42021 Highway 621 Gonzales, LA 70737 A People Set Apart Parish Staff Pastor......Rev. Rubin Reynolds Administrative Assistant....Julie Carpenter Administrative Assistant...Sandy Dardeau Bookkeeper/Director MDO..Renae Schexnaydre Business Manager...Heather Melancon Consultant on Call...Sammy Chestovich Director of Christian Formation...Mary Kruse Maintenance Supervisor.......Ron Duhon Pastoral Associate..........Robin Richardson PSR Secretary...Sharon Buquoi Asst. Director MDO. Vicki Poché Jr. Youth Director......Dana Millet Sr. Youth Director.......Garrett Tregre Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil Mass:......... 4:00 pm Sunday Masses...8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am Monday, Wednesday - Friday......8:30 am Tuesday Communion Service...8:30 am December 18, 2016 Reconciliation Saturdays: 3-3:30 pm and before daily Mass. Other times by appointment with priest. Parish School of Religion Principals: Patricia Sanchez..........High School Flory Reynolds... Middle & Primary School Parish Office Hours Monday - Thursday...8:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday.8:00 am to Noon Telephones Parish Office....... (225) 647-8461 Fax......(225) 647-5125 E-mail:..........stmark@eatel.net New Parishioners: Please complete the registration form which can be found on our website and return to the parish office. Church Certificates: For all sacramental certificates, contact Julie Carpenter at 225-647-8461 Sacrament of Baptism: Baptisms are held the First Sunday of each month, following 11:00 a.m. Mass. Parents of infants and children under age 7 are to attend 1 Baptism Seminar. (If pregnant, attend as early as possible during the pregnancy.) Baptism Seminars are held on the Tuesday following the first Sunday of the month at 6:30 pm. *Baptism of children 7 years and older must go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for Children. Contact Mary Kruse at 225-647-8461 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA): For adults inquiring about becoming Catholic and baptized Catholics who lack Confirmation and Holy Communion, contact Donna Chestovich at 225-938-0985. Sacrament of Matrimony: Couples need to contact the parish office six months prior to their planned wedding date. Christian Burial: Families should contact the parish office, as soon as possible, prior to making other funeral arrangements. Pastoral Care of the Sick: Contact the office in regards to those who are seriously ill, hospitalized and homebound. Emergency calls are made immediately. Vocations for Priesthood and Religious Life: Contact the office of Vocations and Seminarians at 225-336-8779 or visit their website at www.diobr.org. Prayer Line Request: Contact the Parish Office 225-647-8461 Visit our website: www.stmarkgonzales.org for vital information or like us on Facebook
Schedule of Events 12/18 3:30 pm Junior Youth Group & Altar Server Christmas Party 6:00 pm Senior Youth Group 12/19 6:00 pm Young Adult Ministry 12/20 9:00 am Blue Army 6:00 pm Adult Choir 6:30 pm KC & Ladies Auxiliary Party 12/22 6:30 pm KC 1st Degree 12/23 9:00 am Adoration Chapel Closes 12/26 All Day Parish Office Closed 9:00 am Adoration Chapel Re-opens Thank you for supporting senior religious. A sister from Indiana writes, Because of your kindness, our elderly sisters will have the comfort, security, and joy of living out their remaining years here in their home. You truly honor them and their many years of service by your generosity. Religious across the United States offer sincere thanks for your generosity to last week s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious The St. Mark Adoration Chapel is in desperate need of committed adorers. Watch future bulletins, for specific dates and times most needed. Please prayerfully consider dedicating just one hour a week. Announcements Don t forget the deadline to submit your entry in the KC s Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest is Monday, December 19th. Contact Eric Kehn at 225-936-3178 for details. KC Calendars are still available in the parish office. There are a still a limited amount of Script gift cards available in the parish office. Stop by and see if we can help with your shopping needs. Guide Book & Directory Advertising Opportunity We are in the process of updating our annual Guide Book & Directory for the church. This book will contain everything pertinent to our church: the various ministries, organizations, committees, activities, functions and events plus a complete directory of all members. This book is being provided and direct-mailed to each family at no cost to our church, and it is again being subsidized by local businesses that advertise. If you own or manage a business and would like to find out about advertising in our book, please call the Church Office at 225-647-8461. Recent survey results by Guide Book Publishing show that 92.1% of families would rather patronize a Guide Book & Directory advertiser over a non-advertiser. It will pay to advertise in our Guide Book & Directory. Fiscal Year 2015 16: Stewardship of Treasure 23rd Sunday, December 4, 2016 Building Fund Note: Including Renovations Please keep our Law Enforcement Community in your Prayers. Weekly Budget - /+ Offertory $ 11,928.00 $ 12,917.00 $ (989.00) Maintenance $ 2,773.00 $ 3,125.00 $ (352.00) Pop Coin $ 79.67 $ 79.67 Total $ 14,780.67 $ 16,042.00 $ (1,261.33) December 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016 They shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us. Matthew 1:23 Monthly Note -/+ $ 3,362.00 $ 6385.70 $ (3,023.70) Thank you for your generous stewardship contributions.
