REJOICE
The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Ignatius of Antioch Page 2 December 13, 2015 What Should We Do? This Sunday s Gospel once more presents John the Baptist. John the Baptist has a particular place of honor in our tradition. He was the kinsman of the Lord who leapt for joy in his mother s womb when Elizabeth received a visit from Mary. He was the Forerunner, the one who said that the Messiah was coming. He is the one who pointed to Jesus and called Him the Lamb of God. He was the one who lived as a radical prophet, wearing animal skins and eating locusts and demanding a radical change in the way people lived. Our generation likes to close an eye to this aspect of John s life, but it is this aspect, this demand for continual and radical change, that fascinated the people of the centuries. The people who listened to John were so excited. They experienced God in his words. What shall we do? they asked. Sound familiar? John told the people to be charitable. They should give the poor their surplus. The tax collectors are told to be honest, not using their position to enrich themselves. The soldiers are told to stop harassing and intimidating people. John tells us that we should continue our lives, but now live them on a new dimension. Live with love, sacrificial love, the love of Jesus. What should you do? What should I do? What should all of us do? The first thing we need to do is to consider how we treat other people, and then make every effort to be kind, considerate and lovable. The second thing on our to do list should be to ask for God s help and forgiveness for those times that we go out of our way not to be lovable. The little children are concerned that Santa knows when they ve been naughty or nice. We should be concerned that God knows when we ve been lovable or when we have refused to be lovable. We have penance services and confession periods to give us the opportunity to say, I take responsibility for my actions and I seek God s forgiveness so I can be a more loving person. What is it that we should do? Well, closely connected with seeking forgiveness, in fact fundamental to seeking forgiveness, is offering forgiveness. Christmas can be the most hypocritical day of the year when we go through the motions of being at peace with all while at the same time we are still looking for ways to repay insult with insult, upset with upset, nastiness with nastiness. Anger for things that others have said to me or done to me swells up in me when I least expect it. It wants to boil over in rage. Now if I am warm and fuzzy with those who have occasioned this anger while I am looking for an opportunity to repay them for their viciousness, I am a hypocrite. John the Baptist was a radical. He called people to make a radical change in their lives. Sometimes we let the sentimentality of Christmas get in the way of our the call of
Page 3 Third Sunday of Advent Rev. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Pastor 715 E Orange Street Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 the prophet. Christmas is about a radical change in the world and a radical change in ourselves. Maybe we cannot forget a hurt. But we have no right to let that hurt destroy us. We enter into the realm of sin when we let the actions of others be an excuse for our joining them in breaking charity. What shall we do? Well, we need to develop and nurture our prayer lives. We need to make the time to speak to the Lord, giving him at least fifteen minutes a day. A half hour would be much better. Actually, we are not giving the Lord anything. We are making this time for ourselves to come closer to the One who is calling us. I m sure that every one would say, Father, you have got to be kidding. I am so busy with things that I have to accomplish, how do you think that I am going to squeeze in another half hour in this busiest of seasons. If something is really important, we make the time for it. It makes no difference how busy we are. This is important. We need to be with the Lord everyday, even if it means getting up a bit earlier or going to sleep a bit later. Rejoice, Church tells us on this, Gaudete, or Rejoice Sunday. What a wonderful time of the year we are in. But all of this is just a symbolic recognition of the wonderful time of the world we are in. The Lord is in our midst. He is among us. He is within us. The Kingdom of God is at hand and we have been chosen to be members of that Kingdom. Rejoice. What are we to do? We have to find the Messiah. Is this hard? Not really. Here s the thing: Jesus is not hiding from us. He never hides from us. It is we who often hide from Him. What shall we do? Live with Christ. Love others with the love of Christ. And be happy. St. Paul to the Philippians, our second reading: Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice. Yours in Christ, Mass Schedule: Saturday.4:00 and 6:30 p.m. (Fulfills Sunday Obligation) Sunday...7:30, 9:00, 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Weekdays...7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Saturday.9:00 a.m. Schedule of Confessions: Saturday.3:00 3:45 p.m. and after the 6:30 p.m. Mass PARISH OFFICE 937-4050 Main Office ext. 201 Rev. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Pastor ext. 209 Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, Parochial Vicar ext 207 Rev. Kevin Molloy, in Residence ext. 208 Deacon Samuel Moschetto ext. 210 Deacon John Edgerton ext. 222 Dan Angel, Seminarian ext. 242 Ron Appel, Parish Manager ext. 215 Katherine Creamer, Office Manager ext. 201 Lorna Moffitt, Parish Mgr. Assistant ext. 203 Eldean Jenkins, Facilities Manager ext. 201 Anne Harman, Music Director ext. 206 FAITH FORMATION Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, - Director ext. 207 Fran Morin, Pre-K 8th Grade ext. 220 Katie Napolitano ext. 224 Evangelization and Spirituality Laura Margarella, Caritas ext. 221 YOUTH MINISTRY Bart Kovacic, Life Teen ext. 246 High School Ministry Jen McIlveen, Edge ext. 210 Middle School Ministry EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Sharon Stokely, Director ext. 225 GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL Mrs. Cindy Malinski, Principal 799-6724 UPPER PINELLAS PREGNANCY CENTER Mary Caesar 937-4304 PARISH OFFICE FAX 727-943-0676 OFFICE EMAIL kcreamer@ignatius.net PARISH WEBSITE www.st.ignatius.net Miraculous Medal Devotion: Before 9 a.m. Mass each Wednesday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays after 9 a.m. Mass until 10:15 a.m. First Friday of the Month 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Baptism: Please call the Parish Office Marriage: Please call the Parish Office at least 6 months in advance. Holy Orders: Please call Rev. Carl Melchior at 345-3338
Page 4 ADVENT SCHEDULES St. Ignatius Advent Giving Tree. Helping those in need at Christmas time. Each week of Advent, we collect unwrapped gifts for a specific organization. Please place these under the tree decorated by our Childhood Center in the Church s front entrance. This Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent: (Dec. 13)- Our Food Pantry. Non Perishable Foods like canned meats, spam, stews, ham, fruit, vegetables, tuna fish, powdered milk, spaghettio s, and ravioli. Boxes of spaghetti, noodles, and rice. Toiletries like soap, toothpaste, shaving cream & toilet paper. Fourth Sunday of Advent: (Dec. 20)- Our Pregnancy Center. Constant need of new or like new baby clothes, especially sizes 12-24 months, diapers sizes 3 6, wipes, pull ups, new bottles, pacifiers, bibs, socks, washcloths, receiving blankets for layettes, crib sheets, baby wash, and toiletries such as combs, brushes and nail clippers. ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Sacrament of Penance Dec. 21 Monday: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Penance Service Dec. 22 Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Dec. 23 Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. THE CELEBRATION OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Christmas Masses Dec. 24 Thursday: 4:00 p.m. St. Ignatius Adult Music Ministry 4:00 p.m. Fr. John LaTondress Chapel and Life Center 6:30 p.m. Children s Focus Dec. 25 Friday: 12:00 a.m. Midnight Mass 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., & 11:30 a.m. MASSES FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY Dec. 31 Thursday: 4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Jan. 1 Friday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., & 11:30 a.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS Page 5 Retirement Fund for Religious This weekend is our annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious which benefits the many deserving religious who served our diocese, past and present, and who now need our help meeting the overwhelming costs of elder care. Visit www.retiredreligious.org Collection envelopes are include in envelope sets. Extra envelopes are on the courtesy desk. Incarcerated Support Group The next meeting of our family support group will be held Wednesday the 16th at 7 p.m. in classroom 1. This ministry is open to persons of every denomination. For more information contact Deacon John at 937-4050 ext. 222 or at jedgerton@ignatius.net Women s Christmas Party The Women s Council will host their Christmas Party on Thursday, December 17th at 11:30 a.m. in the hall. Guardian Angels School children will sing Christmas carols. Lunch will be catered by Leo s Italian Grill and musical entertainment will be provided. Cost is $17 members & $20 non-members. Please RSVP to Barb at 727-771-7711 no later than Monday, December 14th. Please bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to our Upper Pinellas Pregnancy Center. Pope Francis prayer for the Year of Mercy; Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: If you knew the gift of God! You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
