A Parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford The St. Catherine Parish Legacy Fund is commied to ensuring the long-term stability of our parish and its ministries. Please consider a giſt in lieu of flowers upon a loved one's passing as a way to ensure our community will thrive well into the future. Second Sunday of Advent 4 December 2016 Parish Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Pastor The Reverend Michael Whyte, 860 658 1642 PARISH STAFF Administrave Assistant-Parish Office Mrs. Lisa Cerchia 860 658 1642 or [email protected]Director of Religious Educaon Mrs. Kathi Bonner 860 658 4737 or [email protected]Director of Youth Ministry Mrs. Judy Pluta 860 408 9888 or [email protected]Director of Music Ministry Mrs. Susan Zybert 860 404 5514 or [email protected]Facilies Manager Mr. Michael Grappone, 860 658 1642 Parish Council President Mr. Jim Peters 860 651 3143 or [email protected]Finance Council Chairman Mr. Sco Muryasz 860 693 4164 Parish Legacy Fund Chairman Mr. Peter Pabich, 860 408 1254 Parish Lay Trustees Mrs. Melissa Horbal, 860 651 7844 Mr. Joseph Capozzoli, 860 352 2390 Thanks for worshiping with us. If you would like to join our parish family, fill out a yellow membership form found in the vestibule or atrium and mail it to us, drop it in the collection basket or call us at 658 1642. We Welcome You to Our Family of Faith! Mass/Liturgy Schedule: Saturday Vigil at 5:00 p.m. Sunday Masses at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, NO 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass) Daily Mass at 8:30 a.m., Monday through Wednesday, and Friday. (Yearly) Sacrament of Reconciliaon: Saturday from 4:00 p.m. unl 4:30 p.m. Monday from 6:00 p.m. unl 7:00 p.m. Bapsms and Bapsmal Preparaon: Please call the parish office at 860 658 1642 Sacrament of Holy Matrimony: Please call the parish office at 860 658 1642 at least 6 months in advance Choir Pracces: Adult—Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Youth—Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Music Group—Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Bullen Deadline: Monday at 10:00 a.m. Website News: email to: [email protected]265 Straon Brook Road, Box 184, West Simsbury, Conneccut 06092 Tel: 860 658 1642 /Fax: 888 297 3134 Email: [email protected]Website: www.stcatherine.info WELCOME! We welcome all visitors who are celebrating with us today. As is our custom at St. Catherine of Siena, please remain in your pew for the singing of the first and last verses of the recessional hymn.
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A Parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford
The St. Catherine Parish Legacy Fund is committed to ensuring the long-term stability of our parish and its ministries. Please consider a gift in lieu of flowers upon a loved one's passing as a way to ensure our community will thrive well into the future.
Second Sunday of Advent 4 December 2016
Parish Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.
Pastor The Reverend Michael Whyte, 860 658 1642
PARISH STAFF Administrative Assistant-Parish Office Mrs. Lisa Cerchia 860 658 1642 or [email protected]
Director of Religious Education Mrs. Kathi Bonner 860 658 4737 or [email protected]
Director of Youth Ministry Mrs. Judy Pluta 860 408 9888 or [email protected]
Director of Music Ministry Mrs. Susan Zybert 860 404 5514 or [email protected]
Facilities Manager Mr. Michael Grappone, 860 658 1642
Parish Council President Mr. Jim Peters 860 651 3143 or [email protected]
Finance Council Chairman Mr. Scott Muryasz 860 693 4164
Parish Legacy Fund Chairman Mr. Peter Pabich, 860 408 1254
Parish Lay Trustees Mrs. Melissa Horbal, 860 651 7844 Mr. Joseph Capozzoli, 860 352 2390
Thanks for worshiping with us. If you would like to join our parish
family, fill out a yellow membership form found in the vestibule or atrium and mail it to us, drop
it in the collection basket or call us at 658 1642.
