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 12, 2017 4:00AM Our Lady of Guadalope 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
THE WORD OF THE LORD TODAY S READINGS First Reading The rugged land shall be made a plain; the rough country, a broad valley (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11). Psalm Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salva on (Psalm 85). Second Reading Conduct yourselves in holiness, hastening the coming of the day of God (2 Peter 3:8-14). Gospel I have bap zed you with water; he will bap ze you with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:1-8). READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Zec 2:14-17; Jdt 13:18-19; Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-11; Ps 80:2ac-19; Mt 17:9a-13 GOD S WORD FOR CHILDREN God sent John the Bap st to prepare the way of the Lord. John then performed bap sms of repentance for the forgiveness of sins in the Jordan River. Find these hidden words in the seek and find puzzle. BAPTISM FORGIVE JORDAN JOHN WATER SINS ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You have already come, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. Dear Friends at Saint Paul: December 10, 2017 Wow! the banners placed in church are in prepara on for our Parish Ministry Fair -- part of our New Year's Resolu ons, with the volunteer commitment card due the weekend of January 6 and 7, 2018, the Feast of the Epiphany. We con nue to focus a en on on the TAG, You're It! campaign. I know that your me is a most precious resource, with talent and treasure seemingly trailing behind the some mes overwhelming pace to meet the demands of our days! I am very op mis c that busy people find me and give me because they know how important and scarce it is. The coming weeks will be filled with many prepara ons for Christmas: gi -giving requires imagina on and though ulness. So does volunteering! Many of our ministries take place here at the Parish but we are working to get all the details of several city and county programs that could use your me. You will be able to volunteer, for example, at our parish school as a tutor or a lunch monitor as well as carry wood or hammer nails or paint at Habitat for Humanity or a hundred other combina ons. The diversity of programs that you can be part of is wide and rich. Your interests, me and talent can find just the right match! The one thing that won't work is if you won't work! God is calling on you to take part of the ministries, volunteer needs and outreach programs of our Ministry Fair. That will be a New Year's resolu on you will be proud to fulfill. The Three Kings come to Bethlehem to give gi s to the Christ Child who is bringing that greatest of gi s: His whole life to save His people. This is news of great joy. Now is a me to pray and discern where you will find just that right place to offer yourself, imita ng Christ, for the good of others. Another important part of our efforts this year to bring people together for ministry and community is the Pictorial Directory. Several have already volunteered to help with this project, especially for helping people get appointments for portraits and hos ng the events itself. You can volunteer for this now. The photographers will be here from February 12, 2018 through March. Plan now to get your people together and sit for a pic you'll be proud of! Peace,
THIS WEEK S ACTIVITIES ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday 12/10 9:00AM Olive Branch Gi Store Open ll 1:00PM 8:00AM Mass +Nancy Stewart 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 +Gene Linden 1:00PM Mass Saint Paul Parish Family 3:00PM Hispanic Prayer Group FLC3 6:00PM Confirma on Class FLC Monday 12/11 8:00AM Mass +Frederick Hotlinger 11:00AM Shanghai Card Games FLC3 Tuesday 12/12 4:00AM Las Mananitas 5:00AM Misa en Espanol Our Lady of Guadalupe 6:00AM Desayuno - FLC 8:00AM Mass +Gene & Barbara Diemer 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 12/13 9:00AM Olive Branch Gi Store Open ll Noon 9:00AM School Mass +Barbara Banach 12:00PM Fa ma Rosary Church 3:00PM JCDA Mee ng FLC3 5:00PM Medjugorje Prayer Group Church 6:00PM Mass +Carl & Jeane e Costan no 6:30PM Bap sm Class Conference Room 6:45PM Post Confirma on Youth Group Library 7:00PM Hispanic Choir Prac ce 7:00PM SPRAA Men s Open Gym Basketball Thursday 12/14 8:00AM Mass +Walter Sierocki 8:35AM Adora on Church 9:00AM Child Safety Class FLC2 10:45AM Reconcilia on 11:45AM Benedic on Church 12:00PM December 24 st Bulle n Items Due 7:00PM Advent Spirituality Series FLC2 7:00PM Twin Rivers Volleyball Prac ce - Gym 7:30PM Folk Choir Prac ce - Church Friday 12/15 8:00AM Mass OSP +Corky Murnyack Saturday 12/16 3:00PM First Reconcilia on for Confirma on Class 3:30PM Reconcilia on 5:00PM Mass Saint Paul Parish Family Candle Inten on: +John Capriglione For the last several years, the Knights of Columbus have graciously donated a supply of coats for our Boun ful Tree Program. The Knights also worked behind the scenes, and once again, they silently and steadily gave of themselves to assure those less fortunate have a Merry Christmas. A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS! Readers at Mass - New Reader Training: Saturday, December 16th at 3:00PM Contact: Mary Spano at maspano@centurylink.net or (252) 633-4768. The Community Gospel Choir 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 evening concert will be at 5:45PM. The public is cordially invited to hear the talented group of 55 voices, represen ng 16 area churches. No admission charge! Every Monday Night at the Knights of Columbus Hall (1125 Pine Tree Drive) $2500.00 in cash prizes Smoke Free Early Bird Games - 6:30 PM / Regular Games - 7:00 PM All monies collected go to support local chari es. Spirituality Series Paul to the Philippians Deacon Mahoney will lead this Advent Series on Thursday evenings Dec. 14 th and Dec. 21 st from 7 to 8 pm in the Family Life Center, Room 2 (FLC 2). In this series he will address God s great plan for us in Christ Jesus, especially God s desire to help us and to heal us in the face of life s o en great difficul es. He will also address the nature of the spiritual journey as we await the second coming of Christ. And finally, rooted in a deeper understanding of the journey and God s great plan, we ll be able to get the most out of our Advent journey and experience with even deeper apprecia on the joy of Christmas! If you have any ques ons, please contact Deacon Mike at 252-571-1597.
