December 13, 2020 ST. STEPHEN MARTYR

2931 PINDELL AVENUE • LOUISVILLE, KY 40217 www.ssmartyr.org Parish Office...... 635-5813 School ...... 635-7141 Cafeteria ...... 635-6895 ...... 635-3505 Activities Center ...... 635-3505 St. Vincent de Paul ...... 635-4414

Staff Pastor Rev. Harry J. Gelthaus [email protected] Senior Deacon Mr. Steve DaPonte [email protected] Senior Deacon Mr. Syl Nitzken Director of Music Stuart Wicke [email protected] Business Manager Mrs. Celeste Fautz [email protected] Principal Mrs. Bridget Britt [email protected] CRE Stacey Smith [email protected] Pre-School Director Mrs. Rebecca Jenkins [email protected]

Parish Council Pastor, Fr. Harry Gelthaus Chairperson, Patty Norton………….…..773-6356 Administration/Finance,Ray Brown.648-5667 Parish Life, Patty Norton……….……….773-6356 Worship, Vacant…………………..……....…..…..…..... Recording Secretary, Vacant………………….……… Rob Greenwell……………………………...936-0245 Heather Schardein………………………..387-9096

Current Mass Schedules Sacraments Weekend: Sunday 10:30 am Baptism: Call parish office for Saturday 4:00 pm & Sunday 8:30 - appointment and preparation. Remain Cancelled at This Time St. Stephen Martyr Parish Vision: Confession: To be a community that loves and serves God Weekday: Monday—Thursday 8:15am 1st Sat. each month following 4:00 pm and one another Communion Services—Saturday 8:15am Mass Canceled - By appointment St. Stephen Martyr Remain Cancelled at This Time Marriage: Please contact priest at least Holyday: announced times in bulletin. Parish Mission Statement: six months in advance. To worship God as a Catholic faith Sunday 10:30 am Mass will be also live community for the salvation of all Streamed Facebook Page Bulletin Deadline-Monday Noon Why Do We Do That Time, Talent and Treasure Catholic Life Explained Fostering Stewardship as a Way of Life Are Catholics obligated to attend

Mass each Sunday, or receive “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give Communion each Sunday?

thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” The questions about Mass attendance and the 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reception of Holy Communion are clearly outlined in what are traditionally called the “Precepts” of the The opposite of stewardship is self-pity and ingratitude. Stewardship Church. These specific teachings are intended to is about gratitude, rendering constant thanks, and being aware of stand alongside the Ten Commandments as funda- how much we've received. With that realization, giving from abun- mental practices for Catholics and are outlined in dance becomes natural. the Code of Canon Law. The obligations related to Mass attendance and receiving Communion are 12/05/2019 —12/04/2020 $425,892.30 outlined in the first and third precepts, which we 12/05/2018 —12/04/2019 $495,208.80 find quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 2042): Thanks to all those who continue to donate! The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sun- days and holy days of obligation and rest from ser- Cindy Arnold Maria Hoyos Sydney Partee vile labor”) requires the faithful to sanctify the day Patrick Barker Ann Huso Terry Phelps commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as Brad Bohannon Janet Jacobi James Price well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the Cecelia Brand Janet Jarboe Patricia Ringswald mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Chuck Byrd Bertha Kamer Phyllis Schultz the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Charlie Cecil Damien Kline Herman Seadler Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian com- Marty Elms Kaye Lashley Steve Smith munity is gathered, and by resting from those works Robin Evernham Sally Lawrence Barbara Smith and activities which could impede such a sanctifica- Trish Feger Thurman Lear Joey Sullivan tion of these days. Heather Frazier Beth Mans Lisa Swikert The third precept (“You shall receive the sacra- Kenneth Gibson Betty McGill Lydia Turner ment of the Eucharist at least during the Easter sea- Elaine Goehringer Brendon McKeehan Tish Wagner son”) guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Bobbie Gross Diane Modes Bruce Wallace Sr. Loretta Guenther Rev. James W. Murphy Cheryl Westbay Lord’s Body and Blood in connection with the Pas- chal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian Rita Elaine Hamilton Mary Rita Noonan Janet White Steven Head Ellie Nunn Charles J Will Jr. liturgy. Rather than seeing these as obligations that are Doug Heil Liz Nussbaum Belinda Willinger David Hoagland Ryan Northcutt simply to be fulfilled out of a sense of duty, Pope Saint John Paul II reminds us of the grace that is . . . and for all our sick and homebound. made available to us when we gather for Sunday . . . and all our families who remain homebound due to virus concerns celebrations of the Eucharist: “Sunday is the day which is at the very heart of the Christian life… Time Join us in welcoming Maxton Taylor McKim into our given to Christ is never time lost, but is rather time faith by the Sacrament of Baptism. Parents are gained, so that our relationships and indeed our Christopher Smithson and Samantha McKim whole life may become more profoundly hu- May this joyful occasion be a special start to knowing man” (Dies Domini, no. 7). that God’s love will live in your precious child’s heart.

