H appy New Year! If this strikes you as a bit premature, it isn’t really because

this Sunday marks the start of the new Church year. In the Catholic Church, the first Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the cycle of readings, holy days, and holi-days for roughly the next 365 days. It’s also the time of year not only when we are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but also when we are asked to examine our lives and take stock, spiritually speaking.

The readings for today all carry a common theme: Wake up! Wake up from the slum-ber that keeps marriages mediocre, ca-reers unfulfilling, moral lives stagnant. Wake up to the possibility of a new begin-ning, a new way of living that welcomes Jesus into the cribs of our days, the man-gers of our souls. We are told to awaken from the slumber that is robbing us of a deeper and more meaningful relationship with our God, and begin to live the new and abundant life that we have been promised.

Sometimes people use today’s Scripture passages, especially those in the Gospel about two men working in the field and one being taken away, in light of a relatively new and profoundly un-Catholic theology of the “Rapture,” which says that the faithful will be taken to heaven and the unbelievers “left behind. ”We will see that the opposite is true. It is those who are left behind in covenant with God who are saved, and, like in the days of Noah, it is those who are unfaithful who will be swept into exile from God.

This Advent, we not only want to make a new beginning with the Church, but we also want to be sure that we are with those who are “left behind” in covenant with God at the end of all time.

1 st Reading Reflection ~ Isaiah 2:1–5 ~  

The Jews were accustomed to the idea that the blessing of Israel would mean the blessing of all nations. Israel was strategi-cally located between the two great seats of power in the ancient world, Egypt and Mesopotamia. That meant that the vital ar-teries of trade crossed through Palestine, making it more influential than its own pow-er or wealth would otherwise suggest. Jeru-salem and its God were well known throughout the region and beyond. Juda-ism’s radical monotheism was an oddity in the ancient world and earned the admira-tion of many seekers of truth beyond the borders of Israel .

So that Isaiah should say “All nations shall stream toward it” and “from Zion shall go forth instruction, / and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” wouldn’t surprise Jews. Rather, it would directly connect with the understanding of their important place in the plan of God. Only if we fall into the common misconception of Israel’s historical insignificance are we surprised by the Christmas story. To those who honestly seek the truth and who are attentive to the signs of the times in any age, the surprises of God are easier to spot and embrace.

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ANNUNCIATION CHURCH "As the father sent me, so I send you."

1307 East Longden Ave., Arcadia CA 91006 Parish Office: 2707 Peck Rd., Monrovia, CA 91016

(626) 447-6202 / Fax (626) 447-9834 Website: AnnunciationChurch.net

A New YEAR

Annunciation Church Masses for This Week Saturday, Nov. 30th 5:30 p.m. Fr. Chua S.I. The Yeo Family Sunday, Dec. 1st 7:30 a.m. Fr. Herbert RIP The Han Family and Friends 9:00 a.m. Msgr. O’Connell S.I. Mark Brown and Marie Smith RIP George Kwon and Todd Brown 10:30 a.m. Fr. Chua S.I. The Parishioners of Annunciation 12:00 p.m. SPANISH Fr. Gonzalez S.I. For Our Blessed Mother Mary and Danielle Elgin RIP The Castaño Family and Mary De Martinis 3:00 p.m. Fr. Nguyen 4:45 p.m. Evening Prayer Lay Minister Monday, Dec. 2nd 8:30 a.m. Fr. Chua RIP Danny Do Tuesday, Dec. 3rd 8:30 a.m. Fr. Herbert S.I. Ador Camiling Wednesday, Dec. 4th 7:30 p.m. Fr. Chua S.I. Ador Camiling Thursday, Dec. 5th 8:30 a.m. Msgr. O’Connell RIP Evelyn Radwan First Friday, Dec. 6th 7:45 a.m. CONFESSIONS Msgr. O’Connell 8:30 a.m. MASS/EXPOS. Msgr. O’Connell S.I. Valerio and Espie Tigno 7:30 p.m. BENED./ANOINT.Msgr. O’Connell Masses for Next Week Saturday, Dec. 7th 5:30 p.m. Msgr. O’Connell RIP Maria Adragna Sunday, Dec. 8th Immac. Concep. 7:30 a.m. Fr. Chua S.I. Ador and Maricel Camiling RIP Alejandro Camiling, Todd Brown, and Eileen Kolling 9:00 a.m. Fr. Chua S.I. Marie Nimmrich 10:30 a.m. Fr. Herbert RIP Frances and Adna Saul, Violeta de Quintero, and Aleksander and Anastazja Lukjaniec 12:00 p.m. SPANISH Fr. Gonzalez RIP Martha Gomez 3:00 p.m. Fr. Nguyen 4:45 p.m. Evening Prayer Lay Minister Monday, Dec. 9th 8:30 a.m. Msgr.O’Connell RIP Natalie Ignatowski Tuesday, Dec. 10th 8:30 a.m. Fr. Chua RIP Danny Do Wednesday, Dec. 11th 7:30 p.m. Fr. Herbert RIP Raul Martinez Mass Schedule Continued Above

