1

HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY (Dec 31)

,

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Phone: 251-865-6902P. O. Box 417, Grand Bay, AL 3641 Fax: 251-865-1412Email: StJohnGrandBay@gmail.com Parish website: www.StJohnGrandBay.org

Pastor: Fr. Anthony Kadavil (akadavil@gmail.com)

Secretary:Rev. Deacon Billy Graham

Parish Council Chair Person:Mr. Bill Schaffer

Finance Council President:Mrs. Paula Dyess

Sunday School Coordinator : Mrs. Tiffany Teofilo

Youth Director: Mrs. Karen Day

Holy Family Sunday bulletin- Dec 31, 2017

2

Pray for the eternal repose of the deceased members of the parish: Werner Bidlingmaer, Joe Penton, Richard Boswell, Mickey Poirier, Louis Poiroux, Louise Marchand, Carolyn Bidlingmaer, Kenny Kirchoff, Voncille Hulcher, Mary Nicholas Rambo, Paul Delmas, Cody

Prayer for speedy healing requested: Your fervent prayers are requested for the post-surgery healing of Sara Thornton, Rony Cauley, Terry Roberts, Virginia Gable, Joe Gable, Tiffany Fontenot, Ruth Riddick, John Stein and Dr. Reggie Stewart.

The Golden Group monthly meeting is Wednesday, January 3rd at 11:30 in the church hall. Our entree with be Ham, also bring your favorite dish to share. We will be planning our calendar of events for the New Year 2018, please join us for the food, fellowship and fun.Ministers of the Mass schedules for January 2018 are on the table in the church hall.Special thanks to all our parishioners for their prayerful support for replacing the 45-year-old steel roof of our church building with brand new steel sheets. We request your support for putting 427 feet of fence on our boarder with our new neighbor, using the old steel sheets from the church roof. Volunteers are welcome for the fence project.

Birthdays this week: Dec. 31st: Louis Jones, Jan. 2nd: James Jackson, 4th: Terry Roberts, No Known Wedding Anniversaries

3

TITHING CONTRIBUTION

December 24, 2017 $6,247.00 / Christmas offering $1,341.00 ALTAR CARE: JANUARY

Linda & Deacon Graham

Dec 30- Jan 5 30th: ---------------------------- For the eternal repose of the souls of deceased parishioners31st: ---------------------------- For the intentions of all members of the parish1st: ------------------------------ For blessings on our parish community2nd & 3rd: ---------------------- For the eternal repose of the souls of deceased relatives of Sara & Tom Thornton4th & 5th: ----------------------- For the eternal repose of the souls of deceased relatives of Al & Jean Hurd

Pray for the eternal repose of the deceased members of the parish: Werner Bidlingmaer, Joe Penton, Richard Boswell, Mickey Poirier, Louis Poiroux, Louise Marchand, Carolyn Bidlingmaer, Kenny Kirchoff, Voncille Hulcher, Mary Nicholas Rambo, Paul Delmas, Cody

4

\

 

Extraordinary Minister Schedule for January 6 & 7, 2018

Mass Altar Servers

(White Cincture)

EMCH Lectors Ushers

Saturday

Jan. 6, 2018, 5:00 pm

Volunteers

Kathy Sema, Steve Sema, Jr.

Christy Brown

Andrea Graham

Jay Graham

Volunteers

Sunday

Jan. 7, 2018,

Volunteers

Elsa MacBride, John McBride

Dana Baker

Aaron Poiroux

Volunteers

TITHING CONTRIBUTION

December 24, 2017 $6,247.00 / Christmas offering $1,341.00 ALTAR CARE: JANUARY

Linda & Deacon Graham

5

10:00 am Matt Johnson

Please take your responsibility seriously. If you are interested in serving as an Altar Server, Eucharistic Minister, and 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.

