Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 4, 2016
St. Paul Catholic Church and Preschool www.StPaulChurch.com 12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33618 - 813-961-3023
For our priests we pray: for perseverance in prayer, for protection from danger, for joy of heart in serving and that they may reflect the power of God's love.
Advent Prayer
Gracious God, send us your grace this Advent Season so that we can prepare for your coming. Touch our hearts with longing so that we can better love and serve you and each other. Fill us with the hope that we can be transformed by your Spirit and so help transform the world. Give us the peace of knowing that you came to share our human life and redeem us for the sake of love. We ask these things in the name of Jesus whose kingdom we seek. Our Mission Statement Amen. “The people of St. Paul Catholic Church, are a Spirit-led, Eucharist-centered, vibrant multicultural Christian community of faith, living our love for God and neighbor while growing together as disciples of Christ." Page 2 Growing Together in Christ!
My dear friends, All are Welcome!
Weekend Masses This past week was such a blessing with our three day Advent Mission with Steve Binz, the American Heritage Girls’ kids retreat on Saturday Masses Monday, the Advent Family Gathering on Friday, and our First Friday 8:30am Mass Santo Niño Mass at the Shrine. It was an exhausting but extremely Our Pastor, Fr. Bill (Morning Prayer and Benediction 8:10am) uplifting week for us all!
Saturday Vigil The Lord promises to shower even greater blessings upon us this week. Our nine- Mass 5:30pm day Novena in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe began last night/tonight Missa em (Saturday) at 6 pm in our beautiful Santo Niño Shrine and continues through her Português: 7:30pm th feast day on the 12 . Everyone is welcome. Sunday Masses 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am, Today (Sunday) at 3:30 pm is our annual Children’s Christmas Festival sponsored 12:30pm, 5:30pm by our Amor de Jesus Prayer Group. The children will perform the traditional Misa en Español: 2:00pm Posada. Afterwards there will be music, refreshments, and fun for all. Admission is the gift of a toy for the children of migrant families at St. Michael Catholic Weekday Masses Church in Wauchula, Florida. Come celebrate the Reason for the Season! Monday to Friday 7:30am and 12:15pm Thursday is the feast of the patroness of the United States of America, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation First Friday Mass 7:30pm so should be treated as if it were a Sunday. Our vigil Masses are Wednesday at 6
Saturday - 8:30am pm (Children’s Mass) and 7:30 pm. On Thursday, the Masses are at 7:30 am, 12:15 (Morning Prayer and pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm (Trilingual). Following the 7:30pm Mass, we will have a Benediction 8:10am) Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary for all those who have prepared for the past 33 days. Please be sure to register online at www.stpaulchurch.com . Reconciliation/Confession Saturdays 10:00am and On Friday, we will gather for Lessons and Carols - Story of our Faith beginning at 4:00pm or upon request 7:30 pm featuring our music ministry. I strongly encourage you to invite your 24 Hour Eucharistic friends and neighbors for this wonderful evening of music. It will be an evening Adoration you won’t want to miss!
Every Wednesday On Saturday during the 8:30 am Mass, we will invoke the Holy Spirit and bestow 8am to 9pm the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick upon those who are gravely ill, scheduled Every Friday 8:30am for upcoming surgeries, or who are advanced in age. This Sacrament heals us in to Saturday 8:20am mind, body, and spirit. Be sure to bring your elderly relatives and friends with you Morning Prayer for this important moment of grace. Monday - Friday 7:10am Saturday 8:10am Finally, next Sunday bring your infant Jesus to Mass for a special blessing. We will also have Breakfast with Santa after the morning Masses and at 7 pm, Fr. Stephan Anointing of the Sick Every Second Saturday of the and our LifeTeen music ministry will lead us in Spirit-filled Eucharistic Adoration. Month at 8:30am Come for this profound encounter with the Eucharistic Lord!
