Mass Schedule Tue, Dec 12 Mass for Special Intention Wed, Dec 13 Mass for Homer & Mary Smith + Thurs, Dec 14 Mass for Pierce Comerford + Fri, Dec 15 Mass in Thanksgiving Sat, Dec 16 Mass for Jim & Doris Wilson + Sun, Dec 17 Mass for Sylvia Dixon + Mass for the People of the Parish Gospel Readings for the week of Dec 11-15 Communal Penance Schedule Sun, Dec 10 4:00 pm, St. Mary, Grinnell 7:00 pm, Sacred Heart, Newton Wed, Dec 13 7:00 pm, Immaculate Conception, Colfax Sun, Dec 17 2:00pm, Sacred Heart, Melcher 4:00 pm, St. Anthony, Knoxville Wed, Dec 20 7:00 pm, Saint Bridget, Victor The Mass Schedule for the 4th Sunday of Advent is as follows: Saturday, Dec 23 at 5:30 pm and Sunday, Dec 24 at 10:00 am only The Mass Schedule for Christmas is as follows: Sunday, Dec 24 at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm in Herrick Chapel on the Grinnell College Campus ( 1128 Park Street ) Monday, Dec 25 at 9:00 am in the REC Dec 11 Luke 5:17-26 Dec 12 Luke 1:26-38 Dec 13 Matthew 11:28-30 Dec 14 Matthew. 11:11-15 Dec 15 Matthew 11:16-19 Let us pray for our beloved deceased, most especially for Michael Byriel, whose funeral Mass was celebrated this Saturday. May His soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Candle Lighter Schedule Dec 16 5:30pm : Wilson Family Dec 17 9:00am : Brent Flander Family 11:00am: Jennifer Williams Once again this year, we are offering individuals and families and opportunity to purchase a poinsettia plant in honor or memory of someone for our Christmas celebrations. Special envelopes for this endeavor were inside the bulletin last week. The cost ifs $25 and all envelopes are due by THIS Friday, December 15th.
More about Advent Mon, Dec 11 6:30 pm Bible Study in REC Tue, Dec 12 6:30 pm Knights of Columbus Mtg Wed, Dec 13 12:00 pm Eucharistic Adoration Faith Formation K-6 6:10-7:10 pm 7-12 7:20-8:30 pm Thur, Dec 14 5:05 pm Worship & Spirituality Mtg Fri, Dec 15 Sat, Dec 16 4:30 pm Confession 5:00 pm Rosary 5:30 pm Mass Sun, Dec 17 8:30 am Rosary 9:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass The Scripture readings at Mass remind us of all the prophecies that point to the Lord's coming. We are called to keep watch and to leave behind our sinful ways. We also hear the recurring theme of a light shining through the darkness. Isaiah 60:19 reminds us of this promise: "The sun shall be no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." Since circles have no beginning and no end, the circular shape of many Advent wreaths is used to symbolize God the Father and eternal life. The wreath ( o r candleholder ) holds four Advent candles which are lit one by one throughout the four weeks of Advent. The burning flame is a visual reminder that Christ is "the light of the world." ( John 8:12 ). There are three violet ( p urple ) candles and one rose ( pink ) candle, each representing 1,000 years. Added together, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the Savior. The Grinnell Community Blood Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, December 19 beginning at 12:30 pm and running till 5:30 pm at the Elks Lodge located at 720 3rd Avenue. To report child abuse contact: Iowa Department of Human Services Child Abuse Hotline: 800-362-2178 and if it involves clergy or church personnel also notify Alicia Owens, the Victim Assistance Coordinator,563-349-5002; vac@diodav.org or PO Box 232, Bettendorf, IA 52722.
