CHURCH OF SAINT MARK The Nativity of the Lord December 25, 2016

Fr. Paul Spellman, Pastor Fr. Michael Tang, In Residence Deacon Joseph Girard 940 Coeur d’Alene Ave., Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 821-5058

E-mail:info@st-mark.net · website:www.st-mark.net

Parish Staff Maintenance Antonio Rodriguez ...... 821-5058 Rectory Care Sandra Perez .............. 821-5058 Church Care Catalina Blasi .............. 821-5058 Secretary Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Secretary Blanca Meza ............... 821-5058 Bookkeeper Joe Stockemer….…….821-5058 Liturgy Altar Servers Joan Horne.................. 463-9017 Altar Servers (Sp) Romeo Santos………..720-0084 Altar Society Chris Putziger.............. 396-3265 Eucharistic Ministry: In Church MaryAnn Long...……..717-2645 To the Sick (Eng) Fr. Paul Spellman ....... 821-5058 In Church Romeo Santos………..720-0084 To the Sick (Sp) Ofelia Gonzalez .......... 306-8768 Ministry of the Word English Michael Shindle ........... 821-5058 Spanish Erick Yela .................... 463-9080 Wedding Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Quinceañera Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Music Music Director Maeve Cummings ....... 902-0109 Adult Choir Valerie Vinnard ... 323-804-7720 Spanish Choir Alex Venegas ...... 213-675-0564 Organist/Pianist Mark Balling…………..390-3646 Ushers Steve Gunning (Eng) .. 306-9035 Parish School Principal Mary Ann McQueen .... 821-6612 Secretary Mary Ann Welchhance 821-6612 Secretary Maria Donaldson...…...821-6612 Religious Education Director Judy Girard…..822-1201 ext 249 Office Secretary Maria Acosta...822-1201 ext 250 Confirmation Edwin Ambrosio822-1201ext 248 R.C.I.A. Susan Lewis…822-1201 ext 247 Parish Organization Bereavement Ministry Fritz Hirt ....................... 827-1585 Guadalupanas Isaias Flores ................ 391-5085 Knights of Columbus Steve Gunning ............ 306-9035 Power House of Prayer Barbara Kennedy ........ 823-9387 Prayer Group (Esp) Javier Hernandez ........ 702-7929 Legion of Mary Lorene Ross……...…..306-2796 Pastoral Council Tom Suchy. ................. 821-5058 Young Adult SaintMarkYAM@gmail.com St. Vincent de Paul …………………….424-272-1629 Youth Ministry Youth Ministry (Sp) Fernando Guzman…..702-7701

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm Sunday Masses: Saturday: (Vigil) 5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am 12 noon (Spanish) & 5:30pm Daily Masses: Monday - Saturday 8:00am Holy Day Masses: 8:00am, 12:15pm and 7:00pm (Bilingual) Eucharistic First Monday of each month Adoration : 8:30am to 8:30pm Confessions: Saturday 4:30 - 5:15pm Baptism: 3rd weekend of each month. Please contact the rectory office. Marriage: 6 months notice is required. Please contact the rectory office. Anointing of Sacrament for the sick is celebrated The Sick: upon request. Please contact the rectory office. Holy Eucharist Communion is given upon request. for the Sick: Please contact the rectory office.

The Nativity of the Lord Saint Mark Church December 25, 2016

Pastor’s Corner Merry Christmas to One and All! 2,016 years ago a pregnant woman and her husband trav-eled from Nazareth, in the northern part of Israel, to Bethlehem, about 90 miles to the south. For what? To take part in a census! When they arrived, they were not exactly welcomed with open arms. One kind innkeeper let them stay in his barn. And, it was in this barn, that the Savior of the World was born. And He spent His first few nights sleeping in a manger, a feeding trough for animals! And, now, here we are, celebrating His birth, just as we do each year. The emphasis on Jesus's birth has switched from nativity sets with sheep and camels to Santa Clause with his elves and rein-deer. And "Merry Christmas" is evolving into "Happy Holidays!" Instead of Christmas vacation, we have Winter Break. And, instead of singing Christmas carols about like "Away in a Manger" we have Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and a December to Remember. But let us not get discouraged. This is a day when many people of faith enter the doors of their churches for the first time since Easter. And it is up to us to make each one of them feel welcome. A firm handshake and a warm smile are much better than the question, "Why are you sitting in my seat? I sit there every week!" What happened in Bethlehem 2,016 years ago changed the course of human history. Every country in the world counts the years since the birth of Jesus in figuring out the current date. In 2001 I was in Cambodia, a primarily Buddhist country. In 2003 I was in Nepal, a primarily Hindu coun-try. And, when I looked at my airline tickets, each one had printed on it the year since Jesus was born. Next week we will begin the year AD 2017. AD is the Latin, "Anno Domini" which trans-lates into "In the Year of Our Lord." And, regardless of what country you are in, we know that the Birth of Jesus changed the course of human history! At this blessed time of the year, we wish each of you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and fulfilling New Year! May the Lord continue to bless us always and in all ways,

