Liturgy Schedule

Monday 8:00 AM Mass Tuesday 2:30 PM Mass 5:30 PM Mass Wednesday 8:00 AM Mass 11:00 AM Mass Thursday 5:30 AM Mass Friday 8:00 AM Mass Sunday Vigil Mass/Saturday 4:00 PM Sunday 8:30 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM

Mass Intentions

Sunday December 17, 2017 8:30 AM: Mass for Parish 11:00 AM: Deceased Family of Mary Kluck ╬ 5:00 PM: Batek / Novak Family ╬ Monday December 18, 2017 8:00 AM: Betty Lionetti ╬

Tuesday December 19, 2017 2:30 PM: Doloras Kissane-Brust ╬ 5:30 PM: Baby Francis ╬ Wednesday December 20, 2017 8:00 AM: Chuck Blossom ╬ 11:00 AM: Dominic & Frances Segreti ╬ Thursday December 21, 2017 5:30 PM: Rudy Fadlovich ╬ Friday December 22, 2017 8:00 AM: Anna & Hans Trausenecker ╬ Saturday December 23, 2017 4:00 PM: Don Juenemann ╬ Sunday December 24, 2017 8:30 AM: Greg Oestreich ╬ 3:00 PM: Bob Savina ╬ 5:00 PM Mass for Parish 11:00 PM: Arturo Sibal ╬ Manuel De Vera ╬ Priscila Carag ╬

From Our Pastor In these darkest days of the year we are grateful for light. On this Gaudete Sunday (Rejoice! Sunday) we have three lights on the Advent wreath; the feast of Christmas is close at hand.

You may have also noticed a change to the church lighting. In the past two weeks almost all the light bulbs have been replaced with LED lights which give a bit more brightness to the space. They will also last much longer, and we will rarely need

to rent the lift to replace them. I’m told the net payback on cost and energy usage will be about five months. It is also providing a consistent color throughout the church worship area. There is still some work to do in the commons area where some new balustrades are needed. Thank you to our maintenance staff and parishioner Sean Wurtinger for effecting this change. I am very pleased to announce our new parish council members who will begin their terms in January. We had excellent candidates, and once again the discernment process was a time of grace and humility. Our new members for three year terms are: • Paul Rebholz – married to Laura, children Joshua and Jacob. He has

worked as a banker and was on the Woodbury City Council.

• Miriam Egbudom – married to Peter, with children Amanda, Anita and Annabelle. Originally from Nigeria. Peter is a nurse and she is a CNA.

• Brian Convery – a retired police officer, married to Stacey, with children Carson, Reese and Quinn. They live in Cottage Grove.

• We also had a position with one year left, due to Dan Janochoski moving. That will be filled by Michelle Laumeyer, who is married to Brad. They have three young children, Olivia, Roman and Theodore.

Thank you to them and all who discerned this year. I’m excited about this group and the other leaders that came forth in this process. As Christmas draws near and the end of the calendar (and tax) year approaches, people have asked about special gifts to the Church. First of all, thank you! In order for a donation to be allotted to this tax year, we need to have it in hand (or in the collection basket) no later than December 31. Stock gifts can be given – often a good choice tax-wise if the stock has appreciated in value. People who are 70 ½ or older can also benefit tax-wise with contributions from their required IRA distributions. You can call our business administrator, Greg Hereford at 651-768-3010 with questions, or, if you have one, your financial advisor.

continued on Page 4

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT ~ December 17, 2017

Reconciliation

• December 16th 2:00 PM

• December 19th 6:00 PM

• December 21st 6:00 PM*

*Parish Reconciliation Service

Christmas Masses Christmas Eve Masses

3:00 PM*, 5:00 PM, & 11:00 PM

Christmas Day Mass

10:00 AM *Please note that we anticipate the 3:00 PM Mass on Christmas Eve to be very crowded. Please plan to arrive at least an hour in advance for seating for the 3:00 PM Mass.

4th Sunday of Advent Please note the special schedule

for the observation of the

4th Sunday of Advent:

December 23 at 4:00 PM

December 24 at 8:30 AM

Saint Ambrose of Woodbury 4125 Woodbury Drive

Woodbury, Minnesota 55129-9257

Phone: 651 768-3030 Fax: 651-714-9257

Parish Hours: M - F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Website: www.saintambroseofwoodbury.org

Fr. Stan Mader, Pastor frstan@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3005

Fr. Nicholas Froehle, Parochial Vicar frfroehle@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3006

Deacon Rip Riordan, Parish Deacon riordanr@archspm.org

Deacon Larry Amell, Pastoral Ministry larry.amell@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3008

LeAnn Bauer-Staiger, Pastoral Ministry & Parish Operations leann.bauer-staiger@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3009

