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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 17, 2017

Saturday, December 16, 2017 4:00 PM Sidney Baarda (14th Anniversary) by wife Del Sunday, December 17, 2017 8:30 AM Margarida & Manuel Tavares by daughter Connie Voas 11:00 AM Michael Dunn (4th Anniversary) by the family Monday, December 18, 2017 8:30 AM Elizabeth Rodier Mokrzecki by husband Stanley Tuesday, December 19, 2017 8:30 AM Sister Catherine Marie Walsh, R.S.M. Wednesday, December 20, 2017 8:30 AM Henry Smolenski by wife Frances Smolenski Thursday, December 21, 2017 8:30 AM Paul Roy by the family Friday, December 22, 2017 8:30 AM The Stolz Family by the family Saturday, December 23, 2017 4:00 PM Mary Rock & Frank Maccariella by the family Sunday, December 24, 2017 8:30 AM All of our Homebound Parishioners 11:00 AM All Deceased Members of Our Parish and Families

Sunday, December 17 Is 61:1-2a, 10-11 1 Thes 5:16-24 Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 Monday, December 18 Jer 23:5-8 Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday, December 19 Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday, December 20 Is 7:10-14 Lk 1:26-38 Thursday, December 21 Sg 2:8-14, Lk 1:39-45 Friday, December 22 1 Sm 1:24-28 Lk 1:45-56 Saturday, December 23 Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 Lk 1:57-66 Sunday, December 24 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Rom 16:25-27 Lk 1:26-38

Scripture Readings

PARISH DIRECTORY

334 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540

Rectory Office ………………………………(508) 987-8987 Fax ……………………………...…………. (508) 987-8938 Religious Education Office………………….(508) 987-2382

Pastor Rev. Michael J. Roy Deacon Rev. Mr. Paul Connolly Director of Religious Education Mrs. Terry Ann Renaud Administrative Assistant (M-TH 9-4) Mrs. Teri Rawson Email: strochrectory@gmail.com Director of Music Ms. Anna Pizzolato St. Vincent de Paul Society.……….. Arlene (508) 987-2813

Cemetery ………………..Contact rectory at (508) 987-8987

Mass Schedule

Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00 AM

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 AM

(the fourth Wednesday of the month Fr. Roy has Mass at St. Paul’s

Cathedral—no Mass here)

Confessions: 3:00 PM Saturday or anytime on request. Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 8:30-4

Pastoral Care: All the time

WEBSITE: strochoxford.com

EMAILS: Teri Rawson—Rectory Office: strochrectory@gmail.com Terry Renaud—Rel. Ed. Office: strochoxford@gmail.com

December 9 & 10

Offertory Envelopes (115) $ 4,237.00 Loose Money 241.00 Other sources of income 1,376.00 Total 5,854.00 Weekly Goal 5,582.00 Result + 272.00

Thank you! Retirement for Religious Collection 1,386.00

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

Christmas Flower envelopes received by December 18th will be enrolled in a special memorial listing to be inserted in the bulletin the weekend of December 24th.

Advent Penance Service

Tuesday, December 19th ~ 6:30 PM St. Roch Church—All are invited.

Visiting priests will also be hearing confessions.

Your Christmas Offering

A special collection will be taken up at all Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Thank you to the Robbins Family of Robbins Garden Center for donating and setting up the six evergreens in front of our church. What a beautiful

way to announce our Lord’s coming with lighted trees!

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 17, 2017

My dear Parishioners, This is the shortest Advent that I can remember. Next week the Fourth Sunday of Advent is Christmas Eve. Please take advantage of all the opportunities we have of truly being prepared to authentically celebrate the coming of our Savior. It is important to remember the reason why the Father sent His Son into the world. Simply put it is to redeem us, to make atone-ment for our sin, to bring us liberation and forgiveness for sin. The best of things happened for the worst of reasons. When we go to confession we admit that we are in need of a Redeemer, we need Jesus and appreciate what He has done for us. Many people find it difficult to know what to confess, to recognize sin in their lives. To help you to be prepared I am giving you this Examination of Conscience. It is a clear and practical way to discover how I have sinned against the Ten Commandments. What’s needed for a good confession is to convict myself of sin, to have sorrow and regret, and to have the firm intention to sin no more; to convict but not to condemn. Our God is merciful, beyond our imaging. I hesitated to propose so straight forward an examen. I don’t want to be the Grinch, but the good pastor who is help-ing you make a good confession so to be truly prepared for a really good Christmas.

