ST HELEN CHURCH

RIVERSIDE, OHIO December 24, 2017

READINGS FOR DECEMBER 31

Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3

Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

Luke 2:22-40

With heartfelt thanks for your

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

December 16 & 17

Adults $14,118.17

IN THE MILITARY Please pray for those serving in the military.

“Lord, protect our military as they sacrifice for us;

bless them and their families for their

continuing selflessness.”

5:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 24, with carols

and hymns beginning at 4:20

Midnight, Monday, December 25, with carols and

hymns beginning at 11:25

9:00 a.m., Monday, December 25, with carols and

hymns beginning at 8:40

This year, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of

God, falls on a Monday, so it is NOT a holy day of

obligation. As such, there will be NO 5:00 p.m. Vigil

Mass on Sunday, December 31. The Solemnity Mass

will be at 9:00 a.m. (NOT 8:15 a.m.) on Monday,

January 1. (Sunday, December 31, Masses are as

usual: 8:00 & 10:30)

Christmas: The Great Exchange

from Fr. Satish

After an unusually short Advent, Christ-mas is here. Another year, another Christ-mas. I wish each one of you a very blessed, joyful, and peace-filled Christmas. One of the most common phrases we might hear around Christmas time is that Christ is born in our hearts. I have preached that myself in one homily or another. However, I

must admit that I have been ambiguous about what I meant by that. What does it really mean that Christ must be born in our hearts? This year, I have had a new realization. The phrase, “Christ must be born in our hearts,” is another way of saying that each Christmas, in at least one area of our lives, each one of us must become a little more like Christ. I am fifty-one years old. I am not sure how much longer I have on this earth. You may want to think about your own age and where you are in life. What is the chance that when we stand face-to-face with God, God will not see us, but a person transformed into the image of Christ? Christmas is not merely about Christ being born into our hearts. Christmas is about little by little being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ. In this way, the day of our death is really the day of our birth into Christ in a radically, radical way. Then, it is Christmas. At Christmas time, we celebrate the fact that God became human. His name was Jesus! Jesus became human so that we can become more divine. The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way: “The Word became flesh to make us ‘partakers of the divine nature.’” Then in the same paragraph, the Catechism quotes St. Irenaeus, St. Athenasius, and St. Thomas Aquinas who express the same thought in different words: “For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God." "For the Son of God became man so that we might become God." "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods” (CCC 460). When I say that Christmas is about little by little being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ, I mean exactly what the Catechism says about the divine becoming human so that humans could become divine. Yes, Christ became like us and we might become like him. This Christmas may there be one area in our life where we have be-come a little more like Christ. May this be our Christmas. COMBINED BULLETIN

Please note this bulletin covers the weeks of

December 24 and December 31.

The parish office will be closed Monday, De-

cember 25 through Monday, January 1. We will re-

open at 8:00 am on Tuesday, January 2. If you need

to reach a priest due to an emergency between De-

cember 23 and January 1, please call 254-6233 and

press "9". This will take you to the emergency

voicemail. Leave a message and someone will call

you within 30 minutes.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

9:00 am For Vocations

5:00 pm Bill Potts (Family Christmas Remem-

brance)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25

Midnight Tony Issenmann (Family)

9:00 am Richard Strathearn (Strathearn Remem-

brance)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26

8:15 am Shirley Moore (Dale Moore)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27

8:15 am Kay Koester Birthday Remembrance

(Family)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28

8:15 am Jean Knapke (Family)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29

8:15 am Regional Mass at Immaculate Conception

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30

5:00 pm Brad Stokesbury (Charles Keller Family)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

8:00 am Ed Morrisey (Tom & Barbara Spitzig)

10:30 am Bernie & Nora Marino Anniversary

(Family)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MONDAY, DECEMBER 25

12:00 am Midnight Mass—Fr. Satish

9:00 am Christmas Day Mass—Fr. Geraci

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26

Rosary—BSC 9:00 am

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27

Centering Prayer—SJ1 3:15 pm

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30

5:00 pm Mass—Fr. Geraci

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

8:00 am Mass—Fr. Geraci

10:30 am Mass— Fr. Geraci

The staff of St. Helen

Parish wishes you a very

happy, peaceful, and

blessed Christmas.

