Fourth Sunday of Advent

2747 Pali Highway Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 (8081 5es-3105

ssccpali@rcchawaii.org -.E lJ facebook.com/st.stephenPali OFFICE HOURS:

Tues-Thurs: 9:OO am to 5:00 pm Mon, Fri & Sat: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PASTOR

Fr. Khanh Pham-Nguyen PERMANENT DEACON

Deacon Ronald Choo ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Rosemary Hashimoto FAITH FORMATION

CCD-Children Velma Guieb-Mamuad

Youth

& Confirmation

Rosemary Hashimoto (interim)

i?. C. L A. Debbie Fujiyama

..

(Chapet) (Main Church)

SATURDAY (Main Church)

Francis Jordan

SUNDAY

PARISH MINISTRIES

Homebaund & Bereansement Virginia Jordan & Helen Luke

WEEKDAY

Hospitality

TBA-

CONFESSION

WEEKEND MASS

Paish Scripture Groups

MASS

Chapelofst,Catherine

(SaturdayVigil)

MONDAY_SATURDAY

Donald Yee (Sunday) Altar Seraer Nicole Heafner

Liturgical Music

Pm am 9:3O am

4:oo

....7:15

..

it :

3:oo 8,45

-

3:45 Pm 9:15 am

:

,

_

SATURDAY SUNDAY

t

8:OO AM

DEVOTION & ADORATION Eucharistic Adoration ...... WED Mass Holy

Rosary

before Mass

Homebound Ministers are available to visit VIS|TATIONOFTHESICK: Priest and-I-

Leka Leaeno (Saturday Vigi\

the infirm or hospitalized. Please contact the Parish. For

StanleyWong (Sunday)

Lector

sacramental

emergency, call 595-3105 and press #2

Beverly Perry

HoIy Communion at Mass

BAPTISM: Sacramental preparation is required. If you are expecting or have a child to be baptized, please call the Parish office for more information

Jennifer Tamayo Sacris*y Celine Asato & David Tom Justice & Peace (Respect Life) TBA

The Diocese of Honolulu requires couples to marry in the Church to participate in the preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Couples should contact the office for Marriage Preparation at least 6 months before the wedding MARRIAGE:

_ (Aloysius Food pantry) promise Hawaii) _(Family ,94 TBA

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS

Pastoral Council Patricia Silva Ste a ardship /D i sc iples hip C a u nc Bernard Ho (interim)

Finance Council James Solidum (interim)

Kokua! Please contact your church prior to making arrangements with a funeral home {Funerals on Tuesday, Thursday ar Friday} FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

il

When changing address/telephone, Parish, please kindly noti$r the office

PARISHIONERS:

or moving out of

the

Liturgy Commbsion TBA B

uildins/ P lanning Committee

Loretta Chee & Richard Leong Social Fellouship Sui Kozuma & Kitchen Crew

NEW PARISHIONERS: If you would like to become a parishioner of St. Stephen, please use forms available at the entrance of the Church or contact the office E KOMO

MAI

*f#d+,rf GO$D IVE\,i/S lsaiah 7:ro-r4 / Romans

:;:'7 lMatthew t:.8*24

Lately l've come to appreciate Joseph in ways that belie his rare appearance in Scripture.

We know very little about him. At Christmas, he's the husband who didn't abandon Mary when Jewish law told him he could. ln Christian arl, he's frequently the "third wheel" in pictures of the nativity focused on Mary and Jesus.

ln today's readings, we have one of the three Joseph stories that appear in Matthew's Gospel. After reading all of them, l've concluded that Joseph never got a full night's sleep and was remarkably attentive to messages conveyed by angels, because in each story he's awakened from a dream and told what to do.

And then he does it.

I envy his absolute confidence in God's unusual form of communication and admire the care he exhibits for his wife and adopted son.

So many times we spend energy trying

to

be the center of attention. We want

to control our lives and dictate the path we'll follow. Joseph is our reminder that they serve God who simply do his will without question.

Paul talks about service in a different way. He calls him-self a slave of Jesus', in whose service he gladly preaches and even suffers. And Paul reminds us we're called to holiness, which has nothing to do with being the center of attention.

Holiness is aligning ourselves with God's will and being willing to change course when the angel of the Lord comes in with a different plan.

Maybe the question for us this Advent is, "Where is God calling us to holiness Mary Katharine Deeley I sundaybulletin@liguori.org now?"

AL(}YSIUS TOM FOOD PANTRY Thank you for your gifts

for the Loving Tree.

