SAINT PETER S CATHOLIC CHURCH December 20, 2015 géwtç t Ä z{à ã ÄÄ á{ Çx âñéç âá? yéü à{x _ÉÜw á uéüç yéü âán TÇw {x ã ÄÄ ux vtääxw jéçwüéâá ZÉw? cü Çvx Éy Ñxtvx? Ytà{xÜ Éy yâàâüx tzxám TÇw { á Üx zç ã ÄÄ ux ã à{éâà xçwa TwÉÜtà ÉÇ Ç à{x YÉÜxáà Y ÄÄ ÑÉ _ ÑÑ 1406-1469 104 West First Street Mansfield, Ohio 44902 Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am Monday & Friday 5:30 pm Tuesday - Thursday 6:30 am Spanish Mass: Resurrection Parish, Lexington Sunday: 6:00 pm Phones: Rectory & Parish Center:419-524-2572 High School, Jr. High: 419-524-0979 Grade School: 419-524-3351 Montessori: 419-524-3351 Fax: 419-522-2553 Gifts to Msgr. Dunn Foundation: 419-524-2572 Ext. 2125 Parish Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 7:30 am - 8:30 pm Friday: 7:30 am - 7:30 pm Saturday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Parish Business Manager: Mr. David Barber (Interim) Sacrament of Baptism: Please contact the Parish Center to begin plans for the baptism of your baby or child. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday: 3:00-4:30 pm Other times by appointment Sacrament of Marriage: Arrangements should be made at the Parish Center at least six months in advance of the ceremony. Sunday Nursery: Every Sunday during 9:30 and 11:30 am Mass, located in the Day Care Center in the basement of the High School. Bulletin Deadline: Monday, 12:00 noon. All requests must be submitted in writing or email. Website: www.mansfieldstpeters.org Staff emails are found on the website Pastoral Staff: Fr. Gregory R. Hite, Pastor Fr. Jeremy Miller, Parochial Vicar Mr. Bill Johnson, Director of Music & Liturgy Ms. Lynne Lukach, Pastoral Associate Mrs. Elizabeth Wurm, Director of Religious Ed. & Youth Minister Deacons: Mr. Terry Philpott Mr. John Reef St. Peter s School System: Mr. Michael Wasiniak High School, Jr. High School Mrs. Madalyn Bauer Elementary School Mrs. Tammy Kemerling Montessori Pastoral Care Contacts: Mrs. Vickie Palmer 419-524-2572 Hospital & Follow-up Mrs. Vickie Palmer 419-524-2572 Nursing Homes/Assisted Living & Prayer Pipeline Deacon John Reef 419-529-3694 Shut-ins/Homebound A Parish of the Saint Juan Diego Deanery, Diocese of Toledo
Page 2 St. Peter s Catholic Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 20, 2015 MASS INTENTIONS Monday, December 21 Late Advent Weekday 5:00 pm Rosary 5:30 pm Cindy Bauer Tuesday, December 22 Late Advent Weekday 6:30 am Isabel Stuht Wednesday, December 23 Late Advent Weekday 6:30 am Marilyn Mertler Thursday, December 24 Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord 4:00 pm (Auditorium) Alt Family; William, Dorothy & Jeff 4:00 pm (Church) James J. O Donnell 7:00 pm James Strauser 12:00 Midnight Parish Friday, December 25 The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) 8:00 am Frank Russo 10:00 am Anton Stagl Saturday, December 26 Vigil of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 5:00 pm Parish Jim Sgambellone Sunday, December 27 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 7:30 am Marie Colarosa O Conner 9:30 am Melissa Bontempo-Wiseman 11:30 am Sam Sr., Mary & Sandy Guarino LECTOR / COMMUNION MINISTER Saturday, December 26 5:00 pm L C Byrne, C Taddeo D F Leitenberger, C & D Campbell, D & T Hipp, M Joyce, B Nihei, D Falquette, Deacon J. Reef Sunday, December 27 7:30 am L B Danuloff, L Danuloff D B Marshall, J Gehrisch, L Lukach, J Morvai, K Randall, P Taylor, Deacon J Reef 9:30 am L D Forster, F Schuster D T Baker, J Brennan, I Cervinski, B Connolly, D Dreskler, J & O Kastelic, M Meinzer, A Randall, M Riggleman, A Seiss S Weber, K Wehinger, S Weitzel, Deacon J Reef 11:30 am L J Riedl, L Moore D K Yockey, C Becker, F Craig, H Deel, M Jones, B Riley, S Rizzo, D Yockey, J Liston, L Strauser, need one MASS SERVERS Saturday, December 26 5:00 pm S Keller, A Winters, S Winters Sunday, December 27 7:30 am M Givens, need two 9:30 am A Baldasare, A Baldasare, J Randall 11:30 am O Deel, G Farragher, T Staab Counters - Sunday, December 27 P & R Saul, D Stewart, M Selby, J Rose Mass Cancelled on Monday, December 28th Due to the large number of Masses on Christmas, the Feast of the Holy Family and so that the priests can spend some time with family, there will be no 5:30pm Mass or Rosary on Monday, December 28th. Thanks for your understanding. ~ Fr. Hite and Fr. Jeremy It's all about encounter and recognition! Last week I was backing out of my driveway and noticed a couple leaving my neighbor's Christmas party. As I