A parish of the Diocese of Charlotte

Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 20, 2015
St. Michael Catholic Church & School
Gastonia, North Carolina
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
Pastor
Rev. Fr. Matthew Buettner
[email protected]
In Residence
Rev. Fr. James Ebright
[email protected]
Hispanic Priest
Rev. Fr Jose Antonio Juya
[email protected]
Deacon
Rev. Mr. John Weisenhorn
[email protected]
Pastoral Care
Sr. Carolyn Mary Coll, RSM
[email protected]
Facilities Manager
Mr. Tim Mueller
[email protected]
Parish Bookkeeper
Mrs. Beverly Shepard
[email protected]
Parish Secretary
Mrs. Debbie Davis
[email protected]
School Principal
Mrs. Sheila Levesque
[email protected]
School Secretary
Mrs. Theresa Bookout
[email protected]
Religious Education
English Mrs. Theresa Webster
[email protected]
Spanish Ms. Carmen Vazquez
[email protected]
Adult
Mrs. Toni Keating
[email protected]
Children
Mrs. Andrea Stroot
[email protected]
Ms Kristy Brown
Latin
[email protected]
Thrift Store Manager
Ms. Amy Pruitt
[email protected]
Choir
Parish Nurse
Mrs Maureen Halek
A parish of the Diocese of Charlotte
www.charlottediocese.org
PARISH OFFICE
708 St Michael’s Lane
Gastonia NC 28052
Website: www.stmichaelsgastonia.org
Phone: 704-867-6212 -- Fax 704-867-6379
Anointing of the Sick (Last Rites):
704-867-6212, Ext 9
Office Hours: Monday 1 PM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Sunday Masses
Saturday/Sabado 5:00 PM Vigil English
Sunday/Domingo 7:30 AM English
10:00 AM English
12:00 PM en Español
Holy Day Masses:
(See inside of bulletin)
Daily Masses:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, at 8:15 AM
Wednesday at 6:15 PM, Saturday at 8:15 AM
(Check inside for changes)
Confessions
Saturday: 3:30 - 4:45 PM;
Monday & Friday: 9 - 10 AM
Wednesday: 5:00—5:45 PM
(or by appointment)
St Michael Thrift Store
Tuesday - Friday: 10 - 5, Saturday: 10 - 4
704-864-8646
ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL
704 St Michael’s Lane - Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: 704-865-4382
This Week at St Michael’s
black
Sunday,
December 20
4th Sunday of Advent
Mass Intentions
Meetings & Events
7:30 AM Mass - For the People
8:45 AM Donuts & Dogma
8:45 AM English Faith Formation
10 AM Spanish Faith Formation
1 PM Spanish Social:PCH
3 PM Spanish Study Group:C-Hall
7:00 PM SAA:Church Hall
10:00 AM Mass - †Katie Perez
12:00 PM Mass—Priest Intention
Monday
December 21
St Peter Canisius
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
8:15 AM Mass - †Miriam H Gibson
9 - 10 AM Confession
Tuesday
December 22
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
Wednesday
December 23
5-6 PM Holy Hour
5 -5:45 PM Confessions
5:45 PM Evening Prayer
6 PM Benediction
6:15 PM Mass - †Larry Carpenter
Thursday
December 24
Holy Day of Obligation
6 PM Mass Vigil of Christmas
†James & Eunice Cherry
Friday
December 25
Holy Day of Obligation
9 AM Nativity of the Lord - Christmas Novena
St John of Kanty
Saturday
December 26
St Stephen
Sunday, December 27
Feast of the Holy Family
9 AM Home School Group:RR
9 AM Latin Class - Church Hall
3:15 PM Childrens Choir Prac:Church
6 PM RCIA: Rectory
6:30 PM K of C 4th Degree:PCH
7 PM Fidelis:Gym
7 PM Spanish Mtg - C-Hall/PCH
8:15 AM Latin Mass(EF) - Barbara Kenley
9 AM Basic Latin Class:C-Hall
7:15 PM English Choir Practice
12 AM Nativity of the Lord - For the People
8 PM AA Meeting:C-Hall
3:30 - 4:45 PM Confessions
5:00 PM Mass - †Kaley Falls
7:30 AM Mass - For the People
10:00 AM Mass - Christmas Novena
12 PM - Spanish Mass - Priest Intention
3 PM Spanish Study Group:C-Hall
4 PM Youth Group Social:PCH/Gym
7:00 PM SAA:Church Hall
Please Remember in your Prayers
Parish Members & Friends: Rich Bidoglio, Sophia Chadwick, Gordon
Cook, Michael Dalley, Chuck Deal, Betty Dow, Peggy Duffy, Elizabeth
Eddie, Logan Escandon, Pete & Rebecca Files, Connie Frey, Julia
Gause, Paul Grenier, Jim Hodgkiss, Connie Hutter, Buddy & Rita
James, Debbie Kurtiak, Sarah Langevin, Michael Matyisin, Katie
Meseroll, Jason Milam, Edward Miller, Janice Moffitt, Tom Monger,
Steve Murray, Duane & Mary Neely, Gerald & Pat Orazem, Charles
Pasour, Danielle Peeples, Mary Pierce, Jessie Pilieci, Millie Purvis, Sue
Ruocco, Pat Splawn, Al Santoro, Chen Santoro, Judy Sowersby, Charlotte Stenzel, Laura Van Allen, Paul & Marion Yager
For all in service to our country: Stefan Zapata, William Freeman,
Jonathan Nelson, Derrick Dobbins,
Matthew Barker, Kevin Haskins, Jacob Haskins, Kevin Tiddy
Pastor’s Prayer Intention - As parish & school families, let us
keep these intentions in our prayers this week:
 For our homebound parishioners, those on our Prayer List,
our Military Personnel and those separated from family at
