Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas December 21, 2014 Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Bishop of Belleville We, the people of St. Clare Catholic Parish, In the Diocese of Belleville, are called by God in baptism to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Centered in the Eucharist, and strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we strive to live the Gospel and further the reign of God. We do this by creating a vibrant faith community, by actively promoting justice and evangelization, and by using our gifts in the service of God s people, to give God glory and reverence all of Creation. St. Clare of Assisi, Pray for Us! WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Nursery service during the 10:30 Mass. BAPTISM Preparation classes for parents are offered every other month for infant baptism. Call the Parish Office to sign up. Adults wishing to be baptized should also call the Office. RECONCILIATION Saturdays 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. or by appointment. Community celebrations are also offered every Advent and Lent. MATRIMONY Contact Pastor a year prior. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Communal celebrations twice a year, or by appointment. St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church 1411 Cross Street O Fallon, IL 62269 618/ 632-3562 618/ 632-9036 (fax) www.stclarechurch.org Fr. Jim Deiters Dennis Vander Ven Marcia Fix Jamae Shubirg Shirley Seipp John Harter Sr. Carolyn McWatters Tom Docter Jane Dotson Pastor Deacon Parish Secretary Administrative Assistant Business Manager Facilities Manager Liturgy & Music Director Accompanist Family Faith Formation ST. CLARE SCHOOL 632-6327 214 West Third Street, O Fallon, IL Milissa Faust Principal Gloria Schmidt Secretary Eileen Yahl Accountant MT. CALVARY CEMETERY 632-7631 Jim Deschesne Sexton PARISH TRUSTEES Michael Crupe John Dempsey ST. VINCENT DEPAUL 632-4270 Emergency Assistance
From Our Pastor... Our parish staff, Deacon Dennis Vander Ven and I express a special welcome to all visitors and all those in our midst who have been away and are coming home for Christmas. Thanks for making room in the pew for visitors. It is always encouraging to see the church so full for Christmas and I hope and pray that those returning to Church today will be inspired to join us every Sunday as we all seek to keep God and Sunday Mass as our top priority each week. Thanks to all of our parishioners who are here so faithfully each week to worship God and support your parish. St. Clare parish is a place of Christ s light and hope. Especially as we see an increase in violence and hatred and terrorism both locally and around the world, we as a parish will con nue to be a safe haven of peace, hospitality, and hope in all we say and do. Our open doors and prayerful liturgies are our way of being a manger of God s love and welcome to all! Think about how you are a sign of God s hospitality each me you greet someone at church whom you have not met before. In a world of isola on and individualism, we at St. Clare are commi ed to being a family community with care and concern for both our members and those beyond our doors. I am deeply gra tude to everyone who sent me a card or gi for Christmas. It is such a joy to be your pastor and I am so grateful for your support, love, and prayers throughout the year. Please no ce the bulle n insert that lists all of the upcoming ac vi es and faith forma on opportuni es coming up in the next few months. I am challenging each person to sign up for at least one or two of these faith growth opportuni es. May the Christ Child bring you Peace and Joy! Fr. Jim Deiters PS. Be sure to check out our parish website stclarechurch.org for weekly updates of parish ac vi es and other informa on. My Sunday homily is also posted on our website each Monday for your reflec on. The office staff of St Clare Parish wishes to extend to you our warmest wishes for a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! We are so grateful to everyone who helps make our parish the dynamic, faith-filled community it is. God's choicest blessings be yours! Jane Dotson Marcia Fix Sister Carolyn McWatters Shirley