SAINT PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH December 8, 2013

Father in heaven, the day draws near when the glory of your Son will make radiant the night of the waiting world. May the lure of greed not impede us

from the joy which moves the hearts of those who seek him. May the darkness

not blind us to the vision of wisdom which fills the minds of those who find him. We ask this in the name of Jesus

the Lord. Amen.

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 - Friday 6:30 am

Phones: Rectory & Parish Center:419-524-2572 Convent: 419-524-2572 High School, Jr. High: 419-524-0979 Grade School, Montessori: 419-524-3351 Child Care Center: 419-524-2572 Ext. 3108 Fax: 419-522-2553 Gifts to Msgr. Dunn Foundation: 419-524-2572 Ext. 2125 Parish Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:30 pm Friday: 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Saturday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Parish Business Manager: Mr. Jerry Straub

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. Jim Marshall Mr. John Reef Mr. Dennis Striker

School: Mrs. Tressa Reith High School , Jr. High School Mrs. Madalyn Bauer Elementary School Mrs. Tammy Kemerling Montessori Ms. Melinda Milligan Child Care Director Pastoral Care Contacts: Parish Office 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

Immaculate Conception Mosaic at

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Page Two St. Peter’s Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 8, 2013

MASS INTENTIONS Monday, December 9 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patronal Feastday of the United States of America 9:00 am All School Mass 5:00 pm Rosary 5:30 pm Peter Zimmerman Tuesday, December 10 Advent Weekday 6:30 am Andrew T. & Catherine B. Knapp Wednesday, December 11 Advent Weekday +Damasus 1, Pope 6:30 am Oka & Ruth Ann Nichols Thursday, December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe 6:30 am Furrow & Steele Families Friday, December 13 +Lucy, Virgin and Martyr 6:30 pm Reverend Bernard Boff 5:00 pm Rosary 5:30 pm Ellish/Voytko Families Saturday, December 14 +John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church 5:00 pm Deceased Members of the Class of 1950 Sunday, December 15 Third Sunday Of Advent 7:30 am Andrew T. Knapp 9:30 am Parish 11:30 am Libby Seckel LECTOR / COMMUNION MINISTER Saturday, December 14

5:00 pm L B Linkenbach, J Thrasher D D Falquette, D&T Hipp, J Jimenez, K Kleman, B Schartl, C Sgambellone, D Wurm, V Zack Sunday, December 15 7:30 am L J Morvai, M Santoro D M Collet, Sr. P Bingert, B&L Danuloff, K Randall, S. Santoro, need one 9:30 am L D Forster, C Henrich D D Dreskler, C Berger, J Brenna, Sr. B Campbell, I Cervinski, B Connolly, B Genter, J Hunt, C Merle, R Renie, M Riggleman, F Russo, F Schuster, A Seiss, K Wehinger 11:30 am L K Paugh, J Riedl D F Leitenberger C Becker, H Deel, J Liston, C Mears, B Riley, M Selby, K Speck, K Swank, J Wendling, K Yockey MASS SERVERS Saturday, December 14 5:00 pm M Jerger, S & A Winters Sunday, December 15 7:30 am J Ramey, S & M Tridico 9:30 am A & C Blunk, L Henrich 11:30 am L Rice, V Speck, N Todd

Counters - December 15

P & R Saul, F Russo, M Selby

Children’s Liturgy of the Word - December 15

9:30 Patti Kastelic 11:30 Angie Dillon

It surely dates me, but I remember an episode of the TV series “The Odd Couple” with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman – from Neil Simon’s play by the same name. I think it was Randall’s character, Felix Unger, who taught me the old saying, “When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me,” playing on the spelling of the word.

The truth of that saying stays with me even now, 40 years after the show ended. It’s particularly apt, in Advent, when we (and our ancestors in faith) learn that God seldom comes to us in ways we expect. Our expectations and way of looking for the Lord aren’t all that different from those of the Israelites, who looked for a mighty king to rise up, overthrow their oppressors and establish Israel as the Kingdom of God on earth.

They weren’t looking for a baby born in poverty in a cattle stall or for the carpenter who preached a radical departure from the established religious outlook of their time. And they certainly weren’t looking for a “King of the Jews,” condemned as a common criminal, subjected to capital punishment between two other criminals. Their assumptions about the Kingdom of God as they expected it to be to clouded their senses so they didn’t recognize the Kingdom when Jesus said it was in their midst.