Page 6 Caritas Corner Flowers distributed this week at Florida Hospital North Pinellas by Caritas Volunteers were donated in memory of Fr. Michael Hannon, wishing him a Happy Birthday in heaven. Commemorate a special occasion or a loved one by donating flowers distributed at Florida Hospital North. Call the Caritas Office for more information. If you wish to have a Mass said for special intentions or for deceased members of your family or friends please stop by the parish office between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays. Truth Seekers New Time Truth Seekers have moved their meeting dates to Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in the Youth House beginning this Thursday. Our mission is to strengthen the Spiritual foundation in Christ of young Catholic adults in their late teens, twenties, and early thirties, while building a faith community of support at our Parish. It is the goal of Truth Seekers to evangelize the TRUTH about our Catholic faith, and lead all souls on the path to eternal salvation. For more info contact Fr. Brian at 937-4050 ext. 207 or at frbrian@ignatius.net Our Bethany Gift Shoppe Has reopened! Hours are Sundays & Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Come see our selection for Christmas, Confirmation, First Communion, Weddings Gifts and more! MINISTRY NEWS Lord, grant eternal rest to the souls of our dearly departed, especially for ERMA KURCHINSKI, JOSEPHINE SCHEUER, KINGSLEY TOMPKINGS & SUSAN BLEICH For those we hold in our hearts who have died, may they rest in the arms of God. Wednesday Rosary As we face many challenges in our country, we know, as Catholics, that so many problems are solved through the intercession of Mary, particularly through the Rosary. As a parish, we ask all to pray a Rosary every Wednesday for the Protection of our Nation & a Resurgence of Faith in God. Women of Grace Study Program The Women of Grace Study Program leads women on an exciting journey to discover the gift of authentic femininity, holiness of life, and woman's purpose and mission in the world today. Taking the Blessed Virgin Mary as their exemplar and spiritual mother participants grow in the feminine virtues and the secrets of true fulfillment. The program takes a multi-faceted approach by exploring all aspects of the feminine person including her spirituality, psychology, emotional reality, and physical being. We meet Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 20 th from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in classroom 4. Cost is $30. Contact Teresa for more information at ignatiuswomen@yahoo.com Babysitting is available at low cost. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Registration Form Name: Phone Number: Email: Amount Enclosed: Interested in Babysitting? YES NO (Please Make Checks Payable to: St. Ignatius)
MINISTRY NEWS Page 7 Word In Action Adventures in Matthew: The King & His Kingdom Facilitated by: Deacon Sam Moschetto In anticipation of the 2016 Spring Season, Word In Action will be offering a comprehensive program on the Gospel of Matthew. The Adventures in Matthew is a 24-week course that will be presented in two, twelve-week semesters. This program is a combination of video and class room study. Jeff Cavin s provides comprehensive teaching and commentary on the Gospel of Matthew via Video presentations. A study guide book moves the participants through the Gospel with thoughtprovoking questions for home and class study. The Adventures in Matthew shows how Jesus builds on the foundation laid in the Old Testament to inaugurate the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. The study will show how Jesus is the completion of all the promises laid out in the Old Testament and links Jesus as it s fulfillment. Allowing time for the receipt of class materials, Deacon Sam is recommending pre-registration for the sessions that will begin on January 7, 2016. The Study Guide is a booklet that will require an offering of $25.00 from each student. Students who have already taken this course in 2009 and have the books do not need to re-buy the booklet. This material will be used for the entire two semester periods. Please consider joining the Word In Action community for this informative study by signing and returning the registration form below. Registration Form Name: Date: Telephone Number: *Student Study Materials: $25.00 Returning Student Name: *New students please make checks out to St. Ignatius Divorce Support Group Going through divorce? Already divorced? The Catholic s Divorce Survival Guide (CDSG) was created to bring hope and healing to divorced and separated Catholics. CDSG is open to ALL, regardless of faith or length of your separation or divorce. This powerful 12-week program utilizes DVD s featuring expert counselors, theologians, and priests along with stories from people who have suffered through divorce. Group discussion follows the DVD presentations. Christine and Jim Grieco will facilitate CDSG on Monday evenings from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in classrooms 2 and 3 of the Parish Life Center. An orientation session will be held on Monday January 11th from 7 to 8 p.m. The first regular session begins Monday January 25th. The group closes February 1st. Cost: $25 (includes materials) Please make checks payable to St. Ignatius of Antioch. For questions and to register call Christine at 727-519-3360 or at stigcatechism@gmail.com. For other information about the program, check www.catholicsdivorce.com. Get Your Tickets Now! Discover key ingredients to a healthy and happy marriage and take your relationship to a whole new level. Saturday, February 20th at 8 a.m. in the Church and the hall. Order tickets online for $25 per person at DynamicCatholic.com or call 859-980-7900. Knights of Columbus will be having their next Meeting this Thursday, December 17th in the hall near the kitchen.