Seipp Jamae Shubirg December 20 Darcy Benway Trish Wang Terry Jordan Benjamin Dalman Kyle Sternberg December 21 Pauline Puttmann Jean Coveleskie Sheila Cope Jerry Glaze John Geis Whitney Rapp Chelsea Corpuz Gabrielle Kennedy Emma Ratermann December 22 Sally Ayoob Larry Mayfield Katie Szwedo Mark Berens Noel Tweedel Sally Tipton Bob Braswell, Jr. Jim Hooper Gwenevere Phillips Tiffany Drexl Salvador Vargas Jacob Hopper Sophia Ratajczyk Ashley Walker Jake Hug Caroline Palagi December 23 Nancy Buttimer Martin Benoit Erin Dunn Erin Klaus Carter Spellman December 24 Kelley Hemesath Season Laflam Jesus Gonzalez Christina Gonzales December 25 Mike Crupe Wilma Seel Rich Burke John Jackson Marion Meduga Kelly Swettenham Phillip Glennon Kennedy Shamblin Alicia Jimenez December 26 Donna Sparks Sarah Klostermann Audra Driscoll Colton Brown December 27 Anne King Brian Kocher Brian Huelsmann Renee Mueth Natalie Hopper Peyton Randolph Ashley Dolson Jude Holtgrave December 28 Douglas Walton Kathleen Walton Michelle Reilly Brian Gruenloh George Boone Matthew Freebairn Chad Mayden Bryant Beykirch Connor Duckworth Amanda O Neil Andrew Walters Taryn Geis
MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent 5:00 p.m. Dolores Harvilla James Gregory Sunday, December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:30 a.m. Skip Keniley Patrick Garde 10:30 a.m. For Our Parish Monday, December 22 Late Advent Weekday 12:00 p.m. Charlo e and Sharon Sandheinrich Tuesday, December 23 Late Advent Weekday Saint John of Kanty, Priest 7:30 a.m. Russell V. Thoman, Sr. Wednesday, December 24 The Na vity of the Lord Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m. Norma Axmacher Vincent and Marian Schifferdecker 11:00 p.m. Eleanor Thoman and Brian Hendricks Thursday, December 25 The Na vity of the Lord Christmas 10:00 a.m. Bob Waeltz Friday, December 26 Saint Stephen, The First Martyr 7:30 a.m. No Mass Saturday, December 27 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 5:00 p.m. Evere Tru mann Sunday, December 28 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 8:30 a.m. Cletus Becherer 10:30 a.m. Mass of Thanksgiving 30th Wedding Anniversary Kathy and Jeff Sjoquist Christmas Eve Masses 4:30 and 11:00 p.m. Christmas Morning 10:00 a.m. Prelude Music one half hour before each Mass Weekly Readings for December 22-28 Monday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Tuesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Thursday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 Friday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Saturday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 105:1-6, 8-9; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or Hb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40 [22, 39-40] Next Weekend December 27/28 Cantors Saturday 5:00 pm Donna Kloustermeyer Sunday 8:30 am Simone Wheeler 10:30 am Colleen Mruzick Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Saturday 5:00 pm Barb Kovach, Tom Grimmig, Dennis Holdener Scott Brown, Michael DeCarpentry, Nancy Buttimer Nancy Buttimer, Carl Lurk, Makayla Saltmarsh, April Leo Tom & Mary Lou Pawlow*, Robin Bandy*, Steve Bovich* Sunday 8:30 am Kathy DeVan, John & Suzie Durnford, Mark O Connor Jim, Pennie & Sarah Pavlisin, John Gomez, Marie Berry Pat Day*, Bob & Michelle Crain*, Audra Driscoll* Sunday 10:30 am Mark Arbogast, Deb Torres, James Hopper, Gina Beal Dominic & Rena Sabatino, Richard Smith, Kathy Sjoquist Lea Bautz, Stephanie Chambers*, Mary Anne Burroughs* Mandi Huelsmann*, Anne Shambro* Lectors Saturday 5:00 pm Deb Torres & Margaret Andrasko Sunday 8:30 am Brian Kloustermeyer & Jim Collins Sunday 10:30 am Dan & Tara Ashbaker Servers Saturday 5:00 pm Milton Saltmarsh, Asher Henson Alyssa Thoman, Nathan Lampe Sunday 8:30 am J. Treasure Basa, Jacob & Jordan Nguyen, Lindsey Berry 10:30 am Nolan Gavin, Isabelle & Victoria Day, Alyssa Faigal Ushers Saturday 5:00 pm Michael & Carole Dowling Bennett, Hal Harris John Boysha, Josh Gansauer, Richie Meile Sunday 8:30 am Pat Jurgensmeyer, Chris Artime, Walt Leninsky Don Proffer, John Bechtoldt Sunday 10:30 am Jason Holzum, Debbie Oitker, Tyler McDaniel John Meise, Paulo D Amico, Mark Stevens Gift Bearers Saturday 5:00 pm Lee & Anne Crowe Sunday 8:30 am Ryan, Alicia, Madison, Brady & Logan Luechtefeld 10:30 am Paulo & Sherry D Amico Greeters Saturday 5:00 pm Bo, Cyndi, Eli & Olivia Butters Sunday 8:30 am Judy Lemansky, Lee Strayhorn, Judy Wylie 10:30 am Blaine, Debbie & Spencer Phillips Sound Board Saturday 5:00 pm David Schmitz 8:30 am Parker Crain 10:30 am Gary Goldberg Bread Bakers Dave Pierson, Sarah Mattingly, Laura Jines Children s Word Saturday 5:00 pm Lucy Ueda & Sophia Cherry Sunday 8:30 am Pat Vollmer & Megan Blair 10:30 am Barb Smith Nursery Rose Tanner & Rachel Sabella Please pray for the sick, their loved ones and caregivers; may they never lose sight of the love of God Jennifer R. Barajas, Wray Barr, Alex Brown, Joe Burroughs, Shirley Carroll, Joan Cavins, George Covington, Lori Dalton, June Dean, Dennis & Delores Dumstorff, Rita Ferreri, Mildred Gerardi, Mike and Linda Gilkerson, Hannah Grubofski, Patricia Gundlach, Rita Haukapp, Jessica Holmes, Boston Johnson, Rosemarie Jones, Pauline Keller, Dan Kimutis, Dawn Papproth Kuhn, Virginia Leninsky, Abelina Leon, Vincent Lepes, Mary Lugge, John Molnar, Mary Molnar, Nona Morgan, Helen Murphy, Margaret Nettles, Katie Paulochk, Thomas Peters, Doris Prosser, Lynn Robke Crutcher, Madelean Sanford, Michael Schmitz, Craig Seipp, Dick Seipp, Diane Gettis-Simmons, Betty & Jean Stogner, Michelle Strube, Pat Thompson, Betty Tomasovich, Jake Van Hook, Virginia Woods, Norman Wright Please pray for all our military families, especially those who will be apart this Christmas.
Stewardship Share God s Gifts You have been given wonderful gi s from God...Will you share them? Christmas Blessings And All Good Things In the Coming New Year As we gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior and reflect on how abundantly our God has blessed us, it s fi ng to consider how we, as good stewards, can share our gi s. St. Clare Parish now offers a quick, easy on-line giving op on: WeShare. A simple click on our parish home page, www.stclarechurch.org, will lead you step-by-step through giving via credit card, debit, checking or savings. The WeShare site allows you to direct your dona ons to specific funds and causes. For example: St. Clare Parish mortgage Guatemala Fund and Scholarships St. Vincent DePaul Society Mt. Calvary Cemetery upkeep End-of-year gi ing Whether you chose to make a single gi or set up a recurring draw for regular thing, WeShare gives you complete control of your giving. Unlike bank dra s, you have the ability to increase, decrease, or modify the amount or frequency of your giving on your own me, day or night, from anywhere in the world. With WeShare there s no more digging for the checkbook, searching for a pen, or trying to remember envelopes for special collec ons. Stewardship made simple! God has blessed us in so many ways...and its never been easier to SHARE. Winter is here Cold weather apparel Needed! Winter has arrived with a vengeance and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul desperately needs winter weather clothing to distribute to those in need. Gently used or new coats, scarves, hats and gloves/mi ens of all types in all sizes for all ages toddlers, children, teens and adults, men and women are requested. Check your closets and donate today!! Special Request for Beds If you have a twin, double, queen or king size bed you no longer need, please call SVDP to arrange for a pick up or for addi onal informa on. Other furniture and appliances in good working condi on are also always needed. Thank you for caring! CALL SVDP AT 394-0126, EXT. 12 OR 13 Get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!...turn then and live. The Prophets of the Old Testament Learn about the mission of these chosen Messengers of God. Be inspired by their call to personal conversion and reconcilia on. Be renewed in God s promise of love and unfailing mercy. You won t want to miss this fascina ng chapter of salva on history. Please join us Wed., January 14 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the library of St. Clare Church. For more informa on please visit our website at: www.thecornerstonescripturestudy.org or call Kathleen at 618-398-5122. Women of the Parish...Don t miss your chance for a life