Clergy

Rev. Jose Kallukalam Pastor

Parish Office Mon – Fri 9.00am–4.00pm

Phone (904) 261-3472 Emergency (904) 277-6566

Emergency calls must be made by patient, family, or care facility.

Mass Times Saturday Vigil 5.00pm Sunday 8.00am Sunday 10.00am Sunday 12.00pm

Daily Mass M W Th F 8.30am Tues 6.00pm

Confession Sat 10.00am-11.00am or by appointment.

Adoration

Thur 9.00am –9.30am

Saint Michael Academy www.smacad.org (904) 321-2102

Ms. Susan Dorner Principal

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20

St. Michael

Catholic Church 201 North 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

www.stmichaelscatholic.com

Formed in the Spirit. A year of equipping our families for the work of ministry to build up the body of Christ

Our Mission We are called to gather for worship,

celebrate the paschal mysteries, preach the Gospel, minister to others,

and be witnesses to the world.

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Page 2 December 20, 2020

Saint Michael Catholic Church

Parish Office • (904) 261-3472 www.stmichaelscatholic.com

Sr. Rose Paul Madassery, Office Manager Lori Kennedy, Director of Religious Formation srrosepaul@stmichaelscatholic.com lkennedy@stmichaelscatholic.com Sr. Josephine Thekkumthala, Pastoral Associate Denise Ziegler, Director of Music srjosephine@stmichaelscatholic.com musicatmichaels@gmail.com Walt Edwards, Business Manager Patty O’Neill, Bookkeeper wedwards@stmichaelscatholic.com Jake Gosa, Pastoral Council Chairman Mike Mayer, Finance Council Chairman

Fourth Sunday of Advent

THE ETERNAL GOD King David wished that the ark of God might have a more permanent home. David may have envisioned something like the ce-dar palace where he resided. God had in mind something more: a throne where David’s de-scendants would rule for ever, a kingdom where Jews and Gentiles alike would be wel-come. Mary’s prayerful nature led to an even more disturbing message. She would con-ceive and bear a Son though she was not yet married. “How can this come about?” Mary wondered. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,” she was told (Luke 1:35). Mary’s acceptance of this difficult chal-lenge ushered in this, the final age of God’s reign. What was once a secret known only by chosen people like King David and his de-scendants must now be made clear to all so that, as Saint Paul wrote to the Romans, we can be brought to the “obedience of faith” “according to the command of the Eternal God” (Romans 16:26).

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION We are experiencing the darkest, longest nights of the year. For centuries, people in the Northern Hemisphere have kindled fires against the dying of the light, turning away the dark of the winter solstice, and leading the imagination to hope and new beginnings. It is thus easy to understand why these sol-stice celebrations of non-Christian Europe attracted the annual remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. In time the solstice migrated away from December 25, but the Christmas feast remained in place. From this day, a whole season of celebration developed, stretching from Advent through the days of Christmas, and even beyond to the February 2 blessing of the candles, and beyond that to March 25, the Annunciation, nine months before the next Christmas. Centuries ago, this was New Year’s Day, and many reasoned that it was the date of Adam and Eve’s fall, and the date of the Crucifixion. The message is clear: don’t let your Christmas be over too soon. Keep the lights blazing into January, and sa-vor the meaning of the feast!

Liturgy and Ministry

Fourth Sunday of Advent Page 3

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

FROM THE DIOCESE HOW TO REPORT ABUSE

The Diocese of St. Augustine treats all allega-tions of sexual misconduct seriously and deals with all allegations in a prompt, confidential, and thorough manner. To Report Abuse, call the police or the Department of Children and

Families at (800) 962‐2873. Or call the Dioc-esan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (904) 208‐6979 or email inquiries@dosafl.com. To

report abuse by a bishop(800) 276‐1562 or vis-it www.reportbishopabuse.org

Would You Like to Join St. Michael Parish? To join St. Michael Catholic Church and to regis-ter your email address to receive parish infor-mation and updates, please do so in person, on

our website, or by phone!