looked at them, I thought I saw just two ordinary people walking down the sidewalk. Believing that I was looking for a parking spot, the gentleman called out to me that he and his wife were leaving and that I could have their spot in a moment. I turned to thank them and to tell them that I was leaving and that I live in the house next door. The gentleman said, "Oh! It's Bill!" In that moment, I realized that I knew the couple! In fact, I have semi-frequent interactions here at St. Peter's with the man's wife. Being the reflective type, this encounter got me thinking. And since it's Advent and I knew I had this article coming up, I began to think in terms of encounter and recognition. The people of Israel had long awaited the coming of the promised Messiah. It's safe to say they had a certain set of expectations built around the Messiah. It's also safe to say that their expectations blinded them to the reality of his coming as he did. Today's first reading speaks of Bethlehem (too small to be ranked among the clans of Judah) as the place from which God will bring forth the promised savior. The scripture itself sets the tone for us. How could one so great come from a place so insignificant? It promises us that his greatness will run to the ends of the earth. And, notably, it tells us that, "...he shall be peace." Hardly an expectation of one who would drive out Israel's enemies and save her from her foes! I believe this contradictory paradox has much to tell us about the mystery of the Incarnation...the coming in flesh of the Son of God...of God himself choosing to be with us. It seems entirely consistent to me that God would choose to defy the expectations of those who allowed themselves to be blinded to the wider reality of the world around them. The God who took on flesh would not have taken on flesh just for the elite and the powerful, let alone the "religious experts" who thought themselves qualified to speak on the subject. No. The God who "pitched his tent in our midst," the Creator who came to redeem his creation by accepting our weakness and neediness as his own would have chosen to come as one of the most needy. He would come as one of the most vulnerable. It's not an accident of history that Mary and Joseph had to take shelter in a stable. It's not a quirk in the telling of the tale that Jesus entered the world as an infant member of a conquered people. It's not a dramatic plot twist that simple shepherds were the first to hear of his coming or to offer him homage. God chose to enter history in precisely this way -- weak, vulnerable, poor, conquered -- because God has chosen us! He hasn't chosen the religiously upright or the powerful. He didn't split open the clouds and come with furious wrath. He chose all of us -- ALL of humanity -- precisely because he loves us and wants to be with us. More importantly, God wants us to know that! My prayer for all of us this Christmas is that we allow our eyes to be open to the truth of the God who loved us enough to become like us in order that we might understand him and seek him. I pray that we see Jesus where he comes to us -- to the places where we encounter him. I hope we recognize him when he is in front of us saying, "Oh! It's you!" May we all receive the Christmas gift of open eyes! Merry Christmas to you! ~ Bill Johnson, Director of Music & Liturgy
Page 3 St. Peter s Catholic church, Mansfield, Ohio December 20, 2015 Please Pray for the Sick of our Parish Krista Marshall, Michael Davis II, Madeline Taddeo, Helen Green, Rose Mary Lang-Martin, Don Blank, Pam Taylor, Nick and Hilda Schemine, Mary Ann Gibson, Nancy Stanton, Bill Miller, Cody Riley, Beverly Strauser, Mary Moyer, Connie Dalton, Rick Finnerty, Mary Yeager, Margie Caldwell, Beth Weiland, Elizabeth Risacher, Pat Colarosa, Michael Wells, Dina Riley, Greg Betscher, Andrew Weaver, Debbie Ashley, Aaron Blank, Andy Taracko, Christy Selby, Jim Brook, Brett Booth, Shirley Falls Klutts, Clara Powell, Louise Steggall, Loretta Parr, Theresa Prendergast Names will only be listed for 4 weeks. If you wish to have your name appear an additional 4 week period, contact the Parish Center at 419-524-2572. NEW PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER As the result of an intensive search process, I am pleased to announce that Mr. Jon Blazak has been selected as the new Parish Business Manager for St. Peter s Parish, effective January 18, 2016. Jon holds a Bachelor and Master of Accountancy degrees from