Christmas Blessings to our St. Bernadette Parish Family December 25, 2017 St. Bernadette Catholic Church December 24, 2017 350 NW California Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Page 2
Dear Friends,
It is Christmas Eve, the Fourth Sunday of MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2017 Advent. Praise God for the young Mary, who NATIVITY OF THE LORD (Christmas) said, “yes” to God and conceived the Messiah 7:30 am †Megan Marie Ford, requested by in her womb. She is now our mother, our Bonnie Schulaner advocate, our love. 9:00 am †Ronald Pelletier, requested by
Praise God for the good St. Joseph, who wife, Lucie was able to rise above hurt and 10:45 am †Deceased members of the Brieske- misunderstanding, and continue to dream. Theisen Families, requested by Praise God the star, beginning to glow in the Brieske Family 12:15 pm For the People of the Parish darkness, our darkness.
Praise God for Jesus, Savior, Emmanuel. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017 8:00 am †Donald Baronci, requested by Dolores Daoust, sister A Blessed Christmas! Father Victor Ulto, Pastor WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 8:00 am †Dorin Antuna, requested by Joseph & Marianne Greisofe
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017 Faith, Prayer and Time 8:00 am †Michael Russo, requested by Then the angel departed from her. Patricia Fredericks (Luke 1:38) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017 What a wonderful day it is! Not only is it the 8:00 am †Rev. Michael Woodcock, requested by Fourth Sunday of Advent, it is also Christmas Eve. Let Derek & Dolores Brieske us focus for a moment on a person who plays a central role in the Advent/Christmas seasons: Mary. In the SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017 story of the Annunciation, there’s one line that always 8:00 am †Dorin Antuna, requested by strikes me. It is the last line, the line cited above. Jeanne Mann The angel has just accepted Mary’s yes to bear the 4:00 pm †(Fran) Geraldine Guerin, requested by Son of the Most High, and then he leaves her! Bernadette & Artie Byrne Couldn’t he have given Mary some details on what she SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 should do next? If I were Mary, I might have asked, Is there a manual that goes with this? Something that will 7:30 am †Michael Patrick Williams, requested by tell me how I am to raise the Messiah? But no. The Mom, Brian & Maureen angel departs. Mary is left alone. 9:00 am For the People of the Parish 10:40 am †Michael Vella, requested by But she is not really alone. Mary has her faith. She Josephine & Carmelo Lauria has her personal relationship with God. And she has 12:15 pm †Agatha & Paul Pituch, requested by one day at a time—one wonderful day at a time—to partner with God in bringing hope and love into the Stephanie Cassidy world. Mary has what each one of us has—faith, prayer and time. Plus, she has the presence of her beautiful son, who is also residing within us. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at His birth. Sister Melanie Svoboda, S.N.D. —Luke 1:14 Fourth Sunday of Advent / Vigil of Christmas Page 3
Stewardship....Live It!
Stewardship: a way of life for our St. Bernadette Parish Family…
“Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” LUKE 1: 35
STEWARDSHIP & TRUST…
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. With those words our Blessed Mother Mary places her total trust in God. We are called to do the same, and this final Sunday of Lent is the time for us to do that, if we have not previously. Mary’s response to God is the same response we need to offer the Lord. It is most appropriate that we hear this message at this time and on this day.
This took much more trust in the Lord than we might imagine. Mary agreed to receive a pregnancy that would be seen as suspect in a culture which had a potential death penalty for adultery. Spiritually speaking, there are similarities between the Lord’s work in Mary and His work in all of us. Jesus lives within each of us spiritually. He lived in Mary not only spiritually but also physically.
