Making & Strengthening Christians

MAKING & STRENGTHENING CHRISTIANS

PARISH SCHEDULE

Monday, December 16 Mass 8:15AM: All Souls Deceased Communal Rosary 8:45AM—Church Mass 12:10PM: Mary White Evening Prayer (Vespers) 6:45PM—Chapel Rosary 7PM—Chapel Prayer Group 7:30PM —Chapel

Tuesday, December 17 Mass 8:15AM: The Wilkinson Family Communal Rosary 8:45AM—Church Mass 12:10PM: All Souls Deceased Evening Prayer (Vespers) 6:45PM—Chapel Conquisition 7PM—Church RCIA Meeting 7PM—PC 173

Wednesday, December 18 Mass 8:15AM: The Turner Family Communal Rosary 8:45AM—Church Mass 12:10PM: All Souls Deceased St. Paul Children’s Choir 6:15PM—Choir Loft Evening Prayer (Vespers) 6:45PM—Chapel Religious Formation 7PM—Classrooms Mass 7:15PM: Special Intention of Julia Deevers Rich Conversations About the Faith 8PM—Chapel

Thursday, December 19 Mass 8:15AM: All Souls Deceased Welcome to St. Paul Parish Communal Rosary 8:45AM—Church To register and become a member of St. Paul: Please fill Mass 12:10PM: Ralph Schwartz out the registration form online at stpaulnky.org or call the Holy Hour with Pastor 6PM—Church Parish Office at 859-371-8051. Evening Prayer (Vespers) 6:45PM—Church Jewish Roots of Christianity 7PM—PC 170  7301 Dixie Highway, Florence, Ky. 41042-2126

 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 366, Florence, Ky. 41022 Friday, December 20  www.stpaulnky.org Mass 8:15AM: All Souls Deceased Communal Rosary 8:45AM—Church  [email protected] Mass 12:10PM: Floyd Krebs Family  Phone: 859-371-8051

 Office Hours: Monday—Thursday 9:30AM-2:30PM Saturday, December 21  Weekly Bulletin Deadline: Every Tuesday, 9:30AM Mass 8:15AM: The White Family  Confessions 3:30-4:30PM Online Giving: saintpaulflorence.weshareonline.org Mass 5PM: Ed Stevie  Cover Photo By Amy Feie

Parish Clergy Sunday, December 22 Pastor: Rev. Fr. Michael Barth Mass 8AM: Terry Isreal Adult Choir Practice 9:15AM—Choir Loft Parochial Vicar: Rev. Fr. Trinity Knight Mass 10AM: For the People In Residence: Rev. Fr. David B. Gamm Children’s Liturgy of the Word 10AM – Chapel Deacon: Rev. Mr. Nicholas J. Schwartz Mass 12PM: Bernard Lunnemann Deacon: Rev. Mr. Thomas Kathman Alcoholic’s Anonymous 7PM—Scout House 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 O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, a brief silence is observed so that enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them all may become more conscious always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your of being in God’s presence and allowing each one time to call to Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever mind the intentions each has and ever. 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 35:1—6A, 10 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They This is the first of the two major will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of parts of the Mass, Divine Liturgy Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see or Eucharistic Liturgy. It is during the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are this part of the celebration that the proclamation of the Word of feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are God takes place. The readings for frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with the Sunday Mass are structured divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be in a three year cycle. Thus the vast majority of the entire Bible opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then is proclaimed to the Sunday the tongue of the mute will sing. Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return assembly every three years. and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 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 reading, the assembly responds normally by singing one of the psalms.

A reading from the Letter of Saint James James 5:7-10 The second reading comes Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer from one of the epistles. These readings are read in a waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the semi-continuous way. This early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because means that a few versus of a the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one given epistle is proclaimed and then stopped. The next Sunday another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the the proclamation continues gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the where the previous Sunday left prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. off. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. (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 11:2-11 the cross signing the forehead, mouth and heart, When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples praying as they do so: “May to Jesus with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for the Word of the Lord be in my another?" Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the mind, on my lips and in my heart.” This comes to us from blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead a Jewish custom honoring the are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the scriptures. A section of one of one who takes no offense at me." As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the the Gospels is proclaimed and the assembly listens crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the attentively to the voice of the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those Lord. Across the three year who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a cycle of readings for Sunday Mass, Matthew, Mark or prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is Luke’s Gospel is highlighted. written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way John is read in all three years. before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." 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 Word of God proclaimed with I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things the ancient profession of faith visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, to honor and confess the born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from great mysteries of the faith. Normally the Nicene Creed is true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things prayed which .expresses the were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven and (Bow) mysteries and rule of faith by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake and comes from the Ecumenical Council at Nicea in he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose 325 AD and the First again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven Ecumenical Council at and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the Constantinople in 381 AD. living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the

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 The faithful, exercising their forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of baptismal priesthood, offer the world to come. Amen. prayers to God for the salvation and benefit of all. ….We pray to the Lord. Lord hear our prayer. (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 living memorial in the power of God. Such, that, that which is remembered, becomes present to those who are celebrating the sacred mystery of salvation, who is Jesus Christ.

