Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, VG Pastor Stephen Brunet Deacon Contact Informa on Church Office : 446-6801—2076 W Main St. Fax Line: 448-2764 Youth Forma on Office: 446-1985 E-mail address: stbridgetchurch@htdiocese.org Facebook: facebook.com/StBridget Www.stbridget-htdiocese.org

Mass Schedules Daily Masses: Monday— Friday: 8:00 am Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:00 pm Sunday Masses: 8:30 am & 10:30 am

Confessions: Saturday: 3:00-3:50 pm

Sunday: 7:30-8:25 am & 10:00-10:25 am During Advent—Monday –Friday 7:30-7:55 am

*For Adora on Chapel informa on call 985-446-6801 *To report suspected abuse, call 1-855-452-5437

St. Bridget Catholic Church

100 Highway 311 - Office 2076 W Main St - Schriever, LA

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — The barren deserts will rejoice and flower (Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10). Psalm — Lord, come and save us (Psalm 146). Second Reading — Be patient, for the coming of the Lord is as sure as the rain (James 5:7-10). Gospel — Tell of what you hear and see: The blind regain their vision, the crippled their movement, the deaf their hearing (Matthew 11:2-11). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on Eng-lish in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

My Dear people of God, Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is traditionally known as Gaudete (‘Rejoice’) Sunday. As you are aware the season of Advent is divided into two parts: the first part focuses on the second and final coming of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The second part, focusses on the first coming of Christ, His birth in Bethlehem. Gaudete Sunday sets a tone for the second part of the Advent season as it sets the tone of joyful expectation of the Lord’s coming. The joyous theme of this Sunday is also manifested in the rose color seen not only in the vestments of the day but also in the rose candle in the Advent wreath which is lit today. From now on, the rest of the Advent season is meant to prepare us more directly to celebrate the birth of the Lord.

The readings this Sunday invite us to a disposition of rejoicing as they present us with a glimpse of our destination. A wonderful sight is set before us as a cause for joy and celebration. In the first read-ing, the prophet Isaiah paints a picture of new life and regeneration. The desert that once seemed to be dead is now bursting with life; eyes that lacked sight, ears incapable of capturing and holding sound, limbs without strength, and tongues devoid of life are all given new life. There will be no death in that age of fulfilment, no limitations, no mourning. The world will be again as it was when it first came forth from the divine womb. It will be young and vibrant, innocent and brimming with promise. This fulfilment is the goal of our journey of faith, whose destiny is eternal life. St Paul writ-ing to the Philippians states that: “Our citizenship is in heaven” Phil 3:20. In other words, our destiny and ultimate home is in heaven.

On the other hand, there is an aspect of today’s readings that may on the surface appear not to be a cause of joy, namely- John the Baptist is in prison. Not only is he imprisoned, but there appears to be a lack of clarity in his mind on who Jesus is. He therefore sends his disciples to ask Jesus whether He was the one or should they wait for another. This is the same John the Baptist who baptized Jesus and who identified Him as the Lamb of God. How then does it happen that he is asking whether Je-sus is the ‘one’?

To be able to appreciate this, it is important to look at it from the perspective of the time. John the Baptist had been preaching about the coming of God’s Kingdom: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mathew 3:3). One of the natural implications of the Kingdom of heaven is the gift and realization of eternal life. Therefore the coming of Jesus meant the ushering of the eternal Kingdom. John the Baptist died before experiencing the manner in which the Kingdom of God and the gift of eternal life was ultimately ushered in, namely – the death and resurrection of Jesus. Given that he was in prison, he needed clarity on expectations.

The answer from Jesus to an ordinary eye, does not make sense, but to a prophet like John, it was loud and clear. Jesus said to John’s disciples: Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind re-gain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. These are all manifestations of the coming of God’s Kingdom and this news must have put John the Baptist to rest even in the cir-cumstances of his prison confinement. He therefore had only to gracefully and patiently await his own personal experience of the reality of the Kingdom of God.

