Third Sunday Third Sunday Third Sunday Third Sunday

of Advent of Advent of Advent of Advent

December 16, 2012December 16, 2012December 16, 2012December 16, 2012 MONDAY, December 17, 2012

9:00 a.m. �Jean Albrecht by The Riddle Family TUESDAY, December 18, 2012

9:00 a.m. �Lloyd Mosher by Anne Mosher WEDNESDAY, December 19, 2012

9:00 a.m. �Mary Mervar by Philip A. Janiga THURSDAY, December 20, 2012

9:00 a.m. �Kathy Conkle by Henrietta & Thomas Bishop FRIDAY, December 21, 2012

9:00 a.m. �Rose Lee Yeker SATURDAY, December 22, 2012

5:30 p.m. �Charles Cesnar by Holy Family Council K of C #3682 SUNDAY, December 23, 2012

7:00 a.m. �Jim Carrico by Carrico Family 8:30 a.m. �Hadas Halibo & Hagos Hayelom by Selma Tesaft 10:30 a.m. �Al Weinbeck by Dorothy Weinbeck & Gunn Family Noon �In Rememberance of Christine & Patricia Helmer by Bob & Susie Pierce 5:30 p.m. For the Parish

Worship and Word

Gospel : Luke 3:10-18 Theme: John baptized with water, but the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Question for Children: Why is it so important to keep promises which you have made? Question for Youth: What do you remember from stories about your Baptism? What does your Baptism mean to you now? Question for Adults: How can you live the promise of your Baptism each day?

Prayer ListPrayer ListPrayer ListPrayer List IllnessIllnessIllnessIllness

Judy Adams, Mary Ellen Alig, Ed Benedict, Shirley Bische, Megan Bozarth, Ann Bozich, Cindy Brown, Michelle Chasteen, Blaine Coomer, Debbie Courtney, Lisa Crawford, Shelbi Crouch, Frank Danbeck, John Danyluk, Kristen Decker, Abela Dicen, Annie

Dimmitt, Helen Elliott, Eileen Garrett, Gerald Glassing, Dennis Goldsberry, Jerry Hayman, Mary Heinrich, Laura Henneberry, Mike Hession, Steve Hill, Connie Higgins, Billy Hubner, Stephen Jensen, Richard Kallock, Carol Lindauer, Rita McAtee, John McFall, Mary Maillet, Diane Metheny, Keaton Wm. Mielcarek, Aaron Miles, Jennifer Moore, Maggie Morris, Kim Newman, Dan Orcutt, Madeline Owens, Rita Paradise, Mary Lou Pearson, Mary Ellen Pereau, Kay Peterson, Sharon Phillians, Jim Poole, Rita Portish, Ralph Rancourt, May Resendiz, Michael Robertson, Pat Salata, Tony Salati, Susie Schneider, Caitlyn Sears, Deanna Shively, Judy Sieferman, Theresa Simmons, Elmer Szhlensker, Mike Tippmann, Joe Valentine, Vicki Walker, Linda Weilhamer, Brenda Williams,

Ed Williams DeathsDeathsDeathsDeaths None

Readings for the Week of December 16, 2012 Monday Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72; Mt 1:1-17 Tuesday Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72; Mt 1:18-25 Wednesday Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71; Lk 1:5-25 Thursday Is 7:10-14; Ps 24; Lk 1:26-38 Friday Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33; Lk 1:39-45 Saturday 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2; Lk 1:46-56

Third Sunday of Advent • December 15/16, 2012 In today’s Gospel we hear the prophet John the Baptist being asked a profound stewardship question: “What should we do?” Each group wants to know the appropriate response to John’s call; each reply points to how they should treat others. John does not simply say, “Be baptized.” Rather, he points them to their jobs and personal relationships. John’s message is simple: judgment is near, and repentance includes treating others well. We should be willing to share what we have with those in need. To listen to John the Baptist is to be called to account. Do I give only of my excess, or am I the good steward who is willing to sacrifice in order to help others?

