C A T H O L I C C O M M U N I T Y

December 16, 2012 | Third Sunday of Advent

Saint Cecilia

C A T H O L I C C H U R C H

2 9 0 0 H o o v e r A v e n u e ● A m e s , I A 5 0 0 1 0

Fr. James L. Secora, Pastor •515-233-3092 • www.stceciliaparish.org

W e are called one by one and

as a community to become part of

the living presence of Jesus Christ.

We are united with the Father and

strengthened and enlivened by the

Holy Spirit. We are committed daily

to love and serve others as Jesus did.

Advent Communal Reconciliation Service Thursday, December 20 at 7PM (St. Cecilia)

Private Reconciliation Times Monday, December 17, from 6:30PM-7:30PM Wednesday, December 19, from 11AM-12PM

Saturday, December 22 from 3:15-4:30PM

Christmas Eve Masses

Monday, December 24 4:00PM (Family Liturgy), 6:30PM, and 10:00PM (caroling beginning at 9:30PM)

(Incense will be used at the 10PM Mass.)

Christmas Day Mass Tuesday, December 25 at 10:00AM

Holy Mary, Mother of God Monday, December 31 at 5PM Tuesday, January 1 at 10AM

Sunday, January 1 at 8:30AM and 10:30AM

2 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church

FAITH FORMATION YOUTH MINISTRY

ADULT BIBLE STUDY Mon., 6-7PM (Spanish) in St. Louis Room–

Evangelio según San Juan Mon., 7:30-9PM in the St. Louis Room –

Gospel according to John Tues., 9:45-11AM in the St. Louis Room –Discuss Readings for

upcoming Weekend. Social time begins at 9:30AM

Next EDGE: WinterJam In January, EDGE will attend a Christian Rock Concert at Wells Fargo in Des Moines! We will announce details after Christmas break.

Happy Yule Ball Weekend and a Merry Christmas Break!

First Life Teen after Christmas: January 6

Brother’s Keeper: A Life Night on Solidarity and the Common Good

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sacrament of Confirmation

Please remember to attend your weekly Faith Formation program.

Next Class: January 13

9th Grade: 3-5PM and 10th Grade: 7-9PM

10th Grade Confirmation: Weekend Retreat: January 18-20, 2013 Day of Reflection & Rite of Covenant with Sponsors: January 27 Want to help with the 2013 Confirmation Retreat? Contact Anna by January 1.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Trips & Conferences

Amore Meal: February 16th

Begin booking reservations before the holidays! Upcoming trip meetings & fundraisers will be announced soon.

Visit our website for up to date information on events

www.stcames.org/home/youth-ministry

A Christmas Novena, The Posada, will be prayed in English at 7PM on Fri., Dec. 21, in the Gathering Space. Come join the Spanish-speaking community of St. Cecilia as we commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. All are welcome.

LIFE LONG FAITH FORMATION

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:30AM—5:00PM

Wednesday 8:30AM—7:00PM Friday—8:30AM—3:00PM

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS December 24th—8:30AM—Noon December 25th—Closed December 31st—8:30AM—Noon January 1st—Closed

EARLY CHILDHOOD & ELEMENTARY FAITH FORMATION SESSIONS

Week of December 16 — January 6, 2013 St. Cecilia—Ames

Dec. 17—Holiday party for Catechists/Teacher’s & Volunteers 4:00PM—7:00PM Multi-purpose room

Enjoy the Holidays! Travel safe and we look forward to seeing everyone beginning the 6th of January.

St. Cecilia—Jewel

Dec. 19—6:45PM Jewell Christmas program & Walking Tacos

A LOOK AHEAD!

CHRISTMAS FAMILY LITURGY—SIGN-UP Please plan to participate in this year’s Christmas Eve Family Liturgy. This liturgy takes place on Monday, December 24 at 4PM. There are many roles to be filled in the play, liturgy, and music. This is a wonderful celebration and we hope to have many families (adults-teens-children) involved. This year, we plan to do all sign-up online. Please follow this link to sign-up: http://stcames.org/christmas-family-liturgy-sign-up/

Catechist “Come & See”

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a catechist but just didn’t want to “jump right in” to being a catechist?

