T H E L O R D B E A N D W I T H Y O U R S P I R I T W I T H Y O U

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1 T H E L O R D B E A N D W I T H Y O U R S P I R I T W I T H Y O U THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Ë DECEMBER 11th, W. Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA Phone: Fax: Website: parish@st-anastasia.org Parish established in 1953 in honor of James Francis Cardinal McIntyre

2 Ministry gathers us and makes us a faith family... Third Sunday of Advent - All of the people in today s readings the prophet Isaiah, the Virgin Mary, St. Paul, St. John the Baptist seemed to understand clearly and rejoice in what God was calling them to be and to do. Do I? Reflection on Today s Readings: FOCUS: Let us rejoice as we share the good news of the coming of Christ - The return of Christ in glory is an article of our faith. It is part of the Good News that we proclaim, and a cause for rejoicing. During this Advent Season, as we focus on preparing for the return of Christ, let us embrace and project to the world an attitude of joyful expectation, proclaiming through our words and actions the coming of the Lord. LITURGY OF THE WORD: Isaiah speaks of the servant of the Lord, who is to bring healing, freedom and new life. Paul calls the Thessalonians to remain joyful as they heed his call to grow in holiness. The Gospel reveals that there was confusion and curiosity regarding John the Baptist. John admitted that he was not the Messiah, but preparing his way. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER For those who are ill, and those in need of our prayers Please let us know about the condition of those we re praying for. We ll keep/remove their name(s) as requested, after the first few weeks. Shareen Hakim Joseph Syta Antonia Gonzales Maxine & Stuart Liebman Larry Lovett Matthew Salvo Tatum Sornborger Sherry Stevens Bernice Cubie Elizabeth Drake George Galip Ethel Curry Kim Calimlim Mary Witteman Fran Wilkerson Edward Jon Clites Ed Kwinn Benita Bicarme Helen Grisby Connie Kane Julia Cox Donna House Jeff Bristol Lucille Burk Delgado Emmeline Mallo Randy Huartson Martha Keglevich Jody Bruno Bertha Marcinkus Jeanne Ahern Bonnie Hocksteen Sheila Moore Luanne Sinski Peggy Keelaghan Ë To receive Holy Communion (for those who are sick, hospitalized, or home bound) please call Gloria Bowen, , Eucharistic Minister to the Sick. To have the name(s) included in our prayers, call the Parish Office at ^ Ì The Family Visitation Ministry offers spiritual support to those in need. Please call Sr. Teresita at , or call the Rectory Office at , x42. Dear Parishioners, On this Third Sunday of Advent the prophet Isaiah reminds us of the power of the Spirit. That spirit was poured out on us and enables us for the mission of the Church. Thank you for responding to the promptings, to the movement of the Holy Spirit in placing your hearts and lives at the service of God s plan. On Monday, we celebrate the Patroness of the entire Western Hemisphere the Americas. Blessed John Paul II commended Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Church in the Americas as a special sign of the motherly affection of Blessed Mary. On Tuesday, we will have our Advent Penance Service an opportunity to be renewed in forgiveness and grace. Please consider coming to celebrate the Sacrament and learn what happens when you turn your life and your heart to the healing of Jesus. In the Creed we say: I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. May our actions manifest the confession spoken on our lips. Happy Advent! Devotedly yours, Fr. Gabe R e j o i c e a l w a y s. P r a y w I t h o u t c e a s I n g. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Sun., 12/11 7:30 AM. CLEANTE & SOLON JEAN-BAPTISTE + 9:00 AM. DALE HERBST + 10:30 AM. THANKSGIVING MASS 12:00 NN. GEORGE WILKERSON + 7:30 PM. ICHSAN SATYADI + Mon., 12/12 6:30 AM. FRANK FILIPANITS + 8:00 AM. DAN GALANTI p Tue., 12/13 6:30 AM. FRANK FILIPANITS + 8:00 AM. RUDY CROMRICH + Wed., 12/14 6:30 AM. FRANK FILIPANITS + 8:00 AM. GRETCHEN LUNA p Thurs., 12/15 6:30 AM. EMINA BURRAK + 8:00 AM. JAMES IMAMOTO Fri., 12/16 6:30 AM. PURIFICATION ARMANDA + 8:00 AM. YOLANDA JOY McROE Sat., 12/17 8:00 AM. ALVIN HOPKINS + 5:30 PM. DEAN LORTIE + p Birthdays and Ì Anniversaries!! Next Week - Celebrating Our Faith Sat., Dec. 17th & Sun., Dec. 18th - Fourth Sunday of Advent Masses: 5:30 pm. 7:30 am. 9:00 am. 10:30 am. 12:00 Noon 7:30 pm. Celebrants: Msgr. Cox Msgr. Cox Fr. Tom Msgr. Vadakin Msgr. Vadakin Msgr. Gabe We encourage all to read and reflect on the Biblical passages that will be proclaimed at all Masses next Sunday: Reading 1 Reading 2 Gospel: 2 Sam 7:1-5,8b-12,14a, 16(11B) Rom 16:25-27 Lk 1:26-38 CONFESSIONS: 3:30-5 pm and 7:30-8 pm ** Msgr. Cox **

