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CHANGE THE DATE & LITURGICAL SUNDAY

6543 Miami Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45243 | (513) 561-5954 | www.stgertrude.org

4th Sunday of Advent | December 22, 2019

MASS & DEVOTION SCHEDULE INSIDE THIS ISSUE:Parish Directory Mass Schedule & Parish Office Information Page 2From the Pastor’s Desk Page 3News & Notes Page 4-6Calling All Hands Page 7Let Us Pray Page 7Holy Teaching Page 8The Week Ahead Page 9

Saturday4:30pm (Sunday Vigil with Cantor)Sunday Masses8:00am (No Music)9:30am (Conventual Mass with Choir & Incense)11:00am (Cantor)12:30pm (Cantor & Incense)6:00pm (Contemporary Ensemble)

Weekday Masses (Monday-Friday)7:00am8:00am11:30am (Sung Conventual Mass)

Saturday Masses8:00am11:30am

Divine Office12:00pm Sext/Midday Prayer (M-F in the Church)9:00pm Compline/Night Prayer (M-Sa in the Priory Chapel)

ConfessionsWednesday during Holy Hour: 7:00-8:00pmSaturday Morning: 10:30-11:30amSaturday Afternoon: 3:30-4:30pm


Parish StaffVery Rev. André-Joseph LaCasse, O.P., prior/pastorRev. Clement Dickie, O.P., parochial vicarRev. Henry Stephan, O.P., parochial vicar

Dominican Friars in ResidenceRev. Joseph Alobaidi, O.P.Rev. Paul J. Keller, O.P.Rev. Michael Mary Dosch, O.P., novice master

St. Gertrude School – 513.561.8020Principal – Sr. Maria Christi Greve, O.P. ext 1101Vice Principal – Mr. Travis Johnson ext 1101PTO – Mary Jo Schuette, President 513-207-1836School Advisory Council – Marty Lacey 513-793-1791

Office of Administration and Liturgy – 513.561.5954Executive Director – Rev. Deacon Mike Muse ext 2102Receptionists – Susan Kane & Teri Forlini ext 2101Business Manager – Deacon Mike Muse ext 2102Assistant Business Manager – Mary Tappel ext 2103Wedding/Bereavement Coordinator – AnnaMaria Spurgin ext 1124Bulletin Editor [email protected] – Sheila Saalfeld ext 2401Director of Music – Catherine Fishlock ext 2116

Office of Evangelization – 513.561.5954Executive Director: Mr. Lawain McNeil, O.P. ext 1123Primary Evangelization: PK-4th Grade & Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Cindy Wurzelbacher ext 2110Jr. High Evangelization: 5th-8th Grade – Bryan Wells ext 2107Jr. High Youth Ministry – Bryan Wells ext 2107High School Youth Ministry – Megan Dickert ext 21 08Executive Assistant – Kristen Eggers ext 2109Cincinnati Frassati Fellowship (Young Adults) – Eli Rizzo [email protected] Society of Cincinnati (Adults & Families) – Rev. Henry Stephan, O.P.Rites of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.) – Rev. Clement Dickie, O.P.

Corporal Works of MercyHelping Hands – Nancy Lucas [email protected] of Columbus – Bob Stucker 513.235.6222Ladies of Charity – Jean Wilkinson 513.498.5085Parish Health Ministry – Jeanne Palcic 513.317.4123Pregnancy Center East (for all pregnancy needs) 513.321.3100Soup Kitchen – Andy Cordier 513.248.1005St. Vincent De Paul Society – Jim Spurgin 513.561.5954, ext 2112Visitation of the Sick – Judy Hartmann 513.984.8003

Spiritual Works of MercyBaptism Team – Mike & Mary Clare Peck 513.871.2309Circle of Prayer – Barbara Rose [email protected] to Sick – Judy Hartmann 513.984.8003Natural Family Planning – David & Ann Stein 513.561.5751Pastoral Council – Mark Kosobud 513.469.0852Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration 513.561.5954 ext 2136Prayer Ministry for the Dying – Pat Collins 513.265.1897Regina Veritatis Prayer & Healing – Nealy Mechley 513.505.1740Respect Life – Debbie Graham 513.984.4766Rosary Making – Larry Ball 513.646.8523Unbound Ministry – Nealy Mechley 513.505.1740

Liturgical MinistriesAdult Choir – Catherine Fishlock 513.561.5954Contemporary Music Ensemble – Paul Kindt 513.697.9208Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion – Deacon Mike Muse 513.561.5954 ext 2102Lectors – Mr. Lawain McNeil, O.P. 513.561.5954 ext 1123Resurrection Choir – Marty Cunningham 513.891.4226The St. Anne and the Child Mary Guild – Cristina Genung 513.404.6011St. Joseph the Worker Society – Rev Clement Dickie, O.P. 513.561.5954Ushers – Douglas Postler 513.791.6298Youth Choir – Catherine Fishlock 513.561.5954

