St John the Baptist Catholic Church THE LITURGICAL WEEK www.stjohntryon.com MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, December 14 4:30pm - Edward Fortune Sunday, December 15 8:30am - For the Living and Deceased Members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 11:00am - Wilmer Benner 12:30pm - Patricia Schlueter Monday, December 16 8:30am - Rick Otto Tuesday, December 17 7:00am - Priest s Intention Wednesday, December 18 5:15pm - Dale McLean Thursday, December 19 8:30am - Deceased Members of the Tedrahn Family Friday, December 20 8:30am - Shirley Gramley Saturday, December 21 4:30pm - Edwina Brodzinski Sunday, December 22 8:30am - Jim Kenny 11:00am - For the Living and Deceased Members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 12:30 - Jan Tenery THE SANCTUARY LIGHTS are lit this week for Bill & Marlene Mazurek Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. ~St. John the Baptist (John 1:29) CONFESSION **Sundays 7:30-8:15am Mondays 7:30-8:15am **Tuesdays 6:15-6:45am Wednesdays 4:00-5:00pm **Thursdays 7:30-8:15pm Fridays 7:30-8:15am Saturdays 3:30-4:15pm DEVOTIONS ADORATION Wednesday at 5:45pm MORNING PRAYER After Mass on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET After Morning Prayer on Monday PRAYERS FOR OUR SICK & SHUT-INS Please remember the infirmed of our parish, especially those who, by request, have been placed on our parish prayer intention list. Added to our Prayer List are Barbara Wilson Gabriella Carella If you would like to be added to this list, please call the parish office. You may also call for a copy of the prayer list. UT IN OMNIBUS GLORIFICETUR DEUS! DECEMBER 15, 2013
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT! SPIRITUAL READING & REFLECTION NEXT SUNDAY S GOSPEL READING SAINT OF THE WEEK DECEMBER 21 PETER CANISIUS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR MATTHEW 1:18-24 T his is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us. When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE Before he set out for Germany he is rightly called the second apostle of that country Saint Peter Canisius received the apostolic blessing, and underwent a profound spiritual experience. He describes it in these words. Eternal High Priest, you allowed me in your boundless goodness to commend the fruit and confirmation of that blessing to your apostles, to whom men go on pilgrimage to the Vatican and who there work wonders under your guidance. It was there that I experienced great consolation and the presence of your grace, offered to me through these great intercessors. They too gave their blessings, and confirmed the mission to Germany; they seemed to promise their good will to me as an apostle of that country. You know, Lord, how strongly and how often you committed Germany to my care on that very day: I was to continue to be solicitous for it thereafter, I was to desire to live and die for it. At length, it was as if you opened to me the heart in your most sacred body: I seemed to see it directly before my eyes. You told me to drink from this fountain, inviting me, that is, to draw the waters of my salvation from your wellsprings, my Savior. I was most eager that streams of faith, hope and love should flow into me from that source. I was thirsting for poverty, chastity, obedience. I asked to be made wholly clean by you, to be clothed by you, to be made resplendent by you. So, after daring to approach your most loving heart and to plunge my thirst in it, I received a promise from you of a garment made of three parts: these were to cover my soul in its nakedness, and to belong especially to my religious profession. They were peace, love and perseverance. Protected by this garment of salvation, I was confident that I would lack nothing but all would succeed and give you glory. From The Office of Readings, From the writings by St. Peter Canisius, priest THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED! PAGE 2
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH! PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS If you or anyone you know is homebound or hospitalized, even temporarily, please call the office so that we may arrange for them to be visited by one of our Extraordinary Ministers. With your help we can make certain everyone is taken care of. Thank you! For sacramental emergencies, please call 828-859-9574, ext. 6 FAREWELL AND GOODBYE Dear Parishioners, On December 29, 2013, I will be leaving St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. I wish to express my heartfelt THANKS for having had the priviledge of serving as your Deacon here at St. John s, during the past four years. Because of health related issues, I've