Mass Intentions for the Week of December 16th Tuesday: Advent Weekday

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Gaudete Sunday: Happy Gaudete Sunday! As Christmas draws near, we rejoice even more this weekend as we anticipate the coming joy of Christmas! Christmas Masses: Our Christmas Masses are 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass at 12:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m. on Christmas Day. Pledge Cards: If you haven t already done so, please fill out a pledge card for our annual offertory drive. We are anticipating a substantial deficit in our budget this year and we are relying on all of our parishioners to prayerfully consider an increase in your offertory. Thanks! Office Space Expansion: I am happy to announce that we have successfully created two additional offices in our parish office space (located on the East Side of the Centennial Building). The creation of two additional offices was necessitated by the creation of two new job positions, our office manager and our youth minister. The funds for this project were made possible by a previous bequest to the parish. As is our custom, we don t apply bequests to the operating budget as they are unpredictable and thus a parish can t plan on them (thus the importance of our regular offertory collections (see above)). Bequests also allow us to do important projects that we would not otherwise be able to afford, like the expansion of our office space. Feel free to stop by the office to check out the new offices! As a parish, we are investing in our future because we believe our best days are ahead of us! Prayers for Pastor Wilsonnia McClean and our neighbors at Christ United Methodist Church: In your charity, please keep in your prayers our friends and next door neighbors at Christ United Methodist Church. Their pastor, Pastor Wilsonnia L. McClean, is on a medical leave of absence as she battles cancer. I have enjoyed my visits with Pastor Wilsonnia during her time here. She is a wonderful woman of faith and always expresses a sincere interest in how we as a parish are doing. I spoke to her this week on the phone and I was once again so impressed with the grace with which she lives and, now, battles cancer. Watch Ashley Markham s video: Ashley Markham is a remarkable woman in our parish. She is a wife and mother of a young son. She is battling cancer. In October she spoke at our women s day and, thankfully, her talk was filmed. Her simple message of bringing joy to others, praying, growing in faith, and trusting in the power of God in the midst of trial is truly inspiring! You can watch the video at https://vimeo. com/299996547 Please keep Ashley and all of our parishioners facing serious medical conditions in your prayers! Diocese of Columbus to release names of accused priests: At some point in the near future the Diocese of Columbus will be releasing the names of all accused priests in the history of our diocese. I am told that all of these names have been announced in the past as each case occurred, but they have never been released as a group. I anticipate this will be a NEWARK, OHIO difficult moment for all in the Diocese of Columbus. Here is the statement that the Diocese released in September regarding this decision to release the names of all accused priests: As set forth in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese of Columbus has procedures in place specifically designed to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests, with zero tolerance for any form of child abuse. All credible claims of child sexual abuse are immediately reported to law enforcement and/or children service agencies, and those active clergy against whom such claims have been made, are immediately removed from ministry and church property pending a completion of the investigation. As in the past, the Diocese of Columbus will fully cooperate with civil authorities in any future inquiry of abuse allegations. In addition, the Diocese of Columbus intends to make public information with respect to clergy, whether living or deceased, against whom such claims have been made and hopes to make this information public within the next few months. The Diocese of Columbus understands that this is an important step to restore the confidence of our faithful in their Church and its clergy. The Diocese of Columbus encourages anyone who may have experienced sexual abuse by clergy or others associated with the Church to contact immediately law enforcement and the diocesan Victim s Assistance Coordinator at 614-224-2251, 866-448-0217, or at helpisavailable@columbuscatholic.org. Forms for reporting abuse are available in Catholic parish and school offices and can be accessed from the diocesan website (www.columbuscatholic.org). Please pray for the church during this time of purification. Please