Our Divine Savior Catholic Church

566 East Lassen Avenue, Chico, CA 95973

530-343-4248/Fax 530-343-3538

E-mail: ourdivines@yahoo.com

www.ourdivinesavior.org

Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am-3:00pm

MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM, Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 AM, Morning Mass: 8:00 AM (Mon.-Fri.)

Confessions: Saturdays 3:30-4:30 PM

M������ S�����

Our Divine Savior Parish, a Roman Catholic community, nourished by God’s grace and the sacraments,

embraces the mission of Jesus Christ. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we live the gospel through our worship of

God and through loving service to one another and to the greater community.

The Holy Family

of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph December 28, 2014

My eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared

in the sight of all the peoples. — Luke 2:30-31

“Where two or more are gathered, there am I.”“Where two or more are gathered, there am I.”“Where two or more are gathered, there am I.”“Where two or more are gathered, there am I.” PARISH PERSONNEL

PASTOR

Rev. Renier C. Siva

DEACON / SPOUSE

James & Stephanie Burkett

DIRECTOR OF

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Jennifer Forward, 345-6201

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Cecelia Dickman, 802-1608

BOOKKEEPER / SECRETARY

Janet Bertagna, 343-4248

PLANT MANAGER/

SOCIAL HALL MANAGER

Rich Ripp, 518-3811

YOUTH MINISTRY

Rob Sheridan, 680-4294

odsyouthministry@yahoo.com

Facebook.com/odsyouthministry

PART-TIME SECRETARY

Bunny Ripp, 343-4248

CUSTODIAN SERVICES

Scott & Judy Keller, 898-8512

NURSERY CARE

Juliet Polk, 893-8092

Maura Polk, 893-8092

Rienna Boe, 342-4919

PARISH INFORMATION

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF

ADULTS

Emmitt Posey, 892-1985

BAPTISM PREPARATION

Deacon James Burkett, 893-2348

MARRIAGES

By appointment, 6 months in advance. Call

the Parish Office

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Sundays from 10:05am - 10:50am in the

Parish Hall

CHILDREN’S LITURGY

During the 11:00am Mass - Matt & Pamela

Meuter, 566-0425

PARISH MINISTRIES /

ORGANIZATIONS

ALTAR SERVERS

Kay & Dave Brandt, 343-8331

BEREAVEMENT /FUNERAL

RECEPTION COMMITTEE

Tamara La Rossa, 809-1782

BULLETIN ourdivines@yahoo.com , 343-4348 Deadline: Monday, 3:00 pm

Bulletin Advertising: Please call the Parish

Office, 343-4248

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS

Greta Souza, 899-9938

CATHOLIC LADIES RELIEF SOCIETY

Susan Strubble, 345-4642

CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME

Deacon James Burkett, 893-2348

CHOIR

Choir rehearsal held weekly on Wednesday, 7:00-8PM in church. Contact Cecelia

Dickman, 802-1608

CONSOLATION MINISTRY

Lyn Dorenzo, 891-8026

DIVINE MERCY CENACLE

To join the Divine Mercy Cenacle, call Jackie

Griswold, 966-8411

FLOWER DONATIONS

Pat Mulholland, 891-8342

Norina Egan, 342-2027

HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER GROUP

Contact Deacon James Burkett, 893-2348, Sharon Haselton, 891-5334, or Nancy Overton,

899-1600.

INNER HEALING MINISTRY

Derette Layne, 530-588-4386 for a

confidential appointment.

JESUS CENTER

Randy Linquist, 894-0460

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS #13765

Mike Ferguson, 343-7178

LEGION OF MARY

Claire Richard, 893-1722

LITURGY MINISTRY Joanie Frericks, 345-4283

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER and

VOCATIONS COMMITTEE

Deacon James & Stephanie Burkett,

893-2348

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Friday mornings, 6-7AM in the Knights of Columbus Room at ODS Parish. Contact

Deacon Steve Schwartz, 891-0626, for details.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK

& HOMEBOUND

Maureen Vogel—Please call Parish Office,

343-4248.

PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL

Dave Abbott, 891-1491

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Jim Earney, 918-520-1161

PRO-LIFE CATHOLIC MINISTRY

Mary Waldorf, 345-8638

PRO-LIFE ROSARY GROUP

This group meets the 1st Thursday of the month in the Prayer Room in office from 6-7 PM. For more information call Diane Lusk,

519-9749.

