St. Michael & St. Francis Bulletin December 5th & 6th, 2015 Pastor: Fr. HarryTully
Second Sunday of Advent
IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS
Peace on earth. Good will toward all.An end to hunger, violence, and poverty.Freedom from overwork.Freedom to forgive and to love. Are these the dreams you have for Christmas this year? Today’s scriptures tell us they are not impossible. It is Advent, a time when we remember that God can calm the violence of our world, heal our hurting hearts, and inspire the most courageous and generous of deeds—in short, God can make seemingly impossible dreams come true.
But God will not do it without us. The sooner we start cooperating with God, the sooner the “mountains” of self-righteousness, the “gorges” of despair and complacency, and the “rough ways” of anger will be “made smooth.” John the Baptist invites us to repent and “prepare the way of the Lord” within our hearts, in our families, our communities, our churches, and our world.
“PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD”
What gives us the courage to “prepare the way of the Lord” as John the Baptist did? How can we continue to work, watch, and wait for the reign of God in a world where progress seems impossible? We are energized by the confident hope that Christ will ultimately triumph over every mountain, gorge, and rough way. The Christ who came into human history once and comes to save each of us from sin day by day will indeed come again to establish his reign of justice over the whole universe so that “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” We express the fullness of this Advent hope when we proclaim together in our Memorial Acclamation at Mass: “Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.”
Hope strengthens us to keep preparing the way of the Lord until he comes in glory.
Today’s Readings: Baruch 5:1–9; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 1:4–6, 8–11; Luke 3:1–6
St. MichaelCharlestown
Eucharist
Sat – 4:30 pm
Sun – 11 am
La Misa en Español
Domingo – 12:30 pm / Fr. Harry Tully, Pastor
Emergency #812-218-9219 or 502-931-1499
Website -
St. Michael - 101 St. Michael Drive, Charlestown, In 47111
Ph. 812-256-3200 - Fax 775-307-6142
E-Mail -
Office Hours – 9:00 am-1:30 pm Tues. Wed., & Fri.
St. Francis Xavier – 101 North Ferguson, Henryville, IN 47126
Ph. 812-294-4682 - Fax 775-307-6142
Office Hours – Thursday 9:30am-2:00pm
Reconciliation – 4:00 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 – Must be a practicing/registered member for three months. Please contact the DRE: St. Michael–Juliann Eickholtz, St. Francis–Father Tully
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
Eucharist
Sunday
At 9:00 am
Las Horas de Oficina - 8:30 am-1 pm Martes, Miércoles, y Viernes
Reconciliación – 12:00 el ultimo domingo de cada mes o llama la Rectoría
Casamiento – contactarse con el padre un año antes el día de la boda.
Advenimiento y Cuaresma no son los tiempos apropiados para bodas.
Los Bautismos de los Bebés o los Adultos Afiliando a la Iglesia – Por favor, llama al Padre, o – Luz Elena 502-294-5976; a San Francisco
Miembros Nuevos de la Comunidad – Por favor, acérquense al Centro de información. También es necesario registrarse en la parroquia. Pregúntenos por el formulario de registro. / Los Enfermos Es muy importante comunicarse con el Padre (debido a las leyes privadas, los hospitales no se comunican con las iglesias).
Doctrina Cristiana: Las clases de educación religiosa para niños son cada domingo de 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. en la escuela. Recuerden que la Arquidiócesis requiere que los que van a recibir los sacramentos estén inscritos en las clases de religión.
Monaguillos: Los niños que quieran ayudar como monaguillos en el altar tienen su ensayo el segundo domingo de cada mes después de la misa de 11:00 a.m. Estos niños y niñas tienen que haberhecho la Primera Comunión. Los interesados comunicarse con Pbro.
