Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-19; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-25a; Ps 71:3-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14; Ps 33:2-21; Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1-8; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-24; Ps 25:4-14; Lk 1:57-66
Why do priests wear rose on the Third Sunday of Advent?
The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday.
Guadete is the La n word that means rejoice. This is why priests have the op on of wearing rose on
this par cular Sunday. The third Sunday of Advent marks the finish of the
season of purifica on and soon we will be rejoicing in the celebra on of Christmas.
GOD’S WORD FOR CHILDREN
In those days, John the Bap st came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying “Repent, for the kingdom of
heaven has come near.” Based on Ma hew 3:1-12
Dear Friends at Saint Paul: Banners! And more Banners! Please take a good look in prepara on for our Ministry Fair Jan. 6/7, 2018. Christmas “Gi s” and New Year's “Resolu ons” all ed together by commi ng TIME for Word, Worship, Service and Community – “the 4 things churches do.” There is also a Ministry Preview Catalog (currently being printed) with info about volunteer opportuni es, me commitments and skill requirements (when needed) for posi ons that you could fill, as you are inclined. You will be able to ask ques ons at the Ministry Fair a er each Mass of January 6 and 7, 2018. All of this ends up on a Commitment Card which you turn in and we put on a computer. Then, coordinators of par cular ministries contact you to set up any training and scheduling needed. “Time is our most precious resource but volunteering for ministry rewards the volunteer!” You will be able to volunteer, for example, at our parish school as a tutor or a lunch monitor as well as in town working at the Food Pantry or at Habitat for Humanity or a hundred other combina ons. The one thing that “won't work” is if you “won't work!” TAG, you're it! Please note that December 24th morning Masses are changed to accommodate the number of Masses that day. There will be a Mass at 8 am, an added Mass at 10 am, but NO 11am or 1 pm Mass! The Christmas Masses start at 4 pm with a Children's Mass. In English, addi onal Masses are at 6pm, 10pm on the 24th and Christmas morning at 10am. St Peter in Oriental has a Christmas Mass at 5pm, the 24th. The Hispanic Community has La Misa en Español at 8pm. At the Masses of Christmas on Dec 24 and 25, pick up your copy of a new book from Dynamic Catholic. This is Ma hew Kelly's outreach ministry. Please be sure to read your copy of “Perfectly Yourself” at Christmas as a gi from your parish. Please discuss, as your family gathers for Christmas, how to schedule your portrait si ng, especially if you have students away at college. Sit for a pic you'll be proud of! Feb-Mar 2018. Peace,
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading — As a garden makes its growth spring up, so will G make jus ce spring up before all the na ons (Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11). Psalm — My soul rejoices in my God (Luke 1:46-54). Second Reading — Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophe c u erances. Test everything; retain what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24). Gospel — I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord (John 1:6-8, 19-28).
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Saint Paul "Winter" Grieving Group January 9th to February 13th.
Know that you are in our Hearts and Prayers as you Grieve the loss of your loved one. During Advent, you may
want to Pray about coming to Saint Joseph Chapel for 6 consecu ve Tuesdays, 10:00AM to 11:30AM.
Sister Monique, I.H.M.Facilitator Contact: Irene Swanteson, Third Order Dominican to
Register (252-638-9306).
