Welcome to our parish! As pastor, I hope we can enrich your experience as much as you enrich ours. Fr. David Ruby The 10th Anniversary of Stella Maris Parish was recently celebrated with Mass for The Immaculate Conception followed by a Potluck dinner. Monday, January 4 Morning Prayer-8:00 am-fc Prayer Shawl Meeting-1:00 pm-sb AA Meeting-8:00 pm-sb Tuesday, January 5 Scripture Class-8:30 am-sb Pray the Rosary-12 noon-bh Prayer Group-Meeting Christ in Prayer-2:00 pm-bh Volunteer Potluck for Loaves & Fishes-5:00 pm-sb Knight of Columbus Meeting-7:30 pm-bh Wednesday, January 6 Faith Formation Grades 1-8-4:00-5:30 pm-bh Faith Formation Grades 9-12-6:00-7:30 pm-bh Thursday, January 7 Reconciliation-5:00-6:00 pm-bh Friday, January 8 Staff Meeting-9:00 am-eh Office Saturday, January 9 Blood Pressure Screening after the 4:00 pm-mass in FC Saturday-Sunday, January 9-10 Power of One Food Collection at all Masses this weekend Additional Flower Memorials The Hammersmith & Kodanko Families 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 3, 2016
2 Welcome to Stella Maris in Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Jacksonport, Sister Bay & Washington Island On this feast of Epiphany, there is nothing that the world needs to be shown more than the mercy of God. There are so many people hurting from the violence that is being perpetrated on peoples bodies and the terror which is being sown in their hearts. We are so blessed that we live in a safe and prosperous part of the world, a place that has so much stuff and so few worries. We really do not have to think about it much at all. When I was in the Holy Land recently, especially in Galilee, it hit me that I was not that far from where ISIS is wreaking havoc in Syria. The people they are affecting are struggling as their lives have been shattered by violence, death and hardship. Personally, I cannot even begin to imagine so many of the difficulties that so many people are having throughout the world. The poverty, oppression and abuse that so many people go through is unbelievable. We are now also learning more about the human trafficking and/or sexual slavery in which people after having been kidnapped are denied their freedom and other rights as they are forced to Adult Faith Formation As we celebrate Epiphany Sunday we can reflect Matthew s gospel and the star which led the wise men to Jesus. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. As we pack up the Christmas decorations and get back to our routines let us not forget to follow that star that leads us to Jesus. As we pack up our Christmas decorations your Faith Formation Committee is already looking ahead to the Lenten season. Ash Wednesday is celebrated on February 10th this year. Once again we will have the opportunity to join a Small Group for prayer, discussion and reflection on the Lenten Story. We will start these 6 week sessions sometime the first two weeks of February to be completed by Holy Week. As of now we have a group forming in Ellison Bay with the LeVoy s leading, the Van Vorous residence in Sister Bay, Bart Ahern will lead a group in Egg Harbor and Heather Andersen in Ephraim. If you would be interested in leading a group, please call Mark Kunstman at (920) 495-5856. Much more information on days and times will follow in coming weeks. We have a special speaker lined up for Lent. Deborah Gretzinger will be talking at Sister Bay at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 18. The title of her talk is Lenten Encounter: Praying with the Women who followed Jesus. This is not just for women but open to all. Please plan to join us. Our Holy Book Club is busy reading a couple of books and is looking forward to great discussions. The January meeting will be in Sister Bay on January 18 th at 10:00 am. They will be discussing the book, Staggerford by Jon Hasser. It is an easy read, a good story and very enjoyable. Come to participate or just listen to the discussion of a great story. In April they will be discussing Bonhoeffer. This is available in paper back or on Kindle and a book everyone should read. Dear Fellow Parishioners serve others often sexually. In one sense it is totally incomprehensible that human beings can treat human beings the way that they do. How can people knowingly hurt other people? How can people treat others with no respect as if they do not share a common humanity? How can people lose any sense of compassion when dealing with others? Those are questions which do baffle most people but not Christians. We know that imperfection and sin exist and that they have existed almost from the beginning. Somehow God created us out of love and yet we never thought that God s love or anything that God gave us were enough. We continue to find reasons to want and seek more. Good Christians understand and accept how this works in the world but even more in our own lives, persons and hearts. The problem is that most of the time, people only see problems in others. The only way that a human being can be merciful in any shape or form is by coming in touch with his/her own weakness, dysfunction and sinfulness. That is why there is Health & Wellness NOTES FROM THE NURSE: FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR: WHAT SCIENCE TELLS US Do you know how to be happy? Or are you waiting for happiness to find you? Despite what fairy tales depict, happiness doesn t appear by magic nor is it something that happens to you. It s something