Fr. John Marconi, Pastorjmarconi@holysouls.org

Fr. Tom Marks, Associate PastorDeacon John Hall

Deacon Lawrence H. JegleyLynn Bauman, Music Director

Samantha Denefe, Director of Evangelization& Faith Formation

Denise F. Morbit, Director of Youth MinistryLaura G. Humphries, Parish Life Director

Susie Williams, Facilities & Events CoordinatorShelley Tienken, Business Manager

Nan Connell, AccountantCindy Stabnick, Church SecretaryEdna de Noble, Pastoral Secretary

Ileana Dobbins, Principal

Church Office .......................... (501) 663-8632School ..................................... (501) 663-4513Cafeteria ................................. (501) 663-6125Extended Care ........................ (501) 663-7438

Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church1003 North Tyler Street - Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

“Encounter Jesus, Serve Others.”

Website: www.holysouls.org • E-mail: office@holysouls.org • Facebook: www.facebook.com/OLHSAR

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD - December 25, 2016

Tuesday, December 6

Christmas Message from Fr. John“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called

Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacobforever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:31-33.

The Incarnation is a wonderful mystery in which we remember and celebrate when the word of God became flesh. First, ithappened in the lowly virgin named Mary. This Incarnation took place through the Holy Spirit when she said, “Behold, I am thehandmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” In that moment, when the angel departed from her, thepresence of God now physically began His reign on Earth. Joseph in his own way, saying yes to the Angel’s word in his dream,allowed Jesus to become the son of his love. The wise men would pay Him homage and lay their best treasures before him. Indoing so, they too gave witness that Jesus is the true light of the world.

As Christians and followers of Jesus,we are called this Christmas to hear the Good News and say “Yes” to God in the lifeof humble obedience, like the Holy Family. And like the wise men, when we lay our best before Jesus, we give witness that Heis the true light of the world. Our world is broken and needs more holy families; the world is dark and in need of Christians togive witness to the true light.

One of my favorite quotes about the Incarnation comes from St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria (296-373), he stated:“For the Son of God became man so that we might become like God.” It is a very humble statement. Knowing that through thismystery, when we say “Yes” to God, He can make his dwelling on earth in and through us.

This is my prayer for you and your families this Christmas: Father, help us to say “Yes” to you, like Mary, like Joseph,and allow your Son to find a home within our hearts. May your word be welcomed within our hearts, helping us tobecome Holy, as you are Holy. May we too be wise and give our best to you, revealing your presence in this world,first and foremost to our families and to those around us. May the parish and families of Our Lady of the Holy Soulsalways find your favor and blessings.

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Church (CH); Parish Hall (PH); Allen Center (AC);Gathering Room (GR); Eucharistic Chapel (EC);

Benedict House (BH); School (S)

Monday, December 26:(No 7am Mass)Church Office & School Closed;

Tuesday, December 27:(No 7am Mass);Church Office & School Closed

Wednesday, December 28:Church Office & School Closed;9am Adoration, CH;5:15pm Benediction, CH;5:30pm Vigil Mass, CH

Thursday, December 29:7am Mass, CH;Church Office & School Closed;

Friday, December 30:7am Mass, CH;Church Office & School Closed;

Saturday, December 31, New Year’s Eve:(No 8am Mass)2:45-3:45pm Confessions, CH;4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass, CH;11:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve

Holy Hour of Adoration, CHSunday, January 1, 2017, New Year’s Day &Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God:

(No 8am Mass)10am Mass, CH;5:30 p.m. Mass, CH

CALENDARThis Week at Holy Souls . . .

Next Weekend’sLITURGICAL MINISTERS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 4PM MASSServers: M. Magri, C., J. & P. Zawislak;EMC: K. Mondy; Lectors: R. Magri, K. Stone;Ushers: D. Ketter, J. Metzger

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017, 10AM MASSServers: E. & K. Hicks, H. Matheny, W. O’Malley;EMC: F. Kremers; Lectors: V. Henderson, H. Taillac;Ushers: T. Devine, M. O’Malley5:30PM MASSServers: M. Dalton, N. Ghidotti, J. Mines, C. Simmons;EMC: C.Stabnick; Lectors: M. Angtuaco;Ushers: W. Morris, P. Stabnick

Liturgical Notes . . .

Reflection for this WeekDecember 25-31

How am I living Christ’s lifein my own daily life?

*To reflect on this Sunday’s readings online, go towww.usccb.org/bible/readings/122516.cfm

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

CHURCH NURSERYCLOSED NEW YEAR’S

As a way for our nursery staff and volunteers to celebrateNew Years with their families, the church nursery will notbe open for the New Year’s Eve & New Years Day Masses.

