Nativity of the Lord

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Nativity of the Lord

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Sacrament o[ Matrimony: The proper and required preparation for this Sacrament is extelsive. The time flrame is at least six (6-) months. Couples are asked to attend an Engaged Encounter Weekend in preparatiolt and complete State and Church paperwork. Do not set a date or prilt invilations for your marriage until after you have spoken with a priest.

lVEEKEND M,ASSES:

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WEEKDAY MASSES: COMMUNAL ANNOINTING:

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RECONCII,IATION:

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Infant Baptism: Parents are to call lhe Parish office dr-rrin{ business hours to schedule a Baptisrn

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Anointing of the Sick, lloly Comrnunion to the Sick and Homeb/und, Funerals: please call O

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INFORMATION:

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EUCFIARISTIC ADORATION PAR.ISF[ ROSARIES:

ADDR.ESS: 800 Kahel<a OFFICE HOURS: Mon, Tues.

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Saturday: (Srrnclay VigilJ 5:00pm Sunday Morning: 7;00 am 9:00anr & 1L:00am F;rith Forrnation Family lst g Jrd Sunday at 9:00arn (0hana Mass every Zn,r Sunday at 11:00amJ Sunday Evening: 6:00 prn Monday - Friday: 7:00 arn & 12:00pm saturclay: 12:00 noon LastSalurciay olthe Month at the 1,2:00 noon mass

Friday 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Saturciay 3;30 - 4:30 pm or by appointrnent Fridays: After the 7:00 am mass and 1-'t Fridays: 7:3A - 10:00 pm Monday - Saturday: 11:15am Sunday: 5:15pm

Honolulu,

Hawaii 96814

- B:30 - 12:00pm - Fri, B:3Oam - 12pm/L:00 -

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Ft{ONE; (808) 941-0675 FAX: [808) 945-tJ6B9 OFF'lCE EMAIL: sspeterpaul@hawaii.rr. com

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M0NDAY-THTJRSDAY: 6:00am - B:00anr 1l-:00am - 1:00pm 6:00am - 1:00pnr FIRST 7:30prn - 10:00prn 11:00 am - 1:00prn cQ 3:00pm - 6:30pm

F'[itrDAY: F-RIDAY: SI\TIJRDAY: SUND,AY:

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CHRISTMAS 2017

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Horn'arrl Thr-rrmarf, a theologian, once said, "Goc{ coffres to firrcl t[e lost, tc> heal the broken, to feed the hungry.. . t<> rnake music in the trreart." This is the story and the joy of Chrisrmas. God l>ecame like gs, one with us) to firrcl Lls, to heal trs, to feecl us with Himself and ... bring joy to our lives.

As the final clays of Ach.'enr iire approaching, the rnorlcl arouncl us is fasF changirrg- Everyone is preparing for Chrisrmils. Tfiese p!:epsrittiops begir-r earlier anc{ earlier and tl-re frenzy escalates until terrtr)ers are frazzlecl a1cl t6e lisr of to-clo's is endless.

This past week before the Fourth Sunclay of Advent, I went to hospitals almost every d*y. On Sundry, the Sacrament of the Sick was ministerecl to our long-time Altar Server's grandfatther vvho suffered a terrible stroke rhat left him Llnconscious^ On Monda.y, I ,*,as cnlled ro pray over a wife of a permanent deacon from Marshall Island who had a tltrn for the worse. On Tuesday, a sad 11ews of the passing of a faithful parishioller came o1-lr of the blue- The shocking list just keeps stretching and adding as days go by. There seems to be no day withcut wondering about "good news of great joy" as announced by the angels.

If rn'e feel as thcugh this w'as a particr-llarly harriec{ seasol1, let us take anot}rer look at the pLrrpose of Christrnas. Instead of allowing the rfui1gs we neeC ro do, the presents \ /e need to L-ruy, let us re-discover the mysrery of, hou, the blrth of a tiny baby opens up the padl of life forever. 'Wherever this Christmas nlay take us, let us be awAre, arrd alert to the preselce of Jesus in our fiearts. Maybe it w'ill cclrne in watching our family or friends opening presents. lf any of trs are in grief at the loss of a beloved friend, animal, or family mem6er, maybe lve rx.'ill r:ernemtrer how Jesus rn,as often preserrt t(} Lrs in that l:eloved one's iife, in times of both happiness and stl.rlggl*. Att memories are stored in God's hcart, where ra,h:lt is bad is sifted a\A/ay, w.hile tiee gogcl lives o1 forevcr.