3 FACT OF LIFE Unique Dignity and Inviolability of Human Life The potential benefits of adult stem cell research are very considerable, since it opens up possibilities for healing chronic degenerative illnesses by repairing damaged tissue and restoring its capacity for regeneration. The improvement that such therapies promise would constitute a significant step forward in medical science, bringing fresh hope to sufferers and their families alike. For this reason, the Church naturally offers her encouragement to those who are engaged in conducting and supporting research of this kind, always with the proviso that it be carried out with due regard for the integral good of the human person and the common good of society. (Address of Pope Benedict XVI, to the international conference "Adult Stem Cells: Science and the Future of Man and Culture" Nov 12, 2011) Prayer for Life: Lord, grant us grace to defend our smallest and most defenseless brothers and sisters, those still being formed in the secret places of their mothers' womb. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen. FROM THE DIRECTOR - Pope Benedict Highlights Care for Creation, Care for the Vulnerable Again and Again: As Advent begins, the partners and staff of the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change await with you in joyous anticipation for the coming of our Savior! May this time of preparation lead us to ever-increasing levels of understanding of what Christ Incarnate means for our lives, our families, our communities, our world. In the two weeks since we last sent our weekly update, the Holy Father was clearly focused on the gifts of Creation and the present-day vulnerabilities to both people and the planet because of humanity s carelessness for the environment. Visit also: Join the fun: Upcoming events for Young Adults in the Diocese: Festival of Praise; St. Louis de Monfort, Santa Maria; Dec 31. Catholic Underground Matt Maher Concert; St. Victor Parish, West Hollywood; Dec 17. Murder Mystery; Glendora Knights of Columbus Hall, San Gabriel Valley, Jan 28. Ministry sends us beyond the parish Getting to Know Third Grade Teacher: Pat Hedge Saint Anastasia Catholic School third grade teacher Pat Hedge was recently featured in The Tidings for her amazing feat of jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 feet. Besides skydiving, here are some more interesting things about her... How long have you been a teacher? I have been teaching at St. Anastasia for 34 years in the 3rd grade. I love the 3rd grade because they love you, are enthusiastic and love to learn new things. I have been blessed with so many wonderful parents. They have been so supportive and willing to volunteer for all my special projects. Tell us about your classroom. I am excited about the ipad technology in the classroom we are all learning together. I just had my 60th birthday and I received an from a former student who shares my birthday. She graduated in 1992 and lives in Washington D.C. with her husband and two young boys. Because of our website she was able to contact me. What a surprise for me. I ed her back and told her I went skydiving for my birthday. What is special about Saint Anastasia? My husband Bob passed away in Nov I have been blest to have so many St. A's families that were there to support me. I will never forget you. Any special hobbies? I have a lovely rescue dog named Katie who makes my life very interesting, and my hobbies are collecting hedgehogs and skydiving. LOCAL WESTCHESTER CHOIR JOURNEYS AROUND THE WORLD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON The Concert Singers, back in Los Angeles after singing a September 11th memorial concert in New York's Lincoln Center, now invite you to travel around the world with them as they bring you traditional and inspired holiday choral music from around the globe! This holiday season they will perform music from countries such as France, Poland, Ireland, America, and England as well as music for Hanukkah. Also featured on this program is A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, accompanied by harp. So pack your bags, bring your passports, and take a choral journey with The Concert Singers this December! For more details please call , or visit When: TODAY, Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 4 PM Where: Westchester United Methodist Church (8065 Emerson Avenue, Los Angeles, 90045) Tickets: $15 suggested donation at the door. Avila Gardens Residence for Seniors is looking for an Experienced Cook. Starting pay is $12 p/hr. It s a full-time position. Please contact Sr. Shawn Pauline, OCD, Administrator, at Worldwide Marriage Encounter - Husbands and wives, the most precious gift that you give to each other is your love. Why not renew your love with the experience of a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend? It s a prefect Christmas gift. The WWME Weekend provides the opportunity to look at your relationship in an atmosphere of privacy and gives you a chance to give thanks for the gift of your spouse, something that most of us don t take the time to do often enough. The next Weekends are schedule for Jan , 2012 (Ventura) and Feb , 2012 (Downey). For more info or to apply, go online at or call Brian & Denise Keck at