requested Bishop Peter J. Jugis to allow me to retire. My wife Gloria and I will be moving to Atlanta, Georgia to be with our daughter. My ministry here at St. John Church has principally been with the sick and the dying for which I've been honored to meet some wonderful people and to assist others in their journey in being called home. My life has been at the Service of the Gospel because God has granted me this gift of His Grace to serve here at St. John the Baptist Church. THANK YOU and may GOD keep you in His Love for one another. Deacon Joe OFFERTORY COLLECTION Budgeted Offertory $ 7,038 Dec. 7 th & 8 th $ 7,579 Surplus $ 541 Retirement Fund for Religious $ 2,490 THE O ANTIPHONS OF ADVENT The Roman Church has been singing the "O Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. December 17 O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! December 18 O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! December 19 O Root of Jesse s stem, sign of God s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! December 20 O Key of David, opening the gates of God s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! December 21 O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. December 22 O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! December 23 O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God! From "Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers" UT IN OMNIBUS GLORIFICETUR DEUS! PAGE 3
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT! 2013 Christmas Mass Schedule Tuesday, December 24 th 4:00 pm 6:30 pm 12:00 Midnight Wednesday, December 25 th 9:30am YOU'RE INVITED THIS SUNDAY DECEMBER 15 TH "O ANTIPHONS LESSONS AND CAROLS" 4:00PM IN THE CHURCH In the spirit of Advent, pause and be joyful with the children and youth of St. John for an hour program of scripture, poetry and song. Be prepared to sing some of your favorite Christmas and Advent hymns. THE 2014 OFFERTORY ENVELOPES Everyone who received offertory envelopes last year has a new 2014 offertory envelope box with YOUR name on it, ready for pick up today! The envelopes are in the church social hall, arranged in ALPHABETICAL order. Please pick up only the envelope box with your name on it. If there is not a box with your name on it or you wish to receive a box, please contact Kelli Wood in the parish office. THE FOOD BANK COLLECTION...for December has been moved to December 21 st & 22 nd. Items needed: jelly, syrup, handsoap, soup, instant potatoes. Or, donate by way of the second collection. Thank you. THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD IS JAN. 1 ST This is a holy day of obligation. The Mass schedule is: December 31 st Vigil Mass at 6:00pm January 1 st Masses at 8:30am and 5:15pm. We will have Confession, and Holy Hour at the regularly scheduled time. PARISH LIFE AT A GLANCE Mon Dec 16 2:00pm 5:30pm 7:00pm Tue Dec 17 Tryon Estates Communion Service Schola Choir Practice, Church RCIA, Social Hall Wed Dec 18 6:00pm Faith Formation Classes, Parish Center Thur Dec 19 9:30am Patriotic Rosary, Church Fri Dec 20 6:00pm Youth Group Christmas Party, Rectory NO YOUTH GROUP SUNDAY DEC. 15 TH Sat Dec 21 THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED PAGE 4
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH! FA I T H F O R M AT I O N / O T H E R YOUTH MINISTRY CALENDAR Friday, December 20 YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY 6pm to 9pm at Rectory Please park at the church and walk over as a group no earlier than 6pm thank you! Don t forget wrapped gift for gift exchange! Sunday, December 22 YOUTH Group at 9:45am "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." St. Augustine FAITH FORMATION NEWS NO Faith Formation Classes on December 25th and January 1st Wishing your families the peace, joy and love of Christmas! Note: Faith Formation Classes resume Wednesday, January 8, 2014. " I will go peaceably and firmly to the Catholic Church: for if Faith is so important to our salvation, I will seek it where true Faith first began, seek it among those who received it from God Himself. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton MARCH FOR LIFE JANUARY 22, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. go to: www.marchforlife.org for details ST. JOHN S CATHOLIC SHOPPE We have the following in the shoppe Advent of the Heart by Alfred Delp as mentioned by Fr. in his homily. St. Joseph Guide for the Liturgy of the Hours 2014 St. Joseph Sunday Missal New Revised Liturgy, leather bound, zipper closure. CDs make great Christmas stocking stuffers don t forget we have two wonderful CDs in the shoppe: Mater Eucharistiae by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, and Angels and Saints at Ephesus by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. We also have beautiful holy cards, and magnets and ornaments with the image of our Blessed Virgin Mary. A MESSAGE FOR ALL LITURGICAL MINISTERS The 1st Quarter 2014 Liturgical Minister Schedule has been mailed to all ministers scheduled to serve in the first quarter. If you are not scheduled to serve, you will not receive the mailing. However, the schedule will be posted in the outside glass bulletin board for all to see. All ministers are asked to check the schedule and if you are on the schedule but did not receive the mailing, please contact the parish office so your contact information may be updated. Thank you! Theresa Fitch UT IN OMNIBUS GLORIFICETUR DEUS! PAGE 5
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT! PARISH / DIOCESE / OTHER OUR 4TH ANNUAL SOUP SAMPLER SUPPER. THANK YOU! Our social hall was the place to be on a cold, foggy, and rainy December night! This past Sunday evening, December 8th, Fr. Eckert, the Youth Group and parishioners shared a wonderful meal on the traditional feast day of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Virgin Mary. Many thanks to the wonderful chefs who supplied our Annual Soup Sampler Supper with hearty, delicious soups and warm, yummy breads! We had close to fifteen crocks of hot, bubbly soups that were simply divine! A big Thank You to the Youth who helped to serve the meal and surprised the gathering with a Christmas tradition the singing of carols! Originally, the Youth Group were to serve the dinner, share a meal and then go to visit the residents of Autumn Care, in Saluda, where they would sing Christmas Carols an annual youth group tradition. However, due to inclement weather conditions the Youth remained and treated all in attendance to Christmas carols. Everyone joined in on a couple of songs making it a wonderful spirit-filled evening! Many thanks to all who coordinated, cooked, set-up, served, cleaned up and sang! For those who could not join due to the weather we missed you and we hope to see you next year! Also soup makers: If you have not yet submitted your recipe please forward a copy of it to: stjohnff@windstream.net or mail in to the office attn: Theresa Fitch. 8TH ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE CHARLOTTE! JAN. 10, 2014 The day will begin with a Mass for the Unborn at 9:00am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 6828 Old Reid Rd., Charlotte, NC. Fr. Fidelis Moscinski of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal will be the main celebrant. At 11:00am we will start to gather at the Catholic Diocese at 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC. There may be some parking available at the parking lot, but please expect to find parking on your own uptown if necessary. At 12:00pm we will march to Trade and Tryon where Fr. Fidelis Moscinski will preach. Then march to the court house at 401 W. Trade St. where we will pray a Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Please join others to march and pray for an end to abortion and save babies lives! See schedule details at www.marchforlifecharlotte.org KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS CARD SALE The Knights of Columbus will be selling beautiful Christmas cards after each Mass this weekend. Your continued support helps us support the parish and community. PRO LIFE Each according to his or her possibilities, profession and responsibilities, should feel in themselves an obligation to love and serve life, from its beginning to its natural end. It is, in fact, everyone's duty to welcome human life as a gift to be respected, protected and promoted, even more so when it is fragile and in need of attention and care, either before birth or when it is in its final stages." ~ Pope Benedict XVI, Welcome Life, Before Birth and in its Final Stages, Angelus Address, February 3, 2008 WE HAVE NEW LIGHTHOUSE CDS CELEBRATING ADVENT AS PREPARATION & THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS A Journey Through Advent, Prepare the Way of the King, The True Meaning of Christmas, and The Christmas & Easter Story. See the display in the Church vestibule. A $4 donation is requested for each CD. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY In the event of serious weather conditions, Diocesan Policy states: During the week, if the local schools are closed the Parish Office will be closed and any activities for that day will be canceled. Listen to local television and radio stations for school closing announcements. On the weekend, please use your own judgement. Winter Begins December 21 st THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED PAGE 6