ST. MARY PARISH 1333 58th Street, Sacramento CA 95819 www.stmarysacto.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm Phone (916) 452-0296 • Fax (916) 452-3908

Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

PARISH INFORMATION MARRIAGE: Contact the Parish office at (916) 452-0296 6 months prior to the wedding date. Marriage Preparation classes are available. INFANT BAPTISM: Contact the Parish Office. Parents and godparents must attend class. ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Contact the Parish Office regarding sick, elderly who are at home, hospitals or special care facilities. MUSIC: For Music Ministry, call Ben (916) 383-6155 RCIA: Process for adults and children of catechetical age who are interested in joining the Catholic Church and baptized Catholics wanting to complete their initiation sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Please call Michelle Mills at (916) 806-6876 CFF: Catholic youth are formed through the Parish Faith Formation Program (CFF). Deacon Lu (916) 452-0296x12 BULLETIN: Our church bulletin is prepared two weeks in advance. All submissions are reviewed by the Pastor. Email requests to traci@stmarysacto.org no later than the Thursday two weeks before.

ST. MARY SCHOOL To enroll in Preschool or TK to 8th grade,

please contact principal, Laura Allen at the school (916) 452-1100 or find more information on our

website www.saintmaryschool.com

MASS SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am, and 6:00pm

Daily Mass: Monday - Saturday 8:00am; Saturday 5:00pm (Vigil Mass)

Holy Days: As announced in bulletin CONFESSION : Saturday: 3:30pm-4:30pm

Or by appointment PASTOR: Fr. James Narithookil, CMI

frjames@stmarysacto.org PAROCHIAL VICAR : Fr. Sijo Chirayath, CMI

frsijo@stmarysacto.org DEACONS Deacon Luigi Del Gaudio, MSW

deaconlu@stmarysacto.org Deacon George W. Kriske

deacongeorge@stmarysacto.org BUSINESS MANAGER: Tracilyn Peters

Email: traci@stmarysacto.org INFANT MARY CHAPEL Open Daily 6:30 am-5:00 pm

Solemn Adoration: First Fridays 8:30 am-6:00pm PARISHIONER REGISTRATION: Please contact

parish office at (916) 452-0296

FOLLOW OUR PARISH

He Came That He Might Be One of Us. “For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, ’I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.’ And again, ’I will put my trust in him.’ And again, ’Behold, I and the children God has given me’” (Hebrew. 2: 11-13).

Suppose a man went outside one night and looked at the stars. Could he know there is a God? If he went to the Grand Canyon and saw its incomparable beauty and then traveled to Yosemite and saw its splendor, if he visited the mighty Niagara Falls and then walked among the redwoods, could he be sure there is a God? The answer is yes. If a man looked at nature and saw the intricate design and pattern of creation, he could know for certain this could not happen by chance. It must have happened by design. A man could by careful study conclude there is a God.

How much could he know about God simply by studying nature? He would know about his wisdom and his power. He would know about God’s infinite creative ability. But no one could discover the love of God simply by studying the bombardier beetle or analyzing the antelope. He would never know if God even knew who he was or if God knew his name and cared about him. A God of the stars, moon and sun would be great and powerful, but he would never be personal.

And that explains why Jesus came to the earth. These verses tell us that we share a common humanity with Jesus. That is why he is not ashamed to call us brethren. God has come down where we live and has become one of us. He didn’t yell down “I love you,” and he didn’t mail us a letter we couldn’t read. He took on our nature, was born just as we are born, lived as we live, died as we die. So that when He says, “I love you,” we understand him for in Jesus Christ God has become one of us.