changing weekend! The next Women s Renewal Weekend will be held February 14-15. This is a wonderful opportunity to slow down your world, no cooking, no work, no demands for just one weekend. Come, listen to powerful stories of faith and hope from other women. There will be lots of good food, laughter, prayer me and friendships that will last forever. Most of all, come feel God s uncondi onal love for you. It s me for YOU and your loving God to spend a weekend together! Please pray for and encourage our Seminarians! St. Clare Parish is blessed to have seminarians from three of our parish families this year. Joel Seipp and Nick Fleming, both of whom grew up in St. Clare Parish and graduated from St. Clare School, are discerning the priesthood and began their studies this fall. Brother Rinju Chenet s family are new parishioners. Joel Seipp Sacred Heart School Theology and Seminary P.O. Box 429 Hales Corners, WI 53130-0429 Nicholas Fleming Kennrich-Glennon College Seminary 5200 Glennon Drive St. Louis, MO 63119 Brother Rinju Chenet Institute of the Incarnate Word 3706 Rhode Island Avenue Mt. Rainier, MD 20712 Sunday, December 6/7 Tithe.$19,460.32 New Church.$10,212.00 One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer; Another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24
Stop at our Lighthouse Kiosk in the Gathering Space to find some wonderful Catholic CDs and Books for friends and family. They make great gi s for young and old, anyone considering the Catholic faith or those who have dri ed from the Church. Below are some tles--a bargain at only $3.00 a CD and $4.00 a Book. Plus, we also have beau ful handmade wooden Rosaries from Vietnam for $3.00. This week we highlight: The Mystery of Christmas by Fr. Larry Richards Fr. Larry Richards gets to the heart of the Mystery of Christmas beginning with the most important event in history, the Incarna on God taking on flesh and becoming the greatest Gi of all me. With one word, God names Jesus into being our Hope, Joy and Savior. That which the universe cannot hold became contained in a womb as a ny, helpless baby. Delve into this great talk as Fr. Larry moves from Christmas surprises to God s delight in surprising us; singing Christmas carols of baby Jesus to teaching us to visualize and experience scenes of Jesus as we pray the rosary, taking Mary s place in the room with the angel s words, Be not afraid, (words that are found 365 mes in the Bible) and holding baby Jesus in our arms a er His birth; ending with the message God wants us to know in our lives today - that He is Emmanuel, God with us. Embrace Jesus this Christmas! Advent and Christmas Best Sellers for Adults and Young Adults: A Journey Through Advent Fr. Robt Barron (former teacher of Fr. Jim) Prepare the Way of the King Dr. Scott Hahn My Spiritual Journey Matthew Kelly God Made Man Fr. Shannon Collins Angels Explained: What You Should Know About the Nine Choirs The Mystery of Christmas Fr. Larry Richards Glory to the New Born King a collection of Christmas hymns Great Youth and Young Adult Titles: Is God on Your ipod? No Imitations Chris Stephanick Relativism Chris Stephanick How to Save Your Marriage Before Meeting Your Spouse Jason Evert Plus Many Other Great CD Titles to Choose From St. Clare Movie Night Saturday, January 3 A er the 5:00 Mass In the Fellowship Hall Mary of Nazareth Mark your calendars! Bring an hors d oeuvres Or dessert to share. This highly acclaimed movie Is 153 minutes. Please RSVP as soon as possible if you need babysi ng! Walk in the Light" A Choral Celebration of Christmas Join the choirs of St Clare and St Nicholas on the Feast of the Epiphany Sunday, January 4, at 6:30pm as we conclude the Christmas season with a joyful celebration in song! Audience participation included. The program will be held at St. Nicholas and followed by a lovely reception. All are welcome! Joy in the Journey Retreat for Men January 9 at 6 pm until January 11 at 1 pm Accept God s invitation to grow closer to Him and change your life in just one weekend. King s House Retreat Center, Belleville Take a break to pray, rest and reflect on your relationship with God. Register with Leonard Ratajczyk at 292-6853 or lenratajczyk@gmail.com by January 5.
