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St. Joseph & Most Pure Heart of Mary ParishesDecember 15,
2019 Third Sunday of Advent
THIS WEEK AT MARVIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY:Tuesday December 17 - 10:30
a.m. - Children's Story TimeTuesda December 17 - 4:30 p.m. -
Children’s Story TimeTuesday December 17 - 6:00 p.m. - Family Story
TimeThursda December 19 - 10:30 a.m. - Children's Story
TimeThursday December 19 - 4:00 p.m. - Homework Helpers
*Theme for this week's story times is Zebras & Pandas.*
Details Hair Salon419-342-5201
Rejoice!
One of the most popular songs in church this time of year is “O
Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” I’m not surprised, it is a good
song with ancient roots and a connection to the “O Antiphons” in
the Liturgy of the Hours. More than that, it is beautiful and
reflective of the waiting and hope that we experience in
Advent.
It is a beautiful song no matter who sings it. I’m sure you know
the lines by heart, but I want to focus on the refrain for a
moment.
Latin:Gaude, gaude, EmmanuelNascetur pro te, Israel.
English:Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O
Israel.
After every verse comes the proclamation of a promise fulfilled.
Rejoice. The word for rejoice in Latin, Gaude (it’s in the
imperative form) is even where we get the name of the Third Sunday
of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. (It’s also in the imperative form.) It
is a command. (You) rejoice (now). That is why the vestments become
rose and we decorate the church with flowers. In the midst of our
waiting, we can now rejoice.
As things before Christmas get crazier and crazier, let’s not
forget to take a moment to rejoice in the fact that God keeps His
promises.
With joy,
Father Chris
SUPPORT OUR PRIESTS’ RETIREMENT: Priests are the cornerstone of
our Catholic Church and we are grateful for their service. Please
express your appreciation for those who have faithfully served in
the Diocese of Toledo by making a gift to Perpetuate The Gift
Appeal. Your gift benefits our diocesan priests and retired
diocesan priests. Once a priest retires he is responsible for his
own personal expenses: medical, housing, car, clothing and food.
All funds contributed between now and December 31, 2019 help reduce
the amount the parish contributes to the fund. A gift of cash or
check can be sent to Perpetuate The Gift, PO Box 954, Toledo, OH
43697 or placed in the parish collection. A gift may also be made
online at www.toledodiocese.org
RELIGIOUS GIVE THANKS: “Thank you hardly seems adequate to
convey what it means to us,” says a Catholic sister of the
financial assistance her community received from the Retirement
Fund for Religious. Prayer-filled thanks for your donation.
SPECIAL Bulletin Deadlines: Items for the December 29th bulletin
will be due Wednesday, December 18th by 10:00 a.m. and items for
the
January 5th bulletin will be due Friday, December 20th.
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St. Joseph & Most Pure Heart of Mary ParishesDecember 15,
2019 Third Sunday of Advent
ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM FATHER JIM:
“Remember: God is never limited by our limitations.”
It's time to start a sea change today!Ask for sustainable
seafood. Let chefs, wait-staff and the folks behind your fish
counter know that sustainable seafood is important to you.
Submitted by: Janet Kehres
Youth Ministry NewsThis Sunday, December 15th there are no SLAM
events. Enjoy the weekend with your family.
This Wednesday, December 18th is our Advent Parish Penance
Service. Bring your family as we all continue to prepare our hearts
for Christmas. The Penance Service begins at 7:00 p.m. in the
church.
Next Sunday, December 22nd there are no SLAM events, but we hope
you can join us for our Christmas party and Snow Tubing at
Snowtrails on Monday, December 23rd from 9:15 a.m.-3:00 p.m. All
6th-12th graders invited! Email Kari at [email protected] for
complete details.
