Nativity of Mary Church and School 10017 E 36th Terrace Independence, MO 64052 Parish: (816) 353-2184 School: (816) 353-0284 Web: www.nativityofmary.org My attitude must be Christ s. - Philippians 2:5 Parish Staff Rev. Robert Stone, Pastor Mrs. Mary Parrish, Principal Melissa Clancy, Business Manager New Parishioners If you are new to our parish and would like more information please contact the Parish Office. Pastoral Care Sacraments for the Sick and Homebound and Pastoral visits to the Homebound and Hospitals. Fr. Bob Stone 816-353-2184 November 20, 2016 The Feast of Christ the King Mass Schedule Monday: 8:30 a.m. Communion Service Weekday: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday - Friday Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Day: 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Confessions Saturday: 3:00 p.m. or by Appointment Emergency Assistance Contact St. Mary s Food Pantry and Clothes Closet - 816-252-8649 Youth Ministry Debbie Page, Parish Office School School, Early Childhood and Extended Care Carmen Wolfgeher, school office Sacrament Preparation Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Adult Initiation (RCIA), and Matrimony Contact the parish office for information Music Ministry Maria Milazzo, parish office Parish Ministry Council Sue Reiser - Chair Diocesan Victim s Advocate Kathleen Chastain 816.392.0011 or chastain@diocesekcsj.org Ombudsman Jenifer Valenti, 816-812-2500 or JeniferValenti@att.net
NOVEMBER 20, 2016 - THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING MASS INTENTIONS READINGS FOR THE WEEK NOVEMBER 21-27, 2016 Sat., Nov. 19 - Vigil of Christ the King 4:00PM + Thelma Bruehl & Larie Timko Sunday, Nov. 20 -The Feast of Christ the King 8:00AM + Mike Pott & Emil Yancik 10:30AM + Brent Shiflett & Larie Timko Monday, November 21 - Presentation of Mary 8:30AM COMMUNION SERVICE Tuesday, November 22 - St. Cecilia 8:30AM + Rose Miller Wed., Nov. 23 - St. Clement I & St. Columban 8:30AM + Larie Timko Thur., Nov. 24 - Thanksgiving - St. Andrew Dung-Lac 9:00AM + Michael Butler & Bud Vitt Friday, November 25 - St. Catherine of Alexandria 8:30AM Nativity of Mary Parish Sat., Nov. 26 - Vigil of the First Sunday of Advent 4:00PM + Virginia McMenamy Sunday, Nov. 27 - The First Sunday of Advent 8:00AM + Angie Beemont & Emil Yancik 10:30AM + Zachery Weiland & Vito/Gaetana MIlazzo PLEASE PRAY FOR: Angela Arnone Bernadette Greufe John Routledge Vern/Margaret Ault Mike Guthrie Mike Rooney Rex Bartley Phillip Heavelow Barbara Sarro Helen Burkhart Matthew Johnson Sylvia Simone Jimmy Butler Cynthia/Dennis Jones Brittnye Singer Pam Casper Paula Kienberger Bernice/Norm Steffen Steve Christensen Lucas Locascio Janet Swanson John Clarke George Lambros George Timko, Jr. Kelly Cook Betty Mascal Annette Torbert Melissa Costello Juan/Mary Perez Margaret Trigg Mary Crocker Carlos/Eva Pinon Daniel Wheeler Florence Dawson Gary Reese Ayden Wright Willie DeJesus Dan Rottinghaus Monday: Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5; Ps 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6; Lk 21:1-4 Tuesday: Rv 14:14-19; Ps 96:10-13; Lk 21:5-11 Wednesday: Rv 15:1-4; Ps 98:1-3ab, 7-9; Lk 21:12-19 Thursday: Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a; Ps 100:1b -5; Lk 21:20-28 Thanksgiving Day (suggested): Sir 50:22-24; Ps 145:2-11; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Lk 17:11-19 Friday: Rv 20:1-4, 11 -- 21:2; Ps 84:3-6a, 8a; Lk 21:29-33 Saturday: Rv 22:1-7; Ps 95:1-7ab; Lk 21:34-36 Sunday: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Rom 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44 TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Among the Catholics seeking religious freedom in America were the Carrolls of Maryland, who arrived in 1649 from Ireland via England. Charles Carroll, born in Annapolis in 1737, was the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, and was the longest-surviving signer. As was the custom for English Catholics, he attended English schools in Belgium and later university in France. By the time he signed the Declaration, he was the richest man in America, and his decision to sign would hardly go unnoticed by the king. Because Carroll was so wealthy and because he was a Catholic, he had more to lose than the others. Those who signed became traitors to the Crown and risked losing everything. It is said that someone grumbled that there were many men in the world named Charles Carroll, and he could dodge responsibility if he had to. For that reason, he added a flair to his signature, "of Carrollton," making it clear that he put everything at risk. His cousin John, also an ardent supporter of the American Revolution, was ordained a Jesuit priest and returned to Maryland at the outbreak of hostilities. Upheavals in Europe forced the Jesuit order to dissolve, leaving Carroll a secular priest. Ultimately, it was John Carroll who was asked to organize the Catholic Church in the new nation. No one was better positioned for this task, a cultured man from an esteemed family, a cherished friend of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, and a man so thoroughly attuned to an undercurrent of anti-catholicism in the colonies that he could charm powerful people to a new point of view. --Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.
