CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH

Transcription

1 December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, Alabama Website: TELEPHONE NUMBERS Parish Office: Fax School Office: , ext. 1 Fax Rel. Ed. Office: , ext. 7 Fax Full-Day Care: Fax Youth Ministry: Fax PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PASTORAL STAFF Very Reverend James F. Zoghby, V.F. Reverend John S. Boudreaux Deacon Arthur W. Robbins Mrs. Kristy F. Martin, School Principal Mrs. Diane M. Stoyka, Parish Catechetical Leader Mrs. Judi B. Ankiewicz, R.C.I.A. Coordinator Mr. Peter J. Stoyka, Youth Ministry Director Mr. Thomas C. McKee, Gym Manager TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER OF THE PARISH Please fill out a Census Form. Census Forms are available in the church vestibule and parish office. COMMUNITY CENTER RENTALS & SERVICES For rental information and kitchen services, please call the parish office at or SUNDAY MASSES Vigil: 5:30 p.m. Saturday Morning: 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. WEEKDAY MASSES 6:30 a.m.: Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m.: Monday through Saturday SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday: 5:00 p.m. and by request, particularly after the 6:30 & 8:15 a.m. weekday Masses. BAPTISM, MARRIAGE, ANOINTING OF SICK Please call the parish office ( ) or information and scheduling baptism, marriage, anointing of sick. ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (R.C.I.A.) Please see published schedule for specific dates and times, or call the parish office ( ). SUNDAY SCHOOL (C.C.D.) Grades K 12, Sundays during school year, 10:05-10:55 a.m. in school bldgs. SCHOOL, SACS-accredited for Grades PreK3 through 8. To register, or to obtain further information or to arrange for a personal tour of our school, please call the school office, , ext. 1, or send an to kmartin@corpuschristiparish.com.

2 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Celebrating Advent Communal Reconciliation Services Ad ve nt Ce le b ratio ns o f Go d s Lo ving Fo rg ive ne s s Monday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.: Children s 1 st Reconciliation. All are welcome. Monday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.: All are welcome. MASS WITH THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Saturday, Dec. 16, at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 a.m. During these two Masses, after the homily, the Sacrament of the Sick (for physical, emotional, mental or spiritual healing) will be given to all who feel the need for it because of age or illness. This anointing will also be brought to shut-ins at home and others requesting it. ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Presented by Fr. James F. Zoghby For Catholic and other Adults who would like to learn more about and/or join the Catholic Church. Classes are on the 1 st & 3 rd Wednesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the Adult Education Room in the Community Center. (This Month: Dec. 6 and Dec. 20) Info: Once a month 3 rd Sunday 5:30 p.m. Mass During the school year (Sept. to May), we have an extra Sunday Mass on the 3 rd Sunday of each month. Next 3 rd Sunday: December 17. Corpus Christi Youth Ministry Every 3 rd Sunday: Middle school (6th, 7th, 8 th ), 4:00-5:15 p.m.! 5:30 p.m. Sunday Mass! High School (9th-12th), 6:30-8:00 p.m. Join us for lessons on faith, fellowship, and fun! Stay in the know Check out our new youth table in the vestibule for flyers and reminders before or after Mass. We're on Facebook at Corpus Christi Youth Ministry. There is a page you can "like" as well as a private group you can join. We're also on Instagram Lastly, you may sign up for reminders via . Check out the youth ministry table for more info on how to get set up. Info: Peter Stoyka, YM Director, pstoyka@corpuschristiparish.com Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Day Mass Schedule Thursday, Dec. 7: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Dec. 8: 6:30 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Angel Tree Deadline: Sunday, Dec. 10, to have the gifts in the vestibule. Our (multiple) Angel Tree is in the vestibule. Each Angel Tag represents a child with their clothing size, need and wish for the season. What is listed on the tag may help you select a gift or gifts; the choice is yours as to what is actually purchased; the only thing asked is that any gift be age appropriate. All gifts must be new and UNWRAPPED and tagged with the Code Number. The Code Number is printed on the upper part of the Angel and also on the stub at the bottom part of the Angel. There are two options for tagging the gifts: 1. Large clear plastic bags, tags and ties are provided for gifts that can fit in the bag; the stub (with the Code Number) from the Angel should be placed inside the bag, and the opening of the bag should be closed with the tie and a tag with the Code Number on it. 2. Gifts that can t fit in the bag should be labeled either with the Angel tag with the Code Number on it, or with a blank tag with the Code Number written on it. Please return gifts either to the church vestibule or to The Salvation Army.

