HOPE Seeking Trust Openness Curiosity THIS WEEK SUNDAY 2 DEC 7 PM - Youth Ministry, Kostka Hall MONDAY 3 DEC / Is 2:1-5/Ps 122:1-9/Mt 8:5-11 8 AM - Mass, St. Stephen 7 PM - College Women Bible Study, Newman Center TUESDAY 4 DEC / Is 11:1-10/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17/Lk 10:21-24 8:15 AM - Mass (+Lucille Post) 4:30 PM - Salvation Army Meal Ministry 6:30 PM - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, Newman Ctr. 6:30 PM - Celebration Choir Rehearsal, Church WEDNESDAY 5 DEC / Is 25:6-10a/Ps 23:1-6/Mt 15:29-37 8:15 AM - Mass (+Marta Ogden) 1 PM - Grief Ministry Committee Mtg., Rectory 3 PM - Building Committee Mtg., Ellis Construction 7 PM - Campus Ministry Committee Mtg., Newman Center 9 PM - Late Night Mass, Newman Center THURSDAY 6 DEC / Is 26:1-6/Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-27a/Mt 7:21, 24-27 8:15 AM - Mass (+Jim Higgins) 9 AM-3:30 PM - Eucharistic Adoration - 3 PM - Divine Mercy Chaplet 7:30 PM - Ministry Committee Mtgs., Kostka Hall (Sacred Worship, Social Justice, Family Life, Faith Formation) 7:30 PM - College Men s Bible Study, Newman Center FRIDAY 7 DEC / Is 29:17-24/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14/Mt 9:27-31 8:15 AM - Mass (+Harry Napiwocki) 12 PM - Rosary, Newman Center 6 PM - Vigil Mass, Feast of the Immaculate Conception SATURDAY 8 DEC / Gn 3:9-15, 20/Ps 98:1-4/Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38 8 AM - Mass, Feast of the Immaculate Conception 6 PM - Children s Christmas Choir Rehearsal LORD S DAY WORSHIP 2nd Sunday of Advent 8/9 DEC Bar 5:1-9/Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 [3]/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6 5 PM Saturday (+Alois Klein) 8 AM Sunday (+Helen & Bob Kropidlowski) - 7:30 - Rosary 10 AM Sunday (+Louis Rucinski, Carl & Susan Jacobson) 6 PM Sunday (For all members of Holy Spirit Parish) Plan now to join us for Mass this Friday at 6 p.m. or Saturday at 8 a.m. for this Holy Day of obligation/ opportunity. This week our Ministry Committees meet for a third time to wrap up their evaluation of what is presently happening in each of their areas and to prepare a Vision Statement to guide their ministry for the next three to five years. These will be presented at our first parish Convocation January 17th. That night the Ministry Committees and two Councils (Pastoral and Finance) will all meet at the same time. Each Ministry Committee will take a turn at presenting their proposed Vision Statement to the assembly and to share how they arrived at it. These will then be gathered up by the Pastoral Council and prepared for presentation to the whole parish with the start of Lent in March. The Committees and Councils will be anxious to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say through the rest of the parish. Feedback from the parish will direct the reworking of the Vision Statement by the Committees and Council in preparation for Pentecost. Our Pentecost this year will include a celebration of and commitment to the new Vision given us by the Holy Spirit.
Dear People of Holy Spirit Parish: There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves. (Luke 21:25) Christmas celebrates the three comings of Christ: in History, in Mystery and in Majesty. That is, we celebrate his coming as an infant 2000 years ago (in History), as King of all creation at the end of time (in Majesty) and in a not visible but very real way today (in mystery). Each year the scripture readings for Advent begin with their attention on his coming in Majesty at the end of time, then in the third and fourth week shift to his coming in History. Christmas is especially about his coming today in Mystery. The roaring of the sea takes us back to Genesis 1:1 when in the beginning there was only the vast sea of emptiness and chaos. It is the foundation of our faith and of human society that God sent his Holy Spirit of Love out over the waters and brought forth dry land, living things and human beings, all of which he pronounced good. When a different spirit, like the spirit of fear, gains hold, creation comes undone and the sea begins to roar again. This is all a perfect setting for the work Sherry Weddell invites us to undertake. Just like today s Gospel she pleads with us, in a time when our Church and world are experiencing much roaring water, to lift our heads and fix our hearts on Christ. He alone can hold us safe. A person s relationship to Christ, Sherry explains, goes through five thresholds. We will be reflecting on one threshold each Sunday of Advent and the fifth on Christmas. During Advent we will be looking through them inwardly at our own relationships to Christ. Then in Lent we will revisit them but look outwardly, through them, to the inactive and fallen away. In Advent we seek to move from our head to our hearts. In Lent, we aim to move Holy Spirit Parish from maintenance to mission. This first weekend we work on the foundation of every relationship, Sherry s first threshold: Trust. Where there is not trust there is much roaring of the sea. In future weeks we will explore the further thresholds of Curiosity, Openess, Seeking and Commitment. This Advent brings us opportunities to spend extra time with Christ. Next Saturday is December 8th and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Even though the Holy Day falls on a Saturday, because she is the patron saint of the Church in America, the obligation to attend remains. Please see the front of this bulletin for a schedule of Masses. What a grace filled opportunity to nurture our faith by attending one Mass for the Holy Day and one for the First Sunday of Advent. On Thursday, December 13th we are offering an Evening of Enrichment for all Liturgical Ministers. After the turn of the year we will have an evening for training new ministers. We will begin in Kostka Hall at 5:30 p.m. to share some food then move upstairs to lift our eyes from the details of schedules and job descriptions to the one we serve: Christ. For more powerful liturgies we must draw closer to the source of all power. And on Tuesday, December 18th we will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a communal setting. Six priests will gather with us at 6:30 p.m. for prayer and reflection and then the celebration of individual confessions. Our second graders will be present celebrating the sacrament for a first time in preparation for their First Communions. How beautiful for them to witness us all going to the sacrament for healing as well. How could we better convey to them the truth that they are not alone, ever. Even in the midst of struggle and failure, we are all at their side. Such children will never be perplexed by roaring waves. 