Jesus was made visible to the world through Mary STEWARDSHIP & CHRISTMAS physically, but He should be made visible to the world Glory to God in the highest. The Lord is almost among us. At through us, as well. Who we are and how we relate to and this holy time, it is important for us to remember and renew our treat others is a sign to the world of Who Jesus is and commitment to stewardship, both as individuals and as a faith what a Christian is and should be. Are we showing the community. world what it means to be His disciple? Is there a better “The following of Christ as a disciple entails a personal time than this to do so? response, and this call can result in a positive impact on our The entertainer and comedian Bob Hope once said, faith communities. Discipleship requires the surrender of My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, ourselves through grace and choice to Jesus Christ: ‘Mature is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do disciples make a conscious, firm decision, carried out in action, we have to wait for Christmas to do that? Ω to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves.’ “A disciple is both a learner and a companion of Jesus Christ, as well as one open to the movement of the Holy Spirit towards a gracious generosity of heart. The authentic disciple regards all he or she is and possesses as gifts and blessings and realizes the need to share those gifts and blessings with others for the sake of the kingdom of God.” -
excerpt from Stewardship; A Disciple’s Response, the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship. Ω
Financial stewardship for the month of December will be reported in the bulletin of Sunday, January 7, 2018. St. Bernadette Catholic Church December 24, 2017 350 NW California Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Page 4
Readings for the Week PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR THE SICK: Robert Wesley Brenda Foglia Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38 Monday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 [2a]/ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR THE DECEASED: Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Midnight: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12/Ti 3:4-7/ Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/ Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 Tuesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22 The Bread & Wine, Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/ Sanctuary Lamp and Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Altar Flowers Thursday: 1 Jn 1:5--2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7] for the week of /Mt 2:13-18 Friday: 1 Jn 2:3-11/Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 [11a] December 24 - 30, 2017 /Lk 2:22-35
Saturday: 1 Jn 2:12-17/Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 [11a] are offered /Lk 2:36-40
In Thanksgiving for Observances for the Week of December 24, 2017 93 Wonderful years! Sunday: 4th Sunday of Advent; Christmas Eve Monday: Christmas (holy day of obligation) Tuesday: St. Stephen, the First Martyr by Dolores Esmonde (birthday) Wednesday: St. John, Apostle & Evangelist Thursday: The Holy Innocents, Martyrs Friday: St. Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr Saturday: —————
MEMORIAL PAVERS
We continue to accept orders for the next group of 30+ memorial Holy Father’s Reflection for In Loving pavers. Order Memory forms are available Christmas, 2017 at the Information Table in the Church and by stopping Dedicated by the Parish office oday, then, let us together rejoice in the day of during regular to office hours, T our salvation. As we contemplate the Crib, let Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to us gaze on the open arms of Jesus, which show us 4:30 pm. the merciful embrace of God, as we hear the cries of Looking for a unique and different gift to give loved ones at the Child who whispers to us: for my brethren and Christmas? Consider giving a Grotto Brick paver in honor of companions’ sake, I will say: Peace be within you. that loved one. The cost is only $100.00. Questions? Contact (Ps 121[122]:8) Sonny Gaudet at the parish, 336-9956.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Begun in the Fall of 2017, Catholic Charities is now offering Respite Services for Caregivers of the sick, eld- erly and homebound in St. Lucie County. Respite Care involves short-term or temporary care for a few hours a week. For more information on this new program in our area, please contact Catholic Charities Respite Nurse Coordinator, Ann Sodders at 844-848-6777 (toll-free) or email at: [email protected] Fourth Sunday of Advent / Vigil of Christmas Page 5
THIS WEEK & COMING UP SOON ... OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER MINISTRIES OF SERVICE
Divine Mercy Prayers: Tuesday & Friday after morning Mass (church). DIVORCED / SEPARATED MINISTRY: This weekly group resumes in January. Powerhouse of Prayer: Contact: Alice Pachon at (201) 981-7993. Monday, January 8 at 10:30 am in room Gave de Pau. Contact: Marilyn at 344-1576 or AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP: Cathy at 777-4617. Thursday, December 28 at 7:00 pm, room Le Cachot.
Rosary for the Continued Consecration of the Contact: Marian Schroeder at 344-3809.
World to Mary: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #13042: Tuesday, December 26 at 7:30 am (church). Thursday, December 28 at 7:00 pm, rooms Boly Mill & Respect Life Rosary: Gave de Pau. Contact: Tom Mollica at 344-2084. Wednesday, December 27 at 7:30 am (church).
Devotion to the Miraculous Medal: Wednesday, December 27 at 8:30 am (chapel). YOUTH MINISTRY
Divine Mercy Cenacle - Wednesday Group: This Wednesday Cenacle resumes in January. St. Bernadette High School Contact: Marie Husain at (954) 803-8517. Youth Ministry will not
“The Word” Prayer Group: meet for the remainder of Wednesday, January 3 at 9:15 am, room Lourdes. this year. High School Contact: Stella DiGiorgio at 873-9023. youth activities will resume on Sunday, World Mission Rosary for World Peace: Thursday, December 28 at 7:30 am (church) January 7, 2018. A very Merry Christmas to all! Divine Mercy Cenacle - Thursday Groups: See you on January 7! This Thursday Cenacle resumes in January. Contact: Marie Husain at (954) 803-8517. For more information on Youth Ministry, please call Sonny Gaudet at 336-9956. Legion of Mary: Saturday, December 30 at 9:00 am, room Lourdes. Contact: Ellen Hale at 332-2446.
