FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 2, 2018 Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton Bishop of Belleville We, the people of St. Clare Catholic Parish, In the Diocese of Belleville, are called by God in baptism to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Centered in the Eucharist, and strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we strive to live the Gospel and further the reign of God. We do this by creating a vibrant faith community, by actively promoting justice and evangelization, and by using our gifts in the service of God s people, to give God glory and reverence all of Creation. Saint Clare of Assisi, Pray for Us! WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. BAPTISM Preparation classes for parents are offered every other month for infant baptism. Call the Parish Office to sign up. Adults wishing to be baptized should also call the Office. RECONCILIATION Saturdays 3:30-4:30 or by appointment. Community celebrations are also offered every Advent and Lent. MATRIMONY Contact Pastor a year prior. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Communal celebrations twice a year, or by appointment. St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church 1411 Cross Street O Fallon, IL 62269 618/ 632-3562 www.stclarechurch.org Fr. Jim Deiters Dennis Vander Ven John Gomez Marcia Fix Jamae Shubirg Ed Seipp Patrick Jurgensmeyer Stephen Eros Jane Dotson Matt Flynn Pastor Deacon Deacon Parish Secretary Administrative Assistant Business Manager Facilities Manager Music and Liturgy Director Family Faith Formation Adult Faith and Mission ST. CLARE SCHOOL 632-6327 214 West Third Street, O Fallon, IL Clarice McKay Principal MT. CALVARY CEMETERY 632-3562 Paulo D Amico PARISH TRUSTEES Michael Crupe John Dempsey ST. VINCENT DEPAUL 632-4270 Emergency Assistance
From Our Pastor, Fr. Jim... The Meaning of Incense at Mass During the seasons of Advent and Christmas we will be using incense, and I would like to give a brief overview of its importance in our Scripture and Catholic liturgy. Because some people cannot be around incense for health issues, we invite them to attend our Saturday evening Mass where incense will not be used. The use of incense is an expression of prayer, and it is in fact very scriptural. There is a recipe for incense in Exodus 30: 34-36, and incense is associated with divinity and reserved for God in Ex: 30: 37-38. Also in Psalm 141 we pray Let my prayer rise before you like incense O Lord, as we have been singing for the Universal Prayer (petitions). The usage of incense deepens the sense of solemnity and mystery in the Mass. During the Mass we incense both things and people as a sign of reverence. Burning of incense is a prayer in action. That action becomes ever more present through the visual and sensual experience of incense. Not only does the rising smoke symbolize the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, burning incense is also meant to create the ambiance of heaven. The Book of Revelation describes heavenly worship as follows: "The angel took his place at the altar and was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God s holy ones. The smoke of the incense went up before God and with it the prayers of God s people." Hence, incense connects us to God s altar in heaven and allows us to utilize all of our senses in our prayer. Sometimes when we get a whiff of a certain scent - perfume, cooking, the smell of an old building - we are transported back to a different time and place in our life. Likewise, the smell and visual image of ascending smoke remind us of the sacred time we are transported to every time we are at Mass. We are reminded of the transcendent aspect of the Mass heaven and earth are united as we enter into the Presence of God. Try to visualize your own prayers (and life) being raised to heaven when you see and pray with the incense rising! God s Peace, Fr. Jim Deiters December 1 Edith Hock Sarah Heitzman Abbey Holdener Sydney Griffin Savanna Burton Penelope Lewis December 2 Linda Burns Greg Klaus Kent Newbold Brigid Sternberg Olivia Meduga December 3 Bette Lehman Lisa Meile Betsy Dean Hollie Stoltz Amanda Hayden Aisha Hataway Daniel Helpingstine Emma Ryan December 4 Pete Mamino Stella Copper Jim Adams Paul Winkeler Monte Mister