St. Michael & St. Francis Bulletin Dec. 2526, 2010 Pastor: Fr. Steve Schaftlein
The Nativity of the Lord: Christmas
HERALD OF GLAD TIDINGS
To help understand the richness of the Christ-event, the Church looks to the Hebrew scriptures.
One of the great passages that Christians turn to for insight about the role of the Messiah found in
Second Isaiah. Chapter 52, written during the Babylonian Exile in the sixth century B.C., tells about a
messenger who brings glad tidings. He proclaims peace, brings good news, announces salvation, and says to Zion: “Your God is King” (Isaiah 52:7). For the captives in Babylon this message held out hope for
returning to their home country, the land of Judah. That hope was indeed fulfilled just as Isaiah foretold when the Jews were allowed to return. But centuries later, Christians reading the same passage heard in Isaiah’s proclamation a description of the role of Jesus. For truly he was a messenger of glad tidings; he brought the good news of the gospel, announcing a day of salvation.
THE LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS
To the early Christians Jesus was God’s messenger. As the Gospel of John explains, he was God’s Word who became flesh and made his dwelling among us. As one living among us he taught us God’s way. Indeed he was a light shining in darkness, a herald of whom Christians would say, in the words of Isaiah, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings” (Isaiah 52:7).
Still, some did not accept him. Their hearts were hardened, unwilling to acknowledge that God could act through this humble, unassuming person. For “he came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him” (John 1:11). But “to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God” (John 1:12). In these words from the beginning of John’s Gospel echoes one of the early Christians’ most profound realizations: God’s love for all people is so great that all are intended to be God’s children, not servants or slaves, not distant participants in creation, but tied by the closest of bonds—children of a loving God.
Jesus announced the glad tidings of God’s love for all, and Jesus taught that there are no obstacles for those who wish to be God’s children. No power on earth, not even evil, sin, or death, can separate God’s children from their loving Creator. Let us rejoice at the coming of God’s messenger. Let us rejoice in the glad tidings he announced. Let us give thanks for the light who came into our world and continues to shine in the darkness.
Today’s Readings: Isaiah 52:7–10; Psalm 98:1–6; Hebrews 1:1–6; John 1:1–18
St. MichaelCharlestown
Eucharists
Sat – 5:30 pm
Sun – 11 am
Misa en Español
Domingo – 1:00 pm / Fr. Steve Schaftlein, Pastor
101 St. Michael Drive, Charlestown, In 47111
Ph. 812-256-3200 - Fax 775-307-6142
Website -
Office Hours – 8:30 am-1:00 pm Tues. Wed., & Fri.
Reconciliation – 5:00 pm Saturday or call the Rectory
Marriage – Please contact the pastor a year in advance. Advent and Lent are not times for celebrations.
Baptisms of Infants or Adults Joining the Church – Please contact the DRE: St. Michael–Juliann Eickholtz, St. Francis–Sandy Banet.
New To The Parish: Please call the office to register. Please introduce yourself to the pastor at mass.
Parishioners Who Are Ill: Please call the pastor if a relative or friend is sick. Due to privacy laws hospitals no longer inform churches.
Bulletin Announcements: Get all bulletin announcements to the office in writing by Tuesday evening. / St. Francis Xavier
Henryville
Eucharists
Sunday
At 9:00 am
Las Horas de la Oficina de la Secretaria – 8:30 am-1:00 pm Martes y Viernes
Reconciliación – 1:00 pm Sabado o llama la Rectoría
Casamiento – contacta el padre un año antes el día de la boda.
Advenimiento y Cuaresma no son los tiempos para las celebraciones.
Los Bautismos de los Bebés o los Adultos Afiliando a la Iglesia – Por favor, llama Fr. Steve Schaftlein, o a San Miguel – Juliann Eickholtz; a San Francisco – Sandy Banet
Miembros Nuevos de la Comunidad – Por favor, / introduce tu mismo al Fr. Steve Schaftlein. También, es necesario para todas personas Católicas registrar en la parroquia. Pregunta el padre o la secretaria para la formulario registrada.