Contact Crystal DeNeve 236-8838 grinnellstmarydre@diodav.org Upcoming Dates: Wednesday, December 10 Communal Reconciliation Wednesday, December 13 K-12 Classes Wednesday, December 20 K-12 Classes Wednesday, December 27 NO K-12 Classes Reminder to the families with young people celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time Mrs V will be in the REC to help guide you on Saturday, 9, 16 from 4:30-5 PM. Women mark your calendars our next book study will begin Thursday, January 4th and go for eight weeks, ending February 22nd. The group will meet at McNally s from 7-8:30 PM and we will be studying Christopher West's book Love is Patient but I'm Not. This book offers West's reflections on Pope Francis' book The Joy of Love. It focuses on the heart of the pope's meditations on the famous "Love is patient and kind" passage from 1 Corinthians 13. Interspersed throughout the book are short prayers and questions for reflection designed to help you open your heart to God and experience His unconditional, merciful love more fully. There is a suggested $5 donation to pay for the books. Contact Janet Koller if you are interested ( so we can have enough books ) at 641-325-1649 or by e-mail at jjkoller77@gmail.com. Thank you to all that worked and participated in our Christmas Country Store and More last weekend. UPWARD SPORTS BASKETBALL LEAGUE Boys: 1st and 2nd grade Girls: 1st through 3rd grade (Primary Evaluation: Thursday, December 21) Register online at http://registration.upward.org/ UPW65825 OR bring information to Grinnell Christian Church 1331 Hobart Street Forms with additional information can be found outside our Parish Office. A special HUGE thank you to Mary and Kevin Arensdorf!!! Be sure to check out the tables with the Christmas Country Store and More Continued after ALL three Masses THIS weekend.! Proceeds will be split between the Youth Activities Fund and the Building Project.
Weekend Collection Report for December 2 & 3 Please Remember Our Parish Family When Considering A Year-end Gift Your generosity has been a blessing to St. Mary s throughout this past year. Your continued support allows us to help our church family and spread God's Word. As you begin year-end tax planning, take advantage of the charitable tax deduction for gifts made before December 31 and consider the variety of gift options available to you, such as to our general fund, the Deacons Fund and our Capital campaign. Your gift to our parish can make a great difference to us and help you as well. WeShare is a convenient way to make your gift to St. Mary s parish. You can find a link to WeShare on the front page of our website. "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. - 1 Peter 4:10-11 Envelopes: $4,561.00 WeShare: $485.53 Offertory: $87.00 Energy Needs: $1.00 Repairs & Improvements: $25.00 Flower Envelope: $99.00 Deacons Fund: $720.00 During this season of Advent, as you prepare for our Lords birth, the Share the Journey campaign is a wonderful way to reflect on this time of year. Led by Pope Francis, Share the Journey asks us to reflect on how Mary and Joseph welcomed Jesus into the world in a stable, we remember in a special way families who are on the road around the world looking for shelter especially during the winter months. To participate in digital retreats and reflections, please direct your browser to: https://www.sharejourney.org/resource-library/ advent-toolkit/ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Care Initiatives Hospice is looking for caring, compassionate people in the Grinnell area to become hospice volunteers. Provide care and support to patients and families to help ensure quality of life at the end of life. Volunteers determine their own schedule and can help by holding a hand, listening to memories and life stories, or sharing special talents. There are countless ways to help and change a life! Call Mimi Leonard, Volunteer Coordinator, at 877-577-2888 or mleonard@careinitiatives.org to learn more. For more information about Care Initiatives Hospice, visit their website at www.careinitiativeshospice.org.
