1 Corinthians 14:1 - St. Agatha Catholic Church

Th
is last Sunday of Advent’s preparation reminds us that our finest preparation for
Christ’s birth is simply to do what He did.
Live like He lived. Love like He loved. The first reading
form Isaiah tells us the Messiah “shepherds” His people.
We are called to prepare for His rule in our lives by
“shepherding”--we are to gently tend fragile flocks--the
straying sheep that seem to cross our daily path for no reason at all--they just show up, and how we “shepherd” them
is our preparation. We are to shepherd them as we would
like to be treated. Paul says that Christ’s life teaches us that
“rituals” (as important as they are) are not all that God
wants. God wants the sacrifice of our life much more than
He wants a special offering we might make. I’m reminded
of the story of a man who gave a beautiful stained glass
window to the local parish church, but beat his wife and
kids daily. I’m sure he knew he was not a good husband or
father, and wanted the window to, in some way, say to
God, I’m sorry I was such a failure, let this gift show my
sincerity. And, who knows? Maybe it did. But, the second
reading shows us that God would have preferred he work
harder on being a good husband and father--the life sacrifice. And when we’ve put aside our ego, and learned to
serve in humility, then God comes. That’s the point of the
Gospel, where the simple maid of Nazareth in her humble
‘yes,’ her life sacrifice--is filled with the Lord, literally, in
her case. Luke will be beating us over the head this year
with this uncompromising call of God to be finer servants.
Let’s not disappoint Him.
- Fr. Bill Axe
-Alfio Mazzei
-Alicia Jimenez Bravo
-Anabel Manriquez
-Andres Luna
-Archie Brown II
-Arlasha Allen
-Blanca Saviñon
-Barbara Harvey
-Bertha Antee
-Bonita Sanderlin
-Camille Jones
-Carlos Antonio Vasquez
-Christina Paul
-Constantino Perez
-Damacio Horta
-Darwin Varela
-Dee Carlson
-Dulce Maria E. Saviñon
-Dustin, Gabriel,
Carmelo, and Jorge
-Devina Molette-Ford
-Dominique Barksdale
-Edwin Raland
-Edwin Rivas
-Edy Becker
-Elsa Perez
-Elvia Herrera
-Ethel Lamirault
-Fredia Sanderlin
-Gabriel y Miralda Tahan
-Georgie Davis
-Giovanni Garcia
-Gladys Green
-Glen Arellano
-Gloria Sanguillen
-Guadalupe Morales
-Henre Dorsey
-Jack & Michael Stokes
-Joan McLaughlin
-Juan Madariaga
-Juan Moreno
-Juanita Orozco
-Juanita Rubalcava
-Julia Ureña
-Linda Guillian
-Lisa Gallardo
-Lorraine Duperon
-Lucy Rodriguez
-Marcelle Mehlinger
-Margaret Alexander
-Maria Jimenez
-Maria Luna
-Maria Perez
-Mariana Reynoso
-Maura Fitzgerald
-Marlene Debora
-Michelle Porter
-Miguel Alfredo Piliado
Es
te último domingo de Adviento nos recuerda que la mejor manera de prepararnos para
el Nacimiento de Jesús es la manera que se
preparó Jesús. De vivir como Él vivió. Amar como Él
amó. La primera lectura de Isaías nos dice que el Mesías
“pastorea” Su pueblo. Somos llamados para preparar Su
reino en nuestras vidas de tal modo que “pastoreemos” a
quienes están perdidos y con quienes nos encontramos–
los encontramos la manera que los pastoreemos es nuestra preparación. Debemos de ser los pastores de la misma manera que queremos que nos traten. Pablo nos dice
que la vida Cristo nos enseña que los rituales (así como
importantes que son) no es todo lo que Dios quiere. Dios
quiere el sacrificio de nuestra vida mucho más que un
sacrificio de nuestra parte. Recuerda una historia donde
un hombre le donó una vidriera a su iglesia local, pero
que les pegaba a su esposa e hijos. Sé él sabía que él no
era un buen esposo ni papá, y quería decirle perdón a
Dios donando la vidriera para mostrar su sinceridad.