Church Office Address : Whew! That is a lot of opportunities to grow in grace ... but I left out the most 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy important thing. Please take time this week to turn off the electronics and enjoy Tampa, FL 33618-2802 some quiet time with the Lord and quality time with those you love. You will be 813.961.3023 Fax 813.962.8780 doubly blest! Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, M-F Let us grow together as disciples of Christ! www.StPaulChurch.com Email: ParishCommunications @StPaulChurch.com Fr. Bill Swengros, Pastor
PS. You should have received a special Advent mailing from our parish. If you did NOT get it, please contact the parish office so we can get you one and adjust our mailing list! “Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10 Parish Upcoming Events Page 3
Children’s Christmas Festival Feast of the Immaculate Conception Sponsored by Amor de Jesus Prayer Group Holy Day of Obligation Mark your calendars and plan on attending in two weeks, Sunday, Mass Schedule December 4 th , following the 2 pm Mass . Wednesday, December 7 th The admission is a toy for a child at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wachula, 6 pm, 7:30 pm
Florida. There is a basket of cards for th boys and girls in the narthex of the Church. Please tape Thursday, December 8 the card on the gift and return it on the 4 th . Thank you! 7:30 am, 12:15 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm (Trilingual)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Advent Penance Services Novena December 3-11 The best way to ensure there is “room in the inn” is to 6 pm at the Santo Niño avail yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Shrine parishes in our area have coordinated our communal Feast Day Mass penance services. At each one there will be priests December 12 at 6:30 pm Todos bienvenidos ! from the other parishes. It is our prayer that one will be convenient for you and your family.
Saturday, December 10 11am Saint Mary Monday, December 12 7pm Most Holy Redeemer Tuesday, December 13 7pm Saint Paul Wednesday, December 14 7pm Corpus Christi Thursday, December 15 7pm Saint Timothy
Of course, we also offer Confessions at 10am and 4pm on Saturdays.
Welcome, Bienvenidos, Bem-vindos to St. Paul!
List of Upcoming Events • 12/3-11 Our Lady of Guadalupe Novena • 12/4 Children’s Christmas Festival 3 pm Children’s Baby Jesus Blessing • 12/9 Festival of Lessons and Carols After all Masses December 10-11 • 12/11 Children’s Baby Jesus Blessing
• 12/11 Breakfast with Santa all morning Masses On December 11 th we light the rose • 12/18 Living Nativity by Youth Group candle on our wreath and rejoice that the birthday of our Savior draws List of Upcoming Masses near. Please bring your Baby Jesus from your Christmas • 12/12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass 6:30 pm Crèche to Mass this weekend for a special blessing. • Afterwards enjoy a delicious Breakfast with Santa in the 12/16 Our Lady of Good Health Mass 7 pm • Family Center. (details pg. 7) 12/18 Simbang Gabi Mass 7 pm
Also, join us at 7 pm for a Spirit-led Eucharistic Adoration St Paul Catholic Church @StPaulTampa , XLT designed to touch the hearts of those young at @St.PaulCatholicChurch stpaultpa heart. Page 4 St. Paul Preschool & Sacrament of Baptism Infant Baptism
‘I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’
Excellence in Catholic preschool education for over 30 years Come Take a Look!
The baptism of a child is a special cause for joy and celebration on the part of the Church, the whole community of faith! Baptism is a birth into the Christian community and is in every way as solemn and important as birth itself. It is an event that needs to In preparation for registration of the 2017-2018 be prepared for, and it can serve as a reminder to you school year we will be holding an Open House on about your own faith and what it means to you. If you Tuesday, January 31 st , 9-11am or have any questions regarding Infant Baptism, please Wednesday, February 1 st, 9-11am and one session at 5 pm contact Lizette Espel at (961-3023; [email protected]) If you have a child who will be 2, 3 or 4 years old by September 1 st of 2017 please consider coming to our open house to get information for next school year. You will be able to visit our classrooms while they are in session (morning times only) and experience first-hand the wonderful things that are happening at our preschool. In the meantime, please visit our website stpaulcatholicpreschool.org , our Facebook page or call us at 813-264-3314 for more information.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Every Saturday during the 7:30 pm Mass and Every Sunday during the 9 am Mass
