CHURCH OF SAINT MARK Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God January 1, 2017

Fr. Paul Spellman, Pastor Fr. Michael Tang, In Residence Deacon Joseph Girard 940 Coeur d’Alene Ave., Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 821-5058

E-mail:info@st-mark.net · website:www.st-mark.net

Parish Staff Maintenance Antonio Rodriguez ...... 821-5058 Rectory Care Sandra Perez .............. 821-5058 Church Care Catalina Blasi .............. 821-5058 Secretary Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Secretary Blanca Meza ............... 821-5058 Bookkeeper Joe Stockemer….…….821-5058 Liturgy Altar Servers Joan Horne.................. 463-9017 Altar Servers (Sp) Romeo Santos………..720-0084 Altar Society Chris Putziger.............. 396-3265 Eucharistic Ministry: In Church MaryAnn Long...……..717-2645 To the Sick (Eng) Fr. Paul Spellman ....... 821-5058 In Church Romeo Santos………..720-0084 To the Sick (Sp) Ofelia Gonzalez .......... 306-8768 Ministry of the Word English Michael Shindle ........... 821-5058 Spanish Erick Yela .................... 463-9080 Wedding Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Quinceañera Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Music Music Director Maeve Cummings ....... 902-0109 Adult Choir Valerie Vinnard ... 323-804-7720 Spanish Choir Alex Venegas ...... 213-675-0564 Organist/Pianist Mark Balling…………..390-3646 Ushers Steve Gunning (Eng) .. 306-9035 Parish School Principal Mary Ann McQueen .... 821-6612 Secretary Mary Ann Welchhance 821-6612 Secretary Maria Donaldson...…...821-6612 Religious Education Director Judy Girard…..822-1201 ext 249 Office Secretary Maria Acosta...822-1201 ext 250 Confirmation Edwin Ambrosio822-1201ext 248 R.C.I.A. Susan Lewis…822-1201 ext 247 Parish Organization Bereavement Ministry Fritz Hirt ....................... 827-1585 Guadalupanas Isaias Flores ................ 391-5085 Knights of Columbus Steve Gunning ............ 306-9035 Power House of Prayer Barbara Kennedy ........ 823-9387 Prayer Group (Esp) Javier Hernandez ........ 702-7929 Legion of Mary Lorene Ross……...…..306-2796 Pastoral Council Tom Suchy. ................. 821-5058 Young Adult SaintMarkYAM@gmail.com St. Vincent de Paul …………………….424-272-1629 Youth Ministry Youth Ministry (Sp) Fernando Guzman…..702-7701

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm Sunday Masses: Saturday: (Vigil) 5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am 12 noon (Spanish) & 5:30pm Daily Masses: Monday - Saturday 8:00am Holy Day Masses: 8:00am, 12:15pm and 7:00pm (Bilingual) Eucharistic First Monday of each month Adoration : 8:30am to 8:30pm Confessions: Saturday 4:30 - 5:15pm Baptism: 3rd weekend of each month. Please contact the rectory office. Marriage: 6 months notice is required. Please contact the rectory office. Anointing of Sacrament for the sick is celebrated The Sick: upon request. Please contact the rectory office. Holy Eucharist Communion is given upon request. for the Sick: Please contact the rectory office.

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Saint Mark Church January 1, 2017

Pastor’s Corner Happy New Year! Well, here we are... starting another new year... with all of our New Year's Resolutions and plans for the coming year. We have been in the "Holiday Season" since Halloween, and next month we wrap it up with Super Bowl Sunday! By then many of our New Year's Resolutions will have been.... well.... I'll let you complete that sentence! However, as people of faith, we also recognize that today we celebrate the Solemni-ty of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Prior to the Feast of the Annunciation that we celebrate each year on March 25th, we know very little about Mary, other than that she was conceived without Original Sin, and that she lived a life of prayer and service to God. But, then, the Angel Gabriel appeared to her, and told her that God had chosen her to be the mother of His Son. And, Mary replied, "I am the hand-maid of the Lord. Let it be done to me accord-ing to your word." Did Mary really understand what she was in for? A long journey to Beth-lehem for that first Christmas? The flight into Egypt to avoid the evil King Herod? And, fi-nally, seeing her Son die on the cross? The Angel Gabriel didn't tell her about all of those things! But Mary still said YES to God's will. She proclaimed herself to be God's servant. We are all called to say YES to the will of God. Maybe not to the extent that Mary did, but each in our own ways, even in small matters. So, as we resolve during 2017 to lose those extra pounds, or to eat more fruits and vegetables, or to exercise a little more, let us also make a resolution to spend more time in prayer, and to reach out to others as we share the true message of Christmas throughout this New Year! May the Lord continue to bless us al-ways and in all ways,