3 CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH, MOBILE, ALABAMA DECEMBER 3, 2017 Next Sunday, Dec. 10 Jazz Brunch in the Banquet Hall With Jazz Musicians Performing Live! 2 nd Sunday of the Month (Every month except June, July, August) Buffet Served from 12 Noon to 1:30 p.m. $10.25 for Adults! $4.25 for Children (Age 12 & under) Wednesday Night Dinner 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Banquet Hall $9.25 for Adults! $4.25 for Children (Age 12 & under) Dec. 6: Seafood Gumbo, Rice, Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Baby Limas, Garden Salad, Mexican Cornbread, Coconut Cake. Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee. Kids, on request: Chicken Tenders/Fries.) Must RSVP no later than TUESDAY EVENING Return an RSVP Card, or call or WedNightDinner@CorpusChristiParish.com Widowed Persons Support Group For information call parishioner Glen Porter at Women of Mary Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Room 3 (2 nd Floor, Community Center) All women are welcome to meet for prayer, reading the Gospel, and discussion. Info: Sr. Deborah Kennedy, R.S.M., Men of St. Joseph Tuesdays, 7 to 8 a.m. in the Family Room Also Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. in the Parish House All men are welcome to meet for prayer, reading the Gospel, and discussion. Info: Damian Bell, or or Damian@rockbwm.com. Wed Evening Info: Walter Bracewell, or walter.bracewell@gmail.com Tuesday Night Bible Study Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Parish House. The Bible Timeline, a Catholic study with a series of 24 videos. Info: Dave Burchette, or davebur1955@gmail.com. Tuesday Women s Bible Study 10: a.m., Room 3 (2 nd Flr, Com. Ctr). The book of Exodus: Moses, Joshua, the Migration to the Promised Land. All women are welcome. No previous Bible study required. Please bring your Bible. Info: Judi Ankiewicz, Please leave name and number. Thursday Women s Bible Study 9:15-10:45 a.m..,com Ctr Conference Rm. Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre, The 1 st. 2 nd & 3rd Letters of John and the book of Revelation. Ignatius Catholic Bible Study. All women are welcome. For info, or to sign up, please contact Joanne Donaghey, or joannekd@alo.com. Nursery is available. Who wants to be an Altar Server? It is time for some Altar Server Training! If your child Grades 3 and up is interested in being an Altar Server and has not had the training, we will be having formal training on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. We will begin with a 30-minute informational session for the parents and students. Then we will invite the adults to enjoy an hour to themselves while the children are trained in how to be an Altar Server. If you have any questions about the training, please contact Mike Martin at The Corpus Christi Women s Club The CCWC will meet Monday Dec. 11 at 6:00 p.m at the parish house to fill Christmas Stockings for residents at Lynwood Nursing Home. Light refreshments will be served. All ladies are welcome! Contact Info: Lois Gafford, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box, Food, Clothing donations and In-Need Drop Box at the SVDP table in the vestibule. Join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul by attending a meeting on the 1 st & 3 rd Mon. of the month, 6:30 p.m.,parish House. To seek help, call ; leave name & phone no. AA Alanon OA CODA AA: Sun., 7 p.m., and Wed., 7 p.m., Cougar Den. Alanon: Sun., 7 p.m., and Wed., 7 p.m., Arts & Sciences Bldg. OA: Sat., 9 a.m., Arts & Sciences Bldg. CODA: Tues., 6:45 p.m., Arts & Sciences Bldg. Children s 1st Reconciliation & 1 st Eucharist Mon., Dec. 4, 2017: 1 st Reconciliation Service, 7:00 p.m. Mon., Feb. 19, 2018: First Eucharist Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 25, 2018: 1 st Eucharist Enrollment Mass, 9 a.m., followed by 1 st Eucharist Mini Retreat, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Sat., April 14, 2018: First Eucharist Practice, 10:00 a.m. Sun., April 15, 2018: First Eucharist Mass, 1:00 p.m. Info: Diane Stoyka, DianeStoyka@yahoo.com or , ext. 7. High School Confirmation Schedules H.S. Senior Class of 2019: Sun., Jan. 21, 2018, Confirmation Luncheon, 12:00 to 2 p.m., in the Conference Room on the 2 nd Floor of the Community Center. Sun., Jan 21, 2018, Sponsors must be present with their Confirmation candidates for the Confirmation Practice from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Tues., Jan. 23, 2018, Confirmation, 6:00 p.m. Candidates: Report to the Adult Ed. Room by 4:45 p.m. to meet with the Archbishop. H.S. Senior Class of 2020: Sat., Jan. 27, 2018, Confirmation Retreat, at Visitation Monastery, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lessons 2/3/4. H.S. Senior Class of 2021: Sun., Feb. 18, 2018, Spirit Day, at Corpus Christi, 2:00 to 6:30 p.m., Lessons 5 & 7. McGill-Toolen Softball will be selling Christmas ornaments after the 11 a.m. M ass.

