December 21, 2014 Be Steadfast in Prayer Fourth Sunday of Advent Pray with Hope, Faith, Joy, Peace! God’s love for us is steady, unwavering, and enveloping. All of Scripture speaks of God’s relentless pursuit of His beloved – US! Prayer is our response to God: a dialogue with Him. With prayer we stay connected and grow in our relationship with God. Prayer keeps us “in tune” with God’s will and helps us make good choices. Prayer gives us a safe place to lay all the cards on the table and turn to God for all our needs. We pray with Praise for His power. We have Hope in His goodness. We pray with Thanksgiving for His blessings. We have Faith in His Word, Jesus. We pray with Contrition for our sins. We have Joy in His love! We pray with Supplication (petition) for our needs. We know Peace in His care. Mother Teresa said that prayer “requires only that small raising of the mind to Him”. With trust, confidence, and humility, we can say: �I love you God I trust you I believe in you I need you now.’ from: The Joy in Loving May these last few days of Advent be a time of Peaceful prayer filled with Hope, Faith and Joy in blessed anticipation of Jesus triumphant arrival! FORUM St. Lawrence Catholic Community Church School Cemetery 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday, January 2nd 12 pm to 3 pm in Church Readings for the Week of December 21, 2014 DECEMBER 21, 2014 PAGE 2 Mass Intentions Saturday, December 20, 2014, 4:30 pm †Poor Souls of Purgatory, John & Darlene Gildersleeve, Mary Snoddy, Dona Bigham, Joseph Ciaramitaro, Kenneth Johns, John Rumschlag Sr., David McKinnon, †Lucille McBain, †John McFaul Sunday, December 21, 2014, 8:00 am †Marie Jozefiak, Surman Family, †Grace Pollum, †Rose Wagner, †Helen Ugorowski, †Stan Suflinsky, †Fr. Jerome Singer, Kaai Family Sunday, December 21, 2014, 10:00 am People of St. Lawrence, †Frank Settecerri, †Martha McArdle Cobb Sunday, December 21, 2014, 12:00 noon †Angie Drader, Tillie Regan, Backus Family, †James DeGeorge, †Frank Cucchiara, †Chuck Stoia, †Salvatore, Marie & Anna Toro, †Eugene Jetts, †Frances Genovese, †Bella Leone, Antonina Cucchiara Monday, December 22, 2014, 8:00 am - †Msgr. Edward DeKeyser, †Elanor Czechowsky Sunday Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89; Rom 16:25-27;Lk 1:26-38 Monday 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2; Lk 1:46-56 Tuesday Saint John of Kanty, Priest Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25; Lk 1:57-66 Wednesday Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89; Lk 1:67-79 Vigil: Is 62:1-5, Ps 89; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25, Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Thursday The Nativity of the Lord Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 Friday Saint Stephen, The First Martyr Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Ps 31; Mt 10:17-22 Saturday Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Sunday The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6, 21:1-3; Ps 105; Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or Heb 11:8; 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40 Parish Mission Statement St. Lawrence Catholic Community believes we are called by our Baptism to gather as a worshipping and prayerful people. As responsible disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to be faithful stewards of our time, talents and treasures. We value and foster Catholic education and evangelization. With open hearts and hands, we reach out to all brothers and sisters, as together we strive to offer hope, act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God. Tuesday, December 23, 2014, 8:00 am †Gladys Rybicki, †Virginia Coluzzi, †Dorothy Coluzzi, †Barbara Coluzzi, †Agnes McDonald Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 4:00 pm John & Gloria Adamo, Bernard Jakubik, Leonard Ciesielski, Mary Ciesielski, Lilah Drapinski, Nolfo Brothers, Tomy & Santina Lombardi, Sergio Gasperoni, Paul & Tammy Marinos Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 6:00 pm Michael Donegan, Robert Amyot, Kenneth Amyot, Marie Stepowski, Mark Leonard, †Chris Ray, Joseph & Lillian Ziarko, †Gene Pollock, Frank, Lillian and John Bazydlo Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 10:00 pm Catherine & Ray Fisher, Kenneth Wrobel, Mary Fernholz, Edwin & Elizabeth Jarocha, †Chester Kielan, John Huber, Mary Lou Keller, †Marvin & Genevieve Meitz, †Mary Wasikowski Thursday, December 25, 2014, 8:00 am Eleanor Kociela, †Grace Pollum, Mark Leonard, †Deceased mem. of Wells Fam., Ruth Kelley, Henry Hirth Thursday, December 25, 2014, 10:00 am Arthur & Anna Whiteside, Mary Anne Dziewit, Adam & Francis Dziewit, Bucciero Family, †Deceased mem. of Dziewit Fam., Raymond & Anna Zabaglo, †Lois Wysocki, Harold & Joan Helms Thursday, December 25, 2014, 12:00 pm Jim Tuzinsky, Sue Tuzinsky, †Rolando Delicata, Mario & Maria Alicandro, Albert L. Donadio, Ambrocio & Caridad Alcedo, Serafin & Genoveva Cristobal, Giuseppe DiRezze Friday, December 26, 2014, 9:00 am - Mark Leonard Saturday, December 27, 2014, 4:30 pm John T. Adamo, Sr., Mary & Anthony Carwana, Louis & Irene Lewondowski, Nancy & Pat Torn, Norm & Helen Mack, Michelle Zukowski, Doris Cottone, Betty Shelley, Joann Porlisi, M/M John Caporusso, M/M Vincent Tatangelo Sunday, December 28, 2014, 8:00 am Arthur Kuligowski, Mary Fernholz Sunday, December 28, 2014, 10:00 am Juanita Selewski, Andy & Mary Cole, John Rumschlag, Sr., †Christopher Noonan, Rose Selewski Sunday, December 28, 2014, 12:00 pm People of St. Lawrence, Robert Joseph Poli Stewardship Sacrificial Giving Sunday, December 14, 2014 ..................................... $34,293.50 St. Vincent de Paul................................................... $311.00 Emergency Relief ..................................................... $800.00 Retirement Fund for Religious .................................... $9,334.00 ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH UTICA, MICHIGAN PAGE 3 POLISH MASS with FILARETS CHOIR