SAINT PAUL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 3005 Country Club Road New Bern, NC 28562 www.spccnb.org (252) 638-1984 Office: M-F 8:30-4:00pm Saint Paul Catholic School (252) 633-0100 Saint Peter the Fisherman Mission Parish in Oriental (252) 249-3687 MASS SCHEDULE Saturday...................... 5:00 pm Sunday.............. 8:00 am, 11:00 am 1:00 pm (Misa en Español) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday...... 8:00 am Wednesday.................... 9:00 am 6:00 pm Friday............ 8:00 am at Old St Paul First Saturday.................. 8:00 am Holy Days of Obligation per announcements December 7, 2017 7:00PM Immaculate Conception Vigil PASTORAL STAFF Father Thomas Tully, Pastor Father Michael Schuetz, Parochial Vicar Deacon Mike Mahoney, ObISB, Parish Deacon Deacon Rick Fisher, Parish Deacon Sister Monique Dissen, IHM, Pastoral Associate Deacon David Kierski, School Administrator
In Advent, we celebrate our hope that the Lord might come more fully into our lives. The first reading from Isaiah voices the hope of sinners for a redeemer. Unlike Isaiah, we know that God has come to bring us back, when the Father sent his Son, Jesus,to save us. Our faith in Jesus leads us to a new way of looking at the world. We can see what God is doing as well as remembering what God has done. Like the gatekeepers in Jesus Gospel parable, we need to keep our eyes open for him. When we only look out for ourselves, we may miss the signs of God s presence around us. Instead of looking at the difficul es of life as obstacles, we can watch for them as opportuni es to stretch our faith, to rely on God, or to show God s love to a friend. The recent re-transla on of the prayers of the Mass can be an opportunity to stretch our faith and our understanding of the Eucharist. The Corinthians were also watching for the Lord to come. They were thinking of Jesus as coming in glory. Though we don t see the full glory of the Lord, part of that glory is his presence in the Sacraments. In them we celebrate not just the coming of the Lord, but his working in the world. He shares his life with us in Bap sm, gives us his Spirit in Confirma on and Himself in the Eucharist, heals us in Reconcilia on and the anoin ng of the sick, and calls us to make Him present to others in Holy Orders and Matrimony. You could almost say his second coming is taking place now. Watch for it. Tom Schmidt, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. TODAY S READINGS First Reading We are the clay and you, O L, are the po er: we are the work of your hands (Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7). Psalm Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). Second Reading God is faithful; by God you were called to fellowship with the Son (1 Corinthians 1:3-9). Gospel Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the me will come. (Mark 13:33-37). READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1-27a; Mt 7:21-27 Friday: Gn 3:9-20;Ps 98:1-4;Eph 1:3-12;Lk 1:26-38 Saturday: Is 30:19-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35-10:1-8 GOD S WORD FOR CHILDREN No one knows when Jesus will return. Because we don t know, Jesus urges his disciples to be two things. Use the shape code to find what they are SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: First Sunday of Advent Monday: St. John Damascene Wednesday: St. Nicholas Thursday: St. Ambrose; Pearl Harbor Remembrance Friday: Immaculate Concep on of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saturday: St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin Many people mistakenly believe that the Immaculate Concep on refers to the concep on of Jesus Christ. Jesus concep on was most assuredly immaculate, but the Immaculate Concep on does not refer to Jesus at all. The Immaculate Concep on is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church in regards to Mary, Jesus mother. The official statement of the doctrine reads, The blessed Virgin Mary to have been, from the first instant of her concep on, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in view of the merits of Christ Jesus the Savior of Mankind, preserved free from all stain of original sin (Pope Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus, December 1854). Essen ally, the Immaculate Concep on is the belief that Mary was protected from original sin, that Mary did not have a sin nature and was, in fact, sinless. Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Concep on of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8. h ps://www.gotques ons.org/immaculate-concep on.html
