord?

4 PRAYER REQUESTS Kim Agee Vicky Barnett Patricia Beckwith Lillian Bennett Bill Berry Michael Boos Frances Brown Retta Burke Pray for the Sick of Our Parish Clifford Carey Cameron Clark Joyce Coleman Diane Cone Marianna Daskal Scott Davis Greg Dross Margaret Dunstan Diane Dymeck Wayne Enroughty Dwain Green Hugh Greene Charles Hinnant Anne Hoffman John Hoverkamp Jennifer Jackson Jackie Jackson Sheri James Cambri Jewell Lisa Johnson Steve Kowalczyk Ed Kulik Laurie Landrum Audrey Lavin Tony Maniquis Marie McBurney Ann McDaniel Eva Marie Mobley Kathy Mosner Jason Mulherin Pop Newman Tim O Shea Benny Price Sallie Rankin Paul Reese Ashton Rinker Aileen Robinson Wanda Roper Pam Rosema Pray for the Military ENS Kyle A. Iasiello USS Farragut MAJ I. Michael McLaughlin - Kuwait SSgt Brandon Terrette - Honduras McKenzie Dicks Carter Maura Dial Stephanie Mae Easley Jessica Futrelle Please remember in your prayers our parish family and friends, and those involved in the war on terrorism. Pray for Expectant Mothers Leslie Gumas Carol Harrison Karmen Lowery Brittany Schaffer Rose Michelle Rose November 29, 2015 Joan Schenkel Shirley Schwanenberger Ron Schwanenberger Martha Scott Julia K. Smith Brandy Stephens Joyce Stigall John Strelec Maura Stoehr Joe Ward John Ward Vickie Walters Please remember to call the church office if you or a family member can be removed from this prayer list. 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. Ryan Armstrong Rhodes 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. STEWARDSHIP Parish Stewardship of Treasure Week of 11/15/15 FY16 Year to Date FY15 Year to Date Contributions $ 71,496 $ 1,459,187 $ 1,433,088 Children s $ 125 $ 1,674 $ 1,820 Stock/Other $ - $ 6,113 $ 21,528 Total $ 71,621 $ 1,466,974 $ 1,456,436 Budget $ 78,845 $ 1,576,900 $ 1,576,900 Surplus (Deficit) $ (7,224) $ (109,926) $ (120,464) Bequest $ - $ 277,047 $ 1,200 Memorials/Donations $ - $ 1,605 $ 1,500 Southern Cross $ - $ 5,443 $ 5,544 Special Collections $ - $ 9,683 $ 19, (13 thru the website) of 2459 families and 64 children gave the week of November 8, St. Mary on the Hill is sustained by the generosity of our parishioners through time, talent and treasure. For all that you do, THANK YOU! Don t Forget to Turn in Your Committment Card We re still in the midst of or annual Stewardship Renewal. If you haven t returned your Commitment Card, you still can mail it to the Parish Office or turn it in the weekend collection basket. 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! Retirement Fund for Religious Support elderly religious. A parishioner writes, As a Catholic school student from grades K 12, I was formed to be the person I am by many religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever grateful. Show your appreciation for the senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference in so many lives. Please give generously to the December 13 th collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. An envelope for this collection was included in your bi-monthly envelope mailing.