FEAST OF FAITH Gathering When Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States in 2008, tens of thousands gathered in Yankee Stadium to celebrate the Eucharist with him. What made them differ-ent from all the other excited crowds who have assembled there through the years? When they began to sing together, to listen together, to pray together, they ceased to be a crowd, and became a liturgical assembly. It was not where they were but what they did that set them apart. The Gospels speak of many instances when Jesus prayed alone to his Father. But Jesus also put a special value on communal prayer. “Where two or three are gathered together in my name,” he told his disciples, “there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Jesus gave his own mission to his followers, sending them forth to do every-thing he did: to heal, to teach, to proclaim the kingdom. Jesus wants us to meet God in and through each other. So the Christian community continues to gather, Sunday af-ter Sunday. When we get up on Sunday morning and come to Mass, we respond to Jesus’ invitation, and we express our trust in his promise that whenever we come togeth-er, he comes, too.

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — I will fix a place for my people. (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16). Psalm — For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 89). Second Reading — To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever and ever (Romans 16:25-27). Gospel — Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:26-38).

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11- 12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46 -56 Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Friday: 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] Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 105:1-6, 8-9; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or Hb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40 [22, 39-40]

Fourth Sunday of Advent Page 4

Congratulations Fr. Jose on the

anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood on Dec. 23rd. May God

continue to bless you!

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 6pm Thursday Dec. 31, 2020 (Vigil)

8:30am Friday Jan. 1, 2021 6pm Friday Jan. 1, 20201

The Parish Office will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christ the Savior is

Born

That everyone who is affected by the corona-virus may be healed and those called to eternal life may join the eternal banquet of the Lord in heaven and all medical professionals may be

protected.

Page 5 December 20, 2020

SAINT STEPHEN DEC. 26

“A man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit” is how Luke introduces Ste-phen, first of 7 deacons chosen by the community for its ministry of charity, first to lay down his life

in witness to Christ. As the church’s first mar-tyr, Stephen’s life and death mirror the preaching and passion of Jesus, “the faithful witness” (Greek, “martyr”). Like Jesus, Ste-phen works “great signs and wonders among the people” and, when falsely accused, Ste-phen’s face radiates angelic serenity and, when dying, Jesus and Stephen intercede for their persecutors and commend their spirit. How fruitful both passions! The penitent thief inherits Paradise; Saul, who consented to Ste-phen’s killing, is transformed into the fearless preacher Paul. Thus Stephen challenges us to bear witness not in words only, but by Christ-like forgiveness toward all.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve Masses

4pm Mass (Church) 4pm Mass (Parish Hall)

6pm Mass (Church) 6pm Mass (Parish Hall)

10pm Mass (Church)

Christmas Day Masses 8am Mass (Church) 10am Mass (Church) 12pm Mass (Church)

Advent penance service. Tues, Dec. 22, after the 6.00pm Holy Mass. ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE will be held on Tuesday, Dec.22. All are encouraged to attend the 6pm Mass prior to it. As we have heard and been reflecting upon, our Advent preparations have all been aimed at making room for the Infant Christ; by confessing our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we make a clean space in the man-ger of our hearts to welcome Jesus at Christmas.

Don’t wait until the last minute to create your personalized family ornament!

During this 4th week of advent activities, you will bring your handmade or customized ornament, with the family name on it, and bring to the church to hang it on our Christmas tree.

REMINDER

Please bring your printed ticket to the Christmas Mass you attend. Ticket is locat-ed on the same paper as your reservation.

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020

The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

—Luke 1:35

NOT TOO MUCH If you have too much to do, with God’s help you will find time to do it all. —St. Peter Canisius

Page 6 December 20, 2020

Mission 52 Emergency — Need Help?

Emergency assistance through the Mission 52 intra-parish initiative is designed to assist regis-tered St. Michael Parish Families who may expe-rience unexpected financial challenges.

Apply Today www.stmichaelscatholic.com

mission52@stmichaelscatholic.com or pick up an application in the Parish Office.

Needed Amount

$ 24,152.00 per week

Ministry Schedule

Online Giving is so easy Helps you and the Church

Safe, secure, and confidential

SIGN UP TODAY!

