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December 10, 2017
www.hrcatholic.org 120 South Eastmoor Drive Post Office Box 67
New Bremen, OH 45869
419.629.2543
Mission: As a Christ centered family of faith, Holy Redeemer
is a Catholic community that shares our God-given gifts.
We welcome all while praying, teaching, and serving
the people God sends to us.
Eucharist: Parish Staff/Office: 419-629-2543
Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Thomas Dorn
Monday 7:00 p.m. 419-629-3031 [home]
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. [email protected]
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – 9-9 Deacon: Greg Bornhorst, 419-629-2780 [home]
Wednesday 12:05 p.m. [email protected]
Thursday 7:00 p.m. Accountant: Mary Eyink, 419-629-2226 [home]
Friday: 8:30 a.m. [email protected]
Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Coordinator of Elementary Religious Education:
Kathy Pape, [email protected]
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Coordinator of JH & HS Youth/Young Adult Ministry:
Monday & Thursday 6:15-6:45 p.m. Nick Clune, [email protected]
Tuesday & Friday 8:00-8:20 a.m. Coordinator of Junior & Senior High Religious Education:
Wednesday 11:30-11:50 a.m. Jenny Sailer, [email protected]
Saturday 4:00-4:30 p.m. Director of Liturgy and Music:
Nick Wilker, [email protected]
Normal Office Hours: Pastoral Associate/Adult Faith/Media & Tech:
Monday - Thursday 9:00-4:00 p.m. Brad Feltz, [email protected]
Friday 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Baptism:
Baptisms are scheduled through the parish office. Parents are expected to participate in the
baptism preparation program.
Marriage:
Engaged couples are expected to begin marriage
preparation at least six months in advance. Weddings
are not scheduled until after an initial meeting with the
pastor.
New Parishioners:
We would love to officially welcome you into our family.
Registration forms are available at the welcome desk,
In the media rack, on our website, or in the parish office.
Parish Hall Information: Contact parish office
Prayer Line: 419-629-2406, 419-629-2639, 419-629-2084
Pastoral Council: Chair: Leah Wente, 419-629-2640
Co-Chair: Jay McCollum 419-953-2849
Professional Counseling: Contact parish office
St. Marys Deanery Web Site: www.stmarysdeanery.com
LIVE THE LITURGY - INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK John the Baptist announced, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Does preparing a way for the Lord have priority in our lives? Often, we spend more time preparing paths for ourselves rather than a path for God. Advent calls us to take the focus off ourselves and put it on God. We prepare a path for God by practicing and living the virtues, being holy and devoted, patient and repentant, and attentive and humble. We are asked to bring comfort and healing to people and to show others by the way we live our lives that we have a higher calling and purpose. (Cycles of Faith)
OUR GIFT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S GIFT – December 3:
Total Envelopes Anonymous $6,501.44 $5,741.00 $692.54 Students Attendance $67.90 945
Electronic Giving: $7,902.00
November Month End Budget** Actual* Over/(Under)
$33,615.40 $30,095.64 $(3,519.76) * Monthly includes weekly collections & monthly electronic giving.
DID YOU KNOW: In response to the “For the
Harvest” program, the
Eucharistic Ministry to the sick
and/or shut-ins was started. In
January 1987, a group of
interested persons attended a
caring ministry program at
Maria Stein. Volunteers then
started bringing the Eucharist and Word of God to
parishioners that requested it. Today, this ministry
has grown into several teams that bring the Eucharist
to the hospital on Wednesdays, Elmwood on Fridays
and Sundays, and to sick and/or shut-ins on Sunday
after 8:00 a.m. Mass. If you know of someone that is
unable to make it to Mass and would like to receive the
Eucharist, please notify the parish office. It is not
necessary to be a regular Eucharistic Minster at Mass
to volunteer for this ministry – new members are
always welcome.
HELP NEEDED: Please consider stopping by to lend us a hand on Sunday, December 17, at 11:00 a.m. to decorate the church for Christmas. A lot of work goes into making the church beautiful and prayerful for the Christmas season, so the more help, the better.