Mary, Undoer of KnotsThe devotion to Mary, Undoer of Knots, dates back to 17thcentury Germany, when a couple on the verge of separationsought help from a priest who was knownfor his stong Marian devotion. The priestbegan to ask for Mary’s intercession to“untie the knots” in their relationship, andpeace was restored to their marriage. In1980, Jorge Mario Bergoglio (who laterbecame Pope Francis), discovered thisdevotion to Mary which he still promotesto this day.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, straightens out the ribbon of ourlives and directs us on a straight path to Jesus, her son.The Blessed Virgin helps us loosen the knots that suffocaterelationships between married couples, parents, theirchildren, our neighbors, and most importantly, with JesusChrist.

We at Holy Souls’ now have our very own Mary, Undoer ofKnots, the display in the southeast corner of the sanctuary.We invite you to take a look at the knots that weigh on yourheart. Write your prayers or “knots” onto the strips of paperyou will find by the display and tie them onto the framesand entrust them to Mary’s intercession. When your prayeris answered, you may tie a special blue ribbon on the panel.

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WE NEED MORE!

Grateful Stewards of God’s Gifts . . .Laura Humphries,Parish Life Director

It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a young couple and nothing but a feeding trough to put the childin. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to showin Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of mankind.

God’s Son became human and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save Hispeople. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. Thiswas what many people were looking for, but it wasn’t how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was, as anotherof our authors put it, “a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The perfect gift.”

God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we couldknow what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent HisSon into a corrupted world to bring us hope. An excerpt from thoughtsaboutGod.com

Christmas is such a beautiful time of year and we are all blessed to live in a country where we can celebrate the birth of Christ.Thank God for our many blessings. Hopefully we will all spend time in prayer praising God for the gift of his son and in gratitudefor all he has given us.

I am praying for all of my Holy Souls family that all of you have a blessed Christmas and that God brings you great joy andpeace in your hearts and families. I also pray that you and your family feel the love of God today and all the days of your lives.

Merry Christmas!

SOLEMNITY OFTHE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Mary, Mother of God

January 1 is New Year’s Day in our secular life, butin our liturgical life, it is the solemnity of the BlessedVirgin Mary, the Mother of God. Mary has beenhonored as the Mother of God since the earlycenturies of the church. As we remember her duringthe Christmas season on January 1, this celebrationreminds us that Jesus was divine from his veryconception.

MASS SCHEDULE:Saturday, December 31 4:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass)Sunday, January 1 10:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

Fr. Erikinvites you to join him on

New Year’s Evefor a

Holy Hourof

Adorationfrom 11:00 p.m. till Midnight

in the Church

Mass attendance, December 3 & 4 1,180Mass attendance, December 10 & 11 1,096

Diocesan Special Collections – National Retirement Fund for Religious $ 8,217

Weekend Collections – December 3 & 4 $ 44,350 December 10 & 11 $ 62,738Total Dec. Collections $ 107,088Total Dec. Budgeted Collections $ 205,000

Actual Collections (7/1/16 - 11/30/16) $ 541,672Budgeted (7/1/16 - 11/30/16) $ 580,000Amount in deficit of Budget $ (38,328)

Children’s collections - Dec. 2016 $ 151

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COLLECTIONS/STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

The Catholic Diocese of Little Rock is committed to protectingchildren and young people. If you are aware of abuse or havebeen abused by clerics, Church volunteers or Church workers,please contact the Vicar General for the Diocese of Little Rockat (501) 664-0340 ext. 361, and the State of Arkansas Hotline

for Crimes against Children at 1-800-482-5964. For pastoral assistance pleasecontact the Victim Assistance Coordinators for the Diocese of Little Rock.Drs. George & Sherry Simon at (501) 766-6001. Diocesan Offices: 2500 N.Tyler Street, Little Rock, AR 72207.

Holy Souls This & That . . .

The Mass Attendance and Collection figures forDec. 17 & 18 will be printed in the next bulletin.

Christmas HolidaysThe Church Office is close for the Christmas/New Year’sHolidays. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd at 8:00a.m. In case of an emergency, please call 373-8600.

Dinner Tickets $30Corporate/Group Tables $500

Order tickets online at www.holysouls.orgor in the Church Office.

Saturday, January 14Allen Center Cafeteria

Dinner 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.Fried Oyster Plates,

Peel ‘em & Eat ‘em Shrimp Platesor Combination Plates

Shrimp & Oyster DinnerSponsored by Holy Souls Men’s Club

featuringAn Evening at MONACO

After PartyDownstairs in the Gym

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.Win Lots of Prizes

31st Annual

Win

a weekend

stay

in New Orleans!

Wina Flat ScreenTV!

