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“Therefore, I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its center the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (cf. Lk 6:36)
One of the evident signs of this pastoral care is the chance to open a Door of Mercy in every diocese. These doors, analogous to the Holy Doors of the Papal Basilicas in Rome, will permit even people who cannot travel to Rome to make a Jubilee pilgrimage. The door closest to St. Louis, designated by Bishop Vasquez, will be a door at St. Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin. A complete list of designated doors/churches around the diocese will be available soon on the diocesan website. These doors will be opened in communion with the Church of Rome as part of the Eucharistic celebration of the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday). In addition to the many resources available online (www.im.va— “Pastoral Resources” tab), there will be events and opportunities in the year ahead to observe and participate in both the parish and diocese to celebrate this Extraordinary Jubilee. In future publications of the Spirit of St. Louis we will explore in more depth: the image that has been selected for the Year of Mercy, indulgences, spiritual and corporeal works of mercy and more. (Information and quotes from www.im.va and from Diocese of Austin, Office of Evangelization & Catechesis) A newsletter of st. louis catholic church • 7601 burnet road, austin, tx • www.st-louis.org
Advent and Christmas Schedule FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT NOV. 29 NOV. 30 DEC. 1 DEC. 2
First Sunday of Advent 9:00 p.m. Sung Office of Compline (Chapel) 7:00 p.m. Advent Lessons and Carols (Church) 12:00 p.m. Advent Organ Concert (Church) 7:00 p.m. Czech Music Concert (Church) 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Advent Penance Services
DEC. 4 DEC. 5
7:30 p.m. Drive a Senior Benefit Concert (Church) 8:00 a.m. Breakfast with Santa – Wozniak Hall
SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT DEC. 6 Second Sunday of Advent 9:00 p.m. Sung Office of Compline & Sacrament of Healing (Chapel) DEC. 7 6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass – Immaculate Conception DEC. 8 Immaculate Conception Masses: 6:30a.m., 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. (Spanish) DEC. 6:00 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe 9, 10, 11 Triduo (Chapel) DEC. 10 6:00 p.m. Communion Service and no confessions this evening DEC. 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Masses: 5:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m. (English) 6:30 p.m. OLG Celebration in Wozniak Hall 7:30 p.m. Austin Civic Wind Ensemble Christmas Concert (Church)
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THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT DEC. 13 Third Sunday of Advent 3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Prayer (Chapel) 9:00 p.m. Sung Office of Compline (Chapel) DEC. 15 12:00 p.m. Advent Organ Concert (Church) 1:30 p.m. School Advent Penance Service DEC. 16-24 6:30 p.m. Las Posadas in Wozniak Hall DEC. 17-18 7:30 p.m. Ensemble VIII concerts (Chapel) FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT & CHRISTMAS DEC. 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent 3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Prayer (Chapel) 9:00 p.m. Sung Office of Compline (Chapel) DEC. 21 7:00 p.m. Simbang Gabi Mass DEC. 24 Christmas Eve Masses: 4:00 p.m. Children’s Mass, 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. (Spanish), 12 Midnight (with 11:30 p.m. Carols) DEC. 25 Christmas Day Masses: 9:30 a.m. (English), 11:30 a.m. (Spanish) HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY DEC. 27 3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Prayer (Chapel) 9:00 p.m. Sung Office of Compline (Chapel) NEW YEAR’S SCHEDULE Dec. 31 6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass (English) Jan. 1, 2016 New Year’s Day – Mary, Mother of God Masses: 9:30 a.m. (English), 11:30 a.m. (Spanish)
Pilgrimage to Italy! Look for brochures in the narthex tract racks! The trip takes place between December 27, 2016 to January 5, 2017. This 10-day choir pilgrimage will include Florence, Siena, Assisi, Rome and Vatican City. Our choir will be participating at a Papal Mass with His Holiness, Pope France, for the January 1st Feast Day of Mary in the Basilica of St. Ignatius. You don't have to be a choir member to attend! Special tours of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica ,and more are included. This all-inclusive package will include airfare from Austin and is coordinated by Peter's Way Tours. For more information, contact Chris Oelkers at chris.oelkers@st-louis.org
The Spirit of St. Louis
Triduo de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
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The Healing Sacrament
Capilla: Misa, Santo Rosario y Triduo • 1 DIA 9/dic (miércoles) 6:00- 7:00 p.m. • 2 DIA 10/dic (jueves) 6:00-7:00 p.m. • 3 DIA 11/dic (viernes) 6:00-7:00 p.m. DIA 12/DIC (viernes): Fiesta de N.S. de Guadalupe (Iglesia) • 4:00 a.m. Santo Rosario • 4:30 a.m. Las Mañanitas • 5:00 a.m. Misa (Bilingüe) Los niños son invitados a participar vestidos como “inditos” y traer una ofrenda de alimento para el Ministerio de la Dispensa o Pro-Vida. • 6:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Convivencia (Salón Wozniak)
The Sacrament of Healing which includes the laying on of hands and anointing is offered every second Sunday of each month during the 9:00 p.m. Compline service in the Chapel. Please join us Sundays, December 13 and January 10, 2016. Compline is the last liturgical office of the day and this meditative service, held each Sunday, includes beautiful Gregorian chants of the Church. This is a wonderful prayerful way to end your weekend and prepare for the new week ahead.
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Church Offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 23 at 12 Noon for the Christmas holiday, reopening for regular hours Monday-Wednesday, December 28-30. They will close again at 12 Noon on Thursday, December 31st for the New Year’s holiday, reopening for regular hours on Monday, January 4th. Happy Holidays, everyone!!
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Celebramos el decimo aniversario en honor a nuestra señora de Guadalupe en el Wozniak Hall.
Holiday Closures in December
Advent Reconciliation If you missed our Advent Penance Services on December 2nd, remember KJZT #93 president, Jane Hellinger, presented a check to the St. Louis Food we have regular confessions at the Pantry at the November 4th meeting. The funds were raised as part of the following times: Monday-Wednesday-Friday: 11:15“Feeding Families Across Texas” project. Pictured (L to R) are Phyllis Teykl, 11:45 a.m., right before the 12 Secretary; Bea Dela Rosa, Social Ministry Director, Jane Hellinger, Rev. James Noon Mass Misko, Pastor of St. Louis Church; Laura Duckworth, Vice-president; and Eileen Rosipal, Treasurer. Thursday: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Saturday: 8:30-10:00 a.m. and End-of Year Contributions 3:30-4:30 p.m. We are grateful for all donations, large or small, and hope that your generosity We urge you to take advantage of these will bring you much needed tax relief when filing your 2015 tax returns in opportunities to reconcile with God 2016. Per IRS regulations, St. Louis Church automatically sends out 2015 tax before Christmas! statements to anyone who has given a single donation of at least $250. Donors who don’t quite meet this threshold may contact the church office at 512454-0384 x 201 to request your statement. We are happy to mail your first statement at no charge, but ask that you pick up replacement statements from the Church Office during regular business hours. In order to receive 2015 credit for your donations, end-of-year contributions must be submitted to the Church Office no later than noon on December 31st.
