FINANCE COUNCIL Jerry McMurtrie-Chairman Tom Bliley John Charbeneau Lisa Forte Debby Harriman Fritz Sitterding PARISH COUNCIL Ron Beville Charlie Costello Lynne Dreelin Linda Gray-Chairperson Dave Marchant Stephanie Selmer-Secretary Patti Sobieski-Vice Chair Kathy Swinehart Lynn Vajda PARISH COUNCIL MINISTRIES Worship/Liturgy, Eileen O’Brien Justice & Peace, Eileen Wagner Religious Education, Barbara Hollingsworth Parish Life, Peg Meushaw Adult Ed/RCIA, Louise Petralia Pastoral Care, Lynne Richardson Administration, Page Wittkamp Young Adult Representative-open Finance, Ray Kostesky The Catholic Church Of The Visitation 8462 General Puller Highway P.O. Box 38 Topping, Virginia 23169 Phone:(804) 758-5160 Fax: (804)758-0676 E-Mail: [email protected]Website: www.church-of-the-visitation.org CHURCH HOURS Sunday Mass 9AM Wednesday & Thursday Daily Mass 9AM Parish Office Hours 9AM-2PM Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Pastor, Robert Cummins, Jr. Church Secretary, Andrea Moore Webmaster, Mike Dreelin “Rejoice in the Lord, Always” Third Sunday of Advent ”Gaudete” Year C December 13, 2015 CHURCH ACTIVITIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND SACRAMENTAL EVENTS Below is a condensed list of such items. For more details, consult our Ministry Catalogue or contact the Ministerial Head pictured on the WELCOME TREE, located on the wall outside of the kitchen. BAPTISM, MARRIAGE: Please contact the parish office to arrange an appointment for celebrating the sacrament of Baptism or Marriage. CATECHUMENS: RCIA invites people of all ages interested in becoming Catholics through Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Contact the parish office. SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING: Celebrated twice a year in Spring, Fall or by appointment. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Held during Lent and Advent as well as by appointment. Please call the parish office. SICK CALLS: Please call the Office at any time. We will also bring Holy Communion to anyone who is unable to attend Mass. HOLY DAYS: Please call the office for times. PRISON MINISTRY: Please call the office if you are interested in helping. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Knights of Columbus meet the second Wednesday of each month beginning with the Rosary at 5:45pm and the meeting starting 6:15pm, followed by a social with wives and guests at 7:15pm. Everyone is welcome. The KOC are willing to provide transportation to any church activities. Call Grand Knight Gary Richardson,776-0949. VISITATION SINGERS: You are invited to sing at Dockside Nursing Home and Riverside Convalescent Center one day a month(3rd Wednesday). We start off with a short practice at Visitation and then sing at both facilities. We will bring one or two guitars and any available singers to entertain the residents, singing hymns, light songs they know, and songs for the season. For information, call Carol McCormack at 804-725-1656. KNITTING MINISTRY: A loving ministry that meets every 1 st and 3 rd Monday (10am at the church) each month, weather permitting. Please call Mary Jacobs (465-9803) FOOD PANTRY: Our church supplies food/toiletries to the Cryer Center to provide help to the community as needed. Items may be dropped off in the utility room next to the kitchen. Crates are marked. RECYCLABLE CANS: Church of the Visitation recycles cans, with profits going to church ministries. Bring your aluminum cans to the bin outside, by the playground. TODAY’S MASS December 13, 2015 Gospel: Luke 3:10-18 First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7 ASSIGNMENTS GREETERS: Lavonne Pearce & Michelle Puttmann USHERS: Tom Shoemaker, Larry Tewey, Lee Hollingsworth & Stephanie Selmer ALTAR SERVERS: MacLean Thomas COMMUNITY LEADER: Kim Rector LECTORS: Fernando Atienza & Nancy Siford EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Pattie Sobieski, Andrea Moore, Marie Suyes, Lynn Vajda & Peg Meushaw Music: Leaders: Carol McCormack/Matt Ponish Cantor: Jan Smith COLLECTION COUNTERS: Johnsons & Johnna Wednesday: December 16th Advent Weekday Reading 1: Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21b-25 Gospel: Luke 7:18b-23 Thursday: December 17th Advent Weekday Reading 1: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17 OFFERTORY COLLECTION FOR December 6, 2015 Collection: $ 2,236 Second Collection: Christmas Flowers $ 706 Total Offertory Collection Year to Date $ 52,048 Total Budget Projection: $ 48,720 There is no second collection today. We signed the following principal