St. Mark Christmas Schedule Adoration Chapel Closes Thursday, December 23rd at 9:00am Christmas Eve Mass Schedule Saturday, December 24th at 4:00, 6:00, & 10:30pm Christmas Day Mass Schedule Sunday, December 25th at 9:30am (There Will Not be an 8:00 or 11:00 am Mass) (All Masses will be in the Church the week after Christmas) Adoration Chapel Re-Opens Monday, December 26th at 9:00am Adoration Chapel Closes Friday, December 30th at 9:00am New Year s Eve and Day Mass Schedule Saturday, December 31st & (4:00 pm) Sunday, January 1st (8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am) Regular Weekend Mass Schedule Adoration Chapel Re-Opens Monday, January 2nd at 9:00 am St. Mark High School Parish School of Religion Sunday 6:00 8:30 p.m. Mark Your Calendars January 8, 2017 March 12, 2017 February 12, 2017 April 9, 2017 Primary Youth Group Date to be announced Open to all 2nd & 3rd grade students Small Meeting Room in the Activity Center *** Remember to bring your bag lunch! Junior Youth Meeting & Altar Server Party December 18th 3:30 pm Open to all 4th - 7th grade students In the Pavilion Senior Youth Meeting (Date Change) December 18 6:00 pm Open to all students grades 8th 12th In the Pavilion
A Visit with Santa
Thank you to Bishop Robert Muench for a beautiful celebration Mass and Blessing of St. Mark Church Renovations.
First Reading You will be given this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:10-14). Psalm Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory (Psalm 24). Second Reading God has called us to belong to Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-7). Gospel The son born of Mary shall be called Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. He shall be Emmanuel, God is with us (Matthew 1:18-24). 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. 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. Monday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Tuesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Thursday: Today s Readings Readings for the Week (Year A) Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Friday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Saturday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Sunday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] The Sanctuary Light H. J. Kelley, Nolan Sanchez Masses for the Week Saturday, December 17, 2016 4:00 p.m. Nathan Bercegeay fly., Carolyn Bercegeay, Allen Bourgeois fly., M/M Lee Decoteau, Clifford Decoteau fly., Donald Forsyth fly., Claude Forsythe, Sr., Newell, Laura & Melvin Boudreaux, Eric Eddy, and for our Parish Family (living and deceased) Sunday, December 18, 2016 8:00 a.m. Stella Lambert 9:30 a.m. The Ardoin fly. 11:00 a.m. For the People of St. Mark Parish Monday, December 19, 2016 8:30 a.m. Dagan & Tad Fife, M/M Adrian Fife, M/M Leo Ricca, Janell Poche, Eddie Poche Tuesday, December 20, 2016 8:30 a.m. Communion Service Wednesday, December 21, 2016 8:30 a.m. Joseph McCloskey, Andy Schexnaydre, and for our Parish Family (living and deceased) Thursday, December 22, 2016 8:30 a.m. Memorial Guild Friday, December 23, 2016 8:30 a.m. Kimberly Balint Saturday, December 24, 2016 4:00 p.m. Garney Gautreau, Jimmy Miles, Allen Rowell, Charles Guidry, M/M Eli Lambert, Segura & Guidry flys., Nolan Sanchez, Barry Waguespack, M/M Clifford Decoteau, Kevin Chabaud, Ludovic Patin, and for our Parish Family (living and deceased). 6:00 p.m. Terry & Brad Melancon, Alcee Cifreo, M/M Bently Martin, Rita Breaux, Ricky Billingsley 10:30 p.m. Bernice & Clarence Slick Sanchez, Vivian Bourque, Lucy Poirrier Ducote Sunday, December 25, 2016 9:30 a.m. Mary Lee Bourgeois
(225) 677-7522 Fax (225) 677-7129 Melissa Melancon, Owner www.postnet.com/la101 Printing & Shipping la101@postnet.com 17188 Airline Hwy., Suite M Prairieville 17097 Brian or Sally, coordinators 860.399.1785 CST 2117990-70 Airline Hwy Prairieville an Official Travel Agency of Apostleship of the Sea-USA www.catholiccruisesandtours.com 225.313.6376 www.agavebluela.com 97% of all households attending church take at least one bulletin home every Sunday 74% of all members of the household read the entire bulletin 70% of all households are aware of and look at the advertising in the bulletin 68% of households surveyed, when making a choice between businesses, are inclined to choose the one who advertised in the bulletin 62% of households keep the bulletin the entire week as a reference 41% of households do business with a company specifically because of their advertisement in the church bulletin 22% of households go to breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner after church each week. (Information from a University of Missouri Study) We know that 41% of all households do business with a company specifically because of their advertising in the church bulletin. No where else can you advertise and benefit from such loyalty. That s using your advertising budget to gain long term customers! CALL J.S. PALUCH COMPANY TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD. 1.800.438.8931 If You Live Alone You Need LIFEWatch! 