DECEMBER 20TH, 2015
NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH
"Joyfully and faithfully evangelizing for Christ!"
4th Sunday of Advent
Pastor: Rev. John Tapp Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Msgr. James C Lara Parochial Vicars: Rev. Nelson Restrepo Rev. Victor Amorose 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
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MASS SCHEDULE Daily Mass Weekend Mass 7:00am (Monday through Friday) Saturday Vigil Mass 8:00AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat) 4:00PM (Interpreted for Deaf) 8:15AM (Wednesday) 4:00PM Espa単ol (Capilla) 7:00PM (Espa単ol Martes y Viernes) Sunday Masses Morning Prayer 7:00, 8:30, 10:30AM 10:30AM Family Mass (Chapel) 7:45AM (Monday through Saturday) Confession Schedule 12:30PM Espa単ol Saturday in Church: 3:00 to 4:00PM 6:00PM LifeTeen 5:00 to 5:30PM
FROM DESDE
THE COLLAR EL CLERIMAN
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ourth Sunday of Advent – Although Christmas is still several days away, most of society has been reveling in the Christmas spirit for weeks now. But we Catholics are still ensconced in the season of Advent – waiting, hoping, and anticipating. We do so with purple Advent vestments and nary a poinsettia or Christmas crib figure in sight. Anticipating and waiting is never easy. We want our things and we want them now! A pregnant woman who was close to the end of her third term once reflected that while she couldn’t wait to give birth (“you try hauling around a 10 pound bowling ball” I believe were her exact words), she was grateful for the time to prepare her home, fix up the nursery, enjoy the quiet and still that came from being off of work a few days before she was to deliver her baby. The end of the season of Advent is like that. We want to get to Christmas, the presents, the food, and familytime. But we’re not quite there yet. May we use these remaining days before Christmas to reflect as best we can – on God’s blessings or on how he helps us to face the impossible. That’s what this season is for. That’s what Advent people do.
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’m “Gald” You’re Here – Every so often when I type the word “glad” it comes out “gald.” That misspelling always reminds me of the word “galled” – irritated or annoyed. For example, I’ve written: “I’m gald we had dinner last night.” “I’m gald the meeting went so well.” “I’m gald you decided to volunteer for our group.” Depending on the circumstances, those statements are fairly funny. Luckily, there’s spell check and changing “gald” to “glad” is easy. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day a number of “visitors” will be worshiping with us. Some of you who worship here each week might be “galled” that these folks come once a year, take your seat, and/or your parking space. That may annoy some and irritate others. But there’s an easy way to fix this. By smiling, saying “Welcome” and “It’s good to see you” to those around us, and inviting them to take our seats in church, our “visitors” just might become “regulars” in our church each week. And wouldn’t that be a great thing?
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uarto Domingo de Adviento – Aunque faltan varios días para la llegada de la Navidad, por varias semanas muchas personas se han deleitado en el espíritu de Navidad. Pero nosotros los Católicos aún estamos instalados en la época de Adviento – esperando, deseando y anticipando. Hacemos esto con vestimentas de color purpura y ni una poinsetta o cuna de Navidad a la vista. Anticipar y esperar nunca es fácil. ¡Queremos nuestras cosas y las queremos ahora! Una mujer embarazada que estaba próxima a su tercer trimestre comento que mientras no podía esperar dar a luz (“estas cargando una bola de bolos de 10 libras” creo que fueron sus palabras exactas), estaba agradecida por el tiempo que tenía para preparar su hogar, preparar la habitación del bebe, disfrutar el silencio y calma que venía de no estar trabajando por unos días antes de la llegada de su bebe. El fin de la época de Adviento es así. Queremos llegar a la Navidad, los regalos, la comida, el tiempo con familiares. Pero aún no hemos llegado. Utilicemos estos días antes de la Navidad para reflexionar – sobre las bendiciones de Dios o como Él nos ayuda a enfrentar lo imposible. Esta es la razón por la época. Esto es lo que la gente de Adviento hace.
