Parish Staff. New Parishioners If you are new to our parish and would like more information please contact the Parish Office.

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1 Nativity of Mary Church and School E 36th Terrace Independence, MO Parish: (816) School: (816) Web: My attitude must be Christ s. - Philippians 2:5 Parish Staff Rev. Robert Stone, Pastor Mrs. Mary Parrish, Principal Melissa Clancy, Business Manager New Parishioners If you are new to our parish and would like more information please contact the Parish Office. Pastoral Care Sacraments for the Sick. Fr. Bob Stone, , ext. 404 Mass Schedule Monday: 8:30 a.m. Communion Service Weekday: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday - Friday Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Day: 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Confessions Saturday: 3:00 p.m. or by Appointment Pastoral visits to the Homebound and Hospitals. Paula Cassity, , ext. 401 Emergency Assistance Contact St. Mary s Food Pantry and Clothes Closet Youth Ministry Debbie Page, , ext. 408 School School, Early Childhood and Extended Care Carmen Wolfgeher, Sacrament Preparation Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Adult Initiation (RCIA), and Matrimony Contact the parish office for information Music Ministry Maria Milazzo, , ext 407 Parish Ministry Council Chris Walter - Chair Diocesan Victim s Advocate Kathleen Chastain or chastain@diocesekcsj.org Ombudsman Jenifer Valenti, or JeniferValenti@att.net

2 DECEMBER 10, THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT MASS INTENTIONS Sat., Dec. 9 - Vigil of the Second Sunday of Advent 4:00PM + Charlotte Baker Sunday, Dec The Second Sunday of Advent 8:00AM + Deceasesd of Villar & Kimbrough Families 10:30AM +Jack/Josephine Studer & Caterina DiGaetano Monday, December 11 - COMMUNION SERVICE 8:30AM + Elevera Hensley, Alice & James Turner + Pour Souls in Purgatory Tuesday, December 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe 8:30AM Nativity of Mary School Wednesday, December 13 - St. Lucy 8:30AM + Linda Perez Thursday, December 14 - St. John of the Cross 8:30AM + Caterina DiGaetano Friday, December 15 8:30AM Nativity of Mary Parish Sat., December 16 - Vigil of the 3rd Sunday of Advent 4:00PM + Frank Baker, Daniel & Jeremy Zaner Sunday, December 17 - The 3rd Sunday of Advent 8:00AM + Mary Haug & Marie Pott 10:30AM + Helen Vitt & Caterina DiGaetano PLEASE PRAY FOR: Vern/Margaret Ault Cynthia/Dennis Jones Grace Rottinghaus Maxine Breunig Paula Kienberger Patrick Singleton Steve Christensen George Lambros Bernice/Norm Steffen John Clarke Dan Mangold George Timko, Jr. Kelly Cook Betty Mascal Annette Torbert Bob DeSchepper Jack McEnroe Margaret Trigg Roni Durkee Mary Pappas John Tuccillo Mary Enyart Juan/Mary Perez Mary Vitt Erica Gonzales Carlos Pinon Carol Byrd Weaver Barbara Garrett Steve Reasoner Alyssa Webb Mike Guthrie Mike Rooney Beth Whorton Marla Herbst Justin Rothove Daniel Wheeler Vicky Hohlbaugh Jeromy Rothove Ayden Wright READINGS OF THE WEEK FOR DECEMBER 11-17, 2017 Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab, 10-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of The Blessed Virgin Mary, nos Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, Sunday: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Lk 1:46-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Many people think that Saint Francis originated the Christmas crèche, but its origins go far back. The Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome has housed what is said to be relics of the cradle of Jesus since the seventh century. In time, every year during the Christmas season the reliquary (container for relics) was surrounded by an increasingly grand threedimensional scene of the place of Jesus' birth. Rocks and trees, houses, streams, figurines of villagers going about their daily tasks were all included. It was a very dramatic presentation. If you've ever seen an elaborate model train installation, you get the idea. The proper term for this depiction is presepio, from the Latin word for "surround" or "hedge." Over the centuries, the custom spread first to churches, and then to aristocratic homes. In Italy, whole chapels are often set aside for the presepio, and it is not unusual to have hundreds of figures. It can sometimes be a challenge to locate the Holy Family amid the crowd, almost like a Where's Waldo? children's book. The oldest surviving presepio is in St. Mary Major and dates from the thirteenth century, although many pieces have been broken or lost. Saint Francis of Assisi took a decidedly creative step in 1233 in the village of Greccio, when he directed his followers to fill a manger with hay and tether an ox and ass nearby. He then invited the villagers to attend Mass outdoors near the crib, the worshipers themselves becoming a living presepio. By the seventeenth century, the tradition was well-established, particularly in Naples, and had a firm hold in Portugal, Spain, and in the Provence region of France. Today, it is not unusual to find presepios with five hundred figures, a vivid reminder of Emmanuel, God-with-us! -Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