New Mexico State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. A product of 12 years of Catholic education, he most recently served on the Board of Directors of a K-12 Catholic school in Phoenix, Arizona, and has experience in consulting, finance, and human resources. Originally from Indianapolis, Jon looks forward to returning to the Midwest. A practicing Catholic, Jon is married and has two children - a 2 year old daughter and a newborn son. Please welcome Jon to our parish community! Father Gregory R. Hite, Pastor Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation St. Peter s, Confession times at St. Peter are on Saturdays From 3:00-4:30 p.m. Deanery Advent Penance Services Galion, St. Joseph, Monday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. CENTERING PRAYER GROUP: Meets every Monday in the St. Paul room 6-7p.m. Silent prayer followed by an educational video and reflection. All are welcome. Please join us! For more information, call Wanda at 330-608-2250. St. Peter s Music Series Catholic Schools Week Concert: January 31, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. A favorite of young and old alike! Come and enjoy listening to the talented faculty & students in grades 1-12 of St. Peters and surrounding Catholic schools. FREE! Bring a friend or two or more. An uplifting way to spend your afternoon! No Room at the Inn? Mary and Joseph brought their firstborn child into the world in a stable because there was no one to show them hospitality. We are going to have a great many visitors in for our Christmas Masses. Let us be sure to show them warm and welcoming hospitality in Church by making room for all who come to worship with us. On a related note, as in past years, there is no reserved seating. Seats may only be held for late-arriving family members until the ushers start seating people. Thank you in advance for your hospitality, understanding and cooperation. PARKING LOT SAFETY & EMERGENCY: Please remember to lock car doors and keep valuables out of sight when you come for weekend Mass. Also, please do not park in emergency lanes, behind the priests garage doors or the center isle lane -- it makes it impossible for rescue vehicles to help us! Regular Sunday On-Line Donations December 13, 2015 $ 9,599.00 - $ 600.00 Mansfield, St. Mary, Tuesday, December 22, 6:30 p.m. until all confessions are heard. Lexington, Resurrection, Tuesday, December 22, at 10:00 a.m. until all confessions are heard. School Christmas $ 5,851.00 - $ 665.00 Christmas Season Mass Schedule St. Peter s Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24, 2015 4:00 p.m. (Church) 4:00 p.m. (School Auditorium) 7:00 p.m. (in Church - incense will be used) 12:00 Midnight Church (Music begins at 11:30 p.m.) Incense will be used. Christmas Day Friday, December 25, 2015 8:00 am (in Church - Incense will be used) 10:00 am (in Church - Incense will be used) Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Friday, January 1, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Children $ 16.90 Mailed In Sunday Mailed In School $ 990.00 $ 150.00 Direct Deposit $ 3,230.00 Totals $ 21,101.90 Immaculate Conception Mass: 1,589.61 Building Improvement Fund: 449.00
Page 4 St. Peter s Catholic Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 20, 2015 Back To Heartland Gathering High School Students: There is no time like the present to register for the Back to Heartland High School Gathering taking place January 17th -18th at the Galion Saint Joseph Activity Center. It begins at noon on Sunday and runs until 11 a.m. on Monday. The cost for the gathering is just $15 if prepaid by January 12th or $20 at the door. The weekend includes faith building, speakers, fun, games and fun! Attention 7th and 8th Graders: Join us for the Back to Heartland Junior High School Gathering on Sunday, February 14th from1 p.m.