MINISTRY SCHEDULES for January through April
2018, will be completed and sent
soon. One change in this
schedule will be that we will no
longer schedule Parish
Representatives (families that
represent the parish in bringing
up the gifts at Mass). We are currently looking for new
scheduling software that will help with this later, but for
now, we are going to ask for volunteers. If you are at a
Mass and would like to help out, please notify the ushers
when you arrive at Mass, and they will let you know when
to head to the back of church to bring forward the gifts. If
no volunteers, the ushers may be asking for volunteers
before Mass. You can sit anywhere but would walk to the
back just before the presentation of gifts.
BIBLE TIMELINE STUDY: Session 9 (Conquest & Judges) will be December 14th (7:45 p.m.) or Decemer 16th (9:30 a.m.). Read the Book of Joshua. And to go deeper, answer the questions in the book and read what is recommended. Please note, all books mentioned in the workbook or by Fr. Dorn are available for purchase at the Cornerstone. If you have not already done so, sign-up for Remind (@hrBible). As Always, pray before you read.
Youth Offertory Envelopes: Stewardship is based
on the idea that all we have and all we are comes from God. In order to thank God for our many blessings, we must give back a portion of the time, talent, and treasure that God
has blessed us with. With that in mind, we do want to encourage parents to teach stewardship to their children. However, in the past, we know that only around 10 youth give monetarily at Mass each week. We also end up with many boxes of envelopes in the trash or the parish landscaping. So, in 2018, we are going to make youth envelopes available only to those that want to periodically use the envelopes. We will start with 50 boxes available at the welcome desk in the back of church. We can order more as needed. Thank you for your continued support of Holy Redeemer.
SAVE THE DATE: The Parish Pay It Forward
Dinner will be held Sunday, January 28, 2018. Lunch will be provided and served at 11:30. Keep your eyes open for more details and sign ups after Christmas.
CHRISTMAS CARDS would be welcomed by former Holy Redeemer pastors and parishioners who live outside of New Bremen: Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon, Diocese of Joliet, 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403 Rev. Thomas Mannebach, 8815 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249-2718 Dorothy Bertke is at Briarwood Manor, 100 Desch Drive, Coldwater, OH 45828-1567 Rita Elking and Marie Will are at Heritage Manor, 24 North Hamilton Street, Minster, OH 45865 Joseph Kettler, 13101 Infirmary Road, Wapakoneta, OH 45895 Luella Klenke, Chuck Lampy, Joanne Vondenhuevel, Joan Wenning, Wilfred Wilker, and Theresa Will are at Elmwood 711 South Walnut Street, New Bremen, OH 45869
BOOK CLUB: The December meeting of the book club
will be on Dec. 12th. Note: time
change to 6:00 p.m. Our book for
December is “The Shadow of His
Wings” by Gereon
Goldmann. The astonishing true
story of the harrowing
experiences of a young German
seminarian drafted into Hitler's
dreaded SS at the onset of World
War II. Without betraying his
Christian ideals, against all odds,
and in the face of evil, Gereon
Goldmann was able to complete his priestly training, be
ordained, and secretly minister to German Catholic
soldiers and innocent civilian victims caught up in the
horrors of war. How it all came to pass will astound
you. For further information, Contact Linda Kuenning at
419-302-2223. All are welcome.
MASS SCRIPTURE READINGS & REFLECTIONS: December 10 – Second Sunday of Advent First Reading - Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11: A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! (Is
40:3) Around 550 BC, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed these words of comfort to the Israelites exiled in Babylon. Who needs to hear comforting words from you this Advent? Second Reading - 2 Peter 3:8-14: The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Pt 3:9) According to Peter, God’s delay in returning Christ to the world is so that “all should come to repentance.” How does this divine delay call us to holiness? Gospel - Mark 1:1-8: John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins... John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me.” (Mk 1:4, 6-7a) Mark opens his Gospel with a quote from the prophet Isaiah followed by a description of John the Baptist and a snapshot of his proclaiming. How do John’s words awaken you in this season of Advent?
A ROSE was placed near the Mary statue by Holy Redeemer’s Bereavement Committee in memory of Sandra Vondenhuevel. Please remember her family in your prayers.
