St. Mary on the Hill

Transcription

1 St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church ORDAINED MINISTERS Fr. Jerry Ragan, Pastor Fr. Lou Lindsey, Senior Parochial Vicar Fr. Michael Hull Fr. David Arnoldt Deacon Ken Maleck Deacon Donald McArdle Deacon Al Sullivan Deacon Tony Wagner Masses Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 7:45 am, 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, 5:30 pm Weekdays Monday through Friday 7:00 am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:15 am Wednesday Miraculous Medal Novena & Evening Mass 5:15 pm Saturday Morning Mass & Anointing of the Sick 9:15 am Reconciliation Saturdays 3:45 4:45 pm Rosary Monday 5:00 pm and Saturday 4:30 pm Sacred Heart Perpetual Adoration Chapel 1210 Monte Sano Avenue Available to all parishioners to spend time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and is open 24 hours per day 7 days per week. Baptisms Baptisms are celebrated once a month (except during Lent). Preparation classes are held prior to the Baptism weekends. Please call the office to register Weddings Arrangements should be made at least four months in advance. Nursery Available at the 10:30 am and 12:15 pm Sunday Masses for ages 6 months to Pre-K4. A pre-school religious program is offered during the 10:30 am Mass for 3 and 4 year olds. Emergencies Call the Office (706) After Hours (706) Trinity Hospital Chapel Mass Thursday 12:00 noon Ministerio Catolico Hispano Misa en Español: Domingo 2:00 pm, Iglesia de Saint Teresa of Avila, 4921 Columbia Road, Grovetown, GA Domingo 4:00 pm, Iglesia de Saint Joseph, 2607 Lumpkin Road, Augusta, GA Year of Mercy Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph -- December 27, 2015 PARISH MISSION St. Mary on the Hill Parish, a Catholic community, is committed to caring for God s people through stewardship. We are bound together by the Eucharist, directed by the Gospel teachings and the teachings of the Church, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, and are committed to sharing in the ministry of Jesus Christ. As stewards, we will proclaim the Gospel, promote peace and justice, and use our time, talents, and treasure to advance God s Kingdom. PARISH MEMBERSHIP Welcome new members! Please stop by the church office or call to register. Active parishioner status is determined by the following: You are registered with the parish; You attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days regularly, You use parish envelopes weekly to indicate your mass attendance, You have a Stewardship Commitment Card on file every year; and You honor your pledges of time, talent, and treasure. CHURCH STAFF Administrative Assistant Martha Kearns martha.kearns@knology.net Music & Worship Alvin Blount stmmusic@knology.net Stewardship Deacon Al Sullivan al.sullivan@stmaryonthehill.org CCD Barbara Kareis & Joan Purucker (706) stmarysccd@hotmail.com Mothers Day Out & Nursery Gina Craw (706) gina.craw@knology.net Senior Center Patty Lezotte (706) patty.lezotte@knology.net Youth Ministry Michael & Missy Lammers Joanna Watwood smothyouthgroup@gmail.com Secretaries Mary Bowles Karen Brooks Finance Dori Thorstad dori.thorstad@stmaryonthehill.org Facilities Jimmy Carrick jimmy.carrick@knology.net SCHOOLS St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School Joseph McBride, Principal (706) smcs@knology.net Aquinas High School Maureen Lewis, Principal (706) aquinas@aquinashigh.org Fr. Richard Sutter, Chaplain In Residence at SMOTH Deadline for bulletin is Monday at noon. Send information by smbulletin@knology.net, fax or phone 1420 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA smoth@knology.net Web: Parish Office: (706) Fax (706) Hours: Monday Thursday 8:45 AM 5:30 PM, Friday 8:45 AM 2:00 PM

2 Weekly Schedule: December 27, 2015 Sunday, December 27 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps 128; Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:41-52 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 84; 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2: :45 am (Fr. Richard Sutter) 10:30 am (Fr. Jerry Ragan) 12:15 pm (Fr. Lou Lindsey) 5:30 pm Fr. David Arnoldt) Monday, December 28 1 Jn 1:5--2:2; Mt 2: :00 am 9:15 am A = SJC Atrium AC= Adoration Chapel AH=Annunciation House MR1=Meeting Room 1 MR2=Meeting Room 2 YC=Youth Center (1 st Floor) Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs PARISH OFFICE CLOSED NO Walking Aerobics Anne Philpot Irvin SMCS CLOSED NO Rosary & Miraculous Medal Novena Casey Marie Bentley MDO CLOSED NO RCIA Senior Center CLOSED Rev. John Lyons & Rev. Francis Gillespie, SJ / Nate Swann, Pre-Theology II* Tuesday, December 29 Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; Memorial of St. Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr 1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2: :00 am Dr. Terrence Cook & SMCS CLOSED Pat Hamilton MDO CLOSED 9:15 am Melissa Anderson Jacobs Rev. David Arnoldt & Rev. Finbarr Stanton / Will Cook, Pre-Theology I* Wednesday, December 30 Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord 1 Jn 2:12-17; Lk 2: :00 am Richard Dunstan, Sr. SMCS Closed MDO Closed 5:15 pm Alice Stank Senior Center Closed Rev. Martino Nguyen & Rev. Michael Hull / Stephen Hill, Pre-Theology I* Rev. Timothy Donahue & Rev. John Tran / Esteban Steven Mallar, Pre-Theology I* Friday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God; The Octave Day of Christmas Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2: :00 am (Fr. Kieran) Anne & Bernard Maguire SMCS Closed Parish Office Closed 11:00 am (Fr. Michael Hull) Mary Lou Garren NO Walking Aerobics Our Holy Father, Pope Francis / All Seminarians* Saturday, January 2 Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops & Doctors of the Church 1 Jn 2:22-28; Jn 1:19-28 (Memorial: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Mt 23:8-12) 9:15 am The Akinwuntan Family Church League Basketball Games 8:00 am - 3:00 pm G 5:00 pm (Fr. Michael Hull) Bob Boerner Reconciliation 3:45-4:45 pm Rev. Tom Nellis & Rev. Martin Eke, MSP / Deacon Brian O Shaughnessy, Theology IV* BR= Bride Room C = Church CAF=SMCS Cafeteria CL= SMCS Computer Lab FCH = Fr. Charlie s House G = School Gym MC = SMCS Media Center N = Nursery NX= Narthex O = Office PH= Parish Hall R = Rectory SA = St. Anne s Hall SC= Senior Center SH = Scout Hut SJC = St. Joseph Center SJDC = St. Joseph Day Chapel SMCS = St. Marys Catholic School NO Walking Aerobics Parish Office Closes at Noon Thursday, December 31 Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; Memorial of St. Sylvester I, Pope 1 Jn 2:18-21; Jn 1:1-18 7:00 am 6:00 pm Vigil (Fr. Michael Hull) Ben Strong Shepeard Blood Drive 8:30 am - Peter & Alexander Harrison 2:00 pm in front of the Church Mass for the People NO CCD Church League Basketball Practice Mike Kelly 12:30-5:30 pm G Rev. Richard Sutter & Rev. Msgr. John Kenneally / Sean O Brien, Pre-Theology II* Robert Stephens Luttrell Martha Scott SMCS Closed Parish Office Closed Senior Center Closed Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G NO High School Youth Night MDO Closed Youth Holy Hour 9:00-10:00 pm AC Sunday, January 3 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6; Ps 72; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 7:45 am (Fr. Richard Sutter) Mass for the People Familly Promise AH Saints Overseas 3:00 pm SC 10:30 am (Fr. Kieran) Carl & Lauren Rhodes NO CCD Youth Choir Practice 4:00 pm C Church League Basketball Practice Men s Basketball 5:30-7:00 pm G 12:15 pm (Fr. Lou Lindsey) Erna Hull 12:30-5:30 pm G NO High School Youth Night 5:30 pm Fr. David Arnoldt) Michael Maguire Baptism Prep Class 1:30 pm PH Most Rev. Bishop Raymond W. Lessard, DD / Deacon John Wright, Theology IV* UR= SJC Upper Room *= Please pray daily for our Priests & Seminarians. =Deceased =Living

3 St. Mary on the Hill December 27, 2015 While many already have their trees down, we as a Catholic people celebrate Christmas as a Season. Today is Holy Family Sunday. And Friday is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. There is a special schedule for this Holy Day. There will be a vigil Mass at 6:00 pm on Thursday and then Masses at 9:00 am and 11:00 am on New Year s Day. For the committed Catholic there can be no better way to begin a New Year than to be in Church celebrating the Eucharist. The beauty of our Church at Christmas is the end result of weeks of planning and many hours of hard labor on the part of a small group of dedicated individuals. I am grateful for their wonderful work. Thanks to Jimmy Carrick and our Maintenance Staff who cleaned the church and helped with the decorating details both indoors and out! Thank you to Jerrie Bentley, Louise Mulherin, Pat Bush, Greg and Clare Boulus and the crew of helpers who do such a great job in decorating. These folks, year in and year out, have given countless hours so that the Church looks great during the Advent and Christmas Seasons. Making the church look so magnificent is a lot of hard work, thanks to all who contributed. I also wish to express my appreciation to all those who worked to make our Christmas celebrations truly joyful celebrations. Thank you to Alvin Blount and all the music people: the Adult Choir, the Praise Choir, the instrumentalists, the vocalists, not only for what you do at Christmas but for your great work throughout the year. Thank you for supporting our prayer with such joyful sounds! Thank you to the Sacristans, the Eucharistic Ministers, the Lectors, the Ushers, and the Altar Servers. Your time and talent invested in ministry always helps to make our celebrations very organized and prayerful. Your cheerful attitude and joyful spirit are part of everyday life at Saint Mary on the Hill Parish. You make Christmas a yearlong celebration. I am truly amazed at the goodness, generosity and love that are