Fourth Sunday of Advent

Year C

Fr. Anselm Eke, MSP

Pastor

RELIGIOUS ED CLASSES: There will be NO sessions on Dec. 26th or Jan. 2nd. Classes will re-sume on January 9th for CCD and CYO.

Our next LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING (3rd—5th graders) will be on Wed., Jan. 9th at 3:20pm.

Rose will be taking maternity leave beginning January 14th but will continue to check emails & answer phone calls. If you need to contact her, please email or call her cell phone 785-259-3779.

SECOND GRADE PARENT MEETING: There is a mandatory 2nd grade Parent Meeting on Wed., Jan. 2nd at 6:00pm in

the Parish Hall. Please plan to attend.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING: This will be at 10:00am on Sunday, Jan. 6th in the Parish Center.

FORMED: Thanks to the VMA (Vibrant Ministry Appeal), St. John’s Parish now has a subscription to FORMED On Demand, a

subscription service offering access to thousands of studies, films, audios, and e-books for adults and children. Discover great digital

media from over 40 of the best Catholic content producers including the Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press, the USCCB, Catholic An-

swers, EWTN, St. Paul Center, Marian Press, Sophia Press, Knights of Columbus, FOCUS, and many more. We would encourage you

to login and check out everything that is available! To access this resource, go to stjohnevangelistparish.formed.org and then register

your email address. This will create your own account so you can pause videos, books, talks, etc. and know right where you left off.

There is no fee for our parishioners to register an account.

ATTENTION ALTAR SERVERS, PLEASE SIGN-UP: The Hoisington Knights-of-Columbus

would like to invite you to a bowling and pizza party at Cardinal Lanes Bowling Alley on Wednesday,

Jan. 2nd at 12:00 noon. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule of church for you to sign up if you plan to

attend so we know how much pizza to order.

DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS: We will decorate our church on Sunday, Dec. 23rd right after the 9:00am Mass.

NEW LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULES: The new schedules for January—April are completed and can be picked up in the vestibule. Thank you!

PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: St. John’s parish extends our deepest sympathy to Kim, Kurt, Trevor and Jack Williams at the loss of their mother & grandmother , Elsie Dreher.

Prayers & sympathy also go out to Chris & Ron Smith at the loss of Chris’ sister, Yvonne Burtt, of Conroe, TX, that passed away December 17th. Please keep Yvonne & Elsie in your prayers as well as their families and may they rest in peace.

ALTAR SOCIETY CO-CHAIRS FOR JANUARY: Marcia Schremmer & Alicia Steiner

THANK YOU!! Thanks again to the generous community of St. John the Evangelist, 17 Hoisington families will have a brighter Christmas this year. Through your food and cash donations, these families received about 30 staple grocery items as well as cheese, eggs, margarine, fruit and ham for their holiday meals with family. God bless our wonderful parish!

WELCOME & CONGRATULATIONS! We extend a warm welcome to Josh & Julia Debes and their children,

Emaline, George, and Catarina, who registered in our par ish this week. Welcome Debes’, we’re happy to have you as part of our parish family! Congratulations goes out to Josh & Julia as well, on the birth of their third child, Catarina, who was born November 15th.

PASTORAL MINISTRY FORMATON TRI-FOCUS:

THEO 1003 (3 hr. course) Introduction to the New Testament—This course focuses on the literature, theology & history of the New Testament. Students will explore questions of authorship & critical methods of biblical interpretation from within the perspective of faith. Jesus’ question, addressed to his disciples, “Who do you say that I am? Provides the theo-logical center of the New Testament studies. Class Times—Jan. 29, 36, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 2019 on Saturday mornings—8:30am—12:00 noon. Cost is $150.00 for college credit, $75.00 for enrichment, prices do not include books. Fr. Reggie Urban will be the instructor.

THEO 4881 (1 hr. course) They Why and How of Youth Ministry—From Joseph, to Timothy, to Esther (who won a beau-ty contest then saved a nation), God engaged young people in big ways to do even bigger things. Approaching Youth Min-istry as a missionary disciple leads one to both the “why” and “hows” of youth ministry. Classes times are Wednesday eve-nings from 6:00pm—9:00pm on Jan. 23, Feb. 20, March 20 and April 10, 2019. Gentry Heimerman, Director of Young Adult Minister for our diocese, will be the instructor.

Both courses above are courses needed to obtain the Diocesan Certification in Youth Ministry. Location for both will be at ITV sites across the diocese.