you make a choice to cultivate. So start discovering how to be happy. Only 10% or so of the variations in people s reports of happiness can be explained by the difference in circumstances. The bulk of what determines happiness is your personality and more modifiable, your thoughts and behaviors. So, YES, you can learn to be happy-or at least happier! Although some may think happiness comes from being born rich or beautiful or living a stress-free life, the reality is those things don t guarantee lasting happiness. Indeed, how to be happy can t be boiled down to one thing. People who are happy seem to intuitively know this and their lives are built on the following pillars: Devoting time to family and friends-so nurture relationships. Appreciating what they have-so practice and express gratitude to God and others. Maintaining an optimistic outlook-so practice seeing the positive side of things. so little mercy, compassion and even love in the world. We find it difficult to be vulnerable, honest and own up to the reality of how we truly live. That is the difference with God. God is naturally merciful, loves unconditionally and is most committed to those who need Him the most. What a blessing God is if we allow God to be God for us? In a world that hungers for mercy so much, just as the magi at the time of Jesus hungered for the love of the God that was revealed in Jesus Christ, we need to be the means by which that mercy can enter the world as so many saints have been before us. What kind of an example are we if we are constantly pretending to be perfect, independent and self sufficient? We then do not need God or the help of anyone else. It is only as we show the world how being vulnerable and admitting our inadequacy, problems and sin that the mercy of God can work. Obviously, God s mercy is our world s only hope. In Christ s love, Fr. Dave Ruby Feeling a sense of purpose-so practice cultivating meaningful relationships and activities-this includes your understanding and relationship to God. Living in the moment-focus on the positives in the present versus rehashing the past or worrying about the future. The good news is your thoughts and actions can influence your level of happiness. (adapted from Marcia Isherwood, RN-Gesu Parish)
STELLA MARIS PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY-All knitters and crocheters are invited to join in this ministry meeting to be held from 1 to 3 pm on Monday, January 4, 2016 at our Sister Bay site. Patterns and instructions are available. For additional information, please contact: Dixie Van Vorous at (920) 421-4277. MASS INTENTIONS-We could use some Masses for weekdays. Please call or send a check to the office. Cost is $10. ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME-Change furnace filters as recommended and minimize travel. RESPECT LIFE-Each of us has his or her own personal identity and is capable of entering into dialogue with others and with God himself. Pope Francis, Laudatio Si, no. 81. DIAPER DRIVE-The Stella Maris Diaper Drive will be held January 1- January 24, 2016. Please bring and place diapers is designated boxes. Thank you again for your generous giving. FRANCISCAN SISTERS invite single women ages 12-30 with a female relative or friend to a January 9 Mother of Mercy Women s Day, 9:30-5:00 pm at Holy Family Convent, 2409 S. Alverno Rd, Manitowoc. Expect personal time with your companion(s), individual and group prayer time, Christmas tour, mid-day meal, inspiring speakers with closing Sunday Eucharistic liturgy. Cost 2 for $15; 3 for $20 and 4 for $25. Call or text Sister Julie Ann (920) 323-9632. WE HOPE YOU SAVED THE DATE for the Stella Maris Council of Catholic Women s New Year-New Friend Luncheon to be Parish Life & Upcoming Events The Epiphany of the Lord January 3, 2016 3 held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, January 14 at the English Inn in Fish Creek. It s time to get to know you and this is a lovely way to do that. Grab a friend you know from Stella Maris and come along. The cost for the luncheon is $20.00 for your choice of either a French Dip sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, (both with fries) or a Spinach Salad with hot bacon dressing and grilled shrimp. Also included is Cherry pie ala mode and coffee or tea. Please call Beckie Hawker at (920) 839-2903 for reservations by January 11th. Also for questions: Connie Brandt-(920) 854-6263 or Georgia Beutler-(920) 839-1145. For the luncheon please bring a picture of yourself from years ago. You will get this back. DIOCESAN RESPECT LIFE MASSES-Bishop David L. Ricken will celebrate two Respect Life Masses: Thursday, January 14, at 7 pm at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Appleton and Friday, Jan.15, at 7 pm at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Green Bay. All are welcome to participate in the liturgy, which will focus on giving thanks to God for the gift of human life. Rosary prayed at 6:30 pm. Every Life is Worth Living. HUMAN TRAFFICKING is very alive in our area. That is why St. John the Baptist Church in Howard is hosting a conference on January 16 from 8:00 am-noon (does not include lunch). Theresa Flores, a survivor of this horrible crime, will be the keynote speaker. There is no charge for the conference; however, a free will offering will be accepted. You must register so we have enough material for you. You can do so online at www.htawarenessevent.eventbrite.com.