DECEMBER MONTHLY CHALLENGE Read the daily Gospel each morning. A POLISH MASS will be celebrated at Saint Lawrence Church on Sunday, January 4, 2015, at 2:00 PM. THE FILARETS CHOIR and FR. ROMAN will sing traditional Polish Christmas Carols. The Mass and singing are beautiful. Everyone is cordially invited. Spread the word and invite your family and friends! Past Monthly Challenges November: Remember the dead; pray for your deceased loved ones October: Praise someone for something today. September: Record an item of gratitude daily. August: Listen to Catholic or Christian radio in your car July: Read the book you received at Christmas June: Spend a day in service with your family or a friend May: Read one chapter of Proverbs each day Life In The Spirit Seminar - Coming Soon! WHAT IS IT? We have received the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation. We come to know more fully who the Holy Spirit is and how we need to surrender ourselves to Him and allow Him to guide and define our lives so we can live the life we have been called to live and be the person God created us to be. WHEN? WHERE? COST: Six Week Seminar Thursday 1-8-15 through 2-12-15 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm St. Lawrence Youth Room $10 for materials WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Anyone who feels they are missing something in their life. Anyone who wants a deeper walk with Jesus. Anyone who is searching for a deeper understanding of the love of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. (This is also a good time of renewal for those who have previously completed a Life in the Spirit Seminar) FOR INFORMATION CALL: Jim or Shirley Brodi (586) 739-3802 Mary Sackey (586) 731-4914 PLEASE CALL TO SIGN-UP TO ASSURE HAVING THE REFERENCE MATERIAL ON THE FIRST NIGHT. April: We receive the Divine Mercy of God through Confession March: Entrust yourself to God before going to sleep February: Pray for the person who is the most difficult or distant to you each day January: Give the first 10 minutes of each day to God. Forum/Screen Deadlines A reminder that all articles submitted for the Forum must be submitted by 12:00 pm Friday, for the following week. You may bring a typed copy of your article to the parish office or email it to [email protected]. All requests for overhead projection slides are due Tuesday at noon. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office. 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 21, 2014 PAGE 4 Christian Service As Catholics, we are called to put the Two Feet of Christian Service -- Charity and Justice --- into action! We step with the foot of charity when we work to assist others with their immediate, short-term needs. We step with the foot of justice when we work to address the root causes of problems facing our communities. On December 2, the City of Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee awarded St. Lawrence’s Stephen Ministry program with the Sterling Heights Diversity Distinction Award. Our Stephen Ministers were selected for this award because of their participation in championing diversity in the community. Our Stephen Ministers, serve parishioners as well as people in the surrounding communities. Their open, non -judgmental and loving presence to those who are going through a difficult time helps bring healing and is a wonderful example of evangelization. By bestowing this commendation to our Stephen Ministry program, the City of Sterling Heights is recognizing the great gifts of this caring ministry. Congratulations Stephen Ministers! We are so proud of all of you! Divine Mercy Prayer Line As Jesus revealed to St. Faustina, “I have opened My Heart as a living fountain of mercy. Let all souls draw life from it.” If you or others would like to receive prayer for your intentions, contact Eileen at the Divine Mercy Prayer line: (586) 725-0944. Are You Stressed? Discouraged? Feeling Down? You don’t have to go through difficult times alone. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with confidential, one-to-one, Christian care and support to help you get through a tough time. So don’t keep it all inside and struggle alone through the holiday season. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care. To find out more about Stephen Ministry, talk with a Stephen Ministry leader from St. Lawrence Catholic Church at 586-731-5347. Goal $211,106 2014 CSA Have you made your pledge yet? Please, prayerfully consider helping us reach our goal! Total Amount Pledged: $177,687 (84.1) Shortfall: $33,419 CSA December Update Our 2014 CSA Campaign continues. We are still short of our 2014 Goal of $211,106. Pledges-to-date total $177,687, a shortfall of $33,419. As we approach year-end, many parishioners make their final contributions to the Parish in the closing weeks of the year. Perhaps you might consider designating a portion of your offerings towards the CSA. St. Lawrence Parish must meet this pledge commitment either through direct pledges or from its operating budget. For those who have already donated, perhaps you might consider an additional offering. You may simply designate on an envelope or the check itself CSA Appeal or if you prefer a pledge card can be obtained from the Parish Office and included with your offering. Contributions can be placed in the collection basket, hand-delivered or mailed to the parish office directly. Thank you St. Lawrence Parishioners for your continued support of this annual appeal and the multitude of ministries that it supports throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit! Marie DeArment 2014 CSA Chairperson ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH UTICA, MICHIGAN PAGE 5 Living the Good News December 21, 2014 Today’s Gospel is very familiar to us, in fact we heard it recently on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. For us, the message about the annunciation is clear. With only a few days left before Christmas, we must prepare to say a resounding “yes” to God by imitating Mary’s faithfulness and obedience to God. Mary responded to the angel with openness and trust. Like Mary, we must learn in our daily living to respond with willingness to God’s annunciation about the salvation that is available to each of us. Let this Christmas be a time to renew your own commitment to saying “yes” to God. But don’t let the yes become just another word; deepening our relationship with God and others happens when our yes becomes a way of living. As your family lights all of the candles on the Advent wreath this week, offer the following prayer: Lord, hurry and come to us. May your light shine in our lives, so that we may be freed from sin. Protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for your coming as our Savior. Amen Merry Christmas to you and your family. God bless you. Peggy DeClercq, Pastoral Associate School News School Mission We are a Catholic School family dedicated to nurturing and celebrating a love for Jesus Christ and educating the whole child with academic excellence. Mon. Dec. 22 • NO SCHOOL – Christmas Break Tue. Dec. 23 • NO SCHOOL – Christmas Break • Daddy Daughter Dance Registration Forms Due (Parish Office) Wed. Dec. 24 • NO SCHOOL – Christmas Break Thu. Dec. 25 • NO SCHOOL – Christmas Break Fri. Dec. 26 • NO SCHOOL – Christmas Break We wish all of our St. Lawrence Families a very Blessed Merry Christmas! Little Flock “LITTLE FLOCK” CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP Prayer Group meeting every Wednesday in the School Library, 7:30 pm HAVE A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Let us celebrate Christmas with a prayer of expectation not for worldly joys and gifts; but for the joys and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Let all of us realize the importance of the Holy Spirit within our lives and accept Him into our lives. It is only through total surrender to the Holy Spirit that we can have the Spiritual strength to lead a truly faithful life with God. Come to the Holy Spirit this New Year and realize your great expectations. NO PRAYER MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY, 12-24-14 For Information, contact: Jim /Shirley Brodi ----------------586-739-3802 Mary Sackey------------------------586-731-4914 Bob Hurlbert ----------------------586-412-1029 Kathleen Wesley ------------------586-286-7253 St. Lawrence Men’s Retreat Take a few moments……...to talk with God on a personal level. You are invited to attend a tranquil weekend of spiritual reflection and renewal for men. Join us for a weekend at the Capuchin Retreat on 95 wooded acres adjacent to the Stony Creek Nature Center to: relax from a hectic schedule, enjoy nature, make new friends, reflect on our situation in life and above all, to reopen and strengthen our lines of communication with God. Bring a friend! When: January 16—18, 2015 Where: The newly renovated Capuchin Retreat 62460 Mt. Vernon Rd. (North of 28 Mile Rd.) Washington, MI 48094 (www.capretreat.org) Registration: 6:30—7:30 pm on Friday, January 16th, concluding at 1:00 pm on Sunday, January 18th, with dinner. Cost: $50 non-refundable deposit to confirm your reservation. Suggested offering for the weekend is $160 (this includes your deposit). Weekend includes lodging, conferences, a Friday evening snack and five excellent meals. Capacity is limited so please call Paul Okoniewski (586-752-7834) to confirm your reservation. Ushers Needed for the 4:30 pm and 12:00 pm “B” Team. (“B” Team serves Feb/Apr/Jun/Aug/Oct/Dec) Please consider becoming part of this wonderful ministry! See one of our Ushers for more information. 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT PAGE 6 A Word … from the D.R.E. This week we pray with peace. More than the absence of conflict, the spiritual fruit of peace is “tranquility of order, a calm that comes from turning over our fears or difficult situation to God and letting go.” (AOD.org, “The Virtue Project”). When we “let go and let God” we are not giving up: we are trusting in God’s promises. Scripture tells us that God keeps His promises. God’s promise to King David for an heir to his throne is fulfilled in Jesus whose kingdom shall endure forever. God’s promises made known by the prophets to all nations are fulfilled in our obedience of faith in Jesus. Like Mary, we can respond to God with peaceful confidence in His love for us in all circumstances. In our humble obedience we can be the bearer of God’s Good News, too! Question of the Week: Is there something hard you need to do this week? What might make it easier? Important CRE Dec. 22/23 Dec. 29/30 Jan. 5/6 Jan. 6 or 8 Jan. 12/13 Jan. 15 Jan. 17/18 Jan. 19/20 Jan. 26/27 Dates: no classes Christmas Break no classes Christmas Break CRE Classes Parent Meeting 7p – First Eucharist CRE Classes Parent Meeting Chastity Curriculum (time TBD) Enrollment prayers for First Eucharist preparation, all masses no classes M.L. King Holiday CRE Classes Growing together in faith and wisdom, Lisa Rajnicek (pronounced “ray-na-chek”) (586) 731-5072 [email protected] www.stlawrenceparish.com/religiouseduc.html Youth Ministry—6th thru 12th Grades CHECK OUT YOUTH MINISTRY! Service Projects Youth Group Youth Group meeting January 11th from 7:00-9:00 in Youth Rm Youth Group meeting January 25th from 7:00-9:00 in Youth Rm Middle School High School Social Activities Youth Group meeting January 9th from 7:00-8:30p in Youth Rm Youth Group meeting January 23rd from 7:00-8:30p in Youth Rm Contact Deann, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, for more details: [email protected] DECEMBER 21, 2014 St. Lawrence Catholic School Open House and Registration Dates St. Lawrence Catholic School will be hosting an Open House for prospective students and parents on Sunday, January 25, 2015 from 1 – 3 p.m. Families who are interested in half-day 3-year old Nursery School, half-day or full-day 4-year old Preschool, half-day or full-day Kindergarten through Eighth Grade are encouraged to attend. Administrators, teachers, current