The Parish of Saint Cecilia December 22, 2019 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ... the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” –Matthew 20-21 Joseph’s Dream, Gaetano Gandolfi, c. 1790
DAILY MASSES: Mon.-Sat. 9 AM, Wed. 6:45 AMTHE ROSARY: Mon.-Sat. 8:35 AMDAILY COMMUNION SERVICE: Mon.-Sat. 8 AMHOLY DAY MASSES: 9 AM, 12:10 PM & 5:30 PMLATIN MASSES: Tues. 9 AM CONFESSIONS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30 AM, Wed. 7:05-7:15 AM and 7:05-7:50 PM, Sat. 3-3:30 PM, Sun. 7-7:30 AM and 9-9:30 AMADORATION: Wed. 9:30 AM-8 PMHOLY HOUR: Wed. 7-8 PMSTATIONS OF THE CROSS: Fri. 9:30 AM BAPTISMAL PREPARATION: Please register for your baptism at www.stceciliacincinnati.org under the Sacraments tab. You can also select your class dates there.
MASS SCHEDULE FOR ST. MARGARET-ST. JOHN: Mon.-Fri. 11:45 AM, Sat. 3 PM, Sun. 10 AMMASS SCHEDULE FOR ST. ANTHONY: Sun. 8:30 & 11:30 AM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 8 AM Communion Service9 AM Intentions of Mary Lou Boylan
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 (Christmas Eve) 9 AM Communion Service 3 PM For the People 5 PM Intentions of Bob Dwyer by Jack & Sue Helbling
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 (Nativity of the Lord) Midnight Intentions of St. Cecilia Families 10 AM Jean Metz Off Larry Metz
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 (Saint Stephen) 8 AM Communion Service 9 AM David Floyd Gallegos Off Jack & Carol Gallegos
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 (Saint John the Apostle) 8 AM Communion Service 9 AM Chuck Rodgers Off Eileen & Susan
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 (The Holy Innocents) 8 AM Communion Service 9 AM Gene Hannawalt Off Herta Larison 1 PM Wedding of Michael Voet & Elizabeth Pearson 4 PM Intentions of Shirley Perkins by – Terry & Donald Shank
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 (The Holy Family) 8 AM Jim Voskuhl Off Ken & Mary and Family 10 AM Joan Nau Off Robert Nau & Family 8:15 PM Intentions of St. Cecilia Families
Robert Kellison, Dir. of Music Ministry & Stewardship871-5757, ext. 208 / [email protected]
Marta Misleh, Assistant to the Pastor 871-5757, ext. 207 / [email protected]
3105 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45209(513) 871-5757 | www.stceciliacincinnati.org
Marriage Banns III Michael Voet & Elizabeth Pearson I Greg Lech & Rachel Wade I Adam Stacy & Stephanie Winterman
Priest Emergency Line: (513) 815-5038
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DECEMBER 22, 2019
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Chapters 7 & 8
This week marks the final week of the study of our Advent book, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary. Looking at chapter 7, Dr. Brant Pitre discusses the popular connection between Jesus and Joseph from the book of Genesis (technicolored dream coat, not Jesus’ earthly father). However, he uses this comparison of Jesus and Joseph to pivot to the main focus of the chapter: the deep comparison of Mary and Joseph’s mother, Rachel. While there were many connections drawn in the book, Dr. Pitre gives a typological chart comparing the Old Testament and New Testament figures:
Old Testament > New Testament
1. Rachel > Mary2. Joseph: firstborn son of Rachel > Jesus: firstborn son of Mary
3. Benjamin: “son” of Rachel’s “Sorrow” > John: “son” of Mary’s “sorrow”4. 12 Sons: Benjamin is “beloved” > 12 Apostles: John is “beloved”
In other words, just as Benjamin was specially loved by Joseph because they were both the only blood-sons of Rachel, so John is spe-cially “loved” by Jesus because they have the same mother … And just as Benjamin was the “son” of Rachel’s “sorrow,” because she had to die to give birth to him, so John becomes the “son” of Mary’s sorrow, because Mary becomes his mother only through the anguish and “sorrow” that she experiences at the foot of the cross. Just as Rachel was the “matriarch” of her people — the mother of all Israel (Jeremiah 31:15), then it seems clear that Mary, the new Rachel, is the “matriarch” of the entire Church!
The final chapter of this book deals with Mary and the beloved disciple, John, at the foot of the cross where Jesus says one of his last statements, “Woman, Behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. What a fitting way to end this book and our time together. This constant reminder that we are called to enter into a relationship with OUR mother, that we are called to bring her into our homes as John did, this reminder is one that can only bring us closer to her son, who is the Messiah, the one young child to arrive in only a few short days! This is my challenge to you: invite the Blessed Mother into your homes and into your lives. Become best friends with her so that she may constantly intercede on your behalf to her son. What an amazing friend we have in Mary.
Amen? Amen!
