Second Sunday of Advent At the time of John s ministry there were in the desert religious groups who multiplied purification rites. John, however, preached a unique baptism before the judgment, and that baptism was a baptism of repentance. With a prophetic insight, he sees the axe which already strikes at the foundations of the entire world. John announces that with the coming of the kingdom, a crisis is very near, a crisis which we will only be able to face through penance, the fruit of conversion. Is he not Elijah who has come back for the conversion of all things by fire? Among his hearers we find men of importance who will bring upon Jesus suffering and pain. John foresees them burning as straw after the harvest. But as the Voice of the Messiah he considers himself unworthy of preceding Jesus. His baptism is only water, not of Spirit. We acknowledge our uneasiness before this hard and pure prophet. We must recognize that the God who is both awesome and merciful manifests His power both in the clap of thunder and in the gentle breeze. The Baptist s message calls Jew and Christian to the realization that we come under God s judgment by living God s love. For stern as death is love...its flames are a blazing fire (Song of Songs 8:6). The Baptist keeps us from taking lightly God s love for us. His gospel is an Advent text which forces us to look toward the appearance of the King, who from this day until the last day, separates the chaff from wheat. Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministries Young Adult Advent Retreat Prepare the way of the Lord Ages 18 (out of High School) Date : Saturday, December 20, 2014 Time 10:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M. (optional 6:00 P.M. Vespers followed by dinner at Dions) Fee; $10:00 Place: The Norbertine Abbey of Santa Maria de la Vid 5825 Coors Blvd. SW Albuquerque, NM 87121 Registration Deadline: December 8, 2014 Please mail, fax or email registration to: Youth office 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW Albuquerque, NM, 87120 Fax: 505-831-8345 Email: dmontano@archdiosf.org Unsung Superheroes Catholic Sisters or Nuns! (Recommended Reading From Father Vincent): I highly recommend an article in the New York Times dated 17 August, 2014 titled SISTER ACTS. And my gratitude to our faithful parishioners who cut this article out of the NY Times and passed it on to me. This article is by Nicholas Kristof is about Catholic Sisters or Nuns. It highly praises their ministry in the world. I looked into purchasing reprints of the article for our bulletin distribution but the cost was too dear for 800 copies which is our weekly bulletin printing. You can read this excellent and inspiring article on line: Sister Acts By Nicholas Kristof. Women Religious are often the unsung, unrecognized by the Church. In the United States, they were often among the most educated women in American Society for decades yet existed within the Church Hierarchical System ruled by Bishops and Priests where they perhaps were not as valued as they should have been. This article by Nicholas Kristof refers to a recent book by Jo Piazza titled: If Nuns Ruled The World: Ten Sisters on a Mission. Father Vincent Fifty Ninth Anniversary of the Solemn Dedication of The Shrine of the Little Flower was celebrated this past Thursday 4 December, 2014. The groundbreaking for our Shrine took place on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, 15 August, during the Marian Year of 1954. Our glorious Shrine of the Little Flower was Dedicated on Sunday, 4 December 1955 at 3:30 pm by Archbishop Edwin Vincent Byrne. The day consisted of a Procession along Route 66 in front of the Shrine then to the Mass of Dedication. This was followed by a banquet for the Parish, a second Procession and Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. You can view the construction phases of our Shrine and images of the Processions, Mass of Dedication and Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament by viewing the virtual tour on our Parish Website www.littleflowerabq.org or by downloading our Parish App. Archbishop Byrne reminded the priests, Dominican Sisters of Kenosha, Wisconsin and the Parishioners in a letter dated 1 December, 1955 from Archbishop s House, Santa Fe, New Mexico: My heartfelt congratulations on this glorious occasion of the dedication of your most beautiful new Church of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus. Your Church is a most worthy monument to the gory of the Almighty, in honor of His servant, the little Flower. Its architectural dignity induces to prayer and inspires true devotion. I am sure that all the Parishioners of St. Therese will strive to imitate their Patroness in her characteristic virtues of childlike trust and love of God, and will become with her help exemplary Catholics in their hearts, in their homes and in their public lives. St. Therese promised to send a shower of roses from heaven over the world, the roses being a symbol of spiritual and temporal graces. She will certainly send a more abundant shower of graces over the priests and parishioners of her new church in Albuquerque, especially upon those families which strive earnestly to live a more complete Catholic life.