This Sunday’s Readings Next Sunday’s Readings Zephaniah 3:14-18a Micah 5:1-4a Philippians 4:4-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 3:10-18 Luke 1:39-45 Gather Book 999 Gather Book 1002

Resources & Development

Bingo—December 21, 2012

Callers; J Csenar, M Elliott, T McCall

Team #3 — Co-Captains; S Andrews, V Hamblen: Early Setup; A Kochell: Supply; G Price: Salad; A Cunanan: Fryer; C Fultz: Workers; N DeLeon, J Garino, A Kochell, M Miley, D Reyes, M Ruble: Bakers: M Cesnik, K Jost, D Hood, A Schick, A Thompson: Biscuits; D Voegele

Parish Stewardship of Treasure Week of December 9, 2012

Weekly Budget $25,849.06 Weekly Offering $30,910.25 YTD Actual $553,555.41 YTD Budget $620,377.36 YTD Gain (Loss) ($66,821.95) Endowment $1,175.00 Special Collection $7,484.00 Holy Day $3,132.00

December 23 & 30 No Meetings

January 6 No Meeting

Meetings resume again on January 13, 2013

Jr. High Youth Ministry meetings are in the school

cafeteria following the 5:30 p.m. Sunday Mass.

Faith Formation

C.C.D. Program C.C.D. Program C.C.D. Program C.C.D. Program ---- Mark your calendars!Mark your calendars!Mark your calendars!Mark your calendars!

December 23 & 30 No Classes

January 6 No Classes

Classes resume again January 13, 2013

CCD classes are held in the school building at 9:30 to

10:20 a.m. on Sunday mornings. For more information,

contact: Sister Mary Ann 241-6314 ext. – 119

mdefazio@saintchristopherparish.org

Pilgrimage For Life: All

high school students at St. Christopher are encouraged to join our trip to Washington, DC with the West Deanery for Pilgrimage for Life. Highlights of the trip include the March For Life, a tour of the popular

monuments, and a tour of the shrine of the National Basilica. We will be traveling by charter bus and the West Deanery has two buses reserved. Spots will be limited to those two buses. Seats are awarded on a “first-come first-served basis.” The cost of the trip is $200. We will be sleeping on air mattresses at a church in Arlington, VA. We will be leaving on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. and will be returning on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 10:00 p.m. This trip is an opportunity for reflection and prayer about many pro-life issues. In addition to those opportunities we will have the chance to tour parts of Washington, DC. If you would like to attend, please check our website for forms. Turn in forms as soon as possible to reserve a spot. For additional information and details, call Tom Steiner at 241-6314 ext. 125. We will need an adult female chaperone, if anyone is interested please contact Tom Steiner.

United Catholic Appeal (UCA) Christ Our Hope calls us to support the Parish and Archdiocese ministry needs. The UCA is one way we can share with people in need and provide assistance to all of our ministries throughout the Archdiocese. This year our parish goal is $128,328, to date we have received $43,143. Thank you for your

prayerful consideration and generosity.

Remembering St. Christopher Parish in Your Will: Have you ever considered including St. Christopher Parish in your Will? When you create a Will, you have the ability to make a gift that continues your lifetime values. A bequest through your Will or other

planned gift is easy to do and makes a difference in the life of our parish community! No amount is too small to make a positive impact. For further information, including sample language for your Will, please contact our St. Christopher Business Manager, Mary Blake at 241-6314 extension 117 for a confidential conversation.

We will not be sending our statement of contributions in December. We know that generally people have been very generous in their donations to the Sunday collections and the renovation fund despite the June fire which resulted in closing the church for several months. We thank you for your generosity throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding your contributions during the year, please email Mary Blake at mblake@saintchristopherparish.org or call 241-6314, Ext. 117.

Dec 22-5:30 p.m. B/A Duffy Dec 23-7:00 a.m. K/M Matter Dec 23-8:30 a.m. K Endres/M Kesler Dec 23-10:30 a.m. J/J Szumski Dec 23-Noon Z Evans/N McKinley Dec 23-5:30 p.m. J Bontempo/W Kochell

Faith Formation

St. Chris Food Pantry Information:

Pantry News

The Pantry still needs cereal, peanut butter, jelly, pasta and

sauce, size 4 and size 5 diapers, baby food (especially

vegetables) to help the patrons with their food supply.

St. Christopher Food Pantry

Sr. High Youth Ministry (in the PAR)

Following 5:30 p.m. Sunday Mass

December 23 & 30—No Meeting

January 6—No Meeting Meetings resume again on January 13, 2013

Christian Services

Rejoice in the Lord Always In my past, I sang in a church choir. Singing Rejoice In The Lord Always was a favorite of mine and still is. We would rehearse it along with other

hymns and songs preparing for a concert to be sung before the late night Christmas Eve Mass. Whenever I left practice, I found that the tune and words would be in my mind and on my lips. When I hear the words, even now, I still find that the tune and words run around in my thoughts. Sometimes, when things are in chaos it is hard to remember to rejoice in the Lord. A few deep breaths and stillness seems to help me to remember, "all things work for good for those who love God."

