ST. MARY PARISH 1333 58th Street, Sacramento CA 95819 www.stmaryparishsacramento.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm Phone (916) 452-0296 • Fax (916) 452-3908

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

They shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” — Matthew 1:23

PARISH INFORMATION MARRIAGE: Contact the Parish office at (916) 452-0296 6 months prior to the wedding date. Marriage preparation classes are available. INFANT BAPTISM: Contact the Parish Office. Parents and godparents must attend class. ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Contact the Parish Office regarding sick, elderly who are at home, hospitals or special care facilities. MUSIC: For Music Ministry, call Ben (916) 383-6155 RCIA: Process for adults and children of catechetical age who are interested in joining the Catholic Church and baptized Catholics wanting to complete their initiation sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Please call Deacon Lu at (916) 452-0296 x12 CFF: Catholic youth are formed through the Parish Faith Formation Program (CFF). Deacon Lu (916) 452-0296 x12. BULLETIN: Our church bulletin is prepared two weeks in advance. All submissions are reviewed by the Pastor. Email requests to tpeters@stmaryparishsacramento.com no later than the Thursday two weeks before. PARISHIONER REGISTRATION: Please contact parish office at (916) 452-0296

MASS SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am, and 6:00pm

Daily Mass: Monday - Saturday 8:00am; Saturday 5:00pm (Vigil Mass)

Holy Days: As announced in bulletin CONFESSION : Saturday: 3:30pm-4:30pm

Or by appointment PASTOR: Fr . James Nar ithookil, CMI

jamesnarithookil@gmail.com PAROCHIAL VICAR : Fr . Jossy Vattothu, CMI

jovatton@gmail.com DEACONS Deacon Luigi Del Gaudio, MSW

Deacon George W. Kriske BUSINESS MANAGER: Tracilyn Peters

Email: tpeters@stmaryparishsacramento.com INFANT MARY CHAPEL Open Daily 6:30 am-5:00 pm

Solemn Adoration: First Fridays 8:30 am-6:00 pm

FOLLOW OUR PARISH

Praying with Body, Mind, and Voice (part 3) SINGING “By its very nature song has both an individual and a communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Sing to the Lord, no. 2). As we raise our voices as one in the prayers, dialogues, and chants of the Mass, most especially in the Eucharistic Prayer, as well as the other hymns and songs, we each lend our individual voices to the great hymn of praise and thanksgiving to the Triune God. PRAYING IN UNISON In the Mass, the worshiping assembly prays in one voice, speaking or singing together the words of the prayers. By saying the same words at the same time, we act as what we truly are—one Body united in Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism. BEING SILENT “Silence in the Liturgy allows the community to reflect on what it has heard and experienced, and to open its heart to the mystery celebrated” (Sing to the Lord, no. 118). We gather in si-lence, taking time to separate ourselves from the concerns of the world and enter into the sa-cred action. We reflect on the readings in silence. We may take time for silent reflection and prayer after Holy Communion. These times of silence are not merely times when nothing hap-pens; rather, they are opportunities for us to enter more deeply in what God is doing in the Mass, and, like Mary, to keep “all these things, reflecting on them” in our hearts (Lk 2:19). CONCLUSION The Church sees in these common postures and gestures both a symbol of the unity of those who have come together to worship and also a means of fostering that unity. We are not free to change these postures to suit our own individual piety, for the Church makes it clear that our unity of posture and gesture is an expression of our participation in the one Body formed by the baptized with Christ, our head. When we stand, kneel, sit, bow, and sign ourselves in com-mon action, we give unambiguous witness that we are indeed the Body of Christ, united in body, mind, and voice. Fr. James Narithookil, CMI - Pastor

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION By now, the first Christmas carols are heard in the home, but usually not yet in church. What is a “carol” anyway? Originally, a carol was any kind of communal song sung at a festival such as a harvest. By the thirteenth century or so, carols were associated with household celebrations. “Carol” comes from the Old French carula, meaning a circular dance. Carols weren’t for church, since the language of liturgy was Latin and the carols were in the common language. Their characteristic sound comes from medieval chord patterns, and they often have strong refrains for everyone to sing. Even in the churches of the Reformation, carols didn’t make it into church services until the 1870s or so, since there was a preference for psalms. Anglicans resisted popular carols; most of our beloved carols came via the Methodists, an offshoot of the Church of England. The Catholic Church generally didn’t admit carols to liturgy either, but we didn’t make laws against them. We are told that the beloved carol “Silent Night” comes from Catholic Austria and a harried parish music director. Joseph Mohr, the priest of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf, had written the words in 1816, but offered them to his music director, Franz Gruber, when the church’s organ broke. Mohr asked him to write a melody that could be played on guitar as a prelude to Mass. Gruber finished the tune just hours before midnight Mass in 1818. The people were shocked to hear a guitar in church, but were charmed by the sweet lullaby. The church was swept away by a flood in the 1990s and the village later relocated, but the townspeople have set up the “Silent Night Memorial Chapel” at the site. Today the carol is in print in some three hundred languages. How wonderful that the pipe organ broke on that night! —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Tuesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Thursday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Friday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Saturday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Sunday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]