You don’t have “jump right in.”:

Be part of the Catechist “Come & See” opportunities. Here is how: 1. Contact the Faith Formation Office or check in at the Faith

Formation office during any regular faith formation program time.

2. Pick an age group you would like to experience. 3. We will arrange for you to observe and shadow with current

catechists.

Being a catechist doesn’t require an expert in the faith who is a perfect model of faith, but it does require a willingness to share faith and willingness to learn yourself.

The Faith Formation staff has materials that offer training and support at all throughout the faith formation year, these include curriculum, formation in-servicing, idea sharing among catechists and resources for in class activities.

SCHOOL NEWS Wed., Dec. 19: 9AM All School Mass & 2:15PM Early Dismissal Fri., Dec. 21: 9AM Stations of the Nativity by 5th Graders (Church) & 1:30PM Early Dismissal Dec. 22, 2012 through Jan. 2, 2013: Christmas Break-No School or Preschool Wed., Jan. 3: School and Preschool Classes Resume

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The people asked: “What should we do?” John the Baptist answered: “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Today’s gospel emphasizes the demands of daily Christian living. These demands are difficult. However, they are made possible because our saving God is already with us in Christ. For this we can truly rejoice! Can the Catholic Church help you to meet the “demands of daily Christian living?” Come and See! If you are an adult or know an adult or child over the age of 7 interested in becoming a Catholic and celebrating Baptism or Confirmation and First Eucharist with this community, contact Jo Anne Dalhoff at RCIA@stceciliaparish.org or call the parish office at 515-233-3092. Parishioners are also needed to support this ministry.

December 16, 2012 ● Third Sunday of Advent| 3

JESUS CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR, REMAINS AT THE CENTER OF THE CHURCH:

A Savior who prophesized to lead the world out of sin and darkness: “The LORD, your God, is in your midst,

a mighty savior . . . “ (Zep 3:17). At Christmas, we proclaim that the promise has been fulfilled. The Word became flesh for us in order to save us by reconciling us with God, who “loved us and sent his Son as the Savior of the world,” and “he was revealed to take away sins.” (CCC 457).

Jesus, our Savior, is the reason, not just for the season, but also for the existence of the Catholic Church. No matter what occurs in our Church, through all her ups and downs, Catholics believe Jesus remains at her core. The mission of the Catholic Church is the LORD’S plan to unite all people in the love of Jesus Christ, the Savior of all (ACC, pg. 85).

Knowing that Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the core of our Church is a great reason to be Catholic!

BAPTISM PREPARATION All parents seeking baptism for their child are expected to attend a

preparation session even though they may have attended previously. Please call 233-3092 for registration.

Godparents are also expected to attend. Next session is February 14, 2013 at 6:30PM

in the St. Louis Room. ** Note: Sessions are normally scheduled on the second

Thursday of the even numbered months.**

SCRIP NEWS—SCRIP IS NOW ONLINE! Thank you for supporting the St. Cecilia education programs by purchasing scrip. We will continue selling scrip after all masses 1x per month. Look for us the 1st full weekend of every month unless that weekend falls on a holiday or holy day. In that case, we will be there the following weekend. Contact Shannon Schroeder or Bev Williams at scrip@stceciliaschoolames.org.

Thank you for donating to the Retirement Fund for Religious. A sister writes, “In our prayers, all sisters remember in a special way the faithful of the Archdiocese who support the collection. May God reward them.”

Thanks to all who participated in the 5th Annual St. Cecilia Christmas Market, making it a great success. The Social Justice Committee also thanks all those who donated or bought recycled Christmas decorations; $747.46 was raised for Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance—a new record. (Remaining decorations were donated to Goodwill. Thank you!

Christmas Eve. Choir Rehearsals for 4PM Family Liturgy Mass

December 18 @ 4PM in the Church December 20 @ 4PM in the Church

Christmas Eve. Choir Rehearsals for 10PM Mass December 22 @ 9-10:30AM in Room 530

This weekend, the Melinda Luzbetak Family will serve after the 8:30AM Mass and CFM will serve

after the 10:30AM Mass. Coffee and Donuts will not be served next weekend.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS:

PARISH OFFICE will be closed Dec. 24 & 25 and Jan. 1. The office will be open from 8:30AM—noon on Dec. 31.