Christmas
 For the financial needs of our parish and school and for
blessings upon our benefactors
Daily Mass Readings From Sacred Scripture
Monday:
Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12,
20-21; Lk 1:39-45
Tuesday:
1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56
Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14;
Lk 1:57-66
Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;
Lk 1:67-79
Friday:
Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6;
Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]
Saturday:
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab,
16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22
Sunday:
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28;
Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10;
Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24;
Lk 2:41-52
SERVERS OF THE SACRED LITURGY
Saturday, December 26, 5:00 PM Mass
EMHC: Jeff Templeton,
Lectors: John Welsh, Lauretta Boccio
Greeters: Sam & Marie Calouche
Gifts: John Murawski
Sunday, December 27, 7:30 AM Mass
EMHC: Tim Mueller
Lectors: Phyllis Mueller, Tim Mueller
Greeters: LeeAnn MacMillan
Gifts: Tom Riley
Sunday, December 27, 10:00 AM Mass
EMHC: Roger Shepard, Laetitia Sery, John O’Daly
Lectors: Randy Stevens, Carol McCaughtry
Greeters:
Gifts:
NEW YEAR’S EVE FESTIVITIES
December 31:
11 pm Vigil Mass - Mary, Mother of God
followed by Holy Hour from 12 AM - 1 AM.
Spend your last hour of 2015 in Thanksgiving
to God and your first hour of 2016 adoring the
Lord.
January 1:
10 AM Mass - Mary Mother of God
OUR LADY OF FATIMA PILGRIM VIRGIN
STATUE - This program is designed for the statue
to visit the host family for a week of prayer and intercession to Our Blessed Mother. Special devotional
booklets are available to accompany the statue. For
additional information, please contact Anne Tinsdale
at 540-497-1781 or [email protected].
ST MICHAEL CHOIRS Adult: meet on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM in the
church. Contact Toni Keating: [email protected]/
(704) 747-5654.
Children: Practice 2nd & 4th Monday in the church
from 3:15 - 4 PM. (Oct 26, Nov 9 & 23, Dec 7.
Contact Andrea Stroot: [email protected] / (772) 3326277
Latin Schola: Meets on Thursday evenings at 7pm in
the church. Contact Kristy Brown: [email protected] / (704) 466-6577
THE LEGION OF MARY - We meet on Friday evenings at 6pm in the Rose Room. For additional information please contact Anne Tinsdale, at 540-4971781 or atinsdale@ netzero.net
BELMONT ABBEY ADORATION CHAPEL—
Please give prayerful consideration to spend one
hour with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Open
hours are available every day. Call Lynn Brosnan at
704-517-1188 to see how you can help on a regular
basis or as a sub.
FIRST SATURDAY MASS: All are welcome for
First Saturday Mass at 8 AM at the Missionaries of
Charity, 1625 Glenn St, Charlotte; and prayers at the
abortion clinic on Latrobe Drive following Mass. For
more info please contact Mitch and Jean Foreman at
704-685-1423 or [email protected] .
St Michaels Boys & Girls Basketball teams, and the Cheerleaders in action!
Go Tigers!!!
St. Michaels Youth Group invites you to our
HS Teen Christmas Ceili
Date:
Sunday December 27, 2015
Time:
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Admission: $5.00
Dress: Collared shirts for the gents and slacks. Skirts or dress pants for
the ladies. Please wear a shoe that will slide across the floor. Shoes with
smooth leather bottoms work best. No flip flops or high heels!
Location: St. Michaels Gym
RSVP: [email protected]
6th Annual

Joe McClane
Fr. Chris Alar, MIC
Speaker, Author, Evangelist
Catholichack.com
Director of the Associa on
of Marian Helpers
Chancellor Abbot Placid Solari
Bishop William Curlin
Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church-
Brian Pusateri
Broken Door Ministries
brokendoorministries.com
6TH ANNUAL CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERECE
Saturday, February 27th, 2016 Saint Ma hew’s Catholic Church
Saturday, February 27th 2016
Charlo e Catholic Men’s Conference
New endowment fund memorializes
Late seminarian Michael Kitson
CHARLOTTE — The Kitson family suffered a terrible loss
when their son Michael died on April 27, 2014, at the age of
20. Kitson was a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte, and
his unexpected death on Divine Mercy Sunday shocked fellow seminarians, parishioners at St. Ann Church and everyone else who knew the outgoing young man.
His parents, Michael Sr. and Nancy, and his sisters Kelly
and Courtney lost their beloved son and brother. The diocese
lost a seminarian for the first time in its history.
