ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH VICTORIA, TEXAS DECEMBER 16, 2018

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 1) Zephaniah 3:14-18a 2) Philippians 4:4-7 3) Luke 3:10-18 FOCUS:The Lord is near, we rejoice and give thanks. On this Gaudete Sunday, we rejoice as we look forward to the return of Christ. His coming in glory fills us with confidence and prayer – all fear is

removed and our hearts sing for joy. LITURGY OF THE WORD Zephaniah presents a vision of a great festival where God’s love and forgiveness will be celebrated and his mercy shared with all. Saint Paul reminds the Philippians to be happy and prayerful as they await the return of Christ. John the Baptist proclaims the good news of the kingdom in the Gospel, and challenges his listeners to act with justice and generosity. Reading for the following Sunday SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 1) Micah 5:1-4a 2) Hebrews 10:5-10 3) Luke 1:39-45

Coffee, doughnuts, juice, and fruit will be served on Sun. Dec. 16 after the 8:00 a.m. in the Activity Center

The Adoration Chapel is Now Open!

A letter with the door code and a list of substitutes will be sent to those who have signed up for a Holy Hour. Thank you to all who have signed up! The chapel is officially open for 6:30 a.m. Mass Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. Mass on Saturdays. It will also be open for the Noon and Holy Day Masses including Christmas Eve and Day. There are still 4 1/2 hours that are in need of adorers:

Wednesday 12:30 pm, Friday 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm, 5 pm.

Please call the church office (361) 573-4328 or Cindy Brewer (361) 571-6510 to sign up for adoration slots or to receive the new code to make a visit to Jesus. The adoration chapel will be closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Monday, December 24, (Christmas Eve): Mass at 4:00 p.m. (Christmas Pageant for children - Dec. 24, 3:30 pm before Mass) 12:00 Midnight Mass. (Carols begin at 11:30 p.m.), Tuesday, December 25, (Christmas Day) 9:00 a.m.

NEW YEAR'S DAY Monday, December 31 , 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

The Rectory will close at noon on Friday , December 21 and reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. If you need a priest please call the rectory.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7:00– 8:30 Liturgical calendar

Saturday, December 15 7:00 †Sharon West Bauer 4:00 †Allen Frazer Sunday, December 16, Third Sunday of Advent 8:00 †Jerry Lenz 10:30 People of the Parish Monday, December 17 6:30 †Earl Schmeltzer 12:05 †Danny Innocenti Tuesday, December 18 6:30 †Ernest Innocenti 12:05 †Frances Warzecha Wednesday, December 19 6:30 †Theo & Leona Hermes & Lain 8:10 †U. S. Service Members — Nazareth Academy School Mass 12:05 †Rocky Neisser ANNIV Thursday, December 20 6:30 Prayer and Communion Service 12:05 Prayer and Communion Service Friday, December 21 6:30 †Cecile Morris Price 12:05 †Edward Miller Saturday, December 22 7:00 †DuWard Ford 4:00 †Matthew Small Sunday, December 23, Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00 †Chad Slavik 10:30 People of the Parish

PARISH CHOIR: Regular practice after the 8am mass on Sundays. The choir also practices on Thursday evenings in the church from 5:30p to 7:00p in preparation for Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter services. Anyone interested in participating in music ministry is encouraged to join 1the choir.

Saturday, December 22 4:00 p.m. Emily Janak Sunday, December 23 8:00 a.m. Diana Pagel 10:30 a.m. O. Basaldua

LECTORS

Saturday, December 22 4:00 p.m. Henry Schramek, Denise

Bendorz, Becky Coleman, Emily Migl Sunday, December 23 8:00 a.m. Howard Pagel, Loyd & Georgia

West, Adolph Hernandez 10:30 a.m. Corinne Copeland, Judy Gilley,

David Janca, Dee Garza

Saturday, December 22 4:00 p.m. T. Coleman Sunday, December 23 8:00 a.m. W. & A. Immenhauser, L.

Hernandez 10:30 a.m. T. Copeland, W. Villarreal Z.

