St. Michael’s Church Gastonia, NC Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 Sacred Liturgy This Week Other Activities in our Parish Sunday, December 16 Third Sunday of Advent 5:00 PM (Sat) Holy Mass—In Thanks giving to St. Jude for Prayers Answered 7:30 AM Holy Mass—For the People 10:00 AM Holy Mass—Vivian Wenger & family 12:00 PM Holy Mass—Priest Intention Monday, December 17 8:00 AM Morning Prayer 8:15 AM Holy Mass—Edith Darwin Tuesday, December 18 8:00 AM Morning Prayer 8:15 AM Holy Mass— Wednesday, December 19 6:45 PM Evening Prayer 7:00 PM Holy Mass—+Shirley Estridge 8:20 PM Benediction Thursday, December 20 8:00 AM Morning Prayer 8:15 AM Holy Mass—+Parents of Andrew & Ewa Milewski Friday, December 21, St. Peter Canisius 8:00 AM Morning Prayer 8:15 AM Holy Mass—+ Saturday, December 22 Sunday, December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 5:00 PM (Sat) Holy Mass—+Willie Mae Hale 7:30 AM Holy Mass—Sally & Tom O’Keefe - 60th Wedding Anniversary 10:00 AM Holy Mass—For the people 12:00 PM Holy Mass—Priest Intention God Bless You! Collected Last Week $ 13,037 255 Households Contributing Building Fund Year to Date: $ 70,966 DSA Pledged to Date $ 66,869 (281) households pledging) Immaculate Conception $ 3,172 Sunday, December 16 8:45 AM Faith Formation 8:45 AM Donuts & Dogma 10:15 AM Span Religious Formation 10:30 AM Span Parent Mtg:Ch-Hall 11:00 AM Youth Ministry Monday, December 17 12:00 PM Sunday Bulletin Deadline 1:00 PM School Market Day Pickup 6:00 PM School Christmas Program:Gym 7:00 PM Catholic Scripture Study:ChHall 7:00 PM Spanish Choir Prac:Drexel Tuesday, December 18 9:00 AM ESL: Church Hall 3:30 PM Boys B’ball Game:Gym 6:00 PM Bingo 7:00 PM Adult Choir Practice:Church Wednesday, December 19 5:30 PM Children’s Choir Practice 8:00 PM Healing Ministry:Cry Room Thursday, December 20 9:00 AM ESL:Church Hall 3:30 PM School B’Ball Games:Gym 6:00 PM Span Quiencienero Mtg: Church Hall 7:00 PM RCIA:Parish Center First Friday, December 21 4:00 PM Boys B’Ball Prac:Gym 7:00 PM Penance Service: St Mary, Shelby 7:00 PM Spanish Posada:Church 8:00 PM Spanish Fiesta:Par Center Saturday, December 22 9:00 AM Joe Nelli League B’ball Practice:Gym 10 AM Spanish Children’s Choir:Drexel 2 PM Baptism:Church 8:00 PM AA Meeting:School Sunday, December 23 8:45 AM Donuts & Dogma 1:00 PM Private Party:Parish Center FINANCE COUNCIL Dear Parishioners, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.” (Phil. 4:4) These words are from St. Paul’s letter to the Christians at Philippi. We remember them today as we celebrate “Gaudete” (Rejoice!) Sunday. The prophet Isaiah reminds us of the desert which will bloom and the many miracles of healing which will take place with the Advent of the Messiah. But like the sower of the field we are patient in this Advent, knowing that in God’s good time it will come to pass. When John the Baptizer hears of the miracles happening, he knows the Messianic age has begun. Christmas is almost here and we have much to rejoice about. Our penances should be preparing us for a building excitement about celebrating the birth of the Lord. John the Baptizer is announcing the Lord is near and leading people to Baptism. The new life given us in our Baptism is truly a cause for joy: we are freed from the grip of the evil one and adopted into the loving and merciful arms of God. You should have received our mailing for Christmas; I hope it has been of some help to your spiritual journey. Next week we will give one Oplatky package for each family for the Christmas Eve Vigilia. Many of you particularly from Slavic countries may practice this great Christmas family ritual. Let us thank God for our families and all the blessings the Good Lord has given us during the year. Be sure to plan your Christmas Confession and the Holy Masses or Masses you will attend. I am in hopes that the majority of our St. Michael Family will be with us for the Midnight Mass of Christmas which is the principal Christmas Mass. We want to emphasize the importance of the religious nature of Christmas Day. It is such a good teaching tool for the children (even if they fall asleep) to have a change in schedule on Christmas. Have them take a nap (we will all need one also) and prepare them with the excitement of this special night. To come to Holy Mass in the dark on that night is an effective teaching tool. Some people will come to a second Mass on Christmas day also. Some people come to Mass on Christmas Day before opening presents; what a good lesson of restraint that is. In any case, let’s thank