838 Fremont St., 344.9117 MISSION STATEMENT Disciples called to worship, sent to serve. VISION STATEMENT Holy Spirit Parish, encouraged by a legacy of faith, hope and love, commits to welcoming all believers and seekers; engaging college students to grow in faith; reaching out to those who have left the Church and to those who do not know Christ; encouraging members to share generously of time, talent and treasure; and, living a Gospel response in our parish, our community, and our world. PASTORAL COUNCIL FINANCE COUNCIL Chairs: BUILDING UPON A FIRM FOUNDATION Chairs:, Pastor frsteve@holyspiritstevenspoint.org pacellicatholicschools.com 341-2445 Joining Our Parish: Fr. Steve would be glad to talk with you about parish membership. Send him an email at frsteve@holyspiritstevenspoint.org or call him at 344-9117 to make an appointment. Celebrating Baptism: Baptism is celebrated at Lord s Day Mass at various times of the liturgical year. If you want to raise your child in the Catholic faith and celebrate your child s baptism, please call Fr. Steve for more information. Parents celebrating the baptism of their first child are asked to complete a baptism orientation seminar. Caring for the Sick: If you or a loved one are seriously ill, homebound or anticipating surgery, please call Fr. Steve to schedule a visit and/or the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Facebook: Like us at Holy Spirit Parish and Point Catholic. Joining Facebook is easy. Go to www.facebook.com.
Transitions of Grace Eternal Life: We acknowledge the passing of Prosper Kluck. May he rest in peace. Wedding Anniversary: William and Roseann DeBot will celebrate 60 years of marriage on December 28 th. BREAKFAST CAFÉ The Spirit Breakfast Café will be open from 8:30-11:30 a.m., Dec. 9th, in Kostka Hall. Serving egg bake, French toast, scrambled eggs, Fair Trade coffee, donuts & more. Only $6. ADVENT STUDENT SUPPER This special event will be held after the 6pm mass on Sunday, December 9th at the Newman Center. Our student choir will be performing Christmas music and are currently seeking song requests! Don t miss out on free food and a joyous occasion! Please RSVP if you plan on attending to zach@holyspiritstevenspoint.org. Elsewhere Interested in reading along with the Parish Council? We will be placing a bulk order of Sherry Weddell s Forming Intentional Disciples on December 5 th. Please call the office at 344-9117 or send an email to lee@holyspiritstevenspoint.org to order your copy today! Pacelli Presents: The Jungle Book Enjoy the many talents of Pacelli Catholic Middle School as they present The Jungle Book. Showtimes: Thursday, Dec. 6th at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7th at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 8th at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at Pacelli Catholic High School. Costs: $8/adult. $6/ students and children. Age 2 and under are FREE! FRANCISCANS DOWNTOWN: The movies The Last Lecture & Chicago s Christmas Tree Ship will be shown on Wednesday at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Also at Franciscans Winter Solstice note cards featuring photos by Fr. Brendan Wroblewski, OFM, from Pulaski, are available for the suggested donation is $1 per card. These donations will support the ministry of presence and hospitality at Franciscans Downtown. The note cards have been created and printed through the generosity of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc. COOKIE WALK: This annual event held in Kolbe Hall at St. Peter Parish will be held in Kolbe Hall on Saturday, Dec. 8 between 8:30 a.m. and noon (or sold out). The cost for cookies is $8/pound and candy: $9/pound. Of time, talent and treasure PARTICIPATION AT MASS NOV 24/25 5 p.m. 250 8 a.m. 235 10 a.m. 285 6 p.m. 193 Thanksgiving Eve Mass 140 HOLY SPIRIT PARISH GIVING NOV 24/25..$16,618.71 Remember this from summertime? Well Fr. Steve s walk is going to start to look a little different as is ours. We re moving towards making the Season of Advent a slower, warmer, cozier, more joyful and anticipatory time for our families especially those with children. This is a time to challenge ourselves do less outside the home and more within...a nesting of sorts for our families. And if this is difficult it s okay do a little at a time. We ve tried to set the example by prepping our parents to form their own families at home during Advent and Christmas one less night out and that s a big deal! Please pray for TRUST, wisdom and joy for our families who are part of this inaugural project in intentionality! And for our part we might celebrate a Saturday night out...in with our friends or spouse, fast from media 1 hour once per week (it s only 4 weeks!) and do something that is intentionally communicatory: handwrite a letter or card, invite someone over for coffee, have a conversation or read with one of your children or a friend, bake some cookies at home to bring to Salvation Army or the Police or Fire Dept., or a local school s teacher s lounge! And, pray while you do these things. Ask God to slow you down. SPASH Lunch is happening a week early this month (to avoid conflicting with NHS meeting)! Also because #StNicholasDay! Join the area youth ministers and priests this Thursday, 6 December in Room 1124 both lunch periods for Politos, drinks, and dessert!
