eucharistic liturgies8:30 am tammy tidmore† delfino anzo gertrude gabaxan† agnes lagboa friday,...

D E C E M B E R 2 2 N D , 2 0 1 9

EUCHARISTIC LITURGIES Saturday: 4:30 pm Sunday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm Monday—Friday: 8:30 am (Chapel)

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday: 3:00 - 4:00 pm or by appointment

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

The first Friday of each month from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Sunday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday—Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Closed for lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICE HOURS Monday—Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Closed for lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

CHAPEL HOURS Monday—Thursday: 7:30 am - 7:30 pm Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: 7:00 am - 7:30 pm

CHURCH HOURS Monday & Tuesday: 12:00 - 7:30 pm Wednesday & Thursday: 7:30 am - 7:30 pm

Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: 7:00 am - 7:30 pm

GIFT SHOP HOURS Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday—Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

130 N. PECOS ROAD, HENDERSON, NV 89074 PARISH OFFICE: 702-361-3022

FAX: 702-331-4221 COMMUNITY CENTER: 702-361-8840

WWW.STMLV.ORG

ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

BECOME A REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE PARISH In order that we may better serve you, please register with the parish by visiting www.stmlv.org or downloading our St. Thomas More App. Forms are also available in the parish office and in the gathering space of the church. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Call the Parish Office at 702-361-3022 if you need to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at home or in a hospital. The Sacrament is also offered communally within the Mass. Announcements will be made about upcoming Anointing of the Sick Masses. HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE SICK If you are homebound, please call Patti Sabo at 702-269-3110 and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will visit you. In case of hospitalization, inform the hospital staff that you are Catholic and would like to receive Communion. FUNERAL MINISTRY In the event of a death of a loved one, please contact Lisa Fairweather at 702-361-3022 ext. 104 before making arrangements with any of the professional services. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Baptisms for infants and children up to 7 years of age are celebrated on Sundays. Parents and Godparents are required to attend the baptism preparation class on the first Wednesday of the month (unless otherwise announced) at 7:00 PM in the church. Please contact the Parish Office at 702-361-3022. SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Please contact Pamela Trendell at 702-361-3022 ext. 109 to discuss availability and the preparation requirements. VOCATIONS Please consult with one of the priests.

CLERGY

Deacon Bill McManus Deacon Bob Rudloff Deacon Mike Underwood Fr. Thomas Hoang, C.Ss.R., Parochial Vicar Fr. Bede Wevita, Pastor

PARISH OFFICE STAFF

Mike Ryan, Parish Business Assistant to the Pastor 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Pamela Trendell, Executive Assistant to the Pastor 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Lisa Fairweather, Director of Music & Liturgy 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Beth Lopez, Director of Finance 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Amanda Dwyer, Director of Content and Communication 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Joyce Rosania, Parish Office Secretary 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Eric Koglin, Information Systems Support Analyst [email protected]

Stacey Swiercinsky, Receptionist 702-361-3022, [email protected]

COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICE STAFF

Juliann Dwyer, Director of Faith Formation 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Mary Ashley Galan-Gornal, Faith Formation & Liturgical Assistant 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Cheryl Schwarz, Director of More Youth and Outreach Ministry 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Ray Snead, Director of Life Teen 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Mason Molina, Life Teen Assistant 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Deacon Mike Underwood, Director of Adult Faith Formation 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Sheila Rafanello, Receptionist 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Mary Volkmar, Little Angels Ministry Coordinator [email protected]

Bette Snyder, Gift Shop Coordinator 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Joseph Galang, Building Maintenance 702-361-8840

Rafael Canizalez, Building Maintenance 702-361-8840

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.STMLV.ORG AND CONNECT WITH US ON OUR MOBILE APP AND

ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES!

