Church of the Incarnation Parish Office: 5124 Gateway Dr. , Tampa, FL 33615 813.885.7861 Fax: 813.884.3624 www.icctampa.org School Office: 5111 Webb Rd. , Tampa, FL 33615 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
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 - Lisa Screeton lscreeton@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
FourthSunday of Advent December 23, 2012 Today is the last Sunday before Christmas, and Jesus' coming is not far away. Last week we blessed the infant Jesus figures from your home manger scenes, and this week we provide you with, both in the bulletin, on page 2, and on our website, a family blessing of your entire Nativity scene to be used on Christmas day when you place the infant Jesus in the manger. May this joyful blessing bring your family into a deeper awareness of our call to be a Holy Family. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24th
CHRISTMAS DAY
CHRISTMAS EVE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25th 9am: Christmas Day Mass
4:30pm: Christmas Vigil Family Mass
10:30am: Christmas Day Mass
7pm: Christmas Vigil Mass
12pm: Christmas Day Mass - Spanish
9pm: Christmas Vigil Mass - Spanish 11:30pm: Christmas Carol Service 12am: Midnight Mass
The Parish Office will be closed Monday, Dec. 24 through Wednesday, Dec. 26
Church of the Incarnation
813-885-7861
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2012 Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
-- Luke 1:42 There is an old saying that goes something like this: "Good gifts come in small packages." This is certainly borne out in today's scriptures. In the first reading the Lord announces that it is from Bethlehem, described as "too small to be among the clans of Judah" (Micah 5:1), that the Messiah would spring forth. In the Gospel story of the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, we can only imagine Mary, probably a young teenager, a small woman, bearing within herself the greatest gift the world would ever know. These scriptures have much to say to us as we look forward to opening Christmas gifts over the next few days. Nothing in any package beneath any tree can compare to the gift given to the world two thousand years ago. As we share the joy of Christmas, let us remember the greatest gift, Jesus Christ, who came into this world to save us and set us free. LEAPING FOR JOY "And how does this happen, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43). This question, uttered by Elizabeth in today's Gospel, sets a wonderful tone for this final day of Advent. For at the presence of the Lord in Mary's womb, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaps for joy. Advent has been all about waiting in joyful hope for Christ's coming. Yet we have not stood here for four weeks, staring into the sky, passively waiting for the Lord to appear. We have spent these weeks discovering the ways that Christ appears in the ordinary moments of our lives. When we do discover the Lord's presence, what is our reaction? Like the baby in Elizabeth's womb, we are called to leap for joy. DISPELLING THE DARKNESS The flip side of this discovery has to do with our responsibility as Christians. As baptized people, we are called not only to recognize the presence of the Lord around us; we are also called to be Christ for one another. In other words, we are responsible to help bring the very presence of the Lord into our families, our workplaces, our schools, and our neighborhoods. In imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we bear Christ within us in order to share Christ with others. Contemplate the ways you can bring Christ to others in the next few days. Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, yet in many families there exist old grudges and resentments. Let's all try to dispel the darkness that these situations bring into our families. Like Mary, let us simply bear Christ for others. Let us allow the Lord, the source of reconciliation, to come into our hearts this Christmas. May our own hearts leap for joy as we recognize the presence of the Prince of Peace.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Tuesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7;
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Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Wednesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Thursday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8
Friday: 1 Jn 1:5 -- 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 23, 2012
† Mass Intentions † SUNDAY - DECEMBER 23 - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 7:30 A.M. PEOPLE OF INCARNATION 9:00 A.M. +Kristina Svrcek by Cressman Family 10:30 A.M. +Deceased Members of Paccione Family by Loretta 12:00 P.M. (SI) Angela Gocon by Mom 1:30 P.M. +Carmen Rivera Matos by Children and Family MONDAY - DECEMBER 24 - VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS 8:30 A.M. +George Renner by Sr. Mary Dolores 4:30 P.M. 7:00 P.M. SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS 9:00 P.M. 12:00 P.M. PEOPLE OF INCARNATION TUESDAY - DECEMBER 25 - THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 9:00 A.M. 10:30 A.M. SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS 12:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 26 - ST. STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR 7:00 A.M. 8:30 A.M. +Firmino Caixeiro by Family THURSDAY - DECEMBER 27 - ST. JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST 7:00 A.M. +Frank Ferracano by Gary and Debora Mould 8:30 A.M. +Lazar Philip by Beena Thomas FRIDAY - DECEMBER 28 - THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS 7:00 A.M. +James Stitt by Wife 8:30 A.M. +Rick Whitty by Family 6:30 P.M. +Elana Acosta by Friends SATURDAY - DECEMBER 29 - ST. THOMAS BECKET, BISHOP AND MARTYR 8:30 A.M. (SI) In Thanksgiving Virgin of Guadalupe by Rosa Rivera 4:30 P.M. +Dwight Stone III by Shirley Jarvis SUNDAY - DECEMBER 30 - THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH 7:30 A.M. PEOPLE OF INCARNATION 9:00 A.M. (SI) Barrera Family 10:30 A.M. (SI) Artino Family by Karen 12:00 P.M. +Leyda Molineros by Family 1:30 P.M. +All Souls by Felicia Taveras
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 Janice and Addie P. Nora Alonso Amauri Agosto Benedetto Artino, Jr.
Colleen Beran Michelle Boylan Chuck Burton Mike Childers Jacqueline Colon Yolanda Cruz Jack and Lucy Dietz
Manuel Escamilla Aurora Esparza Manuel Esparza Nila Espinola Freddy Fellner Robert Ferry Deborah Fisher Dominick Fridella William Gareau Robert Hasty Francisco Hernandez
Kathy Holecek
June Jebson Paul Jebson Anthony Joseph Scott G. Kennedy Joyce Kielpinski Helen King Mimi Kuhla Natalie Lasko Tom Lom Mary Loper Lily Lough Sandy Loy Andrea Maleska Ana Marsicano Matthew McClane, Sr.
Maryjane McNally
Joe Mininno Roder Naranjo Noah Nero Veronica Pacitti Bob Patterson JR Pearce Kim Perez Rosemin Ramos
“ACTIVE CATHOLIC”
Bill and Angie Spink
Dick Tobin Jaime Torres Ines Velazquez Pauline Villegas Rose Vinalon Bridget Vitto Rose Vrabel Michael Warren Jerry Wegman Linda Wilson Charles Young
Thanks to all and a BIG “God bless you” to everyone who has offered their love, prayers and support for me and my family during this difficult time.
For parish verification, required for Baptisms, Marriages, etc., a person must be registered in the parish, attend mass regularly and be involved in Time, Talent and Stewardship. Participation through parish offertory envelopes is one means of verification. If you choose not to use envelopes or are unable to contribute, please make a notation of your prayerful support on your envelope and place it in the weekly offertory. We will then be aware of your participation and you will not be moved to inactive status. We have Online Giving now! Those of you who would prefer to make your contributions online rather than by writing a check every week can now do so with Online Giving. Your gift can be a one-time event or scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. You may use your checking account or a credit card. Visit our Parish Website at www.icctampa.org to set up an account or contact Paul Hunter at phunter@icctampa.org for more information.
Jorge Rodriguez Roland Rodriguez Kiki Santiago Thomas Santiago Bill Seemann Christine Screeton Kaylana Silva
Silvia Rivera
Remember Our Members In The Military Sergio Pages, Jr. PV2 Chad Michael Burgess 1LT Orlando R. Zambrano Ryan Wegman, Afghanistan
SPC Janet E. Pagan, Afghanistan SPC Janice E. Pagan, Afghanistan David Valencia, Japan Franciana Tertulien, Afghanistan
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 Director of Faith Formation & R.C.I.A.
813-885-7861
Carmen Cayon
Grades Pk-12 Sacrament Preparation & Youth Ministry Philomena Johnson
ccayon@icctampa.org
pjohnson@icctampa.org
Faith Formation Apprentice
Young Adult Ministry
Meg Kanatzar
Fr. Philip Clement
mkanatzar@icctampa.org
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!
Do You “Walk the Walk” of a Christian life? Do you want to learn how? Here’s a Study that Helps You Put Your Catholic Faith into Practice Daring to Walk the Walk introduces seven key virtues and outlines practical steps for living them out in your life. Here’s what some participants have to say about this study: “This tells us how to really put into practice what Christ is calling us to do.” – Liz T. “…one of the best programs I think I’ve ever been to, and I would certainly recommend it.” –Chet H. This is an 8-week program, meetings are every Thursday 7-9pm Begins: January 24, 2013 Ends: March 21, 2013 (right before Holy Week/Easter) Call Carmen at (813) 885-7861 or Dennis & Adele Ference at (813) 886-0041 for more information.
