FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 20, 2015

A NEW ORDER “O, Little Town of Bethlehem.” A

Philadelphia clergyman named Phillips Brooks penned these popular words back in the mid-1800s, but the prophet Micah could have used them first. Micah knew that from small packages great treasures come. In to-day’s first reading, he knew that from tiny

Bethlehem would come the Lord. The writer in Hebrews explains that Christ came to us to do the will of God by

establishing a new order and by becoming our perfect sacrifice. And Luke tells us that

Elizabeth and John, the infant in her womb, understand that great and wondrous things are

at hand with the coming of the Lord. This is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Soon we celebrate anew the fruit of Mary’s

womb. As we are told in Hebrews, Jesus’ new order is being established even today. And as Micah proclaims, his greatness is reaching

even now to the ends of the earth. (J.S. Paluch Co. / Liturgical Cycle B)

St. Anthony Catholic Church PARISH OFFICE: 364-6150 FAX: 364-0969 SCHOOL OFFICE: 120 W. Park Ave. Phone 364-1952.

**In case of an emergency Email: frneusch@gmail.com or 806-570-5706** Parish website www.stanthonyscatholicparish.com

Parish Office Address 114 Sunset Drive in Hereford, Texas 79045 PARISH PASTOR — Rev. Fr. Anthony Neusch DIOCESE of AMARILLO — Bishop Patrick Zurek

Sign up for R.C.I.A and Small Groups Adult Faith Formation email janiebanner1@wtrt.net or call 364-6150 or 364-7626

Send bulletin art & articles to Jasmin Enriquez at jme.stanthonys@gmail.com by Tuesday morning of week prior. Parish EMAIL: stanthonyshfd@wtrt.net Diocesan EMAIL: www.amarillodiocese.org

Parish Office is open Mon. 10AM– 12PM, 1PM-5PM, Tue.—Thurs. from 9AM-12PM, 1PM—5PM w/ early closing on Fridays 9AM-12PM, 1PM-4PM during School Session. Closed holidays, holy days and for some funerals & staff meetings.

WELCOME NEWCOMERS: Please notify the church office of your arrival or if any changes in phone or address are made.

CONFESSION: Wednesdays @6:30am-7am & 6-6:45pm. Thurs@6:30am-7am. Fri.@7am-8am. Sat. @4-5:30pm. and Sun.@7:45am-8:45am and after the 9 AM Mass until 11 AM. Any time by appointment. Call the church office. NO confessions ON TUES. Priest’s day off . Mass on Tuesday evening at 5:30pm.

BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASSES: 4th Wed of each month. MUST Pre-Register in the church office. Watch Bulletin for dates

WEDDINGS: Couples must be members of the Parish. To begin wedding preparation, please call for an appointment with the pastor at least six months prior to planned wedding date. Pick up a marr iage packet with all the wedding guidelines from church secretary.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: Call 364-6150 day or night. OR during office hours to schedule the Sacrament of Anointing prior to surgery or if health is serious or an accident has occurred. It is a Sacrament of healing and comfort, not necessarily of the dying.

STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE Dec. 12 & 13, 2015

Envelopes– 74 Loose Checks– 37

Envelopes/Checks $6,463.00

Plates $789.00

Children $123.84

TOTAL $ 7,375.84 Extra Collection Christmas Flowers $160.00 Thanksgiving $20.00 Postage $25.00 Extra Collection Total $205.00

FINAL Total = $7,580.84

LITURGY INTENTIONS

ALTAR SERVERS Mon. 7:15 AM Anthony Tijerina & Matthew Tijerina Tues.5:30PM Braylon Nielsen & Abel Tamez Wedn.7:15AM Greg Urbanczyk, Gavin Urbanczyk & Colton Urbanczyk Christmas Eve. Thurs7PM Larry McNutt, Richard Bice, Brady Bice, Walter Paetzold, Logan Paetzold, Alexia Hernandez, Saraie Perales & Harrsion Meador Christmas Day FRI.10AM Jenelle Bravo, Jeneva Bravo, Victoria Betzen & Paul Betzen SAT. 6:00PM Abby Rodriguez, Avery Rodriguez & Pete Rodriguez SUNDAY 9AM Jadyn Nanez, Jeremiah Nanez, Jonathon Nanez & Javier Enriquez 11:15 AM Jack Detten, Rachael Detten, Avery Detten and Aubrey Devin