Father Paul Spellman

FROM OUR PASTOR

La Esquina del Párroco

¡Feliz Navidad a todos! 2.016 años atrás una mujer embarazada y su esposo viajaron de Nazaret, en el norte de Israel, a Belén, cerca de 90 millas al sur. ¿Para qué? Para participar en un censo. Cuando llegaron, no fueron recibidos con los brazos abiertos. Un amable posadero los dejo permanecer en su esta-blo. Y fue en el establo, que nació el Salvador del mundo. Y pasó sus primeras noches durmiendo en un pesebre, donde ponían comida para los animales. Y, ahora, aquí estamos, celebrando su naci-miento, al igual que hacemos cada año. El énfasis en el nacimiento de Jesús ha cambiado de belenes con ovejas y camellos a Santa Claus con sus duendes y renos. Y "Feliz Navidad" evoluciona a "¡felices fies-tas!" En lugar de vacaciones de Navidad, tenemos vacaciones de invierno. Y, en lugar de cantar villan-cicos como "Lejos en un pesebre" tenemos viernes negro, ciber lunes y un diciembre para recordar. Pero vamos no se desanimen. Este es un día cuando muchas personas de fe entran por las puertas de sus iglesias por primera vez desde la Pascua. Y depende de nosotros para que cada uno de ellos se sientan bienvenidos. Un apretón de manos firme y una sonrisa son mucho mejores que la pregunta, "¿por qué está usted sentado en mi asiento? Me sien-to allí todas las semanas!" Lo que sucedió en Belén hace 2.016 años cambió el curso de la historia humana. Cada país del mundo cuenta los años desde el nacimiento de Jesús para averiguar la fecha actual. En 2001 estaba en Camboya, un país de budista principalmente. En 2003 estuve en Nepal, un país principalmente hindú. Y cuando miré mis pasajes de avión, cada uno tenía impreso el año desde que Jesús nació. La semana que viene vamos a empezar el año 2017 de AD. AD es el latín, "Anno Domini" que se traduce en "En el año de nuestro Señor". Y, no im-porta que país, sabemos que el nacimiento de Jesús cambió el curso de la historia humana. En este momento bendito del año, deseamos a cada uno de ustedes y sus seres queridos una ¡Feliz Navidad y un Prospero año Nuevo! Que el Señor nos siga bendiciendo siempre y en todas las formas, Padre Paul Spellman

The Nativity of the Lord Saint Mark Church December 25, 2016

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

SPIRITUAL LIFE

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

SPIRITUAL LIFE

ANNUAL ST. MARK PARISH MEN’S RETREAT The Annual St. Mark Parish Men’s Retreat will be held at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in the city of Sierra Madre. The retreat which is preached by the Passionist Retreat Team begins this Friday, January 20, 2017 in the evening and con-cludes Sunday, January 22, 2017. The lovely grounds and peaceful atmosphere of Mater Dolorosa make this a perfect spot for a weekend of spiritual renewal and growth. For reservations please contact: Fritz Hirt at 310-827-1585 or Rick Winter at 310-699-1098

WOMEN’S SILENT RETREAT The Annual Women’s Silent Retreat will be held at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra. The retreat begins Friday, February 3rd at 5:00pm and lasts until 12:30pm Sunday, Feb-ruary 5th. Rev. Alphonsus Hermes, O. Praem, will be the retreat Master and the theme will be “Streams of Grace and Mercy”. For reservations please call Shu-Hwei Zimmerman at (805) 373-1099. Car pools are available from St. Jude’s Church. For more information contact Mary Latini at 310-821-7515.

