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The Visitation

Page 2 December 20, 2015

As our world is bursting with excitement these last days before Christmas, the Church presents us with two expectant mothers, bursting with the excitement of their pregnancies. We refer to the scene as the Visitation. Spiritual writers have often said that Mary’s first act as the mother of the Savior is to bring His love and kindness to her kinswoman, Elizabeth, the Visitation being an act of charity. There is far more to this meeting than that. After all, Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, a Temple priest whose rank was so high that he was chosen that year to be the priest to enter the innermost chamber of the Temple, the Holy of Holies. Certainly there were plenty of women around Elizabeth to help her through her pregnancy and childbirth.

This meeting of the two expectant mothers has a deeper significance than just being an example of charity. It is the Old Testament pointing to the New Testament. It is John within Elizabeth, leaping for joy, pointing to Jesus within Mary.

What I would like to do today is focus on each of these mothers.

First, consider Elizabeth. She was married into the heart of the Temple tradition. She, in her pregnancy, represents the best of the ancient chosen people of God. The Temple was a sign pointing to God. The ancient Hebrews struggled with the concept of constructing a Temple. Pagans constructed temples and limited their gods to their buildings. The Hebrews knew that God could not be limited to one place. But they wanted a place to honor God. They wanted a place that would hold a special presence of the One whom the universe could not contain.

Elizabeth’s body was like that ancient Temple. Her body contained the one who would point out the Lord to the world. John the Baptist, within Elizabeth, leapt for joy in the presence of Jesus within Mary. John, the last of the ancient Israelite prophets became the first of the Christian prophets pointing to the one he would later call the Lamb of God. He embodied and brought to a conclusion the Temple Tradition of Israel, the tradition of reminding the people that God is among them.

When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the Temple that separated the Holy of Holies was torn in two. Now everyone, not just the high priests like Zechariah but everyone could experience the deepest presence of God. The Temple is no longer needed to point to the Lord. The Lord is among us. Our homes, our families, our parishes, our lives have been transformed into the new Temples of the Lord. We must keep our homes sacred and holy, for they are the dwelling places of the Lord. We must keep our bodies and our lives sacred and holy, for the they also are dwelling places of the Lord. The Lord is not just among us, He is within us as He was within Mary that beautiful day when Elizabeth met her cousin.

Mary, the expectant young girl, was bursting with joy, not just for Elizabeth, but for the life within her. Mary did not just put up with the pregnancy. It wasn’t as though she had no choice but to deal with being pregnant. Like all good mothers she loved being pregnant. But more than any other mother, she enjoyed a unique possession of the Word of God within her. Mary proclaimed the Magnificat to Elizabeth, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Mary knew what the Lord was doing within her and for her. He was raising her up from being one of many young women to the one whom all ages would call blessed. “The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” She is the Blessed Virgin. The Mother of the Lord. “Whom am I, that the Mother of our Lord should come to me?” asks Elizabeth.

God’s plan for the redemption of the world began with Mary. She was the woman of faith and the woman of courage who said “yes” to the Lord. Let’s go back to that moment when Mary agreed to become the mother of the Lord. It is the moment when the annunciation, the angel Gabriel’s message, was transformed into the incarnation, God took on flesh within Mary. Mary could have said “No.” She could have given a million reasons why she could not make this sacrifice, just as we give a million reasons why this or that sacrifice is too much for us. But Mary said, “Yes”.

Page 3 Fourth Sunday of Advent Rev. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Pastor

715 E Orange Street Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689

Mass Schedule: Saturday…….4:00 and 6:30 p.m. (Fulfills Sunday Obligation) Sunday……...7:30, 9:00, 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Weekdays…...7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Saturday…….9:00 a.m.

Schedule of Confessions: Saturday…….3:00– 3:45 p.m. and after the 6:30 p.m. Mass

PARISH OFFICE 937-4050 Main Office ext. 201

Rev. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Pastor ext. 209

Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, Parochial Vicar ext 207

Rev. Kevin Molloy, in Residence ext. 208

Deacon Samuel Moschetto ext. 210

Deacon John Edgerton ext. 222

Dan Angel, Seminarian ext. 242

Ron Appel, Parish Manager ext. 215

Katherine Creamer, Office Manager ext. 201

Lorna Moffitt, Parish Mgr. Assistant ext. 203

Eldean Jenkins, Facilities Manager ext. 201

Anne Harman, Music Director ext. 206

FAITH FORMATION

Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, - Director ext. 207

Fran Morin, Pre-K—8th Grade ext. 220

Katie Napolitano ext. 224

Evangelization and Spirituality

Laura Margarella, Caritas ext. 221

YOUTH MINISTRY

Bart Kovacic, Life Teen ext. 246

High School Ministry

Jen McIlveen, Edge ext. 210

Middle School Ministry

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Sharon Stokely, Director ext. 225

GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL

Mrs. Cindy Malinski, Principal 799-6724

UPPER PINELLAS

PREGNANCY CENTER

Mary Caesar 937-4304

PARISH OFFICE FAX 727-943-0676

OFFICE EMAIL kcreamer@ignatius.net

PARISH WEBSITE www.st.ignatius.net

Miraculous Medal Devotion:

Before 9 a.m. Mass each Wednesday

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:

Thursdays after 9 a.m. Mass until 10:15 a.m.

First Friday of the Month 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Baptism: Please call the Parish Office

Marriage: Please call the Parish Office

at least 6 months in advance.

Holy Orders: Please call

Rev. Carl Melchior at 345-3338

I love Denise Levertov’s poem Annunciation. It embodies the hope of the world waiting for an answer from a young virgin.

We know the scene: the room, variously furnished, almost always a lectern, a book: always a tall lily and an angelic ambassador, standing or hovering, whom she acknowledges, a guest.

We are told of meek obedience. No one mentions the courage.

The engendering spirit did not enter her without consent. God waited.

She was free to accept or refuse, choice integral to humanness.

Aren’t there annunciations of one sort or another in most lives?

Some unwillingly undertake great destinies, enact them in sullen pride, uncomprehending.

More often these moments, when roads of light and storm open from darkness in a man or woman,

these moments are turned away from in dread, in a wave of weakness, in despair and with relief.

Ordinary lives continue. God does not smite them. But the gates close; the pathways vanish.

She did not wail, she only asked, ‘how can this be?” and gravely, courteously, took to heart the angel’s reply, perceiving instantly the ministry she was offered: to bear in her womb

Infinite weight and lightness; to carry in hidden, finite inwardness nine months of Eternity; to contain in the slender vase of being the sum of power--in narrow flesh, the sum of light.

Then to bring to birth, push out into air, a Man-child needing like any other, milk and love--but who was God.

This was the minute no one speaks of, when she could still refuse.

A breath unbreathed, Spirit suspended, waiting.

She did not cry, “I cannot, I am not worthy.” nor, “I have not the strength.” She did not submit with gritted teeth, raging, coerced.

Bravest of all humans, consent illumined her. The room filled with its light, the lily glowed in it, and the wings of the angel became irridescent.

Consent, courage unparalleled, opened her utterly.

And we have been saved because Mary trusted in God. We understand the importance of Elizabeth’s words to Mary, “Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”

The meeting of Elizabeth and Mary is the pointing of the Old Testament to the New, the revelation of the Messiah to the people longing for a transfor-mation, the message that we who have been chosen to make the Lord present in the world must, like Mary, say yes to God’s plans. For God works his won-ders in those who trust in him.

Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Yours in Christ,

Page 4 ADVENT SCHEDULES

St. Ignatius Advent Giving Tree.

Helping those in need at Christmas time. Each week of Advent, we collect unwrapped gifts for a specific organization. Please place these under the tree decorated by our

Childhood Center in the Church’s front entrance.

This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent: (Dec. 20) Our Pregnancy Center. Constant need of new or like new baby clothes, especially sizes 12-24 months, diapers sizes 3– 6, wipes, pull ups, new bottles, pacifiers, bibs, socks, washcloths receiving blankets for layettes, crib sheets, baby wash, and toiletries such as combs, brushes and nail clippers.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Sacrament of Penance

Dec. 21 Monday: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Penance Service Dec. 22 Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Dec. 23 Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

THE CELEBRATION OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Christmas Masses

Dec. 24 Thursday: 4:00 p.m. St. Ignatius Adult Music Ministry 4:00 p.m. Fr. John LaTondress Chapel and Life Center 6:30 p.m. Children’s Focus

Dec. 25 Friday: 12:00 a.m. Midnight Mass 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., & 11:30 a.m.

MASSES FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY

Dec. 31 Thursday: 4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Jan. 1 Friday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., & 11:30 a.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS Page 5

You are invited to share in the enhancement of our Church at

Christmas time as well as a memorial for your loved ones,

by donating towards our Christmas decorations.

Special flower envelopes are available on the

Church’s Courtesy Desk.

A Festival of Lessons & Carols

Thank you to our parishioners who donated so generously to

Retirement Fund for Religious collection last week. These funds benefit the many deserving religious who served our diocese, past

and present, and who now need our help meeting the overwhelming costs of elder care. For more

information visit www.retiredreligious.org

“Adventures in Matthew: The King &

His Kingdom” Facilitated by:

Deacon Sam Moschetto

In anticipation of the 2016 Spring Season, “Word In Action” will be offering a comprehensive program on the “Gospel of Matthew”. The “Adventures in Matthew” is a 24-week course that will be presented in two, twelve-week semesters. This program is a combination of video and class room study. Jeff Cavin’s provides comprehensive teaching and commentary on the Gospel of Matthew via Video presentations. A study guide book moves the participants through the Gospel with thought-provoking questions for home and class study. “The Adventures in Matthew” shows how Jesus builds on the foundation laid in the Old Testament to inaugurate the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ on earth. The study will show how Jesus is the completion of all the promises laid out in the Old Testament and links Jesus as it’s fulfillment.

Allowing time for the receipt of class materials, Deacon Sam is recommending pre-registration for the sessions that will begin on January 7, 2016. The Study Guide is a booklet that will require an offering of $25.00 from each student. Students who have already taken this course in 2009 and have the books do not need to re-buy the booklet. This material will be used for the entire two semester periods.

Please consider joining the “Word In Action” community for this informative study by signing and

returning the registration form below.

Registration Form

Name: ___________________________________

Date: ________________________

Telephone Number: _____________________

*Student Study Materials: $25.00 _____

Returning Student Name:

_________________________________________

*New students please make checks out to St. Ignatius

Our Music Ministry will present

A Festival of Lessons & Carols Wednesday, January 6 -7:30 p.m.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols began formally in 1880 at the Cathedral of Truro in

Cornwall and has continued as the tradition for Christmas Eve worship of that community since that date. The Festival has since been adapted

and used worldwide to celebrate, in Scripture and Song, the birth of Jesus. The best known of these services is the broadcast world wide from King’s

College each year on Christmas Eve.

At St. Ignatius we honor our wider faith community by celebrating our Festival on

January 6th, the day our Orthodox brothers and sisters celebrate Epiphany.

We hope you will join us for this special evening of Prayer, Word and Song. The program is free

and ALL ARE WELCOME!

Thank You

Word in Action

Page 6 MINISTRY NEWS

Flowers… distributed this week at Florida Hospital North Pinellas by Caritas Volunteers were donated by Jean Boehne with gratitude for all our parish programs.

Caritas Corner

If you wish to have a Mass said for special intentions or for deceased members

of your family or friends please stop by the parish office

between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays.

Women of Grace Study Program

The Women of Grace Study Program leads women on an exciting journey to discover the gift of authentic femininity, holiness of life, and woman's purpose and mission in the world

today. Taking the Blessed Virgin Mary as their exemplar and spiritual mother participants grow in the feminine virtues and the secrets of true fulfillment.

The program takes a multi-faceted approach by exploring all aspects of the feminine person including her spirituality, psychology, emotional reality, and physical being.

We meet Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 20th from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in classroom 4.

Cost is $30. Contact ignatiuswomen@yahoo.com Babysitting is available at low cost.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Registration Form

Name: ______________________________ Phone Number: __________________ Email: ______________________________ Amount Enclosed: _______________ Interested in Babysitting? YES NO (Please Make Checks Payable to: St. Ignatius)

Commemorate… a special occasion or a loved one by donating flowers distributed at Florida Hospital North. Call the Caritas Office for more information.

Going through divorce? Already divorced?

The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide (CDSG) was created to bring hope and healing to divorced and separated Catholics. CDSG is open to ALL, regardless of faith or length of your separation or divorce.

This powerful 12-week program utilizes DVD’s featuring expert counselors, theologians, and priests along with stories from people who have suffered through divorce. Group discussion follows the DVD presentations.

Christine and Jim Grieco will facilitate CDSG on Monday evenings from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in classrooms 2 and 3 of the Parish Life Center.

An orientation session will be held on Monday January 11th from 7 to 8 p.m. The first regular session begins Monday January 25th. The group closes February 1st. Cost: $25 (includes materials) Please make checks payable to St. Ignatius of Antioch.

For questions and to register call Christine at 727-519-3360 or at stigcatechism@gmail.com. For other information about the program, check www.catholicsdivorce.com.

Divorce Support Group

Consoling the Heart of Jesus Kick off the Year of Mercy by

drawing closer to Jesus’ Most Merciful Heart!

Join us for a 10 week study and discussion program based on materials

by Fr. Michael Gaitley.

Find rest from the stresses of Life, by learning more about Jesus’ great love for You!

Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 12th. Choose 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. or 7 p.m.—8:30 p.m.

Consoler Celebration Day is Saturday, March 19th at 9 a.m.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Registration Form Due by January 4th

Name:___________________________________

Best Phone # _____________________________

Email:___________________________________

Please circle your preference 10:30 a.m. Or 7 p.m. Number of Participant Packets ______ $40 pp/packet. Which include : Retreat Companion, Book, prayer card, Divine Mercy Image & Book, Rosary, Chaplet

& Novena Pamphlet & Way of the Cross Pamphlet

MINISTRY NEWS Page 7

Lord, grant eternal rest to the

souls of our dearly departed,

especially for

MARTIN LODOVICO

For those we hold in our hearts who have died,

may they rest in the arms of God.

As we face many challenges in our country, we know, as Catholics, that so many problems are solved through the intercession of Mary, particularly through the Rosary. As a parish, we ask all to pray a Rosary every Wednesday for the Protection of our Nation & a Resurgence of Faith in God.

Wednesday Rosary

Discover key ingredients to a

healthy and happy marriage and

take your relationship to a whole new level.

Saturday, February 20th at 8 a.m. in the Church and the hall.

Order tickets online for $25 per person at DynamicCatholic.com or call 859-980-7900.

Get Your Tickets Now!

5 Things to do this Jubilee Year In calling for the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis is encouraging the faithful to know the face of God's mercy — Jesus Christ Incarnate — and to show that face of mercy to our friends and neighbors (as well as our enemies!). To that end, we have prepared for you a to-do list for the upcoming Jubilee:

Forgive those who have hurt you/ have done you wrong. If possible, consider forgiving debts owed you and/or returning collateral.

Go to Confession regularly — monthly or even weekly.

Read and meditate on the Sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospel of Luke.

Perform one or more works of mercy every day.

Go on a pilgrimage.

March for Life St. Augustine Bus Trip Saturday, January 16th

Enjoy inspiring speakers, good fellowship and a prayerful, one-mile march through downtown St. Augustine. The 2015 March drew 3,000 people. The Office of Life Ministry will be offering a bus trip for the cost of $40/person (includes boxed lunch and drinks).

Buses will be picking up in Clearwater, Tampa, Brandon, Seffner, Port Richey and Wildwood. For more information contact the Office of Life Ministry, 727-344-1611; dcs@dosp.org. Registration forms with itinerary

available at: http://dosp.org/life/upcoming-events/

Catholic Days at the Capitol February 16th– 18th

Join Catholics from around the state for our annual advocacy days, Catholic Days at the Capitol. Participants get involved in the legislative process by attending a briefing on human life and dignity issues and meeting with elected officials. Attend a special luncheon and the annual Red Mass with the Florida Bishops and Catholic Legislators.

Registration deadline is January 16th. Contact the Office of Life Ministry: sab@dosp.org; 727-344-1611.

Respect Life

Page 8 SCHOOL NEWS

St. Ignatius Early Childhood Center… Ages 2-5 & Free VPK Call 937-5427 to schedule a tour.

Wednesdays & Thursdays from

9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. in classroom 8 of the Life Center.

$10 per visit or 6 for $50 for ages 1 and walking to age 36 months. Questions? Contact the

Early Childhood Center at 937-5427

ECC Mother’s Morning Out Fridays from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Come and join us for stories, crafts

and playground fun!!!! Snack included.

Open to all children ages 2 years and older (younger siblings welcome).

This event is free and open to all. For more information contact Jane

at jgrantham@gacsfl.com

Story Time at GACS

Christ is the foundation of Guardian Angels Catholic School, where pastors, administration, teachers, parents, and students, work together as a Catholic family, centered on Christ, to serve our Church,

our school, and our community with a focus on faith, academic excellence, and the celebration of each unique child.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Guardian Angels students score above grade level in all subject areas

High quality education in a private learning environment for your children at a low investment

Home of 35 winners of the Raytheon “MathMovesU” scholarship competition the last three years

Middle School Robotics and STEAM programs

Scholarship opportunities for qualified applicants

Currently, the only Pinellas County School to earn the distinction of a “No Place for Hate” educational institution

Guardian Angels will begin the application process for the 2016-2017 school year soon. Interested parents may pick up applications for enrollment in the parish office beginning January 4th.

After meeting with the Pastor, the completed application packet must be returned to Guardian Angels for processing.

We invite you to come and see your parish school. Contact Cindy Malinski at cmalinski@gacsfl.com to schedule a tour!

All prospective families are invited to an Open House on Thursday, January 21st from 8:30-10 a.m. or Wednesday, February 9th from 6:30-8 p.m.

Stop by the school and see why providing a Catholic education at Guardian Angels is the best choice for your child.

Guardian Angels Catholic School

DATE MASS INTENTIONS EVENTS

Saturday, December 19 Fourth Sunday of Advent

4:00 p.m. + Charlie Wech 6:30 p.m. + Lynn A. Lumenti

Sunday, December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:1-4 Hebrew 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45

7:30 a.m. + Joseph & Irene Wesol 9:00 a.m.. People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. + Salvatore & Loretta Gruppuso 6:00 p.m. + Michael Kevin Waters

Monday, December 21 St. Peter Canisius

Song of Songs: 2:8-14 Luke 1:39-45

7:30 a.m. + Officer Charles Kondek 9:00 a.m. + Anthony & Norma Cognata

9:30 a.m. Confessions 7:00 p.m. Parish Penance Service

Tuesday, December 22 1 Samuel 1:24-28

Luke 1:46-56

7:30 a.m. + Deceased Members of The Tavella & Pergola Families 9:00 a.m. + Gloria Esposito

9:30 a.m. Confessions 5:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7 :00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Confessions

Wednesday, December 23 St. John of Kanty Malachi 3:1-24 Luke 1:57-66

7:30 a.m. For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 9:00 a.m. + George & Brigid McKenna

9:30 a.m. Confessions 7:00 p.m. Parish Penance

Thursday, December 24 2 Samuel 7:1-16 Luke 1:67-79

Thursday, December 24

The Nativity of the Lord Vigil

7:30 a.m. + Allison Occhiuzzi 9:00 a.m. + Andrew Flannagan 4:00 p.m. For the People of Our Parish 6:30 p.m. For the People of Our Parish

12:00 a.m. For the People of Our Parish

Friday, December 25 The Nativity of the Lord

7:30 a.m. For the People of Our Parish 9:00 a.m. For the People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. For the People of Our Parish

Saturday, December 26 St. Stephen

Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59 Matthew 10:27-22

9:00 a.m. + Bryan Lohr & Robert Loya

Saturday, December 26 The Holy Family

4:00 p.m. + Krystina Horak 6:30 p.m. + Salvatore De Masi

Sunday, December 27 The Holy Family of

Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sirach 3:2-14

Colossians 3:12-21 Luke 2:41-52

7:30 a.m. + Salvatore Sinardi 9:00 a.m.. People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. + Marvin & Gladys Bowman 6:00 p.m. + Deceased Members of the Fay Family

6:00 p.m. Life Teen Christmas Party after Mass

Merry Christmas

Parish Office Closed at 12 noon

Parish Office Closed

Parish Office Closed

Have A Blessed Christmas!

Parish Office Closed