Nativity of Mary Church and School 10017 E 36th Terrace Independence, MO 64052 Parish: (816) 353-2184 School: (816) 353-0284 Web: www.nativityofmary.org My attitude must be Christ s. - Philippians 2:5 Parish Staff Rev. Robert Stone, Pastor Mrs. Mary Parrish, Principal Melissa Clancy, Business Manager New Parishioners If you are new to our parish and would like more information please contact the Parish Office. Pastoral Care Sacraments for the Sick. Fr. Bob Stone, 353-2184, ext. 404 Mass Schedule Monday: 8:30 a.m. Communion Service Weekday: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday - Friday Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Day: 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Confessions Saturday: 3:00 p.m. or by Appointment Pastoral visits to the Homebound and Hospitals. Paula Cassity, 353-2184, ext. 401 Emergency Assistance Contact St. Mary s Food Pantry and Clothes Closet - 252-8649 Youth Ministry Debbie Page, 353-2184, ext. 408 School School, Early Childhood and Extended Care Carmen Wolfgeher, 353-0284 Sacrament Preparation Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Adult Initiation (RCIA), and Matrimony Contact the parish office for information Music Ministry Maria Milazzo, 353-2184, ext 407 Parish Ministry Council Chris Walter - Chair Diocesan Victim s Advocate Kathleen Chastain 816.392.0011 or chastain@diocesekcsj.org Ombudsman Jenifer Valenti, 816-812-2500 or JeniferValenti@att.net
DECEMBER 31, 2017 - THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH MASS INTENTIONS Sat., Dec. 30 - Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Family 4:00PM + Sir Knight Harold D. Knipp Sunday, Dec. 31 - The Feast of the Holy Family 8:00AM + Harold Knipp 10:30AM + Al Flowers & Caterina DeGaetano Monday, January 1 - Solemnity of Mary 8:30AM COMMUNION SERVICE Tuesday, January 2 - Sts. Basil & Gregory Nazianzen 8:30AM + Don Hodes Wednesday, January 3 - The Most Holy Name of Jesus 8:30AM + Elvera Hensley, Alice & James Turner Thursday, January 4 - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 8:30AM + Oscar Byrd & Mary Therese Carroll Friday, January 5 - St. John Neumann 8:30AM For the Poor Souls in Purgatory Saturday, January 6 - Vigil of the Epiphany 4:00PM + Celestine Pioch Sunday, January 7 - The Feast of the Epiphany 8:00AM Intentions of Carole Byrd Weaver 10:30AM + Thelma Bruehl & Pete Quiroga PLEASE PRAY FOR: Vern/Margaret Ault Cynthia/Dennis Jones Grace Rottinghaus Maxine Breunig Paula Kienberger Mike Singleton Steve Christensen George Lambros Patrick Singleton John Clarke Dan Mangold Bernice/Norm Steffen Kelly Cook Betty Mascal George Timko, Jr. Bob DeSchepper Jack McEnroe Annette Torbert Roni Durkee Mary Pappas John Tuccillo Mary Enyart Juan/Mary Perez Mary Vitt Garry Gagnon Carlos Pinon Carol Byrd Weaver Barbara Garrett Steve Reasoner Alyssa Webb Mike Guthrie Mike Rooney Beth Whorton Marla Herbst Justin Rothove Daniel Wheeler Vicky Hohlbaugh Jeromy Rothove Ayden Wright READINGS OF THE WEEK FOR JANUARY 1-7, 2018 Monday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:29 -- 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Friday: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-5; Jn 1:43-51 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION There's no more unusual setting to celebrate today's Feast of the Holy Family than Barcelona, Spain and the towering unfinished sandcastle known officially as the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. In 1882, the plan was hatched to build a vast place of worship in reparation for the revolutionary and liberal leanings of the city. The modern artist Antoni Gaudi dedicated his life to the project, living in the building, attending Mass daily, and giving up his personal wealth. When people pressed him to pick up the pace, he responded, "My client is not in a hurry." (Gaudi's cause for beatification is moving along, and he could be the first professional artist and architect to be beatified.) The Spanish Civil War, a disaster for the Catholic Church in which thousands of priests, brothers, and nuns were murdered, halted work in 1935. In the 1950s work began anew, speeded up by computers in the 1980s. Still, the final stage of construction is not due to end until 2026. If the original methods had stayed in place, it would take several hundred more years to complete the plan. So far there are eight towers, with four to go. The highest steeple is three feet shorter than the nearest hill, since the architect didn't want his work to surpass God's artistry. The three faces of the basilica each have three doors, with the faces named Passion, Nativity, and Grace. The interior is crammed with geometric figures that almost seem to spin, crazy-quilt windows, spiral staircases, and jumbles of statues and figures. Although inspired by ancient Gothic cathedrals, the style is called Expressionist, and very little is left unexpressed by the masonry. If you can't afford a visit, Sagrada Familia maintains a web site, and virtual visits are free. -Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.