BIBLE / SCRIPTURE STUDIES
Sunday Afternoon Great Adventure Bible Study:
This study group resumes on January 7. Contact: Alice Sennott at (561) 526-3927. The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, Monday Morning Bible Study: December 25 and Tuesday, December 26. This study group resumes January 8 at 9:00 am, room Boly Mill. We wish all in the parish a very Blessed, Call: Jay Devey at 621-9793. Holy and Happy Christmas!
Wednesday Morning Bible Study: This study group resumes in January. Father Ulto, Father Lopez Call Marilyn Rose at 464-1108. Deacon Marty and the Parish Staff St. Bernadette Catholic Church December 24, 2017 350 NW California Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Page 6
Doors Open: 6:00 pm Appetizers: 6:30 pm Prime Rib Dinner: 7:30 pm Cost: $50.00 p/p (includes champagne toast) (Beer & Wine included)
This fantastic night includes a multi-course, served meal. The menu features appetizers, pasta, salad, prime rib, vegetables, coffee and dessert and a New Year’s Eve champagne toast.
Enjoy dancing to DJ following dinner. You won’t want to miss this night!
For information on tickets /table reservations contact Knights of Columbus: Tom Mollica - 772-344-2084 Ray Sierra - 772-879-1946 or Ken Stewart - 772-343-9331
Fourth Sunday of Advent / Vigil of Christmas Page 7
er er n n Di ’s Di ie e’s n ni er er B B
January 13, 2018 - 5:00 pm
Help support Catholic Education! ….Join us for a fun evening Daddy O, as we feast on 50’s fare and dance the night fantastic!
$35 Individual Tickets ...now on sale after all Masses! Menu includes: Hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and surprise 50’s beverages
High Honors Sponsorship: $2,000 Includes 8 tickets at a Reserved table, media coverage, and recognition at event
Honors Sponsorship: $1,000 Includes 4 tickets, media coverage & recognition at event
Principal’s List Sponsorship: $500 Includes 2 tickets, media coverage & recognition at event
For further details, contact: Eric Seibenick at the Parish office, 336-9956 or Brenda Foglia at 772-332-6085. St. Bernadette Catholic Church December 24, 2017 350 NW California Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Page 8
PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN FOR ADULTS WORKSHOP (Compliance for Diocese of Palm Beach) Our St. Bernadette Catholic Church is committed to the safety and protection of all children, youth and vulnerable adults in its care. The Virtus Program:
“Protecting God’s Children for Adults” Workshop NEWS…. is open for any adult to attend and is a requirement Merry Christmas to all of our diocese for those who give of their time and our students and parents! talent to work with children or youth in parishes and Catholic schools. Important Note to Parents: The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Week of January 7, 2018: January 6, 2018 and will be held from 9:00 am - Classes resume 12 noon in the Family Life Center. Come join us and learn how to be prepared to be a good steward in any of our ministries that require this workshop.
This workshop is for ADULTS ONLY. Please FORMED.org DO NOT bring any children under 18 years old Code : RWMV4H with you to the WORKSHOP; there will be NO Have you signed-up to Formed.org yet? Give BABYSITTING available. IF YOU ARRIVE yourself a free Christmas gift! Formed is like MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER THE Netfilx for Catholics. Wonderful content...movies, PRESENTATION HAS BEGUN, YOU WILL study, and much more! Simply use the NOT RECEIVE CREDIT. St. Bernadette code above to get started. If you already have a VIRTUS account, sign in at www.virtusonline.org and register for the class of your choice. Otherwise, select first-time registrant and follow the on-screen prompts. This workshop requires pre-registration to receive the credit for attending the class.
For assistance, please call Judy Roensch at the Enjoyment Books may be purchased Parish office 336-9956 or email at: at the parish office. Stop in! Great [email protected] gift for the New Year! $35.00 each...no price increase!
