BULLETIN DEADLINE: NOON WEDNESDAY for the next weekend

E-mail: nativity.bulletin@hotmail. com

The Catholic Church of the Nativity 5955 St. Elmo Road Bartlett, TN 38135

Parish Office Hours: Mon—Fri 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Phone 901-382-2504 Emergency Phone 901-603-3364

Pastor: Father Robert Szczechura, STL robert.szczechura@cc.cdom.org Deacons: Frank Larker frank.larker@nativity.cdom.org Chris Frame cframe@paxdomini.org David Rosenthal, PhD david.rosenthal@nativity.cdom.org Administrative Assistant/ Office Manager: Angie 0’Neill angie.oneill@nativity.cdom.org Bookkeeper: Jim Moseley nativity.accounting@nativity.cdom.org Director of Music: Kyung-Won On kw.on@nativity.cdom.org Director of Religious Education: Theresa Krier theresah.krier@nativity.cdom.org Director of Youth Ministry: Stephen Peyton stephen.peyton@nativity.cdom.org Co-Directors Hispanic Ministry: Lyz Candia clyzcan@yahoo.com, 901-607-5982 and Lillian Luciano

Mass Schedules Daily Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. Weekend Saturday Vigil 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Spanish 5:00 p.m. Filipino First Sunday of Each Month (Tagalog/English) 12:30 p.m. Holy Days As Announced

Sacraments Reconciliation — Saturday 3:30p.m. to 4:30p.m. Sunday 9:30a.m. to 10:00a.m. or by appointment Spanish - Sunday 4:20p.m. to 4:50p.m.(1st Sunday of the month) Baptism — by appointment; please contact the parish office Marriage — Contact the parish office at least six months before the wedding

Third Sunday of Advent

December 16, 2018

www.nativitybartlett.org

December 15 & 16, 2018

Please Pray for Our Sick

Claire Fitzgerald Albino Annemarie Lee Allen Erlinda Amaba Vinnie Ariemma Sharon Branch Bill Brigrance Mike Bulderbach Carey & Nancy Casad Tina Burton Bill Coburn Joan Cunningham Doris Dalton Nick DeStefan Don Edwards Michael Ellis Sally Gyout Chad Hall David Hall Emilie Harris Leeghann Harrison Terry Head Rosa Holmes Barry Houston Catherine Johnson Donna Lampen Fran Leavey Ed List Annie Longoria Mary Mahoney Paul Baker Miller Cheyenne Montgomery Jacob Moody Fr. Mike Morgera Louise Northrop Shirley Odom John & June Patton A.J. & Lillian Perk Kevin Perk Fr. Robert Ponticello Karen Raney Maria Robertson Sam Sudduth Julia Theil Hannah Tighe Joe Tighe Mary Underwood Peter Voss Melissa Frame Vannucci Joyce R. West Barbara Williams Jack Lee Windley III Ann Wingate

† From Death to New Life May Those We have Loved & Lost Rest in Peace

Lillian Perk

Beloved Wife of A.J. Perk

Mass Intentions

Lance Corporal Mark Earnest; Senior Airman Christopher Dill; Pvt. John David Dill; A1C Ryan C. Marlin; AO1 Andrew E. Hopson; Commander Derek A. Vestal, Pvt. Maria Witges, Captain Luke Sauber (USMC), Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. Martindale U.S. Army, Richard A. Martin, Jr., BM1, (USCG) Captain Tami Kerns (US Army-Afghanistan) Captain Kevin Kerns (US Army-Hawaii) Captain Nicholas Burton. SSG. Carol Hopson, Gabriel Graven EF Specialist , Capt. Eric Wilder, MD, USAF

Pray for Our Troops

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Wednesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Thursday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Saturday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent; las Posadas begins Tuesday: International Migrants Day Friday: St. Peter Canisius; Winter begins

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Years ago, the trick question on religion quizzes would be to name all the liturgical colors, or the colors of the vest-ments worn at Mass. Rose is a color seldom seen, used at most two days a year. Today, “Gaudete Sunday,” is one of those days. The name of the day is drawn from an opening verse in the old Latin Mass texts: Gaudete is Latin for “Rejoice!” This year’s Gospel certainly reflects that mood as Elizabeth feels her infant within her leaping for joy at the presence of Mary. Mary’s visit to her aged cousin is an act of compassion between women, as two kinswomen who are bearing chil-dren into the world share their joy. Some churches retain the custom of having the priest wear rose vestments today, and many will use a rose candle in the Advent wreath. Violet is the official color for Advent and Lent, but many parishes employ different hues for each sea-son, trying to keep them distinct. In medieval times, dye was costly, and poor parishes used unornamented plain cloth for vestments. Dyes were expensive and some colors, particularly purple, difficult to achieve. In England, purple dye was made from mollusks, yielding at best a deep indigo or blue and not the desired violet. Thus, the color of Advent in the British Isles has long been a deep blue, reminding many people of Mary’s presence at the heart of the Advent mystery. That theology is largely unplanned: it’s all because of the clams! —James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

