ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CINCINNATI, OHIO St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish 5361 Dry Ridge Road Cincinnati, OH 45252 (513) 385-8010 • Fax (513) 385-8080 www.stjohns-dr.org MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Weekday & Holyday – See Bulletin. PARISH OFFICE Rev. Timothy S. Kallaher, Pastor Deacon Ken Schnur Deacon Vincent Lutz Pat Crowder, Pastoral Associate & DRE Donna Sunderhaus, Business Manager & Plant Mgr. Douglas Schmutte, Music Director Rod Dunlap, Director of Youth Ministry Terri Reder, Parish Office Manager Michelle Zerhusen, Administrative Assistant PASTORAL COUNCIL Al Grote, Chairperson, 245-9943 Valerie Nimeskern, Secretary, 288-3254 Rick Vanden Eynden, Member at Large, 741-1884 David Eby, Member at Large, 385-7675 Steve Bissmeyer, Member at Large, 923-2633 Gene Culman, Member at Large, 385-6669 Cindy Silber, Member at Large, 741-4453 Keith Smith, Member at Large, 923-4367 Ryan Vitolo, Member at Large, 519-1518 Heather Smith, Development Commission Rep., 923-2893 To be Determined, Faith Formation Comm. Rep. Sharon Bachman, Finance Commission Rep., 385-8267 Patti Rice, Worship Commission Rep., 385-5410 Larry Weinheimer, Communications Comm. Rep, 652-2563 RECONCILIATION: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & Seasonal Service MARRIAGE: Call the Parish Office at least 6 months prior to your wedding. BAPTISMS: Call the Parish Office. ANOINTING OF THE SICK/COMMUNION: Call the Parish Office. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS. Please contact the Parish Office. CURRENT PARISHIONERS: Moving? New email? Contact the Parish Office. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: 513-301-6881 PRIEST’S MASS INTENTIONS Monday, December 15 8:30 a.m. Robert Niehaus/Henry Daugherty Tuesday, December 16 8:30 a.m. Kristine Haffner/Mom, Dad & Family Wednesday, December 17 8:30 a.m. Jim Franxman/Sandy Thursday, December 18 8:30 a.m. Charlene Bosse/Lisa Hillman Friday, December 19 8:30 a.m. Peters Family/Bosse Family Saturday, December 20 4:30 p.m. For the Parish Sunday, December 21 8:30 a.m. Leroy Geisler/Ruth & Chris 11:00 a.m. Kelly Mahoney/Jack, Beck & Molly Marie Rumpke Wedding Banns II TIMOTHY UECKER & NATALIE NIMESKERN Check out our parish website: www.stjohnsdr.org TABLE OF CONTENTS Advent – What’s Happening Page 5 Are You Aware Page 3 Bulletin Sponsors Page 10 & 11 Care for God’s Creation Page 7 Constitution on Sacred Liturgy Page 6 E-news Page 3 Finance Report Page 3 Hopeful Longing Page 8 Prepare to Hear God’s Word Page 7 Reconciliation Service Page 9 Religious Retirement Page 7 Shopping Cent$ Page 3 Youth Ministry Page 4
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ST. JOHN TH BAPTIST CINCINNATI, OHIO St. John the Baptist ... · st. jOhn the BaPtist cincinnati, OhiO steWardshiP Of finance are yOu aWare By dOnna sunderhaus DECEMBER 6, 2014 COLLECTION
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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CINCINNATI, OHIO
St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish5361 Dry Ridge RoadCincinnati, OH 45252
Mass scheduleSaturday 4:30 p.m.Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.Weekday & Holyday – See Bulletin.