Spiritual GroupsAdult Bible Study – Mr. Lawain McNeil, O.P. 513.561.5954Angelic Warfare Confraternity – Rev Clement Dickie, O.P. 513.561.5954Benedictine Oblates – Clyde & Pat Dorn 513.791.0988Catholic Men’s Fellowship – Chris Nachtrab 513.604.1899Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary – Brian Zappia 513.791.7299Dominican Laity (Bishop Fenwick) – Jonathan Ring [email protected] Laity (OLP) – Mrs. Patty Connelly, O.P. 513.793.2246FAMILIA/CANA Family For Mothers – Anita Pappalardo 513.248.8237Holy Family Prayer Group – Malissa Frohlich 513.519.5197True Devotion to Mary – Anne Collins 513.984.4708

Parish GroupsAthletic Boosters – Marc Gerwel 513.774.7779Boy Scouts – Robert Dinga 612.616.8242Cub Scouts – Chris De Brunner 513.379.1010Festival Committee – Cathy Egan 513.290.3391Lenten Fish Fry – Rob Mancini 513.520.6360Little Flower Library – Susan Santos 513.504.0205Parish Coffee – Mark Findley 513.417.9227

Vocations DirectorsArchdiocese of Cincinnati – Fr. Dan Schmitmeyer 513.421.3131Dominican Friars – Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. DominicanFriars.orgNashville Dominican Sisters – Sr. Peter Marie, O.P. 615.256.5486

PARISH DIRECTORY

On the cover: Adoration of the Magi (1609-1629)

Rubens

St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Parish 2

Parish Office HoursMonday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Church HoursEvery day: 6:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Masses at St. Gertrude Parish Office Info

St. Gertrude is a Roman Catholic Parish in the Dominican heritage of prayer, preaching and teaching. Under our Lady’s mantle, gathered as the Body of Christ, we celebrate Him in the Sacraments, Sacred Scripture and in Catholic education. Serving our brothers and sisters in the New Evangelization, we seek to grow in love as we journey with Jesus to God the Father.

MASS SCHEDULE & PARISH OFFICE INFORMATION

Please submit your Mass announcements & bulletin articles to: [email protected]

6543 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45243513.561.5954 | FAX 513.561.7184 | www.StGertrude.org

BULLETIN

1/12/20MATERIALS DUE

12/30/19

BULLETIN DEADLINE

OFFERINGSt. Gertrude Parish Weekly

Collection and Budget Report

12/15/19Collection: $ 31,914Weekly Budget: $ 45,000Weekly Deficit: ($ 13,086)

Year to Date Budget: $ 902,000Year to Date Actual: $ 843,298Year to Date Deficit: ($ 58,702)

Children’s Collection: $ 14.05Catholic education: $ 1,315

Monday, December 23, St. John Kanty 7:00 a.m. †Marlene Ney/Mary Lou & Bob Brockman 8:00 a.m. †Lilo Gardner/Heidi & Ron Sparer 11:30 a.m. †Deceased Members of the Order of Preachers

Tuesday, December 24, Advent Weekday 8:00 a.m. †Fred P. Anthony/Gail Hutzler

December 24-25, The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)Tuesday 3:00 p.m. (Church) Intention of the Celebrant 3:00 p.m. (Gym) Intention of the Celebrant 5:30 p.m. Intention of the Celebrant 7:30 p.m. Intention of the Celebrant 11:30 p.m. Intention of the CelebrantWednesday 8:00 a.m. Christmas Novena 11:00 a.m. Intention of the Celebrant 1:00 p.m. Intention of the Celebrant

Thursday, December 26, St. Stephen (F) 7:00 a.m. Christmas Novena 8:00 a.m. †Dominic Anthony Romeo/ The Frohlich Family 11:30 a.m. †Dan Shannon, Jr./The Shannon Family

Friday, December 27, St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (F) 7:00 a.m. †Rosemary Dosch/Bill & Tish Shefcik 8:00 a.m. Christmas Novena 11:30 a.m. †Rick Gerwel/The Gerwel Family

Saturday, December 28, The Holy Innocents (F) 8:00 a.m. †Nancy Podsiadlik/Joan Kunkel 11:30 a.m. Christmas Novena

December 28-29, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Saturday 4:30 p.m. †Richard Hannan/Jeanne HannanSunday 8:00 a.m. People of St. Gertrude, Living and Deceased 9:30 a.m. Br. Jonah Teller, O.P./a friend 11:00 a.m. Christmas Novena 12:30 p.m. †Joan Gardner/Wellspring Group 6:00 p.m. †Bud Wishman/The Munyon Family


FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK | Very Rev. André-Joseph LaCasse, O.P.

From the Pastor: December 21-22, 2019

A blessed 4th Week of Advent.