2 DECEMBER 22ND, 2019 — FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Dear Friends, the I heard many positive comments surrounding our new Advent wreath stand. Thank you to Fred and Cookie Sclafani for donating the money for it. On December 19th, our music ministry hosted an evening of reflection and music with special guest; John Angotti. It was a fun night and I would like to

congratulate them on a wonderful job, and thank them for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. I would also like to say thank you to Bob Blaskey and the parishioners who volunteered their time to rehearse and act in the Live Nativity. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into everything that we do here. I would also like to thank the Filipino community for sharing their Advent tradition of Simbang Gabi with our parish on December 21st. The evening began with Mass and was followed by a lively reception featuring Filipino food. Celebrating the various customs and observances within our diverse parish community enables us to learn new and interesting things about each other while bringing us closer together. Thank you for this wonderful experience. Tomorrow we begin the Christmas Season. The stores and all the media have been playing up the celebration of Christmas ever since the end of October. But truly, the Christmas season begins with Christmas Day and continues through the Baptism of our Lord on January 12th. As the Christmas season arrives, think about God’s great love for us and His mercy. Rejoice in knowing, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” The first and most precious Christmas gift ever given was the gift of Jesus, Himself...our salvation. In remembrance of that gift, we also give gifts to our loved ones, friends and relatives. This Christmas we should think about that original Christmas gift and make an effort to give the Lord a special gift worthy of Him. Honor the Savior by bringing Christ to others. Remember, we are the hands and feet of Christ. When we join together as one faith family to carry out the works of mercy and evangelization, we are making Christ present to others. Honor the King by being the image of God’s love and mercy to others. And joyfully celebrate the season in its entirety—feasting with others, feasting also upon the Word of God, and reflecting on the incredible gift of love and infinite mercy that is Jesus Christ. As you may know, the liturgies that will have the highest attendance will be the 4:00 pm Mass on Christmas Eve and the Noon Mass on Christmas Day. If you are able to, do your best to attend any of the other Christmas liturgies at 6:00 pm, 10:00 pm or Midnight on Christmas Eve. This will surely assist our guests who may not be familiar with our church in finding seats and parking. Do anything you can to make our visitors feel more welcome. Take the initiative to greet someone sitting

ne


next to you; smile and extend a warm handshake. Our actions and reactions toward visitors at Mass communicate who we are and who we represent. Welcoming gestures, however small, will not only have a positive impact on visitors; they will make us more hospitable ambassadors of Christ. I hope to see you all at Mass on Christmas and again next Sunday for the Feast of the Holy Family. And because it is a Holy Day of Obligation, there will be three Masses scheduled for the Solemnity of Mary, which is celebrated on January 1st, 2020: the 4:30 pm Vigil on December 31st and Masses at 8:00 am, and 10:00 am, on January 1st. What a wonderful way to begin the new year— honoring the mother of our Lord. May God grant you a blessed Christmas filled with the celebrations and joys of the season. Yours In Christ,

Fr. Bede Wevita Pastor

MY (CHURCH) CHRISTMAS WISH LIST:

New, complete set of Clergy Vestments

Refurbishing Sacred Vessels (re-plating)

Audio Visual System for the Church and Hall

Re-cushioning Pews

New Kneelers

Paint the Chapel

New Chairs for the Chapel

New Carpet for Church, Chapel and Offices

Fixing the Church and Hall Roofs

New Flooring for the Hall

Air-Conditioners (we need 23 to be replaced)

Life-Size Crèche (Nativity and Epiphany)

Re-size the Baptismal Font for full immersion of

infants

Replacing Dead Trees

Stations of the Resurrection

Labyrinth

Statue of Our Lady of Fatima

Commissioned Statues of Mary and Joseph

Altar Handicap Accessibility (ramp)

DECEMBER 22ND, 2019 — FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 3


PRESIDER’S MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, December 21st 4:30 pm Bruck/Tauber Family

Sunday, December 22nd 8:00 am Lucy M. Crano 10:00 am Paul Jazmines 12:00 pm Maria Luisa Robles 5:30 pm Members of the Parish

Monday, December 23rd 8:30 am † Jun Alcantard † Eddie Bognot

Tuesday, December 24th 4:00 pm † Maryann Hogan 6:00 pm Adam Hudek 10:00 pm Beth Lopez 12:00 pm Marie Therese (Terry) Barrett

Wednesday, December 25th 8:00 am † Marianito Montero 10:00 am † Jovelina Montero 12:00 pm † Joyce McNamara

Thursday, December 26th 8:30 am † Delfino Anzo † Agnes Lagboa

Friday, December 27th 8:30 am † Anne Jurbala † Fernando V. Salas

Saturday, December 28th 4:30 pm Albert Luca

Sunday, December 29th 8:00 am Carl Ripepi 10:00 am James McNamara 12:00 pm Al & Rexy Martinez 5:30 pm Members of the Parish