OUR MISSION STATEMENT St. Mary Parish prepares and sustains its members and

guests for a life and eternity in the presence of God. In accomplishing our mission, we proclaim and

celebrate our salvation through Jesus Christ enlivened by the Holy Spirit, nourish our sacramental life

especially in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist and demonstrate our faith worshiping, educating,

serving and encouraging vocations as modeled by Mother Mary. Lilian Clifford, Gene Harding, Mary Katherine Long, Tracy Fisher,

Carmen Quintana, Anne Horton, Rose Mary Clemons, Patricia Schiele, Jim & Amelia Vic, Melinda Riley, Donna Kelley, Edward Kelley, Mary Halverson, Stefanie Jumper, Brent Luna, Madison Smith, Robert Rizzo, Trisha Bright-Bernard, Joe Rohrer, Richard Padden, Herb Louie, Gary Sypnicki, France Driscoll, Richard Kelley, Clarence Jefferson, Bernadine Vessels, Joetta & Richard Connors, Elvira Falzon, Cassandra and Gigi Noble, Andrea Kolstrup, Tony Costa, Matthew Herbert , Niloofar Layeghi, Harriet Coster, Abbas Layeghi, Gary Clifford, Thomas Colby, Cecil Bennett, Charles Nulk, Robin Dunton, Loren Chelini, Rebecca Jayne, John Cappello, Nancy Dramis, Robbie and Andy King, Sue DeCoite, Emma Mackenzie Reagan, Janice Papotto, Margie Miller, Aleysse Cruickshank, Helen Willett, Phillip Worth, Mary Devereux, Ted Porter, Sarah De La Rosa, Stephen Chelini, Angelo J. De Stefano, Vanessa Papotto, Pam Butts, Diana White, Richard Jauquez, Damian Torres, May Perri, Mary Cignarella, Eugene Gisla, Sandra Mahood, Randall Bertacchi, Jim Hayes, Karen Boggs, Anthony & Esther Latino, Vincent Eileen Johnson, Alfonso Hernandez, Matt Eaker, Laurel Abbott, Jane Anderson, Jill Stanfield, Mary Sloan, Jane Hinman, Steven Fusick, Nilda Medina, Bobby Lopez-Garcia, Kim Reynoso, Michael Paparella, Jim Scala, Mary Cervantes, Aldo Maltesta, Ilene Totasian, Larry Maleske, John E. Virga, Bob & Gloria Zielke, Simone Cameron, Eric Cameron, Dani Brynn McCoy, Armida Herrera, Andrea McFarland, Carol Chelini, Jeannie Snook, Sue Fornier, Marie Nagel, Earnestine Black, and Josephine Gomez.

Mass Intentions Requested By Saturday, December 17 8:00am Mary Kassis + Jo & Maria Tony Krizl + Mary Kassis 5:00pm Tony Andrade + Sister David & Paola Brida + Ines Brida Sunday, December 18 8:00am Donna Facino + Bridget & Nick Anthony Krizl + Maria, Irene, Norman & Families 9:30am Mario Affinito + Nancy Affinito Robert & Antonietta Fontana + Fontana Family 11:00am Lino Carolo + Emily Rossi & Family Tony Mattos + Ernie & Idamarie Barsotti & Famly 6:00pm For the People Monday, December 19 8:00am Donald Banks + Mary Kassis Kay Pesce + Keith & Pat Schiele Tuesday, December 20 8:00am Gaudencio Suba + Romeo & Nenita Pajarillo Lino Carolo + Gloria & Family Wednesday, December 21 8:00am Linda Kaeser + Gloria Gabrielli Kay Pesce + Nancy Affinito Thursday, December 22 8:00am Mario Affinito + Nancy Affinito Oceanna Clifford + Nick & Lilian Clifford Friday, December 23 8:00am Vanessa Papotto Jim & Ginny Johnson Wolfgang Rosenberg + Jim & Ginny Johnson Saturday, December 24 8:00am Danny & Ann Melchiorre + Family Margaret Walton Tracilyn Peters 4:00pm Rick & Dolores Evans + DiAnne Armstrong Bill Gabrielli + Gloria & Family 6:30pm Phil Bacchi + Shirleen Bacchi & Family Jim, Josie, Bernadette & Denis + Family Sunday, December 25 12:00am Al Franzoia + Wife & Family Bob Carvalho-Lehmann & Lino Carolo + Barbara Carvalho-Lehmann 9:00am Muriel & Del Baeta + v John Mario Affinito + Nancy Affinito 11:00am Marco & Maria Ferrarotti + + Daughters Peter & Eva Barsotti + Ernie & Idamarie Barsotti & Famly