Let us continue to love one another,

Fr. Roy

From the

Pastor’s

The Readings for next Sunday, December 24, 2017

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Romans 16:25-27

Luke 1:26-38

As you know the 4th Sunday of Advent is celebrated by the Church this year on the 23rd and the morning of the 24th of December. The celebration of Christmas begins on the afternoon of the 24th and continues into Monday the 25th of December, Christmas Day. As disciples of the Lord, and good stewards of all that we have received, we are called to return to God a portion of the good things we have received to God himself. In addition to our talent and our treasure, an essential portion of our life as good stewards is our time, time for worship even amidst the many demands placed upon us in this month of December. Also, our journey through this time of Advent preparation which the Church has provided for us is only completed with the celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Advent. While we recognize the difficulty for many in coming to Holy Mass twice in three days, the Church calls upon us to prioritize these days of sublime Grace, for us, for our families, and for our communities, and join with us in being good stewards, by returning that portion of our commitment to worship at Holy Mass with our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Communal Penance Service

Tuesday, December 19th ~ 6:30 PM

St. Roch Church

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 17, 2017

Did you know…

In the 15th-18th centuries Roman Catholicism was banned and the “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol was devised with a coded message for children to learn the faith without being found out by the authorities. Here’s the secret code:

The true love was God. The ‘me’ was any baptized person.

The partridge in a pear tree was Christ. The 2 turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments. The 3 French hens stood for faith, hope and love. The 4 calling birds were the 4 gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The 5 golden rings recalled the Torah or law; Genesis, Exo-dus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. The 6 geese a laying were the 6 days of creation. The 7 swans a swimming were the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit; the 7 sacraments. The 8 maids a milking were the eight Beatitudes. The 9 ladies dancing were the 9 truths of the Holy Spirit. The 10 Lords a leaping were the 10 commandments. The 11 pipers piping were the 11 faithful apostles. The 12 drummers drumming symbolized the 12 points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Original artwork by past parishioner and artist Tom Woods.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to express their sincere thanks to all those who donated boots during the

November Boot Drive. Thanks to your generosity many pairs of boots were donated to the Oxford Community Go Round!

Also, Thank You to all who brought in wrapped Christmas presents for the less fortunate chil-dren of Oxford. The community of St. Roch’s always has the spirit of giving deep within its heart! Your generosity truly makes a difference.

Third Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 17th

Children’s Christmas Party for all ages 9:30—10:45 AM

Breakfast with Santa! Bring a camera!

The Nativity Story will be presented by the 6th grade in the church at 10:30 AM.

The Annual Card Writing Project * has been resched-uled and moved to the church hall 9:30 AM—12:15 PM

*Come visit, enjoy hot cider or coffee & donuts and sign a Christmas Card to a homebound parishioner or one

that has lost a loved one this past year. All are invited!!

Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 24th

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall

name him Emmanuel.

CHRISTMAS VIGIL CHRISTMAS DAY Sunday, December 24 Monday, December 25

4:00 PM Mass 10:00 AM Mass & A Christmas Carol

12:00 Midnight Mass Sing-A-Long will take A music Prelude will be place before Mass presented before Mass

ADVENT SCHEDULE

A Special Pilgrimage to Italy

September 24 — October 5, 2018

Join Fr. Roy for a trip of a lifetime. Hotel stays in Venice, Florence, Assisi, Frascati and Rome. Guided

tours, both bus and walking—escorted by Frank Brown of Belmont Tours. Many sites and museums including St. Mark’s Cathedral, The Accademia, and the Vatican Mu-seum. For full itinerary, pick up an informational package found at the front entrance to the church.