PSR Parish School of Religion www.stclarechurch.org CLASSES MEET 10:30 11:40 on Sundays St. Clare School, 214 West Third Street Dec. 21 Dec. 28 Jan. 4 Jan. 11 NO PSR Christmas Break NO PSR Christmas Break PSR Class PSR Class Student s CPP Training Youth Group Schedule Dec. 21 Luke 18 planning meeting 10:30 Mass and then meeting at St. Nicholas Dec. 21 and 28 No Youth Group Merry Christmas!! Jan. 4 Luke 18 planning meeting for high school and college leaders at Noon at Corpus Christi No Youth Group Meeting Jan. 11 Youth Group 6 7:30 p.m. Youth Room in Basement of Parish Office All are welcome any time. No registration needed! Luke 18 Attention High School Seniors Required planning meeting for Luke 18 leaders! Sunday, December 21 at St. Nicholas Church 10:30 Mass/Meeting after in Youth Center. All high school leaders will meet on: January 4: Noon meeting at Corpus Christi If you cannot attend, you must let Amber know at 530-0870 or love2sing85@hotmail.com and attend a make up meeting. Confirmation Schedule: Jan. 5 Turn in Saint Name for approval. Feb. 1 Confirmation Saint Report due Feb. 8 Letter to Bishop Braxton due Feb. 8 Confirmation Activity Night First Communion Parent Night Knowing and Loving the Eucharist Tuesday, January 20 6:30 8:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Free babysitting: RSVP at 632-3562 or janeadotson@yahoo.com Two Special Youth Events; High School and College Youth Winter Blast at The Edge Sunday, January 25 from 5 8 p.m. Includes laser tag, pizza and soda $16 per person. (Let Karen or Kassie know) 6th Annual St. Clare Youth Dodgeball Tourney Feb. 8 from 12:30 3 at St. Clare School Gym Also Apples to Apples and other games! Free and open to everyone in grades 7 12. Crazy 8 s Christmas Party December 21 from 5-7 Fellowship Hall Bring a $5 gift for a gift exchange Open to all 7th & 8th graders, bring a friend! Parents: We need snacks & helpers! Thanks! The Event of a Lifetime! National Catholic Youth Conference November 19-22, 2015 in Indianapolis All Parish Youth in grades 9-12 next fall are invited to join us at this amazing event!! If you missed the informational Meeting and want to know more, please contact Youth Leader Karen Jalbert at 610-9149 Or Jane Dotson at the parish office Or janeadotson@yahoo.com.
ALTAR ANGELS December 27: Connie Garre, Cathy Sweeney, Carol Williamson ADULT FAITH FORMATION We have many wonderful opportuni es for you to grow in your faith. Look over the flyer in this week s bulle n or visit our website for more informa on. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE sponsored by The Rotary Club of O Fallon Friday, December 26 from 3 7 p.m. at St. Clare School Cafeteria. To schedule an appointment go to redcrossblood.org (enter Sponsor Code: RotaryOfallon) or call 1-800-RED CROSS. All donors will receive a special t-shirt, while supplies last. Please bring a valid photo ID. THANKS to our wonderful supporters of youth who helped us create 24 college care packages and 72 high school study bags for finals. Our youth appreciate your care and concern! EUCHARISTIC ADORATION will be held here at St. Clare on New Years Eve beginning at 11 p.m. and con nuing through the night un l 9:40 a.m. followed by Mass at 10. SAINT JUDE S CRUSADERS, a local charity, is invi ng you to help the community by dona ng or purchasing a 6 to 10 #1 grade Fraser Fir. This is our 8th year and we have donated tens of thousands of dollars to families in need. We are located at Gators Frozen Custard on Highway 50. Hours of opera on: Monday-Friday 11 9; Saturday 10 6 and Sunday Noon to 6. NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS WAY OF LIGHTS Experience the Story of Christmas 5 9 p.m. nightly through January 2. This mile and a half drive features over one million lights. Visit the Children s Village, Laser Show, Souvenir Photos, Pe ng Zoo and Carriage Rides. Visit the website WayofLights.org today. BIBLE STUDY An in depth study on the Gospel of Mark begins Tuesday, January 13 for 10 weeks. Cost is $20. Please contact the parish office by January 1 so books can be ordered. ST. CLARE SCHOOL NEWS The school s long me crossing guard, Mr. Tom Hurlbert, recently re red a er 13 years of service! He worked in the mornings and a ernoons just outside of school, helping the students and parents cross the street safely. Mr. Tom was recognized by the school and also by Mayor Gary Graham for his years of dedica on. We thank him for his years of service and wish him a happy re rement! St. Clare School Alumni Reunion!! Saturday, December 27 7:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall, O Fallon For additional information, Contact Laura Adkins at lauradaly2000@yahoo.com Indeed, the increasing devastation of the world of nature is apparent to all. It results from the behavior of people who show a callous disregard for the hidden, yet perceivable requirements of the order and harmony which govern nature itself. The most profound and serious indication of the moral implications underlying the ecological problem is the lack of RESPECT FOR LIFE evident in many patterns of environmental pollution. Often, the interests of production prevail over concern for the dignity of workers, while economic interests take priority over the good of individuals and even entire peoples "On another level, delicate ecological balances are upset by the uncontrolled destruction of animal and plant life or by a reckless exploitation of natural resources. It should be pointed out that all of this, even if carried out in the name of progress and well- being is ultimately to mankind's disadvantage." (Pope John Paul II, World Day of Peace Message 1990) MONDAY MOMS! Faith Based Study & Prayer Activities, Support Group, Play Time St. Clare Church Nursery 2nd and 4th Mondays each Month 9:30 11 a.m. For more information, call Stephanie at 573-424-6733