Celebren Celebren El nacimiento nacimiento nacimiento de Cristo

The Catholic Parish of Saint Luke
202 S. MacArthur Boulevard, Irving, Texas 75060 Phone (972)-259-3222 www.stlukeirving.org
December 2007
Celebren
El nacimiento de Cristo
Our Lady of Guadalupe
“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her
feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev 12:1)
Just outside Mexico City on the mountain of Tepeyac in the year 1531, a lowly and humble
indigenous Indian, Juan Diego, was blessed with apparitions of Mary, the Virgin Mother of
God. Tepeyac, also known as Guadalupe gives to Mary’s title, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our
Blessed Mother presents herself through Juan Diego to evangelize the people of the Americas,
who experiencing birth of a “New World” of Europeans having migrated for better living and the
native Aztec Indian people. Clearly our Blessed Mother, Queen of the “New World”, only after
Juan Diego’s own conversion to Christianity chose him for “The kingdom belongs to the poor
and lowly, which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts” (Catechism of the
Catholic Church #544). Through this humble servant, Juan Diego, “the glorious ever Virgin
Mary, Mother of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Canon of the Roman Mass), brings forth
the message of her Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas will be celebrated at Saint Luke in its usual
grandeur with a novena (nine days) of Masses leading us to the feast day, December 12th. The Novena of Masses
will be held daily beginning December 3rd at 7:00 pm, except Sunday, December 9th when we will continue with
the Novena at the Sunday Masses. The rosary will be prayed daily at 6:30 pm prior to the Mass at 7:00 pm. On the
actual feast day, we will sing “Las Mañanitas” (birthday song) in the early morning hours and have the annual
procession in the afternoon directing us to the feast day Mass that evening concluding with more singing and
dancing. The entire day is festive, fun, and filled with traditional food like tamales and pan dulce (sweet bread)
served with champurrado, which is a Native Indian drink.
On Sunday December 9th our parish will have an additional celebration, Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival. The
festival celebration will include a Saint Luke Queen & Princess Pageant. Girls and young ladies of our parish
who are competing for the title of Saint Luke Queen will be honored at this special celebration and during all the
Masses on Sunday, December 9th. During the OLG Annual Procession which will be held on December 12th at
5:00 pm, these queen candidates will travel on a parade float from downtown Irving to St. Luke Church to celebrate
the Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day Mass.
We encourage you to purchase raffle tickets from the girls and young ladies, queen candidates, who are working
hard to raise funds to help us eliminate our $750,000 parish debt. For a one-dollar donation, you will have a
chance to win a $1000 Visa Cash-card Grand Prize, $300 Visa Cash-card Second Prize, and $200 Visa Cashcard Third Prize. The title, Saint Luke Queen, will go to the individual who has sold the most raffle tickets. With
this drawing, everyone is sure to walk away a winner by donating to a great cause. For more information on the
events of this celebration or the queen candidates, please contact Mrs. Rosa Rodriguez at 214-725-8119.
Throughout our celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we pray that our Blessed Mother will intercede for us in a
very special way all the multitude of issues hampering America today. We also pray that our beloved John Paul II
will also plead in our behalf just as he did while he was with us: “Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace! Save
the nations and the peoples of this continent. Teach everyone, political leaders and citizens, to live in true freedom
and to act according to the requirements of justice and respect for human rights, so that peace may thus be
established once and for all.” (John Paul II, Mexico 1999)
Virgin of Guadalupe, pray for us! Saint Juan Diego, pray for us! ~DeeAnn Cortez-Kemp, DRE
Adult Faith Formation
Introducing “Understanding the Sacraments”
The Second Topic of our Parish Adult Faith Program ~ Beginning January 2008
Have you ever noticed that the Catholic Church has a different
relationship to Time than most of the world? For example, on the first Sunday
of December Catholics begin a new year – a liturgical year of grace. We speak
in terms of “years of grace” because we understand that by becoming man, the
Son of God baptized time and history. Furthermore, we understand that with the
Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles a new era in human history began,
the Era of the Church.
