4th Sunday of Advent SUMMONED BY GOD As Christmas draws near, Advent s scriptures lure us into a world of dreams, signs, wonders, and the miracle of the virgin birth. Too often we allow the great stories of our faith, the ones that are most familiar, simply to wash over us. Today s Gospel account of the events leading up to the birth of the Lord reads like a present-day soap opera. Yet Joseph s courage, even in the midst of what must have been an incredibly confusing time, provides a model for us. Each week, we are summoned by God to embrace the way of goodness and truth through the proclamation of God s holy word. Like Joseph, we are called to do as the Lord commands us. As we stand at the threshold of Christmas, let us have the courage to be open to whatever it is that the Lord will require of us as we celebrate the miracle of Bethlehem. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. St. Mary Magdalen Parish Mission Statement St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church is called to foster a welcoming community, to form disciples for Jesus Christ and to joyfully evangelize. Unifying Vision: Walking together with Christ, igniting the Spirit within, living God s Call. Parish Weekly Bulletin St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church 6425 West Metairie Avenue Metairie, Louisiana 70003 PARISH OFFICE Pastor...Rev. Christian DeLerno,Jr. Parochial Vicar...Rev. Vincent Phan In Residence..Rev. Bartholomew Chukwuma Deacons...Henry Nuss & Chuck LeBlanc Parish Secretary...Barbara Croy Parish Bookkeeper...Cathleen Guidry Phone (504) 733-0922 Fax (504) 733-0869 Parish Coordinator: Susie Sullivan.733-8980 Parish Rel. Ed. Coor.: Linda Earle..733-8980 Parish Website: www.stmarymagdalenchurch.com Parish Email Address: magdalen@smm.nocoxmail.com PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday...9:00AM - 4:00PM After hours by appointment only WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE Mon.- Fri., 6:30 AM & 8:30AM; Sat., 8:00 AM CONFESSIONS Saturdays, 2:30-3:30 PM WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil Mass - 4:00 PM Sunday Masses - 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 AM 6:00 PM SCHOOL OFFICE Principal...Mrs. Valerie Rodriguez Religion Coordinator.Mrs. Melanie Gaumond Secretary...Mrs. Dianne Hughes Office Phone...(504) 733-1433 Office Fax...(504) 736-0727 Cafeteria... (504) 733-6580 BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE Co-Directors...Caren Favaloro & Shari Mader Phone...(504) 733-4768 *************************************************** In Church, be sure to visit: PRO-LIFE CORNER; ADULT PARISH LENDING LIBRARY; CHILDREN S CORNER/LIBRARY/PRAYER CENTER ************************************************** SOCIAL APOSTOLATE MINISTRY Hours: Wednesdays, 5:30PM-6:30PM Facility Entrance on W. Metairie Ave. to right of church...734-5833 GIFT SHOP & PRAYER GARDEN Hours: Tues. & Fri...1:00PM-5:00PM Saturdays...2:00PM-5:00PM Sundays...8:30AM-12:15PM Phone:...734-5833 BAPTISMS: Every 3 rd Sunday of the month at 12:15PM. Pre-Registration for Baptism Seminars is now required by calling 733-8980. Archdiocesan Policy on Infant Baptism: www.arch-no.org/human Resources/Policies/Policy on Infant Baptism OR may be found on the Parish website. FIRST RECONCILIATION/COMMUNION& CONFIRMATION: Must have 2 consecutive years of Catholic religious instruction prior to reception of these sacraments. Contact Parish Religious Education Coordinator for further information. WEDDINGS: Contact Parish priest at least 6 to 8 months prior to planned date of marriage. Celebrated Friday evenings; Saturday mornings, early afternoons or evenings. Church Fee: $300; Chapel Fee: $100. FUNERALS: You are encouraged to celebrate funerals in our Church or Chapel. Wakes & visitation also possible. CARE OF THE SICK: Communion brought to Homebound weekly by Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. Anointing of Sick available on individual basis by appointment. CARE OF THE NEEDY: See Social Apostolate Ministry. EXPOSITION OF BLESSED SACRAMENT: Sundays, 12:15-1:15PM Call Parish Office for further information.
