ICC Parish Staff:

Rev. Fr. Kuffel (Pastor) tkuffel@cbna.org 907-434-6117 Rev. Fr. Bala (Parochial Vicar) frbala2014@gmail.com 907-452-3533 Rev. Mr. Sean Stack, Deacon Rev. Mr. Bob Barnard, Deacon Rev. Mr. Bob Mantei, Deacon (Ret.)

Dcn. Chuck Bowman, Maintenance iccmaintenance@cbna.org Kathy McDougall, Admin Assistant iccsecretary2@cbna.org Grayce Barnard, Rel. Ed. Facilitator iccreligioused@cbna.org Terri Atkins, Bookkeeper iccaccountant@cbna.org Sem. Piotr (Peter) Oprych poprych@cbna.org

2 Doyon Place

Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 452-3533 Fax (907) 456-3336

iccsecretary2@cbna.org

http://iccfairbanks.org

Parish Office Hours Tues.-Fri. 9:00AM - 4:00PM

12.16.2018

Parish Information Mass Times: Daily: 12:10PM & 5:30PM Wed: 5:30PM Mass with Adoration & Confession Sunday: Sat 5:30PM, Sun 7:30AM & 10:00AM

Confessions: Daily 11:45AM - 12:00PM, Wed 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sat 4:00PM - 5:00PM Baptism: Call Fr. Bala 907-452-3533 Marriage: Call six months prior to wedding date.

Year to date we are in the BLACK $5,931.63!!

Thank YOU!

To donate electronically: http://giving.parishsoft.com/iccfairbanks

Stewardship: Gaudete Sunday

Stewardship leads to joy, for when we are in harmony with God’s will, our lives are joy - filled. Many today experience joy only through entertainment or adventure. Yes, this is part of joy, but it is not the essence of joy. Joy’s essence is being fully alive. St. Irenaeus, a second century saint, teaches,

“The Glory of God is a Human Being

Fully Alive!” The more we live God’s will, though it is a challenge and a discipline, the more fully alive we are. Advent Joy is to find God’s purpose in our lives and then to live God’s purpose. This is counter-intuitive for most today. But Advent Joy comes when we recognize that Christ comes to make us fully human; that is, to make us fully divine!

“What should we do?” “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none; whoever has food should

do likewise.”

“Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, be satisfied with your wages.”

2018-2019 Budget

Amt. Needed Weekly

2nd Collection: Soup Kitchen

Last Week

Building Fund Last Week

$575,757.41 $11.072.26 $1,520.27 $20.00

Regular Income To Date

Reg Income Last Week

Retirement for Religious Last Week

Rectory Fund Last Week

$157,943.27 $9,728.77 $624.00 $25.00

Status of Operating Fund - (July 1, 2018 - December 9,2018) Includes CC Donations received

Dec 16 Service of Healing and Blessing, 12:00 PM. Confessions and Anointing will be available for those struggling with addiction, depression, suicide, divorce, widowhood — sin.

Poinsettias: To donate Poinsettias for Christmas, bring them to the front office beginning Monday, Dec 17, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

CD of the Week: The Life of Padre Pio: Pray, Hope and Don't Worry: Matthew Arnold recounts the life story of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, known around the world as Padre Pio. All are wise to learn from the advice of this holy man to “pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

Christmas Singing! Let us sing joyfully to the Lord. We invite the singers and instrumentalists for Christmas Eve Midnight Mass (Dec 24) at 11:00 PM. Practice time is Dec 23 (Sunday) following the 10:00 AM Mass. Please come after the 10:00 AM Mass or call Miyang 907-799-2205.

The Visiting Virgin Statue has been the source of much peace and harmony in many homes in our parish. The Mary, Queen of Peace Praesidium has acquired a second Fatima statue that will be commissioned to begin visitations to anyone who requests her visit. To add your name to the growing list please call the parish office at 907-452-3533.