Many times the 4th Week of Advent is very short because Christmas falls sometime during that week. Well this year it is the shortest possible. The Fourth Sunday of Advent is being celebrated on Saturday and Sunday, December 21-22, and then the Christmas Vigil Masses begin on Tuesday, December 24th at 3:00 p.m.! What a decorating nightmare for your pastor! Things are very busy around here as we make last minute plans for our Christmas celebrations. May God bless and protect all of you during this Christmas Season, especially if you will be travelling.

Please remember St. Gertrude Church this Christmas and please be as generous as you can to the Christmas Collection. Please notice that we are in a $45,616 deficit in collections for the year. We hope to make up this deficit with the Christmas Collection. We depend on your generosity during this time of year to balance our budget.

Every year, I print this wonderful sermon by St. Bernard. I do so because it is so beautiful. I look forward to reading and meditating over it each year when it comes up in the Office of Readings of the Divine Office. I hope you find some time this week to read it slowly, pray and meditate over this beautiful homily composed by a saint who had a true love and devotion to the Mother of God.

From a homily in Praise of the Virgin Mother by St. Bernard, abbot

You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us.

The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent. In the eternal Word of God we all come to be, and behold, we die. In your brief response we are to be remade in order to be recalled to life.

Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin, in their exile from Paradise. Abraham begs it, David begs it. All the other holy patriarchs, your ancestors, ask it of you, as they dwell in the country of the shadow of death. This is what the whole earth waits for, prostrate at your feet. It is right in doing so, for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captives, freedom for the condemned, indeed, salvation for all the sons of Adam, the whole of your race.

Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word.

Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is the time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your heart to faith, O blessed Virgin, your lips to raise, your womb to the Creator. See, the desired of all the nations is at your door, knocking to enter. If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves. Arise, hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.

A blessed week to all,

Very Rev. André-Joseph LaCasse, O.P.Pastor/Prior


NEWS & NOTES

The Most Holy Name of Jesus(The Adoration of the Name of Jesus, El Greco)

The month of January is dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Jesus. St. John tells us in his epistle: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.

Indeed it is out of God’s pure love that we have received our Savior Jesus Christ.

The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus has been celebrated in the Roman calendar since the end of the fifteenth century. In 1597 Pope Sixtus V encouraged the pious invocation “Praise be Jesus Christ.” The veneration of the Holy Name was extended to the entire Roman Catholic Church on 20 December 1721, during the pontificate of Pope Innocent XIII.

The feast has traditionally been celebrated at the beginning of January, because in Sacred Scripture we read, “at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

So honored is His Holy Name that devout Catholics bow their heads at the sound of “Jesus,” both inside and outside of the liturgy. To protect the sacredness and honor due the Holy Name, when hearing the Name of the Lord taken in vain, it is right to pray “Blessed be the Name of the Lord,” to which the reply, if overheard, is “Both now and forever!”

Here are the thoughts of St. Bernard of Clairvaux on the most holy Name of Jesus: The sweet Name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, begets good works, and nourishes pure affections… Jesus is honey in our mouth, light in our eyes, a flame in our heart. Are you troubled? Think but of Jesus, speak but the Name of Jesus, the clouds disperse, and peace descends anew from heaven…Are you surrounded by sorrow and danger? Invoke the Name of Jesus, and your fears will vanish…Never yet was a human being in urgent need, and on the point of perishing, who invoked this help-giving Name, and was not powerfully sustained…The Name of Jesus is the purest, and holiest, the noblest of names…It is the Name of all blessings and of all virtues; it is the Name of the God-Man, of sanctity itself.

The reform of the liturgical calendar of 1969 removed the feast, “since the imposition of the name of Jesus is already commemorated in the office of the Octave of Christmas,” Before the feast was dropped from the Church calendar in 1969, the Universal Church had celebrated the feast since 1721. Because of this venerable tradition, Pope St. John Paul II restored it to the General Roman Calendar with the 2002 Roman Missal. He assigned the feast as an optional memorial to the first free day after 1 January, namely 3 January.

We give thanks to Pope St. John Paul II in 2002 for restoring the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus to once again be celebrated in the Church.

In the 15th Century St. Bernadine of Siena along with St. John Capistrano placed great emphasis on the Holy Name. It would be St. Bernadine who would associate the Holy Name of Jesus with the IHS monogram – the first and last Greek letters for the name of Jesus. Also through his efforts the addition of the name Jesus was added to the Hail Mary.

Previously, to counter the Albigensian heresy and other blasphemies, Gregory X and the Council of Lyons resolved the best way to save the world was through the Holy Name of Jesus. The Holy Father begged the bishops of his day to call on the name of Jesus and to urge their peoples to place all their confidence in this all-powerful Name, repeating it constantly with boundless trust.