Las Personas Que Están Enfermas: Por favor, Llama Fr. Steve Schaftlein (Porqué de las leyes privadas, los Hospitales no se comunican con las iglesias.)
Noticias Boletín: Llega noticias bilingües a la oficina para la noche de los Martes. Llega otra noticias a Fr. Steve Schaftlein para la Domingo anterior. Es importante que se escriben las noticias.
St. Michael Early Childhood Center – Infancy Care, Pre-S, Pre-K, Kindergarten & Day Care
Rita Poff – Director – Ph. 256-3503 Infancy Care - 2563500
El Centro para las Primeras Niñez de San Miguel - Preescolar-Kindergarten y Servicio de Guardería a Infantil
La Directora – Rita Poff – Ph. 256-3503
Mass Schedule
27 / Mon / NO MASSSt. M / 28 / Tue / 6:00 pm / NO MASS
St. M / 29 / Wed / 6:00 pm / NO MASS
St. FX / 30 / Thu / 7:00 pm
St. FX
St. M / 31 / Fri / 5:00 pm
6:30 am / Spanish
St. M / 1 / Sat / 9:00 am / New Year’s Day
St. FX / 2 / Sun / 9:00 am
St. M / 2 / Sun / 11:00 am / Florence DeVary
Hispanic / 2 / Sun / 1:00 am / For the People
Don’t forget your Mass Intentions.
Sat., Jan 1 – 5:30 pm – St. Michael
Eucharistic Ministers: C. Ledbetter, M. Cox
Server: J. Worley
Gift Bearers: C. & K. Ledbetter family
Cantors: S. & S. Buit
Musician: J. Corbett
Lector: M. P Beach
Sun., Jan 2, – 9:00 am – St. Francis Xavier
Eucharistic Ministers: Martha Harbeson, Jennifer Haycraft,
Darlene Reul
Servers: Emily Horine, Abby Banet
Ushers: Philip Carter, Butch Furnish
Gift Bearers: J. T. & Charlotte Higdon family
Lector: Ann Harbeson
Sun., Jan 2, – 11:00 am – St. Michael
Eucharistic Ministers: S. Fouts, C. Kendrick, K. Hensley
Servers: C. Jackson, T. J Jackson
Gift Bearers: S. & J. Fouts family
Cantor: N. Rash
Musician: C. Eickholtz
Lector: M. Howard
ST. MICHAEL
Classes (pre-school thru high school) 9:30 a.m.
If your child is absent please call 256-3503 on Sun. a.m.
Assistants are needed
Rosary at 10:30 in the church
Dec. 26 – No classes – Christmas break
Jan 2 – No classes – Christmas break
Jan. 9 - Session 15 – Rosary & Music practice
Youth Choir 11:00 Mass
Gift Bearers, High School
***Each week we collect non-perishable food items for the North Clark Outreach Center.
***Remember: Faith is a gift from God and Faith Formation is a life-long growth process. We encourage parents to attend Mass with their children. This enables them to integrate what they learn in their classes with weekly participation in the liturgy.
***Faith Formation Commission Meeting: Jan 4 after Mass, in the Rectory Chapel.
Our Faith Formation Program is off and running. St. Michael program consists of 12 consecutive years, each building on the previous year and leading into the next year. This makes it of utmost importance for children to attend all 12 years, not just for sacrament preparation. Although 1st Penance and 1st Eucharist are celebrated in the 2nd grade, the preparation for these sacraments begins in the first year. Confirmation preparation is woven throughout the entire program. Their faith development benefits from constant support as they grow. We also offer a preschool class for children 3-5 years old. For more info contact Juliann.
On Sat., Jan. 15, 9:00 a.m. in the church there will be a parent meeting for those wishing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. If a parent is unable to attend, please send a grandparent, godparent, or guardian to attend this meeting with your child.
Monday evening prayer group and Bible study are cancelled until Jan. 3.
Thanks for the generous gifts that were under the Angel Tree.