The complete Parish Calendar, as well as past issues of the
bulle n, are always available for viewing at our website:
spccnb.org
Sunday 12/17 9:00AM Olive Branch Gi Store Open ll 1:00PM 8:00AM Mass +Bernard Fitzpatrick 9:30AM RCIA – FLC2 9:30AM Faith Forma on - School 9:30AM Chancel Choir Prac ce 10:30AM Chaplet of the Divine Mercy – Church 11:00AM Mass +Keith Warren 1:00PM Mass +Louis E. Schroder 2:00PM Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta - FLC 6:00PM Confirma on Class – School Library Monday 12/18 8:00AM Mass +Catherine McCormick 11:00AM Hand and Foot Card Games – FLC3 Tuesday 12/19 8:00AM Mass +Arthur Mauffray 10:30AM Mass in Oriental 12:00PM One in the Spirit Prayer Group – Church 1:00PM Prayer Shawl Ministry – FLC3 7:00PM Twin Rivers Volleyball Prac ce – Gym Wednesday 12/20 9:00AM Olive Branch Gi Store Open ll Noon 9:00AM Mass +David Jones 5:00PM Medjugorje Prayer Group – Church 6:00PM Mass +Angelo Benigno 7:00PM Hispanic Choir Prac ce 7:00PM SPRAA Men’s Open Gym Basketball Thursday 12/21 8:00AM Mass 8:35AM Adora on – Church 10:45AM Reconcilia on 11:45AM Benedic on – Church 12:00PM December 31st Bulle n Items Due 7:00PM Advent Spirituality Series – FLC2 7:00PM Twin Rivers Volleyball Prac ce - Gym 7:30PM Folk Choir Prac ce - Church Friday 12/22 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED 8:00AM Mass (OSP) +Mary Pisaneschi Gavazzi & Arnold Gavazzi Saturday 12/23 3:30PM Reconcilia on 5:00PM 4th Advent Mass in Oriental 5:00PM Mass +J. Robert Welsh
Advent Spirituality Series: Paul to the Philippians
Deacon Mahoney will con nue this Advent Series on Thursday, Dec. 21st from 7 to 8 pm in the
Family Life Center, Room 2. In this series, he will address God’s great plan for us in Christ Jesus, especially God’s desire to help us and to
heal us in the face of life’s o en great difficul es. He will also address the nature of the spiritual journey as we await the second coming of Christ. And finally, rooted in a deeper understanding of the journey and God’s great plan, we’ll be able to get the most out of our Advent journey and experience with even deeper
apprecia on the joy of Christmas! If you have any ques ons, please contact
Deacon Mike at 252-571-1597.
We will decorate our church for Christmas on Saturday,
December 23rd at 9:00am. Placing of the Poinse as will take
place on Sunday, December 24th at noon. We welcome all those who wish to help to come and
make our worship space fi ng for the Lord! If you have ques ons, please contact Joy Harsen at 252-229-2394.
Join Us In Celebrating Christ's Birth
December 24 -- NO 11AM or 1PM Mass
Mass at 8AM and 10AM!
4:00PM Children’s Mass of Christmas
5:00PM Christmas Mass at St Peter in Oriental
6:00PM, 8:00PM (Spanish), 10:00PM
December 25 10:00AM Mass
SAINT PAUL YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATES
The members of Saint Paul Prayer Shawl Ministry have been kni ng and croche ng lap robes for the 100 veterans residing at the Veteran's Home
in Kinston. The lap robes have been given to the members of American Legion Post 24 Ladies Auxiliary who will be bringing them to the veterans. If anyone is interested in this wonderful ministry, please call Diana Thompson at 252-638-2565. Our yarn supplies have been greatly diminished. Any dona on of 4-ply yarn, any color (no wool please) would be appreciated!
MINISTRY FAIR
Saturday, January 6th
following the Vigil Mass
Sunday, January 7th
following the 8AM, 11AM and 1PM Masses
For informa on, contact the church office
252-638-1984
Saint Paul Catholic School students have been adding their energy and cheer to seasonal events in our area.
The school remembered others in need by par cipa ng in the RCS canned food drive. On November 16th, Mr. Moody’s fi h grade class visited Brookstone Nursing
Home in Pollocksville. The class shared songs of joy and celebra on with the residents.
On November 24th, our students, under the direc on of Megan Johnson, entertained the crowd with seasonal songs during the Light Up the Season event that kicked off the Beary Merry Christmas in Downtown New Bern.
On Sunday, December 3rd, students, parents, and staff represented Saint Paul Catholic School in the Trent Woods Christmas Parade. They had a great me waving and throwing candy. Special Thank You to the
Caballero-Huertas family for loaning us their truck to decorate and carry our youngest students in the parade.
CORRECTION: Our previous Save the Date announcements for the Reach for the Stars Gala should
have stated that the date for the Gala is Saturday, January 27, 2018.