Parish OfficeRev. Timothy S. Kallaher, PastorDeacon Ken SchnurDeacon Vincent LutzPat Crowder, Pastoral Associate & DREDonna Sunderhaus, Business Manager & Plant Mgr.Douglas Schmutte, Music DirectorRod Dunlap, Director of Youth MinistryTerri Reder, Parish Office ManagerMichelle Zerhusen, Administrative Assistant
PastOral cOuncilAl Grote, Chairperson, 245-9943Valerie Nimeskern, Secretary, 288-3254Rick Vanden Eynden, Member at Large, 741-1884David Eby, Member at Large, 385-7675Steve Bissmeyer, Member at Large, 923-2633Gene Culman, Member at Large, 385-6669Cindy Silber, Member at Large, 741-4453Keith Smith, Member at Large, 923-4367Ryan Vitolo, Member at Large, 519-1518Heather Smith, Development Commission Rep., 923-2893To be Determined, Faith Formation Comm. Rep.Sharon Bachman, Finance Commission Rep., 385-8267 Patti Rice, Worship Commission Rep., 385-5410Larry Weinheimer, Communications Comm. Rep, 652-2563
recOnciliatiOn: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & Seasonal ServiceMarriage: Call the Parish Office at least 6 months prior to your wedding.BaPtisMs: Call the Parish Office.anOinting Of the sick/cOMMuniOn: Call the Parish Office.WelcOMe neW MeMBers. Please contact the Parish Office. current ParishiOners: Moving? New email? Contact the Parish Office.st. Vincent de Paul: 513-301-6881
Priest’s Mass intentiOns
Monday, December 15 8:30 a.m. Robert Niehaus/Henry DaughertyTuesday, December 16 8:30 a.m. Kristine Haffner/Mom, Dad & FamilyWednesday, December 17 8:30 a.m. Jim Franxman/SandyThursday, December 18 8:30 a.m. Charlene Bosse/Lisa HillmanFriday, December 19 8:30 a.m. Peters Family/Bosse FamilySaturday, December 20 4:30 p.m. For the ParishSunday, December 21 8:30 a.m. Leroy Geisler/Ruth & Chris 11:00 a.m. Kelly Mahoney/Jack, Beck & Molly Marie Rumpke
Wedding Banns
II TImoThy Uecker & NaTalIe NImeskerN
Check out our parish website:www.stjohnsdr.org
taBle Of cOntents
Advent – What’s Happening Page 5
Are You Aware Page 3
Bulletin Sponsors Page 10 & 11
Care for God’s Creation Page 7
Constitution on Sacred Liturgy Page 6
E-news Page 3
Finance Report Page 3
Hopeful Longing Page 8
Prepare to Hear God’s Word Page 7
Reconciliation Service Page 9
Religious Retirement Page 7
Shopping Cent$ Page 3Youth Ministry Page 4
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 14, 2014
this Week in Our Parish liturgical Ministers
Monday, December 15 8:30 a.m. Mass 9:15 a.m. 24-Hour Adoration – CHPL 9:00 a.m. Martha’s Group 7:00 p.m. Rosary – CHPL
Tuesday, December 16 8:30 a.m. Mass – Northgate Park 7:00 p.m. Market Day Pick-up, CAFT 7:00 p.m. Young Adult Ministry – POMR #2
Wednesday, December 17 8:30 a.m. Mass 6:00 p.m. Simple Supper – GS 7:00 p.m. Reconciliation – CH
Thursday, December 18 8:30 a.m. Mass 8:30 a.m. Joseph’s Group – POMR #2 9:00 a.m. Shopping Cent$ – POMR#1 7:00 p.m. SVDP Meeting – POMR#1
Friday, December 19 8:30 a.m. Mass
Saturday, December 20 2:30 p.m. Confessions – CHPL 4:30 p.m. Mass
Sunday, December 21 8:30 a.m. Mass 9:45 a.m. Sunday Religious Ed – CAFT 11:00 a.m. Mass 6:00 p.m. Blue Christmas – CH 7:00 p.m. Youth Group – POMR#2
Parish liBrary sPOtWe all know what a great part the Rosary plays in our prayer life. Yet as we meditate on the mysteries, our minds can sometimes wonder. “Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus & Mary” contains many reflections to make the life of Christ come alive for us as we pray. Rita Ring feels these thoughts were given to her to help others know God better. Check it out!
Saturday, December 20, 4:30 p.m. MassServers: A. Threm, M. Threm. L. WiesmanLectors: JoEllen Sunderhaus, Ray SchaeferEucharistic Ministers: Tom Sunderhaus, Taylor Greene, Jerry Schmidt, Marcia Schmidt, Kathy Wood, Frank Sunderhaus Sunday, December 21, 8:30 a.m. MassServers: S. Moeller, J. Moeller, D. WoltermanLectors: Roger Smallwood, Chris DoleEucharistic Ministers: Sandi Kasee, Steve Hatke, Erin Siemer, Claire Sillies, Bob Engel, Donna Sunderhaus Sunday, December 21, 11:00 a.m. MassServers: A. Dorsch, J. Stidham, J. StidhamLectors: Eileen Molulon, Jack HartEucharistic Ministers: Machell Kroner, Matthew Fejer, Amanda Naciff, Jorge Naciff, Nicole Bergen, Abigail Kreimer, Mike Burke, Mary Ellen Moeller, Ben Molulon, Alyssa Molulon
Attention, Eucharistic Ministers & Lectors – Please let me know of any dates you cannot minister by December 15. Contact Marcia at [email protected] or 741-2808.