parents and students will be available to answer questions. Tours will be offered for new families as well. Interested families who are unable to attend the Open House may call the St. Lawrence Catholic School Office at 586-731-0135 to schedule a tour and receive an informational packet. New family registration for the 2015- 2016 school year will be from January 25 – February 4, 2015. Registration application forms for Nursery School - Grade 8 will be available on the school website beginning January 25 (www.stlawrenceparish.com/slschool). Anyone interested in sending their child/ren to St. Lawrence Catholic School should complete an application and return it to the school office between the above registration dates. REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE OPEN HOUSE. New family applications from families belonging to St. Lawrence Parish will be put in acceptance order based on length of membership in the parish. New family applications from those belonging to other parishes will be taken on a first come, first served basis beginning at January 25. After February 4 (the official end of the registration period), applications will be put in acceptance order according to the date of receipt of application regardless of parish affiliation. St. Lawrence Catholic School is the only Catholic grade school in the North Macomb Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Current students live in Utica, Sterling Heights, Shelby Twp., Macomb Twp., Clinton Twp., Washington Twp., Chesterfield Twp., Romeo, Rochester Hills, Warren, Troy, Auburn Hills, Almont, Dryden, Addison Twp., Bruce Twp., Harrison Twp., and New Baltimore. Bus service is provided to all in the Utica Community School District. Latchkey is available before and after school to Kindergarteners through eighth graders. For more information, contact the school at 586-731-0135. O,COMELETUSADOREHIM Adoration of the Blesses Sacrament will take place on Friday, January 2, from 12 noon until 3 p.m. You do not have to stay the entire 3 hours, but please come and spend some one on one time with our Lord. ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH UTICA, MICHIGAN PAGE 7 Attn: Future Lectors— Proclaim the Word Climb on board with Jesus, our Savior, and become a fisher of men and women by proclaiming the Good News of Christ as a weekay or weekend lector at St. Lawrence. Anyone who is confirmed and feels that the Holy Spirit maybe tapping him/her on the shoulder is joyfully invited to attend Lector Training on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 7:00 pm in the Church. You will receive a new lector workbook and become adept at using the church sound system. Please contact Eileen Martini at 586-215-0422 or Kathy Padley at 586-854-7535 if you have any questions. Altar Society Please remember that we have no meetings in January, February and March. On February 14th, we will have the Mass for the living and deceased members of the Altar Society at 4:30 pm. December 22nd is the big cleaning of the church for the Christmas holydays and we need your help! We will start at 9:30 am so if you are able, please bring a bucket, rags, sweepers and dusters and join us. We will have a light lunch in the social hall when we are finished. See you in Church! You need not pre-register. Come and join in our mission to spread the Word. See you in Church! God Bless, Kay Rasmussen Rest in Peace Mustang Roundup Edward Duda Born to Life: February 21, 1917 Born to Eternal Life: December 8, 2014 Sadie Kolodziej Born to Life: November 9, 1919 Born to Eternal Life: December 10, 2014 Andrea Bauchat Born to Life: August 28, 1946 Born to Eternal Life: December 8, 2014 Frederick Brown Born to Life: February 5, 1928 Born to Eternal Life: December 12, 2014 May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Basketball—The opening home date for the CYO Regular Season at St. Lawrence last Saturday 12/13 was a very successful one on many fronts. Our St. Lawrence teams won 6 of 9 games played and there was plenty of excitement and fun throughout the day. In addition, a huge thank you goes out to all of our boosters who magnificently helped ensure a smooth day of operation!!! Scores from the weekend are as follows: 9 am 10:10 am 11:20 am 12:30 pm 1:45 pm 3 pm 4:15 pm K of C Spelling Bee Winners! A great spelling bee competition was held on December 7, 2014. This annual event allowed for a dedicated group of students to be challenged and push themselves. The last four standing students from each level now move on to the next level of competition representing St. Lawrence at the Detroit Diocese Regional Spelling Bee in January. The winner and three runner-ups of Level I (4th-6th grades) are Cara DeFelice, Joseph Rogers, Emma Velasco and Nisha Koshy. The winner and three runner-ups from Level II (7th-9th grades) are Branden Anton, Nicholas Koshy, Jenna Alamat and Aden Yaldo. Congratulations again to all of our winners and thank you to all the students and their families for signing up, spending time to study the sheets of words and attending the competition! St. Lawrence Knights of Columbus 5:30 pm 6:45 pm Holy Family Regional #3 5/6th Grade JV Boys #3 St. Regis #2 5/6th Grade JV Boys #2 5/6th Grade JV Girls #2 St. Regis #2 5/6th Grade JV Girls #1 St. Regis #1 5/6th Grade JV Boys #1 St. Regis #1 St. Clare #2 7/8th Grade Varsity Boys #3 7/8th Grade Varsity Boys #2 St. Regis #2 7/8th Grade Varsity Girls St. Regis #1 7/8th Grade Varsity Boys #1 St. Regis #1 16 11 19 16 8 5 20 0 29 22 38 11 29 21 22 11 38 32 Our Basketball teams continue their Regular Season at home on Saturday 12/20 when St. Thecla and Hugo supply the competition. Meanwhile the 7/8th Grade Varsity Boys #3 travel to St. Isaac Jogues for a showdown with the Chargers. This will complete the League schedule before the Christmas break. All of our teams then turn to Christmas Tournaments at various locations around the CYO. A complete schedule of all CYO games this season can be obtained at www.mightymustangs.com. 