Children of Saint Paul Parish and Saint Paul School are welcome to sing in the Choir during the
4pm Christmas Eve Mass. Well behaved 3rd graders thru
teenagers. There will not be a separate rehearsal. Tradi onal Christmas Carols will be sung. Please have
all par cipa ng children in the choir area by 3:30pm. Any ques ons, contact Megan Johnson
and Christmas Day 10am Mass invite singers of all ages to par cipate in Tradi onal
Christmas Carols and Hymns. If you have thought about
joining a Saint Paul choir, this is wonderful way to jump in and share the Goods news of Christ's birth with song!
If interested, please be in the choir area 30 minutes prior for direc on. There will not be prior rehearsals. Any ques ons, contact Megan Johnson 633-0100 or
No Faith Forma on Classes on Sunday, December 23th and
Sunday, December 31st
For those who are traveling this Holiday Season, especially college students
returning home: May God the Father be with you,
God the Son protect you, and God the Holy Spirit be on your side.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 17, 2017
HEARLD OF LIGHT O God of Jus ce, You called the prophet John the Bap st,
to prepare the way for the coming of Your Son. Grant your servants ears to hear John’s cry in the desert of their hearts so
that, transformed by love, we, too, may turn and embrace you. Fill us with the Spirit of courage and strengthen our will
to be heralds of the Light. Make us fervent in our prayer and direct us to bring glad dings to the poor.
Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
THIS WEEK AT HOME Monday, Dec. 18—O LORD—The readings begin to focus more directly on the birth of Christ. The gospel tells us how Joseph learns of the way in which Mary conceived Jesus. Joseph, a man of faith was obedient, loving and generous. His faith shows us how God through the Incarna on is always with us. As St. Joseph to lead us to his Son.
Tuesday, Dec. 19—O Root of Jesse—The two readings today present God’s awesome power to overcome any trial. The stories of the wife of Manoah and the angel’s visit to Zechariah reveal how these two women, once barren re-joiced at the news of concep on. They both rejoiced with praise for God. Light candles and pray for the unborn and for those unable to conceive.
Wednesday, Dec. 20—O KEY OF DAVID—The gospel tells of the Key of David se ng prisoner free. It is good for us to reflect on Christ, the Key who unlocks the gates of heaven. Christ, the descendent of David, ransoms us from sin and darkness so we can walk in the light of his countenance. Take me to pray and be thankful for this gi !
Thursday, Dec. 21—O DAYSPRING—Elizabeth’s prayer which we say in the Hail Mary explains it all. Mary’s womb is blessed. The Song of Songs provides images to ponder when we think of the bridegroom coming to be with us.
Friday, Dec. 22—O King of Na ons—Today we meet Hannah, mother of Samuel and Mary. These two women sing the praises of God at the birth of their children. Both today’s psalm and the Magnificat praise God’s power to cash the rich aside and raise up the poor. Jesus, is the King of Na ons, he has conquered the enemy, let us rejoice!
Saturday, December 23—O EMMAUNUEL—Today, the prophet Malachi announces a messenger who will prepare the way for God’s coming. The gospel tells of John the Bap st’s birth. John calls us to repentance. Let us look at how we can make our rough ways smooth, so that the Lord comes to our hearts!
GLAD TIDINGS Today’s Readings: Isaiah 61:1-2a,10-11; Luke 1L46-50,53-54; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8,19-28.
Today is Guadete Sunday, the turning point in the Advent season. A er two weeks of contempla ng the end- me
and Christ’s second coming, the Church invites us to rejoice in Christ our Savior. We are filled with joy because we
know the the coming of Christ is the coming of our salva on. Like Mary, we rejoice because God’s love overflows
into the world and takes root in our hearts. Today’s response, from the Magnificat is Mary’s great song of praise and
puts her words of praise on our lips. Imagine her Joy. When has Christ filled you with joy? Jesus is the Anointed One
who brings Good News to the poor and frees the enslaved. Everything that God has promised to his people is
revealed in Jesus and con nues today to be revealed in his Church. Even though this is a Sunday of Joy, we must not
forget that many have lost hope and that they find themselves on the margins. Jesus calls on us to carry the cross
and be heralds of the Good News to the poor and brokenhearted. This week, use these readings for prayer, begin
discerning how you and our faith community can bring glad dings to the poor and release to those enslaved by sin
or mental heart problems.