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
Rosary before Mass
Dec. 26 – No classes – Christmas break
Jan 2 – No classes – Christmas break
Jan 9 – All classes meet
Parent First Reconciliation Meeting after Mass
St. Michael/St. Francis Xavier Confirmation
Next session will be Jan. 23. Please keep in your prayers our confirmation candidates: Jacob Allen, Joseph Buckman, Jakob Burchel, Katherine Cleveland, Julissa Gonzalez, Emily Horine, Ashton Mann, David Pierce, Zachary Staples, Kristen Ulrich, and Emily Young.
ST. MICHAEL BIRTHDAY BASH
Sun., Jan 16, 2:00-4:00 in the Parish Hall sponsored bythe Faith Formation Commission. It would be an honor to have you at your birth month table. Meat, drink, and dessert provided – everyone bring a covered dish. Please RSVP by Jan. 2 to Malia 256-6255 or Chuck 256-3850. No gifts.
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Dear God, Thank you for your Christmas Gift to the world. This Christmas please open our hearts to see You more clearly, to receive You more deeply, and to follow You more willingly. Please watch over our loved ones near and far, especially those who protect us at home and abroad. Please bring Your peace to every part of our world, every room of our homes, and every corner of our hearts. Thank you for coming to us so that we might come to you. Amen
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; For a child is born to us, a son is given us. Isaiah 9:1, 5
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.
The Pastor’s Corner
Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Calendar
New Year
St. Francis – 5:00 pm Anticipation (Dec. 31)
St. Michael – 6:30 pm Hispanic Mass (Dec. 31)
St. Michael – 9:00 am New Year’s Day
Epiphany Jan 2
Feast of The Baptism of Jesus – Jan 9
Ski Trip
Those participating in the Ski Trip should meet at St. Michael at 8:00 am on Wednesday, December 29.
Envelopes
There are envelopes at the back of both churches for you to use for the capital improvement campaign at St. Francis and for the “Building A New Decade Campaign” at St. Michael. Please put your name &/or envelope number on the envelope.
Fr. Steve
RIGHT TO LIFE OF LOUISVILLE
In Louisville during the month of November 256 babies were aborted (3,464 so far in 2010). Planned Parenthood is America’s leading abortion provider. If you don’t want your tax dollars to fund abortions, vote pro-life.
“A country that permits the killing of babies before they are born cannot expect to be blessed by God.” Father Angelus Shaughnessy
Jan. 22 is the 38th anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion on demand during the entire nine months of pregnancy. Each year Right to Life of S. Indiana remembers this anniversary by sponsoring full page ads with names of those who believe that life should be protected. If you would like to be a part of this year’s ad contact Marjorie Cox.. Deadline Jan 10.
Knights of Columbus
Your new field agent is Matt “Ernie” Ernstes. He can be reached at 812-273-1250 or . Feel free to contact him.
St. Michael and St. Francis Xavier Sacrament Preparation: The Faith Formation Commission, the Pastor, and the Archdiocese state that a child must be enrolled and attend classes a year before receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, or Confirmation. Baptism of children under school age requires the parents to meet with the pastor.
To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven, a time to be born, a time to love, a time to heal, a time to die and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
PLEASE PRAY FOR HEALTH & STRENGTH:
Nolan Banet, Sandy Banet, Bea Beach, Neil Beiswanger, Annie Bolger, Pat Broemeling, Glenn R. Cole, Wilma Conard, Joan Corbett, Kaydance Couch, Bobby Cross, , Richard Eickholtz, Danny Fleming, Diana Goedeker, John Goedeker, Judy Guthrie, Jim Harbeson, Martha Harbeson, Kathleen Hensley, Darian Higdon, Fr. Mike Hilderbrand, Pat Hollkamp, Tracy Lee Huber, Curtis Ingram, Aiden Johnson, Peggy Kelshaw, Caitlyn King, Stephen Korty, Bill Martin, Monica Martin, Travis & Stacy Morgan, Tom Murphy, Joe Natale, Mitch Newland, Mary Ann Pemberton, James (Tree) Phillips, Pat Phillips, Lisa Reynolds, Marie Schafer, Aiden Skees, Zack Thise, Keegan Traub, Lucy Tormoehlen, Judy Vannoy, Cassielle Wafford, Beverly Westerhouse, Logan Westerhouse, Alice Williams, Barbara Yochum, Kenneth Yost, Emma Yount
Deceased Wed., Dec. 15 – Florence DeVary
Names will remain on the list for 6 months unless you tell us to remove them or request that they be kept longer.