5 WORSHIP Family Advent Penance Service St. Mary on the Hill Church Tuesday, December 15, 7:00 pm All are welcome. Other Advent Penance Services Tuesday, December 1 Aquinas High School 10:00 am Tuesday, December 1 St. Joseph 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 9 Most Holy Trinity 6:30 pm Thursday, December 17 St. Joan of Arc, Louisville 6:00 pm Friday, December 18 Sacred Heart, Waynesboro 6:00 pm Monday, December 21 St. Teresa of Avila 7:00 pm Children s Liturgy Sunday, December 6, 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. FAITH FORMATION Baptisms Baptism Preparation Classes typically are scheduled for the first Sunday of the month. The next Baptism Preparation Class is Sunday, December 6 at 1:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Please call the office to register for classes, Perpetual Adoration - Adorers Needed! 11:55 pm - 1:00 am Sunday, Monday, Saturday 1:00-2:00 am Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 2:00-3:00 am Sunday, Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 3:00-4:00 am MONDAY, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 am Sunday, MONDAY*, TUESDAY -- rotation basis (need two), Saturday 5:00-6:00 am Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:00-7:00 am Sunday, Tuesday, Saturday 9:00-10:00 am Monday, Saturday 10:00-11:00 am Monday, Thursday 11:00-12:00 noon Sunday,Thursday, Friday 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Tuesday, Friday, SATURDAY 1:00-2:00 pm Saturday 2:00-3:00 pm Friday,Saturday 3:00-4:00 pm Sunday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 5:00-6:00 pm Thursday 6:00-7:00 pm Thursday 7:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 8:00-9:00 pm Sunday, Monday, Friday 9:00-10:00 pm Sunday, Friday 10:00-11:00 pm Thursday, Saturday 11:00 pm - midnight Saturday * WE HAVE NO ONE TO COVER: 4:00-5:00 am Monday November 29, 2015 BIG NEED FOR A PARTNER: 3:00-4:00 am Monday 4:00-5:00 am Tuesday -- once a month Noon - 1:00 pm Saturday 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. Free Ministry to Traveling Catholics For nationwide Mass times and locations: Call Mass Times (( ) or Internet Wedding Banns Anna Aileen McArdle, St. Mary on the Hill, Augusta, GA and Cody Allen Jones, Augusta, GA 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 Catholic Church on January 15 & 16, 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 the Parish Office at (706) Remember your wedding vow For better or worse? Every marriage travels through difficult times, some more challenging than others. Retrouvaille teaches couples how to get through the tough times. Retrouvaille couples and priests believe your marriage is worth the work of rediscovery. Reach for the Retrouvaille lifeline. Our next Retrouvaille Weekend will be January in an Augusta Hotel. For additional information or to register call (706) or retroquinn@knology.net. More info at Space limited. Register early.

6 St. Mary on the Hill November 29, 2015 Golden & Silver Wedding Anniversary Mass Celebration 2016 Couples celebrating their Silver or Gold (25 th or 50 th ) Wedding Anniversaries in 2016 are invited to breakfast and a special Mass in their honor at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, GA on Sunday, February 7, 2016 with Bishop Gregory Hartmayer. Those wishing to attend should contact the St. Marys Parish Office to register or register online at no later than Tuesday, December 15, COMMUNITY Senior Center BRIDGE & Treats Wednesday December 2 10:00 am Play your usual game of bridge & enjoy Christmastime. S I G N U P: BINGO & Covered Dish Advent Party Thursday December 3 10:30 am Come for your usual game of bingo & stay for our Covered Dish Advent Party. Bring your own special dish to share. If you d like, you could bring something for CSS. Some good suggestions are: socks, blankets, tooth paste, tooth brushes, shampoo, soap.anything that won t spoil. SIGN UP: Ken Maleck s Tax Tips & Lunch Monday January 11 11:00 am Ken keeps us updated with all the new laws. Then we ll share a nice lunch. Senior Center Calendar for December is available in the Narthex. Aquinas Booster Club Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale Now to December 1, 2015 Order your tree and pick it up by Tuesday, December 15, From A Very Merry Christmas Tree Farm Next to AAA Travel on Walton Way Ext. Portion of all sales benefit Aquinas Athletics Order forms available at Aquinas, St. Mary School and the Church office As well as Angevines Fine Silver Book Fair Good books inspire - and make great Christmas gifts! Prepare your hearts and fill your stockings with books from the Daughters of St. Paul Book Fair St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School November 30 & December 1 8:30 am - 2:30 pm For more information, call Ruth Prohaska, Advent Candles Advent candles are available at the church office for $5.00 (set of four). Elijah Cup will be at the 5:30 pm Mass Now through December 27, 2015 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. Learn NFP from CCL Learn Natural Family Planning (NFP) at your own pace, in your own home. With this option, the class is broken into short, video-based modules designed to give couples a comprehensive learning experience. The couple will watch the lessons and complete exercises similar to those in the Onsite or Online classes. Visit the following link Attention Donors! Please submit your 2016 tax credit pre-registration by December 15, GRACE Scholars donors -- individuals, individual business owners (S corporations, LLCs, and partnerships), C corporations, and estates and taxable trusts -- can pre-register online at or print, complete, and mail a paper form. As a GRACE Scholars donor, you can receive a Georgia tax credit for your donation. Your donation to GRACE Scholars is not due until March GRACE Scholars is a Catholic student scholarship organization. Your donation helps deserving students receive a Catholic education. GRACE Scholars donors provided more than $66,000 to help students attend St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School during this school year. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Contact GRACE Scholars at gracescholars@gracescholars.org or or Christine Sweeney at for questions or more information. Thank you for your support of GRACE Scholars.