Richard Fellrath III Liz A. Delsignore Rosemarie Chaloux Christopher Cabrera Angelo Cabrera John Federick Kay Federick Patricia Zack Flory Seering Connie Sells Milagros David Romeo Gabaxan Gertrude Gabaxan Salvatore Blanco Richard Dering Barbara Starke John J. Meehan Frankie Sclafani Jr. Gayle Hornbacher Romulo Rivera Jr. Renato Hernandez The Librarios Family The Rivera Family Emma Librarios Remedio Librarios Gary Mazzone Joseph Mazzone Krystina Rusinek Edmond Rusinek Emma Reeves Tory Strada Mary Padilla Fr. Mike Keliher, csv Anthony Giannola Arlene Borski Pat Daluga Joe Gutridge Francisco Luistro Jr. Monica Denison Patrick Keutmann Emily Clemente Victoria Van Dewater Audrey Van Dewater Kennedy Van Dewater Robin Speed

Florence Schassburger Georgia Montes David Proulx Zlatan and Adanze Claire Goulet Sabrina McFarland Stella Van Aken Greg Ostrander Robin Klima Sandra Hules Jean McGuire Tammy Tidmore Stephanie McGuire Stan McGuire Cindy Dreesen John Razza Fred & Bea Guidry Lisa Francisco Connie Ditomaso Rosa Brizeno Jeanne Amlund The Paulino Family Simona Dye Frank Lopiccolo Rosemary Thiele Justin Dougherty & Family Mario Monaco Nancy Janush Marilyn Galati Margaret Watson LaMonte Family CarolAnne Kardash Lenny Tanchala Sr. Wendy Dwyer Linda Steward LuAnn Ferron George Carque Linda McDonell Michael Crisci Elizabeth Martano Ruth Ochoa Lenny Tanchala Jr. Roberta Watkins

Please Pray or...

Jeffrey Neason Jessie Wallace

Let us all keep them in our thoughts & prayers.


We recently welcomed the following children into the Catholic community of faith...

Eric Joseph Casanova Amelia Calvo Golden

Alex Emmanuel Sanchez

May our community embrace them and may our word and example be a reflection of God’s love for them.


ST. THOMAS MORE GIVING

We are happy to offer these electronic giving options:

ONLINE GIVING is easy to set up and allows you to schedule recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have internet access. Simply follow these easy steps:

1) Visit our website at www.stmlv.org 2) Click “Online Giving” 3) Click on the Create Profile button 4) Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online

profile and to schedule your recurring contributions. If you give by credit card and have recently received a new credit card, please be sure to update your account information. Thank you!

GIVE BY TEXT is a quick way to make a donation by using your smart phone to send a text message to 702-903-2248 with the amount you would like to give. Make sure to include the dollar sign before the amount and within seconds you’ll receive a text with a link to register.

SCAN OUR QR (QUICK RESPONSE) CODE which was created specifically for our community. When you scan this image with a Smartphone's QR decoder, it will instantly connect you to the mobile version of our web page. These QR Code Signs are also being installed in our church foyer for your convenience.

For your own sake, please be considerate by NOT parking in the spaces reserved for the customers of the adjacent shopping center. In the past, several vehicles received written warnings. We are told citations will be issued in the future or the vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense.


WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT

Due to the early transmission deadline of this bulletin, the financial figures for December 14th & December 15th

were not available.

DECEMBER 7TH, 2019 4:30 pm Mass ..............................................................$5,208.00

DECEMBER 8TH, 2019 8:00 am Mass ..............................................................$5,780.00 10:00 am Mass ...........................................................$6,400.00 12:00 pm Mass ...........................................................$4,196.00 5:30 PM Mass .............................................................$3,921.00 Online Donations .........................................................$7,007.00 Weekly 1st Collection Goal ...................................$35,657.00 1st Collection Actual ................................................$32,512.00 Over/(Under) Weekly Goal .................................($3,145.00) Year to Date 1st Collection Goal .......................$856,778.00 Year to Date 1st Collection Actual .....................$747,961.00 Over/(Under) Year to Date Goal ...................($108,817.00) Second Collection .......................................................$5,816.00 Immaculate Conception ..............................................$6,719.00 Christmas Flowers ...........................................................$469.00

2019 CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP APPEAL REPORT December 8th, 2019

Goal .........................................................................$219,932.00 Pledged ...................................................................$248,816.00 Received to date ...................................................$227,999.00

Current Surplus ..................................................$8,067.00

Number of families......................................................663

Thank you for your continued generosity and stewardship! Please consider St. Thomas More in your estate planning.