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 21, 2014 PAGE 8 Faith & Wellness Tips to Help Seniors Enjoy the Holidays Holidays are a wonderful time to share the joys of family life and friendship. But for many older adults the holidays can be highly stressful, confusing, or even depressing if their mental, physical and emotional needs are not taken into account. EMHC Update A slight change has been made in procedure for weekend masses. We would like to welcome back to the ministry those EMHC’s who have been uncomfortable pouring at the altar, and those who are unable to consume a large amount of remaining Precious Blood. The wine used for consecration at weekend masses will be pre-poured by the sacristans. The EMHC in position for Cup 1 and Cup 2 do not have to pour the wine at the altar. Instructions for Cup 1 and Cup 2 While the priest is waiting to receive the offertory gifts, carry the tray with cups to the altar and place it on the corporal on the right and left side of the altar. Return to your seat. At the Sign of Peace, go up to the altar, take the tray and place it back on the credence table. Then line up in front of the mosaic to receive Eucharist on the altar. Once you receive, distribute the Precious Blood to the other EMHC’s in the usual manner. After distribution, any Precious Blood remaining in the cup should be consumed by the EMHC, or ask an usher or the priest to help. • Stroll down memory lane using picture albums, family videos and music. • Plan ahead. If older family members tire easily or are vulnerable to over-stimulation, limit the number of activities they are involved in or the length of time they are included. • Avoid embarrassing moments. Try to avoid making comments like “Don’t you remember?” that could inadvertently embarrass an older friend or family member who may be experiencing short-term memory problems. • Be inclusive. Involve everyone in holiday meal preparation, breaking down tasks to include the youngest and oldest family members. • Reach out. Social connectedness is especially important at holiday times. Reach out to older relatives and friends who are alone. • Monitor medications and alcohol. Senior family members should adhere to their regular schedule of medications during the frenzy of the holidays. Traveling Chalice The week of: Dec. 21—Dec. 27 Dec. 28—Jan. 3 LeClerc Family Open Please call the parish office, (586) 731-5347, and let us know which week your family would like to receive the chalice. Thank you! ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH PAGE 9 Living Stone—News from the Holy Land Our Lady of Guadalupe Priest Abducted Over a year has passed since Father Paolo Dall'Oglio entered Syrian territories headed to the city of Raqqa to meet a number of rebels and activists, and disappeared. For the past 12 months, the silence following his abduction has been punctuated with conflicting reports of his safe detainment and of his alleged execution. None of the rumors have been verified. The 59 year-old Italian Jesuit priest, who had to leave Syria in 2012, is known for his outspoken criticism of the government's crackdown of the country's uprising. He is also known for his impassioned support of interfaith dialogue. Part 3: The Miracle While living in Syria for 30 years, he helped to restore the sixth-century monastery of Deir Mar Musa which he envisaged as a center for Muslim and Christian understanding. "We ask those responsible for the disappearance of a good man, a man of faith, of peace, to have the dignity to let us know of his fate," said the family of Dall'Oglio. He was last heard from July 27, 2013. He sent an email to his family from Raqqa before being kidnapped. Since the outbreak of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's government in 2011, Father Paolo sought to maintain good relations with the secular front of the opposition. He also tried to open dialogue with the radical groups of opposition, such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In his biography "Wrath and light, a priest in the Syrian revolution, Dall’Oglio poignantly writes a description of his trip to Syria in the spring of 2013, the last one before his abduction. “The Jabjat al-Nursa and Ahrar Al-Shan fighters have fun asking if I’m afraid of them, the terrorists,” he writes. “A young Egyptian man confesses that he is part of a 500-member group, volunteers for suicide attacks. He doesn’t seem like a fool and is not driven so much by hatred, as by the spirit of sacrifice. I am surrounded by young people to whom I could easily become attached, but who clearly perceive the slippery slope they are careering down. We are in a race against time.” “What prompted me to go into the dangerous Orontes region? The fact that the revolution for freedom and dignity has been dragged through the mud of civil war among Sunni and Shiite Alawites … it is a civil war that shatters my soul. I would like to intercede in two ways, as in a bridge. The first is to spend a few days in prayer. The second is to visit massacre sites-Hula, Buaida, and dozens of others. Obviously, I would die in order to sustain my position of solidarity and intercession. But I’ll be careful and I will not seek danger in an irrational way, because I recognize the rule of God in my life. But I do not want to live any other life that which is a radical gift from death, to life” In addition to Father Paolo, two bishops and two priests from Eastern Orthodox churches remain in the hands of kidnappers. Source: “For Father Paolo, one year after his abduction”; The Holy Land Review: Fall 2014; Page 11. /Mike Butkiewicz UTICA, MICHIGAN "A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Rev. 12:1) When Juan Diego returned to the Bishop three days later, everyone gathered around, curious to see the "sign" he had brought wrapped up in his tilma. Just a short while earlier, Mary had instructed him to climb to the top of Tepayac Hill and collect the beautiful roses there and bring them to her. She arranged the