here’s yOur chance tO Wear yOur christMas Best tWice. Volunteer to take up the gifts on any weekend Mass. Show up to Mass a few minutes early and let the Greeters know you would like to take up the gifts. All kidding aside, in reference to your clothing, no dress code required.
attentiOn, fOresters: Our Annual Christmas Party is December 20,
2014, in Parish Center. Festivities start at 7:30 p.m., with Santa arriving at 8:00 p.m. See you there. gOd giVes yOu a MissiOn. resPOnd! rejOice in the sPirit WhO is at WOrk in yOu. (Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11)
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CINCINNATI, OHIO
steWardshiP Of finance are yOu aWareBy dOnna sunderhaus
St. Vincent de Paul $ 20.00Immaculate Conception $ 1,594.00Christmas Flowers $ 136.00Christmas $ 25.00Campaign for Human Dev. $ 20.00Religious Retirement $ 35.00
This Year to Date $ 302,931.28Last Year to Date $ 317,075.95Comparison to Last Year $ -14,144.67
Adult Envelopes 305Children Envelopes 3Thank You!
resOurce deVelOPMent
shOPPing cent$ – I hope you are using Shopping Cent$ gift certificates for ALL your holiday purchases. Gift cards also make GREAT gifts! Get an order by the church doors in the Gathering Space. I’m sure you’ll find something for everyone, or check out all the available retailers on www.shopwithscrip.com. Call the hotline (699-6960, ext. 240), and let us know what you need. Business owners, please consider Shopping Cent$ gift certificates for your employees! We carry a variety of gift certificates at different price points to meet your needs: $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $25.00 and up! Leave a message on the hotline (699-6960, ext. 240), and we will get back to you! All profits from Shopping Cent$ help to offset tuition increases. So while you help needy families in our community, you are also helping St. John’s School families
A fundraiser like no other. sm
Please visit their website at www.marketday.com to order or for more information.
Please pray for all the sick and ill in our parish.
ARE YOU AWARE that we are already having issues with the new keying system? People are not locking doors when they leave the buildings, lights are being left on and doors are being propped open. If you think you need a key, please contact Michelle Zerhusen in the Parish Office. We have spent nearly $6,000.00 to rekey the entire plant, so these problems need to be addressed immediately. If you are the last person to leave, please make sure all lights are out and doors are locked. If there is a problem, or you cannot get the doors locked, please call Michelle and she will address the problem. Her number is on the Parish Center, Cafeteria Doors and in the Gathering Space. Please do your part to help us keep our buildings secure. ARE YOU AWARE that JoAnn Tanner who is a parishioner writes poetry and she had her latest published in a book called Connections? She was also honored to be in the 2014 book of best poets. She wanted me to share her poem with you:When two people meet and begin as friends, their
respect and dignity they have for each other goes without end.
As time passes on through trials and tribulations, their love grows and deepens with each resolution.
May the time the two share be greatly blessed with each passing day and throughout each night as they lay down to rest.
Along with their children, families and friends, may their love be shown and be deeply felt by all as they, too, have grown.
The good and bad times may they work things through as they listen, trust and communicate, respect each other’s differences and points of view.
They will walk down the aisle hand in hand with God’s grace and mercy above they feel in their hearts and understand.
So as they proceed and go forth together may their lives be filled with love, peace, joy and happiness as these two hearts shall remain forever.
