December 18, 2011 - Fourth Sunday of Advent page 2 St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois Teutopolis, Illinois Parish Office 203 E. Main St., P.O. Box 730, Teutopolis, IL 62467-0730 Office Hours: Mon. -Fri. 9:00 am -4:30 pm Phone...(217) 857-6404 Fax...(217) 857-1031 Parish E-mail... stfrancischurch@mchsi.com Parish website: stfrancischurch.com Submit written bulletin notices by noon Monday. Diocesan website: www.dio.org December 18, 2011 Sacramental Celebrations Weekday Liturgy: See inside schedule Weekend Liturgy: Saturday 5:30 pm; Sunday 7:00, 8:45, & 10:30 am Holy Days Liturgy: Eve 7:00 pm; Day 6:00 am, noon & 7:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday: 3:30-4:30 pm Thursday before First Friday: 3:30-4:30 pm Anytime by appointment Sacrament of Matrimony: Arrangements must be made a minimum of 6 months in advance with the Pastor. Sacrament of Baptism: Baptism Prep. class is required before baptism. Please call office to pre-register. Parish Pastoral Team Fr. Austin Albers, OFM, Pastor Fr. Vernon Olmer, OFM, Associate Pastor Fr. Ken Rosswog, OFM, Associate Pastor Fr. J. Michael Ewert, OFM, Retired (In residence) Maria Wargolet, Director of Music Ministry Theresa Draper, Coordinator of Music Ministry Anita Broom, Bookkeeper Bernice Matteson, Part-time Secretary Jane Miller, Part-time Secretary Ron Ruholl, Maintenance Religious Education: Sr. A. Pierre Wilken, OSF, Director of Faith Formation: 857-6404 Sr. Ann Siemer, SSND, Gr. Sch./Jr. Hi. DRE: 857-6477/3015 Lisa Siemer, Youth Director & Sr. High CRE: 857-1500 Carlene Rauch, Part-time Rel. Ed. Secretary: 857-6477 Trustees: Terry Meyer & Tina Brumleve Parish Council: Jim Apke Bruce Buhnerkempe John Bushur Sandy Fisher Jack Hardiek Kay McMahon Doug Mette Deb Niebrugge Jodie Pruemer Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. Lk 1:30-32 Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass 2001, 1998, 1970 CCD.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois page 2 4th Sunday of Advent Meditation It seems that angels are everywhere at Christmas. In today's Gospel Gabriel comes to Mary to announce that she will bear the Savior. In other stories at this time of year, an angel comes to Zechariah and Elizabeth to announce the birth of John the Baptist. An angel appears to Joseph to tell him to welcome Mary into his home. Angels appear to the shepherds to proclaim the birth of Christ, and to the Magi to warn them to flee from Herod after they have presented their gifts to the newborn King. In our popular culture, angels adorn the Christmas cards we send, are put up on our front lawns, and festoon the house in various decorations. In an argument that reflects the different perspectives of the two Gospel stories of the birth of Jesus, families debate what will sit atop the Christmas tree: a star-which reveals the birth of Christ in Matthew's Gospel-or an angel-which heralds the birth of the Savior to the shepherds in the story written down in Luke. Mary was hardly the first to be visited by an angel. They have a solid history in the Bible. But Mary's quick assent to the will of God is an example for all of us who follow Christ. She was willing to accept what God wanted of her, that is, to become the mother of his Son. And it was the angel that conveyed the message. So with all of the images of angels that surround us at this time of year, it might be good to ask ourselves who are the real angels in our lives. As with Mary, there may be people around us who give insight into the will of God for us. As with the Magi, there may be people who give us warnings about the paths to follow in life. As with Joseph, there may be those who give specific direction about what is right. They are all our angels. 2011 Liturgical Publications Inc Pray the New Year In Pray the New Year in at St. Anthony s Memorial Hospital Chapel on New Year s eve, December 31, 2011. The rosary will begin at 10:30 pm followed by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at 11:00 pm. All are invited. We also invite more adorers to pray an hour a week before the Most Blessed Sacrament. To sign up, or for more information, please call 857-3153 or 342-4764. Baptisms We congratulate and welcome to our faith family: Braxton Thomas Bloemer, Son of Aaron Bloemer and Melissa Miller Brandon David Buening, Son of Dustin and Bailey (Spalding) Buening Olivia Lynn Tebbe, Daughter of Jonathan and Amanda (Bloemer) Tebbe Owen Ryan Wermert, Son of Ryan and Brittany (Croy) Wermert Holy Day Mass Schedule Christmas Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 5:30 & 10:30 pm Christmas Day, Dec. 25 7:00 & 8:45 am Solemnity of Mary Mother of God; New Year s Day Dec. 31 4:00 & 5:30 pm Jan. 1 8:45 & 10:30 am Christmas Did You Know? Year 1914 On the Western Front on Christmas afternoon 1914, German soldiers from Saxony laid down their rifles, crawled out of the muddy trenches into the no-man s land between the lines of combat and began to sing. The astonished Allied soldiers heard the sound of carols that they knew in their own language and joined in, their voices blending in songs that knew no national boundaries. The enemy soldiers ate and sang together and shared cigarettes and chocolate in the slush and snow until their officers broke up the gathering. Even in the midst of a horrifying war, the spirit of Christmas had transformed enemies into brothers.