characteristic of the people of this wonderful parish. I am so very grateful for Martha Kearns and our parish staff. This faith community has been blessed time and again by the hard working people who make this parish run so smoothly. I am often humbled as people thank me for different things because I know things are only accomplished because of the dedication of our parish staff. On a daily basis they join together as a team to go above and beyond the call of duty. I hope during the Christmas season you will offer a prayer of thanksgiving for them and perhaps have an opportunity to thank them personally. As we celebrate Holy Family Sunday, I am grateful for the preaching of our Deacons. I find their assistance at the altar to be a huge blessing and their ministry beyond the altar has also blessed many in our faith community. As we continue in this Christmas Season I pray in thanksgiving for the many ways as the Body of Christ that our parishioners make the Incarnation a reality in our world each and every day and I hope that you will experience ever more deeply Christ s love for your friends and family as we enter a New Year. Thank you for welcoming our seminarians, Solomon Kaanan and Peter Lanshima, who are staying with us over the Christmas break. They, along with Theodore Agba, who is staying at another parish in Augusta, are from Nigeria. They will be ordained for our Diocese, hopefully in 2019, and are committed to serving at least 10 years as priests of our Diocese. I am grateful that some of you have already invited them for dinner. No doubt the Christmas Season can be a time of terrible homesickness when family is so far away. I am glad that we as a faith community are trying through our hospitality to make Augusta their home away from home. I feel guilty that I didn t do a very good job of promoting the Collection for Retired Religious a few weeks ago. When I was up North for Thanksgiving, I made a quick visit to Sr. Josephine. She is doing well. I doubt that she will ever be pain free but she never complains. She admits that it was a struggle to adjust to retirement. She finally feels at peace there. I observed that the sisters live very simply and are very grateful for the care they are given. They use the funds that are collected on their behalf wisely and I think most priests would be humbled to compare food budgets with the sisters. Sr. Bernadette had just been transferred from the hospital to a rehabilitation center when I was there. I expect she will be back to the convent by the New Year. You can keep in touch with Sr. Josephine Quinlan by writing to her at: Our Lady of the Angels Convent, 253 Knickerbocker Road, Tenafly, NJ On the Way Home: On this Holy Family Sunday why do you think Pope Francis has said that the simple practice of saying May I?, Thank you, and Pardon me is a key to building a happy family life. As we look to a New Year let us ask the Lord to keep these three phrases in our hearts and in our homes.

4 PRAYER REQUESTS Kim Agee Vicky Barnett Patricia Beckwith Lillian Bennett Bill Berry Michael Boos Frances Brown Retta Burke Clifford Carey Cameron Clark Joyce Coleman Pray for the Sick of Our Parish Diane Cone Marianna Daskal Scott Davis Greg Dross Margaret Dunstan Diane Dymeck Tom Edry Wayne Enroughty Dwain Green Hugh Greene Charles Hinnant Anne Hoffman John Hoverkamp STEWARDSHIP Jennifer Jackson Sheri James Cambri Jewell Lisa Johnson Steve Kowalczyk Ed Kulik Laurie Landrum Audrey Lavin Tony Maniquis Marie McBurney Ann McDaniel Eva Marie Mobley Kathy Mosner Jason Mulherin Pop Newman Tim O Shea Benny Price Tony Price Sallie Rankin Paul Reese Ashton Rinker Aileen Robinson Wanda Roper Pam Rosema Joan Schenkel Shirley Schwanenberger Ron Schwanenberger Martha Scott MaeAnnie Screven Julia K. Smith Brandy Stephens Joyce Stigall John Strelec Maura Stoehr Virginia Weigle Joe Ward John Ward Vickie Walters Pray for the Military ENS Kyle A. Iasiello USS Farragut MAJ I. Michael McLaughlin - Kuwait SSgt Brandon Terrette - Honduras McKenzie Dicks Carter Maura Dial Stephanie Mae Easley Rest In Peace Please remember in your prayers our parish family and friends, and those involved in the war on terrorism. Pray for Expectant Mothers Jessica Futrelle Leslie Gumas Carol Harrison Karmen Lowery Ryan Armstrong Rhodes Michelle Rose December 27, 2015 Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently: Kathy Christine. Our prayers are with this family during this difficult time. Please remember to call the church office if you or a family member can be removed from this prayer list. If you have a loved one in need of prayers, please call the Parish Office ( ). Names of the sick will be listed for two weeks unless we are informed otherwise. Please pray for our expectant mothers and their babies. If you are a member of St. Mary s and expecting a baby, please call the Parish Office to add your name to the Elizabeth Ministry list. Intercessory Prayer Team at