We Welcome You to Our Family of Faith!
Mass/Liturgy Schedule: Saturday Vigil at 5:00 p.m. Sunday Masses at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, NO 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass) Daily Mass at 8:30 a.m., Monday through Wednesday, and Friday. (Yearly) Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Baptisms and Baptismal Preparation: Please call the parish office at 860 658 1642 Sacrament of Holy Matrimony: Please call the parish office at 860 658 1642 at least 6 months in advance Choir Practices: Adult—Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Youth—Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Music Group—Sundays at 4:00 p.m.
WELCOME! We welcome all visitors who are celebrating with us today. As is our custom at St. Catherine of Siena, please remain in your pew for the singing of the first and last verses of the recessional hymn.
Religious Education News RE ALERT! Classes for K-10, resume this weekend and will be an early dismissal, 10:15am so that parents, teachers and students can attend the 11am Mass for the Dedication of the New Altar at St. Catherine of Siena Church. Please put this in your calendar so that catechists are not waiting for the children to be picked up at 10:30am, which would impede their ability to get to this important parish Mass! Confirmation I & II meet again on Sunday, December 4th. Remember that the morning classes will dismiss at 10:15am rather than 10:30am so please be on time! The evening classes are not affected by the Dedication Mass and will meet as usual. ========================================= Our parish congratulates our Religious Education children who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Sunday, November 20th. May they receive this Grace regularly and live a life of mercy and forgiveness:
Roisin Barry, Keeva Bazyk, Markus Blascak, Sofia Brenson, Connor Broderick, Dylan Campbell,
Abigail Spencer, Scarlett Staehle, Riley Swacker, James Szajna, Xavier Toscano, Charlotte Vincent,
Jeffrey vonPechmann, Matthew Watson, Evan White, Hallie Zapp, Katelyn Zipoli.
Saturday, December 3rd @ 5:00 pm Mass for Donald Zele, 5th anniversary , requested by the Hammond Family;
Sunday, December 4th @ 8:00 am Mass for Arturo Montenoro; requested by his family;
Sunday, December 4th @ 11:00 am Mass for John Murphy, birthday remembrance, requested by his family;
Sunday, December 4th @ 5:00 p.m. Mass for George Duane Martensen, birthday remembrance, requested by his family;
Monday, December 5th @ 8:30 a.m. Mass for Paul C. Jagla, birthday remembrance, requested by family;
Tuesday, December 6th @ 8:30 am Mass Frank Romano, requested by the Neureither Family;
Wednesday, December 7th @ 8:30 a.m. Mass for Special Intention; =============================================
Feast of the Immaculate Conception-Holy Day of Obligation
Wednesday, December 7th @ 6:30 p.m. Mass for Paul Sheehan, requested by the Egan Family;
Thursday, December 8th @ 8:30 a.m. Mass Pro Populo;
Thursday, December 8th @ 6:30 p.m. Mass for John Flannery, requested by his family; ==============================================
Friday, December 9th @ 8:30 a.m. Mass for Steve & Becca Balboni, 39th anniversary, requested by their family;
Saturday, December 10th @ 5:00 pm Mass for Frank Angelastro, requested by the Pabich Family;
Sunday, December 11th @ 8:00 am Mass for Tony Drapelick, requested by Fr. Whyte;
Sunday, December11th @ 11:00 am Mass for Paula Pellino, 5th anniversary, requested by her family; and,
Sunday, December 11th @ 5:00 p.m. Mass for Bernard Joseph Lavins, requested by the Hark Family.
WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS
Offertory Collection-Nov. 20th Weekly Collection: $8,794.50 Loose Cash/Checks $1,168.50 Envelopes $7,666.00 Cathedraticum* -$ 483.70 School Tax* -$ 483.70 *Parish taxes (5.5%) paid to the Archdiocese for services to the parish.
