Pastor Rev. Robert Hewes Parochial Vicar Rev. Allan Sikorski In Residence Rev. Lawrence Rafferty

Transcription

1 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 1

2 Roman Catholic Church of St. Matthew 35 North Service Road, Dix Hills, New York (631) Fax: (631) Office Hours: Mon-Fri in the Parish Center 9 am-12:30 pm & 1:30 pm-5 pm December 24, 2017 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Pastor Rev. Robert Hewes Parochial Vicar Rev. Allan Sikorski In Residence Rev. Lawrence Rafferty Deacons James McQuade, Carmine DeStefano and Luis Polanco Pastoral Associate Sister Kathleen McCarthy, O. P. D.R.E.: Mary Donaldson Music Director: Lee Forsythe T h e S a l v a t i o n o f S o u l s i s t h e S u p r e m e L a w SCHEDULE OF MASSES SATURDAY: 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Spanish Mass SUNDAY: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (Family Mass), 11:00 a.m. (Choir Mass), 12:30 p.m. and also at 12:30 p.m. (Latin) Tridentine Mass in the Chapel. MONDAY - SATURDAY : 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Church. Holy Days will be printed in the bulletin. CONFESSIONS Saturday 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. For any other time, please call to make an appointment with a priest. BAPTISM SCHEDULE The 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 1:45 p.m. and the 4th Saturday of the month at 12:30 p.m. (No Baptisms Easter Sunday or Christmas Weekends.) Please contact the Parish Center for the Baptismal Packet containing the registration form and all other necessary paperwork. First-time parents are also asked to register for one of the Baptismal Preparation Classes offered on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. (No class is held in December.) You may register on-line for the Baptism class only (not the Baptism itself) at MARRIAGE Arrangements should be made at least 6 months in advance and should be made prior to making plans for a reception. Call the Parish Center for an appointment with the priest or deacon you wish to witness your wedding. All couples are required to attend Pre-Cana.

3 December 24, 2017 Saturday, Dec 23 5:00 PM Domingo Calvet Edwin Lucie Giacomo Di Stefano & Giroiamo Taranto Intentions of Jack Tseng Joseph P. Occhiogrosso Vincenzo Domingo 7:00 PM Pedro Grisales Sunday, Dec 24 7:30 AM Anna & Nancy Cortina 9:30 AM Lori G. Kramer 11:00 AM Intentions of Sbashnig & Seery Families 12:30 PM Ann Olsen 12:30 PM (L) For the People of the Parish 4:00 PM Neil Francis Barella & Eugene Howell 4:15 PM Millie & Frank Tricamo 8:30 PM Bessie & Fred Alessi & Whitney A. Russo Monday, Dec 25 12:00 AM Deceased Members of the Agosti & Filippi Families 7:30 AM Tom Slevin 9:30 AM Corcoran & Morgan Families 11:00 AM Deceased Members of Archbold & Mc Nally Families 12:30 PM (L) For the People of the Parish 12:30 PM Leo & Agnes Perry Tuesday, Dec 26 9:00 AM Christmas Novena Deceased Members of Costello Family Wednesday, Dec 27 9:00 AM Christmas Novena Pauline Newkirk Thursday, Dec 28 9:00 AM Christmas Novena Stephen Barone Friday, Dec 29 9:00 AM Christmas Novena Robert Spilabotte Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday, Dec 30 9:00 AM Christmas Novena Anna Cerniglia Cathryn & Frank De Feo In Thanksgiving Pauline Newkirk Stephen Barone 5:00 PM Alexander Seefried Amelia & Domenico Capozzi Caterine Massa Intentions of Jack Tseng Margaret De Ciantis Theresa Rocco 7:00 PM Sunday, Dec 31 7:30 AM Christmas Novena Intentions Of John Gatto 9:30 AM Michael Quinliven Anniversary 11:00 AM Rosalie Di Bella 12:30 PM (L) For People of the Parish 12:30 PM Pauline & Frank Di Donato 3