Soon after, Dominican Blessed John of Vercelli founded the Holy Name Society. This confraternity actively promotes love and reverence for the Holy Name of Jesus.

As the Catechism (2668) informs us: “The invocation of the Holy Name of Jesus is the simplest way of praying always.”

Dominican Father Paul O’Sullivan writes in his book The Wonders of the Holy Name, “Say this all-powerful Name constantly and the devil can do you no harm. Say it in all dangers, in all temptations.”

Let us always follow St. Paul’s instruction in Philippians 2:9-11: “God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Amen.

Christmas Giving Tree ProgramThe Ladies of Charity would like to thank our parishioners, families, and friends for a very successful Christmas Giving Tree program. Your generosity makes it possible to help make Christmas special all throughout our area for so many needy families. Thank You from the Ladies of Charity!


NEWS & NOTES

Please Join Usfor the Solemnity ofOur Savior’s Birth

December 24thChristmas Eve

3:00pm Vigil Mass in Church St. Gertrude Children’s Choir/

No Incense/Blessing of the Manger

3:00pm Vigil Mass in Gym Cantored Music/No Incense

5:30pm Vigil Mass Contemporary Ensemble/No Incense

7:30pm Vigil Mass Cantored Music/Incense

10:45pm Christmas Carols

11:30pm Mass During the Night with the Dominican Community

St. Gertrude Church Choir/Incense

December 25thChristmas Day

8:00am Mass at Dawn Quiet Mass/No Incense

11:00am Mass During the Day with the Dominican Community Music Sung by Novices/Incense

1:00pm Mass During the Day Cantored Music/Incense

There is no 6:00pm Mass on Christmas Day

7:00pm Advent Confessions December 16, 17, & 18

No Holy Hour on December 18

Attention: Year-end Tax Contribution Letter2019 Year-end Tax Contribution letters will be sent out by the end of January. We will email them to the family email on file in our parish office. If you have changes or would like a paper copy, please call for a request from Mary Tappel, Assistant Business Manager at 513-561-5954, ext 2103 or [email protected]. We will only be sending them if you have contributed $500.00 or more this past year.

DOMINICANRITE MASS

M I S S A C A N T A T A - H I G H M A S S

The Unique Rite of the Dominican Order

December 6, 2019 | 7:30PMSt. Gertrude Catholic Church

6543 Miami Ave. | Cincinnati, OH 45243www.StGertrude.org/DominicanRite

St. Gertrude Catholic Men’s Advent RetreatFifty-three men registered for the annual St. Gertrude Catholic Men’s Advent Retreat on December 6th and December 7th at the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood. Fr. Justin Brophy, O.P. was our Retreat Master. He challenged our men to “GET FREE… GET FREE in Christ.” God wants us to “be free,” trust in Him and allow Him to work in and through each one of us. The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Mass were celebrated. Our time together culminated in an uplifting healing and individual prayer period in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

5- Dominican Rite mass- change date to

January 3, 2020


NEWS & NOTES

Little Flower Library ReviewBOOK REVIEW #60

The Little Flowers of St. Francis by Brother UgolinoHere you will meet for the first time St. Francis’ best friends Bernard and Leo, the ferocious Brother Wolf, a certain flock of birds that enjoy listening to spontaneous preaching, holy fools and haughty leaders, the honorable Sultan of Egypt, St. Louis IX the king of France, the lonely, quiet places where Francis and his companions lived and prayed, the nearly despotic Brother Elias, and the inimitable Saints Anthony of Padua and Clare of Assisi.

Target Africa: Ideological Neocolonialism in the 21st Century by Obianuju EkeochaThis book reveals the Western influence over Africa that is rarely talked about. It tells the story of foreign aid with strings attached, the story of Africa targeted and recolonized by wealthy, powerful donors. The author shows how some donors are masterful at exploiting some of the heaviest burdens and afflictions of Africa such as maternal mortality, unplanned pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, child marriage, and persistent poverty. This exploitation has put many African nations in the vulnerable position of receiving funds tied firmly to ideological solutions that are opposed to the morals and the cultural values of their people. Thus many African nations are put back into the protectorate positions of dependency as new cultural standards conceived in the West are made into core policies in African capitals.

Francis and Jesus by Murray BodoIn this dramatic telling of the story of Francis’ close connection and relationship with Jesus, we see a multi-dimensional Francis – the ultimate disciple of Jesus. Bodo traces Francis’ life as the saint worked to more perfectly reflect Jesus every day. You’ll learn about Francis the sufferer, the itinerant, the misunderstood while also following his development as prayer, teacher, and lover and protector of the poor. Francis shows us how to imitate Christ in every age, in every walk of life.