DECEMBER 31, 2017 - PARISH NEWS Did You Know Because the Solemnity of Mary, January 1, is a holyday but not a holyday of obligation, there will not be mass on Monday but there will be a Communion Service as usual. The Ministry Center will be closed. Worship Space Debt The 25th annual Support Our Seminarians Benefit Dinner Dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of the Americas Friday, January 26, 2018-5:30-10:00 p.m. Union Station, 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, Missouri This event benefits seminarians from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Conception Seminary College. It promises to be an evening filled with fun and laughter, celebrating our Catholic faith, dining on wonderful food, and socializing with our priests and seminarians! We have wonderful speakers this year, Archbishop James P. Kelleher, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, Fr. Jerry Arano-Ponce, and Paul Sappington who is in Pre-Theology II at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. The reservation price is $175 per person at tables of ten people. To reserve your place, or an entire table, or donate to the marketplace or VIP silent auction, contact: Martha Hodes (913-207-9893 or mmmhsos512@gmail.com. Check our new website: www.supportourseminarians.com. NATIVITY OF MARY CONTRIBUTION REPORT 12/16/2017 & 12/17/2017 Envelopes $ 6,139.00 Plate $ 731.00 Worship Space $ 4,769.00 Pisces Fund $ 40.00 Utility Fund $ - EFT $ 300.00 Credit Card $ - Online Giving $ 4,104.77 Poor Box $ 56.00 Total $ 16,139.77 Tuition/Registration Fees 17-18 $ 7,542.80 Devotional candles are kept in the kiosk. If you would like to light one just ask an usher for assistance. There is a slot and envelopes available in the kiosk to place your $5 donation. If you have a suggestion, concern, or comment you would like the Parish Ministry Council to address there are cards on the kiosk for you to fill out and drop in the slot. Please continue to recycle your junk mail, office papers, newspapers, etc. Our recycle bin is in the south parking lot behind school. Please save pop tabs, boxtops and Best Choice barcodes for our school. You can drop them off at the school or church. Gluten-free hosts are available. Talk to Fr. Bob before Mass.
DECEMBER 31, 2017 - JANUARY 20, 2018 CALENDAR Sunday 31 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass January 1 8:30AM Communion Serv. Tuesday 2 9AM - Quilters 6PM - PTO Mtg. Wednesday 3 Thursday 4 7PM - Altar Society Meeting Friday 5 9AM-Noon Eucharistic Adoration Saturday 6 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 7PM - RCIA 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 7 8:30AM Communion Serv. Noon - 2PM 8 9AM - Quilters 7PM - RCIA 9 7PM Choir Rehearsal 10 11 6:30PM - PTO Mtg 7PM Ministry Council 12 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 13 7PM - Book Club 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 9AM Choir Rehearsal 14 15 8:30AM Communion Serv. 9AM - Quilters 5:30PM - Liturgy Committee Mtg. 16 5:30PM - Finance Council Meeting 17 18 19 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 20 6PM - PTO Mtg. 7PM - RCIA
DECEMBER 31, 2017 - THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH "[H]e thought the one who had made the promise was trustworthy." Abraham trusted in God, although what God had promised seemed impossible. And yet, God fulfilled his promise to Abraham and Sarah and gave them a much-longed-for son, through whom the people would be as numerous as the stars of the sky. Mary and Joseph fulfilled the law of God by bringing Jesus to the temple for the customary rites. They obeyed the law of the Lord, even though it could be argued that Jesus, being God, was exempt from the law. We see in their example how faith in God is considered "an act of righteousness." We can follow in their footsteps and believe that the Lord is one whose promises are trustworthy. GOD S WORD HAS BEEN FULFILLED In this joyous Christmas time, it is fitting that we turn our attention from all the angels and shepherds and kings to take a look at the more intimate picture of the Holy Family in their ordinary life. They come with Jesus to consecrate him to the Lord, as is written in the law, and they come upon Simeon and Anna, prophets of the Lord, who have amazing things to say about this child and Mary, his mother. One can wonder what Mary must have thought when Simeon told her that "you yourself a sword will pierce." We interpret that in hindsight she would suffer greatly at the crucifixion of her beloved son. But what must she have thought at the possible literal interpretation of this prophecy? And yet she was, as always, obedient to God and accepting of God's word for her. TWO PROPHETS Simeon and Anna recognized in this infant the Messiah of God. Both were "righteous and devout" and prayed in the temple constantly. Simeon spoke at length to Mary and Joseph about this child, and Anna proclaimed to all the salvation of Israel in Jesus. Throughout the centuries, God had made use of many prophets to proclaim the coming of Jesus, as Jesus explained to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after his death and resurrection. But people, being hard-hearted and somewhat clueless, did not recognize these prophecies as referring to the Messiah and later, to Jesus. Many in his time heeded the words of the prophets and believed, but many walked away. To those who believed, he gave the words of eternal life. They believed that "the one who had made the promise was trustworthy." These loving parents would protect and raise this miraculous child, and he "grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him." Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Company When Jesus is presented in the Temple, our Blessed Mother formally offers him to God s service without reservation. It is a service that Simeon prophetically foretells: a service to God that will turn the old laws and cultural norms upside down. Are we destined to hold on to old habits and customs tightly or like Jesus, are we willing to serve the Lord and proclaim the Gospel in new and creative ways? Catholic Stewardship December 2017 e-bulletin The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to combating sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or if you observe or suspect sexual abuse: 1. Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.392.3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and 2. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and 3. After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the Diocesan Ombudsman, Jenifer Valenti, at 816.812.2500 or JeniferValenti@att.net, if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please contact Victim Advocate, Kathleen Chastain, at 816.392.0011 or chastain@diocesekcsj.org for more information.
DECEMBER 31, 2017 - THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Mission Advancement Part-time Job The Kansas City Mission Advancement Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, has an opening for a part-time Mission Advancement Assistant. The Mission Advancement Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to the Kansas City Mission Advancement Office, reporting to the Kansas City Regional Director of Mission Advancement. The successful candidate will have experience in Microsoft Office, internet, ability to learn and use fund-raising software program, knowledge of basic accounting, planning, categorizing and filing, excellent oral and written communication skills. Before applying, please read entire job posting at: http://www.csjsl.org/job-openings.php. Please apply directly broberts@csjsl.org Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2018 St. Regis Trivia Night 8941 James A Reed Road, KCMO January 20, 2018 7:00-10:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall $15.00 per person Tickets available at the door Cash Prize for the 1st Place Team Door prizes to be raffled BYOB and Appetizers Beer/Wine/Soda available for donation Decorate your table with favorite trivia theme Snacks will be provided Hosted by St. Regis Knights of Columbus Council 13671 For the benefit of St. Regis Parish JANUARY 1ST - THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY We celebrated the liturgical feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary on January 1st, which is the Octave of Christmas. Only Christmas and Easter enjoy the privilege of an octave, which is an eight day extension of the feast. The honoring of Mary as the Mother of God can be traced back to the Council of Ephesus in 431. By the 7th century, January 1st was observed as a celebration of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the 13th century, the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ had come to replace the feast honoring Mary; however in 1751, after a push in Portugal for an official feast day celebrating Mary s divine maternity, Pope Benedict XIV allowed Portugal s churches to devote a feast to Mary on the first Sunday in May. Eventually, the feast extended to other countries, and in 1914 began to be observed on October 11. In 1931, Pope Pius XI extended the feast to the entire church, and in 1974, Pope Paul VI removed the feast of the Circumcision of Christ from the liturgical calendar and replaced it with the feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, bringing Mary s feast day back to the first day of the year. The feast is a celebration of Mary s motherhood of Jesus. The title Mother of God is a western derivation from the Greek Theotokos, which means God-bearer. On this day, we are reminded of the role that the Blessed Virgin played in the plan of our salvation. Through the Holy Spirit, God the Father prepared Mary to be the dwelling place where His Son and His Spirit could dwell among men. Christ s birth was made possible by Mary s fiat, or sanctioning of God s plan with her words, Be it done to me according to thy word. Calling Mary Mother of God is the highest honor we can give to her. Just as Christmas honors Jesus as the Prince of Peace, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God honors Mary as the Queen of Peace. New Year s Day is also designated as the World Day of Peace, further acknowledging the role of Mary in our hearts and in our world.