December 18, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Advent page 3 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Liturgy Schedule 4th Week of Advent December 19-25 Mass at 6:30 am Mass at 6:30 & 8:05 am St. Peter Canisius Mass at 6:30 & 8:05 am Mass at 6:30 am St. John of Kanty Mass at 6:30 & 8:05 am Christmas Eve Mass at 5:30 & 10:30 pm Christmas Day, Nativity of the Lord Mass at 7:00, 8:45am Confession Schedule Tuesday, December 20-7:00-8:00 pm Liturgy of the Hours with Friars Monday-Friday -- 11:45 am & 4:45 pm Sing Along The St. Francis Singers and Friends will be singing at Lakeland Nursing Center on Thursday, December 22nd at 10:30 am. Pray for the Sick Please remember in your prayers those who are sick, especially: Cathy Green, Renae Roepke, Eddie Siemer, Cheryl Ann Huber, Chris Utz, Anna Habing, Kay Schwartz, Dorothy Herboth Stewardship of Treasure Sunday Total Fiscal 12/11/2011 Year 318 Adult envelopes $9,914.50 $194,963.75 Other $572.85 $12,473.90 TOTAL $10,487.35 $207,437.65 GOAL $9,900.00 $237,600.00 Immaculate Conception $2,570.20 Retired Religious $1,803.00 Parish Calendar Monday, December 19 DeColores Secretariat mtg., 6:30 pm, Museum Dining Room Adult Choir, 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 20 Catechist/Mass Supervisor/Helpers Christmas appreciation, 8-9 am & 9-10am, Museum Dining Room Parish Reconciliation, 7:00-8:00 pm Wednesday, December 21 Children s Choir, 3:30-4:30 pm No Religion Class Thursday, December 22 Adult Choir, 7:00 pm Please Note The parish office will close at noon on Friday, December 23rd and reopen on Tuesday, December 27th, for the Christmas holiday. Special Collection Christmas Day The Catholic Children s Home continues the legacy of love and care for God s children begun by the precious Blood Sisters from Ruma in the 19th century. In the spirit of Christ s special affection for all children, please support the work of the Catholic Children s Home and contribute generously to this special collection held at all the Masses on Christmas. Please use the envelope included with your set. Thank you for your generosity. Ministry Sign Ups for Christmas Season There are ministry sign-up sheets for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year s Eve and New Year s Day in the main entrance of Church. If you are commissioned to be in any of the ministries: Usher, Lector, Gift Bearer, or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, please consider sharing your ministry this Christmas season. Also, please check in the sacristy the day of the Holy Day to see where you are needed. Thank you for sharing your time and ministry! Homebound Ministers Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound for Christmas Day are: Theresa Funneman 821-4867 and Carlene Rauch 857-6296.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois page 4 Music Ministers for Christmas Eve 5:30 pm Mass Children s Choir 10:00 pm Adult Choir Concert 10:30 pm Mass Adult Choir SCRIP CARDS! Buying gifts for Christmas or wanting to give gift cards as gifts? Consider purchasing SCRIP CARDS through the parish! These are regular gift cards to area and national retailers that also support the youth program! Needing Cabellas, Buffalo Wild Wings, Maurices, Aeropostle, Niemerg s, Joe s or others? Come check out cards we have in stock or place an order for many other options! Thanks for supporting our youth! Cemetery News A decision has been made by the cemetery board to allow people 80 years and above the option of pre-purchasing a gravesite. The only stipulation is that the location of this plot must be next in line. If you are interested, please call the parish office. Taste of Teutopolis Delicious Food & great entertainment who could ask for more? The CHWC group and The First National Bank of Dieterich are offering BOTH at the Taste of Teutopolis on January 14! More than 20 food booths will be set up to tempt your taste buds! Food will be served from 6:30 9:30 pm at the T-Town KCs. All CHWC participants as well as all the branches of the bank have tickets for sale for this fun event! CHRISTMAS COOKIES! Want nicely decorated cookies without the mess of baking them? Come check out St. Clare Hall this weekend! CHWC students will sell them by the dozen following all Masses this weekend! How