God rejoices and sings because of us.

Transcription

1 St.. Louise de Marillac Church Serving God s people in Covina, Glendora, San Dimas and surrounding communities God rejoices and sings because of us.

2 Page 2 Advent Penance Services Donut Sunday Join us in Msgr. Pierce Hall This morning after the 6:30, 8:00, 9:30, & 11 am Masses for coffee, donuts, & fellowship! The Advent season is here. Celebrate the Lord s birth cleansed from sin. Penance services beginning Dec. 2nd are as follows: St. Louise de Marillac Wednesday, Dec. 16th at 7:30 pm St. Francis of Rome, Thurs., Dec. 17th at 7:00 pm Immaculate Conception Mon., Dec. 21st at 7:00 pm A special THANK YOU to all the staff and people of St. Louise for your prayers, visits and concerns while I recover from my injury. Reta Carlson Sacred Heart Tues., Dec. 22nd at 7:30 pm Go to Confession & celebrate the mercy of the Lord! There will be many priests to hear your confession at each of these services. Simbang Gabi Mass Preparation Sign-Ups Our parish is once again joining with local parishes in a Novena of Masses in preparation for the birth of our Savior. All families of St. Louise are also invited to assist in the planning & preparation for our own Simbang Gabi celebration which will be held at 7:00 pm Saturday December 19th, with a reception to follow in Msgr. Pierce Hall. Sign-ups are taking place on Sunday, Dec. 13th outside of the Hall patio after Masses. Those who are interested in participating in either event, Please call Bella Adeimy (626) or Rosa Celera at (626) , or Tess Panlilio at (909) for more details. Luke 3:4 Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Church will be Closed for Preparation Please note that the church will be closed for cleaning on Friday, December 18th & Monday December 21st. After the 8:00 am Mass The Environment Committee will be decorating for Christmas on Tuesday, December 22nd and Wednesday, December 23rd. The church will be open for those wishing to make a visit, but please be understanding of the activity required to enhance our worship space for the celebration of Christmas. Help is needed. Please see back of Bulletin.

3 Page 3 The Advent Journey Pastor s Message A Disciple s Heart Fr. Robert Fulton, Pastor Having seen the star that marked the Savior s birth, the Magi mounted up and followed the star to Bethlehem. Through their journey, the Magi show us that equal to the grace of waiting is that of seeking. Unlike the Magi, our search for God this Advent won t take us across the wilderness. In fact, all we have to do is genuinely open ourselves up to God s presence in our life, and follow the Holy Spirit s leading. So where is Jesus calling us? Outwardly, we may each look secure and contented at Mass on Sunday, yet our interior spiritual life may be more like a wilderness than its outward appearance would indicate - spiritually dry and empty, a life scattered with broken relationships, or weighed down with worry or moral failures a heart anything but pure and blameless. So what were the Magi looking for? Like them, how are we being called? What will we discover this Advent journey? The expectation is simply this as we arrive at the manger on Christmas morning, we will have a life transformed by the journey, and gaze at the Savior with a renewed faith and loving commitment to always seek Him. As we look toward Christmas celebrations with family and friends, I want to challenge you and myself with this question: Will my life and Advent journey make it easy or hard for people to find their way to Jesus this Christmas? People who don t know Jesus need to be prepared to meet him. They may be open to a relationship with Him and His Church, but they need us to walk along side them on the journey. Let s get things straightened out in our own lives, and be intentional about travelling towards Bethlehem, and living for Jesus. Let our advent journey be a living witness to God s redemptive grace and the hope we have in Jesus, making it possible for others to find their way to the manger and into God s kingdom this Christmas. Christmas Mass Schedule Thursday, December 24th, Christmas Eve Vigil Masses: 4:00 pm (Children s Mass), 6:30 pm and 12:00 o clock Midnight Mass Mass in the Hall: 4:30 pm Friday, December 25th, Christmas Day Masses 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 11:00 am. No Evening Mass on Christmas Day