Church Feast Days & Memorials December 11 to 17: 11 – St. Damasus 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe 13 – St. Lucy 14 – St. John of the Cross 17 – Third Sunday of Advent
Religious Education:
With the beginning of Advent, we also begin a new Liturgical Year. Stacie Steineman’s 1st grade class were taught about the Catholic Liturgical Year and the colors that go along with each season. I think we could all use a little refresher course: It begins with Advent. The liturgical colors for Advent are Purple and Rose. The next season is Christmas which begins on Christmas and goes through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The liturgical color for this season is white. The Christmas season is followed by Ordinary Time. Ordinary time after the Baptism of Jesus focuses on the early life and childhood of Christ and then on his public ministry. The color for Ordinary time is Green. The season of Lent is next, and it begins on Ash Wednesday and ends the final Saturday before Easter. The liturgical color of Lent is Purple. The Easter season begins with the Mass on Saturday evening (Holy Saturday) and goes through Pentecost. Pentecost is a celebration of the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. The liturgical color of Easter is white and of Pentecost is red. Ordinary time begins the day after Pentecost and continues until the beginning of Advent which starts the Liturgical year all over again. Like in the first season of Ordinary time the Liturgical color is green. So that is The Catholic Liturgical Year 101 in a short lesson.
Also, Saint Nicholas did make his way to all the Elementary CCD classes, but he chose not to have the children set out their shoes for his treat of gold coins. He thought it may be a little chaotic to have over 100 small children at each session find their shoes back and didn’t want to cause any harm to anyone. So, he tossed a bag of gold coins into each classroom just like he did many years ago, when he tossed coins into people windows who were poor.
-- Kathy Pape
This week the junior high started their gifts of thanks for the parish and the high school made their gifts of caring. Studies show that people who sincerely practice gratitude enjoy these benefits: Less depression, better impulse control, greater optimism, and positivity. Every parent wants his or her child to grow up happy and healthy. Gratitude can help develop that in a child’s life.
Next week the high school classes will deliver the gifts that were made this week. This year our gifts will be simpler with a heart balloon attached reminding us of the blessing of love sent to us at Christmas. This night always reminds me of a story I read in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book years ago. Here’s the story, hope you enjoy it as much as I did:
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. But once again, despite my plans, chaos
prevailed. I had cut back on nonessential obligations-- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and yes, even the all
American pastime, overspending. Yet, still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and,
of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old filled with hopes, dreams and
laughter. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be
working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd
be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, just as I promised, on the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed
in 10 minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly
scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-
legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other
than fun, commercial entertainment -- songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. The melodies were fun, cute
and lighthearted, but nowhere to be found was even the hint of an innocent babe, a manger, or Christ's sacred gift of hope and
joy. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love", I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters and bright snowcaps upon their heads.
Those in the front row -- center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would
sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding
up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her -- a small, quiet girl in
the front row who was holding the letter "M" upside down. She was entirely unaware, that
reversed, her letter "M" appeared as a "W." Fidgeting from side to side, she soon moved entirely
away from her mark. The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at the little one's mistake. But in her
innocence, she had no idea they were laughing at her as she stood tall, proudly holding her
"W". One can only imagine the difficulty in calming an audience of young, giggling students.
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter
was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood -- the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the
chaos there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
CHRIST WAS LOVE. And I believe He still is. -- Jenny Sailer
GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE
“People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him.” John the Baptist commanded quite a crowd. What was the attraction? Was it his unusual appearance—clothed in camel’s hair? Perhaps it was his bizarre eating habits—feeding on locusts and wild honey. Or maybe people were captivated by the Baptist’s remarkable humility in the face of such huge popularity—“I am not worthy.” Unlike our modern fascination with standing in the presence of superstars, the crowds who flocked to John weren’t looking for a thrill. They weren’t lining up for autographs. They were lining up for baptism. And they were acknowledging their sins at the same time. John was proclaiming “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” And people came because they were longing to experience the freedom of that forgiveness. John called them to conversion. To convert means to turn, in this case to turn away from sin. And the crowds were anxious to do so in order to “prepare the way of the Lord.” For these first-century Jews, the imminent approach of the Messiah came with a call for conversion and they took this call very seriously. Now, for us, as twenty-first century Christians, the Church, like John the Baptist, calls us to prepare and repent during this season of Advent. Will we take the call seriously? Will we examine the areas of our lives that need to change? Will we pray for God’s help to overcome our habitual sin and to make choices based on generosity instead of selfishness? Now is the time to heed the message. Now is the time to “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (Cycles of Faith)
Holy Redeemer’s Website includes a page about “NEWCOMERS” – This page is for
anyone looking for information on becoming Catholic, on returning home to the Catholic
church – you are always welcome, and much more…
www.hrcatholic.org
WHY DO WE DO THAT? - CATHOLIC TRADITIONS EXPLAINED
Question: What is the Hispanic Advent custom of “Las Posadas”? Answer: “Posada” is the Spanish word for inn or lodging. “Las Posadas” refers to a traditional Advent custom in preparation for the birth of Jesus, beginning on December 16. For nine successive evenings, groups reenact the search of Mary and Joseph for shelter in Bethlehem. Two children dress as Mary and Joseph, sometimes with Mary riding on an actual donkey. They are usually accompanied by children dressed as angels and shepherds along with the Wise Men. Adults accompany them as they process to designated homes where they sing Christmas songs and request lodging. Part of the group enters the home and becomes the chorus that responds to the request for lodging. In the beginning the request is rebuffed. They move to several more homes where the ritual is repeated. Eventually, at the last home, their need is recognized, and they all enter the home where a party ensues. This is repeated in different neighborhoods and homes each of the nine days. While this custom teaches children an important aspect of the Christmas story, it also emphasizes the need for hospitality to strangers and the continual need we all have to make room for Jesus in our “posada.” As we struggle to arrive at a fair and just immigration policy, it would be good to recall the fact that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were also immigrants looking for a hospitable place to dwell. (Cycles of Faith)
AGAPE MINISTRIES SLUMBER FUN PROGRAM is about to kick off, and we need your help. Our Slumber Fun Program is designed to provide children from
birth to 18 a new pair of pajamas, a new blanket (about 50 X 60), and a pair of new slipper socks. As in previous years, we always have sizes that are a little more challenging to have available for the children. These are sizes: Boys 5/6, 8/10, 10/12 and 14/16 and Girls 5/6, 7, 8/10, 10/12 and 14/16. All donations are welcome and can be dropped off at our Client Services Building or at the Thrift Store. If dropping off at the Thrift Store, please be sure to mention that they are for the Slumber Fun Program, and they will be brought to this building for distribution to the children. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our churches and their congregations in supporting our ministry and helping us to continue to help those in need. We cannot do it alone. Thank you to all!
DAY OF REFLECTION: The
Office for Respect Life
Ministries is offering a Day of
Reflection for all those who have
been affected by abortion. This
includes fathers, siblings, aunts/uncles,
friends… The day is Jan. 27, 2018, in the
Cincinnati area from 9a.m. to 3p.m. There will be a
healing service with an opportunity to participate in
Reconciliation following witnesses and prayer. We invite
you to: “Look into your heart, listen to the voice of God.
Help yourself by accepting His love and forgiveness.”
For more information or registration call the Office for
Respect Life Ministries at 937-222-0227, or the Project
Rachel Helpline for information at (513)784-0531. Or
at http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/project-rachel/
THE SHRINE OF THE HOLY RELICS IS OFFERING THE FOLLOWING EVENTS: For more information or to
register, please contact Susan Bergman at 419-925-4532 or [email protected]. December 1st – January 7th: Nativities and Classic Advent Calendars Exhibit (during normal Shrine hours) December 21st at 7p.m.: Nativities through the Ages” presented by Matt Hess CATHOLIC ADULT SINGLES CLUB enables its members to share, trust, and enjoy the ideas and company of fellow single adults through weekly activities. For more information, call Eileen Lamm at 419-678-8691. The following activities are planned: On Saturday, December 16, Clifton Mills in Dayton, OH.
DONATIONS ACCEPTED: 17 young men who are seminarians in either the St. Mary’s Deanery or Sidney Deanery were awarded grants that totaled $13,600 from the North Deaneries Scholarship Fund (administered by the Darke County Foundation). This amounts to every seminarian currently studying to join the priesthood in both deaneries! The scholarship fund was started by Melvin and Mary Ann Stucke of Versailles; but accepts donations from anyone interested in supporting this cause. In addition, the Stucke’s have promised to match any donations to this fund (up to $300 per donation) made before the end of 2017. Congratulations to all of these seminarians on receiving this gift, and a great big THANK YOU to the Stucke’s from Versailles!