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ienvenido. Me ‘Alegra' Que Estas Aquí – A menudo cuando escribo la palabra “glad” (alegre) me sale “gald.” Esta palabra me recuerda la palabra “galled” – irritado o enojado. Por ejemplo, he escrito “Me irritó cenar con ustedes a noche.” “Me irritó lo bien que estuvo la reunión.” “Me irritó que seas voluntario de nuestro grupo.” Dependiendo las circunstancias, esto puede sonar muy gracioso. Por suerte, hay un programa que revisa la gramática y la corrige. Noche Buena y el Día de Navidad un número de “visitantes” estarán adorando con nosotros. Algunos de ustedes que asisten semanalmente quizás se irriten que estas personas solo vienen una vez al año, toman su asiento, y/o su estacionamiento. Esto puede enojar a algunos e irritar a otros. Pero hay una manera de arreglar esto. Al sonreír, decir “Bienvenido” y “Me alegra que este aquí” a aquellos a nuestro alrededor, e invitarlos a que tomen asiento en nuestra Iglesia, nuestros “visitantes” quizás se conviertan en “regulares” en nuestra parroquia semanalmente. ¿Y no sería eso una gran cosa?
Year Of Mercy Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things;
Be sure to get in touch with Thomas Sanjurjo, bulletin@nativitycatholicchurch.org to contribute to our bulletin. Spiritual Growth Stewardship Ministries in Action Community Bulletin
made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.
OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW IN FAITH
Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:
P4 Stewardship Bulletin Reflection, Mass Intentions, Last Chance Penance
“If you knew the gift of God!”
P5 Pray for One Another, Freedom in Christ, Mercy Me, Advent Quick Tip, Misas de Aguinaldo
You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:
P6 Suncoast Catholic Mens' Conference, Epiphany Blessing Chalk, Faith Sharing Groups P8 Reflexión de las Escrituras, Misas de Aguinaldo, Servicios de Penitencia Locales
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEWARDSHIP OF TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE
Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,
P6 Tithing Report, We're Looking for Greeters, Tuition Assistance P7 Partner with La Victoria P8 Reporte del Diezmo, Asocios con La Victoria
so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,
MINISTRIES IN ACTION
let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.
and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy,
P7 Nativity HOPE Ministry
COMMUNITY BULLETIN P7 Married and in Love, Week at a Glance, Mark Your Calendars, Nativity Ornaments
you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
Christmas Eve Mass Times
Christmas Day Mass Times
4pm Church and Gym
7:00am Church
7:30pm Church and Gym
8:30am Church 10:30am Church
11pm Carols in the Church Followed by Midnight Mass
12:30pm Spanish(Church)
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NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH
Stewardship Bulletin Reflection Mi 5: 14A; Ps 80: 23, 1516, 1819; Heb 10: 510; Lk 1: 3945
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t seems we look forward to Christmas for a long time. That is certainly true of children. Advent reminds us that Christmas is approaching, and we are called to spiritually prepare for Christ’s arrival and coming. On this Fourth Sunday of Advent it is upon us and truly imminent. Our readings present a cross section of Christmas reminders and feelings. Micah is one of the “minor” prophets in the Old Testament. Nevertheless, there is nothing “minor” about his vision of the Messiah. Our reading for this last Sunday of Advent announces in precise and poetic language the coming of the Lord. “He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord, his God; and they shall remain, for how his greatness shall reach the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.” Note that Jesus will not bring peace; Jesus is peace. How often do we hear references to peace at this time of year: “Peace on earth; goodwill toward men.” The Messiah