Mass Schedule Continued: Thursday, Dec. 12th Friday, Dec. 13th 4:00 a.m. Fr. Chua 8:30 a.m. Fr. Herbert 5:00 a.m. Visiting Priest et al RIP Virginia Brown 8:30 a.m. Msgr. O’Connell S.I. For Our Blessed Mother Mary Retirement Fund for Religious Collection Next Weekend: “The nuns left lasting impressions on me”, writes a donor. “I shall always be grate-ful for my Catholic education.” Please join in thanking the thousands of senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who worked tirelessly to edu-cate the young and serve those in need. Next week’s collection is for the Retire-ment Fund for Religious, which helps hundreds of religious communities care for aging members. Please be as generous as your personal situation allows.

Parish Advent Penance Services Scheduled: The Churches of immaculate Conception, St. Luke’s, Holy Angels, Annunciation, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Nativity will hold their Advent Penance Services according to the following schedule: Please note that each service begins at 7:00 p.m.:

♦ Immaculate Conception—Wednesday, Dec. 4th ♦ St. Luke’s—Monday, Dec. 9th ♦ Holy Angels—Tuesday, Dec. 10th ♦ Annunciation, Friday, Dec. 13th ♦ Our Lady of Guadalupe—Thursday, Dec. 19th ♦ Nativity—Friday, Dec. 20th Private Confessions will be held on Monday, December 16th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon and from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. E-MailScam Circulating Within Parishioners: The Parish Office has been alerted to several e-mails received by parishioners, coming from a bogus account attached to Fr. Freddie. While the messages them-selves differ, they always contain a request that gift cards be purchased on Father’s behalf and promises that he will reimburse the buyer. Please do not respond to these messages in any way—they are bogus and are not coming from Fr. Freddie. Simply delete the message from your e-mail account.

Vehicle Break-Ins and Vandalism On Parish Grounds: We have been notified of some vehicle break-ins, thefts and vandalism on our property recently. Please be mindful when leaving your car parked not to display any items that might be of value and easily seen through your windows. You are encouraged to leave all valuable items at home, as car windows have been smashed, which allows access to your trunk in the event of a break-in. These acts have been committed both during the day and at night. Being aware and alert will lessen your chances of being a victim.

Christian Service Center: As we have done in the past, we would like to provide Christmas funds for 175 families. We are asking for your help to provide for our neighbors in need. Please make your donation by using the special green envelope included in your monthly envelope package, or the blue envelopes in the pews, being sure to check the box next to the words “Christian Service Center”. Thank you!

Annual Men’s Retreat Announced: Annunciation’s Retreat For Men will be held at Maater Dolorosa Retreat Center on the weekend of January 17-19, 2020. Join your fellow parishioners for this week-end of spiritual enrichment and growth. The Passionist retreat team offers inspira-tional talks, as well as time for quiet prayer, Mass, Confession and Stations of the Cross. The retreat begins on Friday evening with a buffet supper and concludes on Sunday following Mass. Please call Bruce Kvidahl at (626) 444–1123, our Parish Retreat Captain, for additional information, or to make your reservation. Suggested donation for the weekend is $250.00 ($50.00 non-refundable deposit).