Mass Intentions. If you have any particular intentions for which you would like to have a Mass offered, please contact your parish office. Intentions are often requested for those who have died, but may include any kind of need that your or someone you know is experienc-ing for which prayer is needed.
PA S T O R’ S R A M B L I N G S | 4
1-2 | WELCOME, CHILDREN OF GOD Welcome, Marion Katherine Robers, daughter of Matt and Rene Robers. Welcome, Leighton Marie Bruening, daughter of Chris and Christen Bruening.
3 | ST. CECILIA MOMS GROUP The Saint Cecilia Moms Group had a lovely morning out with brunch and shopping at a local arti-san fair. They got to shop and spend time with each other without little ones for a few hours which I know they enjoyed!
4-5 | LOCAL ARTISTS Three St. Cecilia parishioners were selling their hand-crafted work and paintings at a Christmas art fair the Mariemont Barn. Sue Helbling sold her beautiful oil paintings. Greg Donovan sold his woodwork cutting boards and so much more. His wife Colleen also sold some of her acrylic paintings and signs. I’m glad I was able to stop by and see the wonderful work they had created.
6 | CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Samantha Lueb-bers and Ken Peddicord who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage on Dec. 7. Fr. David Doseck celebrated the Mass. Ken and his family are long-time parishioners of St. Cecilia.
7 | SAENGERFEST I was able to hear the St. Anthony choir per-form at Memorial Hall on December 7 for Saengerfest. They and so many other choirs were wonderful to hear.
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E A S T S I D E FA I T H | 5
Wisdom of the Fathers Don’t forget to give thanks.
Rome came very close to being destroyed by Attila the Hun, but Pope St. Leo the Great went out unarmed to meet the unstoppable conqueror and somehow persuaded him to turn back. Here Leo scolds the Romans for failing to give proper thanks to God for their deliverance.
“I beg you, dear friends, let the words of the Savior touch our hearts. When by the power of his mercy he had cured ten lepers, he said that only one out of all of them had come back to give thanks – doubtless meaning that, though the ungrateful ones had gained bodily health, yet they failed in this godly duty because of ungodliness of health.
Don’t let yourselves be accused of the same kind of ingrati-tude! Remember the wonders he was pleased to perform among us. Attribute our deliverance not — as the ungodly think — to the influence of the stars, but to the unspeakable mercy of Almighty God, who has been pleased to soften the hearts of raging barbarians. Then come to the commemoration of such a great benefit with all the enthusiasm of faith.” – St. Leo the Great, Sermon, 84, 2
IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER…
Have I shown proper gratitude for all the wonders God has done in my life?
CLOSING PRAYERLord, with your help may I never fail to praise you for all the gifts you have given me in your creation.
Meet Your Candidates & CatechumensSETH CEBULA
Favorite bible verse: Blessed be the Lord,
my rock, who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle. – Psalm 144:1
Favorite Saint: Saint Paul
Why do you want to become Catholic?
I was raised in an evangelical background
and through that I came to desire God.
However, I could not reconcile all they taught with Scripture and the
questions I had. When the Church’s leadership turned against itself,
I turned to God and asked Him to send me to His True Church.
Thus, He led me here.
Augustine Institute CD SeriesSt. Cecilia recently just purchased 15 new titles CDs (and other
items) from Augustine Institute are located in the vestibule of
St. Cecilia church. Kindly donate $3 for each you would like to
take or make a check payable to the parish for the appropriate
amount. Share your CD with another once you’ve listened to it!
One act of thanksgiving when things go
wrong with us is worth a thousand thanks when
things are agreeable to our inclination.
– John of Avila
Q
Winter Faith Formation StudiesWho Am I To Judge: Responding to Relativism with Logic and LoveMONDAYS FROM JAN. 20 – MAR. 9 | 7-8:30 PM AT ST. CECILIA PARISH (ST. CECILIA COMMONS)
How do we talk about morality in a world that no longer believes in TRUTH? When we’re bombarded with messages of “Be toler-
ant!” “Don’t judge!” and “Coexist!” many good people feel afraid to say anything is right or wrong anymore.
This 8-part study gives us an important key to responding to relativism effectively—a Catholic moral worldview. Learn how
Catholic morality is all about love, how making a judgment is not judging a person’s soul, and how, in the words of Pope Francis,
“relativism wounds people” and is “the spiritual poverty of our times.”
To register, please go to our parish website and click on the button labeled “Who Am I to Judge.” Simply fill out the digital regis-
tration form and click submit to be placed on the roster.
Wisdom: God’s Vision for LifeMONDAYS FROM JAN. 20 – MAR. 9 | 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM AT SM-SJ PARISH (RECTORY CONFERENCE ROOM)
Scripture and the Tradition of the Catholic Church provide an abundance of wisdom, though it can often be challenging to apply it
to our lives. In this study, Jeff Cavins and Thomas Smith examine biblical wisdom as it relates to daily life.
