Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission __________________________________________________________ 2

Every Tuesday of the year, at Sacred Heart Parish, we hold a Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Since Sacred Heart Parish is in the care of the Redemptorist Fathers, devotion to Our Lady is very much a part of our parish life. The Redemptorists Rule of Life as written by

St. Alphonsus requires that Redemptorists have an extraordinary love and devotion to our Blessed Lady and to promote this devotion to all in their care. Each Tuesday, after the 11:00 am Mass and again in the evening at 7:00pm we have Novena Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Come and be strengthened and blessed by Our Lady.

“Never was it known that anyone who fled to her for protection, or sought her intercession was left unaided. St. Bernard

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES: Altar Servers,Sylvia McCormick ......................... 424-9922 Eucharistic Ministers & Readers, Dody Sapp ..... 428-6344 Music/Choirs,Parish Director, Don Roy ............... 428-6426 Ushers, Fran McGrath ......................................... 314-6480 SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION: Baptismal Instruction, Agustina Conroy .............. 423-1939 First Communion & Confirmation ....................... 428-6426 RCIA-Inquiry ........................................................ 428-6426 PRAYER MINISTRIES: Cursillo, Joe & Cathy Losch ................................ 423-3604 Elijah Cup-Vocation Prayers ............................... 428-6426 Legion of Mary, Ann Baslee ................................ 957-4647 Junior Legion of Mary, Geeta Hyjek .................... 427-7855 Prayer Line, Eileen Neri ...................................... 427-5780 Respect Life, Carol Hummel .............................. 427-8456 Traveling Mother of Divine Mercy Prayer Group STUDY GROUPS: Esper Radosta . 386-848-1787 “Why Catholic” Sacred Heart, Geeta-Hyjek ....... 427-7855 Bible Study Evening, Dina Giordano ................. 428-6426 Bible Study Morning, Martha Grimes ................. 427-1259 OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION: 428-6426 First Reconciliation, First Communion & Confirmation, Maria Bilodeau .............................. 428-6426 High School Youth Ministry, Ivy Wick .................. 428-6426 Religious Education, Agustina Conroy ................ 428-6426 Young Adult Ministry, Fr. Murray ......................... 428-6426 Vocations Ministry, Fr. Murray ........................... 428-6426 PARISH OUTREACH: Bereavement Ministry, Marna Ward .................... 428-0951 Coffee & Donuts, Gisela & Art Klobucar ............. 322-0882 Habitat for Humanity, Bob Perry ......................... 426-0393 Community Lunch Program, Jeanne Gayson ..... 428-2584 Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Jim Bourne ......... 426-0882 Ministers to the Sick, Loretta Wells ..................... 402-4816 Parish Nurse, Dianne Barr .................................. 428-7005 Prayer Shawl Ministry, Helen Prentiss ................ 427-5432 Stewardship Committee, Lou Bartos ................... 423-5323 Welcoming Ministry, Fran McGrath .................... 314-6480 Fundraising Ministry ............................................ 428-6426 Social & Events Ministry, Luz Rodriquez………. 689-0573 PARISH MEN & WOMEN ORGANIZATIONS: Council of Catholic Women, Wilma Myers ......... 427-8182 Knights of Columbus, Fr. Downey Council, Sacred Heart, Grand Knight Gary Conroy .......... 423-1939 PARISH MAINTENANCE MINISTRY: Gardening Angels & Dream Team - Catherine Krzeminski .......................................... 428-6426 MUSIC: Parish Director, Don Roy ................ 428-6426 St. Gerard’s, Darryl Greeley ................................ 428-6426 and Ellen Graf ..................................................... 345-0097 RELIGIOUS ARTICLE STORE: Call the Parish Office for Inquiries………………..428-6426