8:00am Weekdays Requested By Mon 17h Bob Savage + Pat Fitzgerald Susan Hanna’s Father Tue 18th June Cox + Diane & Randy McKinna Wed 19th Joseph Mastela + The Morning Group Thu 20th Ernie Lubiani + Pat Fitzgerald (1st Year Anniversary) Fri 21st William Ferguson + Jerry & Donna Lampen 8:00am Saturday Dec 15th Madeline Lampen + Jerry & Donna Lampen 22nd Brenda Gaia + George & Eileen Kuehl 5:00pm Saturday Dec 16th Martha & Willis Chambliss + The Schwill Family 22nd Tom Head + Pat Fitzgerald 8:00am Sunday Dec 16th Madeline Lampen + Jerry & Donna Lampen 23rd William Ferguson + Jerry & Donna Lampen 10:30am Sunday Dec 16th Jimmy & Ann Trainor+ Bob MaryAnn Trainor 23rd Haley M. Hennessey + Fr. Robert & Staff Nancy Hennessey’s Granddaughter 5:00pm Sunday - Spanish Dec 16th Parishioners 23rd Parishioners

Third Sunday of Advent

Help Someone See Place used eye glasses (including Sun glasses) in the recycle box provided. To Date: 118 pairs of eye glasses have been donated to the Knights of Columbus Ophthalmology Project plus 2 cell phones and 1 hearing aid.

Nativity Information

Third Thursday - December 20th From 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Altar Servers All children in 3rd grade or higher and all adults are encouraged to participate in the liturgy. Please call the Church office 901-382-2504, leave your name, and phone number.

Called to Serve: Adults are encouraged to become approved Liturgical Ministers by attending classes held periodically at Nativity. Please call the office, leave your name, and phone number if you are interested in becoming a Lay Minister. New parishioners: if you are already commissioned as a Lector or Eucharist Minister, please consider continuing your service at Nativity. Contact Angie O'Neill at the church Office for more information.

Lector Workbooks for 2019 are in the Narthex. Please pick one up if you are a scheduled Nativity Lector. Thank you!

Altar Flower Dedication There will be NO flower dedications during Advent. We will resume dedications the weekend of February 2nd/3rd.

POINSETTIA PICK UP – There will be only one pick up date which is December 15th & 16th.

From the Desk of Father Robert

Advent Wreath

1st CANDLE - (purple) THE PROPHECY CANDLE or OF HOPE We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises

made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13) 2nd CANDLE - (purple) THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF PREPARATION - God kept his promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Preparation means to "get ready". Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD! (Luke 3: 4-6) 3rd CANDLE - (pink) THE SHEPHERD CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF JOY - The angels sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2: 7-15) 4th CANDLE - (purple) THE ANGEL CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF LOVE - The angels announced the good news of a Savior. God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! (John 3:16-17)

Catholic Church of the Nativity Christmas Schedule

THE NATIVITY of THE LORD December 24th 4:00pm English Vigil Mass 7:30pm Filipino Mass 10:30pm Music Prelude 11:00pm English Mass December 25th 9:00am Polish Mass 10:30am English Mass 12:30pm Spanish Mass SOLEMINITY of MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER of GOD (New Year's Day) December 31st 5:00pm English Vigil Mass January 1st Noon Bilingual Mass

All Parishioners - Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Wednesdays 6:00 p.m.

December 15 & 16, 2018

Our Ministries

Become a member of Formed, it is FREE. You can view e-books, movies, audio books, audio bible, testimonies, inspiring talks and video studies to enhance your knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church. To set-up an account go to formed.org. then follow the instructions. Nativity's code is MV3JPX (all caps).