When you (or a member of your fam-ily) goes into the hospital, please reg-ister as a Catholic and also let thechurch office know. Then, at St.Vincent, Baptist Hospital and UAMSyou will have the opportunity to receive

HOSPITAL STAYS

Communion daily. Holy Souls Parish wants to pray foryou while you are in the hospital. Sometimes we do notfind out until our parishioners have gone home. Also,please call the church office on your discharge. We appre-ciate being kept informed!

2 0 1 7Make a great New Year’s Resolution!

Save a Life in 2017by donating blood

at ourArkansas Blood Institute

BLOOD DRIVEon Sunday, January 8

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Parish Hall

No appointment necessary!

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Petitions of theMinistry of Praise

General Petition:That the scandal of child soldiers may be eliminatedthe world over.

Evangelization Petition:That the peoples of Europe may rediscover thebeauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel whichgives joy and hope to life.

December, 2016

Pray for . . .OUR PARISHIONERS -- Sherry Wortsmith; GregKitterman; Jack Matthews; Corky Zaloudek; Becky Price;Robert Carter; Shannon Perry; Rita Barthol; Joe Kirchner;Issac Issac; Lillian Henriquez; Mary Adney; Rob Mondy;Dorothy Ehlebracht; Ron Hoofman; Robert Jones; PatriciaRozzlle; Bob Skarda; Rosie Searle; Jeff Bowers; Kay Cagle;John Lock; and Lola Davis.

OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS -- Carl Calhoun;the Jonathan Forte Family; the Petty Family; Mary JoPilcher; Msgr. John O’Donnell; Clark Rabon; Will Goodman;Lucinda Dixon; Mark Troillett; Mary Pester; Sr. LauraCathcart; Tim Murphy; and Alice Humphries.

THOSE WHO HAVE DIED -- Donald Corbin, husband ofDorcy Corbin; D. J. Hamilton, foster son of Michael &Melissa Angtuaco; and Curt Rahilly.

OUR SEMINARIANS -- especially Patrick Friend andJoseph de Orbegozo.

In order to keep our bulletin prayer list up-to-date for the sick, nameswill remain on the list for four weeks. Then their name will be writtenin the Book of Intercession where they will be remember during everyMass. To continue for another four weeks, please call the churchoffice.

What Is Your Vocation?“IS GOD CALLING YOU?” Diocesan Priesthood Discern-ment Retreat, December 30 & 31, St. John’s Center, LittleRock. This retreat, which is led by the seminarians, is anopportunity for prayer, fellowship and spiritual growth. It isopen to men ages 16 and older. Deadline to register is Dec.23. Forms available in church office or at www.dolr.org.

FINDING YOUR YES TO GOD: A Women’s ReligiousVocation Discernment Retreat will be held January 6-7,2017 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 2500 N. Tyler St.,Little Rock, AR 72207. Come see that Sisters are RealPeople! The retreat is for young women 16-35 years of agewho want to learn and discern about Religious Life. Sponsoredby the Diocesan Offices of Youth & Campus Ministry&Minister for Religious, the retreat will include talks onReligious Life by Sisters from congregations serving inArkansas; time for prayer & reflection; and opportunity tospeak with the Sisters. The Retreat is free. Registrationdeadline is January 2. For Registration Form and moreinformation see http://bit.ly/womenretreat2017or contact Sr.Joan Pytlik, Minister for Religious jpytlik@dolr.org or 501-664-0340, ext. 384.We need volunteers for two one hour periods:

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.and

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.If you can help, please contact Cindyat 663-8632 or cstabnick@holysouls. What do

bequests,life insurance gifts,

charitable gift annuities,charitable remainder trusts,

life estate arrangements,and life time giving

have in common?They are ways you can pass on your Catholic heritage,faith and love for Our Lady of the Holy Souls CatholicChurch.

Adoration of the Blessed SacramentEvery Wednesday9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Holy Souls Church offers Adoration of the BlessedSacrament on Wednesdays from 9:00am till 5:15pm.Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is an opportunity topray before Jesus Christ in a more personal way. You cansit quietly and talk with Jesus or you can bring a book ofprayers and read; some books are provided. The importantthing is to come and be with Jesus. Your presence isrequested.

REGISTRATION FOR NEW MEMBERSRegistration for new members is completed in the church officeor online by visiting our web page, www.holysouls.org. Pleasecontact the church office or go online at www.holysouls.org ifyou have moved, changed your telephone number, movedfrom your parent’s home or graduated from college.

RCIAIf you are interested in becoming Catholic, please call SamanthaDenefe at 501-663-8632 or email sdenefe@holysouls.org.

RETURNING CATHOLICSIf you are interested in returning to the Catholic Church, contactSamantha Denefe at 501-663-8632 or sdenefe@holysouls.org.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATIONSaturdays from 2:45 to 3:45pm and Wednesdays before FirstFriday from 4:30 to 5:00pm or call the church office for anappointment.

