Making & Strengthening Christians

MAKING & STRENGTHENING CHRISTIANS

PARISH SCHEDULE

Monday, December 23: Parish Office Closed Mass 8:15AM: William Couch Communal Rosary 8:45AM—Church Mass 12:10PM: Floyd Krebs Cancelled: Evening Prayer (Vespers) 6:45PM Cancelled: Rosary 7PM—Chapel Cancelled: Prayer Group 7:30PM—Chapel

Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Parish Office Closed Christmas Eve Mass 5:00PM: Jack Collett Christmas Eve Mass 7:00PM: Deceased Members of the Castlen Family Lessons and Carols 9:30PM—Church Christmas Eve Mass 10:00PM: Joe Schadler & William Unkraut

Wednesday, December 25: Merry Christmas Parish Office Closed Christmas Mass 9:00AM: Sy Bolte & Deceased Family Members Christmas Mass 11:00AM: Wendell Morgan

Thursday, December 26: Parish Office Closed Mass 8:15AM: Deceased Members of the Hartman & Gutzwiller Family Communal Rosary 8:45AM—Church Mass 12:10PM: The Wilkinson Family Welcome to St. Paul Parish Holy Hour with Pastor 6PM—Church To register and become a member of St. Paul: Please fill Evening Prayer (Vespers) 6:45PM—Church Cancelled: Jewish Roots of Christianity 7PM out the registration form online at stpaulnky.org or call the Cancelled: Prayer Blanket Meeting 7PM Parish Office at 859-371-8051.

 7301 Dixie Highway, Florence, Ky. 41042-2126 Friday, December 27: Parish Office Closed

 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 366, Florence, Ky. 41022 Mass 8:15AM: The Turner Family Communal Rosary 8:45AM—Church  www.stpaulnky.org Mass 12:10PM: Angela Land  [email protected]

 Phone: 859-371-8051 Saturday, December 28  Office Hours: Monday—Thursday 9:30AM-2:30PM Mass 8:15AM: Wendell Morgan Confessions 3:30-4:30PM  Weekly Bulletin Deadline: Every Tuesday, 9:30AM Mass 5PM: Mary Huening  Online Giving: saintpaulflorence.weshareonline.org

 Cover Photo By Amy Feie Sunday, December 29 Parish Clergy Mass 8AM: Ted Clear Adult Choir Practice 9:15AM—Choir Loft Pastor: Rev. Fr. Michael Barth Mass 10AM: Charles McNay Parochial Vicar: Rev. Fr. Trinity Knight Children’s Liturgy of the Word 10AM – Chapel In Residence: Rev. Fr. David B. Gamm Mass 12PM: For the People Deacon: Rev. Mr. Nicholas J. Schwartz Alcoholic’s Anonymous 7PM—Scout House Deacon: Rev. Mr. Thomas Kathman Deacon: Rev. Mr. Scott Folz (Please stand)

During these initial ritual moments, the assembly becomes one in mind, heart, and voice in the worship of the Eternal Triune God.

The ministers, Deacon and Priest enter the church. The assembly turns and watches with expectancy as the Word of God enters. When the Deacon and Priest reach the sanctuary, they make a profound reverence toward the tabernacle out of respect and reverence for the sacramental presence of the Lord contained therein. Then, they approach the altar of sacrifice and kiss it, for it is a symbol of Christ himself.

To make the sign of the cross, use your right hand and as the priest says “In the name of the Father,” touch your fingertips to your forehead. Then as he says “and of the Son,” touch your fingertips of your right hand to the middle of your chest near your heart. Lastly, as he says, “and of the Holy,” touch your fingertips to your left shoulder and as he says “Spirit,” to your right shoulder. In this manner, we mark ourselves with the sign of the cross upon which our Savior Jesus Christ saved us, we also become more consciously aware that we are in the presence of the Eternal Triune God.

