Welcome to our parish! As pastor, I hope we can enrich your experience as much as you enrich ours. Fr. David Ruby Fr. Alkado Pesambili, from our sister Parish, forwarded these pictures from one of his outstations of his parishioners that visited him. On the day he wrote, he had performed 4 Weddings and 12 Baptisms. Monday, January 9 Morning Prayer-8:00 am-fc Book Club-10:00 am-sb AA Meeting-7:00 pm-sb (New Time) Tuesday, January 10 Scripture Class-8:30 am-sb Pray the Rosary-12 noon-bh First Reconciliation for Grade 2-5:30 pm-sb Wednesday, January 11 Pray with the Pastor-2:00 pm-eh Youth Faith Formation-Grades 1-8-4:00-5:30 pm-bh Loaves and Fishes Volunteer Appreciation Pot Luck5:00 pm-sb Confirmation Class-Grades 9-12-6:00-7:30 pm-bh Thursday, January 12 Men s Bible Reflection-9:00 am-sb St. Vincent DePaul Meeting-1:00 pm-eh Friday, January 13 Pray With The Pastor-9:00 am-jp Saturday-Sunday, January 14-15 Power of One Food Collection at All Masses this weekend Saturday, January 14 Blood Pressure Screening after the 4 pm Mass in Fish Creek For Online Giving to our parish, please go to www.stellamarisparish.com and click on Giving to the Parish Electronically on the front page. Stella Maris Mission Statement Stella Maris Catholic Parish prayerfully unites people in the love of Jesus guided by our patron, Mary. Stella Maris Vision Statement We invite all to journey as disciples. By sharing the Gospel, responding to Jesus' love and the gifts God has given us, we welcome all to grow in faith and in our parish life. Website: www.stellamarisparish.com The Epiphany of the Lord-January 8, 2017
2 Welcome to Stella Maris in Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Jacksonport, Sister Bay & Washington Island As we celebrate this feast of the Epiphany (in this shortest of Christmas seasons), we acknowledge and honor the way in which Jesus has reached out to all peoples to include them in salvation and has asked us as his disciples to continue that process as his ambassadors. The Jewish people had and still have a hard time accepting Jesus and his message because they did not really think that God meant to have a special relationship with anyone else but them. The prophets who came before Jesus, especially Isaiah made it very clear that God s chosen people were not chosen to keep God to themselves but to share Him with all nations. That is not an easy message to hear when you have been told that you are special and want to maintain that special status. It is normal for all of us to protect our special status whenever we receive it for whatever reason. It is a challenge for us to share our special status. The challenge is at the core of the gospel message. The love of God is always meant to spread to as many people and situations as possible. Dear Fellow Parishioners We Christians find it difficult to accept and live out that basic message of the gospel as well. We like to keep it to ourselves and think that we are so special that we are better than others or entitled to more. Jesus never talked that exclusively or was quite as specific in what it meant to follow him or be a spiritual person. Openness to God s love and grace is at the core of being a follower of Jesus and a part of God s kingdom. Does that necessarily mean explicitly using the name of Jesus Christ? The Second Vatican Council talked about the anonymous Christian. A person can be a follower of Jesus Christ or a Christian in everything but name. We know there are people who claim to be Christian but who do not even know how to, little alone can open their hearts and spirits up to God. Christianity is not just an empty label. It is something that influences our lives. That affect is what makes us Christian and what we tell other people about so that they have an interest and desire to join us. Hopefully, we do have something to share from our experience. The star of the Epiphany is a good example for us, especially as Stella Maris Parish. A star is only a star if the light is strong and seen. We do not notice it but stars have come and gone in the night sky over the years (probably many years). The stars announce to us that there is more to the universe than our solar system. There may be other life and even intelligent life. We share the universe with other entities. Everything is included in the one universe. We may not be as special as we think we are. Does that really take anything away from us? Would we even be less as human beings if there were other forms of intelligent life in the universe? Hopefully we would think that there are even more