Parish Center Office:

122 E. 5th St. - Hoisington, KS 67544

(620) 653-2963

St. John the Evangelist Parish Hoisington, KS

Rectory:

108 E. 5th St.—Hoisington, KS 67544

(620) 653-2695

Parish Contact Information:

620-653-2963 or 620-653-2695

Email: stjohnevangel@dc.kscoxmail.com

For Religious Education:

stjohnreligioused@dc.kscoxmail.com

or to: stjohn.dre.544@gmail.com

Website: stjohnevangelistparish.com

St. Ann’s Parish Olmitz, KS

OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday—Thursday, 9:00am—12:00pm and 1:00pm—4:00pm Fridays: 8:00am—2:00pm

Bulletin Announcements: Due by noon on Wednesday. May be submitted by email at the above address

Parish Secretary: Loretta Kinman

Director of Religious Education: Rose Debes (Hoisington); Lisa Starr (Olmitz)

Pastoral Council Pres.: Stephen Debes (Hoisington); Bob Schneider (Olmitz)

Weekend Masses: Saturday, 5:00pm (Hoisington) Sunday, 9:00am (Hoisington) 10:30am (Olmitz)

Sacrament of Penance: 4:15pm—4:45pm on Saturdays (Hoisington)

Second Sunday of the Month after Mass until Noon (Olmitz)

Reconciliation is also available by appointment.

Sacrament of Baptism: Call rectory to schedule an appointment for the Baptismal preparations.

Sacrament of Marriage: Contact the pastor 4 to 6 months prior to proposed date of marriage.

Sacrament of Sick: Call rectory in case of emergency or prior to medical procedures or hospital stay

PRAYER NETWORK: To call your prayer intention in for Hoisington, you may call Nancy Kirmer at 653-2466 and

for Olmitz, call Martina Axman at 620-586-3281.

December

23rd, 2018

Hoisington Mass Schedule for December 24th—December 30th:

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th 5:00pm +Miriam Wilborn Christmas Day, Dec. 25th 9:00am Intention of Randy Dumler Wednesday, Dec. 26th 10:00am Intention of Randy Dumler at Country Place Living Thursday, Dec. 27th 10:00am +Leah Burhenn Friday, Dec. 28th 10:00am NO MASS Saturday, Dec. 29th 5:00pm +Joe Lane

Sunday, Dec. 30th 9:00am +Pat Steiner (Mrs. Jim Steiner)

Hoisington Ministers For Next Weekend:

5:00pm Saturday 9:00am Sunday

Servers: Jace & Tori Riese Jason & Chase Robinson Ushers: Jay Steinert & Shawn Jonas Duane Polzin & Alan Hoffman Lectors: Calie Doze & Teri Doze Liz Gruis & Kyle Haxton Euch. Min.: Annie Riese & Kenton & Teri Doze Marcia Williams, Ida Woydziak, London Reif

COUNTERS: Dick & Nancy Kirmer

MINISTERS for Christmas Eve at 5:00pm: Servers: Mason & Leyton Haxton Ushers: Richard Neidhart, Bob & Denise Schreiber Lectors: Jerry Morgenstern & Kyle Haxton Euch. Min.: Jerry & Lou Ann Morgenstern & Denise Schreiber

MINISTERS for Christmas Day at 9:00am: Servers: Paul Rziha & Maleigha Schmidt Ushers: Scott & Robin Rziha Lectors: Joan Schmidt & Mary Ann Behr Euch. Min.: Leonard & Linda Moeder and Jerry Stoss

Collection for Last Weekend: 72 Envelopes………………$ 3,458.00 Offertory ……………………..$ 279.00 On-Line Giving……………….$ 241.26 TOTAL:……………………...$ 3,978.26

OLMITZ MASS SCHEDULE DEC. 24th—30th:

Christmas Eve—Dec. 24th 7:00pm +Sharon Royer and +Marguerite Schneider Christmas Day—Dec. 25th 10:30am People & needs of St. John & St. Ann’s Parishes Sunday, Dec. 30th 10:30am People & needs of St. John & St. Ann’s Parishes

MINISTERS for Christmas Eve—7:00pm: Servers: Danica Bartonek & Clayton Schneider Lectors: Camie Hlavaty & Lisa Starr Collectors: Robert Wissman & Dan Axman Offertory: The Gary Wondra Family