SACRAMENT SCHEDULE Reconcilia on: Thursdays 10:45-11:45am; Saturday 3:30-4:30pm or by appointment Bap sm: First me parents must a end Bap smal Prepara on Classes. Registra on is mandatory. Contact the church office: 638-1984 First Communion/Confirma on: Please call 638-1984 Marriages: Contact Parish Office - 6 month advance no ce is required Anoin ng of the Sick: Contact the Office at 638-1984 Funerals: Call 638-4436 or e-mail [email protected]
WELCOME VISITORS AND GUESTS! We hope that you will find our parish community a place where your life of faith will be nourished. We also hope that you will share your special
gi s within the community. Your prayers, your presence, and your talents are most welcome. Please introduce yourself a er Mass.
SAINT PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH PARISH INFORMATION
PARISH STAFF DIRECTORY
PARISH OFFICE: 252-638-1984 NIGHT EMERGENCY: 252-638-4436
PASTORAL STAFF Father Thomas S Tully, Pastor: 638-1984 [email protected] Father Michael Schuetz, Parochial Vicar: 638-1984 [email protected] Deacon Rick Fisher: 229-1644 Deacon Mike Mahoney,ObISB: 571-1597 Sister Monique Dissen, IHM, Hospital: 675-0333
Bulle n: bulle [email protected] Cemetery: Danny Gennantonio 637-2322 Director Opera ons: Deacon David Kierski 633-0100 [email protected] Faith Forma on: Joy Harsen 229-2394 Music Ministry: Megan Johnson 633-0100 [email protected]
RCIA Coordinator: Marcelene McLure 633-2539
Catholic Chari es: 638-2188 Catholic Daughters: Belinda Swager 617-0849 Extraordinary Ministers of Eucharist: Mary Spano: 633-4768 Eucharis c Ministers (Home / Sick): Dennis Colbert: 638-1555 Finance Council: Bob Nenni: 635-6716 Knights Third Degree: Phil Nassef 229-9799 Knights Fourth Degree: David Rose 252-672-5226 Pastoral Council: [email protected] Religious Community Services: 633-2767 Rectory: 638-4436
Saint Paul School Administrator: Deacon Kierski: 633-0100
OLIVE BRANCH STORE & LENDING LIBRARY Open Sun. 9–1 & Wed. 9–12 in the FLC
THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE to get what you need to make your holidays shine. We are open Sunday, Dec. 17 & Wednesday, Dec. 20, but will be closed on Dec.
24 and 27. We will reopen Sunday, Dec. 31 and look forward to serving you in the new year. Thank you for your patronage and we hope to meet more of you in 2018! Get your 2018 Sunday Missal today!
WE NEED YOU - PLEASE VOLUNTEER WITH US!
All proceeds benefit St. Paul Catholic Church.
EME / LECTOR SCHEDULE: 12/23: 5PM - Team #2 12/24: 8AM - Team #1 / 11AM - Team #3
HELP NEEDED The church office is always in need of extra
volunteers. Help is needed to answer the phone, computer entry and general office work.
Commitment can be for 30 minutes a day or 7 hours a day. Call DeLesa for details at 252-638-1984.
NEXT WEEK’S SPECIAL COLLECTION Will add to the Priests Welfare and Re rement Fund
Your generous dona on to the Priest Re rement Fund helps meet the commitment to those who have
served our families faithfully here in our communi es.
These are the ones who have bap zed our children, married our children, given the sacraments to our
family, forgiven our sins, challenged us to live the Gospel, been at the bedside of the dying in the middle of the night and are at the altar every
Sunday to bring us Jesus. Now, it is our turn to say "Thank you."