The Road to Assisi: The Essential Biography of St. Francis by Paul Sabatier and Edited with introduction and annotations by Jon M. SweeneyPaul Sabatier (1858-1928), a French Protestant and the first modern biographer of St. Francis, sought to find the man beneath the layers of myth and legend. This welcoming new edition of Sabatier’s ground-breaking book confirms the enduring genius and attraction of this first modern biography. Sweeney achieves a fine balance between excellent scholarship and sweet accessibility for every average reader.

The Saint and the Sultan: The Crusades, Islam, and Francis of Assisi’s Mission of Peace by Paul MosesFor many of us, St. Francis is known as an impoverished friar and a lover of animals. Such images are sadly incomplete because they ignore his unwavering commitment to seeking peace. This book examines the extraordinary, yet little known, meeting between St. Francis and Islamic leader Sultan Malik al-Kamil that has strong resonance in today’s divided world. Through this book we learn not only about a remarkable set of events in medieval history, but also a lesson in peacemaking that is of the greatest importance for both Westerners and Muslims who seek to create better understanding of each other across religious and cultural frontiers rather than simply vilifying one another.

The Biblical Names of Jesus: Beautiful, Powerful Portraits of Christ by Paul ThigpenNo one name or title of Jesus can tell us all the life-changing truths we need to know about His identity and His mission. Each one is invaluable in helping us to understand more fully both the divine and the human names of Christ. Thigpen dives deep into Scripture from Genesis to Revelation to illuminate the many biblical names of Jesus and to explain how each one reveals some essential and profound reality about Our Lord.

The Reason for the Seasons: Why Christians Celebrate What and When They Do by Fr. James V. Schall, S.J. With Fr. Schall as your guide, you’ll come to understand more deeply the point of each celebration. You’ll learn truths about the feasts that will awaken you to real joy, as you consider Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day, as well as the End Times that we encounter in the last Sundays of the liturgical year. Rather than being encyclopedic discussions of each of the feasts, these penetrating reflections generally point to something astonishingly new that you missed before, something of the meaning and depth of each feast that is almost always passed over unnoticed.

How to Pray Like Mary by Sonja CorbittMary has been called the “mother of listening.” She didn’t just hear the Word, she knew how to ponder it in light of her own relationships, circumstances, and habits and then let it transform her. After years of study, Corbitt recognized that the “mother of listening” was presenting a model of prayer that has the power to revolutionize your life of prayer.


CALLING ALL HANDS

Fresh-Cut Christmas TreesBoy Scout Troop 18

BoyScoutChristmasTrees.comFor the 54th consecutive year, Boy Scout Troop 18 will be selling fresh-cut Christmas Trees, from now until Christmas, or until they are sold out, whichever comes first. The Scouts will be selling all varieties: Scotch Pine, Fraser Fir, Balsam, White Pine, even a few Douglas Firs. You’ll be able to purchase pine roping and wreaths, too. The Christmas Tree lot is conveniently located at St. Savior Church on Plainfield Road north of Galbraith and across from Deer Park High School. Buy a tree while they last: Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Troop 18 wishes you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Trees for the Less Fortunate: Troop 18 is again offering Christmas Trees for the less fortunate. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, you can do so through our website: BoyScoutChristmasTrees.com, at the Tree Lot, or by sending a check made out to “Troop 18” to “Troop 18 C/O 6249 Kenwood Hills Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45227.” No donation is too small; any amount is appreciated. If you donate an entire tree and would like to be acknowledged, we will place a gift card with your name on the tree.

CHRISTMAS NOVENA:Remember your family, friends and loved ones in a special way at Christmas by enrolling them in the Christmas Novena of Masses which will be offered here at St. Gertrude Church beginning on Christmas Day.

Novena cards are available at the entrances of the church and in the church office in the school. You can return your Novena offering envelope in the collection or send it to the church office.

Please Pray For...The SickAnthony Alvarez, Lisa Bertke, Bettie Caudill, Jim Cloran, Marguerite Crema, Triset Defonseka, Kathy Elsbernd, Peggy Eshman, Marge Ferguson, Glenn Grismere, Loretta Holden, Joe Holly, Hummel Family, Aiko Kimura, Ed Kinney, Janice Koncius, Carlos LaTorre, Sophia LaTorre, Cecilia Lemming, Ann Lukey, Linda Merkley, Frank Merle, Susan Mueller, Sandra Munyon, Leo Napuri, Pat O’Brien, Gerry Patterson, Melinda Russell, Jane Sansalone, Ellen Schaengold, Patricia Scherer, Don Schmitt, Pegge Schuermann, Richard Seifert, Teddie Slaper, George Sullivan, Judy Sullivan, John Sweeney, Mary Saul and Rosemary Wermes.

Those in the Armed ForcesAdam Benvie, Patrick Burke, Cole and Kyle Foster, Dominic Geraci, Daniel Holian, Mike Huber, Aaron Jacobson, Jacob Kramb, John Kramb, Kelly Leugers, Sammy Mascho, John Oscar, Dan Roseman, Andrew Shannon, and Ian Tester.