Liturgical CalendarMonday, December 16Numbers 24:2-7, 15, 17;
Psalm 25:4-9; Matthew 21:23-279:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Word &
Communion at MPHM ChurchTuesday December 17Genesis 49:2, 8-10;
Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17; Matthew 1:1-178:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph
Church
Prayers for All Family Members9:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Word
& Communion at MPHM ChurchWednesda December 18Jeremiah 23:5-8;
Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Matthew 1:18-259:00 a.m. Mass at MPHM
Church
Prayers for George Willman Thursday December 19Judges 13:2-7,
24-25; Psalm 71:3-6, 16-17; Luke 1:5-259:00 a.m. Mass at MPHM
Church
Prayers for Kathleen Metzger 5:00 p.m. Holy Hour at MPHM
ChurchFrida December 20Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke
1:26-389:00 a.m. Mass at MPHM Church
Prayers for All Parishioners, Living & Deceased Saturda
December 21Song of Songs 2:8-14; Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Luke
1:39-455:00 p.m. Mass at MPHM Church
Prayers for Tony & Eilla Gwirtz, Daniel Cooper, Dick &
Robin Spangler
Sunda December 22—Fourth Sunda of AdventIsaiah 7:10-14; Psalm
24:1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-248:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph
Church
Prayers for Adeline Schira, Florian Brown & Poor Souls in
Purgatory
10:30 a.m. Mass at MPHM ChurchPrayers for All Parishioners,
Living & Deceased
IN MARRIAGE, COMMUNICATION IS MORE THAN JUST TALKING: At some
point, did you stop sharing about the things that were important to
you? Did your spouse? Improving a marriage takes time and a
conscious effort to learn about your spouse. Growing closer in a
marriage does not happen automatically. Retrouvaille is a marriage
program dedicated to helping couples grow closer and develop a
stronger bond. You give your heart and soul to everything you do,
between your work and your family. Are you giving your heart and
soul to your marriage? Sometimes the distance between a husband and
a wife can seem so wide that it cannot be repaired. Retrouvaille is
a marriage program designed to bring couples closer together. The
next weekend in our area is January 24 – 26, 2019. For more
information, contact registration team: Robyn and Jeff at
419-481-1116 or visit our website: HelpOurMarriage.com
LESSONS & CAROLS: Immaculate Conception Parish, located at
231 E. Center St. in Bellevue, invites you to the 5th annual
Traditional King’s College Lessons & Carols on Wednesday,
December 18th at 6:45 p.m. Enjoy the performance of the Community
Singers Men’s Chorale. Parking is available and a free will
offering will be taken. For more information contact Robert McMahon
the Director of Music via email at [email protected] or call
419-902-6559.
BAZAAR SIGNS: Did you take a Christmas Bazaar Sign to help us
advertise? If you did, thank you so much for your help! We would
really appreciate it if you could return the signs to the school,
the parish office, or the church at your earliest convivence. Thank
you again for supporting the Christmas Bazaar.
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Sacraments at St. Joseph
Call the Parish Office at 419-687-4611 for the following: ▪
Baptism - one month in advance ▪ Anointing of the Sick - anytime by
request ▪ Holy Communion - to be placed on the home bound or
nursing home visitation list ▪ Marriage - six months in advance ▪
R.C.I.A. - for those who are curious about the Catholic faith or
would like to join the church ▪ Reconciliation - always available
Sundays before Mass at 7:30 a.m. or Tuesday after 8:30 a.m. Mass or
anytime by appointment ▪ Mass Stipends - schedule Masses for the
deceased and special intentions ▪ Parish Membership - to register
as new members or to update your contact information
St. Joseph Parish News
Heather Hale, Levi Maurer
December 15, 2019 Third Sunday of Advent
Mission Statement
“Leading all families in loving,
serving, and knowing Jesus in our
community.”
SACRIFICIAL GIVING Weekly Budget Needed $1,485.00
December 8, 2019
Sunday Offering $ 2,019.00
Building Improvements $ 60.00
Retirement Fund $ 5.00
Turkey Donation $ 5.00
Year to Date Over/Under $ 190.21
Attendance Sunday 12/8: 96
Sunday, December 22 - 8:30 a.m. Greeters: Blum Family EMHC: Jim
Blum, Katrina Blausey Servers: Luke & Ben Blum Lector: Sandy
Blum Ushers: Jim & Ashley Bond Counters: Eileen & Randy
Eisenhauer, Doris Arnold Music: St. Joseph Choir
DID YOU KNOW? THE ADVENT SEASON JOY – THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT The
third Sunday of Advent has a traditional theme. This week we focus
on joy. In Philippians 4:4, we hear the words: “Joy and Peace.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” Who
doesn’t like to hear about joy this time of year? As we light our
candles, we can boldly proclaim our joy in our words, our prayers,
and in our songs. Christmas is almost here, and we are joyful.