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Parents & Godparents are required to attend a Sacramental Preparation Class. Please call the Parish Office at 428-6426 to register. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: Couples wanting to be married at Sacred Heart Parish must be registered and practicing members of this parish. An appointment must be made with one of the parish priests at least 6 months in advance of the wedding. The Diocese of Orlando requires a marriage preparation program for all couples. SACRAMENT OF PENANCE / RECONCILIATION: At Sacred Heart Church the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available every Saturday afternoon from 3:00 to 3:45pm and on the Thursday before First Friday from 4:00 to 5:00pm or by appointment at 428-6426. At Saint Gerard Mission confessions are heard a half-hour before Mass ANOINTING of the SICK: If you have a loved one who would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick please call the parish office, 428-6426. Or for an Emergency Sick Call, please call 428-9899. COMMUNION for Shut-Ins: Call the Parish Office- 428-6426 to arrange a Friday visit. MINISTRY to the SICK/Homebound: If there is anyone at home who cannot get to Mass to celebrate the Sacraments because of illness or age, please call the parish office, 428-6426

The Elijah Cup At Sunday Mass the celebrant will use the Elijah Cup as the chalice. After Communion, he calls a family, individual, or couple forward to receive the Elijah Cup. They receive a blessing and take the cup home, putting it in a place of honor. Each day during prayer time they pray for an increase of vocations. They also enter a thought, prayer, or scripture verse into a prayer journal which travels with the Elijah Cup. Over time, this diary becomes a spiritual journal for the parish. The following Sunday they return the Elijah Cup with the gifts of bread and wine at the Offertory. Praying for vocations is the most powerful way to support vocations. If you would like to arrange to take home the Elijah Cup to pray for Vocations, please fill out this form and put in the collection or call the Parish Office at 428-6426.

Name ___________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________

Phone ___________________________________________________

E Mail ___________________________________________________

Weekend Mass that you attend ______________________________

Note from Pastoral Council: Please remember, we are eager to hear any comments you have related to our parish. Please place your comments in the suggestion box in the church vestibule,

Thank you!

SACRAMENTS

MINISTRIES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission ______________________________________________________ 3

December 8, 2013

Dear Friends,

Have you ever asked your children, grandchildren, parents or friend what they wanted for Christmas? And in turn, did they ask you the same thing? Do we then start trying to think of something we want and don’t have? We get caught up in what we don’t have and sort of imagine what things that we might need or want.

The Christmas season actually seems to make it worse. When we are asked to come up with things we don’t need so that people will know what to get us seems counter-productive to the meaning of Christmas. We forget that most people we know have many things, but we buy them more because it’s Christmas.

Why not bring back the real reason for the season? At Christmas we celebrate a gift of immeasurable worth. In giving us Jesus, God has given us everything: life and hope, salvation and everlasting life, joy and peace. Our response can only be to give in return — to God, to one another, to the furtherance of justice, to the cause of peace, to the betterment of the world.

Instead of wracking our brains to think of something that we don’t need, let’s find out what others really do need.

This Advent season we are presented with a great opportunity to experience the gift of the Word made Flesh. We are also challenged to become aware of those around us who are seeking something more substantial in their lives.

Hopefully during this sacred time of preparation, you will be able to spend a little more time with God in prayer. One of the fruits of prayer is a growing concern and sensitivity to those in need. In the gospels, we see Jesus constantly reaching out to the marginalized and those most in need of his mercy. His biggest adversaries were the Pharisees and Sadducees, as we see in the gospel today. They were caught up in rules and regulations, money and fine clothing, and the cry of the suffering went unheard.

Let us resist the tide of consumerism and selfishness and take back Christmas. As John the Baptist reminds us, let us “prepare the way of the Lord,” by living lives that truly reflect our gratitude to God our Father, who has blessed us with a gift of immeasurable worth, the gift of His Son.

God bless you Your brother in Christ,

Father John Francis Murray, C.Ss.R. This weekend, we welcome Fr. Richard Bennett, C.Ss.R. to Sacred Heart Parish. Fr. Bennett will be preaching at all the weekend Masses at Sacred Heart. As Vocation Director of the Redemptorist Community, Fr. Bennett will be speaking to us of the need for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life. Let us pray for all those who work tirelessly for an increase of vocations, in particular, Fr. Bennett. May your labors be graced with God’s light and peace, and may the Church be blessed with abundant vocations. – Fr. Murray

A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission _________________________________________________________ 4

Our Offertory for Dec. 1, 2013 Attendance: 980 Weekly Church Offering $12,645.22 Offertory Enhancement Response $300.00

This weekend’s second collection will be for the Retired Religious. Next weekend there will be no second collection, only one collection, the ‘weekly church offering’.