St. Faustina’s Diary:When I arrived at Midnight Mass, from the very beginning I steeped myself in deep recollection, during which time I saw the stable of Bethlehem filled with great radiance. The Blessed Virgin, all lost in the deepest of love, was wrapping Jesus in

swaddling clothes, but Saint Joseph was still asleep. Only after the Mother of God put Jesus in the manger did the light of God awaken Joseph, who also prayed. But after a while, I was left alone with the Infant Jesus who stretched out His little hands to me, and I understood that I was to take Him in my arms. Jesus pressed His head against my heart and gave me to know, by His profound gaze, how good He found it to be next to my heart. (Diary, #1442)

LET US PRAY

Catholic Men’s Physicians RetreatLiving in the Power of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Instaurare Omnia in Christo Eph.-1:10

Retreat MasterFather Christopher Kubat, MD - Diocese of Lincoln

April 30 (7:00 PM) – May 3, 2020 (12:00 PM)Bethany Retreat House

Nashville, TN

“Come away and rest for awhile.” Mark 6:31“I invite all Christians to a renewed personal encounter with

Christ.” Pope Francis

CONTACT : Dr. Steven White [email protected]

Reserve Soon – Space Limited

CONTACT: Dr. Steven White [email protected]

Reserve Soon – Space Limited

Catholic Men’s Physicians Retreat Living in the Power of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Instaurare Omnia in Christo Eph.-1:10 Retreat Master Father Christopher Kubat, MD – Diocese of Lincoln

April 30 (7:00 p.m.)-May 3, 2020 (12:00 p.m.) Bethany Retreat House, Nashville, TN

“Come away and rest for awhile.” Mark 6:31

“I invite all Christians to a renewed personal encounter with Christ.” Pope Francis


HOLY TEACHING

22 December: The MagnificatThe Venerable Bede, Commentary on Luke

Mary said: my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

The Lord has exalted me by a gift so great, so unheard of, that language is useless to describe it; and the depths of love in my heart can scarcely grasp it. I offer then all the powers of my soul in praise and thanksgiving. As I contemplate his greatness, which knows no limits, I joyfully surrender my whole life, my senses, my judgment, for my spirit rejoices in the eternal God-head of that Jesus, that Savior, whom I have conceived in this world of time.

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Mary looks back to the beginning of her song, where she said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. Only that soul for whom the Lord in his love does great things can proclaim his greatness with fitting praise and encourage those who share her desire and purpose, saying: Join with me in proclaiming the greatness of the Lord; let us extol his name together.

Those who know the Lord, yet refuse to proclaim his greatness and sanctify his name to the limit of their power, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. His name is called holy because in the sublimity of his unique power he surpasses every creature and is far removed from all that he has made.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy.

In a beautiful phrase Mary calls Israel the servant of the Lord. The Lord came to his aid to save him. Israel is an obedient and humble servant, in the words of Hosea: Israel was a servant, and I loved him. Those who refuse to be humble cannot be saved. They cannot say with the prophet: See, God comes to my aid; the Lord is the helper of my soul. But anyone who makes himself humble like a little child is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

This does not refer to the physical descendants of Abraham, but to his spiritual children. These are his descendants, sprung not from the flesh only, but who, whether circumcised or not, have followed him in faith. Circumcised as he was, Abraham believed, and this was credited to him as an act of righteousness.

The coming of the Savior was promised to Abraham and to his descendants for ever. These are the children of promise, to who it is said: If you belong to Christ, then you are descendants of Abraham, heirs in accordance with the promise.


THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, December 23

Tuesday, December 24

Wednesday, December 25

Thursday, December 26

Friday, December 27

Saturday, December 28

Sunday, December 29

Holy FamilyPrayer Group 7:00pmSchool Chapel

Parish Office Closed Parish Office Closed Parish Office Open Parish Office Open Catholic Men’s Fellowship7:30amSchool Cafeteria

Knights of Columbus Holy Family Consecration ReceptionAfter 9:30am MassParish Center Gym

Healing Rosary7:00pmChurch

Library CLOSED

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Gilligan Funeral HomesEstablished 1877

8225 Montgomery Road • 891-8373Traditional & Cremation Services

www.gilliganfuneralhomes.com

513-574-0005 Residential & Commercial www.andersonautomatic.com “Since 1929”

Heating & CoolingProviding Heating & Cooling Services to Parishioners of St. Gertrude since 1929.