¿Quién sabe, a lo mejor sí le funcionó? A lo mejor, pero
la segunda lectura nos dice que Dios preferiría que él
trabajara más para ser un buen esposo y papá– el sacrificio de la vida. Y cuando ponemos nuestro ego a un lado
y aprendemos a servir con humildad, entonces se presenta Dios. Ese es el punto del Evangelio, donde la sencilla sierva de Nazaret en su humilde “sí,” de su sacrificio de vida– está lleno con el Señor, literalmente, en su
caso. Lucas nos está pidiendo a que seamos mejores servidores del Señor. No lo decepcionemos.
Padre Bill Axe
-Mykhail J. Thomas
-Nicole Michelle
-Norma Barker
-Nyniece Micheaou
-Oscar Barbosa
-Pam Terry
-Patrick Fitzgerald
-Paula Dupre Moore
-Peggy Anderson
-Penelope Mendoza
-Rafael Segura
-Ramon Jimenez Andrade
-Ramon Reyes
-Raymond Almeida
-Ricardo Morales
-Rita N. Ashe
-Robert Johnson
-Ronald Mayberry
-Rosa Diaz
-Rose Thierry
-Sophie Demarcos
-Sergio Villanueva
-Sevarina Legaspi
-Silvia Esquivel
-Sylvia Smyles
-Timothy Akens
-Teri Lanham
-Terry Ally Sr.
-Virginia Gadison
"Make love your aim"
-1 Corinthians 14:1
“As each one has received a special gift,
employ it in serving one another as good
stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
-1 Peter 4:10
To build and foster a Christian Community that
offers the opportunity to experience God’s unconditional love and acceptance to all who come into
contact with it.
W
e are only five days away from Christmas. Our readings today tell us the
story of Elizabeth and Mary, a story
filled with hope. Elizabeth called Mary blessed because
Mary believed that the words of God's promise would
be fulfilled. She believed. Do we believe? Do people see
us as people of hope, peace and mercy? Believe it or try
to live as if you believe today. Let God's love fill you.
Visit someone who gives you hope. Leap for joy in
honor of the Visitation of Elizabeth and Mary. Make
clear that God is with us.
Have you noticed anything new around the
grounds? We have been busy cleaning up around the
Hall and the Church for the past few months. This is our
first step towards transforming St. Agatha's. Our Church
is in need of many repairs, painting and fixing. This will
take the participation of all parishioners in order for it to
happen. Look for our TRANSFORMATION
corner each week where my letter usually is.
Construir y alimentar una Comunidad Cristiana
que ofrece la oportunidad de experimentar el amor
incondicional de Dios y la aceptación a todos con
quienes nos encontremos.
E
stamos sólo a cinco días a la Navidad. Nuestras
lecturas nos cuentan sobre la historia de Isabel y
de María, una historia llena de esperanza. Isabel
dijo que María es bendita porque María creyó que las
promesas de Dios se harán realidad. Ella creyó.
¿Creemos nosotros? ¿A caso la gente nos ve como personas de esperanza, de paz y de misericordia? Crean o traten de vivir como si lo creyeran el día de hoy. Dejen que
el amor de Dios los llene. Visiten a alguien quien les dé
esperanza. Salten de alegría en honor a la Visita de Isabel
que le da a María. Que esté claro que Dios está con nosotros.
¿Han visto algo nuevo alrededor de la iglesia?
Hemos estado limpiando alrededor del Salón Parroquial y
de la Iglesia estos últimos meses. Éste es nuestro primer
paso para transformar Santa Agatha. Necesitamos la participación de todos los parroquianos para que sea posible.
Vean a nuestros espacio de TRANSFORMACIÓN en el boletín debajo de mi carta semanal.
Have a blessed week,
Sr. Karen Collier
Que tengan una semana bendita,
Hermana Karen Collier
¡Estamos en Transformación!
TRANSFORMATION is Happening!