The Alaska Missionaries would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who helped make our Christmas fundraiser last week a success! We will be able to bring our team to three villages this Spring while continuing our work here in town. To learn more about our mission or to support our work, please visit our website at: www.adgentesmission.org/alaska-mission/

Cards for: Rev. Gerald Ornowski, MIC, POB 951, Stockbridge, MA 01262; Rev. Fred Baylor, 609 Donegal Cove, Georgetown, TX 78626.

Please Remember in Your Prayers

The Want Family; Cathie Dolan; Christopher Landry; Sally; Dorothy, Damien and Mary; Johnny; Roy Wilbur; Allison Wood; Tom Muyleart; Sally; Pam & Bob Balster and Family; Lisa Hover; Frank Buckmeier; Bernadette McGovern; Joel Rivera; Mary Ellen Koeller; Jim Cross; Stack-Addis-Butler Family; Bill Sager;

Joseph Williams, Jr.; Paula; Olive Staley; Laurel Ruth; Fran Gibbs, RN and family; Edward Jones; Lou Williams; Cindy Fields; Kay McLevey; Roy Porter; Mrs. Joe Richardson; Linda Ault; Dave, Heidi and Family; Ramon (B.J.) Cortez;

Doreen Reed; David Savage; Helga Savage; Mason Edwards; Ralph Payner; Rocco Vicari; Jim & Sandy Harity; Tim Lelito; Debbie; Agnes; Fr. Fred Bayler: Robin Eagan and Family, and all names and intentions in our Book of Intentions.

Prayer Intentions are being refreshed every 2 months. Please call the office to add and/or remove a loved one to the prayer box.

Sat. Dec 15 5:30 PM Souls in Purgatory

Shannon Christensen/Rosemarie Wentink &

Brenda Wilbur Advent Weekday Men’s Group 7:00 AM

Sun. Dec 16 7:30 AM

10:00 AM

Shirley Ann Karl (repose)

ICC

Sharon Nowicki/Frank McGilvary & Dave

Doudna

Jodi Stack/Darlene Cipra & Sharon Nowicki

Third Sunday of Advent

Mon. Dec 17 12:10 PM

5:30 PM

Jade Faustina

Intentions of Peter Leneghan

Advent Weekday Legion of Mary

Tues. Dec 18 12:10 PM

5:30 PM

Jade Faustina

Intentions of Miss Kidey

Advent Weekday

Wed. Dec 19 12:10 PM

5:30 PM

Irene Austin (repose)

Intentions of Patrick Jordan

Advent Weekday

Confessions 6:00 PM

Bible Study; Adoration

Thur. Dec 20 12:10 PM

5:30 PM

John & Pat Adams

Intentions of Pat Nickels

Advent Weekday

Fri. Dec 21 12:10 PM

5:30 PM

Richard Frued (repose)

Michael & Kristina

Advent Weekday Voice in the Wilderness

Sat. Dec 22 5:30 PM Elizabeth Conn (repose) George Peterson/Brenda

Wilbur & Shannon Christensen

Advent Weekday Men’s Group 7:00 AM

Sun. Dec 23 7:30 AM

10:00 AM

Brenda Levaditis (repose)

ICC

Tony Karl/Bea Garcia & Peter Oprych

Sonja Thomas/Sharon Nowicki & Peter Oprych

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Date Mass Intention Lector/Minister Feast Day Activity Time

Soup Kitchen We will serve a meal this Christmas Day

11:00 AM—12:30 PM We need volunteers to help cook, serve, and clean. Please contact Grayce to volunteer!