SATURDAY, December 7 7:00am † Marie Olivetto / Lori & Frank Oliveto

SATURDAY VIGIL MASS 4:00pm Intentions of the Catholic Council of Women

SUNDAY, December 8 2nd Sunday of Advent

7:00am Intentions of Lorraine Cevasco / Family 9:00am † Peter McCarthy / Bartos Family 11:30am † Nicanor Jamillarin / daughter, Esper Radosta

MONDAY, December 9 Feast of Immaculate Conception

7:00am † Albert DeSimone / Trislan & Ronald Pagano 11:00am † Theresa Cebula / Opperman & Zeller families

TUESDAY, December 10 St. Francis Xavier

7:00am † Ron Fries / Joan Heath 11:00am † Kenneth R. Lisk / Mother, Mary Madorma

WEDNESDAY, December 11 St. Damasus I

7:00am † Joseph Bushey, Jr. / Bob & Lou Arnold

11:00am † Melissa Bormiester / Mary Summerbell

THURSDAY, December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe

7:00am † Frank Zemis / Laura DeVenoge 11:00am † Ralph Fanovich / Yolanda

FRIDAY, December 13 St. Lucy

7:00am Intentions of Frances McCloskey 11:00am † Joseph Riberio / Rita & Judy Ribero

SATURDAY, December 14 St. John of the Cross; Blessed Virgin Mary

7:00am † Alberto & Maria Rosa Galliano / Daughter, Rosa Galliano

SATURDAY VIGIL MASS 4:00pm † John & Virginia Kroeger / Family

SUNDAY, December 15 3rd Sunday of Advent

7:00am Intentions of All Parishioners 9:00am † Baby Jared Riley-Lutz / Oma & Papa 11:30am † John & Virginia Kroeger / Family

Sunday, December 8 Giving Tree 9:00am Children’s Liturgy 10:00am Coffee & Donuts & Waffles/Social Hall 10:15am Religious Education Classes 8:00-2:00 BLOOD DRIVE — Please help if possible. Monday, December 9 5:00pm Bingo / Social Hall Tuesday, December 10 9:00am Senior Exercise / Social Hall 9:00am Legion of Mary / Social Hall 5:00-9:00pm Sacred Heart Benefit Night at Stavro’s Pizza Restaurant Benefit Night 7:00pm OLPH Novena Wednesday, December 11 8:30am Right to Life Carpool 3:00pm Legion of Mary Jr. Presidium / S Hall 6:00pm Confirmation Sponsors Meeting / Knights Hall 7:00pm Bible Study / Social Hall Thursday, December 12 8:15-10:45 Sacred Heart School Reconciliation Service 9:00am Senior Exercise / Social Hall 6:00pm Sacred Heart School Concert 7:00pm RCIA Friday, December 13 7:30am -3:45pm Adoration of Blessed Sacrament 4:00pm Ultreya / Knights Hall Saturday, December 14 4:00pm Anointing of the Sick Mass Sunday, December 15

Father, We could never thank our military men and women enough for their courageous service and sacrifice to our country and its people. Show us ways in our communities, churches, and

families to thank and love them better. Keep and protect these heroes and their families, in the powerful name of Jesus we pray. Amen SFC Daniel M. Carr, Army A1C Ashley T. Cooke, Air Force A1C Corey Harrell. Air Force PFC Patrick H. Smith, Marines MSgt. James D. Eaton, USMC Matthew Stallings, Air Force 1st Lt. Sean Knight, Armv Chris McFall, Military Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, Jr. Capt. Jeffry Caslen Lt. Col. Michael Arnold, Army Corey Harrell, Air Force Bryan Hollederer, Air Force Josh Obertanze, Army Maj. John J. Goodwin Army-retired Ashley T. Cooke Air Force Patrick H. Smith, Marine Sgt. Nathan Benischek, Marines Sgt. Timothy Dean, Marines Joseph Keegan, Air Force Lt. James Prial, Marines Lt. Catherine O’Brien, Army Lt. Terence Prial, Army Lt. Daniel Prial, Army Lt.Jg. Kathleen Stopyra, Navy SSG Justin Nixon, Army LC Damian A. Pardy, Marines SFC Marlene Harshman, Army `Major Peter Stambersky Lt. Jg. Edward Dale, Navy M.Sgt. Michelle Young, Air Force `Major Shannon Stambersky Capt. Chris Loschiavo, Army Lt. Marguerite DeHaven,Navy Pilot Lt. Conor O’Donnell, Navy Lt. Brian O’Donnell, Navy Lt.jg. Rory O’Donnell, Navy

To add active-duty family members to the prayer list, please call 428-6426.