ST. CECILIA SCHOOL OFFICE will be closed for Christmas break from December 22, 2012 through January 2, 2013. Regular office hours will begin again on January 3rd. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

FAITH FORMATION & YOUTH MINISTRY OFFICE will be open 8:30-noon on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. The office will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

ST. CECILIA SCHOOL PRINICPAL St. Cecilia School in Ames, IA, seeks a full-time Administrator for a 240-student, PK-5 program for the 2013-14 school year. Candidates must be a practicing Catholic and hold an Iowa licensed administrator, or be eligible for the administrator license. Previous administrative experience preferred. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader committed to the formation of tomorrow’s Catholics and academic excellence. Send letter of application and resume by Feb. 8, 2013 to Search Committee, 2900 Hoover Ave., Ames, IA 50010. For more information about the school, go to www.stcames.org/school

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH To view the Catholic Catechism this week go to www.usccb.org/catechism/text/

MEETINGS & EVENTS

STEWARDSHIP: Today’s Gospel provides a blueprint for good stewardship: “Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same.”

COMMUNITY

4 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church

Sunday Afternoon Gathering: Join us for an afternoon of cards (any kind), board games or just conversation today, Sun. Dec. 16, from 2-4PM in the St. Louis Room (entry in back near chapel door).

3rd Sunday of Advent

Holiday magazines are well known for providing quick, practical ideas for trimming the house, welcoming guests, and preparing enticing food. The suggestions that are offered are designed to help the host and hostess show off a

stunning atmosphere without spending days and weeks preparing for a party or dinner that may only last an hour or two. Often everyday items are transformed with a swatch of fabric, a candle, or some evergreens. Ingenious cutting makes plain vegetables or ordinary hors d'oeuvres into holiday delights. The operative concepts in getting people to buy these idea books and read them are: quick, easy, and practical. In the Gospel today, John the Baptist offers quick, easy, and practical ideas for those who would prepare for the coming of the Christ. As St. Luke tells us, people in his day were filled with expectation. John was pretty straightforward in what he thought they should do: If you have two coats, give one away to somebody who doesn't have one; be equitable in your dealings with others; don't push people around; don't lie about people. In modern parlance, we might say that John the Baptist was asking people to act justly in the world. Unfortunately, today we don't often think of justice as quick, easy, or practical. Our understanding of justice is more often colored by the contemporary legal system than by the divine laws of the covenant that binds God and his people. There was a reciprocity and equanimity in the covenantal relationship. There were duties to be fulfilled on each side. John was asking that those who were filled with expectation for the coming of the Messiah would set themselves aright with one another so that God's covenant would find full expression in the relationships that bind people to God and to one another. Justice is really about leveling things out. And when you think about it, that is pretty easy. If you have more, then you share. ©2012 Liturgical Publications Inc.

PRACTICE SESSIONS IN CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH

Meet at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church at 10-11:30AM & 7-8:30PM on Thur. Typically, each tutor works with 1-3 learners. Contact Lloyd Anderson (296-1002) for information about the morning

classes or Karl Gwiasda (232-7582) about the evening classes.

The Saint Cecilia Social Justice Committee will meet Mon., Dec. 17 in the Sunroom at 7 PM. Guest speaker will be from Catholic Charities. All are welcome to attend!

The St. Cecilia Widows, Widowers, and Single Seniors group will meet today, Dec. 16 at noon at Applebee's. Call Pat Rood at 232-3594 for reservations or information.

End of Year Giving—Year End Contribution Deadline: Any donation made by mail that is postmarked on or before December 31st will be posted to 2012. St. Cecilia Parish Office will be open 8:30 AM to noon on Monday, December 31st to receive last minute donations. Thank you for your generosity to the mission and ministry of St. Cecil-ia Parish. Call 233-3092 if you have any questions. Thank you to all who support St. Cecilia in time, talent and treasure.

Out Lady’s Rosary Makers will meet Dec. 18 at 9:30AM at Mary Jo Talkington’s home. Call 233-1393 if you would like to make rosaries.

Eucharistic Adoration will be suspended from 8AM Fri., Dec. 21 until 8AM Wed., Jan 2 for Christmas and New Years.