We look back to his birth, sanitized and sweetened by our desire to focus on the newborn baby, the Son of the Virgin surrounded by adoring parents, chubby little angels and antiseptic-cleansed sheep and hay. We fail to see the humiliation and unmajestic conditions of Jesus’ coming into the world. Like our ancestors in faith, we fail to see the reality unfolding in front of us.

Amid the “Glorias”, candles, and singing, we tend to forget that Jesus comes to us in what Blessed Teresa of Calcutta called, “that distressing disguise.” Now, am I writing against the beauty of our liturgical celebrations? No. Our liturgy is meant to help us recall the deeds of God in the world. We are meant to remember and our memory should be an honest one. There was no crown of victory, no glory of resurrection without the humiliation of the cross and the death of Jesus, which he modeled for us in his ministry and in the hours before his execution.

All of this goes to say that our Advent observance should be made with open eyes. We look for the Lord and we should look for him where he will be - not where we expect him to be. Jesus, Son of God, eternal King, doesn’t live in a palace. He lives in the poor, the neglected, the elderly with no one to care for them; in the downtrodden and the prisoner. He lives in those who dwell in fear and darkness, in those who wait longingly for light. He lives in our brothers and sisters – those to whom we give no thought — barely even a glance. He lives in us so we may bring him to all those others!

Do we want Advent and Christmas to have real meaning and joy? If so, we must pray for open eyes and open hearts so we can love and give without expectation of return or repayment. We must seek, “Jesus in that distressing disguise.” If we are to follow him, we must go where he goes — even to the Cross at the end of the road with only our faith to reassure us that it isn’t really the end, but only the beginning of the life Jesus offers us.

Bill Johnson

2014 Herlihy-Chambers Funeral Home calendars can be picked up in the church the weekend of December 14-15.

Page Three St. Peter’s Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 8, 2013

Please Pray for the Sick of our Parish Emil & Carol Straub, Jim & Krista Marshall, Madaline Barrett, Eileen Fanello, Dan Rhea, Beth Castelvetere, Mary Ann Kurek, Gwenna Yockey, Lorraine Moore, Brenda Davis, Margaret Ferguson,

Gibson-Corbin & Downing Family, Michelle Sutton, Shemika Johnson, Stacy Roberts, Ann Elaine Johnson, Barb Riley Family, John Lemley, Baby Lincoln Bohnke, Beth Weiland, John Doty, Don Blank, Linda Beasley, Julie Meyer, Audrey Graf, Mary Cetinich-Sipe, Ettore “Eddie” Chiudioni, Denise Wylie, Jess Allred, Pat Denise Wylie, Mary Jane Reip, Sherry Studer, Tegan Ruiz, Evie & Kelly (Metcalf) Ruiz, John Jerger, Bernadine Kallerson, Kristin Neal-Stoodt, Nick & Hilda Schemine, Joyce Weidig, Virginia Tipul, Mary Miller

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. Thank you.

November 24, 2013

Regular Sunday $ 15,222.00 School $ 2,218.00 Children $ 10.77 Mailed In Sunday $ 1,117.00 Mailed in School $ 10.00 Mailed in Children $ 10.00 Direct Deposit $ 2,465.00 TOTAL $ 21,052.77

Parish Debt Relief $ 850.00

December 1, 2013 Regular Sunday $ 11,827.00 School $ 8,688.00 Children $ 10.42 Mailed In Sunday $ 989.00 Direct Deposit $ 3,415.00 TOTAL $ 24,929.42 Parish Debt Relief $ 519.00

Weekly Average Needed = $25,000

Lone Star Single Event—(Singles 40+)

Come celebrate Christmas with us Sunday, Dec. 15, hosted by Sandy Shaum @ 3:30 pm. Bring a dish to share and white ele-phant gift (Christmas wrapped). Be prepared for food, fun and fellowship. RSVP to Sandy (419-512-4633) or Fran (419-884-0964) for directions.

In God’s Arms…. Mary Jane Feiertag, Nicolo “Nick” Olivieri, Rose Marie Augustine, Reverend Daniel Fraser

Hearts and Minds Program

“Hearts and Minds” is a parish support system that can help families dealing with mental illness. We

offer medical information, speakers and spiritual readings. Our next meeting will be January 2 @ 6:15 pm in Assisi Hall. Contact Sue Malaska @ vmalaska@neo.rr.com for details.