- 7 p.m. at Saint Francis in Willard. The day includes games, workshops, food, prayer, dancing and friends and will have a Confirmation Theme. The cost to attend is $10.00 if prepaid and $15.00 if you pay at the door. Families are invited to join us at the closing liturgy at 6 p.m. at Saint Francis Xavier. For more information regarding these events contact Youth Director, Elizabeth Wurm at 419-524-2572. Official Policy Announcement Whenever a county/city within the Diocese of Toledo is placed under a Level 3 Snow Emergency, during which all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel, the Catholic Churches within that geographic region will cancel the scheduled Saturday Vigil, Sunday, or Holy Day Masses. Roman Catholics in that region, therefore, are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass. If Masses are cancelled, Catholics are encouraged to participate in Holy Mass via television, radio, or internet, making a spiritual Communion. When Mass is cancelled, all other diocesan, parish, or school events in the geographic region are also cancelled. The Reverend Monte J. Hoyles, JCL Chancellor, Diocese of Toledo END OF THE YEAR GIVING: Each year many parishioners make new or additional contributions as the end of the calendar year approaches. We must however, adhere to IRS regulations. If you are considering making a tax-deductible contribution to be applied this year, your gift must be dated before January 1, 2016. St. Peter s has many options where you can direct your gift. If desired, you can make an initial payment towards your capital campaign pledge. (Pledge payments do not begin until March 2016). You can also make a gift to the Msgr. Dunn Foundation, our Annual Tuition Drive, school operations or one of many restricted accounts like the Flower Fund or Feed the Needy. In addition to cash gifts, there are several creative giving options that include, stock, and trusts that can help reduce your taxable income and provide unique gift to St. Peter s. Consult your accountant or call the Development Office if you have questions about these options. During this holiday season, may each of us reflect on the gifts we have been given and may God continue to bless each of you and your families. ~ Jason Crundwell, Director of Development ST. PETER'S HIGH SCHOOL - "COME AND SEE US VISITATION DAY" St. Peter's High School will hold its annual all-deanery "Come and See Us Visitation Day" on Tuesday, January 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The day's schedule for student visitors currently in 8th grade through 11th grade includes meeting administrators, teachers and staff, touring the classes in session, meeting current students, enjoying a free cafeteria lunch, and a Q&A session. If you are interested in scheduling your visit, please call the St. Peter's High School office at 419-524-0979 (Snow date: Wednesday, January 20) St. Peter s Department of Theater / Performing Arts & St. Peter s Music Series Presents MASTER CLASS with Broadway Star JENNI BARBER Monday, December 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. This is an Observation / Q & A Workshop. Cost is only $15. per person who attends. R.S.V.P by calling 419-524-2572. Jenni Barber is a NYC based actress who recently starred on Broadway as Glinda in the hit musical Wicked. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the prestigious University of Michigan Musical Theatre Department. In addition to her many Broadway credits, she has also appeared on TV and been heard on several recordings. Ron Robinson, Jr. will also be a featured workshop guest. Mr. Robinson is a NYC based record producer and mix engineer at Atlantic Records. He has worked with artist including Bruno Mars, Phil Collins, Hunter Hayes, Missy Elliott and many others. This is a great opportunity for students and adults of all ages. Don t miss out! All residents of the Mansfield/Richland county area are welcome! Christmas Giving - When you come to Mass for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you will notice there are Building Improvement Fund envelopes as well as Christmas offering envelopes. We are doing this to give our holiday visitors the opportunity to support our ongoing efforts to maintain and improve our buildings. Any funds raised through Building Improvement envelopes will go directly into the current Capital Campaign. If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Improvement fund, please feel free to do so. Regular parishioners, however, are not obliged or expected to contribute through those envelopes. Thank you! Third St. Ob/Gyn 770 Balgreen Ave. Suite 207 Med-Central Medical Building 419-522-6800