Birthright of Ames offers free infant clothing, maternity clothing, and baby blankets to women and children in need. Donations are needed to help us stock our clothing room. We need winter infant clothing for sizes 18mos. to 2T (new or used) for winter, as well as blankets. All donations can be dropped off at the Birthright office at 108 Hayward. Please help us provide for those in need and make a difference in a child’s life. Your gift is tax deductible; just ask for a tax receipt form.

GALA UPDATE * The 2013 Gala will be on Feb. 9 at 5PM at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center. Registration is available now! Call 268-0782 on

register online at www.stcamesgala.org.

* We are still in need of more items for the Silent Auction. If you would like to contribute an item, please contact Lezli Pelzer at pelzer@q.com or see the Silent Auction Wish List at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F49ACAA2C7-gala. * Gala tickets make a great Christmas gift! Consider buying a gift for a St. Cecilia teacher, catechist, or staff member! Contact Lisa Weary for more information: sept16@msn.com. * Here is your chance to win a trip for some Family Fun or Fun In The Sun! The grand prize for the 2013 Gala Raffle is a choice of a trip to Disney World or a trip to the Riviera Maya, Mexico. The individual selling the winning ticket will receive $500. For more details see the Gala website. If you would like to purchase a ticket or would like to get a packet of tickets to sell to friends, family, and co-workers contact Jennifer or Jeff Margrett at 450-5697.

December 16, 2012 ● Third Sunday of Advent| 5

PASTORAL COUNCIL

CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD

Saturday, December 15 5:00PM: Mark Wessman † Sunday, December 16 8:30AM: Parishioners of St. Cecilia 10:30AM: Tim Ross 5:00PM: Lee Stork Misa en Español (Chapel) Tuesday, December 18 8:00AM: Helena Calder † 5:30PM: Catholic Daughters Wednesday, December 19 9:00AM: All-School Mass Priest’s Intention 5:30PM: Ron Engelken Thursday, December 20 8:00AM: Roberta North † 5:30PM: Nels & Pat Lersten Friday, December 21 8:00AM: Melvin Haug 5:30PM: Mr. Sward Saturday, December 22 5:00PM: Ray Evans Sunday, December 23 8:30AM: Parishioners of St. Cecilia 10:30AM: James Kearney † 5:00PM: Alvera Irlbeck † Misa en Español (Chapel)

Terry Herrman, Chair 292-4968 Ric Nelson, Vice-Chair 451-8384 Richard Lee, Secretary 233-2367 Paul Fell 450-5372 Susan Griffith 233-2699 Bill Haas, Stewardship Representative 232-7138 Ben Kellen, FFC Representative 460-2844 Bob Rudman 296-0262 Tim Simodynes 663-0715 Joel Thilges, Finance Council Representative 233-9830 Sly Upah 450-7734 Cyndi Volcko 451-4749 David Nelson, Youth representative Katie Upah, Youth representative

Ben Kellen, Chair 460-2844 Francine White, Vice-Chair 233-5553 Tina Colburn, Secretary 509-1827 Steve Heideman 292-5441 Julie Novy 450-5522 Marilyn Wagner 515-827-5933 Matt Wenger 290-9260 Carrie Herrman, Youth representative A.J. Royer, Youth representative

Craig Fink, President 233-1567 Darryl Bennett, Vice-President 450-4460 Kathy Ramirez, Secretary 232-1248 Dr. Tom Budnik & John Kinley, Co-Principals 232-5290 Steve Hustedt 956-4388 Jason Mortimer 296-1858 Duane Wolf 473-4608 Staci Esch, FSA President 450-5065

FINANCE COUNCIL

FAITH FORMATION

MASS SCHEDULE Weekend: Saturday 5:00PM; Sunday 8:30AM, 10:30AM & 5:00PM (Misa en Español) Weekday: Tuesday-Friday 8:00AM & 5:30PM (Chapel)

Joel Thilges, Chair 233-9830 John Nelson, Vice Chair 233-1705 Janet Kazwell, Secretary 451-3766 Johna Clancy 232-7628 Mark Hanson 233-6824

Readings for the Week of December 16, 2012 Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a/Phil 4:4-7/Lk 3:10-18 Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10/Mt 1:1-17 Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-25 Wednesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Lk 1:5-25 Thursday: Is 7:10-14/Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Lk 1:39-45 Saturday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56 Next Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a/Heb 10:5-10/Lk 1:39-45

BULLETIN DEADLINES

JAN. 6 BULLETIN-announcement due by noon on Wed. Dec. 26

JAN. 13 BULLETIN-announcements due by noon on Fri. Jan. 4

Holiday Special: Now on Sale $25 for the Archdiocese 175th Anniversary Book. Wonderful stocking stuffer Available in the parish office.

