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December 3, 2017 Vol. 36 No. 17

St. Stephen’s Catholic Church 4601 Neely Avenue Midland, Texas 79707 (432) 520-7394 Fax (432) 520-7395

www.ststephensmidland.com

Rev. Rodney White, Pastor Assistant Pastor: Rev. Timothy Hayter

Deacons: Leonard Hendon, Luis Mata, Fidel Saldivar, Larry Salazar Sisters: Gertrudis Muñoz, Leonila Torres

Youth Director: Deacon Larry Salazar Director of Religious Education: Gretchen Lara

Music Director: Gabriel Salgado

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES 2017

St. Mary (Odessa) December 4, 2017 at 7:00 PM San Miguel (Midland) December 6, 2017 at 7:00 PM Holy Trinity (Big Spring) December 7, 2017 at 7:00 PM Good Shepherd (Crane) December 13, 2017 at 7:00 PM Our Lady of Lourdes (Andrews) December 14, 2017 at 6:30 PM Holy Redeemer (Odessa) December 15, 2017 at 7:00 PM St. Ann’s (Midland) December 19, 2017 at 7:00 PM St. Lawrence December 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM St. Joseph’s (Odessa) December 21, 2017 at 6:30 PM

It’s time to get ready for our

Annual Christmas Children’s Play!

If you want your child (Kindergarten – 6th grade) to be part of the

play, please take them to our first practice/parent meeting:

Thursday, December 7, 2017 6:00 pm at the main sanctuary.

Call Kathleen Molina at 528-3324 for questions.

Mass Time For Immaculate Conception of the

Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Day of Obligation

December 8, 2017 7 AM—ENGLISH

12:15 PM—ENGLISH 5:30 PM—BILINGUAL

7 PM—BILINGUAL

Our Lady of Guadalupe December 12, 2017

6 AM—SPANISH 7 AM—ENGLISH

12:15 PM—ENGLISH 5:30 PM—ENGLISH

Sunday, December 3 - First Sunday of Advent

Monday, December 4– St. John Damascene

Tuesday, December 5

Wednesday, December 6 - St. Nicholas

Thursday, December 7 - St. Ambrose

Friday, December 8– The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saturday, December 9 - St. Juan Diego Cuauhlatoatzin

Sunday, December 10 - Second Sunday of Advent

Last Week’s Collection

Collections $31,102.12 Regular $26,553.90 Building Fund $ 471.00 Other Income $ 4,077.22

Financial reports are available in the parish office.

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For the week of December 3, 2017

ST. STEPHEN’S

CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday 6:45 am - 7:00 am; 12 noon - 12:15 pm;

& 5:00 - 5:30 pm

Wednesday 6:45 a.m.-7 a.m.; 12 noon-12:15 p.m.;

5-5:30 p.m.; & 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday 7:45 am - 8:00 am; 4:00 - 4:45 pm

Sunday 20 minutes prior to each Mass

And anytime, by appointment

This weekend’s special collection is for the poor of Midland as distributed by Helping Hands of Midland.

Please help. Thank you!

Announcements for the Bulletin need to be

submitted by Tuesday 5:00 PM. If any announcements

are received after they will be submitted for the following

bulletin. Thank you!

The Little Blue Book (El Librito Azul) for Advent and Christmas seasons is available in the foyer of the church. The booklets are free but supplies are limited, so please get yours today!

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December 3 Anna Bitnerowski Veronica Jaquez

Randy Read Crystal Rodriguez Martin Santiago

December 4 Jesus Chavez John Garcia Karen Igo

Marisai Leyva Marco Manriquez Catalina Natividad

Ikemefuna Okwuwa Randall Orth Blanca Prieto

Aiden R. Rodriguez Iris Salazar

Oscar Sanchez Jose Villalobos

John White

December 5 Alexandria Boss

Paula Callo Efrain Garcia Jr. Carlos Granados

Francisco Itzaguirre Liv Marroquin Abel Orona

Candace Reeves Jim Silva

Cruz Torres Nicoli Valdez Brian Watson

December 6 Lisa Berry

Brianna Carrasco Brittany Castillo

Sarah E. Dehlinger Albert Garcia Jr. Mario Gutierrez

Jesse Lopez Terri Padilla Helen Reyes Sofia Silva

Beatrice Terry Sonia Torres

December 7 Jesus Armendariz Julissa Bustillos Liam Carrasco Nancy Fuselier

Christopher Garcia Monty McLane

Kaylee N. Ramirez Santiago Rayos Marnell Santonil Bobby Toscano

Ana Villegas

December 8 Janie Balderrama

Jeremy Berry Richard Darling Kayla Mendieta Zyra Rodriguez

Reynaldo Sanchez Margaret Slevin

December 9 Joseph Baca Ilda Cuevas

Emma Doucet Emily Garcia

Bryan Lysinger Jon Prince

Jacob Reyes Cruz Sanchez

December 10 Sebastian Giraldo Nayeli Hernandez

Mike Hill Jennifer L. Hodges

Clarissia Lynn Stephanie Lyon

Robert Montferrand Francisco Navarrete

Cruz Rubio III Manuel Valerio Jr.