Barrett Sill Maggie Grimmig Talon Coffey December 5 William Theismann Steve Ignatz Pam Risavy Alice Kaufman Humberto Gonzalez Brett Camfield Scott Baird Lauren McCulley Emilee Steinkamp Liam Driscoll Bryson Kombrink December 6 Connie Dwyer Chuck Doucette Al Lopez Chris Artime Amy Signore Dan Gaspar Alexis Hughes Katherine Toftemark Eric Toftemark Ella Lampe Lexi Epplin Isabella Ponciroli Jonathan Sill Alexis Konze William Juenger December 7 Dave Weiler Pat Mamino Sande Gehrs Mary Birchem Therese Blomberg Steven Massie Jon Marble Gianna Joost Michael Sanchez December 8 Therese Spellman Cathy Sweeney Stephen Duckworth Kim Knaust Juan Garcia Miles Vandiver David Bereda Wyatt Fix Lochlan Meek Lillienne Meek Gianna Kinsch December 9 Kathleen Thomas Mary Huller Becky Gonzalez Elizabeth Kaiser Danielle Kortkamp Jack Bertulis Benjamin Raybourn Ava Ferguson Anianna Neiman Kennedy Prosser Luna Zurliene
MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, December 1 First Sunday of Advent 5:00 p.m. Robert LeChien and Colin Kennelly Sunday, December 2 First Sunday of Advent 8:30 a.m. Jim and Betty Gregory Barbara Utnage 10:30 a.m. Dottie Boehmer Monday, December 3 Saint Francis Xavier, Priest 12:00 p.m. Thomas Kovach, Sr. Louise Ruchtie Tuesday, December 4 Advent Weekday, Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church 7:30 a.m. Esther Schutzenhofer 8:30 a.m. Mass in School Chapel Wednesday, December 5 - No Mass Advent Weekday Thursday, December 6 Advent Weekday, Saint Nicholas, Bishop 8:30 a.m. Mass in School Chapel Friday, December 7 Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 7:30 a.m. No Mass Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary 6:00 p.m. Peggy Berens Saturday, December 8 Second Sunday of Advent 5:00 p.m. Melvin Seipp Sunday, December 9 Second Sunday of Advent 8:30 a.m. Joseph Rademacher James Papproth 10:30 a.m. Jane Isselhart Frances and Lalo Alvarado Readings of the Week December 3 9 Monday: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Sunday: Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6 The New Schedule for Liturgical Ministers was not available at the time of Bulletin Printing. Please watch your email for the new schedule! Mark Your Calendar For These Important Upcoming Events in Our Parish The Giving Tree has been a tradition for many years at St. Clare. Each gift goes to a family being helped by our local St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Fontebella Maternity Home. For those who wish to participate, please select a tag from the tree in the gathering space, shop for the gift listed, wrap it (no bows), place the tag securely on the outside of the package and return the gift to the church no later than December 8. This is a great opportunity for a family to give together. Advent Booklets featuring reflections by our parishioners are available for your Advent prayer and meditation time. December 2/3 24 Hour Eucharistic Adoration December 7 Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary Vigil Mass on Friday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. December 8 Giving Tree gifts returned December 8/9 Altar Sodality Cookie Sale December 10 Penance Service St. Augustine at 6:30 p.m. Penance Service at St. Joseph Lebanon 7 p.m. December 12 Penance Service St. Nicholas at 7:00 p.m. December 13 Parish Reconciliation Service at 7:00 p.m. December 15/16 Fair Trade Sale featuring Handmade Nativity Sets, Coffee, Chocolate and Tea. All proceeds support just wages, dignified work and charitable projects. Christmas Mass Schedule: Monday, December 24 4:30 and 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 25 10:00 a.m. Prelude Music one half hour before each Mass Please pray for the sick, their loved ones and caregivers: Bill Bettorf, Mike Carroll, Claudene Chunn, Dianne Clark, Joyce Correale, David Dempsey, Tom Dernbach, Jean Green, Rita Haukapp, Margaret Heinke, Tom and Mary Herbert, Kennah Hiestand, Susan Isaak-Lolis, Liz Klingler, Ami Kovach, Babe Papproth, Dawn Papproth Kuhn, George Peach, Grace Regutti, Paul Riley, Megan Saldanha, Mary Ann Seipp, Ken Sternberg, John Tiemann, Patricia Weiler Please call the parish office or email marciafix@yahoo.com if you have a family member that is homebound or in the hospital and would like their name included in the bulletin.