will come from Bethlehem, which was also the hometown of David. You may have heard that the meaning of Bethlehem in Aramaic is “House of Bread,” an appropriate name for the place where the Savior, who will give us the Bread of Life, to be born. In the reading from Micah, however, it is called BethlehemEphrathah. That name “Ephrathah” is also significant. Ephrathah was the old and original name of Bethlehem. Ephrathah means “fruitfulness” or “abundance.” We are preparing for the abundance of Christ, the fruit of Mary’s womb. The Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews is brief, but it is as noteworthy as Micah’s prophetic vision of Christ. The writer speaks of “sacrifices and offerings.” We must always think of the fact that this anticipates Jesus’ sacrifice for us; it is not our sacrifice. We rejoice at the coming of Jesus, but we must not overlook why He is coming — for our salvation. In Hebrews the writer states over and over the last three words of today’s scriptural passage: “once for all.” Jesus came for all of us. That is why we rejoice at the gladness of His arrival in just a few days. Finally our Gospel Reading from St. Luke links three central figures in our faith — Jesus, His Blessed Mother Mary, and St. John the Baptist, who will bring the message of Jesus Christ. The Gospel details Mary’s visit to her relative Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, who is also carrying a child. There are elements within this reading with which we are all familiar, and they are particularly fitting on this final Sunday of our Advent journey. When Mary hears that Elizabeth is expecting, she immediately sets out to visit her in “the hill country.” It was a journey of some 100 miles for Mary the Mother to be. The two most memorable items
DECEMBER 20TH, 2015
in the reading may be Elizabeth’s response upon seeing St. Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” a key part of our immortal prayer “Hail Mary.” In addition, Elizabeth relates how her baby, John the Baptist, “leaped for joy” at the presence of Jesus. Even though St. John the Baptist was still in his mother’s womb, he was filled with joy, the same happiness and bliss we are reaching for at this time of year. Elizabeth, like Mary, is filled with the Holy Spirit. This is what we are seeking and what we have been preparing for throughout Advent, the ecstasy that comes by allowing the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts, and the wonder and contentment and gladness we should have at Christmas. Mass Intentions | Dec 21st 27th 6:00 am 7:00 am 8:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am 8:00 am 7:00 pm 6:00 am 7:00 am 8:15 am 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 12:00am 7:00 am 8:30 am 10:30 pm 12:30 pm 8:00 am 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 7:00 am 8:30 am 10:30 am 10:30 am 12:30 am 6:00 pm
Monday, December 21 Misa de Aguinaldo Colleen Walker Bakick Alfred Hamblin Tuesday, December 22 Misa de Aguinaldo Mary Gostola Napoleon & Ana Aspa Sara Robles Wednesday, December 23 Misa de Aguinaldo Joann Weglian Sharon Whitcomb Thursday, December 24 Nativity Parish Family (Gym) Nativity Parish Family (Church, Family) Nativity Parish Family (Gym, Spanish) Nativity Parish Family (Church) Nativity Parish Family (Church, Bilingual) Friday, December 25 Nativity Parish Family (Church) Nativity Parish Family (Church) Nativity Parish Family (Church) Nativity Parish Family (Church, Spanish) Saturday, December 26 Eusebio Nario Quindo Kate Casale Luis Eusebio Calleja (Chapel) Sunday, December 27 Mary Laza Marilyn Gefre Eusebio Nario Quindo Kathryn Young (Chapel) Sylvia Naomi Caballero (Spanish) Sandra Lockard
Last Chance Penance Service The final Penance Service for our area will be held at St. Stephen Church on Monday, December 21st at 7pm. This is the last opportunity for individual confessions in the Brandon, Seffner, and Valrico communities. Confessions at Nativity Church will be celebrated at the usual time on Saturday, December 26th at 3 pm and 5 pm.