We extend our Sincere Appreciation to Paradis-Givner

Funeral Home for their generous donation of Religious

Art Calendars for the par ish. These calendars will be available on the front and back pews of the church later this month. Please take one home for reference during the coming year.

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 17, 2017

Fellow Lights of the World*, Planning for the Lenten retreat has begun. It is time for YOU to make a response. Have you prayed and asked how the Spirit wants to use you? What Will You Do In Response?

Call Terry Ann at 508-987-2382 to talk about your role in the 2018 Lenten Journey. There are so many roles to play, which will you choose?

*Also, please respond to the invitation for the Epiphany gathering to 508-987-2382, so we may plan for our even-ing of reconnecting to each other.

Have not made the Light of the World Retreat yet? Please, pencil in the date for your Light of the World Re-treat MARCH 9-12, 2018, ask someone wearing the cross to tell you what they thought of their experience, or call Father Roy or Terry Ann to find out more.

REGISTER NOW! You won’t want to miss this one!!!

Call 508-987-2382 for all questions, weather cancelation notices, or to report absence.

DECEMBER 2017 17 Sun -Advent Family Day 10:30 AM in the church Everyone is Welcome!!! Come Enjoy the Nativity Story!!! Presented by the 6

th grade

class & helpers. A Special guest will join us after the 8:30 Mass…

And …. at 8:30-11 AM the Confirmation Can-didates & High School Students will be serving breakfast. These teens are trying to reduce the cost of their yearly retreat

Jan. 12-14, 2018. (Donations are also accepted for scholarships to the retreat through the Office of Religious Education). Please join the teens as part of the cooking or serving crew. Just 1 hour or 2 monthly will help. 24 Sun -No Classes -all grades & sacrament prep classes Christmas Break begins—Classes Resume Jan 7, 2018

JANUARY 2018

1 Mon Mary, M other of God, Holy Day of Obligation 7 Sun K-12, 9:40-10:50, Wordshare at 11:00 Mass 21 Sun Breakfast 8-11 AM / Wordshare at 11:00 Mass Celebration of First Reconciliation 2PM Candidates meet in the hall at 1:30 PM 28 Sun K-12, 9:40-10:50 /Wordshare at 11:00 Mass

FEBRUARY 2018

3/4 Sat/Sun Soup-er Bowl Collection proceeds benefit St.Vincent DePaul Society of St. Roch Church 4 Sun K-12, 9:40-10:50 Wordshare / No Confirmation Session 10 1st Sacrament Family Mass 5:30 PM

DECEMBER 17 Sun Class 9:40-10:50 / Breakfast with Santa 24 No classes -all grades & sacrament prep classes Christmas Break begins - Classes Resume Jan 7, 2018

JANUARY 2018 1 Mon Mary, Mother of God, Holy Day of Obligation 7 Sun Class 9:40-10:50, Wordshare at 11:00 Mass 21 Sun Breakfast 8-11 AM / Wordshare at 11:00 Mass

Celebration of First Reconciliation 2PM Candidates meet in the hall at 1:30 PM 28 Sun Class 9:40-10:50 /Wordshare at 11:00 Mass

We are truly blessed by your generosity this winter… we still are in need of bottled water,

white or pastel colored copy paper, poster boards or newsprint sheets for the high school retreat, disinfect-ant wipes, or antiseptic gel, plastic knives and cake plates, dinner plates, plastic drink cups.

Cupcakes and cookies for Dec 17 classes.

Your donations help us to keep the cost of the programs down and support our kids service projects. Thanks for your continued generosity.

Yes, we are, still looking for someone to shampoo the carpets in the center, or to paint Room 1.

Divine Mercy, The Second Greatest Story Ever Told.

January 18- March 22 for 10 sessions 10:00 AM -11:30 AM

St. Roch’s Parish Center Room 1

Other times available by request, call 508-987-2382 to register and order a book. Fr. Gaitley describes the "second greatest story

ever told" - a story that encompasses Divine Mercy, the life of St. Pope John Paul II, & the crucial role that Mari-an Consecration can play in your life. Fr. Michael Gaitley is a priest in the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception & the di-rector of formation for the Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy.