Page 5 St. Peter s Catholic Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 20, 2015 All gifts to St. Peter's Parish and School made by December 31, 2015 will be credited for tax purposes to your 2015 reporting. Those made after December 31 will apply to 2016. Year-End Statements -If you want a statement of your 2015 donations, just call the Parish Center. If you received a statement in the previous year, there is no need to call as you will be on our list to send you one. The statements will get mailed at the end of January. COLD & FLU SEASON To prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses, the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and St. Peter s Parish ask everyone to please keep the following points in mind while at church: Anyone who is ill with a cough and fever is reminded they do not have an obligation to attend Sunday Mass. In fact, it is better they do not attend Mass and infect others. Anyone who feels ill should not receive the Precious Blood from the Chalice. Eucharistic Ministers are asked to wash their hands before and after Mass and use hand sanitizer before communion distribution. Some people do not wish to shake hands at the sign of Peace. Please respect this. A bow of the head or wave of the hand shows consideration. We encourage everyone to practice good hygiene, especially washing hands on a regular basis. Jubilee Year of Mercy Fourth Sunday of Advent In proclaiming the Jubilee Y ear of Mercy, Pope Francis proclaimed his desire that this Holy Year be steeped in mercy, as we disciples go out to every man and woman, bringing the balm of mercy to believers and those far away, as a sign that the Kingdom of God is already present in our midst! (Misericordiae Vultus, 5). In her visitation of Elizabeth, Mary beautifully presents just such an image. Despite the perils of her pregnancy, not to mention her preoccupations as a young unwed mother, Mary instantly, unselfishly, goes out of herself, hastening far and over dangerous terrain, to bring the balm of God s tender mercy in assistance rendered to her older relative. Since baptism and the Eucharist have made us, in a way, bearers of the living Christ within as Mary was, such selfless going out of ourselves to be of loving service to others in mercy should especially mark our Christmas season this Jubilee Year. Peter Scagnelli, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. Papal quotes Copyright 2015, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. Now that our Preserving Our Past, Securing Our Future Campaign is officially underway, we are looking for a few special angels to help elevate the standard of giving for everyone by making one of the few key pacesetting gifts that we need to assure our campaign s success. Several gifts in an amount equal to 1% to 10% or more of our overall goal would be a God send to us and will all but assure our success. Please, check out the Campaign Messenger Newsletter to view the gifts that have been given and those that are still needed. Check out the various ways that gifts can be made, which may enable you to make larger and more beneficial gifts than you thought were humanly possible. In short, consider becoming one of the angels we need for a successful campaign and make an awe-inspiring, uplifting gift. Your generosity is sure to be richly blessed...with maybe a wing...definitely a prayer and God s abundant grace...and other earthly and heavenly rewards that await. Have you considered any of the CREATIVE GIVING techniques in making a contribution to our Preserving Our Past, Securing Our Future Campaign? Creative Giving Techniques May Allow You To: Increase your current income. Avoid taxes. Make a generous gift to our campaign and our church community. Creative Giving Strategies To Consider: Cash, Personal Property, Life Insurance, Real Estate Securities, Charitable Remainder Trust, Life Income Plans Gifts Through Your Will by Bequest, Retirement Funds Charitable Lead Trust, Charitable Gift Annuity To learn more about these Creative Giving Strategies, register with the Parish Center Office to attend the next Creative Giving Seminar to be held on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Location for the meeting to be announced soon. This event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be provided. Questions? Call Kara at 419-524-2572. Mark your calendars for VBS (Vacation Bible School) 2016! VBS will take place July 11th-14th right here at St. Peter s! On Monday, April 4, 2016, there will be an organizational meeting at 7p.m. in the Family Room for all interested teens and adults who would like to help with this event. If you are not able to come to the meeting but would still like to help, please contact Elizabeth Wurm at 419-524-2572. Also, a Wish List of needed items is available at the Parish Center. Donations keep the costs low and the fun factor high!