4 Ministry Equips us to deepen our love for God and share our faith Advent Penance Service Evening of Reconciliation and Reflection, Tuesday, December 13th at 7:30 pm. This Advent the Father is inviting you to come home with Him. He wants you to know the joy that never fails. He is ready to remove any barrier, big or small, to your relationship with Him. And so He invites you to come to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Six Priests will be available for individual confessions. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION AND SPECIAL MASS SCHEDULE Confessions prior to Christmas: Tue., Dec. 20th, from 4 5 pm and 7-8 pm Wed., Dec. 21st, from 4-5 pm and 7-8 pm. NO CONFESSIONS ON SAT., DEC. 24th! Sat., Dec. 31st, from 3:30 to 5 pm - ONLY (NO CONFESSIONS IN THE EVENING OF NEW YEAR S EVE, FROM 7:30 TO 8 PM). There will be: ONLY one Mass at 9 am on Monday, December 26th, and ONLY one Mass at 9 am on Monday, January 2nd, New Bookmarks: Saint Anastasia students created bookmarks while learning about the life of Blessed Pope John Paul II during October's annual Respect Life classroom presentations. You will find these original creations in your missals. Thank you to Msgr. Gonzalez and to Mrs. Connolly for supporting this effort, and to the teachers for helping promote "The Gospel of Life." HOLY FAMILY SCHEDULE - Traveling Holy Family - Family 1 Lou & George Rader /11/11 Chris & Jennifer Walter /18/11 Traveling Holy Family - Family 2 Patrick & Michelle Doherty /11/11 Chuck & Janet Nelson /18/11 Women s Faith Sharing - Next gathering will be Thurs., December 15th, from 10:15-11:30 AM, Rectory Conference Room (downstairs). Msgr. Gonzales, our Pastor, invites you to a special Presentation For Parents of Teenagers, TODAY, Sun., Dec. 11th, from 1 to 2:30 pm, St. A s Parish Hall (Basement). All parents of children in the 6th-12th grades are encouraged to attend. Parishioner, author, and LMU Professor, Dr. Christopher Kaczor, will lead the discussion. Refreshments will be served. Direct questions to Teressa TeressaSyta@gmail.com, or Sponsored by the Msgr. Vadakin Arts & Education Fund and St. A s Respect Life. St. A s Bible Study meets on Tuesdays, morning 9-10:30 am (Rectory Office) and evening 7:30-9 pm (Parish Hall Basement). Call Susan Senia for info at or at: smsenia@gmail.com. Beginning January 17, 2012, our parish will be running a fascinating 5-part series on the Mass, entitled, A Biblical Walk Through the Mass. The registration process is on the way. Contact Susan Senia for details. $ Today, Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice The Lord is at hand (Phil 4:4-5). The rejoicing comes from the fact that Advent is half over and Christmas is soon to follow. Rose-colored vestments are used. RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS TODAY SUNDAY, DEC. 11th - Retired religious need your support. By 2019, it s projected that retired religious will outnumber wageearning religious by nearly four to one. Your gift to the Retirement Fund helps ensure that elderly Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests receive the care they so richly deserve, now and in the future. Please give generously to today s collection. Envelopes are in the pews. Rite of Acceptance & Rite of Welcome Guide these catechumens and candidates in the days and weeks ahead: strengthen them in their vocation, bring them into the Kingdom of your Son, and seal them with the spirit of your promise. Please take home a cross (located at the doors of the Church) and pray for those members of our RCIA as they continue their journey of faith. Catechumens (unbaptized): Jackie Aguilera, Gene Berghaus, Ryan Smith Candidates (baptized):abraham Garcia, Denise Gustafson, Stephanie Huynh, Heather Smith, Mitchel Yoshitake A Giving Tree at St. A s in support of St. Margaret s Center. Please consider giving a gift to a boy or girl (ages 10-13) this Christmas. A Giving Tree is out in the Courtyard. Pick a card off the Giving Tree, Purchase a gift and Bring your unwrapped gift the following Sunday to Church. Please put it in the Box in the Vestibule by December 13. Please contact Suzette Sornborger with any questions x51. Las Posadas, Dec. 18th, from 4 to 6:30 pm. ~A Community Celebration of Jesus Birth ~ Don t Miss It! Come and share in this wonderful celebration of Prayers, Songs, Tamales, Churros, Mariachis and Folklorico. All those interested in working on Las Posadas, please join us! Questions? Contact Suzette or