people to respect, accept and love. The challenge as being a part of the love of God is to share, to increase the size of God s family and build the kingdom of love, justice, and mercy. In Christ s love, Fr. Dave Ruby, Pastor Faith Formation Epiphany If you had an epiphany, it could mean a moment when you understand something that is very important. This applies to the Magi in the Gospel reading today. I recently came across a book titled Gospel Connections for Teens by Corey Brost, CSV who made the following comments about today's Gospel. I know high school students who recently spent a Sunday at a peace rally, helping set up displays of the war in Iraq and listening to speakers talk about our call to be peacemakers. They are part of a high school group that explores ways teen can stand against violence and oppression. They aren't waiting for someone else to do something. They know they have the power to make a difference. They remind me of the message from this week's Gospel. Scripture scholars say the biblical Magi were high-ranking advisers to rulers of powerful countries east of Israel. Yet these Magi realized that the true king was born in a small village in an insignificant country. Matthew tells this story to show us how God works to heal the world through the people we don't see as powerful--like a child born in a manger. Too often people wait for politicians to end poverty, war, or abortion. But we can help craft solutions to those problems with our heads and hearts. We must not lack confidence or see ourselves as powerless. Believe that God can use you to make a difference. The Magi were wise. They knew that God uses people others see as powerless to do great things. Remember their wisdom when you feel powerless. Look around at the problems you see. You can make a difference. Think about steps you can take to get started. Hopefully not only our teens but all of us at Stella Maris Parish will take action when our epiphany moments occur. Blessings, Linda Cummer, Faith Formation Coordinator Christian Service & Responsibility If you are in financial need, Stella Maris needs to help you. Please call the parish office or speak with Father Ruby. We are all simple but important instruments of God s; we have not received the gift of faith to keep it hidden but rather to spread it so that it can illumine a great many of our brethren on their journey. Pope Francis THANK YOU to all those who participated in our collections for Toys for Tots and the Stella Maris CARE 24/7 Food Pantry through our Reverse Advent Calendar drive. This was the most toys we have ever collected and much food came in for our pantry. Your generosity is truly appreciated. FEBRUARY 9 MISSSION TRIP Why not join us on a one day trip to the Salvatorian Mission Warehouse in New Holstein, WI where we will help in packing large shipping crates with food and clothing that will be sent to a third world country. These shipping containers are 20-40 feet long and hold up to 35,000lbs. The goods that are shipped come from corporate America overstocks and items nearing expiration. Once emptied, the shipping containers are often converted to shelters, classrooms and clinics by the missions. The warehouse has no salaried staff and relies on hundreds of volunteers. To sign up or to find out more info, contact Jan Liss at (920) 839-2630 or janliss@ymail.com. DID YOU KNOW? The Financial Health Program at Catholic Charities, a nonprofit agency of the Green Bay Diocese, has counselors that offer a variety of financial programs, resources and tools to help individuals and families strive toward financial freedom. Assistance is offered in Student Loan, Budget, Home Buying and Foreclosure counseling, Debt Management Program, Bankruptcy Services and more. Call (920) 272-8234 or Toll-free: 1 (877) 500-3580 ext. 8234.
9 DAYS FOR LIFE (www.9daysforlife.com) is the U.S. bishops' annual period of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person's life. The novena highlights many facets of respecting each others God-given dignity, especially by respecting human life at every stage and in every circumstance. Each day of the novena provides a different intercession, reflection, information item and suggested action. ON CARE FOR THE COMMON HOME-Install a water conserving toilet and turn the TV off when not viewing. OUR CCW LUNCHEON is to be held at the English Inn in Fish Creek on Thursday, January 12 th at 11:00 am. Our theme is: New Year, New Friends, just like last year. The menu choice will be a Chicken Sandwich with French Onion Soup or Clam Chowder, French