STE\ftIARDSI-,{IP OF OI-JR LORD AUOTE OF THE WEEK

". .Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear son, and shall name him Emmanuel. . . " lsaiah 7:r4 Weekly Offerings ( oec. t4

&

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DonationsiCol Iections

Saturday, December zt: 4:oo p.m. Mass: Parish Families Sunday, December zz: 7:15 a.m. Mass: Parish Families 9:3o am Mass: Parlsh Families

Monday, December z3: 8 am Mass:

Tuesday, December z4: 8 am Mass: No MASS Wednesday, December z5: 8 am Mass: SOLEMNITY Thursday, December z6: 8 am Mass: All families Friday, December z7: 8 am Mass: Joe Almuena (healing) Saturday, December z8: 8 am Mass: t Benigno & Maria Guieb

For the sick & homebound: RO LAND ALBARADO, MARGARET ROBELLO, HARRY BENDER, GINNY STAHL, ETHELAU, MABEL LUKE

For the recently deceased: IGNACIO BABAUTA, JANE AKI, MARTIN LUKE, IRENE JOHNSON, DAVID LIU, BOBBY LOWE, BEN SANTOS, ETHEL LEE, JOHN NASCIMENTO, WALLY CHANG, FANNIE GORA, ELLEN SHAM, PATSYTAM, GWENDOLYN JOSEPH, HAZEL ANDRADE, MARIA GUIEB, MERRY CRIS HO, YVONNE PACARRO

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Clement Morikama Cipriano Mirasol

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Georgia Vieirra Emiliana Tangonan

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James Robello Hilda Azevedo

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Antone Perreira

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Sat 4 pm Moss

Votive Offering

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LOVING TR=E Mahalo for your gifts and prayers to our kupuna, nursing home and homebound parishioners. The warmth and love that you bring to them this time of the year in the name of Christ. Will you remember to offer prayers for them throughout the year as well? They are nearer to God than we are and will pray for you too.

CCD DeczT

6:oo Trolley ride YOIITH

l-baking Youth-caroling at N uuanu Year

Fr:rish Scripture Croups

Resumes

Wed. January Bth R.C.r.A.

One of the highlights of our Christmas preparation is a visit to our parishioners at Nu'uanu Hale. This is such a busy time of the year and yet to make time to bring some cheer to those are not able to join us for the Christmas preparations will bless your socks. Join with our CCD families, our Music Ministry and Outreach volunteers (even if you think you cannot sing).

Tuesday, December z4:

:;redule

Wednesday, December z5: fu * i.<i: arisiic 4*ia::-*ti*:t

FEAST ()F CHRiSTREAS SCh{EDULE

Thursday, December z6: 7:$o p.m. {hristmas practfce

Friday, December z7: 6:** p.rn" ?r*!iey ri<ie ([ir::it

Mahalo to all who helped with the lights and the trees. More help is needed on Sunday December 22nd after the Nuuanu Hale Caroling to complete the 'Christmasing' of the sanctuary Additional help is needed on Monday for the chapel. Please join our daily Mass at 8:oo a.m. and help after coffee.

Note: Church will be undecked on January 12th, the Baptism of the Lord.

CHRIST'MAS CAROL}hIG

Resumes January 7th

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Tuc:sdar.. Dcccrnbcr'2,1,th:?'lgii. Mass r>f tiae Nadl,iqv *iike kirei 5:$(} p.rn. Chrisenas Carols & 5:30 p.rn. Vig:l k{ass (Clhiklren's l,iturgl') 9:30 p.rn. CFristmas Ca:'ols -Aroi:nd the Wcrid (inith ibllrxt,siiip in Farisl: IirLii) 1].:15 p.rn. Chris&nas Carols & Midaight Mass \,\retlnesclav. l)c.r:crnircr

8:** Next Weeh: Dec 28 â&#x201A;Źt 29, 2013 Nts!-Lerver: john Pa*i, Ce*nge [SatJ -iv!arian, H*ule [Sun] -zachar;*, L*g*rt {h+*, Ce+sis i"*ahn

25tli f*e* Hati*iry *i*+

!-ss"{*

a.rn. Chris&.nas Day Mass ((-'ir;rpcl ci'St. Cathcriiic)

'l-hursdal,, Dccembcr 2(ith F'aest ef Sl -Qeephen, Fr+t*-b5arryr 8:00 am. Ildass (Chapcl of'St. Ll:rtirerir:e) Sunrlav Deccmber

29th

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4:00 pm Vigil klass (Satultial') 7 :L 5 zn Sunday Mass (Clha;r,-:i if' St . C'ati rcri r rc) 9,30 arn SuadayMass <

Lectot: *'{or'iriitvn l{o

[SatJ

-r=ear;s

[Sun]

- ;1fi*i:ie* !'{a-*r'*e!'}o &s'iarita

FAITh{ FCIRMATIGN-Trolley Ride & Epiphany Celebration

EMHE:

[Sat] [SunJ

Lo'lr -*- c:i';: H:uie,l't!