7 St. Mary on the Hill November 29, 2015 Breakfast with Santa Sunday, December 13 in the Parish Hall The Knights of Columbus will serve a delicious pancake breakfast after the 7:45 am and 10:30 am Masses. $5.00 for an individual and $15.00 for a family Money from the Pancake breakfast benefits our seminarians. Pictures with Santa will be taken ($5.00 donation). All are welcome! 8 th Graders: If you would like to help as an elf for Breakfast with Santa, please contact Leigh McCormack, leighmc127@ yahoo.com or , to volunteer. This service does count for Confirmation service hours. Please bring your service hours form to be signed. SERVICE Deanery Rosary for Persecuted Christians Where: St. Ignatios of Antioch Greek Melkite Catholic Church, 1003 Merry St. We meet in the Sanctuary When: Every Saturday 11:45 am Join us for the rosary, prayer and singing hymns. Lunch is served in the parish hall afterwards. CSS Food Drive Our monthly non-perishable food drive to benefit the CSS Food Pantry is: next weekend, December 5 & 6. The baskets are located in the Narthex of the church for your convenience. These times are difficult for many people and bringing one canned good when we come to Church next Sunday is a good way for all of us to share from our cupboards. Thank You!! Celtic Christmas Concert featuring Carroll Brown and Marci Shore Friday, December 11 at 7:00 pm at Knights of Columbus Hall 1501 Monte Sano Ave., Augusta, GA Come enjoy an evening of Irish, original and traditional Christmas songs and stories. Presented by consummate performers whose musicianship and on stage camaraderie make for a unique and fun filled Holiday celebration. Tickets: $15.00 Contact Jeff Ryan (706) Bulletin Deadline The bulletin deadline for December 6 bulletin is the normal deadline of noon on Monday, November 30, The bulletin deadline for December 13 bulletin is noon on Thursday, December 3, The bulletin deadline for December 20 bulletin is noon on Tuesday, December 8, The bulletin deadline for December 27 bulletin is noon on Monday, December 14, The bulletin deadline for January 3 bulletin is noon on Monday, December 21, Information may be sent to the church office via mail, fax, or at smbulletin@knology.net Sisters in Christ On Monday, December 7 Dorothy Spaulding, the owner of WBPI-TV 49 located at 1750 Knox Ave, North Augusta, SC. will be our featured speaker. You are invited to be part of the audience at the live showing of Club 36, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, featuring Friends & Neighbors, straight from WATC-DT TV, Atlanta: a show of humor & heart!. Following the show there will be lunch with Dorothy s testimony then and a tour of the station. Lunch will be $ You must RSVP to Ellen or littlepinkdressministry. blogspot.com, or Facebook page Sisters in Christ Augusta. St. Mary on the Hill School News This week at school: The Catholic Book Fair, presented by Pauline Media and the Sisters of St. Paul, will be at school Monday and Tuesday during school hours. All are most welcome to stop by and place and order. We will be hosting a canned food drive to benefit Catholic Social Services this week at school. On Tuesday the A-team basketball teams will be playing at home versus Curtis Baptist beginning at 5:00 pm. On Wednesday our 4 th grade classes will be headed over to Dairy Queen to paint the windows for Christmas. We thank Dairy Queen for their continued support of St. Mary on the Hill! At 12:20 on Wednesday the finalists will compete in Mrs. Stoner s classroom for the annual