3 DECEMBER 10, PARISH NEWS Did You Know We paid another $12,024 on our Worship Space debt. Our debt is now $17,879. If you are looking for an end of year tax deduction please prayerfully consider making a donation to help us pay off this interest bearing debt by the end of the year! Worship Space Debt NATIVITY OF MARY CONTRIBUTION REPORT 11/25/2017 & 11/26/2017 $17,879 Envelopes $ 5, Plate $ Worship Space $ Pisces Fund $ Utility Fund $ EFT $ Credit Card $ Online Giving $ Poor Box $ - Total $ 7, Tuition/Registration Fees $ 4, Thanksgiving Collection $ 1, I personally want to Thank All who have been behind me and beside Me on My Medical Journey this Year and Most Importantly this Last Thursday, November 30th. A Gracious Thank You to Fr. Bob for Anointing Me the Sunday prior and all the Supporters there after Mass. I truly felt and continue to feel All the Warmth, Faith, Prayers and Blessings bestowed on Me...God, My Dad s Strength, My Mom s Talking, Fran and Bud Jr., Zachery (My Heavenly Angels) and My Faith Is My Strength and Source of How I am Feeling and to STAY a Cancer Previvor for hopefully the Rest of My Earthly Days...God Bless All Who NEED God s Blessings and Prayers. Continue to keep them Flowing and Paying Them Forward. Merry Christmas to All, Mary Vitt (Witthar) A Special Thank You to all who attended our Annual Altar Society Christmas Brunch at V s. The lovely Nativity set was won by Nicki Cardwell and she was happy to receive the winning call. Our Altar Society graciously profited $ from the raffle sales for this beautiful set, so thanks to all who bought for your continued generosity. A warm and blessed thank you to Mary Ann McClure for organizing this event and Vita Totta and V s, we are forever grateful to you for hosting our Christmas Brunch. Merry Christmas to All, Mary, Altar Society President Devotional candles are kept in the kiosk. If you would like to light one just ask an usher for assistance. There is a slot and envelopes available in the kiosk to place your $5 donation. If you have a suggestion, concern, or comment you would like the Parish Ministry Council to address there are cards on the kiosk for you to fill out and drop in the slot. Gluten-free hosts are available. Talk to Fr. Bob before Mass. We have 2 wheelchairs and hearing assist devices available for your use during mass. Please contact an usher.