Merry Christmas! Fr. James Narithookil, CMI—Pastor

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Last week, we looked at a form of nativity scene called a presipio, characterized by framing the crèche of Jesus with a vast array of personalities and a rich geographical context. The tradition was carried to the New World, and finds very rich expression in Latin America today. While in Europe the presepio was reserved mostly to the homes of wealthy nobles and great churches, in Latin America it was claimed by the poor and expressed the skills of native artisans. In Mexico, you can still find clay figures in every village market. In a way, the native people took the religion of Spanish rule and baptized it with their Indian culture by surrounding the crib of Jesus with local geography and people. In Brazil, where Christmas falls in summer, the figure of the baby Jesus is wrapped in gold and gems, and set on a hillside surrounded by flowers and animals of all kinds. Sometimes there is a double presepio, presenting both Nativity and Crucifixion. In some places in Latin America, even non-religious people take care to have a presepio in the home, sometimes dedicating one whole room in the house or apartment to the scene. Some cities have markets where people from the countryside sell plants and figurines. In Cuzco, churches and families provide hot chocolate for the children of the poor who come down to help create the nativity scenes. In Paraguay, the baby Jesus grows—the small infant who arrives on Christmas Eve is replaced at New Year with a toddler Jesus who holds in one hand the globe and in the other a cross. Few Christmas traditions have the vitality and variety of presepios and crèches honoring the Nativity. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;

Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

Mass Intentions Requested By Saturday, December 16 8:00am Adolph Quackenbush + Kathy Diaz 5:00pm Bob Andrade + Sister Phil Bacchi+ Wife & Family Sunday, December 17 8:00am Alfred Franzoia + Wife & Family Mary Kassis Jo Fiellen & Maria Keller 9:30am Don Dali + Cathy Toby & Janet Berumen Mary Kassis 11:00am Lucia & Jose Julian + Romeo & Nenita Pajarillo Mary Kassis Tracilyn Peters 6:00pm For our Parishioners and their Prayer Requests Monday, December 18 8:00am George Muller + Michael Storman Arlene & Jack Licursi Sam & Carol Perri Tuesday, December 19 8:00am Linda Kaeser + Husband & Sons Marisa Ranieri + The Renato Ranieri Family Wednesday, December 20 8:00am Gaudencio Suba + Romeo & Nenita Pajarillo Jerome Chetcuti + Sam & Carol Perri Thursday, December 21 8:00am Donald Kassis+ Wife Eric Cameron & Family Tracilyn Peters Friday, December 22 8:00am Mary Kassis Tracilyn Peters Jerome Chetcuti + Kathy Traversi Saturday, December 23 8:00am Adolph Quackenbuch + Kathy Diaz 5:00pm Tony Andrade + Sister Julie Jones Gloria Zielke Sunday, December 24 8:00am Maria Ranieri + The Renato Ranieri Family Dominick Stefani + Stefani Family 9:30am Jim,Bernadette,Denis & Josie Tomassetti + Family Norman Santos + Jack & Arlen Licursi 11:00am Nikola & Mila Batarelo + Bilandzich Family Ante & Neda Terzich + Bilandzich Family 4:00pm Anna De Clereq + Family Don Dali + Cathy 6:30pm Connie Lee + Marie Sartuche William Gabrielli + Gloria & Family

We Welcome the Following New Parishioner To Our Parish Family:

Alfred, Dominique & Marie Trappey

We encourage all new

Parishioners to take a moment to register.

Charles Bernard Drake

THE GIFT OF TREASURE With gratitude for the gifts they have received,

Parishioners and visitors made a joyful return to the Lord of the following:

December 10, 2017

Weekly Collection (including EOP) :$12,173.75 * Weekly Goal (to cover expenses): $13,000.00

Please remember St. Mary’s,

your Spiritual Home, in your will. *This amount only represents weekly Sunday Mass col-lections. Other sources of income (i.e. donations, build-ing fund, etc.) are not included in this number.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT St. Mary Parish prepares and sustains its members and

guests for a life and eternity in the presence of God. In accomplishing our mission, we proclaim and

celebrate our salvation through Jesus Christ enlivened by the Holy Spirit, nourish our sacramental life

especially in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist and demonstrate our faith worshiping, educating,

serving and encouraging vocations as modeled by Mother Mary.