Respect and Courtesy For One Another During The Sacred Liturgy Dear Sisters and Brothers, Let us strive to be loving and courteous towards one another when we are here in our most sacred and beautiful home. It is important that each of us have a powerful encounter with the Sacred the Most Holy One every time we come to Mass. This is accomplished through being warm and welcoming; powerful proclamation of the Word by our Lectors; uplifting and practiced liturgical music by our Song Leaders and Choir Members; well prepared and powerfully or sincerely delivered homilies by our deacons and parish priest; warm countenances on our faces that express our desire to be fully present and participating in the spoken dialogue between the assembly and presider. Also regarding the challenges we even face being present with our earthly and parish family let us remember and be patient with some of these challenges. Young Parents with young children God certainly understands the challenges you face when coming to Mass as young parents with young children and so therefore should all of us. Be patient! Also young parents with young children, please also in return be respectful of your sisters and brothers around you. Our parish church building has the comfort room and also the vestibule which are both equipped with speakers to hear the Mass. In these spaces your uncomfortable or adventuring toddlers can walk around without being confined to the pews and disturbing others with their strongly developed lungs. Infants have lower vocal levels when disturbed and their cooing or little bird chirps seem like one of the more beautiful sounds on the planet and in the pews of our glorious Shrine of the Little Flower. Peace and only good things, Father Vincent St. Therese Project Defending Life We are collecting new, unwrapped baby items for pregnant women in crisis. These items will be delivered to the Project Defending Life Office for the Sanctity of Life Awareness and Unity Day. Items can be delivered to the baby crib located on the church altar which is a beautiful reminder of the importance of respect for life at all stages. Donations are accepted December 7 through January 11. Thank you for your generous donations and God bless. For more information you may contact Diane Barajas at 505-344-0669 www.defendinglife.org Thank You to our bulletin advertisers! The advertisements pay for our bulletins. ADVERTISER OF THE WEEK Computer Doctor 263-8483 Collections from November 30, 2014 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, & put your trust in the LORD. Regular Sunday Collection $6426.09 St. Vincent de Paul $ 711.41 School Support $ 000.00 Utilities $1184.82 Building Fund $0000.00 Church Boiler $ 66.00 De Profundis Choir Donation $ 150.00 Second Collections: 1st. Sunday of the Month St. Therese School, 2nd Sunday, St. Vincent de Paul, 3rd Sunday Building Fund, 4th Sunday Utilities, 5th Sunday Misc. U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops Second Collections Please Pray for the sick in Our Parish The Albert Cortez Family, Frances Meek, Sister Clara Reid, Edward Strader, Gabriel Shooter Delgado, Abigail Delgado, Ed Watchempino, Jose & Tonica Dominguez, Anthony Cuellar, Lois Wells, Priscilla Martinez, Elaine Hoolihan, Dennis Meaney, Tony Sena, Aaron Armijo, Lourdes Gurule, Frank Cortez, Gloria Cordero, Virginia Sando, Pete Lucero, Rosa De Aragon, Joe Baca, Theresa Hernandez, Ernest Benavidez, Arthur Cordova, Elva & Julian Ramirez, Steve Sanchez, Mary Garcia, Theresa & Sal Fresquez, Nazario Herrera, Eduvijen Espinosa, Raquel Sandoval, Ramona Chavez, Robert Garner, Dolores Sosa, Javier & Angela Carrillo and for those in hospitals and in their home who can t attend church. REMINDER: Each week names will be deleted from the current list to accommodate other parishioners who need to be added to this list. Thank you for your understanding & patience, God Bless. Introduction to Scripture Please Join Deacon Mike Wesley, MA, MTS, who will be teaching the class An Introduction to Scripture on five consecutive Thursday evenings, (from January 8-February 5) from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Lourdes