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ATTENTION PARENTS!!
There is NO Faith Formation this Sunday, December 23rd or Dec. 30th. Faith Formation will resume on Sunday, January 6th. DONATIONS NEEDED!! The children in Faith Formation will be celebrating “Fat Tuesday” on February 18th. If you or someone you know has Mardi Gras beads that you are willing to donate please contact Philomena Johnson in the Faith Formation Office @ 885-7861.
Joy to the World!! The Faith Formation Team wishes you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! Carmen, Philomena and Megan All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:3-5
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 23, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Advent O Little Town of Bethlehem A Christmas song says of Bethlehem, "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light." Bethlehem is a suburb of Jerusalem. Its main tourist attraction in the time of Jesus was the fact that it was the birthplace of David. Though today it has many modern homes and buildings, you can still see that it is part of "the hill country . . . of Judah" (Luke 1:39). It is not too far from En Kerem, where John the Baptist was born and apparently where today's Gospel takes place. We see in the Gospel reading today how Elizabeth and her unborn child rejoiced at the news of Jesus' coming birth. The story implies that Mary went to see Elizabeth as soon as the angel told her about Jesus. Maybe it was easier to tell her cousin, who was also with child, than her fiancĂŠ. I would think that talking about it made this miracle more real. I know that talking about my faith makes it more real to me. Jesus is the "everlasting Light" mentioned in the song. That light shines today, not just in Bethlehem, but everywhere that his followers bring it. When we console someone who is mourning, that light shines. When we offer to help someone in need, it shines brighter. When we forgive someone who hurt us, the light is burning. When we offer to sponsor a candidate in the RCIA, the light grows. When we teach a child how to pray, it shines even brighter. Our dark streets need the everlasting Light today as much as they did two thousand years ago. Today we remember how Mary and Elizabeth shared their faith in God. They did so much as we do today. Mary could not see her unborn son yet, but helped Elizabeth to believe by her words. Jesus, who seems to be invisible today, is seen in the shared faith of those who bring him into the world by their words and actions. Tom Schmidt, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.
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Religious Articles Store
PARISH ACTIVITIES TUESDAY - DECEMBER 25 7:00 P.M. AA Men’s Closed Meetings in St. Patrick’s Room WEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 26 7:00 P.M. AA Closed Meeting in St. Patrick’s Room 7:00 P.M. Al-Anon Closed Meeting in St. Francis Room 2 THURSDAY - DECEMBER 27 11:30 A.M. Our Lady of Mercy Prayer Group in Chapel 5:30 P.M. Spanish Intercessions Group in Chapel 7:00 P.M. Music Ministry in Church 7:30 P.M. Young Adults in St. John’s Room FRIDAY - DECEMBER 29 7:30 P.M. Youth Group in St. John’s Room
LITURGY GROUPS ALTAR SERVERS DAVID SMITH - 885-7861 Or via e-mail : iccaltarservers@gmail.com EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FR. PHILIP CLEMENT - 885-7861 READERS WILL BERAN - 882-0178 MUSIC DIRECTOR LISA SCREETON - 885-7861 ENVIRONMENT/ART CONNIE HENNESSEY - 884-8326 USHERS TOM OSBORN - 885-3829 VISITORS OF THE SICK FR. JAIRO ATEHORTUA - 885-7861
TREE OF LIFE MEMORIALS OPEN 1/2 HR BEFORE & AFTER THE 4:30PM
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.
SAT. MASS & ALL SUNDAY MASSES
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 885-7861. 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.
NEW ITEMS!
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. MINISTERIOS HISPANOS
Monaguillos: Doris Quirindongo - 817-9321 Coro Hispano: David Funes - 952-0359 Ministros de Eucaristia: Tito Bello - 516-2619 Lectores: Alan Aguilar- 315-0928 Ujieres: Jose Guaba-504-5538 Emmaus / Mujeres - Karla Navas - 408-2741 Emmaus/ hombres - Rafael Tamayo - 403-4272 Escuela de Evangelizacion Juan Pablo II: Ma. Teresa Aguilar - 315-0925 Grupo de Jovenes: Johnatan Fernandez - 484-1173 Grupo de Jovenes Adultos: Ana Acevedo - 359-7722 Grupo de Matromonios: Lecy & Dante Sanchez - 850-4526 Grupo de Oracion: Maria Rodriguez - 926-6436 Legion de Maria: Brunilda Reyes - 961-8505
Merry Christmas!