1st Sunday of Advent Dec. 1, 2019

April 7, 2002

Offering Collection $9,310.50

Thank you and God bless you.

Bishop Amat Open House: Bishop Amat High School warmly welcomes you and invites you to attend their Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7th at 9:00 a.m. in the Carroll Center. Join them to learn more about their academic, athletic and extra-curricular activities and programs. Class of 2024 application deadline is Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 and the Entrance Test will be administered on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020. Eighth grade students interested in attending a Shadow Day may contact Mrs. Monica Leon at (626) 962-2495, Ext. 7449.

SCRC Conference: The Southern California Renewal Communities are presenting a one-day conference on Saturday, Dec. 7th titled “Beautiful Mother, Beautiful Child”. You can prepare your heart for Christmas with a day of teaching, prayer and Mass. This event will be held at St. Angela Merici Church, 585 S. Walnut Ave. in Brea. Cost is $20 per person through Dec. 2nd, or $25 following. Register online at: scrc.org or call (818) 771-1361.

Knights of Columbus Walk For Life: The Knights of Columbus Council 9986 invite you to join them for their 2020 Walk For Life West Coast bus trip to San Francisco. The cost is $85.00 per seat. Departure date is Friday, Jan. 24th, the Walk For Life takes place on Saturday, Jan. 25th and the return date is Sunday, Jan. 26th. Hotel accommo-dations can be made through the Event Co-ordinator. For more information, please con-tact Pro-Life Director Jose Gomez at (951) 722-4331 (evenings only and no texts, please), or you can e-mail him at: saintjames-bustrip@hotmail.com.

Lord, Protect Them Joseph Villamayor Air Force Elizabeth Villamayor Air Force Robert James Logan IV Army Adrian Mc Nally Army Ronnel Resurrecion Navy Daniel Smith Marines Patrick Thompson Navy Catherine Holdren Coast Guard Robert Wrischnik Marines Brandon Tennis Navy Rafael Hernandez, Jr. Marines Mario Monoz Marines Emma Larenas Navy Gabriel Jimenez Air Force Brian Griffiths Marines John B. Goss Marines Noe Villanueva Army Stephen Cain Marines R. Michael Rodriguez Army Preston Ellis Air Force Matthew Aldrete Army Patrick Parra Army Justin R. Lozano Marines Vianca Medina Army Carlos Casillas Army Alex Quesada-Bocanegra Marines Carlos Rodriguez Army Jacob Davis Navy Shannon S. Everitt Air Force Liezl Sarte Air Force Mariel Constantino Air Force Christopher Moss Marines Nicholas Goddard Army David Aguilera Army Jason Smith Marines Brandon Patanjo Navy Michael Stanton Army Alex Ascanio Marines Matthew Martinez Army Osvaldo Santillan Air Force Lazarus Fuentes Marines Cristian Jesus Garcia Army Marco Andres Garcia Army Michael Beltran Navy

Last Week’s Offertory Collections Nov. 24, 2019: (Unavailable) Last Year: $ 8,882.00 Online Giving: (Unavailable) Together in Mission—2019

Goal Amount: $55,700.00 Amount Pledged: $67,040.00 Amount Paid: $61,895.17 Difference OVER Amount Paid: $ 6,195.17

