Nativity of Mary Church and School 10017 E 36th Terrace Independence, MO 64052 Parish: (816) 353-2184 School: (816) 353-0284 Web: www.nativityofmary.org

“My attitude must be Christ’s.” - Philippians 2:5

Parish Staff Schedule

Rev. Robert Stone, Pastor Monday: 8:30 a.m. Communion Service Mrs. Mary Parrish, Principal Weekday: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday - Friday Melissa Clancy, Business Manager Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. New Parishioners Holy Day: 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. If you are new to our parish and would like more information please contact the Parish Office. Confessions Saturday: 3:00 p.m. or by Appointment Pastoral Care Sacraments for the Sick. Fr. Bob Stone, 353-2184, ext. 404

Pastoral visits to the Homebound and Hospitals. Paula Cassity, 353-2184, ext. 401

Emergency Assistance Contact St. Mary’s Food Pantry and Clothes Closet - 252-8649

Youth Ministry Debbie Page, 353-2184, ext. 408

School School, Early Childhood and Extended Care Carmen Wolfgeher, 353-0284

Sacrament Preparation Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Adult Initiation (RCIA), and Matrimony Contact the parish office for information

Music Ministry Maria Milazzo, 353-2184, ext 407

Parish Ministry Council Chris Walter - Chair

Diocesan Victim’s Advocate Kathleen Chastain 816.392.0011 or [email protected]

Ombudsman Jenifer Valenti, 816-812-2500 or [email protected] JANUARY 21, 2018 - THE THIRD SUNDAY IN

MASS INTENTIONS READINGS OF THE WEEK FOR JAN. 22 - 28, 2018

Sat., Jan. 20 - Vigil of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday: 2 Sm 5:1-7, 10; Ps 89:20-22, 25-26; Mk 3:22-30, or any of a number of readings 4:00PM + Carlos Vincent Morales for the Day of Prayer Sunday, Jan. 21 - The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Tuesday: 2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19; Ps 24:7- 10; Mk 3:31-35 8:00AM + Don Hodes Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:4-17; Ps 89:4-5, 27-30; Mk 4:1-20 10:30AM + Jack & Josephine Studer & Zachery Weiland Thursday: Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Mk 16:15-18 Monday, January 22 - Day of Prayer for the Unborn Friday: 2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5; Ps 51:3-7, 10-11; 8:30AM COMMUNION SERVICE Mk 4:26-34 Saturday: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17; Ps 51:12-17; Tuesday, January 23 - St. Vincent Mk 4:35-41 8:30AM + Harold Knipp Sunday: Dt 18:15-20; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Wednesday, January 24 - St. Frances de Sales Mk 1:21-28

8:30AM + Don Hodes TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Thursday, January 25 - The Conversion of St. Paul One of the most unusual Catholic churches in the world is in 8:30AM + Phillip & Mary Pappas Amsterdam: Our Lord in the Attic, or as the locals say, "Ons Friday, January 26 - St. Timothy & St. Titus Lieve Heer op Solder." What looks like a beautiful narrow brick mansion alongside a canal is a clever disguise for a 8:30AM + Thelma Bruehl & Virginia McMenamy very well-preserved seventeenth-century home and a secret church. During the Reformation, the Netherlands was divided Sat., Jan. 27 - Vigil of the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time into Protestant Holland and the Spanish Netherlands, now 4:00PM + Michael Kern known as Belgium, a Catholic stronghold. Protestant reform- ers seized all the Catholic parishes in Holland and "de- Sunday, January 28 -The 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Catholicized" them. New laws forbade the celebration of the Mass in public. St. Nicholas Church was renamed "Old 8:00AM + Josephine Rader Church" by the new owners, and the dispossessed Catholics 10:30AM + Harold Knipp & Caterina DeGaetano got to work "hiding" St. Nicholas Parish in the upper floors of this mansion. Other Catholics did the same thing, but this is + Curtis Lee Dotson the only hidden church that survives today. Sunday Mass is still celebrated here.

PLEASE PRAY FOR: It's a beautiful hideaway, with nothing spared in regard to marble, gilding, a pipe organ, and classic Dutch painting. A Vern/Margaret Ault Vicky Hohlbaugh Mike Singleton few steps away, the Old Church, begun in 1250, stands emp- Maxine Breunig Cynthia/Dennis Jones Patrick Singleton tied of the statues and carvings of its Catholic days, its win- Steve Christensen Paula Kienberger Bernice/Norm Steffen dows replaced by plain glass. The new tenants gave up when it came to the ceiling, which is still painted with saints, biblical John Clarke George Lambros George Timko, Jr. scenes, and merchant ships. The Dutch reformers were toler- Kelly Cook Dan Mangold John Tuccillo ant sorts, and as long as the Catholics kept out of sight, they Bob DeSchepper Betty Mascal Carol Byrd Weaver were out of mind. Catholicism was at last tolerated in Holland Roni Durkee Mary Pappas Alyssa Webb after 1853, but in 1924 when the International Eucharistic Congress was held in Amsterdam, of Catholics Mary Enyart Juan/Mary Perez Beth Whorton were still forbidden in the streets. Today, Roman Catholics Garry Gagnon Carlos Pinon Daniel Wheeler are about 19 percent of the population, and there's no need Barbara Garrett Steve Reasoner Ayden Wright for any of them to hide in the attic.

Marla Herbst Mike Rooney Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co. JANUARY 21, 2018 - PARISH NEWS

Did You Know… Knights of Columbus Chili Cook Off

Next Sunday is the beginning of Catholic Saturday, January 27th - 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Schools Week? There are lots of things Nativity of Mary Parish Hall planned to celebrate our school; an Open House from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Book Fair will be open for Members of both Nativity of Mary you to browse through, School Tours will be available, and St Mark parishes are invited to activities will be led in each classroom and donuts in enter and compete for the chili the Parish Hall. Stop by and see what is going on in our cook off challenge grand prize tro- school and invite your family and friends. phy, runner up trophy and 3rd place trophy. Arrive early to attend the judging and come enjoy some great chili and a fun time To everyone who sent me at this winter fellowship event. Contest judging from cards, gifts, food, and 3:30 – 4 p.m. Dining from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. To enter the financial donations during chili cook off, register by Wednesday January 24th. En- the , try Fee is $15 and can be paid at the door the day of the thank you for remembering event. Chili dinner cost is $5 for guests attending the me in such a thoughtful dinner and not competing. Come out Saturday evening way. January 27th to enjoy the fun at this fellowship event, check out the winners and have some great chili and Your generosity is very much appreciated. dinner fixings.

May God Bless you in the . Proceeds from the event will support respective parish Fr. Bob service projects and those in need. To RSVP an entry and compete in the chili cook off contest, contact either;

Gluten-free hosts are available. Talk to Fr. Bob before Mass. Grand Knight Jim Riesselman via Email, phone or text; [email protected] ; 816 803 3800, We have 2 wheelchairs and hearing assist devices or Deputy Grand Knight Lee Steffen via Email, phone or available for your use during mass. Please contact an usher. text; [email protected] or 816 286 5192

NATIVITY OF MARY CONTRIBUTION REPORT Devotional candles are kept in the kiosk. If you 1/6/2018 & 1/7/2018 would like to light one just ask an usher for assis- Envelopes $ 11,115.50 tance. There is a slot and envelopes available in Plate $ 611.00 the kiosk to place your $5 donation.

Worship Space $ 1,237.50 If you have a suggestion, concern, or com- Pisces Fund $ 450.00 ment you would like the Parish Ministry Utility Fund $ 140.00 Council to address there are cards on the EFT $ - kiosk for you to fill out and drop in the slot. Credit Card $ 100.00 Online Giving $ 1,300.08 Please continue to recycle your junk mail, Poor Box $ 135.00 office papers, newspapers, etc. Our recy- Total $ 15,089.08 cle bin is in the south parking lot behind school. Tuition/Registration Fees 17-18 $ 17,717.41 Please save pop tabs, boxtops and Best Thank you for supporting our Parish Choice barcodes for our school. You can Community and Catholic Education! drop them off at the school or church. JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 10, 2018 CALENDAR

Sunday 21 Monday 22 Tuesday 23 Wednesday 24 Thursday 25 Friday 26 Saturday 27 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 3:00PM 10:30AM Mass Communion Serv. Confession 9AM - Quilters 7PM - Theology 7PM - Emergency 4:00PM Mass 9AM On Ta[ Preparedness Mtg. 9AM-Ministry Choir Rehearsal 7PM - RCIA Discernment 3-7PM - Chili Cook Off and Dinner

28 29 30 31 1 2 3 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 3:00PM 10:30AM Mass Communion Serv. Confession Youth Mass 9AM - Quilters 7PM - Altar 9AM - Noon 4:00PM Mass Society Meeting Eucharistic 9AM 7PM - RCIA Adoration Choir Rehearsal

11:30AM-1:30PM 6AM - School School Open VIP Breakfast House Catholic Schools Week and Book Fair 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 8:30AM Mass 3:00PM 10:30AM Mass Communion Serv. Confession 9AM - Quilters 7PM 7PM - Ministry 4:00PM Mass 6PM - PTO Mtg. Choir Rehearsal Council Meeting 6PM - PTO Mtg.

7PM - RCIA Available 8:00AM

Until sold out SCHOOL - JANUARY 21, 2018

JANUARY 21, 2018 - THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Simon and Andrew, James and John were working when called them. They immediately put down their nets and followed Jesus. Can you imagine? The disciples walked away from their previous way of life and toward another, in which Jesus and his way take precedence. They put aside anything that would stand between themselves and the life of discipleship. Jonah acted similarly--he perceived the Lord's call and responded without question. He literally walked a different path, toward Nineveh. No doubt, Saint Paul's own dramatic conversion was in his mind as he wrote to the com- munity in Corinth. The path of discipleship is about holy perspective. Do not let anything stand between you and Christ.

LEAVE BEHIND Simon, Andrew, James, and John abandoned their nets and followed Jesus. The nets were their livelihood, the most important tools for their work as fishermen. For these first disciples, their nets represented all they knew life to be about, and all it could be. Yet they put the nets aside, risking an unknown future in order to "catch people" as Jesus promised. What do you need to leave behind? Most people will not be asked to give up their livelihood in order to answer Christ's call. Yet we certainly must abandon everything that prevents us from living our lives authentically as followers of Jesus. Sometimes we must let go of the life we know in order to embrace a living, compelling, meaningful life of faith in Christ. Prayerfully examine your faith and life. Is there attachment to material possessions? Are there relationships or feelings that prevent you from living and growing in faith? Is there a negative habit that gets in the way? Let go of what stands between you and the Lord. Invite God's healing presence, forgiveness, and mercy to transform the nets--all that holds you back--and risk answering Christ's call to discipleship.

WALK TOWARD Jonah did not simply walk away from his previous way of life. He walked toward Nineveh. The disciples did not only abandon their nets. They walked toward Jesus and to a life of discipleship. G. K. Chesterson is quoted as saying, "Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been tried and found difficult." Yet Christian living is also deeply meaningful. What would happen if you truly took the call to follow Jesus to heart? It isn't only about turning away from things that are counter to the Christian way of life. As it was for Jonah, the disciples at the seashore, and Saint Paul, a true life of faith is also about walking toward God, about loving God and neighbor, about risking an unknown future filled with life and goodness, holiness and grace.

Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Company

The first disciples of Jesus in to- The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to combating day’s Gospel left their work and sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or if you observe or suspect sexual abuse: their daily routines to follow him. They abandoned their livelihoods, 1. Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.392.3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and familiar surroundings and the 2. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and lives to which they had become 3. After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, accustomed to be closer to him. report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the The good steward finds ways to be removed from what Diocesan Ombudsman, Jenifer Valenti, at 816.812.2500 or may be a comfortable existence or daily routine in order [email protected], if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. to serve the Lord more faithfully. All too often, out of fear, insecurity or even selfishness, we refuse to leave The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and heal- ing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please the safety of the little world we have created for our- contact Victim Advocate, Kathleen Chastain, at 816.392.0011 or selves in order to hear the Lord’s call and be challenged [email protected] for more information. by his Gospel. Perhaps we should reflect on what com- forts we need to sacrifice in order to be better stewards Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. of God’s mercy, compassion and hospitality he planted We have only today. Let us begin. within us. Catholic Stewardship January 2018 e-bulletin Mother Teresa On January 12th Nativity of Mary School held a dance for the 7th and 8th grade students from the Southeast Pod of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese, which includes Na- tivity of Mary, Our Lady of Presentation, St. John Lalande and St. Regis. Our Student Senate, which is comprised of 7th and 8th grade student leaders, planned, organized and decorated for the Hollywood themed event. The dance was a huge success, and a fun night of fellowship for the students in our pod! Way to go Student Senate!