PARISH OFFICE Hours: 9am - 4pm 5124 Gateway Dr. , Tampa, FL 33615 Ph. 813.885.7861 Fax: 813.884.3624 www.icctampa.org
SCHOOL OFFICE 5111 Webb Rd., Tampa, FL 33615 Ph. 813.884.4502 Fax: 813.885.3734 www.icstampa.org
Clergy - 813-885-7861 Very Rev. Michael Suszynski, Pastor Rev. Jairo Atehortua Parochial Vicar Rev. Philip Clement, Parochial Vicar Deacon Frank Julian Deacon Pablo Maldonado Deacon Ramon Rodriguez
Staff - 813-885-7861 Parish Business Administrator - Paul Hunter phunter@icctampa.org Facility Manager - Dave Arnold darnold@icctampa.org / 919-4284 Parish Secretary / Bulletin Editor Irene Martinez imartinez@icctampa.org Receptionist/ Asst Editor - Silvia Rivera srivera@icctampa.org Music Director - Cal Leferink cleferink@icctampa.org Director of Faith Formation - Carmen Cayon ccayon@icctampa.org Sacrament Prep. & Youth Ministry Philomena Johnson - pjohnson@icctampa.org Faith Formation Apprentice Meg Kanatzar - mkanatzar@icctampa.org
Mass Schedule Monday through Friday: 7am & 8:30am Saturday: 8:30 am & 4:30pm (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am (signed), 12pm
MISAS EN ESPAﾃ前L:
Cada domingo a la 1:30pm Cada viernes a las 6:30 pm
LATIN MASS: Sundays at 4:30pm CONFESSIONS: Saturdays - 2:30 to 3:30pm in Church DEVOTIONS Morning Prayer Group: Liturgy of the Hours Mon., Tue., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. from 8:10am - 8:25am
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Every 1st Friday following the 8:30 am Mass until 6:15pm ROSARY every Thursday at 11:30am in the chapel ROSARIO EN ESPAﾃ前L - cada jueves de 5:30pm-6:30pm en la capilla
Third Sunday of Advent - December 15, 2013
Church of the Incarnation
813-885-7861
Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday during Advent when we pause to "Rejoice" that the Savior is coming. The Holy Father calls this Sunday "Bambinello Sunday," and blesses the bambinelli - the babies - in St. Peter's Square. At all Masses today we bless the infant Jesus figures from your home manger scenes. Also below is a family blessing to be used in the home in case you forgot your infant Jesus figure. Finally, next weekend on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we will provide a family blessing to be used on Christmas day when you place your baby Jesus figure in your manger. We are very happy to share with you this tradition of the Holy Father’s in Rome, and invite you to, perhaps, adopt this as a family tradition in your home.
PREPARE A WAY FOR THE LORD! We encourage all of our parishioners to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at this penitential period of Advent. Come, be forgiven, and prepare the way of the Lord this Christmas!
PENANCE SERVICES THIS WEEK Monday, Dec. 16, 7pm - Incarnation Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7pm - Christ the King Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7pm - St Lawrence Thursday, Dec. 19, 7pm - St. Joseph
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3rd Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2013
† Mass Intentions † SUNDAY - DECEMBER 15 - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 7:30 A.M. (SI) Donna Ridgeway by Barbara Rivera 9:00 A.M. (SI) Prayer Shawl Ministry 10:30 A.M. +Deceased Members of Paccione Family by Family 12:00 P.M. +Angel Vega by Minerva 1:30 P.M. PEOPLE OF INCARNATION 4:30 P.M. +Marie Budny by Daughter MONDAY - DECEMBER 16 7:00 A.M. +Kristina Svrcek by Cressman Family 8:30 A.M. +Mary Sebastian by Annette Manipadam TUESDAY - DECEMBER 17 7:00 A.M. +Frank Fernandez by Wife Celia 8:30 A.M. (SI) Irvin, Jr. by Mom WEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 18 7:00 A.M. +Jean and +Henriette Chaudron and +P. Corroy by Family 8:30 A.M. +Donna Bristol by Family THURSDAY - DECEMBER 19 7:00 A.M. +Julio Cesar Escobar, Jr. by Family 8:30 A.M. +Aracely