Hector Bautista, Sr. High Youth Ministry & Confirmation hector.bautista@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3022

Yvonne Blanchard, Faith Formation Administrative Assistant yvonne.blanchard@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3015

Lisa Cressy, Director of Liturgy lisa.cressy@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3007

Monica Hamer, Music & Liturgy Assistant monica.hamer@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3018

Greg Hereford, Parish Business Administrator greg.hereford@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3010

Marie Maki, Administrative Assistant marie.maki@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3064

Dione Murray, Administrative Assistant dione.murray@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3030

Marcy Nolte, Adult Education Faith Formation marcy.nolte@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3016

Treva Peters, Administrative Assistant treva.peters@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3001

Mary Reimann, Director of Music mary.reimann@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3017

Janine Ricker, Elementary Faith Formation janine.ricker@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3020

Brianna St. Amour, Jr. High FF & Jr. High Youth Ministry brianna.stamour@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3021

Mike Thompson, Buildings & Grounds mike.thompson@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3026

Patti Watkins, Director of Faith Formation patti.watkins@saintambroseofwoodbury.org, 651-768-3011

Saint Ambrose of Woodbury School Phone: 651-768-3000 Fax: 651-768-3080

Betsy Osterhaus-Hand, Principal betsy.osterhaus-hand@saintambroseofwoodbury.org

Early Childhood Education Center Phone: 651-768-3031 Fax: 651-768-3090

Anne Huber, Director anne.huber@saintambroseofwoodbury.org

Saint Ambrose of Woodbury · Page 2

Born Into Eternal Life

Please remember in your prayers:

Jordan Shirley

Who died on December 2, 2017

Apolonia Van Leeuwen

Who died on December 4, 2017

Contact Information

Registration helps us keep you informed of important

events especially regarding sacramental preparation for your children. If you don’t receive mailings from the parish,

you’re probably not registered.

Also, please let us know when you move or when any of your phone numbers change. Having current emergency

contact information (home, work, and cell) can make a critical difference if an emergency should arise with

children in our School or Faith Formation programs.

Our Parish Family

Baptisms

We welcome into the family of God and our Catholic Community:

Roland Francis Andrews Son of Carolyn & Joshua

Aksel Hastings Benson Son of Jennifer & Matthew

Tonna & Benjamin Hangge

Stacie & Jeremy Hilliker Child: Hannah

Annie Slawik

New Parishioners

We welcome the following new parishioners to our parish family:

Wedding Banns

Emily Bramschreiber & Peter Schrankler

Who will be married on December 30, 2017 At Saint Ambrose

Are You Registered?

Sacrificial Generosity

December 11, 2017 - December 18, 2017

Adult Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,914.94 Children’s Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $104.90 Votive Candles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $192.81 Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75.22 TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16,287.87 Special Collections: Legacy of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$991.00 Retirement Fund for Religious. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,298.19 Immaculate Conception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,373.75

Fiscal Year-to-Date Information

July 1st, 2017 - September 30, 2017

Sunday Stewardship Collected . . . . . . . $431,647.00 Sunday Stewardship Budgeted . . . . . . . $425,884.00 Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,763.00

Thank you for your generosity!

December 17 - December 24, 2017

Sunday 8:00 AM Nursery 8:30 AM Mass & Liturgy of the Word for Children 8:30 AM Preschool Faith Formation 9:45 AM RCIA 9:45 AM Elementary Faith Formation 11:00 AM Preschool Faith Formation 11:00 AM Mass 12:30 PM Adoration 1:00 PM Teaching Parish Committee Meeting (LCR) 4:45 PM Benediction 5:00 PM Mass 6:30 PM Confirmation Fellowship Night 6:30 PM Junior High - EDGE 7:00 PM Community Christmas Concert

Monday 8:00 AM Mass 7:00 PM Social Justice Committee Meeting (LCR) 7:00 PM Boy Scouts Troup Meeting (FH 1-2)

Tuesday 2:00 PM Pray The Rosary (PR) 2:30 PM School Mass 5:30 PM Mass 6:00 PM Reconciliation 7:00 PM School Christmas Program

Wednesday 8:00 AM Mass 9:00 AM Adoration 9:00 AM Children’s Holy Hour 11:00 AM Mass at WHCC 5:30 PM Joyful Noise/Jubilate/Schola Rehearsal 6:00 PM Finance Council Meeting (LCR) 6:30 PM Senior High Youth Ministry 7:00 PM Adult Choir 7:30 PM Benediction

Thursday 5:30 PM Mass 6:00 PM Parish Reconciliation Service 8:00 PM Men’s Club (SA1)