KJZT #93
Las Posadas By Sumayah Abullarade Como hemos hecho desde hace ya varios años, en San Luis tendremos una vez más las tradicionales posadas del 16 al 24 de diciembre. Cada día, la organización estará a cargo de alguno de los ministerios hispanos. Un detalle especialmente bonito de nuestras posadas en San Luis, es que además del rezo del santo rosario, cada día se dedica a la reflexión de un valor o virtud, de modo que nos vayamos preparando para recibir al Niño Dios con el corazón dispuesto y el alma limpia. Pero... ¿Y qué son las posadas? Las Posadas son fiestas populares que se celebran en diferentes países de Latinoamérica como México, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, y Panamá durante los nueve días antes de la Navidad, es decir, del 16 al 24 de diciembre. En Colombia, Ecuador y Venezuela se celebra la Novena de Aguinaldos, fiesta religiosa muy similar. Los frailes evangelizadores, para facilitar la enseñanza de la Santa Madre Iglesia Católica a los indígenas del nuevo continente, realizaron representaciones del peregrinar de San José y la Virgen María a su salida de Nazaret, camino a Belén para empadronarse en el censo ordenado por César Augusto y posteriormente, el nacimiento de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Los misioneros convocaban al pueblo al atrio de las iglesias y conventos y ahí rezaban una novena, que se iniciaba con el rezo del Santo Rosario, acompañado de cantos y representaciones basadas en el Evangelio, como recordatorio de la espera del Niño. Las posadas se llevaban a cabo los nueve días previos a la Navidad, simbolizando los nueve meses de espera de María. Al terminar, los monjes repartían a los asistentes fruta y dulces como signo de las gracias que recibían aquellos que aceptaban la doctrina de Jesús. Las posadas, con el tiempo, se comenzaron a llevar a cabo en barrios y en casas, pasando a la vida familiar. Estas comienzan con el rezo del Rosario y el canto de las letanías. Al terminar las letanías se dividen en dos grupos: uno entra a la casa y otro pide posada imitando a San José y la Santísima Virgen cuando llegaron a Belén. Los peregrinos reciben acogida por parte del grupo que se encuentra en el interior. Luego sigue la fiesta con el canto de villancicos y se termina rompiendo las piñatas y distribuyendo los “aguinaldos”. Se puede celebrar cada día en una casa diferente, o bien, se tiene la costumbre de organizar a los vecinos por calles o cuadras y de este modo, a cada cuadra le va tocando la realización de Novena de Posadas Preparacion a cada una de las 9 posadas. Es una tradición católica, por lo Navidad que las personas rezan y cantan villancicos navideños cada día. Los caseros ofrecen ponche, cañas, naranjas o mandarinas 1 DIA -16/DIC (miércoles) 6:30 p.m.-8:30 pm. y una bolsita con dulces y cacahuates llamada aguinaldo, sin • Guadalupanas/Grupo del Rosario- Wozniak Hall faltar las piñatas llenas de dulces. Vivamos esta Navidad en familia. Hagamos de cada posada una fiesta vivida en el amor de Dios. Que sea una oportunidad 2 DIA -17/DIC (jueves) 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. para reunirnos con la gente de nuestra parroquia, con • Movimiento Familiar Cristiano - Wozniak Hall los amigos, con los hermanos, con toda la familia. Una oportunidad para orar juntos, para reavivar en nosotros la fe, la esperanza y la caridad; para instruir a los más pequeños no 3 DIA- 18/DIC (viernes) 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. solo en nuestras tradiciones, sino en lo que significa el hecho • Vía Crucis - Wozniak Hall de Dios se haya hecho hombre. Todos están cordialmente invitados a participar de esta hermosa tradición, cada día desde el 16 al 24 de diciembre a las 6:30 p.m. en el Wozniak 4 DIA -19/DIC (sábado) 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Hall. Para más información, comunicase con Sumayah • Jóvenes Adultos – Wozniak Hall Abullarade al 512-454-0384 ext. 216.
The “Posadas”
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By Sumayah Abullarade As we have done for several years at St. Louis, we will celebrate the traditional Posadas, from December 16th to 24th. Every day, one of the Hispanic Ministries will be in charge of the organization. An especially nice touch of our Posadas in St Louis is that along with the praying of the Holy Rosary, every day is dedicated to the reflection of a value or virtue, so we can be better prepared to welcome Baby Jesus with open heart and a clean soul. But... What are Las Posadas? Posada is Spanish for “lodging”, or “accommodation”; it is said in plural because it is a celebration that takes place in more than one day. Las Posadas are celebrations held in different Latin American countries such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Panama during the nine days before Christmas, that is, from the 16th to the 24th of December. In Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela’s Novenas de Aguinaldos are celebrated instead of the Posadas. It is a very similar religious festival. Evangelizer friars, in order to facilitate the teaching of Our Holy Mother the Catholic Church to the indigenous of the New World, made representations of the pilgrimage of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem in order to register in the census ordered by Caesar Augustus and subsequently of the birth of Jesus Christ. The missionaries gathered the people at the atrium of churches and convents, and there they prayed a novena, which began with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, accompanied by songs and performances based on the Gospel, as a reminder of the coming of the Child. When finished, the monks handed out to the attendees, fruit and candy as a sign of the many graces that those who accepted the doctrine of Jesus would receive. The Posadas were performed nine days before Christmas symbolizing the nine months of Mary´s pregnancy. The Posadas over time began to take place in neighborhoods and homes, being part of the family life. They begin with the Rosary and singing of the litanies. When finishing the litanies, attendees are divided into two groups: one group enters the house and the other waits outside asking for a place at the Inn, imitating Joseph and Mary when they went to Bethlehem. The pilgrims are welcomed by the group inside the house. Then follows the party, with the singing of Christmas carols, the breaking of the piñata, and handing out the “aguinaldos” (little Novena de Posadas Preparacion a bags filled with candy and fruit). Posadas can be celebrated every day in a different home or they can be organized by neighborhoods, streets or blocks and thus, blocks take turns preparing the Posada each of the nine days. It is a Catholic tradition, so that people pray and sing Christmas carols every day. The hosts offer punch, oranges or tangerines and a bag of candy called “Aguinaldo”. Piñatas filled with candy are also part of the celebration. Let us live this Christmas in family. Let´s make of each posada a feast of the love of God. It is an opportunity to meet with the people of our parish, friends, brothers and sisters, with the whole family. An opportunity to pray together, to rekindle in us our faith, hope and love; to teach the little ones not only about our traditions, but the deep meaning of God becoming man. You all are cordially invited to participate in this beautiful tradition, every day from December 16th to 24th at 6:30 p.m. in Wozniak Hall. For more information, please contact Sumayah Abullarade at 512-454-0384 ext. 216
Navidad
5 DIA 20/DIC (domingo) 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. • CRSP: HOMBRES - Wozniak Hall 6 DIA 21/DIC (lunes) 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. • CRSP: MUJERES - Wozniak Hall 7 DIA 22/DIC (martes) 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. • Grupo de Oración - Wozniak Hall 8 DIA 23/DIC (miércoles) 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. • Estudio Bíblico - Wozniak Hall 9 DIA 24/DIC (jueves) 7:30 p.m. • Comunidad - Solo Novena (Capilla)
Around the Diocese and beyond Catholic Services Appeal 2015
Considering the Diaconate?
Hands of Mercy is the theme for this year’s annual Catholic Services Appeal for the Diocese of Austin that kicked off in November. Your donation to the CSA is a powerful witness of God’s love. By contributing, you are becoming an instrument of Christ’s love and providing him with the hands through which he is to bless the world. If you missed the CSA in November, please prayerfully consider donating before the end of the year. You may donate a one-time gift or pledge a certain amount over the next ten months, paying by check, credit card or bank deduction. If you pledged an amount over several months, send your checks directly to the Diocese of Austin CSA, 6225 Highway 290 East, Austin, 78723-1025. Please do not place CSA envelopes in the parish collection basket as your pledge is with the Diocese and only they can give you credit for your donation. Your participation, no matter how large or small, indicates that you want to help your diocese reach out in meaningful ways to spread the Good News to our Central Texas community. Thank you for being Christ’s hands of mercy!
• Are you a Catholic man between the ages of 30 and 57? • Have you recently become aware of a desire to deepen your faith life, but not sure why? • Have you felt a greater need to know Christ more intimately or to follow Him more fully? • Has your awareness increased about the needs of the materially and spiritually poor? • Do you have a desire to respond to those needs in a meaningful way? • Do you live a mature faith, love the Church and follow Church teaching, but want to do more?
Save the Date! 13th Annual Benefit Banquet OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS MATERNITY SHELTER
Everyone is invited to this annual benefit on Friday, February 5th, Bell County Expo Center. Social Hour and Bucket Raffle is from 6:00 to 7:00pm. Dinner and program will be 7:15 to 9:00pm. OLAMS provides a temporary shelter to pregnant women and their children. The shelter offers a place where women may receive services with dignity and respect, giving them a respite from homelessness and opportunities to become selfsufficient. Contact http://ladyoftheangels.org or (254) 742-2340 for information and tickets.
