705 E Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL
JULY 10TH, 2016
“Joyfully and faithfully evangelizing for Christ!”
Pastor: Rev. John Tapp Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Msgr James C. Lara Parochial Vicar: Rev. Nelson Restrepo Rev. Felipe Gonzalez Deacons: Rev. Dr. Mark Taylor Rev. Mr. Robert Harris Rev. Mr. Elix Castro Church Office: 813.681.4608 School: 813.689.3395 Faith Formation:813.689.9101 Youth Ministry: 813.689.4147 Pastoral Care: 813.413.8351 Food Pantry: 813.694.0541
Mass Schedule Weekend Mass
Saturday Vigil Mass
4:00PM (ASL Interpreted) 4:00PM Español (Capilla)
Sunday Masses
7:00, 8:30, 10:30AM 10:30AM Family Mass (Chapel 12:30PM Español 6:00PM LifeTeen
Daily Mass 7:00AM (Monday through Friday) 8:00AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat) 8:15AM (Wednesday) 7:00PM (Español Martes y Viernes) Morning Prayer 7:45AM (Monday through Saturday) Confession Schedule Saturday in Church 3:00 to 4:00PM 5:00 to 5:30PM
2 What a summer of change this has been at Nativity parish! First we said goodbye to Fr Victor, and then we said hello to a brand new priest, Fr Felipe! And now it’s my turn to say goodbye. Fr Tapp has graciously allowed me to use this space in this week’s bulletin to do just that. Each seminarian has certain hurdles he needs to clear on his path to the priesthood. First, I graduated from the minor seminary after my first two years of formation. Next, I was installed as a Lector and received Candidacy in my third year, then I was installed as an Acolyte in my fourth year. Then, I trained as a hospital chaplain last summer. And this, my fifth year of formation, was finally my pastoral year. This year could have been just another hurdle – something to get past on the road to the priesthood. But instead, I’ve found a second home at Nativity Catholic Church, and I’m so grateful for my time here. Really, that’s the overwhelming emotion I feel as I close out this pastoral year: gratitude. I’m so grateful for my time here at Nativity. I’m grateful for the opportunities this parish has afforded me. I’m grateful that I was able to help prepare your children for Confirmation, to bring communion to the sick and homebound of the parish, and to offer reflections at Monday Masses. I’m grateful that I was able to serve Mass with some of the best altar servers in the diocese, and I’m grateful that I could spend time getting to know you at coffee and donuts. I’m grateful for every talk I was asked to give to the youth group, every lunch with the office staff, every dinner with the priests. I’m grateful for the various committees that graciously allowed an ignorant seminarian to sit in on their meetings and learn from their expertise. I’m grateful to Faith Formation, the school, and everyone associated with them – from the youngest student to the most seasoned teacher – for always making me feel like a spiritual father, even if I’m not quite yet “Fr Kyle”. I’m grateful for every family, every friend, and every moment of ministry. And, of course, I’m grateful for our wonderful priests. At the beginning of my time here at Nativity, I wrote in this space that though the seminarian is out of the classroom for his pastoral year he doesn’t cease to learn, and that the parishioners are his professors. This has proven truer than you could possibly know. I’ve remarked to some before, but want to proclaim it anew here, that the people of Nativity parish have challenged me to be a better man, a better seminarian, and God-willing a better priest. I advance into my final two years of seminary formation confident that the lessons I’ve learned here and the bonds of friendship and Christian discipleship we’ve formed will last throughout my life as a priest. My official last day at Nativity will be July 24, and then I head back to seminary on August 11. I’ll be ordained to the transitional diaconate on April 1, 2017, and I will be ordained a priest in May of 2018 (mark your calendars!). Know that all of you will be in my prayers moving forward, and that I’ll be back to visit here and there as the seminary schedule allows. I am so grateful for you, Nativity. Thank you so very much! God bless you all! Kyle