Now, the Seminarian Michael G. Kitson Memorial Endowment Fund is being established to benefit other collegeaged seminarians in the diocese. The endowment will be used
to fund seminarians' education.
On average, it costs $30,000 to house and educate each
seminarian annually. This year, the diocese has 16 seminarians studying for the
priesthood.
“To have that title (for the endowment) ties in to what and who Michael
was,” said his father.
Kitson had been studying for the
priesthood at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and priests
who mentored him said after his death
that Kitson “had a priestly heart” after
only two years of formation.
His death on Divine Mercy Sunday
was “providential,” his family and friends
say, as he had a devotion to the Divine
Mercy even before he entered seminary.
His gravesite at Belmont Abbey's cemetery features an image of the Divine Mercy, and a Divine Mercy statue was also recently dedicated
at his home parish of St. Ann.
As the Church prepares for Pope Francis' call for a Jubilee
Year of Mercy starting on Dec. 8, mother Nancy Kitson noted
the beautiful connection of her son's life and death to the Divine Mercy – a “local thread in the tapestry” of God's plan,
she called it.
“Michael also brought back to the forefront the devotion
to the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Our Lord's promises of His
Divine Mercy.
He brought it to the forefront during a time of great need
given today's reality,” she said.
“People had forgotten, I think. We just need reminders
sometimes that God's mercy is always present and there is no
sin or anything we can do that is bigger than His mercy.”
She added, “To have somebody like that in your midst –
who could play and enjoy all sports, play tuba and piano,
watch TV, have a good time and yet study hard and pray
harder and die on this special day – God's fingerprints are all
over this. I think the guys (at the seminary) are all witnesses
to that.”
As a community, the seminarians at the Pontifical College
Josephinum are now praying the Chaplet together, and
Kitson's influence is credited. An assistant dean at the seminary told Kitson's parents, “There have been changes in the
student body itself, in the young men. The changes that I have
seen in the young men in the spiritual direction I am giving to
them, it is not human. It is divine.”
The Pontifical College Josephinum has also installed a
seven-foot image of the Divine Mercy in
the stairwell leading to the pub dedicated
in Kitson's name. Another image of the
Divine Mercy was added to the Pope Pius
X Chapel there.
Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St.
Ann Church, knew Kitson since early
childhood and served as one of his mentors.
“I am so pleased that an endowment
for our seminarians has been established
under Michael’s name,” Father Reid said.
“Michael loved being a seminarian for
our diocese, and he embodied so many of
the qualities we want our future priests to
have. Having an endowment named for
Michael Kitson is a wonderful and fitting
way for us to remember him.”
Jim Kelley, director of development for the Diocese of
Charlotte, is thankful that the endowment fund has been established.
“Having this endowment fund will accomplish two
things: Michael will be remembered in a special way for many
generations, and the distributions from the endowment over
time will literally impact dozens of future seminarians by
helping to pay for their education. Those future priests will
impact thousands of our parishioners.”
Michael Sr. recalled, “Father (Matthew) Kauth, in his eulogy at Michael’s wake, called him ‘the complete package,’
saying, ‘That’s the kind of young man we need.’”
Article reprinted from Catholic News Herald with permission.
~SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Donations should be made to Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte,
write “Kitson Endowment” in the memo line.
Send checks to Foundation of the Diocese, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003
For more information please contact
Judy Smith, diocesan director of gift planning at 704-370-3320 or [email protected]
You are invited to the official
After Party
Here is the answer to your New Year’s
Resolution: Wholy Well! Wholy Well, is a
free 8 week wellness program focused on
lifestyle modification and behavior change
to
achieve
and
maintain
a
healthy
weight. It is not a weight loss program,
but participants who follow the recommendations often times will lose weight, report
a better sense of self, better sleep, etc!
The best part is that this program is both
free and available at St. Michael’s beginning on Tuesday, January 26 (location to be
announced).
To register, please contact
Debbie Davis in the parish office at 704867-6212, ext. 101. Invite a friend!
Everyone is welcome!
V{Ü|áàÅtá YÄÉãxÜ WÉÇtà|ÉÇá
Packard, Ramirez & Robleto Families requested by Myrna Packard
Deceased Members of the Mooney & Mekolites Families requested by M/M Vincent Mooney
George, Margaret & Andrea Balog, Sr Teresa Benedicta OCD requested by Noelle Balog
Burr & Dow Families & Friends requested by M/M Robert Burr
Jack Martin requested by Joan Cassada
Kathleen & Victor Stianchi, Christina & Fred Halek requested by M/M Fred Halek
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Family & Friends of Candido Cruz & Isabel Trujillo
Family & Friends of M/M Russell Garruto
Sara Moore & Joseph Moore
requested by M/M Peter Hildenbrand
Lutz & Chmura Families, Ursula Lutz, Renate Kitchen
requested by Bob Lutz
James, Eunice & Kevin Cherry
requested by M/M Joe Deaton
Deceased Members of Santoro & Murgiano Families
requested by M/M Al Santoro
Anthony Kenny Osemeka
requested by Dr & Mrs Austin Osemeka
Beverly & Isaac Hornbeck, Virgil & Marie Hughlett
Family & friends
requested by Dr & Mrs Keigh Hughlett
Our Parents
requested by M/M John O’Daly
Christopher, Zac, Jackie, Joseph, Matthew & Adam
requested by M/M George Davis
Suzanne Schmidlin, Jacqueline Risch
requested by M/M Mike Schmidlin
Arlene Robinson requested by M/M Michael Robinson
Dr Tolbert W. Lowry, William Grad Jr.
