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ADVENT III SUNDAY
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Phone: 251-865-6902P. O. Box 417, Grand Bay, AL 3641 Fax: 251-865-1412
Email: Parish website: www.StJohnGrandBay.org
Pastor:
Fr. Anthony Kadavil ()
Secretary:
Rev.Deacon Billy Graham
Parish Council President:
Mr. Steve Sema Jr. ()
Finance Council President:
Mrs. Paula Rials
CCD Coordinator: Mrs. Tiffany Teofilo
Youth Director: Mrs. Karen Day
Sunday school classes (CCD) start at 8-45 a.m. and Our Youth group classes begin at 11. am.
The second Collection this week is for the “Retired Religious.”
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Advent penance service: The Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Christmas will be conducted in our church at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 19th, this week. Three priests will be present for hearing confessions. Our CCD students will have their Sacrament of Reconciliation between 9 am and 9 40 a.m. this Sunday.
Remember in your prayers: Caryn Suthoff, who was in our prayer list, passed away Friday morning at 3:30am at Springhill Hospital due to aggressive cancer. She was 24 years old and had only been married 6 months. She is the niece of Jackie & Jason Poiroux and cousin to Rachel, Katherine, & Aaron. Let us pray for the eternal repose of her soul and for God’s consolation and blessings for her family.
Deacon Graham will be back in the office this Tuesday, December 16th.
Christmas baskets & Christmas aid: The Golden Group has distributed their Christmas baskets and the Ladies Sodality and the Sunday school students have given their Christmas aid to the neediest families. God bless their hearts.
Ministers of the Mass schedule for December is on the glass table. Please take a copy if you are on the list.
A blank “Ministers Schedule” for “Christmas” and “New Years” is on the glass table. Please sign up for the Mass that you plan to attend
Your contribution envelopes: The tithing or contribution envelopes for the year are placed alphabetically on two tables in the church lobby. Please remember top take them home and use it generously as a part of your stewardship.
“2B Baby shower” sponsored by the “Golden Group” is being held at St. John’s from November 15, 2014 through January 4, 2015. Please support this shower by bringing diapers, wipes, baby bath wash, diaper cream, cloths, blankets, beds, car seats, or anything you think a baby would need. Items can be placed in or beside the crib in the church hall. Thank in advance for your generosity.
A 5K Race benefitting Mobile’s non-profit organizations will be January 31st, 2015 at 8 am at the University of South Alabama Intramural Fields. Register on line at http://www.thecharitychase.com/ or at McCoy Outdoor (Mobile), Run-N-Tri (Mobile) or at Running Wild (Fairhope).
Pilgrimage to Italy in June of 2015: Join Fr David Tokarz for a guided pilgrimage to holy places in Italy: Assisi, Siena, the Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, the Holy House of Loreto, the burial face-cloth of Jesus in Manoppello, the shrine of Padre Pio at San Giovanni Rotondo, Rome, and more. For further information and to make reservations, contact .
Confirmation Preparation classes: All students entering into the 9th, 10th or 11th grade and who have not received confirmation are requested to be present for the Confirmation Preparation class by Deacon Graham at 8-45 am every Sunday in the Education Building.
The Catholic Youth Organization of the Archdiocese of Mobile invites any of our CCD students who are interested in participating in sports to join the CYO. They offer many sports for students in grades 2 through 8. In the fall they offer football, soccer, volleyball, cheer leading, & tennis. Students will be placed on teams that are convenient to the Grand Bay area. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Paul Knapstein, Director for the CYO for our area.
Birthdays of this Week: Dec 13th; Jimmy Holland: 14th; Greg Keffer: 15th; Rachel Poiroux: 16th; Gypsy Keffer, Carol Voss: 17th; Lynda Jones: 19th; Richard Kerns: Wedding Anniversaries: 13th; Michelle and Michael Cook: 15th; Becky and Patrick Murray:
Mass Intentions of this week: December 13-19:
Sat. the 13th:------For the eternal repose of the souls of deceased parishioners
Sun. the 14th:------For the Parish Community
Dec. 15th, 16th & 17th: ---- For the eternal repose of the souls of relatives/friends of Carolyn Bidlingmaier
Dec. 18th: ------For the eternal repose of the soul of Lynn Poirier by Mickey Poirier
Dec. 19th: ------For the eternal repose of the souls of relatives/friends of Gerald & Mary Kay Brannan
Our Food Bank is really running low on food. The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a year round food drive to help feed those in need. Catholic Charities requests your generous food contributions. Besides, Fr Tony always has request from people in need for food. We request everyone to bring in food items that can be turned into a meal for up to 4 people. If you prefer to give money you can just leave it in an envelope in the collection basket with “For Food Bank” written on it and we will know that it is meant for our parish food bank.