Father Paul Spellman

FROM OUR PASTOR

La Esquina del Párroco

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Bueno, aquí estamos... Espesando otro año nuevo...con todos nuestros resoluciones del año nuevo y planes para el próximo año. Hemos esta-do en la "temporada de fiestas" desde Halloween, y el mes que viene terminaremos todo con el do-mingo de Super Bowl! Cuando eso muchos de nuestros resoluciones para el ano nuevo habrán sido... bueno... ¡Dejare que usted complete esa frase! Sin embargo, como personas de fe, reco-nocemos también que hoy celebramos la solemni-dad de María, Santa Madre de Dios. Antes de la fiesta de la Anunciación que celebramos cada año el 25 de marzo, sabemos muy poco acerca de Ma-ría, aparte de que fue concebida sin pecado Origi-nal, y que vivió una vida de oración y servicio a Dios. Pero, entonces, el ángel Gabriel se le apare-ció y le dijo que Dios la había escogido para ser la madre de su hijo. Y María respondió, "yo soy la esclava del Señor. Haga en mí según tu pala-bra." ¿Sera que María realmente sabía de lo que le iba pasar? ¿Un viaje largo a Belén para esa pri-mera Navidad? ¿La huida a Egipto para evitar que el malvado rey Herodes? ¿Y, finalmente, ver su hijo morir en la Cruz? ¡El ángel Gabriel no le dijo nada acerca de todas esas cosas! Pero María aún dijo SÍ a la voluntad de Dios. Ella se procla-mo ser siervo de Dios. Todos estamos llamados a decir SÍ a la voluntad de Dios. Tal vez no a la medida en que lo hizo María, pero cada uno en nuestras propias maneras, incluso en pequeños asuntos. Entonces durante el 2017 mientras resolvamos para perder esos kilos de más, o comer más frutas y verduras o para hacer un poco más de ejercicio, también hagamos una resolución para pasar más tiempo en oración y para llegar a otros al compartir el verdadero mensaje de Navidad a lo largo de este nuevo año! Que el Señor nos siga bendiciendo siem-pre y en todas las formas, Padre Paul Spellman

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Saint Mark Church January 1, 2017

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

SPIRITUAL LIFE

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

SPIRITUAL LIFE

ANNUAL ST. MARK PARISH MEN’S RETREAT The Annual St. Mark Parish Men’s Retreat will be held at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in the city of Sierra Madre. The retreat which is preached by the Passionist Retreat Team begins this Friday, January 20, 2017 in the evening and con-cludes Sunday, January 22, 2017. The lovely grounds and peaceful atmosphere of Mater Dolorosa make this a perfect spot for a weekend of spiritual renewal and growth. For reservations please contact: Fritz Hirt at 310-827-1585 or Rick Winter at 310-699-1098

WOMEN’S SILENT RETREAT The Annual Women’s Silent Retreat will be held at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra. The retreat begins Friday, February 3rd at 5:00pm and lasts until 12:30pm Sunday, Feb-ruary 5th. Rev. Alphonsus Hermes, O. Praem, will be the retreat Master and the theme will be “Streams of Grace and Mercy”. For reservations please call Shu-Hwei Zimmerman at (805) 373-1099. Car pools are available from St. Jude’s Church. For more information contact Mary Latini at 310-821-7515.

