Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Transcription

1 Our Mission: United in Christ through Baptism, our parish is a Catholic community of diverse cultures and experiences. Through worship, service and education, we share the word and celebrate the Sacraments. We welcome and embrace all to join us in the praise & service of God. DECEMBER 11, 2016 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT The Season of Advent Church Address: 923 S. LA BREA AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA MASS SCHEDULES Sunday: 8 AM, 10 AM & 12 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM, 5 PM (Vigil) Weekday: 9 AM (Monday-Friday) Wednesday: 6:30 PM Holy Day : 9 AM, 7 PM, 5:30 PM (Vigil) First Friday Adora on: 9:30 AM-1 PM PARISH OFFICE Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM Address: 926 S. Detroit Street, Los Angeles, CA Telephone: (323) Fax: (323) parish@cathedralchapel.org ADMINISTRATION Fr. Truc Q. Nguyen, Pastor (ext. 223) Nancy G. Sheehan, Business Manager (ext. 224) Sister Anna Tom, Rel. Ed. Director (ext. 234) Mayela Albarran, Office Assistant (ext. 235) Maria Lim, Office Support (ext. 221) In Residence: Most Rev. Bishop Edward Wm. Clark CATHEDRAL CHAPEL SCHOOL Elementary School, Grades K-8th 755 S. Cochran Ave., L.A. CA T: (323) ; F: (323) Tina Kipp, Principal Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 (Reader) "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. "The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. "And the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." REFLECTION (Reader) Joy is at the heart of the journey through Advent to Christmas. Joy in the knowledge of what God has done throughout the ages; joy in the realization that God is able and that God does change things for the better; joy in the assurance that God can enter into our lives no matter what our situation may be. The Apostle Paul calls us a life of rejoicing:.. to live a life full of rejoicing and gentleness.. to put aside worry in the confidence that the Lord is near...to lift our requests in prayer, with thanksgiving.. to trust that the Peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. Let us then consider the condition of joy in our lives. Do worries sometimes seem larger than our belief that God is near? Does the busyness of our lives sometime interfere in our life of prayer? Does anxiety over the big things of the world ruin the little joys of life? Advent is a time when we can clean out the inner stables of our lives so that new life can be born, our spirits may be refreshed, and our lives may be renewed in the joy of salvation. Candle Lighting Liturgy (All) The Lord your God is in your midst, rejoicing over you with gladness, renewing you in love. I will bring you home and restore your fortunes, says the Lord. (Pause) HERE INSTALL THE 2 ADVENT CANDLES. (Please wait until the candles have been lit before reading below.) In this new light we give thanks to the Lord. With joy you will draw waters from the wells of salvation. We will rejoice in the Lord always. We light a third candle to reveal the pathway to faithfulness. (Pause) HERE INSTALL THE 3RD ADVENT CANDLE. (Please wait until the candle has been lit before reading below.) As a covenant people we will seek to live in the joy of the Lord.