CHD………………………….$3,622.47
Offertory Collection-Nov. 27th Weekly Collection: $11,622.14 Loose Cash/Checks $ 1,898.14 Envelopes $ 9,724.00 Cathedraticum* -$ 639.22 School Tax* -$ 639.22 *Parish taxes (5.5%) paid to the Archdiocese for services to the parish.
Repair & Refurbishment….…$884.00(additional) Next weekend’s second collection for the
Repair & Refurbishment.
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS SENIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY
Sunday, December 11th, 6:00 pm, Russell Hall. Join us for an evening of celebration and community building. Please bring a wrapped gift ( $5-$6 range) for a fun gift swap!
Leadership team will be needed tonight for small group work. Pizza will be served.
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY
Monday, December 12th, 7:00 p.m., Russell Hall. Join us for an evening of Christmas celebration, community building and FUN! Please bring a wrapped gift ( $5-$6 range) for a gift swap. Pizza will be served!! Hope to see you there.
The St. Catherine Welcome Ministry invites you to join us at the 11 am Mass on Sunday, December 18th to welcome all of our newly registered parishioners for 2016, followed by Coffee and Donuts in Russell Hall. This is a great chance to meet the
newest additions to our faith community.
FROM FATHER MICHAEL...
Eucharistic Minister Training If you are interested in attending an informational and training session for Eucharistic Minsters please know that a two-part meeting will take place on January 14th, 10 a.m. The meeting will begin with information about requirements for being a Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic Church as well as the role and responsibilities of a Eucharistic Minister. After that brief meeting, we will then have a training session on being a Eucharistic Minister at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. This meeting will comprise the teachings of the Catholic Church on the Eucharistic meal as the center, the source and font of our faith as well as on the role of the Eucharistic Minister in the parish and in bringing Holy Communion to the sick. In addition we will speak to the role of “ministry” in the Church as service to the Church and also explain how one schedules your service at Mass. Thank you for your interest and willingness to serve. For more information, please feel free to contact the parish office at 658 1642. Thanks!
Second Sunday of Advent: the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom seen in all peoples In today’s first reading, the Prophet Isaiah speaks to Jewish people taking for granted God’s promise that a descendant of King David will rule forever and the failure to fulfill their responsibilities to the Covenant of Mt. Sinai, while causing social injustice in the land to grow and their rituals to become perfunctory. While the prophet warns against this lackluster attitude spilling over into their daily religious practices, he nonetheless expresses his hope that the son of David will lead them back to God. Isaiah sees renewed hope for the future and prophesizes that this future Kingdom of God will be all that God perceived for His people. In our second reading from St. Paul to the Romans, which Paul wrote some 30 years after the death and Resurrection of Christ, all are to know and believe that in Christ, God’s final rule began—and the early Christians had high expectations for Christ’s imminent return. St. Paul believed and preached that the new covenant for the people in Christ is for all peoples—a universal Kingdom—which we just celebrated two weekends ago in the Solemnity of Jesus Christ the Universal King. St. Paul also illustrates to his listeners—and to us—that God’s grace through Christ brings the Old Testament Scriptures to fulfillment; and so Paul preaches that all must “live in the now as Christ did.” Matthew’s Gospel this weekend was written by a Jewish convert to Christianity, perhaps Matthew was even a rabbi before his conversion, some 50 years after the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and addresses a host of issues: (1) the relationship between the Jew’s past faith and practices and the new practices of Jesus’ followers and (2) how could a non- Jew be part of the new Israel in the “age of salvation, the Church?” Matthew told his listeners that Jesus is the one who fulfills the Old Testament Scriptures and that “a Jewish Messiah will fulfill the hopes of Israel in the Reign of God as the true King of Israel who also brings Gentiles under His rule.” Matthew takes from Mark’s Gospel and from John the Baptist to remind us that “Jewish leaders are not guaranteed a place in heaven because they are Abraham’s descendants but are called to live as such to