checks this week: $2,294 Rectory and Pastor Expenses for November; $430 Parish Life Expenses. BUILDING FUND As of December 2015: $440,626 MASS/MUSIC Bell Song: Creator Of The Stars Of Night #61 Opening song: O Come O Come Emmanuel #38 Penitential Litany Liturgy of the Word First reading/page 39 Responsorial Psalm: Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Second Reading Gospel Acclamation: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. Gospel/Homily Nicene Creed /page 9 Prayers of the Faithful: Response:-Lord hear our prayer Liturgy of the Eucharist Offertory: When We Eat This Bread #871 Holy: #869 Memorial Acclamation: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. Lord’s Prayer: page 26 Amen: #873 Lamb of God: #874 Communion: Bread For The World #353 Meditation: We Will Rise Again #440 Recessional: People Look East #49
Pastor, Robert Cummins, Jr. Church Secretary, Andrea Moore
Webmaster, Mike Dreelin
“Rejoice in the Lord, Always”
Third Sunday of Advent ”Gaudete” Year C
December 13, 2015
CHURCH ACTIVITIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND SACRAMENTAL EVENTS
Below is a condensed list of such items. For more details, consult our Ministry Catalogue or contact the Ministerial Head pictured on the WELCOME TREE, located on the wall outside of the kitchen.
BAPTISM, MARRIAGE: Please contact the parish office to arrange an appointment for celebrating the sacrament of Baptism or Marriage. CATECHUMENS: RCIA invites people of all ages interested in becoming Catholics through Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Contact the parish office. SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING: Celebrated twice a year in Spring, Fall or by appointment. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Held during Lent and Advent as well as by appointment. Please call the parish office. SICK CALLS: Please call the Office at any time. We will also bring Holy Communion to anyone who is unable to attend Mass. HOLY DAYS: Please call the office for times. PRISON MINISTRY: Please call the office if you are interested in helping. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Knights of Columbus meet the second Wednesday of each month beginning with the Rosary at 5:45pm and the meeting starting 6:15pm, followed by a social with wives and guests at 7:15pm. Everyone is welcome. The KOC are willing to provide transportation to any church activities. Call Grand Knight Gary Richardson,776-0949. VISITATION SINGERS: You are invited to sing at Dockside Nursing Home and Riverside Convalescent Center one day a month(3rd Wednesday). We start off with a short practice at Visitation and then sing at both facilities. We will bring one or two guitars and any available singers to entertain the residents, singing hymns, light songs they know, and songs for the season. For information, call Carol McCormack at 804-725-1656. KNITTING MINISTRY: A loving ministry that meets every 1st and 3rd Monday (10am at the church) each month, weather permitting. Please call Mary Jacobs (465-9803) FOOD PANTRY: Our church supplies food/toiletries to the Cryer Center to provide help to the community as needed. Items may be dropped off in the utility room next to the kitchen. Crates are marked. RECYCLABLE CANS: Church of the Visitation recycles cans, with profits going to church ministries. Bring your aluminum cans to the bin outside, by the playground.
TODAY’S MASS
December 13, 2015 Gospel: Luke 3:10-18
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
ASSIGNMENTS
GREETERS: Lavonne Pearce & Michelle Puttmann USHERS: Tom Shoemaker, Larry Tewey, Lee Hollingsworth & Stephanie Selmer ALTAR SERVERS: MacLean Thomas COMMUNITY LEADER: Kim Rector LECTORS: Fernando Atienza & Nancy Siford EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Pattie Sobieski, Andrea Moore, Marie Suyes, Lynn Vajda & Peg Meushaw Music: Leaders: Carol McCormack/Matt Ponish Cantor: Jan Smith COLLECTION COUNTERS: Johnsons & Johnna Wednesday: December 16th Advent Weekday Reading 1: Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21b-25 Gospel: Luke 7:18b-23 Thursday: December 17th Advent Weekday Reading 1: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17 OFFERTORY COLLECTION FOR December 6, 2015 Collection: $ 2,236 Second Collection: Christmas Flowers $ 706 Total Offertory Collection Year to Date $ 52,048 Total Budget Projection: $ 48,720 There is no second collection today. We signed the following principal checks this week: $2,294 Rectory and Pastor Expenses for November; $430 Parish Life Expenses.