Lunes: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Sal 98 (97):1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Martes: 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Sal 98 (97):1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Miércoles: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Sal 98 (97):1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Jueves: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Sal 100 (99):1b-5; Lc 4:14-22a Viernes: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Sal 147:12-15, 19-20; Mc 1:7-11 o Lc 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] Sábado: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Sal 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 2:1-11 Domingo: Is 60:1-6; Sal 72 (71):1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Ef 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Monday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Wednesday: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-5; Lk 4:14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Sal 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 2:1-11 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

RETIRO DE HOMBRES DE SAN MARCOS El retiro de hombres de la parroquia de San Marcos se llevará a cabo en El Centro de Retiros de Mater Dolorosa en la ciudad de la Sierra Madre. El retiro empezara el viernes, 20 de enero de 2017 (en la noche) y concluye domingo, 22 de enero de 2017 (mediodía). Los jardines y la tranquilidad de Mater Dolorosa hacen de este un lugar perfecto para un fin de semana de renovación espiritual y de crecimiento. Para reservaciones póngase en contacto con: Fritz Hirt: (310) 827-1585 Rick Winter: (310) 699-1098

RETIRO DE MUJERESEl retiro anual de mujeres se llevara a cabo en “Sacred Heart Retreat House” en la Alhambra. El retiro comienza el viernes 3 de febrero a las 5:00pm y dura hasta 12:30 el domingo 5 de febrero. Reverendo Alphonsus Hermes, O. Praem, será el líder principal y el tema será "Arroyos de gracia y misericor-dia". Para reservaciones por favor llame a Shu-Hwei Zimmer-man en (805) 373-1099. Para obtener más información pón-gase en contacto con Mary Latini en 310-821-7515.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL The St. Mark Vincent de Paul Conference is part of a world-wide organization of lay Catholic women and men who are committed to live and grow their Christian faith through pray-er and personal involvement in charitable works. The volun-teers of the St Mark Conference are now bringing Catholic Social Teaching into practice by going in teams of two to meet personally with Friends in Need in our parish area. If you feel the call to participate with the Vincentians please call 424-272-1629.

SOCIEDAD DE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL La Conferencia de St. Vincent de Paul de San Marcos es par-te de una organización a nivel mundial de mujeres y hombres laicos católicos que se comprometen a vivir y crecer en su fe cristiana a través de la oración y el compromiso personal en obras de caridad. Los voluntarios de la Conferencia de San Marcos ahora traen la enseñanza Social Católica a la práctica por ir en equipos de dos para reunirse personalmente con amigos en necesidad en nuestra zona parroquial. Si usted siente el llamado a participar con ellos por favor llama 424-272-1629.

Sat. Dec 31 5:30pm Power House of Prayer Sun. Jan 1 7:30am Holy Spirit 9:00am Joan Crooks 10:30am In Thanksgiving 12:00pm Juan Mejia Mon. Jan 2 8:00am Carlos Acosta † Tues. Jan 3 8:00am Roy da Costa † Wed. Jan 4 8:00am Ryan Kain † Thurs. Jan 5 8:00am Burke Family Fri. Jan 6 8:00am St. Mark Students Sat. Jan 7 8:00am Francie Anhutt †

Sat. Jan 7 5:30pm Fr. Michael Tang Sun. Jan 8 7:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 9:00am Fr. Tom King 10:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 12:00pm Fr. Paul Spellman 5:30pm Fr. Paul Spellman

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Saint Mark Church January 1, 2017

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Numbers 6:22-27). Psalm — May God bless us in his mercy (Psalm 67). Second Reading — God sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but an heir, through God (Galatians 4:4-7). Gospel — The shepherds glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen (Luke 2:16-21).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — El Señor te bendiga y te proteja. Que el Señor te mire con benevolencia y te conceda la paz (Números 6:22-27). Salmo — El Señor tenga piedad y nos bendiga (Salmo 67 [66]). Segunda lectura — Dios envió a sus corazones el Espíritu de su Hijo, que clama “¡Abbá!” (Gálatas 4:4-7) Evangelio — Los pastores se volvieron a sus campos, alabando y glorificando a Dios por todo cuanto habían visto y oído (Lucas 2:16-21).