Follow St. Paul Catholic Preschool on social media! Look for St. Paul Catholic Preschool Tampa Come and learn the Word of God! “Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10
Liturgical Corner Page 5
Saints of God: This Tuesday is the Feast of St. Pope Francis: I would like to present an Nicholas, the real Santa Claus. Nicholas was important aspect of mercy: inclusion. In rd born in the 3 century of a wealthy family in His plan of love God, in fact, does not the village of Patara, now southern Turkey. want to exclude anyone, but wants to include all. For After his parents died in an epidemic, instance, through Baptism He makes us His children in Nicholas dedicated his life to Jesus and spent all of the Christ, members of His Body, which is the Church. And money caring for the poor, sick, and suffering. Known we Christians are invited to use the same criterion: for his holiness, he was elected Bishop of Myra. Stories mercy is that way of acting, that style with which we are told of his care for children, the poor, and sailors. seek to include others in our life, avoiding withdrawing He was exiled during the Diocletian persecutions. He into ourselves and our egoistic securities … How many was one of the bishops who created the Nicene Creed tired and oppressed persons we meet also today! - on in 325. He died on December 6, 343 in Myra. After his the street, in public offices, in medical surgeries. Jesus' death, a miraculous healing oil exuded from the grave. gaze rests on each one of those faces, also through our On this day, children all over the world leave their shoes eyes. And how is our heart? Is it merciful? And is our by their doors, hoping that good Saint Nick would come way of acting inclusive? ...The most immediate and leave them a treat! Does he visit your house? expression with which we feel received and inserted in Him is His forgiveness. We are all in need of being Advent Wreath Blessing : If you are setting forgiven by God. And we are all in need of encountering up an Advent wreath in your home this year, brothers and sisters who help us to go to Jesus, to open here is a prayer you may use while you light ourselves to the gift He gave us on the cross. Let us not its candles. Week 2: O God, who sent John be obstacles to one another! Let us not exclude anyone! the Baptist to proclaim a baptism of repentance, let Rather, with humility and simplicity let us make these two candles prepare the way for the Lord within ourselves instruments of the Father's inclusive mercy. us. Forgive our sins and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Make us ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Through Please Pray for the Safety of Our Military Christ our Lord. Amen. ♦Hans C. Arcand, 2nd LT. USAF ♦Martin O. Reina, USCG Prepare the Way ♦Nicholas Ringo, III US Navy For all our weekend Masses during Advent ♦Michael Dunkelberger, Master Sargent, USAF we would like a family to process into ♦Christopher A. Garcia, Officer, U.S. Navy Church (with the Altar Servers, Lectors and ♦Mathew M Colon, Sgt., US Army Priest) and light the candle (s) on our ♦Richard Majette, Captain, USMC Advent Wreath. If you are interested in ♦Katrina Monti, Captain, PA US Army scheduling your family for a Mass, please ♦Jonathan Monti, Major, PA US Army contact Louise. 813-264-3320 or ♦Richard Sison Jr, 2nd Lt., USAF [email protected] If a family is not ♦Matthew Mooney, Captain, USAF scheduled, the Hospitality Ministers will ask a family ♦Curtis Gardner, Sergeant, USAF just prior to the Mass. Advent weekend Masses Dec ♦Adriana Trigg, USAF 10/11, Dec 17/18. ♦Anthony Mazzie, US Army ♦Luis Luccani, PO, US Navy ♦ Annual Pastoral Appeal Update: Thanks to your Austin Jacob Ferlita, Pvt2s, US Army ♦ donation to APA , our diocese has a very active ministry to Josh C. Seal, PO, US Navy ♦ those who are homeless. Pinellas Hope has an incredible Corinna Fleischmann, CDR, USCG. ♦Morganne Oyler, US Navy rate of success in getting families off the street and back ♦Sean C. Andino, Ensign, US Navy into homes and productive lives. This is just one more ♦Thomas Krasnicki, 2nd Lt, US Navy example of your generous donation making a difference! ♦Brett Smith, US Marine Corp. Thank you so very ♦Dominick J. Agnes III, Sgt, US Marine Corps much! To add a name to the list email LRomano@StPaulChurch .com. Page 6 Reflections on Scripture Due to copyright restrictions, we cannot print By Jack Conroy, Ph.D. the Scriptures before the re lections of Mr. bring forth such a world as Isaiah that you read each of the other Conroy. The Scripture for today’s liturgy can