Euch. Min.: Bob & Kathy Schneider and Linda Bahr

MINISTERS for Christmas Day—10:30am: Servers: Abbie Bahr & Emma Bahr Lectors: Dan & Teresa Frieb Collectors: Bob Schneider & Raymond Gallegos Offertory: Tim & Amy Frieb

Euch. Min.: Pat Swob & Mel & Donave Yarmer

MINISTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND: Servers: Luke Higgason & Colin Mater Lectors: Janet Pechanec & Donave Yarmer Collectors: Gary Straub and Mel Yarmer Offertory: Mike & Colleen Sharkey

Euch. Min.: Kay Fitzsimmons, Dan & Lee Axman

Tuesday, Thursday and

Friday Masses are held in

the Parish Center Chapel.

RCIA: No Inquiry Sessions on Dec. 25th or Jan. 1st.

Have a blessed and Merry Christmas! Contacts: Judy Spangler at 620-786-0541 Fr. Anselm Eke, MSP at 620-653-2963

OLMITZ NOTES:

RELIGIOUS ED: There will be no classes on Dec. 23rd or 30th. We will resume our classes on Sunday, January 6th at 9:15am.

REMINDER…..Contact Janet Pechanec (785) 387-2415 if you’d like to be a member of our Prayer Chain and Marti-na Axman (620) 586-3281 with any specific intentions for which you’d like us to pray.

NEW SCHEDULES: Lisa will be working on the new schedules so if you have any changes, please let her know.

CONGRATULATIONS to Joey & Anita Bahr at the birth of their son, Benjamin Vernell Bahr who was born November 16th and to Daniel & Stephanie Schneider at the birth of their baby girl, Catherine Louise Schneider, born on Dec. 14th. Again, congratulations and welcome Benjamin and Catherine!

THANK

YOU!!!

CHRISTMAS—Liturgical Season

The Christmas season begins with the celebration of the birth of Jesus, Christmas Day, or as a vigil on Christmas Eve. The Feast of Christmas lasts 12 days, until Epiphany. However, the time from Epiphany until the Baptism of the Lord is also included in the Christmas season. Traditionally, Epiphany had been fixed to January 6th, and the Baptism cel-ebrated on the octave of Epiphany, which was January 13th. In most countries, the Epiphany is now celebrated on the Sunday between January 2nd and January 8th and the Baptism is celebrated the following Sunday. The Christmas season is a time of rejoicing in the Incarnation. The liturgical color of Christmas is white.

PRAYERS: Please remember to keep

Fr. Marvin Reif in your prayers, that he

is safe and will soon be found.

FUND ESTABLISHED: A fund has been

established for Fr. Marvin Reif by his brother & sister, Duane A.

Reif & Karen Winkelman (guardians/conservators). Fr. Marvin,

now 55, walked away from Protection Valley Manor in Protec-

tion, KS on April 3, 2017. He suffers from depression & anxiety.

The fund will be used to hire a professional private investigator

to help in the search for Fr. Reif, possibly offer a reward for in-

formation leading to locating him, as well as any expenses in-

curred in the search. There will be no financial gain by his fami-

ly. Contributions may be made to the Fr. Marvin Reif Fund at

any First Kansas Bank Locations in Hoisington, Great Bend,

Claflin, or Hays.

SHARE WITH US! If you’ve had a new baby or are cele-brating a wedding and would like it announced in the bulletin, call the information in to the Parish Office at 653-2963 or email us at: stjohnevangel@dc.kscoxmail.com

STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR DEC. 23rd: The Gospel today tells of the Virgin Mary, pregnant herself, hur-rying off to help her cousin, Elizabeth. The model of good stew-ardship, she who had given herself to bear the Savior gave her time and love to others as well.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: K-of-C Steak & Shrimp

dinner & Bounty Poker Tournament on Sat., January 26, 2019. More information in future bulletins.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED: We will be closed

Dec. 25th & 26th for Christmas.

CHRISTMAS—NEW YEARS SCHEDULE:

Mon., Dec. 24th……..5:00pm in Hoisington, 7:00pm in Olmitz

Tues., Dec. 25th………9:00am in Hoisington, 10:30am in Olmitz

Mon., Dec. 31st……….7:00pm in Hoisington

Tues., Jan. 1st………….9:00am in Olmitz

OLMITZ COLLECTION FOR LAST WEEKEND: 39 Envelopes…………....$ 1,135.00 Offertory………………..$ 79.00 Luminaries………………$ 40.00 Church Maint. Donation..$ 1,500.00 Votives………………….$ 80.00 TOTAL………………...$ 2,834.00

Merry Christmas!