Joan Ann Cardiff + Shelly Muratore Stella Dardinski + Ellen Lynne Wittinger

And our Sick Jerry Eaton Tommy Gordo Shirley & Larry Connif Tom Lorenzen Al Amalfitano Bennie Ligeri Bob Douglas Helen Cretella Irene Connell Tom Schneider James Elliott Fran McGrath Rose Marie Ross Christine Beck Frank Berube Marie Berger Trish Kinshella Rita Westberry Mary Seney Patricia Goodwin Christine Beck Mary Ellen Banks Estella Harelik Cheryl Smith Patricia Coxey Gladys Cote Will Maher Kathy Kenney Loraleye Evens Luca Magligiore George Wells Harriet Weeks Barbara Damrau Denis Nayden Betty Naud Marge Schunk Margaret Schramm Mike Youkon Rosemary Volpe Rita Sweeney Rena Zak Denise Tranfaglia Jim & Dorothy Russ Bobbi Montesano Gary Warren Anna McKennan Lamont Lange Sowsan George Angela Hinkel Taylor Oldham John Sisbarro Mary Mandell Madalena Vitrano Thomas Sellers, Jr. Deborah Wallin Marlene Thibeaul Betsy Benge Bill Williams Aida Cruz Jason Smith Joan Ost Phyllis Ryan Kim Barker Ester Casale Peter Amaendlare,Jr. Jim & Ro Goodrich Julia Gertsch Lisa Hanson Mary Alford Robert Nixon Luke Albert Emerson Richard & Kenneth Dougherty Mrs. Amsari Dolores Norton Rosemarie Rufrano Baby Riley Rose Avery Melanie & Isabella Alexandre Marianne Mauricio Rosalea Catro Annie Mae Bell Mike Swortwood Joe & Olivia Losch Laddie Duchon Henry Agostinho Terry Teirney Shirley Pisegna Mary Havlin Monin Gonzalez Rene Boudreau Gene Slayton Bob Arnold Irene Babineau Leslie & Tess Lee Aida Cruz John Duran Dorothy Rickman Trevor Wrtight Cassi Sorensen Lil Lustig Tony Talovchik Darlene Moncheno Doris Magrich Carol Livesay John Kilsheimer Rosemarie Brandriff Linda Gett Sr. Michaelyn Richie & Deanna McKinnon Kenny Tomaszewski-Laura Santos & Joclynn Curtis Dunlap Fred Weber Linda Barringer Linda Muessig John Waters Bob Morton Joe Morton Zachary Troxell

Upcoming Dates to Remember Dec 7-8 Fr. Richard Bennett, C.Ss.R., Vocation Weekend Knights of Columbus Christmas Dinner and Dance for Parishioners Dec. 12 Sacred Heart School Reconciliation Service Sacred Heart School Concert, 6:00pm RCIA 7:00pm Dec. 14 Anointing Service of the Sick Mass After 4:00pm Mass Dec. 15 Reason for the Season Music Festival Dec. 17 Parish Reconciliation Service 10:00am at Saint Gerard 7:00pm at Sacred Heart Dec. 19 An Advent Program, 6:00pm Church Dec. 20 School Christmas Break Begins Resumes Classes Monday, Jan. 6 Dec. 25 Christmas Day Jan 15 Confirmation Jan 26 Catholic School Week Feb 1 –5 Parish Mission with Speaker Fr. Cedric Pisegna

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11

MASS INTENTIONS PRAYERS FOR EVENTS CALENDAR AND READINGS OUR DECEASED, SICK & MILITARY & OFFERTORY

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission ________________________________________________________ 5

Parish Mission at Sacred Heart Church

Begins Sunday, Feb 1 thru Feb. 5, 2014

SPEAKER:

Fr. Cedric Pisegna www.frcedric.org

for more information and in future bulletins!

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR BULLETIN INFORMATION! Bulletin deadlines have been changed by our publishers for the Christmas and Epiphany Holidays.