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Schedule for December 26/27:

6PM Mass: Jens Brorman, Yvonne Horton, Janie Banner , Coby Lassiter, Tama Lassiter (L) 9AM Mass: Al Simnacher (SC), Jan Weishaar (SC), Brenda Yosten (SC), Claudia Smith, Elizabeth Vogel, John Lozoya, Pat Simnacher (L)

SICK CALL ONLY: Jim Hund, Claudia Garcia & Gerald Marnell

11:15AM MASS: Suzanne Carrasco, Aida Lemus, Eileen Alley, Teresa Munoz, Teresa Garth, Rosa Garza,

Rick Bordayo (L) NOTE: Please take time to sign in, please help clean up after Mass, and please get a sub if you can-not keep your assignment. Thank you

Lector Schedule for December 26/27:

6PM Mass: Barbara Yavornik & Angela Baker 9AM Mass: Sam Urbanczyk & Thomas Albracht 11:15AM Mass: Jim Brockman & Dennis Detten

Mon.7:15AM Gene Zinser RIP Tues. 5:30 PM Jay Chavez RIP Wedn. 7:15 AM Gilbert Schulte RIP Christmas Eve Thurs. 7:00PM People of the Parish Christmas Day FRIDAY 10AM People of the Parish SAT. 6PM Norman Brown & Albert Fetsch Family SUN. 9 AM People of the Parish SUN.11:15 AM Continuance of Religious Freedom

ADVENT. At each weekend Mass a different Family will be

lighting a candle on the wreath, this weekend, Dec. 19/20, the families lighting the candles are:

6pm Mass Brandy & Raquel Mendoza 9am Mass Elvira Gonzales

11:15am Mass Lozoya Family December 24/25:

Christmas Eve Mass at 7PM: Jason Jesko Family

Christmas Day at 10AM: Ceyanne Perry Family

Lector Schedule for December 24/25: Dec. 24, 7PM: Aida Lemus and Janie Banner Dec. 25, 10AM: Rosa Garza and Monica Bermea

ALL ALTAR FLOWERS are in HONOR of Blake and Veronica Martin for their wedding. Congratulations and God Bless you both!

Extraordinary Ministers of holy Communion Schedule for December 24/25:

DEC. 24, 7PM: Jennifer Casarez, Judith Grotegut, Susie Ruiz, Barbara Yavornik, Audrey Meador, Monica Valdez, Ron Fetsch DEC. 25, 10AM: John Lozoya, Steve Cor tez, Tom Albracht, Janie Banner, Yvonne Horton, Elaine & Larry McNutt (L)

FOURTH SUNDAY of ADVENT December 20 2015 9 AM Mass—RCIA Dismissal after homily, 10 AM Topic in Library

Second Collection for Retirement Fund for Religious Knight of Columbus Breakfast after 9AM Mass in school cafeteria

Vocations Crucifix: 6:00PM Mass: Volunteer 9AM Mass: Volunteer 11:15 Mass: Mary Ann Ramirez 1:30 PM Christmas Baskets prepared and delivered 5PM HOLY HOUR MONDAY—7:15AM Mass 2:30PM finish decorating the altar. TUESDAY— 5:30PM Mass | NO Adoration 7-8 AM Men’s Lectionary Study Group: A/R. WEDNESDAY— 7:15AM Mass | NO Adoration NO Ladies Lectionary Study today nor next week Church Office closes at noon NO F.F.C Christmas Break THURSDAY—7PM Christmas Eve Mass | Church Office Closed FRIDAY— 10AM Christmas Mass | Church Office Closed NO Book Study NO Advent Study Group

SAT. 6 PM LITURGY DECEMBER 26, 2015 Vocation Crucifix taken by David & Cindy Fetsch

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 27, 2015

NO RCIA today. Vocation Crucifix: 9am Mass: Volunteer . 11:15 Mass: Rober t & Ana Zepeda family 5PM HOLY HOUR

BLANKET DRIVE! 7th & 8th grade Young Disciples, are having a Blanket Drive this

Advent Season, ALL of the blankets will be donated to “Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle.” A

collection box for the Blanket Drive will be available in the Bell Tower entrance.

