HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Phone: 251-865-6902
P. O. Box 417, Grand Bay, AL 3641 Fax: 251-865-1412
Email: Parish website:
Pastor:
Fr. Anthony Kadavil ()
Secretary:
Rev.Deacon Billy Graham
Parish Council President:
Mr. Steve Sema Jr. ()
Finance Council President:
Mrs. Paula Rials
CCD Coordinator & Youth Director:
Mrs. Karen Day
May Jesusbe rebornin your heart and life every day of the New Year 2014. May He radiate His presence from within you as sharing love, unconditional forgiveness, humble service, a compassionate heart and overflowing generosity.May the Holy Babe of Bethlehem bless you with health in body and soul and grant you a peaceful and blessed New Year.
Sunday School Classes & Youth Group programs: There will not be any CCD classes & youth program on Sunday December 22nd and Sunday December 29th. Classes will resume on January 5th.
The New Year Day and the Feast of Mary Mother of God: Mass schedule:The vigil Mass is at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31st, and Feast of Mary the mother of God & New Year Day Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1st. Remember that this is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics so be sure to schedule Mass into your activities.
A Special Parish Thank You”goes out to everyone that helped to decorate the church for Christmas. The church is beautiful and we appreciate your time and energy.
“Special Thanks”: Mrs.Mickey Poirier and her family wish to thank everyone from the parish family for their prayers and support during their time of loss of Lynn Porier. They would like to thank everyone who participated in the Mass and provided food for the reception.
2014 Tithing contribution envelopes are now available for pickup. You can find yours’ on the glass table in the church hall
2014 St. John the Baptist Calendarsare now available on the glass table in the Church Hall. Please take only one to allow everyone to get one.
Birthdays of this Week: Dec. 29th; Ingrid Glennon: 31st; Louis Jones: Jan 1st; Spencer Kerns 2nd; James Jackson. Known Wedding Anniversaries: Dec 29th: Betty Jane & Chuck Pierce.
Mass Intentions of this week: of December 28th, 2013 thru January 3rd, 2014:
Saturday the 28th: ------For the eternal repose of the souls of deceased members of the parish
Sunday the 29th: ------For the Parish Community
Monday the 30th: ------For the eternal repose of the soul of Steve Sema, Sr. by Deborah Sema
Tuesday the 31st: 8 a.m. Mass------For the request of Father James McCormick
Tuesday the 31st: Vigil 6 p.m. ------For the eternal repose of the souls of deceased members of the parish
Wednesday the 1st: ------New Years Day Mass for the Parish Community
Thursday the 2nd & Friday the 3rd: ----- For the eternal repose of the soul of Steve Sema, Sr. by Deborah Sema.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Classes for 2013-14 started on the 7th of September with the following participants: 1) Ruth Riddick, 2) Mr. Lance & 3) Mrs. Jessica Wendling, 4)Lynn Goodwin, 5) Brandon Goodwin, 6) Roxi Owens, 7) Pamela Fey, and sponsors Veronica Stewart and Andrew Vancleave. Please invite your non Catholic friends, spouse, would be spouse, interested in learning about Catholic faith, to give their names to Fr. Tony or Rev. Billy Graham. The classes will be taken in the lobby of the church from 7 to 8 pm on Thursdays.
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 “K of C” written on it and we will know that it is to stock the food bank. We have the holidays coming up and we need to build up the stock so that we can help those in need.
RCIA& Faith Formation Lesson and Sunday homilies are uploaded in our parish website
The “Grass Cutting” Schedule
for the coming summer months is complete. You may take a copy off the glass table in the church hall so that you will know when it is your time to help.
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.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
February 4th to 13th, 2014. Sites to visit are Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem and more. There will be daily Mass at the Holy Sites. For a flyer and more information call Cathie or Mike Milano at 1-800-773-2660.
St. Paul Pilgrimage: Father Savoie (St. Pius X Church, Mobile) will be sponsoring a pilgrimage tracing the "Footsteps of Saint Paul" during June of 2014, including visits to Athens, Thessaloniki, Patmos, Philippi, Corinth, and more, plus an evening in Vienna Austria. For an online brochure, please visit or call 471-2449.
Schedules for the various Ministers of the Massfor the next quarter is available on the glass table in the church hall.
Regular Collection (Dec 15 & 22):$4,817.00
Volunteers
Altar Care-December
Mickey Poirier & Maria Switzer
Church Cleaning: Jan 4, 5
Martha Delmas & Pat Potter
Sunday –Jan 4 , 5 PM
Altar Server (Green) EMHC Lector Usher / Greeter
Sam Clark, James Graham Rhonda Cauley Kayla Graham Chuck Pierce, Paul Pigorsch
Daryl Kirchoff Nina Bohl Jackie Price Wayne Jackson, Eugene Poiroux
Sunday –Jan 5 , 10:00AM
Jason Poiroux, Trey Roberts Charlie Clark Michelle Cook Mike & Jimmy Marchand
Paul Delmas Ida Clark Autumn Bowden Avis Garrett, 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
James Cauley, Barbara Werneth, Kenny Kirchoff, Jim Kimble, Mary Rambo, Voncille Hulcher, Alice Bedwell, Joel Rivera, Terry Roberts, Susan Taylor, Wayne Seumur, Francis Norris, , Bernie Nelson, Miss Pink Pridgen, Kim Pridgen, Clyde Shores, Glen Haab, Isabel Rel, Haley Holder, Lakeshia Johnson, Gary Sherman, Reverend Manuel Williams, Elizabeth Schmidt, John Atchison, Robert Headley, Ida Clark, Johnny Hill, Frank Church, Jared Hoken, Diana Abrams, Jimmy Murphy, Joe Ecker, Cody Driskell, Katie, Haley, Msgr. Joseph Jennings, Bea Muth, Hinleigh Hall, Ryan Keith Malone, Father Frank Sofie, Linda Graham, Dave Matern, Virginia Gable, Joseph Gable, Andrew Taylor, Doris Wilson, Glenda Poiroux, Ronald Norris, Diane Watts, Joyce Myrick, Daniel Dorriety, Tiffany Fontenot, Paula Weatherly, Varetta Tulos, James Cauley, Harrand Broussard, Father Francis Cusack, Lin Le Cho, Ginse, Maria, Phansico, Isave, Lincy, Katie Nielsen, Richard Arnold, Louis Poiroux, Homer Campbell, Jimmy Marchand, Daniel Lee Pridgen, 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, , Ellisworth Alford, O. T. Ellet, Jared Horn and for all those serving in the Armed Forces.