Dip with French Onion Soup or Fish Chowder or Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing and Shrimp. Dessert and beverage is included. Price is $20.00. Please call Beckie Hawker at (920) 839-2903 to RSVP with meal choice by Monday, January 9th or with questions. CANNED FRUIT is the January food item being collected for CARE 24/7 Food Pantry, a ministry of Stella Maris. Donations can be left at the Fish Creek or Baileys Harbor sites. Thank you so much! COMMUNITY TRAINING CPR/AED-Classes on the proper method of using CPR/AED device being offered at the Sister Bay Fire Station on Mill Road on January 19 and January 23 (6 pm-10 pm). To register, call (920) 854-4021 and leave a message OR email SisterBayFireCPR@gmail.com. Parish Life & Upcoming Events The Epiphany of the Lord January 8, 2017 3 NORBERTINE CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY-The Year of Matthew: A Unique Portrait of Jesus-Thursday, January 19-6:30 8 pm. Each evangelist paints a unique portrait of Jesus. For Matthew, Jesus is first and foremost the Teacher. Particularly noteworthy are five great speeches that this evangelist places on the lips of Jesus. What emerges is Jesus the Jew as the faithful interpreter of Israel s traditions. Join Dr. John Craghan, professor emeritus of theology and religious studies at St. Norbert College and prolific author, as he examines this book of the Scriptures. Free will offering (suggested donation $5) Registration appreciated. FLYING SOLO-Join your Flying Solo Society friends for lunch at 12:00 pm at Al Johnson s in Sister Bay on Monday, January 16. All single, divorced or widowed men and women are welcome! Questions? Call Becky Nash at (920) 421-3332. COMMUNITY HEALTH INFORMATION PROGRAM entitled "Resources for Living in Northern Door County" will be presented Sunday, January 29, at 4:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Sister Bay. The CHIP program will specifically address transportation, medical equipment and meals. RESPECT LIFE-To be actively pro-life is to contribute to the renewal of society through the promotion of the common good. It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop. Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, 101. PLEASE JOIN US in prayer of the Rosary at the Baileys Harbor site, held every Tuesday at Noon. Come when you can" If you have questions call Shirley Raasch at (920) 839-2157.
5 The Epiphany of the Lord-January 8, 2017 Worship and Music Column The Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated this weekend. The Magi encountered Christ and recognized Him. This Solemnity calls us to encounter and recognize Christ and this weekend, we will hear that encounter when the Proclamation of the Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts will be chanted after the Gospel is proclaimed. Liturgies of the Week Saturday, January 7-The Epiphany of the Lord Washington Island 11:00 am-dr Richard Casper Fish Creek 4:00 pm-dr Gardie Orsted Sunday, January 8-The Epiphany of the Lord Jacksonport 8:00 am-dr Members of Stella Maris Sister Bay 10:00 am-dr Helen Kolp Monday, January 9-The Baptism of the Lord Fish Creek 8:00 am Morning Prayer Tuesday, January 10 Sister Bay 8:00 am-dr Kenneth Lee Quaas Wednesday, January 11 Fish Creek 8:00 am-dr Paul Muckerman Thursday, January 12 Sister Bay 8:00 am-dr Don Steller Friday, January 13 Jacksonport 8:00 am-dr Sarah Lasee Saturday, January 14-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Washington Island 11:00 am-dr Marlene Neerdaels Fish Creek 4:00 pm-dr Nan Czerniakowski Sunday, January 15-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Jacksonport 8:00 am-dr Members of Stella Maris Sister Bay 10:00 am-dr Elmer Tucker, Jr. DR=Fr. David Ruby This ancient, honored custom was used when people did not have easy access to calendars. By proclaiming the significant dates of the Church calendar: Ash Wednesday, Easter, the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost, The Body and Blood of Christ and then the beginning of Advent, people joined into the Paschal Mystery of Jesus s birth, ministry, death and resurrection: all to save us. We do the same this weekend in 2017. As we listen to the words of the Proclamation as they are chanted we keep in mind that they are not just dates to be tucked away and forgotten. They are calls to action to join Christ to recognize Him, as the Magi did and to participate in in the Paschal Mystery by being involved in Jesus s life as His Disciples. The last verse of the hymn We Three Kings is a nice summary: Glorious now