St. Mary on the Hill is ready and willing to pray for the needs of our fellow parishioners. If you or someone you love has a prayer request, please call or send an . This powerful team of more than 65 members can lift you and your needs in prayer. Contact Mary-Garner Merz or mgmerz123@knology.net. Parish Stewardship of Treasure Week of 12/13/15 FY16 Year to Date FY15 Year to Date Contributions $ 76,689 $ 1,768,407 $ 1,733,239 Children s $ 141 $ 2,055 $ 2,197 Stock/Other $ 1,000 $ 57,799 $ 78,935 Total $ 77,830 $ 1,828,261 $ 1,814,371 Budget $ 78,845 $ 1,892,280 $ 1,892,280 Surplus (Deficit) $ (1,015) $ (64,019) $ (77,909) Bequest $ - $ 277,047 $ 1,200 Memorials/Donations $ 153 $ 1,758 $ 1,745 Southern Cross $ - $ 5,499 $ 5,729 Religious Retirement $ 11,467 $ 11,467 $ 12,259 Special Collections $ - $ 12,188 $ 19, (11 thru the website) of 2465 families and 75 children gave the week of December 6, Just a Note to Remind You Please remember to have your 2015 yearly contributions in before December 31, Contributions received after January 1, 2016 will be dated as such. If you have any questions, concerning your pledge for 2015, please call the Parish Office before the end of the year, Bishop s Annual Appeal As of the last report we received (12/11/15), 596 of our parishioners have given $212,881 to the Bishop s Annual Appeal which is 88% of our target of $242,807. Thank you to those who have made their BAA pledge. If you are not able to make a pledge, please consider a one-time gift. Give with a Joyful Heart Each one of us is Christ to all we meet. Don t Forget to Turn in Your Commitment Card We re still in the midst of or annual Stewardship Renewal. If you haven t returned your Commitment Card, you still can mail it to the Parish Office or turn it in the weekend collection basket. Returning your card is an important part of being an active member of St. Mary on the Hill. Please take this opportunity to express your support for our parish with your time, talent, and treasure!

5 WORSHIP December 27, 2015 Holy Day of Obligation Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God - Holy Day of Obligation Vigil - Thursday, December 31, :00 pm Friday, January 1, :00 am and 11:00 am Selzler In Loving Memory of: Mary Selzler by James Alice & Ed Doris by Alice Carter & Maryan Virginia Balducci, Michael Kelly Henry A. & Aderae Sulzycki, Sr by Linda Sulzycki & Erika Yates Marie Redd, Bob Thompson by Ken Redd Moreau & Mcdonough Families by Paul & Nicole McDonough Charles Cheek, Mary & Chester McPhearson by Lou Cheek Mr. & Mrs. George Rondeau by Gordon & Gloria Miller Bill & Grace Mauney by Larry & Candy Gaudet Jack R. Beja, Jr, John Edward Beja, Frank P. Sterrett, Sr, Yvonne G. Sterrett, Frank P. Sterrett, Jr by Mr. & Mrs. David H. Beja Christmas Flowers Jack & Leonora Johannsen by Pat Johannsen Persecuted Christians Around the World by Cecilia Spencer & Richard Virgilio Mr. & Mrs. J.T. Van Horn by Charlotte Van Horn Albert & Alice Stank, Shirley Dimenna by Richard & Sharon Dimenna The Freeman & Horwitz Families by Bob & Debbie Horwitz John Rolwing by Joyce Rolwing Ann Chafee Turbyfill by Robert Turbyfill, Jr Jerry Pardue by Teresa Barnes Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bird, Mr. & Mrs. John Holleran, Mr. James Hutto by Michele & Tom Bird In Honor of: Pixie by Eileen Cagle Persecuted Christians Around the World by Cecilia Spencer & Richard Virgilio Free Ministry to Traveling Catholics For nationwide Mass times and locations: Call Mass Times (( ) or Internet FAITH FORMATION Baptisms Baptism Preparation Classes typically are scheduled for the first Sunday of the month. The next Baptism Preparation Class is Sunday, January 3 at 1:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Please call the office to register for classes, Baptisms normally will be held the third weekend of the month at the 5:00 pm and 12:15 pm Masses. Please call the office to register. Perpetual Adoration - Adorers Needed! 11:55 pm - 1:00 am Sunday, Monday, Saturday 1:00-2:00 am Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 2:00-3:00 am Sunday, Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 3:00-4:00 am MONDAY, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 am Sunday, Tuesday, Saturday 5:00-6:00 am Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:00-7:00 am Sunday, Saturday 9:00-10:00 am Monday, Saturday 10:00-11:00 am Monday, Thursday 11:00-12:00 noon Sunday, Monday,Thursday, Friday 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Tuesday, Friday, SATURDAY 1:00-2:00 pm Saturday 2:00-3:00 pm Friday,Saturday 3:00-4:00 pm Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 4:00-5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5:00-6:00 pm Thursday 6:00-7:00 pm Thursday 7:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, Saturday 8:00-9:00 pm Sunday, Monday, Friday 9:00-10:00 pm Friday 10:00-11:00 pm Thursday, Saturday 11:00 pm - midnight Saturday BIG