Office Bearers of St. John the Baptist Church

O. T. III Sunday- Jesus at the synagogue of Nazareth

Office bearers of St. john the Baptist Church

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Phone: 251-865-6902 P. O. Box 417, Grand Bay, AL 3641 Fax: 251-865-1412 Email: [email protected] Parish website: www.StJohnGrandBay.org Pastor: Fr. Anthony Kadavil ([email protected]) Secretary: Rev. Deacon Billy Graham

Parish Council President: Mr. Steve Sema Jr. ([email protected])

Finance Council President: Mrs. Paula Rials

Sunday School Coordinator: Mrs. Tiffany Teofilo

Youth Director: Mrs. Karen Day 2

Catholic Charities Appeal 2016: Sunday Jan 23rd marks the beginning of 2016 Catholic charities appeal in all parishes including St. John’s Grand Bay. Please bring to the church the Catholic charity contribution pledge form you received from the archbishop, giving the amount of your contribution, and put it in the collection basket Archbishop’s appeal can be seen by clicking on the following link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoLfBqPImqY

Pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Gerald John Brannan, husband of our parishioner Mary Kay Brannan, who went home to the Lord on Thursday morning, January 21st. Also pray for Mary Kay and her children during their time of loss. The visitation is from 10-12 and funeral service at 12 pm at the First Baptist church at Grand Bay. Interment in Grand Bay Cemetery.

2015 Contribution Statements are on the table in the church hall. Please take your statement as you leave the church to save on mailings. Thank you! Golden Group Sweetheart Luncheon for all the young at heart, 55 and older, will be Sunday February 14th after the 10:00 am Mass. Come and enjoy the food, fun and fellowship. Please register. February Ministers Schedules are on the glass table. Please check the schedule to see if you are in there and if so please

The Curiosity Shoppe at Catholic Social Services is now open at its new location, 188 S. Florida Street. Whether you’re looking for vintage collectibles or the latest fashions, this is the place to shop. You’ll also 3 find home goods; men’s, women’s and children’s shoes; furniture; books; and boutique items, including Mardi Gras gowns, shoes and bags. The shop is open five days a week, from 9 a.m., to 4 p.m. Bring cash only, please. Altar Care Schedules for 2016 are on the glass table. Everyone on the list should take a schedule to know what months you are scheduled for.

The Gulf Coast’s Got Sisters! Retreat | Mobile, AL | Jan 29-30, 2016: Pray and share with Sisters from different religious communities in the Mobile area as you discern your vocation. This weekend is a great opportunity to be a part of community life, while asking questions about discernment and getting answers in real time. For single women 18-40. Sponsored by Sisters of the Mobile Archdiocese. For more information, contact Sister Theresa Sullivan, D.C., at [email protected] or 812-963-7556. Visit http://called2.be/GCGSJan16 to register.

Jubilee Year of Mercy: Pope Francis chose to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy in December because December 8th, 2015 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of Vatican II. That council, Pope Francis reminds us, inaugurated a new phase in the Church's history. Pope Francis quotes Saint John XXIII in declaring the Church's preference for "the medicine of mercy," and Blessed Paul VI in proposing the Good Samaritan as our model for discipleship. Pope Francis adds that God's mercy is "the beating heart of the Gospel," and that mercy "must penetrate the heart and mind" of every disciple (MV, 12). 4

Year of Mercy Catechetical Resources: Please visit the REO Year of

Mercy resource page at http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/reo/content1.php?secid=60 where you can download lots of great print-based resources for all ages and find links to recommended technology-based resources and more.

rd B irthdays this week : Jan: 23 : Lauren Schaffer: 24th: Traci Fleming, Thom Thornton, Jake Wendling: 25: Adele Logan: 26: Easton Baggett: 27th: Stephanie Ray: 28th: Dana

Olsen: No Known Wedding Anniversaries: Known Wedding Anniversaries: Nil. Holy Mass intentions of the week: Jan 23-29 Sun the 24th: ------For the Parish Community