CHRISTMAS BOOK As a gift, please accept a

copy of “A Simple Life-Changing

Prayer: Discovering the Power of

St. Ignatius Loyola’s Examen,” by

Jim Manney! This will be handed

out at all Christmas masses. During

Advent we invited you to Pause and

Pray. If you are still looking for a

New Year’s resolution, this book

might spark some ideas. Online resources and gather-

ings on the examen will be offered in January so stay

tuned!

WELCOME, EDIE! Last Saturday we welcomed

Edie Hoertt into full com-

munion with the Catholic

Church! Edie had already

been baptized into another

faith, so she was confirmed

and received her first Eucharist at the 5 p.m. Mass,

alongside her husband of 60 years, Bob, and their

daughter and granddaughter and great granddaugh-

ters! When Father Bob asked Edie, "Why now?," she

delightfully replied, "Why not?!" Welcome, Edie, to

our family!

TOILETRIES NEEDED We are collecting small, travel size toiletries

(soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, etc.) for donation to

the women at the Dayton Correctional Institution who

are involved in the AiA program, an amazing program

that gives the women hope and direction by changing

their lives from within. The next week-long program

starts January 15, so there is not much time. Please

leave any items near the church doors, and we will

gather them up!

ST HELEN CHURCH

RIVERSIDE, OHIO December 24, 2017

HOLIDAY BASEBALL CAMP Carroll High School will be hosting a Holiday

Baseball Camp on December 27, 28, and 29 from 6pm to

8pm. The cost for one session is $50, for two sessions is

$80, and for all three sessions, $100, We offer hitting,

pitching and catching/fielding instruction from High

School coaches as well as former college and minor league

players. For more information, or to sign up, please

email SOBAcademy@aol.com. Or go to the Carroll Patri-

ots Baseball Facebook page.

WORLD DAY OF PEACE Each year, the Holy Father des-

ignates New Year’s Day as the Word

Day of Peace. This year is the Church’s

51st observance of the World Day of

Peace. Join us to pray for greater peace,

respect for life and dignity, and care for God’s creation! In

the Dayton area Bishop Joseph Binzer will celebrate Mass

at Ascension Church, 2025 Woodman Dr. at 10 a.m. on

January 1, 2018, the Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother

of God. In Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis Schnurr will

celebrate Mass at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral at 11:00

a.m. This year’s theme is “Migrants and Refugees: Men

and Women in Search of Peace.”

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Looking for men willing to join Knights of Colum-

bus to share in fellowship, give of your time and talent

where we give back to our community and parish. Please

call Nick Harpenau for more information. I would love to

sponsor you and share what the Knights can do for

you. 937-684-2233

“Every year it’s the same

thing! I always end up playing

a shepherd!”

BRUNNER LITERACY CENTER Volunteer tutors needed! The Brunner Literacy

Center (BLC) provides free, one-on-one tutoring to adults

who are over the age of 19 and want to improve their read-

ing, writing, and/or math skills. Tutors are needed in all

subject areas and at all ability levels. A new volunteer ori-

entation will be held at the BLC on Thursday, January

11th, 2018 from 3-6pm. For more information about tutor-

ing, please visit www.brunnerliteracy.org or email Bridget

at bshingleton@brunnerliteracy.org. Literacy changes

lives. Change a life next year.

Several of our little children were delighted to

come forward to have the Baby Jesus from

their home nativity set blessed last weekend!

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ST HELEN CHURCH

RIVERSIDE, OHIO December 31, 2017

READINGS FOR JANUARY 7

Isaiah 60:1-6

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Matthew 2:1-12

With heartfelt thanks for your

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

December 23 & 24

Not available at time of printing

IN THE MILITARY Please pray for those serving in the military.

“Lord, protect our military as they sacrifice for us;

bless them and their families for their

continuing selflessness.”

2018 ST HELEN FISH FRY The 2018 St. Helen Booster Club

Fish Fry will be held in the school gym on

Saturday, January 27 from 6:00 to 11:00

pm. Carryout will also be available from

5:30 to 7:00 pm. Fish, chicken & side items like

homemade hushpuppies will be served. Pre-sale tick-

ets are $15.00 and tickets at the door are $20.00. Pre-

sale tickets will be available in January at: The Bar-

ber Pole, the St. Helen parish office, the school office

or by contacting Jack Newton at 937-532-3281. Must

be 21 to attend.