4 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 4 Weekly Collection Last week s totals will be in next week s bulletin. Holiday Bulletin Deadlines Jan. 7th Bulletin Deadline is Dec 28th. The Altar Candles, Flowers and Bread & Wine Are In Loving Memory of Anna & Nancy Cortina From Your Loving Family Business Manager Dolores Tiernan Finance Chairperson Richard Bove Trustees Deacon Carmine DeStefano And Joseph Napolitano First Friday Exposition: From 7 PM the First Friday of the month till 8:30 AM Saturday morning in the Parish Center Chapel. Private and authorized group prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle is encouraged at any time during the many hours the main Church and Chapel are open. Occasions on which specific groups request Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament can only be conducted by a priest or deacon with the knowledge and approval of the Pastor. Mondays Miraculous Medal Novena after the 9:00 A.M. Mass Legion of Mary 2:30 p.m. in the Blessed Mother Classroom Tuesdays Rosary Society The first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. K of C General/Business Meeting 8:00 p.m. (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month) * Children s/youth Choir 5:30 p.m. in the Family Room Adult Choir practice 7:00 p. m. in Family Room Thursdays Carmelite Holy Hour The 3rd Thursday of each month. 4 pm-5 pm in the Chapel Young Seniors 9:00 a.m. Apostleship of Prayer 1st Thursday after 9:00 a.m. Mass Fatima Spiritual Formation Prayer Group 1st Saturday of the month after 9 a.m. Mass in Blessed Mother Room Saturdays Bible Study 9:45 a.m. Spanish Bible Study 1:00 p.m. Tridentine Mass Choir (Latin) 4:00 p.m. in Family Room Youth Ministry 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. INSTRUCTIONS IN THE FAITH Those adults who live in the Dix Hills area and/or those with family in the parish seeking information about becoming a Catholic or completing their Sacraments are invited to contact the Pastor concerning the RCIA Program. FIRST FRIDAY: Mass is at 9:00 a.m. Exposition of the Holy Eucharist takes place in the chapel from Fri. 7:00 p.m. until Sat. 8:30 a.m. and concludes with Benediction. FIRST SATURDAY: 8:15 a.m. devotions ANOINTING OF THE SICK: The Sacrament is available EVERY SATURDAY after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. The Sacrament is available for those who are to undergo a serious medical procedure the following week or who have a serious illness and who have not been anointed within the past three months. If you wish to be anointed, please let the celebrant know before Mass. PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Holy Communion will be ministered to those confined at home. Those who are seriously ill should request a priest for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. PARISH REGISTRATION: New families and new parishioners are encouraged to register at St. Matthew. Registration forms are available at the Parish Center or online at smrcc.org. PARISH SCHOOL: HOLY FAMILY REGIONAL:

5 PARISH MINISTRIES ALTAR SERVERS: Porzia DiGiorgio: And John DiGiorgio: APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER: Kathryn Giandoreggio: ATHLETIC WEBSITE: www. smrcc.org ATHLETICS DIRECTOR/ INTRAMURAL & CYO TRAVEL COORDINATOR: Chris Felice: ATHLETICS MODERATOR Rev. Allan Sikorski: x 125 BAPTISM OFFICE: Bettyanne Russo: x 126 BEREAVEMENT: Kathryn M. Douglas: Including: Teens (12-17) who have lost a parent. Widows and Widowers 65 and under Widow and Widowers 65 and over BIBLE STUDY: Anthony Albano : BOY SCOUTS: Ernst Tramposch: BULLETIN: bulletin@smrcc.org BUSINESS MANAGER: Dolores Tiernan: x 113 CATHOLICS FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION Ann Podina : CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL: John Gatto: x 117 C.C.D. RELIGIOUS ED. Mary Donaldson, D.R.E., Rita Minder, Assistant: CHOIR: Lee Forsythe: x 116 Ed Oriani, Cantor for Tridentine Mass COMPASSIONATE CARE & CONSOLATION MINISTRY: Sr. Kay McCarthy: x 124 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: Ray Smolenski: EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS TO THE HOMEBOUND: Sr. Kay McCarthy: x 124 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 5 FEED THE POOR MINISTRY Frank Harnos: or Julie Maddaloni: FOOD PANTRY: Sr. Kay McCarthy: x 124 HOSPITALITY: Dolores Tiernan: x 113 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Kevin Bertolini GK: K OF C SQUIRES: Sir Francis Scotti: LECTORS: Helen Campa: LEGION OF MARY: Judy Archbold: MINISTRY OF PRAISE: Rosemary Sammon MOMMY and ME: Jessica Larsen: PARISH OUTREACH: Sr. Kay McCarthy: x 124 PARISH SECRETARY: Bettyanne Russo: x stmatthewdixhills@gmail.com PILGRIM MADONNA: Rosa Nappo: or Lucia Agnone: PLANT ENGINEER: Luis Flores: PRE-CANA: Deacon Carmine DeStefano: RCIA: Marie Prainito: or Robert Ruvio: RIGHT TO LIFE: Toni Shannon: ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY: Terry Sbashnig: PASTOR/PARISH SECRETARY: Bettyanne Russo: x 126: Mon/Tues 9-5, Wed 9-4, Thurs/Fri 9-5 SONS OF ITALY : Diana Grauer: SPANISH MINISTRY: Deacon Luis Polanco: ST. VINCENT de PAUL : John Gatto: x 117 USHERS: Thomas Siegler YOUNG SENIORS MODERATOR: Fr. Sikorski: x125 December 30 & 31 Eucharistic Ministers 5:00 P.M. 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM D. Tiernan M. Garaffa C. Sposato E. Vincente B. Abadom C. Vogt J. Gatto F. Harnos A. Pappas R. Ruvio M. Brennan J. McCarthy P. DiGiorgio K. Zaki A. Albano A. Palumbo J. Luna 5:00 P.M. 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM B. Vogt J. Campa S. Kampta E. Vincente R. Ruvio

6 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 6 Dear Friends, On Christmas 2005, Pope Benedict XVI made this appeal on the balcony of St. Peter s: Men and women of today, humanity comes of age, yet often still so frail in mind and will, let the Child of Bethlehem lead you by the hand! Do not fear; put your trust in Him! On Christmas 2017, I make the now former Pope s words mine and urgently invite all our parishioners as well as all persons of good will, to place their trust in the Lord, to turn to the Christ Child and let Him lead us forward to a future that will be shaped by the Love of God made flesh when the Son of God became the Son of Mary. How many in our society have become discouraged, disinterested, angry, resentful? How many of them feel isolated, lonely, abandoned? How many have let self-interest blind us to the needs of others, have made desire for one s own success the only measure of one s life? The Son of God made Man is the antidote to all of the dark desires of the human heart. He is the only One whose light can dispel the negative voices around us that have so infected our society and separated us one from another in ways that lead ultimately to destruction and to death. There is, however, no need for us to despair. There is no need for us to give up. We need only turn to Him whom Mary presents to us on Christmas Day. He is light and life, hope and joy, justice and peace. To let this light transform our lives, we must make our hearts and minds open to His transforming love. Let there be within us no longer any of the traces of the many things that have infected our society. Instead, we must let His love make of us courageous defenders of human dignity and human life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death and every moment in between. We must accept the way of Christ and His Church so that we can become instruments of justice and peace. Our parish is a vital part of the great and Universal Church where Jesus Christ is Lord, the Church where His Life is proclaimed as the source of all life and where His Love is the love that transforms all hearts. This Christmas as we come together with family and friends, as we become ever more one in the celebration of all the parish Masses on Christmas Day, as we look at our neighbors and greet them in this Holy Season, we should do so eager to show to them that Christ s Life lives in us, that his Life illumines our lives and that His Love is one that we wish to share with everyone. Our country faces many challenges. An increasingly open anti-catholic and anti-christian spirit is more and more a societal norm. Regardless of the cultural atmosphere, we need to become beacons of hope. Let the Christ Child reach out and take you by the hand this Christmas. And to all you men and women of this age; let Him be the one to show us the way! God s blessings, Father Hewes To Whom It May Concern On Sunday December 10 th, sometime between the 9:30 AM Family Mass and Breakfast with Santa and the 11 AM Mass someone removed a microphone from the choir and organ area. It was not with permission and has not been returned as of this writing (12/13). We would hope that the thief would be moved to return the microphone out of remorse especially at this Season. It is valuable and much used by our children s and adult choirs as well as at funerals.