You are a stranger but once. You are a child of God, redeemed by Our Savior, Jesus Christ. In God’s name, we welcome you. May you find friendship, peace and serenity in our community. If you are a visitor interested in joining our parish community or the Catholic Faith, please register as soon as possible using the form in the vestibules of the church or on our website. If you are returning after being away….

Welcome Home!

Eugene Lane Olson

& Helibet Lane

Flores-Barriga

Poinsettias Last year we were blessed with your donated poinsettias for our Christmas Mass. This Christmas we are asking again for your donation of red poinsettias. Your red poinsettias will be used as part of the Christmas decorations in the church and on the altar. Please deliver your poinsettia to the church by Friday, December 23, 2016 so that they are fresh for the presentation at the Christmas Vigil. Christmas Trees are also needed and will be used on the altar and one for the rectory. There are many details to this Advent season and your help on Saturday mornings is welcome. If you want to help with decorations please contact Suzie Rozewski at (916) 208-1713 or by email at srozewski@comcast.net. Thank you!

St. Mary’s Mardi Gras Crab Feed

Mark your calendar, February 11, 2017. Come out and shake hands with Bayou Nik, taste Gator Joe's down home cooking with help from his crew of critters, and get your drink at Possum Pete's Watering Hole. We will have a great raffle and music to dance to as well. The menu includes Jumbo shrimp with Cajun cocktail sauce, salad, cornbread with

honey butter, chicken and sausage gumbo served over rice, crab and peach cobbler. All this for $45 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased by calling Denise Franzoia (916) 457-5084 or the parish office at 452-0296 (credit cards accepted). If you would like to volunteer for this event and earn your parish hours then please contact Jane Rojas at jrojas@saintmaryschool.com ....we need servers, raffle ticket sellers, donations for raffle prizes, two people to sell drink tickets and as always some people willing to set up and clean up.

CRAB FEED TICKETS MAKE GREAT

CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND STOCKING STUFFERS ST. MARY’S 18th ANNUAL PARISH CHRISTMAS CAROLING EVENT

Once again, this year St. Mary’s will again go Christmas caroling as one big family. Bring your family, your friends. Experience the joy of bringing happiness to others as well as yourselves. Carol booklets will be made available to all. We’ll meet inside the new Mercy General Chapel at 6:45pm on Friday, December 23rd. We will be caroling to all those stuck in the hospital on Christmas Weekend. Whether you sing off-key or in harmony we want you to join us and share in this powerful ministry of music. Directions: heading West on J Street take a right at the Red Emergency sign (right before 39th Street. As you drive you’ll see the new Chapel (stained glass windows) down on your right. Continue on to the parking garage or park where you can. We’ll meet just inside the new Chapel. For more information, call Ben Billeci at 383-6155. CENTERING PRAYER GROUP

“Be still before the Lord” Psalm 37:7 Contemplative prayer is a process of interior Transformation, a conversation initiated by God leading to divine union. We have a group, practicing this form of prayer that meets every Wednesday morning in the Holy Spouses Room from 9:30am to 11:00am. Centering Pray-er begins at 10:00am following a brief reading from works written by Thomas Keating a Cistercian monk and found-er of the Centering Prayer Movement. We read the Gos-pel for the following Sunday, sing an Alleluia and pray petitions too. For more information, please contact Maxine Jennings At 916-383-14142

Our Parish

Advent Penance Service Is

Tuesday, December 20 At 6:30pm

There will be no Confessions on

Saturday, December 24

MUSIC MINISTRY NEEDS YOU Christmas is coming. Once again year we will be caroling at Mercy General Hospital. The date is set for Friday, 12/23 at 6:45pm. Come sing with us and brighten up those who have to spend Christmas in the hospital. It’s a lot of fun. Notice that this year’s Christmas music schedule in-cludes a “sing-a-long” before the 6:30 vigil mass. And as always, our parish music ministry needs you. Come be part of the “Team” and sing with us. We have three choirs at St. Mary’s Parish. We just added new members to all three. It’s your turn; give it a try. Contact Ben Billeci If you would like more information about any our choirs, at 383-6155.