PARISH ORGANIZATIONS BIBLE STUDY CARMEN CAYON - 885-7861 CARNIVAL PAUL/NORMA HUNTER - 854-1171 COLUMBIETTES DALE ZGURZYNSKI - 885-5228 FINANCE COUNCIL DEACON FRANK JULIAN - 885-7861 HELPING HAND PARISH OFFICE - 885-7861 INC. COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN ALMA SHAMBLIN -886-9365 Or via e-mail : afshamblin@aol.com INC. HOME & SCHOOL KIM FIELD - 884-4502 (School Office) JOB SEARCH SUPPORT HILDA LYONS - icjobsupport@hotmail.com KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS STAN ZGURZYNSKI - 885-5228 LIFE MINISTRY TERESA TRUBILLA - 841-6563 Or via e-mail : T2DeskTop@aol.com MEMORIALS-TREE OF LIFE CONNIE HENNESSEY - 884-8326 OFFICE VOLUNTEERS IRENE MARTINEZ - 885-7861 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY SILVIA RIVERA - 885-7861 RELIGIOUS ARTICLES STORE CONNIE HENNESSEY- 884-8326 SPECIAL EDUCATION ISABEL MORAES - 852-1501 MARY THOMSON - 884-8040 STEWARDSHIP PAUL HUNTER - 854-1171 RECEIVING SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS CARMEN CAYON - 885-7861 RCIA CARMEN CAYON - 885-7861 FIRST EUCHARIST PHILOMENA JOHNSON - 885-7861 CONFIRMATION PHILOMENA JOHNSON - 885-7861 MARRIAGE PREPARATION FR. PHILIP CLEMENT - 885-7861
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 23, 2012
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE
ENCOUNTER WEEKEND It has been said that the greatest gift you can give your children is two parents very much in love with each other. This Christmas, give your whole family the gift of your deep love by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. You deserve the best and your children deserve your love for one another. Join us on the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend and rekindle and renew the deep love that God wants for you. For more information about taking a private time away, check out http:// www.wwmetampabay.org/ or call 813270-7832. The next WorldWide Marriage Encounter weekend in this diocese is January 25-27 at the Holiday Inn Express in New Tampa. Dear Children, On Sunday, January 6, 2013, as we celebrate Epiphany, we are reminded of the journey that the Three Kings made to meet the Baby Jesus. They brought him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. You are invited to share in their journey by bringing baby gifts to leave at the manger during the offertory at all masses. Items such as diapers, bottles, baby wipes, receiving blankets, etc. will be collected for mothers and mothers-to-be at the Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center. (If anyone has not had an opportunity to return their baby bottles from the collection held during October, those may also be left at the manger.) Thank you for sharing the love that is Christmas.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION December 12, 2012
Dine In or Take Out
January 13th 10:00AM - 3:00PM in St Michael's Hall Tickets are still available! Get yours before December 30th! BBQ Chicken Adult = $12, Child = $6.00 BBQ Ribs Adult = $15, Child = $8 Everyone is welcome, and don't forget, bring in your baby pictures (will be returned) to join in on the "Guess Who Picture Contest". Tickets are available outside of the church entrance after each Mass or by calling Connie Hennessy @884-8326, Diana Galindo @ 243-0303, or Suzanne Perry-Casler @ 610-6456. Don't be left out of the
fun! |7
Church of the Incarnation
813-885-7861
Incarnation
May the Peace and Joy of Christmas be with you this Holiday and throughout the New Year!
Casino Night
Fr. Michael, Fr. Philip, Fr. Jairo, Deacon Frank, Deacon Pablo and Staff
Incarnation Catholic Church 50 Years Celebration
Order Your Celebration T‐Shirts: Small to XL $12.00 XXL $12.00 3XL $ 14.00 To order call: Lois Reynolds 813‐886‐5478
Congratulations to "The McInerney Family" on winning the Knight's of Columbus computer raffle.