The 25th: ------For the eternal repose of the soul of Kenney Kirchoff by the Kirchoff family

The 26th, 27th, 28th & 29th: ---For the repose of the souls of deceased relatives/ friends of Ann & Jim Jackson

Prayer request for post- surgery recovery: Our parishioners James Cauley, Virginia Gable, Johnny Tate, Andrew Sprinkle, Marion Poirier, Michelle Cook, Linda Graham, are recovering at home after surgery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pro-life Mass at St. Mary’s Home: Please join us for Mass at St. Mary's Home, 4350 Moffett Road, Mobile, AL 36618, at 10 am every 5

Friday, beginning Friday, September 25th, to pray for our pro-life activities, to pray for our children at St. Mary's Home, and to pray in thanksgiving for St. Mary's Home in our Mobile Archdiocese. After Mass, approximately at 11am, at the abortion mill, Planned Parenthood, 717 Downtowner Loop West, the Holy Rosary will be prayed together for an end to abortion and for the increased awareness of the dignity of every human life. For more info: Mae and Chris Rehm, 251-554-2032.The Holy Rosary is also prayed together at Planned Parenthood on Saturdays at 9am for an end to abortion and for the increased awareness of the dignity of every human life. Please join us. Visit Catholic America : With the support of Archbishop Rodi and priests of our archdiocese, Catholic in America is working to expand its viewership in our area. It’s a weekly, high quality, locally- produced half-hour television broadcast that explains the Catholic Faith, welcoming people and introducing them to the local Catholic parishes in our archdiocese. An outstanding feature is the live Call Center: Catholic in America actually puts people in direct contact with a local priest. Please support Catholic in America by visiting www.CatholicInAmerica.com. See the Catholic In America Program on UTV 44 - WJTC TV, Sundays at 11 a.m.

"Be Prepared" - the apologetics series of the Archdiocese of Mobile - for all adults of the archdiocese sponsored by the Office of Religious Education is available to all persons in the Archdiocese of Mobile. Go to the Archdiocese website, select “Ministries & Office,” then “Department of Education” then “Office of Religious Education” to find out dates, times and locations of classes. 6

K&C Food Drive to help "Christ-N-Us" ministry: Knights of Columbus Council #15490 of St. John’s has received a request and agreed to support the "Christ-N-Us" ministry, located at the corner Potter Tract and Sager Rd. They house and feed up to twelve souls each night and they are in need to any food donations we can provide. Please donate items which can be cooked and served and show appreciation for the blessings that God has given you by helping to feed the hungry.

To schedule a meeting or event using parish facilities you must check the calendar or contact the office to be sure the date and room is available. You must have approval from the office for any scheduled events.

Items for Soldiers’ needs: Please don’t forget to bring items for soldiers’ needs: Shaving cream, disposable razors, solid deodorant, bars of soap/body wash, anti-bacteria cleaner, shampoo, tooth paste, dental floss, personal handy-wipes, personal hygiene items for women, foot powder, insect repellent, flea collars (they put them around their ankles), chopstick, athlete’s foot powder/spray, sun block lotion, sun shades, protective safety dust masks, socks, sweat headbands, batteries (AAA, AA, C), DVD movies, cards, writing tablets, paper, pens, envelopes, reading materials, snacks: cookies, gum, crest, life-savers, mints, pudding, crackers, sardines, chicken, tuna, salmon, jerky, peppermints, kool-aid, gatorade, tea/coffee. Put items in the designated box in the Parish Hall 7

Help us to keep flowers at the altar: The slotted wooden box on the glass table in the Parish Hall will receive donations for flowers. If you wish to give flowers for a specific remembrance or thanksgiving there is a sign- up flower chart on the wall to the left of the front doors.

New CDs: There are new CDs in the CD stack. Each CD costs $ 3. You can have 9 CDs for $ 25. CD on the revised Mass is now available Altar care month : When it is your month for “Altar Care” please pick up the linen every week to help keep it from mildewing.