12/18/16 Adult/Teens Catechumenate Kids Catechumenate Children’s Liturgy Pier Young Adult Group Lifeteen Catholic School Majorettes 12/19/16 Divine Mercy Chaplet Children’s Inquiry Adult Inquiry Prayer Request Group Liturgy of the Hours 12/20/16 Altar Society Neocatechumenal Way Cub Scouts Meeting Pack 128 ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE Adult Recreational Basketball 12/21/16 Centering Prayer Group CFF (Catholic Faith Formation) Choir Practice 12/22/16 Choir Practice Neocatechumenal Way 12/23/16 Divine Mercy Chaplet PARISH CAROLING EVENT 12/24/16 Neocatechumenal Way 12/25/16 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Adult/Teens Catechumenate Kids Catechumenate Children’s Liturgy Pier Young Adult Group

Praying for Your Requests The Prayer Request Group would be happy to pray for any request you may have, for yourself or a loved one. Please submit your request in one of the Prayer Request boxes on the tables in the vestibule. We meet Mondays at 7pm in the church. You are welcome to join us any time. Thank you!

The clergy and staff of St. Mary Parish

Wish you and your families A blessed Christmas!

The parish office will be closed on

Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26

In observance of Christmas

Christmas Mass Schedule:

Saturday, December 24 Vigil of Christmas

4:00pm Family Mass (Children’s Choir) 6:00pm Concert & Sing-A-Long

6:30pm Vigil Mass (Christmas Choir)

Sunday, December 25 12:00am Midnight Mass

9:00am (Christmas Choir) 11:00am Mass (Ed & Bridget)

We're putting together a Junior High and Alumni Choir for Midnight Mass on Christmas.

If you are a student or parishioner of St. Mary in the teens to twenties age group or an alumnus and would like to sing with us please contact Jean Davis at jdavis@saintmaryschool.com

If you have a college student who will be home for Christmas don't forget to ask him/her too!

JESUIT HS BOOSTERS WINTER WONDERLAND

Come one and all, this is our 1st ever Christmas tree lot to support the Jesuit Booster Club and Jesuit High School. Come out to our lot which is located at: 3308 Arden Way, directly across from St. Ignatius Church, and in the Dollar Tree parking lot. Here are the following details:

Jesuit HS Boosters Winter Wonderland 3308 Arden Way, Dollar Tree parking lot (directly across the street from St. Ignatius church). Opening Day, Friday November 25th – Friday December 23rd. We are open 9:00am-9:00pm on opening day. Regular hours after opening day: Mon-Fri, 3:00-9:00pm Saturdays: 10:00am- 6:00pm Sundays: 11:00am-6:00pm We will have the Jesuit Chamber Singers on Satur-day, December 10th, from 2-4. Santa will be out at the lot on opening day, at 12-2, 4-6, and 7-9. Then every Saturday and Sunday from 4-6. So come out and take a selfie with Santa. We will Have homemade hot chocolate during business hours. With every tree purchase you’ll receive a discount car wash coupon for Quick Quack Car Wash. The price of the trees included sales tax already added, and since it’s a donation for Jesuit, its tax deductible. Our Trees are kept fresh in water, cut and shipped within a few days of harvesting them, and they ARE GUARNTEED. We also will be selling the Bigfoot tree stand at an additional cost. This stand is our version of the Davis Tree Stand…this stand makes it so one person can set their tree up by themselves. Of course, we will provide a fresh cut prior to leaving the lot. We will also have two donation barrels on hand for clothes and food donations (box or canned items please). Also come like our Facebook page and give us a like, we will have updates and video feeds leading up to and during the selling season it’s, “ Jesuit HS Boosters Winter Wonderland” Hope to see everyone out this year, Joe Rovito, Jesuit Winter Wonderland Booster Chairman

Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat February 17 - 19, 2017

“God will never forgive me for this…” Those who choose abortion are our daughters, sons, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, relatives, friends & members of our parish communities. The impact and pain of abortion hurts - even years after the ex-perience. If you, or a loved one have been hurt by abortion, this weekend is for you! Come and experi-ence God’s healing love and forgiveness in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Open to men and women. The cost is $175 per person and financial assistance is available to anyone who needs it. Call Paula Segno or send an email for more information. (916) 733-0161 or projectrachel@scd.org . All in-quiries are strictly confidential.