Videos of the week

1) Video reflections on daily gospel: http://www.usccb.org/bible/reflections/

2) Catholic doctrines in short videos: http://thatcatholicshow.sqpn.com/

3) Video catechism for the youth: http://vcat.org/

4) Mathew Kelly videos: https://youtu.be/2MV-ORHc0oo? list=PLZisXcLIZva7pP_zkApX1c6D67PuRuQON

  Remember the sick brothers and sisters in your prayers :   Barbara Lepre, John Stein, Willie Thompson, Isabel Rel, Cindy Smith, Holly Raymond, Bo Roderick, Glenn Boney, Charlena Hetrick, Ty Teofilo, Chris Brown, Aubreigh Nichols, Stacy Moore, Ann Vick, Catherine Kostyk, Wayne Seymour, Frances Walley, H. Sanders, Cora Grigsby, Patricia Davis, Maurine Habley, Phillip Scott, Ray Thornton, Alice Skutack, Joe Whitson, Cory Moncrief, Carolyn Collier, Joe Gable, Vicenta Obsenares, Rachel Vallas, Rick Joseph, Virginia Gable, Harrand Broussard, Edgar Gunter, Victoria Porter, James Cauley, Betty Cauley, Jonathan Cruz, Gennie Garret, Becky Thompson, Bob

6

Echement, Pat Bourne, Lilly Breaux, James Wink, Mike Wilson, Johnnie Tate, Carol Tate, Roger Young, Leyah White.

Pray for the deceased dear ones of the parish: Pray for the eternal repose of the deceased members of the parish : Joe Penton, Richard Boswell, Marian Poirier, Louis Poiroux, Louise Marchand, Carolyn Bidlingmaer, Kenny Kirchoff, Voncille Hulcher, Mary Nicholas Rambo, Paul Delmas, Cody Driskell, Evelyn Robison, 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. Close relatives of our parishioners: Judy Courtney, Regina La Force, Ronnie Moran. Russell Gray, Gerald John Brannan, Emilee Voss, Former pastors: Rev. Monsignor Hugh Maguire and Fr. Strejeski. Other priests and deacons and Sisters: Rev. Msg. Joseph Jennings, Rev. Andrew J. Stauter, Rev. Walter Menig, Rev. William Gorman, Deacon John Cretaro, Deacon Holscomb Pryor, Deacon Marvin Johns, Sr. Maria Bernarda Kadavil and other deceased relatives and friends. Pray for our former parishioners serving in the Armed Forces: Travis Wilson, SPC Jackson Triston, Jr., Captain Will Hurd, Bryant Bailey & Zachery Bailey. To schedule a meeting or event using parish facilities you must check the calendar or contact the office to be sure the date and room is available. You must have approval from the office for any scheduled events.

7

Items for Soldiers’ 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 to 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.

1) Bishop Barron’s homily (Holy Family): https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/keeping-your-family-holy/4594/

2) Fr. Bill Grimm homily (Holy Family): https://youtu.be/Ce2L7JcVDSU

8

Synopsis of Holy Family Sunday (Dec 31) Luke 1: 26-38 :

Synopsis of the homily on the Holy Family [B] (Dec 31) Luke 2:22-40 or Lk 2:22, 39-40: Introduction: On the last Sunday of the year, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. We are here to offer all the members of our own families on the altar for God’s blessing. Scripture lessons: The first reading is a commentary on the fourth commandment: "Honor your father and your mother." Ben Sirach has 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 five-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.” Forgiveness of sins and God’s prompt answer to prayers are the fourth and fifth rewards. 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

9

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 – attentive, gentle, and merciful – is timeless. Paul teaches that children should learn and practice noble qualities -- 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 presented Mary and the Child Jesus in the Temple for the ritual of the mother's purification and the Child's "presentation." 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 family in which both parents worked hard, helped each other, understood and accepted each other, and took good care of their Child so that He might grow up not only in human knowledge but also as a Child of God. 2) We need to make the family a confessional rather 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 justify their 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 and try to correct them, the family becomes a Heavenly one.”

10

3) Every Holy Mass in which we participate is our presentation. Although we were officially presented to God on the day of our Baptism, we present ourselves and our dear ones on the altar before God our Father through our Savior Jesus Christ at every Holy Mass. Hence, we need to live our daily lives with the awareness both that we are dedicated people consecrated to God and that we are obliged to lead holy lives.