NEED FOR A PARTNER: 3:00-4:00 am Monday Noon - 1:00 pm Saturday Perpetual Adoration needs a strong boost in adorers. Please prayerfully consider adding an hour of adoration to your week. Call Paul or Mary Ellen Zielinski to sign on and begin enjoying a life filled with more blessings and peace. God truly does give back abundantly to those who spend time with Him. Altar Servers, Lectors, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, & Sacristans Please remember to check your schedules and arrange for a sub before you leave for vacation. If you are at Mass, please check to see if you are needed. Homebound Visitation If there are parishioners who are homebound, in a nursing facility, or in the hospital and who wish pastoral visits and Holy Communion, please have a family member contact the Parish Office by calling (706) We rely on family members to notify us if there are patients to be visited. Please keep the office informed. Wedding Banns Susan M. Vann, St. Mary on the Hill, Augusta, GA and Chad H. Capitosti, St. Mary on the Hill, Augusta, GA

6 St. Mary on the Hill December 27, 2015 Remember your wedding vow For better or worse? Every marriage travels through difficult times, some more challenging than others. Retrouvaille teaches couples how to get through the tough times. Retrouvaille couples and priests believe your marriage is worth the work of rediscovery. Reach for the RETROUVAILLE LIFELINE. COMMUNITY Senior Center HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR! The Senior Center is closed this week. No Aerobics this week. SIGN UP: Historic Trolley Tour Friday January 22 1:00 pm $18 We ll be picked up at the CHURCH. Accommodates 26. SIGN UP: Ken Maleck s Tax Tips & Lunch Monday January 11 11:00 am Ken keeps us updated with all the new laws. SIGN UP: Tuesday Music Live January 12 12:00 Noon I must collect $12 for the luncheon BEFORE January 6. Senior Center Calendar for December is available in the Narthex. Notes from the Parish Office - The Parish Office is closed on Monday, December 28, 2015, Thursday, December 31, 2015 and Friday, January 1, Happy New Year!! - If you are new to the parish, please call, , or stop by the church office. It only takes a minute to register and we would love to hear from you. Registration forms are also online at stmaryonthehill.org/registration.htm - If you are going to move, have a change of address or change your phone number, please contact the parish office. You can help save us return postage. Our next Retrouvaille Weekend will be January in an Augusta Hotel. For additional information or to register call (706) or retroquinn@knology.net. More info at Space limited. Register early. Church Basketball League Practices There will be no scheduled Church Basketball Practice until January 10. Coaches, if you choose to have practice on Sundays over the holidays, please let Alice Hagler know so the gym will be open for you during your designated time. Parents, unless you hear from your child s coach saying that you do have practice, there will be no practice until after school starts back! Elijah Cup will be at the 12:15 pm Mass January through March 2016 The Elijah Cup program is a ministry to foster and support priestly and religious vocations. The Elijah Cup is a chalice that is presented to a family, couple, or individual each Sunday at the offering of the gifts. The chalice is taken home and used as a focal point while praying for our current and future priests, deacons, and sisters. The chalice is returned the following Sunday. Sign up in the Narthex or contact Miriam Cortez-Cooper at (706) or by mcortezcooper@gmail.com. Parking Reminders Please be mindful of our neighbors when parking near the Church. Be sure you are parked in a legal space, do not block driveways or move trash receptacles. (Moved trash receptacles have resulted in trash containers not being picked up on Mondays of our neighbors who are allowing us to use their parking lots on Sundays.) Please DO NOT park in the Trinity on the Hill Methodist Church parking lot or in Comcast s reserved parking spaces (they use these spaces on the weekend also). Violators may be towed. Engaged Couples - Mandatory Marriage Preparation Retreat The next Engaged Couples weekend will be at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church on January 15 & 16, This certification is required to get married in the Catholic Church. Advance registration is required to attend. Please remember that this certification is mandatory. For more information or registration, call the Parish Office at (706) Christmas Greetings May you have a Merry Christmas & a Blessed New Year! I pray that this season of Christmas is a time of Joy & Hope for you all, as our Savior comes to us in the Incarnation. Things are going well here in Rome, as I begin my first year of theology. It is such a blessing to be here, so close to the Saints and Church history. It has been a privilege and a joy to be studying theology and learning so much about our Christian faith. Thank you for all of your support over this past year. Know of my love and prayers for all of you and yours, and please keep me in yours prayers. May God s Peace & Blessings be on you and yours this Christmas, Bobby Phillips, Seminarian for the Diocese of Savannah Abuse Hotline Number: To report sexual abuse of a minor by a Diocese of Savannah employee or volunteer, call the abuse hotline number at or the Office for the Protection of Children and Young people, /4. To read the diocesan policy on sexual abuse of minors, go to www. diosav.org/childyouthprotection.