The distinctive way the Church understands Time struck me in a special
way when, recently, a child asked me why Jesus had to leave us. As an adult
Catholic I understand the longing expressed in this child’s question. Furthermore, I recognize in it the same
sentiment expressed by St. Peter at the Last Supper when he asked, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus gave a
most curious response: “little children, I shall be with you only a little longer... Do not let your hearts be troubled.
...I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take
you to myself, so that you may be with me where I am.” (John 13:33, 14:1-3)
In effect, Jesus’ explains that he had to return to his Father so that he would never have to leave us. This
puzzling response is understood only when we recognize his presence in the Sacrifice of the Mass, especially in the
consecrated Bread and Wine. Once our spiritual senses are awakened, we begin to recognize signs of his presence
and activity elsewhere, -in all the sacraments, in the proclamation of his Word, and in the prayer of the Church.
Jesus answered that little boy’s question, the one we have all asked at some point. Now it is his turn to
question us, -“Have you noticed me recently? Have you recognized my voice yet?” How can our eyes and ears be
opened so that we will recognize him in our midst?
Of course, there are many paths to the knowledge of the things of God. One way is to join other adult
Catholics in an exploration of the Sacramental life. “Understanding the Sacraments,” the second of our series of
classes addressing the full spectrum of Catholic Faith and Life will begin in January. These meetings will be led by
individuals trained in Theology and Sacred Scripture, and will mix formal teaching with discussion. They will be
conducted in English on Saturday mornings and in Spanish on Wednesday evenings. Those who participate in a
full set of classes can receive diocesan credit toward certification as a catechist.
Knowledge of God, understanding of his mysteries, and wisdom concerning his purpose, are gifts we are
told to seek. We are promised that in seeking them, they will be found. These gifts will, over time, lead us to know
better what it means to be Christian, and in turn, to be better witnesses of the One whose name we bear. Our
families, our Church, and our culture needs men and women of prayer whose faith is alive, and who are deeply
committed to the person and message of Jesus! Join us this January as we come together to explore the richness of
our Catholic heritage. Call the Adult Faith Formation Office at 972-259-1832 ext.238 (English) or 972-259-3222
ext.245 (Spanish).
“Sacraments are ‘powers that comes forth’ from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are
actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are ‘the masterworks of God’ in the new and
everlasting covenant.”(CCC 1116)
KENOSIS – Youth Group
This past October on the 28th, the youth partook in the Annual World Youth Day at Six Flags
event with both the Dallas and Fort Worth Diocese. While there, the youth from the entire metroplex
were able to enjoy the park together as a catholic family. The morning began at 10:00 A.M. when a
total of seventy-eight youth from Saint Luke’s gathered to say goodbye to parents for the entire day. We
arrived just before the park opened to get settled off the bus. The tickets were distributed and we entered
for a day full of fun! We broke off into groups of about five or six to keep from getting lost. The day
was incredible: with wind gushing toward our faces on the many roller coasters, water splashing us from
head to toe on the roaring rapids, or the Holy Spirit opening our hearts to get to know many other fellow
followers of Christ! Although lines were long, the rides were fun and we were able to meet many other
Catholics right here in our area while waiting in line. At half past four, we gathered in front of the
theatre to enjoy music and to prepare for Mass given by both Bishop Kevin Farrell and Bishop Kevin
Vann. It was very beautiful despite all the outside attractions and the thousands of youth were able to
receive Jesus in a place that is very familiar for them. It was very memorable and something both the youth and chaperones will be able to
hold in their hearts for many years. After Mass, the youth had time to enjoy one more ride before we made it back to the bus to head
home. We arrived back at the Family Life Center by 8:00 P.M. to enjoy one more snack and head home. Overall, the youth had a blast
and really took pleasure in the time spent with their friends within the church.