JULY 10TH, 2016 ¡Qué verano de cambios en la parroquia de Natividad! En primer lugar nos despedimos de Padre Víctor, y luego le damos la bienvenida al nuevo sacerdote, el Padre Felipe. Y ahora es mi turno para decir adiós. Padre Tapp ha permitido amablemente que utilice este espacio en el boletín de esta semana para hacer precisamente eso. Cada seminarista tiene ciertos obstáculos que necesita resolver en su camino hacia el sacerdocio. En primer lugar, me gradué del seminario menor después de mis primeros dos años de formación. A continuación, fui instalado como Lector y recibí la Candidatura en mi tercer año, y luego fui instalado como Acólito en mi cuarto año. Entonces, me formé como Capellán del hospital el pasado verano. Y este, mi quinto año de formación, fue finalmente mi año pastoral. Este año pudo haber sido otro obstáculo - algo que sobrepasar en el camino hacia el sacerdocio. Pero en cambio, he encontrado un segundo hogar en la Iglesia Católica de la Natividad, y estoy muy agradecido por mi tiempo aquí. En realidad, esa es la abrumadora emoción que siento al cerrar este año pastoral: gratitud. Estoy muy agradecido por mi tiempo aquí en Navidad. Estoy agradecido por las oportunidades que esta parroquia me han dado. Estoy agradecido de que yo fui capaz de ayudar a preparar a sus hijos para la Confirmación, para llevar la comunión a los enfermos y confinados en casa de la parroquia, y ofrecer reflexiones en las Misas de los lunes. Estoy agradecido de que yo fui capaz de servir en las Misas con algunos de los mejores monaguillos de la diócesis, y estoy agradecido de que pude compartir tiempo para conocerlos a ustedes en el café y donuts. Estoy agradecido por cada charla que pidieron que diera al grupo de jóvenes, cada almuerzo con el personal de la oficina, cada cena con los sacerdotes. Estoy agradecido por los diversos comités que gentilmente le permitieron a un seminarista ignorante sentarse en sus reuniones y aprender de sus experiencias. Estoy agradecido de Formación en Fe, la escuela, y todos los asociados con ellos - desde el más joven estudiante hasta el profesor más experimentado – por siempre hacerme sentir como un padre espiritual, aunque no soy del todo "Padre Kyle". Estoy agradecido por cada familia, cada amigo, y cada momento de ministerio. Y, por supuesto, estoy agradecido por nuestros maravillosos sacerdotes. Al principio de mi tiempo aquí en Natividad, escribí en este espacio que, aunque el seminarista está fuera de la sala de clase por su año pastoral, no deja de aprender, y que los feligreses son sus profesores. Esto ha resultado ser más cierto de lo que ustedes pueden saber. Le he comentado a algunos antes, pero quiero proclamarlo de nuevo aquí, que la gente de la parroquia Natividad me han retado a ser un hombre mejor, un mejor seminarista, y Dios mediante una mejor sacerdote. Comienzo mis últimos dos años de formación en el seminario confiado en que las lecciones que he aprendido aquí y los lazos de amistad y discipulado Cristiano que hemos formado durarán a lo largo de mi vida como sacerdote. Mi último día oficial en Nativity será el 24 de julio y luego regresare al seminario el 11 de agosto. Seré ordenado al diaconado transitorio el 1 de abril de 2017, y seré ordenado sacerdote en mayo del 2018 (¡marquen sus calendarios!). Saben que todos ustedes estarán en mis oraciones en el futuro, y que volveré a visitar de vez en cuando según lo permita el horario de seminario. Le estoy muy agradecido a Natividad. ¡Muchas gracias! ¡Dios los bendiga a todos! Kyle
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY ORDINARY
Mass Intentions | July 11th - July 17th
Monday 7:00 AM 8:00 AM Tuesday 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 7:00 PM Wednesday 7:00 AM 8:15 AM Thursday 7:00 AM 8:00 AM Friday 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 7:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM Sunday 7:00 AM 8:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:30 AM 12:30 PM 6:00 PM
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Life Force is on for the Summer
July 11 Kathleen Klein Monique Chambliss July 12 Ronald Folvarick Avy Runner Jose Manuel Mago & Brigido Mago (Chapel) July 13 Damon Casale Donatila Quintero Taborda July 14 Anna Ngat Vu Jose Cherukara July 15 Anthony Bihn Vu Jose Cherukara Carmen Velez (Chapel) July 16 Holy Souls Deceased members of the DeCambra Family Sara Robles (Chapel) July 17 Thomas Barrett Sr. Nativity Parish Family Al Leathers Nativity Parish Family (Chapel) Raul Ropiza Robert Norberg
Summertime is just getting started but our Nativity Life Force, 6-8th Graders, come and join us at Nativity Life Force every TUESDAY, 68PM at the youth center. For our middle school girls, Girl Talk starts at 5PM. Here are some summer events to also look forward to this July: July 12: Puttputt/Minigolf July 19: Life Force - Open Shack & Movie Night July 21: Ice Skating and Laser Tag July 26: Life Force – Peer Pressure Teaching/ Adrian will Skype after World Youth Day Papal Opening Mass in Poland July 28: Crystal Springs Preserve trip Please contact Ed Buckley at the youth office for more information. For middle schoolers and parents, you may also join Nativity Life Force on Facebook for updates.