10th Annual Creating Hope Luncheon BENEFITING CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL TEXAS
Save the date for an unforgettable event in which the mission of Catholic Charities of Central Texas will be shared by those whose lives it has touched. You’ll enjoy a complimentary lunch as you see that it only takes ONE to restore hope in Central Texas. Join them Noon-1:00pm on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency-Austin. For information contact Kristen Erdem at Kristen-erdem@ ccctx.org or (5512) 651-6132.
If you answered yes to some of these questions, the Holy Spirit might be calling you to explore the permanent diaconate. Talk to your pastor and, with his permission, consider attending a final Inquiry session (in Spanish and English) at the Pastoral Center, 6225 Highway 290 East, Austin on April 10. The diaconal formation class of 2022 will begin forming in January 2017. For additional information, call 512-949-2459 or email diaconateformation@austindiocese.org
Annulment: Pathway to Healing • Are you in the process of completing a formal petition for an annulment? • Are you someone who is reluctant to begin this lengthy process? The Diocese of Austin Tribunal wants to help you begin the journey toward healing that is involved in seeking an annulment. Sessions held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center can help you understand the process. The first session will be held on Friday evening, January 22 from 7:00-9:00pm, followed by a Saturday session, January 23, from 9:00am4:00pm. Divorced Catholics, who have not received an annulment but want to marry, may often remarry in a civil ceremony. Unfortunately that civil union prevents them from full participation in the Church’s sacramental life. The Church wants to help you return to full communion with the faith. You are urged to first consult with a priest or deacon in your own parish to see what path you need to take. If a Declaration of Nullity is required, consider attending these sessions in January to begin the journey toward healing and hope.
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Simbang Gabi Returns to St. Louis Parish MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
The Philippines, the only Catholic country in the Far East, has diverse religious traditions and practices especially during the Christmas Season. One of these is the widely acclaimed “Simbang Gabi” celebrated as a nine-day novena honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, as the Mother of God. In some churches, the “panuluyan”, a re-enactment play of the journey of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable lodging, is independently presented, very similar to the Hispanic “Las Posadas”. The spirit of “Simbang Gabi” is a very powerful force that gathers and re-unites families and friends together in reconciliation with one another. Indeed “Simbang Gabi” has become one of the most popular traditions of the Filipinos, not only as a family but also as a nation. More than anything else, “Simbang Gabi” is a spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is important to Filipinos as a time where their Catholic faith is sustained, enriched and intensified. The public is invited to attend one or all of the scheduled Masses in the area. The full schedule of “Simbang Gabi” Masses in the Austin area is as follows: • Tuesday, December 15 7:00pm St. Elizabeth of • Sunday, December 20 7:00pm St. Albert the Great, Hungary, Pflugerville Austin • Wednesday, December 16 7:00pm Seton Hospital – • Monday, December 21 7:00pm St. Louis, King of Williamson County, Round Rock France, Austin • Thursday, December 17 7:00pm St. Vincent de Paul, Austin • Friday, December 18 7:00pm Seton HospitalWilliamson County, Round Rock
• Tuesday, December 22 7:00pm St. Paul, Austin • Wednesday, December 23 7:30pm St. Albert the Great, Austin, with Most Rev. Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Garcia, Celebrant
• Saturday, December 19 7:00pm St. Margaret Mary, Austin
Rosario en Familia
Praying the Rosary in Family
El sábado 10 de Octubre, celebramos la Fiesta del Santo Rosario. Comenzamos con la celebración de la Santa Misa a las 8 AM en la Capilla. De allí partimos en procesión hasta el Jardín de María, donde rezamos el primer misterio gozoso. El Segundo misterio lo ofrecimos por los niños no nacidos a causa del aborto y fue rezado junto a las cruces en el jardín de la iglesia. Continuamos en procesión hacia la fachada norte donde rezamos el tercer misterio junto a la imagen de Jesús crucificado. El cuarto lo rezamos junto a la imagen de la Sagrada Familia en la Escuela St. Louis y finalmente fuimos al sótano donde concluyó el rosario y disfrutamos de una buena comida en compañía de todos los participantes. Muchísimas gracias a todos los asistentes a este hermoso evento en honor de Nuestra Madre y en especial los Auxiliadores de María y al Grupo del Rosario junto a todos aquellos que colaboraron para hacerlo posible.
On Saturday October 10, we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Rosary. We started with the Holy Mass at 8 AM in the Chapel. From there we processed to Mary´s Garden where we prayed the first joyful mystery. The second mystery was offered for the unborn children from abortion, and was prayed at the crosses in the church´s garden. We continue in procession to the north façade where we prayed the third mystery next to the image of Jesus crucified. The fourth one was prayed at the image of the Holy Family in St. Louis School and finally we went to the basement where the rosary concluded and we all enjoyed a nice meal. Many thanks to all those attending this wonderful event in honor of Our Mother, especially los Auxiliadores de María and the Group of the Rosary along with all those who helped to make this event possible.
Iubilæum Misericordiæ By: Fr. David Trahan The ‘Year of Mercy’ that begins on 08 December 2015 is a Year of Jubilee, which normally occurs every 25 or 50 years, but the Holy Father has called an “extraordinary” Jubilee to allow us to reflect on and more deeply participate in God’s mercy in our lives. A “jubilee” has its origins in the Levitical laws (Lev. 25:8–13): You shall count seven weeks of years—seven times seven years—such that the seven weeks of years amount to forty-nine years. Then, on the tenth day of the seventh month let the ram’s horn resound; on this, the Day of Atonement, the ram’s horn blast shall resound throughout your land. You shall treat this fiftieth year as sacred. You shall proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to your own property, each of you to your own family. This fiftieth year is your year of jubilee; you shall not sow, nor shall you reap the after growth or pick the untrimmed vines, since this is the jubilee. It shall be sacred for you. You may only eat what the field yields of itself. In this year of jubilee, then, each of you shall return to your own property. Thus, every fifty years was a לבוי, a jubilee, the conclusion to seven seven-year cycles that mirrored the Sabbath cycle of days. This word was translated into the Greek scriptures as ἀφέσεως σημασία, or a “trumpet blast of liberty.” “Liberty” in the sense of being loosed from bondage is itself a merciful act, so the whole idea of a jubilee is a celebration of mercy—the mercy of God Who brought His people into the land, the mercy of Israel in restoring the proper ordering of things in accord with God’s will, the mercy of those who possess the fruits of the land to share with those who much go without. Therefore the Jubilee Year, as an instrument of mercy, shows us already the proper role of mercy—it restores the God-given order of the world.