Drawing on the wisdom literature of the Bible—Proverbs, Wisdom, Sirach, and Ecclesiastes—Wisdom will teach you how to
actively seek out sound guidance and increase your sense of peace in navigating life. In everything from friendships to finances, from
making decisions to attaining peace of mind, Scripture offers a vision for happiness and well-being. With this program, you will
learn how to gather, gain, and grow in wisdom, and you will experience the joy it brings to your life.
To register, please go to our parish website and click on the button labeled “Wisdom.” Simply fill out the digital registration form
and click submit to be placed on the roster.
uote of the Week
N E W S & N O T E S | 6
Saint Cecilia School UpdatesSANTA’S WORKSHOP: Our Santa’s Workshop was huge success! Our school children had a great time shopping for their loved
ones. Thank you to everyone that donated supplies and to those that volunteered their time at the event! Thank you also to Kroger
and Huntington Bank for their donations of paper goods! NOVEMBER CHARACTER AWARDS: For the month of November,
students learned about Saint Cecilia and her virtue of determination. The following students were recognized this month for
demonstrating determination just like Saint Cecilia: Francisco Vale, Lupita Vega-Diaz, Anthony Paz-Amador, Diego OrtizHer-
nandez, Molly Dalley, Ivana Gallegos-Umanzor, Deon Hall, Grace Ferra-Villalobos, Jasmine Henderson and Danielle Charleston.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: Students participated in Operation Christmas Child this holiday season. School families
brought in toys, personal hygiene items and other supplies to give to needy children throughout the world. Together, they helped
about 100 children!
Vocation NightMt. St. Mary’s Seminary is hosting a Vocation Night on
Wednesday, January 29, from 5-9 PM. The night is for men,
college age and older, who are discerning the path God wants
them to follow. For more information or to register, visit
www.cincinnativocations.org or call Fr. Dan Schmitmeyer at
513.263.3390.
Vocation Discernment Retreat for MenAre you a college age man or older and wondering who God wants
you to be? The Vocation Office for the Archdiocese is hosting
a discernment retreat at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in
Norwood on January 10-12. The retreat starts at 6 PM and con-
cludes on Sunday by 11 AM. There is no cost for the retreat. For
more information or to register, visit www.cincinnativocations.
org or call Fr. Dan Schmitmeyer at 513.263.3390.
Marriage Annulments The Catholic Church dedicates much time and effort to prepare
couples for marriage. However, despite the couples’ best efforts,
unfortunately a marriage union sometimes fails to reach fulfill-
ment for both parties and may end in a civil divorce. The Catho-
lic Church has mechanisms and processes in place to assist people
in these situations, especially if they anticipate another marriage.
If you find yourself in this circumstance, we would like to help. To
learn more about how to get assistance, please contact Joe Fondac-
aro in our pastoral region at 871-5757, ext. 222, or at jfondacaro@
eastsideregion.org. All inquiries are kept in strict confidence.
T H E L A S T PAG E | 7
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Proud to bea COMMUNITYfavorite
STEWARDSHIP OF FINANCETHE WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 8, 2019
Offertory $7,546.50Online $7,038.20TOTAL $14,584.70 Society of St. Vincent de Paul $1,477.00Attendance 1,136
Average Collection $13,696.98Weekly Budget $13,730.77Difference -$33.79
Our annual CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER will be held from noon until 2 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the school cafeteria. The dinner is free of charge and open to all—we would love to see you there! Meal deliveries are available by calling Peggy at 513-321-0650. All request
for meal deliveries must be made by 5 PM on Friday, Dec. 20.This dinner needs your help to be a success! Help us bring
some Christmas joy into our Oakley community by providing a meal and companionship for those who have no where else to go on this special holiday. A total of 65 ten-pound hams will be needed and funds to put this meal on. Please help in any way you can. Monetary donations can be dropped in the collection basket marked “Christmas Dinner” or mailed to the St. Cecilia rectory.
For any of the numerous volunteer opportunities available, please call Julie at 513-478-3575. This year we need more volunteers to help pick up food donations on Dec. 24; if anyone can help with this let me know. We will need people to cut the hams and prepare the fixings (especially Sunday, Dec. 22—the day hams are ask to be dropped off) set up the cafeteria, serve meals, wash dishes, prepare carry-outs, engage in hospitality, deliver meals and help with clean-up. With all of your help we can bring the spirit of Christmas to our community and show them the love of Jesus Christ.
Join other members of the parish as we prepare our church for Christmas! This is a great way to get involved and meet fellow parishioners. Decorating will begin this Monday, Dec. 23, at 6PM. If you can only volunteer your time for a little bit, we would love your help!
Christmas at Saint CeciliaM A S S T I M E S
December 24 ~ 3 and 5 PMDecember 25 ~ Midnight and 10 AM
Christmas GivingThe people of St. Cecilia are very generous to the parish, es-pecially at this time of year. Your special Christmas offering helps us meet our budgeted expenses for our beautiful church and is greatly appreciated. You can make your special gifts online as well as your regular offertory giving. Or you can text your gift at 434-3577. For more information, visit www.stcecilia-cincinnati.org and click on the Online Giving logo.