BUILDING FUND
As of December 2015: $440,626
MASS/MUSIC
Bell Song: Creator Of The Stars Of Night #61 Opening song: O Come O Come Emmanuel #38 Penitential Litany Liturgy of the Word First reading/page 39 Responsorial Psalm: Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Second Reading Gospel Acclamation: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. Gospel/Homily Nicene Creed /page 9 Prayers of the Faithful: Response:-Lord hear our prayer
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Offertory: When We Eat This Bread #871 Holy: #869 Memorial Acclamation: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. Lord’s Prayer: page 26 Amen: #873 Lamb of God: #874 Communion: Bread For The World #353 Meditation: We Will Rise Again #440 Recessional: People Look East #49
FATHER JOHN BODDIE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of our pastor and friend, Fr. John Boddie, from whom flowed love and kindness to all who knew him. May his soul rest in peace. Money from these ads are used as scholarships given to the youth of our church. Please make your checks payable to
THE FR. JOHN BODDIE SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Checks and ads can be deposited in the
church office. The charge per space is $100. Thank you for your continued support. The Scholarship Committee
Website for scholarship application: tcfrichmond.org Application deadline: March 5th
BE A KNIGHT Contact: Grand Knight Gary Richardson 804-776-0949
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WE SALUTE
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Mother Theresa’s ANYWAY prayer
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of
selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build it anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them
anyway.
Breathe in Love,
Exhale Peace.
UPCOMING EVENTS *Today -3rd Sunday of Advent/ COV Christmas Party/Angel Tree *December 16th-Reconciliation at FdS-5:30PM gifts due. *December 16th-Visition Singers “Christmas Carols” *December 20th-Fourth Sunday of Advent *December 24th-Christmas Eve Mass-6:15PM *December 25th-Christmas Day Mass-9:00AM *January 1st-Mary, Mother of God-9AM FdS *January 12th-Parish Council Meeting 7PM *January 13th-KOC Meeting FdS 5PM *January 20th-Visitation Singers
ADVENT MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS We are providing two publications for your
devotional use during Advent. One is the “Little Blue Books” which were so popular last Advent with their
six-minute reflections on the daily Mass first readings. The other is “The Word Among Us” providing daily meditations for Advent. Both are located in the rear of the church for you to take home
and enjoy during Advent.
GIRL SCOUT TROOP COAT DRIVE Victoria and Kaylee are with Girl Scout Troop
#277 and are looking for donations of gently used coats, hats, gloves, mittens, blankets; anything that
will keep someone warm. They will be collecting and delivering all the donations to the Cryer Center. Anything that you can contribute will be greatly appreciated. January 17th is the deadline. Thank You
CHRISTMAS PARTY Today we will have our Christmas Social (in place of
Social Sunday) at 3PM. We will begin our get together with a social hour consisting of wine and cheese, non-
alcoholic punch and hors d’oeuvres. Dinner will be served at 4PM. We will provide the main course meats. Please bring a side dish,
dessert, or hors d’oeuvres to share. Let us know if you need a ride. You can contact the office.
LITURGY GRATITUDE Thank you so much for helping to prepare the church
for Advent. Mary Ellen Sherwood, Lavonne & Paul Pearce, Frank Lohr, Mike & Lynne Dreelin, Lynn & Jim Vajda,
Eileen Wagner, Pat Marchant, Pat Reamy & Brendan O’Brien. The results of your efforts have truly enhanced our
experience of this season of Advent. Father Robert
THANK YOU’S Our thanks to Bob Borden and Mike Dreelin again for their efforts in collecting, sorting, and delivering the aluminum
cans for sale that parishioners deposit in the container at the side of the old admin wing. Their latest effort resulted in a
sale of $83.70 worth of cans. Bob and Mike ask that you limit your drop of materials to cans only and not other types of aluminum.
Our thanks also to Michelle Puttmann and Ingrid Borden who cooked two 20 lb. turkeys during Thanksgiving week for
delivery to the United Methodist Church in Urbanna for further delivery to needy families on Thanksgiving.
PRE-VACATION NOTICE Father’s vacation plans are set for this January.