Scripps Spelling Bee. The winner will compete in the upcoming All-Area Independent School Spelling Bee, usually held in January. On Thursday our 8 th graders will take the Aquinas High School Placement test HERE, at St. Mary s during the school day. Also on Thursday, the Kindergarten classes will attend It s the Night Before Christmas at Augusta University. The A-team Basketball teams will play at home versus Hillcrest on Thursday. Games begin at 5:00 pm. Angel Tree Saints Overseas Angel Tree 2015 Dear Parish Family,Thanks to your amazing generosity last Christmas, we provided funds for a sophisticated and fully operational well which supplies clean water at three different locations in Goala! This surpassed our grandest expectations. Not only the school children, but now all the families of the town have easy access to pure water for drinking, bathing, washing clothes and feeding animals! Let s provide a new Christmas miracle this year: we would like to raise funds for enough food and milk in 2016 for the 400 school children as well as the additional 100 children who cannot fit inside the school, but sit on the wall outside listening and trying their best to learn. Let s feed them all this year so the Sisters can spend their energy on educating their young minds and teaching them to be disciples of Christ! Take an angel and envelope from the tree in the Narthex, return the envelope with your donation and pray for these little ones throughout the Advent Season. Let s make the Christ child smile on Christmas day! For more information, contact Katie Conner at (706) Angel Tree -- Veterans Don t forget our veterans! Angels are available on the tree for $25 donations for gifts for the veterans at the VA hospital.

8 St. Mary on the Hill November 29, 2015 Youth Events Master s Table Soup Kitchen - Usually every Second Sunday (December 13) 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 Words for the Week Year of Mercy Check for information about Youth Ministry! March for Life/Ski Trip When: Thursday, January 21 through Monday, January 25, 2016 Where: March for Life - Washington, DC; Winterplace Ski Resort, Ghent, WV Cost: $385 for students who plan to ski at ski resort ($100 non-refundable payment due to hold spot. Final payment due by January 4, 2016) **Note: Teens can earn a $5 credit towards this trip for every Youth event (Youth night, praying at abortion mill, soup kitchen, holy hour, etc.) Up to a $100 credit can be earned by teens! Cost includes: Lodging, bus ride, ski lift tickets, ski rentals, breakfast, sweatshirt Sign-up at: 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 22 after 5:30 pm Mass (~6:40 pm) SMS Cafeteria and Gym Food, Fun, Jesus! 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! The only difference between you and the saints is how you are responding to the grace He has given you ~ Chris Stefanick Augusta Young Adult Ministry Weekly Spirit & Truth Young Adult Meetings The Annunciation House 2561 Central Ave (on the corner of Central & 7:30 pm every Thursday Complimentary Dinner! This Catholic Ministry seeks to bring Christians into contact with Christ and His Church through Faith, Fellowship, & Spiritual Growth. YAM is affiliated with the Diocese of Savannah and is supported by the parishes of the Augusta Deanery. Year of Mercy!! Every Sunday from 1:00-2:00 pm, our group covers adoration in the Chapel. 1 st /3 rd Saturday we meet to pray the Rosary for Life outside abortion clinic on Professional 10:30, typically followed by group lunch afterwards.