Regional Soup Kitchen News

Advent: What Should We Do? Conversion is constant. It is the daily grind in which we make choices that free us from our old self and re-create us in the image and likeness of Jesus. That is why we ask, What should I do? Do we need to give? Do you have two cloaks? Why do you have two when some have none! Do you have food? Why do you eat sumptuously when people are starving! Do you have money? Give to those who do not have money. Do you have power and authority? Do not abuse your power or authority, but serve those in need. Our world is filled with evil and will always be evil. That means we fight against the evil by doing what Christ asks of us. We are to be servants, serving others, especially the poorest of the poor. Guests of our Soup Kitchen struggle with so many evils in their lives. We, who are Christ-like, do acts

of charity, perform acts of kindness, encourage those struggling to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Being Christian we ask the question daily, What should I do? Prayer, Fasting, and Charity are daily acts — not just for Lent. We go forward in confidence that every time we act in a Christ-like Manner, we bring hope to the future, for we are confident that Christ will come daily — if we go to Christ daily.

Grayce Barnard Religious Education & Youth News - 452-3533 - iccreligioused@cbna.org

How to Prepare for Christmas

1 – Receive Jesus in the Sacraments.

2 – Read the Scripture readings before going to Mass.

3 – Imitate Mary in preparing your heart for Christ.

4 – Clothe your soul with the virtues of love and humility.

5 – Pray and contemplate the mystery of Christmas in front of a nativity display.

“God doesn’t want something from us; He simply wants us.” – C.S. Lewis

CCD for this month will meet: December 16, December 23. There will be no class on December 30. CCD will resume on January 6, 2019.

RE Class Cancellation Policy

The temperature cut off for cancelling RE classes is -35°

Call 458-3745 x1111 Fairbanks weather . Cut off time to call for Sunday RE class is 6:30 AM, Wednesday RCIC is 5:00 PM.

If the Fairbanks School District cancels school activities due to weather on a Wednesday,

ICC will cancel their Wednesday evening RE classes.

Soup Kitchen We will serve a meal this Christmas Day

11:00 AM—12:30 PM We need volunteers to help cook, serve, and clean. Please contact Grayce to volunteer!

Seeking Male Counselors: St. Therese’s Summer Camp in the Archdiocese of Anchorage is seeking young men who love God, love kids, and love the Catholic Church. Apply at: www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/ or contact Rudy Poglitsch at 907-232-2066 or campdirector@stthereseak.com

The next Retrouvaille Marriage Healing Program in Anchorage begins February 08 -10, 2019. Phone 907-863-8000, or go to:

www.HelpOurMarriage.org

Understanding the Liturgy Liturgy of the Word

Continuing our discussion on the Liturgy of the Word, or the First Table, we focus on the Readings themselves. Scripture does not merely provide us with exhortations for moral living and reflections about the spiritual life. The Bible does not simply talk about God; It is the Word of God! In the Liturgy of the Word, we encounter God Himself through His Words, written down by authors inspired by God, to us. The Scriptures are both human and divine words. The books in the Bible “contain the human author’s writing style, personality, theological outlook, and pastoral concerns. But, the Scriptures are also inspired by God” (The Mass, Edward Sri. P. 53). “Inspiration comes from the Greek word theopneustos, which means ‘God-breathed’ (2Tim 3:16). God breathed forth his divine words through human words of the sacred writers. Thus, Scripture is like Jesus Christ Himself — fully human and fully Divine” (The Mass, p. 53).

Stewardship: Liberty Today, we seek liberty, but the liberty of the world is self-empowerment. I can do what I please. I can say yes or no according to my standards and my rules. It is indifferent to the needs of others or to the common good. It is merely my will! Liberty is merely a personal choice and I am free to make my own choices regardless of the consequences: personal or social. As the song goes,

Its My Party I Can Cry If I Want!

We live in a culture of autonomy. I am free to do as I please, but this is the great lie of Satan. He wants us to be completely autonomous and believe in auto-salvation; that is, I can save myself. That way I don’t need God. Sadly, Jesus Christ then becomes another wise man among many. There is no comparative difference or advantage of being Christian or not, or being a Christian steward or not. It is all the same. But Christian Stewardship is not self-salvation. It is self-surrender to the God/Man Who destroys the two evils that no person can ever conquer: Sin and Death. Only Christ conquers sin and death. He does so not by his own personal choice; but He, the Son of God, does the will of the Father. If we want to be good stewards, we, too, need to do the will of the Father. We need to self-surrender to break the lie of self-salvation.