WE CURRENTLY HAVE 6,210 FAMILIES REGISTERED

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

Peter Creary The Jones Family

Jade Tan


Do you need a Helping Hand? All of us do at some time in our lives! Please call Jane Stofferahn at 702-458-2138 so

that she can activate the Help Thy Neighbor Program on your behalf. Whether you need a meal cooked or other one-time areas of assistance, such as house & yard maintenance, an errand run, light housekeeping, ironing, or laundry...it is our

pleasure to serve you! We hope you will call!


MEN’S CLUB

If you're a male over 18 years of age and are interested in helping those in need, serving your parish, growing in your faith, and you’re looking for fellowship, then the MEN’S CLUB is for you. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month beginning at 5:30 pm in the Community Center. Contact Dave Libby at 702-808-3589.

COMING IN EARLY 2020

St. Thomas More Catholic Community’s Bereavement Ministry Presents

For information, please contact Deacon Mike at 702-361-8840 or at [email protected]

ST. THOMAS MORE IS

CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HIRE A PART-TIME

MAINTENANCE STAFF EMPLOYEE.

This team member would work Sunday – Thursday. Experience is preferred. Please contact

Michael Ryan at [email protected] if you’re interested.

Our Faith Formation Office is looking for a volunteer that is able to help out on Mondays from 4 to 5:00

pm teaching second year preparation for First Communion to 4th and 5th graders.

If you’re available and interested, please contact

Juliann at 702-361-8840.

OUR STAFF WISHES YOU ALL A

Merry Christmas!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE THIS WEEK FOR OUR CHRISTMAS MASSES!

mailto:[email protected]

SILENT MEDITATION GROUP

There are no gatherings during the month of December! The group will resume gathering on Thursday, January 9th at 6:30 pm in our daily Chapel. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Maria Kuschel at 702-480-4290.


WE CURRENTLY HAVE 6,210 FAMILIES REGISTERED

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

Peter Creary The Jones Family

Jade Tan


CHURCH & CHAPEL HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S

Monday, December 23rd: Chapel is open from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm Church is closed

Tuesday, December 24th: Chapel is closed Church is open for Masses (4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 10:00 pm and 12 Midnight)

Wednesday, December 25th Chapel is closed Church is open for Masses (8:00 am, 10:00 am and 12 Noon)

Thursday, December 26th Chapel is open from 7:30 am to 9:30 am / Mass at 8:30 am Church is closed

Friday, December 27th Chapel is open from 7:30 am to 9:30 am / Mass at 8:30 am Church is closed

Saturday, December 28th Chapel is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Church is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm / Regular Mass Schedule

Sunday, December 29th

Chapel is open from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm Church is open from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm / Regular Mass Schedule

Monday, December 30th Chapel is open 7:30 am to 9:30 am / Mass at 8:30 am Church is closed

Tuesday, December 31st Chapel open from 7:30 am to 9:30 am / Mass at 8:30 am Church is open for Mass at 4:30 pm

Wednesday, January 1st Chapel is closed Church is open for Masses at 8:00 am and 10:00 am

Thursday, January 2nd Chapel open from 7:30 am to 9:30 am / Mass at 8:30 am

Church is closed

Friday, January 3rd Chapel is open from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm / Adoration at 9:00 am Church is open for Mass at 8:30 am

Saturday, January 4th Chapel is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Church is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm / Regular Mass Schedule

Sunday, January 5th Chapel is open from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm Church is open from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm / Regular Mass Schedule

