ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE CHURCH FORT WORTH, TEXAS December 25, 2016

The Nativity of The Lord/La Navidad Del Senor

Man needed to restore the relationship with God after the fall of Adam and Eve. God’s chosen people sought a messiah, a savior to come into the world. Isaiah speaks of the darkness that enveloped the people as they

longed to see a great light. They longed for redemption. Eight centuries before the Messiah came the prophet Isaiah foretold of the coming of Christ, giving hope to the people.

Saint Paul urges us to live our lives as Christ taught. To live our lives with justice, love and compassion, for we know Christ will come again and deliver His people into the everlasting Kingdom.

Mary and Joseph traveled a great distance, about 80 miles, to partake in the census. Mary, uncomfortable, pregnant, and riding on a donkey, arrived in Bethlehem just in time for her to bring Jesus into the world. The Savior is born! The Messiah has come! Angels and shepherds shared in the beauty, marvel and wonder of this Holy Family. We too share in the joy of Christmas, realizing the gift we have been given from the Father.

The clergy of Saint John the Apostle, Fathers Hoa and Nghia, Deacons Kevin, Juan, Ruben, and Matias and all the fabulous staff, wish you and your loved ones and friends, a blessed and holy Christmas. May you feel the peace and love of the Christ Child this day knowing you are always in the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If this is your parish, we thank you for your gifts of service, offertory, and charity. If visiting, welcome! May you find our parish a warm, loving and caring place where the love of Jesus can be felt in our prayers, outreach and activities.

CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES/Nochebuena Saturday, December 24, 2016

4:00 p.m. – English Mass 6:00 p.m. – English Mass

8:00 p.m. – Misa en Español 12:00 a.m. – Midnight Mass (English)

No Confessions/No habrá confesiones

CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES/Navidad Holy Day of Obligation/Misa de Obligación

Sunday, December 25, 2016 10:00 a.m. – English Mass

12:00 p.m. – Misa en Español FEAST OF SAINT JOHN THE APOSTLE

Tuesday, December 27, 2016 12:00 p.m. – Bilingual Mass

(No 8:15a.m. daily Mass) SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Solemnidad de María, la Madre de Dios Sunday, January 1, 2017

Regular Sunday Mass Schedule/ Horario Normal de Misas Dominicales

The Administration Office will be closed

on December 23, 2016 thru January 2, 2017 due to the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

The Administration Office will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 8:30 a.m.

La Oficina de la Parroquia estará cerrada el 23 de diciembre, 2016 hasta el 2º de enero del 2017, debido a

las fiestas de Navidad y Año Nuevo. La oficina de la parroquia abrirá el martes, 3 de enero del 2017 a las 8:30 a.m.

During the busy holiday season we pause to say “’Thank you” for your continued support of our wonderful parish. May the miracle of Christmas touch your world with wonder; we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year.

The Administration Staff

Byanka Peffers Allan Fitzwater Katie Rangel Jose Rangel Megan McQuarie Lola Pasillas Susan Obudinski Stephanie Arizpe

Mary Turrubiates

Christmas is a privileged opportunity to meditate on the meaning and value of our existence. The approach of this Solemnity helps us on the one hand to reflect on the drama of history in which people, injured by sin, are perennially in search of happiness and of a fulfilling sense of life and death; and on

the other, it urges us to meditate on the merciful kindness of God who came to man to communicate to him directly the Truth that saves, and to enable him to partake in His friendship and His life. Therefore let us prepare ourselves for Christmas with humility and simplicity, making ourselves ready to receive as a gift the light, joy and peace that shine from this mystery. excerpted from"Christmas: Pope Benedict XVI Spiritual Thoughts Series."

ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE CHURCH FORT WORTH, TEXAS December 25, 2016

Family Life Ministry would like to give thanks and wish the community of Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church a Very Merry Christmas. Without such a

great family-geared community we would not have such a faith- filled community.

May the Lord grant you and your loved ones Love, joy and goodwill This Christmas and all the New Year! Laura Murillo/Director of Family Life Ministry

El Ministerio de Vida Familiar les agradece y desea a la comunidad the Saint John the Apostle una Feliz Navidad. Si no fuéramos una comunidad centrada en la Familia no tuviéramos una comunidad llena de fe.

¡Que el Señor les conceda a usted y su familia mucho Amor, Felicidad y Buena voluntad esta Navidad y el Año Nuevo que está por comenzar!

My dear friends, in the short time I have been at Saint John the Apostle, I have found that this community is vibrant in our Faith. I ask for your prayers and for one another asking God to be present in our journey as we continue to spread the wonders He

performs in our life. May the peace and the love of Jesus Christ surround you and your family this Christmas and forever!!