Nativity Food Bank
Come with us to the Holy Land! See the spot where Jesus was born, walk along the Sea of Galilee where Jesus preached, and pray in His tomb! There are so many places we will visit, and pray, that you will be drawn into a closer relationship with our Lord. This trip is for those who have never been to the Holy Land, and those that have been there a dozen times! From January 23 through January 30, 2017, Nativity will sponsor this pilgrimage. Come with your family and friends, and enter into the life of Christ in a new way! The agenda has been fine-tuned, and will bring you the best of the Holy Land at a minimal price. There will be a meeting this Sunday, July 10th at 12:00pm, in the St. Francis Room in the Social Hall. If you have questions, please call Deacon Mark at 813.653.1150. May God Bless you!
Is still in need of truck drivers (no special license required) and abled-bodied volunteers at the Food Bank Warehouse in Dover. We are open mornings only, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7:30am to approximately 11:00am Hours and days are flexible. Anyone interested please call the warehouse at 813.707.1523 during the hours mentioned above. An alternate number is 813.694.0541. Messages can be left at either number. Any high school students, 16 years or older interested in community service hours over the summer at the Nativity Food Bank Warehouse in Dover can also call the warehouse at 813.707.1523 during the hours mentioned above. An alternate number is 813.694.0541. Messages can be left at either number.
Summer Church Office Hours
The church office is open Monday - Thursday 9:00AM to 4:00PM (with lunch from 12PM - 1PM) and Friday from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Our offices will be closed to the public June 30th through July 18th for floor refinishing and painting. The phones will still be answered during this time, so do call if you need to schedule a sacrament, or connect with a priest.
Summer of Goodbyes
Join us as we say goodbye to Kyle Bell, our resident seminarian for the last year. It’s been a joy getting to know him, and we’re sad to see him go, but happy that he’ll be moving into the priesthood soon! July 10th after the 10:30 Mass Refreshments, cards and a chance to say bye.
Holy Land Pilgrimage
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Weekly Reflection
JULY 10TH, 2016 (courtesy of catholicsteward.com)
Dt 30: 10-14; Ps 69: 14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36-37; Col 1: 15-20; Lk 10: 25-37
On the one hand, it may seem as if the Lord asks and expects much from us, but does He really? Or, do our attitudes and lifestyles get in the way? In today’s society we have many challenges when it comes to being disciples of the Lord and living as good stewards. Some of these challenges are pointed out in today’s readings for this Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The First Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy is part of a sermon that Moses was giving to his people. In fact, the entire Book of Deuteronomy consists of three sermons given by Moses, and today’s reading is drawn from the third sermon. This particular sermon offers comfort to the people, because even if they should prove unfaithful, their repentance and God’s forgiveness can provide them with a solution. Moses recognizes the challenges they face, which parallel in some ways the challenges we face today. Moses says the solution, however, is “something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you only have to carry it out.” That is the same for us. The Lord’s expectations can indeed be an ordeal for us, but the answer is always within us and within the constructs of our faith. God is with us; God will help us; and God will forgive us when we fail. St. Paul is trying to make it clear in the Second Reading from his letter to the Colossians that Christ is the Great Redeemer. Again forgiveness and redemption are available to us through Him. Paul presents Christ as the “image of the invisible God.” The Greek word “image” as used by Paul here has two meanings. In Greek the word was eikon. It does mean image as in a likeness, but it also means manifestation, as God is fully revealed in Christ. God is called invisible because in a sense we can never visualize or know God. However, we know God and can see Him through Christ. Just as Moses maintains that God is within the people and they must find Him and know Him, Paul is telling us that Christ is within us, and again we must seek Him and find Him, because it is only through Him that we can live and be His disciple. We can only be redeemed through Christ (“… making peace by the blood of his cross through him.”), but the point is that we can be redeemed. As difficult as it may seem, redemption is within our grasp. The Parable of the Good Samaritan, our Gospel reading from St. Luke, has been recognized by many as one of the most significant items of all Jesus’ teaching, and certainly perhaps the best-known parable. Both Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI often referred to this parable. In fact, in his first Encyclical Letter (Deus Caritas Est — God is love) Pope Benedict devotes an entire chapter to the Good Samaritan Parable. The gist of his message is that Jesus redefined who a neighbor was, explaining it was not just those who lived nearby or countrymen, but anyone in need, anyone we can help.