The ‘bull of indication’ promulgated by Pope Francis instituting this extraordinary Jubilee is entitled Misericordiae Vultus, in English “The Face of Mercy”. The pope writes that “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy”, which calls attention to the easy-tooverlook fact that mercy is something that Someone gives to us. Mercy is not simply a force or an abstract, but it is something directly and personally willed by Another Who seeks to draw us close to Him. In the words of the Psalmist, “O God, restore us; light up your face and we shall be saved.” A face is where we encounter another as someone other. A child looks to it’s mother’s face for encouragement and expression and learns to pattern its own reactions by the ‘light of her face’. When we really seek to know what someone is thinking, we meet them ‘face to face’. When we want to hide our identities, we shroud our faces. Even the pontiff’s motto (taken from Venerable Bede’s commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, where “Jesus looked upon Matthew with merciful love and chose him”), miserando atque eligendo, holds this truth— God deliberately chooses to bestow mercy upon us, to draw us to Himself and to restore to us the dignity we spurn. Yet to receive that mercy requires at least two things of us—first that we recognize our need for that mercy, and second that we recognize the One Who bestows mercy in order to be able to be open to it. Combining both of these when we consider the story of the Prodigal Son, it is often easy to identify with the younger or older son in the story focusing on our own wanderings and misdeeds, but how often do we reflect on being merciful and welcoming as the father? The motto of the Year of Mercy is precisely this: “Merciful like the Father”. This allows us to focus on the Father as the source of mercy and to deepen our relationship with Him in this coming year. This also invites us to recognize our failures to show mercy to others, to ‘forgive as we ourselves have been forgiven’, and leads
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OUR SACRAMENTS OUR FAITH us to not only seek the Father’s mercy for our own benefit but to become conduits of His mercy in this world. Mercy does not annihilate justice; rather justice, as the pope states, “expresses God’s way of reaching out to the sinner, offering him a new chance to look at himself, convert, and believe. …God’s justice is His mercy given to everyone as a grace that flows from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Thus the Cross of Christ is God’s judgement on all of us and on the whole world, because through it He offers us the certitude of love and new life.” Seeing mercy as the ’trumpet blast of freedom’, in the context of a jubilee, allows us to see that mercy has the same end as justice—a right-ordering in God and a restoration to the dignity that was given and intended at Creation. We are all called in this coming year to allow our faces to ‘shine’ with mercy, to reflect the glory of the Father into the world in which we find ourselves. It is only by bearing the Father’s ’face of mercy’ upon our own that we can have hearts open to truly receive the mercy that is offered. May the Lord in this Year of Mercy turn His radiant Face towards us that we may be saved! Prayer for the Year of Mercy 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; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that You spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!” 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, her 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: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send Your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with His anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, 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 of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
“The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church123)
BAPTISMS OCTOBER 6 – NOVEMBER 5, 2015
Bryan Jaimes-Antonio Jaime Camilo Jaimes-Antonio Ubaldo Ruiz-Gorostieta Gypsy Stephanie Salgado-Benavidez Arely Lorena Sanchez Leilani Alejandra Sanchez Asher Richard Jalbert
MARRIAGES & CONVALIDATIONS OCTOBER 6 – NOVEMBER 5, 2015
David Charles Jue and Priscilla Xuan Thanh Pham Camilo Jaimes-Victoriano and Adriana Antonio-Bautista Douglas A. Leach and Jaime Victoria Anzures Jose Luis DeLara-Gutierrez and Elisabel Loera-Rodriguez Robert Joseph Canedo and Yvette Trujillo
RECENTLY DECEASED Mary Alba Moya Gabriel Hernandez
New Leadership in Your Ministry? If you have elected new officers or other leadership in your ministry/organization that meets on the St. Louis campus, be sure the new people are certified in the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry policies of the Diocese of Austin. They must have completed an Application for Ministry for a background check and should have attended an EIM workshop. Call Brenda Beltran (512) 454-0384 x 211 or contact her by email to report names of new leaders or to check on EIM status: brenda.beltran@st-louis.org
ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS PREPARING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW WITH THE LIGHT OF CHRIST AS THEIR GUIDE
Open House Please join us for our Annual Open House at the beginning of Catholic School’s week on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 10am-3:30pm. Student Ambassadors will be conducting tours and teachers will be available in their classrooms for any questions you might have. If you cannot join us for Open House, please join us on Welcome Tuesdays! Every Tuesday morning through the end of the school year, families may come by the school for tours and information without appointments. Tours may also be scheduled upon request. Please contact Mrs. Dowling at 512-6146622 x245 for more information.
Success
STARTS HERE
WWW.SLCSAUSTIN.ORG 512-614-6622 2114 ST. JOSEPH STREET AUSTIN, TX 78757
f l
/SLCSAUSTIN
Registration Starting in January, we will begin taking applications for the 2016-2017 school year. We offer a Christ-centered education for students in Pre-K4 through 8th grade and our graduates continue to make us proud. Tours are available by appointment; please contact Mrs. Dowling at 512-614-6622, ext. 245 for more information. Forms and additional information are available on the school website at slcsaustin.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
@SLCSAUSTIN
School Holidays (No classes): Christmas December 18th (noon) - January 4th, 2015 Students Return on January 5th
Save the Dates!
Dinner and Auction, Green and White Night February 6, 2015 DoubleTree Hotel Austin Cougar Classic Golf Tournament April 25, 2015 Twin Creeks Country Club
The Heart of St. Louis ANNUAL APPEAL
Thank you to those who have already shown their support for Catholic Education with a donation to our Annual Appeal. We are so blessed to have the Heart of this parish support our students and the school’s mission, which is “to prepare the leaders of tomorrow with the light of Christ as their guide.” Be sure to make your donations before the end of the year to be acknowledged for the 2015 calendar year! For more information, please contact Ms. Tamara Luera, Director of Advancement, at 512-614-6622 x296.
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Student Happenings
Students have had a busy start to the school year! We hosted our first Fall Grandparents/Grand-Friends Day and it was a great success. Grands visited the classrooms with their little ones and made trips to the book fair.
We had a great All Saints Mass put on by our 1st grade. The Annual Christmas Program is scheduled for December 14th in Wozniak Hall and students are working hard to make an enjoyable night. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten students have a special presentation at our school Nativity Mass on December 18th, at 8:00 a.m.
Early Childhood Ministry SERVING OUR YOUNGEST PARISHIONERS
Vacation Bible School We are seeking volunteers to help on the CORE Team for Vacation Bible School (VBS) this coming year. The CORE Team will meet once a month beginning in February. The dates for VBS are June 27-July 1. This year’s theme is Cave Quest: Following Jesus the Light of the World. For more information please contact Mary Beth Skinnell at 512-614-6551.
Parent Class ECDC is hosting a class for parents on Thursday, January 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Wozniak Hall. Kate Nyquist with Center for Child Protection, a children’s advocacy center, will be discussing ways parents can keep their children safe. For more information contact the ECDC office at 512-614-6551.
Happenings at ECDC •
• • •
When the children arrive back at school on December 7, they will find their stockings filled with treats from St. Nick. Fr. Alberto will read the Christmas Story to the Pre-K 3 & 4 classes on December 8th. ECDC students will be collecting toiletries for Social Ministries during the month of December. ECDC will be hosting their annual Catholic Early Education Conference on January 23. The conference is for teachers and Directors in the Austin Diocese who work with children ages 0-5 years.
School closings • •
December 21- January 4: Christmas Break January 18: Martin Luther King Day
Save The Date Vacation Bible School, June 27-July 1, 2016
Early Childhood Development Center Legos and Playdough-A Dynamic Duo FROM: FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNICATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
Children are not born with fine motor control. The process does begin early, when infants and toddlers reach for and grasp objects. But development and coordination of wrist and finger muscles-necessary for handwriting later-come slowly and require lots of practice. Adults can help children develop fine motor control by providing appropriate materials. Playdough and Legos are two of the best materials. One of the many skills learned through playing with playdough and Legos is the development of strength and dexterity in hands. Simply through pinching, rolling, and shaping playdough, children develop strength in finger and wrist muscles. Connecting Legos together develops hand muscles and the pincer grasp, the touching of the thumb and fingers that is important for holding pens, pencils, silverware, brushes, and other tools. Playdough and Legos are both open-ended materials. Children can experiment with these however they choose. These materials not only help develop fine motor skills but also provide opportunities for practice and discovery of many math-related skills. Both materials provide hours of enjoyment, many ways to enhance fine motor skills, and great opportunities for intellectual development.
The Spirit of St. Louis
St. Louis Catholic School H.S.A. Invites the Parishioners of St. Louis to our Annual Green & White Night—Dinner and Auc�on
February 6, 2016 Doubletree Hotel 6505 IH‐35 North Aus�n, TX 78752
6:00 pm: Pacese�er Preview Hour 7:00 pm: Doors Open 7:30 pm: Dinner and Live Auc�on 9:00 pm: Casino opens 11:00 pm: Event closes
For addi�onal informa�on, please visit our website. www.slcsaus�n.org/advancement/annualschoolauc�on/
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Music Ministry THE SOUND OF MUSIC AT ST. LOUIS CHURCH
Advent Organ Concerts
Do You Love Music?
The Advent Organ Concert series is a long-standing and beloved musical tradition at St. Louis Parish, continuing this year with a couple of outstanding performances in store for you:
We would be delighted to have you drop by: • Handbells: 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesdays in school room 120. Experienced ringers welcome! • Parish Choir: 7:15 – 9:00 pm, Wednesdays in school room 120. Experienced singers welcome!