Thank you for your help and for all you do for the people of God!! Deacon Matias Lagunas/ Director del Ministerio Hispano Mis queridos amigos, en el corto tiempo que he estado en Saint John the Apostle, he descubierto que esta comunidad es vibrante en nuestra fe. Yo les pido sus oraciones y oremos unos por otros pidiéndole a Dios que esté presente cada vez que hablamos de las maravillas que El hace en nuestras vidas. ¡Que la paz y el amor de Cristo Jesús llene a usted y su familia en esta Navidad y siempre!

¡Muchas gracias por todo lo que hace por el pueblo de Dios!

Save the Date for Saint John's Annual Young Men's Retreat: Man Up. The retreat will be Saturday, January 21, 2017 through Sunday, January 22, 2017 for young men in grades 6th-9th. Please contact Shawndra De La Rosa for more information at (817) 284-4811 ext. 219 or shall@sjtanrh.com.

December 25 No Confirmation Class Merry Christmas

December 27/28 No Class Happy New Year

January 1, 2017 No Confirmation Class January 3/4 Class Resumes January 8 Confirmation Class Resumes

Thank you to the Kairos Group!! The families that helped with Faith Formation Volunteer Appreciation brunch and

Posadas for RCIA, Adapted for Children were wonderful. There was great food and service and showed a great witness of the faith.

Gracias al grupo de Kairos!! Las familias que ayudaron en el día de apreciación a los voluntarios de formación de fe y las posadas para RICA adaptada para niños, estuvieron fabulosas. La buena comida y servicio son testimonio de su fe.

El hombre necesitaba arreglar su relación con Dios después de la caída de Adán y Eva. El pueblo escogido por Dios buscaba al mesías, al salvador que iba a venir al mundo. El

profeta Isaías nos habla sobre la oscuridad que cubria a las personas que estaban en busca de ver la gran luz. Buscaban la redención. El profeta Isaías anunció la venida de Cristo ocho siglos antes de la venida del Mesías, dándole esperanzas al ser humano.

San Pablo nos urge a que vivamos como Cristo nos enseñó. De vivir nuestras vidas con amor, compasión y justicia, ya que sabemos que Cristo vendrá de nuevo a llevar a su pueblo al Reino eterno.

Maria y José viajaron aproximadamente 80 millas, una gran distancia, para que los contaran en el censo. Maria que estaba a punto de dar a luz, andaba subida en burro un poco incomoda, llego a Belén a tiempo para traer a Jesús al mundo. ¡Nació el Salvador! ¡El Mesías llego! Los Ángeles y pastores compartieron de la belleza, la maravilla y del asombro de la Sagrada Familia. Nosotros también compartimos de la felicidad de Navidad, al darnos cuenta del regalo que se nos ha dado por nuestro Padre.

El Clero de Saint John the Apostle, el Padre Hoa, el Padre Nghia, los Diáconos Kevin, Juan, Matías y Rubén y todos los empleados fabulosos de la Iglesia, les desea a ustedes y a sus seres queridos y amigos, una Santa Navidad llena de bendiciones. Les deseamos que sientan la paz y el amor del niño Jesús este día sabiendo que siempre estarán en el abrazo amoroso de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Si esta es su parroquia, les damos las gracias por sus regalos de servicio, ofertorio y caridad. Si están de visita, ¡Bienvenidos! Esperamos que encuentren en nuestra parroquia un sitio caluroso, amoroso y cariñoso donde a través de nuestras oraciones, nuestro servicio social y las actividades sientan el amor de Jesús.

The Nativity of The Lord/La Navidad Del Senor

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Saint John the Apostle,

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Many cultures, many races await this joyous day to commemorate the birth of our Savior. United and working together, celebrating the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ! I pray that you’ll find hope, peace and love among your family and within our parish that irradiates His merciful love. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!! Sister Yolanda Pineda MCSH

Estimados hermanos y hermanas de la Iglesia de Saint John the Apostle.

La virgen está en cinta, y dará a luz a un hijo que se llamará Emmanuel, Dios con nosotros.” (Isaías 7:14)

Que esta Navidad les traiga paz y felicidad y abramos el corazón al Divino Salvador que está por nacer. Que lo veamos en cada persona compartiendo nuestras bendiciones. Este tiempo es nuestra oportunidad de darnos cuenta qué bendecidos somos. Sigamos orando y trabajando unidos por el bienestar de nuestras familias y parroquia para así irradiar el amor del Niño Dios. ¡Feliz Navidad y Bendiciones abundantes en el Año Nuevo!

Hermana Yolanda Pineda MCSH

“Behold the virgin shall bear a son and shall name him Emmanuel.” Mt. 1:23

PARISHIONERS OF

SAINT JOHN YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

You are such generous people, always sharing what you have with the less fortunate in our community! A need is expressed and through your generosity that need is supplied usually three fold. Without you there would be no Social Service Ministry and I want you to know that it is a pleasure to work for you and with you!