7 St. Mary on the Hill December 27, 2015 Stewardship Opportunities - Year-End Giving As this year comes to an end, we would like to thank you, our parish community, for your continued support of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church and our ministries through your time, talent, and treasure. As a stewardship parish, we are able to enrich many lives each year through our ministry and outreach efforts. Often, parishioners desire to make year-end gifts allowing them to receive various tax benefits, and in return, meet the needs of our parish. We greatly appreciate your continued generosity, and want to list a few opportunities for year-end giving that may be of interest to you. 1) St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church General Fund 2) St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School Endowment Fund SERVICE 3) Gifts of Stock: Stock that is held for more than one year can be donated to St. Mary and provide a tax savings for you. By making this gift, you can eliminate a capital gains tax while receiving a tax deduction for the full fair market value on the date of the gift. 4) Name St. Mary as a beneficiary in your will. This can be done as a fixed monetary amount, a specific item or designated property, a percentage of your estate, or a residual bequest (stating that after all bequests are granted, the residual is left to the Church). For more information about ways to give to St. Mary s Parish or School, please call the Parish Office, St. Mary on the Hill School News Re-enrollment of current school families for the upcoming will begin on January 4, The re-enrollment should be completed on RenWeb by clicking on the Family Information link on the left side of the page and following the directions. Please make any changes to all the forms (address changes, medical information, emergency contacts, etc.). This will automatically update your information and start the re-enrollment process. You will not need to send in a paper copy of the re-enrollment form. Payments may be made online by clicking on the link on the last page or on the home page under announcements. Re-enrollment fees are: $350, 1 child; $650, 2 children; $950, 3 children and $1250, 4 children. Please call Mrs. Ryan at if you have any questions. Classes resume on Monday, January 4 th! Please, have a blessing filled, restful break. Family Promise of Augusta Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 It s the time again! St. Mary s will be hosting up to three homeless families the week of January 3rd at the Annunciation House on Central Ave. We need many volunteers to meet the families needs. If you can prepare and share an evening meal, spend the night, help set-up for our guests, or have some time on Saturday or Sunday afternoon please contact one of the coordinators or see the display and sign-up sheets in the Narthex: Time commitments range from 2-10 (10 hrs. for overnight) hours depending on what you sign-up to do. Diane is doing well; she had hip surgery on Tuesday and continues to recover. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Hopefully she will be able to join us when we host in April Service weeks: January 3-10, April 24-30, October Wish List: Toiletries; body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, liquid soap, personal hygiene items, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair accessories, razors, shaving cream. Baby items; diapers, wipes, baby wash, etc. All items are greatly appreciated. We are also in need of towels (bath, hand, and washcloths) preferably white, and both twin and full size bed sheet sets (new or gently used). Lori Serji , lori.serji@knology.net Allison Spensley: Meal Coordinator , alli101320@gmail.com Cherie Wright: Overnight Coordinator, cherie.wright@bsci.com Chad Sweeney: Set-up & Take down Coordinator, chadsweeney@aol.com CSS Food Drive Our monthly non-perishable food drive to benefit the CSS Food Pantry is: next weekend, January 2 & 3. The baskets are located in the Narthex of the church for your convenience. These times are difficult for many people and bringing one canned good when we come to Church next Sunday is a good way for all of us to share from our cupboards. Thank You!! Blood Drive This Sunday, December 27, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm Bloodmobile parked in front of the Church 12 th Annual Ciao, Bella! Dance Make your plans now to come to The 12 th Annual Ray Meneghello Ciao, Bella! Dance sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 677 on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at the St. Mary on the Hill Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome at this casual evening of dinner, dancing to live music by Soundtrack, and conversation with old friends and new. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm, dancing at 7:30 pm and goes until 11. The cost is only $45 per couple in advance, or $50 at the door. For reservations, contact Rich Dimenna at richdimenna@gmail.com or call