DECEMBER PARISH ACTIVITES 12/6 7:00PM Pastoral Council Mtg Narthex 12/7 7:00PM Immaculate Concep on Vigil Mass 12/8 8:00AM Mass OSP and Main Church 8:35AM Preserva on Guild Mee ng OSP 12:00PM Mass Church 12/9 3:00PM First Reconcilia on Church 12/13 12:00PM Fa ma Rosary Church 3:00PM JCDA Mee ng FLC3 6:00PM Bap sm Class Call to Register 12/14 9:00AM Child Safety Class FLC2 12/16 6:00PM Posada AAMEN Group Gym 12/17 2:00PM Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta Gym 12/21 3:00PM Finance Mee ng Conf Room 12/24 8:00AM Mass Church 10:00AM Mass Church 4:00PM Mass Church 6:00PM Mass Church (Spanish), 10:00PM Mass Church 12/25 10:00AM Mass - Church 12/27 6:45PM Liturgy Commi ee Mtg Conf Room 12/30 5:00PM Spanish Bap sm Class Parish Office will be closed December 22 27 th Reopens December 28 th SAINT PAUL SCHOOL Saint Paul Catholic School will be hos ng a Scholas c Christmas Book Fair on December 4th-8th. Mon, Tues. and Thur- 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:30 Wed. 8:00-12:00, 1:00-6:00, Fri. 8:00-12:00 THIS WEEK S ACTIVITIES Sunday 12/3 9:00AM Olive Branch Gi Store Open ll 1:00PM 8:00AM Mass +John & Frances Monahan 9:30AM RCIA FLC2 9:30AM Faith Forma on - School 9:30AM Chancel Choir Prac ce 10:30AM Chaplet of the Divine Mercy Church 11:00AM Mass Saint Paul Parish Family 1:00PM Mass +Audrey & Joe Smith 3:00PM Hispanic Prayer Group FLC3 6:00PM Confirma on Class FLC Monday 12/4 8:00AM Mass +Lillian McSorley 11:00AM Hand and Foot Card Games FLC3 Tuesday 12/5 8:00AM Mass +William Glanding 10:30AM Mass in Oriental 12:00PM One in the Spirit Prayer Group Church 1:00PM Prayer Shawl Ministry FLC3 7:00PM Twin Rivers Volleyball Prac ce Gym Wednesday 12/6 9:00AM Olive Branch Gi Store Open ll Noon 9:00AM School Mass 5:00PM Medjugorje Prayer Group Church 6:00PM Mass 6:45PM Post Confirma on Youth Group Library 6:45PM Liturgy Commi ee Mee ng Conf Room 7:00PM Pastoral Council - Narthex 7:00PM Hispanic Choir Prac ce 7:00PM SPRAA Men s Open Gym Basketball Thursday 12/7 8:00AM Mass +Richard Durand 8:35AM Adora on Church 10:45AM Reconcilia on 11:00AM Shanghai Card Games FLC3 11:45AM Benedic on Church 12:00PM December 17 th Bulle n Items Due 7:00PM Mass (Vigil) Church 7:00PM Advent Spirituality Series FLC2 7:00PM Twin Rivers Volleyball Prac ce - Gym 7:30PM Folk Choir Prac ce - Church Friday 12/8 Feast of the Immaculate Concep on 8:00AM Mass (OSP) +Lamont Teeples 8:35AM Preserva on Guild Mee ng OSP 12:00PM Mass (Church) +Marion Gifford Saturday 12/9 3:00PM First Reconcilia on 3:30PM Reconcilia on 5:00PM Mass Mastronado Family The complete Parish Calendar, as well as past issues of the bulle n, are always available for viewing at our website: spccnb.org
The Community Gospel Choir, under the direc on of Barry Templeton, will present its annual Christmas Concert twice on Wednesday, December 13th, at First Bap st Church on Middle Street. The morning concert will be at 10:00AM and the a ernoon concert will be at 3:30PM. The public is cordially invited to hear the talented group of 55 voices, represen ng 16 area churches. There is no admission charge! ANNOUNCEMENTS K of C FAMILY CHRISTMAS GATHERING Sunday December 10 th at 2:30 PM K of C Hall - 1125 Pine Tree Drive. Plenty of great food, fun, and me with Santa Claus. The Children from Saint Paul School will entertain us with Christmas Carols. Come out and enjoy a wonderful a ernoon. Cost $5.00 per person, Children 10 and under, free. Tickets will go on sale a er all masses this weekend. MINISTRY UPDATE Ministry Fair Volunteers are Needed! Are you interested in helping out with the upcoming ministry fair? Volunteers are needed to make phone calls, send e-mails, design and format printed material, stuff envelopes, coordinate/serve refreshments, set up and move chairs and tables, etc. If you are able to assist, please contact DeLesa in the parish office or Erin Johnson at 478-973-4990 or eardocerin@gmail.com Eucharis c Ministers at Mass New Minister Training: Saturday, December 9th at 3:00PM Readers at Mass - New Reader Training: Saturday, December 16th at 3:00PM Contact: Mary Spano at maspano@centurylink.net or (252) 633-4768. KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS CARD SALE The Knights of Columbus will be selling an assortment of beau ful Christmas cards to support Keeping Christ in Christmas. This is the last weekend to get your cards! Everyone is invited to the 12th annual Jolly Elf Trail Run presented by McClure Orthodon cs on Saturday, December 9 at Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary to benefit St. Michael Catholic School. Prizes and fun for the whole family! Send ques ons to JollyElfRun@gmail.com. Spirituality Series With Deacon Michael Mahoney Thursdays December 7th - December 21st 7:00pm TO 8:00pm Family