Y*r:i F*rm, Luke,

=aie;'r Frerrk -?*rda*. Ariette Aki

Collection Counting: Tearn , Church Cleaners: {arrnen ftcjas, Se*

T*rn, *a:;d,v T*m, Marth* iil*ck., :ilar:y -eafrre;, l*ii{s ;a"Jya

Honolulu City Lights Trolley Ride on December zTth at 6:00 p.m. Gather at 5:3o p.m. in the Parish Hall (park along the back near Nuuanu stream) Please see the sign up sheet as there is limited seating.

Everyone is invited to an EPIPHANY CELEBRATION January 5th is traditionally the day that Christians exchange gifts to commemorate the visit of the Magi. Your talents and gifts are welcome as we share together the gifts God has given us. Our youth (and Faith Formation) are coordinating our Epiphany Fellowship. Any one interested in participating please see Rachel Heafner, Zachary Choo, Carly Nakano or Bennet Chun.

de ar PAD Rf, Monday,December23 5t. John of Kantg

Malachi

3:1*4, 23-24

I just Jound out there are two versions of the Chrktmas story in the Bible. How can that be? Whaf s the dfference?

Luke 7:57-46 Tuesday,December 24 2 SamuelT

1-5,

Bb-72,14a,16 Luke

L:67-79

Wednesdag,Aecewber 25 Nativitg of the Lord Vigil: Isaiah 62:7-5 Acts 13:16-17,22-25 Matthew 11-25

Midnight: Isaiah 9:1-6

2:11-14 Luke2:1-14 Dawn: Isaiah 62:11-12 Tiius 3:z[-7 Luke2:!5--24 Titus

Day: Isaiah 52:7-1O Hebrews 1:1--6

John

1:1-18 1:18-25

Matthew

Thursday,December 26 5t. Stephen, Protomantgn

Acts

6:8-10,7:54*59

Matthew 10:17-22 Friday,Oecember 27 5t. John, Apostle E â&#x201A;Źvangelist l"

l:1-4

John

John 20: 7a,2--8

Saturday,December 26 Feast of the Holg lnnocents

l

John

Matthew

l:5-22 2:13-18

SMNOAY, Decewber 29 Feart af the Holu Familu

32-9,12-t4

Sirach Colossians

3:12-2L

Matthew 2:13-t5,19-23

One Christmas story is in Matthew, and the other is in Luke. They differ on some details-but at their hearts, the teaching is the same.

In both, Mary is a virgin engaged toJoseph but not yet living with him, and Jesus is conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. Both also have Jesus born in Bethlehem.

In

Matthew, the angel announces Jesus' birth to Joseph; in Luke, Mrry receives the announcement. Jesus is named byJoseph in Matthew and by Mrry in Luke.

The biggest difference involves the Christmas visitors.

Matthew's Magi were educated Gentiles from a pagan

country. They worshiped Jesus and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, showing us at the start of the Gospel thatJesus is King, Priest, and Savior. Luke is al-ways partial to the poor, so he has shepherds rather than Magi witness to Christ.

The Christmas stories are different

because the

authors and their audiences were different. But there's no need to get lost in the details. Read both accounts, and allow God's grace to deepen your faith.

Fr. John Murray, C SsR sundaybulletin@liguori.org

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Mondav, f)ecember 24th

Vigil Mass of the Nativity of the Lord p.m. Christmas Carols & 5,30 p.m. VBiI Mass (Children's titurgy) 9,30 p.m. Christmas Carols Around the World (with fellowship in Parish Hall) 5,OO

11,I5 p.m. Chrisfmas Carols & Midnight Mass Tuesday, December 25th

The Nativity of the Lord 8,OO a.m. Christmas Day Mass (Chapelof St. Catherine)

\&'ednesdar,. December 26th

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Feast of St. Stephen, Proto*Marryr

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Sunclay, f)ecernber 30th

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8,OO a.m. Mass (Chapelof St. Catherine)

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Feast of the HolY FamilY 4,OO

pn Vigil Mass

(Saturday)

7,15 am Sunday Mass (Chapel of

St. Catherine)

:;::;'t:-;', 9,3O am Sunday Mass

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'I'uesdav..Ianuarv lst (Nelv Year)

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Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mother of God

8,OO a.m. Mass (Chapelof St. Catherine)

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Sunday..Ianuary 6th

Solemnity of the Epiphany 4,OO

pm Vigil Mass (Saturday)

7,15 amSundayMass (Chapelof

St. Catherine)

9,30 am Sunday Family Mass (with celebration to follow in the Parish Hall)

,

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Th:d:

fiourth, Sunday of Advent

Ref le ctio

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fo,

the Season of

Advent

IO'.PD JESUSI In His Own Words ...