• Tuesday, December 1st: Chris Oelkers, organ, and Robert Laguna, trumpet.
• Family Choir: 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Thursdays in the church. All are welcome-no experience needed!
• Tuesday, December 15th: Storm Knien, organ (Director of Music at St. Albert Parish).
• Compline Men’s Choir: 7:00 – 9:30 pm, Sunday evenings in the church and chapel. All men with some choral experience are welcome!
The concerts take place at 12:00 noon in the main church and are free. A nice hot lunch may be had in the parish hall afterward, for $7.00.
• Cantor Ministry: call Chris for details. Contact Chris at (512) 454-0384, ext. 202 or chris.oelkers@ st-louis.org ahead of time, so that we can welcome you.
Austin Civic Wind Ensemble Concert SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12TH, 7:30 PM MAIN CHURCH
The ACWE returns for another Christmas Spectacular! Don’t miss this fun, family-oriented event, which has in a few short years become a tradition at our parish. Admission is free and open to the public.
Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Schmitt 1927 – 2015 FOUNDING MEMBER OF ST. LOUIS PARISH
On January 6, 1952, a young 25-year old seminarian by the name of Joseph Schmitt, was an altar server at the first parochial Mass of St. Louis Parish, held in a renovated, temporary “church” at 5249 Burnet Road. The son of Mrs. Shirmer Mueller, his mother and step-father had been key players since 1950, in the formation of the fledgling north Austin parish under the direction of its first Pastor, Rev. Edward C. Matocha. Joseph’s sister, Shirley Mueller LeBlanc, her husband Newton, and their family are still members of St. Louis Parish today, almost 64 years later. The young Joseph had earned his Bachelor’s degree in business from St. Edward’s University in 1950 and entered the seminary at La Porte soon afterward. Ordained to the priesthood from St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston on May 28, 1955, by Most Reverend Louis J. Reicher, the new Father Schmitt served as Associate Pastor of our parish for 15 years, during which he was also Director of the Diocesan Office of Education. His expertise in education enabled him to be a guiding force in the development of our parish school during its early years. He also became the chaplain at Seton Medical Center during this period, concurrently serving 18 years in hospital ministry. In 1970, he became the founding pastor of St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Lago Vista, a position he held for over 40 years. On February 8, 1985, Father Schmitt was awarded the Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II because of his distinguished service to the Church. Msgr. Schmitt retired in July of 2011, serving as Pastor Emeritus of the parish he’d founded in Lago Vista, until his death October 7th of this year at the age of 88. As St. Louis Parish celebrated the ordination of this “favorite son” six decades ago, we now honor and remember his sixty years of dedicated service to our diocese and parish. Msgr. Joseph J. Schmitt was a “good and faithful servant” throughout his career and St. Louis Parish and School benefitted greatly from his presence among us!
F JESUS’ MERCY PROTECTION OF RGIN MOTHER
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The Spirit of St. Louis
Praying The Divine Mercy Chaplet During The Year of Mercy As we approach the beginning of the Year of Mercy, as proclaimed by Pope Francis, the Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church invite you to join us in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet weekly in the Chapel every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Year of Mercy will be from The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuesday, December 8, 2015, through the Feast of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Sunday, November 20, 2016. Therefore, we will begin the weekly intercessory prayer of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and selected prayers from the Diary of St. Faustina on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. The Divine Mercy devotion was given to us by Our Lord Jesus Christ, through St. Faustina Kowalska. St. Faustina was a Polish nun who lived from August 25, 1905 through October 5, 1938. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1925. During her time in the convent, our Lord Jesus Christ chose her as the Apostle and Secretary of His Mercy. She recorded the various aspects of her mission in a diary, which she kept at the specific request of her confessor and spiritual director, Fr. Michael Sopocko, and later at the command of the Lord Jesus Himself. Her mission consisted in three main tasks: • Reminding the world and the Church of the truth of God’s mercy for every human being, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures • Entreating Divine Mercy for the whole world, especially for poor sinners, through the practice of devotion to the Divine Mercy • Initiating the apostolic movement of Divine Mercy, the followers of which proclaim and entreat Divine Mercy for the whole world and strive to practice the works of mercy following the example of St. Faustina
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Spanish Mass & Confessions Cancelled On Thursday, December 10th, Bishop Vasquez is hosting all priests in the Diocese for a dinner at Wozniak Hall. Consequently, the regularly scheduled 6:00pm Mass that day will be a Communion Service only. There will also be no confessions that Thursday evening. Please make note of this change if you attend that weekly Mass.
La Misa en Español y la Confesiones son canceladas El jueves, 10 de diciembre el Obispo José Vasquez tendrá una cena para todos los sacerdotes de la Diócesis en Wozniak Hall. Debido a esto, la Misa programada para las 6:00 p.m. ese día solo será un Servicio de Comunión. También se cancelarán las confesiones de esa noche. Por favor tome en cuenta este cambio si planea asistir a la Misa del jueves, 10 de diciembre.
Planning Marriage in the Future? The Sacrament of Marriage involves many steps, but your faith community is here to assist you. While you don’t have to be a member to marry here, it is the support and tithes of our generous parishioners that make our marriage programs and facilities possible. Consequently, fees for the rental of facilities are assessed according to parishioner or nonparishioner status. If you have been a registered member and documented giver (through checks or envelopes) for at least six months before coming in to plan a future wedding, you will be eligible for the discounted parishioner rate at a savings of $600. Call our Church Office for more information on this and all questions related to the marriage preparation process (512) 454-0384.
Cultivating a Deeper Relationship with God THROUGH EUCHARISTIC ADORATION By: Chris Ojeda In the Eucharist, Jesus prolongs His presence on earth and remembered something I wish I had said, during my brief most completely fulfills His words: “And behold, I am with moments. Suddenly, a sense of peace came over me and you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20) I smiled, as I realized that what I had experienced that One of the best kept secrets hidden in plain sight here night, however brief, I experience every time I approach at St. Louis Catholic Church is our Perpetual Adoration our beloved Jesus during my holy hour in Eucharistic chapel. It is referred to as “perpetual” because the Blessed Adoration. Sometimes, the weather is threatening or a Sacrament is exposed twenty four hours a day, seven days a downpour occurs, but that does not deter my journey to week. Having this gift means every effort should be made visit the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel. How to ensure that there are at least two people present every peculiar a parallel, you may say, but, as I thought about the hour. There must absolutely never be any period when the anticipation of meeting the performer, how much greater Blessed Sacrament is exposed and there is no one present my anticipation as I arrive to meet Jesus.
for adoration. It may prove necessary to expose the Blessed As I visit Jesus, there is no rush. I take my seat then take a Sacrament for adoration only at stated times when members deep cleansing breath. Jesus patiently waits as I gather my of the faithful are present. thoughts. No rush. I gaze upon the Blessed Sacrament in It is said that a congregation is truly transformed when the monstrance, being reminded that the monstrance is an adoration is offered. Transformation comes in the change image of Our Lady and the Divine Host positioned within of attitude towards confession; no longer dreading and her womb. How profound! The Jesus who is truly present in avoiding confession for after experiencing the powerful the Holy Eucharist is the same Jesus who lived in the womb love that our Eucharistic Lord has for us, we long for of that Holy Virgin for nine months. reconciliation. What better place is there to make an examination of conscience than in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? (Msgr. Ronald Knox) Another change is the reverence and deportment for the Blessed Sacrament when receiving communion.
I recently went to see a live show. Although the weather called for rain and storms, I was not deterred, because I knew I had the opportunity to meet the performer when the show was over. Those who were interested in meeting the performer, formed a line and waited the few minutes it took to set up the meeting area. The line began to move and there was a sense of giddiness and anticipation amongst those in line; with cameras ready and ideas about what was going to be said in conversation. As my turn came, I used the few minutes to let the performer know how much I appreciated the show, to let her know how big a fan I was, and then took a photo. Suddenly, the visit was over.