Page 6 St. Peter s Catholic Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 20, 2015 HEARTS & MINDS: If you and/or a loved one are struggling with depression or other mental health issues, consider joining us on Tuesday, December 22nd at 4:00 p.m. in Assisi Hall for the discussion, Attitude is Everything. For more information, contact Sue Malaska by calling 419-756-0962 or email her at vmalaska@neo.rr.com. SPARTAN ATHLETIC BOOSTERS has a great opportunity for volunteerism! Many different jobs are available. F ree admittance to the boys/girls basketball games that you volunteer. Sign up to volunteer through this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f45a5a92da46-boys http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f45a5a92da46-girls Questions? Call the Athletic Department at 419-524-2572. Junior High games will also be needing volunteers. Thank you! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: On New Year's Day, the K of C traditionally has an Open House beginning at noon which features pork & sauerkraut. There is no set food price and we accept donations only on that day. We simply ask for reservations by the 28th. Please call the K of C Hall at 419-529-5532. Leave a message as to how many will be in your party so we can make enough food. Hope to see you there! A SPECIAL NOTE FROM SR. BERNIE & SR. PAULA TO ALL PARISHIONERS: Holiday greetings from Joliet! May you have a blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. We miss you very much and pray for you daily. We are blessed to have a very nice place to live with many activities during the week. Both of us are busy. Sr. Paula is organizing the new library for the House of Prayer and Sr. Bernie is manning appreciation calls for the Development Office here. We welcome your visits your cards, your emails and your phone calls. Did I mention that we miss you? Peace and all good. Love, prayers and appreciation, Sisters Paula and Bernard Marie
# 776400 1200 bulletins please St. Peter Church 104 W First Street Mansfield, OH 44902-2199 419-524-2572 Attn: Claudia/Cindy
Page 8 St. Peter s Catholic Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 20, 2015 A NEW ORDER O, Little Town of Bethlehem. A Philadelphia clergyman named Phillips Brooks penned these popular words back in the mid-1800s, but the prophet Micah could have used them first. Micah knew that from small packages great treasures come. In today s first reading, he knew that from tiny Bethlehem would come the Lord. The writer in Hebrews explains that Christ came to us to do the will of God by establishing a new order and by becoming our perfect sacrifice. And Luke tells us that Elizabeth and John, the infant in her womb, understand that great and wondrous things are at hand with the coming of the Lord. This is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Soon we celebrate anew the fruit of Mary s womb. As we are told in Hebrews, Jesus new order is being established even today. And as Micah proclaims, his greatness is reaching even now to the ends of the earth. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Many of our most treasured traditions link the liturgy of the church with the hearth of the home. The food on the table at certain feasts and fasts helps to extend the mystery into everyday life. Tonight, for example, many families of Italian heritage, especially those with links to the south of Italy, will settle down to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or La Vigilia. It is a command performance for the whole family, as the saying goes: Natale con I tuui, Pasqua conchi vuoi, or Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you wish. Seven different fish, some say one for each day of Mary and Joseph s journey to Bethlehem, others say one for each sacrament, or one for each day of creation, are served. Eel and shrimp, lobster and crab, calamari, pasta with clam sauce, flounder and hake all abound, but most especially baccala, dried salted cod. Why? Many say that it is a way to pay homage to the beasts of the stable who witnessed the holy birth and relinquished their manger to make way for God. Tonight, if someone asks you to pass the shrimp, you ll be able to shed a little light on a menu that is a delicious treasure in our tradition! Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Friday: 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 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] People gather at St. Peter s Catholic Church on Sunday, December 13, 2015 for the performance of Handel;s Messiah. Photo by Mitchell Pe Masilun / News Journal MESSIAH THANK YOU! Thanks to all who took part in or helped with or who attended our Handel s Messiah performance last Sunday! We were blessed with a beautiful day for beautiful music performed by gifted musicians whose talents were in full bloom! Thank you for your participation or presence and most especially for your support. We could not have done it without you! ~ Bill Johnson Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52 TODAY S READINGS First Reading From you, Bethlehem, shall come forth one who is to be ruler in Israel. (Micah 5:1-4a). Psalm Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). Second Reading By Christ doing the will of God, we have been consecrated (Hebrews 10:5-10). Gospel Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb (Luke 1:39-45). A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Mary was excited about her first pregnancy and rushed to tell her cousin. Sadly children are often seen as a liability, another mouth to feed or an obstacle to my career. It is said Christmas is for children. It is more accurate to say Christmas is for adults to appreciate the gift of children! ~ By Bud Ozar