SMALL CHURCH COMMUNITIES If interested in joining one of the Small Church

Communities, contact Carol Weigel, 343-3885

TORRES SHELTER

Rich Nichols, 520-4418

WELCOMING MINISTRY

Charlie McCarthy, 520-0334

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Tuesday mornings 9-11AM in the ODS Prayer Room. Everyone is welcome. Contact Terry Matthews, 893-1644, for

details

Weekly Readings Weekly Readings Weekly Readings Weekly Readings

Monday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6;

Lk 2:22-35

Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10;

Lk 2:36-40

Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13;

Jn 1:1-18

Thursday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8;

Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21

Friday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28

Saturday: 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6;

Jn 1:29-34

Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13;

Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

The bible makes it clear that God’s Word is nourishment to His children as it says in 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, long for the guileless milk of the word in order that by it you may grow unto salvation.

Sat 27 5:00 George Langen, d (Caroline Langen)

Sun 28 7:30 Living & Deceased Parishioners of ODS

9:00 Patrick Hauder, d , (Pat Shaw)

11:00 Simon Blas, d (The Family)

Mon 29 8:00 Living & Deceased Parishioners of ODS

Tue 30 8:00 Intentions from Hear Our Prayer Book

Wed 31 8:00 Madeline & Deanna Sauer, d (Chris & Rita Sauer)

Ed Dabrowski, d (Dabrowski/Cuadra Family

Armando Basulto, d (the Family)

5:30 Living & Deceased Parishioners of ODS

Thu 01 9:00 Steve Frericks, d (Joanie Frericks)

Nick Sylvester, d (The Sylvester Family)

Fri 02 8:00 Christopher & Timothy Macarthy, d (Macarthy Family)

Mass IntentionsMass IntentionsMass IntentionsMass Intentions

WE ARE GOD’S HOLY FAMILY

The scriptures of Israel are filled with many stories of barren couples who were miraculously granted the gift of children by God. Surely the best known among these is the first reading from today, from which Luke took inspiration when he recounted the miraculous birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth, and the more miraculous birth of Jesus to Mary and Joseph. In each instance, we are given examples or role models of those who trusted in God. More than examples of those who trust, they are models of self-surrender. They abandoned their own presuppositions and prejudices about the workings of the world and turned their lives over to belief in a God who can make life grow where none ought to; a God who can turn death around into a new and unimagined life; a God who can, today, take a tiny child of humble parents in an insignificant town and make him into a light for all the world. This is what we, as God’s holy family, are called to do each day: to trust not in ourselves and the way we think things should be, but to open ourselves and surrender ourselves in faith to a God of endless promise.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

PARISH FINANCESPARISH FINANCESPARISH FINANCESPARISH FINANCES Sunday Collection: $ 7,170.83. Thank you for your constant generosity and loyal support of Our Divine Savior.

PARISH NEWSPARISH NEWSPARISH NEWSPARISH NEWS

PARISH OFFICE: The Par ish Office will be closed on December 31st, January 1st & 2nd for the New Year holiday. The staff wishes you joyous New Year.

CATHOLIC LADIES RELIEF

SOCIETY: January 6th will be our New Year’s pot luck and silent auction. 12:00 is our social hour and 1:00pm is our meeting. The donation for lunch and the community fun is $5.00. Come all ladies to enjoy this opportunity of great company with God's love surrounding us. Any Questions, Yvonne Hawkins 898-1266 .

RETREATSRETREATSRETREATSRETREATS

"Living the Joy of the Gospel" Through prayer, study, reflection and teaching, retreat ants will discover for themselves this joy that characterizes the Gospel of Jesus. Retreat features inspiring preached conferences, Eucharist on Saturday and Sunday, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private conferences with staff members, specialized gathering on specific themes, and ample personal time for prayer, reading

and rest. Retreat dates are:

Women's Retreat is Feb. 13-15,

2015 and Men's Retreat Feb. 20-

22, 2015. Mark your calendar and for more information contact Stephanie and James Burkett 893-

2348 for registration.