St. Vincent de Paul Needs Blankets and Coats! Cold winter weather has arrived earlier than usual and the St. Vincent de Paul Society desperately needs blankets and coats to distribute to those in need. Gently used or new coats of all types in all sizes for all ages toddlers, children, teens and adults (men and women) and blankets of all types/sizes are being requested. Our parish is blessed to have two different processional crosses for use at Mass. The carved, wooden cross used most often came from our original church and dates back to the late 1800 s. The other is the large, ornate silver Ethiopian Coptic cross we carry in procession during the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas and Easter. This unique and beautiful piece of religious art will be depicted on our limited-edition parish Christmas ornament this year. You can make this image a part of your own Christmas celebration by taking home one of our beautiful porcelain ornaments depicting the Coptic Cross on the front and this passage from Philippians on the back: Jesus emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, coming in human likeness. The ornament is the 11th in a series of collectors ornaments featuring the art and architecture of our church. Ornaments will be sold for $10 each after weekend Masses starting December 1. Proceeds benefit the parish s building fund. For questions or for more information, contact Ellen Gravlin at 531-9151. A detailed story on this cross is featured in our current edition of The Eye Opener! Re-Gifting with a Purpose! Like all college students, seminarians can benefit from an occasional Care Package. Please consider donating a Gift Card, whether it be new or a re-gifted card you are unable to use. All Cards Are Appreciated: Department Stores Gas Stations Restaurants Cash Cards You may send the cards to the parish office or mail to Office of Vocations, 2620 Lebanon Ave., Belleville 62221 Items can be dropped off at the St. Vincent de Paul office located at #13 Vieux Carre Drive, Suite 2, East St. Louis (Loisel Village area, immediately off Route 157 across from the Save-A-Lot grocery) or call Joe Hubbard or Pat Hogrebe at 618-394-0126 for additional information. Warm your heart by keeping someone warm check your closets and donate a coat or blanket today! On this First Sunday of Advent we are called to prepare our interior life for Jesus coming. The birth of Christ wasn t just something that happened in history 2000 years ago, but must take place every day for us to be true disciples. Our preparation is necessary to receive Jesus and allow Him to flourish within us. The Gospel reminds us to beware and not let that day catch you by surprise like a trap. Our vocation encounter with God needs to occur every day. Your Giving November 24/25 Weekly Envelope $ 12,741.37 WeShare $ 4,635.00 Direct Deposit $ 2,417.00 Total Tithe $19,793.37 Church Mortgage $ 4,635.00 All Saints Day $2,220.00 Thanksgiving $2,280.00
December Eucharistic Adoration Sunday, December 2 Following 10:30 Mass Until Monday, December 3 Benediction 11:40 a.m. Mass at Noon To make room in our life for the Eucharistic Lord, so that He can change our life into His...is that asking too much? Saint Edith Stein Don t miss this beautiful prayer opportunity to begin Advent in quiet peace with Jesus. As we anticipate with joyful hearts and prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, come spend time in praise and adoration! To commit to an hour, sign up sheets will be on the round table in the Gathering Space, or drop by anytime during the 24 hours. Advent: Rethinking the Season Advent is an odd season. Unlike most other seasons, it s a season that isn t about itself, but is instead about preparing for Christmas. But that reality often gets lost in the shuffle and stress of trying to find all the right gifts, decorations and dinner ingredients. In this talk, Dr. Tim Gray uses storytelling and the readings of the Old Testament to explain that we need to live the preseason of Advent well, so we can be prepared to welcome and receive the greatest gift God the Father wants to give us at Christmas: His Son, Jesus. Stop by our Lighthouse Kiosk in the Gathering Space to find excellent Catholic CDs and books for gifts! OTHS Concert Tuesday, Dec 4 at 7 p.m. St. Clare Church Masterworks Christmas Concert At St. Clare Sunday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. Featuring Christine Brewer Tickets in Advance at our Parish Office Glorious Night A Christmas Concert with the Daughters of St. Paul Sunday, Dec. 9 & Monday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Chaminade High School, Skip Virach Center 425 South Lindberg, St. Louis Pauline.org/STLconcert or call 314-965-6935 Belleville Philharmonic Sunday, December 9 3:00 p.m. St. Luke Church 301 N. Church Street Belleville, IL Advent Booklets, with reflections, written by our own parishioners, are once again available. Please pick one up In the Gathering Space. Choose a tag from the giving tree, shop for the gift, wrap it (no bows please), place the identifying tag on the OUTSIDE of the package securely, and return the gift to church by December 8. This is a great way for family members to give together!