24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY! Ambulance Solutions as Low as Police Fire FREE Shipping FREE Activation Friends/FamilyNO Long Term Contracts Please Cut Out This Thank You Ad and Present It The Next Time You Patronize One of Our Advertisers $1a Day! SPECIAL OFFER: FREE LIFEWatch Shoppers Tote with your order CALL NOW! Thank you for advertising in our church bulletin. I am patronizing your business because of it! 800.393.9954 Saint Margaret Sunday Missal An ideal companion for personal prayer. In Stock & Ready to Order Today. Following Jesus Every Day: CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95 GOSPEL MEDITATIONS FOR DAILY LIVING Ninety days worth of Gospel verses and reflections including a meditation, a prayer, a simple activity for the day and a related verse from the Old Testament. Ideal for Lent and Eastertime, or for any time of year! 800-566-6150 www.wlpmusic.com Call Today! 800-566-6150 www.wlp.jspaluch.com/13182.htm 525100 St Mark Church (B) www.jspaluch.com Toll Free 1.877.801.8608 For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-438-8931
ST. AMANT PHARMACY Ph 644-7288 GALVEZ PHARMACY Hwy 42 (By Le Blanc s) Ph 622-4817 NORRIS TUREAU Pharmacist Hwy 431 (225) 647-5881 13173 Airline Highway I Gonzales, IA 70737 www.ascensionequipment. com $5.00 OFF OIL CHANGE Gonzales 225-644-6945 Prairieville 225-673-4384 ROBERT DISTRIBUTOR, INC. InStyle Hair Salon ST. AMANT PRAIRIEVILLE $5 OFF FACIAL WAX w/this ad Ph 622-3543 44014 Hwy 431 Suite A St. Amart DeLaune s Supermarket Ourso Funeral Home 12516 Hwy 431 St. Amant 647-4987 Cotton s Pest Control 12366 Hwy 44 644-8633 Phone ECONOMY BRICK SALES INCORPORATED P.O. Box 187, Highway 74 505 N. Edenborn St. 647-5334 Auto - Life - Fire - Health 1214 E. Cornerview St. 647-6518 1201 S. Purpera Avenue Ste. 302 Gonzales, LA John D. Dawes, CFP Financial Advisor 225-647-3495 www.edwardjones.com Check It Out Today! SUPERIOR PLUMBING, INC. Licensed & Bonded 41465-15 Hwy. 931 The Most Complete Online National Directory of Catholic Parishes any other Offers or Discounts. Gonzales 622-3360 SabinePools.com 13580 COURSEY BLVD. 752-1199 17535 AIRLINE HWY. 450-3237 Dine in Only. Not Valid with St. Mark LMP #1784 New Construction Remodeling With Purchase of an Entree 2405 W. Cabela s Pkwy. Leonce J. Millet, Dealer David Wilcox $5 OFF 644-4888 P.O. Box 129 Gonzales, LA 70737 STATE FARM INSURANCE 13533 Airline Hwy. Gonzales, LA (225) 647-8608 Hebert Steel Company 644-5316 647-3686 Gonzales 622-4061 BR 343-9036, 293-0641 Fax (225) 647-7869 Home of 3 World Champion Cooks Take-Out Orders or Eat-In 38501 Hwy 42 673-1782 644-4886 14505 Hwy. 44 Gonzales (225) 289-4116 10% OFF W/Ad Limit 1 Per Trans. & Cust. Guillory s Collision Center AC & HEATING CONTRACTOR 644-8525 Proudly Serving Our Community for over 60 Yrs. Honest People Quality Work 14289 Hwy. 44 622-4144 Dale & Judy Tureau, Owners 44463 Hwy. 431 622-4094 Chris Dupré, RPh. HOPE HAVEN MARBLE Rosemary McQueen, RPh. & GRANITE CO. 1056 N. Airline Hwy. 15013-B Hwy. 44 644-8466 622-0445 Braces & Invisalign for Children & Adults Free Exams Most Insurance Accepted Interest Free Financing No Down Payment & Low Monthly Payment Options Baton Rouge Prairieville Denham Springs Central Bertrand s Pharmacy 2001 S. Burnside 644-5641 766.3300 MisuracaOrthodontics.com GAGE TELEPHONE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED Voice & Data Solutions 225.753.4243 On Airline @ Hwy 73 (next to Ochsner) www.gagetelephone.com XYZ LOCKSMITH SERVICES 116 E. Railroad 24 Hr. Service Bryan J. Hollis D.D.S 37463 Dutton Rd. 525100 St Mark Church (A) 744-Braces (2722) 647-8422 1-888-289-1322 Auto Home Business www.jspaluch.com ADAM MCCARTY STATE FARM INSURANCE 1021 N. Airline Hwy. 647-2151 For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-438-8931