Life Center - Room 2 BOOK PROGRAM Ma hew Kelly's book, Perfectly Yourself", has been ordered for distribu on during Advent. One book per family will be available as a gi from the Parish. If you wish to purchase extra books, at a price of $1.50 per book, contact Audrey Rolison at 671-4950. Monetary dona ons are always welcomed! Checks can be made out to the church, with an indica on of Book Program in the memo area. The Delores San Ministry of Saint Paul Catholic Church is asking for parishioners, before throwing away any clothes, toys, furniture and food, to think about the people in need who could use some help. Please check for expira on dates when dona ng food. Contact Nohora Cepeda at 252-229-9886. Dona ons can be dropped off at her home (1114 Park Drive, Trent Woods - side door only). Any calls Monday, Thursday, or Friday, please call a er 3:00pm. We are most thankful for all dona ons. Saint Paul Dismas Union of Prayer Coali on Announces prin ng of 50 new copies of the Union of Prayer Booklet, adding to the 150 copies already dispersed to parishioners. Booklets are available in the Atrium and two sides entrances to the Church. Also, a limited number of 2018 wallet size calendar prayer reminders are available to help foster con nued recita on of this very worthy Corporal Work of Mercy.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 3, 2017 KEEP ALERT Today s Readings: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-19; 1 Corinthians1:3-9;Mark 13:33-37. Today s readings may not be what you expect as this season of hope and longing begins. The first two Sundays invite the Church to reflect on the Second Coming of Christ while the final two Sundays direct our a en on more specifically to the Incarna on. The Opening prayers for each Sunday helps us to no ce these themes. The overreaching theme is Keep Alert. The first Reading focuses our a en on on a hur ng world. When there is suffering it is easy to complain, become cynical and forget God s faithfulness. St. Paul tells us that in Christ we have already received the gi s we need to remain faithful. In the gospel, Jesus is clear that we do ot know the day or me of the second coming. We are charged to con nue preaching the Good News and keep our house in good working order. We need to remain watchful so that at the final hour, we may be found ready to give all glory and honor to the living God. This week think about the ways our ancestors were watchful and remained faithful as inspira on to us to remain vigilant, ourselves. WAITING O God, you are the maker of heaven and earth, the po er who fashioned all of crea on. Come and rouse our hearts from despair and fill us with light of faith as we await your return. Grant us pa ent perseverance during this me of wai ng, so that, having been enriched by Christ Jesus, we may joyfully and faithfully live in this world. Keep us vigilant in our daily living. Wipe away all darkness so our hearts may be made holy and pure. Like our ancestors in faith, we cry out to you to come and save us! Filled with hope, we trust that all of crea on will be made new on the day of your return. Through Christ our Lord. AMEN AT HOME THIS WEEK Monday, Dec. 4 PEACE The Church invites us to think about the Reign of God. God instructs the na ons to the way of unity and peace. As our world con nues to be divided, we must con nue to pray for peace and strive to make known the Reign of God. Tuesday, Dec. 5 JESUS REVEALER OF THE FATHER In the gospel, Jesus rejoices in what has been revealed to the disciples. We must be watchful, work for jus ce and fend off evil. Those who have seen Christ, know the Father. Wednesday, Dec. 6 ST. NICHOLAS The gospel shows us Jesus overflowing with love. This example inspired Nicholas to give generously to the poor and needy. How might we share our resources with those who are in great need? Thursday, Dec. 7 ST. AMBROSE Advent invites us to look into our hearts to discern our willingness to listen and respond to God s call. Is your heart open to God s will? In what ways do you struggle to listen and respond to God? Friday, Dec. 8 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Today we celebrate God s grace working in Mary that kep her free of sin from the moment of her concep on. Throughout Mary s life, she cooperated with God graces. Mary humbly and obediently accepts God s will and brings forth life in Jesus. How can we follow her example in our own lives? Saturday, Dec. 9 DISCIPLESHIP Jesus commissions the disciples to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. This is part of their mission, as well as ours, is to proclaim the Reign of God. We our to live so that our lives proclaim the Good News.