Art and Environment Art and Environment could use your help! We are in need of someone who enjoys scrapbooking type activities and has time to give our ministry. There are seasonal items that we would like help with and your skills and talent can enhance the beauty of our church. In addition, if you are interested in helping with Advent and Christmas decorations, please contact Suzie Rozewski at (916) 208-1713 or Marte Frasca (916) 715-8285. Thank you!

Poinsettias Last year we were blessed with your donated poinsettias for our Christmas Mass. This Christmas we are asking again for your donation of red poinsettias. Your red poinsettias will be used as part of the Christmas decorations in the church and on the altar. Please deliver your poinsettia to the church on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Please leave your poinsettia in the vestibule of the church. We hope to have many fresh poinsettias for the presentation at the Christmas Vigil. Thank you!

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

• Do you have questions about the Catholic faith? • Are you thinking about becoming Catholic? • Are you Catholic but never completed the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and/or Eucharist)? If you or someone you know has questions like these, contact Michelle Mills at 916-806-6876 for more information about the RCIA process.

The St. Mary Building Fund Raiser needs volunteers! There are a number of clerical and interactive volunteer opportunities that we need help with. Please contact any of the following Committee members if you are interested in helping with this very important Building Fund Raiser for our parish. At this time, we request that parishioners, who have submitted their written intention forms in support of the building fund, proceed with their commitment. On the first Sunday of each month there is a building fund collection. Electronic offerings are also encouraged as a convenient online system. Go to http://www.stmarysacto.org to donate and from there you an enroll. Please keep in mind that 100% of your donation to the St. Mary Parish Building Fund stays with the parish. It is with immense gratitude that our parish fundraiser will be a success because of you. Thank you for your gifts. Nikola Bilandzich #916-454-5391 Fernando De La Rosa #916-591-5500 Suzie Rozewski #916-208-1713 Mike Paparella #916-224-5041

ALTAR SOCIETY NEWS At our December Meeting, it was decided that we would hold our Christmas Luncheon on December 19 at the Espanol Restaurant at 11:30 AM. It is always so cheerfully decorated at this time of the year. We also signed-up for duties related to our Bake Sale & Boutique. We want to thank all our members who sewed, ironed, embroidered, baked and worked on Saturday preparing for and Sunday working at the Sale. Thanks go to Karen for caring for the Linens in December and Jennifer who will be taking on that responsibility for January. Thank you to our November hostesses who set a beautiful table with delicious treats. Susan and Martha will be our hostess for our January 16, 2018 meeting. We are wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year !!!

New! Flower envelope included with weekly contribution envelopes

Beginning in January, you will receive a flower envelope with your weekly contribution envelopes. The purpose of the envelop is to collect funds to purchase fresh flowers for the altar and other items needed for the altar such as linens. Every little bit can help and our altar will look beautiful adorned with fresh flowers each week. We are grateful to have volunteers who will purchase and arrange the flowers. Please contact Teres Mugnaini, Liturgy Chair if you have any questions. (916-599-7443)

Families in Need of Assistance We have a couple of families, due to recent circumstances, who are in great need of help with the tuition for their children here at St. Mary School. While our school does give out a substantial amount of tuition assistance each year to our families in need, we have at this point awarded what was available plus a bit more. Therefore, during this time of thanks and giving, we are reaching out to our parish community to ask if you might be able to help. If you would like to help one of these families in need, please contact Ms. Allen, our school principal, at 452-1100 extension 110. Thank you.

Thank You!!! Gracias!!! Muito Obrigada!!! Thank you so much to all the Christmas Angels who volunteered to help mail our parish Christmas Letter: Josie Gomez, Michelle Mills, Agnes Costa, Christina Cervantes, Darin Hunter, Hillary Shower, Martha Nevai, Amy Sandoval, Ara Davis, Daina Rios, Desalene Jones and Marytza Pena. We literally could not have done it without you!! Thank you so very much for your help!!