4 CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH, MOBILE, ALABAMA DECEMBER 3, 2017 Smoked Ham & Turkeys for Christmas! $30 each pre-order: Order forms are at the TV in the Atrium. Ready for pick-up at the Parish House, Sat, Dec 23, 10 a.m. Noon KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Info: Chad Pugh, Grand Knight, or Partners in Education Recognition Students & teacher recognized at the Nov. 21 School Mass for outstanding performance in the prior month, and the businesses that recognized them: Benjamin Russell, Kindergarten Donaghey Orthodontics Lily Graves, 5 th Grade Payne Environmental Services Sarah Bolanos, 7 th Grade Farmers Insurance Stephany Pasquale, Teacher Professional Estimating Services To join the Partners in Education group, call School Principal Mrs. Martin, , ext. 1, or Richard March, BAPTIZED IN CHRIST Priscilla Faith Halimunanda (daughter of Donnavan Halimunanda & Stience Wirawan Halimunanda) Camille Achkouti (son of Georges Charbel Achkouti & Sandy Mariani Achkouti) REST IN PEACE Lori Jane Johnson Taylor Around the Archdiocese: 4 th Annual Joyful Mysteries Rosary Walk Sat., Dec. 9 beginning with 8 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The Walk, in honor of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, will begin after Mass to Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, St. Joseph s Parish, and ending around 10:30 a.m. at the former St. Peter Claver Parish School (former Dept. of Catholic Ed) as we pray for Catholic Family Life & Catholic Education of all children in every Parish. SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND: Retired Religious. FIRST COLLECTION TODAY: Tithing Offerings. SECOND COLLECTION TODAY: Corpus Christi Building Fund. CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: $ NOV. 19 TH BUILDING FUND ONLINE & COLLECTION: $2, NOV. 19 TH TITHING ONLINE & COLLECTION: $30, Thank You and God Bless You Receive a detail listing of your contributions by mail, or fax at any time: Call or Church@CorpusChristiParish.com. God bless all for tithing, contributions, bequests, remembrances in wills in support of God s work here at Corpus Christi Parish. To make a donation of stock, ask your financial manager, or call Selena Hemphill at Morgan Stanley at or To receive Offering Envelopes: Please contact the parish office at or at Church@CorpusChristiParish.com. To set up Online Giving: Please go to click Church ; then click the green Online Giving icon on the left side of the church s homepage. Follow the instructions to contribute to tithing or building fund or school annual fund or other special collections. For assistance, call , ext 1, or the parish office, Sunday, Dec. 17, a.m. until 12 p.m. Corpus Christi Community Center Banquet Hall First Child $15 Additional Child $10 Adult Plate $6 First child s admission includes a 5X7 photo with Santa, a takehome craft and breakfast plate. Additional child s admission includes a take-home craft and breakfast plate. Breakfast plates include pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and choice of beverage. Pictures with Santa taken by John Rapier of Colonial Photography. Order Form Fill out the form below and return it along with payment to the school office by Tuesday, Dec. 12, to reserve a seat. Payment will also be accepted at the event. Name: Home Room: Phone: $15 for first child + number of additional children x $10 + number of adult plates x $6 = Total Amount Due: $ Cash Check Check No. Women s Club Members prepare the Angel Trees