Pray for the Deceased of the Parish
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 intentionsof other sick and deceased relatives and friends.
Pray for those serving in the Armed ForcesTravis Wilson, SPC Jackson Triston, Jr., and Captain Will Hurd.
Sunday Homilies: Feed Your Soul
Synopsis: Holy Family Sunday (Dec 29) homily on 2:13-15, 19-23
Introduction: On the last Sunday of the year, wecelebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Weare here to offer all the members of our own families on the altar forGod’s blessing. The first reading is a commentary on the fourth commandment: "Honor your father and your mother." Ben Sirachhas many good things to say about living properly according to the Torah.Sirach reminds children of their duty to honor their parents – even when it becomes difficult. He also mentions the two-fold reward which God promises to those who honor their father and mother. The first reward is “riches,” and the second long life: “Whoever reveres his father will live a long life.” He reminds children that God blesses them if they obey revere and show compassion to their father. Paul, in the letter to the Colossians, advises us that we should put on love and remain thankful in our relationships with one another. Paul’s advice is part of the "Household code" – the rules for members of the Christian family. Though the details date to Paul’s time, the underlying message of being careful with one another – being full of care – is timeless. Paul teaches that children should learn and practice noble qualities like compassion, kindness, forgiveness and sharing in the warmth of the family. In a truly holy family all members are respected, cherished, nurtured and supported, united through the bond of love. Today’s Gospel describes how Joseph and Mary protected the Child Jesus from the sword of King Herod by escaping with him to Egypt.
Life messages: 1) We need to learn lessons from the Holy Family: The Church encourages us to look to the Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph for inspiration, example and encouragement. They were a model familyin which bothparents worked hard, helped each other, understood and acceptedeach other, and took good care of their Child so that He might grow up not only inhuman knowledge but also as a Child of God.
2) We need to make the family a confessionalrather than a courtroom. A senior Judge of the Supreme Court congratulated the bride and groom in a marriage with a pertinent piece of advice: “See that you never convert your family into a courtroom; instead let it be a confessional. If the husband and wife start arguing like attorneys in an attempt to justifytheir behavior, their family becomes a court of law and nobody wins. On the other hand,if the husband and the wife -- as in a confessional --are ready to admit their faults andtry to correct them,thefamily becomes a heavenly one.”
3) Marriage is a sacrament of holiness. Each family is called to holiness. By the sacrament of marriage, Jesus sanctifies not only the spouses but also the entire family. The husband and wife attain holiness when they discharge their duties faithfully, trusting in God, and drawing on the power of God by prayer. L-13
I have a question!
Why and how we should take New Year resolutions: A New Year's resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to one or more lasting personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. It is generally a goal someone sets out to accomplish in the coming year. The popular goals include resolutions to improve physical and spiritual health, finances, career, education, social skills and adjustability. Judaism's New Year, Rosh Hashanah, culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) challenges the Jews to reflect upon their wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness. The Christian fasting period of Lentin the New Year is intended to atone for sins and to practice better self control over ones emotions and evil habits and make whole hearted commitment to one’s duties. But recent research shows that only 12% actually achieved the goals of their New Year resolutions. But with motivated perseverance, reliance in God’s assistance and strong determination to achieve the goal, anyone can keep his or her New Year resolutions. As Christians let us resolve to draw nearer to God and Christ by having a daily reading program of God's living and abiding Word and by being diligent in prayer to recharge our spiritual batteries in order to do good to others and to avoid evil. Let us also resolve to draw closer to our brothers and sisters in our community by engaging in acts of charity. As the old saying goes, today is the first day of the rest of your life. May it be a day you'll long remember because you decided to make a conscious choice to become cause to a new effect in 2014.
Visit our website: for:
Sunday Homilies
118 - Questions & Answers and
66 - Faith Formation Lessons
All are welcome with open hearts, open minds and open doors.
No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church, No matter what your current family or marital situation, No matter what your past or present religious situation, No matter your personal history, age, background, race, etc., No matter what your own self-image or esteem, you are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Grand Bay!
We come together as a parish family to draw our life from the Eucharist and other sacraments.
As believers we participate fully, consciously and actively in the liturgy of the Church and seek to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and action.
We commit ourselves to worship, education, stewardship and service as we extend our hand to others in need and to those who wish to join the church.
By the grace of God, after the example of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we dedicate ourselves to accomplish our mission within and beyond our community.
Photos of the great pastors who guided the destiny of our parish
Please visit St. John the Baptist Catholic parish website:
the full text of the
Sunday homily, Sunday bulletin, 66 Adult Faith Formation Lessons and Question of the Week (1-121).