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MEN & WOMEN WHO ARE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
Matthew Beer, Brandon Beswick, Donald Bloss, Michael Bower, Jonathan Dean, Cathy Jo Donahue, Christopher Donahue, Joseph Kyle Donahue, John Emery, David Fouts, Sam Goffinet, Bradley Guernsey, Christopher Hahn, Steven Hahn, Dustin Kavanaugh, B. J. Meredith, Brian Meredith, John Mulhall, Stephen Mulhall, Thomas Mulhall, Joshua Mullins, Roman Nalley, Kyle Ruiz, Jay Rutledge, Travis Williams, Troy Williams
If you know someone who needs to be put on this list, please call the Rectory.
Collections for Dec. 19
St. Michael $ 3,932.01
St. Francis Xavier $ 1,359.00
The Food Pantry at Henryville is in need of our help all year long. The ecumenical food pantry is located at the First Baptist Church and is open the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. They need donations of nonperishable food items. You may place items in a container at the door of the church.
All St. Michael/St. Francis Xavier information and forms are now available on our website:
Thurs. Dec. 30 is the next Special Religious Education class, 7-8 p.m.
The Catholics Returning Home program will be presented at Our Lady of Perpetual Help beginning Mon.,Jan. 3, 7:30-9:00 p.m. The program consists of 6 consecutive Mon. evening sessions designed to welcome non-practicing Catholics back to their faith. For more info go to call Ann Marie at 949-7685, Ryan at 502-338-3158, or e-mail to .
Middle School Youth and Families are invited to join the deanery parishes for the annual Winter Movie Morning at the Corydon Cinemas on Sat., Jan. 8. The movie will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and will cost $6 per person. Contact John Jacobi at 812-364-6173 or your parish youth minister.
The next Virtus Training will be Mon., Jan. 10, 6:30-9:00 at St. Joe Hill with William Brewer.
New Albany Deanery Catholic Youth Ministries
945-2000
Check them out at or
Young Adults
The deanery is forming a young adult co-ed volleyball team(s) this winter to participate in the Parks Department winter league. The 10 week league runs from Jan 17 thru Mar 25 and is a great opportunity for fellowship and exercise. Games will be played on Mon. evenings starting between 6:30 and 7:00 P.M. The cost of $30 covers league fee and t-shirt. Invite your friends to play – each team needs 10 people (5gals, 5guys). Register on-line at by Jan.10. For more info contact Tim at .
College Age
Jan. 3 & 4 – Winter Retreat
A time to meet with friends, old and new, as you discover the deeper meaning of faith as it plays out in your life. Registration deadline Dec. 29. Cost $30
Grades 11 & 12
Jan. 15-16 – On the Journey
Where are you headed in life? Every day we are met with choices that will either lead us closer to or farther away from God. This retreat will help you make the right call.
Registration is now open for the 2011 Deanery March for Life Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., Jan. 22-25. Registrations are due Dec. 17. , or Leah at 945-2000.
ST. MICHAEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
812-256-3503, Rita Poff, Director
Mon-Fri., 7AM-6PM
Infant Care
Day Care: Full or part time for ages 2-6
Before & After Care: ages 6-12
Summer Camp: ages 6-12
Pre-School: 9-11:30AM, Tues. & Thurs.
Pre-K: 9-11:30AM or 12:30-3PM, Mon., Wed., & Fri.
Full Day Accredited Kindergarten: 8:20AM-2:40PM
Other Catholic Schools
Pre-K thru Grade 6: St. Paul 246-3266
Grades 7-12: Our Lady of Providence 945-2538