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6 Origins of The Christmas Tree Most Christian traditions associated with evergreens and trees are related in some way to pre-christian practices. The use of evergreens and wreaths as a symbol of life was popular already among the ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Hebrews. Teutonic and Scandinavian peoples worshiped trees and decorated houses and barns with evergreens at the new year to scare away demons. The Christmas tree originated in Germany. There it was first called the Paradise Tree. The Christmas tree seems to have resulted from the combination of two traditions: a prop from a popular morality or mystery play of the Middle Ages with a festival of lights from pre-christian times. In the Middle Ages, traveling actors and troubadours visited villages and acted out popular bible stories and morality plays in the village square or in the local church. One of these was a skit about Adam and Eve with a message promising that a Messiah would come. December 24 was observed as the feast of Adam and Eve. The prop of this skit was a Paradise Tree a fir tree decorated with the traditional apple. Children were so delighted with this tree that parents were persuaded to have one in the home, especially when these plays were forbidden in churches because of abuses. The Paradise Tree, decorated with apples, other fruit, and pastries soon became a family tradition. Another tradition was popular at the same time and place as the Paradise Tree. As the winter solstice approached, Germanic peoples celebrated a festival of lights as they had done ever since pre-christian times centuries before. After their conversion these people reinterpreted the solstice lights, or candles, as symbolic of the light of the Messiah, Christ, shining in the darkness of sin and spiritual ignorance. These candles were placed each year on steps or shelves in the shape of a pyramid, decorated with evergreens and the Star of Bethlehem at the top. In the early 17 th century, these two traditions seemed to have merged, probably out of convenience. The Christmas lights or burning candles and the Star of Bethlehem were attached to the Paradise Tree of the same shape as the Christmas pyramid. This gave rise in Germany to the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree as a widespread tradition is relatively recent. By the beginning of the 19 th century it had become popular throughout Germany and from there it spread to Slavic nations and France. Only in the mid-1800s was the custom introduced into England. About the same time, it was popularized in the United States by German immigrants. On a limited basis it had first been introduced in the American colonies by Hessian soldiers during the American Revolution, and even earlier by the German Moravian church. At first, Christmas trees in this country were small table trees decorated with homemade ornaments from needlework, pastries and ribbon. By the end of the 1800s, floor-to-ceiling trees were common, decorated with homemade or manufactured decorations, and wrapped in tinsel garland. In the 1930s the lightbulbblowing process was adapted to Christmas tree balls. Christmas trees appear in numerous forms today, including artificial ones. For many people they are merely a holiday decoration. They preserve, however, rich Christian symbolism: the green of hope at a time of dying, the burning light of Christ at a time of spiritual darkness, and the fruits of paradise. Christmas Tree Blessing and Lighting We all gather round this Christmas tree to join in prayer and song. This evergreen tree symbolizes to us the gifts of life and growth. As we look upon this tree, we not only think of life here on earth, but also of eternal life. It is a symbol of God s everlasting love. We will light our tree in honor of Jesus, Who is the Light of the world. Let us pray: O God, You made this holy night to shine forth with the brightness of the true Light. We ask you to bless this tree. We decorate our tree with lights in honor of Jesus, Who has come to us to light up the darkness. Grant to us, O God, the light of Your Word. May Christ shine ever in our hearts. Amen. Song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How richly God has dressed you. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How richly God has dressed you. You bid us true and faithful be, and trust in God unchangingly. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How richly God has dressed you.