7 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The Place for Learning and Praying Our Family/Children s Mass is Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Mary Donaldson, Director, Rita Minder, Assistant Religion Office Phone Fax maryccd@smrcc.org CHRISTMAS WISHES Loving God, help us remember the birth of Jesus that we may share in the songs of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, the worship of the wise men, and the joy of Mary and Joseph. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. May Christmas morning make us happy to be your children and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus sake. Finally, as we wrap, box, bag, tie and tag, let us think about what Charles Dickens once said, For all of us, it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas when its mighty founder was a child Himself. The Religious Education Department wishes all the children and their families a very Merry Christmas. GRADE LEVEL MASSES FOR WINTER AND SUMMER PROGRAM STUDENTS Sunday, January 7, 2018, 7th & 8th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. Sunday, January 14, 2018, 1st & 2nd grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. Sunday, January 21, 2018, 3rd & 4th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. Sunday, January 28, 2018, 5th & 6th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. These Masses do include all the Summer Program students as well. For those students attending grade level Masses listed above, please sit in the front of the Church, try to arrive by 9:10 AM and remember your tithing envelopes as they are not only used for a donation but also for taking attendance. All family members are invited to join us at these Masses. SPECIAL NOTES Classes are cancelled for the Christmas holidays (and the office is closed) from Thursday, December 21st thru Monday, January 1, We resume classes on Tuesday, January 2, Monday, January 8, 2018, the 8th grade students will be measured for their Confirmation gowns and Confirmation Packets will be distributed that night during class time 7-8 PM. Monday, January 15, 2018, classes are cancelled for Martin Luther King Day.

8 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 8 The Colors of Advent Historically, the primary sanctuary color of Advent is Purple. This is the color of penitence and fasting as well as the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King. Purple is used in Catholic churches. The purple of Advent is also similar to the color of suffering used during Lent and Holy Week. This points to an important connection between Jesus birth and death. The Nativity, the Incarnation, cannot be separated from the Crucifixion. The purpose of Jesus coming into the world, of the "Word made flesh" and dwelling among us, is to reveal God and His grace to the world through Jesus life and teaching, but also through His suffering, death, and resurrection. To reflect this emphasis, originally Advent was a time of penitence and fasting, much as the Season of Lent and so shared the color of Lent. The third Sunday came to be a time of rejoicing that the fasting was almost over (in some traditions it is called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word for "rejoice"). The shift from the purple of the Season to pink or rose for the third Sunday of Advent candles reflected this lessening emphasis on penitence as attention turned more to celebration of the season. In recent times, however, Advent has undergone a shift in emphasis, reflected in a change of colors used in many churches. Except in the Eastern churches, the penitential aspect of the Season has been almost totally replaced by an emphasis on hope and anticipation. In many churches, the third Sunday remains the Sunday of Joy marked by a pink or rose candle. My Dear Parishioners, This year has been an extremely difficult one for people in Houston, Florida, California, Puerto Rico and nearby islands, California and many other places where natural disasters, war, violence and terrorism have forced people to become homeless. Depression, hopelessness, fear and anxiety often accompany these devastating situations. Like our newborn Saviour, many of those affected, have no place to lay their heads. Despite these terrible situations and atrocities, we know that there are millions of people, including you, who have prayed for and generously donated to help these people. Please continue praying for them. Fortunately, for most of us, we haven t had to endure this almost unbearable suffering. However, there are some families in our midst who are fearful about being evicted, some who can t pay utility bills and others who can t adequately feed their children. In fact, about a week ago, I had a call from a person who had previously come to the parish for assistance. He told me that, at present, he and his family are sleeping in a shelter or in their car. It s heartbreaking! But your prayers, heartfelt compassion and generous donations will enable us to help families who are struggling like this one. Hence, I am deeply grateful to you, our wonderful parishioners, to the Religious Education families, the Mommy and Me families, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the YES Group, the Knights of Columbus and the Rosary Society for all of the prayers, food, clothing and generous donations that you have provided for these families. Scripture tells us that God s plan for us is that we may have life and have it to the full. Thank you for being life-giving to these people. Some of you often tell me it makes you happy to help and serve others. I believe that true joy and happiness is found only in doing what God asks: loving Him with all of our heart and mind and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Nothing takes precedence over this. So with all of our hearts and minds, let us adore Him, the giver of all gifts. May He bless you and your families. Merry Christmas! Sr. Kay McCarthy