pray for all victims of abuse and their families. Please pray for all priests who are trying to devote their lives to the service of Christ and His Church. In Christ, Fr. Wilson Mass Intentions for the Week of December 16th Tuesday: Advent Weekday 6:15 P.M. Betty Wolfinger by Walter Wolfinger Wednesday: Advent Weekday 9:00 A.M. Ellis Palmer by Maher Family Thursday: Advent Weekday 9:00 A.M. Pat Rubeck (birthday) by Mark Rubeck Friday: St. Peter Canisius, Priest, Doctor 9:00 A.M. Esther Ghiloni by Art Ghiloni Family Sunday Vigil: Everett Bash by Ferrell & Kathy Vanwy Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Advent Paul Suver by Ernest Family 8:00 A.M. For the People of the Parish 10:45 A.M. William & Clarice Martin by Family

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 16, 2018 Liturgical Ministers Schedule Week of December 16th 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, December 18th Yvonne King (L), Volunteers (Servers) 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 19th Don Montell (L), Fini Kaiser Leah Moberg, Nicholas Richards (Servers) 9:00 a.m. Thursday, December 20th Judy Healy (L), Lainey Caton, Emma Lohri, Brenden Sheehan (Servers) 9:00 a.m. Friday, December 21st Yvonne King (L), Devin Gross, Rylie Gross, Jose Lopez, Mary Snider (Servers) Sunday Vigil Mass, December 22nd Christopher Geiger Maria Geiger Sarah Snider Mary Snider Sunday, December 23rd 8:00 A.M. Mark Urban Jeffery Urban Peyton Riley Braydon Vanvelzor 10:45 A.M. Devon Gross Rylie Gross Lacey Holman Imani King Harrison Walsh Sara Moore Mya Stokes Sunday Lector & Eucharistic Ministers Schedule Sunday Vigil Mass, December 22nd Christine Billig, Ken Billig (L) Theresa Nutter, Mollie Phillips, Mike Stickle, Lorrie Lohri, Joyce Williams (EM) Sunday, December 23rd 8:00 A.M. Mike Shonebarger (L), Deacon Patrick, Valerie Koch, Rita Shonebarger, Peggy Komada, Nancy Ogilbee (EM) 10:45 A.M. Cliff Bigler, Paul Matthews (L), Deacon Patrick, Jay Goletz, Michelle Cleland, Maria Bigler, Chris Grieb (EM) Erin Lane (L), Deacon Patrick, Julie Waggoner, Abby Waggoner (EM) Remember in your prayers all parishioners who are ill or injured, especially for Stan Coffman, Bill Van Allen, Kathy Eppley, Cathy Gauchel, Bernard Kreim, Bernadette Darkes, Cindy Morgan, Carrie Ghiloni, Cindy Saling, Mary Crowe, Caroline Starr, Tom McCray, Tom Layton, Nan Thiel, Debbie Ridenour, Rick Kesterson, Jacob McCarty, Christine Fink, Linda Elizondo, Rita Norton, Barbara LeVeque, Ashley Markam, John Pintz, Barb Evans, Renee McCann, John Deering, Michelle Darkes, Mingo O Rourke, Karen Addy, and for those who are homebound or in healthcare facilities. Our love, prayers and sympathy for the family and friends of Clarence Woody McLaughlin. May he rest in the arms of Our Risen Savior. Next Week December 23rd Fourth Sunday of Advent 1st Reading: Micah 5:1-4a Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face we shall be saved 2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel: Luke 1:39-45 This week, we pray Liturgy of the Hours Seasonal Proper III. Our Stewardship Collection December 9, 2018 Budget per Week $ 12,833.62 Offertory (164 envelopes) $ 8,569.00 Immaculate Conception Offering $ 1,033.50 Average Auto Withdrawal (123 households) $ 3,601.49 Loose Cash $ 807.00 Total $ 14,010.99 Year to Date Offertory Budget $ 308,006.77 Year to Date Actual Offerings $ 295,494.41 YTD Deficit ($ 12,512.36) YTD Centennial Building Fund Collection $ 15,100.60 Centennial Building Loan Balance $ 1,594,362.34 YTD Church Restoration Collection $ 59,354.52 Church Restoration Loan Balance $ 29,295.65 Today s Gospel provides a blueprint for good stewardship: Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same. See Luke 3:11 Let us pray for those in the military on active duty and overseas: Zachary Turpening, Marines; Zakry Machett, Army; Douglas Chacey, Air Force; Nathan Hall, Navy; Lucas Chacey, Air Force; Chase Meldau, Marines; Edward Wilson, Navy; Brandon Medley, Army; Joshua P. Brown, Air Force; Bob Yanka, Army; Foxx Schneider, Marines; Drake Nance, Army; Catherine Wagner, Air Force; Evan Sturm, Navy; David L Esperance, Army; Logan Gray, Army; Dillon Nethers, Coast Guard; Sam Anderson, Navy; Edward Starr, Air National Guard; Victoria McPherson, Air National Guard; Caroline Thiel, Naval Academy; Rudy Snider, Air Force Academy; Christopher Severino, Air Force; Connor Severino, Air Force Academy If you wish to submit names for this list, please call the parish office at 740-345-4290. Our Parish & School Events Parish Prayerline The entire parish is requested to pray: Intentions for the month of December: Father Wilson s Intention: For the healing of all victims of abuse of any kind. Pope s Intention: In the Service of the Transmission of Faith: That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time.

