fourth sunday of advent · 23/12/2018  · how would i spend christmas day? i want to spend this...

4
SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT SAINT MARY QUEEN OF HEAVEN www.clarkforkcatholic.com Fourth Sunday of Advent Christmas is almost here!!! The final candle is lit, Christmas is merely days away, and what are we feeling? Is it joy? Is it hope? Or is it frantic as we make our final preparations for Christmas? Let us take a moment and reflect on preparing for Christmas. What are we doing to prepare for Christmas and how does that shape the way that we celebrate the day/season? If my focus on preparing for Christmas is about the decoration and meal, then Christmas will feel like a relief because now all the decorating and preparing is done. If my focus on preparing is to welcome my family who is coming, then, again, just like above, the feeling of Christmas will be a relief. If my focus on preparing is to recognize my savior who came into the world for me, what would that look like? How would I spend Christmas day? I want to spend this time exploring that last question: how do we welcome Christ at Christmas? I have many suggestions. The simplest way is to take some time to relax and reflect. Dont try to do more stuff like watch TV, read a book, or play games. Take some time to reflect on the importance of Christmas. This could be as simple as watching the snow fall, experiencing the peacefulness of the day, or reading the story of Christs birth. Another suggestion: take a walk. Getting outside to appreciate the stillness of the day and the beauty of Gods creation is a way to give Him praise. Another suggestion: spend some time in prayer, namely, prayers of thanksgiving. Christmas is marked by thankfulness therefore our prayer should focus on gratitude. I am certain that there are many more ways to celebrate Christmas well and appreciate the saving event of Jesusbirth. But what should mark this day is peace, joy, gratitude, and relaxation. I challenge you to celebrate Christmas well! Fr. Cody Prayer for lighting the fourth candle: Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. ~AMEN.

Upload: others

Post on 13-Oct-2020

5 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Fourth Sunday of Advent · 23/12/2018  · How would I spend Christmas day? I want to spend this time exploring that last question: how do we welcome Christ at Christmas? I have many

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT SAINT MARY QUEEN OF HEAVEN

www.clarkforkcatholic.com

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas is almost here!!!

The final candle is lit, Christmas is merely days away, and what are we feeling? Is it joy? Is it hope? Or is it frantic as we make our final preparations for Christmas? Let us take a moment and reflect on preparing for Christmas. What are we doing to prepare for Christmas and how does that shape the way that we celebrate the day/season? If my focus on preparing for Christmas is about the decoration and meal, then Christmas will feel like a relief because now all the decorating and preparing is done. If my focus on preparing is to welcome my family who is coming, then, again, just like above, the feeling of Christmas will be a relief. If my focus on preparing is to recognize my savior who came into the world for me, what would that look like? How would I spend Christmas day? I want to spend this time exploring that last question: how do we

welcome Christ at Christmas? I have many suggestions. The simplest way is to take some time to relax and reflect. Don’t try to do more stuff like watch TV, read a book, or play games. Take some time to reflect on the importance of Christmas. This could be as simple as watching the snow fall, experiencing the peacefulness of the day, or reading the story of Christ’s birth. Another suggestion: take a walk. Getting outside to appreciate the stillness of the day and the beauty of God’s creation is a way to give Him praise. Another suggestion: spend some time in prayer, namely, prayers of thanksgiving. Christmas is marked by thankfulness therefore our prayer should focus on gratitude. I am certain that there are many more ways to celebrate Christmas well and appreciate the saving event

of Jesus’ birth. But what should mark this day is peace, joy, gratitude, and relaxation. I challenge you to celebrate Christmas well!

Fr. Cody

Prayer for lighting the fourth candle:

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. ~AMEN.

Page 2: Fourth Sunday of Advent · 23/12/2018  · How would I spend Christmas day? I want to spend this time exploring that last question: how do we welcome Christ at Christmas? I have many

ST. MARY QUEEN OF HEAVEN -SUPERIOR-

Confessions/Reconciliation Noon Rosary at 12:10 p.m.

Sunday, Mass 12:30 p.m.

TODAY’S MASS INTENTION Intention of Extension Donor

Please join on the second Sunday of each month for a Potluck and Community Meeting , immediately following mass. The next one will be on January 13th.

R. E. Meeting Dates : All classes will be in the church basement from 11:30-12:15; January 6, 20, & 27; February 3, & 24; March 3, & 17. There is no Mass, tomorrow Monday at Noon. Our Christmas Eve mass is at 4:30 pm

ST. ALBERT THE GREAT -ALBERTON-

Confessions/Reconciliation 10:00 am Sunday Mass 10:30 am

TODAY’S MASS INTENTION-

Deacon Mark Zenner +, r.b. Jenne Zenner

Christmas Day Mass will be at 10:00 am. Join us on the first Sunday of each month for a Potluck immediately following mass, all are welcome.

Our community meeting is on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 5:00 pm. The next on is January 20th.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST -FRENCHTOWN-

Confessions/Reconciliation 8:00 am Rosary at 8:00 a.m.

Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m.