NOVEMBER 20, 2016 - PARISH NEWS Did You Know The Ministry Center will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Once again we have the Giving Tree to help Seton Center make Christmas a little brighter for those less fortunate. Gifts will be picked up December 5th. Pick out a gift tag(s) from the Giving Tree. Purchase the gift(s). Place the UNWRAPPED gift(s) under the Giving Tree by the weekend of December 4th & 5th. Hang the gift tag(s) on the Tree. When purchasing children s gifts please think about things that will help build motor skills and social skills and help them to be creative (no batteries). One on one handheld games are discouraged. Also, things that can be done together as a family are good choices. NATIVITY OF MARY CONTRIBUTION REPORT NOVEMBER 5 & 6, 2016 Envelopes $ 11,787.00 Plate $ 604.00 Worship Space $ 3,015.00 Pisces Fund $ 575.00 Utility Fund $ 146.00 EFT $ - Credit Card $ - Online Giving $ 352.10 Poor Box $ 159.00 Total $ 16,638.10 Tuition & Registration Fees $ 20,689.43 Thank you for supporting our Parish Community and Catholic Education! Calendars for Nursing Homes We are collecting 2017 calendars to be delivered to nursing home residents in mid- December. If you would like to donate a 2017 calendar, note pads or stickers, please drop them in the receptacle in the hospitality kitchen in the back of church. We will pick them up weekly. All sizes in every description are appreciated. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Be sure you have marked your calendar with our next Bread and Bun dates! December 4th Cinnamon Buns and Sticky Buns December 17th Cinnamon Bread and Raisin Bread The bread freezes very well so stock up for the holidays. They also make great Christmas gifts. PLEASE HELP US UPDATE OUR PRAYER LIST If you have put yourself or someone else on the prayer list please let us know when we can take your name off the list. We generally say we will keep a name on the list for 6 weeks but we know many times this is not long enough and we hate to remove a name without someone letting us know it is okay to do so. Please call the parish office, 353-2184, to keep us informed so we can keep the list updated. Thank you. Devotional candles are kept in the kiosk. If you would like to light one just ask an usher for assistance. There is a slot and envelopes available in the kiosk to place your $5 donation. If you have a suggestion, concern, or comment you would like the Parish Ministry Council to address there are cards on the kiosk you to fill out and drop in the slot. Gluten-free hosts are available. Talk to Fr. Bob before Mass. We have 2 wheelchairs and hearing assist devices available for your use during mass. Please contact an usher.
CALENDAR 2016 Sunday 20 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass Monday 21 Communion Serv. Tuesday 22 9AM - Quilters Wednesday 23 Thursday 24 9:00AM Mass Ministry Office Closed Friday 25 Ministry Office Closed Saturday 26 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 1PM - Youth Group 27 28 Communion Serv. 9AM - Quilters 29 30 December 1 7. 9AM-Noon Eucharistic Adoration 2 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 3 4 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 1PM-Youth Group 5 Communion Serv. 9AM - Quilters SCRIP Orders Due by Noon 6 7PM - School Christmas Program 7 6:30PM Mass Feast of the Immaculate Conception 8 9 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 10 Ministry Center Closed DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN DECEMBER 7, 2016 QUARTERLY MEETING Our DCCW (Diocesan Council of Catholic Women) quarterly meeting will be held at St. Bernadette Parish, 9020 E. 51 st Terrace, Kansas City, MO. Registration, coffee and goodies at 9:00 a.m. followed by a short business meeting, Mass, special Christmas music, and luncheon. Chances will also be sold on the popular 50/50 drawing. Luncheon fee is $11.00 and reservations must be made no later than Tuesday, November 29 th, by calling Carolyn Huff @ 816-690-4278 or by email to lthouse4@centurylink.net A delicious luncheon is being catered. If you make a reservation and are then unable to attend, you are still responsible to pay the $11 fee. Our December project is warm mittens, gloves, scarves, hats for the Bishop Sullivan Center. Please be generous.last year when we delivered these items, they were so grateful as the shelves were bare. Craft Sales: If you wish to reserve a table and sell your crafts on December 7 th, please call Martha Hodson @ 816-353-8225 or Beverly South @ 816-304-1568 to arrange for a space. There is no fee for the table, but you are asked to give 10% of your sales to the DCCW treasury. The Purse Project : If you wish, you may also bring new or slightly used purses containing personal items (Kleenex, lotion, comb, etc.). This project is being sponsored by St. Therese Parish North for The Women s Clinic. Our DCCW member, Jan Saylor, spoke to you at the last quarterly meeting about this project. For more info call Jan @ 816-569-1483.