George Bailey’s joy at the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life,”
certainly is an example of a traditional movie that many of us
watch at this time of year. This movie surely ended in great joy,
but we are also reminded that there are times when joy feels hard
to reach. I think that we must acknowledge the realities of the
world and the many who are less fortunate than ourselves. We talk
about hope, peace, joy, and love. We also must talk about the hard
times that are happening all around us. Things like violence,
tragedy, and the refugee crises, just to name a few. These are
things that defy understanding! Let’s not gloss over these
situations and focus instead on brighter or happier stories. Let us
all be welcoming to all those who come to our doors regardless of
their situation. Let us all be attentive to their stories. We want
to live out our mission statement, especially this time of the
year: “Leading all families in loving, serving and knowing Jesus in
our community”. To deny what is happening in the world is no
Christian response. It’s the opposite of a Christian response, in
fact. Because Christ never told us to not tell the truth about
life. He never told us to only be happy or carefree all the time.
Instead, Jesus told us to bind up the brokenhearted, tell the
truth, and stay near to those who suffer. We are to go one step
further and proclaim it doesn’t have to be that way. In Advent, we
point to hope and peace for the future, as we rejoice in Christ’s
birth. Let our gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near,
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Scripture doesn’t
promise us easy lives, or lives without pain. But it does promise
us that those things do not define us. One of the best ways to
illustrate this, is to take notice of the color of the candle we
lit today. Today’s candle on the Advent wreath isn’t purple. It’s
pink. The traditional color for Advent is purple, which is meant to
represent what is royal, like the coming Prince of Peace, but also
to show repentance, and the turning away from what breaks us, and
towards something better. They call this Sunday “Gaudete Sunday”
which means “rejoice.” A pink candle because the white mixes with
the purple and transforms, as we are waiting for Christ’s light
that transforms us. As we watch and wait this Advent, let’s be
witnesses to the light of Christ, and the joy it brings. As the
people who believe in this joy, and the child who brings it, this
can change the world. The path to Christmas Joy!
Submitted by: Sherry Stockmaster
Penance Service Wednesday, December 18 • 7:00 p.m. at MPHM
Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord Tuesday, December 24 4:00 p.m.
at MPHM 6:00 p.m. at St. Joseph The Nativity of the Lord Wednesday,
December 25 12:00 Midnight at MPHM 8:30 a.m. at St. Joseph 10:30
a.m. at MPHM
Vigil of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of
God Tuesday, December 31 • 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Solemnity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Wednesday, January 1 9:00
a.m. at MPHM 7:00 p.m. at MPHM
http://www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircletel:(888)%20653-6441
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Sacraments at Most Pure Heart of MaryCall the Parish Office at
419-347-2381 for the following:▪ Baptism - one month in advance▪
Anointing of the Sick - always available following the
9:00 a.m. Mass on First Saturdays or anytime by request
▪ Holy Communion - to be placed on the home bound or nursing
home visitation list
▪ Marriage - six months in advance▪ R.C.I.A. - for those who are
curious about the Catholic
faith or would like to join the church▪ Reconciliation - always
available Saturdays from
3:45-4:30 p.m. or anytime by request▪ Cemetery - policy, sales,
or upkeep▪ Parish Membership - to register as new members
or to update your contact information
Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish
— This week at —Most Pure Heart of MaryMonday, December 165:00
p.m. 3/4 Boys Basketball Practice—Gym6:30 p.m. 5/6 Boys Basketball
Practice—Gym7:00 p.m. Adult Choir—ChurchTuesday, December 173:30
p.m. Christmas Children’s Choir—School5:00 p.m. Girls Basketball
Practice—Gym8:00 p.m. Adult Only Basketball Open
Gym—SchoolWednesday, December 1810:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl7:00 p.m.
Advent Penance Service—ChurchThursday, December 195:00 p.m. Girls
Basketball Practice—Gym6:30 p.m. 5/6 Boys Basketball
Practice—Gym7:00 p.m. Disciples of Song—ChurchFriday, December
205:00 p.m. 3/4 Boys Basketball Practice—GymSaturday, December
2110:00 a.m. 5/6 Boys Basketball Game—Gym
December 15, 2019 Third Sunday of Advent
LIFE LINE SCREENING: Life Line Screening, a leading provider of
community-based preventive health screenings, will offer their
affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings at St. Mary
School - McFadden Hall on 1/20/2020 with appointment slots
available from 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Five screenings will be offered
that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked
arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic
aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the
arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease;
atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied
to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women,
used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness
Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening
from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take
60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and
to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please
call 1-888-653-6441, text the word circle to 797979 or visit
www.lifelinescreenin .com/communit circle
Mission Statement“Leading all hearts to love, serve, and know
God in our
community.”