Items for Soldier’s Needs: Please don’t forget to bring items for soldiers’ needs: Shaving cream, disposable razors, solid deodorant, bars of soap/body wash, anti-bacteria cleaner, shampoo, tooth paste, dental floss, personal handy-wipes, personal hygiene items for women, foot powder, insect repellent, flea collars (they put them around their ankles), chopstick, athlete’s foot powder/spray, sun block lotion, sun shades, protective safety dust masks, socks, sweat headbands, batteries (AAA, AA, C), DVD movies, cards, writing tablets, paper, pens, envelopes, reading materials, snacks: cookies, gum, crest, life-savers, mints, pudding, crackers, sardines, chicken, tuna, salmon, jerky, peppermints, kool-aid, gatorade, tea/coffee. Put items in the designated box in the Parish Hall.
Help us keep flowers at the altar
The slotted wooden box on the glass table in the Parish Hall will receive donations for flowers. If you wish to give flowers for a specific remembrance or thanksgiving there is a sign-up flower chart on the wall to the left of the front doors.
New CDs
There are new CDs in the CD stack. Each CD costs $ 3. You can have 9 CDs for $ 25. CD on the revised Mass is now available.
Regular $ 2562-00 / Bldg Fund $ 392-00
Volunteers
Altar Care- DECEMBER
Ida Clark & Lynda Jones
Church Cleaning: Dec 20, 21
Rhonda Cauley & Paullette Cauley
Saturday –December 20 5 p.m.
Altar Server EMHCEMHGC Lector Usher / Greeter
James Graham, Daryl Kirchoff Reggie Stewart Karen White Wayne Jackson, Paul Pigorsch
Sam Clark Greg Keffer Jay Graham Eugene Poiroux, Chuck Pierce
Sunday – December 21: 10 a.m.
Lyman Ramsay, Ty Teofilo Michelle Cook Autumn Bowden Mike Marchand, Ron Cauley
Hayden Teofilo Maria Switzer John McBride Mike Courtney, Tom Thornton
If you are scheduled to serve at Mass and find that you cannot serve, it is NECESSARY that you arrange for a substitute. Please take your responsibility seriously. If you are interested in serving as an Altar Server, Eucharistic Minister, Lector or as an Usher, please let Fr. Tony or the Office know of your willingness to serve. We especially need Usher/Greeters for the Saturday Mass.
Remember the sick in your Prayers our sick brothers and sisters:
Sr. Maria Bernarda Kadavil, Joyce Rudberg, Jimmy Marchand, Jennifer Patronas, Joe Ecker, Cody Driskell, Jennifer Patronas, Connie Stringfellow, Josh Ellis, Mary Kirchoff, Beth Gibson, Fr. Russell Biven, Cheryl Humphrey Thompson, Jay Stallone, Kenny Kirchoff, Emma Barber, Ali Ray, Caryn Sutoff, Gerald Brannan, Hanner Gassaway, Rylyn Kuntz, Addie Thompson, Voncille Hulcher, B. J. Broussard, Clair Waite, Avery Collier, Julia Raleigh, Evelyn Robison, Jean Mitchell, Andrea Graham, Fr. Andrew Stauter, Steven Butler, Sarah Butler, Chris Sassano, Tammy Asch, Mary Rambo, Delaine Pigorsch, Joel Rivera, Alice Bedwell, Susan Taylor, Wayne Seymour, James Cauley, Miss Pink Pridgen, Kim Pridgen, Clyde Shores, Glen Haab, Haley Holder, Lakeshia Johnson, Gary Sherman, Reverend Manuel Williams, Elizabeth Schmidt, John Atchison, Johnny Hill, Jared Hoken, Diana Abrams, Msgr. Joseph Jennings, Hinleigh Hall, Ryan Keith Malone, Father Frank Sofie, Linda Graham, Dave Matern, Virginia Gable, Andrew Taylor, Doris Wilson, Diane Watts, Daniel Dorriety, Tiffany Fontenot, Harrand Broussard, Katie Nielsen, Richard Arnold, Louis Poiroux, Homer Campbell, Jimmy Marchand, Arlene Wissman, Becky Thompson, Sally Thompson, Peggie Huber, Dale Thompson, Jane Thompson, Andy Thompson, Callie Massey, Angela Heardon, Rita George, Edgar Broussard, Lillian Broussard, Robert Broussard, Jerry Blair, Michael Stairs, Amanda Illingsworth, Ray Bribsey, Dorothy Barnes, Jared Horn and for all those serving in the Armed Forces.
Pray for the deceased of the parish: Jean Mitchell, Veretta Tulos, Jim Kimble, Lynn Poirier, Phillip Marchand, Sue Kirchoff, Mary Sanders, Margaret Jackson, Catherine Schnadelbach, Darlene Alexander, Patrick Marchand, Steve Sema, Sr., Mary Marchand and Sis Marchand. Also pray for the eternal repose of the souls of Rev. Monsignor Hugh Maguire, Rev. Monsignor Francis Cusack and Rev. Monsignor Robert Fulton.