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
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Pray for One Another
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Mercy Me
Pray for the sick, suffering, and shutins to welcome the strength of God’s love, especially:
A Year of Mercy Begins with our own conversion
Hailey Hepfinger, Carlotta Horan, Patrick Hrabusa, Marie Iams, Rita Jacobson, Henry Jackson, Ken Jensen, Rita Johnson, Daniel Kasprzyk, Pamela Kay, Keith Kirk, Kay Kunish, Nancy Lane, Joe LaPerna, Danelle Lareau, Sharon Lee, Ron Lerch, Sean Lewis, Sharone Linares, Sandy Lockard, Mario & Perfecta Lopez, Mark Love, John Lynch, Patricia Manack, Walter F. Marion, Angel Matos, Ken Meservey, Tina Nelson, Andrew Newelinski, Barbara & Mike Nieves, Stephanie Olsen, Alisa Olson, Aleida Ortiz, Erinn Phelan, Marie Pennisi, Isabella Ramirez, Dick Riedl, Petra Rivas, Betty Rocha, Manuel Rodriguez, Ray Rocha, Pedro Roldan Sanchez, Danny Rossi, Leo Rossiter, Virginia Ruth, Maria Saenz, Dr. Charles F. Schramm, Richard Sanderson, Quinn Schiaro, Lisa Ziroli Seaholm, Josie Sellers, Bill Shea, Don Shea, Mike Showalter, Jimmy Smith, Barbara Spears, Alice Sperandio, Joan Statham, Brett Strong, Heather Sturz, William Swantek, Theresa Taffe, Suzie Taylor, Sam Troncalli, Ann Ulbricht, Brian Ussery, Christina Van Alstyne, Luis and Carmen Vargas, Rose Vier, Joan Wagner, Howard Wakefield, Christie Washburn, Auburn Wells, Barbara White, Howard Wiebeld, Vincent Wildgen, Cathy Williams, Kenneth Wilson, Evelina Zambrano, Jorge Zayas, Charlotte Zorn, George Wagner, Steve Alley, Bessie LoScalzo, Dr. Greenwell, Francis Davis, Anna Cifuni, Bienvenida Kjeer, Vincent Wilgen, Dr. Antonio Rivera, Alex Hernandez, Stephanie Koch, Kay Walczak, Louise Rogers, Christine Alvarez, Sandra J. Matson, Steven P. Woodke, Addia Limtiaco, Alex Kepler, Norma Damico, Robert Landee, Bobby Dass, Ashlyn Conly, George Thomas
Pope Francis believes that by making mercy our highest priority, the church will uncover the authentic experience of the Gospel that alone can help so many of us to know God for the first time. He also seeks that the Bishops of the church move from an emphasis on their juridical, doctrinal and hierarchical roles to their primary identity as apostles, shepherds and pastors.
What are you giving to Jesus this year?
This story perhaps identifies the deepest obstacle to mercy: Those who feel they have never received mercy themselves find it hardest to let God give it to others.
Stories of mercy We can hear the challenges to mercy in the parables Jesus addressed to the good people of his time. We also hear the anguish in his voice as he appealed to them to grasp the words of Hosea 6:6: “Go and learn the meaning of the words, I seek mercy not sacrifice. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Mt 9:13).
Jesus challenged their sense of fairness in the story of the vineyard workers (Mt 20:116). The early workers received in full what had been promised them, but resented the In your hands O Lord, we commend the souls of our recently owner’s mercy to the latecomers. The righteous believed departed. May their souls and the souls of the faithful they had earned God’s gift of love and were angry to hear Jesus welcome tax collectors and prostitutes to receive the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. same gift. They felt neither compassion nor joy that God Freedom in Christ loved everyone, including his lost and damaged children.
How about giving some of your time and love for Jesus in adoration, reconciliation, and prayer. All 3 of these opportunities will be present at the next Freedom in Christ Ministry prayer session. Along with Deacon Mark there will be other prayer teams available to pray with you. Msgr. Cippel will present a short talk on Freedom in Christ and past pains that continue to stay with us and how much they have control over our lives. He will then have reconciliation. Monday, December 21, 2015 79pm in Nativity’s Chapel
~~ Excerpted by Peter Marrin, editor of Celebration Questions for meditation or discussion: How can I leaven my own understanding of Church as juridical, doctrinal and hierarchical to a way of life that includes emphasis on discipleship and service? When have I been ‘mercied’ by God – received His free and unwarranted love and forgiveness?
Advent Quick Tip We will have many visitors to our parish during the upcoming Holy Days.
Please help one another to be a Minister of Welcome. Move the center of the pew so that finding a seat will be easy. Please take a little time out of your busy schedule this to Give ‘stranger’ in our midst your best ‘glad you have holiday season and join us…it’s one of the best gifts you joinedthe us’ SMILE. Introduce yourself. Ask them their name. could give yourself or someone you know. Tell them you are GLAD they have joined our community No reservation required. For more information, please for Mass. contact Deacon Mark at 8136531150 or via email at: Misas de Aguinaldo dcndrmt@gmail.com. Join our Spanish community for the Misas de Aguinaldo, December 21, 22, 23 at 6:00 a.m in the Church.