Friday 8:00 AM Mass 7:00 PM Communion & Liberation

Saturday 9:30 AM Cuba Twinning Meeting (LCR) 2:00 PM Reconciliation 4:00 PM Mass

Sunday 8:30 AM Mass 3:00 PM Mass 5:00 PM Mass 11:00 PM Mass

Eucharistic Adoration

Wednesdays: Exposition following the 8:00 AM Mass Benedicition: 7:30 PM Sundays: Exposition: 1:00 PM Benediction: 4:45 PM

December 17, 2017 · Page 3

Readings for the Week of December 17, 2017

Sunday: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54 [Is 61:10b]/1 Thes 5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

Monday: Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 [cf. 7]/Mt 1:18-25

Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 [cf. 8]/Lk 1:5-25

Wednesday: Is 7:10-14/Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 [cf. 7c and 10b]/Lk 1:26-38

Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 [1a; 3a]/Lk 1:39-45

Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd [cf. 1a]/Lk 1:46-56

Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 [cf. Lk 21:28]/Lk 1:57-66

Next Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38

Stewardship

Daily Word

Calendar of Events

Saint Ambrose of Woodbury · Page 4

Last week I inserted a list of items for those who prefer to give to something more specific or concrete. As I write this on Tuesday morning some gifts are coming in, but I ask you to see whether there is something that intrigues you. We do have a $4,000 challenge grant to be met yet. Some items are:

• A Hearing Assist System

• Additional Wireless Access Points

• New Drinking Fountains in the school

• Commercial grade vacuum cleaners

• Sheet Music for the choirs

• Two Lap Top Computers for the Early Childhood Education Center

• Donations to help with liturgical music scholarships or retreat and leadership scholarships for our teenagers

• New Carpet for the main school entrance

• Replace school locker room flooring We will be offering confessions at additional times during Advent. Times next week are Monday after the 8:00 AM Mass, Tuesday night after Mass (about 6:00 PM) , Thursday night from 6:00-8:00 (this will be our parish penance service, with 10 priests here), and Saturday beginning at 2:00 PM. Fr. Stan Mader

A few weeks ago we received a message from Fr. Yosbel Puentes, pastor of our sister parish in Cuba reflecting on his trip here in October. Below is the translation of that message.

Thanksgiving Day is arriving soon, and what better time to express our most profound gratitude, which is also made from the twinning group and Community of Esmeralda, because this beautiful twinning project has become a reality between our communities of Saint Ambrose of Woodbury and San Miguel de Cubitas. During this time we have shared our dreams, joys, sorrows, and hopes. We have been able to exchange with peoples with a different culture, but united in faith. You have become part of our family and community, and you know our doors will always be open for when you want to visit and for as many who wish to do so. Thank you for all the beautiful moments we have enjoyed together and because you made Sister Leticia and me feel like part of your group during our visit to Minnesota. Special thanks to those who welcomed us and shared their time and faith with us. Thank you for all the details. May God Bless you all.

From Father Yosbel Puentes Dousac: Here is a picture of their church in Esmeralda, the largest community in their parish. On our first visit in October of 2016 it was a wreck. The roof had fallen in three years before, and their Masses were outside. The interior of the church had a floor, but nothing else of beauty. See what they have done in the past 15 months.

From Our Pastor Continued

Cuba Corner

December 17, 2017 · Page 5

FAITH FORMATION CLASS SCHEDULE

Sunday, December 17, 2017

• Preschool: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM

• Elementary students grades K-5: 9:45 - 10:45 AM

• Junior High Edge: 6:30 - 8:00 PM

• Confirmation Year I & II Youth Night: 6:30-8:00 PM Wednesday, December 20, 2017

• NO CLASSES - CHRISTMAS BREAK Sunday, December 24, 2017

• NO CLASSES - CHRISTMAS BREAK MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Ever wonder what Fr. Stan’s version of a Men’s Bible Study Man Cave looks like? Well, look no more! After two years with over 60 men in the parish participating, St. Ambrose is once again offering the Men’s Sunday Night Study Series led by David and Robert Fischer. For six weeks beginning January 21st, 2018, we will gather on Sunday nights in the Music Room at Saint Ambrose School from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. There, with a cold beer in hand and plenty of snacks, we will project a high definition video series on a 90-inch screen that walks us through scripture together. Each video will guide us through the ancient world of King David, moderated by Bishop Robert Barron. Then we will discuss how this pivotal figure in salvation history has relevance in our lives today.

Whether this is your first Bible Study or you’ve been studying for years, we assure you that King David will not disappoint. We hope that you will come for fellowship and faith! Registration information will soon be available at both the parish office and at our parish website. YOUTH NEWS Hey Teens!! Please join us on Wednesday, December 20th, for our White Elephant party at Uprising! We will begin our evening at 6:30 PM with social time and ending around 8:30 - 9:00 PM. Please bring a gift of $10 or less if you want to participate. We will have music, food, and fellowship and teens are invited to bring a friend for a night of fun, while learning more about your faith as we praise the Lord with music. For more information please contact Hector at 651.768.3022.