demonstrate true repentance and turn toward God.” Matthew also tells us that “baptizo” in the Greek meaning is “to wash or immerse”; thus the Messiah will immerse the baptized in God’s own life giving presence. What does this all mean for us as we enter into the second Sunday of Advent? As Advent is a season of preparation we need to focus on: (1) just what are we preparing for, and (2) how do we go about these preparations? Advent calls us to prepare for two things: (1) the memorial of the birth of God made man in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and (2) for the second coming of the Christ. In order to prepare for those two things the Church provides us with a particular path to follow in making that preparation manifested in and through our daily activities of life. Our faith teaches us that in the Incarnation God intersected with humanity and raises humanity to the heights of heaven. He became one of us and so allows us to share in the divine attributes of God—made in His likeness and image by His Divine Will—we are able to be lifted up by His Grace so that we can become (more) like Him in the world in which we live. Because of His Grace we can become lights of His compassion when we feed the hungry in our Catholic food shelters or provide medical care to the frail and weak through Catholic hospitals and Malta Mobile Medical Vans. We can become arms of strength in teaching the ignorant and supporting the God-given dignity of each person as we see in them the face of Christ. We can lighten the load of social injustice with Catholic homeless shelters and job training centers, in shelters for battered women and children, in schools built in socially deprived inner cities. And we, as Church, offer repentance and forgiveness when the Church opens wide its doors and calls people to the Truth of Christ through RCIA programs, strong religious education programs, and in youth ministries that call the young to social service and prayerful action. In a nutshell, we are Christ to others when we live-out the Roman Catholic Church’s Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. The points of our preparation are clear: (a) remember the past and memorialize it. Remember the birth of our Savior and call to mind what that means for humanity and our future—eternally. And (b) anticipate and hope for the future (the second coming of Christ) and work hard to be ready at all times, knowing that while the Church teaches the fullness of the Kingdom of God and His final judgment will come at an unknown time, we know that we all meet the Lord at our death—and that happening is unknown to us also. Everyday people go to work, run to the store, go out for dinner or head up to bed expecting the end of the day or the next day to come, just as we expect the sun to rise each day. But for many , the “next” never comes. That too is a “second coming with Christ.” Let us then listen to the Gospel: “Stay Awake!” For if we do not know the day or the hour of His Second Coming, is it not wise for us to always be prepared for His eventual yet unknown Coming? In this Season of Advent, let us give thanks for the Church—for Christ gave her to us so that we may prepare for our Eternal future. Amen!
MANY THANKS to our Senior High Youth Ministry who baked and delivered 75 apple pies to area soup kitchens for their Thanksgiving meals. Thank you to the parent helpers who gave their time and energy on PIE NIGHT: Rosanne O' Hara, Amy Dillon, Susan Hoffman, Jeanne Carpenter, Debbie Hamil, Kathy Duford, Manuela Hanshaw and Mike Laiuppa.
Holiday Notes from our Health & Healing Ministry:
Nourish your body and soul this Advent by adding 5 minutes of quiet prayer daily and slowing down your pace during meals.....you will feel more at peace and be less likely to overeat.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
DECEMBER
-Thurs, 1st—Renew, Library, 10 a.m.
-Sun, 4th—New Altar Dedication Mass & Reception, 11 am
-Wed, 7th—Vigil for Immaculate Conception, 6:30 pm
-Thurs, 8th—Holy Day Masses, 8:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.
-Sat, 10th—Breakfast with Santa, RH, 8 a.m.
-Sun, 11th—Sr. High Youth Ministry, RH, 6 p.m.
-Mon, 12th—Confession, Church, 6 p.m.
-Mon, 12th—Jr. High Youth Ministry, RH, 7 p.m.
Social Outreach
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Pantry Partners—The next SCPP distribution will
be held on December 17 in the vestibule. Please consider purchasing the gift of food for someone you know that might benefit from this ministry. We offer both fresh and frozen food and you can purchase one or both. Envelopes are in the vestibule and the atrium. If you choose to place an order, please mark the envelope with your name and contact information. Donations are always welcome.