7 Our Chrismon Tree The word Chrismon is formed from the words Christ and monogram and means a monogram, sign or symbol of Christ. What follows are descriptions of just a few of the Chrismons on our Chrismon tree in the atrium. IOTA CHI (IX). The Iota (I), is the first letter of the name Jesus in Greek. The Chi (X) (in English CH ) is the first letter of the Greek Word for Christ, the translation of the Hebrew Messiah, which means The Anointed One. The two initials are superimposed to form a monogram for Jesus the Christ. JERUSALEM CROSS. Used by the crusaders, some suggest that the five crosses symbolize the five wounds of Jesus. Another interpretation: the four Tau crosses which form the center cross represent the Old Testament prophecies of a Savior. The small crosses represent those who take up a cross, follow Jesus, and proclaim and live the Gospel to the four corners of the world. CROWN. The crown is a symbol for the Kingship of Jesus, King of Kings & the Lord of Lords. This also evokes thoughts of the Savior s victory over sin, death and every evil. THREE ENTWINED CIRCLES. A traditional symbol for the Holy Trinity, one God in three persons. Each eternal, all one. THE CHI RHO. In Greek the first two letters of the title Christ are Chi (X) and Rho (P), an early abbreviation of CHRist. The Chi (X) was often superimposed on the Rho (P) as a monogram for Christ. Sometimes, the Chi (X) was turned or rotated to line up with the vertical line of the Rho (P), forming a cross. CROWN OF THORNS WITH I.N.R.I. A symbol of Jesus passion. I.N.R.I. stands for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum which is Latin for Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. IOTA ETA SIGMA (IHS) ON A CROSS. The first three letters of JESus in Greek (or the first two and the last, JEsuS) compose this familiar monogram. The use of the Greek letters, IHS on a cross suggest the sacrifice of Jesus death on the cross. FISH. Early Christians used the fish widely as an easily made and recognized secret sign because the five letters in the Greek word for fish formed an acronym for Jesus Christ, God s Son, Savior. During the times of persecution of the Church, Christians could find each other by using this simple password. To the outsider, the fish was a mere decoration. To the Christian, it was an affirmation of faith in the Christ. In the catacombs, fishes were drawn to direct Christians to meeting places. Advent Colors The official color for the season of Advent is violet, and blue is not one of the official colors in our Latin rite (but it is in some Eastern rites of the Church). In the liturgical renewal after Vatican II, efforts were made to distinguish more clearly the difference between the season of Advent (a season of joyful expectancy) and the season of Lent (a specifically penitential season) by suggesting bluer hues of violet for the vestments during Advent. On feasts of the Blessed Mother, the official color for the vestments (in our Latin rite) is white. Often white vestments with blue trim are used. Just as white vestments with blue trim can be used on feasts of the Blessed Mother, so violet vestments with blue trim and bluer hues of violet can be used for the season of Advent to express Advent s theme of joyful expectancy and the role of Mary in the mystery of the Christmas event. Although the official colors for the vestments in our Latin Rite are limited, various colors are often added as trim. While vestments must follow the official colors, other items can be in any colors. Thus, Advent wreaths, banners and decorations in church can be in blue for Advent. Advent wreaths may be made with either violet or blue candles. There is also the option of using a light rose-colored (or pink) candle for the third Sunday of Advent (and rosecolored vestments are a liturgical option) for that Sunday to symbolize the nearness of Christmas joy announced in the first word of that Sunday s Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice (Latin, Gaudete). In the Advent season, we pray that the Lord may find us waiting, eager in joyful prayer.