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Adoration of The Holy Eucharist Time spent in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is one way for us to nourish our spiritual life. Adorers are needed for Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. Call the parish office at 740-345-4290 to schedule an hour or for information. Please be sure your hour is covered if you are unable to sit in adoration at your designated time. Cold and Flu Season As the weather changes it is a reminder that we are approaching the cold and flu season. If you have cold or flu symptoms or are contagious with any bug, please stay at home. Legitimate doubt about whether or not you are well enough to attend Mass is a sufficient reason to be dispensed from your Sunday obligation. Year-End Giving If you would like to give to Blessed Sacrament Church or School before the end of the year, per IRS regulations, in order for a contribution to be eligible as a 2018 charitable contribution, it must be received by, or postmarked by, December 31, 2018. This includes both cash and non-cash contributions. Just a reminder: When Blessed Sacrament School is canceled due to the weather, Eucharistic Adoration is also canceled. Watch the local news, listen to the radio, check the local newspaper online to find out if school is canceled or call the parish office at 740 345-4290 if you are unsure. We will not have Eucharistic Adoration on Monday, December 24th, Tuesday, December 25th or Monday, December 31st and Tuesday, January 1st. Initial Offering Envelope In your January packet of envelopes, you will see that you have one that says Initial Offering. This envelope is to help defray the cost of stewardship/offertory envelopes each year. Offertory Pledges Update Thank You to the 131 households who have returned their pledge cards which were mailed in October. This represents 31% of our active families. Our desire is to have 100% participation. Having this information helps with our budget planning. Even if you use auto withdrawal or do not plan to increase your pledge, please complete a pledge card which are available in the pews, and drop in the weekend collection basket. We hope you will prayerfully consider the sacrificial increase your family can make this year. For more information or if you would like to pledge via the phone, call our parish office at 740-345-4290. Early Bulletin Articles If you are planning to submit articles for the bulletin through January 13th, please send to them to the parish office as soon as possible. We have to send our bulletins to Dee Printing early. Submit by email to office@blsac.net or blessedbulletin@ outlook.com. NEWARK, OHIO This Week St. Vincent de Paul Collection March for Life High School Youth-Sponsored Pancake Breakfast after all Sunday Morning Masses Sunday, December 16 8:00 a.m. Mass 9:00 a.m. RCIA library 9:00 a.m. CCD Classes 9:15 a.m. CCD Confessions church 10:45 a.m. Mass 5:00 p.m. Mass Monday, December 17 12:00 p.m. Adoration until 8:00 p.m. church Tuesday, December 18 5:00 p.m. Adoration until 6:00 p.m. church 5:15 p.m. Rosary 5:30 p.m. Reconciliation until 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. Mass 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. Youth Group annex Wednesday, December 19 9:00 a.m. Mass 9:45 a.m. Adoration until Midnight Thursday, December 20 9:00 a.m. Mass Friday, December 21 9:00 a.m. Mass 7:00 p.m. Reconciliation Saturday, December 22 9:00 a.m. Decorate the Church 4:00 p.m. Reconciliation 5:00 p.m. Mass Sunday, December 23 8:00 a.m. Mass 10:45 a.m. Mass 5:00 p.m. Mass Fourth Sunday of Advent Great Christmas Gift for the Women in Your Life! Registration has begun for the 2019 Catholic Women s Conference Inspired by Faith at the Ohio Expo Center, Columbus. Mark your calendars and register today for the February 16th conference. Early bird tickets are $35.00 for regular and $20.00 for discounted student tickets. Early bird prices are good until January 14, 2019. After January 14th, prices are $45 and $30.00. Go online for more information or to register at www.columbuscatholicwomen.com. We will have bus transportation again this year!