Saturda December 21, 5:00 p.m. MassLector: Lori
McCartneyServers: Jackson Stover, Payton Stover, Alexandra LayEMHC:
Barb Castor, Laurie Metzger, Kira Metzger,
Marilyn Moore, Lois Steele, Mary Traxler, Jim Yetzer
Ushers: Reed Castor, Don Metzger, Will Metzger, Frank Hicks
Greeters: Ken & Julie Ensman, Monika Shuler, Dorothy
Chew
Music: Kari & Joy
Sunda December 22 10:30 a.m. MassLector: John GiesServers:
Lauren & Sara Krietemeyer, Mya KeinathEMHC: Linda Shaughnessy,
Lauren Terry,
Karen Winters, Jim Yetzer, Dick & Becky YoungUshers: Howard
Souder, Raymond Souder,
Jim Sifferlin, Dave WalshGreeters: Kathy Lowe, Casey Kerr,
VolunteerMusic: Adult ChoirCounters: Mark & Sherry Young, Lee
& Carolyn Kaple
Lori Steiner, Susan Young, Brittany Rietschlin, Marilyn Rundag,
Elsie Branch, John Metzger,
Stephanie Triplett, Tyler Winters, Michael Albert, Nicholas
Gremling, Vanessa Reese, Megan Strine,
Carol Ensman, Nolan Strine, Zackariah Crahen, Arica Egan, Agnes
Gerster, Katie Poole, Adam Bihl,
Alexander Gies, Abagail Patton, Tessa Slone
CLEANERS NEEDED: I will be making a new list of church cleaners
for 2020 soon. We need more help! Please call Kathy Kanney at
419-347-5177 if you are interested. If you are already on the list,
please call and let me know if I can count on you to help again
next year. Thank you for your consideration.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTIZED: Henry Jay Wolford, son of Kevin
& Kathryn (Withrow) Wolford, was baptized on Sunday December 8,
2019.Please keep him in your prayers that he may be a faithful
follower of Jesus and a witness to His gospel.
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Have you tried Formed yet? It’s easy to get started and has many
free resources: 1) Go to: mphm.formed.org 2) Enter your email and
create a password (you’ll need this to login later). 3) You’re all
ready to access the inspiring content on FORMED!
Thank you for supporting Most Pure Heart of Mary
Parish!SACRIFICIAL GIVING
November 30 & December 1, 2019
Sunday & Holy Day Collections (Excludes Christmas &
Easter)
Sunday Offertory Collection Basket $ 7,275.20
68% Gave in the Collection Basket
Sunday Offertory Electronic Giving $ 4,433.50
32% Gave through Electronic Giving
Children’s Collection $ 56.00
Immaculate Conception $ 50.00
Mary Mother of God $ 25.00
Weekly Budget Needed $ 9,249.00
Total Sunday and Holy Day Receipts $ 11,839.70
Weekly Over/Under Budget $ 2,590.70
2019/2020 Annual Budget Year to Date $ 212,727.00
Total Sunday & Holy Day Receipts to Date $ 220,236.18
Year to Date Over/Under Budget $ 7,509.18
Christmas Collection $ 200.00
Christmas Annual Budget $ 30,203.00
Total Christmas Year to Date $ 485.00
Other Parish Collections
Capital Improvement $ 122.50
Excel Beyond the Basics $ 175.00
Religious Education $ 15.00
Assistance Fund $ 25.00
Youth Ministry $ 100.00
Mass Attendance Nov. 30: No Count & Dec. 1: 240
Each one must give as he has decided in his hear, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2
Corinthians 9:7
Of our 366 families that give to the Sunday Collection…
27%now give through ConnectNow!
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH KORY: Kory is back at Seminary and he
welcomes any mail or email you would like to send! You can email
him at [email protected] or send mail to: Kory Wise, 6616
Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230. Please continue keep Kory
in your prayers.