The beautiful flowers on the altar today were dedicated by Anny & Dikran Keskerian

in honor of the members of the

K k

The beautiful flowers that will be on the altar for Christmas were

dedicated by Patrick Arizmendi

in honor of

D Jfor their 40th Wedding Anniversary


THE WEEK AHEAD

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23RD 8:30 am Mass

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH CHRISTMAS EVE Our offices are closed 4:00 pm Mass 6:00 pm Mass 10:00 pm Mass 12 Midnight Mass WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH CHRISTMAS DAY Our offices are closed 8:00 am Mass 10:00 am Mass 12 Noon Mass

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26TH Our offices are closed 8:30 am Mass

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27TH 8:30 am Mass

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28TH 3:00 pm Reconciliation 4:30 pm Mass

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29TH THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY: JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH 8:00 am Mass 8:30 am RCIA 10:00 am Mass 12:00 pm Mass 5:30 pm Mass

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE CHANGES THAT DO OCCUR TO THIS SCHEDULE.

WE SUGGEST ALWAYS CHECKING WITH THE HEAD OF YOUR MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION.

FOR CHILDREN AGES 1 TO 4 YEARS OLD


A HUGE Thank you from your OUTREACH Director! Christmas in the Fall— 15 Agencies were blessed with a multitude of gifts. They were overwhelmed by our generosity and grateful for each and every item they received. Coats & Sweaters for Title 1 Middle School— The Faith Formation classes were asked to bring in gently used coats & sweaters, and the result was amazing as we filled a truck with bags of items. G.L.O.W.S. Thanksgiving Outreach— 432 of our parishioners delivered 712 prepared meals to homebound seniors on Thanksgiving Day. The “Tell Your Story’ notes from families that delivered are pouring in and they are so very touching. We’ve also received many Thank You notes from the seniors telling how much the delicious meals and the visits meant to them. The food donations brought to Mass every weekend from parishioners for our Food Pantry have already been blessing families in need that come to our Parish. Our More Youth students collected over 3,000 lbs of food from friends & family for the annual Trick-or-Treat For Hunger and families who attended our annual Trunk or Treat event on Halloween donated canned goods as well. We have been hugely blessed by parishioner; Lee Gardner, who generously donated the funds for the purchase of a restaurant size refrigerator & full size freezer. These are crucial items needed for our own Food Pantry to go onboard with Three Square Food Bank. We will soon have shelves built by one of our Scouts for his Eagle Scout project. Once that is complete, we can move forward with a scheduled day & time that we will be open as a full fledged pantry serving this Hendersonvalley. Would you like to know how you can get involved with our food pantry? Training classes for those who would like to assist with the weekly pantry outreach will be scheduled soon. Please contact Cheryl Schwarz at 702-361-8840 ext. 206 or at [email protected] for more information.