2 HONOR OUR PAST! ENVISION THE FUTURE! BISHOP EDWARD CLARK S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 12:00pm Sunday Mass & Reception Following Dear Parishioners and Visitors: Welcome to our parish during this third week of advent. As God s children, we are gathered here to worship God with trust in anticipation of Christ s birth. May your time of prayer bring solace and peace to your spirit. The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete or rejoice which is a period of renewal of our relationship with God and with our loved ones. Bishop Edward Clark s Birthday - Sunday 12/11 at 12pm Mass & Reception On Wednesday (11/30) Bishop Clark celebrated a mile stone on his birthday. We are blessed to have him in residence of our parish. Bishop Clark was my Christology professor at the seminary during my second year in theology It has been 19 years since I have known him. May God keep him safe and strong throughout the new year. Please come and join our parish to celebrate Bishop Clark s Birthday Christmas Dinner and Fundraising Event Honor our Past! Envision the Future! Last week Friday, about 198 guests, benefactors, and parishioners gathered at the Wilshire Country Club to celebrate our Annual Christmas fundraising dinner. The event was a great success in planning and executing. Again, I am grateful to our 2016 Christmas dinner executive planning members (Cristy Wilkins, Gary Herman, and Victor Benedicto), committee members, volunteers, and parish staff. I am grateful to all our donors who quietly sponsored many of our raffle prizes and the twelve days of Christmas ranging from $100 to $1000. Second Sunday - Clear Thinking & Clear Vision: Stability, Gifts of the Spirit Last Sunday, I used the word Clear as part of my reflection. How do we establish a clear thinking or clear vision in our faith relationship with God? a) Clear Thinking: We may need time for stillness just as Lao Tzu wrote: Muddy water, let stand - becomes clear. Receiving the gifts of the Spirit is also needed: Spirit of wisdom & understanding, of counsel & strength, and of knowledge & fear of the LORD (Is. 11). b) Clear Vision: Perspective view of a person can change a person s point of view - such as sitting down, standing up eye to eye, and standing on a hilltop. Establishing a clear vision or clear thinking may require some clearing away obstacles and/or person: a) Not having to walk over or around b) feeling secure Clear away from the misunderstanding or the blame that people make on us. This is not easily done and it is most difficult. First Sunday of Advent Reflection - To Come To: Listen and Observe To come to Jesus and to members of our families and friends may signal certain emotions of readiness or resistance in us. Two qualities are important to acquire: a) To listen to the Word of God. b) To observe all the changes that surround us. 10 Years in Residence at CCSV - Starting in December 2006 In December of 2006, I moved into CCSV as my parish of residence, since my assignment was to work at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as Director of the Cardinal McIntyre Fund and a judge of the marriage tribunal. I am grateful to Father Chuck Schwer for his hospitality and support. While I was completing my canon law degree in Ottawa, Canada and with the recommendation of Bishop Clark, I contacted Father Chuck. For 10 years and still counting, being at CCSV has been a miracle and a gift for my priesthood. I am who I am as a priest because of your love and support, your faith, your family, and your friendship. PASTOR S PRAYER REQUESTS - RECOVERY OF HEALTH: BILLIE JENKINS Billie faithfully attends our 8AM Sunday mass with her husband, Rudy Jenkins, who is our long time and dedicated usher. Please continue to pray for both of them. Advent, A Season of Hope & Expecta on WEEK OF DEC , 2016 SAINTS, SPECIAL OBSERVANCES, MASS INTENTIONS AND PARISH EVENTS SUNDAY, December 11: 3rd Sunday of Advent 8:00 Consuelo Cespedes 10:00 Consejo Tanagon; 6th Grade School Mass 11:00 Confirmation Class 12:00p Jennifer Kelly Davern; Bishop Clark s Birthday Mass 1:00p Confession (subject to change); Bishop Edward Clark s Birthday Reception MONDAY, December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe 9:00 Teresa Espiritu Saribay 7:00p Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass followed by Reception; RCIA (Parish Office) TUESDAY, December 13: St. Lucy 9:00 