Tatum by Maria Barrios and Family FRIDAY - DECEMBER 20 7:00 A.M. +Mercedes Chacon Garcia by Garcia Daughters 8:30 A.M. +Joyce Marie Hiller by Wes Hiller 6:30 P.M. (SI) Elena Betancourt by Mother SATURDAY - DECEMBER 21 - ST. PETER CANISIUS, PRIEST 8:30 A.M. +Nick Paccione by Loretta 4:30 P.M. +Evelyn Billiet by Steiger Family SUNDAY - DECEMBER 22 - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 7:30 A.M. (SI) Prayer Box Intentions by Mother of Mercy Prayer Group 9:00 A.M. +Charles and +Celia Costa by Daughter 10:30 A.M. +Santiago Michael by Family 12:00 P.M. +Mario Pagan by Family 1:30 P.M. +Carmen Rivera Matos by Family 4:30 P.M. PEOPLE OF INCARNATION
SACRIFICIAL GIFTS OF TREASURE OFFERTORY (First Collection) is used solely for the operation and maintenance of the parish. Weekly Target ................................................. $23,000.00 12/08/2013 Offertory Donations .................... $21,678.00 Shortfall ........................................................... $ 1,322.00 Tuition Assistance ........................................... $ 496.00 Helping Hand .................................................. $ 117.00 Christmas Flowers .......................................... $ 170.00 Dominican Parish ............................................ $ 126.00 Retired Religious Fund .................................. $ 2,606.00 RENOVATION & BUILDING FUND (Second Collection) is used to pay the monthly principal and interest obligation on our Church Renovation Loan and to fund repairs and updates to our Church building. 12/08/2013 Renovation Donations.................... $ 2,430.00
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! If you have any questions about our finances or parish renovation activities, please contact Business Manager, Paul Hunter at 813-8857861 or by e-mail: phunter@icctampa.org.
Please Pray for One Another If you would like to add a name, e-mail Silvia Rivera at: srivera@icctampa.org or call the parish office. Lord, hear our prayers for the sick listed below and for all those who are not listed, but are in need of our prayers: Jeannette Abrenica Bella Andrew Benedetto Artino, Jr. Ryan Baker Maria Barrios Julie Bianchi Lucy Brandow Marty Butler Roxane Charles Mike Childers Nora Cortes Juan Cortez Bernice Cox Louis Crapsi Tanya Cruz Margaret Daab Leslie D’ Elia Enid Diaz Jack and Lucy Dietz Jan Douglas Manuel Duran Shannon Elver Manuel Escamilla Aurora Esparza Deborah Fisher Harry Folk Agustina Galan Mario Garcia Raul Garcia William Gareau John B. Germano Jonathan Germano Joe Giangiacomo Sal Giordano
Patricia Gonzalez Gloria Gsoell Nancy Gwinn Robert Hasty Joane Hellenbrand Don Hughes June Jebson Peter Jebson Mary Jones Joyce Kielpinksi James Kuhla Mimi Kuhla Adelina Largacha Sharon Larson Dale Levi Tom Lom Andrew Loomis S. Narkarunai Mary Ola Mazellas Sheila McCarron Matthew McClane, Sr.
JoAnne McCullough Gabriel McPfimel Cam Metcalf Frank Miles Sandy Moley Beba Montero Heather Moore Fr. Tom Morgan John Morrisroe Noah Nero Sandy Palermo Bob Patterson JR Pearce
Kim Perez Germaine Pempsell Mary Perkinson Tom Phillips Ray Pomponio Sharon Preston Jose Luis Quezada Bernard Rafferty, Sr. Donna Ridgeway Sheila Rivera Isaias Rodriguez Radames Roldan Lori Ann Rose Lydia Santiago Anthony Santino Don Shamblin Dianna Slowey Thomas
Adriana Smith Ann V. Sullivan Shirley Sullivan Sara Beth Summer Bill and Angie Spink Philip Traina Ellen Uter Ines Velazquez Ingrid Velez William Vitto Rose Vrabel Jerry Wegman Cameron Whitman Nick Wolf Amy Workman Elke Marie Zang
Sergio Pages, Jr. PV2 Chad Michael Burgess PV2 Angelique Burgess Ryan Wegman, Afghanistan Lt. Col Gregory Palmer, Afghanistan Cormac Lomasney, Afghanistan Brian McPhillips, Afghanistan Esteban Gonzalez, Afghanistan SGT Damian Patrick Bumm
Thank You To Buds, Blooms & Beyond
Merry Christmas!