Deadlines follows: ♦ Bulletin Info. for Sunday, Dec. 15th submitted by Mon. morning Dec.9th

♦ Bulletin Info. for Sunday, Dec.22nd submitted by Wed. morning Dec. 11th

♦ Bulletin Info. for Sunday, Dec. 29th submitted by Mon. morning Dec. 16th

♦ Bulletin Info. for Sunday, Jan. 5th submitted by Thurs. morning Dec. 19 We apologize for the inconvenience but WE MUST MEET OUR DEADLINES!! Thank you in advance for helping us to make your Sunday Bulletin informative!

TODAY, Dec. 8th BLOOD DRIVE

at Sacred Heart Church 8:00am—2:00 am

Give the Gift of Life! And receive Free Movie Tickets

AROUND THE PARISH

OFFERTORY ENVELOPE CHANGE Starting in January of 2014, there will be a change in the offertory envelopes you receive in the mail. We will no longer be sending separate envelopes for the school or church maintenance. On most weekends, you will have just one envelope, the ‘weekly church offering’. Since many of you will be using the 10% model for the giving of your treasure, we thought fewer envelopes would make this process simpler for you. As a reminder, during the Offertory Enhancement Initiative, I suggested that 5% of your income be donated to the parish, and 5% of your income be donated to a worthy charity or charitable organization. For donations to charitable organizations you might consider the special Diocesan appeals, or parish fundraising projects that occur. As you return a portion of your treasure to the Lord, please remember the expenses involved in maintaining two worshipping communities and a Catholic School. Remember, your giving back to the Lord a portion of your treasure is an expression of your thankfulness and gratitude to God.

Advent Penance Service

Tuesday, December 17th

7:00pm at Sacred Heart and 10am at St. Gerard Mission

Anointing Service Immediately after 4pm Mass -on Saturday, December 14th

THOSE WHO SHOULD BE ANOINTED

The sacrament of Anointing is intended for those who are in danger of death or are seriously ill. It is also for those who are awaiting or recovering from critical surgery; the elderly who are notably weakened and dealing with the debilitating effects of aging, even if no serious illness exists; those failing with major chronic ailment like cancer, heart disease, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis; those battling serious mental illness; or sick children who have achieved sufficient maturity to understand the nature of the sacrament and desire to receive it. If there is a question about the severity of the illness, the benefit of the doubt should be given to the person requesting the sacrament Nos. 8-12. 53 Pastoral Care of the Sick.

Refreshments will be served in Social Hall after Mass.

What is this QR code and why use it? When you scan this barcode-like QR code image with a smartphone's QR decoder, it will instantly connect you to the mobile version of Sacred Heart Church's Online Giving web page. Try it yourself, it will provide a quick and easy way to access our Church Online Giving web page without having to type out a long web address.

OFFERTORY ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVE Your participation in Sacred Heart's Offertory Enhancement Initiative is important. Please give powerful prayerful consideration to Father Murray's request for a reasonable increase in your weekly offering.

Thank you to all who

are supporting “The Giving Tree”

with donations and gifts for those less fortunate.

Most of the Angels for gifts were taken last weekend

but Gift Cards can always be donated and

come in handy for last minute requests.

Thank you for your

kindness and generosity.

STAVRO’S Sacred Heart Benefit Night

Tuesday, December 10th from 5 to 9 pm Stavro’s Pizza Restaurant

800 No. Dixie Freeway, NSB 10% of proceeds benefits Sacred Heart Projects

BELIEFS & TEACHINGS

Pope Francis: only Christ is the master of time At morning Mass last Tuesday, the Pope said prayer and hope are the tools that come to our aid in every moment of our lives. In prayer and with hope we are able to understand and accept the passing of time and to prepare for its end. Prayer—Pope Francis explained—along with discernment helps us to decipher single moments of our lives and guides us towards God. Hope—he said—is the long-range beacon that illuminates our path and that final moment. Reflecting on the Reading of the Day in which Jesus explains what will happen before the end of humanity and tells those who believe in God not to despair, Pope Francis said God has two recommendations for us. He said a Christian is a person who knows how to live the moment and who knows how to live in his or her time. The moment—he added - is what we have in hand right now, but this is not time, the moment passes! Perhaps we feel we are the masters of the moment, but to believe that we are masters of time is a deception, because–Francis said–“time is not ours, time belongs to God! And quoting Jesus, Pope Francis warned us “not to be deceived for many will come in my name”. But the Christian–he said–is a person who must pray and have discernment to be able to use the precious time that God gives each of us, and to have hope for the time of God. So–Pope Francis concluded—the Lord give us the grace to walk with wisdom, this is something we must do with prayer and discernment, and he gives us hope with which to live our lives within his greater design.

