505 Broome Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Office (904)261-3472 Emergency (904) 277-6566 www.stmichaelscatholic.com Fr. Jose Kallukalam, Pastor

Inside This Week First Sunday of Advent

Faith and Tradition Liturgical Schedule

Daily Readings Coming Events

Ministry & Organization News Financial Update

Ministry Schedule Our Parish in Action

Our Mission We are the body of Christ at

St. Michael’s Parish Called to Gather for Worship,

Celebrate the Paschal Mysteries Preach the Gospel Minister to Others

And be Witnesses to the World.

ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC CHURCH DECEMBER 3, 2017

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 3, 2017

GOD HAS A DIFFERENT PLAN

We begin the season of Advent with a heartfelt call for our own repentance. We remember God’s faithful love for us, and call upon God to help us to turn back. For “behold, you are angry, and we are sin-ful” (Isaiah 64:4). In the first reading and in the psalm, we recall God’s promises and lament our unfaithful-ness and our guilt. We call upon God’s might and power in order to save us. With Isaiah, we ask God to “rend the heavens and come down, / with the mountains quaking before you” (Isaiah 63:19). Yes, God is faithful to us, because we are the work of God’s hands. God is the potter, we are the clay. And yet, our concept of how God will come to save us is rooted in our own expectations of a warrior God who crushes mountains and thunders into our lives with great noise and glory. But God has a different plan: the Incarnation.

ADVENT PENANCE SERVCE Tuesday, December 19, 2017 -7:00pm

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

8:00 am Mass 10:00 am Mass

THERE IS NO 12:00 NOON MASS

CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES 4:00 pm Mass (church)

4:00 pm Mass (hall) 6:00 pm Mass (church)

11:00 pm Mass (church)

CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES 8:00 am Mass

10:00 am Mass 12:00 noon Mass

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD IS ON

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2018 THOUGH NOT A HOLY DAY OF

OBLIGATION THIS YEAR.

The music prelude before the Christmas Eve and Christmas day Masses will begin 1/2 hour prior to Mass.

Faith and Traditions

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Advent calendars appear now in many homes, and newfangled formats are even available on line. Children have fun opening the doors and windows keyed to the days counting down to Christ-mas. Behind each door is a picture related to the Christmas mys-tery, perhaps a scripture verse or saying, but more and more these days something totally unconnected to religious life, like a small toy or a chocolate treat, appears instead. The Advent calen-dar is not very old as traditions go. We can trace it back to Ger-man-speaking Christians, both Protestant and Catholic. Luther-ans might have originated the custom by placing chalk marks on doors starting December 1, lighting candles every day, or placing a new religious picture on the wall each day during Advent. The oldest known hand-made calendar goes back to 1851, and the first printed ones appeared in 1908 in Germany with Bible verses behind the doors. By far the most interesting calendar is a build-ing, the town hall (Rathaus) of Gengenbach in Germany’s Black Forest. Every year the townspeople invite an illustrator of chil-dren’s books to create twenty-four paintings or motifs for each of the twenty-four main windows of the building. Every night the people gather to see a new window opened and illuminated. Very few commercial Advent calendars pay much attention to the core values of our liturgical calendar: the pivotal place of Sun-day, the importance of Advent feasts like Saint Lucy and Saint Nicholas, and the clear shift in tone on December 17 from Advent longing and preparation toward imminent hope in Christ’s com-ing. That kind of creativity is left up to you!

Be watchful! Be alert!

You do not know when the time will come. — Mark 13:33

2

Liturgical Schedule (Intentions) Sat. Dec. 2 5:00 Gary Snyder by Johnelle Snyder Sun. Dec. 3 8:00 Parishioners of St. Michael Sun. Dec. 3 10:00 Don Fuller by Peggy Fuller Sun. Dec. 3 12:00 Christina A. Bader by Linda Bader Mon. Dec. 4 8:30 Mike Boyle by Jeanne Dean Tues. Dec. 5 6:00 Don Winslow by Dr. Harry & Eloise Duccilli Wed. Dec. 6 8:30 SPECIAL INTENTION for all Theresians and the Litt le Flowers by the Theresians Thurs. Dec. 7 8:30 Lorraine Mangold-Gross by Patrick & Suzy Sabadie

THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION IS

A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION VIGIL Thurs. Dec. 7 6:00 Melissa Bennett by Tom Moody