Eucharistic Adoration Openings

SATURDAY: 1:00 a.m.

Please prayerfully consider signing up to spend an hour with our Lord in adoration! Call Linda Foster (habla español) at 432-559-8888 for information.

Veronica Gomez-Calvo, Delaney Diaz, Raul Dominguez, Avyel Munoz, Rachel S., Burdette Family, Inez Laing, Monica Vasquez, Jason Martinez, Guadalupe Rios, Alfonso Marquez, Johny Lee Qualls, Isaiah V., Vanessa V., Anita P., Carlota W., Judy D., Alicia F., Jesse Julus Garcia, Mendoza Family, Martha Munoz, Sergio Patino, Aurora Reyes, Monica Vasquez, Eva Madrid, Roy Alvarez, Gary Rodriguez, Martha Munoz, Lydia Jimenez, Jesus Chavez Jr., Mark Clark, Eva Talamantez, Potsy Sotelo, Jaelynn G. Garcia, Randy & Jennifer White & Family, Louis & Betty Macchietto & Family, Larry & Pat White & Family, Heath, Sarah, & Baby Girl Logan Ruth, Maria Luisa Rodriguez, Inez Rodriguez, Josefina Alvarez, Avila Family, Fierro Family, Andrew Madrid, Fran Thetford, Gabriel Kadir, Gerald Thetford, Margaret Robson, Betty Compton, David Rucker, Delia Carrasco, Patty White, Jeff Smith, Pearl Abalos, Francisco Rodriguez Medina, Carmen Lopez, Martin Sosa, Evangelina Rodriguez, Bea Herrera, Ricky Montes, Rafael Gonzales Jr., Monica Cabrera, Joe Munoz III, Anita Morin, Anthony Garcia, Janie Sainz, Tommy Levario, Dr. Karen Leung & Santa Rosa Fire Victims, Donita Schlegal, Jose Carmen Vasquez, Rebecca Rodelo, Crystal Calderon, Mo Dominguez, Marcial Hernandez, Felix Munoz II, Jesus Munoz, Joe Munoz Jr., Terisa Galvan, Jude Munoz, Diana Henderson, Micah Villa, MM, Donita Schlegal, Donna, Jessie, Paul Quintero, Melanie Jordan Britton, Alyss Munoz, Alejandro Munoz Jr, Teresa Kiser.

Email frontdesk.sscc@att.net or call the office at 520-7394 to be added to the prayer list!

• 1st

Year Philosophy at Conception Seminary

• Birthday: April, 29, 1999

• Midland, TX

• Favorite Food: Pizza

• Likes playing the saxophone

The Parish Office will be closed on Friday, December 8, 2017 and will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 11, 2017

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This week in RCIA, we are blessed to have Father Tim teach us about the Sacraments of Anointing the Sick and Holy Orders. Like all of the Sacraments, the Sacrament of Holy Orders was instituted by Jesus. In the Upper Room, Jesus breathed on the Apostles and said, "be filled with the Holy Spirit." (John

20:22). Holy Orders are for bishops, priests, and deacons. Only bishops may administer the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Similarly, the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick was also instituted by Jesus (Mark 6:13; see also James 5:14-15 and paragraph 1511 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church). The Sacrament

brings spiritual and sometimes even physical healing during an illness, especially when one is close to death.

Our Saint of the Day will be Saint Andrew, who was Saint Peter's brother and had been a disciple of John the Baptist. He shared the Gospel in what is now modern Greece and Turkey. He was crucified in Patra, Greece for spreading Christianity. His shrine and relics are in the Church of Saint Andreas in Patra, Greece. He is the Patron Saint of fishermen, Greece, Russia, and Scotland.

RCIA meets in the ballroom on Tuesdays from 6:45-8:45 p.m. "RCIA" stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It's the process by which adults come into full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving their Sacraments of Initiation. It's free, childcare is provided, we have a lot of fun and we always have something good to eat. If you have questions, feel free to email me at billberry100@aol.com.

RCIA News by Bill Berry

COME JOIN US FOR A HOLY HOUR AS WE

GATHER TOGETHER AS A WHOLE PARISH

TO BE WITH OUR LORD IN ADORATION.

ANY QUESTION PLEASE CALL

LINDA FOSTER AT (432)559-8888

(HABLA ESPANOL)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4TH

FROM 6:30 PM—7:30 PM

MAIN SANCTUARY - ST.

STEPHEN’S

Please come visit our NEW WEBSITE for all the latest announcements, upcoming events, & much more.

www.ststephensmidland.com

Come join us on December 9th for an Advent Spiritual Retreat (Bilingual) from 9 am to 2 pm

held in the Parish Hall.