Season s Giving in I nstead of an Advent calendar that gives you something, the REVERSE Advent Calendar is one in which you give something. It offers parishioners of all ages an opportunity to honor the season by attempting to reveal the generosity and compassion of Christ through our generosity and compassion. Here s how the REVERSE Advent Calendar works: The calendar on the next page identifies items that are needed by community organizations. This is something families can plan and work on together. All of the items could be provided, or some of them. The project will benefit Operation Bootstrap, Mobile Pantry of Portage County, Salvation Army Hope Center and Portage County First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center. The general plan for the REVERSE Advent Calendar is to collect the requested items throughout the season, collecting them in boxes or grocery bags. With each day s donation, or those made occasionally throughout the season, there could be a moment of prayer for those who depend upon these donations and the volunteers who assist generously in responding to the needs of the poor. Clip the calendar and keep it in a prominent place. The hope is that the REVERSE Advent Calendar keeps us focused on what s most important to this season of Christ being born, and being born in us. Finally, the bags and boxes of donated items will be collected after Christmas, ideally on the the Epiphany, Jan. 5/6, a day upon which we remember the gifts given by the Magi. Advent & Christmas CELEBRATING RECONCILIATION Holy Spirit Parish will celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation on: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. Other opportunities to celebrate this sacrament will be held on: Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., at St. Bronislava, Plover. Thursday, Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m., at St. Stephen Parish. Reconciliation also will be offered at 9 a.m. Saturdays at Holy Spirit. HEALING MASS Advent is the season we prepare our hearts to receive Christ anew. Our spiritual guide for the season, Sherry Weddell, writes that the first step in any relationship is establishing trust. For many Catholics trust has been broken by the clergy abuse scandals. On the first weekend of Advent we will pray for healing of broken trust. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be offered at the 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. Sunday liturgies Dec. 1 & 2. All who need healing, whether physical, mental or emotional, will be invited to receive the sacrament. There will be three priests present. Those who are mobile will be invited to come forward, as we do for communion. Those who are not mobile are asked to sit in the handicapped pews in the front. The anointing will take place at the end of Mass. Those not seeking the sacrament will be free to go. HOLY DAY The the Immaculate Conception of Mary will be celebrated with Mass at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 and 8:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. LATE-NIGHT MASS Amid the hectic pace of December, a mid-week break for silence, scripture and song might be just what we need. That s what Late-Night Mass offers at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 in the Newman Center Chapel. ADORATION Spend time with the Lord Thursday mornings and afternoons in church. Benediction is at 3:30 p.m. CHILDREN SING ON CHRISTMAS EVE A children s choir will offer a program prior to the 4:20 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. Children in Grades 1-6 are invited to sing as part of this Christmas Eve Choir. Follow these two steps to get involved: Register your child by emailing mary@holyspiritstevenspoint.org or calling 344-9117 Attend 2 of the 3 rehearsals in church: Saturday Dec. 8, 6-7 p.m. Friday Dec. 21, 6-7 p.m. Sunday Dec. 23, 4:30-5:30 p.m. HOLY SPIRIT WORSHIP FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 5P Saturday, Dec. 22 8A Sunday, Dec. 23 10A Sunday, Dec. 23 6P Sunday, Dec. 23 CHRISTMAS 4P Christmas Eve in Church 4:20P Christmas Eve for families in Kostka Hall - Children s Choir concert at 4:00 7P Christmas Eve - Celebration Choir concert at 6:30 9:30P Christmas Eve 9A Christmas Morning Feast of the HOLY FAMILY 5P Saturday, Dec. 29 8A, 10A & 6P Sunday, Dec. 30 MARY, MOTHER OF GOD 6P Monday, Dec. 31 8:15A Tuesday, Jan. 1 the EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 5P Saturday, Jan. 5 8A, 10A, 6P Sunday, Jan. 6 As we remember the Magi bringing their gifts to Bethlehem, this is the weekend we invite parishioners to bring contributions for the REVERSE Advent Calendar Project.
Advent/Christmas Giving Calendar TO BENEFIT MOBILE PANTRY OF PORTAGE COUNTY, OPERATION BOOTSTRAP, SALVATION ARMY HOPE CENTER AND PORTAGE COUNTY INFANT CARE