God for the opportunity to have - Four Holy Masses for Christmas: Monday, December 24 5:00 PM Vigil Mass English 8:00 PM Vigil Mass Spanish Tuesday, December 25 12:00 AM Christmas Midnight Mass English -Carols begin at 11:30 PM before Midnight Mass 10:00 AM Christmas Day Mass English Our thanks to all the children and Susan Gawronski and Theresa Webster who helped them with the Advent Jesse Tree Program last Sunday at the 10 AM Mass. May the good Lord bless you and our Lady keep you in her tender care. With my prayers, Father Arnsparger Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 (Continued on page #) Daily Mass Readings From Sacred Scripture Dec. 17—24 Monday: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Psalm 72:1-3, 4ab,7- 8, 17 Matthew 1:1-17 Tuesday: Jeremiah 23:5-8 Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Matthew 1:18-25 Wednesday: Judges 13:2-7,24-25a Psalm 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 Luke 1:5-25 Thursday: Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 Luke 1:26-38 Friday: Song of Songs 2:8-14 Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Luke 1:39-45 Saturday: Samuel 1:24-28 (Psalm) Samuel 2:1,4-5,6-7,8abcd Luke 1:46-56 Sunday: Isaiah 7: 10-14 Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24 Parish Members & Friends: Pat Ayotte Ray Block Lee Broome Margaret Brown Darcy & Jean Cowell Edith Darwin Chuck Deal Joe Delaney William Dreier Peggy Duffy Cathy Epperson Pete & Rebecca Files Edwina Goebel Christina Halek Norma Hamrick Delphine Iwanski Patricia Kearns Stu LaFrancis Doris Lee Felicitus Luvis John Miles Ewa Milewski Billie Moore Butch Morrison Larry Natale Elizabeth Noll Charles Pasour Marianne Rocks Sr. Elizabeth Salmon Al Santoro Margaret & Bernard Vanderbrook Lissette Westover Marion Yager Mel Zajas Iris Zito Niece/Nephew of: Caroline Graziano Don & Jackie Hessler Daryl Smith Elizabeth Eddie Al Santoro Grandchild of: Kay Epperson Parent of: Rece McSwain Yvonne Escandon Mark Smirz Renee Jarvis Maureen Halek Don & Jackie Hessler Brother/Sister of: Charlotte Wendt Al Santoro Don & Jackie Hessler Ursula Lutz Joan Frey Carole Delia Jan Bodnar Peggy O’Hanlon Marie Mattox Son-in-law or Daughter-in-law of: Marcie Gosine Maxine Golob Brother-in-law or Sister-in-law of: Pam Kelly Kirsten Bray Don & Jackie Hessler Craig Eckert Mark Smirz Arlene Sellers Cousin of: Paul Grenier For all in service of our country: Nancy Weisenhorn Andrew Cuce Nathan Nahler William Mueller Jonathan Warren Charlie Smith Derek Dobbins Steve Fredette Stefan Zapata Michael Bernard Patrick Applegate Paul Pederson Derik Mayer Michael Freeman Kathleen Campbell Logan Rostmeyer Please remember in prayer: LITURGY & WORSHIP COMMUNITY OUTREACH LITURGY & WORSHIP St. Michael’s Church Gastonia, NC OVER St. Michael’s Church Gastonia, NC The Benefits of Active Membership at St. Michael Parish Active membership at St. Michael Parish brings many blessings. It is determined by the active, intentional practice of the Catholic Faith; this requires more than being a ‘cultural’ Catholic. To be considered an active member of St. Michael Parish, there must be a commitment to practice the Catholic Faith by personal and active participation in Parish Life through the visible stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure. Some indicators are: Registration at the parish: needs to be done within one month of moving into the Parish; Demonstrated agreement with the teachings of the Catholic Church; Attendance at Mass at St. Michael Church every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation except when on vacation or out of town; when on vacation or out of town, attendance at Mass in that location; Participation in at least one parish ministry, activity, program or organization; Weekly use of the envelopes or a check giving a grateful, regular, proportionate and therefore significant financial gift to the Lord through His parish (tithe); (everyone should place an envelope in the basket weekly even if giving monthly, yearly or by EFT). Various facilities and services of the parish are available to our active members including: Sponsor certificates, Baptisms, Weddings, Funeral Masses, and other sacramental events, as well as parishioner status for St. Michael School and Charlotte Catholic High School. Don’t delay—register and become active today! St Michael’s Angel Tree After the wish has been filled, wrap the gift, put the tag on the OUTSIDE of the gift and return it to church or the parish office no later than December 18th please. Gifts will be