Question of the Week: 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 Lent in the New Year is intended to atone for sins and to practice better self-control over one’s 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

11

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 2016.Pope Francis tweets: Modesty is a virtue that is essential for anyone who wants to be like Jesus, who is meek and humble of heart. Today we pray for all the children who are not allowed to be born, who cry with hunger, who hold weapons in their hands instead of toys. God is in love with us. He draws us to Him with tenderness by being born poor and fragile among us, like one of us. Today we want to remember all those who suffer persecution. We want to be close to them with our affection and our prayers. Stop and look at the nativity scene: let us enter the true spirit of Christmas with the shepherds, bringing Baby Jesus all that we are. Contemplating the Baby Jesus, with His humble and infinite love, let us say to Him, very simply: “Thank you for doing all this for me!” If we really want to celebrate Christmas, let’s contemplate this image: the fragile simplicity of a new-born baby. That’s where God is. Let us free Christmas from the worldliness that has taken it hostage! The true spirit of Christmas is the beauty of being loved by God. Without love, both life and faith are worthless. Heaven doesn’t value what you have, but what you give. Go out to meet Jesus, spend

12

time with Him in prayer, and entrust your whole life to His merciful love. Every stranger that knocks at our door is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ. May the Lord grant us the wisdom to seek that which is worthwhile and to love, not with our words but with our actions. We become holy when we work for others. When we do so, we continue the creative action of God in history. Even if there were no one else left to remember us, Jesus would always be there at our side. I encourage all of you to live the joy of your mission by witnessing to the Gospel wherever you are called to live and work. Christians are called to work concretely in the realities of this world, illuminating them with the light that comes from God. Thank you for following @Pontifex which turns five years old today. May social media always be spaces that are rich in humanity! We ask for the grace to make our faith more and more operative through acts of charity. Political activity must truly be conducted at the service of the human person, with respect for creation and for the common good. We must fight corruption with determination. It is an evil based on the worship of money and it offends human dignity. May the Virgin Mary always be our refuge, our consolation, and the way that leads to Christ. The most holy name of God can never be invoked to justify hatred and violence against other human beings. The love of Christ is like a “spiritual GPS” that guides us unerringly towards God and towards the heart of our neighbor. I want my visit to embrace all the people of Myanmar and to encourage the building of an inclusive society. Let us look to Jesus today and say to Him in our hearts: "Remember me, Lord, now that you are in your Kingdom!" As I prepare to visit Myanmar and Bangladesh, I

13

wish to send a message of greeting and friendship to everyone. I can't wait to meet you! There is also hope for those who have done wrong. Jesus came for this: it is possible to be reconciled with God and begin a new life. At the end of time, when the Lord comes to meet us, our joy will be immense. We live in anticipation of this encounter! When we encounter others, do we bring them the warmth of charity or do we stay closed up and warm only ourselves before our fireplace? May Mary's pure and simple smile be a source of joy for each one of us as we face life’s difficulties. Let us work together to ensure that children continue to smile: their faces serene, filled with joy and hope. On this day, I invite the entire Church to keep its gaze fixed on those who hold out their hands asking for our solidarity.

The Pope's Intention for January 2017: JANUARY. Evangelization: Religious Minorities in Asia. That Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practice their faith in full freedom.

http://stjohngrandbay.org/ for Sunday Homilies, 194 - Questions & Answers and 56 - Faith Formation Lessons, introduction to all Bible books.

As parishioners at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, we are committed to know Christ better and make Him better known. To k-n-o-w, we are committed to

14

Keep connected to our parish communityNurture the development of faith and knowledge of ChristOffer to share the Holy Spirit’s gifts of time, talent and treasureWorship through prayer, Mass and the SacramentsIn carrying out this mission, we will demonstrate the love that we have for God, by the community we create with each other and our response to the needs of our neighbor.

Parish prayer: Almighty Father, we humbly acknowledge that the Body of Christ, the Church, is made up of people who believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, and saved through his suffering, death and resurrection. We ask for your paternal blessing to be Your visible life in our world. Here in our parish church, we unite in worship, proclaim your Word, celebrate the Eucharist and are sent forth to share Your love and make disciples. Enable us to grow in faith, hope, love and service that we may build a welcoming, friendly faith community. A community that witnesses your Son’s life and mission after the life example of Mary, the Mother of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

to St. John’s with open hearts, open minds and open doors.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Grand Bay celebrates God’s presence, grows in God’s grace, welcomes all people

15

and reaches out with God’s love. We try to be to be a vibrant community of faith where all people feel they belong.

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.

16

The New Church blessed and consecrated by Bishop May on June 18, 1972

Consecration of the first St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Grand Bay on November 16, 1924

17

By Bishop Allen

Photos of the great pastors who guided the destiny of our parish

are given above

Please visit St. John the Baptist Catholic parish website:

http://stjohngrandbay.org / for the full text of the

Sunday homilies, Sunday bulletin, 56 Adult Faith Formation and RCIA Lessons & introduction to all books of the Bible and 194 Question & Answer of the Week.

18