Have you noticed changes in our premises? So far
the following has been done:
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All the church lights have been replaced with
LED lights
The round stained-glass window is lit at night
Upgraded electrical wires in choir balcony
The Placita trees have been trimmed
Dead Trees have been removed
The trash bin fence has a new presentable net
Bulky items have been removed such as: tires
and cracked statues
The Guadalupe Room has been painted
The parking lot lines have been painted
New signage including a beautiful banner by La
Brea behind the Parish Hall
¿Has visto cambios en la iglesia? Hemos hecho los siguientes arreglos:
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Hemos cambiado todos los focos de la iglesia a
LED
La vidriera redonda está alumbrada por la noche
Se han puesto nuevos cables eléctricos en el balcón
Se han recortado los árboles de la Placita
Se han quitado árboles secos
La cerca de los basureros está cubierta con una
nueva malla
Se han removido basura grande como llantas y
estatuas quebradas
Se ha pintado el Salón Guadalupe
Se han pintando las líneas en el estacionamiento
Hay nuevos letreros incluyendo un banner en La
Brea detrás del Salón Parroquial.
Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2015
 4:30 p.m. Family Mass (Bilingual)
 7:30 p.m. Gospel Mass (English)
 12:00 a.m. Midnight Mass (Bilingual)
Vísperas de la Navidad, Jueves, 24 de diciembre
 4:30 p.m. Misa Familiar (bilingüe)
 7:30 p.m. Misa con Góspel (inglés)
 12:00 a.m. Misa de Gallo (bilingüe)
Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2015
 9:00 a.m. Christmas Mass (Spanish)
 10:30 a.m. Christmas Mass (English)
Navidad, Viernes, 25 de diciembre de 2014
 9:00 a.m. Misa de Navidad (español)
 10:30 a.m. Misa de Navidad (español)
Sacrament of Confirmation
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Additional Information for Confirmation Program:
Gilbert Dorado at (323) 397-7347 Or
Natalie Roberts at (925) 818-6816
St. Agatha’s is offering a five month Adult Confirmation
Preparation Course. This course is open to:
anyone who is 18 years or older,
baptized in the Catholic Church, and
has already received their First Communion
Confirmation: Igniting the Holy Spirit within you
Thank you to our entire St. Agatha Parish Family
for your support and involvement throughout 2015
Gracias por apoyar a la Familia Parroquial de
Santa Águeda a lo largo del año 2015
It’s been an incredible year for our congregation, and
we sincerely thank you for your investment of time,
energy, heart and resources in helping our community flourish. If you have not yet made your taxdeductible annual gift and would like to do so, it is
not too late! We encourage you to support St. Agatha
before December 31st to take advantage of any available income tax deduction for the current year. You
may go Online to www.stagathas.org and click on
“read more” under Online Giving.
Ha sido un año increíble para nuestra parroquia, y
sinceramente les damos gracias por su tiempo, energía, entrega y recursos que han ayudado a que crezca
nuestra comunidad. Si aún no han dado su donación
deducible de impuestos, y lo quieren hacer, ¡Nunca
es tarde! Les invitamos a que apoyen a su parroquia
antes del 31 de diciembre para poder tener los beneficios deducibles de impuestos. Pueden hacer su donación en la colecta con un sobre con sus nombres,
un cheque personal, o llamar a la parroquia para
hacerlo por Internet. Gracias.
WE ONLY PART TO MEET AGAIN
UNA DESPEDIDA Y UN REENCUENTRO
After being blessed with Fr. Bill and Fr. Frank’s
presence, here at St. Agatha’s, the time has come to
part our ways. As we all know, Fr. Bill and Fr. Frank
will be moving to Baltimore and will no longer be
with us. Their last day with us is December 31, 2015.
Thank you Fr. Bill and Fr. Frank for your friendship
and guidance!
Después de haber sido bendecidos con la presencia
del Padre Bill y Padre Frank, el tiempo de partir ha
llegado. Como todos sabemos, el Padre Bill y Padre
Frank se van a Baltimore y no estarán con nosotros.
El último día que van a estar con nosotros es el 31 de
diciembre de 2015. Gracias Padre Bill y Padre Frank
por su amistad y su guía.