requested by Dr/Mrs. Keith Lowry
Gerard Anderson requested by Jeannine Anderson
Rose & Michael Petruccelli
requested by M/M John Gaeto
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Requested by Betsy Johnson
Salvatore & Theresa Tranchina
requested by Lauretta Boccio
Josef Horvath, Georg Betz Family, Hungarien Oma
requested by Julia Horvath
Nick Caruso, Bea Hurst, Lee Dobbs, Mildred Caruso,
Marcia Bila requested by M/M John Dobbs
The Shirley & Mann Families
requested by Betty Shirley
Brian Anthony requested by Ellen Roberts
Michael Freeman requested by M/M Larry Davis
Peter Hoe Bui, Anton Mai Vinh
requested by Fantasy Nails
The Correa & Gomez Families
Requested by M/M Christopher Albanese
Jane Kaps Hager requested by Paulette & Jerry Elmore
Harvey Osborn requested by Kathy Osborn
Bob & Ursula Lutz, Odell & Louise Messer, Renate
Kitchen, Onkel Achim
requested by Tommy & Marylou Messer
Carswell Family requested by Brenda Sosebee
Irene Edward Charcut, Lottie Sieka
Requested by M/M Philip Charcut
Roger McQuage requested by Elaine Salotti
Helen & Art Waligura, Rose & David Spalding
Requested by M/M Kevin Spalding
George Oscar Stoute
Requested by M/M Michael Stoute
Family & Friends of M/M George Dow
Matt & Vera Glavach requested by Pat Skinner
Linda & Robert Helton Sr, Leigh Green,
Mildred Hummel requested by Lureen Helton
Lillie Fagala Requeasted by M/M Chip Watson
Gary MacMillan requeated by LeeAnn MacMillan
Sarah & Thomas O’Keefe
68th Wedding Anniversary
Requested by Maureen O’Keefe
Deceased Eskridge, Farris, Nichol & Moses Family
Requested by M/M John Farris
Ann Matovic requested by Mary Ann Albaugh
Bill Horton requested by Judy Horton
Michael Denny & Alice Carothers
requested by Susan Denny
Blanca Herrera, Jesus Herrera, Carlote Correa, Heriberto
Carrea, Jose Correa requested by M/M John Herrera
Lynn Crockett, Mary Jo Gammon
requested by Corrinne Crockett
Ernest Dow, Philip Psomadakis,
Dow & Howard families
requested by Betty Dow
Anthony & Florence Franco
requested by M/M Thomas Lynn
Helena Stevens, John & Isabel DeVane
requested by M/M Russell Stevens
Florence Franco, Joel Henry, Mr & Mrs Sark, Katie
Meserol, Deceased Family & Friends
requested by Dr Julia Saluke
My Parents requested by Carolyn Stabach
Joseph Gallant requested by Lois Gallant
Josefa Cheverez requested by Carmen Vazquez
The Murawski Family requested by John Murawski
Mr & Mrs J. I. Okwudiafor, Henriette Zobo
requested by M/M Patrick Sery
Joe & Helen Long requested by Mary Jane Garver
Archie & Opal Bourque requested by M/M Grady Williams
Family & Friends of the Stauch & Dubisky Families
Requested by Dr/Mrs Gary Dubisky
The Barker & Carrellas Families
Requested by Dr/Mrs David Barker
Mary Puma requested by M/M Edward Carey
Family & Friends of the Fornecker Family
Requested by M/M Joseph Fornecker
Joseph Voltek, Mr/Mrs Gamble
Requested by M/M Mark Gamble
William P Thierfelder
Requested by M /M William Thierfelder
M/M William Tomko, M/M Philip Desmarais
Requested by M/M Michael Desmarais
Mercedes Torres, Zoila Ma. Rodriguez
Requested by M/M Hector Pichardo
Al & Jo Santoro requested by Reine Smirz
M/M John Kurtiak requested by M/M Ray Kurtiak
Bill & Amy Tinsdale, Sue & Jim McCormack,
Pat Minihan requested by Anne Tinsdale
Monetary Donations Also Received From
M/M Andre Younan
M/M Jaime Montealegre
M/M James Belmont
M/M Chris Dobbins
M/M Jeff Templeton
M/M William Tomko
M/M Aries Catindig
Mario & Maribel Ortiz
Charles Jenkins
Mr /Dr Peter Magennis
M/M Jesus Alvarez
M/M Thomas Riley
M/M Paulino Vasquez
Dr/Mrs George Bell
Jim Hicks
M/M Steve Buckley
Margaret Vogt
Dr/Mrs Jim McGrath
M/M Bruce Urban
Rita Genao
M/M Buddy James
Elvia Cedeno Geer
M/M John Mehanna
M/M Alexis Betancourth
Dr/Dr Lennart Kullberg
M/M Tommy Buckman
M/M Michael Potuto
M/M Bruce Rangel
M/M Samir Gomez
M/M Jack Steiner
M/M Joshua Faller
Mrs Elisa Ogle
M/M Ariel Salazar
M/M Gerald Gagnon
Susan Colbert
M/M Paul Gerhard
Mario Rivera
Elpidia Hernandez
Nora Marrero
Dr/Mrs Jim McGrath
Christopher Hall
M/M David Petro
Roman Villafuerte
Joaquin Escobedo
Maria Vargas
Belen Falcon
M/M Thomas Peterson
Marybel Gonzalez Garcia
Dear Friends: Thank you all for your generous donations. Every effort has been
made to enter your intentions correctly and I apologize for any errors made
reading the many styles of handwriting or for any erroneous assumptions I was
forced to make.