Page 8 SCHOOL NEWS Guardian Angels Catholic School Christ is the foundation of Guardian Angels Catholic School, where pastors, administration, teachers, parents, and students, work together as a Catholic family, centered on Christ, to serve our Church, our school, and our community with a focus on faith, academic excellence, and the celebration of each unique child. CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION Guardian Angels students score above grade level in all subject areas High quality education in a private learning environment for your children at a low investment Home of 35 winners of the Raytheon MathMovesU scholarship competition the last three years Middle School Robotics and STEAM programs Scholarship opportunities for qualified applicants Currently, the only Pinellas County School to earn the distinction of a No Place for Hate educational institution Guardian Angels will begin the application process for the 2016-2017 school year soon. Interested parents may pick up applications for enrollment in the parish office beginning January 4th. After meeting with the Pastor, the completed application packet must be returned to Guardian Angels for processing. We invite you to come and see your parish school. Contact Cindy Malinski at cmalinski@gacsfl.com to schedule a tour! All prospective families are invited to an Open House on Thursday, January 21st from 8:30-10 a.m. or Wednesday, February 9th from 6:30-8 p.m. Stop by the school and see why providing a Catholic education at Guardian Angels is the best choice for your child. Story Time at GACS Fridays from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Come and join us for stories, crafts and playground fun!!!! Snack included. Open to all children ages 2 years and older (younger siblings welcome). This event is free and open to all. For more information contact Jane at jgrantham@gacsfl.com ECC Mother s Morning Out Wednesdays & Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. in classroom 8 of the Life Center. $10 per visit or 6 for $50 for ages 1 and walking to age 36 months. Questions? Contact the Early Childhood Center at 937-5427 St. Ignatius Early Childhood Center Ages 2-5 & Free VPK Call 937-5427 to schedule a tour.
DATE MASS INTENTIONS EVENTS Saturday, December 12 Third Sunday of Advent 4:00 p.m. + Fr. Michael Hannon 6:30 p.m. + Catherine Brady Food Drive with Advent Giving Tree Sunday, December 13 Third Sunday of Advent Zephaniah 3:14-18 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:10-18 Monday, December 14 St. John of the Cross Numbers 24:2-17 Matthew 21:23-27 Tuesday, December 15 Zephaniah 3:1-13 Matthew 21:28-32 Wednesday, December 16 Isaiah 45:6-25 Luke 7:18-23 Thursday, December 17 Genesis 49:2-10 Matthew 1:1-17 Friday, December 18 Jerimiah 23:5-8 Matthew 1:1-17 7:30 a.m. For an End to Abortions 9:00 a.m.. People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. + Michelina Venecia 6:00 p.m. + Donna Wann 7:30 a.m. + Isabella Bertuccio 9:00 a.m. + Maryann Dougherty 7:30 a.m. + Elizabeth Edmiston 9:00 a.m. + Michael Stalowicz 10:30 a.m. + Rita Quinn 7:30 a.m. For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 9:00 a.m. + David Connolly 7:30 a.m. + Barbara Burns 9:00 a.m. + Deceased Members of The Lynch Family 7:30 a.m. Special Intentions of Larry O Neil 9:00 a.m. + Gean Desiderio 10:00 a.m. Pre K, K 1, 2, 3,4, 5th Gr. Classes 10:00 a.m. Faith Formation Christmas Party 6:00 p.m. Life Night in hall & rooms Food Drive with Advent Giving Tree 9:30 a.m. Rosary Makers & Crafts in the hall 6:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1233 c12 7:00 p.m. Divorce Group c2-4 7:00 p.m. RCIA in hall & Chapel 7:00 p.m. RCIC c1,6 7:00 p.m. Divorce Group c2-4 7:00 p.m. Financial Peace University in the hall 6:00 a.m. Brothers in Christ in the hall 9:30 a.m. Mothers Morning Out c8 5:15 p.m. Children's Choir in the Church 6:30 p.m. 6-8th Gr Classes in Life Center 7:00 p.m. Close to Heart in Evang. Office 7:00 p.m. Incarcerated Support Group c1 9:30 a.m. Mothers Morning Out c8 10:20 a.m. Women s Council Christmas Party h 7:00 p.m. Church History in America c2,3 7:00 p.m. Word in Action c6 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir in the Church 7:00 p.m. Truth Seekers in Youth House 7:00 p.m. Ad. Confirmation in Evang. Office 7:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus kitchenside h 6:30 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1142 c7 7:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1124 c6 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts in rooms c2,3,4 7:00 p.m. Cub Pack Meeting c8-12 7:00 p.m. Edge Christmas Party in the hall Saturday, December 19 Judges 13:2-25 Luke 1:5-25 Saturday, December 19 Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent Micah 5:1-4 Hebrew 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 9:00 a.m. + W. Patrick McHugh 10:00 a.m. Polish School c7-12 4:00 p.m. + Charlie Wech 6:30 p.m. + Lynn A. Lumenti 7:30 a.m. + Joseph & Irene Wesol 9:00 a.m.. People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. + Salvatore & Loretta Gruppuso 6:00 p.m. + Michael Kevin Waters Keep Updated on Time & Event Changes and don t miss a thing! TAKE A LOOK AT...www.St.Ignatius.net myparishapp and on Facebook