Trust in the Lord

POPE FRANCIS

Matthew 1:18-24 If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts!

-

see

Psalm 95

In today's Gospel, we hear the familiar

story of"how the birth of |esus Christ came about" from the perspective ofJoseph.

When all seems to go wrong, Joseph still tries to do what is

humanlyright. When God reveals to him a different plan, one that seems to make

Faith is no refuge for the fainthearted, but something

which enhances our lives.

It makes us aware of a magnificent calling, the vocation oflove. It assures us that this love is trustworthy and worth embracing, for it is based on God's faithfulness which is stronger tha-n our

everyweakness..,

-

|oseph s life more difficult, he responds

with trust: "he did as the angel ofthe Lord had commanded

him." |oseph shows us that at the heart of right relationship

,r'

Lumen Fidei, 53

"The Presentatlon in the Temp e' (Courtesy of Michael D. O'Brien, www.studlobrlen.com)

ADYENT ffiffiffiffiffi that walked in darkness haye seen a great light! (Isaiah 9:1) The people

God of wisdom, bless us

the season

Advent teach us about trusting God?

with Mary's "yes"

as we welcome Emmanuel

&y"':'of

into

with God lies trust that is put into action.

Av;;;,i' Ovi';; I dfficult to let go and trust in the Lord?

might trust

more

fully

as

I prepare for the Christmas celebration?

our hearts and homes.

Amen.

Above: Shutterstock. CNS. Stock

ADYENT

AROUIVD THE WCRLD During the last days of Advent, popular customs ar attention to the circumstances surrounding |esus'birth.

LAS POSADAS is a reenactment of Mary's and |oseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their search for lodging. (Posada is the Spanish word for dwelling or lodging.) From December 16, on nine consecutive nights, a group gathers at the local church. After reciting part ofthe Rosary, they process through the neighborhood, knocking on doors while singing a traditional carol and asking for a place to stay, but are refused entry. The procession ends at the designated home that finally lets them in, and a great celebration follows.

the world also draw our

WIGILIA is the Polish name for Christmas Eve. When the first star appears in the sky, the Christmas tree is lit and dinner begins. The Christmas Eve meal starts with a prayer, the sharing of the blessed oplatek (a bread wafer), and exchanging wishes. Each person gathered offers good health and success in the upcoming year to one another. If there have been any misunderstandings, each asks for forgiveness and for the New Year to be a better one.

ANGELS The Advent Gospel readings are filled with stories about angels.

The word "angel" means "messenger," and in many Scripture accounts the angels serve as God's messengers. Three

archangels are named

in Scripture

Michael, -Raphael.

Gabriel, and It is the angel Gabriel who visits Mary and gives her the miraculous

Watch for signs oflesus all around you each day. Watch for someone to hold a door for, or shovel a neighbor's walk, or help carry something heavy.

Watch for opportunities to say "hi" to someone who looks lonely, or to cheer up a crying child, or to clean up a mess that you didn't make. Offer these moments to ]esus in silent prayer. Watch for the first star of the evening one night, then read from the Bible the story of the star announcing Iesus'birth in Luke 2:l-20.

' ',,', ' ,\

'.., Advent teaches us that

news that she has been chosen to be the Mother of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church

of a fa,rnillar &ristrnas story is a wonderful way to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. Include fa

rniliiiaairy

favgriieisuaeas,oirnakca,s$eeial..treatfor the bciasionirahdrpu are onthe wayto creating a family tradition.

What is yaur fattdirite'fam,ily holiday tradition? Why?

reminds us that angels also serve to protect and serve the faithful. "From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and

protection.'Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life'" (336).

At Mass we join the angels in the invocation, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts!"

joyful expectation unfolds in

the present, moment by the Spirit of Christ is offered to us

moment. Our liturgical prayer teaches us that at all times. Yet, an encounter can only happen in the present: "It is in the present ::, that we encounter him, not yesterday nor tomorrow, but today" (CCC, 2659). ,,* ','

Above: Shutterstock