12/17/17 Adult/Teens Catechumenate Kids Catechumenate Children’s Liturgy of the Word Catholic Schools Majorettes Choir Practice 12/18/17 Divine Mercy Chaplet Advent Penance Service 12/19/17 Cub Scout Den 8 Meeting Neo Catechumenal Way Altar Society Meeting St. Mary Adult Recreational Basketball 12/20/17 Centering Prayer Group Choir Practice CFF Auction Committee Meeting Girl Scouts #1556 12/21/17 8th Grade Christmas Party Cub Scouts Pack 128 Choir Practice 12/22/17 Divine Mercy Chaplet 3rd Grade Christmas Celebration Parish Caroling Event 12/23/17 Confessions Neocatechumenal Way 12/24/17 CHRISTMAS EVE Adult/Teens Catechumenate Kids Catechumenate Children’s Liturgy of the Word

December Update - Prayer Request Group The Prayer Request Prayer Group continues to meet Mondays at 6:30pm in the Church to pray for the needs of St. Mary's Parishioners and their loved ones. This December we will not meet on Dec. 18 due to the Penance service, or on Dec. 25 Christmas day. If you would like us to pray for you, please place your written request in a Prayer Request Box on one of the tables in the vestibule. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Pianist Needed Our Music Ministry is looking for a part-time occasional pianist to “fill in” playing at our weekend liturgies form time to time. Please contact our Liturgical Music Director, Ben Billeci, if you are interested in helping out. You can reach Ben 383-6155 or ben@stmarysacto.org The full job posting can be viewed under the employment tab at the Diocese website: scd.org

Married Couples Christmas is just eight days away. Are you still thinking about the perfect gift to give your spouse? We have the answer: A World Wide Marriage Encounter Weekend. This weekend will completely change your relationship. Your love will be renewed. Upcoming weekend are as follows: February 9-11, 2018 in Sacramento, CA.; April 13-15, 2018 in Reno, NV.; April 27-29, 2018 in Sacramento, CA.; August 24-26, 2018 in Sacramento, CA.; October 5-7, 2018 in Reno, NV.; and November 9-11, 2018 in Sacramento, CA. IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO REGISTER FOR A WEEKEND THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET. For more information visit our website at: https://www.sacramentowwme.orgor contact Terry & Janet at applications@sacramentowwme.org or (916)489-3464.

Deaf Ministry Christmas Gathering Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 4:30pm

Newman Catholic Center Sacramento 5900 Newman Ct., Sacramento 95819

Join us for our Deaf Ministry Christmas Celebration, Saturday December 23, 2017 at the Sacramento State Newman Center. Deaf Priest, Fr. Paul Zirimenya will be available for ASL Confessions from 4:30-4:55 pm. Fr. Paul will celebrate Mass in ASL at 5:00 pm. Christmas party begins at 6:00 pm with food, entertainment, children’s activities and Catechesis of the Good Shepard presentation. All are welcome! Please contact Jo Clark at (530) 902-4254 for more information.

Feast of the Holy Innocents Candlelight Procession and Mass

Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 6:00 pm Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament 1017 11th Street, Sacramento 95814

On Thursday, December 28, Bishop Jaime Soto will lead the annual Feast of the Holy Innocents Candlelight Rosary Procession and Mass. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. at the steps of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (11th & K) and pray for the sanctity of life as we walk to Our Lady of Guadalupe (7th & T) for Mass at 7:00 p.m. This March for Life commemorates those male infants of Bethlehem who were killed by decree of King Herod, as well as those innocent unborn babies lost by abortion today. Bring your family and walk to Mass praying the rosary. Candles will be provided. Carpools will shuttle people back to their cars. Dress warmly and bring umbrellas if needed. For more information, please call Leticia at (916) 519-0417.

Liturgical Signing/ASL Catechesis Classes in 2018 Calling all Catholic ASL signers! We are planning Litur-gical Signing and ASL Catechesis classes in 2018. Please contact Jo Clark at (530) 902-4254 for more information.