Automatic

Walter St. Clair RoofingServing Cincinnati Since 1923

Roofing & Sheet Metal WorkSlate & Tile Repair

Box Gutters & Seamless GuttersJerry St. Clair, pariShioner 641-3265

ERIC D. BENDERAttorney at Law

Moeller (1984)University of Notre Dame (1988)

U.C. Law (1991)

www.ericbenderlaw.comFamily Law • Wills & Probate

Lawsuits • GuardianshipAdoption

891-56309764 Kenwood Road

in Blue AshVisa/Mastercard Accepted

KenwoodSkyline

Same Family for 58 Years

(south of Kenwood & Montgomery)791-7902

Don Rohlfs683-4056535-3355 (C)Quality & ExperienceINTERIOR • EXTERIOR

PA I N T I N G

gertz lawY O U R F A M I L Y ’ S L A W Y E R

GERTZLAW.COM ReadingOffice LovelandOffice (513) 554-1868 (513) 583-1549

SusanMarieAllspach,Esq.AnthonyJ.Gertz,Esq.AnthonyJ.GertzII,Esq.

•ProbateAdministration/EstatePlanning/Wills/Trusts•Divorce/FamilyLaw/Litigation

•Business/CorporateTransactions/Contracts

Now Offering Permanent Makeup(513) 429-3110

7835 Camargo Road, Madeira, OHwww.thedeluxenailsspa.com

Voted Best

of CinCinnati

2018

Mon-Fri 9:30a-8:00pSat 9:30a-6:30pSun 11:00a-6:00p

Full Service inSulation

Environmental Company • Asbestos & Mold Removal(513) 242-0600

Central InsulationSystems, Inc.

Electric Company Inc.350 Pike Street, Covington, KY

859-491-2984

Robert L. Franer III, AAMS®

Offering financial planning services and investment advice to Catholic families to help them pursue and use wealth morally.

513-334-1621 | [email protected] Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC

Compliments ofA Friend of the Parish

JT LEESCONSTRUCTION

1451 Weaver Rd., Okeana513-479-9591

KLEKAMP PAVINGAsphalt Paving

PatchingAsphalt

Sealcoating

513-561-4600www.klekamp.com

d�TERRA®

CPTG Essential OilsSharon Neukam Parishioner

Wellness Advocate(513) 702-2038

Education & Supportmydoterra.com/sharonneukam

mattbonhauspainting.com

Terrace Park Country Club

513-831-3384

www.terraceparkcc.com

5341 South Milford Road, Milford

3-Month Golf TrialMemberships Available!

Golf • Swim • Pla�orm • Fitness • Dining • Events

3-Month Golf Trial Memberships Available!

Golf • Swim • Platform • Fitness • Dining • Events

513-831-3384 www.terraceparkcc.com

5341 S. Milford Road, Milford

Compliments of

General Contractors and Land Development Company

Please Patronize Our A

dvertisers – To Place an Ad, C

all 1-800-292-9020.

6403 Madison, Madisonville • 271-1570 1793 Ohio Pike, Amelia • 797-4888

Now 2 Locations!

Every family has their traditions...Traditions can be a part of yours.

INDEPENDENT LIVINGASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

7650 CAMARGO ROAD • MADEIRA, OH 45243513-422-5499 • WWW.TRADITIONSATCAMARGO.COM

Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery

7677 Goff Terrace, Madeira

(513) [email protected]

CARECORE HEALTH7777 Cooper Rd., Cincinnati

513.793.5092www.carecorehealth.com

Gary BergmanOCNT-Landscape

(513) [email protected]

Landscape Design & Installation Lawn & Bed Care

Treating Your Home Like Our Own

Roofi ng • Siding • GuttersWindows • Storm Restoration

7103 Hamilton Mason Rd.West Chester, OH 45069

TitanSidingAndRoofing.com

Locally Owned & OperatedCALL TODAY! 513755ROOF 7 6 6 3

0% INTEREST

for 24 months Financing Available

10 Year Workmanship Warranty

With TMS coupon only. One coupon per customer. Expires 9/30/19. TMS

$200 OFFGutters Min. 150 linear ft.


$500 OFFAny Roof or Siding

project must be 1,500 sq. ft. or larger






0% INTEREST













0% INTEREST













0% INTEREST













0% INTEREST













0% INTEREST







project must be 1,500 sq. ft. or larger Treating Your Home Like Our Own





0% INTEREST








Tree Trimming & removal

Joe Semrad, Local Resident Since 1987/

Certified Arborist

513.631.4442 www.ScapesOhio.com

5267 Delhi Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45238 • 513.451.3700

10821 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242 • 513.469.2500

7725 Laurel Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45243 • 513.469.27200

Certified Technician for Stihl and Honda

Extensive Line of Both Products Available

Family Owned and Operated with Pride mccabedoitcenter.com

GRILL DELIVERY AVAILABLE!

#1 Weber Dealer in Ohio








#1 Weber Dealer in Ohio5267 Delhi Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45238 • 513.451.3700
































7725 Laurel Ave., Cincinnati513-561-7200

10821 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati513-469-2500

5267 Delhi Pike, Cincinnati513-451-3700

mccabedoitcenter.comFamily Owned and Operated with Pride.

www.italianettepizza.com

513-791-7650

Plumbing Service513-472-1985

www.bestplumbercincinnati.com$25 OFF with this Ad

Dunaway Family Owners/Parishioners

Our bulletin is printed

at no cost to the parish.