4 Page 4 POINSETTIA DONATIONS Can you imagine a better way to celebrate the exhilarating joy and radiance of Christmas than with poinsettias? These cheery flowering ornamental plants are celebrated during this special season for their brightly colored foliage. With their openness and flowers within flowers, they embrace life in all its blessed richness. At St. Louise de Marillac, let us remember those nearest and dearest to us, whether living or deceased, with these brightest of all flowers in preparation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the reason for this season. Through the ages, poinsettias have been given as gifts, and in this season of giving, let us honor God s only begotten Son, the greatest gift of all. So please join us and bring your poinsettias to the hall patio or Parish Center Monday, Dec. 14th thru Wednesday, Dec. 23rd in time for inclusion at our Christmas Eve and Midnight Masses. Youth Night Sunday December 20 From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm In the Hall All High School Students are welcome! Thank you for your generous stewardship! Your St. Louise parish family appreciates your financial support of the many programs and ministries we provide. Your gift helps change the lives of those we serve Offertory for Sunday, December 6, Variance Envelopes $24,676 $22,739 $1,937 Plate $ 2,655 $ 2,669 ( $14) TOTAL $27,331 $25,408 $1,923 FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD & NEW YEARS MASS SCHEDULE Thursday, Dec. 31st 6:20 am & 8:00 am Vigil Mass, Solemnity of Mary 5:30pm Solemnity of Mary, Friday, Jan. 1st 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 9:30 am & 11:00 am NO EVENING MASS ON NEW YEAR S DAY Collection December 12th and 13th, Prison & Detention Ministry The Prison & Detention Ministry continues to collect soft cover Catholic Bibles, peechee type folders, writing pads (glue top only), #10 envelopes, small golf-style pencils, and stamps for the men. All donations are greatly appreciated by the men and can be delivered to the Parish Center marked for Deacon Al. Thank you and God Bless, Deacon Al Aging religious need your help. In the United States today, there are more than 33,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. These religious worked tirelessly in catholic schools, hospitals, and agencies, usually for little to no pay. As a result, many religious communities lack adequate savings for retirement and eldercare. Your gift to today s collection for the Retirement for Religious helps provide medications, nursing care, and more. Please give generously to the Retirement Fund for Religious. Envelopes are in the pews.

5 Page 5 Fa i t h F o r m at i o n December Highlights SUNDAY PRESCHOOL SESSIONS Class December 13th. Preschool classes will resume on Sunday, January 3, SUNDAY ELEMENTARY SESSIONS Class December 13th. Preschool classes will resume on Sunday, January 3, TUESDAY ELEMENTARY SESSIONS Class December 8th. Preschool classes will resume on Sunday, January 5, THURSDAY ELEMENTARY SESSIONS Class December 10th. Preschool classes will resume on Sunday, January 7, MIDDLE-SCHOOL MINISTRY: Monday, December 14 at 6:00pm in the Hall CONFIRMATION SESSIONS Classes will resume on January 10th 13th, 2016 BIBLE STUDY: Thursday, December 17th at 6:30pm in the Youth Room YOUTH NIGHT: Sunday, December 20th at 6:30pm in the Hall SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES: December 20th Posada, December 22nd & 23rd Church Decorating Peace & CHRISTmas Blessings, Faith Formation Staff St. Louise de Marillac Dignitas Workshop Being Pro-Life in a World of Choice: What Can One Person Do? Our speaker, Dr. Thomas Cuyegkeng, M.D. will offer a presentation on the origin and evolution of the culture of death, what it means to be Pro-Life and the daily response of every Christian. Our guest speaker is an experienced and award winning physician in Palliative Medicine, Geriatrics, Extended Care, Family Practice and Ambulatory Care. He served a Pharmacy Residency and Geriatrics fellowship. Date of Workshop: Sunday, December 13 Time: 1:45 pm Location: St. Louise Conference Room Light refreshments available Come join us! 1720 E. Covina Boulevard Covina, CA 91724