MINISTRY UPDATES Saint Paul Dismas Union of Prayer Coali on announces the 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 side 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. Saint Paul Women s Jail Ministry WOMEN S urgently needs Pen Pals for the females who are incarcerated at the Craven County Deten on Center. This is an excellent way for the ladies of Saint Paul to be a posi ve influence in the life of another woman! All le ers are sent with the sender's informa on being anonymous and all le ers received back come through the church office. If you feel that God is calling you to do this, please call Susan T. at 252-617-9865. Please pray for the ladies on the "inside" so that when they are released they will go forward in a "good" direc on; and for us, the ministry volunteers, so that we will be able to "reach" as many as possible with the good news of the Gospel. SAINT PAUL YOUTH The next mee ng of The Junior Catholic Daughters will be on Wednesday, December 13th at 3PM in the FLC3. The girls will be wrapping gi s bought for our friends at Good Shepherd Nursing Home. All girls, ages 8-18 are invited to Help Serve the Lord with Gladness! John Paul II Catholic High School has started its Annual Fund Raiser. Whether you give $5 or $5,000, every gi strengthens our school in so many ways. Together, we can make an impact for today and tomorrow. Go to jp2annual.com for more informa on. The members of Saint Paul Prayer Shawl Ministry have been kni ng and croche ng lap robes for the 100 veterans residing at the Veteran's Home in Kinston. The lap robes will be given to the members of American Legion Post 24 Ladies Auxiliary who will be bringing them to the veterans. If anyone is interested in joining this wonderful ministry, please call Diana Thompson at 252-638-2565. Our yarn supplies have been greatly diminished. Any dona on of 4-ply yarn, any color (no wool please) would be appreciated! 2018 Saturday, January 6th following the Vigil Mass Sunday, January 78th following the 8AM, 11AM and 1PM Masses For informa on, contact the church office
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 10, 2017 A NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH Today s Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-ll: Psalm 85:9-10, 11-14: 2 Peter 3:8-14;Mark 1:1-8. During this second week of Advent, we reflect on the future God has in store for us. When we look more deeply into the Scriptures, it becomes clear that Advent is not as simple as we may think. Last week s readings urged us to be watchful and to ready ourselves for Christ s coming. This requires a en on to God s Word within us. This week, the prophet Isaiah paints a beau ful picture for the Israelites who are in cap vity. Salva on will come, and the Lord will forgive all their sins. Isaiah depicts mountains being leveled and valleys being filled. He directs Zion to tell this Good News to the en re world. In the Gospel, John the Bap st is the herald of the coming Messiah. John calls all crea on to repent and seek God s forgiveness. He is the herald who paves the way for Jesus. What does it look like to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ? It takes a vulnerable and watchful heart. We need to seek forgiveness with contrite hearts and open ourselves to the amazing grace of God s mercy which is the wellspring of all healing. SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL Almighty and ever-living God, You are the source of all consola on and font of our salva on. You have saved your people from the wilderness, gathered them like lambs into your bosom, and fed them with a mother s care. Make level within us all that sin has made rugged; take the crooked paths of our hearts and make them straight. May our repentant hearts turn to you and, at the coming of your Son, be found eager to welcome him so that, in joyful celebra on, your chosen people can say here is your God! Through Christ our Lord. AMEN THIS WEEK AT HOME Monday, Dec. 11 INCREDIBLE THINGS As we begin the 2nd week of Advent, it is important to recall the marvelous things our God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Through his Paschal Mystery, we are saved from death and share in eternal life. Let Jesus heal and liberate you from all that paralyzes you and keeps you from living the Good News. Tuesday, Dec. 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Mary s message is one of hope and assurance. In the gospel, John, who is in Elizabeth s womb, leaps with joy as Mary greets Elizabeth. Consider the mes you have leapt with joy when you have encountered Christ. Wednesday, Dec. 13 ST. LUCY St. Lucy, whom we honor today, understood Jesus invita on to gain wisdom from Him and follow Him. Take quiet me to pray for the gi of wisdom so that your life will shine with the light of Christ. Thursday, Dec. 14 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS The psalm refrain today tells us that God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and kind. It is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving for the faithfulness of God. Let us praise God and ask that our lives grow in faithfulness to His way. Friday, Dec. 15 WISDOM We are invited today to contemplate the wisdom of God. Jesus teaches us to live in the light, listening to the voice of wisdom. Pray for openness to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Saturday, Dec. 16 IN PLAIN SIGHT It can be easy to miss what is in plain sight. Whom do you recognize as one who announces the coming of Christ? Pray today that you might see the living God and be saved.
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 The complete Parish Calendar, as well as past issues of the bulle n, are always available for viewing at our website: spccnb.org EME / LECTOR SCHEDULE 12/16: 5PM - Team #1 12/17: 8AM - Team #3 / 11AM - Team #2 To submit bulle n ar cles, email bulle n@spccnb.org The deadline is on Thursdays at noon. All requests should be sent in editable format <no PDFs or Posters please> 11 days before the bulle n issue date. PARISH DATA BASE In order to assure our parish data base is current, please inform the church office of any change in your records (email address, home address). It is especially important to update any changes to home or cell phone. Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5 pm Sunday: 7 am; 8:30 am Spanish; 10 am; 12 pm; 1:30 Spanish; 7 pm Catholic Campus Ministry First Sunday 4:30 pm Forma Extrordinaria (La n) 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. 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