2747 Pali HighwayHonolulu, Hawaii 96817

(8081 5es-3105

-.E ssccpali@rcchawaii.orglJ facebook.com/st.stephenPali

OFFICE HOURS:Tues-Thurs: 9:OO am to 5:00 pmMon, Fri & Sat: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

PASTORFr. Khanh Pham-Nguyen

PERMANENT DEACONDeacon Ronald Choo

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTRosemary Hashimoto

FAITH FORMATION

CCD-ChildrenVelma Guieb-Mamuad

Youth & ConfirmationRosemary Hashimoto (interim)

i?. C. L A.Debbie Fujiyama

Paish Scripture GroupsFrancis Jordan

PARISH MINISTRIES

Homebaund & BereansementVirginia Jordan & Helen Luke

HospitalityTBA- (SaturdayVigil)

Donald Yee (Sunday)

Altar SeraerNicole Heafner

Liturgical MusicLeka Leaeno (Saturday Vigi\StanleyWong (Sunday)

LectorBeverly Perry

HoIy Communion at MassJennifer Tamayo

Sacris*yCeline Asato & David Tom

Justice & PeaceTBA

-

(Respect Life)

TBA _ (Aloysius Food pantry)

,94 _(Family promise Hawaii)

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS

Pastoral CouncilPatricia Silva

Ste a ards hip / D i sc iple s hip C a u nc ilBernard Ho (interim)

Finance CouncilJames Solidum (interim)

Liturgy CommbsionTBA

B uildins/ P lanning CommitteeLoretta Chee & Richard Leong

Social FelloushipSui Kozuma & Kitchen Crew

WEEKEND MASS..

SATURDAY (Main Church) .. 4:oo Pm itSUNDAY (Chapet) ....7:15 am

:(Main Church) 9:3O am :

WEEKDAY MASS ,

Chapelofst,Catherine _ t

MONDAY_SATURDAY 8:OO AM

CONFESSION

SATURDAY 3:oo - 3:45 PmSUNDAY 8,45 - 9:15 am

DEVOTION & ADORATIONEucharistic Adoration ...... WED Mass

Holy Rosary before Mass

-I-VIS|TATIONOFTHESICK: Priest and Homebound Ministers are available to visit

the infirm or hospitalized. Please contact the Parish. For sacramental

emergency, call 595-3105 and press #2

BAPTISM: Sacramental preparation is required. If you are expecting or have a

child to be baptized, please call the Parish office for more information

MARRIAGE: The Diocese of Honolulu requires couples to marry in the Church

to participate in the preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Couples

should contact the office for Marriage Preparation at least 6 months before the

wedding

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: Kokua! Please contact your church prior tomaking arrangements with a funeral home {Funerals on Tuesday, Thursday ar Friday}

PARISHIONERS: When changing address/telephone, or moving out of the

Parish, please kindly noti$r the office

NEW PARISHIONERS: If you would like to become a parishioner of St. Stephen,

please use forms available at the entrance of the Church or contact the office

E KOMO MAI

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Saturday, December zt:

4:oo p.m. Mass: Parish Families

Sunday, December zz:

7:15 a.m. Mass: Parish Families

9:3o am Mass: Parlsh Families

Monday, December z3:

8 am Mass: t Zacarias Baron

Tuesday, December z4:

8 am Mass: No MASS

Wednesday, December z5:

8 am Mass: SOLEMNITY

Thursday, December z6:

8 am Mass: All families

Friday, December z7:

8 am Mass: Joe Almuena (healing)

Saturday, December z8:

8 am Mass: t Benigno & Maria Guieb

For the sick & homebound:RO LAND ALBARADO, MARGARET

ROBELLO, HARRY BENDER, GINNYSTAHL, ETHELAU, MABEL LUKE

For the recently deceased:IGNACIO BABAUTA, JANE AKI,

MARTIN LUKE, IRENE JOHNSON,DAVID LIU, BOBBY LOWE, BEN

SANTOS, ETHEL LEE, JOHNNASCIMENTO, WALLY CHANG,

FANNIE GORA, ELLEN SHAM,PATSYTAM, GWENDOLYN

JOSEPH, HAZEL ANDRADE, MARIA

GUIEB, MERRY CRIS HO, YVONNE

PACARRO

rzlzz Clement MorikamaCipriano Mirasol

:.zlz3 Georgia VieirraEmiliana Tangonan

tzlz4 VictoriaMakulehua

tzlz5 Violet FarmHarold Lum

:,zlz6 James RobelloHilda Azevedo

tzlzT Antone PerreiraZacarias Baron

:-zlz9 Beatrice FerretraStePhen BeczYnski

GO$D IVE\,i/S

lsaiah 7:ro-r4 / Romans :;:'7 lMatthew t:.8*24

Lately l've come to appreciate Joseph in ways that belie his rare appearance in

Scripture.

We know very little about him. At Christmas, he's the husband who didn't

abandon Mary when Jewish law told him he could. ln Christian arl, he's

frequently the "third wheel" in pictures of the nativity focused on Mary and

Jesus.

ln today's readings, we have one of the three Joseph stories that appear in

Matthew's Gospel. After reading all of them, l've concluded that Joseph never

got a full night's sleep and was remarkably attentive to messages conveyed by

angels, because in each story he's awakened from a dream and told what to do.

And then he does it.

I envy his absolute confidence in God's unusual form of communication and

admire the care he exhibits for his wife and adopted son.

So many times we spend energy trying to be the center of attention. We wantto control our lives and dictate the path we'll follow. Joseph is our reminder thatthey serve God who simply do his will without question.

Paul talks about service in a different way. He calls him-self a slave of Jesus', in

whose service he gladly preaches and even suffers. And Paul reminds us we're

called to holiness, which has nothing to do with being the center of attention.Holiness is aligning ourselves with God's will and being willing to change course

when the angel of the Lord comes in with a different plan.

Maybe the question for us this Advent is, "Where is God calling us to holiness

now?" Mary Katharine Deeley I sundaybulletin@liguori.org

AL(}YSIUS TOM FOOD PANTRY

Thank you for your gifts for the Loving Tree.

STE\ftIARDSI-,{IP OF OI-JR LORD

AUOTE OF THE WEEK

". .Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a

son, and shall name him Emmanuel. . . " lsaiah 7:r4

Weekly Offerings( oec. t4 & t5, zoq)

Sat 4 pm Moss

7:t5 am Mass

9:jo am Mass

'i*tci Offering

DonationsiCol Iections

Votive Offering

Retired Religious

lmmaculate ConcePtion

BuildingFund

2,i91.4O

793.a4

9og.o6

t,589.48

87.oo

125.OO

13.OO

100.o0

fu{afi*{* firyowr {attfi{r*{ sewtee a*d ean#wudgert*r*6$ {

#e*smp$*r#A .e#fj3

CCD

DeczT6:oo Trolley ride

YOIITH

Year l-bakingYouth-caroling at N uuanu

Fr:rish Scripture Croups

ResumesWed. January Bth

R.C.r.A.

Resumes January 7th

Tuesday, December z4:5,:g :;redule

Wednesday, December z5:

fu * i.<i: arisiic 4*ia::-*ti*:t

Thursday, December z6:

7:$o p.m. {hristmas practfce

Friday, December z7:

6:** p.rn" ?r*!iey ri<ie ([ir::it l+]

Next Weeh: Dec 28 €t 29, 2013

Nts!-Lerver:[SatJ -iv!arian,

john Pa*i, Ce*nge

H*ule

[Sun] -zachar;*, L*g*rt {h+*,

Ce+sis i"*ahn

Lectot:[SatJ -r=ear;s *'{or'iriitvn l{o

[Sun] - ;1fi*i:ie* !'{a-*r'*e!'}o &s'iarita

EMHE:

[Sat] - c:i';: H:uie,l't! Lo'lr

[SunJ *- =aie;'r Luke, Y*r:i F*rm,

Frerrk -?*rda*. Ariette Aki

Collection Counting: Tearn ,

Church Cleaners: {arrnen ftcjas, Se*T*rn, *a:;d,v T*m, Marth* iil*ck.,:ilar:y -eafrre;, l*ii{s ;a"Jya

LOVING TR=E

Mahalo for your gifts and prayers to our kupuna, nursing home and

homebound parishioners. The warmth and love that you bring to them thistime of the year in the name of Christ. Will you remember to offer prayers forthem throughout the year as well? They are nearer to God than we are and willpray for you too.

DECK THE }_{I\LLS

Mahalo to all who helped with the lights and the trees. More help is needed on

Sunday December 22nd after the Nuuanu Hale Caroling to complete the'Christmasing' of the sanctuary Additional help is needed on Monday for thechapel. Please join our daily Mass at 8:oo a.m. and help after coffee.Note: Church will be undecked on January 12th, the Baptism of the Lord.

CHRIST'MAS CAROL}hIG

One of the highlights of our Christmas preparation is a visit to our parishionersat Nu'uanu Hale. This is such a busy time of the year and yet to make time tobring some cheer to those are not able to join us for the Christmaspreparations will bless your socks. Join with our CCD families, our MusicMinistry and Outreach volunteers (even if you think you cannot sing).

FEAST ()F CHRiSTREAS SCh{EDULE

Tuc:sdar.. Dcccrnbcr'2,1,th:?'lgii. Mass r>f tiae Nadl,iqv *iike kirei5:$(} p.rn. Chrisenas Carols & 5:30 p.rn. Vig:l k{ass (Clhiklren's l,iturgl')9:30 p.rn. CFristmas Ca:'ols -Aroi:nd the Wcrid (inith ibllrxt,siiip in Farisl: IirLii)1].:15 p.rn. Chris&nas Carols & Midaight Mass

\,\retlnesclav. l)c.r:crnircr 25tli f*e* Hati*iry *i*+ !-ss"{*

8:** a.rn. Chris&.nas Day Mass ((-'ir;rpcl ci'St. Cathcriiic)'l-hursdal,, Dccembcr 2(ith F'aest ef Sl -Qeephen, Fr+t*-b5arryr

8:00 am. Ildass (Chapcl of'St. Ll:rtirerir:e)

Sunrlav Deccmber 29th F-=rxi *f &e H*}v Famiiy

4:00 pm Vigil klass (Satultial')

7 :L 5 zn Sunday Mass (Clha;r,-:i < if' St . C'ati rcri r rc)

9,30 arn SuadayMass

FAITh{ FCIRMATIGN-Trolley Ride & Epiphany Celebration

Honolulu City Lights Trolley Ride on December zTth at 6:00 p.m. Gatherat 5:3o p.m. in the Parish Hall (park along the back near Nuuanu stream)Please see the sign up sheet as there is limited seating.Everyone is invited to an EPIPHANY CELEBRATION January 5th is

traditionally the day that Christians exchange gifts to commemorate thevisit of the Magi. Your talents and gifts are welcome as we share togetherthe gifts God has given us. Our youth (and Faith Formation) arecoordinating our Epiphany Fellowship. Any one interested in participatingplease see Rachel Heafner, Zachary Choo, Carly Nakano or Bennet Chun.