For Their Donation Of Flower Arrangements For Our Weekend Liturgies & For Our Chapel 11234 W. Hillsborough, Tampa, FL / 813-818-9600 |3
Church of the Incarnation
813-885-7861
FAITH FORMATION NEWS
Director of Faith Formation & R.C.I.A. Carmen Cayon ccayon@icctampa.org Grades Pk-12 Sacrament Preparation & Youth Ministry Philomena Johnson pjohnson@icctampa.org Faith Formation Apprentice Meg Kanatzar mkanatzar@icctampa.org Young Adult Ministry Fr. Philip Clement fclement@icctampa.org
"Proeliatores Dei" is our parish's young adult group. Young adult parishioners ages 18-28 are welcome to join us every Thursday night from 7:30 - 9:00 in the Lion's Lair for faith, fun, and fraternity. For more information, please go to our website: www.thewarriorsofgod.org or call Fr. Philip at the church office (813-885-7861). We hope to see you there!
The Christmas Mitten Tree will be up in the vestibule of the church beginning Sunday Dec. 8th. Please take a mitten for a needy child of our parish. Gifts should be new and gift wrapped. Please remember to put the mitten on the gift. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 22nd and may be dropped off in the church on Sunday or in the Parish Office during the week. Thank you for your generosity DATE CHANGE!! We will be putting the bags of food together on Dec. 22nd at 6PM in St. Michaels Hall, if you are interested in helping please contact Philomena in the Faith Formation Office at 885-7861 ATTENTION FAITH FORMATION FAMILIES!! REMINDER!! There is NO Faith Formation Sunday, December 22nd or 29th sessions will resume on January 5th.
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3rd Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2013
PROMISE FULFILLED Today’s readings address the faithful one, the one who waits on God but may not feel God’s presence. Every person who seeks God has at one time or another experienced the absence of God. Jesus himself cried out during his dark night of the soul. The Epistle of James speaks to this. The author says that we must be as patient as the silent, fallow earth that awaits the slow, soaking rains of winter and the hard, necessary rains of spring. As the farmer is sure of the precious yield of the land, we can be sure of the precious yield of our patient waiting. God is never far away. The messengers from John the Baptizer asked Jesus if he was the one whose coming John had announced. The messengers wanted to hear the answer that the imprisoned John already knew. Everything that John said was finally happening: because of Jesus, light shines in eyes; words of promise are received; people leap and dance. The promise of Isaiah is fulfilled in Jesus. Wobbly knees and feeble hands are strong, the desert blooms, the savanna and steppe flower, the darkness is chased away. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:
Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24
THE LOOK OF LOVE What does love look like? It has feet to go to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others. —St. Augustine
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TREE OF LIFE MEMORIALS ALTAR SERVERS - David Smith - iccaltarservers@gmail.com EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS - Frank Salamone fsalamone2003@yahoo.com READERS - Will Beran - 882-0178 ENVIRONMENT/ART - Connie Hennessey - 884-8326 USHERS - Tom Osborn - 885-3829 VISITORS OF THE SICK - Fr. Jairo Atehortua - 885-7861
In memory of a loved one that has passed away you may want to consider the Tree of Life Memorial at the church’s entrance. You may also want to remember a special Anniversary or a family member with a Leaf on the Tree. For information call Connie Hennessey at 884-8326.