Thanksgiving Mass from Alexander Nazar 10:30 School Penance Service 7:00p Parish Penance Service WEDNESDAY, December 14: St. John of The Cross 9:00 Maria Vargaz; Alberto Aguilera; Fr. Earl Walker; For The Birthday Intentions of Lesli Salazar; Thanksgiving Mass from Blanca Iniga 3:45p First Communion Classes 6:30p OLPH Novena, Mass & Rosary THURSDAY, December 15 9:00 Vicente & Leonard Correos FRIDAY, December 16 9:00 For The Healing of Diane Overaton SATURDAY, December 17 8:30 Thanksgiving Mass from Alana Dumas 5:00p Connie Herman SACRAMENTS Confession: *1:00-1:30pm, Sunday *Confession schedule is subject to change without notice. Thank you. Baptism: Fourth Sunday of month Matrimony: Six months notice required in advanced for marriage preparation. Appointments are available for private Confession, Baptism, Funeral, Quinceañera. Please call to schedule your event. First Communion: 3:45pm, Wednesday Confirmation: 11:00am, Sunday RCIA: 7:00pm, Monday

3 WORSHIP, LITURGY & FAITH A SEASON OF HOPE Today we can bask in the imagery that the Mass readings offer us. In particular, Isaiah's vision of a parched land that blooms with abundant flowers holds a message for each of us. Too often we are just like that parched land. We can allow ourselves to become absorbed in the waves of consumerism that grip so many. We look for fulfillment in the things that money can buy. Unfortunately, this leaves us like parched land, thirsting for something that money can't buy. This holy season has much to offer to quench our thirsts. In a word, this season offers hope. We are told that those who are ransomed by God will know joy and gladness. For them, sorrow and mourning will be no more. Let us place our hope in these promises. Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. Third Sunday of Advent Today is Gaudete Sunday, which means "rejoice." For three weeks now we have been preparing for Christmas and, one hopes, enjoying some peace to pray and anticipate the coming of the Lord, not just as a baby two thousand years ago, but also in the end-times, the parousia, when the Lord will come again in glory. This is the Sunday when the rejoicing begins. Advent, unlike Lent, is not a penitential time, but a time of waiting and anticipation for the fulfillment of God's promises. "[We] will see the glory of the LORD, / the splendor of our God" (Isaiah 35:2). So, "Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord... Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5:7, 8). More Than A Prophet Jesus then turns to the crowds, and teaches them, and us, about John the Baptist. John must have been quite a sight, and quite a forceful preacher. He drew great crowds, including Pharisees and Sadducees, who came out to see and hear him, and many were baptized. John has spent years baptizing with a baptism of repentance in preparation for the One who is to come. Jesus in turn pays tribute to his kinsman, and at the same time reveals his own mission as the Anointed, the One who will come to bring salvation to all who believe. He praises John, and reveals that John is the prophet who has come to proclaim the coming of the Reign of God in Christ. Jesus says, "This is the one about whom it is written, / Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; / he will prepare your way before you" (Matthew 11:10). So, as James tells us in the second reading, we must not complain about one another so that we will not be judged in those final days. We can rejoice in the coming of the Reign of God. We must be patient. We celebrate Christmas not only as the secular holiday with Santa and the reindeer, the Christmas tree, the gifts, the parties, and all the glitz, but as the Incarnation and the joyful coming of the Lord our God. (c) J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. Our Lady of Guadalupe Monday, Dec. 12 7:00 PM Mass Join us as we honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of the Americas. We will celebrate her feast day with a Mass, followed by a light traditional Mexican feast celebration in the parish hall. Thank you to Ruben & Gloria Barragan for coordinating this event. Thank you to all our parishioners and friends who donated food and flowers to this year s celebration. Give the Gi of Prayer with Cathedral Chapel s Octave Novena of Masses Special Mass Intentions For Your Loved Ones During The Eight (8) Octave Days of Christmas Dec. 25, 2016 to Jan. 1, 2017.