REMINDER...Regarding Telephone Scams: If you receive a phone solicitation or request for financial help, that you did not initiate in any way, never give the caller any personal information about yourself. Recently several in our parish have fallen victim to these types of calls. If you are not sure, simply end the call. Fourth Sunday of Advent / Vigil of Christmas Page 9
NEWS FROM OUR DIOCESE... ALTAR ANGELS: (Preparing altar linens) Marge Culkin at 489-0542. ALTAR SERVERS: (youth) Father Lopez at 336-9956. OUR LADY OF FLORIDA ART & ENVIRONMENT: Donna /John Francavilla at 873-9055. SPIRITUAL CENTER: BERNADETTE’S ANGELS: Mary Ann Evensen at 879-7968.
New Year’s Eve Reflection and Celebration, BIBLE STUDY... Three groups: Jay Devey at 621-9793. December 31, 2017: BIRTHDAY MINISTRY: Chrissy Savage at (419) 408-2548. Day of Reflection and Evening of Reflection CANA COMPANIONS: Linda Riccio at 285-4745. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS BEREAVEMENT: Support Group: Diane Jones at 344-1771. Registration: 6:00 pm COLUMBIETTES COUNCIL 13042: Marilyn Suriano at 878-2623. Dinner: 7:00 pm COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN: Barbara Lutton at 878-5120. Evening includes presentation, Sacrament of CLEANLINESS WITH GODLINESS: Carol Lindner at 370-4066. Reconciliation, Mass and Midnight party DIVORCED & SEPARATED: Alice Pachon, (201) 981-7993 Cost: $70.00 p/p for evening only EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Don & Kathleen Cupples $90.00 p/p for overnight at 249-1232. Presenter: Father Melvin Shorter, CP and retreat EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS (Homebound): team. Ann Marie Burchell at 429-1321. FUNERAL PLANNING: Cathy Lavin 345-7592. Reservations required; call (561) 626-1300 GOLF TOURNAMENT MINISTRY: Bob Russo at 336-8885. GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRY: Taking seriously our common call as Christians to provide for the safety of our brothers and sisters while they are at our parish. Contact DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH Troy Church for further information, ([email protected]). OFFICE OF LITURGY: MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY / USHERS: Gary Lee at
Coming up ... 332-0100. K. of C. COUNCIL #13042: Tom Mollica at 344-2084. Saturday, January 27, 2018: K. of C. 4th DEGREE #3090: Tony Frasca at 672-4719. Extraordinary Ministers of LECTORS: Maryellen McGarry at 359-5416. Holy Communion Training Workshop: LEGION OF MARY: Call Ellen Hale at 332-2446. MARTHA’S HANDS: Call parish office at 336-9956. Time: 9:15 am to 11:45 am MOMS MINISTRY: Laura Dube at 203-6533. Place: Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola MUSIC / CHOIRS: Thomas Bold at 336-9956. 9999 N. Military Trail PARISH NURSE: Carol Lindner at 370-4066. Palm Beach Gardens PRAYER GROUPS: (Four groups) Rosina Ciocca at (856) 264-0055 (Hearts on Fire), Marilyn Hight 344-1576 & Cathy Vitta 777-4617 If you are interested in becoming a Eucharistic (Powerhouse of Prayer), Minister of Holy Communion, please call Stella DiGiorgio at 873-9023 (The Word), St. Bernadette parish office at 336-9956. Marie Husain at (954) 803-8517 (Divine Mercy). PRISON MINISTRY: Patti Wheeler at (540) 226-1616. PROJECT CHILDREN’S LITERACY: Rita Banashek at 359-3335. PROJECT MOTHER TERESA: Veronica Lacoparra at 871-6405 or Kathy Cole at 206-6683. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Eric Seibenick at 336-9956. RESPECT LIFE: Sue Campbell at 489-5419. Post Abortion Healing: call 1‑877-908‑1212 (may call anonymously). Southport Dental Care SACRISTAN: Adele Lamour at 879-7892. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY: Financial Assistance: 344-1233. Michael Cook, DMD Store: 344-1341. Join ministry: Marie Deeg at 878-1743. Bruce Kushner, DMD SOCIAL MINISTRY: Interim leaders: Brenda Foglia, 343-7884 or Marianne Doughney, (561) 704-8010 John Harllee, DDS STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: Richard D’Aloia (908) 216-0955. (772) 335-3300 TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY: Thomas Bold at 336-9956. VOICES FOR GOD’S CHILDREN: Janet Priore at 489-4867; Thank you to our advertisers. Foster children: John Kalogris 801-8505. Please patronize them when possible. WELCOME MINISTRY: Gail Barlowe at 871-2810. YOUTH MINISTRY: Sonny Gaudet at 336-9956.