BULLETIN DEADLINE:

January 4th bulletin is due on Monday, Dec. 29th at 10 am because of the New Year’s holiday celebration.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR

PRAYERS

Bob Montgomery

Sandra Hughes

Jennifer Konyn

Michael Moriarty

Shannon McVittie

Michel Desilets

Martha Gutierrez

Erin Wooldridge

Si Wrigley

Rachel Findlay

Patty Childs

Mike Sajben

David Jeffries

WALK FOR LIFEWALK FOR LIFEWALK FOR LIFEWALK FOR LIFE

Happy New Year! Please consider the Walk for Life West Coast. January 24,2015. We will have 2 buses going to San Francisco for the all-day event. The cost is $45, but there are many scholarships available please ask, everyone who wants to go is welcome, the only issue is that you must be able to walk approximately 4.5 miles. Call Denise Marine 893-8350 for more info.

REFLECTIONREFLECTIONREFLECTIONREFLECTION

YOUR HOLY FAMILY: We are often tempted to put the Holy Family up on an unreachable pedestal, precisely because of its membership: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. But then as we read Sacred Scripture and use a little imagination, we begin to realize the many similarities between the Holy Family and our own families. When God became incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ, He chose to be born into a human family. And like all families of this world, it was a family of sleepless nights, fear of the future, frustration and helplessness, and fragile hopes and dreams. The picture perfect family does not exist any more today than it did in the time of Jesus. But a good, healthy and loving family (like the Holy Family) is very possible if each member is willing to work at it. If we, like the Holy Family, strive to live the same faith and love in our family that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had.

LET OUR FAMILY BE LIKE

YOURS: Sweet home of Nazareth, in thee. All grace and virtue can we see; Lord, grant each Christian home to be, like Yours, a holy family.

NEXT WEEKEND

Projects & Initiatives Fund

Collection

Chico Community Food

Locker Canned Food

Collection

NEW YEARNEW YEARNEW YEARNEW YEAR

“The year begins; and all its pages are as blank as the silent years of the life of Jesus Christ. Let us begin it with high resolution; then let us take all its limitations, all its hindrances, its disappointments, its narrow and common-place conditions, and meet them as the master did in Nazareth, with patience, with obedience, putting ourselves in cheerful subjection, serving our apprenticeship. Who knows what opportunity may come to us this year? Let us live in a great spirit, then we shall be ready for a great occasion.”

George Hodges

RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Ring out the old, ring in the new

Ring happy bells across the snow

The year is going, let it go

Ring out the false, ring in the true

Ring out hatred, doubt and fear

Ring in justice for every hand

Ring out the darkness from our land

Ring in Christ for all the year

MOTHER OF GOD: Hail! blessed Virgin, full of heavenly grace, Blest above all that sprang from human race, Whose heaven-saluted womb Brought forth in one

A blessed Savior and a blessed Son

R. Herrick

MERCY HIGH MERCY HIGH MERCY HIGH MERCY HIGH

SCHOOL RETREATSCHOOL RETREATSCHOOL RETREATSCHOOL RETREAT

THANK YOU, MARY Remember receiving that gift which so delighted you? The one which was so precisely what you’d hoped for or needed? Think how much more perfect is the gift Mary helped bring into the world, when she bore our Lord Jesus. On this feast of Mary, Mother of God, let us bow our heads in simple thanks to Mary for the gift of her obedience and her Son, Jesus.

Peace to your spirit! Mercy High School is hosting a special retreat, led by Jesse Manibusan on Tuesday, Jan. 6th from 9 am—2:30 pm.. We would love to open the doors to all of the North State High School youth groups to spend the day with us. The cost is only $10 per student. This is one day you won't want to miss. RSVP me for more information. Thank you! Pax Christi, Mr Richard Cherveny , 530-366-7954.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER CHRISTMAS FLOWER CHRISTMAS FLOWER CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONSDONATIONSDONATIONSDONATIONS Rex & Julie Garnett, Rex & Julie Garnett, Rex & Julie Garnett, Rex & Julie Garnett,

in memory of Darlene Garnettin memory of Darlene Garnettin memory of Darlene Garnettin memory of Darlene Garnett

Rich & Bunny Ripp, in memory Rich & Bunny Ripp, in memory Rich & Bunny Ripp, in memory Rich & Bunny Ripp, in memory of the Ries/Ripp Familyof the Ries/Ripp Familyof the Ries/Ripp Familyof the Ries/Ripp Family

Bob & Julie BrownBob & Julie BrownBob & Julie BrownBob & Julie Brown

Tom & Leola McCampbell, in Tom & Leola McCampbell, in Tom & Leola McCampbell, in Tom & Leola McCampbell, in memory of Ila McCampbell & memory of Ila McCampbell & memory of Ila McCampbell & memory of Ila McCampbell &