RCIA THANKS THESE "FOOD ANGELS" In November the following have "fed the hungry" a breakfast meal during RCIA study: Mary Ann Esqueda, Lupe Castillo, Nadine Berend, Kathleen Brockman, Helen Noyes, Burl and

Paula Miller, Karen McPherson, Joan Strafuss, Rita Morgan, Mayra and Rocio Ochoa, Celia Reddinger, Reni and Paul Mason. We LOVE and THANK YOU!

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT Parishioner RONNIE BUSE, 67, father of Kevin Buse and grandfather of Brock, Baron and Belle Buse, all of our parish, died on Tuesday, DEC 8 following a brief illness. He joined the parish through RCIA 2-3 years ago. Ronnie finished out his life going from a cottage at Kings Manor to his son's home, for care. A memorial Mass was celebrated in St. Anthony's Church on Friday, Dec. 11. Family requests memorial donations to Kings Manor or Saint Anthony's School Endowment Fund. Prayers go up for the family, who appreciates all prayer and support.

"Lord, I was blind, but now I see . . ."

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS STUDY!! STILL TAKING

REGISTRATIONS. CALL TODAY!!

Spiritual Growth Opportunity Begins in January

Father Tony will facilitate the study of a spiritual classic “The Soul Of The Apostolate”

by Trappist Jean Baptiste Chautard, OCSO. This book was a life-changer for Father, so he offers it to the first 15 people registering (the list has 10 so far and some books have been ordered and await the start of the course). The book was

written for lay persons and warrants a serious commitment to its reading, reflection and

discussion over 24 weeks (with a few breaks). Sessions are 7:30-9 AM in the Antonian. *The

course begins *January 2 and continues for consecutive Saturdays *EXCEPT January 23,

Feb 6, March 5, April 9, May 7. $50 fee is asked for this spiritual awakening through study-prayer

-discussion & a light breakfast with Fr. Tony!

*Signup by email to janiebanner1@wtrt.net or tell Fr. Tony.

Talk to and invite spouse or friend or guest to come along!

Questions call Janie @364-6150.

ADORATION Just a friendly reminder, we will NOT be having Adoration on Dec. 22 & Dec. 23.

Adoration will resume the following week.

My family prayed ____ rosaries this week.

ATTENTION: In need of Volunteers to sign up for the Vocations

Crucifix. Please call the Church Office if you would like to sign up for the Vocations Crucifix @364-6150. Please return your crucifix to the church office or return to the

church before Mass. Thank you!

DECEMBER and JANUARY CALENDAR

DEC. 20—Christmas Baskets put together at 1:30PM DEC. 21—Finish Decorating in the church at 2:30 PM DEC. 22/23—NO Adoration. DEC. 23—No F.F.C Christmas Break. Church Office closes at noon. DEC. 24—7PM Christmas Eve Mass DEC. 25—10AM Christmas Mass DEC. 27—Holy Hour at 5PM DEC. 29—Church Office Open DEC. 29—Adoration begin at 6PM DEC. 30—Adoration ends at 6PM DEC. 30—NO F.F.C DEC. 31—Church Office closes at noon. DEC. 31—New Year's Eve Mass at 7PM JAN. 1—New Years Mass at 10AM JAN. 3—RCIA resumes, dismiss at 9AM Mass and topic at 10AM JAN. 4—Back to school. JAN. 11\12—Christmas Decorations come down, volunteers needed. JAN. 18—No School: Martin Luther King Day

WANT To JOIN The Church or at least LEARN about what we believe and why we do the things we do? RCIA (The Rite of Chr istian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which one becomes a Catholic or

completes Sacraments missed along the way (Confirmation, Communion, Marriage blessings) or just learn more of “the Catholic Way of Being Church”. Ask yourself: Could God be inviting me? How do I sign up? Simply

call Janie Banner, Director of RCIA at 364-7626 OR the church office at 364-6150. GOD Bless you!

From the desk of our pastor, Father Tony Neusch “Too small.” I don’t think I have ever been called too small. Too big, I am too big to ride a zip-line. I am too tall in most restaurants to avoid the ceiling fans. Too loud, I have been told over and over that my voice carries. But “Too small,” nope, not ever that I can remember. I am not sure I was ever small. My mother and father remember a time I was small. I don’t. I was always one of the tallest. I may have been skinny, but I have always had pretty wide shoulders. “Too Small.” Maybe you have been, “Too Small.” “Oh, Bethlehem, you are too small to be a true tribe, a true clan, but from you will come a savior.” Maybe the call to be small isn’t such a bad thing. John recognized the smallest of Jesus in the womb of Mary. Elizabeth was paying attention to the movements of her child, and recognized what his joy meant. Perhaps, just perhaps we don’t have to worry about having our heart grow three sizes in a day. Possibly, we need to just be the size God has called us to be, and allow his greatness to overshadow. As we continue our journey to the manger let us approach in smallness and meekness, in simplicity and humility the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords sent to us a child to set His people free.