6 SHARING OUR GIFTS Page 6 DID YOU KNOW? Safety is key even when visiting Santa Claus Visiting Santa Claus can be a grand and positive childhood experience. However, some people who seek to bring Santa to life in a child s world are not deserving of our trust. Make sure your child knows that there are special rules for Santa and that parents or guardians must always be with the child when he or she visits Santa. One rule to consider is encouraging your child to stand next to Santa or sit on the floor between his feet rather than sitting on his lap. For a copy of the VIRTUS article Safety for Children AND Santa s Helpers, jvienna@la-archdiocese.org. For more information on other ways to keep kids safe, contact Linda Filkins, the Parish Safeguard Committee Chairperson or the Archdiocesan Safeguard the Children Office at (213) For particular help, call the Victims Assistance Ministry Office at (213) PARISH CENTER HOLIDAY HOURS During the Christmas and New Year s holiday, the Parish Center will be on a special schedule: Thursday, Dec. 24th: 8:00 am to 12 Noon Friday, Dec. 25th: CLOSED Monday, Dec. 28th: 8:00 am to 5pm Tuesday. Dec. 29th: 8:00 am to 5pm Wednesday. Dec. 30th: 8:00 am to 5pm Thursday, Dec. 31st: 8:00 am to 12 Noon Friday, Jan. 1st: CLOSED We pray this won t inconvenience anyone. ALTAR SERVER TRAINING Boys and Girls. have you thought about becoming an altar server here at St. Louise de Marillac? You must be in the 5th grade or higher, have made your First Holy Communion, and have a desire to serve. ALTAR SERVER TRAINING DATES Day One Day Two Day Three Monday December 28 th Tuesday December 29 th Wednesday December 30 th 10:30 am 1:30 pm 10:30 am 1:30 pm 10:30 am 1:30 pm Altar Servers to be commissioned on: Sunday January 10 th at the 12:30 Mass May the Holy Spirit protect, guide and encourage you in this wonderful ministry. Parents/Guardians, we hope you encourage and allow your child to join in this special ministry. This is a beautiful way for your child to express their active participation in the life of the Church. The Altar Server has an important role at liturgical celebrations. In this ministry the Altar Servers must have proper instruction, be sincere, and committed. This is a very special and important ministry. Training dates are set for December. All trainings are held in the Church. All future Altar Servers must attend all three training dates. Children s Christmas Mass All are invited to join us in church at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 24th, for our Christmas Eve Children s Mass. We ask children attending to bring a handmade birthday card for Jesus, which will be presented at Mass. We need your help! We are looking for a few dedicated individuals to help in our Altar Society and Altar Linens Ministry. The Altar Society helps clean and maintain the body of the Church there are 4 teams, each team cleans 1 time a month after the 8:00 am Mass. The Altar Linens Ministry launder and iron the altar linens that we use at each Mass. If you are interested or have questions please call or Sandra Roman ministry@stlouisedm.org