Calendar of Events: Sunday, December 1st First Sunday of Advent H,Sch,B1-C2—7:00 AM Confirmation 1 & 2 B2—8:30 AM 10:30 Choir Ch—10:30 AM Dismissal, Rite of Acceptance H,HK—11:00 AM FAITH Formation OC1,C1,C2—12:00 PM Eucharistic Youth B2—2:30 PM Aztec Dance Practice D1,Field—3:00 PM Boy Scouts H,HK—3:00 PM Margarita Foundation B2—4:30 PM 3:00 Choir Ch—5:15 PM Aztec Dance Rehearsal Monday, December 2nd OC1—4:00 PM Rosary Prayer Group Ch—5:30 PM Grupo de Oración B2—6:30 PM 10:30 Choir OC1—7:00 PM Baptism Preparation Class PO—7:00 PM R.E. Staff Meeting H,HK—7:00 PM REMA . Tuesday, December 3rd OC1—5:00 PM Mariachi Practice B1,C1,C2—6:30 PM Family Catechesis H,HK—6:30 PM Encuentro Matrimonial B2—7:00 PM Intercession Prayer Ministry OC1,OK—7:00 PM Spanish Bible Study Ch—7:00 PM Christmas Play Rehearsal Wednesday, December 4th Ch—10:00 AM Vocations Ministry B2—4:00 PM Spanish Youth Ministry B2—5:00 PM 7:30 Choir OC1—5:00 PM Mariachi Practice H,HK—7:00 PM Folklorico Dance Practice B1—7;00 PM BLD Prayer Group Ch—7:00 PM Rosary Before Mass OC1—7:00 PM Meditation Group Thursday, December 5th H,Sch,B1-C2—3:00 PM R.E. Classes Ch—4:30 PM OLOG Rehearsal B2—6:00 PM 9:00 Choir ORE,D1—6:30 PM Youth Ministry OC1—7:00 PM RCIA B1—7:00 PM Intercession Prayer Ministry Ch—7:00 PM Divine Mercy Prayer Group D1—7:00 PM Encuentro Matrimonial First Friday, December 6th OC1—3:00 PM OA B2—6:00 PM 12:00 Choir D1—7:00 PM Encuentro Matrimonial H,HK—7:30 PM Nite Adoration Ch—9:00 PM Nite Adoration First Saturday, December 7th H,HK—7:00 AM BLD Prayer Group Ch—10:00 AM Christmas Play Rehearsal Ch—5:30 PM Youth Ministry Mass and Toy Sales Ch—7:00 PM Fatima Devotion

Did You Know? Sports are a great way for children to burn off energy, learn about team-work, and stay active and healthy. But some sports come with risks, in-cluding head injuries. Football is an especially high-risk sport for these types of injuries, given the nature of the game. If your child wants to play contact sports, make sure he or she does so safely. Provide proper safety equipment that fits. Check helmets and protective gear periodically to en-sure that all are still working. Talk to coaches and referees about regular safety check for fields and team equipment as well. For more information about “Sports and Head Injuries.” visit http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/protecting/Pages/VIRTUS-Current-Online-Articles.aspx.

Usted encontrará esta informacion en Espanol en la table de anuncios que se encuentra al Esta del Vestibulo de la iglesia.

2 nd Reading Reflection ~ Romans 13:11–14 ~

In this letter, St. Paul gives us what could be a catalog of our vices of today: carousing, drunkenness, sexual excess and lust, quarreling, and jealousy. That the Christians of an increasingly debauched Rome should be warned of the same sins by which we are tempted shouldn’t really surprise us. These aren’t simply the sins of ancient Rome or modern America; they’re the sins that plague people of every time, place, nation, and race.

The time in which we’re now living is the dispensation of grace in Je-sus Christ, that time between his first coming and his second. In eve-ry time and place, wakefulness is the primary posture of those who search for God; wakefulness against temptation and for his visit-ation. We always stand at that mo-ment when, “The day is at hand.” In the Advent season, we practice our wakefulness with particular atten-tion. We turn the events of God’s past saving actions, and particular-ly those of the Nativity, over in our minds so as to engrave the outlines of his modus operandi; his way of acting in our souls so that we might not be caught unaware at his next visit. As Christians, we always live at the border, between the long night of sin and the eternal dawn.

G ospel Reflection ~Matthew 24:37–44~

The warning that Jesus levels at

his disciples isn’t so much a cau-tion against sin as it is against be-ing “unconcerned.” This is the way that he describes the attitude of those who were swept away in the flood at the time of Noah. Their mistake was in being unconscious of God in the midst of ordinary ac-tivities. Jesus heightens this warn-ing as he describes the time of his second coming in verses 40 and 41. Certainly nothing suggests sin in either activity, yet one will gain an everlasting reward and the other not. What separates the two desti-nies?