Readings for the week of 12/13/2020 Daily readings (including audio files) are available on the U.S. Conference of Sun: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 51-54 Catholic Bishops website www.usccb.org. [Is 61:10b]/1 Thes 5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 Mass of the Air Schedule (ASL Interpreted) (www.massoftheair.com): Mon: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a/Ps 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the Faith Channel, Inc. (Spectrum channel 19), 8-9 [4]/Mt 21:23-27 Louisville, KY. This Mass also is streamed live on the Faith Channel at Tue: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13/Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 www.faithtvlive.com. and 23 [7a]/Mt 21:28-32 Wed: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21c-25/Ps 85:9ab and 10, 10:30 a.m. on WHAS-TV (channel 11), Louisville, KY and whas11.com under 11-12, 13-14 [Is 45:8]/Lk 7:18b-23 the “Live Video” tab.

Thurs: Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 [cf. 9 a.m. on WBKI-TV (Spectrum Channel 7).

7]/Mt 1:1-17 Links to live streaming of Masses at the various parishes throughout the Friday: Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 [cf. 7]/ Archdiocese may be found on the Archdiocese of Louisville site Mt 1:18-25 www.archlou.org/covid-19. Sat: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 [cf. 8]/Lk 1:5-25 Mass at SSM will continue to be live streamed on Facebook each Sunday at Next Sun: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4 10:30am via a link provided at ssmartyr.org.

-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38 Holiday Hours The Parish Office will be closed on the following days: Thursday December 24 and Friday December 25 2 St. Stephen Martyr Thursday December 31 and Friday January 1 From the Desk of Celeste Fautz, Business Manager Planned Holiday Mass Schedule

Stewardship Renewal Time is Coming This schedule is subject to change based upon revised COVID restrictions and recom- Our gifts are not given to be bargaining chips in which we expect repayment (e.g. tax mendations. breaks, return invitations, or recognition). Preoccupation with repayment is not stewardship, but a search for reward. Please note that church capacity is limited We receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in to no more than 60 persons.

justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord. Christmas Eve Thursday December 24 Like many other events and activities this year, the annual parish stewardship re- 4:00 PM—Live Streaming Only newal drive is being delayed by the pandemic. Christmas Day Normally, each parish family would have received a copy of the St. Stephen Martyr Friday December 25 Guidebook and Directory by mail in late October or early November. This directory 9:00 AM—Live Streaming & in Person provides descriptions of the various parish ministries and organizations that are New Year’s Day available at SSM and there is likely a group that can greatly benefit from your time Friday January 1st and your unique talents. However, publication and distribution of the 2020-2021 9:00 AM—Live Streaming & in Person parish directory has been delayed until after the first of the calendar year.

Although members and points of contact for some ministries have changed, the min- EARLY BULLETIN DEADLINES istries and ministry descriptions remain the same as in the 2019-2020 parish direc- If you would like something included in the tory. If you do not have a copy of this directory, you can view or download the Minis- church bulletins for any of the following try Guide Section online: dates, please note the early submission  Visit www.GuideBookPublishing.com/booklist.php deadlines:  Click on our state followed by our city 12/27 bulletin—Wed. 12/16  Select St. Stephen Martyr Church #1347 1/3/21 bulletin—Mon. 12/21

For more information about any of the parish ministries and organizations or to find out where your unique talents and abilities may be most needed, you may also con- tact the parish office at 635-5813 or by email to [email protected].