In the quiet, I can reflect on my concerns, and give them to Jesus. Sometimes He answers me during my holy hour and sometimes His answer comes later -- but it always comes. At times, I reflect on the daily readings, through the use of the publication Word Among Us. I sometimes kneel in prayer and recite the Holy Rosary or pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Jesus convicts my heart at times, but I am assured that Jesus loves me and only wants the best for me; we all have our shortcomings and failures. I even get a chuckle now and then as I recall instances since my last visit that, at the time, did not seem related to my journey with Christ, yet, there He was. It is a reminder that He is always with me.
In Adoration I am able to experience this over and over again any time I want, with no limit on time or pressure to find the right words. To be in His presence and to be in awe, I come to Jesus to express my appreciation for what He Some of you have had this same opportunity to meet has done for me. In His presence I can say what is on my someone you admire and share a few minutes with them. mind and in my heart. I give thanks for the time together. How giddy or awestruck you were; maybe not even able Sometimes the words do not come to me. Jesus knows. He to speak or get the words out you had rehearsed. And in is elated just that I came. As I depart, I eagerly anticipate an instant, the experience was over, and you leave, wishing my return. Jesus will be there. you could relive that moment; maybe regretting the lost Jesus never tires of our visits and desires to be with us for opportunity to say what was on your mind. as long as possible; we just need to choose the hour. We are On my way home, I thought about that experience and assured that, should we forget to tell Him something on our mind, we have the opportunity to return and resume our
The Spirit of St. Louis
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conversation with Him any time. Jesus will be there. Adoration strengthened and prepared me to accept and cope during my bout with cancer in 2010. Adoration has given me a deeper love of Jesus and I truly feel His presence. It has given me a deeper appreciation in receiving Holy Communion and in my ‘Amen’. Adoration has given me a fire and desire to build upon my relationship with Jesus through my involvement with other ministries, such as a team leader for Adult Confirmation, and in attending events, like the Fall Priests Series, and Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men’s annual conference and Mass. I challenge you to grow in your faith. I am a proponent of the ACTS ministry, King’s Men and Adoration, as they have led me to being a better husband, father, brother, son and friend. I want that for you, too. I encourage, no, implore you, to commit to a specific holy hour each week with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Don’t note this as something to do as a New Year’s resolution; commit to it now. Commit to building or strengthening your relationship with Jesus in his presence. God is never outdone in generosity. Make time for Jesus, and you will see your sacrifice blessed. Encourage your family members and friends to join you. This ensures that, should you not be able to make your holy hour, our Lord Jesus is not left unattended. Anyone is welcome at any time during the day or night to pray and meditate in the Adoration chapel. For more information and to sign-up for a specified hour, please contact adoration@st-louis.org.
Kudos for Anniversaries!
Happy 50th Anniversary Father Oliver! For those of you who remember Fr. Oliver Weerakkody, you will rejoice with us as he celebrates his Golden Jubilee in 2015. His actual anniversary of ordination is December 21st but he celebrated with his Sri Lankan classmates in October. He has asked for our prayers in thanksgiving for his service to the Church over 50 years and for the blessing of his 75 years of life! If you would like to remember Fr. Oliver with a card or donation, those may be sent to his good friend in Pflugerville, who handles his correspondence and checking account. (The postal system in Sri Lanka is not reliable.) Good wishes may be sent to the address below and checks may be payable to Fr. Oliver Weerakkody directly at: Rev. Don Oliver Weerakkody c/o Rev. Edward Benarsi 18208 Mammoth Cave Blvd. Pflugerville, TX 78660
Celebrating a Landmark Wedding Anniversary in 2015? Marriage recognition certificates, signed by Bishop Joe Vasquez, will once again be available for those couples celebrating a landmark wedding anniversary in 2015. Couples married validly in the Church for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 years and over can be presented their certificates on the weekend of Holy Family (December 27th) at a designated Mass or they can be picked up in the Church Office after that. Please contact Evelyn with your names and landmark anniversary at evelyn.mcnair@st-louis.org or by calling (512) 454-0384 ext. 209. Deadline to apply for a certificate is December 15th.
parish social MINISTRy SERVING THE NEEDIEST AMONG US
For Whom The Bell s Toll Please remember to keep in prayer the souls of those inmates who have been executed and those who may be executed. Pray also for the victims of crime, the executioner and all of their families.
DECEMBER 2015 14 14
AR Marcel Wayne Williams Stayed AR Jack Harold Jones Jr. Stayed
JANUARY 2015 7 FL Oscar Bolin 14 AR Jason McGehee - Stayed 14 AR Kenneth Williams - Stayed 20 TX Richard Masterson 21 OH Ronald Phillips - Reprieve Granted 21 OH Jeffery Wogenstahl Stayed 27 TX James Freeman
Life, Dignity & Justice Ministry Please look for representatives from Life, Dignity & Justice Ministry in the narthex, on January 16-17 and January 23-24, to sign up for 40 Days For Life, the sidewalk prayer campaign which runs February 10 through March 20, 2016.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, in which traffickers manipulate and force victims to provide labor or engage in commercial sex acts. Traffickers are motivated by high profits, and will target any individuals whom they perceive as vulnerable. Victims can be U.S. citizens, non-citizens with or without legal status, men, women, boys or girls. Victims of trafficking can be from any social or economic status, educational background, race, culture, gender or age. Even though human trafficking is concentrated on sex trafficking there’s also labor trafficking. The victims are led to believe they will be working the job of their dreams, earning a lot of money, receiving a good education, economic security and even love. Once the victims are where they’re needed, their passports, social security, identification and other important papers are taken from them. Victims are threatened not to think about escaping or their families will be hurt and they themselves may endure physical, psychological and/or sexual abuse. Even though 150 years ago slavery was abolished, there are 20 to 30 million more people in slavery today than in any time in history, with an estimated 17,500 people trafficked into the U.S. annually. State officials estimate almost 20 percent of all victims travel through Texas making Texas #2 in human trafficking. According to the National Trafficking Hotline, they receive more calls from Texas than any other state in the U.S. and 15% of calls come from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Sadly, human slavery remains a thriving $150 billion economic industry globally, but it is also a sin against humanity and, therefore, a concern for the church. There are 600,000 to 800,000 people that are trafficked across international borders every year, of which 80% are females and half are children ages12-13 years old. (U.S. State Department) “I have always been distressed at the lot of those who are victims of various kinds of human trafficking. How I wish that all of us would hear God’s cry: ‘Where is your brother?’ (Gen 4:9). Where is your brother or sister who is enslaved? Where is the brother and sister whom you are killing each day in clandestine warehouses, in rings of prostitution, in children used for begging, in exploiting undocumented labour? Let us not look the other way.” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium) In the International Conference on “Twenty-First-Century Slaver” Pope John Paul II wrote a letter stating that “Human trafficking constitutes a shocking offense against human dignity and a grave violation of fundamental human rights. In particular, the sexual exploitation of women and children is a particularly repugnant aspect of this trade, and must be recognized as an intrinsic violation of human dignity and human rights.” (Pope John Paul II, Letter to Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran) The mission of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Anti-Trafficking Program (ATP) is to educate on the scourge of human trafficking as an offense against fundamental dignity of the human person; to advocate for an end to modern day slavery; and to provide training and technical assistance on this issue. For over a decade, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has been a national leader in advocacy and education to eradicate sex and labor trafficking. For six years, USCCB and its partners provided intensive case management services to victims of human trafficking, assisting more than 2,232 survivors of trafficking and over 500 of their family members. Currently, they are concentrating efforts on training and technical assistance
The Spirit of St. Louis
so that victims can be identified and brought into safety. Hopefully one day, the horrible crime of modern day slavery can be eradicated. While a number of victims are extracted from the trafficking situation by law enforcement, a significant portion of them leave or escape their situations on their own. This feat is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. Trafficking Victim Assistance Program (TVAP) along with the HHS & USCCB can help anyone, anywhere. USCCB has a program called “Become a Shepherd” for those who are interested in learning more about human trafficking through a Catholic perspective, equipping them with tools to raise awareness through parishes, schools and business. You can go to the USCCB under “anti-trafficking” to find more information about what they are doing to help educate and hopefully end human trafficking.