St. Michael Early Childhood Center – Infancy Care, Pre-S, Pre-K, Kindergarten & Day Care
Rita Poff – Director – School Ph. 256-3503/ Infancy Care 256-3500
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 Mass Intentions
St. MSt. FX / 7 / Mon / No Mass
St. M / 8 / Tue / No Mass
St. M / 9 / Wed / 5:00 pm
7:00pm / Mass
Penance Service
St. FX / 10 / Thurs / 4:30pm / Mass
St. M / 11 / Fri / 9:00am / Mass
St. M / 12 / Sat / 4:30 pm / Florence DeVary
St. FX
St. M
St. M / 13 / Sun / 9:00 am
11:00 am
12.30 pm / Red & Frances Furnish
John Goedeker
En Español
Pastor’s Corner
Dear Parishioners,
This second Sunday of Advent introduces us to the one crying out in the desert John the Baptist. Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Johns’ presence is twofold. First he is challenging the people to get ready for the coming of the “King” and messiah. Secondly his is a challenge to the people to be witnesses themselves for the king as he is. While many were impressed by this man, their eyes were closed to the king/messiah when he came. How are we hearing the challenge to prepare and how have we accepted the challenge to be like John, a witness to his presence.
This coming week we will enter into the jubilee year of Mercy. A year opening us to the abundant mercies of God. The Church proclaims the great things the Lord has done for us and continues to do so that we may be filled with joy. God’s Mercy is good news showing us and the whole world that there is hope for all people. While we celebrate this in the Mass every day in this year especially we participate in its proclamation through our works and deeds. Extending the invitation to accepts God’s gift to our families and friends and hopefully create a new, more humane world. Isn’t that what we all want and hope for?
Please be faithful in prayer for the intervention of God, moving the hearts of all people to thoughts of peace. The scriptures are full of God responding to the cries of His people in need and we are in need of His assistance now. And may we not only pray for peace but be people who live peace and promote it always.
In His Peace, Fr. Tully
Aging religious need your help. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests spent years working in Catholic schools, hospitals and agencies, often for little pay. Their sacrifices leave their religious communities without adequate savings for retirement and eldercare. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious collection helps provide prescriptions medications, nursing care and more. Please give to those who have given a lifetime.
Collection
November 21 & 22
St. Michael $ 2,857.00
St. Francis Xavier $ 1,258.00
November 28 & 29
St. Michael $ 4,107.00
St. Francis Xavier $ 1,496.00
ST. MICHAEL
Rosary at 4:00before Saturday Evening Mass
Rosary at 10:30 before Sunday Mass
Mass Intentions
Saturday Evening: Julia Lucille (Nord) Gatsos
Sunday 11:00 am: Mary Brusca
Sunday 12:30 pm: The Latino Community
The Prayer Group at St. Michael welcomes everyone to come and pray with them at 6:00pm every Monday in the Church.
Bible Study Class
Bible study class is every Monday at 7:00pm.
Faith Formation News: Preschool thru High School-We need assistants each Sunday.
We ask the parishioners to bring non perishable food items to be donated to the North Clark Outreach Center. There will be a wooden box in the church for donations. Thank you for your contributions.
Faith Formation Calendar
Dec 6- Session Fifteen
Dec 13 - Session Sixteen, Rosary & Music Practice 11:00 Youth Mass, Youth Choir (Grades 3-4)
Dec 21- Youth Choir Practice Christmas Program
Dec 27- Christmas Break
Faith Formation Commission is making plans for the Birthday Bash on Saturday, January 9th. Let a commission member know if you would like to host a table. Birthday Bash Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 9th at 6:30pm in the Rectory Meeting Room.
Plans are in the making for a Parish Christmas Program before the Christmas Eve 5:00pm Mass. Practice times will be Sunday morning at 10:00am on December 6th and December 21st. The dress rehearsal will be on December 21st. Youth of the parish are encouraged to participate regardless of which school they attend. Please let Nathan Fouts or Juliann know if your children will participate by Sunday, December 6th.