9 AROUND THE DEANERY, DIOCESE, & THE AREA St. Joseph Advent Parish Mission Let us Build Bethlehem! God entered time and came for all people in the in the small town of Bethlehem...This coming This mystery...demands a response. Come discover or rekindle the REASON for THE SEASON of CHRISTMAS! The Parish Mission led by Father Richard Sutter will be held Monday, November 30 through Wednesday, December 2 starting at 7:00 pm. St. Joseph Advent Penance Service will be held on Tuesday, December 1 as part of the Parish Mission. Sickle Cell Disease Main Library, 823 Telfair Street Tuesday, December 1, 2015, 6:00-7:00 pm Leila Clay, MD Learn about sickle cell disease, review current treatments, and expectations. Ring in the New Year at St. Teresa of Avila! Join us on December 31 at 8:30 pm for a New Year s Eve Party. Ticket includes: LIVE BAND, HOR D OEUVRES, DRINK MIXERS This is a BYOB and 21 & Over event. Early Bird Price ends December 21, 2015: $25 per person or $225 for a reserved table for 8 Price beginning December 22, 2015: $35 per person or $250 for a reserved table for 8 Tickets are on sale at St. Teresa s after all Masses, at St. Teresa s church office, or online at newyears. Online ticket sales end 12/21/15. The 33 A-III adults. (PG-13) 99 Homes A-III adults. (R) Bridge of Spies A-III adults. (PG-13) Brooklyn A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) Burnt A-III adults. (R) Crimson Peak O morally offensive (R) Goosebumps A-II adults and adolescents (PG) The Green Inferno O morally offensive (R) Hotel Transylvania 2 A-II adults and adolescents (PG) The Intern A-III adults. (PG-13) Jem and the Holograms A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) The Last Witch Hunter A-III adults. (PG-13) Love the Coopers L Limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (PG-13) The Martian A-III adults. (PG-13) Christmas in Ireland Experience Christmas in Ireland in the Sunday, December 13 presentation of In My Father s Time. This evening of music and storytelling will transport you to early 20 th century Ireland where Christmas was celebrated as a family religious holiday. Storyteller Bob Schwamberger will be joined by members of the Augusta University Drama Guild in an interactive program that will get the audience involved in an Irish family s Christmas preparations. De Ceadaoin, a local Irish traditional music band, will provide music, including traditional Irish carols sung in. They will also play a few lively traditional Irish Christmas jigs and reels. Audience members will have a chance to join in on more familiar and beloved traditional carols that span the Atlantic. The program begins at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. Admission is by donation, and all donations go to the scholarship fund for the Augusta University Ireland Study Abroad program. Students will also be selling baked goods and taking orders for Irish whiskey cakes and Guinness brownies. De Ceadaoin is appearing on behalf of the Southeastern Irish Cultural Association, a new organization created to do philanthropic work to support the Irish and cultural studies programs at local universities and also to build interest in all aspects of Irish culture. Any questions can be directed to Bill Berry or to Debbie van Tuyll (dvantuyl@gru.edu or (706) ). Augusta University Literacy Center Will present the play, Holly and the Secret Santa on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 from 10:00-11:00 am in the AU Maxwell Theater. The cost for the play is $2/person. Please call and tell how many will be coming. MOVIE RATINGS 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 My All American A-II adults and adolescents (PG) Our Brand Is Crisis A-III adults. (R) Pan L Limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (PG) Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension A-III adults. (R) The Peanuts Movie A-I General Patronage (G) Rock the Kasbah A-III adults. (R) Awakening Faith Program Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 4921 Columbia Road, Grovetown, Georgia, will be offering an eleven week program of faith renewal entitled Awakening Faith. This is a conversation-based program that gives inactive or marginally active Catholics a forum where they reconnect with their faith and have it reawakened. Here is where Catholics can come together and explore questions of faith. Through this program, people are able draw closer to Christ, the Church and hopefully, to be more active in their parishes. Topics include individual Spirituality, the Trinity, Mass, Forgiveness, Faith, Love and Marriage to name a few. The series will begin on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the home of Mary and Deacon Joe Soparas. For more information go to or contact Deacon Joe or Mary Soparas at , mary.soparas@gmail.com or joseph.soparas@gmail.com. Help Spread THE WORD Saint Paul Radio WKER 91.1 FM 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. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse O morally offensive (R) Spectre A-III adults. (PG-13) Sicario O morally offensive (R) Spotlight A-III adults. (R) Steve Jobs A-III adults. (R) The Walk A-III adults. (PG) Woodlawn A-II adults and adolescents (PG)