The Pope’s Corner

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission 6

Vocations Corner

YEAR FOR THE REDEMPTORIST

MISSIONARY VOCATION T h e m e : W i t n e s s e s a n d Missionaries of Redemption In Matthew's Gospel, the rich young man asked Jesus: "What more

can I do to have eternal life?" The path taken toward exploring a vocation to religious life always begins with a question. What more can I do? How can I help others? Why do I feel a sense of "something missing?" How can I feel more fulfilled? The source of that fulfillment lies in Christ. Perhaps you are being called to serve God in religious life. How do you know? Let me tell you about our life in community, in the joyous fulfillment we share following Christ as Redemptorist priests or brothers. Your questions may find answers in the words that follow. In Christ's Love, Fr. Richard Bennett, C.Ss.R., Vocation Director

Call Sacred Heart Office for information 428Call Sacred Heart Office for information 428--64266426 Important websites for vocation information:

Sacred Heart Catholic Church: http://www.sacredheartcatholic.com/ Vice Provin—ce of Richmond Vocation Office:

http://www.vice-provincerichmond.com/ Province of Baltimore Vocation Office: http://www.cssr.com/english/

USCCB Vocations Office: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/

ST. JUAN DIEGO, DECEMBER 9

Today the Church in the United States celebrates the optional memorial of St. Juan Diego, an Indian convert, to whom the Virgin Mary appeared as he was going to Mass in Tlatlelolco, Mexico. Our Lady asked him to tell the Bishop that she desired a shrine to be built on the spot to manifest her love for all mankind. She left a marvelous portrait of herself on the mantle of Juan Diego as a sign for the Bishop. This miraculous image has proved to be ageless, and is kept in the shrine built in her honor, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.

COMMENT: God counted on Juan Diego to play a humble yet huge role in bringing the Good News to the peoples of Mexico. Overcoming his own fear and the doubts of Bishop Juan de Zumarraga, Juan Diego cooperated with God’s grace in showing his people that the Good News of Jesus is for everyone. Pope John Paul II used the occasion of this beatification to urge Mexican lay men and women to assume their responsibilities for passing on the Good News and witnessing to it.

Saint of the Week

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission ________________________________________________________ 7

The Holy Rosary

At Sacred Heart, 2 groups of parishioners pray the

Rosary at the following times: ♦ Immediately after the 7:00am Mass Monday—Saturday ♦ Before the 11:00 Mass at 10:30am Monday- Saturday

Praying the Rosary is a wonderful way to prepare for Mass, and it is a most fitting meditation for us after Mass.

Youth Group News Youth Group will not be meeting at its

regularly scheduled time this week.

We will be volunteering at the

Knights of Columbus sponsored

Christmas Party on Dec, 7th. We look forward to seeing you there!

We will return to our regular time on Sunday,

December 15th from 6-8 pm. Our theme will be

exploring the Advent Season. All high school

teens are welcomed to join us.

Adopt an Island Sign Up Sheet St. Theresa St. Thomas

St. Katherine Father Michael J. McGivney (Knights of Columbus)

St. Charles Borromeo (Religious Education) St. Michael the Archangel

St. Gabriel St. Gerard Majella St. Francis of Assisi St. John Neumann

A sign up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in the vestibule of Sacred Heart Church. We ask you to sign your name to an island of your choice. As a team is formed, we suggest you discuss particulars, such as work schedules, and gardening ideas. Changes in plants, shrubs and flowers are welcome, but must be approved by Catherine Krzeminski. This is not meant to be just a work experience, but also a time of prayer.

Important Announcements

Children's Liturgy of the Word Resumes today on December 8

Religious Ed. Classes

Resumes today on Dec. 8, 2013

FAITH FORMATION

Religious Article Store

OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS!