The priest greets those assembled using a greeting which echoes the greetings used in Jewish prayer and in All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 the Pauline letters. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the To prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit be with you all. And with your Spirit. salvation he gives us, we recall our sins Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to and pray for God’s forgiveness to be granted to each and all of us. At times, celebrate the sacred mysteries. the litany “Lord have mercy” is prayed … Kyrie eleison (Lord have Mercy) Kyrie eleison (Lord have Mercy). in the ancient Greek form “Kyrie, eleison,” linking us to our ancestors in Christe eleison (Christ have Mercy) Christe eleison (Christ have Mercy). faith and reminding ourselves of the universality of God’s mercy and of our Kyrie eleison (Lord have Mercy) Kyrie eleison (Lord have Mercy). faith. May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. Let us pray. The priest says “Let us pray” and Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom a brief silence is observed so that the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, all may become more conscious may by his passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Who lives of being in God’s presence and allowing each one time to call to and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. mind the intentions each has Amen. brought to this holy liturgy. Then, the priest gathering, as it were, (Please be seated) all the intentions, offers the A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah collect of the day. Isaiah 7:10-14 The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be This is the first of the two major deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, "I will not ask! I parts of the Mass, Divine Liturgy will not tempt the LORD!" Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not or Eucharistic Liturgy. It is during enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord this part of the celebration that the proclamation of the Word of himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall God takes place. The readings for name him Emmanuel. the Sunday Mass are structured The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. in a three year cycle. Thus the vast majority of the entire Bible is proclaimed to the Sunday assembly every three years.

The first reading normally comes from the Old Testament and is thematically paired to the Gospel proclaimed on the same day.

Having heard of God’s deeds in the proclamation of the first

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 1:1-7 The second reading comes Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of from one of the epistles. These God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, readings are read in a the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but semi-continuous way. This means that a few versus of a established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through given epistle is proclaimed and resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received then stopped. The next Sunday the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his the proclamation continues where the previous Sunday left name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong off. to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S MINISTERS The ministry positions for Christmas and New Year's Masses are filling up quickly, but there are several spots still available. Please volunteer through the MSP portal or email Deacon Scott Folz with your preferences at [email protected]. (Please stand)

Through this acclamation, the assembly welcomes and greets the Lord who speaks to the assembly in the Gospel.

The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. The Gospel is announced. All A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Glory to you, O Lord. take their thumb and trace Matthew 1:18-24 the cross signing the forehead, mouth and heart, This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was praying as they do so: “May betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child the Word of the Lord be in my through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet mind, on my lips and in my heart.” This comes to us from unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his a Jewish custom honoring the intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, scriptures. A section of one of "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it the Gospels is proclaimed and the assembly listens is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son attentively to the voice of the and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All Lord. Across the three year this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the cycle of readings for Sunday Mass, Matthew, Mark or virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which Luke’s Gospel is highlighted. means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had John is read in all three years. commanded him and took his wife into his home. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

(Please be seated)

The Priest, or from time to time a Deacon, explains and expounds upon the mystery laid before the assembly this Sunday.

(Please stand)

The assembly responds to the I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things Word of God proclaimed with visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, the ancient profession of faith born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from to honor and confess the great mysteries of the faith. true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things Normally the Nicene Creed is were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven and (Bow) prayed which .expresses the by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake mysteries and rule of faith he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose and comes from the Ecumenical Council at Nicea in again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven 325 AD and the First and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the Ecumenical Council at living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Constantinople in 381 AD. Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of The faithful, exercising their the world to come. Amen. baptismal priesthood, offer prayers to God for the ….We pray to the Lord. Lord hear our prayer. salvation and benefit of all. (Please be seated) This is the second major part of the Mass. A collection is made for the support of the parish and its charitable works. This collection as well as the bread and wine to be offered are brought in procession to the altar. At the Last Supper Christ instituted the Paschal Sacrifice and banquet, by which the Sacrifice of the Cross is continuously made present in the Church whenever the Priest, representing Christ the Lord, carries out what the Lord himself did and handed over to his disciples to be done in his memory. For Christ took the bread and the chalice, gave thanks, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying: Take, eat, this is my body and gave the chalice to his disciples saying: Take, drink, this is my blood. Do this in memory of me. Not a nostalgic remembrance but a dynamic All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 living memorial in the power of God. Such, that, that which is remembered, (Please stand) becomes present to those who are celebrating the sacred mystery of Pray brethren (or other address of the assembly), that my sacrifice and salvation, who is Jesus Christ. yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father. SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 & 30 glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church. There will be no Evening Prayer (Vespers), Rosary or Prayer Group on May the Holy Spirit, O Lord, sanctify these gifts laid upon your altar, just as December 23 or December 30. he filled with his power the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Now the center and high point of the Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. entire celebration begins, the Eucharistic Prayer, the prayer of thanksgiving and Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right and just. sanctification. The Priest offers the prayer in the name of the whole community to God the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.