Religious Vocations DECEMBER 18 – 20 : HEART OF JESUS MEN’S DISCERNMENT RETREAT
Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center - Belton Catholic men (ages 17 to 40), with an openness to a priestly vocation, are invited to this retreat of discernment. It will include silence, prayer, meals and talks by priests and seminarians. This is a great opportunity to spend time with other young men who are seeking God’s will for their life in discovering the key to a vocation in the Heart of Jesus. For more information, contact the Vocation Office at (512) 949-2430. Register online www.austinvocations.com by December 14th. SINGLE, CATHOLIC MEN (18 or older) interested in discerning their vocation in life are invited to an informal dinner with others who are also considering the possibility of the seminary and priesthood. The monthly gathering is held at the Borromeo House at 905-B Duncan Lane in Austin. Next dinners will be held Thursdays, December 10 and January 14. For details, contact the diocesan vocation director, Father Jonathan Raia at frjonathan-raia@austindiocese.org or (512) 949-2430. HIGH SCHOOL MEN interested in discerning a religious vocation are invited to a monthly session at St. William’s Religious Education Building at 620 Round Rock West Drive in Round Rock. Next sessions will be Wednesdays, December 2nd and February 3rd. To RSVP, contact frfrancisco@saintwilliams.org or (512) 255-4473.
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SANCTUARY CANDLE MEMORIALS The sanctuary candle is traditionally seen in Catholic churches, burning constantly to indicate the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. At St. Louis, in both the main nave and the chapel, the sanctuary candles are burning high above the floor in beautifully ornate fixtures suspended from the ceiling. Parishioners are given the opportunity to memorialize a deceased loved one with a $10 contribution, selecting a specified week in which one or both of the two sanctuary candles will be burned in their honor.Visit the church office with your donation, the name of your loved one, your choice of sanctuary candle and the selected week. Memorials are denoted in the Main Nave (M/N) or Chapel (C). Memorials reserved since the last newsletter deadline include: November 29 – December 5 In Memory of Paul Vincent Navarro by Julie Navarro (M/N) In Memory of Jose Felix Estrada by Julie Navarro (C) December 6 – 12 In Memory of Hortencia Vences & Adrian Jaimes Vences by Vences Family (C and M/N) December 13 – 19 In Memory of Mrs. Lucille Hardy King by Loiselle Family (C) In Memory of Dolores Alvarez by Patsy & Paul Alvarez (M/N) December 20 – 26 In Memory of Cliff & Ellen Treadaway by Chris Treadaway (M/N) In Memory of Saenz-Williams Family deceased by Lottman Family (C) December 27 – January 2 In Memory of Jandi Sutedja by Sutedja (M/N) In Memory of L.C. & Sallie Castro by Patsy & Paul Alvarez & Alicia Castro (C) January 3 – 9, 2016 In Memory of Tillie Castro by Patsy Alvarez & Alicia Castro (M/N)
New Year’s Resolutions... Really? Again? By: Betty Franceschi
From Wikipedia: “A New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice, such as opening doors for people beginning from New Year’s Day. Religious origins: Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. In the Medieval era, the knights took the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry. At watchnight services, many Christians prepare for the year ahead by praying and making these resolutions. The practice of New Year’s resolutions partially came from the Lenten sacrifices. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon selfimprovement annually.” Do you remember the resolutions you did at the beginning of the year? Did you reach your goals? Most people begin the year with an enthusiastic spirit, intoxicated with the joys of the festivities. We set ambitious goals to accomplish for the newborn year. However, few manage to fulfill their resolutions and achieve their goals, which leads to the same resolutions and goals every year: • Exercise and start a weight loss diet. • Saving to buy a house or a car. • Manage time better to spend more time with family. • Complete our studies. Finish my (you name it) course... and a long list of good deeds we all want to do. This goal recycling leads to a stagnation in our personal development and demonstrates a lack of commitment to our purposes. We should fulfill these commitments to ourselves as fully as we seek to fulfill our commitments to others, which, in most cases, we do. What were the resolutions and goals that I started at the beginning of the year? What did I achieve? What not? Why? What did I miss? Maybe my goals were too ambitious or situations arose that prevented me from accomplishing them. But, was it really impossible to achieve or I just made up excuses to justify myself? Well ... Does that really matter? Each year, we strive toward a lot of goals for ourselves. In the end, we do not know if those were the right ones. What resolutions should we consider for the New Year? I think it should be just one, but it won´t be easy! Jesus himself proposes it: Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him… “Keep the commandments.” (Mt.19, 16-19). But the young man insisted: “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. (Mt: 22, 36-38). That should be our only goal! The one we should not lose sight of even for a moment…to love God and to love others in every moment of our day, with each action we perform. And as it happens with all new year resolutions, there will be many times when we do not fulfill it. Do not worry, we can always turn to the Master. We can ask for forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance, and with His help and the grace of the sacraments, we can restart day after day until God wants to call us into His presence. If you still want to make some resolutions, here are some ideas for you, so you can achieve them! 1. Be realistic. Your goals should be reasonably achievable in the time frame you planned and with the resources that you have. Perhaps you require more than one year to achieve them, but at least set a percentage of accomplishment.
The Spirit of St. Louis
2. Be objective. Your goals should be clear, specific and precise. If your goal is not easily quantifiable, set indicators that are quantifiable. For example, if you want to be more educated, you can set a number of books to read during the year. 3. Be disciplined. The resolutions should be actions you can incorporate into your daily life, to be part of your routine and stay with you. Even after fulfilling your main goal, they will become habits. 4. Make a plan. Your purposes need to be expressed in a personal project, prepared by you. It is recommended that you make your written plan; this will help you organize your ideas. 5. Do something every day. Use the initial impulse to succeed. Keep going toward the goal and do something every day to bring you closer to what you want to achieve. To be oriented to action is essential to achieve your goals. 6. Be patient. Step by step and following the above tips, you will see positive results in meeting your goals and resolutions. Persevere. Persistence is selfdiscipline in action and the true measure of your confidence. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2016 “If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it’s moving you away from your goals.” - Brian Tracy
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Hospitality Ministry Needs You! Hospitality Ministers assist in all parts of the sacred liturgy and you are invited to join one of our Hospitality teams! These teams welcome and greet our church members and visitors as they arrive to worship at weekend Masses. They help keep order during the proclamation of God’s Word and recruit families to assist with the Procession of the Gifts at Offertory. They assist with the flow of parishioners during the Communion Rite and are available should a church member need assistance during Mass. They pass out collection baskets, hand out bulletins and help tidy up after Mass in preparation for the next Mass. This is a “working” ministry and they provide onsite training! To volunteer, please contact Philip Tucker at Ptucker001@att.net or call the parish office and ask for Bea Lamb (512) 454-0384 ext. 213.
The next monthly parish newsletter will be the issue for February 2016. Thank you for submitting items no later than January 5th to evelyn.mcnair@st-louis. org or bulletin@st-louis.org. Weekly bulletin deadlines are always 10 days in advance of an intended weekend. Submit items to bulletin@st-louis.org no later than Wednesdays at noon. Due Welcome Ministry Greets to Christmas holidays and limited printing schedules, bulletin deadlines may vary Newcomers in December and early January. Please submit announcements extra early to Are you a friendly and outgoing individual? insure they make necessary deadlines. Do you greet new people with a smile? Do you love your parish and can’t wait to tell others about it? Then you might consider joining the Welcome Ministry, a St. Dominic Savio High School ministry that is available at the 9:30/11:30 Parent Information Sessions: a.m. Masses, and may soon expand to December 11: 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil. This group is knowledgeable about the parish and January 15: 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. willing to specifically greet and answer January 29: 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. questions from newcomers and visitors. Prospective parents are invited to attend one of our parentonly Information They wear the yellow tags, hand out Sessions. During these sessions, parents will learn about our school, enjoy a newcomer packets and will soon be student led tour of our beautiful campus and hear about our admission process. planning periodic campus tours and Did you know that Savio offers bus transportation at locations in south, central newcomer gatherings. Join us in making and north Austin? To find out more of these interesting facts join us for an St. Louis an inviting and welcoming information session. Reserve a spot as space is limited by visiting our website: destination! Please contact Bea Lamb saviochs.org > Admissions > Visit St. Dominic Savio or by contacting Holly (512) 454-0384 ext. 213 for more information and training schedules. Bologna, Director of Admission, at (512) 3 88-8846 ext. 5504.