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Suncoast Catholic Mens' Conference Ladies, Need a last minute Stocking Stuffer for Christmas for your Husband or Boyfriend? Purchase a ticket for him to the Suncoast Catholic Ministries Tampa Area 6th annual Men’s conference featuring Father Larry Richards and Steve Wood. Saturday, February 6th, beginning at 6:30 a.m., Higgins Hall St Lawrence Catholic Church, 5221 N. Himes Ave, Tampa. Tickets include lunch and free parking. Cost is $30 for Dad or a Father/Son ticket for $30. For tickets or more information contact visit the Conference web site at www.suncoastcatholicministries.com
Epiphany Blessing Chalk Epiphany is the traditional day for blessing homes and other buildings by marking the lintels of doorways with chalk. The markings commemorate the three Magi. The markings for 2016 are 20 + C + M + B + 16. These letters represent the three initials of the Magi’s names written between the numbers of the year separated by four crosses. They are also the Latin abbreviation for “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means “Christ blesses this house.” Blessed chalk will be available after Masses on Sunday, January 3, in the Social Hall.
Faith Sharing Groups Start your new year off by joining a 6 week Faith Sharing group meeting here at Nativity and in parish homes. Several days of the week and times will be available. Stop by the sign up table in the Social Hall after masses this Sunday to see the resource and get signed up.
Parishioners' Tithing Report December 12th & 13th # of Envelopes 1,124
Mass Total $34,375.75 Online Offertory 182 $18,123.00 Immaculate Conception $4,472 Vigil Lights $400.28 Total offertory to operating budget = $57,372.12 Total Collected thru 12/13 = $1,088,482.79 Represents 40.49% of the $2,688,000 operating budget revenues needed for 201516
DECEMBER 20TH, 2015
Tuition Assistance Fund The Catholic Foundation has offered a Tuition Assistance Match Grant for the 2015/16 school year. These Foundation funds provide Catholic Schools an opportunity to generate additional Tuition Assistance gifts by matching tuition assistance donations made to Nativity Catholic School. Your donations to Nativity Catholic School can make a difference for families who desire a Catholic education for their children but cannot afford it! The Catholic Foundation will match every dollar our school receives in tuition assistance from parishioners, parents, grandparents, corporations, etc. up to $5,250.00. Please prayerfully consider making a tuition assistance donation to Nativity Catholic School before year end. All gifts must be dated prior to January 1, 2016 and made payable to Nativity Catholic School. Your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. We are a 501(C) 3 non profit educational institution ID # 364644822. If you are interested in donating to this cause, you may contact the Finance office at (813) 6814608 or Email finadminast@nativitycatholicchurch.org if you would like additional information.
We're Looking for Greeters Nativity Parish is known for its warm hospitality. In order to further build up the spirit of hospitality in our church, we are looking for folks just like you to participate in our Greeter Ministry. Greeters arrive a few minutes early to church. They welcome all who come here to worship. They also help orient those who might be new to our parish community. This is an easy, and powerful ministry. It is perfect for families to do together. Yet, it is also something that individuals can do as well. We will be signing up new greeters after the Masses this weekend. If you would like more information about serving in this ministry, please contact Tim Bergevin (8137484146) or Cindy Ehringer (8136814608) our parish volunteer coordinator.
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
www.nativitycatholicchurch.org
Partner with La Victoria Partners With La Victoria has two volunteer positions available. Please contact Lori Fitzpatrick at 6545348 if you would like to volunteer your experience with grant writing/fundraising. Please contact Miguel Suarez at 503 6575 to share your marketing/promotions experience. Both positions are in great need to continue our work with La Victoria, Dominican Republic. Thank you for your continued support.
