December 2, 2018 First Sunday of Advent Corpus Christi Catholic Church 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36608 Email: Church@CorpusChristiParish.com! Website: www.corpuschristiparish.com TELEPHONE NUMBERS Parish Office: 342-1852 Fax 342-6313 School Office: 342-5474, ext. 1 Fax 380-0325 Rel. Ed. Office: 342-5474, ext. 7 Fax 380-0325 Full-Day Care: 342-2424 Fax 343-3119 Youth Ministry: 342-1852 Fax 342-6313 PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PASTORAL STAFF Very Reverend James F. Zoghby, V.F. Reverend John S. Boudreaux Deacon Arthur W. Robbins Mrs. Kristy F. Martin, School Principal Mrs. Diane M. Stoyka, Parish Catechetical Leader Mrs. Judi B. Ankiewicz, R.C.I.A. Coordinator Mr. Peter J. Stoyka, Youth Ministry Director TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER OF THE PARISH Please fill out a Census Form. Census Forms are available in the church vestibule and parish office. COMMUNITY CENTER RENTALS & SERVICES For rental information and kitchen services, please call the parish office at 342-1852 or 342-1420. SUNDAY MASSES Vigil: 5:30 p.m. Saturday Morning: 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. WEEKDAY MASSES 6:30 a.m.: Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m.: Monday through Saturday SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday: 5:00 p.m. and by request, particularly after the 6:30 & 8:15 a.m. weekday Masses. BAPTISM, MARRIAGE, ANOINTING OF SICK Please call the parish office (342-1852) for information and scheduling baptism, marriage, anointing of sick. ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (R.C.I.A.) Please see published schedule for specific dates and times, or call the parish office (342-1852). SUNDAY SCHOOL (C.C.D.) Grades K 12, Sundays during school year, 10:05-10:55 a.m. in school bldgs. SCHOOL, SACS-accredited for Grades PreK3 through 8. To register, or for information, please call the school office, 342-5474, ext. 1, or send an email to kmartin@corpuschristiparish.com.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Celebrating Advent Communal Reconciliation Services Ad ve nt Ce le b ratio ns o f Go d s Lo ving Fo rg ive ne s s Monday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m.: Children s 1 st Reconciliation. All are welcome. Monday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.: All are welcome. MASS WITH THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Saturday, Dec. 15, at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 a.m. During these two Masses, after the homily, the Sacrament of the Sick (for physical, emotional, mental or spiritual healing) will be given to all who feel the need for it because of age or illness. This anointing will also be brought to shut-ins at home and others requesting it. ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (R.C.I.A.) Presented by Fr. James F. Zoghby Continuing education for Catholic and other adults interested in learning more about and/or joining the Catholic Church. Meetings are in the Adult Ed. Room in the Community Center Wednesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. THE BIBLE: An examination of specific scriptural passages, illustrating the use of commentaries, footnotes, cross references and introductions to the biblical books in various editions of the Bible in order to obtain a more enlightened understanding. Further Information: Call 342-1852 to speak to one of the priests or email Church@CorpusChristiParish.com. Once a month 3 rd Sunday 5:30 p.m. Mass Celebrated by Fr. Mark Mossa, S.J. Director of Campus Ministry at Spring Hill College During the school year (Sept. to April), we have an extra Sunday Mass the 3 rd Sunday of each month. High School students serve. Society of St. Vincent de Paul Meetings: 1 st & 3 rd Mon. of the month, at 6:30 p.m., The Parish House. Poor Box, Food, Clothing donations and In-Need Drop Box at the SVDP table in the vestibule. To seek help, call 251-366-6443. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Day Mass Schedule Friday, Dec. 7: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8: 8:15 a.m. Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Angel Tree Deadline: Monday, Dec. 10, to have the gifts in the vestibule. Our (multiple) Angel Tree is in the vestibule. Each Angel Tag represents a child with their clothing size, need and wish for the season. What is listed on the tag may help you select a gift or gifts; the choice is yours as to what is actually purchased; the only thing asked is that any gift be age appropriate. All gifts must be new and UNWRAPPED and tagged with the Code Number. The Code Number is printed on the upper part of the Angel and also on the stub at the bottom part of the Angel. There are two options for tagging the gifts: 1. Large clear plastic bags, tags and ties are provided for gifts that can fit in the bag; the stub (with the Code Number) from the Angel should be placed inside the bag, and the opening of the bag should be closed with the tie and a tag with the Code Number on it. 2. Gifts that can t fit in the bag should be labeled either with the Angel tag with the Code Number on it, or with a blank tag with the Code Number written on it. Please return gifts either to the church vestibule or to The Salvation Army.
CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH, MOBILE, ALABAMA DECEMBER 2, 2018 Next Sunday, Dec. 9 Jazz Brunch in the Banquet Hall With Jazz Musicians Performing Live! 2 nd Sunday of the Month (Every month except June, July, August) Buffet Served from 12 Noon to 1:30 p.m. $15 for Adults! $7 for Children (Age 12 & under) Wednesday Night Dinner 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Banquet Hall $8 for Adults! $4 for Children (Age 12 & under) Dec. 5: Classic Spaghetti w/meat Sauce, Veal Parmesan, Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash, Buttered Whole Kernel Corn, Honey Glazed Baby Carrots, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread and Cherry Cobbler. Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee. NO RSVP REQUIRED. Just come! Info: 342-1852 or Church@CorpusChristiParish.com Sing with the Choir at the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass Practice in the church on 2 nd & 4 th Wednesday of the month. Next practice, Wed., Dec. 12. Instrumentalist? Check with director, Stephanie Callan. Thursday Women s Bible Study 9:15-10:45 a.m..,com Ctr Conference Rm. Info:Joanne Donaghey, 251-554-6753 or joannekd@alo.com. Nursery is available. Men of St. Joseph Tuesdays, 7 to 8 a.m. in the Family Room Also Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. in the Parish House All men are welcome to meet for prayer, reading the Gospel, and discussion. Info: Damian Bell, 639-2522 or 367-4486 or Damian@rockbwm.com. Wed Evening Info: Walter Bracewell, 599-1650 or walter.bracewell@gmail.com KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Next Meeting: 4 th Mon., Nov. 25, 7 p.m., The Parish House. www.kofc.org Click on Join Us. Corpus Christi Council 13125 Info: Chad Pugh, Grand Knight, 232-0648 or chad.pugh34@gmail.com. AA Alanon OA CODA AA: Sun., 7 p.m., and Wed., 7 p.m., Cougar Den. Alanon: Sun., 7 p.m., and Wed., 7 p.m., Arts & Sciences Bldg. OA: Sat., 9 a.m., Arts & Sciences Bldg. CODA: Tues., 6:45 p.m., Arts & Sciences Bldg. Widowed Persons Support Group For information call parishioner Glen Porter at 666-8977. Daughters of Charity Online Advent Retreat Dec. 9-13 2018 Meet with us on Skype or by phone about discerning religious life. Consider info with a retreat director and pray with us. We re here to meet you where you are. Open to single Catholic women ages 18-40. Info: Sister Virginia Ann Brooks, DC at Sistervirginiaann.brooks@doc.org or 812-963-7559. Register online at called2be/advent18. A Christmas Baby Shower for newborn babies through 2B Choices for Women Place donations of new or gently-used clothing & items for newborn babies in the designated box in the vestibule by Friday, Dec. 14. 2018-2019 Sacramental Dates for 2 nd Graders Mon Dec 3: First Reconciliation Service, 7 pm, Church. Mon, Feb 18, 2019: 1 st Eucharist Parent Mtg, 6:30pm Adult Ed Rm. Sun, Feb 24, 2019: 1 st Euch Enrollment Mass,9am & 10am-12pm. Sat, May 4, 2019: First Eucharist Practice, 10 am, Church. Sun, May 5, 2019: First Eucharist Mass, 1 pm. 2018-2019 Sacramental Dates for H.S. Confirmation 2020 Class: Jan. 20, Luncheon, 12-2pm. 2020 Class: Jan. 20, Practice 2-3pm 2020 Class: Jan. 22, Confirmation Mass, 6pm. 2021 Class: Nov 18, Spirit Day, 2-6:30pm 2021 Class: Jan 26, Visitation Monastery Retreat,10am-5pm, Lessons 2/3.4 2022 Class: Feb 17, 2019, Spirit Day, 2-6:30pm, Lessons 5 & 7. Info: DianeStoyka@yahoo.com or 342-5474, ext 7 Superstar Basketball Eligibility: K5 and 1 st Grade Cost: $30 Registration is now open!! Visit this Link: http://ccsboosterclub.website.siplay.com/ General Info Superstars is a developmental intramural league over six short weeks! Uniform shirts provided! Practices/games on Sunday afternoons! 1 st Grade can play Superstars and/or CYO. Need Coaches Need 1-2 coaches per team. Will be supplied with manual for drills, rules, basketball & cones. Contact: Mike DeLeon, Superstar Coordinator at superstars@ccsboosterclub.com Basketball Season Jan. 13 Feb. 17. First Friday Adoration 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the chapel. Visit briefly or sign up for an hour on sign-up sheet in the chapel.
CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH, MOBILE, ALABAMA DECEMBER 2, 2018 REST IN PEACE Barbara Crane (mother of Vicki Gelineau) Flowers The flowers before the altar this weekend have been placed in memory of Agnes Rebeiro on the 1 st anniversary of her death. Given by her daughter, Sherry Reddy. The Anointing of the Sick Who Should Receive It? Flowers The flowers before the pulpit this weekend have been placed in memory of Louise Lee Lowrey in celebration of her birthday. Given by her family. WHEN REGISTERING IN THE HOSPITAL, REHAB OR NURSING HOME, please let the admitting office know you are a Catholic and are a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. If you are being admitted through the ER, it is usually necessary to verify that the admitting office has received and entered your religion and church affiliation. Also please be sure the parish office has been notified of your name, hospital and room number by contacting the parish office at 342-1852 or Church@CorpusChristiParish.com). WARNING! After parking in the parish parking lots, do not leave any loose items where they are visible to prospective thieves. Take the items (purses, packages, bags, backpacks, cell phones, lap tops, coats, etc.) with you, or place them in the trunk of your vehicle. And be sure to lock your car! FIRST COLLECTION TODAY: Tithing Offerings. SECOND COLLECTION TODAY: Retired Religious. NOV. 18 TH BUILDING FUND ONLINE & COLLECTION: $1,079.50 NOV. 18 TH TITHING ONLINE & COLLECTION: $22,370.07. Thank You and God Bless You Receive a detail listing of your contributions by mail, email or fax at any time: Call 342-1852 or email church@corpuschristiparish.com God bless all for tithing, contributions, bequests, remembrances in wills in support of God s work here at Corpus Christi Parish. To make a donation of stock, ask your financial manager, or call Selena Hemphill at Morgan Stanley at 470-1084 or 800-624-7814. To receive Offering Envelopes please notify the parish office at 342-1852 or at Church@CorpusChristiParish.com. To set up Online Giving, please go to the church website, www.corpuschristiparish.com/church, click the green Online Giving icon on the left side of the homepage, and follow the instructions For help, call 1-800-348-2886, ext 1, or the parish office, 342-1852. Q. I recently attended a church ceremony in which several people received the sacrament of the sick, including some who were young and didn t look sick at all. Isn t it necessary to be in danger of death to have this sacrament? A. Vatican Council II, in calling for a return to the ancient usage of the holy Fathers, said in its Constitution on the Liturgy, that the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament not only for those who are in danger of death. According to our present rite for anointing of the sick, then, an individual need not be in danger of death, but dangerously ill either from sickness or advanced age. Older people are considered eligible for the sacrament simply because of the general infirmities of old age, even if they are suffering from no serious specific disease. Moreover, the illness need not be physical. Guidelines on this sacrament issued by the U.S. bishops note, Sickness is more than a medical phenomenon. Sickness is a crisis situation in the life of a Christian as regards his salvation, his life with Christ in the community of the Church. Anointing of the sick may be administered to people suffering from various kinds of spiritual or emotional crises. Thus, people no longer need to be dying, or even look sick, to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The official directions concerning this sacrament mention several specific circumstances in which people should be anointed, e.g., old age, before serious surgery, and sick children. Rev John J. Dietzen
Origins of The Christmas Tree Most Christian traditions associated with evergreens and trees are related in some way to pre-christian practices. The use of evergreens and wreaths as a symbol of life was popular already among the ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Hebrews. Teutonic and Scandinavian peoples worshiped trees and decorated houses and barns with evergreens at the new year to scare away demons. The Christmas tree originated in Germany. There it was first called the Paradise Tree. The Christmas tree seems to have resulted from the combination of two traditions: a prop from a popular morality or mystery play of the Middle Ages with a festival of lights from pre-christian times. In the Middle Ages, traveling actors and troubadours visited villages and acted out popular bible stories and morality plays in the village square or in the local church. One of these was a skit about Adam and Eve with a message promising that a Messiah would come. December 24 was observed as the feast of Adam and Eve. The prop of this skit was a Paradise Tree a fir tree decorated with the traditional apple. Children were so delighted with this tree that parents were persuaded to have one in the