(Please kneel)

THERE WILL BE NO CLASS ON DECEMBER 26 AND JANUARY 2. ——————————————————— THE PSALMS OF MUSIC Starting January 9th the Jewish Roots of Christianity Class will be studying the five books, in the Book of Psalms....DO come... RAnge 7PM to 8:30PM...Mi? Yes YOU!.. All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 FA away down in room PC 170...SO-lo or (Please stand) bring someone along...LA la la la practice makes perfect...Te, the letter is the sign of At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say: the cross...which brings us back to...DO Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come!!! come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who PRAYER BLANKET MINISTRY trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us There is no meeting Thursday, December from evil. 26 because of the holiday. Our next meeting is Thursday, January 9 at 7:00 PM Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our in the Parish Meeting Rm 169. days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin Please consider coming and and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming joining us. It is a special of our Savior, Jesus Christ. ministry to experience. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my The faithful prepare themselves to receive peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. They do this using various and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. prayers and by praying for the coming of the Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen. Kingdom in the words Jesus taught and offering to one another a sign of being at The peace of the Lord be with you always. And with your spirit. peace with one another, normally a handshake in the US. Let us offer each other the sign of peace. December 28 & 29

Altar Servers 5PM— AJ S. Reese R. Brennan L. 8AM— Wyatt M. Wade M. Madison M. 10AM– Austin N. All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 Michelle R. Will C. Noon- Caroline B. (Please kneel) Nicholas B. Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the Ryan B. world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. Lectors 5PM– Mike R. Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, June C. but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. 8AM– Shaunna N. Emily N. 10AM– Donna H. Pat G. Noon– Travis B. Kyle M.

Eucharistic Ministers 5PM– Terry E. Barb J. Elaine M. Diane P. Janet Y. Ron Y. 8AM– Cheryl B. Mike B. Julia D-R. Dennis H. Jerry R. Mary Jo S. 10AM– Nancy H. Alan K. Bob L. Mary L. Paul M. Ted S. Noon– Colleen C. Jennifer F-B. Amanda K. Donna Sue K. Bernie L. Olivia M.

Greeters 5PM– Alma B. Steve G. Dustin R. Shannon R. 8AM– Dave T. Toni T. 10AM– Alma B. All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 Janet F. Noon– Ron F. MaryAnn K. Judith M. YOUNG AT HEART MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL! January 2: Meeting 5:30PM- New Year’s Party and Membership. To RSVP and Since the celebration of the Eucharist is the Paschal Banquet, for more information, call Mary Ann Knaley at 525-6081 or Mary Jo Locknane it is desirable that in accordance at 371-5540. with the Lord’s command his February 4: Meeting at Chuy’s at 5:30PM. RSVP to Colleen Collins at 525-2677. Body and Blood should be received as spiritual food by March 5: Meeting at 5:30PM at Parish Center. St. Patrick’s Day Party. RSVP to those faithful who are properly Mary Ann Knaley at 525-6081. disposed. HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS The Parish Office will be closed December 21 through January 5. For an emergency, call the Parish Office at 859-371-8051 and follow the prompts.

Giving Tree Thank You! Thank you to everyone for your support this year with the Giving Tree. We also appreciate the assistance we received with sorting and distributing the gifts.

30 & OVER MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE Any St. Paul or St. Timothy Parishioner interested in playing in St. Paul’s 30 & Over Men’s Basketball League please All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 contact Jeff Schuler at 859-802-9676 or email [email protected]. Play will (Please stand) begin in early January. Having received this pledge of eternal redemption, we pray, almighty God, that, as the feast day of our salvation draws ever nearer, so we may press forward all the more eagerly to the worthy celebration of the mystery of your Son’s Nativity. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Bishop Foys has mandated that we pray the Leonine prayer to St. Michael the Archangel The Lord be with you. And with your Spirit. at the end of all Masses throughout the Diocese of Covington. “It is apparent that May almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy the smoke of Satan has entered the Spirit. Amen. sanctuary,” Bishop Foys said. “This prayer which has been prayed since 1886 to obtain Go in peace glorifying God by your life. Thanks be to God. help in the battle against the forces of darkness seems exceptionally appropriate at Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense this time in the life of our beloved Church.” against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the ST. PAUL ADULT VOLLEYBALL power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who St. Paul Co-ed Over 30 prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. Volleyball League starts January 5 and runs thru March. The RCIA—RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS games are played in the Carlin WELCOME to our two Candidates: John Geller and LeighAnn Fiser and our Center from 1:30-4:45 p.m. each Sunday. The league is intended for St. Paul two Catechumens: Kaitland Manning and Chris Walz. John and LeighAnn parishioners with a focus on a social are already baptized and have begun instructions to further their atmosphere, casual play and general knowledge of the Catholic faith with the goal of being confirmed and college rule adherence. If interested in receiving their First Holy Communion. Kaitland and Chris are preparing to playing, please email be received into the Catholic church, with the reception of Baptism, Confir- [email protected] or call/text mation and the Eucharist. We ask that you keep John, LeighAnn, Kaitland 859-638-2197 by December 29th. and Chris in your prayers during this time of Advent and Christmas season. COMMUNITY EVENTS Jesus said he came to give us life to the full: Do you know what that means? Do you want to learn exactly how to live it? Then don’t miss REBOOT! A ONE EVENING regional event with national Catholic speaker, CHRIS STEFANIK. When: Tuesday, January 28, 7:00 – 9:30PM Where: NKU STUDENT UNION. For more information and to register, call 859-620-1813 or visit www.RealLifeCatholic.com/reboot HURRY! Are you looking for a job where you can make a real difference? Join our team! Catholic Charities, Diocese of Covington is hiring for multiple positions both full and part time. For more info, visit http://www.covingtoncharities.org/ news-events/job-opportunities Chris Rice Memorial Fund Scholarship: Many high school students each year are unable to attend the March for Life due to the cost of the trip. The Chris Rice Memorial Fund, named in memory of a young man who was dedicated to pro-life causes, enables those students who cannot afford the pilgrimage to Washington the opportunity to go. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated. Send donations to: Diocese of Covington, Pro-Life Office, 1125 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011-3115. New Beginnings: Is a faith-based support group, it provides separated and divorced individuals the opportunity for healing and growth. In this group, participants find new understanding of themselves and their relationships and gain courage to discover All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 new life. All sessions are at Thomas More University, Crestview Hills. Registration required - 859-392-1500 ext. 1529. Passion Play in Germany: Fr. Niby is leading a trip to Germany, Switzerland and France for 12 days in July, 2020. The focus of the trip will be the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany which is performed only once every ten years. When registering for the trip with Fr. Niby, reference “Niby.” For more info, contact the Mary, Queen of Heaven parish office at 525-6909. Virtus: All VIRTUS accounts will be open during the month of December. If you wish to volunteer during the winter season, please catch up by reading all bulletins now and each month thereafter. Dec. bulletin posted Dec. 1 & due Dec. 31 Jan. bulletin posted Jan. 5 and due Feb. 5

GOD BLESS OUR STEWARDSHIP MARK YOUR December 16, 2019 $12,568.6200 CALENDARS! COLLECTION ENV AMOUNT June 12, 2020 Regular Collection 211 9,802.00 Loose 681.62 June 13, 2020 WeShare 26 2,085.00 June 14, 2020 Support Our Future (As of Dec. 16) 30 68,158.84 Plan on joining us for a fun-filled Retired Religious 80 3,169.11 weekend with your parish family Christmas 2 75.00 Immaculate Conception (Addt’l) 2 25.00 and friends! If you would like to Christmas Flowers 18 298.00 help in any way, please email [email protected]. St. Vincent de Paul 7 385.00 Adopt A Student 3 55.00 Mass Stipends: To pray for and, especially, DPAA 2019 (As of August 13) 360 $252,492.85 remember deceased relatives and friends, DPAA 2019 Rebate (As of Oct. 28) $113,564.22 you can schedule a Mass Intention. For any ONLINE GIVING: WESHARE: To register for weekly/monthly/one living person or special intention, you can also have a Mass read. time transactions go to, https://saintpaulflorence.weshareonline.org Contact the Parish Office. The standard stipend is $10.