dreamt of. accounts, and several things will be found in Today’s Missal or in our website ” II. Romans 15:4-9 The Function become apparent: 1) Isaiah is I. Isaiah 11:1-10 A Prophecy of of Scripture quoted in all three, and each the Messiah Re lection: This reading is Evangelist makes sure we know that Re lection: Isaiah probably wrote towards the end of the Letter, and St. John is the one preparing the way for this poem in the last 1/3rd of the Paul is summarizing some important the Lord. 2) The speech of John is Eighth Century, BC. Remembering points. We hear him speak of what virtually identical in Luke and that Jesse was the father of King we call the Old Testament as a Matthew; and it is opaque to reason. David, we see a strong hope that the vehicle for hope. But we also hear Why were Pharisees and Sadducees family of David (whose descendants him urging unity among the church, a "Brood of vipers?" The "day of were still ruling in Judah) would giving glory to God with "one heart." retribution" was understood as the produce a King who incorporated For St. Paul, divisiveness within the End Time, when YHWH would return values different than those Isaiah church community was the greatest to establish justice and punish the saw in the existing monarchy. He sin, for it meant that those who were unrighteous. This was what he, John, saw the "standard" values of divided had lost sight that they were expected; the earliest Christians also exploitative use of force to maintain the Body of Christ. Hence, he urges understood this, and the irst power, acquisitiveness, and self- us to "accept one another," as this generation anxiously awaited centeredness in the rulers of the will build community, whether those Judgment Day. 3) Mere birth as a Son time. That a King would be invested within the community are Jews or or Daughter of Abraham will not be with the Spirit of the Lord would Gentiles. The social barriers at that suf icient to avoid just retribution, produce a radically different form of time between Jews and Gentiles just as mere birth as a Catholic is not Rule. Indeed, six of the "Seven Gifts were gigantic; they make the suf icient to claim "righteousness." of the Holy Spirit" are itemized here. barriers to overcome within our Recall that the Pharisees, who Further, given the Ruler who lives community appear in initesimally honestly tried to live their lives in with the Spirit, the Kingdom of that small. Let's examine our accordance with the precepts of the Ruler will be transformed: Right consciences.... Old Testament, were challenged. Judgment, Justice, produces a world They were the "good guys" of the that we can only be described in III. Matthew 3:1-12 A Fiery day, the observant Jews. What does graphic images. Isaiah felt that only Prophet Condemning the that say about us as "observant "rulers" had power to change the “Comfortable.” Re lection: Catholics?" How would John address world; we know, now, that we have Matthew, Mark and Luke each us? Are we preparing the "way of that power; the future of the planet describe this event in Jesus' life. (see the Lord?" is in our hands, and it is our task to Mk. 1:1-8, Luke 3:1-18) I suggest Our Parish Family Newly Registered Families—Welcome! Ambassadors of St. Paul Mr. and Mrs. Paul Garcia, Jeancarlo Lecaros, Mr. & Mrs. Justin Ostow, Cristina Valdovinos, Vania Rodriguez, Mr. & Mrs. Roland Sprague. The Knights of Born into Eternal Life: Michael David Tripolino, Maye Havlish, Columbus of the Fourth Diego Enrique Bisso Jarrett, Lemmey, Sean Tokarz, Anthony Degree, the patriotic Ranalli, Marie Melendez, Joseph Buscia, Barbara Hannon, Matt degree, honored our Wrich, Elizabeth Crawford, Isabel Avila, Jesse Hearn, III, Laura veterans on Veteran’s Hammond Smith, Margaret Gaglione, Ricardo Garza Jr., James R. Day by participating in a Fincham, Robert Silah, Msgr. Laurence Higgins, Assunta Romano, ceremony, parade and William Van Orden, Linda Saliga, Gayle McCormick, J. Max celebration at the James Steckler, Margarita Melendez Salgado, Esther Trotman, A. Haley Veteran’s Margarita Domantay, Hilda Hidalgo, Carlos Hidalgo, Paul Sullivan. Hospital. The Knights are always bringing donations to Please Pray for those who are sick in our Parish: Bob Huie , Ross Massey, Aida Murphy, Cathy Lindberg, Max Zambrano, Leo the veterans at this hospital. Murphy, Brianna Borello, Suzette Hillis, Marie Bobak, Wendy Interested in becoming a Knight? Please email Jack Cathell, Gabriel Espinosa and Jane Miller . To add a name to the Papesch at [email protected] list email: [email protected]. “Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10 Parish Event Page 7
St. Paul
Proudly Presents our Annual Breakfast with Santa Parishioners, Friends, and Family are invited to have Breakfast with Santa Claus
When: Sunday, December 11, 2016 Where: St. Paul Family Center Time: 8 am - 12:30 pm
Breakfast includes: Waffles, Pancakes, Bacon, Juice, Eggs, Coffee, Milk. Adults $7.00 - Children $4.00 Free for Children under 2 yrs. Old
New this year! Egg Omelets, Biscuits and Gravy. Free Face Painting, Arts and Crafts and Pictures with Santa.
