December 17, 2017 3rd Sunday of Advent 229 South 28th Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401 Phone: 715-842-3148 Website: www.stmatthewwausau.org Weekends: Mass Schedule Horario de Misas Saturday: 4:30 pm Sunday: & 10:00 am 12:00 pm Español (Spanish) Weekdays: Mon, Wed - Sat: Tues: 12:05 pm Office - Oficina Parish Center - 221 S. 28th Avenue (behind school/atrás de la escuela) Office Hours/Horas Mon - Thurs: - 4:00 pm Fri: - Noon Confessions Saturday: 11:00 am - 12:00 noon or by Appointment. Baptism Preparation classes are required of parents and recommended for godparents. Registration at the parish office must be made one week prior to the class session. The next class is January 15th, 2018 at 6:30 pm in the Parish Center. Contact Nancy at 715-675-6796, to register for classes.
Devotions Rosary Daily before Mass & Wednesdays at 4:30 pm Mon, Wed, & Fri - Prayer for Priests included Vespers Wednesdays - 5:00 pm Benediction Wednesdays - 4:50 pm 1st Fridays - after Mass St Matthew Eucharistic Adoration Wednesdays after 8 am Mass until 5 pm 1st Saturdays after 8 am Mass until 9:30 am Pax Christi Adoration Chapel - Marathon Tues 9 am - 11 pm; Wed 9 am - Thurs 10 pm; Fri 9 am - 6 pm; Sun noon - 10 pm St Therese - Rothschild Tuesday after 8 am Mass until Fri 8 am To enter after 6 pm, ring the main entrance doorbell. To volunteer, call 715-359-8352. Celebration of Sacraments Marriage: Arrangements for marriage must be made with the Pastor at least six (6) months in advance. Call Fr. Bob to arrange your marriage. Anointing of the Sick: If you would like to receive this Sacrament before a scheduled surgery, call Dorothy at 715-432-5519. Notify the hospital when you are admitted, if you would like Fr Bob to visit you while you are in the hospital. Visits to the Homebound: Call Dorothy at 715-432-5519 or the Parish Center at 715-842-3148 to arrange for a personal visit to your home, nursing home, or assisted living facility. Intercessory Prayer: Our prayer group is always ready to be of help when prayer is needed. Call Bonnie at 715-675-9876 or the Parish Center at 715-842-3148. Parish Staff Pastor Rev. Robert Thorn Associate Pastor Rev. Peter Kieffer Deacon Rev. Mr. Tom Tierney Plant Manager Jason Seliger DRE & Hispanic RE Joy Orozco Director Youth Ministry Janet Nichols Pastoral Care Dorothy Giallombardo Secretary Ann Graveen Finance Secretary Barb Splinter Bulletin Editor Rosemary Beever Email: rosemarybr@stmatthewwausau.org Bulletin Deadline: Friday by 4:00 pm 3rd Sunday of Advent In the same sentence where he reminds his listeners that he has cured the blind, the lame, the deaf, the sick, and even raised the dead, Jesus concludes by adding, "The poor have the good news proclaimed to them." How did that make the list of supernatural cures? What's so miraculous about good news? The poor are not just those in physical poverty, but those whose sins have impoverished their souls. This of course applies to us. The poverty of our own sinfulness can be overcome by the forgiveness offered to us in Christ. Because of this, we have cause to rejoice! And on this Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, we are encouraged to rejoice. Gaudete Sunday derives its name from the opening prayer of the Mass for this day, where we pray, "Gaudete in Domino semper" ("Rejoice in the Lord always"). So in the midst of Advent fasting and devotions, we rejoice because the time we have been preparing for is almost at hand. We pause in this season of anticipation to remember that, in truth, our hopes have already been fulfilled. He is among us, saving us even now! Advent Prayer Jesus, you shine a light into the darkness of my life. I am like a plant in limited sun, and I find my being turning toward you longing to be closer, wanting only to draw near. Help me to be faithful in the big decisions of my life and in the smallest of ways I live out each day. My goal is salvation, Lord, and I am painfully aware I can t do that myself. Teach me to be patient, to be faithful. I know there is so much more grace I need and so much more you want to give me. Help me to be open to it and to recognize the many gifts you give me each day. Amen