Monday,December235t. John of Kantg

Malachi 3:1*4, 23-24Luke 7:57-46

Tuesday,December 24

2 SamuelT 1-5,Bb-72,14a,16Luke L:67-79

Wednesdag,Aecewber 25Nativitg of the Lord

Vigil: Isaiah 62:7-5Acts 13:16-17,22-25

Matthew 11-25Midnight: Isaiah 9:1-6

Titus 2:11-14Luke2:1-14

Dawn: Isaiah 62:11-12Tiius 3:z[-7

Luke2:!5--24

Day: Isaiah 52:7-1OHebrews 1:1--6John 1:1-18

Matthew 1:18-25

Thursday,December 265t. Stephen, Protomantgn

Acts 6:8-10,7:54*59Matthew 10:17-22

Friday,Oecember 275t. John, Apostle E €vangelist

l" John l:1-4John 20: 7a,2--8

Saturday,December 26Feast of the Holg lnnocents

l John l:5-22Matthew 2:13-18

SMNOAY, Decewber 29Feart af the Holu Familu

Sirach 32-9,12-t4Colossians 3:12-2L

Matthew 2:13-t5,19-23

de ar PAD Rf,

I just Jound out there are two versions of the Chrktmas story in

the Bible. How can that be? Whaf s the dfference?

One Christmas story is in Matthew, and the other is in

Luke. They differ on some details-but at their hearts,

the teaching is the same.

In both, Mary is a virgin engaged toJoseph but not yet

living with him, and Jesus is conceived through the

power of the Holy Spirit. Both also have Jesus born in

Bethlehem.

In Matthew, the angel announces Jesus' birth to

Joseph; in Luke, Mrry receives the announcement. Jesus

is named byJoseph in Matthew and by Mrry in Luke.

The biggest difference involves the Christmas visitors.

Matthew's Magi were educated Gentiles from a pagan

country. They worshiped Jesus and brought gifts ofgold, frankincense, and myrrh, showing us at the start ofthe Gospel thatJesus is King, Priest, and Savior. Luke is

al-ways partial to the poor, so he has shepherds rather

than Magi witness to Christ.

The Christmas stories are different because the

authors and their audiences were different. But there's

no need to get lost in the details. Read both accounts,

and allow God's grace to deepen your faith.

Fr. John Murray, C SsR sundaybulletin@liguori.org

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3 chpfulo, al, W eVloil"'l/ en v201212Q\&

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Mondav, f)ecember 24th

Vigil Mass of the Nativity of the Lord

5,OO p.m. Christmas Carols & 5,30 p.m. VBiI Mass (Children's titurgy)

9,30 p.m. Christmas Carols Around the World (with fellowship in Parish Hall)

11,I5 p.m. Chrisfmas Carols & Midnight Mass

Tuesday, December 25th

The Nativity of the Lord

8,OO a.m. Christmas Day Mass (Chapelof St. Catherine)

\&'ednesdar,. December 26th

't Feast of St. Stephen, Proto*Marryr

,.' , ' 8,OO a.m. Mass (Chapelof St. Catherine)

= Sunclay, f)ecernber 30th

. Feast of the HolY FamilY

,,:-.:,1; 4,OO pn Vigil Mass (Saturday)

" ' 7,15 am Sunday Mass (Chapel of St. Catherine)

:;::;'t:-;', 9,3O am Sunday Mass

':',, 'I'uesdav..Ianuarv lst (Nelv Year)

,t,,tt,, Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mother of God

'.: 8,OO a.m. Mass (Chapelof St. Catherine)

,i,.,:;;:t:' 1" Sunday..Ianuary 6th

Solemnity of the Epiphany

4,OO pm Vigil Mass (Saturday)

7,15 amSundayMass (Chapelof St. Catherine)

9,30 am Sunday Family Mass (with celebration to follow in the Parish Hall)

, :l:"

Th:d: fiourth, Sunday of Advent

Ref le ctio n s

the SeasonAdvent

fo,of

In His Own Words ...POPE FRANCIS

Faith is no refuge for the

fainthearted, but somethingwhich enhances our lives.

It makes us aware of a

magnificent calling, the

vocation oflove. It assures us

that this love is trustworthyand worth embracing, for it isbased on God's faithfulnesswhich is stronger tha-n oureveryweakness.., ,r'

- Lumen Fidei, 53

IO'.PD JESUSITrust in the Lord

Matthew 1:18-24

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts! - see Psalm 95

In today's Gospel,

we hear the familiarstory of"how the

birth of |esus Christcame about" from the

perspective ofJoseph.