roses in his tilma, tying them up securely, and giving strict instructions to only open his tilma in front of the Bishop. As Juan unfolded his tilma and the roses fell to the floor, the Bishop and all who were present dropped to their knees and cried with tears of joy! The Bishop immediately recognized the roses to be Castilian roses, native only to his home town in Spain, and impossible to have grown on an arid hill in Mexico in December! But even more incredible, there on Juan's tilma was infused a beautiful picture of Our Lady - exactly as Juan had described her to the Bishop three days earlier! The Aztecs did not have a written language. Instead they communicated through a language of cuneiform - a system of symbols, colors and pictures. To their amazement, the image of Mary was replete with Aztecan symbolism, allowing them to read the story of the virgin Mother and of Jesus in the image on the tilma. Mary is shown as a pregnant, unmarried young girl. She blocks the sun - she is greater than the sun god; she stands on the moon - she is greater than the moon god. She is praying - to someone greater than her. The angel who supports her testifies to her royalty and signals the advent of a new age for the Aztecs. The stars on her mantle show she comes from heaven - and they display the exact time of her appearance. The four petal flower over her womb says she is the Mother of God. These are only a few of the many symbols that can be read in this miraculous image. But the greatest miracle was the conversion of eight million Aztecs, bringing an end to the culture of death that once ruled the hearts and minds of the Aztec people. HOW TO READ THE TILMA LIKE AN AZTEC: If you would like to know more about the symbolism on the image, a printout is available for taking in the gathering space. Additional info can also be found on the internet. Next week: Our Lady of Guadalupe today. If you feel you are being called to the Pro-Life ministry and would like to join us, please contact Sharon Gill at profoundly [email protected]. Pregnancy Help Resource: Right to Life of Michigan: crisis hot -line: 1-800-579-6626 Post Abortion Outreach Program, Project Rachel hot-line: 1888-722-4355 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 21, 2014 PAGE 10 www.stlawrenceparish.com Parish Office (586) 731-5347 44633 Utica Road, Utica, Michigan 48317 Rev. Roman Pasieczny, Pastor Rev. Salvatore Palazzolo, Assoc. Pastor Rev. Mr. Anthony Morici, Deacon Fax (586) 731-5393 Pastoral Staff School (586) 731-0135 Religious Education (586) 731-5072 Rev. Roman Pasieczny, Pastor [email protected] Rev. Salvatore Palazzolo, Assoc. Pastor [email protected] Rev. Mr. Anthony Morici, Deacon [email protected] Peggy DeClercq, Pastoral Assoc. [email protected] Lorrie Goetzinger, Business Manager [email protected] Mary Kraus, Christian Service [email protected] Lisa Rajnicek, Religious Education [email protected] Deann Reusche, Youth Minister [email protected] Mike Roth, Music Director [email protected] Cathy Ciolino, School Principal [email protected] Community Support Staff Sacraments Kathie Sabelhaus, Cemetery Coordinator [email protected] Stephen Ministry (586) 731-5347 Greg Mangold, Athletic Director (586) 978-3887 Baptisms are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 5:45 pm and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month at 1:15 pm. A Baptismal Preparation Class is required for both parents and godparents and is held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Social Hall at 7:00 pm. The Church requires that at least one of the parents and one of the godparents be practicing Catholics, that is, they actively participate in Mass each weekend. Please call the Parish Office to register for classes or if you have any questions. Parish Council [email protected] Annmarie Iacona, Chairperson Lorri DeAngelis, Vice Chairperson Sherry Berry, Secretary Parish Council Members-At-Large Cathy Scanlan Annmarie Iacona Mike Coraci Sherry Berry Brett Valentine Cheryl Lloyd Lawrence Higgins Lorri DeAngelis Greg Padley Young Adult Rep. Youth Group Rep. Senior Rep. Athletic President Vicariate Rep. Worship Chair Christian Service Rep. PEPC Rep. School/Comm. Rep./President Evan./Comm. Rep. Education Chair Adult Formation Rep. Open Hannah Gianfermi Marion Lelito Greg Burnick Open Lisa Ann Roth Open Rosemary Reilly Open Fr. Sal Barb McKay Open Liturgy Schedule Monday– Friday, 8:00 am Wednesday (during school), 9:30 am Saturday, 4:30 pm Sunday, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 noon Reconciliation, Saturday, 3:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration 2nd Tuesday 5-8 pm and 2nd Wednesday 2-3 pm Perpetual Help Devotions, Tuesday morning after the 8:00 am Mass Marriage arrangements require a six-month parish registration and active Mass participation. Wedding dates are not given out over the phone or before you have been active parishioners for at least six months. Please call the Parish Office for details. Questions about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation will be answered by our Religious Education Office. Please call (586) 731-5072 for further information. School Information Questions about tuition rates for parish members and non-members, applications to attend the school or any other school related matters will be answered by the St. Lawrence School Office. Please call (586) 731-0135 for further information. Parish Office Hours Monday through Friday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm School Office Hours (During School Year) Monday through Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Religious Education Office Hours (During CRE Year) Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Wednesday through Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Religious Education Office Hours (Summer) Tuesday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH PAGE 11 UTICA, MICHIGAN 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT PAGE 12 DECEMBER 21, 2014 g{x TÇzxÄ said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” [Luke 2:10-12] Nothing extraordinary, nothing magnificent is given to the shepherds as a sign. All they will see is a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, one who, like all children, needs a mother’s care; a child born in a stable, who lies not in a cradle but in a manger. Only in their hearts will the shepherds be able to see that this baby fulfills the promise of the prophet Isaiah, which we heard in the first Reading: “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.” [Isaiah 9:5] Exactly the same sign has been given to us. We too, are invited by the Angel of God, through the message of the Gospel, to set out, in our hearts, to see the child lying in a manger. Among the many gifts that we buy and receive, let us not forget the true gift: to give each other something of ourselves, to give each other something of our time, to open our time to God. In this way anxiety disappears and joy is born. The only way to glorify God and build peace in the world consists in the humble, trusting acceptance of the gift of Christmas: LOVE. This year brought many challenges and adjustments to St. Lawrence Parish, to me and to you. My prayer is that we maintain a spirit of optimism and face 2015 with passionate enthusiasm. Let our focus for the New Year center on welcoming all who come to the doors of St. Lawrence Parish, removing burdens and fear of judgment. Let’s work together, recognizing each person is made in God’s image and possesses unique gifts and charisms. We must be sensitive to all who are searching for the face of Christ. Every person that comes through our doors should see the light of Christ when they look into our eyes. They should meet Happy Christians! This is our New Evangelization mission for the good and the growth of this blessed community. Our Savior is born for all! We must proclaim this not only in words, but by our entire lives, giving the world a witness of united, open communities where fraternity and forgiveness reign, along with acceptance and mutual service, truth, justice and love. On behalf of Fr. Sal and the entire Parish Staff, may the Divine Child, the Prince of Peace, grant you and your families harmony and joy. `xÜÜç V{Ü|áà Åtá4 Fr. Roman Pastor ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH t wią Ś h ołyc Wes ożego a B zeni od Nar Fröh Wei liche hna chte n UTICA, MICHIGAN PAGE 13 Buon Natale Feliz Nav ida d Joyeux Noel Christmas Holiday Office Hours: Wednesday, 12/24/2014 Thursday, 12/25/2014 Friday, 12/26/2014 Saturday, 12/27/2014 Sunday, 12/28/2014 Monday, 12/29/2014 Tuesday, 12/30/2014 Wednesday, 12/31/2014 Thursday, 1/1/2015 Friday, 1/2/2015 Saturday, 1/3/2015 Sunday, 1/4/2015 9 am to 1 pm Closed Closed 9 am to 1 pm 9 am to 1 pm 9 am to 1 pm 9 am to 1 pm 9 am to 1 pm Closed Closed 9 am to 1 pm 9 am to 1 pm Wishing you and yours a very *Presider schedule subject to change Liturgical Ministers Schedule **Please note: While the Parish and CRE offices will be open on a limited schedule throughout the holidays, the school and school office will be closed after 12/19/2014. Any school-related questions or issues will have to be addressed with the school office staff when they return on January 5, 2015. Merry Christmas Date/Time Presider* Christmas Eve—Dec. 24, 2014 4:00 pm Fr. Roman Matthew Komoroski Quinn McIntyre Dominic Orlando Anthony Skikun Catherine Orlando Teri Flores Christmas Eve—Dec. 24, 2014 6:00 pm Fr Sal Joseph Rogers Andrew Dixon Adam Dixon Jennie Boulus Jillian Winn Jerry Fisher Christmas Eve—Dec. 24, 2014 10:00 pm Fr. Roman Tricia Carreon Therese Reinhold Veronica Bugayong Stephen Dzialo Kathy Padley Need 1 Christmas Day—Dec. 25, 2014 8:00 am Fr. Sal Sean Ryan Need 3 Need 2 Christmas Day—Dec. 25, 2014 10:00 am Fr. Roman Abby Weingartz Peyton Weingartz Julie A. Gasowski Elizabeth Blaine Dan Weingartz Need 1 Christmas Day—Dec. 25, 2014 12:00 noon Fr. Sal Matthew DeAngelis Andrew Gerard Erin DeFour James Doyle Mary Jo Szlaga Need 1 December 27, 2014 4:30 pm Fr. Steve Pullis Matthew Komoroski Sonia Studnicka Jack Studnicka Need 1 Joan Abdelnour Herb Kaltz December 28, 2014 8:00 am Fr. Sal Anthony Skikun Sean Ryan Haley Iacona Benjamin Iacona Marilyn Enmark Need 1 December 28, 2014 10:00 am Fr. Sal Michael Kolpasky Sabrina Mullens Daniel DiCaro Dominic Orlando Ralph Sitler III Amy Comito December 28, 2014 12:00 noon Fr. Steve Pullis Julie A. Gasowski Ireland Majewski Mark Selasky Gisella Djokic Jim MacDonald Dan Mack Altar Servers Lectors 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 21, 2014 PAGE 14 Christmas Poinsettias Donated by: In Memory of: Linda Piovesana Guido & Leonora Tacconelli Mr. & Mrs. William Kelly Parnell & Valma Kelly Tiny & Marguerite McQuillan Jenn Hagen Donated by: In Memory of: The Ray Keller Family Mary Lou Keller Rich & Elaine Ciupka Frank & Helen Scupine Joseph & Wanda Ciupka Ralph & Antoinette Fitek Alex, Andrew & Adam Dixon Mary Lou Keller Marian Perrault Alan Perrault Celeste, Noah & Emily Zogas Stan Zogas The Piontkowski Family Frank & Margaret Frontiera Fullmer Family Robert Fletcher Raymond Fullmer Benny & Sophie Pelc Bob & Joyce Thor Mike & Nancy Todorovich The Deren Family Paul & Connie Debbaudt Eugene and Evelyn Debbaudt Samuel & Helen Mazza Bob & Chris Ward Jocelyn Ward Joe, Pam & Jeanette Cottone Wanda Kuk Joe, Pam & Jeanette Cottone Joseph Cottone Doris Cottone Pollock Family Gene Pollock Anil & Mary Chaudhuri Ed & Dolly Gracy Angie Berant & Family Ron Ruffini, Sr. Edna Allen Leo P. Allen Eunice Kaltz Harold Kaltz Larry F. Deneweth Philomine Deneweth Kathleen Henson Harry & Mary Nygard Ronald Herit Agnes Herit George & Ethel Herit Sylvia Cyplik Eugene Cyplik Joan Annette Cyplik Frank & Marian Bazydlo Joseph & Lillian Ziarko Frank & Lillian Bazydlo John Bazydlo The Kroetsch Family Martin Kroetsch Mary Stolarski & Josephine Backowski Eugene Stolarski Joe Masiarczyk Herman & Josephine Karus Charles & Mary Metro Marie Moceri James Moceri Theresa Poirier Carolle Harris