January 10: Regular: $3,842.00

Volunteers

ALTAR CARE- JANUARY

Linda & Billy Graham

CHURCH CLEANING – JAN 30TH

Ginny Garrett, Mila Vaughn * Elsa McBride 8

Extraordinary Minister Schedule for January 30 & 31, 2016

Altar Mass Servers EMCH Ushers (White Lectors Cincture)

Saturday Jackie Jan 30, James Graham Lynda Jones Price Chuck Pierce, Wayne Jackson 2016 Loren Price Louis Jones Jay James Price, Avis Garrett 5:00 Graham pm

Sunday Anna Claire Mila Aaron Bowden Jan 31, Vaughn Poiroux Daryl Kirchoff, Ruth Riddick 2016 Ty Teofilo Veronica Tiffany Mike Courtney, Avis Garrett 10:00 Kyle McBride Stewart Teofilo am

Absentees: If you are scheduled to serve at Mass and find that you cannot serve, it is NECESSARY that you arrange for a substitute. Please take your responsibility seriously. If you are interested in serving as an Altar Server, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector or as an 9

Usher, please let Fr. Tony or the Office know of your willingness to serve. We especially need Usher/Greeters for the Saturday Mass.

Remember the sick brothers and sisters in your prayers: Mattison Cauley, Sarah Thornton, Mike Wilson, Johnnie Tate, Carol Tate, Roger Young, Mickey Poirier, Leyah White, Karen White, Virginia Gable, Joby Smith, Brennan Griffin, Andrew Sprinkle, , Mary Helen Allen, Mike Middleton, James Cauley, Susas Halliday, Peggy Hock, Carla Felps Kyser, Tina Rascoe, Mary Thornton, Coraif Brasell, Addie Thompson; Carolyn Willard, Judy Courtney, Wendi Guidry, Gabby DeGeer, Dana Ferrell, Nonie Crow Reed, Charlee May Knowles, Nina Bohl, Fritz Porter, Linda Graham, Michelle Cook, James Albritton, Gloria White, Joe Smith, , Kayla Perry, Victoria Fontenot, Tiffany Fontenot, Frances Bosarge, Mary Lou Ledford, Gavin Middleton, Laurie Middleton, Jerry Wayne Davis, Amanda, Ida Clark, Joyce Rudberg, Jennifer Patronas, Connie Stringfellow, Josh Ellis, Beth Gibson, Father Russell Biven, Cheryl Humphrey Thompson, Jay Stallone, Emma Barber, Ali Ray, Caryn Sutoff, Gerald Brannan, Hanner Gassaway, Rylyn Kuntz, Joe Ecker, Clair Waite, Avery Collier, Julia Raleigh, Steven Butler, Sarah Butler, Chris Sassano, Tammy Asch, Delaine Pigorsch, Joel Rivera, Alice Bedwell, Susan Taylor, Wayne Seymour, Miss Pink Pridgen, Kim Pridgen, Clyde Shores, Glen Haab, Haley Holder, Lakeshia Johnson, Gary Sherman, Elizabeth Schmidt, John Atchison, Johnny Hill, Jared Hoken, Diana Abrams, Hinleigh Hall, Ryan Keith Malone, Dave Matern, Andrew Taylor, Diane Watts, Daniel Dorriety, Harrand Broussard, Katie Nielsen, Richard Arnold, 10