MASS INTENTIONS – December 11 to 17: Mon 7:00 pm Vanderhorst-McMaster family
Tue 8:30 am Ruth Ritter
Wed 12:05 pm Bill Meyer
Thu 7:00 pm Leo Rose & Gene Winner
Fri 8:30 am Leo & Esther Schwartz
Sat 5:00 pm Joe, Dolores, & Bill Vian
Sun 8:00 am Holy Redeemer Parish
Sun 10:00 am Ben Homan
PARISH ACTIVITIES – December 11 to 17
MON Pastoral Council Meeting – 7:45 – Conference Room
TUE Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
- 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Book Club – 6:00 p.m. – Conference Room
WED CCD classes: - Grades 1 - 6: 3:15-4:15 p.m./5:15-6:15 p.m. - Grades 7 - 8: 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Grades 9 - 12: 7:45-8:45 p.m. High school youth group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Junior high youth group, 7:45-8:45 p.m.
Adult choir practice – 7:00 p.m. – music room Bell practice – 8:15 – music room
THU Bible Timeline Study – 7:45 p.m. – church FRI Rosary/Communion Service at Elmwood
- 9:30 a.m. by Eucharistic Ministers
SAT Bible Timeline Study – 9:30 a.m. – church SUN Communion to the Sick, Shut-ins
- by Eucharistic Ministers Kindergarten & Preschool CCD
– during 10:00 a.m. Mass
Children's Liturgy of the Word
- during 10:00 a.m. Mass
MINISTRY SCHEDULES – December 11 to 17:
CHLDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
L. Holdren
COLLECTION COUNTERS:
D. Bergman – C. Anderson – B. Kruse
MASS COORDINATORS:
Sat. 5:00 p.m. S. McDaniel
Sun. 8:00 a.m. R. Brookhart
Sun. 10:00 a.m. M. Francis
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
Sat. 5:00 p.m. Deacon Greg Bornhorst - E. Ahrns
K. Ahrns – T. Berning
B&R Niekamp – M. Puthoff
W. Puthoff – B. Suchland
Sun. 8:00 a.m. Deacon Greg Bornhorst
C&R Brookhart – A. Dietz
J&S Elking – R. Goettemoeller
B. Huelsman – K. Paul
Sun. 10:00 a.m. Deacon Greg Bornhorst – M&S Francis
J. Hirschfeld – T. Howell
Sr. Barbara Ann Hoying – T. Kremer
E. Niekamp – P. Reinhart
A. Schrader – D. Schwartz
GREETERS:
Sat. 5:00 p.m. Shawn & Lara Niekamp family
Sun. 8:00 a.m. Dan & MaryAnn Keller
Sun. 10:00 a.m. George & Evie Heitkamp
LECTORS:
Mon. 7:00 p.m. R. Tangeman
Tue. 8:30 a.m. M. Schlater
Wed. 12:05 p.m. S. McDaniel
Thu. 7:00 p.m. A. Wellman
Fri. 8:30 a.m. M. Sommer
Sat. 5:00 p.m. V. Mumaw – G. Wilker
Sun. 8:00 a.m. R. Bertke – S. Bertke
Sun. 10:00 a.m. C. Dues – A. Thieman
PARISH REPRESENTATIVES:
Sat. 5:00 p.m. Jeremy & Amanda Krieg
Sun. 8:00 a.m. Seb & Susan Krieg
Sun. 10:00 a.m. Jim & Janet Kronenberger
SERVERS:
Mon. 7:00 p.m. E. Eshleman – J. Osterfeld
Thu. 7:00 p.m. M. Homan – H. Ranly
Sat. 5:00 p.m. E. Keller – E. Krieg
E. Roetgerman
Sun. 8:00 a.m. Z. Bertke – G. Spragg – J. Tenkman
Sun. 10:00 a.m. D. Homan – M.Reinhart – J. Wilson
USHERS:
Sat. 5:00 p.m. C. Griesdorn – J. Heckman – C. Hoffman
G. Nosek – L. Speelman
Sun. 8:00 a.m. D. Anderson – J. Clune – S. Dwenger
T. Wente - C. Wessel
Sun. 10:00 a.m. A. Bernhold – M. Campbell -T. Eyink
A. Kruse - M. Moeller – B. Schemmel