Frangi Marin
Paulina Dominguez
M/M Jose Ayala
Augusto Alvarez
Digna Cabrera
M/M Orlando Rodriguez
Martin Avalos
Angelica Cruz
M/M Sam Calouche
M/M Robert Gustashaw
Benito Perez
Angela Nicolas
M/M Dino Dimeo
Ms Riguey Gomez
ML/M Santos Villafuerte
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND:
MARRIAGE RETREAT 2.0
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 6,
2016, 8 AM - 1PM at St. Michael's with Father
Matthew Kauth, Retreat Leader. $10 per couple
to cover breakfast costs. (See the parish website
for more information)
MEN’S BASKETBALL – If you are interested in
playing basketball in a men’s league please contact Mark Gamble at 704-284-4988. We typically
play one time a week with game start times
ranging from 6pm to 9pm. The season lasts January – March and you must be at least 16 years of
age to play.
“IGNORANCE OF SCRIPTURE IS IGNORANCE OF CHRIST” – St. Jerome – St Michael’s
wants to make sure every parishioner has access
to the Holy Bible and needs your help
in raising funds to provide our Parish
and our School with at least 100 Bibles.
Beginning in January, we will launch a
Bible Drive after every Sunday Mass. Each donation of at least $10 will allow us to purchase one
RSV Bible. Donations of any amount are welcome, but with a $10 donation, you will also be
offered the opportunity to dedicate your bible to
a particular person with a “Dedication Sticker”
that will be affixed to the Bible. When you make
your donation, just give us the name of the individual you are honoring and it will be added to
the sticker. The first 10 Bibles will be donated to
those in need, and the remaining will be housed
in the Rose Room for use by the school and parish groups. For additional information or to
make a donation, please refer to our Facebook
Page or St. Michael’s website
www.stmichaelsgastonia.org.
OUR STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE
Needed each week
December 13
Online
Immaculate Conception
$ 13,200
$ 13,108
$
1,282
$
2,403
2015 DSA Goal
Pledged to date (174 families)
$ 68,844
$ 58,243
Debt Reduction December to date
$
Priest Retirement to date
$ 12,260
7,520
Give Electronically at www.stmichaelsgastonia.org
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD & FOR THE GOOD OF
OUR PARISH: Won't you prayerfully consider giving at
least one hour's wage per week to the Lord?
Recycling Fundraising - Items accepted: cell phones
(no charges or accessories); laptop computers, iPads
& Tablets; inkjet cartridges that fit in your hand; MP3
players; digital cameras, handheld game systems, portable GPS, range finders & sky caddies; radar detectors; e-book readers; graphing calculators; gold, silver
and platinum jewelry. Bring them to the parish office
or the Thrift Store.
Thank You for Recycling
DIRECTORIO DE MINISTERIOS
FINANZAS
Se Necesita cada Semana
December 13
Immaculate Conception
$ 13,200
$ 14,390
$ 2,403
Párroco
Reverendo Matthew Buettner
2015 DSA Meta
To Date
$ 68,844
$ 58,243
Vicaría de Gastonia - Ministerio Hispano
Padre José Antonio Juya — 704- 860-3826
Colecta fundos retiro Sacerdotes
$ 12,260
Coordinador General de Liturgia
John Herrera — 704-616-5422
POR LA GLORIA DE DIOS PARA EL BIEN DE
NUESTRA PARROQUIA: No consideraria el salario
de una hora a la semana al Senor?
INFORMACION PARA LOS SACRAMENTOS
DEL BAUTISMO y MATRIMONIO:
Hable con la Sra. Juliana para Bautizos y con Sra. María
Luna para Matrimonios cuando termina la Misa. Ellas le
indicará las fechas próximas de charlas para estos sacramento, así como un folleto con la información de los requisitos.
BENDICION NIÑOS (AS) POR SUS 3 AÑOS O
PRESENTACION POR SUS 40 DIAS:
A partir del mes de septiembre, estas bendiciones especiales se llevarán a cabo el primer domingo de cada mes.
Anótese con anticipación con Stephanie al terminar la Misa.
CONSEJERIA ESPIRITUAL:
Jueves y viernes. Llame al Padre José para que haga su cita
704-860-3826
CELEBRACION DE XV AÑOS
Comunicarse con Luzmar Gómez 704-747-1770
MISA PARA BODA O XV AÑOS:
Antes de los preparativos para la fiesta, debe hablar con el
Padre para ver si la Iglesia está disponible para la fecha
deseada.