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION FEAST DAY Fri. Dec. 8 8:30 Betty Davis Feener by St. Michael Visitation Ministry Fri. Dec. 8 6:00 Richard Kendel by Jim & Stevie Hinel Sat. Dec. 9 5:00 Maureen Brands by Al Brands Sun. Dec. 10 8:00 Parishioners of St. Michael Sun. Dec. 10 10:00 John Keyser by Medra Keyser Sun. Dec. 10 12:00 Anna Maria Bader by Linda Bader

Please pray for the sick and all requests in our Prayer Re-quest Book. Please pray for the repose of the souls of Cath-erine Grass, mother of Barbara & Stephen Grass, and for parishioner, William Jacobs. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Daily Readings

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — We are the clay and you, O LORD, are the potter: we are the work of your hands (Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7). Psalm — Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). Second Reading — God is faithful; by God you were called to fellowship with the Son (1 Corinthians 1:3-9). Gospel — Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. (Mark 13:33-37).

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: I s 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 — 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

Sunday: First Sunday of Advent Monday: St. John Damascene Wednesday: St. Nicholas Thursday: St. Ambrose; Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Friday: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saturday: St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin 3

Coming Events

PANCAKE BREAKFAST NEXT SUNDAY

Join us for pancakes, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, coffee and juice next Sunday, Dec. 10th, from 8:30— 10:00 am in the

Parish Hall. The cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children.

ST. MICHAEL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

For members of St. Michael Knights of Co-lumbus Council 14295, the December 14th monthly meeting will begin with fellow-ship at 6:30pm followed by the meeting at 7:00pm in St. Michael Parish Hall.

WINNERS OF THE RAFFLE FOR DINNER WITH FR. JOSE

The winners of the Raffle for Dinner with Fr. Jose are Donald & Lori Grinter. The Knights of Columbus congratulate them and thank Fr. Jose for his generous dona-tion of this dinner. Thanks to all who bought tickets; all pro-ceeds are donated to local charities.

JUST IN TIME FOR

THE HOLIDAYS

The Gift Shop has etched glass kits of Mary with Baby Jesus available for $5. This is the perfect gift, or

activity to do with kids or grand kids.

Ministry & Organization News and Announcements

STOP BY AND SEE US!

In addition to the Daily, Sunday and Roman Mis-sals, the New Saint Joseph Sunday Missal 2018 is available at the Gift Shop

for $3.00 each. Beautiful Christmas Cards, Advent Candles and Holders, Advent Calendars, and general gift items are ready for your selection. Gift Certificates are also available.

We will apply a storewide 15% discount on purchases during the month of December

Stop by and see us…

ST. MICHAEL ACADEMY BOOK FAIR

The SMA Library Book Fair begins Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Barnes and Noble in St. John’s Town Cen-ter. Join us that day between 11:00-7:00 for a variety of stories, arts and crafts and a presentation by author Jane Wood! When you shop Barnes and Noble either in per-son or on line December 2, 2017 – December 7, 2017 men-tion SMA and/or use our code #12243184 and the library will benefit. You may also pass this code along to ANY-ONE whether they are affiliated with SMA or not, even our friends/relatives out of state may use this code to benefit SMA. #12243184. Books make great Christmas presents. Thank you for your support!!

ADVENT FAMILY PRAYER

Dear God, thank you for giving us these four weeks to prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son. We are so thankful for all the people that help us along this path we’re traveling to welcome Jesus. God, bless our family and prepare our home and hearts to welcome Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. Amen 4