Louis Poiroux, Homer Campbell, Jimmy Marchand, Arlene Wissman, Becky Thompson, Sally Thompson, Peggie Huber, Dale Thompson, Jane Thompson, Andy Thompson, Callie Massey, Angela Heardon, Rita George, Edgar Broussard, Robert Broussard, Jerry Blair, Michael Stairs, Amanda Illingsworth, Ray Bribsey, Dorothy Barnes. Pray for the deceased dear ones of the parish: Pray for the eternal repose of the deceased members of the parish: Carolyn Bidlingmaer, Kenny Kirchoff, Voncille Hulcher, Mary Nicholas Rambo, Paul Delmas, Cody Driskell, Evelyn Robison, Jean Mitchell, Veretta Tulos, Jim Kimble, Lynn Poirier, Phillip Marchand, Sue Kirchoff, Mary Sanders, Margaret Jackson, Catherine Schnadelbach, Darlene Alexander, Patrick Marchand, Steve Sema, Sr., Mary Marchand and Sis Marchand. Close relatives of our parishioners: Gerald John Brannan, Emilee Voss. Former pastors: Rev. Monsignor Hugh Maguire and Fr. Strejeski. Other priests and deacons and Sisters: Rev. Msg. Joseph Jennings, Rev. Andrew J. Stauter, Rev. Walter Menig, Rev. William Gorman, Deacon John Cretaro, Deacon Holscomb Pryor, Deacon Marvin Johns, Sr. Maria Bernarda Kadavil and other deceased relatives and friends. Pray for our former parishioners serving in the Armed Forces: Travis Wilson, SPC Jackson Triston, Jr., Captain Will Hurd, Bryant Bailey & Zachery Bailey and Athena Ladnier undergoing training in the U. S. Navy. 11

Homily for O. T. III Sunday: (Neh 8: 2-4, 5-6 , 8 -10; I Cor 12:12-30; Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21)

Video homily by Fr. Bill Grimm: https://www.youtube.com/watch? feature=player_embedded&v=6GgWGhfzHyU http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/Features/asia-liturgical-reflections

Synopsis of O.T. III Sunday homily on Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21

Introduction: Today’s Gospel, presenting Jesus’ inaugural speech in the synagogue of Nazareth and outlining his theology of total liberation, marks a great moment in Jewish history. The Scripture readings for today focus our attention on the importance and liberating power of the Word of God as "sacramental," making God present in our midst. The readings challenge us to listen to the Word, accept it into our hearts, then put it into practice as we live out our lives, liberating ourselves and others from all types of bondages.

Scripture lessons: Today’s first reading, taken from Nehemiah, and Luke’s Gospel both describe a public reading of Sacred Scripture which challenged the hearers to make a "fresh beginning" with a new outlook. In the first reading, after rebuilding the Temple and restoring 12 the city, Ezra was leading the people in a “Covenant renewal” ceremony by reading and interpreting the Law. The Second Reading, taken from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that “Together we are Christ’s Body, but each of us is a different part of it.” This suggests that, as different parts of Christ’s Body, we each have a share, as his instruments, in bringing the freeing and saving mission of Christ to our world in our times. Today’s Gospel describes how, on a Sabbath, Jesus stood before the people in the synagogue of his hometown, Nazareth, reading and interpreting what Isaiah had prophesied about the Messiah and his mission. Jesus claimed that he was the One sent "to bring glad tidings to the poor, liberation to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and freedom for the oppressed"—language that reflects the Biblical year of Jubilee. To the great amazement and disbelief of his own townsmen, Jesus declared that Isaiah’s prophecy was being fulfilled at that very moment “in their hearing," because the prophet was foretelling and describing Jesus' mission and ministry. Jesus’ mission would be to give liberation to everyone who would listen to his “Good News,” accept it and put it into practice. Luke reports that the initial reaction of the people was surprise at the power and eloquence of this son of their soil.

Life messages: 1) We need to receive Christ’s freedom, live it and pass it on to others : As members of Christ’s Mystical Body, we share in the freeing, saving mission of Jesus. But we are captives of sin. We need Christ to set us free. We are often blinded by our evil habits, addictions and need for financial security. Once we receive true liberation from Christ, we have to share it with those we encounter in our daily lives, families, neighborhoods, parishes and workplaces.

2 ) We need to let the power of the Holy Spirit fill us, and to be ready to have miracles done through us. Today’s Gospel tells us that Jesus 13 performed miracles because he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us be ready to become Spirit-filled instruments of Christ’s saving freedom.