Cruise & Tour

with Holy

Angels Catholic

Church

Alaska 2018

Join us for a 12-day Land and Sea Alaskan Adventure, July 10-21,

2018! For a complete digital brochure and registration information,

email Lori Hines, Lori@HolyAngelsSanAngelo.org, or

call 325-942-8192 (Office), 325-374-7609 (Cell)

St. Stephens Youth 7-12 grades: Give the gift of time and service this Christmas. On

December 16th come and help give away gifts at Helping Hands of Midland. Please be there by 8:00 a.m., to help get

the toys set up in time for the giveaway which will be from 10 am - 1 pm. An Enchiladas lunch will be provided. This is

worth 8 hours of community service. If you want to go please call the church office and give them your name and

number. (432) 520-7394

Young Adults of Midland will be having a Bake Sale and selling

T-Shirts to raise money. Thank you for your generous donation.

Dress an Angel Please turn in your Dress an Angel

before December 3, 2017

Thank You,

¡¡¡ADVIENTO!!!

Es un tiempo litúrgico y significa “advenimiento”, “venida”, “llegada”. Por eso le llamamos el tiempo de la Esperanza.

3 de diciembre 2017 Primer Domingo de adviento

La corona de adviento se hace con follaje verde sobre el que se insertan cuatro velas. Tres velas son violetas, una es rosa. El primer domingo de adviento encendemos la primera vela y cada domingo de adviento encendemos una vela más hasta llegar a la Navidad. La forma circular El círculo no tiene principio ni fin. Es señal del amor de Dios que es eterno, sin principio y sin fin, y también de nuestro amor a Dios y al prójimo que nunca debe de terminar. Las ramas verdes Verde es el color de esperanza y vida. Dios quiere que esperemos su gracia, el perdón de los pecados y la gloria eterna al final de nuestras vidas. Las cuatro velas Nos hacen pensar en la oscuridad provocada por el pecado que ciega al hombre y lo aleja de Dios. Después de la primera caída del hombre, Dios fue dando poco a poco una esperanza de salvación que iluminó todo el universo como las velas la corona. Así como las tinieblas se disipan con cada vela que encendemos, los siglos se fueron iluminando con la

llegada de Cristo a nuestro mundo. Las manzanas rojas Que adornan la corona: Representan los frutos del jardín del Edén con Adán y Eva que

trajeron el pecado al mundo, pero recibieron también la promesa del Salvador Universal. El listón rojo Representa nuestro amor a Dios y el amor de Dios que nos envuelve

Hermana Gertrudis Muñoz Mendieta I.C.A.S.

AVISOS: • Dia 8 de diciembre reunión de matrimonios 7:30 p.m. salón 11 • 9 de diciembre Retiro de Adviento Bilingüe, hora: 9 de la mañana a 2 de la tarde, lugar: salón

parroquial. • El librito azul para las temporadas de Adviento y Navidad está disponible en el Foyer de la iglesia. ¡ los libritos son gratis pero limitados, así que por favor consiga el suyo hoy!

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A letter received a while back: Dear Helping Hands, I need help for my grandbaby for Christmas. He’s only 6 years old and his momma got throwed in jail. He cries for her all the time and I just feel so helpless. I am 63 years old and am just poor. I got 2 little heaters to heat my house and it gets so cold. My check is only $520 a month and I got to pay my bills. Please help me if you can. If you don’t then he won’t have no Christmas at all. It’s not his fault. He didn’t do nothing to deserve this. Please, please help us. The woman’s letter touched us deeply, and we assured her that her grandson would be well provided for with clothing and toys this Christmas. We will also give them a gift certificate to Super Mercado where they can get the fixings for a Christmas meal. We will also work with the grandmother to see what can be done about the heat in the house. Our Lord reminds us that whatever we do for the least among us we are actually doing for Him. Certainly this little six-year-old boy is among the least in our midst. May the Christ child who resides in him bless you abundantly with much joy and peace throughout this holiday season!

Helping Hands

of Midland

1301 Brinson Lane

(432) 520-8900

Because we feel it is important that you know how and where your donations to Helping Hands are spent, here is what was done last week:

Electric 8 families $ 1,273.20 Water 2 families $ 198.44 Rent 21 families $ 19,858.54 Transportation 2 families $ 5,190.70

TOTAL $ 26,520.88 www.helpinghandsmidland.com

Annual Parish Christmas Dinner & Dance

(Hosted by the St. Stephen’s Women’s Organization)

Saturday, December 16, 2017

In the Gloria Denman Ballroom 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tickets $25.00 per person

Tickets available to purchase in the foyer after all masses Or

The Parish Office from Gladys

Deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, December 13, 2017

By 12:00 p.m.

(Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door)

Cash Bar only

For more information please contact: Ilda Cuevas, SSWO President

432-557-8896 Brandi Grismore SSWO Vice

President 432-661-6118 Or any of the ladies of the

Women’s Organization

ADORACIÓN DEL SANTÍSIMO

Personas interesadas en pasar una hora con El Santísimo en Adoración una vez por semana, durante las siguientes horas:

Viernes: 1:00 AM

Si El Señor te esta llamando para pasar una hora con El acompañándolo, comuníquese con Linda Foster (habla Español) al 432-559-8888.

Vestir a un Ángel

Último día para traer su ángel

es el 3 de diciembre

Gracias, Carmen Rodelo and

Leticia Gutierrez