Father Mooney, who has visited us before, will act as our guest celebrant the one Sunday Father Cummins will be gone, Jan.
24th. Fr. Mooney will need a place to stay on Sat. evening, Jan 23rd. If anyone is interested in hosting this vibrant and entertaining priest,
please inform the office. Thank You
THE VISITATION OF MARY TO ELIZABETH
In next week’s Gospel we hear of the great moment when Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. On seeing Mary, the child in Elizabeth’s womb, St John
the Baptist, leapt for the first time. Why? It has been said that through the act of visiting her cousin, Mary was the
first Evangelist and the first missionary, bringing the Joy of Christ to others. She carried inside her own body, Jesus, and the significance of
this was recognized not only by Elizabeth, who said “How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to visit me?” but also by her child. We hear Mary’s words of humility and service: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior, He has looked on his servant in
her lowliness and therefore all ages we call me blessed. The Almighty has worked marvels for me...Holy His Name.” Mary takes
no credit for the task she is about to undertake but instead points all the blessings and goodness back to God. We too have the Lord
dwelling inside us; do we recognize Him? Do we leap for joy? Do we take Him to others so that they can experience His presence and Joy? This gospel happens only every 3rd year. Join us for breakfast after Mass next week. Please call Peg Meushaw at 776-7315 if you can
help with preparation and food.
or join in playing Mah Jongg or Mexican Train Dominoes.
CHRISTMAS VIGIL COMMUNITY SING Starting at 5:45PM on Christmas Eve, we
will have a community sing, featuring all the favorite carols you have enjoyed singing
since childhood. Beginning with ”O Come O Come Emmanuel” and ending
with “O Holy Night” we will sing a dozen songs. Bring your voices and Christmas Spirit for a festive trip through the favorite songs
of yesterday and today.
LIVING OUR MISSION Thanks to all of you for your generous pledges to the Living Our
Mission Campaign. What a wonderful thing you have done! Now that the initial pledge period is complete and many of us have started making periodic payments on our pledge (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.)., here is some information about making those payments: 1) Please make your check(s) payable to LIVING OUR MISSION 2) Mail your check directly to the entity which is handling the funds: Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Living Our Mission c/o Letter Concepts, Inc. P.O. Box 436
Kensington, CT 06037 The Diocese should be mailing out pledge payment reminders to those of us who are making periodic payments. If you are not receiving your pledge reminders or have any questions about your pledge accounts, please contact Amanda Glass at the Diocese. Her contact information is:
Bob Hartman, Scott Vajda, Ann Hersh, Eileen McSweeney & Mary Elbourn
PARISHIONERS:
Mollie McMurtrie, Ellen Demavres, Rudolf Wijdoogen, Lynne Richardson, Lynn Vajda, Jerry McMurtrie, John Sobieski,
Laurie King, Tom Mangrum, Ingrid Borden, Celina Knez, Sherry Bryant, Bernie Bernhardt, Becky Nunn, Rita Blommel,
Laura Tewey, Toni Ann Traynor, Jerry McMurtrie, Nennie Lennon, Bill Gray, Dick Zimmerman, Herman Beckstoffer, Peg Meushaw,
Carol & Art Smith, Betty Hodge, Bill & Mary Alice Marks, Tom Shoemaker, Allen Hines, Joe Edwards, Pat & Lee Reamy,
Tom Shepherd, Janine Jaboulay, Anne Paparella, Carole McPherson, Maryanne Grubbs, Jeanne Lessner, Tyra Freed, Colin Walsh,
Beryl O’Connor.
