Our Lady Star of the Sea Church 106 East Dillingham Street, Marys, Georgia 31558 Saint Mission 700 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, Georgia 31537

Reverend Fr. Mariusz Fuks, Pastor Rev. Mr. Bezy, Deacon Church Office 912-882-4718 Fax: 912-882-5845

E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.weareolss.org Our Lady Star of the Sea weekly schedule

Mondays No Daily Tuesdays 5:00 pm Rosary & Adoration, 5:30 pm Daily Mass Wednesdays 7:30 am Rosary, 8:00 am Daily Mass Thursdays 7:30 am Rosary, 8:00 am Daily Mass Fridays 7:30 am Rosary, 8:00 am Daily Mass 1st Fridays of the month 8:00 am Mass @ Historic Chapel 2:00 pm—3:00 pm Holy Hour 3:00 pm - 3:40 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet—Daily Chapel Saturdays 4:15 pm Confession - Main Church 5:00 pm Mass Sundays 11:00 am Mass

Saint Francis of Assisi weekly schedule

Wednesdays 6:00 pm Daily Mass Sundays 8:30 am Mass

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Children of the parish are somewhat focused on these days, who is keeping an eye on who's naughty and who's nice. Santa Claus, with his heavenly Nicholas, has been more or less in charge of gift-giving to American children for a hundred years or so. In other places, perhaps more attentive to our Christian tradition, there are different gift-bearers. In Greece, Saint Basil delivers the presents on his feast day, December 31, and makes sure everyone is sprinkled with holy water. The Baby is in charge elsewhere, called the in Austria and Belgium, El Niño Jesús in Columbia, and Le Petit Jesus in France, where he shares his duties with Père Noël. In the Czech Republic almost everyone is atheist, but Je í ek, the infant Jesus, brings gifts to one and all. In Poland the "Star Man" is said to bring the gifts, although often he turns out to be the village priest in disguise. , not his Americanized cousin, is the giver in Holland, where he wears a bishop's miter, and in Russia, where he wears a bishop's crown. Soviet Russia tried to dethrone Saint Nicholas and promote Grandfather Frost, but no one was much fooled by this attempt to squeeze religion out of Christ's birth. One country has a saintly woman in charge of the gifts, Saint Lucy, honored in on , when children serve their parents breakfast in bed, and others awake to news that they have been nominated for a Nobel Prize. Some children have a second round of gifts on Epiphany, when the magi assume the gift-giving duties. In general, the gifts of are simple pleasures, not great heaps of treasures. Once upon a time, a new pair of socks or an orange was enough for us. No matter what gifts we receive, all of them are to point us to the true gift, and the true giver.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27-29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] During the Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11- 14; Lk 2:1-14Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20; Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Tuesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Thursday: 1 Jn 1:5 -- 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7cd-8; Mt 2:13-18 Friday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 105:1-6, 8-9; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or Hb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40 [22, 39- 40]

CONTACT INFORMATION

Deacon Ladies Auxiliary Cursillo Virtus Joe Bezy: 912-673-7333 Susie Rule: 912-729-1787 Chrissy Bundrick: Sallie Galyean Parish Secretary Knights of Columbus 11058 912-729-5705 Lectors/Eucharistic Susan Bayless: 904-612-6143 & Ave Maria Assembly 3391 Catholic Youth Ministry Ministers/Altar Servers/ Parish Council Tom Jenkins: 912-882-9433 Tom & Tricia Jenkins: Ushers Bryant Shepard: Health Ministry: 912-882-9433 Contact church office 912-673-7377 Peg Hudock: 678-642-2893 Chrissy Bundrick: Music Ministry Finance Council Hospitality/Bereavement 912-729-5705 Mike Anderson: Greg Lockhart: 912-322-6206 Victoria Brooks: Good Samaritan Outreach 912-729-2409 Religious Education 912-322-6857 Lena Brathwaite Bell: Sarah Cochran: Tim & Rhonda Hughes: Newcomers: Lisa Greiner: 912-266-4969 [email protected] 912-729-2406 912-576-5107 FOURTH SUNDAY OF December 24, 2017

Fullness is an experience we glimpse only briefly in this world. Once in a while, the tank is full of gas, the pantry shelves are stocked, our appetites are completely satisfied. But then the world keeps spinning, and we have to search out more gas, more groceries, more food. God designed us to be satisfied with nothing less than eternity; God alone provides fullness. Today's readings praise God for being everything, at all times, to everyone. King learns that God alone has the power to order history to fulfill the divine plan. Saint Paul praises God's glory "forever and ever" for bringing salvation not just to the Israelites, but to all nations. Sweetest of all, Mary learns that God has filled her with grace. Mary is uniquely capable of holding God's fullness in her flesh--a fullness so vibrant that it becomes a child, our Lord Jesus Christ.