NOVEMBER 20, 2016 - SCHOOL Dear Lord s Shut-Ins Lotion Conditioner Shampoo Powder Soap Sugar free gum Deodorant Toothpaste Each year the Middle School students prepare 226 containers for the needy residents of inner-city nursing homes. This is the only Christmas gift these residents receive. Please help fill the containers. We need the following travel size items: wrapped hard candy 5-stick pack of gum cheese/peanut butter crackers Chocolate peppermint patties bite-size chocolate candy Pocket size Kleenex toothbrush This year we will need stocking hats (adult one size fits all) to make the containers. Also cash would be greatly appreciated in order to purchase some of these items and craft supplies. We will accept donations now through December 9th. Thank you for your generosity! 33 years ago members of the parish asked if Middle School students could help with 'Our Dear Lord's Shutins' Christmas dinner by making treat bags. While the parish no longer hosts the dinner, the tradition of bringing Christmas to these Shut-ins continues. What started as 50 decorated lunch bags then has evolved into providing 226 residents of inner city nursing homes with cans decorated as Snowmen, Santa, Penguin or Reindeer filled with personal hygiene products, candy, snack crackers, a gift related to the theme, like a knit hat to top this year's Snowman, an ornament and card. Then near the 15th of December Middle School students who have lovingly transformed the cans deliver these simple gifts to the nursing home Shut-ins, and lead a sing along of carols. For most of these residents this is the only gift they will receive. The joy we receive in return is priceless! KANSAS CITY CHIEFS VS ATLANTA FALCONS Come to the Nativity of Mary Parish Hall and watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Falcons in Atlanta. The game will be broadcast live on Sunday, December 4th, at *noon. The doors will open at 11:30 am The Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary of Council 6794 will be serving tacos and fixin's, water, lemonade and assorted sodas. If you would like something else to drink you may bring your own beverage. We will be accepting Free Will Donations for this event. Proceeds will go to support Nativity of Mary Ministry Center Basement Repair. Bring your friends and the entire family and spend the afternoon cheering on your Kansas City Chiefs! This game is subject to flexible scheduling. If it gets changed to a 3 pm game we will still be showing it and the doors will open 30 minutes prior to the game. DEPENDENCE DAY On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence. --William Jennings Bryan
NOVEMBER 20, 2016 - THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING Americans have an uncomfortable relationship with kings. The American Revolution was fought for independence from King George, after all. Nonetheless, today every Catholic church around the world celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Today's feast invites us to look beyond our national loyalties and rejoice in our primary identity. We are children of God in Jesus, Christ the King. Our readings help us consider what it's like to belong to God's kingdom. The book of Samuel captures the deep longing of the Israelites for a king to shepherd them. Saint Paul reminds the Colossians that we belong to the kingdom of Christ, whose power he praises in a beautiful hymn. Finally, Luke's Gospel calls to mind the kind of king Jesus chooses to be--a suffering servant, a man for others. By sacrificing his life for us, Jesus throws open the gates of Paradise. KING OF MERCY This is the last day of the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy that began on December 8, 2015. Now is the perfect time to reflect on the year. What was the Year of Mercy like? How did God's forgiveness surprise and strengthen us? In what ways did Jesus' example enlighten our hearts and actions? Today's Gospel can guide our reflection. Jesus hangs on the cross in agony. What pain have we endured for others? People of all sorts sneer at Jesus, mocking him. Have we felt the sting of dishonor or hatred? Keeping his eye on Paradise, Jesus forgives his persecutors. Have we forgiven others, even if they didn't (or won't) apologize? Jesus uses some of his last breaths to comfort another dying man. Have we tried to tend to others' needs, even when we don't feel up to the task? NIGHTLY REVIEW This kind of examination helps us not only at the end of a jubilee year, but also at the end of every single day. When Saint Ignatius of Loyola began his nightly reviews, he always began in gratitude, thanking God for specific gifts from the day. If we've had a particularly rotten day, we might look to Saint Paul for inspiration. His words to the Colossians remind us that all fullness "was pleased to dwell" in Jesus, who died to reconcile us to God and to open the gates of Paradise. Truly, we can always give thanks for that! With grateful hearts, then, we proceed with our review. How did we cooperate with God as sons and daughters of the Kingdom? How did we bring a little bit of Paradise to others today? How did we stand in God's way, becoming obstacles to others' journey to Paradise? Asking the Lord to have mercy on our weakness, we give hearty thanks for allowing us to work for the Kingdom. All praise to Christ the King! Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Company A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Today we listen to the humble confession of Saint Dismas, the good thief; a confession that brought him mercy, forgiveness and great favor by the Lord. What can his humility teach those who seek to be good stewards? That we must give up our self-importance, our self-centeredness, and learn to give ourselves over to God? That God has entrusted us with everything we have as gift to be used in God s service? That we treat others not with arrogance, sarcasm or put down, but with reverence and respect as gifts from God? Is it by recognizing that God is the center of the universe, not us, and that only Christ the King can bring us genuine peace and salvation? The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to combating sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or if you observe or suspect sexual abuse: 1. Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.392.3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and 2. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and 3. After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the Diocesan Ombudsman, Jenifer Valenti, at 816.812.2500 or JeniferValenti@att.net, if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please contact Victim Advocate, Kathleen Chastain, at 816.392.0011 or chastain@diocesekcsj.org for more information.
NOVEMBER 20, 2016 - THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING Early Bird Registration for BCYC Immersion 2017 begins now! Join us for our sixth annual BCYC Immersion (previously Cathedral)! BCYC Immersion is a week long experience of community, faith, and scholarship on Benedictine College s beautiful campus in Atchison, KS. Each participant chooses an area of interest (Leadership, Voice, Engineering, etc.) which they pursue each afternoon throughout the week, led by a Benedictine College professor. They also take part in numerous faith based activities including daily Mass and Bible Studies. The week is rounded out with tons of fun dodgeball, an evening dance/social, scavenger hunts and ultimate Frisbee, all while we explore Benedictine s campus. Join us for a week you ll never forget! This summer is going to be our best summer yet. Our talented professors are preparing riveting classes in Theology, Great Books, Chemistry, Engineering, Voice, Digital Storytelling and Leadership. Our Summer Mentors in Faith (College Students) are preparing great Bible Studies, Lectio Divina, small groups, and brushing up on the Liturgy of the Hours. We re ready to help you grow in knowledge and faith, all while growing in community with one another. Session 1: June 18 23 Available Tracks: Voice, Great Books, Leadership, Engineering or Chemistry. Session 2: July 16 21 Available Tracks: Voice, Great Books, Theology, or Digital Storytelling. Sign up at benedictine.edu before February 1 for generous discounts, Religious Ramblers religiousramblers@gmail.com - 816-233-8427 Branson, MO Weekend Evelyn and I have been asked to put together a trip to Branson, MO to see the Christmas decorations, take in a show, do a little shopping and spend time with friends (old and new). I realize that this is short notice, but it does sound fun and interesting, and we think a number of you might enjoy joining us. It would be a nice fellowship-building outing for Nativity of Mary. Details have yet to be finalized because we must first gauge interest and availability. The tentative schedule is this: We would leave on Saturday morning, December 3rd (or possibly December 10th), traveling to Ozark, MO for lunch at Lambert s. From there we ll head to Branson for a bit of shopping and exploring before attending an evening performance of the awesome musical Moses! On Sunday we ll get to wake at leisure, have a tasty breakfast, attend Mass, and do a bit more exploring, shopping and dining before heading home. The cost is expected to be about $200 (or less, depending on response), and includes round-trip motor coach transportation, 3-4 meals, hotel (double occupancy), and admission to the fantastic production of Moses! (If you have already seen this performance and would prefer to see a different show we can probably accommodate that.) Also included in the cost of the trip is ample time for shopping. (Note: buying is not included in the cost, however!) We d like to know if you have an interest in the trip, and could you join us over the weekend of either December 3rd & 4th or December 10th & 11th. Please respond at your earliest convenience with an answer, or any questions you may have.