This Week at St. Mark’s Jan 2 - Jan 8, 2016 Mon. 8:00am Mass - Church Rectory Office Closed Religious Education Closed Tues. 8:00am Mass - Church Wed. 8:00am Mass - Church Thurs. 8:00am Mass - Church Fri. 8:00am Mass - Church Sat. 8:00am Mass - Church Confessions 4:30pm - 5:15pm - Church 5:30pm Mass - Church Sun. The Epiphany of the Lord Mass Times: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm(Sp) 5:30pm

Religious Education Happy New Year! As we welcome 2017 perhaps this is the right time to consider a Faith Formation opportunity at St. Mark. Bible Study continues on Monday evenings with a study that focuses on the Book of Jeremiah. If you are bap-tized Catholic and have not celebrated the sacrament of Con-firmation there is a preparation beginning on January 21. Please call 310-822-1201 to register. Other adult groups in-vite you to join them for prayer each week. Meditation and gentle stretching resumes on Monday January 9 at 6:30pm. The Legion of Mary will meet Wednesday January 4 at 7pm. Call the Religious Education Office to let us know you are coming. RCIA Inquiry Sessions of Inquiry into membership in the Catholic Church and the Sacraments of Initiation will resume after the Christ-mas holiday on Wednesday evening January 4 at 6:30pm in the Religious Education Office in the school. If you, or some-one you know, has been considering RCIA please call the Religious Education Office for more information.

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Saint Mark Church January 1, 2017

SAFE GUARD THE CHILDREN

PROTEGIENDO A LOS NINOS

VISITS TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND If you or anyone you know is in need of receiving the sacra-ment of the anointing of the sick or is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion please call the rectory at 310-821-5058 to arrange a time for a visit.

Start the new year with your kids' safety in mind

During the start of a new year, many resolve to do things dif-ferently: pray more, live better and cherish God’s gifts. It’s also a great time to recommit to putting the safety and well-being of children first. Look to Mary, the Mother of God, for examples. Model honesty, gratitude, and love to your chil-dren, and take steps to teach them about safety in the home and the world. This resolution to promote safety and happi-ness can make your new year the best one yet. For a copy of the VIRTUS© article “Mother of Good Counsel Protect the Vulnerable,” email jvienna@la-archdiocese.org or call (213) 637-7227.

For particular help you may call Suzanne Healy, director of Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650 or Helene Hickey at 310-821-6612.

Comience el año nuevo con la seguridad de sus hijos en mente Durante el comienzo de un nuevo año, muchos deciden hacer las cosas de manera diferente: orar más, vivir mejor y apreciar los dones de Dios. También es un buen momento para volver a comprometerse a poner la seguridad y el bienestar de los niños primero. Mire a María, la Madre de Dios, por ejemplo. Modéleles honestidad, gratitud y amor a sus hijos, y tome medidas para enseñarles sobre la seguridad en el hogar y en el mundo. Esta resolución para promover la seguridad y la felici-dad puede hacer que su nuevo año sea el mejor hasta ahora. Para obtener una copia del artículo de VIRTUS © “Mother of Good Counsel Protect the Vulnerable” (Madre del buen con-sejo protege a los vulnerables), envíe un correo electrónico a bmelendez@la-archdiocese.org o llame al (213) 637-7508. Para obtener ayuda puede llamar a Suzanne Healy, directora del Ministerio de Ayuda al (213) 637-7650 o llame a Helene Hickey 310-821-6612.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION “Octave” comes from the Latin word for “eight,” and since eight is one step beyond seven, the number of days in a week, it has long been seen as a symbol of perfection, completion, and new beginnings. Early Christians called Sunday the “eighth day,” since it was the day after the Sabbath and a day of resurrected life, the Lord’s Day. By the seventh century, people regarded the eight days after Easter Sunday as one great day, an octave, one glorious feast when people were forbidden to fast or kneel. In the seventh century, Pentecost acquired an Octave, too. Christmas didn’t claim the honor of a continuous feast, but it did get an Octave Day. January 1 is the oldest Marian feast, the Octave of Christmas. It was origi-nally a feast of the motherhood of Mary, although for centu-ries until 1969 it was called the Feast of the Circumcision. Our reformed calendar follows the earlier tradition of cele-brating Mary as Mother of God.

THE BLESSING WE RECEIVE The blessing we experience in Christ Jesus is proclaimed in Numbers as the special blessing for the people of Israel. They and we are to be blessed by the invocation of God’s loving kindness, the shining glory of God’s face turned toward us in love, not away from us in anger. We are blessed by God’s own peace! Our wish and our hope are fulfilled in this blessing, which is made visible in the coming of Jesus. In Jesus, the image of the invisible God, God’s face is shown to us and God’s presence is made known to us in faithful and loving kindness.