will they taste? Heavenly! With Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Louis Meyer and Edna Fulle. May they be enjoying eternal peace and happiness in heaven. Religious Education News GRADE SCHOOL ATTENTION ALL CATECHISTS AND MASS SUPERVISORS- VIDEO PRESENTORS--OFFICE HELPERS: Christmas Gathering is TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, Museum Dining Room Catechists- 8:00-8:45 Mass supervisors and office helpers-9:00-9:45. CATECHIST PICTURES will be taken @ 8:40 MASS SUPERVISORS, VIDEO PRESENTORS, AND OFFICE HELPERS PICTURES will be taken @ 9:00. Looking forward to seeing you all! No classes on Friday, December 23. Congratulations to all Grade 3 children, parents, catechists, mass walkers, helpers total amount made on the Christmas store was $2350. 00. These donations will be divided and sent to Sr. Ann Fearday & the Peru missions; Fr. Maurus Hawickhorst and the Franciscan missions in Brazil; Sr. Christine Spour and the Notre Dame missions in Africa and the Catholic Charities of Effingham. God bless everyone for your contributions and hard work PRE-KDGN.- Classes take place during the l0:30 Mass in the Grade School cafeteria area. (Last class before Christmas!) No class on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Epiphany program takes place on Sunday, January 8, following the l0:30 Mass. JUNIOR HIGH No classes on Wednesday, December 21. Classes resume on Wednesday, January 4. Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! HS Religious Ed Next week, we will not be having High School Religious Ed classes, but we will offer an advent prayer service with some of our college students doing praise & worship music with it. It will be a chance to prepare your hearts & energize your spirit! Prayer service will begin at 7:30 pm in church. All are invited. Youth Notes: FaLaLaLaLa we are singing tonight (Sunday, Dec. 18) beginning at 6:30 pm. Meet in the Teen Center. We ll carol till about 8 and then have hot chocolate back at the Teen Center. Jr. High, High school & young adults & families are invited to attend this night of Christmas Cheer!
December 18, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Advent page 5 Q. If each of the Gospels recounts the life and teaching of Jesus, why are they not the same? Don't the differences prove that the Gospels are not accurate? A. Whenever all my siblings are together and we begin to talk about events in our family, there are various versions of the same story. We remember different details and recall our own perspective on how things happened, why we did things they way we did, and even how good the food was! That's because every story has an objective and a subjective point of view. There are facts to each story, historical and verifiable, as well as each person's experience and viewpoint as those events occurred. The same is true of the Gospels. Each Gospel writer has a particular theological point of view, as well as a particular audience he is addressing that influences how he tells the story. You'll notice, however, that the teaching of Jesus is consistent in each of the Gospels. The stories and details may differ, as well as the Evangelists' choice of which stories to include, because the purpose of the Gospels is theological, not biographical. Each writer seeks to convey the message of salvation that Jesus proclaims. That message is clear, consistent, real, and eternal. That does not change. 2010 Liturgical Publications Inc B & B Sunday will resume on Sunday, January 8 th in St. Clare Hall beginning at 8:00 until 9:30. Please come with your bible and favorite beverage and join us as we discuss and learn more about our own faith story. RCIA continues to meet in the Teen Center on Sunday mornings following the 8:45 mass. Our topic this week, The Incarnation, will discuss why God wanted to become one of us and what meaning that has living in our world. All are welcome. Calendar Year Closings Please note that the year of 2011 will be closed out in the computer as of December 31, 2011. If contributions are to be considered in the year of 2011 for tax purposes, they must be received at the parish office by 4:00 pm on December 31st or be postmarked before January 1st. All contributions received or postmarked after December 31, 2011 will be posted to the year of 2012. Thank you. Pictorial Directory We are nearing completion of taking pictures for our Parish Pictorial Directory. If you are in a special ministry and would like to have a group picture taken, please contact Kathy Wellbaum at 217-254-3703 to set up a time. Submitted Photos for Pictorial Directory All submitted pictures are due by December 21, 2011. This includes military photos, family portraits for the directory and any snapshots of Church activities during the past year. In order to publish professional family portraits, you