Christmas Flower Envelopes - Last year we received phone calls about names not being listed on the “Christmas Donations for Floral Decorations” bulletin insert. Gifts need to be made by December 18 to allow enough time to type and dupli-cate. Anything received after this date will be placed on the weekly list for the bulletin throughout the year. We thank you for your donations as our church is enhanced by the beautiful flowers. Envelopes were mailed to parishioners this past week and there also will be envelopes at the church entrances starting the First Sunday of Advent.

Knights of Columbus 1114 Park Ave. West · 419-529-5532

Friday, December 13– Jim’s famous pasta and meatballs- $ 9 Friday, December 20– Magnificent meatloaf dinner- $ 9 Closed Friday, December 27, 28 and January 3

This year December 9th is the Feast of the Immaculate Concep-tion. Let us commit this week to pray the Angelus to our Blessed Mother. “The Angelus is a short practice of devotion in honor of the Incarnation repeated three times each day, morning noon an d ev en ing , a t t h e sound o f t h e bell.” ( www.catholiconline.com )

St. Peter’s Respect Life Chapter THE ANGELUS: The Leader: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. All: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. HAIL MARY... Leader: Behold the handmaid of the Lord. All: Be it done unto me according to Thy Word. HAIL MARY... Leader: And the word was made Flesh. All: And dwelt among us. HAIL MARY... Leader: Pray for us, O holy Mother of GOD. All: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. LET US PRAY: (ALL) Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom in incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His

North Central Ohio Vocations Club will be meeting December 9th, in the Franciscan Activity Center after the 5:30 pm Mon-day evening Mass at St. Peter's. Fr. Eric Culler will be our guest presenter who will tell us about his trip to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro Brazil in August. Guests are welcome.

No Room at the Inn? Mary and Joseph brought their first-born 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 and seats may only be held for late-arriving family members until the ushers start seating people. Thank you in advance for your hospitality.

Page Four St. Peter’s Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 8, 2013

December 11th- Confirmation Class from 6:00- 7:45 pm in the FAC.

December 16th- Young Adult Meeting at 6 pm in the Family Room

December 25th and January 1st- NO PSR Classes

Floral decorations and greenery in our Sanctuary have been underwritten in part by:

Mr.. Harold E. Stupanski- In Memory of Lois Stupanski

Capt. & Mrs. Jeffrey G. Mussman-

Mr. & Mrs. David C. Falquette-

Mr. & Mrs. Wayne L. Cairns- In Memory of Harry & Martha King

Mr. & Mrs. William P. Jilek-

Mrs. Helen M. Walbert- In Memory of John Walbert

Diane Rodriquez- In Memory of Bill & Germaine Wake

Mr. H. Elmer Berger- In Memory of Jane L. Berger

Mr. Robert H. Sliney- In Memory of Harold E. Sliney

Mr. & Mrs. James W. Bubash- In Memory of Sammy Tridico

Donation Envelopes are available at the church entrances for those who do not receive envelopes but wish to donate to the Flower Fund. We thank those who contribute and enhance our beautiful church.

Celebration of Sacrament Reconciliation St. Peter, Confessions times at St. Peter are on Saturdays from 3:00— 4:30 pm

Tri-Parish Communal Penance Service at St. Mary Thursday, December 12, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Deanery Advent Penance Services Galion, St. Joseph, Monday, December 9, 7:00 pm

Bucyrus, Holy Trinity, Sunday, December 15, 4:00 pm

Crestline, St. Joseph and Bethlehem, Sacred Heart, in the Church at St. Joseph Parish, Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 pm

Mansfield, St. Mary, Tuesday, December 17, 7:00 pm until all confessions are heard; and Friday, December 20, after the 9:00 am Mass until all confessions are Heard

Lexington, Resurrection, Thursday, December 19, 7:00 pm until all confessions are heard; and Friday, December 20, after the 9:30 am Mass until all confessions are heard

Christmas Season Mass Schedule– St. Peter’s Christmas Eve—Tuesday, December 24, 2013 4:00 pm (in Church) 4:00 pm (held in School Auditorium) 7:00 pm (in Church)-incense will be used at this Mass 12:00 Midnight—Church (Music begins at 11:30 pm) incense will be used at this Mass Christmas Day—Wednesday, December 25, 2013 8:00 am and 10:00 am (in Church) (incense will be used at the 10:00 Mass)

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 5:30 pm Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at 9:00 am

Adoption Search and Reunions For those involved in an adoption, the holiday season may cause an interest in finding biological parents or children. Catholic Charities offers search and reunion services to help those adopted through Catholic Charities. For more informa-tion, please contact Catholic Charities Post Adoption Search and Reunion Coordinator, Peg Gehring, LSW, at 419-244-6711, ext. 230 (outside Toledo: 1-800-926-8277, ext. 230) or mgehring@toledodiocese.org.