POSSIBILITIES "What could happen?" That question affects each of us differently. Some of us are thrill-seekers, diving into unfamiliar territory with no regard for obstacles or dangers; others have learned from painful experience that the future may hold suffering or disaster. This last, brief Sunday of Advent emboldens us. Our readings remind us that our God is the God of possibilities. And while God's care does not guarantee that we will not encounter suffering, we can absolutely count on God's power to raise us to glory.

GLORY BE! Truly, God creates us for glory. The burdens of daily life can shrink our hopes, but we must remember that we are made for nothing less than infinite glory. Who could have believed that the beleaguered Israelite nation could defeat all of its enemies? And yet our first reading today proclaims that God gave David "rest from his enemies on every side." Who could hope to unify the entire world in obedience to one Messiah? And yet Saint Paul insists that the "only wise God" has revealed salvation through Jesus to all people. Who could expect one young woman to decide the course of human history? And yet the angel tells Mary that her yes will establish a kingdom to endure forever. We know, of course, that Israel did not maintain its peace. Even today, that area of the world is far from stable. We also recognize the wide variety of world religions that do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the true savior. Though God has set us on the path to fullness and glory, we are still broken. Our danger lies not in hoping for too much, but in trusting too little in God. God can resurrect any darkness--replacing terror with peace, healing ancient wounds, uniting families, bringing stability to chaos. This is the message of Christmas. God can, and will, do everything to cover the world in love.

GOD'S PROMISE The lengthy passage from is a wonderful exposition of God's promise to the house of David: that his throne would forever be gloriously occupied by his descendants. Hidden in the mystery of the prophecy is the promise of the Savior, the Messiah, Son of God and Son of David. The prophet Nathan, speaking in God's name, poetically turns around David's plan to build a house for God, and announces God's plan to build a "house," that is, a dynasty for David. From this house of David will come the Messiah, the Christ, not in kingly splendor as David ruled, but as a humble man, destined to rule forever and over all. When God gives a gift, it's amazing what we are given--so different from what we ever could have imagined.

PRAY BEFORE YOU SPEAK Have you ever been told to "think before you speak"? Nathan seems to have spoken too soon when he told David to do whatever he wanted about building a house for the LORD. He was being respectful to his king, and it sounded like a good idea. But later that night the Lord gave him a message for David: the LORD did not need anyone to build him a house; God would make David's house (in the sense of family or descendants) last forever. As a prophet Nathan was expected to speak for the LORD. When he finally listened to the LORD, he got the message right. And that can be a lesson to us. Instead of just thinking before we speak, it could be a good idea to pray before we speak. How many times have we said something in anger--or selfishness, fear, any strong feeling--that we wished we could take back? If we just think before we speak, we might just rationalize what we wanted to say in the first place. But if we take a little more time to bring our feelings to God, ask for guidance and listen for what God would have us say, things might turn out a lot better. God can also surprise us if given the chance. The kingdom ("house") God was promising was not a political one, but a universal one. Jesus fulfills this promise as the Son of God who came to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Jesus himself prayed to the Father often in his life. We can do the same. We pray before meals; why not pray before going to work? We can pray before making decisions about our family, getting engaged, taking a new , buying a new house/ car/HD-TV, etc. When a friend or relative needs someone to talk to, we can pray that we listen well and say what God wants our friend to hear. When we are sorry for hurting someone, we can pray for forgiveness and even listen to God to learn what we might do to make it up to them. If we have enough faith to let God guide our lives, let's take the time in prayer to listen for that guidance.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK THANK YOU

Bob Creo, Haze Buchanan, Jimmy Walsh, Peter Greco, Gordon Powell, Penelope Phipps, Vincent Wilson, Ruth McNeil, Addison Faith Crews, Winnie Boyles, Barbara Bragg, Charles Akakatang, Esther Bezy, Holly Metzger, Dick Rowell, Johnny Lucas, Dean Hardin, Miya Theresa DR Bjolgerud, Kathy Levy, Pasquale Rotondi, Gloria Maniscalco, Drew Hawkes, Russell Music, Madison Harrill, Stella Ware, OLSS OLSS Betty Scott, Steve Schwartz, Kate Harrell, Betty Herrin, Hazel Hutto, Judy Bailey, Buck Addy, Louise Collection: $ 5,992.15 Addy, Valerie Johnson, Fidias DeLeon C, Ed Mortgage: $ 619.00 Malinski, Clara Kirmse, Donna Lee Jennings, Jeanie Reid, Evie Kraiger, Yvonne Trescastro, Tiffani Diaz, Children’s Collection: $ 2.00 Amberly Harris, Brausch, Steve Knight, Sandy Religious Retirement: $ 303.00 Feller, Jay Berman, Ben Pitts, Carol & James Mounce, Katheryn Lacy Turrell, Doris Metallo, Pamela Ruth Good Sam: $ 1,407.25 Leow, Garry Bastable, Virginia Richards, James Cribby, Susan Sagman