Ministry Schedule Saturday, December 2, 2017 5:00 pm Mass Lector S. Quinn Ushers Bender’s Extraordinary Ministers Brooke, Elwell’s, Krohn’s, Shripka’s Altar Servers Schoening’s, Venerdi Sunday, December 3, 2017 8:00 am Mass Lector Pulsinelli Ushers Young’s Extraordinary Ministers Balsamo’s, Coleman, Cooper, Dalton’s, Eby Altar Servers Balsamo, Donovan 10:00 am Mass Lector Fulford Ushers Bogush, Yeoman Extraordinary Ministers Deacon Art, Smith, M. Shweitzer, S. Schweitzer, Tufaro,Turner, White Altar Servers Bogush family 12:00 noon Mass Lector Mason Ushers Miller’s Extraordinary Ministers Avakian, Cantin, Caserta, Hippler, Howard, Janzen, Murphy Altar Servers Coyle’s, Logsdon Thursday, Dec. 7, 32017 6:00am Mass Lector Pulsinelli Ushers Schneider’s Extraordinary Ministers Cantin, Hippler, Mason, Murphy, Svela, Fuller, Walters Altar Servers Friday, Dec. 8, 2017 8:30 am Mass Lector Smith Ushers Clark Extraordinary Ministers Dalton’s, Harbin, Smith, Pulsinelli, Tufaro, Turner Altar Servers 6:00 pm Mass Lector Swanson Ushers Extraordinary Ministers Amos, Gosnell’s, M. Schweitzer, S. Schweirzer, Shripka’s Altar Servers Saturday, December 9, 2017 5:00 pm Mass Lector Stoffel Ushers Tonti’s Extraordinary Ministers Brooke, Fillion, Laurent, Lucey, Sheppard, Walker, Walters Altar Servers Herbert, Lucey, Smith Sunday, December, 10, 2017 8:00 am Mass Lector Polese Ushers Lunt, Moore Extraordinary Ministers Eby, Dean, Gosnell’s, Harbin, Kreger, McGowan Altar Servers Tolg, White 10:00 am Mass Lector Light Ushers Martin, Schweitzer Extraordinary Ministers Fuller, Gosa, Izzo, Maddox, Potochnik, Seabrooke, Svela Altar Servers Logsdon, Von Mohr’s 12:00 Mass Lector Oden Ushsrs Clark, Kebert Extraordinary Ministers Deacon Art, Amos, Bratton, Mason, Pitts, ` Sciarini, Tasso 5

Financial Update Sunday, November 19 & 27, 2017

Registered Families 1648 Offertory $ 34,581.32 On Line Giving $ 3,194.50 Children’s Collection $ 91.00 Debt Reduction $ 4,219.00 On Line Debt Reduction $ 615.00

Contact Walt Edwards today in the Parish

Office at (904)261-3472

2017 Q4 DEBT AND REPAYMENT AMOUNT (As of June 30, 2017)

Existing Debt/Notes Payable $1,663,549.29 4th Quarter Repayment $-181,836.47 (From “Debt Reduction” Donations) ===================================== Remaining Debt $1,481,712.82

OUR PARISH IN ACTION

GIFT BEARERS AND CHOIR AT THANKSGIVING DAY MASS NOVEMBER 23, 2017

Parish Directory Pastor Fr. Jose Kallukalam Deacon Deacon Art Treadwell Parish Pastoral Council Mr. Jake Gosa, Chairman Parish Finance Council Mr. Jan Smith, Chairman Parish Staff Jeanne Dean, Secretary Lori Kennedy, Director Religious Formation Walt Edwards, Business Manager Patty O’Neill, Bookkeeper Denise Ziegler, Director of Music Parish Office Hours Monday—12noon—4pm Tuesday—Friday—9am—4pm Parish Phone (904)261-3472 Emergency Phone (904)277-6566 Parish Fax (904)321-1901 Parish Website Address www.stmichaelscatholic.com Religious Formation Adults—Sunday—9am—9:45am - Parish Hall 1st Grade—7th Grade—9:am—9:45am St. Michael Academy Children’s Liturgy of he Word 3 year olds—7 year olds—during 10am Mass St. Michael Academy Dr. Chris Hampton, Principal Academy Phone (904)321-2102 Academy Website Address www.smacad.org

Parish Information

Would You Like to Join St. Michael Parish? To join St. Michael Catholic Church and to register your email address, to receive parish information and updates, please chose one of the following: Register Online— www.stmichaelscatholic.com By Phone - (904)261-3472 In Person - 505 Broome Street., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Ministry to Sick & Homebound Please contact the Parish Office by email or by phone to arrange a visit from a Priest or Extraordi-nary Minister. Baptism Please contact the Parish Office by phone to ar-range for a Baptism and requirements. Matrimony Couples seeking information on marriage prepa-ration and available date should contact the Parish Office by email or by phone to meet with a priest at least eight months prior to the wedding date. R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Persons interested in learning more about the Catholic faith are encouraged to contact the Parish Office by email or by phone for more information on our RCIA process. Religious Formation Persons interested in Adult, Youth or Young Adult formation programs should contact the Di-rector of Religious Formation by phone or email at lkennedy@stmichaelscatholic.com. 7