ST. MARY’S 19th ANNUAL PARISH CHRISTMAS CAROLING EVENT

Once again, this year St. Mary’s will go Christmas caroling as one big family. Bring your family, your friends. Experience the joy of bringing happiness to others as well as yourselves. Carol booklets will be made available to all. We’ll meet inside the new Mercy General Chapel at 6:45pm on Friday,

December 22nd. We will be caroling to all those stuck in the hospital on Christmas Weekend. Whether you sing off-key or in harmony we want you to join us and share in this powerful ministry of music. Directions: heading West on J Street take a right at the Red Emergency sign (right before 39th Street. As you drive you’ll see the new Chapel (stained glass windows) down on your right. Continue on to the parking garage or park where you can. We’ll meet just inside the new Chapel. For more information, call Ben Billeci at 383-6155.

Advent Penance Service St. Mary parishioners will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at our parish Advent Penance Service on Monday, December 18 at 6:30pm

Fourth Sunday of Advent, PEACE Sunday, December 24 –

Jesus is Immanuel, ”God with us”, risen from the dead. He is the King of Glory.

Mass Schedule

Saturday, December 23, 5 pm Vigil Mass Sunday, December 24, 8am, 9:30am and 11am

There will be no 6pm Mass

Liturgical Note: Fourth Sunday of Advent & Christmas are both Holy

Days of Obliga on.

Na vity of the Lord – Christmas Sunday, December 24 –

Vigil of Christmas (Holy Day of Obliga on)

Mass Schedule 4 pm Family Mass (Childrens Choir)

6:30 pm Vigil Mass (Christmas Choir)

Monday, December 25 – Christmas (Holy Day of Obliga on)

Mass Schedule 12 am Midnight Mass

9 am Mass (Christmas Choir) 11 am Mass (Bridget Brennan & Ed Tra on)

Advent Giving Tree It’s that time again for the Advent Giving Tree which benefits homeless women and children at Maryhouse. Various needed items such as diapers, fast food gift cards, etc. are listed on ornaments on the tree in the vestibule of the church. Be sure to take one and return your gift unwrapped. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Any Questions? Please contact Joanie at 916-451-4559.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK begins Sunday, January 28th with Family Mass at 9:30 a.m., followed by OPEN HOUSE from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. This is a great time to show off the great things we offer at St. Mary School. During Open House, our parent club will be serving breakfast and our Science Fair will be on display in the hall. Our annual Scholastic Book Fair will be in the Library for an entire week so don’t miss it. We look forward to seeing you there! On Friday, February 2, the students and staff will host Grand Day from 9 am to 12:15 pm. There will be a welcome from Father James, choir singing and dancers dancing! Now Accepting Applications for the 2018-2019 School year! A brochure on the application process is available in the vestibule. Please contact the school at 916-452-1100 for more information.

Youth Leadership Training December 28-30, 2017

Trinity Pines Catholic Center, Colfax Are you searching for a way to engage, encourage and empower high school leaders in their Discipleship? We invite you to consider sending teens to our weekend-long training on December 28-30 at Trinity Pines Catholic Center in Colfax. Teens will be empowered to live as disciples and servant leaders, gain practical skills to lead vibrant youth ministry in the parish, and lead them to a closer relationship with Christ. The cost for the 3-day training is $150. For more information, please contact Jennifer Campbell at jcampbell@scd.org, via phone at (530) 389-2780 or visit www.trinitypinescatholic.com.

*NEW* Engaging Catechist Series Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 7:00pm- 8:30 pm

Pastoral Center, 2110 Broadway, Sacramento, 95818 If you are a catechist teacher trying to reach your students in a more engaging way, check out the Engaging Catechist Series. A set of classes that enables the catechist to develop their practical skills needed in a classroom setting. Join us on Thursday, January 25 for Different Learning Styles, Crafts and Activates from 7p.m.-8:30pm. Call Lauralyn Solano for more information at 916-733-0153 or via email at lsolano@scd.org

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