Lunes: Hch 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Sal 31 (30):3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Martes: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Sal 97 (96):1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Miércoles: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Sal 124 (123):2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Jueves: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Sal 96 (95):1-3, 5b-6; Lc 2:36-40 Viernes: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 o Col 3:12-21 [12-17]; Sal 128 (127):1-5; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Sábado: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Sal 96 (95):1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Domingo: Nm 6:22-27; Sal 67 (66):2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gál 4:4-7; Lc 2:16-21

Monday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Tuesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:36-40 Friday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21 [12-17]; Ps 128:1-5; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Sunday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21

RETIRO DE HOMBRES DE SAN MARCOS El retiro de hombres de la parroquia de San Marcos se llevará a cabo en El Centro de Retiros de Mater Dolorosa en la ciudad de la Sierra Madre. El retiro empezara el viernes, 20 de enero de 2017 (en la noche) y concluye domingo, 22 de enero de 2017 (mediodía). Los jardines y la tranquilidad de Mater Dolorosa hacen de este un lugar perfecto para un fin de semana de renovación espiritual y de crecimiento. Para reservaciones póngase en contacto con: Fritz Hirt: (310) 827-1585 Rick Winter: (310) 699-1098

RETIRO DE MUJERESEl retiro anual de mujeres se llevara a cabo en “Sacred Heart Retreat House” en la Alhambra. El retiro comienza el viernes 3 de febrero a las 5:00pm y dura hasta 12:30 el domingo 5 de febrero. Reverendo Alphonsus Hermes, O. Praem, será el líder principal y el tema será "Arroyos de gracia y misericordia". Para reservaciones por favor llame a Shu-Hwei Zimmerman en (805) 373-1099. Para obtener más información póngase en contacto con Mary Latini en 310-821-7515.

Sat. Dec 24 3:30pm Aidan Garcia 5:30pm Irene Saso † Midnight Mass Miller & Putziger Family Sun. Dec 25 7:30am Ms. Katherine Enright 9:00am Mrs. Hilda Macnamara 10:30am David Woods† 12:00pm Maria Pauline Velenzuela † Mon. Dec 26 8:00am David Woods † Tues. Dec 27 8:00am Sandy Perez Wed. Dec 28 8:00am Celina Aguilar † Thurs. Dec 29 8:00am Paula Gaskins † Fri. Dec 30 8:00am Adela Avila † Sat. Dec 31 8:00am Carmen Vindas †

Sat. Dec 31 5:30pm Fr. Paul Spellman Sun. Jan 1 7:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 9:00am Fr. Tom King 10:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 12:00pm Fr. Paul Spellman There is no 5:30pm Mass

The Nativity of the Lord Saint Mark Church December 25, 2016

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God (Isaiah 52:7-10). Psalm — All the ends of the earth have seen the saving pow-er of God (Psalm 98). Second Reading — God has spoken to us through the Son, the very imprint of God’s being (Hebrews 1:1-6). Gospel — The Word became flesh; from his fullness we have all received grace (John 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — Todos a una gritan alborozados. Verá la tierra entera la salvación que viene de nuestro Dios (Isaías 52:7-10). Salmo — Los confines de la tierra han contemplado la victo-ria de nuestro Dios (Salmo 98 [97]). Segunda lectura — Dios nos ha hablado por medio de su Hijo, la imagen fiel de su ser (Hebreos 1:1-6). Evangelio — El Verbo se hizo carne; y todos recibimos de él en una sucesión de gracias sin número (Juan 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]).

This Week at St. Mark’s Dec 26 - Jan 1, 2016 Mon. 8:00am Mass - Church Rectory Office Closed Religious Education Closed for the week St. Mark School Closed for the week Tues. 8:00am Mass - Church Wed. 8:00am Mass - Church Thurs. 8:00am Mass - Church Fri. 8:00am Mass - Church Sat. 8:00am Mass - Church Confessions 4:30pm - 5:15pm - Church 5:30pm Mass - Church Sun. Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God New Year’s Day Mass Times: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm(Sp) There is no 5:30pm Mass

Religious Education As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may his love glow with brightness in our lives. All Religious Education pro-grams will observe the Christmas holidays. Classes will re-sume on Saturday Jan. 7 for Early Childhood and Grades 1-6. 7th and 8th Grade class resumes on Tuesday Jan. 10 at 6:30pm. Adult Confirmation If you are an adult who has not celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation there is one week remaining for registration for the annual preparation sessions. Please call the Religious Education Office for information at 310-822-1201.