DECORACION DE LA IGLESIA PARA BODA O
XV AÑOS – Hable con la Sra. Nora al 704-689-1199.
CORO PARA BODA O XV AÑOS:
Ya que haya acordado con el Padre la fecha, debe hablar
con Rolando Espinosa 704-675-4030 al terminar la Misa
para que le de información sobre el coro.
Encargados de Ministros Extraordinarios
de la Sagrada Comunión
John Herrera — 704-616-5422
Encargado de Lectores:
Luzmar Gómez — 704-869-8026
704-747-1770
Encargado de Hospitalidad
Ariel y Diana Salazar—704-674-4875
Preparación Pre- Bautismal
Mauricio y Juliana Betancourth — 980-329-9770
Catequesis para Niños & Jóvenes
Carmen Vázquez — 813-541-3977
Catequesis para Adultos
John Herrera — 704-616-5422
Ministerio de Jóvenes
Ivonne Segura — 704-530-3011
Stephanie Salazar— 704-648-5056
Ministerio de Ofrendas
Ariel y Diana Salazar — 704-674-4875
Ministerio de Monaguillos
Mireya Rico — 704-868-6347
Charla para el Sacramento del Matrimonio
María y Dioney — 704-240-8290
Ministerio del Coro Fatima Brenz — 704-862-9963
Rolando Espinoza — 704-675-4030
Comité Pastoral Hispano
Reina Granadino — Coordinadora — 704-488-5976
VISITA A LOS ENFERMOS: Si tiene un familiar o
amigo enfermo y desea la comunión comunicarse con Juliana Betancourth al 704-460-2411 o que el Padre José lo
visite en casa o en el hospital , puede llamarlo al 704-8603826.
ARTICULOS RELIGIOSOS.- Biblia, Catecismo de la
MISA PARA DIFUNTOS :
Todos los primeros viernes de cada mes durante la Misa de Iglesia Católica, Rosarios, Decenarios, etc. Llamar a Nora
Sanación. Debe anotarse con Stephanie Salazar 704-648- 704-689-1199.
5056 una semanas antes.
La Visita de la Virgen a su prima Isabel
Lucas 1, 39-45. Adviento. Estas dos mujeres viven y comparten el mayor secreto que pueda Dios comunicar a los hombres.
Oración introductoria
«Dichosa tú, que has creído». María fue llamada dichosa, no por el hecho de ser Madre de Dios, sino por su fe. Ven, Espíritu Santo, para que esta oración aumente mi fe en el amor y en el poder de Dios, y sepa entregarme con amor y sin reservas a mi misión.
Petición
María, Madre mía, ayúdame a imitarte hoy en el servicio a los demás.
Meditación del Papa
La fidelidad del salmista nace de la escucha de la Palabra, de custodiarla en lo más íntimo, meditándola y amándola, como María,
que "custodiaba, meditándolas en su corazón" las palabras que le habían sido dirigidas y los sucesos maravillosos en los que Dios
se revelaba, pidiendo su sí. Y si nuestro salmo comienza con los primeros versos proclamando "beato" a "quien camina en la Ley
del Señor" y a "quien custodia sus enseñanzas", es también la Virgen María la que lleva a cumplimiento la perfecta figura del creyente descrito por el salmista. Es Ella, de hecho, la verdadera "beata", proclamada como tal por Isabel por "haber creído que se
cumplirá lo que te fue anunciado de parte del Señor", y es de Ella y de su fe de quien el mismo Jesús da testimonio cuando, a la
mujer que gritaba "Bendito el seno que te ha llevado", responde: "Felices más bien los que escuchan la Palabra de Dios y la practican". Cierto, María es bendita porque en su seno llevó al Salvador, pero sobre todo porque acogió el anuncio de Dios, porque fue
una guardiana atenta y amorosa de su Palabra. Benedicto XVI, 9 de noviembre de 2011..
Reflexión
El evangelio de San Lucas nos narra el Anuncio del ángel a María como "de puntillas", con gran respeto, venerando a los protagonistas de este diálogo único. Hoy, sin embargo, asistimos a aquella "segunda anunciación". La que el Espíritu Santo revela a santa
Isabel en el momento de reconocer en María a la Madre de su Señor. Estas dos mujeres viven y comparten el mayor secreto que
pueda Dios comunicar a los hombres, y lo hacen con una naturalidad sorprendente. Por su parte, María, la llena de gracia, no sólo
no se queda ociosa en su casa. Ser Madre de Dios no desdice un ápice de su condición de mujer humilde, de modo que va en ayuda
de su prima. Isabel, por su parte, anuncia, inspirada por el Espíritu, una gran verdad: la felicidad está en el creer al Señor.
Cuando alguien se profesa cristiano, su fe y su vida; lo que cree y cómo lo vive, son dos esferas que están íntimamente unidas.