The Booster Club is also looking for volun-

teers, donations for the silent auction, door prizes, and

raffle prizes. If you have items to donate or need ad-

ditional information, please call Jack Newton 532-

3281.

The St. Helen Trojan Booster Club is an or-

ganization that is beneficial to the youth of St. Helen’s

community. We complement the educational process

by creating an environment that will allow our youth

to develop spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Through our programs we try to help our youth devel-

op positive personal attributes, such as integrity, en-

thusiasm, good sportsmanship, friendships, and self-

confidence.

The St. Helen Trojan Booster Club is run en-

tirely by volunteers and donations. Many people are

needed to operate and maintain these programs that

help your children and your community.

ST. HELEN FAMILY ICE SKATING!

Join other families from St. Helen on Sunday,

January 14 from 6-8pm at Riverscape Metropark for

some ice skating fun! Cost is $1 per person. First 50

people to show up get a free cup of hot chocolate.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is sponsored by St. Helen’s PTO

and the parish.

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

8:00 am Ed Morrisey

10:30 am Bernie & Nora Marino Anniversary

(Family)

MONDAY, JANUARY 1

9:00 am Helen & Charles Dalbey (Strathearn

Family)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2

8:15 am For the ill of our parish

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3

8:15 am Ed Morrisey (Phil & Darlene Wetzel)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

8:15 am Santina Tarlano (son)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5

8:15 am Regional Mass at Immaculate Conception

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

5:00 pm Marissa Jackson (Charles Keller Family)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

8:00 am Jean Knapke (Knapke Family)

10:30 am Clara Rose Redrick (Indalecio Family)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MONDAY, JANUARY 1

9:00 am Mass, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of

God—Fr. Geraci

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2

Rosary—BSC 9:00 am

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3

Centering Prayer—SJ1 3:15 pm

SVDP Meeting—HR 6:30

CtBS Meeting—SJA 7:00

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

Finance Commission—HR 6:30

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5

First Friday Eucharistic Adoration with Exposi-

tion—BSC 10:00 am

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

5:00 pm Mass—Fr. Dave

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

8:00 am Mass—Fr. Satish

10:30 am Mass— Fr. Jim Fitz

FIRST FRIDAY

EUCHARISTIC

ADORATION This Friday, January 5, is First

Friday and our parish day of Eucharistic Adoration.

Adoration begins at 10 AM in the Blessed Sacrament

Chapel and closes from 5-6 p.m. with exposition of

the Blessed Sacrament. Any questions or to sign up

and commit for a specific time, please call 426-9954.

All are invited to also attend First Friday Mass at Im-

maculate Conception followed by Rosary and Bene-

diction.

Our Parish Family

Emilia Jurado Ruby Osborne

Isla Powell Xavier Hudson

We Remember

our Deceased Matthew Garrison

Elmer Graham

Michael Small

Michael Tritschler

Judy Mayer

We Welcome into our Parish Family

Allen & Amy Stebelton & Family

2018 CHILI COOK-OFF Please save the date for our

parish chili cook-off which will be

held Saturday, January 13 after

the 5:00 mass. More details next

week!

OREMUS STUDY Need a New Year’s resolution? Try spending

some time in a small faith sharing group here at St.

Helen to learn more about prayer through Ascension

Press program Oremus. This 8-week study begins

January 9th and ends February 27th. We will meet

in the St. Julie Center in room 2 from 7-8:30pm. Cost

for workbook is $15. Register with Shaughn Phillips

in the parish office.

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON The University of Dayton is taking a “behind-the-

(Nativity) scenes” approach to At the Manger, its annual

exhibition of Christmas crèches Nov 27-Jan 5.

The exhibit takes place in the Marian Library’s

crèche workshop on the fourth floor of Fitz Hall, (1529

Brown St.) where visitors can learn how volunteers plan

and construct display settings and clean, repair, pack and

store Nativity sets. Crèches also will be on exhibit in two

other locations — the Marian Library on campus and at

Bergamo/Mount St. John in Beavercreek. Group tours

available.