BIBLE STUDY - Carmen Cayon - 885-7861 CARNIVAL - Paul /Norma Hunter - 854-1171 COLUMBIETTES - Suzanne Perry-Casler - 610-6456 or suzanneperrycasler@verizon.net Meet every 2nd Thursday at 7:00pm, St. Patrick's Room FINANCE COUNCIL - Deacon Frank Julian - 885-7861 HELPING HAND - Paul Hunter - 885-7861 ICCW - INCARNATION COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN Diane Fitzpatrick - 813-926-4921 - Tdianefitz@aol.com Gen. Mtg. 1st Thursdays - Rosary at 7pm - Mtg. starts at 7:30pm JOB SEARCH SUPPORT - Hilda Lyons - icjobsupport@hotmail.com Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. at the Town ’N Country Public Library KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 4th Degree Assembly 2984 Harry - 813-765-5725 - meets every 3rd Monday at 7:30 PM KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - Stan Schmidt - 598-2737 LIFE MINISTRY - Teresa Trubilla - 841-6563 - Trubilla@mac.com MUSIC MINISTRY - Cal Leferink - cleferink@icctampa.org Tuesday Rehearsals, 7 - 9pm in the Church Music Room PRAYER SHAWL GROUP - Silvia Rivera - 885-7861 2nd Tuesday, 7pm in Faith Formation Office RELIGIOUS ARTICLES STORE - Connie Hennessey - 884-8326 SPECIAL EDUCATION - Mary Thomson - 884-8040 STEWARDSHIP - Tim Madden - 831-9770 THAT MAN IS YOU - Michael Rivera - 598-0972 Tuesdays at 5:15am in St. Francis Rm 12 STEP MEETINGS - Mary at 813-884-7171 Men's Closed Meetings - Tuesday, 7 pm St. Patrick's Room Closed Meetings - Wednesday, 7 pm St. Patrick's Room Al-Anon Closed Meetings - Wednesday, 7 pm St. John's Room
RELIGIOUS ARTICLES STORE NEWLY RENOVATED! Check out
ANOINTING OF THE SICK gives spiritual strength in the face of suffering. A Parish priest is on call 24 hrs. in cases of emergency and is available for appointments. Call the Parish Office at 8857861. MATRIMONY (Marriage) - Couples need to contact the Parish Office at 885-7861 before setting a date. The preparation process takes a minimum of 6 months. HOLY ORDERS is for single men answering the call to priesthood. Any man or woman interested in the religious life should contact one of our parish priests or the Diocesan Vocations Director at 345-3338. HOMEBOUND MINISTRY - Eucharistic Ministers are available to bring Holy Communion to the sick at home. Please call the Parish Office at 885-7861 to make arrangements.
COMITÉ PASTORAL HISPANO - Padre Jairo - 885-7861 fatehortua@icctampa.org Se reúne el tercer jueves de cada mes CORO HISPANO - David Funes - dfunes@icctampa.org miércoles a las 7:00pm y los domingos a las 12:00 pm EMAUS DAMAS - Karla Navas-Rodriguez 813-263-4220 o Liliana Astete 646-339-4286. Miércoles de por medio 7pm. EMAUS HOMBRES - Stevenson Quirindongo
ESCUELA DE EVANGELIZACION JUAN PABLO II Maria Teresa Aguilar 813-315 0925. Viernes 7pm, salón de clase #3. GRUPO DE JOVENES - Carmen Cayón - 885-7861. Viernes 7:30pm, salón St. John. GRUPO DE JOVENES ADULTOS - Ana Acevedo al 359-7722. Viernes, 7:30pm, salón de conferencia. GRUPO DE MATRIMONIOS - Lecy y Dante Sanchez - 850-4526. Viernes, 7:30pm, salón St. Francis 1.
our newly renovated Religious Arti-
GRUPO DE ORACION - Maria Rodriguez al 813-926-6436 . Martes 7:30pm, salón St. Michael.
cles Store. Located at the main en-
LECTORES - Alan Aguilar- 315-0928
trance of the church, on the left
LEGION DE MARIA - Azucena Zavala 813-410-5737. Sábado 9:30am, salón St. Francis.
hand side. Open before and after the weekend Masses. MANY NEW ITEMS! Need information? Call Connie 813.884.8326
MINISTROS DE EUCARISTIA - Tito Bello - 516-2619 MONAGUILLOS - Doris Quirindongo - 843-6654 UJIERES - José Guaba - 504-5538
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813-817-9321
3rd Sunday of Advent Losing a child to abortion isn’t easy... But if you give Him the broken pieces, God can make all things new. H.E.A.R.T. provides recovery from pregnancy loss due to abortion. Using a recovery study guide, we look to God and what He promises us; healing and wholeness can return.