As for the actual World Youth Day event, where youth from all over the world get together, we have
registered a total of seven people from Saint Luke’s Parish. We will be traveling to Sydney, Australia in mid July
for a ten day trip to celebrate Christ with Catholics from all over the world with Pope Benedict XVI. We are all
looking forward for this once in a lifetime event to travel to Australia and see Pope Benedict XVI all at once! We
have been fundraising to help with the cost of possible increases and also to help build the team of those
attending. The World Youth Day Tour happens every two years and it’s always in a new location. We are
already looking forward to increasing the number of attendees for the next World Youth Day event - both locally
and abroad!
KENOSIS – Grupo Juvenil
El pasado 28 de octubre, 2007, los jóvenes de San Lucas participaron en Día Mundial de la
Juventud en “Six Flags,” evento anual organizado por ambas Diócesis de Dallas y Fort Worth. Estando
allí, la juventud de toda el área metropolitana pudo disfrutar de este parque, unida como familia
católica. Nuestra mañana comenzó a las 10:00 a.m., cuando un grupo de setenta y ocho jóvenes de San
Lucas se reunieron para despedirse de sus padres por el resto del día. Llegamos antes de que abriese el
parque para bajarnos con calma del autobús. ¡Los boletos fueron distribuidos y entramos a un día
llenos de diversión! Nos separamos en grupos de cinco o seis para evitar perdernos. El día estuvo
increíble: con el viento dándonos directamente en la cara en la mayoría de los juegos, el agua
empapándonos de pies a cabeza en los sonoros rápidos, o el Espíritu Santo abriendo nuestros corazones
para poder conocer a muchos hermanos en Cristo. Aunque las filas eran muy largas, los juegos fueron divertido y pudimos conocer a
muchísimos Católicos de nuestra área mientras hacíamos fila. A las cuatro y media de la tarde, nos reunimos frente al teatro para disfrutar
música y prepararnos para la Misa oficiada por el Obispo Kevin Farrell y el Obispo Kevin Vann. Fue muy hermoso a pesar de todas las
atracciones de afuera, los miles de jóvenes pudieron recibir a Jesús en un lugar que les es muy familiar. Fue inolvidable y es algo que tanto
los jóvenes como los chaperones, podrán guardar en sus corazones por muchos años. Después de Misa, los jóvenes tuvieron tiempo de
disfrutar de los juegos una vez más antes de irnos al autobús que nos trajo a casa. Llegamos al Centro Familiar cerca de las 8:00 p.m.,
comimos algo ligero y nos fuimos a casa.
En relación al evento del Día Mundial de la Juventud, en donde jóvenes de todo el mundo se reúnen, ya
tenemos registrados un total de siete personas de la Parroquia de San Lucas. Viajaremos a Sydney, Australia, a
mediados del mes julio, 2008, en un viaje de diez días para celebrar a Cristo junto con jóvenes de todo el mundo
encabezados por el Papa Benedicto XVI. ¡Estamos esperando con ilusión este evento único en la vida de poder
viajar a Australia y ver al Papa Benedicto XVI, a la misma vez! El Tour del Día Mundial de la Juventud,
solamente sucede una vez cada dos años y siempre se lleva a cabo en un país diferente. ¡Queremos que el
número de asistentes al próximo Día Mundial de la Juventud, aumente tanto local como mundialmente!
From the Office of Family Life and Ministries
Upcoming Events:
• December 1 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm English baptismal preparation classes held in Thomas
Aquinas room, located in the Family Life Center
• December 3 – 7:00 pm Spanish baptismal preparation classes held in the Parish Hall
Just a little something to think about….
St. Therese of Lisieux wrote in her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, that Christ was
most often present to her not "during my hours of prayer...but rather in the midst of my daily
occupations."
During this season of Advent, it seems particularly hard to reflect on ordinary things. Christmas…
it’s always such a stressful time for me. Thinking about things that need to get done, Christmas programs
and parties that we need to attend, family that we need to visit, gifts that we need to buy. It’s really easy for
me to lose sight of what the season of Advent is all about.
The season of Advent allows us time to focus and reflect on who is really coming… who we are preparing the
way for. Listed below are the biographies and feast days of some well-known Advent saints. May they be our inspiration
as we prepare for the coming of Christ.