ST. PAUL ADULT VOLLEYBALL St. Paul Co-ed Over 30 Volleyball League starts January 5 and runs thru March. The games are played in the Carlin Center from 1:30-4:45 p.m. each Sunday. The league is intended for St. Paul parishioners with a focus on a social atmosphere, casual play and general college rule adherence. If interested in playing, please email [email protected] or call/text 859-638-2197 by December 29th.

All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 30 & OVER MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE (Please stand) Any St. Paul or St. Timothy Parishioner interested in playing in St. Paul’s 30 & Pray brethren (or other address of the assembly), that my sacrifice and Over Men’s Basketball League please yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father. contact Jeff Schuler at 859-802-9676 or May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and email [email protected]. Play will glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church. begin in early January

May the sacrifice of our worship, Lord, we pray, be offered to you unceasingly, to complete what was begun in sacred mystery and powerfully accomplish for us your saving work. 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.

A BIG THANKS to the Young at Heart group for your donation to the SVdP pantry. This year, instead of doing a gift exchange at their annual Christmas party, members brought in hygiene items and donated All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 them to our conference's pantry. These items were very much needed and we (Please kneel) thank you for your generosity and for thinking of us with your donations.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT What does the Feast of Tabernacles, Thanksgiving, and Christmas have in common...besides food? Dr. Alma Burnette will be teaching on the subject "You Are WHOM You Eat" on December 19 at 7PM in PC 170.

All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 (Please stand) At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our Our Charismatic Prayer Group daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who is 43 years old. The group trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the from evil. Chapel. All are welcome! The meeting starts with songs of praise Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our and worship. We share scripture readings days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and lift up to the Lord Jesus our prayer requests. Pray always...in all ways. and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

The faithful prepare themselves to receive Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. They do this using various peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, prayers and by praying for the coming of the and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Kingdom in the words Jesus taught and Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen. offering to one another a sign of being at peace with one another, normally a The peace of the Lord be with you always. And with your spirit. handshake in the US. Let us offer each other the sign of peace. December 21 & 22

Altar Servers 5PM— Patrick E. Isaac E. Carson B. 8AM— Alyssa F. Thomas F. Hannah D. 10AM– Drew B. All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 Savannah B. Ashleigh D. Noon- Maia M. (Please kneel) Sasha M. Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the Brooke I. world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. Lectors 5PM– Steve E. Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, Barb J. but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. 8AM– Jeff S. Joyce N. 10AM– Rob L. Jerry A. Noon– Rachel M. Bill G.

Eucharistic Ministers 5PM– Terry E. Jennifer F-B. Donna Sue K. Elaine M. Janet Y. Ron Y. 8AM– Rick A. Mike C. Karen H. Ken V. Paula V. Pamela W. 10AM– Mike B. Barb H. Ruth H. Scott M. Ted S. Irene W. Noon– Nancy F. Peter F. Amanda K. Olivia M. Linda M. Jennifer Z.

Greeters 5PM– Alma B. Polly E. Steve E. Dennis E. Darrelyn E. 8AM– Cheryl H. Jim H. James M. 10AM– Alma B. Janet F. Noon– Ron F. MaryAnn K. Judith M. All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590

Since the celebration of the Eucharist is the Paschal Banquet, it is desirable that in accordance with the Lord’s command his Body and Blood should be received as spiritual food by those faithful who are properly disposed. ARE YOU SOMEONE OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO…  Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?  Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist? St. Paul Parish offers an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm accepting setting. For information, please contact Deacon Nick Schwartz at 859-371-8051 ext. 240 or [email protected]

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. All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 Dec. bulletin posted Dec. 1 & due Dec. 31 Jan. bulletin posted Jan. 5 and due Feb. 5 (Please stand) We implore your mercy, Lord, that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults and prepare us for the coming feasts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Lord be with you. And with your Spirit. Bishop Foys has mandated that we pray the Leonine prayer to St. Michael the Archangel May almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy at the end of all Masses throughout the Spirit. Amen. Diocese of Covington. “It is apparent that the smoke of Satan has entered the Go in peace glorifying God by your life. Thanks be to God. sanctuary,” Bishop Foys said. “This prayer which has been prayed since 1886 to obtain Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense help in the battle against the forces of against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, darkness seems exceptionally appropriate at this time in the life of our beloved Church.” we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