(Visit our parish website: http://stjohngrandbay.org/ for the full text of the homily).

Why isn’t the Sabbath on Saturday? Question: If the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Father and is rated among the 10 commandments as equally important, how is it that Sunday has been chosen for worship and the Seventh Day forgotten? Answer: The Hebrew Scriptures make many, many references to honoring the Sabbath, beginning with the injunction to honor it because that is when God rested from creating the world. For hundreds of years Jews did this — resting on the seventh day of the week, what we recognize now as Saturday. Jesus, his family, and his apostles did this in his lifetime, attending the synagogue and refraining from unnecessary work on those days. A change happened several decades after Jesus’ death and resurrection because Jesus’ apostles, who were all Jewish and were accustomed to attending synagogue services on Saturdays, were trying to assimilate their new beliefs in Jesus as the Son of God with their developing practice of celebrating the Eucharist. (More accurately these early followers of Jesus after his resurrection are known as Jewish- 14

Christians.) Eventually it became incompatible for Jewish-Christians to continue worshipping in the synagogue with Jews who didn’t profess Jesus as their savior. The Jewish-Christians then began celebrating the Sabbath on Sundays (the first day of the week) as a testament to the day that Jesus rose from the dead. Over time, Christians have almost all adopted Sunday as their day of weekly worship, the “Sabbath” day, with the exception of some like Seventh Day Adventists who still celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday. http://bustedhalo.com/questionbox/why-isnt-the- sabbath-on-saturday

Pope’s new encyclical: “Our Common Home:” https://laudatosi.com/watch

The Pope's Intentions for January, 2016: Universal: Interreligious Dialogue: That sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice. Evangelization: Christian Unity. That by means of dialogue and fraternal charity and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christians may overcome divisions.

Pope Francis tweets: “Every Christian community should be an oasis of charity and warmth in the midst of a desert of solitude and indifference.” (Jan 15). “The Gospel calls us to be close to the poor and forgotten, and to give them real hope.” (Jan 19). Peace remains possible. And if peace is possible, it is also a duty! One goal for each day: to convey the tenderness of Christ to those who are most in need. “Where there is violence and hatred, Christians are called to witness to the God who is Love.” All human persons – all of us – are important in God’s eyes. I am happy to pray today with the Lutheran 15 community in Rome. May God bless all who work for dialogue and Christian unity. I am deeply saddened by the terrorist attacks in Paris. Please join me in prayer for the victims and their families. As Christians, we are called to imitate the Good Shepherd and to help families experiencing difficulties. Vanity not only distances us from God: it makes us look ridiculous. Let us ask the help of Saint Michael the Archangel to defend us from the snares of the devil. Parents, can you “waste time” with your children? It is one of the most important things that you can do each day.

Visit our website: http://stjohngrandbay.org/ for Sunday Homilies, 178 - Questions & Answers and 56 - Faith Formation Lessons, introduction to Bible books.

All are welcome t o St. John’s with open hearts, open minds and open doors.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Grand Bay celebrates God’s presence, grows in God’s grace, welcomes all people and reaches out with God’s love. We try to be to be a vibrant community of faith where all people feel they belong.

No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church, No matter what your current family or marital situation, No matter what your past or present religious situation, No matter your personal history, age, background, race, etc., No matter what your own self-image or esteem, you are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Grand Bay! 16

We come together as a parish family to draw our life from the Eucharist and other sacraments.

As believers we participate fully, consciously and actively in the liturgy of the Church and seek to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and action.

We commit ourselves to worship, education, stewardship and service as we extend our hand to others in need and to those who wish to join the church.

By the grace of God, after the example of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we dedicate ourselves to accomplish our mission within and beyond our community. 17

Photos of the great pastors who guided the destiny of our parish 18

Please visit St. John the Baptist Catholic parish website:

http://stjohngrandbay.org / for the full text of the

Sunday homily, Sunday bulletin, 56 Adult Faith Formation Lessons & introduction to all books of the Bible and 178 Question & Answer of the Week.