When all seems to go

wrong, Joseph stilltries to do what is

humanlyright. WhenGod reveals to hima different plan, one

that seems to make

|oseph s life moredifficult, he responds

with trust: "he did as

the angel ofthe Lordhad commandedhim." |oseph shows

us that at the heartof right relationshipwith God lies trustthat is put into action.

ADYENT ffiffiffiffiffiThe people that walked in darknesshaye seen a great light! (Isaiah 9:1)

God of wisdom,bless us with Mary's "yes"

as we welcome Emmanuel intoour hearts and homes.

Amen.

&y"':'the season ofAdvent teach us

about trustingGod?

Av;;;,i'dfficult to let go

and trust in theLord?

"The Presentatlon in the Temp e' (Courtesy of Michael D. O'Brien, www.studlobrlen.com)

Ovi';;I might trustmore fully as

I prepare forthe Christmascelebration?

Above: Shutterstock. CNS. Stock

During the last days of Advent, popular customs ar the world also draw ourattention to the circumstances surrounding |esus'birth.

ADYENTAROUIVD THE WCRLD

LAS POSADAS is a reenactmentof Mary's and |oseph's journey fromNazareth to Bethlehem and their searchfor lodging. (Posada is the Spanishword for dwelling or lodging.) FromDecember 16, on nine consecutive nights,a group gathers at the local church. Afterreciting part ofthe Rosary, they processthrough the neighborhood, knocking ondoors while singing a traditional caroland asking for a place to stay, but are

refused entry. The procession ends at thedesignated home that finally lets them in,and a great celebration follows.

WIGILIA is the Polish name forChristmas Eve. When the first starappears in the sky, the Christmas tree islit and dinner begins. The Christmas Eve

meal starts with a prayer, the sharing ofthe blessed oplatek (a bread wafer), and

exchanging wishes. Each person gathered

offers good health and success in theupcoming year to one another. If therehave been any misunderstandings, each

asks for forgiveness and for the New Yearto be a better one.

ANGELSThe Advent Gospel

readings are filled withstories about angels.

The word "angel" means"messenger," and in manyScripture accounts theangels serve as God'smessengers. Threearchangels are namedin Scripture - Michael,Gabriel, and Raphael.It is the angel Gabrielwho visits Mary andgives her the miraculousnews that she has beenchosen to be the Motherof God. The Catechismof the Catholic Churchreminds us that angels

also serve to protect andserve the faithful. "Fromits beginning until death,human life is surroundedby their watchful care andprotection.'Beside each

believer stands an angelas protector and shepherdleading him to life'" (336).

At Mass we join the angels

in the invocation, "Holy,Holy, Holy Lord God ofHosts!"

Watch for signsoflesus all aroundyou each day. Watchfor someone to hold

a door for, or shovel a

neighbor's walk, or helpcarry something heavy.

Watch for opportunities to say "hi" tosomeone who looks lonely, or to cheer upa crying child, or to clean up a mess thatyou didn't make. Offer these momentsto ]esus in silent prayer. Watch for thefirst star of the evening one night, thenread from the Bible the story of the starannouncing Iesus'birth in Luke 2:l-20.

fa rniliiiaairy of a fa,rnillar &ristrnasstory is a wonderful way to prepare forthe celebration of Christmas. Includefavgriieisuaeas,oirnakca,s$eeial..treatforthe bciasionirahdrpu are onthe waytocreating a family tradition.

What is yaur fattdirite'fam,ily holidaytradition? Why?

' '.., Advent teaches us that joyful expectation unfolds in the present, moment by',,', ' moment. Our liturgical prayer teaches us that the Spirit of Christ is offered to us

at all times. Yet, an encounter can only happen in the present: "It is in the present

, ::, that we encounter him, not yesterday nor tomorrow, but today" (CCC, 2659). ,,*\ ','

Above: Shutterstock