Nativity HOPE Ministry “Why are there so many poor in our community?” “Why is there not enough low income housing for those in need?” “Why are there over 1,000 children in Hillsborough County arrested annually for misdemeanors?” Working together with 20 other multicultural, interracial, and interfaith congregations, Nativity’s H.O.P.E. Network Members Seek to identify common problems Research solutions Hold accountable those who can implement longterm solutions THE GOAL: IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TO ACHIVE A GREATER DEGREE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, AND LOVE OF NEIGHBOR. If you are interested in learning more about H.O.P.E. or would like to join us in our mission Contact Bonnie Ussery at bonnie@nativitycatholicchurch.org or call Pastoral Care at 4138351
Married and In Love COUPLES OF ALL AGES. Start the new year with a little tune up to your marriage. On Saturday, January 23, 2016, there will be a one day Marriage Enrichment program held at Nativity Parish; the program entitled “MARRIED AND IN LOVE…MOST OF THE TIME” provides an opportunity to learn new ways to increase the passion and strengthen your relationship. Complimentary child care will be available and the fee for all materials and meals is $40.00. Please contact the Parish Faith Formation Office to register 6899101.
Mark Your Calendars January Mary, Mother of God 1st, Men's Emmaus 8th, March for Life Bus Trip 16th, Catholic Schools' Week 31st
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Week at a Glance Monday 12/21/2015 NO SCHOOL Misas de Aguinaldo 6:00AM 6:30AM Chapel & SH SVDP Meeting 10:30AM 2:00PM PC (Mid) CRSP grupo 3 hombres 6:15PM 9:30PM PC (Back) Legion de Maria Hispana 7:30PM 9:00PM OR Tuesday 12/22/2015 NO SCHOOL Misas de Aguinaldo 6:00AM 6:30AM Chapel & SH Legion of Mary 9:15AM 11:00AM OR Life Teen Band Rehearsal 7:00PM 9:00PM Church Wednesday 12/23/2015 NO SCHOOL Church Office Closed Misas de Aguinaldo 6:00AM 6:30AM Chapel & SH Meals on Wheels 10:30AM 11:30AM SH(C) Chorale Rehearsal 7:30PM 9:30PM Church Thursday 12/24/2015 NO SCHOOL Church Office Closed Come Clean Church 7:00AM 9:30AM Church Come Clean Chapel 8:45AM 10:30AM Chapel Family Mass 4:00PM 5:00PM Church Christmas Eve Mass 4:00PM 5:00PM Gym Christmas Eve Mass 7:30PM 8:30PM Church Christmas Eve Mass 7:30PM 8:30PM Gym Carols in the Church 11:00PM 12:00AM Church Midnight Mass Friday 12/25/2015 NO SCHOOL Church Office Closed Christmas Day Mass 7:00AM 8:00AM Church Christmas Day Mass 8:30AM 9:30AM Church Christmas Day Mass 10:30AM 11:30AM Church Christmas Spanish Mass 12:30PM 1:30PM Church Saturday 12/26/2015 Regular Saturday Masses, Confession, and Vigil Masses Sunday 12/27/2015 March for Life Table 8:00AM 3:00PM SH(B) 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 | MP MultiPurpose Room
Nativity Ornaments Have you gotten your Nativity 2015 Christmas Ornament yet? Available now in the Social Hall. Proceeds help our Youth Ministry. This will be the first in a series of Ornaments over the next few years.