TODAY’S MASS INTENTION- “Missa Pro Populo”

R. E. Meeting Dates Fall 2018: January 6, 13, 27.

Our Christmas Eve mass is at 7:30 pm. There will be Fireworks immediately following the mass.

Our community meeting is on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. The next one is on January 21st.

TODAY, December 23rd Ministers

Extraordinary Ministers of HC

Jodi Todd & Renee Herbst

Lector - Bill Wodrich

Altar Servers - Luc or Beau

Greeter/Gifts - Darian Bauman &

Ann Wodrich

Collection - Kelson Bauman &

Roger Herbst

NEXT WEEK, December 30th Ministers

Extraordinary Ministers of HC Anne Hoppie & Lindy Cummins

Lector –Roger Herbst

Altar Servers - Matthew

Greeter/Gifts - The Krantz Family

Collection - Chris Holman &

Lisa Nielsen

TODAY, December 23rd Ministers

Extraordinary Ministers of HC Patricia Terry &

Ken Kuhl

Lector Sylvia Downing

NEXT WEEK, December 30th Ministers

Extraordinary Ministers of HC Patti Pickering &

Sylvia Downing

Lector Jerry Moran

St. Albert’s Host/Hostess December: Jim & Glordine Johnson

CATHOLIC RADIO STATION now on FM 101.9

OFFERTORY COLLECTION:

For December 16, 2018

Frenchtown $1,063.00 Alberton 452.00 Superior 744.00

Gratefully we received: $ 2,249.00

Fiscal year weekly need: $ 2,652.00

Thank you to our parishioners and guests!

Clark Fork Catholic Women's Group - will not be meeting for the winter. If you have any questions, please contact Patty Holman (396-1158).

Please pickup a Free copy of “Give Us THIS DAY, Daily Prayer for Today’s Catholic”,

they are in the back of the church.

Page 3: Fourth Sunday of Advent · 23/12/2018  · How would I spend Christmas day? I want to spend this time exploring that last question: how do we welcome Christ at Christmas? I have many

Calendar and Up Coming Events: December 24th—December 30th

Bible Sunday/Mass Readings Online http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings

Monday– Advent Weekday 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 16/ Lk 1:67-79 Christmas Eve Mass; St. Mary’s, 4:30 pm; St. John’s, 7:00 pm Tuesday– The Nativity of the Lord Is 52:7-10/ Heb 1:1-6/ Jn 1:1-18 Christmas Day Mass; St. Albert’s, 10:00 am Wednesday– Saint Stephen, The First Martyr Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/ Mt 10:17-22 Thursday– Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 1 Jn 1:1-4/ Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Friday– The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/ Mt 2:13-18 Saturday – Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr 1 Jn 2:3-11/ Lk 2:22-35 Sunday– The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28/ 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24/ Lk 2:41-52 Up Coming Events: New Year’s Day Mass; St. John’s, 10:00 am Youth Group in Frenchtown at 7 pm, January 9th Anointing of the Sick Mass; St. Mary’s, January 27th St. Mary’s Fish Fry during Lent, April 12th

Do you have a special event or announcement that you would like to share with the parish

family in the bulletin? Please feel free to call or email Jayne to have it placed in the bulletin.

Bulletin Submissions, including photos of parish events, are welcomed until 12 noon each Wednesday. Submissions and requests for announcements at mass

should be sent to: [email protected]

*Please feel welcome to write your prayer requests & thanksgiving in the Parish Prayer Book at the back of the church .

Prayer Requests Please pray for all who are ill, recovering, or suffering in our parish community, especially for Cataldo Family, Judy Eisenbacher, Kenzen & family, Therese and Tony, Kate Krantz, MaryAnn Geib, Clare Anderson, Bev Bak, Jordan Johnson, Bob Bedwell & Ashley, Malcom O’Rouke, Bud Svalsted, Theresa Schumacher, Family of Javier, Gigi DuBois, Gina Moriarity, Hope & Garrie, Chris Ochs, Art Porter, Maureen Glanz, Blake & Logan Rogers, Jeannette Slater, Keith Writz, Edna Kraft, and Bev Woodard . Please pray also for the healing of memories, for our troops and their families. Also remember in your prayers those who are in nursing homes. Please pray for all those who have died. To request prayers or to remove names that no longer need to be on the prayer chain, please call the parish office - 626-4492

Please pray for the seminarians of our Diocese

May the Lord continue to bless our Diocese with an abundance of seminarians!

St. John Vianney Seminary, Denver: Matthew Christiaens, Tyler Frohlich, and

Deacon Ned Sciedecker.

Missoula Area Catholic Journey Weekend Retreat

What are YOU looking for? You and/or your family and friends are invited to Experience

a 3-day Weekend of Catholic Spirituality. It is a weekend of Christian community, prayer, discussion, reflection, testimonies, music, laughter and so much more.

All are invited ~ All are welcome Anyone who is searching, those who are looking for a connection, and anyone who wants to reawaken or deepen their faith.