4 DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 30, 2017 CALENDAR Sunday 10 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 9AM Monday 11 8:30AM Communion Serv. Noon - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 12 9AM - Quilters 7PM - RCIA Wednesday 13 1:30PM - School Reconciliation Service 7PM Thursday 14 7PM - Ministry Council Meeting Friday 15 Saturday 16 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 1:00PM - First Reconciliation Practice 7PM - Book Club 7PM - St. Mark s Penance Service 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 9AM 17 2PM - Advent and 1st Reconciliation Service 18 8:30AM Communion Serv. 9AM - Quilters 5:30PM - Liturgy Committee Mtg. 7PM - RCIA 19 7PM :00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass :30AM Mass for 4th Sunday of Advent 3:00PM Mass Christmas Eve 12:00AM Midnight Mass 10:00AM Mass Christmas Day 25 9AM - Quilters 7PM - RCIA PM - Theology on Tap :00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 30 We are purchasing poinsettias to decorate the church for Christmas. You can make a donation in your or in the memory of a loved one. Please fill out the form below and drop it in the collection basket by December 17th. All the names will be listed in the bulletin Christmas weekend. Your Name In Memory of MONDAY, DECEMBER 11TH - AT NOON MINISTRY CENTER BASEMENT HOSTED BY OUR NATIVITY 8TH GRADE Come enjoy lunch in our newly redecorated Ministry Center Basement. Lunch will be provided by and hosted by our Nativity of Mary 8th grade class. After lunch there will be bingo as usual. The 8th grade will be calling the numbers. We hope to see you there!

5 SCHOOL - DECEMBER 10, 2017 Nativity of Mary students participated in a food drive for St. Mary's Food Kitchen on Tuesday, November 17th, and in true Nativity fashion we gave generously! Because of our generosity, St. Mary's will be able to use our donations to fill Christmas baskets to help those in need! Serving others is part of our mission at school and we are grateful to participate in projects that help the needy in our own community. INCLEMENT WEATHER: When bad weather occurs, watch for the listing Nativity of Mary School on kctv 5. If school is closed you will receive a recorded message from our calling system, School Messenger. You also may call school or check the school website. When school is closed we will state that fact instead of the regular message. If you hear our regular recording that means school is in session. Whenever possible we will make a decision in the evening. When deciding in the morning it will be around 6:00 a.m. before we can change the phone lines and contact the media. Remember, when school is closed due to the weather, Preschool and Extended Care are also closed. LATE START: We offer a late start option as needed for inclement weather. The two options for a Snow Day are a) school is canceled or b) there will be a late start of school. The late start time is 10:00 AM with drop off beginning at 9:50 AM. This day will be a cold lunch day for preschool thru 8th grade. In addition, there will be NO Before School Extended Care. Pick up would be as normal. Hopefully, on days that begin icy or rough, we can still accommodate schooling a little later in the day. As always, you will be notified by School Messenger either way and the closing or late start will be on the website & on our recorder at school.

6 DECEMBER 10, THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT As we enter into a new Advent season, our readings urge us to watch eagerly for our redeemer. Isaiah cries out to the Lord with feeling, "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down"! Thanks be to God, we know the Lord has come down to us. God is, in fact, still present among us in the Eucharist and in every created thing. Yet, like Saint Paul, we know Jesus promises to come again; we await that mysterious, final revelation in fellowship with Jesus and one another. Even in the best of Christian communities, however, waiting can be dreary and difficult. Mark's Gospel gets our adrenaline flowing: "Be watchful! Be alert!" Although we have the enormous consolation of knowing Jesus already saved the world by his death and resurrection, we must ask the Spirit to rouse us to prayer and service as together we watch for Jesus. COMMERCIAL BREAK CLIFFHANGERS Anyone who has ever turned on a TV is familiar with the cliffhanger strategy. Just before the climactic ending, a show is interrupted for a long series of advertisements. Dramas withhold their shocking endings, reality television makes us wait to see a makeover's big "reveal" or to learn who gets kicked off the show, and the intense battle of the last "two minutes" of Thanksgiving football games seems to take longer than the turkey in the oven. Though cliffhangers may irritate us, they almost guarantee we will watch the commercials in order to enjoy the resolution we long for. In a way, we are living in a commercial break. Forty days after rising from the dead, Jesus ascended into heaven. The disciples stood gaping until angels snapped them out of it: "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven" (Acts 1:11). Jesus' ascension is the cliffhanger; our daily life is what fills the time until Jesus comes back. CAUGHT DOING GOOD Thankfully, our daily life means so much more than any commercial break. We are not just marking time, because God treasures our daily thoughts, works, joys, and sufferings. Nothing escapes the loving attention of the Lord. Nothing is irrelevant to God. In fact, we are God's beloved servants, "each with [our] own work," as Jesus says in the Gospel. God knows intimately our challenges and wants to accompany us in all we do. A line from today's reading from Isaiah can help us connect our daily work with God's love: "Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways!" During Advent, we can offer that prayer each morning, inviting the Lord to guide us as we live and wait. Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Company Today s second reading is about Christ s coming again, The day of the Lord, Peter calls it, but that day isn t December 25th. It s that other day, that second-coming-day about which Peter is concerned. He waits with great hope and anticipation for God to remake the earth into a place of perfect justice and peace. And he sets some demanding goals for the Christian community as it awaits that final day of accounting and reconciliation: strive to be at peace, without spot or blemish. Christian stewards work for peace. As we await the coming of Christmas, what can we do to promote peace in our homes, workplaces, community and world? Catholic Stewardship December 2017 e-bulletin A THANKFUL HEART A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. --Cicero The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to combating sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or if you observe or suspect sexual abuse: 1. Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and 2. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and 3. After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the Diocesan Ombudsman, Jenifer Valenti, at or JeniferValenti@att.net, if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please contact Victim Advocate, Kathleen Chastain, at or chastain@diocesekcsj.org for more information.

