MASS SCHEDULE Daily Masses: 8:30 a.m. Mon.-Fri. Confessions: 3:15-4:00 p.m. Saturdays Communion Service: 8:30 a.m. Sat. Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., & 11:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Hours: 8:10 a.m. Mon.-Sat. Rosary after Daily Mass and Communion Service Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Mon. 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Divine Mercy Catholic Community Mission Statement

We, the community of Divine Mercy Parish, profess and proclaim Christ

crucified, risen and alive in His Church. We invite all to a life of discipleship

through worship, ongoing formation, merciful witness, and service which actively builds the Kingdom of God

here on earth and by which we journey towards the eternal

Kingdom in Heaven.

Church Office: (321) 452-5955 Church Website: www.divinemercychurch.org Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/dmccas School Office: (321) 452-0263 School Website: www.dmccs.org School Facebook: facebook.com/divinemercycatholicacademy

Father Matthew Mello, Pastor

1940 North Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, Florida 32953

December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent

Divine Mercy Parish Staff

Fr. Matthew Mello ~ Pastor

Fr. Martin Gerber ~ Associate Pastor

Fr. Michael Farrell ~ Pastor Emeritus

Fr. Larry Olszewski, C.S.C. ~ Assisting Priest

Fr. William Persia, C.S.C. ~ Assisting Priest

Sr. Lucy Vázquez, O.P. ~ Annulment Advocate

Dcn. Jack Alexander ~ Deacon

Dave Parker ~ DMCA Principal

Mary Frances Coburn ~ Director of Faith Formation

Betty Ann Kroger ~ Coordinator of Pastoral

Ministries

Carol Ponder ~ Director of Music & Liturgy

Janet McMahon ~ Operations Manager

Daniel Walford ~ Assistant Music Director

Lynne Pritts ~ Office Manager

Antoinette Schultz ~ Administrative Assistant &

Bereavement Coordinator

Ruth Everett ~ Bookkeeping Assistant

Alex Serafica ~ Maintenance Supervisor

TODAY’S READINGS December 3, 2017

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).

Dear Friends in Christ, This weekend, we begin, not only a new liturgical year in the Church, but also the beautiful season of Advent. This is a season of hope, patience, joy, and peace as we await the celebration of the birth of our Lord at Christmas. I’ll discuss this further next week, but for now, let us keep this holy season by increasing our commitment to prayer, reflection and joyful giving. This weekend also marks my 30th Anniversary of Priestly Service to the Lord and His people in the Diocese of Orlando. As a priest, one stands In persona Christi (a Latin phrase meaning “in the person of Christ”), offering sacrifice to the Lord and sanctifying His people. The role of a priest is also to be a teacher, instructing people in how to obey the Lord and His commandments and live a life pleasing to God. The priest also serves as a shepherd who guides and consoles people in times of celebration as well as times of distress. When one enters the priesthood, one’s life in no long one’s own. One is asked to serve in many capacities in a vari-ety of locations. A priest’s life is rooted in obedience to God and to his bishop. I truly have been blessed by serving for 30 years in this Diocese of Orlando. I was ordained in the Cathe-dral of St. James in downtown Orlando on December 5th, 1987. It has been (and continues to be) my honor and privi-lege to serve the people of God in this Diocese of Orlando. I have been blessed with wonderful assignments where I had the joy of meeting so many awesome people along the way. I am especially grateful to be here in Merritt Island as I cele-brate this anniversary with the great community of Divine Mercy. My feelings are of profound gratitude to God Al-mighty and to His holy people. Thank you for your support and prayers. Sincerely Yours in Christ, Fr. Matt

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Is 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

We, the parish community of Divine Mercy Catholic Church congratulate you, Fr. Matt, on your 30th Anniver-sary of Ordination to the priesthood. We thank you for being a dedicated and loving shepherd of God’s flock. God bless you on this milestone of de-votion and service.

Fr. Matt will be in the Social Hall after all masses today, if you would like to stop over and offer your con-gratulations.

Mass Intentions for the Week Monday December 4, 2017

8:30 a.m. †Richard Eck

Tuesday December 5, 2017 8:30 a.m. †Bill Moran †Ed Strada

Wednesday December 6, 2017

8:30 a.m. †Ernest Snellinger

Thursday December 7, 2017

8:30 a.m. Divine Mercy Benefactors †Winifred Gannon Murphy

Friday December 8, 2017

8:30 a.m. †Evelyn & William Doerzbacher †Terry Kitchens

Saturday December 9, 2017

8:30 a.m. Communion Service

4:30 p.m. †John Conti †Michael Talay

Sunday December 10, 2017

8:00 a.m. †Jackie Hunt †Walt Fancher

9:30 a.m. †Epifanio & Josephine Marchica †Charles Marchica

11:30 a.m. All Living and Deceased Members of Divine Mercy Parish

Our Week At A Glance

MONDAY - December 4th

8:30 a.m. Walking with Purpose (MH) 10:00 a.m. Anne’s Angels (MH)

TUESDAY - December 5th 10:00 a.m. SCC (MH)

6:30 p.m. Chorale Practice (CH)

7:00 p.m. Welcome Committee (MH)

7:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer (AR)

WEDNESDAY - December 6th

8:30 a.m. Healing Mass 10:00 a.m. Bible Study—Acts (MH) 5:50 p.m. Alpha Series (D) 4:30 p.m. Liturgical Dance practice (CH) 6:00 p.m. Religious Ed. Classes (SCHRMS0

THURSDAY - December 7th

9:00 a.m. Martha’s “B” Team (CH)

10:00 a.m. SCC (MH)

1:00 p.m. Centering Prayer (MH)

6:30 p.m. CCW (MH)

7:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Immaculate Conception

7:00 p.m. Contemporary Choir (CH)

7:00 p.m. Centering Prayer (FR)

FRIDAY - December 8th Feast of Immaculate Conception

8:30 a.m. Mass (CH) 12:00 p.m. Mass - Feast of Immaculate Conception

SATURDAY - December 9th 9:00 a.m. Baptism Class (FR) 3:30 p.m. Confessions (CHPL) 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass -

SUNDAY - December 10th 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. Masses

8:00 a.m. Santa’s Workshop and Pancake Breakfast (D, SH) 9:00 a.m.RCIA (L) 9:15 a.m.Share the Word (FR)

Weekly Prayer Intention

Fr. Matt May the Lord continue to bless Fr. Matt and his priestly ministry as he celebrates 30 years since his ordination to the priesthood. May he

be given the continued grace to stay faithful to the Lord’s call and be fruitful in his ministry.

MASS WITH ANOINTING

On Wednesday, December 6th, we will have Mass with Anointing at 8:30am in the Chapel. All are welcome.

SECOND COLLECTION TODAY There will be a second collection at all masses this weekend to support the Retired Religious. Thank you for your generosity.

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - December 8th Holy Day Obligation

Mass Times: 8:30 a.m. (with school children); 12:00 noon Immaculate Conception envelopes will be collected at all masses. Thank you for your generosity.

A Vigil Mass will be held on Thursday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m.

NEW CONFESSION TIME Please note that there is a NEW Weekly Confes-sion time. Confessions will now be heard on Sat-urdays from 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please pray for our parishioners who are ill at home, in the hospital or nursing homes, and for those whose names we do not have. Especially: Kellie Buckman, Don Des-champs, Kyle (K.J.) McCrary.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

HELPLINE: (321) 459-2060 Monday, Wednesday, Friday

On this first Sunday of Advent we begin a period of “waiting in joyful anticipation”. For those in need, this is not a time of waiting joyfully but worrying about the next meal, the electric or water bill, rent or medicine. Your donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box and Food Chest help provide assis-tance and bring some joy to their lives, thank you. Food Needed: cereal/canned fruit

DIVINE GIFTS STORE Be sure to stop in the Divine Gifts Store to begin your Christmas shopping. There are many new items and something for everyone on your Christmas list. We are open before and after all weekend masses.

DIVINE MERCY COMMUNITY PRAYER CHAIN

Please call Julie Dunn at (321) 459-3469

for special prayer requests.

W. I. N. G. S.

When In Need Give Support

Divine Mercy WINGS Ministry meets on the sec-

ond and fourth Wednesday of the month at

1:00p.m. in the Meeting House. In addition to regu-

lar meetings, the group socializes at lunch in area

restaurants to celebrate member birthdays.

We offer support and friendship to those who are

widowed, divorced, or feeling alone. All are wel-

come to join our group and make new friends.

If you have any questions, contact Margaret

Crockett at 321-452-8064.

SAVE THE DATE for

our FAIR TRADE

SALE the weekend of De-

cember 16th and 17th. Last

year’s sale was such a suc-

cess, we’re having it again. Once again, we will

have Fair Trade coffee, chocolates, jewelry, reli-

gious items, and many other wonderful articles

from countries all over the world. This is a fantastic

opportunity to buy meaningful and unique Christ-

mas gifts which make a difference and positively

impact people’s lives. Sales will now be possible

with cash, check or credit card. The sale will be

in the Dome after all the weekend Masses. Plan to

stop by! Come and do some Christmas shopping

and give back at the same time.

Celebrating 50 years of life in the Eucharist

On June 18, 2018, the Diocese of Orlando will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Established in 1968, the Diocese is comprised of 79 parishes and 12 missions, two basilicas, 37 schools, and hun-dreds of ministries.

To commemorate the year, Bishop John Noonan has pro-claimed a "Jubilee Year of the Eucharist" beginning the first Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2017 through the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, November 25, 2018.

The theme for the year is “Stay with us, Lord” based on the scriptural passage in Luke 24 describing the Road to Emmaus when disciples urged our Lord, “’Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.’ So He went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while He was with them at table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight.”

YOUTH MINISTRY & FAITH FORMATION

ELECTRONIC GIVING We are able to offer our parishioners the oppor-tunity to give financially to our Parish through on-line banking. Electronic Giving provides you with a way to automate your regular giving. Go to www.divinemercychurch.org, and click the DO-NATE NOW button to star t your one-time and/or recurring schedule.

Sacramental Dates for 2017-2018 First Reconciliation Preparation Sessions

First Reconciliation will take place on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:15 p.m.

First Communion Preparation Sessions Sunday, Jan. 21 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Meeting House Sunday, Feb. 11 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Meeting House

Rehearsal in the church on May 1 at 6:00 p.m. First Communion will take place on Saturday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m.

Confirmation Preparation Sessions February 25, April 8

9:30 – 11:20 a.m. in the Dome Middle School Youth Rally on March 3

Rehearsal in the church on April 17 at 6:00 p.m. Confirmation will take place on Friday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m.

For information: contact Mary Frances Coburn, Director of Faith For-mation, 321-452-5955 or maryfrances@divinemercychurch.org

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES Religious Education classes have begun and will continue every Wednesday night from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Registration forms are available in the Parish Office and at the Information Kiosk in the Church.

CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE

The Religious Education Program and Divine Mercy Parish are hold-ing their Annual Angel Tree for area families needing help for the holi-

day season. The Angel Tree is in the Nar-thex, so please feel free to pick an ornament and return the gift unwrapped with the An-gel Tree tag attached no later than Monday, December 11th. All Angel Tree gifts, as well as any additional toy donations, may be placed under the Angel Tree on the weekends or dropped off at the Parish Of-fice during the week. Please call Antoinette Schultz in the Parish Office if you know of families in our com-munity who are in need of Christmas gifts for their children this year.

FORMED is an on-line Catholic program that will allow all parishioners to log on and access hun-dreds of hours of inspiring movies, videos, eBooks and audio presentations – all for free! Simply go to the formed.org homepage Enter Divine Mercy’s parish code which is –

TFGZHD (all caps) Create a personal account with your name/

email and password Start enjoying the best Catholic content all in

one place!

ALTAR CHRISTMAS FLOWERS If you are planning to contribute to-wards Christmas flowers for the altar this year, please be sure to return your

envelopes by December 5th so we are able to prepare a Patron’s List for the Christmas Bulletin. Thank you

A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL… Hello Chargers,

We begin our season of Advent and the celebration of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Let us pray, “Almighty God, grant us the will to greet our Savior with our good works when He comes, so that we may be worthy to be on His right hand and possess the kingdom of heaven.”

If you have been busy with the daily burdens and workload of life, I encourage you to use this time of year to come closer to God. I ask you to share in the celebration of the season of Advent and wish a Merry Christmas to all.

This week we also celebrate the gift of Fr. Matt Mello. Fr. Matt celebrates his 30th Anniversary of Ordination into the priesthood. Over the last 30 years, Fr. Matt has given his life to serving the needs of the people and now is the time that we, the people, share in the celebration of Fr. Matt’s dedication to the people of our community. Father, please know that you are very much loved, admired and respected by us all and we wish you the very best as you celebrate your 30th anniversary of entry into the priesthood.

On December 10th, beginning at 9:00am we will have our annual DMCA Santa’s Workshop in the dome. Please come by, join us and share in the Christmas spirit.

The time to buy your lucky ticket for the car raffle is soon coming to a close. Take a chance at a new car or $20,000. All ticket purchases directly benefit the Divine Mercy Catholic Academy.

May the Christ in you reach out to touch the Christ in all you meet.

Until next week…

Dave Parker DMCA 20th Annual Car Give-Away

Give Away Date December 15, 2017

Enter to win your

choice of 2018 Chevy Equinox,

2018 Chevy Malibu OR $20,000 Cash Only 1200 Tick-

ets Will Be Sold $50.00 Per entry donation requested Need not be present to win! Tickets

available at all Masses and at the School and Church Offices .

Do you shop on Amazon?

W i t h o u t a n y change to your price or shipping

cost, Amazon will donate a percent-age of your sales back to DMCA. Simply go to smile.amazon.com and select Divine Mercy Catholic School or follow our link at smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1285347.