Mary
Most of us readily think of St. Mary, Mother of God, during Advent. After all, Mary is the one closest to
Jesus. Two Marian feasts fall during Advent: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) and
the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12). From Mary we learn the greatest traits of the Christian:
love, humility, justice, openness to God's grace and willingness to act.
St. Nicholas
This fourth-century Greek bishop is known for his faithfulness to Christ, his devotion to justice and to
charity. Santa Claus is a character that started with Nicholas and took on a life of its own. We would
do well to remember the real Nicholas. Ask for his intercession as you pray for a charitable heart.
St. Lucy
This fourth-century martyr chose to be a Christian when being Christian was illegal. She wanted to give up all her wealth
and devote her life to the poor, but she herself became a victim of oppression. After resisting the advances of a Roman
soldier, she was denounced as a Christian and torturously executed. She teaches us that life in Christ's light is worth
devoting your life to—even dying for.
St. John of the Cross
He is the great mystic of Advent, who says that we are "face-to-face with Love's own grace." What
wonderful words to ponder! Before he entered religious life he worked in a hospital for people with
disgusting diseases. Besides bathing them, he sang songs to cheer them up. Even when he held high
administrative posts he took the lowliest tasks. His life reminds us that no matter how soaring our
spirituality, it must be grounded in humble day-to-day duties or we miss the whole meaning of the
Incarnation
Vocations
The Cradle – Sign of Vocation
Christmas nears and images of presents gaily wrapped and trees decked in bright ornaments fill
the imagination’s eye. The smell of roasted hams and freshly baked pies overwhelm the nostrils
and familiar tunes ring in the air. It is time to celebrate love given to us and love shared among
us!
At most churches, a beautiful manger scene is created and St. Luke’s is no different. We are
invited to recall the love of a God who called his Son to a human existence. We are asked to
remember the obedience of a young man who was called to be a foster father. We are challenged
to realize the courage of a young woman who was called to be a virgin mother.
The cradle is the sign and fruit of two persons willing to embrace the mystery of their vocations, St. Joseph and
Mary. May it be a sign for us to embrace our vocations with generosity!
(Please keep in your prayers our CCD students who will be making a First Communion Retreat December 1st. A
Holy Hour for Vocations will be part of the experience.)
A Blessed Christmas and Grace-filled New Year be with you and your loved ones!
Vocaciónes
La Navidad se acerca y las imágenes de los presentes alegremente arreglados y los árboles
cargados de vivos adornos navideños nos hacen volar la imaginación. El olor de los jamones
asados y de tortas recién horneadas inundan nuestro sentido del olfato y melodías ya
familiares se escuchan en el aire. ¡Ha llegado la hora de celebrar el Amor que nos dan y el
amor entre nosotros.
En la mayoría de las iglesias, la escena de un hermoso nacimiento es recreado y en San Lucas
es igual. Hemos sido invitados a recordar el amor de un Dios quien llamó a su hijo a la
existencia humana. Se nos pide que recordemos la obediencia de un hombre joven que se le
pidió ser padre adoptivo. Nos retan a que reconozcamos el valor de una joven quien fue
llamada ser virgen y madre.
El Pesebre el símbolo y fruto de dos personas dispuestas a abrazar el misterio de sus vocaciones, San José y la
Virgen María. ¡Qué sea también un símbolo para nosotros para que aceptemos nuestra vocación con generosidad!
(Por favor incluyan en sus oraciones a nuestros alumnos de catecismo CCD, que harán un retiro para la Primera
Comunión el 1ro de diciembre, 2007. Como parte de esta experiencia participarán en una Hora Santa por las
Vocaciones.)
¡Se les desea una Navidad llena de Bendiciones y un Año Nuevo lleno de Gracias para todos ustedes y
sus seres queridos!
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SCHOOL NEWS
St. Luke Catholic School welcomes each child in Jesus’ name, developing within each student a
love for God, learning and others.
Parents: As you plan your Christmas Vacation, please remember that school is in session through
the 21th of December.
DECEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER
December 5 – Progress Reports sent home
December 6— Feast of St. Nicholas 7:00 -8:00 a.m. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA-CAFETERIA
December 7— First Friday 8:00 a.m. Mass & Benediction
December 9— Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe-Gym
December 12—Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 20—All School Christmas Program
December 21 -- Christ Child Mass 8:00 a.m.
December 21—12:00 NOON DISMISSAL—NO EXTENDED SCHOOL DAY!!!
December 25—
25—Mary Christmas and a Happy New Year
January 7—
Monday, Classes Resume
FECHAS IMPORTANTES PARA RECORDAR EN DICIEMBRE
Diciembre 5– Reporte de progreso se mandara a casa
Diciembre 6— Almuerzo con Santa de 7:00-8:00 a.m. en la Cafetería
Diciembre 7-- Misa y Beneracion 1er Viernes del Mes
Diciembre 9— Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe-Gym
Diciembre 20 – Programa Navideño de la Escuela
Diciembre 21-- Misa, para el Hijo de Dios
Diciembre 21-- SALIDA AL MEDIODÍA, NO HABRÁ GUARDERÍA DESPUÉS DE CLASES.
Diciembre 25—
25—Feliz Navidad y Proximo Año Nuevo
Enero 7—Regreso a Clases
Annual Christmas Tree Decorating Competition
St. Luke Catholic School is again participating in the annual Christmas Tree Decorating
Competition at the Irving Arts Center. This year's theme at the Arts Center is "A Cajun Christmas"
and our school children have each made a Christ-centered ornament. The tree will be on
display at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur, beginning November 24. Please visit the
Arts Center between Nov. 24 and Dec. 5 to cast your vote for the "Viewer's Choice" Award.
(Votes are accepted from adults only this year.) Hours are M,T,W,F 9am-5pm; Thurs. 9am-8pm;
Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm. Winning schools receive a cash prize; please support our school
by voting for our Christmas tree!
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS/ORGANIZACIONES PARROQUIALES
Ministry/Organization
Ministerios/Organizaciones
Leader/
Líder
Phone #/
Teléfono
Altar Servers/Monaguillos
Altar Society/Sociedad del Altar
Ark of Divine Embraces/Arca del Divino Abrazo
Booster Club (SLCS)/Apoyo Atletico
Catholic Daughters/Hijas Católicas
Cursillistas/Cursillistas
Eucharistic Adoration(Silent)/Adoración Eucarística
John Lingenfelter
Shirley Tyson
MaryLea Wright
Michele Kendro
Jo-Ann Bresowar
Daniel Segovia
Valerie Graham
214-687-7026
972-254-5323
972-259-3222
972-254-9552
972-986-8543
972-259-3222
214-793-0078
Eucharistic Ministers/ Ministros de la Eucaristía
Fall Festival/Festival de Otoño
Jo-Ann Bresowar
Daniel Segovia
Patricia Diaz
Tim O’Sullivan
Gala (SLCS)/Gala
Melody MacCallum
Guadalupano Group/Grupo Guadalupano
Ricardo Riojas
Grupo de Oración Carismático
Argentina Gutierrez
Historian/Historiadora
Eleanor Rusnak
Kenosis Youth/Young Adults/Kenosis, Grupo Juvenil Tinamarie Bierra
Lectors - English
Marie Azcona
Lectores - Español
Patty Bustamante
Oscar Torres
Legion of Mary/Legión de María
Anna Chaney
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena/
Novena a María Auxiliadora
Elsie Granado
Parish Advisory Council/Consejo Parroquial
Cindy Simmons
Parish Finance Council/Councilio Financiero
Bill Rudolph
Parent-Teacher Partnership (PTP) (SLCS)/
Asociación de Padres y Maestros
Kim Jones
Pro-Life/Pro-Vida
Religious Education Board/Comité de Educación Religiosa
Renew/Renacer; Valor
Javier Rodriguez
Sacristy/Sacristán
Martha Talbott
School Advisory Council/Consejo Escolar
Melody MacCallum
School Finance Council/ Concilio Escolar Financiero Bill Rudolph
Sacred Heart Bookstore/Tienda de Libros Religiosos Joyce Pierce
Silver Seniors/Grupo de la Tercera Edad
Virginia Gordon
Ushers/Acomodadores
Mark Patton
Pastor/ Párroco
Parochial Vicar/Vicario Parroquial
Deacons/Diáconos
972-986-8543
972-259-3222
972-259-1832
817-239-0489
972-986-6147
214-441-9534
214-228-0515
972-438-9526
972 259-3222
972-254-5752
972-790-1264
972-253-9059
972-554-1709
Meeting Date & Time/
Día y hora de reunión
1st Thursday of month , 7:00 p.m.-Parish Hall
1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10a.m.-Noon-Ark
2nd Monday of month, 7:00 p.m.-Caf
Every Tuesday, 6.p.m.-10 p.m.-Caf
Mon. Wed. & Thur., 6 p.m.-10 p.m. –Church
Tus. 8 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Fri. 9 a..m. -10 a.m.