7 SHARING OUR GIFTS Page 7 For Information Contact Emily Guzman in the Finance Office At or Finance@stlouisedm.org To submit an article for the parish bulletin it to bulletin@stlouisedm.org by the Friday prior to printing, no later than 3pm. Please pray for those listed below who are sick: Parish Liturgical Calendars They are here! Please come to the Parish Office and pick up a copy of the 2016 Liturgical calendar. Quantities are limited to supplies on hand. Donations gratefully accepted. Johnathan Abrian; Irving Gayle Adlen; Ardenio Dan Ayala; Weldon Bennett;Reta Carlson; Eppie Cabral, Jr.; Maggie Corral; Taisha DeCorse; Edye Duggan; Joe Escalera Sr. & Jr.; Pat Fallis; Rick Garrett; Isaiah Gaskin; Michael Gonzales; Carmen Gonzalez; David Gonzalez; Maria Corazon Fernandez; Suzanne Hanson; Maria Harrelson; Stephen Holderness; Toni Hunt; Harry Kim; Laura Whitney Korte; Albert Lammens; Henry Lopez; Ava Marie Machado; Maria Macabagdal; Damacio Marquez; Gloria Marquez; Dara Mena; Gloria Montoya; Tabitha Neal; Tracie Neria; Sandra Nila; Connie Olague; Jacqueline Pimentel; Michael Anthony Quizon; Michael Reyes; Phyllis Rexius; Louis Rivera; Hector Rodriguez; Velma Rodriguez; Sr. Lynn Roebert; Pearl Romero; Julia Sermeno; Frank Smith; Ryan Soldridge; Melina Suarez; Berna Vigil; Priscilla Villar; Robbie Villar; Benita Villasenor; William Volk; Melinda Zamora Parishioners are asked to please contact the Parish Center to have a name placed on the list. For a name to remain on the sick list, please contact the Parish Office by the 15th of every month. This list will be published weekly in our bulletin. Thank you for your assistance in helping us maintain this list, as it will ensure those in need of prayer will receive it.

8 CALENDARS/SCHEDULES Page 8 TODAY S READINGS An Advent Prayer May the God of peace make us completely holy. May God keep us blameless in spirit, soul and body for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Forever faithful is the One who calls us God our Father! Expectant, let us live in joyful hope for the revelation of the glory of our God and Savior, Christ Jesus! To him be glory forever! Come, Lord Jesus! Your grace be with us all. From Come, Lord Jesus by Lucien Deiss, CSSp, copyright 1976, 1981, Lucien Deiss. Published by World Library Publications. p. 127 First Reading Shout for joy! Sing joyfully! Be glad and exult! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior (Zephaniah 3:14-18a). Psalm Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 12). Second Reading Rejoice! The Lord is near. Make your requests known to God (Philippians 4:4-7). Gospel John tells his hearers to share their possessions with the needy; be honest; do not threaten or accuse others falsely (Luke 3:10-18). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Mass Intentions (Week of December 13th-19th) Sunday, December 13th 6:30 am: Eleutaria Gadiano (RIP) & Giovanni Alaimo (RIP) 8:00 am: Miguel Estacio (RIP) & Josie Terraza (RIP) 9:30 am: Mary Maltes (RIP) & Xenia Fierros (SI) 11:00 am: Samantha Perez-Boiles (RIP) & Molly Maniquis (RIP) 12:30 pm: Faustino Samson (RIP) & Ricardo Samson (RIP) 5:00 pm: St. Louise Parish Families Monday, December 14th 6:20 am: Renee Benson (SI) & Esperanza Ramirez (RIP) 8:00 am: Barbara Lawson (RIP) & Joy Xavier (RIP) Tuesday, December 15th 6:20 am: Cathy Macnamera (SI) & Dorthy Bustamonte(SI) 8:00 am: Mercy Qamaruzzaman (RIP) & Carmen Mijares (SI) Wednesday, December 16th 6:20 am: Eddie Garcia (RIP) & Esther Aguirre (SI) 8:00 am: Marko and Iva Dragicevic (RIP) Thursday, December 17th 6:20 am: Louis Bukich (SI) & Michael Garcia (SI) 8:00 am Israel Romo (RIP) & Raquel Gil (RIP) Friday, December 18th 6:20 am: Eduardo Blanco (RIP) & Altagarcia Blanco (RIP) 8:00 am: Jacqueline Moscanto (RIP) & Jose Duarte (RIP) Saturday, December 19th 8:00 am: Daniel Ordaz (SI) & Christopher Ordaz (SI) 5:30 pm: St. Louise Parish Families (SI) READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Friday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Saturday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