Santa Claus is coming to town! Please join us in Russell Hall for
Breakfast with Santa on Saturday,
December 10, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to
10:30 a.m. Enjoy breakfast, crafts and
a visit with Santa! This is a free event for the parish. This year, there will be two seatings available.
Register exclusively online at www.stcatherine.info.
St. Elizabeth House—next service date is, December 18th. Food needs to be ready to serve (casseroles hot, salad pre-cut) and at the church by 3:45 p.m. Please sign up in the atrium. Questions, please contact Leila Bruno at (860) 392-8585. Thank you!
WOMEN’S CLUB CORNER Pewter Ornaments are still available. Prepaid orders are available for pick-up and you may purchase by cash or check payable to St Catherine of Siena. Look for Women's Club representatives to assist you in the Atrium after all Masses December 10th & 11th. $18 each, 2 for $34, and 3 for $45. Benefit: “Hands of Christ” Awards December 8th Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception: Join us in praying the Rosary after the 6:30pm Mass Thursday evening. December 15th Meeting: Join us Thursday evening at 7pm in RH for a regular meeting/Christmas social/optional cookie swap (“take what you bake; 3 dozen suggested) and viewing of a short HBO Documentary on Benedictine Mother Abbess Emeritus Dolores Hart from Regina Laudis Abbey, Bethlehem, CT titled “God is the Bigger Elvis”. SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, February 9th Valentine-themed Wine Tasting at Super Cellar Warehouse Liquors, Rte 44, Avon. “Treat Yourself or Bring Your Valentine”. Details to follow...
The perfect Christmas Gift—A Holy Family Retreat Weekend—Every year the Men’s Club Ministry comes together for a weekend retreat at Holy Family in West Hartford. The retreat includes home
cooked meals, inspirational liturgies, uplifting music, free time and workshops. This year’s retreat weekend is March 17-19. What a great Christmas or St. Patrick Day’s gift. Please contact Lou Daniels for more information at 860.916.3577.
Sacred Heart Epiphany Party and Giving Tree: On January 8th, Sacred Heart’s Religious Education Program is celebrating with an Epiphany Party for the youth of its parish. It is a wonderful event that celebrates the Three Kings with music, food and games. Sacred Heart is committed to engaging their children in the religious education program as long as possible to support them on the path to success. Our Parish is once again supporting Sacred Heart’s party. The white tree in the Atrium has gift tags with a child’s name and age. There are also some gift tags for monetary donations to purchase the food for the party. Please select a tag and purchase a gift for the child on the tag. Before January 1st, please place the wrapped gift with the name tag attached under the tree. We are also looking for volunteers to help at the party and prepare for the event. This is a great opportunity for service hours. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Susan Hoffman at [email protected] or 860-716-9005 (cell) or Bonnie Daly at [email protected]. We greatly appreciate your support and generosity.
Our Advent Christmas Program has begun! We have once again chosen “Our Neighbors in Need” and “Malta Mobile Care Bus” as the recipients of our fundraising this season. Please take an envelope off one of the Christmas trees either in the vestibule or the atrium. You can return the envelope by mail, in the collection basket during Mass, or in the mail box outside the parish office. Thank you for your caring generosity.
Please join us for a Christmas Open House at the Linden House Bed & Breakfast,
290 Hopmeadow St. on Sunday December
11th, between 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. Light
refreshments will be served. Donations
welcomed for St. Catherine of Siena Pantry Partners Fund.
Wishing you His peace and goodwill this Christmas season.
End of Bulletin Information on this page is not printed
Church: St. Catherine of Siena City: West Simsbury, Connecticut Account # 04-0523 Run # Routing Code: O Phone: 860.658.1642 Fax: 888.297.3134 Contact: Lisa Cerchia