Reflections on the ReadingsThird Sunday of Advent
taken from St. Joseph Sunday Missal
First Reading – Isaiah 35:1-6, 10This beautiful poem is
attributed to the so-called
“Second Isaiah,” a prophet who stayed with the Hebrews in
Babylonian exile. This prophet saw the Babylonian rule about to be
toppled by the mighty King Cyrus of Persia, who would free the
captives and let them go home.This is a poem of joyful hope. “Say
to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is
your God, he comes with vindication.”
Christians apply this vision to the future brought about by
Jesus, the Messiah, God’s Anointed One. “Then will the eyes of the
blind be opened.” The Lord gives sight to the blind. This is our
Christian theme of joyful hope: Our Lord, who comes to be a light
to the world. The lights of Christmas symbolize this idea.
Second Reading – James 5:7-10James reminds us not to be overly
optimistic. The
bright future of the Messianic era will not be fully realized on
this side of the grave. We must be patient! “Make your hearts firm,
because the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
The prophets should be our models. If you are suffering, this
reading could be an inspiring starting point for a personal prayer
to God!
Gospel – Matthew 11:2-11Matthew takes up the theme of the first
Bible
reading. “Jesus said to them in reply: ‘the blind regain their
sight.’” Jesus is the one-to-come who will give hope to those who
suffer.
This “hope” can be finding a way out of trouble through the aid
of a loving human being: it can be resignation and acceptance of
the unavoidable, founded in faith in a future to come hereafter.
Every Christmas, the Lord Jesus should open our eyes to the beauty
of life, and its extension, the life to come.
Submitted by Barb Castor
Most Pure Heart of Mary ParishDecember 15, 2019 Third Sunday of
Advent
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GENERAL REMINDERSDec 20 Early Dismissal - 1:30 p.m./
PBIS Reward/End of 2nd QuarterDec 21-Jan 3 No School Christmas
BreakJan 8 Honor Roll - After MassJan 13 PTO Meeting 6:00 p.m.Jan
20 No School - Martin Luther King JrJan 26 Family Game LuncheonJan
26-Feb 1 Catholic School’s WeekJan 31 PTO School Dance/Pep RallyFeb
5 Early DismissalFeb 17 No School - Presidents Day
End of the Year GIVING?
Do not forget our
school, if you are
looking for a great
cause to donate to.
www.stmaryshelby.org
AN IMPORTANT MINISTRY OF MOST PURE HEART OF MARY PARISH SINCE
1880
St. Mary Catholic School • Pre K- 6th Grade26 West Street •
Shelby, Ohio 44875
(419) 342-2626 • www.stmaryshelby.org
Christmas Bazaar– THANK YOU!St. Mary School is a very important
mission of our parish and the bazaar is one of our biggest school
fundraisers. We really appreciate your continued support. THANK YOU
TO ALL VOLUNTEERS, DONORS, AND PARTICIPANTS!!Bazaar Cash Raffle
Winners:Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets.
Congratulations!
December Artists of the MonthPreK: Lucas Seitz Nominated by:
Mrs. ThompsonReason: Always kind to others. He shares and helps
others pick up toys. He is always ready to learn.
Kindergarten: Ashlynne Niese Nominated by: Mrs. KurtzmanReason:
She waits her turn. She has a gentle and helpful spirit.
1st Grade: Rebecca Bruskotter Nominated by: Mrs. LittleReason:
Leadership-motivates everyone to be their best!
2nd Grade: Willow Barker Nominated by: Mrs. LynchReason: Willow
is very respectful to her teacher's as well as her classmates. She
is cooperative at all times and is very helpful. She demonstrates
the Fruit of the Spirit Kindness throughout the day.
3rd Grade: Kolstin Lamb Nominated by: Mrs. TerryReason: Kolstin
displays all the fruits of the spirit. He always has a smile on his
face, kind to others, willing to lend a helping hand and follows
directions the first time. He is a good friend to his
classmates.
4th Grade: David Seitz Nominated by: Mrs. ClevengerReason:
Patience, Wisdom, Self Reliance, and respectful.
5th/6th Grade: Mason Kamann Nominated by: Mrs. Sherk
Reason: On a daily basis he demonstrates patience, cheerfulness,
kindness, and respectfulness. He is always willing to help & is
polite.
Staff Team Member: Mrs. Kim Hall Nominated by: Mrs. Lynch
$1,000 Ann Downs $ Thomas Gwirtz500$ 300 Len & Rosemary
Reidel $ Tom Schroff200$ 100 John & Dawn Wechter