2017-2018 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION/CONFIRMATION Dec 13 - Class and Nativity Play Practice Dec 20 - Class and Nativity Play Dec 27 - No Class - Merry Christmas! Advent Communal Penance Service Advent is an important time to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In addition to their regular confession schedule, St Therese Church will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a Communal Penance Service on Monday, December 18th at 6:30 pm. Several priests will be available to hear confessions. Holy Name & St Matthew WYD 2019 January 21-28, 2019 Still Room Available If you are interested in joining the group to Panama City in January 2019, you can still sign up. Please contact Noel Furger at 715-842-4543 to set up a time to learn more about this amazing opportunity. Be a P.O.P.E. - Part of the Pilgrimage Experience Thank You from Helping Hands! Dear St Matthew Parishioners: You are the best! Thank you for generously supporting Helping Hands with your donation in the November church envelope. Helping Hands will be making a trip to Kenya in January, and Jamaica in February. Your donation will go to purchase building materials, water tanks, and to assist families who are in need. We re wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and pray God will continue to shower you with many blessings in the New Year! March for Life-Chicago Join fellow pro-lifers from Wisconsin Sunday, January 14 th - Leave at 7:00am Return at 11:00pm There are no tickets for this event. You must register. The March is from 2-4 pm. A crowd of 10,000 is anticipated at Federal Plaza in Chicago. PLW signs will be provided but you can create or bring your own. Registration will remain open until spaces are filled. The cost is $30 per person or $85 family rate (family is considered mom, dad and children under 18). Babies on laps are free. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For families larger than 6 people or to avoid paying the online credit card fee, please call Therese Aloia at (262) 796-1111 Ext 14 to register. Bring your own lunch, but we ll stop for supper. No glass containers are allowed. Please call Janet at (715) 842-3148 for more information. Purchase your SCRIP for Christmas gifts SCRIP orders can be placed on-line at shopwithscrip.com or at the SCRIP office at St. Michael Parish, 619 Stark St. Payment for orders is due when order is placed. IP office hours are Monday s and Thursday s - 4:00 pm. Thank you for buying SCRIP and helping the Parish. The Bible and the Virgin Mary The Bible and the Virgin Mary is based on the work of world-renowned theologian Dr Scott Hahn and presented by popular speaker and author Matthew Leonard. It teaches Catholics how Marian doctrine and devotion are firmly rooted in Scripture and answers common objections from non-catholics. The Bible and the Virgin Mary unveils the mystery of Our Lady that is woven into the fabric of Sacred Scripture. In this beautiful and awe-inspiring series based on Dr. Scott Hahn s book Hail, Holy Queen, watch the Mary of doctrine and devotion come alive in a powerful, new way! The day class will begin on Tuesday, January 9th at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm. The evening class will begin on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:30 pm-8:00 pm. Both classes will go through Tuesday, March 27th. This is a 12 week study. The day class facilitator is Kay Washebek. The evening class facilitator is Kris Tierney. The participant workbook fee is twenty dollars. For more information or to RSVP please contact Janet at the Parish Center 715-842-3148 or janetns@stmatthewwausau.org Please RSVP by January 2nd. Pilgrimage to Rome October 1-10, 2018 Come join Father Greg Bohren from St Agnes Parish in Weston, as he travels with others from our area to visit Assisi, Cascia, Macerata, San Giovanni Rotondo, Sorrento and finally 5 days in Rome, including an Audience with Pope Francis. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in our faith with Jesus as we learn more about His church. Please call Barb Jennison at Jennison Travel, if you are interested in traveling with Father Greg. Call 715-355-5775 or e-mail barb@jennisontravel.com. 3