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Reflexión de las Escrituras Mi 5: 14A; Ps 80: 23, 1516, 1819; Heb 10: 510; Lk 1: 3945
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nsiamos por mucho tiempo la llegada de Navidad. Especialmente los niños. Adviento nos recuerda que la Navidad se acerca y estamos llamados a prepararnos espiritualmente para la llegada de Cristo. En este Cuarto Domingo de Adviento se acerca aún más y es eminente. Nuestras lecturas presentan un intercambio de recordatorios y sentimiento de Navidad. Miqueas es uno de los profetas “menores” en el Antiguo Testamento. Sin embargo, no hay nada “menor” sobre su visión del Mesías. Nuestra lectura para el último Domingo de Adviento anuncia en lenguaje preciso y poético la llegada del Señor. Él se mantendrá a pie firme y guiará su rebaño con la autoridad de Yave, para gloria del Nombre de su Dios; vivirán seguros, pues su poder llegara hasta los confines de la tierra. El mismo será su paz” Fíjese que Jesús no traerá la paz, Jesús es la paz. Durante esta época del año oímos muchas referencias a la paz: Paz a los hombres en la tierra de buena voluntad” El Mesías vendrá de Belén, que era también el pueblo natal de David. Quizás han oído que el significado de Belén en Aramaic es “Casa de Pan,” un nombre apropiado para el lugar donde el Salvador, quien nos dará el pan de vida, nacerá. En la lectura de Miqueas, sin embargo, es llamada Belén – Ephrata. El nombre “Ephrata” también es significante. Ephrata era el antiguo y original nombre de Belén. Ephrata significa “fructuoso” o “abundancia.” Nos estamos preparando para la abundancia de Cristo, fruto del vientre de Maria. La Segunda Lectura de la Carta a los Hebreos es breve, pero tan notable como la visión profética de Miqueas de Cristo. El escritor habla sobre “sacrificios y ofrendas.” Siempre debemos de pensar que esto es un anticipo del sacrificio de Jesús por nosotros, no es nuestro sacrificio. No regocijamos por la llegada de Jesús, pero no debemos pasar por alto por qué El viene para nuestra salvación. Jesús vino para todos nosotros. Por eso es el regocijo y la alegría de Su llegada en pocos días.
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inalmente el Evangelio de San Lucas une tres figuras centrales en nuestra fe Jesús, Su Santa Madre Maria, y San Juan el Bautista, que traerá el mensaje de Jesucristo. El Evangelio detalla la visita de Mara a su prima Isabel, la Madre de San Juan Bautista, quien está embarazada. Hay elementos dentro de esta lectura de los cuales estamos muy familiarizados, y son particularmente apropiados este domingo en esta jornada final de Adviento. Cuando Maria se entera que Isabel esta embarazado, inmediatamente sale a visitarla. Para Maria fue una jornada de cien millas. Los dos detalles más memorable en la lectura son la respuesta de Isabel al ver a Santa Maria, “Bendita eres entre todas las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre,” una parte clave
DECEMBER 20TH, 2015
en nuestra inmortal oración “Santa Maria.” Además, Isabel relata cómo su bebe, Juan el Bautista, “salto de alegría” en la presencia de Jesús. Aunque San Juan el Bautista aun estaba en el vientre de su madre, se llenó de alegría, la misma alegría y jubilo que estamos buscando durante esta época del año. Isabel, como Maria, está llena del Espíritu Santo. Esto es lo que estamos buscando y por lo cual nos hemos estado preparando durante el Adviento, el éxtasis que viene al permitir que el Espíritu Santo entre en nuestros corazones, y la maravilla, alegría y regocijo que debemos tener en la Navidad.
Misas de Aguinaldo Únase a nosotros para nuestras Misas de Aguinaldo, deciembre 21, 22, 23 at 6:00 a.m en la iglesia.
Servicios de Penitencia Locales El último Servicio Penitencial en nuestra área será en la Iglesia St. Stephen el lunes, 21 de diciembre a las 7:00 pm. Esta es la última oportunidad para confesiones individuales en las comunidades de Brandon, Seffner y Valrico. Las Confesiones usuales en Nativity comenzaran de nuevo el sábado, 26 de diciembre a las 3 pm y 5 pm.
Reporte del Diezmo DECIEMBRE 12 Y 13, 2015 # de Sobres Misa Total 1,124 $34,375.75 Ofertorio realizado Online 182 $18,123.00 Inmaculada Concepcion $4,472.00 Ofertorio total para presupuesto operativo = $57,372.12 Total recolectado hasta 12/13 = $1,088,482.79 Representa el 40.49% de los $2,688,000.00 ingresos necesarios para el presupuesto operativo 201516.
Asocios Con La Victoria Asocios con La Victoria tiene dos puestos de voluntarios disponibles. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Lori Fitzpatrick al 6545348 si usted desea ser voluntario. Tu experiencia con escritura de subvención / recaudación de fondos. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Miguel Suárez al 5036575 para compartir su experiencia con promociones. Ambas posiciones están en gran necesidad de continuar nuestro trabajo con La Victoria, República Dominicana. Gracias por tu continuo apoyo.
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
www.nativitycatholicchurch.org
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