Pray for Each Other
Pray for the sick, suffering, and shut-ins to welcome the strength of God’s love, especially: Joe LaPerna, Monserrate Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez, Jessie Perez Gonzalez, Sylvia Perez Gonzalez, Jeanne A. Woodke, Katalin Lazzara, Aida Luz Betancourt, Courtney Daniels, Leonora Maggio, Irma Barrett, Ed Nagel, Michael Fultz, Jo Ann Shey, Gary Curreri, Katie Welch, Hailey Hepfinger, Charles F. Schramm Ph.D., Christopher C. Woodke, James P. Barrett, Sharon Prunn, Pamela Johannssen, Leo & Diane Brubaker, Howard Wiebeld, Andree Avcalade, Tina Kulisz-Nelson, Deborah Kulisz-McClain, Cheyenne Downs, Rob Lavazza, Paula Francis Cotto, Sandra J. Matson, Drew Woodke, Norma Damico, Kathy Greco, Kay Walczak, Damaso Gumba, Gordon Nelson, Lucy Fuchs, Carlos Delgado, Kenneth Wilson, Ann Vande Brink, Dick Reidl, Rosa Quintana, Robert Lande, Bobby Dass, Teresa Fraser In your hands O Lord, we commend the souls of our recently departed. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Kevin Byron Gomez
The Good Samaritan endorsed that idea of who a neighbor was. However, there are some aspects of the parable that require more knowledge. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho, where Jesus set the parable, was very familiar to those to whom He was speaking. It is 18 miles long and has a steep and winding decline, with many turns and rocks along the way (Jerusalem is 2,500 feet above sea level, while Jericho is 800 feet below sea level). It was a dangerous and treacherous road, and robbers were known to hide in the rocks along the way and attack those who went by. We may look at the priest and the Levite who chose to pass the victim and refused to help with a doubting eye. However, they, too, were facing obstacles and challenges to being a good neighbor. Surely, they thought they were in danger, and pausing to help the man might make it worse, as he may well have been “bait” placed there by bandits hidden nearby. The key was that the Samaritan trusted God. It is the same challenge we face when it comes to being a neighbor, a steward, and a disciple. Do we trust the Lord enough to accept the risks? The Good Samaritan did.
Get a current view of the state of our parish finances at: www.nativitycatholicchurch.org/parish-info/finance
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY ORDINARY
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Brothers in Christ
Monday - 7/11/2016
Church Office Closed Quilters 9:00AM - 12:00PM SVDP Meeting 11:00AM - 2:00PM Legion de Maria Hispana 7:30PM - 9:00PM Tuesday - 7/12/2016
PC 2 PC 1 OR
Church Office Closed Legion of Mary 9:15AM - 11:00AM CRSP women 4 6:00PM - 9:30PM Agape - Women's Emmaus 6:30PM - 8:30PM Lifeteen Band 7:30PM - 9:30PM Wednesday - 7/13/2016
OR OR SH (D) Church
This ministry meets every Thursday Morning from 6:00 to 6:50 AM in Social Hall A. Our meetings involve spiritual growth activities such as reading and meditating on the following Sunday’s readings and listening to live talks and media presentations concerning faith issues facing men every day. Our group also engages in service and prayer to support the larger faith community. All men of the parish are welcome and urged to attend. This has been a “game changer” for many. Refreshments are provided. For more information contact Jim Nabach at 813.643.8483 or Don Cseh at 813.309.7690.
Church Office Closed Meals on Wheels 10:30AM - 11:30AM Vida Joven Meeting 5:30PM - 7:30PM Grupo De Oracion 6:45PM - 9:00PM Nativity Chorale 7:30PM - 9:30PM Thursday - 7/14/2016
SH (C) AE Chapel Church
Church Office Closed Brothers in Christ 5:45AM - 7:00AM Food Pantry set up 6:00AM - 1:00PM Come Clean Church 7:00AM - 9:30AM Come Clean Chapel 8:45AM - 10:30AM Food Pantry Distribution 3:00PM - 4:00PM CRSP men group 4 6:30PM - 9:30PM Charismatic Prayer Mtg 7:00PM - 9:00PM FBJ meeting 7:00PM - 9:00PM Estudio Biblico 7:00PM - 9:00PM Evening Scripture Study 7:00PM - 9:00PM Coro Hispano 7:30PM - 9:30PM Friday - 7/15/2016
SH (D) SH (C) Church Chapel SH OR Chapel SH (D) AE (A) AE (B) Church
Church Office Closed Al-Anon Family Group 10:30AM - 11:30AM Vida Joven 6:30PM - 9:30PM Saturday - 7/16/2016 Pastoral Council Meeting 8:00AM - 11:30AM Sunday - 7/17/2016 Life Teen 7:00PM - 9:30PM Life Teen Prayer Team 8:00PM - 9:30PM
OR SH SH (D) SH Chapel
For all events and updates please check the website calendar. Room Key YC - Youth Center | SH(ABC&D) - Social Hall PC - Pastoral Care | AE - Adult Education Building LL - Life Lounge | OR - Oakwood Room CONV - Convent | CONF - Conference Room MP - Multi-Purpose Room | Media - Media Center
July Food Drive
Our monthly food drive will be next weekend July 16 – 17, 2016. The Nativity Food Bank truck will be on campus for your convenience.