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Sundays: ages 3 yrs to 12 yrs, Confirmation 1 and 2 ; Contact Theresa Krier, PRE Director theresah.krier@nativity.cdom.org. Class times are posted on the Web site: nativitybartlett.org/calendar/ Cub Scouts Pack 258: Cub Scouts meet on most Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm either at the church or on adventures. Contact Mark Owens to register at key3@pack258.org or 901-827-1262. CYO 9-12 Grade Sundays from 6-8 pm Stephen Peyton, youth director stephen.peyton@nativity.cdom.org Fishers of Men: call the office Hands for God Puppet Productions: Most Sundays, 12-1 pm: For 5th-8th grade Puppeteers in Training; Contact John Walton 901-568-0910 or email nativitycats@aol.com. For updates go to: www.facebook.com/groups/830749576971608/ Helping Hands Ministry Knitting Group: meet the 1st Thursdays at 9 am in Holy Family Hall (Narthex). They help the homeless and Birthright babies Holy Family Ministry: for information contact David Rosenthal, PhD at david.rosenthal@nativity.cdom.org Knights of Columbus Council 14041: meet the 3rd Thursday at 6:30pm in Stelling Hall; contact Hank Winkler at 901-488-9053 or grandknight14041@gmail.com Liturgical Ministries: for information or questions regarding training or scheduling contact Jim Lippy 388-6515 or 371-6269 or the Church Office 901-382-2504 Men’s Club: Breakfast Meeting 9am1st Sat. of each Month Prison Ministry: for information contact Shellie Teems, 901-230-0074 Parish Outreach Food for the Sick: Contact Susan Hanna at 385-8277 or savhan@aol.com for information. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) preparation to receive Sacraments. Contact Deacon David or call the Church office for information. Society of St. Vincent de Paul: meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Contact Dawn Campbell 901-654-5773 for more information. Society of St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month: Meet at church at 7:45 am for carpooling: Contact John Walton, 901-568-0910 for info. TOPS - Take off the Pounds Sensibly: meet Mondays at 4:15-5:00pm for weigh-in; 5-6pm meetings in Stelling Hall. Women’s Guild: meets the 4th Tuesday at 7 pm the months of January, March, May, September and November.

RCIA CLASSES

meet on Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 8pm

Soup Kitchen Information! Volunteers meet at 7:45 am at Nativity on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. If you would like to volunteer, there is a sign up sheet on the table in the Narthex. You will need to bring a hat or other type of hair cover. If you want more informa-tion, please call John Walton 901-568-0910.

Check your calendar! Here are some dates that volun-teers are needed - Tuesday, December 18th.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL - Nativity Nativity Information

COME BE A PART OF OUR MUSIC MINISTRY! There are many opportunities for involvement. Interested in singing or ringing? Talk to KW after Mass or email at kw.on@nativity.cdom.org Tuesdays: Resurrection Choir, 10-11 am 2nd and 4th weeks Wednesdays: Children's Choir (grades 2-9), 5-5:45 pm Handbell Choir 6-7 pm Parish Choir 7:30-8:30pm

ALL ARE WELCOME! Kyung-Won "KW" On Director of Music

Third Sunday of Advent

Diocese Information

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Mike Austin & Fr. Michael Vu

10 Days: January 22-31, 2019, visiting Haifa, Tiberias, Naz-areth, Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Shepherd’s field, cross over the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, the Mount of Beati-tudes, the site of the Sermon on the Mount, Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, Mount Tabor, traditional site of the Transfiguration, walk where Jesus walked in Jerusa-lem. Hosted by Father Mike Austin and Father Michael Vu. $4199 per person based on two in a room. Includes round-trip from New Orleans, LA, Land, Hotels most meals. Book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Paula email Pilgrimagetothe-holyland@gmail.com or call 228 697 7814.

2019 Diocesan Celebration of Wedding Anniversaries

Saturday, February 9, 2019 10:00 am at

St. Louis Catholic Church

For more information, contact

College Students with a Heart for International Missions READ THIS

The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) Missionaries serving Memphis are recruiting students to participate in four different missions trips over spring and summer breaks: Guyana and Jamaica over spring break and the UK and Peru over the Summer. The goal is for students will meet Christ directly in their evangelization efforts with the poor, that they come back changed and want to do the same work with their peers on campus. For more information, contact Catholic Campus Ministry at info@ccm.cdom.org.