will need a copyright release from the photographer or studio who took the picture. All submitted pictures may be sent digitally to sfcpictorial@mediacombb.net or can be dropped off at the parish office. During This Christmas Season: Mend a quarrel, seek out a forgotten friend, dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter, share some treasure, give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you are wrong. Try to understand. Float envy. Examine your demands on others. Think of your neighbor first. Be appreciative. Be kind and gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Be deserving of the confidence of others. Extend your hand to a stranger and the warmth of your heart to a child. Find beauty in all that surrounds you. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once again. 2012 Teutopolis Park District Classes Grades 3-4 Instructional Basketball Boot Camp Class Zumba Class All classes start January 9th. See the park district website for more information.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois An Examination of Conscience for Advent (taken from The Word Among Us) Am I returning God s love for me? Or is something holding me back comforts, possessions, self-will, fear of criticism, laziness, or something else? Does God hold first place in my life, or do I tend to follow my own agenda? Is he the Lord of my time, money and other resources? Do I seek God through faithful Mass attendance, the sacraments, and regular times of prayer and Scripture reading? Do I keep Sunday as a holy day? Does my speech honor God? Or have I fallen into cursing, grumbling, gossip, crude language, or verbal abuse? Do I tell others what God has done for me? Do I show my love for people by the way I act and speak? Am I harboring resentment, anger, or unforgiveness in any of my relationships? Have I hurt anyone? Is there anyone I need to forgive? Do I respect my parents, teachers, employers, civil authorities and other legitimate authorities? Am I helping to build a world where every person is valued and seen as having dignity? Do I serve the poor, sick, and the suffering? Do I seek peace in my family, community, parish, and the workplace? Do I try to form my conscience based on the teachings of the Church? Do I promote a respect for all life, from conception to natural death? Have I been chaste and faithful to any vows I have taken before God? Have I viewed pornography or fallen into other impure behaviors? Have I abused my body in any way? Have I respected the bodies of others? Are there other areas where the Holy Spirit is leading me toward repentance and renewal any sins of omission, envy, or theft? Any deeds or hurts I ve covered over? Take the opportunity to go to confession this Advent and be rid of your sins, so you can have a merry and peaceful Christmas. Sacrament of Reconciliation Besides the usual Saturday time (3:30-4:30 pm) for confessions, there will be parish confessions on Tuesday, December 20th from 7:00-8:00 pm or until all have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. Let It Be Done Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent! 2 Samuel 7:2 ENTERING THIS FINAL WEEK of Advent, the liturgies are drenched with fulfillment. We live the fulfillment of God s promise. The Lord reminds King David that he brought the Israelites through desert wanderings to their own dwelling. Wherever they ve gone, he s been, too, bearing their hardships with them. He was not aloof in a palace but going about in a tent under cloth, as they carried the ark of the covenant from Egypt to Canaan. Just so, our Lord has accompanied us this Advent through all our hearts wanderings. Now we look toward the Christmas fulfillment. For we are the people of fulfillment, celebrating God-with-us. We celebrate in the company of Mary. She s called ark of the covenant, because she carries God, not in a tent but in her body. That s how close he is with us, through her yes, through the yes that s available to each one of us. That s the adventure we live when we let God live with us. Lord, let it be done in me as your say. LIVING FAITH No one is ever poorer for giving to our God who is so rich in love, mercy and goodness. Donations for Flowers We are accepting donations for flowers for Christmas and special occasions during 2012. Please place your donation in an envelope marked FLOWERS and place it in the collection basket next weekend, or drop it off at the parish office. If the donation is being made in memory of a loved one, please note this on the envelope also. Holy Humor Sign seen in a department store: Make This a Christmas Your Spouse Won t Forget. Charge Everything. Blooper in a church Christmas bulletin: The choir will sing I Heard the Bills on Christmas Day. What s the best thing to give your parents for Christmas? A list of everything you want!