9 CONTACT/INFORMATION Parish Center 1720 E. Covina Blvd., Covina, CA (626) , Fax (626) Monday - Friday / 8 am - 8 pm Saturday / 9 am - 6 pm Sunday / 9 am - 2 pm Pastoral Staff Rev. Robert Fulton, Pastor Rev. Augustine Chang, Associate Pastor Deacon Al Valles, Permanent Deacon Deacon Alan Holderness, Permanent Deacon Deacon Peter Brause, Permanent Deacon Deacon Omar Uriarte, Permanent Deacon Ministry Staff Sr. Nancy Uhl, SND de Namur, Marriage, Annulments, Visitors to the Sick & Counseling Sandra Roman, Liturgy & Lay Ministries Coordinator Robert Kochis, Music Coordinator Administrative Staff Ray Elder, Business Manager Susan Bugelli, Office Manager Parish School Dr. Denise Valadez, Principal Sue Reyes, Secretary (626) E. Covina Blvd. Mon - Fri / 7:30 am - 4 pm Faith Formation Amanda Munoz, Elementary Coordinator Kathy & Ben Prestia, RCIA (626) Monday - Thursdays/ 9 am - 6 pm & Fridays/ 9 am - 5 pm Confirmation & Youth Ministry (626) RCIA (Adult Sacraments) (626) Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, & Altar Servers: (626) , ext. 223 DO YOU NEED TO PLACE AN ARTICLE IN THE BULLETIN? To get your information in the weekly bulletin, please it by Friday of the week prior to : bulletin@stlouisedm.org SACRAMENTS Page 9 Welcome to the Parish Walking with you and your family on your faith journey is an honor and a privilege. For information regarding the following sacraments, please contact the Parish Center at (626) : To register with our parish community, please visit our website at & click on About Us to fill out the New Parishioner registration form or contact the Parish Center at Sacrament of Baptism (Infants and children under 7) Infants & young children are baptized in a group setting. Sacrament of Holy Eucharist Sacrament of Confirmation Sacrament of Marriage Congratulations! Contact the Parish at least 6 months prior to your desired date. Anointing of the Sick Anointing can be administered due to illness or prior to surgery. Holy Orders or Religious Life If you or someone you know is considering the life of a Priest, Deacon, Sister, or Brother, please speak to our parish priests or deacons. Becoming Catholic- Sacrament of Adult Initiation [RCIA]: Adults interested in joining the Catholic Church or completing their sacraments may contact Ben & Kathy Prestia, at Monday - Friday Saturday Sunday Eves of Holy Days Holy Day Masses & Devotions 6:20 & 8:00 am 8:00 am & 5:30 pm 6:30, 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 am 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm 7:00 pm 6:20 & 8:00 am and 7:00 pm 1st Friday 6:20 & 8:00 am and 7:00 pm All day adoration of the Holy Eucharist 9 am - 7 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help Wednesdays 6:45 pm First Saturday Devotions After the 8:00 am Mass Mondays & Fridays Wednesdays Confessions 7:30 am to 7:55 am 7:30 pm

10 J u b i l e e Y e a r o f M e rc y Penance Services Wednesday, December 16th St. Louise de Marillac Thursday, December 17th St. Francis of Rome Monday, December 21st Immaculate Conception Tuesday, December 22nd Sac red Heart Las Posadas Celebration Sunday, December 20th at 6pm Simban Gabi Celebration Mass & Reception Saturday, December 19th at 7pm Poinsettia Donations, December 14th 23rd Donate a poinsettia for Christmas liturgies in prayerful remembrance of a loved one or with a special intention Decorate the Church and Hall for Christmas We need your help! If you would like to volunteer to decorate the Church on Tuesday, December 22nd from 11am until finished (evening). Please come. We will decorate the Hall on Wednesday, December 23rd from 8:00am until 4 pm. Please come. Feast of Mary, Mother of God and New Years Mass Schedule Thursday, December 31st 6:20 am and 8:00 am Vigil Mass, Solemnity of Mary 5:30 pm Solemnity of Mary, Friday January 1st 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am NO EVENING MASS ON NEW YEAR S DAY