Welcome to our parish! As pastor, I hope we can enrich your experience as much as you enrich ours. Fr. David Ruby The Faith Formation Students prepare for Christmas by performing in the play The Reason for the Season on December 16th at our Sister Bay site. Monday, January 11 Morning Prayer-8:00 am-fc AA Meeting-8:00 pm-sb Tuesday, January 12 Scripture Class-8:30 am-sb Prayer Group-Meeting Christ in Prayer-2:00 pm-bh Pray the Rosary-12 noon-bh St. Mary of the Lake Altar & Rosary Sodality Meeting12:30 pm-bh Parish Leadership Meeting on Discipleship-1:00 pm-bh Wednesday, January 13 Faith Formation Grades 1-8-4:00-5:30 pm-bh Faith Formation Grades 9-12-6:00-7:30 pm-bh Thursday, January 14 Men s Bible Reflection-9:00 am-sb Sunday, January 17 Coffee and Sweets after Mass-11:00 am-sb 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 Baptism of the Lord-January 10, 2016
2 Welcome to Stella Maris in Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Jacksonport, Sister Bay & Washington Island As we celebrate the baptism of the Lord, it is good for us to recall the way that baptism was celebrated in the early church and how it was meant to be experienced so its message of God s mercy comes through even stronger. Rarely was anyone baptized who was not an adult. The adults being baptized truly had a sense of their own sinfulness and their need for God s mercy, grace and love. In the inquiry process, they talked to those who were solid, committed Christians to share with them their present life situation including the limits of their life, the struggles of their existence and the sins of their weakness. They became truly vulnerable by sharing those parts of themselves that they were not comfortable with. They knew that they needed something different in their lives and were hoping that the Christian God, church and experience was what would help them. Once they felt that they were ready to make an initial experience, they entered into catechesis. In the catechumenate, they made the final preparations for totally opening themselves up to the goodness of God s transforming power. Dear Fellow Parishioners The baptism rite itself was so much more elaborate than today, helping people to more deeply experience on the outside what was happening on the inside. As with mystery religions of the day, they were totally immersed in the mystery of the God who desired, changed and ultimately accepted them fully into His life. The people came in their old clothes, symbolizing their old ways. When they were finished with the preliminary rites of prayers and promises; they would totally shed those clothes to show the world that they were totally leaving behind their old way of being so that they could fully embrace the new way. They would then enter the baptismal font or pool. Within the font, they were immersed in the water three times. They were dying to sin and rising in Christ. It is no accident that going down into the water seems like drowning. Breathing in the fresh air after arising from the water truly helps one to feel alive in a new way. One is so grateful. Another significant part of the symbolism is the all-embracing nature of God s mercy. As we go down into the water, God s full and unconditional love embraces us so that everything that keeps us from God is washed away and only God is a part of our lives from then on. It is important for us to come in touch with the abundant and fully encompassing mercy of God often in our lives, especially when it is most needed. One of the reasons why it is good for us to reflect on our own baptism as a baby as well is to reflect on another aspect of God s mercy. God in His infinite mercy; loved, accepted embraced us completely before we ever had the chance to sin or accept him. God s love and grace are not conditional on what we do. It is only our participation in God s life that is contingent on our response. God is always there wanting us to be a part of his wonderful life. It is so difficult for us to believe that deep down in our heart and soul. That is why we are not only baptized but also attend mass every week so we remember and experience that reality. In Christ s love, Fr. Dave Ruby, Pastor Faith Formation Christian Service & Responsibility Pac-Man Youth Faith Formation began again this past Wednesday. Upon returning I ask my 9th and 10th grade students, what was their favorite gift or experience over holiday break? Favorites vary from being with family they have not seen for awhile to receiving a favorite video game. I know this will age me but I remember my children enjoying the video game of Pac-Man! I was prepared to tell my students about Pac-Man (I think he is Catholic!) and tie it to a faith lesson. I referred to author Mark Hart's wonderful faith/pac-man analogy in which he wrote Pac-Man was one maze, one man, four evil ghosts and all those little pellets to eat! As the rounds progressed, the ghosts got faster and faster but when Pac-Man ate the super "energy vitamin," he became invincible...evil ghosts could no longer harm him. Now comes the best part of Mark's Pac-Man story, "This world is like a Pac-Man maze, filled with work to do and dangers to avoid. If I have any hope of staying alive and excelling within it, I need Christ's energy vitamin--the true flesh that brings me everlasting life. Just as He promises in John 6:51-- I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh. When we don't acknowledge the evil spirits in the maze of this world around us, the devil has already won. When we don't actively pursue the source of life--christ, that energy vitamin that keeps us going--we are cheating ourselves." Some video games are timeless and even continue to teach today. Pac-Man was a great reminder for these students to get energized weekly at Mass. Blessings, Linda Cummer/Faith Formation Coordinator If you are in financial need, Stella Maris needs to help you. Please call the parish office or speak with Father Ruby. Every Christian must be a living book wherein one can read the teaching of the Gospel quote of St Joseph of Leonissa. DID YOU KNOW? You can pray the Rosary for Life this Tuesday and the second Tuesday every month at noon at Stella Maris, Baileys Harbor. "The Rosary for Life" is a peaceful act to honor the sanctity of life and when praying it, we take steps to protect all life, from conception to natural death. NEXT MISSION TRIP- April 21-22 will be spent at Freedom House Ministries in Green Bay, a homeless shelter for families. Our group will interact with the families staying at the shelter as we work the reception desk, provide child care, organize the donation room and help with yard work. Space is limited. If interested or for more information, contact Jan Liss at janliss@ymail.com. WHERE DO YOUR DONATIONS GO?-$500 was given to HELP of Door County, Inc. which provides a 24-hour domestic violence crisis intervention service, safe houses, protection orders and legal and intervention advocacy and prevention education and $500 was sent to TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) which provides a summer camp for children of deceased veterans. TAPS also provides help, hope and healing for those grieving the death of a loved one in military services to America through seminars, support groups and resources.