Come & Enjoy A delicious Pancake Breakfast in Shepherd Hall School Cafeteria after all Sunday Morning Masses Sunday, January 16 th Today! Sponsored by Blessed Sacrament High School Youth Proceeds benefit Trip to Washington, DC Youth March for Life Cost: Donations

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 16, 2018 Christmas Mass Schedule Monday, December 24th, Christmas Vigil Mass: 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 12:00 midnight. Tuesday, December 25th, Christmas Day Mass: 10:00 a.m. No Eucharistic Adoration December 24th or 25th. Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Holy Day of Obligation Masses: Monday, December 31st, 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 1st, 10:00 a.m. No Eucharistic Adoration December 31st or January 1st. Spiritual Adoption Baby Shower This weekend, our Right to Life Committee invites you in welcoming the births of our spiritual adoption babies in dropping off donations of new baby clothes, diapers, wipes and baby accessories. Cash, checks to Blessed Sacrament, or suitable gift cards can be placed in the collection in an envelope labeled Spiritual Adoption. Any size donations are appreciated by the young mothers at our local pregnancy center, Heartbeats. For information, call Melissa Stack at 614-893-5499. Band of Brothers All men of the parish are invited to join together on January 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in Shepherd Hall for food, fellowship, and faith formation. We will view a presentation by Dr. Edward Sri on Mary and the Saints. For more information, call Mike Stickle at 740-258-3138. St. Vincent de Paul Pantry News A reflection from the December Lectio Divina does an excellent job in stating the passion and work shown by all who work and support the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. When we see people in need, do we share in Jesus thoughts: My heart is moved with pity. Though we do not have the capacities of Jesus to perform miracles as He did, we do, in fact, have the capacity to perform miracles of a sort by sharing what we have with those in need especially those who are without such basics as adequate food, clothing and shelter. There are so many things we can do to carry on the mission of Jesus Christ by helping those in need. In November, the pantry served 804 people, distributing over 200 turkeys. As we continue this season of advent, consider making a gift to the pantry either by donating canned fruit, soup, tuna, mac and cheese or personal items especially toilet paper or a cash donation by designating in the memo SVdP Food Pantry. We are so grateful for all of the contributions we receive and very fortunate to have so many support and carry out the mission of Jesus. Thanks to each of you. St. Vincent de Paul Giving Tree The giving tree is located in our church vestibule. Please take an ornament from the tree and bring back the listed donated items by December 30th. Our St. Vincent de Paul conference aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and hope and we are proud to be serving Heartbeats of Licking County, Salvation Army and The Haven. Contact Julie Waggoner with any questions at 740-334-1955 or Waggoner.julie@gmail.com. Help the Men in Your Life Have a Great New Year! Ladies in this holiday season, consider purchasing a ticket for the men in your life to attend the Catholics Men s Conference Put on the Whole Armor of God on February 23, 2019 at the Ohio Expo Center, Columbus. Bus transportation will be provided. Consider inviting family and friends to this annual event. Register by January 14, 2019 for the Early Bird price of $35.00/adult or $20.00/student at catholicmensministry.com. MARCH FOR LIFE Attention, Parents of High School Students: Once again, Blessed Sacrament and St. Francis de Sales Churches are joining our youth groups together for this annual trip. The March for Life will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019. Participants will gather early at St. Francis de Sales Church (40 Granville Street) to depart for the March on Thursday, January 17, 2019. Information and Registration packets are located in the narthex (main entrance). For more information, contact the parish office or Blessed Sacrament s Youth Minister, Kaitlyn Woerner, at krw9@live.com. SAVE THE DATES Support March for Life Sunday, December 16, 2018, at Blessed Sacrament: Pancake Breakfast after each Mass. Saturday, January 12, 2019, at St. Francis: Dinner for Life after 5:00 p.m. Mass. Sunday, January 13, 2019, at Blessed Sacrament: Pancake Breakfast after each Mass. Local Events of Interest Advent Penance Services Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Buckeye Lake, Ohio Sunday, December 16th at 4:00 p.m. Church of the Ascension, Johnstown, Ohio Tuesday, December 18th at 7:00 p.m.