SAINT PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH PARISH INFORMATION WELCOME VISITORS AND GUESTS! We hope that you will find our parish community a place where your life of faith will be nourished. We also hope that you will share your special gi s within the community. Your prayers, your presence, and your talents are most welcome. Please introduce yourself a er Mass. PARISH STAFF DIRECTORY PARISH OFFICE: 252-638-1984 NIGHT EMERGENCY: 252-638-4436 PASTORAL STAFF Father Thomas S Tully, Pastor: 638-1984 pastor@spccnb.org Father Michael Schuetz, Parochial Vicar: 638-1984 frschuetz@spccnb.org Deacon Rick Fisher: 229-1644 Deacon Mike Mahoney,ObISB: 571-1597 Sister Monique Dissen, IHM, Hospital: 675-0333 Admin Assistant, DeLesa Conway: 638-1984 dconway@spccnb.org Bookkeeper, Donna Simon: 638-1984 dsimon@spccnb.org Bulle n: bulle n@spccnb.org Cemetery: Danny Gennantonio 637-2322 Director Opera ons: Deacon David Kierski 633-0100 dkierski@spccnb.org Faith Forma on: Joy Harsen 229-2394 Music Ministry: Megan Johnson 633-0100 mjohnson@stpaulcs.org RCIA Coordinator: Marcelene McLure 633-2539 Catholic Chari es: 638-2188 Catholic Daughters: Belinda Swager 617-0849 Extraordinary Ministers of Eucharist: Mary Spano: 633-4768 Eucharis c Ministers (Home / Sick): Dennis Colbert: 638-1555 Finance Council: Bob Nenni: 635-6716 Knights Third Degree: Phil Nassef 229-9799 Knights Fourth Degree: David Rose 252-672-5226 Pastoral Council: pcouncil@spccnb.org Religious Community Services: 633-2767 Rectory: 638-4436 Saint Paul School Administrator: Deacon Kierski: 633-0100 OCTOBER 2017 OFFERTORY REPORT OFFERTORY COLLECTION: $94,329.00 MORTGAGE REDUCTION: 16, 967.00 GIVING HAS GOTTEN EASIER! Online Envelope Giving is available for parishioners through Our Sunday Visitor, our envelope company. You can give automa cally weekly, monthly, etc. No need for remembering to write a check each week or remembering to bring your envelopes to church each Sunday! Simply register via the church website at www.spccnb.org and click on "online envelope". You can manage your account and make changes at any me. Any ques ons, contact Donna Simon in the church office at 252-638-1984. NEXT WEEK S SPECIAL COLLECTION RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS (RFR) RFR helps religious communi es care for senior members - today and tomorrow. Across the United States, hundreds of religious communi es lack financial resources sufficient to meet the re rement and health-care needs of aging members. Together, we can advance the RFR mission to ensure a safe, modest re rement for senior religious who have selflessly served our church and world. OLIVE BRANCH STORE & LENDING LIBRARY Open Sun. 9 1 & Wed. 9 12 in the FLC STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS: Saints golf balls, meal me prayer cubes, saint medals, auto visor clips, bracelets, rosaries, magnets, bookmarks and lots more! Come see the wonderful selec on of Christmas cards, holiday and gi items We have something for everyone & for every budget. Don t forget to get your 2018 Sunday Missal! We need you! Please consider volunteering with us. All proceeds benefit Saint Paul Catholic Church. EME / LECTOR SCHEDULE 12/9: 5PM - Team #2-(4) 12/10: 8AM - Team #2 / 11AM - Team #1 SACRAMENT SCHEDULE Reconcilia on: Thursdays 10:45-11:45am; Saturday 3:30-4:30pm or by appointment Bap sm: First me parents must a end Bap smal Prepara on Classes. Registra on is mandatory. Contact the church office: 638-1984 First Communion/Confirma on: Please call 638-1984 Marriages: Contact Parish Office - 6 month advance no ce is required Anoin ng of the Sick: Contact the Office at 638-1984 Funerals: Call 638-4436 or e-mail funeral@spccnb.org