Through a group process we will look at: realizing we need
healing, acknowledging the abortion – breaking the shame, forgiveness, accepting God’s grace, allowing yourself to grieve, self-reconciliation, relationships and ongoing healing. H.E.A.R.T. groups are being held in the Lutz/North Tampa area. Anyone affected by an abortion can attend. Morning and evening groups are expected to start in early January 2014. For more information including location and to register please call or text Amy at (813) 528-1717 or email: HEART@LifeChoicesWC.org ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL Approved by the Project Rachel Office of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
December 15, 2013
Volunteers Needed Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center a ministry of Catholic Charities ~~ One hour a week or one hour a month we need you!~~ Your life experiences and skills can make a difference in the lives of women facing unplanned pregnancies and their babies. Provide support, be there to listen, help them set and achieve goals and make positive life choices. Your skills are valuable in supporting the choice for life by either responsible parenting or making an adoption plan. Training is provided. Positions needed are: Mentors, Baby Boutique Assistants, Office Assistants, and Parish Ambassadors. Please contact Liliana Gimenez or Denise Sladky at 813-631-4398 or email: folhillsborough@ccdosp.org LIFECHOICES WOMEN’S CARE NEEDS BABY ITEM DONATIONS LifeChoices Women’s Care, a pregnancy resource clinic on Dale Mabry needs your help this Advent season with donations of diapers and wipes. The clinic is part of the Life Alliance of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Pregnant moms participating in our “Earn While You Learn” program earn baby items by coming to the center. Our greatest need right now are diapers of sizes 4 and 5, and baby wipes. Please consider donating items to us. The clinic is at 1527 Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 101 in Lutz – (813) 948-7734. We are directly across the street from the Super Walmart in the North Fork Professional Building. We are open on Mondays from 9:30 am – 6:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am – 4 pm. If you are not able to donate your items during these hours, please call John Hofmann at (813) 949-9076 to arrange another time.
Religious give thanks. “Thank you for accompanying us as we care for our elder sisters,” writes a religious superior. Your gift to last week’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious helps support nearly 34,000 sisters, brothers, and religious order priests past age 70. May God bless you abundantly for your goodness.
Host Families needed to Host High School Foreign Exchange students arriving in January and will be here through June. Students come with their own Insurance & expense money. Host Families open their Heart & Home inviting an inspiring International student to be a member of your family and our community. 24/7 support from Local Coordinator. Call Karen today, @727-329-8060 for more info. Thank you!
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Church of the Incarnation
813-885-7861 Commitment Sunday for the Capital Campaign has passed however the campaign continues. If you need a pledge card they can be found at the rear of the church or in the parish office during the week.
SAVE THE DATE ANNUAL TEA & FASHION SHOW
Religious give thanks. “Thank you for accompanying us as we care for our elder sisters,” writes a religious superior. Your gift to last week’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious helps support nearly 34,000 sisters, brothers, and religious order priests past age 70. May God bless you abundantly for your goodness.
13th Annual Shoeboxes for Seniors
Saturday January 25, 2014 Sponsored by: INCARNATION COLUMBIETTES 8612 See future bulletins for additional information Remember your loved ones - both living and deceased at ALL Christmas Masses. List the names of your loved ones on the envelopes and place in the collection basket. There is no suggested offering; any donation will gladly be accepted. Christmas Spiritual Bouquet Envelopes are available at the front entrance of the church and in the pews. They are also available at the Parish Office during the week. Mass Cards are available at the Religious Articles Store and the Parish Office.
Spread Christmas Cheer
The Life Ministries will be collecting Shoeboxes for Seniors this weekend to deliver to the elderly of the Rocky Creek Retirement Center. Please leave your boxes in the bins of the church foyer or bring them directly over to St. Michael's Hall this Sunday between 8AM and 12 Noon. If you did not have a chance to pick up any items, you may also leave a financial gift and we will do the shopping for you.
We need Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion We need ministers for all Masses. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact Frank Salamone by email: fsalamone2003@yahoo.com or by phone at 813-205-8259.
Incarnation Catholic Church 2013 Annual Christmas Tree Sale
Win the hearts of your loved ones by surprising them with a “Queen of Hearts” Casino ticket on Christmas morning. Tickets are $35.00 for a fun filled evening… a gift of memories you will always share. 8|
It’s that time of year again and Santa will be coming soon! We are excited to be returning to Incarnation again this year. We are open every day until Sunday, December 22, 2013 - or until the trees run out! We have trees of all shapes and sizes, as well as wreaths, garland, tree stands and tree disposal bags for sale. Mid-sized Frasers start at just $39.99! Come on out to help support Incarnation and find your perfect tree!