LOST AND FOUND Last Friday after morning Mass a book, “Living with Christ,” was found in a pew and keys on a red ring were found outside the Parish Office. If any of these items belong to you, you may claim them in the Church office.

Diocesan Adult Confirmation Adult Confirmation Preparation will be offered March 19 at the St. Mary’s Cathedral Center in Amarillo. Registration

begins at 9AM and at 4PM Bishop Zurek will celebrate Holy Mass. This is for active Adult Catholics who have not been confirmed and want to receive this sacrament.

Please contact the Parish Office for more information, during office hours, at 364-6150

Volunteers needed to help put decorations up, the crèche and poinsettias, around the altar on

Monday, December 21 at 2:30 pm.

A PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS O Lord Jesus Christ, make me worthy to understand the profound mystery of your holy incarnation, which you have worked for our sake and for our salvation. Truly there is nothing so great and wonderful as this, that you, my God, should become a creature so that we could become like God. You have humbled yourself small,

that we might be made mighty. Blessed are you, O Lord, who came to earth as one of us. Amen

- Bl. Angela of Foligno

The Advent Season Marking the beginning of the Church's liturgical year, the four weeks of Advent lead us to the celebration of Christmas. Advent’s familiar sights and sounds stir in us a readiness to receive our savior, while sharpening our sense of the world’s need for redemption and of the great mystery of God’s becoming human for us.

Arrival of Christ Advent is a Latin word meaning the coming or arrival. The season o f Advent is a time to prepare to celebrate the three arrivals of Chris: his lowly birth in the past, his mysterious coming to the Christian community in the present, and his promised return as our judge at the end of time.

Advent and Christmas Since Advent looks forward to Christ’s birth and Incarnation, it is an appropriate way to begin the Church Year. However, Advent is not part of the Christmas season itself, but a preparation for it. Thus, Catholics do not sing Christmas hymns or use Christmas readings in the Mass until December 25th, the first day of the Christmas season.

Advent: Yesterday and Today Advent was originally celebrated as a kind of “Lent” during the forty days before the feast of Christmas. Gradually, Advent developed its own distinctive character , retaining a slight penitential dimension but emphasizing our joy-filled hope in the coming of the Lord.

Today, these two aspects continue side by side. During the first part of Advent, the prophecies of Isaiah and John the Baptist remind us that we are waiting for God’s coming and need to prepare. During the latter part of the season the focus shifts more directly on the events leading up to Jesus’ birth. These twin perspectives give richness to our observance of Advent, leading us to introspection and renewal, and to the exuberant joy and celebration of Christmas.

THE THREE ARRIVALS OF CHRIST Jesus Comes in Human History

Our celebration of Christmas focuses on the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The Christmas crèche at home or in the church, Christmas pageants and liturgies all help us recall the moment Jesus was born as a human being to live his

destiny as the son of God and our redeemer. Jesus Comes in Our Hearts

Alive and among us through the Holy Spirit, Jesus continually reaches out to us. Advent renews our desire for the daily coming of Jesus as we recall the story of salvation and look forward to the coming of the kingdom. We “wait in

joyful hop,” as the Eucharist liturgy says, for the coming of that kingdom. Jesus Comes in Glory

The haunting melody and refrains of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel serve to remind us of longing for the completion of Christ’s reign at the end of time. This season gives special meaning to the phrase from the Lord’s Prayer. “thy

kingdom come.”

Walk For Life The Walk For Life will be on January 23, 2016. Mass and Prayer will begin at 10 AM

for LIFE, Love & Liberty at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200’s Washington and at 11:30 AM Penitential Prayer & Walk will begin from St. Mary’s to 15th and

Taylor.

Thoughts for Reflection: “Think of each day as a special gift and unwrap it Gratefully and with Thankfulness”

“Family is not just about blood. It’s about who is willing to hold your hand when you need it the most”

“We really cannot live a great day without helping someone in a way they will never be able to repay you”