PARISH WEEKLY BULLETIN St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church Metairie, Louisiana Rev. Christian W. DeLerno, Jr. Vol. XXXVI, No.51 Rev. Vincent Phan WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS Monday, December 19 6:30 AM Irma Claffey 8:30 AM Sam Imbrigulia Tuesday, December 20 6:30 AM Robert Hollingsworth. Sr. 8:30 AM Pamela Jumonville Wednesday, December 21 6:30 AM Caroline Mouton 8:30 AM Paul Giambrone Thursday, December 22 6:30 AM Shirly Vaughn 8:30 AM Mary Torres Friday, December 23 6:30 AM Louis V. Levy 8:30 AM Janet Russo 8:00 AM Floyd Hyer Feast of Nativity of the Lord Vigil 4:00 PM Deceased Family of SMM Parishioners 6:00 PM Deceased Family of SMM Parishioners Sunday, December 25 Feast of Nativity of the Lord Midnight Mass SMM Parishioners 8:00 AM Deceased Family of SMM Parishioners 10:00 AM Deceased Family of SMM Parishioners PRAY FOR THE SICK OF OUR PARISH Jackie Markey, Teresa Lacour, Ryan Thiel, Gracelyn Chaplain, Dennis Coughlin, Jr., Kelly Fletcher Growl, Kenneth & Kevin Teen, Ben Todd, Joe Giarratano, Luca Scozzari, Evelyn Olwell, Brian Dufour, Mary Ann Meaux, Dilly Surratt, Yvonne Toups, Ryan Songy, Gayle Songy, Nathan Lopiccolo, Linda Nicholls, Sherry St. Pe, Ann Flick & Family, Rosemarie Entringer, Judge Thomas Wicker, Ivan Antunovic, Arianna Crawford, Claire Duplantier, Daphine Dufour, Gloria Robles, Melissa Glueck, Danny Adams, Allison Daigre, Olivia Sumrall, Michael Borne, Bob & Linda Veitinger, Elise Ramcourt, Jeanene Moran, Kelly Nagy, Cindy Hogman, Addison Couvillion, Jerry Fender, Linda Conran, Kayla Pelman, Nick Doize, Marcia Graff, David Robins, Ashley Clement, Wanda Adams, Jenny Mayeur, Judith Massa, Carol P. Ramos, Rosemary Pizza, Julianne Andressen, Lauretta Erwin, Ryan Olwell, Judy Copping, Mark Morice, Jessica LeBlanc, Viola Juneau, Betty Feltey, Barry Stephens, Lori Lambert, Kathryn Feltey, Frank Kent, Ray Groves, Michael Rodriguez, Kathleen E. Jones, Melanie Gaumond, Alice Rockvoan, Rose Marie Curran, Anthony James Lapinto, Louise DeLuca, Perry Juneau, Mark Lucich, Willie Arnouville, Chad Costes, Sherry Gaffney, Dean Babin, Janet Kaleher, Norvin Schexnaildre, Dianne Seman, Matthew DiBuono, Oliver Duplantier, David Williamson, Toni Landry, Musette Barrouquere, Riecke Gernon, Daniel Hereford, David Williamson, Katherine Sclafani, Catherine Carlin, Gerard Hollingsworth, Edie Dorion, Carl Caffarel, Heidi Nuss, Luke Nuss, Donald Booth, Nicholas Galliano, Kristi LeBlanc, Tammy Graves Coen, Janice Childress BURIED IN CHRIST Robert Sidney Brockhaus, Sr. Fourth Sunday of Advent They shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us. Matthew 1:23
PRAYER FOR THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT Loving God, when your angel came to visit Mary, it must have been a great and wonderful surprise for her. It was an even more wonderful surprise for the world. Thank you for the miraculous way that you always watch over your people. I know my guardian angel watches over me today, but I don't always remember that. Help me to recognize my angel's protection and help in my life every day. Amen CELEBRATING CATHOLIC FAMILIES Living the Word 4th Sunday of Advent During Advent, we try to prepare our hearts in prayer in order to celebrate the Christ child s birth on Christmas. To help families during the Advent season, there are activities available in Children s Corner to help us prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus Birthday. CHILDREN S CORNER DECEMBER: Month of ADVENT & CHRISTMAS. Prayer Center Theme is: I am getting ready to celebrate Jesus birthday by... Put written intentions in gift box; they will be offered up at all Sunday Masses once a month. SMM SCHOOL & PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION PROGRAMS December During Advent SMM School & School of Religion students are preparing for Jesus birthday by remembering and respecting the gift of life. The student invite you to continue to pray with them through out the Advent season. CHRISTMAS BEATITUDES Blessed is December, for Christmas is here. Blessed are the poor of pocket, for they shall be called parents. Blessed are the artistic, for they shall get stuck wrapping everyone s gifts. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall restrain children from knocking over the Christmas tree. Blessed are they who are heavily laden, for they shall be called shoppers. Blessed are they who weave paper garlands, produce plays and wear a confused look, for they shall be called teachers. Blessed are they who hunger for turkey and trimmings, (and happily do the dishes) for they shall be satisfied. Blessed is the sweater knit in secret, coins sent to a food bank, dinner for a shut-in, for they shall be called love. Blessed are we who, despite the chaos, hold the real Christmas closely in our hearts...for we shall be called joyfilled Christians. Readings for Sunday, December 25: Readings for Christmas Vigil Mass: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25. Readings for Christmas Midnight Mass: Isaiah 9:1-6; Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14. Readings for Christmas Day Masses: 1st Reading All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God (Isaiah 52:7-10). Psalm All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God (Psalm 98). 2nd Reading God has spoken to us through the Son, the very imprint of God s being (Hebrews 1:1-6). Gospel The Word became flesh; from his fullness we have all received grace (John 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Prayer to Saint Michael, the Archangel St. Michael, Archangel defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
WEEKLY COLLECTION Envelopes (12/04) $ 7647.00 Loose Collection $ 2329.65 Total $ 9976.65 2nd Collection-Bldg & Maintenance $ 3835.00 ****************************************** LET S PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS In order to support vocations in our diocese, you are asked to add a special prayer for seminarians to your daily prayers. The best way to encourage and support our seminarians is to pray for them. Prayer for Vocations Loving God, How awesome are your ways! Through your abundant love you bless us with gifts that can make our world holy and just. Dwell deep in our hearts that we may know how to share these gifts. Inspire many to respond generously to your call to service in the Church. May the fire of your love direct us on our journey that we may act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with you. We give you the praise and honor now and forever. Amen. GIFTS FROM THE ANGELS CHRISTMAS PROJECT Many thanks to all who generously donated to the Gifts from the Angels Christmas Project. Approximately $3000 in gift cards was distributed to needy families. All who benefit from your generosity will certainly experience a special Christmas season, made brighter by your heartfelt donations. On behalf of these families, we thank you! A PRAYER FOR EVERY FAMILY by St. John Paul II God, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth descends, Father, who are Love and Life, ensure that every human family on earth shall become, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, "born of woman," and through the Holy Spirit, the source of divine charity, a true shrine of life and love for the generations which are always renewing themselves. Ensure that Your grace shall guide the thoughts and the works of spouses toward the good of their families and of all families in the world. Ensure that the young generations shall find firm support in the family for their humanity and their growth in truth and love. Ensure the love, reinforced by the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony shall show itself to be stronger than any weakness and every crisis through which our families pass at times. Amen. PRAYER LIST FOR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN We pray for those in our parish who are fighting overseas for our country and against terrorism. SPC Donald Monteleone, Jr.,Air National Guard; Sgt. Brian Lane, Lt. Col. Jason E. Burkett, USMC; Matthew J. Scott, USN; Seth Restivo, Evan Lina; PFC Kenny Grunberg; Lt. Spencer