As our gift to you for Christmas, we have the book The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity, by Matthew Kelly, New York

Times Bestselling Author. Do you believe it’s possible to be happier than you have ever been before? Not for fleeting moments,

but consistently? Bestselling author, Matthew Kelly, believes it is possible and this book explains how.

We all want to be happy & live life to the fullest, but the answer isn’t found in the world’s definition of happiness. Modern cul-

ture is constantly feeding us lies, and these lies affect you more than you know. The lies that affect you the most, however, are

the ones you tell yourself. These lies steal your joy, sap your energy, and cause you to lose hope. They prevent you from discov-

ering the kind of vibrant faith the first Christians experienced. But as Matthew Kelly shows, we’ve arrived at a crucial moment in

history. People are disillusioned with what the world offers. The world is in desperate need of change, and no one is in a better

position to effect that change than Christians. We have an incredible opportunity to dispel the lies & cut through the confusion &

false promises around us.

This book provides the practical tools necessary to help you regain your fervor and leave your mark on the world—and experi-

ence more happiness than you thought possible. Together we can change the course of history—with humility, generosity, kind-

ness, and joy, one Holy Moment at a time.

Let the Spirit of Love gently fill our

Hearts and Homes.

In this Loveliest of seasons, may you

find many reasons for Happiness.

God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

- Fr. Anselm Eke and Parish Staff

ODIN K-of-C MEETING: This meeting has been changed

to Wednesday, Dec. 26th at 7:30pm in the clubroom.

THANK YOU!

MARCH FOR LIFE PILGRIMAGE: Tom & Lisa Ridder (St. Mary’s Parish, Marienthal) are coordinating a bus pilgrimage for the Diocese of Dodge City to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. next January. Tentative plans call for it to commence at the Cathedral in Dodge on Wed., Jan. 16, then travel to Larned & Great Bend to pick up additional participants. They’ll travel overnight & arrive in D.C. mid-morning on Jan. 17th to take part in a public rosary in D.C., tour the St. John Paul II Shrine, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immacu-late Conception, attend a “Life is Very Good Rally” the eve of the March & then the main rally & March for Life (Jan. 18th). A night-time walking tour of the nation’s monuments & a bus tour of Arlington Ntl. Cemetery are planned. We’ll depart Washington on Sat., Jan. 19th & arrive in Great Bend, Larned & Dodge between 6pm & 8pm on Sunday, Jan. 20th. The projected cost per person is $400, & includes bus travel & overnight accommodations in D.C. A Dodge City Diocese Priest will accompany the pilgrimage. Call the Ridders at 620-375-2100 or email them at lridder68@gmail.com. Cost per person is $400.00. If assistance with the cost is needed, contact the parish. Flyers are in the vestibule of our churches.

MARCH FOR LIFE PILGRIMAGE TO TOPEKA: The March for Life to Topeka will be departing Dodge City on Jan. 21st, 2019

at 5:00pm to travel to Topeka to spend the night & then take part in the March activities on Tuesday, Jan. 22nd at the Topeka Performing Arts Center beginning at 8:30am with the Ignite Event, Mass with the Kansas Bishops, the March to the Capitol Steps and rally, tours of the Capitol before returning to Dodge City. Cost this year is $65.00 per person & is open to High School & College age & sponsors. Donations are wel-come to help cover the expenses. Registration forms & payment should be received by JANUARY 14, 2019 and checks made payable to the Diocese of Dodge City. Mail them to: Gayla Kirmer—P.O. Box 137—Dodge City, KS 67801. Call 620-227-1525 or email: gkirmer@dcdiocese.org

CONCEPTON SEMINARY: Join Bishop Brungardt & Fr. Wesley Schawe for a 3 day-2 night pilgrimage to Conception Sem-inary on March 3, 4, & 5. Cost is only $265.00 for single occupancy or $255.00 for double occupancy. Trip includes: deluxe mo-tor coach transportion with pick ups in Dodge City & Great Bend and other stops as requested; a tour of the Clyde Monastery; time with the Seminarians (Eric Frieb, Carson Haupt, Eseban Hernandez, Jonathan Lemus); tour of Conception Seminary; evening din-ner with Bishop Brungardt, Fr. Wesley & the Seminarians; accommodations at the Seminary & time for prayer & Eucharist with the Seminarians. Seating is limited so don’t delay in making your reservations. A $50.00 deposit with reservation is required. Make checks payable to: Diocese of Dodge City and send to: Office of Development, P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, KS 67801. The trip is sponsored by the Office of Vocations & Development to help foster, promote & support vocations to the priesthood and reli-gious life.