Encounter Christ = Joy Encountering Christ is more than just doing. Martha was doing, but Jesus asked her to sit first and experience him. Experiencing Christ, that is to encounter Him, creates a new outlook on life. One that is fully aware of what He expects. Listen to the questions of the crowds: What should we do? In other words, what do I need to do to change my life? As we know many live lives of quiet desperation. They live in the shadows of sin and death, and sadly, many prefer this darkness to the light of Christ. But those who have encountered Christ, see the light. They see life differently. Now it has meaning and purpose and drive. That is why the book, The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, is so popular. People are looking for their purpose and once they find their purpose they ask what do I need to do? Change! Christ gives us a new purpose, a new reason, to give up sin because we have experienced the emptiness and sadness of it and we want real joy! We were made for God. That is our purpose and each person has a pathway to God. That pathway is the narrow road, for the road reveals our sinfulness, that is our dysfunctions. Christ breaks into our dysfunction. First He exposes our inability to deal with them alone; but then, He heals us. That is joy. Healed, now we are driven, for we are free from our enslavement and emptiness. We now want to do what He wants instead of what we want, for when we do what we want we are completely dysfunctional; but when we do what He wants, we are not only functional but we are complete:

Fully Alive In Him

Depression: 10th Leading Cause of Death

Positive psychology is a relatively new branch of psychology that focuses on happiness or human flourishing as opposed to simply treating neurosis. This is a good development in psychology, because it correctly recognizes that the ultimate goal for the human person is happiness and seeks ways to help us achieve that goal. Unfortunately, many psycho-logists focus almost exclusively on self happiness, but humans have four levels of happiness. 1. Pleasures that bring happiness 2. Successes that bring happiness 3. Philanthropic acts that bring

happiness 4. Transcendent acts of worship

and seeking God bring happiness.

Today our world disregards worship as a means of happiness, and even denies philanthropy because we deny God so easily and promote self-autonomy rather than the common good or beatitude. Yet, when we have an authentic definition of the human person, we see that we were made for God and not for ourselves. This brings us the ultimate joy in our lives.

“From an explicitly theological perspective (Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium), human persons are also created in the image of God and made by and for divine and human love, and—although suffering the effects of original, personal, and social sin—are invited to divine redemption in Christ Jesus, sanctification through the Holy Spirit, and beatitude with God the Father.:

Psychology rooted in this definition of the human person reveals the truth written within the human heart.

We are made for God! To break the bonds of depression, we integrate all four levels of happiness. We need each level to be fully alive in Christ.

Seeking Happiness is True Joy Aristotle speaks in his classic work, Nicomachean Ethics - a book everyone should read - that happiness is the one thing we choose for itself. Today, we would call “Play” the essence of happiness. We play for the sole reason of receiving joy from the game we play. Whatever we play: sports, music, art, adventures, travels etc, we do them for the sole purpose of receiving joy from that particular activity. That is why some people who love music will be filled with joy listening to it; while the other person who really does not enjoy music will choose to do something else, such as hike. But even more amazing, Aristotle teaches that this one concept, “Happiness,” is at the root of every decision we make and every action we perform; therefore, it determines Whether we think our lives

have meaning, Whether we are successful, Whether we are worth

something even to ourselves, Whether life is lived to the

full, AND whether life is even

worth living! (See Fr. Robert Spitzer for more)

Happiness is powerful, for we do things that we think will make us happy. From the foods we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the friends we keep, to the places we worship, we make choices dependent upon the amount of happiness we think we will enjoy from them. But so many people make choices based upon pleasures and personal achievements rather than on what they can contribute to others and what transcendent values by which they will live. Christmas is a time of immense happiness, for during Advent and Christmas, we not only enjoy the pleasures of unique foods and the presents we receive, but we also connect with old friends and build up new relationships. Even the greatest skeptic will encounter the transcendent values of charity and good-will Christmas touches on the transcendent values of peace, justice, beauty, goodness and ultimately love. That is why Christmas is the Happy Time of the Year because this happiness fulfills all four levels of happiness. These four levels fill us with joy that far exceeds anything we do.