4 Parish Christmas Party Raffle Winners Grand Prize: Aliza Halm 2nd Prize: Kathy Ussery (Claimed; Donated $200 back to church) 3rd Prize: Tasha Hess (Claimed) 12 Days of Christmas Winners: #1: Keith Coom #2: Cris Sia #3: Tenie Laureta #4: Miriam Proval #5: Tasha Hess (Claimed) #6: Vanessa Dichoso (Claimed) #7: Joseph Nadarajah #8: Joseph Nadarajah #9: Todd Fowler #10: Carmencita Rafols #11: Lesly Giron #12: Sylvia De Dodwell Please contact the Parish Office to claim your Prize. A valid ID is required. Fr. Marcial Juan s 50th Jubilee of Priesthood Fr. Marcial Juan will be celebrating his 50th Anniversary of Ordination on December 18, 2016 at the 11 AM Mass at Holy Family Church (209 E. Lomita Ave., Glendale, CA 91205). The Mass will be followed by a reception in the Grade School Auditorium. All are welcome! Fr. Marcial Juan was our parish administrator during Fr. Walker s tenure as pastor of our parish. He was well liked by many of our past & present parishioners. To honor his 50th Jubilee, we have greeting cards in the back of the church if you would like to write a message to Fr. Juan. You can also mail a personal card to him by using the address above. Thank you. YOUR STEWARDSHIP OFFERING: December 3-4, 2016 Envelope & Loose Offerings: $4959 Building Fund: $760 Poinsettia Offerings Beginning Dec. 20 You may drop them off at the church or parish office. Thank you! Amid the busy days before Christmas, Advent calls for us to wait and prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christ s birth. We are invited to contemplate the coming of Christ through prayer and reflection. Last November 26th, Cathedral Chapel buzzed with activity as a group of engaged volunteers prepared our church environment so that we may feel the holiness of Advent. We thank the following: Joe Arellano, Said Asfahan, Suzette Bermudez, Ceil Borrelli, Claudia Burnett, Rudy Castillo, Elsie Celso, Irma Chan, Violet Chan, Ed & Christine Costumbrado, Dominic Cunanan, Meryl David, Weng Geronimo, Blake Hildebrandt, Hilda Kern, Lourdes Lim, Annie McLean, Patricia McLean, Barbara Mc Quaide, Marla Navarro, Angela Pritchesse, Meldy Rafols, Enriqueta Ruiz, Louis Shapiro, Nelly Sorrentino, Dolly Tidalgo, Ryan Ubas, Rosa Valdez-Asfahan, Claudia Vasquez, Glenda, Ysabella Fontila. God bless you all!

5 With our deepest gratitude to all our generous 2016 Christmas Fundraising Parish Patrons & Donors CHRISTMAS PATRONS Michael Luongo Gary & Beverly Herman William Bill Pistey Angel & Patria Bobis Cecil & Linda Bator Victor & Marie Benedicto Miracle Mile Hospice Care Miracle Home Health Care, Inc. Bonnie Moore Doug & Cindy Lim Fran & Michael Manion Benjamin Edward Roberts James & Beverly Powell John & Gloria Boccato Rudy & Dolly Tidalgo Marie Neglia Erin Magnin Dr. Alex Hoen Raymonde Bardeau Milagros Soriano Mablene Smith Don & Joan Shewfelt Helen, Richard & Thomas Cunningham Lourdes Lim Interested Continue Ministry CHRISTMAS PARTY DONORS Charlotte Claiborne Meldy Rafols Linda Brown Joyce Coyne Andrew & Mari Woodward Edmund & Dory Ann Lagman Gerald & Cristy Wilkins Sonia Reloj Janet Wages Caridad & Rodolfo Buenaventura Continue Ministry Turkish Airlines, Style Your Trip, Don & Joan Shewfelt, Edmund & Dory Ann Lagman, Anonymous Donor, Meldy Rafols, Beverly & Gary Herman, Sr., Carmen & Gregg Rue, Mabel Ussery, Tani & Lidu Sano, Jeffrey & Ericka Rockwell, Eryne Lagman, Cathedral Chapel School, Scott & Carms Feinerman, Dolly & Rudy Tidalgo, Lourdes Lim, Cindy & Doug Lim, Gina & Gigs Ibarrola, Beth & Jimmy Navarro, Enid Dodough, Victor Benedicto, Ludwig Capital, Sally & Ed Rubrico, Vickie Lim, Dr. Teresa Agner, Grace Manlapaz, and all donations received from Cathedral Chapel Parishioners, and all our Christmas Fundraising Party attendees & Raffle participants A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED LOVE & GENEROSITY. YOUR SUPPORT MEANS SO MUCH TO OUR CHURCH FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!