Help aging sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. “Each year the need to provide for our elderly (members) becomes more pressing, and we are ever more grateful for these provi-dential funds,” writes a religious sister about the financial assis-tance received from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your donation helps provide necessities such as prescription medica-tion and nursing care. Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Thank you to Fr. Jeremy for his enlightening presenta-tion on The People of God. Thank you also to Jeff & Sarah Mussman for the delicious breakfast items (for two weeks)!

Request for Donation of Sewing Supplies: Richland Correc-tional Institution Reintegration Unit focuses upon productive and meaningful work to benefit nation-wide charities such as Project Linus and the Hero Project. We have the opportunity to donate the following sewing supplies: thread, fabric, sewing needles, Velcro, fabric marking pen or chalk, straight pins. Please bring items to the Parish Center; mark all bags "Lynne" and I will deliver them to Richland Correctional. Thank you! In fu-ture bulletins we will provide updates on these projects.

Thank you to our parish family for support-ing the youth of our parish who traveled to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis! What an amazing experience you provided for the high school students

who were in attendance! We hope more of you can join us in 2015 when the next NCYC takes place once again in Indian-apolis! Please keep looking in the bulletin for information regarding this trip!

We are saddened to learn of the death of one of our former as-sociates, Fr. Dan Fraser. Dan was assigned to St. Peter’s from 7/1/99 to 7/1/02. He is fondly remembered for his “Grandpa’s Reflections “ books. A deacon for 25 years, Dan was ordained

a priest, at age 65, in 1999. May he rest in peace.

Page Five St. Peter’s Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 8, 2013

BLUE BARRELS

Will be out - December 14 & 15 Thank you for supporting Catholic Charities!

RECYCLING ~ Our next Recycling date is: December 13 in the Franciscan Activity

Center Parking lot. HOURS: 10 to 11 am and 2 to 4 pm

IMPORTANT: Please honor these drop off times - do not leave your recyclables on the sidewalks or curbs.

We want to recognize and say a special prayer for the 292 parishioners celebrating birthdays in the month of December espe-cially the nine people who are 85 and above: Rose Pfeil, Elmer Berger, Iantha

Kolesar, Richard Studer, William Majors, Jackie Reindl, Mar-garet Fallerius, Mary Bartley, Margaret Ferguson, Delores Kearney, Beverly Freiheit, Donald Chambers, and Richard Cummins. Happy birthday to all and may God continue to shower his blessings upon you. If you are above 85 and we missed your birthday, please let us know.

YEAR-ROUND MISSION OF SERVICE Especially during this Christmas season but also throughout the school year, youth at St. Peter’s Parish and students at St. Pe-ter's School are reminded and aware of the fact that it is part of their mission to care for those in need. Through many projects, both during and outside of the school day, youth in the parish and students at all grade levels at St. Peter's School participate in projects that enable them to share their blessings with others not only in our community but throughout the world. Just a few of the projects this year included assisting at The New Store, collecting new and used books for the preschool through third grade age groups in our community, participating in the Holiday Mail for Heroes Christmas card campaign through the Red Cross and the Friends of Our Troops Christ-mas card campaign, holding a turkey raffle with proceeds going to the USO, making cards for veterans for Veterans Day, col-lecting books and toys for children’s hospitals, making place-mats for the Thanksgiving parish dinner, holding penny wars or doing other projects at home to earn extra money donated to the Pennies for Patients' (part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), collecting $300 for World Water Day 2013 to provide two water pumps where access to clean water is a must, making comfort blankets for children removed from their homes for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, providing books and toys for the Richland County supervised visitation rooms, do-nating $50 to Heifer for sustainable animal gifts, building houses and delivering food and clothing during the Year of Faith Missionary trip to Piura, Peru, purchasing Spanish books for the Catholic school in Piura, sponsoring the building of a bamboo house ($550) for a family in Piura, Peru, sending Christmas cards to all shut-ins of the parish and to Catholic prisoners at Mansfield prisons, collecting coats for kids, and adopting local children for Christmas.