5 Major Paradigm shifts Necessary for

Renewal and Transformation of a Parish

Today, we have access to the highest number of incredibly fruitful programs and processes for proclamation of the Gospel and catechesis than we’ve ever had. However, individuals, leaders, and leadership teams often lack the practical experience and understanding of evangelization necessary to develop pastoral strategies that link these resources together and create a clear path toward renewal and a culture of missionary discipleship. The reality is that changing culture isn’t easy, and in the work of parish renewal, there are no silver bullets! We need to utilize formation that focuses on real-life application and can equip leaders and community members for the extensive work ahead of them. These 5 Major Paradigm Shifts are necessary for parish renewal and personal transformation: 1. From a Focus on Institutional

Faith to Intentional Faith

A personal relationship with Christ in the midst of His Church is at the heart of renewal. Parishioners need to be equipped to journey with others into discipleship and help leaders build structures and processes that move people from consumers of institutional spirituality to committed disciples of Jesus Christ alive in the Power of the Holy Spirit. 2. From a Focus on Engagement to Encounter

There’s more to parish renewal than just getting people involved or active in the community. Leadership starts evaluating every facet of parish life–from parish registration, Mass, sacramental preparation, outreach, and more–to see how well it fosters an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Area Mass Times Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sat. 4:30 PM Sun. 8:00 AM; 11: 00 AM; 1:00 PM Spanish

M-F. 7:30 AM Immaculate Conception

Sat. 5:30 PM; Sun. 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM M-F. 12:10 PM & 5:30 PM

St. Raphael Sat. 6:00 PM; Sun. 9:30 AM T, Th. 9:30 AM; W. 5:30 PM

Saint Nicholas, North Pole Sat. 5:00 PM; Sun. 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM

M, T, Th, F. 9:00 AM; W 7:00 PM

St. Mark University Parish Sun. 5:30 PM Murie Auditorium T. 5:30 PM St. Mark’s Chapel

Good Shepherd, Ft. Wainwright Sun. 9:00 AM (S. Lights Chapel)

T, W. 6:00 PM (SLC) W, Th, F. 11:00 AM (BA Hospital)

Our Lady of Snows, Eielson AFB Sun. 10:30 AM T-F. 11:30 AM

Why are we obligated to go to Mass 58 times a year?

Think about that first. We have 365 days in a year and we are asked to give 58 days to the Lord. Not that Difficult is it?

Mass is made for man; not man for Mass.

Mass, the Sacred Liturgy, makes us fully alive, for at Mass we find our real purpose in life.

For many their purpose is entertainment, adventure, excitement, and amusements. But we are made for more!

Mass is the encounter of God becoming Man; so man can become like God!

3. From a Focus on Maintenance to Mission

Parishes exist for the sake of the local communities within which they are placed, yet often our focus is almost entirely on the inner life of the community. Solid formation helps leaders build strategic pastoral plans that move the parish toward a focus on missionary activity. 4.From a Focus on Programs to People

Many parishes rely on programming to do “the work” of disciple-making. The reality is, however, that programs don’t make disciples, people do. Parishioners need training to create a “game plan” that integrates fruitful programs with a clear personal process of accompaniment that forms the parishioners as missionary disciples. 5.From a Focus on Avoidance to Accountability

Poor communication, avoidance of conflict, team dysfunction–all of these things slow down the pace of renewal and wound those who most want to serve the People of God. Using best practices in organizational and leadership principles, disciples commit to and create a healthy leadership structure that places accountability, communication, and integrity as its foundation.