!7'* u'ish rhis kind of Chrisrmas 'ioy arrd llcace

Allelr-rial

Mele Kalikimaka e Hauoli Makahikiho Fr. Kho,nh

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Jcsus is b<>r1

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Faith Formation for Adults and Children consider joining one of the following groups to grow in your catholic Faith

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Faith formation is a life-long process of developing a relationship with God, the Father, as our Creator, God the Son, as our Redeemer, and God the Holy Spirit, as our Sanctifier. Parents are the first teachers of their children. Family prayer and regular family participation at Sunday Mass is crucial to a child's spiritual development. Our Faith Formation process is based on the Lectionary, the weekly Mass readings from the Old and New Testaments. Our catechists also share their faith with the children and support you in bringing your children closer to God. We travel on this journey together as a supportive community, helping, leading, and encouraging each other on the road to eternity. Toward this end we provide opportunities in Faith Formation for children, youth, and our adults through sacramenta I prepa ration, wors hip, a n d prayer. The Sunday lectionary readings and liturgical cycles are an essential part of the program. Lessons on service to

the community are discussed and experienced in various ways such as helping with the Outreach program. Children are encouraged to pafticipate in parish ministries such as Lector, Acolyte, Offertory Gift Bearers, and Choir. SCRIPTURE STUDY GROUPS Parishioners of all ages meet weekly to discuss the Sunday

readings. Attendees gain insight into the meaning of the Gospel readings, how the Old and New Testament readings tie together and how to apply the Word of God to our lives. We meet Wednesday evening 6:00 p.m,

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADUTTS Lively discussions are held each Sunday

at L0:15-i.1:15

a.m. and Wednesday 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. for those over the age of 18 who are interested in receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist. The class is not limited to those who are not Catholics but for anyone interested in learning the basics of the Roman Catholic faith. Coll the Office if you are interested {94L-AG75 leave o message far Rosemary)

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADUTTS 1 John 2:10-11 He who loves his brother sbides in the light, and in it there is no cause far stumbling. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does nat know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

'Ano'ai KEkou, It's been a long year. We've done a lo! from tutoring the kids in the shelter to the school for adults, and Bible studies for everyone. We helped clean our church, our beaches, and served in many other events both inside our church and outside in our community. The most common question I get is: Why? lt seems surprising to ask, considering that we live on a little island, so much more is visible to the community than in a larger metropolitan. Still, most people don't see the Church as having a place in the modern world. They view spending even an hour or two a week in church as taking away from their busy lives, rather than adding to it. With such a mentality, even attending mass is a sacrifice, forget doing anything for the Church. I hoped that our actions would inspire others to join, to show it's a worthwhile endeavor. lnstead, it turned out the other way around: there are very few active young adults in our church, but the ones who joined were an inspiration to me. Furthermore, we have the support of the much larger church community, always ready to help, as well as the other organizations that we partner with. And when it comes down to it, we try to follow Jesus not for popularity or political power, but simply out of love and wisdom in knowing that it's the right thing to do. So we've had a long year, we've done many things... but we face an uphill battle, and we're just getting started. I want to thank everyone who has helped us, in words and actions, and look forward to the year ahead, Mahalo Check out our facebook page: ww!v_,f p-!--e_b__qpk.gqlnlYgqnsA-d_ulliMitrE!ry.HqngLulq.

lf you have any interest, questions, comments, ideas, etc. please e-mail us at !$rlallyt_@gnAi!_.-qqq1 or txt 305-89S-0378. Hope to see evervone soonl


Liturgical Ministries & Social Outreach LECTOR

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ln the Word of God handed down in the Scriptures, the community of faith even now hears God speaking to it. Proclaiming the word of God is much more than just reading. Through your personal relationship with God,

Our kitchen renovation is under way. ln the mean time outreach to the kupuna and those with food insecurities continues. Food collection: Third Sunday of each month & Food packing & distribution the

prayer and study of Sacred Scripture will have a greater impact on your parish family gathered to worship.

following week. Volunteers are invited to participate by bagging food and helping to deliver the bags. Please watch the bulletin for announcements and events. Families help to decorate the food bags and make gifts for the homebound after Mass. Volunteers also work with Hawaii Foodbank to distribute 1^60 boxes to Seniors each month.