A Tri-Parish “National Night of Prayer for Life” will be Sun-day, December 8 at St. Peter's Parish from 2-6 pm Benediction and Eucharistic Adoration will start at 2:00 pm followed by the rosary. The rosary will be led at 3, 4 & 5 pm For further infor-mation: www.nationalnightoflifeforprayer.org or www.priestsforlife.org. Sponsored by Resurrection, St. Mary's and St. Peter's Respect Life Chapter.

Heringhaus General Dentistry 480 Glessner Avenue

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Messiah -- Tickets for the December 20th performance of Han-del's famous oratorio Messiah are on sale now in the Parish Center Office and are also available from the website of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra and Renaissance Theater. The Choir of St. Peter's will perform together with the Mansfield Symphony Chorus and Orchestra under the direction of Maes-tro Thomas Hong. You will not want to miss it! Tickets are available for a tax deductible donation of $15 each. Tickets will be required for admission to the performance at St. Peter's on December 20th at 8:00 p.m. and seating is general admission with reserved seating only for the handicapped and the eld-erly. If you want to attend you should purchase your tickets early. You may also help to provide tickets for those who genuinely cannot afford one (senior citizens on limited in-comes, for example). Those tickets will be held here and dis-tributed to those who request them. If you cannot afford a ticket, please call the Parish Music Office at 419-524-2572, ext. 2113. Speaking of Handel's Messiah... Volunteers are needed to work as greeters/ticket takers, ushers and stage hands during the performance of Messiah. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Parish Music Office at 419-524-2572, ext. 2113. Please help us to put on the best face possible for our Parish as we take a leading role in providing access to the creative and performing arts in our community. Thank you!

Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner

A very special “Thank You” to everyone who participated in this year’s Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the high school. Over 500 meals were provided this year. The dinner would not have been possible without the help of all the volunteers, many who worked on Thanksgiving Day, the Thanksgiving Dinner Com-mittee, the individuals who cooked turkeys, the many people who donated desserts, and the people who donated financially. Working together as a Parish Community we were able to con-tinue our tradition of providing meals on Thanksgiving Day. Food that was left over was donated to the Friendly House (who also provided meals on Thanksgiving Day) and will be used to help feed the needy.

Save the Date * Diocesan Women’s Conference * Saturday, May 17th 2014 at the Stroh’s Center in Bowling Green. Put it in your phone, on your calendar, in your Palm Pilot. You won’t want to miss this. Details coming in the months to come. The Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension (LIMEX) Program is a part-time, Catholic university program leading to a master’s degree or certificate in religious education or pastoral studies. Interested people include Catholic school teachers & administrators, lay persons pre-paring for or engaged in lay ministry, deacons, clergy, religious sisters, health care workers, lawyers & magistrates, etc. LIMEX provides flexible scheduling, enabling students to combine study, family and work without leaving the area. It is also affordable, allowing students to pursue higher education without “breaking the bank”! The Diocese of Toledo has been sponsoring the LIMEX program since 1996 and there are about 50 graduates in our diocese!

Five LIMEX Information Sessions were held in the Toledo area this past September and October, in Maumee, Toledo, Walbridge, and Wauseon. Several people who attended are interested and some have already applied for the program. The prospective participants are from Delta, Hicksville, Maumee, Toledo and Wauseon. There are a few spots left in this class, so anyone who missed the Information Ses-sions or would like more information about the program, contact Marian Bermudez, LIMEX Coordinator for the Diocese of Toledo, at 419-663-5036 or mbermudez@neo.rr.com. Check out the LIMEX website: <www.lim.loyno.edu> HERLIHY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE: This family home is once again opening their house to the public on December 12,13,14 AND 15 FROM 6– 9 PM. This Christmas house, located at 170 West Second Street, Mansfield (located behind Herlihy-Chambers Funeral Home), has been a Holiday tradition for many years. This personal collection is on display and features over 30 Christmas trees (ranging from 12” - 16’), hundreds of Santa's, Disney, villages, trains, etc. This family asks for a minimum of $1 per person donation that will then be given to A Special Wish and Toy Time. Bring the whole family and make this a part of your Christmas Tradition! For more information herlihychristmashouse.com or 567-303-5721