5 Ministry in Community Advent Wreath Candle Lighting - Advent is the season of waiting for Jesus coming. During this season, we focus on being ready to receive Christ. We need volunteers for each Mass to light the candles and read the reflection. So easy, so important! Sign-up now and prepare for Emmanuel. Sign-up poster is in the Vestibule. Call the Rectory Office for info Advent Wreath Candle Lighting Sign-up poster is in the Vestibule. Dec. 10/11 Dec. 17/18 5:30 pm. 5:30 pm. 7:30 am. Pragale 7:30 am. DuBay 9:00 am. Sichi 9:00 am. Ronay 10:30 am. Saba 10:30 am. Warner 12:00 NN Robertson 12:00 NN Schneider 7:30 pm. 7:30 pm. The Sacrament of Penance in our neighboring Parishes: St. A s (OURS) - Tue., Dec. 13th at 7:30 pm. St. Mark s, Tue., Dec. 13th at 7 pm St. Jerome s, Wed., Dec. 7 pm. St. John s Chrysostom, Mon., Dec. 19th, at 7:30 pm. Visitation, Tue., Dec. 7:30 pm. The Christmas Flower envelopes are in the Vestibule and by the doors. Please use them to make a donation in memory of a loved one or for a particular intention. Drop them in the collection basket or at the Rectory. Parish Ball and Silent Auction Donations! Once again, St. A s Catholic school is sponsoring the Parish Ball and Silent Auction in support of our children. The event will be held on March 10, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Redondo Beach. We are asking our local and neighboring businesses and families to support our school by donating an item or service to the Silent Auction or becoming an Event Sponsor of our program. If you know of any businesses, local service providers, friends or family that may want to donate to our fundraising event, please contact Jackie Aguilera at , or at jackie.aguilera@bingham.com and we will reach out to them directly. This is a great way for local businesses, neighbors and friends to market their services to our community families while contributing to a worthy cause. No contribution is too small! ATTENTION all parish poets, Grades K - 8. St. A s is holding its first ever parish-wide Poetry Contest! The theme is Anything is Possible, and there are cash prizes! All parishioners in these grades are welcome to enter. Entry deadline is January 31, For a flier or for more information, Laura Bess at bess2@sbcglobal.net CHRISTMAS WISH TAGS will be available in the Courtyard this week. Please write your wish and tie the tag on the tree. Our Lady of Guadalupe - Con gran gusto y con la solemnidad que se merece, invitamos a todos nuestros feligreses, pero de modo particular a los Hispano-parlantes, a reunirse la noche del 12 de Diciembre para festejar a la Patrona de las Americas. La Misa sera celebrada en Español a las 19 horas (7 pm). Inviten a sus familiares y amigos. Traigan rosas para adornar la imagen. Venga a venerar a aquella que dijo: No estoy yo aqui que soy tu madre? Ì Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe in Spanish, Monday, December 12th at 7 pm. All are welcome!! Adult Confirmation If you are Baptized Catholic and have received your First Communion and wish to complete your initiation in the Catholic Faith, the Adult Confirmation process is the right place for you. Class sessions will take place at St. Mark s in Venice on the following dates: Jan. 21, 28, Feb. 11, 18 & Mar. 3 is the closing Retreat. Please call Suzette Sornborger at x51, or ssornborger@st-anastasia.org for further details. Shopping mall safety tips - It s easy for kids to get sidetracked with all the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding us at holiday time. It is especially important to monitor your children when taking them through the mall during the Christmas season. If children become separated from you, teach them to look for a safe stranger who can help them. For example, a mom with kids or the cash register person can help a child who is lost. Avoid telling children to go to the manager. Any adult in a suit, who looks important, can look like the manager to a child. 2. Children must be told never to leave the mall or store to go looking for you in the parking lot. Let them know that you would never go outside or leave until you are reunited -- no matter what anyone else tells them. For particular help, you may call Assistance Ministry at (213) Living Faith for Kids May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 How do we get to be holy? Is it by praying a lot, going to church, giving money to the poor? All of those actions are important, but God is the one who makes us holy. Our job is to receive God s presence and action in our lives. That s why we listen to the words of Jesus and then act on them. During Advent, we await the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, at Christmas, at the end of time and at every moment in our hearts. Let us pray, with St. Paul, that God will make us holy. Jesus, help me to be ready to receive you at all times. REMINDERS... Today, Sun., Dec. 11th, Nurse Ministry Blood pressure readings after the 10:30 am and 12 Noon Masses in the Courtyard. Next Sun., Dec. 18th, St. Joseph Collection Center, this collection benefits the poorest and needy of the Westside area. Your donations of cash/non-perishable food are greatly appreciated.