Congratulations, JoAnn! ARE YOU AWARE that it was brought to my attention that I failed to subtract the expenses from the Funnel Cake Booth in the Festival Report that came out last week? I was also informed that expenses for the Welcome Booth were off by $600.00. Both of these errors have been corrected and the balance still remains at $96,609.70.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 14, 2014
This past weekend was Breakfast in Bethlehem, which was well attended and everyone had a great time. Every year that this takes place, it could not happen without the help and support of the youth and young adults of our parish. They all play such an important role in helping set up, serve breakfast, cook, clean up, do crafts with the younger kids, and more importantly, they just bring Christ to everyone they encounter on this day. We thank them for giving of their time on a Saturday morning to bring joy and love to our fellow parishioners.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CINCINNATI, OHIOST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 12/14/2014
Wednesday, December 17: 6:00 Simple Supper - St. John the Baptist 7:00 Reconciliation Service - St. John the Baptist Saturday, December 18: 2:30 p.m. Reconciliation—Reconciliation Chapel Sunday, December 21: 6:00 p.m. Blue Christmas
Reflection on This Sunday’s Opening Prayer
Collect: O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son... Reflection: This prayer is in a fifth-sixth century collection of prayers. It recalls our waiting for a birthday celebration that looks beyond to the Three Days of Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We are still waiting on this Third Sunday. But for what? This prayer reminds us that we are not awaiting the birth of Christ. That has already happened. We are, however, awaiting the coming feast day – the annual celebration that once again recalls the impact of Jesus Christ, no longer a babe, who is our great salvation. With every baby, we see and hope for great things to come. In waiting for the feast day of this One, who is God-with-us, we look to the salvation already won for us. This birth leads to Passion and Death. And to new life. So too for us: birth to death; then death to new life. Prayer: You are no longer a babe, O Lord, but our risen Savior. Help shape our lives and deaths to be like yours, that one day we may share the lasting joy of new life with you for ever.
—Eliot Kapitan Director for Worship and the Catechumenate
Reflection on This Sunday’s Opening Prayer Collect: O God, who see how Your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. Reflection: This prayer is in a fifth-sixth century collection of prayers. It recalls our waiting for a birthday celebration that looks beyond to the Three Days of Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We are still waiting on this Third Sunday. But for what? This prayer reminds us that we are not awaiting the birth of Christ. That has already happened. We are, however, awaiting the coming feast day – the annual celebration that once again recalls the impact of Jesus Christ, no longer a babe, who is our great salvation. With every baby, we see and hope for great things to come. In waiting for the feast day of this One, who is God-with-us, we look to the salvation already won for us. This birth leads to Passion and Death. And to new life. So too for us: birth to death; then death to new life. Prayer:
You are no longer a babe, O Lord, but our risen Savior. Help shape our lives and deaths to be like Yours, that one day we may share the lasting joy of new life with You for ever.
– Eliot KapitanDirector for Worship and the Catechumenate
Monday, December 15: 9:15 a.m.-8:00 p.m. – Exposition 7:00 p.m. – Rosary Wednesday, December 17: 6:00 p.m. – Simple Supper – St. John the Baptist 7:00 p.m. – Reconciliation Service – St. John the Baptist
Saturday, December 20: 2:30 p.m. – Reconciliation – Reconciliation Chapel Sunday, December 21: 6:00 p.m. – Blue Christmas
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 14, 2014
“Sacred art... [turns]the human spirit devoutly
toward God.”(Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 122)
n the eighth century, a great controversy arose in
R.C.I.A. We welcome anyone who is interested in becoming Catholic or coming into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. If you have any questions, please call Pat Crowder at 385-8010.
Check out our Facebook page at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish – Dry Ridge, OH. Like us!
giVe thanks and suPPOrt religiOus cOMMunities. “Your generous contribution helps us to care for our retired sisters and enables our younger sisters to continue in active ministry,” writes a religious sister. Your gift to today’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious provides vital support for the retirement needs of senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests. It also helps ensure that younger members can continue the good works of their elders!
care fOr gOd’s creatiOn
Reflection: During this holy season of remembering the Incarnation, let us always be mindful that we have been blessed with the fruits of God’s creation. So let us, in turn, bless others. May we be especially generous to our brothers and sisters in need, and may we protect God’s great gift of Creation so that future generations may also be blessed by its abundance. Quote fRom the holy See:Vatican Radio reports on Thursday, October 16: The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, told the assembly that the fact developing and poor nations remain particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change is unjust. Archbishop Auza said: “We have heard the urgent pleas of Small Island States that climate change is an existential threat to them. This is paradoxical and unjust, given that the primary factors of climate change, like high consumption and high-quantity greenhouse gas emissions, characterize highly industrialized societies. That is why the Holy See believes that climate change is not only an environmental question; it is also a question of justice and a moral imperative.”
readings fOr deceMBer 14, 2014third sunday Of adVent isaiah 61:1-2. 10-11Hope can feel a little bit like fear, the sort of joyous fear a bride and groom feel on their wedding night. 1 thessalOnians 5:16-24Where there is peace, there is God. Where there is God, there is peace. jOhn 1:6-8. 19-28God sent John. We are part of that sending. To be a Christian is to have a mission.
archdiOcese nOtes
adVent is a great tiMe to Clean out closets and toy bins, Donate gently used items to local charities, Buy a Christmas gift for a less fortunate child, Bring food to your parish pantry, Visit relatives or parishioners in a nursing home, Bake cookies for a homebound neighbor, or Volunteer to help clean and decorate the church for Christmas.