The Sacred Heart Religious

Article Store is presently being renovated by the Knights of Columbus,

but it is open for business in the new ‘Knights Hall’ building

(the old Media Center Bldg. on Rte 1).

The Religious Article Store will be open after all the weekend Masses.

The Advent Wreath

Traditionally, Advent wreaths are constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which four candles are

inserted, representing the four weeks of Advent. Ideally, three candles are purple and one is rose, but white candles can also be used. The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the priest also wears rose vestments at Mass; Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of his second coming to judge the living and the dead.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission _________________________________________________________ 8

SACRED HEART SCHOOL

T H E M I S S I O N O F S A C R E D H E A R T S C H O O L is to integrate Catholic faith and values with learning and life, treating each student as a unique child of God in a safe, supportive and challenging academic environment.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord Luke 2:11

IT’S ABOUT JESUS Edgewater Alliance Church

310 North Ridgewood Drive, Edgewater

Christmas Tree & Wreath Fundraiser

IS OPEN

It’s About Jesus Christmas Tree Stand is partnering with Sacred Heart School to raise funds.

Take a Bulletin with this Advertisement in it to Help Support Sacred Heart School Fundraisers

Tree and Wreath Prices

Frasier Firs Douglas Firs Wreaths 6-7ft $55-65 $49-59 6” - $25 7-8ft $70-80 $59-69 8-9ft $85-100 $75-90 10-12ft $125-175 $125-175 Help Support Sacred Heart School Fundraisers

And Have a Merry Christmas

First Place Prize: .............................. $ 1,000 Second Place Prize: ............................. $ 500 Third Place Prize: ................................ $ 250

Donation $1 or 6 for $5 Winners will be announced on

Friday, December 20th Tickets are available after

Masses this weekend AND at the School Office

You can’t win if you don’t PLAY! Thank you for your support of

Sacred Heart School.

Sacred Heart School will present

An Advent Program

Thursday, December 19, 2013

6:00pm at Sacred Heart Church

Everyone is invited to attend.

James Paul Buerkle Family Memorial Trust Many of you may have heard about the tragic passing of James Buerkle, the beloved husband of our Sacred Heart School Pre-K teacher, Cristina Buerkle. James was only 27 years old and the couple had only been married for 5 months. With Cristina expecting a baby in June, many have expressed an interest in making a financial contribution to this family.

A memorial trust has been established for Cristina and the baby. If you would like to help support this family, checks can be made out to the

James Paul Buerkle Family Memorial Trust and mailed to: Ameriprise Financial 1401 Beville Road, Daytona Beach, FL 32119 If you would prefer, checks brought into Sacred Heart School or Parish will be forwarded to Ameriprise for deposit.

Please keep Cristina and the baby in your prayers and also please pray for the repose of the soul of James Buerkle.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission _________________________________________________________ 9

SATURDAY, December 7 VIGIL MASS

4:30pm † Joseph Vaglica Sr. / Mother, RoseMarie

SUNDAY, December 8 2nd Sunday of Advent

10:00am † Chuck Ianello / Wife, Marie MONDAY, December 9

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary WEDNESDAY, December 11

St. Damasus I 9:00am † Tony LaPiccolo / Wife, Rosa

THURSDAY, December 11 Our Lady of Guadalupe FRIDAY, December 13

St. Lucy SATURDAY, December 14

St. John of the Cross; Blessed Virgin Mary VIGIL MASS

4:30pm † John Mangwi / Josie Blackburn

SUNDAY, December 15 3rd Sunday of Advent

10:00am † Josephine Ozug / Jean & Tom Gauthier

MASS INTENTIONS Sunday, December 8 8:30am Morning Choir Practice Offertory Enhancement Witness Weekend Monday, December 9 9:30am Marian Prayer Group & Divine Mercy Chaplet Tuesday, December 10 6:30pm Knights of Columbus Officers Meeting 7:00pm K of C General Meeting Sunday, December 15 2:30—5:00pm Reason for the Season Music Festival

EVENTS CALENDAR

Our Offertory for Dec. 1, 2013 Attendance: ..................................... 456 Weekly Church Offering ............... $4,838.00 Offertory Enhancement ................... $153.00

This weekend’s second collection will be for the Retired Religious. Next weekend there will be no second collection, only one collection, the ‘weekly church offering’.