Simplify: Don't look for more this Advent season. Look for less. Our Lord loves a simple heart. Gratitude: Start a gratitude journal. Everyday, write down one person and one experience you're thankful to God for that day, and why. Presence: Who in your life is lonely? Make time for them. HACKS FOR A BETTER ADVENT Friends, be confident in Christ's mercy and love. ~ Jon Leonetti CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH To view the Catholic Catechism this week go to: www.usccb.org/catechism/text/ I am interested in becoming a member of St. Mary s Church The name and address the way you would like it to appear. Name: Address: City: Phone/ Email: _ Please return via mail, the address is on the front of this bulletin, or drop in collection basket. You will receive a registration packet as soon as possible. Annual Appeal Update Date No. Donors Avg/Gifts Goal Total Pledged Over(Under) Pledges Pledges %Goal Total Payments Received Over(Under) Payments Payments %Goal 10/5/2017 19 $324.05 $43,410.00 $6,157.00 ($37,253.00) 14.18% $4,083.00 ($39,327.00) 9.41% 10/12/2017 39 $293.90 $43,410.00 $11,462.00 ($31,948.00) 26.40% $8,198.00 ($35,212.00) 18.89% 10/19/2017 57 $267.49 $43,410.00 $15,247.00 ($28,163.00) 35.12% $10,608.00 ($32,802.00) 24.44% 10/27/2017 70 $260.81 $43,410.00 $18,257.00 ($25,153.00) 42.06% $11,593.00 ($31,817.00) 26.71% 11/3/2017 86 $281.07 $43,410.00 $24,172.00 ($19,238.00) 55.68% $13,363.00 ($30,047.00) 30.78% 11/10/2017 104 $282.95 $43,410.00 $29,427.00 ($13,983.00) 67.79% $20,583.00 ($22,827.00) 47.42% 11/20/2017 112 $282.34 $43,410.00 $31,622.00 ($11,788.00) 72.84% $23,948.00 ($19,462.00) 55.17% 12/7/2017 127 $289.27 $43,410.00 $36,737.00 ($6,673.00) 84.63% $28,600.50 ($14,809.50) 65.88% Liturgical Roles for December 16 & 17 5:30 pm 9:00 am 11:00 am SACRISTAN Mary Ellen White Brian Nolton Vickie Gorman GREETER Mike Kriegel Carol Fritz Ryan/Adam Gruman USHERS Mike Kriegel Mark Romano Paul Goedken Neal VanErsvelde Marvin Waechter Jim Hawkins Larry VanErsvelde Larry Wilson Ryan Gruman Richard Vogel Scot Wilson Adam Gruman READER Monessa Cummins Dennis Perri Adam McFee GIFT BEARER Pat Kester Marsha Maschmann Jim/Darlis Hawkins EUCH MINISTERS Patti Cline Chris Molitor Diane Volkman Pat Gosselink Deb Molitor Jennifer Williams Dennis Crawford Susie Kinney SERVERS Nina Walton Rebecca Crawford Sloan Volkman Libby Walton Kalli Hart Parker Volkman Isabel Hart Tristan Willenbring
CHRIST OUR LIFE On December 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Grinnell Central Park, a group of Grinnell residents will hold a vigil in memory of the killings of 26 children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut five years ago. Since that day in 2012, an estimated 500,000 Americans have been killed or injured by gun violence. Speakers at the vigil will include Grinnellians moved by gun violence including Dr. J.R. Paulson, Rev. Dondrea Walker and Patrick Armstrong. Amber Gustafson, cofounder of Moms Demand Action Iowa and current Iowa Senate candidate, will also make remarks. Music will be provided by Too Many String Band. Wendy Abrahamson, priest of St. Paul s Episcopal Church and Cameron Barr, minister of the United Church of Christ, will offer the invocation. The vigil is one of 229 such gatherings being held in forty states. Vicky Springer, one of the event planners, says the vigil is the culmination of twenty-six days of action against gun violence, a series of meetings, film showings and other events designed to raise awareness about gun violence and promote civil discourse among gun owners and those concerned about gun violence prevention. Another organizer, Kesho Scott, said, Our efforts as a grassroots group have focused on fostering local dialogue, raising awareness about the NRA s role in federal and state politics, and underscoring the need for citizens to contact their elected officials regarding gun legislation. She added, By holding this vigil, we are simply bearing witness to the terrible toll that gun violence takes on our society. Everyone is invited to participate. CATHOLIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE! September 29 & 30, 2018 Wells Fargo Arena Des Moines U h-oh, your coverage doesn t seem to include illness