Page Six St. Peter’s Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 8, 2013

Page Eight St. Peter’s Church, Mansfield, Ohio December 8, 2013

WONDERS The normal response to a surprise is amazement, gratitude, and delight. By definition, we don’t antici-pate surprises. Their occurrence reminds us that we cannot always guess or shape the future. Granted, we do what we can do; we attend to the daily tasks, as we must. For grace is surely here in the mundane, and God is in the details. But God is in the happy surprises, too. Today’s readings are filled with startling developments. We hear the clarion cry of one of those rare prophets announcing the coming of the Lord. Isaiah proclaims startling, surprising images of the nearly im-possible reconciliation of opposites: calf and lion, leopard and young goat, child and serpent. Isaiah’s vision sees all of these creatures living in harmony. This is Eden again; this is paradise. It is God’s surprise and promise. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION “Outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace” is the often-memorized definition of sacrament, but through four decades of reform we have rediscovered the power of sacrament to bestow grace by reshaping our lives as individuals and communities. Not so long ago, most people were not attentive to the nature of sacrament as an act of the Church, a power that flows from the Body of Christ. Fifty years ago, we were inclined to see a sacrament as an encounter between Christ and an individual. Today, we see that definition does not go far enough. God’s grace is not a trickle, but a gushing torrent washing over the whole Church. Like a photographer pulling back the camera for a broader picture, today we are not only interested in the person who is being baptized, reconciled, or anointed. We think about how celebrating a sacrament transforms a community. We think about the grace given by Christ to the community that baptizes or marries or ordains or confirms. Sacraments are for the good of the commu-nity. Even when it appears to be a private, hidden moment, as in individual confession, a sacrament is always for the sake of the whole body, always more than “meets the eye.” —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — He shall bring justice for the afflicted; the earth shall overflow with the knowledge of the LORD (Isaiah 11:1-10). Psalm — Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever (Psalm 72). Second Reading — Glorify God by living in harmony with one an-other, welcoming each other as Christ welcomed you (Romans 15:4-9). Gospel — Produce good fruit worthy of your baptism; repent, for the reign of God is near (Matthew 3:1-12).

Like John the Baptist, every parent “prepares the way of the Lord” in the hearts of their children. Christian parents are the voice to their children. Advent is a good time to ask; “How do I help my children to know Jesus?” (Bud Ozar)

END OF THE YEAR GIVING:

If you are considering a charitable, tax deductible donation for the current tax year, please remember your parish among your charities. You may wish to consider a donation(s) to any of the following: The Msgr. Dunn Foundation, Spartan Athletic Boosters, the Annual Tuition Drive (ATD, 2014/15), the restricted fund for Sanctuary and Liturgical needs, or a donation to the organ preservation fund. And don’t forget Catholic Charities, the Feed the Needy program, and food gift cards for the needy (drop off at the parish office). As we begin the new liturgical year with Advent, our thoughts turn to the many blessings which God has be-stowed on us. Why not share these blessings with others? God bless you for your love and sacrifice! Father Gregory Hite, Pastor

ANNUNCIATION RADIO Our own Catholic Radio Station At WFOT 89.5 FM Every day- 24/7– all day!

It gives Catholics the tools they need to live and share their faith.

Please remember in prayer Sister June Marshall who died Tuesday, November 26, at Our Lady of Angels in Joliet. Sister was 79 years of age. She taught in the elementary from 1959-1960 and returned to the parish for eleven years (1974-85) as a minister to the sick. ~The Sisters

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11

# 776400 1200 bulletins please St. Peter Church 104 W First Street Mansfield, OH 44902-2199 419-524-2572 Attn: Audrey/Vickie

Carolyn A. Chambers, MDEdward P. Zarczynski, MD

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J & B ACOUSTICAL2750 Lexington Ave. 419-884-1155

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1 Marion Avenue, Suite 201 419-522-1837Mansfield, Ohio 44903 FAX: 419-526-3927DEDICATED TO PERSONALIZED CARE AND DENTAL EXCELLENCE

419-526-4747

TOGLIATTI SEWING CENTER

SEWING MACHINES & CLASSESBABYLOCK & PFAFF MACHINES

QUALITY FABRICS893 PARK AVE. W 419-524-5100

Thank you for advertising inour church bulletin.

I am patronizing your businessbecause of it!

Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad”and Present It The Next Time YouPatronize One of Our Advertisers

✂

HERLIHY-CHAMBERSFUNERAL HOME

Pre-arrangement - Traditional Funerals - CremationFamily owned & operated since 1925173 Park Avenue West Mansfield

419-524-5532www.herlihy-chambers.com

Thomas R. Heringhaus, D.D.S.Theresa D. Heringhaus, D.D.S

480 Glessner Ave., Mansfield, OH 44903419-524-7409

www.drsheringhaus.com drs@drsheringhaus.com

TURF’S UPCommercial & Residential

Snow Removal419-564-7013

Mike Annis, Parishioner

180Lexington525-3462

SERVING THE AREA OVER 50 YEARS

• AIR SERVICE • POWER LOCKS • REMOTE STARTERS • KEYLESS ENTRY

55 ASHLAND RD. (419) 524-0241

D&W AUTO GLASS

MANSFIELD DISTRIBUTING CO.1245 W. Longview Avenue

(419) 747-4777Local Proprietors, Mike and Mary BerryDISTRIBUTOR OF ANHEUSER-BUSCH BEER

335500 MMaarriioonn AAvveennuuee

(Former Finefrock Funeral Home)

441199--552255--44441111Integrity and Compassion

... Through Four Generations

776400 St Peter Church (A)

BBrriinnggiinngg hhiigghh qquuaalliittyy hheeaarrtt ccaarree cclloossee ttoo hhoommee!!680 Park Avenue West Mansfield, Ohio

419-524-8151 or 800-686-3966www.midohioheart.com

ohiogutterman.com

ICE & WIND STORM DAMAGE REPAIR

INSURED

BODY, MIND,SPIRIT

Shirley Robison,Distributor

419-545-1543http://healthyliving.reliv.com

STATE CERTIFIED LIC # 11064

24 Hour ServiceINDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

419-522-6616www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-945-6629

100% Safe Weight Loss, Health, Nutrition

Rod & Nancy Gallaway

419.566.0821

MUSSMAN LAW OFFICE

Jeff and Sarah Mussman

(419) 520-9560

www.mussmanlawoffice.com

NNaattiioonnaall EElleeccttrr iicc SSuuppppllyy CCoo..LIGHTING FIXTURES & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES

51 EAST FOURTH STREET

PHONE 419-524-1042

Help pass on our Faith to generations to come.

Remember the Msgr. Dunn Foundationin your charitable giving plans.

“We Care forPeople...Not Just

Feet”1-800-788-5451www.amfootandanklespecialists.com

ASHLAND/MANSFIELD FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALISTSLARRY J. ZIMMERMAN, DPM

ADRIAN N. KING, DPMBRIAN J. ZIMMERMAN, DPM

Certified Wound Specialist (CWS)Diplomates, American Board of Podiatric Surgery

MANSFIELD - 550 S. Trimble Road419-756-1961 - EVENING HOURS AVAILABLE

ASHLAND - 45 Amberwood Parkway419-281-3668

Expert Diabetic Foot Care

MORITZ CONCRETESERVING MANSFIELD’S NEEDS SINCE 1950

362 North Trimble Road(419) 529-3232

MANSFIELD1971 W. 4th St.

Mansfield, OH 44906419-529-5330

Authentic

Mexican Cuisine

Zara Construction, Inc.Residential & Commercial Remodeling - Additions

Custom Homes - Insurance Restoration3240 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, OH 44906

419-525-3613

MansfieldAmbulance

369 Marion Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44903Thom & Samantha Durbin

Serving Mansfield & Richland CountyEmergencies 419-525-3311

JesusA to Z

Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS

A colorful Catholic ABC

book for kids and families! Includes a

glossary of questions to help adults pass on

their Catholic faith.

007199 9 x 12 Hardcover

$16.99 each • Special Offer — 2 for $25.00!

800-566-6150 www.wlpmusic.com

SERVPROof Richland & Ashland Counties

Fire & WaterRestoration Specialists

(419) 526-2701

We offer health and diet foods as well as vitamins and

food supplements

1358 Lexington Avenue(419) 756-2040

886 Ashland Road(419) 589-7278

VOTED #1 IN MANSFIELD

526-3373DELIVERY IN LIMITED AREA

289 MARION AVE.

MARION AVE. DRIVE THRU

Siciliano TaxService

419-524-6880204 Lexington AvenueMansfield, OH 44907