For hours, visit: go.udayton.edu/manger or call

229-4214.

PROJECT RACHEL

The Office for Respect Life Ministries is offering a

Day of Reflection for all those who have been affected by

abortion. This includes fathers, siblings, aunts/uncles,

friends… The day is Jan. 27, 2018 in the Cincinnati area

from 9am to 3pm. There will be a healing service, with an

opportunity to participate in Reconciliation following wit-

nesses and prayer. We invite you to: “Look into your

heart, listen to the voice of God. Help yourself by accept-

ing His love and forgiveness.” For more information or

registration call the Office for Respect Life Ministries

at 937-222-0227, or the Project Rachel Helpline for infor-

mation at (513)784-0531. You can register at: http://

www.catholiccincinnati.org/project-rachel/

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR

GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN The Dayton Catholic Women’s Club Scholar-

ship was established in 2010 with the goal of assisting

young Catholic women in continuing their studies at an

accredited technical school, junior college, community col-

lege, or four-year college/university. Applicants must be

high school graduates who are active members of a Dayton

-area Roman Catholic Church, and who demonstrate finan-

cial need. The application can be found at daytonfounda-

tion.org/scholars. Deadline for applications is March 9,

2018, at 4:30 pm. If you have questions or need assistance,

go to scholarships@daytonfoundation.org or call (937) 225

-9955.

CATHOLIC SPONSORED DIVORCE CARE A 13-week support group, held on Thursday eve-

nings, 7-9 pm from Jan. 11 to Apr. 12; St Francis of As-

sisi Church, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, OH. Cost

is $25 per person. Scholarships are available. For more

information, or to register, call Marcelle Toma at (937)

312-1157 (Not a texting number) or mtoma@woh.rr.com

You are welcome if you are divorced or separated and may

be going through a very difficult time right now. You

should not have to feel isolated or cut off from the Catholic

Church. This support group deals with such recovery top-

ics as anger, loneliness, new relationships, annulments, etc.

SUMMER YOUTH PILGRIMAGE Please join 4Mary Inc. and Fr. Ethan Moore as

they lead a group of high school and college youth on a

walk with Our Lady and St. Patrick in Ireland June 3-11,

2018. For more details and registration: http://

www.4mary.org/

ST HELEN CHURCH

RIVERSIDE, OHIO December 31, 2017

TRANSFIGURATION CENTER The Transfiguration Center on Calumet Rd will

again be hosting the Creche Displays (Nativity Scenes)

from the University of Dayton. They will be on display

from November 27th to January 5th from 9-5 Monday

through Friday, Tuesday and Thursdays until 7pm and Sat-

urdays from 10-2 starting on December 9th.

Beginning January 4th, we will have a book

study of the 33 Days To Morning Glory. It will be on

Thursdays from 7pm – 8:30pm for 6 weeks. The cost is

only $15 (which covers the book) and will end the week-

end before the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, so if you

would like, you can then consecrate yourself to our Holy

Mother. Come to learn more about what this means by

reading the book and doing the book study. Call 937-698-

7180 to reserve a spot.

GREATER CINCINNATI CATHOLIC

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Ladies you won’t want to miss this! The Fourth

Greater Cincinnati’s Catholic Women’s Conference,

“Hear I am, Lord” will take place on March 3, 2018 at

The Manor House (7440 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason,

Ohio 45040). Tickets are available at

www.Cincinnaticatholicwomensconference.org Last year

sold out quickly. There is an amazing line up of Speakers,

confessions, vendors, visiting with friends and Mass with

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. Take a little time for yourself

this coming Lent and enjoy this day of spiritual renew-

al. Bring a friend!

ST PETER’S CHURCH Women's Morning of Reflection: Please join us

on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at St. Peter's Church, for a

Morning of Reflection. The theme will be "The Interior

Life” with a focus on Saint Teresa of Avila. We will begin

in the church with Mass at 9:30 AM, followed by a spiritu-

al reflection, meditation, and a social in the Reis Center,

ending at noon. Reconciliation will be available. To re-

serve Babysitting for your children please contact Heather

at 867-7332 or for further information, Connie at 620-

2207. Regnum Christi women are hostessing this wonder-

ful opportunity for all women.