Visit www.stmichaelscatholic.com

@stmichaelscatholic

Offertory December 13

Registered Parishioners 3866

Offertory $

Online Giving $

Children’s Collection $ 0.00

Debt Reduction $

Online Debt Reduction $

TOTAL Figures not available at the time of bulletin submission

Already a parishioner? Have you moved, changed phone numbers or email? Contact the parish office so we can stay up-to-date!

Saturday December 19 5.00 pm

Lectors Judy Raggi Moore, Kitty Morris

Ushers Kevin McCoy, Pam Vieser, Kathy Clarke

EMs Pat Gosa, Donna Reiss, Pam Stumpp

Altar Servers John Pulsinelli, Joe Morris, Mary Biagini

Sunday December 20 8.00 am

Lectors Elizabeth Stoner

Ushers Dawn Lunt, Larry Moore, Alan Young

Ems Andy Godek, Donna Shripka, Donna Walters

Altar Servers Michael Bass

Sunday December 20 10.00am

Lectors Pinky Guevara, John Pulsinelli

Ushers Bo Venerdi, Jim HoIland & Kathy Clarke

EMs Sr. Josephine, Pat Avakian, Marcia Kreger

Altar Servers Paul Donovan, Quintin Thompson-Davoli

Sunday December 20 12.00 pm

Lectors Terri Turner, Marie Fenn

Ushers Kebert Family

Ems Celeste Amos, Melissa Howard, Elizabeth Stoner

Altar Servers Tim Gowins , Devon Coyle

Saturday December 26 5.00 pm

Lectors Tony Conticelli, Patty Truax Stewart

Ushers Kevin McCoy, Pam Vieser, Kathy Clarke

EMs Anne Velazquez, Eddie Velazquez, Mary Walker

Altar Servers Michael Bass, John Pulsinelli Sunday December 27 8.00 am

Lectors Kathy Clarke

Ushers Dawn Lunt, Larry Moore, Alan Young

Ems John Pulsinelli, Greg Shurman, Kathy Szabo

Altar Servers Kenny Dalton

Sunday December 27 10.00am

Lectors Karen Cook, Jim Mackowski

Ushers Bo Venerdi, Jim HoIland & Kathy Clarke

EMs Richard Coleman, Andy Godek, Terri Turner

Altar Servers Paul Donovan, Joe Morris, Harrison Pollack

Sunday December 27 12.00 pm

Lectors Judy Moore, Mary Sechler

Ushers Kebert Family

Ems Diane Svela, Charlie Sciarini, Patty Sciarini

Altar Servers Tim Gowins , Gianna Coyle

Mass Intentions

Fourth Sunday of Advent Page 7

Parish Calendar

Saturday December 19

5pm Geraldine Youngross By Patty Undehill

8am John & Diane Bucchieri By Elizabeth Talbot

Sunday December 20

10am Albertina Siberski By Patricia Siberski

12.00pm Parishioners

Monday December 21

8:30am Matthew Pach By Tom & Maura O’Neill

Tuesday December 22

6pm Robert Moore By Karen Bowden

Wednesday December 23

8:30am Margaret Carduff By Karen Bowden

Thursday December 24

4.00pm (Church)

Lily, Sara & Grace Badger By Bill & Mary Foster

4.00pm (Parish Hall)

Eole Bianca Maranto By Cathy Fetzek

6.00pm

(Church) Special Intention By Edward’s children

6.00pm (Parish Hall)

Deceased Bader Family members By Linda Bader

10.00pm (Church)

Raymond Chappell By Hrapkowski family

8am Sterling Tappan Peterson By Fetzek family

Friday December 25

10am Gray Watson By Chuck & Jacki Watson

12.00pm Jane Kayser By Paul Kayser

Saturday December 26

5pm Daniel Valdepena By Pete & Gloria Rubio

8am Parishioners

Sunday December 27

10am Geraldine Youngross By Patty Underhill

12.00pm Regina Hewitt & Emma Ott By Mary Ott