8 St. Paul Faith Formation W r e F i n r n ra
Meet the New Appointed Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
If you are interested in having your child participate in one of our Christmas Pageants as Joseph, Mary, Innkeeper, Angel Gabriel please call the Faith Formation office at 961-3023 to reserve your date. We need children for the December 24 th Masses at 4 pm and 6 pm. th Dates to remember: This past November 28 , His Holiness, Pope Francis, ⇒ Holy Day of Obligation on December 8 th - Solemnity appointed Most Reverend Bishop Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, as the fifth bishop of of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida! Bishop Parkes Mary. A Vigil Mass is scheduled for Faith Formation th succeeds the retiring Bishop Robert N. Lynch, who has on Wednesday, December 7 from 5:30 pm -7 pm served our Diocese since his installation in 1996. ⇒ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA! After all Masses, on Sunday, December 11 th in the Family Center Immaculate Conception Prayer: ⇒ Communal Penance Service on Tuesday, December 13 th , 7 pm in the Church. Immaculate Virgin, who, conceived with out sin, did ⇒ Christmas Pageant, December 24 - 4 pm and 6 pm direct every movement of your most pure heart to ⇒ Christmas Pageant, December 25-9 am and 6 pm that God who was ever the object of your love, obtain ⇒ Christmas Break, Celebrate the Nativity of our Lord for me the grace to hate sin with my whole heart, and with our families. No Faith Formation Classes to learn from you to live in perfect resignation to the th th will of God. Amen. December 18 until January 8 . Merry Christmas!!
If you have not yet registered your child, please call the Safe Environment: Our parish is a safe Faith Formation office. It is not too late! 813-961-3023 environment. Please be sure that your children are supervised at all times, including the bathroom and grounds. All adults who work with children or vulnerable adults as part of their ministry are to complete the Safe Environment Training and the requisite background checks (for more information, contact Barbara Gray at [email protected], 961-3023). Report all suspicious activity directly to the police (247-8000) as well as the parish of ice. In cases of suspected abuse call the police and the diocesan Victim Assistance Minister (toll free 1-866- 407-4505). If you have any questions or concerns,
Family Activities for this week! Family week! Activitiesthis for please see any member of our staff. “Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10
Ministries in Action! Page 9
Congratulations Marie and John Bobak St. Paul Women of Grace on receiving the St. Jude Award
Blessing of the New Choir Room
Council of Catholic Women Annual Bake Sale Mark your calendars for Sunday December 11 th after the morning Masses. Proceeds are donated to SVDP. More Meet our youngest Sacristan, Gabe. info call Yvonne 813-932-3288. Thank you for your kind service!
‘LIGHT FROM THE LITTLE WHITE BOX’ St. Vicente de Paul was able to serve EUCHARISTIC over 70 families in need for ADORATION Thanksgiving thanks to parishioner monetary and food donations. WEDNESDAYS FROM 8:30AM TO 9:00AM AND FRIDAYS FROM 8:30AM TO SATURDAY AT 8:30AM
St Paul Giving Tree gifts are due December 14 th . Please attach tag on gift securely. Page 10 Adult Faith Formation
The faith Community of St Paul Catholic Church Ask It Basket: welcomes Interfaith Leaders from France for their “I am not able to explain to my non Catholic gathering with inter-religious leaders of the Tampa Bay friends on Facebook why the Pope just did area to share best practices in inter-religious what he did with regard to abortion. They are positive engagement. Please keep our religious leaders in your that no mortal man has the right to presume they can prayers. forgive sins. Can you help?” Sure! They are right! Only God can forgive sins. That is why the Jewish leaders Please join our nationwide effort to fight hunger over were so opposed to Jesus. He presumed to forgive the holidays you can help by donating food today! sins ... something only God can do! What your friends Now through December 13 , local residents (and others) are forgetting is that we believe that Jesus is God and are encouraged to visit www.YouGiveGoods.com/ABC- that first Easter morning He gave his apostles the gift of Tampa or the link in our website and select from a variety the Holy Spirit and the ability to forgive sins in the name of goods to purchase for donation. The online food drive of God (Jn 20:22-23). This is the genesis of the will culminate in a one-day delivery Sacrament of Confession. After all, unless you confessed to St. Paul Catholic Church to your sins, how could the apostles know what sins to benefit those in need that seek for forgive or not to forgive. This gift from Jesus was then assistance of St. Vincent De Paul given to the apostle’s successors – bishops and priests – Join in the movement! Society. through the imposition of the hands and invocation of th the Holy Spirit in what is now called the Sacrament of Are you as smart as a 5 grader ? The Church Holy Orders. How cool is that! (If you have a question teaches that children should first learn to pray: a) in the for the Ask It Basket, please contact
chapel, b) in nature, c) in the family, d) in class. [email protected]).