Rejoice in the Lord Always.

By: Trudy BledsoeBy: Trudy BledsoeBy: Trudy BledsoeBy: Trudy Bledsoe

Liturgical Commission

Adult Faith Corner December 23—No Adult Faith Corner December 30—No Adult Faith Corner

December 23, 2012

8:30 a.m.—Dave Titara

10:30 a.m.—Pete Martich

LITURGY SCHEDULE Weekend Liturgies Saturday, December 22, 2012 5:30 p.m. Sunday, December 23, 2012 7:00; 8:30; 10:30 a.m. Noon; 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Liturgies Monday, December 24, 2012 4:00; 6:00; 10:00 p.m. Christmas Day Liturgies Tuesday, December 25, 2012 8:30; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 26, 2012-No Liturgies Weekend Liturgies Saturday, December 29, 2012 5:30 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2012 7:00; 8:30; 10:30 a.m. Noon; 5:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve Vigil Monday, December 31, 2012 5:30 p.m. New Year’s Day Liturgy Tuesday, January 1, 2013 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2013-No Liturgies

EUCHARIST MINISTERS & SERVERS: A NEW SCHEDULE IS BEING PREPARED FOR February 2 through May 26, 2013. Please notify the office of your vacation dates, etc. during this time period at 241-6314 extension 122 (Sharon),

email at sspencer@saintchristopherparish.org; or sign the sheets in the sacristy. All information will be due by Sunday, January 6. Thank you.

Christian Services Parish Life

‘YEAR OF FAITH’ - DISCUSSION EVENING Our Archdiocese is inviting us to make suggestions for a resource called “10 Things We Want You to Know About the Catholic Faith.” To

prepare to make these suggestions you are invited to read, and reflect on the important document known as “Christ the Light of the Nations” (in Latin, Lumen Gentium). You can find the document Lumen Gentium at www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/index.htm. You can now find a Reflection and Discussion Guide for Lumen Gentium. The resource can be downloaded and printed from the link www.archindy.org/yearoffaith/resources.html. Reading and sharing will prepare you to participate in our parish meetings for the Year of faith.

Opportunities assist Saint Vincent de Paul to help people living in poverty:

There will be a "5th Sunday SVdP Collection" after all Masses on 12-30-12. Thanks for your support.

• 2nd Saturday of each month – January 12 - SVdP Indy Food Pantry. Meet in the St. Chris parking lot at 7:30 am.

• 4th Saturday each month - December 22 - The Saturday Before Christmas - Help Feed the Hungry. Pass out food and clothes to homeless people. Meet in the St. Chris parking lot at 7:30 am.

• Saturday, January 26 – Help at the SVdP Distribution 1201 East Maryland Street. Meet in the St. Chris parking lot at 7:30 am. We work until about noon.

• We need help every Saturday at the SVdP Food Pantry and Distribution Center. The hours are flexible to fit your availability. We especially need people to drive trucks and help pick up furniture.

• C o n t a c t P a u l G u e n i n a t 2 4 4 - 9 7 3 1 or padeceje2@aol.com for further information and times and places to meet for carpooling.

Sleeping on a hard floor is Painful! We Need Your Beds! Thanks for your bed donations! Please donate your extra beds to SVdP so they can be given to parents and children who are now sleeping on the hard floor. WE HAVE 20+ PEOPLE WAITING ON A BED. To donate beds contact Paul Guenin @ 244-9731 or padeceje2@aol.com. We have received 203 beds since we started in October 2010 - Thanks!

SVdP Donation Options:

• Clothing only may be placed in the glass enclosure on the south side of the school and marked "SVdP.”

• To donate furniture and appliances call the SVdP Donation phone line, 687-1006 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Washers and dryers are also in short supply, and the SVdP Distribution Center will accept units for checkout and repair regardless of condition.

• If you have a reliable car or van you would be willing to donate, please contact Paul Guenin at 244-9731 or padeceje2@aol.com

Aluminum Can Recycling: Thanks for donating your empty aluminum cans. We send the money collected to Catholic Relief Services to help people in need around the world. We recently had Zore's Recycling volunteer to come and pick up a truckload of cans valued at about $500.

Due to a variety of situations there have been delays in the production of the Pictorial Directory. I expect that it will be available in late winter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Sr. Mary Ann DeFazio

mdefazio@saintchristopherparish.org 241-6314 extension 119

Christmas “Elves” preparing a little surprise for our Shut-In Ministry.