DIVORCE CARE is being held in the St. Clare Room at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Centerville this winter on Thursday nights, from January 8-March 31, 2015, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Cost is $25.00 per person and scholarships are available.
MINISTRY TO SURVIVORS OF ABUSE (REPORTING) – The Archdiocese of Cincinnati regards child abuse in all its forms as a serious matter. If you are or have been abused by an employee or volunteer of the Archdiocese, or are aware of abuse currently taking place, please contact Ms. Cherie Groman, Coordinator of Ministry to Survivors of Abuse, at 513-263-6623, or 1-800-686-2724, ext. 6623. This is a confidential, dedicated line to accept calls related to child abuse by employees or volunteers. In addition, be sure to notify the survivor’s secular legal authorities.
annOunceMents
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 14, 2014
ne November a friend called, saying, “I have cancer and it’s inoperable. I only have a few weeks.” I could hardly respond. She broke the silence with
words that brought a deeper understanding of Advent. “I’ve always loved the Advent readings, especially the prophets,” she said. “They’re my prayer of longing and hope as I wait.” The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year and the season when we both prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth and anticipate the second coming. The Church has intended this time as a period to consider how our lives are preparing the world for the second coming. The Advent/Christmas season celebrates a truth about God. We believe that through the revelation of God in the human and divine infant, all of creation is reconciled to God. The words of the Advent hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel” speak our story. We long for ransom from the shackles that bind us to certain ways of living. We long to be saved as a community and a nation from oppression and the lure of cultural seductions that place us in exile from God’s love and friendship. We long to know that “The Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love” (Zephaniah 3:15b). We can miss Advent’s power. We can become distracted from the essence of the meaning of the season: “Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path.” Spend
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8
O ne November a friend called, saying, “I have cancer and it’s inoperable. I only have a few weeks.” I could hardly respond.
She broke the silence with words that brought a deeper understanding of Advent. “I’ve always loved the Advent readings, especially the prophets,” she said. “They’re my prayer of longing and hope as I wait.” The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year and the season when we both prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth and anticipate the second coming. The Church has intended this time as a period to consider how our lives are preparing the world for the second coming. The Advent/Christmas season celebrates a truth about God. We believe that through the revelation of God in the human and divine infant, all of creation is reconciled to God. The words of the Advent hymn “O come, O come Emmanuel” speak our story. We long for ransom from the shackles that bind us to certain ways of living. We long to be saved as a community and a nation from oppression and the lure of cultural seductions that place us in exile from God’s love and friendship. We long to know that “The Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love” (Zephaniah 15b). We can miss Advent’s power. We can become distracted from the essence of the meaning of the season: “Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path.” Spend time reflecting on the Sunday readings. Absorb the hope in the first reading for each of the
H o p e f u l L o n g i n g : Sundays. That is what my dying friend did. If you think you do not have time, remember that we make time. Use these weeks for an examination of conscience and the celebration of the sacrament of Penance. As you make preparations for Christmas, heed the response John gave the crowd after they heard his call for repentance. “Let the man with two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same . . . Do not bully anyone. Denounce no one falsely. Be content with your pay” (Luke 3:11, 14). Maureen A. Kelly is an expert on sacramental catechesis and religious education. She holds an MA in theology from the Catholic University of Louvain and is a founding member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8
O ne November a friend called, saying, “I have cancer and it’s inoperable. I only have a few weeks.” I could hardly respond.