Ken Harris Mary & Don Figurski Konopka & Figurski Families Fred & Shirley Abbott Richard Abbott James Abbott Joan Hall John Hall Mr. & Mrs. Larry Marquardt John & Martha Wisniewski Harry & Irene Marquardt Mom, Dad, Amy, Mark, Mario, Caryn, Dave & Emma Rebecca Gordon Rachel, Sarah & Julia Beccari Bill & Betty Tamagne Mark Tamagne William Hewson Mark Stepowski Marie Stepowski Marion Lelito & Family Gary Lelito Firmin & Rachel DeClercq Mary L. Johns Kenneth Johns Jeanne Turner Ernie Turner Tom & Mary Ann Galazka Tom & Dorothy Voytas Al Galazka Ann Poli Robert Joseph Poli Kathleen Poli Joe & Karen Ivan & Family Robert Harrison Shirley Ivan Labiak's & Maddy's Theresa & Curtis Labiak Annamae A. Morris Wayne L. Morris Matthew & Barbara Bommarito Ed & Helen Szymanski Jim & Grace Bommarito Tom & Carol Gianfermi Kathryn Morin Brian & Anita Zuzga Edmund Thomas Zuzga Mildred Emma Zuzga ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH Christmas Poinsettias Donated by: UTICA, MICHIGAN PAGE 15 In Memory of: Donated by: In Memory of: Dianna Tony & Susie Lombardi Nancy Burlingame Norma & Joseph Plutzke Jackie Henry Irene Gallas Clarence Gallas Bev Ray Chris Ray George & Lucy Barr Rosanna Suflinsky Stan Suflinsky Grampie & Nana Davis Kathleen Hoste Lawrence and Calvin Wells Mike & Sherry Berry Daniel & Virginia Berry Daniel Berry Irma Borgen Terri & Matthew Duprey Jerry Duprey Niedzwiecki Children Leo & Edna Niedzwiecki Peter W. & Kathy Murphy Peter A. & Genevieve Murphy Joseph & Catherine Ambrose Betty Trawczynski Ron Trawczynski Mr. & Mrs. Frank McNelis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. McNelis Mr. & Mrs. John D. Modlinski Rina Ciaramitaro Joseph Ciaramitaro Dona Bigham Alex Carwana Daniel & Delphine Olson Deceased Members of Olson & Puwal Families Madek Family William V. Madek, Sr. James & Sheila Augustitus Nora & Scott Hansen Marie & Ed Augustitus Lisa Pertot Rosemary Bronsing Raymond & Michelle Fulcher Helen Ugorowski Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pawlusiak Mr. & Mrs. John Pawlusiak Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Pulis Marian Weingartz Anthony Weingartz Kathleen Van Den Brouck Rosella Olczak Edward Olczak James King Agnes King Barbara Wagner Roy Wagner Francis Rochefort Mike, Michael & Caitlin Hagen Jennifer M. Hagen Celeste Herman John & Clara Herman Fr. Roman Pasieczny Mitchell Pasieczny Jerome & Christina Biernacki Joseph & Jennie Biernacki Thomas & Margaret Rem Gloria Duyck & Family Raymond & Leona Delmotte August & Mary Duyck Gloria Duyck & Family Cyril Duyck Edward Provost, Sr. The Duyck Family Nicholas Sapiel Thank you to the many families who donated Poinsettias to decorate the Church in memory of their loved ones. 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 21, 2014 PAGE 16 Prayer List Jesus, you are God’s Gift of healing love. While on earth, you healed those who came for help. We believe that you continue to heal today. Heal all those for whom we pray, especially those on our list. Amen. If you would like to add someone to the prayer list you may call the parish office or email your request to [email protected] Ann Marie Badke Lisa Bartolone Mary Biscoglia Ashley Bousson Candy Cash John Chakel Gloria Cichy Lenna Cox Jo Davis Michelle DeSchryver Anthony Detroyer Josephine DiLisio Raymond Dilworth MaryAnn DiMusto Tony Duronio Laura Durr Edward Dziewit Rick Ellico John Engel John Fish, Jr. Enrique Flores Geno Gagne Magdelana Gbur Ethan Gehrke Maria Geromette William Grenillo Gary Habel Brian Harker Nikki Hartwell Christof Hermann Kara Hess Frances Hirt Olive Hoffman Randy Hoffman Mary Infantino Baby Christian Klamo Steven Klimek Daniel Kobylarz-Hughes Dick Kolpasky Dorothy Kosciolek Ron Kruk, Jr. Emily Kubiak Toni Kucharski (Lochridge) Leo Kujawa Jim Langeveld Theresa Learnihan Berniadine Legumina Peter Lodico Patricia Lowry George Magulak, Jr. Eleanor Majocha Paul Marinos Larry Marquardt Steven Marshall Ron Matola Frank Music Helen Olekszyk Stephanie Pach Benjamin Perrell Marie & Kaylee Pihlaja Mike Plourde Stanley Pollum Carol Pulich Bob & Joyce Radulski Kathy Ray Jennifer Reid Jan Ringel Esy Rodriquez George Russ Dan Salk Theresa Shandor Gerald Shekoski Geri Skonieczny Joseph Steinkemper Cynthia Surdecki Dehem Donald Szlezyngier Carol Szymkowski Joseph Thompson Helen Tripiano Hunter Wajer Lexi Ward Jason Warner Robert Warner David Webber Ray & Karen Whyte Jake Williams Shirley Wuestenberg Beverly & Robert Zalewski Diane Zalewski Gladys Zbanski Nettie Zbikowski Francis Zielinski Pray for Those Serving in the Military Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen. John Adrian - ANG SPC Melissa Alston - Army Col. Mary Augustitus-Blair - Marines Shelby Bahlman Clippard - Navy Dominic Barone - Army Christopher Bauslaugh - Army Nicole Bauslaugh - Army Sgt. Marcus Bawel - Marines SPC Matthew Bazydlo - Army Patrick Becerra - Army Nathan Blight—Army Sgt. Evan Bogart - Army 4th Class Petty Ofc. Nicholas Boris - Navy 1st Class Petty Officer Tom Bremer- Navy Sgt. Jerry Bushaey - Army Major Vincent Cipriano - Army Michael Colonna, Jr. - Navy Jordan Darraugh - Navy Matthew Gaiownik - Marines PFC Justin Gleba - Army Staff Sgt. Patrick Goodwin - USAF Arlon Gregg CPL - Marines 1st Lt. Garrett Haas-Army Major Shawn Hagan - USAF Capt. Dr. Scott Iler Hagedorn - USAF Major Jim Hensien - Marines Pvt. Jason Hyry - Army Patrick Jors - Navy SSG Brian Junga - Army Christopher King - USAF Lt. Col. Timothy Knoth - Army Paul Koss-Marines Capt. Edward Kotulski - Marines Robert Kwiecinski - Army Lt. Col. Bill LaPratt - Marines Lt. Col. Timothy Lemley - Army Eric McDougall - Marines PFC Cory Marchioni—Army LCPL Aaron Murphy - Marines 1st Lt. Steven Pickett - Marines SA Joseph Pugliese - Navy Capt. Brett Reichert– Army Lt. Col. James Rossi - ANG 2nd Lt. Joseph Sattler-Army 1st Lt. Anthony Sierawski-USMC Nicholas Solomon - Army Sgt. Andrew Stapels - Marines Brandon Trees - USAF Nichole Whitt - Navy Katy Wolfsberger - Navy
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