6 St. Anastasia Catholic Church 7390 W. Manchester Avenue Los Angeles, CA Office Fax Website: SCHEDULE OF SERVICES MASSES - WEEKDAYS Mon-Fri: 6:30AM & 8:00AM First Friday: 6:30AM, 8AM, 11AM (School in session) Saturday: 8:00AM WEEKENDS Saturday (Vigil): 5:30PM Sunday: 7:30AM, 9AM, 10:30AM, 12 & 7:30PM HOLY DAYS Holy Day Vigil Mass: 5:30PM Holy Day: 6:30AM, 8:00AM, 11AM (during the School year) & 7:00PM SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 3:30PM-5:00PM & 7:30-8:00PM DEVOTIONS: Miraculous Medal Novena, Rosary and Benediction - Monday, following the 8AM Mass. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: First Saturday of the month from 8:30AM- 9:30AM ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Sacrament for the Sick is celebrated upon request of family BAPTISM: Parents and Godparents are required to participate in preparation program. Contact the Rectory Office or Fred & Esmeralda MARRIAGE: Engaged couples must contact the Rectory no later that 6 months before their proposed wedding date. Call the Rectory Office R.C.I.A.: (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) - Becoming Catholics - Please call the Rectory. Funerals: Contact the Pastor by calling the Rectory Office, LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Ministers of the Eucharist Gloria Bowen-to the Sick Jan & Herb Masi Ministers of the Word... Carl Pentis Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers) Evelio Leon Pat Hendon Courtyard Hospitality Sr. Teresita Altar Care Dolores Saenz Altar Servers Ed Charette Liturgy Committee Richard Arias PASTORAL TEAM PASTOR Msgr. Gabriel Gonzales Priest in Residence Msgr. Gregory A. Cox Pastors Emeriti Rev. Thomas F. King Msgr. Royale M. Vadakin, P.A. Parish Secretary/Bulletin Editor Sacramental Recorder Aleida Rodriguez Project Coordinator Ken Lance Director of Religious Education Jonette Mauch Confirmation Coordinator Shawna Wiseman Director of Adult Faith Formation and Stewardship Suzette Sornborger Director of Music Ministry Greg Koppenhaver School Principal Rosemary Connolly Assistant Principal School Secretary/Bookkeeper Louise Lance Office Assistant Linda Schmidt Consultative School Board Karl Altergott PTO-Parent Teacher Organization Sue Leifield ADESTE (After School Program) Elizabeth Soriano Maintenance Javier Antunes SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION RCIA-Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults; and SRE (Sunday School) Jonette Mauch Confirmation Shawna Wiseman Infant Baptism Fred & Esmeralda Balsz PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Parish Finance Council Jim Healy Pastor Advisory Council Site Committee Jim Healy Men s Club Chris Turkmany Knights of Columbus Ken Lance Arts and Education Jayne Cram Stewardship Suzette Sornborger St. Anastasia Catholic School 8631 S. Stanmoor Drive Los Angeles, CA Office Website: secretary@st-anastasia.org PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES Bereavement Laure Healy Young Adult Ministry Nancy Albin Prayer Group English Lori Mountain Rosary Ministry Rose De Leonardis Ben Oakley Social Justice Elizabeth O Neill Respect Life Jim & Nancy Taylor Safe Guard the Children Rose Healy-Fissinger Karen Diaz St. Joseph Center Jayne Cram Homeless Weekend Program/ St. Robert s Center Bob & Lori Caldwell Holy Helpers Tiffany Warner Will Haas St. Margaret s Center Mary Agnes Erlandson Catholic Charities Cindy Begazo Adopt-A-Family Rose and Matt Fissinger Bundles for Babies and Diaper Drive Teressa Syta Nurses Ministry Nancy Reilly Pen Pal Project - Prison Ministry Suzette Sornborger jeanne@pieper.com Ministry for Married Couples Jon & Suzette Sornborger Women s Faith Sharing Suzette Sornborger Men s Spirituality Joe Berberich Shad Meshad Men s Morning Hour Suzette Sornborger MOMS Ministry Jayne Cram Natural Family Planning Phyllis Jones Bible Study Susan Senia Social Ministry Laurette Bibeau Family Visitation Ministry Sr. Teresita