The Knight's would like to thank everyone who supported the raffle. Save the Date! Mother / Daughter / BFF Tea & Fashion Show Saturday January 26, 2013 Incarnation Church, St. Michael’s Hall Sponsored by: Incarnation Columbiettes Auxiliary
(See future bulletins for additional information)
Saturday, February 9th, 2013 Casino Night 2013 is seeking sponsors and donations for the much needed replacement of Incarnation School Roof. Parishioners who have a business that might benefit from the advertising should consider one of the several levels of sponsorship: Black Jack; Royal flush; Four of a Kind; Full House and Flush. For information on individual donations or sponsorships please contact Connie Hennessey at 813-884-8326.
THANKS TO: Our Sponsors Mark E. Pena, Law Office –Flush Mrs. Christine and Mr. Tom Hyde, Attorney at Law – Four of a Kind Mrs. Alma and Mr. Don Shamblin – Flush Suarez –Griffin – Law Partners – Four of a Kind Mrs. Teresa Trubilla and Mr. William Cawley – Full House Incarnation Council of Catholic Women – Four of a Kind Green Thumb Nursery, in Sheldon Rd. – Flush level
Full Page Program Ads
G. Peppers Grill & Tavern Plantation Animal Hospital LLC Elite Casino
Business Card Program Ads
Century 21 Kia – Ernest Ortega State Farm – Pamela F. Patterson, Agent Westchase Dental Associates, PA Carol Kirkwood,
Our Donors
Introducing our new ushers who serve at the 4:30pm Mass: Elizabeth Sayan & Terry Glover 8|
Westchase Golf Course T.G. I Friday’s Tavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill Winn- Dixie Ace hardware G. Peppers Grill Sweetbay Supermarkets Sheraton Suites Hotel Vigo Importing Company
Incarnation Council of Catholic Women
Cuarto Domingo de Adviento 23 de diciembre de 2012 Bendita eres entre las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre. — Lucas 1:42 Cuarto Domingo de Adviento. Diciembre 23 2012 Estamos en el último domingo de Adviento, a las puertas de la Navidad. Y es bueno que reflexionemos sobre su verdadero significado. ¿Qué sentido tiene para nosotros esta celebración cristiana?, ¿qué tiene de cristiano esta celebración? Es bueno hacerse la pregunta, porque de hecho quizá, no todo en la Navidad es cristiano. No es malo que así sea, pero es bueno tomar conciencia y saberlo distinguir. La Navidad, en efecto, es hoy una fiesta universal, mundial, mientras que la celebración del nacimiento de Jesús no lo es. El cristianismo hoy equivale a una tercera parte de la población mundial. La Navidad ha llegado mucho más allá. En Japón, por ejemplo, donde el número de cristianos es casi insignificante, la Navidad se celebra: se adornan los hogares con el árbol de Navidad, luces, Papá Noel o Santa Klaus y las familias tienen la reunión familiar. Pero Japón, en su casi totalidad, no es un país cristiano, ni celebra el nacimiento de Jesús; ¿qué celebran entonces los japoneses en la Navidad? ¿Celebraran lo mismo que nosotros los cristianos? La Navidad se instituyó para ser celebrada el día 25 de diciembre y, de esta manera cristianizar una fiesta pagana romana llamada del solsticio de invierno en el hemisferio norte, que es la fecha en que los días se hacen cortos y las noches largas. La palabra de Dios se refiere a Jesús como el Sol de Justicia o el Sol que nace de lo Alto, fue así como la fiesta pagana del sol naciente comenzó a cristianizarse con la celebración del nacimiento de Jesús. Una celebración religiosa se sobrepuso a una pagana. Fue creciendo poco a poco la costumbre de ubicar en este tiempo de Navidad la reunión familiar, el encuentro con los seres queridos distantes y acabó por establecerse socialmente, extendiéndose por todo el mundo como efecto de la globalización. En estos días en que vemos al mundo entero en ambiente de Navidad, es bueno preguntarnos: qué queremos celebrar en esta Navidad, ¿qué sentido cristiano tiene para nosotros la celebración navideña, la amistad, la reunión familiar, los obsequios, todo este ritual navideño con que la sociedad nos rodea inevitablemente? Por una parte, Jesús, que predicó y dio la vida por un Reino que habría que construir con amor, incluso con ternura, estaría muy de acuerdo -en principio- con esta compleja celebración. Pero a la vez nos quiere recordar acerca de la importancia de la solidaridad con los pobres, de la austeridad, la responsabilidad, el perdón, la alegría cristiana, el amor a Dios y a la familia. Tiempo pues para vivir a fondo todos esos valores tan humanos y cristianos que nos recuerda y trae la Navidad, tiempo para no dejar de referir esta celebración a la causa de Jesús, el Niño Dios, recién nacido que nos revela el verdadero sentido de nuestra vida y de la Navidad. Que Dios nos bendiga y nos conceda una Santa y Feliz Navidad. P. Jairo
La Oficina Parroquial estará cerrada para las fiestas de Navidad hasta el miércoles, 26 de diciembre. ¡FELICES PASCUAS A TODOS!