2021 Ministry Pledge-Renewal forms will be mailed early in the upcoming calendar year. These forms provide an opportunity to update parish census records with infor- mation about you and your family (was there a change in marital status, is there a Saint Vincent DePaul new family member or has a family member moved from the household, has your of SSM Christmas phone number or email address changed or do you wish to add one, etc.) The form Event will also contain a section to indicate any parish organizations or activities in which We invite you to participate in our Christ- you wish to remain involved or wish to become involved. This information will be mas Gift Card Program that helps to enrich shared with our committee chairpersons and ministry leaders. needy families in our Parish during the Hol- iday Season. Updates to and confirmation of ministry information for you and your family will be We request that you buy a gift card in more important now than ever as the parish looks forward to opening back up to whatever denomination you desire from church services, meetings, and events in 2021. When you receive the 2021 parish Kroger, Walmart, Target, Aldi, etc. Please directory, you will notice that there are currently a number of vacant positions to be mark the envelope SVDP Gift Card and filled. Your positive energy and fresh ideas can be just the thing to help invigorate drop it off in the Parish Office, in the Sun- and revitalize some of the programs and ministries at St. Stephen Martyr. Please day Collection or mail to SSM/SVDP, 2931 take some time now to consider what ministries you may wish to continue, discontin- Pindell Ave, Louisville, KY 40217. ue or join 2021. Must be received not later than Monday Thanks for whatever gifts that you are able and willing to share and please know that December 14th. our parish is a better place because of it

Thank you in advance & Merry Christmas! ______

_

Liturgical Life—Questions of the Week

First Reading: Isaiah shares his understanding of his prophetic call and his experi- ence of the Lord as a God of justice and compassion. As we continue in the season of Advent, what new spiritual insights are you discovering? Second Reading: Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be thankful to God and be active in their newly found faith in Christ by following his moral imperatives. How are you putting your faith into practice during this Advent? Gospel: John tells us that the religious leaders in Jerusalem questioned the identity of John the Baptist, wondering if he was the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet who Mo- ses prophesied would come. John the Baptist responds in humility, with a clear sense of his own call. Do you humbly accept God’s call in your life? Louisville, 3 Masses for the Week of 12/14/20 – 12/20/20 Sunday, December 20 - †=deceased OBSERVANCES FOR THE WEEK OF December 13, 2020 10:30 am Robbie Barber † Richard Ringswald † Sunday: 3rd Sunday of Advent Monday: St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Parish Calendar—Church and School Offices are open - Church You will be met at the door to conduct most business. If Friday: Hanukkah Ends there is a need to enter the building, then a mask or face Next Sunday: 4rd Sunday of Advent covering will be required as well as social distancing. SSM facilities continue to remain closed to activities and St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor events due to strict cleaning requirements associated with of the Church use of any meeting rooms or common spaces. Please con- tact the Parish Office to request use of any room or facility Patron: Contemplative life; contemplatives; on campus and we will see what can be worked out. mystical theology; mystics; Spanish poets The SSM Dare to Care Food Pantry continues to operate at Saint John was born into poverty and so was no stranger to this time. In compliance with current distancing require- need. He was raised by his mother and the Church after his ments, food is distributed out the door without allowing father died at a young age. These two mothers imparted to his patrons to enter the building. The next food pantry distri- mind a solid formation in Catholic doctrine and to his soul an bution will take place: ardent love for the Lord Jesus. John was ordained a priest for Wednesday – 12/16/2020 – the Carmelites in 1567. He loved solitude and contemplation 4:00-5:30 pm Dare-to-Care Food Distribution Weiker Rm