home, especially when these plays were forbidden in churches because of abuses. The Paradise Tree, decorated with apples, other fruit, and pastries soon became a family tradition. Another tradition was popular at the same time and place as the Paradise Tree. As the winter solstice approached, Germanic peoples celebrated a festival of lights as they had done ever since pre-christian times centuries before. After their conversion these people reinterpreted the solstice lights, or candles, as symbolic of the light of the Messiah, Christ, shining in the darkness of sin and spiritual ignorance. These candles were placed each year on steps or shelves in the shape of a pyramid, decorated with evergreens and the Star of Bethlehem at the top. In the early 17 th century, these two traditions seemed to have merged, probably out of convenience. The Christmas lights or burning candles and the Star of Bethlehem were attached to the Paradise Tree of the same shape as the Christmas pyramid. This gave rise in Germany to the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree as a widespread tradition is relatively recent. By the beginning of the 19 th century it had become popular throughout Germany and from there it spread to Slavic nations and France. Only in the mid-1800s was the custom introduced into England. About the same time, it was popularized in the United States by German immigrants. On a limited basis it had first been introduced in the American colonies by Hessian soldiers during the American Revolution, and even earlier by the German Moravian church. At first, Christmas trees in this country were small table trees decorated with homemade ornaments from needlework, pastries and ribbon. By the end of the 1800s, floor-to-ceiling trees were common, decorated with homemade or manufactured decorations, and wrapped in tinsel garland. In the 1930s the lightbulbblowing process was adapted to Christmas tree balls. Christmas trees appear in numerous forms today, including artificial ones. For many people they are merely a holiday decoration. They preserve, however, rich Christian symbolism: the green of hope at a time of dying, the burning light of Christ at a time of spiritual darkness, and the fruits of paradise. Christmas Tree Blessing and Lighting We all gather round this Christmas tree to join in prayer and song. This evergreen tree symbolizes to us the gifts of life and growth. As we look upon this tree, we not only think of life here on earth, but also of eternal life. It is a symbol of God s everlasting love. We will light our tree in honor of Jesus, Who is the Light of the world. Let us pray: O God, You made this holy night to shine forth with the brightness of the true Light. We ask you to bless this tree. We decorate our tree with lights in honor of Jesus, Who has come to us to light up the darkness. Grant to us, O God, the light of Your Word. May Christ shine ever in our hearts. Amen. Song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How richly God has dressed you. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How richly God has dressed you. You bid us true and faithful be, and trust in God unchangingly. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How richly God has dressed you.
Our Chrismon Tree The word Chrismon is formed from the words Christ and monogram and means a monogram, sign or symbol of Christ. What follows are descriptions of just a few of the Chrismons on our Chrismon tree in the atrium. IOTA CHI (IX). The Iota (I), is the first letter of the name Jesus in Greek. The Chi (X) (in English CH ) is the first letter of the Greek Word for Christ, the translation of the Hebrew Messiah, which means The Anointed One. The two initials are superimposed to form a monogram for Jesus the Christ. JERUSALEM CROSS. Used by the crusaders, some suggest that the five crosses symbolize the five wounds of Jesus. Another interpretation: the four Tau crosses which form the center cross represent the Old Testament prophecies of a Savior. The small crosses represent those who take up a cross, follow Jesus, and proclaim and live the Gospel to the four corners of the world. CROWN. The crown is a symbol for the Kingship of Jesus, King of Kings & the Lord of Lords. This also evokes thoughts of the Savior s victory over sin, death and every evil. THREE ENTWINED CIRCLES. A traditional symbol for the Holy Trinity, one God in three persons. Each eternal, all one. THE CHI RHO. In Greek the first two letters of the title Christ are Chi (X) and Rho (P), an early abbreviation of CHRist. The Chi (X) was often superimposed on the Rho (P) as a monogram for Christ. Sometimes, the Chi (X) was turned or rotated to line up with the vertical line of the Rho (P), forming a cross. CROWN OF THORNS WITH I.N.R.I. A symbol of Jesus passion. I.N.R.I. stands for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum which is Latin for Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. IOTA ETA SIGMA (IHS) ON A CROSS. The first three letters of JESus in Greek (or the first two and the last, JEsuS) compose