Ann JeffiresAnn JeffiresAnn JeffiresAnn Jeffires

Shalan & Ikhlas JaureguiShalan & Ikhlas JaureguiShalan & Ikhlas JaureguiShalan & Ikhlas Jauregui

Greg & Sandra Miller, in memory Greg & Sandra Miller, in memory Greg & Sandra Miller, in memory Greg & Sandra Miller, in memory of Frank, John & Frances of Frank, John & Frances of Frank, John & Frances of Frank, John & Frances

LeonardoLeonardoLeonardoLeonardo

Jim & Nancy Dias, in memory of Jim & Nancy Dias, in memory of Jim & Nancy Dias, in memory of Jim & Nancy Dias, in memory of David Mobilio, Enrico & Diva David Mobilio, Enrico & Diva David Mobilio, Enrico & Diva David Mobilio, Enrico & Diva Merlo; Manuel & Mary DiasMerlo; Manuel & Mary DiasMerlo; Manuel & Mary DiasMerlo; Manuel & Mary Dias

Ron Husa, Ron Husa, Ron Husa, Ron Husa, in memory of Dorothy Husain memory of Dorothy Husain memory of Dorothy Husain memory of Dorothy Husa

Clay & Mary KangergaClay & Mary KangergaClay & Mary KangergaClay & Mary Kangerga

Diane Wooldridge, in memory of Diane Wooldridge, in memory of Diane Wooldridge, in memory of Diane Wooldridge, in memory of Joan & Donald VostiJoan & Donald VostiJoan & Donald VostiJoan & Donald Vosti

SOLEMNITY OF MARY,

THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

Vigil Mass

December 31st— 5:30 PM

Mass during the day

Jan. 1st—9 am

RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONRELIGIOUS EDUCATIONRELIGIOUS EDUCATIONRELIGIOUS EDUCATION

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: KINDERGARTEN-

EIGHTH GRADE

Our Divine Savior offers Religious Education classes for children in kindergarten-8th grade. Classes meet in the social hall on Sunday mornings from 10:05am-

10:50am. Registration information is available before classes begin or in the office. If you are new to our Parish or to our Religious Education programs please contact the Religious Education office for more information at 345-6201.

SACRAMENTS

Students are eligible to receive their first sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion any time after 2nd grade. Our program is designed to accommodate students in 2nd-7th grade when they and their family are ready. Students are eligible to receive their Confirmation after 8th grade when they and their family are ready.

How do you know if your student and your family is ready? Sacraments are optional and not required. Therefore, you are probably ready when your family is able to attend Mass and religious education classes regularly. Sacrament preparation is 2 years. We look forward to preparing for and celebrating this special time with our Parish families. Please contact the Religious Education office at 345-6201 for more information.

HELP WANTED

We are currently looking for volunteers to support our Children's Liturgy ministry during the 11AM Mass on Sundays. Children's Liturgy is an opportunity for our kindergarten-4th grade children to hear the Word proclaimed and explained in a way that they understand. This is a favorite for children and parents. It allows everyone to get the most out of Mass and connect with the Gospel. We need help with crowd control as well as leading the liturgy. This is a team effort and all the training and information you need will be provided. We are looking for help on a weekly basis, monthly basis, or just a few times throughout the school year. Please prayerfully consider if this is a ministry you might be interested in supporting and contact the Religious Education office or Pamela Meuter at 566-0425.

OPEN YOUTH HOUSE

Join us for movies, snacks, fellowship and games!

BIBLE STUDY:

Join us Wednesdays at 7:00pm as we Dive Deep into

scripture! No Bible study 12/24 or 12/31.

DIOCESEAN NEWSDIOCESEAN NEWSDIOCESEAN NEWSDIOCESEAN NEWS

RACHEL’S VINEYARD: Healing After Abortion

Retreat. Is someone you know suffer ing after an abortion, perhaps years after the choice? Please consider the Rachel's Vineyard Retreat weekend, February 6-8, 2015, in Auburn, sponsored by the Diocese of Sacramento. This unique and effective experience presents the mercy and compassion of God. The retreat is extremely helpful for those who struggle with feelings of: shame, anger, grief, or for those who have not forgiven themselves or others. Open to women, men, couples, and family members touched by abortion. The cost is $175 per person. Financial assistance is available. For a registration packet or more information, contact Paula at (916) 733-0161 or write projectrachel@scd.org. Inquiries and participation are strictly confidential.