Dec 2 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 16 Dec 23 Dec 30 Please keep our Children in your prayers as they receive this Sacrament on Saturday, Dec. 8 St. Clare Parish School of Religion PSR Class (6th grade Soup Kitchen) First Reconciliation for 2nd Grade 10:00 at Church PSR Class PSR Class No PSR (Christmas Break) No PSR (Christmas Break) First Reconciliation Class Jude Alberico Antonio Barragan Alex Brutto Jack Chappel Talon Coffey Blake Cooley Robert (Bo) Cullen Drew Distler Jack Driscoll Ella Easley Emmett Gaspar Gideon Gentille Andy Harris Bella Hataway Conner Homrig Joshua Huber Quinn Johnson Elijah Jordan Holly Kalmer Heidi Kazmierczak Mylee Leisure Madison Loeffler Abigail O'Keefe Alyssa Peel Oliver Persing Anne Marie Pierre Brennan Reed Madison Santimaw Dylan Schiefelbein Kacie Schoby Allyson Siville Addison Stoltz Stella Tebbe Lavin Tull Tyson Voss Kaitlyn Walford Oliver Warren Landon Wiggins Amelia Wohlgemuth Reagan Woomer Samantha Wulf Lilea Zurliene Dec 2 Meeting 6 7:30 in Youth Room Dec 2 Crazy 8 s Christmas Party and Blanket Making 5 7 in FH Dec 9 Advent Anticipation Celebration 6 7:30 in Youth Room Dec 15-16 Pick up study bags after Mass Dec 16 Luke 18 meeting at St. Nicholas Dec 16 Youth Group Study for finals with college helpers 6 7:30 p.m. Dec 23 & 30 No Youth Group Meetings Youth Room is located on the bottom floor of St. Clare School, 214 W. 3rd Street Enter through the middle doors, go downstairs. Luke 18 Bringing fun and faith together for an awesome weekend retreat. January 18 20, 2019 at St. Clare School High school students: Thanks to our students that applied to be Luke 18 Leaders. The application period has ended. You will be notified by email and postcard if your application is accepted. All high school leaders must attend these 2 planning meetings: Dec. 16 (grades 9-12) 10:30 Mass at St. Nicholas, meeting after. Jan. 6 (grades 9-12) 11:45 a.m. meeting at Corpus Christi Parish Hall 8th graders: Cost is $50 Payable to St. Clare Church (Luke 18) Registration & payment increases to $90 after 11/14. Registration closes on December 11. Register at www.stclarechurch.org/luke18 or contact your parish youth leader for more information. Crazy 8 s Christmas Games And Blanket Making for all 7th & 8th grade youth Please join with a friend! Bring 1 piece of (1 print or 1 solid) fleece material (2 yards each) and really good scissors OR Some warm snacks to share Games, food, service & fun! Sunday, December 2 from 5 7 pm St. Clare Church Fellowship Hall Blankets will be donated to elderly people in need
ALTAR ANGELS DECEMBER 8 Marie Berry, Jackie Burke Jeanette Giebels, Eleanor Henken, Judy Lemansky **BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS Sunday, December 16 at 1:30 in the Church Library *Please note the date change!! for any parents that have not attended a Baptismal prep class and wish to schedule a Baptism. Please RSVP to the parish office. ST. CLARE SENIORS CHRISTMAS PARTY Monday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Please bring a side dish or dessert and a $5 gift for the gift exchange game. Anyone over 55 from any parish is invited to join our group for evenings of great food, lots of laughs and a variety of entertainment and guest speakers. For information contact Judy at 632-4074. HIGH SCHOOL STUDY BAG DONATIONS NEEDED Please consider donating packaged snack items, fruit, cans of soda or small bottles of Gatorade. Place on the west counter of the Fellowship Hall kitchen by Dec. 12. Come help fill the bags on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 6 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Second Saturday Men s Movie Night December 8 following 5 p.m. Mass We order delivery food and BYOB for drinks. Young Adult Christmas Social Saturday, December 15 at 5 p.m. At John and Lisa Harter s house. Bring food and drink to share. Please indicate if you need babysitting (in their home) when you RSVP to Matt at matthewflynn5@gmail.com Altar Sodality Cookie Sale! After Mass on December 8/9 Plates of 3 dozen, homemade, assorted cookies are $12. Some baked goods and candy also may be available for sale. To pre-order, call Mary Ann at 632-7137 Donations of homemade cookies are appreciated. Bring to Fellowship Hall at 8 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 8 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. CLARE SCHOOL Christmas Band Concert & 1st Grade Music Program Monday, Dec 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Gym Happily Forever A er 3rd & 4th grade musical Dec 13/14 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Gym Catholic Schools Week Sunday, January 27 Saturday, February 2 Open House Sunday, January 27 from 1:30 3:00 p.m.