In the second reading, James urges for patience as we await the fulfilment of the Lord’s coming: Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. John the Baptist serves as a perfect model of patience as we await the Lord’s coming even amidst challenges and suffering. In fact his circumstances teach and remind us that the journey to eternal life is not without trials and tribulations. Yes, we might even get doubts and questions. The key rests in what we do with them. Do we, like John the Baptist seek clarity from the Lord?

My brothers and sisters, as we continue on our journey of faith and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves (challenging like John’s, or not), let us be joyful in hope as we await His coming. Ma-ranatha – Come Lord Jesus!

Thanks and God bless, Fr Simon Peter

REJOICING EVEN IN TRIBULATIONS The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength

An account is told of a Russian Countess who became a believer in the Lord Jesus and was open about it and shared her testimony with all she met. The Tsar was displeased and threw her into prison. After 24 hours in prison with the lowest level of Russian so-ciety, in the most miserable conditions imaginable, he ordered her brought into his presence. He smiled sardonically and said, “Well, are you ready now to renounce your silly faith in the so called Lord Jesus and come back to the pleasures of the court?” To his surprise, the countess smiled serenely and said, “I have known more real joy and more real happiness in one day in prison with the Lord Jesus than I have known in a lifetime in the courts of the Tsar.” She found out what was really the easy way to true and lasting joy! What kind of joy or rejoicing is this? The joy we are talking about is not simply the joy of “feeling good” because of possession of worldly things (like the joy you had when you got your first car). One can lack material things and still be filled with joy. One may be encountering certain deprivations of life yet filled with joy. One can be physically sick but filled with joy. One can be physically challenged but filled with joy and even more joyful than those who are physically whole! That is true joy! On the other hand, one can have all worldly possessions but have no joy!

What then is this joy? It is what Nehemiah the prophet calls ‘the joy of the Lord which is our strength’ (Nehemiah 8:10). It is joy from above. This joy is the gladness of heart that comes from the gift of salvation, the gift of having and knowing God and surrendering to Him, knowing Jesus and trusting and abiding in Him, and being guided by the inspiration and promptings of the Holy Spirit. This implies that the individual is spiritually alive and sound. Despite all afflictions of life and against all odds, the individual remains steadfast, endures and unshakable in his or her faith.

Some Scriptures on Joy “You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” Hebrews 10:34

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit" 1Thes. 1:6

“Joy is the

infallible sign of the presence

of God” Teilhard de Chardin

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS (c. 1542-1591) December 14 How beautiful the experience of love for God and neighbor, a fire deep within! How disheartening when love suddenly cools and our souls grow dark, our prayer arid. How painful when misunderstanding, even rejection, comes our way, some-times from those we least expect. For all such “seasons of the soul,” an inspiring fellow-pilgrim is the poet and mystic John of the Cross. As a young Carmelite, he was recruited by Teresa of Ávila for her Discalced (“barefoot,” evangelical pov-erty) Carmelite reform, striving to renew the Church from within after the Protestant Reformation had led countless religious away. John suffered unspeaka-bly harsh abuse, even imprisonment, from friars who rejected this reform. Yet dur-ing these times of deepest suffering, John composed spiritual masterpieces that still guide souls to God, their titles reflecting his own painful yet ultimately victorious journey: from The Dark Night of the Soul through The Ascent of Mount Carmel to his Spiritual Canticle and The Living Flame of Love. John summarized his spiritu-ality simply: “Put love where there is no love, and you will find love.” —Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

The Sanctuary Light burns in memory of: December 15-21

Tristan Ables by Ma Maw and family Donnie Sonier by Donna Waguespack & fly

Warren Stevens (B), Mitchell Bonnette (B) by Sharon, Rachel, Tanya, Owen, Maggie, Max

December 22

Brandon Filardo by Mom and Dad Agnes Breaux (DA) Family & Friends

Clovis Triche & Danay Bergeron by Enola Triche

DA=Death Anniv. B= Birthday WA=Wedding Anniversary December 14 4:00 pm Tristan Ables by Ma Maw and family December 15 8:30 am Fred LeBouef by Emily and family Marion Knight by Godfrey Knight Jimmy Coupel by Diana and family Kermit A and Annette Gauthreaux by Winnie and Danny Darsey Andrew Adams by Charlene and family December 15 10:30 am Louis Trosclair Jr. Diane Levron by Medrick and family