of our faith ... through what they say and do! do! and say they what through ... faith our of Looking Ahead! •December 13 - Communal
ers ers A. C. Never forget that parents are the first teach first the are parents that forget Never C. A. •December 4 - Spanish Penance Service; Christmas Pageant 3:30-5 pm; •December 25 - Christmas! •December 9 - Lessons and •December 28 - Mass of the We are all called to be disciples Carols 7 pm; Innocents 7:30pm, as of Christ. He calls us to go out •December 11 - Breakfast with •December 30 - Holy Family and to share the Good News. Santa; CCW Christmas Cookies Mass 5:30pm; Sale after all morning Masses •January 1 - Feast of Mary, On our parish survey in September, a number of •December 11 - Breakfast with Mother of God; Epiphany parishioners suggested that we each bring someone to Santa; CCW Christmas Cookies •January 8; Santo Niño - Mass who has not been in a while. What a wonderful Sale after all morning Masses January 15. • idea! If you have a suggestion of how we can reach out •December 12 - Our Lady of January 28 - The Four Signs Guadalupe; Event with Allen Hunt to others, please let me know! Remember, we are all called to be disciples of Christ! – Fr. Bill On a Lighter Note: On Thanksgiving Day a woman was anxiously picking over the last few remaining turkeys in the supermarket in the hope of inding a large one. In 1.28.17 1.28.17 desperation she called over a shop assistant and said "Excuse me. Do these turkeys get any bigger?" "No" he replied, "They're all dead".
Deo Gratias: Please join me in thanking Steve Binz for a Get your tickets! tickets! your Get Www.StPaulChurch.com wonderful Advent Mission. I’m especially grateful for Sr. Be part of this awesome event! in Tampa for the first Theresa and Carmen Cayon and their talented teams for time! Dr. Allen Hunt, our guest speaker from Dynamic all they did to make this Advent Mission and Advent Catholic will present The Four Signs Event on Saturday, Family Gathering such huge successes! May God bless January 28, 2017 in our main sanctuary from 9 am to 1 pm. Tickets for this event are sold at the parish office or you all! Kudos also to those who shared bulletins from online at StPaulChurch.com your travels. This week we received them from New No tickets sold at the door. Get your tickets soon! York, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Florida. Thank you! “Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10
Page 11 Stewardship a Way of Life Page 11
The 2016 Annual Pastoral Appeal Coffee & Donuts will be ending December 31, 2016. Today your Host is Over the past 2 years, we have met and exceeded our number but this Panama Mission year we are still short $33,000. But, it’s not too late to help us The Lord has called us to share the make our number! There are Good News with others and to help those in need. Our parish is forming a twinning envelopes in the narthex. You can relationship with San Jose Church in Montijo, Panama. mail it to directly to the APA office or drop the envelope We will be going there from March 10th to the 17th, 2017. in the offertory basket. OR, you can go to our St. Paul They could really use your help to make the mission to website at www.stpaulchurch.com and make a donation Panama. Please stop by and ask them how you can help online. them in doing God’s work. For more information, To those who have given so generously, THANK YOU! contact Elena Mast at [email protected] Your gift will be put to good use, helping those that we as a parish cannot do alone. On December 10th Lower your Income Taxes and and 11 th , a collection Support St. Paul Catholic will be taken up for the Church! Retired Religious Congress has brought back the Sisters, Brothers, and “charitable IRA rollover.” Each year Religious Order Priests. st through the 31 of December, anyone Many of us can recall 70½ or older can make a transfer tax-free from their the faithful service of IRAs to eligible charities like St. Paul Catholic Church. our senior religious in Any amounts distributed DIRECTLY to St Paul by your Catholic schools, IRA administrator will not be included in your taxable hospitals, parishes, and social service agencies. Often, income and will count towards this year’s required they worked for small stipends, and their sacrifices have minimum distribution. So for maximum tax savings, you left their religious communities without adequate might want to look at this opportunity before taking retirement savings. Hundreds of religious congregations your 2016 required minimum distribution. But now struggle to provide necessary medications, nursing remember: St Paul must receive your gift by December care, and basic services for their older members. 31 2016, in order to qualify for the tax-free rollover. Won’t you please consider a gift? Your generosity will be Interested? Please email Michael Maloney at most appreciated by those who have served us over the [email protected] or call him at 813-961- years. Weekend of December 10-11, 2016. Envelopes are 3023. in the Narthex. Thank you for your Generosity! If you are too young to take advantage of this now, you can still name St. Paul as a beneficiary of your IRA Sign up for Online giving! making use of your beneficiary designation form. After your lifetime, these assets will pass completely tax-free It’s simple and convenient. to St. Paul to ensure that our parish life and ministries Go to: StPaulChurch.com continue to grow and flourish. for more info on how to sign up.