Thank you for your generosity and continued support of the Nativity Outreach Food Pantry & Food Bank.
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JULY 10TH, 2016
Nativity Catholic School
813.689.3395
Summer Office Hours
Used Uniform Sale
Saturday, July 30th 2016 8:00AM -1:00PM in the Social Hall Purchase uniforms for the upcoming school year at greatly reduced prices. Drop off your donations and consignments to the school office, Monday through Thursday 9:00AM to 12:00PM. For more information call: Willie 813.850.3073 or Fran 813.205.3882
Open Monday, June 13th – Tuesday, August 9th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Monday – Thursday)
Sunday, August 7th
1:15-2:15 PM Open House (New Families Only) 2:30-3:30 PM Back-to-School Liturgy 3:30-5:00 PM Open House (All Families Welcome)
Nativity Catholic School
Serving ages 3 years through 8th grade CAMPUS TOURS! Open to all prospective students and families. Currently accepting enrollment applications for the 2016-2017 school year. To schedule a private tour of the school contact: Therese Alonso at 813.689.3395
Youth & Young Adult
Nativity Catholic School
Wednesday, August 10th
1st Day of School (Full Day) – Extended Day Open For enrollment/admissions questions, please contact: Mrs. Jo-Hanna Hohman, Director of Admissions 813.689.3395 ext. 2254 admissions@nativitycatholicschool.org
813.689.4147
6pm Mass. See you there!
High School (Grades 9 - 12) (LIFE TEEN) Join us at Nativity’s Youth Center on Sundays, after the 6 pm Mass & Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm Eryn Lentner, Youth Director
Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) (LIFE FORCE) Join us at Nativity’s Youth Center, Tuesdays from 6 - 8 pm. Young Adults (18 - 40) REAL LIFE Every Thursday at Nativity’s Youth Center at 7:30pm for faith, fun, and fellowship. Vida Joven Meets Friday in the chapel at 7 pm. Meal, faith and fun program until 9 pm. All High School age members of our Hispanic community are welcome to join us this Friday evening for a time of prayer, spiritual growth and fellowship. 7:00pm - Misa en Español 7:30pm - Dinner 8:00pm - Charla and Community Time
Youth Ministry Summer is in Full Swing
Come by to one of the meetings listed above to find out more about how you can get involved in all the great things going on with our youth this summer and throughout the year.
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY ORDINARY
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Faith Formation
813.689.9101
Summer Office Hours
Faith Formation
July 1 – July 29 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Friday Afternoons and evenings by appointment Students not enrolled in Catholic school should be enrolled in Faith Formation classes from Grade K through grade 8. Be sure to get your registrations in or postmarked by July 30 to take advantage of the early registration discount. Register on line, by mail, or in person at the Faith Formation Office. Call 813.689.9101 for more information.
Youth Registration for Confirmation Preparation
9th grade students who have been registered in Nativity Catholic School or Nativity Faith Formation will be receiving their letter detailing the registration process in the mail beginning in June. Parents are encouraged to make their appointment for an interview with either Vicki Hawkins or Pam Emery as soon as possible.
Pastoral Care
An Invitation from the Office of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute
Ask yourself: Could God be calling me to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister in His Church? Our Diocese is blessed with many lay women and men who love God and wish to serve Him. In response, Bishop Lynch initiated the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute to equip Catholic to “be more” by forming them Spiritually, Intellectually, Theologically and Pastorally to serve as Lay Ecclesial Ministers. We are grateful to Bishop Lynch for his continued support of this rare educational opportunity, which is not available in all dioceses. To date, Bishop Lynch has commissioned 345 men and women to share their gifts and talents in our diocese. New classes begin September 10, 2016. For anyone interested in attending the LPMI Year of Discernment, the registration form and program information can be found on the LPMI web site at: http://dosp.org/lpmi/ Or call the LPMI office at 727.344.1611, ext. 5458. Registrations are due in the LPMI office no later than September 5, 2016. The Ministry Formation Program offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute is accredited by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission on Certification and Accreditation.