Farmer, Army Rangers; PFC Matthew Ballard; Lt. Joseph Bush, US Army; GySgt Albert Latour Jr., USMC; Maj. Ignacio Assasf, USANG; Sgt. Matt Llewelan, USANG; SPC Derek Vial, US Army; MN3 Ethen Meyers, Michael J. Cristie, Sp. Serv., Brian Calvo, US Army; PFC Scott Hale, USMC Prayer for our Men and Women in Military Service O Prince of Peace, we humbly ask Your protection for all our men and women in military service. Give them unflinching courage to defend with honor, dignity and devotion the rights of all who are imperiled by injustice and evil. Guard our churches, our homes, our schools, our hospitals, our factories, our buildings and all those within from harm and peril. Protect our land and its peoples from enemies within and without. Grant an early peace with victory founded upon justice. Instill in the hearts and minds of men and women everywhere a firm purpose to live forever in peace and good will toward all. Amen. ALTAR SOCIETY CHRISTMAS COLLECTION There is an extra envelope in your monthly envelope packet for Christmas Flower Donations. The Altar Society is asking that you consider giving a contribution in order to help defray the added expenses that are incurred for the flowers and decorations during the Christmas Season. Please put your donation into any collection during the month of December. Thank you! ADVENT EVENING OF REFLECTION & RECONCILIATION All are invited to a special evening of reflection & reconciliation Tuesday, December 20 from 7:00-8:00 PM in the Chapel followed by individual confessions in the Church.
THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH Monday, December 19 NO Parish School of Religion Classes SMM School Band/Chorus/Chorale Christmas Con cert in Church at 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 20 Advent Reconciliation Service in Chapel 7:00 PM Vigil Masses on : 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM Midnight Mass (Music begins ½ hour before Mass) Feast Day Masses on Sunday, December 25: 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 21 Social Services Building open from 5:30PM-6:30PM Thursday, December 22 Friday, December 23 NO Confessions in Church 2 nd Collection - Christmas Sunday, December 25 2 nd Collection - Christmas NO Adoration of Blessed Sacrament 2017 DONATION ENVELOPE BOXES AVAILABLE IN CHURCH Donation envelope box sets are available for pickup by those parishioners who requested them. The envelope boxes may be found in church on tables near Mary s Alcove thru this weekend. After that they may be picked up form the rectory office, Monday- Thursday during regular business hours. 2016 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS All contributing parishioners will now automatically receive their 2016 statement of contributions to the Church in January 2017. In order to be cost effective, you are asked to send your email address to: magdalen@smm.nocoxmail.com so a statement can be emailed to you. LOOKING FOR ALL 1977 SMM GRADUATES Members of this class are planning a 40th School Reunion and are still in need of locating some of their class members. If you are on Facebook, you may join the "St. Mary Magdalen Class of 1977" group for more information or contact Bea Strain via email at bstrain@connicklaw.com. Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God January 1, 2017 4:00PM Vigil Mass 8:00AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00AM; 6:00 PM BAPTISM SEMINAR POLICY CHANGE As of January 1, 2017, SMM will institute new changes regarding the monthly Baptism Seminars. If possible, Parents/Godparents are encouraged to at attend a seminar BEFORE the birth of the baby and PRE-REGISTRATION will now be required by calling the Parish Office of Religious Education at 733-8980. Also, Baptisms will now be offered the 2 nd Sunday* before & during the 11AM Mass AND the 3 rd Sunday* after the 11AM Mass every month (*exceptions due to parish special events). SMM SCHOOL COUGAR NEWS SMM School Band/Chorus/Chorale Concert On Monday, December 19 all are invited to A Christmas Concert by SMM School students at 7PM in the Church.