EXTMORDINARY MINISTER OF HOIY COMMUNION The administration of Holy Communion during the mass is truly a ministry. lt is the ministry of bringing the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to the People of God and to the homebound and infirmed. lt also witnesses to faith in the Real presence of Christ in

the action of sharing in the Eucharistic meal of Christ,s sacrifice. 'They are to shun any appearance of individualism or division, keeping before their eyes that they have only one Father in heaven and accordingly are all brothers and sisters to each other.,,

AMISTAD movement Amistad is a newer ministry in the parish to assist those who are victims of Human Trafficking. We work together with other professionals in the community who will pool resources to reach out to those who have no one else to turn to. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month MINISTRY TOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED

ATTAR SERVERS These individuals are gssential to the flow of the Liturgy. They assist the Celebrant who is then able to lead the assembly in prayer and worship to God. lt is such a privilege to be so involved in our Liturgy.

ART AND ENYIRONMENT Those involved in this ministry are the parishioners who magically make Christmas appear. They work tirelessly

behind the seasons to transform the church for each celebration.

MUSIC MINSTRY For those who understand St. Augustine,s directive that "he who sings prays twice". Music ministers lead the

assembly in singing praise to God through prayer and proclaim the Word of God as cantors. Musicians and singers alike work together to assist the people of God each Sunday. Practice is every Thursdoy 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in church.

On the Second Sunday of the month (January 14 and

March 11, 20L8)the 11:00 a,m. Mass is designed to accommodate those families who are blessed with children with disabilities. The mass is signed for those who are hearing impaired and for those with special needs. LEGION OF MARY An Apostolate for prayer and devotion to the Blessed

Virgin Mary and ministry to the homebound, sick and needy. We meet for prayer, rosary, spiritual direction on Wednesdav after NOON Mass. KNIGHTS OF COIUMBUS Our mission is to serve the church by supporting faith and family, priests and the Holy Father. An international Fraternal organization with 15,342 councils. The council promotes socialand intellectual fellowship among the members and supports educationa l, charita ble, religious, socia I welfa re a n d war relief efforts. We meet monthly Third Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.


Four Ma.sses are ce/ebratert for the feasf af Chnsfmas, and each is giren ifs own saf of readings fo he/p

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Cirrist's birth.The GospelforlheurgilfidasscnChr'sfmasEyei'stakenfrom thebeginningaf the Gospe/of fulatthew.The Adass af mirtnight proclarins the birth of Jesys using fJre Gospel af l-uke. Ifte Mass af dawn an Christmas rnofflng confrirues fire sfo4y of fhe birftr of Jesus as founc/ rir Luke's Gospe/ thraugtt fh e shephords' visif trs the infant Jesus. In eacir of fhese Gospe/ readings, we hear porlions of lhe lnfancy A/arra$ves with whiclt fi/e are familiar.

Gospel Reflectian Readirigs for Midnighf Mass lsaiah 9;1-6; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 During the Christma$ sea$on, our liturgy invites us to consider the birth of the Lord from many vantage pornts" As we begin this season, it is useful to remernber that the stones of Jesus' birth and childhood are found irr only two of our Gospels, Matthew and Luke. Throughout this season, we will hear stories from both Gospels. Those Gospels tell different but complementary stories about Jesus' birth, highiighting items of theological importance about the lncarnation and the salvation that Jesus brings.

On this day, the Feast of Christmas, we are given the details of Christ's birth as found in the Gospel of Luke. Here we learn about the census that brings Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born. We also hear about the angel's announcement of this good news to the shepherds. ln these details, we find tuvo of Luke's particular concerns: (1) to locate the coming of Christ in the wider, framework of salvation history as good news for all people, Gentiles and Jews, and (2) to show the Lord's favor upon the poor and lowly. ln Luke's Gospel, Jesus is born as one of the poor. Laid in a manger in a stable, because there was no room at the inn, he comes into the world through obscure and surprising means. Yet, as the angel proclaims this good news to the shepherds, this infant is announced as the Messiah and Lord. ln the song of the angels, ail are invited to give glory to God for this miraculor"rs birth, in which God comes to share cur humanity. The angels sing that Jesus' coming brings peace. Yet there is little in the details of this Gospel that gives evidence of peace. Jesus is born as a traveler away from home, born in a stable in a crowded city under the occupation of foreigners. The aopearance of the angel t* the shepherds frightens thern. When tire angels proclaim Jesus' birth as the harbinger of "peace on earth," ihe evangelist Luke cle*rly wanis us to take the long view. The shepherds are irivited to claim a faith that will enable them io ses lhis infant as a sign God's protnise of a messiah. li rrt tllrough sitch faith that one finds the pe;:ce of v,ihich th* ang*is