and so considered entering the strictest of Orders, the Carthu- Many thanks and much gratitude are extended to Dcn. sians. But holy people cross paths, and a chance meeting Steve DaPonte and our food pantry volunteers for this with Saint Teresa of Ávila redirected John’s vocation. Teresa’s valuable service that they continue to provide to the com- combination of charm, intelligence, and drive were difficult to munity at large. resist. John quickly joined her project to recapture the original purity of the Carmelite Order. Many customs had attached themselves to the Order over time. John set out to found new, 2020 Catholic Services Appeal - Bringing reformed Carmelite houses and to reinvigorate existing ones. Christ to Others Unable to learn a trade, he became the servant of the poor The reforms John and Teresa implemented were practical. Thank you for all you are doing to help make the 2020 The monks and nuns were to spend more hours chanting the Catholic Services Appeal a big success! breviary in common, to do more spiritual reading, to spend more hours in silence, to practice contemplative prayer, to ab- A total of $2,983,087 in gifts and pledges have been re- stain completely from meat and to endure longer, more radi- ceived, which is 76% of the Archdiocesan goal. There cal fasts. The reformed Carmelites eventually became known have been 9,598 participating households, which repre- after their most noticeable change. They strictly adhered to sents 73% of the donor participation goal. the Carmelite Rule’s original prohibition against wearing SSM Parish Goal: $30,400 shoes. So by the time they were canonically established as SSM Gifts/Pledges = $20,332.63 (67%) their own Order, distinct from the historic Carmelites, they SSM Participation Goal: 135 households were called the Discalced, or Shoeless, Carmelites. SSM Participation = 86 households (64%) Saint John spent his life traveling throughout Central and Southern Spain carrying out an intense priestly ministry all Gifts and pledges can be made through our parish office while living a recollected life which his own contemporaries or online at www.ArchLou.org/CSA CHOSEN recognized as saintly. He was a chaplain to convents, a spir- itual director to university colleges, a confessor, a preacher, a founder and a superior of monasteries. And, most distinctive- ly, he was a contemplative who wrote with elegance and artis- tic flower about falling in love with God. His Dark Night of the Soul, Spiritual Canticle, Ascent of Mount Carmel, and Living Flame of Love are, on their surface, poetic masterpieces of 2020 Retirement Fund for Religious the Spanish language. At a deeper level, they each describe, The collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will in surprising detail and through various biblical metaphors, be held in our parish December 13. Help our elders. In the soul’s search for Christ and its joy in finding Him, or its good times and bad, senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and pain in losing Him. To see through material forms into God’s religious order priests have dedicated themselves to ser- inner life, to contemplate God in His very nature, was prayer. vice and acts of mercy. Today, they pray for an aching Saint John of the Cross deepened the word “mystery” to world. Yet years of serving for little or no pay have left include more than its objective meaning in the Sacraments. their religious communities without enough retirement For John, every soul had a mysterious union with God that had savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious to be, and only could be, cultivated in silent contemplation. helps provide medications, nursing care, and other neces- Excerpted from https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/ sities. Please be generous. . December 13, 2020 4a 4b 3rd Sunday of Advent Masses for the Week of 12/14/20 – 12/20/20 Sunday, December 20 - †=deceased OBSERVANCES FOR THE WEEK OF December 13, 2020 10:30 am Robbie Barber † Richard Ringswald † Sunday: 3rd Sunday of Advent Monday: St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Parish Calendar—Church and School Offices are open - Church You will be met at the door to conduct most business. If Friday: Hanukkah Ends there is a need to enter the building, then a mask or face Next Sunday: 4rd Sunday of Advent covering will be required as well as social distancing. SSM facilities continue to remain closed to activities and St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor events due to strict cleaning requirements associated with of the Church use of any meeting rooms or common spaces. Please con- tact the Parish Office to request use of any room or facility Patron: Contemplative life; contemplatives; on campus and we will see what can be worked out. mystical theology; mystics; Spanish poets The SSM Dare to Care Food Pantry continues to operate at Saint John was born into poverty and so was no stranger to this time. In compliance with current distancing require- need. He was raised by his mother and the Church after his ments, food is distributed out the door without allowing father died at a young age. These two mothers imparted to his patrons to enter the building. The next food pantry distri- mind a solid formation in Catholic doctrine and to his soul an bution will take place: ardent love for the Lord Jesus. John was ordained a priest for Wednesday – 12/16/2020 – the Carmelites in 1567. He loved solitude and contemplation 4:00-5:30 pm Dare-to-Care Food Distribution Weiker Rm