HORARIO DE NAVIDAD Misas de Vigilia lunes, 24 de diciembre 4:30pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm (Español), Villancicos 11:30pm y 12am Misa de Medianoche martes, 25 de diciembre - Navidad 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm (Español)
Todos están invitados a traer regalos y depositarlos delante del Niño Jesús durante el momento de la ofrenda, el domingo 6 de enero, Fiesta de la Epifanía. Sugerimos los siguientes regalos: pañales, ropa para bebé, sabanas para cunas, polvo, jabón, loción, etc.―Estas donaciones serán entregadas a Caridades Católicas. Gracias por su generosidad.
Noche de Casino en Incarnation
“Reina de Corazones” Sábado, 9 de febrero, 2013 El Comité para la Noche de Casino 2013 esta buscando patrocinadores. Los feligreses que tienen negocios, se podrían beneficiar de la publicidad y pueden considerar uno de varios niveles de patrocinio. Las ganancias del Casino 2013 serán usadas para renovar el techo de la escuela de Incarnation. Todo aquel que este interesado en conocer más sobre los beneficios de los varios niveles, para patrocinar este evento debe comunicarse con Connie Hennessey al 813-884-8326. Costo: $35.00 incluye aperitivos, bufet, música bailable, y mucho más. Boletos estarán a la venta en la oficina parroquial de 9am - 4pm de lunes a viernes. |9
23 de diciembre de 2012 TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FE Esta semana recordamos a los niños judíos que fueron asesinados por orden del Rey Herodes en Belén. Esa tragedia que ocurrió cuando el viejo y celoso rey se enteró del nacimiento de un nuevo rey de los judíos. Él mandó a matar a todo niño que tuviera menos de dos años. El llanto de las familias que perdieron sus pobres inocentes se ha convertido en risas en varios países latinoamericanos. El 28 de diciembre en muchas partes es conmemorado como el día de los inocentes que viene siendo el April Fools de Latinoamérica. En ese día se hacen bromas para burlarse de los amigos. Si la broma funciona al pobre que fue engañado se le llama “inocente”. La inocencia normalmente se atribuye a los niños o a los ingenuos, pero en si la inocencia es una virtud cristiana, de los que hemos sido perdonados por Cristo. Esta inocencia no es ingenuidad mas bien es la candidez, simplicidad y generosidad de una persona que conoce bien lo duro que es la vida y aún así mantiene la esperanza.
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LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Sal 89 (88):2-5, 27, 29; Lc 1:67-79 Martes: Vigilia: Is 62:1-5; Sal 89 (88):4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Hch 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Noche: Is 9:1-6; Sal 96 (95):1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lc 2:1-14 Aurora: Is 62:11-12; Sal 97 (96):1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lc 2:15-20 Día: Is 52:7-10; Sal 98 (97):1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Miércoles: Hch 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Sal 31 (30):3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Jueves: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Sal 97 (96):1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Viernes: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Sal 124 (123):2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Sábado: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Sal 96 (95):1-3, 5b-6; Lc 2:22-35 Domingo: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 ó 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Sal 128:1-5 o Sal 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] ó 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lc 2:41-52
—Fray Gilberto Cavazos-Glz, OFM, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — De ti, Belén, saldrá el que será el jefe de Israel (Miquea 5:1-4a). Salmo — Señor, muéstranos tu favor y sálvanos (Salmo 80 [79]). Segunda lectura — Al Cristo hacer la voluntad del Padre, es decir, al ofrecerse él mismo, hemos sido consagrados (Hebreos 10:5-10). Evangelio — Bendita eres entre las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre (Lucas 1:39-45).
Sabías que... La Doxología es un término usado para referirse a la oración cristiana que eleva alabanzas a la Santísima Trinidad. Tradicionalmente las oraciones litúrgicas terminan con la doxología "Gloria al Padre, al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo".