Christmas Blessings! · 23/12/2018 · season of Christmas is an opportunity to stop and recognize...
8
In Jesus, we have the very Word of God the most personal, direct, and meaningful communication God could ever give us. Christmas Blessings!
Transcript of Christmas Blessings! · 23/12/2018 · season of Christmas is an opportunity to stop and recognize...
In Jesus, we have the very
Word of God the most personal,
direct, and meaningful communication
God could ever give us.
Christmas Blessings!
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 23, 2018
M !"#$, D&'. 24 C()*+-/#+ E0&
4:451/ Mass
10:001/ Mass
T7&+"#$, D&'. 25 C()*+-/#+ D#$
9:00#/ Mass
M#)$, M -(&) 8 G " New Year’s Day
M#++ M !"#$, D&'. 31: 5:15() T*&+"#$ J#!*#-$ 1: 9:00AM
M
Special Weekend Mass Schedule when only one priest is available in Ames
for St. Cecilia & St. Thomas Aquinas
see page 5 for schedule
The first planned use of this special schedule will be the weekend of January 12/13
NO 7:00 PM SUNDAY MASS during the ISU break
(23rd, 30th , 6th) Sunday 7:00pm Mass resumes Jan. 13
BUILDING CLOSES EARLY during ISU Break (till Jan 11)
Check the online parish calendar for times
Parish Office CLOSED December 24 & 25
January 1
Regular 8-5 Weekday Office Hours during break
NO Noon Mass January 7 - 15
Noon Mass THIS WEEK: Wed, Thu, Fri
3
Where God is born, mercy flourishes. Mercy is the most precious gift which God gives us. Today, then, let us together rejoice in the day of our salvation. As we contemplate the crib, let us gaze on the open arms of Jesus, which show us the merciful embrace of God.
Christ is born for us, let us rejoice in the day of our salvation!
—Pope Francis
Christmas Gratitude! This, as they say, is the season of giving. We tend to run around like chickens with our heads cut off getting stuff ready and trying to find the perfect gift. However, perhaps the best way we are going to experience the joy of this season is not in finding the perfect gift, but in taking time to have gratitude for the gifts we have received. With all the busyness, we can run the risk of failing to recognize the beauty of the gifts we have been given. When I was a teenager, I took for granted the gift of my parents love for me. If fact, I was a downright punk who wasn’t really grateful for anything my folks did. And so, my relationship (like many teenager’s) was not all that great with my parents. As I grew older, I began to recognize all they had done for me and took time to show gratitude for the gift of their love. It was then that our relationship reached a whole new level. The same can be said for our relationship with God. If we take for granted all the gifts that He has given us, then we are just like that punk kid, spoiled and ungrateful. This season of Christmas is an opportunity to stop and recognize the gifts that God has given us. We are invited to begin to be grateful for all the gifts that God has blessed us with. If we do this, our relationship with God will reach a whole new level. Have a blessed Christmas!
4
St. Thomas Aquinas…
YOUTH MINISTRY ...St. Cecilia
www.archwomensconference.org
Youth Ministry 6th – 12th Graders
Life Teen and EDGE Cancelled. Merry Christmas! The Act of Entrance for 10th Grade Confirmation Candidates will be January 6 at St. Thomas Aquinas and January 13 at St. Cecilia at 10:30am Mass. Contact Zeke with any questions. Please note Youth Ministry’s 5 Things You Need to Know are published biweekly at AnchorAmes.com.
First Corinthians 13 ...The Christmas Version
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shining balls, but do not focus on Jesus, I am just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not see Jesus as the reason for all I do, I am just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not see Jesus in all these things, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crystal snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's Christmas Mass but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point. Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who cannot. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust...oh, but giving the gift of love will last forever.
Pastoral Council Finance Council Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 22 - 7:00pm
Chair: Robert Stoker [email protected] staparish.net/ministry/finance-council
Parishioners always welcome at meetings.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 8 - 7:00pm Chair: Francis Todey [email protected]
staparish.net/ministry/pastoral-council Parishioners always welcome at meetings.
5
Help with
snow & ice is always
appreciated
before Masses OR during the week Snow shovels are available at the building entrances. Clear entrances, sidewalks and steps, north, east and south, to make it easier and safer for all to get in and out of the building. If icy & slippery, sprinkle ice melt (found in hospitality closet) at Lincoln Way entrance, Lincoln Way and Ash Ave. sidewalks and in Gathering Space parking area.
If you have any questions, check with a parish staff member, otherwise grab a snow shovel and help clear.
Baptism Baptism Preparation Class will be held on Sunday, January 20 at 4pm in the Bethany and Newman rooms. Please contact Lisa and Troy Weary for more information, or to register, 480-4936 or [email protected]. Communal Baptism celebrated on Sunday, February 17 during the 10:30am Mass. Please contact Lisa and Troy Weary for more information.
God's Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage
Are you discerning marriage, seriously dating, engaged or already married? Come and learn. This is a study based on St. Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. Six Thursday sessions (Jan. 24 - Mar. 7, 2019, except Feb. 14), 7:00-8:30pm in St. Martin Room at STA. Sign up at staparish.net: Event Registration tab.
Gifts for Newborns
Our annual gift drive for mothers who are not quite prepared for their babies, begins on Christmas Eve and ends on the Baptism of Jesus, Sunday January 13, 2019. Donations will then be
supplied to Birthright of Ames, to be distributed to needy and struggling moms in our area. Birthright is particularly in need of warm winter clothing for their maternity and infant clothing room. They need sizes newborn to 2T clothing, blankets, diapers and general baby items. Toys are appreciated as well, as are maternity clothing items. Please no cribs or car seats accepted. There seems to be a higher need this year, as Birthright is serving many more families. Birthright is also looking for new volunteers. If interested, please call Kriss Holmes at 515-292-8414. The gifts may be wrapped or unwrapped and placed under the Christmas tree in the gathering space. Thank you for your consideration of this worthy cause.
Special Schedule for Masses St. Thomas Aquinas & St. Cecilia
January 12/13 Saturday Mass: 5pm at St. Cecilia NO 4:45 Mass at STA Sunday Masses: 8:30am at St. Cecilia NO 8:30 Mass at STA (St. Peter & Paul, Gilbert, 8:15am Mass) 10:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas NO 10:30 Mass at St. Cecilia (St. Patrick, Nevada 10:45am Mass) 5pm Spanish Mass at St. Cecilia 7pm at St. Thomas Aquinas
Explanation and FAQ for the Special Schedule: http://staparish.net/information/onepriest.pdf
Stephen Ministry AMES CATHOLIC COMMUNITY STEPHEN MINISTRY
With the arrival of the "Light of the World" in Jesus' birth, we rejoice in celebrating Christmas Day. God's power is within our reach to experience and pass this “Light of Christ” on to others who are unable to see it. It is our hope that all children of God might find his light shining brightly in their lives. We wish all a Blessed Christmas and a holy and Happy New Year. From the members of Stephen Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Cecilia and Ss. Peter and Paul.
6
Mass & Other Cancellations
Please use your own good judgment about coming to Mass when the weather conditions are poor. With the exception of truly extraordinary conditions, weekend Masses will not be cancelled. But if the weather causes you serious concern (due to age, physical condition, driving conditions, etc.), please do not take any unnecessary chances. Your safety is important. According to the Catechism: "The faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation [Sundays and holy days], unless excused for a serious reason..."; dangerous weather conditions qualify as a serious reason.
Check the PARISH CALENDAR on the STA web page first - staparish.net – cancellations (Masses and events) will be posted as soon as possible. The message on the church phone will be changed if possible, but expect delays with a number of calls coming in. If ISU offices are closed or classes canceled because of weather, the parish office will be closed, more than likely all parish events will be canceled, but the building will remain open.
Christian Experience Weekend
The Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is a renewal weekend for adults, designed to enable them to more deeply “experience” themselves and their relationship to God and the Christian community. A women’s CEW will be held at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny beginning the evening of Friday, January 18 and concluding the afternoon of Sunday, January 20. For more information, contact Nicole Vortherms via email ([email protected]) and/or via phone (515-423-6040). A men’s CEW will be held at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny beginning the evening of Friday, February 15 and concluding the afternoon of Sunday, February 17. For more information, contact Curt Carlson via email ([email protected]) and/or via phone (515-783-3819). You can visit: http://olih.org/cew-retreats/
Catholic Charities Counseling Archdiocese of Dubuque
Individual v Marriage & Family Depression v Stress Management v Trauma/EMDR
Relationship/Emotional health
Serving all faiths
Lisa Turner, LMFT Professional Counselor
296-2759
with an office at STA Affordable sliding fee scale
Accepting most forms of insurance
The parish Finance Council has better defined the purpose of this fund:
A capital improvement is any addition or alteration to the parish’s property that meets both of the following conditions: 1. It substantially adds to the value of the real property or appreciably prolongs the useful life of the real property 2. It is intended to become a permanent installation The fund is invested with the Archdiocese and any expenditure from the Capital Improvement fund must be approved by the Finance Council (over $5,000 also requires approval of the Pastoral Council). The desired minimum fund balance is $100,000 (presently at $75,600). The parish accepts designated gifts to this fund and supplements the fund with a budgetary donation at the end of each fiscal year. You can contribute by check in the collection, just indicate “Capital Improvements” on the memo line it is also one of the giving opportunities on our ONLINE GIVING page.
Capital Improvements Fund
7
http://usccb.org/bible/
READINGS THIS WEEK
Parish Office Phone: 515-292-3810
MINISTRY STAFF staparish.net/about/directory
Pastor, Fr. Kyle Digmann…………....…….....x113 [email protected] Business Manager, Bobby LeBlanc.………..….x112
[email protected]…..………..(c) 515-708-2861
Coordinator of Ministries, Tom Budnik…….....x118 [email protected]
Campus Ministry/Liturgy, Shari Reilly………...x117
[email protected]……..……....(c) 515-509-6851
Campus Ministry, Emily Klaus….……………..x114 [email protected]………..…..(c) 563-920-6672 Evangelization, Joe Weyers ....……………........x116 [email protected]…………….(c) 224-622-9923 Faith Formation, Jen Weyers………………......x130 [email protected]………...…….(c) 815-757-9900 Marriage Preparation/RCIA, Brenda Neppel…...x125
Development, Joe Leisz…….…………………..x123 [email protected] Campus Ministry/Music, Eric Evans….…….....x124 [email protected] Youth Ministry (office at St. Cecilia: 515-233-3092) Zeke [email protected] Don Alexander, Secretary…………...……….....x110 [email protected] Net Larson, Financial Secretary………...…..….x122 [email protected] Steve Borton .................... Maintenance Monica Kwat ................... Maintenance
P!!" M#$#%'!"% [email protected]
Sarah Benjamin Sydney Ellis
Monica Moylan Cassy Olesen
F()*% M#%%#($+"#!% Rachel Nurse
John Potts Anna Yurrick
Eric Zimmerman
10 THINGS CHILDREN CAN TEACH US
ABOUT LITURGY
1. Come to Mass with an attitude of curiosity and wonder. 2. God loves us even if we misbehave in our lives, we simply need to ask for forgiveness. 3. When we are in the church, we are in a special place. 4. We all are God’s children, some just older than others. 5. Make notes and drawings on the church bulletin and then take it home and put it on the refrigerator. 6. If something funny happens, laugh. 7. If something sad happens, cry. 8. Don’t just listen, also look. 9. Sing loudly even if you don’t know the tune. 10. If you don’t understand something, ask someone to explain it to you.
Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a/Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-18 [4]/Heb 10:5-10/ Lk 1:39-45 Monday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 [2]/ Lk 1:67-79 Tuesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 [2a]/Acts 13:16- 17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Night: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/Ti 2:11- 14/Lk 2:1-14 Day: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/ Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5, 9-14 Wednesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22 Thursday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Friday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:3-11/Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 [11a]/Lk 2:22-35 Sunday: 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28/Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10 [cf. 5a]/ 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24/Lk 2:41-52
For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Thomas Aquinas, Ames, IA A 4C 02-0406
Residential • Light Commercial • Farm GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Additions • Bathrooms • Kitchens • 4 Season Rooms www.geisingerconstruction.com 515.232.8951
www.bethanylife.org/lifechoices “...staying at home as long as possible is a big deal.”
Learn More 515-290-6756
Bowling - Laser Tag - Arcade - Miniature Golf Pizza - Sports Bar
Plan Your Next Party!1320 Dickinson Ave | Ames, IA 50014
515-598-BOWL (2695)
Mark Hanson OwnerSpecializing in Commercial and Low Slope Roofs
232-9133 • www.csroofing.com
FAMILY LAW • WILLS • BANKRUPTCY • REAL ESTATE
Robyn C. Huss (515) [email protected] www.husslaw.com Free InItIal ConsultatIon evenIng and Weekend appoIntments avaIlable
MEMORYMAKER DESIGNRonell “Ronnie” Lindeman
Interior Design Professional for Over 25 Years
Consultation & Furnishings515-231-1672 [email protected]
FINANCIAL SERVICES TO FIT ALL OF YOUR NEEDS
RIVER VALLEY CREDIT UNION
If You Live Or Work In Story and Surrounding Counties
You Are Eligible To Join232-1654 • www.rvcu.org
2811 E 13TH ST • AMES
515-296-87872625 Union Drive Ames, IA 50011
To register, call or visit our website: www.cardinalgymnasticsacademy.com
Your One-Stop Fireplace ShopOwners:
Jim & Sandy Fagan
515-233-0200(in front of Lowes) 208 Airport Rd., Ames
Chiropractic PracticeDr. John R. MooreGeneral Practice809 Wheeler St., Ste. 104Ames, Iowa, 50010-5098 (515) 233-1709
515.663.3043
ISUStudents
Like412 Welch
640 Lincoln Way (515)232-19613800 W. Lincoln Way (515)292-5543
137 Lynn Ave.
Non-profit fair trade goods from around
the world
www.worldlygoods.org
223 Main St. • Downtown Ames233-4568
Buffet All Day Everyday from 11 a.m. till 9 p.m.Voted Best Chicken and Buffet in Story County !
1404 Boston Ave. Ames, IA 50010Ames Pizza Ranch 232-1999
Gina McAndrewsFor all your real estate needs.
3706 Stange Rd., Ames515-233-9274
www.Sudsationalautowash.com
515-232-5060www.esb1.com
Member FDIC
Hansen Roofing & PaintingServing Ames & Surrounding Areas for Over 30 Years
All Types of Roofing-Painting-Drywall Repairs-Remodeling
“Your best bet is to hire a vet”
296-2290FREE
ESTIMATES
FREE ESTIMATES
515-441-2988
Medical Arts Building • 1015 Duff AveDoran Clinic or Women
www.doranclinic.com
DORAN CLINICFOR WOMEN
Joyce Lines, M.D. Ann Gessner, D.O. Mary Rotto, P.A.-C
Allison Eness, P.A.-C Emily Jordison, A.R.N.P. Lea A. Husak, A.R.N.P.
239-6970
292-6663526 Main Street, Suite 101
“Unique Name - One of a Kind Service”
K’Lynn Lynn 450-0476
[email protected] www.remax.com
Gold Plus Invisalign® Provider 515-292-9014
www.blueskyames.com
Anne Schmitt • 515-232-5121 502 Douglas Ave., Ames adamssoderstrum.com
619 Burnett Ave. Ames
232-3543GaryLinahon
Manager
232-5461Jeff Blum
Meat Manager
Jerry Carney & Sons, Inc.
Selling Road Tested Used Auto Parts at1816 SE 5th Street • Ames
Since 1956 232-1897www.carneyautoparts.com
Mark Chasey, Owner1700 SE. 16th St. • 515-233-5000
www.DeeryAmes.com
DentistryAtSomerset.com
515-268-0516
Dr. Jason Niegsch Dr. Dan Krook316 S. Duff • Ames, IA 50010
515-817-5746Dave Tucker
Ames Oral Surgeons, P.C.ROBERT A. RUDMAN, D.D.S. JOHN B. KAZWELL, D.D.S.
PETER W. CHO, D.D.S.Telephone 515-232-6830 • TOLL FREE 800-262-0036
1212 Duff Ave., Ames, IA 50010
Dr. Barbara ReadFree Consultation DrBarbaraRead.com
1606 Golden Aspen Dr., Ste. 101 • 233-8880
BALDUS ELECTRIC
Over 50 Years Experience
232-5096
232-8153 • www.amesarborist.comJim Rock Arborist/Owner
Tree & Lawn Care Experts ISA Certified
Jewelry For You!236 Main St. • 515-232-0678
Gilger Designs
RANDY BEHLE 24 Hour ServiceOwner/Operator
P.O. Box 1103 Ames 515-233-2065Ames, Iowa 50010 Boone 515-432-8665Jetting Service and Septic tank pumping
• Tax Preparation • Payroll Services • Accounting • Consulting • Quickbooks
515-382-5481 • 1110 6th St. • Nevada, IA 50201
[email protected] www.centraliowaaccountant.com
118 Southeast 5th Street • 515-233-1700www.entirecarcareofames.com
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIALComplete sewer & drain cleaning
& televisingBackflow testing • Water heaters24 HOUR SERVICE • 232-5156
ben kellen 515-460-2844 www.hickoryonline.biz
4813 W. Lincoln Way515-292-2997 • WWW.KDAMUSEMENT.COM
PLUMBING • DRAIN CLEANING • WATER JETTING YOUR PLUMBING AUTHORITY
515-233-3700 2825 WAKEFIELD CR. • AMES, IOWA
Your Locally Owned & Operated Durable Medical Equipment Provider
(515) 232-6000
Jeffrey G. Herrick, D.D.S.Family Dentistry
New Patients Welcome620 5th St.
Ames, Iowa 50010(515) 233-3778
“Life is Suite” In Polk City...
Discover Qube Hotel
A Family Friendly Hotel
300 Boulder Pointe, Polk City, IA 50226, USA
515-984-3092 | www.qubehotelpolkcity.com
