Our Lady Star of the Sea Church 106 East Dillingham Street, Marys, Georgia 31558 Saint Mission 700 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, Georgia 31537

Reverend Fr. Mariusz Fuks, Pastor Rev. Mr. Joseph Bezy,

Church Office 912-882-4718 Fax: 912-882-5845

E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.weareolss.org

Our Lady Star of the Sea weekly schedule

Mondays No Daily Mass Tuesdays 5:00 pm Rosary & Adoration, 5:30 pm Daily Mass Wednesdays 7:30 am Rosary, 8:00 am Daily Mass Thursdays 7:30 am Rosary, 8:00 am Daily Mass Fridays 7:30 am Rosary, 8:00 am Daily Mass 1st Fridays of the month 8:00 am Mass @ Historic Chapel 2:00 pm—3:00 pm Holy Hour 3:00 pm - 3:40 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet—Daily Chapel Saturdays 4:15 pm Confession - Main Church 5:00 pm Mass Sundays 11:00 am Mass

Saint Francis of Assisi weekly schedule

Wednesdays 6:00 pm Daily Mass Sundays 8:30 am Mass

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

There's no more unusual setting to celebrate today's Feast of the than Barcelona, Spain and the towering unfinished sandcastle known officially as the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. In 1882, the plan was hatched to build a vast place of worship in reparation for the revolutionary and liberal leanings of the city. The modern artist Antoni Gaudi dedicated his life to the project, living in the building, attending Mass daily, and giving up his personal wealth. When people pressed him to pick up the pace, he responded, "My client is not in a hurry." (Gaudi's cause for is moving along, and he could be the first professional artist and architect to be beatified.) The Spanish Civil War, a disaster for the Church in which thousands of priests, brothers, and were murdered, halted work in 1935. In the 1950s work began anew, speeded up by computers in the 1980s. Still, the final stage of construction is not due to end until 2026. If the original methods had stayed in place, it would take several hundred more years to complete the plan. So far there are eight towers, with four to go. The highest steeple is three feet shorter than the nearest hill, since the architect didn't want his work to surpass God's artistry. The three faces of the basilica each have three doors, with the faces named Passion, Nativity, and Grace. The interior is crammed with geometric figures that almost seem to spin, crazy-quilt windows, spiral staircases, and jumbles of statues and figures. Although inspired by ancient Gothic cathedrals, the style is called Expressionist, and very little is left unexpressed by the masonry. If you can't afford a visit, Sagrada Familia maintains a web site, and virtual visits are free.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:29 -- 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Friday: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-5; Jn 1:43-51 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13;

CONTACT INFORMATION

Deacon Ladies Auxiliary Cursillo Virtus Joe Bezy: 912-673-7333 Susie Rule: 912-729-1787 Chrissy Bundrick: Sallie Galyean Secretary Knights of Columbus 11058 912-729-5705 Lectors/Eucharistic Susan Bayless: 904-612-6143 & Ave Maria Assembly 3391 Catholic Youth Ministry Ministers/Altar Servers/ Parish Council Tom Jenkins: 912-882-9433 Tom & Tricia Jenkins: Ushers Bryant Shepard: Health Ministry: 912-882-9433 Contact church office 912-673-7377 Peg Hudock: 678-642-2893 Chrissy Bundrick: Music Ministry Finance Council Hospitality/Bereavement 912-729-5705 Mike Anderson: Greg Lockhart: 912-322-6206 Victoria Brooks: Good Samaritan Outreach 912-729-2409 Religious Education 912-322-6857 Lena Brathwaite Bell: Sarah Cochran: Tim & Rhonda Hughes: Newcomers: Lisa Greiner: 912-266-4969 [email protected] 912-729-2406 912-576-5107 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH December 31, 2017

"He thought the one who had made the promise was trustworthy." Abraham trusted in God, although what God had promised seemed impossible. And yet, God fulfilled his promise to Abraham and Sarah and gave them a much-longed-for son, through whom the people would be as numerous as the stars of the sky. Mary and Joseph fulfilled the law of God by bringing Jesus to the temple for the customary rites. They obeyed the law of the Lord, even though it could be argued that Jesus, being God, was exempt from the law. We see in their example how faith in God is considered "an act of righteousness." We can follow in their footsteps and believe that the Lord is one whose promises are trustworthy.