Gospel Reflection Readrngs far Christmas Day lsaiah 52:7 - 10; Hebrews 1:1 - 6; Jahn 1;1 - '18 The Gospei for the Christmas fu'lass cluring the day is taken from the beginning of John's Gospei, but this Gospel is not an lnfancy irlarrative like those for:nd in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. lnstead, John's Gospel b*gins ai the beginning, as it were, and presents the Creation story as the framework for announcing the lncarnation. John's opening words, "ln the beginning . ." echo the opening verse of the Book of Genesis. This frarnework invites us to view Jesus" birth from God's perspective. Each of the Gospels makes clear that Jesus' birth was the result of God's initiative. However, John's Gospel highlights that this was the divine intention frorn the very beginning. from the moment of Creation. As we observe in today's reading, the Gospel of John includes highly philosophical anci theological language. One example that particularly stands out is John's use of the expression, "Word of God.' This expression (/o6ros in the Greek) borrows from a concept found in both Jewish and Greek thought. !n Jewish thought, this phrase describes God taking action-for example, in the Creation story and in the Wisdom literaiure. ln Greek, or Hellenistic, thought, the logos was understood as an intermediary between God and humanity. iohn and others in the earty Church adopted this language 10 describe God's incarnaiion in ..lesus. As the term was used to express the trinitarian faith of Christians, the word Logos came to be equated with the Seccnd Ferson of the Trinity. ln this proiogue to the Gospel of John, the nlain themes that will be developed in his Gospel are introduced. These

themes are presented as dualities:

lightldarkness, We also hear in life/death, and belief/unbelief. truth/faisehood,

this prologue a unique aspect of John's Gospel*the motif of testimony. John the Baptist was sent by God to testify about Jesus, the light. Others in this Gospel will also offer testimony ai:out Jesus" The reader is invited to aecept this te$timony, which bears witnes*es to Jesus, the Son of God. But even more directly, jesus' action and words will themselves testify to his icJentity with God as God's lncar"nate Word" Thir:krng aboi,rl Jesus' trirth in Ni'iEse th*cloglcal and cosmoicgical terms seems parli*i:larly appropriate as we celebrilte th* feast af Christnras in th* darkness ai winier. At this tinre, nff1iir* ii"seli seems t* remind us of the derkness o{ sin. intcr this riarkr-l*ss, in il"te *-riCst i-rf oirr ti:riliiness. Gnd ccnit:s to dweli amonq us. John's Gcspei rcn:ind*e us thal ihrougf"r th* i*carr*tlcn, G*d saves u: fi *rl thc dai"knest oi siri alrd ir:akes lls his children.

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Monclay December 25 Christmas Is 52:7-10 Heb 1:t-6 or 1:1-5, 9-14 1:1-18 In

An antiphon in the christian breviary states, "The angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary, who was engaged to be married to |oseph" (December 20). Was she married or not when Iesus was conceived?

Tuesday December 26 St. StePhen,

'[he First MartYr Acts 6:8-10;7:54-59

Mt lO:17-22 Wednesday December 27 St. lohtt, Apostle andEvangelist

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FridaY December 29

FifthDaY intlrc Octave of Christrnas 1 fn 2:3-11

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uch of the confusion is due to what constituted marriage at the time of )esus. pregnant through Mary was betrothed to Joseph when she was found to be year, the the power of the Holy Spirit. During the usual betrothal period of a couple woman remained with her family. However, the bond between the known was already as permanent as marriage. That's why Mary was legally as ]oseph's wife, even though they didn't yet live together or have all the rights belonging to a husband and wife. In fact, the arrangement during betrothal was so binding that it could only be terminated in divorce. Moreover, in that patriarchal society, a betrothed woman who had sextlal relations with anyone other than her husband was accused of adultery' Had ]oseph ended this betrothal in disgrace, Mary would have been deprived of marriage father's for the rest of her life ancl dependent on her extended family upon her quietly death. ButJoseph was an upright man who intended to divorce her without publicly stating the reason, in order to spare Mary and her family's reputation. That's when an angel appeared to him in a dream and told him to by the have no fear about taking Mary as his wife, for the child was conceived

Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20).

December 30 Sixth Day tn the Octave of Chrlstmas

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poseph and Mary in Bethleheml""were alone' fn a strange land' iurt th* three of ihern. Then, all of a sudden, peopie began 'to appear: shepherds , peoplejust like them who had to Jeave theilr'homes ta find beiter'opportunities for their families' Their aiso affecte d by harsh weather, but by ot'her kinds of hardshlp' toei'

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Wh*n they heard that Jesus had been bor*, they went ta.see him' They became *ulgiU"i....they becan're a {amily to Mary and Joseph, the family of Jesus" fhil * what happens when Jesus co,?les into our lives...Faith brings us closer. It in Bafrado Norte, a srum in paraguay, Jury 1z, z01s

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