To add a name to the prayer list please email REGISTER WITH OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA! [email protected] Those wishing to become a parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea, should complete the Parish "The Homily Continued" adult bible study Registration form found continues....every Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the on our website; social hall. Join us to deepen your understanding www.weareolss.org. Or of our Sunday readings and gospel message. This you can ask one of the program will help you to live it more fully. A lite meal is served at 6:00 and our video Ushers for a paper presentation begins at 6:30 pm. We have a fun registration form and put and lively discussion after each session. This it in the collection basket program is for new Catholics, old Catholics, and when you have completed young adult Catholics. Come join us and see what it. We look forward to worshiping with you as One, it is all about! Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church!

Those preparing for If you wish to have your marriage need to contact child baptized at OLSS or the church office for a SFOA, please call the list of instructions at least church office to schedule a six months in advance of preparation class with Fr. the anticipated wedding Mariusz and to complete the date. No wedding date sacramental registration will be set, not even form. This must be done at tentatively until the couple submits all necessary least two weeks in advance documents and goes through all preparations and before your event is has received permission from the Priest. scheduled.

SAVE-the-DATE: CHRISTMAS VIGIL MASS Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC), Feb. 2-4, Sunday, December 24, 4PM 2018. All high school teens are encouraged to CHRISTMAS VIGIL MASS—FOLKSTON attend this spiritually rewarding and uplifting diocesan event. FEATURING TWIN BROTHERS Sunday, December 24, 7PM MARCELLINO & ANTHONY D’AMBROSIO OFTHE CROSSROADS PURSUIT. Registration forms will be emailed the first week of January or th Monday, December 25, 12AM can be picked up at the Jan. 7 meeting. Forms and deposits will be due by Sun. Jan. 14. Registrations CHRISTMAS DAY after the 14th will have a $25 late fee. For More Information Contact Chrissy Monday, December 25, 11AM Bundrick [email protected]

Good Sam Outreach was able to provide 40 families Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to with Christmas baskets. We were able to provide a you…..Hospitality Committee is hosting Christmas meal for 8 Seniors, 57 Adults and 68 “Father Mariusz’ Birthday Party” Children. Without you this would not be possible. Thank you to everyone who assisted in this ministry. Come and celebrate Father Mariusz’ Birthday Sunday Dec. 31st at 3PM in the Social Hall. The Diocese is doing an audit of our registered Bring your favorite pot luck covered side dish to families in order to ensure everyone is receiving the share and the Hospitality Committee will provide Southern Cross. If you are not currently receiving this the rest. Join us to wish Father a happy birthday, publication, please let the office know so that we can play a game of musical chairs, stay for the pot luck, ensure you are included in this mailing. cake and ice cream and a few birthday surprises too……. No RSVP is necessary (however it would be helpful) and everyone is invited. Call or email the church office for more information or to RSVP….

There will be no Daily Masses this week and next week. Daily Mass will resume on January 8th.

The office will be closed until Wednesday, December 27.

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL UPDATE

TARGET PLEDGED PAID ON PLEDGE PLEDGE BALANCE ONE-TIME $34,533.00 $11,035.00 $8,287.00 $ 2,748.00 $ 23,939.00 TOTAL GIVEN % OF TARGET # OF FAMILIES # OF DONORS % PARTICIPATION $ 32,226.00 93 % 504 163 32.34 % Get Ready for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Back-to-Back Mass Obligations ! Two Obligations = Two Masses

1st Obligation Saturday, December 23 (Fourth Sunday of Advent) 5:00 PM (pick one from the right)

Sunday, December 24 Sunday, December 24 8:30 AM in Folkston 11:00 AM in St. Marys

Sunday, December 24 at 4:00 PM 2nd Obligation (Christmas) Sunday, December 24 at 7:00 PM in Folkston (pick one from the right) Monday, December 25 at MIDNIGHT

Monday, December 25 at 11:00 AM

PLEASE NOTE: You may not choose the same Mass for both obligations. It is not possible to fulfill both obligations with only one Mass !

THE LORD IS NEAR ! O COME, LET US ADORE HIM !