GOD'S WORD HAS BEEN FULFILLED In this joyous Christmas time, it is fitting that we turn our attention from all the angels and shepherds and kings to take a look at the more intimate picture of the Holy Family in their ordinary life. They come with Jesus to consecrate him to the Lord, as is written in the law, and they come upon Simeon and Anna, prophets of the Lord, who have amazing things to say about this child and Mary, his mother. One can wonder what Mary must have thought when Simeon told her that "you yourself a sword will pierce." We interpret that in hindsight she would suffer greatly at the crucifixion of her beloved son. But what must she have thought at the possible literal interpretation of this prophecy? And yet she was, as always, obedient to God and accepting of God's word for her.

TWO PROPHETS Simeon and Anna recognized in this infant the Messiah of God. Both were "righteous and devout" and prayed in the temple constantly. Simeon spoke at length to Mary and Joseph about this child, and Anna proclaimed to all the of Israel in Jesus. Throughout the centuries, God had made use of many prophets to proclaim the coming of Jesus, as Jesus explained to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after his death and resurrection. But people, being hard- hearted and somewhat clueless, did not recognize these prophecies as referring to the Messiah and later, to Jesus. Many in his time heeded the words of the prophets and believed, but many walked away. To those who believed, he gave the words of eternal life. They believed that "the one who had made the promise was trustworthy." These loving parents would protect and raise this miraculous child, and he "grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him."

BEARERS OF THE WORD The Church has placed a number of notable feast days immediately after Christmas. The feasts of Stephen, John the Evangelist, and the Holy Innocents form a summary of the life lived in Christ, the Word made flesh. What do these have to do with the feast of the Holy Family, which crowns the Octave of Christmas? These feasts remind us that suffering will occur in fulfilling the mission of Christ, and that we are all called to be bearers of this Word whose birth we celebrate. We also see this manifested in the lives of Joseph and Mary, both of whom took social and religious risks in obedience to the will of God, and both of whom were open to the word of God sent to them from on high. In these ways they prefigured the life of Jesus himself. Most likely, few of us found ourselves at Mass this past Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, but the essence of these feasts and the essence of the holiness of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus remain central, a holiness we celebrate today. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK THANK YOU

Bob Creo, Haze Buchanan, Jimmy Walsh, Peter Greco, Gordon Powell, Penelope Phipps, Vincent Wilson, Ruth McNeil, Addison Faith Crews, Winnie Boyles, Barbara Bragg, Charles Akakatang, Esther Bezy, Holly Metzger, Dick Rowell, Johnny Lucas, Dean Hardin, Miya Theresa DR Bjolgerud, Kathy Levy, Pasquale Rotondi, Gloria Maniscalco, Drew Hawkes, Russell Music, Madison Harrill, Stella Ware, OLSS OLSS Betty Scott, Steve Schwartz, Kate Harrell, Betty Collection: $ 6,796.50 Herrin, Hazel Hutto, Judy Bailey, Buck Addy, Louise Christmas Collection: $ 7,607.00 Addy, Valerie Johnson, Fidias DeLeon C, Ed Malinski, Clara Kirmse, Donna Lee Jennings, Jeanie Mortgage: $ 150.00 Reid, Evie Kraiger, Yvonne Trescastro, Tiffani Diaz, Children’s Collection: $ 8.00 Amberly Harris, Daniel Brausch, Steve Knight, Sandy Feller, Jay Berman, Ben Pitts, Carol & James Mounce, Religious Retirement: $ 138.25 Katheryn Lacy Turrell, Doris Metallo, Pamela Ruth School Support: $ 693.00 Leow, Garry Bastable, Virginia Richards, James Cribby, Susan Sagman Good Sam: $ 175.00

To add a name to the prayer list please email REGISTER WITH OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA! [email protected] Those wishing to become a parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea, should complete the Parish "The Homily Continued" adult bible study Registration form found continues....every Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the on our website; social hall. Join us to deepen your understanding www.weareolss.org. Or of our Sunday readings and message. This you can ask one of the program will help you to live it more fully. A lite meal is served at 6:00 and our video Ushers for a paper presentation begins at 6:30 pm. We have a fun registration form and put and lively discussion after each session. This it in the collection basket program is for new Catholics, old Catholics, and when you have completed young adult Catholics. Come join us and see what it. We look forward to worshiping with you as One, it is all about! Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church!