She broke the silence with words that brought a deeper understanding of Advent. “I’ve always loved the Advent readings, especially the prophets,” she said. “They’re my prayer of longing and hope as I wait.” The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year and the season when we both prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth and anticipate the second coming. The Church has intended this time as a period to consider how our lives are preparing the world for the second coming. The Advent/Christmas season celebrates a truth about God. We believe that through the revelation of God in the human and divine infant, all of creation is reconciled to God. The words of the Advent hymn “O come, O come Emmanuel” speak our story. We long for ransom from the shackles that bind us to certain ways of living. We long to be saved as a community and a nation from oppression and the lure of cultural seductions that place us in exile from God’s love and friendship. We long to know that “The Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love” (Zephaniah 15b). We can miss Advent’s power. We can become distracted from the essence of the meaning of the season: “Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path.” Spend time reflecting on the Sunday readings. Absorb the hope in the first reading for each of the
H o p e f u l L o n g i n g : Sundays. That is what my dying friend did. If you think you do not have time, remember that we make time. Use these weeks for an examination of conscience and the celebration of the sacrament of Penance. As you make preparations for Christmas, heed the response John gave the crowd after they heard his call for repentance. “Let the man with two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same . . . Do not bully anyone. Denounce no one falsely. Be content with your pay” (Luke 3:11, 14). Maureen A. Kelly is an expert on sacramental catechesis and religious education. She holds an MA in theology from the Catholic University of Louvain and is a founding member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8
O ne November a friend called, saying, “I have cancer and it’s inoperable. I only have a few weeks.” I could hardly respond.
She broke the silence with words that brought a deeper understanding of Advent. “I’ve always loved the Advent readings, especially the prophets,” she said. “They’re my prayer of longing and hope as I wait.” The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year and the season when we both prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth and anticipate the second coming. The Church has intended this time as a period to consider how our lives are preparing the world for the second coming. The Advent/Christmas season celebrates a truth about God. We believe that through the revelation of God in the human and divine infant, all of creation is reconciled to God. The words of the Advent hymn “O come, O come Emmanuel” speak our story. We long for ransom from the shackles that bind us to certain ways of living. We long to be saved as a community and a nation from oppression and the lure of cultural seductions that place us in exile from God’s love and friendship. We long to know that “The Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love” (Zephaniah 15b). We can miss Advent’s power. We can become distracted from the essence of the meaning of the season: “Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path.” Spend time reflecting on the Sunday readings. Absorb the hope in the first reading for each of the
H o p e f u l L o n g i n g : Sundays. That is what my dying friend did. If you think you do not have time, remember that we make time. Use these weeks for an examination of conscience and the celebration of the sacrament of Penance. As you make preparations for Christmas, heed the response John gave the crowd after they heard his call for repentance. “Let the man with two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same . . . Do not bully anyone. Denounce no one falsely. Be content with your pay” (Luke 3:11, 14). Maureen A. Kelly is an expert on sacramental catechesis and religious education. She holds an MA in theology from the Catholic University of Louvain and is a founding member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate.
time reflecting on the Sunday readings. Absorb the hope in the first reading for each of the Sundays. That is what my dying friend did. If you think you do not have time, remember that we make time. Use these weeks for an examination of conscience and the celebration of the sacrament of Penance. As you make preparations for Christmas, heed the response John gave the crowd after they heard his call for repentance. “Let the man with two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same . . . Do not bully anyone. Denounce no one falsely. Be content with your pay” (Luke 3:11, 14). Maureen A. Kelly is an expert on sacramental catechesis and religious education. She holds an MA in theology from the Catholic University of Louvain and is a founding member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CINCINNATI, OHIOST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 12/14/2014
9
“We are busy, but how are we
preparing for Christ?” Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m.
St. John the Baptist
You’re invited to a simple supper before the Service at 6:00 pm in the Gathering Space.
At this time of year…
we are busy preparing our homes for Christmas... we are busy preparing our gifts for Christmas… But...
How are we preparing ourselves for Christmas?
Come to Our Pastoral Area
Reconciliation
Service
May the grace of the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with light, that we may confess our sins with loving trust and come to know that God is merciful.
—Rite of Penance (alt.)
At this time of year…
we are busy preparing our homes for Christmas...
we are busy preparing our gifts for Christmas…
But...
How are we preparing ourselvesfor Christmas?
Come to Our Pastoral Area
Reconciliation
Service
Wednesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m.
St. John the Baptist
You’re invited to a simple supper before the Service at 6:00 p.m., in the Gathering Space.
May the grace of the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with light,
that we may confess our sins with loving trust
and come to know that God is merciful.
– Rite of Penance (alt.)
“We are busy, buthow are we
preparing forChrist?”
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