ARE YOU FIRED UP? The Confirmation Conference: Fired Up! will be Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at St. Francis High School in Sacramento. This rally is for all junior high and high school students (grades 7-9) who are scheduled to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in 2015. A fun and inspirational day for teens to enrich the Confirmation preparation process. Keynote speakers will be Mark Hart, Armando Cervantes, and Lili Flores. The day will culminate with Mass with Bishop Jaime Soto. Cost is $30 per student/chaperone. Teens must attend as a parish group with chaperones. Register your group and get more information at www.confirmationconference.com.

THE CALLED AND GIFTED WORKSHOP : The Department of Evangelization and Catechesis in partnership with St. John the Baptist Parish in Chico,

is excited to offer The Called and Gifted workshop form the Catherine of Siena Institute. Held at St. John the Baptist in Chico on January 9, 2015 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and January 10, 2015, from 8:30am to 4:30pm; the workshop is a two-day live presentation covering Church teaching on the laity and lay apostleship; the nature of spiritual gifts, call, and vocation; and how to undertake the process of discernment. The cost of attendance is $15. For more information call Karen Monroe at 343-8741. To register, please visit www.saccatholic.com/calledandgifted or call Lourdes Ramirez at 916-733-0123.

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY – Renewal of Vows:

On Saturday, February 21, 2015 Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at a special 11:00 am Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in which married couples may renew their wedding vows. An informal reception for couples and their families will follow. Special certificates will be given to couples celebrating milestone anniversaries (10, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 50+). If you are interested in attending this free event, please register (names and anniversary year) at www.SacWMD.com. For more information call the Dept. of Evangelization & Catechesis at (916) 733-0123.

FIRED UP! – HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

NEEDED: We are looking for some Fired Up High School teens for the Confirmation Conference February 21and 22, 2015. This year our keynote speakers will be Mark Hart, Lili Flores, and Armando Cervantes and with your help this will be an awesome day! To sign up go to www.confimationconference.com and for more information contact Jennifer Campbell at jcampbell@scd.org.

CHOOSE LIFE 2015:All middle-school & high-

school youth, teachers, parents and ministers are invited to attend this exciting event. Find out what does being “Pro-Life” vs. “Pro-Choice” really mean, learn how can you talk about abortion with friends and family and gain skills to make a difference at your schools and parishes. Choose Life 2015 is happening on January 22, 2015 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament starting at 7:00pm. Featured guests include, Brennan Cull, Amanda Vernon and Bishop Jaime Soto. For more information please contact Steve Patton at (916) 733-0133 or spatton@scd.org.

FAMILY ROOMFAMILY ROOMFAMILY ROOMFAMILY ROOM

Is it still Christmas?Is it still Christmas?Is it still Christmas?Is it still Christmas?

After the big buildup around us in the commercial world, it can seem like a huge let-down to actually be through the gift buying, wrapping, giving, and receiving. The bustle of the season settles down, although the stores are overfull with shoppers returning or exchanging their presents. It is tempting to say, "Is that all?"

Of course, the answer is no - that is not all! The biggest gift of all is the gift that keeps on giving - the gift of our faith. We are transformed not by what we receive or give, but by the salvation that comes to us from our God, through his son Jesus born so long ago. In the wisdom of the Catholic tradition, the season of Advent is about waiting, not doing. We are called to make space in our hearts for this greatest gift. We don't sing "Joy to the World" the day after Thanksgiving, but we WAIT until the joyous Christmas Eve Mass to proclaim that our time of waiting is over, and we spill over with gratitude. For Catholics, the season of Christmas actually begins with Christmas Eve, and will continue until Jan. 4, the feast of Epiphany.

Now is the season - it isn't over by any means! Our Scriptures remind us of the wonderful story of the birth and early years of Jesus, and we are called to begin anew to LIVE the life that he came to give us.

What does this Christmas Christian look like? He or she wears a smile, is directed by a heart filled with forgiveness and generosity towards all (especially those who annoy us), lends a helping hand with the cleanup, and reminds our children and grandchildren that life isn't about the things. We can keep the Christmas season alive by leaving up our Nativity scene and our Christmas tree. We can remember with thanks those who have been a gift to us, and let them know they are appreciated.

Most of all, we can tend to our own heart and attitude to maintain the peace of that Christmas Mass through all the year ahead.