813.413.8351
St. Vincent de Paul is Seeking Volunteers
We have many opportunities available to serve the needy in our community. You might like to be a member of our Home Visitation team, which would require minimal hours. Or, we are also looking for folks who would like to be more involved in our team. If you would like to learn how you can be a part of this important ministry, contact Linda Schwartz at 813.361.9058 for information. St. Vincent de Paul is very appreciative of your support and depends on your donated items for the collection box in front of the Pastoral Care Office. However, we receive many items not in bags that have to be discarded because they get ruined in the box due to weather conditions. PLEASE put all items in bags to protect them from dirt and rain. Please remember if items are ruined or soiled, it costs us money to dispose of them. You may call our Nativity Conference number at 813.376.8901 for further information or if you need a receipt for your donated items. If you have larger items, such as furniture and house wares, please call the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Ruskin at 813.645.5255 to arrange a pickup.
Bucs and Bulls Ushers Needed
It’s that time of year again, plans for the 2016 football season are underway. Volunteers are desperately needed to usher the BUCS and BULLS games at Raymond James Stadium. In addition, help will be needed for events such as the Outback Bowl, the Monster Truck Jams and concerts held at the stadium. If you are at least eighteen years of age, we could use your time and talent to benefit Nativity Outreach. This opportunity allows your working hours to earn a monetary donation to Nativity Outreach. Please consider this opportunity. All monies earned goes to help those in need in the Brandon/Valrico community. What a great way to help those in need. If you are interested, please call Jim & Elaine Nabach, 813.361.7281, 813.643.8483 for further information regarding ushering at any of these events.
Thank you for your support of Nativity Outreach
Summer Goodie Bags
It’s that time again! Please start putting our ad’s in the Church bulletin asking for donations of athletic socks (men, women & children), rain ponchos, small bug repellent, pop top canned meats & fruit, water, breakfast bars, hotel sized toiletries, etc. We will be making our ‘Summer goodie bags’ on Friday, August 5th.
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Reflexión Semanal (cortesía de catholicsteward.com) Dt 30: 10-14; Sal 69: 14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36-37; Col 1: 15-20; Lc 10: 25-37
Por un lado, puede parecer como si el Señor pide y espera mucho de nosotros, pero ¿realmente lo hace? ¿O, entorpecen nuestras actitudes y estilos de vida en el camino? En la sociedad de hoy en día tenemos muchos retos cuando se trata de ser discípulos del Señor y vivir como buenos mayordomos. Algunos de estos desafíos se señalan en las lecturas de hoy para este Decimoquinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario. La Primera Lectura, tomada del libro del Deuteronomio es parte de un sermón que Moisés estaba dando a su pueblo. De hecho, todo el libro de Deuteronomio se compone de tres sermones dados por Moisés, y la lectura de hoy se extrae del tercer sermón. Este sermón en particular ofrece comodidad a la gente, porque incluso si han de ser infieles, su arrepentimiento y el perdón de Dios les puede proporcionar una solución. Moisés reconoce los retos que se enfrentan, que en cierto modo son paralelos a los desafíos que se enfrentan hoy en día. Moisés dice que la solución, sin embargo, es "algo muy cerca de ti, en tu boca y en tu corazón; solo tienes que llevarlo a cabo." Eso es lo mismo para nosotros. Las expectativas del Señor de hecho pueden ser un calvario para nosotros, pero la respuesta está siempre dentro de nosotros y dentro de las construcciones de nuestra fe. Dios está con nosotros; Dios nos ayudará; y Dios nos perdona cuando fallamos. San Pablo está tratando de dejar claro en la Segunda Lectura de la Carta a los Colosenses que Cristo es el gran Redentor. Una vez más el perdón y la redención están disponibles para nosotros por medio de Él. Pablo presenta a Cristo como la "imagen del Dios invisible." La palabra griega "imagen" como se usa aquí por Pablo tiene dos significados. En griego, la palabra era eikón. Lo que significa es la imagen como en una semejanza, pero también significa manifestación, como Dios se revela plenamente en Cristo. Dios es llamado invisible porque en un sentido nunca podemos visualizar o conocer a Dios. Sin embargo, conocemos a Dios y podemos verlo a través de Cristo. Así como Moisés sostiene que Dios está dentro de las personas y que deben encontrarlo y conocerlo, Pablo nos está diciendo que Cristo está dentro de nosotros, y de nuevo hay que buscarlo y encontrarlo, porque es sólo a través de El que podemos vivir y ser Su discípulo. Sólo podemos ser redimidos por Cristo (“... haciendo la paz por la sangre de Su cruz, por medio de Él."), pero el punto es que podemos ser redimidos. Por difícil que pueda parecer, la redención está a nuestro alcance. La Parábola del Buen Samaritano, nuestra lectura del Evangelio de San Lucas, ha sido reconocido por muchos como uno de los elementos más significativos de la enseñanza pública de Jesús, y desde luego tal vez la parábola más conocida. Tanto el Papa San Juan Pablo II y el Papa Emérito Benedicto