distributed to the families on December 20th and 21st. If you find that you cannot fill the wish on the tag, please bring it to the church office as soon as possible. If you would like to help sort and distribute gifts, please call the parish office. The Capital Campaign Cabinet along with all our wonderful volunteers wants to extend our sincere thanks all those parishioners who have already completed and returned their pledges cards. We ask those who have not returned their pledge cards to do so soon so we can complete our campaign. With the beginning of Advent and our Christmas celebrations the Capital Campaign 2007 will suspend campaign operations from December 12, 2007 through January 6, 2008. Any one who has not been contacted by December 12, 2007 will be contacted after January 7, 2008. We thank you for your understanding in this delay. If you have not been contacted and want to make your pledge, you can contact the church office and someone will deliver your pledge card to you. LITURGY & WORSHIP Attention Extraordinary Ministers, Lectors, Servers and Gift Bearers: There will be sign up sheets in the vestibule of the church this weekend for the three Masses for Christmas (Monday 5 PM & Midnight, and 10 AM Tuesday). Please sign up as you leave Mass today. Thank You. Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 Youth Group—All youth in the parish in grades 6 through 12 are invited to a McAdenville Hayride. Meet on December 20th at 6:30 PM at Hardees at Exit 23. Permission slips required. Please call Theresa Webster for more information at 704-867-6212 x 114 or Brian Gawronski 803-222-5961 Baptism Preparation—If you are expecting a child within the next few months, you must attend a Baptism Preparation Class prior to scheduling the Baptism. Please call the church office and register for the next class to be held on January 27. Infants should be baptized in the first few weeks following their births. Proxy godparents can be arranged and the party with family later, but it is important to have the baptism early. First Communion Meeting! Parents: Mark your calendars for the next meeting on January 13 from 8:30 AM to 9:45. Confirmation Rite! Mark your calendars for the next Confirmation Rite which will take place at the 10 AM Mass on Sunday, January 13. Volunteers Needed—There are opportunities to volunteer your time and talent in the Formational Ministries. Catechists, substitutes, hall monitors, youth group leaders, and RCIA for children tutors are among the ways you can help. ALL VOLUNTEERS must have taken our Safe Environment Program: Protecting God’s Children or be willing to take this course. Call Theresa Webster for more information or to sign-up at 704-867-6212 x 114. Small Group Forming—There is renewed interest in forming a stitching group. All ladies who would like to spend a few hours a week or every other week knitting, crocheting, tatting, etc. should call Rosemarie Weisenhorn at 704-866-4329. If there is enough interest we will begin meeting in January at a time and place to be determined. FORMATIONAL MINISTRY Knights of Columbus Council 6700 is selling raffle tickets for a 26 inch boys and girls bicycle. $2 for one ticket or 3 for $5. Drawing will be December 15th. If you are a Catholic gentleman of at least 18 years of age and want to be part of a community that lives by the principals of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism then the Knights of Columbus is for you. Ask any Knight that has a red badge for details, or contact Jim Bianucci at 824-4090 or Mark Ruocco at 824-9593. Thank You Last Sunday, the Anglo and Hispanic communities came together again to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Hispanic community thanks everyone who donated salads and desserts to this annual event and look forward to more opportunities that blend our cultural traditions. PARISH LIFE OVER The altar flowers are given In Memory of James & Eunice Cherry By Melissa & Joe Deaton ~ The Advent Wreath Decorations Are in Memory of Tom Brennan By Shirley Brennan Please remember to pray for those families expecting additions to their families, and for all children born and unborn. If you are expecting the birth or adoption of a child you can be remembered in our parish family’s prayers. To have a rose placed in the basket by the Infant of Prague statue call Sheila Purello at 704-864-4537 or the parish office. FOOD PANTRY SHOPPING LIST Peanut Butter & Jelly Crackers Instant Rice or Potatoes Spaghetti Noodles Spaghetti Sauce Mac & Cheese Dinners Small Bags of Dried Beans Cereal Biscuit or Muffin Mixes Canned Meat Snack Packs items for lunch boxes Canned fruit (lite syrup) Canned Beans Small bags of dried beans Canned Vegetables Personal & Household Items such as: Toilet paper, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Deodorant, Bath soap, Laundry detergent You may bring your donations to church and place in the box provided or directly to the Thrift Store on Wednesdays and Fridays. Christmas Decorating The church will be decorated for the Christmas season on Sunday, December 23 at 2 PM. Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact Chrissy Glisson at 704-867-6212 x 103. PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES for January 2008 January 2008 is the 35th anniversary of the US Supreme Court’s decisions legalizing the killing of unborn children. Here are some opportunities to gather with others to re-affirm the sanctity of all human life: Raleigh – Saturday, January 12th at 9:30 AM - North Carolina Prayer Breakfast for Life – Brownstone Hotel, 1707 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh (just east of NCSU). $25/person, $40/couple, $20/students, clergy, and seniors for breakfast. At 1:00 PM – North Carolina Rally and March for Life – Nash Square (Hargett and McDowell Streets), Downtown Raleigh. Bishop Burbridge will give the invocation at the Rally and walk with the Knights of Columbus at the front of the March. For more information about these events, contact North Carolina Right to Life at 1-800-392-6275 or visit www.ncrtl.org. There will be a bus traveling from Charlotte ($5/person). For more information, please call Seth Dobson at 704-293-7741. Charlotte – Friday, January 18th at 12:00 – March for Life Charlotte – Gathering will begin at 11:00am in the parking lot across the street from the Diocesan Pastoral Center. (The Pastoral Center is 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte. The parking lot is at the corner of W. Palmer and S. Church.) March will begin at 12:00 noon from the staging area, along city sidewalks, to the courthouse at 401 West Trade Street. Marchers are asked to be prayerful and respectful, and obedient of all traffic signals and crosswalks, and to not block traffic or pedestrians. Posterboard signs will be available at the staging area. If you bring your own sign, it must meet picketing laws. After the March, you are welcome to stay to pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. For more information, or to arrange car pools from St. Michael’s, contact Sheila Purello at 704-864-4537. Washington, DC – January 21st and 22nd 7:00 pm Monday – Vigil Mass for Life – Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception TBA am Tuesday – NC Mass for Life – Basilica, concelebrated by NC Bishops Peter Jugis and Michael Burbidge 12:00 – Rally for Life – The Mall (west side of Capitol) 1:00 pm - March for Life – from the Mall, down Constitution Avenue, to the US Capitol Building and Supreme Court For more information, or to talk about possible car pools/bus transportation, contact parishioner Rosemary Kingsley at 828-713-4341. St Michael’s– On-Going 6:30-8:00 pm, 2nd Mondays of the Month – Parish Respect Life meetings – Members of St. Michael’s gather to pray and to plan for parish pro-life activities. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Respect Life materials form the foundation of our efforts to promote an awareness of the sanctity of all human life, from conception to natural death. Your suggestions and participation are welcome through direct service, education, advocacy, and prayerful efforts. Roses for Life – There is a small basket at the feet of the Infant of Prague statue in the front of the church. Each rose in the basket represents the upcoming birth or adoption of a child into our St. Michael family and is a reminder to pray for these children and their families. Families are given their roses after their child is baptized. Please call Sheila Purello at 704-864-4537 to have a rose placed in the Roses for Life basket. Everyone is asked to pray for these children and their families, and for all unborn children. Christmas Gift Ideas Consider a book from Regina Press: http://www.reginaorthodoxpress.com/books.html Coloring Books and Children’s Books: Father Lovasik, S.V.D Father Jude Winkler http://www.catholiccompany.com Holy Heroes, Altar Gang, and Glory Stories www.holyheroes.com Visit Mary’s Garden Catholic Shop or the Catholic Shoppe at Belmont Abbey for some of these and other titles. Give a gift that will help your loved one grow in his/her faith!