Mass Every Friday , 7:00 p.m.-Church
Every Monday 7 p.m. -Ark
Every Sunday, 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 Mass-Church
Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:00 a.m. -Church Office
972-259-4900
972-554-4611
214-840-8887
Every Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.-Church
Monthly, 6:30 p.m.-School Lib.
Quarterly, 6:30 p.m.-School Lib.
972-721-1601
Monthly during school, 7:00 p.m.-Parish Hall
972-896-2613
972-594-8554
972-986-6147
214-840-8887
214-287-0083
972-252-2496
972-254-4346
Every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Ark
Monthly, 6:30 p.m.-School Lib.
Quarterly, 6:30 p.m.-School Lib.
3rd Monday of Month, 12:00 p.m.-Parish Hall
Rev. Clair Orso, C.S.
972-259-3222
Fr. Jorge Bravo C.S.
972-259-3222
José Trevino, Jr., Daniel Segovia,
Roger Gette,
972-259-3222
Pastoral Staff/Administration Pastoral
Adult Faith Formation/Formación Religiosa para Adultos
Business Office/Oficina de Negocios
CCD/Catequesis para Niños
Church Publications & Facilities Management/
Publicaciones y uso de las Facilidades Parroquiales
Español-Formación Religiosa para Adultos
Facilities Mgr. & Maintenance/Mantenimiento
Family Life & Ministries/Vida de Familia y Ministerios
Music Ministry/Ministerio de Música
Religious Education Office/Oficina de Educación Religiosa
Receptionist/Recepcionista
Safe Environment/Seguridad Ambiental
St. Luke Catholic School (SLCS)/
Escuela Católica San Lucas
Stewardship/Gerencia Administrativa
Vocations/Vocaciones
Youth Ministry –Kenosis/Grupo Juvenil-Kenosis
Therese Frank
972-259-1832 x238
Mary O’Sullivan
972-259-3222 x222
DeeAnn Kemp-Cortez972 259-1832 x246
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Terri Hernandez
972-259-3222 x227 [email protected]
Daniel Segovia
972-259-3222 x245 [email protected]
Jesse Hernandez
972-259-3222 x243 [email protected]
Lisa Molina
972-259-3222 x244 [email protected]
Stephen Trevino
972-259-3222 x228 [email protected]
Patricia Diaz
972-259-1832 x242
Mary Bass
972-259-3222 x221 [email protected]
Margarita Ledbetter 972-259-3222 x250 [email protected]
Cathy Quattrochi
972-253-8285 x235 [email protected]
Kathy Carruth
972-253-8285 x248 [email protected]
Michele Peek
972 259-3222 x223 [email protected]
Sr. Janine Tran, CMR 972-259-3222 x224 [email protected]
Tinamarie Bierra
972-259-1832 x239 [email protected]
For changes or corrections, please contact Terri Hernandez in the Church Office./
Para cambios o correciones, por favor contacte a Terri Hernandez en la Oficina Parroquial.
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