9 Baby Chloe Atienza Gerard Costa Joseph Costa OUR SICK Elisabeth Dorovich Thomas Iuculano Lee Mannino December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9 Christian Martino Lois McCarthy John McIntyre Marie Pecoraro Peter Prestia Marge Puccio Alice Reilly Helen Reineking Casey Rodriquez Christopher Sabato, Sr. June Sheehan George Schnell Brian Tripp We Pray, especially for our Service Men and Women: Peter Mazzone - Marines, SSG Michael Hughes, SPC John Vautrin-Gardinier, US Army, Tyler Smith-Reynolds, U.S. Coast Guard,, Lance Corporal Ryan, Matthew Ferrara Marines, Matthew Kirchner Army, Noah Kirchner Air Force, Ensign Melanie Thompson - Navy, Capt. Joseph De Monte IV-Pilot-United States Air Force, Lt. Joseph Morgan, Lt. Brendan Johnston, U.S. Navy,, LCPL Michael Porfidio, Marine in Afghanistan, Jeffrey Gabriellini - Air Force, Corporal Michael Grella Navy Airman, Julien-Army-Iraq., Lt. Col. Robert Wright-Marines, Michael Wissemann, LPL San Sievero -Marines, Ambrose Michelino, Jarod Racuot-Army, Robert Scarpelli, Anthony Lazado -Marines, Richard Freese, Jr. -Navy, Rho Nagasguna - Marines,Michael Doherty -Army, Pablo Quirindongo-CW4-Army, Cpl. Ronnie Belmarez- Marines, Lt. Commander Christopher Grande-Navy. DECEMBER: The Elderly That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations. To register as a member of the Apostleship of Prayer, to subscribe to leaflets, or to order additional leaflets for distribution to others, please contact us. APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER 1501 S. Layton Blvd Milwaukee, WI Senior News YES A few reminders : Jan 4th - The first meeting of the new year Jan 11th - "What am I going to do with that?? Bingo." In case of bad weather, it will be on Jan 25th. Don t forget to bring your NEW wrapped items that you just didn't fall in love with. Come and play. It's lots of fun and it's free!! Jan 18th - Luncheon at Spuntino s Jan 25th - Regular meeting All of us in the YES Group wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a happy healthy New Year. Remember to pray for all of those who are ill and for their loving caregivers. Pray also for our military, our first responders and those who protect us and our country. God bless America. See you in Church. Pat It is not part of God's plan, that each one of us has beauty or fame. But I believe He did intend for all of us to know the kindness and compassion of a friend. Anita Wiegand A good laugh makes us better friends with ourselves and everybody around us. Orison Mardin