December 16 Joyce and Jules LeBouef by family December 18 Kermit A and Annette Gauthreaux by Winnie and Danny Darsey

December 21 4:00 pm Kirvey (B) and Vilrey (TV) Gagneaux by Faye Seal, Vanessa Knight and families Donnie Sonier by Donna Waguespack & family Richard Gibbens III (B) by Brenda and family December 22 8:30 am Andrew Adams by Charlene and family December 22 10:30 am Louis Trosclair Jr. Richard Gibbens III (B) by Brenda Gibbens & fly Diane Levron by Medrick and family

Do you know a parish-ioner who cannot come to Mass due to illness, or age, or some other reason? Do you know a parish-ioner who is in a nursing home or extended stay at a hospital? Do you know someone who is very ill and may need the services of a Priest?

What we used to call last rites, we now call the blessing of the sick. It can be administered to the very ill and not just to those dying.

If so, please ask them if they would like to receive communion. If so Please con-tact us. The church provides communion for the sick and homebound. We also visit the ill and those who cannot get out.

However, if we do not know who is sick, in the hospital, or homebound, we can not provide any services for them. After getting the permission of the sick person, please call the Church office at 446-6801 to provide us with the infor-mation. Thanks

December 1, 2019

Envelopes $ 4459.00 Loose 703.01 $ 5162.01

Attendance 310

Thank You For Your Generosity

Christmas Schedule Masses:

December 24, 2019

4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 11:00 pm

December 25, 2019 9:00 am

Maria Immacolata Catholic School presents A Live Nativity 324 Estate Dr., Houma Tuesday Dec. 17 from 6-8:30 pm Drive thru only—Free

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person Every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human family. When John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus, they may have been experiencing some discourage-ment since John is in jail. They may have been won-dering: Is there any hope? Are God’s promises real-ly to be fulfilled? Can we expect something new? Believers in all times and places can be challenged by discouragement. We, too, can be tempted to lose hope. Maybe we are thinking of the persistence of poverty and injustice around our world. Maybe we are thinking of the various people who are denied basic human rights. The transformation and peace that we long for still seem to be missing. However, Isaiah reminds us that it is precisely the desert that will rejoice and bloom. “Be strong, fear not!” James calls the community to “patience.” Don’t give up the vision! Jesus reminds the disciples of John not to miss the signs of God’s spirit. Signs of power and the outward trappings of success are not what they should look for. They are called to see that “the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” We, too, are called to look for a transformation of values and life. We are called to enter into a new way of looking at things. Our faith calls us into action filled with hope.

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

In the Foot Steps of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Fr Simon Peter has planned a 10 Day Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, August 17-26, 2020 for St Bridget Parish. The full package price including airfare from New Orleans is $ 3,695 (double occupancy). The Enrollment deadline is Jan. 31, 2020 and Final Payment Deadline is April 30, 2020. To enroll online, please go to: www.petersway.com/9700.html OR pick up enrollment forms from the parish of-fice.

Knights of Columbus

The KC's meet on December 18 at 7 pm in the Community Life Annex. The organization is open to Catholic men aged 18 and above.

Contact Ricky Billiot at 985-856-6868 for more information.

BAPTISM

Prior to baptizing a child, the parents and Godparents must attend a baptismal seminar. Those seeking to baptize a child must complete a registration form. Forms can be found on line or at the Church office.

Qualifications for sponsors of a baptism.* Must be confirmed * Must be a practicing Catholic * Must be at least 16 years old * If married, it must

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Wednesday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Thursday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Friday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Saturday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Sunday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24 REASON TO REJOICE