SEEK Conference for College Students

SEEK, a bi-annual conference hosted by Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), is a 5 day event in which the most renowned Catholic speakers come and share with college students and parishioners how to live out our faith in radical and impactful ways. Not only that, but there will be 15,000 Catholics from around the world coming together to grow in love for Jesus and one another. SEEK2019 will be engaging us in our desires for something more, and how only Jesus Christ can fulfill our deepest desires. Come join us for a week of influential talks, free concerts, Catholic vendors from across the nation, and incredible fellowship with Catholics around the world who are also seeking something more. For more information, contact Catholic Campus Ministry at info@ccm.cdom.org

Prayers of the Faithful for Advent

That those individuals and families who will receive food and clothing through Catholic Charities Fig Tree Ministry will know our love and support, we pray to the Lord.

Third Sunday of Advent: “All were questioning in their hearts.” Are you considering a vocation in the Church? Visit https://www.memphisvocations.com Call Fr. Yoelvis Gonzalez at (901) 373-1243, or write to: vocationsDirector@vocations.cdom.org.

REJOICE! Today has traditionally been called “Gaudete Sunday.” The Latin tag is derived from Paul’s appeal in the second reading to “rejoice always in the Lord,” and the Latin Mass text based on that reading. The irony and paradox of this Christian joy is underlined by the fact that Paul wrote those words in prison. But from there he could see the progress of God’s work. Is it obvious to us? We feel that this is not the time for joy when there is so much suffering and moral evil. It is interesting, then, that the first read-ing is from the prophet Zephaniah, who is almost exclusively concerned with gloomy visions of Judg-ment Day. Today the Church selects the only opti-mistic text in Zephaniah, in which the prophet has been touched by the spirit of joy. This, we are assured on all sides, is “the season of joy.” Let us recapture that feeling of joy in our lives and reflect it to those who are joyless. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

December 15 & 16, 2018

Diocese Information Holy Rosary Catholic Church Job Openings

Bookkeeper This full-time position is responsible for maintaining parish records necessary for proper accounting according to generally accepted accounting practices for religious organizations. Following established school and parish policies in all areas including finance, personnel, facility use and work schedules, work with professionals and volunteers for the welfare and growth of the parish community. Will provide work direction to Bookkeeping Assistant and volunteers. Qualifications: *High school diploma, Associates degree. *Minimum of 2 years of bookkeeping experience. *Ability to communicate and interact with others effectively while maintaining professional standards of confidentiality. *Ability to manage multiple tasks; set priorities and plan work to accomplish required tasks. Maintenance Technician This part-time position is responsible for maintaining building equipment, heating, cooling plumbing and electrical systems at various locations as assigned by the Director. Qualifications: *Three years of experience in building and school maintenance. *Basic electrical knowledge of high and low voltage systems; ability to read schematics. *Basic plumbing knowledge including use of propane torch and PVC solvent welding. *Own tools appropriate to perform majority of smaller tasks. *Capable of walking, climbing ladders, lifting materials and equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and operating basic maintenance equipment. *Ability to communicate and interact with others effectively. TO APPLY FOR EITHER POSITION, PLEASE GO TO: The Catholic Diocese of Memphis Website at http://cdom.org Choose DEPARTMENT --- HUMAN RESOURCES --- JOB OPENINGS

Diocesan Nights of Discernment: For Men - 1st Monday of the month. Next one on December 3rd, at 6pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception For Women - 3rd Monday of the month. Next one on December 17th, at 6pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception For more information contact Father Yoelvis Gonzalez, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Memphis at (901) 373-1243 or vocationsdirector@vocations.cdom.org

Fig Tree Emergency Services Catholic Charities provides food and clothing to those in need through our food pantry, mobile food outreach and clothing closet. More than 20,000 individuals received help the Fig Tree Emergency Services program last year. Please support the work of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee during this season of Advent in their annual campaign, Serving Dignity and Hope. Building Self-Sufficiency. Please donate at ccwtn.org/new-donate/ or by returning the envelope found in the brochure mailed to your home.

St. Benedict, an authentic co-ed Catholic High School, is still accepting applications for the 2019-20 school year. For information or tour, visit sbaeagles/admissions.