First Reconciliation Please keep in your prayers our First Reconciliation students: Alejandra Carrillo, Angel Carrillo, Juan Carrillo, Suri Carrillo Cassandra Carrillo, Kimberlyn Doherty, Kaylee Jackson, Alexzander Martinez, Sara Martinez, Maria Reyes Nino, Cameron Wimsett, Jordan Benitez, Jovanny Benitez, Katie Carrillo Rodriquez, Naydelin Carrillo Rodriquez, Lilli Anne Dumeyer, Stephen Nicholas Dumeyer, Jr. Suzanne Nicole Dumeyer, Jonathan Romero and Christian Sanchez.
Would you like to help decorate the Church for the Christmas Season?
We are planning to meet in church on Sunday, December 13th at 2:00pm to discuss plans for decorating the church.
Thank you, Anne Witten
A watch was found at St. Michael. If you think you lost a watch call the rectory or ask Father Tully.
St. Michael Ministries Schedule
Sat. Dec 12, 4:30pm– St. Michael
Eucharistic Ministers: S. Seals, Volunteer X 2
Servers: J. Worley
Gift Bearers: D/M Long Family
Cantors: Guitar Group
Musician: Guitar Group
Lector: S. Buit
Sun. Dec 13, 11:00 am – St. Michael
Eucharistic Ministers: J. Dean, C. Dunn, J. Kinder
Servers: S. Dumeyer
Gift Bearers: Grade 2 Rel Ed
Cantors: Youth Choir, J. Sarver
Musician: N. Kinder
Lector: C. Dunn
St. Michael/ St. Francis Penance Service
Get ready for Christmas this Advent by coming to the Penance Service on Wednesday, December 9th,7:00pm at St. Michael.
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
Sunday Mass Intention: Special Intention
The Fish Fry at St. Francis will be the first Friday of each month 5-7pm. Come out and enjoy! The menu includes fish, fries, slaw, fried biscuits, drinks & desserts. Thanks toeveryone for your support.
Faith Formation Classes
Dec 6- Feast of St. Francis Dinner, No Class
Dec 13- Class
Dec 20- Class
Dec 22/23 Live Nativity
St. Francis Xavier Ministries Schedule
Sun. Dec 13- 9:00am
Eucharistic Ministers: Toni Allen, Gino Couch, Janice Furnish
Servers: Aric Lyons, Amora Lyons, Aaron Banet
Ushers: Victor Jess, Cindy Murphy
Gift Bearers: Ken & Melissa Ulrich Family
Lector: Sara Becher
Second Sunday of Advent
Theme: We are getting ready to welcome Christ into our hearts!
Advent-The twofold character of Advent calls us to prepare for the Word made Flesh at Christmas and directs us to wait with alertness for Jesus’ second coming.
Step 1: What image lingers for you from this reading?
Step two: Look into your Life.
Children: What things do you do to get ready for a big event or celebration?
Youth & Adults: Advent is the Church Season when we prepare for Christ’s birth at Christmas. How do you share the Good News of Jesus with others?
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE. Friends of Catholic Youth Ministries are invited to stop by for some Holiday Cheer! Light snacks will be served. Thursday, Dec. 17, 4pm -8pm in our offices at Mt. St. Francis
RCIA- This past Sunday, St. Michael celebrated the Rite of Acceptance as the participants in the RCIA program are formally introduced to the parish as Catechumens who are studying, reflecting, and praying about our Catholic faith. Please keep in your prayers SueannDumeyer
RCIA Classes continue at St. Joe Hill School at 7:00pm Tuesday.
December 8- No Session
December 15- History & 4 Marks of the Church
December 22 & 29 No Sessions
“To everything there is a season and a time to every
purposeunder heaven a time to be born a time to love a time to heal a time to die and a time of peace.”