I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Name and Address the way you would like it to appear.

Name: ____________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________ Zip: ____________________________________________

Phone: _________________ ___________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Please return via mail or drop in collection basket. Someone will contact you. You will receive a registration packet with additional information.

PRAYER CHAIN

Call requests to Marge Sutter at 233-2622.

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

Prayer opportunities held in the Chapel. Scripture Rosary…………………………………...Monday 7:00AM Intercessory Prayer Group .................. Sunday 9:00-10:00PM Rosary ..... Monday 7:30PM*, Tuesday-Friday before 8:00AM Mass (*The rosary is said for Pro-life the first Monday of each month.) Christians in the Spirit ....................... .Tuesday 7:15-9:00PM Chaplet of Divine Mercy…………………………...Friday 3:00PM Liturgy of the Hours……………………………..Saturday 7:00AM Eucharistic Adoration ........ The chapel is open daily, keypad access only between 10:00PM & 6:00AM.

**Contact the Parish Office at 233-3092 to have your information forwarded to the Coordinators to schedule a weekly holy hour.

6 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church

RECONCILIATION

Saturday 3:30-4:30PM and by appointment.

PARISH OFFICE Hours ................................... Monday-Thursday 8:30AM-4PM Friday 8:30AM-2:30PM Phone ................................... (515) 233-3092 Fax ........................................ (515) 233-6423 Priest Residence ................... (515) 233-9477

PARISH STAFF Pastor………………………….......Father James Secora jsecora@stceciliaparish.org Pastoral Associate ............... Jo Anne Dalhoff jdalhoff@stceciliaparish.org Deacons ............................... Gary Aitchison, Alan Christy John McCully and Ron Smith Director of Music & Liturgy...Robert Hauser bhauser@stceciliaparish.org Business Manager……………..Char VanKerckvoorde cvankerc@stceciliaparish.org Administrative Assistant .... Kathy Best kbest@stceciliaparish.org Receptionist ........................ Dawn Cowles dcowles@stceciliaparish.org

FAITH FORMATION Phone ................................... (515) 232-3514 Fax ........................................ (515) 232-2875 Director of Faith Formation.…..Tom Primmer tprimmer@stceciliaparish.org Asst. to the Director of Faith Formation...Julie Anne Bovenmyer jboven@stceciliaparish.org Youth Ministry Coordinator…..Anna Steele asteele@stceciliaparish.org Administrative Assistant .... Dori Gass dgass@stceciliaparish.org

SCHOOL Phone ................................... (515) 232-5290 Fax ........................................ (515) 232-2875 Co-Principals ....................... Dr. Tom Budnik & John Kinley principal@stceciliaschoolames.org Administrative Assistant .... Lois Vidimos lvidimos@stceciliaschoolames.org

The Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy assistance program. Call 450-6473 for assistance.

Birthright offers free pregnancy tests and counseling. Confidential. 108 Hayward Ave. 292-8414.

YOUR FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP DEC. JUL.-DEC. Contributions MTD $ 48,425 $430,382

Budget for DEC. $189,161 $430,382

Building Imp. Fund $ 402 $ 20,087 Religious Retirement $ 5,325 $ 5,325

Daily Mass Cancellation Policy due to Inclement Weather 1. 8AM weekday Mass will be cancelled if St. Cecilia School has a late start or has been cancelled due to a winter storm.

2. 5:30PM weekday Mass will be cancelled if St. Cecilia School has early dismissal or has been cancelled due to a winter storm.

Please watch for St. Cecilia School weather related updates through the various media outlets for cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals.

Lost and Found-Check Coat Rack or Call Parish Office 233-3092 for lost Coats.