The Parish Office will be closed on December 24, 25 and 26 and again on December 31, January 1 and 2.

Message from Fr. Dave

CEO of Indigo BioSystems to address Catholic Business Exchange: Raul Zavaleta, CEO of Indigo BioSystems, will speak at the December Catholic Business Exchange. His topic will be: Is Capitalism compatible with Catholicism? The event is

Friday morning, December 21, at the North Side Knights of Columbus. Mass starts at 6:30 a.m. and the program will be finished by 8:30 a.m. Cost for the program includes a great breakfast and is $15 in advance for members and $21 for non-members. Registration is required. To register, pay online and for more information, visit www.catholicbusinessexchange.com.

Around the Archdiocese

Come & See Weekend Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, Indiana - January 4-6, 2013. For single, Catholic woman between the ages of 18 to 40….get to know our Benedictine Sisters, share in our community life and prayer, and meet other women who are considering religious life - no pressure, no commitment! For more information or to register online, visit www.thedome.org, or call Sister Michelle Sinkhorn at 800-734-9999, or email vocation@thedome.org.

Archbishop Joseph Tobin is our new Archbishop and was installed on December 3, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier who together with Mother Theodore Guerin are the patron Saints of our Archdiocese. This was a 2:00 p.m. Mass and was filled with prayer, song, a 70 voice choir with organ and brass, and lot of laughter. It reminded me of Easter at St. Christopher. About 20 Bishops were present including Archbishop Buechlein who drove up from St. Meinrad where he now lives and is confined to a wheelchair, Bishop Gerald Gettlefinger from Evansville, the other five Indiana Bishops and Paul Etienne a local priest who is now the Bishop of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Many priests and religious were also present, about 20 Redemptorists priests since the new Archbishop is a Redemptorist and had been General Superior in Rome of this Order for 12 years. The past two years Archbishop Tobin was the Secretary of the Vatican Congregation of Religious Men and Women throughout the world, probably about 1 million and in this position the Archbishop did some healing ministry with the women religious of this country who had been offended and hurt by some of the actions in Rome. The installation was in two parts; Sunday Vespers and the Monday afternoon Mass. The symbolism speaks to who and what a Bishop is, and begins with him knocking three times on the front door of the Cathedral. When the doors opened, he is welcomed in for the first time to his Cathedral church. The installation Mass was to begin at 2:00 p.m. but was delayed about fifteen minutes by the television producers, a long procession came off of Meridian Street and into the church which was packed full, Seminarians, Priests, Bishops in that order. The Papal Nuncio is Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano and he did the installation. I was surprised at how many law enforcement were visible on the street and in the parking areas, some in uniform and some in plain clothes. Our Catholic Mayor and his wife were present and perhaps he had a word about police protection. After the Mass was over the police closed Meridian Street as the vast crowd went across to the Catholic Center for a reception. This was a courtesy and, of course, also a safety measure. Governor Daniels was not able to be with us, but there were some women judges from the State of Indiana. The Installation begins at the beginning of the Mass and includes the reading of the Apostolic Mandate by the Papal Nuncio from the Pope appointing Joseph Tobin Archbishop of Indianapolis. After the Mandate has been read the Papal Nuncio has some questions for the new Archbishop: “You have been called by the Holy Spirit to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis as their Shepherd. Are you willing to serve the people of this Archdiocese in the tradition of the Apostolic faith of the Church?” Archbishop Tobin then responded: “With faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God in my heart. I do accept the pastoral care of this Archdiocese. I resolve to serve faithfully the spiritual needs of this local church.” Next the Assembly responds: “Thanks be to God” after which came a long applause. Then the Apostolic Letter appointing him our Bishop is presented to our Chancellor, who is “Mickey Lentz” where she will record this appointment. Next comes a simple but significant moment in the ceremony when the Papal Nuncio leads Archbishop Tobin to the “Cathedra,” the chair that gives a Cathedral its name from which a Bishop teaches his people. Similar to this chair would be the Presidential chair in every Catholic church. This Cathedra chair has been redesigned for this new Archbishop and at the top of the chair appears his Coat of Arms. Again all who are in the Cathedral stand to show their support and joy with applause having awaited the arrival of the new Archbishop who is now here with us. At the conclusion, Archbishop Tobin was greeted by members of the local clergy, religious, and representatives of the Catholic laity who offered a sign of reverence and a word of welcome. Representatives of other Christian communities, faith traditions, and the government then follow who offer words of welcome and collaborative support for the common good of all in the Archdiocese. I did recognize a Rabbi and, of course, Mayor Ballard.