Divorced & Separated Support Group They provide caring support for both Weekly Offertory women and men experiencing separation or Sunday, November 20, 2016
divorce. We meet every Friday night at Offertory: $ 24,506 7:30 pm in the Parish Center. Online Giving: $ 7,205 You can come as often as you would like. Attendance: 3,544 No charges or fees. All are welcome. Envelopes: 811 Thank you for your Generosity! For more information call Don Hemke at 205-1735 Page 12 Mass Intentions Mass Intentions for the Week of December 4 th Saturday, December 3, 2016 - St. Francis Xavier 5:30pm John Costello + 7:30 pm Darios Torres + Sunday, December 4, 2016 – Second Sunday of Advent 7:30 am Gilberto Segundo + 9:00 am Kenneth Davis + 10:45 am St. Paul Parishioners (int.) 12:30 pm Michael Pizzurro + 2:00 pm Marta Elena Vasquez + 5:30 pm Deceased Members of the Dissel Family + Monday, December 5, 2016 7:30 am Gayle McCormick + 12:15 pm Phyllis Shaw + Tuesday, December 6, 2016 – St. Nicholas, Bishop 7:30 am Gayle McCormick + 12:15 pm William Jenkins + Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - St. Ambrose, Bishop 7:30 am Edward Brennan + 12:15 pm Consecrated Life and Priestly Vocations (int.) 6:00 pm Clarence Johnson + 7:30 pm Justin Torres + Thursday, December 8, 2016 - The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 7:30 am Loretta and Julius Warns + 12:15 pm Edward Terrance Swantons + 5:30 pm Janine Alborez (int.) Pilgrimage to Mexico 7:30 pm St. Paul Parishioners (int.) coming in 2017 Friday, December 9, 2016 - St. Juan Diego Cuauhttatcatzin 7:30 am Joseph Kosiorek + Come join our parish pilgrimage to 12:15 pm Zoboda and Boysie Supersed + Our Lady of Guadalupe! Saturday, December 10, 2016 Fr. Bill is leading a 7 day 8;30 am Joel DuBois + pilgrimage to Mexico June 19-27, 5:30pm Cecily Domenic Padmavathi + 2017. We will visit the Basilica of 7:30 pm Karen Mullins + Sunday, December 11, 2016 – Second Sunday of Advent Our Lady of Guadalupe on several days. We 7:30 am Patrick Michael Mulvehill + will also see the site of the fifth apparition in 9:00 am Deceased Ushers + Tepeyac, the pyramids of Teotihuacan, the 10:45 am Jaroslaw Paul Miernik + incredible city of Puebla and much more. 12:30 pm St. Paul Parishioners (int.) 2:00 pm Besabe and Hugo Millam + For more information, please contact 5:30 pm Lilian Zambrano + Margie at 800-644-4659. There are brochures in the narthex of the church as Readings for the Week of December 4 th well. This pilgrimage will fill up REALLY fast Sunday: Is 11:1-10 / Rom 15:4-9 / Mt 3:1-12 Monday: Is 35:1-10 / Lk 5:17-26 so be sure to call right away! Tuesday: Is 40:1-11 / Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31 / Mt 11:28-30 Enchanting Rhine Thursday: Gn 3:9-15, 20 / Eph 1:3-6, 11-12 / Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Is 48:17-19 / Mt 11:16-19 Cruise Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 / Mt 17:9a, 10-13 November 24-December Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10 / Jas 5:7-10 / Mt 11:2-11 2, 2017 With Guest Speaker Faith in Action: Do you bear good fruit for Christ? Or, do you spend your Sister Theresa Betz time, talent and treasure constantly acquiring more toys, clutter and To obtain a brochure junk. Our time, our talent and our treasure are gifts that God has given us. What we do with them is our gift back to God. What gifts are you please contact Sister Theresa at 961-3023; planning to give to the Lord during this upcoming Christmas season? [email protected] “Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10 Outreach Ministries and Community Events Page 13 St. Vincent De Paul Pantry Hours Monday & Thursday 9 am -12 pm Assistance Line: 813-264-3325 Life is our first gift from an infinitely Thanksgiving is over-but, yes, you are right, we continue loving Creator and we must protect it at to need your generous gifts of dollars and food .We need all costs. When we grow old or