10 Feed the Poor Ministry December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 10 On the third Saturday of every month, immediately following the 9 o clock Mass in the kitchen in Monsignor Goggin Hall here at St. Matthew, a group of people get together and make a difference in the lives of some very needy people. Some of them bring wrapped sandwiches they have made at home; some bring individual bags of chips, homemade goods, or 12 packs of canned soda. Some drop off packaged cookies, or napkins, or even toiletries like mini shampoos, mouthwash, etc. Tons of clothes are donated. For over fifteen years, this merry band of volunteers has wrapped up all the generosity of this parish each and every third Saturday and has taken it to the men at the Bellevue Men s Shelter on First Avenue and Twenty-ninth Street, next to Bellevue Hospital. How would you like to join us? Sometimes writing a check to your favorite charity doesn t cut it. Sometimes you want to get involved and express your desire to help the poor. You don t even have to go the city with us. A commitment equal to your wishes could be fulfilled in this group s effort and here s how you can help. Make a few wrapped sandwiches of beef baloney and cheese or peanut butter and jelly. Bring the food, etc., to the kitchen before Mass if possible, but we must have all at about 9 o clock, our usual departure is about 10 a.m. We usually get back before 2 p.m. Remember, you can buy chips, puddings, soda, cereal bars during your monthly run to COSTCO and flag it for the homeless. Your help or donation lights up the lives of these marginalized folks. Be inspired by the kindness and generosity of our parish and join us in this way to lighten the sting of poverty and homelessness. There is a place for you in this ministry. For information call Frank Harnos or Judy Maddaloni RESPECT LIFE NEWS Spiritual Adoption Program MONTH THREE Developing Baby Your baby is quite active in the womb now - - although his/her mother won t feel him/her for another couple of months. If his/her mother s womb had a window, you could watch your spiritually adopted baby squint, swallow and move his/her tongue. He/she can make a tight fist if you touch his/her palm. He/she is breathing fluid which he continues until birth. He/she obtains the oxygen his/her body needs through the umbilical cord. The baby you are praying for weighs one PREGNANT? NEED HELP? Birthright Inc. 24 HOUR HELPLINE Islip: Hampton Bays: Southold: Rocky Point: Wantagh: December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent Imagine how Mary felt at the birth of Jesus: excited, awed, frightened. Deep faith was her light in the darkness, for Jesus was born during the night of the year when darkness is the longest. Your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul brought light into the darkness surrounding the heart of those living in poverty bringing them the real, lasting, and deep joy of Christmas.

11 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 11 Use your IRA for your Gift Now and/or for your Estate Gift! If you would like to make a gift now using your IRA and if: You are at least 70 1/2 years old and don't exceed your maximum of $100,000 per year in qualified charitable distributions, you will not have to report your distribution as income. It will be free of federal and New York State income tax, and it will count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD). The best way to start is with your IRA custodian. Tell them you want to make a "qualified charitable distribution." In most cases, you will only have to fill out a simple form. Very important! Your gift must go directly from your IRA to the Parish. If you receive the money first, you ll be taxed on it. If you make an Estate gift, you can make your Parish a beneficiary of your IRA and your loved ones will not have to pay income tax on their proceeds. Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics for Freedom of Religion Taking "Christ" Out of "Christmas" on College Campuses Under the guise of inclusivity, many colleges across the nation are promoting nonreligious decorations, displays and celebrations when issuing their annual guidelines for Christmas. They contend that public religious displays are inappropriate for Christmas - a holiday so-named because it celebrates the birth of Christ. In their efforts "striving to make campuses as inclusive as possible in 2017, by banning Christmas displays and celebrations, these colleges are telling Christians their traditions are offensive. The University of California, Irvine, encouraged a "focus on celebrating a special occasion, instead of a specific holiday" such as a "year-end celebration" or celebrate "seasonal themes such as fall, winter, or spring." The State University of New York at Brockport issued decorating guidelines. "Keep decorations general and non-specific to any religion. Create a winter theme with lights and color rather than religious icons..." Brockport advised employees to "consider a grab bag instead of a 'Secret Santa' gift exchange. Missouri State University barred "religious icons" and recommended displaying snowmen, bells, flowers, and other nondescript items. Life University in Georgia, Eastern Connecticut State University, and others, are holding a holiday decorating contest that considers "inclusiveness, or how the decorations are respectful of all religious winter holidays." Many colleges are leaving off the word "Christmas" to describe annual tree lighting ceremonies. (nynews.com, 12/10/17; leadershipinstitute.org, 12/6/17; campusreform.org, 12/11/17) "There were only a few shepherds at the first Bethlehem. The ox and the donkey understood more of the first Christmas than the high priests in Jerusalem. And it is the same today." Thomas Merton, Catholic monk and author

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13 December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24th Christmas Eve 4:00 P.M. in the Church 4:15 P.M. in Monsignor Goggin Hall 8:30 P.M. in the Church 11:30 P.M. Choral Prelude & Mass at 12:00 Midnight in the Church Monday, December 25th Christmas Day 7:30 A.M., 9:30 A.M., 11:00 A.M. and 12:30 P.M. all in the Church Traditional Latin High Mass 12:30 P.M. in the Parish Center Chapel No evening Mass on Christmas Day. 13