Tercer Domingo de Adviento 15 de diciembre de 2013 Volverán a casa los rescatados por el Señor, vendrán a Sión con cánticos de júbilo, coronados de perpetua alegría. — Isaías 35:10a Domingo 15 de Diciembre. Tercer Domingo de Adviento Reflexionando la Palabra de Dios La tierra seca y el desierto son imágenes de la desolación. Una vida sin norte ni guía –sin sentido- es como el desierto. Un mundo huérfano de valores profundos y trascendentes es como la llanura reseca, donde no florece ni la alegría ni la esperanza. En un lugar así no cabe más que el desencanto, el pesimismo, la comezón y la irritación. Una situación como la descrita necesita salvación. El desierto y la llanura suplican abundante lluvia y amoroso calor del sol, y aquel clamor sube hasta el cielo: ¿De dónde nos vendrá la ayuda? En lo más oculto del corazón de los justos surge la respuesta jubilosa: ¡Animo!, no teman. He aquí que su Señor viene ya para salvarnos. Nuestro mundo, inmerso en medio de guerras, acostumbrado a la convivencia entre vergonzosas riquezas y hambres mortales; nuestro mundo donde los imperios poco a poco se derrumban, donde las relaciones internacionales se tambalean y donde, frecuentemente, las economías más fuertes dan señales de alarma, se vive en una situación de incertidumbre y de temor que se podría resumir en un clamor como aquél: ¿De dónde nos vendrá la ayuda, o en aquella pregunta al Mesías: ¿Eres tú el que ha de venir o tenemos que esperar a otro? Llegados a este punto, deberíamos aprender de la sabiduría y la paciencia del agricultor tradicional: El espera los frutos preciosos de la tierra con paciencia, hasta que lleguen las lluvias primerizas o las tardías y preparen la tierra: Tengamos paciencia también nosotros, permanezcamos firmes, porque la venida del Señor está cerca. Su venida está tan cerca como lo están nuestras disposiciones a volver nuestra mirada interior a Dios nuestro Padre. Viene el Señor que nos quiere salvar no solamente de la guerra y del hambre, sino también del absurdo de una vida sin sentido, del aislamiento en nosotros mismos, del pecado y de todo mal. Entonces: el desierto y lo árido se regocijarán, se alegrarán el páramo y la estepa. Entonces los ciegos en el espíritu comenzarán a ver un mundo nuevo donde todo tendrá sentido, los inválidos caminarán hacia el Reino con paso alegre y decidido, se desprenderán nuestras maldades, escucharemos gustosamente la Buena Nueva y estaremos de fiesta con la esperanza de nuestra salvación.
Servicios de Reconciliación Este mes tendremos cuatro Servicios de Reconciliación en conjunto con otras parroquias. Estos son los siguientes: Incarnation - 16 de diciembre, Christ the King - 17 de diciembre St. Lawrence - 18 de diciembre St. Joseph - 19 de diciembre–todos a las 7pm.
El Comité de Ministerios de Vida estará llevando a cabo la colecta anual de “Shoeboxes for Seniors”, el fin de semana de el 14/15 de diciembre. Por su generosidad, residentes de Rocky Creek Retirement Center recibirán la sorpresa el día de Navidad con el regalo de estas cajas. Gracias por compartir el amor de Dios con otros y por bendecir a una persona de edad avanzada esta Navidad.
Las religiosas dan las gracias. “Gracias por acompañarnos en el cuidado de nuestras hermanas ancianas”, nos escribe una superiora. Su donativo a la colecta de la semana pasada destinada al Fondo para la Jubilación de Religiosos ayuda a cerca de 34,000 hermanas, hermanos y sacerdotes de órdenes religiosas mayores de 70 años. Que Dios derrame sobre ustedes abundantes bendiciones por su bondad.