8 St. Mary on the Hill December 27, 2015 Youth Events Master s Table Soup Kitchen - Usually every Second Sunday (January 10) Come Serve at the Master s Table Soup Kitchen (behind the Civic Center). To serve, please Belinda at belwat630@ comcast.net Call Michael for more info Year of Mercy Check for information about Youth Ministry! March for Life/Ski Trip When: Thursday, January 21 through Monday, January 25, 2016 Where: March for Life - Washington, DC; Winterplace Ski Resort, Ghent, WV Cost: $385 for students who plan to ski at ski resort ($100 non-refundable payment due to hold spot. Final payment due by January 4, 2016) **Note: Teens can earn a $5 credit towards this trip for every Youth event (Youth night, praying at abortion mill, soup kitchen, holy hour, etc.) Up to a $100 credit can be earned by teens! Cost includes: Lodging, bus ride, ski lift tickets, ski rentals, breakfast, sweatshirt Sign-up at: High School Youth Night Begins again in 2016 Middle School Youth Night: Begins again in 2016 Youth Holy Hour - Every Thursday, 9:00-10:00 pm Come and spend some time with Jesus in the Eucharist. Pop in and spend 10 minutes or the whole hour with THE MAN - JESUS! Words for the Week There s no vocation to laziness. ~ Pope Francis Augusta Young Adult Ministry Weekly Spirit & Truth Young Adult Meetings The Annunciation House 2561 Central Ave (on the corner of Central & 7:30 pm every Thursday Complimentary Dinner! Every Sunday from 1:00-2:00 pm, our group covers adoration in the Chapel. 1 st /3 rd Saturday we meet to pray the Rosary for Life outside abortion clinic on Professional 10:30, typically followed by group lunch afterwards. This Catholic Ministry seeks to bring Christians into contact with Christ and His Church through Faith, Fellowship, & Spiritual Growth. YAM is affiliated with the Diocese of Savannah and is supported by the parishes of the Augusta Deanery. The following movies have been evaluated by the Catholic News Service according to artistic merit and moral suitability. The reviews include the CNS rating and the Motion Picture Association of America rating. (see website The 33 A-III adults. (PG-13) Brooklyn A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) Burnt A-III adults. (R) Creed A-III adults. (PG-13) The Good Dinosaur A-I General Patronage (PG) The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) In the Heart of the Sea A-III adults. (PG-13) Jem and the Holograms A-II adults and adolescents (PG-13) Krampus A-III adults. (PG-13) MOVIE RATINGS The Last Witch Hunter A-III adults. (PG-13) Legend L Limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (R) The Letters A-II adults and adolescents (PG) Love the Coopers L Limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (PG-13) My All American A-II adults and adolescents (PG) The Night Before O morally offensive (R) Our Brand Is Crisis A-III adults. (R) Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension A-III adults. (R) The Peanuts Movie A-I General Patronage (G) Rock the Kasbah A-III adults. (R) Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse O morally offensive (R) Secret in Their Eyes O morally offensive (R) Spectre A-III adults. (PG-13) Spotlight A-III adults. (R) Steve Jobs A-III adults. (R) Victor Frankenstein A-III adults. (PG-13)

9 AROUND THE DEANERY, DIOCESE, & THE AREA Special Education Scholarship Fund In conjunction with the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Immaculate Conception Catholic School kicks off its Special Education Scholarship Fund Campaign. We are asking for 100,000 people to give only $1. Be the first to help out this worthy cause. Spread the word to co-workers, family, and friends. Go to our website icaugusta.org/support-us to donate! Or you can mail your donation to: IC Catholic School Attn.: Special Ed Scholarship Fund PO Box 2446, Augusta, GA NO MATTER THE NEED, EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL! Live Praise & Worship Concert Begin 2016 with Praise, Worship and Eucharistic Adoration Featuring Audrey Assad 7:00 pm, Friday January 8 Free Admission Daily Mass at 6:00 pm followed by concert at 7:00 pm in Main Sanctuary at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 4921 Columbia