this familiar monogram. The use of the Greek letters, IHS on a cross suggest the sacrifice of Jesus death on the cross. FISH. Early Christians used the fish widely as an easily made and recognized secret sign because the five letters in the Greek word for fish formed an acronym for Jesus Christ, God s Son, Savior. During the times of persecution of the Church, Christians could find each other by using this simple password. To the outsider, the fish was a mere decoration. To the Christian, it was an affirmation of faith in the Christ. In the catacombs, fishes were drawn to direct Christians to meeting places. Advent Colors The official color for the season of Advent is violet, and blue is not one of the official colors in our Latin rite (but it is in some Eastern rites of the Church). In the liturgical renewal after Vatican II, efforts were made to distinguish more clearly the difference between the season of Advent (a season of joyful expectancy) and the season of Lent (a specifically penitential season) by suggesting bluer hues of violet for the vestments during Advent. On feasts of the Blessed Mother, the official color for the vestments (in our Latin rite) is white. Often white vestments with blue trim are used. Just as white vestments with blue trim can be used on feasts of the Blessed Mother, so violet vestments with blue trim and bluer hues of violet can be used for the season of Advent to express Advent s theme of joyful expectancy and the role of Mary in the mystery of the Christmas event. Although the official colors for the vestments in our Latin Rite are limited, various colors are often added as trim. While vestments must follow the official colors, other items can be in any colors. Thus, Advent wreaths, banners and decorations in church can be in blue for Advent. Advent wreaths may be made with either violet or blue candles. There is also the option of using a light rose-colored (or pink) candle for the third Sunday of Advent (and rosecolored vestments are a liturgical option) for that Sunday to symbolize the nearness of Christmas joy announced in the first word of that Sunday s Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice (Latin, Gaudete). In the Advent season, we pray that the Lord may find us waiting, eager in joyful prayer.
Our Lady of Guadalupe After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire in South America, the native American people, the Aztecs, were being treated disrespectfully and sometimes brutally by the European conquerors. Our Lady of Guadalupe appears as an Aztec woman with Aztec features in the midst of the mistreatment of the native American Aztec people, particularly the Aztec women. One of the few converts to Christianity among the native Aztec people was Juan Diego, and this is the account of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe: On December 9, 1531, Juan Diego was walking past an old shrine of an Aztec goddess on Tepeyac hill, outside of Mexico City. The Spanish had smashed the shrine and renamed the place Guadalupe. There Juan saw a vision of a young Aztec maiden. Speaking in the Aztec native language, she introduced herself to him as the ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the true God. Then she sent Juan Diego to Bishop Zumarraga in Mexico City with a request that a church be built on the spot of the apparition so that she might aid the indigenous people. The bishop met with Juan Diego, but demanded a sign before he would believe his story. The sign came three days later when, at the direction of the Virgin, Juan Diego brought to the bishop roses which he found growing out of season at the summit of Tepeyac. When Juan Diego let the flowers fall from his tilma (outer garment), the image of the pregnant Virgin dressed as a native Aztec princess was emblazoned on it. In the miraculous image of Mary on the tilma, one sees a woman dressed as an Aztec princess. She had olive skin, black hair and Aztec features. Unlike the images brought by the Spanish missionaries, where Our Lady most often appeared dressed as royalty in attire fit for a queen in Spain, here she comes in dress filled with familiar symbols of the indigenous people of Mexico, including the sash around her waist indicating she is pregnant. Her clothing is blue-green and rose, colors reserved for Aztec nobility. With her olive skin and Aztec features, she offered an image of sacred dignity for the conquered Aztec people. When, in 1531, the Native American Aztec people, particularly the Aztec women, were being treated disrespectfully and sometimes brutally by the European conquerors, the appearance of Mary, the Blessed Mother, as an Aztec princess, offered an image of the sacred dignity of the conquered Aztec people. Within six years of the apparitions, some nine million of the Aztec, indigenous people of Mexico converted to Christianity and were baptized. The image, enshrined in Mexico City, attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Juan Diego was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2002.