Our advertisers cover

all expenses.

We thank them and

encourage you to support their

businesses.

Royalmont Academy High SchoolOpen House, November 10th,

2:00-4:00 p.m.HSPT, Saturday, November 23rd,

8:00 a.m.-12 p.m.Visit our website to schedule a shadow day!

www.Royalmont.org

Plea

se P

atro

nize

Our

Adv

ertis

ers

– To

Pla

ce a

n A

d, C

all 1

-800

-292

-902

0.

Coffee Please

Roaster of Specialty Coffees and Cafe6930 Miami Avenue, Madeira • 513-271-4700

beatriceHOME

IMPROVEMENT

TIM BEATRICEParishioner

[email protected]

Knights of ColumbusArchbishop Elder Council

elderkofc.orgJoin today.

Visit kofc.org/joinus

Woodward Construction, Inc.

Jeff Woodward, Parishioner 513-247-9241Celebrating 28 years in business

www.wciconstruction.com

Kinsella

Kitchen & BathRemodeling

561-52857880 Camargo Rd.

kinsellakitchens.com

Dr. Frederick A. HeiselmanGeneral • Implant

DentistryParishioner

513-561-86007140 Miami Ave.,

Ste. 201fheiselmandds.com

GILSON’SENGRAVING

ELEGANT GIFTS

Engraved gifts for all occasions

7116 Miami Ave.

891-0730www.gilsonsonline.com

#932

-JD

-8/2

/19

Chuck BorchersREALTOR, Parishioner

[email protected]

AHP Anderson Hills PlumbingResidential – Commercial – FREE ESTIMATES

Over 51 Years Experience & SatisfactionErnie, Jack, Ralph & Barb Vilardo

6229 Beechmont Avenue 513-232-3821

CASTRUCCICOLLISION

MILFORDBody Shop Direct Call

831-5460

Accepting New Patients

Dr. Eleanor EndresParishioner

513-791-8880 • www.endresdentistry.com“Oral Health is the Gateway to Healthy Living”

KENWOOD, 7500 MONTGOMERY RD.

513-791-5353MADISONVILLE, 4418 WHETSEL AVENUE

513-271-0732

Thomas-JustinFuneral Homes, Inc.Four Generations of Family Service

to the Community

HALPINPLUMBING, INC.513-631-2001REMODEL/REPAIR

MICHAEL F.SCHLOSS

ROOFING

Roof Repair &

Replacement

Gutter Cleaning

321-7139

OH HVAC Lic. #30854 KY HVAC Lic. M04694OH Plumbing Lic. #46270

ProcessConstruction

MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR

Specializing in Piping, HVAC/R, Plumbing & Service • Commercial & Industrial

www.processconstruction.com(513) 251-2211 1421 Queen City Avenue

LANDSCAPE SPECIALISTS, INC.

Hardscape Landscape• Walkways & Patios • Installations• Driveways • Renovations• Retaining Walls • Maintenance• Drainage Systems Snow Clearing

Quality Service for Over 30 years

396-6400Ed Witte, Parishioner

WITTE

2641 Crescent Springs Rd., Crescent Springs, KY859-341-0072

Kitchens • Bathrooms

Room Additions

Screen & Covered Porches

Lower Levels & Basements

513.492.84297264 Columbia Rd., Ste. 600, Maineville

www.PenderyConstruction.com

HYDE PARKPAINTING

andCARPENTRY321-4100

Remodeling Roofing/Gutters • Concrete

Plumbing/ElectricDrywall • Int./Ext. PaintingYour Complete Home

Repair CompanyMadeiraDentistry

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry7113 Miami Ave.

Keith D. Jackson, DDS, ParishionerWilliam G. Jackson, Jr., DDS, Parishioner561-5318 • www.madeiradentistry.com

513-899-9111

[email protected]

www.druffeldl.com

[email protected] LARRY’S

LOCK, SAFE & SECURITY CENTER

791-9163

8005 Plainfield Road Cincinnati, OH 45236

Larry’sLOCK, SAFE &

SECURITY CENTER

791-9163

8005 Plainfield RoadCincinnati, OH 45236

Family & Pediatric Eye Care

Designer & Quality Eyewear & SunglassesTreatment of Eye Diseases

Most Insurance AcceptedDr. Malinda Pence 7800 Laurel AvenueDr. Cayley Hyder 561-7076Dr. Jennifer Krizter madeiraoptical.com

513-396-7446 fastsigns.com/352

3248 Highland Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213

liturgical sunday 4th sunday of advent | december 22, 2019 ... · december 21-22, 2019 a blessed...

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