COLLECTIONS

Reason for the Season Music Festival Benefit Concert for the Southeast Volusia Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Our local Society of St. Vincent de Paul has provided thousands of pounds of food,

furniture, transportation costs, energy assistance and caring

support to our community’s neighbors in need for the past 4 years. They need our support to continue their mission!

Suggested Donation: $10.00 For a tax deductible donation, make checks payable to

St. Vincent de Paul Society We Appreciate your Food Donations, too!!

Featuring local Christian artists: ♦ Mark Hall of St. Peter the Fisherman

Episcopal Church

♦ CNECT to Christ

♦ James Duchon, Classical Guitarist/Singe

♦ Friendship Baptist Praise Band

♦ Sheri McHenry of St. Paul’s Basilica

♦ St. Gerard’s Mission Choirs

♦ And more!

Sunday, December 15 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

St. Gerard’s Mission Catholic Church 3171 South Ridgewood Avenue,

Edgewater (1st left after Publix) Bring your family, bring your friends! Come enjoy the music and fellowship.

Refreshments available at donation cost.

Donate your Vehicle to St. Vincent de Paul,Orlando and help a neighbor in need.

Donating a vehicle is a quick and easy process that helps make a difference right here in Central Florida. Call 800-322-8284 or visit www.svdpusacars.com and we’ll do the rest!! We’ll provide you with a tax receipt, so please make your donation before the end of the year!

SAINT GERARD MISSION CHURCH

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and St. Gerard Mission _________________________________________________________ 10

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Altar Servers 428-6426 Eucharistic Ministers 428-6426 Lectors Kathy Ackerson 427-2464 Music / Choirs Darryl Greeley 428-6426 Ellen Graf 345-0097 Ushers 428-6426 Maids of Martha Dan Stoup 423-0863 Prayer Shawl Ministry Helen Prentiss 427-5432 PRAYER MINISTRIES Cursillo Joe & Cathy Losch 423-3604 STUDY GROUPS “Why Catholic” Mary Lou Duggan 428-6905 SOCIAL MINISTRIES St. Vincent de Paul Society 426-0882 Welcome Ministry Marge Cyr 428-0025 Knights of Columbus Terry Cassidy 402-8127 Fr.Dillon Council

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11

ST. GERARD’S SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS

The following groups are now meeting or will soon be starting. Please consider joining one that will work for you and give us at call at the names and numbers below for more information. Monday afternoon 1:00 pm Tuesday morning 9:30 am Wednesday morning 10:00 am Wednesday afternoon 2:00 pm Wednesday evening 7:00 pm Thursday evening 7:00 pm Friday evening 7:00 pm

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

Father Dillon Council

Knights of Columbus Council # 13989

5th Annual 2014 “600 Club”Tickets

Support the good work of the Knights!

www.orlandodiocese.org OUR CHURCH & COMMUNITY

The Domestic Abuse Council of Daytona Beach Needs Old Phones

Is asking our help for victims of domestic abuse by donating old cell phones. Even disconnected cell phones have a 911 capability and are given to women for emergencies. Other phones are recycled and the proceeds are used to support this program. A donation box will be provided in our church lobby.

For questions contact Carla Mabrey at 386-426-6086 or 386-795-5865.

A Pilgrimage to LOURDES &

FATIMA March 26 to April 3, 2014

$2,199 per Person* Price is per person double occupancy

And INCLUDES Mandatory Airfare

Taxes and Fees Depart NEWARK Airport

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL

THE CATHOLIC TOUR TOLL FREE AT 1-877-MARIAN TOUR

That's 1-877-627-4268 Or email: jimadair@thecatholictour.com

Retrouvaille - A Lifeline

Sometimes things can go very wrong in a marriage. Retrouvaille is a program to help heal and support married couples experiencing difficulties, couples broken,

lonely and hurting. It’s also for couples who have separated or divorced and want to try again. Our next program begins January 31-February 2, 2014. For more information and registration, call (407) 977-8136. All calls and names held in strictest confidence. We invited you to visit our website at Retrouvaille.org.

“SOLD OUT”

“Thanks For Your Support!!”

SAINT GERARD MISSION CHURCH MINISTRIES