Quien piense que "creer" es sólo profesar un credo religioso, adherir a una religión o a unos dogmas, quizás tiene una pobre visión
del término. Porque cuando se cree de verdad se empieza a gustar las delicias con que Dios regala a las almas que le buscan con
sinceridad. La pedagogía de Dios es tan sabia que sabe impulsarnos, dándonos a saborear su felicidad, -que es inmensa e incomparable-, cuando somos fieles. Es un gozo que, sin casi quererlo, nos lleva a más, nos invita a entregarnos con más generosidad a la
realización de un plan que va más allá de nuestra visión humana. Isabel reconoce en su prima esa felicidad porque ha creído, pero
además porque en consecuencia, su vida ya no respondía a un plan trazado por ella, sino por su Señor. Ella estaba también encinta
¿por qué era necesario un viaje en las condiciones de aquel tiempo...?
Preguntémonos, si hoy queremos ser felices, ¿cómo va mi fe en la presencia de Dios en mi vida? Si lucho por aceptarla y vivirla ya
tengo el primer requisito para mi felicidad. Aunque tenga que trabajar y sufrir, sabré en todo momento que Dios está a mi lado,
como lo estuvo de María y de Isabel.
Propósito
Vivir hoy con la resolución de servir, por amor, a las personas con las que convivo.
Diálogo con Cristo
María, gracias por enseñarme a entregar mi voluntad a Dios, a no querer cumplir todos mis deseos, por muy importantes que me puedan parecer, a saber
dejar todo en manos de nuestro Padre y Señor. Quiero imitar tu bondad y disposición para ayudar a los demás. Intercede por mí para que sepa imitar esas
virtudes que más agradan a tu Hijo, nuestro Señor.
La Navidad, su verdadero significado
1.- LA FIESTA DE LA NAVIDAD:
La fiesta de Navidad fue instituida por la Iglesia en el siglo IV y es originaria de la Iglesia latina y mas propiamente
de la Sede Apostólica de Roma.
Por falta de documentos exactos sobre el nacimiento de nuestro Señor, no existe una certeza absoluta acerca del
año, que algunos escritores sagrados y profanos señalan entre el 747 y 749 de la fundación de Roma (del 7 al 5
A.C.), y del día, que han hecho oscilar entre el 25 de marzo y el 17 de diciembre.
Hay pruebas del este griego y del oeste latino donde los cristianos intentaban averiguar la fecha del nacimiento de
Cristo mucho antes de que lo empezaran a celebrar de una forma litúrgica, incluso en los siglos II y III. De hecho,
las pruebas indican que la atribución a la fecha de 25 de diciembre fue una consecuencia de los intentos por determinar cuándo se debía celebrar su muerte y resurrección.
2.- EL 25 DE DICIEMBRE Y LA NAVIDAD:
La Navidad se celebra el 25 de diciembre, (visitar el enlace del párrafo anterior para más información sobre el tema). Navidad no es el 24 de diciembre, es TODO el 25 de diciembre. Eso sí: Navidad NO ES LA CELEBRACION DE UNA FECHA, SINO DE UN HECHO, el nacimiento
del Salvador, evento absolutamente decisivo en la historia de la salvación. Es entonces una conmemoración del significado de ese hecho. Se lee
en las profecías:
Porque un niño nos ha nacido, un hijo se nos ha dado; le ponen en el hombro el distintivo del rey y proclaman su nombre: "Consejero admirable,
Dios fuerte, Padre que no muere, príncipe de la Paz." (Is 9, 5)
Ese hecho fue de tal magnitud que todo el cielo lo celebró:
De pronto una multitud de seres celestiales aparecieron junto al ángel, y alababan a Dios con estas palabras: "Gloria a Dios en lo más alto del
cielo y en la tierra paz a los hombres: ésta es la hora de su gracia". (Lc 2, 13-14)
Nosotros, los beneficiados con este hecho, tenemos no solamente motivos sino una verdadera obligación de celebrarlo.
Como lo importante es el significado, todo lo anterior se resume en que debemos ser conscientes de que hubo un día en el que Dios encarnado
llegó a nuestras vidas, las cuales deben estar listas para fructificar bajo su luz ("Yo soy la luz del mundo" dijo Jesús en Jn 8, 12), de aquí que la
temporada de adviento sea de penitencia y reflexión (ese es el sentido del color morado en los trajes de los sacerdotes en las misas, el mismo color
de la cuaresma). Como dijo el Santo Padre Juan Pablo II:
"Jesús nace para la humanidad que busca libertad y paz; nace para todo hombre oprimido por el pecado, necesitado de salvación y sediento de
esperanza."
3.- LA NAVIDAD CRISTIANA Y LA NAVIDAD CONSUMISTA:
Navidad es una fiesta que está bajo un ataque tremendo en estos últimos tiempos. Santa Claus ha tomado el lugar de Jesús-niño y el mall o el
centro comercial ha tomado el lugar del templo. Que triste que el Domingo antes de Navidad los estacionamientos de las Iglesias estén vacíos y
en los centros comerciales sea una hazaña encontrar un lugar donde estacionar el automovil. Dice la Palabra de Dios:"Donde está tu tesoro, allí
esta tu corazón" (Mat.6:21) ¿Dónde está tu corazón? ¿En un centro comercial?…. ¿Cuando llegue la tribulación a tu vida, a donde vas a ir a buscar consuelo y paz? ¿Al centro comercial?