Missoula Weekends will be held at Christ the King Parish in Missoula, MT

Women’s - January 10-13, 2019 Contact Amy Nulliner [email protected] - 406-546-6855 Men’s - January 17-20, 2019 Contact Jeff Morren

[email protected] - 406-396-8409 There are also weekends scheduled in Plains in April For more information, go to mtcatholicjourney.org

2019 Feasts & Saints Calen-dars are here! They are FREE

and in the back of the church.

End of Year Charitable Giving:

Will you be making charitable contributions at the end of the year as part of your tax planning? There are ways to structure gifts that will help our parish and save you taxes at the same time - such as the Montana Endowment Tax Credit, charitable rollover from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and transferring appreciated stocks/bonds/mutual funds.

These gifting options can provide you tax savings even if you no longer itemize under the new federal tax reform. Your gift can be designated to support our parish, the diocese, or even a specific ministry.

The Foundation for the Diocese of Helena, Inc. can help you navigate these tax-saving stewardship opportunities. Please contact Foundation Executive Director Jeanne Saarinen at (406) 389-7051 or [email protected] for assistance. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

Page 4: Fourth Sunday of Advent · 23/12/2018  · How would I spend Christmas day? I want to spend this time exploring that last question: how do we welcome Christ at Christmas? I have many

Please Support Our Local Parish Businesses!

Brian Damaskos Owner-Operator Professional Application

AAA PEST CONTROL

We Aim To Kill Bugs

541-2847

K.C. Sullivan, LLC

Income tax preparation Payroll services

Bookkeeping service

PO Box 37, Superior, MT 59872

822-4727

FRENCHTOWN PROPERTY

MANAGEMENT

We manage rentals in Frenchtown, Huson,

and Alberton. 626-5450

John Spangler -Attorney

-Estate Planning -Wills & Trust -Probate -Real Estate and Business Organization

Superior 822-3440

Double “E” Construction

Quality New Home Construction and Remodels

Ed E. Yarnall

239-6233

MONTANA PREFERRED PROPERTIES

George Sherwood, Broker Cell: 239-0695

[email protected] www.HotMontanaHomes.com

Commercial and Residential 16840 Beckwith, Frenchtown, MT 59834

Ph. 626-4555 Fax 626-1740

FRENCHTOWN MINI STORAGE Secure Storage

We have 5x5, 5x10, 8x10, 10x10 & 10x20, and outdoor storage

626-5450

GET on the go! The Catholic Faith. On Demand. It is easier than ever for you to enjoy your subscription to FORMED. Get the best Catholic audio talks, movies, ebooks, and video-based studies right at your fingertips with either the new FORMED app, or through our mobile web-site! Learn more at https://app.formed.org/

Enter Parish Access Code: 9WG6RP

A Catholic Online Resource: Movies, Books and MP3’s

Inspirational Catholic CDs, Books and Booklets

flocknote We’d like to connect with you!

Important updates from church in a timely & convenient way. This new tool lets you choose what info you'd like to receive - via email or text message - from your parish as well as which ministries & groups at your parish. Unsubscribe any time. There are 2 easy ways to connect (pick on):

Visit our church at www.flocknote.com/CFCMT ………………………………. OR …………………………………

Text CFCMT to 84576

Text STOP to 84576 to stop txt notifications at any time. Text HELP for help. There is no charge for this service, but

your carrier message and data rates may apply. View full terms & conditions at www.flocknote.com/txt.

H & M Rental hh L. L. C.

4-Plex Rentals Available 1, 2, & 3 Bedroom units in N.W. Missoula

Mary Murray & Mike Denman Home: 406-626-5889 Cell: 406-360-9200

David McGill 406 626-5263 office, 406 830-6067 cell

[email protected]

(St. John's Parishioner)

PRAYER FOR A NEW BISHOP O great St. Helena, patroness of our diocese, who for love of Our Lord made pilgrimage to the Holy Land to mark the sites of His Pascal Mystery, grant, I pray, that you would intercede to the Father on behalf of our Diocesan Church as we await the appointment of our next bishop. Grant that we

will be sent a spiritual shepherd after the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for us, His sheep. Pray to God that we will be given a bishop who is faith-ful and just, holy and wise, loving and zealous. May he be com-pletely devoted to the Lord and to the service of the people en-trusted to his care, so that the Diocese of Helena may experi-ence a springtime of growth in holiness and the number of souls drawn to the Lord through His Church. Amen

PARISH OFFICE INFORMATION P.O. Box 329; 16680 Main Street, Frenchtown, 59834

Phone: 406-626-4492 Fax: 406-626-1970 Email: [email protected]

Jayne Lisi -Office Manager Email: [email protected]

Fr. Jeff Fleming -Pastor (406) 728-3845 Email: [email protected]

(406) 529-3186 After Hour Emergency

Fr. Cody Williams -Associate Pastor (406) 465-7895 Email: [email protected]

Shai LaFleur –Youth Ministry Leader (406) 491-1970 Email: [email protected]

Religious Education Coordinator K-8 Jodi Todd (406) 396-2378 Email: [email protected]

Christ the King Parish, Missoula (406) 728-3845