P. Jairo Adviento, ¡A punto está de llegar el que nos salva! ¿Qué esperaban? ¿Qué esperamos hoy? Juan, sus discípulos, la gente esperaban un Mesías, un Libertador que les llevase a la independencia política de Roma, que les hiciese sobresalir entre todos los pueblos de la tierra. Y aparece Jesús como el Siervo, varón de dolores, en cruz. No dominando, sino invitando, produciendo el encuentro fraternal incluso con los enemigos tradicionales del pueblo. ¿Podía ser "el esperado"? Ahí están los signos recogidos de Isaías, pero, ¿cumplía los deseos, las aspiraciones de la gente? Este siglo XXI, se destaca por tantas realizaciones técnicas, ¿qué esperamos? Queremos ser autónomos, realizarnos sin dependencias ni políticas ni religiosas. Pareciera que el hombre moderno no quiere saber de dioses ni de mesías. Aspiramos a ser felices. Se escriben libros, se habla de felicidad, nos la deseamos mutuamente. Corremos tras ella por todos los medios. Pásalo bien, gritamos. Pero: Si somos como cañas movidas por el viento, nuestra vida pasará sin rastro. El mundo necesita profetas.
Un Regalo Espiritual Para Navidad Recuerde a sus seres queridos en el Santo Sacrifico de las Misas de Navidad―tanto los que están junto a ustedes como los que ya fallecieron. Escriba sus nombres en el sobre y deposítelo en la cesta de la colecta. Estos sobres están disponibles en la entrada de la iglesia, en los bancos o en la Oficina Parroquial durante la semana.
¿A QUÉ SE PARECE EL AMOR? El amor tiene manos para ayudar a los demás. El amor tiene pies para ir junto a los necesitados y los pobres. El amor tiene ojos para ver la miseria y la pobreza. El amor tiene oídos para escuchar los lamentos de los hombres. A eso es lo que se parece el amor.—San Augustín |9
15 de diciembre de 2013 TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FE La tradición mexicana de las Posadas se acompaña de las tradicionales piñatas. Aunque hay piñatas de animales y caricaturas, la piñata original es una estrella con siete picos. La piñata llegó al continente con los misioneros agustinos procedentes de España, mismos que la habían recibido de italianos; y éstos, a su vez, la obtuvieron de Marco Polo quien conoció decoraciones de animales coloridos en China. El asociar la piñata con las Posadas viene de la cultura Náhuatl quienes celebraban a Huitzilopochtli (dios de la guerra) del 17 al 26 de diciembre. Estos ponían cazuelas de barro decoradas con listones y plumas sobre palos en el templo. Al romperlas, tesoros y alhajas caían a los pies de su dios. Los misioneros mezclaron las dos costumbres para la catequesis. La estrella de siete picos representa al diablo y los 7 pecados capitales, mientras que la venda en los ojos es la fe en Cristo. El acto de pegarle a la piñata son nuestros esfuerzos cristianos a pesar de las desorientaciones que trae la vida. Romper la piñata es estar bañado con la gracia del Espíritu Santo y recibir los dones de Dios. —Fray Gilberto Cavazos-Glz, OFM, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — ¡Sean fuertes, no teman! Su Dios viene a salvarlos (Isaías 35:1-8a, 10). Salmo — Ven, Señor, a salvarnos (Salmo 146 [145]) Segunda lectura — Sean también pacientes y valientes porque la venida del Señor está cerca (Santiago 5:7-10). Evangelio — “¿Eres tú él que debe venir o tenemos que esperar a otro?” (Mateo 11:2-11).
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LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Sal 25 (24):4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Martes: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Sal 72 (71):1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Miércoles: Jer 23:5-8; Sal 72 (71):1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Jueves: Jue 13:2-7, 24-25a; Sal 71 (70):3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lc 1:5-25 Viernes: Is 7:10-14; Sal 24 (23):1-4ab, 5-6; Lc 1:26-38 Sábado: Cant 2:8-14 ó Sof 3:14-18a; Sal 33 (32):2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lc 1:39-45 Domingo: Is 7:10-14; Sal 24 (23):1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24
Propagación de Alegría Navideña Conquiste el corazón de sus seres queridos sorprendiéndolos con un boleto de Casino “Reina de Corazones” en la mañana de Navidad. Los boletos son a $35.00 para una noche llena de diversión...un regalo de recuerdos que siempre conmemorará.
PERSPECTIVA La montaña avergüenza a una madriguera hasta que ambas son humilladas por las estrellas. —Antiguo adagio