The Week Ahead Sunday, December 17 6:30 pm Reconciliation Service at St Matthew Church Wednesday, December 20 6:15-7:30 pm Religious Ed Nativity Play at Holy Name Thursday, December 21 4:30-6 pm Jubilee House Free Community Meal (School Cafeteria) 7 pm Healing Fire of the Spirit, Emily s Room Saturday, December 23 9:30-10:30 am Children s Christmas Choir Practice (in Church) Liturgical Ministers December 24th & 25th Lectors 4:30 pm H. Wanserski, Mary Holm 10:00 pm Peggy Bant, Bernie Dohr J. Alexejun 10:00 am Bonnie Sanders Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion 4:30 pm F. & L. Heil, B. Cveykus, N. Felty, N. Kipp, M. Holm*, K. Teeters* 10:00 pm P. Bant, B. Dohr, M. Nichols, E. Tierney, K. Tierney (P), G. & J. Koy* J. Alexejun, J. Pritzl, T. & B. Hynes, S. Peterson, D. & C. Janssen* 10:00 am L. & B. Sanders, P. McDonald, J. Witzeling, K. Miilu (P), R. Keen*, V. Tierney* Ushers & Greeter 4:30 pm David & Marie Burish, John Bocke 10:00 pm R. Huebsch, J. Huebsch, Al Seubert Ted & Kathie Stencil, Steve Ostrowski 10:00 am B. & Sharon Charlier, Justen Willemon Servers 4:30 pm J. & Z. DeByle, Gia Lange 10:00 pm J. & K. Huebsch R. & T.J. Sondelski 10:00 am S. Poole, Sam Meyer, John Ziesemer Musicians 4:30 pm Emalyn N., E. Schumann, Children s Choir 10:00 pm Nancy Losinski, Dorothy G., Choir Emalyn N., E. Schumann 10:00 am Nancy Losinski, Joanna Boornazian Weekly Scripture Readings for the Week of December 17, 2017 Sunday: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54 [Is 61:10b]/1 Thes 5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 Monday: Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 [cf. 7]/Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 [cf. 8]/Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14/Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 [cf. 7c & 10b]/Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 [1a; 3a]/Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd [cf. 1a]/Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 [cf. Lk 21:28]/Lk 1:57-66 Next Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38 4 For the Week of December 18 24, 2017 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Christmas Eve Christmas Day Monday 12:05 am 4:30 pm 10:00 am 12:00 noon 4:30 pm 10:00 pm 10:00 am Liturgical Ministers December 23rd & 24th No - Children s Liturgy of the Word Lectors 4:30 pm L. Cummings, L. Lach Mike Jilek, Bernie Dohr 10:00 am B. Sanders, P. Wallschlaeger Levandowski & Gajewski Families John Bauer Ray Kirschhoffer Alice Tryba Lorry, Leesa, & Ted Dederich Wayne Wolfgram Dorothy Schmitz Lorry, Leesa, & Ted Dederich Betty Howe Living and Deceased St Matthew Parishioners Paul Rieck Gary Mueller Living and Deceased St Matthew Parishioners Patrick McDonald Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion 4:30 pm D. Burish, L. Lach, J. Bocke, G. Byrne, M. Bourguinon, J. Woelfle*, D. Baxter* M. Jilek, B. & B. Dohr, A. Seubert, K. Stencil, J. Zernicke*, J. Peterson* 10:00 am B. Sanders, B. Britten, V. Tierney, J. Witzeling, B. Cveykus, M. Nichols*, K. Miilu (P)* Ushers & Greeter 4:30 pm Don & Mary Baur, Dave Mayer Dave & Joy Mosure, David Krause 10:00 am J. Reeves, L. Sanders, Dean Whipple Servers 4:30 pm Bobbi Jo Zimick, Need Server M. Mosure, Emily Drake 10:00 am A. Malbone, O. Reeves, H. Cveykus Musicians 4:30 pm D. Giallombardo, Ellen Schumann Annette Southworth, Joel Stubbe 10:00 am Nancy Losinski, Lynn Meyer Financial Stewardship Minimum budgeted amount needed weekly.$ 9,612.00 Stewardship last weekend......$14,181.95 Thank you for generously supporting St. Matthew Parish!