“As each one has received a special gift,
employ it in serving
one another as good
stewards of the manifold grace of God. “
- 1 Peter 4:10
Sunday, December 6
$ 8,833.50
Online Giving
$ 1,001.00
Sunday, November 29
$ 7,283.00
Online Giving
$ 340.00
Sunday, November 22
$ 7,321.50
"Que todos, como buenos administradores de
los múltiples dones de
Dios, pongan al servicio
de los demás el don que
recibieron"
-1 Pedro 4:10
Ministry Christmas Thank You Dinner
Cena de Agradecimiento de Navidad
All members of our ministries and volunteers are
invited to our Annual Christmas Ministry / Volunteer Thank You Dinner Party on Saturday, January 9, 2016, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm., in our Parish
Hall. Please bring a $10.00 value gift to participate
in the Gift Exchange Game. Allow us the opportunity to thank you by attending our Thank You Dinner! May God continue to bless you and may God
bless our St. Agatha Family!
Todos los miembros de ministerios y todos los voluntarios están invitados a nuestra Cena Navideña
de Agradecimiento para todos los Ministerios. La
cena será el sábado 9 de enero, 2016, de 6 p.m. a 9
p.m. en nuestro Salón Parroquial. Por favor de traer
su regalo navideño con valor de $10 para participar
en el Juego de Entre-cambio de regalos. Denos la
oportunidad de darles gracias y vengan a la Cena de
agradecimiento.
St. Agatha’s Presents:
Celebrating Love and Friendship
Dinner Dance!
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Santa Águeda Presenta:
Cena y Baile Celebrando el Día del
Amor y de la Amistad!
Sábado, 13 de febrero de 2016
2016 St. Agatha’s Calendars
Calendarios de Santa Agatha 2016
The 2016 Calendars will be available on December 27, 2015.
Suggested donation: $2.00.
Los calendarios del año 2016 estarán disponibles para el 27 de
diciembre. Donación sugerida: $2.00.
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December 19— S.H.A.R.E. Ministry
Contact: Margie

December 26— NO MEAL HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
shaving cream for the men
"NOBODY CAN DO hall and not left on the PC
patio
or
door
steps.
would be wonderful.
EVERYTHING BUT
EVERYBODY CAN DO
Volunteers are needed today Please note IF YOU PLAN
SOMETHING"
to help move the supplies
from storage to the hall 8AM
Thank you Maria Zuniga
and family for donating the until about 11AM
Volunteers can please come
sandwiches for our guests.
Maria her son Joshue and the to the hall December
rest of the family have been 21=24 , 10Am-5PM to sort
very supportive of the mis- used clothing, wrap gifts, fill
sion of the S.H.A.R.E Minis- gift bags, pack the grocery
try over the years. We love bags, clean the hall, assist
with meal prep and set up
it that the entire family
reaches out to pass on their the hall on Christmas Eve at
3PM for the dinner. Chilblessings to our guests.
dren who come to volunteer
under 12 years old must be
Today December 20 is the
supervised by an adult.
day to bring used items to
the hall for giveaway during
the dinner. We will collect We are in need of turkeys
and someone to cook and
used items 10AM-5PM
December 20- 2PM Decem- return them on December 22
-23, 40 precooked smoked
ber 23. We cannot accept
furniture, TV's or any large sliced hams, sliced bread,
desserts and more. Please
appliances, only items that
see the list that is posted on
our guests can hand carry
comfortably. All items are the board outside of the hall
to please be brought to the each day. Tee shirts and
an awesome Christmas!!
We are grateful that you
have chosen to reach out and
do kind acts this Christmas
TO SERVE DURING THE by reaching out to provide
CHRISTMAS DINNER
for the needs of our invited
FOR AN HOUR OR SO
guests on Christmas Day.
BETWEEN 11AM AND
You are making such an im3PM YOU ARE TO
pact on lives, you are helpCHECK IN AT THE VOL- ing to nurture the souls, raise
UNTEER TABLE. THERE spirits and inspire hope for
YOU WILL BE ASSIGNED strange. You know that
WHERE THE NEED IS.
stranger could be God.
Please do not walk in and go Amen.
to an area without checking
in. Families with children We believe that St. Agatha is
under 12 will be assigned to blessed with many wingless
the used item outdoor area
angels and saints look at the
where they will serve as a
person next to you, there you
family.. No child under 14 go.
will be allowed to serve hot
food or beverage. during the Merry Christmas and may
dinner. If you are comfort- God's love and peace guide
able with sitting at the table your journey.
and chatting with our guess
let the person at the volunBe blessed and be a blessing.
teer table know.