JULY 10TH, 2016 XVI refieren a menudo esta parábola. De hecho, en su primera Carta Encíclica (Deus Caritas Est - Dios Es Amor) el Papa Benedicto dedica un capítulo entero a la parábola del Buen Samaritano. La esencia de su mensaje es que Jesús redefinió que era un vecino, explicando que no era sólo los que vivían cerca o paisanos, pero cualquier persona en necesidad, cualquiera a quien podamos ayudar. El Buen Samaritano apoya esa idea de quien es un vecino. Sin embargo, hay algunos aspectos de la parábola que requieren más conocimientos. El camino de Jerusalén a Jericó, donde Jesús dio la parábola, era muy familiar para aquellos a quienes les estaba hablando. Es 18 millas de largo y tiene un fuerte descenso y es sinuoso, con muchas vueltas y rocas en el camino (Jerusalén queda a 2,500 pies sobre el nivel del mar, mientras que Jericho se encuentra a 800 pies bajo el nivel del mar). Fue un camino peligroso y traicionero, y era conocido que ladrones se escondían en las rocas a lo largo del camino para atacar a aquellos que pasaban. Podemos mirar el sacerdote y el Levita que optaron por pasar por el lado de la víctima y rehusaron ayudar con duda. Sin embargo, ellos también enfrentaban obstáculos y desafíos para ser un buen vecino. Seguramente, pensaron que estaban en peligro, y haciendo una pausa para ayudar aquel hombre podría empeorar las cosas, ya que podría muy bien haber sido "cebo" colocado allí por bandidos escondidos cerca. La clave fue que el Samaritano confió en Dios. Es el mismo desafío que enfrentamos cuando se trata de ser un vecino, un mayordomo, y un discípulo. ¿Confiamos en el Señor lo suficiente para aceptar los riesgos? El Buen Samaritano lo hizo.
¿Viajando?
¿Pensando a donde queda la Iglesia más cercana durante las vacaciones? Mire: www.masstimes.org
¿Vacaciones?
¿Vas de viaje este verano? ¿Desea más información sobre la entrega en línea? Visita nativitycatholicchurch.org y haga clic en Online Giving. Si necesita ayuda para actualizar la información de su cuenta, por favor llame a la línea de soporte al cliente al 800.348.2886 opción 4.
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY ORDINARY
Lighthouse Medios Disponibles
En esta plática de fe y esperanza el Padre Orejuela nos revela cómo un hombre caído en el vicio fue librado y transformado completamente. Logro conocer la verdadera razón de su existencia por medio de la intercesión de nuestra Santísima madre María, su madre, y otras personas. Dios nuestro creador tiene un plan para cada quien y nos espera con los brazos abiertos, llenos de perdón y misericordia. Comentarios de Feligreses “Me recordó que para todos hay esperanza y no importa lo caído que estés, Dios nuestro Señor te puede levantar.” Maribel - Belvidere, IL
San Vicente de Paul está buscando voluntarios
Tenemos muchas oportunidades disponibles para servir a los necesitados en nuestra comunidad. Que le gustaría ser un miembro de nuestro equipo local Visitación, lo que requeriría un mínimo de horas. O, también estamos buscando para las personas que les gustaría estar más involucrado en nuestro equipo. Si usted desea aprender cómo puede ser parte de este importante ministerio, en contacto con Linda Schwartz en 813.361.9058 para obtener información. Sería útil si también tuvimos voluntarios que hablan español. San Vicente de Paul es muy agradecido por su apoyo y depende de sus artículos donados en la caja de recogida en frente de la Oficina de Cuidado Pastoral. Sin embargo, recibimos muchos elementos no en bolsas que tienen que ser descartado porque se arruinan debido a las condiciones meteorológicas. Por favor, ponga todos los artículos en bolsas para protegerlos de la suciedad y la lluvia. Por favor, recuerde si los artículos están en ruinas o sucias, que nos cuesta dinero para disponer de ellos. Puede llamar a nuestro número de conferencias Natividad en 813.376.8901 para más información o si necesita un recibo para sus artículos donados. Si usted tiene artículos grandes, tales como muebles y mercancías de la casa, por favor llame a la Vicente de Paul Thrift Store St. en Ruskin al 813.645.5255 para concertar una recogida.