Kinnison

MASS SERVERS

Saturday, December 22 4:00 p.m. Denise Gainer, Frank Smolka, Larry & Linda Luna Sunday, December 23 8:00 a.m. Roy Jurica, Bohumil, Vrana, Paul Janacek, Stella Silva 10:30 a.m. Dennis & Linda Lala, Carolyn Mc Connell, Joe Baugh

MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH VICTORIA, TEXAS DECEMBER 16, 2018

THANK YOU FOR YOUR STEWARDSHIP DEC. 1-2

Sunday Collection….......... .....................$ 7,382.00 Loose Collection………......................... …...$ 895.00 On-line giving....................... ............... $ 620.00 Total………………........................ …… $ 8,897.00

St. Mary’s Altar Society is now accepting donations for Christmas Flowers. All donations are welcome. Including those in honor of or memory of your loved one(s). Forms and envelopes are located on the back of the last pew on either side of the church. Please complete and return in the collection basket, to the church office, or mail to the address shown on the envelope. Please assist in decorating our church for the arrival of Baby Jesus on Christmas Day.

Donations received after Thursday, December 20

th will not be published in the

Christmas Weekend Bulletin insert.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Penance Services

Mon. Dec. 17th 6:30 p.m.—Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Thurs. Dec. 20th- 6:30 p.m.— St. Mary’s

Court St. Ann and Council 1329

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!” Let these lyrics help put you in the mood to celebrate! Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Knights of Columbus will have their Christmas party on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at the hall. The social will start at 6:00 p.m., with the catered dinner at 7:00. Tickets are $10.00 each and are available from Anne Martin (361/648-2008) or Michael Nevlud (361/550-6427). Deadline is Monday, Dec. 10. Don’t miss this chance to show off your holiday wardrobe! Hope to see everyone there!

Knights of Columbus Council #1329 is selling the “Keep Christ In Christmas” magnets. They are only $5.00 each. Contact Gary Rangnow, 361-649-2023

PREPARE THE WAY FOR JESUS! CHURCH DECORATING

All parishioners are invited to the decorating party on Mon. Dec. 17 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. in St. Mary's Church. We need your assistance in decorating the church for the arrival of our Lord on Christmas Day as we all gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The date was moved so we have more time with our families before Christmas!

All Who wish to be Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion, Mass Servers, and Ministers of Hospitality for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day Masses please call the office by Wednesday Dec. 19.

Sanctuary Candles Dec. 17-23– In memory of Rocky Neisser by Felicia Neisser– Belz Dec. 24—30- In Memory of Sam, Mary Hyak and Robert by Kathy Hyak Sandidge Dec. 31– Jan. 6, 2019 In memory of Ernest Innocenti, by Mary Ann Innocenti Jan. 7 –13 - In memory of Bohumil & Hedwig Smolka by Frank Smolka

Adoration candle Dec. 17-23– In memory of Chad Slavik by allen, Karol, Tabitha & Chris Slavik Dec. 24—30- In Memory of Earl & Hazel Schmeltzer by Denise Gainer Dec. 31– Jan. 6, 2019 In memory of Ernest Innocenti, by Mary Ann Innocenti Jan. 7 –13 - In memory of Earl & Hazel Schmeltzer by Denise Gainer

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

QUILT AND CRAFT CORNER Interested in

learning how to quilt or craft?

Come meet on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 9:00 a.m. in the Annex. The Altar Society Quilters are looking for old or broken jewelry or one of a kind pieces. You can bring the items to the office or there is a box in the entrance to the church. .

CCD NEWS: Classes: Jan. 10,17, 24, & 31

August 22nd-August 31st

2020 Passion Play at Oberammergau 10 Day Pilgrimage to Poland, Czech

Republic & Germany With Bishop Brendan Cahill as spiritual

Director

For information contact: Susan DeBartol at 888-843-7373/ susan@littleflowerpilgramages.com or Dr Gloria Amelda Gonzalez at 361-549-9147/dr.gloria@suddenlink.net

Reservations must be made by 31 December 2018

Giving Tree Project A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK AN Ornament off the Christmas giving Tree Project again this holiday season. You helped make Christmas brighter for over 200 individuals.