Rd, Grovetown, GA Jubilee Year of Mercy December 8, November 20, 2016 Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Saturday, February 20, 2016 beginning at 2:00 pm As part of a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, the Augusta Deanery is organizing a bus. The afternoon will include midafternoon prayer with homilist, Fr. Timothy McKeown; Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; Chaplet of Divine Mercy; Sacrament of Reconciliation; Benediction and more. The bus will leave from Most Holy Trinity on Saturday morning at 11:00 am and will depart the Cathedral after the 5:30 pm Vigil Mass. The cost of the trip is $25 per person. Please contact Most Holy Trinity Church office at Space is limited so please reserve your place soon! Deadline to pay/register is January 30, Ring in the New Year at St. Teresa of Avila! Join us on December 31 at 8:30 pm for a New Year s Eve Party. Ticket includes: LIVE BAND, HOR D OEUVRES, DRINK MIXERS This is a BYOB and 21 & Over event. $35 per person or $250 for a reserved table for 8 Tickets are on sale at St. Teresa s after all Masses, at St. Teresa s church office. Catholic New England/ Canada Cruise Come and sail away on a 7-night Catholic New England/Canada Cruise with Father Gerald Ragan August 20 August 27, 2016 on Holland America s Veendam out of Boston, Massachusetts-- Ports of Call: Bar Harbor, Maine Halifax, Nova Scotia Sydney, Nova Scotia Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Cruise Gulf Of St. Lawrence Cruise St. Lawrence River Quebec City, Quebec Montreal, Quebec. Prices begin at $2983 for two passengers this includes all port fees and taxes. Daily Mass offered. Deposits of only $350 per person will reserve your cabin. Space is limited. For further info or to register, contact Doug or Eileen at / Doug@CatholicCruisesandTours.com. Evening in Ireland The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) will present an evening of food, Irish music and Irish fun on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Augusta Elks Lodge. The entertainment will consist of local talent with students of Lillie Morris and a regional band the Amazing Spud Brothers. Tickets can be purchased from any LAOH member or at St. Mary s and St. Teresa s church office. The cost is $25.00 per ticket. We look forward to presenting this show and hope you will join us in our celebration of an Evening in Ireland. Contact info: Karen Brooks at (706) or kandvbrooks@yahoo.com, Estelle Duncan or eduncan081954@yahoo.com, Ruth Smith or garnsmitty@gmail.com. Awakening Faith Program Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 4921 Columbia Road, Grovetown, Georgia, will be offering an eleven week program of faith renewal entitled Awakening Faith. This is a conversation-based program that gives inactive or marginally active Catholics a forum where they reconnect with their faith and have it reawakened. Here is where Catholics can come together and explore questions of faith. Through this program, people are able to draw closer to Christ, the Church and hopefully, to be more active in their parishes. Topics include individual Spirituality, the Trinity, Mass, Forgiveness, Faith, Love and Marriage to name a few. The series will begin on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the home of Mary and Deacon Joe Soparas. For more information go to or contact Deacon Joe or Mary Soparas at , mary.soparas@gmail.com or joseph. soparas@gmail.com. Augusta University Literacy Center Will present the play, Sticks and Stones on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 from 10:00-11:00 am in the AU Maxwell Theater. The cost for the play is $2/person. Please call and tell how many will be coming. Deanery Rosary for Persecuted Christians Where: St. Ignatios of Antioch Greek Melkite Catholic Church, 1003 Merry St. We meet in the Sanctuary When: Every Saturday 11:45 am Join us for the rosary, prayer and singing hymns. Lunch is served in the parish hall afterwards. Pro-Life WEEKLY: Every Saturday Morning, 9:00 AM through 12:00 noon- At a Preferred Health Center, 2903 Professional Parkway, the West Augusta abortion clinic, for prayer and silent witness. Please contact George Vozniak at Every Wednesday 6:30-8:00 am, Prayer at Planned Parenthood. MONTHLY: First Tuesday of each month - Pro- Life Rosary and Prayer - 11:30 am in front of Planned Parenthood. First Saturday of each month - Mass at Saint Mary on the Hill, 9:15 am, followed by a Pro-Life Rosary at Preferred Health Center (approximately 10:15 am) First and Third Fridays of each month - Crosswalk, a family pro-life gathering, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Planned Parenthood. Please contact Gary Garner, at Free Pregnancy Care Services Abortion Alternatives: Birthright of Augusta: LOVE Birthright National: Augusta Care Pregnancy Center: Care Net/Heartbeat Hotline: HELP Post Abortion Alternatives: Rachel s Vineyard: 877-HOPE-4-ME.