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-Choose 100% recycled office paper and print double-sided. RESPECT LIFE-"Jesus showed us the self-sacrificial nature of love when he laid down His life for us, and we are called to follow in his footsteps. We are called to be his hands and feet, caring for and loving others." USCCB 2015-16 Respect Life Program 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. STELLA MARIS COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN S New Year-New Friend Luncheon at 12:00 pm on Thursday, January 14 at the English Inn in Fish Creek. The cost for the luncheon is $20.00 for your choice of 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. 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, Parish Life & Upcoming Events The Baptism of the Lord January 10, 2016 3 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. FLYING SOLO SOCIETY-You are probably settling in for a long winter s nap, but first join your Flying Solo Society friends for lunch at 12:00 pm at Al Johnson s in Sister Bay on Tuesday, January 19. All single, divorced or widowed men and women are welcome! Questions? Call Becky Nash at (920) 421-3332. MARRIED AND HURTING?-Do you feel distant from your spouse? Fight frequently? Want to turn things around but don t know where to start? Retrouvaille can help! Our Catholic-based organization is a lifeline for marriages in trouble. Find out more about our program, which starts with a weekend retreat Feb. 12-14, 2016 in De Pere at www.helpourmarriage.com. Make a new start in the new year with your spouse! Questions? E-mail lakeshore@retrouvaille.org
5 -The Baptism of the Lord-January 10, 2016 Worship and Music Column After the Lord was baptized, the heavens were opened and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. This weekend the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It also marks the end of the Christmas Liturgical Season. This weekend, in lieu of praying the Profession of Faith (Creed), we will renew our Baptism Vows. Most of us don t remember when we were baptized because it occurred when we were babies. So when we answer I do, to the questions we will be asked at our Masses this weekend, here s what we will be saying I do to: Liturgies of the Week 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 Monday, January 11 Fish Creek 8:00 am Morning Prayer Tuesday, January 12 Sister Bay 8:00 am-dr Dorothy Buchanan Wednesday, January 13 Fish Creek 8:00 am-dr Daniel Biemeret Thursday, January 14 Sister Bay 8:00 am-dr Juanita Stadler Friday, January 15 Jacksonport 8:00 am-dr Christopher & Mark Howell Saturday, January 16-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Washington Island 11:00 pm-dr Members of Stella Maris Fish Creek 4:00 pm-dr Members of Stella Maris Sunday, January 17-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Jacksonport 8:00 am-dr Herb Mueller Sister Bay 10:00 am-dr Jacob Maneage DR=Fr. David Ruby Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of the Children of God? Do you renounce the lure of evil, so that sin may have no mastery over you? Do you renounce Satan, the author and prince of sin? Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting? At this end of the Christmas Season, with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Church, in her wisdom reminds us of who we are as disciples of the Lord by the very nature of our own baptism. Thank you, Kathy Sedan, Worship & Music Minister Readings for the Week of January 10 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 Monday: 1 Sm 1:1-8/Ps 116:12-19/Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:9-20/1 Sm 2:1, 4-8/Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20/Ps 40:2, 5, 7-10/Mk 1: Thursday: 29-39 1 Sm 4:1-11/Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25/Mk 1:40-45 Friday: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a/Ps 89:16-19/Mk 2:1-12 Saturday: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a/Ps 21:2-7/Mk 2: 13-17 Next Sunday: Is 62:1-5/Ps 96:1-3, 7-10/1 Cor 12:4-11/Jn 2:1-11 Liturgical Publications Inc
The Baptism of the Lord-January 10, 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 January 2-3, 2016 Actual Budget Envelopes $11,339.00 $10,000.00 Offertory 2,790.00 4,000.00 Totals $14,129.00 $14,000.00 2015/16 Actual YTD $371,734.00 2015/16 Budget YTD $349,000.00 2014/15 Actual YTD $338,947.00 Total Attendance last week 514