Dark violet is used throughout Advent to express its character as a season of spiritual preparation for Christmas and “the coming of the Lord.” But on the Third Sunday of Advent, formerly known as Gaudete (Latin for “rejoice”) Sunday, rose may be added to the liturgical environment. The entire liturgy is in-fused with a spirit of rejoicing. Today’s first reading and Gospel proclaim the reality of God’s saving work in our midst. Isaiah exuberant-ly describes the idyllic transformation of all creation as a result of God’s presence in the midst of the peo-ple. In the Gospel, Jesus connects Isaiah’s prophecy with what is happening in his own ministry. In addi-tion to the list of healings from Isaiah (the blind, the lame, lepers, and the deaf), Jesus’ presence brings two other reasons for rejoicing: “The dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (Matthew 11:5). Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Safe Environment Training The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is committed to ensuring that children and youth who participate in church/school activi-ties sponsored in our diocese can do so in the safest and most secure setting possi-ble. In an effort to fulfill this commitment, all clergy, employees and regular volunteers are to take the online Safe Environment Training. Your first step to completing your Safe Environment requirements is to complete the Volunteer Ministry Application (VMA) and turn it in to your Church or Catholic School. Visit our online Safe Environ-ment Training website for the VMA Application and to begin your Safe Environment Training: http://safeandsacred-htdiocese.org. Once completed, your Safe Environment training is valid during a three-year cycle beginning on July 1, 2018 thru June 20,

Prayer Line If you or someone needs to be added to the prayer line, call Nina Richard at 446-1206 or the rectory at 446-6801. In the charity of your prayers, please pray for the sick, elderly, and homebound. Please pray for: Elaine Ables, Susan Arceneaux, Heidi Ardoin, Jacob Aucoin, Sara Aucoin, Elvin Babin, Tommy Badeaux, Donald Ban-owetz, Chad Barrileaux, Ronnie Bednarz, Chuck Beebe, Gertrude Benoit, Judith Benoit, Fr. Paul Bergeron, Rose-mary Besson, Mitzy Bettridge, Gretchen Bilello, Pat Bil-liot, Preston Billiot, Alvin & Gail Blanchard, Dennis Blanchard, Ronald Blanchard, Cody Bourgeois, Emile “Jay” Bourgeois, Patricia Bourgeois, Troy & Joan Bour-geois, Wade Bourgeois, Connie Bouterie, Beau Brassette, Dustin Brassette, Mark Brassette, Emma Del Broussard, Richard Broussard, Susan Caillouet, Randy Chiasson, Brad Clement, Bryce Comeaux, Jay & Tiffany Conner, Huey Cortez Sr., Martha Cortez, Randy Davis, Cary Da-vis, Jr., Barbara & Ronni Duhon, Alan Dunbar, Linda Ekiss, Avery “Brother” and Sonja Fonseca, Darin Fonz, Robin Ford, Marie Fournier, Alisa Frederick, Dante Gal-liano, Toby Gambarella, Leigh Ann Gardner, Carrie Gib-bens Belinda Gil, Brandon Gil, George Gil, The Gil Fam-ily, Carrie Mae Givens, Austin Gros, Chad Gros, George Gros, Rosebella Gros, Vergie Gros, Kendra Guillot, Elaine Chauvin Hebert, Joy Hebert, Katie Hebert, Jerrell Hebert, Sr., Jessie Hoffpauir, Samara Holland, Kristen Koppel, Jackson LaFleur, Mona Lambert, Elmay Landry, Judie Landry, Joyce Landry, Craig Landry, Mark Landry, Barbara Nell Lapeyrouse, Allie LeBlanc, Chester Lecompte, Evelyn Leger, Tammy Babin Loney, Tim Long, Payton Martin, Rick Melancon, Asher Miller, Sa-vannah Miller, Emma Mire, Bethany Moore, Meghan Naquin, Misty Naquin, Shannon Naquin, Annie Ordoyne, Kara Pellegrin, Sherry Pennison, Lisa Pennison, Kenneth Pitre, James Pierce, Kip Pierce, Sharon Prejean, Ed Raidl, Kerri Reynolds, Bryce Richard, Ella Richard, Gladys Richard, Lorita Rodrigue, Susan Rodrigue, Cynthia Rog-ers, Danielle Samanie, Chester Sanchez, Karla Saunier, Kathy Savoie, Earline Simmoneaux, Penny Simmons, Brenda Sonier, Deacon Ryan Stawaizz, Louis Stevens, Melissa Tardiff, Trish Templet, Cammie Thibodaux, Lacey Thibodeaux, Thibodaux Family, Ronnie Thomas, Chris Toups, Joyce Toups, Ricky Turner, Sara Day Vignes, Allison Walters, and Anna Wooten. Please noti-fy the office when name can be removed.