behold him rise, King and God and sacrifice: Heaven sings, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! earth replies. Thank you, Kathy Sedan, Worship & Music Minister Sources: OneLicense.net A-702045 and Sourcebook for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays. Readings for the Week of January 8 Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 Monday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10:34-38/Ps 29/Mt 3:13-17 Tuesday: Heb 2:5-12/Ps 8/Mk 1:21-28 or Heb 1:1-6 and 2:5-12/Ps 8/Mk 1:14-20 and 1:21-28 Wednesday: Heb 2:14-18/Ps 105/Mk 1:29-39 Thursday: Heb 3:7-14/Ps 95/Mk 1:40-45 Friday: Heb 4:1-5, 11/Ps 78/Mk 2:1-12 Saturday: Heb 4:12-16/Ps 19/Mk 2:13-17 Next Sunday: Is 49:3, 5-6/Ps 40/1 Cor 1:1-3/Jn 1:29-34 Liturgical Publications Inc
The Epiphany of the Lord-January 8, 2017 6 Pastor Reverend David Ruby pastorsm@dcwis.com Egg Harbor Office (920) 868-3241 PO Box 49, 7710 State Hwy 42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209 E-mail: churchoffice@dcwis.com Fax (920) 868-1481 Web site: www.stellamarisparish.com Office hours: (Mon-Fri) 8:00-12:00 & 12:30-4:30 Pastoral Associate Becky Nash pastoralchurch@dcwis.com (920) 421-3332 Worship and Music Minister Kathy Sedan worshipchurch@dcwis.com Bookkeeper/LoSEC (Local Safe Environment Coordinator) Jim Slomski bkchurch@dcwis.com Receptionist/Secretary/Bulletin Editor Lorie Orthober churchoffice@dcwis.com Normal Bulletin Deadline - Tuesday, 9am Faith Formation Coordinator-Linda Cummer cummerlinda@gmail.com (920) 421-2195 Maintenance Coordinator-Jimmy Nowlan maintchurch@dcwis.com (920) 421-3315 Faith Community Nurse-Bonnie Mirkiewicz nursesm@dcwis.com (920) 421-4997 Wedding Coordinator-Burnie Cerra ma8cer@aol.com (920)868-3393 Secretary Trustee-Sharon Brabson brabsonsharon@gmail.com Treasurer Trustee-Richard Dannhausen hrdannhausen@gmail.com Pastoral Council Chair-Michelle Piatek piatmch@aol.com Finance Council Chair-Peg Berezewski mberezewski@robertmorris.edu Deacon David Kowalski-inoiamdjk@yahoo.com Health & Wellness Committee livinghealthyisaprayer@gmail.com Please cut out this coupon and present it next time you Patronize One of our Advertisers. Thank You for advertising in the Stella Maris Parish church bulletin. I am patronizing your business because of it! Parish Membership Stella Maris Parish is delighted when new people want to join our parish and gladly welcomes them into our faith community. Contact the parish office. Infant Baptism The baptism of new babies and young children revitalizes our faith community. Please contact the parish office to make arrangements for baptism. Adult Initiation The Catholic Church is always enriched whenever any adult chooses to be Catholic. Adults wishing to be baptized, or baptized adults wishing to be confirmed, the RCIA program is available. Reconciliation God s great mercy is something to be celebrated. Ritually we Catholics experience God s unconditional love in the sacrament of reconciliation. Our pastor is available for this sacrament on the 1st Thursday of the month from 5:00-6:00 pm at our Baileys Harbor site (except holidays) and by appointment. Sacrament of Matrimony A faith-filled wedding is a joyful time for the couple and the parish. Our parish wants to have all weddings here be the best possible. The couple must meet with the pastor before a date can be reserved. Please contact the parish office at least 12 months in advance to begin preparation. Ministry to the Sick Everyone needs extra compassion and care when his or her health is not at its best. As a parish, we try to meet that need. Communal anointing Masses take place twice yearly, with individual anointing done when requested. Parishioners in the hospital, nursing home or other institution are encouraged to notify the office to arrange for visits or communion. Devotions MORNING PRAYER: Monday-8:00 am, Fish Creek SCRIPTURE CLASS: Tuesday mornings after the 8:00 am Mass in Sister Bay. Please join us for a closer look and discussion on the Gospel according to Luke. Visitors are always welcome. ROSARY: Tuesday-Noon in Baileys Harbor. Rosary for Life-2nd Tuesday of month, Noon, Baileys Harbor RECONCILIATION: 1ST Thursday of the month from 5-6 pm in Baileys Harbor or by appointment. Offertory Contributions for December, 2016 Actual Budget Stewardship Envelopes $28,789.00 ACH $ 6,144.00 WeShare $ 3,166.00 $38,099.00 $36,000.00 Offertory $ 7,290.00 $10,500.00 Totals $45,389.00 $46,500.00 2016/17 Actual YTD $357,315.00 2016/17 Budget YTD $373,000.00 2015/16 Actual YTD $357,605.00 Total Attendance last week 698