Advent Giving Tree It’s that time again for the Advent Giving Tree which benefits homeless women and children at Maryhouse. Various needed items such as diapers, fast food gift cards, etc. are listed on ornaments. Be sure to take one and return your gift unwrapped. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Any Questions? Please contact Joanie at 916-451-4559.

MENS ANNUAL RETREAT AT CHRIST THE KING RETREAT CENTER

“I changed my schedule and it changed my life.” Come join the men of the parish at Christ the King for a retreat to deepen your relationship with God. The retreat theme is “Gathered In the Name of Jesus.” The retreat is deeply inspired by the Gospel of Matthew who affords us the opportunity to engage the strife in our own time and the uncertainties in our hearts with courage, love, and the example inspired by the Emmanuel who is always with us. Register now for the Men’s Retreat being held on Feb. 10-12, 2017. For further information or to register, you can contact your parish coordinator Larry Schneider at 916-212-1010 or footz@sbcglobal.net or Carol Forrest at the Center: 916-725-4720 ext.314/christTheKingRetreatCenter.org.

LIFETEEN Hey high schoolers! The Christmas season is nearly upon us, and we know you're going to be busy this December. Because of that, we think this is the perfect time to announce that our Life Teen group will be offering two gathering times each month. Come to one or both, we hope to accommodate you! Meetings will be the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 7pm in Giovanni Hall. The next date is December 18th. See you there! For information please contact Megan Pedersen at missmeg31996@gmail.com.

PARISH WISH LIST Previously we published a wish list of items that needed to be completed on our Parish campus buildings. Several generous parishioners have stepped forward and in combination with funds collected for our parish building fund we have been able to complete the following items: Rectory/Other: New carpeting on the stairs New carpeting in 2nd level hallway New carpeting in priest’s quarters New flooring in the dining room Gently Used Furniture was donated for parlor New HVAC system Plumbing on N Street Property Replaced Hall: 6 New metal folding chairs 2 Exterior LED Lights replaced. Exterior lighting of Giovanni Hall and the Gym upgraded to LED lighting and additional LED fixtures added. M Street sidewalk fixed The remodel of the janitor’s closet in the hall was included in the repairs that were necessary because of the water leak damage in the hall. Dry Rot in St. Joseph’s Cupboard repaired. M Street Canopy Posts Repaired Church: New Roof for Church Exterior lighting along M St. upgraded to LED lighting There are still many projects that need to be completed. With the end of the year fast approaching while we are preparing for tax season, please consider making a charitable contribution to your spiritual home, St. Mary Parish. For more information contact the rectory at 916-452-0296.

Knights of Columbus Winter Crab Feed Fundraiser

Saturday, January 28, 2017 6:00 pm social -- Dinner served at 7:00 pm. This is a six course family style dinner. Wine on the table, Antipasto platter, salad with bread and butter, Italian style green beans, pasta marinera rigatoni, Fresh Dungeness Crab and Spamoni ice cream with cookie. All for $45.00. Please call Alan Piccardo for your reservations 916-439-7664

Camp Pendola is Hiring for Summer 2017 Applications for summer 2017 positions at Camp Pendola are now being accepted. Camp Pendola is looking for energetic people to work with children ages six to seventeen in a Catholic outdoor setting. Staff positions begin in early June and finish the 2nd week of August. Staff lives a Camp Pendola for the summer and must be at least 18 years old. Positions include counselors, kitchen staff, health center staff, and program staff. For more information and apply go to www.pendola.org/employment.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION WEEKEND Invest in your future! – Come experience an atmosphere where you as a couple can concentrate exclusively on one another and prepare for your lifetime of marriage while free of pressures and interruptions of daily life. For information on our 2017 and 2018 weekends, please visit our website at www.sacee.org or email us at leadership@sacee.org.

SUMMONED BY GOD As Christmas draws near, Advent’s scriptures lure us into a world of dreams, signs, wonders, and the miracle of the virgin birth. Too often we allow the great stories of our faith, the ones that are most familiar, simply to wash over us. Today’s Gospel account of the events leading up to the birth of the Lord reads like a present-day soap opera. Yet Joseph’s courage, even in the midst of what must have been an incredibly confusing time, provides a model for us. Each week, we are summoned by God to embrace the way of goodness and truth through the proclamation of God’s holy word. Like Joseph, we are called to do as the Lord commands us. As we stand at the threshold of Christmas, let us have the courage to be open to whatever it is that the Lord will require of us as we celebrate the miracle of Bethlehem. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.