Hall. Lourdes Hall is located just north of the St. Pius X campus. This class can be used for Catechetical certification as well as personal growth. The cost is $10.00. For registration, directions or more information call Rosalie at 831-8179, or Deacon Mike at 341-2219. Greeter Ministry Hello all Greeters! Please come to the Greeter ministry Christmas potluck/meeting on Wednesday, December 10, at 6:00 P.M. at the rectory. Please bring a dish to share. This is for those in the greeter ministry and those who are interested in joining this ministry. Come join us for food, fellowship and a brief meeting. If you have any questions contact Theresa7895@hotmail.com or call 688-2407. Thank you, Theresa Yamasaki
The Albuquerque Catholic Women s Choir Concert Sunday, December 7 at 3pm at glorious Saint Therese, The Shrine of the Little Flower, located on 3424 Fourth Street NW (between Menaul and Candelaria). Women interested in forming a small orchestra should contact Gail Long Karrer at 492.3324. Theology on Tap is a new ministry in the Rio Rancho community. It is structured around fellowship, food and faith-centered talks. Deacon Mark Buie, from Church of the Incarnation will be speaking about Faith in the Real World on Wednesday, December 10, at 6:30. We invite all young adults (college freshmen age-40) to join us at Rio Rancho Golf Club. Call Church of the Incarnation at 771-8331 if you have any questions. Visit our website at www.rrtot.org or find us on Facebook. catholic communicator AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SANTA FE* 2nd Sunday of Advent December 7, 2014 Shop at Arts & Crafts Fairs December 6-7 Christmas Fair at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish 301 S. Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo December 6-7 9am-4pm Gifts and food. Call Liz at 980-5887. December 6-7 St. Therese Catholic School Arts and Craft Fair 212 Mildred Ave NW, 87107 Gifts, silent auction, free gift wrapping 9am-4pm Call 344-4479. December 7 Holy Family Parish Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair 9am-3:30pm Gifts, food, pictures with Santa from 1-3pm Call 842-5426. December 13 The St. Pius X Christmas Craft Fair in the Main Gym and Auxilary Gym from 9am-4pm Over 100 vendors Call 831-8400. Christmas Gift The Tuesday Prayer Group of Our Lady of Guadalupe is collecting toys, jackets, blankets, warm hats, gloves, socks, stuffed animals, personal hygiene items, wrapping paper & gift bags for girls and boys of all ages of the Orphanage House of Love in Cuauhtémoc Chihuahua. We are asking for donations to give them a gift this Christmas. Boxes are located in the Church and Parish Hall until December 19. Please call Yenny at 350-0236. Ig.Nite Advent Young Adult Spirituality Nights preparing for Christmas with St. Ignatius & Jesuit Spirituality Ages 20-36 Invited Tuesdays of Advent at 7pm Campion Lounge of Immaculate Conception Church 619 Copper Ave. NW, Albuquerque Contact Fr. Eric Ramirez, S.J.: eramirez@iccabq. org or call 247-4271. Time change - St. Pius X High School presents an evening of Christmas music presented by the Fine Arts Department on December 11 at 6:30pm. The concert will feature the band, choirs, and orchestra, is free and open to the public. The performance will be on the St. Pius X campus, St. Cecilia Hall, Stage 2. Call 831-8400. Novena and Feast Day Celebration to Our Lady of Guadalupe Our celebration will begin on December 11, with the Shrine of the Little Flower St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Parish Albuquerque, NM Novena at 6pm following matachines, reenactment play, serenades and mañanitas! On December 12, the last Novena will be said at 5:30pm followed by a beautiful bilingual Mass at 6:30pm. We are located at 1860 Griegos Rd NW, Albuquerque 87107. Call 505-345-4596. If you are interested in singing to Our Lady on the 11 th, call Sylvia Tapia at 505-344-5596. St. John Vianney Parish, Rio Rancho, invites you to the Vatican International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles of the World. The exhibit will be open December 6, 7, and 8 from 8am-8pm. St. John Vianney Church, 1001 Meteor Avenue NE, Rio Rancho, 87144. Admission is free. Call 892-4449. Help us gather toys this Christmas for the 27 th Annual Metropolitan Detention Center Children s Christmas Party. These toys are for the children of BCMDC inmates. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Pastoral Outreach Office 4060 St. Joseph Pl NW Lourdes Hall Room 101 Albuquerque, NM 87120. Please drop off all donations by December 16. Contact Josephine War, ASF Office of Pastoral Outreach, 505-831-8174 / porsec@archdiosf.org. The MAD Against Hunger Project at St. Pius X High School is kicking off its Holiday Equal Exchange fundraiser! Delicious, fair trade items such as, organic coffee, incredible chocolates and flavorful teas make great holiday gifts. Also available are handcrafted items, handmade giftwrap, and Ten Thousand Villages crafts. Our group makes 25% profit on every item sold. Shipping is free on orders of $75+. Please visit our online store: http://fundraiser.equalexchange. coop/?fundraiser=stpi012w. For more information, please contact Alicia Eiler at 831-8416. Cardinal Connections Attention St. Charles School Alumni! Become part of our alumni association and stay up-to-date with exciting school happenings, such as the 2 nd Annual Lottery Night on January 31 and the 3 rd Annual Golf Tournament on May 9. Also, find out about stellar student accomplishments, such as Cardinals representing your school at the National History Bee. The leaders of tomorrow are at St. Charles today! Contact Parish Manager Vivian Maheu, manager@stcbabq.org or call (505) 242-3462. *A privately owned working in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Published by JCPress JCPress@comcast.net 505-856-0333
Mass Intentions Second Sunday of Advent Tuesday, December 9, 2014 Is 40: 1-11; Mt 18: 12-14 8:00 AM Liz Baca Lovato By: Mom & Dad Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Is 40: 25-31; Mt 11: 28-30 8:00 AM FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. Saturday, December 6, 2014 Is 30: 19-21, 23-26; Mt 9: 35--10:1, 5a, 6-8 8:00 AM FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH 4:00 PM Deceased members of the Duran, Ortega & Dominguez families By: Roy & Dora Dominguez Miguel A. Nieto (3rd Anniversary) By: Inez Archuleta Frank Concini By: The Romero Family Sunday, December 7, 2014 Is 40: 1-5, 9-11; 2 Pt 3: 8-14; Mk 1: 1-8 8:00 AM FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH 10:00 AM Albert Vallejos By: Dolores & family In honor of St. Jude By: Carmen Scott Mario J. Menicucci By: Tim & Helen Mullane 12:00 PM Holy Souls in Purgatory By: Paulie Perez Mellie & Chelsea Archuleta By: Mr. & Mrs. Felipe Archuleta Ella Lucero By: Family Flora Lopez By: Basilisa Calderon Special Intentions of Life Teen Monday, December 8, 2014 Gn 3: 9-15, 20: Eph 1: 3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38 8:00 AM The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ken Biel By: Tom & Marie Ryan 12:00 Noon Mary A. Romero By: Leina Dinkel Thursday, December 11, 2014 Is 41: 13-20; Mt 11: 11-15 8:00 AM Reynaldo L. Baca (Anniversary) By: Lena & Dee Serbin Anthony Moya (6th Anniversary) By: Michelle & Ramona Moya Friday, December 12, 2014 Zec 2: 14-17; Lk 1: 26-38 8:00 AM Horace Montoya By: Tillie Montoya Mary Romero By: Gloria Williams Manuel & Nellie Casados By: Tim & Theresa Fresquez Saturday, December 13, 2014 Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11; Mt 17: 9a, 10 13 8:00 AM Michael Meek By: Mom & Dad 4:00 PM Miguel, Ernie & Robert, Mr. & Mrs. Lucio Nieto By: Alice Juarros Jose Cordero & deceased family members By: Ernest Cordero Carrie Kurzeka By: The Romero Family Sunday, December 14, 2014 Is61:1-2a,10-11;1Thes5:16-24;Jn1:6-8,19-28 8:00 AM Florencio Madrid (Birthday) Rest in Peace By: The Cortez Family Richard & Santiago Vallez By: Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Archuleta Eliseo & Epimenia Romero By: Michael & Family Raul Talaverra Sr (Birthday) By: Family 10:00 AM FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH 12:00 PM Fermin Sena & Albert Armijo By: Graciel Armijo Luciano E. Lucero Jr. (Birthday) By: Wife Patricia Valentin & Helen Sais Val & Priscilla Sais Special Intentions of Life Teen