BCYC ENCOUNTER: This is a unique youth conference where teens will experience Benedictine spirituality in a real & tan-gible way. Your group will have opportunities to interact with the Monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey, learn what it means to be part of a Catholic Community, and engage in talks by world renowned Catholic speakers.

Whether you don’t have any particular prayer life, or are looking to strengthen your already developed prayer life, our goal is that each student leaves BCYC Encounter ready to take your relationship with Christ to the next level.

Teens will learn how to pray from the Monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey, build intentional relationships through small groups, en-counter the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, and participate in the Sacraments.

The weekend is rounded out by tons of fun, providing a break from the business of the weekend! In a continuing effort to build community within your group, teens will be led by our BCYC missionaries in games & activities meant to help them form close bonds with one another. A dynamic that will continue when they return home. This Encounter will be held June 14-16, 2019. If interested, please contact Rose Debes, DRE at 620-653-2963.

PASTORAL MINISTRY FORMATION COURSES:

SPRING OF 2019:

THEO 4881—THE WHY OF MINISTRY: 1 credit hour—required for certificate. 4 Wednesday

evenings from 6:00pm—9:00pm. Offered via I-TV at sites across the Diocese of Dodge City and Salina.

From Joseph, to Timothy, to Esther (who won a beauty contest then saved a nation), God engaged young

people in big ways to do even bigger things. Approaching Youth Ministry as a missionary disciple leads

one to both the “why” and the “hows” of youth ministry.

THEO 3881—RCIA KANSAS: 1 credit hour—Friday evening—Saturday afternoon at the Spiritual

Life Center in Wichita. The rites of the process of Christian initiation of adults are studied from historical,

theological, liturgical, and pastoral perspectives. Beginning with the text of the Rite of Christian Initiation

of Adults, students reflect on the order and integrity of each of the rites. Working from this foundation, they

explore appropriate ritual adaptation and receive guidance for the adapting and enrichment of the rites.

PRAYER FOR THE MILITARY: Lord Jesus Christ, please hold our troops in Your loving arms. Pro-

tect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts that they perform for us in

our time of need. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: Heavenly Father, You created us in Your image, and You desire that

not even the least among us should perish. In Your love for us, You entrusted Your only Son to the Holy

Virgin Mary. Now in Your love, protect against the wickedness of the devil, those little ones to whom You

have given the gift of life. I ask that you help all pregnancy centers reach those considering abortion, and

by Your grace, changing their hearts and protect the unborn. Amen!

CALLED & GIFTED WORKSHOP: The Dioceses of Dodge City & Salina are presenting a “Called & Gift-ed” Workshop at the Heartland Center for Spirituality-3600 Broadway-Great Bend. This will be Sat., Jan. 12, 2019 from 8:30-with gathering, check-in & breakfast. 9:30am Workshop begins, lunch, then Mass beginning at 5:00pm. This workshop will guide you to recognize gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit through Baptism & Confirmation. These gifts enable you to accomplish things for God above & beyond your natural abilities. To register, contact Coleen Stein at 620-227-1538, cstein@dcdiocese.org or www.dcdiocese.org/called-and-gifted. Registration deadline is Jan. 3rd. Cost is $25.00

FREE PREGNANCY SUPPORT: Catholic Charities offers free pregnancy support services for all women regardless of age, income, marital status or religious affiliation. There are no fees for this service. If you know some-one who is facing an unintended pregnancy, please ask them to contact Amy Falcon at 620-227-1590.

HEARING ASSISTANCE: The Starkey Hearing Foundation provides hearing aid assistance for those with financial need. There is an application processing fee of $125.00 per hearing aid request; contact Hear Now to discuss eligibility before completing an application. For assistance: 800-328-8602, or go to Hearnow@starkey.com When the application is approved, aids are given to the applicant at no additional cost.

DIVINE MERCY RADIO: Are you struggling to keep up with all the Catholic events in the area?

Have you heard about an event, but can’t remember the time or place? Divine Mercy Radio has all the lo-

cal Catholic Church and school events compiled onto one calendar at dvmercy.com. Just click the KRTT

calendar on the home page. Check it out!