MINISTRY & ORGANIZATION CONTACTS ALL NUMBERS START WITH 702 UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED

ADULT FAITH FORMATION Deacon Mike 361-8840

ALTAR TEAMS Deacon Bob Rudloff 260-0311

BAPTISM Parish Office 361-3022

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY Deacon Mike 361-3022

BUILDING & GROUNDS Mike Ryan 361-3022

CONTENT & COMMUNICATIONS Amanda Dwyer 361-3022

COUPLES CLUB Dan Bubb 785-318-0566

ENGAGED EXPERIENCE Pamela Trendell 361-3022

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS Lisa Fairweather 361-3022

FAITH FORMATION Juliann Dwyer 361-8840

FINANCE COUNCIL Parish Office 361-3022

GIFT SHOP Bette Snyder 361-8840

HELP THY NEIGHBOR PROGRAM Jane Stofferahn 458-2138

HOMEBOUND MINISTRY Patti Sabo 269-3110

HOSPITALITY MINISTERS Janie Davis 361-2780

LECTORS Jerry Fairweather 994-4154

LIFE TEEN Ray Snead 361-8840

LITTLE KINGDOM Geraldine Montano Muguira 236-4332

MARRIAGE Pamela Trendell 361-3022

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Bob & Beth Wiebers 898-7865

MEN’S CLUB Dave Libby 808-3589

M.O.M.S Kim Blanc 528-2457

MORE YOUTH Cheryl Schwarz 361-8840

MUSIC MINISTRY Lisa Fairweather 361-3022

NEVADANS FOR THE COMMON GOOD Natalie Eustice 630-3543

OUTREACH MINISTRY Cheryl Schwarz 361-8840

PARENTS FOR LIFE Ray Snead 361-8840

PASTORAL COUNCIL CJ Campagna 768-3862

PIECEMAKERS Bette Snyder 685-7533

R.C.I.A. Parish Office 361-3022

ROSARY MAKING Pat Burkitt 376-5410 Joleen Meusburger 498-5011

SAFE ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY Kit Lambert 759-5509

SCOUTS Ed Cortney 415-9980

SENIOR GAMES Salvy Mc Ilvaine 617-4547

55+ SINGLES Carol Capino Sturm 606-3900

SILENT CHRISTIAN MEDITATION Maria Kuschel 407-1697

TELE-WELCOMING Jane Stofferahn 458-2138

VICTIM’S ASSISTANCE Ron Vallance 235-7723

WELCOME SUNDAY DONUTS CJ Campagna 768-3862

WOMEN’S GUILD Cis Holzhauer 837-3446

Pastor— Fr. Bede Wevita

Ex Officio—Mike Ryan, Sandra Stahl

Members: Mark Ricciardi

JoAnn Rucci Bernadette Schmitz

Danny Siciliano ClairMarie Slaveck

Marcus Valerio Chris Vito

Dave Wirshing

PASTORAL COUNCIL

Pastor— Fr. Bede Wevita

Cecilia “CJ” Campagna (President) Carla Wagner Clara Martinez Dave Wirshing

Glenda Hoagland Jill Heintz

John Vialpando Kathleen Walters Margaret Louis

Rene Robles Sara VanDewater

Sarah Lipps Susan Kring

ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE COUNCIL


DO YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR CONFIRMATION? ARE YOU AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE?

HAVE YOU BEEN BAPTIZED? HAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR FIRST COMMUNION? ARE YOU A REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE PARISH?

Adult Confirmation Classes will begin January 26th for adults 18 years old who were baptized and received their

First Communion but, for whatever reason, were never confirmed. You must register and be interviewed before

January 12th. If you are interested and eligible, please text or call Deacon Bill at 702-606-7548.


TODAY’S READINGS:

FIRST READING: Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. (Is 7:14)

PSALM: Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. (Ps 24)

SECOND READING: Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith. (Rom 1:5a)

GOSPEL: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus.” (Mt 1:20b-21a)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997,

International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

WEEKLY READINGS AND OBSERVANCES

ENGAGE IN DAILY MASS & PRAYER

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 22ND:

SUNDAY: Is 7:10-14/ Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 [7c, 10b]/Rom 1:1-7/ Mt 1:18-24

MONDAY: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14/ Lk 1:57-66

TUESDAY: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 [2]/Lk 1:67-79

WEDNESDAY: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 [2a]/ Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Midnight: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/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, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5, 9-14

THURSDAY: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22

FRIDAY: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8

SATURDAY: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18

OBSERVANCES FOR THE WEEK:

SUNDAY: 4th Sunday of Advent MONDAY: St. John of Kanty, Priest TUESDAY: Christmas Eve WEDNESDAY: The Nativity of the Lord (holy day of obligation) THURSDAY: St. Stephen, the First Martyr FRIDAY: St. John, Apostle & Evangelist SATURDAY: The Holy Innocents, Martyrs NEXT SUNDAY: The Holy Family

DECEMBER 22ND, 2019 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

GOSPEL MEDITATION ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE

Each Advent season, we prepare to welcome Jesus into the inns and stables of our hearts. But Jesus’ coming wasn’t welcomed by everyone with choirs of angels. For St. Joseph, the first coming of Jesus was a bit more complicated. “When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.” For Joseph, opening his heart (and home) to Jesus meant, at best, appearing to all the world like a man who had impregnated his wife out of wedlock. At worst, he appeared a cuckold, raising the child of another man. God doesn’t always appear the way we expect.

For some of us, the birth of Christ is a bit relationally complicated. Perhaps over the past few months, a loved one has died. This Christmas, you’re taking it upon yourself to keep up the traditions and hold the family together. Welcoming Jesus means welcoming grief. Perhaps it’s a difficult relative (or two or three) and it’s all you can do to bite your tongue and swallow your pride while they’re under your roof. Welcoming Jesus means welcoming strife, discord, and tension.