RCIA—RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS WELCOME to our two Candidates: John Geller and Leigh Ann Fiser and our two Catechumens: Kaitland Manning and Chris Walz. John and Leigh Ann have begun instructions to further their knowledge of the Catholic faith. Kaitland and Chris are preparing to be received into the Catholic church, with the reception of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. We ask that you keep John, Leigh Ann, Kaitland 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 All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A-726590 the pilgrimage to Washington the opportunity to go. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated. Send donations to: SUPPORT ELDERLY RELIGIOUS Diocese of Covington, Pro-Life Office, 1125 Aging religious need your help. Senior Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011-3115. Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious New Beginnings: A faith-based support order priests ministered for years for little group, New Beginnings provides separated to no pay. Their sacrifices now leave their and divorced individuals the opportunity for religious communities without adequate healing and growth. In this group, retirement savings. Your gift today for the participants find new understanding of themselves and their relationships and gain Retirement Fund for Religious helps to courage to discover new life. All sessions are provide medications, nursing care, and at Thomas More University, Crestview Hills. more for tens of thousands of elderly Registration is required - 859-392-1500 ext. religious. Please be generous. 1529. Retrouvaille: For couples in troubled marriages, Retrouvaille is a program of PRAYER BLANKET healing and renewal consisting of one We were overwhelmed at the need and acceptance of our ministry to weekend and six follow-up sessions over the provide prayer shawls to our parishioners. We will be praying for all the course of three months. Contact: www.cincyretrouvaille.org or 513-456-5413. people and intensions. We ran out of our prayer cards and have printed more. These are in the Gathering Space. Please stop by to pick one up and Project Rachel Ministry: Would you give to the person receiving the shawl. Although we do not ask for any believe God not only sees you in your pain, donations, we were blessed by people who gave us but He loves you? He does. And He is money. We greatly appreciate this support and all the yarn waiting, ready to forgive you and heal your heart. Please don’t let a past abortion that we have received and continue to receive. Please keep experience keep you from the love of God. all recipients of our shawls in your prayers. Contact Project Rachel to begin the healing. Calls and emails are confidential 859-392- 1547 or [email protected]. YOUNG AT HEART MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL! January 2: Meeting 5:30PM- New Year’s Party and Membership. To RSVP and for more information, call Mary Ann Knaley at 525-6081 or Mary Jo Locknane 371-5540. February 4: Meeting at Chuy’s at 5:30PM. RSVP to Colleen Collins at 525-2677. March 5: Meeting at 5:30PM at Parish Center. St. Patrick’s Day Party. RSVP to Mary Ann Knaley at 525-6081.

FACILITY REQUEST FORM If your St. Paul organization needs to reserve the Carlin Center, Conference Room, Gathering Space or a room in the Parish Center, your organization need to fill out the Facility Reservation Request Form on the parish website. It can be found on the Homepage under Quick Links or use the following url: https:// BULLETIN DEADLINE CHANGES stpaulnky.org/facility-reservation-request/ Due to the holiday season there are bulletin announcement deadline changes. To submit announcements email [email protected]. PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION  December 22 Bulletin: Deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 17 Look for Play Like a Champion coach, parent and at 9:30AM athlete notes on the www.covdio.org website under  December 29 Bulletin: Deadline is Thursday, Dec. 19 Safe Environment; then Play Like a Champion. A at 9:30AM newsletter and videos provide encouragement and  January 5 Bulletin: Deadline is Thursday, Dec. 19 at 3PM reinforcement of the Play Like a Champion message. GOD BLESS OUR STEWARDSHIP MARK YOUR December 10, 2019 $13,157.00 CALENDARS! COLLECTION ENV AMOUNT June 12, 2020 Regular Collection 220 11,135.00 Loose 702.00 June 13, 2020 WeShare 23 1,320.00 June 14, 2020 Support Our Future (As of Dec. 10) 25 63,851.74 Plan on joining us for a fun-filled Immaculate Conception 64 1,083.00 weekend with your parish family Christmas Flowers 33 365.50 St. Vincent de Paul 8 305.00 and friends! If you would like to Adopt A Student 2 153.00 help in any way, please email [email protected]. DPAA 2019 (As of August 13) 360 $252,492.85 DPAA 2019 Rebate (As of Oct. 28) $113,564.22 Mass Stipends: To pray for and, especially, ONLINE GIVING: WESHARE remember deceased relatives and friends, To register for weekly/monthly/one time transactions go you can schedule a Mass Intention. For any to, https://saintpaulflorence.weshareonline.org living person or special intention, you can also have a Mass read. Contact the Parish Office. The standard stipend is $10.