Who are the Catholic Daughters? The Catholic Daughters of the Americas meet in the Community Life Annex on

the 2nd Thursday of the month from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Members share their faith under the motto of “unity and charity”. Court St. Bridget of Sweden participates in the Circle of Love pro-gram throughout its many projects. The Circle of Love program consists of 7 ar-eas: Spirituality, Leadership, Fami-ly, Education, Youth, Legislation, and Quality of Life. Members of the local court serve as Youth Mentors, Cate-chists, and helpers in the Religious Edu-cation program. They also support two CDA kids. The CDA-Kid program pro-vides financial assistance to special needs children in the diocese. CDA also offers scholarships to high school sen-iors, special education teachers, and students entering a catholic high school. For more information about CDA, attend a meeting. Membership is open to all Catholic women age 18 and above.

THE LOOK OF LOVE What does love look like? It has feet to go to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others.

Weekly Activities

Come Lord Jesus—a scripture study focusing on the weekly gospel is held on Monday’s from 9:30 –11 am. All are welcome. Call 446-9096 for more information.

The Seven Sorrows Rosary is prayed every Friday after the 8 am Mass. Praying this rosary helps recall the seven sorrows suffered by Mary during the life and death of Jesus. All are invited to join in this experience.

Online Giving

Sure – Safe – Secure

Is it time to consider online giving?

Your donation is safe, secure, and guaran-teed. Online giving is a way to ensure that St. Bridget receives your donation even when you’re out of town or forget your envelope. Online giving donors can receive financial statements for income tax purposes at the end of the calendar year or whenever neces-sary. Donations can be recurring (weekly or monthly) or one time. For more information visit our secure website at www.stbridget-htdiocese.org or call the Office at (985) 446-6801.

Attention Catholic School Parents Catholic School students in 2nd, 10th, and 11th grade interested in receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation MUST be registered with their parish Youth Formation for classes and sacra-mental preparation. Registration can be sub-mitted online from the Youth page of the St. Bridget website www.stbridget-htdiocese.org. Contact the Youth Formation Office at 985-446-1985 for more information.

Youth Formation News

We are happy to report that Youth Formation (formerly CCD) is going well. Thanks to all who have answered the call to serve as catechists, men-tors, helpers, and leaders. God has truly blessed our parish with strong, faithful, adult volunteers. December 16th – Grades 7 – 11 Meet

Please Drive Safely Please be extra careful when en-tering and exiting church proper-ty on Monday evenings. Youth Formation (formerly CCD) is in session. Drivers are to enter the property from Hwy 311 and exit onto Hwy 24. The safety of our youth and vol-unteers is of upmost importance. Persons hav-ing meetings or appointments on Monday even-ing are NOT to park adjacent to the annex. Parking in front of the annex is reserved for adult volunteers. Thanks to the volunteers who help in the parking lot on Monday evenings. These men and women give their time and tal-ent to help keep our children safe. Please keep them in your prayers.

Prayer Request Please pray for the success of the Youth Formation Program; for the students; parents; mentors, teachers, and helpers. Please pray that our youth are open to the call of God and that our volunteers are successful in spreading the word. God is good!

Terrebonne-Lafourche Right to Life Office will have buses available for $15.00 per per-son. Please reserve your sea ng by Dec. 31, 2019.

Time of Departure: 7:30 AM (Sharp) Time of Return : 3:00PM (Approximately) from Vandebilt Catholic High School 209 S.Hollywood Road Houma. La (Back of School)

Please bring your own drinks, water, bag lunch, signs, etc. Signs will also be available from Catholic Chari es Please mail to check to: T-L. Right to Life, c/o Joann Williams 1213 Point St. Houma, LA 70360 or call. 985-804-3390 or call Catholic Chari es 9858760490. Catholic Charities Parish Social Ministry is of-fering scholarships for those who would like to go to Baton Rouge but cannot afford the bus fees.