In a word—wakefulness. It isn’t for us to know when the Lord will come, but we need to be aware that he will come. We’re called to live in a state of wakefulness, of spiritual attention. Like the home-owner who doesn’t know exactly when the thief will come testifies to the fact that he must “keep a watchful eye,” the Lord for whom we wait tells us, “You also must be prepared.

D igging Deeper for iscussion

FORMED members can watch this week’s short “Opening the Word” VIDEO at:

AnnunciationChurch.FORMED.org

With friends or family, reflect on the following questions:

What is the major thrust of the readings for the first week of Ad-vent, according to Dr. Sri? What

are we being called to do at this time of year?

A common non-Catholic teaching about the end of times is the Rap-ture. What does the whole idea of being “left behind” mean to you?

P RAYER: Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Allow

yourself to become still. Now imag-ine that you have just learned that you are going to die very soon. What is your first thought? What is your first feeling? Hold that thought and the feeling as you take another deep breath. Now see Jesus talk-ing directly to you. Hear him say, “There is still time. Wake up! Stop sleeping your life away!” What are-as of your life come to mind as you hear Jesus? Now see him gently touching you on the shoulder and saying, “You have time. So stay alert. Go and….” What is he asking you to do? Listen carefully for his guidance

R esolution: During this first week of Advent, choose one

activity that will take you out of the “slumber” of commercialism and busyness, and “awaken” a new zeal for the faith. You might attend daily Mass one morning, pray the rosary over the noon hour, or read Scripture instead of watch TV. Make a choice based on what you heard Jesus tell you to do during our prayer time.

Reflections reprinted here with permission from Augustine Institute

.

Fellowship with Divine Mercy (Ephphatha’s TOPIC)

H ay tantas abreviaturas usadas en las redes sociales que solo

toman las primeras letras de las palabras de la frase, una de esas es STP que algunas personas la interpretan como Se Te Pasó. Po-dríamos considerar que las lectu-ras de hoy como un anuncio de “se te pasó” en los primeros días de Adviento. A menudo pensamos del Adviento como el tiempo que pre-cede al de la Navidad, todo acerca de esperar y anhelo por la venida de Jesús como niño, y así es. Aun-que en las primeras semanas de Adviento nos enfocamos en el re-greso de Jesús al final de los tiem-pos, y cómo somos llamados a es-tar preparados para ello.

Muchos de nosotros no pasamos mucho tiempo pensando acerca del final de los tiempos o la expec-tativa de la gloria del regreso de Jesucristo. Quizá no queremos ad-mitir que nuestras acciones o acti-tudes están muy lejos de las mane-ras en las que sabemos debemos comportarnos como personas que siguen las enseñanzas de Jesús. O quizá estamos incomodos con la idea del juicio final. Nos hace aver-gonzarnos, así que adoptamos una actitud de “ojos que no ven, cora-zón que no siente” y vivimos nues-tras vidas diarias sin mucho que pensar o reflexionar en quienes estamos llamados a ser discípulos de nuestro Señor.

PRESIONA EL BOTON DE REINICIO Adviento es el inicio de un nuevo año litúrgico y puede ser un tiempo para nosotros de abrazar más pro-fundamente el amor de Dios. Si nos damos cuenta que estamos fallando en vivir cómo sabemos que deberíamos, permitamos que este tiempo sea un tiempo de reini-cio de nuestros compromisos para vivir y crecer como personas de fe. Aunque mucho de las siguientes semanas se llevarán tiempo para nuestra preparación para la Navi-dad, es bueno para nosotros tam-bién tomar algo de tiempo para to-mar acciones y encomendar nues-tros corazones y vidas a Cristo. Permitámoslo, “permanecer des-piertos” a propósitos más altos de Cristo, que no son sin sentido de temor o miedo al juicio, sino al con-trario en anticipar el Adviento o ve-nida de nuestro Señor. Lecturas de hoy: Is 2:1–5; Sal 122 (121):1–2, 3–4, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9; Rom 13:11–14; Mt 24:37–44