VISIT THE PARISH LIBRARY, LEARN ABOUT THE YEAR OF MERCY Pope Francis has announced the extraordinary jubilee Year of Mercy, which will begin on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8 and will end on the Solemnity of Christ the King, November 20, 2016. The scriptural focus for the jubilee year will be Christ’s command from Luke 6:36, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” The Pope is continuing the devotion to mercy of his two predecessors. Saint John Paul II wrote that “the Church, professing mercy and remaining always faithful to it, has the right and the duty to call upon the mercy of God.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has said that Divine Mercy is the name of God himself. The formal proclamation is titled Misericordiae Vultus. In the document, Pope Francis explained that mercy is not only an act of God, but something all of us should be practicing in our daily lives. Jesus said that what we have done for others we have done for Him. Mercy is practiced through acts of kindness that we have traditionally called the corporal works of mercy, and the spiritual works of mercy. The parish library has a display of books on the topic of mercy. We also suggest several websites with more detailed information: • The homily during which Pope Francis announced the Year of Mercy is at: http://en.radiovaticana. va/news/2015/03/13/pope_francis_homily_with_ announcement_of_year_of_mercy/1129218 • The complete text of Misericordiae Vultus is at: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_ letters/documents/papa-francesco_bolla_20150411_ misericordiae-vultus.html • An explanation of the logo, as well as links to the official prayer can be found at: http://cnstopstories. com/2015/05/05/vatican-unveils-logo-prayer-detailsof-holy-year-of-mercy/ Here is a sampling of relevant books: Sacrament of Mercy: A Spiritual and Practical Guide to Confession, by Thomas Weinandy - This is a guide to help make the experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation more fruitful. After a brief history of how the practice of confession developed through the centuries, the author explains how Reconciliation effectively leads to continual conversion and spiritual growth. Twenty-five scripturally based reflections guide the reader to examine his or her life, to acknowledge and repent of sin, and come to experience the compassion and mercy of God. He Hears the Cry of the Poor: On the Spirituality of Vincent de Paul, by Robert P. Maloney - The author discusses the renewal of religious communities. He
concentrates on the work of St. Vincent de Paul and the Vincentians whose merciful acts have set an example since the seventeenth century and continues to the present day. This book is an excellent guide for anyone who takes an active role in their Christian community. God the Father of Mercy, by the TheologicalHistorical Commission for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 - This book offers a general overview of the mystery of God the Father, taking up the theme in Pope John Paul II’s encyclical On the Coming of the Third Millennium: “The whole of the Christian life is like a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father, whose unconditional love for every human creature, and in particular for the prodigal son, we discover anew each day.” Divine Mercy in My Soul, by Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska - This diary of Saint Faustina has become a bestselling spiritual work. It tells the story of her mystical experiences as a nun living in a convent in Poland in the early 20th century. It is to her that Jesus appeared and commanded that she be his instrument for promoting devotion to his Divine Mercy, also telling her to record His messages in a diary. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 as the first saint of the new millennium. We have a number of books by Father George W. Kosicki, the assistant director of Divine Mercy International, and foremost authority on the Divine Mercy devotion: Now Is the Time for Mercy, by George W. Kosicki A concise handbook for The Divine Mercy devotion, including how to understand the message and how to practice the devotion. Revelations of Divine Mercy, by George W. Kosicki - Along with quotes from the diary, Fater Kosicki gives historical background, biographical information on Saint Faustina and an explanation of various facets of the Divine Mercy devotion. Trust and Mercy: The Heart of the Good News, by George Kosicki - Father Kosicki shows the centrality and importance of the message and devotion of Divine Mercy. This is not just a private devotion, but rather it is God’s devotion for you and me. God’s love in creating, redeeming and sanctifying us, is mercy.
The Spirit of St. Louis
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St. Louis Men’s ACTS Retreat Registration “Know That I Am” Ex 3:14
February 25-28, 2016 Down Home Ranch 20250 FM 619, Elgin, Texas
ACTS is a Catholic retreat movement presented by parishioners for parishioners with the guidance of religious leaders. The goal of each retreat is to facilitate a deepening of our relationship with Jesus Christ, to renew ourselves spiritually, to give new meaning to our prayer life, and to build lasting friendships with members of our parish communities. This ACTS retreat will begin on Thursday evening, Feb. 25 and continue through the weekend ending with an 11:30 Mass on Sunday, Feb. 28 at St. Louis Catholic Church at 7601 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757. The retreat cost is $160, payable to “St. Louis ACTS”. Registration is now open for St. Louis, St. Theresa and St. Albert the Great. Out of parish registrations will begin Monday, Feb. 8 for any remaining openings. To reserve your place, please return this registration form and include a $50 deposit payment. Registration is on a firstcome, first-served basis, with a waiting list thereafter. Forms are date and time stamped upon receipt. The $110 balance will be due upon check-in Thursday evening at St. Louis Catholic Church or any time prior to that date. **Please note that financial hardship should not prevent anyone from attending the retreat. If you are unable to pay the entire fee, contact the director or co-director as a limited number of scholarships are available. Deliver or mail registration form to: St. Louis Catholic Church Office 7601 Burnet Road Austin, TX 78757
Register online at: www.st-louis.org/acts http://www.st-louis.org/groups
It is the policy of ACTS Missions and St. Louis Catholic Church that alcohol will not be a part of the retreat. The retreat center does not permit alcohol. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Platonic behavior only. For further information regarding the retreat weekend, please contact the director Matt DiTeresa at 512-5866770, Co-director Bob Hermansen at 512-924-9064, or Co-director Glenn Martinez at 512-470-3800 A letter will be sent to registered retreatants 7-10 days prior to the retreat providing you with further details, directions, and suggestions on what to bring for the weekend.
Please fill out and return registration form on reverse side
St. Louis Men’s ACTS Retreat Registration Feb. 25-28, 2016 “Know That I Am” Ex 3:14 Please print clearly Name:
(As you would like it on your nametag)
Address:
(Street, city, state & zip code)
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email address: Parish or Church you attend:
(or religion if not affiliated with a parish or church)
Name two family members or close friends you would like praying for you during this retreat. Name:
Relationship:
Cell Ph:(
)
E-mail:_______________________
Name:
Relationship:
Cell Ph:(
)
E-mail:_______________________
I have included my: [ ] $50 deposit or [ ] $160 retreat fee. Checks can be made payable to St. Louis ACTS Indemnity and Waiver
I release and agree to and hold St. Louis Catholic Church of Austin, Texas, the Catholic Diocese of Austin, and their clergy, officers, agents, employees, and volunteers (Released Parties) harmless from any and all liability, claims, losses, or damages arising from or in connection with the St. Louis ACTS retreat. I assume all risk of injury or loss to my person and my property. I agree to indemnify the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand, or damage caused by me or caused by my participation in the retreat. Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ______ /______ /______
Medical Information
Please read and list all conditions which apply. All information will be kept confidential.
Please list any special dietary needs or restrictions: _____________________________________________________________ Do you have difficulty climbing stairs, walking on unpaved or uneven surfaces, other mobility considerations (e.g. use cane, walker, wheelchair)? [ ] No [ ] Yes (please list) _____________ (Mobility challenges should NOT deter you from attending.) Please list any medical conditions: ____________________________________________________________________________ I take the following medications: I will bring to the retreat all necessary medications and directions, including dosage(s) and frequency of consumption. In case of an emergency, persons at or associated with the retreat may transport me to a hospital for medical or surgical treatment. In an emergency, please contact: ****MUST LIST AT LEAST ONE EMERGENCY CONTACT**** Name: Cell Phone: (
Family Doctor: Insurance Plan: Policy Number:
)
Relationship: _______________________________ Home Phone: (____)______________________
For Office Use Only
Application Received: Amount Received: Cash Paid Online Received by:
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