Yet “do not be afraid,” the angel says. Do not be afraid. Why? Because we celebrate the birth of “Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Before Jesus’ earthly ministry would begin, Jesus would lose his father, Joseph. God is with us in our grief. Wherever Jesus went, he stirred up controversy and faced down challenging personalities. God is with us in our stress. The trick is, like Joseph, to allow supernatural grace to prevail. Joseph was a good man, filled with natural virtue in that he didn’t want to “expose [Mary] to shame.” Yet he was prepared to “divorce her quietly” all the same. Our natural abilities only take us so far. Where is receiving Jesus complicated this Christmas season? Are you relying on your own strength to get you through, or are you truly ready to accept the grace of Emmanuel, God with us?

LIVE THE LITURGY INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK

Have you ever asked God for a sign? What were you hoping to see? Signs validate our experience and give us assurance and direction. We tend to equate God’s signs with miraculous or marvelous events. We even sometimes look for small gestures as signs that God is confirming a particular experience or choice we are making. Being overly preoccupied with receiving these kinds of signs from God can often signal a lack of faith. Is there anything that can convince us that God is real and with us on our journey? Yes. God’s sign has already been given: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall name him Emmanuel. Emmanuel, God with us, is God’s most perfect sign and the only one we need. Our incarnate God is all we need to set us straight and validate our experience. Only Jesus can direct us to the Father, to our self, one another, and our world. When our lives are conformed to His, nothing else is needed.


©LPi


EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

I did not end up being the great parent I had hoped I would be. I am not saying I was bad, but I was not the cool dad who did all things right and led my children by the example of my endlessly good actions. I messed up a bunch. Sometimes I was afraid. I was afraid of decisions I had to make and the possible repercussions. At times, I was afraid that I was not strong enough to lead my family. The fear occasionally led me toward inaction or eventual mistakes. The only thing that got me through the tough times and allowed me to see it was okay was Jesus. Without Jesus, I would never have been half of the father and husband I have been through the years.

When we try to tackle life alone, we can find ourselves in a very lonely position. Just like Jesus’ parents, we need God to assist us and provide us with the strength for what lies ahead. Joseph needed God to be with him as he took Mary as his wife and became a father. Every parent needs God to become more than they can be on their own.

How do you treat those who you love? Who is there to help you when a relationship faces an obstacle? We are called to love others as our Father in heaven loves us. That is really an unreachable goal. Yet with God, all things are possible. As this Advent ends, may your Christmas be about more than presents and decorations. May the most profound gifts you give and receive be that of each other, and may your lives be decorated with the fruits of that love.

— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

REFLECT AND RESPOND TO SCRIPTURE FIRST READING The prophet Isaiah challenges king Ahaz to be bold in his prayer to God: “Ask for a sign … let it be as deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky!” How would you rate your own boldness of prayer to God? SECOND READING In the opening words of his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul asserts that all believers (Jew and Gentile alike) are called to be holy. How do you think the season of Advent helps us develop holiness? GOSPEL READING Matthew focuses on Joseph in recounting the birth of Jesus. (Luke, by comparison, focuses on Mary). How do you imagine Joseph processed over time this angelic revelation of Mary’s conception and Jesus’ birth?

©LPi

WHY DO WE DO THAT? CATHOLIC LIFE EXPLAINED

QUESTION I can’t explain it. I feel a nudge from God to something out of the ordinary. How do I respond?

ANSWER You’re in good company! Abraham was asked to leave all he knew and loved for a strange land, with only abstract divine assurance that such a sacrifice would be worth it. Plenty of prophets protested against God’s call, whether it was claiming they were too young (Jeremiah) or running away entirely, only to end up in a whale’s belly (Jonah). St. Joseph was asked to do something very strange. He was asked to believe — on the word of an angelic appearance in a dream — that his betrothed was pregnant not from another man, but by a miraculous intervention of God. Then he was called to marry her.

Author Flannery O’Connor once wrote, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd.” Sometimes God’s invitation might seem strange or challenging. It might require sacrifices we never expected to make. Our life might look different than we had always imagined. But as we all know, life throws its own curveballs, regardless of whether or not we’re listening for God’s will. Better, one would think, to be open to the promptings of God and to follow along the strange trails that they lead. We have the assurance that, eventually, we will find green pastures.

©LPi


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