January 19, 2019—God Works with our Hands: Knitters, Crafters, Quilters; etc. Sister Roselle Haas, rc Reflectively working with your hands helps you discover the stillness within. Listen to God as you explore the spirituality of crafting. A box lunch is available. $25.00 Suggested Donation or Love offering. Incarnate Word Convent 1101 N. E. Water Street Victoria, TX 361-575-7111.

Amor Meus Spirituality Center

Solemn Advent Vespers: December 16, 23,

2018 from 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Incarnate Word

Convent Chapel 1101 N. E. Water Street,

Victoria. Solemn Vespers is the Liturgical

Evening Prayer of the Church. This prayer

focuses on praying the psalms, giving thanks for

the day and offering praise to God. Vespers

closes with Benediction of the Blessed

Sacrament.

Keep Christ in Your Christmas and Share Your Faith! Shop the Incarnate Word Gift Shop 1101 NE Water St. Hours Monday –Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

There will be No Baptismal Classes for the month of December the next one will be on Sunday, Jan. 20

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Last minute Christmas gifts are available at the Sewing room on Thursday Dec. 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. while supplies last.

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH VICTORIA, TEXAS DECEMBER 16, 2018

MARK YOUR 2019 CALENDAR St. Mary's 2019 Family Festival

Sunday, February 10, 2019 Live Auction Donations Needed – Please be on the lookout for items for the live auction, take advantage of the holiday sales and pick up at least one nice item to be donated for the Live Auction or Silent Auction. This is our biggest money maker for our church, please support the festival and make it the best we have ever had. Live Auction questions? Please call Maggie Schaar 361-212-2452 or email maggieschaar@yahoo.com. Thanks so much for your support. Bingo Prizes are also needed. Please consider donating. We welcome all parishioners as we prepare to have our BEST festival yet. If you are interested in helping in any way or have questions, please call Kevin or Joan Pfister - 576-9638. We need everyone’s help in making this Festival a success.

DIRECTORY OF MINISTRIES Adoration Chapel Cynthia Brewer 571-6510 Altar Servers Emily Janak 573-1874 Altar Society Evelyn Dierlam 578-3740 Baptism Prep. Diana Starnes 550-9533 Bereavement Group Geraldine Jurica 573-3949 Vacation Bible School Marie Immenhauser 572-3863 Disciples on the Journey Laurie Bautista 573-9561 Festival Committee Chairs Kevin & Joan Pfister 576-9638 Funeral Meals Adele Donalson 573-4455 Liturgical Ministers Deacon Jim Koenig 935-3811 Marriage Prep Foccus Deacon Jim Koenig 935-3811 Music Ministry Cathy Lowe 935-1068 Natural Family Planning Susanne Koch (979) 488-4528 Quilters Jo Ann Bone 578-7629 RCIA Sr. Frances Cabrini 575-7111 Religious Education Diana Starnes 550-9533 Rentals Deacon Jim Koenig 935-3811 St. Vincent De Paul Society Faye Culak 649-0614 Weekly Rosary & Divine Mercy Cenacle Tina Rabalais 541-9295

Knights of Columbus Council #1329

Bingo Night. Every Wednesday evening; Hall opens 6:00 pm; Bingo

Games 7:30 pm until 10:00 pm. $10.00 per Bingo sheet pack for 10 games. Food and drinks available. Location is Airline at Ben Wilson. Proceeds benefit various council charity projects. For info, call the hall Wednesday evening at 575-9214. Come out, have fun and meet friends!

Altar Care for December will be Stella Silva

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK Use Maggie & Bobby Schaar ad

2019 CALENDARS

Calendars compliments of, Brown’s Air Con-ditioning Co., Ideal Aluminum Siding and Roofing Co., Edwin and Vickie Hajek, Margie Neumann, and Arlon & Patricia Zamzow and Anchor Lumber Yard, Inc. and will be availa-ble at all Masses this weekend. We would like to say a Big Thank You to these very generous people! Please pick up only one per Family