God Bless You Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Colleen & Lupe

St. John the Apostle

Catholic School Pre-K – 8th Grade

(817) 284-2228 www.stjs.org

Saint John the Apostle School wishes you and your family a Very Merry Christmas! Why Choose SJS?

Saint John the Apostle Catholic School strives to develop students who practice the traditions of the Catholic Church while living out the Gospel values of respect, responsibility, integrity, love and service. The school challenges all students to perform to their full potential. How to Become Part of the SJS Family

We would love for you to come, visit our school and learn more about what SJS has to offer. Applying to attend SJS is ongoing throughout the year. Call us to schedule a tour and/or a shadow day.

¡La escuela católica Saint John the Apostle le desea a usted y su familia una feliz Navidad! ¿Por qué escoger SJS?

La escuela Saint John se esfuerza en desarrollar estudiantes que practiquen las tradiciones de la Iglesia Católica y a vivir de acuerdo a los valores que nos enseñan el Evangelio: respeto, responsabilidad, integridad, amor y servicio. La escuela reta a todos los estudiantes a vivir a su más alto potencial. Cómo Formar Parte de la Escuela Saint John the Apostle

Nos encantaría que venga a visitarnos para aprender todo lo que SJS puede ofrecer. Inscripciones para la escuela permanecen abiertas a través del año escolar. Llámenos, haga una cita para un recorrido guiado en español y para que su niño(a) pase un día con nosotros.

ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE CHURCH FORT WORTH, TEXAS December 25, 2016

Readings for the Week of December 25, 2016

Sunday Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7 Lk 2:15-20 Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 Monday Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17; Mt 10:17-22 Tuesday 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Wednesday 1 Jn 1:5—2:2; Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8; Mt 2:13-18 Thursday 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Friday Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Saturday 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13; Jn 1:1-18 Sunday Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21

Mass For Requested By Sat. 12/24 Christmas Eve 4:00PM VPhyllis Denise Pandolfo Stephen Pandolfo 6:00PM VManuel Robert Garza Connie Sanchez & Family 8:00PM Velasquez Family (Sp. Int.) Annette Velasquez 12:00AM Elizabeth O. Ott Louis Ott Sun. 12/25 Christmas Day 10:00AM FOR THE PARISH (Pro Populo) 12:00PM Aurelio Valadez Jesus Valadez Mon. 12/26 8:15AM All Souls (Sp. Int.) Susan Nguyen Tues. 12/27 Feast of St. John the Apostle 12:00PM VHeath Yentes Mom, Dad & Joe Wed. 12/28 8:15AM VJoan McQuarie Sandy McQuarie 6:30PM VMichelle Neiderer Donna Chesshir Thur. 12/29 8:15 AM VFay & Michael Manza Ann Miller 7:00PM VPara Familia Pacheco Guadalupe Pacheco Fri. 12/30 8:15AM VCupertino Pereira Stan & Terri Evans Sat. 12/31 5:00PM VPhera Haum Nguyen Susan Nguyen Sun. 01/01 7:30AM VAnna Lap Nguyen Phoung Nguyen 9:00AM VPhero Taz T. Nguyen Linda Nguyen 11:00AM Michelle Theriot (Sp. Int.) Sandra Theriot 1:00PM VGabriel & Maria T. Valdez Sendi Valdez 3:00PM VJose Luis Villanueva Maria Banda 5:00PM FOR THE PARISH (Pro Populo) Please remember in your prayers all those listed in our book of the sick located in the back of the Church. We pray for those who have died especially VBilly Jean Wilson andVDavid Mandato.

Stewardship

For unto us is born this day a Savior! In response to so great a love, only the gift of my whole self will do. You have given us Yourself, dear Lord; in love and thanksgiving, I commit myself afresh to You.

Corresponsabilidad

Hoy ha nacido el Salvador. En respuesta a un amor tan grande, la gracia de todo mi ser será suficiente. En amor y acción de gracias, me comprometo de nuevo contigo. Ya que Tú te nos has entregado a ti mismo, Señor Dios mío.

Our Stewardship of Treasure … Our giving Your gifts helps us to

better serve our Parish. St. John the Apostle…

A Full Stewardship Parish…..

2016 – 2017

SUNDAY COLLECTION

Offertory Collection December 18th $ 21,134.63 Month to Date Collection $ 93,132.09 Monthly Offertory Collection Budget $ 134,680.26 Social Services $ 635.00

“How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?”

Psalm 116:12

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK/EL NEGOCIO DE LA SEMANA

The Reddoch Agency

Please patronize our bulletin sponsors.