5 -The Epiphany of the Lord-January 3, 2016 Worship and Music Column This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Traditionally, the date of Epiphany is held on January 6 but in the U.S., it is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2nd and January 8th. This weekend, our cantors will be singing the Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts chant that is traditionally sung on the Epiphany after the Gospel is proclaimed. Why sing this ancient chant when, in our time and age, we can take our computers and phones and instantly find the date of anything, anytime? Because we continue to carry forth the rich traditions and rituals of our faith and remind everyone of the patterns of the liturgical year of our Church. So, at our Masses this weekend, the 2016 dates of Ash Wednesday, Easter, the Ascension, Pentecost, The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) and the First Sunday of Advent will all be provided. Also suggested for the Epiphany is the beautiful prayer from Catholic Household Blessing and Prayers book, the Blessing of the Home and Household on Epiphany. Last week, we prayed the Prayer to the Dedication to the Holy Family. This weekend, we can pray this prayer, especially at the beginning of a new calendar year of 2016, to bless all of us this year: Lord God of heaven and earth, You revealed your only-begotten son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. May Christ Jesus dwell with us, Keep us from all harm, And make us one in mind and heart, now and forever. Amen. Thank you, Kathy Sedan, Worship & Music Minister Liturgies of the Week Saturday, January 2-The Epiphany of the Lord Washington Island 11:00 am-dr Bob Swanson Fish Creek 4:00 pm-dr Bette Ross Sunday, January 3-The Epiphany of the Lord Jacksonport 8:00 am-dr Eugene & Bessie Remiszewski Sister Bay 10:00 am-dr Members of Stella Maris Monday, January 4-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious Fish Creek 8:00 am Morning Prayer Tuesday, January 5-St. John Neumann, Bishop Sister Bay 8:00 am-dr Memorials made to Christ Child Society Wednesday, January 6 Fish Creek 8:00 am-dr Natalie Marcon Thursday, January 7 Sister Bay 8:00 am-dr Bryan Ruby Scand 2:30 pm-dr Clarice Berns Friday, January 8 Sister Bay 9:00 am-dr Peg McGuire Saturday, January 9-The Baptism of the Lord Fish Creek 4:00 pm-dr Robert Jauquet Sunday, January 10-The Baptism of the Lord Jacksonport 8:00 am-dr Members of Stella Maris Sister Bay 10:00 am-dr Don Steller Washington Island 3:30 pm-dr Bob Swanson DR=Fr. David Ruby Readings for the Week of January 3 Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 Monday: 1 Jn 3:22-4:6/Ps 2:7-8, 10-12/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10/Ps 72:1-4, 7-8/Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18/Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13/Mk 6: 45-52 Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19-5:4/Ps 72:1-2, 14-15, 17/Lk 4: 14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147:12-15, 19-20/Lk 5:12-16 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Ps 149:1-6, 9/Jn 3:22-30 Next Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11 or Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Ps 104:1b-4, 24-25, 27-30/Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7 or Acts 10: 34-38/Lk 3:15-16, 21-22 Liturgical Publications Inc
The Epiphany of the Lord-January 3, 2016 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 faithchurch@dcwis.com (920) 421-2195 Maintenance Coordinator-Jimmy Nowlan maintchurch@dcwis.com (920) 421-3315 Faith Community Nurse-Kathleen Kerwin 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-June Biemeret donjunebiemeret@dcwis.com 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 of Genesis. 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 Dec. 19-20, 2015 Actual Budget Envelopes $8,152.00 $10,000.00 Offertory 1,370.00 2,000.00 Totals $9,522.00 $12,000.00 2015/16 Actual YTD $342,047.00 2015/16 Budget YTD $318,000.00 2014/15 Actual YTD $308,126.00 Total Attendance last week 390 **Financial numbers are not available due to holiday bulletin deadlines**