Navidad es una fiesta de cumpleaños donde se le compran regalos a todos menos al niño que se festeja. Donde se hace una fiesta y no se invita al
homenajeado, donde hoy -tristemente- se trata de que no se mencione el nombre del niño que nació, su nombre es Jesús.
El Apóstol Pablo, un hombre que un día fue su enemigo y que se rindió a El, dice que: frente a ese nombre se doblará toda rodilla en el cielo, en la
tierra, y hasta en el infierno y a este "nombre sobre todo nombre" lo queremos borrar de nuestras vidas.
Que esta Navidad sea otra ocasión para el nacimiento de Jesús pero en nuestro corazón, lo que supone que nazcamos a la nueva vida como El
mismo nos lo enseñó:
"En verdad te digo que nadie puede ver el Reino de Dios si no nace de nuevo desde arriba". Nicodemo le dijo: "¿Cómo renacerá el hombre ya
viejo? ¿Quién volverá al vientre de su madre para nacer otra vez?" Jesús le contestó: "En verdad te digo: El que no renace del agua y del Espíritu
no puede entrar en el Reino de Dios. Lo que nace de la carne es carne, y lo que nace del Espíritu es espíritu". (Jn 3, 4-6)
PRÓXIMAS ACTIVIDADES Y
REUNIONES
Diciembre Diciembre
22 Martes 24 Jueves
7:00 PM
Emaus
Diciembre
25 Viernes
FELIZ
NAVIDAD!
Diciembre
26 Sábado
MINISTERIO DE AYUDA SOCIAL-CARIDAD
Si sabe de alguna familia que esté en necesidad y desee recibir una despensa, puede contactar al Señor
Gaudencio Alvarado (980) 320-5587
A LA COMUNIDAD EN GENERAL
Si desean contribuir con algún producto como: aceite para
cocinar, sal, papel higiénico, champú, pasta dental, o aporte
económico etc., llame a Gaudencio Alvarado para hacer su
donación. De antemano le damos las gracias en nombre de
todas las familias a las cuales se entregarán los productos
recibidos.
G R A C I A S
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Baptisms are held at 2 pm on Saturdays. Baptism is the
most important moment of our life. Infants should be baptized in the first few weeks. Parents AND godparents must
attend the preparation class (held every 2nd Saturday)
preferably before the child is born. Parents need to be
registered in the parish, pledge to raise the child as a practicing Catholic, and must also be practicing the faith by
attending Holy Mass every Sunday. Godparents are considered Catholic role models. Therefore, they must have
received all sacraments, including Confirmation, and must
be attending Holy Mass every Sunday. If they are married,
they must have received the sacrament of Holy Matrimony
in the Catholic Church. Please come to the parish office to
register for the class and bring a copy of the child’s birth
certificate when it becomes available.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY MATRIMONY
Couples should make an appointment with the priest at the
time of engagement, and at least six months before any proposed wedding date to begin preparations. The couple
should be registered, active members of our parish, which
means that all Catholic parties are attending Holy Mass every Sunday, contributing to the financial needs of the parish,
and are engaged in the spiritual and social life of our parish
family. All Weddings are celebrated inside the Church on
Saturday at 10 AM or 12 PM.
MARRIAGE TRIBUNAL ADVOCATE
Call Mrs. Rita Kincaid at 704-907-3607 or
[email protected]
SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Please call to set a time before serious surgery (after Sunday or daily Mass is good) or any time in an emergency.
DEVOTIONS
Wednesday:
5:00 PM Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
5:50 PM Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
First Fridays:
10 PM Thursday – 8 AM Friday:
Nocturnal Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
9 AM - 7 PM All Day Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Saturdays:
8:15 AM Miraculous Medal Novena
8:15 AM Mass in Latin (not 1st Sat)
Fridays of Lent:
6 PM Stations of the Cross
PARISH PASTORAL & FINANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Pastoral Council
Fr Matthew Buettner
Linda Mooney
Reine Smirz
Margaret Vogt
David Barker
Brian Gawronski
Sheila Levesque
Tim Mueller
Theresa Ostendorf
Fr Jose A Juya
Lonikay Templeton
Anne Tinsdale
Johanna Pichardo
Mitch Foreman
Theresa Webster
John Herrera
Liz Baechel
Finance Council
Maureen O’Keefe, Vince Mooney
Juliana Betancourt, John Guglielmetti,
Riguey Gomez, Dawn Nielson
HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME
Please contact Sr. Carolyn Mary Coll at 704-813-1425 or
[email protected] make arrangements.
ATTENTION NEWCOMERS
Have you completed a parish registration form?
CATECHISM, 1ST PENANCE, 1ST COMMUNION,
CONFIRMATION , YOUTH MINISTRY
BECOMING A CATHOLIC/RCIA
Contact the Director of Religious Ed. Theresa Webster
[email protected] / 704-867-6212 ext 114
THRIFT STORE
1111 S. York Rd, 704-864-8646. Open Tuesday through
Friday 10 AM - 5 PM & Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL MINISTRY
If you have a financial or material emergency, please call
the parish office.
If not, please see a Greeter after Mass for a registration form today!
620950
St. Michael Church
708 Saint Michael’s Lane
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-867-6212
Contact: Debbie Davis
[email protected]
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