Pray for the special intentions of other sick and deceased relatives and friends.
Pray for those serving in the Armed Forces: Travis Wilson, SPC Jackson Triston, Jr., Captain Will Hurd, Bryant Bailey & Zachery Bailey.
Pray for the Deceased dear ones of the Parish: Jean Mitchell, Jim Kimble, Veretta Tulos, Barbara Werneath, Lynn Poriere, Philip Marchand, Dolores Miller, Sue Kirchoff, Mary Sanders, Margaret Jackson, Darlene Alexander, Lewis Wright Carroll, Catherine Schnadelback, Mary Marchand, Steve Sema, Rick Marchand and Ciss Marchand. & Rev. Msgr. Cusack former Vicar for priests and Rev. Msgr. Robert Fulton.
Pray for the special intentions of other sick and deceased relatives and friends.
Pray for our former parishioners who are now serving in the Armed Forces Travis Wilson, SPC Jackson Triston, Jr., and Captain Will Hurd.
Synopsis of Homily for Advent III Sunday John 1: 6-8, 19-28
Video homily by Fr. Bill Grimm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7bSeTa7Ymo&feature=player_embedded
http://en.radiovaticana.va/ > Features > Liturgical Reflections
Advent III [B] Gaudete Sunday (Dec 14) Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
Synopsis: Introduction: The third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday” because the Mass for today (in its original Latin text), begins with the opening antiphon: “Gaudete in Domino semper”--“Rejoice in the Lord always.” To remind ourselves that we are preparing for the very joyful occasion of the birth of Jesus, we light the rose candle, and the priest may wear rose vestments. The common theme of the day’s Scripture readings is one of joy and encouragement. The readings urge us to make the preparations required from us as we await the rebirth of Jesus in our hearts and lives. Holy Scripture reminds us that the coming of Jesus, past, present and future, is the reason for our rejoicing.
Scripture lessons: The first reading tells us that we should rejoice because the promised Messiah is coming as our Savior to save us by liberating us from our bondages. In today’s Responsorial Psalm, Mary exclaims: "My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my Savior." St. Paul, in the second reading, advises us to “rejoice always” by leading a blameless, holy and thankful life guided by the Holy Spirit, because Christ is faithful in his promise that he will come again to reward us. Today’s Gospel tells us that John the Baptist came as a witness who would testify to the Light, i.e., Jesus, and the coming of Jesus the Light into the world is the cause for our rejoicing because he removes the darkness of sin from the world. We have an additional reason to rejoice because, like John the Baptist, we, too, are chosen to bear witness to Christ Jesus, the Light of the world. So it is our duty to fill our lives with Christ’s Light so that we may radiate it and shed light in the dark lives of others around us through sharing love, overflowing mercy, unconditional forgiveness and humble service.
Life message: 1) We need to bear witness to Christ the Light. Our mission as brothers and sisters of Christ and members of his Church is to reflect Christ’s Light to others, just as the moon reflects the light of the sun. It is especially mportant during the Advent seasonthat we reflect Christ’ssharing love and his unconditional forgiveness. There are too many people who live in darkness and poverty, and who lack real freedom because of their evil addictions and bad choices. There are others who are deafened and blinded by the cheap attractions of the world.Many others feel lonely, unwanted, rejected, and marginalized. Let us bring the true Light of Christ to illumine the lives of all these brothers and sisters during this Advent season through our sharing love, overflowing mercy, unconditional forgiveness and humble service. We will be able to accomplish this witnessing mission of radiating Christ’s Light only by repenting of our sins, asking God’s pardon every day and renewing our lives by our daily prayers, by frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation, by attending and taking part in the Eucharistic celebration, the daily, meditative reading of the Bible and the active doing of corporal and spiritual works of mercy where we see these are needed.
Was Jesus really born on December 25th? You’ll find strong opinions on both sides of this question, with some saying definitely yes and some saying definitely no. Although the Church today liturgically celebrates the birth of Our Lord on December 25th, whether this is the exact date of his birth is a question that the Teaching authority (Magisterium) has not settled. So we are free to accept the date as true date of birth of Jesus or deny it. The important thing is that Jesus was born as a child in Bethlehem. The Bible does not specify a date or month. One problem with December is that it would be unusual for shepherds to be “abiding in the field” at this cold time of year when fields were unproductive. The normal practice was to keep the flocks in the fields from Spring to Autumn. Also, winter would likely be an especially difficult time for pregnant Mary to travel the long distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem (70 miles). “A more probable time would be late September, the time of the annual Feast of Tabernacles, when such travel was commonly accepted. Since no one knows the day of his birth, the Roman Catholic Church felt free to chose this date. The Church might wished to replace the pagan festival with a Christian holy day (holiday). Since Rome dominated most of the “Christian” world for centuries, the date became tradition throughout most of Christendom.