Follow us on Instagram at Ambrose_Uprising and Twitter at AmbroseUprising for all your Confirmation and Uprising Needs!

UPCOMING ADULT FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON! �

MOMNIPOTENT Women are invited to come and join us on a spiritual mom’s journey. Danielle Bean and a diverse group of women will lead us as we discuss real issues that mom’s face every day. Through real and honest conversations, you will discuss concerns, challenges, and joys with other women of the parish. This eight week study begins on Thursday, January 11, 2018 and will be held from 7:00-9:00 PM in Fellowship Hall 3. For more information or to register, please check out our parish website or pick up a registration form in Oehlke Commons.

PIVOTAL PLAYERS – CATHOLICISM: THE

PIVOTAL PLAYERS is a multi-part film series that illumines a handful of saints, artists, mystics, and scholars who not only shaped the life of the Church but changed the course of civilization. The Pivotal Players program is a great way to immerse yourself fully into the lives of these holy men and women. This six week study will begin on January 9, 2018 from 9:30 -11:00 AM in Fellowship Hall 3. For more information or to register, please check out our parish website or pick up a registration form in Oehlke Commons. MARRIAGE DINNER Save the date to join us for our 10th Annual Marriage Dinner on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Oak Marsh Golf Course. Our guest speaker this year is David Rinaldi. David is a powerful and humorous speak who will be sharing some tips with us on how to help ourselves and our spouses get to heaven in a talk titled, “The Only Competition is the Competition to the Cross”. More information and registration for the dinner will be available soon on our parish websit���

SAINT AMBROSE POTLUCK Would you like to get to know your Saint Ambrose parish families better? We invite you to join us on Sunday, January 7, 2018 after the 11:00 AM Mass in Fellowship Hall for a family potluck and social time. Families are encouraged to bring a dish to pass and beverages and eating utensils will be supplied. The school gym will be open for children and parents to enjoy some time playing dodgeball. No registration is required. For questions please feel free to contact either Patti Watkins or Marcy Nolte.

Faith Formation

Saint Ambrose of Woodbury · Page 6

John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." - Jn 1:26-27

HARK! A COMMUNITY CHORAL CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 17th at 7:00 PM here at Saint Ambrose! The concert will feature the Saint Ambrose Choirs and instrumentalists, chamber choirs from both East Ridge and Woodbury High Schools and community carol singing. The concert is free and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. A free will offering will be taken to benefit the Christian Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf.

WANT QUIET TIME WITH JESUS? The Saint Ambrose Adoration Committee needs committed adorers for these timeslots every Wednesday, beginning December 20th:

• Wednesday, 6:00 - 6:30 PM

• Wednesday, 6:30 - 7:30 PM (this adorer would be trained to set up and tear down occasionally for Benediction.

There are substitutes willing to fill in for adorers. For more information, text or call Marlys Honeyman at 651.895.7124.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA DEDICATION Help decorate our worship space for the Christmas Season!! Dedicate a poinsettia in memory of, or in tribute to a loved one. Please bring payment of $15 per plant to the parish office during business hours through December 22nd or to the welcome table after all Masses. A form will be provided to write your name and the names(s) of those to be remembered. Thank you for our participation and help in making our worship space beautiful for Christmas!!

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT MASS TIMES: • Saturday, December 23rd at 4:00 PM • Sunday, December 24th at 8:30 AM These Masses will satisfy your 4th Sunday of Advent Obligation. CHRISTMAS MASSES:

• Sunday, December 24th at 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM

• Monday, December 25th at 10:00 AM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS MASSES We host many visitors here at St. Ambrose for our Christmas Liturgies. What a tremendous opportunity to welcome these friends in Christ to celebrate the birth of Jesus! But to be truly hospitable, it takes the work of many active parishioners to ensure that everything flows smoothly, and that all feel welcome! There are many ways that individuals and families can help:

• Sign up to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist!

• Sign up to serve as an usher!

• As a family, a couple, or as an individual, warmly greet people as they come into St. Ambrose!

• Volunteer to help decorate our worship space! There are opportunities to help at all of our Masses, and the week leading up to Christmas. We are in need of people at all of our Christmas celebrations, but the 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM Masses are always the most difficult to fill, so if your family has flexibility, please help at those Masses! You can sign up in the Ministries Room, or contact Lisa Cressy in the parish office if you are willing to serve. If you are not already a trained EME or usher, we can use your help at Christmas and all year long if that works for you! And we can certainly get you ready by Christmas! Thank you! Lisa Cressy lisa.cressy@saintambroseofwoodbury.org 651.768.3007

Events & Announcements