FAMILY OF PARISHIONERS: Scott & Audry Cronacher, Darrell Wittkamp, Dan Dreelin,
Alex Alter, George Zimmerman, Cathie Sobieski, Margaret Hock, Georgia Morgan, Corkey & Linda Price, Katy Shea, Larry Dorsey, Maureen Turner, Charles & Sandy Alter, Ernest Cotton Sieffert,
Emily Walton, Ashely Crabb, Sandra Bush & children, Whitney Pizzack & Family, Ernie Walton & Family, June Walton,
Brett Walton & Family, Marilyn Elenz, Judy Bechtold, John Reynolds, Kenneth Gage, David Williams, Matthew Black, Timothy Wilkins, Roseann Svoritch, Nancy Rubino, Linda Price, John Calvin Barnard, Bill Dawson, Brent Wilkins, Rosanne Roge,
Ellen Parker, Denis Popp, Michelle Gray, P.J. Schwedler, John David Gray, Jerry Howerton, Josette Chmiel, Claudia Noah Groner,
Andy & Iris Hetzer, Terry & Kathy Reamy
FRIENDS OF PARISHIONERS: Shannon & Harper Harvey, Fr. Alan Clute, Jimmy Jessie Jr.,
Robert Snow, Barbara McGann, Joan Rychtarik, Britt Uttzel, Mike Gorin, Becky Holloway, Dorthea Schmid, Steven Ridgley, Muriel Snelling, Corinne Hunt, David Hayden, Sally Streetman,
Fr. Bertin Samsa, Henry Ponton, Barbara Chandler, Joey Coleman, Jon Gorman, Jean Johanson, Joey Coker, Megan Harris,
Martie Marker, Jerry Trehy, Linda Cryer, Elizabeth Panzer, Valerie & Don McCarthy, Grace Parker, Linda & Jim Morris.
If you need to add to the prayer list please call the office, email, or leave a note in the box outside
the office, remember to put family or friend by their name.
BULLETIN BOARD INFORMATION
See bulletin board (In the old administration hall, across from the kitchen for more info.)
*Office for Persons with Disabilities/*Diocesan Job Vacancies *Monthly Diocesan Christian Formation -Newsletter *Catholic Engagement/Marriage Encounter--Schedule *Office for Evangelization updates *Office of Social Ministries Calendar *Marriage encounter Weekends, Feb 19-21st, April 22-24th *March For Life Jan 21-22th- 2016 *Diocesan Youth Conference Feb 12-14th- 2016 *A Filipino Commission's Simbang Gabi *Diocesan Men’s Conference January 16th
HANDS ACROSS MIDDLESEX NEEDS
Our December need for the “Hands” pantry is; Soap, Deodorant, Hygiene & Paper Products
As usual, you are free to donate any items you wish. Whatever we receive will be welcome and delivered to the Cryer Center.
HOMILIES AND MORE Visit the church website to access
Father Robert’s homilies. www.church-of-the-visitation.org
Next Week: 4th Sunday of Advent Obedience to God’s will
Reading I: Micah 5:1–4a (restoration through the Messiah) Reading II: Hebrews 10:5–10 (the second covenant) Gospel: Luke 1:39–45 (the visit to Elizabeth) Key Passage: Elizabeth said, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45) Adult: When was it hardest for you to trust in God’s plan for you, as Mary did? What can help you at such times? Child: When is it hardest for you to obey a parent or teacher? What can help you obey with more trust?
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
The victorious Lord is already in our midst, rejoicing with gladness and dancing with delight! Jesus revels in His birth among us through His mother Mary. He glories in becom-ing one of us. He welcomes our response to the good news proclaimed by John the Baptist: baptism with water and baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. This bath gives us a safe place with God’s people. The Lord comes—Emmanuel, Wisdom, Mighty
Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, Desire of Nations. O happy time!
2016 ENVELOPES AND CALENDARS Next year’s envelopes and calendars are available for pickup today before and after Mass. They are located
on a table outside of the office.
GAME DAY On Thursday, January 7, 2016, all Parishioners, both men
and women, are invited to join together for game day from 1PM-3:30PM. Bring a game you would like to share, or join in playing Mah Jongg or Mexican Train Dominoes.
There also will be an opportunity to learn Mah Jongg. Two instructional Mah Jongg books will be available for
purchase at a cost of $12. If you wish to purchase books, please be sure to let Debbie Harriman at 776-0078 or Lois Kramb at 435-0697 know in advance. If playing Bridge, please
make your own arrangements ahead of time to have a table of four to play. Bring a friend and join us for some fun and camaraderie.
January 7th will be our first game day of the year. More game days will follow. Please stay tuned.
TO SUPPORT OUR YOUTH,
THEIR DREAMS, & OUR FUTURE.
Lynne & Gary Richardson
We Support The Youth Scholarship Fund.
John & Carol McCormack
SUPPORTERS OF OUR YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS
Frank & Geri Lohr III Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Hartz Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Cox Don Tyrrell Anne & Charlie Costello Ann O’Connor Melvin Lee & Pat Reamy John & Vera England