and so considered entering the strictest of Orders, the Carthu- Many thanks and much gratitude are extended to Dcn. sians. But holy people cross paths, and a chance meeting Steve DaPonte and our food pantry volunteers for this with Saint Teresa of Ávila redirected John’s vocation. Teresa’s valuable service that they continue to provide to the com- combination of charm, intelligence, and drive were difficult to munity at large. resist. John quickly joined her project to recapture the original purity of the Carmelite Order. Many customs had attached themselves to the Order over time. John set out to found new, 2020 Catholic Services Appeal - Bringing reformed Carmelite houses and to reinvigorate existing ones. Christ to Others Unable to learn a trade, he became the servant of the poor The reforms John and Teresa implemented were practical. Thank you for all you are doing to help make the 2020 The monks and nuns were to spend more hours chanting the Catholic Services Appeal a big success! breviary in common, to do more spiritual reading, to spend more hours in silence, to practice contemplative prayer, to ab- A total of $2,983,087 in gifts and pledges have been re- stain completely from meat and to endure longer, more radi- ceived, which is 76% of the Archdiocesan goal. There cal fasts. The reformed Carmelites eventually became known have been 9,598 participating households, which repre- after their most noticeable change. They strictly adhered to sents 73% of the donor participation goal. the Carmelite Rule’s original prohibition against wearing SSM Parish Goal: $30,400 shoes. So by the time they were canonically established as SSM Gifts/Pledges = $20,332.63 (67%) their own Order, distinct from the historic Carmelites, they SSM Participation Goal: 135 households were called the Discalced, or Shoeless, Carmelites. SSM Participation = 86 households (64%) Saint John spent his life traveling throughout Central and Southern Spain carrying out an intense priestly ministry all Gifts and pledges can be made through our parish office while living a recollected life which his own contemporaries or online at www.ArchLou.org/CSA CHOSEN recognized as saintly. He was a chaplain to convents, a spir- itual director to university colleges, a confessor, a preacher, a founder and a superior of monasteries. And, most distinctive- ly, he was a contemplative who wrote with elegance and artis- tic flower about falling in love with God. His Dark Night of the Soul, Spiritual Canticle, Ascent of Mount Carmel, and Living Flame of Love are, on their surface, poetic masterpieces of 2020 Retirement Fund for Religious the Spanish language. At a deeper level, they each describe, The collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will in surprising detail and through various biblical metaphors, be held in our parish December 13. Help our elders. In the soul’s search for Christ and its joy in finding Him, or its good times and bad, senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and pain in losing Him. To see through material forms into God’s religious order priests have dedicated themselves to ser- inner life, to contemplate God in His very nature, was prayer. vice and acts of mercy. Today, they pray for an aching Saint John of the Cross deepened the word “mystery” to world. Yet years of serving for little or no pay have left include more than its objective meaning in the Sacraments. their religious communities without enough retirement For John, every soul had a mysterious union with God that had savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious to be, and only could be, cultivated in silent contemplation. helps provide medications, nursing care, and other neces- Excerpted from https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/ sities. Please be generous. . December 13, 2020 4a 4b 3rd Sunday of Advent Baumer’s Quality R.D. Edwards, Auto Care llc d.m.d., p.s.c. Ed Baumer, Parishioner Family Dentistry Quality Work “See your best * Look your best” • Computer Diagnostic • Heating & Air Conditioning Service 4000 POPLAR LEVEL ROAD

dentist 3807 Freedom Way • Brake Repair 459-2020 502-897-9288 Dr. Rod Rallo Dr. Thomas Keenan IV 969-3205 1757 Mellwood Avenue Dr. Beth Minton Dr. Julie Rallo Audubon OSCAR’S HARDWARE Nancy F. Shackleton, DMD, MS Service Center James Weiter 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Specialist in Orthodontics MINOR AUTO REPAIR Kim Wiggins Owners GERMANTOWN • 636-3621 3019 Preston Highway JOE JONES, Prop. 1515 S. SHELBY Parishioners 637-2900 Caring, Personal Service 3030 POPLAR LEVEL RD. CRESCENT HILL • 893-2510 in Your Hour of Need 637-4642 2628 FRANKFORT AVE. www.orthoshack.com Family Owned AUTO HOME LIFE BUSINESS and Operated A MEMBER SERVICE KYFB.COM Pahler’s Since 1950 Chris Mackey Our Place Liquors Agency Manager “Fine Wines & Liquors” 502-635-6371 Gardiner Lane Office 459-3800 CARPET - HARDWOOD - VINYL - TILE [email protected] 502-452-1142 “SERVING THE LOUISVILLE COMMUNITY SINCE 1943” 3808 Poplar Level Rd. Alex, Mike, & Jim Ratterman 937 South Shelby St. 2723 Preston Hwy. 459-4507 Jim and Barbara Pahler 3800 Bardstown Rd. 40218 587-6871 www.embry-bosse.com Ask us about our LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE solutions! Don F. Hinkebein THE DFH COMPANY

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL DITSLER INSURANCE INC Chris & Alex Hinkebein 1313 Lyndon Ln Lou KY 40222 (502) 895-0812 Call Jerry, Russ or Stuart 968-6222 www.ditslerinsurance.com www.DFHCompany.com

TATE MEAGHER Personal Injury and Car Wreck Lawyer 1041 Goss Avenue, Suite 3 • Louisville, KY E-filing • Notary Service [email protected] • (502) 309-9213 Pick-up for Shut-ins www.calltate.com Tax Planning Mention this ad for 20% Off (New Clients Only) 502.368.0036 4020 Preston Hwy. SINCE 1865 Louisville, KY 40213 www.taxingtimeslouisville.com BARRET AND ELLISON LOUISVILLE Serving Kentuckiana car buyers for over 45 years! TONY & CAROL REED 502-964-8131 OWNERS 6015 Preston Hwy. Under the BIG American Flag. 451-8440 We ARE Ford in Louisville. www.fordlouisville.com www.bossefh.com

Contact Nancy MacMillan to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6426 Region’s leader in cancer care NortonCancerInstitute.com • (502) 629-HOPE

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Stephen Martyr, Louisville, KY A 4C 01-0770