PLEASE PRAY FOR HEALTH & STRENGTH:
Betty Jo Banet, Allen Barker, Alicia Blair, Bea Beach, Billy Brand, Sherry Buit, Norma Carl, Darlene Carter, Alvin Collins, Jim Corcoran, Margie Cox, Bernice Donahue, Patrick Dunn, Mike Galligan, Don Hamerla, Rita Hamerla, Bill Hawkins, Shannan Hawkins, Gus Hoefer, Curtis Ingram, Kenny Jackson, Andy Korte, Michelle Korty, Chuck Ledbetter, Terri Lynn Maples, Cheryl Marcilliat, Michael Murphy, Esther Toby Nelson, Dora Nevins, Ian Newland, Mitch Newland, Janeson Payne, Ethan Phillips, Jennifer Richie, Joe Schindler, Clarence Smith, Dorothy Smith, John Speicher, Mariam State, Mark Thise, Teresa Thomas, Billy Wayne Upton, Tim Wafford, Nancy Williams, Paula Wolfe, Emma Yount.Names will remain on the list for 6 months unless you tell us to remove them or request that they be kept longer.
College Age Young Adults - What are you Thirsting for? Join us Thursday nights for faith sharing mixed with fellowship and game nights as we seek to quench our thirst with Christ! 7-9pm, Dec. 10 at the Catholic Youth Ministries Office. For a full list of Thursday dates go to Contact Jennifer for more info at 812-923-8355 or
Gather with friends over Christmas Break! Join us for a fun afternoon/evening of Lazer Tag and Pizza for College age young adults. Bring money for lazer tag and pizza. We will meet to carpool at 3pm, Tuesday, Dec. 22 at the Catholic Youth Ministries office at: 101 St. Anthony Dr., Mt St. Francis, IN 47146. Contact for more info. or visit us at
Family Advent Project – bowling pin bankscan be picked up at the Catholic Youth Ministry Office.. Donations from bowling pin bank will be used to support our Appalachian mission trips. The Project will culminate with a Bowl-a-thon – Dec. 28, beginning at noon. Bring your filled bowling pin bank to Eastern Lanes, Clarksville, IN. The bank gets you in – an additional $5 per person ($20) a family) for 3 games of bowling and shoe rental.To reserve your spot egister online at
Winter Bible Study –Psalms – The Aquinas Center will begin a 7 week study of Psalms in January. The Book of the Psalms is a unique collection of the song-prayers of Israel. To study Psalms is to study prayer, ultimately to enter into prayer. The study will challenge you to reflect on your own prayer and life experiences. Study to be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 on January 6, 13, 20, 27 & February 10, 17 & 24; preregister by 12/21 so materials can be ordered by calling the Aquinas Center 812-246-5044.
Adult Confirmation Program - The New Albany Deanery Catechetical Ministry Office is planning an Adult Confirmation Program beginning in February, 2016. This is a 6 session program designed for Adult Catholics who still have not been confirmed and is free to all registered parishioners of the New Albany Deanery. The classes will be held at the Aquinas Center from 6:30-8:30 on the following dates: 2/29, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11, 4/25 & 5/9. Adult Confirmation will be held at the Cathedral in Indianapolis on Sunday, May 15, 2016. Please call Christina Flum at 812-246-5044 or go to the Aquinas Center Website ( for more information. Pre-registration is requested
SAVE THE DATE: PROVIDENCE GALA 2016
Saturday, Jan. 23, at Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyard’s Plantation Hall.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, January 23, 2016, for the Our Lady of Providence Jr.-Sr. High School annual Gala Dinner & Auction beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyard’s Plantation Hall in Starlight. The Gala is a high-spirited fundraiser for Providence that includes a buffet dinner, live and silent auction, and much, much more!
Music is the Voice of the Church by
Thomas J. Rillo
We all cry out to the Lord with song
No one song is too short or too long
The notes like incense rise to the rafter
Heralding the journey to the hereafter.
Choir voices resound like those of an angel
Sounds of bell-like notes never to strangle
Freeing the soul to ascend closer to God
Helping faith to be true and not slipshod.
King David’s instruments of lute and harp
Today replaced by brass and string guitar
Music praising God from mountains on high
The joy and beauty makes the listener sigh.
Music in the Church is a way of praying
the psalms come alive with the singing
Singing from the pews by the young and aging
All are united with God in musical praying.
ST. MICHAEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
812-256-3503 Rita Poff Director
Mon-Fri. 7AM-6PM
Infant Care/Day Care: Full or part time
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