Catholic Diocese of Memphis/ Admin. Assistant, Dept. of Pastoral Life Ministries Performs administrative and office support activities for the Department of Pastoral Services in order to maintain department and office efficiency. This is a full-time position. Job Duties (include but are not limited to): Prepare documents, pamphlets and brochures; develop and maintain working files. Handle routine correspondence. Manage and maintain databases for various lists and groups. Manage and maintain mailing list of diocesan personnel and volunteers. Collect and distribute daily mail. Prepare and process mailing/shipping paperwork. Prepare material for mass mailings. Manage incoming calls promptly and courteously; distribute messages promptly. Make telephone calls as needed. Ensure that the telephone is attended at all times either through the switchboard or someone in the office. Respond to calls for After Hours Emergency Response Team (AHERT) by locating priests for Catholic patients. Process registration for various ministries for conferences, workshops, classes or events. Provide hospitality for meetings, gatherings and events, including setting up meeting rooms, ensuring availability of seasonal materials, and putting meeting rooms in order after events. Maintain confidentiality of all information. Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent. Minimum one year office work experience. Knowledge of filing, record management, Microsoft Office applications and standard office equipment. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to prioritize and organize workload. Bi-lingual Spanish desirable. How to Apply: Please send a resume and letter of introduction to: Director of Human Resources 5825 Shelby Oaks Drive Memphis, TN 38134 Or email it to: jobs@cc.cdom.org with the job title in the subject line.

ONLINE GIVING To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at www.nativitybartlett.org. Locate the Online Giving button and set up your recurring giving schedule. The first time you give, you will select a password that will enable you to log in at any time and make changes to your giving or view your complete online giving history for Online Giv-ing .

Third Sunday of Advent

15th Poinsettia Pick Up for Home Set Up for Christmas Party 16th Poinsettia Pick Up for Home 9:00am PRE 11:30am Puppet Practice 11:45am PRE - Communion Class 3:45pm Armada Bianca 5:00pm Lessons & Carols 6:00pm Parish Christmas Dinner 17th 4:30pm TOPS 18th NO EVENING GROUPS MEETING 7:00pm Nativity Penance Service 19th 5:00pm Children’s Choir 6:00pm Hand Bells 6:00pm Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 6:30pm RCIA 7:00PM Parish Choir 20th 5:00pm Third Thursday Adoration 6:00pm Hispanic Folklore Group 6:30pm Knights of Columbus 21st OFFICE CLOSED NOON TO 5:00PM Christmas Decorating 22nd Noon Baptism Class - English 23rd NO PRE, 1st COMMUNION, CYO or PUPPET PRACTICE 3:45pm Armada Bianca 6:00pm Posada 24th OFFICE CLOSED 25th OFFICE CLOSED NO RESURRECTION CHOIR PRACTICE 1:30pm Spanish Gathering 26th OFFICE CLOSED NO CHOIR or HANDBELL PRACTICE 6:00pm Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 6:30pm RCIA 27th No Events Scheduled on Church Calendar 28th 6:00pm Hispanic Folklore Group 29th 7:00pm Polish Event - Kolenda 30th NO PRE, 1st COMMUNION, CYO or PUPPET PRACTICE Noon 5th Sunday Potluck 3:45pm Armada Bianca 31st OFFICE CLOSED 4:30pm TOPS NO SPANISH BAPTISM CLASS

Offerings for November, 2018

3rd Week - Regular collections: $8,585 Cor Unum: Maint. Fund $3,584 Month to Date Total: Regular Collection $27,903 (Budget $39,633) Cor Unum $ 6,623 (Maint Fund)

ANNOUCEMENTS TO BE MADE BY FATHER AT MASS NEED TO BE SENT TO ANGIE O’NEILL BY NOON Thursday!

2nd Collection December 25th - Villa Vianney Priests Residence

Scheduling Events at the Church

To All Ministry Leaders and Nativity Groups: We are a growing and vibrant Parish Community and I ask this special request of you. Please remember that we are a family of worship and share our God given gifts and church space to-gether. And as we continually grow in our ministries, I ask that group leaders please submit your yearly calen-dar by email or in writing to Angie O’Neill . We have limited meeting spaces that fill up very quickly and it is most appreciated if all will communicate by email with angie.oneill @nativity.cdom.org for scheduling all events. The Office Calendar is the Official Church Calendar. If there are conflicts in dates and times, we hope all of you are willing to work together to coordinate usage of our building and grounds. Thank you for your patience and understanding and for working together as a very large and faithful family. May God continue to bless each of us and the work we do as The Catholic Church of the Nativity. Fr. Robert

Bulletin Information

To View the Bulletin online go to https://www.facebook.com/nativitybartlett/ or to https://www.nativitybartlett.org .

Go to nativitybartlett.org/calendar/ for scheduled present/future events.

HAS SOMETHING CHANGED????

Keep your Information Current If your phone number, work number, cell number, address, e-mail address, or name changes, please notify the office 382-2504. Thank-you!