CHURCH VISITSThe Church is open from 7am-4pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,& Friday). Please enter through the chapel door after 9am. OnWednesday, the Church is open from 9am till after the 5:30pmMass. Adoration is on Wednesday from 9am till 5pm.

BAPTISMBaptisms are scheduled on an individual basis. Please callthe church office for more information.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGEContact the church office a minimum of six months in advance.

HOSPITAL STAYSPlease call the church office if you or someone you know is inthe hospital. We want to visit you and pray for you while youare in the hospital.

NURSERYThe Nursery is available in the Parish Hall for your youngchildren (age 5 and younger) for all regular weekend Masses.

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Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; just have faith” (Mark 5:36)

Around the Diocese . . .

SENIOR HIGH

POST-ABORTION SUPPORT GROUP: Do you feel alone,hurting or unforgiven from a past abortion? The RespectLife Office, through Project Rachel, is starting a supportgroup, beginning February 13, 2017. The spiritual journeylasts 11 weeks, with small groups of 6-8. Groups will beformed in Little Rock, Fayetteville/Rogers, and the HotSprings area. All names and meeting places are strictlyconfidential. For details call 501-664-0340, ext. 357. Allinquiries must be made by February 13, 2017.

50TH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, CLASS OF 1967,Catholic High & Mount Saint Mary Academy. The reunioncommittee is looking for students of CHS and MSM whoattended those schools as members of the Class of ‘67(students from fall 1963 to spring 1967), both grads andformer students. Please provide your contact informationto Cragin (Craig) Shelton, craginsh@gmail.com, 4403Roundhill Road, Alexandria, VA 22310, 703-922-6472.

Steubenville Mid-America registration will be inJanuary. Commit now to a life changing weekend eventheld at Missouri State University campus July 14-16. Cost

will be around $250 (conference,transportation, most meals, and housingincluded). Open to current 8-12graders.

CYM will meet again on Wednesday, January 4, 6:30-8:30pm. Join us for dinner and to celebrate Epiphany.

CYM Youth Mass, Sunday, January 8, 5:30 pm. Movie nightafter???

JUNIOR HIGH (grades 6-8)

8th Graders: Continue to grow in your faithlife and plan to go to the Steubenville Mid-America Conference July 14-16, 2017.Details under Sr. High CYM & more to come!

Jr. High CYM (grades 6-8) will meet on Thursday, January12, 6-7:30 pm at the Benedict House. Dinner, fellowshipwith friends, and prayer will be part of the evening!

CYM Youth Mass Sunday, January 8, 5:30 pm. Movie nightafter???

We are in need of ushers for all Masses. The responsibilitiesof an usher are as follows: to help welcome people to mass,help find seats, take up the collection, secure the collectionat the end of the mass, briefly straighten up the churchfollowing mass if there are papers left around, etc., and todirect in case of emergency. Ushers do need to arrive atleast 20 minutes before mass. The role of an usher is veryimportant and necessary. Unfortunately we do not have enoughushers to cover the Masses adequately without schedulingthe same people over and over. This ministry is open towomen or men 16 years or older. Please pray about thisand discern whether you can utilize your time and talent asan usher. Contact Laura in the church office to sign up forthis ministry.

Monday, December 26 ST. STEPHEN - Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22No 7:00 a.m. Mass

Tuesday, December 27 ST. JOHN - 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8No 7:00 a.m. Mass

Wednesday, December 28 THE HOLY INNOCENTS - 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-185:30 p.m. Vigil Mass Phillip & Trish McDuffie by Maureen & Tom Johnson

Thursday, December 29 ST. THOMAS BECKET - 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:36-407:00 a.m. Mass Ernest Whitelaw by Mary Sue Whitelaw

Friday, December 30 THE HOLY FAMILY - Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21 [12-17]; Ps 128:1-5; Mt 2:13-15, 19-237:00 a.m. Mass Cheryl Nowak by Grace Nowak

Saturday, December 31 ST. SYLVESTER I - 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18No 8:00 a.m. Mass4:00 p.m. Mass Jennifer Boccarossa by The Boccarossa Family

Sunday, January 1 MARY, MOTHER OF GOD - Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21No 8:00 a.m. Mass10:00 a.m. Mass Intention of Parishioners5:30 p.m. Mass Dodie Longinotti by Angie & John McCarthy

Liturgy Schedule and Mass Intentions

To read the daily reading online,go to www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml

The Holy Souls Church Office will be closed from Monday,Dec. 19 at 12 noon till Tuesday, January 3rd.

Please ship this bulletin to my home address:

Cindy Stabnick5023 No. LookoutLittle Rock, AR 72205

I you need to contact me, please call 501-663-2032.

Thank you!

Merry Christmas!

Cindy StabnickOur Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church