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 17, 2017

ST. ROCH CEMETERY

Vigil candles must be removed for the winter. Flower baskets may now be placed for the

upcoming holidays.

Supplying the Wine for Mass

John Tagg, who serves the daily Mass, has for some time been organizing donors willing to give $20 every couple of months to pay for the sacramental wine that is used during the Eucha-

ristic celebration of the Mass. Anyone who would like to become a Vintner for the Lord is asked to call the rectory at 508-987-8987.

Bible Study

Wednesday morning Bible Study in the Parish Center 9:30 AM.

All are welcome.

Kathy Perry, Owen Benway, Jane Lewicke, Al Sinkis, Anthony Nguyen,

Andrew Rivers, Raymond Joseph, Ruth Andrzejczyk, Chloe Barbara Jones, Craig Ladd, Fr. Robert Kelley, Roseanne Ferlito, John Barton, Carol Violette, John & Bev Makowski, Dale Mahota, Maddy Desrosier, Phyllis Day, John Hickman, Stephen Rice, Timothy Bowes, Cindy Flores, Ed Carpenter, Liz Iandolli, Anita Prunier, Roger St. George, Charlene White, James Sumerlin, Jerry Coffey, Bob St. George, Julie Guertin, Francis DeSimone, Robert & Beverly Burns, Judy Rodier, Dawn Hoeg, Sean Bushey, Richard Fleming, Noelle Silverstein, Edward Wissell, Eric Lambert, Paul Murphy, Shannon Bernard, James Cadarette, James Quaiel, Irene Allain, Yvonne Mathurin, Debbie Roland, Deborah Mancini, Susan Gallant, Doris Prouty, Helen Gilman, Pat LaFontaine, and Andy McDonald.

Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, January 9th at 7:00 PM in the rectory.

St. Vincent de Paul Society will meet Monday, February 5th at 6:00 PM in the par ish center .

ALL Recent & Past Light of the World

Retreatants Are cordially invited to an

Epiphany Celebration! January 6, 2018

5:30 pm in the Parish Hall Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

RSVP 508-987-2382 or 508-987-8987 by Jan. 3rd.

334 CLUB WINNERS — Week 4

#325 Terry Cote #336 Paul Guertin #468 Lisa Czechowski #301 Jean O’Reilly

CONGRATULATIONS!!

A BIBLICAL WALK THROUGH THE MASS

Dr. Edward Sri

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish 18 E. Main St. Webster

Wednesdays, Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Morning sessions, 10:00 am, Evening sessions 7:30 pm.

$20.00 includes book and workbook. Based on the revised translation of the Mass, this five-part program takes participants on an exciting tour of the Liturgy as it explores the biblical roots of the words and gestures we experience at Mass and explains their profound significance. See, perhaps for the first time, why we say what we say and do what we do every week at Mass. The words and gestures will be seen in a new light, giving new life to the liturgical experience.

REGISTRATION (Deadline, Dec 11) Email alkotkin@aol.com For additional information,

contact the Sacred Heart rectory @ 508 943-3140

Help with Snow Removal Needed

If anyone is willing to help with shovel-ing & snow-blowing this winter we would be most appreciative. Please let us know in the office if this is something that you are able to volunteer for.

508-987-8987. Thank you!

March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Friday, Jan. 19, 2018

early bird registration

deadline approaching!

Please join us for the Diocese of Worcester’s bus trip to the 45th

annual March for Life in Washington, DC. Buses leave on Thurs. Jan. 18 after the 7:30 p.m. Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, travel to Washington for the March for Life on Jan. 19, followed by the return trip to Worcester. Cost is $75 per seat for registrations postmarked by December 31, and $90 thereafter . For more information, ask Father Roy or to download registration forms, visit www.worcesterdiocese.org/respect-life.

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 17, 2017