Dec 16 12:00 PM Healing and Penance Service Confessions heard.

Dec 19 Confessions 6:00—7:00 PM

Dec 23 Confessions 6:00 PM—7: 00 PM

Dec 24/25 Office Closed

Dec 24 Christmas Eve Mass 6:00 PM Monroe;

Dec 24 11:00 PM at ICC

Dec 25 Christmas Day Mass 8:00 AM; 10:00 AM ICC

Dec 25 Christmas Day Brunch

Dec 30—Jan 10 Fr. Tom vacation

Jan 1 Holy Day Theotokos: Dec 31 5:30 PM; Jan 1 10:00 AM

Jan 8—Feb 7 Fr. Bala India

UP COMING EVENTS Voice in the Wilderness

Charismatic Prayer Group Do you need prayer or healing? Come

Friday Night 6:30 PM at ICC’s K of C Room. Prayer ministry is powerful for it helps heal those

who experience isolation and desolation. Learning to pray through music and meditation

brings healing and comfort. If you need prayer: COME!

Knights of Columbus Council 5011

Become a Knight to receive: Guidance, Support, and Inspiration

Meetings are 1st Tuesday of the month 6:30 PM—8:00 PM

Soup Kitchen

We will serve a meal this Christmas Day 11:00 AM—12:30 PM

We need volunteers

to cook, serve, clean.

Please contact Grayce to volunteer! 907-452-3533

Make a positive difference in your life

Confession Schedule for Advent and Christmas

Daily we have confessions from 11:30 AM - 12:00 Noon Dec 15 4:00 - 5:00 PM Confessions Dec 16 12:00 Noon - 12:30 PM Healing Service Dec 19 6:00 - 7:00 PM during Eucharistic Adoration Dec 22 4:00 - 5:00 PM Confessions Dec 23 6:00 - 7:00 PM Confessions

Christmas Schedule

Dec 22 5:30 PM Mass 4th Sunday of Advent Dec 23 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM 4th Sunday of Advent Dec 24 12:10 Noon Mass Dec 24 6:00 PM Christmas Eve Children’s Mass @ Monroe HS Dec 24 11:00 PM Midnight Mass @ ICC Dec 25 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM Christmas Day Mass @ ICC Dec 26 12:10 & 5:30 PM Daily Mass followed by Adoration. Dec 29 5:30 PM Holy Family Vigil Dec 30 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Holy Family Dec 31 12:10 Daily Mass & 5:30 PM Theotokos Vigil Jan 1 10:00 AM Theotokos Mass

Office: 907-799-2205 Cell: 907-799-2205

alaskaacup@gmail.com 211 Minnie St., Fairbanks, AK 99701

www.alaskaacupunctureherb.com

Alaska Acupuncture Herb

Miyang Kim, L.Ac. Pain Control Hypertension Hypotension Arthritis Weight Loss Addiction Allergies Asthma Herbology Facial Rejuvenation Curry’s Corner

Grocery, Gas & Liquor

At the Junction of Chena Hot Springs Road and the Old

Steese Highway

Open from Noon until 8:00 p.m.

7 days a week

907-457-1268

ICC Bulletin Advertising - Please Support Our Local Businesses

Facebook "Catholic Engaged Encounter-Fairbanks" For marriage support services Natural Family Planning information

contact Marc & Ann Lee at denaliprints@gmail.com

Fairbanks Catholic Engaged Encounter "A Wedding is a Day, A Marriage is a Lifetime."

Comprehensive Marriage Preparation Weekends Contact 907-452-3701 or cee.ak@hotmail.com to register or volunteer

Academic Excellence for PreK through 12th Grade

Call for a tour – 907.456.7970

www.catholic-schools.org

Why choose the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks?

WANTED TO BUY:

ALASKA

LICENSE PLATES (Any year)

LAWN & GARDEN TRACTORS

(Running or Not)

Wil Courtney 907.458.0911

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