The S.H.A.R.E.
We pray that you will have Ministry
Pastoral Staff Directory
Sat December 19 ╬ Sábado 19 de Diciembre
5:30 p.m.
Thea Coral (Happy Birthday)
- Requested by Anita Cormier
5:30 p.m.
Mercy & Brian (Protection & safe trip)
- Requested by Cormier Family
Sun December 20 ╬ Domingo 20 de Diciembre
Zep 3: 14-18a/ Is 12: 2-3. 4. 5-6 (6)/ Phil 4: 4-7/ Lk 3: 10-18
7:00 a.m.
Jose Armando Covarrubias †
- A petición de su familia
7:00 a.m.
Bufrano Sánchez †
- A petición de sus hijos
7:00 a.m.
María Gómez †
- A petición de sus hijos
8:30 a.m.
Fr. Bill Axe
Priest Ministry
Ext. 223
[email protected]
Dn. Ricardo Recinos
Hispanic Apostolate
(323) 935-1308
[email protected]
Enrique Reyes
Parish Business Manager
Ext. 224
[email protected]
Frank Bryant †
Gricelda de la Cerda
Youth Ministry
Ext. 240
[email protected]
Emmanuel Montenegro
Receptionist
Ext. 221
[email protected]
Eddie Hilley
Music Ministry Director
(323) 935-2853
[email protected]
Pedro Alexander Pérez †
- A petición de la famlia Chávez Pérez
5:30 p.m.
Ext. 227
[email protected]
(323) 933-0963
Teresa Amezcua
Director of Faith Formation [email protected]
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12:15 p.m.
Sr. Karen Collier
Parish Life Director
Our Parish Family
-
10:00 a.m.
Pastoral Office (323) 935-8127
(323) 743-8127 (text messages)
St. Agatha's Web: www.stagathas.org
Our Parish Family
-
Monday, December 21 ╬ Lunes 21 de Diciembre
Nm 24: 2-7. 15-17a/ Ps 25: 4-5. 6 and 7bc. 8-9/ Mt 21: 23-27
Our Parish Family
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec 22 ╬ Martes 22 de Diciembre
Zep 3: 1-2. 9-13/ Ps 34: 2-3. 6-7. 17-18. 19 & 23/ Mt 21: 28-32
Nuestra Familia Parroquial
6:30 p.m.
Wed, December 23 ╬ Miércoles 23 de Diciembre
Is 45: 6-8. 18. 21-25/ Ps 85: 9-12. 13-14/ Lk 7: 18b-23
8:00 a.m.
Our Parish Family
Pastoral Office Hours
Monday - Friday • Lunes - Viernes
10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday • Sábado
9:00 am - 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Sunday: OFFICE CLOSED
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Thurs, December 24 ╬ Jueves 24 de Diciembre
Gn 49: 2. 8-10/ Ps 72: 1-2. 3-4ab. 7-8. 17/ Mt 1: 1-17
4: 30 p.m.
7: 30 p.m.
12: 00 a.m.
Family Mass
Gospel Mass
Irwien LeBoeuf †
- Requesed by Wilma LeBoeuf
Friday, December 25 ╬ Viernes 25 de Diciembre
Jer 23: 5-8/ Ps 72: 1-2. 12-13. 18-19/ Mt 1: 18-25
9:00 am.
10:30 a.m.
Spanish Mass
English Gospel
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Mass Times / Tiempos de Misa
Mon: 6:30pm (En) Tues: 6:30pm (Sp)
Wed: 8:00am (En) Thurs: 6:30pm (Sp)
Fri: 6:30pm (Bl) Sat: 5:30pm (En/Vigil)
Sun: 7:00am (Sp), 8:30am (En)
10:00am (En/Gospel) 12:15pm (Sp) 5:30pm (En)
Confession / Confesiones
Saturday/Sábado: 4:40pm
Next Sunday Readings
-Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 20, 2015
Welcome to St. Agatha Catholic Church!
Mi 5: 1-4a/ Ps 80/ Heb 10: 5-10/ Lk 1: 39-45
We extend our hands and hearts in Christian fellowship to you here
celebrating with us, whether longtime residents or newly arrived in the
parish.
Submit a bulletin Announcement
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