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El Banco de Alimentos de La Natividad Necesita Voluntarios
Cualquier estudiante de preparatoria, 16 años o mayores interesados en comunidad horario durante el verano en el almacén de banco de alimentos de Natividad en Dover pueden llamar a la bodega en 813-707-1523 durante las horas mencionadas. Pueden dejar mensaje.
¿Quien es SEPI?
El Instituto Pastoral del Sureste (SEPI) es una organización misionera de corte moderno que lleva el evangelio de Jesucristo a todo el Sureste de los Estados Unidos. Es de las ocho oficinas regionales establecidas por los Obispos de EE.UU. para la atención de los hispanos. Fue fundada en el 1978. SEPI es una organización educacional y de servicio que asiste a los Obispos Católicos de ocho estados del sureste en desarrollar y entrenar líderes en su fe y cultura para la integración de la comunidad hispana en la vida de la iglesia y la sociedad. SEPI colabora con las diócesis en la implementación de sus planes pastorales y fortalece la vida familiar y promueve la dignidad y talentos del individuo. ¿Qué hace el SEPI? El SEPI evangeliza, educa, organiza y forma líderes hispanos. El SEPI lleva sus programas educacionales y evangelizadores a comunidades de hispanos a lo largo de la Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Carolina del Norte, del Sur y Tennessee. Colabora con cada Diócesis en organización de su Consejo Pastoral Hispano. Asiste a cada Diócesis con la programación e implementación del Plan del Ministerio Hispano. Desarrolla y promueve el crecimiento integral de jóvenes por medio de talleres y seminarios de Pastoral juvenil. Coordina, evalúa y planea junto con los de las Diócesis las metas y objetivos de cada una de ellas. Fomenta la formación integral, a través de programas que otorgan el grado de Maestría en cooperación con la Universidad de Barry. Esta formación también se logra con las Escuelas de Ministerio. El SEPI investiga, desarrolla e implementa recursos e información para crear nuevos instrumentos pastorales. Entrena y desarrolla programas para el Liderazgo pastoral. Si tiene mas preguntas puede llamar a la Oficina de LPMI/ SEPI at 727-344-1611, ext. 5458.
El verano de despedidas
Únase a nosotros para decir adiós a Kyle Bell, nuestro seminarista residente durante el año pasado. Ha sido un placer conocer a él, y estamos tristes de verlo partir, pero feliz que él va a estar entrando en el sacerdocio pronto! Julio 10 después de la misa 10:30 Refrescos, tarjetas y la oportunidad de decir adiós.
From the Office of Faith Formation Walking with the Saints – Models of Mercy Thanks to the help of our wonderful Coordinators, sensational Station Leaders, Musicians, Actors, Attendance helpers, Kitchen Crew, Child Care helpers, all teen and adult Crew Leaders, magnificent Set Designers and Holy Door engineer, visiting leaders of Nativity Outreach Ministries, and all other volunteers, this year’s VBS was once again – the best VBS ever! We were blessed to pray, sing, learn and play together with St. Faustina Kowalska, St. John Paul II, St. John Vianney, and Blessed Mother Teresa. Special thanks to Iusidore the story teller! We learned how to be good stewards from our leaders of Nativity Outreach Ministries, and even got to tour the Nativity bus and pray for those who travel to Mass on it. In addition, our VBS mission was to collect items for our Food Pantry, Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry, Pastoral Care and family promise. We are most grateful for the generous stewardship of our families! Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped to make this year’s Vacation Bible School a joyfilled, success!
“Act Justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God.” Micah 6:8
FAITH FORMATION MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM 2016 “WE ARE GOD’S MERCIFUL HANDS” This year’s Summer Faith Formation Middle School Program focused on practicing our Catholic faith through the lens of Mercy. Students studied diligently, prayed fervently, produced beautiful artwork and enjoyed building community with one another. Thanks to all of our Catechists, parents and students, who made this year’s summer program a wonderful learning experience! We look forward to seeing everyone at Mass and at our Parent/Student sessions throughout the year. We are grateful for the bountiful stewardship of our families in donating 235 cans and boxes of food for our Nativity Food Pantry!