Those preparing for If you wish to have your marriage need to contact child baptized at OLSS or the church office for a SFOA, please call the list of instructions at least church office to schedule a six months in advance of preparation class with Fr. the anticipated wedding Mariusz and to complete the date. No wedding date sacramental registration will be set, not even form. This must be done at tentatively until the couple submits all necessary least two weeks in advance documents and goes through all preparations and before your event is has received permission from the Priest. scheduled. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to SAVE-the-DATE: you…..Hospitality Committee is hosting Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC), Feb. 2-4, “Father Mariusz’ Birthday Party” 2018. All high school teens are encouraged to Come and celebrate Father Mariusz’ Birthday attend this spiritually rewarding and uplifting diocesan event. FEATURING TWIN BROTHERS Sunday Dec. 31st at 3PM in the Social Hall. MARCELLINO & ANTHONY D’AMBROSIO Bring your favorite pot luck covered side dish to OFTHE CROSSROADS PURSUIT. Registration share and the Hospitality Committee will provide forms will be emailed the first week of January or can be picked up at the Jan. 7th meeting. Forms and the rest. Join us to wish Father a happy birthday, deposits will be due by Sun. Jan. 14. Registrations play a game of musical chairs, stay for the pot luck, after the 14th will have a $25 late fee. For More cake and ice cream and a few birthday surprises Information Contact Chrissy too……. Bundrick [email protected] No RSVP is necessary (however it would be helpful) and everyone is invited. Call or email the church office for more information or to RSVP…. We were able to provide Christmas food baskets to 42 families this year. Thank you for all your contributions and to the Good Sam Outreach for taking care of this ministry. DECEMBER FISCAL YTD COLLECTION $ 36,582 $ 175,494 OLSS GOOD SAMARITIAN FOR DECEMBER BUDGET $ 29,167 $ 175,002

OVER/UNDER $ 7,415 ↑ $ 492.00 ↑ BUDGET

MORTGAGE $ 7,768 $ 39,147

BUDGET $ 5,417 $ 32,502

OVER/UNDER $ 2,351 ↑ $ 6,645 ↑ BUDGET SENIORS 19

ADULTS 145

CHILDREN 140

TOTAL FAMILIES 96

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL UPDATE

TARGET PLEDGED PAID ON PLEDGE PLEDGE BALANCE ONE-TIME $34,533.00 $11,035.00 $8,652.00 $ 2,383.00 $ 23,934.00 TOTAL GIVEN % OF TARGET # OF FAMILIES # OF DONORS % PARTICIPATION $ 32,226.00 93 % 504 163 32.34 % January 2018 Our Lady Star of the Sea Our Faith, Our Family, Our Future Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Parish Office: (912) 882-4718 or offi[email protected] Confessions: 4:15PM Saturday Rosary: 1/2 hour before masses Mass Schedule: Main Church: Saturday 5PM and Sunday 11AM Daily Chapel: Tuesday 5:30PM, Wednesday 8AM, Thursday 8AM & Friday 8AM RE Classes: 9:30-10:45AM; Confirmaon: 1-2:30PM; CYM: 6-7:30PM 1 2 3 4 5 6

OFFICE CLOSED 5AM TMIY 11AM Health Ministry 2PM Holy Hour 8:30AM Foot Care 5:30PM Women’s 3PM Divine Mercy 5:30PM Men’s Cursillo Cursillo Chaplet 7PM RCIA

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5AM TMIY Donut & Coffee Social 6:30PM Ladies 6:30PM Homily 5:30PM Women’s 7PM RCIA St. Augusne March 5:30PM Men’s Cursillo Auxiliary Connued Cursillo for Life 6PM Hospitality 6PM KoC Council 4PM Mardi Gras Ticket Meeng Sales

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

No CCD OFFICE CLOSED 6PM Parish Council 5AM TMIY 5:30PM Women’s 7PM RCIA 4PM Mardi Gras Ticket 6:30PM Homily 5:30PM Men’s Cursillo Cursillo Sales 10AM Mardi Gras 5:30 Ultreya Connued 6PM Newcomers 6:30PM Kids Movie Ticket Sales Dinner Night

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

10AM Mardi Gras 6:30pm KoC Assembly 6:30PM Homily 5AM TMIY 5:30PM Women’s Altar Society Meeng Ticket Sales Connued 5:30PM Men’s Cursillo Cursillo 6PM Mardi Gras Party

28 29 30 31

6:30PM Homily 5AM TMIY Connued