The Nativity of the Lord Saint Mark Church December 25, 2016

SAFE GUARD THE CHILDREN

PROTEGIENDO A LOS NINOS

SCHOOL NEWS

Cell phone apps allow for hiding photos and messages A review of a young person’s cell phone text messages may provide a parent or caring adult with information such as who your child talks to, where they are going, and what they’re doing. Unfortunately, all of that may be in the past. Today, some new cell phone text messaging services keep cell phone texting activity increasingly private. In order to protect young people, one must stay current and re-connect with ever chang-ing technology. For a copy of the VIRTUS® article “Vanishing, Self-Destructing Texting, and Electronic Com-munication,” email jvienna@la-archdiocese.org or call 213-637-7227.

For particular help you may call Suzanne Healy, director of Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650 or Helene Hickey at 310-821-6612.

Las aplicaciones de teléfono permiten esconder fotos y mensajes La revisión de los mensajes de texto del teléfono celular de un joven puede proveer a los padres de familia o a los adultos que lo cuidan, información como con quién habla su hijo, dónde va, y lo que hace. Desafortunadamente, todo eso puede ya ser parte del pasado. En la actualidad, algunos nuevos ser-vicios de mensaje de texto por celular mantienen la actividad de mensajes de texto muy privada. Para proteger a los jóve-nes, uno debe estar al corriente y reconectado con la tecnolo-gía cambiante. Para una copia del artículo de VIRTUS® “Vanishing, Self-Destructing Texting, and Electronic Com-munication” (Mensajes de texto y comunicación electronica y desvanecientes y autodestructivos) envíe un correo electrónico a: bmelendez@la-archdiocese.org o llame al (213) 637-7508. Para obtener ayuda puede llamar a Suzanne Healy, directora del Ministerio de Ayuda al (213) 637-7650 o llame a Helene Hickey 310-821-6612.

The entire St. Mark School community wishes the members of St. Mark Parish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year!! Welcome back Father Paul Spellman! We are happy that Father Paul could join in our annual Christmas concert in the church this past week! The program included Christmas reli-gious music and other Christmas selections. Many students were featured as vocal soloists as well as instrumentalists including flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar, violin, cello and trumpet. The program concluded with an open sing-along and the final student group that performed was the after school choir, Lion Lieders with a three part harmony rendi-tion of “Carol of the Bells.” It was a beautiful musical pro-gram combining Christmas music, lively children and young adults, the Liturgical and Lion Lieders choirs. Congratula-tions to the music director, Judy Pagryzinski for her dedica-tion to the music and instrumental programs! Thanks, as well, to the parent volunteers who assisted with the sound, videography and stage set-ups. St. Mark School students were busy in the final weeks lead-ing up to Christmas! Service projects abounded including lunches for Safe Place for Youth made by 6th-8th grades, a sock drive for the homeless in Venice and a letter campaign to American military personnel serving overseas. The first grade sent letters to Children’s Hospital for patients confined to the hospital for Christmas. These projects were an effort to extend the spirit of Christ’s birth and the Savior’s message far and wide. We are happy to report that the school’s enrollment is the largest that it has been in nearly ten years and growing. There are a record number of applicants for the 2017-2018 school year, including many sibling and parish families. The next admission outreach program will take place on Wednes-day, January 11, 2017 at 8:00 AM. Reservations are required. All families are invited to attend and we hope that parish families will consider applying to our fantastic middle school program (grades 6-8) for the 2017-2018 school year. Please email the school at admission@stmarkschool.com if you are interested in attending our upcoming outreach session or call the school office at 310-821-6612. Finally, a big thank to Fr. Michael Tang, for his great contri-bution to the school this fall! Father Tang led us in a new approach to student liturgies that we share with parishioners on Fridays and that included student reflections on the gospel. These reflections were extremely well received by students and adults alike and lent a great deal of meaning to the litur-gies. Thanks so much, Fr. Tang!

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Saint Mark School ♦Educating Children in the Way, the Truth, and the Life♦

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