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Liturgy Francine Moore (626) 930-0448 Eucharistic Ministers Linda Gutierrez (626) 446-7837 Lectors Christine Hunt (626) 422-3934 Sacristans Kathy Trinaystich (626) 359-6553 Altar Servers Frances Luna (626) 327-6147 Ushers Raul Arias (626) 357-6465 Music Ministry Joella Merten, Dir. (626) 821-0264 Joe Adamski (626) 437-5921 Francine Moore (626) 930-0448 Carlos Orozco (626) 371-6438 Deidre Stadler (626) 357-1433 PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Parish Council Mark Lopez (626) 417-8541 Couples/Singles for Christ Perry Rivera (909) 594-6475 Bereavement Gary Cooper (626) 482-5041 Finance Council Jerry Gutierrez (626) 446-7837 Perpetual Adoration/Nite Adoration Leticia Carbajal (626) 277-9429 Rosary Prayer Group Gary Miller rosaryprayers@yahoo.com Meditation Group Pat Arkosy (626) 444-9355 Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick Marie Nimmrich (626) 448-3304 Christian Service Saturdays 10 am-12 Noon Groupo de Oracíon Teresa Villareal (626) 236-0374 Safeguard the Children Dianne Logan (626) 303-6299 Encuentro Matrimonial: Ramiro y Mirna Cabrera (626) 376-1079 Fatima First Saturday Devotion: Jo DeLa Torre (310) 663-1955 Divine Mercy Prayer Group Lupe Sheets (626) 447-9479 Women’s Ministry Joella Merten (626) 821-0264 BLD Prayer Community Kathy Dela Paz (626) 629-0788 Intercession Ministry Gloria Murillo (626) 316-0628 Justice & Peace Ministry Cathlene Wells (626) 840-7966 Prayer Chain Ministry Marie Nimmrich (626) 448-3304

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH 1307 East Longden Avenue, Arcadia CA ~ www.annunciationchurch.net

OFFICE: 2701 Peck Road Monrovia, CA 91016 Telephone: (626) 447-6202 Fax: (626) 447-9834 Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. (Closed for lunch from 12:00—1:00 P.M.) Office Manager Ms. Christine Hunt Ext. 11 Receptionist Mrs. Kathleen Trinaystich Ext. 10 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 2701 South Peck Road Monrovia, CA 91016 Telephone: (626) 446-1625 Monday & Wednesday 5:00—8:00 P.M. Tuesday & Thursday 2:00—8:00 P.M Closed on Fridays Director Arcie Reza Office Staff: Alexandra Dixon and Jessica Tang Confirmation/Youth Ministry Arcie Reza R.C.I.A. (Adults Only) Sandra Rivera (626) 506-9068 R.C.I.A. for Children/F.I.R.E. Children’s Liturgy Esther and Susan (626) 446-1625

Pastor: Rev. Freddie Chua In Residence: Rev. Eugene Herbert Pastor Emeritus Msgr. Timothy O’Connell

LITURGIES Saturday Evening Vigil 5:30 PM Sunday 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 Noon (Español) 3:00 p.m. (Vietnamese) 4:45 p.m.—Liturgy of the Hours Weekday Mass Schedule 8;30 a.m. Mon. Tue. Thurs. Friday Wed. [Marian Devotion] with O.L.O.P.H. Devotion 7:00 P.M. Rosary 7:30 P.M. Mass of the B.V.M. First Friday Schedule 7:45 A.M. Reconciliation 8:30 A.M. Mass & Exposition All Day Adoration 7:30 P.M. Benediction Fatima First Saturday Devotion 7:00 P.M. Adoration 8:00 P.M. Mass Holy Days Vigil: 5:30 P.M. 8:30 A.M. and 7:30 P.M. Reconciliation Saturday: 3:30 to 5:00 P.M. or by appointment Matrimony Six months notice required. Please contact the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with the Pastor. Baptism Please stop by the Parish Office to pick up the necessary paperwork and to be given the name and phone number of the Baptism Catechist to contact and pre-register for your classes. Child Abuse Hotline Reporting Sexual Abuse: (800) 355-2545 Heather T. Banis (213) 637-7650 Ph.D