Prayers and Condolences We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of: Josephine Bauer - Died December 3 Elizabeth Betty Braatz - Died December 3 Louise Schultheiss - Died December 2 - Sister of Ethel Niewolny Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen. Advent & Christmas - Candle & Flower Donations For the Advent & Christmas Season, candles will be placed on the pillars in church. Donations are being accepted for Christmas flowers & candles to beautify our Sanctuary this Holy Season. Please specify your intention, include your name, and put it in the offertory basket or send it to Barb at the Parish Center: 221 S. 28th Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401 Don t miss the Religious Education Nativity Play Holy Name and St. Matthew s Parents, families and friends are invited to join the entire Religious Ed program as we enjoy the Nativity Play on Wed, Dec 20th from 6:25 pm-7:15 pm at Holy Name (in church) We hope you are able to join us as the students remind everyone of the true reason for the Christmas season. Saint Nicholas Pays Us a Visit! Look who made a surprise visit at our Parish Christmas Breakfast, St Nicholas!! His eyes twinkled when he spoke to all our guests and especially when he told the children his story and gave them a goodie bag with gold coins, candy canes and a clementine. God Bless you St Nicholas, until we see you next year!! A FINAL HOLLY HALL THANK YOU Our vendors were treated like family with love, hot coffee and warm coffee cake as they set up their booths. They were so amazed by this kindness. So we thank Kitty Jilek and all her early morning elf volunteers who came to work as early as 6am!! You made our vendors feel welcome. Thank you!! Glenn Yaeger, President of the Men s Club, was there bright and early Saturday morning before most of our vendors arrived. Throughout the morning Glenn was our go-to-guy, trouble shooter, snow shoveler and floor mopper. We appreciate all of your help Glenn!! God Bless you all!! Sharon Drefcinski and Norma Kipp 2017-2018 First Sacrament of Reconciliation Received on December 9, 2017 Please continue to keep our students in your prayers as they prepare for their First Holy Communion. A special Thank You! to everyone who helped to prepare them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Carolina Bergo Brennan Boehm Briza Chavez Evan Drake Jeremy Fech Ethan Hynes Aliviea Kitzrow Joseph Kitzrow Abigail Kluever John Kraft Ray s Breakfast Club Gracie Miskowiak Mikayla Mondragon Brianna Morales Melinda Murphy Kylie Padilla Ashley Poole Yareli Rodriguez Brianna Sandoval Timothy Wittwer All Men are welcome to join us for breakfast on Wednesday, December 20th at 9:00 am at the Log Cabin Restaurant. THANK YOU from the Wausau West Side Chapter of the Circle of Joy Because of the generosity of Newman Catholic Middle School, St Matthew Religious Ed. students, St Matthew Parish, St Matthew Family Life, the community at large, "Quality Foods IGA - Rib Mt., George Schreir, Council of KC s, Rep. Jerry Petrowski, & discounts from several local grocers/ businesses, 173 persons (including 55 children) enjoyed a plentiful complete Thanksgiving meal plus some other supplies. The total of 32 households served included 16 veterans living at the "Randlin Homes", 16 moms & 34 children transitioning from the "Women's Community" to independent living, and others referred to us by various local agencies. Donations to our Thanksgiving Food Drive were up 25% from last year. Thanks to the St Matthew Family Life Committee initiating Share Sunday at our Parish. We would appreciate ANY donations, monetary or durable, as the winter is just setting in. All donations are tax deductible! THANK YOU! From those we were able to assist. And, we would like to thank the individuals who responded to our plea for help to assemble the baskets. Your assistance made a huge task lighter & more fun. May God bless all sponsors, donors, & helpers. WE ARE THE HANDS OF YOUR CHARITABLE HEARTS. Lou Przesmicki, chairman "Wausau West Side Circle of Joy" 5