sick and this to supply our pantry and to get ready for the Xmas we are tempted to lose heart, we baskets. should be surrounded by people who ask “How can we help?” Today there is NOW ALSO ON WEDNESDAYS Counseling Services a campaign to respond to these fears and needs in a radically Legal Consultation Services Referral offered by Dr. Pat different way. It uses terms like “death with dignity” to service on Mondays and Berne. Please call to describe a self-inflicted death, generally using a drug overdose Wednesdays by appointment. make an appointment prescribed by a doctor for the purpose of suicide. As Christians Please call 264-3307. 813-961-3023 we believe that even suffering itself need not be meaningless- for as Pope John Paul II showed during his final illness, Spiritual Mothers Prayer Group meets suffering accepted in love can bring us closer to the mystery of every Thursday after the 12:15 pm. Come Christ's sacrifice for the salvation of others. As disciples of one and pray for all of our Priests! who is Lord of the living, we need to be messengers of the Gospel of Life. www.usccb.org
Will you Consider Adopting Shawls of Hope will meet Friday, December 9th at 10am a Family for Christmas? in the Parish Center. Contact Janet 781-879-7759
Magnificat Prayer Breakfast Would you like to make someone’s holiday special? On Saturday December 10, 2016 Christ the Provide a family with a holiday celebration King Catholic Church McLaughlin Center they would not have had without your support? (behind Church) 821 S. Dale Mabry Tampa, Show the real spirit of Christmas through giving? FL 33629
9:30 AM to 12:15 PM You can anonymously adopt a family for the holidays! $16 includes Hot Breakfast Reservations We will provide detailed information on gift ideas and until 12/7. Michelle Lloyd will share her powerful sizes for Christmas! Distribution of the gifts will be on th conversion story. Register Online: tampamagnificat.net Saturday, December 19 and we are asking for delivery of Mail: Ck’s Payable Tampa Magnificat to Peggy Pfeiffer (813-245-7920) Mail: Ck’s Payable Tampa Magnificat all gifts one week prior. Please call Denise at 813-671-9010 2806 W. Fountain Blvd. Tampa 33609 for more information on how you can help a family have a special Christmas. If your marriage has become troubled and Thank you again for your continual support to St. Vincent de Paul, so we can help so many have a wonderful stressed, unloving or uncaring; if you have grown cold Christmas, one they may have not had with your and distant; even if you are divorced or separated, or are generosity. thinking about it; Retrouvaille can help. It has helped thousands. Our next program begins February 10-12, Don’t hide your light under a bushel basket! 2017.For more information, visit We all want to hear about the exciting www.HelpOurMarriage.com , or call 813-906-7705. Not things Christ is doing through your ministry! counseling or group therapy . All contacts and names held Submit your bulletin or web notes to Gaby in strictest confidence. in the parish office and be sure to include lots of pictures! Let your light shine! The Joy of Love Enjoy an evening of Advent reflection led by Philip Mayer, a Catholic convert and former Episcopal parish priest. Hear his story and follow his Adult Faith Formation Sessions with Fr. Bob journey of discovery as explains the vision of Pope Francis and our Mark your calendar with the following dates for the bishops on the beauty and importance of family life and how this upcoming Faith Formation Sessions December 20 and compelling vision is shaping and molding our Church today. Tuesday January 3, January 17, January 31, and February 7, 2017. evening, December 6, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 15520 North Blvd, Tampa. For questions of more information Please meet at the Church at 7 pm contact St. Mary parish office (813-961-1061) or email Philip: [email protected] .