7 DECEMBER 10, THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT The 25th annual Support Our Seminarians Benefit Dinner Dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of the Americas Friday, January 26, :30-10:00 p.m. Union Station, 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, Missouri This event benefits seminarians from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Conception Seminary College. It promises to be an evening filled with fun and laughter, celebrating our Catholic faith, dining on wonderful food, and socializing with our priests and seminarians! We have wonderful speakers this year, Archbishop James P. Kelleher, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, Fr. Jerry Arano-Ponce, and Paul Sappington who is in Pre-Theology II at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. The reservation price is $175 per person at tables of ten people. To reserve your place, or an entire table, or donate to the marketplace or VIP silent auction, contact: Martha Hodes ( or mmmhsos512@gmail.com. Check our new website: Advent: Exercising Good Stewardship of Our Spiritual Lives When you say the word Advent, what immediately pops into mind? A feast of color, a traditional manger scene bathed in soft candlelight, glistening snowflakes falling on festive trees, a yearning for the One who is to come. But sometimes, the season brings other images: crowded stores, treats that tempt us to too many calories, limitless todo and to-buy lists. Yet in the back of our minds, we hear the call to conversion. Christ is calling us to be good stewards of all that we have and all that we are. How can we keep Advent in such a way that it is a time to focus on the fundamentals of stewardship; of spiritual growth and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ? Here are a few suggestions, not meant to be another to-do list, but rather a way to remind ourselves daily of our call to prepare a way for the Lord in our lives. Begin the season with a list to prioritize what you really want spiritually, and in relation to friends and family, from Advent. Discard all the extras and the fantasy of the perfect Hallmark Christmas. List clear goals that bring growth and peace and quality time. Take time to read the daily readings each day of Advent. The beautiful words of Isaiah are guaranteed to inspire, and the commitment will guarantee you a bit of quiet and reflective time. Do you send Christmas cards? Even if they are the standard signature only or newsletter variety, try to personalize one a day, writing a nice note to an elderly relative or a friend you haven t seen in a long time. Go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This will encourage you to reflect on your life, your gifts and where you fail to utilize them for the good of others. It s a beautiful preparation for the coming of Jesus and the beginning of a new year. Pray for patience. As you drive over icy streets or navigate through a crowded store, take time to pray for those around you and for those who struggle with much less. Become aware of people around you and lift them in prayer rather than see them as obstacles to your goals. In the midst of a season of abundance, do not forget the poor in your community. Catholic Stewardship December 2017 e-bulletin